Ring Current Ion Coupling with Electromagnetic Ion Cyclotron Waves

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Khazanov. G. V.; Gamayunov, K. V.; Jordanova, V. K.; Six, N. Frank (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

A new ring current global model has been developed that couples the system of two kinetic equations: one equation describes the ring current (RC) ion dynamic, and another equation describes wave evolution of electromagnetic ion cyclotron waves (EMIC). The coupled model is able to simulate, for the first time self-consistently calculated RC ion kinetic and evolution of EMIC waves that propagate along geomagnetic field lines and reflect from the ionosphere. Ionospheric properties affect the reflection index through the integral Pedersen and Hall conductivities. The structure and dynamics of the ring current proton precipitating flux regions, intensities of EMIC global RC energy balance, and some other parameters will be studied in detail for the selected geomagnetic storms.

The Effects of a Geomagnetic Storm on Thermospheric Circulation.

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-01-01

frequency. .*. p air density. olU 2 Pedersen and Hall conductivities. a P height intergrated Pedersen conductivity. horizontal viscous stress. * east...equations need to be ex- ,n~panded upon. The energy density is: (.2 1 + V2). I~i~iCPT +<V 2 . The horizontal viscous stress, including molecular and...with Z=0 at 80 km and Z=14.4 at 450 km for a total of 49 levels each 0.3 of a scale height apart. Also, the horizontal wind velocity, gas energy

Auroral vortex street formed by the magnetosphere-ionosphere coupling instability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hiraki, Y.

2015-02-01

By performing three-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic simulations including Alfvén eigenmode perturbations most unstable to the ionospheric feedback effects, we examined the auroral vortex street that often appears just before substorm onset. We found that an initially placed arc splits, intensifies, and rapidly deforms into a vortex street. We also found that there is a critical convection electric field for growth of the Alfvén eigenmodes. The vortex street is shown to be a consequence of coupling between the magnetospheric Alfvén waves carrying field-aligned currents and the ionospheric density waves driven by Pedersen/Hall currents.

Future Directions of Nonlinear Dynamics in Physical and Biological Systems. (Physica D Nonlinear. Volume 68, Number 1)

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-09-15

and structure of the equations. The Lagrangian for- c and we can extract information for any speed of mulation gives us an extremum principle for the...Dueholm and N.F. Pedersen, J. Appi. [261 For references on this see e.g. N.F. Pedersen, in: Phys. 60 (1986) 1447. SQUID 80, eds. H. Hahlbohm and H...obtained for arbitrary initial conditions, and a number of physical How do we augment the DNLSE (4) to treat features have been extracted [121. The

On the Nocturnal Downward and Westward Equatorial Ionospheric Plasma Drifts During the 17 March 2015 Geomagnetic Storm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bagiya, Mala S.; Vichare, Geeta; Sinha, A. K.; Sripathi, S.

2018-02-01

During quiet period, the nocturnal equatorial ionospheric plasma drifts eastward in the zonal direction and downward in the vertical direction. This quiet time drift pattern could be understood through dynamo processes in the nighttime equatorial ionosphere. The present case study reports the nocturnal simultaneous occurrence of the vertically downward and zonally westward plasma drifts over the Indian latitudes during the geomagnetic storm of 17 March 2015. After 17:00 UT ( 22:10 local time), the vertical plasma drift became downward and coincided with the westward zonal drift, a rarely observed feature of low latitude plasma drifts. The vertical drift turned upward after 18:00 UT, while the zonal drift became eastward. We mainly emphasize here the distinct bipolar type variations of vertical and zonal plasma drifts observed around 18:00 UT. We explain the vertical plasma drift in terms of the competing effects between the storm time prompt penetration and disturbance dynamo electric fields. Whereas, the westward drift is attributed to the storm time local electrodynamical changes mainly through the disturbance dynamo field in addition to the vertical Pedersen current arising from the spatial (longitudinal) gradient of the field aligned Pedersen conductivity.

Electric fields and conductivity in the nighttime E-region - A new magnetosphere-ionosphere-atmosphere coupling effect

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Banks, P. M.; Yasuhara, F.

1978-01-01

Calculations have been made of the effects of intense poleward-directed electric fields upon the nighttime ionospheric E-region. The results show the Pedersen and Hall conductivities are substantially changed, thereby decreasing the ionospheric electrical load seen by magnetospheric sources. It appears that relatively large electric fields can exist in the absence of accompanying large field-aligned currents, as long as the underlying ionosphere remains in darkness and/or energetic particle precipitation is absent.

Relationships between field-aligned currents, electric fields, and particle precipitation as observed by Dynamics Explorer-2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sugiura, M.; Iyemori, T.; Hoffman, R. A.; Maynard, N. C.; Burch, J. L.; Winningham, J. D.

1984-01-01

The relationships between field-aligned currents, electric fields, and particle fluxes are determined using observations from the polar orbiting low-altitude satellite Dynamics Explorer-2. It is shown that the north-south electric field and the east-west magnetic field components are usually highly correlated in the field-aligned current regions. This proportionality observationally proves that the field-aligned current equals the divergence of the height-integrated ionospheric Pedersen current in the meridional plane to a high degree of approximation. As a general rule, in the evening sector the upward field-aligned currents flow in the boundary plasma sheet region and the downward currents flow in the central plasma sheet region. The current densities determined independently from the plasma and magnetic field measurements are compared. Although the current densities deduced from the two methods are in general agreement, the degree and extent of the agreement vary in individual cases.

Relationships between field-aligned currents, electric fields and particle precipitation as observed by dynamics Explorer-2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sugiura, M.; Iyemori, T.; Hoffman, R. A.; Maynard, N. C.; Burch, J. L.; Winningham, J. D.

1983-01-01

The relationships between field-aligned currents, electric fields, and particle fluxes are determined using observations from the polar orbiting low-altitude satellite Dynamics Explorer-2. It is shown that the north-south electric field and the east-west magnetic field components are usually highly correlated in the field-aligned current regions. This proportionality observationally proves that the field-aligned current equals the divergence of the height-integrated ionospheric Pedersen current in the meridional plane to a high degree of approximation. As a general rule, in the evening sector the upward field-aligned currents flow in the boundary plasma sheet region and the downward currents flow in the central plasma sheet region. The current densities determined independently from the plasma and magnetic field measurements are compared. Although the current densities deduced from the two methods are in general agreement, the degree and extent of the agreement vary in individual cases.

Effects of electrojet turbulence on a magnetosphere-ionosphere simulation of a geomagnetic storm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wiltberger, M.; Merkin, V.; Zhang, B.; Toffoletto, F.; Oppenheim, M.; Wang, W.; Lyon, J. G.; Liu, J.; Dimant, Y.; Sitnov, M. I.; Stephens, G. K.

2017-05-01

Ionospheric conductance plays an important role in regulating the response of the magnetosphere-ionosphere system to solar wind driving. Typically, models of magnetosphere-ionosphere coupling include changes to ionospheric conductance driven by extreme ultraviolet ionization and electron precipitation. This paper shows that effects driven by the Farley-Buneman instability can also create significant enhancements in the ionospheric conductance, with substantial impacts on geospace. We have implemented a method of including electrojet turbulence (ET) effects into the ionospheric conductance model utilized within geospace simulations. Our particular implementation is tested with simulations of the Lyon-Fedder-Mobarry global magnetosphere model coupled with the Rice Convection Model of the inner magnetosphere. We examine the impact of including ET-modified conductances in a case study of the geomagnetic storm of 17 March 2013. Simulations with ET show a 13% reduction in the cross polar cap potential at the beginning of the storm and up to 20% increases in the Pedersen and Hall conductance. These simulation results show better agreement with Defense Meteorological Satellite Program observations, including capturing features of subauroral polarization streams. The field-aligned current (FAC) patterns show little differences during the peak of storm and agree well with Active Magnetosphere and Planetary Electrodynamics Response Experiment (AMPERE) reconstructions. Typically, the simulated FAC densities are stronger and at slightly higher latitudes than shown by AMPERE. The inner magnetospheric pressures derived from Tsyganenko-Sitnov empirical magnetic field model show that the inclusion of the ET effects increases the peak pressure and brings the results into better agreement with the empirical model.

Transmission of the electric fields to the low latitude ionosphere in the magnetosphere-ionosphere current circuit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kikuchi, Takashi; Hashimoto, Kumiko K.

2016-12-01

The solar wind energy is transmitted to low latitude ionosphere in a current circuit from a dynamo in the magnetosphere to the equatorial ionosphere via the polar ionosphere. During the substorm growth phase and storm main phase, the dawn-to-dusk convection electric field is intensified by the southward interplanetary magnetic field (IMF), driving the ionospheric DP2 currents composed of two-cell Hall current vortices in high latitudes and Pedersen currents amplified at the dayside equator (EEJ). The EEJ-Region-1 field-aligned current (R1 FAC) circuit is completed via the Pedersen currents in midlatitude. On the other hand, the shielding electric field and the Region-2 FACs develop in the inner magnetosphere, tending to cancel the convection electric field at the mid-equatorial latitudes. The shielding often causes overshielding when the convection electric field reduces substantially and the EEJ is overcome by the counter electrojet (CEJ), leading to that even the quasi-periodic DP2 fluctuations are contributed by the overshielding as being composed of the EEJ and CEJ. The overshielding develop significantly during substorms and storms, leading to that the mid and low latitude ionosphere is under strong influence of the overshielding as well as the convection electric fields. The electric fields on the day- and night sides are in opposite direction to each other, but the electric fields in the evening are anomalously enhanced in the same direction as in the day. The evening anomaly is a unique feature of the electric potential distribution in the global ionosphere. DP2-type electric field and currents develop during the transient/short-term geomagnetic disturbances like the geomagnetic sudden commencements (SC), which appear simultaneously at high latitude and equator within the temporal resolution of 10 s. Using the SC, we can confirm that the electric potential and currents are transmitted near-instantaneously to low latitude ionosphere on both day- and night sides, which is explained by means of the light speed propagation of the TM0 mode waves in the Earth-ionosphere waveguide.

Transmission of the Magnetospheric Electric Fields to the Low Latitude Ionosphere during Storm and Substorms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kikuchi, T.; Hashimoto, K. K.; Ebihara, Y.; Tanaka, T.; Tomizawa, I.; Nagatsuma, T.

2016-12-01

The solar wind energy is transmitted to the low latitude ionosphere in a current circuit from a dynamo in the magnetosphere to the equatorial ionosphere via the polar ionosphere. During the substorm growth phase and storm main phase, the dawn-to-dusk convection electric field is intensified by the southward interplanetary magnetic field (IMF), driving the ionospheric DP2 currents composed of two-cell Hall current vortices in high latitudes and Pedersen currents amplified at the dayside equator (EEJ). The EEJ-Region-1 field-aligned current (R1 FAC) circuit is completed via the Pedersen currents in midlatitude. On the other hand, the shielding electric field and the Region-2 FACs develop in the inner magnetosphere, tending to cancel the convection electric field at the mid-equatorial latitudes. The shielding often causes overshielding when the convection electric field reduces substantially and the EEJ is overcome by the counter-electrojet (CEJ), leading to that even the quasi-periodic DP2 fluctuations are contributed by the overshielding. The overshielding develop significantly during substorms and storms, leading to that the mid and low latitude ionosphere is under strong influence of the overshielding as well as the convection electric fields. The electric fields on the day- and night-sides are in opposite direction to each other, but the electric fields in the evening are anomalously enhanced in the same direction as in the day. The evening anomaly is a unique feature of the electric potential distribution in the global ionosphere. DP2-type electric field and currents also develop during the transient/short-term geomagnetic disturbances like the geomagnetic sudden commencements (SC) and ULF pulsations, which appear simultaneously at high latitude and equator within the temporal resolution of 10 sec. Using the SC, we can confirm that the electric potential and currents are transmitted near-instantaneously to low latitude ionosphere on both the day- and night-sides, which is explained by means of the light speed propagation of the TM0 mode waves in the Earth-ionosphere waveguide.

Conditions for double layers in the earth's magnetosphere and perhaps in other astrophysical objects

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lyons, L. R.

1987-01-01

It is suggested that the features which govern the formation of the double layers are: (1) the divergence of the magnetospheric electric field, (2) the ionospheric conductivity, and (3) the current-voltage characteristics of auroral magnetic field lines. Also considered are conditions in other astrophysical objects that could lead to the formation of DLs in a manner analogous to what occurs in the earth's auroral zones. It is noted that two processes can drive divergent Pedersen currents within a collisional conducting layer: (1) sheared plasma flow applied anywhere along the magnetic field lines connected to the conducting layer and (2) a neutral flow with shear within the conducting layer.

A case-study of the evolution of polar-cap currents and auroral electrojets during polar geomagnetic disturbances with IMS magnetometer data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Iijima, T.; Kim, J. S.; Sugiura, M.

1984-01-01

The development of the polar cap current and the relationship of that development to the evolution of auroral electrojets during individual polar geomagnetic disturbances is studied using 1 min average data from US-Canada IMS network stations and standard magnetograms from sites on the polar cap and in the auroral zone. It is found that even when the auroral electrojet activity is weak, polar cap currents producing fields of magnitude approximately 100-200 nT almost always exist. A normal convection current system exists quasi-persistently in the polar cap during extended quiet or weakly disturbed periods of auroral electrojet activity. After one such period, some drastic changes occur in the polar cap currents, which are followed by phases of growth, expansion, and recovery. Polar cap currents cannot all be completely ascribed to a single source mechanism.

Ring Current Ion Coupling with Electromagnetic Ion Cyclotron Waves

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Khazanov, George V.

2002-01-01

A new ring current global model has been developed for the first time that couples the system of two kinetic equations: one equation describes the ring current (RC) ion dynamic, and another equation describes wave evolution of electromagnetic ion cyclotron waves (EMIC). The coupled model is able to simulate, for the first time self-consistently calculated RC ion kinetic and evolution of EMIC waves that propagate along geomagnetic field lines and reflect from the ionosphere. Ionospheric properties affect the reflection index through the integral Pedersen and Hall coductivities. The structure and dynamics of the ring current proton precipitating flux regions, intensities of EMIC, global RC energy balance, and some other parameters will be studied in detail for the selected geomagnetic storms. The space whether aspects of RC modelling and comparison with the data will also be discussed.

DE 1 observations of type 1 counterstreaming electrons and field-aligned currents

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lin, C. S.; Burch, J. L.; Barfield, J. N.; Sugiura, M.; Nielsen, E.

1984-01-01

Dynamics Explorer 1 satellite observations of plasma and magnetic fields during type one counterstreaming electron events are presented. Counterstreaming electrons are observed at high altitudes in the region of field-aligned current. The total current density computed from the plasma data in the 18-10,000 eV energy range is generally about 1-2 micro-A/sq m. For the downward current, low-energy electrons contribute more than 40 percent of the total plasma current density integrated above 18 eV. For the upward current, such electrons contribute less than 50 percent of that current density. Electron beams in the field-aligned direction are occasionally detected. The pitch angle distributions of counterstreaming electrons are generally enhanced at both small and large pitch angles. STARE simultaneous observations for one DE 1 pass indicated that the field-aligned current was closed through Pedersen currents in the ionosphere. The directions of the ionospheric current systems are consistent with the DE 1 observations at high altitudes.

The Farley-Buneman Instability in the Solar Chromosphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Madsen, Chad A.; Dimant, Yakov S.; Oppenheim, Meers M.; Fontenla, Juan M.

2012-10-01

Strong currents drive the Farley-Buneman Instability (FBI) in the E-region ionosphere creating turbulence and heating. The solar chromosphere is a similar weakly ionized region with strong local Pedersen currents, and the FBI may play a role in sustaining the thin layer of enhanced temperature observed there. The plasma of the solar chromosphere requires a new theory of the FBI accounting for the presence of multiple ion species, higher temperatures and collisions between ionized metals and neutral hydrogen. This paper discusses the assumptions underlying the derivation of the multi-species FBI dispersion relation. It presents the predicted critical electron drift velocity needed to trigger the instability. Finally, this work argues that observed chromospheric neutral flow speeds are sufficiently large to trigger the multi-species FBI.

Ionospheric convection driven by NBZ currents

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rasmussen, C. E.; Schunk, R. W.

1987-01-01

Computer simulations of Birkeland currents and electric fields in the polar ionosphere during periods of northward IMF were conducted. When the IMF z component is northward, an additional current system, called the NBZ current system, is present in the polar cap. These simulations show the effect of the addition of NBZ currents on ionospheric convection, particularly in the polar cap. When the total current in the NBZ system is roughly 25 to 50 percent of the net region 1 and 2 currents, convection in the central portion of the polar cap reverses direction and turns sunward. This creates a pattern of four-cell convection with two small cells located in the polar cap, rotating in an opposite direction from the larger cells. When the Birkeland currents are fixed (constant current source), the electric field is reduced in regions of relatively high conductivity, which affects the pattern of ionospheric convection. Day-night asymmetries in conductivity change convection in such a way that the two polar-cap cells are located within the large dusk cell. When ionospheric convection is fixed (constant voltage source), Birkeland currents are increased in regions of relatively high conductivity. Ionospheric currents, which flow horizontally to close the Birkeland currents, are changed appreciably by the NBZ current system. The principal effect is an increase in ionospheric current in the polar cap.

Basic Properties of Plasma-Neutral Coupling in the Solar Atmosphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goodman, Michael

2015-04-01

Plasma-neutral coupling (PNC) in the solar atmosphere concerns the effects of collisions between charged and neutral species’. It is most important in the chromosphere, which is the weakly ionized, strongly magnetized region between the weakly ionized, weakly magnetized photosphere and the strongly ionized, strongly magnetized corona. The charged species’ are mainly electrons, protons, and singly charged heavy ions. The neutral species’ are mainly hydrogen and helium. The resistivity due to PNC can be several orders of magnitude larger than the Spitzer resistivity. This enhanced resistivity is confined to the chromosphere, and provides a highly efficient dissipation mechanism unique to the chromosphere. PNC may play an important role in many processes such as heating and acceleration of plasma; wave generation, propagation, and dissipation; magnetic reconnection; maintaining the near force-free state of the corona; and limiting mass flux into the corona. It might play a major role in chromospheric heating, and be responsible for the existence of the chromosphere as a relatively thin layer of plasma that emits a net radiative flux 10-100 times greater than that of the overlying corona. The required heating rate might be generated by Pedersen current dissipation triggered by the rapid increase of magnetization with height in the lower chromosphere, where most of the net radiative flux is emitted. Relatively cool regions of the chromosphere might be regions of minimal Pedersen current dissipation due to smaller magnetic field strength or perpendicular current density. This talk will discuss PNC from an MHD point of view, and focus on the basic parameters that determine its effectiveness. These parameters are ionization fraction, magnetization, and the electric field that drives current perpendicular to the magnetic field. By influencing this current and the electric field that drives it, PNC directly influences the rate at which energy is exchanged between the electromagnetic field and particles. In this way, PNC can have a strong influence on the energetics of a process that involves the conversion of magnetic energy into particle energy, which subsequently appears as radiation, waves, bulk flow, and heating.

The role of fluctuation-induced transport in a toroidal plasma with strong radial electric fields

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Roth, J. R.; Krawczonek, W. M.; Powers, E. J.; Hong, J. Y.; Kim, Y. C.

1981-01-01

Previous work employing digitally implemented spectral analysis techniques is extended to demonstrate that radial fluctuation-induced transport is the dominant ion transport mechanism in an electric field dominated toroidal plasma. Such transport can be made to occur against a density gradient, and hence may have a very beneficial effect on confinement in toroidal plasmas of fusion interest. It is shown that Bohm or classical diffusion down a density gradient, the collisional Pedersen-current mechanism, and the collisionless electric field gradient mechanism described by Cole (1976) all played a minor role, if any, in the radial transport of this plasma.

29 CFR 1926.914 - Definitions applicable to this subpart.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

..., including but not limited to trucks, trailers, rail cars, barges, and vessels. (i) Detonating cord—A... caps, electric blasting caps, delay electric blasting caps, and nonelectric delay blasting caps. (k) Electric blasting cap—A blasting cap designed for and capable of detonation by means of an electric current...

Field-Aligned Current Systems at Mercury

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Heyner, Daniel; Exner, Willi

2017-04-01

Mercury exhibits a very dynamic magnetosphere, which is partially due to strong dayside reconnection and fast magnetospheric convection. It has been shown that dayside reconnection occurs even on low magnetic shear angles across the magnetopause. This drives quasi-steady region 1 field-aligned currents (FAC) that are observable in in-situ MESSENGER data. Here, the structure of the Hermean FAC-system is discussed and compared to the terrestrial counterpart. Due to the lack of a significant ionosphere at Mercury, it has to be examined how much of the poloidal FAC is reflected back to the magnetosphere, closed via toroidal currents in the planetary interior or via Pedersen currents in the tenuous exosphere. This investigation gives insights into the planetary conductivity structure as well as the exospheric plasma densities. Furthermore, it will be examined how much the only partially developed ring current at Mercury produces possible region 2 FAC signatures. We conclude with requirements to simulations that are needed to forecast the FAC structure on the southern hemisphere that will be closely studied with the upcoming BepiColombo mission.

76 FR 54530 - Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Vision

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-09-01

... renewable two-year period. They are the following: Daniel F. Albers John A. Bridges Eddie M. Brown Edwin L.... Johnson Terry R. Jones Randall H. Keil James J. Mitchell Andrew M. Nurnberg Kenneth R. Pedersen Joshua R...

Conductive atomic force microscopy studies on the transformation of GeSi quantum dots to quantum rings.

PubMed

Zhang, S L; Xue, F; Wu, R; Cui, J; Jiang, Z M; Yang, X J

2009-04-01

Conductive atomic force microscopy has been employed to study the topography and conductance distribution of individual GeSi quantum dots (QDs) and quantum rings (QRs) during the transformation from QDs to QRs by depositing an Si capping layer on QDs. The current distribution changes significantly with the topographic transformation during the Si capping process. Without the capping layer, the QDs are dome-shaped and the conductance is higher at the ring region between the center and boundary than that at the center. After capping with 0.32 nm Si, the shape of the QDs changes to pyramidal and the current is higher at both the center and the arris. When the Si capping layer increases to 2 nm, QRs are formed and the current of individual QRs is higher at the rim than that at the central hole. By comparing the composition distributions obtained by scanning Auger microscopy and atomic force microscopy combined with selective chemical etching, the origin of the current distribution change is discussed.

Rocket observations at the northern edge of the eastward electrojet

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cahill, L. J., Jr.; Arnoldy, R. L.; Taylor, W. W. L.

1980-01-01

The paper discusses a Nike-Tomahawk rocket launched north over quiet, late evening auroral arcs in March 1975. A northward magnetic disturbance was observed on the ground under the rocket trajectory; south of the arcs the northward electric field was 60 mV/m, indicating strong westward plasma flow. An eastward electrojet current layer was penetrated in the upward flight, and precipitating electrons were observed over each arc. Using the observed electron flux and a model of the ionosphere, the Hall and Pedersen conductivities were calculated which were used to compute the eastward and northward components of the horizontal ionospheric currents. The joule power decreased abruptly in the auroral arcs, as the precipitating electron power increased; the total dissipated power was the same inside the arcs, between them and southward. North of the aurora the electric field and dissipated power remained low; field-aligned currents carried by the observed electrons were about a factor of 3 lower than those inferred from the magnetic field measurements.

Idealized model of polar cap currents, fields, and auroras

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cornwall, J. M.

1985-01-01

During periods of northward Bz, the electric field applied to the magnetosphere is generally opposite to that occurring during southward Bz and complicated patterns of convection result, showing some features reversed in comparison with the southward Bz case. A study is conducted of a simple generalization of early work on idealized convection models, which allows for coexistence of sunward convection over the central polar cap and antisunward convection elsewhere in the cap. The present model, valid for By approximately 0, has a four-cell convection pattern and is based on the combination of ionospheric current conservation with a relation between parallel auroral currents and parallel potential drops. Global magnetospheric issues involving, e.g., reconnection are not considered. The central result of this paper is an expression giving the parallel potential drop for polar cap auroras (with By approximately 0) in terms of the polar cap convection field profile.

Magnetohydrodynamic generator electrode

DOEpatents

Marchant, David D.; Killpatrick, Don H.; Herman, Harold; Kuczen, Kenneth D.

1979-01-01

An improved electrode for use as a current collector in the channel of a magnetohydrodynamid (MHD) generator utilizes an elongated monolithic cap of dense refractory material compliantly mounted to the MHD channel frame for collecting the current. The cap has a central longitudinal channel which contains a first layer of porous refractory ceramic as a high-temperature current leadout from the cap and a second layer of resilient wire mesh in contact with the first layer as a low-temperature current leadout between the first layer and the frame. Also described is a monolithic ceramic insulator compliantly mounted to the frame parallel to the electrode by a plurality of flexible metal strips.

Heavy metal multilayers for switching of magnetic unit via electrical current without magnetic field, method and applications

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

Ma, Qinli; Li, Yufan; Chien, Chia-ling

Provided is an electric-current-controllable magnetic unit, including: a substrate, an electric-current channel disposed on the substrate, the electric-current channel including a composite heavy-metal multilayer comprising at least one heavy-metal; a capping layer disposed over the electric-current channel; and at least one ferromagnetic layer disposed between the electric-current channel and the capping layer.

Geometric Aspects of Artificial Ionospheric Layers Driven by High-Power HF-Heating

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Milikh, G. M.; Eliasson, B.; Shao, X.; Djordjevic, B.; Mishin, E. V.; Zawdie, K.; Papadopoulos, K.

2013-12-01

We have generalized earlier developed multi-scale dynamic model for the creation and propagation of artificial plasma layers in the ionosphere [Eliasson et al, 2012] by including two dimensional effects in the horizontal direction. Such layers were observed during high-power high frequency HF heating experiments at HAARP [Pedersen et al., 2010]. We have numerically investigated the importance of different angles of incidence of ordinary mode waves on the Langmuir turbulence and the resulting electron acceleration that leads to the formation of artificial ionospheric layers. It was shown that the most efficient electron acceleration and subsequent ionization is obtained at angles between magnetic zenith and the vertical, where strong Langmuir turbulence dominates over weak turbulence. A role played by the heating wave propagation near caustics was also investigated. Eliasson, B. et al. (2012), J. Geophys. Res. 117, A10321, doi:10.1029/2012JA018105. Pedersen, T., et al. (2010), Geophys. Res. Lett., 37, L02106, doi:10.1029/2009GL041895.

Fourier analysis of polar cap electric field and current distributions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Barbosa, D. D.

1984-01-01

A theoretical study of high-latitude electric fields and currents, using analytic Fourier analysis methods, is conducted. A two-dimensional planar model of the ionosphere with an enhanced conductivity auroral belt and field-aligned currents at the edges is employed. Two separate topics are treated. A field-aligned current element near the cusp region of the polar cap is included to investigate the modifications to the convection pattern by the east-west component of the interplanetary magnetic field. It is shown that a sizable one-cell structure is induced near the cusp which diverts equipotential contours to the dawnside or duskside, depending on the sign of the cusp current. This produces characteristic dawn-dusk asymmetries to the electric field that have been previously observed over the polar cap. The second topic is concerned with the electric field configuration obtained in the limit of perfect shielding, where the field is totally excluded equatorward of the auroral oval. When realistic field-aligned current distributions are used, the result is to produce severely distorted, crescent-shaped equipotential contours over the cap. Exact, analytic formulae applicable to this case are also provided.

Suppression of gate leakage current in in-situ grown AlN/InAlN/AlN/GaN heterostructures based on the control of internal polarization fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kotani, Junji; Yamada, Atsushi; Ishiguro, Tetsuro; Yamaguchi, Hideshi; Nakamura, Norikazu

2017-03-01

This paper investigates the gate leakage characteristics of in-situ AlN capped InAlN/AlN/GaN heterostructures grown by metal-organic vapor phase epitaxy. It was revealed that the leakage characteristics of AlN capped InAlN/AlN/GaN heterostructures are strongly dependent on the growth temperature of the AlN cap. For an AlN capped structure with an AlN growth temperature of 740 °C, the leakage current even increased although there exists a large bandgap material on InAlN/AlN/GaN heterostructures. On the other hand, a large reduction of the gate leakage current by 4-5 orders of magnitudes was achieved with a very low AlN growth temperature of 430 °C. X-ray diffraction analysis of the AlN cap grown at 740 °C indicated that the AlN layer is tensile-strained. In contrast to this result, the amorphous structure was confirmed for the AlN cap grown at 430 °C by transmission electron microscopy. Furthermore, theoretical analysis based on one-dimensional band simulation was carried out, and the large increase in two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) observed in Hall measurements was well reproduced by taking into account the spontaneous and piezo-electric polarization in the AlN layer grown at 740 °C. For the AlN capped structure grown at 430 °C, it is believed that the reduced polarization field in the AlN cap suppressed the penetration of 2DEG into the InAlN barrier layer, resulting in a small impact on 2DEG mobility and density. We believe that an in-situ grown AlN cap with a very low growth temperature of 430 °C is a promising candidate for high-frequency/high-power GaN-based devices with low gate leakage current.

Ionospheric convection inferred from interplanetary magnetic field-dependent Birkeland currents

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rasmussen, C. E.; Schunk, R. W.

1988-01-01

Computer simulations of ionospheric convection have been performed, combining empirical models of Birkeland currents with a model of ionospheric conductivity in order to investigate IMF-dependent convection characteristics. Birkeland currents representing conditions in the northern polar cap of the negative IMF By component are used. Two possibilities are considered: (1) the morning cell shifting into the polar cap as the IMF turns northward, and this cell and a distorted evening cell providing for sunward flow in the polar cap; and (2) the existence of a three-cell pattern when the IMF is strongly northward.

78 FR 46643 - Self-Regulatory Organizations; NYSE Arca, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of...

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2013-08-01

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ROTOR END CAP

DOEpatents

Rushing, F.C.

1959-02-01

An improved end cap is described for the cylindrical rotor or bowl of a high-speed centrifugal separator adapted to permit free and efficient continuous counter current flow of gas therethrough for isotope separation. The end cap design provides for securely mounting the same to the hollow central shaft and external wall of the centrifuge. Passageways are incorporated and so arranged as to provide for continuous counter current flow of the light and heavy portions of the gas fed to the centrifuge.

Review of Literature on High Power Microwave Pulse Biological Effects

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-08-01

circulating fluid (Pedersen et al., 2004a,b). Earlier, in ultrasound hyperthermia, bone pain perceived by patients resulted in treatment termination in...15, 220-229. Ørstavik, K., Norheim, I., & Jørum, E. (2006). Pain and small-fiber neuropathy in patients with hypothyroidism . Neurology, 67, 786-791

The neutral wind 'flywheel' as a source of quiet-time, polar-cap currents

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lyons, L. R.; Walterscheid, R. L.; Killeen, T. L.

1985-01-01

The neutral wind pattern over the summer polar cap can be driven by plasma convection to resemble the convection pattern. For a north-south component of the interplanetary magnetic field Bz directed southward, the wind speeds in the conducting E-region can become approximately 25 percent of the electric field drift speeds. If convection ceases, this neutral wind distribution can drive a significant polar cap current system for approximately 6 hours. The currents are reversed from those driven by the electric fields for southward Bz, and the Hall and field-aligned components of the current system resemble those observed during periods of northward Bz. The current magnitudes are similar to those observed during periods of small, northward Bz; however, observations indicate that electric fields often contribute to the currents as much as, or more than, the neutral winds.

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

Ono, Shota, E-mail: shota-o@gifu-u.ac.jp; Department of Physics, Graduate School of Engineering, Yokohama National University, Yokohama 240-8501; Tanikawa, Kousei

Revealing a universal relation between geometrical structures and electronic properties of capped carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is one of the current objectives in nanocarbon community. Here, we investigate the local curvature of capped CNTs and define the cap region by a crossover behavior of the curvature energy versus the number of carbon atoms integrated from the tip to the tube region. Clear correlations among the energy gap of the cap localized states, the curvature energy, the number of carbon atoms in the cap region, and the number of specific carbon clusters are observed. The present analysis opens the way to understandmore » the cap states.« less

Reversed Hall effect and plasma conductivity in the presence of charged impurities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yaroshenko, V. V.; Lühr, H.

2018-01-01

The Hall conductivity of magnetized plasma can be strongly suppressed by the contribution of negatively charged particulates (referred further as "dust"). Once the charge density accumulated by the dust exceeds a certain threshold, the Hall component becomes negative, providing a reversal in the Hall current. Such an effect is unique for dust-loaded plasmas, and it can hardly be achieved in electronegative plasmas. Further growth of the dust density leads to an increase in both the absolute value of the Hall and Pedersen conductivities, while the field-aligned component is decreased. These modifications enhance the role of transverse electric currents and reduce the anisotropy of a magnetized plasma when loaded with charged impurities. The findings provide an important basis for studying the generation of electric currents and transport phenomena in magnetized plasma systems containing small charged particulates. They can be relevant for a wide range of applications from naturally occurring space plasmas in planetary magnetospheres and astrophysical objects to laboratory dusty plasmas (Magnetized Dusty Plasma Experiment) and to technological and fusion plasmas.

Current treatment recommendations and considerations for cryopyrin-associated periodic syndrome.

PubMed

Koné-Paut, Isabelle; Galeotti, Caroline

2015-01-01

Cryopyrin-associated periodic syndrome (CAPS) encompasses a spectrum of three phenotypes of increasing severity. The syndrome is due to dominant mutations in NLRP3, which encodes a key component of the innate immunity that regulates the secretion of IL-1β. CAPS manifests as systemic inflammation, which compromises quality of life and leads to serious complications and handicap. Anti-IL-1 drugs have shown remarkable efficacy in treating CAPS symptoms and have significantly changed patients' lives. They have acceptable safety profiles but do have some differences. We review three drugs that are currently marketed for CAPS, give additional information for the practical use of these drugs, and provide some recommendations for management.

Study of current-mode active pixel sensor circuits using amorphous InSnZnO thin-film transistor for 50-μm pixel-pitch indirect X-ray imagers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cheng, Mao-Hsun; Zhao, Chumin; Kanicki, Jerzy

2017-05-01

Current-mode active pixel sensor (C-APS) circuits based on amorphous indium-tin-zinc-oxide thin-film transistors (a-ITZO TFTs) are proposed for indirect X-ray imagers. The proposed C-APS circuits include a combination of a hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) p+-i-n+ photodiode (PD) and a-ITZO TFTs. Source-output (SO) and drain-output (DO) C-APS are investigated and compared. Acceptable signal linearity and high gains are realized for SO C-APS. APS circuit characteristics including voltage gain, charge gain, signal linearity, charge-to-current conversion gain, electron-to-voltage conversion gain are evaluated. The impact of the a-ITZO TFT threshold voltage shifts on C-APS is also considered. A layout for a pixel pitch of 50 μm and an associated fabrication process are suggested. Data line loadings for 4k-resolution X-ray imagers are computed and their impact on circuit performances is taken into consideration. Noise analysis is performed, showing a total input-referred noise of 239 e-.

Approach to common bacterial infections: community-acquired pneumonia.

PubMed

Iroh Tam, Pui-Ying

2013-04-01

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) occurs more often in early childhood than at almost any other age. Many microorganisms are associated with pneumonia, but individual pathogens are difficult to identify, which poses problems in antibiotic management. This article reviews the common as well as new, emerging pathogens, as well as the guidelines for management of pediatric CAP. Current guidelines for pediatric CAP continue to recommend the use of high-dose amoxicillin for bacterial CAP and azithromycin for suspected atypical CAP (usually caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae) in children. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Pneumonia Updates on Legionella, Chlamydophila, and Mycoplasma Pneumonia

PubMed Central

Sharma, Lokesh; Losier, Ashley; Tolbert, Thomas; Dela Cruz, Charles S.; Marion, Chad R.

2017-01-01

SUMMARY CAP due to Legionella, Chlamydophyla, or Mycoplasma continues to be a diagnostic challenge due to the nonspecific clinical and radiographic presentations. The vague clinical presentations of atypical CAP contribute to its underdiagnosis and under-reporting. Advancements in diagnostic techniques bring hope to rapid and accurate diagnosis of atypical CAP. Macrolides and respiratory fluoroquinolones are currently the antibiotics of choice, but this may change in the near future as more antibiotics resistance patterns emerge for atypical CAP. Several controversies still exist in atypical CAP, underscoring the need for continued investigation of preventing atypical CAP and determine its association with chronic lung diseases. PMID:28159161

EDUCARE: Re-Envisioning Education Beginning at Birth

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Miller, Susan

2010-01-01

In late 1999, philanthropist Susie Buffett wanted to make the smartest possible investment to improve public education in her hometown of Omaha, Nebraska. She and her then-foundation president, Dan Pedersen, spoke with Superintendent John Mackiel regarding how he would choose to use private funds to enhance opportunities for Omaha's 46,000…

Assessment of posttraumatic stress disorder in Cambodian refugees using the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale: psychometric properties and symptom severity.

PubMed

Hinton, Devon E; Chhean, Dara; Pich, Vuth; Pollack, M H; Orr, Scott P; Pitman, Roger K

2006-06-01

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms were assessed by using the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS) in a consecutive sample of Cambodian refugees attending a psychiatric clinic in the United States. Psychometric properties of the translated CAPS and severity of PTSD-related symptoms were examined. The CAPS demonstrated adequate psychometric properties, including coefficient alpha (.92) and item-total correlations (.48-.85). Of the sample 56% (101/179) met Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition, criteria for current PTSD. Those patients who met criteria for current PTSD had significantly higher CAPS total scores (M = 65.3, SD = 18.1) than those who did not meet the criteria (M = 13.9, SD = 16.7).

Semantic similarity measure in biomedical domain leverage web search engine.

PubMed

Chen, Chi-Huang; Hsieh, Sheau-Ling; Weng, Yung-Ching; Chang, Wen-Yung; Lai, Feipei

2010-01-01

Semantic similarity measure plays an essential role in Information Retrieval and Natural Language Processing. In this paper we propose a page-count-based semantic similarity measure and apply it in biomedical domains. Previous researches in semantic web related applications have deployed various semantic similarity measures. Despite the usefulness of the measurements in those applications, measuring semantic similarity between two terms remains a challenge task. The proposed method exploits page counts returned by the Web Search Engine. We define various similarity scores for two given terms P and Q, using the page counts for querying P, Q and P AND Q. Moreover, we propose a novel approach to compute semantic similarity using lexico-syntactic patterns with page counts. These different similarity scores are integrated adapting support vector machines, to leverage the robustness of semantic similarity measures. Experimental results on two datasets achieve correlation coefficients of 0.798 on the dataset provided by A. Hliaoutakis, 0.705 on the dataset provide by T. Pedersen with physician scores and 0.496 on the dataset provided by T. Pedersen et al. with expert scores.

Atypical Pneumonia: Updates on Legionella, Chlamydophila, and Mycoplasma Pneumonia.

PubMed

Sharma, Lokesh; Losier, Ashley; Tolbert, Thomas; Dela Cruz, Charles S; Marion, Chad R

2017-03-01

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) has multiple causes and is associated with illness that requires admission to the hospital and mortality. The causes of atypical CAP include Legionella species, Chlamydophila, and Mycoplasma. Atypical CAP remains a diagnostic challenge and, therefore, likely is undertreated. This article reviews the advancements in the evaluation and treatment of patients and discusses current conflicts and controversies of atypical CAP. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Risk of community-acquired pneumonia in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease stratified by smoking status: a population-based cohort study in the United Kingdom.

PubMed

Braeken, Dionne Cw; Rohde, Gernot Gu; Franssen, Frits Me; Driessen, Johanna Hm; van Staa, Tjeerd P; Souverein, Patrick C; Wouters, Emiel Fm; de Vries, Frank

2017-01-01

Smoking increases the risk of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and is associated with the development of COPD. Until now, it is unclear whether CAP in COPD is due to smoking-related effects, or due to COPD pathophysiology itself. To evaluate the association between COPD and CAP by smoking status. In total, 62,621 COPD and 191,654 control subjects, matched by year of birth, gender and primary care practice, were extracted from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (2005-2014). Incidence rates (IRs) were estimated by dividing the total number of CAP cases by the cumulative person-time at risk. Time-varying Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate the hazard ratios (HRs) for CAP in COPD patients versus controls. HRs of CAP by smoking status were calculated by stratified analyses in COPD patients versus controls and within both subgroups with never smoking as reference. IRs of CAP in COPD patients (32.00/1,000 person-years) and controls (6.75/1,000 person-years) increased with age and female gender. The risk of CAP in COPD patients was higher than in controls (HR 4.51, 95% CI: 4.27-4.77). Current smoking COPD patients had comparable CAP risk (HR 0.92, 95% CI: 0.82-1.02) as never smoking COPD patients (reference), whereas current smoking controls had a higher risk (HR 1.23, 95% CI: 1.13-1.34) compared to never smoking controls. COPD patients have a fourfold increased risk to develop CAP, independent of smoking status. Identification of factors related with the increased risk of CAP in COPD is warranted, in order to improve the management of patients at risk.

Upper Hybrid Effects in Artificial Ionization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Papadopoulos, K.; Eliasson, B. E.

2014-12-01

A most fascinating result of recent ionospheric experiments has been the discovery of artificial ionization by Pedersen et al. (GRL, 37, L02106, 2010). The Artificial Ionospheric Layers (AIL) were the result of F-region O-mode HF irradiation using the HAARP ionospheric heater operating at 3.6 MW power. As demonstrated by Eliasson et al. (JGR, 117, A10321, 2012) the physics controlling the observed phenomenon and its threshold can be summarized as: " Collisional ionization due to high energy (~ 20 eV) electron tails generated by the interaction of strong Langmuir turbulence with plasma heated at the upper hybrid resonance and transported at the reflection height". The objective of the current presentation is to explore the role of the upper hybrid heating in the formation of AIL and its implications to future experiments involving HF heaters operating in middle and equatorial latitudes.

Current management of patients hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia across Europe: outcomes from REACH.

PubMed

Blasi, Francesco; Garau, Javier; Medina, Jesús; Ávila, Marco; McBride, Kyle; Ostermann, Helmut

2013-04-15

Data describing real-life management and treatment of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in Europe are limited. REACH (http://NCT01293435) was a retrospective, observational study collecting data on the management of EU patients hospitalized with CAP. Patients were aged ≥18 years, hospitalized with CAP between March 2010 and February 2011, and requiring in-hospital treatment with intravenous antibiotics. An electronic Case Report Form was used to collect patient, disease and treatment variables, including type of CAP, medical history, treatment setting, antibiotics administered and clinical outcomes. Patients (N = 2,039) were recruited from 128 centres in ten EU countries (Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Turkey, UK). The majority of patients were aged ≥65 years (56.4%) and had CAP only (78.8%). Initial antibiotic treatment modification occurred in 28.9% of patients and was more likely in certain groups (patients with comorbidities; more severely ill patients; patients with healthcare-associated pneumonia, immunosuppression or recurrent episodes of CAP). Streamlining (de-escalation) of therapy occurred in 5.1% of patients. Mean length of hospital stay was 12.6 days and overall mortality was 7.2%. These data provide a current overview of clinical practice in patients with CAP in EU hospitals, revealing high rates of initial antibiotic treatment modification. The findings may precipitate reassessment of optimal management regimens for hospitalized CAP patients.

New trends in the prevention and management of community-acquired pneumonia.

PubMed

Postma, D F; van Werkhoven, C H; Huijts, S M; Bolkenbaas, M; Oosterheert, J J; Bonten, M J M

2012-10-01

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. This review summarises current trends and knowledge gaps in CAP management and prevention. Although Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most frequent cause of CAP, identification of the microbial cause of infection remains unsuccessful in most episodes, and little is known about the aetiology of CAP in immunocompromised patients. Urinary antigen testing has become standard care for diagnosing Legionella infection, and pneumococcal urinary antigen testing is now recommended in the Dutch guidelines to streamline antibiotic therapy in patients hospitalised with CAP. In primary care C-reactive protein determination is recommended to improve antibiotic prescription for lower respiratory tract infections. In patients hospitalised with CAP, three strategies are considered equally effective for choosing empirical antibiotic treatment. Yet, more (and better designed) studies are needed to determine the best strategy, as well as to determine optimal (which usually means the minimum) duration of antibiotic therapy and the role of adjuvant treatment with corticosteroids. The effectiveness of the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine in preventing invasive pneumococcal disease and pneumococcal CAP remains debated, and whether the newer conjugate vaccines are more effective remains to be determined. Many of these questions are currently being addressed in large-scaled trials in the Netherlands, and their results may allow evidence-based decisions in CAP management and prevention.

Integration of the Nurse Practitioner Into Your Child Abuse Team.

PubMed

Herold, Beth; St Claire, Karen; Snider, Scott; Narayan, Aditee

Child maltreatment is a leading cause of childhood morbidity in the United States, often leading to lifelong adverse health consequences. Currently, there is a nationwide shortage of child abuse pediatricians (CAPs), resulting in many unfilled child abuse positions throughout the United States. In addition, the number of future CAPs currently in fellowship training will meet neither the current need for CAPs nor provide replacements for the senior CAPs who will be retiring in the next 5 to 10 years. Although it is recognized that pediatric nurse practitioners (PNPs) play an important role in the care of maltreated children, there are few available data on the impact of the PNP as an integral member of the child abuse team. Using the outcomes logic model, we present a systematic process through which the PNP can be effectively integrated into a medical child abuse team. The outcomes from this process show that the addition of PNPs to the child abuse team not only provides immediate relief to the nationwide CAP shortage but also significantly augments the diverse clinical skills and expertise available to the child abuse team. Copyright © 2018 National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

NDE Process Development Specification for SRB Composite Nose Cap

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Suits, M.

1999-01-01

The Shuttle Upgrade program is a continuing improvement process to enable the Space Shuttle to be an effective space transportation vehicle for the next few decades. The Solid Rocket Booster (SRB), as a component of that system, is currently undergoing such an improvement. Advanced materials, such as composites, have given us a chance to improve performance and to reduce weight. The SRB Composite Nose Cap (CNC) program aims to replace the current aluminum nose cap, which is coated with a Thermal Protection System and poses a possible debris hazard, with a lighter, stronger, CNC. For the next 2 years, this program will evaluate the design, material selection, properties, and verification of the CNC. This particular process specification cites the methods and techniques for verifying the integrity of such a nose cap with nondestructive evaluation.

The polar caps

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Akasofu, S.-I.

1985-12-01

According to the most common definition, the 'polar cap' is the region bounded by the average or statistical auroral oval. Studies of the effects of the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) on various upper atmospheric phenomena are reviewed. The Antarctic region and the Arctic region represent an area for such investigations. Particular attention is given in this paper to those observations in the highest latitude region which provide some information concerning corresponding changes of the internal structure of the magnetosphere. A definition and working definition of the polar cap are considered along with the IMF and magnetospheric models, the entry of solar energetic electrons, statistical studies regarding the aurora, individual events, polar cap arcs, the cusp aurora, auroral electron precipitation, convection, ionospheric currents and field-aligned currents, the ionosphere, the thermosphere, polar rain, polar wind, and hopping motions of heavy ions.

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The water footprint of Milan.

PubMed

Vanham, D; Bidoglio, G

2014-01-01

This study quantifies the water footprint of consumption (WFcons) and production (WFprod) of Milan. The current WFcons amounts to 6,139 l/cap/d (a volume of 2.93 km(3) annually), of which 52 l/cap/d (1%) is attributed to domestic water, 448 l/cap/d (7%) to the consumption of industrial products and 5,639 l/cap/d (92%) to the consumption of agricultural products. The WFprod is 52 l/cap/d. Milan is thus a net virtual water importer, predominantly through the import of agricultural products. These are produced outside city borders, both in Italy and abroad. This shows the dependency of city dwellers on water resources from other river basins. In addition, the WFcons for a healthy diet (based on Mediterranean Food-Based Dietary Guidelines) and a vegetarian diet are analysed. The current Milanese diet consists of too much sugar, crop oils, meat, animal fats, milk and milk products and not enough cereals, rice, potatoes, vegetables and fruit. The latter two diets result in substantial WFcons reductions: -29% (to 4,339 l/cap/d) for a healthy diet and -41% (to 3,631 l/cap/d) for a vegetarian diet. Indeed, a lot of water could be saved by Milan citizens through a change in their diet. A sustainable city should account for its impacts beyond its borders.

Novel 3D-printing technique for caps to enable tailored therapeutic endoscopy.

PubMed

Ko, Weon Jin; Song, Ga Won; Hong, Sung Pyo; Kwon, Chang-il; Hahm, Ki Baik; Cho, Joo Young

2016-03-01

To evaluate the feasibility of a tailored endoscopic cap created using 3D-printing technology that is customized according to esophagogastric lesions of each patient. Tailored endoscopic caps, which were designed and fabricated with a 3D printer, were inserted in 35 patients. The types of cap were side-hole cap made for cap-assisted endoscopic mucosal resection (EMRC), oblique-head cap designed for endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), wide-head cap used for Trucut biopsy (TCB), and narrow-tip cap to facilitate peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM). EMRC in the esophagus and gastroesophageal junction was carried out using a side-hole cap in seven patients. Median total procedure time for successful removal of lesions was 14 min (range 8-50 min). Gastric ESD was carried out using with an oblique-head cap in 16 patients, for which the median total procedure time was 53 min. TCB in the esophagus was done using a wide-head cap in eight patients. While carrying out POEM for tunneling, a narrow-tip cap was used in four patients with achalasia. Based on the current proof-of-concept study, we anticipate that creating a tailored endoscopic cap is feasible for therapeutic endoscopy. © 2015 Japan Gastroenterological Endoscopy Society.

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Socially Relevant Knowledge Based Telemedicine

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-02-01

have potential to change behavior and/or attitude at different situations and different circumstances. Fogg mentions that there are many...persuade users to perform various activities. Fogg [8] defines persuasive technologies as “interactive computing systems designed to change...8] Fogg , B. J., Persuasive Technology: Using computers to change what we think and do, 2003, Morgan Kaufman. [9] Pedersen, P., Simulations: A

Self-modulating pressure gauge

DOEpatents

Edwards, D. Jr.; Lanni, C.P.

1979-08-07

An ion gauge is disclosed having a reduced x-ray limit and means for measuring that limit. The gauge comprises an ion gauge of the Bayard-Alpert type having a short collector and having means for varying the grid-collector voltage. The x-ray limit (i.e. the collector current resulting from x-rays striking the collector) may then be determined by the formula: I/sub x/ = ..cap alpha..I/sub l/ - I/sub h//..cap alpha.. - l where: I/sub x/ = x-ray limit, I/sub l/ and I/sub h/ = the collector current at the lower and higher grid voltage respectively; and, ..cap alpha.. = the ratio of the collector current due to positive ions at the higher voltage to that at the lower voltage.

An onboard data analysis method to track the seasonal polar caps on Mars

USGS Publications Warehouse

Wagstaff, K.L.; Castano, R.; Chien, S.; Ivanov, A.B.; Pounders, E.; Titus, T.N.; ,

2005-01-01

The Martian seasonal CO2 ice caps advance and retreat each year. They are currently studied using instruments such as the THermal EMission Imaging System (THEMIS), a visible and infra-red camera on the Mars Odyssey spacecraft [1]. However, each image must be downlinked to Earth prior to analysis. In contrast, we have developed the Bimodal Image Temperature (BIT) histogram analysis method for onboard detection of the cap edge, before transmission. In downlink-limited scenarios when the entire image cannot be transmitted, the location of the cap edge can still be identified and sent to Earth. In this paper, we evaluate our method on uncalibrated THEMIS data and find 1) agreement with manual cap edge identifications to within 28.2 km, and 2) high accuracy even with a smaller analysis window, yielding large reductions in memory requirements. This algorithm is currently being considered as a capability enhancement for the Odyssey second extended mission, beginning in fall 2006.

An Ionosphere/Magnetosphere Coupling Current System Located in the Gap Between Saturn and its Rings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khurana, K. K.; Dougherty, M. K.; Cao, H.; Hunt, G. J.; Provan, G.

2017-12-01

The Grand Finale Orbits of the Cassini spacecraft traversed through Saturn's D ring and brought the spacecraft to within 3000 km of Saturn's cloud tops. The closest approaches (CA) were near the equatorial plane of Saturn and were distributed narrowly around the local noon. The difference field (observations - internal field - magnetospheric ring current field) obtained from the Grand Finale orbits show persistent residual fields centered around the CA which diminish at higher latitudes on field lines that connect to the ring. Modeling of this perturbation in terms of internal harmonics shows that the perturbation is not of internal origin but is produced by external currents that couple the ionosphere to the magnetosphere. The sense of the current system suggests that the southern feet of the field lines in the ionosphere lead their northern footprints. We show that the observed field perturbations are consistent with a meridional Pedersen current whose strength is 1 MA/radian, i.e. comparable in strength to the Planetary-period-oscillation related current systems observed in the auroral zone. We show that the implied Lorentz force in the ionosphere extracts momentum from the faster moving southern ionosphere and passes it on to the northern ionosphere. We discuss several ideas for generating this current system. In particular, we highlight a mechanism that involves shears in the neutral winds in the thermospheric region to generate the observed magnetic field.

Strong IMF By-Related Plasma Convection in the Ionosphere and Cusp Field-Aligned Currents Under Northward IMF Conditions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Le, G.; Lu, G.; Strangeway, R. J.; Pfaff, R. F., Jr.; Vondrak, Richard R. (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

We present in this paper an investigation of IMF-By related plasma convection and cusp field-aligned currents using FAST data and AMIE model during a prolonged interval with large positive IMF By and northward Bz conditions (By/Bz much greater than 1). Using the FAST single trajectory observations to validate the global convection patterns at key times and key locations, we have demonstrated that the AMIE procedure provides a reasonably good description of plasma circulations in the ionosphere during this interval. Our results show that the plasma convection in the ionosphere is consistent with the anti-parallel merging model. When the IMF has a strongly positive By component under northward conditions, we find that the global plasma convection forms two cells oriented nearly along the Sun-earth line in the ionosphere. In the northern hemisphere, the dayside cell has clockwise convection mainly circulating within the polar cap on open field lines. A second cell with counterclockwise convection is located in the nightside circulating across the polar cap boundary, The observed two-cell convection pattern appears to be driven by the reconnection along the anti-parallel merging lines poleward of the cusp extending toward the dusk side when IMF By/Bz much greater than 1. The magnetic tension force on the newly reconnected field lines drives the plasma to move from dusk to dawn in the polar cusp region near the polar cap boundary. The field-aligned currents in the cusp region flow downward into the ionosphere. The return field-aligned currents extend into the polar cap in the center of the dayside convection cell. The field-aligned currents are closed through the Peterson currents in the ionosphere, which flow poleward from the polar cap boundary along the electric field direction.

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An Investigation of Student Response to a Potential Tuition Cap Increase at Casper College

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Davis, Elizabeth; Aitchison, Thomas; Allen, Eric; Gomez, Carrie; Laird, Sheree; Raczynska, Kaja

2015-01-01

Wyoming Community College Commission policy currently states any student enrolled for more than 12 credit hours will be charged tuition for only 12 credit hours. This policy is referred to as the tuition cap. In November 2010, the commission discussed increasing the tuition cap to 15 credits. An increase from 12 to 15 credits would have…

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CAPS drives trans-SNARE complex formation and membrane fusion through syntaxin interactions.

PubMed

James, Declan J; Kowalchyk, Judith; Daily, Neil; Petrie, Matt; Martin, Thomas F J

2009-10-13

Ca(2+)-dependent activator protein for secretion (CAPS) is an essential factor for regulated vesicle exocytosis that functions in priming reactions before Ca(2+)-triggered fusion of vesicles with the plasma membrane. However, the precise events that CAPS regulates to promote vesicle fusion are unclear. In the current work, we reconstituted CAPS function in a SNARE-dependent liposome fusion assay using VAMP2-containing donor and syntaxin-1/SNAP-25-containing acceptor liposomes. The CAPS stimulation of fusion required PI(4,5)P(2) in acceptor liposomes and was independent of Ca(2+), but Ca(2+) dependence was restored by inclusion of synaptotagmin. CAPS stimulated trans-SNARE complex formation concomitant with the stimulation of full membrane fusion at physiological SNARE densities. CAPS bound syntaxin-1, and CAPS truncations that competitively inhibited syntaxin-1 binding also inhibited CAPS-dependent fusion. The results revealed an unexpected activity of a priming protein to accelerate fusion by efficiently promoting trans-SNARE complex formation. CAPS may function in priming by organizing SNARE complexes on the plasma membrane.

Management of community-acquired pneumonia in older adults

PubMed Central

Simonetti, Antonella F.; Viasus, Diego; Garcia-Vidal, Carolina

2014-01-01

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is an increasing problem among the elderly. Multiple factors related to ageing, such as comorbidities, nutritional status and swallowing dysfunction have been implicated in the increased incidence of CAP in the older population. Moreover, mortality in patients with CAP rises dramatically with increasing age. Streptococcus pneumoniae is still the most common pathogen among the elderly, although CAP may also be caused by drug-resistant microorganisms and aspiration pneumonia. Furthermore, in the elderly CAP has a different clinical presentation, often lacking the typical acute symptoms observed in younger adults, due to the lower local and systemic inflammatory response. Several independent prognostic factors for mortality in the elderly have been identified, including factors related to pneumonia severity, inadequate response to infection, and low functional status. CAP scores and biomarkers have lower prognostic value in the elderly, and so there is a need to find new scales or to set new cut-off points for current scores in this population. Adherence to the current guidelines for CAP has a significant beneficial impact on clinical outcomes in elderly patients. Particular attention should also be paid to nutritional status, fluid administration, functional status, and comorbidity stabilizing therapy in this group of frail patients. This article presents an up-to-date review of the main aspects of CAP in elderly patients, including epidemiology, causative organisms, clinical features, and prognosis, and assesses key points for best practices for the management of the disease. PMID:25165554

Accumulation and dissipation of positive charges induced on a PMMA build-up cap of an ionisation chamber by (60)Co gamma-ray irradiation.

PubMed

Morishita, Y; Takata, N

2013-07-01

The signal current from an ionisation chamber with a PMMA build-up cap decreases with irradiation time due to electric fields produced by positive charges induced on the cap. In the present study, it was confirmed that the signal current decreases faster for irradiation using narrower (60)Co gamma-ray beams. This is because the number of secondary electrons that are emitted from surrounding materials and penetrate the build-up cap is smaller in a narrower gamma-ray beam, so that fewer positive charges are neutralised. The ionisation chamber was first subjected to continuous gamma-ray irradiation for 24 h, following which it was irradiated with shorter periodic gamma-ray bursts while measuring the current signal. This allowed the coefficients of positive charge accumulation and dissipation to be determined. It was found that the dissipation coefficient has a large constant value during gamma-ray irradiation and decreases asymptotically to a small value after irradiation is stopped. From the coefficients, the minimum signal current was calculated, which is the value when accumulation and dissipation balance each other under continuous irradiation. The time required for the signal current to recover following irradiation was also calculated.

High current capacity electrical connector

DOEpatents

Bettis, Edward S.; Watts, Harry L.

1976-01-13

An electrical connector is provided for coupling high current capacity electrical conductors such as copper busses or the like. The connector is arranged in a "sandwiched" configuration in which a conductor plate contacts the busses along major surfaces thereof clamped between two stainless steel backing plates. The conductor plate is provided with a plurality of contact buttons affixed therein in a spaced array such that the caps of the buttons extend above the conductor plate surface to contact the busses. When clamping bolts provided through openings in the sandwiched arrangement are tightened, Belleville springs provided under the rim of each button cap are compressed and resiliently force the caps into contact with the busses' contacting surfaces to maintain a predetermined electrical contact area provided by the button cap tops. The contact area does not change with changing thermal or mechanical stresses applied to the coupled conductors.

Morphology of sea-floor landslides on Horizon Guyot: application of steady-state geotechnical analysis

USGS Publications Warehouse

Kayen, R.E.; Schwab, W.C.; Lee, H.J.; Torresan, M.E.; Hein, J.R.; Quinterno, P.J.; Levin, L.A.

1989-01-01

Mass movement and erosion have been identified on the pelagic sediment cap of Horizon Guyot, a seamount in the Mid-Pacific Mountains. Trends in the size, shape and preservation of bedforms and sediment textural trends on the pelagic cap indicate that bottom-current-generated sediment transport direction is upslope. Slumping of the sediment cap occurred on and that the net bedload transport direction is upslope. Slumping of the sediment cap occurred on the northwest side of the guyot on a 1.6?? to 2.0?? slope in the zone of enhanced bottom-current activity. Submersible investigations of these slump blocks show them to be discrete and to have a relief of 6-15 m, with nodular chert beds cropping out along the headwall of individual rotated blocks. An evaluation of the stability of the sediment cap suggests that the combination of the current-induced beveling of the sea floor and infrequent earthquake loading accompanied by cyclic strength reduction is responsible for the initiation of slumps. The sediment in the area of slumping moved short distances in relatively coherent masses, whereas sediment that has moved beyond the summit cap perimeter has fully mobilized into sediment gravity flows and traveled large distances. A steady-state geotechnical analysis of Horizon Guyot sediment indicates the predisposition of deeply buried sediment towards disintegrative flow failure on appropriately steep slopes. Thus, slope failure in this deeper zone would include large amounts of internal deformation. However, gravitational stress in the near-surface sediment of the summit cap (sub-bottom depth < 14 m) is insufficient to maintain downslope movement after initial failure occurs. The predicted morphology of coherent slump blocks displaced and rafted upon a weakened zone at depth corresponds well with seismic-reflection data and submersible observations. ?? 1990.

Effect of high-latitude ionospheric convection on Sun-aligned polar caps

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sojka, J. J.; Zhu, L.; Crain, D. J.; Schunk, R. W.

1994-01-01

A coupled magnetospheric-ionospheric (M-I) magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) model has been used to simulate the formation of Sun-aligned polar cap arcs for a variety of interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) dependent polar cap convection fields. The formation process involves launching an Alfven shear wave from the magnetosphere to the ionosphere where the ionospheric conductance can react self-consistently to changes in the upward currents. We assume that the initial Alfven shear wave is the result of solar wind-magnetosphere interactions. The simulations show how the E region density is affected by the changes in the electron precipitation that are associated with the upward currents. These changes in conductance lead to both a modified Alfven wave reflection at the ionosphere and the generation of secondary Alfven waves in the ionosphere. The ensuing bouncing of the Alfven waves between the ionosphere and magnetosphere is followed until an asymptotic solution is obtained. At the magnetosphere the Alfven waves reflect at a fixed boundary. The coupled M-I Sun-aligned polar cap arc model of Zhu et al.(1993a) is used to carry out the simulations. This study focuses on the dependence of the polar cap arc formation on the background (global) convection pattern. Since the polar cap arcs occur for northward and strong B(sub y) IMF conditions, a variety of background convection patterns can exist when the arcs are present. The study shows that polar cap arcs can be formed for all these convection patterns; however, the arc features are dramatically different for the different patterns. For weak sunward convection a relatively confined single pair of current sheets is associated with the imposed Alfven shear wave structure. However, when the electric field exceeds a threshold, the arc structure intensifies, and the conductance increases as does the local Joule heating rate. These increases are faster than a linear dependence on the background electric field strength. Furthermore, above the threshold, the single current sheet pair splits into multiple current sheet pairs. For the fixed initial ionospheric and magnetospheric conditions used in this study, the separation distance between the current pairs was found to be almost independent of the background electric field strength. For either three-cell or distorted two-cell background convection patterns the arc formation favored the positive B(sub y) case in the northern hemisphere.

Quasi-Static Alfv{é}n Dynamics and Scale-Dependent Energy Deposition in Magnetosphere-Ionosphere Coupling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lotko, W.; Lysak, R. L.; Streltsov, A. V.

2002-12-01

Alfv{é}n wave dynamics become quasi-static in the ionosphere and low-altitude magnetosphere in the ULF regime below 10 mHz and at altitudes less than a few RE when the following two conditions are met: ω L RE << vA (l) and ω l << 1 / μ 0 Σ P. L is the dipole shell parameter, ω is the wave frequency in radians, l represents field-aligned distance above the ionosphere, vA (l) is the local Alfv{é}n speed, and Σ P is the ionospheric Pedersen conductance. In this limit, reactive power stored in Alfv{é}nic fluctuations at high altitude flows quasi-statically into ionospheric Joule heating and low-altitude collisionless dissipation. The combined dissipative effects are described by the electrostatic model of Chiu-Cornwall-Lyons [1980] which captures the transverse wavelength dependence of low-altitude Alfv{é}nic energy deposition. The analysis and results described here 1) correspond to the low-altitude, low-frequency limit of theories for the interaction of an Alfv{é}n wave with the ionosphere [Knudsen et al., 1992], including effects of a low-altitude collisionless dissipation layer [Vogt and Haerendel, 1998], and field line eigenmodes with allowance for finite ionospheric conductivity and realistic parallel inhomogeneity [Allan and Knox, 1979]; 2) reconcile the interpretation of inverted-V precipitation regions as electrostatic potential structures with electromagnetic energy deposition via Alfv{é}n waves at frequencies below 10 mHz; 3) provide criteria for the validity of the Knight current-voltage relation in the ULF regime and its use in global MHD simulations; 4) relate low-altitude satellite measurements of both ``static'' and ULF electric and magnetic fields directly to the ionospheric Pedersen conductivity; and 5) offer a resolution to debates about high-altitude closure of auroral potential structures as O-, U-, or S-potential forms.

Extension of generator longevity by use of high impedance ventricular leads.

PubMed

Scherer, M; Ezziddin, K; Klesius, A; Skupin, M; Helms, S; Moritz, A; Olbrich, H G

2001-02-01

The resistance of a pacing lead negatively correlates to current consumption. A prospective, randomized trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of a high impedance ventricular lead (CapSure Z) on generator longevity compared to a conventional lead (CapSure SP) eighty-nine patients were included in the study (51 male, 37 female, age 70.0+/-10.3 years). Forty-six patients received a CapSure SP lead (5024 bipolar), and 43 patients received a CapSure Z lead (5034 bipolar) in a randomized fashion. Follow-up data collected at 5 days, 3, 6, and 12 months postimplant included: lead impedance, pacing and sensing thresholds, impulse energy, and estimated time to replacement. All parameters were collected via pacemaker telemetry; the time to replacement was calculated automatically by a programmed algorithm of the pacemaker. There was no difference in the performance of the atrial lead when a dual chamber device was indicated. The CapSure Z leads displayed statistically significant higher impedance values than the CapSure SP lead in all follow-up periods. There was no significant difference in lead related complications. No significant differences were observed between pacing and sensing thresholds in both groups. The CapSure Z leads provided a significant reduction in current drain, resulting in a reduction of mean energy consumption at the 12-month follow-up from 10.4+/-5.0 microJ in the CapSure SP group to 6.6+/-1.4 microJ in the CapSure Z group (median from 9.9 microJ to 6.9 microJ, respectively), providing an estimated increase in mean longevity of more than 1 year from 81.1+/-23.5 months in the CapSure SP group to 94.5+/-13.4 months in the CapSure Z group (median: 76.5 months to 95.0 months, respectively). The use of a high resistance lead for ventricular pacing appears to result in a clinically relevant extension of generator longevity.

Dry etching, surface passivation and capping processes for antimonide based photodetectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dutta, Partha; Langer, Jeffery; Bhagwat, Vinay; Juneja, Jasbir

2005-05-01

III-V antimonide based devices suffer from leakage currents. Surface passivation and subsequent capping of the surfaces are absolutely essential for any practical applicability of antimonide based devices. The quest for a suitable surface passivation technology is still on. In this paper, we will present some of the promising recent developments in this area based on dry etching of GaSb based homojunction photodiodes structures followed by various passivation and capping schemes. We have developed a damage-free, universal dry etching recipe based on unique ratios of Cl2/BCl3/CH4/Ar/H2 in ECR plasma. This novel dry plasma process etches all III-V compounds at different rates with minimal damage to the side walls. In GaSb based photodiodes, an order of magnitude lower leakage current, improved ideality factor and higher responsivity has been demonstrated using this recipe compared to widely used Cl2/Ar and wet chemical etch recipes. The dynamic zero bias resistance-area product of the Cl2/BCl3/CH4/Ar/H2 etched diodes (830 Ω cm2) is higher than the Cl2/Ar (300 Ω cm2) and wet etched (330 Ω cm2) diodes. Ammonium sulfide has been known to passivate surfaces of III-V compounds. In GaSb photodiodes, the leakage current density reduces by a factor of 3 upon sulfur passivation using ammonium sulfide. However, device performance degrades over a period of time in the absence of any capping or protective layer. Silicon Nitride has been used as a cap layer by various researchers. We have found that by using silicon nitride caps, the devices exhibit higher leakage than unpassivated devices probably due to plasma damage during SiNx deposition. We have experimented with various polymers for capping material. It has been observed that ammonium sulfide passivation when combined with parylene capping layer (150 Å), devices retain their improved performance for over 4 months.

Transport properties of nanocomposite and its simulation with L-R-C circuit

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

Gangopadhyay, Arnab, E-mail: agangulyphysics@gmail.com; Sarkar, Aditi, E-mail: agangulyphysics@gmail.com; Sarkar, A., E-mail: agangulyphysics@gmail.com

2014-04-24

The nano particles are represented in this communication by L-R-C equivalent circuit. The dc current voltage characteristics (CVC) of the proposed circuit have simulated using Circuit-Maker ® 2000. Experimental investigation on ZnO nano-composite with capping material gum acacia shows similar CVC. NPs are represented by C-R combinations to manifest the Coulomb blockade effect of a quantum dot. The capping material is represented by an inductor along with a resistance in series. Nine NPs with capping matrix are simulated. The dc current voltage characteristics (CVC) and gross feature of polarization nature obtained by experiment and simulation study are consistent.

Method of forming an HTS article

DOEpatents

Bhattacharya, Raghu N.; Zhang, Xun; Selvamanickam, Venkat

2014-08-19

A method of forming a superconducting article includes providing a substrate tape, forming a superconducting layer overlying the substrate tape, and depositing a capping layer overlying the superconducting layer. The capping layer includes a noble metal and has a thickness not greater than about 1.0 micron. The method further includes electrodepositing a stabilizer layer overlying the capping layer using a solution that is non-reactive to the superconducting layer. The superconducting layer has an as-formed critical current I.sub.C(AF) and a post-stabilized critical current I.sub.C(PS). The I.sub.C(PS) is at least about 95% of the I.sub.C(AF).

Risk Factors for Drug-Resistant Cap in Immunocompetent Patients.

PubMed

Arancibia, Francisco; Ruiz, Mauricio

2017-03-01

The increase in drug-resistant community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is an important problem all over the world. This article explores the current state of antimicrobial resistance of different bacteria that cause CAP and also assesses risk factors to identify those pathogens. In the last two decades, it has been documented that there is a significant increase in drug-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae and other bacteria causing CAP. The most important risk factors are overuse of antibiotics, prior hospitalization, and lung comorbidities. The direct consequences can be severe, including prolonged stays in hospital, increased costs, and morbi-mortality. However, drug-resistant CAP declined after the introduction of the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine. This review found an increase in resistance to the antibiotics used in CAP, and the risk factor can be used for identifying patients with drug-resistant CAP and initiate appropriate treatment. Judicious use of antibiotics and the development of effective new vaccines are needed.

ACD16-0001-018

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-01-06

This Nissan LEAF vehicle being tested on the Ames campus is equipped with cameras, sensors and cellular data networking, and uses robotics software originally developed for Ames’ K-10 and K-REX planetary rovers to operate autonomously. Shown here are Kathy Sun and Liam Pedersen, Nissan who are awaiting the arrival of the visiting group from Renault-Nissan Alliance for a demo ride across Ames.

75 FR 16427 - Freshwater Crawfish Tail Meat From the People's Republic of China: Notice of Decision of the...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-04-01

... Meat From the People's Republic of China: Notice of Decision of the Court of International Trade Not in... of the antidumping duty order on freshwater crawfish tail meat from the People's Republic of China... tail meat from the PRC. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jeff Pedersen or Howard Smith at (202) 482...

Child and adolescent psychiatry: which knowledge and skills do primary care physicians need to have? A survey in general practitioners and paediatricians.

PubMed

Lempp, Thomas; Heinzel-Gutenbrunner, Monika; Bachmann, Christian

2016-04-01

Primary care physicians (PCPs) play a key role in the initial assessment and management of children and adolescents with mental health problems. However, it is unclear whether current medical education curricula sufficiently equip PCPs for this task. The aim of this study was to investigate, which child and adolescent psychiatry (CAP)-related skills and knowledge PCPs say they require in their daily practice. A questionnaire was generated, employing a modified two-step Delphi approach. Besides socio-demographic items, the questionnaire contained 17 CAP-related knowledge items and 13 CAP-related skills items, which had to be rated by importance in daily practice. The questionnaire was distributed to 348 office-based paediatricians and 500 general practitioners (GPs) in Germany. The overall return rate was 51.3% (435/848). Regarding CAP-related knowledge, both paediatricians and GPs rated somatoform disorders and obesity as highly important for daily practice. Moreover, paediatricians also deemed regulatory disorders during infancy (e.g. crying, sleep disorders) as important, while GPs assessed knowledge on paediatric depression as relevant. For paediatricians and GPs, the most relevant CAP-related skills were communicating with children and adolescents and their parents. Additionally, paediatricians rated differentiating between non-pathologic and clinically relevant behaviour problems very relevant, while GPs considered basic psychotherapeutic skills essential. The CAP-related knowledge and skills perceived relevant for doctors in primary care differ from the majority of current medical school CAP curricula, which cover mainly typical, epitomic CAP disorders and are predominantly knowledge-oriented. Therefore, medical education in CAP should be amended to reflect the needs of PCPs to improve healthcare for children and adolescents with mental health problems.

Simulation, Analysis, and Design of the Princeton Adaptable Stellarator for Education and Outreach (PASEO)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carlson, Jared; Dominguez, Arturo; N/A Collaboration

2017-10-01

The PPPL Science Education Department, in collaboration with IPP, is currently developing a versatile small scale Stellarator for education and outreach purposes. The Princeton Adaptable Stellarator for Education and Outreach (PASEO) will provide visual demonstrations of Stellarator physics and serve as a lab platform for undergraduate and graduate students. Based off the Columbia Non-Neutral Torus (CNT) (1), and mini-CNTs (2), PASEO will create pure electron plasmas to study magnetic surfaces. PASEO uses similar geometries to these, but has an adjustable coil configuration to increase its versatility and conform to a highly visible vacuum chamber geometry. To simulate the magnetic surfaces in these new configurations, a MATALB code utilizing the Biot Savart law and a Fourth Order Runge-Kutta method was developed, leading to new optimal current ratios. The design for PASEO and its predicted plasma confinement are presented. (1) T.S. Pedersen et al., Fusion Science and Technology Vol. 46 July 2004 (2) C. Dugan, et al., American Physical Society; 48th Annual Meeting of the Division of Plasma Physics, October 30-November 3, 2006

Improving the Ionospheric Auroral Conductance in a Global Ring Current Model and the Effects on the Ionospheric Electrodynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Y.; Jordanova, V. K.; McGranaghan, R. M.; Solomon, S. C.

2017-12-01

The ionospheric conductance, height-integrated electric conductivity, can regulate both the ionospheric electrodynamics and the magnetospheric dynamics because of its key role in determining the electric field within the coupled magnetosphere-ionosphere system. State-of-the-art global magnetosphere models commonly adopt empirical conductance calculators to obtain the auroral conductance. Such specification can bypass the complexity of the ionosphere-thermosphere chemistry but on the other hand breaks the self-consistent link within the coupled system. In this study, we couple a kinetic ring current model RAM-SCB-E that solves for anisotropic particle distributions with a two-stream electron transport code (GLOW) to more self-consistently compute the height-dependent electric conductivity, provided the auroral electron precipitation from the ring current model. Comparisons with the traditional empirical formula are carried out. It is found that the newly coupled modeling framework reveals smaller Hall and Pedersen conductance, resulting in a larger electric field. As a consequence, the subauroral polarization streams demonstrate a better agreement with observations from DMSP satellites. It is further found that the commonly assumed Maxwellian spectrum of the particle precipitation is not globally appropriate. Instead, a full precipitation spectrum resulted from wave particle interactions in the ring current accounts for a more comprehensive precipitation spectrum.

Controlling plasma stimulated media in cancer treatment application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yan, Dayun; Sherman, Jonathan H.; Cheng, Xiaoqian; Ratovitski, Edward; Canady, Jerome; Keidar, Michael

2014-12-01

Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) constitutes a "cocktail" of various reactive species. Accumulating evidence shows the effectiveness of CAP in killing cancer cells and decreasing the tumor size, which provides a solid basis for its potential use in cancer treatment. Currently, CAP is mainly used to directly treat cancer cells and trigger the death of cancer cells via apoptosis or necrosis. By altering the concentration of fetal bovine serum in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium and the temperature to store CAP stimulated media, we demonstrated controllable strategies to harness the stimulated media to kill glioblastoma cells in vitro. This study demonstrated the significant role of media in killing cancer cells via the CAP treatment.

Polar Cap and Polar Cap Boundary Phenomena

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-06-25

of the high-latitude ionospheric plasma. Incoherent scatter radar and radio tomography measurements were used to directly observe the remnants of...On the relationship between thin Birkeland current arcs and reversed flow channels in the winter cusp/cleft ionosphere Moen J., Y. Rinne, H...current arcs in the winter cusp ionosphere above Svalbard. An RFE is a longitudinally elongated, 100–200 km wide channel, in which the flow direction is

Overexpression of adenylate cyclase-associated protein 2 is a novel prognostic marker in malignant melanoma.

PubMed

Masugi, Yohei; Tanese, Keiji; Emoto, Katsura; Yamazaki, Ken; Effendi, Kathryn; Funakoshi, Takeru; Mori, Mariko; Sakamoto, Michiie

2015-12-01

Malignant melanoma is one of the lethal malignant tumors worldwide. Previously we reported that adenylate cyclase-associated protein 2 (CAP2), which is a well-conserved actin regulator, was overexpressed in hepatocellular carcinoma; however, CAP2 expression in other clinical cancers remains unclear. The aim of the current study was to clarify the clinicopathological significance of CAP2 overexpression in malignant melanoma. Immunohistochemical analyses revealed that many melanoma cells exhibited diffuse cytoplasmic expression of CAP2, whereas no normal melanocytes showed detectable immunostaining for CAP2. A high level of CAP2 expression was seen in 14 of 50 melanomas and was significantly correlated with greater tumor thickness and nodular melanoma subtypes. In addition, a high level of CAP2 expression was associated with poor overall survival in univariate and multivariate analyses. For 13 patients, samples of primary and metastatic melanoma tissue were available: four patients exhibited higher levels of CAP2 expression in metastatic tumor compared to the primary site, whereas no patient showed lower levels of CAP2 expression in metastatic melanomas. Our findings show that CAP2 overexpression is a novel prognostic marker in malignant melanoma and that CAP2 expression seems to increase stepwise during tumor progression, suggesting the involvement of CAP2 in the aggressive behavior of malignant melanoma. © 2015 Japanese Society of Pathology and Wiley Publishing Asia Pty Ltd.

KSC-04pd0965

NASA Image and Video Library

2004-04-28

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers in the Orbiter Processing Facility remove Ground Support Equipment used to install Discovery’s nose cap on Friday. The nose cap had been removed from the vehicle in the summer of 2003 and returned to the vendor, where it underwent numerous forms of Non-Destructive Evaluation. These tests included X-ray, ultrasound and eddy current to ensure its structural integrity prior to installation on the vehicle. The nose cap was also recoated. Once returned to KSC, new Thermal Protection System blankets were assembled inside of the nose cap and thermography was performed prior to installation on the orbiter.

KSC-04pd0964

NASA Image and Video Library

2004-04-28

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers in the Orbiter Processing Facility get ready to remove Ground Support Equipment used to install Discovery’s nose cap on Friday. The nose cap had been removed from the vehicle in the summer of 2003 and returned to the vendor, where it underwent numerous forms of Non-Destructive Evaluation. These tests included X-ray, ultrasound and eddy current to ensure its structural integrity prior to installation on the vehicle. The nose cap was also recoated. Once returned to KSC, new Thermal Protection System blankets were assembled inside of the nose cap and thermography was performed prior to installation on the orbiter.

Effects of Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) Oleocanthal and Oleacein Content on Platelet Reactivity in Healthy Adults

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Effects of Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) Oleocanthal and Oleacein Content on Platelet Reactivity in Healthy Adults. Roberta R Holt1, Karan Agarwal1, Xuequi Li2, Eleni Melliou3, Theresa Pedersen1, Selina Wang2, Dan Flynn2, Prokopios Magiatis3, John W Newman1,4 1Department of Nutrition, and 2UC Davis ...

Acquisition and Retention of Team Coordination in Command-and-Control

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-07-01

Pedersen Jennifer Winner Jasmine Duran Amanda Taylor Polemnia G. Amazeen Dee H. Andrews Leah Rowe Cognitive Engineering Research Institute 5810 S...Winner, Jasmine Duran, Amanda Taylor, Polemnia G. Amazeen, Dee H. Andrews, and Leah Rowe 5f. WORK UNIT NUMBER 1123AM02 7. PERFORMING...Psychology, ASU Polytechnic Consultant Nia Amazeen, Ph.D. Associate Professor, Psychology, ASU Graduate Students Jasmine Duran, CERI & ASU Jamie C

Quantification of Transient Changes of Thermospheric Neutral Density

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-11-24

Pedersen conductivity at high latitudes. Based on Constellation Observing System for Meteorology, Ionosphere, and Climate (COSMIC) satellites...the model. The seasonal variations of the ratio have been investigated for both hemispheres, and an interhemispheric asymmetry has been identified...Satellite Program (DMSP) F- 15, F-16, F-17 and F-18 satellites and the Iridium satellite constellation is presented, using an inverse procedure for high

Socially Relevant Knowledge Based Telemedicine

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-10-01

provide, they have potential to change behavior and/or attitude at different situations and different circumstances. Fogg mentions that there are many...appropriate way to persuade users to perform various activities. Fogg [8] defines persuasive technologies as “interactive computing systems designed to...2009, pp 54-63. [8] Fogg , B. J., Persuasive Technology: Using computers to change what we think and do, 2003, Morgan Kaufman. [9] Pedersen, P

Query Expansion for Noisy Legal Documents

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-11-01

9] G. Salton (ed). The SMART retrieval system experiments in automatic document processing. 1971. [10] H. Schutze and J . Pedersen. A cooccurrence...Language Modeling and Information Retrieval. http://www.lemurproject.org. [2] J . Baron, D. Lewis, and D. Oard. TREC 2006 legal track overview. In...Retrieval, 1993. [8] J . Rocchio. Relevance feedback in information retrieval. In The SMART retrieval system experiments in automatic document processing, 1971

All-aromatic biphenylene end-capped polyquinoline and polyimide matrix resins

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Droske, J. P.; Stille, J. K.; Alston, W. B.

1985-01-01

Biphenylene end-capped polyquinoline and polyimide resins afford low void content graphite-reinforced composites with good initial properties. However, with both resins, rapid degradation occurs during oxidative isothermal aging at elevated temperatures. The degradation is not observed during isothermal aging under a nitrogen atmosphere which suggests that the biphenylene end-cap (or the resulting crosslink/chain extension structures) is not particularly thermooxidatively stable. The nature of the thermooxidative instability is currently under investigation.

Status of Net Metering: Assessing the Potential to Reach Program Caps

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

Heeter, J.; Gelman, R.; Bird, L.

2014-09-01

Several states are addressing the issue of net metering program caps, which limit the total amount of net metered generating capacity that can be installed in a state or utility service territory. In this analysis, we examine net metering caps to gain perspective on how long net metering will be available in various jurisdictions under current policies. We also surveyed state practices and experience to understand important policy design considerations.

Year-to-year instability of the Mars south polar cap

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jakosky, Bruce M.; Haberle, Robert M.

1990-01-01

Models of the Mars polar cap energy balance suggest that the south cap has two possible configurations at the current epoch. It can be covered all year by CO2 frost, as was observed by the Viking spacecraft, or the CO2 frost can disappear at midsummer to expose an underlying surface. The difference between the two states depends on the role of energy conducted into the subsurface. If the cap was exposed the previous year, conducted energy will cause less CO2 frost to condense in winter, and the frost will disappear completely in summer. If the cap was covered the previous year, there will be no conducted energy, and it will stay covered again. Subtle effects in the atmosphere can perturb the cap energy balance sufficiently to cause the cap to jump between states. This behavior might provide an explanation for the large southern summer water vapor abundances observed in 1969. It also explains the observed differences between the north and the south residual caps as resulting in part from a difference in the role in the annual energy balance of energy conducted into the subsurface.

The projected demise of Barnes Ice Cap: Evidence of an unusually warm 21st century Arctic

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gilbert, A.; Flowers, G. E.; Miller, G. H.; Refsnider, K. A.; Young, N. E.; Radić, V.

2017-03-01

As a remnant of the Laurentide Ice Sheet, Barnes Ice Cap owes its existence and present form in part to the climate of the last glacial period. The ice cap has been sustained in the present interglacial climate by its own topography through the mass balance-elevation feedback. A coupled mass balance and ice-flow model, forced by Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 climate model output, projects that the current ice cap will likely disappear in the next 300 years. For greenhouse gas Representative Concentration Pathways of +2.6 to +8.5 Wm-2, the projected ice-cap survival times range from 150 to 530 years. Measured concentrations of cosmogenic radionuclides 10Be, 26Al, and 14C at sites exposed near the ice-cap margin suggest the pending disappearance of Barnes Ice Cap is very unusual in the last million years. The data and models together point to an exceptionally warm 21st century Arctic climate.

Ge-cap quantum-well bulk FinFET for 5 nm node CMOS integration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dwi Kurniawan, Erry; Peng, Kang-Hui; Yang, Shang-Yi; Yang, Yi-Yun; Thirunavukkarasu, Vasanthan; Lin, Yu-Hsien; Wu, Yung-Chun

2018-04-01

We propose the use of Ge-cap quantum-well (QW) bulk FinFET for 5 nm CMOS integration, which is a Si channel wrapped with Ge around three sides of the fin channel. The simulation results show that the Ge-cap FinFET structure demonstrates better performance than pure Si, pure Ge, and Si-cap FinFET structures. By optimizing Si fin width and Ge-cap thickness, the on-state current of nFET and pFET can also be symmetric without changing the total fin width (F Wp = F Wn). The electrons in Ge-cap nFinFET concentrate in the Si channel because of QWs formed in the lowest conduction band of the Ge and Si heterostructure, while the holes in Ge-cap pFinFET prefer to stay in Ge surfaces owing to QWs formed in the Ge valence band. The physics studies of this device have made the design rules relevant for the application of the CMOS inverter and static random access memory (SRAM) application technology.

Performance Analysis of GaN Capping Layer Thickness on GaN/AlGaN/GaN High Electron Mobility Transistors.

PubMed

Sharma, N; Periasamy, C; Chaturvedi, N

2018-07-01

In this paper, we present an investigation of the impact of GaN capping layer and AlGaN layer thickness on the two-dimensional (2D)-electron mobility and the carrier concentration which was formed close to the AlGaN/GaN buffer layer for Al0.25Ga0.75N/GaN and GaN/Al0.25Ga0.75N/GaN heterostructures deposited on sapphire substrates. The results of our analysis clearly indicate that expanding the GaN capping layer thickness from 1 nm to 100 nm prompts an increment in the electron concentration at hetero interface. As consequence of which drain current was additionally increments with GaN cap layer thicknesses, and eventually saturates at approximately 1.85 A/mm for capping layer thickness greater than 40 nm. Interestingly, for the same structure, the 2D-electron mobility, decrease monotonically with GaN capping layer thickness, and saturate at approximately 830 cm2/Vs for capping layer thickness greater than 50 nm. A device with a GaN cap layer didn't exhibit gate leakage current. Furthermore, it was observed that the carrier concentration was first decrease 1.03 × 1019/cm3 to 6.65 × 1018/cm3 with AlGaN Layer thickness from 5 to 10 nm and after that it increases with the AlGaN layer thickness from 10 to 30 nm. The same trend was followed for electric field distributions. Electron mobility decreases monotonically with AlGaN layer thickness. Highest electron mobility 1354 cm2/Vs were recorded for the AlGaN layer thickness of 5 nm. Results obtained are in good agreement with published experimental data.

The role of calcium in the desensitization of capsaicin responses in rat dorsal root ganglion neurons.

PubMed

Koplas, P A; Rosenberg, R L; Oxford, G S

1997-05-15

Capsaicin (Cap) is a pungent extract of the Capsicum pepper family, which activates nociceptive primary sensory neurons. Inward current and membrane potential responses of cultured neonatal rat dorsal root ganglion neurons to capsaicin were examined using whole-cell and perforated patch recording methods. The responses exhibited strong desensitization operationally classified as acute (diminished response during constant Cap exposure) and tachyphylaxis (diminished response to successive applications of Cap). Both acute desensitization and tachyphylaxis were greatly diminished by reductions in external Ca2+ concentration. Furthermore, chelation of intracellular Ca2+ by addition of either EGTA or bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetra-acetic acid to the patch pipette attenuated both forms of desensitization even in normal Ca2+. Release of intracellular Ca2+ by caffeine triggered acute desensitization in the absence of extracellular Ca2+, and barium was found to effectively substitute for calcium in supporting desensitization. Cap activated inward current at an ED50 of 728 nM, exhibiting cooperativity (Hill coefficient, 2.2); however, both forms of desensitization were only weakly dependent on [Cap], suggesting a dissociation between activation of Cap-sensitive channels and desensitization. Removal of ATP and GTP from the intracellular solutions resulted in nearly complete tachyphylaxis even with intracellular Ca2+ buffered to low levels, whereas changes in nucleotide levels did not significantly alter the acute form of desensitization. These data suggest a key role for intracellular Ca2+ in desensitization of Cap responses, perhaps through Ca2+-dependent dephosphorylation at a locus that normally sustains Cap responsiveness via ATP-dependent phosphorylation. It also seems that the signaling mechanisms underlying the two forms of desensitization are not identical in detail.

Behavior of Pile to Bent Cap Connections Subjected to Seismic Forces

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2012-06-01

Currently the South Carolina Department of Transportation employs a detail of a plain pile embedment for the : connection between precast prestressed piles and cast-in-place bent caps. This connection has proved beneficial in terms : of time and cost...

Novel interactions of CAPS (Ca2+-dependent activator protein for secretion) with the three neuronal SNARE proteins required for vesicle fusion.

PubMed

Daily, Neil J; Boswell, Kristin L; James, Declan J; Martin, Thomas F J

2010-11-12

CAPS (aka CADPS) is required for optimal vesicle exocytosis in neurons and endocrine cells where it functions to prime the exocytic machinery for Ca(2+)-triggered fusion. Fusion is mediated by trans complexes of the SNARE proteins VAMP-2, syntaxin-1, and SNAP-25 that bridge vesicle and plasma membrane. CAPS promotes SNARE complex formation on liposomes, but the SNARE binding properties of CAPS are unknown. The current work revealed that CAPS exhibits high affinity binding to syntaxin-1 and SNAP-25 and moderate affinity binding to VAMP-2. CAPS binding is specific for a subset of exocytic SNARE protein isoforms and requires membrane integration of the SNARE proteins. SNARE protein binding by CAPS is novel and mediated by interactions with the SNARE motifs in the three proteins. The C-terminal site for CAPS binding on syntaxin-1 does not overlap the Munc18-1 binding site and both proteins can co-reside on membrane-integrated syntaxin-1. As expected for a C-terminal binding site on syntaxin-1, CAPS stimulates SNARE-dependent liposome fusion with N-terminal truncated syntaxin-1 but exhibits impaired activity with C-terminal syntaxin-1 mutants. Overall the results suggest that SNARE complex formation promoted by CAPS may be mediated by direct interactions of CAPS with each of the three SNARE proteins required for vesicle exocytosis.

Novel Interactions of CAPS (Ca2+-dependent Activator Protein for Secretion) with the Three Neuronal SNARE Proteins Required for Vesicle Fusion*

PubMed Central

Daily, Neil J.; Boswell, Kristin L.; James, Declan J.; Martin, Thomas F. J.

2010-01-01

CAPS (aka CADPS) is required for optimal vesicle exocytosis in neurons and endocrine cells where it functions to prime the exocytic machinery for Ca2+-triggered fusion. Fusion is mediated by trans complexes of the SNARE proteins VAMP-2, syntaxin-1, and SNAP-25 that bridge vesicle and plasma membrane. CAPS promotes SNARE complex formation on liposomes, but the SNARE binding properties of CAPS are unknown. The current work revealed that CAPS exhibits high affinity binding to syntaxin-1 and SNAP-25 and moderate affinity binding to VAMP-2. CAPS binding is specific for a subset of exocytic SNARE protein isoforms and requires membrane integration of the SNARE proteins. SNARE protein binding by CAPS is novel and mediated by interactions with the SNARE motifs in the three proteins. The C-terminal site for CAPS binding on syntaxin-1 does not overlap the Munc18-1 binding site and both proteins can co-reside on membrane-integrated syntaxin-1. As expected for a C-terminal binding site on syntaxin-1, CAPS stimulates SNARE-dependent liposome fusion with N-terminal truncated syntaxin-1 but exhibits impaired activity with C-terminal syntaxin-1 mutants. Overall the results suggest that SNARE complex formation promoted by CAPS may be mediated by direct interactions of CAPS with each of the three SNARE proteins required for vesicle exocytosis. PMID:20826818

Survey of Enabling Technologies for CAPS

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Antol, Jeffrey; Mazanek, Daniel D.; Koons, Robert H.

2005-01-01

The enabling technologies required for the development of a viable Comet/Asteroid Protection System (CAPS) can be divided into two principal areas: detection and deflection/orbit modification. With the proper funding levels, many of the technologies needed to support a CAPS architecture could be achievable within the next 15 to 20 years. In fact, many advanced detection technologies are currently in development for future in-space telescope systems such as the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), formerly known as the Next Generation Space Telescope. It is anticipated that many of the JWST technologies would be available for application for CAPS detection concepts. Deflection/orbit modification technologies are also currently being studied as part of advanced power and propulsion research. However, many of these technologies, such as extremely high-output power systems, advanced propulsion, heat rejection, and directed energy systems, would likely be farther term in availability than many of the detection technologies. Discussed subsequently is a preliminary examination of the main technologies that have been identified as being essential to providing the element functionality defined during the CAPS conceptual study. The detailed requirements for many of the technology areas are still unknown, and many additional technologies will be identified as future in-depth studies are conducted in this area.

Polar Cap Plasma and Convection

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Elliott, Heather A.; Craven, Paul D.; Comfort, Richard H.; Chandler, Michael O.; Moore, Thomas E.; Ruohoniemi, J. M.

1998-01-01

This presentation will describe the character of the polar cap plasma in 10% AGU Spring 1998 particular the convection velocities at the perigee (about 1.8 Re) and apogee( about 8.9 Re) of Polar in relationship to Interplanetary Magnetic Field (IMF) and solar wind parameters. This plasma is thought to be due to several sources; the polar wind, cleft ion fountain, and auroral outflow. The plasma in the polar cap tends to be mostly field-aligned. At any given point in the polar cap, this plasma could be from a different regions since convection of magnetic field lines can transport this material. it is quite difficult to study such a phenomena with single point measurements. Current knowledge of the polar cap plasma obtained by in situ measurements will be presented along with recent results from the Polar mission. This study also examines the direct electrical coupling between the magnetosphere and ionosphere by comparing convection velocities measured by the Thermal Ion Dynamics Experiment (TIDE) and Magnetic Field Experiment (MFE) instruments in magnetosphere and measurements of the ionosphere by ground-based radars. At times such a comparison is difficult because the Polar satellite at apogee spends a large amount of time in the polar cap which is a region that is not coverage well by the current SuperDam coherent radars. This is impart due to the lack of irregularities that returns the radar signal.

Animation control of surface motion capture.

PubMed

Tejera, Margara; Casas, Dan; Hilton, Adrian

2013-12-01

Surface motion capture (SurfCap) of actor performance from multiple view video provides reconstruction of the natural nonrigid deformation of skin and clothing. This paper introduces techniques for interactive animation control of SurfCap sequences which allow the flexibility in editing and interactive manipulation associated with existing tools for animation from skeletal motion capture (MoCap). Laplacian mesh editing is extended using a basis model learned from SurfCap sequences to constrain the surface shape to reproduce natural deformation. Three novel approaches for animation control of SurfCap sequences, which exploit the constrained Laplacian mesh editing, are introduced: 1) space–time editing for interactive sequence manipulation; 2) skeleton-driven animation to achieve natural nonrigid surface deformation; and 3) hybrid combination of skeletal MoCap driven and SurfCap sequence to extend the range of movement. These approaches are combined with high-level parametric control of SurfCap sequences in a hybrid surface and skeleton-driven animation control framework to achieve natural surface deformation with an extended range of movement by exploiting existing MoCap archives. Evaluation of each approach and the integrated animation framework are presented on real SurfCap sequences for actors performing multiple motions with a variety of clothing styles. Results demonstrate that these techniques enable flexible control for interactive animation with the natural nonrigid surface dynamics of the captured performance and provide a powerful tool to extend current SurfCap databases by incorporating new motions from MoCap sequences.

[Current status of diagnosis and treatment of community-acquired pneumonia in Shanghai revealed by a questionnaire analysis].

PubMed

Liu, J; Zhang, J; Cheng, Q J; Xu, J F; Jie, Z J; Jiao, Y; Huang, Y; Qu, J M

2018-04-12

Objective: To understand the current status of diagnosis and treatment of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) among doctors in various hospitals across Shanghai, for the purpose of promoting the 2016 clinical practice guidelines for adult CAP of China. Methods: A questionnaire was designed to address the common questions in CAP management. The responses were collected via WeChat and the data were analyzed. Results: A total of 1 254 valid questionnaires were received, 46.1% from tertiary , 26.4% from secondary and 27.5% from primary care hospitals. Of these valid respondents, 31.4% were respiratory physicians and 68.6% from non-respiratory physicians. When diagnosing CAP, 78.1% of the doctors would use chest CT in more than 50% of the patients. Regarding the tools for evaluating the severity of CAP, 60.3% of the respondents would prefer CURB-65. "Respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation and septic shock" were the most common criteria for admission to ICU. Blood culture was not widely used in severe CAP regardless of the level of hospitals ( P >0.05). The results of this survey showed that the top 5 pathogenic microorganisms of CAP were Streptococcus pneumoniae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenza and Chlamydia pneumoniae. For non-severe CAP patients, all the doctors tended to select monotherapy. The most frequently used antimicrobial regimen for severe CAP was third- or fourth-generation cephalosporin monotherapy. As for combination therapy, the most frequently used regimen in tertiary hospitals was "carbapenem plus vancomycin" , while in primary and secondary hospitals it was "β-lactams plus macrolides" . More doctors from primary hospitals and non-respiratory medicine would consider "complete resolution of pulmonary opacity" as the indication to discontinue antimicrobial therapy or to discharge patients, and "prolonged high fever" , "large area consolidation" , "multiple lobe-segment involvement " as the indication for corticosteroid therapy. A significantly lower proportion of doctors in secondary and tertiary hospitals would recommend patients to receive vaccination than in primary hospitals ( P <0.05). Conclusions: This questionnaire study showed that there was a gap between the ideal and the real world practice in CAP management. Efforts should be made to popularize the 2016 CAP guideline in hospitals of any level of care, especially primary hospitals, for the purpose of further standardizing CAP management in China.

A Novel Anti-Beta2-Microglobulin Antibody Inhibition of Androgen Receptor Expression, Survival, and Progression in Prostate Cancer Cells

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-05-01

Chung, Uro -Oncology Research Program, Department ofMedicine, Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA... Los Angeles, CA 90048 REPORT DATE: May 2011 TYPE OF REPORT: Annual...1973;12(24):4811-22. 5. Pedersen LO , Hansen AS, Olsen AC, Gerwien J, Nissen MH, Buus S. The interaction between beta 2- microglobulin (beta 2m) and

A comparison of Holocene fluctuations of the eastern and western margins of the Greenland Ice Sheet

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Levy, L.; Kelly, M. A.; Lowell, T. V.; Hall, B. L.; Applegate, P. J.; Howley, J.; Axford, Y.

2013-12-01

Determining how the Greenland Ice Sheet (GrIS) responded to past temperature fluctuations is important for assessing its future stability in a changing climate. We present a record of the Holocene extents of the western GrIS margin near Kangerlussuaq (67.0°N, 50.7°W) and compare this with the past fluctuations of Bregne ice cap (71°N, 25.6° W), a small ice cap in the Scoresby Sund region 90 km from the eastern GrIS margin, to examine the mechanisms that influenced past ice margin fluctuations. The past extents of the Bregne ice cap are a proxy for the climatic conditions that influenced the nearby GrIS margin. We used glacial geomorphic mapping, 10Be dating of boulders and bedrock, and sediment cores from proglacial and non-glacial lakes. In western Greenland, 10Be ages on the Keglen moraines, 13 km west of the current GrIS margin and the Ørkendalen moraines, ≤2 km west of the current ice margin date to 7.3 × 0.1 ka (n=6) and 6.8 × 0.3 ka (n=9), respectively. Fresh moraines, ≤50 m from the current ice margin date to AD 1830-1950 and are likely associated with advances during the Little Ice Age (LIA). In some areas, the LIA moraines lie stratigraphically above the Ørkendalen moraines, indicating the GrIS was inboard of the Ørkendalen limit from 6.8 ka to the 20th century. In eastern Greenland, 10Be ages show that Bregne ice cap retreated within its late Holocene limit by 10.7 ka. A lack of clastic sediment in a proglacial lake suggests the ice cap was smaller or completely absent from ~10-2.6 ka. A snowline analysis indicates that temperatures ~0.5°C warmer than present would render the entire ice cap into an ablation zone. Glacial silts in the proglacial lake at ~2.6 and ~1.9 cal kyr BP to present indicate advances of Bregne ice cap. Fresh moraines ≤200 m of Bregne ice cap were deposited ≤2.6 cal kyr BP and mark the largest advance of the Holocene. Both the western GrIS margin and Bregne ice cap were influenced by Northern Hemisphere summer insolation during the Holocene. The western GrIS margin retreated significantly and Bregne ice cap likely disappeared during the warm early to middle Holocene. 10Be ages (10.7 ka) outboard of the late Holocene moraines at Bregne ice cap compared to those outside of the LIA moraines near Kangerlussuaq (6.8 ka) differ by ~4 kyr. This disparity in ages may have been caused by a large late Holocene advance in eastern Greenland, or perhaps the western GrIS margin retreated farther inland during the middle Holocene. Decreasing Northern Hemisphere summer insolation during the late Holocene, combined with a strong, cold East Greenland Current near Scoresby Sund may have influenced a significant ice cap advance. The temporal pattern of the responses of the eastern and western ice margins to Holocene climate changes may be indicative of how the GrIS will respond to future changes.

Viscosity Prediction for Petroleum Fluids Using Free Volume Theory and PC-SAFT

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khoshnamvand, Younes; Assareh, Mehdi

2018-04-01

In this study, free volume theory ( FVT) in combination with perturbed-chain statistical associating fluid theory is implemented for viscosity prediction of petroleum reservoir fluids containing ill-defined components such as cuts and plus fractions. FVT has three adjustable parameters for each component to calculate viscosity. These three parameters for petroleum cuts (especially plus fractions) are not available. In this work, these parameters are determined for different petroleum fractions. A model as a function of molecular weight and specific gravity is developed using 22 real reservoir fluid samples with API grades in the range of 22 to 45. Afterward, the proposed model accuracy in comparison with the accuracy of De la Porte et al. with reference to experimental data is presented. The presented model is used for six real samples in an evaluation step, and the results are compared with available experimental data and the method of De la Porte et al. Finally, the method of Lohrenz et al. and the method of Pedersen et al. as two common industrial methods for viscosity calculation are compared with the proposed approach. The absolute average deviation was 9.7 % for free volume theory method, 15.4 % for Lohrenz et al., and 22.16 for Pedersen et al.

Increased Severity and Mortality of CAP in COPD: Results from the German Competence Network, CAPNETZ

PubMed Central

Braeken, Dionne C.W.; Franssen, Frits M.E.; Schütte, Hartwig; Pletz, Mathias W.; Bals, Robert; Martus, Peter; Rohde, Gernot G.U.

2015-01-01

Background:Mortality of community acquired pneumonia (CAP) remains high despite significant research efforts. Knowledge about comorbidities including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) might help to improve management and ultimately, survival. The impact of COPD on CAP severity and mortality remains a point of discussion. Objectives:Assess the prevalence and clinical characteristics of COPD in the observational German Competence Network for CAP, CAPNETZ, and to study the impact of COPD on CAP severity and mortality. Methods:1307 consecutive patients with CAP (57.0% males, age 59.0±18.5), classified as CAP-only (n=1043; 78.0%) and CAP-COPD (n=264; 20.2%) were followed up for 180 days. Associations between CAP, COPD and mortality were evaluated by univariate/multivariate and Kaplan-Meier survival analyses. Results:CAP-COPD patients were older, more often males, current/former smokers, with higher confusion-urea-respiratory rate-blood pressure, (CURB) scores. Length of hospital stay, urea, glucose and leucocytes plasma levels, and arterial carbon dioxide tension (PaCO2) were significantly increased in CAP-COPD. Thirty, 90- and 180-day mortality rates were significantly increased in CAP-COPD (p=0.046, odds ratio [OR]=2.48, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.015-6.037; p=0.003, OR=2.80, 95%CI 1.430-5.468; p=0.001, OR=2.57, 95%CI 1.462-4.498; respectively). Intensive care unit (ICU)-admission and age, but not COPD, were identified as independent predictors of short- and long-term mortality. Conclusion:Severity as well as mortality was significantly higher in COPD patients with CAP. To improve CAP management with the aim to decrease its still-too-high mortality, underlying comorbidities, particularly COPD, need to be assessed. PMID:28848837

The Mars water cycle at other epochs: Recent history of the polar caps and layered terrain

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jakosky, Bruce M.; Henderson, Bradley G.; Mellon, Michael T.

1992-01-01

The Martian polar caps and layered terrain presumably evolves by the deposition and removal of small amounts of water and dust each year, the current cap attributes therefore represent the incremental transport during a single year as integrated over long periods of time. The role was studied of condensation and sublimation of water ice in this process by examining the seasonal water cycle during the last 10(exp 7) yr. In the model, axial obliquity, eccentricity, and L sub s of perihelion vary according to dynamical models. At each epoch, the seasonal variations in temperature are calculated at the two poles, keeping track of the seasonal CO2 cap and the summertime sublimation of water vapor into the atmosphere; net exchange of water between the two caps is calculated based on the difference in the summertime sublimation between the two caps (or on the sublimation from one cap if the other is covered with CO2 frost all year). Results from the model can help to explain (1) the apparent inconsistency between the timescales inferred for layer formation and the much older crater retention age of the cap and (2) the difference in sizes of the two residual caps, with the south being smaller than the north.

Integrin activation by a cold atmospheric plasma jet

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Volotskova, Olga; Stepp, Mary Ann; Keidar, Michael

2012-05-01

Current breakthrough research on cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) demonstrates that CAP has great potential in various areas, including medicine and biology, thus providing a new tool for living tissue treatment. In this paper, we explore potential mechanisms by which CAP alters cell migration and influences cell adhesion. We focus on the study of CAP interaction with fibroblasts and corneal epithelial cells. The data show that fibroblasts and corneal epithelial cells have different thresholds (treatment times) required to achieve maximum inhibition of cell migration. Both cell types reduced their migration rates by ˜30-40% after CAP compared to control cells. Also, the impact of CAP treatment on cell migration and persistence of fibroblasts after integrin activation by MnCl2, serum starvation or replating cells onto surfaces coated with integrin ligands is assessed; the results show that activation by MnCl2 or starvation attenuates cells’ responses to plasma. Studies carried out to assess the impact of CAP treatment on the activation state of β1 integrin and focal adhesion size by using immunofluorescence show that fibroblasts have more active β1 integrin on their surface and large focal adhesions after CAP treatment. Based on these data, a thermodynamic model is presented to explain how CAP leads to integrin activation and focal adhesion assembly.

Towards Onboard Orbital Tracking of Seasonal Polar Volatiles on Mars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wagstaff, Kiri L.; Castano, Rebecca; Chien, Steve; Ivanov, anton B.; Titus, Timothy N.

2005-01-01

Current conditions on Mars support both a residual polar cap, composed mainly of water ice, and a seasonal cap, composed of CO2, which appears and disappears each winter. Kieffer and Titus characterized the recession of the seasonal south polar cap using an arctangent curve fit based on data from the Thermal Emission Spectrometer on Mars Global Surveyor [1]. They also found significant interannual deviations, at the regional scale, in the recession rate [2]. Further observations will enable the refinement of our models of polar cap evolution in both hemispheres. We have developed the Bimodal Image Temperature (BIT) Histogram Analysis method for the automated detection and tracking of the seasonal polar ice caps on Mars. It is specifically tailored for possible use onboard a spacecraft. We have evaluated BIT on uncalibrated data collected by the Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS) instrument [3] on the Mars Odyssey spacecraft. In this paper, we focus on the northern seasonal cap, but our approach is directly applicable to the future analysis of the southern seasonal ice cap as well.

The effect of polar caps on obliquity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lindner, B. L.

1993-01-01

Rubincam has shown that the Martian obliquity is dependent on the seasonal polar caps. In particular, Rubincam analytically derived this dependence and showed that the change in obliquity is directly proportional to the seasonal polar cap mass. Rubincam concludes that seasonal friction does not appear to have changed Mars' climate significantly. Using a computer model for the evolution of the Martian atmosphere, Haberle et al. have made a convincing case for the possibility of huge polar caps, about 10 times the mass of the current polar caps, that exist for a significant fraction of the planet's history. Since Rubincam showed that the effect of seasonal friction on obliquity is directly proportional to polar cap mass, a scenario with a ten-fold increase in polar cap mass over a significant fraction of the planet's history would result in a secular increase in Mars' obliquity of perhaps 10 degrees. Hence, the Rubincam conclusion of an insignificant contribution to Mars' climate by seasonal friction may be incorrect. Furthermore, if seasonal friction is an important consideration in the obliquity of Mars, this would significantly alter the predictions of past obliquity.

Politicising Curriculum Implementation: The Case of Primary Schools

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Molapo, Moyahabo Rodgers; Pillay, Venitha

2018-01-01

Since 2012, the Curriculum Assessment Policy Statements (CAPS) comprise the new National Curriculum Statement currently implemented in South African schools. CAPS encapsulates a series of radical curriculum changes since the dawn of a new democratic dispensation in 1994. This study aims to understand how Grade Three educators in Limpopo, South…

Global characteristics of auroral Hall currents derived from the Swarm constellation: dependences on season and IMF orientation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Tao; Lühr, Hermann; Wang, Hui

2017-11-01

On the basis of field-aligned currents (FACs) and Hall currents derived from high-resolution magnetic field data of the Swarm constellation, the average characteristics of these two current systems in the auroral regions are comprehensively investigated by statistical methods. This is the first study considering both current types determined simultaneously by the same spacecraft in both hemispheres. The FAC distribution, derived from the novel Swarm dual-spacecraft approach, reveals the well-known features of Region 1 (R1) and Region 2 (R2) FACs. At high latitudes, Region 0 (R0) FACs appear on the dayside. Their flow direction, up or down, depends on the orientation of the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) By component. Of particular interest is the distribution of auroral Hall currents. The prominent auroral electrojets are found to be closely controlled by the solar wind input, but we find no dependence of their intensity on the IMF By orientation. The eastward electrojet is about 1.5 times stronger in local summer than in winter. Conversely, the westward electrojet shows less dependence on season. As to higher latitudes, part of the electrojet current is closed over the polar cap. Here the seasonal variation of conductivity mainly controls the current density. During local summer of the Northern Hemisphere, there is a clear channeling of return currents over the polar cap. For positive (negative) IMF By a dominant eastward (westward) Hall current circuit is formed from the afternoon (morning) electrojet towards the dawn side (dusk side) polar cap return current. The direction of polar cap Hall currents in the noon sector depends directly on the orientation of the IMF By. This is true for both signs of the IMF Bz component. Comparable Hall current distributions can be observed in the Southern Hemisphere but for opposite IMF By signs. Around the midnight sector the westward substorm electrojet is dominating. As expected, it is highly dependent on magnetic activity, but it shows only little response to season and IMF By polarity. An important finding is that all the IMF By dependences of FACs and Hall currents practically disappear in the dark winter hemisphere.

Effect of inhibitors of auxin transport and of calmodulin on a gravisensing-dependent current in maize roots

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bjorkman, T.; Leopold, A. C.

1987-01-01

Some characteristics of the gravity sensing mechanism in maize root caps were investigated using a bioelectric current as an indicator of gravity sensing. This technique involves the measurement of a change in the current density which arises at the columella region coincidently with the presentation time. Two inhibitors of auxin transport, triiodobenzoic acid and naphthylphthalamic acid, blocked gravitropic curvature but not the change in current density. Two inhibitors of calmodulin activity, compound 48/80 and calmidazolium, blocked both curvature and gravity-induced current. The results suggest that auxin transport is not a component of gravity sensing in the root cap. By contrast, the results suggest that calmodulin plays an intrinsic role in gravity sensing.

High Latitude Precipitating Energy Flux and Joule Heating During Geomagnetic Storms Determined from AMPERE Field-aligned Currents

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Robinson, R. M.; Zanetti, L. J.; Anderson, B. J.; Korth, H.; Samara, M.; Michell, R.; Grubbs, G. A., II; Hampton, D. L.; Dropulic, A.

2016-12-01

A high latitude conductivity model based on field-aligned currents measured by the Active Magnetosphere and Planetary Electrodynamics Response Experiment (AMPERE) provides the means for complete specification of electric fields and currents at high latitudes. Based on coordinated measurements made by AMPERE and the Poker Flat Incoherent Scatter Radar, the model determines the most likely value of the ionospheric conductance from the direction, magnitude, and magnetic local time of the field-aligned current. A conductance model driven by field-aligned currents ensures spatial and temporal consistency between the calculated electrodynamic parameters. To validate the results, the Pedersen and Hall conductances were used to calculate the energy flux associated with the energetic particle precipitation. When integrated over the entire hemisphere, the total energy flux compares well with the Hemispheric Power Index derived from the OVATION-PRIME model. The conductances were also combined with the field-aligned currents to calculate the self-consistent electric field, which was then used to compute horizontal currents and Joule heating. The magnetic perturbations derived from the currents replicate most of the variations observed in ground-based magnetograms. The model was used to study high latitude particle precipitation, currents, and Joule heating for 24 magnetic storms. In most cases, the total energy input from precipitating particles and Joule heating exhibits a sharply-peaked maximum at the times of local minima in Dst, suggesting a close coupling between the ring current and the high latitude currents driven by the Region 2 field-aligned currents. The rapid increase and decrease of the high latitude energy deposition suggests an explosive transfer of energy from the magnetosphere to the ionosphere just prior to storm recovery.

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

Inhester, B.; Untiedt, J.; Segatz, M.

From two-dimensional ground magnetic and ionospheric electric field observations it should in principle be possible to estimate the two-dimensional distribution of the ionospheric conductance. The authors have developed a method to directly deduce the Hall conductance distribution {Sigma}{sub H} from ground magnetic and ionospheric electric field observations based upon some assumption for the ratio of the Hall to the Pedersen conductivity. In general, the solutions are shown not to be unique because for a specific solution the value of {Sigma}{sub H} on certain parts of the boundary of the two-dimensional domain has to be specified. However, in many situations, especiallymore » in the presence of strong and isolated field-aligned currents, these boundary values become less influential, and the solution can be shown to be practically unique over a large area of the domain. In some cases, a rather restrictive relation between the electric field and the equivalent height-integrated current density is shown to hold that could be used to cross-check the quality of the observations. As a specific example, they apply their formalism to the observation of a Harang discontinuity obtained in northern Scandinavia simultaneously by the STARE coherent radar system and the IMS Scandinavian Magnetometer Array.« less

Pharmacological treatment options for cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes.

PubMed

Landmann, Emmanuelle C; Walker, Ulrich A

2017-08-01

Cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes (CAPS) are rare monogenic autoinflammatory diseases, comprising a spectrum of phenotypes of varying severity. CAPS are associated with gain-of-function mutations in the NLRP3 inflammasome, a multiprotein complex critical for the activation of IL-1ß, and are characterized by episodes of fever, urticaria-like rash, musculoskeletal, ocular, and neurological symptoms. Areas covered: Accounting for the pivotal role of IL-1ß in the pathogenesis of CAPS, three therapeutic options, all blocking the action of IL-1ß, are currently approved: anakinra, a recombinant IL-1 receptor antagonist, the IL-1 trap rilonacept and canakinumab, a monoclonal anti-IL-1ß antibody. All agents reduce or even resolve clinical symptoms, biochemical activity markers and improve quality of life in CAPS. This review also covers pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic and safety aspects of the approved drugs and the potential utility of IL-1β blockers in a wide range of other conditions with an autoinflammatory component. Expert commentary: Due to the success story of current pharmaceutics, the therapeutic options in CAPS are not expected to expand in the near future. Prospective observational studies are needed to confirm long-term efficacy and sustained benefit. New IL-1ß blockers will likely address unmet clinical needs in other autoinflammatory conditions.

Comet/Asteroid Protection System (CAPS): A Space-Based System Concept for Revolutionizing Earth Protection and Utilization of Near-Earth Objects

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mazanek, Daniel D.; Roithmayr, Carlos M.; Antol, Jeffrey; Kay-Bunnell, Linda; Werner, Martin R.; Park, Sang-Young; Kumar, Renjith R.

2002-01-01

There exists an infrequent, but significant hazard to life and property due to impacting asteroids and comets. There is currently no specific search for long-period comets, smaller near-Earth asteroids, or smaller short-period comets. These objects represent a threat with potentially little or no warning time using conventional ground-based telescopes. These planetary bodies also represent a significant resource for commercial exploitation, long-term sustained space exploration, and scientific research. The Comet/Asteroid Protection System (CAPS) would expand the current detection effort to include long-period comets, as well as small asteroids and short-period comets capable of regional destruction. A space-based detection system, despite being more costly and complex than Earth-based initiatives, is the most promising way of expanding the range of detectable objects, and surveying the entire celestial sky on a regular basis. CAPS is a future spacebased system concept that provides permanent, continuous asteroid and comet monitoring, and rapid, controlled modification of the orbital trajectories of selected bodies. CAPS would provide an orbit modification system capable of diverting kilometer class objects, and modifying the orbits of smaller asteroids for impact defense and resource utilization. This paper provides a summary of CAPS and discusses several key areas and technologies that are being investigated.

Particle Acceleration in Dissipative Pulsar Magnetospheres

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kazanas, Z.; Kalapotharakos, C.; Harding, A.; Contopoulos, I.

2012-01-01

Pulsar magnetospheres represent unipolar inductor-type electrical circuits at which an EM potential across the polar cap (due to the rotation of their magnetic field) drives currents that run in and out of the polar cap and close at infinity. An estimate ofthe magnitude of this current can be obtained by dividing the potential induced across the polar cap V approx = B(sub O) R(sub O)(Omega R(sub O)/c)(exp 2) by the impedance of free space Z approx eq 4 pi/c; the resulting polar cap current density is close to $n {GJ} c$ where $n_{GJ}$ is the Goldreich-Julian (GJ) charge density. This argument suggests that even at current densities close to the GJ one, pulsar magnetospheres have a significant component of electric field $E_{parallel}$, parallel to the magnetic field, a condition necessary for particle acceleration and the production of radiation. We present the magnetic and electric field structures as well as the currents, charge densities, spin down rates and potential drops along the magnetic field lines of pulsar magnetospheres which do not obey the ideal MHD condition $E cdot B = 0$. By relating the current density along the poloidal field lines to the parallel electric field via a kind of Ohm's law $J = sigma E_{parallel}$ we study the structure of these magnetospheres as a function of the conductivity $sigma$. We find that for $sigma gg OmegaS the solution tends to the (ideal) Force-Free one and to the Vacuum one for $sigma 11 OmegaS. Finally, we present dissipative magnetospheric solutions with spatially variable $sigma$ that supports various microphysical properties and are compatible with the observations.

An Artificial Particle Precipitation Technique Using HAARP-Generated VLF Waves

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-11-02

AFRL-VS-HA-TR-2007-1021 An Artificial Particle Precipitation Technique Using HAARP -Generated VLF Waves O o o r- Q M. J. Kosch T. Pedersen J...Artificial Particle Precipitation Technique Using HAARP Generated VLF Waves. 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER 5b. GRANT NUMBER 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 62101F...model. The frequency-time modulated VLF wave patterns have been successfully implemented at the HAARP ionospheric modification facility in Alaska

Crustal Structure from In-Country and Ground-Truth Data

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-09-30

constraint comes from numerous studies (e.g., Doloei and Roberts, 2003; Sodoudi et al., 2004; Mokhtari et al. 2004; Kaviani et al., 2007) that indicate Moho...825. Kaviani, A., A. Paul, E. Bourova, D. Hatzfeld, H. Pedersen, and M. Mokhtari (2007). A strong seismic velocity contrast in the shallow mantle...seismic velocities in the Earth from traveltimes, Geophys. J. Int. 122: (1), 108-124. Mokhtari , M., A. M. Farahbod, C. Lindholm, M. Alahyarkhani, and

Targeting Neuropilin-1 in Prostate Cancer Bone Metastasis

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-04-01

USA; Dr. Leland W. K. Chung (Email: Leland.Chung@cshs.org), Uro -Oncology Research Program, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA...Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting, Los Angeles, CA, 2007. 25 Zhang S, Zhau HE, Iqbal S, Chung LWK, Wu D. Vascular endothelial growth...15. Pedersen LO , Hansen AS, Olsen AC, et al. The interaction between h2-microglobulin (h2m) and puri- fied class-I major histocompatibility (MHC

Uganda: Perfection of Post-Conflict Stability or Ticking Time Bomb

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-01-01

1 UGANDA: PERFECTION OF POST-CONFLICT STABILITY OR TICKING TIME BOMB ? By Kristin M. Pearson and Alex S. Pedersen, United States Air...Force Academy 2015 INSS RESEARCH PAPER 2016 2 UGANDA: PERFECTION OF POST-CONFLICT STABILITY OR TICKING TIME BOMB ? By Kristin M. Pearson and Alex...likely. “The area is a ticking time bomb without ongoing efforts. There’s an entire group of young men trained in military tactics that have said

Simulation Analysis of High Velocity Maintenance for the B-1B

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-03-01

additional personnel to provide the necessary logistical support to track down and preemptively order necessary parts (Pedersen, 2009). Considering that the...and critiques as I completed my thesis. I owe a special thanks to Mr. Edwin Milnes, the Maintenance Supply Liaison of the 28th Logistics Readiness...transactional and service processes, such as accounting, logistics , legal, and purchasing resources. In the article "Turning to Service Sectors", a

Children of Military Families: A Part and Yet Apart

DTIC Science & Technology

1978-01-01

numbers of single-parent families headed by men as well as women, dual-career families, pregnant service personnel and "dependent" husbands. Whereas the...military community are of paramount im- portance (Pedersen and Sullivan, 1964). As long as the family is able to provide a supporting emotional framework...sion may occur. In general, it is the social stresses inherent in military life which disrupt the continuity and emotional stability of the family

Friction Stir Weld Failure Mechanisms in Aluminum-Armor Structures Under Ballistic Impact Loading Conditions

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-01-01

REPORT Friction Stir Weld Failure Mechanisms in Aluminum -Armor Structures Under Ballistic Impact Loading Conditions 14. ABSTRACT 16. SECURITY...Stir Weld Failure Mechanisms in Aluminum -Armor Structures Under Ballistic Impact Loading Conditions M. Grujicic, B. Pandurangan, A. Arakere, C-F. Yen...K.O. Pedersen, Fracture Mechanisms of Aluminum Alloy AA7075-T651 Under Various Loading Conditions , Int. J. Impact Eng., 2010, 37, p 537–551 24. T

Human Stem Cells Can Differentiate in Post-implantation Mouse Embryos.

PubMed

Tam, Patrick P L

2016-01-07

The potency of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) to differentiate into germ layer derivatives is conventionally assessed by teratoma induction and in vitro differentiation. In this issue of Cell Stem Cell, Mascetti and Pedersen (2016) demonstrate that the human-mouse post-implantation chimera offers an efficient avenue to test the germ layer differentiation potential of hPSCs in mouse embryos ex vivo. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

New method for solving inductive electric fields in the non-uniformly conducting ionosphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vanhamäki, H.; Amm, O.; Viljanen, A.

2006-10-01

We present a new calculation method for solving inductive electric fields in the ionosphere. The time series of the potential part of the ionospheric electric field, together with the Hall and Pedersen conductances serves as the input to this method. The output is the time series of the induced rotational part of the ionospheric electric field. The calculation method works in the time-domain and can be used with non-uniform, time-dependent conductances. In addition, no particular symmetry requirements are imposed on the input potential electric field. The presented method makes use of special non-local vector basis functions called the Cartesian Elementary Current Systems (CECS). This vector basis offers a convenient way of representing curl-free and divergence-free parts of 2-dimensional vector fields and makes it possible to solve the induction problem using simple linear algebra. The new calculation method is validated by comparing it with previously published results for Alfvén wave reflection from a uniformly conducting ionosphere.

Differential drift of plasma clouds in the magnetosphere: an update

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lemaire, J. F.

2001-07-01

First, Brice's (Journal of Geophysical Research 72 (1967) 5193) original theory for the formation of the plasmapause is recalled. Next, the motivation for writing a modification to this early theory is pointed out. The key aspects of Brice's manuscript are outlined and discussed. The mechanism of interchange driven by gravitational forces, centrifugal effects and kinetic pressure is considered in the cases when the integrated Pedersen conductivity is (i) negligibly small (as in Chandrasekhar's, Plasma Physics, University of Chicago Press, Chicago, 1960, 217 pp. and Longmire's, Elementary Plasma Physics, Wiley Interscience, New York, 1963, 296 pp., textbooks), (ii) infinitely large (as in many magnetospheric convection models), or (iii) has a finite value of the order of 0.2 mho, as in the Earth's ionosphere. Updates of this theory of interchange resulting from the existence of weak double layers, from quasi-interchange, or from the effects of an additional population of energetic ring-current particles forming the extended tail of the velocity distribution function, have also been reexamined.

29 CFR 1926.914 - Definitions applicable to this subpart.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... blasting caps—Caps designed to detonate at a predetermined period of time after energy is applied to the... designed for and capable of detonation from the sparks or flame from a safety fuse inserted and crimped...) Electric blasting cap—A blasting cap designed for and capable of detonation by means of an electric current...

29 CFR 1926.914 - Definitions applicable to this subpart.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... blasting caps—Caps designed to detonate at a predetermined period of time after energy is applied to the... designed for and capable of detonation from the sparks or flame from a safety fuse inserted and crimped...) Electric blasting cap—A blasting cap designed for and capable of detonation by means of an electric current...

29 CFR 1926.914 - Definitions applicable to this subpart.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... blasting caps—Caps designed to detonate at a predetermined period of time after energy is applied to the... designed for and capable of detonation from the sparks or flame from a safety fuse inserted and crimped...) Electric blasting cap—A blasting cap designed for and capable of detonation by means of an electric current...

29 CFR 1926.914 - Definitions applicable to this subpart.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... blasting caps—Caps designed to detonate at a predetermined period of time after energy is applied to the... designed for and capable of detonation from the sparks or flame from a safety fuse inserted and crimped...) Electric blasting cap—A blasting cap designed for and capable of detonation by means of an electric current...

76 FR 28264 - Self-Regulatory Organizations; Chicago Board Options Exchange, Incorporated; Notice of Filing and...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-05-16

... Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change Relating to the Strategy Fee Cap and Clarifications to the CBOE Fees... Chicago Board Options Exchange, Incorporated (``CBOE'' or ``Exchange'') proposes to amend its strategy fee... Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change 1. Purpose The Exchange currently caps market-maker and broker...

High Performance 0.1 μm GaAs Pseudomorphic High Electron Mobility Transistors with Si Pulse-Doped Cap Layer for 77 GHz Car Radar Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Sungwon; Noh, Hunhee; Jang, Kyoungchul; Lee, JaeHak; Seo, Kwangseok

2005-04-01

In this study, 0.1 μm double-recessed T-gate GaAs pseudomorphic high electron mobility transistors (PHEMT’s), in which an InGaAs layer and a Si pulse-doped layer in the cap structure are inserted, have been successfully fabricated. This cap structure improves ohmic contact. The ohmic contact resistance is as small as 0.07 Ωmm, consequently the source resistance is reduced by about 20% compared to that of a conventional cap structure. This device shows good DC and microwave performance such as an extrinsic transconductance of 620 mS/mm, a maximum saturated drain current of 780 mA/mm, a cut-off frequency fT of 140 GHz and a maximum oscillation frequency of 260 GHz. The reverse breakdown is 5.7 V at a gate current density of 1 mA/mm. The maximum available gain is about 7 dB at 77 GHz. It is well suited for car radar monolithic microwave integrated circuits (MMICs).

Staphylococcus aureus Community-acquired Pneumonia: Prevalence, Clinical Characteristics, and Outcomes

PubMed Central

Self, Wesley H.; Wunderink, Richard G.; Williams, Derek J.; Zhu, Yuwei; Anderson, Evan J.; Balk, Robert A.; Fakhran, Sherene S.; Chappell, James D.; Casimir, Geoffrey; Courtney, D. Mark; Trabue, Christopher; Waterer, Grant W.; Bramley, Anna; Magill, Shelley; Jain, Seema; Edwards, Kathryn M.; Grijalva, Carlos G.

2016-01-01

Background. Prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and its clinical features remain incompletely understood, complicating empirical selection of antibiotics. Methods. Using a multicenter, prospective surveillance study of adults hospitalized with CAP, we calculated the prevalence of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) among all CAP episodes. We compared the epidemiologic, radiographic, and clinical characteristics of S. aureus CAP (per respiratory or blood culture) with those of pneumococcal (per respiratory or blood culture or urine antigen) and all-cause non-S. aureus CAP using descriptive statistics. Results. Among 2259 adults hospitalized for CAP, 37 (1.6%) had S. aureus identified, including 15 (0.7%) with MRSA and 22 (1.0%) with MSSA; 115 (5.1%) had Streptococcus pneumoniae. Vancomycin or linezolid was administered to 674 (29.8%) patients within the first 3 days of hospitalization. Chronic hemodialysis use was more common among patients with MRSA (20.0%) than pneumococcal (2.6%) and all-cause non-S. aureus (3.7%) CAP. Otherwise, clinical features at admission were similar, including concurrent influenza infection, hemoptysis, multilobar infiltrates, and prehospital antibiotics. Patients with MRSA CAP had more severe clinical outcomes than those with pneumococcal CAP, including intensive care unit admission (86.7% vs 34.8%) and in-patient mortality (13.3% vs 4.4%). Conclusions. Despite very low prevalence of S. aureus and, specifically, MRSA, nearly one-third of adults hospitalized with CAP received anti-MRSA antibiotics. The clinical presentation of MRSA CAP overlapped substantially with pneumococcal CAP, highlighting the challenge of accurately targeting empirical anti-MRSA antibiotics with currently available clinical tools and the need for new diagnostic strategies. PMID:27161775

Structural basis for m7G recognition and 2'-O-methyl discrimination in capped RNAs by the innate immune receptor RIG-I

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

Devarkar, Swapnil C.; Wang, Chen; Miller, Matthew T.

The cytosolic innate immune receptor Retinoic Acid Inducible Gene-I (RIG-I) is the principal detector of pathogenic RNAs carrying a 5'-triphosphate (5'ppp). Self RNAs like mRNAs evade recognition by RIG-I due to posttranscriptional modifications like 5'-end capping with 7-methyl guanosine (m7G) and 2'-O-methylation of 5'-end nucleotides. Viruses have also evolved mechanisms to mimic these modifications, which in part is believed to aid in immune evasion. Currently, it is unclear how these modifications modulate RIG-I recognition. This paper provides structural and mechanistic insights into the roles of the m7G cap and 2'-O-methylation in RIG-I evasion. We show that RIG-I accommodates the m7Gmore » base while maintaining the 5'ppp contacts and can recognize Cap-0 RNAs but not Cap-1.« less

The rebirth of the cervical cap.

PubMed

Cappiello, J D; Grainger-Harrison, M

1981-01-01

In an effort to dispel myths surrounding the cervical cap, the historical and political factors affecting the cap's use in the U.S. are described. Clinical aspects of cap fitting are also included. The cervical cap has found only limited acceptance in the U.S. Skepticisms on the part of physicians may be the result of 2 factors: confusion of the cervical cap with intracervical devices used for artificial insemination and confusion with stem pessaries; and the lack of clinical research and statistical evaluation of efficacy rates. The latter factor prompted Tietze et al. to conduct the only U.S. statistical study of the cap in 1953. Of the 143 women studied, the pregnancy rate was 7.6/100 years of use. Of the 28 unplanned pregnancies, 6 were related to faulty technique or omission of a spermicide and 10 were instances of admittedly irregular use. When these failures are omitted, the theoretical effectiveness rate is about 98%. Some practitioners are concerned about an increased incidence of cervical erosion with cap use. Possibly currently conducted studies will show that cap and spermicide users have a lower incidence of cervical erosion than women using no contraceptive method. Study findings suggest that the cervical cap may afford protection without any spermicidal supplement, but the use of spermicides continues to be recommended to clients. Advantages of the cervical cap include the following: it can be left in place longer than a diaphragm without additional applications of spermicide in the vagina; and the insertion of the cap is unrelated to the time of intercourse. Despite research on toleration of the cap for 3 weeks at a time, it is recommended that the cap be worn for only a few days at a time. At this time there are no manufacturers of cervical caps for contraceptive use in the U.S. The cap is now being imported from England and it costs $6.00. A factor that has made the cap unpopular with many physicians is the lengthy time required for fitting. An assessment guide that physicians can use to incorporate cervical caps in their practice is included. The guide covers medical/gynecological history; informed consent; pelvic examinations; assessment; fitting the cap; and instructing the client. Instructions for client use are also outlined.

Calcium phosphate ceramic systems in growth factor and drug delivery for bone tissue engineering: A review

PubMed Central

Bose, Susmita; Tarafder, Solaiman

2012-01-01

Calcium phosphates (CaPs) are the most widely used bone substitutes in bone tissue engineering due to their compositional similarities to bone mineral and excellent biocompatibility. In recent years, CaPs, especially hydroxyapatite and tricalcium phosphate, have attracted significant interest in simultaneous use as bone substitute and drug delivery vehicle, adding a new dimension to their application. CaPs are more biocompatible than many other ceramic and inorganic nanoparticles. Their biocompatibility and variable stoichiometry, thus surface charge density, functionality, and dissolution properties, make them suitable for both drug and growth factor delivery. CaP matrices and scaffolds have been reported to act as delivery vehicles for growth factors and drugs in bone tissue engineering. Local drug delivery in musculoskeletal disorder treatments can address some of the critical issues more effectively and efficiently than the systemic delivery. CaPs are used as coatings on metallic implants, CaP cements, and custom designed scaffolds to treat musculoskeletal disorders. This review highlights some of the current drug and growth factor delivery approaches and critical issues using CaP particles, coatings, cements, and scaffolds towards orthopedic and dental applications. PMID:22127225

Detection of Heater Generated Super Small Scale Striations Using GPS Signal Diagnostics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Najmi, A. C.; Milikh, G. M.; Chiang, K.; Psiaki, M.; Secan, J. A.; Bernhardt, P. A.; Briczinski, S. J.; Siefring, C. L.; Papadopoulos, K.

2013-12-01

Recent theoretical models predict that super small striations (SSS) of the electron density, on the order of ten centimeters, can be excited by HF waves with frequency close to multiples of the electron gyro frequency [Gurevich et al., 2006]. The first experimental verification of SSS was made at HAARP [Milikh et al., 2008]. We present results of HAARP experiments that include simultaneous observations of GPS carrier phase and SEE observations of ionospheric turbulence. These observations show that SSS excited by HF frequencies near the fourth harmonic of the gyro frequency scatter GPS signals, and in three out of six experiments indicate the presence of strong turbulence, similar to that observed in descending artificial ionized layer experiments [Pedersen et al., 2010]. This turbulence is capable of generating suprathermal electrons, and in one of the experiments, the presence of fast electrons was confirmed by the HAARP incoherent scattering radar. Estimates on the SSS shows that they correspond to 3-10% electron density depletions. Such irregularities affect UHF signals including GPS, and thus can be important in applications. Gurevich, A.V. and K.P. Zybin (2006), Phys. Lett. A, 358, 159. Milikh, G., et al. (2008), Geophys. Res. Let., 35, L22102, doi:10.1029/2008GL035527. Pedersen, T. et al. (2010), Geophys. Res. Let., 37, L02106, doi:10.1029/2009GL041895.

The Effects of Tulsa's CAP Head Start Program on Middle-School Academic Outcomes and Progress

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Phillips, Deborah; Gormley, William; Anderson, Sara

2016-01-01

This study presents evidence pertinent to current debates about the lasting impacts of early childhood educational interventions and, specifically, Head Start. A group of students who were first studied to examine the immediate impacts of the Tulsa, Oklahoma, Community Action Project (CAP) Head Start program were followed-up in middle school,…

The Capacity Profile: A Method to Classify Additional Care Needs in Children with Neurodevelopmental Disabilities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Meester-Delver, Anke; Beelen, Anita; Hennekam, Raoul; Nollet, Frans; Hadders-Algra, Mijna

2007-01-01

The aim of this study was to determine the interrater reliability and stability over time of the Capacity Profile (CAP). The CAP is a standardized method for classifying additional care needs indicated by current impairments in five domains of body functions: physical health, neuromusculoskeletal and movement-related, sensory, mental, and voice…

An Analysis and Allocation System for Library Collections Budgets: The Comprehensive Allocation Process (CAP)

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lyons, Lucy Eleonore; Blosser, John

2012-01-01

The "Comprehensive Allocation Process" (CAP) is a reproducible decision-making structure for the allocation of new collections funds, for the reallocation of funds within stagnant budgets, and for budget cuts in the face of reduced funding levels. This system was designed to overcome common shortcomings of current methods. Its philosophical…

Comet/Asteroid Protection System (CAPS): Preliminary Space-Based Concept and Study Results

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mazanek, Daniel D.; Roithmayr, Carlos M.; Antol, Jeffrey; Park, Sang-Young; Koons, Robert H.; Bremer, James C.; Murphy, Douglas G.; Hoffman, James A.; Kumar, Renjith R.; Seywald, Hans

2005-01-01

There exists an infrequent, but significant hazard to life and property due to impacting asteroids and comets. There is currently no specific search for long-period comets, smaller near-Earth asteroids, or smaller short-period comets. These objects represent a threat with potentially little or no warning time using conventional ground-based telescopes. These planetary bodies also represent a significant resource for commercial exploitation, long-term sustained space exploration, and scientific research. The Comet/Asteroid Protection System (CAPS) is a future space-based system concept that provides permanent, continuous asteroid and comet monitoring, and rapid, controlled modification of the orbital trajectories of selected bodies. CAPS would expand the current detection effort to include long-period comets, as well as small asteroids and short-period comets capable of regional destruction. A space-based detection system, despite being more costly and complex than Earth-based initiatives, is the most promising way of expanding the range of detectable objects, and surveying the entire celestial sky on a regular basis. CAPS would provide an orbit modification system capable of diverting kilometer class objects, and modifying the orbits of smaller asteroids for impact defense and resource utilization. This Technical Memorandum provides a compilation of key related topics and analyses performed during the CAPS study, which was performed under the Revolutionary Aerospace Systems Concepts (RASC) program, and discusses technologies that could enable the implementation of this future system.

DEAD ZONE IN THE POLAR-CAP ACCELERATOR OF PULSARS

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

Chen, Alexander Y.; Beloborodov, Andrei M.

We study plasma flows above pulsar polar caps using time-dependent simulations of plasma particles in the self-consistent electric field. The flow behavior is controlled by the dimensionless parameter {alpha} = j/c{rho}{sub GJ}, where j is the electric current density and {rho}{sub GJ} is the Goldreich-Julian charge density. The region of the polar cap where 0 < {alpha} < 1 is a {sup d}ead zone{sup -}in this zone, particle acceleration is inefficient and pair creation is not expected even for young, rapidly rotating pulsars. Pulsars with polar caps near the rotation axis are predicted to have a hollow-cone structure of radiomore » emission, as the dead zone occupies the central part of the polar cap. Our results apply to charge-separated flows of electrons (j < 0) or ions (j > 0). In the latter case, we consider the possibility of a mixed flow consisting of different ion species, and observe the development of two-stream instability. The dead zone at the polar cap is essential for the development of an outer gap near the null surface {rho}{sub GJ} = 0.« less

Evaluation of the Ca/P concentration ratio in hydroxyapatite by STEM-EDXS: influence of the electron irradiation dose and temperature processing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Benhayoune, H.; Charlier, D.; Jallot, E.; Laquerriere, P.; Balossier, G.; Bonhomme, P.

2001-01-01

Biomaterials used in dental and orthopaedic surgery to fill bony loss and to coat prostheses are either of natural or synthetic origin. Amongst these biomaterials, hydroxyapatites (HA) offer good properties of biocompatibility and bioactivity when they interact with bone. This interaction depends mainly on the physico-chemical properties of HA particles. In this work, using a scanning transmission electronic microscope equipped with an Si(Li) detector for x-ray analysis, we analysed three kinds of hydroxyapatite: non-sintered particles, 600 °C sintered particles and 1180 °C sintered particles. Then, we determined the Ca/P concentration ratio in order to observe the influence of the temperature processing on this ratio. Concurrently, we carried out measurements on the HA powders by varying the electron irradiation dose either with the current density or with irradiation time. When the electron irradiation dose varied with the current density (at constant and short irradiation time), the Ca/P concentration ratio did not vary. But, at fixed current density and increasing irradiation time, the calcium and phosphorus intensities decreased, leading to an increase of the Ca/P concentration ratio at high electron irradiation dose. This phenomenon represents a mass loss of the specimen during electronic bombardment. We propose an experimental procedure to avoid all these problems.

Increase in swimming endurance capacity of mice by capsaicin-induced adrenal catecholamine secretion.

PubMed

Kim, K M; Kawada, T; Ishihara, K; Inoue, K; Fushiki, T

1997-10-01

Increase in endurance swimming capacity caused by capsaicin (CAP), a pungent component of red pepper, -induced increase of fat metabolism in mice was investigated using an adjustable-current water pool. The mice administered CAP via a stomach tube, showed longer swimming time until exhaustion than the control group of mice, in a dose-dependent manner. The maximal effect was observed at a dose of 10 mg/kg while more than 15 mg/kg had no effect. The increase of endurance was observed only when CAP was administered two hours before swimming. After the administration of CAP, the serum glucose concentration rapidly increased and then decreased within 60 min, while the concentration of serum-free fatty acids gradually increased through 3 hours. The residual glycogen concentration of the gastrocnemius muscle after 30 min of swimming was significantly higher in the CAP-administered mice than in control mice, suggesting that use of the serum free fatty acids spared muscle glycogen consumption. The serum adrenaline concentration significantly increased with twin peaks at 30 min and two hours after administration of CAP. An experiment using adrenalectomized mice was done to confirm that the effect of CAP is due to increased energy metabolism through the secretion of adrenaline from the adrenal gland. The swimming endurance capacity of the adrenalectomized mice was not increased by CAP administration, although adrenaline injection induced a 58% increase in the endurance time. These results suggest that the increase of swimming endurance induced by CAP in mice is caused by an increase in fatty acid utilization due to CAP-induced adrenal catecholamine secretion.

Tobacco use and outcome in radical prostatectomy patients.

PubMed

Curtis, Alexandra; Ondracek, Rochelle Payne; Murekeyisoni, Christine; Kauffman, Eric; Mohler, James; Marshall, James

2017-04-01

Cigarette smoking has been consistently associated with increased risk of overall mortality, but the importance of smoking for patients with prostate cancer (CaP) who are candidates for curative radical prostatectomy (RP) has received less attention. This retrospectively designed cohort study investigated the association of smoking history at RP with subsequent CaP treatment outcomes and overall mortality. A total of 1981 patients who underwent RP at Roswell Park Cancer Institute (RPCI) between 1993 and 2014 were studied. Smoking history was considered as a risk factor for overall mortality as well as for currently accepted CaP treatment outcomes (biochemical failure, treatment failure, distant metastasis, and disease-specific mortality). The associations of smoking status with these outcomes were tested by Cox proportional hazard analyses. A total of 153 (8%) patients died during follow-up. Current smoking at diagnosis was a statistically significant predictor of overall mortality after RP (current smokers vs. former and never smokers, hazards ratio 2.07, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.36-3.14). This association persisted for overall mortality at 3, 5, and 10 years (odds ratios 2.07 [95% CI: 1.36-3.15], 2.05 [95% CI: 1.35-3.12], and 1.8 [95% CI: 1.18-2.74], respectively). Smoking was not associated with biochemical failure, treatment failure, distant metastasis, or CaP-specific mortality, and the association of smoking with overall mortality did not appear to be functionally related to treatment or biochemical failure, or to distant metastasis. Smoking is a non-negligible risk factor for death among CaP patients who undergo RP; patients who smoke are far more likely to die of causes other than CaP. © 2017 The Authors. Cancer Medicine published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Reduction of chronic abdominal pain in patients with inflammatory bowel disease through transcranial direct current stimulation: a randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Volz, Magdalena S; Farmer, Annabelle; Siegmund, Britta

2016-02-01

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is frequently associated with chronic abdominal pain (CAP). Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has been proven to reduce chronic pain. This study aimed to investigate the effects of tDCS in patients with CAP due to IBD. This randomized, sham-controlled, double blind, parallel-designed study included 20 patients with either Crohn disease or ulcerative colitis with CAP (≥3/10 on the visual analog scale (VAS) in 3/6 months). Anodal or sham tDCS was applied over the primary motor cortex for 5 consecutive days (2 mA, 20 minutes). Assessments included VAS, pressure pain threshold, inflammatory markers, and questionnaires on quality of life, functional and disease specific symptoms (Irritable Bowel Syndrome-Severity Scoring System [IBS-SSS]), disease activity, and pain catastrophizing. Follow-up data were collected 1 week after the end of the stimulation. Statistical analyses were performed using analysis of variance and t tests. There was a significant reduction of abdominal pain in the anodal tDCS group compared with sham tDCS. This effect was evident in changes in VAS and pressure pain threshold on the left and right sides of the abdomen. In addition, 1 week after stimulation, pain reduction remained significantly decreased in the right side of the abdomen. There was also a significant reduction in scores on pain catastrophizing and on IBS-SSS when comparing both groups. Inflammatory markers and disease activity did not differ significantly between groups throughout the experiment. Transcranial direct current stimulation proved to be an effective and clinically relevant therapeutic strategy for CAP in IBD. The analgesic effects observed are unrelated to inflammation and disease activity, which emphasizes central pain mechanisms in CAP.

Progressive or regressive? A second look at the tax exemption for employer-sponsored health insurance premiums.

PubMed

Schoen, Cathy; Stremikis, Kristof; Collins, Sara; Davis, Karen

2009-05-01

The major argument for capping the exemption of health insurance benefits from income tax is that doing so will generate significant revenue that can be used to finance an expansion of health coverage. This analysis finds that given the state of insurance markets and current variations in premiums, limiting the current exemption could adversely affect individuals who are already at high risk of losing their health coverage. Evidence suggests that capping the exemption for employment-based health insurance could disproportionately affect workers in small firms, older workers, and wage-earners in industries with high expected claims costs. To avoid putting many families at increased health and financial risk, and to avoid undermining employer-sponsored group coverage, any consideration of a cap would have to be combined with coverage for all, changes in insurance market rules, and shared responsibility for financing.

Electrophysiological Assessment of a Peptide Amphiphile Nanofiber Nerve Graft for Facial Nerve Repair.

PubMed

Greene, Jacqueline J; McClendon, Mark T; Stephanopoulos, Nicholas; Álvarez, Zaida; Stupp, Samuel I; Richter, Claus-Peter

2018-04-27

Facial nerve injury can cause severe long-term physical and psychological morbidity. There are limited repair options for an acutely transected facial nerve not amenable to primary neurorrhaphy. We hypothesize that a peptide amphiphile nanofiber neurograft may provide the nanostructure necessary to guide organized neural regeneration. Five experimental groups were compared, animals with 1) an intact nerve, 2) following resection of a nerve segment, and following resection and immediate repair with either a 3) autograft (using the resected nerve segment), 4) neurograft, or 5) empty conduit. The buccal branch of the rat facial nerve was directly stimulated with charge balanced biphasic electrical current pulses at different current amplitudes while nerve compound action potentials (nCAPs) and electromygraphic (EMG) responses were recorded. After 8 weeks, the proximal buccal branch was surgically re-exposed and electrically evoked nCAPs were recorded for groups 1-5. As expected, the intact nerves required significantly lower current amplitudes to evoke an nCAP than those repaired with the neurograft and autograft nerves. For other electrophysiologic parameters such as latency and maximum nCAP, there was no significant difference between the intact, autograft and neurograft groups. The resected group had variable responses to electrical stimulation, and the empty tube group was electrically silent. Immunohistochemical analysis and TEM confirmed myelinated neural regeneration. This study demonstrates that the neuroregenerative capability of peptide amphiphile nanofiber neurografts is similar to the current clinical gold standard method of repair and holds potential as an off-the-shelf solution for facial reanimation and potentially peripheral nerve repair. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Gallium arsenide (GaAs) (001) after sublimation of arsenic (As) thin-film cap, by XPS

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

Engelhard, Mark H.; Lyubinetsky, Andre; Baer, Don R.

2016-12-01

Survey and high energy resolution spectra are reported for MBE grown GaAs (001) that had been capped with As. The As cap was removed by heating in situ prior to analysis. The current data expands upon the spectral regions previously reported in Surface Science Spectra. High energy resolution spectral features reported include: 2p, 3s, 3p, 3d, and L3M45M45 peaks for As; 2p, 3s, 3p, 3d, and L3M45M45 peaks for Ga; and the valance band region.

Observations of subauroral ion drift (SAID) occurrence statistics and associated ionospheric conditions measured by the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) and Dynamics Explorer 2 (DE-2).

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Landry, R. G.; Anderson, P. C.

2017-12-01

Subauroral ion drifts (SAID) are a phenomenon sometimes observed in the subauroral ionosphere in dusk to post-midnight magnetic local time sectors during magnetically active periods characterized by strong poleward electric fields that drive westward ion drifts greater than 1 km/s. SAIDs typically will span 1-2 degrees magnetic latitude and several hours in magnetic local time. SAIDs are often observed colocated with the midlatitude trough. The strong electric field can act to reduce the ionospheric conductivity further through enhanced recombination and vertical transport. The theory that SAIDs are generated by ionospheric Pedersen currents fed by ring current driven field-aligned currents (FAC) requires the decreased conductance associated with the midlatitude trough to produce the latitudinally narrow, large amplitude SAID electric field. Using Dynamics Explorer 2 (DE 2) plasma measurements of SAIDs from altitudes of 200 to 1000 km, we investigate the statistical variation of the ionospheric composition, temperature, and vertical ion drifts as a function of altitude. Using Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) measurements from 1987-2012, we extend the empirical study at the DMSP altitude of 830 km to investigate how season, longitude, and any ionospheric preconditioning before SAID formation affect the likelihood of SAID occurrence and coincidence with FACs and ion density troughs.

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

Heeter, J.; Bird, L.; Gelman, R.

Several states are addressing the issue of net metering program caps, which limit the total amount of net metered generating capacity that can be installed in a state or utility service territory. In this analysis, we examine net metering caps to gain perspective on how long net metering will be available in various jurisdictions under current policies. We also surveyed state practices and experience to understand important policy design considerations.

75 FR 22889 - Self-Regulatory Organizations; International Securities Exchange, LLC; Notice of Filing and...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-04-30

... transactions. Currently, the First Trust ISE Water ETF (``FIW''), the Claymore China Technology ETF (``CQQQ''), the ProShares UltraPro Short Dow30 (``SDOW''), the ProShares UltraPro Dow30 (``UDOW''), the ProShares UltraPro Short MidCap400 (``SMDD''), the ProShares UltraPro MidCap400 (``UMDD''), the ProShares UltraPro...

75 FR 32531 - Self-Regulatory Organizations; International Securities Exchange, LLC; Notice of Filing and...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-06-08

.... Currently, the First Trust ISE Water ETF (``FIW''), the Claymore China Technology ETF (``CQQQ''), the ProShares UltraPro Short Dow30 (``SDOW''), the ProShares UltraPro Dow30 (``UDOW''), the ProShares UltraPro Short MidCap400 (``SMDD''), the ProShares UltraPro MidCap400 (``UMDD''), the ProShares UltraPro Short...

75 FR 14236 - Self-Regulatory Organizations; International Securities Exchange, LLC; Notice of Filing and...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-03-24

... transactions. Currently, the First Trust ISE Water ETF (``FIW'') and the Claymore China Technology ETF (``CQQQ... options on the ProShares UltraPro Short Dow30 (``SDOW''), the ProShares UltraPro Dow30 (``UDOW''), the ProShares UltraPro Short MidCap400 (``SMDD''), the ProShares UltraPro MidCap400 (``UMDD''), the ProShares...

Modeling the interaction of a heavily beam loaded SRF cavity with its low-level RF feedback loops

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Zong-Kai; Wang, Chaoen; Chang, Lung-Hai; Yeh, Meng-Shu; Chang, Fu-Yu; Chang, Mei-Hsia; Chang, Shian-Wen; Chen, Ling-Jhen; Chung, Fu-Tsai; Lin, Ming-Chyuan; Lo, Chih-Hung; Yu, Tsung-Chi

2018-06-01

A superconducting radio frequency (SRF) cavity provides superior stability to power high intensity light sources and can suppress coupled-bunch instabilities due to its smaller impedance for higher order modes. Because of these features, SRF cavities are commonly used for modern light sources, such as the TLS, CLS, DLS, SSRF, PLS-II, TPS, and NSLS-II, with an aggressive approach to operate the light sources at high beam currents. However, operating a SRF cavity at high beam currents may result with unacceptable stability problems of the low level RF (LLRF) system, due to drifts of the cavity resonant frequency caused by unexpected perturbations from the environment. As the feedback loop gets out of control, the cavity voltage may start to oscillate with a current-dependent characteristic frequency. Such situations can cause beam abort due to the activation of the interlock protection system, i.e. false alarm of quench detection. This malfunction of the light source reduces the reliability of SRF operation. Understanding this unstable mechanism to prevent its appearance becomes a primary task in the pursuit of highly reliable SRF operation. In this paper, a Pedersen model, including the response of the LLRF system, was used to simulate the beam-cavity interaction of a SRF cavity under heavy beam loading. Causes for the onset of instability at high beam current will be discussed as well as remedies to assure the design of a stable LLRF system.

Installation Restoration Program, Phase 2. Confirmation/Quantification, Stage 1. Kalispell Air Force Station, Montana

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-05-01

AFB Statement of Work. The Phase II Stage 1 investigation of Malmstrom AFB and two off-Base sites at Shelby and Brady, Montana are described in a...Flathead National Forest Headquarters in Kalispell and the Big Fork Ranger Station in Big Fork . Because there has been litigation involved with this...reviewed by phone. An interview at the spill site was held with Mr. William Pedersen, U.S. Forest Service Ranger for the Big Fork District. He personally

Opportunities for High-Power, High-Frequency Transmitters to Advance Ionospheric/Thermospheric Research: Report of a Workshop

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-05-01

and simulation/modeling/ theory teams” (ERG  Science Center at STEL, Nagoya University, available at http://ergsc.stelab.nagoya-u.ac.jp/). 13 Joint...D. Smith, A. Adler, J. Stuart , and G. Ginet. 2009. AFRL’s Demonstration and Science Experiments (DSX) Mission. In Solar Physics and Space Weather...shear wave, and a reflected magnetosonic wave, they were able to infer the Pedersen and Hall conductances at the foot of the flux tube. The authors

The Role of Neutral Atmospheric Dynamics in Cusp Density and Ionospheric Patch Formation

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-10-01

J . Moen, K. Oksavik, C. P. Nielsen, I. W. McCrea, T . R. Pedersen, and P. Gallop, Direct observations of injection events of subauroral plasma into...reconnection events at high end (3km/s) of spectrum of typical plasma flow jet events. The doubling is attributed not t o any difference in the model, but...world (at Poker Flat in Alaska, and Mawson in Antarctica), both belonging to Dr Mark Conde at the University of Alaska, who pioneered the technique (e.g

Macroscopic Quantum Coherence and Computing

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-02-08

G . Meyer, Phys. Rev. B, Vol. 59, No. 17 (1999). [4] V . K. Kornev, I. I. Soloviev, N. V . Klenov, N. F. Pedersen, I. V . Borisenko, P. B. Mozhaev and G ...Koval, and A. V . Ustinov, Nature 425, 155 (2003). [3] N. Gronbech-Jensen, Phys. Rev. B 45, 7315 (1992). [4] N. Gronbech-Jensen, M. G . Castellano, F...Makhlin, G . Schon, A. Shnirman, Reviews of modern physics, Volume 73, No. 2 (2001). [3] E. lI"ichev, V . Zakosarenko, R. P. J. Ijsselstejn, H. E. Hoenig, H

Holocene Fluctuations of North Ice Cap, a Proxy for Climate Conditions along the Northwestern Margin of the Greenland Ice Sheet

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kelly, M. A.; Osterberg, E. C.; Lasher, G. E.; Farnsworth, L. B.; Howley, J. A.; Axford, Y.; Zimmerman, S. R. H.

2015-12-01

North Ice Cap (~76.9°N, 68°W, summit elevation 1322 m asl), a small, independent ice cap in northwestern Greenland, is located within ~25 km of the Greenland Ice Sheet margin and Harald Molkte Bræ outlet glacier. We present geochronological, geomorphic and sedimentological data constraining the Holocene extents of North Ice Cap and suggest that its past fluctuations can be used as a proxy for climate conditions along the northwestern margin of the Greenland Ice Sheet. Prior work by Goldthwait (1960) used glacial geomorphology and radiocarbon ages of subfossil plants emerging along shear planes in the ice cap margin to suggest that that North Ice Cap was not present during the early Holocene and nucleated in the middle to late Holocene time, with the onset of colder conditions. Subfossil plants emerging at shear planes in the North Ice Cap margin yield radiocarbon ages of ~4.8-5.9 cal kyr BP (Goldthwait, 1960) and ~AD 1000-1350 (950-600 cal yr BP), indicating times when the ice cap was smaller than at present. In situ subfossil plants exposed by recent ice cap retreat date to ~AD 1500-1840 (450-110 cal yr BP) and indicate small fluctuations of the ice cap margin. 10Be ages of an unweathered, lichen-free drift <100 m from the present North Ice Cap margin range from ~500 to 8000 yrs ago. We suggest that the drift was deposited during the last ~500 yrs and that the older 10Be ages are influenced by 10Be inherited from a prior period of exposure. We also infer ice cap fluctuations using geochemical data from a Holocene-long sediment core from Deltasø, a downstream lake that currently receives meltwater from North Ice Cap. The recent recession of the North Ice Cap margin influenced a catastrophic drainage of a large proglacial lake, Søndre Snesø, that our field team documented in August 2012. To our knowledge, this is the first significant lowering of Søndre Snesø in historical time.

STEF/TIAM2-mediated Rac1 activity at the nuclear envelope regulates the perinuclear actin cap.

PubMed

Woroniuk, Anna; Porter, Andrew; White, Gavin; Newman, Daniel T; Diamantopoulou, Zoi; Waring, Thomas; Rooney, Claire; Strathdee, Douglas; Marston, Daniel J; Hahn, Klaus M; Sansom, Owen J; Zech, Tobias; Malliri, Angeliki

2018-05-29

The perinuclear actin cap is an important cytoskeletal structure that regulates nuclear morphology and re-orientation during front-rear polarisation. The mechanisms regulating the actin cap are currently poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that STEF/TIAM2, a Rac1 selective guanine nucleotide exchange factor, localises at the nuclear envelope, co-localising with the key perinuclear proteins Nesprin-2G and Non-muscle myosin IIB (NMMIIB), where it regulates perinuclear Rac1 activity. We show that STEF depletion reduces apical perinuclear actin cables (a phenotype rescued by targeting active Rac1 to the nuclear envelope), increases nuclear height and impairs nuclear re-orientation. STEF down-regulation also reduces perinuclear pMLC and decreases myosin-generated tension at the nuclear envelope, suggesting that STEF-mediated Rac1 activity regulates NMMIIB activity to promote stabilisation of the perinuclear actin cap. Finally, STEF depletion decreases nuclear stiffness and reduces expression of TAZ-regulated genes, indicating an alteration in mechanosensing pathways as a consequence of disruption of the actin cap.

A multi-point perspective on the formation of polar cap arcs: kinetic modeling and observations by Cluster and TIMED

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

de Keyser, J. M.; Maggiolo, R.; Echim, M.; Simon, C.; Zhang, Y.; Trotignon, J.

2010-12-01

On April 1st, 2004 the GUVI imager onboard the TIMED spacecraft spots an isolated and elongated polar cap arc. Simultaneously, the Cluster spacecraft detects an isolated upflowing ion beam above the polar cap. Cluster observations show that the ions are accelerated upward by a quasi-stationary electric field. The field-aligned potential drop is estimated to about 600 V and the upflowing ions are accompanied by a tenuous population of isotropic protons with a temperature of about 300eV. The footprint of the magnetic field line on which the Cluster spacecraft are situated, is located just outside the GUVI field of view in the prolongation of the polar cap arc. This suggests that the upflowing ion beam and the polar cap arc may be different signatures of the same phenomenon, as suggested by a recent statistical study of polar cap ion beams using Cluster data. We use Cluster observations at high altitude as input to a quasi-stationary magnetosphere-ionosphere (MI) coupling model. Using a Knight-type current-voltage relationship and the current continuity at the topside ionosphere, the model computes the energy spectrum of precipitating electrons at ionospheric altitudes corresponding to the generator electric field observed by Cluster. The MI coupling model provides a field-aligned potential drop in agreement with Cluster observations of upflowing ions and a spatial scale of the polar cap arc consistent with the optical observations by TIMED. The energy spectrum of the precipitating electrons provided by the model is introduced as input to the Trans4 ionospheric transport code. This 1-D model, based on Boltzmann's kinetic formalism, takes into account ionospheric processes like photoionisation and electron/proton precipitation, and computes the optical and UV emissions due to precipitating electrons. The emission rates provided by the Trans4 code are then compared to the optical observations by TIMED. Data and modeling results are consistent with quasi-static acceleration of precipitating magnetospheric electrons. We also discuss possible implications of our modeling results for optical observations of polar cap arcs.

The Nordkapp Basin, Norway: Development of salt and sediment interplays for hydrocarbon exploration

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

Lerche, I.; Toerudbakken, B.O.

1996-12-31

Investigation of a particular salt diapir in the Nordkapp Basin, Barents Sea has revealed the following sequence of events: (1) salt started to rise when approximately 1.5 {+-} 0.3 km of sedimentary cover was present (Carboniferous/Permian time); (2) salt reached the sediment surface when about 3.5 {+-} 0.7 km of sediment had been deposited (Triassic time); (3) the mushroom cap on the salt stock top developed over a period of about 75--100 Ma (i.e. during the time when about another km of sediment had been deposited) (Triassic through Base Cretaceous time); (4) the mushroom cap started to dip down significantlymore » ({approximately}1 km) into the sediments around Cretaceous to Tertiary erosion time; (5) oil generation started in the deep sediments of the Carboniferous around the time that salt reached the surface (Triassic time) and continues to the present day at sedimentary depths between about 4 to 7 km (currently Triassic and deeper sediments); (6)gas generation started around mushroom cap development time and continues to the present day at sedimentary depths greater than about 6--7 km (Permian/Carboniferous); (7) the salt stock is currently 3--4 km wide, considerably less than the mushroom cap which is 9 km wide and 1 km thick. The relative timing of mushroom cap development, bed upturning, and hydrocarbon generation makes the salt diapir an attractive exploration target, with suggested reservoir trapping under the downturned mushroom cap on the deep basin side of the salt. In addition, rough estimates of rim syncline fill suggest the basin had an original salt thickness of 2.4--3.3 km, depending upon the amount of salt removed at the Tertiary erosion event.« less

Psychophysics, flare, and neurosecretory function in human pain models: capsaicin versus electrically evoked pain.

PubMed

Geber, Christian; Fondel, Ricarda; Krämer, Heidrun H; Rolke, Roman; Treede, Rolfe-Detlef; Sommer, Claudia; Birklein, Frank

2007-06-01

Intradermal capsaicin injection (CAP) and electrical current stimulation (ES) are analyzed in respect to patterns and test-retest reliability of pain as well as sensory and neurosecretory changes. In 10 healthy subjects, 2x CAP (50 microg) and 2x ES (5 to 30 mA) were applied to the volar forearm. The time period between 2 identical stimulations was about 4 months. Pain ratings, areas of mechanical hyperalgesia, and allodynia were assessed. The intensity of sensory changes was quantified by using quantitative sensory testing. Neurogenic flare was assessed by using laser Doppler imaging. Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) release was quantified by dermal microdialysis in combination with an enzyme immunoassay. Time course and peak pain ratings were different between CAP and ES. Test-retest correlation was high (r > or = 0.73). Both models induced primary heat hyperalgesia and primary plus secondary pin-prick hyperalgesia. Allodynia occurred in about half of the subjects. Maximum flare sizes did not differ between CAP and ES, but flare intensities were higher for ES. Test-retest correlation was higher for flare sizes than for flare intensity. A significant CGRP release could only be measured after CAP. The different time courses of pain stimulation (CAP: rapidly decaying pain versus ES: pain plateau) led to different peripheral neurosecretory effects but induced similar central plasticity and hyperalgesia. The present study gives a detailed overview of psychophysical and neurosecretory characteristics induced by noxious stimulation with capsaicin and electrical current. We describe differences, similarities, and reproducibility of these human pain models. These data might help to interpret past and future results of human pain studies using experimental pain.

Analysis of RNA binding by the dengue virus NS5 RNA capping enzyme.

PubMed

Henderson, Brittney R; Saeedi, Bejan J; Campagnola, Grace; Geiss, Brian J

2011-01-01

Flaviviruses are small, capped positive sense RNA viruses that replicate in the cytoplasm of infected cells. Dengue virus and other related flaviviruses have evolved RNA capping enzymes to form the viral RNA cap structure that protects the viral genome and directs efficient viral polyprotein translation. The N-terminal domain of NS5 possesses the methyltransferase and guanylyltransferase activities necessary for forming mature RNA cap structures. The mechanism for flavivirus guanylyltransferase activity is currently unknown, and how the capping enzyme binds its diphosphorylated RNA substrate is important for deciphering how the flavivirus guanylyltransferase functions. In this report we examine how flavivirus NS5 N-terminal capping enzymes bind to the 5' end of the viral RNA using a fluorescence polarization-based RNA binding assay. We observed that the K(D) for RNA binding is approximately 200 nM Dengue, Yellow Fever, and West Nile virus capping enzymes. Removal of one or both of the 5' phosphates reduces binding affinity, indicating that the terminal phosphates contribute significantly to binding. RNA binding affinity is negatively affected by the presence of GTP or ATP and positively affected by S-adensyl methoninine (SAM). Structural superpositioning of the dengue virus capping enzyme with the Vaccinia virus VP39 protein bound to RNA suggests how the flavivirus capping enzyme may bind RNA, and mutagenesis analysis of residues in the putative RNA binding site demonstrate that several basic residues are critical for RNA binding. Several mutants show differential binding to 5' di-, mono-, and un-phosphorylated RNAs. The mode of RNA binding appears similar to that found with other methyltransferase enzymes, and a discussion of diphosphorylated RNA binding is presented.

Transport performance of a HTS current lead prepared by the TFA-MOD processed YBCO tapes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shiohara, K.; Sakai, S.; Ohki, S.; Yamada, Y.; Tachikawa, K.; Koizumi, T.; Aoki, Y.; Hikichi, Y.; Nishioka, J.; Hasegawa, T.

2009-10-01

A superconducting current lead has been prepared using 12 tapes of the trifluoroacetates - metal organic deposition (TFA-MOD) processed Y 1Ba 2Cu 3O 7-δ (YBCO) coated conductors with critical current ( I c) of about 100 A at 77 K in self-field. The tapes are 4.5 mm in width, 220 mm in length and about 120 μm in overall thickness. The 1 μm thick superconducting YBCO layer was formed through the TFA-MOD process on Hastelloy TM substrate tapes with two buffer oxide layers of Gd 2Zr 2O 7 (GZO) and CeO 2. The 12 YBCO tapes were arrayed on the both sides (six tapes on each side) of a stainless steel board with 3 mm in thickness for a board type shape. They were similarly soldered to copper caps at the both ends. The transport current of 1000 A was stably applied for 10 min in the liquid nitrogen temperature without any voltage generation in all tapes. Although some voltage in some YBCO tapes generated at the applied currents of about 1100 A, the transport current of 1200 A was successfully applied without quenching. The voltage between both copper caps linearly increased with increasing the transport current, and it was about 300 μV at an applied current of 1000 A. A low joint resistance between the YBCO tapes and the copper caps resulted in small amounts of the Joule heating at the joints when 1000 A was applied. The overall (effective) thermal conductivity of the current leads composed of YBCO tapes and the stainless steel board was much lower than that of Non-superconducting current leads. Therefore, the present current leads with small heat leakage seemed to be practically promising for superconducting magnets.

New serum biomarkers for prostate cancer diagnosis

PubMed Central

Chadha, Kailash C.; Miller, Austin; Nair, Bindukumar B.; Schwartz, Stanley A.; Trump, Donald L.; Underwood, Willie

2014-01-01

Background Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is currently used as a biomarker for diagnosis and management of prostate cancer (CaP). However, PSA typically lacks the sensitivity and specificity desired of a diagnostic marker. Objective The goal of this study was to identify an additional biomarker or a panel of biomarkers that is more sensitive and specific than PSA in differentiating benign versus malignant prostate disease and/or localized CaP versus metastatic CaP. Methods Concurrent measurements of circulating interleukin-8 (IL-8), Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and soluble tumor necrosis factor-α receptors 1 (sTNFR1) were obtained from four groups of men: (1) Controls (2) with elevated prostate-specific antigen with a negative prostate biopsy (elPSA_negBx) (3) with clinically localized CaP and (4) with castration resistant prostate cancer. Results TNF-α Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC = 0.93) and sTNFR1 (AUC = 0.97) were strong predictors of elPSA_negBx (vs. CaP). The best predictor of elPSA_negBx vs CaP was sTNFR1 and IL-8 combined (AUC = 0.997). The strongest single predictors of localized versus metastatic CaP were TNF-α (AUC = 0.992) and PSA (AUC = 0.963) levels. Conclusions The specificity and sensitivity of a PSA-based CaP diagnosis can be significantly enhanced by concurrent serum measurements of IL-8, TNF-α and sTNFR1. In view of the concerns about the ability of PSA to distinguish clinically relevant CaP from indolent disease, assessment of these biomarkers in the larger cohort is warranted. PMID:25593898

Sub-corotating region of Saturn's magnetosphere: Cassini observations of the azimuthal field and implications for the ionospheric Pederesen Current (Invited)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smith, E. J.; Dougherty, M. K.; Zhou, X.

2010-12-01

A consensus model of Saturn’s magnetosphere that has broad acceptance consists of four regions in which the plasma and field are corotating, sub-corotating or undergoing Vasyliunas or Dungey convection. In this model, the sub-corotating magnetosphere contains a large scale circuital current system comprised of radial, field-aligned and ionospheric currents. A quantitative rendering of this system developed by S. Cowley and E. Bunch relates the azimuthal field component, B phi, that causes the field to spiral to the ionospheric Pedersen current , Ip. Cassini measurements of B phi over the four year interval between 2005 and 2008 that are widely distributed in radial distance, latitude and local time have been used to compute Ip from a Bunce-Cowley formula. A striking north-south asymmetry of the global magnetosphere has been found. In the southern hemisphere, the magnitude and variation of Ip with invariant colatitude, θ, agree qualitatively with the model but Ip (θ) is shifted poleward by about 10°. In the northern hemisphere, however, the data fail to reproduce the profile of Ip (θ) predicted by the model but are dominated by two high latitude currents having the wrong polarities. Possible causes of this asymmetry are seasonal variations (summer in the southern hemisphere) and/or asymmetric plasma outflow from the inner magnetosphere such as the plumes extending southward from Enceladus. Another finding is a significant local time dependence of Ip(θ) rather than the axisymmetry assumed in the model. There is a close correspondence with the model in the noon sector. The currents in the midnight and dawn sectors are significantly larger than in the noon sector and the current in the dusk sector is dramatically weaker.

Shear Alfven Wave Injection in the Magnetosphere by Ionospheric Modifications in the Absence of Electrojet Currents

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Papadopoulos, K.; Eliasson, B.; Shao, X.; Labenski, J.; Chang, C.

2011-12-01

A new concept of generating ionospheric currents in the ULF/ELF range with modulated HF heating using ground-based transmitters even in the absence of electrojet currents is presented. The new concept relies on using HF heating of the F-region to modulate the electron temperature and has been given the name Ionospheric Current Drive (ICD). In ICD, the pressure gradient associated with anomalous or collisional F-region electron heating drives a local diamagnetic current that acts as an antenna to inject mainly Magneto-Sonic (MS) waves in the ionospheric plasma. The electric field associated with the MS wave drives Hall currents when it reaches the E region of the ionosphere. The Hall currents act as a secondary antenna that inject waves in the Earth-Ionosphere Waveguide (EIW) below and shear Alfven waves or EMIC waves upwards towards the conjugate regions. The paper presents: (i) Theoretical results using a cold Hall MHD model to study ICD and the generation of ULF/ELF waves by the modulation of the electron pressure at the F2-region with an intense HF electromagnetic wave. The model solves equations governing the dynamics of the shear Alfven and magnetosonic modes, of the damped modes in the diffusive Pedersen layer, and of the weakly damped helicon wave mode in the Hall-dominated E-region. The model incorporates realistic profile of the ionospheric conductivities and magnetic field configuration. We use the model to simulate propagation and dynamics of the low-frequency waves and their injection into the magnetosphere from the HAARP and Arecibo ionospheric heaters. (ii) Proof of principle experiments using the HAARP ionospheric heater in conjunction with measurements by the DEMETER satellite This work is supported by ONR MURI grant and DARPA BRIOCHE Program

Polar cap arcs from the magnetosphere to the ionosphere: kinetic modelling and observations by Cluster and TIMED

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maggiolo, R.; Echim, M.; Wedlund, C. Simon; Zhang, Y.; Fontaine, D.; Lointier, G.; Trotignon, J.-G.

2012-02-01

On 1 April 2004 the GUVI imager onboard the TIMED spacecraft spots an isolated and elongated polar cap arc. About 20 min later, the Cluster satellites detect an isolated upflowing ion beam above the polar cap. Cluster observations show that the ions are accelerated upward by a quasi-stationary electric field. The field-aligned potential drop is estimated to about 700 V and the upflowing ions are accompanied by a tenuous population of isotropic protons with a temperature of about 500 eV. The magnetic footpoints of the ion outflows observed by Cluster are situated in the prolongation of the polar cap arc observed by TIMED GUVI. The upflowing ion beam and the polar cap arc may be different signatures of the same phenomenon, as suggested by a recent statistical study of polar cap ion beams using Cluster data. We use Cluster observations at high altitude as input to a quasi-stationary magnetosphere-ionosphere (MI) coupling model. Using a Knight-type current-voltage relationship and the current continuity at the topside ionosphere, the model computes the energy spectrum of precipitating electrons at the top of the ionosphere corresponding to the generator electric field observed by Cluster. The MI coupling model provides a field-aligned potential drop in agreement with Cluster observations of upflowing ions and a spatial scale of the polar cap arc consistent with the optical observations by TIMED. The computed energy spectrum of the precipitating electrons is used as input to the Trans4 ionospheric transport code. This 1-D model, based on Boltzmann's kinetic formalism, takes into account ionospheric processes such as photoionization and electron/proton precipitation, and computes the optical and UV emissions due to precipitating electrons. The emission rates provided by the Trans4 code are compared to the optical observations by TIMED. They are similar in size and intensity. Data and modelling results are consistent with the scenario of quasi-static acceleration of electrons that generate a polar cap arc as they precipitate in the ionosphere. The detailed observations of the acceleration region by Cluster and the large scale image of the polar cap arc provided by TIMED are two different features of the same phenomenon. Combined together, they bring new light on the configuration of the high-latitude magnetosphere during prolonged periods of Northward IMF. Possible implications of the modelling results for optical observations of polar cap arcs are also discussed.

Principles of Antibiotic Management of Community-Acquired Pneumonia.

PubMed

Bender, Michael T; Niederman, Michael S

2016-12-01

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) encompasses a broad spectrum of disease severity and may require outpatient, inpatient, or intensive care management. Successful treatment hinges on expedient delivery of appropriate antibiotic therapy tailored to both the likely offending pathogens and the severity of disease. This review summarizes key principles in starting treatment and provides recommended empiric therapy regimens for each site of care. In addition, we discuss the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory role macrolides play in CAP, as well as specific information for managing individual CAP pathogens such as community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and drug-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae . We also examine several novel antibiotics being developed for CAP and review the evidence guiding duration of therapy and current best practices for the transition of hospitalized patients from intravenous antibiotics to oral therapy. Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

An electric current associated with gravity sensing in maize roots

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bjorkman, T.; Leopold, A. C.

1987-01-01

The study of gravisensing would be greatly enhanced if physiological events associated with gravity sensing could be detected separately from subsequent growth processes. This report presents a means to discriminate sensing from the growth processes. By using a vibrating probe, we have found an electric current generated by the gravity sensing region of the root cap of maize (Zea mays cv Merit) in response to gravistimulation. On the upper surface of the root cap, the change from the endogenous current has a density of 0.55 microampere per square centimeter away from gravity. The onset of the current shift has a characteristic of lag of three to four minutes after gravistimulation, which corresponds to the presentation time for gravity sensing in this tissue. A description of the current provides some information about the sensing mechanism, as well as being a valuable means to detect gravity sensing independently of differential growth.

Biomedical Applications of the Cold Atmospheric Plasma: Cell Responses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Volotskova, Olga

Current breakthrough research on cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) demonstrates that CAP has great potential in various areas, including medicine and biology, thus providing a new tool for living tissue treatment. Depending on the configuration the cold plasma sources can be used in the following areas: wound healing, skin diseases, hospital hygiene, sterilization, antifungal treatments, dental care, cosmetics targeted cell/tissue removal, and cancer treatments. This dissertation is focused on the studies of biomedical applications of cold atmospheric plasma jet based on helium flow and resultant cell responses to the cold plasma treatment. The studies were carried out on extra-cellular and intra-cellular levels in vitro. The main practical applications are wound healing and alternative to existing cancer therapy methods, areas of great interest and significant challenges. The CAP jet was built in the Micropropulsion and Nanotechnology Laboratory of Dr. Michael Keidar, as a part of multidisciplinary collaboration with the GW Medical School (Dr. M.A. Stepp) concerned with plasma medicine and bioengineering studies. Normal and cancer cells have two fundamental behavioral properties, proliferation and motility, which can be evaluated through cell migration rates and cell cycle progression. Various microscopic, spectroscopic and flow cytometry techniques were used to characterize cell responses to the cold plasma treatment. It was found that CAP effect on the cells is localized within the area of the treatment (of around ˜ 5mm in diameter). The migration rates of the normal skin cells can be reduced up to ˜ 40%. However, depending on the cell type the required treatment time is different, thus differential treatment of various cells presented in tissue is possible. The CAP effect on the migration was explained through the changes of the cell surface proteins/integrins. It was also found that normal and cancer cells respond differently to the CAP treatment under the same experimental conditions. CAP is currently being evaluated as a new highly selective alternative addition to existing cancer therapies. It was shown that the increased sensitivity of cancer cells to CAP treatment is caused by differences in the distribution of cancer cells and normal cells within the cell cycle. It was also shown that the expression of γH2A.X (pSer139), an oxidative stress reporter indicating S-phase damage, is enhanced specifically within CAP treated cells in the S phase of the cell cycle together with significant decrease in EdU-signal of DNA-replicating cells. Thus, newly developed CAP technology was proven to be of a great interest for practical applications in the areas of wound healing and cancer treatment. The identification and explanation of the mechanisms by which CAP affects the cells was presented.

Alteration of pyruvate metabolism in African trypanosomes during differentiation from bloodstream into insect forms.

PubMed

Barnard, J P; Pedersen, P L

1994-08-15

In the presence of glucose and ample oxygen, insect form African trypanosomes release pyruvate more than 100-fold more slowly than do bloodstream forms. This rate decrease could not be accounted for simply by an increased mitochondrial pyruvate oxidation rate as inhibiting mitochondrial respiration increases pyruvate efflux to rates only 2-3% of that observed for bloodstream form trypanosomes. Alternatively, decreased pyruvate efflux from insect form trypanosomes could not be accounted for by decreased pyruvate transporter activity, which, surprisingly, was nearly as high in insect form trypanosomes as reported by us earlier for bloodstream forms (J.P. Barnard, B. Reynafarje, and P.L. Pedersen (1993) J. Biol. Chem. 268, 3654-3661). Rather, the low pyruvate efflux rate appears to be due primarily to reduced levels of the enzyme pyruvate kinase, which, in contrast to conclusions of an earlier study, is readily detected in insect form trypanosomes in the absence of added activators at an activity level about 4% of that found in bloodstream forms. Insect form pyruvate kinase seems to be located in the cytosol and exhibits kinetic profiles and constants nearly identical to those reported by us earlier for the bloodstream form enzyme (J.P. Barnard, and P.L. Pedersen (1988) Mol. Biochem. Parasitol. 31, 141-148). It is suggested that the reduced levels of pyruvate kinase, and hence the reduced pyruvate efflux rates, in insect form trypanosomes result from down regulation of the gene encoding the cytosolic enzyme.

Inclined Pulsar Magnetospheres in General Relativity: Polar Caps for the Dipole, Quadrudipole, and Beyond

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gralla, Samuel E.; Lupsasca, Alexandru; Philippov, Alexander

2017-12-01

In the canonical model of a pulsar, rotational energy is transmitted through the surrounding plasma via two electrical circuits, each connecting to the star over a small region known as a “polar cap.” For a dipole-magnetized star, the polar caps coincide with the magnetic poles (hence the name), but in general, they can occur at any place and take any shape. In light of their crucial importance to most models of pulsar emission (from radio to X-ray to wind), we develop a general technique for determining polar cap properties. We consider a perfectly conducting star surrounded by a force-free magnetosphere and include the effects of general relativity. Using a combined numerical-analytical technique that leverages the rotation rate as a small parameter, we derive a general analytic formula for the polar cap shape and charge-current distribution as a function of the stellar mass, radius, rotation rate, moment of inertia, and magnetic field. We present results for dipole and quadrudipole fields (superposed dipole and quadrupole) inclined relative to the axis of rotation. The inclined dipole polar cap results are the first to include general relativity, and they confirm its essential role in the pulsar problem. The quadrudipole pulsar illustrates the phenomenon of thin annular polar caps. More generally, our method lays a foundation for detailed modeling of pulsar emission with realistic magnetic fields.

Biomarkers in Pediatric Community-Acquired Pneumonia.

PubMed

Principi, Nicola; Esposito, Susanna

2017-02-19

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is an infectious disease caused by bacteria, viruses, or a combination of these infectious agents. The severity of the clinical manifestations of CAP varies significantly. Consequently, both the differentiation of viral from bacterial CAP cases and the accurate assessment and prediction of disease severity are critical for effectively managing individuals with CAP. To solve questionable cases, several biomarkers indicating the etiology and severity of CAP have been studied. Unfortunately, only a few studies have examined the roles of these biomarkers in pediatric practice. The main aim of this paper is to detail current knowledge regarding the use of biomarkers to diagnose and treat CAP in children, analyzing the most recently published relevant studies. Despite several attempts, the etiologic diagnosis of pediatric CAP and the estimation of the potential outcome remain unsolved problems in most cases. Among traditional biomarkers, procalcitonin (PCT) appears to be the most effective for both selecting bacterial cases and evaluating the severity. However, a precise cut-off separating bacterial from viral and mild from severe cases has not been defined. The three-host protein assay based on C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), plasma interferon-γ protein-10 (IP-10), and micro-array-based whole genome expression arrays might offer more advantages in comparison with former biomarkers. However, further studies are needed before the routine use of those presently in development can be recommended.

Global warming effects: future feasibility of current cooling equipment for animal houses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Valiño, V.; Perdigones, A.; García, J. L.; de La Plaza, S.

2009-04-01

Interest in global warming effects on the agricultural systems is currently high, especially in areas which are likely to be more affected by this temperature rising, i.e. the Mediterranean area (IPCC, 2008). According to this report, the model projections of surface warming predict a temperature increase between 0.5°C to 1.5°C in the European area by the period 2020-2029. The aim of the present work was to assess the future consequences of the global warming effect on the feasibility of the cooling equipment in animal houses. Several equipment combinations were compared by means of modelling the inside climate in fattening pig houses, including forced ventilation and cooling pad. The modelling was carried out for six different European locations: Spain, Greece, Italy, The Netherlands, Germany and the United Kingdom, for the today conditions; secondly, the global warming effect in the inside climate was considered in a second set of simulations, and a mean temperature rising of 2°C was taken into account. Climate data. The six European locations were: Madrid (Spain); Aliartos (Greece); Bedford (The United Kingdom); Schipol (The Netherlands); Milan (Italy); and Stuttgart (Germany). From every location, the available climate data were monthly mean temperature (To; °C); monthly mean relative humidity (HRo, %) and monthly mean solar irradiation on horizontal surface (So; W m-2). From these monthly values, hourly means were calculated resulting in 24 data for a typical day, each month. Climate model. In this study, cooling strategies resulted from the combination of natural ventilation, mechanical ventilation and cooling pads. The climate model was developed taking into account the following energy fluxes: solar radiation, ventilation (Seginer, 2002), animal heat losses (Blanes and Pedersen, 2005), and loss of energy due to the cooling pads (Seginer, 2002). Results for the present work, show a comparative scene of the inside climate by using different cooling equipment combinations, from natural ventilation to cooling pads. Simulations which include the effects of climate change show the evolution in cooling technologies which will be necessary in this kind of animal houses, in six European locations, if the global temperature rising continues with the current rate. The necessary changes in cooling technologies of animal houses, will be important in Europe when the outside air temperature rising is greater than or equal to two Celsius degrees. Intergovernmental Panel on the Climate Change. 2008. Climate Change 2007: Synthesis Report. http://www.ipcc.ch/pdf/assessment-report/ar4/syr/ar4syr.pdf I. Seginer. 2002. The Penman-Monteith Evapotranspiration Equation as an Element in Greenhouse Ventilation Design. Biosystems Eng. 82(4): 423-439. doi:10.1006/bioe2002.0086 V. Blanes, S. Pedersen. 2005. Ventilation Flow in Pig Houses measured and calculated by Carbon Dioxide, Moisture and Heat Balance Equations. Biosystems Eng. 92(4): 483-493. doi:10.1006/j.biosystemseng.2005.09.002

The Carrier Strike Group: Examining Approaches to Forward Presence

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-09-01

capped at 8 months. This distrust represented in the study may continue to adversely affect retention rates especially if the current O-FRP exceeds...the 8 month proposed deployment cap .22 Another disadvantage of longer deployments is the increase in maintenance periods and the associated costs...establishing the requisite support facilities to maintain a nuclear powered aircraft carrier.31 For example, a port that is not nuclear carrier

Management of community-acquired pneumonia in an Australian regional hospital.

PubMed

Trad, Mohamad-Ali; Baisch, Andreas

2017-04-01

Current management of hospitalised patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in an Australian regional hospital in accordance with the recommended guidelines is unknown. The prescription rate of inappropriate antibiotic therapy was measured and analysed. A retrospective audit, December 2012 to November 2013. Regional Australian hospital in North East Victoria. Interventions were the average of inpatient and intensive care unit length of stay, time to first antibiotic and to first chest X-ray, days of intravenous antibiotics, and extra intravenous therapy; proportion of intensive care unit admissions, average time to first antibiotic administration, patients with failed outpatient management of CAP, initial microbiological investigations, positive investigations, predominant microbiology, antibiotic choice, and concordance with guidelines; proportion of justifiable deviation from guidelines, ratio of patients switched to oral therapy appropriately, complications during therapy, clinical failure, inpatient mortality, mortality at 30 days, mortality at 6 months, and readmission with CAP in 30 days and in 3 months. To improve the rates of concordance with guidelines by following a specified method to rate severity of CAP, to clearly document reasons for non-concordance with guidelines, and to rationalise investigations. To improve antibiotic stewardship in the management of CAP. In an Australian regional hospital, ceftriaxone and azithromycin were the predominant combination used at 56%, demonstrating that mild CAP was frequently overtreated. Mild CAP was eight times more likely to be treated as severe CAP (odds ratio = 8.2 (95% confidence interval, 1.7-40.3) P < 0.009). There is a need for a simple yet effective strategy to be introduced to rationalise treatment and investigation of CAP in this setting. © 2015 National Rural Health Alliance Inc.

Impact evaluation of environmental factors on respiratory function of asthma patients living in urban territory.

PubMed

Veremchuk, Lyudmila V; Tsarouhas, Konstantinos; Vitkina, Tatyana I; Mineeva, Elena E; Gvozdenko, Tatyana A; Antonyuk, Marina V; Rakitskii, Valeri N; Sidletskaya, Karolina A; Tsatsakis, Aristidis M; Golokhvast, Kirill S

2018-04-01

Environmental pollution, local climatic conditions and their association with the prevalence and exacerbation of asthma are topics of intense current medical investigation. Air pollution in the area of Vladivostock was estimated both by the index of emission volumes of "air gaseous components" (nitrogen oxide and nitrogen dioxide, formaldehyde, hydrogen sulfide, carbon monoxide) in urban atmosphere and by mass spectrometric analysis of precipitates in snow samples. A total of 172 local asthma patients (101 controlled-asthma patients-CAP and 71 non-controlled asthma patients - nCAP) were evaluated with the use of spirometry and body plethysmography. Airway obstruction reversibility was evaluated with the use of an inhaled bronchodilator. Using discriminant analysis the association of environmental parameters with clinical indices of asthma patients is explored and thresholds of impact are established. CAP presented high sensitivity to large-size suspended air particles and to several of the studied climatic parameters. Discriminant analysis showed high values of Wilks' lambda index (α = 0.69-0.81), which implies limited influence of environmental factors on the respiratory parameters of CAP. nCAP were more sensitive and susceptible to the majority of the environmental factors studied, including air suspended toxic metals particles (Cr, Zn and Ni). Air suspended particles showed higher tendency for pathogenicity in nCAP population than in the CAP, with a wider range of particle sizes being involved. Dust fractions ranging from 0 to 1 μm and from 50 to 100 μm were additionally implicated compared to CAP group. Considerably lowest thresholds levels of impact are calculated for nCAP. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Estimation of geopotential differences over intercontinental locations using satellite and terrestrial measurements. Ph.D. Thesis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pavlis, Nikolaos K.

1991-01-01

An error analysis study was conducted in order to assess the current accuracies and the future anticipated improvements in the estimation of geopotential differences over intercontinental locations. An observation/estimation scheme was proposed and studied, whereby gravity disturbance measurements on the Earth's surface, in caps surrounding the estimation points, are combined with corresponding data in caps directly over these points at the altitude of a low orbiting satellite, for the estimation of the geopotential difference between the terrestrial stations. The mathematical modeling required to relate the primary observables to the parameters to be estimated, was studied for the terrestrial data and the data at altitude. Emphasis was placed on the examination of systematic effects and on the corresponding reductions that need to be applied to the measurements to avoid systematic errors. The error estimation for the geopotential differences was performed using both truncation theory and least squares collocation with ring averages, in case observations on the Earth's surface only are used. The error analysis indicated that with the currently available global geopotential model OSU89B and with gravity disturbance data in 2 deg caps surrounding the estimation points, the error of the geopotential difference arising from errors in the reference model and the cap data is about 23 kgal cm, for 30 deg station separation.

Nuclear physics of reverse electron flow at pulsar polar caps

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jones, P. B.

2010-01-01

Protons produced in electromagnetic showers formed by the reverse electron flux are usually the largest component of the time-averaged polar cap open magnetic flux line current in neutron stars with positive corotational charge density. Although the electric field boundary conditions in the corotating frame are time independent, instabilities on both medium and short time-scales cause the current to alternate between states in which either protons or positrons and ions form the major component. These properties are briefly discussed in relation to nulling and microstructure in radio pulsars, pair production in an outer gap and neutron stars with high surface temperatures.

Statin therapy in patients with community-acquired pneumonia.

PubMed

Grudzinska, Frances S; Dosanjh, Davinder Ps; Parekh, Dhruv; Dancer, Rachel Ca; Patel, Jaimin; Nightingale, Peter; Walton, Georgia M; Sapey, Elizabeth; Thickett, David R

2017-10-01

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is the leading cause of death from infection in developed countries. There is evidence of an association between improved survival from infection and statin use. The possible beneficial effects of statins are complicated by the common use of macrolide antibiotics for pneumonia, with current guidance suggesting that concurrent macrolide and statin use is contraindicated.We conducted an observational study of statin use in patients with CAP. Of 2,067 patients with CAP, 30.4% were on statin therapy at admission. Statin users were more likely to survive the admission (p<0.001). In addition, we conducted a survey of doctors and found that knowledge regarding concurrent macrolide and statin use was lacking.These data suggest a potential role of statins in the management of CAP. Further research using high-dose statins is required to assess their safe use in subjects with mild to moderate infections. © Royal College of Physicians 2017. All rights reserved.

Mars - The regolith-atmosphere-cap system and climate change

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fanale, F. P.; Salvail, J. R.; Banerdt, W. B.; Saunders, R. S.

1982-01-01

A model is derived for the prediction of the Martian regolith-atmosphere-cap CO2 regime's behavior, as well as for the description of the roly of the regime in climate change, through descriptions of the time-temperature histories of 90 regolith 'chunks' on a latitude-depth grid. The influence of differences in regolith adsorption laws for basalt and clay, and the influence of variations in regolith depth with (1) latitude, (2) regolith thermal diffusivity, and (3) total exchangeable CO2 inventory on predicted variations in atmospheric pressure and cap mass, are examined. It is found that the atmosphere acts as a low capacity conduit between two reservoirs through which 10-100 times the current atmospheric mass of CO2 flows. The exchange between the reservoirs is driven by obliquity variations, with the polar cap the dominant CO2 sink at low obliquity and the regolith dominating at high obliquity.

Effects of a capping oxide layer on polycrystalline-silicon thin-film transistors fabricated by continuous-wave laser crystallization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Yi-Shao; Wu, Chun-Yi; Chou, Chia-Hsin; Liao, Chan-Yu; Chuang, Kai-Chi; Luo, Jun-Dao; Li, Wei-Shuo; Cheng, Huang-Chung

2018-06-01

A tetraethyl-orthosilicate (TEOS) capping oxide was deposited by low-pressure chemical vapor deposition (LPCVD) on a 200-nm-thick amorphous Si (a-Si) film as a heat reservoir to improve the crystallinity and surface roughness of polycrystalline silicon (poly-Si) formed by continuous-wave laser crystallization (CLC). The effects of four thicknesses of the capping oxide layer to satisfy an antireflection condition, namely, 90, 270, 450, and 630 nm, were investigated. The largest poly-Si grain size of 2.5 × 20 µm2 could be achieved using a capping oxide layer with an optimal thickness of 450 nm. Moreover, poly-Si nanorod (NR) thin-film transistors (TFTs) fabricated using the aforementioned technique exhibited a superior electron field-effect mobility of 1093.3 cm2 V‑1 s‑1 and an on/off current ratio of 2.53 × 109.

Outpatient management of community-acquired pneumonia.

PubMed

Froes, Filipe; Pereira, João Gonçalves; Póvoa, Pedro

2018-04-01

The first guidelines on community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) were published in 1993, but since then many of the challenges regarding the outpatient management of CAP persist. These include the difficulty in establishing the initial clinical diagnosis, its risk stratification, which will dictate the place of treatment, the empirical choice of antibiotics, the relative scarcity of novel antibiotics and the importance of knowing local microbiological susceptibility patterns. New molecular biology methods have changed the etiologic perspective of CAP, especially the contribution of virus. Lung ultrasound and biomarkers might aid diagnosis and severity stratification in the outpatient setting. Antibiotic resistance is a growing problem that reinforces the importance of novel antibiotics. And finally, prevention and the use of anti-pneumococcal vaccine are instrumental in reducing the burden of disease. Most of CAP cases are managed in the community; however, most research comes from hospitalized severe patients. New and awaited advances might contribute to aid diagnosis, cause and assessment of patients with CAP in the community. This knowledge might prove decisive in the execution of stewardship programmes that maintain current antibiotics, safeguard future ones and reinforce prevention.

Investigating Mars South Residual CO2 Cap with a Global Climate Model

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kahre, M. A.; Dequaire, J.; Hollingsworth, J. L.; Haberle, R. M.

2016-01-01

The CO2 cycle is one of the three controlling climate cycles on Mars. One aspect of the CO2 cycle that is not yet fully understood is the existence of a residual CO2 ice cap that is offset from the south pole. Previous investigations suggest that the atmosphere may control the placement of the south residual cap (e.g., Colaprete et al., 2005). These investigations show that topographically forced stationary eddies in the south during southern hemisphere winter produce colder atmospheric temperatures and increased CO2 snowfall over the hemisphere where the residual cap resides. Since precipitated CO2 ice produces higher surface albedos than directly deposited CO2 ice, it is plausible that CO2 snowfall resulting from the zonally asymmetric atmospheric circulation produces surface ice albedos high enough to maintain a residual cap only in one hemisphere. The goal of the current work is to further evaluate Colaprete et al.'s hypothesis by investigating model-predicted seasonally varying snowfall patterns in the southern polar region and the atmospheric circulation components that control them.

Sampling efficiency of modified 37-mm sampling cassettes using computational fluid dynamics.

PubMed

Anthony, T Renée; Sleeth, Darrah; Volckens, John

2016-01-01

In the U.S., most industrial hygiene practitioners continue to rely on the closed-face cassette (CFC) to assess worker exposures to hazardous dusts, primarily because ease of use, cost, and familiarity. However, mass concentrations measured with this classic sampler underestimate exposures to larger particles throughout the inhalable particulate mass (IPM) size range (up to aerodynamic diameters of 100 μm). To investigate whether the current 37-mm inlet cap can be redesigned to better meet the IPM sampling criterion, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models were developed, and particle sampling efficiencies associated with various modifications to the CFC inlet cap were determined. Simulations of fluid flow (standard k-epsilon turbulent model) and particle transport (laminar trajectories, 1-116 μm) were conducted using sampling flow rates of 10 L min(-1) in slow moving air (0.2 m s(-1)) in the facing-the-wind orientation. Combinations of seven inlet shapes and three inlet diameters were evaluated as candidates to replace the current 37-mm inlet cap. For a given inlet geometry, differences in sampler efficiency between inlet diameters averaged less than 1% for particles through 100 μm, but the largest opening was found to increase the efficiency for the 116 μm particles by 14% for the flat inlet cap. A substantial reduction in sampler efficiency was identified for sampler inlets with side walls extending beyond the dimension of the external lip of the current 37-mm CFC. The inlet cap based on the 37-mm CFC dimensions with an expanded 15-mm entry provided the best agreement with facing-the-wind human aspiration efficiency. The sampler efficiency was increased with a flat entry or with a thin central lip adjacent to the new enlarged entry. This work provides a substantial body of sampling efficiency estimates as a function of particle size and inlet geometry for personal aerosol samplers.

Discrimination of acoustically similar conspecific and heterospecific vocalizations by black-capped chickadees (Poecile atricapillus).

PubMed

Hahn, Allison H; Campbell, Kimberley A; Congdon, Jenna V; Hoang, John; McMillan, Neil; Scully, Erin N; Yong, Joshua J H; Elie, Julie E; Sturdy, Christopher B

2017-07-01

Chickadees produce a multi-note chick-a-dee call in multiple socially relevant contexts. One component of this call is the D note, which is a low-frequency and acoustically complex note with a harmonic-like structure. In the current study, we tested black-capped chickadees on a between-category operant discrimination task using vocalizations with acoustic structures similar to black-capped chickadee D notes, but produced by various songbird species, in order to examine the role that phylogenetic distance plays in acoustic perception of vocal signals. We assessed the extent to which discrimination performance was influenced by the phylogenetic relatedness among the species producing the vocalizations and by the phylogenetic relatedness between the subjects' species (black-capped chickadees) and the vocalizers' species. We also conducted a bioacoustic analysis and discriminant function analysis in order to examine the acoustic similarities among the discrimination stimuli. A previous study has shown that neural activation in black-capped chickadee auditory and perceptual brain regions is similar following the presentation of these vocalization categories. However, we found that chickadees had difficulty discriminating between forward and reversed black-capped chickadee D notes, a result that directly corresponded to the bioacoustic analysis indicating that these stimulus categories were acoustically similar. In addition, our results suggest that the discrimination between vocalizations produced by two parid species (chestnut-backed chickadees and tufted titmice) is perceptually difficult for black-capped chickadees, a finding that is likely in part because these vocalizations contain acoustic similarities. Overall, our results provide evidence that black-capped chickadees' perceptual abilities are influenced by both phylogenetic relatedness and acoustic structure.

CAP waveform estimation from the measured electrical bioimpedance values: Patient's heart rate variability analysis.

PubMed

Krivoshei, A; Uuetoa, H; Min, M; Annus, P; Uuetoa, T; Lamp, J

2015-08-01

The paper presents analysis of the generic transfer function (TF) between Electrical Bioimpedance (EBI) measured non-invasively on the wrist and Central Aortic Pressure (CAP) invasively measured at the aortic root. Influence of the Heart Rate (HR) variations on the generic TF and on reconstructed CAP waveforms is investigated. The HR variation analysis is provided on a single patient data to exclude inter-patient influences at the current research stage. A new approach for the generic TF estimating from a data ensemble is presented as well. Moreover, an influence of the cardiac period beginning point selection is analyzed and empirically optimal solution for its selection is proposed.

CAP--advancing the evaluation of preclinical Alzheimer disease treatments.

PubMed

Reiman, Eric M; Langbaum, Jessica B; Tariot, Pierre N; Lopera, Francisco; Bateman, Randall J; Morris, John C; Sperling, Reisa A; Aisen, Paul S; Roses, Allen D; Welsh-Bohmer, Kathleen A; Carrillo, Maria C; Weninger, Stacie

2016-01-01

If we are to find treatments to postpone, reduce the risk of, or completely prevent the clinical onset of Alzheimer disease (AD), we need faster methods to evaluate promising preclinical AD treatments, new ways to work together in support of common goals, and a determination to expedite the initiation and performance of preclinical AD trials. In this article, we note some of the current challenges, opportunities and emerging strategies in preclinical AD treatment. We describe the Collaboration for Alzheimer's Prevention (CAP)-a convening, harmonizing and consensus-building initiative to help stakeholders advance AD prevention research with rigour, care and maximal impact-and we demonstrate the impact of CAP on the goals and design of new preclinical AD trials.

A "Cap" on Medicaid: How Block Grants, Per Capita Caps, and Capped Allotments Might Fundamentally Change the Safety Net.

PubMed

Mager-Mardeusz, Haleigh; Lenz, Cosima; Kominski, Gerald F

2017-04-01

Changing the Medicaid program is a top priority for the Republican party. Common themes from GOP proposals include converting Medicaid from a jointly financed entitlement benefit to a form of capped federal financing. While proponents of this reform argue that it would provide greater flexibility and a more predictable budget for state governments, serious consequences would likely result for Medicaid enrollees and state governments. Under all three scenarios promoted by Republicans--block grants, capped allotments, and per capita caps—most states would face increased costs. For all three scenarios, the capped nature of the funding guarantees that the real value of funds would decrease in future years relative to what would be expected from growth under the current program. Although the federal government would undoubtedly realize savings from all three scenarios, the impact might lead states to reduce benefits and services, create waiting lists, impose cost-sharing on a traditionally low-income enrollee population, or impose other obstacles to coverage. Nationally, as many as 20.5 million Americans stand to lose coverage under the proposed Medicaid changes. In California, up to 6 million people could lose coverage if changes to the Medicaid program were coupled with the repeal of coverage for the expansion population.

Cold Atmospheric Plasma (CAP) Changes Gene Expression of Key Molecules of the Wound Healing Machinery and Improves Wound Healing In Vitro and In Vivo

PubMed Central

Arndt, Stephanie; Unger, Petra; Wacker, Eva; Shimizu, Tetsuji; Heinlin, Julia; Li, Yang-Fang; Thomas, Hubertus M.; Morfill, Gregor E.; Zimmermann, Julia L.

2013-01-01

Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) has the potential to interact with tissue or cells leading to fast, painless and efficient disinfection and furthermore has positive effects on wound healing and tissue regeneration. For clinical implementation it is necessary to examine how CAP improves wound healing and which molecular changes occur after the CAP treatment. In the present study we used the second generation MicroPlaSter ß® in analogy to the current clinical standard (2 min treatment time) in order to determine molecular changes induced by CAP using in vitro cell culture studies with human fibroblasts and an in vivo mouse skin wound healing model. Our in vitro analysis revealed that the CAP treatment induces the expression of important key genes crucial for the wound healing response like IL-6, IL-8, MCP-1, TGF-ß1, TGF-ß2, and promotes the production of collagen type I and alpha-SMA. Scratch wound healing assays showed improved cell migration, whereas cell proliferation analyzed by XTT method, and the apoptotic machinery analyzed by protein array technology, was not altered by CAP in dermal fibroblasts. An in vivo wound healing model confirmed that the CAP treatment affects above mentioned genes involved in wound healing, tissue injury and repair. Additionally, we observed that the CAP treatment improves wound healing in mice, no relevant side effects were detected. We suggest that improved wound healing might be due to the activation of a specified panel of cytokines and growth factors by CAP. In summary, our in vitro human and in vivo animal data suggest that the 2 min treatment with the MicroPlaSter ß® is an effective technique for activating wound healing relevant molecules in dermal fibroblasts leading to improved wound healing, whereas the mechanisms which contribute to these observed effects have to be further investigated. PMID:24265766

LEOS 1993 - Summer Topical Meeting Digest Held in Santa Barbara, California on July 19-30, 1993

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-01-01

M1.3 l0.2Oam - 11.-OOm (Invited) A BT View of Nonlinear Effects In Long-Haul Systems J V Wright BT Laboratories, Martlesham Heath Ipswich, SuffokIP5...Gbit/s FM/AM Conversion System Experiment Bo Foged J0rgensen, Rune J. S. Pedersen and Carsten Gudmann Joergensen Center for Broadband Telecommunications...C. C. Neil , Applied Physics Letters, Vol 28, p. 192, 1976. 2. N. F. Hartman, L. E. Corey, "A New Time Delay Concept Using Integrated Optic Techniques

Proceedings of the International Wire and Cable Symposium (33rd) Held at Cherry Hill, New Jersey on 13-15 November 1984

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-11-15

Rl TRW Inc. Philadelphia, PA UBE Industries Jcpan Union Carbide Corporation Danbury, CT Union Carbide Corporation Long Beach, CA U.S...since it is UL Classified to a demanding flame spread requirement, viz., no than 5 feet7 in the UL 910 test.y» more DUPUX OPIICAl HBtB ( ABil Ttie...4,243,579, January 6, 1981 ( Union Carbide Corporation) 2) J. R. Pedersen, et.al., "Low-Smoke, Halogen Free Ship-Off Shore/On Shore Cables with

Enhancement of the Optoelectronic Properties of PEDOT: PSS-PbS Nanoparticles Composite Thin Films Through Nanoparticles' Capping Ligand Exchange

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

García-Gutiérrez, Diana F.; Hernández-Casillas, Laura P.; Sepúlveda-Guzmán, Selene; Vazquez-Rodriguez, Sofia; García-Gutiérrez, Domingo I.

2018-02-01

The influence of the capping ligand on nanoparticles' optical and electronic properties is a topic of great interest currently being investigated by several research groups in different countries. In the present study, PbS nanoparticles originally synthesized with oleic acid, myristic acid and hexanoic acid underwent a ligand exchange process to replace the original carboxylic acid for uc(l)-cysteine as the capping layer, and were thoroughly characterized by means of transmission electron microscopy and its related techniques, such as energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy and scanning-transmission electron microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared, Raman and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Afterwards, these PbS nanoparticles were dispersed into a poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonic acid) (PEDOT:PSS) matrix to fabricate a composite thin film which displayed the optical absorption properties of the PbS nanoparticles and the electrical transport properties of the PEDOT:PSS matrix, in order to evaluate the impact of the nanoparticles' capping ligand on the optoelectronic properties of the fabricated composite thin films. Composite thin films with PbS nanoparticles showing uc(l)-cysteine as the capping layer displayed clear photoresponse and a threefold increment in their conductivities compared to pristine PEDOT:PSS. The properties of PEDOT:PSS, known as a hole transport layer in most organic photovoltaic devices, were enhanced by adding PbS nanoparticles with different capping ligands, producing a promising composite material for optoelectronic applications by proper selection of the nanoparticles' capping layer.

Child and adolescent psychiatry in the Far East.

PubMed

Hirota, Tomoya; Guerrero, Anthony; Sartorius, Norman; Fung, Daniel; Leventhal, Bennett; Ong, Say How; Kaneko, Hitoshi; Kim, Bungnyun; Cho, Soo-Churl; Skokauskas, Norbert

2015-03-01

Despite the general consensus on the importance of youth mental health, the scarcity of child and adolescent mental health services is prominent all over the world. Child and adolescent psychiatry (CAP) postgraduate training can play a pivotal role in increasing access to youth mental health services. In comparison to Europe and North America, however, little is reported regarding CAP training in the Far East, one of the most dynamic and rapidly developing world regions with a very young population. This paper presents an original study on the current status of academic child and adolescent psychiatry training across the Far East. We collected data from 17 countries in the Far East using an internally distributed questionnaire to the Consortium members invited for this study, consisting of leading academic child and adolescent psychiatrists in each country. Based on informants' input, we found an overall underdevelopment of CAP postgraduate training systems despite CAP's recognition as a subspecialty in 12 of 17 of the nations or functionally self-governing areas in the Far East. Paucity of official guidelines for CAP training was also evident. All informants reported a need for additional child and adolescent mental health professionals. There seems to be several obstacles to the development of CAP postgraduate training in the Far East, including stigma towards mental health issues and lack of funding. International collaboration is desired to develop evidence-based and culture-tailored CAP training systems. © 2014 The Authors. Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences © 2014 Japanese Society of Psychiatry and Neurology.

[Vaccination against community acquired pneumonia in adult patients. A position paper by Neumoexpertos en Prevención].

PubMed

Redondo, E; Rivero, I; Vargas, D A; Mascarós, E; Díaz-Maroto, J L; Linares, M; Valdepérez, J; Gil, A; Molina, J; Jimeno, I; Ocaña, D; Martinón-Torres, F

2016-10-01

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in adults. The annual incidence of CAP in adults in Spain ranges from 3 to 14 cases per 1,000 inhabitants. Current clinical guidelines primarily focus on the therapeutic approach to CAP rather than its prevention. The aim of this study is to develop and propose a practical guide for CAP prevention through vaccination in Spain according to available vaccines and evidence. A literature review and expert opinion. Pneumococcal and influenza vaccines are the main preventive tools available against CAP. Age, chronic diseases, and immunosuppression are risk factors for pneumonia, so these populations should be a priority for vaccination. In addition, influenza and pneumococcal vaccination is considered advisable in healthy adults under 60 years of age, and anyone with risk condition for CAP, irrespective of age. The influenza vaccine will be administered seasonally, while pneumococcal vaccination can be administered at any time of the year. Vaccination against pneumococcus and influenza in adults can help to reduce the burden of CAP and its associated complications. The available evidence supports the priority indications set out in this guide, and it would be advisable to try to achieve a wide circulation and practical implementation of these recommendations. Copyright © 2016 Sociedad Española de Médicos de Atención Primaria (SEMERGEN). Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Strange VLF bursts in northern Scandinavia: case study of the afternoon "mushroom-like" hiss on 8 December 2013

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Manninen, J.; Kleimenova, N. G.; Kozlovsky, A.; Kornilov, I. A.; Gromova, L. I.; Fedorenko, Y. V.; Turunen, T.

2015-08-01

We investigate a non-typical very low frequency (VLF) 1-4 kHz hiss representing a sequence of separated noise bursts with a strange "mushroom-like" shape in the frequency-time domain, each one lasting several minutes. These strange afternoon VLF emissions were recorded at Kannuslehto (KAN, ϕ = 67.74° N, λ = 26.27° E; L ∼ 5.5) in northern Finland during the late recovery phase of the small magnetic storm on 8 December 2013. The left-hand (LH) polarized 2-3 kHz "mushroom caps" were clearly separated from the right-hand (RH) polarized "mushroom stems" at the frequency of about 1.8-1.9 kHz, which could match the lower ionosphere waveguide cutoff (the first transverse resonance of the Earth-ionosphere cavity). We hypothesize that this VLF burst sequence could be a result of the modulation of the VLF hiss electron-cyclotron instability from the strong Pc5 geomagnetic pulsations observed simultaneously at ground-based stations as well as in the inner magnetosphere by the Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions during Substorms mission probe (THEMIS-E; ThE). This assumption is confirmed by a similar modulation of the intensity of the energetic (1-10 keV) electrons simultaneously observed by the same ThE spacecraft. In addition, the data of the European Incoherent Scatter Scientific Association (EISCAT) radar at Tromsø show a similar quasi-periodicity in the ratio of the Hall-to-Pedersen conductance, which may be used as a proxy for the energetic particle precipitation enhancement. Our findings suggest that this strange mushroom-like shape of the considered VLF hiss could be a combined mutual effect of the magnetospheric ULF-VLF (ultra low frequency-very low frequency) wave interaction and the ionosphere waveguide propagation.

Albedo models for the residual south polar cap on Mars: Implications for the stability of the cap under near-perihelion global dust storm conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bonev, Boncho P.; Hansen, Gary B.; Glenar, David A.; James, Philip B.; Bjorkman, Jon E.

2008-02-01

It is uncertain whether the residual (perennial) south polar cap on Mars is a transitory or a permanent feature in the current Martian climate. While there is no firm evidence for complete disappearance of the cap in the past, clearly observable changes have been documented. Observations suggest that the perennial cap lost more CO 2 material in the spring/summer season prior to the Mariner 9 mission than in those same seasons monitored by Viking and Mars Global Surveyor. In this paper we examine one process that may contribute to these changes - the radiative effects of a planet encircling dust storm that starts during late Martian southern spring on the stability of the perennial south polar cap. To approach this, we model the radiative transfer through a dusty planetary atmosphere bounded by a sublimating CO 2 surface. A critical parameter for this modeling is the surface albedo spectrum from the near-UV to the thermal-IR, which was determined from both space-craft and Earth-based observations covering multiple wavelength regimes. Such a multi-wavelength approach is highly desirable since one spectral band by itself cannot tightly constrain the three-parameter space for polar surface albedo models, namely photon "scattering length" in the CO 2 ice and the amounts of intermixed water and dust. Our results suggest that a planet-encircling dust storm with onset near solstice can affect the perennial cap's stability, leading to advanced sublimation in a "dusty" year. Since the total amount of solid CO 2 removed by a single storm may be less than the total CO 2 thickness, a series of dust storms would be required to remove the entire residual CO 2 ice layer from the south perennial cap.

Cytogenetic evaluation of gold nanorods using Allium cepa test.

PubMed

Rajeshwari, A; Roy, Barsha; Chandrasekaran, Natarajan; Mukherjee, Amitava

2016-12-01

The current study reveals the impact of gold nanorods (NRs) capped with CTAB (cetyltrimethylammonium bromide) or PEG (polyethylene glycol) on Allium cepa. The morphology and surface charge of CTAB- and PEG-capped gold NRs were characterized by electron microscopic and zeta potential analyses. The chromosomal aberrations like clumped chromosome, chromosomal break, chromosomal bridge, diagonal anaphase, disturbed metaphase, laggard chromosome, and sticky chromosome were observed in the root tip cells exposed to different concentrations (0.1, 1, and 10 μg/mL) of CTAB- and PEG-capped gold NRs. We found that both CTAB- and PEG-capped gold NRs were able to induce toxicity in the plant system after 4-h interaction. At a maximum concentration of 10 μg/mL, the mitotic index reduction induced by CTAB-capped gold NRs was 40-fold higher than that induced by PEG-capped gold NRs. The toxicity of gold NRs was further confirmed by lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress analyses. The unbound CTAB also contributed to the toxicity in root tip cells, while PEG alone shows less toxicity to the cells. The vehicle control CTAB contributed to the toxic effects in root tip cells, while PEG alone did not show any toxicity to the cells. The results revealed that even though both the particles have adverse effects on A. cepa, there was a significant difference in the mitotic index and oxidative stress generation in root cells exposed to CTAB-capped gold NRs. Thus, this study concludes that the surface polymerization of gold NRs by PEG can reduce the toxicity of CTAB-capped gold NRs. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Analysis of compound action potentials elicited with specific current stimulating pulses in an isolated rat sciatic nerve.

PubMed

Žužek, Monika C; Rozman, Janez; Pečlin, Polona; Vrecl, Milka; Frangež, Robert

2017-02-01

The ability to selectively stimulate Aα, Aβ-fibers and Aδ-fibers in an isolated rat sciatic nerve (SNR) was assessed. The stimulus used was a current, biphasic pulse with a quasitrapezoidal cathodic phase and rectangular anodic phase where parameters were systematically varied: intensity of the cathodic phase (ic); width of the cathodic phase (tc); width of the cathodic exponential decay (texp) and time constant of the exponential decay (τexp). A SNR was stimulated using a pair of hook electrodes while conduction velocity (CV) and compound action potentials (CAP) were measured at two sites along the SNR using another two pairs of electrodes. Results showed that the highest CAP1 (8.5-9 mV), shall be expected when parameters of the stimulus were within the following range: ic=3.8-4 mA, tc=350-400 μs and texp=330-440 μs. Results also showed that with ascending tc and texp, CV of the corresponding superficial region of the SNR was reduced in both, conduction velocity of CAP1 and conduction velocity of CAP2. It was concluded that action potentials (APs) were activated in the Aβ-fibers and Aδ-fibers along with a slight AP inhibition in the Aβ-fibers. The obtained results, could serve as a tool for developing multi-electrode systems that potentially enable fiber-type selective stimulation of nerve fibers.

Estimating the cardiovascular mortality burden attributable to the European Common Agricultural Policy on dietary saturated fats.

PubMed

Lloyd-Williams, Ffion; O'Flaherty, Martin; Mwatsama, Modi; Birt, Christopher; Ireland, Robin; Capewell, Simon

2008-07-01

To estimate the burden of cardiovascular disease within 15 European Union countries (before the 2004 enlargement) as a result of excess dietary saturated fats attributable to the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). A spreadsheet model was developed to synthesize data on population, diet, cholesterol levels and mortality rates. A conservative estimate of a reduction in saturated fat consumption of just 2.2 g was chosen, representing 1% of daily energy intake. The fall in serum cholesterol concentration was then calculated, assuming that this 1% reduction in saturated fat consumption was replaced with 0.5% monounsaturated and 0.5% polyunsaturated fats. The resulting reduction in cardiovascular and stroke deaths was then estimated, and a sensitivity analysis conducted. Reducing saturated fat consumption by 1% and increasing monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fat by 0.5% each would lower blood cholesterol levels by approximately 0.06 mmol/l, resulting in approximately 9800 fewer coronary heart disease deaths and 3000 fewer stroke deaths each year. The cardiovascular disease burden attributable to CAP appears substantial. Furthermore, these calculations were conservative estimates, and the true mortality burden may be higher. The analysis contributes to the current wider debate concerning the relationship between CAP, health and chronic disease across Europe, together with recent international developments and commitments to reduce chronic diseases. The reported mortality estimates should be considered in relation to the current CAP and any future reforms.

Modeling and simulation for the field emission of carbon nanotubes array

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, X. Q.; Wang, M.; Ge, H. L.; Chen, Q.; Xu, Y. B.

2005-12-01

To optimize the field emission of the infinite carbon nanotubes (CNTs) array on a planar cathode surface, the numerical simulation for the behavior of field emission with finite difference method was proposed. By solving the Laplace equation with computer, the influence of the intertube distance, the anode-cathode distance and the opened/capped CNT on the field emission of CNTs array were taken into account, and the results could accord well with the experiments. The simulated results proved that the field enhancement factor of individual CNT is largest, but the emission current density is little. Due to the enhanced screening of the electric field, the enhancement factor of CNTs array decreases with decreasing the intertube distance. From the simulation the field emission can be optimized when the intertube distance is close to the tube height. The anode-cathode distance hardly influences the field enhancement factor of CNTs array, but can low the threshold voltage by decreasing the anode-cathode distance. Finally, the distribution of potential of the capped CNTs array and the opened CNTs array was simulated, which the results showed that the distribution of potential can be influenced to some extent by the anode-cathode distance, especially at the apex of the capped CNTs array and the brim of the opened CNTs array. The opened CNTs array has larger field enhancement factor and can emit more current than the capped one.

Quality evaluation and control of end cap welds in PHWR fuel elements by ultrasonic examination

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Choi, M. S.; Yang, M. S.

1991-02-01

The current quality control procedure of nuclear fuel end cap weld is mainly dependent on the destructive metallographic examination. A nondestructive examination technique, i.e., ultrasonic examination, has been developed to identify and evaluate weld discontinuities. A few interesting results of the weld quality evaluation by applying the developed ultrasonic examination technique to PHWR fuel welds are presented. In addition, the feasibility of the weld quality control by the ultrasonic examination is discussed. This study shows that the ultrasonic examination is effective and reliable method for detecting abnormal weld contours and weld discontinuities such as micro-fissure, crack, upset split and expulsion, and can be used as a quality control tool for the end cap welding process.

Dynamical evidence for causality between galactic cosmic rays and interannual variation in global temperature.

PubMed

Tsonis, Anastasios A; Deyle, Ethan R; May, Robert M; Sugihara, George; Swanson, Kyle; Verbeten, Joshua D; Wang, Geli

2015-03-17

As early as 1959, it was hypothesized that an indirect link between solar activity and climate could be mediated by mechanisms controlling the flux of galactic cosmic rays (CR) [Ney ER (1959) Nature 183:451-452]. Although the connection between CR and climate remains controversial, a significant body of laboratory evidence has emerged at the European Organization for Nuclear Research [Duplissy J, et al. (2010) Atmos Chem Phys 10:1635-1647; Kirkby J, et al. (2011) Nature 476(7361):429-433] and elsewhere [Svensmark H, Pedersen JOP, Marsh ND, Enghoff MB, Uggerhøj UI (2007) Proc R Soc A 463:385-396; Enghoff MB, Pedersen JOP, Uggerhoj UI, Paling SM, Svensmark H (2011) Geophys Res Lett 38:L09805], demonstrating the theoretical mechanism of this link. In this article, we present an analysis based on convergent cross mapping, which uses observational time series data to directly examine the causal link between CR and year-to-year changes in global temperature. Despite a gross correlation, we find no measurable evidence of a causal effect linking CR to the overall 20th-century warming trend. However, on short interannual timescales, we find a significant, although modest, causal effect between CR and short-term, year-to-year variability in global temperature that is consistent with the presence of nonlinearities internal to the system. Thus, although CR do not contribute measurably to the 20th-century global warming trend, they do appear as a nontraditional forcing in the climate system on short interannual timescales.

Defense Meteorological Satellite Program Data in Dynamic Auroral Boundary Coordinates: New insights into Polar Cap and Auroral Dynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Knipp, D.

2016-12-01

Using reprocessed (Level-2) data from the Defense Meteorology Satellite Program magnetometer (SSM) and particle precipitation (SSJ) instruments we determine the boundaries of the central plasma sheet auroral oval, and then consider the relative locations and intensities of field aligned currents. Large-scale field-aligned currents (FAC) are determined using the Minimum Variance Analysis technique, and their influence is then removed from the magnetic perturbations allowing us to estimate intensity and scale-size of the smaller-scale currents. When sorted by dynamic auroral boundary coordinates we find that large- scale Region 1 (R1) FAC are often within the polar cap and Region 2 (R2) FAC show a strong dawn-dusk asymmetry (as in Ohtani et al., 2010). We find that mesoscale FAC are stronger in the summer and are most consistently present in the vicinity of dawnside (downward) R1 FAC. Further, mesoscale FAC are confined to auroral latitudes and above on the dawnside, but can be subaroural on the dusk side. Hotspots of mesoscale FAC occur in pre-midnight regions especially during summer. Finally, we show how this information can be combined with measurements from above and below the ionosphere-thermosphere to help explain significant perturbations in polar cap dynamics.

Mediating effect of coping styles on the association between psychological capital and psychological distress among Chinese nurses: a cross-sectional study.

PubMed

Zhou, H; Peng, J; Wang, D; Kou, L; Chen, F; Ye, M; Deng, Y; Yan, J; Liao, S

2017-03-01

WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT?: Studies show that psychological capital (PsyCap) is a protective factor against psychological distress, such as depressive symptoms. However, few have attempted to address the role of coping styles in the relationship between PsyCap and psychological distress. WHAT DOES THIS PAPER ADD TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE?: Our study found moderate levels of PsyCap among nurses in China. Among the subcategories of PsyCap, optimism and hope were most highly correlated with psychological distress. Psychological distress was positively associated with negative coping and negatively associated with positive coping. This study confirmed the partial mediating effect of coping styles in PsyCap and psychological distress among Chinese nurses. In other words, this study found direct and indirect effects of PsyCap on psychological distress mediated via coping styles. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE?: The significant mediating effect of negative and positive coping styles between PsyCap and psychological distress has implications for hospital administrators, especially nurse leaders. Effective strategies should be implemented to improve PsyCap and coping styles among Chinese nurses, and alleviate psychological distress. Optimism and hope should be emphasized in PsyCap investment. Different styles of coping are influenced and modified by teaching and experience. Therefore, it is essential that nurse managers organize educational and training programmes to provide nurses with relative coping knowledge and techniques, and improve their coping ability. Several studies suggest that coping styles are affected by social support. Thus, nurse managers should assist nurses with social support and enhance coping strategies to reduce psychological distress. Introduction PsyCap includes four categories namely self-efficacy, hope, optimism and resilience. Research has demonstrated that PsyCap and coping styles affect current psychological distress. Nevertheless, few studies have explored the role of coping styles in PsyCap and psychological distress. Aim This study investigated the role of coping styles as a mediator in PsyCap and psychological distress among Chinese nurses. Methods Participants included 538 nurses who completed self-report questionnaires assessing PsyCap, coping styles and psychological distress. Linear regression analyses were used to explore the role of coping styles. Results PsyCap, coping styles and psychological distress were significantly correlated. Among the subcategories of PsyCap, optimism and hope were most highly correlated with psychological distress. Coping styles is a partial mediator of PsyCap and psychological distress. Implications for mental health nursing The significant role of negative and positive coping styles in PsyCap and psychological distress has implications for hospital administrators, especially nurse leaders. Effective strategies should be implemented to improve PsyCap and coping styles among Chinese nurses, to alleviate psychological distress. Optimism and hope should be the focus of the improvement. Different styles of coping are developed from education and experience. Therefore, it is necessary for nurse managers to organize educational and training programmes to improve coping skills among nurses. Studies suggest that coping styles are affected by social support. Thus, nurse managers should also assist nurses with social support and enhance coping strategies to reduce psychological distress. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Reducing Added Sugars in the Food Supply Through a Cap-and-Trade Approach

PubMed Central

Lewis, Kristina

2014-01-01

Objectives. We estimated the effect of a simulated cap-and-trade policy to reduce added sugar in the food supply. Methods. Using nationally representative data on added-sugar content and consumption, we constructed a mathematical model of a cap-and-trade policy and compared its health implications to those of proposals to tax sugar sweetened beverages or added sugars. Results. Capping added-sugar emissions into the food supply by food manufacturers at a rate of 1% per year would be expected to reduce the prevalence of obesity by 1.7 percentage points (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.9, 2.4; a 4.6% decline) and the incidence of type 2 diabetes by 21.7 cases per 100 000 people (95% CI = 12.9, 30.6; a 4.2% decline) over 20 years, averting approximately $9.7 billion in health care spending. Racial and ethnic minorities would be expected to experience the largest declines. By comparison, equivalent price penalties through excise taxes would be expected to generate smaller health benefits. Conclusions. A cap-and-trade policy to reduce added-sugar intake may reduce obesity and type 2 diabetes to a greater extent than currently-proposed excise taxes. PMID:25365146

Reducing added sugars in the food supply through a cap-and-trade approach.

PubMed

Basu, Sanjay; Lewis, Kristina

2014-12-01

We estimated the effect of a simulated cap-and-trade policy to reduce added sugar in the food supply. Using nationally representative data on added-sugar content and consumption, we constructed a mathematical model of a cap-and-trade policy and compared its health implications to those of proposals to tax sugar sweetened beverages or added sugars. Capping added-sugar emissions into the food supply by food manufacturers at a rate of 1% per year would be expected to reduce the prevalence of obesity by 1.7 percentage points (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.9, 2.4; a 4.6% decline) and the incidence of type 2 diabetes by 21.7 cases per 100 000 people (95% CI = 12.9, 30.6; a 4.2% decline) over 20 years, averting approximately $9.7 billion in health care spending. Racial and ethnic minorities would be expected to experience the largest declines. By comparison, equivalent price penalties through excise taxes would be expected to generate smaller health benefits. A cap-and-trade policy to reduce added-sugar intake may reduce obesity and type 2 diabetes to a greater extent than currently-proposed excise taxes.

Mixed community-acquired pneumonia in hospitalised patients.

PubMed

de Roux, A; Ewig, S; García, E; Marcos, M A; Mensa, J; Lode, H; Torres, A

2006-04-01

The role of mixed community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is controversial. The aim of the present study was to determine the incidence, principal microbial patterns, clinical predictors and course of mixed CAP. The current study included 1,511 consecutive hospitalised patients with CAP. Of these, 610 (40%) patients had an established aetiology. One pathogen was demonstrated in 528 patients and 82 (13%) patients had mixed pneumonia. Cases including CAP, by a pyogenic bacteria and a complete paired serology for "atypicals", revealed that 82 (13%) patients had definite single pyogenic pneumonia and 28 patients (5%) had mixed pyogenic pneumonia. In patients with mixed CAP, Streptococcus pneumoniae was the most prevalent microorganism (44 out of 82; 54%). The most frequent combination was S. pneumoniae with Haemophilus influenzae (17 out of 82; 21%). Influenza virus A and S. pneumoniae (five out of 28; 18%) was the most frequent association in the mixed pyogenic pneumonia group. No clinical predictors for mixed pneumonias could be identified. Patients with mixed pyogenic pneumonia more frequently developed shock when compared with patients with single pyogenic pneumonia (18 versus 4%). In conclusion, mixed pneumonia occurs in >10% of cases with community-acquired pneumonia requiring hospitalisation.

Community-acquired pneumonia requiring hospitalization: rational decision making and interpretation of guidelines.

PubMed

Postma, Douwe F; van Werkhoven, Cornelis H; Oosterheert, Jan Jelrik

2017-05-01

This review focuses on the evidence base for guideline recommendations on the diagnosis, the optimal choice, timing and duration of empirical antibiotic therapy, and the use of microbiological tests for patients hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP): issues for which guidelines are frequently used as a quick reference. Furthermore, we will discuss possibilities for future research in these topics. Many national and international guideline recommendations, even on critical elements of CAP management, are based on low-to-moderate quality evidence. The diagnosis and management of CAP has hardly changed for decades. The recommendation to cover atypical pathogens in all hospitalized CAP patients is based on observational studies only and is challenged by two recent trials. The following years, improved diagnostic testing, radiologically by low-dose Computed Tomography or ultrasound and/or microbiologically by point-of-care multiplex PCR, has the potential to largely influence the choice and start of antibiotic therapy in hospitalized CAP patients. Rapid microbiological testing will hopefully improve antibiotic de-escalation or early pathogen-directed therapy, both potent ways of reducing broad-spectrum antibiotic use. Current guideline recommendations on the timing and duration of antibiotic therapy are based on limited evidence, but will be hard to improve.

76 FR 6496 - Special Flight Rules Area in the Vicinity of Grand Canyon National Park, Draft Environmental...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-02-04

... being considered include: Alternative A Current Condition: Key elements are corridors open year round, annual allocation cap of 93,971, and no quiet technology incentive. Current tours for helicopters and... to quiet technology aircraft. Alternative F Modified Current Condition: Key elements are similar to...

The interplanetary electric field, cleft currents and plasma convection in the polar caps

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Banks, P. M.; Clauer, C. R.; Araki, T.; St. Maurice, J. P.; Foster, J. C.

1984-01-01

The relationship between the pattern of plasma convection in the polar cleft and the dynamics of the interplanetary electric field (IEF) is examined theoretically. It is shown that owing to the geometrical properties of the magnetosphere, the East-West component of the IEF will drive field-aligned currents which connect to the ionosphere at points lying on either side of noon, while currents associated with the North-South component of the IEF will connect the two polar caps as sheet currents, also centered at 12 MLT. In order to describe the consequences of the Interplanetary Magnetic Field (IMF) effects upon high-latitude electric fields and convection patterns, a series of numerical simulations was carried out. The simulations were based on a solution to the steady-state equation of current continuity in a height-integrated ionospheric current. The simulations demonstrate that a simple hydrodynamical model can account for the narrow 'throats' of strong dayside antisunward convection observed during periods of southward interplanetary IMF drift, as well as the sunward convection observed during periods of strongly northward IMF drift.

Mountain Glaciers and Ice Caps

USGS Publications Warehouse

Ananichheva, Maria; Arendt, Anthony; Hagen, Jon-Ove; Hock, Regine; Josberger, Edward G.; Moore, R. Dan; Pfeffer, William Tad; Wolken, Gabriel J.

2011-01-01

Projections of future rates of mass loss from mountain glaciers and ice caps in the Arctic focus primarily on projections of changes in the surface mass balance. Current models are not yet capable of making realistic forecasts of changes in losses by calving. Surface mass balance models are forced with downscaled output from climate models driven by forcing scenarios that make assumptions about the future rate of growth of atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations. Thus, mass loss projections vary considerably, depending on the forcing scenario used and the climate model from which climate projections are derived. A new study in which a surface mass balance model is driven by output from ten general circulation models (GCMs) forced by the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) A1B emissions scenario yields estimates of total mass loss of between 51 and 136 mm sea-level equivalent (SLE) (or 13% to 36% of current glacier volume) by 2100. This implies that there will still be substantial glacier mass in the Arctic in 2100 and that Arctic mountain glaciers and ice caps will continue to influence global sea-level change well into the 22nd century.

Neck-focused panic attacks among Cambodian refugees; a logistic and linear regression analysis.

PubMed

Hinton, Devon E; Chhean, Dara; Pich, Vuth; Um, Khin; Fama, Jeanne M; Pollack, Mark H

2006-01-01

Consecutive Cambodian refugees attending a psychiatric clinic were assessed for the presence and severity of current--i.e., at least one episode in the last month--neck-focused panic. Among the whole sample (N=130), in a logistic regression analysis, the Anxiety Sensitivity Index (ASI; odds ratio=3.70) and the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS; odds ratio=2.61) significantly predicted the presence of current neck panic (NP). Among the neck panic patients (N=60), in the linear regression analysis, NP severity was significantly predicted by NP-associated flashbacks (beta=.42), NP-associated catastrophic cognitions (beta=.22), and CAPS score (beta=.28). Further analysis revealed the effect of the CAPS score to be significantly mediated (Sobel test [Baron, R. M., & Kenny, D. A. (1986). The moderator-mediator variable distinction in social psychological research: conceptual, strategic, and statistical considerations. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 51, 1173-1182]) by both NP-associated flashbacks and catastrophic cognitions. In the care of traumatized Cambodian refugees, NP severity, as well as NP-associated flashbacks and catastrophic cognitions, should be specifically assessed and treated.

Prostate-Specific Antigen: Nonspecific in Deceased Organ Donors.

PubMed

Pabisiak, K; Ostrowski, M; Kram, A; Safranow, K; Myślak, M; Sieńko, J; Sulikowski, T; Ciechanowski, K

2016-06-01

Currently, there is no clear position regarding the donation of organs from donors with prostate carcinoma (CaP) in European countries, except Italy. The lengthening of life expectancy increases the probability of prostate cancer among potential organ donors. The concentration of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) >2 ng/mL at 60 years of age is related to the increasing possibility of identifying an advanced form of CaP. In recent years in Poland, the recommendation has been to determine tumor markers in potential donors. In the first year of the recommendation, 10% of potential male cadaveric donors were disqualified in West Pomerania, Poland, on the basis of elevated PSA levels (>10 ng/mL). To avoid reduction of the actual donor pool, each potential male donor reported to the center since January 2010 undergoes a routine histologic evaluation of the whole prostate, regardless of the PSA level, before organ implantation. In the study group (N = 52), histopathologic evaluation revealed 6 cases of CaP (12%). In CaP positive group Gleason score range from 2+2 to 3+4. In CaP donors PSA level have been noticed in range 1.79 ng/mL - 7.66 ng/mL. There was no correlation between histologically confirmed CaP and the PSA level. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The effects of Tulsa's CAP Head Start program on middle-school academic outcomes and progress.

PubMed

Phillips, Deborah; Gormley, William; Anderson, Sara

2016-08-01

This study presents evidence pertinent to current debates about the lasting impacts of early childhood educational interventions and, specifically, Head Start. A group of students who were first studied to examine the immediate impacts of the Tulsa, Oklahoma, Community Action Project (CAP) Head Start program were followed-up in middle school, primarily as 8th graders. Using ordinary least squares and logistic regressions with a rich set of controls and propensity score weighting models to account for differential selection into Head Start, we compared students who had attended the CAP Head Start program and enrolled in the Tulsa Public Schools (TPS) as kindergarteners with children who also attended TPS kindergarten but had attended neither CAP Head Start nor the TPS pre-K program as 4-year-olds. CAP Head Start produced significant positive effects on achievement test scores in math and on both grade retention and chronic absenteeism for middle-school students as a whole; positive effects for girls on grade retention and chronic absenteeism; for white students on math test scores; for Hispanic students on math test scores and chronic absenteeism, and for students eligible for free lunches on math test scores, grade retention, and chronic absenteeism. We conclude that the Tulsa CAP Head Start program produced significant and consequential effects into the middle school years. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved).

Severe sepsis in community-acquired pneumonia--early recognition and treatment.

PubMed

Pereira, Jose Manuel; Paiva, Jose Artur; Rello, Jordi

2012-07-01

Despite remarkable advances in its management, community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) remains an important cause of morbidity and mortality leading to significant consumption of health, social and economic resources. The assessment of CAP severity is a cornerstone in its management, facilitating selection of the most appropriate site of care and empirical antibiotic therapy. Several clinical scoring systems based on 30-day mortality have been developed to identify those patients with the highest risk of death. Although well validated in appropriate patient groups, each system has its own limitations and each exhibits different sensitivity and specificity values. These problems have increased interest in the use of biomarkers to predict CAP severity. Although so far no ideal solution has been identified, recent advances in bacterial genomic load quantification have made this tool very attractive. Early antibiotic therapy is essential to the reduction of CAP mortality and the selection of antibiotic treatment according to clinical guidelines is also associated with an improved outcome. In addition, the addition of a macrolide to standard empirical therapy seems to improve outcome in severe CAP although the mechanism of this is unclear. Finally, the role of adjuvant therapy has not yet been satisfactorily established. In this review we will present our opinion on current best practice in the assessment of severity and treatment of severe CAP. Copyright © 2012 European Federation of Internal Medicine. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Single vector platform vaccine protects against lethal respiratory challenge with Tier 1 select agents of anthrax, plague, and tularemia.

PubMed

Jia, Qingmei; Bowen, Richard; Dillon, Barbara Jane; Masleša-Galić, Saša; Chang, Brennan T; Kaidi, Austin C; Horwitz, Marcus A

2018-05-03

Bacillus anthracis, Yersinia pestis, and Francisella tularensis are the causative agents of Tier 1 Select Agents anthrax, plague, and tularemia, respectively. Currently, there are no licensed vaccines against plague and tularemia and the licensed anthrax vaccine is suboptimal. Here we report F. tularensis LVS ΔcapB (Live Vaccine Strain with a deletion in capB)- and attenuated multi-deletional Listeria monocytogenes (Lm)-vectored vaccines against all three aforementioned pathogens. We show that LVS ΔcapB- and Lm-vectored vaccines express recombinant B. anthracis, Y. pestis, and F. tularensis immunoprotective antigens in broth and in macrophage-like cells and are non-toxic in mice. Homologous priming-boosting with the LVS ΔcapB-vectored vaccines induces potent antigen-specific humoral and T-cell-mediated immune responses and potent protective immunity against lethal respiratory challenge with all three pathogens. Protection against anthrax was far superior to that obtained with the licensed AVA vaccine and protection against tularemia was comparable to or greater than that obtained with the toxic and unlicensed LVS vaccine. Heterologous priming-boosting with LVS ΔcapB- and Lm-vectored B. anthracis and Y. pestis vaccines also induced potent protective immunity against lethal respiratory challenge with B. anthracis and Y. pestis. The single vaccine platform, especially the LVS ΔcapB-vectored vaccine platform, can be extended readily to other pathogens.

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

Polat, Ozgur; Ertugrul, Memhet; Thompson, James R

To obtain an engineered surface for deposition of high-Tc superconductors, nanoscale modulations of the surface of the underlying LaMnO3 (LMO) cap layer is a potential source for generating microstructural defects in YBa2Cu3O7- (YBCO) films. These defects may improve the flux-pinning and consequently increase the critical current density, Jc. To provide such nanoscale modulation via a practical and scalable process, tantalum (Ta) and palladium (Pd) nano-islands were deposited using dc-magnetron sputtering on the surface of the cap layer of commercial metal tape templates for second-generation wires. The size and density of these nano-islands can be controlled by changing sputtering conditions suchmore » as the power and deposition time. Compared to the reference sample grown on an untreated LMO cap layer, the YBCO films grown on the LMO cap layers with Ta or Pd nano-islands exhibited improved in-field Jc performance. Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) were used to assess the evolving size and density of the nano-islands.« less

Observations of severe in-flight environments on airplane composite structural components

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Howell, W. E.; Fisher, B. D.

1983-01-01

The development of relatively inexpensive, highly sophisticated avionics systems makes it now possible for general aviation aircraft to fly under more severe weather conditions than formerly. Increased instrument flying increases exposure of aircraft to potentially severe thunderstorm activity such as high rain rates, hail stones, and lightning strikes. In particular, the effects of lightning on aircraft can be catastrophic. Interest in aircraft lightning protection has been stimulated by the introduction of advanced composites as an aircraft structural material. The present investigation has the objective to report experiences with three composite components which have flown in thunderstorms, taking into account three F-106B composite fin caps. The only visible lightning strike damage to a flame sprayed aluminum coated glass/epoxy fin cap was a small area of the aluminum which was burned. Visible lightning strike damage to a Kevlar/epoxy fin cap was limited to the exterior ply of aluminum coated glass fabric. In the case of a graphite/epoxy fin cap, lightning currents could be conducted.

Comparison of Detector Technologies for CAPS

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stockum, Jana L.

2005-01-01

In this paper, several different detectors are examined for use in a Comet/Asteroid Protection System (CAPS), a conceptual study for a possible future space-based system. Each detector will be examined for its future (25 years or more in the future) ability to find and track near-Earth Objects (NEOs) from a space-based detection platform. Within the CAPS study are several teams of people who each focus on different aspects of the system concept. This study s focus is on detection devices. In particular, evaluations on the following devices have been made: charge-coupled devices (CCDs), charge-injected devices (CIDs), superconducting tunneling junctions (STJs), and transition edge sensors (TESs). These devices can be separated into two main categories; the first category includes detectors that are currently being widely utilized, such as CCDs and CIDs. The second category includes experimental detectors, such as STJs and TESs. After the discussion of the detectors themselves, there will be a section devoted to the explicit use of these detectors with CAPS.

Understanding and treatment of chronic abdominal pain in pediatric primary care.

PubMed

Schurman, Jennifer Verrill; Kessler, Emily D; Friesen, Craig A

2014-10-01

This study examined the practices used by primary care pediatricians to assess and treat chronic abdominal pain (CAP), as an initial step in guiding clinical practice guideline (CPG) development. A survey was mailed to a random sample of office-based pediatrician members (primary care pediatricians [PCPs]) of the American Medical Association. PCPs (n = 470) provided information about the typical presentation of CAP, assessment/treatment approaches used in their own practice, their definition of a functional gastrointestinal disorder (FGID), and their familiarity with the Rome Criteria for diagnosing FGIDs. Substantial variability among PCPs was noted across all these areas. Results suggest that perceptions and practices of pediatric CAP vary widely among PCPs; no single standard of care emerged to guide development of a CPG for this population. Future research should evaluate the efficacy of specific strategies currently in use to identify potential opportunities for improving assessment and treatment of CAP in pediatric primary care. © The Author(s) 2014.

T-Cap Pull-Off and Bending Behavior for Stitched Structure

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lovejoy, Andrew E.; Leone, Frank A., Jr.

2016-01-01

The Pultruded Rod Stitched Efficient Unitized Structure (PRSEUS) is a structural concept that was developed by The Boeing Company to address the complex structural design aspects associated with a pressurized hybrid wing body aircraft configuration. An important design feature required for assembly is the integrally stitched T-cap, which provides connectivity of the corner (orthogonal) joint between adjacent panels. A series of tests were conducted on T-cap test articles, with and without a rod stiffener penetrating the T-cap web, under tension (pull-off) and bending loads. Three designs were tested, including the baseline design used in largescale test articles. The baseline had only the manufacturing stitch row adjacent to the fillet at the base of the T-cap web. Two new designs added stitching rows to the T-cap web at either 0.5- or 1.0-inch spacing along the height of the web. Testing was conducted at NASA Langley Research Center to determine the behavior of the T-cap region resulting from the applied loading. Results show that stitching arrests the initial delamination failures so that the maximum strength capability exceeds the load at which the initial delaminations develop. However, it was seen that the added web stitching had very little effect on the initial delamination failure load, but actually decreased the initial delamination failure load for tension loading of test articles without a stiffener passing through the web. Additionally, the added web stitching only increased the maximum load capability by between 1% and 12.5%. The presence of the stiffener, however, did increase the initial and maximum loads for both tension and bending loading as compared to the stringerless baseline design. Based on the results of the few samples tested, the additional stitching in the T-cap web showed little advantage over the baseline design in terms of structural failure at the T-cap web/skin junction for the current test articles.

Interannual observations and quantification of summertime H2O ice deposition on the Martian CO2 ice south polar cap

USGS Publications Warehouse

Brown, Adrian J.; Piqueux, Sylvain; Titus, Timothy N.

2014-01-01

The spectral signature of water ice was observed on Martian south polar cap in 2004 by the Observatoire pour l'Mineralogie, l'Eau les Glaces et l'Activite (OMEGA) ( Bibring et al., 2004). Three years later, the OMEGA instrument was used to discover water ice deposited during southern summer on the polar cap ( Langevin et al., 2007). However, temporal and spatial variations of these water ice signatures have remained unexplored, and the origins of these water deposits remains an important scientific question. To investigate this question, we have used observations from the Compact Reconnaissance Imaging Spectrometer for Mars (CRISM) instrument on the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) spacecraft of the southern cap during austral summer over four Martian years to search for variations in the amount of water ice. We report below that for each year we have observed the cap, the magnitude of the H2O ice signature on the southern cap has risen steadily throughout summer, particularly on the west end of the cap. The spatial extent of deposition is in disagreement with the current best simulations of deposition of water ice on the south polar cap (Montmessin et al., 2007). This increase in water ice signatures is most likely caused by deposition of atmospheric H2O ice and a set of unusual conditions makes the quantification of this transport flux using CRISM close to ideal. We calculate a ‘minimum apparent‘ amount of deposition corresponding to a thin H2O ice layer of 0.2 mm (with 70% porosity). This amount of H2O ice deposition is 0.6–6% of the total Martian atmospheric water budget. We compare our ‘minimum apparent’ quantification with previous estimates. This deposition process may also have implications for the formation and stability of the southern CO2 ice cap, and therefore play a significant role in the climate budget of modern day Mars.

Tension and Bending Testing of an Integral T-Cap for Stitched Composite Airframe Joints

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lovejoy, Andrew E.; Leone, Frank A., Jr.

2016-01-01

The Pultruded Rod Stitched Efficient Unitized Structure (PRSEUS) is a structural concept that was developed by The Boeing Company to address the complex structural design aspects associated with a pressurized hybrid wing body aircraft configuration. An important design feature required for assembly is the integrally stitched T-cap, which provides connectivity of the corner (orthogonal) joint between adjacent panels. A series of tests were conducted on T-cap test articles, with and without a rod stiffener penetrating the T-cap web, under tension (pull-off) and bending loads. Three designs were tested, including the baseline design used in large-scale test articles. The baseline had only the manufacturing stitch row adjacent to the fillet at the base of the T-cap web. Two new designs added stitching rows to the T-cap web at either 0.5- or 1.0-inch spacing along the height of the web. Testing was conducted at NASA Langley Research Center to determine the behavior of the T-cap region resulting from the applied loading. Results show that stitching arrests the initial delamination failures so that the maximum strength capability exceeds the load at which the initial delaminations develop. However, it was seen that the added web stitching had very little effect on the initial delamination failure load, but actually decreased the initial delamination failure load for tension loading of test articles without a stiffener passing through the web. Additionally, the added web stitching only increased the maximum load capability by between 1% and 12.5%. The presence of the stiffener, however, did increase the initial and maximum loads for both tension and bending loading as compared to the stringerless baseline design. Based on the results of the few samples tested, the additional stitching in the T-cap web showed little advantage over the baseline design in terms of structural failure at the T-cap web/skin junction for the current test articles.

indCAPS: A tool for designing screening primers for CRISPR/Cas9 mutagenesis events.

PubMed

Hodgens, Charles; Nimchuk, Zachary L; Kieber, Joseph J

2017-01-01

Genetic manipulation of organisms using CRISPR/Cas9 technology generally produces small insertions/deletions (indels) that can be difficult to detect. Here, we describe a technique to easily and rapidly identify such indels. Sequence-identified mutations that alter a restriction enzyme recognition site can be readily distinguished from wild-type alleles using a cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence (CAPS) technique. If a restriction site is created or altered by the mutation such that only one allele contains the restriction site, a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by a restriction digest can be used to distinguish the two alleles. However, in the case of most CRISPR-induced alleles, no such restriction sites are present in the target sequences. In this case, a derived CAPS (dCAPS) approach can be used in which mismatches are purposefully introduced in the oligonucleotide primers to create a restriction site in one, but not both, of the amplified templates. Web-based tools exist to aid dCAPS primer design, but when supplied sequences that include indels, the current tools often fail to suggest appropriate primers. Here, we report the development of a Python-based, species-agnostic web tool, called indCAPS, suitable for the design of PCR primers used in dCAPS assays that is compatible with indels. This tool should have wide utility for screening editing events following CRISPR/Cas9 mutagenesis as well as for identifying specific editing events in a pool of CRISPR-mediated mutagenesis events. This tool was field-tested in a CRISPR mutagenesis experiment targeting a cytokinin receptor (AHK3) in Arabidopsis thaliana. The tool suggested primers that successfully distinguished between wild-type and edited alleles of a target locus and facilitated the isolation of two novel ahk3 null alleles. Users can access indCAPS and design PCR primers to employ dCAPS to identify CRISPR/Cas9 alleles at http://indcaps.kieber.cloudapps.unc.edu/.

Tax reform options: promoting retirement security.

PubMed

VanDerhei, Jack

2011-11-01

TAX PROPOSALS: Currently, the combination of worker and employer contributions in a defined contribution plan is capped by the federal tax code at the lesser of $49,000 per year or 100 percent of a worker's compensation (participants over age 50 can make additional "catch-up" contributions). As part of the effort to lower the federal deficit and reduce federal "tax expenditures," two major reform proposals have surfaced that would change current tax policy toward retirement savings: A plan that would end the existing tax deductions for 401(k) contributions and replace them with a flat-rate refundable credit that serves as a matching contribution into a retirement savings account. The so-called "20/20 cap," included by the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform in their December 2010 report, "The Moment of Truth," which would limit the sum of employer and worker annual contributions to the lower of $20,000 or 20 percent of income, the so-called "20/20 cap." IMPACT OF PERMANENTLY MODIFYING THE EXCLUSION OF EMPLOYEE CONTRIBUTIONS FOR RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLANS FROM TAXABLE INCOME: If the current exclusion of worker contributions for retirement savings plans were ended in 2012 and the total match remains constant, the average reductions in 401(k) accounts at Social Security normal retirement age would range from a low of 11.2 percent for workers currently ages 26-35 in the highest-income groups, to a high of 24.2 percent for workers in that age range in the lowest-income group. IMPACT OF "20/20 CAP": Earlier EBRI analysis of enacting the 20/20 cap starting in 2012 showed it would, as expected, most affect those with high income. However, EBRI also found the cap would cause a significant reduction in retirement savings by the lowest-income workers as well, and younger cohorts would experience larger reductions given their increased exposure to the proposal. IMPORTANCE OF EMPLOYER-SPONSORED RETIREMENT PLANS AND AUTO-ENROLLMENT: A key factor in future retirement income security is whether a worker has access to a retirement plan at work. EBRI has found that voluntary enrollment in 401(k) plans under the current set of tax incentives has the potential to generate a sum that, when combined with Social Security benefits, would replace a sizeable portion of a worker's preretirement income, and that auto-enrollment could produce even larger retirement accumulations. POTENTIAL INCREASE OF AMERICANS FACING INADEQUATE RETIREMENT INCOME: The potential increase of at-risk percentages resulting from (1) employer modifications to existing plans, and (2) a substantial portion of low-income households decreasing or eliminating future contributions to savings plans as a reaction to the proposed elimination of the exclusion of employee contributions for retirement savings plans from taxable income, needs to be analyzed carefully when considering the overall impact of proposals to change existing tax incentives for retirement savings.

New Method for Solving Inductive Electric Fields in the Ionosphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vanhamäki, H.

2005-12-01

We present a new method for calculating inductive electric fields in the ionosphere. It is well established that on large scales the ionospheric electric field is a potential field. This is understandable, since the temporal variations of large scale current systems are generally quite slow, in the timescales of several minutes, so inductive effects should be small. However, studies of Alfven wave reflection have indicated that in some situations inductive phenomena could well play a significant role in the reflection process, and thus modify the nature of ionosphere-magnetosphere coupling. The input to our calculation method are the time series of the potential part of the ionospheric electric field together with the Hall and Pedersen conductances. The output is the time series of the induced rotational part of the ionospheric electric field. The calculation method works in the time-domain and can be used with non-uniform, time-dependent conductances. In addition no particular symmetry requirements are imposed on the input potential electric field. The presented method makes use of special non-local vector basis functions called Cartesian Elementary Current Systems (CECS). This vector basis offers a convenient way of representing curl-free and divergence-free parts of 2-dimensional vector fields and makes it possible to solve the induction problem using simple linear algebra. The new calculation method is validated by comparing it with previously published results for Alfven wave reflection from uniformly conducting ionosphere.

Natural Limits for Currents in Charge Separated Pulsar Magnetospheres

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jessner, A.; Lesch, H.; Kunzl, T.

Rough estimates and upper limits on current and particle densities form the basis of most of the canonical pulsar models. Whereas the surface of the rotating neutron star is capable of supplying sufficient charges to provide a current that, given the polar cap potential, could easily fuel the observed energy loss processes, observational and theoretical constraints provide strict upper limits to the charge densities. The space charge of a current consisting solely of particles having only one sign creates a compensating potential that will make the maximum current dependent on potential and distance. In the non-relativistic case this fact is expressed in the familiar Child-Langmuir law. Its relativistic generalization and subsequent application to the inner pulsar magnetosphere provides clear limits on the strength and radial extension of charged currents originating on the polar cap. Violent Pierce-type oscillations set in, if one attempts to inject more current than the space charge limit into a given volume. These considerations apply wherever there is a significant amount of charged current flow, in particular in the gap regions. There they can be used to derive limits on the size of such gaps and their stability.

The burden of prostate cancer in Trinidad and Tobago: one of the highest mortality rates in the world.

PubMed

Warner, Wayne A; Lee, Tammy Y; Fang, Fang; Llanos, Adana A M; Bajracharya, Smriti; Sundaram, Vasavi; Badal, Kimberly; Sookdeo, Vandana Devika; Roach, Veronica; Lamont-Greene, Marjorie; Ragin, Camille; Slovacek, Simeon; Ramsoobhag, Krishan; Brown, Jasmine; Rebbeck, Timothy R; Maharaj, Ravi; Drake, Bettina F

2018-07-01

In Trinidad and Tobago (TT), prostate cancer (CaP) is the most commonly diagnosed malignancy and the leading cause of cancer deaths among men. TT currently has one of the highest CaP mortality rates in the world. 6,064 incident and 3,704 mortality cases of CaP occurring in TT from January 1995 to 31 December 2009 reported to the Dr. Elizabeth Quamina Cancer population-based cancer registry for TT, were analyzed to examine CaP survival, incidence, and mortality rates and trends by ancestry and geography. The age-standardized CaP incidence and mortality rates (per 100,000) based on the 1960 world-standardized in 2009 were 64.2 and 47.1 per 100,000. The mortality rate in TT increased between 1995 (37.9 per 100,000) and 2009 (79.4 per 100,000), while the rate in the US decreased from 37.3 per 100,000 to 22.1 per 100,000 over the same period. Fewer African ancestry patients received treatment relative to those of Indian and mixed ancestry (45.7%, 60.3%, and 60.9%, respectively). Notwithstanding the limitations surrounding data quality, our findings highlight the increasing burden of CaP in TT and the need for improved surveillance and standard of care. Our findings highlight the need for optimized models to project cancer rates in developing countries like TT. This study also provides the rationale for targeted screening and optimized treatment for CaP to ameliorate the rates we report.

Heat treatment of bulk gallium arsenide using a phosphosilicate glass cap

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mathur, G.; Wheaton, M. L.; Borrego, J. M.; Ghandhi, S. K.

1985-01-01

n-type bulk GaAs crystals, capped with chemically vapor-deposited phosphosilicate glass, were heat treated at temperatures in the range of 600 to 950 C. Measurements on Schottky diodes and solar cells fabricated on the heat-treated material, after removal of a damaged surface layer, show an increase in free-carrier concentration, in minority-carrier-diffusion length, and in solar-cell short-circuit current. The observed changes are attributed to a removal of lifetime-reducing acceptorlike impurities, defects, or their complexes.

Complex absorbing potential based Lorentzian fitting scheme and time dependent quantum transport.

PubMed

Xie, Hang; Kwok, Yanho; Jiang, Feng; Zheng, Xiao; Chen, GuanHua

2014-10-28

Based on the complex absorbing potential (CAP) method, a Lorentzian expansion scheme is developed to express the self-energy. The CAP-based Lorentzian expansion of self-energy is employed to solve efficiently the Liouville-von Neumann equation of one-electron density matrix. The resulting method is applicable for both tight-binding and first-principles models and is used to simulate the transient currents through graphene nanoribbons and a benzene molecule sandwiched between two carbon-atom chains.

Water Filters

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1988-01-01

Seeking to find a more effective method of filtering potable water that was highly contaminated, Mike Pedersen, founder of Western Water International, learned that NASA had conducted extensive research in methods of purifying water on board manned spacecraft. The key is Aquaspace Compound, a proprietary WWI formula that scientifically blends various types of glandular activated charcoal with other active and inert ingredients. Aquaspace systems remove some substances; chlorine, by atomic adsorption, other types of organic chemicals by mechanical filtration and still others by catalytic reaction. Aquaspace filters are finding wide acceptance in industrial, commercial, residential and recreational applications in the U.S. and abroad.

Polar Ice Caps: a Canary for the Greenland Ice Sheet

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Honsaker, W.; Lowell, T. V.; Sagredo, E.; Kelly, M. A.; Hall, B. L.

2010-12-01

Ice caps are glacier masses that are highly sensitive to climate change. Because of their hypsometry they can have a binary state. When relatively slight changes in the equilibrium line altitude (ELA) either intersect or rise above the land the ice can become established or disappear. Thus these upland ice masses have a fast response time. Here we consider a way to extract the ELA signal from independent ice caps adjacent to the Greenland Ice Sheet margin. It may be that these ice caps are sensitive trackers of climate change that also impact the ice sheet margin. One example is the Istorvet Ice Cap located in Liverpool Land, East Greenland (70.881°N, 22.156°W). The ice cap topography and the underlying bedrock surface dips to the north, with peak elevation of the current ice ranging in elevation from 1050 to 745 m.a.s.l. On the eastern side of the ice mass the outlet glaciers extending down to sea level. The western margin has several small lobes in topographic depressions, with the margin reaching down to 300 m.a.s.l. Topographic highs separate the ice cap into at least 5 main catchments, each having a pair of outlet lobes toward either side of the ice cap. Because of the regional bedrock slope each catchment has its own elevation range. Therefore, as the ELA changes it is possible for some catchments of the ice cap to experience positive mass balance while others have a negative balance. Based on weather observations we estimate the present day ELA to be ~1000 m.a.s.l, meaning mass balance is negative for the majority of the ice cap. By tracking glacier presence/absence in these different catchments, we can reconstruct small changes in the ELA. Another example is the High Ice Cap (informal name) in Milne Land (70.903°N, 25.626°W, 1080 m), East Greenland. Here at least 4 unconformities in ice layers found near the southern margin of the ice cap record changing intervals of accumulation and ablation. Therefore, this location may also be sensitive to slight changes in ELA where you can track an “on-off” type of mass balance switch. To place these ELA changes into temporal context, we propose to investigate proglacial lake environments below the various catchments. We intend to take rock flour as an indicator that the individual catchment is above the ELA. By contrasting the chronology from different catchments we can assemble minor ELA changes. Such an approach could be applied for other ice caps in Greenland and other areas, such as the Quelccaya Ice Cap, Peru.

Community‐Academic Partnerships: A Systematic Review of the State of the Literature and Recommendations for Future Research

PubMed Central

MEZA, ROSEMARY D.; BRIKHO, BRIGITTE; NAAF, MEGHAN; ESTABILLO, JASPER A.; GOMEZ, EMILY D.; VEJNOSKA, SARAH F.; DUFEK, SARAH; STAHMER, AUBYN C.; AARONS, GREGORY A.

2016-01-01

Policy Points: Communities, funding agencies, and institutions are increasingly involving community stakeholders as partners in research, to provide firsthand knowledge and insight.Based on our systematic review of major literature databases, we recommend using a single term, community‐academic partnership (CAP), and a conceptual definition to unite multiple research disciplines and strengthen the field.Interpersonal and operational factors that facilitate or hinder the collaborative process have been consistently identified, including “trust among partners” and “respect among partners” (facilitating interpersonal factors) and “excessive time commitment” (hindering operational factor).Once CAP processes and characteristics are better understood, the effectiveness of collaborative partner involvement can be tested. Context Communities, funding agencies, and institutions are increasingly involving community stakeholders as partners in research. Community stakeholders can provide firsthand knowledge and insight, thereby increasing research relevance and feasibility. Despite the greater emphasis and use of community‐academic partnerships (CAP) across multiple disciplines, definitions of partnerships and methodologies vary greatly, and no systematic reviews consolidating this literature have been published. The purpose of this article, then, is to facilitate the continued growth of this field by examining the characteristics of CAPs and the current state of the science, identifying the facilitating and hindering influences on the collaborative process, and developing a common term and conceptual definition for use across disciplines. Methods Our systematic search of 6 major literature databases generated 1,332 unique articles, 50 of which met our criteria for inclusion and provided data on 54 unique CAPs. We then analyzed studies to describe CAP characteristics and to identify the terms and methods used, as well as the common influences on the CAP process and distal outcomes. Findings CAP research spans disciplines, involves a variety of community stakeholders, and focuses on a large range of study topics. CAP research articles, however, rarely report characteristics such as membership numbers or duration. Most studies involved case studies using qualitative methods to collect data on the collaborative process. Although various terms were used to describe collaborative partnerships, few studies provided conceptual definitions. Twenty‐three facilitating and hindering factors influencing the CAP collaboration process emerged from the literature. Outcomes from the CAPs most often included developing or refining tangible products. Conclusions Based on our systematic review, we recommend using a single term, community‐academic partnership, as well as a conceptual definition to unite multiple research disciplines. In addition, CAP characteristics and methods should be reported more systematically to advance the field (eg, to develop CAP evaluation tools). We have identified the most common influences that facilitate and hinder CAPs, which in turn should guide their development and sustainment. PMID:26994713

Improved recombinant Api m 1- and Ves v 5-based IgE testing to dissect bee and yellow jacket allergy and their correlation with the severity of the sting reaction.

PubMed

Šelb, J; Kogovšek, R; Šilar, M; Košnik, M; Korošec, P

2016-04-01

No study has assessed the diagnostic sensitivity of rApi m 1 and rVes v 5 on Immulite testing system. To compare the diagnostic sensitivity of commercially available venom recombinant allergens between the currently available immunoassays [ImmunoCAP (CAP) and Immulite (LITE)] and establish their correlation with the severity of the sting reaction. This study evaluated 95 bee venom and 110 yellow jacket venom-allergic subjects. We measured the levels of sIgE to rApi m 1, rVes v 5 (LITE and CAP), rApi m 2 (LITE), rVes v 1 (CAP) and total IgE (CAP). Forty-nine healthy subjects served as controls. The diagnostic sensitivity of rApi m 1 and rVes v 5 was significantly higher with the LITE than with the CAP system (71% vs. 88% and 82% vs. 93%). The specificity of both assays for both allergens was between 94% and 98%. Twenty-nine patients that tested negative for rApi m 1 or rVes v 5 with CAP were positive with LITE, but none of the patients that tested negative with LITE were positive with CAP. The positive values of rApi m 1 and rVes v 5 were on average 2.7 and 2.3 times higher, with the LITE than with the CAP system. The combination of rApi m 1 and rApi m 2 (LITE) and the combination of rVes v 5 (LITE) and rVes v 1 (CAP) almost matched the sensitivity of native venoms (95% and 97%, respectively), whereas the diagnostic sensitivity of the combination of rVes v 5 and rVes v 1 (CAP) did not reach the sensitivity of rVes v 5 (LITE) alone (90% vs. 93%). IgE levels to venom recombinants and total IgE did not correlate with the severity of sting reaction. The use of rApi m 1 and rVes v 5 with the LITE system significantly enhanced diagnostic utility of venom recombinants and should improve the dissection of bee and yellow jacket venom allergy. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Terahertz spin current pulses controlled by magnetic heterostructures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kampfrath, T.; Battiato, M.; Maldonado, P.; Eilers, G.; Nötzold, J.; Mährlein, S.; Zbarsky, V.; Freimuth, F.; Mokrousov, Y.; Blügel, S.; Wolf, M.; Radu, I.; Oppeneer, P. M.; Münzenberg, M.

2013-04-01

In spin-based electronics, information is encoded by the spin state of electron bunches. Processing this information requires the controlled transport of spin angular momentum through a solid, preferably at frequencies reaching the so far unexplored terahertz regime. Here, we demonstrate, by experiment and theory, that the temporal shape of femtosecond spin current bursts can be manipulated by using specifically designed magnetic heterostructures. A laser pulse is used to drive spins from a ferromagnetic iron thin film into a non-magnetic cap layer that has either low (ruthenium) or high (gold) electron mobility. The resulting transient spin current is detected by means of an ultrafast, contactless amperemeter based on the inverse spin Hall effect, which converts the spin flow into a terahertz electromagnetic pulse. We find that the ruthenium cap layer yields a considerably longer spin current pulse because electrons are injected into ruthenium d states, which have a much lower mobility than gold sp states. Thus, spin current pulses and the resulting terahertz transients can be shaped by tailoring magnetic heterostructures, which opens the door to engineering high-speed spintronic devices and, potentially, broadband terahertz emitters.

Global Trends in Academic Governance

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cummings, William K.; Finkelstein, Martin

2009-01-01

Even before the current global economic crisis, discontent with the governance of higher education institutions was widespread among faculty in the United States and throughout the world. Drawing from the 2007 Changing Academic Profession (CAP) survey of faculty in seventeen countries, the authors examine faculty perceptions of the current state…

Antibiotic therapy prior to hospital admission is associated with reduced septic shock and need for mechanical ventilation in patients with community-acquired pneumonia.

PubMed

Amaro, Rosanel; Sellarés, Jacobo; Polverino, Eva; Cillóniz, Catia; Ferrer, Miquel; Fernández-Barat, Laia; Mensa, Josep; Niederman, Michael S; Torres, Antoni

2017-05-01

A subgroup of patients admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) have received antibiotic therapy prior to admission for the current episode of pneumonia. The objective of this study was to assess the clinical course of patients receiving antibiotics prior to admission, compared to patients not previously treated. An observational cohort of 3364 CAP patients consecutively admitted to our hospital, and prospectively included, were studied. We collected clinical, microbiological and biochemical parameters, focusing on recent antibiotics received prior to admission. 610 (18%) patients received antibiotics prior to hospital admission for the current CAP episode. Patients with previous antibiotic use developed septic shock less frequently (4% vs. 7%, p = 0.007) and required invasive ventilation less often (3% vs. 6%, p = 0.002). After adjustment by different covariate factors and propensity score, antibiotic therapy was still independently associated with a lower incidence of septic shock at admission (OR 0.54 [95% CI 0.31-0.95], p = 0.03) and less need for invasive ventilation (OR 0.38 [95% CI 0.16-0.91], p = 0.03). In this cohort, recent use of antibiotics before hospital admission in CAP seems to be associated with a lower incidence of septic shock on admission and a lower need for invasive ventilation. Copyright © 2017 The British Infection Association. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Estimating the cardiovascular mortality burden attributable to the European Common Agricultural Policy on dietary saturated fats

PubMed Central

O’Flaherty, Martin; Mwatsama, Modi; Birt, Christopher; Ireland, Robin; Capewell, Simon

2008-01-01

Abstract Objective To estimate the burden of cardiovascular disease within 15 European Union countries (before the 2004 enlargement) as a result of excess dietary saturated fats attributable to the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). Methods A spreadsheet model was developed to synthesize data on population, diet, cholesterol levels and mortality rates. A conservative estimate of a reduction in saturated fat consumption of just 2.2 g was chosen, representing 1% of daily energy intake. The fall in serum cholesterol concentration was then calculated, assuming that this 1% reduction in saturated fat consumption was replaced with 0.5% monounsaturated and 0.5% polyunsaturated fats. The resulting reduction in cardiovascular and stroke deaths was then estimated, and a sensitivity analysis conducted. Findings Reducing saturated fat consumption by 1% and increasing monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fat by 0.5% each would lower blood cholesterol levels by approximately 0.06 mmol/l, resulting in approximately 9800 fewer coronary heart disease deaths and 3000 fewer stroke deaths each year. Conclusion The cardiovascular disease burden attributable to CAP appears substantial. Furthermore, these calculations were conservative estimates, and the true mortality burden may be higher. The analysis contributes to the current wider debate concerning the relationship between CAP, health and chronic disease across Europe, together with recent international developments and commitments to reduce chronic diseases. The reported mortality estimates should be considered in relation to the current CAP and any future reforms. PMID:18670665

Heterospecific discrimination of Poecile vocalizations by zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata).

PubMed

Guillette, Lauren M; Hoeschele, Marisa; Hahn, Allison H; Sturdy, Christopher B

2013-08-01

Previous perceptual research with black-capped and mountain chickadees has demonstrated that the D note of the namesake chick-a-dee call controlled species-based discrimination compared to other note types in this call. In the current experiment, we sought to determine whether discrimination performance of the chickadees was controlled by stimulus-specific properties or due to learning through experience. To accomplish this, we tested zebra finches, a songbird species that is distantly related to chickadees, and also unfamiliar with black-capped and mountain chickadee vocalizations, on the same species-based discrimination on which black-capped and mountain chickadees were previously trained. We found that zebra finches learned the discrimination in the fewest number of trials with the D note, compared to other note types (i.e., the A, B, and C notes). In addition, we compared the current results to earlier work and found that zebra finches learned the discrimination in fewer trials compared to black-capped chickadees, and, across all species, males learned the discrimination in fewer trials than females. We discuss the roles that acoustic complexity and learning play in classification of the three species of songbirds tested. More generally, these results point to the benefits derived from testing members of each sex in species that vary in their natural history, vocal output, and phylogenetic relatedness as a means to uncover the mechanisms underlying acoustic communication. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2013 APA, all rights reserved).

Diagnostic performance of the atopy patch test with inhalant allergens.

PubMed

Fuiano, N; Diddi, G; Delvecchio, M; Incorvaia, C

2015-01-01

This study evaluated the diagnostic performance of the atopy patch test (APT) compared with skin prick testing (SPT) and in vitro IgE measurement in a large group of patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) with or without respiratory symptoms (RS). The study included 521 patients (292 males, 229 females; age, 0.5-18 years; median age, 6 years) with AD and RS with different clinical presentations: current AD, 47 patients (Group A); current AD and RS, 72 patients (Group B), past AD and RS, 69 patients (Group C); and RS only, 280 patients (Group D). Fifty-three healthy individuals served as controls. All participants underwent the APT, SPT, and CAP/RAST with the most common inhalant allergens. The presence of a control group allowed calculation of specificity and positive and negative predictive values. A significant difference was found for a positive APT versus both SPT and CAP/RAST (P < .0001) but not for SPT versus CAP/RAST. The differences for APT were significant in all group comparisons except group B vs C and group C vs D. In the control group, the APT was positive in 2% of cases (specificity of 96.2%), SPT was positive in 6% of cases (specificity of 88.4%), and CAP/RAST was positive in 4% of cases (specificity of 92.5%). In young patients sensitized to inhalant allergens with AD in addition to RS, the APT has a superior diagnostic performance to SPT and in vitro IgE measurement.

Consequences of Developmental Exposure to Concentrated Ambient Ultrafine Particle Air Pollution Combined with the Adult Paraquat and Maneb Model of the Parkinson’s Disease Phenotype in Male Mice

PubMed Central

Allen, Joshua L; Liu, Xiufang; Weston, Douglas; Conrad, Katherine; Oberdörster, Günter; Cory-Slechta, Deborah A

2014-01-01

Current evidence suggests suceptibility of both the substantia nigra and striatum to exposure to components of air pollution. Further, air pollution has been associated with increased risk of PD diagnsosis in humans or PD-like pathology in animals. This study examined whether exposure of mice to concentrated ambient ultrafine particles (CAPS; <100 nm diameter) during the first two weeks of life would alter susceptibility to induction of the Parkinson’s disease phenyotype (PDP) in a pesticide-based paraquat and maneb (PQ+MB) model during adulthood utilizing i.p. injections of 10 mg/kg PQ and 30 mg/kg MB 2× per week for 6 weeks. Evidence of CAPS-induced enhancement of the PQ+MB PDP was limited primarily to delayed recovery of locomotor activity 24 post injection of PQ+MB that could be related to alterations in striatal GABA inhibitory function. Absence of more extensive interactions might also reflect the finding that CAPS and PQ+MB appeared to differentially target the nigrostriatal dopamine and amino acid systems, with CAPS impacting striatum and PQ+MB impacting dopamine-glutamate function in midbrain; both CAPS and PQ+MB elevated glutamate levels in these specific regions, consistent with potential excitotoxicity. These findings demonstrate the ability of postnatal CAPS to produce locomotor dysfunction and dopaminergic and glutamateric changes, independent of PQ+MB, in brain regions involved in the PDP. PMID:24486957

Failure Mode Analysis of V-Shaped Pyrotechnically Actuated Valves

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sachdev, Jai S.; Hosangadi, A.; Chenoweth, James D.; Saulsberry, Regor L.; McDougle, Stephen H.

2012-01-01

Current V-shaped stainless steel pyrovalve initiators have rectified many of the deficiencies of the heritage Y-shaped aluminum design. However, a credible failure mode still exists for dual simultaneous initiator (NSI) firings in which low temperatures were detected at the booster cap and less consistent ignition was observed than when a single initiator was fired. In order to asses this issue, a numerical framework has been developed for predicting the flow through pyrotechnically actuated valves. This framework includes a fully coupled solution of the gas-phase equation with a non-equilibrium dispersed phase for solid particles as well as the capability to model conjugate gradient heat transfer to the booster cap. Through a hierarchy of increasingly complex simulations, a hypothesis for the failure mode of the nearly simultaneous dual NSI firings has been proven. The simulations indicate that the failure mode for simultaneous dual NSI firings may be caused by flow interactions between the flame channels. The shock waves from each initiator interact in the booster cavity resulting in a high pressure that prevents the gas and particulate velocity from rising in the booster cap region. This impedes the bulk of the particulate phase from impacting the booster cap and reduces the heat transfer to the booster cap since the particles do not impact it. Heat transfer calculations to the solid metal indicate that gas-phase convective heat transfer may not be adequate by itself and that energy transfer from the particulate phase may be crucial for the booster cap burn through.

Reduction of the field-aligned potential drop in the polar cap during large geomagnetic storms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kitamura, N.; Seki, K.; Nishimura, Y.; Hori, T.; Terada, N.; Ono, T.; Strangeway, R. J.

2013-12-01

We have studied photoelectron flows and the inferred field-aligned potential drop in the polar cap during 5 large geomagnetic storms that occurred in the periods when the photoelectron observations in the polar cap were available near the apogee of the FAST satellite (~4000 km) at solar maximum, and the footprint of the satellite paths in the polar cap was under sunlit conditions most of the time. In contrast to the ~20 V potential drop during geomagnetically quiet periods at solar maximum identified by Kitamura et al. [JGR, 2012], the field-aligned potential drop frequently became smaller than ~5 V during the main and early recovery phases of the large geomagnetic storms. Because the potential acts to inhibit photoelectron escape, this result indicates that the corresponding acceleration of ions by the field-aligned potential drop in the polar cap and the lobe region is smaller during the main and early recovery phases of large geomagnetic storms compared to during geomagnetically quiet periods. Under small field-aligned current conditions, the number flux of outflowing ions should be nearly equal to the net escaping electron number flux. Since ions with large flux originating from the cusp/cleft ionosphere convect into the polar cap during geomagnetic storms [e.g., Kitamura et al., JGR, 2010], the net escaping electron number flux should increase to balance the enhanced ion outflows. The magnitude of the field-aligned potential drop would be reduced to let a larger fraction of photoelectrons escape.

Driving of Dramatic Geomagnetic Activity by Enhancement of Meso-Scale Polar-cap Flows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lyons, L. R.; Gallardo-Lacourt, B.; Zou, Y.; Nishimura, Y.; Anderson, P. C.; Angelopoulos, V.; Ruohoniemi, J. M.; Mitchell, E. J.; Paxton, L. J.; Nishitani, N.

2017-12-01

Recent studies have shown that mesoscale flows are common within the polar cap ionosphere. They often cross the magnetic separatrix, and become are critical to the driving of geomagnetic activity. They lead, for example, to plasma sheet flow bursts, auroral poleward boundary intensifications, auroral streamers, substorms, auroral omega bands, and poleward motion of the polar cap boundary from reconnection. We have found large enhancements of these meso-scale ionospheric polar cap flows heading towards the nightside separatrix. These enhancements are common immediately after the impact of CME shocks under southward IMF, but can also occur in other situations, including without substantial change in the solar wind or IMF. These meso-scale flow enhancements, which must extent outward along magnetospheric field lines from the ionosphere, are seen to drive an almost immediate strong auroral, ionospheric and field-aligned current, and reconnection activity. The resulting activity is particularly dramatic during the initiation of CME storms, but may reflect a more generally occurring phenomenon of mesoscale flow enhancements leading to similar oval responses without a shock impact, including during and following the expansion phase some substorms. If this phenomenon is indeed common, it could lead to possibly fundamental questions, such as when do polar cap convection enhancements lead to a substorm growth phase versus leading directly to strong poleward expansion of, and strong activity within, the auroral oval field line region? Another critical question would be what leads to and causes the enhancements in meso-scale polar cap flows?

Advances in synthesis of calcium phosphate crystals with controlled size and shape.

PubMed

Lin, Kaili; Wu, Chengtie; Chang, Jiang

2014-10-01

Calcium phosphate (CaP) materials have a wide range of applications, including biomaterials, adsorbents, chemical engineering materials, catalysts and catalyst supports and mechanical reinforcements. The size and shape of CaP crystals and aggregates play critical roles in their applications. The main inorganic building blocks of human bones and teeth are nanocrystalline CaPs; recently, much progress has been made in the application of CaP nanocrystals and their composites for clinical repair of damaged bone and tooth. For example, CaPs with special micro- and nanostructures can better imitate the biomimetic features of human bone and tooth, and this offers significantly enhanced biological performances. Therefore, the design of CaP nano-/microcrystals, and the shape and hierarchical structures of CaPs, have great potential to revolutionize the field of hard tissue engineering, starting from bone/tooth repair and augmentation to controlled drug delivery devices. Previously, a number of reviews have reported the synthesis and properties of CaP materials, especially for hydroxyapatite (HAp). However, most of them mainly focused on the characterizations and physicochemical and biological properties of HAp particles. There are few reviews about the control of particle size and size distribution of CaPs, and in particular the control of nano-/microstructures on bulk CaP ceramic surfaces, which is a big challenge technically and may have great potential in tissue engineering applications. This review summarizes the current state of the art for the synthesis of CaP crystals with controlled sizes from the nano- to the macroscale, and the diverse shapes including the zero-dimensional shapes of particles and spheres, the one-dimensional shapes of rods, fibers, wires and whiskers, the two-dimensional shapes of sheets, disks, plates, belts, ribbons and flakes and the three-dimensional (3-D) shapes of porous, hollow, and biomimetic structures similar to biological bone and tooth. In addition, this review will also summarize studies on the controlled formation of nano-/microstructures on the surface of bulk ceramics, and the preparation of macroscopical bone grafts with 3-D architecture nano-/microstructured surfaces. Moreover, the possible directions of future research and development in this field, such as the detailed mechanisms behind the size and shape control in various strategies, the importance of theoretical simulation, self-assembly, biomineralization and sacrificial precursor strategies in the fabrication of biomimetic bone-like and enamel-like CaP materials are proposed. Copyright © 2014 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

CryoSat swath altimetry to measure ice cap and glacier surface elevation change

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tepes, P.; Gourmelen, N.; Escorihuela, M. J.; Wuite, J.; Nagler, T.; Foresta, L.; Brockley, D.; Baker, S.; Roca, M.; Shepherd, A.; Plummer, S.

2016-12-01

Satellite altimetry has been used extensively in the past few decades to observe changes affecting large and remote regions covered by land ice such as the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets. Glaciers and ice caps have been studied less extensively due to limitation of altimetry over complex topography. However their role in current sea-level budgets is significant and is expected to continue over the next century and beyond (Gardner et al., 2011), particularly in the Arctic where mean annual surface temperatures have recently been increasing twice as fast as the global average (Screen and Simmonds, 2010). Radar altimetry is well suited to monitor elevation changes over land ice due to its all-weather year-round capability of observing ice surfaces. Since 2010, the Synthetic Interferometric Radar Altimeter (SIRAL) on board the European Space Agency (ESA) radar altimetry CryoSat (CS) mission has been collecting ice elevation measurements over glaciers and ice caps. Its Synthetic Aperture Radar Interferometric (SARIn) processing feature reduces the size of the footprint along-track and locates the across-track origin of a surface reflector in the presence of a slope. This offers new perspectives for the measurement of regions marked by complex topography. More recently, data from the CS-SARIn mode have been used to infer elevation beyond the point of closest approach (POCA) with a novel approach known as "swath processing" (Hawley et al., 2009; Gray et al., 2013; Christie et al., 2016; Smith et al., 2016). Together with a denser ground track interspacing of the CS mission, the swath processing technique provides unprecedented spatial coverage and resolution for space borne altimetry, enabling the study of key processes that underlie current changes of ice caps and glaciers. In this study, we use CS swath observations to generate maps of ice elevation change for selected ice caps and glaciers. We present a validation exercise and discuss the benefit of swath processing for assessing glaciers and ice caps changes and their contribution to changes in sea level.

Early Holocene deglaciation of Drangajökull, Vestfirðir, Iceland

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Harning, David J.; Geirsdóttir, Áslaug; Miller, Gifford H.; Zalzal, Kate

2016-12-01

The status of Icelandic ice caps during the early Holocene provides important constraints on North Atlantic climate and the mechanisms behind natural climate variability. A recent study postulates that Drangajökull on Vestfirðir, Iceland, persisted through the Holocene Thermal Maximum (HTM, 7.9-5.5 ka) and may be a relic from the last glacial period. We test this hypothesis with a suite of sediment cores from threshold lakes both proximal and distal to the ice cap's modern margin. Distal lakes document rapid early Holocene deglaciation from the coast and across the highlands south of the glacier. Sediment from Skorarvatn, a lake to the north of Drangajökull, shows that the northern margin of the ice cap reached a size comparable to its contemporary limit by ∼10.3 ka. Two southeastern lakes with catchments extending well beneath modern Drangajökull confirm that by ∼9.2 ka, the ice cap was reduced to ∼20% of its current area. A continuous 10.3ka record of biological productivity from Skorarvatn's sediment indicates local peak warmth occurred between 9 and 6.9 ka. The combination of warm and dry summers on Vestfirðir suggests that Drangajökull very likely melted completely shortly after 9.2 ka, similar to most other Icelandic ice caps.

Carbon Nanotubes: On the Origin of Helicity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Harutyunyan, Avetik

2015-03-01

The mechanism of helicity formation of carbon nanotubes still remains elusive that hinders their applications. Current explanations mainly rely on the planar interrelationship between the structure of nanotube and corresponding facet of catalyst in 2D geometry that could amend the structure of grown carbon layer, specifically due to the epitaxial interaction. Yet, the structure of carbon nanotube and circumference of the rims assume involvement of more than one facet i.e. it is 3D problem. By aiming this problem we find that the nanotube nucleation is initiated by cap formation via evolving of graphene embryo across the adjacent facets of catalyst particle. As a result the graphene embryos incorporate in their hexagonic network various polygons to accommodate the curved 3D geometry that initiates cap formation following by elongation of the circumferential rims. Based on these results, also on the census of nanotube caps and the fact that given cap fit only one nanotube wall, we consider carbon cap responsible for the helicity of carbon nanotube. This understanding could provide new avenues towards engineering particles to explicitly accommodate certain helicities via exploitation of the angular distribution of catalyst adjacent facets. Our recent progresses in production of carbon nanotubes, nanotube reinforced composites and their potential applications also will be presented.

A simple teaching tool for training the pelvic organ prolapse quantification system.

PubMed

Geiss, Ingrid M; Riss, Paul A; Hanzal, Engelbert; Dungl, Andrea

2007-09-01

The pelvic organ prolapse quantification (POPQ) system is currently the most common and specific system describing different prolapse stages. Nevertheless, its use is not yet accepted worldwide in routine care. Our aim was to develop a simple teaching tool for the POPQ system capable of simulating different stages of uterovaginal prolapse for use in medical education with hands on training. We constructed a moveable and flexible tool with an inverted Santa Claus' cap, which simulated the vaginal cuff and the tassel at the end representing the cervix. A wooden embroidery frame fixed the cap and served as the hymen, the reference point for all measurements. Inside the cap, we sewed buttons to define the anatomic landmark points Aa and Ap located 3 cm distal from the frame. After explaining the device to the students, we used the three-by-three grid for recording the quantitative description of the pelvic organ support. First, each student had to demonstrate a specific prolapse with his cap device. Then, a prolapse was simulated on the cap, and the student had to take the relevant measurements and record them in the POPQ grid. The main training effect to understand the POPQ system seems to be the possibility for each trainee to simulate a three-dimensional prolapse with this flexible vagina model.

Penicillin treatment for patients with Community-Acquired Pneumonia in Denmark: a retrospective cohort study.

PubMed

Egelund, Gertrud Baunbæk; Jensen, Andreas Vestergaard; Andersen, Stine Bang; Petersen, Pelle Trier; Lindhardt, Bjarne Ørskov; von Plessen, Christian; Rohde, Gernot; Ravn, Pernille

2017-04-20

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a severe infection, with high mortality. Antibiotic strategies for CAP differ across Europe. The objective of the study was to describe the epidemiology of CAP in Denmark and evaluate the prognosis of patients empirically treated with penicillin-G/V monotherapy. Retrospective cohort study including hospitalized patients with x-ray confirmed CAP. We calculated the population-based incidence, reviewed types of empiric antibiotics and duration of antibiotic treatment. We evaluated the association between mortality and treatment with empiric penicillin-G/V using logistic regression analysis. We included 1320 patients. The incidence of hospitalized CAP was 3.1/1000 inhabitants. Median age was 71 years (IQR; 58-81) and in-hospital mortality was 8%. Median duration of antibiotic treatment was 10 days (IQR; 8-12). In total 45% were treated with penicillin-G/V as empiric monotherapy and they did not have a higher mortality compared to patients treated with broader-spectrum antibiotics (OR 0.92, CI 95% 0.55-1.53). The duration of treatment exceeded recommendations in European guidelines. Empiric monotherapy with penicillin-G/V was commonly used and not associated with increased mortality in patients with mild to moderate pneumonia. Our results are in agreement with current conservative antibiotic strategy as outlined in the Danish guidelines.

Innovative research of plasma physics for life sciences

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boonyawan, D.

2017-06-01

In medicine, cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) for the medical treatment is a new field in plasma application, called plasma medicine. CAP contains mix of excited atoms and molecules, UV photons, charged particles as well as reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS). Typical species in air-CAPs are O3, OH, NxOx, and HNOx. The current developments in this field have fuelled the hope that CAP could be an interesting new therapeutic approach in the treatment of cancer. CAP apparently demonstrated effect on cancer cell apoptosis which did not induce cell necrosis or disruption. Moreover, CAP seemed to be selective for cancer cells since it was more effective in tumor cells than in normal non-neoplastic cells. In bioscience, dentistry and veterinary medicine : Since CAP, is delivered at room temperature, which results in less damaging effects on living tissue, while still has the efficiency in disinfection and sterilization. Recent studies proved that it is able to inactivate gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria, fungi, virus, spore, various parasites, and foreign organisms or pathogens without harming tissue. Moreover, cold plasma has been used effectively in medical field such as dental use, inducing apoptosis of malignant cells, stopping bleeding, promoting wound healing and tissue regeneration. Sericin hydrolysates, originating from silkworm is found support cell proliferation, expand cell adhesion and increase cell yield. The covalent linkage between a bioactive protein molecule and polystyrene dish surface via a carbon intermediate layer can slow down the release rate of protein compound into the phosphate buffer saline (PBS) solution. We found that a-C films and a-C:N2 films show good attachment of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hBM-MSCs). All of carbon modified-Polystyrene(PS) dishes revealed the less release rate of sericin molecules into PBS solution than PS control.

Cannabinoid WIN 55,212-2 inhibits TRPV1 in trigeminal ganglion neurons via PKA and PKC pathways.

PubMed

Wang, Wei; Cao, Xuehong; Liu, Changjin; Liu, Lieju

2012-02-01

Although the inhibitory effect of cannabinoids on transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) channel may explain the efficacy of peripheral cannabinoids in antihyperalgesia and antinociceptive actions, the mechanism for cannabinoid-induced inhibition of TRPV1 in primary sensory neurons is not understood. Therefore, we explored how WIN55,212-2 (WIN, a synthetic cannabinoid) inhibited TRPV1 in rat trigeminal ganglion neurons. A "bell"-shaped concentration-dependent curve was obtained from the effects of WIN on TRPV1 channel. The maximal inhibition on capsaicin-induced current (I (cap)) by WIN was at a concentration of 10(-9) M, and at this concentration I (cap) was reduced by 95 ± 1.6%. When the concentration of WIN was at 10(-6) M, it displayed a stimulatory effect on I (cap). In this study, several intracellular signaling transduction pathways were tested to study whether they were involved in the inhibitory effects of WIN on I (cap). We found that the inhibitory effect of WIN on I (cap) was completely reversed by PKA antagonists H-89 and KT5720 as well as by PKC antagonists BIM and staurosporine. It was also found that the inhibitory effect was partly reversed by PKG antagonist PKGi, while G-protein antagonist GDP-βs/pertussis toxin (PTX) and PLC antagonist U-73122 had no effect on the inhibitory effect of WIN on I(cap). These results suggest that several intracellular signaling transduction pathways including PKA and PKC systems underlie the inhibitory effects of WIN on I (cap); however, G protein-coupled receptors CB1 or CB2 were not involved.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of bortezomib in combination with rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone (VR-CAP) in patients with previously untreated mantle cell lymphoma.

PubMed

van Keep, Marjolijn; Gairy, Kerry; Seshagiri, Divyagiri; Thilakarathne, Pushpike; Lee, Dawn

2016-08-04

Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is a rare and aggressive form of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Bortezomib is the first product to be approved for the treatment of patients with previously untreated MCL, for whom haematopoietic stem cell transplantation is unsuitable, and is used in combination with rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone (VR-CAP). The National Institute of Health and Care Excellence recently recommended the use of VR-CAP in the UK following a technology appraisal. We present the cost effectiveness analysis performed as part of that assessment: VR-CAP versus the current standard of care regimen of rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone (R-CHOP) in a UK setting. A lifetime economic model was developed with health states based upon line of treatment and progression status. Baseline patient characteristics, dosing, safety and efficacy were based on the LYM-3002 trial. As overall survival data were immature, survival was modelled by progression status, and post-progression survival was assumed equal across arms. Utilities were derived from LYM-3002 and literature, and standard UK cost sources were used. Treatment with VR-CAP compared to R-CHOP gave an incremental quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gain of 0.81 at an additional cost of £16,212, resulting in a base case incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of £20,043. Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses showed that treatment with VR-CAP was cost effective at conventional willingness-to-pay thresholds (£20,000-£30,000 per QALY). VR-CAP is a cost-effective option for previously untreated patients with MCL in the UK.

US fertility prevention as poverty prevention: an empirical question and social justice issue.

PubMed

Romero, Diana; Agénor, Madina

2009-01-01

This paper examines the impact of the US welfare reform family-cap policy on the childbearing decisions of poor and low-income women by posing two complementary questions, both placed within a broader historical context. Specifically, it raises an empirical question pertaining to the family cap's effectiveness and a social justice question pertaining to the policy's ethical and legal justification in terms of human and reproductive rights. To address the first question, a thorough review of past and current research pertaining to the family cap at both the state and national levels is provided. The second question is addressed with an overview of international human and reproductive rights documents of relevance to the family-cap policy, as well as an analysis of the covenants' numerous components with which the family cap is in conflict. Finally, this paper situates the family cap in its historical context by investigating previous governmental attempts to control and regulate the reproductive health and rights of poor women and women of color in the United States. The majority of empirical analyses of the family cap have found that the policy has not had an impact on poor women's reproductive health behaviors. In addition, the exclusive application of this policy to poor women receiving cash assistance is demonstrated to be in violation of eight international human and reproductive rights documents, several of which the US is a signatory. These two findings make a strong case that policy makers and social and health researchers alike critically reexamine whether a policy that has not achieved its ostensible goal and is applied in a disparate manner-primarily to poor women and families and women of color-should continue to be implemented by the states.

National Trends in Hospitalizations for Pediatric Community-Acquired Pneumonia and Associated Complications

PubMed Central

Lee, Grace E.; Lorch, Scott A.; Sheffler-Collins, Seth; Kronman, Matthew P.; Shah, Samir S.

2010-01-01

Objective To determine current rates of and trends in hospitalizations for community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and CAP - associated complications in children. Methods We performed a cross-sectional retrospective cohort study using the 1997, 2000, 2003, and 2006 Kids’ Inpatient Database. National estimates for CAP and CAP - associated local and systemic complications were calculated for children ≤ 18 years of age using complex survey statistics. Patients with comorbid conditions or in-hospital birth status were excluded. Percent change was calculated using 1997 (pre-PCV7) and 2006 (post-PCV7) data. Results There were a combined 619,102 discharges for 1997, 2000, 2003, and 2006 after inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied. Overall rates of CAP discharges did not change substantially between 1997 and 2006, but stratification by age revealed a 22% decrease for children < 1 year, minimal change for children 1–5 years, and an increase in rates for children 6–12 years (22%) and ≥ 13 years (41%). Rates of systemic complications were highest among children < 1 year but decreased by 36%. In all other age groups, systemic complication rates remained stable. Rates of local complications increased 78% overall, from 5.4 to 9.6 per 100,000. Children ages 1–5 years had the highest rate of local complications (16.5 per 100,000). Conclusions Since the introduction of PCV7 in 2000, rates of CAP-associated systemic complications decreased only in children < 1 year of age. Rates of pediatric CAP-associated local complications are increasing in all age groups. More research is needed to determine the factors underlying these trends. PMID:20643717

Evidence of natural occurrence of the banned antibiotic chloramphenicol in herbs and grass.

PubMed

Berendsen, Bjorn; Stolker, Linda; de Jong, Jacob; Nielen, Michel; Tserendorj, Enkhtuya; Sodnomdarjaa, Ruuragchas; Cannavan, Andrew; Elliott, Christopher

2010-07-01

Chloramphenicol (CAP), a broad-spectrum antibiotic, was detected in several herb and grass samples from different geographic origins. Due to its suspected carcinogenicity and linkages with the development of aplastic anemia in humans, CAP is banned for use in food-producing animals in the European Union (EU) and many other countries. However, products of animal origin originating from Asian countries entering the European market are still found noncompliant (containing CAP) on a regular basis, even when there is no history of chloramphenicol use in these countries. A possible explanation for the continued detection of these residues is the natural occurrence of CAP in plant material which is used as animal feed, with the consequent transfer of the substance to the animal tissues. Approximately 110 samples were analyzed using liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometric detection. In 26 samples, the presence of CAP was confirmed using the criteria for banned substances defined by the EU. Among other plant materials, samples of the Artemisia family retrieved from Mongolia and from Utah, USA, and a therapeutic herb mixture obtained from local stores in the Netherlands proved to contain CAP at levels ranging from 0.1 to 450 microg/kg. These findings may have a major impact in relation to international trade and safety to the consumer. The results of this study demonstrate that noncompliant findings in animal-derived food products may in part be due to the natural occurrence of chloramphenicol in plant material. This has implications for the application of current EU, USA, and other legislation and the interpretation of analytical results with respect to the consideration of CAP as a xenobiotic veterinary drug residue and the regulatory actions taken upon its detection in food.

Evidence of natural occurrence of the banned antibiotic chloramphenicol in herbs and grass

PubMed Central

Berendsen, Bjorn; de Jong, Jacob; Nielen, Michel; Tserendorj, Enkhtuya; Sodnomdarjaa, Ruuragchas; Cannavan, Andrew; Elliott, Christopher

2010-01-01

Chloramphenicol (CAP), a broad-spectrum antibiotic, was detected in several herb and grass samples from different geographic origins. Due to its suspected carcinogenicity and linkages with the development of aplastic anemia in humans, CAP is banned for use in food-producing animals in the European Union (EU) and many other countries. However, products of animal origin originating from Asian countries entering the European market are still found noncompliant (containing CAP) on a regular basis, even when there is no history of chloramphenicol use in these countries. A possible explanation for the continued detection of these residues is the natural occurrence of CAP in plant material which is used as animal feed, with the consequent transfer of the substance to the animal tissues. Approximately 110 samples were analyzed using liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometric detection. In 26 samples, the presence of CAP was confirmed using the criteria for banned substances defined by the EU. Among other plant materials, samples of the Artemisia family retrieved from Mongolia and from Utah, USA, and a therapeutic herb mixture obtained from local stores in the Netherlands proved to contain CAP at levels ranging from 0.1 to 450 µg/kg. These findings may have a major impact in relation to international trade and safety to the consumer. The results of this study demonstrate that noncompliant findings in animal-derived food products may in part be due to the natural occurrence of chloramphenicol in plant material. This has implications for the application of current EU, USA, and other legislation and the interpretation of analytical results with respect to the consideration of CAP as a xenobiotic veterinary drug residue and the regulatory actions taken upon its detection in food. PMID:20431869

Variability in Pediatric Infectious Disease Consultants' Recommendations for Management of Community-Acquired Pneumonia

PubMed Central

Hersh, Adam L.; Shapiro, Daniel J.; Newland, Jason G.; Polgreen, Philip M.; Beekmann, Susan E.; Shah, Samir S.

2011-01-01

Background Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a common childhood infection. CAP complications, such as parapneumonic empyema (PPE), are increasing and are frequently caused by antibiotic-resistant organisms. No clinical guidelines currently exist for management of pediatric CAP and no published data exist about variations in antibiotic prescribing patterns. Our objectives were to describe variation in CAP clinical management for hospitalized children by pediatric infectious disease consultants and to examine associations between recommended antibiotic regimens and local antibiotic resistance levels. Methods We surveyed pediatric members of the Emerging Infections Network, which consists of 259 pediatric infectious disease physicians. Participants responded regarding their recommended empiric antibiotic regimens for hospitalized children with CAP with and without PPE and their recommendations for duration of therapy. Participants also provided information about the prevalence of penicillin non-susceptible S. pneumoniae and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) in their community. Results We received 148 responses (57%). For uncomplicated CAP, respondents were divided between recommending beta-lactams alone (55%) versus beta-lactams in combination with another class (40%). For PPE, most recommended a combination of a beta-lactam plus an anti-MRSA agent, however, they were divided between clindamycin (44%) and vancomycin (57%). The relationship between reported antibiotic resistance and empiric regimen was mixed. We found no relationship between aminopenicillin use and prevalence of penicillin non-suscepetible S. pneumoniae or clindamycin use and clindamycin resistance, however, respondents were more likely to recommend an anti-MRSA agent when MRSA prevalence increased. Conclusions Substantial variability exists in recommendations for CAP management. Development of clinical guidelines via antimicrobial stewardship programs and dissemination of data about local antibiotic resistance patterns represent opportunities to improve care. PMID:21655259

CAPS Simulation Environment Development

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Murphy, Douglas G.; Hoffman, James A.

2005-01-01

The final design for an effective Comet/Asteroid Protection System (CAPS) will likely come after a number of competing designs have been simulated and evaluated. Because of the large number of design parameters involved in a system capable of detecting an object, accurately determining its orbit, and diverting the impact threat, a comprehensive simulation environment will be an extremely valuable tool for the CAPS designers. A successful simulation/design tool will aid the user in identifying the critical parameters in the system and eventually allow for automatic optimization of the design once the relationships of the key parameters are understood. A CAPS configuration will consist of space-based detectors whose purpose is to scan the celestial sphere in search of objects likely to make a close approach to Earth and to determine with the greatest possible accuracy the orbits of those objects. Other components of a CAPS configuration may include systems for modifying the orbits of approaching objects, either for the purpose of preventing a collision or for positioning the object into an orbit where it can be studied or used as a mineral resource. The Synergistic Engineering Environment (SEE) is a space-systems design, evaluation, and visualization software tool being leveraged to simulate these aspects of the CAPS study. The long-term goal of the SEE is to provide capabilities to allow the user to build and compare various CAPS designs by running end-to-end simulations that encompass the scanning phase, the orbit determination phase, and the orbit modification phase of a given scenario. Herein, a brief description of the expected simulation phases is provided, the current status and available features of the SEE software system is reported, and examples are shown of how the system is used to build and evaluate a CAPS detection design. Conclusions and the roadmap for future development of the SEE are also presented.

Periodontal regeneration using an injectable bone cement combined with BMP-2 or FGF-2.

PubMed

Oortgiesen, Daniël A W; Walboomers, X Frank; Bronckers, Antonius L J J; Meijer, Gert J; Jansen, John A

2014-03-01

Periodontitis is a frequently diagnosed oral disease characterized by bone resorption and soft tissue loss around teeth. Unfortunately, currently available therapies only slow or arrest progress of the disease. Ideally, treatment of periodontal defects should be focused on complete regeneration of the lost tissues [(bone and periodontal ligament (PDL)]. As a result, this study used intrabony defects to evaluate the regenerative potential of an injectable macroporous calcium phosphate cement (CaP) in combination with bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) or fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2). After creating 30 periodontal defects in 15 Wistar rats, three treatment strategies were conducted: application of CaP only, CaP + BMP-2 and CaP + FGF-2. Animals were euthanized after 12 weeks and processed for histology and histomorphometry. Using CaP alone resulted in limited effects on PDL and bone healing. CaP + BMP-2 showed a good response for bone healing; a significant 2.4 fold increase in bone healing score was observed compared to CaP. However, for PDL healing, CaP + BMP-2 treatment showed no difference compared to the CaP group. The best results were observed with the combined treatment of CaP + FGF-2, which showed a significant 3.3 fold increase in PDL healing score compared to CaP + BMP-2 and a significant 2.6 fold increase compared to CaP. For bone healing, CaP +  FGF-2 showed a significant 1.9 fold increase compared to CaP but no significant difference was noted compared to the CaP + BMP-2 group. The combination of a topical application of FGF-2 and an injectable CaP seems to be a promising treatment modality for periodontal regeneration. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Developmental Exposure to Concentrated Ambient Ultrafine Particulate Matter Air Pollution in Mice Results in Persistent and Sex-Dependent Behavioral Neurotoxicity and Glial Activation

PubMed Central

Allen, Joshua L.; Liu, Xiufang; Weston, Douglas; Prince, Lisa; Oberdörster, Günter; Finkelstein, Jacob N.; Johnston, Carl J.; Cory-Slechta, Deborah A.

2014-01-01

The brain appears to be a target of air pollution. This study aimed to further ascertain behavioral and neurobiological mechanisms of our previously observed preference for immediate reward (Allen, J. L., Conrad, K., Oberdorster, G., Johnston, C. J., Sleezer, B., and Cory-Slechta, D. A. (2013). Developmental exposure to concentrated ambient particles and preference for immediate reward in mice. Environ. Health Perspect. 121, 32–38), a phenotype consistent with impulsivity, in mice developmentally exposed to inhaled ultrafine particles. It examined the impact of postnatal and/or adult concentrated ambient ultrafine particles (CAPS) or filtered air on another behavior thought to reflect impulsivity, Fixed interval (FI) schedule-controlled performance, and extended the assessment to learning/memory (novel object recognition (NOR)), and locomotor activity to assist in understanding behavioral mechanisms of action. In addition, levels of brain monoamines and amino acids, and markers of glial presence and activation (GFAP, IBA-1) were assessed in mesocorticolimbic brain regions mediating these cognitive functions. This design produced four treatment groups/sex of postnatal/adult exposure: Air/Air, Air/CAPS, CAPS/Air, and CAPS/CAPS. FI performance was adversely influenced by CAPS/Air in males, but by Air/CAPS in females, effects that appeared to reflect corresponding changes in brain mesocorticolimbic dopamine/glutamate systems that mediate FI performance. Both sexes showed impaired short-term memory on the NOR. Mechanistically, cortical and hippocampal changes in amino acids raised the potential for excitotoxicity, and persistent glial activation was seen in frontal cortex and corpus callosum of both sexes. Collectively, neurodevelopment and/or adulthood CAPS can produce enduring and sex-dependent neurotoxicity. Although mechanisms of these effects remain to be fully elucidated, findings suggest that neurodevelopment and/or adulthood air pollution exposure may represent a significant underexplored risk factor for central nervous system diseases/disorders and thus a significant public health threat even beyond current appreciation. PMID:24690596

Ceftaroline Fosamil for the Treatment of Community-Acquired Pneumonia: from FOCUS to CAPTURE.

PubMed

Carreno, Joseph J; Lodise, Thomas P

2014-12-01

Ceftaroline fosamil (ceftaroline hereafter) is the latest addition to the armamentarium for the treatment of patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). It is currently approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for community-acquired bacterial pneumonia (CABP), which is a recent FDA indication that centers on individuals with documented bacterial pneumonias that arise in the community setting. The purpose of this review is to summarize and discuss the major findings from the Phase III CAP clinical trials as well as the clinical experience with ceftaroline among patients with CAP in the "Ceftaroline Assessment Program and Teflaro(®) Utilization Registry" (CAPTURE). In its two Phase III CAP trials, ceftaroline was compared to ceftriaxone among adults with radiographically confirmed CAP requiring hospitalization who were classified as Pneumonia Outcomes Research Team (PORT) risk class III or IV. Among patients with CAP, clinical success at test of cure was 84.3% vs 77.7% (difference 6.6%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.6-11.8%) in those treated with ceftaroline and ceftriaxone, respectively, across the two Phase III clinical trials. Among patients with a culture-confirmed CABP, day 4 response rates were numerically higher, albeit non-significant, among patients that received ceftaroline vs. ceftriaxone (69.5% for ceftaroline vs. 59.4% for ceftriaxone, difference 10.1%, 95% CI, -0.6% to 20.6%). The efficacy of ceftaroline is supported by real-world observational data from CAPTURE for patients with both CAP and CABP. In addition, the CAPTURE program afforded an opportunity to assess the outcomes of patients who were excluded or limited in the original Phase III trials in a non-comparative fashion. These underrepresented patient populations with CAP included: patients that received prior antibiotics, patients in the ICU, patients with severe renal dysfunction, and those with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolated from respiratory or blood culture. As CAPTURE is a retrospective, non-comparator convenience sample registry, all the findings need to be interpreted with caution.

Robotic Rock Classification

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hebert, Martial

1999-01-01

This report describes a three-month research program undertook jointly by the Robotics Institute at Carnegie Mellon University and Ames Research Center as part of the Ames' Joint Research Initiative (JRI.) The work was conducted at the Ames Research Center by Mr. Liam Pedersen, a graduate student in the CMU Ph.D. program in Robotics under the supervision Dr. Ted Roush at the Space Science Division of the Ames Research Center from May 15 1999 to August 15, 1999. Dr. Martial Hebert is Mr. Pedersen's research adviser at CMU and is Principal Investigator of this Grant. The goal of this project is to investigate and implement methods suitable for a robotic rover to autonomously identify rocks and minerals in its vicinity, and to statistically characterize the local geological environment. Although primary sensors for these tasks are a reflection spectrometer and color camera, the goal is to create a framework under which data from multiple sensors, and multiple readings on the same object, can be combined in a principled manner. Furthermore, it is envisioned that knowledge of the local area, either a priori or gathered by the robot, will be used to improve classification accuracy. The key results obtained during this project are: The continuation of the development of a rock classifier; development of theoretical statistical methods; development of methods for evaluating and selecting sensors; and experimentation with data mining techniques on the Ames spectral library. The results of this work are being applied at CMU, in particular in the context of the Winter 99 Antarctica expedition in which the classification techniques will be used on the Nomad robot. Conversely, the software developed based on those techniques will continue to be made available to NASA Ames and the data collected from the Nomad experiments will also be made available.

Zonally averaged thermal balance and stability models for nitrogen polar caps on Triton

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stansberry, John A.; Lunine, J. I.; Porco, C. C.; Mcewen, A. S.

1990-01-01

Voyager four-color imaging data of Triton are analyzed to calculate the bolometric hemispheric albedo as a function of latitude and longitude. Zonal averages of these data have been incorporated into a thermal balance model involving insolation, reradiation, and latent heat of sublimation of N2 ice for the surface. The current average bolometric albedo of Triton's polar caps is 0.8, implying an effective temperature of 34.2 K and a surface pressure of N2 of 1.6 microbar for unit emissivity. This pressure is an order of magnitude lower than the surface pressure of 18 microbar inferred from Voyager data (Broadfoot et al., 1989; Conrath et al., 1989), a discrepancy that can be reconciled if the emissivity of the N2 on Triton's surface is 0.66. The model predicts that Triton's surface north of 15 deg N latitude is experiencing deposition of N2 frosts, as are the bright portions of the south polar cap near the equator. This result explains why the south cap covers nearly the entire southern hemisphere of Triton.

Multi-strategy coevolving aging particle optimization.

PubMed

Iacca, Giovanni; Caraffini, Fabio; Neri, Ferrante

2014-02-01

We propose Multi-Strategy Coevolving Aging Particles (MS-CAP), a novel population-based algorithm for black-box optimization. In a memetic fashion, MS-CAP combines two components with complementary algorithm logics. In the first stage, each particle is perturbed independently along each dimension with a progressively shrinking (decaying) radius, and attracted towards the current best solution with an increasing force. In the second phase, the particles are mutated and recombined according to a multi-strategy approach in the fashion of the ensemble of mutation strategies in Differential Evolution. The proposed algorithm is tested, at different dimensionalities, on two complete black-box optimization benchmarks proposed at the Congress on Evolutionary Computation 2010 and 2013. To demonstrate the applicability of the approach, we also test MS-CAP to train a Feedforward Neural Network modeling the kinematics of an 8-link robot manipulator. The numerical results show that MS-CAP, for the setting considered in this study, tends to outperform the state-of-the-art optimization algorithms on a large set of problems, thus resulting in a robust and versatile optimizer.

[Community acquired pneumonia in children: Outpatient treatment and prevention].

PubMed

Moreno-Pérez, D; Andrés Martín, A; Tagarro García, A; Escribano Montaner, A; Figuerola Mulet, J; García García, J J; Moreno-Galdó, A; Rodrigo Gonzalo de Lliria, C; Ruiz Contreras, J; Saavedra Lozano, J

2015-12-01

There have been significant changes in community acquired pneumonia (CAP) in children in the last decade. These changes relate to epidemiology and clinical presentation. Resistance to antibiotics is also a changing issue. These all have to be considered when treating CAP. In this document, two of the main Spanish pediatric societies involved in the treatment of CAP in children, propose a consensus concerning therapeutic approach. These societies are the Spanish Society of Paediatric Infectious Diseases and the Spanish Society of Paediatric Chest Diseases. The Advisory Committee on Vaccines of the Spanish Association of Paediatrics (CAV-AEP) has also been involved in the prevention of CAP. An attempt is made to provide up-to-date guidelines to all paediatricians. The first part of the statement presents the approach to ambulatory, previously healthy children. We also review the prevention with currently available vaccines. In a next second part, special situations and complicated forms will be addressed. Copyright © 2014 Asociación Española de Pediatría. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Managing community acquired pneumonia in the elderly - the next generation of pharmacotherapy on the horizon.

PubMed

Amalakuhan, B; Echevarria, K L; Restrepo, M I

2017-08-01

Community acquired pneumonia (CAP) is associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality, especially among the elderly. Antibiotic treatment for CAP in the elderly is particularly challenging for many reasons, including compliance issues, immunosuppression, polypharmacy and antimicrobial resistance. There are few available antibiotics that are able to address these concerns. Areas covered: After a systematic review of the current literature, we describe seven novel antibiotics that are currently in advanced stages of development (phase 3 and beyond) and show promise for the treatment of CAP in those over the age of 65. These antibiotics are: Solithromycin, Pristinamycin, Nemonaxacin, Lefamulin, Omadacycline, Ceftobiprole and Delafloxacin. Using a novel conceptual framework designed by the present authors, known as the 'San Antonio NIPS model', we evaluate their strengths and weaknesses based on their ability to address the unique challenges that face the elderly. Expert opinion: All seven antibiotics have potential value for effective utilization in the elderly, but to varying degrees based on their NIPS model score. The goal of this model is to reorganize a clinician's focus on antibiotic choices in the elderly and bring attention to a seldom discussed topic that may potentially become a health-care crisis in the next decade.

The source of the electric field in the nightside magnetosphere

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stern, D. P.

1975-01-01

In the open magnetosphere model magnetic field lines from the polar caps connect to the interplanetary magnetic field and conduct an electric field from interplanetary space to the polar ionosphere. By examining the magnetic flux involved it is concluded that only slightly more than half of the magnetic flux in the polar caps belongs to open field lines and that such field lines enter or leave the magnetosphere through narrow elongated windows stretching the tail. These window regions are identified with the tail's boundary region and shift their position with changes in the interplanetary magnetic field, in particular when a change of interplanetary magnetic sector occurs. The circuit providing electric current in the magnetopause and the plasma sheet is extended across those windows; thus energy is drained from the interplanetary electric field and an electric potential drop is produced across the plasma sheet. The polar cap receives its electric field from interplanetary space on the day side from open magnetic field lines and on the night side from closed field lines leading to the plasma sheet. The theory described provides improved understanding of magnetic flux bookkeeping, of the origin of Birkeland currents, and of the boundary layer of the geomagnetic tail.

Relation between electron- and photon-caused oxidation in EUVL optics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Malinowski, Michael E.; Steinhaus, Charles A.; Meeker, Donald E.; Clift, W. Miles; Klebanoff, Leonard E.; Bajt, Sasa

2003-06-01

Extreme ultraviolet (EUV)-induced oxidation of silicon-capped, [Mo/Si] multilayer mirrors in the presence of background levels of water vapor is recognized as one of the most serious threats to multilayer lifetime since oxidation of the top silicon layer is an irreversible process. The current work directly compares the oxidation on a silicon-capped, [Mo/Si] multilayers caused by EUV photons with the oxidation caused by 1 keV electrons in the presence of the same water vapor environment (2 x 10-6 Torr). Similar, 4 nm, silicon-capped, [Mo/Si] multilayer mirror samples were exposed to photons (95.3 eV) + water vapor at the ALS, LBNL, and also to a 1 keV electron beam + water vapor in separate experimental systems. The results of this work showed that the oxidation produced by ~1 µA of e-beam current was found to be equivalent to that produced by ~1 mW of EUV exposure. These results will help allow the use of 1 keV electrons beams, instead of EUV photons, to perform environmental testing of multilayers in a low-pressure water environment and to more accurately determine projected mirror lifetimes based on the electron beam exposures.

Relation between electron- and photon-caused oxidation in EUVL optics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Malinowski, Michael E.; Steinhaus, Charles A.; Meeker, Donald E.; Clift, W. Miles; Klebanoff, Leonard E.; Bajt, Sasa

2003-06-01

Extreme ultraviolet (EUV)-induced oxidation of silicon-capped, [Mo/Si] multilayer mirrors in the presence of background levels of water vapor is recognized as one of the most serious threats to multilayer lifetime since oxidation of the top silicon layer is an irreversible process. The current work directly compares the oxidation on a silicon-capped, [Mo/Si] multilayers caused by EUV photons with the oxidation caused by 1 keV electrons in the presence of the same water vapor environment (2 x 10-6 Torr). Similar, 4 nm, silicon-capped, [Mo/Si] multilayer mirror samples were exposed to photons (95.3 eV) + water vapor at the ALS, LBNL, and also to a 1 keV electron beam + water vapor in separate experimental systems. The results of this work showed that the oxidation produced by ~1 ´A of e-beam current was found to be equivalent to that produced by ~1 mW of EUV exposure. These results will help allow the use of 1 keV electrons beams, instead of EUV photons, to perform environmental testing of multilayers in a low-pressure water environment and to more accurately determine projected mirror lifetimes based on the electron beam exposures.

The electrical resistance of gold-capped chromium thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ohashi, Masashi; Sawabu, Masaki; Ohashi, Kohei; Miyagawa, Masahiro; Maeta, Kae; Kubota, Takahide; Takanashi, Koki

2018-03-01

We studied the electrical resistance of polycrystalline chromium films capped by a gold layer. No anomaly was detected by resistance measurements of 10 nm thick film around room temperature, indicating that the antiferromagnetic interaction may be suppressed as decreasing the thickness of the chromium film. The sheet resistance Rs (T) curves differ from polycrystalline chromium films in previous studies because of the electrical current flows through a gold capping layer. On the other hand, the resistance drop is observed at T C = 1.15±0.05 K as that of polycrystalline chromium films in the previous report. It means that such resistance drop is not related to the chromium oxide layer on a polycrystalline chromium films. However, it is difficult to conclude that superconducting transition occurs because of the large residual resistance below the temperature where the resistance drop is observed.

Advancing the Assessment of Personality Pathology With the Cognitive-Affective Processing System.

PubMed

Huprich, Steven K; Nelson, Sharon M

2015-01-01

The Cognitive-Affective Processing System (CAPS) is a dynamic and expansive model of personality proposed by Mischel and Shoda (1995) that incorporates dispositional and processing frameworks by considering the interaction of the individual and the situation, and the patterns of variation that result. These patterns of cognition, affect, and behavior are generally defined through the use of if … then statements, and provide a rich understanding of the individual across varying levels of assessment. In this article, we describe the CAPS model and articulate ways in which it can be applied to conceptualizing and assessing personality pathology. We suggest that the CAPS model is an ideal framework that integrates a number of current theories of personality pathology, and simultaneously overcomes a number of limits that have been empirically identified in the past.

A 915-MHz antenna for microwave thermal ablation treatment: physical design, computer modeling and experimental measurement.

PubMed

Pisa, S; Cavagnaro, M; Bernardi, P; Lin, J C

2001-05-01

A 915-MHz antenna design that produces specific absorption rate distributions with preferential power deposition in tissues surrounding and including the distal end of the catheter antenna is described. The design features minimal reflected microwave current from the antenna flowing up the transmission line. This cap-choke antenna consists of an annular cap and a coaxial choke which matches the antenna to the coaxial transmission line. The design minimizes heating of the coaxial cable and its performance is not affected by the depth of insertion of the antenna into tissue. The paper provides a comparison of results obtained from computer modeling and experimental measurements made in tissue equivalent phantom materials. There is excellent agreement between numerical modeling and experimental measurement. The cap-choke, matched-dipole type antenna is suitable for intracavitary microwave thermal ablation therapy.

CRYSTAL/FACE

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Baumgardner, Darrel; Kok, Greg; Anderson, Bruce

2004-01-01

Droplet Measurement Technologies (DMT), under funding from NASA, participated in the CRYSTAL/FACE field campaign in July, 2002 with measurements of cirrus cloud hydrometeors in the size range from 0.5 to 1600 microns. The measurements were made with the DMT Cloud, Aerosol and Precipitation Spectrometer (CAPS) that was flown on NASA's WB57F. With the exception of the first research flight when the data system failed two hours into the mission, the measurement system performed almost flawlessly during the thirteen flights. The measurements from the CAPS have been essential for interpretation of cirrus cloud properties and their impact on climate. The CAPS data set has been used extensively by the CRYSTAL/FACE investigators and as of the date of this report, have been included in five published research articles, 10 conference presentations and six other journal articles currently in preparation.

Fully Automated Prostate Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Transrectal Ultrasound Fusion via a Probabilistic Registration Metric.

PubMed

Sparks, Rachel; Bloch, B Nicolas; Feleppa, Ernest; Barratt, Dean; Madabhushi, Anant

2013-03-08

In this work, we present a novel, automated, registration method to fuse magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) images of the prostate. Our methodology consists of: (1) delineating the prostate on MRI, (2) building a probabilistic model of prostate location on TRUS, and (3) aligning the MRI prostate segmentation to the TRUS probabilistic model. TRUS-guided needle biopsy is the current gold standard for prostate cancer (CaP) diagnosis. Up to 40% of CaP lesions appear isoechoic on TRUS, hence TRUS-guided biopsy cannot reliably target CaP lesions and is associated with a high false negative rate. MRI is better able to distinguish CaP from benign prostatic tissue, but requires special equipment and training. MRI-TRUS fusion, whereby MRI is acquired pre-operatively and aligned to TRUS during the biopsy procedure, allows for information from both modalities to be used to help guide the biopsy. The use of MRI and TRUS in combination to guide biopsy at least doubles the yield of positive biopsies. Previous work on MRI-TRUS fusion has involved aligning manually determined fiducials or prostate surfaces to achieve image registration. The accuracy of these methods is dependent on the reader's ability to determine fiducials or prostate surfaces with minimal error, which is a difficult and time-consuming task. Our novel, fully automated MRI-TRUS fusion method represents a significant advance over the current state-of-the-art because it does not require manual intervention after TRUS acquisition. All necessary preprocessing steps (i.e. delineation of the prostate on MRI) can be performed offline prior to the biopsy procedure. We evaluated our method on seven patient studies, with B-mode TRUS and a 1.5 T surface coil MRI. Our method has a root mean square error (RMSE) for expertly selected fiducials (consisting of the urethra, calcifications, and the centroids of CaP nodules) of 3.39 ± 0.85 mm.

Boosting the oxidase mimicking activity of nanoceria by fluoride capping: rivaling protein enzymes and ultrasensitive F- detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Biwu; Huang, Zhicheng; Liu, Juewen

2016-07-01

Nanomaterial-based enzyme mimics (nanozymes) are currently a new forefront of chemical research. However, the application of nanozymes is limited by their low catalytic activity and low turnover numbers. Cerium dioxide nanoparticles (nanoceria) are among the few with oxidase activity. Herein, we report an interesting finding addressing their limitations. The oxidase activity of nanoceria is improved by over 100-fold by fluoride capping, making it more close to real oxidases. The turnover number reached 700 in 15 min, drastically improved from ~15 turnovers for the naked particles. The mechanism is attributed to surface charge modulation and facilitated electron transfer by F- capping based on ζ-potential and free radical measurements. Ultrasensitive sensing of fluoride was achieved with a detection limit of 0.64 μM F- in water and in toothpastes, while no other tested anions can achieve the activity enhancement.Nanomaterial-based enzyme mimics (nanozymes) are currently a new forefront of chemical research. However, the application of nanozymes is limited by their low catalytic activity and low turnover numbers. Cerium dioxide nanoparticles (nanoceria) are among the few with oxidase activity. Herein, we report an interesting finding addressing their limitations. The oxidase activity of nanoceria is improved by over 100-fold by fluoride capping, making it more close to real oxidases. The turnover number reached 700 in 15 min, drastically improved from ~15 turnovers for the naked particles. The mechanism is attributed to surface charge modulation and facilitated electron transfer by F- capping based on ζ-potential and free radical measurements. Ultrasensitive sensing of fluoride was achieved with a detection limit of 0.64 μM F- in water and in toothpastes, while no other tested anions can achieve the activity enhancement. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Methods, TMB oxidation kinetics and control experiments. See DOI: 10.1039/c6nr02730j

The effect of graphene oxide on surface features, biological performance and bio-stability of calcium phosphate coating applied by pulse electrochemical deposition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fathyunes, Leila; Khalil-Allafi, Jafar

2018-04-01

In the current study, the effect of second phase of graphene oxide (GO) on the surface features and biological behavior of calcium phosphate (CaP) coating was evaluated. To do so, the GO-CaP composite coating was applied on TiO2 nanotubular arrays using pulse electrochemical deposition. The SEM and AFM images showed that, the CaP-based coating with uniform and refined microstructure could be formed through its compositing with GO sheets. The biological assessment of the coatings was also conducted by cell culture test and MTT assay. Based on findings, the GO-CaP coating showed the better biocompatibility compared to the CaP coating. This could be owing to the fact that the composite coating provided the lower roughness, moderately wettable surface with a contact angle of 23.5° ± 2.6° and the higher stability in the biological environments because of being involved with only the stable phase of CHA. However, in the CaP coating, spreading of cells could be limited by the plate-like crystals with larger size. The higher solubility of the CaP coating in the cell culture medium possibly owing to the existence of some metastable CaP phases like OCP in addition to the dominant phase of CHA in this coating could be another reason for its less biocompatibility. At last, the CaP coating showed the higher apatite-forming ability in SBF solution after its compositing with GO.

Possible contemporary evaporites formation at the Martian Northern Polar Cap

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Losiak, Anna; Czechowski, Leszek

Evaporitic minerals are abundant on the surface of Mars (e.g., Wentworth et al. 2005, Velbel 2012, Clark and Van Hart 1981, Wang et al. 2006, Kuzmin et al. 2009), especially within the Circumpolar Dune Field and on the Northern Ice Cap itself (e.g., Langevin et al., 2005, Roach et al. 2007, Horgan et al. 2009, Masse et al. 2010, 2012). Most of their proposed formation mechanisms require significant amounts of liquid water and are thus not possible under current Martian conditions (Arvidson et al. 2006, Andrews-Hanna et al. 2007, Fishbaugh et al. 2007, Szynkiewicz et al. 2010). Some authors have considered the potential role of ice and ice- or snowmelt-related alteration in the weathering of Martian materials (e.g., Catling et al. 2006, Zolotov and Mironenko 2007, Niles and Michalski 2009, Masse et al. 2010). However, none of those studies discussed details of the process leading to the formation of the evaporites or the timing of the processes. The aim of this paper is to model numerically if the current radiant heating is sufficient to melt a thin layer of ice surrounding a single dust grain exposed within the south facing side of the Martian North Polar Cap trench. The results of our initial study suggest that for dust grains with basaltic properties and ice with low values of coefficient of heat conduction, and solar constant = 492 W/m2 liquid water may exist below a dust grain for up to 4 hours a sol. This suggest that contemporary evaporites formation on Martian Polar Cap is possible.

Retention of Electronic Conductivity in LaAlO3/SrTiO3 Nanostructures Using a SrCuO2 Capping Layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aurino, P. P.; Kalabukhov, A.; Borgani, R.; Haviland, D. B.; Bauch, T.; Lombardi, F.; Claeson, T.; Winkler, D.

2016-08-01

The interface between two wide band-gap insulators, LaAlO3 and SrTiO3 (LAO/STO) offers a unique playground to study the interplay and competitions between different ordering phenomena in a strongly correlated two-dimensional electron gas. Recent studies of the LAO/STO interface reveal the inhomogeneous nature of the 2DEG that strongly influences electrical-transport properties. Nanowires needed in future applications may be adversely affected, and our aim is, thus, to produce a more homogeneous electron gas. In this work, we demonstrate that nanostructures fabricated in the quasi-2DEG at the LaAlO3/SrTiO3 interface, capped with a SrCuO2 layer, retain their electrical resistivity and mobility independent of the structure size, ranging from 100 nm to 30 μ m . This is in contrast to noncapped LAO/STO structures, where the room-temperature electrical resistivity significantly increases when the structure size becomes smaller than 1 μ m . High-resolution intermodulation electrostatic force microscopy reveals an inhomogeneous surface potential with "puddles" of a characteristic size of 130 nm in the noncapped samples and a more uniform surface potential with a larger characteristic size of the puddles in the capped samples. In addition, capped structures show superconductivity below 200 mK and nonlinear current-voltage characteristics with a clear critical current observed up to 700 mK. Our findings shed light on the complicated nature of the 2DEG at the LAO/STO interface and may also be used for the design of electronic devices.

Field-aligned currents and large scale magnetospheric electric fields

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dangelo, N.

1980-01-01

D'Angelo's model of polar cap electric fields (1977) was used to visualize how high-latitude field-aligned currents are driven by the solar wind generator. The region 1 and region 2 currents of Iijima and Potemra (1976) and the cusp field-aligned currents of Wilhjelm et al. (1978) and McDiarmid et al. (1978) are apparently driven by different generators, although in both cases the solar wind is their ultimate source.

ACD16-0001-022

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-01-06

Senior executives from the Renault-Nissan Alliance, including Carlos Ghosn, chairman and CEO of Nissan, and Jose Munoz, chairman of Nissan North America, visited Ames for meetings and a showcase of the technical partnership between NASA and Nissan North America. The partnership allows researchers to develop and test autonomy algorithms, concepts, and integrated prototypes for a variety of vehicular transport applications – from rovers to self-driving cars. After briefings, a company of including Eugene Tu, Ames Center Director andLiam Pedersen, Nissan on right Carlos Ghosn, CE, Nissan on left climb into in the autonomous vehicle to observed testing of Nissan’s all-electric LEAF as it performed safe autonomous drives across the center.

Bottomside sinusoidal irregularities in the equatorial F region. II - Cross-correlation and spectral analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cragin, B. L.; Hanson, W. B.; Mcclure, J. P.; Valladares, C. E.

1985-01-01

Equatorial bottomside sinusoidal (BSS) irregularities have been studied by applying techniques of cross-correlation and spectral analysis to the Atmosphere Explorer data set. The phase of the cross-correlations of the plasma number density is discussed and the two drift velocity components observed using the retarding potential analyzer and ion drift meter on the satellite are discussed. Morphology is addressed, presenting the geographical distributions of the occurrence of BSS events for the equinoxes and solstices. Physical processes including the ion Larmor flux, interhemispheric plasma flows, and variations in the lower F region Pedersen conductivity are invoked to explain the findings.

Transport properties of ultrathin YBa2Cu3O7 -δ nanowires: A route to single-photon detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arpaia, Riccardo; Golubev, Dmitri; Baghdadi, Reza; Ciancio, Regina; Dražić, Goran; Orgiani, Pasquale; Montemurro, Domenico; Bauch, Thilo; Lombardi, Floriana

2017-08-01

We report on the growth and characterization of ultrathin YBa2Cu3O7 -δ (YBCO) films on MgO (110) substrates, which exhibit superconducting properties at thicknesses down to 3 nm. YBCO nanowires, with thicknesses down to 10 nm and widths down to 65 nm, have also been successfully fabricated. The nanowires protected by a Au capping layer show superconducting properties close to the as-grown films and critical current densities, which are limited by only vortex dynamics. The 10-nm-thick YBCO nanowires without the Au capping present hysteretic current-voltage characteristics, characterized by a voltage switch which drives the nanowires directly from the superconducting to the normal state. We associate such bistability to the presence of localized normal domains within the superconductor. The presence of the voltage switch in ultrathin YBCO nanostructures, characterized by high sheet resistance values and high critical current values, makes our nanowires very attractive devices to engineer single-photon detectors.

SWAB/NVALT (Dutch Working Party on Antibiotic Policy and Dutch Association of Chest Physicians) guidelines on the management of community-acquired pneumonia in adults.

PubMed

Wiersinga, W J; Bonten, M J; Boersma, W G; Jonkers, R E; Aleva, R M; Kullberg, B J; Schouten, J A; Degener, J E; Janknegt, R; Verheij, T J; Sachs, A P E; Prins, J M

2012-03-01

The Dutch Working Party on Antibiotic Policy (SWAB) and the Dutch Association of Chest Physicians (NVALT) convened a joint committee to develop evidence-based guidelines on the diagnosis and treatment of community acquired pneumonia (CAP). The guidelines are intended for adult patients with CAP who present at the hospital and are treated as outpatients as well as for hospitalised patients up to 72 hours after admission. Areas covered include current patterns of epidemiology and antibiotic resistance of causative agents of CAP in the Netherlands, the possibility to predict the causative agent of CAP on the basis of clinical data at first presentation, risk factors associated with specific pathogens, the importance of the severity of disease upon presentation for choice of initial treatment, the role of rapid diagnostic tests in treatment decisions, the optimal initial empiric treatment and treatment when a specific pathogen has been identified, the timeframe in which the first dose of antibiotics should be given, optimal duration of antibiotic treatment and antibiotic switch from the intravenous to the oral route. Additional recommendations are made on the role of radiological investigations in the diagnostic work-up of patients with a clinical suspicion of CAP, on the potential benefit of adjunctive immunotherapy, and on the policy for patients with parapneumonic effusions.

Mercury in fruiting bodies of dark honey fungus (Armillaria solidipes) and beneath substratum soils collected from spatially distant areas.

PubMed

Falandysz, Jerzy; Mazur, Aneta; Kojta, Anna K; Jarzyńska, Grażyna; Drewnowska, Małgorzata; Dryżałowska, Anna; Nnorom, Innocent C

2013-03-15

This paper reports data on bioconcentration potential and baseline mercury concentrations of fruiting bodies of dark honey fungus (Armillaria solidipes) Peck and soil substrate layer (0-10 cm) from 12 spatially distant sites across Poland. Mercury content of caps, stipes and soil samples were determined using validated analytical procedure including cold-vapor atomic absorption spectroscopy after thermal decomposition of the sample matrix and further amalgamation and desorption of mercury from gold wool. Mean mercury concentrations ranged from 20 ± 8 to 300 ± 70 ng g(-1) dry weight (dw) in caps, from 20 ± 6 to 160 ± 40 ng g(-1) dw in stipes, and in underlying soil were from 20 ± 2 to 100 ± 130 ng g(-1) dw. The results showed that stipes mercury concentrations were 1.1- to 1.7-fold lower than those of caps. All caps and the majority of stipes were characterized by bioconcentration factor values > 1, indicating that dark honey fungus can be characterized as a moderate mercury accumulator. Occasional or relatively frequent eating of meals including caps of dark honey fungus is considered safe in view of the low total mercury content, and the mercury intake rates are below the current reference dose and provisionally tolerable weekly intake limits for this hazardous metal. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry.

Prokaryotic Contig Annotation Pipeline Server: Web Application for a Prokaryotic Genome Annotation Pipeline Based on the Shiny App Package.

PubMed

Park, Byeonghyeok; Baek, Min-Jeong; Min, Byoungnam; Choi, In-Geol

2017-09-01

Genome annotation is a primary step in genomic research. To establish a light and portable prokaryotic genome annotation pipeline for use in individual laboratories, we developed a Shiny app package designated as "P-CAPS" (Prokaryotic Contig Annotation Pipeline Server). The package is composed of R and Python scripts that integrate publicly available annotation programs into a server application. P-CAPS is not only a browser-based interactive application but also a distributable Shiny app package that can be installed on any personal computer. The final annotation is provided in various standard formats and is summarized in an R markdown document. Annotation can be visualized and examined with a public genome browser. A benchmark test showed that the annotation quality and completeness of P-CAPS were reliable and compatible with those of currently available public pipelines.

Brief Report: Severe Inflammation Following Vaccination Against Streptococcus pneumoniae in Patients With Cryopyrin-Associated Periodic Syndromes.

PubMed

Walker, Ulrich A; Hoffman, Hal M; Williams, Rene; Kuemmerle-Deschner, Jasmin; Hawkins, Philip N

2016-02-01

Pneumococcal vaccination is recommended for patients receiving immunosuppressive drugs. We describe unusually severe adverse reactions to pneumococcal vaccination in each of 7 consecutive patients with cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes (CAPS). Seven consecutive patients with CAPS were vaccinated with pneumococcal polysaccharide or conjugate vaccines. Clinical information was collected retrospectively. Within a few hours after the vaccination, all 7 patients developed severe local reactions at the injection site. Two patients had to be hospitalized for systemic reactions including fever. All symptoms resolved in a period of 3-17 days. Our findings indicate that pneumococcal vaccines can trigger a severe local and systemic inflammatory reaction in patients with CAPS and possibly patients with other autoinflammatory diseases. Careful consideration is warranted when implementing current European League Against Rheumatism immunization guidelines in this patient population. © 2015, American College of Rheumatology.

Cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes and the eye.

PubMed

Oberg, Thomas J; Vitale, Albert T; Hoffman, Robert O; Bohnsack, John F; Warner, Judith E

2013-08-01

To describe the ophthalmologic findings in two patients with Muckle-Wells Syndrome, a phenotype of the Cryopyrin Associated Periodic Syndromes (CAPS) spectrum. There is currently sparse ophthalmic literature regarding the ocular manifestations of CAPS. We hope to increase awareness of this spectrum of diseases and the importance of proper treatment amongst eye care professionals. Interventional Case Series. Patient 1 experienced resolution of aseptic meningitis, papilledema, and anterior uveitis following treatment with anikinra. Patient 2 experienced resolution of panuveitis following treatment with anikinra. The severe ocular manifestations of the most severe CAPS phenotype, Chronic Infantile Neurological Cutaneous and Articular Syndrome/Neonatal Onset Multisystem Inflammatory Disease Syndrome (CINCA/NOMID) have been previously described. There is increasing evidence that patients may experience similar ocular disease with the milder phenotype of Muckle-Wells Sydnrome. There is also increasing evidence that appropriate therapy can have a profound effect on patient prognosis.

Field-aligned current sources in the high-latitude ionosphere

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Barbosa, D. D.

1979-01-01

The paper determines the electric potential in a plane which is fed current from a pair of field-aligned current sheets. The ionospheric conductivity is modelled as a constant with an enhanced conductivity annular ring. It is shown that field-aligned current distributions are arbitrary functions of azimuth angle (MLT) and thus allow for asymmetric potential configurations over the pole cap. In addition, ionospheric surface currents are computed by means of stream functions. Finally, the discussion relates these methods to the electrical characteristics of the magnetosphere.

Calculated half-lives and kinetic energies for spontaneous emission of heavy ions from nuclei

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

Poenaru, D.N.; Greiner, W.; Depta, K.

The most probable decays by spontaneous emission of heavy ions are listed for nuclides with Z = 47--106 and total half-lives>1 ..mu..sec. Partial half-lives, branching ratios relative to ..cap alpha.. decay, kinetic energies, and Q values are estimated by using the analytical superasymmetric fission model, a semiempirical formula for those ..cap alpha..-decay lifetimes which have not been measured, and the new Wapstra--Audi mass tables. Numerous ''stable'' nuclides with Z>40 are found to be metastable with respect to the new decay modes. The current experimental status is briefly reviewed.

12 CFR 3.210 - Standardized measurement method for specific risk

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... purchased credit protection is capped at the current fair value of the transaction plus the absolute value... specific risk add-on of zero if: (i) The debt or securitization position is fully hedged by a total return... absolute value of the current fair value of each net long or net short debt or securitization position in...

Progress Towards High-Speed Operation of the Magnetorotational Instability Experiment and Diagnostic Development

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gilson, E. P.; Caspary, K.; Choi, D.; Ebrahimi, F.; Goodman, J.; Ji, H.; Lysandrou, M.; Sloboda, P.; Tabbutt, M.

2017-10-01

Estimates and simulations both suggest that the Princeton MRI experiment must operate with inner cylinder rotation rates > 1,500 rpm, corresponding to magnetic Reynolds numbers Rm > 3 , in order for the flow to be unstable to the MRI. Results will be presented demonstrating progress towards high-speed operation while avoiding adverse effects from large dynamic pressure and heat. Recent studies show that conductive end caps increase the magnitude of the saturated MRI signal, enabling easier detection. However, motor control feedback and pneumatically-driven brakes must be used to maintain control when forces arise from the interaction between induced currents in the rotating end caps and the 3,000 G applied magnetic field. The use of Hall probes and strain gauges to measure the azimuthal magnetic field and the torque at the inner cylinder will be discussed. Results from the Spectral Finite Element and Navier Stokes code have been used to better understand the expected shape of the MRI threshold curve with conducting end caps, the nature of the forces on the end caps, and to predict the magnetic fields and torques at the inner cylinder that result from the onset of the MRI.

Behavior and design of large structural concrete bridge pier overhangs.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1997-02-01

In designing large cantilever bent caps for use on recent projects under current AASHTO design specifications, : designers were faced with considerable uncertainties. Questions arose when designers attempted to satisfy : both serviceability and stren...

Comparison of Polar Cap (PC) index calculations.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stauning, P.

2012-04-01

The Polar Cap (PC) index introduced by Troshichev and Andrezen (1985) is derived from polar magnetic variations and is mainly a measure of the intensity of the transpolar ionospheric currents. These currents relate to the polar cap antisunward ionospheric plasma convection driven by the dawn-dusk electric field, which in turn is generated by the interaction of the solar wind with the Earth's magnetosphere. Coefficients to calculate PCN and PCS index values from polar magnetic variations recorded at Thule and Vostok, respectively, have been derived by several different procedures in the past. The first published set of coefficients for Thule was derived by Vennerstrøm, 1991 and is still in use for calculations of PCN index values by DTU Space. Errors in the program used to calculate index values were corrected in 1999 and again in 2001. In 2005 DMI adopted a unified procedure proposed by Troshichev for calculations of the PCN index. Thus there exists 4 different series of PCN index values. Similarly, at AARI three different sets of coefficients have been used to calculate PCS indices in the past. The presentation discusses the principal differences between the various PC index procedures and provides comparisons between index values derived from the same magnetic data sets using the different procedures. Examples from published papers are examined to illustrate the differences.

The effect of BAPTA and 4AP in scala media on transduction and cochlear gain.

PubMed

Sellick, P M; Robertson, D; Patuzzi, R

2006-01-01

We have injected by iontophoresis 4-amino-pyridine, a K+ channel blocker and BAPTA, (a Ca++ chelator), into scala media of the first three turns of the guinea pig cochlea. We measured the reduction in outer hair cell (OHC) receptor current, as indicated by cochlear microphonic measured in scala media evoked by a 207 Hz tone, and compared this with the elevation of the cochlear action potential (CAP) threshold. We found that in the basal turn, for frequencies between 12 and 21 kHz, CAP threshold was elevated by about 30 dB, while in the second turn, at the 3 kHz place, the maximum elevation was 15 dB. In the third turn, iontophoresis of 4AP and BAPTA reduced CM by similar amounts to that in the basal and second turn, but caused negligible elevation of CAP threshold. We conclude that the gain of the cochlear amplifier is maximal for basal turn frequencies, is halved at 3 kHz, and is reduced to close to one for frequencies below 1 kHz (no active gain). The effect of 4AP and BAPTA on neural threshold and the receptor current represented by CM may be explained by their action on OHC transduction without the involvement of IHCs.

Electrochemical sensing of sulphur dioxide: a comparison using dodecanethiol and citrate capped gold nanoclusters.

PubMed

Sathe, Bhaskar R; Risbud, Mandar S; Mulla, Imtiaz S; Pillai, Vijayamohanan K

2008-06-01

A comparison of cyclic voltammograms of dodecanethiol (DDT) capped Au nanoclusters (5.0 0.5 nm) and trisodium citrate (Cit) capped Au nanoclusters (approximately 10-15 nm) modified glassy carbon electrode shows a dramatic variation in the current when exposed to a small amount of sulphur dioxide. This is explained using the electrocatalytic properties of Au nanoclusters towards the oxidation of SO2, thus facilitating the fabrication of electrochemical sensors for the detection of SO2. The intrinsic redox changes observed for gold nanocluster-modified glassy carbon electrodes disappear on passing SO2, despite a dramatic current increase, which indeed scales up with the amount of dissolved SO2. Interestingly, a complete rejuvenation of the redox behavior of gold is also observed on subsequent removal of SO2 from the solution by passing pure nitrogen for 15 minutes. Further, these nanoclusters when characterized with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) after SO2 passage reveal a variety of SO2 adsorption modes on gold surface. XP spectra also show a shift of 1.03 eV towards higher binding energy indicating a strong adsorption of SO2 gas, while FTIR gives conclusive evidence for the interaction of SO2 with gold nanoparticles.

Current Challenges and Future Opportunities for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry in Japan

PubMed Central

Inagaki, Takahiko; Saito, Takuya; Guerrero, Anthony P. S.; Skokauskas, Norbert

2017-01-01

Japan has been facing a serious shortfall of child and adolescent psychiatric workforce relative to increasing service needs. Likely because of a combination of limited workforce supply and limited trust or perception of effectiveness, mental health services are under-utilized by the educational and child welfare systems. Child and adolescent psychiatry (CAP) has not been a formally established specialty in Japan. The lack of basic structure in the specialty most likely contributes to a lack of training facilities, limited exposure to and interest in the specialty, and hence an inadequate workforce. To date, there exists no standardized training program for CAP in Japan and each training hospital determines its own teaching curriculum and training content. Clinical experience in CAP varies greatly among hospitals. To solve current problems in child and adolescent psychiatry in Japan, we advocate for the development and establishment of a more standardized child and adolescent psychiatry training system that is akin to what exists in the US and that teaches and evaluates according to specific competencies. Through standardizing care and education and ultimately improving workforce, the quality of mental health services can be raised. The tragic and costly consequences of unidentified and untreated mental illness in youth can be avoided by taking timely evidence based actions in partnership with others. PMID:29042875

Evaluation of novel disposable, light-weight radiation protection devices in an interventional radiology setting: a randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Uthoff, Heiko; Peña, Constantino; West, James; Contreras, Francisco; Benenati, James F; Katzen, Barry T

2013-04-01

Radiation exposure to interventionalists is increasing. The currently available standard radiation protection devices are heavy and do not protect the head of the operator. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and comfort of caps and thyroid collars made of a disposable, light-weight, lead-free material (XPF) for occupational radiation protection in a clinical setting. Up to two interventional operators were randomized to wear a XPF or standard 0.5-mm lead-equivalent thyroid collars in 60 consecutive endovascular procedures requiring fluoroscopy. Simultaneously a XPF cap was worn by all operators. Radiation doses were measured using dosimeters placed outside and underneath the caps and thyroid collars. Wearing comfort was assessed at the end of each procedure on a visual analog scale (0-100 [100 = optimal]). Patient and procedure data did not differ between the XPF and standard protection groups. The cumulative radiation dose measured outside the cap was 15,700 μSv and outside the thyroid collars 21,240 μSv. Measured radiation attenuation provided by the XPF caps (n = 70), XPF thyroid collars (n = 40), and standard thyroid collars (n = 38) was 85.4% ± 25.6%, 79.7% ± 25.8% and 71.9% ± 34.2%, respectively (mean difference XPF vs standard thyroid collars, 7.8% [95% CI, -5.9% to 21.6%]; p = 0.258). The median XPF cap weight was 144 g (interquartile range, 128-170 g), and the XPF thyroid collars were 27% lighter than the standard thyroid collars (p < 0.0001). Operators rated the comfort of all devices as high (mean scores for XPF caps and XPF thyroid collars 83.4 ± 12.7 (SD) and 88.5 ± 14.6, respectively; mean scores for standard thyroid collars 89.6 ± 9.9) (p = 0.648). Light-weight disposable caps and thyroid collars made of XPF were assessed as being comfortable to wear, and they provide radiation protection similar to that of standard 0.5-mm lead-equivalent thyroid collars.

What is the impact of primary care model type on specialist referral rates? A cross-sectional study.

PubMed

Liddy, Clare; Singh, Jatinderpreet; Kelly, Ryan; Dahrouge, Simone; Taljaard, Monica; Younger, Jamie

2014-02-03

Several new primary care models have been implemented in Ontario, Canada over the past two decades. These practice models differ in team structure, physician remuneration, and group size. Few studies have examined the impact of these models on specialist referrals. We compared specialist referral rates amongst three primary care models: 1) Enhanced Fee-for-service, 2) Capitation- Non-Interdisciplinary (CAP-NI), 3) Capitation - Interdisciplinary (CAP-I). We conducted a cross-sectional study using health administrative data from primary care practices in Ontario from April 1st, 2008 to March 31st, 2010. The analysis included all family physicians providing comprehensive care in one of the three models, had at least 100 patients, and did not have a prolonged absence (eight consecutive weeks). The primary outcome was referral rate (# of referrals to all medical specialties/1000 patients/year). A multivariable clustered Poisson regression analysis was used to compare referral rates between models while adjusting for provider (sex, years since graduation, foreign trained, time in current model) and patient (age, sex, income, rurality, health status) characteristics. Fee-for-service had a significantly lower adjusted referral rate (676, 95% CI: 666-687) than the CAP-NI (719, 95% confidence interval (CI): 705-734) and CAP-I (694, 95% CI: 681-707) models and the interdisciplinary CAP-I group had a 3.5% lower referral rate than the CAP-NI group (RR = 0.965, 95% CI: 0.943-0.987, p = 0.002). Female and Canadian-trained physicians referred more often, while female, older, sicker and urban patients were more likely to be referred. Primary care model is significantly associated with referral rate. On a study population level, these differences equate to 111,059 and 37,391 fewer referrals by fee-for-service versus CAP-NI and CAP-I, respectively - a difference of $22.3 million in initial referral appointment costs. Whether a lower rate of referral is more appropriate or not is not known and requires further investigation. Physician remuneration and team structure likely account for the differences; however, further investigation is also required to better understand whether other organizational factors associated with primary care model also impact referral.

Real life management of community-acquired Pneumonia in adults in the Gulf region and comparison with practice guidelines: a prospective study.

PubMed

Mahboub, Bassam; Al Zaabi, Ashraf; Al Ali, Ola Mohamed; Ahmed, Raees; Niederman, Michael S; El-Bishbishi, Rania

2015-09-30

Very few data exist on the management of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in patients admitted to hospitals in the Gulf region. The objectives of this study were to describe treatment patterns for CAP in 38 hospitals in five Gulf countries (United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, and Qatar) and to compare the findings to the most recent Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA)/American Thoracic Society (ATS) guidelines. This was a prospective, observational study conducted between January 2009 and February 2011. Adult patients hospitalised (excluding intensive care units) for CAP and subsequently discharged were included. Data were collected retrospectively at hospital discharge, and prospectively during two follow-up visits. Data on medical history, mortality-risk scores, diagnostic criteria, antibiotic treatment, isolated pathogens and clinical and radiographic outcomes were collected. Care practices were compared to the IDSA/ATS guidelines. A total of 684 patients were included. The majority (82.9 %) of patients were classified as low risk for mortality (pneumonia severity index II and III). The majority of patients fulfilled criteria for treatment success at discharge, although only 77.6 % presented a normalised leukocyte count. Overall, the management of CAP in Gulf countries is in line with the IDSA/ATS guidelines. This applied to the diagnosis of CAP, to the identification of high-risk CAP patients, to the identification of etiologic agent responsible for CAP and to the type of treatment despite the fact that combinations of antimicrobial agents were not consistent with the guidelines in 10 % of patients. In all patients, information about Gram's staining was not captured as recommended by the IDSA/ATS and in the majority of patients (>85 %) chest radiography was not systematically performed at the post-discharge follow-up visits. The management of CAP in the Gulf region is globally in line with current IDSA/ATS guidelines, although rates of pathogen characterisation and post-discharge follow-up need to be improved. Compliance with established guidelines should be encouraged in order to improve the management of the disease in this region.

Developmental exposure to concentrated ambient ultrafine particulate matter air pollution in mice results in persistent and sex-dependent behavioral neurotoxicity and glial activation.

PubMed

Allen, Joshua L; Liu, Xiufang; Weston, Douglas; Prince, Lisa; Oberdörster, Günter; Finkelstein, Jacob N; Johnston, Carl J; Cory-Slechta, Deborah A

2014-07-01

The brain appears to be a target of air pollution. This study aimed to further ascertain behavioral and neurobiological mechanisms of our previously observed preference for immediate reward (Allen, J. L., Conrad, K., Oberdorster, G., Johnston, C. J., Sleezer, B., and Cory-Slechta, D. A. (2013). Developmental exposure to concentrated ambient particles and preference for immediate reward in mice. Environ. Health Perspect. 121, 32-38), a phenotype consistent with impulsivity, in mice developmentally exposed to inhaled ultrafine particles. It examined the impact of postnatal and/or adult concentrated ambient ultrafine particles (CAPS) or filtered air on another behavior thought to reflect impulsivity, Fixed interval (FI) schedule-controlled performance, and extended the assessment to learning/memory (novel object recognition (NOR)), and locomotor activity to assist in understanding behavioral mechanisms of action. In addition, levels of brain monoamines and amino acids, and markers of glial presence and activation (GFAP, IBA-1) were assessed in mesocorticolimbic brain regions mediating these cognitive functions. This design produced four treatment groups/sex of postnatal/adult exposure: Air/Air, Air/CAPS, CAPS/Air, and CAPS/CAPS. FI performance was adversely influenced by CAPS/Air in males, but by Air/CAPS in females, effects that appeared to reflect corresponding changes in brain mesocorticolimbic dopamine/glutamate systems that mediate FI performance. Both sexes showed impaired short-term memory on the NOR. Mechanistically, cortical and hippocampal changes in amino acids raised the potential for excitotoxicity, and persistent glial activation was seen in frontal cortex and corpus callosum of both sexes. Collectively, neurodevelopment and/or adulthood CAPS can produce enduring and sex-dependent neurotoxicity. Although mechanisms of these effects remain to be fully elucidated, findings suggest that neurodevelopment and/or adulthood air pollution exposure may represent a significant underexplored risk factor for central nervous system diseases/disorders and thus a significant public health threat even beyond current appreciation. © The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society of Toxicology. All rights reserved. For permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Efficacy of 750-mg, 5-day levofloxacin in the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia caused by atypical pathogens.

PubMed

Dunbar, Lala M; Khashab, Mohammed M; Kahn, James B; Zadeikis, Neringa; Xiang, Jim X; Tennenberg, Alan M

2004-04-01

Current recommended durations for treatment of atypical community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) range from 10 to 21 days. However, antibiotics such as the fluoroquinolones may allow for effective, short-course regimens. This study evaluated the efficacy of 750 mg levofloxacin for 5 days compared to a 500-mg, 10-day levofloxacin regimen for the treatment of atypical CAP. A randomized, active-controlled, double-blind, multicenter study was conducted within the United States. Of the 528 patients enrolled in the study, 149 were diagnosed with CAP due to Legionella pneumophila, Chlamydia pneumoniae, or Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Patients' baseline symptoms were re-evaluated on Day 3 of therapy. Clinical efficacy and resolution of CAP symptoms were evaluated at the posttherapy visit (7-14 days after the last dose of active drug). This report represents a subgroup analysis of a previous clinical study. Among the 123 clinically evaluable patients diagnosed with atypical CAP (26 patients were unevaluable), the clinical success rates were 95.5% (63 of 66 patients) for the 750-mg group and 96.5% (55 of 57 patients) for the 500-mg group (95% CI for success rate of the 500-mg group minus that of the 750-mg group, -6.8 to 8.8). At the poststudy evaluation (31-38 days after treatment began), relapse occurred in

[The practice of Dutch child and adolescent psychiatry - developments over the last fifteen years].

PubMed

Boer, F

2013-01-01

The child and adolescent psychiatry (cap) section of the Dutch Association for Psychiatry intends to keep track of the extent to which CAP is practised and to monitor the way in which it functions. The CAP has conducted three surveys since 1996. This paper reports on the 2012 survey. To investigate the composition (i.e. age and gender) of specialists working in child and adolescent psychiatry, to find out how much time these psychiatrists really spend on child and adolescent psychiatry and what type of work they actually do; furthermore, to make a list of specific questions such as 24-hour availability, and to note opinions regarding the planned transfer of child and adolescent mental health care facilities to town councils. A survey was conducted and an analysis was made of the data collected. The number of specialists practicing child and adolescent psychiatry in the Netherlands, expressed in full-time equivalents, has more than doubled since 1996 (from 183 in 1996 tot 389 in 2012). Compared to 1996, many more of these psychiatrists spend nearly all their time on CAP. The percentage of these specialists working only in private practice remains the same as in 1996 (19%) , although the percentage was lower in 2003 (135). Whereas in 1996 specialists in child and adolescent psychiatry worked mainly as psychotherapists, in 2012 they were working in a broader field, including assessment and pharmacotherapy. Dutch CAP has grown substantially over the past 15 years. Growth in psychiatry in general has been even more marked. Considering the current composition of the population, there is only a relatively limited amount of specialised psychiatric help available for people under the age of 20. The impending transfer of CAP mental health care facilities to town councils is a matter of deep concern to professionals and to psychiatrists in particular. Only if CAP investigations continue over the coming years will it become clear that this deep concern is entirely justified.

Spatial variability in the seasonal south polar CAP of Mars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Calvin, Wendy M.; Martin, Terry Z.

1994-10-01

The first comprehensive discussion of the south seasonal polar cap spectra obtained by the Mariner 7 infrared spectrometer in the short-wavelength region (2-4 microns) is presented. The infrared spectra is correlated with images acquired by the wide-angle camera. Significant spectral variation is noted in the cap interior and regions of varying water frost abundance, CO2 ice/frost cover, and CO2-ice path length can be distinguished. Many of these spectral variations correlate with heterogeneity noted in the camera images, but certain significant infrared spectral variations are not discernible in the visible. Simple reflectance models are used to classify the observed spectral variations into four regions. Region I is at the cap edge, where there is enhanced absorption beyond 3 microns inferred to be caused by an increased abundance of water frost. The increase in water abundance over that in the interior is on the level of a few parts per thousand or less. Region II is the typical cap interior characterized by spectral features of CO2 ice at grain sizes of several millimeters to centimeters. These spectra also indicate the presence of water frost at the parts per thousand level. A third, unusual region (III), is defined by three spectra in which weak CO2 absorption features are as much as twice as strong as in the average cap spectra and are assumed to be caused by an increased path length in the CO2. Such large paths are inconsistent with the high reflectance in the visible and at 2.2 microns and suggest layered structures or deposition conditions that are not accounted for in current reflectance models. The final region (IV) is an area of thinning frost coverage or transparent ice well in the interior of the seasonal cap. These spectra are a combination of CO2 and ground signatures.

Spatial variability in the seasonal south polar cap of Mars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Calvin, Wendy M.; Martin, Terry Z.

1994-01-01

The first comprehensive discussion of the south seasonal polar cap spectra obtained by the Mariner 7 infrared spectrometer in the short-wavelength region (2-4 microns) is presented. The infrared spectra is correlated with images acquired by the wide-angle camera. Significant spectral variation is noted in the cap interior and regions of varying water frost abundance, CO2 ice/frost cover, and CO2-ice path length can be distinguished. Many of these spectral variations correlate with heterogeneity noted in the camera images, but certain significant infrared spectral variations are not discernible in the visible. Simple reflectance models are used to classify the observed spectral variations into four regions. Region I is at the cap edge, where there is enhanced absorption beyond 3 microns inferred to be caused by an increased abundance of water frost. The increase in water abundance over that in the interior is on the level of a few parts per thousand or less. Region II is the typical cap interior characterized by spectral features of CO2 ice at grain sizes of several millimeters to centimeters. These spectra also indicate the presence of water frost at the parts per thousand level. A third, unusual region (III), is defined by three spectra in which weak CO2 absorption features are as much as twice as strong as in the average cap spectra and are assumed to be caused by an increased path length in the CO2. Such large paths are inconsistent with the high reflectance in the visible and at 2.2 microns and suggest layered structures or deposition conditions that are not accounted for in current reflectance models. The final region (IV) is an area of thinning frost coverage or transparent ice well in the interior of the seasonal cap. These spectra are a combination of CO2 and ground signatures.

EuCAP, a Eukaryotic Community Annotation Package, and its application to the rice genome

PubMed Central

Thibaud-Nissen, Françoise; Campbell, Matthew; Hamilton, John P; Zhu, Wei; Buell, C Robin

2007-01-01

Background Despite the improvements of tools for automated annotation of genome sequences, manual curation at the structural and functional level can provide an increased level of refinement to genome annotation. The Institute for Genomic Research Rice Genome Annotation (hereafter named the Osa1 Genome Annotation) is the product of an automated pipeline and, for this reason, will benefit from the input of biologists with expertise in rice and/or particular gene families. Leveraging knowledge from a dispersed community of scientists is a demonstrated way of improving a genome annotation. This requires tools that facilitate 1) the submission of gene annotation to an annotation project, 2) the review of the submitted models by project annotators, and 3) the incorporation of the submitted models in the ongoing annotation effort. Results We have developed the Eukaryotic Community Annotation Package (EuCAP), an annotation tool, and have applied it to the rice genome. The primary level of curation by community annotators (CA) has been the annotation of gene families. Annotation can be submitted by email or through the EuCAP Web Tool. The CA models are aligned to the rice pseudomolecules and the coordinates of these alignments, along with functional annotation, are stored in the MySQL EuCAP Gene Model database. Web pages displaying the alignments of the CA models to the Osa1 Genome models are automatically generated from the EuCAP Gene Model database. The alignments are reviewed by the project annotators (PAs) in the context of experimental evidence. Upon approval by the PAs, the CA models, along with the corresponding functional annotations, are integrated into the Osa1 Genome Annotation. The CA annotations, grouped by family, are displayed on the Community Annotation pages of the project website , as well as in the Community Annotation track of the Genome Browser. Conclusion We have applied EuCAP to rice. As of July 2007, the structural and/or functional annotation of 1,094 genes representing 57 families have been deposited and integrated into the current gene set. All of the EuCAP components are open-source, thereby allowing the implementation of EuCAP for the annotation of other genomes. EuCAP is available at . PMID:17961238

African Swine Fever Virus NP868R Capping Enzyme Promotes Reovirus Rescue during Reverse Genetics by Promoting Reovirus Protein Expression, Virion Assembly, and RNA Incorporation into Infectious Virions

PubMed Central

Eaton, Heather E.; Kobayashi, Takeshi; Dermody, Terence S.; Johnston, Randal N.

2017-01-01

ABSTRACT Reoviruses, like many eukaryotic viruses, contain an inverted 7-methylguanosine (m7G) cap linked to the 5′ nucleotide of mRNA. The traditional functions of capping are to promote mRNA stability, protein translation, and concealment from cellular proteins that recognize foreign RNA. To address the role of mRNA capping during reovirus replication, we assessed the benefits of adding the African swine fever virus NP868R capping enzyme during reovirus rescue. C3P3, a fusion protein containing T7 RNA polymerase and NP868R, was found to increase protein expression 5- to 10-fold compared to T7 RNA polymerase alone while enhancing reovirus rescue from the current reverse genetics system by 100-fold. Surprisingly, RNA stability was not increased by C3P3, suggesting a direct effect on protein translation. A time course analysis revealed that C3P3 increased protein synthesis within the first 2 days of a reverse genetics transfection. This analysis also revealed that C3P3 enhanced processing of outer capsid μ1 protein to μ1C, a previously described hallmark of reovirus assembly. Finally, to determine the rate of infectious-RNA incorporation into new virions, we developed a new recombinant reovirus S1 gene that expressed the fluorescent protein UnaG. Following transfection of cells with UnaG and infection with wild-type virus, passage of UnaG through progeny was significantly enhanced by C3P3. These data suggest that capping provides nontraditional functions to reovirus, such as promoting assembly and infectious-RNA incorporation. IMPORTANCE Our findings expand our understanding of how viruses utilize capping, suggesting that capping provides nontraditional functions to reovirus, such as promoting assembly and infectious-RNA incorporation, in addition to enhancing protein translation. Beyond providing mechanistic insight into reovirus replication, our findings also show that reovirus reverse genetics rescue is enhanced 100-fold by the NP868R capping enzyme. Since reovirus shows promise as a cancer therapy, efficient reovirus reverse genetics rescue will accelerate production of recombinant reoviruses as candidates to enhance therapeutic potency. NP868R-assisted reovirus rescue will also expedite production of recombinant reovirus for mechanistic insights into reovirus protein function and structure. PMID:28298603

Multiple-Station Observation of Frequency Dependence and Polarization Characteristics of ELF/VLF waves generated via Ionospheric Modification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maxworth, A. S.; Golkowski, M.; Cohen, M.; Moore, R. C.

2014-12-01

Generation of Extremely Low Frequency (ELF) and Very Low Frequency (VLF) signals through ionospheric modification has been practiced for many years. Heating the lower ionosphere with high power HF waves allows for modulation of natural current systems. Our experiments were carried out at the High Frequency Active Auroral Research Program (HAARP) facility in Alaska, USA. In this experiment, the ionosphere was heated with a vertical amplitude modulating signal and the modulation frequency was changed sequentially within an array of 40 frequencies followed by a frequency ramp. The observed magnetic field amplitude and polarization of the generated ELF/VLF signals were analyzed for multiple sites and as a function of modulation frequency. Our three observation sites: Chistochina, Paxson and Paradise are located within 36km (azimuth 47.7°), 50.2km (azimuth -20°) and 99km (azimuth 80.3°) respectively. We show that the peak amplitudes observed as a function of frequency result from vertical resonance in the Earth-ionosphere waveguide and can be used to diagnose the D-region profile. Polarization analysis showed that out of the three sites Paxson shows the highest circularity in the magnetic field polarization, compared to Chistochina and Paradise which show highly linear polarizations. The experimental results were compared with a theoretical simulation model results and it was clear that in both cases, the modulated Hall current dominates the observed signals at Chistochina and Paradise sites and at Paxson there is an equal contribution from Hall and Pedersen currents. The Chistochina site shows the highest magnetic field amplitudes in both experimental and simulation environments. Depending upon the experimental and simulation observations at the three sites, a radiation pattern for the HAARP ionospheric heater can be mapped

US Fertility Prevention as Poverty Prevention

PubMed Central

Romero, Diana; Agénor, Madina

2009-01-01

Purpose This paper examines the impact of the United States (US) welfare reform family-cap policy on the childbearing decisions of poor and low-income women by posing two complementary questions, both placed within a broader historical context. Specifically, it raises an empirical question pertaining to the family cap’s effectiveness and a social justice question pertaining to the policy’s ethical and legal justification in terms of human and reproductive rights. Methods In order to address the first question, a thorough review of past and current research pertaining to the family cap at both the state and national level is provided. The second question is addressed with an overview of international human and reproductive rights documents of relevance to the family-cap policy, as well as an analysis of the covenants’ numerous components with which the family cap is in conflict. Finally, this paper situates the family cap in its historical context by investigating previous governmental attempts to control and regulate the reproductive health and rights of poor women and women of color in the US. Main findings The majority of empirical analyses of the family cap have found that the policy has not had an impact on poor women’s reproductive health behaviors. In addition, the exclusive application of this policy to poor women receiving cash assistance is demonstrated to be in violation of 8 international human and reproductive rights documents, several of which the US is a signatory. Conclusion These two findings make a strong case that policymakers and social and health researchers alike critically re-examine whether a policy that has not achieved its ostensible goal and is applied in a disparate manner—primarily to poor women and families, and women of color—should continue to be implemented by the states. PMID:19879450

Adherence with national guidelines in hospitalized patients with community-acquired pneumonia: results from the CAPO study in Venezuela.

PubMed

Levy, Gur; Perez, Mario; Rodríguez, Benito; Hernández Voth, Ana; Perez, Jorge; Gnoni, Martin; Kelley, Robert; Wiemken, Timothy; Ramirez, Julio

2015-04-01

The Community-Acquired Pneumonia Organization (CAPO) is an international observational study in 130 hospitals, with a total of 31 countries, to assess the current management of hospitalized patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). 2 Using the centralized database of CAPO was decided to conduct this study with the aim of evaluate the level of adherence with national guidelines in Venezuela, to define in which areas an intervention may be necessary to improve the quality of care of hospitalized patients with CAP. In this observational retrospective study quality indicators were used to evaluate the management of hospitalized patients with CAP in 8 Venezuelan's centers. The care of the patients was evaluated in the areas of: hospitalization, oxygen therapy, empiric antibiotic therapy, switch therapy, etiological studies, blood cultures indication, and prevention. The compliance was rated as good (>90%), intermediate (60% to 90%), or low (<60%). A total of 454 patients with CAP were enrolled. The empiric treatment administered within 8 hours of the patient arrival to the hospital was good (96%), but the rest of the indicators showed a low level of adherence (<60%). We can say that there are many areas in the management of CAP in Venezuela that are not performed according to the national guidelines of SOVETHORAX.1 In any quality improvement process the first step is to evaluate the difference between what is recommended and what is done in clinical practice. While this study meets this first step, the challenge for the future is to implement the processes necessary to improve the management of CAP in Venezuela. Copyright © 2013 SEPAR. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.

Perfusion electrodeposition of calcium phosphate on additive manufactured titanium scaffolds for bone engineering.

PubMed

Chai, Yoke Chin; Truscello, Silvia; Bael, Simon Van; Luyten, Frank P; Vleugels, Jozef; Schrooten, Jan

2011-05-01

A perfusion electrodeposition (P-ELD) system was reported to functionalize additive manufactured Ti6Al4V scaffolds with a calcium phosphate (CaP) coating in a controlled and reproducible manner. The effects and interactions of four main process parameters - current density (I), deposition time (t), flow rate (f) and process temperature (T) - on the properties of the CaP coating were investigated. The results showed a direct relation between the parameters and the deposited CaP mass, with a significant effect for t (P=0.001) and t-f interaction (P=0.019). Computational fluid dynamic analysis showed a relatively low electrolyte velocity within the struts and a high velocity in the open areas within the P-ELD chamber, which were not influenced by a change in f. This is beneficial for promoting a controlled CaP deposition and hydrogen gas removal. Optimization studies showed that a minimum t of 6 h was needed to obtain complete coating of the scaffold regardless of I, and the thickness was increased by increasing I and t. Energy-dispersive X-ray and X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the deposition of highly crystalline synthetic carbonated hydroxyapatite under all conditions (Ca/P ratio=1.41). High cell viability and cell-material interactions were demonstrated by in vitro culture of human periosteum derived cells on coated scaffolds. This study showed that P-ELD provides a technological tool to functionalize complex scaffold structures with a biocompatible CaP layer that has controlled and reproducible physicochemical properties suitable for bone engineering. Copyright © 2011 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Three essays on utility regulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hlasny, Vladimir

To induce utilities in the gas distribution market to operate efficiently, US states have deployed consumer choice programs, price caps, and variations of sliding scale plans. My first essay studies the impact of these restructuring and deregulation efforts on consumer rates, using panel data from a custom survey of state commissions and the Department of Energy. I estimate the residential, small commercial and industrial price equations jointly, and use instrumental variables to control for the potentially endogenous demand and status of deregulation. Consumer choice programs lower the prices by 2.2-20.1% compared to the rate of return regulation, benefiting industrial consumers the most and households the least. These effects appear even one to two years prior to the programs' implementation, and become stronger over time. Price caps lower all prices by 0.0-20.0%, with the same ranking. The impacts of sliding scale plans are close to zero, between -2.6% and +4.0% The second paper evaluates health damages caused by air concentrations of SO2 under three alternative environmental policies leading to identical aggregate emissions: emission caps, a nationwide emission tax, and a system of tradable emission allowances such as the one currently used in the US. The numerical model of the industry finds generators' output, participation in energy trade and SO2 abatement effort under each policy. The resulting SO2 concentrations are used to derive the aggregate health damages using estimates in the medical literature. SO2 concentrations vary across policies even when the aggregate emissions are the same. These variations translate into substantially different losses for any individual state, and, nationwide, to hundreds of millions of dollars of difference in aggregate damages. Emission caps are found to lead to the lowest damages, outperforming the currently used system of allowances by 452 million. A uniform emission tax leads to very similar damages as the system of tradable allowances, in agreement with the theory. These results are consistent with prior academic studies, that emission allowances and uniform taxes may lead to higher damages than regulatory instruments that control regional emissions more closely. In terms of SO2 concentrations and health impacts, emission caps are shown to favor the southern and southeastern states, where they deliver 840 million lower damages than the system of allowances or an emission tax, while they deliver 390 million higher damages in the northern and northeastern states. In the third essay I compute health damages from SO2 under different assumptions on the relationship between the concentration levels and their marginal health impacts. I evaluate SO2 concentration profiles resulting under the three policies in the previous chapter. Using the ranges of marginal damage estimates in medical literature, emission caps are shown to lead to the lowest damages under all considered slopes, although their benefit over the system of tradable allowances falls as the slope of the marginal damage function increases. With the maxiμm slope consistent with current medical data, the savings in damages under the emission caps in the southern states fall to 670 million compared the system of allowances, while the excess in damages they cause in the north and the northeast rises to $600 million.

Water resources for urban water and food security: the case of megacity Hong Kong

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vanham, Davy; Gawlik, Bernd; Bidoglio, Giovanni

2017-04-01

The extent to which urban dwellers consume resources is key on the path to reaching global SDGs. One of these resources is water, which is consumed in a direct and indirect way by city inhabitants, to achieve water and food security within city borders. In this study, we quantify the water resources required to provide these two essential securities for megacity Hong Kong. During the last years, this city has made large investments to make its urban water supply system more water efficient and sustainable. As such, its municipal water abstraction - often defined as direct water use - has decreased from 355 litres per capita per day (l/cap/d) in 2005 to 326 l/cap/d in 2013. Due to its political history, Hong Kong is unique in the world in data availability on urban food consumption. It is therefore the ideal case study to show typical urban food consumption behaviour and its related indirect water use. The current average diet in Hong Kong is very different to the average Chinese diet. It is characterised by a high intake of water intensive products like animal products and sugar, leading to a food related indirect water use or water footprint (WFcons) of 4727 l/cap/d. According to recommendations from the Chinese Nutrition Society for a healthy diet, the intake of some product groups should be increased (vegetables and fruit) and of other product groups reduced (sugar, crop oils, meat and animal fats). This would result in a reduction of the WFcons of 40% to 2852 l/cap/d. Especially the reduced intake of meat (including offals) from currently 126 kg per capita per year (kg/cap/yr) to the recommended value 27 kg/cap/yr would result in a substantial WFcons reduction. Meat consumption in Hong Kong is extremely high. A pesco-vegetarian diet would result in a reduction of 49% (to 2398 l/cap/d) and a vegetarian diet in a 53% (to 2224 l/cap/d) reduction. Hong Kong citizens can thus save a lot of water by looking at their indirect water use, through a change in their diet. Many of the products consumed, contribute to different levels of blue water scarcity (WS) in the regions of origin Hong Kong imports from. Most rice consumed in Hong Kong e.g., is produced under moderate to severe WS in Thailand, Vietnam, China, the USA or Australia. Other food items consumed in Hong Kong with a high blue WFcons contributing to local WS are wheat, sugar, selected treenuts (pistachios and almonds), oranges, grapes and livestock products. This poses, to some extent, a water-related risk to food security in Hong Kong. As all diet scenarios also result in a lower blue WFcons, they decrease this risk. In order to become sustainable, (mega)cities should reduce their dependency on distant resources and ecosystems.

Participation of D.O. Muhleman as a Co-Investigator on the Mars Observer Laser Altimeter (MOLA) Team

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Muhleman, Duane O.

2004-01-01

The Co-I has been a principle member of the MOLA Team since the beginning of the Mars Observer Project and the MOLA Team formation. The basic area of research for the Co-I involved the interactions of the MOLA laser beam with the Mars atmosphere, ice fields and surface in general. The Co-I was assisted by one graduate student, and later a research assistant, Anton Ivanov, throughout the reporting period. Dr. Ivanov received a PhD from Caltech in 2000 from research involving the MOLA project. Dr. Ivanov continued with the MOLA project after receiving his degree as a research assistant to Professor Muhleman. Most of the funding from this grant was used to support Dr. Ivanov during the later years. The primary results of these investigations included the measurement of Mars atmospheric opacity at the 1 micron wavelength of the laser, the effects of dust within the craters and canyons of Mars, and a detailed study of the North Polar Ice Cap in terms of ice sublimation and the current structure of that ice cap. We were able to show that the sublimation of the ice on the polar cap would create the current average shape of the norther cap. Extensive data collection and study were made of the Mars surface 1 micron reflectivity until the laser mechanically failed during the reporting period. Reflectivity maps of Mars were produced although there were serious problems of the laser echo signal strength calibration. After that event the efforts were mainly to complete the older investigations. All of the work supported by this grant was theoretical in nature and did not lead to any patents.

Episodic expansion of Drangajökull, Vestfirðir, Iceland, over the last 3 ka culminating in its maximum dimension during the Little Ice Age

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Harning, David J.; Geirsdóttir, Áslaug; Miller, Gifford H.; Anderson, Leif

2016-11-01

Non-linear climate change is often linked to rapid changes in ocean circulation, especially around the North Atlantic. As the Polar Front fluctuated its latitudinal position during the Holocene, Iceland's climate was influenced by both the warm Atlantic currents and cool, sea ice-bearing Arctic currents. Drangajökull is Iceland's fifth largest ice cap. Climate proxies in lake sediment cores, dead vegetation emerging from beneath the ice cap, and moraine segments identified in a new DEM constrain the episodic expansion of the ice cap over the past 3 ka. Collectively, our data show that Drangajökull was advancing at ∼320 BCE, 180 CE, 560 CE, 950 CE and 1400 CE and in a state of recession at ∼450 CE, 1250 CE and after 1850 CE. The Late Holocene maximum extent of Drangajökull occurred during the Little Ice Age (LIA), occupying 262 km2, almost twice its area in 2011 CE and ∼20% larger than recent estimates of its LIA dimensions. Biological proxies from the sediment fill in a high- and low-elevation lake suggest limited vegetation and soil cover at high elevations proximal to the ice cap, whereas thick soil cover persisted until ∼750 CE at lower elevations near the coast. As Drangajökull expanded into the catchment of the high-elevation lake beginning at ∼950 CE, aquatic productivity diminished, following a trend of regional cooling supported by proxy records elsewhere in Iceland. Correlations between episodes of Drangajökull's advance and the documented occurrence of drift ice on the North Icelandic Shelf suggest export and local production of sea ice influenced the evolution of NW Iceland's Late Holocene climate.

Sex Equity in Guidance and Counseling. Highlights: An ERIC/CAPS Digest.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hansen, Sunny; Harless, Deb

This document highlights progress in sex equity over the past 15 years, examines the current status and trends, and describes the role of counselors and educators as change agents in reducing sex bias. (NB)

Field-aligned current response to solar indices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Edwards, Thom R.; Weimer, D. R.; Tobiska, W. K.; Olsen, Nils

2017-05-01

Magnetometer data from three satellite missions have been used to analyze and identify the effects of varying solar radiation on the magnitudes and locations of field-aligned currents in the Earth's upper atmosphere. Data from the CHAMP, Ørsted, and Swarm satellite missions have been brought together to provide a database spanning a 15 year period. The extensive time frame has been augmented by data from the ACE satellite, as well as a number of indices of solar radiation. This data set has been sorted by a number of solar wind, interplanetary magnetic field, and solar radiation indices to provide measurements for the field-aligned current structures in both hemispheres for arbitrary seasonal tilts. In addition, routines have been developed to extract the total current for different regions of the current structures, including regions 0, 1, and 2. Results from this study have been used to evaluate the effects of variations in four different solar indices on the total current in different regions of the polar cap. While the solar indices do not have major influence on the total current of the polar cap when compared to solar wind and interplanetary magnetic field parameters, it does appear that there is a nonlinear response to increasing F10.7, M10.7, and S10.7 solar indices. Surprisingly, there appears to be a very linear response as Y10.7 solar index increases.

Preparation and Properties of Nanoparticles of Calcium Phosphates With Various Ca/P Ratios.

PubMed

Sun, Limin; Chow, Laurence C; Frukhtbeyn, Stanislav A; Bonevich, John E

2010-01-01

This study aimed at preparing and studying the properties of nanoparticles of calcium phosphate (nCaP) with Ca/P ratios ranging from 1.0 to 1.67 using a spray-drying technique. Micro-structural analyses suggested that the nCaPs with Ca/P ratios of 1.67 to 1.33 were nano-sized amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) containing varying amounts of acid phosphate and carbonate. The nCaP with Ca/P ratio of 1 contained only nano-sized low crystalline dicalcium phosphate (DCP). BET measurements of the nCaPs showed specific surface areas of (12 ± 2 to 50 ± 1) m(2)/g, corresponding to estimated equivalent spherical diameters of (38 to 172) nm. However, dynamic light scattering measurements revealed much larger particles of (380 ± 49 to 768 ± 111) nm, owing to agglomeration of the smaller primary nano particles as revealed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Thermodynamic solubility measurements showed that the nCaPs with Ca/P ratio of 1.33 - 1.67 all have similar solubility behavior. The materials were more soluble than the crystalline hydroxyapatite (HA) at pH greater than about 4.7, and more soluble than β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP), octacalcium phosphate (OCP) and DCP at pH above 5.5. Their solubility approached that of α-tricalcium phosphate (α-TCP) at about pH 7. These nCaPs, which cannot be readily prepared by other currently available methods for nanoparticle preparation, have potential biomedical applications.

Pitch Angle Dependence of Drift Resonant Ions Observed by the Van Allen Probes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rankin, R.; Wang, C.; Wang, Y.; Zong, Q. G.; Zhou, X.

2017-12-01

Acceleration and modulation of ring current ions by poloidal mode ULF waves is investigated. A simplified MHD model of ULF waves in a dipole magnetic field is presented that includes phase mixing to perpendicular scales determined by the ionospheric Pedersen conductivity. The wave model is combined with a full Lorentz force test particle code to study drift and drift bounce resonance wave-particle interactions. Ion trajectories are traced backward-in-time to an assumed form of the distribution function, and Liouville's method is used to reconstruct the phase space density response (PSD) poloidal mode waves observed by the Van Allen Probes. In spite of its apparent simplicity, simulations using the wave and test particle models are able to explain the acceleration of ions and energy dispersion observed by the Van Allen Probes. The paper focuses on the pitch angle evolution of the initial PSD as it responds to the action of ULF waves. An interesting aspect of the study is the formation of butterfly ion distributions as ions make periodic radial oscillations across L. Ions become trapped in an effective potential well across a limited range of L and follow trajectories that cause them to surf along constant phase fronts. The impications of this new trapping mechanism for both ions and electrons is discussed.

Auroral currents during the magnetic storm of November 8 and 9, 1991 - Observations from the Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite Particle Environment Monitor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Anderson, B. J.; Potemra, T. A.; Bythrow, P. F.; Zanetti, L. J.; Holland, D. B.; Winningham, J. D.

1993-01-01

The development of the intensity and location of Birkeland currents associated with the magnetic storm of November 8-9, 1991 is reported. Total Birkeland currents exceed 30 MA, more than six times nominal values, indicating Joule heating of about 3 x lO exp 12 W. Birkeland currents below 50 deg, polar cap currents indicative of antisunward convection, and cusp particle signatures of southward IMF all persist at least eight hours into recovery phase of the storm.

Landscape Evolution and the Reincarnation of the Residual CO2 Ice Cap of Mars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Byrne, S.; Zuber, M.

2006-12-01

Observations of the southern residual CO2 cap of Mars reveal a wide range of landforms including flat-floored quasi-circular pits with steep walls (dubbed Swiss-cheese features). Interannual comparisons show that these depressions are expanding laterally at rates of ~2m/yr to ~4m/yr, prompting suggestions of climate change. The residual CO2 ice cap is up to 10m thick and underlain by an involatile basement, it also contains layers roughly 2m thick representing different accumulation episodes in the recent past. Changes in the appearance of the residual ice between the Mariner 9 and Viking missions indicate that the top-most layer was deposited in that time-frame, soon after the global dust storm of 1971. The spatial density of the Swiss-cheese features, and the rate at which they expand, mean that it is unlikely that any part of the residual ice cap is older than a few centuries. Given this, we may ask: how can there be a residual cap present today for us to observe? To answer this and other questions we have developed a model to examine the evolution of a CO2 ice landscape. This model reproduces the morphologies and expansion rates seen in the actual residual CO2 ice cap. Our model results indicate that the fate of CO2 ice surfaces is controlled by their surface roughness. Surface roughness always increases with time, which results in an unstable situation. When the surface roughness exceeds a critical point small pits can begin to develop. The walls of these pits rapidly steepen and begin retreating which enlarges and deepens the pit. This situation always occurs even if the surface of the CO2 slab has a high enough albedo to have a net mass gain each year. Once these pits begin expanding they quickly erode the entire ice slab. When the underlying non-CO2 material is exposed, it will not frost over again if Mars were to repeat like clockwork every year. We conclude that interannual climatic variability is actually a requirement for the continued existence of a residual CO2 ice cap. We invoke unusual depositional episodes (which have a surface smoothing effect) after which the cap can begin accumulating mass and growing in thickness again. This continues until the surface roughness again exceeds a stable state and the process repeats itself. The thickness of the residual cap therefore oscillates on timescales of centuries. The total cap volume may also be affected by variations in residual cap extent. The cap is not 'stable' in the usual sense of the word, but instead is constantly being destroyed and recreated. Evidence suggests that these rejuvenating depositional events are linked to global dust storms. The 10m thick stratigraphic record thus provides a unique measure of interannual variability of the current climate, the expanding Swiss-cheese features do not indicate secular climate change, but instead are just part of the larger life-cycle of this ice deposit. We will report on this surface modeling which reproduces other morphologies within the residual cap and present a historical model based on combining our modeling with the feature sizes and ablation rates found within the present residual ice cap.

RAGE-dependent potentiation of TRPV1 currents in sensory neurons exposed to high glucose.

PubMed

Lam, Doris; Momeni, Zeinab; Theaker, Michael; Jagadeeshan, Santosh; Yamamoto, Yasuhiko; Ianowski, Juan P; Campanucci, Verónica A

2018-01-01

Diabetes mellitus is associated with sensory abnormalities, including exacerbated responses to painful (hyperalgesia) or non-painful (allodynia) stimuli. These abnormalities are symptoms of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), which is the most common complication that affects approximately 50% of diabetic patients. Yet, the underlying mechanisms linking hyperglycemia and symptoms of DPN remain poorly understood. The transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) channel plays a central role in such sensory abnormalities and shows elevated expression levels in animal models of diabetes. Here, we investigated the function of TRPV1 channels in sensory neurons cultured from the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) of neonatal mice, under control (5mM) and high glucose (25mM) conditions. After maintaining DRG neurons in high glucose for 1 week, we observed a significant increase in capsaicin (CAP)-evoked currents and CAP-evoked depolarizations, independent of TRPV1 channel expression. These functional changes were largely dependent on the expression of the receptor for Advanced Glycation End-products (RAGE), calcium influx, cytoplasmic ROS accumulation, PKC, and Src kinase activity. Like cultured neurons from neonates, mature neurons from adult mice also displayed a similar potentiation of CAP-evoked currents in the high glucose condition. Taken together, our data demonstrate that under the diabetic condition, DRG neurons are directly affected by elevated levels of glucose, independent of vascular or glial signals, and dependent on RAGE expression. These early cellular and molecular changes to sensory neurons in vitro are potential mechanisms that might contribute to sensory abnormalities that can occur in the very early stages of diabetes.

RAGE-dependent potentiation of TRPV1 currents in sensory neurons exposed to high glucose

PubMed Central

Lam, Doris; Momeni, Zeinab; Theaker, Michael; Jagadeeshan, Santosh; Yamamoto, Yasuhiko; Ianowski, Juan P.

2018-01-01

Diabetes mellitus is associated with sensory abnormalities, including exacerbated responses to painful (hyperalgesia) or non-painful (allodynia) stimuli. These abnormalities are symptoms of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), which is the most common complication that affects approximately 50% of diabetic patients. Yet, the underlying mechanisms linking hyperglycemia and symptoms of DPN remain poorly understood. The transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) channel plays a central role in such sensory abnormalities and shows elevated expression levels in animal models of diabetes. Here, we investigated the function of TRPV1 channels in sensory neurons cultured from the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) of neonatal mice, under control (5mM) and high glucose (25mM) conditions. After maintaining DRG neurons in high glucose for 1 week, we observed a significant increase in capsaicin (CAP)-evoked currents and CAP-evoked depolarizations, independent of TRPV1 channel expression. These functional changes were largely dependent on the expression of the receptor for Advanced Glycation End-products (RAGE), calcium influx, cytoplasmic ROS accumulation, PKC, and Src kinase activity. Like cultured neurons from neonates, mature neurons from adult mice also displayed a similar potentiation of CAP-evoked currents in the high glucose condition. Taken together, our data demonstrate that under the diabetic condition, DRG neurons are directly affected by elevated levels of glucose, independent of vascular or glial signals, and dependent on RAGE expression. These early cellular and molecular changes to sensory neurons in vitro are potential mechanisms that might contribute to sensory abnormalities that can occur in the very early stages of diabetes. PMID:29474476

ACD16-0001-021

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-01-06

Senior executives from the Renault-Nissan Alliance, including Carlos Ghosn, chairman and CEO of Nissan, and Jose Munoz, chairman of Nissan North America, visited Ames for meetings and a showcase of the technical partnership between NASA and Nissan North America. The partnership allows researchers to develop and test autonomy algorithms, concepts, and integrated prototypes for a variety of vehicular transport applications – from rovers to self-driving cars. After briefings, the group on left from left to right Kathy Sun and Liam Pedersen, Nissan and on right from front to back Carlos Ghosn, CE, Nissan chatted before taking a ride in the autonomous vehicle to observed testing of Nissan’s all-electric LEAF as it performed safe autonomous drives across the center.

An example of anticorrelation of auroral particles and electric fields.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Maynard, N. C.; Bahnsen, A.; Christophersen, P.; Lundin, R.; Egeland, A.

1973-01-01

The question of whether correlation or anticorrelation should occur is complex and depends on many factors, e.g., the internal impedance of the source; the Pedersen conductivity, which in turn is dependent on the incident energy of the precipitated particles; whether space charge can build up; and the magnitude of the incoming flux. Data are presented from a case in which an anticorrelation between auroral particles and electric fields is especially striking. The data were obtained from a Nike Tomahawk launched from the Norwegian rocket range at Andoya. The experiments carried are described briefly. The data support the anticorrelation model as one mechanism that can affect the electric field strength in auroral regions.

WAM: an improved algorithm for modelling antibodies on the WEB.

PubMed

Whitelegg, N R; Rees, A R

2000-12-01

An improved antibody modelling algorithm has been developed which incorporates significant improvements to the earlier versions developed by Martin et al. (1989, 1991), Pedersen et al. (1992) and Rees et al. (1996) and known as AbM (Oxford Molecular). The new algorithm, WAM (for Web Antibody Modelling), has been launched as an online modelling service and is located at URL http://antibody.bath.ac.uk. Here we provide a summary only of the important features of WAM. Readers interested in further details are directed to the website, which gives extensive background information on the methods employed. A brief description of the rationale behind some of the newer methodology (specifically, the knowledge-based screens) is also given.

Michigan | Midmarket Solar Policies in the United States | Solar Research |

Science.gov Websites

program were retained. System size limit: 150 kW Aggregate cap: 0.75% of utility's peak load of the are currently no community solar policies in Michigan. Utilities and third-party developers offer

Acceleration and propagation of cosmic rays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fransson, C.; Epstein, R. I.

1980-11-01

Two general categories of cosmic ray models are discussed, concomitant acceleration and propagation (CAP) models and sequential acceleration and propagation (SAP) models. These normally correspond to the cosmic rays being continuously accelerated in the interstellar medium or being rapidly produced by discrete sources or strong shock waves, respectively. For the CAP models it is found that the ratio of the predominantly secondary nuclei (Li + Be + B + N) to the predominantly primary nuclei (C + O) varies by less than a factor of 1.5 between 1 and 100 GeV per nucleon. This is at variance with current measurements. It thus appears that the evolution of cosmic rays is best described by SAP models.

KSC-04pd1428

NASA Image and Video Library

2004-07-07

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - - Workers in the Orbiter Processing Facility complete the installation of the Reinforced Carbon-Carbon panel on Discovery. The chin panel is the smile-shaped section of RCC directly below the nose cap that provides a thermal barrier during re-entry. The nose cap, with chin panel, was removed from the vehicle in the summer of 2003 and returned to the vendor, where it underwent numerous forms of Non-Destructive Evaluation. These tests included X-ray, ultrasound and eddy current to ensure its structural integrity prior to reinstallation. Discovery is designated as the Return to Flight vehicle for mission STS-114, no earlier than March 2005.

KSC-04pd1424

NASA Image and Video Library

2004-07-07

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers in the Orbiter Processing Facility lift the Reinforced Carbon-Carbon (RCC) chin panel to install on Discovery. The chin panel is the smile-shaped section of RCC directly below the nose cap that provides a thermal barrier during re-entry. The nose cap, with chin panel, was removed from the vehicle in the summer of 2003 and returned to the vendor, where it underwent numerous forms of Non-Destructive Evaluation. These tests included X-ray, ultrasound and eddy current to ensure its structural integrity prior to reinstallation. Discovery is designated as the Return to Flight vehicle for mission STS-114, no earlier than March 2005.

KSC-04pd1425

NASA Image and Video Library

2004-07-07

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers in the Orbiter Processing Facility lift the Reinforced Carbon-Carbon (RCC) chin panel into place on Discovery. The chin panel is the smile-shaped section of RCC directly below the nose cap that provides a thermal barrier during re-entry. The nose cap, with chin panel, was removed from the vehicle in the summer of 2003 and returned to the vendor, where it underwent numerous forms of Non-Destructive Evaluation. These tests included X-ray, ultrasound and eddy current to ensure its structural integrity prior to reinstallation. Discovery is designated as the Return to Flight vehicle for mission STS-114, no earlier than March 2005.

KSC-04pd1423

NASA Image and Video Library

2004-07-07

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers in the Orbiter Processing Facility prepare the Reinforced Carbon-Carbon (RCC) chin panel to install on Discovery. The chin panel is the smile-shaped section of RCC directly below the nose cap that provides a thermal barrier during re-entry. The nose cap, with chin panel, was removed from the vehicle in the summer of 2003 and returned to the vendor, where it underwent numerous forms of Non-Destructive Evaluation. These tests included X-ray, ultrasound and eddy current to ensure its structural integrity prior to reinstallation. Discovery is designated as the Return to Flight vehicle for mission STS-114, no earlier than March 2005.

KSC-04pd1427

NASA Image and Video Library

2004-07-07

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - - Workers in the Orbiter Processing Facility check the placement of the Reinforced Carbon-Carbon chin panel on Discovery. The chin panel is the smile-shaped section of RCC directly below the nose cap that provides a thermal barrier during re-entry. The nose cap, with chin panel, was removed from the vehicle in the summer of 2003 and returned to the vendor, where it underwent numerous forms of Non-Destructive Evaluation. These tests included X-ray, ultrasound and eddy current to ensure its structural integrity prior to reinstallation. Discovery is designated as the Return to Flight vehicle for mission STS-114, no earlier than March 2005.

KSC-04pd1426

NASA Image and Video Library

2004-07-07

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers in the Orbiter Processing Facility check the placement of the Reinforced Carbon-Carbon (RCC) chin panel on Discovery. . The chin panel is the smile-shaped section of RCC directly below the nose cap that provides a thermal barrier during re-entry. The nose cap, with chin panel, was removed from the vehicle in the summer of 2003 and returned to the vendor, where it underwent numerous forms of Non-Destructive Evaluation. These tests included X-ray, ultrasound and eddy current to ensure its structural integrity prior to reinstallation. Discovery is designated as the Return to Flight vehicle for mission STS-114, no earlier than March 2005.

Convection and electrodynamic signatures in the vicinity of a Sun-aligned arc: Results from the Polar Acceleration Regions and Convection Study (Polar ARCS)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Weiss, L. A.; Weber, E. J.; Reiff, P. H.; Sharber, J. R.; Winningham, J. D.; Primdahl, F.; Mikkelsen, I. S.; Seifring, C.; Wescott, Eugene M.

1994-01-01

An experimental campaign designed to study high-latitude auroral arcs was conducted in Sondre Stromfjord, Greenland, on February 26, 1987. The Polar Acceleration Regions and Convection Study (Polar ARCS) consisted of a coordinated set of ground-based, airborne, and sounding rocket measurements of a weak, sun-aligned arc system within the duskside polar cap. A rocket-borne barium release experiment, two DMSP satellite overflights, all-sky photography, and incoherent scatter radar measurements provided information on the large-scale plasma convection over the polar cap region while a second rocket instrumented with a DC magnetometer, Langmuir and electric field probes, and an electron spectrometer provided measurements of small-scale electrodynamics. The large-scale data indicate that small, sun-aligned precipitation events formed within a region of antisunward convection between the duskside auroral oval and a large sun-aligned arc further poleward. This convection signature, used to assess the relationship of the sun-aligned arc to the large-scale magnetospheric configuration, is found to be consistent with either a model in which the arc formed on open field lines on the dusk side of a bifurcated polar cap or on closed field lines threading an expanded low-latitude boundary layer, but not a model in which the polar cap arc field lines map to an expanded plasma sheet. The antisunward convection signature may also be explained by a model in which the polar cap arc formed on long field lines recently reconnected through a highly skewed plasma sheet. The small-scale measurements indicate the rocket passed through three narrow (less than 20 km) regions of low-energy (less than 100 eV) electron precipitation in which the electric and magnetic field perturbations were well correlated. These precipitation events are shown to be associated with regions of downward Poynting flux and small-scale upward and downward field-aligned currents of 1-2 micro-A/sq m. The paired field-aligned currents are associated with velocity shears (higher and lower speed streams) embedded in the region of antisunward flow.

Structural Design and Analysis of the Upper Pressure Shell Section of a Composite Crew Module

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sleight, David W.; Paddock, David; Jeans, Jim W.; Hudeck, John D.

2008-01-01

This paper presents the results of the structural design and analysis of the upper pressure shell section of a carbon composite demonstration structure for the Composite Crew Module (CCM) Project. The project is managed by the NASA Engineering and Safety Center with participants from eight NASA Centers, the Air Force Research Laboratory, and multiple aerospace contractors including ATK/Swales, Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, Collier Research Corporation, Genesis Engineering, and Janicki Industries. The paper discusses details of the upper pressure shell section design of the CCM and presents the structural analysis results using the HyperSizer structural sizing software and the MSC Nastran finite element analysis software. The HyperSizer results showed that the controlling load case driving most of the sizing in the upper pressure shell section was the internal pressure load case. The regions around the cutouts were controlled by internal pressure and the main parachute load cases. The global finite element analysis results showed that the majority of the elements of the CCM had a positive margin of safety with the exception of a few hot spots around the cutouts. These hot spots are currently being investigated with a more detailed analysis. Local finite element models of the Low Impact Docking System (LIDS) interface ring and the forward bay gussets with greater mesh fidelity were created for local sizing and analysis. The sizing of the LIDS interface ring was driven by the drogue parachute loads, Trans-Lunar Insertion (TLI) loads, and internal pressure. The drogue parachute loads controlled the sizing of the gusset cap on the drogue gusset and TLI loads controlled the sizing of the other five gusset caps. The main parachute loads controlled the sizing of the lower ends of the gusset caps on the main parachute fittings. The results showed that the gusset web/pressure shell and gusset web/gusset cap interfaces bonded using Pi-preform joints had local hot spots in the Pi-preform termination regions. These regions require a detailed three-dimensional analysis, which is currently being performed, to accurately address the load distribution near the Pi-preform termination in the upper and lower gusset caps.

US hospital care for patients with HIV infection and pneumonia: the role of public, private, and Veterans Affairs hospitals in the early highly active antiretroviral therapy era.

PubMed

Uphold, Constance R; Deloria-Knoll, Maria; Palella, Frank J; Parada, Jorge P; Chmiel, Joan S; Phan, Laura; Bennett, Charles L

2004-02-01

We evaluated differences in processes and outcomes of HIV-related pneumonia care among patients in Veterans Affairs (VA), public, and for-profit and not-for-profit private hospitals in the United States. We compared the results of our current study (1995 to 1997) with those of our previous study that included a sample of patients receiving care during the years 1987 to 1990 to determine how HIV-related pneumonia care had evolved over the last decade. The sample consisted of 1,231 patients with HIV infection who received care for Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) and 750 patients with HIV infection who received care for community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) during the years 1995 to 1997. We conducted a retrospective medical record review and evaluated patient and hospital characteristics, HIV-related processes of care (timely use of anti-PCP medications, adjunctive corticosteroids), non-HIV-related processes of care (timely use of CAP treatment medications, diagnostic testing, ICU utilization, rates of endotracheal ventilation, placement on respiratory isolation), length of inpatient hospital stay, and inpatient mortality. Rates of timely use of antibiotics and adjunctive corticosteroids for treating PCP were high and improved dramatically from the prior decade. However, compliance with consensus guidelines that recommend < 8 h as the optimal time window for initiation of antibiotics to treat CAP was lower. For both PCP and CAP, variations in processes of care and lengths of in-hospital stays, but not mortality rates, were noted at VA, public, private not-for-profit hospitals, and for-profit hospitals. This study provides the first overview of HIV-related pneumonia care in the early highly active antiretroviral therapy era, and contrasts current findings with those of a similarly conducted study from a decade earlier. Quality of care for patients with PCP improved, but further efforts are needed to facilitate the appropriate management of CAP. In the third decade of the epidemic, it will be important to monitor whether variations in processes of care for various HIV-related clinical diagnoses among different types of hospitals persist.

The effectiveness of pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine 23 (PPV23) in the general population of 50 years of age and older: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

PubMed

Kraicer-Melamed, Hannah; O'Donnell, Shauna; Quach, Caroline

2016-03-18

Two pneumococcal vaccines currently exist and have been recommended for the prevention of pneumococcal infection in adults 65 years of age and older: the 23-valent polysaccharide (PPV23) and the conjugate 13-valent (PCV13) vaccine. To evaluate and summarize the results from all studies reporting on the vaccine effectiveness of PPV23 in preventing invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) and community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in individuals over the age of 50. Systematic database searches were completed in PubMed, Medline, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Cochrane. Google Scholar and hand searches of seminal articles and past systematic reviews were employed. Studies were included if they independently evaluated the effect of PPV23 on IPD and/or CAP in adults (50+). Data extraction and quality assessment were both completed independently by two researchers. Quality was assessed using the National Advisory Committee on Immunization methodology for quality assessment. All conflicts were resolved by consensus. The vaccine effectiveness for PPV23 in preventing IPD was 50% (95% CI: 21%-69%) for cohort studies and 54% (95% CI: 32%-69%) for case-control studies. The VE estimates for CAP were 4% (95% CI: -26%-26%) for trials, 17% (95% CI: -26%-45%) for cohort studies, and 7% (95% CI: -10%-21%) for case-control studies. The vaccine effectiveness of PPV23 in preventing IPD and all-cause CAP was consistent with past systematic reviews and similar to the estimates that were reported in the CAPiTA trial evaluating the vaccine effectiveness of PCV13. Consistent benefits were also reported across ecological studies and reports of surveillance data for the general population 50 years and older. The results suggests that the current practice of vaccinating the adults 65 years of age and older with PPV23 would have similar benefits to PCV13 in preventing potential cases of all-serotype IPD and all-cause CAP. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Achievement of normally-off AlGaN/GaN high-electron mobility transistor with p-NiOx capping layer by sputtering and post-annealing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Shyh-Jer; Chou, Cheng-Wei; Su, Yan-Kuin; Lin, Jyun-Hao; Yu, Hsin-Chieh; Chen, De-Long; Ruan, Jian-Long

2017-04-01

In this paper, we present a technique to fabricate normally off GaN-based high-electron mobility transistor (HEMT) by sputtering and post-annealing p-NiOx capping layer. The p-NiOx layer is produced by sputtering at room temperature and post-annealing at 500 °C for 30 min in pure O2 environment to achieve high hole concentration. The Vth shifts from -3 V in the conventional transistor to 0.33 V, and on/off current ratio became 107. The forward and reverse gate breakdown increase from 3.5 V and -78 V to 10 V and -198 V, respectively. The reverse gate leakage current is 10-9 A/mm, and the off-state drain-leakage current is 10-8 A/mm. The Vth hysteresis is extremely small at about 33 mV. We also investigate the mechanism that increases hole concentration of p-NiOx after annealing in oxygen environment resulted from the change of Ni2+ to Ni3+ and the surge of (111)-orientation.

Burden of hospitalized childhood community-acquired pneumonia: A retrospective cross-sectional study in Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Republic of Korea

PubMed Central

Tan, Kah Kee; Dang, Duc Anh; Kim, Ki Hwan; Kartasasmita, Cissy; Zhang, Xu-Hao; Shafi, Fakrudeen; Yu, Ta-Wen; Ledesma, Emilio; Meyer, Nadia

2018-01-01

ABSTRACT Background: Few studies describe the community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) burden in children in Asia. We estimated the proportion of all CAP hospitalizations in children from nine hospitals across the Republic of Korea (high-income), Indonesia, Malaysia (middle-income), and Vietnam (low/middle-income). Methods: Over a one or two-year period, children <5 years hospitalized with CAP were identified using ICD-10 discharge codes. Cases were matched to standardized definitions of suspected (S-CAP), confirmed (C-CAP), or bacterial CAP (B-CAP) used in a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine efficacy study (COMPAS). Median total direct medical costs of CAP-related hospitalizations were calculated. Results: Vietnam (three centers): 7591 CAP episodes were identified with 4.3% (95% confidence interval 4.2;4.4) S-CAP, 3.3% (3.2;3.4) C-CAP and 1.4% (1.3;1.4) B-CAP episodes of all-cause hospitalization in children aged <5 years. The B-CAP case fatality rate (CFR) was 1.3%. Malaysia (two centers): 1027 CAP episodes were identified with 2.7% (2.6;2.9); 2.6% (2.4;2.8); 0.04% (0.04;0.1) due to S-CAP, C-CAP, and B-CAP, respectively. One child with B-CAP died. Indonesia (one center): 960 CAP episodes identified with 18.0% (17.0;19.1); 16.8% (15.8;17.9); 0.3% (0.2;0.4) due to S-CAP, C-CAP, and B-CAP, respectively. The B-CAP CFR was 20%. Korea (three centers): 3151 CAP episodes were identified with 21.1% (20.4;21.7); 11.8% (11.2;12.3); 2.4% (2.1;2.7) due to S-CAP, C-CAP, and B-CAP, respectively. There were no deaths. Costs: CAP-related hospitalization costs were highest for B-CAP episodes: 145.00 (Vietnam) to 1013.3 USD (Korea) per episode. Conclusion: CAP hospitalization causes an important health and cost burden in all four countries studied (NMRR-12-50-10793). PMID:29125809

Two-Dimensional Polymer Synthesized via Solid-State Polymerization for High-Performance Supercapacitors.

PubMed

Liu, Wei; Ulaganathan, Mani; Abdelwahab, Ibrahim; Luo, Xin; Chen, Zhongxin; Rong Tan, Sherman Jun; Wang, Xiaowei; Liu, Yanpeng; Geng, Dechao; Bao, Yang; Chen, Jianyi; Loh, Kian Ping

2018-01-23

Two-dimensional (2-D) polymer has properties that are attractive for energy storage applications because of its combination of heteroatoms, porosities and layered structure, which provides redox chemistry and ion diffusion routes through the 2-D planes and 1-D channels. Here, conjugated aromatic polymers (CAPs) were synthesized in quantitative yield via solid-state polymerization of phenazine-based precursor crystals. By choosing flat molecules (2-TBTBP and 3-TBQP) with different positions of bromine substituents on a phenazine-derived scaffold, C-C cross coupling was induced following thermal debromination. CAP-2 is polymerized from monomers that have been prepacked into layered structure (3-TBQP). It can be mechanically exfoliated into micrometer-sized ultrathin sheets that show sharp Raman peaks which reflect conformational ordering. CAP-2 has a dominant pore size of ∼0.8 nm; when applied as an asymmetric supercapacitor, it delivers a specific capacitance of 233 F g -1 at a current density of 1.0 A g -1 , and shows outstanding cycle performance.

Unequal household carbon footprints in China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wiedenhofer, Dominik; Guan, Dabo; Liu, Zhu; Meng, Jing; Zhang, Ning; Wei, Yi-Ming

2017-01-01

Households' carbon footprints are unequally distributed among the rich and poor due to differences in the scale and patterns of consumption. We present distributional focused carbon footprints for Chinese households and use a carbon-footprint-Gini coefficient to quantify inequalities. We find that in 2012 the urban very rich, comprising 5% of population, induced 19% of the total carbon footprint from household consumption in China, with 6.4 tCO2/cap. The average Chinese household footprint remains comparatively low (1.7 tCO2/cap), while those of the rural population and urban poor, comprising 58% of population, are 0.5-1.6 tCO2/cap. Between 2007 and 2012 the total footprint from households increased by 19%, with 75% of the increase due to growing consumption of the urban middle class and the rich. This suggests that a transformation of Chinese lifestyles away from the current trajectory of carbon-intensive consumption patterns requires policy interventions to improve living standards and encourage sustainable consumption.

ACCELERATION INTEGRATOR

DOEpatents

Pope, K.E.

1958-01-01

This patent relates to an improved acceleration integrator and more particularly to apparatus of this nature which is gyrostabilized. The device may be used to sense the attainment by an airborne vehicle of a predetermined velocitv or distance along a given vector path. In its broad aspects, the acceleration integrator utilizes a magnetized element rotatable driven by a synchronous motor and having a cylin drical flux gap and a restrained eddy- current drag cap deposed to move into the gap. The angular velocity imparted to the rotatable cap shaft is transmitted in a positive manner to the magnetized element through a servo feedback loop. The resultant angular velocity of tae cap is proportional to the acceleration of the housing in this manner and means may be used to measure the velocity and operate switches at a pre-set magnitude. To make the above-described dcvice sensitive to acceleration in only one direction the magnetized element forms the spinning inertia element of a free gyroscope, and the outer housing functions as a gimbal of a gyroscope.

DWPF Melter Off-Gas Flammability Assessment for Sludge Batch 9

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

Choi, A. S.

2016-07-11

The slurry feed to the Defense Waste Processing Facility (DWPF) melter contains several organic carbon species that decompose in the cold cap and produce flammable gases that could accumulate in the off-gas system and create potential flammability hazard. To mitigate such a hazard, DWPF has implemented a strategy to impose the Technical Safety Requirement (TSR) limits on all key operating variables affecting off-gas flammability and operate the melter within those limits using both hardwired/software interlocks and administrative controls. The operating variables that are currently being controlled include; (1) total organic carbon (TOC), (2) air purges for combustion and dilution, (3)more » melter vapor space temperature, and (4) feed rate. The safety basis limits for these operating variables are determined using two computer models, 4-stage cold cap and Melter Off-Gas (MOG) dynamics models, under the baseline upset scenario - a surge in off-gas flow due to the inherent cold cap instabilities in the slurry-fed melter.« less

High temperature superconductor step-edge Josephson junctions using Ti-Ca-Ba-Cu-O

DOEpatents

Ginley, David S.; Hietala, Vincent M.; Hohenwarter, Gert K. G.; Martens, Jon S.; Plut, Thomas A.; Tigges, Chris P.; Vawter, Gregory A.; Zipperian, Thomas E.

1994-10-25

A process for formulating non-hysteretic and hysteretic Josephson junctions using HTS materials which results in junctions having the ability to operate at high temperatures while maintaining high uniformity and quality. The non-hysteretic Josephson junction is formed by step-etching a LaAlO.sub.3 crystal substrate and then depositing a thin film of TlCaBaCuO on the substrate, covering the step, and forming a grain boundary at the step and a subsequent Josephson junction. Once the non-hysteretic junction is formed the next step to form the hysteretic Josephson junction is to add capacitance to the system. In the current embodiment, this is accomplished by adding a thin dielectric layer, LaA1O.sub.3, followed by a cap layer of a normal metal where the cap layer is formed by first depositing a thin layer of titanium (Ti) followed by a layer of gold (Au). The dielectric layer and the normal metal cap are patterned to the desired geometry.

CAP: A Computer Code for Generating Tabular Thermodynamic Functions from NASA Lewis Coefficients. Revised

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zehe, Michael J.; Gordon, Sanford; McBride, Bonnie J.

2002-01-01

For several decades the NASA Glenn Research Center has been providing a file of thermodynamic data for use in several computer programs. These data are in the form of least-squares coefficients that have been calculated from tabular thermodynamic data by means of the NASA Properties and Coefficients (PAC) program. The source thermodynamic data are obtained from the literature or from standard compilations. Most gas-phase thermodynamic functions are calculated by the authors from molecular constant data using ideal gas partition functions. The Coefficients and Properties (CAP) program described in this report permits the generation of tabulated thermodynamic functions from the NASA least-squares coefficients. CAP provides considerable flexibility in the output format, the number of temperatures to be tabulated, and the energy units of the calculated properties. This report provides a detailed description of input preparation, examples of input and output for several species, and a listing of all species in the current NASA Glenn thermodynamic data file.

CAP: A Computer Code for Generating Tabular Thermodynamic Functions from NASA Lewis Coefficients

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zehe, Michael J.; Gordon, Sanford; McBride, Bonnie J.

2001-01-01

For several decades the NASA Glenn Research Center has been providing a file of thermodynamic data for use in several computer programs. These data are in the form of least-squares coefficients that have been calculated from tabular thermodynamic data by means of the NASA Properties and Coefficients (PAC) program. The source thermodynamic data are obtained from the literature or from standard compilations. Most gas-phase thermodynamic functions are calculated by the authors from molecular constant data using ideal gas partition functions. The Coefficients and Properties (CAP) program described in this report permits the generation of tabulated thermodynamic functions from the NASA least-squares coefficients. CAP provides considerable flexibility in the output format, the number of temperatures to be tabulated, and the energy units of the calculated properties. This report provides a detailed description of input preparation, examples of input and output for several species, and a listing of all species in the current NASA Glenn thermodynamic data file.

The dependency of different stress-level SiN capping films and the optimization of D-SMT process for the device performance booster in Ge n-FinFETs

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

Liao, M.-H., E-mail: mhliaoa@ntu.edu.tw; Chen, P.-G.

The capping stressed SiN film is one of the most important process steps for the dislocation stress memorization technique (D-SMT), which has been used widely in the current industry, for the electron mobility booster in the n-type transistor beyond the 32/28 nm technology node. In this work, we found that the different stress-level SiN capping films influence the crystal re-growth velocities along different directions including [100] and [110] directions in Ge a lot. It can be further used to optimize the dislocation angle in the transistor during the D-SMT process and then results in the largest channel stress distribution to boostmore » the device performance in the Ge n-FinFETs. Based on the theoretical calculation and experimental demonstration, it shows that the Ge three dimensional (3D) n-FinFETs device performance is improved ∼55% with the usage of +3 GPa tensile stressed SiN capping film. The channel stress and dislocation angle is ∼2.5 GPa and 30°, measured by the atomic force microscope-Raman technique and transmission electron microscopy, respectively.« less

Tort law and medical malpractice insurance premiums.

PubMed

Kilgore, Meredith L; Morrisey, Michael A; Nelson, Leonard J

2006-01-01

This paper estimated the effects of tort law and insurer investment returns on physician malpractice insurance premiums. Data were collected on tort law from 1991 through 2004, and multivariate regression models, including fixed effects for state and year, were used to estimate the effect of changes in tort law on medical malpractice premiums. The premium consequences of national policy changes were simulated. The analysis found that the introduction of a new damage cap lowered malpractice premiums for internal medicine, general surgery, and obstetrics/gynecology by 17.3%, 20.7%, and 25.5%, respectively. Lowering damage caps by dollar 100,000 reduced premiums by 4%. Statutes of repose also resulted in lower premiums. No other tort law changes had the effect of lowering premiums. Simulation results indicate that a national cap of dollar 250,000 on awards for noneconomic damages in all states would imply premium savings of dollar 16.9 billion. Extending a dollar 250,000 cap to all states that do not currently have them would save dollar 1.4 billion annually, or about 8% of the total. A negative effect on malpractice premiums was found for the Dow Jones industrial average, but not for bond prices; effects of the Nasdaq index were not significant for internal medicine, but were marginally significant for surgery and obstetrics premiums.

Carbon tax and greenhouse gas control : options and considerations for Congress

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2009-02-23

This report prepared by the Congressional Research Service discusses the current policy tools available for use in bridging the gap between a carbon tax and a cap-and-trade program, implementation issues and options for revenue distribution.

Validation of two screening instruments for PTSD in Dutch substance use disorder inpatients.

PubMed

Kok, Tim; de Haan, Hein A; van der Velden, Helena J W; van der Meer, Margreet; Najavits, Lisa M; de Jong, Cor A J

2013-03-01

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is highly prevalent in substance use disorder (SUD) populations. Because resources for extensive and thorough diagnostic assessment are often limited, reliable screening instruments for PTSD are needed. The aim of the current study was to test two short PTSD measures for diagnostic efficiency in predicting PTSD compared to the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS). The sample consisted of 197 SUD patients receiving residential substance use treatment who completed questionnaires regarding substance use and trauma-related symptoms, all abstinent from substance for 4weeks. The PTSD section of the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview plus (MINIplus) and the Self-Report Inventory for PTSD (SRIP) are compared to the CAPS. Results showed low sensitivity (.58) and high specificity (.91) for the PTSD section of the MINIplus. The SRIP showed high sensitivity (.80) and moderately high specificity (.73) at a cut-off score of 48. The prevalence of PTSD as measured with the CAPS was 25.4% current and 46.2% lifetime. Results indicate that the MINIplus, a short clinical interview, has insufficient quality as a screener for PTSD. The SRIP, however, is a reliable instrument in detecting PTSD in a SUD inpatient population in The Netherlands. Screening for PTSD is time efficient and increases detection of PTSD in SUD treatment settings. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

INNOVATIVE IN-SITU REMEDIATION OF CONTAMINATED SEDIMENTS FOR SIMULTANEOUS CONTROL OF CONTAMINATION AND EROSION

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

Knox, A; Michael Paller, M; Danny D. Reible, D

2007-11-28

New technologies are needed that neutralize contaminant toxicity and control physical transport mechanisms that mobilize sediment contaminants. The last 12 months of this comprehensive project investigated the use of combinations of sequestering agents to develop in situ active sediment caps that stabilize mixtures of contaminants and act as a barrier to mechanical disturbance under a broad range of environmental conditions. Efforts focused on the selection of effective sequestering agents for use in active caps, the composition of active caps, and the effects of active cap components on contaminant bioavailability and retention. Results from this project showed that phosphate amendments, somemore » organoclays, and the biopolymer, chitosan, were very effective at removing metals from both fresh and salt water. These amendments also exhibited high retention (80% or more) of most metals indicating reduced potential for remobilization to the water column. Experiments on metal speciation and retention in contaminated sediment showed that apatite and organoclay can immobilize a broad range of metals under both reduced and oxidized conditions. These studies were followed by sequential extractions to evaluate the bioavailability and retention of metals in treated sediments. Metal fractions recovered in early extraction steps are more likely to be bioavailable and were termed the Potentially Mobile Fraction (PMF). Less bioavailable fractions collected in later extraction steps were termed the Recalcitrant Factor (RF). Apatite and organoclay reduced the PMF and increased the RF for several elements, especially Pb, Zn, Ni, Cr, and Cd. Empirically determined partitioning coefficients and modeling studies were used to assess the retention of organic contaminants on selected sequestering agents. Organoclays exhibited exceptionally high sorption of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons as indicated by a comparison of K{sub d} values among 12 amendments. These results suggested that organoclays have high potential for controlling organic contaminants. Measured partitioning coefficients were used to model the time required for a contaminant to penetrate sediment caps composed of organoclay. The results showed that a thin layer of highly sorptive organoclay can lead to very long migration times, perhaps longer than the expected lifetime of the contaminant in the sediment environment. A one-dimensional numerical model was used to examine the diffusion of metals through several cap material based on measured and assumed material and transport properties. These studies showed that active caps composed of apatite or organoclay have the potential to delay contaminant breakthrough due to diffusion by hundreds of years or more compared with passive caps composed of sand. Advectively dominated column experiments are currently underway to define effective sorption related retardation factors in promising amendments for various hydrophobic organic compounds. Upon completion of these experiments, advection transient models will be used to estimate the time required for the breakthrough of various contaminants in caps composed of different experimental materials. Biopolymer products for inclusion in active caps were evaluated on the basis of resistance to biodegradation, sorption capacity for organic and inorganic contaminants, and potential for erosion control. More than 20 biopolymer products were evaluated resulting in the selection of chitosan/guar gum cross-linked with borax and xanthan/chitosan cross-linked with calcium chloride for inclusion in active caps to produce a barrier that resists mechanical disturbance. A process was developed for coating sand with cross-linked biopolymers to provide a means for delivery to the sediment surface. Properties of biopolymer coated sand such as carbon fraction (indicating biopolymer coverage), porosity, bulk density, and biodegradability have been evaluated, and experiments are currently underway to assess the resistance of biopolymer coated sand to erosion. Although the ability of active cap materials to remediate contaminants has been emphasized in this study, it is also important to ensure that these materials do not have deleterious effects on the environment. Therefore, promising amendments were evaluated for toxicity using 10 day sediment toxicity tests, the standardized Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP), and measurement of metal concentrations in aqueous extracts from the amendments. Metal concentrations were below TCLP limits, EPA ambient water quality criteria, and other ecological screening values These results showed that apatite, organoclay, and biopolymer coated sand do not release metals. The sediment toxicity tests indicated that apatite and biopolymer coated sand are unlikely to adversely affect benthic organisms, even when used in high concentrations.« less

Measurement of lipocalin-2 and syndecan-4 levels to differentiate bacterial from viral infection in children with community-acquired pneumonia.

PubMed

Esposito, Susanna; Bianchini, Sonia; Gambino, Monia; Madini, Barbara; Di Pietro, Giada; Umbrello, Giulia; Presicce, Maria Lory; Ruggiero, Luca; Terranova, Leonardo; Principi, Nicola

2016-07-20

In this study, we evaluated the lipocalin-2 (LIP2) and syndecan-4 (SYN4) levels in children who were hospitalized for radiologically confirmed CAP in order to differentiate bacterial from viral infection. The results regarding the LIP2 and SYN4 diagnostic outcomes were compared with the white blood cell (WBC) count and C reactive protein (CRP) levels. A total of 110 children <14 years old who were hospitalized for radiologically confirmed CAP were enrolled. Serum samples were obtained upon admission and on day 5 to measure the levels of LIP2, SYN4, and CRP as well as the WBC. Polymerase chain reaction of the respiratory secretions and tests on blood samples were performed to detect respiratory viruses, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Mycoplasma pneumoniae. CAP was considered to be due to a probable bacterial infection in 74 children (67.3 %) and due to a probable viral infection in 16 children (14.5 %). Overall, 84 children (76.4 %) were diagnosed with severe CAP. The mean values of the WBC count and the LIP2 and SYN4 levels did not differ among the probable bacterial, probable viral, and undetermined cases. However, the CRP serum concentrations were significantly higher in children with probable bacterial CAP than in those with probable viral disease (32.2 ± 55.5 mg/L vs 9.4 ± 17.0 mg/L, p < 0.05). The WBC count was the best predictor of severe CAP, but the differences among the studied variables were marginal. The WBC count was significantly lower on day 5 in children with probable bacterial CAP (p < 0.01) and in those with an undetermined etiology (p < 0.01). The CRP and LIP2 levels were significantly lower 5 days after enrollment in all of the studied groups, independent of the supposed etiology of CAP (p < 0.01 for all comparisons). No statistically significant variation was observed for SYN4. Measuring the LIP2 and SYN4 levels does not appear to solve the problem of the poor reliability of routine laboratory tests in defining the etiology and severity of pediatric CAP. Currently, the CRP levels and WBC, when combined with evaluation of clinical data, can be used to limit the overuse of antibiotics as much as possible and to provide the best treatment to the patient.

What is the impact of primary care model type on specialist referral rates? A cross-sectional study

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Several new primary care models have been implemented in Ontario, Canada over the past two decades. These practice models differ in team structure, physician remuneration, and group size. Few studies have examined the impact of these models on specialist referrals. We compared specialist referral rates amongst three primary care models: 1) Enhanced Fee-for-service, 2) Capitation- Non-Interdisciplinary (CAP-NI), 3) Capitation – Interdisciplinary (CAP-I). Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study using health administrative data from primary care practices in Ontario from April 1st, 2008 to March 31st, 2010. The analysis included all family physicians providing comprehensive care in one of the three models, had at least 100 patients, and did not have a prolonged absence (eight consecutive weeks). The primary outcome was referral rate (# of referrals to all medical specialties/1000 patients/year). A multivariable clustered Poisson regression analysis was used to compare referral rates between models while adjusting for provider (sex, years since graduation, foreign trained, time in current model) and patient (age, sex, income, rurality, health status) characteristics. Results Fee-for-service had a significantly lower adjusted referral rate (676, 95% CI: 666-687) than the CAP-NI (719, 95% confidence interval (CI): 705-734) and CAP-I (694, 95% CI: 681-707) models and the interdisciplinary CAP-I group had a 3.5% lower referral rate than the CAP-NI group (RR = 0.965, 95% CI: 0.943-0.987, p = 0.002). Female and Canadian-trained physicians referred more often, while female, older, sicker and urban patients were more likely to be referred. Conclusions Primary care model is significantly associated with referral rate. On a study population level, these differences equate to 111,059 and 37,391 fewer referrals by fee-for-service versus CAP-NI and CAP-I, respectively – a difference of $22.3 million in initial referral appointment costs. Whether a lower rate of referral is more appropriate or not is not known and requires further investigation. Physician remuneration and team structure likely account for the differences; however, further investigation is also required to better understand whether other organizational factors associated with primary care model also impact referral. PMID:24490703

HF Accelerated Electron Fluxes, Spectra, and Ionization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carlson, Herbert C.; Jensen, Joseph B.

2015-10-01

Wave particle interactions, an essential aspect of laboratory, terrestrial, and astrophysical plasmas, have been studied for decades by transmitting high power HF radio waves into Earth's weakly ionized space plasma, to use it as a laboratory without walls. Application to HF electron acceleration remains an active area of research (Gurevich in Usp Fizicheskikh Nauk 177(11):1145-1177, 2007) today. HF electron acceleration studies began when plasma line observations proved (Carlson et al. in J Atmos Terr Phys 44:1089-1100, 1982) that high power HF radio wave-excited processes accelerated electrons not to ~eV, but instead to -100 times thermal energy (10 s of eV), as a consequence of inelastic collision effects on electron transport. Gurevich et al (J Atmos Terr Phys 47:1057-1070, 1985) quantified the theory of this transport effect. Merging experiment with theory in plasma physics and aeronomy, enabled prediction (Carlson in Adv Space Res 13:1015-1024, 1993) of creating artificial ionospheres once ~GW HF effective radiated power could be achieved. Eventual confirmation of this prediction (Pedersen et al. in Geophys Res Lett 36:L18107, 2009; Pedersen et al. in Geophys Res Lett 37:L02106, 2010; Blagoveshchenskaya et al. in Ann Geophys 27:131-145, 2009) sparked renewed interest in optical inversion to estimate electron spectra in terrestrial (Hysell et al. in J Geophys Res Space Phys 119:2038-2045, 2014) and planetary (Simon et al. in Ann Geophys 29:187-195, 2011) atmospheres. Here we present our unpublished optical data, which combined with our modeling, lead to conclusions that should meaningfully improve future estimates of the spectrum of HF accelerated electron fluxes. Photometric imaging data can significantly improve detection of emissions near ionization threshold, and confirm depth of penetration of accelerated electrons many km below the excitation altitude. Comparing observed to modeled emission altitude shows future experiments need electron density profiles to derive more accurate HF electron flux spectra.

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

Popp, R.A.; Lalley, P.A.; Whitney, J.B.

A genetic polymorphism for a Bgl I endonuclease site near the ..cap alpha..-globin-like pseudogene ..cap alpha..-4 of C57BL/6 and C3H/HeN mice was used to show that ..cap alpha..-4 was not affected by three independent mutations in which the adult globin genes ..cap alpha..-1 and ..cap alpha..-2 were deleted. These results indicated that ..cap alpha..-4 might not be located adjacent to the adult ..cap alpha..-globin genes on chromosome 11. Restriction endonuclease analysis of DNA of a primary clone of a Chinese hamster-mouse somatic cell hybrid that had lost mouse chromosomes 11 and 18 showed that this clone lacked the adult murinemore » globin genes ..cap alpha..-1 and ..cap alpha..-2 but it did contain the ..cap alpha..-globin-like pseudogenes ..cap alpha..-3 and ..cap alpha..-4. These results indicated that the adult ..cap alpha..-globin genes and ..cap alpha..-globin-like pseudogenes are not located on the same chromosome. Similar analyses of several other Chinese hamster-mouse somatic cell hybrids that had segregated other mouse chromosomes indicated that the ..cap alpha..-globin-like pseudogenes ..cap alpha..-3 and ..cap alpha..-4 are located on mouse chromosomes 15 and 17, respectively. These data explain why ..cap alpha..-3 and ..cap alpha..-4 were not affected by the three independently induced deletion-type mutations that cause ..cap alpha..-thalassemia in the mouse.« less

Effect of arabinogalactan proteins from the root caps of pea and Brassica napus on Aphanomyces euteiches zoospore chemotaxis and germination.

PubMed

Cannesan, Marc Antoine; Durand, Caroline; Burel, Carole; Gangneux, Christophe; Lerouge, Patrice; Ishii, Tadashi; Laval, Karine; Follet-Gueye, Marie-Laure; Driouich, Azeddine; Vicré-Gibouin, Maïté

2012-08-01

Root tips of many plant species release a number of border, or border-like, cells that are thought to play a major role in the protection of root meristem. However, little is currently known on the structure and function of the cell wall components of such root cells. Here, we investigate the sugar composition of the cell wall of the root cap in two species: pea (Pisum sativum), which makes border cells, and Brassica napus, which makes border-like cells. We find that the cell walls are highly enriched in arabinose and galactose, two major residues of arabinogalactan proteins. We confirm the presence of arabinogalactan protein epitopes on root cap cell walls using immunofluorescence microscopy. We then focused on these proteoglycans by analyzing their carbohydrate moieties, linkages, and electrophoretic characteristics. The data reveal (1) significant structural differences between B. napus and pea root cap arabinogalactan proteins and (2) a cross-link between these proteoglycans and pectic polysaccharides. Finally, we assessed the impact of root cap arabinogalactan proteins on the behavior of zoospores of Aphanomyces euteiches, an oomycetous pathogen of pea roots. We find that although the arabinogalactan proteins of both species induce encystment and prevent germination, the effects of both species are similar. However, the arabinogalactan protein fraction from pea attracts zoospores far more effectively than that from B. napus. This suggests that root arabinogalactan proteins are involved in the control of early infection of roots and highlights a novel role for these proteoglycans in root-microbe interactions.

Effect of Arabinogalactan Proteins from the Root Caps of Pea and Brassica napus on Aphanomyces euteiches Zoospore Chemotaxis and Germination12[C][W

PubMed Central

Cannesan, Marc Antoine; Durand, Caroline; Burel, Carole; Gangneux, Christophe; Lerouge, Patrice; Ishii, Tadashi; Laval, Karine; Follet-Gueye, Marie-Laure; Driouich, Azeddine; Vicré-Gibouin, Maïté

2012-01-01

Root tips of many plant species release a number of border, or border-like, cells that are thought to play a major role in the protection of root meristem. However, little is currently known on the structure and function of the cell wall components of such root cells. Here, we investigate the sugar composition of the cell wall of the root cap in two species: pea (Pisum sativum), which makes border cells, and Brassica napus, which makes border-like cells. We find that the cell walls are highly enriched in arabinose and galactose, two major residues of arabinogalactan proteins. We confirm the presence of arabinogalactan protein epitopes on root cap cell walls using immunofluorescence microscopy. We then focused on these proteoglycans by analyzing their carbohydrate moieties, linkages, and electrophoretic characteristics. The data reveal (1) significant structural differences between B. napus and pea root cap arabinogalactan proteins and (2) a cross-link between these proteoglycans and pectic polysaccharides. Finally, we assessed the impact of root cap arabinogalactan proteins on the behavior of zoospores of Aphanomyces euteiches, an oomycetous pathogen of pea roots. We find that although the arabinogalactan proteins of both species induce encystment and prevent germination, the effects of both species are similar. However, the arabinogalactan protein fraction from pea attracts zoospores far more effectively than that from B. napus. This suggests that root arabinogalactan proteins are involved in the control of early infection of roots and highlights a novel role for these proteoglycans in root-microbe interactions. PMID:22645070

Determining the spatial variability of personal sampler inlet locations.

PubMed

Vinson, Robert; Volkwein, Jon; McWilliams, Linda

2007-09-01

This article examines the spatial variability of dust concentrations within a coal miner's breathing zone and the impact of sampling location at the cap lamp, nose, and lapel. Tests were conducted in the National Institute for Safety and Health Pittsburgh Research Laboratory full-scale, continuous miner gallery using three prototype personal dust monitors (PDM). The dust masses detected by the PDMs were used to calculate the percentage difference of dust mass between the cap lamp and the nose and between the lapel and the nose. The calculated percentage differences of the masses ranged from plus 12% to minus 25%. Breathing zone tests were also conducted in four underground coal mines using the torso of a mannequin to simulate a miner. Coal mine dust was sampled with multi-cyclone sampling cans mounted directly in front of the mannequin near the cap lamp, nose, and lapel. These four coal mine tests found that the spatial variability of dust levels and imprecision of the current personal sampler is a greater influence than the sampler location within the breathing zone. However, a one-sample t-test of this data did find that the overall mean value of the cap lamp/nose ratio was not significantly different than 1 (p-value = 0.21). However, when applied to the overall mean value of the lapel/nose ratio there was a significant difference from 1 (p-value < .0001). This finding is important because the lapel has always been the sampling location for coal mine dust samples. But these results suggest that the cap location is slightly more indicative of what is breathed through the nose area.

Anakinra Use During Pregnancy in Patients with Cryopyrin-Associated Periodic Syndromes (CAPS)

PubMed Central

Chang, Zenas; Spong, Catherine; Jesus, Adriana A.; Davis, Michael; Plass, Nicole; Stone, Deborah L.; Chapelle, Dawn; Hoffmann, Patrycja; Kastner, Daniel L.; Barron, Karyl; Goldbach-Mansky, Raphaela T.; Stratton, Pamela

2014-01-01

Objective To describe the pregnancy course and outcome, and use of anakinra, a recombinant selective IL-1 receptor blocker, during pregnancy in patients with cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes (CAPS), including familial cold auto-inflammatory syndrome (FCAS), Muckle-Wells syndrome (MWS) and neonatal onset multi-system inflammatory disease (NOMID). Methods Women currently enrolled in natural history protocols (NCT00059748, and/or NCT00069329 under IND) who have been pregnant were included. Subjects underwent a structured, standardized interview with regards to maternal health, pregnancy and fetal outcomes. Medical records were reviewed. Results Nine women (four with FCAS, one with MWS and four with NOMID) reported one to four pregnancies, each resulting in a total of fifteen FCAS, three MWS, and six NOMID pregnancies. Six births from FCAS mothers and three births from NOMID mothers occurred while patients were receiving anakinra. If a woman became pregnant while taking anakinra, the pre-pregnancy anakinra dose was continued. Anakinra dose was increased during one twin pregnancy. No preterm births or serious complications of pregnancy were observed. One fetus of the twin pregnancy had renal agenesis and suffered fetal demise. Genetic testing showed the deceased twin carried the same NLRP3 c.785T>C, p.V262A mutation as the mother. The other twin is healthy and mutation negative. Conclusions Anakinra was continued during pregnancy in women with CAPS and provided significant, persistent CAPS symptom relief while continuing to prevent the long-term sequelae of CAPS. Anakinra was well tolerated. Although a causal relation between anakinra and renal agenesis seems unlikely, further safety data are needed. PMID:25223501

Anakinra use during pregnancy in patients with cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes (CAPS).

PubMed

Chang, Zenas; Spong, Catherine Y; Jesus, Adriana A; Davis, Michael A; Plass, Nicole; Stone, Deborah L; Chapelle, Dawn; Hoffmann, Patrycja; Kastner, Daniel L; Barron, Karyl; Goldbach-Mansky, Raphaela T; Stratton, Pamela

2014-11-01

Objective: To describe the pregnancy course and outcome, and use of anakinra, a recombinant selective IL-1 receptor blocker, during pregnancy in patients with cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes (CAPS), including familial cold auto-inflammatory syndrome (FCAS), Muckle-Wells syndrome (MWS) and neonatal onset multi-system inflammatory disease (NOMID). Methods: Women currently enrolled in natural history protocols (NCT00059748, and/or NCT00069329 under IND) who have been pregnant were included. Subjects underwent a structured, standardized interview with regards to maternal health, pregnancy and fetal outcomes. Medical records were reviewed. Results: Nine women (four with FCAS, one with MWS and four with NOMID) reported one to four pregnancies, each resulting in a total of fifteen FCAS, three MWS, and six NOMID pregnancies. Six births from FCAS mothers and three births from NOMID mothers occurred while patients were receiving anakinra. If a woman became pregnant while taking anakinra, the pre-pregnancy anakinra dose was continued. Anakinra dose was increased during one twin pregnancy. No preterm births or serious complications of pregnancy were observed. One fetus of the twin pregnancy had renal agenesis and suffered fetal demise. Genetic testing showed the deceased twin carried the same NLRP3 c.785T>C, p.V262A mutation as the mother. The other twin is healthy and mutation negative. Conclusions: Anakinra was continued during pregnancy in women with CAPS and provided significant, persistent CAPS symptom relief while continuing to prevent the long-term sequelae of CAPS. Anakinra was well tolerated. Although a causal relation between anakinra and renal agenesis seems unlikely, further safety data are needed.

To Study Capping or Lamination Tendency of Tablets Through Evaluation of Powder Rheological Properties and Tablet Mechanical Properties of Directly Compressible Blends.

PubMed

Dudhat, Siddhi M; Kettler, Charles N; Dave, Rutesh H

2017-05-01

Air entrapment efficiency of the powders is one of the main factors leading to occurrence of capping or lamination tendency of tablets manufactured from the directly compressible powder blends. The purpose of the current research was to study this underlying cause leading to occurrence of capping or lamination of tablets through evaluation of powder rheological properties. Powder blends were prepared by addition of 0% w/w to 100% w/w of individual active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) [two model API: acetaminophen (APAP) and ibuprofen (IBU)] with microcrystalline cellulose without and with 0.5% w/w Magnesium Stearate as lubricant. Powder rheological properties were analyzed using FT4 Powder Rheometer for dynamic, bulk, and shear properties. Tablet mechanical properties of the respective blends were studied by determining the ability of the material to form tablet of specific strength under applied compaction pressure through tabletability profile. The results showed that powder rheometer distinguished the powder blends based on their ability to relieve entrapped air along with the distinctive flow characteristics. Powder blend prepared with increasing addition of APAP displayed low powder permeability as compared to IBU blends with better powder permeability, compressibility and flow characteristics. Also, lubrication of the APAP blends did not ease their ability to relieve air. Tabletability profiles revealed the potential occurrence of capping or lamination in tablets prepared from the powder blends with high APAP content. This study can help scientist to understand tableting performance at the early-developmental stages and can avoid occurrence capping and lamination of tablets.

Improved color coordinates of green monochromatic pc-LED capped with a band-pass filter.

PubMed

Oh, Ji Hye; Yang, Su Ji; Sung, Yeon-Goog; Do, Young Rag

2013-02-25

This study introduces a "greener" green monochromatic phosphor-converted light-emitting diode (pc-LED) using a band-pass filter (BPF) combined with a long-pass dichroic filter (LPDF) and a short-pass dichroic filter (SPDF) to improve the color quality of our previously developed LPDF-capped green pc-LED. This can also address the drawbacks of III-V semiconductor-type green LEDs, which show a low luminous efficacy and a poor current dependence of the efficacy and color coordinates compared to blue semiconductor-type LEDs. The optical properties of green monochromatic pc-LEDs using a BPF are compared with those of LPDF-capped green pc-LEDs, which have a broad band spectrum, and III-V semiconductor-type green LEDs by changing the transmittance wavelength range of the BPF and the peak wavelength of the green phosphors. BPF-capped green monochromatic pc-LEDs provide a high luminous efficacy (134 lm/W at 60 mA), and "greener" 1931 Commission Internationale d'Eclairage (CIE; CIEx, CIEy) color coordinates (0.24, 0.66) owing to the narrowed emission spectrum. We also propose a two-dimensional (2D) polystyrene (PS) microbead (2-μm diameter) monolayer as a scattering layer to overcome the poor angular dependence of the color coordinates of the transmitted light through a nano-multilayered dichroic filter such as an LPDF or BPF. The 2D PS scattering layer improves the angular dependence of the green color emitted from a BPF-capped green pc-LED with only 3% loss of luminous efficacy.

Preparation and Properties of Nanoparticles of Calcium Phosphates With Various Ca/P Ratios

PubMed Central

Sun, Limin; Chow, Laurence C.; Frukhtbeyn, Stanislav A.; Bonevich, John E.

2010-01-01

This study aimed at preparing and studying the properties of nanoparticles of calcium phosphate (nCaP) with Ca/P ratios ranging from 1.0 to 1.67 using a spray-drying technique. Micro-structural analyses suggested that the nCaPs with Ca/P ratios of 1.67 to 1.33 were nano-sized amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) containing varying amounts of acid phosphate and carbonate. The nCaP with Ca/P ratio of 1 contained only nano-sized low crystalline dicalcium phosphate (DCP). BET measurements of the nCaPs showed specific surface areas of (12 ± 2 to 50 ± 1) m2/g, corresponding to estimated equivalent spherical diameters of (38 to 172) nm. However, dynamic light scattering measurements revealed much larger particles of (380 ± 49 to 768 ± 111) nm, owing to agglomeration of the smaller primary nano particles as revealed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Thermodynamic solubility measurements showed that the nCaPs with Ca/P ratio of 1.33 – 1.67 all have similar solubility behavior. The materials were more soluble than the crystalline hydroxyapatite (HA) at pH greater than about 4.7, and more soluble than β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP), octacalcium phosphate (OCP) and DCP at pH above 5.5. Their solubility approached that of α-tricalcium phosphate (α-TCP) at about pH 7. These nCaPs, which cannot be readily prepared by other currently available methods for nanoparticle preparation, have potential biomedical applications. PMID:21037948

Serum microRNA expression patterns that predict early treatment failure in prostate cancer patients.

PubMed

Singh, Prashant K; Preus, Leah; Hu, Qiang; Yan, Li; Long, Mark D; Morrison, Carl D; Nesline, Mary; Johnson, Candace S; Koochekpour, Shahriar; Kohli, Manish; Liu, Song; Trump, Donald L; Sucheston-Campbell, Lara E; Campbell, Moray J

2014-02-15

We aimed to identify microRNA (miRNA) expression patterns in the serum of prostate cancer (CaP) patients that predict the risk of early treatment failure following radical prostatectomy (RP). Microarray and Q-RT-PCR analyses identified 43 miRNAs as differentiating disease stages within 14 prostate cell lines and reflectedpublically available patient data. 34 of these miRNA were detectable in the serum of CaP patients. Association with time to biochemical progression was examined in a cohort of CaP patients following RP. A greater than two-fold increase in hazard of biochemical progression associated with altered expression of miR-103, miR-125b and miR-222 (p<.0008) in the serum of CaP patients. Prediction models based on penalized regression analyses showed that the levels of the miRNAs and PSA together were better at detecting false positives than models without miRNAs, for similar level of sensitivity. Analyses of publically available data revealed significant and reciprocal relationships between changes in CpG methylation and miRNA expression patterns suggesting a role for CpG methylation to regulate miRNA. Exploratory validation supported roles for miR-222 and miR-125b to predict progression risk in CaP. The current study established that expression patterns of serum-detectable miRNAs taken at the time of RP are prognostic for men who are at risk of experiencing subsequent early biochemical progression. These non-invasive approaches could be used to augment treatment decisions.

78 FR 18335 - Central Arizona Project-Rate Order No. WAPA-158

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-03-26

... Project, reflected in Transmission Service Rate Schedules CAP-FT2, CAP-NFT2, and CAP-NITS2, from January 1... existing Rate Schedules CAP-FT2, CAP-NFT2, CAP-NITS2 under Rate Order No. WAPA-124,\\1\\ were approved for a... Transmission Service Rate Schedules CAP-FT2, CAP-NFT2, and CAP-NITS2 on an interim basis effective as of...

Structure of high latitude currents in magnetosphere-ionosphere models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wiltberger, M. J.; Lyon, J.; Merkin, V. G.; Rigler, E. J.

2016-12-01

Using three resolutions of the Lyon-Fedder-Mobarry global magnetosphere-ionosphere model (LFM) and the Weimer 2005 empirical model the structure of the high latitude field-aligned current patterns is examined. Each LFM resolution was run for the entire Whole Heliosphere Interval (WHI), which contained two high-speed solar wind streams and modest interplanetary magnetic field strengths. Average states of the field-aligned current (FAC) patterns for 8 interplanetary magnetic field clock angle directions are computed using data from these runs. Generally speaking the patterns obtained agree well with results from the Weimer 2005 computed using the solar wind and IMF conditions that correspond to each bin. As the simulation resolution increases the currents become more intense and confined. A machine learning analysis of the FAC patterns shows that the ratio of Region 1 (R1) to Region 2 (R2) currents decreases as the simulation resolution increases. This brings the simulation results into better agreement with observational predictions and the Weimer 2005 model results. The increase in R2 current strengths in the model also results in a better shielding of mid- and low-latitude ionosphere from the polar cap convection, also in agreement with observations. Current-voltage relationships between the R1 strength and the cross-polar cap potential (CPCP) are quite similar at the higher resolutions indicating the simulation is converging on a common solution. We conclude that LFM simulations are capable of reproducing the statistical features of FAC patterns.

Age structure and mortality of walleyes in Kansas reservoirs: Use of mortality caps to establish realistic management objectives

USGS Publications Warehouse

Quist, M.C.; Stephen, J.L.; Guy, C.S.; Schultz, R.D.

2004-01-01

Age structure, total annual mortality, and mortality caps (maximum mortality thresholds established by managers) were investigated for walleye Sander vitreus (formerly Stizostedion vitreum) populations sampled from eight Kansas reservoirs during 1991-1999. We assessed age structure by examining the relative frequency of different ages in the population; total annual mortality of age-2 and older walleyes was estimated by use of a weighted catch curve. To evaluate the utility of mortality caps, we modeled threshold values of mortality by varying growth rates and management objectives. Estimated mortality thresholds were then compared with observed growth and mortality rates. The maximum age of walleyes varied from 5 to 11 years across reservoirs. Age structure was dominated (???72%) by walleyes age 3 and younger in all reservoirs, corresponding to ages that were not yet vulnerable to harvest. Total annual mortality rates varied from 40.7% to 59.5% across reservoirs and averaged 51.1% overall (SE = 2.3). Analysis of mortality caps indicated that a management objective of 500 mm for the mean length of walleyes harvested by anglers was realistic for all reservoirs with a 457-mm minimum length limit but not for those with a 381-mm minimum length limit. For a 500-mm mean length objective to be realized for reservoirs with a 381-mm length limit, managers must either reduce mortality rates (e.g., through restrictive harvest regulations) or increase growth of walleyes. When the assumed objective was to maintain the mean length of harvested walleyes at current levels, the observed annual mortality rates were below the mortality cap for all reservoirs except one. Mortality caps also provided insight on management objectives expressed in terms of proportional stock density (PSD). Results indicated that a PSD objective of 20-40 was realistic for most reservoirs. This study provides important walleye mortality information that can be used for monitoring or for inclusion into population models; these results can also be combined with those of other studies to investigate large-scale differences in walleye mortality. Our analysis illustrates the utility of mortality caps for monitoring walleye populations and for establishing realistic management goals.

Comparison of the EZ-Cap recapper with the Mayo recapper for the prevention of needlesticks.

PubMed

Dewhirst, Chad A; Hung, Joseph C

2008-09-01

The purpose of this project was the development of a device that improves the design of our current capping block, the Mayo recapper. The major challenges for design and improvement included creating a device that is simple to use and can be applied throughout our department. We wanted a recapper device that increased safety and minimized the potential for needlesticks. Simplicity was another important factor, along with versatility and low cost. A new recapper, called EZ-Cap, was developed, and a comparison study was conducted to evaluate the pros and cons of the EZ-Cap recapper and the Mayo recapper. Nuclear medicine technologists (n = 10) in our department used each device when administering patient injections. At the conclusion of their patient injection rotation, they recorded on a survey sheet the pros and cons of each device. The results of this survey were used to evaluate the effectiveness, comfort level during use, and safety of each recapping device. We used a 2-level scoring system to help determine which device was more favorable. The first level focused on comfort and convenience and was given a score of +1 or -1. The second level focused on safety and was given a score of +2 or -2. Because we believed that safety was a high priority for our capping blocks, this level received a higher score than the first level. The Mayo recapper was the device preferred by 9 of 10 technologists surveyed. The EZ-Cap recapper had several technical issues that made it difficult to use and that could potentially lead to safety concerns. According to our scoring system, the Mayo recapper received a score of +9 for its pros and -4 for its cons. By comparison, the EZ-Cap recapper received a score of +7 for its pros and -16 for its cons. Our results show that the Mayo recapper was the device of choice because its pros outweighed its cons. However, we will continually improve the effectiveness of the Mayo recapper to prevent needlesticks.

Field-aligned current and auroral Hall current characteristics derived from the Swarm constellation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Tao; Wang, Hui; Hermann, Luehr

2017-04-01

On the basis of field-aligned currents (FACs) and Hall currents derived from high-resolution magnetic field data of the Swarm constellation the average characteristics of these two current systems in the auroral regions are comprehensively investigated by statistical methods. This is the first study considering both current types simultaneously and for both hemispheres. The FAC distribution, derived from the Swarm dual-spacecraft approach, reveals the well-known features of Region 1 (R1) and Region 2 (R2) FACs. At high latitudes, Region 0 (R0) FACs appear on the dayside. Their direction depends on the orientation of the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) By component. Of particular interest is the distribution of auroral Hall currents. The most prominent auroral electrojets are found to be closely controlled by the solar wind input. But there is no dependence on the IMF By orientation. The eastward electrojet is about twice as strong in summer as in winter. Conversely, the westward electrojet shows less dependence on season. Part of the electrojet current is closed over the polar cap. Here the seasonal variation of conductivity mainly controls the current density. There is a clear channeling of return currents over the polar cap. Depending on IMF By orientation most of the current is flowing either on the dawn or dusk side. The direction of Hall currents in the noon sector depends directly on the orientation of the IMF By. This is true for both signs of the IMF Bz component. But largest differences between summer and winter seasons are found for northward IMF Bz. Around the midnight sector the westward substorm electrojet is dominating. As expected, it is highly dependent on magnetic activity, but shows only little response to the IMF By polarity.

Rheology limits for grout materials used for precast bent cap pile pockets in hot weather.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2017-02-28

While prefabricated bridge elements and systems (PBES) have been used for many years in Florida, The Florida Department : of Transportation (FDOT) is currently developing local specifications for PBES to ad- dress the Federal Highway : Administration...

Commentary: Malpractice Reform in Policy Perspective

PubMed Central

Bovbjerg, Randall R

2007-01-01

Enacted caps on malpractice awards and proposed early offer reform address the sometimes excessive verdicts of conventional liability and its very high overhead costs. However, such reforms greatly benefit medical defendants while doing too little for claimants or patients in general. Caps and early offer only affect current claims; far broader reforms are therefore needed to improve the woeful performance of liability as a general promoter of patient safety and injury compensation. Broad reforms, however desirable, seldom surmount high political and practical hurdles. A good, more evenhanded start would seek to make claims resolution faster, more accurate, more predictable, and less expensive, while separately promoting medical quality and safety as well as greater transparency for law, medicine, and insurance. PMID:17517117

Association between exercise and primary incidence of prostate cancer: does race matter?

PubMed

Singh, Abhay A; Jones, Lee W; Antonelli, Jodi A; Gerber, Leah; Calloway, Elizabeth E; Shuler, Kathleen H; Freedland, Stephen J; Grant, Delores J; Hoyo, Cathrine; Bañez, Lionel L

2013-04-01

Exercise is a modifiable lifestyle risk factor associated with prostate cancer risk reduction. However, whether this association is different as a function of race is unclear. In the current study, the authors attempted to characterize the link between exercise and prostate cancer (CaP) in white and black American men. Using a prospective design, 307 men (164 of whom were white and 143 of whom were black) who were undergoing prostate biopsy completed a self-reported survey that assessed exercise behavior (metabolic equivalent [MET] hours per week). Crude and adjusted logistic regression analyses were used to estimate the risk of prostate cancer controlling for age, body mass index, digital rectal examination findings, previous biopsy, Charlson comorbidity score, and family history of CaP stratified by self-reported race. There was no significant difference noted with regard to the amount of exercise between racial groups (P = .12). Higher amounts of MET hours per week were associated with a decreased risk of CaP for white men in both crude (P = .02) and adjusted (P = .04) regression models. Among whites, men who exercised ≥ 9 MET hours per week were less likely to have a positive biopsy result compared with men exercising < 9 MET hours per week (odds ratio, 0.47; 95% confidence interval, 0.22-0.99 [P = .047]). There was no association noted between MET hours per week and risk of CaP among black men in both crude (P = .79) and adjusted (P = .76) regression models. In a prospective cohort of men undergoing biopsy, increased exercise, measured as MET hours per week, was found to be associated with CaP risk reduction among white but not black men. Investigating race-specific mechanisms by which exercise modifies CaP risk and why these mechanisms disfavor black men in particular are warranted. Copyright © 2013 American Cancer Society.

Preparation and characterizations of bioglass ceramic cement/Ca-P coating on pure magnesium for biomedical applications.

PubMed

Zhang, Xue; Li, Xiao-Wu; Li, Ji-Guang; Sun, Xu-Dong

2014-01-08

Magnesium has been recently recognized as a biodegradable metal for bone substitute applications. In order to improve the biocompatibility and osteointegration of pure Mg, two kinds of coatings, i.e., the Ca-P coating and bioglass ceramic cement (BGCC)/Ca-P coating, were prepared on the pure Mg ribbons in the present work. The Ca-P coating was obtained by aqueous solution method. Subsequently, Ca-P coated Mg was immersed into the BGCC slurry, which was prepared by the mix of SiO2-CaO-P2O5 bioglass ceramic (BGC) powders and phosphate liquid with a liquid-to-solid ratio (L/S) of 1.6, to obtain BGCC/Ca-P coating by a dipping-pulling method. The microstructures, morphologies, and compositions of these coatings have been characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The effect of these coatings on the mineralization activity of pure Mg has been investigated. The results indicated that both the Ca-P coating and BGCC/Ca-P coating could promote the nucleation of osteoconductive minerals, i.e., bone-like apatite, and the hydroxyapatite (HA) layer formed on the surface of the BGCC/Ca-P coating is obviously more dense, thick, and stable than that formed on the Ca-P coating after immersion in SBF solution for 15 days. The potentiodynamic polarization test indicated that the corrosion current density of the BGCC/Ca-P coated Mg is obviously lower than that of the Ca-P coating and 10 times lower than that of uncoated Mg. These results demonstrated that the BGCC/Ca-P coating can increase significantly the corrosion resistance of Mg and introduce a high biocompatibility of the bone-Mg substrate interface. In summary, the newly developed BGCC/Ca-P coated Mg has a good potential for biomedical applications.

A uni-extension study on the ultimate material strength and extreme extensibility of atherosclerotic tissue in human carotid plaques.

PubMed

Teng, Zhongzhao; Feng, Jiaxuan; Zhang, Yongxue; Sutcliffe, Michael P F; Huang, Yuan; Brown, Adam J; Jing, Zaiping; Lu, Qingsheng; Gillard, Jonathan H

2015-11-05

Atherosclerotic plaque rupture occurs when mechanical loading exceeds its material strength. Mechanical analysis has been shown to be complementary to the morphology and composition for assessing vulnerability. However, strength and stretch thresholds for mechanics-based assessment are currently lacking. This study aims to quantify the ultimate material strength and extreme extensibility of atherosclerotic components from human carotid plaques. Tissue strips of fibrous cap, media, lipid core and intraplaque hemorrhage/thrombus were obtained from 21 carotid endarterectomy samples of symptomatic patients. Uni-extension test with tissue strips was performed until they broke or slid. The Cauchy stress and stretch ratio at the peak loading of strips broken about 2mm away from the clamp were used to characterize their ultimate strength and extensibility. Results obtained indicated that ultimate strength of fibrous cap and media were 158.3 [72.1, 259.3] kPa (Median [Inter quartile range]) and 247.6 [169.0, 419.9] kPa, respectively; those of lipid and intraplaque hemorrhage/thrombus were 68.8 [48.5, 86.6] kPa and 83.0 [52.1, 124.9] kPa, respectively. The extensibility of each tissue type were: fibrous cap - 1.18 [1.10, 1.27]; media - 1.21 [1.17, 1.32]; lipid - 1.25 [1.11, 1.30] and intraplaque hemorrhage/thrombus - 1.20 [1.17, 1.44]. Overall, the strength of fibrous cap and media were comparable and so were lipid and intraplaque hemorrhage/thrombus. Both fibrous cap and media were significantly stronger than either lipid or intraplaque hemorrhage/thrombus. All atherosclerotic components had similar extensibility. Moreover, fibrous cap strength in the proximal region (closer to the heart) was lower than that of the distal. These results are helpful in understanding the material behavior of atherosclerotic plaques. Copyright © 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Modelled non-linear response to climate of Hardangerjøkulen ice cap, southern Norway, since the mid-Holocene

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Åkesson, Henning; Nisancioglu, Kerim H.; Giesen, Rianne H.; Morlighem, Mathieu

2016-04-01

Glacier and ice cap volume changes currently amount to half of the total cryospheric contribution to sea-level rise and are projected to remain substantial throughout the 21st century. To simulate glacier behavior on centennial and longer time scales, models rely on simplified dynamics and tunable parameters for processes not well understood. Model calibration is often done using present-day observations, even though the relationship between parameters and parametrized processes may be altered for significantly different glacier states. In this study, we simulate the Hardangerjøkulen ice cap in southern Norway since the mid-Holocene, through the Little Ice Age (LIA) and into the future. We run an ensemble for both calibration and transient experiments, using a two-dimensional ice flow model with mesh refinement. For the Holocene, we apply a simple mass balance forcing based on climate reconstructions. For the LIA until 1962, we use geomorphological evidence and measured outlet glacier positions to find a mass balance history, while we use direct mass balance measurements from 1963 until today. Given a linear climate forcing, we show that Hardangerøkulen grew from ice-free conditions in the mid-Holocene, to its maximum LIA extent in a highly non-linear fashion. We relate this to local bed topography and demonstrate that volume and area of some but not all outlet glaciers, as well as the entire ice cap, become decoupled for several centuries during our simulation of the late Holocene, before co-varying approaching the LIA. Our model is able to simulate most recorded ice cap and outlet glacier changes from the LIA until today. We show that present-day Hardangerøkulen is highly sensitive to mass balance changes, and estimate that the ice cap will melt completely by the year 2100.

CapZyme-Seq Comprehensively Defines Promoter-Sequence Determinants for RNA 5' Capping with NAD.

PubMed

Vvedenskaya, Irina O; Bird, Jeremy G; Zhang, Yuanchao; Zhang, Yu; Jiao, Xinfu; Barvík, Ivan; Krásný, Libor; Kiledjian, Megerditch; Taylor, Deanne M; Ebright, Richard H; Nickels, Bryce E

2018-05-03

Nucleoside-containing metabolites such as NAD + can be incorporated as 5' caps on RNA by serving as non-canonical initiating nucleotides (NCINs) for transcription initiation by RNA polymerase (RNAP). Here, we report CapZyme-seq, a high-throughput-sequencing method that employs NCIN-decapping enzymes NudC and Rai1 to detect and quantify NCIN-capped RNA. By combining CapZyme-seq with multiplexed transcriptomics, we determine efficiencies of NAD + capping by Escherichia coli RNAP for ∼16,000 promoter sequences. The results define preferred transcription start site (TSS) positions for NAD + capping and define a consensus promoter sequence for NAD + capping: HRRASWW (TSS underlined). By applying CapZyme-seq to E. coli total cellular RNA, we establish that sequence determinants for NCIN capping in vivo match the NAD + -capping consensus defined in vitro, and we identify and quantify NCIN-capped small RNAs (sRNAs). Our findings define the promoter-sequence determinants for NCIN capping with NAD + and provide a general method for analysis of NCIN capping in vitro and in vivo. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

High-pressure jet cutters improve capping operations

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

Abel, L.W.; Campbell, P.J.; Bowden, J.R. Sr.

1995-05-08

Advances in abrasive cutting technology have improved the methods for removing damaged equipment and preparing wellheads for capping. This technology, much of which was refined during well control operations in Kuwait in 1991, can improve the safety and efficiency of capping jobs by cutting wellheads or casing quickly and cleanly. The majority of well control jobs involve one of three types of capping operations: capping to a flange, capping by installing a wellhead, or capping to a casing stub. Capping operations are often the first major step in regaining control of the well during blowout intervention. Proper planning of amore » capping operation must take into account the mass flow rate, combustible nature of the flow, well bore geometry, and operations in the post-capping phase of the project. The paper discusses capping vehicles, tree removal, jet cutters, capping to a flange, capping to a stub, swallowing the stub, spin-on technique, capping on fire, stinging, offshore blowouts, firefighting, pollution control, intervention equipment, and rig removal.« less

Effects of Auroral Potential Drops on Field-Aligned Currents and Nightside Reconnection Dynamos

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lotko, W.; Xi, S.; Zhang, B.; Wiltberger, M. J.; Lyon, J.

2016-12-01

The reaction of the magnetosphere-ionosphere system to dynamic auroral potential drops is investigated using the Lyon-Fedder-Mobarry global model and, for the first time in a global simulation, including the dissipative load of field-aligned potential drops in the low-altitude boundary condition. This extra load reduces the demand for field-aligned current (j||) from nightside reconnection dynamos. The system adapts by forcing the nightside x-line closer to Earth to reduce current lensing (j||/B = constant) at the ionosphere, with the plasma sheet undergoing additional contraction during substorm recovery and steady magnetospheric convection. For steady and moderate solar wind driving and with constant ionospheric conductance, the cross-polar cap potential and hemispheric field-aligned current are lower by approximately the ratio of the peak field-aligned potential drop to the cross polar cap potential (10-15%) when potential drops are included. Hemispheric ionospheric Joule dissipation is less by 8%, while the area-integrated, average work done on the fluid by the reconnecting magnetotail field increases by 50% within |y| < 8 RE. Effects on the nightside plasma sheet include: (1) an average x-line 4 RE closer to Earth; (2) a 12% higher mean reconnection rate; and (3) dawn-dusk asymmetry in reconnection with a 17% higher rate in the premidnight sector.

Enhanced characteristics of blue InGaN /GaN light-emitting diodes by using selective activation to modulate the lateral current spreading length

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Ray-Ming; Lu, Yuan-Chieh; Chou, Yi-Lun; Chen, Guo-Hsing; Lin, Yung-Hsiang; Wu, Meng-Chyi

2008-06-01

We have studied the characteristics of blue InGaN /GaN multiquantum-well light-emitting diodes (LEDs) after reducing the length of the lateral current path through the transparent layer through formation of a peripheral high-resistance current-blocking region in the Mg-doped GaN layer. To study the mechanism of selective activation in the Mg-doped GaN layer, we deposited titanium (Ti), gold (Au), Ti /Au, silver, and copper individually onto the Mg-doped GaN layer and investigated their effects on the hole concentration in the p-GaN layer. The Mg-doped GaN layer capped with Ti effectively depressed the hole concentration in the p-GaN layer by over one order of magnitude relative to that of the as-grown layer. This may suggest that high resistive regions are formed by diffusion of Ti and depth of high resistive region from the p-GaN surface depends on the capped Ti film thickness. Selective activation of the Mg-doped GaN layer could be used to modulate the length of the lateral current path. Furthermore, the external quantum efficiency of the LEDs was improved significantly after reducing the lateral current spreading length. In our best result, the external quantum efficiency was 52.3% higher (at 100mA) than that of the as-grown blue LEDs.

Cost Analysis of Remediation Systems for Depleted Uranium

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-04-01

situ stabilization and phytoremediation . In-situ stabilization includes the use of amend- ments, capping, and grouting to immobilize the contaminant in...its current location. Adding amendments to the soil solidifies the DU into insoluble particles. Phytoremediation is the use of plants to help reduce

A study of the conditions necessary for the onset of mid-latitude spread F

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zinchenko, G. N.

1976-01-01

Ionospheric conditions associated with the initiation of spread F in the mid-latitude ionosphere were observed. The morphology of spread F at Puerto Rico was investigated. Data from 7 nights was examined for Arecibo, five with spread F and two without. The relative height of the F layer maximum and the vertically integreted Pedersen conductivity, the relation between E and F region conductivities, the coupling lengths between the E and F regions, and vertical and horizontal gradients of electron density were examined. At Millstone Hill 13 nights were examined for all of which spread F was observed. The EW and NS velocities and the vertical velocities and the electric ion temperature ratio were examined.

Cradle Cap (For Parents)

MedlinePlus

... Safe Videos for Educators Search English Español Cradle Cap (Infantile Seborrheic Dermatitis) KidsHealth / For Parents / Cradle Cap ( ... many babies develop called cradle cap. About Cradle Cap Cradle cap is the common term for seborrheic ...

Health care reform 2010: a fresh view on tort reform.

PubMed

Stimson, C J; Dmochowski, Roger; Penson, David F

2010-11-01

We reviewed the state of medical malpractice tort reform in the context of a new political climate and the current debate over comprehensive health care reform. Specifically we asked whether medical malpractice tort reform is necessary, and evaluated the strengths and weaknesses of contemporary reform proposals. The medical, legal and public policy literature related to medical malpractice tort reform was reviewed and synthesized. We include a primer for understanding the current structure of medical malpractice law, identify the goals of the current system and analyze whether these goals are presently being met. Finally, we describe and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the current reform proposals including caps on damages, safe harbors and health care courts. Medical malpractice tort law is designed to improve health care quality and appropriately compensate patients for medical malpractice injuries, but is failing on both fronts. Of the 3 proposed remedies, caps on damages do little to advance the quality and compensatory goals, while safe harbors and health care courts represent important advancements in tort reform. Tort reform should be included in the current health policy debate because the current medical malpractice system is not adequately achieving the basic goals of tort law. While safe harbors and health care courts both represent reasonable remedies, health care courts may be preferred because they do not rely on jury determination in the absence of strong medical evidence. Copyright © 2010 American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of Hologic Aptima HIV-1 Quant Dx Assay on the Panther System on HIV Subtypes

PubMed Central

Hack, Holly R.; Nair, Sangeetha V.; Worlock, Andrew; Malia, Jennifer A.; Peel, Sheila A.; Jagodzinski, Linda L.

2016-01-01

Quantitation of the HIV-1 viral load in plasma is the current standard of care for clinical monitoring of HIV-infected individuals undergoing antiretroviral therapy. This study evaluated the analytical and clinical performances of the Aptima HIV-1 Quant Dx assay (Hologic, San Diego, CA) for monitoring viral load by using 277 well-characterized subtype samples, including 171 cultured virus isolates and 106 plasma samples from 35 countries, representing all major HIV subtypes, recombinants, and circulating recombinant forms (CRFs) currently in circulation worldwide. Linearity of the Aptima assay was tested on each of 6 major HIV-1 subtypes (A, B, C, D, CRF01_AE, and CRF02_AG) and demonstrated an R2 value of ≥0.996. The performance of the Aptima assay was also compared to those of the Roche COBAS AmpliPrep/COBAS TaqMan HIV-1 v.2 (CAP/CTM) and Abbott m2000 RealTime HIV-1 (RealTime) assays on all subtype samples. The Aptima assay values averaged 0.21 log higher than the CAP/CTM values and 0.30 log higher than the RealTime values, and the values were >0.4 log higher than CAP/CTM values for subtypes F and G and than RealTime values for subtypes C, F, and G and CRF02_AG. Two samples demonstrated results with >1-log differences from RealTime results. When the data were adjusted by the average difference, 94.9% and 87.0% of Aptima results fell within 0.5 log of the CAP/CTM and RealTime results, respectively. The linearity and accuracy of the Aptima assay in correctly quantitating all major HIV-1 subtypes, coupled with the completely automated format and high throughput of the Panther system, make this system well suited for reliable measurement of viral load in the clinical laboratory. PMID:27510829

Evaluation of Hologic Aptima HIV-1 Quant Dx Assay on the Panther System on HIV Subtypes.

PubMed

Manak, Mark M; Hack, Holly R; Nair, Sangeetha V; Worlock, Andrew; Malia, Jennifer A; Peel, Sheila A; Jagodzinski, Linda L

2016-10-01

Quantitation of the HIV-1 viral load in plasma is the current standard of care for clinical monitoring of HIV-infected individuals undergoing antiretroviral therapy. This study evaluated the analytical and clinical performances of the Aptima HIV-1 Quant Dx assay (Hologic, San Diego, CA) for monitoring viral load by using 277 well-characterized subtype samples, including 171 cultured virus isolates and 106 plasma samples from 35 countries, representing all major HIV subtypes, recombinants, and circulating recombinant forms (CRFs) currently in circulation worldwide. Linearity of the Aptima assay was tested on each of 6 major HIV-1 subtypes (A, B, C, D, CRF01_AE, and CRF02_AG) and demonstrated an R(2) value of ≥0.996. The performance of the Aptima assay was also compared to those of the Roche COBAS AmpliPrep/COBAS TaqMan HIV-1 v.2 (CAP/CTM) and Abbott m2000 RealTime HIV-1 (RealTime) assays on all subtype samples. The Aptima assay values averaged 0.21 log higher than the CAP/CTM values and 0.30 log higher than the RealTime values, and the values were >0.4 log higher than CAP/CTM values for subtypes F and G and than RealTime values for subtypes C, F, and G and CRF02_AG. Two samples demonstrated results with >1-log differences from RealTime results. When the data were adjusted by the average difference, 94.9% and 87.0% of Aptima results fell within 0.5 log of the CAP/CTM and RealTime results, respectively. The linearity and accuracy of the Aptima assay in correctly quantitating all major HIV-1 subtypes, coupled with the completely automated format and high throughput of the Panther system, make this system well suited for reliable measurement of viral load in the clinical laboratory. Copyright © 2016, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

Dose Comparisons for a Site-specific Representative Person Using the Age-dependent Dose Coefficients in CAP88-PC Version 4.

PubMed

Stagich, Brooke H; Moore, Kelsey R; Newton, Joseph R; Dixon, Kenneth L; Jannik, G Timothy

2017-04-01

Most U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) facilities with radiological airborne releases use the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) environmental dosimetry code CAP88-PC to demonstrate compliance with regulations in 40CFR61, subpart H [National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Radiological (NESHAP)]. In 2015, EPA released Version 4 of CAP88-PC, which included significant modifications that improved usability and age-dependent dose coefficients and usage factors for six age groups (infant, 1 y, 5 y, 10 y, 15 y, and adult). However, EPA has not yet provided specific guidance on how to use these age-dependent factors. For demonstrating compliance with DOE public dose regulations, the Savannah River Site (SRS) recently changed from using the maximally exposed individual (MEI) concept (adult male) to the representative person concept (age- and gender-averaged reference person). In this study, dose comparisons are provided between the MEI and a SRS-specific representative person using the age-specific dose coefficients and usage factors in CAP88-PC V.4. Dose comparisons also are provided for each of the six age groups using five radionuclides of interest at SRS (tritium oxide, Cs, Sr, Pu, and I). In general, the total effective dose increases about 11% for the representative person as compared to the current NESHAP MEI because of the inclusion of the more radiosensitive age groups.

Anaerobic antibiotic usage for pneumonia in the medical intensive care unit.

PubMed

Kioka, Mutsumi J; DiGiovine, Bruno; Rezik, Mohamed; Jennings, Jeffrey H

2017-11-01

Pneumonia is a common admitting diagnosis in the intensive care unit (ICU). When aspiration is suspected, antibiotics to cover anaerobes are frequently used, but in the absence of clear risk factors, current guidelines have questioned their role. It is unknown how frequently these guidelines are followed. We conducted a single-centre observational study on practice patterns of anaerobic antibiotic use in consecutive patients admitted to the ICU with aspiration pneumonia (Asp), community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and healthcare-associated pneumonia (HCAP). A total of 192 patients were studied (Asp: 20, HCAP: 107, CAP: 65). Overall, 59 patients received anaerobic antibiotics (Asp: 90%, HCAP: 28%, CAP 17%) but a significant proportion of these patients did not meet criteria to receive them. Inappropriate anaerobic antibiotic use was 12/20 for Asp, 27/107 for HCAP and 9/65 for CAP. Mortality probability model III at zero hours (MPM0) score and a diagnosis of Asp were predictors of receiving inappropriate anaerobic antibiotics. Receiving inappropriate anaerobic antibiotics was associated with a longer ICU length of stay (LOS; 7 days (interquartile range (IQR): 7-21) vs 4 days (IQR:2-9), P = 0.017). For patients in the ICU admitted with pneumonia, there is a high occurrence of inappropriately prescribed anaerobic antibiotics, the use of which was associated with a longer ICU LOS. © 2017 Asian Pacific Society of Respirology.

Destabilisation of an Arctic ice cap triggered by a hydro-thermodynamic feedback to summer-melt

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dunse, T.; Schellenberger, T.; Kääb, A.; Hagen, J. O.; Schuler, T. V.; Reijmer, C. H.

2014-05-01

Mass loss from glaciers and ice sheets currently accounts for two-thirds of the observed global sea-level rise and has accelerated since the 1990s, coincident with strong atmospheric warming in the Polar Regions. Here we present continuous GPS measurements and satellite synthetic aperture radar based velocity maps from the Austfonna ice cap, Svalbard, that demonstrate strong links between surface-melt and multiannual ice-flow acceleration. We identify a hydro-thermodynamic feedback that successively mobilizes stagnant ice regions, initially frozen to their bed, thereby facilitating fast basal motion over an expanding area. By autumn 2012, successive destabilization of the marine terminus escalated in a surge of the ice cap's largest drainage basin, Basin-3. The resulting iceberg discharge of 4.2 ± 1.6 Gt a-1 over the period April 2012 to May 2013 triples the calving loss from the entire ice cap. After accounting for the terminus advance, the related sea-level rise contribution of 7.2 ± 2.6 Gt a-1 matches the recent annual ice-mass loss from the entire Svalbard archipelago. Our study highlights the importance of dynamic glacier wastage and illuminates mechanisms that may trigger a sustained increase in dynamic glacier wastage or the disintegration of ice-sheets in response to climate warming, which is acknowledged but not quantified in global projections of sea-level rise.

Diagnostic, therapeutic and economic consequences of a positive urinary antigen test for Legionella spp. in patients admitted with community-acquired pneumonia: a 7-year retrospective evaluation.

PubMed

Engel, M F; van Manen, L; Hoepelman, A I M; Thijsen, S; Oosterheert, J J

2013-09-01

A positive urinary antigen test for Legionella spp. (Legionella urinary antigen test; LUAT) allows an early switch from empiric to targeted treatment (TT) in hospitalised, community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) patients. We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic, therapeutic and economic consequences of this frequently used test 7 years after its implementation. We retrospectively evaluated LUATs performed between 2005 and 2011 in two teaching hospitals. All tests performed in hospitalised CAP patients were used in the economic evaluation and positive tests were included in the treatment evaluation. Data on patient characteristics, admission and outcome were retrieved from the patients' files. The number of days gained by making a rapid aetiological diagnosis, the number of days TT could be provided and their costs were calculated. Of 4485 LUATs, 2504 (56%) were performed for CAP including 55 (1%) positive tests (€1041/positive test). In 26 (60%) of the 43 included positive tests, LUAT was the only test showing Legionella spp. Subsequently, earlier TT was possible in the remaining cases during 209 cumulative admission days (€274/TT day). LUAT led to detection of Legionella spp. 13 days earlier per case (€203/day) as compared with culture/serology alone. Timely LUAT use in accordance with current guidelines allows early detection and treatment of CAP caused by Legionella spp. at considerable expense.

cap alpha. /sub i/-3 cDNA encodes the. cap alpha. subunit of G/sub k/, the stimulatory G protein of receptor-regulated K/sup +/ channels

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

Codina, J.; Olate, J.; Abramowitz, J.

1988-05-15

cDNA cloning has identified the presence in the human genome of three genes encoding ..cap alpha.. subunits of pertussis toxin substrates, generically called G/sub i/. They are named ..cap alpha../sub i/-1, ..cap alpha../sub i/-2 and ..cap alpha../sub i/-3. However, none of these genes has been functionally identified with any of the ..cap alpha.. subunits of several possible G proteins, including pertussis toxin-sensitive G/sub p/'s, stimulatory to phospholipase C or A/sub 2/, G/sub i/, inhibitory to adenylyl cyclase, or G/sub k/, stimulatory to a type of K/sup +/ channels. The authors now report the nucleotide sequence and the complete predicted aminomore » acid sequence of human liver ..cap alpha../sub i/-3 and the partial amino acid sequence of proteolytic fragments of the ..cap alpha.. subunit of human erythrocyte G/sub k/. The amino acid sequence of the proteolytic fragment is uniquely encoded by the cDNA of ..cap alpha../sub i/-3, thus identifying it as ..cap alpha../sub k/. The probable identity of ..cap alpha../sub i/-1 with ..cap alpha../sub p/ and possible roles for ..cap alpha../sub i/-2, as well as additional roles for ..cap alpha../sub i/-1 and ..cap alpha../sub i/-3 (..cap alpha../sub k/) are discussed.« less

Modelling Continuing Load at Disaggregated Levels

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Seidel, Ewa

2014-01-01

The current methodology of estimating load in the following year at Flinders University has achieved reasonable accuracy in the previous capped funding environment, particularly at the university level, due largely to our university having stable intakes and student profiles. While historically within reasonable limits, variation in estimates at…

Adsorption And Simultaneous Dechlorination Of PCBs On GAC/Fe/Pd: Mechanistic Aspects And Reactive Capping Barrier Concept

EPA Science Inventory

There are many concerns and challenges in current remediation strategies for sediments contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Our efforts have been geared toward the development of granular activated carbon (GAC) impregnated with reactive iron/palladium (Fe/Pd) bime...

DEVELOPING TOOLS FOR MONITORED NATURAL RECOVERY OF PCB-CONTAMINATED SEDIMENTS AT LAKE HARTWELL, SC

EPA Science Inventory

Contaminated sediments pose a risk to human health and the environment . The management of this risk is currently limited practically to three technologies: dredging, capping, and natural recovery. Monitored natural recovery relies on the natural burial and removal mechanisms to...

Plasma medicine—current state of research and medical application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weltmann, K.-D.; von Woedtke, Th

2017-01-01

Plasma medicine means the direct application of cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) on or in the human body for therapeutic purposes. Further, the field interacts strongly with results gained for biological decontamination. Experimental research as well as first practical application is realized using two basic principles of CAP sources: dielectric barrier discharges (DBD) and atmospheric pressure plasma jets (APPJ). Originating from the fundamental insights that the biological effects of CAP are most probably caused by changes of the liquid environment of cells, and are dominated by reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS, RNS), basic mechanisms of biological plasma activity are identified. It was demonstrated that there is no increased risk of cold plasma application and, above all, there are no indications for genotoxic effects. The most important biological effects of cold atmospheric pressure plasma were identified: (1) inactivation of a broad spectrum of microorganisms including multidrug resistant ones; (2) stimulation of cell proliferation and tissue regeneration with lower plasma treatment intensity (treatment time); (3) inactivation of cells by initialization of programmed cell death (apoptosis) with higher plasma treatment intensity (treatment time). In recent years, the main focus of clinical applications was in the field of wound healing and treatment of infective skin diseases. First CAP sources are CE-certified as medical devices now which is the main precondition to start the introduction of plasma medicine into clinical reality. Plasma application in dentistry and, above all, CAP use for cancer treatment are becoming more and more important research fields in plasma medicine. A further in-depth knowledge of control and adaptation of plasma parameters and plasma geometries is needed to obtain suitable and reliable plasma sources for the different therapeutic indications and to open up new fields of medical application.

Gender differences in coronary plaque composition by coronary computed tomography angiography.

PubMed

Blaha, Michael J; Nasir, Khurram; Rivera, Juan J; Choi, Eue-Keun; Chang, Sung-A; Yoon, Yeonyee E; Chun, Eun Ju; Choi, Sang-il; Agatston, Arthur; Blumenthal, Roger S; Chang, Hyuk-Jae

2009-12-01

Coronary computed tomography angiography allows the differentiation of non-calcified (NCAP), calcified (CAP), and mixed coronary artery plaques (MCAP). Although males are thought to have a higher prevalence of atherosclerosis for a given age, there are currently few data regarding age-adjusted sex differences in plaque morphology and composition. We studied 1015 consecutive asymptomatic South Korean patients (49+/-10 years, 64% men) who underwent 64-slice coronary computed tomography angiography during a routine health evaluation. Coronary plaque characteristics were analyzed on a per-segment basis according to the modified AHA classification. Plaques with more than 50% calcified tissue were classified as CAP, plaques with less than 50% calcified tissue were classified as MCAP, and plaques without calcium were classified as NCAP. Multiple regression analysis was used to describe the cross-sectional association between sex and plaque-type burden (>or=2 affected segments) after adjustment for age and other cardiovascular risk factors. There was a greater prevalence of coronary plaque among men (13 vs. 4%, P<0.001). Males were more likely to have an increased burden of CAP (4 vs. 1%, P = 0.01) and MCAP (5 vs. 1%, P<0.001), whereas the burden of NCAP was similar across sex (2 vs. 1%, P = 0.28). After multivariable adjustment, men have six to seven times greater odds of having an increased burden of CAP and MCAP, whereas no sex difference was observed in the burden of NCAP. In this population of asymptomatic middle-aged Korean individuals, males had a significantly greater burden of MCAP and CAP. Future studies will determine whether these differences contribute to the accelerated cardiovascular risk observed in men.

Intranasal Oxytocin to Prevent Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms: A Randomized Controlled Trial in Emergency Department Patients.

PubMed

van Zuiden, Mirjam; Frijling, Jessie L; Nawijn, Laura; Koch, Saskia B J; Goslings, J Carel; Luitse, Jan S; Biesheuvel, Tessa H; Honig, Adriaan; Veltman, Dick J; Olff, Miranda

2017-06-15

There are currently few preventive interventions available for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Intranasal oxytocin administration early after trauma may prevent PTSD, because oxytocin administration was previously found to beneficially impact PTSD vulnerability factors, including neural fear responsiveness, peripheral stress reactivity, and socioemotional functioning. Therefore, we investigated the effects of intranasal oxytocin administration early after trauma on subsequent clinician-rated PTSD symptoms. We then assessed whether baseline characteristics moderated the intervention's effects. We performed a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Adult emergency department patients with moderate to severe acute distress (n = 120; 85% accident victims) were randomized to intranasal oxytocin (8 days/40 IU twice daily) or placebo (8 days/10 puffs twice daily), initiated within 12 days posttrauma. The Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS) was administered at baseline (within 10 days posttrauma) and at 1.5, 3, and 6 months posttrauma. The intention-to-treat sample included 107 participants (oxytocin: n = 53; placebo: n = 54). We did not observe a significant group difference in CAPS total score at 1.5 months posttrauma (primary outcome) or across follow-up (secondary outcome). Secondary analyses showed that participants with high baseline CAPS scores receiving oxytocin had significantly lower CAPS scores across follow-up than participants with high baseline CAPS scores receiving placebo. Oxytocin administration early after trauma did not attenuate clinician-rated PTSD symptoms in all trauma-exposed participants with acute distress. However, participants with high acute clinician-rated PTSD symptom severity did show beneficial effects of oxytocin. Although replication is warranted, these findings suggest that oxytocin administration is a promising preventive intervention for PTSD for individuals with high acute PTSD symptoms. Copyright © 2016 Society of Biological Psychiatry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Corrective Action Decision Document/Corrective Action Plan for Corrective Action Unit 97: Yucca Flat/Climax Mine Nevada National Security Site, Nevada, Revision 1

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

Farnham, Irene

This corrective action decision document (CADD)/corrective action plan (CAP) has been prepared for Corrective Action Unit (CAU) 97, Yucca Flat/Climax Mine, Nevada National Security Site (NNSS), Nevada. The Yucca Flat/Climax Mine CAU is located in the northeastern portion of the NNSS and comprises 720 corrective action sites. A total of 747 underground nuclear detonations took place within this CAU between 1957 and 1992 and resulted in the release of radionuclides (RNs) in the subsurface in the vicinity of the test cavities. The CADD portion describes the Yucca Flat/Climax Mine CAU data-collection and modeling activities completed during the corrective action investigationmore » (CAI) stage, presents the corrective action objectives, and describes the actions recommended to meet the objectives. The CAP portion describes the corrective action implementation plan. The CAP presents CAU regulatory boundary objectives and initial use-restriction boundaries identified and negotiated by DOE and the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP). The CAP also presents the model evaluation process designed to build confidence that the groundwater flow and contaminant transport modeling results can be used for the regulatory decisions required for CAU closure. The UGTA strategy assumes that active remediation of subsurface RN contamination is not feasible with current technology. As a result, the corrective action is based on a combination of characterization and modeling studies, monitoring, and institutional controls. The strategy is implemented through a four-stage approach that comprises the following: (1) corrective action investigation plan (CAIP), (2) CAI, (3) CADD/CAP, and (4) closure report (CR) stages.« less

Constraints on the Within Season and Between Year Variability of the North Residual Cap from MGS-TES

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Calvin, W. M.; Titus, T. N.; Mahoney, S. A.

2003-01-01

There is a long history of telescopic and spacecraft observations of the polar regions of Mars. The finely laminated ice deposits and surrounding layered terrains are commonly thought to contain a record of past climate conditions and change. Understanding the basic nature of the deposits and their mineral and ice constituents is a continued focus of current and future orbited missions. Unresolved issues in Martian polar science include a) the unusual nature of the CO2 ice deposits ("Swiss Cheese", "slab ice" etc.) b) the relationship of the ice deposits to underlying layered units (which differs from the north to the south), c) understanding the seasonal variations and their connections to the finely laminated units observed in high-resolution images and d) the relationship of dark materials in the wind-swept lanes and reentrant valleys to the surrounding dark dune and surface materials. Our work focuses on understanding these issues in relationship to the north residual ice cap. Recent work using Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) data sets have described evolution of the seasonal CO2 frost deposits. In addition, the north polar residual ice cap exhibits albedo variations between Mars years and within the summer season. The Thermal Emission Spectrometer (TES) data set can augment these observations providing additional constraints such as temperature evolution and spectral properties associated with ice and rocky materials. Exploration of these properties is the subject of our current study.

A current-assisted CMOS photonic sampler with two taps for fluorescence lifetime sensing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ingelberts, H.; Kuijk, M.

2016-04-01

Imaging based on fluorescence lifetime is becoming increasingly important in medical and biological applications. State-of- the-art fluorescence lifetime microscopes either use bulky and expensive gated image intensifiers coupled to a CCD or single-photon detectors in a slow scanning setup. Numerous attempts are being made to create compact, cost-effective all- CMOS imagers for fluorescence lifetime sensing. Single-photon avalanche diode (SPAD) imagers can have very good timing resolution and noise characteristics but have low detection efficiency. Another approach is to use CMOS imagers based on demodulation detectors. These imagers can be either very fast or very efficient but it remains a challenge to combine both characteristics. Recently we developed the current-assisted photonic sampler (CAPS) to tackle these problems and in this work, we present a new CAPS with two detection taps that can sample a fluorescence decay in two time windows. In the case of mono-exponential decays, two windows provide enough information to resolve the lifetime. We built an electro-optical setup to characterize the detector and use it for fluorescence lifetime measurements. It consists of a supercontinuum pulsed laser source, an optical system to focus light into the detector and picosecond timing electronics. We describe the structure and operation of the two-tap CAPS and provide basic characterization of the speed performance at multiple wavelengths in the visible and near-infrared spectrum. We also record fluorescence decays of different visible and NIR fluorescent dyes and provide different methods to resolve the fluorescence lifetime.

The response of ionospheric convection in the polar cap to substorm activity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lester, M.; Lockwood, M.; Yeoman, T. K.; Cowley, S. W. H.; Luehr, H.; Bunting, R.; Farrugia, C. J.

1995-01-01

We report multi-instrument observations during an isolated substorm on 17 October 1989. The European Incoherent Scatter (EISCAT) radar operated in the SP-UK-POLI mode measuring ionospheric convection at latitudes 71 deg Lambda - 78 deg Lambda. Sub-Auroral Magnetometer Network (SAMNET) and the EISCAT Magnetometer Cross provide information on the timing of substorm expansion phase onset and subsequent intensifications, as well as the location of the field aligned and ionospheric currents associated with the substorm current wedge. Interplanetary Monitoring Platform-8 (IMP-8) magnetic field data are also included. Evidence of a substorm growth phase is provided by the equatorward motion of a flow reversal boundary across the EISCAT radar field of view at 2130 MLT, following a southward turning of the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF). We infer that the polar cap expanded as a result of the addition of open magnetic flux in the tail lobes during this interval. The flow reversal boundary, which is a lower limit to the polar cap boundary, reached an invariant latitude equatorward of 71 deg Lambda by the time of the expansion phase onset. We conclude that the substorm onset region in the ionosphere, defined by the westward electrojet, mapped to a part of the tail radially earthward of the boundary between open and closed magnetic flux, the distant neutral line. Thus the substorm was not initiated at the distant neutral line, although there is evidence that it remained active during the expansion phase.

Holocene history of North Ice Cap, northwestern Greenland

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Corbett, L. B.; Kelly, M. A.; Osterberg, E. C.; Axford, Y.; Bigl, M.; Roy, E. P.; Thompson, J. T.

2013-12-01

Although much research has focused on the past extents of the Greenland Ice Sheet, less is known about the smaller ice caps on Greenland and how they have evolved over time. These small ice caps respond sensitively to summer temperatures and, to a lesser extent, winter precipitation, and provide valuable information about climatic conditions along the Greenland Ice Sheet margins. Here, we investigate the Holocene history of North Ice Cap (76°55'N 68°00'W), located in the Nunatarssuaq region near Thule, northwest Greenland. Our results are based on glacial geomorphic mapping, 10Be dating, and analyses of sediment cores from a glacially fed lake. Fresh, unweathered and unvegetated boulders comprise moraines and drift that mark an extent of North Ice Cap ~25 m outboard of the present ice margin. It is likely that these deposits were formed during late Holocene time and we are currently employing 10Be surface exposure dating to examine this hypothesis. Just outboard of the fresh moraines and drift, boulders and bedrock show significant weathering and are covered with lichen. Based on glacial geomorphic mapping and detailed site investigations, including stone counts, we suggest that the weathered boulders and bedrock were once covered by erosive Greenland Ice Sheet flow from southeast to northwest over the Nunatarssuaq region. Five 10Be ages from the more weathered landscape only 100-200 m outboard of the modern North Ice Cap margin are 52 and 53 ka (bedrock) and 16, 23, and 31 ka (boulders). These ages indicate that recent ice cover has likely been cold-based and non-erosive, failing to remove inherited cosmogenic nuclides from previous periods of exposure, although the youngest boulder may provide a maximum limiting deglaciation age. Sediment cores collected from Delta Sø, a glacially-fed lake ~1.5 km outside of the modern North Ice Cap margin, contain 130 cm of finely laminated sediments overlying coarse sands and glacial till. Radiocarbon ages from just above the sands are 14,940 and 14,560 cal yr BP (medians of two-sigma ranges). Our results thus far suggest that the Nunatarssuaq region preserves a long and complex glacial history, including glaciation by the Greenland Ice Sheet and potentially North Ice Cap, as well as glaciation by both erosive and non-erosive ice. Based on the basal ages from Delta Sø and the youngest boulder 10Be age, recession at the end of the most recent glacial period likely occurred by ~15 ka. This is considerably earlier than most other terrestrial margins of Greenland that did not become ice free until ~10 ka. Our ongoing research is developing proxy and further chronological data from sediment cores from Delta Sø and nearby ice-marginal lakes to constrain the Holocene fluctuations of North Ice Cap.

2D SiNx photonic crystal coated Y3Al5O12:Ce3+ ceramic plate phosphor for high-power white light-emitting diodes.

PubMed

Park, Hoo Keun; Oh, Jeong Rok; Do, Young Rag

2011-12-05

This paper reports the optical effects of a two-dimensional (2D) SiNx photonic crystal layer (PCL) on Y3Al5O12:Ce3+ (YAG:Ce) yellow ceramic plate phosphor (CPP) in order to enhance the forward emission of YAG:Ce CPP-capped high-power white light-emitting diodes (LEDs). By adding the 2D SiNx PCL with a 580 nm lattice constant, integrated yellow emission was improved by a factor of 1.72 compared to that of a conventional YAG:Ce CPP capped on a blue LED cup. This enhanced forward yellow emission is attributed to increased extraction of yellow emission light and improved absorption of blue excitation light through Bragg scattering and/or the leaky modes produced by the 2D PCLs. The introduction of 2D PCL can also reduce the wide variation of optical properties as a function of both ambient temperature and applied current, compared to those of a high-power YAG:Ce CPP-capped LED.

Preparation of hydroxyapatite/poly(lactic acid) hybrid microparticles for local drug delivery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Loca, D.; Locs, J.; Berzina-Cimdina, L.

2013-12-01

Calcium phosphate (CaP) bioceramic is well known as bioactive and biocompatible material in bone tissue regeneration applications. Apatitic CaP, especially nano sized hydroxyapatite (NHAp), is more similar to the natural apatite presented in the bone tissue than CaP bioceramics. In the current research NHAp was modified using biodegradable polymer - poly(lactic acid) (PLA) to develop composites providing bone regeneration and local drug delivery. NHAp/PLA microcapsules were prepared using solid-in-water-in-oil-in-water (s/w1/o/w2) encapsulation technology. The impact of primary and secondary emulsion stability on the emulsion droplet and microparticle properties was evaluated. The stability of final emulsion can be increased by varying the process parameters. Stable s/w1/o/w2 emulsion using 3ml of NHAp suspension, not less than 100ml of 4% PVA water solution and 10ml of 10% PLA solution in dichloromethane can be obtained. S/w1/o/w2 microencapuslation method can be effectively used for the preparation of multi-domain microcapsules achieving high NHAp encapsulation efficacy (93%).

Commercial-Aircraft Protection System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Case, Russell L., Jr.; Wolff, Peter H.

2004-09-01

Recent world events have identified needs for a commercial aircraft defense system against Man-Portable Air Defense Systems (MANPADS), such as SA-7 and Stinger shoulder launched surface-to-air missiles. Technical challenges include target detection, identification and countermeasures. Political and societal challenges include cost, time to deployment, ground and air safety, and reliability. These challenges, as well as many others, have been met and overcome with the development of Thor Systems' Commercial-Aircraft Protection System (C-APS). C-APS makes use of commercial technology such as radar and infrared sensors with a laser-based countermeasure. Unlike adapted military systems, C-APS detects the threat long before the military versions by employing a 360 degree hemispherical scan, identifying the threat with an infrared sensor and employing a directed laser to not only deflect the target but to permanently disable its seeker. Enhanced capabilities include multiple threat elimination and closed-loop technology for kill verification. All of this is accomplished with development costs less than half that required to convert military technology, manufacturing costs significantly less than competitive products, and a maintenance cycle coincident with standard FAA requirements, which are significantly longer than current systems.

The Canadian High Arctic Ionospheric Network (CHAIN)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jayachandran, P. T.; Langley, R. B.; MacDougall, J. W.; Mushini, S. C.; Pokhotelov, D.; Chadwick, R.; Kelly, T.

2009-05-01

Polar cap ionospheric measurements are important for the complete understanding of the various processes in the solar wind - magnetosphere - ionosphere (SW-M-I) system as well as for space weather applications. Currently the polar cap region is lacking high temporal and spatial resolution ionospheric measurements because of the orbit limitations of space-based measurements and the sparse network providing ground- based measurements. Canada has a unique advantage in remedying this shortcoming because it has the most accessible landmass in the high Arctic regions and the Canadian High Arctic Ionospheric Network (CHAIN) is designed to take advantage of Canadian geographic vantage points for a better understanding of the Sun-Earth system. CHAIN is a distributed array of ground-based radio instruments in the Canadian high Arctic. The instruments components of CHAIN are ten high data-rate Global Positioning System ionospheric scintillation and total electron content monitors and six Canadian Advanced Digital Ionosondes. Most of these instruments have been sited within the polar cap region except for two GPS reference stations at lower latitudes. This paper briefly overviews the scientific capabilities, instrument components, and deployment status of CHAIN.

Photoluminescence Enhancement of Silole-Capped Silicon Quantum Dots Based on Förster Resonance Energy Transfer.

PubMed

Kim, Seongwoong; Kim, Sungsoo; Ko, Young Chun; Sohn, Honglae

2015-07-01

Photoluminescent porous silicon were prepared by an electrochemical etch of n-type silicon under the illumination with a 300 W tungsten filament bulb for the duration of etch. The red photoluminescence emitting at 650 nm with an excitation wavelength of 450 nm is due to the quantum confinement of silicon quantum dots in porous silicon. HO-terminated red luminescent PS was obtained by an electrochemical treatment of fresh PS with the current of 150 mA for 60 seconds in water and sodium chloride. As-prepared PS was sonicated, fractured, and centrifuged in toluene solution to obtain photoluminescence silicon quantum dots. Dichlorotetraphenylsilole exhibiting an emission band at 520 nm was reacted with HO-terminated silicon quantum dots to give a silole-capped silicon quantum dots. The optical characterization of silole-derivatized silicon quantum dots was investigated by UV-vis and fluorescence spectrometer. The fluorescence emission efficiency of silole-capped silicon quantum dots was increased by about 2.5 times due to F6rster resonance energy transfer from silole moiety to silicon quantum dots.

High temperature superconductor step-edge Josephson junctions using Ti-Ca-Ba-Cu-O

DOEpatents

Ginley, D.S.; Hietala, V.M.; Hohenwarter, G.K.G.; Martens, J.S.; Plut, T.A.; Tigges, C.P.; Vawter, G.A.; Zipperian, T.E.

1994-10-25

A process is disclosed for formulating non-hysteretic and hysteretic Josephson junctions using HTS materials which results in junctions having the ability to operate at high temperatures while maintaining high uniformity and quality. The non-hysteretic Josephson junction is formed by step-etching a LaAlO[sub 3] crystal substrate and then depositing a thin film of TlCaBaCuO on the substrate, covering the step, and forming a grain boundary at the step and a subsequent Josephson junction. Once the non-hysteretic junction is formed the next step to form the hysteretic Josephson junction is to add capacitance to the system. In the current embodiment, this is accomplished by adding a thin dielectric layer, LaA1O[sub 3], followed by a cap layer of a normal metal where the cap layer is formed by first depositing a thin layer of titanium (Ti) followed by a layer of gold (Au). The dielectric layer and the normal metal cap are patterned to the desired geometry. 8 figs.

42 CFR 414.917 - Dispute resolution and process for suspension or termination of approved CAP contract and...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... quality of a CAP drug supplied by the approved CAP vendor to be unsatisfactory, then the physician may address the issue first through the approved CAP vendor's grievance process, and second through an... approved CAP vendor's service or the quality of a CAP drug supplied by the approved CAP vendor, then the...

Child psychiatry: what are we teaching medical students?

PubMed

Dingle, Arden D

2010-01-01

The author describes child and adolescent psychiatry (CAP) undergraduate teaching in American and Canadian medical schools. A survey asking for information on CAP teaching, student interest in CAP, and opinions about the CAP importance was sent to the medical student psychiatry director at 142 accredited medical schools in the United States and Canada. The results were summarized and various factors considered relevant to CAP student interest were analyzed statistically. Approximately 81% of the schools returned surveys. Most teach required CAP didactics in the preclinical and clinical years. Almost 63% of the schools have CAP clinical rotations; most are not required. Twenty-three percent of all medical students have a clinical CAP experience during their psychiatry clerkship. The majority of schools have CAP electives, and approximately 4.8% of students participate. Child and adolescent psychiatry leadership, early exposure to CAP, and CAP clinical experiences were related to student CAP interest, but these relationships were not statistically significant. The time allotted to teaching CAP in the undergraduate medical curriculum is minimal, consistent with previous survey results. Most schools require didactic instruction averaging about 12 hours and offer elective clinical opportunities. The survey findings should help direct future planning to improve CAP medical student education.

Convection vortex at dayside of high latitude ionosphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alexeev, I. I.; Feldstein, Y. I.; Greenwald, R. A.

Investigation of mesoscale convection in the dayside sector by SuperDARN radars has revealed the existence in afternoon sector a convection vortex whose location, intensity and convection direction coincide with the polar cap geomagnetic disturbances (DPC), which is reviewed thoroughly. Possible mechanism of the DPC generation are also described. Importance of the Earth's co-rotation potential is discussed. The existence of DPC vortex is interpreted in the framework of three dimensional current system with the field-aligned currents of coaxial cable type. In the vortex focus, the current outflowing from the ionosphere is concentrated whereas the inflowing current is distributed along the current system periphery.

Influence of Different Container Closure Systems and Capping Process Parameters on Product Quality and Container Closure Integrity (CCI) in GMP Drug Product Manufacturing.

PubMed

Mathaes, Roman; Mahler, Hanns-Christian; Roggo, Yves; Huwyler, Joerg; Eder, Juergen; Fritsch, Kamila; Posset, Tobias; Mohl, Silke; Streubel, Alexander

2016-01-01

Capping equipment used in good manufacturing practice manufacturing features different designs and a variety of adjustable process parameters. The overall capping result is a complex interplay of the different capping process parameters and is insufficiently described in literature. It remains poorly studied how the different capping equipment designs and capping equipment process parameters (e.g., pre-compression force, capping plate height, turntable rotating speed) contribute to the final residual seal force of a sealed container closure system and its relation to container closure integrity and other drug product quality parameters. Stopper compression measured by computer tomography correlated to residual seal force measurements.In our studies, we used different container closure system configurations from different good manufacturing practice drug product fill & finish facilities to investigate the influence of differences in primary packaging, that is, vial size and rubber stopper design on the capping process and the capped drug product. In addition, we compared two large-scale good manufacturing practice manufacturing capping equipment and different capping equipment settings and their impact on product quality and integrity, as determined by residual seal force.The capping plate to plunger distance had a major influence on the obtained residual seal force values of a sealed vial, whereas the capping pre-compression force and the turntable rotation speed showed only a minor influence on the residual seal force of a sealed vial. Capping process parameters could not easily be transferred from capping equipment of different manufacturers. However, the residual seal force tester did provide a valuable tool to compare capping performance of different capping equipment. No vial showed any leakage greater than 10(-8)mbar L/s as measured by a helium mass spectrometry system, suggesting that container closure integrity was warranted in the residual seal force range tested for the tested container closure systems. Capping equipment used in good manufacturing practice manufacturing features different designs and a variety of adjustable process parameters. The overall capping result is a complex interplay of the different capping process parameters and is insufficiently described in the literature. It remains poorly studied how the different capping equipment designs and capping equipment process parameters contribute to the final capping result.In this study, we used different container closure system configurations from different good manufacturing process drug product fill & finish facilities to investigate the influence of the vial size and the rubber stopper design on the capping process. In addition, we compared two examples of large-scale good manufacturing process capping equipment and different capping equipment settings and their impact on product quality and integrity, as determined by residual seal force. © PDA, Inc. 2016.

Variations in Surface Texture of the North Polar Residual Cap of Mars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Milkovich, S. M.; Byrne, S.; Russell, P. S.

2011-01-01

The northern polar residual cap (NPRC) of Mars is a water ice deposit with a rough surface made up of pits, knobs, and linear depressions on scales of tens of meters. This roughness manifests as a series of bright mounds and dark hollows in visible images; these bright and dark patches have a characteristic wavelength and orientation. Spectral data indicate that the surface of the NPRC is composed of large-grained (and therefore old) water ice. Due to the presence of this old ice, it is thought that the NPRC is in a current state of net loss of material a result potentially at odds with impact crater statistics, which suggest ongoing deposition over the past 10-20 Kyr.

A Parametric Study of Slag Skin Formation in Electroslag Remelting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yanke, Jeff; Krane, Matthew John M.

In electroslag remelting (ESR), the slag generates heat, chemically refines the melting electrode material, and forms frozen skin on the mold. An axisymmetric model is used to simulate fluid flow, heat transfer, solidification, and electromagnetics and their interaction with slag skin formation in ESR. A volume of fluid (VOF) method is used to track the slag/metal interface, allowing simulation of slag freezing to the mold. Mold diameter and applied current are varied to determine how these parameters affect melt rate and formation of slag skin during ESR. Variations in the slag skin thickness within the slag cap are found to have a significant impact on melt rate and depth of metal sump. Changes in slag cap volume resulted in small changes in melt rate.

CAP—advancing the evaluation of preclinical Alzheimer disease treatments

PubMed Central

Reiman, Eric M.; Langbaum, Jessica B.; Tariot, Pierre N.; Lopera, Francisco; Bateman, Randall J.; Morris, John C.; Sperling, Reisa A.; Aisen, Paul S.; Roses, Allen D.; Welsh-Bohmer, Kathleen A.; Carrillo, Maria C.; Weninger, Stacie

2016-01-01

If we are to find treatments to postpone, reduce the risk of, or completely prevent the clinical onset of Alzheimer disease (AD), we need faster methods to evaluate promising preclinical AD treatments, new ways to work together in support of common goals, and a determination to expedite the initiation and performance of preclinical AD trials. In this article, we note some of the current challenges, opportunities and emerging strategies in preclinical AD treatment. We describe the Collaboration for Alzheimer’s Prevention (CAP)—a convening, harmonizing and consensus-building initiative to help stakeholders advance AD prevention research with rigour, care and maximal impact—and we demonstrate the impact of CAP on the goals and design of new preclinical AD trials. PMID:26416539

Tropomodulin Capping of Actin Filaments in Striated Muscle Development and Physiology

PubMed Central

Gokhin, David S.; Fowler, Velia M.

2011-01-01

Efficient striated muscle contraction requires precise assembly and regulation of diverse actin filament systems, most notably the sarcomeric thin filaments of the contractile apparatus. By capping the pointed ends of actin filaments, tropomodulins (Tmods) regulate actin filament assembly, lengths, and stability. Here, we explore the current understanding of the expression patterns, localizations, and functions of Tmods in both cardiac and skeletal muscle. We first describe the mechanisms by which Tmods regulate myofibril assembly and thin filament lengths, as well as the roles of closely related Tmod family variants, the leiomodins (Lmods), in these processes. We also discuss emerging functions for Tmods in the sarcoplasmic reticulum. This paper provides abundant evidence that Tmods are key structural regulators of striated muscle cytoarchitecture and physiology. PMID:22013379

Training of child and adolescent psychiatry fellows in autism and intellectual disability

PubMed Central

Marrus, N; Veenstra-Vander Weele, J; Hellings, J; Stigler, K; Szymanski, L; King, B; Carlisle, L; Cook, E.; Pruett, JR

2017-01-01

Patients with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and intellectual disability (ID) can be clinically complex and often have limited access to psychiatric care. Because little is known about post-graduate clinical education in ASD and ID, we surveyed training directors of child and adolescent psychiatry (CAP) fellowship programs. On average, CAP directors reported 3 and 4 hours per year, respectively, of lectures in ASD and ID. Training directors commonly reported that trainees see 1–5 patients with ASD or ID per year for outpatient pharmacological management and inpatient treatment. Forty five percent of directors endorsed needing additional resources for training in ASD and ID, which, coupled with low didactic and clinical exposure, suggests that current training is inadequate. PMID:24113341

30 CFR 77.2 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... Definitions. For the purpose of this part 77, the term: (a) Active workings means any place in a coal mine where miners are normally required to work or travel; (b) American Table of Distances means the current... detonators, and delay electric blasting caps. (p) Electrical grounding means to connect with the ground to...

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A large-scale field trial of thin-layer capping of PCDD/F-contaminated sediments: Sediment-to-water fluxes up to 5 years post-amendment.

PubMed

Cornelissen, Gerard; Schaanning, Morten; Gunnarsson, Jonas S; Eek, Espen

2016-04-01

The longer-term effect (3-5 y) of thin-layer capping on in situ sediment-to-surface water fluxes was monitored in a large-scale field experiment in the polychlorinated dibenzodioxin and dibenzofuran (PCDD/F) contaminated Grenlandfjords, Norway (4 trial plots of 10,000 to 40,000 m(2) at 30 to 100 m water depth). Active caps (designed thickness 2.5 cm) were established in 2 fjords, consisting of dredged clean clay amended with powdered activated carbon (PAC) from anthracite. These active caps were compared to 2 nonactive caps in one of the fjords (designed thickness 5 cm) consisting of either clay only (i.e., without PAC) or crushed limestone. Sediment-to-water PCDD/F fluxes were measured in situ using diffusion chambers. An earlier study showed that during the first 2 years after thin-layer capping, flux reductions relative to noncapped reference fields were more extensive at the fields capped with nonactive caps (70%-90%) than at the ones with PAC-containing caps (50%-60%). However, the present work shows that between 3 and 5 years after thin-layer capping, this trend was reversed and cap effectiveness in reducing fluxes was increasing to 80% to 90% for the PAC caps, whereas cap effectiveness of the nonactive caps decreased to 20% to 60%. The increasing effectiveness over time of PAC-containing "active" caps is explained by a combination of slow sediment-to-PAC mass transfer of PCDD/Fs and bioturbation by benthic organisms. The decreasing effectiveness of "nonactive" limestone and clay caps is explained by deposition of contaminated particles on top of the caps. The present field data indicate that the capping efficiency of thin active caps (i.e., enriched with PAC) can improve over time as a result of slow diffusive PCDD/F transfer from sediment to PAC particles and better mixing of the PAC by bioturbation. © 2015 SETAC.

Impact of out-of-pocket spending caps on financial burden of those with group health insurance.

PubMed

Riggs, Kevin R; Buttorff, Christine; Alexander, G Caleb

2015-05-01

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) mandates that all private health insurance include out-of-pocket spending caps. Insurance purchased through the ACA's Health Insurance Marketplace may qualify for income-based caps, whereas group insurance will not have income-based caps. Little is known about how out-of-pocket caps impact individuals' health care financial burden. We aimed to estimate what proportion of non-elderly individuals with group insurance will benefit from out-of-pocket caps, and the effect that various cap levels would have on their financial burden. We applied the expected uniform spending caps, hypothetical reduced uniform spending caps (reduced by one-third), and hypothetical income-based spending caps (similar to the caps on Health Insurance Marketplace plans) to nationally representative data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS). Participants were non-elderly individuals (aged < 65 years) with private group health insurance in the 2011 and 2012 MEPS surveys (n =26,666). (1) The percentage of individuals with reduced family out-of-pocket spending as a result of the various caps; and (2) the percentage of individuals experiencing health care services financial burden (family out-of-pocket spending on health care, not including premiums, greater than 10% of total family income) under each scenario. With the uniform caps, 1.2% of individuals had lower out-of-pocket spending, compared with 3.8% with reduced uniform caps and 2.1% with income-based caps. Uniform caps led to a small reduction in percentage of individuals experiencing financial burden (from 3.3% to 3.1%), with a modestly larger reduction as a result of reduced uniform caps (2.9%) and income-based caps (2.8%). Mandated uniform out-of-pocket caps for those with group insurance will benefit very few individuals, and will not result in substantial reductions in financial burden.

Structure of a two-CAP-domain protein from the human hookworm parasite Necator americanus

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

Asojo, Oluwatoyin A., E-mail: oasojo@unmc.edu

2011-05-01

The first structure of a two-CAP-domain protein, Na-ASP-1, from the major human hookworm parasite N. americanus refined to a resolution limit of 2.2 Å is presented. Major proteins secreted by the infective larval stage hookworms upon host entry include Ancylostoma secreted proteins (ASPs), which are characterized by one or two CAP (cysteine-rich secretory protein/antigen 5/pathogenesis related-1) domains. The CAP domain has been reported in diverse phylogenetically unrelated proteins, but has no confirmed function. The first structure of a two-CAP-domain protein, Na-ASP-1, from the major human hookworm parasite Necator americanus was refined to a resolution limit of 2.2 Å. The structuremore » was solved by molecular replacement (MR) using Na-ASP-2, a one-CAP-domain ASP, as the search model. The correct MR solution could only be obtained by truncating the polyalanine model of Na-ASP-2 and removing several loops. The structure reveals two CAP domains linked by an extended loop. Overall, the carboxyl-terminal CAP domain is more similar to Na-ASP-2 than to the amino-terminal CAP domain. A large central cavity extends from the amino-terminal CAP domain to the carboxyl-terminal CAP domain, encompassing the putative CAP-binding cavity. The putative CAP-binding cavity is a characteristic cavity in the carboxyl-terminal CAP domain that contains a His and Glu pair. These residues are conserved in all single-CAP-domain proteins, but are absent in the amino-terminal CAP domain. The conserved His residues are oriented such that they appear to be capable of directly coordinating a zinc ion as observed for CAP proteins from reptile venoms. This first structure of a two-CAP-domain ASP can serve as a template for homology modeling of other two-CAP-domain proteins.« less

The Response of the Thermosphere and Ionosphere to Magnetospheric Forcing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rees, D.; Fuller-Rowell, T. J.

1989-06-01

During the past six years, rapid advances in three observational techniques (ground-based radars, optical interferometers and satellite-borne instruments) have provided a means of observing a wide range of spectacular interactions between the coupled magnetosphere, ionosphere and thermosphere system. Perhaps the most fundamental gain has come from the combined data-sets from the NASA Dynamics Explorer (DE) Satellites. These have unambiguously described the global nature of thermospheric flows, and their response to magnetospheric forcing. The DE spacecraft have also described, at the same time, the magnetospheric particle precipitation and convective electric fields which force the polar thermosphere and ionosphere. The response of the thermosphere to magnetospheric forcing is far more complex than merely the rare excitation of 1 km s-1 wind speeds and strong heating; the heating causes large-scale convection and advection within the thermosphere. These large winds grossly change the compositional structure of the upper thermosphere at high and middle latitudes during major geomagnetic disturbances. Some of the major seasonal and geomagnetic storm-related anomalies of the ionosphere are directly attributable to the gross wind-induced changes of thermospheric composition; the mid-latitude ionospheric storm `negative phase', however, is yet to be fully understood. The combination of very strong polar wind velocities and rapid plasma convection forced by magnetospheric electric fields strongly and rapidly modify F-region plasma distributions generated by the combination of local solar and auroral ionization sources. Until recently, however, it has been difficult to interpret the observed complex spatial and time-dependent structures and motions of the thermosphere and ionosphere because of their strong and nonlinear coupling. It has recently been possible to complete a numerical and computational merging of the University College London (UCL) global thermospheric model and the Sheffield University ionospheric model. This has produced a self-consistent coupled thermospheric--ionospheric model, which has become a valuable diagnostic tool for examining thermospheric--ionospheric interactions in the polar regions. In particular, it is possible to examine the effects of induced winds, ion transport, and the seasonal and diurnal U.T. variations of solar heating and photoionization within the polar regions. Polar and high-latitude plasma density structure at F-region altitudes can be seen to be strongly controlled by U.T., and by season, even for constant solar and geomagnetic activity. In the winter, the F-region polar plasma density is generally dominated by the effects of transport of plasma from the dayside (sunlit cusp). In the summer polar region, however, an increase in the proportion of molecular to atomic species, created by the global seasonal circulation and augmented by the geomagnetic forcing, controls the plasma composition and generally depresses plasma densities at all U.Ts. A number of these complex effects can be seen in data obtained from ground-based radars, Fabry--Perot interferometers and in the combined DE data-sets. Several of these observations will be used, in combination with simulations using the UCL--Sheffield coupled model, to illustrate the major features of large-scale thermosphere--ionosphere interactions in response to geomagnetic forcing. The past decade has seen a major improvement in the quality and quantity of experimental data available to study the thermosphere and ionosphere and their response to magnetospheric forcing. Earlier, large measured changes of individual parameters were difficult to place in a global or large-scale perspective. However, a clear picture of the distinction between the solar and geomagnetic forcing processes has emerged from the combined data-sets available from spacecraft such as the Dynamics Explorers, and from ground-based radar and optical observations of the polar thermosphere. A first experimental view of the strong coupling between the thermosphere and ionosphere has also emerged from these combined new data-sets. In parallel with the development of observing techniques, numerical models of the thermosphere and ionosphere have matured. We are at a state where the combined thermosphere and ionosphere can be modelled self-consistently. We can now realistically simulate the response of the combined system to the magnetospheric forcing, and also investigate the many and varied feedback processes between the two components. The models can be used to understand and interpret the diversity of experimental observations, and provide the framework for evaluating phenomena which are as yet not well understood. The dominant thermosphere--ionosphere interactions which appear from the modelling studies and which have counterparts in the experimental database can be summarized. In the winter polar region, ionization enhancements are observed which are due to auroral particle precipitation in both the E-region and in the F-region. The former are relatively easy to understand, since decay rates are generally rapid, and large-scale transport is unimportant. The sole caveat will be related to sporadic-E layers of long-lived metallic ions. In the polar F-region, neutral winds, neutral composition changes, convection changes and solar photoionization all cause important modifications of plasma distributions. In the winter, plasma convection and winds cause important effects in the horizontal and vertical transport of plasma, respectively. As such, plumes of high density (or low-density) plasma are transported large distances from their origin, and local plasma densities are rarely explicable by local sources and sinks. The exact distributions will depend very much on detailed plasma convection patterns. However, the winter subauroral trough and localized polar troughs will be created when the combination of convection and corotation cause plasma stagnation in regions out of sunlight and photoionization. There is a strong U.T. modulation of plasma density within the winter polar cap and dusk auroral oval (generally) as the polar cusp enters sunlight for a few hours around 18h U.T., and there is a direct source of high-density plasma (photoionization plus particle ionization) convected through the cusp. At other U.Ts, the source is generally cut off, and polar plasma densities generally decay. Summer F-region high-latitude and polar plasma densities are generally a factor of about 3-5 lower than in winter. This is due to the seasonal F-region neutral composition variation, generated by summer to winter mean circulation, by which increased plasma recombination rates (due to much higher molecular nitrogen densities) more than compensate for the increased solar photoionization source in the summer polar cap. In turn, this mean circulation is generated by the combination of asymmetric solar insolation and greater geomagnetic heating in the summer compared with winter polar regions (Rees et al. 1985, 1987). Particularly at times of high geomagnetic activity, the summer `F-region' neutral composition is close to that of the standard atmosphere E-region. The major features of the summer polar F-region are thus quite different to those of the corresponding winter region. Plasma troughs develop in regions of very strong Joule heating, i.e. where ion convection is strongest. As such, the location and intensity of the troughs is quite dependent on the plasma convection patterns. Summer-time troughs tend to occur in the same regions where rapid transport causes high-density plasma plumes in the winter polar region. The classical subauroral trough is distinctly a feature of the winter polar F-region. Even at equinox, the full subauroral trough does not develop, while in winter it fully encircles the geomagnetic polar cap for much of the U.T. day (except around 18h U.T.). In the summer F-region, stagnation troughs do not develop within the polar cap, irrespective of convection pattern. Any polar cap troughs are a result of changes in neutral composition. Subauroral troughs can only develop around the summer polar region when the auroral oval is expanded so that the midnight part of the auroral oval extends into the nightside. Conditions for this situation are likely to occur preferentially in the southern polar region, due to the greater offset of the geomagnetic from geographic pole. The E-region response to geomagnetic forcing is also strong, although generally rather less marked than in the F-region, in terms of the neutral thermal and compositional response. The major feed-back between the thermosphere and ionosphere occurs due to the effects of high induced winds, since the neutral chemical changes do not significantly affect the ionospheric chemistry. Apart from localized effects such as sporadic-E layers, high-speed auroral oval winds do not cause significant vertical transport of E-region molecular species, due to rapid recombination. The most significant vertical transport effects will be in non-sunlit regions, where ion production is lowest. The dynamo effect of induced E-region winds of 200-400 m s-1 is also quite significant. Such winds reduce horizontal currents, with an implication that the FAC or Pedersen currents may also be decreased, with a possible feedback to the convection electric field. There is still relatively little data available for detailed case-study comparisons. Such studies have been quite successful in improving our understanding of the F-region behaviour, and the CEDAR initiative and programmes such as LTCS promise to extend the range of multiparameter data-sets to the E-region as well. Simulating atmospheric density and compositional structure with numerical models is one of the most testing demands. Density at a given altitude is very sensitive to the total thermospheric energy budget, and is thus liable to be the first casualty of cumulative small errors in the many external terms of the energy input. There are also some indeterminate factors in the radiative energy budget of the lower thermosphere and upper mesosphere. In practice, we have found that the present version of the coupled model computes density and composition relatively accurately, compared with mean mass spectrometer and incoherent scatter (MSIS) predictions for comparable solar and geomagnetic activity levels and for different seasonal conditions. Typical differences (MSIS to model) of around 20% occur at F-region altitudes in the data-sets shown in the model simulations described within this paper. This is roughly comparable with the standard deviation of MSIS in comparison with satellite data-sets for specific locations and times. The numerical models have greater spatial and temporal resolution than MSIS models and relate to real physical processes. Undoubtedly, however, the real thermosphere contains a whole spectrum of high-frequency variations which are beyond present parametrization techniques, our current description of geomagnetic inputs and present computer limitations. From the initial coupled-model simulations it is possible to examine key features of the coupling between the magnetosphere and the thermosphere--ionosphere. Field-aligned currents reflect the divergence or convergence of the ionospheric Pedersen current. The Pedersen current depends on changes of the ionospheric conductivity and also the dynamo effects of induced winds. Both FAC and E-region winds display considerable seasonal, U.T. and geomagnetic activity variations. Except in the unlikely event that the magnetosphere acts as a `zero-resistance' source of charge, and momentum, etc., we would anticipate, on the basis of these thermosphere--ionosphere model simulations, to see corresponding modulation of magnetosphere--ionosphere forcing as a function of U.T., season and geomagnetic activity. However, a detailed theoretical evaluation of such processes will have to await the development of a new range of coupled models embracing the near-Earth environment. As new experimental data from coordinated ground-based campaigns becomes available over the next several years, and it is to be hoped from new space missions within the next decade, we may hope that the validity of many of the simplified assumptions we currently have to make within present models can be tested. Undoubtedly, many present concepts will be found wanting. The impact of global images of particle precipitation and energy deposition, coupled with perhaps the development of techniques of imaging polar plasma convection patterns will mean that future models are capable of looking at the effects of short period and smaller-scale variations in forcing. The present patterns of magnetospheric forcing are too simplified and averaged in time and space. While the thermosphere averages out rapid and short-scale momentum inputs, the energy input integrates all variations, including the effect of rapid forcing variations. The thermospheric composition responds to this `additional' energy source in a way which presently cannot be simulated accurately, and we already know how sensitive the polar plasma environment appears to be to thermospheric composition changes forced by the combined solar and magnetospheric forcing. We are indebted to Dr Fred Rich for provision of the Heppner & Maynard polar electric fields in the form of harmonic coefficients. We also thank John Harmer and Hilary Hughes for their assistance in preparing, running and processing the computer simulations using the UCL--Sheffield coupled ionospheric--thermospheric model. Computer time was made available by the University of London Computer Centre (CRAY 1-S) and on the CRAY-XMP-48 at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (Science and Engineering Research Council). The research was supported by grants from the U.K. SERC, and from the European Office of Aerospace Research and Development (AFOSR-86-341). The IGRF magnetic field model was provided, in computer-readable form, by the British Geological Survey, Edinburgh.

Effects of age, comorbidity and adherence to current antimicrobial guidelines on mortality in hospitalized elderly patients with community-acquired pneumonia.

PubMed

Han, Xiudi; Zhou, Fei; Li, Hui; Xing, Xiqian; Chen, Liang; Wang, Yimin; Zhang, Chunxiao; Liu, Xuedong; Suo, Lijun; Wang, Jinxiang; Yu, Guohua; Wang, Guangqiang; Yao, Xuexin; Yu, Hongxia; Wang, Lei; Liu, Meng; Xue, Chunxue; Liu, Bo; Zhu, Xiaoli; Li, Yanli; Xiao, Ying; Cui, Xiaojing; Li, Lijuan; Purdy, Jay E; Cao, Bin

2018-04-24

Limited information exists on the clinical characteristics predictive of mortality in patients aged ≥65 years in many countries. The impact of adherence to current antimicrobial guidelines on the mortality of hospitalized elderly patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) has never been assessed. A total of 3131 patients aged ≥65 years were enrolled from a multi-center, retrospective, observational study initiated by the CAP-China network. Risk factors for death were screened with multivariable logistic regression analysis, with emphasis on the evaluation of age, comorbidities and antimicrobial treatment regimen with regard to the current Chinese CAP guidelines. The mean age of the study population was 77.4 ± 7.4 years. Overall in-hospital and 60-day mortality were 5.7% and 7.6%, respectively; these rates were three-fold higher in those aged ≥85 years than in the 65-74 group (11.9% versus 3.2% for in-hospital mortality and 14.1% versus 4.7% for 60-day mortality, respectively). The mortality was significantly higher among patients with comorbidities compared with those who were otherwise healthy. According to the 2016 Chinese CAP guidelines, 62.1% of patients (1907/3073) received non-adherent treatment. For general-ward patients without risk factors for Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) infection (n = 2258), 52.3% (1094/2090) were over-treated, characterized by monotherapy with an anti-pseudomonal β-lactam or combination with fluoroquinolone + β-lactam; while 71.4% of intensive care unit (ICU) patients (120/168) were undertreated, without coverage of atypical bacteria. Among patients with risk factors for PA infection (n = 815), 22.9% (165/722) of those in the general ward and 74.2% of those in the ICU (69/93) were undertreated, using regimens without anti-pseudomonal activity. The independent predictors of 60-day mortality were age, long-term bedridden status, congestive heart failure, CURB-65, glucose, heart rate, arterial oxygen saturation (SaO 2 ) and albumin levels. Overtreatment in general-ward patients and undertreatment in ICU patients were critical problems. Compliance with Chinese guidelines will require fundamental changes in standard-of-care treatment patterns. The data included herein may facilitate early identification of patients at increased risk of mortality. The study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov ( NCT02489578 ).

A comparative study of internally and externally capped balloons using small scale test balloons

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bell, Douglas P.

1994-01-01

Caps have been used to structurally reinforce scientific research balloons since the late 1950's. The scientific research balloons used by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) use internal caps. A NASA cap placement specification does not exist since no empirical information exisits concerning cap placement. To develop a cap placement specification, NASA has completed two in-hangar inflation tests comparing the structural contributions of internal caps and external caps. The tests used small scale test balloons designed to develop the highest possible stresses within the constraints of the hangar and balloon materials. An externally capped test balloon and an internally capped test balloon were designed, built, inflated and simulated to determine the structural contributions and benefits of each. The results of the tests and simulations are presented.

Incorporating spatial constraint in co-activation pattern analysis to explore the dynamics of resting-state networks: An application to Parkinson's disease.

PubMed

Zhuang, Xiaowei; Walsh, Ryan R; Sreenivasan, Karthik; Yang, Zhengshi; Mishra, Virendra; Cordes, Dietmar

2018-05-15

The dynamics of the brain's intrinsic networks have been recently studied using co-activation pattern (CAP) analysis. The CAP method relies on few model assumptions and CAP-based measurements provide quantitative information of network temporal dynamics. One limitation of existing CAP-related methods is that the computed CAPs share considerable spatial overlap that may or may not be functionally distinct relative to specific network dynamics. To more accurately describe network dynamics with spatially distinct CAPs, and to compare network dynamics between different populations, a novel data-driven CAP group analysis method is proposed in this study. In the proposed method, a dominant-CAP (d-CAP) set is synthesized across CAPs from multiple clustering runs for each group with the constraint of low spatial similarities among d-CAPs. Alternating d-CAPs with less overlapping spatial patterns can better capture overall network dynamics. The number of d-CAPs, the temporal fraction and spatial consistency of each d-CAP, and the subject-specific switching probability among all d-CAPs are then calculated for each group and used to compare network dynamics between groups. The spatial dissimilarities among d-CAPs computed with the proposed method were first demonstrated using simulated data. High consistency between simulated ground-truth and computed d-CAPs was achieved, and detailed comparisons between the proposed method and existing CAP-based methods were conducted using simulated data. In an effort to physiologically validate the proposed technique and investigate network dynamics in a relevant brain network disorder, the proposed method was then applied to data from the Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI) database to compare the network dynamics in Parkinson's disease (PD) and normal control (NC) groups. Fewer d-CAPs, skewed distribution of temporal fractions of d-CAPs, and reduced switching probabilities among final d-CAPs were found in most networks in the PD group, as compared to the NC group. Furthermore, an overall negative association between switching probability among d-CAPs and disease severity was observed in most networks in the PD group as well. These results expand upon previous findings from in vivo electrophysiological recording studies in PD. Importantly, this novel analysis also demonstrates that changes in network dynamics can be measured using resting-state fMRI data from subjects with early stage PD. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Cervical Cap

MedlinePlus

... Videos for Educators Search English Español The Cervical Cap KidsHealth / For Teens / The Cervical Cap What's in ... Call the Doctor? Print What Is a Cervical Cap? A cervical cap is a small cup made ...

75 FR 49527 - Caps Visual Communications, LLC; Black Dot Group; Formerly Known as Caps Group Acquisition, LLC...

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2010-08-13

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Global ionospheric current distributions during substorms

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

Ahn, B.; Kamide, Y.; Akasofu, S.

1984-03-01

The growth and decay of global ionospheric currents during magnetospheric substorms on March 17, 18, and 19, 1978 are examined on the basis of magnetic records from the six IMS meridian chains of observatories and others (the total number being 71). The computer code developed by Kamide et al. (1981) and the conductivity model developed by Ahn et al. (1983) are used. Several substorms centered around 1000-1200 UT are chosen in this presentation, since the simultaneous all-sky and riometer records are essential in timing the substorm epochs. Several global feautes that are common to most substorms during the three-day intervalmore » include the following: (1) During a quiet period, currents are often present in the cusp and/or polar cap regions. The cusp current consists of a pair of east-west currents and the polar cap current consists of several vortices. (2) When the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) B/sub z/ component is positive, but decreases in magnitude, a well-defined westward electrojet develops in the midnight sector. However, this development is not evident in the AE index. (3) A gradual, but distinct growth (often followed by a rapid and large increase) in the AE index is indentified as the intensification of a weaksubstorm current system, which was mentioned in (2), accompanied by typical auroral substorm features, including riometer absorption. (4) The subsequent sharp increase of the AE index arises primarily from a deep intrusion of the westward electrojet into the pre-midnight sector and its equatorward shift. (5) The overall increase of the global current can be significantly differnt fromm what a sharp increase of the AE index indicates. (6) During the recovery phase, the intruded westward electrojet recedes towards the dawn sector.« less

An analytical model of sub-Alfvénic moon-plasma interactions with application to the hemisphere coupling effect

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Simon, Sven

2015-09-01

We develop a new analytical model of the Alfvén wing that is generated by the interaction between a planetary moon's ionosphere and its magnetospheric environment. While preceding analytical approaches assumed the obstacle's height-integrated ionospheric conductivities to be spatially constant, the model presented here can take into account a continuous conductance profile that follows a power law. The electric potential in the interaction region, determining the electromagnetic fields of the Alfvén wing, can then be calculated from an Euler-type differential equation. In this way, the model allows to include a realistic representation of the "suspension bridge"-like conductance profile expected for the moon's ionosphere. The major drawback of this approach is its restriction to interaction scenarios where the ionospheric Pedersen conductance is large compared to the Hall conductance, and thus, the Alfvénic perturbations are approximately symmetric between the planet-facing and the planet-averted hemispheres of the moon. The model is applied to the hemisphere coupling effect observed at Enceladus, i.e., to the surface currents and the associated magnetic discontinuities that arise from a north-south asymmetry of the obstacle to the plasma flow. We show that the occurrence of this effect is very robust against changes in the conductance profile of Enceladus' plume, and we derive upper limits for the strength of the magnetic field jumps generated by the hemisphere coupling effect. During all 11 reported detections of the hemisphere coupling currents at Enceladus, the observed magnetic field jumps were clearly weaker than the proposed limits. Our findings are also relevant for future in situ studies of putative plumes at the Jovian moon Europa.

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

Popp, R.A.; Enlow, M.K.

The clinical hematologic change in 2 groups of progeny from mice carrying radiation-induced strain SEC ..cap alpha..-chain deficiencies was found to be similar to the hematologic alterations in persons with ..cap alpha..-thalassemia. The heterozygous deletion or inactivation of the ..cap alpha..-chain gene in mice caused an anemia similar to ..cap alpha..-thalassemina minor in persons. The ..cap alpha..-chain deficiency in mice created an erythrocytosis, reticulocytosis, and microcytic, hypochromic anemia comparable with the changes in human ..cap alpha..-thalassemia minor resulting from deletion of the ..cap alpha..-chain gene. These mouse mutants are the only known animal models of human thalassemia. A comparison ofmore » hematologic values obtained from progeny possessing an ..cap alpha..-chain gene deficiency and from progeny possessing a ..beta..-chain duplication suggested that the deficiency of ..cap alpha..-chain synthesis, rather than a simple imbalance between the amounts of ..cap alpha..- and ..beta..-chains produced, was primarily responsible for the altered hematologic characteristics in these ..cap alpha..-thalassemic mice.« less

Acquisition of Ice-Tethered Profilers with Velocity (ITP-V) Instruments for Future Arctic Studies

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-11-15

instrument that measures sea water temperature and salinity versus depth, the ITP-V adds a multi-axis acoustic -travel-time current meter and...housing capped by an ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene dome. The electronics case sits within a foam body designed to provide buoyancy for...then transmits them by satellite to a logger computer at WHO I. The ITP-V instruments add a multi-axis acoustic -travel-time current meter and

The Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 (CAPS-5): Development and initial psychometric evaluation in military veterans.

PubMed

Weathers, Frank W; Bovin, Michelle J; Lee, Daniel J; Sloan, Denise M; Schnurr, Paula P; Kaloupek, Danny G; Keane, Terence M; Marx, Brian P

2018-03-01

The Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS) is an extensively validated and widely used structured diagnostic interview for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The CAPS was recently revised to correspond with PTSD criteria in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5; American Psychiatric Association, 2013). This article describes the development of the CAPS for DSM-5 (CAPS-5) and presents the results of an initial psychometric evaluation of CAPS-5 scores in 2 samples of military veterans (Ns = 165 and 207). CAPS-5 diagnosis demonstrated strong interrater reliability (к = .78 to 1.00, depending on the scoring rule) and test-retest reliability (к = .83), as well as strong correspondence with a diagnosis based on the CAPS for DSM-IV (CAPS-IV; к = .84 when optimally calibrated). CAPS-5 total severity score demonstrated high internal consistency (α = .88) and interrater reliability (ICC = .91) and good test-retest reliability (ICC = .78). It also demonstrated good convergent validity with total severity score on the CAPS-IV (r = .83) and PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (r = .66) and good discriminant validity with measures of anxiety, depression, somatization, functional impairment, psychopathy, and alcohol abuse (rs = .02 to .54). Overall, these results indicate that the CAPS-5 is a psychometrically sound measure of DSM-5 PTSD diagnosis and symptom severity. Importantly, the CAPS-5 strongly corresponds with the CAPS-IV, which suggests that backward compatibility with the CAPS-IV was maintained and that the CAPS-5 provides continuity in evidence-based assessment of PTSD in the transition from DSM-IV to DSM-5 criteria. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved).

Comparative study of two precision overdenture attachment designs.

PubMed

Cohen, B I; Pagnillo, M; Condos, S; Deutsch, A S

1996-08-01

In this study two precision overdenture attachment designs were tested for retention--a nylon overdenture cap system and a new cap and keeper system. The new cap and keeper system was designed to reduce the time involved in replacing a cap worn by the conditions of the oral environment. Six groups were tested at two different angles and retentive failure was examined at two different angles (26 and 0 degrees). Failure was measured in pounds with a force gauge over a 2000 pull cycle. The amount of force required to remove caps for two overdenture caps and a replaced cap for the metal keeper system was determined. Two dependent variables were absolute force and relative force. Repeated measures analysis of variance (RMANOVA) was used to compare the between-subjects effects of cap and angle, and the within-subjects effect of pull. The results indicated a significant difference between cap types (p < 0.0001) with respect to the relative force required to remove the cap. There was no effect of angle. For absolute force, RMANOVA revealed a highly significant interaction between pull and cap (p < 0.0001). Thus, the way that force changed over pulls depended on which cap was used (no effect of angle). For relative force, RMANOVA revealed no interaction between pull and cap, but there was a main effect of cap type (p < 0.0001) (no effect of angle). The nylon cap design required less force for removal but showed more consistency in the force required over the course of the 2000 pulls when compared with the keeper with cap insert. The results obtained in this study were consistent with similar studies in literature.

Inflammatory response in mixed viral-bacterial community-acquired pneumonia.

PubMed

Bello, Salvador; Mincholé, Elisa; Fandos, Sergio; Lasierra, Ana B; Ruiz, María A; Simon, Ana L; Panadero, Carolina; Lapresta, Carlos; Menendez, Rosario; Torres, Antoni

2014-07-29

The role of mixed pneumonia (virus+bacteria) in community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) has been described in recent years. However, it is not known whether the systemic inflammatory profile is different compared to monomicrobial CAP. We wanted to investigate this profile of mixed viral-bacterial infection and to compare it to monomicrobial bacterial or viral CAP. We measured baseline serum procalcitonin (PCT), C reactive protein (CRP), and white blood cell (WBC) count in 171 patients with CAP with definite etiology admitted to a tertiary hospital: 59 (34.5%) bacterial, 66 (39.%) viral and 46 (27%) mixed (viral-bacterial). Serum PCT levels were higher in mixed and bacterial CAP compared to viral CAP. CRP levels were higher in mixed CAP compared to the other groups. CRP was independently associated with mixed CAP. CRP levels below 26 mg/dL were indicative of an etiology other than mixed in 83% of cases, but the positive predictive value was 45%. PCT levels over 2.10 ng/mL had a positive predictive value for bacterial-involved CAP versus viral CAP of 78%, but the negative predictive value was 48%. Mixed CAP has a different inflammatory pattern compared to bacterial or viral CAP. High CRP levels may be useful for clinicians to suspect mixed CAP.

Global and local Joule heating effects seen by DE 2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Heelis, R. A.; Coley, W. R.

1988-01-01

In the altitude region between 350 and 550 km, variations in the ion temperature principally reflect similar variations in the local frictional heating produced by a velocity difference between the ions and the neutrals. Here, the distribution of the ion temperature in this altitude region is shown, and its attributes in relation to previous work on local Joule heating rates are discussed. In addition to the ion temperature, instrumentation on the DE 2 satellite also provides a measure of the ion velocity vector representative of the total electric field. From this information, the local Joule heating rate is derived. From an estimate of the height-integrated Pedersen conductivity it is also possible to estimate the global (height-integrated) Joule heating rate. Here, the differences and relationships between these various parameters are described.

Specific interactions between DNA and regulatory protein controlled by ligand-binding: Ab initio molecular simulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Matsushita, Y.; Murakawa, T.; Shimamura, K.; Oishi, M.; Ohyama, T.; Kurita, N.

2015-02-01

The catabolite activator protein (CAP) is one of the regulatory proteins controlling the transcription mechanism of gene. Biochemical experiments elucidated that the complex of CAP with cyclic AMP (cAMP) is indispensable for controlling the mechanism, while previous molecular simulations for the monomer of CAP+cAMP complex revealed the specific interactions between CAP and cAMP. However, the effect of cAMP-binding to CAP on the specific interactions between CAP and DNA is not elucidated at atomic and electronic levels. We here considered the ternary complex of CAP, cAMP and DNA in solvating water molecules and investigated the specific interactions between them at atomic and electronic levels using ab initio molecular simulations based on classical molecular dynamics and ab initio fragment molecular orbital methods. The results highlight the important amino acid residues of CAP for the interactions between CAP and cAMP and between CAP and DNA.

Coupled storm-time magnetosphere-ionosphere-thermosphere simulations including microscopic ionospheric turbulence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Merkin, V. G.; Wiltberger, M. J.; Zhang, B.; Liu, J.; Wang, W.; Dimant, Y. S.; Oppenheim, M. M.; Lyon, J.

2017-12-01

During geomagnetic storms the magnetosphere-ionosphere-thermosphere system becomes activated in ways that are unique to disturbed conditions. This leads to emergence of physical feedback loops that provide tighter coupling between the system elements, often operating across disparate spatial and temporal scales. One such process that has recently received renewed interest is the generation of microscopic ionospheric turbulence in the electrojet regions (electrojet turbulence, ET) that results from strong convective electric fields imposed by the solar wind-magnetosphere interaction. ET leads to anomalous electron heating and generation of non-linear Pedersen current - both of which result in significant increases in effective ionospheric conductances. This, in turn, provides strong non-linear feedback on the magnetosphere. Recently, our group has published two studies aiming at a comprehensive analysis of the global effects of this microscopic process on the magnetosphere-ionosphere-thermosphere system. In one study, ET physics was incorporated in the TIEGCM model of the ionosphere-thermosphere. In the other study, ad hoc corrections to the ionospheric conductances based on ET theory were incorporated in the conductance module of the Lyon-Fedder-Mobarry (LFM) global magnetosphere model. In this presentation, we make the final step toward the full coupling of the microscopic ET physics within our global coupled model including LFM, the Rice Convection Model (RCM) and TIEGCM. To this end, ET effects are incorporated in the TIEGCM model and propagate throughout the system via thus modified TIEGCM conductances. The March 17, 2013 geomagnetic storm is used as a testbed for these fully coupled simulations, and the results of the model are compared with various ionospheric and magnetospheric observatories, including DMSP, AMPERE, and Van Allen Probes. Via these comparisons, we investigate, in particular, the ET effects on the global magnetosphere indicators such as the strength of the ionospheric convection, field-aligned current densities and ring current pressure amplitude and distribution.

OMC Compressor Case

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Humphrey, W. Donald

1997-01-01

This report summarizes efforts expended in the development of an all-composite compressor case. Two pre-production units have been built, one utilizing V-CAP and one utilizing AFR-700B resin systems. Both units have been rig tested at elevated temperatures well above design limit loads. This report discusses the manufacturing processes, test results, and Finite Element Analysis performed. The V-CAP unit was funded by NASA-Lewis Research Center in 1994 under contract number NAS3- 27442 for Development of an All-Composite OMC Compressor Case. This contract was followed by an Air Force study in 1996 to build and identical unit using the AFR-700B resin system in place of the V-CAP system. The second compressor case was funded under U.S. Air Force contract F33615-93-D-5326, Advanced Materials for Aerospace Structures Special Studies (AMAS3), Delivery Order 0021 entitled "Advanced Polymeric Composite Materials and Structures Technology for Advanced High Temperature Gas Turbine Engines.' Initial studies using the V-CAP resin system were undertaken in 1993 under a NASA Lewis contract (NAS3-26829). A first prototype unit was developed in a joint program between Textron-Lycoming (now Allied Signal) and Brunswick (now Lincoln Composites). This unit included composite end closures using low density, high temperature molded end closures. The units was similar in size and shape to a titanium case currently used on the PT-21 0 engine and was funded as part of the integrated High Performance Turbine Engine Technology (EHPTET) initiative of DOD and NASA.

An immunohistochemical and fluorescence in situ hybridization-based comparison between the Oracle HER2 Bond Immunohistochemical System, Dako HercepTest, and Vysis PathVysion HER2 FISH using both commercially validated and modified ASCO/CAP and United Kingdom HER2 IHC scoring guidelines.

PubMed

O'Grady, Anthony; Allen, David; Happerfield, Lisa; Johnson, Nicola; Provenzano, Elena; Pinder, Sarah E; Tee, Lilian; Gu, Mai; Kay, Elaine W

2010-12-01

Immunohistochemistry (IHC) is used as the frontline assay to determine HER2 status in invasive breast cancer patients. The aim of the study was to compare the performance of the Leica Oracle HER2 Bond IHC System (Oracle) with the current most readily accepted Dako HercepTest (HercepTest), using both commercially validated and modified ASCO/CAP and UK HER2 IHC scoring guidelines. A total of 445 breast cancer samples from 3 international clinical HER2 referral centers were stained with the 2 test systems and scored in a blinded fashion by experienced pathologists. The overall agreement between the 2 tests in a 3×3 (negative, equivocal and positive) analysis shows a concordance of 86.7% and 86.3%, respectively when analyzed using commercially validated and modified ASCO/CAP and UK HER2 IHC scoring guidelines. There is a good concordance between the Oracle and the HercepTest. The advantages of a complete fully automated test such as the Oracle include standardization of key analytical factors and improved turn around time. The implementation of the modified ASCO/CAP and UK HER2 IHC scoring guidelines has minimal effect on either assay interpretation, showing that Oracle can be used as a methodology for accurately determining HER2 IHC status in formalin fixed, paraffin-embedded breast cancer tissue.

Use of capecitabine after renal allograft transplantation in dog erythrocyte antigen-matched dogs.

PubMed

Schmiedt, Chad; Penzo, Chiara; Schwab, Michelle; Dubielzig, Richard; McAnulty, Jonathan

2006-02-01

To investigate the use of a capecitabine (CAP)-based regimen after renal transplantation in dogs. Prospective, pilot study. Healthy, unrelated, dog erythrocyte antigen (DEA)-matched, adult beagles. Standard heterotopic renal transplantation with native nephrectomy was performed in 7 dogs. Dogs received oral, twice daily, CAP (250 mg/m2), cyclosporine-A (CsA) (4 mg/kg), ketoconazole (5 mg/kg), and prednisolone (0.25 mg/kg). After 90 days the surviving dogs were euthanatized and complete necropsy was performed. Seven transplants were performed. All dogs survived surgery. Six dogs had acute neurotoxicity, which resulted in death or euthanasia of 2 dogs within 2 days of surgery. In the remaining dogs, toxicity resolved rapidly with cessation of drug administration. Thereafter, modification of the regimen minimized toxicity. The 5 remaining dogs survived to study end; 4 dogs had no evidence of graft rejection. Necropsy examination was mostly unremarkable in all dogs. There were no major changes in CBC or biochemical values, except for a significant increase in serum calcium. CAP appeared well tolerated in most dogs. Toxicity occurred but abated with modification of the drug regimen. Efficacy for postoperative immunosuppression cannot be determined by this study, although results are promising. CAP-CsA-prednisolone is an effective, oral immunosuppressive regimen for prevention of acute allograft rejection in DEA-matched beagles. Further studies on dose, toxicity, and efficacy compared with current immunosuppressive regimens are needed before use in clinical practice.

Polar Cap Energy Deposition Events During the 5-6 August 2011 Magnetic Storm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Horvath, Ildiko; Lovell, Brian C.

2018-03-01

We study the 5-6 August 2011 storm for its energy deposition events occurring deep in the polar cap region, where the consequential localized intensifications of earthward directed Poynting flux led to the development of their related localized neutral density increases. For unraveling the underlying physical processes, we investigate the relations among Poynting flux intensifications, flow channels (FCs), and localized neutral density enhancements plus the nature of the underlying reconnection events. Observational results demonstrate Poynting flux increase deep in the polar cap in a FC-2 type FC during magnetopause reconnections and in a FC-4 type FC during lobe reconnections. During the latter stages of these different types of reconnection events, energy/momentum transfer occurred along old-open field lines and commonly led to the development of localized neutral density increases during their respective upwelling events fueled by field-aligned currents and above/within these polar FCs. The prevailing BY domination and the pulsed nature of this storm created favorable conditions for the development of these FC-2 and FC-4 types in the sunlit northern summer hemisphere and caused the observed Poynting flux intensifications deep in the polar cap. The solar wind source of these reconnections taking place along old-open field lines was situated in the high-latitude boundary layer. Thus, the high-latitude boundary layer dynamo provided a vigorous source of energy/momentum transfer during the latter-stage reconnections unfolding along old-open field lines.

Comparison of six Aspergillus-specific IgG assays for the diagnosis of chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA).

PubMed

Page, Iain D; Richardson, Malcolm D; Denning, David W

2016-02-01

Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA) is estimated to affect 3 million persons worldwide. Aspergillus-specific IgG is a key component in CPA diagnosis. We aimed to establish the optimal diagnostic cut offs for CPA and the comparative performance of six assays in this context. Sera from 241 patients with CPA and 100 healthy blood donors were tested using five Aspergillus-specific IgG assays plus precipitin testing using Microgen Aspergillus antigens. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve area under the curve (AUC) results were as follows: ThermoFisher Scientific ImmunoCAP 0.996 (95% confidence interval 0.992-1), Siemens Immulite 0.991 (0.982-1), Serion 0.973 (0.960-0.987), Dynamiker 0.918 (0.89-0.946) and Genesis 0.902 (0.871-0.933). Optimal CPA diagnostic cut-offs were; ImmunoCAP 20 mg/L (96% sensitivity, 98% specificity), Immulite 10 mg/L (96% sensitivity, 98% specificity), Serion 35 U/ml (90% sensitivity, 98% specificity), Dynamiker 65 AU/ml (77% sensitivity, 97% specificity) and Genesis 20 U/ml (75% sensitivity, 99% specificity). The precipitin test was 59% sensitive and 100% specific. ImmunoCAP and Immulite were statistically significantly superior to the other assays. Precipitins testing performed poorly. The currently accepted ImmunoCAP cut-off of 40 mg/L appears sub-optimal for CPA diagnosis and may require revision in this context. Copyright © 2015 The British Infection Association. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Observations of the northern seasonal polar cap on Mars: I. Spring sublimation activity and processes

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hansen, C.J.; Byrne, S.; Portyankina, G.; Bourke, M.; Dundas, C.; McEwen, A.; Mellon, M.; Pommerol, A.; Thomas, N.

2013-01-01

Spring sublimation of the seasonal CO2 northern polar cap is a dynamic process in the current Mars climate. Phenomena include dark fans of dune material propelled out onto the seasonal ice layer, polygonal cracks in the seasonal ice, sand flow down slipfaces, and outbreaks of gas and sand around the dune margins. These phenomena are concentrated on the north polar erg that encircles the northern residual polar cap. The Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter has been in orbit for three Mars years, allowing us to observe three northern spring seasons. Activity is consistent with and well described by the Kieffer model of basal sublimation of the seasonal layer of ice applied originally in the southern hemisphere. Three typical weak spots have been identified on the dunes for escape of gas sublimed from the bottom of the seasonal ice layer: the crest of the dune, the interface of the dune with the interdune substrate, and through polygonal cracks in the ice. Pressurized gas flows through these vents and carries out material entrained from the dune. Furrows in the dunes channel gas to outbreak points and may be the northern equivalent of southern radially-organized channels (“araneiform” terrain), albeit not permanent. Properties of the seasonal CO2 ice layer are derived from timing of seasonal events such as when final sublimation occurs. Modification of dune morphology shows that landscape evolution is occurring on Mars today, driven by seasonal activity associated with sublimation of the seasonal CO2 polar cap.

MoXy fiber with active cooling cap for bovine prostate vaporization with high power 200W 532 nm laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peng, Steven Y.; Kang, Hyun Wook; Pirzadeh, Homa; Stinson, Douglas

2011-03-01

A novel MoXyTM fiber delivery device with Active Cooling Cap (ACCTM) is designed to transmit up to 180W of 532 nm laser light to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Under such high power tissue ablation, effective cooling is key to maintaining fiber power transmission and ensuring the reliability of the fiber delivery device To handle high power and reduce fiber degradation, the MoXy fiber features a larger core size (750 micrometer) and an internal fluid channel to ensure better cooling of the fiber tip to prevent the cap from burning, detaching, or shattering during the BPH treatment. The internal cooling channel was created with a metal cap and tubing that surrounds the optical fiber. In this study MoXy fibers were used to investigate the effect of power levels of 120 and 200 W on in-vitro bovine prostate ablation using a 532 nm XPSTM laser system. For procedures requiring more than 100 kJ, the MoXy fiber at 200W removed tissue at twice the rate of the current HPS fiber at 120W. The fiber maintained a constant tissue vaporization rate during the entire tissue ablation process. The coagulation at 200W was about 20% thicker than at 120W. In conclusion, the new fibers at 200W doubled the tissue removal rate, maintained vaporization efficiency throughout delivery of 400kJ energy, and induced similar coagulation to the existing HPS fiber at 120W.

The pharmaceutical vial capping process: Container closure systems, capping equipment, regulatory framework, and seal quality tests.

PubMed

Mathaes, Roman; Mahler, Hanns-Christian; Buettiker, Jean-Pierre; Roehl, Holger; Lam, Philippe; Brown, Helen; Luemkemann, Joerg; Adler, Michael; Huwyler, Joerg; Streubel, Alexander; Mohl, Silke

2016-02-01

Parenteral drug products are protected by appropriate primary packaging to protect against environmental factors, including potential microbial contamination during shelf life duration. The most commonly used CCS configuration for parenteral drug products is the glass vial, sealed with a rubber stopper and an aluminum crimp cap. In combination with an adequately designed and controlled aseptic fill/finish processes, a well-designed and characterized capping process is indispensable to ensure product quality and integrity and to minimize rejections during the manufacturing process. In this review, the health authority requirements and expectations related to container closure system quality and container closure integrity are summarized. The pharmaceutical vial, the rubber stopper, and the crimp cap are described. Different capping techniques are critically compared: The most common capping equipment with a rotating capping plate produces the lowest amount of particle. The strength and challenges of methods to control the capping process are discussed. The residual seal force method can characterize the capping process independent of the used capping equipment or CCS. We analyze the root causes of several cosmetic defects associated with the vial capping process. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Resident CAPS on dense-core vesicles docks and primes vesicles for fusion

PubMed Central

Kabachinski, Greg; Kielar-Grevstad, D. Michelle; Zhang, Xingmin; James, Declan J.; Martin, Thomas F. J.

2016-01-01

The Ca2+-dependent exocytosis of dense-core vesicles in neuroendocrine cells requires a priming step during which SNARE protein complexes assemble. CAPS (aka CADPS) is one of several factors required for vesicle priming; however, the localization and dynamics of CAPS at sites of exocytosis in live neuroendocrine cells has not been determined. We imaged CAPS before, during, and after single-vesicle fusion events in PC12 cells by TIRF micro­scopy. In addition to being a resident on cytoplasmic dense-core vesicles, CAPS was present in clusters of approximately nine molecules near the plasma membrane that corresponded to docked/tethered vesicles. CAPS accompanied vesicles to the plasma membrane and was present at all vesicle exocytic events. The knockdown of CAPS by shRNA eliminated the VAMP-2–dependent docking and evoked exocytosis of fusion-competent vesicles. A CAPS(ΔC135) protein that does not localize to vesicles failed to rescue vesicle docking and evoked exocytosis in CAPS-depleted cells, showing that CAPS residence on vesicles is essential. Our results indicate that dense-core vesicles carry CAPS to sites of exocytosis, where CAPS promotes vesicle docking and fusion competence, probably by initiating SNARE complex assembly. PMID:26700319

Clinical and laboratory features of children with community-acquired pneumonia are associated with distinct radiographic presentations.

PubMed

Falup-Pecurariu, Oana G; Diez-Domingo, Javier; Esposito, Susanna; Finn, Adam; Rodrigues, Fernanda; Spoulou, Vana; Syrogiannopoulos, George A; Usonis, Vytautas; Greenberg, David

2018-07-01

Chest radiographs from children with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) were categorized into three distinct presentations and each presentation was correlated to clinical and laboratory findings. Children < 59 months with CAP presenting to pediatric emergency rooms during two years were enrolled prospectively in eight centers across Europe. Clinical and laboratory data were documented and radiographs obtained from patients. Of the 1107 enrolled patients, radiographs were characterized as 74.9% alveolar CAP, 8.9% non-alveolar CAP, and 16.3% clinical CAP. Alveolar CAP patients had significantly higher rates of fever (90.7%), vomiting (27.6%), and abdominal pain (18.6%), while non-alveolar CAP patients presented more with cough (96.9%). A model using independent parameters that characterize alveolar, non-alveolar, and clinical CAP demonstrated that alveolar CAP patients were significantly older (OR = 1.02) and had significantly lower oxygen saturation than non-alveolar CAP patients (OR = 0.54). Alveolar CAP patients had significantly higher mean WBC (17,760 ± 8539.68 cells/mm 3 ) and ANC (11.5 ± 7.5 cells/mm 3 ) than patients categorized as non-alveolar CAP (WBC 15,160 ± 5996 cells/mm 3 , ANC 9.2 ± 5.1 cells/mm 3 ) and clinical CAP (WBC 13,180 ± 5892, ANC 7.3 ± 4.7). Alveolar CAP, non-alveolar CAP, and clinical CAP are distinct entities differing not only by chest radiographic appearance but also in clinical and laboratory characteristics. Alveolar CAP has unique characteristics, which suggest association with bacterial etiology. Trial number 3075 (Soroka Hospital, Israel) What is Known: • Community-acquired pneumonia in children is diagnosed based on clinical and radiological definitions. • Radiological criteria were standardized by WHO-SICR and have been utilized in vaccine studies. What is New: • Correlation between the WHO-SICR radiological definitions and clinical and laboratory parameters has not been studied. • Using the WHO-SICR radiological definitions for alveolar community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and non-alveolar CAP and the study definition for clinical CAP, it was found that the groups are distinct, differing clinically and in laboratory parameters.

Time scales of erosion and deposition recorded in the residual south polar cap of Mars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thomas, P. C.; Calvin, W. M.; Gierasch, P.; Haberle, R.; James, P. B.; Sholes, S.

2013-08-01

The residual south polar cap (RSPC) of Mars has been subject to competing processes during recent Mars years of high resolution image coverage: continuing erosion of scarps while the maximum extent grows as well as shrinks (Piqueux, S., Christensen, P.R. [2008]. J. Geophys. Res. (Planets) 113, 2006; James, P.B., Thomas, P.C., Malin, M.C. [2010]. Icarus 208, 82-85). Additionally, the cap has a variety of morphologies and erosion (scarp retreat) rates (Thomas, P.C., James, P.B., Calvin, W.M., Haberle, R., Malin, M.C. [2009]. Icarus 203, 352-375). Do these different forms and competing processes indicate an aging and possibly disappearing cap, a growing cap, or a fluctuating cap, and is it possible to infer the timescales of the processes acting on the RSPC? Here we use the latest imaging data from Mars' southern summer in Mars year 30 (Calendar year 2011) to evaluate erosion rates of forms in the RSPC over 6 Mars years, and to map more fully features whose sizes can be used to predict deposit ages. Data through Mars year 30 show that scarp retreat rates in the RSPC have remained approximately the same for at least 6 Mars years and that these rates of erosion also apply approximately over the past 21 Mars years. The thicker units appear to have undergone changes in the locations of new pit formation about 30-50 Mars years ago. The thinner units have some areas that are possibly 80 Mars years old, with some younger materials having accumulated more than a meter in thickness since Mars year 9. Formation of the thicker units probably required over 100 Mars years. The upper surfaces of most areas, especially the thicker units, show little change at the few-cm level over the last 2 Mars years. This observation suggests that current conditions are substantially different from those when the thicker units were deposited. A prime characteristic of the evolution of the RSPC is that some changes are progressive, such as those involving scarp retreat, while others, such as the geography of initiation of new pits or the areal coverage of ice, appear to be more episodic.

How good is the evidence for the recommended empirical antimicrobial treatment of patients hospitalized because of community-acquired pneumonia? A systematic review.

PubMed

Oosterheert, J J; Bonten, M J M; Hak, E; Schneider, M M E; Hoepelman, I M

2003-10-01

For years, monotherapy with a beta-lactam antibiotic (penicillin, amoxicillin or second-generation cephalosporin) was recommended as empirical therapy for patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). A combination of a beta-lactam and a macrolide antibiotic was only recommended for patients with severe CAP needing intensive care treatment or when atypical pathogens, i.e. Legionella pneumophila, Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Chlamydia pneumoniae, were strongly suspected. However, new guidelines recommend a combination of a beta-lactam antibiotic plus a macrolide or monotherapy with a fluoroquinolone for all patients hospitalized with CAP. We evaluated whether treatment with a beta-lactam plus macrolide or quinolone monotherapy is truly superior to beta-lactam treatment alone. We systematically reviewed available studies, retrieved from MEDLINE and by hand-searching reference lists from recent reviews and guidelines on the effectiveness of recommended empirical antimicrobial treatment of patients hospitalized because of CAP. Eight relevant studies were selected. In six studies significant reductions in mortality were found, in one study a reduction in hospital length of stay was found and in one study no beneficial effects could be demonstrated for treatment regimens with fluoroquinolone monotherapy or combinations of beta-lactams and macrolides. The beneficial value of macrolides or fluoroquinolones might be the result of a large and mainly unrecognized role of atypical pathogens in the aetiology of CAP, anti-inflammatory effects of macrolides or resistance to beta-lactams of the most important pathogens. However, the studies supporting the recommended treatment regimen were designed as non-experimental cohort studies. As a consequence, the results may have been influenced by confounding by indication. In addition, the outcomes showed several inconsistencies. A randomized controlled trial is warranted to circumvent the methodological flaws in the designs of the currently available studies. Since the addition of macrolides or treatment with fluoroquinolones may lead to enhanced antibiotic resistance, increased side effects and healthcare-related costs, such a fundamental change in the treatment of CAP should be based on valid data.

The Incidence Rate and Economic Burden of Community-Acquired Pneumonia in a Working-Age Population

PubMed Central

Broulette, Jonah; Yu, Holly; Pyenson, Bruce; Iwasaki, Kosuke; Sato, Reiko

2013-01-01

Background Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is frequently associated with the very young and the elderly but is a largely underrecognized burden among working-age adults. Although the burden of CAP among the elderly has been established, there are limited data on the economic burden of CAP in the employed population. Objective To assess the economic impact of CAP in US working-age adults from an employer perspective by estimating the incidence rate and costs of healthcare, sick time, and short-term disability for this patient population. Methods This retrospective cohort study is based on data from 2 Truven Health Analytics databases. The study population consisted of commercially insured active employees aged 18 to 64 years, early retirees aged <65 years, and adult dependents of both cohorts. CAP was identified using medical claims with pneumonia diagnosis codes during the 2009 calendar year. Incidence rate, episode level, and annual costs were stratified by age and by risk based on the presence of comorbidities. Descriptive statistics were used to compare healthcare (ie, medical and pharmacy) costs, sick time, and short-term disability costs between the cohorts with and without CAP. Linear regression was used to estimate the average annual incremental healthcare cost in employed patients with inpatient or outpatient CAP versus individuals without CAP. Results Study eligibility was met by 12,502,017 employed individuals, including 123,920 with CAP and 12,378,097 without CAP; the overall incidence rate of CAP was 10.6 per 1000 person-years. Among individuals with and without CAP, the costs of healthcare, sick time, and short-term disability increased with advancing age and with higher risk status. The mean annual healthcare costs were $20,961 for patients with CAP and $3783 for individuals without CAP. Overall, the mean costs of sick time and short-term disability were $1129 and $1016, respectively, in active employees with CAP, and $853 and $322, respectively, in their counterparts without CAP. Compared with individuals without CAP, the average annual incremental healthcare cost ranged from $39,889 to $113,837 for inpatient management of patients with CAP and from $4170 to $31,524 for outpatient management of patients with CAP, depending on the risk level. Conclusions CAP is a common and costly infection among working-age individuals, especially in patients with comorbidities. Prevention strategies, such as influenza and pneumococcal vaccination, that target working-age adults with underlying medical conditions may be the most valuable in reducing the morbidity and costs associated with CAP. PMID:24991378

The incidence rate and economic burden of community-acquired pneumonia in a working-age population.

PubMed

Broulette, Jonah; Yu, Holly; Pyenson, Bruce; Iwasaki, Kosuke; Sato, Reiko

2013-09-01

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is frequently associated with the very young and the elderly but is a largely underrecognized burden among working-age adults. Although the burden of CAP among the elderly has been established, there are limited data on the economic burden of CAP in the employed population. To assess the economic impact of CAP in US working-age adults from an employer perspective by estimating the incidence rate and costs of healthcare, sick time, and short-term disability for this patient population. This retrospective cohort study is based on data from 2 Truven Health Analytics databases. The study population consisted of commercially insured active employees aged 18 to 64 years, early retirees aged <65 years, and adult dependents of both cohorts. CAP was identified using medical claims with pneumonia diagnosis codes during the 2009 calendar year. Incidence rate, episode level, and annual costs were stratified by age and by risk based on the presence of comorbidities. Descriptive statistics were used to compare healthcare (ie, medical and pharmacy) costs, sick time, and short-term disability costs between the cohorts with and without CAP. Linear regression was used to estimate the average annual incremental healthcare cost in employed patients with inpatient or outpatient CAP versus individuals without CAP. Study eligibility was met by 12,502,017 employed individuals, including 123,920 with CAP and 12,378,097 without CAP; the overall incidence rate of CAP was 10.6 per 1000 person-years. Among individuals with and without CAP, the costs of healthcare, sick time, and short-term disability increased with advancing age and with higher risk status. The mean annual healthcare costs were $20,961 for patients with CAP and $3783 for individuals without CAP. Overall, the mean costs of sick time and short-term disability were $1129 and $1016, respectively, in active employees with CAP, and $853 and $322, respectively, in their counterparts without CAP. Compared with individuals without CAP, the average annual incremental healthcare cost ranged from $39,889 to $113,837 for inpatient management of patients with CAP and from $4170 to $31,524 for outpatient management of patients with CAP, depending on the risk level. CAP is a common and costly infection among working-age individuals, especially in patients with comorbidities. Prevention strategies, such as influenza and pneumococcal vaccination, that target working-age adults with underlying medical conditions may be the most valuable in reducing the morbidity and costs associated with CAP.

Bronchoalveolar carcinoma (adenocarcinoma) mimicking recurrent bacterial community-acquired pneumonia (CAP).

PubMed

Cunha, Burke A; Syed, Uzma; Mikail, Nardeen

2012-01-01

Depending on the community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) pathogen, host factors, and immune status, CAPs resolve on chest x-rays at different rates. CAPs that resolve more slowly than expected, or not at all, are termed "slowly or non-resolving CAPs." In contrast, recurrent CAPs may be due to host defense defects (eg, multiple myelomas) or post-obstructive bronchogenic carcinomas. There are a variety of noninfectious disorders that may mimic CAPs on chest x-ray: alveolar hemorrhage, pulmonary drug reactions, radiation pneumonitis, Wegener's granulomatosis, bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia, bronchogenic carcinomas, and lymphomas. Noninfectious mimics of recurrent CAPs include congestive heart failure, pulmonary emboli, infarctions, sarcoidosis, and systemic lupus erythematosus pneumonitis. We present the case of a middle-aged man who presented with recurrent right middle lobe and right lower lobe CAPs. Diagnostic bronchoscopy showed no bronchial obstruction, but open lung biopsy showed bronchoalveolar carcinoma (well-differentiated adenocarcinoma). Bronchoalveolar carcinomas presenting as post-obstructive or recurrent CAPs are rare because the spread is along tissue planes and not endobronchially. The case described demonstrates a rare cause of bronchogenic carcinoma mimicking recurrent CAP. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The Child-Adolescent Perfectionism Scale: Development, Psychometric Properties, and Associations With Stress, Distress, and Psychiatric Symptoms

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Flett, Gordon L.; Hewitt, Paul L.; Besser, Avi; Su, Chang; Vaillancourt, Tracy; Boucher, Daniel; Munro, Yvette; Davidson, Lisa A.; Gale, Olga

2016-01-01

There is growing interest in perfectionism among children and adolescents as well as growing interest in the measures designed to assess perfectionism in young people. The current article describes the development and psychometric characteristics of the Child-Adolescent Perfectionism Scale (CAPS), a measure that assesses self-oriented…

76 FR 68808 - Exchange Visitor Program-Cap on Current Participant Levels and Moratorium on New Sponsor...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-11-07

... Levels and Moratorium on New Sponsor Applications for Summer Work Travel Program AGENCY: Department of State. ACTION: Notice Regarding the Summer Work Travel Program. SUMMARY: Effective January 1, 2012, the... moratorium on designation of new Summer Work Travel sponsor organizations. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT...

Arizona | Midmarket Solar Policies in the United States | Solar Research |

Science.gov Websites

standard. Arizona has a net-metering program with no size limit but is specific to the customer's load % of customer's total connected load Aggregate cap: Not addressed Credit: Net excess generation is are exempt from Arizona Corporation Commission regulation. Community Solar There are currently no

Installation Restoration Program Records Search for Moody Air Force Base, Georgia.

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-02-01

Mocap, and Chlordane ( termite control only). Ochemcomp and anticoagulants are commonly used for rodent control. The major herbicides currently used are...buried in 10 55-gallon drums in 1971. A single pit was excavated about 6 to 8 feet deep, and the filled hole was capped with a clayey-sand mound to

76 FR 75570 - Self-Regulatory Organizations; The Depository Trust Company; Notice of Filing of Proposed Rule...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-12-02

... counterparty by counterparty basis. Currently, all free money market instrument (``MMI'') deliveries are routed... was built in 1990 to route money market instrument (``MMI'') transactions for receiver approval. In... orders involve no securities, only money. \\5\\ The net debit cap control is designed so that DTC may...

Can the ionosphere regulate magnetospheric convection.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Coroniti, F. V.; Kennel, C. F.

1973-01-01

A simple model is outlined that relates the dayside magnetopause displacement to the currents feeding the polar cap ionosphere, from which the ionospheric electric field and the flux return rate may be estimated as a function of magnetopause displacement. Then, flux conservation arguments make possible an estimate of the time scale on which convection increases.

A Report to the Legislature on Youth, Employment and Housing Program.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jaede, Ann

This document summarizes annual reports of two organizations providing specialized education, training, and work experience to targeted youth who have not been effectively served by the current education system in Minnesota. The City, Inc., in Minneapolis, and the Bi-County Community Action Council, Inc. (BI-CAP) in Bemidji, provided programs for…

12 CFR 324.210 - Standardized measurement method for specific risk.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... purchased credit protection is capped at the current fair value of the transaction plus the absolute value... hedge has a specific risk add-on of zero if: (i) The debt or securitization position is fully hedged by... debt or securitization positions, an FDIC-supervised institution must multiply the absolute value of...

Regional hybrid broccoli trials provide a means to further breeding efforts of this increasingly important vegetable crop

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

A Coordinated Agricultural Project (CAP) entitled “Establishing an Eastern Broccoli Industry” is funded under the Specialty Crop Research Initiative (SCRI), and a primary component of the project is a system of regional hybrid broccoli trials conducted along the eastern seaboard. Hybrids currently ...

77 FR 9703 - Blasting and the Use of Explosives; Extension of the Office of Management and Budget's (OMB...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-02-17

... Burden Hours: 1,294. Estimated Cost (Operation and Maintenance): $400,000. IV. Public Participation..., reporting burden (time and costs) is minimal, collection instruments are clearly understood, and OSHA's... blasting operations to prevent the accidental discharge of electric blasting caps caused by current induced...

77 FR 65805 - Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-10-31

.... ACTION: Final rule. SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The Boeing... current high frequency (ETHF) inspections for cracking on the aft side of the left and right wing rear... and correct cracking of the left and right rear spar lower caps, which could result in fuel leaks and...

Hand-held EMI Sensor for Cued UXO Discrimination Man-Portable EMI Array for UXO Detection and Discrimination

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-03-01

collection of information if it does not display a currently valid OMB control number. 1. REPORT DATE MAR 2012 2 . REPORT TYPE 3. DATES COVERED...1 1.4 IMPLEMENTATION ISSUES .............................................................................. 2 2.0...assembled sensor with end caps attached. ................................................................................ 5 Figure 2 . Construction details

A Review of Intravascular Ultrasound–Based Multimodal Intravascular Imaging: The Synergistic Approach to Characterizing Vulnerable Plaques

PubMed Central

Ma, Teng; Zhou, Bill; Hsiai, Tzung K.; Shung, K. Kirk

2015-01-01

Catheter-based intravascular imaging modalities are being developed to visualize pathologies in coronary arteries, such as high-risk vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques known as thin-cap fibroatheroma, to guide therapeutic strategy at preventing heart attacks. Mounting evidences have shown three distinctive histopathological features—the presence of a thin fibrous cap, a lipid-rich necrotic core, and numerous infiltrating macrophages—are key markers of increased vulnerability in atherosclerotic plaques. To visualize these changes, the majority of catheter-based imaging modalities used intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) as the technical foundation and integrated emerging intravascular imaging techniques to enhance the characterization of vulnerable plaques. However, no current imaging technology is the unequivocal “gold standard” for the diagnosis of vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques. Each intravascular imaging technology possesses its own unique features that yield valuable information although encumbered by inherent limitations not seen in other modalities. In this context, the aim of this review is to discuss current scientific innovations, technical challenges, and prospective strategies in the development of IVUS-based multi-modality intravascular imaging systems aimed at assessing atherosclerotic plaque vulnerability. PMID:26400676

Lessons learnt from pilot field test of a comprehensive advocacy program to support health promoting schools' project in Iran.

PubMed

Babazadeh, Towhid; Fathi, Behrouz; Shaghaghi, Abdolreza; Allahverdipour, Hamid

2017-01-01

Background: Health promoting schools (HPS) project is currently being used in Iran but many challenges still lie ahead. The present study aimed, to test feasibility of implementing a comprehensive advocacy program (CAP) to overcome the obstacles and problems associated with the consummation of school health programs based on the HPS framework. Methods: This quasi-experimental study was performed through recruiting all schools that were enrolled in the national HPS program and located in Jolfa as the intervention group and all of the schools situated in the East Azerbaijan province as control. In order to collect data, Iranian Ministry of Health's checklists and external audit guidelines for HPS were utilized. In addition, to plan a CAP required data for coordinating fund raising activities including current rules and regulations regarding implementation of local health promotion interventions were collected. Results: Findings of the study revealed that the implemented CAP had improved all HPS dimensions' mean score in the intervention group. The observed change in the pre- and post-test score in the intervention group was significant (P < 0.05). The intervention was also successful in encouraging signing of an agreement among the participated organizations to be committed to pursue the adopted policies in facilitation of progress towards full implementation of the local HPS project. Conclusion: Commencing changes in the recruited schools' structure through coordinated multi-level activities is feasible and this must be considered as a priority where contextual determinants exist to motivate progress towards providing healthier educational settings for school aged children in Iran.

40 CFR 80.271 - How can a small refiner obtain an adjustment of its 2004-2007 per-gallon cap standard?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... adjustment of its 2004-2007 per-gallon cap standard? 80.271 Section 80.271 Protection of Environment...-2007 per-gallon cap standard? (a) EPA may in its discretion adjust the small refiner per-gallon cap... that the per-gallon cap creates; (2) The refiner's proposed adjusted per-gallon cap standard and the...

Severe community-acquired Enterobacter pneumonia: a plea for greater awareness of the concept of health-care-associated pneumonia

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background Patients with Enterobacter community-acquired pneumonia (EnCAP) were admitted to our intensive care unit (ICU). Our primary aim was to describe them as few data are available on EnCAP. A comparison with CAP due to common and typical bacteria was performed. Methods Baseline clinical, biological and radiographic characteristics, criteria for health-care-associated pneumonia (HCAP) were compared between each case of EnCAP and thirty age-matched typical CAP cases. A univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine factors independently associated with ENCAP. Their outcome was also compared. Results In comparison with CAP due to common bacteria, a lower leukocytosis and constant HCAP criteria were associated with EnCAP. Empiric antibiotic therapy was less effective in EnCAP (20%) than in typical CAP (97%) (p < 0.01). A delay in the initiation of appropriate antibiotic therapy (3.3 ± 1.6 vs. 1.2 ± 0.6 days; p < 0.01) and an increase in duration of mechanical ventilation (8.4 ± 5.2 vs. 4.0 ± 4.3 days; p = 0.01) and ICU stay were observed in EnCAP patients. Conclusions EnCAP is a severe infection which is more consistent with HCAP than with typical CAP. This retrospectively suggests that the application of HCAP guidelines should have improved EnCAP management. PMID:21569334