Rotational Energy Transfer and Collisional Induced Raman Linewidths in N2 Gas. 1; Energy Transfer Rates

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Huo, Winifred M.; Green, Sheldon; Langhoff, Stephen R. (Technical Monitor)

1995-01-01

Rotationally inelastic transitions of N2 have been studied in the coupled state (CS) and infinite-order-sudden (IOS) approximations, using the N2-N2 rigidrotor potential of van der Avoird et al. For benchmarking purposes, close coupling (CC) calculations have also been carried out over a limited energy range. The CC and CS cross sections have been obtained both with and without identical molecule exchange symmetry, whereas exchange was neglected in the IOS calculations. The CS results track the CC cross sections rather well; between 113 - 219 cm(exp -1) the average deviation is 14%. Comparison between the CS and IOS cross sections at the high energy end of the CS calculation, 500 - 680 cm(exp -1), shows that IOS is sensitive to the amount of inelasticity and the results for large DELTA J transitions are subject to larger errors. It is found that the state-to-state cross sections with even and odd exchange symmetry agree to better than 2% and are well represented as a sum of direct and exchange cross sections for distinguishable molecules, an indication of the applicability of a classical treatment for this system. This result, however, does not apply to partial cross sections for given total J, but arises from a near cancellation in summing over partial waves. In order to use rigid-rotor results for the calculation of effective rotational excitation rates of N2 in the v=1 vibrational level colliding with bath N2 molecules in the v=0 level, it is assumed that exchange scattering between molecules in different vibrational levels is negligible and direct scattering is independent of Y. Good agreement with room temperature experimental data is obtained. The effective rates determined using the IOS and energy corrected sudden (ECS) approximations are also in reasonable agreement with experiment, with the ECS results being somewhat better. The problem with a degeneracy factor in earlier cross section expressions for collisions between identical molecules is pointed out and corrected.

2p2h effects on the weak pion production cross section

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

Mariano, A.; Barbero, C.

2015-05-15

The ν{sub l}n → l{sup −}p QE reaction on the A-target is used as a signal event or/and to reconstruct the neutrino energy, using two-body kinematics. Competition of another processes could lead to misidentification of the arriving neutrinos, being important the fake events coming from the CC1π background. A precise knowledge of cross sections is a prerequisite in order to make simulations in event generators to substract the fake ones from the QE countings, and in this contribution we analyze the different nuclear effects on the CC1π channel. Our calculations also can be extended for the NC case.

C+C Fusion Cross Sections Measurements for Nuclear Astrophysics

DOE PAGES

Almaraz-Calderon, S.; Carnelli, P. F. F.; Rehm, K. E.; ...

2015-06-02

Total fusion cross section of carbon isotopes were obtained using the newly developed MUSIC detector. MUSIC is a highly efficient, active target-detector system designed to measure fusion excitation functions with radioactive beams. The present measurements are relevant for understanding x-ray superbursts. The results of the first MUSIC campaign as well as the astrophysical implications are presented in this work.

C+C Fusion Cross Sections Measurements for Nuclear Astrophysics

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

Almaraz-Calderon, S.; Carnelli, P. F. F.; Rehm, K. E.

Total fusion cross section of carbon isotopes were obtained using the newly developed MUSIC detector. MUSIC is a highly efficient, active target-detector system designed to measure fusion excitation functions with radioactive beams. The present measurements are relevant for understanding x-ray superbursts. The results of the first MUSIC campaign as well as the astrophysical implications are presented in this work.

A cross-sectional survey using electronic distribution of a questionnaire to subscribers of educational material written by clinicians, for clinicians, to evaluate whether practice change resulted from reading the Clinical Communiqué.

PubMed

Cunningham, Nicola; Pham, Tony; Kennedy, Briohny; Gillard, Alexander; Ibrahim, Joseph

2017-05-29

To explore whether subscribers reported clinical practice changes as a result of reading the Clinical Communiqué (CC). Secondarily, to compare the characteristics of subscribers who self-reported changes to clinical practice with those who did not, and to explore subscribers' perceptions of the educational value of the CC. Online cross-sectional survey between 21 July 2015 and 18 August 2015 by subscribers of the CC (response rate=29.9%, 1008/3373), conducted by a team from Monash University, Australia. Change in clinical practice as a result of reading the CC. 53.0% of respondents reported that their practice had changed after reading the CC. Respondents also found that the CC raised awareness (96.5%) and provided ideas about improving patient safety and care (94.1%) leading them to discuss cases with their colleagues (79.6%) and review their practice (75.7%). Multivariate analysis indicated that working in a residential aged care facility (p<0.05) and having taken part in an inquest (p<0.05) were significantly associated with practice change. The design and content of the CC has generated a positive impact on the healthcare community. It is presented in a format that appears to be accessible and acceptable to readers and achieves its goals of promoting safer clinical care through greater awareness of the medico-legal context of practice. © Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2017. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.

Accurate study on the quantum dynamics of the He + HeH(+) (X1Σ+) reaction on a new ab initio potential energy surface for the lowest 1(1)A' electronic singlet state.

PubMed

Xu, Wenwu; Zhang, Peiyu

2013-02-21

A time-dependent quantum wave packet method is used to investigate the dynamics of the He + HeH(+)(X(1)Σ(+)) reaction based on a new potential energy surface [Liang et al., J. Chem. Phys.2012, 136, 094307]. The coupled channel (CC) and centrifugal-sudden (CS) reaction probabilities as well as the total integral cross sections are calculated. A comparison of the results with and without Coriolis coupling revealed that the number of K states N(K) (K is the projection of the total angular momentum J on the body-fixed z axis) significantly influences the reaction threshold. The effective potential energy profiles of each N(K) for the He + HeH(+) reaction in a collinear geometry indicate that the barrier height gradually decreased with increased N(K). The calculated time evolution of CC and CS probability density distribution over the collision energy of 0.27-0.36 eV at total angular momentum J = 50 clearly suggests a lower reaction threshold of CC probabilities. The CC cross sections are larger than the CS results within the entire energy range, demonstrating that the Coriolis coupling effect can effectively promote the He + HeH(+) reaction.

Electron impact elastic and excitation cross-sections of the isomers of C4F6 molecule for plasma modeling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gupta, Dhanoj; Song, Mi-Young; Baluja, K. L.; Choi, Heechol; Yoon, Jung-Sik

2018-06-01

We report the calculations of elastic (along with its symmetry components) and electronic excitation cross sections by electron impact of the three isomers of C4F6, namely, hexafluoro-1,3-butadiene (1,3-C4F6), hexafluoro-2-butyne (2-C4F6), and hexafluorocyclobutene (c-C4F6) belonging to the point groups C2, D3d, and C2v, respectively, using the R-matrix approach. The electron energy range is from 0.01 eV to 12 eV. We have employed the cc-pVTZ basis set for C and F atoms to generate self-consistent field molecular orbitals to construct the target states for all the isomers included in our calculations. All the target states are constructed by including correlation effects in a configuration interaction (CI) approach. The target properties such as vertical excitation energies and dipole moment of all the isomers are in reasonable agreement with the literature values. Differences in the cross sections of these isomers are strongly influenced by the effect of correlation and polarization effects and their geometrical extent. We have included the ground state and many excited states of each isomer in the trial wave function of the entire scattering system. The resulting elastic cross sections are compared with the available experimental results. The agreement is reasonably good for energies above 5 eV. The shape resonances detected at 2.57, 2.95, and 3.20 eV for c-C4F6, 1,3-C4F6, and 2-C4F6 isomers are associated with the negative anion formation of C3F3- as observed in the mass spectrometry experiments. We have also performed 1-state CI calculation for all the isomers that include only the correlated ground state. The position of resonances shifts to lower energies as the number of target states is increased compared to 1-state calculation for all the isomers. The elastic cross section for 2-C4F6 isomer is larger than the other isomers because of its larger spatial extent. The present cross section data are important for plasma simulation and modeling, especially related to fluorocarbon plasma.

Systematic investigations of deep sub-barrier fusion reactions using an adiabatic approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ichikawa, Takatoshi

2015-12-01

Background: At extremely low incident energies, unexpected decreases in fusion cross sections, compared to the standard coupled-channels (CC) calculations, have been observed in a wide range of fusion reactions. These significant reductions of the fusion cross sections are often referred to as the fusion hindrance. However, the physical origin of the fusion hindrance is still unclear. Purpose: To describe the fusion hindrance based on an adiabatic approach, I propose a novel extension of the standard CC model by introducing a damping factor that describes a smooth transition from sudden to adiabatic processes, that is, the transition from the separated two-body to the united dinuclear system. I demonstrate the performance of this model by systematically investigating various deep sub-barrier fusion reactions. Method: I extend the standard CC model by introducing a damping factor into the coupling matrix elements in the standard CC model. This avoids double counting of the CC effects, when two colliding nuclei overlap one another. I adopt the Yukawa-plus-exponential (YPE) model as a basic heavy ion-ion potential, which is advantageous for a unified description of the one- and two-body potentials. For the purpose of these systematic investigations, I approximate the one-body potential with a third-order polynomial function based on the YPE model. Results: Calculated fusion cross sections for the medium-heavy mass systems of 64Ni+64Ni , 58Ni+58Ni , and 58Ni+54Fe , the medium-light mass systems of 40Ca+40Ca , 48Ca+48Ca , and 24Mg+30Si , and the mass-asymmetric systems of 48Ca+96Zr and 16O+208Pb are consistent with the experimental data. The astrophysical S factor and logarithmic derivative representations of these are also in good agreement with the experimental data. The values obtained for the individual radius and diffuseness parameters in the damping factor, which reproduce the fusion cross sections well, are nearly equal to the average value for all the systems. Conclusions: Since the results calculated with the damping factor are in excellent agreement with the experimental data in all systems, I conclude that a coordinate-dependent coupling strength is responsible for the fusion hindrance. In all systems, the potential energies at the touching point VTouch strongly correlate with the incident threshold energies for which the fusion hindrance starts to emerge, except for the medium-light mass systems.

Scanning electron microscopical and cross-sectional analysis of extraterrestrial carbonaceous nanoglobules

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Garvie, Laurence A. J.; Baumgardner, Grant; Buseck, Peter R.

2008-05-01

Carbonaceous nanoglobules are ubiquitous in carbonaceous chondrite (CC) meteorites. The Tagish Lake (C2) meteorite is particularly intriguing in containing an abundance of nanoglobules, with a wider range of forms and sizes than encountered in other CC meteorites. Previous studies by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) have provided a wealth of information on chemistry and structure. In this study low voltage scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to characterize the globule forms and external structures. The internal structure of the globules was investigated after sectioning by focused ion beam (FIB) milling. The FIB-SEM analysis shows that the globules range from solid to hollow. Some hollow globules show a central open core, with adjoining smaller cores. The FIB with an SEM is a valuable tool for the analysis of extraterrestrial materials, even of sub-micron-sized "soft" carbonaceous particles. The rapid site-specific cross-sectioning capabilities of the FIB allow the preservation of the internal morphology of the nanoglobules, with minimal damage or alteration of the unsectioned areas.

Superscaling in electron-nucleus scattering and its link to CC and NC QE neutrino-nucleus scattering

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

Barbaro, M. B.; Amaro, J. E.; Caballero, J. A.

2015-05-15

The superscaling approach (SuSA) to neutrino-nucleus scattering, based on the assumed universality of the scaling function for electromagnetic and weak interactions, is reviewed. The predictions of the SuSA model for bot CC and NC differential and total cross sections are presented and compared with the MiniBooNE data. The role of scaling violations, in particular the contribution of meson exchange currents in the two-particle two-hole sector, is explored.

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

Darling, Christopher Lynn

By determining the production cross sections for heavy flavor hadrons, we test the theoretical predictions from perturhative quantum chroma-dynamics (QCD). In the case of pion induced beauty production, the few published results do not resolve the issue of the applicability of perturbative QCD. This analysis is undertaken in order to help resolve this situation. We determine the total beauty and charm production cross sections using an analysis of single electron decay products. We extract the cross sections per nucleon from the two-dimensional distribution of electron p versus impact parameter ( d) to the primary vertex. We place an upper limit on the beauty production cross section of σ bmore » $$\\bar{b}$$ < 105 nb at the 90% confidence level, where the limit includes both statistical and systematic errors. The charm production cross section is determined to be σ cc = 13.9$$+2.4/atop{-2.3}$$ (stat) ± 1.8 (syst) μ.b, which is in good agreement with next-to-leading order QCD predictions and other measurements.« less

Developmental trajectory of the corpus callosum from infancy to the juvenile stage: Comparative MRI between chimpanzees and humans

PubMed Central

Sakai, Tomoko; Mikami, Akichika; Suzuki, Juri; Miyabe-Nishiwaki, Takako; Matsui, Mie; Tomonaga, Masaki; Hamada, Yuzuru; Matsuzawa, Tetsuro; Okano, Hideyuki; Oishi, Kenichi

2017-01-01

How brains develop during early life is one of the most important topics in neuroscience because it underpins the neuronal functions that mature during this period. A comparison of the neurodevelopmental patterns among humans and nonhuman primates is essential to infer evolutional changes in neuroanatomy that account for higher-order brain functions, especially those specific to humans. The corpus callosum (CC) is the major white matter bundle that connects the cerebral hemispheres, and therefore, relates to a wide variety of neuronal functions. In humans, the CC area rapidly expands during infancy, followed by relatively slow changes. In chimpanzees, based on a cross-sectional study, slow changes in the CC area during the juvenile stage and later have also been reported. However, little is known about the developmental changes during infancy. A longitudinal study is also required to validate the previous cross-sectional observations about the chimpanzee CC. The present longitudinal study of magnetic resonance imaging scans demonstrates that the CC development in chimpanzees and humans is characterized by a rapid increase during infancy, followed by gradual increase during the juvenile stage. Several differences between the two species were also identified. First, there was a tendency toward a greater increase in the CC areas during infancy in humans. Second, there was a tendency toward a greater increase in the rostrum during the juvenile stage in chimpanzees. The rostral body is known to carry fibers between the bilateral prefrontal and premotor cortices, and is involved in behavior planning and control, verbal working memory, and number conception. The rostrum is known to carry fibers between the prefrontal cortices, and is involved in attention control. The interspecies differences in the developmental trajectories of the rostral body and the rostrum might be related to evolutional changes in the brain systems. PMID:28654656

ν{sub μ} CCπ° reaction in the tracker of the ND280 detector in the T2K experiment

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

Batkiewicz, Marcela

A good knowledge of both inclusive and exclusive neutrino interaction cross sections is one of the key issues for a precise determination of the neutrino oscillation parameters in the T2K experiment. These studies are performed at the near detector (ND280). Its central tracker part equipped with a water target is used, among others, to study the ν{sub μ}CCπ° reaction. At the energies of the T2K neutrino beam its contribution to the total cross section is relatively large, so the reaction is a potential source of the background for the quasi-elastic ν{sub μ}CC reaction. Two different production mechanisms contribute to ν{submore » μ}CCπ°: single pion resonance production and Deep Inelastic Scattering (DIS). In addition, Final State Interactions (FSI) have to be considered. Thus, the analysis of the ν{sub μ}CCπ° reaction aims also at a better tuning of the Monte Carlo (MC) models used to describe neutrino interactions in T2K. This paper describes selection criteria leading to the determination of the inclusive and exclusive cross sections for the π° production in the ν{sub μ}CC interactions.« less

Effect of channel coupling on the elastic scattering of lithium isotopes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Furumoto, T.; Suhara, T.; Itagaki, N.

2018-04-01

Herein, we investigated the channel coupling (CC) effect on the elastic scatterings of lithium (Li) isotopes (A =6 -9) for 12C and 28Si targets at E /A =50 -60 MeV. The wave functions of the Li isotopes were obtained using the stochastic multi-configuration mixing method based on the microscopic-cluster model. The proton radii of the 7Li, 8Li, and 9Li nuclei became smaller as the number of valence neutrons increased. The valence neutrons in the 8Li and 9Li nuclei exhibited a glue-like behavior, thereby attracting the α and t clusters. Based on the transition densities derived from these microscopic wave functions, the elastic-scattering cross section was calculated using a microscopic coupled-channel method with a complex G -matrix interaction. The existing experimental data for the elastic scatterings of the Li isotopes and 10Be nuclei were well reproduced. The Li isotope elastic cross sections were demonstrated for the 12C and 28Si targets at E /A =53 MeV. The glue-like effect of the valence neutrons on the Li isotope was clearly demonstrated by the CC effect on elastic scattering. Finally, we realize that the valence neutrons stabilized the bindings of the core parts and the CC effect related to core excitation was indeed reduced.

Chlorinated pool attendance, airway epithelium defects and the risks of allergic diseases in adolescents: Interrelationships revealed by circulating biomarkers

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

Bernard, Alfred, E-mail: Alfred.bernard@uclouvain.be; Nickmilder, Marc; Dumont, Xavier

It has been suggested that allergic diseases might be epithelial disorders driven by various environmental stressors but the epidemiological evidence supporting this concept is limited. In a cross-sectional study of 835 school adolescents (365 boys; mean age, 15.5 yr), we measured the serum concentrations of Club cell protein (CC16), surfactant-associated protein D (SP-D) and of total and aeroallergen-specific IgE. We used the serum CC16/SP-D concentration ratio as an index integrating changes in the permeability (SP-D) and secretory function (CC16) of the airway epithelium. In both sexes, early swimming in chlorinated pools emerged as the most consistent and strongest predictor ofmore » low CC16 and CC16/SP-D ratio in serum. Among girls, a low CC16/SP-D ratio was associated with increased odds (lowest vs. highest tertile) for pet sensitization (OR 2.97, 95% CI 1.19–8.22) and for hay fever in subjects sensitized to pollen (OR 4.12, 95% CI 1.28–14.4). Among boys, a low CC16/SP-D ratio was associated with increased odds for house-dust mite (HDM) sensitization (OR 2.01, 95% CI 1.11–3.73), for allergic rhinitis in subjects sensitized to HDM (OR 3.52, 95% CI 1.22–11.1) and for asthma in subjects sensitized to any aeroallergen (OR 3.38, 95% CI 1.17–11.0), HDM (OR 5.20, 95% CI 1.40–24.2) or pollen (OR 5.82, 95% CI 1.51–27.4). Odds for allergic sensitization or rhinitis also increased with increasing SP-D or decreasing CC16 in serum. Our findings support the hypothesis linking the development of allergic diseases to epithelial barrier defects due to host factors or environmental stressors such as early swimming in chlorinated pools. - Highlights: • We conducted a cross-sectional study of 835 school adolescents. • The airway epithelium integrity was evaluated by measuring serum pneumoproteins. • The risk of allergic diseases was associated with a defective airway epithelium. • Childhood swimming in chlorinated pools can cause persistent epithelial alterations.« less

Cross cultural comparison of constipation profiles at tertiary care centers between India and USA.

PubMed

Singh, P; Surana, R; Soni, S; Agnihotri, A; Ahuja, V; Makharia, G K; Staller, K; Kuo, B

2018-03-09

Despite potential differences in patient perception of chronic constipation (CC) in geographically and culturally distinct regions, head-to-head studies comparing the clinical profile, constipation severity, impact on quality of life (QOL) and economic impact are lacking. We conducted a cross-sectional cohort study of patients presenting with CC to tertiary care centers in the USA and India. Standardized instruments were used to assess constipation subtype, disease severity, disease-specific QOL, somatization, and psychiatric comorbidities. We used multivariable linear regression to determine the predictors of QOL and number of healthcare visits. Sixty-six and 98 patients with CC were enrolled in the USA and India, respectively. Indian patients with CC had significantly more frequent bowel movements/week compared to their USA counterparts (Median 5 vs 3, P < .0001). The proportion of patients with Bristol stool form scale type 1 and 2 was significantly higher in the USA compared to India (65.5% vs 48%, P = .04). Higher depression score (P = .001), more severe constipation symptoms (P = .001) and site of the study being USA (P = .008) independently predicted worse QOL. Indian patients (P < .001) and worse QOL (P = .02) were independent predictors of number of healthcare visits in the last 12 months. Indian patients with CC have more frequent and softer bowel movements compared to those in the USA suggesting significant differences in perception of CC in different geographic and cultural settings. QOL and economic impact related to constipation varies with geographic/cultural setting irrespective of other clinical and psychosomatic features. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Auditory and visual interhemispheric communication in musicians and non-musicians.

PubMed

Woelfle, Rebecca; Grahn, Jessica A

2013-01-01

The corpus callosum (CC) is a brain structure composed of axon fibres linking the right and left hemispheres. Musical training is associated with larger midsagittal cross-sectional area of the CC, suggesting that interhemispheric communication may be faster in musicians. Here we compared interhemispheric transmission times (ITTs) for musicians and non-musicians. ITT was measured by comparing simple reaction times to stimuli presented to the same hemisphere that controlled a button-press response (uncrossed reaction time), or to the contralateral hemisphere (crossed reaction time). Both visual and auditory stimuli were tested. We predicted that the crossed-uncrossed difference (CUD) for musicians would be smaller than for non-musicians as a result of faster interhemispheric transfer times. We did not expect a difference in CUDs between the visual and auditory modalities for either musicians or non-musicians, as previous work indicates that interhemispheric transfer may happen through the genu of the CC, which contains motor fibres rather than sensory fibres. There were no significant differences in CUDs between musicians and non-musicians. However, auditory CUDs were significantly smaller than visual CUDs. Although this auditory-visual difference was larger in musicians than non-musicians, the interaction between modality and musical training was not significant. Therefore, although musical training does not significantly affect ITT, the crossing of auditory information between hemispheres appears to be faster than visual information, perhaps because subcortical pathways play a greater role for auditory interhemispheric transfer.

Current Issues and Challenges in Global Analysis of Parton Distributions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tung, Wu-Ki

2007-01-01

A new implementation of precise perturbative QCD calculation of deep inelastic scattering structure functions and cross sections, incorporating heavy quark mass effects, is applied to the global analysis of the full HERA I data sets on NC and CC cross sections, in conjunction with other experiments. Improved agreement between the NLO QCD theory and the global data sets are obtained. Comparison of the new results to that of previous analysis based on conventional zero-mass parton formalism is made. Exploratory work on implications of new fixed-target neutrino scattering and Drell-Yan data on global analysis is also discussed.

Structural changes of the corpus callosum in tinnitus

PubMed Central

Diesch, Eugen; Schummer, Verena; Kramer, Martin; Rupp, Andre

2012-01-01

Objectives: In tinnitus, several brain regions seem to be structurally altered, including the medial partition of Heschl's gyrus (mHG), the site of the primary auditory cortex. The mHG is smaller in tinnitus patients than in healthy controls. The corpus callosum (CC) is the main interhemispheric commissure of the brain connecting the auditory areas of the left and the right hemisphere. Here, we investigate whether tinnitus status is associated with CC volume. Methods: The midsagittal cross-sectional area of the CC was examined in tinnitus patients and healthy controls in which an examination of the mHG had been carried out earlier. The CC was extracted and segmented into subregions which were defined according to the most common CC morphometry schemes introduced by Witelson (1989) and Hofer and Frahm (2006). Results: For both CC segmentation schemes, the CC posterior midbody was smaller in male patients than in male healthy controls and the isthmus, the anterior midbody, and the genou were larger in female patients than in female controls. With CC size normalized relative to mHG volume, the normalized CC splenium was larger in male patients than male controls and the normalized CC splenium, the isthmus and the genou were larger in female patients than female controls. Normalized CC segment size expresses callosal interconnectivity relative to auditory cortex volume. Conclusion: It may be argued that the predominant function of the CC is excitatory. The stronger callosal interconnectivity in tinnitus patients, compared to healthy controls, may facilitate the emergence and maintenance of a positive feedback loop between tinnitus generators located in the two hemispheres. PMID:22470322

Modeling Aerosol Particle Deposition on a Person Using Computational Fluid Dynamics

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-04-03

The particle Stokes number is defined as Stk = Cc ρpUjd 2 p 9µD ’ (1) (1050) (10.5) (5× 10 −6) 2 (9) (1.824× 10−5) (0.015) = 0.112, (3.2) where Cc ’ 1...sizes (5 µm and Stk = 0.11). Therefore, the appropriate modeling of the fluid fluctuations in the near-wall region is crucial for accurate sim- ulations...direction, are summarized in Figures 4.5– 4.10. For visualization purposes, the flow fields and streamlines at two cross sections through the human form

Coupled-channel analyses on 16O + 147,148,150,152,154Sm heavy-ion fusion reactions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Erol, Burcu; Yılmaz, Ahmet Hakan

2018-02-01

Heavy-ion collisons are typically characterized by the presence of many open reaction channels. In the energies around the Coulomb barrier, the main processes are elastic scattering, inelastic excitations of low-lying modes and fusion operations of one or two nuclei. The fusion process is generally defined as the effect of one-dimensional barrier penetration model, taking scattering potential as the sum of Coulomb and proximity potential. We have performed heay-ion fusion reactions with coupled-channel (CC) calculations. Coupled-channel formalism is carried out under barrier energy in heavy-ion fusion reactions. In this work fusion cross sections have been calculated and analyzed in detail for the five systems 16O + 147,148,150,152,154sm in the framework of coupled-channel approach (using the codes CCFUS and CCDEF) and Wong Formula. Calculated results are compared with experimental data, CC calculations using code CCFULL and with the cross section datas taken from `nrv'. CCDEF, CCFULL and Wong Formula explains the fusion reactions of heavy-ions very well, while using the scattering potential as WOODS-SAXON volume potential with Akyuz-Winther parameters. It was observed that AW potential parameters are able to reproduce the experimentally observed fusion cross sections reasonably well for these systems. There is a good agreement between the calculated results with the experimental and nrv[8] results.

Potential energy surface and rate coefficients of protonated cyanogen (HNCCN+) induced by collision with helium (He) at low temperature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bop, Cheikh T.; Faye, N. AB; Hammami, K.

2018-05-01

Nitriles have been identified in space. Accurately modeling their abundance requires calculations of collisional rate coefficients. These data are obtained by first computing potential energy surfaces (PES) and cross-sections using high accurate quantum methods. In this paper, we report the first interaction potential of the HNCCN+-He collisional system along with downward rate coefficients among the 11 lowest rotational levels of HNCCN+. The PES was calculated using the explicitly correlated coupled cluster approach with simple, second and non-iterative triple excitation (CCSD(T)-F12) in conjunction with the augmented-correlation consistent-polarized valence triple zeta (aug-cc-pVTZ) Gaussian basis set. It presents two local minima of ˜283 and ˜136 cm-1, the deeper one is located at R = 9 a0 towards the H end (HeṡṡṡHNCCN+). Using the so-computed PES, we calculated rotational cross-sections of HNCCN+ induced by collision with He for energies ranging up to 500 cm-1 with the exact quantum mechanical close coupling (CC) method. Downward rate coefficients were then worked out by thermally averaging the cross-sections at low temperature (T ≤ 100 K). The discussion on propensity rules showed that the odd Δj transitions were favored. The results obtained in this work may be crucially needed to accurately model the abundance of cyanogen and its protonated form in space.

An Overview of CC Coherent Pion Production

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Williams, Zachary

2017-01-01

Neutrino cross-sections are a critical component to any neutrino measurement. With the modern neutrino experiments aiming to measure precision parameters, such as those in long-baseline oscillation experiments, the need for a detailed understanding of neutrino interactions has become even more important. Within this landscape remains a number of experimental challenges in the regime of low energy neutrino cross-sections. This talk will give an overview of recent publications on Charged Current-Coherent Pion Production (CC-Coh Pion) results from a number of experimental collaborations. Specifically, the lack of observation from the SciBooNE and T2K collaborations to observe CC-Coh Pion below one GeV in contrast to the observation of this signature at higher energies by other experiments. The work presented here is a part of the beginning steps to a reanalysis of the SciBooNE data using a modern neutrino generator in order to better understand the previous results. There will be included details of a liquid Argon purification system that is being built at UTA, and of plans for a ``Baby Time Projection Chamber (TPC)'' which will also be built at UTA, and the instrumentation and detector methods used in their construction. The closing is a look to the future for a new analysis at low neutrino energies utilizing Liquid Argon Time Projection Chambers (LArTPCs) based at Fermilab.

Association of nutrition club membership with markers of health: a cross sectional study.

PubMed

Das, Sai Krupa; Vail, Taylor A; Lebrón-Torres, Namibia; Livingston, Kara A; Roberts, Susan B; Rogers, Gail T; Gilhooly, Cheryl H; Urban, Lorien E; Saltzman, Edward; McKeown, Nicola M; Folta, Sara C

2017-04-11

Nutrition clubs (NC) operate in community settings and provide members with nutrition education and meal replacements for weight management. NC are owned and operated by distributors of Herbalife products. There are over 6200 NC in the US, but there has been no independent assessment of the association of these NC with biomarkers of health. We conducted a cross-sectional pilot study to compare the health status of 100 NC members to 100 community-matched controls (CC) in the greater Boston area. Each CC was matched to a NC member for community of residence (zip code), age category, gender, BMI category, race/ethnicity, education level (category), and readiness to make health changes. Measures obtained included cardio-metabolic risk factors, body composition, markers of nutritional status, reported health status, dietary intake, physical activity, sleep and depression. Participants were predominantly female (64%) and Hispanic (73%). NC members had significantly lower fasting insulin (P < 0.001) and lower HbA1c (P = 0.008), higher levels of 25 hydroxy-vitamin D (P = 0.001), and vitamin E:cholesterol ratio (P < 0.001), and lower prevalence of metabolic syndrome (P = 0.02) compared to CC. In addition, most of the NC members (99%) were satisfied with Herbalife NC membership for themselves and their families. A higher percentage of NC members (86%) compared to CC (32%) reported being in much better or somewhat better health compared to a year ago (P < 0.001); and they reported significantly better physical health (P = 0.03), and fewer sleep problems (P = 0.03). Herbalife NC membership was positively associated with perceived health and measured cardiometabolic benefits. However, causality cannot be inferred from these findings.

Prevalence of human papilloma virus with risk of cervical cancer among south Indian women: A genotypic study with meta-analysis and molecular dynamics of HPV E6 oncoprotein.

PubMed

Akram Husain, R S; Rajakeerthana, R; Sreevalsan, Anoop; Prema Jayaprasad, P; Ahmed, Shiek S S J; Ramakrishnan, V

2018-04-23

Cervical cancer (CC) is a major fatal health problem in women with high mortality worldwide. Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is considered as one of the causative factors for CC. The HPV prevalence and their genotype distribution among women population are essential to evaluate the deteriorating impact of HPV. A cross-sectional study was performed involving 212 participants to identify the prevalence of high-risk HPV genotypes in south India using PCR and DNA Sequencing. The results obtained from cross-sectional study were used to conduct a meta-analysis of the previous published studies on HPV prevalence and genotype distribution across six geographical regions (North, Northeast, East, Central, West, and South) of India. Additionally, molecular simulation was performed using GROMACS software to determine the structural differences of E6 oncoprotein in HPV-16 and 18 genotypes, characterized from Indian subjects. Among the study participants, the HPV prevalence was found to be 81.70% in CC, 71.42% in HSIL and 61.30% in LSIL. The meta-analysis showed a high prevalence of HPV-16 in CC across the entire six regions. Of which, South and North India were found to have high HPV prevalence among Indian regions. Further, simulation of E6 oncoprotein revealed structural differences between HPV-16 and 18 which may be associated with their oncogenic nature. The HPV-16 and 18 were noticed to be highly prevalent in Indian women. Health awareness and vaccination programs are regularly needed to protect Indian women community. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Photoionization cross section by Stieltjes imaging applied to coupled cluster Lanczos pseudo-spectra

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cukras, Janusz; Coriani, Sonia; Decleva, Piero; Christiansen, Ove; Norman, Patrick

2013-09-01

A recently implemented asymmetric Lanczos algorithm for computing (complex) linear response functions within the coupled cluster singles (CCS), coupled cluster singles and iterative approximate doubles (CC2), and coupled cluster singles and doubles (CCSD) is coupled to a Stieltjes imaging technique in order to describe the photoionization cross section of atoms and molecules, in the spirit of a similar procedure recently proposed by Averbukh and co-workers within the Algebraic Diagrammatic Construction approach. Pilot results are reported for the atoms He, Ne, and Ar and for the molecules H2, H2O, NH3, HF, CO, and CO2.

Photoionization cross section by Stieltjes imaging applied to coupled cluster Lanczos pseudo-spectra.

PubMed

Cukras, Janusz; Coriani, Sonia; Decleva, Piero; Christiansen, Ove; Norman, Patrick

2013-09-07

A recently implemented asymmetric Lanczos algorithm for computing (complex) linear response functions within the coupled cluster singles (CCS), coupled cluster singles and iterative approximate doubles (CC2), and coupled cluster singles and doubles (CCSD) is coupled to a Stieltjes imaging technique in order to describe the photoionization cross section of atoms and molecules, in the spirit of a similar procedure recently proposed by Averbukh and co-workers within the Algebraic Diagrammatic Construction approach. Pilot results are reported for the atoms He, Ne, and Ar and for the molecules H2, H2O, NH3, HF, CO, and CO2.

Auditory and Visual Interhemispheric Communication in Musicians and Non-Musicians

PubMed Central

Woelfle, Rebecca; Grahn, Jessica A.

2013-01-01

The corpus callosum (CC) is a brain structure composed of axon fibres linking the right and left hemispheres. Musical training is associated with larger midsagittal cross-sectional area of the CC, suggesting that interhemispheric communication may be faster in musicians. Here we compared interhemispheric transmission times (ITTs) for musicians and non-musicians. ITT was measured by comparing simple reaction times to stimuli presented to the same hemisphere that controlled a button-press response (uncrossed reaction time), or to the contralateral hemisphere (crossed reaction time). Both visual and auditory stimuli were tested. We predicted that the crossed-uncrossed difference (CUD) for musicians would be smaller than for non-musicians as a result of faster interhemispheric transfer times. We did not expect a difference in CUDs between the visual and auditory modalities for either musicians or non-musicians, as previous work indicates that interhemispheric transfer may happen through the genu of the CC, which contains motor fibres rather than sensory fibres. There were no significant differences in CUDs between musicians and non-musicians. However, auditory CUDs were significantly smaller than visual CUDs. Although this auditory-visual difference was larger in musicians than non-musicians, the interaction between modality and musical training was not significant. Therefore, although musical training does not significantly affect ITT, the crossing of auditory information between hemispheres appears to be faster than visual information, perhaps because subcortical pathways play a greater role for auditory interhemispheric transfer. PMID:24386382

Assessment of an Innovative Voluntary Substance Abuse Treatment Program Designed to Replace Compulsory Drug Detention Centers in Malaysia.

PubMed

Khan, Farrah; Krishnan, Archana; Ghani, Mansur A; Wickersham, Jeffrey A; Fu, Jeannia J; Lim, Sin How; Dhaliwal, Sangeeth Kaur; Kamarulzaman, Adeeba; Altice, Frederick L

2018-01-28

As part of an ongoing initiative by the Malaysian government to implement alternative approaches to involuntary detention of people who use drugs, the National Anti-Drug Agency has created new voluntary drug treatment programs known as Cure and Care (C&C) Centers that provide free access to addiction treatment services, including methadone maintenance therapy, integrated with social and health services.   We evaluated early treatment outcomes and client satisfaction among patients accessing C&C treatment and ancillary services at Malaysia's second C&C Center located in Kota Bharu, Kelantan. In June-July 2012, a cross-sectional convenience survey of 96 C&C inpatients and outpatients who entered treatment >30 days previously was conducted to assess drug use, criminal justice experience, medical co-morbidities, motivation for seeking treatment, and attitudes towards the C&C. Drug use was compared for the 30-day-period before C&C entry and the 30-day-period before the interview. Self-reported drug use levels decreased significantly among both inpatient and outpatient clients after enrolling in C&C treatment. Higher levels of past drug use, lower levels of social support, and more severe mental health issues were reported by participants who were previously imprisoned. Self-reported satisfaction with C&C treatment services was high. Conclusions/Importance: Preliminary evidence of reduced drug use and high levels of client satisfaction among C&C clients provide support for Malaysia's ongoing transition from compulsory drug detention centers (CDDCs) to these voluntary drug treatment centers. If C&C centers are successful, Malaysia plans to gradually transition away from CDDCs entirely.

Cross-Talk Limits of Highly Segmented Semiconductor Detectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pullia, Alberto; Weisshaar, Dirk; Zocca, Francesca; Bazzacco, Dino

2011-06-01

Cross-talk limits of monolithic highly-segmented semiconductor detectors for high-resolution X-gamma spectrometry are investigated. Cross-talk causes false signal components yielding amplitude losses and fold-dependent shifts of the spectral lines, which partially spoil the spectroscopic performance of the detector. Two complementary electrical models are developed, which describe quantitatively the inter-channel cross-talk of monolithic segmented detectors whose electrodes are read out by charge-sensitive preamplifiers. The first is here designated as Cross-Capacitance (CC) model, the second as Split-Charge (SC) model. The CC model builds around the parasitic capacitances Cij linking the preamplifier outputs and the neighbor channel inputs. The SC model builds around the finite-value of the decoupling capacitance CC used to read out the high-voltage detector electrode. The key parameters of the models are individuated and ideas are shown to minimize their impact. Using a quasi-coaxial germanium segmented detector it is found that the SC cross-talk becomes negligible for decoupling capacitances larger than 1 nF, where instead the CC cross-talk tends to dominate. The residual cross-talk may be reduced by minimization of stray capacitances Cij, through a careful design of the layout of the Printed Circuit Board (PCB) where the input transistors are mounted. Cij can be made as low as 5 fF, but it is shown that even in such case the impact of the CC cross-talk on the detector performance is not negligible. Finally, an algorithm for cross-talk correction is presented and elaborated.

Corpus callosum volumes in the 5 years following the first-episode of schizophrenia: Effects of antipsychotics, chronicity and maturation.

PubMed

de Moura, Mariana T M; Zanetti, Marcus V; Duran, Fabio L S; Schaufelberger, Maristela S; Menezes, Paulo R; Scazufca, Marcia; Busatto, Geraldo F; Serpa, Mauricio H

2018-01-01

White matter (WM) structural changes, particularly affecting the corpus callosum (CC), seem to be critically implicated in psychosis. Whether such abnormalities are progressive or static is still a matter of debate in schizophrenia research. Aberrant maturation processes might also influence the longitudinal trajectory of age-related CC changes in schizophrenia patients. We investigated whether patients with first-episode schizophrenia-related psychoses (FESZ) would present longitudinal CC and whole WM volume changes over the 5 years after disease onset. Thirty-two FESZ patients and 34 controls recruited using a population-based design completed a 5-year assessment protocol, including structural MRI scanning at baseline and follow-up. The linear effects of disease duration, clinical outcome and antipsychotic (AP) use over time on WM and CC volumes were studied using both voxelwise and volume-based morphometry analyses. We also examined maturation/aging abnormalities through cross-sectional analyses of age-related trajectories of total WM and CC volume changes. No interaction between diagnosis and time was observed, and clinical outcome did not influence CC volumes in patients. On the other hand, FESZ patients continuously exposed to AP medication showed volume increase over time in posterior CC. Curve-estimation analyses revealed a different aging pattern in FESZ patients versus controls: while patients displayed a linear decline of total WM and anterior CC volumes with age, a non-linear trajectory of total WM and relative preservation of CC volumes were observed in controls. Continuous AP exposure can influence CC morphology during the first years after schizophrenia onset. Schizophrenia is associated with an abnormal pattern of total WM and anterior CC aging during non-elderly adulthood, and this adds complexity to the discussion on the static or progressive nature of structural abnormalities in psychosis.

MACULAR ATROPHY FINDINGS BY OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY ANGIOGRAPHY COMPARED WITH FUNDUS AUTOFLUORESCENCE IN TREATED EXUDATIVE AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION.

PubMed

Takasago, Yukari; Shiragami, Chieko; Kobayashi, Mamoru; Osaka, Rie; Ono, Aoi; Yamashita, Ayana; Tsujikawa, Akitaka; Hirooka, Kazuyuki

2017-11-28

To compare the areas of choriocapillaris (CC) nonperfusion and macular atrophy (MA) in treated exudative age-related macular degeneration. This was a prospective, observational, cross-sectional study. Forty-four eyes exhibiting MA (42 patients with age-related macular degeneration), with a dry macula, underwent fundus autofluorescence and optical coherence tomography angiography. The area of MA detected by fundus autofluorescence and CC nonperfusion detected by optical coherence tomography angiography was measured using image analysis software. The rates of concordance between the MA and CC nonperfusion areas were calculated. We qualitatively and quantitatively compared the areas of MA and CC nonperfusion in age-related macular degeneration eyes. The mean areas of MA and CC nonperfusion were 5.95 ± 4.50 mm and 10.66 ± 7.05 mm, respectively (paired t-test, P < 0.001). In 39 eyes (88.6%), the CC nonperfusion area was larger than the MA area, and the mean CC nonperfusion area was significantly larger than the mean MA area. Fundus autofluorescence matching optical coherence tomography angiography showed that the CC nonperfusion area was almost included in the MA area. The mean concordance rate for the MA area inside the CC nonperfusion area was 87.7 ± 13.9%. The MA and CC nonperfusion areas markedly overlapped. The area of CC nonperfusion correlated with the MA area. Choroidal ischemia might be involved in the pathogenesis of MA in treated age-related macular degeneration.This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License 4.0 (CCBY), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Perceived Risk of Cervical Cancer and Barriers to Screening among Secondary School Female Teachers in Al Hassa, Saudi Arabia

PubMed Central

Salem, Marwa Rashad; Amin, Tarek Tawfik; Alhulaybi, Abdulhamid Abdulrahman; Althafar, Abdulaziz Sami; Abdelhai, Rehab Ahmed

2017-01-01

Background: No previous studies had addressed the perceived risk of cervical cancer (CC) and its influence on screening practices and perceived barriers in Saudi Arabia. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 506 randomly selected Saudi female secondary school teachers in Al Hassa, Saudi Arabia to assess their level of knowledge about risk factors and signs of CC in relation to perceived risk and to characterize CC screening compliance using a self-administered questionnaire. Results: Of the included female Saudi teachers, 65.4% and 63.4% were considered less-knowledgeable about CC risk factors and early signs and symptoms respectively. Only 17.2% reported being previously examined for CC. The majority of participants perceived themselves to be at an average or below average risk of CC. Residing in urban areas was the strongest predictor of CC screening (Odds ratio ‘OR’= 3.39; 95% confidence intervals ‘CI= 1.76-6.46; P=0.001). Awareness of risk factors was significantly associated with higher awareness of signs of CC (OR 2.5; 95% CI=, P=0.001). Exploratory factor analysis showed that personal fears (of screening being embarrassing) was the major factor that hindered CC screening with a high loading eigenvalue of 4.392, explaining 30.8% of the barriers toward utilization, followed by health care related factors. Conclusion: Secondary school teachers in Al Hassa, Saudi Arabia showed low perceived risk, poor awareness about risk factors, signs and symptoms of CC and limited uptake of screening practices. This underlines the need for education programs on CC targeting this group. PMID:28545195

Knowledge about cervical cancer screening among family physicians: cross-sectional survey.

PubMed

Del Refugio Gonzalez-Losa, Maria; Gongora-Marfil, Glendy K; Puerto-Solis, Marylin

2009-04-01

Cervical cancer (CC) is an important public health problem worldwide. In Mexico, there has been a National Cervical Cancer Screening Program (NCCSP) since 1974. Mexican Social Security Institute attended Mexican workers and family physicians are responsible of the primary care of patients. To evaluate knowledge about the aetiology and prevention of CC among family physicians working in Yucatan, Mexico, at Mexican Social Security Institute. A questionnaire was applied to 187 family doctors. Self-administer questionnaire with 10 item previously used by ours and other researchers, was used for the evaluation. Each correctly answered item was given a point. The maximum grade was 10 and the minimum 0. The knowledge mean was 6.93 points. Fewer than 50% knew what to do with women who are human papillomavirus (HPV) positive without a precancerous cervical lesion and the appropriate age range for Pap smears. A total of 61.1% identified CC as an important health problem in Mexico; however, 95.1% identified CC as a preventive cause of deaths among Mexican women and recognized that HPV is the main CC aetiological agent, and 90.3% mentioned the Pap smear as the main method of diagnosis of CC. The family doctors need to have an adequate knowledge of the practical elements of the NCCSP to give an efficient attention to their patients.

CC-inclusive cross section measured with the T2K near detector

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

Weber, Alfons; STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Harwell, Didcot OX11 0QX

2015-05-15

T2K has performed the first measurement of muon neutrino inclusive charged current interactions on carbon at neutrino energies of ∼1 GeV where the measurement is reported as a flux-averaged double differential cross section in muon momentum and angle. The flux is predicted by the beam Monte Carlo and external data, including the results from the NA61/SHINE experiment. The data used for this measurement were taken in 2010 and 2011, with a total of 1.08*10{sup 20} protons-on-target. The analysis is performed on 4485 inclusive charged current interaction candidates selected in the most upstream fine-grained scintillator detector of the near detector. Themore » flux-averaged total cross section is = (6.91±0.13(stat)±0.84(syst)) 10{sup −39} cm{sup 2}/nucleon for a mean neutrino energy of 0.85 GeV.« less

Interhemispheric Connectivity and Executive Functioning in Adults With Tourette Syndrome

PubMed Central

Margolis, Amy; Donkervoort, Mireille; Kinsbourne, Marcel; Peterson, Bradley S.

2008-01-01

The prefrontal cortex (PFC) is relatively smaller, and the corpus callosum (CC) larger, in adults with Tourette syndrome (TS). The authors explored the possible roles of the PFC and the CC in mediating interhemispheric interference and coordination in TS adults. They measured performance on M. Kinsbourne and J. Cook's (1971) verbal–manual interference task and on the bimanual Purdue Pegboard in 38 adults with TS and 34 healthy adults. Compared with controls, TS subjects were impaired on the bimanual Purdue Pegboard. On the dual task, right-hand performance did not differ between groups, but the normally expected left-hand advantage (opposite hemisphere condition) was absent in TS subjects. In the control group only, better left-hand performance accompanied larger PFC volumes but not CC cross-sectional area. PFC dysfunction might have precluded executive control of interference in the TS group. PMID:16460223

Assessment of an Innovative Voluntary Substance Abuse Treatment Program Designed to Replace Compulsory Drug Detention Centers in Malaysia

PubMed Central

Khan, Farrah; Krishnan, Archana; Ghani, Mansur A.; Wickersham, Jeffrey A.; Fu, Jeannia J.; Lim, Sin How; Dhaliwal, Sangeeth Kaur; Kamarulzaman, Adeeba; Altice, Frederick L.

2017-01-01

Background As part of an ongoing initiative by the Malaysian government to implement alternative approaches to involuntary detention of people who use drugs, the National Anti-Drug Agency has created new voluntary drug treatment programs known as Cure and Care (C&C) Centers that provide free access to addiction treatment services, including methadone maintenance therapy, integrated with social and health services. Objectives We evaluated early treatment outcomes and client satisfaction among patients accessing C&C treatment and ancillary services at Malaysia’s second C&C Center located in Kota Bharu, Kelantan. Methods In June–July 2012, a cross-sectional convenience survey of 96 C&C inpatients and outpatients who entered treatment >30 days previously was conducted to assess drug use, criminal justice experience, medical co-morbidities, motivation for seeking treatment, and attitudes towards the C&C. Drug use was compared for the 30-day-period before C&C entry and the 30-day-period before the interview. Results Self-reported drug use levels decreased significantly among both inpatient and outpatient clients after enrolling in C&C treatment. Higher levels of past drug use, lower levels of social support, and more severe mental health issues were reported by participants who were previously imprisoned. Self-reported satisfaction with C&C treatment services was high. Conclusions/Importance Preliminary evidence of reduced drug use and high levels of client satisfaction among C&C clients provide support for Malaysia’s ongoing transition from compulsory drug detention centers (CDDCs) to these voluntary drug treatment centers. If C&C centers are successful, Malaysia plans to gradually transition away from CDDCs entirely. PMID:28635521

78 FR 68147 - Notice of Application for Approval of Discontinuance or Modification of a Railroad Signal System

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-11-13

... control system (TCS) on main tracks between Control Point (CP) Mount Morris, Milepost (MP) CC-26.2, and CP... are at CP South Kearsley, MP CC-33.54, an at-grade railroad crossing with the Grand Trunk Railway, and at CP Holly, CC-50.42, an at-grade railroad crossing with the Canadian National Railway. These...

Collisional excitation of ArH+ by hydrogen atoms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dagdigian, Paul J.

2018-06-01

The rotational excitation of the 36ArH+ ion in collisions with hydrogen atoms is investigated in this work. The potential energy surface (PES) describing the 36ArH+-H interaction, with the ion bond length r fixed at the average of r over the radial v = 0 vibrational state distribution, was obtained with a coupled cluster method that included single, double, and (perturbatively) triple excitations [RCCSD(T)]. A deep minimum (De = 3135 cm-1) in the PES was found in linear H-ArH+ geometry at an ion-atom separation Re = 4.80a0. Energy-dependent cross-sections and rate coefficients as a function of temperature for this collision pair were computed in close-coupling (CC) calculations. Since the PES possesses a deep well, this is a good system to test the performance of the quantum statistical (QS) method developed by Manolopoulos and co-workers as a more efficient method to compute the cross-sections. Good agreement was found between rate coefficients obtained by the CC and QS methods at several temperatures. In a simple application, the excitation of ArH+ is simulated for conditions under which this ion is observed in absorption.

Collisional rates based on the first potential energy surface of the NeH+ -He system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bop, Cheikh T.; Hammami, K.; Faye, N. A. B.

2017-09-01

The potential energy surface is computed at the explicitly correlated coupled cluster with simple, second and perturbative triple excitation method (CCSD(T)-F12) in connection with the augmented-correlation consistent-polarized valence triple zeta (aug-cc-pVTZ) Gaussian basis set for the NeH+ -He system. The calculations were performed by first taking into account the vibration of the molecule and then averaging the so-obtained three-dimensional potential. From this average interaction potential, cross-sections among the 11 first rotational levels of NeH+ induced by collision with He are calculated for energies up to 4000 cm-1 using the quantum mechanical close coupling (CC) approach. Collisional rate coefficients are obtained by thermally averaging these cross-sections at low temperature (T ≤ 300 K). The propensity rules of the rotational transitions obtained in this paper are discussed and compared with those of HeH+ and ArH+ in collision with electron. This work may be helpful for the eventual investigations, both theoretical and experimental, focused to detect the key cationic noble gas hydride NeH+ in the interstellar and circumstellar media as well as in laboratory experiments.

Temporal variability of mass transport across Canary Islands Channels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marrero-Díaz, Ángeles; Rodríguez-Santana, Ángel; José Machín, Francisco; García-Weil, Luis; Sangrà, Pablo; Vélez-Belchí, Pedro; Fraile-Nuez, Eugenio

2014-05-01

The equatorward flowing Canary Current (CC) is the main feature of the circulation in the Canary Islands region. The CC flow perturbation by the Canary Islands originate the Canary Eddy Corridor which is the major pathway for long lived eddies in the subtropical North Atlantic (Sangrà et al., 2009, DSR). Therefore the variability of the CC passing through the Canary Archipelago will have both local and regional importance. Past studies on the CC variability trough the Canary Islands point out a clearly seasonal variability (Fraile-Nuez et al, 2010 (JGR); Hernández-Guerra et al, 2002 (DSR)). However those studies where focused on the eastern islands channels missing the variability through the western island channels which are the main source of long lived eddies. In order to fill this gap from November 2012 until September 2013 we conducted trimonthly surveys crossing the whole islands channels using opportunity ships (Naviera Armas Ferries). XBT and XCTD where launched along the cross channels transects. Additionally a closed box circling the Archipelago was performed on October 2013 as part of the cruise RAPROCAN-2013 (IEO) using also XBT and XCTD. Dynamical variables where derived inferring salinity from S(T,p) analytical relationships for the region updated with new XCTD data. High resolution, vertical sections of temperature, potential density, geostrophic velocity and transport where obtained. Our preliminary results suggest that the CC suffer a noticeable acceleration in those islands channels where eddy shedding is more frequent. They also indicate a clearly seasonal variability of the flows passing the islands channels. With this regard we observed significant differences on the obtained seasonal variability with respect the cited past studies on the eastern islands channel (Lanzarote / Fuerteventura - Africa coast). This work was co-funded by Canary Government (TRAMIC project: PROID20100092) and the European Union (FEDER).

Imbalanced functional link between reward circuits and the cognitive control system in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder.

PubMed

Xie, Chunming; Ma, Lisha; Jiang, Nan; Huang, Ruyan; Li, Li; Gong, Liang; He, Cancan; Xiao, Chaoyong; Liu, Wen; Xu, Shu; Zhang, Zhijun

2017-08-01

Altered reward processing and cognitive deficits are often observed in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD); however, whether the imbalance in activity between reward circuits and the cognitive control (CC) system is associated with compulsive behavior remains unknown. Sixty-eight OCD patients and 33 cognitively normal (CN) healthy subjects participated in this resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging study. Alterations in the functional connectivity between reward circuits and the CC system were quantitatively assessed and compared between the groups. A Granger causality analysis was used to determine the causal informational influence between and within reward circuits and the CC system across all subjects. OCD patients showed a dichotomous pattern of enhanced functional coupling in their reward circuits and a weakened functional coupling in their CC system when compared to CN subjects. Neural correlates of compulsive behavior were primarily located in the reward circuits and CC system in OCD patients. Importantly, the CC system exerted a reduced interregional causal influence over the reward system in OCD patients relative to its effect in CN subjects. The limitations of this study are that it was a cross-sectional study and the potential effects of environmental and genetic factors were not explored. OCD patients showed an imbalance in the functional link between reward circuits and the CC system at rest. This bias toward a loss of control may define a pathological state in which subjects are more vulnerable to engaging in compulsive behaviors.

Interobserver delineation variation in lung tumour stereotactic body radiotherapy

PubMed Central

Persson, G F; Nygaard, D E; Hollensen, C; Munck af Rosenschöld, P; Mouritsen, L S; Due, A K; Berthelsen, A K; Nyman, J; Markova, E; Roed, A P; Roed, H; Korreman, S; Specht, L

2012-01-01

Objectives In radiotherapy, delineation uncertainties are important as they contribute to systematic errors and can lead to geographical miss of the target. For margin computation, standard deviations (SDs) of all uncertainties must be included as SDs. The aim of this study was to quantify the interobserver delineation variation for stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) of peripheral lung tumours using a cross-sectional study design. Methods 22 consecutive patients with 26 tumours were included. Positron emission tomography/CT scans were acquired for planning of SBRT. Three oncologists and three radiologists independently delineated the gross tumour volume. The interobserver variation was calculated as a mean of multiple SDs of distances to a reference contour, and calculated for the transversal plane (SDtrans) and craniocaudal (CC) direction (SDcc) separately. Concordance indexes and volume deviations were also calculated. Results Median tumour volume was 13.0 cm3, ranging from 0.3 to 60.4 cm3. The mean SDtrans was 0.15 cm (SD 0.08 cm) and the overall mean SDcc was 0.26 cm (SD 0.15 cm). Tumours with pleural contact had a significantly larger SDtrans than tumours surrounded by lung tissue. Conclusions The interobserver delineation variation was very small in this systematic cross-sectional analysis, although significantly larger in the CC direction than in the transversal plane, stressing that anisotropic margins should be applied. This study is the first to make a systematic cross-sectional analysis of delineation variation for peripheral lung tumours referred for SBRT, establishing the evidence that interobserver variation is very small for these tumours. PMID:22919015

In medium dispersion relation effects in nuclear inclusive reactions at intermediate and low energies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nieves, Juan; Sobczyk, Joanna E.

2017-08-01

In a well-established many-body framework, successful in modeling a great variety of nuclear processes, we analyze the role of the spectral functions (SFs) accounting for the modifications of the dispersion relation of nucleons embedded in a nuclear medium. We concentrate in processes mostly governed by one-body mechanisms, and study possible approximations to evaluate the particle-hole propagator using SFs. We also investigate how to include together SFs and long-range RPA-correlation corrections in the evaluation of nuclear response functions, discussing the existing interplay between both type of nuclear effects. At low energy transfers (≤ 50 MeV), we compare our predictions for inclusive muon and radiative pion captures in nuclei, and charge-current (CC) neutrino-nucleus cross sections with experimental results. We also present an analysis of intermediate energy quasi-elastic neutrino scattering for various targets and both neutrino and antineutrino CC driven processes. In all cases, we pay special attention to estimate the uncertainties affecting the theoretical predictions. In particular, we show that errors on the σμ /σe ratio are much smaller than 5%, and also much smaller than the size of the SF+RPA nuclear corrections, which produce significant effects, not only in the individual cross sections, but also in their ratio for neutrino energies below 400 MeV. These latter nuclear corrections, beyond Pauli blocking, turn out to be thus essential to achieve a correct theoretical understanding of this ratio of cross sections of interest for appearance neutrino oscillation experiments. We also briefly compare our SF and RPA results to predictions obtained within other representative approaches.

Knowledge about human papillomavirus and prevention of cervical cancer among women of Arkhangelsk, Northwest Russia.

PubMed

Roik, Elena E; Sharashova, Ekaterina E; Nieboer, Evert; Kharkova, Olga A; Postoev, Vitaly A; Odland, Jon Ø

2017-01-01

Knowledge about cervical cancer (CC) risk factors and benefits of CC prevention motivates women to participate in its screening. However, several studies show that there is a significant knowledge deficit worldwide about human papillomavirus (HPV). The current study explores the level of knowledge about HPV and CC prevention in the context of sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics of women who visited an antenatal clinic in Arkhangelsk, Russia. This cross-sectional study was conducted in the city of Arkhangelsk, which seats the administrative center of Arkhangelsk County, Northwest Russia. It included women who consulted a gynecologist for any reason between January 1, 2015 and April 30, 2015, were residents of Arkhangelsk, 25 to 65 years of age and sexually active (N = 300). Student's t-test for continuous variables and Pearson's χ2 test for categorical variables were used in the comparisons of women grouped as having either poor or sufficient knowledge. Linear regression analysis was also employed. The level of knowledge about HPV and CC prevention was associated with education, parity, age of initiating of intercourse, and sources of information. After adjustment, women with university education were more likely to have higher knowledge about HPV and CC prevention compared to those with lower education. We observed that most participants had a sufficient level of knowledge. Educational gaps were identified that potentially could be used to tailor interventions in CC prevention.

Critical care ultrasound training: a survey of US fellowship directors.

PubMed

Mosier, Jarrod M; Malo, Josh; Stolz, Lori A; Bloom, John W; Reyes, Nathaniel A; Snyder, Linda S; Adhikari, Srikar

2014-08-01

The purpose of this study is to describe the current state of bedside ultrasound use and training among critical care (CC) training programs in the United States. This was a cross-sectional survey of all program directors for Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education accredited programs during the 2012 to 2013 academic year in CC medicine, surgical CC, pulmonary and critical care, and anesthesia CC. Availability, current use, and barriers to training in CC ultrasound were assessed. Sixty of 195 (31%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 24%-38%) program directors responded. Most of the responding programs had an ultrasound system available for use (54/60, 90%; 95% CI, 79%-96%) and identified ultrasound training as useful (59/60, 98%; 95% CI, 91%-100%) but lacked a formal curriculum (25/60, 42%; 95% CI, 29%-55%) or trained faculty (mean percentage of faculty trained in ultrasound: pulmonary and critical care, 25%; surgical CC, 33%; anesthesia CC, 20%; CC medicine, 7%), and relied on informal teaching (45/60, 77%; 95% CI, 62%-85%). Faculty with expertise (53/60, 88%; 95% CI, 77%-95%), simulation training (60/60, 100%; 95% CI, 94%-100%), establishing and meeting required number of examinations (47/60, 78%; 95% CI, 66%-88%), and regular review sessions (49/60, 82%; 95% CI, 70%-90%) were identified as necessary to improve ultrasound training. Most responding programs (32/35 91%; 95% CI, 77%-98%) without a formal curriculum plan to create one in the next 5 years. This study identified deficiencies in current training, suggesting a need for a formal curriculum for bedside ultrasound training in CC fellowship programs. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of emergency medical text processor, a system for cleaning chief complaint text data.

PubMed

Travers, Debbie A; Haas, Stephanie W

2004-11-01

Emergency Medical Text Processor (EMT-P) version 1, a natural language processing system that cleans emergency department text (e.g., chst pn, chest pai), was developed to maximize extraction of standard terms (e.g., chest pain). The authors compared the number of standard terms extracted from raw chief complaint (CC) data with that for CC data cleaned with EMT-P and evaluated the accuracy of EMT-P. This cross-sectional observation study included CC text entries for all emergency department visits to three tertiary care centers in 2001. Terms were extracted from CC entries before and after cleaning with EMT-P. Descriptive statistics included number and percentage of all entries (tokens) and all unique entries (types) that matched a standard term from the Unified Medical Language System (UMLS). An expert panel rated the accuracy of the CC-UMLS term matches; inter-rater reliability was measured with kappa. The authors collected 203,509 CC entry tokens, of which 63,946 were unique entry types. For the raw data, 89,337 tokens (44%) and 5,081 types (8%) matched a standard term. After EMT-P cleaning, 168,050 tokens (83%) and 44,430 types (69%) matched a standard term. The expert panel reached consensus on 201 of the 222 CC-UMLS term matches reviewed (kappa=0.69-0.72). Ninety-six percent of the 201 matches were rated equivalent or related. Thirty-eight percent of the nonmatches were found to match UMLS concepts. EMT-P version 1 is relatively accurate, and cleaning with EMT-P improved the CC-UMLS term match rate over raw data. The authors identified areas for improvement in future EMT-P versions and issues to be resolved in developing a standard CC terminology.

MicroRNAs in Serum and Bile of Patients with Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis and/or Cholangiocarcinoma.

PubMed

Voigtländer, Torsten; Gupta, Shashi K; Thum, Sabrina; Fendrich, Jasmin; Manns, Michael P; Lankisch, Tim O; Thum, Thomas

2015-01-01

Patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) are at high risk for the development of cholangiocarcinoma (CC). Analysis of micro ribonucleic acid (MiRNA) patterns is an evolving research field in biliary pathophysiology with potential value in diagnosis and therapy. Our aim was to evaluate miRNA patterns in serum and bile of patients with PSC and/or CC. Serum and bile from consecutive patients with PSC (n = 40 (serum), n = 52 (bile)), CC (n = 31 (serum), n = 19 (bile)) and patients with CC complicating PSC (PSC/CC) (n = 12 (bile)) were analyzed in a cross-sectional study between 2009 and 2012. As additional control serum samples from healthy individuals were analyzed (n = 12). The miRNA levels in serum and bile were determined with global miRNA profiling and subsequent miRNA-specific polymerase chain reaction-mediated validation. Serum analysis revealed significant differences for miR-1281 (p = 0.001), miR-126 (p = 0.001), miR-26a (p = 0.001), miR-30b (p = 0.001) and miR-122 (p = 0.034) between patients with PSC and patients with CC. All validated miRNAs were significantly lower in healthy individuals. MiR-412 (p = 0.001), miR-640 (p = 0.001), miR-1537 (p = 0.003) and miR-3189 (p = 0.001) were significantly different between patients with PSC and PSC/CC in bile. Patients with PSC and/or CC have distinct miRNA profiles in serum and bile. Furthermore, miRNA concentrations are different in bile of patients with CC on top of PSC indicating the potential diagnostic value of these miRNAs.

Association between Taenia solium infection and HIV/AIDS in northern Tanzania: a matched cross sectional-study.

PubMed

Schmidt, Veronika; Kositz, Christian; Herbinger, Karl-Heinz; Carabin, Hélène; Ngowi, Bernard; Naman, Ezra; Wilkins, Patricia P; Noh, John; Matuja, William; Winkler, Andrea Sylvia

2016-12-01

The frequency of Taenia solium, a zoonotic helminth, is increasing in many countries of sub-Saharan Africa, where the prevalence of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is also high. However, little is known about how these two infections interact. The aim of this study was to compare the proportion of HIV positive (+) and negative (-) individuals who are infected with Taenia solium (TSOL) and who present with clinical and neurological manifestations of cysticercosis (CC). In northern Tanzania, 170 HIV+ individuals and 170 HIV- controls matched for gender, age and village of origin were recruited. HIV staging and serological tests for TSOL antibodies (Ab) and antigen (Ag) were performed. Neurocysticercosis (NCC) was determined by computed tomography (CT) using standard diagnostic criteria. Neurological manifestations were confirmed by a standard neurological examination. In addition, demographic, clinical and neuroimaging data were collected. Further, CD4 + cell counts as well as information on highly active antiretroviral treatment (HAART) were noted. No significant differences between HIV+ and HIV- individuals regarding the sero-prevalence of taeniosis-Ab (0.6% vs 1.2%), CC-Ab (2.4% vs 2.4%) and CC-Ag (0.6% vs 0.0%) were detected. A total of six NCC cases (3 HIV+ and 3 HIV-) were detected in the group of matched participants. Two individuals (1 HIV+ and 1 HIV-) presented with headaches as the main symptom for NCC, and four with asymptomatic NCC. Among the HIV+ group, TSOL was not associated with CD4 + cell counts, HAART duration or HIV stage. This study found lower prevalence of taeniosis, CC and NCC than had been reported in the region to date. This low level of infection may have resulted in an inability to find cross-sectional associations between HIV status and TSOL infection or NCC. Larger sample sizes will be required in future studies conducted in that area to conclude if HIV influences the way NCC manifests itself.

Worldwide Inverse Association between Gastric Cancer and Esophageal Adenocarcinoma Suggesting a Common Environmental Factor Exerting Opposing Effects.

PubMed

Derakhshan, Mohammad H; Arnold, Melina; Brewster, David H; Going, James J; Mitchell, David R; Forman, David; McColl, Kenneth E L

2016-02-01

The incidence of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) is increasing while adenocarcinoma of the stomach is decreasing. We have investigated whether the incidences of these two cancers and their time trends might be inversely related pointing to a common environmental factor exerting opposite effects on these cancers. For cross-sectional analyses data were abstracted from "Cancer Incidence in Five Continents" (CI5) Volume X and GLOBOCAN 2012. Relevant ICD-10 codes were used to locate esophageal and gastric cancers anatomically, and ICD-O codes for the histological diagnosis of EAC. For longitudinal analyses, age standardized rates (ASRs) of EAC and total gastric cancer (TGC) were extracted from CI5C-Plus. Estimated (2012) ASRs were available for 51 countries and these showed significant negative correlations between EAC and both TGC (males: correlation coefficient (CC)=-0.38, P=0.006, females: CC=-0.41, P=0.003) and non-cardia gastric cancer rates (males: CC=-0.41, P=0.003 and females: CC=-0.43, P=0.005). Annual incidence trends were analyzed for 38 populations through 1989-2007 and showed significant decreases for TGC in 89% and increases for EAC in 66% of these, with no population showing a fall in the latter. Significant negative correlation between the incidence trends of the two cancers was observed in 27 of the 38 populations over the 19-50 years of available paired data. Super-imposition of the longitudinal and cross-sectional data indicated that populations with a current high incidence of EAC and low incidence of gastric cancer had previously resembled countries with a high incidence of gastric cancer and low incidence of EAC. The negative association between gastric cancer and EAC in both current incidences and time trends is consistent with a common environmental factor predisposing to one and protecting from the other.

Intrinsic Remediation Engineering Evaluation/Cost Analysis for Site SS27/XYZ Dover AFB, Dover, DE

DTIC Science & Technology

1996-01-01

and Output Files APPENDIX F Analytical Models APPENDIX G Costing Worksheets and Present Worth Calculations TABLES No. Title Page 2.1 CPT Activity and...8217 ............................................................... 4-38 _ 4.19 Redox Potential Map for Groundwater ......................................... 4-42 4.20 Vertical Profile of Redox Isopleths for...Groundwater Cross-Section C-C ’. ............................................................... 4-43 4.21 Vertical Profile of Redox Isopleths for

Nasal colonization of Staphylococcus aureus colonal complex 5: Prevalence, influencing factors, and phenotypic and molecular characteristics in pregnant Chinese women.

PubMed

Lin, Jialing; Wu, Chuanan; Ou, Qianting; Lin, Dongxin; Zhang, Ting; Bai, Chan; Zheng, Haoqu; Ye, Jiaping; Wang, Xiaojie; Li, Ying; Ye, Xiaohua; Yao, Zhenjiang

2017-10-01

Colonal complex 5 (CC5) has been referred to as the most pandemic community-associated Staphylococcus aureus in most Asian countries. However, few studies have focused on CC5 isolates in pregnant women. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and phenotypic and molecular characteristics of S aureus and methicillin-resistant S aureus (MRSA) CC5 nasal colonization in pregnant Chinese women. We performed a cross-sectional study between August and November 2015 in 2 hospitals in Shenzhen, China. Pregnant women were asked to complete questionnaires, and nasal swabs were collected. Log-binomial regression models were used to explore factors influencing S aureus and MRSA nasal colonization between the CC5 and non-CC5 or non-S aureus groups. Polymerase chain reaction assays were used to detect the molecular characteristics of isolates. Overall, 2,172 pregnant women were included in this study. The prevalence of S aureus and MRSA was 25.60% (n = 556) and 5.62% (n = 122), respectively. The multilocus sequence typing of S aureus isolates was diversified. A lower frequency of daily handwashing (<7) and weekly bathing (<7) were risk factors for the prevalence of S aureus (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR], 1.13; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03-1.41 and aPR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.03-1.45) and MRSA (aPR, 1.96; 95% CI, 1.23-3.14 and aPR, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.21-2.44) nasal colonization in the CC5 groups of pregnant women. The prevalence of S aureus and MRSA nasal colonization was moderate. The molecular characteristics of S aureus and MRSA isolates indicated possible cross-transmission among multiple resources. A higher frequency of daily handwashing and weekly bathing significantly decreased the prevalence of S aureus and MRSA CC5 nasal colonization in the pregnant women. Copyright © 2017 Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Collisional excitation of interstellar PO(X2Π) by He: new ab initio potential energy surfaces and scattering calculations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lique, François; Jiménez-Serra, Izaskun; Viti, Serena; Marinakis, Sarantos

2018-01-01

We present the first ab initio potential energy surfaces (PESs) for the PO(X2Π)-He van der Waals system. The PESs were obtained using the open-shell partially spin-restricted coupled cluster approach with single, double and perturbative triple excitations [UCCSD(T)]. The augmented correlation-consistent polarized valence triple-zeta (aug-cc-pVTZ) basis set was employed supplemented by mid-bond functions. Integral and differential cross sections for the rotational excitation in PO-He collisions were calculated using the new PES and compared with results in similar systems. Finally, our work presents the first hyperfine-resolved cross sections for this system that are needed for accurate modelling in astrophysical environments.

Photodissociation of CS from Excited Rovibrational Levels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pattillo, R. J.; Cieszewski, R.; Stancil, P. C.; Forrey, R. C.; Babb, J. F.; McCann, J. F.; McLaughlin, B. M.

2018-05-01

Accurate photodissociation cross sections have been computed for transitions from the X 1Σ+ ground electronic state of CS to six low-lying excited electronic states. New ab initio potential curves and transition dipole moment functions have been obtained for these computations using the multi-reference configuration interaction approach with the Davidson correction (MRCI+Q) and aug-cc-pV6Z basis sets. State-resolved cross sections have been computed for transitions from nearly the full range of rovibrational levels of the X 1Σ+ state and for photon wavelengths ranging from 500 Å to threshold. Destruction of CS via predissociation in highly excited electronic states originating from the rovibrational ground state is found to be unimportant. Photodissociation cross sections are presented for temperatures in the range between 1000 and 10,000 K, where a Boltzmann distribution of initial rovibrational levels is assumed. Applications of the current computations to various astrophysical environments are briefly discussed focusing on photodissociation rates due to the standard interstellar and blackbody radiation fields.

Vibrational inelastic and charge transfer processes in H++H2 system: An ab initio study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Amaran, Saieswari; Kumar, Sanjay

2007-12-01

State-resolved differential cross sections, total and integral cross sections, average vibrational energy transfer, and the relative probabilities are computed for the H++H2 system using the newly obtained ab initio potential energy surfaces at the full CI/cc-pVQZ level of accuracy which allow for both the direct vibrational inelastic and the charge transfer processes. The quantum dynamics is treated within the vibrational close-coupling infinite-order-sudden approximation approach using the two ab initio quasidiabatic potential energy surfaces. The computed collision attributes for both the processes are compared with the available state-to-state scattering experiments at Ec.m.=20eV. The results are in overall good agreement with most of the observed scattering features such as rainbow positions, integral cross sections, and relative vibrational energy transfers. A comparison with the earlier theoretical study carried out on the semiempirical surfaces (diatomics in molecules) is also made to illustrate the reliability of the potential energy surfaces used in the present work.

C-C cross-coupling reactions of O6-alkyl-2-haloinosine derivatives and a one-pot cross-coupling/O6-deprotection procedure.

PubMed

Gurram, Venkateshwarlu; Pottabathini, Narender; Garlapati, Ramesh; Chaudhary, Avinash B; Patro, Balaram; Lakshman, Mahesh K

2012-08-01

Reaction conditions for the CC cross-coupling of O(6)-alkyl-2-bromo- and 2-chloroinosine derivatives with aryl-, hetaryl-, and alkylboronic acids were studied. Optimization experiments with silyl-protected 2-bromo-O(6)-methylinosine led to the identification of [PdCl(2)(dcpf)]/K(3)PO(4) in 1,4-dioxane as the best conditions for these reactions (dcpf=1,1'-bis(dicyclohexylphosphino)ferrocene). Attempted O(6)-demethylation, as well as the replacement of the C-6 methoxy group by amines, was unsuccessful, which led to the consideration of Pd-cleavable groups such that C-C cross-coupling and O(6)-deprotection could be accomplished in a single step. Thus, inosine 2-chloro-O(6)-allylinosine was chosen as the substrate and, after re-evaluation of the cross-coupling conditions with 2-chloro-O(6)-methylinosine as a model substrate, one-step C-C cross-coupling/deprotection reactions were performed with the O(6)-allyl analogue. These reactions are the first such examples of a one-pot procedure for the modification and deprotection of purine nucleosides under C-C cross-coupling conditions. Copyright © 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Cross Sections for Electron-Impact Dissociation of Alternative Etching Gas, C3HF7O

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tanaka, Hideyuki; Toyoda, Hirotaka; Sugai, Hideo

1998-09-01

The search for alternative for perfluorocarbon gases from the environmental point of view has resulted in a new etching gas, C3HF7O (1,2,2,2-tetrafluoroethyl-trifluoromethyl ether, abbreviated as HFE-227). In this paper, the first measurement of the absolute cross sections for the dissociation of HFE-227, is reported.The neutral dissociation is measured from the threshold to 250 eV by appearance mass spectrometry in a dual electron beam device.The threshold energies for the neutral dissociation into CF, CF2 and CF3 are 14.7, 12.5 and 11.2 eV, respectively.The cross sections for the dissociation from HFE-227 into CF3 and CF are larger than those from c-C4F8 (octafluorocyclobutane), but not for the dissociation into CF2.Besides the neutral dissociation, the cross sections for the dissociative ionization of HFE-227 are extensively measured for the formation of twelve ionic species, i.e., CO+, CHO+, CF+, CHF+, CFO+, CF2+, CHF2+, CF3+, CHF3+, C2HF2O+, C2HF4+ and C2HF4O+.

Longitudinal changes in corneal curvature and its relationship to axial length in the Correction of Myopia Evaluation Trial (COMET) cohort.

PubMed

Scheiman, Mitchell; Gwiazda, Jane; Zhang, Qinghua; Deng, Li; Fern, Karen; Manny, Ruth E; Weissberg, Erik; Hyman, Leslie

2016-01-01

To describe longitudinal changes in corneal curvature (CC) and axial length (AL) over 14 years, and to explore the relationship between AL and CC, and the axial length/corneal radius (AL/CR) ratio. In total 469, 6 to <12-year-old, children were enrolled in COMET. Measurements of refractive error, CC (D), CR (mm), and ocular component dimensions including AL were gathered annually. Linear mixed models were used to evaluate longitudinal changes adjusting for covariates (gender, ethnicity, lens type, baseline age and baseline refraction). The Pearson correlation coefficient between AL and CC was computed at each visit. There was a slight but significant (p<0.0001) flattening in CC over 14 years. At all visits females had significantly steeper CC than males (overall difference=0.53 D, p<0.0001). Caucasians had the steepest CC, and Hispanics the flattest (p=0.001). The correlation between AL and CC was -0.70 (p<0.0001) at baseline (mean age=9.3 years) and decreased to -0.53 (p<0.0001) at the 14-year visit (mean age=24.1 years). The average AL/CR ratio was 3.15 at baseline and increased to 3.31 at the 14-year visit. The correlation between the magnitude of myopia and AL/CR ratio was significantly higher (p<0.0001) at each visit than the correlation between myopia and AL alone. Differences in average corneal curvature by age, gender, and ethnicity observed in early childhood remain consistent as myopia progresses and stabilizes. This study also demonstrates increases in the AL/CR ratio as myopia progresses and then stabilizes, supporting observations from previous cross-sectional data. Copyright © 2015 Spanish General Council of Optometry. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Chronic Constipation Among Women Aged 50 Years and Older in Shanghai, China.

PubMed

Huang, Ling; Jiang, Huihong; Zhu, Maoling; Wang, Baocai; Tong, Minsi; Li, Huaguang; Lin, Mou-Bin; Li, Li

2017-05-31

BACKGROUND Chronic constipation (CC) is a major public health problem worldwide, especially in elderly women. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of CC among women aged 50 years and older in Shanghai, China. MATERIAL AND METHODS A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 1950 women aged 50 years and older, randomly sampled in Yangpu District of Shanghai from April to October 2015. Information on demographic characteristics, lifestyle habits, medical history, and defecation situation was collected through in-person interviews. CC was defined according to Rome III criteria. The data were analyzed by chi-square test and multiple logistic regression analysis. RESULTS The response rate to the survey was 80.4%. Of the 1568 participants, 77 were diagnosed with CC, with a prevalence of 4.9%. Moreover, the prevalence increased with advancing age. Multiple logistic analyses showed that body mass index (BMI) ≥25.0 kg/m², non-manual occupation, premenopausal period, no delivery history, poor sleep quality, meat-based diet, and less physical exercise were significant risk factors for CC in the population of women aged 50 years and older. CONCLUSIONS CC was a common health problem among women aged 50 years and older in Shanghai, and the prevalence was positively associated with BMI ≥25.0 kg/m², non-manual occupation, premenopausal period, no delivery history, poor sleep quality, meat-based diet, and less physical exercise. Further studies are needed to identify the risk factors and potential interventions for CC.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Chronic Constipation Among Women Aged 50 Years and Older in Shanghai, China

PubMed Central

Huang, Ling; Jiang, Huihong; Zhu, Maoling; Wang, Baocai; Tong, Minsi; Li, Huaguang; Lin, Mou-bin; Li, Li

2017-01-01

Background Chronic constipation (CC) is a major public health problem worldwide, especially in elderly women. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of CC among women aged 50 years and older in Shanghai, China. Material/Method A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 1950 women aged 50 years and older, randomly sampled in Yangpu District of Shanghai from April to October 2015. Information on demographic characteristics, lifestyle habits, medical history, and defecation situation was collected through in-person interviews. CC was defined according to Rome III criteria. The data were analyzed by chi-square test and multiple logistic regression analysis. Results The response rate to the survey was 80.4%. Of the 1568 participants, 77 were diagnosed with CC, with a prevalence of 4.9%. Moreover, the prevalence increased with advancing age. Multiple logistic analyses showed that body mass index (BMI) ≥25.0 kg/m2, non-manual occupation, premenopausal period, no delivery history, poor sleep quality, meat-based diet, and less physical exercise were significant risk factors for CC in the population of women aged 50 years and older. Conclusions CC was a common health problem among women aged 50 years and older in Shanghai, and the prevalence was positively associated with BMI ≥25.0 kg/m2, non-manual occupation, premenopausal period, no delivery history, poor sleep quality, meat-based diet, and less physical exercise. Further studies are needed to identify the risk factors and potential interventions for CC. PMID:28562581

Turbulent Mixing in Exponential Transverse Jets

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-09-30

parameter. The flame length of the jets is a direct measurement of the molecular scale mixing rate. ACCOMPLISHMENTS From observations of the trajectory...and cross-sectional size of the vortices, as well as the flame length , our measurements reveal the following: i) Under acceleration, the roll up and... flame lengths are a weak maximum when the acceleration parameter (x is about unity. For large cc, flame lengths slowly decline with increasing a, in

Arthroscopic Coracoclavicular Ligament Reconstruction Using a Synthetic Polycaprolactone-Based Polyurethane Urea Tendon Graft: A Report of 5 Cases.

PubMed

Ranne, Juha O; Kainonen, Terho U; Lempainen, Lasse L; Kosola, Jussi A; Kajander, Sami A; Niemi, Pekka T

2018-06-01

Several techniques have been introduced to treat acromioclavicular (AC) separation using the semitendinosus tendon as a graft for coracoclavicular (CC) ligament reconstruction. However, the tendon may have been used previously or the patient may not want it harvested. Hence, synthetic tendon transfers have become increasingly popular. Five patients with chronic AC separations were treated. A synthetic polyurethane urea tendon graft (Artelon Tissue Reinforcement [ATR]) was chosen for its ability to partially transform into connective tissue. The patient follow-up period lasted 45 to 60 months. The mean preoperative Constant Score increased from 64.8 to 100 postoperatively. The mean preoperative Simple Shoulder Test increased from 7.2 to 12 postoperatively. The mean postoperative increase of the CC distance was 1.5 mm. The mean expansion of the clavicular drill hole from the original was 2.1 mm. According to the postoperative magnetic resonance imaging, the grafts had healed well and the cross-sections of the grafts were up to 10.5 mm between the coracoid and the clavicle. The synthetic ATR tendon strip was a practical method for reconstructing a torn CC ligament complex. The ATR graft appears promising for future CC ligament reconstructions.

A new potential energy surface of the OH2+ system and state-to-state quantum dynamics studies of the O+ + H2 reaction.

PubMed

Li, Wentao; Yuan, Jiuchuang; Yuan, Meiling; Zhang, Yong; Yao, Minghai; Sun, Zhigang

2018-01-03

A new global potential energy surface (PES) of the O + + H 2 system was constructed with the permutation invariant polynomial neural network method, using about 63 000 ab initio points, which were calculated by employing the multi-reference configuration interaction method with aug-cc-pVTZ and aug-cc-pVQZ basis sets. For improving the accuracy of the PES, the basis set was extrapolated to the complete basis set limit by the two-point extrapolation method. The root mean square error of fitting was only 5.28 × 10 -3 eV. The spectroscopic constants of the diatomic molecules were calculated and compared with previous theoretical and experimental results, which suggests that the present results agree well with the experiment. On the newly constructed PES, reaction dynamics studies were performed using the time-dependent wave packet method. The calculated integral cross sections (ICSs) were compared with the available theoretical and experimental results, where a good agreement with the experimental data was seen. Significant forward and backward scatterings were observed in the whole collision energy region studied. At the same time, the differential cross sections biased the forward scattering, especially at higher collision energies.

Evidence of Big-Five personality changes following acquired brain injury from a prospective longitudinal investigation.

PubMed

Leonhardt, Anne; Schmukle, Stefan C; Exner, Cornelia

2016-03-01

Many studies using different assessment methods have reported personality changes after acquired brain injury (ABI). However, to our knowledge, no prospective study has yet been conducted to examine whether previous cross-sectional and retrospective results can be replicated in a longitudinal prospective design. Further, because clinical control groups were only rarely used, it remains debatable if the personality changes found are unique to patients with ABI or if they also affect patients with other disabilities. This study examined personality change in 114 participants with different kinds of ABI, 1321 matched controls (general control, GC), and 746 matched participants with restrictive impairments other than brain injury (clinical control, CC) in a prospective longitudinal design using data from the panel survey Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA). Participants with ABI showed significantly larger declines in Extraversion and Conscientiousness compared with the GC group. When the ABI participants were compared with the CC group, only the difference in Conscientiousness remained significant. Our prospective data corroborate evidence from previous cross-sectional studies that patients with ABI experience larger declines in Extraversion and Conscientiousness than the general population. Whereas the effect on Conscientiousness was unique to patients with ABI, the decline in Extraversion was also observed in participants with other impairments. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

On the absolute photoionization cross section and dissociative photoionization of cyclopropenylidene.

PubMed

Holzmeier, Fabian; Fischer, Ingo; Kiendl, Benjamin; Krueger, Anke; Bodi, Andras; Hemberger, Patrick

2016-04-07

We report the determination of the absolute photoionization cross section of cyclopropenylidene, c-C3H2, and the heat of formation of the C3H radical and ion derived by the dissociative ionization of the carbene. Vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) synchrotron radiation as provided by the Swiss Light Source and imaging photoelectron photoion coincidence (iPEPICO) were employed. Cyclopropenylidene was generated by pyrolysis of a quadricyclane precursor in a 1 : 1 ratio with benzene, which enabled us to derive the carbene's near threshold absolute photoionization cross section from the photoionization yield of the two pyrolysis products and the known cross section of benzene. The cross section at 9.5 eV, for example, was determined to be 4.5 ± 1.4 Mb. Upon dissociative ionization the carbene decomposes by hydrogen atom loss to the linear isomer of C3H(+). The appearance energy for this process was determined to be AE(0K)(c-C3H2; l-C3H(+)) = 13.67 ± 0.10 eV. The heat of formation of neutral and cationic C3H was derived from this value via a thermochemical cycle as Δ(f)H(0K)(C3H) = 725 ± 25 kJ mol(-1) and Δ(f)H(0K)(C3H(+)) = 1604 ± 19 kJ mol(-1), using a previously reported ionization energy of C3H.

Burial and thermal history of the central Appalachian basin, based on three 2-D models of Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia

USGS Publications Warehouse

Rowan, Elisabeth L.

2006-01-01

Introduction: Three regional-scale, cross sectional (2-D) burial and thermal history models are presented for the central Appalachian basin based on the detailed geologic cross sections of Ryder and others (2004), Crangle and others (2005), and Ryder, R.T., written communication. The models integrate the available thermal and geologic information to constrain the burial, uplift, and erosion history of the region. The models are restricted to the relatively undeformed part of the basin and extend from the Rome trough in West Virginia and Pennsylvania northwestward to the Findlay arch in Ohio. This study expands the scope of previous work by Rowan and others (2004) which presented a preliminary burial/thermal history model for a cross section (E-E') through West Virginia and Ohio. In the current study, the burial/thermal history model for E-E' is revised, and integrated with results of two additional cross sectional models (D-D' and C-C'). The burial/thermal history models provide calculated thermal maturity (Ro%) values for the entire stratigraphic sequence, including hydrocarbon source rocks, along each of the three cross sections. In contrast, the Ro and conodont CAI data available in the literature are sparse and limited to specific stratigraphic intervals. The burial/thermal history models also provide the regional temperature and pressure framework that is needed to model hydrocarbon migration.

Identification of new loci involved in the host susceptibility to Salmonella Typhimurium in collaborative cross mice.

PubMed

Zhang, Jing; Malo, Danielle; Mott, Richard; Panthier, Jean-Jacques; Montagutelli, Xavier; Jaubert, Jean

2018-04-27

Salmonella is a Gram-negative bacterium causing a wide range of clinical syndromes ranging from typhoid fever to diarrheic disease. Non-typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) serovars infect humans and animals, causing important health burden in the world. Susceptibility to salmonellosis varies between individuals under the control of host genes, as demonstrated by the identification of over 20 genetic loci in various mouse crosses. We have investigated the host response to S. Typhimurium infection in 35 Collaborative Cross (CC) strains, a genetic population which involves wild-derived strains that had not been previously assessed. One hundred and forty-eight mice from 35 CC strains were challenged intravenously with 1000 colony-forming units (CFUs) of S. Typhimurium. Bacterial load was measured in spleen and liver at day 4 post-infection. CC strains differed significantly (P < 0.0001) in spleen and liver bacterial loads, while sex and age had no effect. Two significant quantitative trait loci (QTLs) on chromosomes 8 and 10 and one suggestive QTL on chromosome 1 were found for spleen bacterial load, while two suggestive QTLs on chromosomes 6 and 17 were found for liver bacterial load. These QTLs are caused by distinct allelic patterns, principally involving alleles originating from the wild-derived founders. Using sequence variations between the eight CC founder strains combined with database mining for expression in target organs and known immune phenotypes, we were able to refine the QTLs intervals and establish a list of the most promising candidate genes. Furthermore, we identified one strain, CC042/GeniUnc (CC042), as highly susceptible to S. Typhimurium infection. By exploring a broader genetic variation, the Collaborative Cross population has revealed novel loci of resistance to Salmonella Typhimurium. It also led to the identification of CC042 as an extremely susceptible strain.

Corpus callosum integrity is affected by mood disorders and also by the suicide attempt history: A diffusion tensor imaging study.

PubMed

Cyprien, Fabienne; de Champfleur, Nicolas Menjot; Deverdun, Jérémy; Olié, Emilie; Le Bars, Emmanuelle; Bonafé, Alain; Mura, Thibault; Jollant, Fabrice; Courtet, Philippe; Artero, Sylvaine

2016-12-01

Some MRI studies have noted alterations in the corpus callosum (CC) white matter integrity of individuals with mood disorders and also in patients with suicidal behavior. We investigated the specific impact of suicidal behavior on CC integrity in mood disorders. CC structural changes were assessed by diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in 121 women 18-50-year-old): 41 with bipolar disorder (BD), 50 with major depressive disorder (MDD) and 30 healthy controls (HC). Fractional anisotropy (FA) and DTI metrics were calculated for the genu, body and splenium of CC and compared in the three groups by MANCOVA. Then, they were re-analyzed relative to the suicide attempt history within the MDD and BD groups and to the suicide number/severity. FA values for the CC genu and body were lower in non-suicide attempters with BD than with MDD and in HC. Conversely, FA values for all CC regions were significantly lower in suicide attempters with BD than in HC. Finally, higher number of suicide attempts (>2) and elevated Suicidal Intent Scale score were associated with significant splenium alterations. Limitations include the cross-sectional design (non-causal study), the potential influence of medications and concerns about the generalizability to men. Genu and body are altered in non-suicide attempters with BD, while splenium is specifically altered in suicide attempters, independently from their psychiatric status. History of suicide attempts may be a source of heterogeneity in the association between CC alterations and BD and may partially explain the variable results of previous studies. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Comparison of the prevalence of sarcopenia using skeletal muscle mass index and calf circumference applying the European consensus definition in elderly Mexican women.

PubMed

Velazquez-Alva, Maria Consuelo; Irigoyen Camacho, Maria Esther; Lazarevich, Irina; Delgadillo Velazquez, Jaime; Acosta Dominguez, Patricia; Zepeda Zepeda, Marco A

2017-01-01

To compare the prevalence of sarcopenia using two indicators: skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) and calf circumference (CC) used in the algorithm proposed by the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Mexican elderly women. This was a cross-sectional study. Lean body mass was determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. To define sarcopenia, the SMI was obtained using a cut-off value of 5.5 kg/m 2 , and the CC cut-off was 31 cm. For gait speed and handgrip strength, the cut-off values were 0.8 m/s and 20 kg, respectively. A total of 137 women (mean age 73.8 ± 6.7 years) participated in the study. The prevalence of sarcopenia was 14.6% using SMI and 11.0% using CC (P = 0.009). Body mass index was associated with a lower probability of sarcopenia applying SMI or CC (OR 0.75, P = 0.002 for SMI and OR 0.71, P = 0.004 for CC). Sarcopenia evaluated either with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry or CC was not associated with physical performance, such as five times chair stand test, timed up and go test and short physical performance battery. Additionally, SMI was not associated with physical performance, five times chair stand test (P = 0.775) and timed up-and-go test (P = 0.341). The prevalence of sarcopenia in active elderly women was low. A higher prevalence of sarcopenia was detected using SMI compared with CC. It is important to identify the best methods to assess skeletal muscle mass to obtain a reliable diagnosis of sarcopenia. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 161-170. © 2015 Japan Geriatrics Society.

Knowledge and perception about climate change and human health: findings from a baseline survey among vulnerable communities in Bangladesh.

PubMed

Kabir, Md Iqbal; Rahman, Md Bayzidur; Smith, Wayne; Lusha, Mirza Afreen Fatima; Azim, Syed; Milton, Abul Hasnat

2016-03-15

Bangladesh is one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change (CC). A basic understanding of public perception on vulnerability, attitude and the risk in relation to CC and health will provide strategic directions for government policy, adaptation strategies and development of community-based guidelines. The objective of this study was to collect community-based data on peoples' knowledge and perception about CC and its impact on health. In 2012, a cross-sectional survey was undertaken among 6720 households of 224 enumeration areas of rural villages geographically distributed in seven vulnerable districts of Bangladesh, with total population of 19,228,598. Thirty households were selected randomly from each enumeration area using the household listing provided by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS). Information was collected from all the 6720 research participants using a structured questionnaire. An observation checklist was used by the interviewers to collect household- and community-related information. In addition, we selected the head of each household as the eligible participant for an interview. Evidence of association between sociodemographic variables and knowledge of CC was explored by cross-tabulation and measured using chi-square tests. Logistic regression models were used to further explore the predictors of knowledge. The study revealed that the residents of the rural communities selected for this study largely come from a low socioeconomic background: only 9.6% had postsecondary education or higher, the majority worked as day labourer or farmer (60%), and only 10% earned a monthly income above BDT 12000 (equivalent to US $150 approx.). The majority of the participants (54.2%) had some knowledge about CC but 45.8% did not (p < 0.001). The majority of knowledgeable participants (n = 3645) felt excessive temperature as the change of climate (83.2%). Among all the respondents (n = 6720), 94.5% perceived change in climate and extreme weather events. Most of them (91.9%) observed change in rainfall patterns in the last 10 years, and 97.8% people think their health care expenditure increased after the extreme weather events. Age, educational qualification, monthly income, and occupation were significantly associated with the knowledge about climate change (p < 0.001). People with higher educational level or who live near a school were more knowledgeable about CC and its impact on health. The knowledge level about CC in our study group was average but the perception and awareness of CC related events and its impact on health was high. The most influential factor leading to understanding of CC and its impact on health was education. School-based intervention could be explored to increase peoples' knowledge about CC and necessary health adaptation at community level.

CS and IOS approximations for fine structure transitions in Na(/sup 2/P)--He(/sup 1/S) collisions

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

Fitz, D.E.; Kouri, D.J.

1980-11-15

The l-average CS and IOS approximations are extended to treat fine structure transitions in /sup 2/P atom--/sup 1/S atom scattering. Calculations of degeneracy averaged probabilities and differential cross sections for Na(/sup 2/P)+He(/sup 1/S) collisions in the CS and IOS methods agree well with the CC results. The present nonunitarized form of the CS approximation fails to properly predict all of the jm..-->..j'm' sections and in particular leads to a selection rule forbidding jm..-->..j--m transitions for j=half-odd integer values.

Coincidence charged-current neutrino-induced deuteron disintegration for 2H2 16O

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Van Orden, J. W.; Donnelly, T. W.; Moreno, O.

2017-12-01

Semi-inclusive charge-changing neutrino reactions on targets of heavy water are investigated with the goal of determining the relative contributions to the total cross section of deuterium and oxygen in kinematics chosen to emphasize the former. The study is undertaken for conditions where the typical neutrino beam energies are in the few GeV region, and hence relativistic modeling is essential. For this, the previous relativistic approach for the deuteron is employed, together with a spectral function approach for the case of oxygen. Upon optimizing the kinematics of the final-state particles assumed to be detected (typically a muon and a proton) it is shown that the oxygen contribution to the total cross section is suppressed by roughly an order of magnitude compared with the deuterium cross section, thereby confirming that CC ν studies of heavy water can effectively yield the cross sections for deuterium, with acceptable backgrounds from oxygen. This opens the possibility of using deuterium to determine the incident neutrino flux distribution, to have it serve as a target for which the nuclear structure issues are minimal, and possibly to use deuterium to provide improved knowledge of specific aspects of hadronic structure, such as to explore the momentum transfer dependence of the isovector axial-vector form factor of the nucleon.

Cross-section measurement for quasi-elastic production of charmed baryons in νN interactions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kayis-Topaksu, A.; Onengüt, G.; van Dantzig, R.; de Jong, M.; Melzer, O.; Oldeman, R. G. C.; Pesen, E.; Spada, F. R.; Visschers, J. L.; Güler, M.; Köse, U.; Serin-Zeyrek, M.; Sever, R.; Tolun, P.; Zeyrek, M. T.; Catanesi, M. G.; de Serio, M.; Ieva, M.; Muciaccia, M. T.; Radicioni, E.; Simone, S.; Bülte, A.; Winter, K.; van de Vyver, B.; Vilain, P.; Wilquet, G.; Pittoni, G. L.; Saitta, B.; di Capua, E.; Ogawa, S.; Shibuya, H.; Artamonov, A.; Chizhov, M.; Doucet, M.; Hristova, I. R.; Kawamura, T.; Kolev, D.; Meinhard, H.; Panman, J.; Papadopoulos, I. M.; Ricciardi, S.; Rozanov, A.; Tsenov, R.; Uiterwijk, J. W. E.; Zucchelli, P.; Goldberg, J.; Chikawa, M.; Arik, E.; Song, J. S.; Yoon, C. S.; Kodama, K.; Ushida, N.; Aoki, S.; Hara, T.; Delbar, T.; Favart, D.; Grégoire, G.; Kalinin, S.; Maklioueva, I.; Gorbunov, P.; Khovansky, V.; Shamanov, V.; Tsukerman, I.; Bruski, N.; Frekers, D.; Hoshino, K.; Kawada, J.; Komatsu, M.; Miyanishi, M.; Nakamura, M.; Nakano, T.; Narita, K.; Niu, K.; Niwa, K.; Nonaka, N.; Sato, O.; Toshito, T.; Buontempo, S.; Cocco, A. G.; D'Ambrosio, N.; de Lellis, G.; De Rosa, G.; di Capua, F.; Ereditato, A.; Fiorillo, G.; Marotta, A.; Messina, M.; Migliozzi, P.; Pistillo, C.; Scotto Lavina, L.; Strolin, P.; Tioukov, V.; Nakamura, K.; Okusawa, T.; Dore, U.; Loverre, P. F.; Ludovici, L.; Righini, P.; Rosa, G.; Santacesaria, R.; Satta, A.; Barbuto, E.; Bozza, C.; Grella, G.; Romano, G.; Sirignano, C.; Sorrentino, S.; Sato, Y.; Tezuka, I.; CHORUS Collaboration

2003-11-01

A study of quasi-elastic production of charmed baryons in charged-current interactions of neutrinos with the nuclear emulsion target of CHORUS is presented. In a sample of about 46 000 interactions located in the emulsion, candidates for decays of short-lived particles were identified by using new automatic scanning systems and later confirmed through visual inspection. Criteria based both on the topological and kinematical characteristics of quasi-elastic charm production allowed a clear separation between events of this type and those in which charm is produced in deep inelastic processes. A final sample containing 13 candidates consistent with quasi-elastic production of a charmed baryon with an estimated background of 1.7 events was obtained. At the average neutrino energy of 27 GeV the cross-section for the total quasi-elastic production of charmed baryons relative to the νN charged-current cross-section was measured to be σ(QE)/σ(CC)=(0.23+0.12-0.06(stat)+0.02-0.03(syst))×10-2. Through an analysis of the topology at the production and decay vertices the relative cross-sections were measured separately for singly (Λc+,Σc+,Σc+∗) and doubly (Σc++,Σc++∗) charged baryons.

ULTRAHIGH SPEED SWEPT SOURCE OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY ANGIOGRAPHY OF RETINAL AND CHORIOCAPILLARIS ALTERATIONS IN DIABETIC PATIENTS WITH AND WITHOUT RETINOPATHY.

PubMed

Choi, WooJhon; Waheed, Nadia K; Moult, Eric M; Adhi, Mehreen; Lee, ByungKun; De Carlo, Talisa; Jayaraman, Vijaysekhar; Baumal, Caroline R; Duker, Jay S; Fujimoto, James G

2017-01-01

To investigate the utility of ultrahigh speed, swept source optical coherence tomography angiography in visualizing retinal microvascular and choriocapillaris (CC) changes in diabetic patients. The study was prospective and cross-sectional. A 1,050 nm wavelength, 400 kHz A-scan rate swept source optical coherence tomography prototype was used to perform volumetric optical coherence tomography angiography of the retinal and CC vasculatures in diabetic patients and normal subjects. Sixty-three eyes from 32 normal subjects, 9 eyes from 7 patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy, 29 eyes from 16 patients with nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy, and 51 eyes from 28 diabetic patients without retinopathy were imaged. Retinal and CC microvascular abnormalities were observed in all stages of diabetic retinopathy. In nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy and proliferative diabetic retinopathy, optical coherence tomography angiography visualized a variety of vascular abnormalities, including clustered capillaries, dilated capillary segments, tortuous capillaries, regions of capillary dropout, reduced capillary density, abnormal capillary loops, and foveal avascular zone enlargement. In proliferative diabetic retinopathy, retinal neovascularization above the inner limiting membrane was visualized. Regions of CC flow impairment in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy and nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy were also observed. In 18 of the 51 of eyes from diabetic patients without retinopathy, retinal mircrovascular abnormalities were observed and CC flow impairment was found in 24 of the 51 diabetic eyes without retinopathy. The ability of optical coherence tomography angiography to visualize retinal and CC microvascular abnormalities suggests it may be a useful tool for understanding pathogenesis, evaluating treatment response, and earlier detection of vascular abnormalities in patients with diabetes.

A Contralateral Esophagus-Sparing Technique to Limit Severe Esophagitis Associated With Concurrent High-Dose Radiation and Chemotherapy in Patients With Thoracic Malignancies

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

Al-Halabi, Hani; Paetzold, Peter; Sharp, Gregory C.

2015-07-15

Purpose: Severe (Radiation Therapy Oncology Group [RTOG] grade 3 or greater) esophagitis generally occurs in 15% to 25% of non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients undergoing concurrent chemotherapy and radiation therapy (CCRT), which may result in treatment breaks that compromise local tumor control and pose a barrier to dose escalation. Here, we report a novel contralateral esophagus-sparing technique (CEST) that uses intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) to reduce the incidence of severe esophagitis. Methods and Materials: We reviewed consecutive patients with thoracic malignancies undergoing curative CCRT in whom CEST was used. The esophageal wall contralateral (CE) to the tumor wasmore » contoured as an avoidance structure, and IMRT was used to guide a rapid dose falloff gradient beyond the target volume in close proximity to the esophagus. Esophagitis was recorded based on the RTOG acute toxicity grading system. Results: We identified 20 consecutive patients treated with CCRT of at least 63 Gy in whom there was gross tumor within 1 cm of the esophagus. The median radiation dose was 70.2 Gy (range, 63-72.15 Gy). In all patients, ≥99% of the planning and internal target volumes was covered by ≥90% and 100% of prescription dose, respectively. Strikingly, no patient experienced grade ≥3 esophagitis (95% confidence limits, 0%-16%) despite the high total doses delivered. The median maximum dose, V45, and V55 of the CE were 60.7 Gy, 2.1 cc, and 0.4 cc, respectively, indicating effective esophagus cross-section sparing by CEST. Conclusion: We report a simple yet effective method to avoid exposing the entire esophagus cross-section to high doses. By using proposed CE dose constraints of V45 <2.5 cc and V55 <0.5 cc, CEST may improve the esophagus toxicity profile in thoracic cancer patients receiving CCRT even at doses above the standard 60- to 63-Gy levels. Prospective testing of CEST is warranted.« less

D* production in deep inelastic scattering at HERA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Breitweg, J.; Derrick, M.; Krakauer, D.; Magill, S.; Mikunas, D.; Musgrave, B.; Repond, J.; Stanek, R.; Talaga, R. L.; Yoshida, R.; Zhang, H.; Mattingly, M. C. K.; Anselmo, F.; Antonioli, P.; Bari, G.; Basile, M.; Bellagamba, L.; Boscherini, D.; Bruni, A.; Bruni, G.; Romeo, G. Cara; Castellini, G.; Cifarelli, L.; Cindolo, F.; Contin, A.; Corradi, M.; de Pasquale, S.; Gialas, I.; Giusti, P.; Iacobucci, G.; Laurenti, G.; Levi, G.; Margotti, A.; Massam, T.; Nania, R.; Palmonari, F.; Pesci, A.; Polini, A.; Sartorelli, G.; Garcia, Y. Zamora; Zichichi, A.; Amelung, C.; Bornheim, A.; Brock, I.; Coböken, K.; Crittenden, J.; Deffner, R.; Eckert, M.; Feld, L.; Grothe, M.; Hartmann, H.; Heinloth, K.; Heinz, L.; Hilger, E.; Jakob, H.-P.; Katz, U. F.; Paul, E.; Pfeiffer, M.; Rembser, Ch.; Stamm, J.; Wedemeyer, R.; Bailey, D. S.; Campbell-Robson, S.; Cottingham, W. N.; Foster, B.; Hall-Wilton, R.; Hayes, M. E.; Heath, G. P.; Heath, H. F.; Piccioni, D.; Roff, D. G.; Tapper, R. J.; Arneodo, M.; Ayad, R.; Capua, M.; Garfagnini, A.; Iannotti, L.; Schioppa, M.; Susinno, G.; Kim, J. Y.; Lee, J. H.; Lim, I. T.; Pac, M. Y.; Caldwell, A.; Cartiglia, N.; Jing, Z.; Liu, W.; Parsons, J. A.; Ritz, S.; Sampson, S.; Sciulli, F.; Straub, P. B.; Zhu, Q.; Borzemski, P.; Chwastowski, J.; Eskreys, A.; Jakubowski, Z.; Przybycień, M. B.; Zachara, M.; Zawiejski, L.; Adamczyk, L.; Bednarek, B.; Jeleń, K.; Kisielewska, D.; Kowalski, T.; Przybycień, M.; Rulikowska-Zarȩbska, E.; Suszycki, L.; Zajac, J.; Duliński, Z.; Kotański, A.; Abbiendi, G.; Bauerdick, L. A. T.; Behrens, U.; Beier, H.; Bienlein, J. K.; Cases, G.; Deppe, O.; Desler, K.; Drews, G.; Fricke, U.; Gilkinson, D. J.; Glasman, C.; Göttlicher, P.; Große-Knetter, J.; Haas, T.; Hain, W.; Hasell, D.; Johnson, K. F.; Kasemann, M.; Koch, W.; Kötz, U.; Kowalski, H.; Labs, J.; Lindemann, L.; Löhr, B.; Löwe, M.; Mańczak, O.; Milewski, J.; Monteiro, T.; Ng, J. S. T.; Notz, D.; Ohrenberg, K.; Park, I. H.; Pellegrino, A.; Pelucchi, F.; Piotrzkowski, K.; Roco, M.; Rohde, M.; Roldán, J.; Ryan, J. J.; Savin, A. A.; Schneekloth, U.; Selonke, F.; Surrow, B.; Tassi, E.; Voß, T.; Westphal, D.; Wolf, G.; Wollmer, U.; Youngman, C.; Żarnecki, A. F.; Zeuner, W.; Burow, B. D.; Grabosch, H. J.; Meyer, A.; Schlenstedt, S.; Barbagli, G.; Gallo, E.; Pelfer, P.; Maccarrone, G.; Votano, L.; Bamberger, A.; Eisenhardt, S.; Markun, P.; Trefzger, T.; Wölfle, S.; Bromley, J. T.; Brook, N. H.; Bussey, P. J.; Doyle, A. T.; Saxon, D. H.; Sinclair, L. E.; Strickland, E.; Utley, M. L.; Waugh, R.; Wilson, A. S.; Bohnet, I.; Gendner, N.; Holm, U.; Meyer-Larsen, A.; Salehi, H.; Wick, K.; Gladilin, L. K.; Horstmann, D.; Kçira, D.; Klanner, R.; Lohrmann, E.; Poelz, G.; Schott, W.; Zetsche, F.; Bacon, T. C.; Butterworth, I.; Cole, J. E.; Harris, V. L.; Howell, G.; Hung, B. H. Y.; Lamberti, L.; Long, K. R.; Miller, D. B.; Pavel, N.; Prinias, A.; Sedgbeer, J. K.; Sideris, D.; Whitfield, A. F.; Mallik, U.; Wang, S. M.; Wu, J. T.; Cloth, P.; Filges, D.; Fleck, J. I.; Ishii, T.; Kuze, M.; Nakao, M.; Tokushuku, K.; Yamada, S.; Yamazaki, Y.; An, S. H.; Lee, S. B.; Nam, S. W.; Park, H. S.; Park, S. K.; Barreiro, F.; Fernández, J. P.; García, G.; Graciani, R.; Hernández, J. M.; Hervás, L.; Labarga, L.; Martínez, M.; del Peso, J.; Puga, J.; Terrón, J.; de Trocóniz, J. F.; Corriveau, F.; Hanna, D. S.; Hartmann, J.; Hung, L. W.; Lim, J. N.; Murray, W. N.; Ochs, A.; Riveline, M.; Stairs, D. G.; St-Laurent, M.; Ullmann, R.; Tsurugai, T.; Bashkirov, V.; Dolgoshein, B. A.; Stifutkin, A.; Bashindzhagyan, G. L.; Ermolov, P. F.; Golubkov, Yu. A.; Khein, L. A.; Korotkova, N. A.; Korzhavina, I. A.; Kuzmin, V. A.; Lukina, O. Yu.; Proskuryakov, A. S.; Shcheglova, L. M.; Shumilin, A. V.; Solomin, A. N.; Zotkin, S. A.; Bokel, C.; Botje, M.; Brümmer, N.; Chlebana, F.; Engelen, J.; Kooijman, P.; Kruse, A.; van Sighem, A.; Tiecke, H.; Verkerke, W.; Vossebeld, J.; Vreeswijk, M.; Wiggers, L.; de Wolf, E.; Acosta, D.; Bylsma, B.; Durkin, L. S.; Gilmore, J.; Ginsburg, C. M.; Kim, C. L.; Ling, T. Y.; Nylander, P.; Romanowski, T. A.; Blaikley, H. E.; Cashmore, R. J.; Cooper-Sarkar, A. M.; Devenish, R. C. E.; Edmonds, J. K.; Harnew, N.; Lancaster, M.; McFall, J. D.; Nath, C.; Noyes, V. A.; Quadt, A.; Ruske, O.; Tickner, J. R.; Uijterwaal, H.; Walczak, R.; Waters, D. S.; Bertolin, A.; Brugnera, R.; Carlin, R.; dal Corso, F.; Dosselli, U.; Limentani, S.; Morandin, M.; Posocco, M.; Stanco, L.; Stroili, R.; Voci, C.; Bulmahn, J.; Feild, R. G.; Oh, B. Y.; Okrasiński, J. R.; Whitmore, J. J.; Iga, Y.; D'Agostini, G.; Marini, G.; Nigro, A.; Raso, M.; Hart, J. C.; McCubbin, N. A.; Shah, T. P.; Barberis, E.; Dubbs, T.; Heusch, C.; van Hook, M.; Lockman, W.; Rahn, J. T.; Sadrozinski, H. F.-W.; Seiden, A.; Williams, D. C.; Schwarzer, O.; Walenta, A. H.; Abramowicz, H.; Briskin, G.; Dagan, S.; Doeker, T.; Kananov, S.; Levy, A.; Abe, T.; Fusayasu, T.; Inuzuka, M.; Nagano, K.; Suzuki, I.; Umemori, K.; Yamashita, T.; Hamatsu, R.; Hirose, T.; Homma, K.; Kitamura, S.; Matsushita, T.; Yamauchi, K.; Cirio, R.; Costa, M.; Ferrero, M. I.; Maselli, S.; Monaco, V.; Peroni, C.; Petrucci, M. C.; Sacchi, R.; Solano, A.; Staiano, A.; Dardo, M.; Bailey, D. C.; Brkic, M.; Fagerstroem, C.-P.; Hartner, G. F.; Joo, K. K.; Levman, G. M.; Martin, J. F.; Orr, R. S.; Polenz, S.; Sampson, C. R.; Simmons, D.; Teuscher, R. J.; Butterworth, J. M.; Catterall, C. D.; Jones, T. W.; Kaziewicz, P. B.; Lane, J. B.; Saunders, R. L.; Shulman, J.; Sutton, M. R.; Lu, B.; Mo, L. W.; Ciborowski, J.; Grzelak, G.; Kasprzak, M.; Muchorowski, K.; Nowak, R. J.; Pawlak, J. M.; Pawlak, R.; Tymieniecka, T.; Wróblewski, A. K.; Zakrzewski, J. A.; Adamus, M.; Coldewey, C.; Eisenberg, Y.; Hochman, D.; Karshon, U.; Revel, D.; Badgett, W. F.; Chapin, D.; Cross, R.; Dasu, S.; Foudas, C.; Loveless, R. J.; Mattingly, S.; Reeder, D. D.; Smith, W. H.; Vaiciulis, A.; Wodarczyk, M.; Bhadra, S.; Frisken, W. R.; Khakzad, M.; Schmidke, W. B.

1997-02-01

This paper presents measurements of D*+/- production in deep inelastic scattering from collisions between 27.5 GeV positrons and 820 GeV protons. The data have been taken with the ZEUS detector at HERA. The decay channel D*+ -> (D0 -> K- π+) π+ (+c.c.) has been used in the study. The e+p cross section for inclusive D*+/- production with 5 < Q2 < 100 GeV2 and y < 0.7 is 5.3 +/- 1.0 +/- 0.8 nb in the kinematic region 1.3 < pT(D*+/-) < 9.0 GeV and η(D*+/-) < 1.5. Differential cross sections as functions of pT(D*+/-), η(D*+/-), W and Q2 are compared with next-to-leading order QCD calculations based on the photon-gluon fusion production mechanism. After an extrapolation of the cross section to the full kinematic region in pT(D*+/-) and η(D*+/-), the charm contribution Fcc2 (x, Q2) to the proton structure function is determined for Bjorken x between 2.10-4 and 5.10-3.

Energy and Protein Intake, Anthropometrics, and Disease Burden in Elderly Home-care Receivers--A Cross-sectional Study in Germany (ErnSIPP Study).

PubMed

Pohlhausen, S; Uhlig, K; Kiesswetter, E; Diekmann, R; Heseker, H; Volkert, D; Stehle, P; Lesser, S

2016-03-01

To date, no study has examined the nutritional status and disease burden of elderly home-care receivers living in Germany. Aim of this cross-sectional study was, first, to assess disease burden and nutritional status, denoted in anthropometrics, and, second, to investigate associations between anthropometrics and disease burden. Cross-sectional multi-centre study. Home-care receivers living in three urban areas of Germany in 2010. 353 elderly (>64 years) in home care (128 males aged 79.1 ±7.8 years, 225 females aged 82.0 ±7.5 years). Nutritional status was assessed by body mass index (BMI), mid upper arm circumference (MUAC) and calf circumference (CC). Medical conditions were assessed in personal interviews. A 3-day prospective nutrition diary was kept. Metric data are reported as mean±SD or median (interquartile range), p<0.05 was considered significant. Most participants were substantially (59%), and 11% severest in need of care. The seniors suffered from 5 (4-7) chronic diseases; dementia, depression, stroke, and respiratory illness were most prevalent (each 20-40%). More than one-third of participants had only moderate or poor appetite, nearly half were unable to eat independently. Chewing problems were reported for 52% of study participants, and more than one quarter of elderly had swallowing problems. Daily mean energy intake was 2017±528 kcal in men (n=123) and 1731±451 kcal in women (n=216; p<0.001). Mean protein intake amounted to 1.0 g/kg body weight. Mean BMI was 28.2±6.2 kg/m² (n=341), 14% of seniors had a BMI <22 kg/m² (including 4% with BMI <20 kg/m²). Critical MUAC (<22 cm) was indicated in 6% of subjects; and CC <31 cm in 11% of men, 21% of women (p<0.05). After adjusting for sex and age, BMI, MUAC and CC were negatively associated with high care level, hospitalization in the previous year, nausea/vomiting, prevalence of dementia, poor appetite, and eating difficulties like dependency, chewing and swallowing problems. We recommend to pay special attention to the nutritional status of elderly persons in home-care exhibiting named disease burden.

Knowledge of Cervical Cancer Screening among Women across Different Socio-Economic Regions of China.

PubMed

Di, Jiangli; Rutherford, Shannon; Wu, Jiuling; Song, Bo; Ma, Lan; Chen, Jingyi; Chu, Cordia

2015-01-01

China has a high burden of cervical cancer (CC) and wide disparities in CC burden exist among different socio-economic regions. In order to reduce these disparities, China's government launched the National Cervical Cancer Screening Program in Rural Areas (NCCSPRA) in 2009. Understanding the factors associated with underutilization of CC screening among target populations is important to improve the screening participation rate, and a high participation rate is key to achieving the goals of a screening program. However, data on the knowledge of CC among target populations in program areas is lacking in China. This study will investigate the knowledge of CC prevention and control among women in specific project counties to develop a better understanding of factors that might influence CC screening participation in order to improve the implementation of the NCCSPRA. A cross-sectional survey was conducted and face-to-face interview questionnaires were completed by 308 women who received CC screening services in 6 project counties of NCCSPRA across different socio-economic regions of China. ANOVA and Chi-square tests were used to compare the knowledge rates and scores across the different subgroups. Logistic regression was conducted to examine factors associated with knowledge level. The overall CC knowledge rate of the target population was only 19.5%. Regional socio-economic level, advice from doctors, age, and educational status were strong predictors of knowledge level of CC screening. Significantly lower knowledge rates and scores were identified in older women (55-64 years old), less educated women (with primary school or illiterate), women in less developed regions and women who did not receive any advice about screening results from doctors. The knowledge of CC screening among women in the project counties of NCCSPRA was found to be very poor. Given the importance of knowledge in encouraging women to participate in screening is key to reducing CC burden in rural women in China, it is urgent that a targeted health promotion intervention is developed and implemented in project counties, especially targeting older women, women with less education and women in less developed regions, and focus on improving their CC knowledge and encouraging them to communicate with health care providers. The health promotion intervention targeting health care providers is also important to improve their knowledge of CC and provide best advice to women.

The genome architecture of the Collaborative Cross mouse genetic reference population.

PubMed

2012-02-01

The Collaborative Cross Consortium reports here on the development of a unique genetic resource population. The Collaborative Cross (CC) is a multiparental recombinant inbred panel derived from eight laboratory mouse inbred strains. Breeding of the CC lines was initiated at multiple international sites using mice from The Jackson Laboratory. Currently, this innovative project is breeding independent CC lines at the University of North Carolina (UNC), at Tel Aviv University (TAU), and at Geniad in Western Australia (GND). These institutions aim to make publicly available the completed CC lines and their genotypes and sequence information. We genotyped, and report here, results from 458 extant lines from UNC, TAU, and GND using a custom genotyping array with 7500 SNPs designed to be maximally informative in the CC and used a novel algorithm to infer inherited haplotypes directly from hybridization intensity patterns. We identified lines with breeding errors and cousin lines generated by splitting incipient lines into two or more cousin lines at early generations of inbreeding. We then characterized the genome architecture of 350 genetically independent CC lines. Results showed that founder haplotypes are inherited at the expected frequency, although we also consistently observed highly significant transmission ratio distortion at specific loci across all three populations. On chromosome 2, there is significant overrepresentation of WSB/EiJ alleles, and on chromosome X, there is a large deficit of CC lines with CAST/EiJ alleles. Linkage disequilibrium decays as expected and we saw no evidence of gametic disequilibrium in the CC population as a whole or in random subsets of the population. Gametic equilibrium in the CC population is in marked contrast to the gametic disequilibrium present in a large panel of classical inbred strains. Finally, we discuss access to the CC population and to the associated raw data describing the genetic structure of individual lines. Integration of rich phenotypic and genomic data over time and across a wide variety of fields will be vital to delivering on one of the key attributes of the CC, a common genetic reference platform for identifying causative variants and genetic networks determining traits in mammals.

White matter alterations and their associations with motor function in young adults born preterm with very low birth weight.

PubMed

Hollund, Ingrid Marie Husby; Olsen, Alexander; Skranes, Jon; Brubakk, Ann-Mari; Håberg, Asta K; Eikenes, Live; Evensen, Kari Anne I

2018-01-01

Very low birth weight (VLBW: ≤ 1500 g) individuals have an increased risk of white matter alterations and neurodevelopmental problems, including fine and gross motor problems. In this hospital-based follow-up study, the main aim was to examine white matter microstructure and its relationship to fine and gross motor function in 31 VLBW young adults without cerebral palsy compared with 31 term-born controls, at mean age 22.6 ± 0.7 years. The participants were examined with tests of fine and gross motor function (Trail Making Test-5: TMT-5, Grooved Pegboard, Triangle from Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2: MABC-2 and High-level Mobility Assessment Tool: HiMAT) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Probabilistic tractography of motor pathways of the corticospinal tract (CST) and corpus callosum (CC) was performed. Fractional anisotropy (FA) was calculated in non-crossing (capsula interna in CST, body of CC) and crossing (centrum semiovale) fibre regions along the tracts and examined for group differences. Associations between motor test scores and FA in the CST and CC were investigated with linear regression. Tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS) was used to examine group differences in DTI metrics in all major white matter tracts. The VLBW group had lower scores on all motor tests compared with controls, however, only statistically significant for TMT-5. Based on tractography, FA in the VLBW group was lower in non-crossing fibre regions and higher in crossing fibre regions of the CST compared with controls. Within the VLBW group, poorer fine motor function was associated with higher FA in crossing fibre regions of the CST, and poorer bimanual coordination was additionally associated with lower FA in crossing fibre regions of the CC. Poorer gross motor function was associated with lower FA in crossing fibre regions of the CST and CC. There were no associations between motor function and FA in non-crossing fibre regions of the CST and CC within the VLBW group. In the TBSS analysis, the VLBW group had lower FA and higher mean diffusivity compared with controls in all major white matter tracts. The findings in this study may indicate that the associations between motor function and FA are caused by other tracts crossing the CST and CC, and/or by alterations in the periventricular white matter in the centrum semiovale. Some of the associations were in the opposite direction than hypothesized, thus higher FA does not always indicate better function. Furthermore, widespread white matter alterations in VLBW individuals persist into young adulthood.

C-C cross-coupling of primary and secondary benzylic alcohols using supported gold-based bimetallic catalysts.

PubMed

Liu, Xiang; Ding, Ran-Sheng; He, Lin; Liu, Yong-Mei; Cao, Yong; He, He-Yong; Fan, Kang-Nian

2013-04-01

Clean alcohol-alcohol cross-coupling: A clean and efficient one-pot direct C-C cross-coupling of equimolar amounts of primary and secondary alcohols by a facile hydrogen autotransfer pathway is achieved over a robust and easily recovered hydrotalcite-supported Au-Pd bimetallic catalyst system. A variety of primary and secondary alcohols have been selectively converted into the corresponding β-alkylated ketones in good yields. Copyright © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Phenotypic and molecular characteristics of Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in slaughterhouse pig-related workers and control workers in Guangdong Province, China.

PubMed

Wang, X L; Li, L; Li, S M; Huang, J Y; Fan, Y P; Yao, Z J; Ye, X H; Chen, S D

2017-07-01

Pig farmers and veterinarians have high prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) due to the occupational livestock exposure, while few reported this association on slaughterhouse workers. We conducted this cross-sectional study to explore the phenotypic and molecular characteristics of S. aureus and MRSA in slaughterhouse pig-related workers and control workers in Guangdong Province, China. Participants were interviewed and provided two nasal swabs. Swabs were tested for S. aureus, and isolates were further tested for antimicrobial susceptibility, virulence genes and multi-locus sequence typing. Compared with control workers, pig-related workers have significantly higher prevalence of MRSA carriage (adjusted odd ratio (aOR) 3·70, 95% CI 1·63-8·40). The proportions of MRSA resistant to clindamycin, erythromycin, tetracycline or chloromycetin were significantly higher in pig-related workers than in control workers. The predominant phenotypes of S. aureus were resistant to penicillin, clindamycin, erythromycin and tetracycline. Three MRSA CC9 isolates with livestock-associated characteristics (resistance to tetracycline and absence of immune evasion cluster (IEC) genes) were detected in pig-related workers but not in control workers. For human-associated CCs (CC7, CC59, CC6, and CC188), there was no significant difference in IEC profile or antimicrobial resistance between the groups. These findings reveal that there may be a potential risk for livestock-to-human transmission of LA-MRSA and human-to-human transmission of human-associated MRSA.

A systematic review of evidence on the association between cocaine use and seizures.

PubMed

Sordo, L; Indave, B I; Degenhardt, L; Barrio, G; Kaye, S; Ruíz-Pérez, I; Bravo, M J

2013-12-15

Institutional monographs/medical textbooks mention seizures as a neurological complication of cocaine, but no systematic reviews (SRs) have been published on this issue. We aimed to conduct a SR of the literature on the relationship between cocaine use and seizures and to summarize the biological plausibility of that relationship. The pathophysiological mechanisms that may underlie an association between cocaine and seizures were summarized; a SR was then performed using three databases (EMBASE, Medline, PsycINFO) and the Cochrane-library to search for published papers (1980-2012) aimed at quantifying the associations between cocaine use and seizures. The inclusion criteria for selection were: articles based on clinical trials, cohort, case-control (CC) or cross-sectional (CS) studies, participants ≥ 14 years old and not pregnant, and use of cocaine in the last 72 h. Information was extracted, evaluated and cross-checked independently by two researchers. Of the 1243 potentially relevant articles initially identified; one CC and 22 CS studies were finally selected. The CC study did not find cocaine use to be a risk-factor for seizures. In addition to the limitations of the CS design, these studies had important methodological weaknesses and biases. Despite its biological plausibility, no rigorous scientific evidence supports a causal relationship between cocaine use and seizures. The misinterpretation of the role of cocaine may have important implications in medical services. Well-conducted studies are urgently needed. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

76 FR 44800 - Election of Reduced Research Credit Under Section 280C(c)(3)

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-07-27

... of Reduced Research Credit Under Section 280C(c)(3) AGENCY: Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Treasury... Sec. 1.280C- 4(c). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: David Selig, (202) 622-3040 (not a toll-free... 280C(c)(3). On July 16, 2009, a notice of proposed rulemaking (REG-130200-08) was published in the...

Low testosterone levels and increased inflammatory markers in patients with cancer and relationship with cachexia.

PubMed

Burney, Basil O; Hayes, Teresa G; Smiechowska, Joanna; Cardwell, Gina; Papusha, Victor; Bhargava, Peeyush; Konda, Bhavana; Auchus, Richard J; Garcia, Jose M

2012-05-01

Male cancer patients suffer from fatigue, sexual dysfunction, and decreased functional performance and muscle mass. These symptoms are seen in men with hypogonadism and/or inflammatory conditions. However, the relative contribution of testosterone and inflammation to symptom burden in cancer has not been well-established. The aim of this study was to measure testosterone levels in male cancer patients and determine the relationship between testosterone, inflammation, and symptom burden. This cross-sectional study enrolled patients from a tertiary-care center. SUBJECTS/OUTCOME MEASURES: Subjects included males with cancer-cachexia (CC; n = 45) and cancer without cachexia (CNC; n = 50), as well as noncancer controls (CO; n = 45). Total testosterone (TT), bioavailable testosterone, C-reactive protein (CRP), and IL-6 were measured in plasma. Functional performance was assessed by the ECOG (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group) and KPS (Karnofsky Performance Scales), and sexual function was assessed by the IIEF (International Index of Erectile Function). Low testosterone levels were seen in more than 70% of CC cases. TT was lower in CC compared to CNC (P < 0.05). Also, CC had lower bioavailable testosterone, grip strength, IIEF scores, appendicular lean body mass, and fat mass and higher IL-6 and CRP compared to controls (P ≤ 0.05). ECOG and KPS were lower in CC and CNC compared to controls (P ≤ 0.05). On multiple regression analysis, TT, albumin, and CRP predicted symptoms differentially in cancer patients. CC patients have higher inflammation and lower testosterone, grip strength, functional status, erectile function, fat mass, and appendicular lean body mass. Inflammation, TT, and albumin are associated with heavier symptom burden in this population. Interventional trials are needed to determine whether testosterone replacement and/or antiinflammatory agents benefit cancer patients.

Altered mitochondrial quality control signaling in muscle of old gastric cancer patients with cachexia.

PubMed

Marzetti, Emanuele; Lorenzi, Maria; Landi, Francesco; Picca, Anna; Rosa, Fausto; Tanganelli, Fabiana; Galli, Marco; Doglietto, Giovanni Battista; Pacelli, Fabio; Cesari, Matteo; Bernabei, Roberto; Calvani, Riccardo; Bossola, Maurizio

2017-01-01

Mitochondrial dysfunction is involved in the loss of muscle featuring both aging and cancer cachexia (CC). Whether mitochondrial quality control (MQC) is altered in skeletal myocytes of old patients with CC is unclear. The present investigation therefore sought to preliminarily characterize MQC pathways in muscle of old gastric cancer patients with cachexia. The study followed a case-control cross-sectional design. Intraoperative biopsies of the rectus abdominis muscle were obtained from 18 patients with gastric adenocarcinoma (nine with CC and nine non-cachectic) and nine controls, and assayed for the expression of a set of MQC mediators. The mitofusin 2 expression was reduced in cancer patients compared with controls, independent of CC. Fission protein 1 was instead up-regulated in CC patients relative to the other groups. The mitophagy regulators PTEN-induced putative kinase 1 and Parkin were both down-regulated in cancer patients compared with controls. The ratio between the protein content of the lipidated and non-lipidated forms of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3B was lower in CC patients relative to controls and non-cachectic cancer patients. Finally, the expression of autophagy-associated protein 7, lysosome-associated membrane protein 2, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α, and mitochondrial transcription factor A was unvarying among groups. Collectively, our findings indicate that, in old patients with gastric cancer, cachexia is associated with derangements of the muscular MQC axis at several checkpoints: mitochondrial dynamics, mitochondrial tagging for disposal, and mitophagy signaling. Further investigations are needed to corroborate these preliminary findings and determine whether MQC pathways may become target for future interventions. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Motor and non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease and their impact on quality of life and on different clinical subgroups.

PubMed

Berganzo, K; Tijero, B; González-Eizaguirre, A; Somme, J; Lezcano, E; Gabilondo, I; Fernandez, M; Zarranz, J J; Gómez-Esteban, J C

The aim of the present study is to analyse the influence that motor and non-motor symptoms have on the quality of life (QoL) of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD), and to study the relationship between the two types of symptoms. This cross-sectional study included 103 patients with PD (55 men and 48 women). Quality of life was measured on the PDQ-39 scale. The UPDRS scale (I-IV) was also used, and different items were grouped to analyse the presence of tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia, and axial symptoms. The non-motor symptoms scale (NMSS) was administered to assess non-motor symptoms. We performed correlation analyses between different scales to analyse the influence of motor and non-motor symptoms on QoL. Correlations were observed between the PDQ-39 summary index (PDQ39_SI) and the NMSS (correlation coefficient [cc], 0.56; p<.001), UPDRS III (cc, 0.44; p< .001) and UPDRS IV (cc, 0.37; p<.001) scores. The strongest correlation was between cognitive symptoms and mood. The analysis pointed to a direct relationship between the NMSS score and axial symptoms (cc, 0.384; p<.01), bradykinesia (cc, 0.299; p<.01), and to a lesser extent, rigidity (cc, 0.194; p<.05). No relationship was observed between presence of tremor and the NMSS score. Cognitive symptoms and mood exert the most influence on QoL of patients with PD. We found at least two phenotypes; one with predominantly axial symptoms, with significant involvement of non-motor symptoms, and a tremor-associated phenotype in which these symptoms are less prevalent. Copyright © 2014 Sociedad Española de Neurología. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Use of corrected centrifugal sudden approximations for the calculation of effective cross sections. II. The N sub 2 --He system

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

Thachuk, M.; McCourt, F.R.W.

1991-09-15

A series of centrifugal sudden (CS) and infinite-order sudden (IOS) approximations together with their corrected versions, respectively, the corrected centrifugal sudden (CCS) and corrected infinite-order sudden (CIOS) approximations, originally introduced by McLenithan and Secrest (J. Chem. Phys. {bold 80}, 2480 (1987)), have been compared with the close-coupled (CC) method for the N{sub 2}--He interaction. This extends previous work using the H{sub 2}--He system (J. Chem. Phys. {bold 93}, 3931 (1990)) to an interaction which is more anisotropic and more classical in nature. A set of eleven energy dependent cross sections, including both relaxation and production types, has been calculated usingmore » the {ital LF}- and {ital LA}-labeling schemes for the CS approximation, as well as the {ital KI}-, {ital KF}-, {ital KA}-, and {ital KM}-labeling schemes for the IOS approximation. The latter scheme is defined as {ital KM}={ital K}=max({ital k}{sub {ital j}},{ital k}{sub {ital j}{sub {ital I}}}). Further, a number of temperature dependent cross sections formed from thermal averages of the above set have also been compared at 100 and 200 K. These comparisons have shown that the CS approximation produced accurate results for relaxation type cross sections regardless of the {ital L}-labeling scheme chosen, but inaccurate results for production type cross sections. Further, except for one particular cross section, the CCS approximation did not generally improve the accuracy of the CS results using either the {ital LF}- or {ital LA}-labeling schemes. The accuracy of the IOS results vary greatly between the cross sections with the most accurate values given by the {ital KM}-labeling scheme. The CIOS approximation generally increases the accuracy of the corresponding IOS results but does not completely eliminate the errors associated with them.« less

Average-atom treatment of relaxation time in x-ray Thomson scattering from warm dense matter.

PubMed

Johnson, W R; Nilsen, J

2016-03-01

The influence of finite relaxation times on Thomson scattering from warm dense plasmas is examined within the framework of the average-atom approximation. Presently most calculations use the collision-free Lindhard dielectric function to evaluate the free-electron contribution to the Thomson cross section. In this work, we use the Mermin dielectric function, which includes relaxation time explicitly. The relaxation time is evaluated by treating the average atom as an impurity in a uniform electron gas and depends critically on the transport cross section. The calculated relaxation rates agree well with values inferred from the Ziman formula for the static conductivity and also with rates inferred from a fit to the frequency-dependent conductivity. Transport cross sections determined by the phase-shift analysis in the average-atom potential are compared with those evaluated in the commonly used Born approximation. The Born approximation converges to the exact cross sections at high energies; however, differences that occur at low energies lead to corresponding differences in relaxation rates. The relative importance of including relaxation time when modeling x-ray Thomson scattering spectra is examined by comparing calculations of the free-electron dynamic structure function for Thomson scattering using Lindhard and Mermin dielectric functions. Applications are given to warm dense Be plasmas, with temperatures ranging from 2 to 32 eV and densities ranging from 2 to 64 g/cc.

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

Johnson, W. R.; Nilsen, J.

Here, the influence of finite relaxation times on Thomson scattering from warm dense plasmas is examined within the framework of the average-atom approximation. Presently most calculations use the collision-free Lindhard dielectric function to evaluate the free-electron contribution to the Thomson cross section. In this work, we use the Mermin dielectric function, which includes relaxation time explicitly. The relaxation time is evaluated by treating the average atom as an impurity in a uniform electron gas and depends critically on the transport cross section. The calculated relaxation rates agree well with values inferred from the Ziman formula for the static conductivity andmore » also with rates inferred from a fit to the frequency-dependent conductivity. Transport cross sections determined by the phase-shift analysis in the average-atom potential are compared with those evaluated in the commonly used Born approximation. The Born approximation converges to the exact cross sections at high energies; however, differences that occur at low energies lead to corresponding differences in relaxation rates. The relative importance of including relaxation time when modeling x-ray Thomson scattering spectra is examined by comparing calculations of the free-electron dynamic structure function for Thomson scattering using Lindhard and Mermin dielectric functions. Applications are given to warm dense Be plasmas, with temperatures ranging from 2 to 32 eV and densities ranging from 2 to 64 g/cc.« less

Average-atom treatment of relaxation time in x-ray Thomson scattering from warm dense matter

DOE PAGES

Johnson, W. R.; Nilsen, J.

2016-03-14

Here, the influence of finite relaxation times on Thomson scattering from warm dense plasmas is examined within the framework of the average-atom approximation. Presently most calculations use the collision-free Lindhard dielectric function to evaluate the free-electron contribution to the Thomson cross section. In this work, we use the Mermin dielectric function, which includes relaxation time explicitly. The relaxation time is evaluated by treating the average atom as an impurity in a uniform electron gas and depends critically on the transport cross section. The calculated relaxation rates agree well with values inferred from the Ziman formula for the static conductivity andmore » also with rates inferred from a fit to the frequency-dependent conductivity. Transport cross sections determined by the phase-shift analysis in the average-atom potential are compared with those evaluated in the commonly used Born approximation. The Born approximation converges to the exact cross sections at high energies; however, differences that occur at low energies lead to corresponding differences in relaxation rates. The relative importance of including relaxation time when modeling x-ray Thomson scattering spectra is examined by comparing calculations of the free-electron dynamic structure function for Thomson scattering using Lindhard and Mermin dielectric functions. Applications are given to warm dense Be plasmas, with temperatures ranging from 2 to 32 eV and densities ranging from 2 to 64 g/cc.« less

The H2 + + He proton transfer reaction: quantum reactive differential cross sections to be linked with future velocity mapping experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hernández Vera, Mario; Wester, Roland; Gianturco, Francesco Antonio

2018-01-01

We construct the velocity map images of the proton transfer reaction between helium and molecular hydrogen ion {{{H}}}2+. We perform simulations of imaging experiments at one representative total collision energy taking into account the inherent aberrations of the velocity mapping in order to explore the feasibility of direct comparisons between theory and future experiments planned in our laboratory. The asymptotic angular distributions of the fragments in a 3D velocity space is determined from the quantum state-to-state differential reactive cross sections and reaction probabilities which are computed by using the time-independent coupled channel hyperspherical coordinate method. The calculations employ an earlier ab initio potential energy surface computed at the FCI/cc-pVQZ level of theory. The present simulations indicate that the planned experiments would be selective enough to differentiate between product distributions resulting from different initial internal states of the reactants.

Knowledge of Cervical Cancer Screening among Women across Different Socio-Economic Regions of China

PubMed Central

Di, Jiangli; Rutherford, Shannon; Wu, Jiuling; Song, Bo; Ma, Lan; Chen, Jingyi; Chu, Cordia

2015-01-01

Background and Objective China has a high burden of cervical cancer (CC) and wide disparities in CC burden exist among different socio-economic regions. In order to reduce these disparities, China’s government launched the National Cervical Cancer Screening Program in Rural Areas (NCCSPRA) in 2009. Understanding the factors associated with underutilization of CC screening among target populations is important to improve the screening participation rate, and a high participation rate is key to achieving the goals of a screening program. However, data on the knowledge of CC among target populations in program areas is lacking in China. This study will investigate the knowledge of CC prevention and control among women in specific project counties to develop a better understanding of factors that might influence CC screening participation in order to improve the implementation of the NCCSPRA. Materials and Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted and face-to-face interview questionnaires were completed by 308 women who received CC screening services in 6 project counties of NCCSPRA across different socio-economic regions of China. ANOVA and Chi-square tests were used to compare the knowledge rates and scores across the different subgroups. Logistic regression was conducted to examine factors associated with knowledge level. Results The overall CC knowledge rate of the target population was only 19.5%. Regional socio-economic level, advice from doctors, age, and educational status were strong predictors of knowledge level of CC screening. Significantly lower knowledge rates and scores were identified in older women (55–64 years old), less educated women (with primary school or illiterate), women in less developed regions and women who did not receive any advice about screening results from doctors. Conclusion The knowledge of CC screening among women in the project counties of NCCSPRA was found to be very poor. Given the importance of knowledge in encouraging women to participate in screening is key to reducing CC burden in rural women in China, it is urgent that a targeted health promotion intervention is developed and implemented in project counties, especially targeting older women, women with less education and women in less developed regions, and focus on improving their CC knowledge and encouraging them to communicate with health care providers. The health promotion intervention targeting health care providers is also important to improve their knowledge of CC and provide best advice to women. PMID:26657110

Extending Quantum Chemistry of Bound States to Electronic Resonances

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jagau, Thomas-C.; Bravaya, Ksenia B.; Krylov, Anna I.

2017-05-01

Electronic resonances are metastable states with finite lifetime embedded in the ionization or detachment continuum. They are ubiquitous in chemistry, physics, and biology. Resonances play a central role in processes as diverse as DNA radiolysis, plasmonic catalysis, and attosecond spectroscopy. This review describes novel equation-of-motion coupled-cluster (EOM-CC) methods designed to treat resonances and bound states on an equal footing. Built on complex-variable techniques such as complex scaling and complex absorbing potentials that allow resonances to be associated with a single eigenstate of the molecular Hamiltonian rather than several continuum eigenstates, these methods extend electronic-structure tools developed for bound states to electronic resonances. Selected examples emphasize the formal advantages as well as the numerical accuracy of EOM-CC in the treatment of electronic resonances. Connections to experimental observables such as spectra and cross sections, as well as practical aspects of implementing complex-valued approaches, are also discussed.

Predictors for increasing eligibility level among home help service users in the Japanese long-term care insurance system.

PubMed

Kamiya, Kuniyasu; Sasou, Kenji; Fujita, Makoto; Yamada, Sumio

2013-01-01

This cross-sectional study described the prevalence of possible risk factors for increasing eligibility level of long-term care insurance in home help service users who were certified as support level 1-2 or care level 1-2 in Japan. Data were collected from October 2011 to November 2011. Variables included eligibility level, grip strength, calf circumference (CC), functional limitations, body mass index, memory impairment, depression, social support, and nutrition status. A total of 417 subjects (109 males and 308 females, mean age 83 years) were examined. There were 109 subjects with memory impairment. When divided by cut-off values, care level 2 was found to have higher prevalence of low grip strength, low CC, and depression. Some potentially modifiable factors such as muscle strength could be the risk factors for increasing eligibility level.

Transfer couplings and hindrance far below the barrier for 40 Ca + 96 Zr

DOE PAGES

Stefanini, A. M.; Montagnoli, G.; Esbensen, H.; ...

2015-01-29

The sub-barrier fusion excitation function of 40Ca + 96Zr has been measured down to cross sections ≃2.4µb, i.e. two orders of magnitude smaller than obtained in the previous experiment, where the sub-barrier fusion of this system was found to be greatly enhanced with respect to 40Ca + 90Zr, and the need of coupling to transfer channels was suggested. The purpose of this work was to investigate the behavior of 40Ca + 96Zr fusion far below the barrier. The smooth trend of the excitation function has been found to continue, and the logarithmic slope increases very slowly. No indication of hindrancemore » shows up, and a comparison with 48Ca + 96Zr is very useful in this respect. A new CC analysis of the complete excitation function has been performed, including explicitly one- and two-nucleon Q >0 transfer channels. Such transfer couplings bring significant cross section enhancements, even at the level of a few µb. Locating the hindrance threshold, if any, in 40Ca + 96Zr would require challenging measurements of cross sections in the sub-µb range.« less

Open-Ended Recursive Approach for the Calculation of Multiphoton Absorption Matrix Elements

PubMed Central

2015-01-01

We present an implementation of single residues for response functions to arbitrary order using a recursive approach. Explicit expressions in terms of density-matrix-based response theory for the single residues of the linear, quadratic, cubic, and quartic response functions are also presented. These residues correspond to one-, two-, three- and four-photon transition matrix elements. The newly developed code is used to calculate the one-, two-, three- and four-photon absorption cross sections of para-nitroaniline and para-nitroaminostilbene, making this the first treatment of four-photon absorption in the framework of response theory. We find that the calculated multiphoton absorption cross sections are not very sensitive to the size of the basis set as long as a reasonably large basis set with diffuse functions is used. The choice of exchange–correlation functional, however, significantly affects the calculated cross sections of both charge-transfer transitions and other transitions, in particular, for the larger para-nitroaminostilbene molecule. We therefore recommend the use of a range-separated exchange–correlation functional in combination with the augmented correlation-consistent double-ζ basis set aug-cc-pVDZ for the calculation of multiphoton absorption properties. PMID:25821415

Male Infertility Is Responsible for Nearly Half of the Extinction Observed in the Mouse Collaborative Cross

PubMed Central

Shorter, John R.; Odet, Fanny; Aylor, David L.; Pan, Wenqi; Kao, Chia-Yu; Fu, Chen-Ping; Morgan, Andrew P.; Greenstein, Seth; Bell, Timothy A.; Stevans, Alicia M.; Feathers, Ryan W.; Patel, Sunny; Cates, Sarah E.; Shaw, Ginger D.; Miller, Darla R.; Chesler, Elissa J.; McMillian, Leonard; O’Brien, Deborah A.; de Villena, Fernando Pardo-Manuel

2017-01-01

The goal of the Collaborative Cross (CC) project was to generate and distribute over 1000 independent mouse recombinant inbred strains derived from eight inbred founders. With inbreeding nearly complete, we estimated the extinction rate among CC lines at a remarkable 95%, which is substantially higher than in the derivation of other mouse recombinant inbred populations. Here, we report genome-wide allele frequencies in 347 extinct CC lines. Contrary to expectations, autosomes had equal allelic contributions from the eight founders, but chromosome X had significantly lower allelic contributions from the two inbred founders with underrepresented subspecific origins (PWK/PhJ and CAST/EiJ). By comparing extinct CC lines to living CC strains, we conclude that a complex genetic architecture is driving extinction, and selection pressures are different on the autosomes and chromosome X. Male infertility played a large role in extinction as 47% of extinct lines had males that were infertile. Males from extinct lines had high variability in reproductive organ size, low sperm counts, low sperm motility, and a high rate of vacuolization of seminiferous tubules. We performed QTL mapping and identified nine genomic regions associated with male fertility and reproductive phenotypes. Many of the allelic effects in the QTL were driven by the two founders with underrepresented subspecific origins, including a QTL on chromosome X for infertility that was driven by the PWK/PhJ haplotype. We also performed the first example of cross validation using complementary CC resources to verify the effect of sperm curvilinear velocity from the PWK/PhJ haplotype on chromosome 2 in an independent population across multiple generations. While selection typically constrains the examination of reproductive traits toward the more fertile alleles, the CC extinct lines provided a unique opportunity to study the genetic architecture of fertility in a widely genetically variable population. We hypothesize that incompatibilities between alleles with different subspecific origins is a key driver of infertility. These results help clarify the factors that drove strain extinction in the CC, reveal the genetic regions associated with poor fertility in the CC, and serve as a resource to further study mammalian infertility. PMID:28592496

Comparison of iCare tonometer and Goldmann applanation tonometry in normal corneas and in eyes with automated lamellar and penetrating keratoplasty

PubMed Central

Salvetat, M L; Zeppieri, M; Miani, F; Tosoni, C; Parisi, L; Brusini, P

2011-01-01

Purpose To compare intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements with Goldmann applanation tonometry (GAT) and iCare tonometry in normal and post-keratoplasty corneas and to assess the influence of central corneal thickness (CCT), corneal curvature (CC), and corneal astigmatism (CA) on IOP. Methods This prospective cross-sectional study included one eye of 101 subjects with normal corneas (58 healthy subjects, 43 glaucoma); and 90 post-keratoplasty patients: 34 penetrating keratoplasties (PK); 20 automated-lamellar-therapeutic keratoplasties (ALTK); 19 Descemet-stripping-automated-endothelial keratoplasties (DSAEK); 17 edematous grafts. All subjects underwent GAT and iCare IOP measurements in random order, and CCT, CC, and CA evaluation. The Bland–Altman method and multivariate regression analysis were used to assess inter-tonometer agreement and the influence of CCT, CC, and CA on IOP. Results iCare significantly underestimated IOP in all groups compared with GAT (GAT minus iCare of 3.5±3.5 mm Hg, P<0.001), but overestimated IOP in the edematous grafts (GAT minus iCare of −6.5±1.9 mm Hg, P<0.001). In normal corneas, both tonometer measurements were directly related to CCT values; iCare readings appeared inversely related to CC. There was no significant relationship between IOP and CCT, CC and CA in post-keratoplasty eyes, except between CC and iCare measurements for PK eyes. Conclusions The agreement between GAT and iCare was clinically acceptable in control, ALTK and DSAEK groups, and poor in PK and edematous grafts eyes. In normal corneas, GAT was significantly affected by CCT; iCare was influenced by CCT and CC. The iCare appeared less influenced by corneal edema when compared with GAT. High IOP readings taken with both tonometers in grafts should raise suspicion of true elevated IOP. PMID:21436848

Echocardiography vs magnetic resonance imaging in assessing ventricular function and systemic atrioventricular valve status in adults with congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries.

PubMed

Kowalik, Ewa; Mazurkiewicz, Łukasz; Kowalski, Mirosław; Klisiewicz, Anna; Marczak, Magdalena; Hoffman, Piotr

2016-11-01

The survival in adults with congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries (ccTGA) might be reduced due to dysfunction of the systemic right ventricle (sRV). The quantitative echocardiographic assessment of sRV function and tricuspid (systemic atrioventricular valve) regurgitation (TR) is still a diagnostic challenge. Thus, the aim of this study was to compare echocardiographic indices of sRV function and the degree of TR with corresponding MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)-derived parameters in adults with ccTGA. A prospective cross-sectional study of adults with ccTGA referred to a tertiary congenital heart disease center was conducted. All patients underwent transthoracic echocardiography and MRI examinations. Thirty-three adults (19F/14M, mean age 34.1 years) were included. We found significantly lower fractional area change (FAC) and global longitudinal strain (GLS) values in patients with MRI-derived RV ejection fraction (EF) <45%. A cutoff GLS<-16.3% identified sRV EF ≥45% with a sensitivity of 77.3% and specificity of 72.7%. A very strong correlation between MRI- and echocardiography-derived TR volume was observed (r=.84; P<.0001). GLS is the variable with the best sensitivity but less specificity to distinguish between systemic RV EF ≥45% and below 45%, and it seems to be the preferred echocardiographic index of systemic RV function in adults with ccTGA. The quantitative assessment of TR by MRI and echocardiography showed a very strong agreement in patients with ccTGA. © 2016, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

[Spread of genetically related methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus belonging to CC45, in healthy nasal carriers in Child Day Care Centers of Medellin, Colombia].

PubMed

Rodríguez-Tamayo, Erika Andrea; Ruiz-Cadavid, Alejandra; Sánchez-González, Leidy Maritza; García-Valencia, Natalia; Jiménez-Quiceno, Judy Natalia

2016-03-01

Colonization plays a major role in the epidemiology and pathogenesis of Staphylococcus aureus infections. The child population is one of the most susceptible to colonization; however, community and children studies are limited in Colombia. To assess the clonal relationship of S.aureus strains isolated from colonized children in eight day care centers (DCCs) from Medellin and to determine the presence of epidemiological characteristics in these populations. An observational cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 200 children aged from 6 months to 5 years attending eight DCCs in Medellin, Colombia, during 2011. Nasal samples were collected from each nostril. The isolates species and methicillin resistance were molecularly confirmed using nuc and mec genes. Genotypic analysis included SCCmec typing, spa typing, PFGE and MLST. Epidemiological information was obtained from the parents and analyzed using the statistics program SPSS 21.0 RESULTS: The colonization frequency in DCCs ranged from 16.7% (n=3) to 53.6% (n=15). Genetically related isolates were identified inside four DCCs. Half (50%) of the isolates were grouped in 3 clusters, which belonged to the clonal complexes CC45, CC30, and CC121. Molecular typing of isolates from colonized children and comparison among DCCs showed the spread of colonizing strains inside DCCs in Medellin; predominantly the CC45 clone, a successful child colonizer. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier España, S.L.U. y Sociedad Española de Enfermedades Infecciosas y Microbiología Clínica. All rights reserved.

Gait dynamics in Pisa syndrome and Camptocormia: The role of stride length and hip kinematics.

PubMed

Tramonti, C; Di Martino, S; Unti, E; Frosini, D; Bonuccelli, U; Rossi, B; Ceravolo, R; Chisari, C

2017-09-01

This is an observational cross-sectional study evaluating gait dynamics in patients with Parkinson's Disease (PD) and severe postural deformities, PD without axial deviations and healthy subjects. Ten PS individuals with Pisa syndrome (PS) and nine subjects with Camptocormia (CC) performed 3-D Gait Analysis and were evaluated with walking and balance scales. Correlations with clinical and functional scales were investigated. Spatio-temporal and kinematic data were compared to ten PD subjects without postural deformities (PP) and ten healthy matched individuals (CG). Data obtained showed decreased walking velocity, stride and step length in PP, PS and CC groups compared to controls. The correlation analysis showed that stride and step length were associated with reduced functional abilities and disease severity in PS and CC groups. Kinematic data revealed marked reduction in range of movements (ROMs) at all lower-extremity joints in PS group. While, in CC group the main differences were pronounced in hip and knee joints. PS and CC groups presented a more pronounced reduction in hip articular excursion compared to PP subjects, revealing an increased hip flexion pattern during gait cycle. Moreover, the increased hip and knee flexion pattern adversely affected functional performance during walking tests. Results obtained provide evidence that step length, along with stride length, can be proposed as simple and clear indicators of disease severity and reduced functional abilities. The reduction of ROMs at hip joint represented an important mechanism contributing to decreased walking velocity, balance impairment and reduced gait performance in PD patients with postural deformities. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Case-control studies in diabetes. Do they really use a case-control design?

PubMed

Ramos, Analía; Mendoza, Lilian Cristina; Rabasa, Fernanda; Bolíbar, Ignasi; Puig, Teresa; Corcoy, Rosa

2017-07-01

Studies defined as case-control do not always use this design. We aimed to estimate the frequency of mislabelled case-control studies in published articles in the area of diabetes and to identify the predictors of incorrect labelling. We searched Medline and Web of Science for articles with "diabetes" and "case control" in title and filtered for language (English/Romance) and period (January 2010-December 2014). Inclusion criteria were: (1) statement to use a case-control design in title, (2) to be a final full-length publication and (3) to have original data in the area of diabetes. Three independent reviewers went through titles, looked for full texts and reviewed them. Discrepancies were settled with a fourth reviewer. Expert epidemiologist advice was requested in case of doubt. case-control mislabelling; addressed predictors: publication year, journal impact factor and journal subject. proportion of mislabelled CC articles and assessment of predictors by multivariate logistic regression analysis. We retrieved 362 articles, 251 of them fulfilling inclusion criteria. The proportion of mislabelled CC studies was 43.8% (confidence interval 95% 37.7-50.0%). Most mislabelled studies had a cross-sectional design (82.7%). Predictors of mislabelling were publication year, journal impact factor and journal area. A relevant subset of studies defined as case-control in the area of diabetes correspond to mislabelled cross-sectional studies. Incorrect labelling misleads readers regarding the interpretation of results and the cause-effect hypothesis. Researchers, reviewers and editors should be aware of and commit to settle this issue.

Predictive ability of the Mini Nutritional Assessment Short Form (MNA-SF) in a free-living elderly population: a cross-sectional study

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

Background Various scales have been used to perform a quick and first level nutritional assessment, and the MNA is one of the most used and recommended by experts in the elderly in all areas. This scale has a short form, the MNA-SF, revised and validated in 2009, which has two versions: the BMI-MNA-SF contains the first six items of the full scale including Body Mass Index while the CC-MNA-SF includes Calf Circumference instead of BMI. Objective To evaluate the predictive ability for nutritional status of the two versions of the MNA-SF against the MNA in free-living elderly in the province of Valencia. Methods Cross-sectional study of 660 free-living elderly in the province of Valencia selected in 12 community centres using stratified sampling by blocks. Inclusion criteria: being aged 65 or over, living at home, having functional autonomy, residing in the province of study for more than one year, regularly attending community centres and voluntarily wanting to take part. Results Of the 660 subjects studied, 319 were men (48.3%) and 341 (51.7%) women with a mean age of 74.3 years (SD = 6.6). In terms of nutritional assessment, using the BMI-MNA-SF and the CC-MNA-SF we found that 26.5% and 26.2% were at risk of malnutrition and 0.9% and 1.5% were malnourished respectively. With the full MNA, 23.3% were at risk of malnutrition. Spearman’s rank correlation coefficients indicate a high association between the full MNA score and the MNA-SFs scores (BMI-MNA-SF: ρ = 0.78p < 0.001; CC-MNA-SF: ρ = 0.78p < 0.001). In addition we obtained a very high correlation between the two MNA-SFs (ρ = 0.96p < 0.001). We evaluated the agreement between the full MNA and the MNA-SFs classification in three nutritional categories (normal nutritional status, risk of malnutrition, malnutrition) with Cohen’s kappa coefficients (BMI-MNA-SF: κ = 0.54p < 0.001; CC-MNA-SF: κ = 0.52p < 0.001). These values indicate moderate agreement with the full MNA. There is very good agreement between the BMI-MNA-SF and CC-MNA-SF (κ = 0.88p < 0.001). In order to determine the ability of both MNA-SFs to identify subjects not requiring any nutritional intervention, we considered the dichotomised categorisation of the full MNA and the MNA-SFs as “normal nutritional status” vs. “malnutrition and risk of malnutrition” Areas under the ROC curves using MNA as the gold standard indicate moderately high prognostic accuracy (BMI-MNA-SF: AUC = 0.88p < 0.001; CC-MNA-SF: AUC = 0.87 p < 0.001). Both versions of the MNA-SF showed similar sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic effectiveness (BMI-MNA-SF: 73.4%, 86.6%, 83.5%; CC-MNA-SF 73.4%, 86.2%, 83.2%). Conclusions In its two versions the MNA-SF presents useful predictive ability against the MNA. The advantage of the CC-MNA-SF is that using it requires fewer resources and less time in primary care, although always the characteristics of the population must take into account to make the right decision based on the MNA-SF scales. PMID:28533984

Genotypic and Phenotypic Markers of Livestock-Associated Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus CC9 in Humans.

PubMed

Ye, Xiaohua; Wang, Xiaolin; Fan, Yanping; Peng, Yang; Li, Ling; Li, Shunming; Huang, Jingya; Yao, Zhenjiang; Chen, Sidong

2016-07-01

Use of antimicrobials in industrial food animal production is associated with the presence of multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus among animals and humans. The livestock-associated (LA) methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) clonal complex 9 (CC9) is associated with animals and related workers in Asia. This study aimed to explore the genotypic and phenotypic markers of LA-MRSA CC9 in humans. We conducted a cross-sectional study of livestock workers and controls in Guangdong, China. The study participants responded to a questionnaire and provided a nasal swab for S. aureus analysis. The resulting isolates were assessed for antibiotic susceptibility, multilocus sequence type, and immune evasion cluster (IEC) genes. Livestock workers had significantly higher rates of S. aureus CC9 (odds ratio [OR] = 30.98; 95% confidence interval [CI], 4.06 to 236.39) and tetracycline-resistant S. aureus (OR = 3.26; 95% CI, 2.12 to 5.00) carriage than controls. All 19 S. aureus CC9 isolates from livestock workers were MRSA isolates and also exhibited the characteristics of resistance to several classes of antibiotics and absence of the IEC genes. Notably, the interaction analyses indicated phenotype-phenotype (OR = 525.7; 95% CI, 60.0 to 4,602.1) and gene-environment (OR = 232.3; 95% CI, 28.7 to 1,876.7) interactions associated with increased risk for livestock-associated S. aureus CC9 carriage. These findings suggest that livestock-associated S. aureus and MRSA (CC9, IEC negative, and tetracycline resistant) in humans are associated with occupational livestock contact, raising questions about the potential for occupational exposure to opportunistic S. aureus This study adds to existing knowledge by giving insight into the genotypic and phenotypic markers of LA-MRSA. Our findings suggest that livestock-associated S. aureus and MRSA (CC9, IEC negative, and tetracycline resistant) in humans are associated with occupational livestock contact. Future studies should direct more attention to exploring the exact transmission routes and establishing measures to prevent the spread of LA-MRSA. Copyright © 2016, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

Genotypic and Phenotypic Markers of Livestock-Associated Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus CC9 in Humans

PubMed Central

Ye, Xiaohua; Wang, Xiaolin; Fan, Yanping; Peng, Yang; Li, Ling; Li, Shunming; Huang, Jingya; Yao, Zhenjiang

2016-01-01

ABSTRACT Use of antimicrobials in industrial food animal production is associated with the presence of multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus among animals and humans. The livestock-associated (LA) methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) clonal complex 9 (CC9) is associated with animals and related workers in Asia. This study aimed to explore the genotypic and phenotypic markers of LA-MRSA CC9 in humans. We conducted a cross-sectional study of livestock workers and controls in Guangdong, China. The study participants responded to a questionnaire and provided a nasal swab for S. aureus analysis. The resulting isolates were assessed for antibiotic susceptibility, multilocus sequence type, and immune evasion cluster (IEC) genes. Livestock workers had significantly higher rates of S. aureus CC9 (odds ratio [OR] = 30.98; 95% confidence interval [CI], 4.06 to 236.39) and tetracycline-resistant S. aureus (OR = 3.26; 95% CI, 2.12 to 5.00) carriage than controls. All 19 S. aureus CC9 isolates from livestock workers were MRSA isolates and also exhibited the characteristics of resistance to several classes of antibiotics and absence of the IEC genes. Notably, the interaction analyses indicated phenotype-phenotype (OR = 525.7; 95% CI, 60.0 to 4,602.1) and gene-environment (OR = 232.3; 95% CI, 28.7 to 1,876.7) interactions associated with increased risk for livestock-associated S. aureus CC9 carriage. These findings suggest that livestock-associated S. aureus and MRSA (CC9, IEC negative, and tetracycline resistant) in humans are associated with occupational livestock contact, raising questions about the potential for occupational exposure to opportunistic S. aureus. IMPORTANCE This study adds to existing knowledge by giving insight into the genotypic and phenotypic markers of LA-MRSA. Our findings suggest that livestock-associated S. aureus and MRSA (CC9, IEC negative, and tetracycline resistant) in humans are associated with occupational livestock contact. Future studies should direct more attention to exploring the exact transmission routes and establishing measures to prevent the spread of LA-MRSA. PMID:27107114

Comparison of Feeding Practices in Infants in the WIC Supplemental Nutrition Program Who Were Enrolled in Child Care as Opposed to Those with Parent Care Only.

PubMed

Kim, Juhee; Mathai, Rose Ann

2015-09-01

The environment or setting to which an infant is exposed is crucial to establishing healthy eating habits and to preventing obesity. This study aimed to compare infant feeding practices and complementary food type between parent care (PC) and childcare (CC) settings among infants receiving the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). This study sampled 105 dyads of mothers and infants between 2 to 8 months of age from a WIC office in Central Illinois. Mothers completed a cross-sectional survey to assess their infant feeding practices and demographic characteristics. CC was defined as infants receiving 10 hours or more per week of care from a nonparental caregiver. Almost half of the infants (44%) were enrolled in CC. Infants in CC had an average of 29 hours of care per week compared with 0.64 hours in the PC group (p<0.01). There were no differences between the two groups in age, sex, race/ethnicity, preterm birth, and birth weight. Overall, there were no significant differences in breastfeeding initiation and duration. The average age at formula introduction was earlier for PC infants (0.90 ± 1.16 months) than for CC infants (1.66 ± 1.64 months) (p = 0.03). PC infants stopped breastfeeding at 1.96 ± 1.15 months compared with 2.31 ± 1.64 months for CC infants (p = 0.080). Among complementary foods introduced to infants, the primary food type was infant cereal, followed by baby food of fruits and vegetables, 100% fruit juice, and meat-based baby food. The timing of introduction and the types of complementary foods were similar between study groups. CC use is not a significant influence on breastfeeding rates, introduction of complementary foods, and types of complementary foods; however, it does influence when formula is introduced. The findings support the need for infant nutrition education and breastfeeding promotion targeting WIC mothers, regardless of their pattern of CC.

Scattering resonances in bimolecular collisions between NO radicals and H2 challenge the theoretical gold standard

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vogels, Sjoerd N.; Karman, Tijs; Kłos, Jacek; Besemer, Matthieu; Onvlee, Jolijn; van der Avoird, Ad; Groenenboom, Gerrit C.; van de Meerakker, Sebastiaan Y. T.

2018-02-01

Over the last 25 years, the formalism known as coupled-cluster (CC) theory has emerged as the method of choice for the ab initio calculation of intermolecular interaction potentials. The implementation known as CCSD(T) is often referred to as the gold standard in quantum chemistry. It gives excellent agreement with experimental observations for a variety of energy-transfer processes in molecular collisions, and it is used to calibrate density functional theory. Here, we present measurements of low-energy collisions between NO radicals and H2 molecules with a resolution that challenges the most sophisticated quantum chemistry calculations at the CCSD(T) level. Using hitherto-unexplored anti-seeding techniques to reduce the collision energy in a crossed-beam inelastic-scattering experiment, a resonance structure near 14 cm-1 is clearly resolved in the state-to-state integral cross-section, and a unique resonance fingerprint is observed in the corresponding differential cross-section. This resonance structure discriminates between two NO-H2 potentials calculated at the CCSD(T) level and pushes the required accuracy beyond the gold standard.

Cross-correlation focus method with an electrostatic sensor array for local particle velocity measurement in dilute gas-solid two-phase flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Chao; Zhang, Jingyu; Gao, Wenbin; Ding, Hongbing; Wu, Weiping

2015-11-01

The gas-solid two-phase flow has been widely applied in the power, chemical and metallurgical industries. It is of great significance in the research of gas-solid two-phase flow to measure particle velocity at different locations in the pipeline. Thus, an electrostatic sensor array comprising eight arc-shaped electrodes was designed. The relationship between the cross-correlation (CC) velocity and the distribution of particle velocity, charge density and electrode spatial sensitivity was analysed. Then the CC sensitivity and its calculation method were proposed. According to the distribution of CC sensitivity, it was found that, between different electrode pairs, it had different focus areas. The CC focus method was proposed for particle velocity measurement at different locations and validated by a belt-style electrostatic induction experiment facility. Finally, the particle velocities at different locations with different flow conditions were measured to research the particle velocity distribution in a dilute horizontal pneumatic conveying pipeline.

THE DiskMass SURVEY. III. STELLAR KINEMATICS VIA CROSS-CORRELATION

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

Westfall, Kyle B.; Bershady, Matthew A.; Verheijen, Marc A. W., E-mail: westfall@astro.rug.nl, E-mail: mab@astro.wisc.edu, E-mail: verheyen@astro.rug.nl

2011-03-15

We describe a new cross-correlation (CC) approach used by our survey to derive stellar kinematics from galaxy-continuum spectroscopy. This approach adopts the formal error analysis derived by Statler, but properly handles spectral masks. Thus, we address the primary concerns regarding application of the CC method to censored data, while maintaining its primary advantage by consolidating kinematic and template-mismatch information toward different regions of the CC function. We identify a systematic error in the nominal CC method of approximately 10% in velocity dispersion incurred by a mistreatment of detector-censored data, which is eliminated by our new method. We derive our approachmore » from first principles, and we use Monte Carlo simulations to demonstrate its efficacy. An identical set of Monte Carlo simulations performed using the well-established penalized-pixel-fitting code of Cappellari and Emsellem compares favorably with the results from our newly implemented software. Finally, we provide a practical demonstration of this software by extracting stellar kinematics from SparsePak spectra of UGC 6918.« less

Campylobacter jejuni colonization and population structure in urban populations of ducks and starlings in New Zealand.

PubMed

Mohan, Vathsala; Stevenson, Mark; Marshall, Jonathan; Fearnhead, Paul; Holland, Barbara R; Hotter, Grant; French, Nigel P

2013-08-01

A repeated cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence of Campylobacter spp. and the population structure of C. jejuni in European starlings and ducks cohabiting multiple public access sites in an urban area of New Zealand. The country's geographical isolation and relatively recent history of introduction of wild bird species, including the European starling and mallard duck, create an ideal setting to explore the impact of geographical separation on the population biology of C. jejuni, as well as potential public health implications. A total of 716 starling and 720 duck fecal samples were collected and screened for C. jejuni over a 12 month period. This study combined molecular genotyping, population genetics and epidemiological modeling and revealed: (i) higher Campylobacter spp. isolation in starlings (46%) compared with ducks (30%), but similar isolation of C. jejuni in ducks (23%) and starlings (21%), (ii) significant associations between the isolation of Campylobacter spp. and host species, sampling location and time of year using logistic regression, (iii) evidence of population differentiation, as indicated by FST , and host-genotype association with clonal complexes CC ST-177 and CC ST-682 associated with starlings, and clonal complexes CC ST-1034, CC ST-692, and CC ST-1332 associated with ducks, and (iv) greater genetic diversity and genotype richness in ducks compared with starlings. These findings provide evidence that host-associated genotypes, such as the starling-associated ST-177 and ST-682, represent lineages that were introduced with the host species in the 19th century. The isolation of sequence types associated with human disease in New Zealand indicate that wild ducks and starlings need to be considered as a potential public health risk, particularly in urban areas. © 2013 The Authors. Microbiology Open published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Prevalence of substance use among middle school-aged e-cigarette users compared with cigarette smokers, nonusers, and dual users: Implications for primary prevention.

PubMed

Kristjansson, Alfgeir L; Mann, Michael J; Smith, Megan L

2017-01-01

The objective of this study was to compare the prevalence of substance use in e-cigarette (EC)-only users with combustible cigarette (CC)-only users, dual users, and nonusers in a large sample of middle school-aged adolescents. Population-based cross-sectional school survey conducted in 15 middle schools in 3 counties in West Virginia in the United States between October and December of 2015 (N = 6547, girls = 49.6%; response rate 84.7%). Approximately 4.3% of participants had used EC only, 4.5% had used CC only, and around 5.5% were dual users. Nonusers had the lowest prevalence of all 9 forms of substance use assessed in the study (i.e., chewing tobacco, any alcohol, drunkenness, marijuana, sniffing, prescription drugs, hallucinogens, synthetic marijuana, and bath salts), followed by EC and CC users. Dual users had the highest prevalence of 8 of 9 forms of substance use. Multinomial logistic regression models showed that EC-only users had significantly greater odds over nonusers of using 8 of 9 types of substances included in the study. Conversely, EC-only users had significantly lower odds of using 7 of 9 types of substances when compared with dual users. However, EC-only users did not differ from CC-only users in odds of use in any of the 9 substances included in this analysis. Among middle school-aged adolescents, EC-only users do not differ from CC-only users in odds for other forms of substance use. Primary prevention programs should consider EC use initiation as a pathway to greater risk of other licit and illicit substances among young adolescents.

Psychosocial Work Stressors, Work Fatigue, and Musculoskeletal Disorders: Comparison between Emergency and Critical Care Nurses in Brunei Public Hospitals.

PubMed

Abdul Rahman, Hanif; Abdul-Mumin, Khadizah; Naing, Lin

2017-03-01

Little evidence estimated the exposure of psychosocial work stressors, work-related fatigue, and musculoskeletal disorders for nurses working in South-East Asian region, and research on this subject is almost nonexistent in Brunei. The main aim of our study was to provide a comprehensive exploration and estimate exposure of the study variables amongst emergency (ER) and critical care (CC) nurses in Brunei. The study also aims to compare whether experiences of ER nurses differ from those of CC nurses. This cross-sectional study was implemented in the ER and CC departments across Brunei public hospitals from February to April 2016 by using Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire II, Occupational Fatigue Exhaustion Recovery scale, and Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire. In total, 201 ER and CC nurses (82.0% response rate) participated in the study. Quantitative demands of CC nurses were significantly higher than ER nurses. Even so, ER nurses were 4.0 times more likely [95% confidence interval (2.21, 7.35)] to experience threats of violence, and 2.8 times more likely [95% confidence interval: (1.50, 5.29)] to experience chronic fatigue. The results revealed that nurses experienced high quantitative demands, work pace, stress, and burnout. High prevalence of chronic and persistent fatigue, threats of violence and bullying, and musculoskeletal pain at the neck, shoulder, upper and lower back, and foot region, was also reported. This study has provided good estimates for the exposure rate of psychosocial work stressors, work-related fatigue, and musculoskeletal disorders among nurses in Brunei. It provided important initial insight for nursing management and policymakers to make informed decisions on current and future planning to provide nurses with a conducive work environment. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Muscle function-dependent sarcopenia and cut-off values of possible predictors in community-dwelling Turkish elderly: calf circumference, midarm muscle circumference and walking speed.

PubMed

Akın, S; Mucuk, S; Öztürk, A; Mazıcıoğlu, M; Göçer, Ş; Arguvanlı, S; Şafak, E D

2015-10-01

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of muscle strength-based sarcopenia and to determine possible predictors. This is a cross-sectional population-based study in the community-dwelling Turkish elderly. Anthropometric measurements, namely body height, weight, triceps skin fold (TSF), mid upper arm circumference (MUAC), waist circumference (WC) and calf circumference (CC), were noted. The midarm muscle circumference (MAMC) was calculated by using MUAC and TSF measurement. Sarcopenia was assessed, adjusted for body mass index (BMI) and gender, according to muscle strength. Physical performance was determined by 4 m walking speed (WS; m/s). The receiver operating curve analysis was performed to determine cut-offs of CC, MAMC and 4 m WS. A total of 879 elderly subjects, 50.1% of whom were female, were recruited. The mean handgrip strength (HGS) and s.d. was 24.2 (8.8) kg [17.9 (4.8) female, 30.6 (7.1) male]. The muscle function-dependent sarcopenia was 63.4% (female 73.5%, male 53.2%). The muscle mass-dependent sarcopenia for CC (<31 cm) and MAMC(<21.1 cm in males, <19.9 cm in females) was 6.7% and 7.3%, respectively. The prevalence of low 4 m WS (≤ 0.8 m/s) was 81.8% (91.3% in females and 72.3% in males, respectively). We compared MAMC, CC and 4 m WS and found that AUC for 4 m WS was the best predictor of sarcopenia. An adequate muscle mass may not mean a reliable muscle function. Muscle function may describe sarcopenia better compared with muscle mass. The CC, MAMC and 4 m WS cut-offs may be used to assess sarcopenia in certain age groups.

Revised geologic cross sections of parts of the Colorado, White River, and Death Valley regional groundwater flow systems, Nevada, Utah, and Arizona

USGS Publications Warehouse

Page, William R.; Scheirer, Daniel S.; Langenheim, V.E.; Berger, Mary A.

2006-01-01

This report presents revisions to parts of seven of the ten cross sections originally published in U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2006-1040. The revisions were necessary to correct errors in some of the original cross sections, and to show new parts of several sections that were extended and (or) appended to the original section profiles. Revisions were made to cross sections C-C', D-D', E-E', F-F', G-G', I-I', and J-J', and the parts of the sections revised or extended are highlighted below the sections on plate 1 by red brackets and the word "revised," or "extended." Sections not listed above, as well as the interpretive text and figures, are generally unchanged from the original report. Cross section C-C' includes revisions in the east Mormon Mountains in the east part of the section; D-D' includes revisions in the Mormon Mesa area in the east part of the section; E-E' includes revisions in the Muddy Mountains in the east part of the section; F-F' includes revisions from the Muddy Mountains to the south Virgin Mountains in the east part of the section; and J-J' includes some revisions from the east Mormon Mountains to the Virgin Mountains. The east end of G-G' was extended about 16 km from the Black Mountains to the southern Virgin Mountains, and the northern end of I-I' was extended about 45 km from the Muddy Mountains to the Mormon Mountains, and revisions were made in the Muddy Mountains part of the original section. This report contains 10 interpretive cross sections and an integrated text describing the geology of parts of the Colorado, White River, and Death Valley regional groundwater flow systems in Nevada, Utah, and Arizona. The primary purpose of the report is to provide geologic framework data for input into a numerical groundwater model. Therefore, the stratigraphic and structural summaries are written in a hydrogeologic context. The oldest rocks (basement) are Early Proterozoic metamorphic and intrusive crystalline rocks that are considered confining units because of their low permeability. Late Proterozoic to Lower Cambrian clastic units overlie the crystalline rocks and are also considered confining units within the regional flow systems. Above the clastic units are Middle Cambrian to Lower Permian carbonate rocks that are the primary aquifers in the flow systems. The Middle Cambrian to Lower Permian carbonate rocks are overlain by a sequence of mainly clastic rocks of late Paleozoic to Mesozoic age that are mostly considered confining units, but they may be permeable where faulted. Tertiary volcanic and plutonic rocks are exposed in the northern and southern parts of the study area. In the Clover and Delamar Mountains, these rocks are highly deformed by north- and northwest-striking normal and strike-slip faults that are probably important conduits in transmitting groundwater from the basins in the northern Colorado and White River flow systems to basins in the southern part of the flow systems. The youngest rocks in the region are Tertiary to Quaternary basin-fill deposits. These rocks consist of middle to late Tertiary sediments consisting of limestone, conglomerate, sandstone, tuff, and gypsum, and younger Quaternary surficial units consisting of alluvium, colluvium, playa deposits, and eolian deposits. Basin-fill deposits are both aquifers and aquitards. The rocks in the study area were complexly deformed by episodes of Mesozoic compression and Cenozoic extensional tectonism. Some Cretaceous thrust faults and folds of the Sevier orogenic belt form duplex zones and define areas of maximum thickness for the Paleozoic carbonate rocks. Cenozoic faults are important because they are the primary structures that control groundwater flow in the regional flow systems.

Finding modules and hierarchy in weighted financial network using transfer entropy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yook, Soon-Hyung; Chae, Huiseung; Kim, Jinho; Kim, Yup

2016-04-01

We study the modular structure of financial network based on the transfer entropy (TE). From the comparison with the obtained modular structure using the cross-correlation (CC), we find that TE and CC both provide well organized modular structure and the hierarchical relationship between each industrial group when the time scale of the measurement is less than one month. However, when the time scale of the measurement becomes larger than one month, we find that the modular structure from CC cannot correctly reflect the known industrial classification and their hierarchy. In addition the measured maximum modularity, Qmax, for TE is always larger than that for CC, which indicates that TE is a better weight measure than CC for the system with asymmetric relationship.

An investigation of the association between vending machine confectionery purchase frequency by schoolchildren in the UK and other dietary and lifestyle factors.

PubMed

New, Susan A; Livingstone, M Barbara E

2003-08-01

Availability of confectionery from vending machines in secondary schools provides a convenient point of purchase. There is concern that this may lead to 'over-indulgence' and hence an increase in susceptibility to obesity and poor 'dietary quality'. The study objective was to investigate the association between the frequency of consumption of confectionery purchased from vending machines and other sources and related lifestyle factors in adolescent boys and girls. A secondary school-based, cross-sectional study. A total of 504 subjects were investigated (age range 12-15 years), from three schools in southern and northern England. Using a lifestyle questionnaire, frequency of confectionery consumption (CC) from all sources (AS) and vending machines (VM) was recorded for a typical school week. Subjects were categorised into non-consumers, low, medium and high consumers using the following criteria: none, 0 times per week; low, 1-5 times per week; medium, 6-9 times per week; high, 10 times per week or greater. No differences were found in the frequency of CC from AS or VM between those who consumed breakfast and lunch and those who did not. No differences were found in the frequency of fruit and vegetable intake in high VM CC vs. none VM CC groups, or in any of the VM CC groups. Confectionery consumption from AS (but not VM) was found to be higher in subjects who were physically active on the journey to school (P<0.01) but also higher in those who spent more time watching television and playing computer games (P<0.01). No associations were found between smoking habits or alcohol consumption and frequency of CC. These results do not show a link between consumption of confectionery purchased from vending machines and 'poor' dietary practice or 'undesirable' lifestyle habits. Findings for total confectionery consumption showed some interesting trends, but the results were not consistent, either for a negative or positive effect.

Electron induced ionization of plasma processing gases: C4F x (x  =  1–8) and the isomers of C4F6 and C4F8

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gupta, Dhanoj; Choi, Heechol; Kwon, Deuk-Chul; Yoon, Jung-Sik; Song, Mi-Young

2018-04-01

The total ionization cross section (Q ion) for C4F x (x  =  1–8) fluorocarbons and the isomers of C4F6 and C4F8 molecules are calculated from ionization threshold to 5 keV using the binary-encounter bethe method. The targets are fully optimized using the Hartree–Fock (HF) method and density function theory (DFT) for their minimum energy structure and orbital parameters. The present Q ion with HF parameters showed good agreement with the experimental data for 1,3-C4F6, 2-C4F6, 2-C4F8 and 1-C4F8. On the other hand, the Q ion with DFT parameters are in good accordance with the recent theoretical results for 1,3-C4F6 and 2-C4F6. The Q ion for c-C4F8 showed much variation among the various results. The isomer effect in Q ion is negligible for the isomers of C4F6 and C4F8 molecules. The calculation of Q ion for C4F, C4F2, C4F3, C4F4, C4F5, c-C4F6, C4F7 and iso-C4F8 is a maiden attempt. The present cross section data are important quantities for low temperature plasma modeling especially related to the fluorocarbon plasmas.

Cotton growth modeling and assessment using unmanned aircraft system visual-band imagery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chu, Tianxing; Chen, Ruizhi; Landivar, Juan A.; Maeda, Murilo M.; Yang, Chenghai; Starek, Michael J.

2016-07-01

This paper explores the potential of using unmanned aircraft system (UAS)-based visible-band images to assess cotton growth. By applying the structure-from-motion algorithm, the cotton plant height (ph) and canopy cover (cc) information were retrieved from the point cloud-based digital surface models (DSMs) and orthomosaic images. Both UAS-based ph and cc follow a sigmoid growth pattern as confirmed by ground-based studies. By applying an empirical model that converts the cotton ph to cc, the estimated cc shows strong correlation (R2=0.990) with the observed cc. An attempt for modeling cotton yield was carried out using the ph and cc information obtained on June 26, 2015, the date when sigmoid growth curves for both ph and cc tended to decline in slope. In a cross-validation test, the correlation between the ground-measured yield and the estimated equivalent derived from the ph and/or cc was compared. Generally, combining ph and cc, the performance of the yield estimation is most comparable against the observed yield. On the other hand, the observed yield and cc-based estimation produce the second strongest correlation, regardless of the complexity of the models.

Important role of projectile excitation in 16O+60Ni and 16O+27Al scattering at intermediate energies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zagatto, V. A. B.; Cappuzzello, F.; Lubian, J.; Cavallaro, M.; Linares, R.; Carbone, D.; Agodi, C.; Foti, A.; Tudisco, S.; Wang, J. S.; Oliveira, J. R. B.; Hussein, M. S.

2018-05-01

The elastic scattering angular distribution of the 16O+60Ni system at 260 MeV was measured in the range of the Rutherford cross section down to seven orders of magnitude. The cross sections of the lowest 2+ and 3- inelastic states of the target were also measured over several orders of magnitude. Coupled-channel (CC) calculations were performed and are shown to be compatible with the whole set of data only when including the excitation of the projectile and when the deformations of the imaginary part of the nuclear optical potential are taken into account. Similar results were obtained when the procedure is applied to the existing data on 16O+27Al elastic and inelastic scattering at 100 and 280 MeV. An analysis in terms of dynamical polarization potentials (DPP) indicates the major role of coupled-channel effects in the overlapping surface region of the colliding nuclei.

A precision measurement of charm dimuon production in neutrino interactions from the NOMAD experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Samoylov, O.; Petti, R.; Alekhin, S.; Astier, P.; Autiero, D.; Baldisseri, A.; Baldo-Ceolin, M.; Banner, M.; Bassompierre, G.; Benslama, K.; Besson, N.; Bird, I.; Blumenfeld, B.; Bobisut, F.; Bouchez, J.; Boyd, S.; Bueno, A.; Bunyatov, S.; Camilleri, L.; Cardini, A.; Cattaneo, P. W.; Cavasinni, V.; Cervera-Villanueva, A.; Challis, R.; Chukanov, A.; Collazuol, G.; Conforto, G.; Conta, C.; Contalbrigo, M.; Cousins, R.; Degaudenzi, H.; De Santo, A.; Del Prete, T.; Di Lella, L.; do Couto e Silva, E.; Dumarchez, J.; Duyang, H.; Ellis, M.; Feldman, G. J.; Ferrari, R.; Ferrère, D.; Flaminio, V.; Fraternali, M.; Gaillard, J.-M.; Gangler, E.; Geiser, A.; Geppert, D.; Gibin, D.; Gninenko, S.; Godley, A.; Gomez-Cadenas, J.-J.; Gosset, J.; Gößling, C.; Gouanère, M.; Grant, A.; Graziani, G.; Guglielmi, A.; Hagner, C.; Hernando, J.; Hurst, P.; Hyett, N.; Iacopini, E.; Joseph, C.; Juget, F.; Kent, N.; Klimov, O.; Kokkonen, J.; Kovzelev, A.; Krasnoperov, A.; Kim, J. J.; Kirsanov, M.; Kulagin, S.; Kullenberg, C. T.; Lacaprara, S.; Lachaud, C.; Lakić, B.; Lanza, A.; La Rotonda, L.; Laveder, M.; Letessier-Selvon, A.; Levy, J.-M.; Libo, J.; Linssen, L.; Ljubičić, A.; Long, J.; Lupi, A.; Lyubushkin, V.; Marchionni, A.; Martelli, F.; Méchain, X.; Mendiburu, J.-P.; Meyer, J.-P.; Mezzetto, M.; Mishra, S. R.; Moorhead, G. F.; Naumov, D.; Nédélec, P.; Nefedov, Yu.; Nguyen-Mau, C.; Orestano, D.; Pastore, F.; Peak, L. S.; Pennacchio, E.; Pessard, H.; Placci, A.; Polesello, G.; Pollmann, D.; Polyarush, A.; Poulsen, C.; Popov, B.; Rebuffi, L.; Rico, J.; Riemann, P.; Roda, C.; Rubbia, A.; Salvatore, F.; Schahmaneche, K.; Schmidt, B.; Schmidt, T.; Sconza, A.; Scott, A. M.; Sevior, M.; Sillou, D.; Soler, F. J. P.; Sozzi, G.; Steele, D.; Stiegler, U.; Stipčević, M.; Stolarczyk, Th.; Tareb-Reyes, M.; Taylor, G. N.; Tereshchenko, V.; Tian, X. C.; Toropin, A.; Touchard, A.-M.; Tovey, S. N.; Tran, M.-T.; Tsesmelis, E.; Ulrichs, J.; Vacavant, L.; Valdata-Nappi, M.; Valuev, V.; Vannucci, F.; Varvell, K. E.; Veltri, M.; Vercesi, V.; Vidal-Sitjes, G.; Vieira, J.-M.; Vinogradova, T.; Weber, F. V.; Weisse, T.; Wilson, F. F.; Winton, L. J.; Wu, Q.; Yabsley, B. D.; Zaccone, H.; Zuber, K.; Zuccon, P.

2013-11-01

We present our new measurement of the cross-section for charm dimuon production in neutrino-iron interactions based upon the full statistics collected by the NOMAD experiment. After background subtraction we observe 15 344 charm dimuon events, providing the largest sample currently available. The analysis exploits the large inclusive charged current sample - about 9×106 events after all analysis cuts - and the high resolution NOMAD detector to constrain the total systematic uncertainty on the ratio of charm dimuon to inclusive Charged Current (CC) cross-sections to ˜2%. We also perform a fit to the NOMAD data to extract the charm production parameters and the strange quark sea content of the nucleon within the NLO QCD approximation. We obtain a value of mc(mc)=1.159±0.075 GeV/c2 for the running mass of the charm quark in the MS¯ scheme and a strange quark sea suppression factor of κs=0.591±0.019 at Q2=20 GeV/c2.

Quenching of internally 'hot' H2 and N2 gases by collisions with ultracold electrons: a computational 'experiment'

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gianturco, F. A.

2008-11-01

Quantum mechanical methods are employed to obtain superelastic cross sections involving H2 and N2 molecules, in excited rotational states, colliding with electrons at the very low collision energies which are encountered in cold trap experiments. This computational analysis intends to explore the feasibility of cold electrons for the collisional quenching of molecular gases down to the nanokelvin regimes. The results are obtained using rigorous coupled-channel (CC) calculations in the laboratory frame of reference which allows one to correctly describe the cross section behaviour at ultralow energies. The results are analysed down to the ultracold region of validity of Wigner's law, where it is found that electron-driven collisions exhibit substantial efficiency for the quenching of rotational populations in molecular gases involving the title systems. This work is affectionately dedicated to Anna Giardini, a creative experimentalist and a long-time friend, on the occasion of her 'official' retirement.

New potential energy surface for the HCS{sup +}–He system and inelastic rate coefficients

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

Dubernet, Marie-Lise; Quintas-Sánchez, Ernesto; Tuckey, Philip

2015-07-28

A new high quality potential energy surface is calculated at a coupled-cluster single double triple level with an aug-cc-pV5Z basis set for the HCS{sup +}–He system. This potential energy surface is used in low energy quantum scattering calculations to provide a set of (de)-excitation cross sections and rate coefficients among the first 20 rotational levels of HCS{sup +} by He in the range of temperature from 5 K to 100 K. The paper discusses the impact of the new ab initio potential energy surface on the cross sections at low energy and provides a comparison with the HCO{sup +}–He system.more » The HCS{sup +}–He rate coefficients for the strongest transitions differ by factors of up to 2.5 from previous rate coefficients; thus, analysis of astrophysical spectra should be reconsidered with the new rate coefficients.« less

A Comparison between Model Base Hardconstrain, Bandlimited, and Sparse-Spike Seismic Inversion: New Insights for CBM Reservoir Modelling on Muara Enim Formation, South Sumatra

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mohamad Noor, Faris; Adipta, Agra

2018-03-01

Coal Bed Methane (CBM) as a newly developed resource in Indonesia is one of the alternatives to relieve Indonesia’s dependencies on conventional energies. Coal resource of Muara Enim Formation is known as one of the prolific reservoirs in South Sumatra Basin. Seismic inversion and well analysis are done to determine the coal seam characteristics of Muara Enim Formation. This research uses three inversion methods, which are: model base hard- constrain, bandlimited, and sparse-spike inversion. Each type of seismic inversion has its own advantages to display the coal seam and its characteristic. Interpretation result from the analysis data shows that the Muara Enim coal seam has 20 (API) gamma ray value, 1 (gr/cc) – 1.4 (gr/cc) from density log, and low AI cutoff value range between 5000-6400 (m/s)*(g/cc). The distribution of coal seam is laterally thinning northwest to southeast. Coal seam is seen biasedly on model base hard constraint inversion and discontinued on band-limited inversion which isn’t similar to the geological model. The appropriate AI inversion is sparse spike inversion which has 0.884757 value from cross plot inversion as the best correlation value among the chosen inversion methods. Sparse Spike inversion its self-has high amplitude as a proper tool to identify coal seam continuity which commonly appears as a thin layer. Cross-sectional sparse spike inversion shows that there are possible new boreholes in CDP 3662-3722, CDP 3586-3622, and CDP 4004-4148 which is seen in seismic data as a thick coal seam.

Fine-structure resolved rotational transitions and database for CN+H2 collisions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Burton, Hannah; Mysliwiec, Ryan; Forrey, Robert C.; Yang, B. H.; Stancil, P. C.; Balakrishnan, N.

2018-06-01

Cross sections and rate coefficients for CN+H2 collisions are calculated using the coupled states (CS) approximation. The calculations are benchmarked against more accurate close-coupling (CC) calculations for transitions between low-lying rotational states. Comparisons are made between the two formulations for collision energies greater than 10 cm-1. The CS approximation is used to construct a database which includes highly excited rotational states that are beyond the practical limitations of the CC method. The database includes fine-structure resolved rotational quenching transitions for v = 0 and j ≤ 40, where v and j are the vibrational and rotational quantum numbers of the initial state of the CN molecule. Rate coefficients are computed for both para-H2 and ortho-H2 colliders. The results are shown to be in good agreement with previous calculations, however, the rates are substantially different from mass-scaled CN+He rates that are often used in astrophysical models.

SiO2 Hole Etching Using Perfluorocarbon Alternative Gas with Small Global Greenhouse Effect

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ooka, Masahiro; Yokoyama, Shin

2004-06-01

The etching of contact holes of 0.1 μm size in SiO2 is achieved using, for the first time, cyclic (c-)C5F8 with a small greenhouse effect in the pulse-modulated inductively coupled plasma. The shape of the cross section of the contact hole is as good as that etched using conventional c-C4F8. It is confirmed that Kr mixing instead of Ar in the plasma does not change the etching characteristics, although lowering of the electron temperature is expected which reduces the plasma-induced damage. Pulse modulation of the plasma is found to improve the etching selectivity of SiO2 with respect to Si. Langmuir probe measurement of the plasma suggests that the improvement of the etching selectivity is due to the deposition of fluorocarbon film triggered by lowering of the electron temperature when the off time of the radio frequency (rf) power is extended.

Exclusive muon neutrino charged current pion-less topologies. ArgoNeuT results and future prospects in LAr TPC detectors

DOE PAGES

Palamara, Ornella

2016-12-29

Results from the analysis of charged current pion-less (CC 0-pion) muon neutrino events in argon collected by the ArgoNeuT experiment on the NuMI beam at Fermilab are presented and compared with predictions from Monte Carlo simulations. A novel analysis method, based on the reconstruction of exclusive topologies, fully exploiting the Liquid argon Time Projection Chamber (LAr TPC) technique capabilities, is used to analyze the events, characterized by the presence at the vertex of a leading muon track eventually accompanied by one or more highly ionizing tracks, and study nuclear effects in neutrino interactions on argon nuclei. Multiple protons accompanying themore » leading muon are visible in the ArgoNeuT events, and measured with a proton reconstruction threshold of 21 MeV kinetic energy. As a result, measurements of (anti-)neutrino CC 0-pion inclusive and exclusive cross sections on argon nuclei are reported. Prospects for future, larger mass LAr TPC detectors are discussed.« less

MRSA clonal complex 22 strains harboring toxic shock syndrome toxin (TSST-1) are endemic in the primary hospital in Gaza, Palestine.

PubMed

Al Laham, Nahed; Mediavilla, José R; Chen, Liang; Abdelateef, Nahed; Elamreen, Farid Abu; Ginocchio, Christine C; Pierard, Denis; Becker, Karsten; Kreiswirth, Barry N

2015-01-01

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is an important pathogen in both community and healthcare-related settings worldwide. Current knowledge regarding the epidemiology of S. aureus and MRSA in Gaza is based on a single community-based carriage study. Here we describe a cross-sectional analysis of 215 clinical isolates collected from Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza during 2008 and 2012. All isolates were characterized by spa typing, SCCmec typing, and detection of genes encoding Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) and toxic shock syndrome toxin (TSST-1). Representative genotypes were also subjected to multilocus sequence typing (MLST). Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed using VITEK2 and MicroScan. MRSA represented 56.3% of all S. aureus strains, and increased in frequency from 2008 (54.8%) to 2012 (58.4%). Aside from beta-lactams, resistance was observed to tetracycline, erythromycin, clindamycin, gentamicin, and fluoroquinolones. Molecular typing identified 35 spa types representing 17 MLST clonal complexes (CC), with spa 998 (Ridom t223, CC22) and spa 70 (Ridom t044, CC80) being the most prevalent. SCCmec types I, III, IV, V and VI were identified among MRSA isolates, while type II was not detected. PVL genes (lukF/S-PV) were detected in 40.0% of all isolates, while the TSST-1 gene (tst) was detected in 27.4% of all isolates, with surprisingly high frequency within CC22 (70.4%). Both PVL and TSST-1 genes were found in several isolates from 2012. Molecular typing of clinical isolates from Gaza hospitals revealed unusually high prevalence of TSST-1 genes among CC22 MRSA, which is noteworthy given a recent community study describing widespread carriage of a CC22 MRSA clone known as the 'Gaza strain'. While the latter did not address TSST-1, tst-positive spa 998 (Ridom t223) has been detected in several neighboring countries, and described as endemic in an Italian NICU, suggesting international spread of a 'Middle Eastern variant' of pandemic CC22 strain EMRSA-15.

Volume reduction of the corpus callosum and its relationship with deficits in interhemispheric transfer of information in recent-onset psychosis.

PubMed

Chaim, Tiffany M; Schaufelberger, Maristela S; Ferreira, Luiz K; Duran, Fábio L S; Ayres, Adriana M; Scazufca, Marcia; Menezes, Paulo R; Amaro, Edson; Leite, Claudia C; Murray, Robin M; McGuire, Philip K; Rushe, Teresa M; Busatto, Geraldo F

2010-10-30

The present study aimed to investigate the presence of corpus callosum (CC) volume deficits in a population-based recent-onset psychosis (ROP) sample, and whether CC volume relates to interhemispheric communication deficits. For this purpose, we used voxel-based morphometry comparisons of magnetic resonance imaging data between ROP (n =122) and healthy control (n = 94) subjects. Subgroups (38 ROP and 39 controls) were investigated for correlations between CC volumes and performance on the Crossed Finger Localization Test (CFLT). Significant CC volume reductions in ROP subjects versus controls emerged after excluding substance misuse and non-right-handedness. CC reductions retained significance in the schizophrenia subgroup but not in affective psychoses subjects. There were significant positive correlations between CC volumes and CFLT scores in ROP subjects, specifically in subtasks involving interhemispheric communication. From these results, we can conclude that CC volume reductions are present in association with ROP. The relationship between such deficits and CFLT performance suggests that interhemispheric communication impairments are directly linked to CC abnormalities in ROP. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Study of D ∗ (2010) ± production in ep collisions at HERA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Derrick, M.; Krakauer, D.; Magill, S.; Mikunas, D.; Musgrave, B.; Repond, J.; Stanek, R.; Talaga, R. L.; Zhang, H.; Ayad, R.; Bari, G.; Basile, M.; Bellagamba, L.; Boscherini, D.; Bruni, A.; Bruni, G.; Bruni, P.; Cara Romeo, G.; Castellini, G.; Chiarini, M.; Cifarelli, L.; Cindolo, F.; Contin, A.; Corradi, M.; Gialas, I.; Giusti, P.; Iacobucci, G.; Laurenti, G.; Levi, G.; Margotti, A.; Massam, T.; Nania, R.; Nemoz, C.; Palmonari, F.; Polini, A.; Sartorelli, G.; Timellini, R.; Zamora Garcia, Y.; Zichichi, A.; Bargende, A.; Crittenden, J.; Desch, K.; Diekmann, B.; Doeker, T.; Eckert, M.; Feld, L.; Frey, A.; Geerts, M.; Geitz, G.; Grothe, M.; Haas, T.; Hartmann, H.; Haun, D.; Heinloth, K.; Hilger, E.; Jakob, H.-P.; Katz, U. F.; Mari, S. M.; Mass, A.; Mengel, S.; Mollen, J.; Paul, E.; Rembser, Ch.; Schattevoy, R.; Schramm, D.; Stamm, J.; Wedemeyer, R.; Campbell-Robson, S.; Cassidy, A.; Dyce, N.; Foster, B.; George, S.; Gilmore, R.; Heath, G. P.; Heath, H. F.; Llewellyn, T. J.; Morgado, C. J. S.; Norman, D. J. P.; O'Mara, J. A.; Tapper, R. J.; Wilson, S. S.; Yoshida, R.; Rau, R. R.; Arneodo, M.; Iannotti, L.; Schioppa, M.; Susinno, G.; Bernstein, A.; Caldwell, A.; Parsons, J. A.; Ritz, S.; Sciulli, F.; Straub, P. B.; Wai, L.; Yang, S.; Zhu, Q.; Borzemski, P.; Chwastowski, J.; Eskreys, A.; Piotrzkowski, K.; Zachara, M.; Zawiejski, L.; Adamczyk, L.; Bednarek, B.; Eskreys, K.; Jeleń, K.; Kisielewska, D.; Kowalski, T.; Rulikowska-Zarȩbska, E.; Suszycki, L.; Zajaç, J.; Kotański, A.; Przybycień, M.; Bauerdick, L. A. T.; Behrens, U.; Beier, H.; Bienlein, J. K.; Coldewey, C.; Deppe, O.; Desler, K.; Drews, G.; Flasiński, M.; Gilkinson, D. J.; Glasman, C.; Göttlicher, P.; Große-Knetter, J.; Gutjahr, B.; Hain, W.; Hasell, D.; Heßling, H.; Hultschig, H.; Iga, Y.; Joos, P.; Kasemann, M.; Klanner, R.; Koch, W.; Köpke, L.; Kötz, U.; Kowalski, H.; Labs, J.; Ladage, A.; Löhr, B.; Löwe, M.; Lüke, D.; Mańczak, O.; Ng, J. S. T.; Nickel, S.; Notz, D.; Ohrenberg, K.; Roco, M.; Rohde, M.; Roldán, J.; Schneekloth, U.; Schulz, W.; Selonke, F.; Stiliaris, E.; Surrow, B.; Voß, T.; Westphal, D.; Wolf, G.; Youngman, C.; Zhou, J. F.; Grabosch, H. J.; Kharchilava, A.; Leich, A.; Mattingly, M.; Meyer, A.; Schlenstedt, S.; Wulff, N.; Barbagli, G.; Pelfer, P.; Anzivino, G.; Maccarrone, G.; De Pasquale, S.; Votano, L.; Bamberger, A.; Eisenhardt, S.; Freidhof, A.; Söldner-Rembold, S.; Schroeder, J.; Trefzger, T.; Brook, N. H.; Bussey, P. J.; Doyle, A. T.; Fleck, I.; Saxon, D. H.; Utley, M. L.; Wilson, A. S.; Dannemann, A.; Holm, U.; Horstmann, D.; Neumann, T.; Sinkus, R.; Wick, K.; Badura, E.; Burow, B. D.; Hagge, L.; Lohrmann, E.; Mainusch, J.; Milewski, J.; Nakahata, M.; Pavel, N.; Poelz, G.; Schott, W.; Zetsche, F.; Bacon, T. C.; Butterworth, I.; Gallo, E.; Harris, V. L.; Hung, B. Y. H.; Long, K. R.; Miller, D. B.; Morawitz, P. P. O.; Prinias, A.; Sedgbeer, J. K.; Whitfield, A. F.; Mallik, U.; McCliment, E.; Wang, M. Z.; Wang, S. M.; Wu, J. T.; Zhang, Y.; Cloth, P.; Filges, D.; An, S. H.; Hong, S. M.; Nam, S. W.; Park, S. K.; Suh, M. H.; Yon, S. H.; Imlay, R.; Kartik, S.; Kim, H.-J.; McNeil, R. R.; Metcalf, W.; Nadendla, V. K.; Barreiro, F.; Cases, G.; Graciani, R.; Hernández, J. M.; Hervás, L.; Labarga, L.; del Peso, J.; Puga, J.; Terron, J.; de Trocóniz, J. F.; Smith, G. R.; Corriveau, F.; Hanna, D. S.; Hartmann, J.; Hung, L. W.; Lim, J. N.; Matthews, C. G.; Patel, P. M.; Sinclair, L. E.; Stairs, D. G.; Laurent, M. St.; Ullmann, R.; Zacek, G.; Bashkirov, V.; Dolgoshein, B. A.; Stifutkin, A.; Bashindzhagyan, G. L.; Ermolov, P. F.; Gladilin, L. K.; Golubkov, Y. A.; Kobrin, V. D.; Kuzmin, V. A.; Proskuryakov, A. S.; Savin, A. A.; Shcheglova, L. M.; Solomin, A. N.; Zotov, N. P.; Botje, M.; Chlebana, F.; Dake, A.; Engelen, J.; de Kamps, M.; Kooijman, P.; Kruse, A.; Tiecke, H.; Verkerke, W.; Vreeswijk, M.; Wiggers, L.; de Wolf, E.; van Woudenberg, R.; Acosta, D.; Bylsma, B.; Durkin, L. S.; Honscheid, K.; Li, C.; Ling, T. Y.; McLean, K. W.; Murray, W. N.; Park, I. H.; Romanowski, T. A.; Seidlein, R.; Bailey, D. S.; Blair, G. A.; Byrne, A.; Cashmore, R. J.; Cooper-Sarkar, A. M.; Daniels, D.; Devenish, R. C. E.; Harnew, N.; Lancaster, M.; Luffman, P. E.; Lindemann, L.; McFall, J. D.; Nath, C.; Noyes, V. A.; Quadt, A.; Uijterwaal, H.; Walczak, R.; Wilson, F. F.; Yip, T.; Abbiendi, G.; Bertolin, A.; Brugnera, R.; Carlin, R.; Dal Corso, F.; De Giorgi, M.; Dosselli, U.; Limentani, S.; Morandin, M.; Posocco, M.; Stanco, L.; Stroili, R.; Voci, C.; Bulmahn, J.; Butterworth, J. M.; Feild, R. G.; Oh, B. Y.; Whitmore, J. J.; D'Agostini, G.; Marini, G.; Nigro, A.; Tassi, E.; Hart, J. C.; McCubbin, N. A.; Prytz, K.; Shah, T. P.; Short, T. L.; Barberis, E.; Cartiglia, N.; Dubbs, T.; Heusch, C.; Van Hook, M.; Hubbard, B.; Lockman, W.; Rahn, J. T.; Sadrozinski, H. F.-W.; Seiden, A.; Biltzinger, J.; Seifert, R. J.; Walenta, A. H.; Zech, G.; Abramowicz, H.; Briskin, G.; Dagan, S.; Levy, A.; Hasegawa, T.; Hazumi, M.; Ishii, T.; Kuze, M.; Mine, S.; Nagasawa, Y.; Nakao, M.; Suzuki, I.; Tokushuku, K.; Yamada, S.; Yamazaki, Y.; Chiba, M.; Hamatsu, R.; Hirose, T.; Homma, K.; Kitamura, S.; Nakamitsu, Y.; Yamauchi, K.; Cirio, R.; Costa, M.; Ferrero, M. I.; Lamberti, L.; Maselli, S.; Peroni, C.; Sacchi, R.; Solano, A.; Staiano, A.; Dardo, M.; Bailey, D. C.; Bandyopadhyay, D.; Benard, F.; Brkic, M.; Crombie, M. B.; Gingrich, D. M.; Hartner, G. F.; Joo, K. K.; Levman, G. M.; Martin, J. F.; Orr, R. S.; Sampson, C. R.; Teuscher, R. J.; Catterall, C. D.; Jones, T. W.; Kaziewicz, P. B.; Lane, J. B.; Saunders, R. L.; Shulman, J.; Blankenship, K.; Kochocki, J.; Lu, B.; Mo, L. W.; Bogusz, W.; Charchuła, K.; Ciborowski, J.; Gajewski, J.; Grzelak, G.; Kasprzak, M.; Krzyżanowski, M.; Muchorowski, K.; Nowak, R. J.; Pawlak, J. M.; Tymieniecka, T.; Wróblewski, A. K.; Zakrzewski, J. A.; Żarnecki, A. F.; Adamus, M.; Eisenberg, Y.; Karshon, U.; Revel, D.; Zer-Zion, D.; Ali, I.; Badgett, W. F.; Behrens, B.; Dasu, S.; Fordham, C.; Foudas, C.; Goussiou, A.; Loveless, R. J.; Reeder, D. D.; Silverstein, S.; Smith, W. H.; Vaiciulis, A.; Wodarczyk, M.; Tsurugai, T.; Bhadra, S.; Cardy, M. L.; Fagerstroem, C.-P.; Frisken, W. R.; Furutani, K. M.; Khakzad, M.; Schmidke, W. B.

1995-02-01

We report the first observation of charmed mesons with the ZEUS detector at HERA using the decay channel D ∗+ → (D 0 → K -π +)π + (+c.c.) . Clear signals in the mass difference ΔM=M( D∗)-M( D0) as well as in the M( Kπ) distribution at the D 0 mass are found. The ep cross section for inclusive D ∗± production with Q2 < 4 GeV 2 in the γp centre-of-mass energy range 115 < W < 275 GeV has been determined to be (32±7 -7+4) nb in the kinematic region pt(D ∗) ≥ 1.7 GeV, |η( D∗)| < 1.5 . Extrapolating outside this region, assuming a mass of the charm quark of 1.5 GeV, we estimate the ep charm cross section to be σ(ep → c overlinecX) = (0.45 ± 0.11 -0.22+0.37) μb at s=296 GeV and < W> = 198 GeV. The average γp charm cross section σ(γp → c overlinecX) is found to be (6.3 ± 2.2 -3.0+6.3) μb at < W> = 163 GeV and (16.9 ± 5.2 -8.5+13.9) μb at < W> = 243 GeV. The increase of the total charm photoproduction cross section by one order of magnitude with respect to low energy data experiments is well described by QCD NLO calculations using singular gluon distributions in the proton.

The Radar Cross Sections of Hayes TRX-11, TPT-5A and TPT-5l Towed Targets

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-08-01

Cl~~~~~ C C’ tV e mata a-- e- acCA C C, ’aC ’.’. - Caý C I ’. Cl CA w t Cl- - - -- - - - - - -- - ,C -r laCa - - - wC 7 A;’ Va -.- C- ae o 0’ -CC Cln...ATF (2 copies) SPARES (6 COPIES) TOTAL (47 COPIES) k: I. 11 DE-P~a•AK-6EN7 OF !)F’ý.A;CEt PAGE C ia•%•,S F1 ( A’I!O \\ UNACLASSIFIED.O DOCUMENT CONTROL

32. SECTIONS AA, BB, CC, DD, AND EE WASTE CALCINATION ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

32. SECTIONS A-A, B-B, C-C, D-D, AND E-E WASTE CALCINATION FACILITY SHOWING RELATIONSHIPS OF DIFFERENT FLOOR LEVELS TO ONE ANOTHER. INEEL DRAWING NUMBER 200-0633-00-287-106353. FLUOR NUMBER 5775-CPP-633-A-3. - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, Old Waste Calcining Facility, Scoville, Butte County, ID

Heel anatomy for retrograde tibiotalocalcaneal roddings: a roentgenographic and anatomic analysis.

PubMed

Flock, T J; Ishikawa, S; Hecht, P J; Wapner, K L

1997-04-01

There is an increased interest in load-sharing devices for tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis. Although the neurovascular anatomy of the heel has been well described, the purpose of this study is to consider heel anatomy as it relates to plantar heel incisions and to well-defined fluoroscopic landmarks to prevent complications during these procedures. Twenty lateral radiographs of normal feet while standing were evaluated by two observers. The distance from the calcaneocuboid (CC) joint to a line parallel to the center of the intramedullary canal of the tibia was calculated. In the second part of the study, 14 dissections of the arterial and neural anatomy were performed. The distances from the CC joint to structures crossing the heel proximal to the CC joint were studied. In the 20 standing radiographs, the mean distance from the CC joint to the middle of the intramedullary canal of the tibia was 2.1 cm (standard deviation, 0.55 cm). In the dissections, the only artery or nerve found to cross the plantar surface proximal to the CC joint was the nerve to the abductor digiti quinti (NAbDQ). The mean distance from the CC joint to the NAbDQ was 3.1 cm (standard deviation, 1.36 cm). Assuming reaming to 12 mm, NAbDQ would be at risk 42% of the time. We recommend careful dissection of the heel during retrograde roddings to avoid damage to NAbDQ and subsequent neurogenic heel pain.

Foreshock search over a long duration using a method of setting appropriate criteria

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Toyomoto, Y.; Kawakata, H.; Hirano, S.; Doi, I.

2016-12-01

Recently, small foreshocks have been detected using cross-correlation techniques (e.g., Bouchon et al., 2011) in which the foreshocks are identified when the cross-correlation coefficient (CC) exceeded a certain threshold. For some shallow intraplate earthquakes, foreshocks whose hypocenters were estimated to be adjacent to the main shock hypocenter were detected from several tens of minutes before the main shock occurrence (Doi and Kawakata, 2012; 2013). At least two problems remain in the cross-correlation techniques employed. First, previous studies on foreshocks used data whose durations are at most a month (Kato et al., 2013); this is insufficient to check if such events occurred only before the main shock occurrence or not. Second, CC is used for detection criteria without considering validity of the threshold. In this study, we search for foreshocks of an M 5.4 earthquake in central Nagano prefecture in Japan on June 30, 2011 with a vertical-component waveform at N.MWDH (Hi-net) station due to one of the cataloged foreshocks (M 1) as a template to calculate CC. We calculate CC between the template and continuous waveforms of the same component at the same station for two years before the main shock occurrence, and we try to overcome the problems mentioned above. We find that histogram of CC is well modeled with the normal distribution, which is similar to previous studies on tremors (e.g., Ohta and Ide, 2008). According to the model, the expected number of misdetection is less than 1 when CC > 0.63. Therefore, we regard that the waveform is due to a foreshock when CC > 0.63. As a result, foreshocks are detected only within thirteen hours immediately before the main shock occurrence for the two years. By setting an appropriate threshold, we conclude that foreshocks just before the main shock occurrence are not stationary events. Acknowledgments: We use continuous waveform records of NIED high sensitivity seismograph network in Japan (Hi-net) and the JMA unified hypocenter catalogs. This work is supported by MEXT of Japan, under its Earthquake and Volcano Hazards Observation and Research Program.

Influence of disruption of the acromioclavicular and coracoclavicular ligaments on glenohumeral motion: a kinematic evaluation.

PubMed

Walley, Kempland C; Haghpanah, Babak; Hingsammer, Andreas; Harlow, Ethan R; Vaziri, Ashkan; DeAngelis, Joseph P; Nazarian, Ara; Ramappa, Arun J

2016-11-17

Changes to the integrity of the acromioclavicular (AC) joint impact scapulothoracic and clavicular kinematics. AC ligaments provide anterior-posterior stability, while the coracoclavicular (CC) ligaments provide superior-inferior stability and a restraint to scapular internal rotation. The purpose of this cadaveric study was to describe the effect of sequential AC and CC sectioning on glenohumeral (GH) kinematics during abduction (ABD) of the arm. We hypothesized that complete AC ligament insult would result in altered GH translation in the anterior-posterior plane during abduction, while subsequent sectioning of both CC ligaments would result in an increasing inferior shift in GH translation. Six cadaveric shoulders were studied to evaluate the impact of sequential sectioning of AC and CC ligaments on GH kinematics throughout an abduction motion in the coronal plane. Following an examination of the baseline, uninjured kinematics, the AC ligaments were then sectioned sequentially: (1) Anterior, (2) Inferior, (3) Posterior, and (4) Superior. Continued sectioning of CC ligamentous structures followed: the (5) trapezoid and then the (6) conoid ligaments. For each group, the GH translation and the area under the curve (AUC) were measured during abduction using an intact cadaveric shoulder. Total translation was calculated for each condition between ABD 30° and ABD 150° using the distance formula, and a univariate analysis was used to compare total translation for each axis during the different conditions. GH kinematics were not altered following sequential resection of the AC ligaments. Disruption of the trapezoid resulted in significant anterior and lateral displacement of the center of GH rotation. Sectioning the conoid ligament further increased the inferior shift in GH displacement. A combined injury of the AC and CC ligaments significantly alters GH kinematics during abduction. Type III AC separations, result in a significant change in the shoulder's motion and may warrant surgical reconstruction to restore normal function.

Architecture of energy balance traits in emerging lines of the Collaborative Cross

PubMed Central

Aylor, David L.; Miller, Darla R.; Churchill, Gary A.; Chesler, Elissa J.; de Villena, Fernando Pardo-Manuel; Threadgill, David W.; Pomp, Daniel

2011-01-01

The potential utility of the Collaborative Cross (CC) mouse resource was evaluated to better understand complex traits related to energy balance. A primary focus was to examine if genetic diversity in emerging CC lines (pre-CC) would translate into equivalent phenotypic diversity. Second, we mapped quantitative trait loci (QTL) for 15 metabolism- and exercise-related phenotypes in this population. We evaluated metabolic and voluntary exercise traits in 176 pre-CC lines, revealing phenotypic variation often exceeding that seen across the eight founder strains from which the pre-CC was derived. Many phenotypic correlations existing within the founder strains were no longer significant in the pre-CC population, potentially representing reduced linkage disequilibrium (LD) of regions harboring multiple genes with effects on energy balance or disruption of genetic structure of extant inbred strains with substantial shared ancestry. QTL mapping revealed five significant and eight suggestive QTL for body weight (Chr 4, 7.54 Mb; CI 3.32–10.34 Mb; Bwq14), body composition, wheel running (Chr 16, 33.2 Mb; CI 32.5–38.3 Mb), body weight change in response to exercise (1: Chr 6, 77.7Mb; CI 72.2–83.4 Mb and 2: Chr 6, 42.8 Mb; CI 39.4–48.1 Mb), and food intake during exercise (Chr 12, 85.1 Mb; CI 82.9–89.0 Mb). Some QTL overlapped with previously mapped QTL for similar traits, whereas other QTL appear to represent novel loci. These results suggest that the CC will be a powerful, high-precision tool for examining the genetic architecture of complex traits such as those involved in regulation of energy balance. PMID:21427413

Modified CC-LR algorithm with three diverse feature sets for motor imagery tasks classification in EEG based brain-computer interface.

PubMed

Siuly; Li, Yan; Paul Wen, Peng

2014-03-01

Motor imagery (MI) tasks classification provides an important basis for designing brain-computer interface (BCI) systems. If the MI tasks are reliably distinguished through identifying typical patterns in electroencephalography (EEG) data, a motor disabled people could communicate with a device by composing sequences of these mental states. In our earlier study, we developed a cross-correlation based logistic regression (CC-LR) algorithm for the classification of MI tasks for BCI applications, but its performance was not satisfactory. This study develops a modified version of the CC-LR algorithm exploring a suitable feature set that can improve the performance. The modified CC-LR algorithm uses the C3 electrode channel (in the international 10-20 system) as a reference channel for the cross-correlation (CC) technique and applies three diverse feature sets separately, as the input to the logistic regression (LR) classifier. The present algorithm investigates which feature set is the best to characterize the distribution of MI tasks based EEG data. This study also provides an insight into how to select a reference channel for the CC technique with EEG signals considering the anatomical structure of the human brain. The proposed algorithm is compared with eight of the most recently reported well-known methods including the BCI III Winner algorithm. The findings of this study indicate that the modified CC-LR algorithm has potential to improve the identification performance of MI tasks in BCI systems. The results demonstrate that the proposed technique provides a classification improvement over the existing methods tested. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Human papillomavirus genotype prevalence in cervical biopsies from women diagnosed with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia or cervical cancer in Fiji.

PubMed

Tabrizi, Sepehr N; Law, Irwin; Buadromo, Eka; Stevens, Matthew P; Fong, James; Samuela, Josaia; Patel, Mahomed; Mulholland, E Kim; Russell, Fiona M; Garland, Suzanne M

2011-09-01

There is currently limited information about human papillomavirus (HPV) genotype distribution in women in the South Pacific region. This study's objective was to determine HPV genotypes present in cervical cancer (CC) and precancers (cervical intraepithelial lesion (CIN) 3) in Fiji. Cross-sectional analysis evaluated archival CC and CIN3 biopsy samples from 296 women of Melanesian Fijian ethnicity (n=182, 61.5%) and Indo-Fijian ethnicity (n=114, 38.5%). HPV genotypes were evaluated using the INNO-LiPA assay in archival samples from CC (n=174) and CIN3 (n=122) among women in Fiji over a 5-year period from 2003 to 2007. Overall, 99% of the specimens tested were HPV DNA-positive for high-risk genotypes, with detection rates of 100%, 97.4% and 100% in CIN3, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and adenosquamous carcinoma biopsies, respectively. Genotypes 16 and 18 were the most common (77%), followed by HPV 31 (4.3%). Genotype HPV 16 was the most common identified (59%) in CIN3 specimens, followed by HPV 31 (9%) and HPV 52 (6.6%). Multiple genotypes were detected in 12.5-33.3% of specimens, depending on the pathology. These results indicated that the two most prevalent CC-associated HPV genotypes in Fiji parallel those described in other regions worldwide, with genotype variations thereafter. These data suggest that the currently available bivalent and quadrivalent HPV vaccines could potentially reduce cervical cancers in Fiji by over 80% and reduce precancers by at least 60%.

Systematic review and meta-analysis estimating association of cysticercosis and neurocysticercosis with epilepsy.

PubMed

Debacq, Gabrielle; Moyano, Luz M; Garcia, Héctor H; Boumediene, Farid; Marin, Benoit; Ngoungou, Edgard B; Preux, Pierre-Marie

2017-03-01

We reviewed studies that analyzed cysticercosis (CC), neurocysticercosis (NCC) and epilepsy across Latin America, Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa, to estimate the odds ratio and etiologic fraction of epilepsy due to CC in tropical regions. We conducted a systematic review of the literature on cysticercosis and epilepsy in the tropics, collecting data from case-control and cross-sectional studies. Exposure criteria for CC included one or more of the following: serum ELISA or EITB positivity, presence of subcutaneous cysts (both not verified and unverified by histology), histology consistent with calcified cysts, and brain CT scan consistent with NCC. A common odds-ratio was then estimated using meta-analysis. 37 studies from 23 countries were included (n = 24,646 subjects, 14,934 with epilepsy and 9,712 without epilepsy). Of these, 29 were case-control (14 matched). The association between CC and epilepsy was significant in 19 scientific articles. Odds ratios ranged from 0.2 to 25.4 (a posteriori power 4.5-100%) and the common odds ratio was 2.7 (95% CI 2.1-3.6, p <0.001). Three subgroup analyses performed gave odds ratios as: 2.2 (EITB-based studies), 3.2 (CT-based studies), 1.9 (neurologist-confirmed epilepsy; door-to-door survey and at least one matched control per case). Etiologic fraction was estimated to be 63% in the exposed group among the population. Despite differences in findings, this meta-analysis suggests that cysticercosis is a significant contributor to late-onset epilepsy in tropical regions around the world, and its impact may vary depending on transmission intensity.

Right hemisphere structures predict poststroke speech fluency.

PubMed

Pani, Ethan; Zheng, Xin; Wang, Jasmine; Norton, Andrea; Schlaug, Gottfried

2016-04-26

We sought to determine via a cross-sectional study the contribution of (1) the right hemisphere's speech-relevant white matter regions and (2) interhemispheric connectivity to speech fluency in the chronic phase of left hemisphere stroke with aphasia. Fractional anisotropy (FA) of white matter regions underlying the right middle temporal gyrus (MTG), precentral gyrus (PreCG), pars opercularis (IFGop) and triangularis (IFGtri) of the inferior frontal gyrus, and the corpus callosum (CC) was correlated with speech fluency measures. A region within the superior parietal lobule (SPL) was examined as a control. FA values of regions that significantly predicted speech measures were compared with FA values from healthy age- and sex-matched controls. FA values for the right MTG, PreCG, and IFGop significantly predicted speech fluency, but FA values of the IFGtri and SPL did not. A multiple regression showed that combining FA of the significant right hemisphere regions with the lesion load of the left arcuate fasciculus-a previously identified biomarker of poststroke speech fluency-provided the best model for predicting speech fluency. FA of CC fibers connecting left and right supplementary motor areas (SMA) was also correlated with speech fluency. FA of the right IFGop and PreCG was significantly higher in patients than controls, while FA of a whole CC region of interest (ROI) and the CC-SMA ROI was significantly lower in patients. Right hemisphere white matter integrity is related to speech fluency measures in patients with chronic aphasia. This may indicate premorbid anatomical variability beneficial for recovery or be the result of poststroke remodeling. © 2016 American Academy of Neurology.

Right hemisphere structures predict poststroke speech fluency

PubMed Central

Pani, Ethan; Zheng, Xin; Wang, Jasmine; Norton, Andrea

2016-01-01

Objective: We sought to determine via a cross-sectional study the contribution of (1) the right hemisphere's speech-relevant white matter regions and (2) interhemispheric connectivity to speech fluency in the chronic phase of left hemisphere stroke with aphasia. Methods: Fractional anisotropy (FA) of white matter regions underlying the right middle temporal gyrus (MTG), precentral gyrus (PreCG), pars opercularis (IFGop) and triangularis (IFGtri) of the inferior frontal gyrus, and the corpus callosum (CC) was correlated with speech fluency measures. A region within the superior parietal lobule (SPL) was examined as a control. FA values of regions that significantly predicted speech measures were compared with FA values from healthy age- and sex-matched controls. Results: FA values for the right MTG, PreCG, and IFGop significantly predicted speech fluency, but FA values of the IFGtri and SPL did not. A multiple regression showed that combining FA of the significant right hemisphere regions with the lesion load of the left arcuate fasciculus—a previously identified biomarker of poststroke speech fluency—provided the best model for predicting speech fluency. FA of CC fibers connecting left and right supplementary motor areas (SMA) was also correlated with speech fluency. FA of the right IFGop and PreCG was significantly higher in patients than controls, while FA of a whole CC region of interest (ROI) and the CC-SMA ROI was significantly lower in patients. Conclusions: Right hemisphere white matter integrity is related to speech fluency measures in patients with chronic aphasia. This may indicate premorbid anatomical variability beneficial for recovery or be the result of poststroke remodeling. PMID:27029627

Bite angle effects of diphosphines in C-C and C-X bond forming cross coupling reactions.

PubMed

Birkholz, Mandy-Nicole; Freixa, Zoraida; van Leeuwen, Piet W N M

2009-04-01

Catalytic reactions of C-C and C-X bond formation are discussed in this critical review with particular emphasis on cross coupling reactions catalyzed by palladium and wide bite angle bidentate diphosphine ligands. Especially those studies have been collected that allow comparison of the ligand bite angles for the selected ligands: dppp, BINAP, dppf, DPEphos and Xantphos. Similarities with hydrocyanation and CO/ethene/MeOH reactions have been highlighted, while rhodium hydroformylation has been mentioned as a contrasting example, in which predictability is high and steric and electronic effects follow smooth trends. In palladium catalysis wide bite angles and bulkiness of the ligands facilitate generally the reductive elimination thus giving more efficient cross coupling catalysis (174 references).

The physiological determinants of low-level urine cadmium: an assessment in a cross-sectional study among schoolchildren.

PubMed

Wang, Hongyu; Dumont, Xavier; Haufroid, Vincent; Bernard, Alfred

2017-09-12

Recent studies in children have reported associations of urinary cadmium (U-Cd), used as biomarker of Cd body burden, with renal dysfunction, retarded growth and impaired cognitive development in children. Little is known, however, about factors influencing U-Cd in children and likely to act as confounders. In a cross-sectional study involving 249 schoolchildren (mean age, 5.72 years; 138 boys), we measured the urine concentrations of cadmium, zinc, lead, albumin, alpha 1 -microglobulin (A1M), retinol-binding protein, β 2 -microglobulin and club cell protein (CC16). Determinants of U-Cd expressed per creatinine or adjusted to specific gravity were identified by multiple regression analyses. Girls and boys had similar median concentrations of U-Cd (0.22 and 0.24 μg/L, 0.33 and 0.35 μg/g creatinine, respectively). When models were run without including creatinine or specific gravity among independent variables, urinary zinc, urinary A1M and age emerged as the strongest predictors of U-Cd expressed per g creatinine or adjusted to SG. When adding creatinine among predictors, urinary creatinine emerged as an additional strong predictor correlating negatively with U-Cd per g creatinine. This strong residual influence of diuresis, not seen when adding specific gravity among predictors, linked U-Cd to U-A1M or U-CC16 through secondary associations mimicking those induced by Cd nephrotoxity. In young children U-Cd largely varies with diuresis, zinc metabolism and urinary A1M. These physiological determinants, unrelated to Cd body burden, may confound the child renal and developmental outcomes associated with low-level U-Cd.

Fasting levels of growth hormone are associated with carotid intima media thickness but are not affected by fluvastatin treatment.

PubMed

Hallengren, Erik; Almgren, Peter; Rosvall, Maria; Östling, Gerd; Persson, Margaretha; Bergmann, Andreas; Struck, Joachim; Engström, Gunnar; Hedblad, Bo; Melander, Olle

2017-05-16

Growth hormone (GH) has been linked to cardiovascular disease but the exact mechanism of this association is still unclear. We here test if the fasting levels of GH are cross-sectionally associated with carotid intima media thickness (IMT) and whether treatment with fluvastatin affects the fasting level of GH. We examined the association between GH and IMT in 4425 individuals (aged 46-68 years) included in the baseline examination (1991-1994) of the Malmö Diet and Cancer cardiovascular cohort (MDC-CC). From that cohort we then studied 472 individuals (aged 50-70 years) who also participated (1994-1999) in the β-Blocker Cholesterol-Lowering Asymptomatic Plaque Study (BCAPS), a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled, single-center clinical trial. Using multivariate linear regression models we related the change in GH-levels at 12 months compared with baseline to treatment with 40 mg fluvastatin once daily. In MDC-CC fasting values of GH exhibited a positive cross-sectional relation to the IMT at the carotid bulb independent of traditional cardiovascular risk factors (p = 0.002). In a gender-stratified analysis the correlation were significant for males (p = 0.005), but not for females (p = 0.09). Treatment with fluvastatin was associated with a minor reduction in the fasting levels of hs-GH in males (p = 0.05) and a minor rise in the same levels among females (p = 0.05). We here demonstrate that higher fasting levels of GH are associated with thicker IMT in the carotid bulb in males. Treatment with fluvastatin for 12 months only had a minor, and probably not clinically relevant, effect on the fasting levels of hs-GH.

What Causes Care Coordination Problems? A Case for Microanalysis

PubMed Central

Zachary, Wayne; Maulitz, Russell Charles; Zachary, Drew A.

2016-01-01

Introduction: Care coordination (CC) is an important fulcrum for pursuing a range of health care goals. Current research and policy analyses have focused on aggregated data rather than on understanding what happens within individual cases. At the case level, CC emerges as a complex network of communications among providers over time, crossing and recrossing many organizational boundaries. Micro-level analysis is needed to understand where and how CC fails, as well as to identify best practices and root causes of problems. Coordination Process Diagramming: Coordination Process Diagramming (CPD) is a new framework for representing and analyzing CC arcs at the micro level, separating an arc into its participants and roles, communication structure, organizational structures, and transitions of care, all on a common time line. Conclusion: Comparative CPD analysis across a sample of CC arcs identifies common CC problems and potential root causes, showing the potential value of the framework. The analyses also suggest intervention strategies that could be applied to attack the root causes of CC problems, including organizational changes, education and training, and additional health information technology development. PMID:27563685

Cerebral amyloid angiopathy initially occurs in the meningeal vessels.

PubMed

Takeda, Shigeki; Yamazaki, Kazunori; Miyakawa, Teruo; Onda, Kiyoshi

2017-12-01

To clarify the frequency of CAA in the brain parenchyma and subarachnoid space (SAS), we counted sections of blood vessels showing positive staining for Aβ in the SAS, cerebral cortex (CC) and cerebral white matter (WM) using paraffin-embedded sections of the frontal, temporal and occipital lobes. The specimens had been taken for routine neuropathological examination from the brains of 105 Japanese patients (aged 40-95 years) selected from among 200 consecutive patients autopsied between 1989 and 2015 at our hospital. We examined the anatomical ratios of blood-vessel sections in the SAS relative to the CC in three selected CAA cases, and those of Aβ-positive blood-vessel sections in CAA cases. CAA was found in 53 of the 105 cases (50.5%), and the youngest patient affected was a 51-year-old man. The incidence of CAA increased with age. The anatomical ratio of blood vessel sections in the SAS relative to the CC was 1/3.70-1/4.37 (mean: 1/3.94). The ordinary CAA group, in which CAA was seen in both the SAS and CC, included 41 cases (77.4%). In 37 of these cases, the SAS/CC ratio of Aβ-positive blood vessels was 1/0.05-1/0.66 (mean: 1/0.26), and in the other four cases the ratio was 1/1-1/1.5. In the ordinary CAA group, the SAS/CC ratio of Aβ-positive blood vessels was smaller than the anatomical ratio. The meningeal CAA group, in which CAA was found only in the SAS, included 12 cases (22.6%). These patients ranged in age from their fifties to their nineties. There was no case in which CAA was limited only to the CC. We concluded that CAA initially develops in the meningeal blood vessels, and not in the cortical blood vessels. CAA in the WM was seen in 10 cases, not only in nine cases that were severe, but also in a mild case. © 2017 Japanese Society of Neuropathology.

Testing the Large-scale Environments of Cool-core and Non-cool-core Clusters with Clustering Bias

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Medezinski, Elinor; Battaglia, Nicholas; Coupon, Jean; Cen, Renyue; Gaspari, Massimo; Strauss, Michael A.; Spergel, David N.

2017-02-01

There are well-observed differences between cool-core (CC) and non-cool-core (NCC) clusters, but the origin of this distinction is still largely unknown. Competing theories can be divided into internal (inside-out), in which internal physical processes transform or maintain the NCC phase, and external (outside-in), in which the cluster type is determined by its initial conditions, which in turn leads to different formation histories (I.e., assembly bias). We propose a new method that uses the relative assembly bias of CC to NCC clusters, as determined via the two-point cluster-galaxy cross-correlation function (CCF), to test whether formation history plays a role in determining their nature. We apply our method to 48 ACCEPT clusters, which have well resolved central entropies, and cross-correlate with the SDSS-III/BOSS LOWZ galaxy catalog. We find that the relative bias of NCC over CC clusters is b = 1.42 ± 0.35 (1.6σ different from unity). Our measurement is limited by the small number of clusters with core entropy information within the BOSS footprint, 14 CC and 34 NCC clusters. Future compilations of X-ray cluster samples, combined with deep all-sky redshift surveys, will be able to better constrain the relative assembly bias of CC and NCC clusters and determine the origin of the bimodality.

Modified DFA and DCCA approach for quantifying the multiscale correlation structure of financial markets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yin, Yi; Shang, Pengjian

2013-12-01

We use multiscale detrended fluctuation analysis (MSDFA) and multiscale detrended cross-correlation analysis (MSDCCA) to investigate auto-correlation (AC) and cross-correlation (CC) in the US and Chinese stock markets during 1997-2012. The results show that US and Chinese stock indices differ in terms of their multiscale AC structures. Stock indices in the same region also differ with regard to their multiscale AC structures. We analyze AC and CC behaviors among indices for the same region to determine similarity among six stock indices and divide them into four groups accordingly. We choose S&P500, NQCI, HSI, and the Shanghai Composite Index as representative samples for simplicity. MSDFA and MSDCCA results and average MSDFA spectra for local scaling exponents (LSEs) for individual series are presented. We find that the MSDCCA spectrum for LSE CC between two time series generally tends to be greater than the average MSDFA LSE spectrum for individual series. We obtain detailed multiscale structures and relations for CC between the four representatives. MSDFA and MSDCCA with secant rolling windows of different sizes are then applied to reanalyze the AC and CC. Vertical and horizontal comparisons of different window sizes are made. The MSDFA and MSDCCA results for the original window size are confirmed and some new interesting characteristics and conclusions regarding multiscale correlation structures are obtained.

Testing the Large-scale Environments of Cool-core and Non-cool-core Clusters with Clustering Bias

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

Medezinski, Elinor; Battaglia, Nicholas; Cen, Renyue

2017-02-10

There are well-observed differences between cool-core (CC) and non-cool-core (NCC) clusters, but the origin of this distinction is still largely unknown. Competing theories can be divided into internal (inside-out), in which internal physical processes transform or maintain the NCC phase, and external (outside-in), in which the cluster type is determined by its initial conditions, which in turn leads to different formation histories (i.e., assembly bias). We propose a new method that uses the relative assembly bias of CC to NCC clusters, as determined via the two-point cluster-galaxy cross-correlation function (CCF), to test whether formation history plays a role in determiningmore » their nature. We apply our method to 48 ACCEPT clusters, which have well resolved central entropies, and cross-correlate with the SDSS-III/BOSS LOWZ galaxy catalog. We find that the relative bias of NCC over CC clusters is b = 1.42 ± 0.35 (1.6 σ different from unity). Our measurement is limited by the small number of clusters with core entropy information within the BOSS footprint, 14 CC and 34 NCC clusters. Future compilations of X-ray cluster samples, combined with deep all-sky redshift surveys, will be able to better constrain the relative assembly bias of CC and NCC clusters and determine the origin of the bimodality.« less

Raman spectroscopy combined with principle component analysis to investigate the aging of high energy materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Farhadian, A. H.; Kavosh Tehrani, M.; Keshavarz, M. H.; Darbani, S. M. R.

2017-07-01

This paper attempts to investigate the possibility of using Raman spectroscopy for aged solid composite propellants. Propellant samples was prepared and aged by an accelerated mechanism in three different temperatures (50, 60 and 70 °C) and times. In the Raman spectrum of the unaged sample, vibrational modes of all structural substances consisting of hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene as a binder, ammonium perchlorate (AP) as an oxidizer and aluminum as a metal fuel were observed. Comparison of the spectra of the aged samples shows the changes of several peaks with increasing aging times. The important changes are the elimination of NH3+ mode and intensity reduction of CH2 modes, which can be attributed to oxidative cross linking phenomena due to AP decomposition in the chemical structure. Intensity ratios of C-C, C=C and CH2 have been changed with aging and cross linking so that C=C bonds are converted into C-C bonds, as well as the intensity of CH2 modes, was decreased. A principle component analysis method is implemented in order to use all ranges of the spectrum and better discrimination of the samples, which show good results.

Sub-barrier fusion of Si+Si systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Colucci, G.; Montagnoli, G.; Stefanini, A. M.; Bourgin, D.; Čolović, P.; Corradi, L.; Courtin, S.; Faggian, M.; Fioretto, E.; Galtarossa, F.; Goasduff, A.; Haas, F.; Mazzocco, M.; Scarlassara, F.; Stefanini, C.; Strano, E.; Urbani, M.; Szilner, S.; Zhang, G. L.

2017-11-01

The near- and sub-barrier fusion excitation function has been measured for the system 30Si+30Si at the Laboratori Nazionali di Legnaro of INFN, using the 30Si beam of the XTU Tandem accelerator in the energy range 47 - 90 MeV. A set-up based on a beam electrostatic deflector was used for detecting fusion evaporation residues. The measured cross sections have been compared to previous data on 28Si+28Si and Coupled Channels (CC) calculations have been performed using M3Y+repulsion and Woods-Saxon potentials, where the lowlying 2+ and 3- excitations have been included. A weak imaginary potential was found to be necessary to reproduce the low energy 28Si+28Si data. This probably simulates the effect of the oblate deformation of this nucleus. On the contrary, 30Si is a spherical nucleus, 30Si+30Si is nicely fit by CC calculations and no imaginary potential is needed. For this system, no maximum shows up for the astrophysical S-factor so that we have no evidence for hindrance, as confirmed by the comparison with CC calculations. The logarithmic derivative of the two symmetric systems highlights their different low energy trend. A difference can also be noted in the two barrier distributions, where the high-energy peak present in 28Si+28Si is not observed for 30Si+30Si, probably due to the weaker couplings in last case.

A pilot study to determine whether differences exist in histochemical properties between the trapezius and extensor carpi radialis brevis muscles in women with work-related myalgia.

PubMed

Green, Howard J; Ranney, Don; Burnett, Margaret; Galvin, Patti; Kyle, Natasha; Iqbal, Sobia; Lounsbury, David; Ouyang, Jing; Smith, Ian C; Stewart, Riley; Tick, Heather; Tupling, A Russell

2014-04-01

To investigate fibre-type abnormalities in women with work-related myalgia (WRM), tissue samples were extracted from their trapezius (TRAP) and the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) muscles and compared with healthy controls (CON). For the ECRB samples (CON, n = 6; WRM, n = 11), no differences (P > 0.05) were found between groups for any of the properties examined, namely fibre-type (I, IIA, IIX, IIAX) distribution, cross-sectional fibre area, capillary counts (CC), capillary to fibre area ratio, and succinic dehydrogenase activity. For the TRAP samples (CON, n = 6; WRM, n = 8), the only difference (P < 0.05) observed between groups was for CC (CON > WRM), which was not statistically significant (P > 0.05) when age was used a covariant. A comparison of the properties of these 2 muscles in the CON group indicated a higher (P < 0.05) and lower (P < 0.05) percentage of type I and type IIA fibres, respectively, in the TRAP as well as higher (P < 0.05) CC, which was not specific to fibre type. These preliminary results suggest that the properties employed to characterize fibre types do not differentiate CON from WRM for either the TRAP or ECRB. As a consequence, the role of inherent fibre-type differences between these muscles in the pathogenesis of WRM remains uncertain.

C3 Polymorphism Influences Circulating Levels of C3, ASP and Lipids in Schizophrenic Patients.

PubMed

Nsaiba, Mohamed Jalloul; Lapointe, Marc; Mabrouk, Hajer; Douki, Wahiba; Gaha, Lotfi; Pérusse, Louis; Bouchard, Claude; Jrad, Besma Bel Hadj; Cianflone, Katherine

2015-05-01

Excessive activation of complement is associated with many diseases including schizophrenia. Investigation of C3 polymorphisms, circulating C3, cleavage product ASP/C3adesArg, and lipid metabolism. Cross-sectional analysis. C3 genotyping (CC vs GG for R102L) was performed on 434 Tunisian people consisting of 272 schizophrenic (SZ) patients and 162 control subjects. In a age- and gender-matched subgroups of the three genotypes (131 SZ and 112 NOR), plasma triglycerides, total cholesterol (C), LDL-C, HDL-C, ASP, and complement C3 were measured. C3 gene polymorphism influences BMI and plasma C3, ASP, triglyceride, total cholesterol, LDL-C and HDL-C among SZ patients (p < 0.05-0.0001), with increasing values demonstrated from CC (common form) to CG (heterozygote form) to GG (rare homozygote) forms. Significant correlations between plasma C3 and BMI, triglyceride, HDL-C and ASP (p < 0.05-0.0001) were observed, while ASP correlated with BMI and LDL-C (p = 0.005, p = 0.001, respectively) in SZ patients. Further, proportional conversion of C3 to ASP (%ASP/C3) also increased (p < 0.0001, GG>CG>CC). C3 polymorphisms and plasma C3, ASP and %ASP/C3 correlated with lipid parameters in this SZ population, suggesting that factors predisposing patients to schizophrenia are permissive for complement pathway activation and dyslipidemic influences.

Calcium gluconate as cross-linker improves survival and shelf life of encapsulated and dried Metarhizium brunneum and Saccharomyces cerevisiae for the application as biological control agents.

PubMed

Humbert, Pascal; Przyklenk, Michael; Vemmer, Marina; Patel, Anant V

2017-02-01

Calcium chloride (CC) is the most common cross-linker for the encapsulation of biocontrol microorganisms in alginate beads. The aim of this study was to evaluate if calcium gluconate (CG) can replace CC as cross-linker and at the same time improve viability after drying and rehydration, hygroscopic properties, shelf life and nutrient supply. Hence, the biocontrol fungi Metarhizium brunneum and Saccharomyces cerevisiae were encapsulated in Ca-alginate beads supplemented with starch. Beads were dried and maximum survival was found in beads cross-linked with CG. Beads prepared with CG showed lower hygroscopic properties, but a higher shelf life for encapsulated fungi. Moreover, we demonstrated that gluconate has a nutritive effect on encapsulated fungi, leading to increased mycelium growth of M. brunneum and to enhanced CO 2 release from beads containing Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The application of CG as cross-linker will pave the way towards increasing drying survival and shelf life of various, especially drying-sensitive microbes.

Campylobacter jejuni colonization and population structure in urban populations of ducks and starlings in New Zealand

PubMed Central

Mohan, Vathsala; Stevenson, Mark; Marshall, Jonathan; Fearnhead, Paul; Holland, Barbara R; Hotter, Grant; French, Nigel P

2013-01-01

Abstract A repeated cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence of Campylobacter spp. and the population structure of C. jejuni in European starlings and ducks cohabiting multiple public access sites in an urban area of New Zealand. The country's geographical isolation and relatively recent history of introduction of wild bird species, including the European starling and mallard duck, create an ideal setting to explore the impact of geographical separation on the population biology of C. jejuni, as well as potential public health implications. A total of 716 starling and 720 duck fecal samples were collected and screened for C. jejuni over a 12 month period. This study combined molecular genotyping, population genetics and epidemiological modeling and revealed: (i) higher Campylobacter spp. isolation in starlings (46%) compared with ducks (30%), but similar isolation of C. jejuni in ducks (23%) and starlings (21%), (ii) significant associations between the isolation of Campylobacter spp. and host species, sampling location and time of year using logistic regression, (iii) evidence of population differentiation, as indicated by FST, and host-genotype association with clonal complexes CC ST-177 and CC ST-682 associated with starlings, and clonal complexes CC ST-1034, CC ST-692, and CC ST-1332 associated with ducks, and (iv) greater genetic diversity and genotype richness in ducks compared with starlings. These findings provide evidence that host-associated genotypes, such as the starling-associated ST-177 and ST-682, represent lineages that were introduced with the host species in the 19th century. The isolation of sequence types associated with human disease in New Zealand indicate that wild ducks and starlings need to be considered as a potential public health risk, particularly in urban areas. We applied molecular epidemiology and population genetics to obtain insights in to the population structure, host-species relationships, gene flow and evolution of Campylobacter jejuni in urban ducks and starlings. PMID:23873654

HEAVY PRENATAL ALCOHOL EXPOSURE IS RELATED TO SMALLER CORPUS CALLOSUM IN NEWBORN MRI SCANS

PubMed Central

Jacobson, Sandra W.; Jacobson, Joseph L.; Molteno, Christopher D.; Warton, Christopher M. R.; Wintermark, Pia; Hoyme, H Eugene; De Jong, Greetje; Taylor, Paul; Warton, Fleur; Lindinger, Nadine M.; Carter, R. Colin; Dodge, Neil C.; Grant, Ellen; Warfield, Simon K.; Zöllei, Lilla; van der Kouwe, André J. W.; Meintjes, Ernesta M.

2017-01-01

Background MRI studies have consistently demonstrated disproportionately smaller corpus callosa in individuals with a history of prenatal alcohol exposure but have not previously examined the feasibility of detecting this effect in infants. Tissue segmentation of the newborn brain is challenging because analysis techniques developed for the adult brain are not directly transferable, and segmentation for cerebral morphometry is difficult in neonates, due to the latter’s incomplete myelination. This study is the first to use volumetric structural MRI to investigate prenatal alcohol exposure effects in newborns using manual tracing and to examine the cross-sectional area of the corpus callosum (CC). Methods 43 nonsedated infants born to 32 Cape Coloured heavy drinkers and 11 controls recruited prospectively during pregnancy were scanned using a custom-designed birdcage coil for infants, which increases signal-to-noise ratio almost two-fold compared to the standard head coil. Alcohol use was ascertained prospectively during pregnancy, and FASD diagnosis was conducted by expert dysmorphologists. Data were acquired using a multi-echo FLASH protocol adapted for newborns, and a knowledge-based procedure was used to hand-segment the neonatal brains. Results CC was disproportionately smaller in alcohol-exposed neonates than controls after controlling for intracranial volume. By contrast, CC area was unrelated to infant sex, gestational age, age at scan, or maternal smoking, marijuana, or methamphetamine use during pregnancy. Conclusions Given that midline craniofacial anomalies have been recognized as a hallmark of FAS in humans and animal models since this syndrome was first identified, the CC deficit identified here in newborns may support early identification of a range of midline structural impairments. Smaller CC during the newborn period may provide an early indicator of fetal alcohol-related cognitive deficits that have been linked to this critically important brain structure in childhood and adolescence. PMID:28247416

Accuracy of non-paralytic anthropometric data for nutritional screening in older patients with stroke and hemiplegia.

PubMed

Nishioka, S; Wakabayashi, H; Yoshida, T

2017-02-01

Although malnutrition commonly affects stroke patients, there are no validated screening tools. We verified the usefulness of non-paralytic anthropometric measurements for the nutritional screening of stroke. A cross-sectional study was conducted in consecutive stroke patients with hemiplegia aged ⩾65 years, with Mini Nutritional Assessment Short Form score ⩽11. Diagnostic malnutrition criteria from the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism were the reference standards: body mass index (BMI) <18.5 kg/m 2 or weight loss >10%+BMI <22 or 20 kg/m 2 . Non-paralytic anthropometric measurements (calf circumference (CC), arm circumference (AC), triceps skinfold (TSF) and arm muscle circumference (AMC)) and serum albumin concentration (Alb) at admission were the index tests. Cutoffs were determined by receiver operation curve and Youden index, and accuracy by area under the curve (AUC) and kappa value. Functional independence measures at discharge and discharge destination were collected. We included 488 patients (224 men and 264 women) with a mean age of 78.8 years and mean BMI of 22.0 and 21.1 kg/m 2 , respectively. Eighty-one men and 124 women had malnutrition. The AUC for CC, AC, TSF, AMC and Alb was 0.859, 0.825, 0.764, 0.745 and 0.670 for men, and 0.881, 0.843, 0.796, 0.742 and 0.658 for women, respectively. In both sexes, CC had the highest kappa (0.533, 0.608; both P<0.001) with cutoff values ⩽31 and ⩽30 cm. Patients with lower CC showed significantly worse functional outcomes and lower proportion of return to home (P<0.001). Non-paralytic CC indicated malnutrition with sufficient accuracy and good correlation with functional capacity; it may be a useful nutritional screening tool for stroke.

Association between Electronic Cigarette Use and Asthma among High School Students in South Korea

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

Cho, Jun Ho; Paik, Samuel Y.

Little is known about health outcomes related to electronic cigarette (EC) use, despite its growing popularity. The aim of this study is to investigate the association between EC use and asthma. The study design is a cross-sectional study. A total of 35,904 high school students were included as the final study population. The presence of asthma was based on a student’s self-reported doctor diagnosis of asthma in the past 12 months. Results showed prevalence rates of asthmatics in ‘current EC users’ (n = 2,513), ‘former EC users’ (n = 2,078), and ‘never EC users’ (n = 31,313), were 3.9% (nmore » = 98), 2.2% (n = 46) and 1.7% (n = 530), respectively. Comparing ‘current EC’ users with ‘never EC’ users, the unadjusted OR for asthma was 2.36 (95% CI: 1.89–2.94). In order to control for the effect of conventional cigarette (CC) smoking, after stratifying the subjects by the three CC smoking categories (never CC, former CC, and current CC), within the ‘never CC’ category, the unadjusted OR for asthma for ‘current EC’ users was 3.41 (95% CI: 1.79–6.49), and the adjusted OR was 2.74 (95% CI: 1.30–5.78). Severe asthma was reflected by the number of days absent from school due to asthma symptoms; current EC users had the highest adjusted OR for severe asthma compared to ‘never EC’ users. In conclusion, when compared to a reference population of high school students in South Korea, EC users have an increased association with asthma and are more likely to have had days absent from school due to severe asthma symptoms. In conclusion, the results indicate that EC use may be a risk factor for asthma. The results may be useful in developing a scientific basis for the evaluation of a potential health hazard by EC.« less

Association between Electronic Cigarette Use and Asthma among High School Students in South Korea

DOE PAGES

Cho, Jun Ho; Paik, Samuel Y.

2016-03-04

Little is known about health outcomes related to electronic cigarette (EC) use, despite its growing popularity. The aim of this study is to investigate the association between EC use and asthma. The study design is a cross-sectional study. A total of 35,904 high school students were included as the final study population. The presence of asthma was based on a student’s self-reported doctor diagnosis of asthma in the past 12 months. Results showed prevalence rates of asthmatics in ‘current EC users’ (n = 2,513), ‘former EC users’ (n = 2,078), and ‘never EC users’ (n = 31,313), were 3.9% (nmore » = 98), 2.2% (n = 46) and 1.7% (n = 530), respectively. Comparing ‘current EC’ users with ‘never EC’ users, the unadjusted OR for asthma was 2.36 (95% CI: 1.89–2.94). In order to control for the effect of conventional cigarette (CC) smoking, after stratifying the subjects by the three CC smoking categories (never CC, former CC, and current CC), within the ‘never CC’ category, the unadjusted OR for asthma for ‘current EC’ users was 3.41 (95% CI: 1.79–6.49), and the adjusted OR was 2.74 (95% CI: 1.30–5.78). Severe asthma was reflected by the number of days absent from school due to asthma symptoms; current EC users had the highest adjusted OR for severe asthma compared to ‘never EC’ users. In conclusion, when compared to a reference population of high school students in South Korea, EC users have an increased association with asthma and are more likely to have had days absent from school due to severe asthma symptoms. In conclusion, the results indicate that EC use may be a risk factor for asthma. The results may be useful in developing a scientific basis for the evaluation of a potential health hazard by EC.« less

Calcification of the acetabular labrum of the hip: prevalence in the general population and relation to hip articular cartilage and fibrocartilage degeneration.

PubMed

Hawellek, Thelonius; Hubert, Jan; Hischke, Sandra; Krause, Matthias; Bertrand, Jessica; Schmidt, Burkhard C; Kronz, Andreas; Püschel, Klaus; Rüther, Wolfgang; Niemeier, Andreas

2018-05-30

Meniscal calcification is considered to play a relevant role in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis of the knee. Little is known about the biology of acetabular labral disease and its importance in hip pathology. Here, we analyze for the first time the calcification of the acetabular labrum of the hip (ALH) and its relation to hip cartilage degeneration. In this cross-sectional post-mortem study of an unselected sample of the general population, 170 ALH specimens and 170 femoral heads from 85 donors (38 female, 47 male; mean age 62.1 years) were analyzed by high-resolution digital contact radiography (DCR) and histological degeneration grade. The medial menisci (MM) from the same 85 donors served as an intra-individual reference for cartilage calcification (CC). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive analysis (ED) and Raman spectroscopy were performed for characterization of ALH CC. The prevalence of CC in the ALH was 100% and that in the articular cartilage of the hip (ACH) was 96.5%. Quantitative analysis revealed that the amount of ALH CC was higher than that in the ACH (factor 3.0, p < 0.001) and in the MM (factor 1.3, p < 0.001). There was significant correlation between the amount of CC in the fibrocartilage of the left and right ALH (r = 0.70, p < 0.001). Independent of age, the amount of ALH CC correlated with histological degeneration of the ALH (Krenn score) (r = 0.55; p < 0.001) and the ACH (Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI), r = 0.69; p < 0.001). Calcification of the ALH was characterized as calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate deposition. The finding that ALH fibrocartilage is a strongly calcifying tissue is unexpected and novel. The fact that ALH calcification correlates with cartilage degeneration independent of age is suggestive of an important role of ALH calcification in osteoarthritis of the hip and renders it a potential target for the prevention and treatment of hip joint degeneration.

High-resolution, vacuum-ultraviolet absorption spectrum of boron trifluoride

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

Hughes, Patrick P.; Thompson, Alan K.; Vest, Robert E.

2014-11-21

In the course of investigations of thermal neutron detection based on mixtures of {sup 10}BF{sub 3} with other gases, knowledge was required of the photoabsorption cross sections of {sup 10}BF{sub 3} for wavelengths between 135 and 205 nm. Large discrepancies in the values reported in existing literature led to the absolute measurements reported in this communication. The measurements were made at the SURF III Synchrotron Ultraviolet Radiation Facility at the National Institute of Standards and Technology. The measured absorption cross sections vary from 10{sup −20} cm{sup 2} at 135 nm to less than 10{sup −21} cm{sup 2} in the regionmore » from 165 to 205 nm. Three previously unreported absorption features with resolvable structure were found in the regions 135–145 nm, 150–165 nm, and 190–205 nm. Quantum mechanical calculations, using the TD-B3LYP/aug-cc-pVDZ variant of time-dependent density functional theory implemented in Gaussian 09, suggest that the observed absorption features arise from symmetry-changing adiabatic transitions.« less

gQTL: A Web Application for QTL Analysis Using the Collaborative Cross Mouse Genetic Reference Population.

PubMed

Konganti, Kranti; Ehrlich, Andre; Rusyn, Ivan; Threadgill, David W

2018-06-07

Multi-parental recombinant inbred populations, such as the Collaborative Cross (CC) mouse genetic reference population, are increasingly being used for analysis of quantitative trait loci (QTL). However specialized analytic software for these complex populations is typically built in R that works only on command-line, which limits the utility of these powerful resources for many users. To overcome analytic limitations, we developed gQTL, a web accessible, simple graphical user interface application based on the DOQTL platform in R to perform QTL mapping using data from CC mice. Copyright © 2018, G3: Genes, Genomes, Genetics.

Thermal Characterization of Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Carbon Composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Macias, J. D.; Bante-Guerra, J.; Cervantes-Alvarez, F.; Rodrìguez-Gattorno, G.; Arés-Muzio, O.; Romero-Paredes, H.; Arancibia-Bulnes, C. A.; Ramos-Sánchez, V.; Villafán-Vidales, H. I.; Ordonez-Miranda, J.; Li Voti, R.; Alvarado-Gil, J. J.

2018-04-01

Carbon fiber-reinforced carbon (C/C) composites consist in a carbon matrix holding carbon or graphite fibers together, whose physical properties are determined not only by those of their individual components, but also by the layer buildup and the material preparation and processing. The complex structure of C/C composites along with the fiber orientation provide an effective means for tailoring their mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties. In this work, we use the Laser Flash Technique to measure the thermal diffusivity and thermal conductivity of C/C composites made up of laminates of weaved bundles of carbon fibers, forming a regular and repeated orthogonal pattern, embedded in a graphite matrix. Our experimental data show that: i) the cross-plane thermal conductivity remains practically constant around (5.3 ± 0.4) W·m-1 K-1, within the temperature range from 370 K to 1700 K. ii) The thermal diffusivity and thermal conductivity along the cross-plane direction to the fibers axis is about five times smaller than the corresponding ones in the laminates plane. iii) The measured cross-plane thermal conductivity is well described by a theoretical model that considers both the conductive and radiative thermal contributions of the effective thermal conductivity.

Imaging findings of mimickers of hepatocellular carcinoma

PubMed Central

Lee, Eunchae; Jang, Hyun-Jung

2015-01-01

Radiological imaging plays a crucial role in the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) as the noninvasive diagnosis of HCC in high-risk patients by typical imaging findings alone is widely adopted in major practice guidelines for HCC. While imaging techniques have markedly improved in detecting small liver lesions, they often detect incidental benign liver lesions and non-hepatocellular malignancy that can be misdiagnosed as HCC. The most common mimicker of HCC in cirrhotic liver is nontumorous arterioportal shunts that are seen as focal hypervascular liver lesions on dynamic contrast-enhanced cross-sectional imaging. Rapidly enhancing hemangiomas can be easily misdiagnosed as HCC especially on MR imaging with liver-specific contrast agent. Focal inflammatory liver lesions mimic HCC by demonstrating arterial-phase hypervascularity and subsequent washout on dynamic contrast-enhanced imaging. It is important to recognize the suggestive imaging findings for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (CC) as the management of CC is largely different from that of HCC. There are other benign mimickers of HCC such as angiomyolipomas and focal nodular hyperplasia-like nodules. Recognition of their typical imaging findings can reduce false-positive HCC diagnosis. PMID:26770920

Determination of the Spin and Parity of the Z c ( 3900 )

DOE PAGES

Ablikim, M.; Achasov, M. N.; Ai, X. C.; ...

2017-08-16

In this paper, the spin and parity of the Z c(3900) ± state are determined to be J P = 1 + with a statistical significance larger than 7σ over other quantum numbers in a partial wave analysis of the process e +e - → π +π -J/Ψ. We use a data sample of 1.92 fb -1 accumulated atmore » $$ \\sqrt{s}=4.23 $$ and 4.26 GeV with the BESIII experiment. When parametrizing the Z c(3900) ± with a Flatté-like formula, we determine its pole mass M pole = (3881.2±4.2 stat ±52.7 syst) MeV/c 2 and pole width Γ pole = (51.8± 4.6 stat ± 36.0 syst) MeV. Finally, we also measure cross sections for the process e +e - → Z c(3900) +π - + c.c. → J/Ψπ +π - and determine an upper limit at the 90% confidence level for the process e +e - → Z c(4020) +π - + c.c. → J/Ψ π +π -.« less

Determination of the Spin and Parity of the Z c ( 3900 )

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

Ablikim, M.; Achasov, M. N.; Ai, X. C.

In this paper, the spin and parity of the Z c(3900) ± state are determined to be J P = 1 + with a statistical significance larger than 7σ over other quantum numbers in a partial wave analysis of the process e +e - → π +π -J/Ψ. We use a data sample of 1.92 fb -1 accumulated atmore » $$ \\sqrt{s}=4.23 $$ and 4.26 GeV with the BESIII experiment. When parametrizing the Z c(3900) ± with a Flatté-like formula, we determine its pole mass M pole = (3881.2±4.2 stat ±52.7 syst) MeV/c 2 and pole width Γ pole = (51.8± 4.6 stat ± 36.0 syst) MeV. Finally, we also measure cross sections for the process e +e - → Z c(3900) +π - + c.c. → J/Ψπ +π - and determine an upper limit at the 90% confidence level for the process e +e - → Z c(4020) +π - + c.c. → J/Ψ π +π -.« less

Development of a 30-kA cable-in-conduit conductor for pulsed poloidal coils

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

Takashi, Y.; Dresner, L.; Kato, T.

1983-05-01

This paper describes design parameters of a 30-kA cable-in-conduit conductor (JF-30), and the test results of stability margin measured by using a triplex in a conduit. Cross sectional size of JF-30 is 35mm X 35 mm and 567 NbTi-Cu-CuNi strands are in a stainless steel conduit whose thickness is 2 mm. Void fraction is 33 % and the designed stability margin is 270 mJ/cc at 5 atm and 7 T. Stability test by a triplex showed a favorable margin, a few hundreds of mJ at 7 T even without helium flow. In addition, the stability was strongly increased when heliummore » flow up to 0.2 g/s was applied. At around 3 atm, the authors found that the stability margin was more than 2 J/cc which exceeded the present heater capacity. This resulted in an extension of current range, in which the sample is stable, up to 150 to 200 % when compared to the case without helium flow.« less

Search for heavy vector-like quarks coupling to light quarks in proton–proton collisions at s = 7   TeV with the ATLAS detector

DOE PAGES

Aad, G.; Abbott, B.; Abdallah, J.; ...

2012-05-01

This Letter presents a search for singly produced vector-like quarks, Q, coupling to light quarks, q. The search is sensitive to both charged current (CC) and neutral current (NC) processes, pp→Qq→Wqq' and pp→Qq→Zqq' with a leptonic decay of the vector gauge boson. In 1.04fb -1 of data taken in 2011 by the ATLAS experiment at a center-of-mass energy √s=7TeV, no evidence of such heavy vector-like quarks is observed above the expected Standard Model background. Limits on the heavy vector-like quark production cross section times branching ratio as a function of mass m Q are obtained. For a coupling κ qQ=v/mmore » Q, where v is the Higgs vacuum expectation value, 95% C.L. lower limits on the mass of a vector-like quark are set at 900 GeV and 760 GeV from CC and NC processes, respectively.« less

Systematic review and meta-analysis estimating association of cysticercosis and neurocysticercosis with epilepsy

PubMed Central

Debacq, Gabrielle; Garcia, Héctor H.; Boumediene, Farid; Marin, Benoit; Ngoungou, Edgard B.; Preux, Pierre-Marie

2017-01-01

Background We reviewed studies that analyzed cysticercosis (CC), neurocysticercosis (NCC) and epilepsy across Latin America, Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa, to estimate the odds ratio and etiologic fraction of epilepsy due to CC in tropical regions. Methodology We conducted a systematic review of the literature on cysticercosis and epilepsy in the tropics, collecting data from case-control and cross-sectional studies. Exposure criteria for CC included one or more of the following: serum ELISA or EITB positivity, presence of subcutaneous cysts (both not verified and unverified by histology), histology consistent with calcified cysts, and brain CT scan consistent with NCC. A common odds-ratio was then estimated using meta-analysis. Principal findings 37 studies from 23 countries were included (n = 24,646 subjects, 14,934 with epilepsy and 9,712 without epilepsy). Of these, 29 were case-control (14 matched). The association between CC and epilepsy was significant in 19 scientific articles. Odds ratios ranged from 0.2 to 25.4 (a posteriori power 4.5–100%) and the common odds ratio was 2.7 (95% CI 2.1–3.6, p <0.001). Three subgroup analyses performed gave odds ratios as: 2.2 (EITB-based studies), 3.2 (CT-based studies), 1.9 (neurologist-confirmed epilepsy; door-to-door survey and at least one matched control per case). Etiologic fraction was estimated to be 63% in the exposed group among the population. Significance Despite differences in findings, this meta-analysis suggests that cysticercosis is a significant contributor to late-onset epilepsy in tropical regions around the world, and its impact may vary depending on transmission intensity. PMID:28267746

Contributing factors of elective surgical case cancellation: a retrospective cross-sectional study at a single-site hospital.

PubMed

Yu, Kaiye; Xie, Xiaolei; Luo, Li; Gong, Renrong

2017-09-11

Case cancellation (CC) has significant impact on the efficiency of operating room (OR) management, which can be mitigated by taking preventive measures. In this study, using the data of the West China Hospital (WCH), we identified the effect of contributing factors and recommended hospital interventions to facilitate CC prevention. We conducted a retrospective review of 11,331 elective surgical cases from January 1 to December 31, 2014. CC reasons were grouped into six categories. The methods of descriptive statistics and hypothesis test were used to identify the effect of factors. CC reasons (746) were divided into six broad categories: workup related (preoperative diagnostic assessment issues or sudden medical condition changes) (25.8%), non-specified reasons (25.8%), coordination issues (15.1%), patient related (13.0%), support system issues (11.8%), and doctor related (8.5%). The types of the most frequently performed operations are identified, as well as their CRs. The cancellation rate (CR) of males was lower than that of females (16.7% to 18.3%). A large difference in the CRs existed among doctors. The CR on Monday was significantly higher than the other four weekdays. Workup related issues, the types of procedures, the menstrual cycle of females, highly imbalanced CRs among doctors, and tendency of cancellation on Monday are the major identified factors, which account for a significant amount of preventable cancellations. It is suggested that corresponding hospital interventions can reduce CR and improve OR efficiency, including maintaining effective coordination, good communication and well-designed preoperative assessment processes, focusing on the type of procedures which are more time-consuming and complex, paying special attention to the physiology of females during surgery planning, taking measures to reduce CR of top eight doctors, and improving surgery scheduling on Monday.

Estrogen receptor-alpha genotype affects exercise-related reduction of arterial stiffness.

PubMed

Hayashi, Koichiro; Maeda, Seiji; Iemitsu, Motoyuki; Otsuki, Takeshi; Sugawara, Jun; Tanabe, Takumi; Miyauchi, Takashi; Kuno, Shinya; Ajisaka, Ryuichi; Matsuda, Mitsuo

2008-02-01

Arterial stiffness, an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease, increases with advancing age. Arterial stiffness is improved by regular exercise, but individual responses to exercise training are variable. Given that estrogen and estrogen receptor-alpha (ER-alpha) can induce vasodilation and can exert an antiatherosclerotic effect in vessels, we hypothesized that gene polymorphisms of ER-alpha might influence the ability of regular exercise to improve arterial stiffness in postmenopausal women. One hundred ninety-five healthy postmenopausal women (62 +/- 6 yr, mean +/- SD) participated in our cross-sectional study. We determined the genotype of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) at -401T/C of intron 1 of the ER-alpha gene. Arterial stiffness was measured by brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), and daily physical activity was estimated by a uniaxial accelerometer. Subjects were divided into active and inactive groups according to the median value (200 kcal.d(-1)) of energy expenditure. baPWV in individuals with the TT variant of -401T/C genotype were significantly higher than for individuals with the TC+CC genotype. No significant differences in mean baPWV values were found between the active group and the inactive group (P = 0.09). A significant reduction of baPWV secondary to increased daily physical activity was observed in individuals with the TC+CC genotype but not in individuals with the TT genotype (TT/active: 1470 +/- 36 cm.s(-1); TT/inactive: 1457 +/- 34 cm.s(-1); TC+CC/active: 1359 +/- 21 cm.s(-1); TC+CC/inactive: 1433 +/- 24 cm.s(-1)). These results suggest that ER-alpha polymorphism affects the regular exercise-related reduction in arterial stiffness in healthy postmenopausal women.

Chest Compression With Personal Protective Equipment During Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation: A Randomized Crossover Simulation Study.

PubMed

Chen, Jie; Lu, Kai-Zhi; Yi, Bin; Chen, Yan

2016-04-01

Following a chemical, biological, radiation, and nuclear incident, prompt cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) procedure is essential for patients who suffer cardiac arrest. But CPR when wearing personal protection equipment (PPE) before decontamination becomes a challenge for healthcare workers (HCW). Although previous studies have assessed the impact of PPE on airway management, there is little research available regarding the quality of chest compression (CC) when wearing PPE.A present randomized cross-over simulation study was designed to evaluate the effect of PPE on CC performance using mannequins.The study was set in one university medical center in the China.Forty anesthesia residents participated in this randomized cross-over study.Each participant performed 2 min of CC on a manikin with and without PPE, respectively. Participants were randomized into 2 groups that either performed CC with PPE first, followed by a trial without PPE after a 180-min rest, or vice versa.CPR recording technology was used to objectively quantify the quality of CC. Additionally, participants' physiological parameters and subjective fatigue score values were recorded.With the use of PPE, a significant decrease of the percentage of effective compressions (41.3 ± 17.1% with PPE vs 67.5 ± 15.6% without PPE, P < 0.001) and the percentage of adequate compressions (67.7 ± 18.9% with PPE vs 80.7 ± 15.5% without PPE, P < 0.001) were observed. Furthermore, the increases in heart rate, mean arterial pressure, and subjective fatigue score values were more obvious with the use of PPE (all P < 0.01).We found significant deterioration of CC performance in HCW with the use of a level-C PPE, which may be a disadvantage for enhancing survival of cardiac arrest.

Critical analysis of common canister programs: a review of cross-functional considerations and health system economics.

PubMed

Larson, Trent; Gudavalli, Ravindra; Prater, Dean; Sutton, Scott

2015-04-01

Respiratory inhalers constitute a large percentage of hospital pharmacy expenditures. Metered-dose inhaler (MDI) canisters usually contain enough medication to last 2 to 4 weeks, while the average hospital stay for acute hospitalizations of respiratory illnesses is only 4-5 days. Hospital pharmacies are often unable to operationalize relabeling of inhalers at discharge to meet regulatory requirements. This dilemma produces drug wastage. The common canister (CC) approach is a method some hospitals implemented in an effort to minimize the costs associated with this issue. The CC program uses a shared inhaler, an individual one-way valve holding chamber, and a cleaning protocol. This approach has been the subject of considerable controversy. Proponents of the CC approach reported considerable cost savings to their institutions. Opponents of the CC approach are not convinced the benefits outweigh even a minimal risk of cross-contamination since adherence to protocols for hand washing and disinfection of the MDI device cannot be guaranteed to be 100% (pathogens from contaminated devices can enter the respiratory tract through inhalation). Other cost containment strategies, such as unit dose nebulizers, may be useful to realize similar reductions in pharmacy drug costs while minimizing the risks of nosocomial infections and their associated medical costs. The CC strategy may be appropriate for some hospital pharmacies that face budget constraints, but a full evaluation of the risks, benefits, and potential costs should guide those who make hospital policy decisions.

49 CFR 178.356-2 - Materials of construction and other requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... bottom section and 0.16 g/cc (10 pcf) minimum for top section, except 0.1 g/cc (6.5 pcf) for the... encapsulated by the foam. (d) Vent holes 5 mm (0.2-inch) diameter must be drilled in the outer shell to provide... fusion welding process in accordance with American Welding Society Codes B-3.0 and D-1.0 (IBR, see § 171...

49 CFR 178.356-2 - Materials of construction and other requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... bottom section and 0.16 g/cc (10 pcf) minimum for top section, except 0.1 g/cc (6.5 pcf) for the... encapsulated by the foam. (d) Vent holes 5 mm (0.2-inch) diameter must be drilled in the outer shell to provide... fusion welding process in accordance with American Welding Society Codes B-3.0 and D-1.0 (IBR, see § 171...

49 CFR 178.356-2 - Materials of construction and other requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... bottom section and 0.16 g/cc (10 pcf) minimum for top section, except 0.1 g/cc (6.5 pcf) for the... encapsulated by the foam. (d) Vent holes 5 mm (0.2-inch) diameter must be drilled in the outer shell to provide... fusion welding process in accordance with American Welding Society Codes B-3.0 and D-1.0 (IBR, see § 171...

Inter-hemispheric Functional Connectivity Changes with Corpus Callosum Morphology in Multiple Sclerosis

PubMed Central

Zito, Giancarlo; Luders, Eileen; Tomasevic, Leo; Lupoi, Domenico; Toga, Arthur W.; Thompson, Paul M.; Rossini, Paolo M.; Filippi, Maria M.; Tecchio, Franca

2014-01-01

Multiple sclerosis (MS) affects myelin sheaths within the central nervous system, concurring to cause brain atrophy and neurodegeneration as well as gradual functional disconnections. To explore early signs of altered connectivity in MS from a structural and functional perspective, the morphology of corpus callosum (CC) was correlated with a dynamic inter-hemispheric connectivity index. Twenty mildly disabled patients affected by a relapsing-remitting (RR) form of MS (EDSS ≤ 3.5) and 15 healthy subjects underwent structural MRI to measure CC thickness over 100 sections and electroencephalography to assess a spectral coherence index between primary regions devoted to hand control, at rest and during an isometric handgrip. In patients, an overall CC atrophy was associated with increased lesion load. A less efficacious inter-hemispheric coherence during movement was associated with CC atrophy in sections interconnecting homologous primary motor areas (anterior mid-body). In healthy controls, less efficacious inter-hemispheric coherence at rest was associated with a thinner CC splenium. Our data suggest that in mildly disabled RR-MS patients a covert impairment may be detected in the correlation between the structural (CC thickness) and functional (inter-hemispheric coherence) measures of homologous networks, whereas these two counterparts do not yet differ individually from controls. PMID:24486438

Isotopic effects in sub-barrier fusion of Si + Si systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Colucci, G.; Montagnoli, G.; Stefanini, A. M.; Esbensen, H.; Bourgin, D.; Čolović, P.; Corradi, L.; Faggian, M.; Fioretto, E.; Galtarossa, F.; Goasduff, A.; Grebosz, J.; Haas, F.; Mazzocco, M.; Scarlassara, F.; Stefanini, C.; Strano, E.; Szilner, S.; Urbani, M.; Zhang, G. L.

2018-04-01

Background: Recent measurements of fusion cross sections for the 28Si+28Si system revealed a rather unsystematic behavior; i.e., they drop faster near the barrier than at lower energies. This was tentatively attributed to the large oblate deformation of 28Si because coupled-channels (CC) calculations largely underestimate the 28Si+28Si cross sections at low energies, unless a weak imaginary potential is applied, probably simulating the deformation. 30Si has no permanent deformation and its low-energy excitations are of a vibrational nature. Previous measurements of this system reached only 4 mb, which is not sufficient to obtain information on effects that should show up at lower energies. Purpose: The aim of the present experiment was twofold: (i) to clarify the underlying fusion dynamics by measuring the symmetric case 30Si+30Si in an energy range from around the Coulomb barrier to deep sub-barrier energies, and (ii) to compare the results with the behavior of 28Si+28Si involving two deformed nuclei. Methods: 30Si beams from the XTU tandem accelerator of the Laboratori Nazionali di Legnaro of the Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare were used, bombarding thin metallic 30Si targets (50 μ g /cm2) enriched to 99.64 % in mass 30. An electrostatic beam deflector allowed the detection of fusion evaporation residues (ERs) at very forward angles, and angular distributions of ERs were measured. Results: The excitation function of 30Si+30Si was measured down to the level of a few microbarns. It has a regular shape, at variance with the unusual trend of 28Si+28Si . The extracted logarithmic derivative does not reach the LCS limit at low energies, so that no maximum of the S factor shows up. CC calculations were performed including the low-lying 2+ and 3- excitations. Conclusions: Using a Woods-Saxon potential the experimental cross sections at low energies are overpredicted, and this is a clear sign of hindrance, while the calculations performed with a M3Y + repulsion potential nicely fit the data at low energies, without the need of an imaginary potential. The comparison with the results for 28Si+28Si strengthens the explanation of the oblate shape of 28Si being the reason for the irregular behavior of that system.

Metal- and Reagent-Free Anodic C-C Cross-Coupling of Phenols with Benzofurans leading to a Furan Metathesis.

PubMed

Lips, Sebastian; Frontana-Uribe, Bernardo Antonio; Dörr, Maurice; Schollmeyer, Dieter; Franke, Robert; Waldvogel, Siegfried R

2018-04-20

Heterobiaryls consisting of a phenol and a benzofuran motif are of significant importance for pharmaceutical applications. An attractive sustainable, metal- and reagent-free, electrosynthetic, and highly efficient method, that allows access to (2-hydroxyphenyl)benzofurans is presented. Upon the electrochemical dehydrogenative C-C cross-coupling reaction, a metathesis of the benzo moiety at the benzofuran occurs. This gives rise to a substitution pattern at the hydroxyphenyl moiety which would not be compatible by a direct coupling process. The single-step protocol is easy to conduct in an undivided electrolysis cell, therefore scalable, and inherently safe. © 2018 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Analysis of spontaneous EEG activity in Alzheimer's disease using cross-sample entropy and graph theory.

PubMed

Gomez, Carlos; Poza, Jesus; Gomez-Pilar, Javier; Bachiller, Alejandro; Juan-Cruz, Celia; Tola-Arribas, Miguel A; Carreres, Alicia; Cano, Monica; Hornero, Roberto

2016-08-01

The aim of this pilot study was to analyze spontaneous electroencephalography (EEG) activity in Alzheimer's disease (AD) by means of Cross-Sample Entropy (Cross-SampEn) and two local measures derived from graph theory: clustering coefficient (CC) and characteristic path length (PL). Five minutes of EEG activity were recorded from 37 patients with dementia due to AD and 29 elderly controls. Our results showed that Cross-SampEn values were lower in the AD group than in the control one for all the interactions among EEG channels. This finding indicates that EEG activity in AD is characterized by a lower statistical dissimilarity among channels. Significant differences were found mainly for fronto-central interactions (p <; 0.01, permutation test). Additionally, the application of graph theory measures revealed diverse neural network changes, i.e. lower CC and higher PL values in AD group, leading to a less efficient brain organization. This study suggests the usefulness of our approach to provide further insights into the underlying brain dynamics associated with AD.

Cross-correlation photothermal optical coherence tomography with high effective resolution.

PubMed

Tang, Peijun; Liu, Shaojie; Chen, Junbo; Yuan, Zhiling; Xie, Bingkai; Zhou, Jianhua; Tang, Zhilie

2017-12-01

We developed a cross-correlation photothermal optical coherence tomography (CC-PTOCT) system for photothermal imaging with high lateral and axial resolution. The CC-PTOCT system consists of a phase-sensitive OCT system, a modulated pumping laser, and a digital cross-correlator. The pumping laser was used to induce the photothermal effect in the sample, causing a slight phase modulation of the OCT signals. A spatial phase differentiation method was employed to reduce phase accumulation. The noise brought by the phase differentiation method and the strong background noise were suppressed efficiently by the cross-correlator, which was utilized to extract the photothermal signals from the modulated signals. Combining the cross-correlation technique with spatial phase differentiation can improve both lateral and axial resolution of the PTOCT imaging system. Clear photothermal images of blood capillaries of a mouse ear in vivo were successfully obtained with high lateral and axial resolution. The experimental results demonstrated that this system can enhance the effective transverse resolution, effective depth resolution, and contrast of the PTOCT image effectively, aiding the ongoing development of the accurate 3D functional imaging.

N(4)C-ethyl-N(4)C cross-linked DNA: synthesis and characterization of duplexes with interstrand cross-links of different orientations.

PubMed

Noronha, Anne M; Noll, David M; Wilds, Christopher J; Miller, Paul S

2002-01-22

The preparation and physical properties of short DNA duplexes that contain a N(4)C-ethyl-N(4)C interstrand cross-link are described. Duplexes that contain an interstrand cross-link between mismatched C-C residues and duplexes in which the C residues of a -CG- or -GC- step are linked to give "staggered" interstrand cross-links were prepared using a novel N(4)C-ethyl-N(4)C phosphoramidite reagent. Duplexes with the C-C mismatch cross-link have UV thermal transition temperatures that are 25 degrees C higher than the melting temperatures of control duplexes in which the cross-link is replaced with a G-C base pair. It appears that this cross-link stabilizes adjacent base pairs and does not perturb the structure of the helix, a conclusion that is supported by the CD spectrum of this duplex and by molecular models. An even higher level of stabilization, 49 degrees C, is seen with the duplex that contains a -CG- staggered cross-link. Molecular models suggest that this cross-link may induce propeller twisting in the cross-linked base pairs, and the CD spectrum of this duplex exhibits an unusual negative band at 298 nm, although the remainder of the spectrum is similar to that of B-form DNA. Mismatched C-C or -CG- staggered cross-linked duplexes that have complementary overhanging ends can undergo self-ligation catalyzed by T4 DNA ligase. Analysis of the ligated oligomers by nondenaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis shows that the resulting oligomers migrate in a manner similar to that of a mixture of non-cross-linked control oligomers and suggests that these cross-links do not result in significant bending of the helix. However, the orientation of the staggered cross-link can have a significant effect on the structure and stability of the cross-linked duplex. Thus, the thermal stability of the duplex that contains a -GC- staggered cross-link is 10 degrees C lower than the melting temperature of the control, non-cross-linked duplex. Unlike the -CG- staggered cross-link, in which the cross-linked base pairs can still maintain hydrogen bond contacts, molecular models suggest that formation of the -GC- staggered cross-link disrupts hydrogen bonding and may also perturb adjacent base pairs leading to an overall reduction in helix stability. Duplexes with specifically positioned and oriented cross-links can be used as substrates to study DNA repair mechanisms.

Comparison of Ion Chemistries in Octafluoro-2-butene (2-C4F8) and in Octfluorocyclobutane (c-C4F8)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiao, Charles; Dejoseph, Charles; Garscadden, Alan

2007-10-01

2-C4F8 is one of the promising candidates to replace c-C4F8 that has been widely used for dielectric etching but is not environmentally friendly. In this study we have investigated electron impact ionization and ion-molecule reactions of 2-C4F8 using Fourier transform mass spectrometry (FTMS), and compared the results with those of c-C4F8 we have studied previously. Electron impact ionization of 2-C4F8 produces 15 ionic species including C4F7,8^+, C3F3,5,6^+, C2F4^+ and CF1-3^+ as the major ions. The total ionization cross section of 2-C4F8 reaches a maximum of 1.8x10-15 cm^2 at 90 eV. The ionization is dominated by the channel forming the parent ion C4F8^+ from 12 to 18 eV, and by the channel forming C3F5^+ from 18 to 70 eV. After 70 eV, CF3^+ becomes the dominant product ion. Among the major ions generated from the electron impact ionization of 2-C4F8, only CF^+, CF2^+ and CF3^+ are found to react with 2-C4F8, via F^- abstraction or charge transfer mechanism. The charge transfer reaction of Ar^++2-C4F8 produces primarily C4F7^+.

Thermal transpiration in zeolites: A mechanism for motionless gas pumps

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gupta, Naveen K.; Gianchandani, Yogesh B.

2008-11-01

We explore the use of a naturally occurring zeolite, clinoptilolite, for a chip-scale, thermal transpiration-based gas pump. The nanopores in clinoptilolite enable the required free-molecular flow, even at atmospheric pressure. The pump utilizes a foil heater located between zeolite disks in a plastic package. A 2.3mm thick zeolite disk generates a typical gas flow rate of 6.6×10-3 cc/min-cm2 with an input power of <300mW/cm2. The performance is constrained by imperfections in clinoptilolite, which provide estimated leakage apertures of 10.2-13.5μm/cm2 of flow cross section. The transient response of the pump is studied to quantify nonidealities.

Genomes of the Mouse Collaborative Cross.

PubMed

Srivastava, Anuj; Morgan, Andrew P; Najarian, Maya L; Sarsani, Vishal Kumar; Sigmon, J Sebastian; Shorter, John R; Kashfeen, Anwica; McMullan, Rachel C; Williams, Lucy H; Giusti-Rodríguez, Paola; Ferris, Martin T; Sullivan, Patrick; Hock, Pablo; Miller, Darla R; Bell, Timothy A; McMillan, Leonard; Churchill, Gary A; de Villena, Fernando Pardo-Manuel

2017-06-01

The Collaborative Cross (CC) is a multiparent panel of recombinant inbred (RI) mouse strains derived from eight founder laboratory strains. RI panels are popular because of their long-term genetic stability, which enhances reproducibility and integration of data collected across time and conditions. Characterization of their genomes can be a community effort, reducing the burden on individual users. Here we present the genomes of the CC strains using two complementary approaches as a resource to improve power and interpretation of genetic experiments. Our study also provides a cautionary tale regarding the limitations imposed by such basic biological processes as mutation and selection. A distinct advantage of inbred panels is that genotyping only needs to be performed on the panel, not on each individual mouse. The initial CC genome data were haplotype reconstructions based on dense genotyping of the most recent common ancestors (MRCAs) of each strain followed by imputation from the genome sequence of the corresponding founder inbred strain. The MRCA resource captured segregating regions in strains that were not fully inbred, but it had limited resolution in the transition regions between founder haplotypes, and there was uncertainty about founder assignment in regions of limited diversity. Here we report the whole genome sequence of 69 CC strains generated by paired-end short reads at 30× coverage of a single male per strain. Sequencing leads to a substantial improvement in the fine structure and completeness of the genomes of the CC. Both MRCAs and sequenced samples show a significant reduction in the genome-wide haplotype frequencies from two wild-derived strains, CAST/EiJ and PWK/PhJ. In addition, analysis of the evolution of the patterns of heterozygosity indicates that selection against three wild-derived founder strains played a significant role in shaping the genomes of the CC. The sequencing resource provides the first description of tens of thousands of new genetic variants introduced by mutation and drift in the CC genomes. We estimate that new SNP mutations are accumulating in each CC strain at a rate of 2.4 ± 0.4 per gigabase per generation. The fixation of new mutations by genetic drift has introduced thousands of new variants into the CC strains. The majority of these mutations are novel compared to currently sequenced laboratory stocks and wild mice, and some are predicted to alter gene function. Approximately one-third of the CC inbred strains have acquired large deletions (>10 kb) many of which overlap known coding genes and functional elements. The sequence of these mice is a critical resource to CC users, increases threefold the number of mouse inbred strain genomes available publicly, and provides insight into the effect of mutation and drift on common resources. Copyright © 2017 Srivastava et al.

Genomes of the Mouse Collaborative Cross

PubMed Central

Srivastava, Anuj; Morgan, Andrew P.; Najarian, Maya L.; Sarsani, Vishal Kumar; Sigmon, J. Sebastian; Shorter, John R.; Kashfeen, Anwica; McMullan, Rachel C.; Williams, Lucy H.; Giusti-Rodríguez, Paola; Ferris, Martin T.; Sullivan, Patrick; Hock, Pablo; Miller, Darla R.; Bell, Timothy A.; McMillan, Leonard; Churchill, Gary A.; de Villena, Fernando Pardo-Manuel

2017-01-01

The Collaborative Cross (CC) is a multiparent panel of recombinant inbred (RI) mouse strains derived from eight founder laboratory strains. RI panels are popular because of their long-term genetic stability, which enhances reproducibility and integration of data collected across time and conditions. Characterization of their genomes can be a community effort, reducing the burden on individual users. Here we present the genomes of the CC strains using two complementary approaches as a resource to improve power and interpretation of genetic experiments. Our study also provides a cautionary tale regarding the limitations imposed by such basic biological processes as mutation and selection. A distinct advantage of inbred panels is that genotyping only needs to be performed on the panel, not on each individual mouse. The initial CC genome data were haplotype reconstructions based on dense genotyping of the most recent common ancestors (MRCAs) of each strain followed by imputation from the genome sequence of the corresponding founder inbred strain. The MRCA resource captured segregating regions in strains that were not fully inbred, but it had limited resolution in the transition regions between founder haplotypes, and there was uncertainty about founder assignment in regions of limited diversity. Here we report the whole genome sequence of 69 CC strains generated by paired-end short reads at 30× coverage of a single male per strain. Sequencing leads to a substantial improvement in the fine structure and completeness of the genomes of the CC. Both MRCAs and sequenced samples show a significant reduction in the genome-wide haplotype frequencies from two wild-derived strains, CAST/EiJ and PWK/PhJ. In addition, analysis of the evolution of the patterns of heterozygosity indicates that selection against three wild-derived founder strains played a significant role in shaping the genomes of the CC. The sequencing resource provides the first description of tens of thousands of new genetic variants introduced by mutation and drift in the CC genomes. We estimate that new SNP mutations are accumulating in each CC strain at a rate of 2.4 ± 0.4 per gigabase per generation. The fixation of new mutations by genetic drift has introduced thousands of new variants into the CC strains. The majority of these mutations are novel compared to currently sequenced laboratory stocks and wild mice, and some are predicted to alter gene function. Approximately one-third of the CC inbred strains have acquired large deletions (>10 kb) many of which overlap known coding genes and functional elements. The sequence of these mice is a critical resource to CC users, increases threefold the number of mouse inbred strain genomes available publicly, and provides insight into the effect of mutation and drift on common resources. PMID:28592495

Electron impact ionization cross section studies of C2Fx (x = 1 - 6) and C3Fx (x = 1 - 8) fluorocarbon species

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gupta, Dhanoj; Choi, Heechol; Song, Mi-Young; Karwasz, Grzegorz P.; Yoon, Jung-Sik

2017-05-01

The total ionization cross section for C2Fx (x = 1 - 6) and C3Fx (x = 1 - 8) fluorocarbon species are studied with the Binary-Encounter Bethe (BEB) model using various orbital parameters calculated from restricted/unrestricted Hartree-Fock (RHF/UHF) and Density Functional Theory (DFT). All the targets were optimized for their minimal structures and energies with several ab-initio methods with the aug-cc-pVTZ basis set. Among them, the present results with RHF/UHF orbital energies showed good agreement with the experimental results for stable targets C2F6, C2F4, C3F6 and C3F8. The results with the DFT (ωB97X/ωB97X-D) showed a reasonable agreement with the recent calculation of Bull et al. [J.N. Bull, M. Bart, C. Vallance, P.W. Harland, Phys. Rev. A 88, 062710 (2013)] for C2F6, C3F6 and C3F8 targets. The ionization cross section for C2F, C2F2, C2F3, C3F, C3F2, C3F3, C3F4, C3F5 and C3F7 were computed for the first time in the present study. We have also computed the vertical ionization potentials and polarizability for all the targets and compared them with other experimental and theoretical values. A good agreement is found between the present and the previous results. The calculated polarizability in turn is used to study the correlation with maximum ionization cross section and in general a good correlation is found among them, confirming the consistency and reliability of the present data. The cross section data reported in this article are very important for plasma modeling especially related to fluorocarbon plasmas. Contribution to the Topical Issue "Atomic and Molecular Data and their Applications", edited by Gordon W.F. Drake, Jung-Sik Yoon, Daiji Kato, Grzegorz Karwasz.

Quantitative characterization of the carbon/carbon composites components based on video of polarized light microscope.

PubMed

Li, Yixian; Qi, Lehua; Song, Yongshan; Chao, Xujiang

2017-06-01

The components of carbon/carbon (C/C) composites have significant influence on the thermal and mechanical properties, so a quantitative characterization of component is necessary to study the microstructure of C/C composites, and further to improve the macroscopic properties of C/C composites. Considering the extinction crosses of the pyrocarbon matrix have significant moving features, the polarized light microscope (PLM) video is used to characterize C/C composites quantitatively because it contains sufficiently dynamic and structure information. Then the optical flow method is introduced to compute the optical flow field between the adjacent frames, and segment the components of C/C composites from PLM image by image processing. Meanwhile the matrix with different textures is re-segmented by the length difference of motion vectors, and then the component fraction of each component and extinction angle of pyrocarbon matrix are calculated directly. Finally, the C/C composites are successfully characterized from three aspects of carbon fiber, pyrocarbon, and pores by a series of image processing operators based on PLM video, and the errors of component fractions are less than 15%. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Cross-correlation Doppler global velocimetry (CC-DGV)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cadel, Daniel R.; Lowe, K. Todd

2015-08-01

A flow velocimetry method, cross-correlation Doppler global velocimetry (CC-DGV), is presented as a robust, simplified, and high dynamic range implementation of the Doppler global/planar Doppler velocimetry technique. A sweep of several gigahertz of the vapor absorption spectrum is used for each velocity sample, with signals acquired from both Doppler-shifted scattered light within the flow and a non-Doppler shifted reference beam. Cross-correlation of these signals yields the Doppler shift between them, averaged over the duration of the scan. With presently available equipment, velocities from 0 ms-1 to over 3000 ms-1 can notionally be measured simultaneously, making the technique ideal for high speed flows. The processing routine is shown to be robust against large changes in the vapor pressure of the iodine cell, benefiting performance of the system in facilities where ambient conditions cannot be easily regulated. Validation of the system was performed with measurements of a model wind turbine blade boundary layer made in a 1.83 m by 1.83 m subsonic wind tunnel for which laser Doppler velocimetry (LDV) measurements were acquired alongside the CC-DGV results. CC-DGV uncertainties of ±1.30 ms-1, ±0.64 ms-1, and ±1.11 ms-1 were determined for the orthogonal stream-wise, transverse-horizontal, and transverse-vertical velocity components, and root-mean-square deviations of 2.77 ms-1 and 1.34 ms-1 from the LDV validation results were observed for Reynolds numbers of 1.5 million and 2 million, respectively. Volumetric mean velocity measurements are also presented for a supersonic jet, with velocity uncertainties of ±4.48 ms-1, ±16.93 ms-1, and ±0.50 ms-1 for the orthogonal components, and self-validation done by collapsing the data with a physical scaling.

Rotational relaxation of CF+(X1Σ) in collision with He(1S)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Denis-Alpizar, O.; Inostroza, N.; Castro Palacio, J. C.

2018-01-01

The carbon monofluoride cation (CF+) has been detected recently in Galactic and extragalactic regions. Therefore, excitation rate coefficients of this molecule in collision with He and H2 are necessary for a correct interpretation of the astronomical observations. The main goal of this work is to study the collision of CF+ with He in full dimensionality at the close-coupling level and to report a large set of rotational rate coefficients. New ab initio interaction energies at the CCSD(T)/aug-cc-pv5z level of theory were computed, and a three-dimensional potential energy surface was represented using a reproducing kernel Hilbert space. Close-coupling scattering calculations were performed at collisional energies up to 1600 cm-1 in the ground vibrational state. The vibrational quenching cross-sections were found to be at least three orders of magnitude lower than the pure rotational cross-sections. Also, the collisional rate coefficients were reported for the lowest 20 rotational states of CF+ and an even propensity rule was found to be in action only for j > 4. Finally, the hyperfine rate coefficients were explored. These data can be useful for the determination of the interstellar conditions where this molecule has been detected.

New insights in the homotopic and heterotopic connectivity of the frontal portion of the human corpus callosum revealed by microdissection and diffusion tractography.

PubMed

De Benedictis, Alessandro; Petit, Laurent; Descoteaux, Maxime; Marras, Carlo Efisio; Barbareschi, Mattia; Corsini, Francesco; Dallabona, Monica; Chioffi, Franco; Sarubbo, Silvio

2016-12-01

Extensive studies revealed that the human corpus callosum (CC) plays a crucial role in providing large-scale bi-hemispheric integration of sensory, motor and cognitive processing, especially within the frontal lobe. However, the literature lacks of conclusive data regarding the structural macroscopic connectivity of the frontal CC. In this study, a novel microdissection approach was adopted, to expose the frontal fibers of CC from the dorsum to the lateral cortex in eight hemispheres and in one entire brain. Post-mortem results were then combined with data from advanced constrained spherical deconvolution in 130 healthy subjects. We demonstrated as the frontal CC provides dense inter-hemispheric connections. In particular, we found three types of fronto-callosal fibers, having a dorso-ventral organization. First, the dorso-medial CC fibers subserve homotopic connections between the homologous medial cortices of the superior frontal gyrus. Second, the ventro-lateral CC fibers subserve homotopic connections between lateral frontal cortices, including both the middle frontal gyrus and the inferior frontal gyrus, as well as heterotopic connections between the medial and lateral frontal cortices. Third, the ventro-striatal CC fibers connect the medial and lateral frontal cortices with the contralateral putamen and caudate nucleus. We also highlighted an intricate crossing of CC fibers with the main association pathways terminating in the lateral regions of the frontal lobes. This combined approach of ex vivo microdissection and in vivo diffusion tractography allowed demonstrating a previously unappreciated three-dimensional architecture of the anterior frontal CC, thus clarifying the functional role of the CC in mediating the inter-hemispheric connectivity. Hum Brain Mapp 37:4718-4735, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Dental Shade Guide Variability for Hues B, C, and D Using Cross-Polarized Photography.

PubMed

Sampaio, Camila S; Gurrea, Jon; Gurrea, Marta; Bruguera, August; Atria, Pablo J; Janal, Malvin; Bonfante, Estevam A; Coelho, Paulo G; Hirata, Ronaldo

2018-04-20

This study evaluated the color variability of hues B, C, and D between the VITA Classical shade guide (Vita Zahnfabrik) and four other VITA-coded ceramic shade guides using a digital camera (Canon EOS 60D) and computer software (Adobe Photoshop CC). A cross-polarizing filter was used to standardize external light sources influencing color match. A total of 275 pictures were taken, 5 per shade tab, for 11 shades (B1, B2, B3, B4, C1, C2, C3, C4, D2, D3, and D4), from the following shade guides: VITA Classical (control); IPS e.max Ceram (Ivoclar Vivadent); IPS d.SIGN (Ivoclar Vivadent); Initial ZI (GC); and Creation CC (Creation Willi Geller). Pictures were evaluated using Adobe Photoshop CC for standardization of hue, chroma, and value between shade tabs. The VITA-coded shade guides evaluated here showed an overall unmatched shade in all their tabs when compared to the control, suggesting that shade selection should be made with the corresponding manufacturer guide of the ceramic intended for the final restoration.

Identification of genetic factors that modify motor performance and body weight using Collaborative Cross mice

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

Mao, Jian -Hua; Langley, Sasha A.; Huang, Yurong

Evidence has emerged that suggests a link between motor deficits, obesity and many neurological disorders. However, the contributing genetic risk factors are poorly understood. Here we used the Collaborative Cross (CC), a large panel of newly inbred mice that captures 90% of the known variation among laboratory mice, to identify the genetic loci controlling rotarod performance and its relationship with body weight in a cohort of 365 mice across 16 CC strains. Body weight and rotarod performance varied widely across CC strains and were significantly negatively correlated. Genetic linkage analysis identified 14 loci that were associated with body weight. However,more » 45 loci affected rotarod performance, seven of which were also associated with body weight, suggesting a strong link at the genetic level. As a result, we show that genes identified in this study overlap significantly with those related to neurological disorders and obesity found in human GWA studies. In conclusion, our results provide a genetic framework for studies of the connection between body weight, the central nervous system and behavior.« less

Identification of genetic factors that modify motor performance and body weight using Collaborative Cross mice

DOE PAGES

Mao, Jian -Hua; Langley, Sasha A.; Huang, Yurong; ...

2015-11-09

Evidence has emerged that suggests a link between motor deficits, obesity and many neurological disorders. However, the contributing genetic risk factors are poorly understood. Here we used the Collaborative Cross (CC), a large panel of newly inbred mice that captures 90% of the known variation among laboratory mice, to identify the genetic loci controlling rotarod performance and its relationship with body weight in a cohort of 365 mice across 16 CC strains. Body weight and rotarod performance varied widely across CC strains and were significantly negatively correlated. Genetic linkage analysis identified 14 loci that were associated with body weight. However,more » 45 loci affected rotarod performance, seven of which were also associated with body weight, suggesting a strong link at the genetic level. As a result, we show that genes identified in this study overlap significantly with those related to neurological disorders and obesity found in human GWA studies. In conclusion, our results provide a genetic framework for studies of the connection between body weight, the central nervous system and behavior.« less

Cross correlation and time-lag between cosmic ray intensity and solar activity during solar cycles 21, 22 and 23

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sierra-Porta, D.

2018-07-01

In the present paper a systematic study is carried out to validate the similarity or co-variability between daily terrestrial cosmic-ray intensity and three parameters of the solar corona evolution, i.e., the number of sunspots and flare index observed in the solar corona and the Ap index for regular magnetic field variations caused by regular solar radiation changes. The study is made for a period including three solar cycles starting with cycle 21 (year 1976) and ending on cycle 23 (year 2008). A cross-correlation analysis was used to establish patterns and dependence of the variables. This study focused on the time lag calculation for these variables and found a maximum of negative correlation over CC1≈ 0.85, CC2≈ 0.75 and CC3≈ 0.63 with an estimation of 181, 156 and 2 days of deviation between maximum/minimum of peaks for the intensity of cosmic rays related with sunspot number, flare index and Ap index regression, respectively.

The Korean version of the Sniffin' stick (KVSS) test and its validity in comparison with the cross-cultural smell identification test (CC-SIT).

PubMed

Cho, Jae Hoon; Jeong, Yong Soo; Lee, Yeo Jin; Hong, Seok-Chan; Yoon, Joo-Heon; Kim, Jin Kook

2009-06-01

The Korean Version of the Sniffin' stick (KVSS) is the first olfactory test for Koreans. Although we adopted the Sniffin' Stick, we modified it to make it more suitable for Koreans. KVSS I is a screening test, and KVSS II a more comprehensive test. The aims of this study were to apply the KVSS test and assess its clinical validity and reliability in comparison to CC-SIT. One hundred and seventy-four healthy volunteers and 206 patients with subjective decreased olfaction participated. Each participant was tested with both the CC-SIT and KVSS tests and then the correlation between these two tests was analyzed. The correlation between CC-SIT and KVSS I was 0.720 (p<0.01) and 0.714 between the CC-SIT and KVSS II total scores (p<0.01). When the degree of olfaction based on the KVSS I was used, the mean CC-SIT score was 8.6+/-1.8 for normosmia, 7.3+/-2.2 for hyposmia, and 4.2+/-2.3 for anosmia. When the KVSS II total was applied, the mean CC-SIT score was 8.4+/-1.8 for normosmia, 7.3+/-2.0 for hyposmia, and 3.7+/-2.0 for anosmia. The means of the three group differed significantly in both cases (p<0.01). Thus, the KVSS test demonstrates validity and reliability for Korean in comparison with CC-SIT.

Ovarian morphology is associated with insulin resistance in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a cross sectional study.

PubMed

Reid, Sara Pittenger; Kao, Chia-Ning; Pasch, Lauri; Shinkai, Kanade; Cedars, Marcelle I; Huddleston, Heather G

2017-01-01

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a very common disorder well known to be associated with insulin resistance and metabolic disease. Insulin resistance is likely involved in the promotion of the PCOS reproductive phenotype and may mediate some of the ovarian morphology seen in the disorder. The phenotype of each individual woman with PCOS can vary widely as can her metabolic risk. This is a cross-sectional study of patients seen in a multidisciplinary PCOS clinic at the University of California at San Francisco between 2006 and 2014. All participants underwent systematic evaluation with anthropometric measurements, comprehensive skin exam, transvaginal ultrasound and laboratory studies at the time of their initial visit to the clinic. Serum samples were stored and androgen studies were carried out on all stored samples at the University of Virginia. Logistic regression was employed to evaluate the association between ovarian volume or follicle number and metabolic parameters (fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, fasting glucose, 2 h glucose, waist circumference) and hyperandrogenism (free testosterone, total testosterone, DHEAS, acanthosis nigricans), controlling for age. Three-hundred thirteen patients seen during the study period met Rotterdam criteria for PCOS and had sufficient measurements for inclusion in our analysis. The odds ratio of elevated HOMA-IR for patients with a maximum ovarian volume >10 cc was 1.9 compared to those with a maximum ovarian volume of ≤10 cc (95% CI 1.0-3.4). The odds ratio of abnormal fasting insulin for patients with higher ovarian volume was 1.8 (95% CI 1.0-3.4) compared with those with lower ovarian volume. Follicle number was not significantly associated with any metabolic parameters. Increased ovarian volume is associated with markers of insulin resistance in PCOS. In concordance with prior studies, we did not find follicle number to be predictive of metabolic risk. Ovarian volume may serve as a useful tool to aid clinicians in their risk stratification and counseling of patients with PCOS.

Association of polymorphisms in the vascular endothelial growth factor gene and its serum levels with diabetic retinopathy in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes: a cross-sectional study.

PubMed

Fan, Xiaohong; Wu, Qunhong; Li, Yuan; Hao, Yanhua; Ning, Ning; Kang, Zheng; Cui, Yu; Liu, Ruohong; Han, Liyuan

2014-01-01

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a major mediator of angiogenesis, and plays a key role in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy (DR). This study was designed to identify the possible role of VEGF gene polymorphisms in the development of DR in type 2 diabetic patients in Chinese and clarify the relationship between VEGF serum levels and the risk of DR. This cross-sectional study included 1 040 Chinese subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus. There were 372 patients diagnosed with DR in the case group and 668 patients without DR in the control group. DNA from each patient was analyzed for VEGF polymorphisms of -2578A/C (rs699947), -1154G/A (rs1570360), -460C/T (rs833061), +405C/G (rs2010963), and +936C/T (rs3025039) using MassARRAY compact analyzer. The VEGF serum levels were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). No evidence of association was observed between -2578 A/C (rs699947), +405C/G (rs2010963), +936C/T (rs3025039), and DR risk under stringent Bonferroni's correction. However, VEGF serum levels were significantly higher in DR patients than those of control group. The genetic variation of VEGF polymorphisms influenced VEGF serum levels; subjects carrying the VEGF -2578 C/C (rs699947) genotype had greater VEGF serum levels than those carrying the C/A genotype and VEGF serum levels were significantly higher in CC genotype of the +405C/G (rs2010963) compared with those of the other genotypes. The data did not suggest significant association between the VEGF polymorphisms and DR risk under stringent Bonferroni's correction. However, our study indicated that DR patients have higher VEGF levels than diabetic patients without retinopathy, and -2578A/C (rs699947) and +405C/G (rs2010963) may be important factors in determining serum VEGF levels.

Neck circumference is associated with carotid intimal-media thickness but not with coronary artery calcium: Results from The ELSA-Brasil.

PubMed

Baena, C P; Lotufo, P A; Santos, I S; Goulart, A C; Bittencourt, M S; Duncan, B B; Liu, S; Benseñor, I M

2016-03-01

It is uncertain whether neck circumference can be a risk indicator for subclinical atherosclerosis. We aimed to investigate their relationships measured by coronary artery calcium (CAC) and common carotid intima-media thickness (cc-IMT) with neck circumference in ELSA-Brasil. In cross-sectional and sex-specific analyses of 2266 women (50.6 ± 8.4 yrs) and 1886 men (50.7 ± 9.0 yrs) with both cc-IMT and CAC, free from previous cardiovascular disease at baseline, we built logistic models using diverse cut-off points for CAC score (0 vs > 0, < 100 vs ≥ 100, < 400 vs ≥ 400 Agatston units) and cc-IMT (< 75 th percentile vs ≥ 75 th; <90th percentile vs ≥ 90 th) as dependent variables, after which adjustments for age and traditional cardiovascular risk factors were made. Mean neck circumference was 33.6 (± 2.4 cm) for women and 38.8 (± 2.6 cm) for men. In fully adjusted models including sociodemographic, cardiovascular risk factors and body-mass index and waist circumference, for each 1 standard deviation increase in neck circumference we found an odds ratio (OR, 95% CI) for IMT above the 75th percentile of (1.52, 1.16; 1.99) for women and (1.66, 1.28; 2.14) for men, and above the 90th cc-IMT percentile [1.66 (1.19; 2.32) for men but not for women [1.21 (0.80; 1.82)]. We found no association between neck circumference and CAC using different cut-off points (p > 0.05 for all). Neck circumference was significantly and independently associated with cc-IMT but not with CAC in women and men, indicating a possible effect of perivascular fat tissue on atherosclerosis. Copyright © 2016 The Italian Society of Diabetology, the Italian Society for the Study of Atherosclerosis, the Italian Society of Human Nutrition, and the Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Federico II University. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of the bivalent compared with the quadrivalent human papillomavirus vaccines in Taiwan.

PubMed

Demarteau, Nadia; Tang, Chao-Hsiun; Chen, Hui-Chi; Chen, Chien-Jen; Van Kriekinge, Georges

2012-01-01

To compare the epidemiological and economic impact of additional cross-protection against oncogenic human papillomavirus (HPV) types beyond 16/18 of the bivalent vaccine (BV) versus protection against nononcogenic HPV types 6/11 of the quadrivalent vaccine (QV) in Taiwan. A lifetime Markov model calibrated to the Taiwanese setting simulated the natural history of low-risk (engendering cervical intraepithelial neoplasia [CIN] 1 and genital warts) and high-risk HPV (engendering CIN1, CIN2/3, and cervical cancer [CC]) infections, screening, and vaccination (100% coverage) for a cohort of 12-year-old girls (N = 153,000). Transition probabilities, costs, and utilities were estimated from published data and expert opinion. Vaccine efficacy was obtained from each vaccine's respective clinical trials. Price-parity and lifelong protection was assumed for both vaccines. The number of CIN lesions, CC cases, CC deaths and genital wart (GW) cases, and quality-adjusted life-years were estimated. Costs and outcomes (discounted at 3% and 1.5%, respectively) were compared from a payer's perspective. The model estimated that the BV led to an additional, undiscounted, 11,484 CIN1, 1,779 (+34.3% vs. QV) CIN2/3, 188 (+29.0% vs. QV) CC, and 69 (+29.0% vs. QV) CC deaths prevented compared with the QV, while the QV prevented 4,150 GW (+71%). This resulted in an additional 768 quality-adjusted life-years (QALY) and 11.6 million new Taiwan dollars costs saved for the BV versus the QV after discounting. Both vaccines have a different epidemiological impact with an increased number of CC-related lesions potentially prevented for the BV because of additional cross-protection. In the Taiwanese setting, HPV mass vaccination using the BV was estimated to dominate vaccination using the QV. Copyright © 2012 International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Reductive Elimination Leading to C-C Bond Formation in Gold(III) Complexes: A Mechanistic and Computational Study.

PubMed

Rocchigiani, Luca; Fernandez-Cestau, Julio; Budzelaar, Peter H M; Bochmann, Manfred

2018-06-21

The factors affecting the rates of reductive C-C cross-coupling reactions in gold(III) aryls were studied by using complexes that allow easy access to a series of electronically modified aryl ligands, as well as to gold methyl and vinyl complexes, by using the pincer compounds [(C^N^C)AuR] (R=C 6 F 5 , CH=CMe 2 , Me and p-C 6 H 4 X, where X=OMe, F, H, tBu, Cl, CF 3 , or NO 2 ) as starting materials (C^N^C=2,6-(4'-tBuC 6 H 3 ) 2 pyridine dianion). Protodeauration followed by addition of one equivalent SMe 2 leads to the quantitative generation of the thioether complexes [(C^N-CH)AuR(SMe 2 )] + . Upon addition of a second SMe 2 pyridine is displaced, which triggers the reductive aryl-R elimination. The rates for these cross-couplings increase in the sequence k(vinyl)>k(aryl)≫k(C 6 F 5 )>k(Me). Vinyl-aryl coupling is particularly fast, 1.15×10 -3  L mol -1  s -1 at 221 K, whereas both C 6 F 5 and Me couplings encountered higher barriers for the C-C bond forming step. The use of P(p-tol) 3 in place of SMe 2 greatly accelerates the C-C couplings. Computational modelling shows that in the C^N-bonded compounds displacement of N by a donor L is required before the aryl ligands can adopt a conformation suitable for C-C bond formation, so that elimination takes place from a four-coordinate intermediate. The C-C bond formation is the rate-limiting step. In the non-chelating case, reductive C(sp 2 )-C(sp 2 ) elimination from three-coordinate ions [(Ar 1 )(Ar 2 )AuL] + is almost barrier-free, particularly if L=phosphine. © 2018 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Nicotine pharmacokinetic profiles of the Tobacco Heating System 2.2, cigarettes and nicotine gum in Japanese smokers.

PubMed

Brossard, Patrick; Weitkunat, Rolf; Poux, Valerie; Lama, Nicola; Haziza, Christelle; Picavet, Patrick; Baker, Gizelle; Lüdicke, Frank

2017-10-01

Two open-label randomized cross-over studies in Japanese smokers investigated the single-use nicotine pharmacokinetic profile of the Tobacco Heating System (THS) 2.2, cigarettes (CC) and nicotine replacement therapy (Gum). In each study, one on the regular and one on the menthol variants of the THS and CC, both using Gum as reference, 62 subjects were randomized to four sequences: Sequence 1: THS - CC (n = 22); Sequence 2: CC - THS (n = 22); Sequence 3: THS - Gum (n = 9); Sequence 4: Gum - THS (n = 9). Plasma nicotine concentrations were measured in 16 blood samples collected over 24 h after single use. Maximal nicotine concentration (C max ) and area under the curve from start of product use to time of last quantifiable concentration (AUC 0-last ) were similar between THS and CC in both studies, with ratios varying from 88 to 104% for C max and from 96 to 98% for AUC 0-last . Urge-to-smoke total scores were comparable between THS and CC. The THS nicotine pharmacokinetic profile was close to CC, with similar levels of urge-to-smoke. This suggests that THS can satisfy smokers and be a viable alternative to cigarettes for adult smokers who want to continue using tobacco. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The value of shear wave elastography in the quantification of corpus cavernosum penis rigidity and its alteration with age.

PubMed

Inci, Ercan; Turkay, Rustu; Nalbant, Mustafa Orhan; Yenice, Mustafa Gurkan; Tugcu, Volkan

2017-04-01

The goal of this study was to measure corpus cavernosum (CC) penis rigidity with shear wave elastography (SWE) in healthy volunteers and to evaluate the change of rigidity with age. SWE was performed in 60 healthy volunteers (age range 20-71, mean 47±12,83 years). Volunteers were divided into 2 groups by age (Group 1 age <50, group 2 age ≥50). We assessed SWE in 3 parts of penis (proximal, middle and glans penis) on both sides of CC. All values of SWE (in kilo Pascal) were noted along with volunteers' ages. The measurements were done both with transverse (T) and longitudinal (L) sections. We compared all SW values of penis parts and their alterations with age. The shear wave elastography values of CC penis increased with increasing age (p<0,01). There was no significant difference between both sides of CC penis (p<0,05). We calculated no significant difference between T and L sections of all parts of penis (p<0,05). SWE can provide noninvasive quantitative data of CC penis rigidity and its alteration with age. These data may create a new approach in the evaluation process and treatment options for penile pathologies. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Collisional excitation of NH(X{sup 3}Σ{sup −}) by Ne: Potential energy surface, scattering calculations, and comparison with experiments

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

Bouhafs, Nezha; Lique, François, E-mail: francois.lique@univ-lehavre.fr

2015-11-14

We present a new three-dimensional potential energy surface (PES) for the NH(X{sup 3}Σ{sup −})–Ne van der Waals system, which explicitly takes into account the NH vibrational motion. Ab initio calculations of the NH–Ne PES were carried out using the open-shell single- and double-excitation coupled cluster approach with non-iterative perturbational treatment of triple excitations [RCCSD(T)]. The augmented correlation-consistent quadruple zeta (aug-cc-pVQZ) basis set was employed. Mid-bond functions were also included in order to improve the accuracy in the van der Waals well. Using this new PES, we have studied the collisional excitation of NH(X{sup 3}Σ{sup −}) by Ne. Close-coupling calculations ofmore » the collisional excitation cross sections of the fine-structure levels of NH by Ne are performed for energies up to 3000 cm{sup −1}, which yield, after thermal average, rate coefficients up to 350 K. The propensity rules between fine-structure levels are reported, and it is found that F-conserving cross sections are larger than F-changing cross sections even if the propensity rules are not as strong as for the NH–He system. The calculated rate coefficients are compared with available experimental measurements at room temperature and a fairly good agreement is found between experimental and theoretical data, confirming the good quality of the scattering calculations and also the accuracy of the potential energy surface used in this work.« less

Palladium complexes of N-heterocyclic carbenes as catalysts for cross-coupling reactions--a synthetic chemist's perspective.

PubMed

Kantchev, Eric Assen B; O'Brien, Christopher J; Organ, Michael G

2007-01-01

Palladium-catalyzed C-C and C-N bond-forming reactions are among the most versatile and powerful synthetic methods. For the last 15 years, N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) have enjoyed increasing popularity as ligands in Pd-mediated cross-coupling and related transformations because of their superior performance compared to the more traditional tertiary phosphanes. The strong sigma-electron-donating ability of NHCs renders oxidative insertion even in challenging substrates facile, while their steric bulk and particular topology is responsible for fast reductive elimination. The strong Pd-NHC bonds contribute to the high stability of the active species, even at low ligand/Pd ratios and high temperatures. With a number of commercially available, stable, user-friendly, and powerful NHC-Pd precatalysts, the goal of a universal cross-coupling catalyst is within reach. This Review discusses the basics of Pd-NHC chemistry to understand the peculiarities of these catalysts and then gives a critical discussion on their application in C-C and C-N cross-coupling as well as carbopalladation reactions.

Optoelectronic properties of CC2TA towards a good TADF material

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mishra, Ashok Kumar

2018-05-01

2,4-bis{f3-(9H-carbazol-9-yl)-9H-carbazol-9-yl}-6-phenyl-1,3,5-triazine (CC2TA) is a triazine derivatives in which the acceptor phenyltriazine unit is used as the central skeleton and donor bicarbazole units are bonded to both ends of the skeleton. Molecular orbital calculations exhibit that the HOMO and LUMO are locally allocated chiefly in the bicarbazole and phenyltriazine units, respectively. There are a class of organic molecules and polymers which exhibit semiconductor behavior because of nearly free conjugate π-electrons. Hopping of these electrons in molecules forms different excited singlet and triplet states named as excitons. Some of these organic molecules can be set to emit photons by triplet-singlet excitonic transition via a process called Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence (TADF) which is exploited for designing the Organic Light Emitting diode (OLED.) CC2TA is one of these reported noble metal-free TADF molecules which offers unique opto electronic properties arising from the reverse intersystem crossing between the lowest singlet (S) and triplet (T) excited states. Its ability to harvest triplet excitons for fluorescence through facilitated reverse intersystem crossing (T→S) could directly impact their properties and performances, which is attractive for a wide variety of low-cost optoelectronic device. In the present study, the CC2TA compounds have been taken up for the investigation of various optoelectronic properties including the thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) by using the Koopmans Method and Density Functional Theory. The present study discusses the utility of the CC2TA organic semiconductor as a suitable TADF material essential for developing an efficient Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED).

[Acceptability of vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV) by pediatricians, mothers and young women in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam].

PubMed

Phan, D P T; Pham, Q T; Strobel, M; Tran, D S; Tran, T L; Buisson, Y

2012-12-01

Cervical cancer (CC) is almost always induced by some oncogenic types of human papillomavirus (HPV). In Vietnam, it is the first leading cause of cancer in women, with highest prevalence in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC). Since 2006, prevention of the CC has been improved by licensure of recombinant vaccines directed against HPV 16 and 18, effective when administered before the age of first sexual intercourse. A national program for routine immunization of pre-adolescent girls in addition to cytological screening of adult women would greatly reduce the impact of CC in Vietnam but vaccines remain expensive and it is unclear how this strategy would be accepted by the target population. The aim of this study was to assess the acceptability of HPV vaccination by pediatricians, mothers with a daughter aged 9-15 years and young women aged 16-26 years in HCMC. Between March and June 2010, a cross-sectional survey of knowledge and attitudes was administered to 115 pediatricians in the pediatric hospital, 210 mothers and 400 young women attending the gynecology department of the University Hospital. Pediatricians generally had a good perception of the risk but they still lacked knowledge about HPV vaccination, given by 66% of them. Among mothers, 18% knew the relationship between HPV infection and CC, 43% had heard of HPV vaccination and 40% agreed to vaccinate their daughter. Among young women, 35% knew the risk, 49% knew the vaccine and 38% wanted to be vaccinated. Level of education, amount of income and celibacy were positively related to intention to be vaccinated. The lack of information on HPV vaccination and the high cost of vaccines were the main causes of refusal or indecision. Routine HPV vaccination of girls in HCMC will be well accepted by the population if a large campaign of health education is implemented by the government and if the affordability of vaccines is facilitated. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

APOA2, Dietary Fat and Body Mass Index: Replication of a Gene-Diet Interaction in Three Independent Populations

PubMed Central

Corella, Dolores; Peloso, Gina; Arnett, Donna K.; Demissie, Serkalem; Cupples, L Adrienne; Tucker, Katherine; Lai, Chao-Qiang; Parnell, Laurence D.; Coltell, Oscar; Lee, Yu-Chi; Ordovas, Jose M.

2010-01-01

Background Nutrigenetics studies the role of genetic variation on interactions between diet and health aimed at providing more personalized dietary advice. However, replication has been very low. Our aim was to study the interaction between a functional APOA2 polymorphism, food intake and body mass index (BMI) in independent populations to replicate findings and to increase their evidence level. Methods Cross-sectional, follow-up (20 years) and case-control analyses were undertaken in three independent populations. We analyzed gene-diet interactions between the APOA2 -265T>C polymorphism and saturated fat (SATFAT) intake on BMI and obesity in 3,462 subjects from three American populations: Framingham (1,454 Whites), GOLDN (1,078 Whites) and Boston-Puerto Rican studies (930 Hispanics of Caribbean origin). Results Prevalence of CC subjects ranged from 11-15%. We identified statistically significant interactions between the APOA2 -265T>C and SATFAT on BMI in all three populations. Thus, the magnitude of the difference in BMI between the CC and TT+TC subjects differed by SATFAT. A mean increase of 6.2% BMI (ranging from 4.3%-7.9%; P<0.05), was observed between genotypes with high (>=22g/d), but not with low SATFAT intake in all studies. Likewise, the CC genotype was significantly associated with higher obesity prevalence in all populations only in the high-SATFAT stratum. Meta-analysis estimations of obesity for CC compared with TT+TC subjects were: OR=1.84, 95%CI:1.38-2.47; P<0.0001 in the high-SATFAT stratum, but no association was detected in the low-SATFAT stratum (OR=0.81, 95%CI:0.59-1.11;P=0.181). Conclusions For the first time, a gene-diet interaction influencing BMI and obesity has been strongly and consistently replicated in three independent populations. PMID:19901143

Observation of a Neutral Structure near the DD[over ¯]^{*} Mass Threshold in e^{+}e^{-}→(DD[over ¯]^{*})^{0}π^{0} at sqrt[s]=4.226 and 4.257 GeV.

PubMed

Ablikim, M; Achasov, M N; Ai, X C; Albayrak, O; Albrecht, M; Ambrose, D J; Amoroso, A; An, F F; An, Q; Bai, J Z; Ferroli, R Baldini; Ban, Y; Bennett, D W; Bennett, J V; Bertani, M; Bettoni, D; Bian, J M; Bianchi, F; Boger, E; Boyko, I; Briere, R A; Cai, H; Cai, X; Cakir, O; Calcaterra, A; Cao, G F; Cetin, S A; Chang, J F; Chelkov, G; Chen, G; Chen, H S; Chen, H Y; Chen, J C; Chen, M L; Chen, S Chen; Chen, S J; Chen, X; Chen, X R; Chen, Y B; Cheng, H P; Chu, X K; Cibinetto, G; Dai, H L; Dai, J P; Dbeyssi, A; Dedovich, D; Deng, Z Y; Denig, A; Denysenko, I; Destefanis, M; De Mori, F; Ding, Y; Dong, C; Dong, J; Dong, L Y; Dong, M Y; Du, S X; Duan, P F; Fan, J Z; Fang, J; Fang, S S; Fang, X; Fang, Y; Fava, L; Feldbauer, F; Felici, G; Feng, C Q; Fioravanti, E; Fritsch, M; Fu, C D; Gao, Q; Gao, X L; Gao, X Y; Gao, Y; Gao, Z; Garzia, I; Goetzen, K; Gong, W X; Gradl, W; Greco, M; Gu, M H; Gu, Y T; Guan, Y H; Guo, A Q; Guo, L B; Guo, R P; Guo, Y; Guo, Y P; Haddadi, Z; Hafner, A; Han, S; Hao, X Q; Harris, F A; He, K L; He, X Q; Held, T; Heng, Y K; Hou, Z L; Hu, C; Hu, H M; Hu, J F; Hu, T; Hu, Y; Huang, G M; Huang, G S; Huang, J S; Huang, X T; Huang, Y; Hussain, T; Ji, Q; Ji, Q P; Ji, X B; Ji, X L; Jiang, L W; Jiang, X S; Jiang, X Y; Jiao, J B; Jiao, Z; Jin, D P; Jin, S; Johansson, T; Julin, A; Kalantar-Nayestanaki, N; Kang, X L; Kang, X S; Kavatsyuk, M; Ke, B C; Kiese, P; Kliemt, R; Kloss, B; Kolcu, O B; Kopf, B; Kornicer, M; Kühn, W; Kupsc, A; Lange, J S; Lara, M; Larin, P; Leng, C; Li, C; Li, Cheng; Li, D M; Li, F; Li, F Y; Li, G; Li, H B; Li, H J; Li, J C; Li, Jin; Li, K; Li, K; Li, Lei; Li, P R; Li, T; Li, W D; Li, W G; Li, X L; Li, X M; Li, X N; Li, X Q; Li, Z B; Liang, H; Liang, J J; Liang, Y F; Liang, Y T; Liao, G R; Lin, D X; Liu, B J; Liu, C X; Liu, D; Liu, F H; Liu, Fang; Liu, Feng; Liu, H B; Liu, H H; Liu, H H; Liu, H M; Liu, J; Liu, J B; Liu, J P; Liu, J Y; Liu, K; Liu, K Y; Liu, L D; Liu, P L; Liu, Q; Liu, S B; Liu, X; Liu, Y B; Liu, Z A; Liu, Zhiqing; Loehner, H; Lou, X C; Lu, H J; Lu, J G; Lu, Y; Lu, Y P; Luo, C L; Luo, M X; Luo, T; Luo, X L; Lyu, X R; Ma, F C; Ma, H L; Ma, L L; Ma, M M; Ma, Q M; Ma, T; Ma, X N; Ma, X Y; Maas, F E; Maggiora, M; Mao, Y J; Mao, Z P; Marcello, S; Messchendorp, J G; Min, J; Mitchell, R E; Mo, X H; Mo, Y J; Morales, C Morales; Moriya, K; Muchnoi, N Yu; Muramatsu, H; Nefedov, Y; Nerling, F; Nikolaev, I B; Ning, Z; Nisar, S; Niu, S L; Niu, X Y; Olsen, S L; Ouyang, Q; Pacetti, S; Pan, Y; Patteri, P; Pelizaeus, M; Peng, H P; Peters, K; Pettersson, J; Ping, J L; Ping, R G; Poling, R; Prasad, V; Qi, M; Qian, S; Qiao, C F; Qin, L Q; Qin, N; Qin, X S; Qin, Z H; Qiu, J F; Rashid, K H; Redmer, C F; Ripka, M; Rong, G; Rosner, Ch; Ruan, X D; Sarantsev, A; Savrié, M; Schoenning, K; Schumann, S; Shan, W; Shao, M; Shen, C P; Shen, P X; Shen, X Y; Sheng, H Y; Shi, M; Song, W M; Song, X Y; Sosio, S; Spataro, S; Sun, G X; Sun, J F; Sun, S S; Sun, X H; Sun, Y J; Sun, Y Z; Sun, Z J; Sun, Z T; Tang, C J; Tang, X; Tapan, I; Thorndike, E H; Tiemens, M; Ullrich, M; Uman, I; Varner, G S; Wang, B; Wang, D; Wang, D Y; Wang, K; Wang, L L; Wang, L S; Wang, M; Wang, P; Wang, P L; Wang, S G; Wang, W; Wang, W P; Wang, X F; Wang, Y D; Wang, Y F; Wang, Y Q; Wang, Z; Wang, Z G; Wang, Z H; Wang, Z Y; Wang, Z Y; Weber, T; Wei, D H; Wei, J B; Weidenkaff, P; Wen, S P; Wiedner, U; Wolke, M; Wu, L H; Wu, L J; Wu, Z; Xia, L; Xia, L G; Xia, Y; Xiao, D; Xiao, H; Xiao, Z J; Xie, Y G; Xiu, Q L; Xu, G F; Xu, J J; Xu, L; Xu, Q J; Xu, X P; Yan, L; Yan, W B; Yan, W C; Yan, Y H; Yang, H J; Yang, H X; Yang, L; Yang, Y; Yang, Y X; Ye, M; Ye, M H; Yin, J H; Yu, B X; Yu, C X; Yu, J S; Yuan, C Z; Yuan, W L; Yuan, Y; Yuncu, A; Zafar, A A; Zallo, A; Zeng, Y; Zeng, Z; Zhang, B X; Zhang, B Y; Zhang, C; Zhang, C C; Zhang, D H; Zhang, H H; Zhang, H Y; Zhang, J; Zhang, J J; Zhang, J L; Zhang, J Q; Zhang, J W; Zhang, J Y; Zhang, J Z; Zhang, K; Zhang, L; Zhang, X Y; Zhang, Y; Zhang, Y N; Zhang, Y H; Zhang, Y T; Zhang, Yu; Zhang, Z H; Zhang, Z P; Zhang, Z Y; Zhao, G; Zhao, J W; Zhao, J Y; Zhao, J Z; Zhao, Lei; Zhao, Ling; Zhao, M G; Zhao, Q; Zhao, Q W; Zhao, S J; Zhao, T C; Zhao, Y B; Zhao, Z G; Zhemchugov, A; Zheng, B; Zheng, J P; Zheng, W J; Zheng, Y H; Zhong, B; Zhou, L; Zhou, X; Zhou, X K; Zhou, X R; Zhou, X Y; Zhu, K; Zhu, K J; Zhu, S; Zhu, S H; Zhu, X L; Zhu, Y C; Zhu, Y S; Zhu, Z A; Zhuang, J; Zotti, L; Zou, B S; Zou, J H

2015-11-27

A neutral structure in the DD[over ¯]^{*} system around the DD[over ¯]^{*} mass threshold is observed with a statistical significance greater than 10σ in the processes e^{+}e^{-}→D^{+}D^{*-}π^{0}+c.c. and e^{+}e^{-}→D^{0}D[over ¯]^{*0}π^{0}+c.c. at sqrt[s]=4.226 and 4.257 GeV in the BESIII experiment. The structure is denoted as Z_{c}(3885)^{0}. Assuming the presence of a resonance, its pole mass and width are determined to be [3885.7_{-5.7}^{+4.3}(stat)±8.4(syst)]  MeV/c^{2} and [35_{-12}^{+11}(stat)±15(syst)]  MeV, respectively. The Born cross sections are measured to be σ[e^{+}e^{-}→Z_{c}(3885)^{0}π^{0},Z_{c}(3885)^{0}→DD[over ¯]^{*}]=[77±13(stat)±17(syst)]  pb at 4.226 GeV and [47±9(stat)±10(syst)]  pb at 4.257 GeV. The ratio of decay rates B[Z_{c}(3885)^{0}→D^{+}D^{*-}+c.c.]/B[Z_{c}(3885)^{0}→D^{0}D[over ¯]^{*0}+c.c.] is determined to be 0.96±0.18(stat)±0.12(syst), consistent with no isospin violation in the process, Z_{c}(3885)^{0}→DD[over ¯]^{*}.

Global DNA hypomethylation has no impact on lung function or serum inflammatory and fibrosis cytokines in asbestos-exposed population.

PubMed

Yu, Min; Lou, Jianlin; Xia, Hailing; Zhang, Min; Zhang, Yixiao; Chen, Junqiang; Zhang, Xing; Ying, Shibo; Zhu, Lijin; Liu, Lihong; Jia, Guang

2017-04-01

To examine the effect of asbestos exposure on global DNA methylation and determine whether lung function and inflammatory and fibrosis biomarkers are correlated with the methylation state. A total of 26 healthy subjects without asbestos exposure (Group 1), 47 healthy subjects with exposure (Group 2), and 52 subjects with benign asbestos-related disorders (ARDs) (Group 3) participated in this cross-sectional study. Blood global 5-methylcytosine (5mC) and serum TNF-α, collagen IV, CCL5 and CC16 concentrations were analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay-like assays. Spirometric maneuvers were performed to assess lung function. Decreased 5mC levels were observed in Groups 2 and 3 compared to Group 1, irrespective of lung function (p < 0.01). There was no significant change in 5mC between Groups 2 and 3. Overall, 5mC was negatively correlated with CCL5 and collagen IV (p < 0.05), but no significant inverse relationship was found between 5mC and CCL5 or collagen IV in each group. Additionally, both 5mC and CC16 were inversely associated with FEV1/FVC% (p = 0.001, adjusted R 2  = 0.145) for non-smokers, and consistently significant inverse relationships were found between CC16 and FEV1/FVC%, independent of asbestos exposure. Asbestos exposure causes global DNA hypomethylation. DNA hypomethylation has no influence on serum biomarkers and lung function in asbestos-exposed population with or without pleural and pulmonary parenchymal abnormalities.

Plasticity of Interhemispheric Temporal Lobe White Matter Pathways Due to Early Disruption of Corpus Callosum Development in Spina Bifida

PubMed Central

Juranek, Jenifer; Romanowska-Pawliczek, Anna; Hannay, H. Julia; Cirino, Paul T.; Dennis, Maureen; Kramer, Larry A.; Fletcher, Jack M.

2016-01-01

Abstract Spina bifida myelomeningocele (SBM) is commonly associated with anomalous development of the corpus callosum (CC) because of congenital partial hypogenesis and hydrocephalus-related hypoplasia. It represents a model disorder to examine the effects of early disruption of CC neurodevelopment and the plasticity of interhemispheric white matter connections. Diffusion tensor imaging was acquired on 76 individuals with SBM and 27 typically developing individuals, aged 8–36 years. Probabilistic tractography was used to isolate the interhemispheric connections between the posterior superior temporal lobes, which typically traverse the posterior third of the CC. Early disruption of CC development resulted in restructuring of interhemispheric connections through alternate commissures, particularly the anterior commissure (AC). These rerouted fibers were present in people with SBM and both CC hypoplasia and hypogenesis. In addition, microstructural integrity was reduced in the interhemispheric temporal tract in people with SBM, indexed by lower fractional anisotropy, axial diffusivity, and higher radial diffusivity. Interhemispheric temporal tract volume was positively correlated with total volume of the CC, such that more severe underdevelopment of the CC was associated with fewer connections between the posterior temporal lobes. Therefore, both the macrostructure and microstructure of this interhemispheric tract were reduced, presumably as a result of more extensive CC malformation. The current findings suggest that early disruption in CC development reroutes interhemispheric temporal fibers through both the AC and more anterior sections of the CC in support of persistent hypotheses that the AC may serve a compensatory function in atypical CC development. PMID:26798959

Cardiovascular and metabolic adaptations in horses competing in cross-country events.

PubMed

Muñoz, A; Riber, C; Santisteban, R; Rubio, M D; Agüera, E I; Castejón, F M

1999-01-01

The cardiovascular and metabolic response to two cross-country events (CC*: preliminary level and CC*** advanced level) were analysed in 8 male eventing horses (4 Anglo-Hunter and 4 Anglo-Arabian). This study focused on the establishment of the main metabolic pathways involved in the muscle energy resynthesis during the competitions. Heart rate (HR) was recorded throughout the CC events. Jugular venous blood samples were withdrawn before the warm-up period, immediately after the competitions and at 5 and 10 min in the recuperation period. The following haematological parameters were studied: red blood cells (RBC), packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin concentration (Hb), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), white blood cells (WBC), and number and percentages of lymphocytes (LYM) and granulocytes and monocytes (GRAN). One fraction of blood was centrifuged and, in plasma, lactate (LA), total plasma protein (TPP) and the rate of LA disappearance were determined. The competitions induced significant increases in RBC, Hb, PCV, MCV and TPP. Plasma LA response exceeded the anaerobic threshold of 4 mmol/l, reaching a maximum level of 13.3 mmol/l. HR ranged from 140 to more than 200 bpm, peaking at 230 bpm, revealing a limitation in the oxygen supply to the working muscles. It was concluded that muscle energy resynthesis during a CC event is provided both through oxidative processes and glycolysis with LA formation. Therefore, both stamina and power exercises are required for eventing horses.

Lybatides from Lycium barbarum Contain An Unusual Cystine-stapled Helical Peptide Scaffold.

PubMed

Tan, Wei Liang; Wong, Ka H; Lei, Jian; Sakai, Naoki; Tan, Hong Wei; Hilgenfeld, Rolf; Tam, James P

2017-07-12

Cysteine-rich peptides (CRPs) of 2-6 kDa are generally thermally and proteolytically stable because of their multiple cross-bracing disulfide bonds. Here, we report the discovery and characterization of two novel cystine-stapled CRPs, designated lybatide 1 and 2 (lyba1 and lyba2), from the cortex of Lycium barbarum root. Lybatides, 32 to 33 amino acids in length, are hyperstable and display a novel disulfide connectivity with a cysteine motif of C-C-C-C-CC-CC which contains two pairs of adjacent cysteines (-CC-CC). X-ray structure analysis revealed the presence of a single cystine-stabilized (α + π)-helix in lyba2, a rare feature of CRPs. Together, our results suggest that lybatides, one of the smallest four-disulfide-constrained plant CRPs, is a new family of CRPs. Additionally, this study provides new insights into the molecular diversity of plant cysteine-rich peptides and the unusual lybatide scaffold could be developed as a useful template for peptide engineering and therapeutic development.

Psychometric properties of the 7-item game addiction scale among french and German speaking adults.

PubMed

Khazaal, Yasser; Chatton, Anne; Rothen, Stephane; Achab, Sophia; Thorens, Gabriel; Zullino, Daniele; Gmel, Gerhard

2016-05-10

The 7-item Game Addiction Scale (GAS) is a used to screen for addictive game use. Both cross cross-linguistic validation and validation in French and German is needed in adult samples. The objective of the study is to assess the factorial structure of the French and German versions of the GAS among adults. Two samples of men from French (N = 3318) and German (N = 2665) language areas of Switzerland were assessed with the GAS, the Major Depression Inventory (MDI), the Brief Sensation Seeking Scale, and the Zuckerman-Kuhlman Personality Questionnaire (ZKPQ-50-cc). They were also assessed for cannabis and alcohol use. The internal consistency of the scale was satisfactory (Cronbach α = 0.85). A one-factor solution was found in both samples. Small and positive associations were found between GAS scores and the MDI, as well as the Neuroticism-Anxiety and Aggression-Hostility subscales of the ZKPQ-50-cc. A small negative association was found with the ZKPQ-50-cc Sociability subscale. The GAS, in its French and German versions, is appropriate for the assessment of game addiction among adults.

Adaptive spectral filtering of PIV cross correlations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Giarra, Matthew; Vlachos, Pavlos; Aether Lab Team

2016-11-01

Using cross correlations (CCs) in particle image velocimetry (PIV) assumes that tracer particles in interrogation regions (IRs) move with the same velocity. But this assumption is nearly always violated because real flows exhibit velocity gradients, which degrade the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the CC and are a major driver of error in PIV. Iterative methods help reduce these errors, but even they can fail when gradients are large within individual IRs. We present an algorithm to mitigate the effects of velocity gradients on PIV measurements. Our algorithm is based on a model of the CC, which predicts a relationship between the PDF of particle displacements and the variation of the correlation's SNR across the Fourier spectrum. We give an algorithm to measure this SNR from the CC, and use this insight to create a filter that suppresses the low-SNR portions of the spectrum. Our algorithm extends to the ensemble correlation, where it accelerates the convergence of the measurement and also reveals the PDF of displacements of the ensemble (and therefore of statistical metrics like diffusion coefficient). Finally, our model provides theoretical foundations for a number of "rules of thumb" in PIV, like the quarter-window rule.

Planum Temporale Asymmetries Correlate with Corpus Callosum Axon Fiber Density in Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes)

PubMed Central

Hopkins, William D.; Pilger, John F.; Storz, Rachel; Ambrose, Alex; Hof, Patrick R.; Sherwood, Chet C.

2012-01-01

The corpus callosum (CC) is the major white matter tract that connects the two cerebral hemispheres. Some have theorized that individual differences in behavioral and brain asymmetries are linked to variation in the density of axon fibers that traverse different sections of the CC. In this study, we examined whether variation in axon fiber density in the CC was associated with variation in asymmetries in the planum temporale (PT) in a sample of 20 post-mortem chimpanzee brains. We further tested for sex differences in small and large CC fiber proportions and density in the chimpanzees. We found that the distribution of small and large fibers within the CC of chimpanzees follows a similar pattern to those reported in humans. We also found that chimpanzees with larger asymmetries in the PT had fewer large fibers in the posterior portion of the CC, particularly among females. As has been reported in human brains, the findings reported here indicate that individual differences in brain asymmetries are associated with variation in interhemispheric connectivity as manifest in axon fiber density and size. PMID:22766214

Development of the mandibular condylar cartilage in human specimens of 10–15 weeks’ gestation

PubMed Central

Velasco, J R Mérida; Vázquez, J F Rodríguez; De la Cuadra Blanco, C; López, R Campos; Sánchez, Montesinos; Velasco, J A Mérida

2009-01-01

This study analyses some morphological and histological aspects that could have a role in the development of the condylar cartilage (CC). The specimens used were serial sections from 49 human fetuses aged 10–15 weeks. In addition, 3D reconstructions of the mandibular ramus and the CC were made from four specimens. During weeks 10–11 of development, the vascular canals (VC) appear in the CC and the intramembranous ossification process begins. At the same time, in the medial region of the CC, chondroclasts appear adjacent to the vascular invasion and to the cartilage destruction. During weeks 12–13 of development, the deepest portion of the posterolateral vascular canal is completely surrounded by the hypertrophic chondrocytes. The latter emerge with an irregular layout. During week 15 of development, the endochondral ossification of the CC begins. Our results suggest that the situation of the chondroclasts, the posterolateral vascular canal and the irregular arrangement of the hypertrophic chondrocytes may play a notable role in the development of the CC. PMID:19166473

Fully probabilistic seismic source inversion - Part 2: Modelling errors and station covariances

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stähler, Simon C.; Sigloch, Karin

2016-11-01

Seismic source inversion, a central task in seismology, is concerned with the estimation of earthquake source parameters and their uncertainties. Estimating uncertainties is particularly challenging because source inversion is a non-linear problem. In a companion paper, Stähler and Sigloch (2014) developed a method of fully Bayesian inference for source parameters, based on measurements of waveform cross-correlation between broadband, teleseismic body-wave observations and their modelled counterparts. This approach yields not only depth and moment tensor estimates but also source time functions. A prerequisite for Bayesian inference is the proper characterisation of the noise afflicting the measurements, a problem we address here. We show that, for realistic broadband body-wave seismograms, the systematic error due to an incomplete physical model affects waveform misfits more strongly than random, ambient background noise. In this situation, the waveform cross-correlation coefficient CC, or rather its decorrelation D = 1 - CC, performs more robustly as a misfit criterion than ℓp norms, more commonly used as sample-by-sample measures of misfit based on distances between individual time samples. From a set of over 900 user-supervised, deterministic earthquake source solutions treated as a quality-controlled reference, we derive the noise distribution on signal decorrelation D = 1 - CC of the broadband seismogram fits between observed and modelled waveforms. The noise on D is found to approximately follow a log-normal distribution, a fortunate fact that readily accommodates the formulation of an empirical likelihood function for D for our multivariate problem. The first and second moments of this multivariate distribution are shown to depend mostly on the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the CC measurements and on the back-azimuthal distances of seismic stations. By identifying and quantifying this likelihood function, we make D and thus waveform cross-correlation measurements usable for fully probabilistic sampling strategies, in source inversion and related applications such as seismic tomography.

System Data Model (SDM) Source Code

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-08-23

CROSS_COMPILE=/opt/gumstix/build_arm_nofpu/staging_dir/bin/arm-linux-uclibcgnueabi- 8 : CC=$(CROSS_COMPILE)gcc 9: CXX=$(CROSS_COMPILE)g++ 10 : AR...and flags to pass to it 6: LEX=flex 7: LEXFLAGS=-B 8 : 9: ## The parser generator to invoke and flags to pass to it 10 : YACC=bison 11: YACCFLAGS...5: # Point to default PetaLinux root directory 6: ifndef ROOTDIR 7: ROOTDIR=$(PETALINUX)/software/petalinux-dist 8 : endif 9: 10 : PATH:=$(PATH

The infiltration of experimentally induced lung metastases of colon carcinoma CC531 by adoptively transferred interleukin-2-activated natural killer cells in Wag rats.

PubMed

Kuppen, P J; Basse, P H; Goldfarb, R H; Van De Velde, C J; Fleuren, G J; Eggermont, A M

1994-02-15

The number of IL-2-activated natural killer (A-NK) cells reaching the tumor site in vivo may be crucial for their anti-tumor effect following adoptive immunotherapy. We investigated in a syngeneic rat model the infiltration of established lung metastases by adoptively transferred A-NK cells. The Wag rat colon carcinoma CC531 was injected via a tail vein to induce pulmonary metastases. Syngeneic A-NK cells were labeled with the fluorescent dye rhodamine (TRITC) and next injected via a tail vein in rats bearing day-12 lung tumors. The number of A-NK cells in tumor and in normal tissue per rat was counted in sections after administration of A-NK cells. At all time points tested, a significant linear relationship between the cross-section area of the tumor and the number of infiltrating cells was observed, but small tumor areas became fully infiltrated earlier than larger areas. At 24 hr after injection, approximately 10% of the injected cells were found in the tumor tissue and the average A-NK-cell-to-tumor-cell ratio was estimated to be 1:3. A-NK cells were found in the liver too, although the number of cells per mm2 tissue was low compared with the pulmonary tumor tissue. Very low numbers of A-NK cells were found in kidney, adrenal gland, spleen, and blood. We conclude that, in this syngeneic rat model, adoptively transferred A-NK cells are able to find and specifically infiltrate pulmonary metastases in a time-dependent fashion.

Simulation of the ALTEA experiment with Monte Carlo (PHITS) and deterministic (GNAC, SihverCC and Tripathi97) codes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

La Tessa, Chiara; Mancusi, Davide; Rinaldi, Adele; di Fino, Luca; Zaconte, Veronica; Larosa, Marianna; Narici, Livio; Gustafsson, Katarina; Sihver, Lembit

ALTEA-Space is the principal in-space experiment of an international and multidisciplinary project called ALTEA (Anomalus Long Term Effects on Astronauts). The measurements were performed on the International Space Station between August 2006 and July 2007 and aimed at characterising the space radiation environment inside the station. The analysis of the collected data provided the abundances of elements with charge 5 ≤ Z ≤ 26 and energy above 100 MeV/nucleon. The same results have been obtained by simulating the experiment with the three-dimensional Monte Carlo code PHITS (Particle and Heavy Ion Transport System). The simulation reproduces accurately the composition of the space radiation environment as well as the geometry of the experimental apparatus; moreover the presence of several materials, e.g. the spacecraft hull and the shielding, that surround the device has been taken into account. An estimate of the abundances has also been calculated with the help of experimental fragmentation cross sections taken from literature and predictions of the deterministic codes GNAC, SihverCC and Tripathi97. The comparison between the experimental and simulated data has two important aspects: it validates the codes giving possible hints how to benchmark them; it helps to interpret the measurements and therefore have a better understanding of the results.

Coriolis-coupled wave packet dynamics of H + HLi reaction.

PubMed

Padmanaban, R; Mahapatra, S

2006-05-11

We investigated the effect of Coriolis coupling (CC) on the initial state-selected dynamics of H+HLi reaction by a time-dependent wave packet (WP) approach. Exact quantum scattering calculations were obtained by a WP propagation method based on the Chebyshev polynomial scheme and ab initio potential energy surface of the reacting system. Partial wave contributions up to the total angular momentum J=30 were found to be necessary for the scattering of HLi in its vibrational and rotational ground state up to a collision energy approximately 0.75 eV. For each J value, the projection quantum number K was varied from 0 to min (J, K(max)), with K(max)=8 until J=20 and K(max)=4 for further higher J values. This is because further higher values of K do not have much effect on the dynamics and also because one wishes to maintain the large computational overhead for each calculation within the affordable limit. The initial state-selected integral reaction cross sections and thermal rate constants were calculated by summing up the contributions from all partial waves. These were compared with our previous results on the title system, obtained within the centrifugal sudden and J-shifting approximations, to demonstrate the impact of CC on the dynamics of this system.

Capillary suspensions as beneficial formulation concept for high energy density Li-ion battery electrodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bitsch, Boris; Gallasch, Tobias; Schroeder, Melanie; Börner, Markus; Winter, Martin; Willenbacher, Norbert

2016-10-01

We introduce a novel formulation concept to prepare high capacity graphite electrodes for lithium ion batteries. The concept is based on the capillary suspension phenomenon: graphite and conductive agent are dispersed in an aqueous binder solution and the organic solvent octanol is added as immiscible, secondary fluid providing the formation of a sample-spanning network resulting in unique stability and coating properties. No additional processing steps compared to conventional slurry preparation are required. The resulting ultra-thick electrodes comprise mass loadings of about 16.5 mg cm-2, uniform layer thickness, and superior edge contours. The adjustment of mechanical energy input ensures uniform distribution of the conductive agent and sufficient electronic conductivity of the final dry composite electrode. The resulting pore structure is due to the stable network provided by the secondary fluid which evaporates residue-free during drying. Constant current-constant potential (CC-CP) cycling clearly indicates that the corresponding microstructure significantly improves the kinetics of reversible Li+ (de-) intercalation. A double layer electrode combining a conventionally prepared layer coated directly onto the Cu current collector with an upper layer stabilized with octanol was prepared applying wet-on-wet coating. CC-CP cycling data confirms that staged porosity within the electrode cross section results in superior electrochemical performance.

A tissue engineering approach to anterior cruciate ligament regeneration using novel shaped capillary channel polymer fibers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sinclair, Kristofer D.

2009-12-01

Ruptures of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) are the most frequent of injuries to the knee due to its role in preventing anterior translation of the tibia. It is estimated that as many as 200,000 Americans per year will suffer from a ruptured ACL, resulting in management costs on the order of 5 billion dollars. Without treatment these patients are unable to return to normal activity, as a consequence of the joint instability found within the ACL deficient knee. Over the last thirty years, a variety of non-degradable, synthetic fibers have been evaluated for their use in ACL reconstruction; however, a widely accepted prosthesis has been unattainable due to differences in mechanical properties of the synthetic graft relative to the native tissue. Tissue engineering is an interdisciplinary field charged with the task of developing therapeutic solutions for tissue and organ failure by enhancing the natural wound healing process through the use of cellular transplants, biomaterials, and the delivery of bioactive molecules. The capillary channel polymer (CC-P) fibers used in this research were fabricated by melt extrusion from polyethylene terephthalate and polybutylene terephthalate. These fibers possess aligned micrometer scale surface channels that may serve as physical templates for tissue growth and regeneration. This inherent surface topography offers a unique and industrially viable approach for cellular contact guidance on three dimensional constructs. In this fundamental research the ability of these fiber channels to support the adhesion, alignment, and organization of fibroblasts was demonstrated and found to be superior to round fiber controls. The results demonstrated greater uniformity of seeding and accelerated formation of multi-layered three-dimensional biomass for the CC-P fibers relative to those with a circular cross-section. Furthermore, the CC-P geometry induced nuclear elongation consistent with that observed in native ACL tissue. Through the application of uniaxial cyclic strain the mechanical properties of the cell seeded CC-P fiber scaffold systems were shown to improve via the induction of increased cellular proliferation and extracellular matrix synthesis. Finally, unlike many studies examining the effects of cyclic strain on cellular behavior, the CC-P fiber geometry displayed the ability to maintain cellular alignment in the presence of an applied uniaxial cyclic strain.

Global and regional annual brain volume loss rates in physiological aging.

PubMed

Schippling, Sven; Ostwaldt, Ann-Christin; Suppa, Per; Spies, Lothar; Manogaran, Praveena; Gocke, Carola; Huppertz, Hans-Jürgen; Opfer, Roland

2017-03-01

The objective is to estimate average global and regional percentage brain volume loss per year (BVL/year) of the physiologically ageing brain. Two independent, cross-sectional single scanner cohorts of healthy subjects were included. The first cohort (n = 248) was acquired at the Medical Prevention Center (MPCH) in Hamburg, Germany. The second cohort (n = 316) was taken from the Open Access Series of Imaging Studies (OASIS). Brain parenchyma (BP), grey matter (GM), white matter (WM), corpus callosum (CC), and thalamus volumes were calculated. A non-parametric technique was applied to fit the resulting age-volume data. For each age, the BVL/year was derived from the age-volume curves. The resulting BVL/year curves were compared between the two cohorts. For the MPCH cohort, the BVL/year curve of the BP was an increasing function starting from 0.20% at the age of 35 years increasing to 0.52% at 70 years (corresponding values for GM ranged from 0.32 to 0.55%, WM from 0.02 to 0.47%, CC from 0.07 to 0.48%, and thalamus from 0.25 to 0.54%). Mean absolute difference between BVL/year trajectories across the age range of 35-70 years was 0.02% for BP, 0.04% for GM, 0.04% for WM, 0.11% for CC, and 0.02% for the thalamus. Physiological BVL/year rates were remarkably consistent between the two cohorts and independent from the scanner applied. Average BVL/year was clearly age and compartment dependent. These results need to be taken into account when defining cut-off values for pathological annual brain volume loss in disease models, such as multiple sclerosis.

Increased resistance during jump exercise does not enhance cortical bone formation.

PubMed

Boudreaux, Ramon D; Swift, Joshua M; Gasier, Heath G; Wiggs, Michael P; Hogan, Harry A; Fluckey, James D; Bloomfield, Susan A

2014-01-01

This study sought to elucidate the effects of a low- and high-load jump resistance exercise (RE) training protocol on cortical bone of the tibia and femur mid-diaphyses. Sprague-Dawley rats (male, 6 months old) were randomly assigned to high-load RE (HRE; n = 16), low-load RE (LRE; n = 15), or cage control (CC; n = 11) groups. Animals in the HRE and LRE groups performed 15 sessions of jump RE for 5 wk. Load in the HRE group was progressively increased from 80 g added to a weighted vest (50 repetitions) to 410 g (16 repetitions). The LRE rats completed the same protocol as the HRE group (same number of repetitions), with only a 30-g vest applied. Low- and high-load jump RE resulted in 6%-11% higher cortical bone mineral content and cortical bone area compared with controls, as determined by in vivo peripheral quantitative computed tomography measurements. In the femur, however, only LRE demonstrated improvements in cortical volumetric bone mineral density (+11%) and cross-sectional moment of inertia (+20%) versus the CC group. The three-point bending to failure revealed a marked increase in tibial maximum force (25%-29%), stiffness (19%-22%), and energy to maximum force (35%-55%) and a reduction in elastic modulus (-11% to 14%) in both LRE and HRE compared with controls. Dynamic histomorphometry assessed at the tibia mid-diaphysis determined that both LRE and HRE resulted in 20%-30% higher periosteal mineralizing surface versus the CC group. Mineral apposition rate and bone formation rate were significantly greater in animals in the LRE group (27%, 39%) than those in the HRE group. These data demonstrate that jump training with minimal loading is equally, and sometimes more, effective at augmenting cortical bone integrity compared with overload training in skeletally mature rats.

PNPLA3 I148M variant affects non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in liver transplant recipients.

PubMed

Liu, Zheng-Tao; Chen, Tian-Chi; Lu, Xiao-Xiao; Cheng, Jun; Xie, Hai-Yang; Zhou, Lin; Zheng, Shu-Sen

2015-09-14

De novo non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common late complication for long-term survivors after liver transplantation. Genomic studies confirmed that PNPLA3 I148M and TM6SF2 E167K polymorphisms affected NAFLD susceptibility in the general population. However, this association was not validated in survivors after liver transplantation (LT). We performed a cross-sectional survey to investigate this relationship. A comprehensive survey, including anthropometric measurements, fasting venous blood sampling, ultrasound, and questionnaires was performed in the short-term. The clinical indications and patient's steatosis status before LT were collected from inpatient medical records. Sixty-five long-term recipients with a survival exceeding 10 years were enrolled in the final analysis. De novo NAFLD was more frequent in PNPLA3 GG carriers (0.33 vs 0.10 for GG vs CC + CG carriers, P = 0.018), while the genetic impact on NAFLD susceptibility was insignificant when categorized by the TM6SF2 polymorphism (0.19 in CC vs 0.14 in CT + TT carriers, P = 0.883). Multi-covariate analysis revealed that PNPLA3 exerted a significant genetic effect on de novo NAFLD following a recessive model (GG vs CC + CG, OR = 14.2, 95%CI: 1.78-113, P = 0.012). Compared to recipients with only the PNPLA3 GG allele or obesity (defined as body mass index > 25 kg/m(2)), steatosis was highly prevalent (71.4%) in PNPLA3 GG carriers with obesity. In conclusion, PNPLA3 I148M, but not TM6SF2 E167K, affects de novo NAFLD occurrence with a prominent interaction with obesity. Weight control might be a meaningful method to reduce the genetic susceptibility to NAFLD exerted by PNPLA3 variants.

Role of Activin A and myostatin in human cancer cachexia.

PubMed

Loumaye, Audrey; de Barsy, Marie; Nachit, Maxime; Lause, Pascale; Frateur, Lena; van Maanen, Aline; Trefois, Pierre; Gruson, Damien; Thissen, Jean-Paul

2015-05-01

Cachexia is a multifactorial syndrome, characterized by the loss of skeletal muscle mass and not fully reversible by nutritional support. Recent animal observations suggest that production of Activin A (ActA) and Myostatin (Mstn) by some tumors might contribute to cancer cachexia. Our goal was to investigate the role of ActA and Mstn in the development of the human cancer cachexia. The ACTICA study is a cross-sectional study, which prospectively enrolled patients from a tertiary-care center between January 2012 and March 2014. Subjects/Outcome Measures: One hundred fifty two patients with colorectal or lung cancer had clinical, nutritional and functional assessment. Body composition was measured by CT-scan, anthropometry, and bioimpedance. Plasma concentrations of ActA, Mstn, and Follistatin were determined. Cachexia was associated with reduced lean and fat mass (p < .01 and p < .001), reduced physical function, lower quality of life, and increased symptoms (QLQC30; p < .001). Anorexia (SNAQ score < 14) was more common in cachectic patients (CC) than in noncachectic patients (CNC) (p < .001). ActA concentrations in CC patients were higher than in CNC patients (+40%; p < .001) and were correlated positively with weight loss (R = 0.323; p < .001) and negatively with the SNAQ score (R = -0.225; p < .01). In contrast, Mstn concentrations were decreased in CC patients compared to CNC patients (-35%; p < .001). These results demonstrate an association between circulating concentrations of ActA and the presence of the anorexia/cachexia syndrome in cancer patients. Given the known muscle atrophic effects of ActA, our study suggests that increased circulating concentrations of ActA may contribute to the development of cachexia in cancer patients.

Fall risk and prevention needs assessment in an older adult Latino population: a model community global health partnership.

PubMed

Hanlin, Erin R; Delgado-Rendón, Angélica; Lerner, E Brooke; Hargarten, Stephen; Farías, René

2013-01-01

The impact of falls in older adults presents a significant public health burden. Fall risk is not well-described in Latino populations nor have fall prevention programs considered the needs of this population. The objectives of this study were to develop a needs assessment of falls in older adult Latinos at a community center (CC), determine fall prevention barriers and strengths in this population, determine the level of interest in various fall prevention methods, and provide medical students an opportunity for participation in a culturally diverse community project. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with a convenience sample of older adult program participants. The survey was developed in collaboration with both partners. CC participants were approached by the interviewer and asked to participate. They were read the survey in their preferred language and their answers were recorded. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. We conducted 103 interviews. We found that 54% of participants had fallen in the last year, and of those 21% required medical care, 81% were afraid of falling again, and 66% considered themselves at risk for falling again. Of all respondents, 52% had 5 or more of the 10 surveyed risk factors for falling; 4% had no risk factors. Of all respondents, 75% were afraid of falling. Talking with health care providers and participating in an exercise class were the preferred methods of health information delivery (78% and 65%, respectively). Older adult Latinos in this selected population frequently fall and are worried about falling. Risk factors are prevalent. A fall prevention program is warranted and should include exercise classes and a connection with local primary care providers. A partnership between an academic organization and a CC is an ideal collaboration for the future development of prevention program.

Risk of malnutrition among Brazilian institutionalized elderly: a study with the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) questionnaire.

PubMed

Pereira Machado, R S; Santa Cruz Coelho, M A

2011-08-01

Brazilian population has passed for a process of demographic transition throughout latest years, characterized for the increase of the elderly population. Malnutrition is a serious problem to frail elderly. The objective of this study was o evaluate the risk of malnutrition among institutionalized elderly resident in municipal shelters in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, using the tool Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA). 344 institutionalized elderly aged over 60 years old were tested in a cross-sectional study using MNA. This tool classifies the nutricional status of the elderly in three groups: malnutrition (score < 17), risk of malnutrition (score 17 - 23,5) and well-nourished (score > = 24). Anthropometric measurements such as calf circumference (CC), mid-arm circumference (MAC) and Body mass index (BMI) were also evaluated. The variables were evaluated using the chi-square or ANOVA test. To correlate it was used Pearson's Correlation Coefficient (r). Mean age were 75.4 (+- 9.4) years old. Most of the elderly were female gender (59.6%). According to MNA 8.3% were with malnutrition, 55.6% at risk of malnutrition and 36.1% well-nourished. BMI classified 10.0% of the elderly as underweight. CC classified 10.0 % of them as inadequate in muscular mass. MNA was well correlated to BMI (r=0.412 p=0.000), age (r=-0.124 p=0.031), CC (r=0.399 p = 0.000) and MAC (r=0.391 p=0.000). Risk of malnutrition was high among the institutionalized elderly from public shelters in Rio de Janeiro - Brazil. MNA is a useful diagnostic tool for the identification on the frail elderly at risk of malnutrition.

Molecular Characterization and Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Staphylococcus aureus Isolates from Clinical Infection and Asymptomatic Carriers in Southwest Nigeria

PubMed Central

Olasupo, Nurudeen A.; Egwari, Louis O.; Becker, Karsten

2015-01-01

Few reports from Africa suggest that resistance pattern, virulence factors and genotypes differ between Staphylococcus aureus from nasal carriage and clinical infection. We therefore compared antimicrobial resistance, selected virulence factors and genotypes of S. aureus from nasal carriage and clinical infection in Southwest Nigeria. Non-duplicate S. aureus isolates were obtained from infection (n = 217) and asymptomatic carriers (n = 73) during a cross sectional study in Lagos and Ogun States, Nigeria from 2010–2011. Susceptibility testing was performed using Vitek automated systems. Selected virulence factors were detected by PCR. The population structure was assessed using spa typing. The spa clonal complexes (spa-CC) were deduced using the Based Upon Repeat Pattern algorithm (BURP). Resistance was higher for aminoglycosides in clinical isolates while resistances to quinolones and tetracycline were more prevalent in carrier isolates. The Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) was more frequently detected in isolates from infection compared to carriage (80.2 vs 53.4%; p<0.001, chi2-test). Seven methicillin resistant S. aureus isolates were associated with spa types t002, t008, t064, t194, t8439, t8440 and t8441. The predominant spa types among the methicillin-susceptible S. aureus isolates were t084 (65.5%), t2304 (4.4%) and t8435 (4.1%). spa-CC 084 was predominant among isolates from infection (80.3%, n = 167) and was significantly associated with PVL (OR = 7.1, 95%CI: 3.9–13.2, p<0.001, chi2- test). In conclusion, PVL positive isolates were more frequently detected among isolates from infection compared to carriage and are associated with spa-CC 084. PMID:26348037

Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Periodontal Pathogens in the Oral Cavity and Lungs of Cystic Fibrosis Patients: a Case-Control Study

PubMed Central

Le Gall, Florence; Revert, Krista; Rault, Gilles; Virmaux, Michèle; Gouriou, Stephanie; Héry-Arnaud, Geneviève; Barbier, Georges; Boisramé, Sylvie

2015-01-01

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most frequent lethal genetic disease in the Caucasian population. Lung destruction is the principal cause of death by chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa colonization. There is a high prevalence of oropharyngeal anaerobic bacteria in sputum of CF patients. This study was carried out due to the lack of results comparing subgingival periodontal pathogenic bacteria between the oral cavity and lungs in patients with CF in relation with P. aeruginosa presence. Our first goal was to detect P. aeruginosa in oral and sputum samples by culture and molecular methods and to determine clonality of isolates. In addition, subgingival periodontal anaerobic bacteria were searched for in sputum. A cross-sectional pilot case-control study was conducted in the CF Reference Center in Roscoff, France. Ten CF patients with a ΔF508 homozygous mutation (5 chronically colonized [CC] and 5 not colonized [NC]) were enrolled. P. aeruginosa was detected in saliva, sputum, and subgingival plaque samples by real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR). Subsequently, periodontal bacteria were also detected and quantified in subgingival plaque and sputum samples by qPCR. In CC patients, P. aeruginosa was recovered in saliva and subgingival plaque samples. Sixteen P. aeruginosa strains were isolated in saliva and sputum from this group and compared by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Subgingival periodontal anaerobic bacteria were found in sputum samples. A lower diversity of these species was recovered in the CC patients than in the NC patients. The presence of the same P. aeruginosa clonal types in saliva and sputum samples underlines that the oral cavity is a possible reservoir for lung infection. PMID:25854483

The corpus callosum in primates: processing speed of axons and the evolution of hemispheric asymmetry

PubMed Central

Phillips, Kimberley A.; Stimpson, Cheryl D.; Smaers, Jeroen B.; Raghanti, Mary Ann; Jacobs, Bob; Popratiloff, Anastas; Hof, Patrick R.; Sherwood, Chet C.

2015-01-01

Interhemispheric communication may be constrained as brain size increases because of transmission delays in action potentials over the length of axons. Although one might expect larger brains to have progressively thicker axons to compensate, spatial packing is a limiting factor. Axon size distributions within the primate corpus callosum (CC) may provide insights into how these demands affect conduction velocity. We used electron microscopy to explore phylogenetic variation in myelinated axon density and diameter of the CC from 14 different anthropoid primate species, including humans. The majority of axons were less than 1 µm in diameter across all species, indicating that conduction velocity for most interhemispheric communication is relatively constant regardless of brain size. The largest axons within the upper 95th percentile scaled with a progressively higher exponent than the median axons towards the posterior region of the CC. While brain mass among the primates in our analysis varied by 97-fold, estimates of the fastest cross-brain conduction times, as conveyed by axons at the 95th percentile, varied within a relatively narrow range between 3 and 9 ms across species, whereas cross-brain conduction times for the median axon diameters differed more substantially between 11 and 38 ms. Nonetheless, for both size classes of axons, an increase in diameter does not entirely compensate for the delay in interhemispheric transmission time that accompanies larger brain size. Such biophysical constraints on the processing speed of axons conveyed by the CC may play an important role in the evolution of hemispheric asymmetry. PMID:26511047

Deregulation of energetic metabolism in the clear cell renal cell carcinoma: A multiple pathway analysis based on microarray profiling.

PubMed

Soltysova, Andrea; Breza, Jan; Takacova, Martina; Feruszova, Jana; Hudecova, Sona; Novotna, Barbora; Rozborilova, Eva; Pastorekova, Silvia; Kadasi, Ludevit; Krizanova, Olga

2015-07-01

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most frequent type of kidney cancer. In order to better understand the biology of ccRCC, we accomplished the gene profiling of fresh tissue specimens from 11 patients with the renal tumors (9 ccRCCs, 1 oncocytoma and 1 renal B-lymphoma), in which the tumor-related data were compared to the paired healthy kidney tissues from the same patients. All ccRCCs exhibited a considerably elevated transcription of the gene coding for carbonic anhydrase IX (CAIX). Moreover, the ccRCC tumors consistently displayed increased expression of genes encoding the glycolytic pathway enzymes, e.g. hexokinase II (HK2) and lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA) and a decreased expression of genes for the mitochondrial electron transport chain components, indicating an overall reprogramming of the energetic metabolism in this tumor type. This appears to be accompanied by altered expression of the genes of the pH regulating machinery, including ion and lactate transporters. Immunohistochemical staining of tumor tissue sections confirmed the increased expression of CAIX, HK2 and LDHA in ccRCC, validating the microarray data and supporting their potential as the energetic metabolism-related biomarkers of the ccRCC.

Validation of equations and proposed reference values to estimate fat mass in Chilean university students.

PubMed

Gómez Campos, Rossana; Pacheco Carrillo, Jaime; Almonacid Fierro, Alejandro; Urra Albornoz, Camilo; Cossío-Bolaños, Marco

2018-03-01

(i) To propose regression equations based on anthropometric measures to estimate fat mass (FM) using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) as reference method, and (ii)to establish population reference standards for equation-derived FM. A cross-sectional study on 6,713 university students (3,354 males and 3,359 females) from Chile aged 17.0 to 27.0years. Anthropometric measures (weight, height, waist circumference) were taken in all participants. Whole body DXA was performed in 683 subjects. A total of 478 subjects were selected to develop regression equations, and 205 for their cross-validation. Data from 6,030 participants were used to develop reference standards for FM. Equations were generated using stepwise multiple regression analysis. Percentiles were developed using the LMS method. Equations for men were: (i) FM=-35,997.486 +232.285 *Weight +432.216 *CC (R 2 =0.73, SEE=4.1); (ii)FM=-37,671.303 +309.539 *Weight +66,028.109 *ICE (R2=0.76, SEE=3.8), while equations for women were: (iii)FM=-13,216.917 +461,302 *Weight+91.898 *CC (R 2 =0.70, SEE=4.6), and (iv) FM=-14,144.220 +464.061 *Weight +16,189.297 *ICE (R 2 =0.70, SEE=4.6). Percentiles proposed included p10, p50, p85, and p95. The developed equations provide valid and accurate estimation of FM in both sexes. The values obtained using the equations may be analyzed from percentiles that allow for categorizing body fat levels by age and sex. Copyright © 2017 SEEN y SED. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

29 CFR Appendix B to Subpart Cc of... - Assembly/Disassembly: Sample Procedures for Minimizing the Risk of Unintended Dangerous Boom...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

...) SAFETY AND HEALTH REGULATIONS FOR CONSTRUCTION Cranes and Derricks in Construction Pt. 1926, Subpt. CC... risk of unintended dangerous movement while the pins are removed, the A/D director uses an assist crane... place using an assist crane. The A/D director's plan is to keep the boom sections stable while they are...

Tetraploidy enhances the ability to exclude chloride from leaves in carrizo citrange seedlings.

PubMed

Ruiz, M; Quiñones, A; Martínez-Cuenca, M R; Aleza, P; Morillon, R; Navarro, L; Primo-Millo, E; Martínez-Alcántara, B

2016-10-20

Tetraploid citrus seedlings are more tolerant to salt stress than diploid genotypes. To provide insight into the causes of differences in salt tolerance due to ploidy and thus to better understand Cl - exclusion mechanisms in citrus, diploid and tetraploid seedlings of Carrizo citrange (CC) were grown at 0 (control) and 40mM NaCl (salt-treated) medium for 20 days. Chloride uptake and root-to-shoot translocation rates were on average 1.4-fold higher in diploid than in tetraploid salt-treated plants, which resulted in a greater (1.6-fold) Cl - build up in the leaves of the former. Root hydraulic conductance and leaf transpiration rate were 58% and 17% lower, respectively, in tetraploid than in diploid control plants. Differences remained after salt treatment which reduced these parameters by 30-40% in both genotypes. Morphology of the root system was significantly influenced by ploidy. Tetraploid roots were less branched and with lower number of root tips than those of diploid plants. The cross-section diameter and area were lower in the diploid, and consequently specific root length was higher (1.7-fold) than in tetraploid plants. The exodermis in sections close to the root apex was broader and with higher deposition of suberin in cell walls in the tetraploid than in the diploid genotype. Net CO 2 assimilation rate in tetraploid salt-treated seedlings was 1.5-fold higher than in diploid salt-treated plants, likely due to the loss of photosynthetic capacity of diploid plants induced by Cl - toxicity. Leaf damage was much higher, in terms of burnt area and defoliation, in diploid than in tetraploid salt-treated plants (8- and 6-fold, respectively). Salt treatment significantly reduced (37%) the dry weight of the diploid plants, but did not affect the tetraploids. In conclusion, tetraploid CC plants appear more tolerant to salinization and this effect seems mainly due to differences in morphological and histological traits of roots affecting hydraulic conductance and transpiration rate. These results may suggest that tetraploid CC used as rootstock could improve salt tolerance in citrus trees. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Automated circumferential construction of first-order aqueous humor outflow pathways using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Alex S.; Belghith, Akram; Dastiridou, Anna; Chopra, Vikas; Zangwill, Linda M.; Weinreb, Robert N.

2017-06-01

The purpose was to create a three-dimensional (3-D) model of circumferential aqueous humor outflow (AHO) in a living human eye with an automated detection algorithm for Schlemm's canal (SC) and first-order collector channels (CC) applied to spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). Anterior segment SD-OCT scans from a subject were acquired circumferentially around the limbus. A Bayesian Ridge method was used to approximate the location of the SC on infrared confocal laser scanning ophthalmoscopic images with a cross multiplication tool developed to initiate SC/CC detection automated through a fuzzy hidden Markov Chain approach. Automatic segmentation of SC and initial CC's was manually confirmed by two masked graders. Outflow pathways detected by the segmentation algorithm were reconstructed into a 3-D representation of AHO. Overall, only <1% of images (5114 total B-scans) were ungradable. Automatic segmentation algorithm performed well with SC detection 98.3% of the time and <0.1% false positive detection compared to expert grader consensus. CC was detected 84.2% of the time with 1.4% false positive detection. 3-D representation of AHO pathways demonstrated variably thicker and thinner SC with some clear CC roots. Circumferential (360 deg), automated, and validated AHO detection of angle structures in the living human eye with reconstruction was possible.

Growth Comparison of Israeli Carp (Cyprinus carpio) to Different Breeding Combination

PubMed Central

Hwang, Ju-ae; Goo, In Bon; Kim, Jung Eun; Kim, Myung Hun; Kim, Do Hee; Im, Jae Hyun; Choi, Hye-Sung; Lee, Jeong-Ho

2016-01-01

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to investigate the improvement of growth in Israeli carp (Cyprinus carpio), and the cross experiment was carried out with two strains of Israeli carp. Four combinations of Israeli carp from Jeonbuk fisheries farm and Songpu mirror carp from Heilong Jiang, China (KK; Jeonbuk ♀ × Jeonbuk ♂, KC; Jeonbuk ♀ × China ♂, CC; China ♀ × China ♂ and CK; China ♀ × Jeonbuk ♂) were developed and reared. Body length, body weight and condition factor were determined at 20, 40, 60 and 170 days post-hatch (DPH). The results showed that there were differences in growth rate of the four groups. Body length of four groups were CK > CC > KC > KK and body weight were CC > CK > KC > KK at 170 DPH. The growth perfomance of four groups were statistically significant difference (P<0.05). During the rearing, CC group had longer length and higher weight at 170 DPH compared to other three groups and also condition factor was highest in the CC group, but there was no significant difference in a survival rate. These results indicated that the growth performance mainly depended upon brooder combination but survival rate could not significantly affect brooder. PMID:28144632

The Diversity Outbred Mouse Population

PubMed Central

Churchill, Gary A.; Gatti, Daniel M.; Munger, Steven C.; Svenson, Karen L.

2012-01-01

The Diversity Outbred (DO) population is a heterogeneous stock derived from the same eight founder strains as the Collaborative Cross (CC) inbred strains. Genetically heterogeneous DO mice display a broad range of phenotypes. Natural levels of heterozygosity provide genetic buffering and, as a result, DO mice are robust and breed well. Genetic mapping analysis in the DO presents new challenges and opportunities. Specialized algorithms are required to reconstruct haplotypes from high-density SNP array data. The eight founder haplotypes can be combined into 36 possible diplotypes, which must be accommodated in QTL mapping analysis. Population structure of the DO must be taken into account here. Estimated allele effects of 8 founder haplotypes provide information that is not available in two-parent crosses and can dramatically reduce the number of candidate loci. Allele effects can also distinguish chance co-location of QTL from pleiotropy – which provides a basis for establishing causality in expression QTL studies. We recommended sample sizes of 200 to 800 mice for QTL mapping studies, larger than for traditional crosses. The CC inbred strains provide a resource for independent validation of DO mapping results. Genetic heterogeneity of the DO can provide a powerful advantage in our ability to generalize conclusions to other genetically diverse populations. Genetic diversity can also help to avoid the pitfall of identifying an idiosyncratic reaction that occurs only in a limited genetic context. Informatics tools and data resources associated with the CC, the DO, and their founder strains are developing rapidly. We anticipate a flood of new results to follow as our community begins to adopt and utilize these new genetic resource populations. PMID:22892839

From D-sorbitol to five-membered bis(cyclo-carbonate) as a platform molecule for the synthesis of different original biobased chemicals and polymers.

PubMed

Furtwengler, Pierre; Avérous, Luc

2018-06-14

Bis(cyclo-carbonate) was successfully synthesized from D-sorbitol (Sorb-BisCC) through an environmentally friendly process with dimethyl carbonate (DMC) as a reactant. In agreement with green chemistry principles, solvent free reactions were catalyzed and took place at low temperature. The reaction yield was increased until 50%, with the use of 1.3.5-triazabicyclo[4.4.0]dec-5-ene as catalyst and a continuous DMC feed to limit the side-reactions or the loss of reactant by azeotropic flux with a reactional subsidiary product. The obtained Sorb-BisCC is a remarkable platform molecule which could compete with others polycyclic platform molecules (isosorbide). Sorb-BisCC can be e.g., used to synthesize different chemicals such as short and long polyols, or novel biobased non-isocyanate polyurethanes (NIPU). Two Sorb-BisCC molecules have been coupled to obtain novel cyclic diols with pendant side chains. Polyether polyols were also obtained by anionic ring opening polymerization. According to the synthesis conditions, these synthetized polyether polyols range from partially to highly cross-linked materials. Finally, NIPU were synthesized with short and biobased fatty diamines. These different modifications and synthesis highlight the versatility of the Sorb-BisCC and demonstrated its high potential as building block. Sorb-BisCC can be considered as a platform molecule to open the way to different original and biobased chemical architectures.

Attitudes and beliefs among high- and low-risk population groups towards β-thalassemia prevention: a cross-sectional descriptive study from India.

PubMed

Chawla, Swati; Singh, Rajnish Kumar; Lakkakula, Bhaskar V K S; Vadlamudi, Raghavendra Rao

2017-07-01

β-thalassemia is an autosomal recessive blood disorder caused by gene mutations that affect all aspects of β-globin production. In majority of Asian countries including India, the frequency of β-thalassemia is closely intertwined with social, cultural, and religious issues of the respective country. Several national level screening programs imparted education regarding β-thalassemia, but follow-up evaluation revealed that education was not effective. It has been hypothesized that the beliefs and attitudes, carrier screening, and education among "high risk communities" will have far-reaching implications towards β-thalassemia prevention in the country. The present study is aimed to investigate attitudes, intention, and behavior of β-thalassemia high- and low-risk ethnic groups towards carrier screening and education. A structured questionnaire on knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding β-thalassemia was administered on 926 individuals belong to Arora, a high-risk ethnic group for β-thalassemia (347 rural (AR) and 202 urban (AU)) and 377 cosmopolitan commoners (CC) aged above 18 years of both sexes. To understand the relationship between various questions, Pearson's correlation test and factor analysis was performed. The responses were further categorized into the theory of planned behavior (TPB) constructs with the measures of the main constructs reported as a mean. Various dimensions of knowledge, attitude, and practice reveal that the urban groups (AU and CC) are better aware of the disease "β-thalassemia" than the rural group (AR) who witness suffering at close quarters. The AR group is more positive for preventive measures than the urban groups. Significant correlations and factor analysis show "intentions" for premarital and prenatal screening highly loaded as outcome behaviors. The Ajzen's "Theory of planned behavior" support that the "intention" and "perceived behavior control" are better predictors of "outcome behavior" compared to "attitude" and "subjective norm." As this study is cross-sectional and descriptive in nature, the constructs of the theory should be considered as perceptions. However, we believe the patterns observed are indicative of "predicting behavior" that has far-reaching implications on health planners and administrators in designing β-thalassemia screening and prevention program.

Short Segment Spinal Instrumentation With Index Vertebra Pedicle Screw Placement for Pathologies Involving the Anterior and Middle Vertebral Column Is as Effective as Long Segment Stabilization With Cage Reconstruction: A Biomechanical Study.

PubMed

Bartanusz, Viktor; Harris, Jonathan; Moldavsky, Mark; Cai, Yiwei; Bucklen, Brandon

2015-11-01

An in vitro, cadaveric biomechanical study. The aim of the present study was to compare single-segment posterior instrumentation and fracture-level screws with single/multilevel posterior fixation and corpectomy in a simulated, unstable burst fracture model. The optimal extent of instrumentation for surgical cases of non-neoplastic vertebral body pathologies remains uncertain. Although several clinical studies demonstrate advantages of short segment instrumentation with index-level screws over more extensive corpectomy and anterior-posterior techniques, a comprehensive biomechanical comparison of these techniques is currently lacking. Six bovine spines (T11-L5) were tested in flexion, extension, lateral bending (LB), and axial rotation (AR) following simulated burst fracture at L2. Posterior instrumentation included 1 level above/below (1LF) and 2 levels above/below fracture level (2LF), intermediate or index screws at fracture level (FF), and cross-connectors above/below fracture level (CC). Anterior corpectomy devices included expandable corpectomy spacers with/without integrated screws, ACDi and ACD, respectively FORTIFY-Integrated/FORTIFY; Globus Medical, Inc., PA. Constructs were tested in the following order: (1) Intact; (2) 1LF; (3) 1LF and CC; (4) 1LF and FF; (5) 1LF, CC, and FF; (6) 2LF; (7) 2LF and CC; (8) 2LF and FF; (9) 2LF, CC, and FF; (10) 2LF and ACD; (11) 2LF, ACD, and CC; (12) 1LF and ACDi; (13) 1LF, ACDi, and CC. During flexion, all constructs except 1LF reduced motion relative to intact (P ≤ 0.05). Anterior support was most stable, but no differences were found between constructs (P ≥ 0.05). Every construct reduced motion in extension, though no differences were found between constructs and intact (P ≥ 0.05). During LB, all constructs reduced motion relative to intact (P ≤ 0.05); 2LF constructs further reduced motion (P ≤ 0.05). No construct returned AR motion to intact, with significant increases in 1LF and ACDi, 2LF and ACD, and 2LF, ACD, and CC (P ≤ 0.05). Cross-connectors and fracture screws reinforced each other in posterior-only constructs, providing maximum stability (P ≥ 0.05). This biomechanical comparison study found no significant superiority of combined anterior-posterior constructs over short segment fracture screw fixation, only multilevel posterior instrumentation with and without anterior support, providing increased stability in LB. Biomechanical equivalency suggests that short segment fracture screw intervention may provide appropriate stabilization for non-neoplastic pathologies involving the anterior and middle vertebral columns. 2.

Fusion hindrance for the positive Q -value system 12C+30Si

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Montagnoli, G.; Stefanini, A. M.; Jiang, C. L.; Hagino, K.; Galtarossa, F.; Colucci, G.; Bottoni, S.; Broggini, C.; Caciolli, A.; Čolović, P.; Corradi, L.; Courtin, S.; Depalo, R.; Fioretto, E.; Fruet, G.; Gal, A.; Goasduff, A.; Heine, M.; Hu, S. P.; Kaur, M.; Mijatović, T.; Mazzocco, M.; Montanari, D.; Scarlassara, F.; Strano, E.; Szilner, S.; Zhang, G. X.

2018-02-01

Background: The fusion reaction 12C+30Si is a link between heavier cases studied in recent years, and the light heavy-ion systems, e.g., 12C+12C , 16O+16O that have a prominent role in the dynamics of stellar evolution. 12C+30Si fusion itself is not a relevant process for astrophysics, but it is important to establish its behavior below the barrier, where couplings to low-lying collective modes and the hindrance phenomenon may determine the cross sections. The excitation function is presently completely unknown below the barrier for the 12C+30Si reaction, thus no reliable extrapolation into the astrophysical regime for the C+C and O+O cases can be performed. Purpose: Our aim was to carry out a complete measurement of the fusion excitation function of 12C+30Si from well below to above the Coulomb barrier, so as to clear up the consequence of couplings to low-lying states of 30Si, and whether the hindrance effect appears in this relatively light system which has a positive Q value for fusion. This would have consequences for the extrapolated behavior to even lighter systems. Methods: The inverse kinematics was used by sending 30Si beams delivered from the XTU Tandem accelerator of INFN-Laboratori Nazionali di Legnaro onto thin 12C (50 μ g /cm2 ) targets enriched to 99.9 % in mass 12. The fusion evaporation residues (ER) were detected at very forward angles, following beam separation by means of an electrostatic deflector. Angular distributions of ER were measured at Ebeam=45 , 59, and 80 MeV, and they were angle integrated to derive total fusion cross sections. Results: The fusion excitation function of 12C+30Si was measured with high statistical accuracy, covering more than five orders of magnitude down to a lowest cross section ≃3 μ b . The logarithmic slope and the S factor have been extracted and we have convincing phenomenological evidence of the hindrance effect. These results have been compared with the calculations performed within the model that considers a damping of the coupling strength well inside the Coulomb barrier. Conclusions: The experimental data are consistent with the coupled-channels calculations. A better fit is obtained by using the Yukawa-plus-exponential potential and a damping of the coupling strengths inside the barrier. The degree of hindrance is much smaller than the one in heavier systems. Also a phenomenological estimate reproduces quite closely the hindrance threshold for 12C+30Si , so that an extrapolation to the C+C and O+O cases can be reliably performed.

Usefulness of electromyography of the cavernous corpora (CC EMG) in the diagnosis of arterial erectile dysfunction.

PubMed

Virseda-Chamorro, M; Lopez-Garcia-Moreno, A M; Salinas-Casado, J; Esteban-Fuertes, M

2012-01-01

Electromyography (EMG) of the corpora cavernosa (CC-EMG) is able to record the activity of the erectile tissue during erection, and thus has been used as a diagnostic technique in patients with erectile dysfunction (ED). The present study examines the usefulness of the technique in the diagnosis of arterial ED. A cross-sectional study was made of 35 males with a mean age of 48.5 years (s.d. 11.34), referred to our center with ED for >1 year. The patients were subjected to CC-EMG and a penile Doppler ultrasound study following the injection of 20 μg of prostaglandin E1 (PGE1). The patients were divided into three groups according to their response to the intracavernous injection of PGE1: Group 1 (adequate erection and reduction/suppression of EMG activity); Group 2 (insufficient erection and persistence of EMG activity); and Group 3 (insufficient erection and reduction/suppression of EMG activity). Patient classification according to response to the intracavernous injection of PGE1 was as follows: Group 1: six patients (17%), Group 2: 18 patients (51%), and Group 3: 11 patients (31%). Patients diagnosed with arterial insufficiency according to Doppler ultrasound (systolic arterial peak velocity <30 mm s(-1) in both arteries) were significantly older than those without such damage (54.5 versus 41.8 years, respectively; s.d. 11.12). The patients in Group 3 showed a significantly lower maximum systolic velocity in both arteries than the subjects belonging to Group 2. Likewise, a statistically significant relationship was observed between the diagnosis of arterial insufficiency and patient classification in Group 3. The confirmation of insufficient erection associated with reduction/suppression of EMG activity showed a sensitivity of 66.7% (confidence interval between 50 and 84%) and a specificity of 92.9% (confidence interval between 84 and 100%) in the diagnosis of arterial ED. Owing to the high specificity of CC-EMG response to the injection of PGE1, this test is considered useful as a screening technique in the diagnosis of arterial ED.

Households' perception of climate change and human health risks: A community perspective

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background Bangladesh has been identified as one of the most vulnerable countries in the world concerning the adverse effects of climate change (CC). However, little is known about the perception of CC from the community, which is important for developing adaptation strategies. Methods The study was a cross-sectional survey of respondents from two villages--one from the northern part and the other from the southern part of Bangladesh. A total of 450 households were selected randomly through multistage sampling completed a semi-structure questionnaire. This was supplemented with 12 focus group discussions (FGDs) and 15 key informant interviews (KIIs). Results Over 95 percent of the respondents reported that the heat during the summers had increased and 80.2 percent reported that rainfall had decreased, compared to their previous experiences. Approximately 65 percent reported that winters were warmer than in previous years but they still experienced very erratic and severe cold during the winter for about 5-7 days, which restricted their activities with very destructive effect on agricultural production, everyday life and the health of people. FGDs and KIIs also reported that overall winters were warmer. Eighty point two percent, 72.5 percent and 54.7 percent survey respondents perceived that the frequency of water, heat and cold related diseases/health problems, respectively, had increased compared to five to ten years ago. FGDs and KIIs respondents were also reported the same. Conclusions Respondents had clear perceptions about changes in heat, cold and rainfall that had occurred over the last five to ten years. Local perceptions of climate variability (CV) included increased heat, overall warmer winters, reduced rainfall and fewer floods. The effects of CV were mostly negative in terms of means of living, human health, agriculture and overall livelihoods. Most local perceptions on CV are consistent with the evidence regarding the vulnerability of Bangladesh to CC. Such findings can be used to formulate appropriate sector programs and interventions. The systematic collection of such information will allow scientists, researchers and policy makers to design and implement appropriate adaptation strategies for CC in countries that are especially vulnerable. PMID:22236490

APOA2, dietary fat, and body mass index: replication of a gene-diet interaction in 3 independent populations.

PubMed

Corella, Dolores; Peloso, Gina; Arnett, Donna K; Demissie, Serkalem; Cupples, L Adrienne; Tucker, Katherine; Lai, Chao-Qiang; Parnell, Laurence D; Coltell, Oscar; Lee, Yu-Chi; Ordovas, Jose M

2009-11-09

Nutrigenetics studies the role of genetic variation on interactions between diet and health, aiming to provide more personalized dietary advice. However, replication has been low. Our aim was to study interaction among a functional APOA2 polymorphism, food intake, and body mass index (BMI) in independent populations to replicate findings and to increase their evidence level. Cross-sectional, follow-up (20 years), and case-control analyses were undertaken in 3 independent populations. We analyzed gene-diet interactions between the APOA2 -265T>C polymorphism and saturated fat intake on BMI and obesity in 3462 individuals from 3 populations in the United States: the Framingham Offspring Study (1454 whites), the Genetics of Lipid Lowering Drugs and Diet Network Study (1078 whites), and Boston-Puerto Rican Centers on Population Health and Health Disparities Study (930 Hispanics of Caribbean origin). Prevalence of the CC genotype in study participants ranged from 10.5% to 16.2%. We identified statistically significant interactions between the APOA2 -265T>C and saturated fat regarding BMI in all 3 populations. Thus, the magnitude of the difference in BMI between the individuals with the CC and TT+TC genotypes differed by saturated fat. A mean increase in BMI of 6.2% (range, 4.3%-7.9%; P = .01) was observed between genotypes with high- (> or =22 g/d) but not with low- saturated fat intake in all studies. Likewise, the CC genotype was significantly associated with higher obesity prevalence in all populations only in the high-saturated fat stratum. Meta-analysis estimations of obesity for individuals with the CC genotype compared with the TT+TC genotype were an odds ratio of 1.84 (95% confidence interval, 1.38-2.47; P < .001) in the high-saturated fat stratum, but no association was detected in the low-saturated fat stratum (odds ratio, 0.81; 95% confidence interval, 0.59-1.11; P = .18). For the first time to our knowledge, a gene-diet interaction influencing BMI and obesity has been strongly and consistently replicated in 3 independent populations.

Athletic Training Student Core Competency Implementation During Patient Encounters.

PubMed

Cavallario, Julie M; Van Lunen, Bonnie L; Hoch, Johanna M; Hoch, Matthew; Manspeaker, Sarah A; Pribesh, Shana L

2018-03-01

  Health care research evidence suggests that early patient encounters (PEs), as well as the purposeful implementation of professional core competencies (CCs), for athletic training students (ATSs) may be beneficial to their ability to provide care. However, no investigators have related facets of the clinical education experience with CC implementation as a form of summative assessment of the clinical experience.   To determine the relationship between the frequency and length of PEs, as well as the student's role and clinical site during PEs, and the students' perceived CC implementation during these encounters.   Cross-sectional study.   Professional athletic training program, National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I institution.   We purposefully recruited 1 athletic training program that used E*Value software; 40 participants (31 females, 9 males) enrolled in the professional phase (12 first year, 14 second year, 14 third year) participated.   Participants viewed a 20-minute recorded CC educational module followed by educational handouts, which were also posted online for reference throughout the semester. The E*Value software was used to track PEs, including the type of encounter (ie, actual patient, practice encounter, didactic practice scenario), the type of site where the encounter occurred (university, high school), and the participant's role (observed, assisted, performed), as well as responses to an added block of questions indicating which, if any, of the CCs were implemented during the PE.   Variables per patient were PE length (minutes), participant role, site at which the encounter occurred, and whether any of the 6 CCs were implemented ( yes/ no). Variables per participant were average encounter length (minutes), encounter frequency, modal role, clinical site assignment, and the number of times each CC was implemented. Separate 1-way analyses of variance were used to examine the relationships between role or clinical site and implementation of total number of CCs. Multiple linear regressions were used to determine how the average length and frequency of PEs were related to the average and total number of implemented CCs. Binary logistic regression models indicated how the length of each encounter, role of the participant, and type of clinical site related to the implementation of each CC.   The roles of participants during PEs were related to their ability to implement the total number of CCs ( F = 103.48, P < .001). Those who observed were likely to implement fewer total CCs than those who assisted (M diff = -0.29, P < .001); those who assisted were likely to implement more total CCs than those who performed (M diff = 0.32, P < .001). Frequency of encounters was the only significant variable in the model examining all independent variables with CC implementation ( b 4,32 = 3.34, t = 9.46, P < .001).   The role of the student, namely assisting during PEs, and the volume of PEs should be considered priorities for students to promote greater CC implementation.

The Impact of Cross-track Infrared Sounder (CrIS) Cloud-Cleared Radiances on Hurricane Joaquin (2015) and Matthew (2016) Forecasts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Pei; Li, Jun; Li, Zhenglong; Lim, Agnes H. N.; Li, Jinlong; Schmit, Timothy J.; Goldberg, Mitchell D.

2017-12-01

Hyperspectral infrared (IR) sounders provide high vertical resolution atmospheric sounding information that can improve the forecast skill in numerical weather prediction. Commonly, only clear radiances are assimilated, because IR sounder observations are highly affected by clouds. A cloud-clearing (CC) technique, which removes the cloud effects from an IR cloudy field of view (FOV) and derives the cloud-cleared radiances (CCRs) or clear-sky equivalent radiances, can be an alternative yet effective way to take advantage of the thermodynamic information from cloudy skies in data assimilation. This study develops a Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS)-based CC method for deriving Cross-track Infrared Sounder (CrIS) CCRs under partially cloudy conditions. Due to the lack of absorption bands on VIIRS, two important quality control steps are implemented in the CC process. Validation using VIIRS clear radiances indicates that the CC method can effectively obtain the CrIS CCRs for FOVs with partial cloud cover. To compare the impacts from assimilation of CrIS original radiances and CCRs, three experiments are carried out on two storm cases, Hurricane Joaquin (2015) and Hurricane Matthew (2016), using Gridpoint Statistical Interpolation assimilation system and Weather Research and Forecasting-Advanced Research Version models. At the analysis time, more CrIS observations are assimilated when using CrIS CCRs than with CrIS original radiances. Comparing temperature, specific humidity, and U/V winds with radiosondes indicates that the data impacts are growing larger with longer time forecasts (beyond 72 h forecast). Hurricane track forecasts also show improvements from the assimilation of CrIS CCRs due to better weather system forecasts. The impacts of CCRs on intensity are basically neutral with mixed positive and negative results.

Modeling Host Genetic Regulation of Influenza Pathogenesis in the Collaborative Cross

PubMed Central

Ferris, Martin T.; Aylor, David L.; Bottomly, Daniel; Whitmore, Alan C.; Aicher, Lauri D.; Bell, Timothy A.; Bradel-Tretheway, Birgit; Bryan, Janine T.; Buus, Ryan J.; Gralinski, Lisa E.; Haagmans, Bart L.; McMillan, Leonard; Miller, Darla R.; Rosenzweig, Elizabeth; Valdar, William; Wang, Jeremy; Churchill, Gary A.; Threadgill, David W.; McWeeney, Shannon K.; Katze, Michael G.; Pardo-Manuel de Villena, Fernando; Baric, Ralph S.; Heise, Mark T.

2013-01-01

Genetic variation contributes to host responses and outcomes following infection by influenza A virus or other viral infections. Yet narrow windows of disease symptoms and confounding environmental factors have made it difficult to identify polymorphic genes that contribute to differential disease outcomes in human populations. Therefore, to control for these confounding environmental variables in a system that models the levels of genetic diversity found in outbred populations such as humans, we used incipient lines of the highly genetically diverse Collaborative Cross (CC) recombinant inbred (RI) panel (the pre-CC population) to study how genetic variation impacts influenza associated disease across a genetically diverse population. A wide range of variation in influenza disease related phenotypes including virus replication, virus-induced inflammation, and weight loss was observed. Many of the disease associated phenotypes were correlated, with viral replication and virus-induced inflammation being predictors of virus-induced weight loss. Despite these correlations, pre-CC mice with unique and novel disease phenotype combinations were observed. We also identified sets of transcripts (modules) that were correlated with aspects of disease. In order to identify how host genetic polymorphisms contribute to the observed variation in disease, we conducted quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping. We identified several QTL contributing to specific aspects of the host response including virus-induced weight loss, titer, pulmonary edema, neutrophil recruitment to the airways, and transcriptional expression. Existing whole-genome sequence data was applied to identify high priority candidate genes within QTL regions. A key host response QTL was located at the site of the known anti-influenza Mx1 gene. We sequenced the coding regions of Mx1 in the eight CC founder strains, and identified a novel Mx1 allele that showed reduced ability to inhibit viral replication, while maintaining protection from weight loss. PMID:23468633

Atrazine-induced reproductive tract alterations after transplacental and/or lactational exposure in male Long-Evans rats

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

Rayner, Jennifer L.; Reproductive Toxicology Division, Office of Research and Development, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711; Enoch, Rolondo R.

2007-02-01

Studies showed that early postnatal exposure to the herbicide atrazine (ATR) delayed preputial separation (PPS) and increased incidence of prostate inflammation in adult Wistar rats. A cross-fostering paradigm was used in this study to determine if gestational exposure to ATR would also result in altered puberty and reproductive tissue effects in the male rat. Timed-pregnant Long-Evans (LE) rats were dosed by gavage on gestational days (GD) 15-19 with 100 mg ATR/kg body weight (BW) or 1% methylcellulose (controls, C). On postnatal day (PND)1, half litters were cross-fostered, creating 4 treatment groups; C-C, ATR-C, C-ATR, and ATR-ATR (transplacental-milk as source, respectively).more » On PND4, male offspring in the ATR-ATR group weighed significantly less than the C-C males. ATR-ATR male pups had significantly delayed preputial separation (PPS). BWs at PPS for C-ATR and ATR-ATR males were reduced by 6% and 9%, respectively, from that of C-C. On PND120, lateral prostate weights of males in the ATR-ATR group were significantly increased over C-C. Histological examination of lateral and ventral prostates identified an increased distribution of inflammation in the lateral prostates of C-ATR males. By PND220, lateral prostate weights were significantly increased for ATR-C and ATR-ATR, but there were no significant changes in inflammation in either the lateral or ventral prostate. These results suggest that in LE rats, gestational ATR exposure delays PPS when male offspring suckle an ATR dam, but leads to increased lateral prostate weight via transplacental exposure alone. Inflammation present at PND120 does not increase in severity with time.« less

Colonization of butchers with livestock-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

PubMed

Boost, M; Ho, J; Guardabassi, L; O'Donoghue, M

2013-12-01

Reports have documented colonization of swine in Europe, North America and more recently in China with livestock-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (LA-MRSA). Contamination of pig farmers, veterinarians and abattoir workers with these strains has been observed. However, although contamination levels of 10% of retail pork were reported from the Netherlands and Canada, there are limited data of contamination rates of workers handling raw meat. We investigated the rates of MRSA contamination of local butchers working in wet markets, where recently slaughtered pigs are cut up. Nasal swabs collected from 300 pork butchers at markets throughout Hong Kong were enriched in brain heart infusion broth with 5% salt and cultured on MRSASelect(®) . Isolates were confirmed as Staphylococcus aureus and susceptibility testing performed. The presence of mecA was confirmed, SCCmec and spa type determined and relatedness investigated by PFGE. Subjects completed a questionnaire on MRSA carriage risk factors. Seventeen samples (5.6%) yielded MRSA, 15 harbouring SCCmec IVb. Ten strains were t899 (CC9), previously reported from local pig carcasses. Five strains were healthcare associated: SCCmec type II, t701(CC6), colonizing two subjects at the same establishment, and single isolates of t008 (CC8), t002 (CC5) and t123 (CC45). The remaining isolates were t359 (CC97), previously reported from buffaloes, and t375 (CC5), reported from bovine milk. None of these butchers reported recent hospitalization or a healthcare worker in the family. Two had recently received antibiotics, one for a skin infection. Four reported wound infections within the last year. All were exposed to meat for >9 h per day. Carriage of MRSA was higher in butchers than in the general community. Although five strains were probably of healthcare origin, the high incidence of t899 (CC9) suggests that cross-contamination from pork occurs frequently. Washing of hands after touching raw pork is advised. © 2012 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.

Citrate-capped silver nanoparticles as a probe for sensitive and selective colorimetric and spectrophotometric sensing of creatinine in human urine.

PubMed

Alula, Melisew Tadele; Karamchand, Leshern; Hendricks, Nicolette R; Blackburn, Jonathan M

2018-05-12

Urinary creatinine concentration is a critical physiological parameter that enables reliable assessment of patient renal function and diagnosis of a broad spectrum of diseases. In this study, a simple and inexpensive sensor comprising monodisperse, citrate-capped silver nanoparticles (cc-AgNPs) was developed, which enabled rapid, sensitive and selective quantitation of creatinine directly in unprocessed urine. The mechanism of this sensor entails the creatinine-mediated aggregation of the cc-AgNPs (within 1 min) under alkaline conditions (pH 12). This is attributed to the tautomerization of creatinine to its amino anionic species at alkaline pH, which cross-link the cc-AgNPs via hydrogen bond networks with the negatively charged citrate caps. Creatinine elicited visibly-discernable color changes of the cc-AgNPs colloids in a concentration-dependent manner up to 10 μM. UV-visible spectroscopic analyses of the cc-AgNPs revealed that creatinine elicited a concentration-dependent decrease in intensity of the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) band centered around 403 nm, with a concomitant increase in intensity of the red-shifted LSPR band at 670 nm. This observation denotes a creatinine-mediated increase in cc-AgNP particle size via aggregation, as confirmed by transmission electron microscopy analysis. The cc-AgNP sensor exhibited a linear correlation between the A 670 /A 403 extinction ratio and creatinine concentration range of 0-4.2 μM in aqueous solutions (R 2  = 0.996), and a low detection limit of 53.4 nM. Hence, the simplicity, short assay time, and high sensitivity and selectivity of our cc-AgNP sensor affirms its utility as a creatinine monitoring assay for low-resource, point-of-care settings. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Watershed-based segmentation of the corpus callosum in diffusion MRI

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Freitas, Pedro; Rittner, Leticia; Appenzeller, Simone; Lapa, Aline; Lotufo, Roberto

2012-02-01

The corpus callosum (CC) is one of the most important white matter structures of the brain, interconnecting the two cerebral hemispheres, and is related to several neurodegenerative diseases. Since segmentation is usually the first step for studies in this structure, and manual volumetric segmentation is a very time-consuming task, it is important to have a robust automatic method for CC segmentation. We propose here an approach for fully automatic 3D segmentation of the CC in the magnetic resonance diffusion tensor images. The method uses the watershed transform and is performed on the fractional anisotropy (FA) map weighted by the projection of the principal eigenvector in the left-right direction. The section of the CC in the midsagittal slice is used as seed for the volumetric segmentation. Experiments with real diffusion MRI data showed that the proposed method is able to quickly segment the CC without any user intervention, with great results when compared to manual segmentation. Since it is simple, fast and does not require parameter settings, the proposed method is well suited for clinical applications.

A new analytical potential energy surface for the singlet state of He{sub 2}H{sup +}

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

Liang Jingjuan; Zhang Qinggang; Yang Chuanlu

2012-03-07

The analytic potential energy surface (APES) for the exchange reaction of HeH{sup +} (X{sup 1}{Sigma}{sup +}) + He at the lowest singlet state 1{sup 1}A{sup /} has been built. The APES is expressed as Aguado-Paniagua function based on the many-body expansion. Using the adaptive non-linear least-squares algorithm, the APES is fitted from 15 682 ab initio energy points calculated with the multireference configuration interaction calculation with a large d-aug-cc-pV5Z basis set. To testify the new APES, we calculate the integral cross sections for He + H{sup +}He (v= 0, 1, 2, j= 0) {yields} HeH{sup +}+ He by means ofmore » quasi-classical trajectory and compare them with the previous result in literature.« less

Survey of United States Army Reserve (USAR) Troop Program Unit (TPU) soldiers 1989. Tabulation of Questionnaire Responses: Cross-Sectional Sample: Noncommissioned Officers (E5-E9)

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-09-30

rmJ tun )0( C0 I tow n 0 W 0 orI0~ C 0) 1! 41 4-1 0 C 0>.~ 5 114 n EL..it I~* 0o *1t0 VS I~L LC) C . L1 I 0 to -w 4. la~ L 0 c0 . ID I v- " I L-C 5. w 4...8217 II- : .. j . . . . . .I ~ L I 1 0 . 6 -I-41CIW-OW-NO C O’ 0Y O L t- 4 cc 0) 4 I1 0N6 l 0p 0 o 0 0 U ’ L I ii- L4 0~ .0N(WOWZNN 02’ 0~ ~ ZaW ~n0

Corrosion-Control (CC) Program SIMA (Shore Intermediate Maintenance Activity) Pilot CC (Corrosion-Control) Shop Service Test and Technical Support. Volume 1. Final Report. Sections 1 to 8.

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-11-30

fri 11 41 CC -j L ii La u 6: Kl9 L : 1 V)VI Go L...COPELAND) were conducted and 211 items were inspected. Of those degraded items, 64 required rework . Lessons learned from the inspections are proving...8217,," " "-" " ".’...’ " "-’,’-’** .* ". " -.- ".’’-"-*"-.-- " "- -" "- .. ’ ."’. . . ". ".".".. .. . . ." "’ "" .""""-"","" * r DISTRIBUTION (Cont’d) NO. OF COPES Commanding Officer, USS

Leptospira Immunoglobulin-Like Protein B (LigB) Binds to Both the C-Terminal 23 Amino Acids of Fibrinogen αC Domain and Factor XIII: Insight into the Mechanism of LigB-Mediated Blockage of Fibrinogen α Chain Cross-Linking.

PubMed

Hsieh, Ching-Lin; Chang, Eric; Tseng, Andrew; Ptak, Christopher; Wu, Li-Chen; Su, Chun-Li; McDonough, Sean P; Lin, Yi-Pin; Chang, Yung-Fu

2016-09-01

The coagulation system provides a primitive but effective defense against hemorrhage. Soluble fibrinogen (Fg) monomers, composed of α, β and γ chains, are recruited to provide structural support for the formation of a hemostatic plug. Fg binds to platelets and is processed into a cross-linked fibrin polymer by the enzymatic clotting factors, thrombin and Factor XIII (FXIII). The newly formed fibrin-platelet clot can act as barrier to protect against pathogens from entering the bloodstream. Further, injuries caused by bacterial infections can be confined to the initial wound site. Many pathogenic bacteria have Fg-binding adhesins that can circumvent the coagulation pathway and allow the bacteria to sidestep containment. Fg expression is upregulated during lung infection providing an attachment surface for bacteria with the ability to produce Fg-binding adhesins. Fg binding by leptospira might play a crucial factor in Leptospira-associated pulmonary hemorrhage, the main factor contributing to lethality in severe cases of leptospirosis. The 12th domain of Leptospira immunoglobulin-like protein B (LigB12), a leptospiral adhesin, interacts with the C-terminus of FgαC (FgαCC). In this study, the binding site for LigB12 was mapped to the final 23 amino acids at the C-terminal end of FgαCC (FgαCC8). The association of FgαCC8 with LigB12 (ELISA, KD = 0.76 μM; SPR, KD = 0.96 μM) was reduced by mutations of both charged residues (R608, R611 and H614 from FgαCC8; D1061 from LigB12) and hydrophobic residues (I613 from FgαCC8; F1054 and A1065 from LigB12). Additionally, LigB12 bound strongly to FXIII and also inhibited fibrin formation, suggesting that LigB can disrupt coagulation by suppressing FXIII activity. Here, the detailed binding mechanism of a leptospiral adhesin to a host hemostatic factor is characterized for the first time and should provide better insight into the pathogenesis of leptospirosis.

Leptospira Immunoglobulin-Like Protein B (LigB) Binds to Both the C-Terminal 23 Amino Acids of Fibrinogen αC Domain and Factor XIII: Insight into the Mechanism of LigB-Mediated Blockage of Fibrinogen α Chain Cross-Linking

PubMed Central

Hsieh, Ching-Lin; Chang, Eric; Tseng, Andrew; Ptak, Christopher; Wu, Li-Chen; Su, Chun-Li; McDonough, Sean P.; Lin, Yi-Pin; Chang, Yung-Fu

2016-01-01

The coagulation system provides a primitive but effective defense against hemorrhage. Soluble fibrinogen (Fg) monomers, composed of α, β and γ chains, are recruited to provide structural support for the formation of a hemostatic plug. Fg binds to platelets and is processed into a cross-linked fibrin polymer by the enzymatic clotting factors, thrombin and Factor XIII (FXIII). The newly formed fibrin-platelet clot can act as barrier to protect against pathogens from entering the bloodstream. Further, injuries caused by bacterial infections can be confined to the initial wound site. Many pathogenic bacteria have Fg-binding adhesins that can circumvent the coagulation pathway and allow the bacteria to sidestep containment. Fg expression is upregulated during lung infection providing an attachment surface for bacteria with the ability to produce Fg-binding adhesins. Fg binding by leptospira might play a crucial factor in Leptospira-associated pulmonary hemorrhage, the main factor contributing to lethality in severe cases of leptospirosis. The 12th domain of Leptospira immunoglobulin-like protein B (LigB12), a leptospiral adhesin, interacts with the C-terminus of FgαC (FgαCC). In this study, the binding site for LigB12 was mapped to the final 23 amino acids at the C-terminal end of FgαCC (FgαCC8). The association of FgαCC8 with LigB12 (ELISA, KD = 0.76 μM; SPR, KD = 0.96 μM) was reduced by mutations of both charged residues (R608, R611 and H614 from FgαCC8; D1061 from LigB12) and hydrophobic residues (I613 from FgαCC8; F1054 and A1065 from LigB12). Additionally, LigB12 bound strongly to FXIII and also inhibited fibrin formation, suggesting that LigB can disrupt coagulation by suppressing FXIII activity. Here, the detailed binding mechanism of a leptospiral adhesin to a host hemostatic factor is characterized for the first time and should provide better insight into the pathogenesis of leptospirosis. PMID:27622634

A long term study of pulmonary function among US refractory ceramic fibre workers

PubMed Central

LeMasters, Grace K; Hilbert, Timothy J; Levin, Linda S; Rice, Carol H; Borton, Eric K; Lockey, James E

2010-01-01

Background Cross-sectional studies have shown declines in lung function among refractory ceramic fibre (RCF) workers with increasing fibre exposure. This study followed current and former workers (n=1396) for up to 17 years and collected 5243 pulmonary function tests. Methods Cumulative fibre exposure and production years were categorised into exposure levels at five manufacturing locations. Conventional longitudinal models did not adequately partition age-related changes from other time-dependent variables. Therefore, a restricted cubic spline model was developed to account for the non-linear decline with age. Results Cumulative fibre >60 fibre-months/cc showed a significant loss in lung function at the first test. When results were examined longitudinally, cumulative exposure was confounded with age as workers with the highest cumulative exposure were generally older. A longitudinal model adjusted by age groups was implemented to control for this confounding. No consistent longitudinal loss in lung function was observed with RCF exposure. Smoking, initial weight and weight increase were significant factors. Conclusion No consistent decline was observed longitudinally with exposure to RCF, although cross-sectional and longitudinal findings were discordant. Confounding and accelerated lung function declines with ageing and the correlation of multiple time-dependent variables should be considered in order to minimise error and maximise precision. An innovative statistical methodology for these types of data is described. PMID:20798015

Scattering study of the Ne + NeH+(v0 = 0, j0 = 0) → NeH+ + Ne reaction on an ab initio based analytical potential energy surface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Koner, Debasish; Barrios, Lizandra; González-Lezana, Tomás; Panda, Aditya N.

2016-01-01

Initial state selected dynamics of the Ne + NeH+(v0 = 0, j0 = 0) → NeH+ + Ne reaction is investigated by quantum and statistical quantum mechanical (SQM) methods on the ground electronic state. The three-body ab initio energies on a set of suitably chosen grid points have been computed at CCSD(T)/aug-cc-PVQZ level and analytically fitted. The fitting of the diatomic potentials, computed at the same level of theory, is performed by spline interpolation. A collinear [NeHNe]+ structure lying 0.72 eV below the Ne + NeH+ asymptote is found to be the most stable geometry for this system. Energies of low lying vibrational states have been computed for this stable complex. Reaction probabilities obtained from quantum calculations exhibit dense oscillatory structures, particularly in the low energy region and these get partially washed out in the integral cross section results. SQM predictions are devoid of oscillatory structures and remain close to 0.5 after the rise at the threshold thus giving a crude average description of the quantum probabilities. Statistical cross sections and rate constants are nevertheless in sufficiently good agreement with the quantum results to suggest an important role of a complex-forming dynamics for the title reaction.

Injecting 1000 centistoke liquid silicone with ease and precision.

PubMed

Benedetto, Anthony V; Lewis, Alan T

2003-03-01

Since the Food and Drug Administration approved the use of the 1000 centistoke liquid silicone, Silikon 1000, for intraocular injection, the off-label use of this injectable silicone oil as a permanent soft-tissue filler for facial rejuvenation has increased in the United States. Injecting liquid silicone by the microdroplet technique is the most important preventive measure that one can use to avoid the adverse sequelae of silicone migration and granuloma formation, especially when injecting silicone to improve small facial defects resulting from acne scars, surgical procedures, or photoaging. To introduce an easy method for injecting a viscous silicone oil by the microdroplet technique, using an inexpensive syringe and needle that currently is available from distributors of medical supplies in the United States. We suggest the use of a Becton Dickinson 3/10 cc insulin U-100 syringe to inject Silikon 1000. This syringe contains up to 0.3 mL of fluid, and its barrel is clearly marked with an easy-to-read scale of large cross-hatches. Each cross-hatch marking represents either a unit value of 0.01 mL or a half-unit value of 0.005 mL of fluid, which is the approximate volume preferred when injecting liquid silicone into facial defects. Because not enough negative pressure can be generated in this needle and syringe to draw up the viscous silicone oil, we describe a convenient and easy method for filling this 3/10 cc diabetic syringe with Silikon 1000. We have found that by using the Becton Dickinson 3/10 cc insulin U-100 syringe, our technique of injecting minute amounts of Silikon 1000 is facilitated because each widely spaced cross-hatch on the side of the syringe barrel is easy to read and measures exact amounts of the silicone oil. These lines of the scale on the syringe barrel are so large and clearly marked that it is virtually impossible to overinject the most minute amount of silicone. Sequential microdroplets of 0.01 cc or less of Silikon 1000 can be measured and injected with the greatest ease and precision so that inadvertent overdosing and complications can be avoided.

Constructing river stage-discharge rating curves using remotely sensed river cross-sectional inundation areas and river bathymetry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pan, Feifei; Wang, Cheng; Xi, Xiaohuan

2016-09-01

Remote sensing from satellites and airborne platforms provides valuable data for monitoring and gauging river discharge. One effective approach first estimates river stage from satellite-measured inundation area based on the inundation area-river stage relationship (IARSR), and then the estimated river stage is used to compute river discharge based on the stage-discharge rating (SDR) curve. However, this approach is difficult to implement because of a lack of data for constructing the SDR curves. This study proposes a new method to construct the SDR curves using remotely sensed river cross-sectional inundation areas and river bathymetry. The proposed method was tested over a river reach between two USGS gauging stations, i.e., Kingston Mines (KM) and Copperas Creek (CC) along the Illinois River. First a polygon over each of two cross sections was defined. A complete IARSR curve was constructed inside each polygon using digital elevation model (DEM) and river bathymetric data. The constructed IARSR curves were then used to estimate 47 river water surface elevations at each cross section based on 47 river inundation areas estimated from Landsat TM images collected during 1994-2002. The estimated water surface elevations were substituted into an objective function formed by the Bernoulli equation of gradually varied open channel flow. A nonlinear global optimization scheme was applied to solve the Manning's coefficient through minimizing the objective function value. Finally the SDR curve was constructed at the KM site using the solved Manning's coefficient, channel cross sectional geometry and the Manning's equation, and employed to estimate river discharges. The root mean square error (RMSE) in the estimated river discharges against the USGS measured river discharges is 112.4 m3/s. To consider the variation of the Manning's coefficient in the vertical direction, this study also suggested a power-law function to describe the vertical decline of the Manning's coefficient with the water level from the channel bed lowest elevation to the bank-full level. The constructed SDR curve with the vertical variation of the Manning's coefficient reduced the RMSE in the estimated river discharges to 83.9 m3/s. These results indicate that the method developed and tested in this study is effective and robust, and has the potential for improving our ability of remote sensing of river discharge and providing data for water resources management, global water cycle study, and flood forecasting and prevention.

A Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy-associated MYBPC3 Mutation Common in Populations of South Asian Descent Causes Contractile Dysfunction*

PubMed Central

Kuster, Diederik W. D.; Govindan, Suresh; Springer, Tzvia I.; Martin, Jody L.; Finley, Natosha L.; Sadayappan, Sakthivel

2015-01-01

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) results from mutations in genes encoding sarcomeric proteins, most often MYBPC3, which encodes cardiac myosin binding protein-C (cMyBP-C). A recently discovered HCM-associated 25-base pair deletion in MYBPC3 is inherited in millions worldwide. Although this mutation causes changes in the C10 domain of cMyBP-C (cMyBP-CC10mut), which binds to the light meromyosin (LMM) region of the myosin heavy chain, the underlying molecular mechanism causing HCM is unknown. In this study, adenoviral expression of cMyBP-CC10mut in cultured adult rat cardiomyocytes was used to investigate protein localization and evaluate contractile function and Ca2+ transients, compared with wild-type cMyBP-C expression (cMyBP-CWT) and controls. Forty-eight hours after infection, 44% of cMyBP-CWT and 36% of cMyBP-CC10mut protein levels were determined in total lysates, confirming equal expression. Immunofluorescence experiments showed little or no localization of cMyBP-CC10mut to the C-zone, whereas cMyBP-CWT mostly showed C-zone staining, suggesting that cMyBP-CC10mut could not properly integrate in the C-zone of the sarcomere. Subcellular fractionation confirmed that most cMyBP-CC10mut resided in the soluble fraction, with reduced presence in the myofilament fraction. Also, cMyBP-CC10mut displayed significantly reduced fractional shortening, sarcomere shortening, and relaxation velocities, apparently caused by defects in sarcomere function, because Ca2+ transients were unaffected. Co-sedimentation and protein cross-linking assays confirmed that C10mut causes the loss of C10 domain interaction with myosin LMM. Protein homology modeling studies showed significant structural perturbation in cMyBP-CC10mut, providing a potential structural basis for the alteration in its mode of interaction with myosin LMM. Therefore, expression of cMyBP-CC10mut protein is sufficient to cause contractile dysfunction in vitro. PMID:25583989

The dynamic pattern of PLIN3 in pig oocytes and cumulus cells during in vitro maturation.

PubMed

Xu, Mingzhu; Zeng, Yaqiong; Chi, Daming; Si, Linan; Qu, Xiao; Li, Juan

2018-02-01

Lipid droplets (LDs) are the main energy resource for porcine preimplantation embryonic development. PLIN3 has been implicated in LD formation and regulation. Therefore, this study aimed to detect the dynamic pattern of PLIN3 in pig oocytes and cumulus cells (CC) during in vitro maturation (IVM), and to determine the relationship between PLIN3 and LD content. IVM with cumulus-enclosed oocytes (CEO), cumulus-denuded oocytes (DO) and the CCs denuded from the corresponding oocytes (DCC) was performed in porcine follicular fluid (PFF) or PFF-free optimized medium. DO and the DCC were cultured together under the same conditions as described above, while the DO was named DTO and the DCC was named DTCC in this group. Firstly, our results revealed LDs distributed widely in oocytes and CC, while the PLIN3 protein coated these LDs and spread out ubiquitously in the cytoplasm. Secondly, not only the mRNA level but also at protein level of PLIN3 in immature naked oocytes (IO) was higher than that in matured CEO, DO and DTO. Although PLIN3 was expressed at lower levels in CC from immature oocytes (ICC), the protein level of PLIN3 was comparably higher in the ECC and DCC groups. The triglyceride (TG) content in CEO and DO was significantly less abundant compared with that in IO. Therefore, our results indicated that co-culturing of oocytes and CC might affect PLIN3 expression levels in CC but not in oocytes. Lipid accumulation in pig oocytes during maturation might be affected by PLIN3 cross-talk between oocytes and CC.

Recent results on search for new physics at BaBar

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oberhof, Benjamin

2017-04-01

We present some recent measurements for the search of New Physics using 514 fb-1 of e+e- collisions collected with the BaBar detector at the PEP-II e+e- collider at SLAC. First we present a search for the decay ϒ (1S) → γA0, A0 → cc¯, where A0 is a candidate for the CP-odd Higgs boson of the next-to-minimal supersymmetric standard model. No significant signal is observed and we set 90% confidence-level upper limits on B(ϒ(1S ) → γA0) × B(A0 → cc¯). We report the search for a light non-Standard Model gauge boson Z' coupling only to the second and third lepton families. Our results significantly improve current limits and further constrain the remaining region of the allowed parameter space. Finally, we present a search for a long-lived particle L that is produced in e+e- annihilations and decays into two oppositely charged tracks. We do not observe a significant signal and we and set 90% confidence level upper limits on the product of the L production cross section, branching fraction, and reconstruction efficiency as a function of the L mass. In addition, upper limits are provided on the branching fraction B(B → XsL), where Xs is an hadronic system with strangeness -1.

Nonadiabatic dynamics of O(1D) + N2(X1Σg+) → O(3P) + N2(X1Σg+) on three coupled potential surfaces: symmetry, Coriolis, spin-orbit, and Renner-Teller effects.

PubMed

Defazio, Paolo; Gamallo, Pablo; Petrongolo, Carlo

2012-02-07

We present the spin-orbit (SO) and Renner-Teller (RT) quantum dynamics of the spin-forbidden quenching O((1)D) + N(2)(X(1)Σ(g)(+)) → O((3)P) + N(2)(X(1)Σ(g)(+)) on the N(2)O X(1)A', ã(3)A", and b(3)A' coupled PESs. We use the permutation-inversion symmetry, propagate coupled-channel (CC) real wavepackets, and compute initial-state-resolved probabilities and cross sections σ(j(0)) for the ground vibrational and the first two rotational states of N(2), j(0) = 0 and 1. Labeling symmetry angular states by j and K, we report selection rules for j and for the minimum K value associated with any electronic state, showing that ã(3)A" is uncoupled in the centrifugal-sudden (CS) approximation at j(0) = 0. The dynamics is resonance-dominated, the probabilities are larger at low K, σ(j(0)) decrease with the collision energy and increase with j(0), and the CS σ(0) is lower than the CC one. The nonadiabatic interactions play different roles on the quenching dynamics, because the X(1)A'-b(3)A' SO effects are those most important while the ã(3)A"-b(3)A' RT ones are negligible.

Genetically diverse CC-founder mouse strains replicate the human influenza gene expression signature.

PubMed

Elbahesh, Husni; Schughart, Klaus

2016-05-19

Influenza A viruses (IAV) are zoonotic pathogens that pose a major threat to human and animal health. Influenza virus disease severity is influenced by viral virulence factors as well as individual differences in host response. We analyzed gene expression changes in the blood of infected mice using a previously defined set of signature genes that was derived from changes in the blood transcriptome of IAV-infected human volunteers. We found that the human signature was reproduced well in the founder strains of the Collaborative Cross (CC) mice, thus demonstrating the relevance and importance of mouse experimental model systems for studying human influenza disease.

[Association between the canine monoamine oxidase B (MAOB) gene polymorphisms and behavior of puppies in open-field test].

PubMed

Li, Xiao-Hui; Xu, Han-Kun; Mao, Da-Gan; Ma, Da-Jun; Chen, Peng; Yang, Li-Guo

2006-11-01

Excitability, activity and exploration behavior of puppies in a novel open-field were tested in a total of 204 two-month-old German shepherd dog, labrador retriever or English springer spaniel puppies. The polymorphisms of monoamine oxidase B gene (MAOB) were detected by PCR-RFLP. Statistics analysis indicated that genotype and allele frequencies of the polymorphisms were significantly different among three breeds (P < 0.01). With GLM analysis of SAS software, association analysis was conducted between MAOB gene polymorphisms and locomotion and vocalization behavior parameters in the open-field test. The results showed that MAOB gene polymorphisms had a significant effect on walking time, squares crossed, lying time, the times of standing up against walls(P < 0.01 or P < 0.05) and were associated with the times of posture change (P=0.064). Walking time and squares crossed were higher in TT genotype puppies than those in TC and CC puppies (P < 0.05) and the times of posture change and standing up against walls were also higher than those in CC (P < 0.05). In addition, lying time in CC genotype puppies were higher than that in TT (P < 0.05). MAOB had a positive effect on walking time, lying time, squares crossed, the times of posture change, the times of standing up against walls in the three dog breeds that was highly statistically significant (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05). Our results imply that MAOB gene significantly affects the excitability, activity and exploration behavior of puppies in open-field test and TT genotype has favorable effects in these behavior traits.

Clomiphene citrate before and after withdrawal bleeding for induction of ovulation in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: Randomized cross-over trial.

PubMed

Elbohoty, Ahmed E H; Amer, Mohamed; Abdelmoaz, Mohamed

2016-08-01

To compare the ovarian response to early versus late clomiphene citrate (CC) in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This cross-over randomized controlled clinical trial included 90 infertile amenorrheic women with PCOS. After inducing withdrawal bleeding, patients were randomly divided into two equal groups to receive ovulation induction with CC 100 mg/day for 5 days. Group I started treatment the next day after finishing medroxyprogesterone acetate course for a menstrual cycle, and after a washout period of another menstrual cycle, the treatment was shifted to start on day 2 of withdrawal bleeding. Group II received a reversed protocol: late then early treatment. Women were followed up on transvaginal ultrasonography to monitor follicular growth, endometrial thickness and evidence of ovulation. Human chorionic gonadotropin 10 000 IU was given i.m. to trigger ovulation when at least one mature follicle measured ≥18 mm at day 14. In all cases, early induction protocol resulted in significantly higher proportion of ovulating patients, thicker endometrium and higher number of follicles 14-17 mm in diameter, ≥ 18 mm in diameter and total number of follicles (P < 0.001 for all comparisons). In women with PCOS, early initiation of CC before withdrawal bleeding or during the last days of the luteal phase can achieve a better ovulatory response. © 2016 Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Joint Analysis of Strain and Parent-of-Origin Effects for Recombinant Inbred Intercrosses Generated from Multiparent Populations with the Collaborative Cross as an Example.

PubMed

Liu, Yanyan; Xiong, Sican; Sun, Wei; Zou, Fei

2018-02-02

Multiparent populations (MPP) have become popular resources for complex trait mapping because of their wider allelic diversity and larger population size compared with traditional two-way recombinant inbred (RI) strains. In mice, the collaborative cross (CC) is one of the most popular MPP and is derived from eight genetically diverse inbred founder strains. The strategy of generating RI intercrosses (RIX) from MPP in general and from the CC in particular can produce a large number of completely reproducible heterozygote genomes that better represent the (outbred) human population. Since both maternal and paternal haplotypes of each RIX are readily available, RIX is a powerful resource for studying both standing genetic and epigenetic variations of complex traits, in particular, the parent-of-origin (PoO) effects, which are important contributors to many complex traits. Furthermore, most complex traits are affected by >1 genes, where multiple quantitative trait locus mapping could be more advantageous. In this paper, for MPP-RIX data but taking CC-RIX as a working example, we propose a general Bayesian variable selection procedure to simultaneously search for multiple genes with founder allelic effects and PoO effects. The proposed model respects the complex relationship among RIX samples, and the performance of the proposed method is examined by extensive simulations. Copyright © 2018 Liu et al.

A combined crossed molecular beam and theoretical investigation of the reaction of the meta-tolyl radical with vinylacetylene--toward the formation of methylnaphthalenes.

PubMed

Yang, Tao; Muzangwa, Lloyd; Kaiser, Ralf I; Jamal, Adeel; Morokuma, Keiji

2015-09-07

Crossed molecular beam experiments and electronic structure calculations on the reaction of the meta-tolyl radical with vinylacetylene were conducted to probe the formation of methyl-substituted naphthalene isomers. We present the compelling evidence that under single collision conditions 1- and 2-methylnaphthalene can be formed without an entrance barrier via indirect scattering dynamics through a bimolecular collision of two non-PAH reactants: the meta-tolyl radical and vinylacetylene. The electronic structure calculations, conducted at the UCCSD(T)-F12b/cc-pVDZ//UM06-2x/cc-pVTZ + ZPE(UM06-2x/cc-pVTZ) level of theory, reveal that this reaction is initiated by the barrierless addition of the meta-tolyl radical to the terminal vinyl carbon (C1) of vinylacetylene, via a van-der-Waals complex implying that this mechanism can play a key role in forming methyl-substituted PAHs in low temperature extreme environments such as the low temperature interstellar medium and hydrocarbon-rich atmospheres of planets and their moons in the outer solar system. The reaction mechanism, proposed from the C11H11 potential energy surface, involves a sequence of isomerizations involving hydrogen transfer and ring closure, followed by hydrogen dissociation, which eventually leads to 1- and 2-methylnaphthalene in an overall exoergic process.

Cytoplasmic and Genomic Effects on Meiotic Pairing in Brassica Hybrids and Allotetraploids from Pair Crosses of Three Cultivated Diploids

PubMed Central

Cui, Cheng; Ge, Xianhong; Gautam, Mayank; Kang, Lei; Li, Zaiyun

2012-01-01

Interspecific hybridization and allopolyploidization contribute to the origin of many important crops. Synthetic Brassica is a widely used model for the study of genetic recombination and “fixed heterosis” in allopolyploids. To investigate the effects of the cytoplasm and genome combinations on meiotic recombination, we produced digenomic diploid and triploid hybrids and trigenomic triploid hybrids from the reciprocal crosses of three Brassica diploids (B. rapa, AA; B. nigra, BB; B. oleracea, CC). The chromosomes in the resultant hybrids were doubled to obtain three allotetraploids (B. juncea, AA.BB; B. napus, AA.CC; B. carinata, BB.CC). Intra- and intergenomic chromosome pairings in these hybrids were quantified using genomic in situ hybridization and BAC-FISH. The level of intra- and intergenomic pairings varied significantly, depending on the genome combinations and the cytoplasmic background and/or their interaction. The extent of intragenomic pairing was less than that of intergenomic pairing within each genome. The extent of pairing variations within the B genome was less than that within the A and C genomes, each of which had a similar extent of pairing. Synthetic allotetraploids exhibited nondiploidized meiotic behavior, and their chromosomal instabilities were correlated with the relationship of the genomes and cytoplasmic background. Our results highlight the specific roles of the cytoplasm and genome to the chromosomal behaviors of hybrids and allopolyploids. PMID:22505621

Genetic and Developmental Analysis of Some New Color Mutants in the Goldfish, CARASSIUS AURATUS

PubMed Central

Kajishima, Takao

1977-01-01

The genotypes of three color mutants in goldfish: a depigmentation character of larval melanophores, albinism and a recessive-transparent character, were analyzed by crossing experiments. The depigmentation character in the common goldfish is controlled by two dominant multiple genes, Dp 1 and Dp2, and only fish with double recessive alleles dp1dp1 dp2dp2 can retain larval melanophores throughout life. Albinism is also controlled by double autosomal genes, p and c. The genotype of an albino fish is represented by pp cc; the non-albino fish is PP CC. Fish with either a pp CC or pp Cc genotype are albino when scored at the time of melanosome differentiation in the pigment retina, but after the time of skin melanophore differentiation, they change to the nonalbino type under the control of the C gene. The recessive-transparent character is controlled by a single autosomal gene, g. The mechanisms of gene expression of these characters were proposed as a result of observation and/or experimental data on the differentiation processes of their phenotypes, and the genotypes of these color mutant goldfish were considered in relation to the "gene duplication hypothesis in the Cyprinidae." PMID:885340

Comparison of resistive switching characteristics using copper and aluminum electrodes on GeOx/W cross-point memories

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Comparison of resistive switching memory characteristics using copper (Cu) and aluminum (Al) electrodes on GeOx/W cross-points has been reported under low current compliances (CCs) of 1 nA to 50 μA. The cross-point memory devices are observed by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). Improved memory characteristics are observed for the Cu/GeOx/W structures as compared to the Al/GeOx/W cross-points owing to AlOx formation at the Al/GeOx interface. The RESET current increases with the increase of the CCs varying from 1 nA to 50 μA for the Cu electrode devices, while the RESET current is high (>1 mA) and independent of CCs varying from 1 nA to 500 μA for the Al electrode devices. An extra formation voltage is needed for the Al/GeOx/W devices, while a low operation voltage of ±2 V is needed for the Cu/GeOx/W cross-point devices. Repeatable bipolar resistive switching characteristics of the Cu/GeOx/W cross-point memory devices are observed with CC varying from 1 nA to 50 μA, and unipolar resistive switching is observed with CC >100 μA. High resistance ratios of 102 to 104 for the bipolar mode (CCs of 1 nA to 50 μA) and approximately 108 for the unipolar mode are obtained for the Cu/GeOx/W cross-points. In addition, repeatable switching cycles and data retention of 103 s are observed under a low current of 1 nA for future low-power, high-density, nonvolatile, nanoscale memory applications. PMID:24305116

17 CFR 37.7 - Additional requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... Section 37.7 Commodity and Securities Exchanges COMMODITY FUTURES TRADING COMMISSION DERIVATIVES... transaction execution facility insofar as transactions in futures or option contracts of foreign traders are... of section 5c(c) of the Act and § 40.2 of this chapter, derivatives transaction execution facilities...

Effect of clomiphene citrate on endometrial thickness, ovulation, pregnancy and live birth in anovulatory women: systematic review and meta-analysis.

PubMed

Gadalla, M A; Huang, S; Wang, R; Norman, R J; Abdullah, S A; El Saman, A M; Ismail, A M; van Wely, M; Mol, B W J

2018-01-01

To compare the impact of clomiphene citrate (CC) vs other drug regimens on mid-cycle endometrial thickness (EMT), ovulation, pregnancy and live birth rates in women with World Health Organization (WHO) group II ovulatory disorders. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, The Cochrane Central Register of Clinical Trials (CENTRAL) and the non-MEDLINE subset of PubMed from inception to December 2016 and cross-checked references of relevant articles. We included only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing CC used alone vs other drug regimens for ovulation induction in women with WHO group II anovulation. Outcomes were mid-cycle EMT, ovulation, pregnancy and live birth rates. We pooled weighted mean differences (WMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for continuous variables (EMT) and risk ratios (RR) with 95% CI for binary variables (ovulation, pregnancy and live birth rates). We retrieved 1718 articles of which 33 RCTs (4349 women, 7210 ovulation induction cycles) were included. In 15 RCTs that compared CC with letrozole, EMT was lower in the CC group (1957 women, 3892 cycles; WMD, -1.39; 95% CI, -2.27 to -0.51; I 2  = 100%), ovulation rates after CC and letrozole were comparable (1710 women, 3217 cycles; RR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.90-1.04; I 2  = 47%), while CC led to a lower pregnancy rate (1957 women, 3892 cycles; RR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.63-0.95; I 2  = 43%) and a lower live birth rate (RR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.49-0.98; I 2  = 35%). In two RCTs that compared CC with CC plus metformin, EMT, ovulation and pregnancy rates were comparable (101 women, 140 cycles; WMD, -0.23; 95% CI, -0.92 to 0.45; I 2  = 78%; RR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.67-1.06; I 2  = 0%; and RR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.33-1.87; I 2  = 0%). In three studies that compared CC with CC plus N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), EMT was lower in the CC group (340 women, 300 cycles; WMD, -1.51; 95% CI, -1.98 to -1.04; I 2  = 45%). In two studies that compared CC with CC + nitric oxide (NO) donor, EMT was lower in the CC group (120 women, 304 cycles; WMD, -1.75; 95% CI, -2.08 to -1.41; I 2  = 0%). Compared with CC plus NO donor or NAC, CC showed statistically significant lower ovulation and pregnancy rates. Compared with tamoxifen in three studies, CC showed a tendency towards lower EMT (571 women, 844 cycles; WMD, -1.34; 95% CI, -2.70 to 0.01; I 2  = 96%) with comparable ovulation and pregnancy rates. In women with WHO group II ovulatory disorders, ovulation induction with CC might result in lower EMT than other ovulation induction regimens. Whether the lower EMT caused the lower pregnancy and live birth rates remains to be elucidated. Letrozole seems to be beneficial for these women. However, our findings should be interpreted with caution as the quality of evidence was very low. Copyright © 2017 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. Copyright © 2017 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

The relationship between quality of work life and location of cross-training among obstetric nurses in urban northeastern Ontario, Canada: A population-based cross sectional study.

PubMed

Nowrouzi, Behdin; Lightfoot, Nancy; Carter, Lorraine; Larivière, Michel; Rukholm, Ellen; Schinke, Robert; Belanger-Gardner, Diane

2015-01-01

The purpose of this mixed methods study was to examine the quality of work life of registered nurses working in obstetrics at 4 hospitals in northeastern Ontario and explore demographic and occupational factors related to nurses' quality of work life (QWL). A stratified random sample of registered nurses (N = 111) selected from the 138 eligible registered nurses (80.4%) of staff in the labor, delivery, recovery, and postpartum areas at the 4 hospitals participated. Logistic regression analyses were used to consider QWL in relation to the following: 1) demographic factors, and 2) stress, employment status and educational attainment. In the logistic regression model, the odds of a higher quality of work life for nurses who were cross trained (nurses who can work across all areas of obstetrical care) were estimated to be 3.82 (odds ratio = 3.82, 95% confidence interval: 1.01-14.5) times the odds of a higher quality of work life for nurses who were not cross trained. This study highlights a relationship between quality of work life and associated factors including location of cross-training among obstetrical nurses in northeastern Ontario. These findings are supported by the qualitative interviews that examine in depth their relationship to QWL. Given the limited number of employment opportunities in the rural and remote regions, it is paramount that employers and employees work closely together in creating positive environments that promote nurses' QWL. This work is available in Open Access model and licensed under a CC BY-NC 3.0 PL license.

Laser Transmission Measurements of Soot Extinction Coefficients in the Exhaust Plume of the X-34 60K-lb Thrust Fastrac Rocket Engine

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dobson, C. C.; Eskridge, R. H.; Lee, M. H.

2000-01-01

A four-channel laser transmissometer has been used to probe the soot content of the exhaust plume of the X-34 60k-lb thrust Fastrac rocket engine at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center. The transmission measurements were made at an axial location approximately equal 1.65 nozzle diameters from the exit plane and are interpreted in terms of homogeneous radial zones to yield extinction coefficients from 0.5-8.4 per meter. The corresponding soot mass density, spatially averaged over the plume cross section, is, for Rayleigh particles, approximately equal 0.7 microgram/cc, and alternative particle distributions are briefly considered. Absolute plume radiance at the laser wavelength (515 nm) is estimated from the data at approximately equal 2,200 K equivalent blackbody temperature, and temporal correlations in emission from several spatial locations are noted.

Open charm yields in d+Au collisions at squareroot[sNN]=200 GeV.

PubMed

Adams, J; Aggarwal, M M; Ahammed, Z; Amonett, J; Anderson, B D; Arkhipkin, D; Averichev, G S; Badyal, S K; Bai, Y; Balewski, J; Barannikova, O; Barnby, L S; Baudot, J; Bekele, S; Belaga, V V; Bellwied, R; Berger, J; Bezverkhny, B I; Bharadwaj, S; Bhasin, A; Bhati, A K; Bhatia, V S; Bichsel, H; Billmeier, A; Bland, L C; Blyth, C O; Bonner, B E; Botje, M; Boucham, A; Brandin, A V; Bravar, A; Bystersky, M; Cadman, R V; Cai, X Z; Caines, H; Calderón de la Barca Sánchez, M; Castillo, J; Cebra, D; Chajecki, Z; Chaloupka, P; Chattopadhyay, S; Chen, H F; Chen, Y; Cheng, J; Cherney, M; Chikanian, A; Christie, W; Coffin, J P; Cormier, T M; Cramer, J G; Crawford, H J; Das, D; Das, S; de Moura, M M; Derevschikov, A A; Didenko, L; Dietel, T; Dogra, S M; Dong, W J; Dong, X; Draper, J E; Du, F; Dubey, A K; Dunin, V B; Dunlop, J C; Dutta Mazumdar, M R; Eckardt, V; Edwards, W R; Efimov, L G; Emelianov, V; Engelage, J; Eppley, G; Erazmus, B; Estienne, M; Fachini, P; Faivre, J; Fatemi, R; Fedorisin, J; Filimonov, K; Filip, P; Finch, E; Fine, V; Fisyak, Y; Fomenko, K; Fu, J; Gagliardi, C A; Gaillard, L; Gans, J; Ganti, M S; Gaudichet, L; Geurts, F; Ghazikhanian, V; Ghosh, P; Gonzalez, J E; Grachov, O; Grebenyuk, O; Grosnick, D; Guertin, S M; Guo, Y; Gupta, A; Gutierrez, T D; Hallman, T J; Hamed, A; Hardtke, D; Harris, J W; Heinz, M; Henry, T W; Hepplemann, S; Hippolyte, B; Hirsch, A; Hjort, E; Hoffmann, G W; Huang, H Z; Huang, S L; Hughes, E W; Humanic, T J; Igo, G; Ishihara, A; Jacobs, P; Jacobs, W W; Janik, M; Jiang, H; Jones, P G; Judd, E G; Kabana, S; Kang, K; Kaplan, M; Keane, D; Khodyrev, V Yu; Kiryluk, J; Kisiel, A; Kislov, E M; Klay, J; Klein, S R; Koetke, D D; Kollegger, T; Kopytine, M; Kotchenda, L; Kramer, M; Kravtsov, P; Kravtsov, V I; Krueger, K; Kuhn, C; Kulikov, A I; Kumar, A; Kutuev, R Kh; Kuznetsov, A A; Lamont, M A C; Landgraf, J M; Lange, S; Laue, F; Lauret, J; Lebedev, A; Lednicky, R; Lehocka, S; LeVine, M J; Li, C; Li, Q; Li, Y; Lin, G; Lindenbaum, S J; Lisa, M A; Liu, F; Liu, L; Liu, Q J; Liu, Z; Ljubicic, T; Llope, W J; Long, H; Longacre, R S; Lopez-Noriega, M; Love, W A; Lu, Y; Ludlam, T; Lynn, D; Ma, G L; Ma, J G; Ma, Y G; Magestro, D; Mahajan, S; Mahapatra, D P; Majka, R; Mangotra, L K; Manweiler, R; Margetis, S; Markert, C; Martin, L; Marx, J N; Matis, H S; Matulenko, Yu A; McClain, C J; McShane, T S; Meissner, F; Melnick, Yu; Meschanin, A; Miller, M L; Minaev, N G; Mironov, C; Mischke, A; Mishra, D K; Mitchell, J; Mohanty, B; Molnar, L; Moore, C F; Morozov, D A; Munhoz, M G; Nandi, B K; Nayak, S K; Nayak, T K; Nelson, J M; Netrakanti, P K; Nikitin, V A; Nogach, L V; Nurushev, S B; Odyniec, G; Ogawa, A; Okorokov, V; Oldenburg, M; Olson, D; Pal, S K; Panebratsev, Y; Panitkin, S Y; Pavlinov, A I; Pawlak, T; Peitzmann, T; Perevoztchikov, V; Perkins, C; Peryt, W; Petrov, V A; Phatak, S C; Picha, R; Planinic, M; Pluta, J; Porile, N; Porter, J; Poskanzer, A M; Potekhin, M; Potrebenikova, E; Potukuchi, B V K S; Prindle, D; Pruneau, C; Putschke, J; Rakness, G; Raniwala, R; Raniwala, S; Ravel, O; Ray, R L; Razin, S V; Reichhold, D; Reid, J G; Renault, G; Retiere, F; Ridiger, A; Ritter, H G; Roberts, J B; Rogachevskiy, O V; Romero, J L; Rose, A; Roy, C; Ruan, L; Sahoo, R; Sakrejda, I; Salur, S; Sandweiss, J; Sarsour, M; Savin, I; Sazhin, P S; Schambach, J; Scharenberg, R P; Schmitz, N; Schweda, K; Seger, J; Seyboth, P; Shahaliev, E; Shao, M; Shao, W; Sharma, M; Shen, W Q; Shestermanov, K E; Shimanskiy, S S; Sichtermann, E; Simon, F; Singaraju, R N; Skoro, G; Smirnov, N; Snellings, R; Sood, G; Sorensen, P; Sowinski, J; Speltz, J; Spinka, H M; Srivastava, B; Stadnik, A; Stanislaus, T D S; Stock, R; Stolpovsky, A; Strikhanov, M; Stringfellow, B; Suaide, A A P; Sugarbaker, E; Suire, C; Sumbera, M; Surrow, B; Symons, T J M; Szanto de Toledo, A; Szarwas, P; Tai, A; Takahashi, J; Tang, A H; Tarnowsky, T; Thein, D; Thomas, J H; Timoshenko, S; Tokarev, M; Trainor, T A; Trentalange, S; Tribble, R E; Tsai, O D; Ulery, J; Ullrich, T; Underwood, D G; Urkinbaev, A; Van Buren, G; van Leeuwen, M; Vander Molen, A M; Varma, R; Vasilevski, I M; Vasiliev, A N; Vernet, R; Vigdor, S E; Viyogi, Y P; Vokal, S; Voloshin, S A; Vznuzdaev, M; Waggoner, W T; Wang, F; Wang, G; Wang, G; Wang, X L; Wang, Y; Wang, Y; Wang, Z M; Ward, H; Watson, J W; Webb, J C; Wells, R; Westfall, G D; Wetzler, A; Whitten, C; Wieman, H; Wissink, S W; Witt, R; Wood, J; Wu, J; Xu, N; Xu, Z; Xu, Z Z; Yamamoto, E; Yepes, P; Yurevich, V I; Zanevsky, Y V; Zhang, H; Zhang, W M; Zhang, Z P; Zoulkarneev, R; Zoulkarneeva, Y; Zubarev, A N

2005-02-18

Midrapidity open charm spectra from direct reconstruction of D0(D0)-->K-/+pi+/- in d+Au collisions and indirect electron-positron measurements via charm semileptonic decays in p+p and d+Au collisions at squareroot[sNN]=200 GeV are reported. The D0(D0) spectrum covers a transverse momentum (pT) range of 0.1

Evaluation of Dental Shade Guide Variability Using Cross-Polarized Photography.

PubMed

Gurrea, Jon; Gurrea, Marta; Bruguera, August; Sampaio, Camila S; Janal, Malvin; Bonfante, Estevam; Coelho, Paulo G; Hirata, Ronaldo

2016-01-01

This study evaluated color variability in the A hue between the VITA Classical (VITA Zahnfabrik) shade guide and four other VITA-coded ceramic shade guides using a Canon EOS 60D camera and software (Photoshop CC, Adobe). A total of 125 photographs were taken, 5 per shade tab for each of 5 shades (A1 to A4) from the following shade guides: VITA Classical (control), IPS e.max Ceram (Ivoclar Vivadent), IPS d.SIGN (Ivoclar Vivadent), Initial ZI (GC), and Creation CC (Creation Willi Geller). Photos were processed with Adobe Photoshop CC to allow standardized evaluation of hue, chroma, and value between shade tabs. None of the VITA-coded shade tabs fully matched the VITA Classical shade tab for hue, chroma, or value. The VITA-coded shade guides evaluated herein showed an overall unmatched shade in all tabs when compared with the control, suggesting that shade selection should be made using the guide produced by the manufacturer of the ceramic intended for the final restoration.

The gender identity/gender dysphoria questionnaire for adolescents and adults: further validity evidence.

PubMed

Singh, Devita; Deogracias, Joseph J; Johnson, Laurel L; Bradley, Susan J; Kibblewhite, Sarah J; Owen-Anderson, Allison; Peterson-Badali, Michele; Meyer-Bahlburg, Heino F L; Zucker, Kenneth J

2010-01-01

This study aimed to provide further validity evidence for the dimensional measurement of gender identity and gender dysphoria in both adolescents and adults. Adolescents and adults with gender identity disorder (GID) were compared to clinical control (CC) adolescents and adults on the Gender Identity/Gender Dysphoria Questionnaire for Adolescents and Adults (GIDYQ-AA), a 27-item scale originally developed by Deogracias et al. (2007). In Study 1, adolescents with GID (n = 44) were compared to CC adolescents (n = 98); and in Study 2, adults with GID (n = 41) were compared to CC adults (n = 94). In both studies, clients with GID self-reported significantly more gender dysphoria than did the CCs, with excellent sensitivity and specificity rates. In both studies, degree of self-reported gender dysphoria was significantly correlated with recall of cross-gender behavior in childhood-a test of convergent validity. The research and clinical utility of the GIDYQ-AA is discussed, including directions for further research in distinct clinical populations.

DTI study of Children with Congenital Hydrocephalus: 1 Year Post-Surgical Outcomes

PubMed Central

Mangano, Francesco T.; Altaye, Mekibib; McKinstry, Robert C.; Shimony, Joshua S.; Powell, Stephanie K.; Phillips, Jannel M.; Barnard, Holly; Limbrick, David D.; Holland, Scott K.; Jones, Blaise V.; Dodd, Jonathon; Simpson, Sarah; Deanna, Mercer; Rajagopal, Akila; Bidwell, Sarah; Yuan, Weihong

2016-01-01

Object To investigate white matter structural abnormalities using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in children with hydrocephalus before CSF diversionary surgery (including ventriculoperitoneal shunting and endoscopic third ventriculoscopy) and the course of recovery post-surgery in association with neuropsychological and behavioral outcome. Methods This was a prospective study that included 54 children with congenital hydrocephalus (21F/33M; age range: 0.03–194.5 months) who underwent surgery and 64 normal controls (30F/34M, age range: 0.30–197.75 months). DTI and neurodevelopmental outcome data were collected once in the control group and at pre-surgery, 3-month, and 12-month post-surgery in the patients. DTI measures, including fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), axial diffusivity (AD), and radial diffusivity (RD) values were extracted from the genu of corpus callosum (gCC) and the posterior limb of internal capsule (PLIC). Group analysis was performed first cross-sectionally to quantify DTI abnormalities at three time points by comparing the controls and the patients group at the three time points separately. Longitudinal comparisons were conducted pairwise between different time points in patients whose data were acquired at multiple time points. Neurodevelopmental data were collected and analyzed using the Adaptive Behavior Assessment System, Second Edition (ABAS-II) and the Bayley Scales of Infant Development, Third Edition (Bayley-III). Correlation analyses were performed between DTI and behavioral outcomes. Results Significant DTI abnormalities were found in both the gCC (lower FA and higher MD, AD, and RD) and the PLIC (higher FA, lower AD and RD) at pre-surgery. The DTI measures in the gCC remained mostly abnormal at 3-month and 12-month post-surgery. The DTI abnormalities in the PLIC were significant in FA and AD at 3-month post-surgery but did nor persist when tested at 12-month post-surgery. Significant longitudinal DTI changes in the patients were found in the gCC between 3-month and 12-month post-surgery. In the PLIC, trend level longitudinal changes were found between pre-surgery and 3-month post-surgery as well as between 3-month and 12-month post-surgery. Significant correlation between DTI and developmental outcome were found at all three time points. Notably, significant correlation was found between DTI in the PLIC at 3-month post-surgery and developmental outcome at 12-month pots-surgery. Conclusion Our data showed significant WM abnormality based on DTI in both the gCC and the PLIC in children with congenital hydrocephalus before surgery and the abnormalities persisted in both the gCC and the PLIC at 3-month post-surgery. The DTI values remained significantly abnormal in the gCC at 12-month post-surgery. Longitudinal analysis showed signs of recovery in both WM structures between different time points. Combined with the significant correlation found between DTI and neuropsychological outcome, our study suggests that DTI can serve as a sensitive imaging biomarker for underlying neuroanatomical changes and post-surgical developmental outcome and even as a predictor for future outcomes. PMID:27203134

Construction Costs and Physico-chemical Properties of the Assimilatory Organs of Nepenthes Species in Northern Borneo

PubMed Central

Osunkoya, Olusegun O.; Daud, Siti Dayanawati; Di-Giusto, Bruno; Wimmer, Franz L.; Holige, Thippeswamy M.

2007-01-01

Background and Aims Species of the Nepenthaceae family are under-represented in studies of leaf traits and the consequent view of mineral nutrition and limitation in carnivorous plants. This study is aimed to complement existing data on leaf traits of carnivorous plants. Methods Physico-chemical properties, including construction costs (CC), of the assimilatory organs (leaf and pitcher) of a guild of lowland Nepenthes species inhabiting heath and/or peat swamp forests of Brunei, Northern Borneo were determined. Key Results Stoichiometry analyses indicate that Nepenthes species are nitrogen limited. Most traits vary appreciably across species, but greater variations exist between the assimilatory organs. Organ mass per unit area, dry matter tissue concentration (density), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), carbon, heat of combustion (Hc) and CC values were higher in the leaf relative to the pitcher, while organ thickness, potassium (K) and ash showed the opposite trend. Cross-species correlations indicate that joint rather than individual consideration of the leaf and the pitcher give better predictive relationships between variables, signalling tight coupling and functional interdependence of the two assimilatory organs. Across species, mass-based CC did not vary with N or P, but increases significantly with tissue density, carbon and Hc, and decreases with K and ash contents. Area-based CC gave the same trends (though weaker in strength) in addition to a significant positive correlation with tissue mass per unit area. Conclusions The lower CC value for the pitcher is in agreement with the concept of low marginal cost for carnivory relative to conventional autotrophy. The poor explanatory power of N, P or N : P ratio with CC suggests that factors other than production of expensive photosynthetic machinery (which calls for a high N input), including concentrations of lignin, wax/lipids or osmoregulatory ions like K+, may give a better explanation of the CC variation across Nepenthes species. PMID:17452380

Assessing the performance of aerial image point cloud and spectral metrics in predicting boreal forest canopy cover

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Melin, M.; Korhonen, L.; Kukkonen, M.; Packalen, P.

2017-07-01

Canopy cover (CC) is a variable used to describe the status of forests and forested habitats, but also the variable used primarily to define what counts as a forest. The estimation of CC has relied heavily on remote sensing with past studies focusing on satellite imagery as well as Airborne Laser Scanning (ALS) using light detection and ranging (lidar). Of these, ALS has been proven highly accurate, because the fraction of pulses penetrating the canopy represents a direct measurement of canopy gap percentage. However, the methods of photogrammetry can be applied to produce point clouds fairly similar to airborne lidar data from aerial images. Currently there is little information about how well such point clouds measure canopy density and gaps. The aim of this study was to assess the suitability of aerial image point clouds for CC estimation and compare the results with those obtained using spectral data from aerial images and Landsat 5. First, we modeled CC for n = 1149 lidar plots using field-measured CCs and lidar data. Next, this data was split into five subsets in north-south direction (y-coordinate). Finally, four CC models (AerialSpectral, AerialPointcloud, AerialCombi (spectral + pointcloud) and Landsat) were created and they were used to predict new CC values to the lidar plots, subset by subset, using five-fold cross validation. The Landsat and AerialSpectral models performed with RMSEs of 13.8% and 12.4%, respectively. AerialPointcloud model reached an RMSE of 10.3%, which was further improved by the inclusion of spectral data; RMSE of the AerialCombi model was 9.3%. We noticed that the aerial image point clouds managed to describe only the outermost layer of the canopy and missed the details in lower canopy, which was resulted in weak characterization of the total CC variation, especially in the tails of the data.

Some glial progenitors in the neonatal subventricular zone migrate through the corpus callosum to the contralateral cerebral hemisphere.

PubMed

Kakita, Akiyoshi; Zerlin, Marielba; Takahashi, Hitoshi; Goldman, James E

2003-04-14

The great majority of glial cells of the mammalian forebrain are generated in the perinatal period from progenitors in the subventricular zone (SVZ). We investigated the migration of progenitors from the neonatal (postnatal day 0, P0) rat forebrain SVZ by labeling them in vivo with a green fluorescence protein (GFP) retrovirus and monitoring their movements by time-lapse video microscopy in P3 slices. We identified a small number of progenitors that migrated tangentially within the corpus callosum (CC) and crossed the midline. These cells retained a relatively uniform morphology: the leading process was extended toward the contralateral side but showed no process branching or turning away from the migratory direction. Net migration requires the elongation of the leading process and nuclear translocation, and the migrating cells in the CC showed both modes. We confirmed the presence of unmyelinated axon bundles within the P3 CC, but failed to detect any radially directed glial processes (vimentin- or GLAST-immunolabeled fibers) spanning through the CC. Confocal images showed a close proximity between neurofilament-immunolabeled axons and the leading process of the GFP-expressing progenitors in the CC. The destination of the callosal fibers was examined by applying DiI to the right cingulum; the labeled fibers ran throughout the CC and reached the left cingulate and motor areas. The distribution and final fates of the retrovirus-labeled cells were examined in P28 brains. A small proportion of the labeled cells were found in the contralateral hemisphere, where, as oligodendrocytes and astrocytes, they colonized predominantly the cortex and the underlying white matter of the cingulate and secondary motor areas. The distribution pattern appears to coincide well with the projection direction of the callosal fibers. Thus, glial progenitors migrate across the CC, presumably in conjunction with unmyelinated axons, to colonize the contralateral hemisphere. Copyright 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Inhibition deficit in the spatial tendency of the response in multiple-domain amnestic mild cognitive impairment. An event-related potential study

PubMed Central

Cespón, Jesús; Galdo-Álvarez, Santiago; Díaz, Fernando

2015-01-01

Longitudinal studies have shown that a high percentage of people with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (MCI) develop Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Prodromal AD is known to involve deficits in executive control processes. In the present study, we examined such deficits by recording EEG in 13 single-domain amnestic MCI (sdaMCI), 12 multiple-domain amnestic MCI (mdaMCI) and 18 healthy elderly (control group, CG) participants while they performed a Simon task. The Simon task demands deployment of executive processes because participants have to respond to non-spatial features of a lateralized stimulus and inhibit the more automatic spatial tendency of the response. We specifically focused on the negativity central contralateral (N2cc), an event-related potential (ERP) component related to brain activity that prevents the cross-talk between direction of spatial attention and manual response preparation. The reaction time (RT) was not significantly different among the three groups of participants. The percentage of errors (PE) was higher in mdaMCI than in CG and sdaMCI participants. In addition, N2cc latency was delayed in mdaMCI (i.e., delayed implementation of mechanisms for controlling the spatial tendency of the response). The N2cc latency clearly distinguished among mdaMCI and CG/sdaMCI participants (area under curve: 0.91). Longer N2cc was therefore associated with executive control deficits, which suggests that N2cc latency is a correlate of mdaMCI. PMID:25999853

Increased Resistance during Jump Exercise Does Not Enhance Cortical Bone Formation

PubMed Central

Boudreaux, Ramon D.; Swift, Joshua M.; Gasier, Heath G.; Wiggs, Michael P.; Hogan, Harry A.; Fluckey, James D.; Bloomfield, Susan A.

2014-01-01

PURPOSE This study sought to elucidate the effects of a low- and high-load jump resistance exercise (RE) training protocol on cortical bone of the tibia and femur mid-diaphyses. METHODS Sprague-Dawley rats (male, 6-mos-old) were randomly assigned to high-load RE (HRE; n = 16), low-load RE (LRE; n = 15) or cage control (CC; n = 11) groups. Animals in the HRE and LRE groups performed 15 sessions of jump RE for 5 weeks. Load in the HRE group was progressively increased from 80g added to a weighted vest (50 repetitions) to 410g (16 repetitions). The LRE rats completed the same protocol as the HRE group (same number of repetitions) with only a 30g vest applied. RESULTS Low- and high-load jump RE resulted in 6–11% higher cortical bone mineral content (BMC) and cortical bone area compared to controls as determined by in vivo pQCT measurements. In the femur, however, only LRE demonstrated improvements in cortical volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD; +11%) and cross-sectional moment of inertia (CSMI; +20%) versus CC group. Three-point bending to failure revealed a marked increase in tibial max force (25–29%), stiffness (19–22%), and energy to max force (35–55%), and a reduction in elastic modulus (−11–14%) in both LRE and HRE compared to controls. Dynamic histomorphometry assessed at the tibia mid-diaphysis determined that both LRE and HRE resulted in 20–30% higher periosteal mineralizing surface versus CC group. Mineral apposition rate (MAR) and bone formation rate (BFR) were significantly greater in LRE animals (27%, 39%) than in the HRE group. CONCLUSION These data demonstrate that jump training with minimal loading is equally, and sometimes more, effective at augmenting cortical bone integrity compared to overload training in skeletally mature rats. PMID:24743108

PPARγ2 C1431T genotype increases metabolic syndrome risk in young men with low cardiorespiratory fitness.

PubMed

Sanada, Kiyoshi; Iemitsu, Motoyuki; Murakami, Haruka; Tabata, Izumi; Yamamoto, Kenta; Gando, Yuko; Suzuki, Katsuhiko; Higuchi, Mitsuru; Miyachi, Motohiko

2011-02-11

The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma 2 (PPARγ2) genotypes are related to obesity and the metabolic syndrome (MetS). A low level of cardiorespiratory fitness is also a strong determining factor in the development of MetS. This cross-sectional study was performed to investigate the influence of the interaction between the PPARγ2 genotype and cardiorespiratory fitness on the risk of MetS. Healthy Japanese men (n = 211) and women (n = 505) participated in this study. All subjects were divided into 8 groups according to sex, fitness level (high and low fitness groups), and age (younger, age < 40 yr; middle-aged/older, age ≥ 40 yr). The PPARγ2 genotypes (Pro12Ala and C1431T) were analyzed by real-time PCR with Taq-Man probes. Two-way ANCOVA with adjustment for age as a covariate indicated that fitness and the CC genotype of C1431T in the PPARγ2 gene interacted to produce a significant effect on MetS risk in younger men and that the risk of MetS in the CC genotype group with low cardiorespiratory fitness was significantly higher than that in the corresponding CT+TT genotypes or in the high fitness groups. There was no significant interaction between fitness and genotype in determining MetS risk in middle-aged/older men or in women in any group. With regard to the Pro12Ala genotype of the PPARγ2 gene, there were no significant differences in fitness or genotype effects nor were there any interactions between measurement variables. We concluded that the CC genotype of C1431T in the PPARγ2 gene together with low cardiorespiratory fitness may increase the risk of MetS in younger men (age < 40 yr), even with adjustment for age.

Association between the APOA2 promoter polymorphism and body weight in Mediterranean and Asian populations: replication of a gene-saturated fat interaction.

PubMed

Corella, D; Tai, E S; Sorlí, J V; Chew, S K; Coltell, O; Sotos-Prieto, M; García-Rios, A; Estruch, R; Ordovas, J M

2011-05-01

The APOA2 gene has been associated with obesity and insulin resistance (IR) in animal and human studies with controversial results. We have reported an APOA2-saturated fat interaction determining body mass index (BMI) and obesity in American populations. This work aims to extend our findings to European and Asian populations. Cross-sectional study in 4602 subjects from two independent populations: a high-cardiovascular risk Mediterranean population (n = 907 men and women; aged 67 ± 6 years) and a multiethnic Asian population (n = 2506 Chinese, n = 605 Malays and n = 494 Asian Indians; aged 39 ± 12 years) participating in a Singapore National Health Survey. Anthropometric, clinical, biochemical, lifestyle and dietary variables were determined. Homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance was used in Asians. We analyzed gene-diet interactions between the APOA2 -265T>C polymorphism and saturated fat intake (C polymorphism on body-weight-related measures was modulated by saturated fat in Mediterranean and Asian populations.

Apolipoprotein A-II polymorphism: relationships to behavioural and hormonal mediators of obesity

PubMed Central

Smith, CE; Ordovás, JM; Sánchez-Moreno, C; Lee, Y-C; Garaulet, M

2011-01-01

Background The interaction between apolipoprotein A-II (APOA2) m265 genotype and saturated fat for obesity traits has been more extensively demonstrated than for any other locus, but behavioural and hormonal mechanisms underlying this relationship are unexplored. In this study, we evaluated relationships between APOA2 and obesity risk with particular focus on patterns of eating and ghrelin, a hormonal regulator of food intake. Design Cross-sectional study. Subjects Overweight and obese subjects (n = 1225) were evaluated at baseline in five weight loss clinics in southeastern Spain. Methods Behavioural data were assessed using a checklist of weight loss obstacles. Logistic regression models were fitted to estimate the risk of a specific behaviour associated with APOA2 genotype. Relationships between APOA2 genotype and saturated fat intakes for anthropometric traits and plasma ghrelin were evaluated by analysis of variance. To construct categorical variables to evaluate interactions, saturated fat intake was dichotomized into high and low according to the population median intake or as tertiles. Results Homozygous minor (CC) subjects were more likely to exhibit behaviours that impede weight loss (‘Do you skip meals’, odds ratio (OR) = 2.09, P=0.008) and less likely to exhibit the protective behaviour of ‘Do you plan meals in advance’ (OR = 0.64, P=0.034). Plasma ghrelin for CC subjects consuming low saturated fat was lower compared with (1) CC subjects consuming high saturated fat, (2) TT + TC carriers consuming low saturated fat and (3) TT+TC carriers consuming high saturated fat (all P<0.05). Conclusions APOA2 m265 genotype may be associated with eating behaviours and dietary modulation of plasma ghrelin. Expansion of knowledge of APOA2 and obesity to include modulation of specific behaviours and hormonal mediators not only broadens understanding of gene–diet interactions, but also facilitates the pragmatic, future goal of developing dietary guidelines based on genotype. PMID:21386805

Association between the APOA2 promoter polymorphism and body-weight in Mediterranean and Asian populations. Replication of a gene-saturated fat interaction

PubMed Central

Corella, Dolores; Tai, E Shyong; Sorlí, Jose V; Kai Chew, Suok; Coltell, Oscar; Sotos-Prieto, Mercedes; García-Rios, Antonio; Estruch, Ramón; Ordovas, Jose M.

2010-01-01

Objective The APOA2 gene has been associated with obesity and insulin resistance (IR) in animal and human studies with controversial results. We have reported an APOA2-saturated fat interaction determining body mass index (BMI) and obesity in American populations. This work aims to extend our findings to European and Asian populations. Methods Cross-sectional study in 4602 subjects from 2 independent populations: A high cardiovascular risk Mediterranean population (n=907 men and women; aged 67+/−6 years) and a multiethnic Asian population (n=2506 Chinese, n=605 Malays and n=494 Asian Indians; aged 39+/−12 years), participating in a Singapore National Health Survey. Anthropometric, clinical, biochemical, lifestyle and dietary variables were determined. Homeostasis model assessment of IR (HOMA-IR) was used in Asians. We analyzed gene-diet interactions between the APOA2 −265T>C polymorphism and saturated fat intake (=22 g/d) on anthropometric measures and IR. Results Frequency of CC subjects differed among populations (1%–15%). We confirmed a recessive effect of the APOA2 polymorphism, and replicated the APOA2–saturated fat interaction on body-weight. In Mediterranean individuals, the CC genotype was associated with a 6.8% greater BMI in those consuming a high (P=0.018), but not a low (P=0.316) saturated fat diet. Likewise, the CC genotype was significantly associated with higher obesity prevalence in Chinese and Asian Indians only with a high-saturated fat intake (P=0.036). We also found a significant APOA2-saturated fat interaction in determining IR in Chinese and Asian Indians (P=0.026). Conclusion The influence of the APOA2 −265T>C polymorphism on body-weight-related measures was modulated by saturated fat in Mediterranean and Asian populations. PMID:20975728

Apolipoprotein A-II polymorphism: relationships to behavioural and hormonal mediators of obesity.

PubMed

Smith, C E; Ordovás, J M; Sánchez-Moreno, C; Lee, Y-C; Garaulet, M

2012-01-01

The interaction between apolipoprotein A-II (APOA2) m265 genotype and saturated fat for obesity traits has been more extensively demonstrated than for any other locus, but behavioural and hormonal mechanisms underlying this relationship are unexplored. In this study, we evaluated relationships between APOA2 and obesity risk with particular focus on patterns of eating and ghrelin, a hormonal regulator of food intake. Cross-sectional study. Overweight and obese subjects (n=1225) were evaluated at baseline in five weight loss clinics in southeastern Spain. Behavioural data were assessed using a checklist of weight loss obstacles. Logistic regression models were fitted to estimate the risk of a specific behaviour associated with APOA2 genotype. Relationships between APOA2 genotype and saturated fat intakes for anthropometric traits and plasma ghrelin were evaluated by analysis of variance. To construct categorical variables to evaluate interactions, saturated fat intake was dichotomized into high and low according to the population median intake or as tertiles. Homozygous minor (CC) subjects were more likely to exhibit behaviours that impede weight loss ('Do you skip meals', odds ratio (OR)=2.09, P=0.008) and less likely to exhibit the protective behaviour of 'Do you plan meals in advance' (OR=0.64, P=0.034). Plasma ghrelin for CC subjects consuming low saturated fat was lower compared with (1) CC subjects consuming high saturated fat, (2) TT+TC carriers consuming low saturated fat and (3) TT+TC carriers consuming high saturated fat (all P<0.05). APOA2 m265 genotype may be associated with eating behaviours and dietary modulation of plasma ghrelin. Expansion of knowledge of APOA2 and obesity to include modulation of specific behaviours and hormonal mediators not only broadens understanding of gene-diet interactions, but also facilitates the pragmatic, future goal of developing dietary guidelines based on genotype.

Effect of various methods for rectum delineation on relative and absolute dose-volume histograms for prostate IMRT treatment planning

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

Kusumoto, Chiaki; Ohira, Shingo; Department of Medical Physics and Engineering, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita

2016-07-01

Several reports have dealt with correlations of late rectal toxicity with rectal dose-volume histograms (DVHs) for high dose levels. There are 2 techniques to assess rectal volume for reception of a specific dose: relative-DVH (R-DVH, %) that indicates relative volume for a vertical axis, and absolute-DVH (A-DVH, cc) with its vertical axis showing absolute volume of the rectum. The parameters of DVH vary depending on the rectum delineation method, but the literature does not present any standardization of such methods. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of different delineation methods on rectal DVHs. The enrollmentmore » for this study comprised 28 patients with high-risk localized prostate cancer, who had undergone intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) with the prescription dose of 78 Gy. The rectum was contoured with 4 different methods using 2 lengths, short (Sh) and long (Lg), and 2 cross sections, rectum (Rec) and rectal wall (Rw). Sh means the length from 1 cm above the seminal vesicles to 1 cm below the prostate and Lg the length from the rectosigmoid junction to the anus. Rec represents the entire rectal volume including the rectal contents and Rw the rectal volume of the area with a wall thickness of 4 mm. We compared dose-volume parameters by using 4 rectal contour methods for the same plan with the R-DVHs as well as the A-DVHs. For the high dose levels, the R-DVH parameters varied widely. The mean of V{sub 70} for Sh-Rw was the highest (19.4%) and nearly twice as high as that for Lg-Rec (10.4%). On the contrary, only small variations were observed in the A-DVH parameters (4.3, 4.3, 5.5, and 5.5 cc for Sh-Rw, Lg-Rw, Sh-Rec, and Lg-Rec, respectively). As for R-DVHs, the parameters of V{sub 70} varied depending on the rectal lengths (Sh-Rec vs Lg-Rec: R = 0.76; Sh-Rw vs Lg-Rw: R = 0.85) and cross sections (Sh-Rec vs Sh-Rw: R = 0.49; Lg-Rec vs Lg-Rw: R = 0.65). For A-DVHs, however, the parameters of Sh rectal A-DVHs hardly changed regardless of differences in rectal length at all dose levels. Moreover, at high dose levels (V{sub 70}), the parameters of A-DVHs showed less dependence on rectal cross sections (Sh-Rec vs Sh-Rw: R = 0.66; Lg-Rec vs Lg-Rw: R = 0.59). This study showed that A-DVHs were less dependent on the delineation methods than R-DVHs, especially for evaluating the rectal dose at higher dose levels. It can therefore be assumed that, in addition to R-DVHs, A-DVHs can be used for evaluating rectal toxicity.« less

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

Xiang, N. B.; Kong, D. F., E-mail: nanbin@ynao.ac.cn

The Physikalisch Meteorologisches Observatorium Davos total solar irradiance (TSI), Active Cavity Radiometer Irradiance Monitoring TSI, and Royal Meteorological Institute of Belgium TSI are three typical TSI composites. Magnetic Plage Strength Index (MPSI) and Mount Wilson Sunspot Index (MWSI) should indicate the weak and strong magnetic field activity on the solar full disk, respectively. Cross-correlation (CC) analysis of MWSI with three TSI composites shows that TSI should be weakly correlated with MWSI, and not be in phase with MWSI at timescales of solar cycles. The wavelet coherence (WTC) and partial wavelet coherence (PWC) of TSI with MWSI indicate that the inter-solar-cyclemore » variation of TSI is also not related to solar strong magnetic field activity, which is represented by MWSI. However, CC analysis of MPSI with three TSI composites indicates that TSI should be moderately correlated and accurately in phase with MPSI at timescales of solar cycles, and that the statistical significance test indicates that the correlation coefficient of three TSI composites with MPSI is statistically significantly higher than that of three TSI composites with MWSI. Furthermore, the cross wavelet transform (XWT) and WTC of TSI with MPSI show that the TSI is highly related and actually in phase with MPSI at a timescale of a solar cycle as well. Consequently, the CC analysis, XWT, and WTC indicate that the solar weak magnetic activity on the full disk, which is represented by MPSI, dominates the inter-solar-cycle variation of TSI.« less

Anthropometric predictors of body fat in a large population of 9-year-old school-aged children.

PubMed

Almeida, Sílvia M; Furtado, José M; Mascarenhas, Paulo; Ferraz, Maria E; Silva, Luís R; Ferreira, José C; Monteiro, Mariana; Vilanova, Manuel; Ferraz, Fernando P

2016-09-01

To develop and cross-validate predictive models for percentage body fat (%BF) from anthropometric measurements [including BMI z -score (zBMI) and calf circumference (CC)] excluding skinfold thickness. A descriptive study was carried out in 3,084 pre-pubertal children. Regression models and neural network were developed with %BF measured by Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) as the dependent variables and age, sex and anthropometric measurements as independent predictors. All %BF grade predictive models presented a good global accuracy (≥91.3%) for obesity discrimination. Both overfat/obese and obese prediction models presented respectively good sensitivity (78.6% and 71.0%), specificity (98.0% and 99.2%) and reliability for positive or negative test results (≥82% and ≥96%). For boys, the order of parameters, by relative weight in the predictive model, was zBMI, height, waist-circumference-to-height-ratio (WHtR) squared variable (_Q), age, weight, CC_Q and hip circumference (HC)_Q (adjusted r 2  = 0.847 and RMSE = 2.852); for girls it was zBMI, WHtR_Q, height, age, HC_Q and CC_Q (adjusted r 2  = 0.872 and RMSE = 2.171). %BF can be graded and predicted with relative accuracy from anthropometric measurements excluding skinfold thickness. Fitness and cross-validation results showed that our multivariable regression model performed better in this population than did some previously published models.

Scattering study of the Ne + NeH{sup +}(v{sub 0} = 0, j{sub 0} = 0) → NeH{sup +} + Ne reaction on an ab initio based analytical potential energy surface

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

Koner, Debasish; Panda, Aditya N., E-mail: adi07@iitg.ernet.in; Barrios, Lizandra

2016-01-21

Initial state selected dynamics of the Ne + NeH{sup +}(v{sub 0} = 0, j{sub 0} = 0) → NeH{sup +} + Ne reaction is investigated by quantum and statistical quantum mechanical (SQM) methods on the ground electronic state. The three-body ab initio energies on a set of suitably chosen grid points have been computed at CCSD(T)/aug-cc-PVQZ level and analytically fitted. The fitting of the diatomic potentials, computed at the same level of theory, is performed by spline interpolation. A collinear [NeHNe]{sup +} structure lying 0.72 eV below the Ne + NeH{sup +} asymptote is found to be the most stablemore » geometry for this system. Energies of low lying vibrational states have been computed for this stable complex. Reaction probabilities obtained from quantum calculations exhibit dense oscillatory structures, particularly in the low energy region and these get partially washed out in the integral cross section results. SQM predictions are devoid of oscillatory structures and remain close to 0.5 after the rise at the threshold thus giving a crude average description of the quantum probabilities. Statistical cross sections and rate constants are nevertheless in sufficiently good agreement with the quantum results to suggest an important role of a complex-forming dynamics for the title reaction.« less

Opportunities for exercise during pullet rearing, Part II: Long-term effects on bone characteristics of adult laying hens at the end-of-lay.

PubMed

Casey-Trott, T M; Korver, D R; Guerin, M T; Sandilands, V; Torrey, S; Widowski, T M

2017-08-01

Osteoporosis in laying hens has been a production and welfare concern for several decades. The objective of this study was to determine whether differing opportunities for exercise during pullet rearing influences long-term bone quality characteristics in end-of-lay hens. A secondary objective was to assess whether differing opportunities for exercise in adult housing systems alters bone quality characteristics in end-of-lay hens. Four flock replicates of 588 Lohmann Selected Leghorn-Lite pullets were reared in either conventional cages (Conv) or an aviary rearing system (Avi) and placed into conventional cages (CC), 30-bird furnished cages (FC-S), or 60-bird furnished cages (FC-L) for adult housing. Wing and leg bones were collected at the end-of-lay to quantify bone composition and strength using quantitative computed tomography and bone breaking strength (BBS). At the end-of-lay, Avi hens had greater total and cortical cross-sectional area (P < 0.05) for the radius and tibia, greater total bone mineral content of the radius (P < 0.001), and greater tibial cortical bone mineral content (P = 0.029) than the Conv hens; however, total bone mineral density of the radius (P < 0.001) and cortical bone mineral density of the radius and tibia (P < 0.001) were greater in the Conv hens. Hens in the FC-L had greater total bone mineral density for the radius and tibia (P < 0.05) and greater trabecular bone mineral density for the radius (P = 0.027), compared to hens in the FC-S and CC. Total bone mineral content of the tibia (P = 0.030) and cortical bone mineral content of the radius (P = 0.030) and tibia (P = 0.013) were greater in the FC-L compared to the CC. The humerus of Conv hens had greater BBS than the Avi hens (P < 0.001), and the tibiae of FC-L and FC-S hens had greater BBS than CC hens (P = 0.006). Increased opportunities for exercise offered by the aviary rearing system provided improved bone quality characteristics lasting through to the end-of-lay. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Poultry Science Association.

Raman imaging to investigate ultrastructure and composition of plant cell walls: distribution of lignin and cellulose in black spruce wood (Picea mariana).

PubMed

Agarwal, Umesh P

2006-10-01

A detailed understanding of the structural organization of the cell wall of vascular plants is important from both the perspectives of plant biology and chemistry and of commercial utilization. A state-of-the-art 633-nm laser-based confocal Raman microscope was used to determine the distribution of cell wall components in the cross section of black spruce wood in situ. Chemical information from morphologically distinct cell wall regions was obtained and Raman images of lignin and cellulose spatial distribution were generated. While cell corner (CC) lignin concentration was the highest on average, lignin concentration in compound middle lamella (CmL) was not significantly different from that in secondary wall (S2 and S2-S3). Images generated using the 1,650 cm(-1) band showed that coniferaldehyde and coniferyl alcohol distribution followed that of lignin and no particular cell wall layer/region was therefore enriched in the ethylenic residue. In contrast, cellulose distribution showed the opposite pattern-low concentration in CC and CmL and high in S2 regions. Nevertheless, cellulose concentration varied significantly in some areas, and concentrations of both lignin and cellulose were high in other areas. Though intensity maps of lignin and cellulose distributions are currently interpreted solely in terms of concentration differences, the effect of orientation needs to be carefully considered to reveal the organization of the wood cell wall.

26 CFR 6a.6652(g)-1 - Failure to make return or furnish statement required under section 6039C.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... required under section 6039C. 6a.6652(g)-1 Section 6a.6652(g)-1 Internal Revenue INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE... OMNIBUS RECONCILIATION ACT OF 1980 § 6a.6652(g)-1 Failure to make return or furnish statement required... limitation under § 6a.6652(g)-1(b)(3) with respect to failure to meet the requirements of section 6039C(c), U...

26 CFR 6a.6652(g)-1 - Failure to make return or furnish statement required under section 6039C.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... required under section 6039C. 6a.6652(g)-1 Section 6a.6652(g)-1 Internal Revenue INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE... OMNIBUS RECONCILIATION ACT OF 1980 § 6a.6652(g)-1 Failure to make return or furnish statement required... limitation under § 6a.6652(g)-1(b)(3) with respect to failure to meet the requirements of section 6039C(c), U...

26 CFR 6a.6652(g)-1 - Failure to make return or furnish statement required under section 6039C.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... required under section 6039C. 6a.6652(g)-1 Section 6a.6652(g)-1 Internal Revenue INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE... OMNIBUS RECONCILIATION ACT OF 1980 § 6a.6652(g)-1 Failure to make return or furnish statement required... limitation under § 6a.6652(g)-1(b)(3) with respect to failure to meet the requirements of section 6039C(c), U...

26 CFR 6a.6652(g)-1 - Failure to make return or furnish statement required under section 6039C.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... required under section 6039C. 6a.6652(g)-1 Section 6a.6652(g)-1 Internal Revenue INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE... OMNIBUS RECONCILIATION ACT OF 1980 § 6a.6652(g)-1 Failure to make return or furnish statement required... limitation under § 6a.6652(g)-1(b)(3) with respect to failure to meet the requirements of section 6039C(c), U...

26 CFR 6a.6652(g)-1 - Failure to make return or furnish statement required under section 6039C.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... required under section 6039C. 6a.6652(g)-1 Section 6a.6652(g)-1 Internal Revenue INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE... OMNIBUS RECONCILIATION ACT OF 1980 § 6a.6652(g)-1 Failure to make return or furnish statement required... limitation under § 6a.6652(g)-1(b)(3) with respect to failure to meet the requirements of section 6039C(c), U...

Rhodium-Catalyzed Boron Arylation of 1,2-Azaborines**

PubMed Central

Rudebusch, Gabriel E.; Zakharov, Lev N.; Liu, Shih-Yuan

2013-01-01

A Sn-phony in B! BN isosteres of biphenyl compounds are prepared through Rh-catalyzed cross-coupling between 2-chloro-1,2-azaborines and arylstannanes (see scheme). The synthetic method should enable investigations of structure–activity relationships (SARs) by expanding the chemical space of the pharmaceutically relevant biphenyl structure through BN/CC isosterism. PMID:23832871

Acquisition in a World of Joint Capabilities: Methods for Understanding Cross-Organizational Network Performance

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-04-30

false sense of security (Hall, Ariss , & Todorov, 2007). Yet, despite the absence of consistent sage advice, resource limitations and a demand for...of Sociology, 78(6), 1360–1380. Hall, C.C., Ariss , L., & Todorov A. (2007). The illusion of knowledge: When more information reduces accuracy and

Tandem reactions initiated by copper-catalyzed cross-coupling: a new strategy towards heterocycle synthesis.

PubMed

Liu, Yunyun; Wan, Jie-Ping

2011-10-21

Copper-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions which lead to the formation of C-N, C-O, C-S and C-C bonds have been recognized as one of the most useful strategies in synthetic organic chemistry. During past decades, important breakthroughs in the study of Cu-catalyzed coupling processes demonstrated that Cu-catalyzed reactions are broadly applicable to a variety of research fields related to organic synthesis. Representatively, employing these coupling transformations as key steps, a large number of tandem reactions have been developed for the construction of various heterocyclic compounds. These tactics share the advantages of high atom economics of tandem reactions as well as the broad tolerance of Cu-catalyst systems. Therefore, Cu-catalyzed C-X (X = N, O, S, C) coupling transformation-initiated tandem reactions were quickly recognized as a strategy with great potential for synthesizing heterocyclic compounds and gained worldwide attention. In this review, recent research progress in heterocycle syntheses using tandem reactions initiated by copper-catalyzed coupling transformations, including C-N, C-O, C-S as well as C-C coupling processes are summarized.

75 FR 6677 - Statement of Organization, Functions, and Delegations of Authority

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-02-10

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12 CFR 229.57 - Consumer awareness.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 12 Banks and Banking 3 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Consumer awareness. 229.57 Section 229.57 Banks... AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS AND COLLECTION OF CHECKS (REGULATION CC) Substitute Checks § 229.57 Consumer awareness... (b) of this section, a brief disclosure to each of its consumer customers that describes— (1) That a...

Chemoselective Radical Dehalogenation and C-C Bond Formation on Aryl Halide Substrates Using Organic Photoredox Catalysts.

PubMed

Poelma, Saemi O; Burnett, G Leslie; Discekici, Emre H; Mattson, Kaila M; Treat, Nicolas J; Luo, Yingdong; Hudson, Zachary M; Shankel, Shelby L; Clark, Paul G; Kramer, John W; Hawker, Craig J; Read de Alaniz, Javier

2016-08-19

Despite the number of methods available for dehalogenation and carbon-carbon bond formation using aryl halides, strategies that provide chemoselectivity for systems bearing multiple carbon-halogen bonds are still needed. Herein, we report the ability to tune the reduction potential of metal-free phenothiazine-based photoredox catalysts and demonstrate the application of these catalysts for chemoselective carbon-halogen bond activation to achieve C-C cross-coupling reactions as well as reductive dehalogenations. This procedure works both for conjugated polyhalides as well as unconjugated substrates. We further illustrate the usefulness of this protocol by intramolecular cyclization of a pyrrole substrate, an advanced building block for a family of natural products known to exhibit biological activity.

Connected Curriculum for sharing science with alumni, industry partners and charitable organizations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tong, V.

2015-12-01

The Connected Curriculum (CC) is the institutional framework for research-based education at University College London. Undergraduate and graduate students across the research-intensive university are given the opportunities to produce inquiry-based work to connect with professors, fellow students from different faculties, alumni around the world, as well as industry partners and charitable organizations. Through the development of cross-faculty theme-based online networks, the CC encourages students and academics to share and communicate their science to a broad range of interested audience. In this presentation, I discuss how an institutional research-based education initiative can provide a powerful platform for engaging students and academics in communicating the importance and societal relevance of their scientific work to the wider world.

23. VIEW OF SECTION DRAWINGS. THE SECTION LINES FOR AA ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

23. VIEW OF SECTION DRAWINGS. THE SECTION LINES FOR A-A AND C-C CUT THE BUILDING EAST-WEST; SECTION LINE B-B CUTS THE BUILDING NORTH-SOUTH. THE ORIGINAL DRAWING HAS BEEN ARCHIVED ON MICROFILM. THE DRAWING WAS REPRODUCED AT THE BEST QUALITY POSSIBLE. LETTERS AND NUMBERS IN THE CIRCLES INDICATE FOOTER AND/OR COLUMN LOCATIONS. - Rocky Flats Plant, Non-Nuclear Production Facility, South of Cottonwood Avenue, west of Seventh Avenue & east of Building 460, Golden, Jefferson County, CO

Design Considerations for Lightweight Space Radiators Based on Fabrication and Test Experience with a Carbon-Carbon Composite Prototype Heat Pipe

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Juhasz, Albert J.

1998-01-01

This report discusses the design implications for spacecraft radiators made possible by the successful fabrication and Proof-of-concept testing of a graphite-fiber-carbon-matrix composite (i.e., carbon-carbon (C-C)) heat pipe. The proto-type heat pipe, or space radiator element, consists of a C-C composite shell with integrally woven fins. It has a thin-walled furnace-brazed metallic (Nb-1%Zr) liner with end caps for containment of the potassium working fluid. A short extension of this liner, at increased wall thickness beyond the C-C shell, forms the heat pipe evaporator section which is in thermal contact with the radiator fluid that needs to be cooled. From geometric and thermal transport properties of the C-C composite heat pipe tested, a specific radiator mass of 1.45 kg/m2 can be derived. This is less than one-fourth the specific mass of present day satellite radiators. The report also discusses the advantage of segmented space radiator designs utilizing heat pipe elements, or segments, in their survivability to micro-meteoroid damage. This survivability is further raised by the use of condenser sections with attached fins, which also improve the radiation heat transfer rate. Since the problem of heat radiation from a fin does not lend itself to a closed analytical solution, a derivation of the governing differential equation and boundary conditions is given in appendix A, along with solutions for rectangular and parabolic fin profile geometries obtained by use of a finite difference computer code written by the author.

Design Considerations for Lightweight Space Radiators Based on Fabrication and Test Experience With a Carbon-Carbon Composite Prototype Heat Pipe. Revised

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Juhasz, Albert J.

2002-01-01

This report discusses the design implications for spacecraft radiators made possible by the successful fabrication and proof-of-concept testing of a graphite-fiber-carbon-matrix composite (i.e., carbon-carbon (C-C)) heat pipe. The prototype heat pipe, or space radiator element, consists of a C-C composite shell with integrally woven fins. It has a thin-walled furnace-brazed metallic (Nb-1%Zr) liner with end caps for containment of the potassium working fluid. A short extension of this liner, at increased wall thickness beyond the C-C shell, forms the heat pipe evaporator section which is in thermal contact with the radiator fluid that needs to be cooled. From geometric and thermal transport properties of the C-C composite heat pipe tested, a specific radiator mass of 1.45 kg/sq m can be derived. This is less than one-fourth the specific mass of present day satellite radiators. The report also discusses the advantage of segmented space radiator designs utilizing heat pipe elements, or segments, in their survivability to micrometeoroid damage. This survivability is further raised by the use of condenser sections with attached fins, which also improve the radiation heat transfer rate. Since the problem of heat radiation from a fin does not lend itself to a closed analytical solution, a derivation of the governing differential equation and boundary conditions is given in appendix A, along with solutions for rectangular and parabolic fin profile geometries obtained by use of a finite difference computer code written by the author.

The Climaware project: Impacts of climate change on water resources management - regional strategies and European view

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thirel, Guillaume; D'Agostino, Daniela; Démerliac, Stéphane; Dorchies, David; Flörke, Martina; Jay-Allemand, Maxime; Jost, Claudine; Kehr, Katrin; Perrin, Charles; Scardigno, Alessandra; Schneider, Christof; Theobald, Stephan; Träbing, Klaus

2014-05-01

Climate projections produced with CMIP5 and applied by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in its fifth assessment report indicate that changes in precipitation and temperature are expected to occur throughout Europe in the 21th century, with a likely decrease of water availability in many regions. Besides, water demand is also expected to increase, in link with these expected climate modifications, but also due to socio-economic and demographic changes. In this respect, the use of future freshwater resources may not be sustainable from the current water management perspective. Therefore adaptation strategies will most likely be needed to cope with these evolutions. In this context, the main objective of the ClimAware project (2010-2013 - www.uni-kassel.de/fb14/wasserbau/CLIMAWARE/, a project implemented within the IWRM-NET Funding Initiative) was to analyse the impacts of climate change (CC) on freshwater resources at the continental and regional scales and to identify efficient adaptation strategies to improve water management for various socio-economic sectors. This should contribute to a more effective implementation of the Water Framework Directive (WFD) and its instruments (river basin management plans, programmes of measures). The project developed integrated measures for improved freshwater management under CC constraints. More specifically, the objectives of the ClimAware project were to: • elaborate quantitative projections of changes in river flows and consequences such as flood frequency, drought occurrence and sectorial water uses. • analyse the effect of CC on the hydromorphological reference conditions of rivers and therefore the definition of "good status". • define management rules/strategies concerning dam management and irrigation practices on different time perspectives. • investigate uncertainties in climate model - scenario combinations. The research approach considered both European and regional perspectives, to get an integrated analysis across different spatial scales. To fulfil the objectives of the ClimAware project, the following modelling methodology was implemented. Starting from a European modelling approach of water availability and use based on the WaterGAP3 model, the changes in the hydrologic regimes and water use of different sectors were analysed. Subsequently three case studies were used to investigate the impacts of CC at a regional scale. Regional models from three different countries and focusing on three types of water management issues were developed: • Hydromorphology (Eder basin, Germany): By using different scenarios, the influence of CC on the hydromorphological characteristics of the River Weser according to the WFD was evaluated and proposals for implementation were given. The objective was to examine, on typical river sections, how the WFD objectives can be implemented under CC constraints. • Dam management (Seine basin, France): Water management on the River Seine for water supply and flood alleviation is partly based on the management of artificial reservoirs. The case study developed scenarios linking the impact of CC on water resources and the expected change on the uses and on the management of the system. • Agricultural water use (Apulia region, Italy): In this region, economic and demographic changes cause an increase in the demand for good-quality municipal and industrial water. Besides, changes in the agricultural practices increase the demand for water in the agricultural sector. Since water is scarce in this region, the study focuses on the agricultural sector, which has the largest water saving potential. The final assessment comprises a cross-scale integration between the European and regional modelling frameworks in order to facilitate knowledge transfer and to help establishing sustainable and integrated water resources management plans.

Diffusion tensor imaging study of pediatric patients with congenital hydrocephalus: 1-year postsurgical outcomes.

PubMed

Mangano, Francesco T; Altaye, Mekibib; McKinstry, Robert C; Shimony, Joshua S; Powell, Stephanie K; Phillips, Jannel M; Barnard, Holly; Limbrick, David D; Holland, Scott K; Jones, Blaise V; Dodd, Jonathan; Simpson, Sarah; Mercer, Deanna; Rajagopal, Akila; Bidwell, Sarah; Yuan, Weihong

2016-09-01

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to investigate white matter (WM) structural abnormalities using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in children with hydrocephalus before CSF diversionary surgery (including ventriculoperitoneal shunt insertion and endoscopic third ventriculostomy) and during the course of recovery after surgery in association with neuropsychological and behavioral outcome. METHODS This prospective study included 54 pediatric patients with congenital hydrocephalus (21 female, 33 male; age range 0.03-194.5 months) who underwent surgery and 64 normal controls (30 female, 34 male; age range 0.30-197.75 months). DTI and neurodevelopmental outcome data were collected once in the control group and 3 times (preoperatively and at 3 and 12 months postoperatively) in the patients with hydrocephalus. DTI measures, including fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), axial diffusivity (AD), and radial diffusivity (RD) values were extracted from the genu of the corpus callosum (gCC) and the posterior limb of internal capsule (PLIC). Group analysis was performed first cross-sectionally to quantify DTI abnormalities at 3 time points by comparing the data obtained in the hydrocephalus group for each of the 3 time points to data obtained in the controls. Longitudinal comparisons were conducted pairwise between different time points in patients whose data were acquired at multiple time points. Neurodevelopmental data were collected and analyzed using the Adaptive Behavior Assessment System, Second Edition, and the Bayley Scales of Infant Development, Third Edition. Correlation analyses were performed between DTI and behavioral measures. RESULTS Significant DTI abnormalities were found in the hydrocephalus patients in both the gCC (lower FA and higher MD, AD, and RD) and the PLIC (higher FA, lower AD and RD) before surgery. The DTI measures in the gCC remained mostly abnormal at 3 and 12 months after surgery. The DTI abnormalities in the PLIC were significant in FA and AD at 3 months after surgery but did not persist when tested at 12 months after surgery. Significant longitudinal DTI changes in the patients with hydrocephalus were found in the gCC when findings at 3 and 12 months after surgery were compared. In the PLIC, trend-level longitudinal changes were observed between preoperative findings and 3-month postoperative findings, as well as between 3- and 12-month postoperative findings. Significant correlation between DTI and developmental outcome was found at all 3 time points. Notably, a significant correlation was found between DTI in the PLIC at 3 months after surgery and developmental outcome at 12 months after surgery. CONCLUSIONS The data showed significant WM abnormality based on DTI in both the gCC and the PLIC in patients with congenital hydrocephalus before surgery, and the abnormalities persisted in both the gCC and the PLIC at 3 months after surgery. The DTI values remained significantly abnormal in the gCC at 12 months after surgery. Longitudinal analysis showed signs of recovery in both WM structures between different time points. Combined with the significant correlation found between DTI and neuropsychological measures, the findings of this study suggest that DTI can serve as a sensitive imaging biomarker for underlying neuroanatomical changes and postsurgical developmental outcome and even as a predictor for future outcomes.

Automated circumferential construction of first-order aqueous humor outflow pathways using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography.

PubMed

Huang, Alex S; Belghith, Akram; Dastiridou, Anna; Chopra, Vikas; Zangwill, Linda M; Weinreb, Robert N

2017-06-01

The purpose was to create a three-dimensional (3-D) model of circumferential aqueous humor outflow (AHO) in a living human eye with an automated detection algorithm for Schlemm’s canal (SC) and first-order collector channels (CC) applied to spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). Anterior segment SD-OCT scans from a subject were acquired circumferentially around the limbus. A Bayesian Ridge method was used to approximate the location of the SC on infrared confocal laser scanning ophthalmoscopic images with a cross multiplication tool developed to initiate SC/CC detection automated through a fuzzy hidden Markov Chain approach. Automatic segmentation of SC and initial CC’s was manually confirmed by two masked graders. Outflow pathways detected by the segmentation algorithm were reconstructed into a 3-D representation of AHO. Overall, only <1% of images (5114 total B-scans) were ungradable. Automatic segmentation algorithm performed well with SC detection 98.3% of the time and <0.1% false positive detection compared to expert grader consensus. CC was detected 84.2% of the time with 1.4% false positive detection. 3-D representation of AHO pathways demonstrated variably thicker and thinner SC with some clear CC roots. Circumferential (360 deg), automated, and validated AHO detection of angle structures in the living human eye with reconstruction was possible.

CXC chemokine ligand 4 (CXCL4) down-regulates CC chemokine receptor expression on human monocytes.

PubMed

Schwartzkopff, Franziska; Petersen, Frank; Grimm, Tobias Alexander; Brandt, Ernst

2012-02-01

During acute inflammation, monocytes are essential in abolishing invading micro-organisms and encouraging wound healing. Recruitment by CC chemokines is an important step in targeting monocytes to the inflamed tissue. However, cell surface expression of the corresponding chemokine receptors is subject to regulation by various endogenous stimuli which so far have not been comprehensively identified. We report that the platelet-derived CXC chemokine ligand 4 (CXCL4), a known activator of human monocytes, induces down-regulation of CC chemokine receptors (CCR) 1, -2, and -5, resulting in drastic impairment of monocyte chemotactic migration towards cognate CC chemokine ligands (CCL) for these receptors. Interestingly, CXCL4-mediated down-regulation of CCR1, CCR2 and CCR5 was strongly dependent on the chemokine's ability to stimulate autocrine/paracrine release of TNF-α. In turn, TNF-α induced the secretion CCL3 and CCL4, two chemokines selective for CCR1 and CCR5, while the secretion of CCR2-ligand CCL2 was TNF-α-independent. Culture supernatants of CXCL4-stimulated monocytes as well as chemokine-enriched preparations thereof reproduced CXCL4-induced CCR down-regulation. In conclusion, CXCL4 may act as a selective regulator of monocyte migration by stimulating the release of autocrine, receptor-desensitizing chemokine ligands. Our results stress a co-ordinating role for CXCL4 in the cross-talk between platelets and monocytes during early inflammation.

Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Greek version of the Family Questionnaire for assessing expressed emotion.

PubMed

Koutra, Katerina; Economou, Marina; Triliva, Sofia; Roumeliotaki, Theano; Lionis, Christos; Vgontzas, Alexandros N

2014-05-01

Expressed emotion (EE) has proved to be an established factor in short-term relapse in schizophrenia. The aim of the present study was to examine the psychometric properties of the Greek version of the Family Questionnaire (FQ), a brief self-report questionnaire measuring the EE status of relatives of patients with schizophrenia in terms of criticism (CC) and emotional overinvolvement (EOI). The translated and adapted 20-item FQ was administered to 176 family caregivers of patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Caregivers' burden (Family Burden Scale) and psychological distress (General Health Questionnaire-28) were also evaluated. The findings indicated that the Greek version displays a two-factor structure with two subscales of EE-CC and EOI-with 10 items each, similarly to the original version. The convergent validity of the subscales was highly supported by correlations with caregivers' burden and psychological distress. The Cronbach's α coefficient measuring internal consistency for the two scales were 0.90 for CC and 0.82 for EOI. The test-retest correlation coefficients measuring reproducibility were 0.99 and 0.98 for CC and EOI, respectively. The Greek version of the FQ appears to be a valid and reliable instrument to be used in both research and clinical assessment of family EE. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

26 CFR 1.23-5 - Certification procedures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... definition of an energy-conserving component or renewable energy source property. Upon the request of a...)(1)). (2) The item meets the definition of an other energy-conserving component specified in section 23(c)(4) or former section 44C(c)(4) see (§ 1.23-2(d)(4)). (3) The item meets the definition of solar...

26 CFR 1.23-5 - Certification procedures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... definition of an energy-conserving component or renewable energy source property. Upon the request of a...)(1)). (2) The item meets the definition of an other energy-conserving component specified in section 23(c)(4) or former section 44C(c)(4) see (§ 1.23-2(d)(4)). (3) The item meets the definition of solar...

26 CFR 1.23-5 - Certification procedures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... definition of an energy-conserving component or renewable energy source property. Upon the request of a...)(1)). (2) The item meets the definition of an other energy-conserving component specified in section 23(c)(4) or former section 44C(c)(4) see (§ 1.23-2(d)(4)). (3) The item meets the definition of solar...

Finned Carbon-Carbon Heat Pipe with Potassium Working Fluid

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Juhasz, Albert J.

2010-01-01

This elemental space radiator heat pipe is designed to operate in the 700 to 875 K temperature range. It consists of a C-C (carbon-carbon) shell made from poly-acrylonitride fibers that are woven in an angle interlock pattern and densified with pitch at high process temperature with integrally woven fins. The fins are 2.5 cm long and 1 mm thick, and provide an extended radiating surface at the colder condenser section of the heat pipe. The weave pattern features a continuous fiber bath from the inner tube surface to the outside edges of the fins to maximize the thermal conductance, and to thus minimize the temperature drop at the condenser end. The heat pipe and radiator element together are less than one-third the mass of conventional heat pipes of the same heat rejection surface area. To prevent the molten potassium working fluid from eroding the C C heat pipe wall, the shell is lined with a thin-walled, metallic tube liner (Nb-1 wt.% Zr), which is an integral part of a hermetic metal subassembly which is furnace-brazed to the inner surface of the C-C tube. The hermetic metal liner subassembly includes end caps and fill tubes fabricated from the same Nb-1Zr alloy. A combination of laser and electron beam methods is used to weld the end caps and fill tubes. A tungsten/inert gas weld seals the fill tubes after cleaning and charging the heat pipes with potassium. The external section of this liner, which was formed by a "Uniscan" rolling process, transitions to a larger wall thickness. This section, which protrudes beyond the C-C shell, constitutes the "evaporator" part of the heat pipe, while the section inside the shell constitutes the condenser of the heat pipe (see figure).

Mapping urban green open space in Bontang city using QGIS and cloud computing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Agus, F.; Ramadiani; Silalahi, W.; Armanda, A.; Kusnandar

2018-04-01

Digital mapping techniques are available freely and openly so that map-based application development is easier, faster and cheaper. A rapid development of Cloud Computing Geographic Information System makes this system can help the needs of the community for the provision of geospatial information online. The presence of urban Green Open Space (GOS) provide great benefits as an oxygen supplier, carbon-binding agent and can contribute to providing comfort and beauty of city life. This study aims to propose a platform application of GIS Cloud Computing (CC) of Bontang City GOS mapping. The GIS-CC platform uses the basic map available that’s free and open source. The research used survey method to collect GOS data obtained from Bontang City Government, while application developing works Quantum GIS-CC. The result section describes the existence of GOS Bontang City and the design of GOS mapping application.

Association between psychosocial characteristics of work and presenteeism: A cross-sectional study.

PubMed

Janssens, Heidi; Clays, Els; de Clercq, Bart; de Bacquer, Dirk; Casini, Annalisa; Kittel, France; Braeckman, Lutgart

2016-01-01

This study aimed at investigating cross-sectional relationships between psychosocial characteristics of work and presenteeism in a sample of Belgian middle-aged workers. Data were collected from 1372 male and 1611 female workers in the Belstress III study. Psychosocial characteristics assessed by the use of self-administered questionnaires were: job demands, job control, social support, efforts, rewards, bullying, home-to-work conflict and work-to-home conflict. Presenteeism was measured using a single item question, and it was defined as going to work despite illness at least 2 times in the preceding year. Logistic regression models were used to investigate the relationship between psychosocial characteristics and presenteeism, while adjusting for several socio-demographic, health-related variables and neuroticism. An additional analysis in a subgroup of workers with good self-rated health and low neuroticism was conducted. The prevalence of presenteeism was 50.6%. Overall results, adjusted for major confounders, revealed that high job demands, high efforts, low support and low rewards were associated with presenteeism. Furthermore, a significant association could be observed for both bullying and work-to-home conflict in relation to presenteeism. The subgroup analysis on a selection of workers with good self-rated health and low neuroticism generally confirmed these results. Both job content related factors as well as work contextual psychosocial factors were significantly related to presenteeism. These results suggest that presenteeism is not purely driven by the health status of a worker, but that psychosocial work characteristics also play a role. This work is available in Open Access model and licensed under a CC BY-NC 3.0 PL license.

Low-k SiOCH Film Etching Process and Its Diagnostics Employing Ar/C5F10O/N2 Plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nagai, Mikio; Hayashi, Takayuki; Hori, Masaru; Okamoto, Hidekazu

2006-09-01

We proposed an environmental harmonic etching gas of C5F10O (CF3CF2CF2OCFCF2), and demonstrated the etching of low-k SiOCH films employing a dual-frequency capacitively coupled etching system. Dissociative ionization cross sections for the electron impact ionizations of C5F10O and c-C4F8 gases have been measured by quadrupole mass spectroscopy (QMS). The dissociative ionization cross section of CF3+ from C5F10O gas was much higher than those of other ionic species, and 10 times higher than that of CF3+ from C4F8 gas. CF3+ is effective for increasing the etching rate of SiO2. As a result, the etching rate of SiOCH films using Ar/C5F10O/N2 plasma was about 1000 nm/min, which is much higher than that using Ar/C4F8/N2 plasma. The behaviours of fluorocarbon radicals in Ar/C5F10O/N2 plasma, which were measured by infrared diode laser absorption spectroscopy, were similar to those in Ar/C4F8/N2 plasma. The densities of CF and CF3 radicals were markedly decreased with increasing N2 flow rate. Etching rate was controlled by N2 flow rate. A vertical profile of SiOCH with a high etching rate and less microloading was realized using Ar/C5F10O/N2 plasma chemistry.

Pressure equilibration in the penguin middle ear.

PubMed

Sadé, Jacob; Handrich, Yves; Bernheim, Joelle; Cohen, David

2008-01-01

King penguins have a venous structure in the form of a corpus cavernosum (CC) in their middle ear (ME) submucosa. The CC may be viewed as a special organelle that can change ME volume for pressure equilibration during deep-sea diving it is a pressure regulating organelle (PRO). A similar CC and muscles also surround the external ear (EE) and may constrict it, isolating the tympanic membrane from the outside. A CC was previously found also in the ME of marine diving mammals and can be expected to exist in other deep diving animals, such as marine turtles. Marine animals require equalization of middle ear (ME) pressure when diving hundreds or thousands of meters to catch prey. We investigated what mechanism enables king penguins to protect their ME when they dive to great depths. Biopsies and serial sections of the ME and the EE of the deep diving king penguin (Aptenodytes patagonicus) were examined microscopically. It was demonstrated that the penguin ME has an extensive network of small and large submucosal venous sinuses. This venous formation, a corpus cavernosum, can expand and potentially 'flood' the ME almost completely on diving, thus elevating ME pressure and reducing the ME space. The EE has a similar protective mechanism.

Unsteady flow model for circulation-control airfoils

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rao, B. M.

1979-01-01

An analysis and a numerical lifting surface method are developed for predicting the unsteady airloads on two-dimensional circulation control airfoils in incompressible flow. The analysis and the computer program are validated by correlating the computed unsteady airloads with test data and also with other theoretical solutions. Additionally, a mathematical model for predicting the bending-torsion flutter of a two-dimensional airfoil (a reference section of a wing or rotor blade) and a computer program using an iterative scheme are developed. The flutter program has a provision for using the CC airfoil airloads program or the Theodorsen hard flap solution to compute the unsteady lift and moment used in the flutter equations. The adopted mathematical model and the iterative scheme are used to perform a flutter analysis of a typical CC rotor blade reference section. The program seems to work well within the basic assumption of the incompressible flow.

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

Ren, X. G.; Ning, C. G.; Zhang, S. F.

The measurements of electron density distributions and binding-energy spectrum of the complete valence shell of cyclopentene (C{sub 5}H{sub 8}) using a binary (e,2e) electron momentum spectrometer are reported. The experimental momentum profiles of the valence orbitals are compared with the theoretical distributions calculated using Hartree-Fock and density-functional-theory (DFT) methods with various basis sets. The agreement between theory and experiment for the shape and intensity of the orbital electron momentum distributions is generally good. The DFT calculations employing B3LYP hybrid functional with a saturated and diffuse AUG-CC-PVTZ basis set provide the better descriptions of the experimental data. Some ''turn up'' effectsmore » in the low momentum region of the measured (e,2e) cross section compared with the calculations of 3a{sup ''}, 2a{sup ''}, and 3a{sup '} orbitals could be mainly attributed to distorted-wave effects. The pole strengths of the main ionization peaks from the orbitals in the inner valence are estimated.« less

Modeling the impact of the difference in cross-protection data between a human papillomavirus (HPV)-16/18 AS04-adjuvanted vaccine and a human papillomavirus (HPV)-6/11/16/18 vaccine in Canada.

PubMed

Kohli, Michele; Lawrence, Donna; Haig, Jennifer; Anonychuk, Andrea; Demarteau, Nadia

2012-10-13

In Canada, two vaccines that have demonstrated high efficacy against infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) types -16 and -18 are available. The HPV-6/11/16/18 vaccine provides protection against genital warts (GW) while the HPV-16/18 vaccine may provide better protection against other oncogenic HPV types. In this analysis, the estimated clinical and economic benefit of each of these vaccines was compared in the Canadian setting. A Markov model of the natural history of HPV infection among women, cervical cancer (CC) and GW was used to estimate the impact of vaccinating a cohort of 100,000 12-year-old females on lifetime outcomes and healthcare system costs (no indirect benefit in males included). A budget impact model was used to estimate the impact of each vaccine by province. In the base case, vaccination with the HPV-16/18 vaccine was predicted to prevent 48 additional CC cases, and 16 additional CC deaths, while vaccination with the HPV-6/11/16/18 vaccine was predicted to prevent 6,933 additional GW cases. Vaccination with the HPV-16/18 vaccine was estimated to save 1 additional discounted quality adjusted life year (QALY) at an overall lower lifetime cost to the healthcare system compared to the HPV-6/11/16/18 vaccine (assuming vaccine price parity). In sensitivity analyses, the HPV-6/11/16/18 vaccine was associated with greater QALYs saved when the cross-protection efficacy of the HPV-16/18 vaccine was reduced, or the burden of GW due to HPV-6/11 was increased. In most scenarios with price parity, the lifetime healthcare cost of the strategy with the HPV-16/18 vaccine was predicted to be lower than the HPV-6/11/16/18 vaccine. In the probabilistic sensitivity analyses, the HPV-16/18 vaccine provided more QALY benefit than the HPV-6/11/16/18 vaccine in 49.2% of scenarios, with lower relative lifetime costs in 83.5% of scenarios. Overall, the predicted lifetime healthcare costs and QALYs saved by implementing each of the vaccines are similar. Vaccination with the HPV-16/18 vaccine is expected to be associated with reduced CC disease morbidity and mortality compared to vaccination with the HPV-6/11/16/18 vaccine. Differences in these outcomes depend on the extent of cervical disease prevented by cross-protection and the burden of GW caused by HPV-6/11.

Modeling the impact of the difference in cross-protection data between a human papillomavirus (HPV)-16/18 AS04-adjuvanted vaccine and a human papillomavirus (HPV)-6/11/16/18 vaccine in Canada

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background In Canada, two vaccines that have demonstrated high efficacy against infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) types −16 and −18 are available. The HPV-6/11/16/18 vaccine provides protection against genital warts (GW) while the HPV-16/18 vaccine may provide better protection against other oncogenic HPV types. In this analysis, the estimated clinical and economic benefit of each of these vaccines was compared in the Canadian setting. Methods A Markov model of the natural history of HPV infection among women, cervical cancer (CC) and GW was used to estimate the impact of vaccinating a cohort of 100,000 12-year-old females on lifetime outcomes and healthcare system costs (no indirect benefit in males included). A budget impact model was used to estimate the impact of each vaccine by province. Results In the base case, vaccination with the HPV-16/18 vaccine was predicted to prevent 48 additional CC cases, and 16 additional CC deaths, while vaccination with the HPV-6/11/16/18 vaccine was predicted to prevent 6,933 additional GW cases. Vaccination with the HPV-16/18 vaccine was estimated to save 1 additional discounted quality adjusted life year (QALY) at an overall lower lifetime cost to the healthcare system compared to the HPV-6/11/16/18 vaccine (assuming vaccine price parity). In sensitivity analyses, the HPV-6/11/16/18 vaccine was associated with greater QALYs saved when the cross-protection efficacy of the HPV-16/18 vaccine was reduced, or the burden of GW due to HPV-6/11 was increased. In most scenarios with price parity, the lifetime healthcare cost of the strategy with the HPV-16/18 vaccine was predicted to be lower than the HPV-6/11/16/18 vaccine. In the probabilistic sensitivity analyses, the HPV-16/18 vaccine provided more QALY benefit than the HPV-6/11/16/18 vaccine in 49.2% of scenarios, with lower relative lifetime costs in 83.5% of scenarios. Conclusions Overall, the predicted lifetime healthcare costs and QALYs saved by implementing each of the vaccines are similar. Vaccination with the HPV-16/18 vaccine is expected to be associated with reduced CC disease morbidity and mortality compared to vaccination with the HPV-6/11/16/18 vaccine. Differences in these outcomes depend on the extent of cervical disease prevented by cross-protection and the burden of GW caused by HPV-6/11. PMID:23061913

Mixed donor chimerism in non-malignant haematological diseases after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation.

PubMed

Shamshad, Ghassan Umair; Ahmed, Suhaib; Bhatti, Farhat Abbas; Ali, Nadir

2012-12-01

To determine the frequency of mixed donor chimerism in patients of non-malignant haematological diseases after allogeneic bone marrow transplant. A cross-sectional, observational study. Department of Haematology, Armed Forces Institute of Pathology (AFIP), Rawalpindi, from July 2010 to June 2011. Donor chimerism was assessed in patients of aplastic anaemia and beta-thalassaemia major who underwent allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT). Peripheral blood samples were used to assess chimerism status by analysis of short tandem repeats (STR). In patients where pre-transplant blood sample was not available, swab of buccal mucosa was used for pre-transplant STR profile. A standard set of primers for STR markers were used and the amplified DNA was resolved by gel electrophoresis and stained with silver nitrate. The percentage of donor origin DNA was estimated by densitometer. Out of 84 patients, 52 (62%) were males, while 32 (38%) were females. In patients of beta-thalassaemia major, 31 (62%) developed mixed donor chimerism (MC), 13 (26%) developed complete donor chimerism (CC) and 6 (12%) had graft failure. In aplastic anaemia, 17 patients (50%) achieved MC, 13 (38.2%) had CC and 4 (11.8%) developed graft failure. The combined frequency of mixed donor chimerism for both the diseases was 58.3%. D3S1358 was the most informative STR marker in these patients. Majority of the studied patients developed mixed donor chimerism following bone marrow transplantation, whereas only a minor percentage of the patients had graft failure. Analysis of D3S1358 was the most informative in assessing donor chimerism in patients who underwent BMT.

Grading Severity of Productive Cough Based on Symptoms and Airflow Obstruction.

PubMed

Vazquez Guillamet, Rodrigo; Petersen, Hans; Meek, Paula; Sood, Akshay; Tesfaigzi, Yohannes

2018-04-26

The binary approach to the diagnosis of Chronic Bronchitis (CB) is a major barrier to the study of the disease. We investigated whether severity of productive cough can be graded using symptoms and presence of fixed airflow obstruction (FAO), and whether the severity correlates with health status, exposures injurious to the lung, biomarkers of inflammation, and measures of airway wall thickening. Findings from a cross-sectional sample of 1,422 participants from the Lovelace Smokers Cohort (LSC) were validated in 4,488 participants from the COPDGene cohort (COPDGene). Health status was based on the St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire, and Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form Health Survey. Circulating CC16 levels were quantified by ELISA (LSC), and airway wall thickening was measured using computed tomography (COPDGene). FAO was defined as postbronchodilator FEV 1 /FVC <0.7. The presence and duration of productive cough and presence of FAO or wheeze were graded into Healthy Smokers, Productive Cough (PC), Chronic PC, PC with Signs of Airflow Obstruction, and Chronic PC with Signs of Airflow Obstruction. In both cohorts, higher grade of severity correlated with lower health status, greater frequency of injurious exposures, greater airway wall thickening, and lower circulating CC16 levels. Further, longitudinal follow-up suggested that disease resolution can occur at every grade of severity but is more common in groups of lower severity and least common once airway remodeling develops. Therefore, severity of productive cough can be graded based on symptoms and FAO and early intervention may benefit patients by changing the natural history of disease.

Effect of 5-HT2A Receptor Polymorphisms, Work Stressors, and Social Support on Job Strain among Petroleum Workers in Xinjiang, China.

PubMed

Jiang, Yu; Tang, Jinhua; Li, Rong; Zhao, Junling; Song, Zhixin; Ge, Hua; Lian, Yulong; Liu, Jiwen

2016-12-19

Previous studies have shown that work stressors and social support influence job strain. However, few studies have examined the impact of individual differences on job strain. In Xinjiang, there are a large number of petroleum workers in arid deserts. The present study investigated the effects of work stressors, social support, and 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor (5-HTR2A) genotype on the etiology of job strain among petroleum workers in Xinjiang. A cross-sectional study was carried out between January and August 2013. A total of 700 workers were selected by a three-stage stratified sampling method. 5-HTR2A genotypes were determined with the SNaPshot single nucleotide polymorphism assay. Work stressors and job strain were evaluated with the Occupational Stress Inventory-Revised questionnaire. Social support was assessed with the Chinese Social Support Rating Scale. Work overload and responsibility were significantly associated with job strain. Low social support was associated with severe vocational and interpersonal strain. High social support was a protective factor against job strain (odds ratio (OR) = 0.32, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.14-0.76). The CC genotype of rs6313 and the AA genotype of rs2070040 were linked to severe vocational strain. Ordinal logistic regression analysis revealed that the CC genotype of rs6313 was linked to higher risk of job strain than the TT genotype (OR = 1.88, 95% CI: 1.10-3.23). These data provide evidence that work stressors, low social support, and 5-HTR2A gene polymorphism contributes to the risk of job strain.

CCL2 Serum Levels and Adiposity Are Associated with the Polymorphic Phenotypes -2518A on CCL2 and 64ILE on CCR2 in a Mexican Population with Insulin Resistance.

PubMed

Guzmán-Ornelas, Milton-Omar; Petri, Marcelo Heron; Vázquez-Del Mercado, Mónica; Chavarría-Ávila, Efraín; Corona-Meraz, Fernanda-Isadora; Ruíz-Quezada, Sandra-Luz; Madrigal-Ruíz, Perla-Monserrat; Castro-Albarrán, Jorge; Sandoval-García, Flavio; Navarro-Hernández, Rosa-Elena

2016-01-01

Genetic susceptibility has been described in insulin resistance (IR). Chemokine (C-C motif) ligand-2 (CCL2) is overexpressed in white adipose tissue and is the ligand of C-C motif receptor-2 (CCR2). The CCL2 G-2518A polymorphism is known to regulate gene expression, whereas the physiological effects of the CCR2Val64Ile polymorphism are unknown. The aim of the study is to investigate the relationship between these polymorphisms with soluble CCL2 levels (sCCL2), metabolic markers, and adiposity. In a cross-sectional study we included 380 Mexican-Mestizo individuals, classified with IR according to Stern criteria. Polymorphism was identified using PCR-RFLP/sequence-specific primers. Anthropometrics and metabolic markers were measured by routine methods and adipokines and sCCL2 by ELISA. The CCL2 polymorphism was associated with IR (polymorphic A+ phenotype frequencies were 70.9%, 82.6%, in individuals with and without IR, resp.). Phenotype carriers CCL2 (A+) displayed lower body mass and fat indexes, insulin and HOMA-IR, and higher adiponectin levels. Individuals with IR presented higher sCCL2 compared to individuals without IR and was associated with CCR2 (Ile+) phenotype. The double-polymorphic phenotype carriers (A+/Ile+) exhibited higher sCCL2 than double-wild-type phenotype carriers (A-/Ile-). The present findings suggest that sCCL2 production possibly will be associated with the adiposity and polymorphic phenotypes of CCL2 and CCR2, in Mexican-Mestizos with IR.

Unsupportive social interactions and affective states: examining associations of two oxytocin-related polymorphisms.

PubMed

McInnis, Opal A; McQuaid, Robyn J; Matheson, Kimberly; Anisman, Hymie

2017-01-01

Two single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on oxytocin-related genes, specifically the oxytocin receptor (OXTR) rs53576 and the CD38 rs3796863 variants, have been associated with alterations in prosocial behaviors. A cross-sectional study was conducted among undergraduate students (N = 476) to examine associations between the OXTR and CD38 polymorphisms and unsupportive social interactions and mood states. Results revealed no association between perceived levels of unsupportive social interactions and the OXTR polymorphism. However, A carriers of the CD38 polymorphism, a variant previously associated with elevated oxytocin, reported greater perceived peer unsupportive interactions compared to CC carriers. As expected, perceived unsupportive interactions from peers was associated with greater negative affect, which was moderated by the CD38 polymorphism. Specifically, this relation was stronger among CC carriers of the CD38 polymorphism (a variant thought to be linked to lower oxytocin). When examining whether the OXTR polymorphism moderated the relation between unsupportive social interactions from peers and negative affect there was a trend toward significance, however, this did not withstand multiple testing corrections. These findings are consistent with the perspective that a variant on an oxytocin polymorphism that may be tied to lower oxytocin is related to poor mood outcomes in association with negative social interactions. At the same time, having a genetic constitution presumed to be associated with higher oxytocin was related to increased perceptions of unsupportive social interactions. These seemingly paradoxical findings could be related to previous reports in which variants associated with prosocial behaviors were also tied to relatively more effective coping styles to deal with challenges.

Comparison of a 3-D multi-group SN particle transport code with Monte Carlo for intracavitary brachytherapy of the cervix uteri.

PubMed

Gifford, Kent A; Wareing, Todd A; Failla, Gregory; Horton, John L; Eifel, Patricia J; Mourtada, Firas

2009-12-03

A patient dose distribution was calculated by a 3D multi-group S N particle transport code for intracavitary brachytherapy of the cervix uteri and compared to previously published Monte Carlo results. A Cs-137 LDR intracavitary brachytherapy CT data set was chosen from our clinical database. MCNPX version 2.5.c, was used to calculate the dose distribution. A 3D multi-group S N particle transport code, Attila version 6.1.1 was used to simulate the same patient. Each patient applicator was built in SolidWorks, a mechanical design package, and then assembled with a coordinate transformation and rotation for the patient. The SolidWorks exported applicator geometry was imported into Attila for calculation. Dose matrices were overlaid on the patient CT data set. Dose volume histograms and point doses were compared. The MCNPX calculation required 14.8 hours, whereas the Attila calculation required 22.2 minutes on a 1.8 GHz AMD Opteron CPU. Agreement between Attila and MCNPX dose calculations at the ICRU 38 points was within +/- 3%. Calculated doses to the 2 cc and 5 cc volumes of highest dose differed by not more than +/- 1.1% between the two codes. Dose and DVH overlays agreed well qualitatively. Attila can calculate dose accurately and efficiently for this Cs-137 CT-based patient geometry. Our data showed that a three-group cross-section set is adequate for Cs-137 computations. Future work is aimed at implementing an optimized version of Attila for radiotherapy calculations.

Soviet fertility, labor-force participation, and marital stability.

PubMed

Kuniansky, A

1983-06-01

A simultaneous-equations model of Soviet fertility and labor-force participation is estimated from a cross section of 72 oblast's of the Russian Republic (RSFSR) reported in the 1970 census. The construction of the model is based on the neoclassical theory of household behavior. Simulated changes capture effects of policy changes in the exogenous variables on Soviet fertility and the female labor supply. The exogenous variables investigated are child care facilities (CC), urbanization ratio (URB), male education (MALED), and female education (FEMED). It was found that an increase in FEMED affects labor force participation (LFP) directly and indirectly through impact on birth rate (BR). Increase in CC raise both LFP and BR; increases in FEMED causes womens withdrawal from the labor force and one would expect this to raise BR; however, FEMED raises the opportunity costs of fertility sufficiently to neutralize this effect. Increasing urbanization does not affect participation in a significant way, but it does retard fertility. This effect works through LFP's impact on BR and the indirect effect working through marital stability. A final set of simulations captured the impact of upward shocks of LFP, BR, and the ratio of divorces to marriages (DIV/MAR) on the endogenous variables. Such changes could occur through changes in abortion laws, tightening of divorce laws, or changes in labor legislation. Participation is reduced by the fertility shock, just as fertility is retarded by the LPF and marital stability shocks. Evidence of a backward-bending labor-supply curve was also found. The model is illustrated by tables and charts.

Vascular Assessment for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: Intravascular Ultrasound Compared With Computed Tomography.

PubMed

Essa, Essa; Makki, Nader; Bittenbender, Peter; Capers, Quinn; George, Barry; Rushing, Gregory; Crestanello, Juan; Boudoulas, Konstantinos Dean; Lilly, Scott M

2016-12-01

Assessment of the femoral and iliac arteries is essential prior to transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). It is critical for establishing candidacy for a femoral approach, and can help predict vascular complications. Although computed tomography angiography (CTA) is the standard imaging modality, it has limitations. This study compared CTA with intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) in patients undergoing TAVR evaluation. Fifteen patients undergoing pre-TAVR coronary angiography and hemodynamic assessment were recruited. Following coronary angiography, patients underwent distal aortography, bilateral iliac and femoral arteriography, and IVUS assessment. Vascular tortuosity, minimum lumen diameter, and cross-sectional area were obtained and the findings were compared with those obtained from CTA. Correlation between IVUS and CTA was strong for minimum luminal diameter (r=0.62). Concordance was also strong between CTA and invasive iliofemoral angiography for assessment of tortuosity (r=0.75). Utilizing Bland-Altman analysis, vessel diameters obtained by IVUS were consistently greater than those obtained by CTA. The angiography and IVUS strategy was associated with a lower overall mean contrast utilization (29 cc vs 100 cc; P<.001), reduced mean radiation exposure (527 mGy vs 998 mGy; P=.045), and no significant difference in mean test duration (13.3 minutes vs 10 minutes; P=.12). For femoral and iliac arterial assessment prior to TAVR, IVUS is a viable alternative to CTA with comparable accuracy, and the potential for less contrast use and less radiation exposure. IVUS is also a valuable adjunct to CTA in patients with borderline femoral access diameters or considerable CTA artifacts.

SU-F-T-44: A Comparison of the Pre-Plan, Intra-Operative Plan, and Post-Implant Dosimetry for a Prostate Implant Case Using Prefabricated Linear Polymer-Encapsulated Pd-103

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

Sheu, R; Powers, A; McGee, H

Purpose: To investigate the reproducibility and limitations of Pd-103 prostate brachytherapy using fixed length linear sources (CivaString). Methods: An LDR prostate brachytherapy case which was preplanned on MR images with prefabricated linear polymer-encapsulated Pd-103 sources (CivaString) was studied and compared with ultrasound based intra-operative planning and CT based post-implant dosimetry. We evaluated the following parameters among the three studies: prostate geometry (volume and cross sectional area), needle position and alignment deviations, and dosimetry parameters (D90). Results: The prostate volumes and axial cross sectional areas at center of prostate were measured as 41.8, 39.3 and 36.8 cc, and 14.9, 14.3, andmore » 11.3 respectively on pre-plan MR, inter-op US, and post-implant CT studies. The deviation of prostate volumes and axial cross sectional areas measured on pre-planning MR and intra-operative US were within 5%. 17 out of 19 pre-planned needles were positioned within 5mm (the template grid size). One needle location was adjusted intra-operatively and another needle was removed due to proximity to urethra. The needle pathways were not always parallel to the trans-rectal probe due to the flexibility of CivaString. The angle of deviation was up to 10 degrees. Two pairs of needles were exchanged to better fit the length of prostate at the time of implant. This resulted in a prostate D90 of 153.8 Gy (124%) and 131.4 Gy (106.7%) for intra-op and PID respectively. Conclusion: Preplanning is a necessary part of implants performed with prefabricated linear polymer sources. However, as is often the case, there were real-time deviations from the pre-plan. Intra-op planning provides the ability conform to anatomy at the time of implant. Therefore, we propose to develop a systematic way to order extra strings of different length to provide the flexibility to perform intra-operative planning with fixed length strands.« less

Full-dimensional quantum dynamics of CO in collision with H{sub 2}

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

Yang, Benhui; Stancil, P. C.; Balakrishnan, N.

Inelastic scattering computations are presented for collisions of vibrationally and rotationally excited CO with H{sub 2} in full dimension. The computations utilize a newly developed six-dimensional potential energy surface (PES) and the previously reported four-dimensional V12 PES [P. Jankowski et al., J. Chem. Phys. 138, 084307 (2013)] and incorporate full angular-momentum coupling. At low collision energies, pure rotational excitation cross sections of CO by para-, ortho-, and normal-H{sub 2} are calculated and convolved to compare with recent measurements. Good agreement with the measured data is shown except for j{sub 1} = 0 → 1 excitation of CO for very low-energymore » para-H{sub 2} collisions. Rovibrational quenching results are presented for initially excited CO(v{sub 1}j{sub 1}) levels with v{sub 1} = 1, j{sub 1} = 1–5 and v{sub 1} = 2, j{sub 1} = 0 for collisions with para-H{sub 2} (v{sub 2} = 0, j{sub 2} = 0) and ortho-H{sub 2} (v{sub 2} = 0, j{sub 2} = 1) over the kinetic energy range 0.1–1000 cm{sup −1}. The total quenching cross sections are found to have similar magnitudes, but increase (decrease) with j{sub 1} for collision energies above ∼300 cm{sup −1} (below ∼10 cm{sup −1}). Only minor differences are found between para- and ortho-H{sub 2} colliders for rovibrational and pure rotational transitions, except at very low collision energies. Likewise, pure rotational deexcitation of CO yields similar cross sections for the v{sub 1} = 0 and v{sub 1} = 1 vibrational levels, while rovibrational quenching from v{sub 1} = 2, j{sub 1} = 0 is a factor of ∼5 larger than that from v{sub 1} = 1, j{sub 1} = 0. Details on the PES, computed at the CCSD(T)/aug-cc-pV5Z level, and fitted with an invariant polynomial method, are also presented.« less

Interactions Between Secondhand Smoke and Genes That Affect Cystic Fibrosis Lung Disease

PubMed Central

Collaco, J. Michael; Vanscoy, Lori; Bremer, Lindsay; McDougal, Kathryn; Blackman, Scott M.; Bowers, Amanda; Naughton, Kathleen; Jennings, Jacky; Ellen, Jonathan; Cutting, Garry R.

2011-01-01

Context Disease variation can be substantial even in conditions with a single gene etiology such as cystic fibrosis (CF). Simultaneously studying the effects of genes and environment may provide insight into the causes of variation. Objective To determine whether secondhand smoke exposure is associated with lung function and other outcomes in individuals with CF, whether socioeconomic status affects the relationship between secondhand smoke exposure and lung disease severity, and whether specific gene-environment interactions influence the effect of secondhand smoke exposure on lung function. Design, Setting, and Participants Retrospective assessment of lung function, stratified by environmental and genetic factors. Data were collected by the US Cystic Fibrosis Twin and Sibling Study with missing data supplemented by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Data Registry. All participants were diagnosed with CF, were recruited between October 2000 and October 2006, and were primarily from the United States. Main Outcome Measures Disease-specific cross-sectional and longitudinal measures of lung function. Results Of 812 participants with data on secondhand smoke in the home, 188 (23.2%) were exposed. Of 780 participants with data on active maternal smoking during gestation, 129 (16.5%) were exposed. Secondhand smoke exposure in the home was associated with significantly lower cross-sectional (9.8 percentile point decrease; P<.001) and longitudinal lung function (6.1 percentile point decrease; P=.007) compared with those not exposed. Regression analysis demonstrated that socioeconomic status did not confound the adverse effect of secondhand smoke exposure on lung function. Interaction between gene variants and secondhand smoke exposure resulted in significant percentile point decreases in lung function, namely in CFTR non-ΔF508 homozygotes (12.8 percentile point decrease; P=.001), TGFβ1-509 TT homozygotes (22.7 percentile point decrease; P=.006), and TGFβ1 codon 10 CC homozygotes (20.3 percentile point decrease; P=.005). Conclusions Any exposure to secondhand smoke adversely affects both cross-sectional and longitudinal measures of lung function in individuals with CF. Variations in the gene that causes CF (CFTR) and a CF-modifier gene (TGFβ1) amplify the negative effects of secondhand smoke exposure. PMID:18230779

Low energy electron-impact study of AlO using the R-matrix method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kaur, Savinder; Baluja, Kasturi L.; Bassi, Monika

2017-11-01

This comprehensive study reports the electron-impact on the open shell AlO molecule at low energy (less than 10 eV) using the R-matrix method. We present the elastic (integrated and differential), momentum-transfer, electronic excitation and ionisation cross sections; along with effective collision frequency over a wide electron temperature range (1000-100 000 K). Correlations via a configuration interaction technique are used to represent the target states. Calculations are performed in the static-exchange and 24-target states close-coupling approximation at the experimental bond length of 1.6178 Å. We have used different basis sets 6-311G*, double zeta, polarization (DZP), cc-pCVTZ to represent our target states. We have chosen the Gaussian Type Orbitals (GTOs) basis set DZP to represent the atomic orbitals which gave the best one-electron properties of the molecule. The calculated dipole moment (1.713 au), rotational constant (0.641399 cm-1) and the vertical excitation energies are in concurrence with the best available data. The continuum electron is also represented by GTOs and is placed at the center of mass of the molecule. Resonance analysis is carried out to assign the resonance parameters and the parentage of detected resonances by fitting the eigenphase sums to the Breit-Wigner profile. Our study has detected three core-excited shape resonances in the 24-state model. We detect a stable bound state of AlO- of 1 A 1 symmetry having configuration 1 σ 2 … 7 σ 21 π 42 π 4 with a vertical electronic affinity value of 2.59 eV which is in good accord with the experimental value of 2.6 ± (0.01) eV. The ionisation cross sections are calculated using the Binary-Encounter-Bethe Model in which Hartree-Fock molecular orbitals at self-consistent level are used to calculate kinetic and binding energies of the occupied molecular orbitals. We include partial waves up to g-wave beyond which Born closure method is employed to obtain converged cross sections.

Stereoselective Synthesis of Methylene Oxindoles via Palladium(II)-Catalyzed Intramolecular Cross-Coupling of Carbamoyl Chlorides.

PubMed

Le, Christine M; Sperger, Theresa; Fu, Rui; Hou, Xiao; Lim, Yong Hwan; Schoenebeck, Franziska; Lautens, Mark

2016-11-02

We report a highly robust, general and stereoselective method for the synthesis of 3-(chloromethylene)oxindoles from alkyne-tethered carbamoyl chlorides using PdCl 2 (PhCN) 2 as the catalyst. The transformation involves a stereo- and regioselective chloropalladation of an internal alkyne to generate a nucleophilic vinyl Pd II species, which then undergoes an intramolecular cross-coupling with a carbamoyl chloride. The reaction proceeds under mild conditions, is insensitive to the presence of moisture and air, and is readily scalable. The products obtained from this reaction are formed with >95:5 Z:E selectivity in nearly all cases and can be used to access biologically relevant oxindole cores. Through combined experimental and computational studies, we provide insight into stereo- and regioselectivity of the chloropalladation step, as well as the mechanism for the C-C bond forming process. Calculations provide support for a mechanism involving oxidative addition into the carbamoyl chloride bond to generate a high valent Pd IV species, which then undergoes facile C-C reductive elimination to form the final product. Overall, the transformation constitutes a formal Pd II -catalyzed intramolecular alkyne chlorocarbamoylation reaction.

Bladder outlet obstruction triggers neural plasticity in sensory pathways and contributes to impaired sensitivity in erectile dysfunction.

PubMed

Malykhina, Anna P; Lei, Qi; Chang, Shaohua; Pan, Xiao-Qing; Villamor, Antonio N; Smith, Ariana L; Seftel, Allen D

2013-05-15

Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and erectile dysfunction (ED) are common problems in aging males worldwide. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects of bladder neck nerve damage induced by partial bladder outlet obstruction (PBOO) on sensory innervation of the corpus cavernosum (CC) and CC smooth muscle (CCSM) using a rat model of PBOO induced by a partial ligation of the bladder neck. Retrograde labeling technique was used to label dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons that innervate the urinary bladder and CC. Contractility and relaxation of the CCSM was studied in vitro, and expression of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) was evaluated by Western blotting. Concentration of the sensory neuropeptides substance P (SP) and calcitonin gene-related peptide was measured by ELISA. Partial obstruction of the bladder neck caused a significant hypertrophy of the urinary bladders (2.5-fold increase at 2 wk). Analysis of L6-S2 DRG sections determined that sensory ganglia received input from both the urinary bladder and CC with 5-7% of all neurons double labeled from both organs. The contractile responses of CC muscle strips to KCl and phenylephrine were decreased after PBOO, followed by a reduced relaxation response to nitroprusside. A significant decrease in neuronal NOS expression, but not in endothelial NOS or protein kinase G (PKG-1), was detected in the CCSM of the obstructed animals. Additionally, PBOO caused some impairment to sensory nerves as evidenced by a fivefold downregulation of SP in the CC (P ≤ 0.001). Our results provide evidence that PBOO leads to the impairment of bladder neck afferent innervation followed by a decrease in CCSM relaxation, downregulation of nNOS expression, and reduced content of sensory neuropeptides in the CC smooth muscle. These results suggest that nerve damage in PBOO may contribute to LUTS-ED comorbidity and trigger secondary changes in the contraction/relaxation mechanisms of CCSM.

Open Source Subtitle Editor Software Study for Section 508 Close Caption Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Murphy, F. Brandon

2013-01-01

This paper will focus on a specific item within the NASA Electronic Information Accessibility Policy - Multimedia Presentation shall have synchronized caption; thus making information accessible to a person with hearing impairment. This synchronized caption will assist a person with hearing or cognitive disability to access the same information as everyone else. This paper focuses on the research and implementation for CC (subtitle option) support to video multimedia. The goal of this research is identify the best available open-source (free) software to achieve synchronized captions requirement and achieve savings, while meeting the security requirement for Government information integrity and assurance. CC and subtitling are processes that display text within a video to provide additional or interpretive information for those whom may need it or those whom chose it. Closed captions typically show the transcription of the audio portion of a program (video) as it occurs (either verbatim or in its edited form), sometimes including non-speech elements (such as sound effects). The transcript can be provided by a third party source or can be extracted word for word from the video. This feature can be made available for videos in two forms: either Soft-Coded or Hard-Coded. Soft-Coded is the more optional version of CC, where you can chose to turn them on if you want, or you can turn them off. Most of the time, when using the Soft-Coded option, the transcript is also provided to the view along-side the video. This option is subject to compromise, whereas the transcript is merely a text file that can be changed by anyone who has access to it. With this option the integrity of the CC is at the mercy of the user. Hard-Coded CC is a more permanent form of CC. A Hard-Coded CC transcript is embedded within a video, without the option of removal.

The effects of prenatal exposure to a 'junk food' diet on offspring food preferences and fat deposition can be mitigated by improved nutrition during lactation.

PubMed

Gugusheff, J R; Vithayathil, M; Ong, Z Y; Muhlhausler, B S

2013-10-01

Exposure to a maternal junk food (JF) diet in utero and during the suckling period has been demonstrated to increase the preference for palatable food and increase the susceptibility to diet-induced obesity in adult offspring. We aimed to determine whether the effects of prenatal exposure to JF could be ameliorated by cross-fostering offspring onto dams consuming a standard rodent chow during the suckling period. We report here that when all offspring were given free access to the JF diet for 7 weeks from 10 weeks of age, male offspring of control (C) or JF dams that were cross-fostered at birth onto JF dams (C-JF, JF-JF), exhibited higher fat (C-C: 12.3 ± 0.34 g/kg/day; C-JF: 14.7 ± 1.04 g/kg/day; JF-C: 11.5 ± 0.41 g/kg/day; JF-JF: 14.0 ± 0.44 g/kg/day; P < 0.05) and overall energy intake (C-C: 930.1 ± 18.56 kJ/kg/day; C-JF: 1029.0 ± 82.9 kJ/kg/day; JF-C: 878.3 ± 19.5 kJ/kg/day; JF-JF: 1003.4 ± 25.97 kJ/kg/day; P < 0.05) than offspring exposed to the JF diet only before birth (JF-C) or not at all (C-C). Female offspring suckled by JF dams, despite no differences in food intake, had increased fat mass as percentage of body weight (C-C: 19.9 ± 1.33%; C-JF: 22.8 ± 1.57%; JF-C: 17.4 ± 1.03%; JF-JF: 22.0 ± 1.0%; P < 0.05) after 3 weeks on the JF diet. No difference in fat mass was observed in male offspring. These findings suggest that the effects of prenatal exposure to a JF diet on food preferences in females and susceptibility to diet-induced obesity in males can be prevented by improved nutrition during the suckling period.

Atypical white-matter microstructure in congenitally deaf adults: A region of interest and tractography study using diffusion-tensor imaging.

PubMed

Karns, Christina M; Stevens, Courtney; Dow, Mark W; Schorr, Emily M; Neville, Helen J

2017-01-01

Considerable research documents the cross-modal reorganization of auditory cortices as a consequence of congenital deafness, with remapped functions that include visual and somatosensory processing of both linguistic and nonlinguistic information. Structural changes accompany this cross-modal neuroplasticity, but precisely which specific structural changes accompany congenital and early deafness and whether there are group differences in hemispheric asymmetries remain to be established. Here, we used diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to examine microstructural white matter changes accompanying cross-modal reorganization in 23 deaf adults who were genetically, profoundly, and congenitally deaf, having learned sign language from infancy with 26 hearing controls who participated in our previous fMRI studies of cross-modal neuroplasticity. In contrast to prior literature using a whole-brain approach, we introduce a semiautomatic method for demarcating auditory regions in which regions of interest (ROIs) are defined on the normalized white matter skeleton for all participants, projected into each participants native space, and manually constrained to anatomical boundaries. White-matter ROIs were left and right Heschl's gyrus (HG), left and right anterior superior temporal gyrus (aSTG), left and right posterior superior temporal gyrus (pSTG), as well as one tractography-defined region in the splenium of the corpus callosum connecting homologous left and right superior temporal regions (pCC). Within these regions, we measured fractional anisotropy (FA), radial diffusivity (RD), axial diffusivity (AD), and white-matter volume. Congenitally deaf adults had reduced FA and volume in white matter structures underlying bilateral HG, aSTG, pSTG, and reduced FA in pCC. In HG and pCC, this reduction in FA corresponded with increased RD, but differences in aSTG and pSTG could not be localized to alterations in RD or AD. Direct statistical tests of hemispheric asymmetries in these differences indicated the most prominent effects in pSTG, where the largest differences between groups occurred in the right hemisphere. Other regions did not show significant hemispheric asymmetries in group differences. Taken together, these results indicate that atypical white matter microstructure and reduced volume underlies regions of superior temporal primary and association auditory cortex and introduce a robust method for quantifying volumetric and white matter microstructural differences that can be applied to future studies of special populations. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Asymmetric Total Synthesis of (-)-(3 R)-Inthomycin C.

PubMed

Balcells, Sandra; Haughey, Maxwell B; Walker, Johannes C L; Josa-Culleré, Laia; Towers, Christopher; Donohoe, Timothy J

2018-06-04

A short (10 step) and efficient (15% overall yield) synthesis of the natural product (-)-(3 R)-inthomycin C is reported. The key steps comprise three C-C bond-forming reactions: (i) a vinylogous Mukaiyama aldol, (ii) an olefin cross-metathesis reaction, and (iii) an asymmetric Mukaiyama-Kiyooka aldol. This route is notable for its brevity and has the advantage of lacking stoichiometric tin-promoted cross-coupling reactions present in previous approaches. Initial investigations on the biological activity of (-)-(3 R)-inthomycin C and structural analogues on human cancer cell lines are also described for the first time.

Newberry EGS Seismic Velocity Model

DOE Data Explorer

Templeton, Dennise

2013-10-01

We use ambient noise correlation (ANC) to create a detailed image of the subsurface seismic velocity at the Newberry EGS site down to 5 km. We collected continuous data for the 22 stations in the Newberry network, together with 12 additional stations from the nearby CC, UO and UW networks. The data were instrument corrected, whitened and converted to single bit traces before cross correlation according to the methodology in Benson (2007). There are 231 unique paths connecting the 22 stations of the Newberry network. The additional networks extended that to 402 unique paths crossing beneath the Newberry site.

40 CFR 62.9633 - Identification of plan-negative declaration.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... Pennsylvania Landfill Gas Emissions from Existing Municipal Solid Waste Landfills (section 111(d) Plan) § 62... landfills in the City of Philadelphia that are subject to 40 CFR part 60, subpart Cc. [68 FR 55, Jan. 2...

AP42 Section

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

2015-09-10

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Microstructure of transcallosal motor fibers reflects type of cortical (re-)organization in congenital hemiparesis.

PubMed

Juenger, Hendrik; Koerte, Inga K; Muehlmann, Marc; Mayinger, Michael; Mall, Volker; Krägeloh-Mann, Ingeborg; Shenton, Martha E; Berweck, Steffen; Staudt, Martin; Heinen, Florian

2014-11-01

Early unilateral brain lesions can lead to different types of corticospinal (re-)organization of motor networks. In one group of patients, the contralesional hemisphere exerts motor control not only over the contralateral non-paretic hand but also over the (ipsilateral) paretic hand, as the primary motor cortex is (re-)organized in the contralesional hemisphere. Another group of patients with early unilateral lesions shows "normal" contralateral motor projections starting in the lesioned hemisphere. We investigated how these different patterns of cortical (re-)organization affect interhemispheric transcallosal connectivity in patients with congenital hemiparesis. Eight patients with ipsilateral motor projections (group IPSI) versus 7 patients with contralateral motor projections (group CONTRA) underwent magnetic resonance diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). The corpus callosum (CC) was subdivided in 5 areas (I-V) in the mid-sagittal slice and volumetric information. The following diffusion parameters were calculated: fractional anisotropy (FA), trace, radial diffusivity (RD), and axial diffusivity (AD). DTI revealed significantly lower FA, increased trace and RD for group IPSI compared to group CONTRA in area III of the corpus callosum, where transcallosal motor fibers cross the CC. In the directly neighboring area IV, where transcallosal somatosensory fibers cross the CC, no differences were found for these DTI parameters between IPSI and CONTRA. Volume of callosal subsections showed significant differences for area II (connecting premotor cortices) and III, where group IPSI had lower volume. The results of this study demonstrate that the callosal microstructure in patients with congenital hemiparesis reflects the type of cortical (re-)organization. Early lesions disrupting corticospinal motor projections to the paretic hand consecutively affect the development or maintenance of transcallosal motor fibers. Copyright © 2014 European Paediatric Neurology Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Patient costs associated with accessing HIV/AIDS care in Malawi

PubMed Central

Pinto, Andrew D; van Lettow, Monique; Rachlis, Beth; Chan, Adrienne K; Sodhi, Sumeet K

2013-01-01

Introduction The decentralization of HIV services has been shown to improve equity in access to care for the rural poor of sub-Saharan Africa. This study aims to contribute to our understanding of the impact of decentralization on costs borne by patients. Such information is valuable for economic evaluations of anti-retroviral therapy programmes that take a societal perspective. We compared costs reported by patients who received care in an urban centralized programme to those in the same district who received care through rural decentralized care (DC). Methods A cross-sectional survey on patient characteristics and costs associated with accessing HIV care was conducted, in May 2010, on 120 patients in centralized care (CC) at a tertiary referral hospital and 120 patients in DC at five rural health centres in Zomba District, Malawi. Differences in costs borne by each group were compared using χ2 and t-tests, and a regression model was developed to adjust for confounders, using bootstrapping to address skewed cost data. Results There was no significant difference between the groups with respect to sex and age. However, there were significant differences in socio-economic status, with higher educational attainment (p<0.001), personal income (p=0.007) and household income per person (p=0.005) in CC. Travel times were similar (p=0.65), as was time waiting at the clinic (p=0.63) and total time spent seeking care (p=0.65). There was a significant difference in travel-related expenses (p<0.001) related to the type of travel participants noted that they used. In CC, 60% of participants reported using a mini-bus to reach the clinic; in DC only 4% reported using a mini-bus, and the remainder reported travelling on foot or by bicycle. There were no significant differences between the groups in the amount of lost income reported or other out-of-pocket costs. Approximately 91 Malawi Kwacha (95% confidence intervals: 1–182 MKW) or US$0.59 represents the adjusted difference in total costs per visit between CC and DC. Conclusions Even within a system of HIV/AIDS care where patients do not pay to see clinicians or for most medications, they still incur costs. We found that most costs are travel related. This has important implications for poorer patients who live at a distance from health facilities for whom these costs may be significant. PMID:23517716

Reducing the impact of intensive care unit mattress compressibility during CPR: a simulation-based study.

PubMed

Lin, Yiqun; Wan, Brandi; Belanger, Claudia; Hecker, Kent; Gilfoyle, Elaine; Davidson, Jennifer; Cheng, Adam

2017-01-01

The depth of chest compression (CC) during cardiac arrest is associated with patient survival and good neurological outcomes. Previous studies showed that mattress compression can alter the amount of CCs given with adequate depth. We aim to quantify the amount of mattress compressibility on two types of ICU mattresses and explore the effect of memory foam mattress use and a backboard on mattress compression depth and effect of feedback source on effective compression depth. The study utilizes a cross-sectional self-control study design. Participants working in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) performed 1 min of CC on a manikin in each of the following four conditions: (i) typical ICU mattress; (ii) typical ICU mattress with a CPR backboard; (iii) memory foam ICU mattress; and (iv) memory foam ICU mattress with a CPR backboard, using two different sources of real-time feedback: (a) external accelerometer sensor device measuring total compression depth and (b) internal light sensor measuring effective compression depth only. CPR quality was concurrently measured by these two devices. The differences of the two measures (mattress compression depth) were summarized and compared using multilevel linear regression models. Effective compression depths with different sources of feedback were compared with a multilevel linear regression model. The mean mattress compression depth varied from 24.6 to 47.7 mm, with percentage of depletion from 31.2 to 47.5%. Both use of memory foam mattress (mean difference, MD 11.7 mm, 95%CI 4.8-18.5 mm) and use of backboard (MD 11.6 mm, 95% CI 9.0-14.3 mm) significantly minimized the mattress compressibility. Use of internal light sensor as source of feedback improved effective CC depth by 7-14 mm, compared with external accelerometer sensor. Use of a memory foam mattress and CPR backboard minimizes mattress compressibility, but depletion of compression depth is still substantial. A feedback device measuring sternum-to-spine displacement can significantly improve effective compression depth on a mattress. Not applicable. This is a mannequin-based simulation research.

Changes in Rat Brain Tissue Microstructure and Stiffness during the Development of Experimental Obstructive Hydrocephalus

PubMed Central

Jugé, Lauriane; Pong, Alice C.; Bongers, Andre; Sinkus, Ralph; Bilston, Lynne E.; Cheng, Shaokoon

2016-01-01

Understanding neural injury in hydrocephalus and how the brain changes during the course of the disease in-vivo remain unclear. This study describes brain deformation, microstructural and mechanical properties changes during obstructive hydrocephalus development in a rat model using multimodal magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Hydrocephalus was induced in eight Sprague-Dawley rats (4 weeks old) by injecting a kaolin suspension into the cisterna magna. Six sham-injected rats were used as controls. MR imaging (9.4T, Bruker) was performed 1 day before, and at 3, 7 and 16 days post injection. T2-weighted MR images were collected to quantify brain deformation. MR elastography was used to measure brain stiffness, and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) was conducted to observe brain tissue microstructure. Results showed that the enlargement of the ventricular system was associated with a decrease in the cortical gray matter thickness and caudate-putamen cross-sectional area (P < 0.001, for both), an alteration of the corpus callosum and periventricular white matter microstructure (CC+PVWM) and rearrangement of the cortical gray matter microstructure (P < 0.001, for both), while compression without gross microstructural alteration was evident in the caudate-putamen and ventral internal capsule (P < 0.001, for both). During hydrocephalus development, increased space between the white matter tracts was observed in the CC+PVWM (P < 0.001), while a decrease in space was observed for the ventral internal capsule (P < 0.001). For the cortical gray matter, an increase in extracellular tissue water was significantly associated with a decrease in tissue stiffness (P = 0.001). To conclude, this study characterizes the temporal changes in tissue microstructure, water content and stiffness in different brain regions and their association with ventricular enlargement. In summary, whilst diffusion changes were larger and statistically significant for majority of the brain regions studied, the changes in mechanical properties were modest. Moreover, the effect of ventricular enlargement is not limited to the CC+PVWM and ventral internal capsule, the extent of microstructural changes vary between brain regions, and there is regional and temporal variation in brain tissue stiffness during hydrocephalus development. PMID:26848844

Cerebral malaria is associated with long-term mental health disorders: a cross sectional survey of a long-term cohort.

PubMed

Idro, Richard; Kakooza-Mwesige, Angelina; Asea, Benjamin; Ssebyala, Keron; Bangirana, Paul; Opoka, Robert O; Lubowa, Samson K; Semrud-Clikeman, Margaret; John, Chandy C; Nalugya, Joyce

2016-03-31

Cerebral malaria (CM) and severe malarial anaemia (SMA) are associated with neuro-developmental impairment in African children, but long-term mental health disorders in these children are not well defined. A cohort of children previously exposed to CM (n = 173) or SMA (n = 99) had neurologic assessments performed and screening for behaviour difficulties using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) a median of 21 months after the disease episode. These findings were compared to concurrently recruited community children (CC, n = 108). Participants with SDQ total difficulties score ≥ 17 had a mental health interview with the child and adolescent version of the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI-KID) and a sample had brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Fifty-five children had SDQ score ≥ 17. On the MINI-KID, these children were classified as having no difficulties (n = 18), behaviour difficulties only (n = 13) or a mental health disorder (n = 24). Behaviour difficulties were seen in similar frequencies in CM (3.5%), SMA (4.0%) and CC (2.8%). In contrast, mental health disorders were most frequent in CM (10.4%), followed by SMA (4.0%) and CC (1.8%). Externalizing disorders (conduct, oppositional defiance and attention deficit hyperactivity) were the most common mental health disorders. The median total coma duration was 72 (IQR 36.0-115.0) h in patients with mental health disorders compared to 48 (IQR 28.5-78.7) h in those without, p = 0.039. Independent risk factors for mental health disorder included neurologic deficit at discharge (OR 4.09 (95% CI 1.60, 10.5) and seizure recurrences during hospitalization, (OR 2.80, 95% CI 1.13, 6.97). Brain MRI findings consistent with small vessel ischaemic neural injury was seen in over half of these children. Cerebral malaria may predispose children to mental health disorders, possibly as a consequence of ischaemic neural injury. There is urgent need for programmes of follow-up, diagnosis and interventions for these children.

Planar biaxial testing of heart valve cusp replacement biomaterials: Experiments, theory and material constants.

PubMed

Labrosse, Michel R; Jafar, Reza; Ngu, Janet; Boodhwani, Munir

2016-11-01

Aortic valve (AV) repair has become an attractive option to correct aortic insufficiency. Yet, cusp reconstruction with various cusp replacement materials has been associated with greater long-term repair failures, and it is still unknown how such materials mechanically compare with native leaflets. We used planar biaxial testing to characterize six clinically relevant cusp replacement materials, along with native porcine AV leaflets, to ascertain which materials would be best suited for valve repair. We tested at least six samples of: 1) fresh autologous porcine pericardium (APP), 2) glutaraldehyde fixed porcine pericardium (GPP), 3) St Jude Medical pericardial patch (SJM), 4) CardioCel patch (CC), 5) PeriGuard (PG), 6) Supple PeriGuard (SPG) and 7) fresh porcine AV leaflets (PC). We introduced efficient displacement-controlled testing protocols and processing, as well as advanced convexity requirements on the strain energy functions used to describe the mechanical response of the materials under loading. The proposed experimental and data processing pipeline allowed for a robust in-plane characterization of all the materials tested, with constants determined for two Fung-like hyperelastic, anisotropic strain energy models. Overall, CC and SPG (respectively PG) patches ranked as the closest mechanical equivalents to young (respectively aged) AV leaflets. Because the native leaflets as well as CC, PG and SPG patches exhibit significant anisotropic behaviors, it is suggested that the fiber and cross-fiber directions of these replacement biomaterials be matched with those of the host AV leaflets. The long-term performance of cusp replacement materials would ideally be evaluated in large animal models for AV disease and cusp repair, and over several months or more. Given the unavailability and impracticality of such models, detailed information on stress-strain behavior, as studied herein, and investigations of durability and valve dynamics will be the best surrogates, as they have been for prosthetic valves. Overall, comparison with Fig. 3 suggests that CC and SPG (respectively PG) patches may be the closest mechanical equivalents to young (respectively aged) AV leaflets. Interestingly, the thicknesses of these materials are close to those reported for porcine and younger human AV leaflets, which may facilitate surgical implantation, by contrast to the thinner APP which has poor handling qualities. Because the native leaflets as well as CC, PG and SPG patches exhibit anisotropic behaviors, from a mechanistic perspective alone, it stands to reason that cardiac surgeons should seek to intraoperatively match the fiber and cross-fiber directions of these replacement biomaterials with those of the repaired AV leaflets. Copyright © 2016 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Dynamics of high-risk nonvaccine human papillomavirus types after actual vaccination scheme.

PubMed

Peralta, Raúl; Vargas-De-León, Cruz; Cabrera, Augusto; Miramontes, Pedro

2014-01-01

Human papillomavirus (HPV) has been identified as the main etiological factor in the developing of cervical cancer (CC). This finding has propitiated the development of vaccines that help to prevent the HPVs 16 and 18 infection. Both genotypes are associated with 70% of CC worldwide. In the present study, we aimed to determine the emergence of high-risk nonvaccine HPV after actual vaccination scheme to estimate the impact of the current HPV vaccines. A SIR-type model was used to study the HPV dynamics after vaccination. According to the results, our model indicates that the application of the vaccine reduces infection by target or vaccine genotypes as expected. However, numerical simulations of the model suggest the presence of the phenomenon called vaccine-induced pathogen strain replacement. Here, we report the following replacement mechanism: if the effectiveness of cross-protective immunity is not larger than the effectiveness of the vaccine, then the high-risk nonvaccine genotypes emerge. In this scenario, further studies of infection dispersion by HPV are necessary to ascertain the real impact of the current vaccines, primarily because of the different high-risk HPV types that are found in CC.

Synthesis of Microstructures and the Relationship between Microstructure and Properties.

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-03-01

4 ((A .00 04 0. - 4 0 ~ ~ W0 ~ 4 VI 4 .- -. 4 ’ 4 1.. 1.4 4 0 w A4 6 -0 U ’ a4 0. 0. 430 (40 0. . ( 4 ow( 4 4 -1 0 4 4.44 >0 . 4 , 00 V 1 a.44 a0 ’a (0... 4 (vw (0 to P4 41 0 U) a ( 4 cc I v v cc1 0430 a v 1.. W w SECTION III HYDROVAC Earlier research at AFWAL/ML with titanium wrought alloys [66] and...Quart- erly 16 (1976), 33. 4 . D. Eylon, "Crack

Fast CSF MRI for brain segmentation; Cross-validation by comparison with 3D T1-based brain segmentation methods

PubMed Central

de Bresser, Jeroen; Hendrikse, Jeroen; Siero, Jeroen C. W.; Petersen, Esben T.; De Vis, Jill B.

2018-01-01

Objective In previous work we have developed a fast sequence that focusses on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) based on the long T2 of CSF. By processing the data obtained with this CSF MRI sequence, brain parenchymal volume (BPV) and intracranial volume (ICV) can be automatically obtained. The aim of this study was to assess the precision of the BPV and ICV measurements of the CSF MRI sequence and to validate the CSF MRI sequence by comparison with 3D T1-based brain segmentation methods. Materials and methods Ten healthy volunteers (2 females; median age 28 years) were scanned (3T MRI) twice with repositioning in between. The scan protocol consisted of a low resolution (LR) CSF sequence (0:57min), a high resolution (HR) CSF sequence (3:21min) and a 3D T1-weighted sequence (6:47min). Data of the HR 3D-T1-weighted images were downsampled to obtain LR T1-weighted images (reconstructed imaging time: 1:59 min). Data of the CSF MRI sequences was automatically segmented using in-house software. The 3D T1-weighted images were segmented using FSL (5.0), SPM12 and FreeSurfer (5.3.0). Results The mean absolute differences for BPV and ICV between the first and second scan for CSF LR (BPV/ICV: 12±9/7±4cc) and CSF HR (5±5/4±2cc) were comparable to FSL HR (9±11/19±23cc), FSL LR (7±4, 6±5cc), FreeSurfer HR (5±3/14±8cc), FreeSurfer LR (9±8, 12±10cc), and SPM HR (5±3/4±7cc), and SPM LR (5±4, 5±3cc). The correlation between the measured volumes of the CSF sequences and that measured by FSL, FreeSurfer and SPM HR and LR was very good (all Pearson’s correlation coefficients >0.83, R2 .67–.97). The results from the downsampled data and the high-resolution data were similar. Conclusion Both CSF MRI sequences have a precision comparable to, and a very good correlation with established 3D T1-based automated segmentations methods for the segmentation of BPV and ICV. However, the short imaging time of the fast CSF MRI sequence is superior to the 3D T1 sequence on which segmentation with established methods is performed. PMID:29672584

Fast CSF MRI for brain segmentation; Cross-validation by comparison with 3D T1-based brain segmentation methods.

PubMed

van der Kleij, Lisa A; de Bresser, Jeroen; Hendrikse, Jeroen; Siero, Jeroen C W; Petersen, Esben T; De Vis, Jill B

2018-01-01

In previous work we have developed a fast sequence that focusses on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) based on the long T2 of CSF. By processing the data obtained with this CSF MRI sequence, brain parenchymal volume (BPV) and intracranial volume (ICV) can be automatically obtained. The aim of this study was to assess the precision of the BPV and ICV measurements of the CSF MRI sequence and to validate the CSF MRI sequence by comparison with 3D T1-based brain segmentation methods. Ten healthy volunteers (2 females; median age 28 years) were scanned (3T MRI) twice with repositioning in between. The scan protocol consisted of a low resolution (LR) CSF sequence (0:57min), a high resolution (HR) CSF sequence (3:21min) and a 3D T1-weighted sequence (6:47min). Data of the HR 3D-T1-weighted images were downsampled to obtain LR T1-weighted images (reconstructed imaging time: 1:59 min). Data of the CSF MRI sequences was automatically segmented using in-house software. The 3D T1-weighted images were segmented using FSL (5.0), SPM12 and FreeSurfer (5.3.0). The mean absolute differences for BPV and ICV between the first and second scan for CSF LR (BPV/ICV: 12±9/7±4cc) and CSF HR (5±5/4±2cc) were comparable to FSL HR (9±11/19±23cc), FSL LR (7±4, 6±5cc), FreeSurfer HR (5±3/14±8cc), FreeSurfer LR (9±8, 12±10cc), and SPM HR (5±3/4±7cc), and SPM LR (5±4, 5±3cc). The correlation between the measured volumes of the CSF sequences and that measured by FSL, FreeSurfer and SPM HR and LR was very good (all Pearson's correlation coefficients >0.83, R2 .67-.97). The results from the downsampled data and the high-resolution data were similar. Both CSF MRI sequences have a precision comparable to, and a very good correlation with established 3D T1-based automated segmentations methods for the segmentation of BPV and ICV. However, the short imaging time of the fast CSF MRI sequence is superior to the 3D T1 sequence on which segmentation with established methods is performed.

75 FR 9400 - Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-03-02

.... SUMMARY: The Acting Director, Information Collection Clearance Division, Regulatory Information Management... 1, 2010. ADDRESSES: Written comments should be addressed to the Office of Information and Regulatory... [email protected] with a cc: to [email protected] . SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 3506...

Capacitively coupled and direct-current resistivity surveys of selected reaches of Cozad, Thirty-Mile, Orchard-Alfalfa, Kearney, and Outlet Canals in Nebraska, 2012-13

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hobza, Christopher M.; Burton, Bethany L.; Lucius, Jeffrey E.; Tompkins, Ryan E.

2014-01-01

Understanding the spatial characteristics of leakage from canals is critical to effectively managing and utilizing water resources for irrigation and hydroelectric purposes. Canal leakage in some parts of Nebraska is the primary source of water for groundwater recharge and helps maintain the base flow of streams. Because surface-water supplies depend on the streamflow of the Platte River and the available water stored in upstream reservoirs, water managers seek to minimize conveyance losses, which can include canal leakage. The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Central Platte Natural Resources District and Nebraska Public Power District, used capacitively coupled (CC) and direct-current (DC) resistivity techniques for continuous resistivity profiling to map near-surface lithologies near and underlying the Cozad, Thirty-Mile, Orchard-Alfalfa, Kearney, and Outlet Canals. Approximately 84 kilometers (km) of CC-resistivity data were collected along the five canals. The CC-resistivity data were compared with results from continuous sediment cores and electrical conductivity logs. Generally, the highest resistivities were recorded at the upstream reaches of the Cozad, Thirty-Mile, and Orchard-Alfalfa canals where flood-plain deposits of silt and clay mantle coarser channel deposits of sand and gravel. The finer grained deposits gradually thicken with increasing distance away from the Platte River. Consequently, for many surveyed reaches the thickness of fine-grained deposits exceeded the 8-meter depth of investigation. A detailed geophysical investigation along a 5-km reach of the Outlet Canal southwest of North Platte, Nebraska, used CC and DC resistivity to examine the condition of a compacted-core bank structure and characterized other potential controls on areas of focused seepage. CC-resistivity data, collected along the 5-km study reach, were compared with continuous sediment cores and DC-resistivity data collected near a selected seep near Outlet Canal mile post 15.55 along 5 separate profiles. DC-resistivity results were compared to a schematic cross section of the Outlet Canal north embankment that include the original surfaces and modifications to the compacted-core bank structure. Along the canal road south line, there is a transition from high resistivity at land surface to much lower resistivity near the estimated depth of the northern slope of the original compacted-core bank; however, the surveyed elevation of the water surface in the canal also is at this elevation. Along the canal road north line, there is a transition from high resistivity near land surface to lower resistivity at depth. Although the transition is rapid near the estimated depth of the first-modified bank slope, it also is coincident with the groundwater level measured in piezometer PZ-4. Currently (2013), it is unknown if the indicated changes in resistivity at these elevations was the effect of saturation of the underlying sediments or caused by the compacted-core bank.

Modeled ecohydrological responses to climate change at seven small watersheds in the northeastern United States

Treesearch

Afshin Pourmokhtarian; Charles T. Driscoll; John L. Campbell; Katharine Hayhoe; Anne M. K. Stoner; Mary Beth Adams; Douglas Burns; Ivan Fernandez; Myron J. Mitchell; James B. Shanley

2016-01-01

A cross-site analysis was conducted on seven diverse, forested watersheds in the northeastern United States to evaluate hydrological responses (evapotranspiration, soil moisture, seasonal and annual streamflow, and water stress) to projections of future climate. We used output from four atmosphere–ocean general circulation models (AOGCMs; CCSM4, HadGEM2-CC, MIROC5, and...

Maternal vitamin D depletion alters DNA methylation at imprinted loci in multiple generations.

PubMed

Xue, Jing; Schoenrock, Sarah A; Valdar, William; Tarantino, Lisa M; Ideraabdullah, Folami Y

2016-01-01

Environmental perturbation of epigenetic mechanisms is linked to a growing number of diseases. Characterizing the role environmental factors play in modifying the epigenome is important for disease etiology. Vitamin D is an essential nutrient affecting brain, bone, heart, immune and reproductive health. Vitamin D insufficiency is a global issue, and the role in maternal and child health remains under investigation. We used Collaborative Cross (CC) inbred mice to characterize the effect of maternal vitamin D depletion on offspring phenotypic and epigenetic outcomes at imprinted domains ( H19/Igf2 , Snrpn , Dlk1/Gtl2 , and Grb10 ) in the soma (liver) and germline (sperm). We assessed outcomes in two generations of offspring to determine heritability. We used reciprocal crosses between lines CC001/Unc and CC011/Unc to investigate parent of origin effects. Maternal vitamin D deficiency led to altered body weight and DNA methylation in two generations of offspring. Loci assayed in adult liver and sperm were mostly hypomethylated, but changes were few and small in effect size (<7 % difference on average). There was no change in total expression of genes adjacent to methylation changes in neonatal liver. Methylation changes were cell type specific such that changes at IG-DMR were present in sperm but not in liver. Some methylation changes were distinct between generations such that methylation changes at the H19ICR in second-generation liver were not present in first-generation sperm or liver. Interestingly, some diet-dependent changes in body weight and methylation were seemingly influenced by parent of origin such that reciprocal crosses exhibited inverse effects. These findings demonstrate that maternal vitamin D status plays a role in determining DNA methylation state in the germline and soma. Detection of methylation changes in the unexposed second-generation demonstrates that maternal vitamin D depletion can have long-term effects on the epigenome of subsequent generations. Differences in vitamin D-dependent epigenetic state between cell types and generations indicate perturbation of the epigenetic landscape rather than a targeted, locus-specific effect. While the biological importance of these subtle changes remains unclear, they warrant an investigation of epigenome-wide effects of maternal vitamin D depletion.

Decreased Callosal Thickness in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

PubMed Central

Luders, Eileen; Narr, Katherine L.; Hamilton, Liberty S.; Phillips, Owen R.; Thompson, Paul M.; Valle, Jessica S.; Del'Homme, Melissa; Strickland, Tony; McCracken, James T.; Toga, Arthur W.; Levitt, Jennifer G.

2009-01-01

Background Neuroimaging studies of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have revealed structural abnormalities in the brains of affected individuals. One of the most replicated alterations is a significantly smaller corpus callosum (CC), for which conflicting reports exist with respect to the affected callosal segments. Methods We applied novel surface-based geometrical modeling methods to establish the presence, direction, and exact location of callosal alterations in ADHD at high spatial resolution. For this purpose, we calculated the thickness of the CC at 100 equidistant midsagittal points in an age-matched male sample of 19 individuals with ADHD and 19 typically developing control subjects. Results In close agreement with many prior observations, the CC was shown to be significantly thinner in ADHD subjects in anterior and, particularly, posterior callosal sections. Covarying for intelligence did not significantly alter the observed ADHD effects. However, group differences were no longer present in anterior sections when covarying for brain volume and after excluding ADHD subjects comorbid for oppositional defiant disorder. Conclusions Decreased callosal thickness may be associated with fewer fibers or a decrease in the myelination of fibers connecting the parietal and prefrontal cortices. This might affect interhemispheric communication channels that are necessary to sustain attention or motor control, thus contributing to symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity, or inattention, observed in ADHD. Future studies are necessary to determine whether callosal abnormalities reflect maturational delays or persist into adulthood. PMID:18842255

78 FR 32257 - Privacy Act of 1974; Report of a New Routine Use for Selected CMS Systems of Records

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-05-29

... systems of records to assist in preventing and detecting fraud, waste and abuse. The new routine use will... for the purpose of preventing and detecting fraud, waste and abuse, pursuant to section 1128C(a)(2) of the Social Security Act (``the Act''). At section 1128C(c) of the Act, a health plan is defined as a...

Polymorphisms in the glutathione pathway modulate cystic fibrosis severity: a cross-sectional study

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Cystic fibrosis (CF) clinically manifests with various levels of severity, which are thought to be modulated by mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator gene (CFTR), modifier genes, and the environment. This study verified whether polymorphisms in modifier genes associated with glutathione (GSH) metabolism influence CF severity. Methods A cross-sectional study of 180 CF patients was carried out from 2011 to 2012. We analyzed CFTR mutations, polymorphisms (GSTM1 and GSTT1 deletions, GSTP1 + 313A > G, GCLC-129C > T, and GCLC-3506A > G) in modifier genes and CF clinical severity as assessed by 28 clinical and laboratory variables. Results Significant associations were found between modifier gene polymorphisms and particular phenotypes or genotype changes. These included GCLC-129C > T with a higher frequency of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa mucoid to CC genotype (p = 0.044), and GCLC-3506A > G with a higher frequency of the no-mucoid P. aeruginosa (NMPA) to AA genotype (p = 0.012). The GSTT1 deletion was associated with a higher frequency of the NMPA to homozygous deletion (p = 0.008), GSTP1 + 313A > G with a minor risk of osteoporosis (p = 0.036), and patient age ≤ 154 months (p = 0.044) with the AA genotype. The Bhalla score was associated with GCLC-3506A > G (p = 0.044) and GSTM1/GSTT1 deletion polymorphisms (p = 0.02), while transcutaneous hemoglobin oxygen saturation levels were associated with GSTT1 deletions (p = 0.048). Conclusion CF severity is associated with polymorphisms in GSH pathways and CFTR mutations. PMID:24593045

The cut-off values of anthropometric variables for predicting mild cognitive impairment in Malaysian older adults: a large population based cross-sectional study.

PubMed

Won, Huiloo; Abdul, Manaf Zahara; Mat Ludin, Arimi Fitri; Omar, Mohd Azahadi; Razali, Rosdinom; Shahar, Suzana

2017-01-01

Older adults are at risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and simple anthropometric measurements can be used to screen for this condition. Thus, the aim of this study was to explore the cut-off values of body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) for predicting the risk of MCI in older Malaysian adults. A total of 2,240 Malaysian older adults aged ≥60 years were recruited using multistage random sampling in a population based cross-sectional study. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to determine the cut-off values of BMI and WC with optimum sensitivity and specificity for the detection of MCI. Age, gender, years of education, smoking habit, alcohol consumption, depression, and medical conditions were used as confounding factors in this analysis. A BMI cut-off value of 26 kg/m 2 (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUC] 0.725; sensitivity 90.5%; specificity 38.8%) was appropriate in identifying the risk of getting MCI in both men and women. The optimum WC cut-offs for likelihood of MCI were 90 cm (AUC 0.745; sensitivity 78.0%; specificity 59.8%) for men and 82 cm (AUC 0.714; sensitivity 84.3%; specificity 49.7%) for women. The optimum calf circumference (CC) cut-off values for identifying MCI were 29 cm (AUC 0.731; sensitivity 72.6%; specificity 61.1%) for men and 26 cm (AUC 0.598; sensitivity 79.1%; specificity 45.3%) for women. The cut-off values could be advocated and used as part of the screening of MCI among older Malaysian adults. There is a need to further determine the predictive values of these cut-off points on outcomes through longitudinal study design.

New market labor and obesity: A nation-wide Italian cross-sectional study.

PubMed

Barbadoro, Pamela; Ponzio, Elisa; Chiatti, Carlos Juan; Di Stanislao, Francesco; D'Errico, Marcello Mario; Prospero, Emilia

2016-11-18

To investigate the prevalence of obesity among different types of employment status in the Italian working population, and to examine associated risk factors. Cross-sectional survey of 36 814 people that declared to have been occupied with the same type of contract for at least 5 years was analyzed. Multivariable logistic regression models were built considering workers' sex, age, education, family body mass index (BMI) category, leisure time and occupational physical activity, weight control habits, smoking habit, use of drugs, number of working hours per week, and type of working contract. After adjusting for covariates, the importance of temporary-employment was confirmed by multivariate analysis, with odds ratio (OR) = 1.32 for obesity (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.07-1.63) with respect to employed persons; the association was even more important in workers occupied for more than 40 h/week (OR = 1.69, 95% CI: 1.07-2.66); moreover, shiftwork was confirmed as a risk factor for obesity in workers (OR = 1.06, 95% CI: 0.94-1.2). Dealing with different occupational group, some categories were associated with obesity; in particular, this phenomenon involved people employed in agriculture (OR = 1.44, 95% CI: 1.22-1.7), transportation (OR = 1.53, 95% CI: 1.26-1.85), and public administration (OR = 1.31, 95% CI: 1.1-1.55). Our analysis suggest that obesity is strongly correlated with temporary employment. Maybe the way out this pathway to obesity in the future might be working better, choosing organizational flexibility rather than fixed term. Int J Occup Med Environ Health 2016;29(6):903-914. This work is available in Open Access model and licensed under a CC BY-NC 3.0 PL license.

Juvenile body mass estimation: A methodological evaluation.

PubMed

Cowgill, Libby

2018-02-01

Two attempts have been made to develop body mass prediction formulae specifically for immature remains: Ruff (Ruff, C.C., 2007, Body size prediction from juvenile skeletal remains. American Journal Physical Anthropology 133, 698-716) and Robbins et al. (Robbins, G., Sciulli, P.W., Blatt, S.H., 2010. Estimating body mass in subadult human skeletons. American Journal Physical Anthropology 143, 146-150). While both were developed from the same reference population, they differ in their independent variable selection: Ruff (2008) used measures of metaphyseal and articular surface size to predict body mass in immature remains, whereas Robbins et al. (2010) relied on cross-sectional properties. Both methods perform well on independent testing samples; however, differences between the two methods exist in the predicted values. This research evaluates the differences in the body mass estimates from these two methods in seven geographically diverse skeletal samples under the age of 18 (n = 461). The purpose of this analysis is not to assess which method performs with greater accuracy or precision; instead, differences between the two methods are used as a heuristic device to focus attention on the unique challenges affecting the prediction of immature body mass estimates in particular. The two methods differ by population only in some cases, which may be a reflection of activity variation or nutritional status. In addition, cross-sectional properties almost always produce higher estimates than metaphyseal surface size across all age categories. This highlights the difficulty in teasing apart information related to body mass from that relevant to loading, particularly when the original reference population is urban/industrial. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Relationship between Occupational Stress, 5-HT2A Receptor Polymorphisms and Mental Health in Petroleum Workers in the Xinjiang Arid Desert: A Cross-Sectional Study.

PubMed

Jiang, Ting; Ge, Hua; Sun, Jian; Li, Rong; Han, Rui; Liu, Jiwen

2017-04-10

At present, there is growing interest in research examining the relationship between occupational stress and mental health. Owing to the socioeconomic impact of occupational stress and the unique environment of petroleum workers in Xinjiang, a cross-sectional study was carried out between April and December 2015 to investigate the relationship between occupational stress, 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor (5-HTR2A) genotype, and mental health. A total of 1485 workers were selected. The Symptom Checklist 90 was used to assess nine classes of psychological symptoms. Work-related stressors were evaluated using the Occupational Stress Inventory-Revised Edition. Levels of 5-HTR2A (the Tl02C and A-1438G single nucleotide polymorphism in the 5-HTR2A gene) were measured by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). The findings of the present study revealed a high prevalence rate of mental health problems (40.29%) in petroleum workers stationed in the arid desert, and suggested a strong correlation between occupational stress and mental health. The TC and CC genotype of Tl02C were found to be protective factors against mental health problems (odds ratio (OR) = 0.455, 95% confidence interval (CI): = 0.269-0.771, odds ratio (OR) = 0.340, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.162-0.716). AG and GG genotype of A-1438G [odds ratio (OR) 1 = 2.729, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.433-5.195; odds ratio (OR) 2 = 2.480, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.221-5.037] were revealed as risk factors. These data provide evidence that occupational stress and 5-HTR2A gene polymorphism contributes to the incidence of mental health problems.

Construction of new biopolymer (chitosan)-based pincer-type Pd(II) complex and its catalytic application in Suzuki cross coupling reactions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baran, Talat; Menteş, Ayfer

2017-04-01

In this paper we described the fabrication, characterization and application of a new biopolymer (chitosan)-based pincer-type Pd(II) catalyst in Suzuki cross coupling reactions using a non-toxic, cheap, eco-friendly and practical method. The catalytic activity tests showed remarkable product yields as well as TON (19800) and TOF (330000) values with a small catalyst loading. In addition, the catalyst indicated good recyclability in the Suzuki C-C reaction. This biopolymer supported catalyst can be used with various catalyst systems due to its unique properties, such as being inert, green in nature, low cost and chemically durable.

New Results on RZ Leo and CC Scl

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Szkody, Paula; Mukadam, Anjum S.; Gaensicke, Boris T.; Toloza, Odette; Dai, Zhibin; HST GO12870 Team

2017-01-01

Using HST COS ultraviolet spectra in time-tag mode and a long K2 observation, we have determined a spin period for the white in RZ Leo of 220 seconds, thus confirming this cataclysmic variable as a new member of the Intermediate Polar class of systems. The ultraviolet light curve of CC Scl at quiescence created from its COS spectral observations is dominated by its spin period of 195 seconds (that has only been previously observed during one of its outbursts). Spectra formed from the high and low sections of its light curve shows a temperature difference of several thousand degrees.PS and ASM acknowledge support from NASA grant HST-GO13807 and from NSF grant AST-1514737.

Origin and Evolution of European Community-Acquired Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus

PubMed Central

Wirth, Thierry; Andersen, Paal S.; Skov, Robert L.; De Grassi, Anna; Simões, Patricia Martins; Tristan, Anne; Petersen, Andreas; Aziz, Maliha; Kiil, Kristoffer; Cirković, Ivana; Udo, Edet E.; del Campo, Rosa; Vuopio-Varkila, Jaana; Ahmad, Norazah; Tokajian, Sima; Peters, Georg; Schaumburg, Frieder; Olsson-Liljequist, Barbro; Givskov, Michael; Driebe, Elizabeth E.; Vigh, Henrik E.; Shittu, Adebayo; Ramdani-Bougessa, Nadjia; Rasigade, Jean-Philippe; Price, Lance B.; Vandenesch, Francois; Larsen, Anders R.; Laurent, Frederic

2014-01-01

ABSTRACT Community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) was recognized in Europe and worldwide in the late 1990s. Within a decade, several genetically and geographically distinct CA-MRSA lineages carrying the small SCCmec type IV and V genetic elements and the Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) emerged around the world. In Europe, the predominant CA-MRSA strain belongs to clonal complex 80 (CC80) and is resistant to kanamycin/amikacin and fusidic acid. CC80 was first reported in 1993 but was relatively rare until the late 1990s. It has since been identified throughout North Africa, the Middle East, and Europe, with recent sporadic reports in sub-Saharan Africa. While strongly associated with skin and soft tissue infections, it is rarely found among asymptomatic carriers. Methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA) CC80 strains are extremely rare except in sub-Saharan Africa. In the current study, we applied whole-genome sequencing to a global collection of both MSSA and MRSA CC80 isolates. Phylogenetic analyses strongly suggest that the European epidemic CA-MRSA lineage is derived from a PVL-positive MSSA ancestor from sub-Saharan Africa. Moreover, the tree topology suggests a single acquisition of both the SCCmec element and a plasmid encoding the fusidic acid resistance determinant. Four canonical SNPs distinguish the derived CA-MRSA lineage and include a nonsynonymous mutation in accessory gene regulator C (agrC). These changes were associated with a star-like expansion into Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa in the early 1990s, including multiple cases of cross-continent imports likely driven by human migrations. PMID:25161186

Individual and Joint Associations of Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase C677T Genotype and Plasma Homocysteine With Dyslipidemia in a Chinese Population With Hypertension.

PubMed

Liu, Yanhong; Li, Kang; Venners, Scott A; Hsu, Yi-Hsiang; Jiang, Shanqun; Weinstock, Justin; Wang, Binyan; Tang, Genfu; Xu, Xiping

2017-04-01

We aimed to examine the cross-sectional associations of plasma total homocysteine (tHcy) concentrations and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase ( MTHFR) C677T genotype with dyslipidemia. A total of 231 patients with mild-to-moderate essential hypertension were enrolled from the Huoqiu and Yuexi communities in Anhui Province, China. Plasma tHcy levels were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography. Genotyping was performed by TaqMan allelic discrimination technique. Compared with MTHFR 677 CC + CT genotype carriers, TT genotype carriers had higher odds of hypercholesterolemia (adjusted odds ratio [OR] [95% confidence interval (CI)]: 2.7 [1.4-5.2]; P = .004) and higher odds of abnormal low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (adjusted OR [95% CI]: 2.3 [1.1-4.8]; P = .030). The individuals with the TT genotype had higher concentrations of log(tHcy) than those with the 677 CC + CT genotype (adjusted β [standard error]: .2 [0.03]; P < .001). Patients with tHcy ≥ 10 μmol/L had significantly higher odds of hypercholesterolemia (adjusted OR [95% CI]: 2.4 [1.2-4.7]; P = .010). Furthermore, patients with both the TT genotype and the tHcy ≥ 10 μmol/L had the highest odds of hypercholesterolemia (adjusted OR [95% CI]: 4.1 [1.8-9.4]; P = .001) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (adjusted OR [95% CI]: 2.4 [1.0-6.0]; P = .064). This study suggests that both tHcy and the MTHFR C677T gene polymorphism may be important determinants of the incidence of dyslipidemia in Chinese patients with essential hypertension. Further studies are needed to confirm the role of tHcy and the MTHFR C677T mutation in the development of dyslipidemia in a larger sample.

Circulating dipeptidyl peptidase-4 activity correlates with measures of hepatocyte apoptosis and fibrosis in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity: A dual cohort cross-sectional study.

PubMed

Williams, Kathryn H; Vieira De Ribeiro, Ana Júlia; Prakoso, Emilia; Veillard, Anne-Sophie; Shackel, Nicholas A; Brooks, Belinda; Bu, Yangmin; Cavanagh, Erika; Raleigh, Jim; McLennan, Susan V; McCaughan, Geoffrey W; Keane, Fiona M; Zekry, Amany; Gorrell, Mark D; Twigg, Stephen M

2015-11-01

Intrahepatic expression of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4), and circulating DPP4 (cDPP4) levels and its enzymatic activity, are increased in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and in type 2 diabetes mellitus and/or obesity. DPP4 has been implicated as a causative factor in NAFLD progression but few studies have examined associations between cDPP4 activity and NAFLD severity in humans. This study aimed to examine the relationship of cDPP4 activity with measures of liver disease severity in NAFLD in subjects with diabetes and/or obesity. cDPP4 was measured in 106 individuals with type 2 diabetes who had transient elastography (Cohort 1) and 145 individuals with morbid obesity who had liver biopsy (Cohort 2). Both cohorts had caspase-cleaved keratin-18 (ccK18) measured as a marker of apoptosis. Natural log increases in cDPP4 activity were associated with increasing quartiles of ccK18 (Cohorts 1 and 2) and with median liver stiffness ≥10.3 kPa (Cohort 1) and significant fibrosis (F ≥ 2) on liver biopsy (Cohort 2). In diabetes and/or obesity, cDPP4 activity is associated with current apoptosis and liver fibrosis. Given the pathogenic mechanisms by which DPP4 may progress NAFLD, measurement of cDPP4 activity may have utility to predict disease progression and DPP4 inhibition may improve liver histology over time. © 2014 Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine and Wiley Publishing Asia Pty Ltd.

Risk Factors for Reporting Poor Cultural Competency Among Patients with Diabetes in Safety-Net Clinics

PubMed Central

Seligman, Hilary K.; Fernandez, Alicia; Stern, Rachel J.; Weech-Maldonado, Robert; Quan, Judy; Jacobs, Elizabeth A.

2012-01-01

Background The Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems Cultural Competency (CAHPS-CC) Item Set assesses patient perceptions of aspects of the cultural competence of their health care. Objective To determine characteristics of patients who identify the care they receive as less culturally competent Research Design Cross-sectional survey consisting of face-to-face interviews Subjects Safety-net population of patients with type 2 diabetes (n=600) receiving ongoing primary care Measures Participants completed the CAHPS-CC and answered questions about their race/ethnicity, gender, age, education, health status, depressive symptoms, insurance coverage, English proficiency, duration of relationship with primary care provider, and co-morbidities. Results In adjusted models, depressive symptoms were significantly associated with poor cultural competency in the Doctor Communication – Positive Behaviors domain (OR 1.73, 95%CI 1.11, 2.69). African-Americans were less likely than Whites to report poor cultural competence in the Doctor Communication – Positive Behaviors domain (OR 0.52, 0.28–0.97). Participants who reported a longer relationship (≥3 years) with their primary care provider were less likely to report poor cultural competence in the Doctor Communication – Health Promotion (OR 0.35, 0.21–0.60) and Trust domains (OR 0.4, 0.24–0.67), while participants with lower educational attainment were less likely to report poor cultural competence in the Trust domain (OR 0.51, 0.30–0.86). Overall, however, sociodemographic and clinical differences in reports of poor cultural competence were insignificant or inconsistent across the various domains of cultural competence examined. Conclusions Cultural competence interventions in safety-net settings should be implemented across populations, rather than being narrowly focused on specific sociodemographic or clinical groups. PMID:22895232

MACULAR MICROVASCULAR NETWORKS IN HEALTHY PEDIATRIC SUBJECTS.

PubMed

Borrelli, Enrico; Lonngi, Marcela; Balasubramanian, Siva; Tepelus, Tudor C; Baghdasaryan, Elmira; Iafe, Nicholas A; Pineles, Stacy L; Velez, Federico G; Sarraf, David; Sadda, SriniVas R; Tsui, Irena

2018-02-22

To report optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) values in healthy pediatric eyes and to identify factors that may modify these values. In this prospective observational cross-sectional study, macular OCTA images were acquired from healthy pediatric patients. Main outcome measures were 1) foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area at the level of the superficial retinal capillary plexus (SCP); 2) SCP and deep retinal capillary plexus (DCP) perfusion density (based on the area of vessels); 3) SCP and DCP vessel density (based on a map with vessels of 1-pixel width); and 4) CC perfusion density. Multiple regression analysis was performed to assess the effect of age, sex, ethnicity, refraction, and foveal macular thickness (FMT) on OCTA parameters. Seventy-seven eyes from 52 subjects (23 male and 29 female) were included in analysis. Mean age was 11.1 ± 3.3 years (range = 5.0-17.0 years). Twenty-nine (55.8%) subjects were white, 14 (27.0%) Hispanic, 8 (15.4%) Asian, and 1 (1.8%) African-American. Mean refraction was -0.1 ± 2.4 diopters (D) (range = -5.75 to +9.0 D). Mean FMT was 248.6 ± 18.6 μm. Larger FAZ area was significantly associated with older age (P = 0.014). Furthermore, larger FAZ area was associated with reduced FMT (P < 0.0001). Male sex was associated only with increased SCP perfusion density (P = 0.042). Increased CC perfusion density was associated with younger age (P = 0.022). We report data for pediatric OCTA parameters in healthy subjects. Several variables influence the density of macular microvascular networks, and these factors should be considered in the OCTA study of pediatric eye disorders.

Polymorphism rs2073618 of the osteoprotegerin gene as a potential marker of subclinical carotid atherosclerosis in Caucasians with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

PubMed

Pleskovič, Aleš; Ramuš, Sara Mankoč; Pražnikar, Zala Jenko; Šantl Letonja, Marija; Cokan Vujkovac, Andreja; Gazdikova, Katarina; Caprnda, Martin; Gaspar, Ludovit; Kruzliak, Peter; Petrovič, Daniel

2017-08-01

The OPG/RANKL/RANK (osteoprotegerin/receptor-activator of nuclear factor κB ligand/receptor-activator of nuclear factor κB) axis has been recently linked to the development of atherosclerosis and plaque destabilization. We have investigated whether polymorphism rs2073618 of the OPG gene is associated with subclinical markers of carotid atherosclerosis in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). 595 subjects with T2DM were enrolled in the cross-sectional study. Subclinical markers of carotid atherosclerosis (carotid intima media thickness, plaque thickness, and plaques presence) were assessed with ultrasound at the time of recruitment. Genotyping for rs2073618 (a missense variant located in exon I of the OPG gene) was performed, and OPG serum levels were determined by ELISA. Compared to the GG genotype, the CC genotype of the rs2073618 polymorphism had a significantly increased risk for the presence of carotid plaque (OR = 2.54, 95 % CI = 1.22-5.28, p = 0.01). No statistically significant difference could be detected (p = 0.68) upon comparing median values of serum OPG levels among studied genotype groups in subjects with T2DM. Multivariable linear regression analyses in T2DM subjects demonstrated that GC and CC genotypes (p = 0.03 and p = 0.003), together with statin therapy (p = 0.009), were independent predictors of the number of carotid segments with plaques. Despite the fact that OPG rs2073618 genotypes failed to predict the serum OPG levels as there was no statistical difference among compared genotypes, our results demonstrate that the rs2073618 polymorphism could be a possible genetic marker for the prediction of increased risk for carotid plaque burden as a measure of advanced subclinical atherosclerosis in T2DM subjects.

Relationship between human paraoxonase-1 activity and PON1 polymorphisms in Mexican workers exposed to organophosphate pesticides.

PubMed

López-Flores, I; Lacasaña, M; Blanco-Muñoz, J; Aguilar-Garduño, C; Sanchez-Villegas, P; Pérez-Méndez, O A; Gamboa-Avila, R

2009-07-24

Paraoxonase-1 (PON1) is a serum enzyme which catalyzes the hydrolysis of organophosphate pesticides. In this study we conducted a cross-sectional study and reported on the distribution of three common genetic polymorphisms of the PON1 gene in a population of floriculture workers from Mexico as well as the association between those polymorphisms and other predictors with serum PON1 activity on paraoxon, diazoxon and phenylacetate. The genotype frequencies at position PON1(55) were 89% (LL), 10% (LM) and 0.6% (MM), at position PON1(192) they were 16% (QQ), 47% (QR) and 37% (RR), and 26% (TT), 42% (TC) and 32% (CC) at position PON1(-108). Thus, the frequencies of alleles L, Q and T were 0.94, 0.40 and 0.47, respectively. The PON1(55) polymorphism had no significant effect on serum PON1 activity on any substrate. We found a significant association between the PON1(192) polymorphism and PON1 activity towards paraoxon and diazoxon, which increased in genotypes as follows: 192RR>192QR>192QQ for paraoxonase activity and, inversely, 192QQ>192QR>192RR for diazoxonase activity. The PON1(-108) polymorphism also had a significant effect on PON1 activity level towards paraoxon in the following order among the genotype groups: -108CC>-108TC>-108TT. Serum PON1 activity towards diazoxon was not associated with the PON1(-108) polymorphism but it was influenced by the intensity exposure to pesticides at the floriculture industry and the years of the occupational exposure to pesticides. No polymorphism significantly influenced serum PON1 activity on phenylacetate.

Distribution and clinical correlates of viral and host genotypes in Chinese patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection

PubMed Central

Rao, Huiying; Wei, Lai; Lopez-Talavera, Juan Carlos; Shang, Jia; Chen, Hong; Li, Jun; Xie, Qing; Gao, Zhiliang; Wang, Lei; Wei, Jia; Jiang, Jianning; Sun, Yongtao; Yang, Ruifeng; Li, Hong; Zhang, Haiying; Gong, Zuojiong; Zhang, Lunli; Zhao, Longfeng; Dou, Xiaoguang; Niu, Junqi; You, Hong; Chen, Zhi; Ning, Qin; Gong, Guozhong; Wu, Shuhuan; Ji, Wei; Mao, Qing; Tang, Hong; Li, Shuchen; Wei, Shaofeng; Sun, Jian; Jiang, Jiaji; Lu, Lungen; Jia, Jidong; Zhuang, Hui

2014-01-01

Background and Aim Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is relatively frequent in China. This study investigated the clinical, demographic, and viral and host genetic characteristics that may influence disease manifestations and clinical management. Methods In this cross-sectional observational study, treatment-naïve Han ethnic adults with recently confirmed chronic HCV infection were enrolled at 28 hospitals across China. HCV genotype and host interleukin 28B (IL28B) genotypes were determined and compared with patient demographic parameters and medical status. Results Among the 997 HCV-positive patients analyzed, 56.8% were infected with HCV genotype 1b, followed in prevalence by genotypes 2, 3, and 6, with substantial regional variation. Overall, 84.1% of patients were IL28B genotype CC (rs12979860), with little regional variation. Cirrhosis was reported in 10.1% of patients and was significantly associated with hepatitis B virus coinfection, low HCV viral load, low serum alanine aminotransferase, high serum aspartate aminotransferase, diabetes, and high pickled food consumption. Medical procedures were common transmission risk factors; however, lifestyle-associated risk factors, including intravenous drug abuse and tattoos or piercings, were more common in patients with HCV genotype 3 or 6. Conclusions Most HCV-infected Han Chinese patients were IL28B genotype CC (rs12979860). HCV genotypes varied by geographic region, and disease characteristics differed according to HCV genotype. Relatively frequent detection of advanced liver disease may reflect limitations on access to antiviral therapy, and suggests that greater awareness of factors that influence HCV-associated disease may help avoid clinical complications and improve patient outcomes. PMID:24090188

Transcobalamin 776C→G polymorphism is associated with peripheral neuropathy in elderly individuals with high folate intake.

PubMed

Sawaengsri, Hathairat; Bergethon, Peter R; Qiu, Wei Qiao; Scott, Tammy M; Jacques, Paul F; Selhub, Jacob; Paul, Ligi

2016-12-01

The 776C→G polymorphism of the vitamin B-12 transport protein transcobalamin gene (TCN2) (rs1801198; Pro259Arg) is associated with a lower holotranscobalamin concentration in plasma. This effect may reduce the availability of vitamin B-12 to tissues even when vitamin B-12 intake is adequate. Clinical outcomes associated with vitamin B-12 insufficiency could potentially be worsened by high folate intake. We determined the association of the TCN2 776C→G polymorphism and folate intake with peripheral neuropathy in elders with normal plasma concentrations of vitamin B-12. Participants in this cross-sectional study (n = 171) were from a cohort of community-based, home-bound elderly individuals aged ≥60 y who underwent an evaluation by physicians including an assessment for peripheral neuropathy. Participants were administered food-frequency and general health status questionnaires, anthropometric measurements were taken, and a fasting blood sample from each subject was collected. Odds of neuropathy were 3-fold higher for GG genotypes than for CC genotypes (OR: 3.33; 95% CI: 1.15, 9.64). When folate intake was >2 times the Recommended Dietary Allowance (800 μg), GG genotypes had 6.9-fold higher odds of neuropathy than CC genotypes (OR: 6.9; 95% CI: 1.31, 36.36). There was no difference between the genotypes in the odds of peripheral neuropathy when folate intake was ≤800 μg (OR: 1.5; 95% CI: 0.18, 12.33). The TCN2 776C→G polymorphism is associated with increased odds of peripheral neuropathy in the elderly, even with a normal vitamin B-12 status, especially if their folate intake is >2 times the Recommended Dietary Allowance. © 2016 American Society for Nutrition.

Comparison of Baseline Characteristics between Community-based and Hospital-based Suicidal Ideators and Its Implications for Tailoring Strategies for Suicide Prevention: Korean Cohort for the Model Predicting a Suicide and Suicide-related Behavior

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

In this cross-sectional study, we aimed to identify distinguishing factors between populations with suicidal ideation recruited from hospitals and communities to make an efficient allocation of limited anti-suicidal resources according to group differences. We analyzed the baseline data from 120 individuals in a community-based cohort (CC) and 137 individuals in a hospital-based cohort (HC) with suicidal ideation obtained from the Korean Cohort for the Model Predicting a Suicide and Suicide-related Behavior (K-COMPASS) study. First, their sociodemographic factors, histories of medical and psychiatric illnesses, and suicidal behaviors were compared. Second, diagnosis by the Korean version of the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview, scores of psychometric scales were used to assess differences in clinical severity between the groups. The results revealed that the HC had more severe clinical features: more psychiatric diagnosis including current and recurrent major depressive episodes (odds ratio [OR], 4.054; P < 0.001 and OR, 11.432; P < 0.001, respectively), current suicide risk (OR, 4.817; P < 0.001), past manic episodes (OR, 9.500; P < 0.001), past hypomanic episodes (OR, 4.108; P = 0.008), current alcohol abuse (OR, 3.566; P = 0.020), and current mood disorder with psychotic features (OR, 20.342; P < 0.001) besides significantly higher scores in depression, anxiety, alcohol problems, impulsivity, and stress. By comparison, old age, single households, and low socioeconomic status were significantly associated with the CC. These findings indicate the necessity of more clinically oriented support for hospital visitors and more socioeconomic aid for community-dwellers with suicidality. PMID:28776350

Effect of 5-HT2A Receptor Polymorphisms, Work Stressors, and Social Support on Job Strain among Petroleum Workers in Xinjiang, China

PubMed Central

Jiang, Yu; Tang, Jinhua; Li, Rong; Zhao, Junling; Song, Zhixin; Ge, Hua; Lian, Yulong; Liu, Jiwen

2016-01-01

Previous studies have shown that work stressors and social support influence job strain. However, few studies have examined the impact of individual differences on job strain. In Xinjiang, there are a large number of petroleum workers in arid deserts. The present study investigated the effects of work stressors, social support, and 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor (5-HTR2A) genotype on the etiology of job strain among petroleum workers in Xinjiang. A cross-sectional study was carried out between January and August 2013. A total of 700 workers were selected by a three-stage stratified sampling method. 5-HTR2A genotypes were determined with the SNaPshot single nucleotide polymorphism assay. Work stressors and job strain were evaluated with the Occupational Stress Inventory-Revised questionnaire. Social support was assessed with the Chinese Social Support Rating Scale. Work overload and responsibility were significantly associated with job strain. Low social support was associated with severe vocational and interpersonal strain. High social support was a protective factor against job strain (odds ratio (OR) = 0.32, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.14–0.76). The CC genotype of rs6313 and the AA genotype of rs2070040 were linked to severe vocational strain. Ordinal logistic regression analysis revealed that the CC genotype of rs6313 was linked to higher risk of job strain than the TT genotype (OR = 1.88, 95% CI: 1.10–3.23). These data provide evidence that work stressors, low social support, and 5-HTR2A gene polymorphism contributes to the risk of job strain. PMID:27999378

Nonadiabatic dynamics of O({sup 1}D) + N{sub 2}(X{sup 1}{Sigma}{sub g}{sup +}){yields}O({sup 3}P) + N{sub 2}(X{sup 1}{Sigma}{sub g}{sup +}) on three coupled potential surfaces: Symmetry, Coriolis, spin-orbit, and Renner-Teller effects

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

Defazio, Paolo; Gamallo, Pablo; Petrongolo, Carlo

2012-02-07

We present the spin-orbit (SO) and Renner-Teller (RT) quantum dynamics of the spin-forbidden quenching O({sup 1}D) + N{sub 2}(X{sup 1}{Sigma}{sub g}{sup +}){yields}O({sup 3}P) + N{sub 2}(X{sup 1}{Sigma}{sub g}{sup +}) on the N{sub 2}O X-tilde{sup 1}A{sup '}, a-tilde{sup 3}A', and b-tilde{sup 3}A{sup '} coupled PESs. We use the permutation-inversion symmetry, propagate coupled-channel (CC) real wavepackets, and compute initial-state-resolved probabilities and cross sections {sigma}{sub j0} for the ground vibrational and the first two rotational states of N{sub 2}, j{sub 0}= 0 and 1. Labeling symmetry angular states by j and K, we report selection rules for j and for the minimum Kmore » value associated with any electronic state, showing that a-tilde{sup 3}A' is uncoupled in the centrifugal-sudden (CS) approximation at j{sub 0}= 0. The dynamics is resonance-dominated, the probabilities are larger at low K, {sigma}{sub j0} decrease with the collision energy and increase with j{sub 0}, and the CS {sigma}{sub 0} is lower than the CC one. The nonadiabatic interactions play different roles on the quenching dynamics, because the X-tilde{sup 1}A{sup '}-b-tilde{sup 3}A{sup '} SO effects are those most important while the a-tilde{sup 3}A'-b-tilde{sup 3}A{sup '} RT ones are negligible.« less

An Energy-Based Similarity Measure for Time Series

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boudraa, Abdel-Ouahab; Cexus, Jean-Christophe; Groussat, Mathieu; Brunagel, Pierre

2007-12-01

A new similarity measure, called SimilB, for time series analysis, based on the cross-[InlineEquation not available: see fulltext.]-energy operator (2004), is introduced. [InlineEquation not available: see fulltext.] is a nonlinear measure which quantifies the interaction between two time series. Compared to Euclidean distance (ED) or the Pearson correlation coefficient (CC), SimilB includes the temporal information and relative changes of the time series using the first and second derivatives of the time series. SimilB is well suited for both nonstationary and stationary time series and particularly those presenting discontinuities. Some new properties of [InlineEquation not available: see fulltext.] are presented. Particularly, we show that [InlineEquation not available: see fulltext.] as similarity measure is robust to both scale and time shift. SimilB is illustrated with synthetic time series and an artificial dataset and compared to the CC and the ED measures.

The County Council of the Order of Physicians in Ille et Vilaine (France) during the Second World War.

PubMed

Gentili, Marc E

2013-06-01

Initially, the examination of the archives from the Ille et Vilaine Council of the College of Physicians was based solely on the findings of Dr. George from Rennes who had helped Jews during the Occupation. Gradually I perceived that the quality of available documents permitted writing this article to show a contrasting view of this dark period in our history. This work aimed to analyze the role of the County Council (CC) of Ille et Vilaine through minutes of their meetings and to compare, year by year, directives and circulars from the Supreme Council of the Order of Physicians (SCO) sent to CC at this period. We will observe see that between the institution, acting by strictly following the orders from the "French State", and the county councils, for some at least, there was a gap that men of good will knew not to cross.

Research on robotics by principal investigators of the Robotics Technology Development Program

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

Harrigan, R.W.

The U.S. Department of Energy`s Office of Technology Development has been developing robotics and automation technologies for the clean-up and handling of hazardous and radioactive waste through one of its major elements, Cross Cutting and Advanced Technology development. CC&AT university research and development programs recognize the strong technology, base resident in the university community and sponsor a focused technology research and development program which stresses close interaction between the university sector and the DOE community. This report contains a compilation of research articles by each of 14 principle investigators supported by CC&AT to develop robotics and automation technologies for themore » clean-up and handling of hazardous and radioactive waste. This research has led to innovative solutions for waste clean-up problems, and it has moved technology out of university laboratories into functioning systems which has allowed early evaluation by site technologists.« less

Cardiac phase detection in intravascular ultrasound images

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Matsumoto, Monica M. S.; Lemos, Pedro Alves; Yoneyama, Takashi; Furuie, Sergio Shiguemi

2008-03-01

Image gating is related to image modalities that involve quasi-periodic moving organs. Therefore, during intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) examination, there is cardiac movement interference. In this paper, we aim to obtain IVUS gated images based on the images themselves. This would allow the reconstruction of 3D coronaries with temporal accuracy for any cardiac phase, which is an advantage over the ECG-gated acquisition that shows a single one. It is also important for retrospective studies, as in existing IVUS databases there are no additional reference signals (ECG). From the images, we calculated signals based on average intensity (AI), and, from consecutive frames, average intensity difference (AID), cross-correlation coefficient (CC) and mutual information (MI). The process includes a wavelet-based filter step and ascendant zero-cross detection in order to obtain the phase information. Firstly, we tested 90 simulated sequences with 1025 frames each. Our method was able to achieve more than 95.0% of true positives and less than 2.3% of false positives ratio, for all signals. Afterwards, we tested in a real examination, with 897 frames and ECG as gold-standard. We achieved 97.4% of true positives (CC and MI), and 2.5% of false positives. For future works, methodology should be tested in wider range of IVUS examinations.

Permeability-diffusivity modeling vs. fractional anisotropy on white matter integrity assessment and application in schizophrenia.

PubMed

Kochunov, P; Chiappelli, J; Hong, L E

2013-01-01

Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) assumes a single pool of anisotropically diffusing water to calculate fractional anisotropy (FA) and is commonly used to ascertain white matter (WM) deficits in schizophrenia. At higher b-values, diffusion-signal decay becomes bi-exponential, suggesting the presence of two, unrestricted and restricted, water pools. Theoretical work suggests that semi-permeable cellular membrane rather than the presence of two physical compartments is the cause. The permeability-diffusivity (PD) parameters measured from bi-exponential modeling may offer advantages, over traditional DTI-FA, in identifying WM deficits in schizophrenia. Imaging was performed in N = 26/26 patients/controls (age = 20-61 years, average age = 40.5 ± 12.6). Imaging consisted of fifteen b-shells: b = 250-3800 s/mm(2) with 30 directions/shell, covering seven slices of mid-sagittal corpus callosum (CC) at 1.7 × 1.7 × 4.6 mm. 64-direction DTI was also collected. Permeability-diffusivity-index (PDI), the ratio of restricted to unrestricted apparent diffusion coefficients, and the fraction of unrestricted compartment (Mu) were calculated for CC and cingulate gray matter (GM). FA values for CC were calculated using tract-based-spatial-statistics. Patients had significantly reduced PDI in CC (p ≅ 10(- 4)) and cingulate GM (p = 0.002), while differences in CC FA were modest (p ≅ .03). There was no group-related difference in Mu. Additional theoretical-modeling analysis suggested that reduced PDI in patients may be caused by reduced cross-membrane water molecule exchanges. PDI measurements for cerebral WM and GM yielded more robust patient-control differences than DTI-FA. Theoretical work offers an explanation that patient-control PDI differences should implicate abnormal active membrane permeability. This would implicate abnormal activities in ion-channels that use water as substrate for ion exchange, in cerebral tissues of schizophrenia patients.

Data-Intensive Discovery Methods for Seismic Monitoring

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Richards, P. G.; Schaff, D. P.; Young, C. J.; Slinkard, M.; Heck, S.; Ammon, C. J.; Cleveland, M.

2011-12-01

For most regions of our planet, earthquakes and explosions are still located one-at-a-time using seismic phase picks-a procedure that has not fundamentally changed for more than a century. But methods that recognize and use seismogram archives as a major resource, enabling comparisons of waveforms recorded from neighboring events and relocating numerous events relative to each other, have been successfully demonstrated, especially for California, where they have enabled new insights into earthquake physics and Earth structure, and have raised seismic monitoring to new levels. We are beginning a series of projects to evaluate such data-intensive methods on ever-larger scales, using cross correlation (CC) to analyze seismicity in three different ways: (1) to find repeating earthquakes (whose waveforms are very similar, so the CC value measured over long windows must be high); (2) to measure time differences and amplitude differences to enable precise relocations and relative amplitude studies, of seismic events with respect to their neighboring events (then CC can be much lower, yet still give a better estimate of arrival time differences and relative amplitudes, compared to differencing phase picks and magnitudes); and, perhaps most importantly, (3) as a detector, to find new events in current data streams that are similar to events already in the archive, or to add to the number of detections of an already known event. Experience documented by Schaff and Waldhauser (2005) for California and Schaff (2009) for China indicates that the great majority of events in seismically active regions generate waveforms that are sufficiently similar to the waveforms of neighboring events to allow CC methods to be used to obtain relative locations. Schaff (2008, 2010) has demonstrated the capability of CC methods to achieve detections, with minimal false alarms, down to more than a magnitude unit below conventional STA/LTA detectors though CC methods are far more computationally-intensive. Elsewhere at this meeting Cleveland, Ammon, and Van DeMark report in more detail on greatly-improved event locations along oceanic fracture zones using CC methods applied to 40-80s Rayleigh waves; and Slinkard, Carr, Heck and Young at Sandia have reported greatly-improved computational approaches that reduce CPU demands from hours using a fast workstation to minutes using a GPU, when a continuous data stream lasting several days is searched (using CC methods) for seismic signals similar to those of hundreds of previously documented events. From diverse results such as these, it seems appropriate to consider the future possibility of radical improvement in monitoring virtually all seismically active areas, using archives of prior events as the major resource-though we recognize that such an approach does not directly help to characterize seismic events in inactive regions, or events in active regions which are dissimilar to previously recorded events.

Diversity of Staphylococcus aureus Isolates in European Wildlife

PubMed Central

Monecke, Stefan; Gavier-Widén, Dolores; Hotzel, Helmut; Peters, Martin; Guenther, Sebastian; Lazaris, Alexandros; Loncaric, Igor; Müller, Elke; Reissig, Annett; Ruppelt-Lorz, Antje; Shore, Anna C.; Walter, Birgit; Coleman, David C.; Ehricht, Ralf

2016-01-01

Staphylococcus aureus is a well-known colonizer and cause of infection among animals and it has been described from numerous domestic and wild animal species. The aim of the present study was to investigate the molecular epidemiology of S. aureus in a convenience sample of European wildlife and to review what previously has been observed in the subject field. 124 S. aureus isolates were collected from wildlife in Germany, Austria and Sweden; they were characterized by DNA microarray hybridization and, for isolates with novel hybridization patterns, by multilocus sequence typing (MLST). The isolates were assigned to 29 clonal complexes and singleton sequence types (CC1, CC5, CC6, CC7, CC8, CC9, CC12, CC15, CC22, CC25, CC30, CC49, CC59, CC88, CC97, CC130, CC133, CC398, ST425, CC599, CC692, CC707, ST890, CC1956, ST2425, CC2671, ST2691, CC2767 and ST2963), some of which (ST2425, ST2691, ST2963) were not described previously. Resistance rates in wildlife strains were rather low and mecA-MRSA isolates were rare (n = 6). mecC-MRSA (n = 8) were identified from a fox, a fallow deer, hares and hedgehogs. The common cattle-associated lineages CC479 and CC705 were not detected in wildlife in the present study while, in contrast, a third common cattle lineage, CC97, was found to be common among cervids. No Staphylococcus argenteus or Staphylococcus schweitzeri-like isolates were found. Systematic studies are required to monitor the possible transmission of human- and livestock-associated S. aureus/MRSA to wildlife and vice versa as well as the possible transmission, by unprotected contact to animals. The prevalence of S. aureus/MRSA in wildlife as well as its population structures in different wildlife host species warrants further investigation. PMID:27992523

Capsule null locus meningococci: typing of antigens used in an investigational multicomponent meningococcus serogroup B vaccine.

PubMed

Claus, Heike; Jördens, Markus S; Kriz, Pavla; Musilek, Martin; Jarva, Hanna; Pawlik, Marie-Christin; Meri, Seppo; Vogel, Ulrich

2012-01-05

The investigational multicomponent meningococcus serogroup B vaccine (4CMenB) targets the antigenetically variable population of serogroup B meningococci. Forty-one strains of capsule null locus (cnl) meningococci, which are frequent among healthy carriers, were selected from nine sequence types (ST), which belong to four clonal complexes (cc), and three countries. They were antigen sequence typed and analyzed for antigen expression to predict whether these strains harbor the genes and express the four vaccine antigens of 4CMenB as measured by the meningococcal antigen typing system (MATS). The PorA variant used in the vaccine was not found. The nadA gene was absent in all but one strain, which did not express the antigen in vitro. Only strains of clonal complex ST-198 harbored a factor H binding protein (FHBP) allele of the cross-reactive variant 1 family which is included in the vaccine. All these strains expressed the antigen. Five variants of the Neisserial heparin binding antigen (NHBA) gene were identified. Expression of NHBA was observed in all strains with highest levels in ST-198 cc and ST-845. The data suggest a potential impact of 4CMenB immunization at least on cnl meningococci of the ST-198 cc and ST-845. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Robotics Technology Crosscutting Program. Technology summary

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

NONE

The Robotics Technology Development Program (RTDP) is a needs-driven effort. A length series of presentations and discussions at DOE sites considered critical to DOE`s Environmental Restoration and Waste Management (EM) Programs resulted in a clear understanding of needed robotics applications toward resolving definitive problems at the sites. A detailed analysis of the resulting robotics needs assessment revealed several common threads running through the sites: Tank Waste Retrieval (TWR), Contaminant Analysis Automation (CAA), Mixed Waste Operations (MWO), and Decontamination and Dismantlement (D and D). The RTDP Group also realized that some of the technology development in these four areas had commonmore » (Cross Cutting-CC) needs, for example, computer control and sensor interface protocols. Further, the OTD approach to the Research, Development, Demonstration, Testing, and Evaluation (RDDT and E) process urged an additional organizational breakdown between short-term (1--3 years) and long-term (3--5 years) efforts (Advanced Technology-AT). These factors lead to the formation of the fifth application area for Crosscutting and Advanced Technology (CC and AT) development. The RTDP is thus organized around these application areas -- TWR, CAA, MWO, D and D, and CC and AT -- with the first four developing short-term applied robotics. An RTDP Five-Year Plan was developed for organizing the Program to meet the needs in these application areas.« less

Functional magnetic resonance imaging activation detection: fuzzy cluster analysis in wavelet and multiwavelet domains.

PubMed

Jahanian, Hesamoddin; Soltanian-Zadeh, Hamid; Hossein-Zadeh, Gholam-Ali

2005-09-01

To present novel feature spaces, based on multiscale decompositions obtained by scalar wavelet and multiwavelet transforms, to remedy problems associated with high dimension of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) time series (when they are used directly in clustering algorithms) and their poor signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) that limits accurate classification of fMRI time series according to their activation contents. Using randomization, the proposed method finds wavelet/multiwavelet coefficients that represent the activation content of fMRI time series and combines them to define new feature spaces. Using simulated and experimental fMRI data sets, the proposed feature spaces are compared to the cross-correlation (CC) feature space and their performances are evaluated. In these studies, the false positive detection rate is controlled using randomization. To compare different methods, several points of the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves, using simulated data, are estimated and compared. The proposed features suppress the effects of confounding signals and improve activation detection sensitivity. Experimental results show improved sensitivity and robustness of the proposed method compared to the conventional CC analysis. More accurate and sensitive activation detection can be achieved using the proposed feature spaces compared to CC feature space. Multiwavelet features show superior detection sensitivity compared to the scalar wavelet features. (c) 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Forest Community: An Ecological Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zipko, Stephen J.

1974-01-01

Discusses science activities designed to examine a balanced community in an unspoiled wooded section, including the study of physical and floral characteristics, shrubs, small and large trees, and animals. Indicates that the students' awareness of man's place in nature and nature's place in man is enhanced through such activities. (CC)

7 CFR 305.11 - Miscellaneous chemical treatments.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 5 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Miscellaneous chemical treatments. 305.11 Section 305... INSPECTION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PHYTOSANITARY TREATMENTS Chemical Treatments § 305.11 Miscellaneous chemical treatments. (a) CC1 for citrus canker. The fruit must be thoroughly wetted for at least 2...

Source localization of turboshaft engine broadband noise using a three-sensor coherence method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blacodon, Daniel; Lewy, Serge

2015-03-01

Turboshaft engines can become the main source of helicopter noise at takeoff. Inlet radiation mainly comes from the compressor tones, but aft radiation is more intricate: turbine tones usually are above the audible frequency range and do not contribute to the weighted sound levels; jet is secondary and radiates low noise levels. A broadband component is the most annoying but its sources are not well known (it is called internal or core noise). Present study was made in the framework of the European project TEENI (Turboshaft Engine Exhaust Noise Identification). Its main objective was to localize the broadband sources in order to better reduce them. Several diagnostic techniques were implemented by the various TEENI partners. As regards ONERA, a first attempt at separating sources was made in the past with Turbomeca using a three-signal coherence method (TSM) to reject background non-acoustic noise. The main difficulty when using TSM is the assessment of the frequency range where the results are valid. This drawback has been circumvented in the TSM implemented in TEENI. Measurements were made on a highly instrumented Ardiden turboshaft engine in the Turbomeca open-air test bench. Two engine powers (approach and takeoff) were selected to apply TSM. Two internal pressure probes were located in various cross-sections, either behind the combustion chamber (CC), the high-pressure turbine (HPT), the free-turbine first stage (TL), or in four nozzle sections. The third transducer was a far-field microphone located around the maximum of radiation, at 120° from the intake centerline. The key result is that coherence increases from CC to HPT and TL, then decreases in the nozzle up to the exit. Pressure fluctuations from HPT and TL are very coherent with the far-field acoustic spectra up to 700 Hz. They are thus the main acoustic source and can be attributed to indirect combustion noise (accuracy decreases above 700 Hz because coherence is lower, but far-field sound spectra also are much lower above 700 Hz).

Concussion classification via deep learning using whole-brain white matter fiber strains

PubMed Central

Cai, Yunliang; Wu, Shaoju; Zhao, Wei; Li, Zhigang; Wu, Zheyang

2018-01-01

Developing an accurate and reliable injury predictor is central to the biomechanical studies of traumatic brain injury. State-of-the-art efforts continue to rely on empirical, scalar metrics based on kinematics or model-estimated tissue responses explicitly pre-defined in a specific brain region of interest. They could suffer from loss of information. A single training dataset has also been used to evaluate performance but without cross-validation. In this study, we developed a deep learning approach for concussion classification using implicit features of the entire voxel-wise white matter fiber strains. Using reconstructed American National Football League (NFL) injury cases, leave-one-out cross-validation was employed to objectively compare injury prediction performances against two baseline machine learning classifiers (support vector machine (SVM) and random forest (RF)) and four scalar metrics via univariate logistic regression (Brain Injury Criterion (BrIC), cumulative strain damage measure of the whole brain (CSDM-WB) and the corpus callosum (CSDM-CC), and peak fiber strain in the CC). Feature-based machine learning classifiers including deep learning, SVM, and RF consistently outperformed all scalar injury metrics across all performance categories (e.g., leave-one-out accuracy of 0.828–0.862 vs. 0.690–0.776, and .632+ error of 0.148–0.176 vs. 0.207–0.292). Further, deep learning achieved the best cross-validation accuracy, sensitivity, AUC, and .632+ error. These findings demonstrate the superior performances of deep learning in concussion prediction and suggest its promise for future applications in biomechanical investigations of traumatic brain injury. PMID:29795640

Concussion classification via deep learning using whole-brain white matter fiber strains.

PubMed

Cai, Yunliang; Wu, Shaoju; Zhao, Wei; Li, Zhigang; Wu, Zheyang; Ji, Songbai

2018-01-01

Developing an accurate and reliable injury predictor is central to the biomechanical studies of traumatic brain injury. State-of-the-art efforts continue to rely on empirical, scalar metrics based on kinematics or model-estimated tissue responses explicitly pre-defined in a specific brain region of interest. They could suffer from loss of information. A single training dataset has also been used to evaluate performance but without cross-validation. In this study, we developed a deep learning approach for concussion classification using implicit features of the entire voxel-wise white matter fiber strains. Using reconstructed American National Football League (NFL) injury cases, leave-one-out cross-validation was employed to objectively compare injury prediction performances against two baseline machine learning classifiers (support vector machine (SVM) and random forest (RF)) and four scalar metrics via univariate logistic regression (Brain Injury Criterion (BrIC), cumulative strain damage measure of the whole brain (CSDM-WB) and the corpus callosum (CSDM-CC), and peak fiber strain in the CC). Feature-based machine learning classifiers including deep learning, SVM, and RF consistently outperformed all scalar injury metrics across all performance categories (e.g., leave-one-out accuracy of 0.828-0.862 vs. 0.690-0.776, and .632+ error of 0.148-0.176 vs. 0.207-0.292). Further, deep learning achieved the best cross-validation accuracy, sensitivity, AUC, and .632+ error. These findings demonstrate the superior performances of deep learning in concussion prediction and suggest its promise for future applications in biomechanical investigations of traumatic brain injury.

Approximations to complete basis set-extrapolated, highly correlated non-covalent interaction energies.

PubMed

Mackie, Iain D; DiLabio, Gino A

2011-10-07

The first-principles calculation of non-covalent (particularly dispersion) interactions between molecules is a considerable challenge. In this work we studied the binding energies for ten small non-covalently bonded dimers with several combinations of correlation methods (MP2, coupled-cluster single double, coupled-cluster single double (triple) (CCSD(T))), correlation-consistent basis sets (aug-cc-pVXZ, X = D, T, Q), two-point complete basis set energy extrapolations, and counterpoise corrections. For this work, complete basis set results were estimated from averaged counterpoise and non-counterpoise-corrected CCSD(T) binding energies obtained from extrapolations with aug-cc-pVQZ and aug-cc-pVTZ basis sets. It is demonstrated that, in almost all cases, binding energies converge more rapidly to the basis set limit by averaging the counterpoise and non-counterpoise corrected values than by using either counterpoise or non-counterpoise methods alone. Examination of the effect of basis set size and electron correlation shows that the triples contribution to the CCSD(T) binding energies is fairly constant with the basis set size, with a slight underestimation with CCSD(T)∕aug-cc-pVDZ compared to the value at the (estimated) complete basis set limit, and that contributions to the binding energies obtained by MP2 generally overestimate the analogous CCSD(T) contributions. Taking these factors together, we conclude that the binding energies for non-covalently bonded systems can be accurately determined using a composite method that combines CCSD(T)∕aug-cc-pVDZ with energy corrections obtained using basis set extrapolated MP2 (utilizing aug-cc-pVQZ and aug-cc-pVTZ basis sets), if all of the components are obtained by averaging the counterpoise and non-counterpoise energies. With such an approach, binding energies for the set of ten dimers are predicted with a mean absolute deviation of 0.02 kcal/mol, a maximum absolute deviation of 0.05 kcal/mol, and a mean percent absolute deviation of only 1.7%, relative to the (estimated) complete basis set CCSD(T) results. Use of this composite approach to an additional set of eight dimers gave binding energies to within 1% of previously published high-level data. It is also shown that binding within parallel and parallel-crossed conformations of naphthalene dimer is predicted by the composite approach to be 9% greater than that previously reported in the literature. The ability of some recently developed dispersion-corrected density-functional theory methods to predict the binding energies of the set of ten small dimers was also examined. © 2011 American Institute of Physics

Ectopic expression of the Coffea canephora SERK1 homolog-induced differential transcription of genes involved in auxin metabolism and in the developmental control of embryogenesis.

PubMed

Pérez-Pascual, Daniel; Jiménez-Guillen, Doribet; Villanueva-Alonzo, Hernán; Souza-Perera, Ramón; Godoy-Hernández, Gregorio; Zúñiga-Aguilar, José Juan

2018-04-01

Somatic embryogenesis receptor-like kinase 1 (SERK1) is a membrane receptor that might serve as common co-regulator of plant cell differentiation processes by forming heterodimers with specific receptor-like kinases. The Coffea canephora SERK1 homolog (CcSERK1) was cloned in this work, and its early function in the transcription of embryogenesis master genes and of genes encoding proteins involved in auxin metabolism was investigated by externally manipulating its expression in embryogenic leaf explants, before the appearance of embryogenic structures. Overexpression of CcSERK1 early during embryogenesis caused an increase in the number of somatic embryos when the 55-day process was completed. Suppression of CcSERK1 expression by RNA interference almost abolished somatic embryogenesis. Real time-PCR experiments revealed that the transcription of the CcAGL15, CcWUS, CcBBM, CcPKL, CcYUC1, CcPIN1 and CcPIN4 homologs was modified in direct proportion to the expression of CcSERK1 and that only CcLEC1 was inversely affected by the expression levels of CcSERK1. The expression of the CcYUC4 homolog was induced to more than 80-fold under CcSERK1 overexpression conditions, but it was also induced when CcSERK1 expression was silenced. The level of CcTIR1 was not affected by CcSERK1 overexpression but was almost abolished during CcSERK1 silencing. These results suggest that CcSERK1 co-regulates the induction of somatic embryogenesis in Coffea canephora by early activation of YUC-dependent auxin biosynthesis, auxin transport mediated by PIN1 and PIN4, and probably auxin perception by the TIR1 receptor, leading to the induction of early-stage homeotic genes (CcAGL15, CcWUS, CcPKL and CcBBM) and repression of late-stage homeotic genes (CcLec1). © 2018 Scandinavian Plant Physiology Society.

9Be+120Sn scattering at near-barrier energies within a four-body model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arazi, A.; Casal, J.; Rodríguez-Gallardo, M.; Arias, J. M.; Lichtenthäler Filho, R.; Abriola, D.; Capurro, O. A.; Cardona, M. A.; Carnelli, P. F. F.; de Barbará, E.; Fernández Niello, J.; Figueira, J. M.; Fimiani, L.; Hojman, D.; Martí, G. V.; Martínez Heimman, D.; Pacheco, A. J.

2018-04-01

Cross sections for elastic and inelastic scattering of the weakly bound 9Be nucleus on a 120Sn target have been measured at seven bombarding energies around and above the Coulomb barrier. The elastic angular distributions are analyzed with a four-body continuum-discretized coupled-channels (CDCC) calculation, which considers 9Be as a three-body projectile (α +α +n ). An optical model analysis using the São Paulo potential is also shown for comparison. The CDCC analysis shows that the coupling to the continuum part of the spectrum is important for the agreement with experimental data even at energies around the Coulomb barrier, suggesting that breakup is an important process at low energies. At the highest incident energies, two inelastic peaks are observed at 1.19(5) and 2.41(5) MeV. Coupled-channels (CC) calculations using a rotational model confirm that the first inelastic peak corresponds to the excitation of the 21+ state in 120Sn, while the second one likely corresponds to the excitation of the 31- state.

Global potential energy surface of ground state singlet spin O4

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mankodi, Tapan K.; Bhandarkar, Upendra V.; Puranik, Bhalchandra P.

2018-02-01

A new global potential energy for the singlet spin state O4 system is reported using CASPT2/aug-cc-pVTZ ab initio calculations. The geometries for the six-dimensional surface are constructed using a novel point generation scheme that employs randomly generated configurations based on the beta distribution. The advantage of this scheme is apparent in the reduction of the number of required geometries for a reasonably accurate potential energy surface (PES) and the consequent decrease in the overall computational effort. The reported surface matches well with the recently published singlet surface by Paukku et al. [J. Chem. Phys. 147, 034301 (2017)]. In addition to the O4 PES, the ground state N4 PES is also constructed using the point generation scheme and compared with the existing PES [Y. Paukku et al., J. Chem. Phys. 139, 044309 (2013)]. The singlet surface is constructed with the aim of studying high energy O2-O2 collisions and predicting collision induced dissociation cross section to be used in simulating non-equilibrium aerothermodynamic flows.

A new ab initio potential energy surface of LiClH (1A') system and quantum dynamics calculation for Li + HCl (v = 0, j = 0-2) → LiCl + H reaction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tan, Rui Shan; Zhai, Huan Chen; Yan, Wei; Gao, Feng; Lin, Shi Ying

2017-04-01

A new ab initio potential energy surface (PES) for the ground state of Li + HCl reactive system has been constructed by three-dimensional cubic spline interpolation of 36 654 ab initio points computed at the MRCI+Q/aug-cc-pV5Z level of theory. The title reaction is found to be exothermic by 5.63 kcal/mol (9 kcal/mol with zero point energy corrections), which is very close to the experimental data. The barrier height, which is 2.99 kcal/mol (0.93 kcal/mol for the vibrationally adiabatic barrier height), and the depth of van der Waals minimum located near the entrance channel are also in excellent agreement with the experimental findings. This study also identified two more van der Waals minima. The integral cross sections, rate constants, and their dependence on initial rotational states are calculated using an exact quantum wave packet method on the new PES. They are also in excellent agreement with the experimental measurements.

Anthropometry of elderly residents in the city of São Paulo, Brazil.

PubMed

Barbosa, Aline R; Souza, José M P; Lebrão, Maria L; Laurenti, Ruy; Marucci, Maria de Fátima N

2005-01-01

The article presents gender and age-specific selected anthropometric data for a representative sample of elderly Brazilians in the city of São Paulo. This was a cross-sectional, population-based household survey. A total of 1,894 older adults (men and women, > 60 years) were examined from January to March 2001. Data were presented as means and percentiles for body mass (BM); height or stature (ST); body mass index (BMI); waist (WC), hip (HC), arm (AC), and calf (CC) circumferences; triceps skinfold thickness (TST); and arm muscle circumference (AMC), and differences were described according to age (all variables) and gender (BMI). Except for HC (men), all anthropometric variables were lower in the oldest than in the youngest individuals (p < 0.01) in both genders. BMI was significantly higher (p < 0.01) in women than men (all age groups). The observations suggest that there is loss of muscle mass and redistribution and reduction of fat mass with age (both genders). The data can be used in clinical practice and epidemiological studies based on interpretation of anthropometric measurements in the elderly in São Paulo.

Leisure-time physical inactivity among healthcare workers.

PubMed

Rocha, Saulo Vasconcelos; Barbosa, Aline Rodrigues; Araújo, Tania Maria

2018-01-15

To estimate the prevalence of leisure-time physical inactivity (LTPI) and associated factors among healthcare workers. The cross-sectional study carried out with 2684 healthcare workers from 4 municipalities from the northeast region, Brazil. The LTPI was assessed by dichotomous question. The association between LTPI and the various independent variables was examined through the multinomial logistic regression analysis (crude and adjusted). The prevalence of LTPI was 47.9% (95% confidence interval (CI): 46.01-48.80). The adjusted analysis (sociodemographic and occupational characteristics) showed that women and individuals with higher levels of education were more LTPI (p = 0.05). The prevalence of LTPI was high among the population investigated, especially among women and individuals with higher education. These results show the importance of developing actions to encourage adherence to physical activity during leisure time among workers, especially among the most vulnerable groups (people with higher education and women), given the benefits of this behavior to health. Int J Occup Med Environ Health 2018;31(3):251-260. This work is available in Open Access model and licensed under a CC BY-NC 3.0 PL license.

Extracting conformational structure information of benzene molecules via laser-induced electron diffraction

DOE PAGES

Ito, Yuta; Wang, Chuncheng; Le, Anh-Thu; ...

2016-05-01

Here, we have measured the angular distributions of high energy photoelectrons of benzene molecules generated by intense infrared femtosecond laser pulses. These electrons arise from the elastic collisions between the benzene ions with the previously tunnel-ionized electrons that have been driven back by the laser field. Theory shows that laser-free elastic differential cross sections (DCSs) can be extracted from these photoelectrons, and the DCS can be used to retrieve the bond lengths of gas-phase molecules similar to the conventional electron diffraction method. From our experimental results, we have obtained the C-C and C-H bond lengths of benzene with a spatialmore » resolution of about 10 pm. Our results demonstrate that laser induced electron diffraction (LIED) experiments can be carried out with the present-day ultrafast intense lasers already. Looking ahead, with aligned or oriented molecules, more complete spatial information of the molecule can be obtained from LIED, and applying LIED to probe photo-excited molecules, a “molecular movie” of the dynamic system may be created with sub-A°ngstrom spatial and few-ten femtosecond temporal resolutions.« less

A new ab initio potential energy surface for the Ne-H 2 interaction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lique, François

2009-03-01

A new accurate three-dimensional potential energy surface for the Ne-H 2 system, which explicitly takes into account the r-dependence of the H 2 vibration, was determined from ab initio calculations. It was obtained with the single and double excitation coupled-cluster method with noniterative perturbational treatment of triple excitation [CCSD(T)]. Calculations was been performed using the augmented correlation-consistent polarized quintuple zeta basis set (aug-cc-pV5Z) for the three atoms. We checked the accuracy of the present ab initio calculations. We have determined, using the new Ne-H 2 potential energy surface, differential cross-sections for the rotational excitation of the H 2 and D 2 molecules in collision with Ne and we have compared them with experimental results of Faubel et al. [M. Faubel, F.A. Gianturco, F. Ragnetti, L.Y. Rusin, F. Sondermann, U. Tappe, J.P. Toennies, J. Chem. Phys. 101 (1994) 8800]. The overall agreement confirms that the new potential energy surface can be used for the simulation of molecular collisions and/or molecular spectroscopy of the van der Waals complex Ne-H 2.

Rotationally inelastic scattering of PN by para-H2(j = 0) at low/moderate temperature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Najar, F.; Naouai, M.; Hanini, H. El; Jaidane, N.

2017-12-01

Calculation of the collisional rate coefficients with the most abundant species has been motivated by the desire to interpret observations of molecules in the interstellar medium. This paper will be concerned with rotational excitation of the phosphorus nitride (PN) molecule in its ground vibrational state by collisions with para-H2(j = 0). Ab intio potential energy surface for the PN-H2 van der Waals system, considering both molecules as rigid rotors, was computed via CCSD(T) method using the aug-cc-pVTZ basis sets, augmented by a bond functions placed at midway between the PN and H2 centres of mass. Cross-sections among the 40 first rotational levels of PN in collisions with para-H2(j = 0) were obtained using close coupling and coupled states calculations, for total energies up to 3000 cm- 1. Rate coefficients are presented for temperatures ranging from 5 to 300 K. A strong propensity favouring even Δj transitions is found. The comparison of the new PN-H2 rate coefficients with previously calculated PN-He rate coefficients shows that significant differences exist.

Factors impacting perceived safety among staff working on mental health wards.

PubMed

Haines, Alina; Brown, Andrew; McCabe, Rhiannah; Rogerson, Michelle; Whittington, Richard

2017-09-01

Safety at work is a core issue for mental health staff working on in-patient units. At present, there is a limited theoretical base regarding which factors may affect staff perceptions of safety. This study attempted to identify which factors affect perceived staff safety working on in-patient mental health wards. A cross-sectional design was employed across 101 forensic and non-forensic mental health wards, over seven National Health Service trusts nationally. Measures included an online staff survey, Ward Features Checklist and recorded incident data. Data were analysed using categorical principal components analysis and ordinal regression. Perceptions of staff safety were increased by ward brightness, higher number of patient beds, lower staff to patient ratios, less dayroom space and more urban views. The findings from this study do not represent common-sense assumptions. Results are discussed in the context of the literature and may have implications for current initiatives aimed at managing in-patient violence and aggression. None. © The Royal College of Psychiatrists 2017. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license.

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

Ito, Yuta; Wang, Chuncheng; Le, Anh-Thu

Here, we have measured the angular distributions of high energy photoelectrons of benzene molecules generated by intense infrared femtosecond laser pulses. These electrons arise from the elastic collisions between the benzene ions with the previously tunnel-ionized electrons that have been driven back by the laser field. Theory shows that laser-free elastic differential cross sections (DCSs) can be extracted from these photoelectrons, and the DCS can be used to retrieve the bond lengths of gas-phase molecules similar to the conventional electron diffraction method. From our experimental results, we have obtained the C-C and C-H bond lengths of benzene with a spatialmore » resolution of about 10 pm. Our results demonstrate that laser induced electron diffraction (LIED) experiments can be carried out with the present-day ultrafast intense lasers already. Looking ahead, with aligned or oriented molecules, more complete spatial information of the molecule can be obtained from LIED, and applying LIED to probe photo-excited molecules, a “molecular movie” of the dynamic system may be created with sub-A°ngstrom spatial and few-ten femtosecond temporal resolutions.« less

Hadronic production of the doubly heavy baryon {Xi}{sub bc} at the LHC

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

Zhang Jiawei; Wu Xinggang; Zhong Tao

We investigate the hadronic production of the doubly heavy baryon {Xi}{sub bc} at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), where contributions from the four (bc)-diquark states (bc){sub 3,6}[{sup 1}S{sub 0}] and (bc){sub 3,6}[{sup 3}S{sub 1}] have been taken into consideration. Numerical results show that under the condition of p{sub T}>4 GeV and |y|<1.5, sizable {Xi}{sub bc} events about 1.7x10{sup 7} and 3.5x10{sup 9} per year can be produced for the center-of-mass energy {radical}(S)=7 TeV and {radical}(S)=14 TeV, respectively. For experimental usage, the total and the interested differential cross sections are estimated under some typical p{sub T} and y cuts for themore » LHC detectors CMS, ATLAS, and LHCb. The main uncertainties are discussed and a comparative study on the hadronic production of {Xi}{sub cc}, {Xi}{sub bc}, and {Xi}{sub bb} at the LHC are also presented.« less

32 CFR 881.3 - Individual Service Review Board.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 32 National Defense 6 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Individual Service Review Board. 881.3 Section... Individual Service Review Board. (a) The Commander, Headquarters Air Force Personnel Center (HQ AFPC/CC) establishes the Individual Service Review Board as necessary. (b) The Board consists of military members in...

Cuba: Multidimensional numerical integration library

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hahn, Thomas

2016-08-01

The Cuba library offers four independent routines for multidimensional numerical integration: Vegas, Suave, Divonne, and Cuhre. The four algorithms work by very different methods, and can integrate vector integrands and have very similar Fortran, C/C++, and Mathematica interfaces. Their invocation is very similar, making it easy to cross-check by substituting one method by another. For further safeguarding, the output is supplemented by a chi-square probability which quantifies the reliability of the error estimate.

Molecular characterization and expression of three preprosomatostatin genes and their association with growth in common carp (Cyprinus carpio).

PubMed

Feng, Xiu; Yu, Xiaomu; Pang, Meixia; Liu, Haiyang; Tong, Jingou

2015-04-01

Somatostatins (SSs) are a structurally diverse family of peptides that play important roles in the regulation of growth, development and metabolism in vertebrates. In this study, three preprosomatostatin genes (PSSs) in the common carp, Cyprinus carpio (Cc) were identified and characterized. Based on cloned sequences and genome BLAST, six isoforms of the PSS gene in C. carpio (CcPSS) were identified and included CcPSS1a and CcPSS1b, CcPSS2a and CcPSS2b, and finally, CcPSS3a and CcPSS3b. The open reading frames (ORF) of CcPSS1a, CcPSS2a and CcPSS3a consist of 345, 336 and 363 nucleotides. During embryonic development, the expressions of CcPSS2 and CcPSS3 were first observed at the stage of optic vesicle, and CcPSS1 mRNA was initially detected at the stage of muscular effect. The highest mRNA levels of CcPSS1, CcPSS2 and CcPSS3 were observed at 1-day post-hatch (dph), 2-dph and the stage of heart beating, respectively. In the adult brain, the distributions of three CcPSS mRNAs were differential but overlapping in the hypothalamus, telencephalon and medulla oblongata. For peripheral tissues, all three CcPSS mRNAs were detected in the mid-intestine, and CcPSS1 and CcPSS3 mRNAs were also expressed in the liver. Owing to the importance of somatostatins on regulating growth, functional mutations of CcPSSs were identified in a C. carpio population. A total of 23 polymorphic sites were detected in CcPSS1a and CcPSS3a. Of them, two SNPs (CcPSS1a-g.922C>T, and CcPSS3a-g.1125C>A) were significantly associated with growth traits, indicating their potential applications in gene (marker)-assisted selective breeding in C. carpio. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Accurate ab initio potential energy surface, thermochemistry, and dynamics of the F(-) + CH3F SN2 and proton-abstraction reactions.

PubMed

Szabó, István; Telekes, Hajnalka; Czakó, Gábor

2015-06-28

We develop a full-dimensional global analytical potential energy surface (PES) for the F(-) + CH3F reaction by fitting about 50 000 energy points obtained by an explicitly correlated composite method based on the second-order Møller-Plesset perturbation-F12 and coupled-cluster singles, doubles, and perturbative triples-F12a methods and the cc-pVnZ-F12 [n = D, T] basis sets. The PES accurately describes the (a) back-side attack Walden inversion mechanism involving the pre- and post-reaction (b) ion-dipole and (c) hydrogen-bonded complexes, the configuration-retaining (d) front-side attack and (e) double-inversion substitution pathways, as well as (f) the proton-abstraction channel. The benchmark quality relative energies of all the important stationary points are computed using the focal-point analysis (FPA) approach considering electron correlation up to coupled-cluster singles, doubles, triples, and perturbative quadruples method, extrapolation to the complete basis set limit, core-valence correlation, and scalar relativistic effects. The FPA classical(adiabatic) barrier heights of (a), (d), and (e) are -0.45(-0.61), 46.07(45.16), and 29.18(26.07) kcal mol(-1), respectively, the dissociation energies of (b) and (c) are 13.81(13.56) and 13.73(13.52) kcal mol(-1), respectively, and the endothermicity of (f) is 42.54(38.11) kcal mol(-1). Quasiclassical trajectory computations of cross sections, scattering (θ) and initial attack (α) angle distributions, as well as translational and internal energy distributions are performed for the F(-) + CH3F(v = 0) reaction using the new PES. Apart from low collision energies (Ecoll), the SN2 excitation function is nearly constant, the abstraction cross sections rapidly increase with Ecoll from a threshold of ∼40 kcal mol(-1), and retention trajectories via double inversion are found above Ecoll = ∼ 30 kcal mol(-1), and at Ecoll = ∼ 50 kcal mol(-1), the front-side attack cross sections start to increase very rapidly. At low Ecoll, the indirect mechanism dominates (mainly isotropic backward-forward symmetric θ distribution and translationally cold products) and significant long-range orientation effects (isotropic α distribution) and barrier recrossings are found. At higher Ecoll, the SN2 reaction mainly proceeds with direct rebound mechanism (backward scattering and hot product translation).

Accurate ab initio potential energy surface, thermochemistry, and dynamics of the F- + CH3F SN2 and proton-abstraction reactions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Szabó, István; Telekes, Hajnalka; Czakó, Gábor

2015-06-01

We develop a full-dimensional global analytical potential energy surface (PES) for the F- + CH3F reaction by fitting about 50 000 energy points obtained by an explicitly correlated composite method based on the second-order Møller-Plesset perturbation-F12 and coupled-cluster singles, doubles, and perturbative triples-F12a methods and the cc-pVnZ-F12 [n = D, T] basis sets. The PES accurately describes the (a) back-side attack Walden inversion mechanism involving the pre- and post-reaction (b) ion-dipole and (c) hydrogen-bonded complexes, the configuration-retaining (d) front-side attack and (e) double-inversion substitution pathways, as well as (f) the proton-abstraction channel. The benchmark quality relative energies of all the important stationary points are computed using the focal-point analysis (FPA) approach considering electron correlation up to coupled-cluster singles, doubles, triples, and perturbative quadruples method, extrapolation to the complete basis set limit, core-valence correlation, and scalar relativistic effects. The FPA classical(adiabatic) barrier heights of (a), (d), and (e) are -0.45(-0.61), 46.07(45.16), and 29.18(26.07) kcal mol-1, respectively, the dissociation energies of (b) and (c) are 13.81(13.56) and 13.73(13.52) kcal mol-1, respectively, and the endothermicity of (f) is 42.54(38.11) kcal mol-1. Quasiclassical trajectory computations of cross sections, scattering (θ) and initial attack (α) angle distributions, as well as translational and internal energy distributions are performed for the F- + CH3F(v = 0) reaction using the new PES. Apart from low collision energies (Ecoll), the SN2 excitation function is nearly constant, the abstraction cross sections rapidly increase with Ecoll from a threshold of ˜40 kcal mol-1, and retention trajectories via double inversion are found above Ecoll = ˜ 30 kcal mol-1, and at Ecoll = ˜ 50 kcal mol-1, the front-side attack cross sections start to increase very rapidly. At low Ecoll, the indirect mechanism dominates (mainly isotropic backward-forward symmetric θ distribution and translationally cold products) and significant long-range orientation effects (isotropic α distribution) and barrier recrossings are found. At higher Ecoll, the SN2 reaction mainly proceeds with direct rebound mechanism (backward scattering and hot product translation).

Aerobic Asymmetric Dehydrogenative Cross-Coupling between Two C(sp3)-H Groups Catalyzed by a Chiral-at-Metal Rhodium Complex.

PubMed

Tan, Yuqi; Yuan, Wei; Gong, Lei; Meggers, Eric

2015-10-26

A sustainable C-C bond formation is merged with the catalytic asymmetric generation of one or two stereocenters. The introduced catalytic asymmetric cross-coupling of two C(sp3)-H groups with molecular oxygen as the oxidant profits from the oxidative robustness of a chiral-at-metal rhodium(III) catalyst and exploits an autoxidation mechanism or visible-light photosensitized oxidation. In the latter case, the catalyst serves a dual function, namely as a chiral Lewis acid for catalyzing enantioselective enolate chemistry and at the same time as a visible-light-driven photoredox catalyst. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Spine Radiosurgery: A Dosimetric Analysis in 124 Patients Who Received 18 Gy

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

Schipani, Stefano; Wen, Winston; Jin, Jain-Yue

2012-12-01

Purpose: To define the safely tolerated doses to organs at risk (OARs) adjacent to the target volume (TV) of spine radiosurgery (SRS) with 18-Gy in a single fraction. Methods and Materials: A total of 124 patient cases with 165 spine metastases were reviewed. An 18-Gy single-fraction regimen was prescribed to the 90% isodose line encompassing the TV. A constraint of 10 Gy to 10% of the spinal cord outlined 6 mm above and below the TV was used. Dosimetric data to OARs were analyzed. Results: A total of 124 patients (100%) were followed-up, and median follow-up time was 7 monthsmore » (1-50 months). Symptoms and local control were achieved in 114 patients (92%). Acute Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) grade 1 oral mucositis occurred in 11 of 11 (100%) patients at risk for oropharyngeal toxicity after cervical spine treatment. There were no RTOG grade 2-4 acute or late complications. Median TV was 43.2 cc (5.3-175.4 cc) and 90% of the TV received median dose of 19 Gy (17-19.8 Gy). Median (range) of spinal cord maximum dose (Dmax), dose to spinal cord 0.35 cc (Dsc0.35), and cord volume receiving 10 Gy (Vsc10) were 13.8 Gy (5.4-21 Gy), 8.9 Gy (2.6-11.4 Gy) and 0.33 cc (0-1.6 cc), respectively. Other OARs were evaluated when in proximity to the TV. Esophagus (n=58), trachea (n=28), oropharynx (n=11), and kidneys (n=34) received median (range) V10 and V15 of 3.1 cc (0-5.8 cc) and 1.2 cc (0-2.9 cc), 2.8 cc (0-4.9 cc), and 0.8 cc (0-2.1 cc), 3.4 cc (0-6.2 cc) and 1.6 cc (0-3.2 cc), 0.3 cc (0-0.8 cc) and 0.08 cc (0-0.1 cc), respectively. Conclusions: Cord Dmax of 14 Gy and D0.35 of 10 Gy are safe dose constraints for 18-Gy single-fraction SRS. Esophagus V10 of 3 cc and V15 of 1 cc, trachea V10 of 3 cc, and V15 of 1 cc, oropharynx V10 of 3.5 cc and V15 of 1.5 cc, kidney V10 of 0.3 cc, and V15 of 0.1 cc are planning guidelines when these OARs are in proximity to the TV.« less

Photoeffect cross sections of some rare-earth elements at 145.4 keV

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Umesh, T. K.; Ranganathaiah, C.; Sanjeevaiah, B.

1985-08-01

Total attenuation cross sections in the elements La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Gd, Dy, Ho, and Er were derived from the measured total cross sections of their simple oxide compounds, by employing the mixture rule at 145.4-keV photon energy. The compound cross sections have been measured by performing transmission experiments in a good geometry setup. From the derived total cross sections of elements, photoeffect cross sections have been obtained by subtracting the theoretical scattering cross sections. A good agreement is observed between the present data of photoeffect cross sections and Scofield's theoretical data.

Data Link Test and Analysis System/ATCRBS Transponder Test System

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-05-01

cc pcinit() pcinit.cc plotdato( plotdat. cc plotmsgo( sumscrn *cc plotqueo( sumscrn. cc pmsg () pmsg.cc pr_head() prhead.cc Virt init() print.cc pw...The code data from the Decode Status word from hardware. 2 a data-> wind nm - The reply window that this data came from. mvarms) NAME mparms - Modify...character is entered. m5sg() NAME pmsg - Print error message. Source file - pmsg.cc. FUNCTION CALL pmsg (ecode, str) int ecode; /* Error code */ char

Integration of Murine and Human Studies for Mapping Periodontitis Susceptibility.

PubMed

Nashef, A; Qabaja, R; Salaymeh, Y; Botzman, M; Munz, M; Dommisch, H; Krone, B; Hoffmann, P; Wellmann, J; Laudes, M; Berger, K; Kocher, T; Loos, B; van der Velde, N; Uitterlinden, A G; de Groot, L C P G M; Franke, A; Offenbacher, S; Lieb, W; Divaris, K; Mott, R; Gat-Viks, I; Wiess, E; Schaefer, A; Iraqi, F A; Haddad, Y H

2018-05-01

Periodontitis is one of the most common inflammatory human diseases with a strong genetic component. Due to the limited sample size of available periodontitis cohorts and the underlying trait heterogeneity, genome-wide association studies (GWASs) of chronic periodontitis (CP) have largely been unsuccessful in identifying common susceptibility factors. A combination of quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping in mice with association studies in humans has the potential to discover novel risk loci. To this end, we assessed alveolar bone loss in response to experimental periodontal infection in 25 lines (286 mice) from the Collaborative Cross (CC) mouse population using micro-computed tomography (µCT) analysis. The orthologous human chromosomal regions of the significant QTL were analyzed for association using imputed genotype data (OmniExpress BeadChip arrays) derived from case-control samples of aggressive periodontitis (AgP; 896 cases, 7,104 controls) and chronic periodontitis (CP; 2,746 cases, 1,864 controls) of northwest European and European American descent, respectively. In the mouse genome, QTL mapping revealed 2 significant loci (-log P = 5.3; false discovery rate = 0.06) on chromosomes 1 ( Perio3) and 14 ( Perio4). The mapping resolution ranged from ~1.5 to 3 Mb. Perio3 overlaps with a previously reported QTL associated with residual bone volume in F2 cross and includes the murine gene Ccdc121. Its human orthologue showed previously a nominal significant association with CP in humans. Use of variation data from the genomes of the CC founder strains further refined the QTL and suggested 7 candidate genes ( CAPN8, DUSP23, PCDH17, SNORA17, PCDH9, LECT1, and LECT2). We found no evidence of association of these candidates with the human orthologues. In conclusion, the CC populations enabled mapping of confined QTL that confer susceptibility to alveolar bone loss in mice and larger human phenotype-genotype samples and additional expression data from gingival tissues are likely required to identify true positive signals.

NOTE: A feasibility study of markerless fluoroscopic gating for lung cancer radiotherapy using 4DCT templates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Ruijiang; Lewis, John H.; Cerviño, Laura I.; Jiang, Steve B.

2009-10-01

A major difficulty in conformal lung cancer radiotherapy is respiratory organ motion, which may cause clinically significant targeting errors. Respiratory-gated radiotherapy allows for more precise delivery of prescribed radiation dose to the tumor, while minimizing normal tissue complications. Gating based on external surrogates is limited by its lack of accuracy, while gating based on implanted fiducial markers is limited primarily by the risk of pneumothorax due to marker implantation. Techniques for fluoroscopic gating without implanted fiducial markers (markerless gating) have been developed. These techniques usually require a training fluoroscopic image dataset with marked tumor positions in the images, which limits their clinical implementation. To remove this requirement, this study presents a markerless fluoroscopic gating algorithm based on 4DCT templates. To generate gating signals, we explored the application of three similarity measures or scores between fluoroscopic images and the reference 4DCT template: un-normalized cross-correlation (CC), normalized cross-correlation (NCC) and normalized mutual information (NMI), as well as average intensity (AI) of the region of interest (ROI) in the fluoroscopic images. Performance was evaluated using fluoroscopic and 4DCT data from three lung cancer patients. On average, gating based on CC achieves the highest treatment accuracy given the same efficiency, with a high target coverage (average between 91.9% and 98.6%) for a wide range of nominal duty cycles (20-50%). AI works well for two patients out of three, but failed for the third patient due to interference from the heart. Gating based on NCC and NMI usually failed below 50% nominal duty cycle. Based on this preliminary study with three patients, we found that the proposed CC-based gating algorithm can generate accurate and robust gating signals when using 4DCT reference template. However, this observation is based on results obtained from a very limited dataset, and further investigation on a larger patient population has to be done before its clinical implementation.

Campbell Creek Research Homes FY 2012 Annual Performance Report

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

Gehl, Anthony C; Munk, Jeffrey D; Jackson, Roderick K

The Campbell Creek project is funded and managed by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) Technology Innovation, Energy Efficiency, Power Delivery & and Utilization Office. Technical support is provided under contract by the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and the Electric Power Research Institute.The project was designed to determine the relative energy efficiency of typical new home construction, energy efficiency retrofitting of existing homes, and high -performance new homes built from the ground up for energy efficiency. This project will compare three houses that represented the current construction practice as a base case (Builder House CC1); a modified house that couldmore » represent a major energy- efficient retrofit (Retrofit House CC2); and a house constructed from the ground up to be a high- performance home (High Performance House CC3). In order tTo enablehave a valid comparison, it was necessary to simulate occupancy in all three houses and heavily monitor the structural components and the energy usage by component. All three houses are two story, slab on grade, framed construction. CC1 and CC2 are approximately 2,400 square feet2. CC3 has a pantry option, that is primarily used as a mechanical equipment room, that adds approximately 100 square feet2. All three houses are all-electric (with the exception of a gas log fireplace that is not used during the testing), and use air-source heat pumps for heating and cooling. The three homes are located in Knoxville in the Campbell Creek Subdivision. CC1 and CC2 are next door to each other and CC3 is across the street and a couple of houses down. The energy data collected will be used to determine the benefits of retrofit packages and high -performance new home packages. There are over 300 channels of continuous energy performance and thermal comfort data collection in the houses (100 for each house). The data will also be used to evaluate the impact of energy -efficient upgrades ton the envelope, mechanical equipment, or demand -response options. Each retrofit will be evaluated incrementally, by both short -term measurements and computer modeling, using a calibrated model. This report is intended to document the comprehensive testing, data analysis, research, and findings within the January 2011 through October 2012 timeframe at the Campbell Creek research houses. The following sections will provide an in-depth assessment of the technology progression in each of the three research houses. A detailed assessment and evaluation of the energy performance of technologies tested will also be provided. Finally, lessons learned and concluding remarks will be highlighted.« less

Fine mapping of RYMV3: a new resistance gene to Rice yellow mottle virus from Oryza glaberrima.

PubMed

Pidon, Hélène; Ghesquière, Alain; Chéron, Sophie; Issaka, Souley; Hébrard, Eugénie; Sabot, François; Kolade, Olufisayo; Silué, Drissa; Albar, Laurence

2017-04-01

A new resistance gene against Rice yellow mottle virus was identified and mapped in a 15-kb interval. The best candidate is a CC-NBS-LRR gene. Rice yellow mottle virus (RYMV) disease is a serious constraint to the cultivation of rice in Africa and selection for resistance is considered to be the most effective management strategy. The aim of this study was to characterize the resistance of Tog5307, a highly resistant accession belonging to the African cultivated rice species (Oryza glaberrima), that has none of the previously identified resistance genes to RYMV. The specificity of Tog5307 resistance was analyzed using 18 RYMV isolates. While three of them were able to infect Tog5307 very rapidly, resistance against the others was effective despite infection events attributed to resistance-breakdown or incomplete penetrance of the resistance. Segregation of resistance in an interspecific backcross population derived from a cross between Tog5307 and the susceptible Oryza sativa variety IR64 showed that resistance is dominant and is controlled by a single gene, named RYMV3. RYMV3 was mapped in an approximately 15-kb interval in which two candidate genes, coding for a putative transmembrane protein and a CC-NBS-LRR domain-containing protein, were annotated. Sequencing revealed non-synonymous polymorphisms between Tog5307 and the O. glaberrima susceptible accession CG14 in both candidate genes. An additional resistant O. glaberrima accession, Tog5672, was found to have the Tog5307 genotype for the CC-NBS-LRR gene but not for the putative transmembrane protein gene. Analysis of the cosegregation of Tog5672 resistance with the RYMV3 locus suggests that RYMV3 is also involved in Tog5672 resistance, thereby supporting the CC-NBS-LRR gene as the best candidate for RYMV3.

ERCC1 rs3212986 A/C polymorphism is not associated with chemotherapy treatment outcomes in gastric cancer patients: evidence from 11 publications in Chinese populations

PubMed Central

Wang, Yuemei; Wang, Xiaowei

2018-01-01

Background A number of studies have investigated the roles of excision repair cross-complementation group 1 (ERCC1) gene rs3212986 polymorphisms as potential biomarkers in gastric cancer (GC). However, the results were inconsistent. Here, we performed a meta-analysis to explore ERCC1 rs3212986 polymorphisms in the chemotherapy response and clinical outcome of GC. Methods PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science were searched up to July 28, 2017, for studies on the association between ERCC1 rs3212986 A/C polymorphisms and response to chemotherapy as well as overall survival time of GC. A fixed-effect or random-effect model was used to calculate the pooled odds ratios (ORs) based on the results from the heterogeneity tests. Results The result revealed that there was no significant association between the ERCC1 rs3212986 A/C polymorphism and response to chemotherapy in GC under comparison models (AA + CA versus CC, OR 0.95, P=0.80, AA versus CA, OR 0.85, P=0.55, AA versus CC, OR 0.74, P=0.47). Further identification suggested that ERCC1 rs3212986 A/C polymorphisms were not linked with the overall survival of GC (AA + CA versus CC, OR 1.09, P=0.52, AA versus CA, OR 1.05, P=0.85, AA versus CC, OR 1.43, P=0.23). Conclusion Our meta-analysis indicated that the ERCC1 rs3212986 A/C polymorphism was not associated with response to chemotherapy or overall survival time in GC. Well-designed studies with larger sample sizes and more ethnic groups should be performed to further validate our results. PMID:29302191

A lower-extremities kinematic comparison of deep-water running styles and treadmill running.

PubMed

Killgore, Garry L; Wilcox, Anthony R; Caster, Brian L; Wood, Terry M

2006-11-01

The purpose of this investigation was to identify a deep-water running (DWR) style that most closely approximates terrestrial running, particularly relative to the lower extremities. Twenty intercollegiate distance runners (women, N = 12; men, N = 8) were videotaped from the right sagittal view while running on a treadmill (TR) and in deep water at 55-60% of their TR VO(2)max using 2 DWR styles: cross-country (CC) and high-knee (HK). Variables of interest were horizontal (X) and vertical (Y) displacement of the knee and ankle, stride rate (SR), VO(2), heart rate (HR), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE). Multivariate omnibus tests revealed statistically significant differences for RPE (p < 0.001). The post hoc pairwise comparisons revealed significant differences between TR and both DWR styles (p < 0.001). The kinematic variables multivariate omnibus tests were found to be statistically significant (p < 0.001 to p < 0.019). The post hoc pairwise comparisons revealed significant differences in SR (p < 0.001) between TR (1.25 +/- 0.08 Hz) and both DWR styles and also between the CC (0.81 +/- 0.08 Hz) and HK (1.14 +/- 0.10 Hz) styles of DWR. The CC style of DWR was found to be similar to TR with respect to linear ankle displacement, whereas the HK style was significantly different from TR in all comparisons made for ankle and knee displacement. The CC style of DWR is recommended as an adjunct to distance running training if the goal is to mimic the specificity of the ankle linear horizontal displacement of land-based running, but the SR will be slower at a comparable percentage of VO(2)max.

Association of CD14-260 (-159) C/T and Alzheimer's disease: systematic review and trial sequential analyses.

PubMed

Wang, Yan; Wu, Xiaoling; Deng, Xun; Ma, Yanjiao; Huang, Siyi; Wang, Yong

2018-06-20

Current studies have evaluated the association between CD14-260 (also known as -159) C/T polymorphism and Alzheimer's disease (AD) susceptibility. However, the association remains inconclusive. The aim of this study was to draw an accurate conclusion of the association. The literature search was conducted using PubMed, Embase, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, China Biological Medicine Database, and Wanfang Databases for related articles. Four case-control studies with a total of 868 cases and 766 controls were eligible to be included in this meta-analysis. The association was evaluated by calculating the odds ratios (ORs) with the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Overall, there was no significant association between CD14-260C/T polymorphism and AD risk in all genetic models (the allele model T vs. C: OR = 1.06, 95% CI 0.92-1.21, p = 0.44; the homozygous model TT vs. CC: OR = 1.09, 95% CI 0.83-1.44, p = 0.53; the heterozygote model CT vs. CC: OR = 0.95, 95% CI 0.75-1.22, p = 0.71; the dominant model TT + CT vs. CC: OR = 1.05, 95% CI 0.84-1.32, p = 0.66; the recessive model TT vs. CT + CC: OR = 1.14, 95% CI 0.92-1.43, p = 0.24). The sample size of 5064 was calculated by applying trial sequential analysis. Cumulative z curve does not cross trial sequential monitoring boundary. In conclusion, the present meta-analysis suggests that the CD14-260C/T polymorphism may not be associated with genetic susceptibility of AD, but the association remains indeterminate due to the insufficient evidence.

Ab initio and density functional study on the mechanism of the C2H2++methanol reaction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Irle, Stephan; Morokuma, Keiji

1999-09-01

High level ab initio (G2MS and CASSCF) and density functional (B3LYP) calculations were carried out to study the mechanism of the ion-molecule reaction C2H2++CH3OH for four reaction channels: hydride abstraction from methanol (HA), proton transfer from acetylene cation (PT), charge transfer (CT), and covalent complex formation (CC) channel. For the CT channel, two pathways have been found: a usual nonadiabatic pathway via A'/A″ seam of crossing, and a low-energy adiabatic pathway through an initial intermediate; the latter may be the dominant process with favorable energies and a large impact parameter. The HA process involves a low-energy direct intermediate and a very low barrier to form C2H3+CH2OH+ and is also energetically favorable. The PT processes require passage over a high-energy transition state (TS) and are not important. One of the experimentally unobserved CC channels, formation of the COCC skeleton, is energetically favorable and there is no energetic reason for it not to take place; a "dynamic bottleneck" argument may have to be invoked to explain the experiment. The increase in reaction efficiency with the C-C stretch excitation may be justified by considering the TSs for two CT pathways, where the C-C distance changed substantially from that in the reactant C2H2+. Very qualitatively, the C2H2++CH3OH potential energy surface looks more like that of the C2H2++NH3 system than the C2H2++CH4 system, because of the differences in the ionization potentials: NH3˜CH3OH

Children's and Adults' Comfort Experience of Extra Seat Belts When Riding in the Rear Seat of a Passenger Car.

PubMed

Osvalder, Anna-Lisa; Hansson, Ida; Bohman, Katarina

2015-01-01

The objective of this study was to explore passengers' comfort experience of extra seat belts during on-road driving in the rear seat of a passenger car and to investigate how the use of extra belts affects children's and adults' attitudes to the product. Two different seat belt systems were tested, criss-cross (CC) and backpack (BP), consisting of the standard 3-point belt together with an additional 2-point belt. In total, 32 participants (15 children aged 6-10, 6 youths aged 11-15, and 11 adults aged 20-79, who differed considerably in size, shape, and proportions) traveled for one hour with each system, including city traffic and highway driving. Four video cameras monitored the test subject during the drive. Subjective data regarding emotions and perceived discomfort were collected in questionnaires every 20 min. A semistructured interview was held afterwards. All participant groups accepted the new products and especially the increased feeling of safety (P <.01); 56% preferred CC and 44% preferred BP but the difference was not significant. In total, 81% wanted to have extra seat belts in their family car. CC was appreciated for its symmetry, comfort, and the perceived feeling of safety. Some participants found CC unpleasant because the belts tended to slip close to the neck, described as a strangling feeling. BP was simpler to use and did not cause annoyance to the neck in the way CC did. Instead, it felt asymmetric and to some extent less safe than CC. Body size and shape affected seat belt fit to a great extent, which in turn affected the experience of comfort, both initially and over time. Perceived safety benefit and experienced comfort were the most determinant factors for the attitude toward the extra seat belts. The extra seat belts were perceived as being better than the participants had expected before the test, and they became more used to them over time. This exploratory study provided valuable knowledge from a user perspective for further development of new seat belt systems in cars. In addition to an increased feeling of safety, seat belt fit and comfort are supplementary influencing factors when it comes to gaining acceptance of new seat belt systems.

Electron-Impact Ionization Cross Section Database

National Institute of Standards and Technology Data Gateway

SRD 107 Electron-Impact Ionization Cross Section Database (Web, free access)   This is a database primarily of total ionization cross sections of molecules by electron impact. The database also includes cross sections for a small number of atoms and energy distributions of ejected electrons for H, He, and H2. The cross sections were calculated using the Binary-Encounter-Bethe (BEB) model, which combines the Mott cross section with the high-incident energy behavior of the Bethe cross section. Selected experimental data are included.

Coexistence of diploid, triploid and tetraploid crucian carp (Carassius auratus) in natural waters

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background Crucian carp (abbreviated CC) belongs to the genus of Carassius within the family of Cyprinidae. It has been one of the most important freshwater species for Chinese aquaculture and is especially abundant in the Dongting water system of Hunan province. CC used to be considered as all diploid forms. However, coexistence of diploid (abbreviated 2nCC), triploid (abbreviated 3nCC) and tetraploid crucian carp (abbreviated 4nCC) population of the Dongting water system was first found by our recently researches. Results We examined the ploidy level and compared biological characteristics in different ploidy CC. In reproductive mode, 2nCC was bisexual generative and 4nCC generated all-female offspring by gynogenesis. However, 3nCC generated progenies in two different ways. 3nCC produced bisexual triploid offspring fertilized with 3nCC spermatozoa, while it produced all-female triploid offspring by gynogenesis when its ova were activated by heterogenous spermatozoa. The complete mitochondrial DNA of three different ploidy fishes was sequenced and analyzed, suggesting no significant differences. Interestingly, microchromosomes were found only in 3nCC, which were concluded to be the result of hybridization. Allogenetic DNA fragments of Sox genes were obtained in 3nCC and 4nCC, which were absent in 2nCC. Phylogenetics analysis based on Sox4 gene indicated 3nCC and 4nCC formed a separate group from 2nCC. Conclusions In summary, this is the first report of the co-existence of three types of different ploidy crucian carps in natural waters in China. It was proved that the coexistence of different ploidy CC was reproductively maintained. We further hypothesized that 3nCC and 4nCC were allopolyploids that resulted from hybridization. The different ploidy CC population we obtained in this study possesses great significance for the study of polyploidization and the evolution of vertebrates. PMID:21276259

Testing the Reviewed Event Bulletin of the International Data Centre Using Waveform Cross Correlation: Repeat Events at Aitik Copper Mine, Sweden

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kitov, I. O.; Rozhkov, N.; Bobrov, D.; Rozhkov, M.; Yedlin, M. J.

2016-12-01

The quality of the Reviewed Event Bulletin (REB) issued by the International Data Centre (IDC) of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test- Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) is crucial for the Member States as well as for the seismological community. One of the most efficient methods to test the REB quality is using repeat events having very accurate absolute locations. Hundreds of quarry blasts detonated at Aitik copper mine (the central point of active mining - 67.08N, 20.95E) were recorded by several seismic arrays of the International Monitoring System (IMS), found by IDC automatic processing and then confirmed by analysts as REB events. The size of the quarry is approximately 1 km and one can consider that the uncertainty in absolute coordinates of the studied events is less than 0.5 km as measured from the central point. In the REB, the corresponding epicenters are almost uniformly scattered over the territory 67.0N to 67.3N, and 20.7E to 21.5E. These REB locations are based on the measured arrival times as well as azimuth and slowness estimates at several IMS stations with the main input from ARCES, NOA, FINES, and HFS. The higher scattering of REB locations is caused by the uncertainty in measurements and velocity model. Seismological methods based on waveform cross correlation allow very accurate relative location of repeat events. Here we test the level of similarity between signals from these events. It was found that IMS primary array station ARCES demonstrates the highest similarity as expressed by cross correlation coefficient (CC) and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) calculated at the CC traces. Small-aperture array FINES is the second best and large-aperture array NOA demonstrating mediocre performance likely due its size and the loss of coherency between high-frequency and relatively low-velocity signals from the mine. During the last five years station ARCES has been upgraded from a vertical array to a 3-C one. This transformation has improved the performance of CC-technique as applied to the Aitik mine events. We have also applied a Principal Component Analysis to estimate the level of variability in the signals as well as to build the best waveform template for effective detection and identification of all blasts conducted at Aitik mine.

Association between IL7R polymorphisms and severe liver disease in HIV/HCV coinfected patients: a cross-sectional study.

PubMed

Guzmán-Fulgencio, María; Berenguer, Juan; Jiménez-Sousa, María A; Pineda-Tenor, Daniel; Aldámiz-Echevarria, Teresa; García-Broncano, Pilar; Carrero, Ana; García-Álvarez, Mónica; Tejerina, Francisco; Diez, Cristina; Vazquez-Morón, Sonia; Resino, Salvador

2015-06-30

Interleukin-7 (IL-7) is a critical factor for T cell development and for maintaining and restoring homeostasis of mature T cells. Polymorphisms at α-chain of the IL-7 receptor (IL7R or CD127) gene are related to evolution of HIV-infection, but there are no data concerning the evolution of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. The aim of this study was to analyze the association between IL7R polymorphisms and severe liver disease in HCV/HIV coinfected patients. We performed a cross-sectional study in 220 naïve patients who underwent a liver biopsy. IL7R polymorphisms (rs6897932, rs987106 and rs3194051) were genotyped using the GoldenGate(®) assay. The outcome variables were: (a) liver biopsy: advanced fibrosis (F ≥ 3), severe activity grade (A3); (b) non-invasive indexes: advanced fibrosis (APRI ≥1.5 and FIB-4 ≥3.25). Logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the association between IL7R polymorphisms and outcome variables. This test gives the differences between groups and the odds ratio (OR) for liver disease. Patients with rs6897932 CC genotype had higher likelihood of having A3 than patients with rs6897932 CT/TT (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 4.16; p = 0.026). Patients with rs987106 TT genotype had higher odds of having F ≥ 3 (aOR = 3.09; p = 0.009) than rs987106 AA/AT carriers. Finally, patients with rs3194051 AA genotype had higher odds of having severe liver fibrosis (F ≥ 3; APRI ≥1.5, and FIB4 ≥3.25) than patients with rs3194051 AG/GG genotype [aOR = 2.73 (p = 0.010); aOR = 2.52 (p = 0.029); and aOR = 4.01 (p = 0.027); respectively]. The CTA haplotype (comprised of rs6897932, rs987106, and rs3194051) carriers had higher odds of having F ≥ 3 (aOR = 1.85; p = 0.012), APRI ≥1.5 (aOR = 1.94; p = 0.023), and FIB4 ≥3.25 (aOR = 2.47; p = 0.024). Conversely, the CAG haplotype carriers had lower odds of having F ≥ 3 (aOR = 0.48; p = 0.011), APRI ≥1.5 (aOR = 0.48; p = 0.029), and FIB4 ≥3.25 (aOR = 0.29; p = 0.010). The presence of IL7R polymorphisms seems to be related to severe liver disease in HIV/HCV coinfected patients, because patients with unfavorable IL7R genotypes (rs6897932 CC, rs987106 TT, and rs3194051AA) had a worse prognosis of CHC.

Application of the CC(P;Q) Hierarchy of Coupled-Cluster Methods to the Beryllium Dimer.

PubMed

Magoulas, Ilias; Bauman, Nicholas P; Shen, Jun; Piecuch, Piotr

2018-02-08

The performance of coupled-cluster approaches with higher-than-doubly excited clusters, including the CCSD(T), CCSD(2) T , CR-CC(2,3), CCSD(TQ), and CR-CC(2,4) corrections to CCSD, the active-space CCSDt, CCSDtq, and CCSDTq methods, and the CC(t;3), CC(t,q;3), CC(t,q;3,4), and CC(q;4) corrections to CCSDt, CCSDtq, and CCSDTq resulting from the CC(P;Q) formalism, in reproducing the CCSDT and CCSDTQ potential energy curves and vibrational term values characterizing Be 2 in its electronic ground state is assessed. The correlation-consistent aug-cc-pVnZ and aug-cc-pCVnZ (n = T and Q) basis sets are employed. Among the CCSD-based corrections, the completely renormalized CR-CC(2,3) and CR-CC(2,4) approaches perform the best. The CC(t;3), CC(t,q;3), CC(t,q;3,4), and CC(q;4) methods, especially CC(t;3) and CC(q;4), outperform other employed approaches in reproducing the CCSDT and CCSDTQ data. Composite schemes combining the all-electron CCSDT calculations extrapolated to the complete basis set limit with the frozen-core CC(q;4) and CCSDTQ computations using the aug-cc-pVTZ basis to account for connected quadruple excitations reproduce the latest experimental vibrational spectrum of Be 2 to within 4-5 cm -1 , when the vibrational spacings are examined, with typical errors being below 1-2 cm -1 . The resulting binding energies and equilibrium bond lengths agree with their experimentally derived counterparts to within ∼10 cm -1 and 0.01 Å.

Molybdenum and carbon atom and carbon cluster sputtering under low-energy noble gas plasma bombardment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oyarzabal, Eider

Exit-angle resolved Mo atom sputtering yield under Xe ion bombardment and carbon atom and cluster (C2 and C3) sputtering yields under Xe, Kr, Ar, Ne and He ion bombardment from a plasma are measured for low incident energies (75--225 eV). An energy-resolved quadrupole mass spectrometer (QMS) is used to detect the fraction of un-scattered sputtered neutrals that become ionized in the plasma; the angular distribution is obtained by changing the angle between the target and the QMS aperture. A one-dimensional Monte Carlo code is used to simulate the interaction of the plasma and the sputtered particles between the sample and the QMS. The elastic scattering cross-sections of C, C2 and C3 with the different bombarding gas neutrals is obtained by varying the distance between the sample and the QMS and by performing a best fit of the simulation results to the experimental results. Because the results obtained with the QMS are relative, the Mo atom sputtering results are normalized to the existing data in the literature and the total sputtering yield for carbon (C+C 2+C3) for each bombarding gas is obtained from weight loss measurements. The absolute sputtering yield for C, C2 and C 3 is then calculated from the integration of the measured angular distribution, taking into account the scattering and ionization of the sputtered particles between the sample and the QMS. The angular sputtering distribution for Mo has a maximum at theta=60°, and this maximum becomes less pronounced as the incident ion energy increases. The results of the Monte Carlo TRIDYN code simulation for the angular distribution of Mo atoms sputtered by Xe bombardment are in agreement with the experiments. For carbon sputtering under-cosine angular distributions of the sputtered atoms and clusters for all the studied bombarding gases are also observed. The C, C2 and C3 sputtering yield data shows a clear decrease of the atom to cluster (C/C2 and C/C3) sputtering ratio as the incident ion mass increases, changing from a carbon atom preferential erosion for the lower incident ion masses (He, Ne and Ar) to a cluster preferential erosion for the higher incident ion masses (Kr and Xe).

Dosimetric Inhomogeneity Predicts for Long-Term Breast Pain After Breast-Conserving Therapy

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

Mak, Kimberley S.; Chen, Yu-Hui; Catalano, Paul J.

Purpose: The objective of this cross-sectional study was to characterize long-term breast pain in patients undergoing breast-conserving surgery and radiation (BCT) and to identify predictors of this pain. Methods and Materials: We identified 355 eligible patients with Tis-T2N0M0 breast cancer who underwent BCT in 2007 to 2011, without recurrent disease. A questionnaire derived from the Late Effects Normal Tissue Task Force (LENT) Subjective, Objective, Management, Analytic (SOMA) scale was mailed with 7 items detailing the severity, frequency, duration, and impact of ipsilateral breast pain over the previous 2 weeks. A logistic regression model identified predictors of long-term breast pain based on questionnaire responsesmore » and patient, disease, and treatment characteristics. Results: The questionnaire response rate was 80% (n=285). One hundred thirty-five patients (47%) reported pain in the treated breast, with 19 (14%) having pain constantly or at least daily; 15 (11%) had intense pain. The pain interfered with daily activities in 11 patients (8%). Six patients (4%) took analgesics for breast pain. Fourteen (10%) thought that the pain affected their quality of life. On univariable analysis, volume of breast tissue treated to ≥105% of the prescribed dose (odds ratio [OR] 1.001 per cc, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.000-1.002; P=.045), volume treated to ≥110% (OR 1.009 per cc, 95% CI 1.002-1.016; P=.012), hormone therapy use (OR 1.95, 95% CI 1.12-3.39; P=.02), and other sites of pain (OR 1.79, 95% CI 1.05-3.07; P=.03) predicted for long-term breast pain. On multivariable analysis, volume ≥110% (OR 1.01 per cc, 95% CI 1.003-1.017; P=.007), shorter time since treatment (OR 0.98 per month, 95% CI 0.96-0.998; P=.03), and hormone therapy (OR 1.84, 95% CI 1.05-3.25; P=.03) were independent predictors of pain. Conclusion: Long-term breast pain was common after BCT. Although nearly half of patients had pain, most considered it tolerable. Dosimetric inhomogeneity independently predicted for pain and should be minimized to the greatest extent possible.« less

Long-term outcome of patients undergoing liver transplantation for mixed hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma: an analysis of the UNOS database.

PubMed

Vilchez, Valery; Shah, Malay B; Daily, Michael F; Pena, Luis; Tzeng, Ching-Wei D; Davenport, Daniel; Hosein, Peter J; Gedaly, Roberto; Maynard, Erin

2016-01-01

Mixed hepatocellular and cholangiocarcinoma (HCC-CC) have been associated with a poor prognosis after liver transplantation (LT). We aimed to evaluate long-term outcomes in patients undergoing LT for HCC-CC versus patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) or cholangiocarcinoma (CC). Retrospective analysis of the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) database from 1994-2013. Overall survival (OS) in patients with HCC-CC, HCC, and CC, were compared. We identified 4049 patients transplanted for primary malignancy (94 HCC-CC; 3515 HCC; 440 CC). Mean age of patients with HCC-CC was 57 ± 10 years, and 77% were male. MELD score did not differ among the groups (p = 0.637). Hepatitis C virus was the most common secondary diagnosis within the HCC-CC (44%) and HCC (36%) cohorts, with primary sclerosing cholangitis in the CC (16%) cohort. OS rates at 1, 3 and 5 years for HCC-CC (82%, 47%, 40%) were similar to CC (79%, 58%, 47%), but significantly worse than HCC (86%, 72%, and 62% p = 0.002). Patients undergoing LT for HCC had significantly better survival compared to those transplanted for HCC-CC and CC. LT for mixed HCC-CC confers a survival rate similar to selected patients with CC. Efforts should be made to identify HCC-CC patients preoperatively. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Corpus callosum atrophy as a predictor of age-related cognitive and motor impairment: a 3-year follow-up of the LADIS study cohort.

PubMed

Ryberg, C; Rostrup, E; Paulson, O B; Barkhof, F; Scheltens, P; van Straaten, E C W; van der Flier, W M; Fazekas, F; Schmidt, R; Ferro, J M; Baezner, H; Erkinjuntti, T; Jokinen, H; Wahlund, L-O; Poggesi, A; Pantoni, L; Inzitari, D; Waldemar, G

2011-08-15

The aim of this 3-year follow-up study was to investigate whether corpus callosum (CC) atrophy may predict future motor and cognitive impairment in an elderly population. On baseline MRI from 563 subjects with age-related white matter changes (ARWMC) from the Leukoaraiosis And DISability (LADIS) study, the CC was segmented and subdivided into five anterior-posterior regions (CC1-CC5). Associations between the CC areas and decline in motor performance and cognitive functions over a 3-year period were analyzed. CC atrophy at baseline was significantly associated with impaired cognitive performance (p<0.01 for CC1, p<0.05 for CC5), motor function (p<0.05 for CC2 and CC5), and walking speed (p<0.01 for CC2 and CC5, p<0.05 for CC3 and total CC), and with development of dementia at 3 years (p<0.05 for CC1) after correction for appropriate confounders (ARWMC volume, atrophy, age, gender and handedness). In conclusion, CC atrophy, an indicator of reduced functional connectivity between cortical areas, seems to contribute, independently of ARWMC load, to future cognitive and motor decline in the elderly. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The Segmental Morphometric Properties of the Horse Cervical Spinal Cord: A Study of Cadaver

PubMed Central

Bahar, Sadullah; Bolat, Durmus; Selcuk, Muhammet Lutfi

2013-01-01

Although the cervical spinal cord (CSC) of the horse has particular importance in diseases of CNS, there is very little information about its segmental morphometry. The objective of the present study was to determine the morphometric features of the CSC segments in the horse and possible relationships among the morphometric features. The segmented CSC from five mature animals was used. Length, weight, diameter, and volume measurements of the segments were performed macroscopically. Lengths and diameters of segments were measured histologically, and area and volume measurements were performed using stereological methods. The length, weight, and volume of the CSC were 61.6 ± 3.2 cm, 107.2 ± 10.4 g, and 95.5 ± 8.3 cm3, respectively. The length of the segments was increased from C 1 to C 3, while it decreased from C 3 to C 8. The gross section (GS), white matter (WM), grey matter (GM), dorsal horn (DH), and ventral horn (VH) had the largest cross-section areas at C 8. The highest volume was found for the total segment and WM at C 4, GM, DH, and VH at C 7, and the central canal (CC) at C 3. The data obtained not only contribute to the knowledge of the normal anatomy of the CSC but may also provide reference data for veterinary pathologists and clinicians. PMID:23476145

Reducing cross-sectional data using a genetic algorithm method and effects on cross-section geometry and steady-flow profiles

USGS Publications Warehouse

Berenbrock, Charles E.

2015-01-01

The effects of reduced cross-sectional data points on steady-flow profiles were also determined. Thirty-five cross sections of the original steady-flow model of the Kootenai River were used. These two methods were tested for all cross sections with each cross section resolution reduced to 10, 20 and 30 data points, that is, six tests were completed for each of the thirty-five cross sections. Generally, differences from the original water-surface elevation were smaller as the number of data points in reduced cross sections increased, but this was not always the case, especially in the braided reach. Differences were smaller for reduced cross sections developed by the genetic algorithm method than the standard algorithm method.

Characterization of CcSTOP1; a C2H2-type transcription factor regulates Al tolerance gene in pigeonpea.

PubMed

Daspute, Abhijit Arun; Kobayashi, Yuriko; Panda, Sanjib Kumar; Fakrudin, Bashasab; Kobayashi, Yasufumi; Tokizawa, Mutsutomo; Iuchi, Satoshi; Choudhary, Arbind Kumar; Yamamoto, Yoshiharu Y; Koyama, Hiroyuki

2018-01-01

Al-responsive citrate-transporting CcMATE1 function and its regulation by CcSTOP1 were analyzed using NtSTOP1 -KD tobacco- and pigeonpea hairy roots, respectively, CcSTOP1 binding sequence of CcMATE1 showed similarity with AtALMT1 promoter. The molecular mechanisms of Aluminum (Al) tolerance in pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan) were characterized to provide information for molecular breeding. Al-inducible citrate excretion was associated with the expression of MULTIDRUGS AND TOXIC COMPOUNDS EXCLUSION (CcMATE1), which encodes a citrate transporter. Ectopic expression of CcMATE1-conferred Al tolerance to hairy roots of transgenic tobacco with the STOP1 regulation system knocked down. This gain-of-function approach clearly showed CcMATE1 was involved in Al detoxification. The expression of CcMATE1 and another Al-tolerance gene, ALUMINUM SENSITIVE 3 (CcALS3), was regulated by SENSITIVE TO PROTON RHIZOTOXICITY1 (CcSTOP1) according to loss-of-function analysis of pigeonpea hairy roots in which CcSTOP1 was suppressed. An in vitro binding assay showed that the Al-responsive CcMATE1 promoter contained the GGNVS consensus bound by CcSTOP1. Mutation of GGNVS inactivated the Al-inducible expression of CcMATE1 in pigeonpea hairy roots. This indicated that CcSTOP1 binding to the promoter is critical for CcMATE1 expression. The STOP1 binding sites of both the CcMATE1 and AtALMT1 promoters contained GGNVS and a flanking 3' sequence. The GGNVS region was identical in both CcMATE1 and AtALMT1. By contrast, the 3' flanking sequence with binding affinity to STOP1 did not show similarity. Putative STOP1 binding sites with similar structures were also found in Al-inducible MATE and ALMT1 promoters in other plant species. The characterized Al-responsive CcSTOP1 and CcMATE1 genes will help in pigeonpea breeding in acid soil tolerance.

12 CFR 229.39 - lnsolvency of bank.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 12 Banks and Banking 3 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false lnsolvency of bank. 229.39 Section 229.39 Banks... AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS AND COLLECTION OF CHECKS (REGULATION CC) Collection of Checks § 229.39 lnsolvency of bank..., collecting, depositary, or returning bank that suspends payment, and which is not paid, shall be returned by...

17 CFR 5.1 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... in section 2(c)(2)(B)(i)(II)(cc)(BB) of the Act; (b) Aggregate retail forex assets means an amount of... acceptance of retail forex customers' orders (other than in a clerical capacity); or (2) The supervision of... retail forex transactions; (2) Associated person of a commodity pool operator, for purposes of this part...

17 CFR 5.1 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... in section 2(c)(2)(B)(i)(II)(cc)(BB) of the Act; (b) Aggregate retail forex assets means an amount of... acceptance of retail forex customers' orders (other than in a clerical capacity); or (2) The supervision of... retail forex transactions; (2) Associated person of a commodity pool operator, for purposes of this part...

17 CFR 5.1 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... in section 2(c)(2)(B)(i)(II)(cc)(BB) of the Act; (b) Aggregate retail forex assets means an amount of... acceptance of retail forex customers' orders (other than in a clerical capacity); or (2) The supervision of... retail forex transactions; (2) Associated person of a commodity pool operator, for purposes of this part...

40 CFR 63.4761 - How do I demonstrate initial compliance?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... HAP emission reduction for the controlled coating operation during the month, grams. Ac = Total mass of organic HAP in the coatings used in the controlled coating operation during the month, grams. Bc..., grams, as calculated in Equation 1B of this section. Cc = Total mass of organic HAP in the cleaning...

40 CFR 63.4761 - How do I demonstrate initial compliance?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... HAP emission reduction for the controlled coating operation during the month, grams. Ac = Total mass of organic HAP in the coatings used in the controlled coating operation during the month, grams. Bc..., grams, as calculated in Equation 1B of this section. Cc = Total mass of organic HAP in the cleaning...

40 CFR 63.4761 - How do I demonstrate initial compliance?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... HAP emission reduction for the controlled coating operation during the month, grams. Ac = Total mass of organic HAP in the coatings used in the controlled coating operation during the month, grams. Bc..., grams, as calculated in Equation 1B of this section. Cc = Total mass of organic HAP in the cleaning...

40 CFR 63.4761 - How do I demonstrate initial compliance?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... HAP emission reduction for the controlled coating operation during the month, grams. Ac = Total mass of organic HAP in the coatings used in the controlled coating operation during the month, grams. Bc..., grams, as calculated in Equation 1B of this section. Cc = Total mass of organic HAP in the cleaning...

40 CFR 63.4761 - How do I demonstrate initial compliance?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... HAP emission reduction for the controlled coating operation during the month, grams. Ac = Total mass of organic HAP in the coatings used in the controlled coating operation during the month, grams. Bc..., grams, as calculated in Equation 1B of this section. Cc = Total mass of organic HAP in the cleaning...

The Landscape of Noncredit Workforce Education: State Polices and Community College Practices

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Van Noy, Michelle; Jacobs, James; Korey, Suzanne; Bailey, Thomas; Hughes, Katherine L.

2008-01-01

This report describes a study conducted by the Community College Research Center (CC RC) that explores the overarching issues affecting community college noncredit workforce education. Following an introduction, the next section explains the methodology of the study, presenting the research questions, the data collection methods, and the analytic…

OBSERVATIONAL EVIDENCE AGAINST LONG-LIVED SPIRAL ARMS IN GALAXIES

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

Foyle, K.; Rix, H.-W.; Walter, F.

2011-07-10

We test whether the spiral patterns apparent in many large disk galaxies should be thought of as dynamical features that are stationary in a corotating frame for {approx}> t{sub dyn}, as implied by the density wave approach for explaining spiral arms. If such spiral arms have enhanced star formation (SF), observational tracers for different stages of the SF sequence should show a spatial ordering, from upstream to downstream in the corotating frame: dense H I, CO, tracing molecular hydrogen gas, 24 {mu}m emission tracing enshrouded SF, and UV emission tracing unobscured young stars. We argue that such a spatial orderingmore » should be reflected in the angular cross-correlation (CC, in polar coordinates) using all azimuthal positions among pairs of these tracers; the peak of the CC should be offset from zero, in different directions inside and outside the corotation radius. Recent spiral SF simulations by Dobbs and Pringle show explicitly that for the case of a stationary spiral arm potential such angular offsets between gas and young stars of differing ages should be observable as cross-correlation offsets. We calculate the angular cross-correlations for different observational SF sequence tracers in 12 nearby spiral galaxies, drawing on a data set with high-quality maps of the neutral gas (H I, THINGS) and molecular gas (CO, HERACLES), along with 24 {mu}m emission (Spitzer, SINGS); we include FUV images (GALEX) and 3.6 {mu}m emission (Spitzer, IRAC) for some galaxies, tracing aging stars and longer timescales. In none of the resulting tracer cross-correlations for this sample do we find systematic angular offsets, which would be expected for a stationary dynamical spiral pattern of well-defined pattern speed. This result indicates that spiral density waves in their simplest form are not an important aspect of explaining spirals in large disk galaxies.« less

Design and Experimental Results for the S411 Airfoil

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-08-01

the Lower Critical Speed Range. Transonic Aerodynamics. AGARD CP No. 35, Sept. 1968, pp. 17-1–17-10. 15. Allen, H. Julian; and Vincenti, Walter G...Units. Cp pressure coefficient, c airfoil chord, mm (in.) cc section chord-force coefficient, cd section profile-drag coefficient, , except post...maximum min minimum S separation T transition ul upper limit of low-drag range 0 zero lift ∞ free-stream conditions Cp x c -- 0.25–⎝ ⎠ ⎛ ⎞ d xc

Aircraft Operations on Repaired Runways (L’Exploitation des Aeronefs sur les Pistes Refaites)

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-08-01

of this Section and investigations to be the force 0-y apply to the axle . Under the influence of that reported later - in Sections 6 and 7 and...upward axle movement;For the formersince the length of unacceptably extensive programme cc calculations to tile ratmp will often be comparable to the...outsidethat range would necessitatecither general discussion we need not be concerned.) The a full analysis or thtir exclusion from the aircraft’s maximum

Experiments on Antiprotons: Antiproton-Nucleon Cross Sections

DOE R&D Accomplishments Database

Chamberlain, Owen; Keller, Donald V.; Mermond, Ronald; Segre, Emilio; Steiner, Herbert M.; Ypsilantis, Tom

1957-07-22

In this paper experiments are reported on annihilation and scattering of antiprotons in H{sub 2}O , D{sub 2}O, and O{sub 2}. From the data measured it is possible to obtain an antiproton-proton and an antiproton-deuteron cross section at 457 Mev (lab). Further analysis gives the p-p and p-n cross sections as 104 mb for the p-p reaction cross section and 113 mb for the p-n reaction cross section. The respective annihilation cross sections are 89 and 74 mb. The Glauber correction necessary in order to pass from the p-d to the p-n cross section by subtraction of the p-p cross section is unfortunately large and somewhat uncertain. The data are compared with the p-p and p-n cross sections and with other results on p-p collisions.

Study of BenW (n = 1-12) clusters: An electron collision perspective

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Modak, Paresh; Kaur, Jaspreet; Antony, Bobby

2017-08-01

This article explores electron scattering cross sections by Beryllium-Tungsten clusters (BenW). Beryllium and tungsten are important elements for plasma facing wall components, especially for the deuterium/tritium phase of ITER and in the recently installed JET. The present study focuses on different electron impact interactions in terms of elastic cross section (Qel), inelastic cross section (Qinel), ionization cross section (Qion), and momentum transfer cross section (Qmtcs) for the first twelve clusters belonging to the BenW family. It also predicts the evolution of the cross section with the size of the cluster. These cross sections are used as an input to model processes in plasma. The ionization cross section presented here is compared with the available reported data. This is the first comprehensive report on cross section data for all the above-mentioned scattering channels, to the best of our knowledge. Such broad analysis of cross section data gives vital insight into the study of local chemistry of electron interactions with BenW (n = 1-12) clusters in plasma.

Averaging cross section data so we can fit it

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

Brown, D.

2014-10-23

The 56Fe cross section we are interested in have a lot of fluctuations. We would like to fit the average of the cross section with cross sections calculated within EMPIRE. EMPIRE is a Hauser-Feshbach theory based nuclear reaction code, requires cross sections to be smoothed using a Lorentzian profile. The plan is to fit EMPIRE to these cross sections in the fast region (say above 500 keV).

New cross sections for H on H2 collisional transitions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zou, Qianxia

2011-12-01

The cross section for H on H2 collisions is important for astrophysics as well as our understanding of the simple chemical systems. This is the simplest atom-molecule cross section. With a new H3 potential surface by Mielke et al., we have modified the ABC code by Skouteris, Castillo and Manolopoulos to calculate new cross sections. These cross sections are compared to previous cross section calculations.

Paleomagnetic correlation of surface and subsurface basaltic lava flows and flow groups in the southern part of the Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho, with paleomagnetic data tables for drill cores

USGS Publications Warehouse

Champion, Duane E.; Hodges, Mary K.V.; Davis, Linda C.; Lanphere, Marvin A.

2011-01-01

Paleomagnetic inclination and polarity studies have been conducted on thousands of subcore samples from 51 coreholes located at and near the Idaho National Laboratory. These studies are used to paleomagnetically characterize and correlate successive stratigraphic intervals in each corehole to similar depth intervals in adjacent coreholes. Paleomagnetic results from 83 surface paleomagnetic sites, within and near the INL, are used to correlate these buried lava flow groups to basaltic shield volcanoes still exposed on the surface of the eastern Snake River Plain. Sample handling and demagnetization protocols are described as well as the paleomagnetic data averaging process. Paleomagnetic inclination comparisons between coreholes located only kilometers apart show comparable stratigraphic successions of mean inclination values over tens of meters of depth. At greater distance between coreholes, comparable correlation of mean inclination values is less consistent because flow groups may be missing or additional flow groups may be present and found at different depth intervals. Two shallow intersecting cross-sections, A-A- and B-B- (oriented southwest-northeast and northwest-southeast, respectively), drawn through southwest Idaho National Laboratory coreholes show the corehole to corehole or surface to corehole correlations derived from the paleomagnetic inclination data. From stratigraphic top to bottom, key results included the (1) Quaking Aspen Butte flow group, which erupted from Quaking Aspen Butte southwest of the Idaho National Laboratory, flowed northeast, and has been found in the subsurface in corehole USGS 132; (2) Vent 5206 flow group, which erupted near the southwestern border of the Idaho National Laboratory, flowed north and east, and has been found in the subsurface in coreholes USGS 132, USGS 129, USGS 131, USGS 127, USGS 130, USGS 128, and STF-AQ-01; and (3) Mid Butte flow group, which erupted north of U.S. Highway 20, flowed northwest, and has been found in the subsurface at coreholes ARA-COR-005 and STF-AQ-01. The high K20 flow group erupted from a vent that may now be buried south of U.S. Highway 20 near Middle Butte, flowed north, and is found in the subsurface in coreholes USGS 131, USGS 127, USGS 130, USGS 128, USGS 123, STF-AQ-01, and ARA-COR-005 ending near the Idaho Nuclear Technology and Engineering Center. The vent 5252 flow group erupted just south of U.S. Highway 20 near Middle and East Buttes, flowed northwest, and is found in the subsurface in coreholes ARA-COR-005, STF-AQ-01, USGS 130, USGS 128, ICPP 214, USGS 123, ICPP 023, USGS 121, USGS 127, and USGS 131. The Big Lost flow group erupted from a now-buried vent near the Radioactive Waste Management Complex, flowed southwest to corehole USGS 135, and northeast to coreholes USGS 132, USGS 129, USGS 131, USGS 127, USGS 130, STF-AQ-01, and ARA-COR-005. The AEC Butte flow group erupted from AEC Butte near the Advanced Test Reactor Complex and flowed south to corehole Middle 1823, northwest to corehole USGS 134, northeast to coreholes USGS 133 and NRF 7P, and south to coreholes USGS 121, ICPP 023, USGS 123, and USGS 128. Evidence of progressive subsidence of the axial zone of the ESRP is shown in these cross-sections, distorting the original attitudes of the lava flow groups and interbedded sediments. A deeper cross-section, C-C- (oriented west to east), spanning the entire southern Idaho National Laboratory shows correlations of the lava flow groups in the saturated part of the ESRP aquifer. Areally extensive flow groups in the deep subsurface (from about 100-800 meters below land surface) can be traced over long distances. In cross-section C-C-, the flow group labeled "Matuyama" can be correlated from corehole USGS 135 to corehole NPR Test/W-02, a distance of about 28 kilometers (17 miles). The flow group labeled "Matuyama 1.21 Ma" can be correlated from corehole Middle 1823 to corehole ANL-OBS-A-001, a distance of 26 kilometers (16 miles). Other flo

A new feature detection mechanism and its application in secured ECG transmission with noise masking.

PubMed

Sufi, Fahim; Khalil, Ibrahim

2009-04-01

With cardiovascular disease as the number one killer of modern era, Electrocardiogram (ECG) is collected, stored and transmitted in greater frequency than ever before. However, in reality, ECG is rarely transmitted and stored in a secured manner. Recent research shows that eavesdropper can reveal the identity and cardiovascular condition from an intercepted ECG. Therefore, ECG data must be anonymized before transmission over the network and also stored as such in medical repositories. To achieve this, first of all, this paper presents a new ECG feature detection mechanism, which was compared against existing cross correlation (CC) based template matching algorithms. Two types of CC methods were used for comparison. Compared to the CC based approaches, which had 40% and 53% misclassification rates, the proposed detection algorithm did not perform any single misclassification. Secondly, a new ECG obfuscation method was designed and implemented on 15 subjects using added noises corresponding to each of the ECG features. This obfuscated ECG can be freely distributed over the internet without the necessity of encryption, since the original features needed to identify personal information of the patient remain concealed. Only authorized personnel possessing a secret key will be able to reconstruct the original ECG from the obfuscated ECG. Distribution of the would appear as regular ECG without encryption. Therefore, traditional decryption techniques including powerful brute force attack are useless against this obfuscation.

Selective advantages of two major clones of carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates (CC235 and CC641) from Korea: antimicrobial resistance, virulence and biofilm-forming activity.

PubMed

Lee, Ji-Young; Peck, Kyong Ran; Ko, Kwan Soo

2013-07-01

The characteristics of carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa (CRPA) isolates from Korea were investigated. Two major clones, clonal complex (CC) 235 and CC641, were identified. CC235, an important international clone, might have been imported recently in Korea as this clone displayed a homogeneous genotype, oprD mutation and antimicrobial resistance profile. While 13 ST235 isolates harboured the blaIMP-6 gene, which conferred high-level meropenem resistance, CC641 isolates showed high biofilm-forming activity. CC235 and CC641 isolates showed distinct distribution of ferripyoverdine receptor type and virulence markers. While all CC235 isolates were of the fpvAIIb type and exoS(-)/exoU(+), CC641 isolates were exoS(+)/exoU(-), and all but one showed the fpvAIII type. CC235 and CC641 isolates were also characterized by different extracellular protease activity: staphylolysin and elastase activities in CC235 and CC641, respectively. Two major CRPA clones in Korea seem to be predominant, reflecting their selective advantage by virtue of antimicrobial resistance, virulence and biofilm-forming activity.

Mechanism and scope of the cyanide-catalyzed cross silyl benzoin reaction.

PubMed

Linghu, Xin; Bausch, Cory C; Johnson, Jeffrey S

2005-02-16

In this work, cross silyl benzoin addition reactions between acylsilanes (1) and aldehydes (2) catalyzed by metal cyanides are described. Unsymmetrical aryl-, heteroaryl-, and alkyl-substituted benzoin adducts can be generated in moderate to excellent yields with complete regiocontrol using potassium cyanide and a phase transfer catalyst. From a screen of transition metal cyanide complexes, lanthanum tricyanide was identified as an improved second-generation catalyst for the cross silyl benzoin reaction. A study of the influence of water on the KCN-catalyzed cross silyl benzoin addition revealed more practical reaction conditions using unpurified solvent under ambient conditions. A sequential silyl benzoin addition/cyanation/O-acylation reaction that resulted in two new C-C bonds was achieved in excellent yield. The mechanism of cross silyl benzoin addition is proposed in detail and is supported by crossover studies and a number of unambiguous experiments designed to ascertain the reversibility of key steps. No productive chemistry arises from cyanation of the more electrophilic aldehyde component. Formation of the carbon-carbon bond is shown to be the last irreversible step in the reaction.

77 FR 2776 - Dorel Juvenile Group, Receipt of Petition for Decision of Inconsequential Noncompliance

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-01-19

... 22790CGT Deluxe 3 in 1 CC033BMT Alpha Omega Elite CC043ANK Alpha Omega Elite CC043ANL Alpha Omega Elite CC043AQS Alpha Omega Elite CC046AAI Deluxe 3 in 1 CC046AAU Deluxe 3 in 1 CC046CTA Deluxe 3 in 1 CC046SNW... between July 20, 2010 and May 18, 2011: 22187ANL Alpha Omega Elite 22187REM Alpha Omega Elite 22187REMA...

A computer program for analyzing channel geometry

USGS Publications Warehouse

Regan, R.S.; Schaffranek, R.W.

1985-01-01

The Channel Geometry Analysis Program (CGAP) provides the capability to process, analyze, and format cross-sectional data for input to flow/transport simulation models or other computational programs. CGAP allows for a variety of cross-sectional data input formats through use of variable format specification. The program accepts data from various computer media and provides for modification of machine-stored parameter values. CGAP has been devised to provide a rapid and efficient means of computing and analyzing the physical properties of an open-channel reach defined by a sequence of cross sections. CGAP 's 16 options provide a wide range of methods by which to analyze and depict a channel reach and its individual cross-sectional properties. The primary function of the program is to compute the area, width, wetted perimeter, and hydraulic radius of cross sections at successive increments of water surface elevation (stage) from data that consist of coordinate pairs of cross-channel distances and land surface or channel bottom elevations. Longitudinal rates-of-change of cross-sectional properties are also computed, as are the mean properties of a channel reach. Output products include tabular lists of cross-sectional area, channel width, wetted perimeter, hydraulic radius, average depth, and cross-sectional symmetry computed as functions of stage; plots of cross sections; plots of cross-sectional area and (or) channel width as functions of stage; tabular lists of cross-sectional area and channel width computed as functions of stage for subdivisions of a cross section; plots of cross sections in isometric projection; and plots of cross-sectional area at a fixed stage as a function of longitudinal distance along an open-channel reach. A Command Procedure Language program and Job Control Language procedure exist to facilitate program execution on the U.S. Geological Survey Prime and Amdahl computer systems respectively. (Lantz-PTT)

Tri-Service Literacy and Readability: Workshop Proceedings.

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-03-01

LN zC t’ DC D -2l C CC U CC., r C CzC.C-.C, CC C ~ ., caCQ.. *’UC - -C CL UQC’CC Ci - CT 0 --. . C DJZDCU- CC C C. C C...8217 flCCD.- CC, CCC~4J o zC C-Ca C ,.-C,-.O ,-,- CC CC,.. -- r C C,- -z~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ (U’~’ C- O’ ,.0 C CCC,.. D Ca D CCCO.C - 0.a l F--Ci E CC CC CDO C C...understanding in problem solving. In Catellan, N. J., Jr., Pisoni, D . B., & Potts G. R . (Eds.), Cognitive theory. Hillsdale, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum

Multistrand superconductor cable

DOEpatents

Borden, A.R.

1984-03-08

Improved multistrand Rutherford-type superconductor cable is produced by using strands which are preformed, prior to being wound into the cable, so that each strand has a variable cross section, with successive portions having a substantially round cross section, a transitional oval cross section, a rectangular cross section, a transitional oval cross section, a round cross section and so forth, in repetitive cycles along the length of the strand. The cable is wound and flattened so that the portions of rectangular cross section extend across the two flat sides of the cable at the strand angle. The portions of round cross section are bent at the edges of the flattened cable, so as to extend between the two flat sides. The rectangular portions of the strands slide easil

Temporal variability and climatology of hydrodynamic, water property and water quality parameters in the West Johor Strait of Singapore.

PubMed

Behera, Manasa Ranjan; Chun, Cui; Palani, Sundarambal; Tkalich, Pavel

2013-12-15

The study presents a baseline variability and climatology study of measured hydrodynamic, water properties and some water quality parameters of West Johor Strait, Singapore at hourly-to-seasonal scales to uncover their dependency and correlation to one or more drivers. The considered parameters include, but not limited by sea surface elevation, current magnitude and direction, solar radiation and air temperature, water temperature, salinity, chlorophyll-a and turbidity. FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) analysis is carried out for the parameters to delineate relative effect of tidal and weather drivers. The group and individual correlations between the parameters are obtained by principal component analysis (PCA) and cross-correlation (CC) technique, respectively. The CC technique also identifies the dependency and time lag between driving natural forces and dependent water property and water quality parameters. The temporal variability and climatology of the driving forces and the dependent parameters are established at the hourly, daily, fortnightly and seasonal scales. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Validity of a food frequency questionnaire to assess food intake in Mexican adolescent and adult population.

PubMed

Denova-Gutiérrez, Edgar; Ramírez-Silva, Ivonne; Rodríguez-Ramírez, Sonia; Jiménez-Aguilar, Alejandra; Shamah-Levy, Teresa; Rivera-Dommarco, Juan A

2016-01-01

To assess the validity of a 140-item semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire (SFFQ), in Mexican adolescents and adults. Dietary intakes using a SFFQ and two 24-hour dietary recalls (24DRs), in nonconsecutive days during the same week were measured from 178 adolescents and 230 adults participating in the Mexican National Health and Nutrition Survey-2012.Validity was evaluated using correlation coefficients (CC),deattenuated CC, linear regression models, cross-classification analysis, and the Bland-Altman method. In adults, deattenuated correlation coefficients between the SFFQ and the 24DRs ranged from 0.30 for folate to 0.61 for saturated fat. In addition, 63% adults and 62% adolescents were classified in the same and adjacent quartile of nutrient intake when comparing data from SFFQ and 24DRs. The SFFQ had moderate validity for energy, macronutrients and micronutrients. It also had good validity to rank individuals according to their dietary intake of different nutrients.

Cross-cultural differences in comorbid symptoms of children with autism spectrum disorders: an international examination between Israel, South Korea, the United Kingdom and the United States of America.

PubMed

Zachor, Ditza; Yang, Jae-Won; Itzchak, Esther Ben; Furniss, Frederick; Pegg, Elinor; Matson, Johnny L; Horovitz, Max; Sipes, Megan; Chung, Kyong-Mee; Jung, Woohyun

2011-01-01

To examine the relationship between culture and symptoms of comorbid psychopathology in those with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Multivariate analyses of variance (MANOVAs) for each country and each sub-scale of the Autism Spectrum Disorders-Comorbid for Children (ASD-CC). Follow-up independent univariate analyses and post-hoc tests as needed. Separate samples from South Korea, the UK and Israel were compared to a sample from the US in order to examine cultural contributions, using the ASD-CC. Overall, few differences were found. Significantly, the US had significantly higher scores than South Korea on the avoidant sub-scale. Additionally, the US had significantly higher scores than Israel on the over-eating and tantrum sub-scales. No significant differences were found between the US and the UK. Cultural factors, such as views of typical behaviour, should be taken into account when examining symptoms of comorbidity in children with ASD.

Incentive and Architecture of Multi-Band Enabled Small Cell and UE for Up-/Down-Link and Control-/User-Plane Splitting for 5G Mobile Networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saha, Rony Kumer; Aswakul, Chaodit

2017-01-01

In this paper, a multi-band enabled femtocell base station (FCBS) and user equipment (UE) architecture is proposed in a multi-tier network that consists of small cells, including femtocells and picocells deployed over the coverage of a macrocell for splitting uplink and downlink (UL/DL) as well as control-plane and user-plane (C-/U-plane) for 5G mobile networks. Since splitting is performed at the same FCBS, we define this architecture as the same base station based split architecture (SBSA). For multiple bands, we consider co-channel (CC) microwave and different frequency (DF) 60 GHz millimeter wave (mmWave) bands for FCBSs and UEs with respect to the microwave band used by their over-laid macrocell base station. All femtocells are assumed to be deployed in a 3-dimensional multi-storage building. For CC microwave band, cross-tier CC interference of femtocells with macrocell is avoided using almost blank subframe based enhanced inter-cell interference coordination techniques. The co-existence of CC microwave and DF mmWave bands for SBSA on the same FCBS and UE is first studied to show their performance disparities in terms of system capacity and spectral efficiency in order to provide incentives for employing multiple bands at the same FCBS and UE and identify a suitable band for routing decoupled UL/DL or C-/U-plane traffic. We then present a number of disruptive architectural design alternatives of multi-band enabled SBSA for 5G mobile networks for UL/DL and C-/U-plane splitting, including a disruptive and complete splitting of UL/DL and C-/U-plane as well as a combined UL/DL and C-/U-plane splitting, by exploiting dual connectivity on CC microwave and DF mmWave bands. The outperformances of SBSA in terms of system level capacity, average spectral efficiency, energy efficiency, and control-plane overhead traffic capacity in comparison with different base stations based split architecture (DBSA) are shown. Finally, a number of technical and business perspectives as well as key research issues of SBSA are discussed.

Double-blind randomized controlled trial of letrozole versus clomiphene citrate in subfertile women with polycystic ovarian syndrome.

PubMed

Amer, S A; Smith, J; Mahran, A; Fox, P; Fakis, A

2017-08-01

Would letrozole as a primary ovulation induction agent generate better pregnancy rates than clomiphene citrate (CC) in subfertile women with anovulatory polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)? Participants receiving letrozole as a primary treatment achieved a significantly (P = 0.022) higher clinical pregnancy rate per patient (61.2%) compared to CC (43.0%). According to a recent Cochrane systematic review (2014), letrozole appears to improve live-birth (LB) and pregnancy rates in anovulatory women with PCOS, compared to CC. However, the review concluded that the quality of evidence was low due to poor reporting of study methods and possible publication bias. This double-blind randomized controlled trial (RCT) included 159 participants between April 2007 and June 2014. Subjects were randomly allocated to either CC (n = 79) or letrozole (n = 80) in a 1:1 ratio. Both drugs were encapsulated to look identical. Randomization was performed in mixed blocks and stratified by patients' BMI (<30 and 30-35 kg/m2). The trial included subfertile women diagnosed with PCOS. Treatment started with one tablet (CC 50 mg, letrozole 2.5 mg) increasing to two in non-responders and continuing until pregnancy or for up to six ovulatory cycles. Non-responders were crossed over to the other treatment after a 6-week break. Cycles were initially monitored with ultrasound follicle tracking then mid-luteal serum progesterone measurement in subsequent cycles. Amongst the 159 participants included in the intention-to-treat analysis, four women conceived before treatment and six were lost-to-follow-up. The remaining 149 participants (74 on CC and 75 on letrozole) completed at least the first treatment. Women receiving letrozole achieved a significantly (P = 0.022; absolute difference [95% confidence interval] 18% [3-33%]) higher pregnancy rate (61.%) than those on CC (43%). The median number of treatment cycles received until pregnancy was significantly (log rank P = 0.038) smaller with letrozole (4[3-5] cycles) compared to CC (6[4-7] cycles). LB rates were not statistically (P = 0.089) different between the two groups, although there was a trend towards higher rates on letrozole (48.8%) compared to CC (35.4%). After the crossover, pregnancy and LB rates on letrozole (n = 45; 28.9 and 24.4%, respectively) were not statistically (P = 0.539 and P = 0.601) different from CC (n = 31; 22.6 and 19.4%). One possible limitation of this trial may be the exclusion of PCOS women with BMI > 35 kg/m2, which would limit the applicability of the results in this subgroup of PCOS. However, this group of women are generally excluded from treatment in the majority of fertility centres, especially in Europe, due to the associated challenges and risks. The results of this trial are consistent with the recent Cochrane systematic review. However, with its robust design, the current RCT provides more valid and compelling evidence for the superiority of letrozole over CC as a primary ovulation induction agent in PCOS women with 40% increase in pregnancy rates and with a shorter time-to-pregnancy. Furthermore, the participants in this RCT are a good representation of subfertile PCOS population receiving fertility treatment in Europe and worldwide. The results are therefore globally generalizable for clinical practice. This RCT was mainly funded by the R&D Funding Scheme of Derby Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. The study also received funds from School of Medicine, University of Nottingham. The Trust R&D department was involved in the development of the protocol and the running of the trial. The trial was sponsored and monitored by the University of Nottingham. The authors have no conflicts of interest. www.Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT00478504. Registration was verified on 23/05/2007. 25/04/2007. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology.

Dienogest inhibits C-C motif chemokine ligand 20 expression in human endometriotic epithelial cells.

PubMed

Mita, Shizuka; Nakakuki, Masanori; Ichioka, Masayuki; Shimizu, Yutaka; Hashiba, Masamichi; Miyazaki, Hiroyasu; Kyo, Satoru

2017-07-01

C-C motif chemokine ligand 20 is thought to contribute to the development of endometriosis by recruiting Th17 lymphocytes into endometriotic foci. The present study investigated the effects of dienogest, a progesterone receptor agonist used to treat endometriosis, on C-C motif chemokine ligand 20 expression by endometriotic cells. Effects of dienogest on mRNA expression and protein secretion of C-C motif chemokine ligand 20 induced by interleukin 1β were assessed in three immortalized endometriotic epithelial cell lines, parental cells (EMosis-CC/TERT1), and stably expressing human progesterone receptor isoform A (EMosis-CC/TERT1/PRA+) or isoform B (EMosis-CC/TERT1/PRA-/PRB+). Dienogest markedly inhibited interleukin 1β-stimulated C-C motif chemokine ligand 20 mRNA expression and protein secretion in EMosis-CC/TERT1/PRA-/PRB+, which was abrogated by the progesterone receptor antagonist RU486. In EMosis-CC/TERT1/PRA+, dienogest slightly inhibited C-C motif chemokine ligand 20 mRNA and protein. In EMosis-CC/TERT1, dienogest slightly inhibited C-C motif chemokine ligand 20 mRNA, but had no effect on C-C motif chemokine ligand 20 protein. Dienogest inhibited interleukin 1β-induced up-regulation of C-C motif chemokine ligand 20 in endometriotic epithelial cells, mainly mediated by progesterone receptor B. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Addition by subtraction in coupled-cluster theory: a reconsideration of the CC and CI interface and the nCC hierarchy.

PubMed

Bartlett, Rodney J; Musiał, Monika

2006-11-28

The nCC hierarchy of coupled-cluster approximations, where n guarantees exactness for n electrons and all products of n electrons are derived and applied to several illustrative problems. The condition of exactness for n=2 defines nCCSD=2CC, with nCCSDT=3CC and nCCSDTQ=4CC being exact for three and four electrons. To achieve this, the minimum number of diagrams is evaluated, which is less than in the corresponding CC model. For all practical purposes, nCC is also the proper definition of a size-extensive CI. 2CC is also an orbitally invariant coupled electron pair approximation. The numerical results of nCC are close to those for the full CC variant, and in some cases are closer to the full CI reference result. As 2CC is exact for separated electron pairs, it is the natural zeroth-order approximation for the correlation problem in molecules with other effects introduced as these units start to interact. The nCC hierarchy of approximations has all the attractive features of CC including its size extensivity, orbital invariance, and orbital insensitivity, but in a conceptually appealing form suited to bond breaking, while being computationally less demanding. Excited states from the equation of motion (EOM-2CC) are also reported, which show results frequently approaching those of EOM-CCSDT.

Ion dipole capture cross sections at low ion and rotational energies - Comparison of integrated capture cross sections with reaction cross sections for NH3 and H2O parent-ion collisions.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dugan, J. V., Jr.; Canright, R. B., Jr.

1972-01-01

The numerical capture cross section is calculated from the capture ratio, defined as the fraction of trajectories reaching a prescribed minimum separation of 3 A. The calculated capture cross sections for a rotational temperature of 77 K suggest large reaction cross sections in 80 K experiments for the large dipole-moment target, methyl cyanide.

Combat Ration Network for Technology Implementation. Universal Benchtop Package Tester

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-10-01

of three years of shelf life, but this packaging is susceptible to tears and holes during the manufacturing process. To avoid package integrity...characteristics, cannot provide a measurement of container contents. April 2003 - Precision Automation and PTI-USA expressed interest in manufacturing systems to... Noodles (185cc) • 212cc(+14.6%) • 209cc(+13.0%) – Chicken Brst. (150cc) • 160cc(+6.3%) • 154cc(+2.6%) • Water Trays – Tray A4 (185cc) • 200cc(+8.1

Club Cell Protein 16 (CC16) Augmentation: A Potential Disease-modifying Approach for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

PubMed

Laucho-Contreras, Maria E; Polverino, Francesca; Tesfaigzi, Yohannes; Pilon, Aprile; Celli, Bartolome R; Owen, Caroline A

2016-07-01

Club cell protein 16 (CC16) is the most abundant protein in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. CC16 has anti-inflammatory properties in smoke-exposed lungs, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with CC16 deficiency. Herein, we explored whether CC16 is a therapeutic target for COPD. We reviewed the literature on the factors that regulate airway CC16 expression, its biologic functions and its protective activities in smoke-exposed lungs using PUBMED searches. We generated hypotheses on the mechanisms by which CC16 limits COPD development, and discuss its potential as a new therapeutic approach for COPD. CC16 plasma and lung levels are reduced in smokers without airflow obstruction and COPD patients. In COPD patients, airway CC16 expression is inversely correlated with severity of airflow obstruction. CC16 deficiency increases smoke-induced lung pathologies in mice by its effects on epithelial cells, leukocytes, and fibroblasts. Experimental augmentation of CC16 levels using recombinant CC16 in cell culture systems, plasmid and adenoviral-mediated over-expression of CC16 in epithelial cells or smoke-exposed murine airways reduces inflammation and cellular injury. Additional studies are necessary to assess the efficacy of therapies aimed at restoring airway CC16 levels as a new disease-modifying therapy for COPD patients.