26 CFR 54.4980B-6 - Electing COBRA continuation coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... a divorce or legal separation of a covered employee. The group health plan is not required to offer... divorce or legal separation of a covered employee, a timely notice of the divorce or legal separation that... qualifying event. An election on behalf of a minor child can be made by the child's parent or legal guardian...

26 CFR 54.4980B-7 - Duration of COBRA continuation coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... day for which timely payment is not made to the plan with respect to the qualified beneficiary (see Q... provide any group health plan (including successor plans) to any employee; (4) The date, after the date of... plan, as described in Q&A-2 of this section; (5) The date, after the date of the election, upon which...

COBRA Coverage Extension Act of 2009

THOMAS, 111th Congress

Sen. Burris, Roland [D-IL

2009-07-21

Senate - 07/21/2009 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

Cobra Fiber-Optic Positioner Upgrade

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fisher, Charles D.; Braun, David F.; Kaluzny, Joel V.

2013-01-01

A prime focus spectrometer (PFS), along with corrective optics, will mount in place of the secondary mirror of the Subaru telescope on Mauna Kea, Hawaii. This will allow simultaneous observations of cosmologic targets. It will enable large-scale galactic archeology and dark energy surveys to help unlock the secrets of the universe. To perform these cosmologic surveys, an array of 2,400 optical fibers needs to be independently positioned within the 498-mm-diameter focal plane of the PFS instrument to collect light from galaxies and stars for spectrographic analyses. To allow for independent re-positioning of the fibers, a very small positioner (7.7 mm in diameter) is required. One hundred percent coverage of the focal plane is also required, so these small actuators need to cover a patrol region of 9.5 mm in diameter. To optimize the amount of light that can be collected, the fibers need to be placed within 5 micrometers of their intended target (either a star or galaxy). The Cobra Fiber Positioner was designed to meet the size and accuracy requirements stated above. Cobra is a two-degrees-of-freedom mechanism that can position an optical fiber in the focal plane of the PFS instrument to a precision of 5 micrometers. It is a theta-phi style positioner containing two rotary piezo tube motors with one offset from the other, which enables the optic fibers to be placed anywhere in a small circular patrol region. The patrol region of the actuator is such that the array of 2,400 positioners allows for full coverage of the instrument focal plane by overlapping the patrol areas. A second-generation Cobra positioner was designed based on lessons learned from the original prototype built in 2009. Improvements were made to the precision of the ceramic motor parts, and hard stops were redesigned to minimize friction and prevent jamming. These changes resulted in reducing the number of move iterations required to position the optical fiber within 5 micrometers of its target. At the time of this reporting, there are still many tests to be performed that will validate system level performance, but on an individual level, the Cobra positioner demonstrates excellent performance and will enable the PFS instrument to make unprecedented measurements of the universe. What is unique about the upgrades made to the Cobra positioner is the improved performance due to the design changes in the hard stops and the ceramic end caps of the motors. Other changes were made to reduce the unit cost of a Cobra positioner without affecting the performance, since thousands of these devices will have to be built for the PFS instrument.

Performance Evaluation of the COBRA GEM for the Application of the TPC

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Terasaki, Kohei; Hamagaki, Hideki; Gunji, Taku; Yamaguchi, Yorito

2014-09-01

Suppression of the back-drifting ions from avalanche region to drift space (IBF: Ion Backflow) is the key for a Time Projection Chamber (TPC) since IBF easily distorts the drift field. To suppress IBF, Gating Grid system is widely used for the TPC but this limits the data taking rate. Gas Electron Multiplier (GEM) has advantages in the reduction of IBF and high rate capability. By adopting GEM, it is possible to run a TPC continuously under high rate and high multiplicity conditions. Motivated by the study of IBF reduction for RICH with Thick COBRA, which has been developed by F. A. Amero et al., we developed COBRA GEMs for the application of a TPC. With a stack configuration, IBF reaches about 0.1 ~ 0.5%, which is ×5--10 better IBF than the standard GEMs. However, the measured energy resolution with COBRA is 20% (σ) and this is much worse than the resolution with standard GEMs. Measurement of long-time stability of gain indicates that gain of COBRA varies significantly due to charging up effect. Simulation studies based on Garfield++ are performed for understanding quantitatively the reasons of worse energy resolution and instability of gain. In this presentation, we will report the simulation studies together with the measured performance of the COBRA GEM.

Sources of health insurance and characteristics of the uninsured: analysis of the March 2011 current population survey.

PubMed

Fronstin, Paul

2011-09-01

LATEST CENSUS DATA: This Issue Brief provides historical data through 2010 on the number and percentage of nonelderly individuals with and without health insurance. Based on EBRI estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau's March 2011 Current Population Survey (CPS), it reflects 2010 data. It also discusses trends in coverage for the 1994-2010 period and highlights characteristics that typically indicate whether an individual is insured. HEALTH COVERAGE RATE CONTINUES TO DECREASE, UNINSURED INCREASE: The percentage of the nonelderly population (under age 65) with health insurance coverage decreased to 81.5 percent in 2010. Increases in health insurance coverage have been recorded in only three years since 1994, when 36.5 million nonelderly individuals were uninsured. The percentage of nonelderly individuals without health insurance coverage was 18.5 percent in 2010, up from 18.3 percent in 2009, and its highest level during the 1994-2010 period. EMPLOYMENT-BASED COVERAGE REMAINS DOMINANT SOURCE OF HEALTH COVERAGE, BUT CONTINUES TO ERODE: Employment-based health benefits remain the most common form of health coverage in the United States. In 2010, 58.7 percent of the nonelderly population had employment-based health benefits, down from 69.3 percent in 2000. SHIFTING COMPOSITION OF EMPLOYMENT-BASED COVERAGE: Between 2007 and 2010, the percentage of individuals under age 65 with employment-based coverage in their own name has dropped. In 2007, 54.2 percent had coverage in their own name. By 2010, it was down to 51.5 percent. Dependent coverage during this time period fell slightly from 17.5 percent to 17.1 percent, and increased slightly from 16.8 percent to 17.1 percent between 2009 and 2010. PUBLIC PROGRAM COVERAGE IS GROWING: Public program health coverage expanded as a percentage of the population in 2010, accounting for 21.6 percent of the nonelderly population. Enrollment in Medicaid and the State Children's Health Insurance Program increased, reaching a combined 45 million in 2010, and covering 16.9 percent of the nonelderly population, significantly above the 10.2 percent level of 1999. INDIVIDUAL COVERAGE STABLE: Individually purchased health coverage was unchanged in 2010 and has basically hovered in the 6-7 percent range since 1994. WHAT TO EXPECT IN 2011: 2010 is the most recent year for data on sources of health coverage. Unemployment in 2011 has been about 9 percent since the beginning of the year. While down from the 2010 average of 9.6 percent, it remains high and there is a continued threat of a double-dip recession increasing it even further. As a result, the nation is likely to see continued erosion of employment-based health benefits when the data for 2011 are released in 2012. Fewer working individuals translates into fewer individuals with access to health benefits in the work place, especially after COBRA subsidies have been exhausted.

Cost-utility of COBRA-light versus COBRA therapy in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis: the COBRA-light trial.

PubMed

Ter Wee, Marieke M; Coupé, Veerle Mh; den Uyl, Debby; Blomjous, Birgit S; Kooijmans, Esmee; Kerstens, Pit Jsm; Nurmohamed, Mike T; van Schaardenburg, Dirkjan; Voskuyl, Alexandre E; Boers, Maarten; Lems, Willem F

2017-01-01

To evaluate if COmbinatie therapie Bij Reumatoïde Artritis (COBRA)-light therapy is cost-effective in treating patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) compared with COBRA therapy. This economic evaluation was performed next to the open-label, randomised non-inferiority COBRA-light trial in 164 patients with early RA. Non-responders to COBRA or COBRA-light received etanercept (50 mg/week) for 3-6 months. The societal perspective analysis took medical direct, non-medical direct and indirect costs into account. Costs were measured with patient cost diaries for the follow-up period of 52 weeks. Bootstrapping techniques estimated uncertainty around the cost-effectiveness ratios, presented in cost-effectiveness planes. 164 patients were randomised to either COBRA or COBRA-light strategy. At week 52, COBRA-light proved to be non-inferior to COBRA therapy on all clinical outcome measures. The results of the base-case cost-utility analysis (intention-to-treat analyses) revealed that COBRA-light strategy is more expensive (k€9.3 (SD 0.9) compared with COBRA (k€7.2 (SD 0.8)), but the difference in costs were not significant (k€2.0; 95% CI -0.3 to 4.4). Also, both strategies produced similar quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs). The sensitivity analyses showed robustness of these results. In a per-protocol sensitivity analysis, in which costs of etanercept were assumed to be provided as prescribed according to protocol, both arms had much higher costs: COBRA-light: k€11.5 (8.3) compared with k€8.5 (6.8) for COBRA, and the difference in costs was significant (k€2.9; 0.6 to 5.3). In the base-case cost-utility analysis, the two strategies produced similar QALYs for similar costs. But it is anticipated that if protocol had been followed correctly, the COBRA-light strategy would have been more costly due to additional etanercept costs, for a limited health gain. Given the limited added benefit and high costs of starting etanercept in the presence of low disease activity in our trial, such a strategy needs better justification than is available now. 55552928, Results.

COBRA compliance: how employers can successfully meet today's complexities.

PubMed

Trimble, Jim

2003-03-01

Although the architects of COBRA had sound and compassionate motivations in place, administration of and compliance with this law are far from easy. COBRA assists employees that lose their jobs by allowing them to purchase insurance benefits from their former employer. Outsourcing COBRA administration can be the best way for some employers to cope with COBRA regulations, contingencies and paperwork and avoid legal fees and penalties. But look for COBRA providers that have a sound track record.

MOFA Software for the COBRA Toolbox

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

Griesemer, Marc; Navid, Ali

MOFA-COBRA is a software code for Matlab that performs Multi-Objective Flux Analysis (MOFA), a solving of linear programming problems. Teh leading software package for conducting different types of analyses using constrain-based models is the COBRA Toolbox for Matlab. MOFA-COBRA is an added tool for COBRA that solves multi-objective problems using a novel algorithm.

Cost-utility of COBRA-light versus COBRA therapy in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis: the COBRA-light trial

PubMed Central

ter Wee, Marieke M; Coupé, Veerle MH; den Uyl, Debby; Blomjous, Birgit S; Kooijmans, Esmee; Kerstens, Pit JSM; Nurmohamed, Mike T; van Schaardenburg, Dirkjan; Voskuyl, Alexandre E; Boers, Maarten; Lems, Willem F

2017-01-01

Objective To evaluate if COmbinatie therapie Bij Reumatoïde Artritis (COBRA)-light therapy is cost-effective in treating patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) compared with COBRA therapy. Methods This economic evaluation was performed next to the open-label, randomised non-inferiority COBRA-light trial in 164 patients with early RA. Non-responders to COBRA or COBRA-light received etanercept (50 mg/week) for 3–6 months. The societal perspective analysis took medical direct, non-medical direct and indirect costs into account. Costs were measured with patient cost diaries for the follow-up period of 52 weeks. Bootstrapping techniques estimated uncertainty around the cost-effectiveness ratios, presented in cost-effectiveness planes. Results 164 patients were randomised to either COBRA or COBRA-light strategy. At week 52, COBRA-light proved to be non-inferior to COBRA therapy on all clinical outcome measures. The results of the base-case cost-utility analysis (intention-to-treat analyses) revealed that COBRA-light strategy is more expensive (k€9.3 (SD 0.9) compared with COBRA (k€7.2 (SD 0.8)), but the difference in costs were not significant (k€2.0; 95% CI –0.3 to 4.4). Also, both strategies produced similar quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs). The sensitivity analyses showed robustness of these results. In a per-protocol sensitivity analysis, in which costs of etanercept were assumed to be provided as prescribed according to protocol, both arms had much higher costs: COBRA-light: k€11.5 (8.3) compared with k€8.5 (6.8) for COBRA, and the difference in costs was significant (k€2.9; 0.6 to 5.3). Conclusions In the base-case cost-utility analysis, the two strategies produced similar QALYs for similar costs. But it is anticipated that if protocol had been followed correctly, the COBRA-light strategy would have been more costly due to additional etanercept costs, for a limited health gain. Given the limited added benefit and high costs of starting etanercept in the presence of low disease activity in our trial, such a strategy needs better justification than is available now. Trial registration number 55552928, Results. PMID:29119006

The Arabidopsis COBRA Protein Facilitates Cellulose Crystallization at the Plasma Membrane*

PubMed Central

Sorek, Nadav; Sorek, Hagit; Kijac, Aleksandra; Szemenyei, Heidi J.; Bauer, Stefan; Hématy, Kian; Wemmer, David E.; Somerville, Chris R.

2014-01-01

Mutations in the Arabidopsis COBRA gene lead to defects in cellulose synthesis but the function of COBRA is unknown. Here we present evidence that COBRA localizes to discrete particles in the plasma membrane and is sensitive to inhibitors of cellulose synthesis, suggesting that COBRA and the cellulose synthase complex reside in close proximity on the plasma membrane. Live-cell imaging of cellulose synthesis indicated that, once initiated, cellulose synthesis appeared to proceed normally in the cobra mutant. Using isothermal calorimetry, COBRA was found to bind individual β1–4-linked glucan chains with a KD of 3.2 μm. Competition assays suggests that COBRA binds individual β1–4-linked glucan chains with higher affinity than crystalline cellulose. Solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance studies of the cell wall of the cobra mutant also indicated that, in addition to decreases in cellulose amount, the properties of the cellulose fibrils and other cell wall polymers differed from wild type by being less crystalline and having an increased number of reducing ends. We interpret the available evidence as suggesting that COBRA facilitates cellulose crystallization from the emerging β1–4-glucan chains by acting as a “polysaccharide chaperone.” PMID:25331944

Concentrating Solar Power Projects - Casablanca | Concentrating Solar Power

Science.gov Websites

(Badajoz) Owner(s): ACS - COBRA group (100%) Technology: Parabolic trough Turbine Capacity: Net: 50.0 MW Participants Developer(s): ACS - COBRA group Owner(s) (%): ACS - COBRA group (100%) EPC Contractor: Cobra

COBRA 9121: Federal liability for patient screening and transfer.

PubMed

Frew, S A

1988-01-01

Health care is no longer a simple cottage industry of individual providers. Increases in competition and government regulation have transformed the old structure of health care into a fend-for-yourself marketplace dominated by multi-institutional corporations. In order to accomplish this change, health care providers have had to alter their locus of attention from the patient to the bottom line. As a result, it is not surprising to find corporate business practices interspersed among the traditional health care practices. On March 1, 1987, the federal government began an assault on a casualty of this new market oriental philosophy, patient transfers or "dumping". COBRA 9121 is an "anti-dumping" law designed to prevent hospitals from continuing this practice. The vehicle for ensuring that the statute's broad provisions are followed is a set of "sudden death" probations. For example, under COBRA, hospitals found guilty of knowing or negligent violations may be suspended or terminated from receiving all Medicare reimbursement. One way to avoid these "sudden death" probations is to understand the implications of this law.

Improvement of COBRA-TF for modeling of PWR cold- and hot-legs during reactor transients

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Salko, Robert K.

COBRA-TF is a two-phase, three-field (liquid, vapor, droplets) thermal-hydraulic modeling tool that has been developed by the Pacific Northwest Laboratory under sponsorship of the NRC. The code was developed for Light Water Reactor analysis starting in the 1980s; however, its development has continued to this current time. COBRA-TF still finds wide-spread use throughout the nuclear engineering field, including nuclear-power vendors, academia, and research institutions. It has been proposed that extension of the COBRA-TF code-modeling region from vessel-only components to Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR) coolant-line regions can lead to improved Loss-of-Coolant Accident (LOCA) analysis. Improved modeling is anticipated due to COBRA-TF's capability to independently model the entrained-droplet flow-field behavior, which has been observed to impact delivery to the core region[1]. Because COBRA-TF was originally developed for vertically-dominated, in-vessel, sub-channel flow, extension of the COBRA-TF modeling region to the horizontal-pipe geometries of the coolant-lines required several code modifications, including: • Inclusion of the stratified flow regime into the COBRA-TF flow regime map, along with associated interfacial drag, wall drag and interfacial heat transfer correlations, • Inclusion of a horizontal-stratification force between adjacent mesh cells having unequal levels of stratified flow, and • Generation of a new code-input interface for the modeling of coolant-lines. The sheer number of COBRA-TF modifications that were required to complete this work turned this project into a code-development project as much as it was a study of thermal-hydraulics in reactor coolant-lines. The means for achieving these tasks shifted along the way, ultimately leading the development of a separate, nearly completely independent one-dimensional, two-phase-flow modeling code geared toward reactor coolant-line analysis. This developed code has been named CLAP, for Coolant-Line-Analysis Package. Versions were created that were both coupled to COBRA-TF and standalone, with the most recent version being a standalone code. This code performs a separate, simplified, 1-D solution of the conservation equations while making special considerations for coolant-line geometry and flow phenomena. The end of this project saw a functional code package that demonstrates a stable numerical solution and that has gone through a series of Validation and Verification tests using the Two-Phase Testing Facility (TPTF) experimental data[2]. The results indicate that CLAP is under-performing RELAP5-MOD3 in predicting the experimental void of the TPTF facility in some cases. There is no apparent pattern, however, to point to a consistent type of case that the code fails to predict properly (e.g., low-flow, high-flow, discharging to full vessel, or discharging to empty vessel). Pressure-profile predictions are sometimes unrealistic, which indicates that there may be a problem with test-case boundary conditions or with the coupling of continuity and momentum equations in the solution algorithm. The code does predict the flow regime correctly for all cases with the stratification-force model off. Turning the stratification model on can cause the low-flow case void profiles to over-react to the force and the flow regime to transition out of stratified flow. The code would benefit from an increased amount of Validation & Verification testing. The development of CLAP was significant, as it is a cleanly written, logical representation of the reactor coolant-line geometry. It is stable and capable of modeling basic flow physics in the reactor coolant-line. Code development and debugging required the temporary removal of the energy equation and mass-transfer terms in governing equations. The reintroduction of these terms will allow future coupling to RELAP and re-coupling with COBRA-TF. Adding in more applicable entrainment and de-entrainment models would allow the capture of more advanced physics in the coolant-line that can be expected during Loss-of-Coolant Accident. One of the package's benefits is its ability to be used as a platform for future coolant-line model development and implementation, including capturing of the important de-entrainment behavior in reactor hot-legs (steam-binding effect) and flow convection in the upper-plenum region of the vessel.

COBRA ATD minefield detection model initial performance analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Holmes, V. Todd; Kenton, Arthur C.; Hilton, Russell J.; Witherspoon, Ned H.; Holloway, John H., Jr.

2000-08-01

A statistical performance analysis of the USMC Coastal Battlefield Reconnaissance and Analysis (COBRA) Minefield Detection (MFD) Model has been performed in support of the COBRA ATD Program under execution by the Naval Surface Warfare Center/Dahlgren Division/Coastal Systems Station . This analysis uses the Veridian ERIM International MFD model from the COBRA Sensor Performance Evaluation and Computational Tools for Research Analysis modeling toolbox and a collection of multispectral mine detection algorithm response distributions for mines and minelike clutter objects. These mine detection response distributions were generated form actual COBRA ATD test missions over littoral zone minefields. This analysis serves to validate both the utility and effectiveness of the COBRA MFD Model as a predictive MFD performance too. COBRA ATD minefield detection model algorithm performance results based on a simulate baseline minefield detection scenario are presented, as well as result of a MFD model algorithm parametric sensitivity study.

Defense.gov - Special Report: Marine Assault: Operation Cobra's Anger

Science.gov Websites

Operation Cobra's Anger. Story Marines Clear Taliban Stronghold During Operation Cobra's Anger HELMAND -scale operation in northern Helmand province. Story Related Sites Marine Corps News White House Fact insurgents Operation Cobra's Anger PHOTOS About This Site DoD Inspector General Freedom of Information

Concentrating Solar Power Projects - Extresol-2 | Concentrating Solar Power

Science.gov Websites

Sesmero (Badajoz) Owner(s): ACS/Cobra Group (100%) Technology: Parabolic trough Turbine Capacity: Net : 158,000 MWh/yr (Expected/Planned) Contact(s): Manuel Cortes; Ana Salazar Company: ACS/Cobra Group Break Project Type: Commercial Participants Developer(s): ACS/Cobra Group Owner(s) (%): ACS/Cobra Group (100

Concentrating Solar Power Projects - Extresol-3 | Concentrating Solar Power

Science.gov Websites

Sesmero (Badajoz) Owner(s): ACS/Cobra Group (100%) Technology: Parabolic trough Turbine Capacity: Net : 158,000 MWh/yr (Expected/Planned) Contact(s): Manuel Cortes; Ana Salazar Company: ACS/Cobra Group Break years Project Type: Commercial Participants Developer(s): ACS/Cobra Group Owner(s) (%): ACS/Cobra Group

Concentrating Solar Power Projects - Manchasol-2 | Concentrating Solar

Science.gov Websites

Juan (Ciudad Real) Owner(s): ACS/Cobra Group (100%) Technology: Parabolic trough Turbine Capacity: Net : ACS/Cobra Group Break Ground: May 2009 Start Production: April 2011 Construction Job-Years: 600 Annual : Commercial Participants Developer(s): ACS/Cobra Group Owner(s) (%): ACS/Cobra Group (100%) EPC Contractor

Concentrating Solar Power Projects - Manchasol-1 | Concentrating Solar

Science.gov Websites

Juan (Ciudad Real) Owner(s): ACS/Cobra Group (100%) Technology: Parabolic trough Turbine Capacity: Net : ACS/Cobra Group Break Ground: October 2008 Start Production: January 2011 Construction Job-Years: 600 : Commercial Participants Developer(s): ACS/Cobra Group Owner(s) (%): ACS/Cobra Group (100%) EPC Contractor

Why are Dutch rheumatologists reluctant to use the COBRA treatment strategy in early rheumatoid arthritis?

PubMed Central

van Tuyl, Lilian H D; Plass, Anne Marie C; Lems, Willem F; Voskuyl, Alexandre E; Dijkmans, Ben A C; Boers, Maarten

2007-01-01

Background The Combinatietherapie Bij Reumatoide Artritis (COBRA) trial has proved that combination therapy with prednisolone, methotrexate and sulphasalazine is superior to sulphasalazine monotherapy in suppressing disease activity and radiological progression of early rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In addition, 5 years of follow‐up proved that COBRA therapy results in sustained reduction of the rate of radiological progression. Despite this evidence, Dutch rheumatologists seem reluctant to prescribe COBRA therapy. Objective To explore the reasons for the reluctance in Dutch rheumatologists to prescribe COBRA therapy. Methods A short structured questionnaire based on social–psychological theories of behaviour was sent to all Dutch rheumatologists (n = 230). Results The response rate was 50%. COBRA therapy was perceived as both effective and safe, but complex to administer. Furthermore, rheumatologists expressed their concern about the large number of pills that had to be taken, the side effects of high‐dose prednisolone and the low dose of methotrexate. Although the average attitude towards the COBRA therapy was slightly positive (above the neutral point), the majority of responding rheumatologists had a negative intention (below the neutral point) to prescribe COBRA therapy in the near future. Conclusion The reluctance of Dutch rheumatologists to prescribe effective COBRA therapy may be due to perceptions of complexity of the treatment schedule and negative patient‐related consequences of the therapy. PMID:17392349

Functional characterization of a tomato COBRA-like gene functioning in fruit development and ripening

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background Extensive studies have demonstrated that the COBRA gene is critical for biosynthesis of cell wall constituents comprising structural tissues of roots, stalks, leaves and other vegetative organs, however, its role in fruit development and ripening remains largely unknown. Results We identified a tomato gene (SlCOBRA-like) homologous to Arabidopsis COBRA, and determined its role in fleshy fruit biology. The SlCOBRA-like gene is highly expressed in vegetative organs and in early fruit development, but its expression in fruit declines dramatically during ripening stages, implying a primary role in early fruit development. Fruit-specific suppression of SlCOBRA-like resulted in impaired cell wall integrity and up-regulation of genes encoding proteins involved in cell wall degradation during early fruit development. In contrast, fruit-specific overexpression of SlCOBRA-like resulted in increased wall thickness of fruit epidermal cells, more collenchymatous cells beneath the epidermis, elevated levels of cellulose and reduced pectin solubilization in the pericarp cells of red ripe fruits. Moreover, transgenic tomato fruits overexpressing SlCOBRA-like exhibited desirable early development phenotypes including enhanced firmness and a prolonged shelf life. Conclusions Our results suggest that SlCOBRA-like plays an important role in fruit cell wall architecture and provides a potential genetic tool for extending the shelf life of tomato and potentially additional fruits. PMID:23140186

Comparison of 4 supraglotttic devices used by paramedics during simulated CPR : a randomized controlled crossover trial.

PubMed

Szarpak, Łukasz; Kurowski, Andrzej; Truszewski, Zenon; Robak, Oliver; Frass, Michael

2015-08-01

Ensuring an open airway during cardiopulmonary resuscitation is fundamental. The aim of this study was to determine the success rate of blind intubation during simulated cardiopulmonary resuscitation by untrained personnel. Four devices were compared in a simulated resuscitation scenario: ILMA (Intavent Direct Ltd, Buckinghamshire, United Kingdom), Cobra PLA (Engineered Medical Systems Inc, Indianapolis, IN), Supraglottic Airway Laryngopharyngeal Tube (SALT) (ECOLAB, St. Paul, MN), and Air-Q (Mercury Medical, Clearwater, FL). A group of 210 paramedics intubated a manikin with continuous chest compressions. The mean times to intubation were 40.46 ± 4.64, 33.96 ± 6.23, 17.2 ± 4.63, and 49.23 ± 13.19 seconds (SALT vs ILMA, Cobra PLA, and Air-Q; P < .05). The success ratios of blind intubation for the devices were 86.7%, 85.7%, 100%, and 71.4% (SALT vs ILMA, Cobra PLA, and Air-Q; P < .05). The study showed that the most efficient device with the shortest blind intubation time was the SALT device. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Antihemorrhagin in the blood serum of king cobra (Ophiophagus hannah): purification and characterization.

PubMed

Chanhome, Lawan; Khow, Orawan; Omori-Satoh, Tamotsu; Sitprija, Visith

2003-06-01

King cobra (Ophiophagus hannah) serum was found to possess antihemorrhagic activity against king cobra hemorrhagin. The activity was stronger than that in commercial king cobra antivenom. An antihemorrhagin has been purified by ion exchange chromatography, affinity chromatography and gel filtration with a 22-fold purification and an overall yield of 12% of the total antihemorrhagic activity contained in crude serum. The purified antihemorrhagin was homogeneous in disc-PAGE and SDS-PAGE. Its apparent molecular weight determined by SDS-PAGE was 120 kDa. The antihemorrhagin was also active against other hemorrhagic snake venoms obtained in Thailand and Japan such as Calloselasma rhodostoma, Trimeresurus albolabris, Trimeresurus macrops and Trimeresurus flavoviridis (Japanese Habu). It inhibited the proteolytic activity of king cobra venom. It is an acid- and thermolabile protein and does not form precipitin lines against king cobra venom.

Validity and reliability of the Cognitive Complaints in Bipolar Disorder Rating Assessment (COBRA) in Japanese patients with bipolar disorder.

PubMed

Toyoshima, Kuniyoshi; Fujii, Yutaka; Mitsui, Nobuyuki; Kako, Yuki; Asakura, Satoshi; Martinez-Aran, Anabel; Vieta, Eduard; Kusumi, Ichiro

2017-08-01

In Japan, there are currently no reliable rating scales for the evaluation of subjective cognitive impairment in patients with bipolar disorder. We studied the relationship between the Japanese version of the Cognitive Complaints in Bipolar Disorder Rating Assessment (COBRA) and objective cognitive assessments in patients with bipolar disorder. We further assessed the reliability and validity of the COBRA. Forty-one patients, aged 16-64, in a remission period of bipolar disorder were recruited from Hokkaido University Hospital in Sapporo, Japan. The COBRA (Japanese version) and Frankfurt Complaint Questionnaire (FCQ), the gold standard in subjective cognitive assessment, were administered. A battery of neuropsychological tests was employed to measure objective cognitive impairment. Correlations among the COBRA, FCQ, and neuropsychological tests were determined using Spearman's correlation coefficient. The Japanese version of the COBRA had high internal consistency, good retest reliability, and concurrent validity-as indicated by a strong correlation with the FCQ. A significant correlation was also observed between the COBRA and objective cognitive measurements of processing speed. These findings are the first to demonstrate that the Japanese version of the COBRA may be clinically useful as a subjective cognitive impairment rating scale in Japanese patients with bipolar disorder. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Development of a polymerase chain reaction to distinguish monocellate cobra (Naja khouthia) bites from other common Thai snake species, using both venom extracts and bite-site swabs.

PubMed

Suntrarachun, S; Pakmanee, N; Tirawatnapong, T; Chanhome, L; Sitprija, V

2001-07-01

A PCR technique was used in this study to identify and distinguish monocellate cobra snake bites using snake venoms and swab specimens from snake bite-sites in mice from bites by other common Thai snakes. The sequences of nucleotide primers were selected for the cobrotoxin-encoding gene from the Chinese cobra (Naja atra) since the sequences of monocellate cobra (Naja kaouthia) venom are still unknown. However, the 113-bp fragment of cDNA of the cobrotoxin-encoding gene was detected in the monocellate cobra venom using RT-PCR. This gene was not found in the venoms of Ophiophagus hannah (king cobra), Bungarus fasciatus (banded krait), Daboia russelii siamensis (Siamese Russell's Viper, and Calloselasma rhodostoma (Malayan pit viper). Moreover, direct PCR could detect a 665-bp fragment of the cobrotoxin-encoding gene in the monocellate cobra venom but not the other snake venoms. Likewise, this gene was only observed in swab specimens from cobra snake bite-sites in mice. This is the first report demonstrating the ability of PCR to detect the cobrotoxin-encoding gene from snake venoms and swab specimens. Further studies are required for identification of this and other snakes from the bite-sites on human skin.

Quantitative prediction of cellular metabolism with constraint-based models: the COBRA Toolbox v2.0

PubMed Central

Schellenberger, Jan; Que, Richard; Fleming, Ronan M. T.; Thiele, Ines; Orth, Jeffrey D.; Feist, Adam M.; Zielinski, Daniel C.; Bordbar, Aarash; Lewis, Nathan E.; Rahmanian, Sorena; Kang, Joseph; Hyduke, Daniel R.; Palsson, Bernhard Ø.

2012-01-01

Over the past decade, a growing community of researchers has emerged around the use of COnstraint-Based Reconstruction and Analysis (COBRA) methods to simulate, analyze and predict a variety of metabolic phenotypes using genome-scale models. The COBRA Toolbox, a MATLAB package for implementing COBRA methods, was presented earlier. Here we present a significant update of this in silico ToolBox. Version 2.0 of the COBRA Toolbox expands the scope of computations by including in silico analysis methods developed since its original release. New functions include: (1) network gap filling, (2) 13C analysis, (3) metabolic engineering, (4) omics-guided analysis, and (5) visualization. As with the first version, the COBRA Toolbox reads and writes Systems Biology Markup Language formatted models. In version 2.0, we improved performance, usability, and the level of documentation. A suite of test scripts can now be used to learn the core functionality of the Toolbox and validate results. This Toolbox lowers the barrier of entry to use powerful COBRA methods. PMID:21886097

Simulator Sickness in the AH-1S (Cobra) Flight Simulator

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-09-01

ADJUSTABLE ARMAMENT BOMB LUG (upper rack use only) AFT ATTACHING POINT SWAY GRACE PAD HANS DEBRIS DIRECTOR ~~ CAPTIVE LOCKINGPI FORWARDHARNESS...Qualification training) Training Stage : Qualification Continuation Refresher AAPART (Check Ride) Mission All rights reserved Essex Corporation 1040 Woodcock Road

Concentrating Solar Power Projects - Andasol-2 | Concentrating Solar Power

Science.gov Websites

): ACS/Cobra Group Owner(s) (%): ACS/Cobra Group (100%) EPC Contractor: UTE CT Andasol-2: Cobra (80%) and (Model): UTE CT Andasol-2 (SKAL-ET) Mirror Manufacturer (Model): Flabeg (RP3) # of Heat Collector

Intensive combination treatment regimens, including prednisolone, are effective in treating patients with early rheumatoid arthritis regardless of additional etanercept: 1-year results of the COBRA-light open-label, randomised, non-inferiority trial.

PubMed

ter Wee, Marieke M; den Uyl, Debby; Boers, Maarten; Kerstens, Pit; Nurmohamed, Mike; van Schaardenburg, Dirkjan; Voskuyl, Alexandre E; Lems, Willem F

2015-06-01

Recently, we documented the likely non-inferiority of Combinatietherapie Bij Reumatoïde Artritis (COBRA)-light therapy (methotrexate increased to 25 mg/week with initial prednisolone 30 mg/day) compared with the original COBRA therapy (methotrexate 7.5 mg/week, sulfasalazine 2 g/day, with initial prednisolone 60 mg/day) after 26 weeks in patients with early active rheumatoid arthritis (RA). To assess the non-inferiority of COBRA-light versus COBRA after 1 year in terms of disease activity (DAS44), functional outcome (Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ)) and radiographic progression (Sharp/van der Heijde score (SHS)), and to assess the effect of adding etanercept. An open-label, randomised controlled, non-inferiority trial of 162 patients with active early RA, following a treat-to-target protocol incorporating the addition of etanercept if DAS44 ≥1.6 at weeks 26 or 39. Both groups showed major improvements in DAS44 after 52 weeks: mean (SD) -2.41 (1.2) in the COBRA and -2.02 (1.0) in the COBRA-light group (p=ns). In both groups, functional ability improved and radiological progression of joints was minimal. At least one adverse event was reported in 96% of the patients in both groups. In total, 25 serious adverse events occurred: 9 vs 16 in COBRA and COBRA-light, respectively. Treatment actually instituted was often less intensive than required by the protocol: of the total population, 108 patients (67%) required etanercept (more in the COBRA-light group), but only 67 of these (62%) actually received it. Intensive COBRA or COBRA-light therapy has major, comparably favourable effects on disease activity, functional ability and radiological outcome after 1 year in patients with early RA. Protocolised addition of etanercept was often not implemented by treating rheumatologists, and patients receiving it appeared to have limited added benefit, probably because of low disease activity levels at its initiation. ISRCTN55552928. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://group.bmj.com/group/rights-licensing/permissions.

Cobra Probes Containing Replaceable Thermocouples

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jones, John; Redding, Adam

2007-01-01

A modification of the basic design of cobra probes provides for relatively easy replacement of broken thermocouples. Cobra probes are standard tube-type pressure probes that may also contain thermocouples and that are routinely used in wind tunnels and aeronautical hardware. They are so named because in side views, they resemble a cobra poised to attack. Heretofore, there has been no easy way to replace a broken thermocouple in a cobra probe: instead, it has been necessary to break the probe apart and then rebuild it, typically at a cost between $2,000 and $4,000 (2004 prices). The modified design makes it possible to replace the thermocouple, in minimal time and at relatively low cost, by inserting new thermocouple wire in a tube.

High aryl acylamidase activity associated with cobra venom acetylcholinesterase: biological significance.

PubMed

Rajesh, Ramanna V; Layer, Paul G; Boopathy, Rathanam

2009-01-01

Investigation of the non-classical functions of cholinesterases (ChEs) has been the subject of interest in the past three decades. One of which is aryl acylamidase (AAA) activity associated with ChEs, but characterized in in vitro, as an enzyme, splitting the artificial substrate o-nitroacetanilide with unknown physiological function. In the present study, we have compared levels of AAA activity of AChE from different sources like goat brain, electric eel organ and from venoms of different snakes. Remarkably cobra venom showed the highest AAA activity and also high AAA/AChE ratio. Both serotonergenic and cholinergic inhibitors inhibited the cobra venom AAA activity in a concentration dependent manner, which also underlines the association of AAA with AChE of cobra venom. The study becomes interesting because of i) the cobra venom AChE exists in monomeric globular forms; ii) in Alzheimer's disease too the most abundant forms of cholinesterases are monomeric globular forms, thought to be involved in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease; iii) the effect of Alzheimer's disease drugs on the AAA activity of cobra venom, indicated that AAA activity of cobra venom was more sensitive than AChE and iv) Huperzine and Tacrine showed more pronounced effect on AAA. Thus, this study elucidates the high AAA associated with cobra venom AChE may serve as one of the prominent activity to test the pharmacological effect of AD drugs, as other sources were found to have lower activity.

76 FR 51963 - Cobra Pipeline Ltd.; Notice of Baseline Filings

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-08-19

... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. PR11-122-000] Cobra Pipeline Ltd.; Notice of Baseline Filings Take notice that on August 12, 2011, Cobra Pipeline Ltd. submitted a revised baseline filing of their Statement of Operating Conditions for services provided under Section 311...

Simulation Of Combat With An Expert System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Provenzano, J. P.

1989-01-01

Proposed expert system predicts outcomes of combat situations. Called "COBRA", combat outcome based on rules for attrition, system selects rules for mathematical modeling of losses and discrete events in combat according to previous experiences. Used with another software module known as the "Game". Game/COBRA software system, consisting of Game and COBRA modules, provides for both quantitative aspects and qualitative aspects in simulations of battles. COBRA intended for simulation of large-scale military exercises, concepts embodied in it have much broader applicability. In industrial research, knowledge-based system enables qualitative as well as quantitative simulations.

Patient dumping, COBRA, and the public psychiatric hospital.

PubMed

Elliott, R L

1993-02-01

Serious clinical and risk management problems arise when indigent patients with acute medical conditions are transferred from general medical hospitals or emergency departments to public psychiatric hospitals that are ill equipped to provide medical care. To combat such practices, referred to as dumping, Congress included measures in the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (COBRA) prohibiting such transfers. Because physicians and administrators in public psychiatric hospitals are generally not aware of the potential usefulness of COBRA in reducing dumping, this paper describes its important provisions. The key to preventing dumping is to educate referral sources to limitations on the medical care available at the receiving hospital and to discourage negligent patient transfers by enforcing COBRA. Public hospital staff and legal counsel who become familiar with COBRA's provisions can develop an antidumping strategy.

Next-generation genome-scale models for metabolic engineering.

PubMed

King, Zachary A; Lloyd, Colton J; Feist, Adam M; Palsson, Bernhard O

2015-12-01

Constraint-based reconstruction and analysis (COBRA) methods have become widely used tools for metabolic engineering in both academic and industrial laboratories. By employing a genome-scale in silico representation of the metabolic network of a host organism, COBRA methods can be used to predict optimal genetic modifications that improve the rate and yield of chemical production. A new generation of COBRA models and methods is now being developed--encompassing many biological processes and simulation strategies-and next-generation models enable new types of predictions. Here, three key examples of applying COBRA methods to strain optimization are presented and discussed. Then, an outlook is provided on the next generation of COBRA models and the new types of predictions they will enable for systems metabolic engineering. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

COBRApy: COnstraints-Based Reconstruction and Analysis for Python.

PubMed

Ebrahim, Ali; Lerman, Joshua A; Palsson, Bernhard O; Hyduke, Daniel R

2013-08-08

COnstraint-Based Reconstruction and Analysis (COBRA) methods are widely used for genome-scale modeling of metabolic networks in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Due to the successes with metabolism, there is an increasing effort to apply COBRA methods to reconstruct and analyze integrated models of cellular processes. The COBRA Toolbox for MATLAB is a leading software package for genome-scale analysis of metabolism; however, it was not designed to elegantly capture the complexity inherent in integrated biological networks and lacks an integration framework for the multiomics data used in systems biology. The openCOBRA Project is a community effort to promote constraints-based research through the distribution of freely available software. Here, we describe COBRA for Python (COBRApy), a Python package that provides support for basic COBRA methods. COBRApy is designed in an object-oriented fashion that facilitates the representation of the complex biological processes of metabolism and gene expression. COBRApy does not require MATLAB to function; however, it includes an interface to the COBRA Toolbox for MATLAB to facilitate use of legacy codes. For improved performance, COBRApy includes parallel processing support for computationally intensive processes. COBRApy is an object-oriented framework designed to meet the computational challenges associated with the next generation of stoichiometric constraint-based models and high-density omics data sets. http://opencobra.sourceforge.net/

COBRA ATD minefield detection results for the Joint Countermine ACTD Demonstrations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stetson, Suzanne P.; Witherspoon, Ned H.; Holloway, John H., Jr.; Suiter, Harold R.; Crosby, Frank J.; Hilton, Russell J.; McCarley, Karen A.

2000-08-01

The Coastal Battlefield Reconnaissance and Analysis)COBRA) system described here was a Marine Corps Advanced Technology Demonstration (ATD) development consisting of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) airborne multispectral video sensor system and ground station which processes the multispectral video data to automatically detect minefields along the flight path. After successful completion of the ATD, the residual COBRA ATD system participated in the Joint Countermine (JCM) Advanced Concept Technology Demonstration (ACTD) Demo I held at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina in conjunction with JTFX97 and Demo II held in Stephenville, Newfoundland in conjunction with MARCOT98. These exercises demonstrated the COBRA ATD system in an operational environment, detecting minefields that included several different mine types in widely varying backgrounds. The COBRA system performed superbly during these demonstrations, detecting mines under water, in the surf zone, on the beach, and inland, and has transitioned to an acquisition program. This paper describes the COBRA operation and performance results for these demonstrations, which represent the first demonstrated capability for remote tactical minefield detection from a UAV. The successful COBRA technologies and techniques demonstrated for tactical UAV minefield detection in the Joint Countermine Advanced Concept Technology Demonstrations have formed the technical foundation for future developments in Marine Corps, Navy, and Army tactical remote airborne mine detection systems.

Collaborative Beamfocusing Radio (COBRA)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rode, Jeremy P.; Hsu, Mark J.; Smith, David; Husain, Anis

2013-05-01

A Ziva team has recently demonstrated a novel technique called Collaborative Beamfocusing Radios (COBRA) which enables an ad-hoc collection of distributed commercial off-the-shelf software defined radios to coherently align and beamform to a remote radio. COBRA promises to operate even in high multipath and non-line-of-sight environments as well as mobile applications without resorting to computationally expensive closed loop techniques that are currently unable to operate with significant movement. COBRA exploits two key technologies to achieve coherent beamforming. The first is Time Reversal (TR) which compensates for multipath and automatically discovers the optimal spatio-temporal matched filter to enable peak signal gains (up to 20 dB) and diffraction-limited focusing at the intended receiver in NLOS and severe multipath environments. The second is time-aligned buffering which enables TR to synchronize distributed transmitters into a collaborative array. This time alignment algorithm avoids causality violations through the use of reciprocal buffering. Preserving spatio-temporal reciprocity through the TR capture and retransmission process achieves coherent alignment across multiple radios at ~GHz carriers using only standard quartz-oscillators. COBRA has been demonstrated in the lab, aligning two off-the-shelf software defined radios over-the-air to an accuracy of better than 2 degrees of carrier alignment at 450 MHz. The COBRA algorithms are lightweight, with computation in 5 ms on a smartphone class microprocessor. COBRA also has low start-up latency, achieving high accuracy from a cold-start in 30 ms. The COBRA technique opens up a large number of new capabilities in communications, and electronic warfare including selective spatial jamming, geolocation and anti-geolocation.

CobraPLA Insertion by anesthetists and non-anesthetists wearing unconventional protective gear: a prospective study in humans.

PubMed

Ben-Abraham, Ron; Flaishon, Ron; Sotman, Alexander; Ekstein, Perla; Ezri, Tiberiu; Ogorek, Daniel; Weinbroum, Avi A

2008-07-01

The threat of a mass casualty unconventional attack has challenged the medical community to devise means for providing rapid and reliable emergent airway control under chaotic conditions by inexperienced medical personnel dressed in self protective gear. Since endotracheal intubation may not be feasible under those conditions, other extraglottic devices should be considered. We assessed the performance of anesthesia and non-anesthesia residents in inserting the CobraPLA, a supraglottic airway device, on consecutive anesthetized patients, to assess its potential use under simulated conditions. Anesthesia and non-anesthesia residents wearing either surgical scrubs or complete anti-chemical gear inserted the CobraPLA in anesthetized patients. If post-trial positive pressure ventilation via the CobraPLA was unsuccessful, an LMA or endotracheal tube was inserted in its stead. It took anesthesia residents 57+/-23 sec and 43+/-13 sec (P<0.05) to place the CobraPLA while wearing anti-chemical gear and surgical scrubs, respectively. Non-anesthesia residents wearing anti-chemical gear performed worse than anesthetists in their first insertion (73+/-9 sec, P<0.05), but after the brief training period they performed as well as their colleagues anesthetists (58+/-10 sec, P=NS). Post-trial, twenty-one CobraPLA (42%) leaked, preventing adequate positive-pressure ventilation: 13 devices (26% of the total) required replacements. Anti-chemical protective gear slowed the insertion of the CobraPLA by anesthetists, and more so by other residents inexperienced in airway management. In 26% of the cases CobraPLA was inadequate for positive pressure ventilation.

COBRA ATD multispectral camera response model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Holmes, V. Todd; Kenton, Arthur C.; Hilton, Russell J.; Witherspoon, Ned H.; Holloway, John H., Jr.

2000-08-01

A new multispectral camera response model has been developed in support of the US Marine Corps (USMC) Coastal Battlefield Reconnaissance and Analysis (COBRA) Advanced Technology Demonstration (ATD) Program. This analytical model accurately estimates response form five Xybion intensified IMC 201 multispectral cameras used for COBRA ATD airborne minefield detection. The camera model design is based on a series of camera response curves which were generated through optical laboratory test performed by the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren Division, Coastal Systems Station (CSS). Data fitting techniques were applied to these measured response curves to obtain nonlinear expressions which estimates digitized camera output as a function of irradiance, intensifier gain, and exposure. This COBRA Camera Response Model was proven to be very accurate, stable over a wide range of parameters, analytically invertible, and relatively simple. This practical camera model was subsequently incorporated into the COBRA sensor performance evaluation and computational tools for research analysis modeling toolbox in order to enhance COBRA modeling and simulation capabilities. Details of the camera model design and comparisons of modeled response to measured experimental data are presented.

Design and Characterization of a Computationally Optimized Broadly Reactive Hemagglutinin Vaccine for H1N1 Influenza Viruses

PubMed Central

Carter, Donald M.; Darby, Christopher A.; Lefoley, Bradford C.; Crevar, Corey J.; Alefantis, Timothy; Oomen, Raymond; Anderson, Stephen F.; Strugnell, Tod; Cortés-Garcia, Guadalupe; Vogel, Thorsten U.; Parrington, Mark; Kleanthous, Harold

2016-01-01

ABSTRACT One of the challenges of developing influenza A vaccines is the diversity of antigenically distinct isolates. Previously, a novel hemagglutinin (HA) for H5N1 influenza was derived from a methodology termed computationally optimized broadly reactive antigen (COBRA). This COBRA HA elicited a broad antibody response against H5N1 isolates from different clades. We now report the development and characterization of a COBRA-based vaccine for both seasonal and pandemic H1N1 influenza virus isolates. Nine prototype H1N1 COBRA HA proteins were developed and tested in mice using a virus-like particle (VLP) format for the elicitation of broadly reactive, functional antibody responses and protection against viral challenge. These candidates were designed to recognize H1N1 viruses isolated within the last 30 years. In addition, several COBRA candidates were designed based on sequences of H1N1 viruses spanning the past 100 years, including modern pandemic H1N1 isolates. Four of the 9 H1N1 COBRA HA proteins (X1, X3, X6, and P1) had the broadest hemagglutination inhibition (HAI) activity against a panel of 17 H1N1 viruses. These vaccines were used in cocktails or prime-boost combinations. The most effective regimens that both elicited the broadest HAI response and protected mice against a pandemic H1N1 challenge were vaccines that contained the P1 COBRA VLP and either the X3 or X6 COBRA VLP vaccine. These mice had little or no detectable viral replication, comparable to that observed with a matched licensed vaccine. This is the first report describing a COBRA-based HA vaccine strategy that elicits a universal, broadly reactive, protective response against seasonal and pandemic H1N1 isolates. IMPORTANCE Universal influenza vaccine approaches have the potential to be paradigm shifting for the influenza vaccine field, with the goal of replacing the current standard of care with broadly cross-protective vaccines. We have used COBRA technology to develop an HA head-based strategy that elicits antibodies against many H1 strains that have undergone genetic drift and has potential as a “subtype universal” vaccine. Nine HA COBRA candidates were developed, and these vaccines were used alone, in cocktails or in prime-boost combinations. The most effective regimens elicited the broadest hemagglutination inhibition (HAI) response against a panel of H1N1 viruses isolated over the past 100 years. This is the first report describing a COBRA-based HA vaccine strategy that elicits a broadly reactive response against seasonal and pandemic H1N1 isolates. PMID:26912624

COBRA-Seq: Sensitive and Quantitative Methylome Profiling

PubMed Central

Varinli, Hilal; Statham, Aaron L.; Clark, Susan J.; Molloy, Peter L.; Ross, Jason P.

2015-01-01

Combined Bisulfite Restriction Analysis (COBRA) quantifies DNA methylation at a specific locus. It does so via digestion of PCR amplicons produced from bisulfite-treated DNA, using a restriction enzyme that contains a cytosine within its recognition sequence, such as TaqI. Here, we introduce COBRA-seq, a genome wide reduced methylome method that requires minimal DNA input (0.1–1.0 μg) and can either use PCR or linear amplification to amplify the sequencing library. Variants of COBRA-seq can be used to explore CpG-depleted as well as CpG-rich regions in vertebrate DNA. The choice of enzyme influences enrichment for specific genomic features, such as CpG-rich promoters and CpG islands, or enrichment for less CpG dense regions such as enhancers. COBRA-seq coupled with linear amplification has the additional advantage of reduced PCR bias by producing full length fragments at high abundance. Unlike other reduced representative methylome methods, COBRA-seq has great flexibility in the choice of enzyme and can be multiplexed and tuned, to reduce sequencing costs and to interrogate different numbers of sites. Moreover, COBRA-seq is applicable to non-model organisms without the reference genome and compatible with the investigation of non-CpG methylation by using restriction enzymes containing CpA, CpT, and CpC in their recognition site. PMID:26512698

Synchronization and an application of a novel fractional order King Cobra chaotic system

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

Muthukumar, P., E-mail: muthukumardgl@gmail.com; Balasubramaniam, P., E-mail: balugru@gmail.com; Ratnavelu, K., E-mail: kuru052001@gmail.com

2014-09-01

In this paper, we design a new three dimensional King Cobra face shaped fractional order chaotic system. The multi-scale synchronization scheme of two fractional order chaotic systems is described. The necessary conditions for the multi-scale synchronization of two identical fractional order King Cobra chaotic systems are derived through feedback control. A new cryptosystem is proposed for an image encryption and decryption by using synchronized fractional order King Cobra chaotic systems with the supports of multiple cryptographic assumptions. The security of the proposed cryptosystem is analyzed by the well known algebraic attacks. Numerical simulations are given to show the effectiveness ofmore » the proposed theoretical results.« less

COBRA-WC pretest predictions and post-test analysis of the FOTA temperature distribution during FFTF natural-circulation transients

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

Khan, E.U.; George, T.L.; Rector, D.R.

The natural circulation tests of the Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF) demonstrated a safe and stable transition from forced convection to natural convection and showed that natural convection may adequately remove decay heat from the reactor core. The COBRA-WC computer code was developed by the Pacific Northwest laboratory (PNL) to account for buoyancy-induced coolant flow redistribution and interassembly heat transfer, effects that become important in mitigating temperature gradients and reducing reactor core temperatures when coolant flow rate in the core is low. This report presents work sponsored by the US Department of Energy (DOE) with the objective of checking themore » validity of COBRA-WC during the first 220 seconds (sec) of the FFTF natural-circulation (plant-startup) tests using recorded data from two instrumented Fuel Open Test Assemblies (FOTAs). Comparison of COBRA-WC predictions of the FOTA data is a part of the final confirmation of the COBRA-WC methodology for core natural-convection analysis.« less

Elicitation of Protective Antibodies against a Broad Panel of H1N1 Viruses in Ferrets Preimmune to Historical H1N1 Influenza Viruses.

PubMed

Carter, Donald M; Darby, Christopher A; Johnson, Scott K; Carlock, Michael A; Kirchenbaum, Greg A; Allen, James D; Vogel, Thorsten U; Delagrave, Simon; DiNapoli, Joshua; Kleanthous, Harold; Ross, Ted M

2017-12-15

Most preclinical animal studies test influenza vaccines in immunologically naive animal models, even though the results of vaccination may not accurately reflect the effectiveness of vaccine candidates in humans that have preexisting immunity to influenza. In this study, novel, broadly reactive influenza vaccine candidates were assessed in preimmune ferrets. These animals were infected with different H1N1 isolates before being vaccinated or infected with another influenza virus. Previously, our group has described the design and characterization of computationally optimized broadly reactive hemagglutinin (HA) antigens (COBRA) for H1N1 isolates. Vaccinating ferrets with virus-like particle (VLP) vaccines expressing COBRA HA proteins elicited antibodies with hemagglutination inhibition (HAI) activity against more H1N1 viruses in the panel than VLP vaccines expressing wild-type HA proteins. Specifically, ferrets infected with the 1986 virus and vaccinated with a single dose of the COBRA HA VLP vaccines elicited antibodies with HAI activity against 11 to 14 of the 15 H1N1 viruses isolated between 1934 and 2013. A subset of ferrets was infected with influenza viruses expressing the COBRA HA antigens. These COBRA preimmune ferrets had superior breadth of HAI activity after vaccination with COBRA HA VLP vaccines than COBRA preimmune ferrets vaccinated with VLP vaccines expressing wild-type HA proteins. Overall, priming naive ferrets with COBRA HA based viruses or using COBRA HA based vaccines to boost preexisting antibodies induced by wild-type H1N1 viruses, COBRA HA antigens elicited sera with the broadest HAI reactivity against multiple antigenic H1N1 viral variants. This is the first report demonstrating the effectiveness of a broadly reactive or universal influenza vaccine in a preimmune ferret model. IMPORTANCE Currently, many groups are testing influenza vaccine candidates to meet the challenge of developing a vaccine that elicits broadly reactive and long-lasting protective immune responses. The goal of these vaccines is to stimulate immune responses that react against most, if not all, circulating influenza strains, over a long period of time in all populations of people. Commonly, these experimental vaccines are tested in naive animal models that do not have anti-influenza immune responses; however, humans have preexisting immunity to influenza viral antigens, particularly antibodies to the HA and NA glycoproteins. Therefore, this study investigated how preexisting antibodies to historical influenza viruses influenced HAI-specific antibodies and protective efficacy using a broadly protective vaccine candidate. Copyright © 2017 American Society for Microbiology.

Elicitation of Protective Antibodies against a Broad Panel of H1N1 Viruses in Ferrets Preimmune to Historical H1N1 Influenza Viruses

PubMed Central

Carter, Donald M.; Darby, Christopher A.; Johnson, Scott K.; Carlock, Michael A.; Kirchenbaum, Greg A.; Allen, James D.; Vogel, Thorsten U.; Delagrave, Simon; DiNapoli, Joshua; Kleanthous, Harold

2017-01-01

ABSTRACT Most preclinical animal studies test influenza vaccines in immunologically naive animal models, even though the results of vaccination may not accurately reflect the effectiveness of vaccine candidates in humans that have preexisting immunity to influenza. In this study, novel, broadly reactive influenza vaccine candidates were assessed in preimmune ferrets. These animals were infected with different H1N1 isolates before being vaccinated or infected with another influenza virus. Previously, our group has described the design and characterization of computationally optimized broadly reactive hemagglutinin (HA) antigens (COBRA) for H1N1 isolates. Vaccinating ferrets with virus-like particle (VLP) vaccines expressing COBRA HA proteins elicited antibodies with hemagglutination inhibition (HAI) activity against more H1N1 viruses in the panel than VLP vaccines expressing wild-type HA proteins. Specifically, ferrets infected with the 1986 virus and vaccinated with a single dose of the COBRA HA VLP vaccines elicited antibodies with HAI activity against 11 to 14 of the 15 H1N1 viruses isolated between 1934 and 2013. A subset of ferrets was infected with influenza viruses expressing the COBRA HA antigens. These COBRA preimmune ferrets had superior breadth of HAI activity after vaccination with COBRA HA VLP vaccines than COBRA preimmune ferrets vaccinated with VLP vaccines expressing wild-type HA proteins. Overall, priming naive ferrets with COBRA HA based viruses or using COBRA HA based vaccines to boost preexisting antibodies induced by wild-type H1N1 viruses, COBRA HA antigens elicited sera with the broadest HAI reactivity against multiple antigenic H1N1 viral variants. This is the first report demonstrating the effectiveness of a broadly reactive or universal influenza vaccine in a preimmune ferret model. IMPORTANCE Currently, many groups are testing influenza vaccine candidates to meet the challenge of developing a vaccine that elicits broadly reactive and long-lasting protective immune responses. The goal of these vaccines is to stimulate immune responses that react against most, if not all, circulating influenza strains, over a long period of time in all populations of people. Commonly, these experimental vaccines are tested in naive animal models that do not have anti-influenza immune responses; however, humans have preexisting immunity to influenza viral antigens, particularly antibodies to the HA and NA glycoproteins. Therefore, this study investigated how preexisting antibodies to historical influenza viruses influenced HAI-specific antibodies and protective efficacy using a broadly protective vaccine candidate. PMID:28978709

NASA TechPort Entry for Coiled Brine Recovery Assembly (CoBRA) CL IR&D Project

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pensinger, Stuart

2014-01-01

The Coiled Brine Recovery Assembly (CoBRA) project will result in a proof-of-concept demonstration for a lightweight, compact, affordable, regenerable and disposable solution to brine water recovery. The heart of CoBRA is an evaporator that produces water vapor from brine. This evaporator leverages a novel design that enables passive transport of brine from place to place within the system. While it will be necessary to build or modify a system for testing the CoBRA concept, the emphasis of this project will be on developing the evaporator itself. This project will utilize a “test early, test often” approach, building at least one trial evaporator to guide the design of the final product.

e-MERLIN and the COBRaS legacy Project

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peck, Luke

2011-07-01

As one of the 12 legacy programmes given ~300 hrs observing time on the newly enhanced e-MERLIN; the Cygnus OB2 Radio Survey (COBRaS) (homepage: http://www.homepages.ucl.ac.uk/~ucapdwi/cobras/) is an intensive deep-field mapping of the Cyg OB2 association in the Cygnus region of our Galaxy. This will provide the most detailed census for the most massive OB association in the northern hemisphere. A range of astrophysical problems and themes will be investigated including: mass loss and evolution of massive stars; the formation, dynamics and content of massive OB associations and the frequency of massive binaries and the incidence of non-thermal radiation. As part of of the initial ground work for this project, extensive meta-data catalogues were amalgamated from various catalogues from the Virtual Observatory database. In this talk I will discuss; investigations into JHK photometric techniques which can help identify possible OB candidates and other spectral classes; theoretical mass loss models as described by Vink et al. 2001 along with stellar parameters from Martins et al. 2005, Searle et al. 2008 and Prinja et al 1990 which pave the way to calculate theoretical mass loss rates for smooth winds of O stars and B supergiants, and the predicted 6cm fluxes resulting from the thermal free-free radiation in their winds. This will be essential for the study of clumped winds which is an early goal for this project. Over the months following from when this abstract was written; the first e-MERLIN pointings are expected. In the event of obtaining data, this will also be included in the presentation as part of the 'early science' from e-MERLIN and COBRaS.

Cryopreservation and conservation of microalgae: the development of a Pan-European scientific and biotechnological resource (the COBRA project).

PubMed

Day, J G; Benson, E E; Harding, K; Knowles, B; Idowu, M; Bremner, D; Santos, L; Santos, F; Friedl, T; Lorenz, M; Lukesova, A; Elster, J; Lukavsky, J; Herdman, M; Rippka, R; Hall, T

2005-01-01

Microalgae are one of the most biologically important elements of worldwide ecology and could be the source of diverse new products and medicines. COBRA (The COnservation of a vital european scientific and Biotechnological Resource: microAlgae and cyanobacteria) is the acronym for a European Union, RTD Infrastructures project (Contract No. QLRI-CT-2001-01645). This project is in the process of developing a European Biological Resource Centre based on existing algal culture collections. The COBRA project's central aim is to apply cryopreservation methodologies to microalgae and cyanobacteria, organisms that, to date, have proved difficult to conserve using cryogenic methods. In addition, molecular and biochemical stability tests have been developed to ensure that the equivalent strains of microorganisms supplied by the culture collections give high quality and consistent performance. Fundamental and applied knowledge of stress physiology form an essential component of the project and this is being employed to assist the optimisation of methods for preserving a wide range of algal diversity. COBRA's "Resource Centre" utilises Information Technologies (IT) and Knowledge Management practices to assist project coordination, management and information dissemination and facilitate the generation of new knowledge pertaining to algal conservation. This review of the COBRA project will give a summary of current methodologies for cryopreservation of microalgae and procedures adopted within the COBRA project to enhance preservation techniques for this diverse group of organisms.

Cloning and purification of alpha-neurotoxins from king cobra (Ophiophagus hannah).

PubMed

He, Ying-Ying; Lee, Wei-Hui; Zhang, Yun

2004-09-01

Thirteen complete and three partial cDNA sequences were cloned from the constructed king cobra (Ophiophagus hannah) venom gland cDNA library. Phylogenetic analysis of nucleotide sequences of king cobra with those from other snake venoms revealed that obtained cDNAs are highly homologous to snake venom alpha-neurotoxins. Alignment of deduced mature peptide sequences of the obtained clones with those of other reported alpha-neurotoxins from the king cobra venom indicates that our obtained 16 clones belong to long-chain neurotoxins (seven), short-chain neurotoxins (seven), weak toxin (one) and variant (one), respectively. Up to now, two out of 16 newly cloned king cobra alpha-neurotoxins have identical amino acid sequences with CM-11 and Oh-6A/6B, which have been characterized from the same venom. Furthermore, five long-chain alpha-neurotoxins and two short-chain alpha-neurotoxins were purified from crude venom and their N-terminal amino acid sequences were determined. The cDNAs encoding the putative precursors of the purified native peptide were also determined based on the N-terminal amino acid sequencing. The purified alpha-neurotoxins showed different lethal activities on mice.

Growth in the Number of SSN Tracked Orbital Objects

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stansbery, Eugene G.

2004-01-01

The number of objects in earth orbit tracked by the US Space Surveillance Network (SSN) has experienced unprecedented growth since March, 2003. Approximately 2000 orbiting objects have been added to the "Analyst list" of tracked objects. This growth is primarily due to the resumption of full power/full time operation of the AN/FPS-108 Cobra Dane radar located on Shemya Island, AK. Cobra Dane is an L-band (23-cm wavelength) phased array radar which first became operational in 1977. Cobra Dane was a "Collateral Sensor" in the SSN until 1994 when its communication link with the Space Control Center (SCC) was closed. NASA and the Air Force conducted tests in 1999 using Cobra Dane to detect and track small debris. These tests confirmed that the radar was capable of detecting and maintaining orbits on objects as small as 5-cm diameter. Subsequently, Cobra Dane was reconnected to the SSN and resumed full power/full time space surveillance operations on March 4, 2003. This paper will examine the new data and its implications to the understanding of the orbital debris environment and orbital safety.

COBRA-SFS thermal-hydraulic analysis code for spent fuel storage and transportation casks: Models and methods

DOE PAGES

Michener, Thomas E.; Rector, David R.; Cuta, Judith M.

2017-09-01

COBRA-SFS, a thermal-hydraulics code developed for steady-state and transient analysis of multi-assembly spent-fuel storage and transportation systems, has been incorporated into the Used Nuclear Fuel-Storage, Transportation and Disposal Analysis Resource and Data System tool as a module devoted to spent fuel package thermal analysis. This paper summarizes the basic formulation of the equations and models used in the COBRA-SFS code, showing that COBRA-SFS fully captures the important physical behavior governing the thermal performance of spent fuel storage systems, with internal and external natural convection flow patterns, and heat transfer by convection, conduction, and thermal radiation. Of particular significance is themore » capability for detailed thermal radiation modeling within the fuel rod array.« less

COBRA-SFS thermal-hydraulic analysis code for spent fuel storage and transportation casks: Models and methods

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

Michener, Thomas E.; Rector, David R.; Cuta, Judith M.

COBRA-SFS, a thermal-hydraulics code developed for steady-state and transient analysis of multi-assembly spent-fuel storage and transportation systems, has been incorporated into the Used Nuclear Fuel-Storage, Transportation and Disposal Analysis Resource and Data System tool as a module devoted to spent fuel package thermal analysis. This paper summarizes the basic formulation of the equations and models used in the COBRA-SFS code, showing that COBRA-SFS fully captures the important physical behavior governing the thermal performance of spent fuel storage systems, with internal and external natural convection flow patterns, and heat transfer by convection, conduction, and thermal radiation. Of particular significance is themore » capability for detailed thermal radiation modeling within the fuel rod array.« less

Resistance of the Opossum (Didelphis Virginiana) to Envenomation by Snakes of the Crotalidae Family.

DTIC Science & Technology

1976-12-01

ni., .d in Eiock 20. If dtli.r., ( ha. R.p.f ) IS S UPPL€ MEN TA RY NOTES Animal studies in relation to chemical agents 5 I E Y WO RDS (Co&Mu. ., r...cobra 1 .07 mg/kg, iv Died in 30 mm Na/a na/a atra 0 Snakebite Died in 45 min Chinese cobra Na/a nivea 03 1.38 mg/kg, iv Died in 1 hr Cape cobra Micn

Why Use COBRA

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Explains the benefits of using COBRA model to convert emission reductions into changes in air quality and estimates the number of cases of illness and death avoided as well as the economic value of those benefits.

Suppression of alpha-induced lateral surface events in the COBRA experiment using CdZnTe detectors with an instrumented guard-ring electrode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arling, J.-H.; Gerhardt, M.; Gößling, C.; Gehre, D.; Klingenberg, R.; Kröninger, K.; Nitsch, C.; Quante, T.; Rohatsch, K.; Tebrügge, J.; Temminghoff, R.; Theinert, R.; Zatschler, S.; Zuber, K.

2017-11-01

The COBRA collaboration searches for neutrinoless double beta-decay (0νββ-decay) using CdZnTe semiconductor detectors with a coplanar-grid readout and a surrounding guard-ring structure. The operation of the COBRA demonstrator at the Gran Sasso underground laboratory (LNGS) indicates that alpha-induced lateral surface events are the dominant source of background events. By instrumenting the guard-ring electrode it is possible to suppress this type of background. In laboratory measurements this method achieved a suppression factor of alpha-induced lateral surface events of 5300+2660-1380, while retaining (85.3 ±0.1%) of gamma events occurring in the entire detector volume. This suppression is superior to the pulse-shape analysis methods used so far in COBRA by three orders of magnitude.

Venomous snakebite in Thailand. I: Medically important snakes.

PubMed

Chanhome, L; Cox, M J; Wilde, H; Jintakoon, P; Chaiyabutr, N; Sitprija, V

1998-05-01

Thailand has an abundance of venomous snakes. Among the neurotoxic family Elapidae, there are three species of the genus Naja (cobras), three of the genus Bungarus (kraits), and the king cobra of the genus Ophiophagus. Other Elapidae snakes in Thailand include sea snakes and Asian coral snakes of the genus Calliophis. They have potent venoms but rarely bite humans. Tissue and hemotoxic snakes are represented by family Viperidae, subfamilies Viperinae and Crotalinae. They remain an occupational hazard for farmers and rubber tappers, causing serious morbidity but only rare deaths, since competent treatment is now widely available throughout Thailand. Purified equine antivenin is manufactured locally for the monocled and Siamese spitting cobras (Naja kaouthia and N. siamensis), king cobra (Ophiophagus hannah), banded krait (Bungarus fasciatus), most green pit vipers (Trimeresurus sp.), Malayan pit viper (Calloselasma rhodostoma), and the Siamese Russell's viper (Daboia russelli siamensis).

Computationally Optimized Broadly Reactive Hemagglutinin Elicits Hemagglutination Inhibition Antibodies against a Panel of H3N2 Influenza Virus Cocirculating Variants

PubMed Central

Wong, Terianne M.; Allen, James D.; Bebin-Blackwell, Anne-Gaelle; Carter, Donald M.; Alefantis, Timothy; DiNapoli, Joshua; Kleanthous, Harold

2017-01-01

ABSTRACT Each influenza season, a set of wild-type viruses, representing one H1N1, one H3N2, and one to two influenza B isolates, are selected for inclusion in the annual seasonal influenza vaccine. In order to develop broadly reactive subtype-specific influenza vaccines, a methodology called computationally optimized broadly reactive antigens (COBRA) was used to design novel hemagglutinin (HA) vaccine immunogens. COBRA technology was effectively used to design HA immunogens that elicited antibodies that neutralized H5N1 and H1N1 isolates. In this report, the development and characterization of 17 prototype H3N2 COBRA HA proteins were screened in mice and ferrets for the elicitation of antibodies with HA inhibition (HAI) activity against human seasonal H3N2 viruses that were isolated over the last 48 years. The most effective COBRA HA vaccine regimens elicited antibodies with broader HAI activity against a panel of H3N2 viruses than wild-type H3 HA vaccines. The top leading COBRA HA candidates were tested against cocirculating variants. These variants were not efficiently detected by antibodies elicited by the wild-type HA from viruses selected as the vaccine candidates. The T-11 COBRA HA vaccine elicited antibodies with HAI and neutralization activity against all cocirculating variants from 2004 to 2007. This is the first report demonstrating broader breadth of vaccine-induced antibodies against cocirculating H3N2 strains compared to the wild-type HA antigens that were represented in commercial influenza vaccines. IMPORTANCE There is a need for an improved influenza vaccine that elicits immune responses that recognize a broader number of influenza virus strains to prevent infection and transmission. Using the COBRA approach, a set of vaccines against influenza viruses in the H3N2 subtype was tested for the ability to elicit antibodies that neutralize virus infection against not only historical vaccine strains of H3N2 but also a set of cocirculating variants that circulated between 2004 and 2007. Three of the H3N2 COBRA vaccines recognized all of the cocirculating strains during this era, but the chosen wild-type vaccine strains were not able to elicit antibodies with HAI activity against these cocirculating strains. Therefore, the COBRA vaccines have the ability to elicit protective antibodies against not only the dominant vaccine strains but also minor circulating strains that can evolve into the dominant vaccine strains in the future. PMID:28978710

Improvements and applications of COBRA-TF for stand-alone and coupled LWR safety analyses

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

Avramova, M.; Cuervo, D.; Ivanov, K.

2006-07-01

The advanced thermal-hydraulic subchannel code COBRA-TF has been recently improved and applied for stand-alone and coupled LWR core calculations at the Pennsylvania State Univ. in cooperation with AREVA NP GmbH (Germany)) and the Technical Univ. of Madrid. To enable COBRA-TF for academic and industrial applications including safety margins evaluations and LWR core design analyses, the code programming, numerics, and basic models were revised and substantially improved. The code has undergone through an extensive validation, verification, and qualification program. (authors)

Cobra Hoods Coming At You

NASA Image and Video Library

2004-06-17

This 3-D image taken by the left and right eyes of the panoramic camera on NASA Mars Exploration Rover Spirit shows the odd rock formation dubbed Cobra Hoods center. 3D glasses are necessary to view this image.

Hematology and serum biochemistry of Indian spectacled cobra (Naja naja) and Indian rat snake (Ptyas mucosa).

PubMed

Muliya, Sanath Krishna; Bhat, Mudraje Narayana

2016-08-01

To study the hematology and serum biochemistry parameters of Indian spectacled cobra (Naja naja) and Indian rat snake (Ptyas mucosa) and to evaluate the differences in the same between captive and wild populations. Animals were categorized into four groups, viz., wild Indian spectacled cobra (n=10), wild Indian rat snakes (n=10), captive Indian spectacled cobra (n=10), and captive Indian rat snake (n=10). The snakes were restrained with restraint tubes, and 2 ml of blood was collected from either heart or ventral coccygeal vein. Hematological examinations were performed manually and serum biochemistry assays were performed on semi-automated clinical chemistry analyzer. The values of total erythrocyte count, packed cell volume, and hemoglobin were slightly low in captive spectacled cobras and captive rat snakes compared to wild ones, whereas total leukocyte count was found to be slightly high in wild spectacled cobras compared to captive ones. All the recorded values of biochemical and electrolyte analytes were found to be well within expected range for snakes except for total protein and chloride levels in both the species which was slightly above the expected range. The hematology and serum biochemistry intervals of the two most common Indian snakes are presented here. The data will be useful in routine health evaluations and aiding in better medical management of the species studied. Since this study is the first to report complete hematologic and blood biochemical ranges for the study species, observations made here can also be used as referral intervals for future use.

Use of egg yolk antibody (IgY) as an immunoanalytical tool in the detection of Indian cobra (Naja naja naja) venom in biological samples of forensic origin.

PubMed

Brunda, G; Sashidhar, R B; Sarin, R K

2006-08-01

An immunoglobulin Y (IgY) based indirect double antibody sandwich enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed for the detection of Indian cobra (Naja naja naja) venom in the biological samples of forensic origin. Polyclonal antibodies were raised and purified from chick egg yolk and rabbit serum. The cobra venom was sandwiched between immobilized affinity purified IgY and the rabbit IgG. The detection concentration of cobra venom was in the range of 0.1 to 300ng. The calibration plot was based on linear regression analysis (y=0.2581x+0.4375, r(2)=0.9886). The limit of detection of the assay was found to be 0.1ng. The coefficient of variation (CV) of different concentrations of working range in inter (n=6) and intra-assay (n=6) was observed to be less than 10%. The recovery of venom was found to be in the range of 80-99%, when different concentrations (0.002, 0.1, 0.2, 1, and 2microg) of cobra venom were spiked to pooled normal human serum (ml(-1)). No cross reactivity was observed with krait and viper venom in the immunoassay system in the concentration range of 0.1-1000ng. The method was initially, validated by analyzing specimens (autopsy) of experimental rats injected with cobra venom (1.2mgkg(-1) body mass). Further, human specimens (autopsy and biopsy) of snake bite victims of forensic origin were also analyzed. The methodology developed may find diagnostic application in forensic laboratories.

The New Perilaryngeal Airway (CobraPLA™)1 Is as Efficient as the Laryngeal Mask Airway (LMA™)2, But Provides Better Airway Sealing Pressures

PubMed Central

Akça, Ozan; Wadhwa, Anupama; Sengupta, Papiya; Durrani, Jaleel; Hanni, Keith; Wenke, Mary; Yücel, Yüksel; Lenhardt, Rainer; Doufas, Anthony G.; Sessler, Daniel I.

2006-01-01

The Laryngeal Mask Airway (LMA) is a frequently-used efficient airway device, yet it sometimes seals poorly, thus reducing the efficacy of positive-pressure ventilation. The Perilaryngeal Airway (CobraPLA) is a novel airway device with a larger pharyngeal cuff (when inflated). We tested the hypothesis that the CobraPLA was superior to LMA with regard to insertion time and airway sealing pressure and comparable to LMA in airway adequacy and recovery characteristics. After midazolam and fentanyl, 81 ASA I-II outpatients having elective surgery were randomized to receive an LMA or CobraPLA. Anesthesia was induced with propofol (2.5 mg/kg, IV), and the airway inserted. We measured 1) insertion time; 2) adequacy of the airway (no leak at 15-cm-H2O peak pressure or tidal volume of 5 ml/kg); 3) airway sealing pressure; 4) number of repositioning attempts; and 5) sealing quality (no leak at tidal volume of 8 ml/kg). At the end of surgery, gastric insufflation, postoperative sore throat, dysphonia, and dysphagia were evaluated. Data were compared with unpaired t-tests, chi-square tests, or Fisher’s Exact tests; P<0.05 was significant. Patient characteristics, insertion times, airway adequacy, number of repositioning attempts, and recovery were similar in each group. Airway sealing pressure was significantly greater with CobraPLA (23±6 cm H2O) than LMA (18±5 cm H2O, P<0.001). The CobraPLA has insertion characteristics similar to LMA, but better airway sealing capabilities. PMID:15281543

Concentrating Solar Power Projects - Andasol-1 | Concentrating Solar Power

Science.gov Websites

: UTE CT Andasol-1: Cobra (80%) and Sener (20%) Operator(s): Cobra O&M Generation Offtaker(s # of Modules per SCA: 12 SCA Manufacturer (Model): UTE CT Andasol-1 (SKAL-ET) Mirror Manufacturer

CO-Benefits Risk Assessment (COBRA) Health Impacts Screening and Mapping Tool

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

The COBRA (Co-Benefits Risk Assessment) screening tool can be used by state and local governments to estimate the health and economic benefits of clean energy policies. Find information about how to use the tool here.

Use of Cobra Lily (Darlingtonia californica) & Drosophila for Investigating Predator-Prey Relationships.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pratt, Carl R.

1994-01-01

Describes an experiment that uses the cobra lily (Darlingtonia californica) and fruit flies (Drosophila virilis) to investigate predator-prey relationships in a classroom laboratory. Suggestions for classroom extension of this experimental system are provided. (ZWH)

Selective recruitment of the lower fibers of the trapezius muscle.

PubMed

Arlotta, Melissa; Lovasco, Gina; McLean, Linda

2011-06-01

We aimed to determine the effectiveness of five isometric exercises at maximally activating the lower trapezius muscle in healthy subjects. Surface electromyography data were recorded from the upper, middle, and lower fibers of the trapezius muscle bilaterally while 18 healthy subjects performed five different exercises: Latissimus Pull-down, Prone Row, Prone V-Raise, Posterior Fly and Modified Prone Cobra. The peak activation was determined from the rectified and smoothed data to determine which exercise generated the highest amount of lower trapezius activity, and to determine which exercise best resulted in activation of the lower fibers of trapezius while minimizing activation of the upper and middle fibers of trapezius. Males and females demonstrated different patterns of lower trapezius recruitment and therefore the data were analyzed separately for each sex. For the males, the Prone Row exercise (2.84 ± 1.67 mV), the Posterior Fly (2.23 ± 1.00 mV) and the Modified Prone Cobra (2.26 ± 1.19 mV) exercises generated the highest EMG activity in the lower trapezius muscle. For the females, the Modified Prone Cobra (2.40 ± 1.32 mV) and the Prone Row (2.37 ± 1.14 mV) exercises generated higher activation than the Latissimus Pull Down (1.04 ± 0.56 mV), the Posterior Fly (1.62 ± 1.044 mV) and the Prone V-Raise (1.32 ± 1.07 mV). In both sexes, the Modified Prone Cobra, the Prone Row and the Latissimus Pull Down outperformed the other exercises in terms of maximizing lower trapezius activation while minimizing activation of the upper and middle fibers of trapezius. The Modified Prone Cobra showed lower relative activation of the upper trapezius muscle than did the Prone Row exercise. The Modified Prone Cobra and Prone Row exercises are the most effective exercises for targeted strengthening of the lower trapezius muscle in both sexes. The Modified Prone Cobra is somewhat better than the Prone Row due to the low activation of the upper trapezius muscle during this exercise. The Modified Prone Cobra exercise should therefore be considered as a manual muscle test position and as a strengthening exercise for the lower trapezius muscle fibers. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Mucuna pruriens Linn. seed extract pretreatment protects against cardiorespiratory and neuromuscular depressant effects of Naja sputatrix (Javan spitting cobra) venom in rats.

PubMed

Fung, Shin Yee; Tan, Nget Hong; Sim, Si Mui; Marinello, Enrico; Guerranti, Roberto; Aguiyi, John Chinyere

2011-04-01

Mucuna pruriens has been used by native Nigerians as a prophylactic for snakebite. The protective effects of M. pruriens seed extract (MPE) were investigated against the pharmacological actions of N. sputatrix (Javan spitting cobra) venom in rats. The results showed that MPE-pretreatment protected against cardiorespiratory and, to a lesser extent, neuromuscular depressant effects of N. sputatrix venom. These may be explained at least in part by the neutralisation of the cobra venom toxins by anti-MPE antibodies elicited by the MPE pretreatment.

Effect of Mucuna pruriens Seed Extract Pretreatment on the Responses of Spontaneously Beating Rat Atria and Aortic Ring to Naja sputatrix (Javan Spitting Cobra) Venom

PubMed Central

Fung, Shin Yee; Tan, Nget Hong; Sim, Si Mui; Aguiyi, John C.

2012-01-01

Mucuna pruriens Linn. (velvet bean) has been used by native Nigerians as a prophylactic for snakebite. Rats pretreated with M. pruriens seed extract (MPE) have been shown to protect against the lethal and cardiovascular depressant effects of Naja sputatrix (Javan spitting cobra) venoms, and the protective effect involved immunological neutralization of the venom toxins. To investigate further the mechanism of the protective effect of MPE pretreatment against cobra venom toxicity, the actions of Naja sputatrix venom on spontaneously beating rat atria and aortic rings isolated from both MPE pretreated and untreated rats were studied. Our results showed that the MPE pretreatment conferred protection against cobra venom-induced depression of atrial contractility and atrial rate in the isolated atrial preparations, but it had no effect on the venom-induced contractile response of aortic ring preparation. These observations suggested that the protective effect of MPE pretreatment against cobra venom toxicity involves a direct protective action of MPE on the heart function, in addition to the known immunological neutralization mechanism, and that the protective effect does not involve action on blood vessel contraction. The results also suggest that M. pruriens seed may contain novel cardioprotective agent with potential therapeutic value. PMID:21785646

75 FR 16841 - Proposed Extension of Information Collection Request Submitted for Public Comment; COBRA...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-04-02

... DEPARTMENT OF LABOR Employee Benefits Security Administration Proposed Extension of Information Collection Request Submitted for Public Comment; COBRA Notification Requirements--American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 as Amended AGENCY: Employee Benefits Security Administration, Department of Labor...

Histamine release, formation of prostaglandin-like activity (SRS-C) and mast cell degranulation by the direct lytic factor (DLF) and phospholipase A of cobra venom.

PubMed

Damerau, B; Lege, L; Oldigs, H D; Vogt, W

1975-01-01

Cobra venom, alone and in combination, on mast cell degranulation, histamine release and formation of prostaglandin-like activity (SRS-C) was studied in perfused guinea-pig lungs and in mast cell-containing rat peritoneal cell suspensions. For comparison, the effect of equivalent doses of whole cobra venom was investigated. 1. Cobra venom caused mast cell degranulation, histamine release and SRS-C formation in both systems. For comparable effects much higher doses had to be used in guine-pig lungs than in rat peritoneal cell suspensions. 2. Phase A showed little degranulation of mast cells in both systems, a limited histamine release in rat peritoneal cell suspensions and none in perfused guinea-pig lungs. It caused a considerable SRS-C formation in both, lung tissue and peritoneal cell suspensions. 3. DLF caused histamine release, SRS-C formation and mast cell degranulation in both systems; in rat peritoneal cell suspensions it acted almost as strong as equivalent doses of cobra venom, in guinea pig lungs it was much less active. 4. In rat peritoneal cell suspensions the effects of DLF and phase A in combination did not exceed the sum of their single effects. In guinea-pig lungs these two substances interacted in a potentiating synergism. It is concluded that DLF is the main cytotoxic principle of cobra venom, whereas ph-ase A alone is not cytotoxic. The difference in the synergism of DLF and ph-ase A between rat peritoneal cells and guinea-pig lungs may be due to two different actions of DLF and species differences as regards sensitivity against these actions.

OPERATION COBRA. Deliberate Attack, Exploitation

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-05-25

to attack Sens, then continue to Troyes , on the Seine River. CCA was in the north, crossing the Loing River at Souppes against light resistance and...advanced from Troyes and prepared positions close to Sens. Under strong artillery support, a task force from CCA (TF Oden) attacked the enemy frontally...movement towards the Seine River on 24 August with an advance toward Troyes . Facing the combat command were what remained of the 51st SS Brigade, light

Popsicle-Stick Cobra Wave

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boucher, Jean-Philippe; Clanet, Christophe; Quéré, David; Chevy, Frédéric

2017-08-01

The cobra wave is a popular physical phenomenon arising from the explosion of a metastable grillage made of popsicle sticks. The sticks are expelled from the mesh by releasing the elastic energy stored during the weaving of the structure. Here we analyze both experimentally and theoretically the propagation of the wave front depending on the properties of the sticks and the pattern of the mesh. We show that its velocity and its shape are directly related to the recoil imparted to the structure by the expelled sticks. Finally, we show that the cobra wave can only exist for a narrow range of parameters constrained by gravity and rupture of the sticks.

[Spitting cobras: description of 2 cases in Djibouti].

PubMed

Rouvin, B; Kone, M; N'diaye, M; Seck, M; Diatta, B

2010-02-01

The purpose of this report is to describe two cases involving ophthalmic exposure to venom from spitting cobras. Based on these cases, readers are reminded that eye injury can be prevented by low-cost treatment consisting of prompt, prolonged saline irrigation. This treatment also reduces pain.

3D Printed Shelby Cobra

ScienceCinema

Love, Lonnie

2018-06-12

ORNL's newly printed 3D Shelby Cobra was showcased at the 2015 NAIAS in Detroit. This "laboratory on wheels" uses the Shelby Cobra design, celebrating the 50th anniversary of this model and honoring the first vehicle to be voted a national monument. The Shelby was printed at the Department of Energy’s Manufacturing Demonstration Facility at ORNL using the BAAM (Big Area Additive Manufacturing) machine and is intended as a “plug-n-play” laboratory on wheels. The Shelby will allow research and development of integrated components to be tested and enhanced in real time, improving the use of sustainable, digital manufacturing solutions in the automotive industry.

Investigation into the efficiency of different bionic algorithm combinations for a COBRA meta-heuristic

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Akhmedova, Sh; Semenkin, E.

2017-02-01

Previously, a meta-heuristic approach, called Co-Operation of Biology-Related Algorithms or COBRA, for solving real-parameter optimization problems was introduced and described. COBRA’s basic idea consists of a cooperative work of five well-known bionic algorithms such as Particle Swarm Optimization, the Wolf Pack Search, the Firefly Algorithm, the Cuckoo Search Algorithm and the Bat Algorithm, which were chosen due to the similarity of their schemes. The performance of this meta-heuristic was evaluated on a set of test functions and its workability was demonstrated. Thus it was established that the idea of the algorithms’ cooperative work is useful. However, it is unclear which bionic algorithms should be included in this cooperation and how many of them. Therefore, the five above-listed algorithms and additionally the Fish School Search algorithm were used for the development of five different modifications of COBRA by varying the number of component-algorithms. These modifications were tested on the same set of functions and the best of them was found. Ways of further improving the COBRA algorithm are then discussed.

Spitting cobras: fluid jets in nature as models for technical applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Balmert, Alexander; Hess, David; Brücker, Christoph; Bleckmann, Horst; Westhoff, Guido

2011-04-01

Spitting cobras defend themselves by ejecting rapid jets of venom through their fangs towards the face of an offender. To generate these jets, the venom delivery system of spitting cobras has some unique adaptations, such as prominent ridges on the surface of the venom channel. We examined the fluid acceleration mechanisms in three spitting cobra species of the genus Naja. To investigate the liquid-flow through the venom channel we built a three-dimensional 60:1 scale model. First we determined the three-dimensional structure of the channel by using microcomputer tomography. With help of the micro computer tomographical data we then created a negative form out of wax. Finally, silicon was casted around the wax form and the wax removed, resulting in a completely transparent model of the cobrás venom channel. The physical-chemical properties of the cobra venom were measured by micro rheometry and tensiometry. Thereafter, an artificial fluid with similar properties was generated. Particle image velocimetry (PIV) was performed to visualize the flow of the artificial liquid in the three-dimensional model. Our experiments show how the surface structure of the venom channel determines the liquid flow through the channel and ultimately the form of the liquid jet. Understanding the biological mechanisms of venom ejection helps to enhance industrial processes such as water jet cutting and cleaning as well as injection methods in technical and medical sectors, e.g. liquid microjet dissection in microsurgery.

ENT COBRA (Consortium for Brachytherapy Data Analysis): interdisciplinary standardized data collection system for head and neck patients treated with interventional radiotherapy (brachytherapy).

PubMed

Tagliaferri, Luca; Kovács, György; Autorino, Rosa; Budrukkar, Ashwini; Guinot, Jose Luis; Hildebrand, Guido; Johansson, Bengt; Monge, Rafael Martìnez; Meyer, Jens E; Niehoff, Peter; Rovirosa, Angeles; Takàcsi-Nagy, Zoltàn; Dinapoli, Nicola; Lanzotti, Vito; Damiani, Andrea; Soror, Tamer; Valentini, Vincenzo

2016-08-01

Aim of the COBRA (Consortium for Brachytherapy Data Analysis) project is to create a multicenter group (consortium) and a web-based system for standardized data collection. GEC-ESTRO (Groupe Européen de Curiethérapie - European Society for Radiotherapy & Oncology) Head and Neck (H&N) Working Group participated in the project and in the implementation of the consortium agreement, the ontology (data-set) and the necessary COBRA software services as well as the peer reviewing of the general anatomic site-specific COBRA protocol. The ontology was defined by a multicenter task-group. Eleven centers from 6 countries signed an agreement and the consortium approved the ontology. We identified 3 tiers for the data set: Registry (epidemiology analysis), Procedures (prediction models and DSS), and Research (radiomics). The COBRA-Storage System (C-SS) is not time-consuming as, thanks to the use of "brokers", data can be extracted directly from the single center's storage systems through a connection with "structured query language database" (SQL-DB), Microsoft Access(®), FileMaker Pro(®), or Microsoft Excel(®). The system is also structured to perform automatic archiving directly from the treatment planning system or afterloading machine. The architecture is based on the concept of "on-purpose data projection". The C-SS architecture is privacy protecting because it will never make visible data that could identify an individual patient. This C-SS can also benefit from the so called "distributed learning" approaches, in which data never leave the collecting institution, while learning algorithms and proposed predictive models are commonly shared. Setting up a consortium is a feasible and practicable tool in the creation of an international and multi-system data sharing system. COBRA C-SS seems to be well accepted by all involved parties, primarily because it does not influence the center's own data storing technologies, procedures, and habits. Furthermore, the method preserves the privacy of all patients.

How the Cobra Got Its Flesh-Eating Venom: Cytotoxicity as a Defensive Innovation and Its Co-Evolution with Hooding, Aposematic Marking, and Spitting

PubMed Central

Panagides, Nadya; Jackson, Timothy N.W.; Ikonomopoulou, Maria P.; Arbuckle, Kevin; Pretzler, Rudolf; Yang, Daryl C.; Ali, Syed A.; Koludarov, Ivan; Dobson, James; Sanker, Brittany; Asselin, Angelique; Santana, Renan C.; Hendrikx, Iwan; van der Ploeg, Harold; Tai-A-Pin, Jeremie; van den Bergh, Romilly; Kerkkamp, Harald M.I.; Vonk, Freek J.; Naude, Arno; Strydom, Morné A.; Jacobsz, Louis; Dunstan, Nathan; Jaeger, Marc; Hodgson, Wayne C.; Miles, John; Fry, Bryan G.

2017-01-01

The cytotoxicity of the venom of 25 species of Old World elapid snake was tested and compared with the morphological and behavioural adaptations of hooding and spitting. We determined that, contrary to previous assumptions, the venoms of spitting species are not consistently more cytotoxic than those of closely related non-spitting species. While this correlation between spitting and non-spitting was found among African cobras, it was not present among Asian cobras. On the other hand, a consistent positive correlation was observed between cytotoxicity and utilisation of the defensive hooding display that cobras are famous for. Hooding and spitting are widely regarded as defensive adaptations, but it has hitherto been uncertain whether cytotoxicity serves a defensive purpose or is somehow useful in prey subjugation. The results of this study suggest that cytotoxicity evolved primarily as a defensive innovation and that it has co-evolved twice alongside hooding behavior: once in the Hemachatus + Naja and again independently in the king cobras (Ophiophagus). There was a significant increase of cytotoxicity in the Asian Naja linked to the evolution of bold aposematic hood markings, reinforcing the link between hooding and the evolution of defensive cytotoxic venoms. In parallel, lineages with increased cytotoxicity but lacking bold hood patterns evolved aposematic markers in the form of high contrast body banding. The results also indicate that, secondary to the evolution of venom rich in cytotoxins, spitting has evolved three times independently: once within the African Naja, once within the Asian Naja, and once in the Hemachatus genus. The evolution of cytotoxic venom thus appears to facilitate the evolution of defensive spitting behaviour. In contrast, a secondary loss of cytotoxicity and reduction of the hood occurred in the water cobra Naja annulata, which possesses streamlined neurotoxic venom similar to that of other aquatic elapid snakes (e.g., hydrophiine sea snakes). The results of this study make an important contribution to our growing understanding of the selection pressures shaping the evolution of snake venom and its constituent toxins. The data also aid in elucidating the relationship between these selection pressures and the medical impact of human snakebite in the developing world, as cytotoxic cobras cause considerable morbidity including loss-of-function injuries that result in economic and social burdens in the tropics of Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. PMID:28335411

Venom-gland transcriptome and venom proteome of the Malaysian king cobra (Ophiophagus hannah).

PubMed

Tan, Choo Hock; Tan, Kae Yi; Fung, Shin Yee; Tan, Nget Hong

2015-09-10

The king cobra (Ophiophagus hannah) is widely distributed throughout many parts of Asia. This study aims to investigate the complexity of Malaysian Ophiophagus hannah (MOh) venom for a better understanding of king cobra venom variation and its envenoming pathophysiology. The venom gland transcriptome was investigated using the Illumina HiSeq™ platform, while the venom proteome was profiled by 1D-SDS-PAGE-nano-ESI-LCMS/MS. Transcriptomic results reveal high redundancy of toxin transcripts (3357.36 FPKM/transcript) despite small cluster numbers, implying gene duplication and diversification within restricted protein families. Among the 23 toxin families identified, three-finger toxins (3FTxs) and snake-venom metalloproteases (SVMPs) have the most diverse isoforms. These 2 toxin families are also the most abundantly transcribed, followed in descending order by phospholipases A2 (PLA2s), cysteine-rich secretory proteins (CRISPs), Kunitz-type inhibitors (KUNs), and L-amino acid oxidases (LAAOs). Seventeen toxin families exhibited low mRNA expression, including hyaluronidase, DPP-IV and 5'-nucleotidase that were not previously reported in the venom-gland transcriptome of a Balinese O. hannah. On the other hand, the MOh proteome includes 3FTxs, the most abundantly expressed proteins in the venom (43 % toxin sbundance). Within this toxin family, there are 6 long-chain, 5 short-chain and 2 non-conventional 3FTx. Neurotoxins comprise the major 3FTxs in the MOh venom, consistent with rapid neuromuscular paralysis reported in systemic envenoming. The presence of toxic enzymes such as LAAOs, SVMPs and PLA2 would explain tissue inflammation and necrotising destruction in local envenoming. Dissimilarities in the subtypes and sequences between the neurotoxins of MOh and Naja kaouthia (monocled cobra) are in agreement with the poor cross-neutralization activity of N. kaouthia antivenom used against MOh venom. Besides, the presence of cobra venom factor, nerve growth factors, phosphodiesterase, 5'-nucleotidase, and DPP-IV in the venom proteome suggests its probable hypotensive action in subduing prey. This study reports the diversity and abundance of toxins in the venom of the Malaysian king cobra (MOh). The results correlate with the pathophysiological actions of MOh venom, and dispute the use of Naja cobra antivenoms to treat MOh envenomation. The findings also provide a deeper insight into venom variations due to geography, which is crucial for the development of a useful pan-regional antivenom.

How the Cobra Got Its Flesh-Eating Venom: Cytotoxicity as a Defensive Innovation and Its Co-Evolution with Hooding, Aposematic Marking, and Spitting.

PubMed

Panagides, Nadya; Jackson, Timothy N W; Ikonomopoulou, Maria P; Arbuckle, Kevin; Pretzler, Rudolf; Yang, Daryl C; Ali, Syed A; Koludarov, Ivan; Dobson, James; Sanker, Brittany; Asselin, Angelique; Santana, Renan C; Hendrikx, Iwan; van der Ploeg, Harold; Tai-A-Pin, Jeremie; van den Bergh, Romilly; Kerkkamp, Harald M I; Vonk, Freek J; Naude, Arno; Strydom, Morné A; Jacobsz, Louis; Dunstan, Nathan; Jaeger, Marc; Hodgson, Wayne C; Miles, John; Fry, Bryan G

2017-03-13

The cytotoxicity of the venom of 25 species of Old World elapid snake was tested and compared with the morphological and behavioural adaptations of hooding and spitting. We determined that, contrary to previous assumptions, the venoms of spitting species are not consistently more cytotoxic than those of closely related non-spitting species. While this correlation between spitting and non-spitting was found among African cobras, it was not present among Asian cobras. On the other hand, a consistent positive correlation was observed between cytotoxicity and utilisation of the defensive hooding display that cobras are famous for. Hooding and spitting are widely regarded as defensive adaptations, but it has hitherto been uncertain whether cytotoxicity serves a defensive purpose or is somehow useful in prey subjugation. The results of this study suggest that cytotoxicity evolved primarily as a defensive innovation and that it has co-evolved twice alongside hooding behavior: once in the Hemachatus + Naja and again independently in the king cobras ( Ophiophagus ). There was a significant increase of cytotoxicity in the Asian Naja linked to the evolution of bold aposematic hood markings, reinforcing the link between hooding and the evolution of defensive cytotoxic venoms. In parallel, lineages with increased cytotoxicity but lacking bold hood patterns evolved aposematic markers in the form of high contrast body banding. The results also indicate that, secondary to the evolution of venom rich in cytotoxins, spitting has evolved three times independently: once within the African Naja , once within the Asian Naja , and once in the Hemachatus genus. The evolution of cytotoxic venom thus appears to facilitate the evolution of defensive spitting behaviour. In contrast, a secondary loss of cytotoxicity and reduction of the hood occurred in the water cobra Naja annulata , which possesses streamlined neurotoxic venom similar to that of other aquatic elapid snakes (e.g., hydrophiine sea snakes). The results of this study make an important contribution to our growing understanding of the selection pressures shaping the evolution of snake venom and its constituent toxins. The data also aid in elucidating the relationship between these selection pressures and the medical impact of human snakebite in the developing world, as cytotoxic cobras cause considerable morbidity including loss-of-function injuries that result in economic and social burdens in the tropics of Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.

The protective effects of Mucuna pruriens seed extract against histopathological changes induced by Malayan cobra (Naja sputatrix) venom in rats.

PubMed

Fung, S Y; Tan, N H; Liew, S H; Sim, S M; Aguiyi, J C

2009-04-01

Seed of Mucuna pruriens (Velvet beans) has been prescribed by traditional medicine practitioners in Nigeria as a prophylactic oral antisnake remedy. In the present studies, we investigated the protective effects of M. pruriens seed extract (MPE) against histopathological changes induced by intravenous injection of Naja sputatrix (Malayan cobra) venom in rats pretreated with the seed extract. Examination by light microscope revealed that the venom induced histopathological changes in heart and blood vessels in liver, but no effect on brain, lung, kidney and spleen. The induced changes were prevented by pretreatment of the rats with MPE. Our results suggest that MPE pretreatment protects rat heart and liver blood vessels against cobra venom-induced damages.

MagLev Cobra: Test Facilities and Operational Experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sotelo, G. G.; Dias, D. H. J. N.; de Oliveira, R. A. H.; Ferreira, A. C.; De Andrade, R., Jr.; Stephan, R. M.

2014-05-01

The superconducting MagLev technology for transportation systems is becoming mature due to the research and developing effort of recent years. The Brazilian project, named MagLev-Cobra, started in 1998. It has the goal of developing a superconducting levitation vehicle for urban areas. The adopted levitation technology is based on the diamagnetic and the flux pinning properties of YBa2Cu3O7-δ (YBCO) bulk blocks in the interaction with Nd-Fe-B permanent magnets. A laboratory test facility with permanent magnet guideway, linear induction motor and one vehicle module is been built to investigate its operation. The MagLev-Cobra project state of the art is presented in the present paper, describing some construction details of the new test line with 200 m.

Iterative Covariance-based Removal of Time-Synchronous Artifacts: Application to Gastrointestinal Electrical Recordings

PubMed Central

Putney, Joy; Hilbert, Douglas; Paskaranandavadivel, Niranchan; Cheng, Leo K.; O'Grady, Greg; Angeli, Timothy R.

2016-01-01

Objective The aim of this study was to develop, validate, and apply a fully automated method for reducing large temporally synchronous artifacts present in electrical recordings made from the gastrointestinal (GI) serosa, which are problematic for properly assessing slow wave dynamics. Such artifacts routinely arise in experimental and clinical settings from motion, switching behavior of medical instruments, or electrode array manipulation. Methods A novel iterative COvaraiance-Based Reduction of Artifacts (COBRA) algorithm sequentially reduced artifact waveforms using an updating across-channel median as a noise template, scaled and subtracted from each channel based on their covariance. Results Application of COBRA substantially increased the signal-to-artifact ratio (12.8±2.5 dB), while minimally attenuating the energy of the underlying source signal by 7.9% on average (-11.1±3.9 dB). Conclusion COBRA was shown to be highly effective for aiding recovery and accurate marking of slow wave events (sensitivity = 0.90±0.04; positive-predictive value = 0.74±0.08) from large segments of in vivo porcine GI electrical mapping data that would otherwise be lost due to a broad range of contaminating artifact waveforms. Significance Strongly reducing artifacts with COBRA ultimately allowed for rapid production of accurate isochronal activation maps detailing the dynamics of slow wave propagation in the porcine intestine. Such mapping studies can help characterize differences between normal and dysrhythmic events, which have been associated with GI abnormalities, such as intestinal ischemia and gastroparesis. The COBRA method may be generally applicable for removing temporally synchronous artifacts in other biosignal processing domains. PMID:26829772

From the Kiss of a Cobra: A Sidelong View of Snakebite, Antivenin, and Serum Sickness.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Graham, Douglas H.

1992-01-01

Article tells the story of how a New York City customs man was bit by a King Cobra from Thailand and the medical treatment he received. Describes three types of snake venoms: hemotoxins, cytotoxins, and neurotoxins. Explains how horses are used to produce antitoxins and side effects of the antitoxins on humans. (PR)

Construction and Initial Validation of the Color-Blind Racial Attitudes Scale (CoBRAS).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Neville, Helen A.; Lilly, Roderick L.; Duran, Georgia; Lee, Richard M.; Browne, LaVonne

2000-01-01

Describes development of a conceptually grounded scale to assess cognitive aspects of color-blind racial attitudes. Factor analysis suggests that the 3-factor model is a good fit of data. States that CoBRAS was positively related to other indexes of racial attitudes indicating that greater endorsement of color-blind racial attitudes was related to…

'Cobra Hoods' Coming At You

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2004-01-01

This 3-D image taken by the left and right eyes of the panoramic camera on the Mars Exploration Rover Spirit shows the odd rock formation dubbed 'Cobra Hoods' (center). Rover scientists say this resistant rock is unlike anything they've seen on Mars so far. Spirit will investigate the rock in coming sols. The stereo pictures making up this image were captured on sol 156 (June 11, 2004).

Merit Pay in Arkansas: An Evaluation of the Cobra Pride Incentive Program in the Fountain Lake School District

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jensen, Nathan C.

2012-01-01

Starting in the 2010-11, administrators at the Fountain Lake School District implemented the Cobra Pride Incentive Program (CPIP), a merit pay program designed to financially reward all school employees with year-end bonuses primarily for significant improvements in student achievement. At the conclusion of the 2010-11 school year, over $800,000…

A new standardized data collection system for interdisciplinary thyroid cancer management: Thyroid COBRA.

PubMed

Tagliaferri, Luca; Gobitti, Carlo; Colloca, Giuseppe Ferdinando; Boldrini, Luca; Farina, Eleonora; Furlan, Carlo; Paiar, Fabiola; Vianello, Federica; Basso, Michela; Cerizza, Lorenzo; Monari, Fabio; Simontacchi, Gabriele; Gambacorta, Maria Antonietta; Lenkowicz, Jacopo; Dinapoli, Nicola; Lanzotti, Vito; Mazzarotto, Renzo; Russi, Elvio; Mangoni, Monica

2018-07-01

The big data approach offers a powerful alternative to Evidence-based medicine. This approach could guide cancer management thanks to machine learning application to large-scale data. Aim of the Thyroid CoBRA (Consortium for Brachytherapy Data Analysis) project is to develop a standardized web data collection system, focused on thyroid cancer. The Metabolic Radiotherapy Working Group of Italian Association of Radiation Oncology (AIRO) endorsed the implementation of a consortium directed to thyroid cancer management and data collection. The agreement conditions, the ontology of the collected data and the related software services were defined by a multicentre ad hoc working-group (WG). Six Italian cancer centres were firstly started the project, defined and signed the Thyroid COBRA consortium agreement. Three data set tiers were identified: Registry, Procedures and Research. The COBRA-Storage System (C-SS) appeared to be not time-consuming and to be privacy respecting, as data can be extracted directly from the single centre's storage platforms through a secured connection that ensures reliable encryption of sensible data. Automatic data archiving could be directly performed from Image Hospital Storage System or the Radiotherapy Treatment Planning Systems. The C-SS architecture will allow "Cloud storage way" or "distributed learning" approaches for predictive model definition and further clinical decision support tools development. The development of the Thyroid COBRA data Storage System C-SS through a multicentre consortium approach appeared to be a feasible tool in the setup of complex and privacy saving data sharing system oriented to the management of thyroid cancer and in the near future every cancer type. Copyright © 2018 European Federation of Internal Medicine. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Analysis of the efficacy of Taiwanese freeze-dried neurotoxic antivenom against Naja kaouthia, Naja siamensis and Ophiophagus hannah through proteomics and animal model approaches.

PubMed

Liu, Chien-Chun; You, Chen-Hsien; Wang, Po-Jung; Yu, Jau-Song; Huang, Guo-Jen; Liu, Chien-Hsin; Hsieh, Wen-Chin; Lin, Chih-Chuan

2017-12-01

In Southeast Asia, envenoming resulting from cobra snakebites is an important public health issue in many regions, and antivenom therapy is the standard treatment for the snakebite. Because these cobras share a close evolutionary history, the amino acid sequences of major venom components in different snakes are very similar. Therefore, either monovalent or polyvalent antivenoms may offer paraspecific protection against envenomation of humans by several different snakes. In Taiwan, a bivalent antivenom-freeze-dried neurotoxic antivenom (FNAV)-against Bungarus multicinctus and Naja atra is available. However, whether this antivenom is also capable of neutralizing the venom of other species of snakes is not known. Here, to expand the clinical application of Taiwanese FNAV, we used an animal model to evaluate the neutralizing ability of FNAV against the venoms of three common snakes in Southeast Asia, including two 'true' cobras Naja kaouthia (Thailand) and Naja siamensis (Thailand), and the king cobra Ophiophagus hannah (Indonesia). We further applied mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomic techniques to characterize venom proteomes and identify FNAV-recognizable antigens in the venoms of these Asian snakes. Neutralization assays in a mouse model showed that FNAV effectively neutralized the lethality of N. kaouthia and N. siamensis venoms, but not O. hannah venom. MS-based venom protein identification results further revealed that FNAV strongly recognized three-finger toxin and phospholipase A2, the major protein components of N. kaouthia and N. siamensis venoms. The characterization of venom proteomes and identification of FNAV-recognizable venom antigens may help researchers to further develop more effective antivenom designed to block the toxicity of dominant toxic proteins, with the ultimate goal of achieving broadly therapeutic effects against these cobra snakebites.

Functional proteomic approach to discover geographic variations of king cobra venoms from Southeast Asia and China.

PubMed

Chang, Hui-Ching; Tsai, Tein-Shun; Tsai, Inn-Ho

2013-08-26

This study deciphers the geographic variations of king cobra (Ophiophagus hannah) venom using functional proteomics. Pooled samples of king cobra venom (abbreviated as Ohv) were obtained from Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and two provinces of China, namely Guangxi and Hainan. Using two animal models to test and compare the lethal effects, we found that the Chinese Ohvs were more fatal to mice, while the Southeast Asian Ohvs were more fatal to lizards (Eutropis multifasciata). Various phospholipases A2 (PLA2s), three-finger toxins (3FTxs) and Kunitz-type inhibitors were purified from these Ohvs and compared. Besides the two Chinese Ohv PLA2s with known sequences, eight novel PLA2s were identified from the five Ohv samples and their antiplatelet activities were compared. While two 3FTxs (namely oh-55 and oh-27) were common in all the Ohvs, different sets of 3FTx markers were present in the Chinese and Southeast Asian Ohvs. All the Ohvs contain the Kunitz inhibitor, OH-TCI, while only the Chinese Ohvs contain the inhibitor variant, Oh11-1. Relative to the Chinese Ohvs which contained more phospholipases, the Southeast Asian Ohvs had higher metalloproteinase, acetylcholine esterase, and alkaline phosphatase activities. Remarkable variations in five king cobra geographic samples reveal fast evolution and dynamic translational regulation of the venom which probably adapted to different prey ecology as testified by the lethal tests on mice and lizards. Our results predict possible variations of the king cobra envenoming to human and the importance of using local antivenin for snakebite treatment. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Antibacterial action of a heat-stable form of L-amino acid oxidase isolated from king cobra (Ophiophagus hannah) venom.

PubMed

Lee, Mui Li; Tan, Nget Hong; Fung, Shin Yee; Sekaran, Shamala Devi

2011-03-01

The major l-amino acid oxidase (LAAO, EC 1.4.3.2) of king cobra (Ophiophagus hannah) venom is known to be an unusual form of snake venom LAAO as it possesses unique structural features and unusual thermal stability. The antibacterial effects of king cobra venom LAAO were tested against several strains of clinical isolates including Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Escherichia coli using broth microdilution assay. For comparison, the antibacterial effects of several antibiotics (cefotaxime, kanamycin, tetracycline, vancomycin and penicillin) were also examined using the same conditions. King cobra venom LAAO was very effective in inhibiting the two Gram-positive bacteria (S. aureus and S. epidermidis) tested, with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 0.78μg/mL (0.006μM) and 1.56μg/mL (0.012μM) against S. aureus and S. epidermidis, respectively. The MICs are comparable to the MICs of the antibiotics tested, on a weight basis. However, the LAAO was only moderately effective against three Gram-negative bacteria tested (P. aeruginosa, K. pneumoniae and E. coli), with MIC ranges from 25 to 50μg/mL (0.2-0.4μM). Catalase at the concentration of 1mg/mL abolished the antibacterial effect of LAAO, indicating that the antibacterial effect of the enzyme involves generation of hydrogen peroxide. Binding studies indicated that king cobra venom LAAO binds strongly to the Gram-positive S. aureus and S. epidermidis, but less strongly to the Gram-negative E. coli and P. aeruginosa, indicating that specific binding to bacteria is important for the potent antibacterial activity of the enzyme. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Visual field information in Nap-of-the-Earth flight by teleoperated Helmet-Mounted displays

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Grunwald, Arthur J.; Kohn, S.; Merhav, S. J.

1991-01-01

The human ability to derive Control-Oriented Visual Field Information from teleoperated Helmet-Mounted displays in Nap-of-the-Earth flight, is investigated. The visual field with these types of displays originates from a Forward Looking Infrared Radiation Camera, gimbal-mounted at the front of the aircraft and slaved to the pilot's line-of-sight, to obtain wide-angle visual coverage. Although these displays are proved to be effective in Apache and Cobra helicopter night operations, they demand very high pilot proficiency and work load. Experimental work presented in the paper has shown that part of the difficulties encountered in vehicular control by means of these displays can be attributed to the narrow viewing aperture and head/camera slaving system phase lags. Both these shortcomings will impair visuo-vestibular coordination, when voluntary head rotation is present. This might result in errors in estimating the Control-Oriented Visual Field Information vital in vehicular control, such as the vehicle yaw rate or the anticipated flight path, or might even lead to visuo-vestibular conflicts (motion sickness). Since, under these conditions, the pilot will tend to minimize head rotation, the full wide-angle coverage of the Helmet-Mounted Display, provided by the line-of-sight slaving system, is not always fully utilized.

5 CFR 831.202 - Continuation of coverage for food service employees of the House of Representatives.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 5 Administrative Personnel 2 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Continuation of coverage for food service... PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED) CIVIL SERVICE REGULATIONS (CONTINUED) RETIREMENT Coverage § 831.202 Continuation of coverage for food service employees of the House of Representatives. (a) Congressional...

Treatment of PCR products with exonuclease I and heat-labile alkaline phosphatase improves the visibility of combined bisulfite restriction analysis

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

Watanabe, Kousuke; Emoto, Noriko; Sunohara, Mitsuhiro

2010-08-27

Research highlights: {yields} Incubating PCR products at a high temperature causes smears in gel electrophoresis. {yields} Smears interfere with the interpretation of methylation analysis using COBRA. {yields} Treatment with exonuclease I and heat-labile alkaline phosphatase eliminates smears. {yields} The elimination of smears improves the visibility of COBRA. -- Abstract: DNA methylation plays a vital role in the regulation of gene expression. Abnormal promoter hypermethylation is an important mechanism of inactivating tumor suppressor genes in human cancers. Combined bisulfite restriction analysis (COBRA) is a widely used method for identifying the DNA methylation of specific CpG sites. Here, we report that exonucleasemore » I and heat-labile alkaline phosphatase can be used for PCR purification for COBRA, improving the visibility of gel electrophoresis after restriction digestion. This improvement is observed when restriction digestion is performed at a high temperature, such as 60 {sup o}C or 65 {sup o}C, with BstUI and TaqI, respectively. This simple method can be applied instead of DNA purification using spin columns or phenol/chloroform extraction. It can also be applied to other situations when PCR products are digested by thermophile-derived restriction enzymes, such as PCR restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis.« less

COBRA: A Computational Brewing Application for Predicting the Molecular Composition of Organic Aerosols

PubMed Central

Fooshee, David R.; Nguyen, Tran B.; Nizkorodov, Sergey A.; Laskin, Julia; Laskin, Alexander; Baldi, Pierre

2012-01-01

Atmospheric organic aerosols (OA) represent a significant fraction of airborne particulate matter and can impact climate, visibility, and human health. These mixtures are difficult to characterize experimentally due to their complex and dynamic chemical composition. We introduce a novel Computational Brewing Application (COBRA) and apply it to modeling oligomerization chemistry stemming from condensation and addition reactions in OA formed by photooxidation of isoprene. COBRA uses two lists as input: a list of chemical structures comprising the molecular starting pool, and a list of rules defining potential reactions between molecules. Reactions are performed iteratively, with products of all previous iterations serving as reactants for the next. The simulation generated thousands of structures in the mass range of 120–500 Da, and correctly predicted ~70% of the individual OA constituents observed by high-resolution mass spectrometry. Select predicted structures were confirmed with tandem mass spectrometry. Esterification was shown to play the most significant role in oligomer formation, with hemiacetal formation less important, and aldol condensation insignificant. COBRA is not limited to atmospheric aerosol chemistry; it should be applicable to the prediction of reaction products in other complex mixtures for which reasonable reaction mechanisms and seed molecules can be supplied by experimental or theoretical methods. PMID:22568707

Development in High-Density Cobra Fiber Positioners for the Subaru Telescope's Prime Focus Spectrometer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fisher, Charles D.; Braun, David F.; Kaluzny, Joel V.; Seiffert, Mic D.; Dekany, Richard G.; Ellis, Richard S.; Smith, Roger S.

2012-01-01

The Prime Focus Spectrograph (PFS) is a fiber fed multi-object spectrometer for the Subaru Telescope that will conduct a variety of targeted surveys for studies of dark energy, galaxy evolution, and galactic archaeology. The key to the instrument is a high density array of fiber positioners placed at the prime focus of the Subaru Telescope. The system, nicknamed "Cobra", will be capable of rapidly reconfiguring the array of 2394 optical fibers to the image positions of astronomical targets in the focal plane with high accuracy. The system uses 2394 individual "SCARA robot" mechanisms that are 7.7mm in diameter and use 2 piezo-electric rotary motors to individually position each of the optical fibers within its patrol region. Testing demonstrates that the Cobra positioner can be moved to within 5 micrometers of an astronomical target in 6 move iterations with a success rate of 95%. The Cobra system is a key aspect of PFS that will enable its unprecedented combination of high-multiplex factor and observing efficiency on the Subaru telescope. The requirements, design, and prototyping efforts for the fiber positioner system for the PFS are described here as are the plans for modular construction, assembly, integration, functional testing, and performance validation.

Tip aerodynamics and acoustics test: A report and data survey

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cross, Jeffrey L.; Watts, Michael E.

1988-01-01

In a continuing effort to understand helicopter rotor tip aerodynamics and acoustics, a flight test was conducted by NASA Ames Research Center. The test was performed using the NASA White Cobra and a set of highly instrumented blades. All aspects of the flight test instrumentation and test procedures are explained. Additionally, complete data sets for selected test points are presented and analyzed. Because of the high volume of data acquired, only selected data points are presented. However, access to the entire data set is available to the researcher on request.

ARC-1969-AC90-0178-97

NASA Image and Video Library

1990-06-04

Bell NAH-1G (USA 70-15979 NASA-736) FLITE Cobra helicopter hovering on Ames ramp is successor to the original FLITE Cobra. It has been used extensively in joint NASA/Army human factors research in the areas of night vision displays and voice communications since its arrival in 1987. Note: Used in publication in Flight Research at Ames; 57 Years of Development and Validation of Aeronautical Technology NASA SP-1998-3300 fig 140

A proof for loop-law constraints in stoichiometric metabolic networks

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background Constraint-based modeling is increasingly employed for metabolic network analysis. Its underlying assumption is that natural metabolic phenotypes can be predicted by adding physicochemical constraints to remove unrealistic metabolic flux solutions. The loopless-COBRA approach provides an additional constraint that eliminates thermodynamically infeasible internal cycles (or loops) from the space of solutions. This allows the prediction of flux solutions that are more consistent with experimental data. However, it is not clear if this approach over-constrains the models by removing non-loop solutions as well. Results Here we apply Gordan’s theorem from linear algebra to prove for the first time that the constraints added in loopless-COBRA do not over-constrain the problem beyond the elimination of the loops themselves. Conclusions The loopless-COBRA constraints can be reliably applied. Furthermore, this proof may be adapted to evaluate the theoretical soundness for other methods in constraint-based modeling. PMID:23146116

20 CFR 404.1217 - Continuation of coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... employees continues as follows: (a) Absolute coverage group. Generally, the services of an employee covered as a part of an absolute coverage group (see § 404.1205) continue to be covered indefinitely. A position covered as a part of an absolute coverage group continues to be covered even if the position later...

20 CFR 404.1217 - Continuation of coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... employees continues as follows: (a) Absolute coverage group. Generally, the services of an employee covered as a part of an absolute coverage group (see § 404.1205) continue to be covered indefinitely. A position covered as a part of an absolute coverage group continues to be covered even if the position later...

[A case of favourable outcome of severe acute intoxication with an animal poison after a bite by the monocled cobra].

PubMed

Livanov, G A; Batotsyrenkov, B V; Lodiagin, A N; Andrianov, A Iu; Kuznetsov, O A; Loladze, A T; Baranov, D V

2014-01-01

This paper reports a case of severe acute intoxication with an animal poison after a bite by the monocled cobra. Combined treatment including artificial lung ventilation, infusion-detoxication and desensitizing (hormonal) therapy, hemosorption, correction of metabolic disorders with cytoflavin, antibacterial therapy had positive effect on the patient's condition and ensured the favourable outcome ofpotentially lethal poisoning without the use ofa specific anti-snake venom serum.

Cross-reactivity and neutralization of Indian King cobra (Ophiophagus hannah) venom by polyvalent and monovalent antivenoms.

PubMed

Gowtham, Yashonandana J; Mahadeswaraswamy, Y H; Girish, K S; K, Kemparaju

2014-07-01

The venom of the largest venomous snake, the king cobra (Ophiophagus hannah), is still out of league for the production of therapeutic polyvalent antivenom nor it is characterized immunologically in the Indian subcontinent. In the present study, the king cobra venom is comparatively studied for the cross-reactivity/reactivity and toxicity neutralization by the locally available equine therapeutic polyvalent BSV and VB antivenoms, and monovalent antivenom (OH-IgG) prepared in rabbit. None of the two therapeutic antivenoms procured from two different firms showed any signs of cross-reactivity in terms of antigen-antibody precipitin lines in immunodouble diffusion assay; however, a weak and an insignificant cross-reactivity pattern was observed in ELISA and Western blot studies. Further, both BSV and VB antivenoms failed to neutralize proteolytic, hyaluronidase and phospholipase activities as well as toxic properties such as edema, myotoxicity and lethality of the venom. As expected, OH-IgG showed strong reactivity in immunodouble diffusion, ELISA and in Western blot analysis and also neutralized both enzyme activities as well as the toxic properties of the venom. Thus, the study provides insight into the likely measures that are to be taken in cases of accidental king cobra bites for which the Indian subcontinent is still not prepared for. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Safety and efficacy of low-dose paclitaxel utilizing the cobra-P drug-eluting stent system with a novel biodegradable coating in de novo coronary lesions: the PLUS-ONE first-in-man study.

PubMed

Calderas, Carlos; Condado, Jose Francisco; Condado, Jose Antonio; Flores, Alejandra; Mueller, Amy; Thomas, Jack; Nakatani, Daisaku; Honda, Yasuhiro; Waseda, Katsuhisa; Fitzgerald, Peter

2014-01-01

The Cobra-P drug-eluting stent (DES) system consists of cobalt chromium alloy with bio-absorbable siloxane sol-gel matrix coating that elutes low dose paclitaxel within 6 months. The aim of this first-in-man trial was to evaluate the safety and performance of 2 doses of the Cobra-P DES. A total of 60 lesions (54 patients) were sequentially assigned to 2 different paclitaxel doses: group A (3.7 μg/18mm, n=30) or group B (8 μg/18mm, n=30). The primary endpoint was MACE at 4 months defined as cardiac death, myocardial infarction, and target lesion revascularization. Patient and lesion characteristics were matched between the 2 groups except for male sex. MACE at 4 months was 3.3% and 0% respectively (P=1.000) and at 1-year follow-up remained unchanged. In-stent late loss at 4 months was similar in both groups (0.36 ± 0.30mm and 0.34 ± 0.20mm P=.773). In this FIM study, implantation of the Cobra-P low dose paclitaxel-eluting stent with a bioabsorbable sol-gel coating was proven to be feasible and safe. Moderate neointimal proliferation was observed as well as an acceptable MACE rate up to 1 year. © 2014.

Measurements of Pollution in the Troposphere (MOPITT) Validation Exercises During Summer 2004 Field Campaigns over North America

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Emmons, L. K.; Pfister, G. G.; Edwards, D. P.; Gille, J. C.; Sachse, G.; Blake, D.; Wofsy, S.; Gerbig, C.; Matross, D.; Nedelec, P.

2007-01-01

Measurements of carbon monoxide (CO) made as part of three aircraft experiments during the summer of 2004 over North America have been used for the continued validation of the CO retrievals from the Measurements of Pollution in the Troposphere (MOPITT) instrument on board the Terra satellite. Vertical profiles measured during the NASA INTEX-A campaign, designed to be coincident with MOPITT overpasses, as well as measurements made during the COBRA-2004 and MOZAIC experiments, provided valuable validation comparisons. On average, the MOPITT CO retrievals are biased slightly high for these North America locations. While the mean bias differs between the different aircraft experiments (e.g., 7.0 ppbv for MOZAIC to 18.4 ppbv for COBRA at 700 hPa), the standard deviations are quite large, so the results for the three data sets can be considered consistent. On average, it is estimated that MOPITT is 7- 14% high at 700 hPa and 03% high at 350 hPa. These results are consistent with the validation results for the Carr, Colorado, Harvard Forest, Massachusetts, and Poker Flats, Alaska, aircraft profiles for "phase 2" presented by Emmons et al. (2004) and are generally within the design criteria of 10% accuracy.

Hematology, morphology, cytochemical staining, and ultrastuctural characteristics of blood cells in king cobras (Ophiophagus hannah).

PubMed

Salakij, Chaleow; Salakij, Jarernsak; Apibal, Suntaree; Narkkong, Nual-Anong; Chanhome, Lawan; Rochanapat, Nirachara

2002-01-01

King cobras (Ophiophagus hannah) have been captive-bred at Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute since 1996 to supply venom for antivenom production. Hematologic tests would be useful for evaluating the health of the snakes, however, basic hematologic data and morphology have not been described for this species. The purpose of this study was to determine basic hematologic values and evaluate light microscopic, cytochemical, and electron microscopic characteristics of king cobra blood cells. Blood samples from 13 wild-caught and 15 captive-bred king cobras were collected into EDTA from the ventral caudal vein. A CBC was done using standard methods. Significant differences between groups were determined using t-tests. Cytochemical stains (periodic acid-Schiff [PAS], Sudan black B [SBB], alpha-naphthyl acetate esterase [ANAE], acid phosphatase [AcP], and beta-glucuronidase [beta-glu]), and scanning and transmission electron microscopy were done using standard techniques. Eighteen snakes (64.3%) were positive for Hepatozoon infection. Hepatozoon organisms were detected nearly twice as frequently in wild-caught (11/13) as in captive-bred (7/15) snakes. Total WBC, azurophil, and lymphocyte counts were higher and fibrinogen concentration was lower in Hepatozoon-positive snakes. Captive-bred snakes had higher RBC values, lower azurophil, heterophil, and punctate reticulocyte percentages, and higher lymphocyte numbers compared with wild-caught snakes. Lymphocytes were the most commonly observed WBCs, and stained positive with PAS, ANAE, AcP, and beta-glu. Azurophil granules stained positive with SBB, PAS, and ANAE. Heterophils were the largest WBCs; their granules stained with SBB, ANAE, and beta-glu. Basophil granules stained with PAS, SBB, ANAE, and beta-glu. Thrombocytes were strongly positive with PAS. Transmission electron microscopic examination revealed organelles within all WBCs except eosinophils and revealed the gamonts of Hepatozoon sp in RBCs and azurophils. These results provide comparative hematologic data and a guide for identification of blood cells in wild-caught and captive-bred king cobra snakes. Hepatozoon infection was relatively common, but was not associated with severe hematologic abnormalities.

A Parametric Regression of the Cost of Base Realignment Action (COBRA) Model

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-09-20

Douglas D. Hardman , Captain, USAF Michael S. Nelson, Captain, USAF AFIT/GEE/ENS/93S-03 93 P’ 8 143 Approved for public release, distribution unlimited 93... Hardman CLASS: GEE 93S Captain Michael Nelson TITLE: A Parametric Regression of the Cost of Base Realignment Action (COBRA) Model DEFENSE DATE: 20...Science in Engineering and Environmental Management Douglas D. Hardman , B.S.E.E. Michael S. Nelson, B.S.C.E Captain, USAF Captain, USAF September 1993

Host Defense against Opportunist Microorganisms Following Trauma.

DTIC Science & Technology

1979-06-01

patients were total hemolytic complement (CH5 0 ), C3 conversion by inulin and cobra venom factor (CoVF), and itmunochemical concentrations of Clq, C4, C2...were normal or elevated for the entire study period. C3 conversion by inulin and CoVF and the concentration of properdin were reduced in the sera of the...measured in all patients were total hemolytic complement (CH5 0), C3 conversion by inulin and cobra venom factor (CoVF), and inunochemical

Intensity Changes in Typhoon Sinlaku and Typhoon Jangmi in Response to Varying Ocean and Atmospheric Conditions

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-03-01

FIGURES Figure 1.  Radar image of the eye of Typhoon Cobra on 18 December 1944 from a ship located at the center of the area shown (from NOAA Library at...System Research and Predictability Experiment T- PARC : THORPEX-Pacific Asian Regional Campaign TS: Tropical Storm TUTT: Tropical Upper...Figure 1. Radar image of the eye of Typhoon Cobra on 18 December 1944 from a ship located at the center of the area shown (from NOAA Library at

Complement Depletion Protects Lupus-prone Mice from Ischemia-reperfusion-initiated Organ Injury

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-10-25

injury, we sought to evaluate whether complement inhibition mitigates organ damage. We found that complement deple- tion with cobra venom factor... venom factor and C5a receptor antagonist were able to protect mice from local tissue damage, treatment with C5a receptor antagonist was not able to...Complement depletion or blockage of the complement pathway using molecules such as cobra venom factor (CVF) (24, 33) and C5a receptor antagonists (C5aRA

Cobra communications switch integration program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shively, Robert J.; Haworth, Loran A.; Szoboszlay, Zoltan; Murray, F. Gerald

1989-01-01

The paper describes a design modification to reduce the visual and manual workload associated with the radio selection and communications tasks in the U.S. Army AH-1 Cobra helicopter. The modification involves the integration of the radio selection and microphone actuating tasks into a single operation controlled by the transmit-intercom switch. Ground-based and flight tests were conducted to evaluate the modified configuration during twelve flight tasks. The results show that the proposed configuration performs twice as fast as the original configuration.

Tabulation of data from the tip aerodynamics and acoustics test

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cross, Jeffrey L.; Tu, Wilson

1990-01-01

In a continuing effort to understand helicopter rotor tip aerodynamics and acoustics, researchers at Ames Research Center conducted a flight test. The test was performed using the NASA White Cobra and a set of highly instrumented blades. Tabular and graphic summaries of two data subsets from the Tip Aerodynamics and Acoustics Test are given. The data presented are for airloads, blade structural loads, blade vibrations, with summary tables of the aircraft states for each test point. The tabular data consist of the first 15 harmonics only, whereas the plots contain the entire measured frequency content.

Constrained optimization by radial basis function interpolation for high-dimensional expensive black-box problems with infeasible initial points

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Regis, Rommel G.

2014-02-01

This article develops two new algorithms for constrained expensive black-box optimization that use radial basis function surrogates for the objective and constraint functions. These algorithms are called COBRA and Extended ConstrLMSRBF and, unlike previous surrogate-based approaches, they can be used for high-dimensional problems where all initial points are infeasible. They both follow a two-phase approach where the first phase finds a feasible point while the second phase improves this feasible point. COBRA and Extended ConstrLMSRBF are compared with alternative methods on 20 test problems and on the MOPTA08 benchmark automotive problem (D.R. Jones, Presented at MOPTA 2008), which has 124 decision variables and 68 black-box inequality constraints. The alternatives include a sequential penalty derivative-free algorithm, a direct search method with kriging surrogates, and two multistart methods. Numerical results show that COBRA algorithms are competitive with Extended ConstrLMSRBF and they generally outperform the alternatives on the MOPTA08 problem and most of the test problems.

First Results from the Cornell COBRA Accelerator for Light Ion ICF Research

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lindholm, F.; Krastelev, E. G.; Greenly, J. B.; Kusse, B. R.

1996-11-01

COBRA, the Cornell Beam Research Accelerator, is a four-stage linear induction adder based on the Sandia National Laboratories SABRE accelerator design. The full 4 × 1 MV, 200 kA, 40 ns COBRA was completed in June 1996, after a year of initial operation with a single stage. Accelerator operation will be described, and first experimental results of power coupling and ion beam generation using a closely-coupled (short MITL) applied-B extraction ion diode load will be presented. A diagnostic package for beam optics including local microdivergence and aiming measurements is being developed, and results from both the single-stage experiments and new experiments on the full accelerator will be presented. A 20 ns, 15% voltage precursor to the main pulse resulting from coupling through the nonlinear magnetization characteristic of the Metglas^circR core at high magnetization rate was seen in the single-cell experiments. This mechanism will be discussed and its consequences on the full accelerator will be investigated.

Anti-cobra venom activity of plant Andrographis paniculata and its comparison with polyvalent anti-snake venom

PubMed Central

Premendran, S. Jhon; Salwe, Kartik J.; Pathak, Swanand; Brahmane, Ranjana; Manimekalai, K.

2011-01-01

Background: To investigate the anti-cobra venom effect of alcoholic extract of Andrographis paniculata. Materials and Methods: After calculating the LD99 of snake venom, the venom-neutralizing ability of plant extract at the dose 1 g/kg and 2 g/kg was determined using in vitro and in vivo methods. The alleviation in the mean survival time of the animals were used to infer the antivenom property of the drug after challenging with LD99 of snake venom. Results: The ethanolic extract of plant A. paniculata significantly increases mean survival time and the protection fold, but could not protect animals from death when used alone. The higher dose, i.e., 2 g/kg was found better than that of the lower. ASV was found more effective than the plant extract. When ASV was given along with plant extract, it potentiates its effect. Conclusion: The observation demonstrates the anti-cobra venom activity of ethanolic extract of A. paniculata which is comparable with ASV. PMID:22346236

AH-1S communication switch integration program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Haworth, Loran; Szoboszlay, Zoltan; Shively, Robert; Bick, Frank J.

1989-01-01

The C-6533/ARC communication system as installed on the test AH-1E Cobra helicopter was modified to allow discrete radio selection of all aircraft radios at the cyclic radio/intercommunication system switch. The current Cobra-fleet use of the C-6533 system is cumbersome, particularly during low-altitude operations. Operationally, the current system C-6533 configuration and design requires the pilot to estimate when he can safely remove his hand from an active flight control to select radios during low-altitude flight. The pilot must then physically remove his hand from the flight control, look inside the cockpit to select and verify the radio selection and then effect the selected radio transmission by activating the radio/ICS switch on the cyclic. This condition is potentially hazardous, especially during low-level flight at night in degraded weather. To improve pilot performance, communications effectiveness, and safety, manprint principles were utilized in the selection of a design modification. The modified C-6533 design was kept as basic as possible for potential Cobra-fleet modification. The communications system was modified and the design was subsequently flight-tested by the U.S. Army Aeroflightdynamics Directorate and NASA at the NASA Ames Research Center, Mountain View, California. The design modification enables the Cobra pilot to maintain hands-on flight controls while selecting radios during nap-of-the-Earth (NOE) flight without looking inside the cockpit which resulted in reduced pilot workload ratings, better pilot handling quality ratings and increased flight safety for the NOE flight environment.

COBRA-LIKE2, a Member of the Glycosylphosphatidylinositol-Anchored COBRA-LIKE Family, Plays a Role in Cellulose Deposition in Arabidopsis Seed Coat Mucilage Secretory Cells1,2[OPEN

PubMed Central

Ben-Tov, Daniela; Abraham, Yael; Stav, Shira; Thompson, Kevin; Loraine, Ann; Elbaum, Rivka; de Souza, Amancio; Pauly, Markus; Kieber, Joseph J.; Harpaz-Saad, Smadar

2015-01-01

Differentiation of the maternally derived seed coat epidermal cells into mucilage secretory cells is a common adaptation in angiosperms. Recent studies identified cellulose as an important component of seed mucilage in various species. Cellulose is deposited as a set of rays that radiate from the seed upon mucilage extrusion, serving to anchor the pectic component of seed mucilage to the seed surface. Using transcriptome data encompassing the course of seed development, we identified COBRA-LIKE2 (COBL2), a member of the glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored COBRA-LIKE gene family in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), as coexpressed with other genes involved in cellulose deposition in mucilage secretory cells. Disruption of the COBL2 gene results in substantial reduction in the rays of cellulose present in seed mucilage, along with an increased solubility of the pectic component of the mucilage. Light birefringence demonstrates a substantial decrease in crystalline cellulose deposition into the cellulosic rays of the cobl2 mutants. Moreover, crystalline cellulose deposition into the radial cell walls and the columella appears substantially compromised, as demonstrated by scanning electron microscopy and in situ quantification of light birefringence. Overall, the cobl2 mutants display about 40% reduction in whole-seed crystalline cellulose content compared with the wild type. These data establish that COBL2 plays a role in the deposition of crystalline cellulose into various secondary cell wall structures during seed coat epidermal cell differentiation. PMID:25583925

5 CFR 831.203 - Continuation of coverage for employees of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 5 Administrative Personnel 2 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Continuation of coverage for employees of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority. 831.203 Section 831.203 Administrative Personnel OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED) CIVIL SERVICE REGULATIONS (CONTINUED) RETIREMENT Coverage...

5 CFR 831.203 - Continuation of coverage for employees of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 5 Administrative Personnel 2 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Continuation of coverage for employees of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority. 831.203 Section 831.203 Administrative Personnel OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED) CIVIL SERVICE REGULATIONS (CONTINUED) RETIREMENT Coverage...

5 CFR 831.206 - Continuation of coverage for former Federal employees of the Civilian Marksmanship Program.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 5 Administrative Personnel 2 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Continuation of coverage for former Federal employees of the Civilian Marksmanship Program. 831.206 Section 831.206 Administrative Personnel OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED) CIVIL SERVICE REGULATIONS (CONTINUED) RETIREMENT Coverage...

The Multipurpose Black Hawk Utility Helicopter: Rotary-wing Versatility Required for U.S. Marine Corps Enhanced Company Operations

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-01-01

THE FOREGOING STATEMENT. QUOTATION FROM, ABSTRACTION FROM, OR REPRODUCTION OF ALL OR ANY PART OF THIS DOCVMENT IS PERMITTED PROVIDED PROPER...Capabilities and Limitations 7 AH-IW/Z Cobra’s Role in Support ofECO 8 CH-53E Super Stallion Capabilities and Limitations 9 CH-53E Super Stallion’s Role...of aircraft. Analysis of the roles and capabilities of the AH-IW Super Cobra, CH-53E Super Stallion , MV-22B Osprey, and the UH- IN Huey will identify

COBRA System Engineering Processes to Achieve SLI Strategic Goals

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ballard, Richard O.

2003-01-01

The COBRA Prototype Main Engine Development Project was an endeavor conducted as a joint venture between Pratt & Whitney and Aerojet to conduct risk reduction in LOX/LH2 main engine technology for the NASA Space Launch Initiative (SLI). During the seventeen months of the project (April 2001 to September 2002), approximately seventy reviews were conducted, beginning with the Engine Systems Requirements Review (SRR) and ending with the Engine Systems Interim Design Review (IDR). This paper discusses some of the system engineering practices used to support the reviews and the overall engine development effort.

42 CFR 423.566 - Coverage determinations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... 42 Public Health 3 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Coverage determinations. 423.566 Section 423.566... (CONTINUED) MEDICARE PROGRAM (CONTINUED) VOLUNTARY MEDICARE PRESCRIPTION DRUG BENEFIT Grievances, Coverage Determinations, Redeterminations, and Reconsiderations § 423.566 Coverage determinations. (a) Responsibilities of...

The development of IgY(DeltaFc) antibody based neuro toxin antivenoms and the study on their neutralization efficacies.

PubMed

Chiou, Victor Y-Neng

2008-07-01

Immunotherapy for treatment of snake bites has been based on mammalian IgG. Recently, polyvalent ovine Fab has become available. However, papain, used in the Fab fragmentation process, is a human allergen. Avian eggs are a source of antibodies and a truncated version of IgY, IgY(DeltaFc), is found in ducks. In this study, we induced duck antibodies by using detoxified cobra and krait venoms and then purified IgY(DeltaFc) antibodies from the hyperimmune duck egg yolk. Ducks were used for immunization and their eggs were collected for antibody production. ICR strain female mice were used in the in vivo neutralization test. Monovalent antivenoms to Formosan cobra venom and Formosan multi-banded krait venom were raised and purified from hyper-immune duck egg yolk individually. The LD(50) of venoms were determined by subcutaneous injection of different venom doses into the mice. The survival/death ratios were recorded after 24 hours. The antibody purified from egg yolk showed high titer response to its immunogen (cobra or krait venom) by an ELISA. Overall, the antibodies from duck eggs efficiently protected mice from envenomations. The antivenoms purified from the egg yolk of ducks immunized with cobra venom and krait venom neutralized the lethal effects of these venoms with good efficacy in a mouse model. The antivenoms were effective in neutralizing lethality in mice injected at 4xLD(50) of venoms. These results indicate that antibodies derived from ducks can serve as a new source for the generation of antivenoms.

COBRA accelerator for Sandia ICF diode research at Cornell University

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

Smith, D.L.; Ingwersen, P.; Bennett, L.F.

1995-05-01

The new COBRA accelerator is being built in stages at the Laboratory of Plasma Studies in Cornell University where its applications will include extraction diode and ion beam research in support of the light ion inertial confinement fusion (ICF) program at Sandia National Laboratories. The 4- to 5-MV, 125- to 250-kA accelerator is based on a four-cavity inductive voltage adder (IVA) design. It is a combination of new ferromagnetically-isolated cavities and self magnetically insulated transmission line (MITL) hardware and components from existing Sandia and Cornell facilities: Marx generator capacitors, hardware, and power supply from the DEMON facility; water pulse formingmore » lines (PFL) and gas switch from the Subsystem Test Facility (STF); a HERMES-III intermediate store capacitor (ISC); and a modified ion diode from Cornell`s LION. The present accelerator consists of a single modified cavity similar to those of the Sandia SABRE accelerator and will be used to establish an operating system for the first stage initial lower voltage testing. Four new cavities will be fabricated and delivered in the first half of FY96 to complete the COBRA accelerator. COBRA is unique in the sense that each cavity is driven by a single pulse forming line, and the IVA output polarity may be reversed by rotating the cavities 180{degrees} about their vertical axis. The site preparations, tank construction, and diode design and development are taking place at Cornell with growing enthusiasm as this machine becomes a reality. Preliminary results with the single cavity and short positive inner cylinder MITL configuration will soon be available.« less

COBRA: a Bayesian approach to pulsar searching

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lentati, L.; Champion, D. J.; Kramer, M.; Barr, E.; Torne, P.

2018-02-01

We introduce COBRA, a GPU-accelerated Bayesian analysis package for performing pulsar searching, that uses candidates from traditional search techniques to set the prior used for the periodicity of the source, and performs a blind search in all remaining parameters. COBRA incorporates models for both isolated and accelerated systems, as well as both Keplerian and relativistic binaries, and exploits pulse phase information to combine search epochs coherently, over time, frequency or across multiple telescopes. We demonstrate the efficacy of our approach in a series of simulations that challenge typical search techniques, including highly aliased signals, and relativistic binary systems. In the most extreme case, we simulate an 8 h observation containing 24 orbits of a pulsar in a binary with a 30 M⊙ companion. Even in this scenario we show that we can build up from an initial low-significance candidate, to fully recovering the signal. We also apply the method to survey data of three pulsars from the globular cluster 47Tuc: PSRs J0024-7204D, J0023-7203J and J0024-7204R. This final pulsar is in a 1.6 h binary, the shortest of any pulsar in 47Tuc, and additionally shows significant scintillation. By allowing the amplitude of the source to vary as a function of time, however, we show that we are able to obtain optimal combinations of such noisy data. We also demonstrate the ability of COBRA to perform high-precision pulsar timing directly on the single pulse survey data, and obtain a 95 per cent upper limit on the eccentricity of PSR J0024-7204R of εb < 0.0007.

COBRA-LIKE2, a member of the glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored COBRA-LIKE family, plays a role in cellulose deposition in arabidopsis seed coat mucilage secretory cells.

PubMed

Ben-Tov, Daniela; Abraham, Yael; Stav, Shira; Thompson, Kevin; Loraine, Ann; Elbaum, Rivka; de Souza, Amancio; Pauly, Markus; Kieber, Joseph J; Harpaz-Saad, Smadar

2015-03-01

Differentiation of the maternally derived seed coat epidermal cells into mucilage secretory cells is a common adaptation in angiosperms. Recent studies identified cellulose as an important component of seed mucilage in various species. Cellulose is deposited as a set of rays that radiate from the seed upon mucilage extrusion, serving to anchor the pectic component of seed mucilage to the seed surface. Using transcriptome data encompassing the course of seed development, we identified COBRA-LIKE2 (COBL2), a member of the glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored COBRA-LIKE gene family in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), as coexpressed with other genes involved in cellulose deposition in mucilage secretory cells. Disruption of the COBL2 gene results in substantial reduction in the rays of cellulose present in seed mucilage, along with an increased solubility of the pectic component of the mucilage. Light birefringence demonstrates a substantial decrease in crystalline cellulose deposition into the cellulosic rays of the cobl2 mutants. Moreover, crystalline cellulose deposition into the radial cell walls and the columella appears substantially compromised, as demonstrated by scanning electron microscopy and in situ quantification of light birefringence. Overall, the cobl2 mutants display about 40% reduction in whole-seed crystalline cellulose content compared with the wild type. These data establish that COBL2 plays a role in the deposition of crystalline cellulose into various secondary cell wall structures during seed coat epidermal cell differentiation. © 2015 American Society of Plant Biologists. All Rights Reserved.

Capping the tax exclusion for employment-based health coverage: implications for employers and workers.

PubMed

Fronstin, Paul

2009-01-01

HEALTH CARE TAX CAP: With health reform a major priority of the new 111th Congress and President Barack Obama, this Issue Briefexamines the administrative and implementation issues that arise from one of the major reform proposals: Capping the exclusion of employment-based health coverage from workers' taxable income. The amount that employers contribute toward workers' health coverage is generally excluded, without limit, from workers' taxable income. In addition, workers whose employers sponsor flexible spending accounts are able to pay out-of-pocket expenses with pretax dollars. Employers can also make available a premium conversion arrangement, which allows workers to pay their share of the premium for employment-based coverage with pretax dollars. In 2005, a presidential advisory board concluded that limiting the amount of tax-preferred health coverage could lower overall private-sector health spending. The panel recommended a cap on the amount of employment-based health coverage individuals can exclude from their income tax, as a way to reduce health spending. In his 2008 "Call to Action" for health care reform, Sen. Max Baucus (D-MT), chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, states that "Congress should explore ways to restructure the current tax incentives to encourage more efficient spending on health and to target our tax dollars more effectively and fairly." While a tax cap on health coverage sounds simple, for many employers, it could be difficult to administer and results would vary by employer based on the type of health benefit plan, the size and demographics of their work force, and even where the workers live. The change would be especially difficult for self-insured employers that do not pay insurance premiums, since they would have to set the "premium equivalent" for each worker. This would not only be costly for employers, depending upon the requirements set out by law, but could also create fairness and tax issues for many affected workers. For self-insured employers, calculating insurance premium costs under a tax cap could be done fairly easily using the COBRA premium. However, whether self-insured employers would be able to use the least costly method to determine the value of coverage would have to be determined by law and/or regulations. THE SEC. 89 EXPERIENCE: Sec. 89 of the Tax Reform Act of 1986, which attempted to make employee benefits more standard and fair, became so controversial that it was repealed by Congress in 1989--in part because the regulations created regulatory burdens that were so complicated and costly as to be unworkable. Similarly, valuation calculations under a health coverage tax cap could become overly burdensome if the lessons from Sec. 89 are not heeded.

Best Value Analysis of Tool/Individual Material Readiness List (IMRL) Items for Carrier Air Wing Five (CVW-5) F/A-18 Hornet Squadrons from NAF Atsugi to MCAS Iwakuni, Japan

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-06-01

assets; or Cobra Gold, a six-week exercise conducted jointly with the Royal Thai Armed Forces (U.S. Army, Pacific, 2012). Because these operations do...point of use. An example of this type of mobilization is Cobra Gold, a six-week exercise conducted jointly with the Royal Thai Armed Forces...in the same theatre , and to discontinue the loss of maintenance man-hours in packing and unpacking the entire support package upon each deployment

76 FR 53156 - Submission for Review: Request To Change Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Enrollment for...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-08-25

... Benefits (FEHB) Enrollment for Spouse Equity/Temporary Continuation of Coverage (TCC) Enrollees/Direct Pay.../Temporary Continuation of Coverage (TCC) Enrollees/ Direct Pay Annuitants. As required by the Paperwork... Equity/Temporary Continuation of Coverage (TCC) Enrollees/Direct Pay Annuitants is used by former spouses...

5 CFR 831.205 - CSRS coverage determinations to be approved by OPM.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 5 Administrative Personnel 2 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false CSRS coverage determinations to be approved by OPM. 831.205 Section 831.205 Administrative Personnel OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED) CIVIL SERVICE REGULATIONS (CONTINUED) RETIREMENT Coverage § 831.205 CSRS coverage determinations to be...

5 CFR 831.205 - CSRS coverage determinations to be approved by OPM.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 5 Administrative Personnel 2 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false CSRS coverage determinations to be approved by OPM. 831.205 Section 831.205 Administrative Personnel OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED) CIVIL SERVICE REGULATIONS (CONTINUED) RETIREMENT Coverage § 831.205 CSRS coverage determinations to be...

42 CFR 422.68 - Effective dates of coverage and change of coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICARE PROGRAM MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PROGRAM Eligibility, Election, and... continuity of health benefits coverage. (e) Special election period for individual age 65. For an election of...

First molecular characterization of enteric protozoa and the human pathogenic microsporidian, Enterocytozoon bieneusi, in captive snakes in China.

PubMed

Karim, Md Robiul; Yu, Fuchang; Li, Jian; Li, Junqiang; Zhang, Longxian; Wang, Rongjun; Rume, Farzana Islam; Jian, Fuchun; Zhang, Sumei; Ning, Changshen

2014-08-01

Enteric protozoa are frequently found in snakes. Nevertheless, few studies regarding genetic characterization of these parasites have been carried out. We describe here the first molecular survey of protozoan pathogens from snakes in China and the first report on Enterocytozoon bieneusi genotyping in snakes in the world. Here, 240 fecal specimens were collected from two species of captive snakes, Naja naja (Indian cobra) and Ptyas mucosus (Oriental rat snake), in Guangxi Province, China, and examined by PCR amplification of the small subunit-ribosomal RNA of enteric protozoa and the internal transcribed spacer of ribosomal RNA of E. bieneusi. Cryptosporidium serpentis was identified in three specimens (2.1%) of Oriental rat snakes. Caryospora was found in 5.4% specimens, including eight from cobras (8.1%) and five from rat snakes (3.6%), and represented six new species-Caryospora sp. SKC-2014a to Caryospora sp. SKC-2014 f. Three new Eimeria species, Eimeria sp. SKE-2014a to Eimeria sp. SKE-2014c, were detected in three specimens (2.1%) from rat snakes. Additionally, Sarcocystis sp. SKS-2014 was detected in one specimen from a cobra. The infection rates of E. bieneusi were 3.0% in cobras and 5.7% in rat snakes. Sequence analysis of 11 PCR products revealed the presence of six E. bieneusi genotypes-two known genotypes (type IV and Henan V) and four new genotypes (CRep-1 to CRep-4). All six E. bieneusi genotypes belonged to the zoonotic group (group 1). This result raised the possibility that E. bieneusi could be present in animals consumed by snakes. This should be taken into consideration to better understand the diversity of the parasite, its transmission through the predator-prey relationship, and public health implications.

Antiproliferative activity of king cobra (Ophiophagus hannah) venom L-amino acid oxidase.

PubMed

Li Lee, Mui; Chung, Ivy; Yee Fung, Shin; Kanthimathi, M S; Hong Tan, Nget

2014-04-01

King cobra (Ophiophagus hannah) venom L-amino acid oxidase (LAAO), a heat-stable enzyme, is an extremely potent antiproliferative agent against cancer cells when compared with LAAO isolated from other snake venoms. King cobra venom LAAO was shown to exhibit very strong antiproliferative activities against MCF-7 (human breast adenocarcinoma) and A549 (human lung adenocarcinoma) cells, with an IC50 value of 0.04±0.00 and 0.05±0.00 μg/mL, respectively, after 72-hr treatment. In comparison, its cytotoxicity was about 3-4 times lower when tested against human non-tumourigenic breast (184B5) and lung (NL 20) cells, suggesting selective antitumour activity. Furthermore, its potency in MCF-7 and A549 cell lines was greater than the effects of doxorubicin, a clinically established cancer chemotherapeutic agent, which showed an IC50 value of 0.18±0.03 and 0.63±0.21 μg/mL, respectively, against the two cell lines. The selective cytotoxic action of the LAAO was confirmed by phycoerythrin (PE) annexin V/7-amino-actinomycin (AAD) apoptotic assay, in which a significant increase in apoptotic cells was observed in LAAO-treated tumour cells than in their non-tumourigenic counterparts. The ability of LAAO to induce apoptosis in tumour cells was further demonstrated using caspase-3/7 and DNA fragmentation assays. We also determined that this enzyme may target oxidative stress in its killing of tumour cells, as its cytotoxicity was significantly reduced in the presence of catalase (a H2O2 scavenger). In view of its heat stability and selective and potent cytotoxic action on cancer cells, king cobra venom LAAO can be potentially developed for treating solid tumours. © 2013 Nordic Association for the Publication of BCPT (former Nordic Pharmacological Society).

PASSIVE HEMOLYSIS BY SERUM AND COBRA VENOM FACTOR: A NEW MECHANISM INDUCING MEMBRANE DAMAGE BY COMPLEMENT*

PubMed Central

Pickering, R. J.; Wolfson, M. R.; Good, R. A.; Gewurz, H.

1969-01-01

The studies presented here indicate that activation of the complement (C′) system by a foreign protein will cause membrane injury and passive lysis of unsensitized erythrocytes present at the time of the reaction. These observations suggest that in addition to the classical antibody-C′-induced cytolysis, there are alternative pathways or mechanisms for activation and participation of the terminal C′ components in the production of cell membrane injury. We have shown that a substance derived from cobra venom and eluted from a single protein band on polyacrylamide can promote lysis of unsensitized autologous or heterologous erythrocytes in the presence of fresh guinea pig serum and that this lysis-inducing activity and C′-inhibiting activity appear to reside in the same fractions. The lytic activity is prevented by several agents known to impair classical C′3 activity, but is unaffected by certain procedures which interfere with the function of C′ components C′1 and C′2, a suggestion that this reaction involves chiefly C′3-C′9. Further, the cobra venom (CV) factor depletes C′ activity in cobra serum, and the CV factor (with its 5S serum cofactor) converts purified C′3 to its inactive form,1 indicating that the reaction of this complex with the complement system occurs without participation of antibody. Therefore, since the lysis-inducing and C′-inhibiting activity of the CV factor appear to result from similar interactions with the complement system, these observations suggest that cell membrane damage and cell lysis can be accomplished through activation of the complement system by a mechanism involving little or no participation of classical antibody or C′ components C′1, 4, or 2. Images PMID:4978744

5 CFR 839.213 - May I make a retirement coverage election if I withdrew all or part of my TSP account after I was...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... Administrative Personnel OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED) CIVIL SERVICE REGULATIONS (CONTINUED) CORRECTION OF RETIREMENT COVERAGE ERRORS UNDER THE FEDERAL ERRONEOUS RETIREMENT COVERAGE CORRECTIONS ACT... if your qualifying retirement coverage error was previously corrected to FERS, and you later received...

Change in Health Insurance Coverage After Liver Transplantation Can Be Associated with Worse Outcomes.

PubMed

Akateh, Clifford; Tumin, Dmitry; Beal, Eliza W; Mumtaz, Khalid; Tobias, Joseph D; Hayes, Don; Black, Sylvester M

2018-06-01

Health insurance coverage changes for many patients after liver transplantation, but the implications of this change on long-term outcomes are unclear. To assess post-transplant patient and graft survival according to change in insurance coverage within 1 year of transplantation. We queried the United Network for Organ Sharing for patients between ages 18-64 years undergoing liver transplantation in 2002-2016. Patients surviving > 1 year were categorized by insurance coverage at transplantation and the 1-year transplant anniversary. Multivariable Cox regression characterized the association between coverage pattern and long-term patient or graft survival. Among 34,487 patients in the analysis, insurance coverage patterns included continuous private coverage (58%), continuous public coverage (29%), private to public transition (8%) and public to private transition (4%). In multivariable analysis of patient survival, continuous public insurance (HR 1.29, CI 1.22, 1.37, p < 0.001), private to public transition (HR 1.17, CI 1.07, 1.28, p < 0.001), and public to private transition (HR 1.14, CI 1.00, 1.29, p = 0.044), were associated with greater mortality hazard, compared to continuous private coverage. After disaggregating public coverage by source, mortality hazard was highest for patients transitioning from private insurance to Medicaid (HR vs. continuous private coverage = 1.32; 95% CI 1.14, 1.52; p < 0.001). Similar differences by insurance category were found for death-censored graft failure. Post-transplant transition to public insurance coverage is associated with higher risk of adverse outcomes when compared to retaining private coverage.

Version 6 of the consensus yeast metabolic network refines biochemical coverage and improves model performance

PubMed Central

Heavner, Benjamin D.; Smallbone, Kieran; Price, Nathan D.; Walker, Larry P.

2013-01-01

Updates to maintain a state-of-the art reconstruction of the yeast metabolic network are essential to reflect our understanding of yeast metabolism and functional organization, to eliminate any inaccuracies identified in earlier iterations, to improve predictive accuracy and to continue to expand into novel subsystems to extend the comprehensiveness of the model. Here, we present version 6 of the consensus yeast metabolic network (Yeast 6) as an update to the community effort to computationally reconstruct the genome-scale metabolic network of Saccharomyces cerevisiae S288c. Yeast 6 comprises 1458 metabolites participating in 1888 reactions, which are annotated with 900 yeast genes encoding the catalyzing enzymes. Compared with Yeast 5, Yeast 6 demonstrates improved sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive values for predicting gene essentiality in glucose-limited aerobic conditions when analyzed with flux balance analysis. Additionally, Yeast 6 improves the accuracy of predicting the likelihood that a mutation will cause auxotrophy. The network reconstruction is available as a Systems Biology Markup Language (SBML) file enriched with Minimium Information Requested in the Annotation of Biochemical Models (MIRIAM)-compliant annotations. Small- and macromolecules in the network are referenced to authoritative databases such as Uniprot or ChEBI. Molecules and reactions are also annotated with appropriate publications that contain supporting evidence. Yeast 6 is freely available at http://yeast.sf.net/ as three separate SBML files: a model using the SBML level 3 Flux Balance Constraint package, a model compatible with the MATLAB® COBRA Toolbox for backward compatibility and a reconstruction containing only reactions for which there is experimental evidence (without the non-biological reactions necessary for simulating growth). Database URL: http://yeast.sf.net/ PMID:23935056

Evaluation of COBRA III-C and SABRE-I (wire wrap version) computational results by comparison with steady-state data from a 19-pin internally guard heated sodium cooled bundle with a six-channel central blockage (THORS bundle 3C). [LMFBR

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

Dearing, J F; Rose, S D; Nelson, W R

The predicted computational results of two well-known sub-channel analysis codes, COBRA-III-C and SABRE-I (wire wrap version), have been evaluated by comparison with steady state temperature data from the THORS Facility at ORNL. Both codes give good predictions of transverse and axial temperatures when compared with wire wrap thermocouple data. The crossflow velocity profiles predicted by these codes are similar which is encouraging since the wire wrap models are based on different assumptions.

Culturable Aerobic and Facultative Anaerobic Intestinal Bacterial Flora of Black Cobra (Naja naja karachiensis) in Southern Pakistan

PubMed Central

Iqbal, Junaid; Sagheer, Mehwish; Tabassum, Nazneen; Siddiqui, Ruqaiyyah; Khan, Naveed Ahmed

2014-01-01

Using morphological analysis and biochemical testing, here for the first time, we determined the culturable gut bacterial flora (aerobes and facultative anaerobes) in the venomous Black Cobra (Naja naja karachiensis) from South Asia. The findings revealed that these snakes inhabit potentially pathogenic bacteria including Serratia marcescens, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Shewanella putrefaciens, Aeromonas hydrophila, Salmonella sp., Moraxella sp., Bacillus sp., Ochrobactrum anthropi, and Providencia rettgeri. These findings are of concern, as injury from snake bite can result in wound infections and tissue necrosis leading to sepsis/necrotizing fasciitis and/or expose consumers of snake meat/medicine in the community to infections. PMID:25002979

Advanced Software for Analysis of High-Speed Rolling-Element Bearings

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Poplawski, J. V.; Rumbarger, J. H.; Peters, S. M.; Galatis, H.; Flower, R.

2003-01-01

COBRA-AHS is a package of advanced software for analysis of rigid or flexible shaft systems supported by rolling-element bearings operating at high speeds under complex mechanical and thermal loads. These loads can include centrifugal and thermal loads generated by motions of bearing components. COBRA-AHS offers several improvements over prior commercial bearing-analysis programs: It includes innovative probabilistic fatigue-life-estimating software that provides for computation of three-dimensional stress fields and incorporates stress-based (in contradistinction to prior load-based) mathematical models of fatigue life. It interacts automatically with the ANSYS finite-element code to generate finite-element models for estimating distributions of temperature and temperature-induced changes in dimensions in iterative thermal/dimensional analyses: thus, for example, it can be used to predict changes in clearances and thermal lockup. COBRA-AHS provides an improved graphical user interface that facilitates the iterative cycle of analysis and design by providing analysis results quickly in graphical form, enabling the user to control interactive runs without leaving the program environment, and facilitating transfer of plots and printed results for inclusion in design reports. Additional features include roller-edge stress prediction and influence of shaft and housing distortion on bearing performance.

In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation of Polyherbal Formulation against Russell's Viper and Cobra Venom and Screening of Bioactive Components by Docking Studies

PubMed Central

Sakthivel, G.; Dey, Amitabha; Nongalleima, Kh.; Chavali, Murthy; Rimal Isaac, R. S.; Singh, N. Surjit; Deb, Lokesh

2013-01-01

The present study emphasizes to reveal the antivenom activity of Aristolochia bracteolata Lam., Tylophora indica (Burm.f.) Merrill, and Leucas aspera S. which were evaluated against venoms of Daboia russelli russelli (Russell's viper) and Naja naja (Indian cobra). The aqueous extracts of leaves and roots of the above-mentioned plants and their polyherbal (1 : 1 : 1) formulation at a dose of 200 mg/kg showed protection against envenomed mice with LD50 doses of 0.44 mg/kg and 0.28 mg/kg against Russell's viper and cobra venom, respectively. In in vitro antioxidant activities sample extracts showed free radical scavenging effects in dose dependent manner. Computational drug design and docking studies were carried out to predict the neutralizing principles of type I phospholipase A2 (PLA2) from Indian common krait venom. This confirmed that aristolochic acid and leucasin can neutralize type I PLA2 enzyme. Results suggest that these plants could serve as a source of natural antioxidants and common antidote for snake bite. However, further studies are needed to identify the lead molecule responsible for antidote activity. PMID:23533518

5 CFR 930.103 - Coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 5 Administrative Personnel 2 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Coverage. 930.103 Section 930.103 Administrative Personnel OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED) CIVIL SERVICE REGULATIONS (CONTINUED) PROGRAMS FOR SPECIFIC POSITIONS AND EXAMINATIONS (MISCELLANEOUS) Motor Vehicle Operators § 930.103 Coverage...

5 CFR 930.103 - Coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 5 Administrative Personnel 2 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Coverage. 930.103 Section 930.103 Administrative Personnel OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED) CIVIL SERVICE REGULATIONS (CONTINUED) PROGRAMS FOR SPECIFIC POSITIONS AND EXAMINATIONS (MISCELLANEOUS) Motor Vehicle Operators § 930.103 Coverage...

5 CFR 930.103 - Coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... 5 Administrative Personnel 2 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Coverage. 930.103 Section 930.103 Administrative Personnel OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED) CIVIL SERVICE REGULATIONS (CONTINUED) PROGRAMS FOR SPECIFIC POSITIONS AND EXAMINATIONS (MISCELLANEOUS) Motor Vehicle Operators § 930.103 Coverage...

5 CFR 930.103 - Coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... 5 Administrative Personnel 2 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Coverage. 930.103 Section 930.103 Administrative Personnel OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED) CIVIL SERVICE REGULATIONS (CONTINUED) PROGRAMS FOR SPECIFIC POSITIONS AND EXAMINATIONS (MISCELLANEOUS) Motor Vehicle Operators § 930.103 Coverage...

5 CFR 930.103 - Coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... 5 Administrative Personnel 2 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Coverage. 930.103 Section 930.103 Administrative Personnel OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED) CIVIL SERVICE REGULATIONS (CONTINUED) PROGRAMS FOR SPECIFIC POSITIONS AND EXAMINATIONS (MISCELLANEOUS) Motor Vehicle Operators § 930.103 Coverage...

5 CFR 730.103 - Coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... 5 Administrative Personnel 2 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Coverage. 730.103 Section 730.103 Administrative Personnel OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED) CIVIL SERVICE REGULATIONS (CONTINUED) NOTIFICATION OF POST-EMPLOYMENT RESTRICTIONS § 730.103 Coverage. (a) The following individuals are subject to...

5 CFR 730.103 - Coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 5 Administrative Personnel 2 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Coverage. 730.103 Section 730.103 Administrative Personnel OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED) CIVIL SERVICE REGULATIONS (CONTINUED) NOTIFICATION OF POST-EMPLOYMENT RESTRICTIONS § 730.103 Coverage. (a) The following individuals are subject to...

5 CFR 730.103 - Coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 5 Administrative Personnel 2 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Coverage. 730.103 Section 730.103 Administrative Personnel OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED) CIVIL SERVICE REGULATIONS (CONTINUED) NOTIFICATION OF POST-EMPLOYMENT RESTRICTIONS § 730.103 Coverage. (a) The following individuals are subject to...

5 CFR 730.103 - Coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... 5 Administrative Personnel 2 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Coverage. 730.103 Section 730.103 Administrative Personnel OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED) CIVIL SERVICE REGULATIONS (CONTINUED) NOTIFICATION OF POST-EMPLOYMENT RESTRICTIONS § 730.103 Coverage. (a) The following individuals are subject to...

5 CFR 730.103 - Coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... 5 Administrative Personnel 2 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Coverage. 730.103 Section 730.103 Administrative Personnel OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED) CIVIL SERVICE REGULATIONS (CONTINUED) NOTIFICATION OF POST-EMPLOYMENT RESTRICTIONS § 730.103 Coverage. (a) The following individuals are subject to...

40 CFR 141.3 - Coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 23 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Coverage. 141.3 Section 141.3 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) WATER PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) NATIONAL PRIMARY DRINKING WATER REGULATIONS General § 141.3 Coverage. This part shall apply to each public water...

5 CFR 752.601 - Coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... 5 Administrative Personnel 2 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Coverage. 752.601 Section 752.601 Administrative Personnel OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED) CIVIL SERVICE REGULATIONS (CONTINUED) ADVERSE... Coverage. (a) Adverse actions covered. This subpart applies to suspensions for more than 14 days and...

40 CFR 141.3 - Coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 24 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Coverage. 141.3 Section 141.3 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) WATER PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) NATIONAL PRIMARY DRINKING WATER REGULATIONS General § 141.3 Coverage. This part shall apply to each public water...

5 CFR 752.601 - Coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... 5 Administrative Personnel 2 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Coverage. 752.601 Section 752.601 Administrative Personnel OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED) CIVIL SERVICE REGULATIONS (CONTINUED) ADVERSE... Coverage. (a) Adverse actions covered. This subpart applies to suspensions for more than 14 days and...

40 CFR 141.3 - Coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 24 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Coverage. 141.3 Section 141.3 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) WATER PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) NATIONAL PRIMARY DRINKING WATER REGULATIONS General § 141.3 Coverage. This part shall apply to each public water...

5 CFR 752.601 - Coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... 5 Administrative Personnel 2 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Coverage. 752.601 Section 752.601 Administrative Personnel OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED) CIVIL SERVICE REGULATIONS (CONTINUED) ADVERSE... Coverage. (a) Adverse actions covered. This subpart applies to suspensions for more than 14 days and...

5 CFR 752.601 - Coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 5 Administrative Personnel 2 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Coverage. 752.601 Section 752.601 Administrative Personnel OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED) CIVIL SERVICE REGULATIONS (CONTINUED) ADVERSE... Service § 752.601 Coverage. (a) Adverse actions covered. This subpart applies to suspensions for more than...

40 CFR 141.3 - Coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 23 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Coverage. 141.3 Section 141.3 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) WATER PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) NATIONAL PRIMARY DRINKING WATER REGULATIONS General § 141.3 Coverage. This part shall apply to each public water...

40 CFR 141.3 - Coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 22 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Coverage. 141.3 Section 141.3 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) WATER PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) NATIONAL PRIMARY DRINKING WATER REGULATIONS General § 141.3 Coverage. This part shall apply to each public water...

5 CFR 752.201 - Coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... 5 Administrative Personnel 2 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Coverage. 752.201 Section 752.201 Administrative Personnel OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED) CIVIL SERVICE REGULATIONS (CONTINUED) ADVERSE ACTIONS Regulatory Requirements for Suspension for 14 Days or Less § 752.201 Coverage. (a) Adverse actions...

5 CFR 752.601 - Coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 5 Administrative Personnel 2 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Coverage. 752.601 Section 752.601 Administrative Personnel OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED) CIVIL SERVICE REGULATIONS (CONTINUED) ADVERSE... Coverage. (a) Adverse actions covered. This subpart applies to suspensions for more than 14 days and...

5 CFR 752.201 - Coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... 5 Administrative Personnel 2 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Coverage. 752.201 Section 752.201 Administrative Personnel OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED) CIVIL SERVICE REGULATIONS (CONTINUED) ADVERSE ACTIONS Regulatory Requirements for Suspension for 14 Days or Less § 752.201 Coverage. (a) Adverse actions...

5 CFR 752.201 - Coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... 5 Administrative Personnel 2 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Coverage. 752.201 Section 752.201 Administrative Personnel OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED) CIVIL SERVICE REGULATIONS (CONTINUED) ADVERSE ACTIONS Regulatory Requirements for Suspension for 14 Days or Less § 752.201 Coverage. (a) Adverse actions...

5 CFR 880.304 - FEGLI coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... 5 Administrative Personnel 2 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false FEGLI coverage. 880.304 Section 880.304 Administrative Personnel OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED) CIVIL SERVICE REGULATIONS (CONTINUED... FEGLI coverage. (a) FEGLI premiums will not be collected during periods when an annuitant is a missing...

5 CFR 880.304 - FEGLI coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 5 Administrative Personnel 2 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false FEGLI coverage. 880.304 Section 880.304 Administrative Personnel OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED) CIVIL SERVICE REGULATIONS (CONTINUED... FEGLI coverage. (a) FEGLI premiums will not be collected during periods when an annuitant is a missing...

5 CFR 880.304 - FEGLI coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 5 Administrative Personnel 2 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false FEGLI coverage. 880.304 Section 880.304 Administrative Personnel OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED) CIVIL SERVICE REGULATIONS (CONTINUED... FEGLI coverage. (a) FEGLI premiums will not be collected during periods when an annuitant is a missing...

76 FR 57637 - TRICARE; Continued Health Care Benefit Program Expansion

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-09-16

... TRICARE; Continued Health Care Benefit Program Expansion AGENCY: Office of the Secretary, Department of... Continued Health Care Benefit Program (CHCBP) coverage under certain circumstances that terminate their MHS.... Introduction and Background CHCBP is the program that provides continued health care coverage for eligible...

Pulse-shape discrimination of surface events in CdZnTe detectors for the COBRA experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fritts, M.; Tebrügge, J.; Durst, J.; Ebert, J.; Gößling, C.; Göpfert, T.; Gehre, D.; Hagner, C.; Heidrich, N.; Homann, M.; Köttig, T.; Neddermann, T.; Oldorf, C.; Quante, T.; Rajek, S.; Reinecke, O.; Schulz, O.; Timm, J.; Wonsak, B.; Zuber, K.

2014-06-01

Events near the cathode and anode surfaces of a coplanar grid CdZnTe detector are identifiable by means of the interaction depth information encoded in the signal amplitudes. However, the amplitudes cannot be used to identify events near the lateral surfaces. In this paper a method is described to identify lateral surface events by means of their pulse shapes. Such identification allows for discrimination of surface alpha particle interactions from more penetrating forms of radiation, which is particularly important for rare event searches. The effectiveness of the presented technique in suppressing backgrounds due to alpha contamination in the search for neutrinoless double beta decay with the COBRA experiment is demonstrated.

The Role of Ethics in International Arms Transfers

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-06-01

PAKISTAN F-16C/D CASE………………………………………21 3 THE SAUDI ARABIA F-15 SA CASE.……………………………….. 33 4 THE NIGERIA COBRA HELICOPTER CASE……………………….. 48 5...to Pakistan in 2006, the sale of F-15’s to Saudi Arabia in 2011, and the decision to deny the transfer of Cobra attack helicopters to Nigeria in 2014...chapters will evaluate the decision-making process for three difficult arms transfer cases in Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Nigeria using the jus ad

5 CFR 890.1107 - Length of temporary continuation of coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... dependent children, were covered family members of a former employee receiving continued coverage under this... after the former spouse ceased meeting the requirements for coverage as a family member, unless it is...) Whose marriage to the former employee terminates after the former employee's separation but before the...

5 CFR 890.1107 - Length of temporary continuation of coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... dependent children, were covered family members of a former employee receiving continued coverage under this... after the former spouse ceased meeting the requirements for coverage as a family member, unless it is...) Whose marriage to the former employee terminates after the former employee's separation but before the...

5 CFR 890.1107 - Length of temporary continuation of coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... dependent children, were covered family members of a former employee receiving continued coverage under this... after the former spouse ceased meeting the requirements for coverage as a family member, unless it is...) Whose marriage to the former employee terminates after the former employee's separation but before the...

5 CFR 890.1107 - Length of temporary continuation of coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... dependent children, were covered family members of a former employee receiving continued coverage under this... after the former spouse ceased meeting the requirements for coverage as a family member, unless it is...) Whose marriage to the former employee terminates after the former employee's separation but before the...

Combined Bisulfite Restriction Analysis for brain tissue identification.

PubMed

Samsuwan, Jarunya; Muangsub, Tachapol; Yanatatsaneejit, Pattamawadee; Mutirangura, Apiwat; Kitkumthorn, Nakarin

2018-05-01

According to the tissue-specific methylation database (doi: 10.1016/j.gene.2014.09.060), methylation at CpG locus cg03096975 in EML2 has been preliminarily proven to be specific to brain tissue. In this study, we enlarged sample size and developed a technique for identifying brain tissue in aged samples. Combined Bisulfite Restriction Analysis-for EML2 (COBRA-EML2) technique was established and validated in various organ samples obtained from 108 autopsies. In addition, this technique was also tested for its reliability, minimal DNA concentration detected, and use in aged samples and in samples obtained from specific brain compartments and spinal cord. COBRA-EML2 displayed 100% sensitivity and specificity for distinguishing brain tissue from other tissues, showed high reliability, was capable of detecting minimal DNA concentration (0.015ng/μl), could be used for identifying brain tissue in aged samples. In summary, COBRA-EML2 is a technique to identify brain tissue. This analysis is useful in criminal cases since it can identify the vital organ tissues from small samples acquired from criminal scenes. The results from this analysis can be counted as a medical and forensic marker supporting criminal investigations, and as one of the evidences in court rulings. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Radial and circumferential flow surveys at the inlet and exit of the Space Shuttle Main Engine High Pressure Fuel Turbine Model

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hudson, S. T.; Bordelon, W. J., Jr.; Smith, A. W.; Ramachandran, N.

1995-01-01

The main objective of this test was to obtain detailed radial and circumferential flow surveys at the inlet and exit of the SSME High Pressure Fuel Turbine model using three-hole cobra probes, hot-film probes, and a laser velocimeter. The test was designed to meet several objectives. First, the techniques for making laser velocimeter, hot-film probe, and cobra probe measurements in turbine flows were developed and demonstrated. The ability to use the cobra probes to obtain static pressure and, therefore, velocity had to be verified; insertion techniques had to be established for the fragile hot-film probes; and a seeding method had to be established for the laser velocimetry. Once the measurement techniques were established, turbine inlet and exit velocity profiles, temperature profiles, pressure profiles, turbulence intensities, and boundary layer thicknesses were measured at the turbine design point. The blockage effect due to the model inlet and exit total pressure and total temperature rakes on the turbine performance was also studied. A small range of off-design points were run to obtain the profiles and to verify the rake blockage effects off-design. Finally, a range of different Reynolds numbers were run to study the effect of Reynolds number on the various measurements.

[CO2 Budget and Atmospheric Rectification (COBRA) Over North America

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2004-01-01

The purpose of the CO2 Budget and Rectification Airborne (COBRA) study was to assess terrestrial sources and sinks of carbon dioxide using an air-borne study. The study was designed to address the measurement gap between plot-scale direct flux measurements and background hemispheric-scale constraints and to refine techniques for measuring terrestrial fluxes at regional to continental scales. The initial funded effort (reported on here) was to involve two air-borne campaigns over North America, one in summer and one in winter. Measurements for COBRA (given the acronym C02BAR in the initial proposal) were conducted from the University of North Dakota Citation 11, a twin-engine jet aircraft capable of profiling from the surface to 12 km and cruising for up to 4 hours and 175m/s. Onboard instrumentation measured concentrations of CO2, CO, and H2O, and meteorological parameters at high rates. In addition, two separate flask sampling systems collected discrete samples for laboratory analysis of CO2,CO, CH4, N2O, SF6, H2, 13CO2, C18O16O,O2/N2, and Ar/N2. The project involved a collaboration between a number of institutions, including (but not limited to) Harvard, NOAA-CMDL, the University of North Dakota, and Scripps.

The Development of the Skull of the Egyptian Cobra Naja h. haje (Squamata: Serpentes: Elapidae)

PubMed Central

Khannoon, Eraqi R.; Evans, Susan E.

2015-01-01

Background The study of craniofacial development is important in understanding the ontogenetic processes behind morphological diversity. A complete morphological description of the embryonic skull development of the Egyptian cobra, Naja h. haje, is lacking and there has been little comparative discussion of skull development either among elapid snakes or between them and other snakes. Methodology/Principal Findings We present a description of skull development through a full sequence of developmental stages of the Egyptian cobra, and compare it to other snakes. Associated soft tissues of the head are noted where relevant. The first visible ossification centres are in the supratemporal, prearticular and surangular, with slight ossification visible in parts of the maxilla, prefrontal, and dentary. Epiotic centres of ossification are present in the supraoccipital, and the body of the supraoccipital forms from the tectum posterior not the tectum synoticum. The venom glands are visible as distinct bodies as early at stage 5 and enlarge later to extend from the otic capsule to the maxilla level with the anterior margin of the eye. The gland becomes more prominent shortly before hatching, concomitant with the development of the fangs. The tongue shows incipient forking at stage 5, and becomes fully bifid at stage 6. Conclusions/Significance We present the first detailed staging series of cranial development for the Egyptian cobra, Naja h. haje. This is one of the first studies since the classical works of G. de Beer and W. Parker that provides a detailed description of cranial development in an advanced snake species. It allows us to correct errors and misinterpretations in previous accounts which were based on a small sample of specimens of uncertain age. Our results highlight potentially significant variation in supraoccipital formation among squamates and the need for further research in this area. PMID:25860015

Coiled Brine Recovery Assembly (CoBRA): A New Approach to Recovering Water from Wastewater Brines

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pensinger, Stuart J.

2015-01-01

Brine water recovery represents a current technology gap in water recycling for human spaceflight. The role of a brine processor is to take the concentrated discharge from a primary wastewater processor, called brine, and recover most of the remaining water from it. The current state-of-the-art primary processor is the ISS Urine Processor Assembly (UPA) that currently achieves 70% water recovery. Recent advancements in chemical pretreatments are expected to increase this to 85% in the near future. This is a welcome improvement, yet is still not high enough for deep space transit. Mission architecture studies indicate that at least 95% is necessary for a Mars mission, as an example. Brine water recovery is the technology that bridges the gap between 85% and 95%, and moves life support systems one step closer to full closure of the water loop. Several brine water recovery systems have been proposed for human spaceflight, most of them focused on solving two major problems: operation in a weightless environment, and management and containment of brine residual. Brine residual is the leftover byproduct of the brine recovery process, and is often a viscous, sticky paste, laden with crystallized solid particles. Due to the chemical pretreatments added to wastewater prior to distillation in a primary processor, these residuals are typically toxic, which further complicates matters. Isolation of crewmembers from these hazardous materials is paramount. The Coiled Brine Recovery Assembly (CoBRA) is a recently developed concept from the Johnson Space Center that offers solutions to these challenges. CoBRA is centered on a softgoods evaporator that enables a passive fill with brine, and regeneration by discharging liquid brine residual to a collection bag. This evaporator is meant to be lightweight, which allows it to be discarded along with the accumulated brine solids contained within it. This paper discusses design and development of a first CoBRA prototype, and reports initial test results.

Patient Experience Of Provider Refusal Of Medicaid Coverage And Its Implications.

PubMed

Bhandari, Neeraj; Shi, Yunfeng; Jung, Kyoungrae

2016-01-01

Previous studies show that many physicians do not accept new patients with Medicaid coverage, but no study has examined Medicaid enrollees' actual experience of provider refusal of their coverage and its implications. Using the 2012 National Health Interview Survey, we estimate provider refusal of health insurance coverage reported by 23,992 adults with continuous coverage for the past 12 months. We find that among Medicaid enrollees, 6.73% reported their coverage being refused by a provider in 2012, a rate higher than that in Medicare and private insurance by 4.07 (p<.01) and 3.68 (p<.001) percentage points, respectively. Refusal of Medicaid coverage is associated with delaying needed care, using emergency room (ER) as a usual source of care, and perceiving current coverage as worse than last year. In view of the Affordable Care Act's (ACA) Medicaid expansion, future studies should continue monitoring enrollees' experience of coverage refusal.

Biobankers: Treat the Poison of Invisibility with CoBRA, a Systematic Way of Citing Bioresources in Journal Articles

PubMed Central

Calzolari, Alessia; Cambon-Thomsen, Anne; Mabile, Laurence; Rossi, Anna Maria; De Castro, Paola; Bravo, Elena

2016-01-01

Even though an increasing portion of biomedical research today relies on the use of bioresources, at present biobankers are not able to trace this use in scientific literature and measure its impact with a variety of citation metrics. The “BRIF (Bioresource Research Impact Factor) and journal editors” subgroup was created precisely with the aim to study this issue and to build a standardized system to cite bioresources in journal articles. This report aims at presenting a guideline for Citation of BioResources in journal Articles (CoBRA). The guideline offers for the first time a standard for citing bioresources (including biobanks) within journal articles. It will increase their visibility and promote their sharing. PMID:27314833

New progress in snake mitochondrial gene rearrangement.

PubMed

Chen, Nian; Zhao, Shujin

2009-08-01

To further understand the evolution of snake mitochondrial genomes, the complete mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequences were determined for representative species from two snake families: the Many-banded krait, the Banded krait, the Chinese cobra, the King cobra, the Hundred-pace viper, the Short-tailed mamushi, and the Chain viper. Thirteen protein-coding genes, 22-23 tRNA genes, 2 rRNA genes, and 2 control regions were identified in these mtDNAs. Duplication of the control region and translocation of the tRNAPro gene were two notable features of the snake mtDNAs. These results from the gene rearrangement comparisons confirm the correctness of traditional classification schemes and validate the utility of comparing complete mtDNA sequences for snake phylogeny reconstruction.

Multisatellite systems with linear structure and their application for continuous coverage of the earth

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saulskiy, V. K.

2005-01-01

Multisatellite systems with linear structure (SLS) are defined, and their application for a continuous global or zonal coverage of the Earth’s surface is justified. It is demonstrated that in some cases these systems turned out to be better than usually recommended kinematically regular systems by G.V. Mozhaev, delta systems of J.G. Walker, and polar systems suggested by F.W. Gobets, L. Rider, and W.S. Adams. When a comparison is made using the criterion of a minimum radius of one-satellite coverage circle, the SLS beat the other systems for the majority of satellite numbers from the range 20 63, if the global continuous single coverage of the Earth is required. In the case of a zonal continuous single coverage of the latitude belt ±65°, the SLS are preferable at almost all numbers of satellites from 38 to 100, and further at any values up to 200 excluding 144.

5 CFR 890.1106 - Coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... 5 Administrative Personnel 2 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Coverage. 890.1106 Section 890.1106... EMPLOYEES HEALTH BENEFITS PROGRAM Temporary Continuation of Coverage § 890.1106 Coverage. (a) Type of enrollment. An individual who enrolls under this subpart may elect coverage for self alone or self and family...

5 CFR 890.1106 - Coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... 5 Administrative Personnel 2 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Coverage. 890.1106 Section 890.1106... EMPLOYEES HEALTH BENEFITS PROGRAM Temporary Continuation of Coverage § 890.1106 Coverage. (a) Type of enrollment. An individual who enrolls under this subpart may elect coverage for self alone or self and family...

5 CFR 890.1106 - Coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 5 Administrative Personnel 2 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Coverage. 890.1106 Section 890.1106... EMPLOYEES HEALTH BENEFITS PROGRAM Temporary Continuation of Coverage § 890.1106 Coverage. (a) Type of enrollment. An individual who enrolls under this subpart may elect coverage for self alone or self and family...

5 CFR 890.1106 - Coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... 5 Administrative Personnel 2 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Coverage. 890.1106 Section 890.1106... EMPLOYEES HEALTH BENEFITS PROGRAM Temporary Continuation of Coverage § 890.1106 Coverage. (a) Type of enrollment. An individual who enrolls under this subpart may elect coverage for self alone or self and family...

Venom Proteomics of Indonesian King Cobra, Ophiophagus hannah: Integrating Top-Down and Bottom-Up Approaches.

PubMed

Petras, Daniel; Heiss, Paul; Süssmuth, Roderich D; Calvete, Juan J

2015-06-05

We report on the first application of top-down mass spectrometry in snake venomics. De novo sequence tags generated by, and ProSight Lite supported analysis of, combined collisional based dissotiations (CID and HCD) recorded in a hybrid LTQ Orbitrap instrument in data-dependent mode identified a number of proteins from different toxin families, namely, 11 three-finger toxins (7-7.9 kDa), a Kunitz-type inhibitor (6.3 kDa), ohanin (11.9 kDa), a novel phospholipase A2 molecule (13.8 kDa), and the cysteine-rich secretory protein (CRISP) ophanin (25 kDa) from Indonesian king cobra venom. Complementary bottom-up MS/MS analyses contributed to the completion of a locus-resolved venom phenotypic map for Ophiophagus hannah, the world's longest venomous snake and a species of medical concern across its wide distribution range in forests from India to Southeast Asia. Its venom composition, comprising 32-35 proteins/peptides from 10 protein families, is dominated by α-neurotoxins and convincingly explains the main neurotoxic effects of human envenoming caused by king cobra bite. The integration of efficient chromatographic separation of the venom's components and locus-resolved toxin identification through top-down and bottom-up MS/MS-based species-specific database searching and de novo sequencing holds promise that the future will be bright for the field of venom research.

Viper and cobra venom neutralization by beta-sitosterol and stigmasterol isolated from the root extract of Pluchea indica Less. (Asteraceae).

PubMed

Gomes, A; Saha, Archita; Chatterjee, Ipshita; Chakravarty, A K

2007-09-01

We reported previously that the methanolic root extract of the Indian medicinal plant Pluchea indica Less. (Asteraceae) could neutralize viper venom-induced action [Alam, M.I., Auddy, B., Gomes, A., 1996. Viper venom neutralization by Indian medicinal plant (Hemidesmus indicus and P. indica) root extracts. Phytother. Res. 10, 58-61]. The present study reports the neutralization of viper and cobra venom by beta-sitosterol and stigmasterol isolated from the root extract of P. indica Less. (Asteraceae). The active fraction (containing the major compound beta-sitosterol and the minor compound stigmasterol) was isolated and purified by silica gel column chromatography and the structure was determined using spectroscopic analysis (EIMS, (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR). Anti-snake venom activity was studied in experimental animals. The active fraction was found to significantly neutralize viper venom-induced lethal, hemorrhagic, defibrinogenation, edema and PLA(2) activity. Cobra venom-induced lethality, cardiotoxicity, neurotoxicity, respiratory changes and PLA(2) activity were also antagonized by the active component. It potentiated commercial snake venom antiserum action against venom-induced lethality in male albino mice. The active fraction could antagonize venom-induced changes in lipid peroxidation and superoxide dismutase activity. This study suggests that beta-sitosterol and stigmasterol may play an important role, along with antiserum, in neutralizing snake venom-induced actions.

CTF Theory Manual

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

Avramova, Maria N.; Salko, Robert K.

Coolant-Boiling in Rod Arrays|Two Fluids (COBRA-TF) is a thermal/ hydraulic (T/H) simulation code designed for light water reactor (LWR) vessel analysis. It uses a two-fluid, three-field (i.e. fluid film, fluid drops, and vapor) modeling approach. Both sub-channel and 3D Cartesian forms of 9 conservation equations are available for LWR modeling. The code was originally developed by Pacific Northwest Laboratory in 1980 and had been used and modified by several institutions over the last few decades. COBRA-TF also found use at the Pennsylvania State University (PSU) by the Reactor Dynamics and Fuel Management Group (RDFMG) and has been improved, updated, andmore » subsequently re-branded as CTF. As part of the improvement process, it was necessary to generate sufficient documentation for the open-source code which had lacked such material upon being adopted by RDFMG. This document serves mainly as a theory manual for CTF, detailing the many two-phase heat transfer, drag, and important accident scenario models contained in the code as well as the numerical solution process utilized. Coding of the models is also discussed, all with consideration for updates that have been made when transitioning from COBRA-TF to CTF. Further documentation outside of this manual is also available at RDFMG which focus on code input deck generation and source code global variable and module listings.« less

29 CFR 2590.609-1 - [Reserved

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... Relating to Labor (Continued) EMPLOYEE BENEFITS SECURITY ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF LABOR GROUP HEALTH PLANS RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR GROUP HEALTH PLANS Continuation Coverage, Qualified Medical Child Support Orders, Coverage for Adopted Children § 2590.609-1 [Reserved] ...

Snake bites

MedlinePlus

... larger. Southeast Asia, India, Brazil, and areas of Africa have the most deaths due to snakebite. Considerations ... of the following: Cobra Copperhead Coral snake Cottonmouth (water moccasin) Rattlesnake Various snakes found at zoos Most ...

Experimental Analysis of Steady-State Maneuvering Effects on Transmission Vibration Patterns Recorded in an AH-1 Cobra Helicopter

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Huff, Edward M.; Dzwonczyk, Mark; Norvig, Peter (Technical Monitor)

2000-01-01

Flight experiment was designed primarily to determine the extent to which steady-state maneuvers influence characteristic vibration patterns measured at the input pinion and output annulus gear locations of the main transmission. If results were to indicate that maneuvers systematically influence vibration patterns, more extensive studies would be planned to explore the response surface. It was also designed to collect baseline data for comparison with experimental data to be recorded at a later date from test stands at Glenn Research Center. Finally, because this was the first vibration flight study on the Cobra aircraft, considerable energy was invested in developing an in-flight recording apparatus, as well as exploring acceleration mounting methods, and generally learning about the overall vibratory characteristics of the aircraft itself.

A zero dead-time multi-particle time and position sensitive detector based on correlation between brightness and amplitude

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

Urbain, X., E-mail: xavier.urbain@uclouvain.be; Bech, D.; Van Roy, J.-P.

A new multi-particle time and position sensitive detector using only a set of microchannel plates, a waveform digitizer, a phosphor screen, and a CMOS camera is described. The assignment of the timing information, as taken from the microchannel plates by fast digitizing, to the positions, as recorded by the camera, is based on the COrrelation between the BRightness of the phosphor screen spots, defined as their integrated intensity and the Amplitude of the electrical signals (COBRA). Tests performed by observing the dissociation of HeH, the fragmentation of H{sub 3} into two or three fragments, and the photo-double-ionization of Xenon atomsmore » are presented, which illustrate the performances of the COBRA detection scheme.« less

Bolometric detector systems for IR and mm-wave space astronomy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Church, S. E.; Lange, A. E.; Mauskopf, P. D.; Hristov, V.; Bock, J. J.; DelCastillo, H. M.; Beeman, J.; Ade, P. A. R.; Griffin, M. J.

1996-01-01

Recent developments in bolometric detector systems for millimeter and submillimeter wave space astronomy are described. Current technologies meet all the requirements for the high frequency instrument onboard the cosmic background radiation anisotropy satellite/satellite for the measurement of background anisotropies (COBRAS/SAMBA) platform. It is considered that the technologies that are currently being developed will significantly reduce the effective time constant and/or the cooling requirements of bolometric detectors. These technologies lend themselves to the fabrication of the large format arrays required for the Far Infrared and Submillimeter Space Telescope (FIRST). The scientific goals and detector requirements of the COBRAS/SAMBA platform that will use infrared bolometers are reviewed and the baseline detector system is described, including the feed optics, the infrared filters, the cold amplifiers and the warm readout electronics.

Calibration of CryojetHT and Cobra Plus Cryosystems used in X-ray diffraction studies

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

Dudka, A. P., E-mail: dudka@crys.ras.ru; Verin, I. A.; Smirnova, E. S.

CryoJetHT (Oxford Instruments) and Cobra Plus (Oxford Cryosystems) cryosystems, which are used for sample cooling in X-ray diffraction experiments, have been calibrated. It is shown that the real temperature in the vicinity of the sample differs significantly (the deviation is as high as 8–10 K at low temperatures) from the temperature recorded by authorized sensors of these systems. The calibration results are confirmed by measurements of the unit-cell parameters of GdFe{sub 3}(BO{sub 3}){sub 4} single crystal in the temperature range of its phase transition. It is shown that, to determine the real temperature of a sample, one must perform anmore » independent calibration of cryosystems rather than rely on their ratings.« less

26 CFR 1.410(b)-1 - Minimum coverage requirements (before 1994).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... (CONTINUED) INCOME TAX (CONTINUED) INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED) Pension, Profit-Sharing, Stock Bonus Plans, Etc... the minimum age and service requirements (if any) prescribed by the plan, as of the date coverage is... employees (including employees who do not satisfy the minimum age or service requirements of the plan) are...

5 CFR 831.202 - Continuation of coverage for food service employees of the House of Representatives.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... employees of the House of Representatives. 831.202 Section 831.202 Administrative Personnel OFFICE OF... Continuation of coverage for food service employees of the House of Representatives. (a) Congressional employees who provide food service operations for the House of Representatives can elect to continue their...

Discontinuity of Medicaid Coverage: Impact on Cost and Utilization Among Adult Medicaid Beneficiaries With Major Depression.

PubMed

Ji, Xu; Wilk, Adam S; Druss, Benjamin G; Lally, Cathy; Cummings, Janet R

2017-08-01

Gaps in Medicaid coverage may disrupt access to and continuity of care. This can be detrimental for beneficiaries with chronic conditions, such as major depression, for whom disruptions in access to outpatient care may lead to increased use of acute care. However, little is known about how Medicaid coverage discontinuities impact acute care utilization among adults with depression. Examine the relationship between Medicaid discontinuities and service utilization among adults with major depression. A total of 139,164 adults (18-64) with major depression was identified using the 2003-2004 Medicaid Analytic eXtract Files. We used generalized linear and two-part models to examine the effect of Medicaid discontinuity on service utilization. To establish causality in this relationship, we used instrumental variables analysis, relying on exogenous variation in a state-level policy for identification. Emergency department (ED) visits, inpatient episodes, inpatient days, and Medicaid-reimbursed costs. Approximately 29.4% of beneficiaries experienced coverage disruptions. In instrumental variables models, those with coverage disruptions incurred an increase of $650 in acute care costs per-person per Medicaid-covered month compared with those with continuous coverage, evidenced by an increase in ED use (0.1 more ED visits per-person-month) and inpatient days (0.6 more days per-person-month). The increase in acute costs contributed to an overall increase in all-cause costs by $310 per-person-month (all P-values<0.001). Among depressed adults, those experiencing coverage disruptions have, on average, significantly greater use of costly ED/inpatient services than those with continuous coverage. Maintenance of continuous Medicaid coverage may help prevent acute episodes requiring high-cost interventions.

5 CFR 850.401 - Electronic notice of coverage determination.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... determination. 850.401 Section 850.401 Administrative Personnel OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED) CIVIL SERVICE REGULATIONS (CONTINUED) RETIREMENT SYSTEMS MODERNIZATION Submission of Law Enforcement... notice of law enforcement officer, firefighter, or nuclear materials retirement coverage, required by...

5 CFR 850.401 - Electronic notice of coverage determination.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... determination. 850.401 Section 850.401 Administrative Personnel OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED) CIVIL SERVICE REGULATIONS (CONTINUED) RETIREMENT SYSTEMS MODERNIZATION Submission of Law Enforcement... notice of law enforcement officer, firefighter, or nuclear materials retirement coverage, required by...

5 CFR 850.401 - Electronic notice of coverage determination.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... determination. 850.401 Section 850.401 Administrative Personnel OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED) CIVIL SERVICE REGULATIONS (CONTINUED) RETIREMENT SYSTEMS MODERNIZATION Submission of Law Enforcement... notice of law enforcement officer, firefighter, or nuclear materials retirement coverage, required by...

5 CFR 850.401 - Electronic notice of coverage determination.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... determination. 850.401 Section 850.401 Administrative Personnel OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED) CIVIL SERVICE REGULATIONS (CONTINUED) RETIREMENT SYSTEMS MODERNIZATION Submission of Law Enforcement... notice of law enforcement officer, firefighter, or nuclear materials retirement coverage, required by...

Antimicrobial activity of plants used as medicinals on an indigenous reserve in Rio das Cobras, Paraná, Brazil.

PubMed

Moura-Costa, Gislaine F; Nocchi, Samara R; Ceole, Ligia F; de Mello, João Carlos P; Nakamura, Celso Vataru; Dias Filho, Benedito Prado; Temponi, Livia G; Ueda-Nakamura, Tania

2012-09-28

A considerable percentage of global biodiversity is located in Brazil, a country that also has rich cultural and ethnic diversity. In the community of Rio das Cobras, Paraná, plants are still widely used in the health care not only by indigenous people but also by the non-indigenous population that inhabits the region. The investigation of the efficacy and safety of these plants in the treatment of infectious diseases provides insights for future studies of these species allowing the appropriated use by the indigenous people, since few or none study has been conducted so far. Evaluate the antimicrobial activity and cytotoxicity of some plants used as medicinal on an indigenous reserve in Rio das Cobras, Paraná, Brazil. The aqueous extracts were obtained by decoction and the 50% and 70% hydroalcoholic extracts by turbo extraction. The extracts were tested against strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis, Candida albicans, Candida parapsilosis, Candida tropicalis, Leishmania amazonensis, Poliovirus and HSV-1. Cytotoxicity assay using VERO cells were also performed. None of the extracts had a selectivity index (SI)>1 for any of the tested bacteria. Only Campomanesia eugenioides and Schinus terebinthifolius had an SI>1.0 for all of the tested Candida species. The best anti-Leishmania activity was obtained with Zanthoxylum rhoifolium and Schinus terebinthifolius. Extracts of Cordia americana were the most effective against herpes simplex virus type 1. Zanthoxylum rhoifolium was the most effective against Poliovirus, and Ocimum gratissimum was effective against both Poliovirus and Herpes Simplex virus. Among the plants investigated in the present study, Zanthoxylum rhoifolium had the fewest cytotoxic effect. The plants investigated in the present study exhibited potential for future pharmacological uses, but additional studies, especially with regard to in vivo toxicity, must be conducted. The results of this preliminary survey are important for the Rio das Cobras Reserve community for the safe and effective use of plants in the treatment of some infectious diseases. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of the Lethal Potency of Scorpion and Snake Venoms and Comparison between Intraperitoneal and Intravenous Injection Routes

PubMed Central

Oukkache, Naoual; Jaoudi, Rachid El; Ghalim, Noreddine; Chgoury, Fatima; Bouhaouala, Balkiss; Mdaghri, Naima El; Sabatier, Jean-Marc

2014-01-01

Scorpion stings and snake bites are major health hazards that lead to suffering of victims and high mortality. Thousands of injuries associated with such stings and bites of venomous animals occur every year worldwide. In North Africa, more than 100,000 scorpion stings and snake bites are reported annually. An appropriate determination of the 50% lethal doses (LD50) of scorpion and snake venoms appears to be an important step to assess (and compare) venom toxic activity. Such LD50 values are also commonly used to evaluate the neutralizing capacity of specific anti-venom batches. In the present work, we determined experimentally the LD50 values of reference scorpion and snake venoms in Swiss mice, and evaluated the influence of two main venom injection routes (i.e., intraperitoneal (IP) versus intravenous (IV)). The analysis of experimental LD50 values obtained with three collected scorpion venoms indicates that Androctonus mauretanicus (Am) is intrinsically more toxic than Androctonus australis hector (Aah) species, whereas the latter is more toxic than Buthus occitanus (Bo). Similar analysis of three representative snake venoms of the Viperidae family shows that Cerastes cerastes (Cc) is more toxic than either Bitis arietans (Ba) or Macrovipera lebetina (Ml) species. Interestingly, the venom of Elapidae cobra snake Naja haje (Nh) is far more toxic than viper venoms Cc, Ml and Ba, in agreement with the known severity of cobra-related envenomation. Also, our data showed that viper venoms are about three-times less toxic when injected IP as compared to IV, distinct from cobra venom Nh which exhibited a similar toxicity when injected IP or IV. Overall, this study clearly highlights the usefulness of procedure standardization, especially regarding the administration route, for evaluating the relative toxicity of individual animal venoms. It also evidenced a marked difference in lethal activity between venoms of cobra and vipers, which, apart from the nature of toxins, might be attributed to the rich composition of high molecular weight enzymes in the case of viper venoms. PMID:24926799

Evaluation of the lethal potency of scorpion and snake venoms and comparison between intraperitoneal and intravenous injection routes.

PubMed

Oukkache, Naoual; El Jaoudi, Rachid; Ghalim, Noreddine; Chgoury, Fatima; Bouhaouala, Balkiss; Mdaghri, Naima El; Sabatier, Jean-Marc

2014-06-12

Scorpion stings and snake bites are major health hazards that lead to suffering of victims and high mortality. Thousands of injuries associated with such stings and bites of venomous animals occur every year worldwide. In North Africa, more than 100,000 scorpion stings and snake bites are reported annually. An appropriate determination of the 50% lethal doses (LD₅₀) of scorpion and snake venoms appears to be an important step to assess (and compare) venom toxic activity. Such LD₅₀ values are also commonly used to evaluate the neutralizing capacity of specific anti-venom batches. In the present work, we determined experimentally the LD₅₀ values of reference scorpion and snake venoms in Swiss mice, and evaluated the influence of two main venom injection routes (i.e., intraperitoneal (IP) versus intravenous (IV)). The analysis of experimental LD₅₀ values obtained with three collected scorpion venoms indicates that Androctonus mauretanicus (Am) is intrinsically more toxic than Androctonus australis hector (Aah) species, whereas the latter is more toxic than Buthus occitanus (Bo). Similar analysis of three representative snake venoms of the Viperidae family shows that Cerastes cerastes (Cc) is more toxic than either Bitis arietans (Ba) or Macrovipera lebetina (Ml) species. Interestingly, the venom of Elapidae cobra snake Naja haje (Nh) is far more toxic than viper venoms Cc, Ml and Ba, in agreement with the known severity of cobra-related envenomation. Also, our data showed that viper venoms are about three-times less toxic when injected IP as compared to IV, distinct from cobra venom Nh which exhibited a similar toxicity when injected IP or IV. Overall, this study clearly highlights the usefulness of procedure standardization, especially regarding the administration route, for evaluating the relative toxicity of individual animal venoms. It also evidenced a marked difference in lethal activity between venoms of cobra and vipers, which, apart from the nature of toxins, might be attributed to the rich composition of high molecular weight enzymes in the case of viper venoms.

Continuous strife for better coverage and more details in ocean surface winds measurements - from Midori and ADEOS-2 to GCOM

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Xie, X.; Liu, W.; Hu, H.; Tang, W.

2001-01-01

The series of joint U.S.-Japan spaceborne scatterometers missions to provide continuous measurements of ocean wind vectors is reviewed. Examples of the scientific impact of the continuous effort in improving spatial resolution and coverage are provided. The plan for the future is reviewed.

5 CFR 792.103 - Coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... 5 Administrative Personnel 2 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Coverage. 792.103 Section 792.103 Administrative Personnel OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED) CIVIL SERVICE REGULATIONS (CONTINUED) FEDERAL EMPLOYEES' HEALTH, COUNSELING, AND WORK/LIFE PROGRAMS Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Programs and Services for...

5 CFR 792.103 - Coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... 5 Administrative Personnel 2 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Coverage. 792.103 Section 792.103 Administrative Personnel OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED) CIVIL SERVICE REGULATIONS (CONTINUED) FEDERAL EMPLOYEES' HEALTH AND COUNSELING PROGRAMS Regulatory Requirements for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Programs and...

5 CFR 792.103 - Coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 5 Administrative Personnel 2 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Coverage. 792.103 Section 792.103 Administrative Personnel OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED) CIVIL SERVICE REGULATIONS (CONTINUED) FEDERAL EMPLOYEES' HEALTH AND COUNSELING PROGRAMS Regulatory Requirements for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Programs and...

5 CFR 792.103 - Coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 5 Administrative Personnel 2 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Coverage. 792.103 Section 792.103 Administrative Personnel OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED) CIVIL SERVICE REGULATIONS (CONTINUED) FEDERAL EMPLOYEES' HEALTH AND COUNSELING PROGRAMS Regulatory Requirements for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Programs and...

5 CFR 792.103 - Coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... 5 Administrative Personnel 2 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Coverage. 792.103 Section 792.103 Administrative Personnel OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED) CIVIL SERVICE REGULATIONS (CONTINUED) FEDERAL EMPLOYEES' HEALTH, COUNSELING, AND WORK/LIFE PROGRAMS Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Programs and Services for...

5 CFR 890.302 - Coverage of family members.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... Section 890.302 Administrative Personnel OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED) CIVIL SERVICE REGULATIONS (CONTINUED) FEDERAL EMPLOYEES HEALTH BENEFITS PROGRAM Enrollment § 890.302 Coverage of family...) Evidence of goods or services which show regular and substantial contributions of considerable value; (v...

Equal Access to COBRA Act of 2010

THOMAS, 111th Congress

Sen. Boxer, Barbara [D-CA

2010-03-25

Senate - 03/25/2010 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

Equal Access to COBRA Act of 2011

THOMAS, 112th Congress

Sen. Boxer, Barbara [D-CA

2011-03-10

Senate - 03/10/2011 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

COBRA Health Benefits Extension Act of 2010

THOMAS, 111th Congress

Sen. Brown, Sherrod [D-OH

2010-05-20

Senate - 05/20/2010 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

A 1 MA, variable risetime pulse generator for high energy density plasma research

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Greenly, J. B.; Douglas, J. D.; Hammer, D. A.; Kusse, B. R.; Glidden, S. C.; Sanders, H. D.

2008-07-01

COBRA is a 0.5Ω pulse generator driving loads of order 10nH inductance to >1MA current. The design is based on independently timed, laser-triggered switching of four water pulse-forming lines whose outputs are added in parallel to drive the load current pulse. The detailed design and operation of the switching to give a wide variety of current pulse shapes and rise times from 95to230ns is described. The design and operation of a simple inductive load voltage monitor are described which allows good accounting of load impedance and energy dissipation. A method of eliminating gas bubbles on the underside of nearly horizontal insulator surfaces in water was required for reliable operation of COBRA; a novel and effective solution to this problem is described.

Testing and COBRA-SFS analysis of the VSC-17 ventilated concrete, spent fuel storage cask

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

McKinnon, M.A.; Dodge, R.E.; Schmitt, R.C.

1992-04-01

A performance test of a Pacific Sierra Nuclear VSC-17 ventilated concrete storage cask loaded with 17 canisters of consolidated PWR spent fuel generating approximately 15 kW was conducted. The performance test included measuring the cask surface, concrete, air channel surface, and fuel temperatures, as well as cask surface gamma and neutron dose rates. Testing was performed using vacuum, nitrogen, and helium backfill environments. Pretest predictions of cask thermal performance were made using the COBRA-SFS computer code. Analysis results were within 15{degrees}C of measured peak fuel temperature. Peak fuel temperature for normal operation was 321{degrees}C. In general, the surface dose ratesmore » were less than 30 mrem/h on the side of the cask and 40 mrem/h on the top of the cask.« less

The COBRA demonstrator at the LNGS underground laboratory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ebert, J.; Fritts, M.; Gehre, D.; Gößling, C.; Göpfert, T.; Hagner, C.; Heidrich, N.; Klingenberg, R.; Köttig, T.; Kröninger, K.; Michel, T.; Neddermann, T.; Nitsch, C.; Oldorf, C.; Quante, T.; Rajek, S.; Rebber, H.; Reinecke, O.; Rohatsch, K.; Schulz, O.; Sörensen, A.; Stekl, I.; Tebrügge, J.; Temminghoff, R.; Theinert, R.; Timm, J.; Wester, T.; Wonsak, B.; Zatschler, S.; Zuber, K.

2016-01-01

The COBRA demonstrator, a prototype for a large-scale experiment searching for neutrinoless double beta-decay, was built at the underground laboratory Laboratori Nazionali del Gran Sasso (LNGS) in Italy. It consists of an array of 64 monolithic, calorimetric CdZnTe semiconductor detectors with a coplanar-grid design and a total mass of 380 g. It is used to investigate the experimental challenges faced when operating CdZnTe detectors in low-background mode, to identify potential background sources and to show the long-term stability of the detectors. The first data-taking period started in 2011 with a subset of the detectors, while the demonstrator was completed in November 2013. To date, more than 250 kg d of data have been collected. This paper describes the technical details of the experimental setup and the hardware components.

Navy/Marine Corps innovative science and technology developments for future enhanced mine detection capabilities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Holloway, John H., Jr.; Witherspoon, Ned H.; Miller, Richard E.; Davis, Kenn S.; Suiter, Harold R.; Hilton, Russell J.

2000-08-01

JMDT is a Navy/Marine Corps 6.2 Exploratory Development program that is closely coordinated with the 6.4 COBRA acquisition program. The objective of the program is to develop innovative science and technology to enhance future mine detection capabilities. The objective of the program is to develop innovative science and technology to enhance future mine detection capabilities. Prior to transition to acquisition, the COBRA ATD was extremely successful in demonstrating a passive airborne multispectral video sensor system operating in the tactical Pioneer unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), combined with an integrated ground station subsystem to detect and locate minefields from surf zone to inland areas. JMDT is investigating advanced technology solutions for future enhancements in mine field detection capability beyond the current COBRA ATD demonstrated capabilities. JMDT has recently been delivered next- generation, innovative hardware which was specified by the Coastal System Station and developed under contract. This hardware includes an agile-tuning multispectral, polarimetric, digital video camera and advanced multi wavelength laser illumination technologies to extend the same sorts of multispectral detections from a UAV into the night and over shallow water and other difficult littoral regions. One of these illumination devices is an ultra- compact, highly-efficient near-IR laser diode array. The other is a multi-wavelength range-gateable laser. Additionally, in conjunction with this new technology, algorithm enhancements are being developed in JMDT for future naval capabilities which will outperform the already impressive record of automatic detection of minefields demonstrated by the COBAR ATD.

High Cellular Monocyte Activation in People Living With Human Immunodeficiency Virus on Combination Antiretroviral Therapy and Lifestyle-Matched Controls Is Associated With Greater Inflammation in Cerebrospinal Fluid

PubMed Central

Booiman, Thijs; Wit, Ferdinand W.; Maurer, Irma; De Francesco, Davide; Sabin, Caroline A.; Harskamp, Agnes M.; Prins, Maria; Garagnani, Paolo; Pirazzini, Chiara; Franceschi, Claudio; Fuchs, Dietmar; Gisslén, Magnus; Winston, Alan; Reiss, Peter; Reiss, P.; Wit, F. W. N. M.; Schouten, J.; Kooij, K. W.; van Zoest, R. A.; Elsenga, B. C.; Janssen, F. R.; Heidenrijk, M.; Zikkenheiner, W.; van der Valk, M.; Kootstra, N. A.; Booiman, T.; Harskamp-Holwerda, A. M.; Boeser-Nunnink, B.; Maurer, I.; Mangas Ruiz, M. M.; Girigorie, A. F.; Villaudy, J.; Frankin, E.; Pasternak, A.; Berkhout, B.; van der Kuyl, T.; Portegies, P.; Schmand, B. A.; Geurtsen, G. J.; ter Stege, J. A.; Klein Twennaar, M.; Majoie, C. B. L. M.; Caan, M. W. A.; Su, T.; Weijer, K.; Bisschop, P. H. L. T.; Kalsbeek, A.; Wezel, M.; Visser, I.; Ruhé, H. G.; Franceschi, C.; Garagnani, P.; Pirazzini, C.; Capri, M.; Dall’Olio, F.; Chiricolo, M.; Salvioli, S.; Hoeijmakers, J.; Pothof, J.; Prins, M.; Martens, M.; Moll, S.; Berkel, J.; Totté, M.; Kovalev, S.; Gisslén, M.; Fuchs, D.; Zetterberg, H.; Winston, A.; Underwood, J.; McDonald, L.; Stott, M.; Legg, K.; Lovell, A.; Erlwein, O.; Doyle, N.; Kingsley, C.; Sharp, D. J.; Leech, R.; Cole, J. H.; Zaheri, S.; Hillebregt, M. M. J.; Ruijs, Y. M. C.; Benschop, D. P.; Burger, D.; de Graaff-Teulen, M.; Guaraldi, G.; Bürkle, A.; Sindlinger, T.; Moreno-Villanueva, M.; Keller, A.; Sabin, C.; de Francesco, D.; Libert, C.; Dewaele, S.

2017-01-01

Abstract Background. Increased monocyte activation and intestinal damage have been shown to be predictive for the increased morbidity and mortality observed in treated people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV). Methods. A cross-sectional analysis of cellular and soluble markers of monocyte activation, coagulation, intestinal damage, and inflammation in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of PLHIV with suppressed plasma viremia on combination antiretroviral therapy and age and demographically comparable HIV-negative individuals participating in the Comorbidity in Relation to AIDS (COBRA) cohort and, where appropriate, age-matched blood bank donors (BBD). Results. People living with HIV, HIV-negative individuals, and BBD had comparable percentages of classical, intermediate, and nonclassical monocytes. Expression of CD163, CD32, CD64, HLA-DR, CD38, CD40, CD86, CD91, CD11c, and CX3CR1 on monocytes did not differ between PLHIV and HIV-negative individuals, but it differed significantly from BBD. Principal component analysis revealed that 57.5% of PLHIV and 62.5% of HIV-negative individuals had a high monocyte activation profile compared with 2.9% of BBD. Cellular monocyte activation in the COBRA cohort was strongly associated with soluble markers of monocyte activation and inflammation in the CSF. Conclusions. People living with HIV and HIV-negative COBRA participants had high levels of cellular monocyte activation compared with age-matched BBD. High monocyte activation was predictive for inflammation in the CSF. PMID:28680905

The king cobra genome reveals dynamic gene evolution and adaptation in the snake venom system.

PubMed

Vonk, Freek J; Casewell, Nicholas R; Henkel, Christiaan V; Heimberg, Alysha M; Jansen, Hans J; McCleary, Ryan J R; Kerkkamp, Harald M E; Vos, Rutger A; Guerreiro, Isabel; Calvete, Juan J; Wüster, Wolfgang; Woods, Anthony E; Logan, Jessica M; Harrison, Robert A; Castoe, Todd A; de Koning, A P Jason; Pollock, David D; Yandell, Mark; Calderon, Diego; Renjifo, Camila; Currier, Rachel B; Salgado, David; Pla, Davinia; Sanz, Libia; Hyder, Asad S; Ribeiro, José M C; Arntzen, Jan W; van den Thillart, Guido E E J M; Boetzer, Marten; Pirovano, Walter; Dirks, Ron P; Spaink, Herman P; Duboule, Denis; McGlinn, Edwina; Kini, R Manjunatha; Richardson, Michael K

2013-12-17

Snakes are limbless predators, and many species use venom to help overpower relatively large, agile prey. Snake venoms are complex protein mixtures encoded by several multilocus gene families that function synergistically to cause incapacitation. To examine venom evolution, we sequenced and interrogated the genome of a venomous snake, the king cobra (Ophiophagus hannah), and compared it, together with our unique transcriptome, microRNA, and proteome datasets from this species, with data from other vertebrates. In contrast to the platypus, the only other venomous vertebrate with a sequenced genome, we find that snake toxin genes evolve through several distinct co-option mechanisms and exhibit surprisingly variable levels of gene duplication and directional selection that correlate with their functional importance in prey capture. The enigmatic accessory venom gland shows a very different pattern of toxin gene expression from the main venom gland and seems to have recruited toxin-like lectin genes repeatedly for new nontoxic functions. In addition, tissue-specific microRNA analyses suggested the co-option of core genetic regulatory components of the venom secretory system from a pancreatic origin. Although the king cobra is limbless, we recovered coding sequences for all Hox genes involved in amniote limb development, with the exception of Hoxd12. Our results provide a unique view of the origin and evolution of snake venom and reveal multiple genome-level adaptive responses to natural selection in this complex biological weapon system. More generally, they provide insight into mechanisms of protein evolution under strong selection.

Mapping Proteoforms and Protein Complexes From King Cobra Venom Using Both Denaturing and Native Top-down Proteomics.

PubMed

Melani, Rafael D; Skinner, Owen S; Fornelli, Luca; Domont, Gilberto B; Compton, Philip D; Kelleher, Neil L

2016-07-01

Characterizing whole proteins by top-down proteomics avoids a step of inference encountered in the dominant bottom-up methodology when peptides are assembled computationally into proteins for identification. The direct interrogation of whole proteins and protein complexes from the venom of Ophiophagus hannah (king cobra) provides a sharply clarified view of toxin sequence variation, transit peptide cleavage sites and post-translational modifications (PTMs) likely critical for venom lethality. A tube-gel format for electrophoresis (called GELFrEE) and solution isoelectric focusing were used for protein fractionation prior to LC-MS/MS analysis resulting in 131 protein identifications (18 more than bottom-up) and a total of 184 proteoforms characterized from 14 protein toxin families. Operating both GELFrEE and mass spectrometry to preserve non-covalent interactions generated detailed information about two of the largest venom glycoprotein complexes: the homodimeric l-amino acid oxidase (∼130 kDa) and the multichain toxin cobra venom factor (∼147 kDa). The l-amino acid oxidase complex exhibited two clusters of multiproteoform complexes corresponding to the presence of 5 or 6 N-glycans moieties, each consistent with a distribution of N-acetyl hexosamines. Employing top-down proteomics in both native and denaturing modes provides unprecedented characterization of venom proteoforms and their complexes. A precise molecular inventory of venom proteins will propel the study of snake toxin variation and the targeted development of new antivenoms or other biotherapeutics. © 2016 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

5 CFR 831.911 - Oversight of coverage determinations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

....911 Section 831.911 Administrative Personnel OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED) CIVIL SERVICE REGULATIONS (CONTINUED) RETIREMENT Law Enforcement Officers and Firefighters § 831.911 Oversight of coverage determinations. (a) Upon deciding that a position is a law enforcement officer or firefighter position, each...

5 CFR 831.911 - Oversight of coverage determinations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

....911 Section 831.911 Administrative Personnel OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED) CIVIL SERVICE REGULATIONS (CONTINUED) RETIREMENT Law Enforcement Officers and Firefighters § 831.911 Oversight of coverage determinations. (a) Upon deciding that a position is a law enforcement officer or firefighter position, each...

5 CFR 831.911 - Oversight of coverage determinations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

....911 Section 831.911 Administrative Personnel OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED) CIVIL SERVICE REGULATIONS (CONTINUED) RETIREMENT Law Enforcement Officers and Firefighters § 831.911 Oversight of coverage determinations. (a) Upon deciding that a position is a law enforcement officer or firefighter position, each...

5 CFR 831.911 - Oversight of coverage determinations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

....911 Section 831.911 Administrative Personnel OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED) CIVIL SERVICE REGULATIONS (CONTINUED) RETIREMENT Law Enforcement Officers and Firefighters § 831.911 Oversight of coverage determinations. (a) Upon deciding that a position is a law enforcement officer or firefighter position, each...

5 CFR 890.1106 - Coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... family member is an individual whose relationship to the enrollee meets the requirements of 5 U.S.C. 8901... EMPLOYEES HEALTH BENEFITS PROGRAM Temporary Continuation of Coverage § 890.1106 Coverage. (a) Type of enrollment. An individual who enrolls under this subpart may elect coverage for self alone or self and family...

Reptiles.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Naturescope, 1987

1987-01-01

Describes some of the characteristics of various reptiles. Contains teaching activities including making reptile number books and identification keys, flip-ups about cobras, puzzles involving graphing, and group presentations. Includes reproducible handouts to be used with some of the activities. (TW)

Health coverage of low-income citizen and noncitizen wage earners: sources and disparities.

PubMed

Ponce, Ninez A; Cochran, Susan D; Mays, Vickie M; Chia, Jenny; Brown, E Richard

2008-04-01

The health coverage of low-income workers represents an area of continuing disparities in the United States system of health insurance. Using the 2001 California Health Interview Survey, we estimate the effect of low-income wage earners' citizenship and gender on the odds of obtaining primary employment-based health insurance (EBHI), dependent EBHI, public program coverage, and coverage from any source. We find that noncitizen men and women who comprise 40% of California's low-income workforce, share the disadvantage of much lower rates of insurance coverage, compared to naturalized and U.S.-born citizens. However, poor coverage rates of noncitizen men, regardless of permanent residency status, result from the cumulative disadvantage in obtaining dependent EBHI and public insurance. If public policies designed to provide a health care safety net fail to address the health care coverage needs of low-wage noncitizens, health disparities will continue to increase in this group that contributes essentially to the U.S. economy.

49 CFR 209.303 - Coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... 49 Transportation 4 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Coverage. 209.303 Section 209.303 Transportation Other Regulations Relating to Transportation (Continued) FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION RAILROAD SAFETY ENFORCEMENT PROCEDURES Disqualification Procedures § 209.303 Coverage. This...

49 CFR 209.303 - Coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 49 Transportation 4 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Coverage. 209.303 Section 209.303 Transportation Other Regulations Relating to Transportation (Continued) FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION RAILROAD SAFETY ENFORCEMENT PROCEDURES Disqualification Procedures § 209.303 Coverage. This...

49 CFR 209.303 - Coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... 49 Transportation 4 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Coverage. 209.303 Section 209.303 Transportation Other Regulations Relating to Transportation (Continued) FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION RAILROAD SAFETY ENFORCEMENT PROCEDURES Disqualification Procedures § 209.303 Coverage. This...

49 CFR 209.303 - Coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... 49 Transportation 4 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Coverage. 209.303 Section 209.303 Transportation Other Regulations Relating to Transportation (Continued) FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION RAILROAD SAFETY ENFORCEMENT PROCEDURES Disqualification Procedures § 209.303 Coverage. This...

49 CFR 209.303 - Coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 49 Transportation 4 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Coverage. 209.303 Section 209.303 Transportation Other Regulations Relating to Transportation (Continued) FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION RAILROAD SAFETY ENFORCEMENT PROCEDURES Disqualification Procedures § 209.303 Coverage. This...

5 CFR 875.413 - Is it possible to have coverage reinstated?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 5 Administrative Personnel 2 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Is it possible to have coverage... SERVICE REGULATIONS (CONTINUED) FEDERAL LONG TERM CARE INSURANCE PROGRAM Coverage § 875.413 Is it possible... Carrier will reinstate your coverage if it receives proof satisfactory to it, within 6 months from the...

29 CFR 801.3 - Coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 29 Labor 3 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Coverage. 801.3 Section 801.3 Labor Regulations Relating to Labor (Continued) WAGE AND HOUR DIVISION, DEPARTMENT OF LABOR OTHER LAWS APPLICATION OF THE EMPLOYEE POLYGRAPH PROTECTION ACT OF 1988 General § 801.3 Coverage. (a) The coverage of the Act extends to “any...

28 CFR 55.9 - Coverage of political units within a county.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 28 Judicial Administration 2 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Coverage of political units within a county. 55.9 Section 55.9 Judicial Administration DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE (CONTINUED) IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROVISIONS OF THE VOTING RIGHTS ACT REGARDING LANGUAGE MINORITY GROUPS Nature of Coverage § 55.9 Coverage of...

28 CFR 55.9 - Coverage of political units within a county.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 28 Judicial Administration 2 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Coverage of political units within a county. 55.9 Section 55.9 Judicial Administration DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE (CONTINUED) IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROVISIONS OF THE VOTING RIGHTS ACT REGARDING LANGUAGE MINORITY GROUPS Nature of Coverage § 55.9 Coverage of...

76 FR 4377 - Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; Affordable...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-01-25

... Extension of Dependent Coverage ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: The Department of Labor (DOL) hereby announces the... Coverage,'' to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval for continued use in... an enrollment opportunity to individuals whose coverage ended, or who were denied coverage (or were...

Women In The United States Experience High Rates Of Coverage 'Churn' In Months Before And After Childbirth.

PubMed

Daw, Jamie R; Hatfield, Laura A; Swartz, Katherine; Sommers, Benjamin D

2017-04-01

Insurance transitions-sometimes referred to as "churn"-before and after childbirth can adversely affect the continuity and quality of care. Yet little is known about coverage patterns and changes for women giving birth in the United States. Using nationally representative survey data for the period 2005-13, we found high rates of insurance transitions before and after delivery. Half of women who were uninsured nine months before delivery had acquired Medicaid or CHIP coverage by the month of delivery, but 55 percent of women with that coverage at delivery experienced a coverage gap in the ensuing six months. Risk factors associated with insurance loss after delivery include not speaking English at home, being unmarried, having Medicaid or CHIP coverage at delivery, living in the South, and having a family income of 100-185 percent of the poverty level. To minimize the adverse effects of coverage disruptions, states should consider policies that promote the continuity of coverage for childbearing women, particularly those with pregnancy-related Medicaid eligibility. Project HOPE—The People-to-People Health Foundation, Inc.

45 CFR 400.104 - Continued coverage of recipients who receive increased earnings from employment.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... Welfare OFFICE OF REFUGEE RESETTLEMENT, ADMINISTRATION FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES REFUGEE RESETTLEMENT PROGRAM Refugee Medical Assistance Conditions of Eligibility for Refugee Medical Assistance § 400.104 Continued coverage of recipients who receive increased earnings from...

47 CFR 22.951 - Minimum coverage requirement.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 47 Telecommunication 2 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Minimum coverage requirement. 22.951 Section 22.951 Telecommunication FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (CONTINUED) COMMON CARRIER SERVICES PUBLIC MOBILE SERVICES Cellular Radiotelephone Service § 22.951 Minimum coverage requirement. Applications for...

5 CFR 890.1107 - Length of temporary continuation of coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... the requirements for being considered a child who is a covered family member, unless it is terminated... the day before ceasing to meet the requirements for being considered children who are covered family members, were covered family members of a former employee receiving continued coverage under this subpart...

5 CFR 894.703 - How long does my coverage as an annuitant or compensationer last?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 5 Administrative Personnel 2 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false How long does my coverage as an annuitant or compensationer last? 894.703 Section 894.703 Administrative Personnel OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED) CIVIL SERVICE REGULATIONS (CONTINUED) FEDERAL EMPLOYEES DENTAL AND VISION INSURANCE...

5 CFR 894.703 - How long does my coverage as an annuitant or compensationer last?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 5 Administrative Personnel 2 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false How long does my coverage as an annuitant or compensationer last? 894.703 Section 894.703 Administrative Personnel OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED) CIVIL SERVICE REGULATIONS (CONTINUED) FEDERAL EMPLOYEES DENTAL AND VISION INSURANCE...

AVERT, COBRA, GHG Inventory and GreenHouse Gas (GHG) Reporting Program (2017 EIC)

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

AVERT captures the actual historical behavior of electricity generating units' (EGUs’) operation on an hourly basis to predict how EGUs will operate with additional EE/RE delivered to the electricity grid.

U.S. Army dietitians deploy in support of Cobra Gold: a humanitarian mission.

PubMed

Kemmer, T; Podojil, R; Sweet, L E

1999-07-01

Dietitians are multifunctional and play an important role in humanitarian missions as educators, planners, and consultants. Three dietitians deployed to Thailand in support of the 16th Annual Joint and Combined Exercise, Cobra Gold 1997. The goal of the Medical Civic Assistance Program (MEDCAP) was to promote long-term public health improvements in rural Thai villages. The dietitians counseled 140 patients and taught an additional 5,300 individuals during nutrition classes. The primary nutrition-related clinical diagnoses included malnutrition, anemia, diabetes, hypertension, goiter, and poor appetite. The dietitian who deployed as the medical planner and MEDCAP executive officer facilitated coordination and planning for all phases of the MEDCAP operation. The teams were made up of U.S. and Thai military forces and Thai civilian medical personnel. The mission requirements were established with the Royal Thai Supreme Command, Thai governors, Ministry of Public Health officers, military and medical officers, and veterinarians of the three provinces.

Molecular modeling of NK-CT1, from Indian monocellate cobra (Naja kaouthia) and its docking interaction with human DNA topoisomerase II alpha

PubMed Central

Bandopadhyay, Pathikrit; Halder, Soma; Sarkar, Mrinmoy; Kumar Bhunia, Sujay; Dey, Sananda; Gomes, Antony; Giri, Biplab

2016-01-01

A 6.76 kDa molecular weight cardio and cytotoxic protein of 60 amino acids in length called NK-CT1, was purified from the venom of Indian monocellate cobra (Naja kaouthia) by ion-exchange chromatography and HPLC as described in our earlier report. Therefore it is of interest to utlize the sequence of NK-CT1 for further functional inference using molecular modeling and docking. Thus homology model of NK-CT1 is described in this report. The anti-proliferative activity of the protein, binding with human DNA topoisomerase-II alpha was demonstrated using docking data with AUTODOCK and AUTODOCK MGL tools. Data shows that M26, V27 and S28 of NK-CT1 is in close contact with the nucleotides of the oligonucleotide, bound with topoisomerase-II alpha complex. PMID:28149043

Experiencing Disasters Indirectly: How Traditional and New Media Disaster Coverage Impacts Youth

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Houston, J. Brian; Pfefferbaum, Betty; Reyes, Gilbert

2008-01-01

Media coverage of disasters is often pervasive, continuous, and intense. Because media use has been found to influence the way that individuals view the world, it is worth reviewing how such coverage affects children who do not directly experience a disaster. This article reviews what is known about how disaster coverage in traditional media…

42 CFR 423.566 - Coverage determinations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... (CONTINUED) MEDICARE PROGRAM VOLUNTARY MEDICARE PRESCRIPTION DRUG BENEFIT Grievances, Coverage Determinations... sponsor. Each Part D plan sponsor must have a procedure for making timely coverage determinations in accordance with the requirements of this subpart regarding the prescription drug benefits an enrollee is...

Community Health Center Utilization Following the 2008 Medicaid Expansion in Oregon: Implications for the Affordable Care Act.

PubMed

Hatch, Brigit; Bailey, Steffani R; Cowburn, Stuart; Marino, Miguel; Angier, Heather; DeVoe, Jennifer E

2016-04-01

To assess longitudinal patterns of community health center (CHC) utilization and the effect of insurance discontinuity after Oregon's 2008 Medicaid expansion (the Oregon Experiment). We conducted a retrospective cohort study with electronic health records and Medicaid data. We divided individuals who gained Medicaid in the Oregon Experiment into those who maintained (n = 788) or lost (n = 944) insurance coverage. We compared these groups with continuously insured (n = 921) and continuously uninsured (n = 5416) reference groups for community health center utilization rates over a 36-month period. Both newly insured groups increased utilization in the first 6 months. After 6 months, use among those who maintained coverage stabilized at a level consistent with the continuously insured, whereas it returned to baseline for those who lost coverage. Individuals who maintained coverage through Oregon's Medicaid expansion increased long-term utilization of CHCs, whereas those with unstable coverage did not. This study predicts long-term increase in CHC utilization following Affordable Care Act Medicaid expansion and emphasizes the need for policies that support insurance retention.

The effect of a preoperative warm-up with a custom-made Nintendo video game on the performance of laparoscopic surgeons.

PubMed

Jalink, M B; Heineman, E; Pierie, J P E N; ten Cate Hoedemaker, H O

2015-08-01

It has previously been shown that short, pre-operative practice with a simulator, box trainer, or certain video games can temporarily improve one's basic laparoscopic skills; the so-called warm-up effect. In this experiment, we tested the hypothesis that Underground video game made for training basic laparoscopic skills, can also be used for a pre-operative warm-up. 29 laparoscopic experts were randomized into two different groups, which were tested on two different days. Group 1 (n = 16) did a laparoscopic skill baseline measurement using the FLS peg transfer test and the Top Gun cobra rope drill on day 1, and did the same tests on day 2 after a 15 min session with the Underground game. Group 2 (n = 13) did the same, but started with the video game, followed by baseline measurement on day 2. This way, each participant served as its own control. Video recordings of both tasks were later analyzed by two blinded reviewers. On day 1, group 2 was 14.33 % (P = 0.037) faster in completing the peg transfer test. A trend toward better cobra rope scores is also seen. When comparing the average improvement between both days, group 1--which used the game as a warm-up on day 2--showed a 19.61 % improvement in cobra rope score, compared to a 0.77 % score decrease in group 2 (P = 0.002). This study shows that the Underground video game can be used as a pre-operative warm-up in an experimental setting.

Dissipation of deltamethrin, triazophos, and endosulfan in ready mix formulations in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.) and Egg plant (Solanum melongena L.).

PubMed

Mukherjee, Irani; Kumar, Ashok; Kumar, Aman

2015-09-01

Persistence of delltamethrin, endosulfan, and triazophos in egg plant and tomato was studied following application of two ready mix formulations of insecticides viz. deltametrhin and endosulfan (Cobra 5000; 0.75% deltamethrin + 29.5% endosulfan) and deltamethrin and triazophos (Annaconda Plus; 1% deltamethrin + 35% triazophos) at recommended (1.0 L/ha and double dose 2.0 L/ha). The residues of deltamethrin persisted till 7 and 5 days in tomato and egg plant fruits, respectively, in the ready mix formulation of Cobra 5000 whereas endosulfan persisted till 15 and 10 days in tomato and egg plant fruits, respectively. Dissipation of the insecticides followed first-order kinetics with half-life values of deltamethrin and endosulfan ranged from 2.6 to 4.7 and 1.4 to 1.7 days, respectively, for both the vegetables. In case of combination mix of deltamethrin and triazophos (Annaconda Plus), deltamethrin persisted beyond 5 days in both tomato and egg plant fruits, while triazophos persisted till 10 days in both the vegetables. Residues of deltamethrin and triazophos dissipated with half-life of 2.6-4.2 and 1.7-4.1 days, respectively, on tomato and egg plant fruits. Based on the Codex MRL limits, a safe waiting period of 5 and 3 days is suggested for tomato and egg plant, respectively, for the ready mix formulation of deltamethrin and endosulfan (Cobra 5000), and 5-day waiting period is suggested for tomato and egg plant for the combination mix of deltamethrin and triazophos.

3D Flow in the Venom Channel of a Spitting Cobra: Do the Ridges in the Fangs Act as Fluid Guide Vanes?

PubMed Central

Triep, Michael; Hess, David; Chaves, Humberto; Brücker, Christoph; Balmert, Alexander; Westhoff, Guido; Bleckmann, Horst

2013-01-01

The spitting cobra Naja pallida can eject its venom towards an offender from a distance of up to two meters. The aim of this study was to understand the mechanisms responsible for the relatively large distance covered by the venom jet although the venom channel is only of micro-scale. Therefore, we analysed factors that influence secondary flow and pressure drop in the venom channel, which include the physical-chemical properties of venom liquid and the morphology of the venom channel. The cobra venom showed shear-reducing properties and the venom channel had paired ridges that span from the last third of the channel to its distal end, terminating laterally and in close proximity to the discharge orifice. To analyze the functional significance of these ridges we generated a numerical and an experimental model of the venom channel. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and Particle-Image Velocimetry (PIV) revealed that the paired interior ridges shape the flow structure upstream of the sharp 90° bend at the distal end. The occurrence of secondary flow structures resembling Dean-type vortical structures in the venom channel can be observed, which induce additional pressure loss. Comparing a venom channel featuring ridges with an identical channel featuring no ridges, one can observe a reduction of pressure loss of about 30%. Therefore it is concluded that the function of the ridges is similar to guide vanes used by engineers to reduce pressure loss in curved flow channels. PMID:23671569

The king cobra genome reveals dynamic gene evolution and adaptation in the snake venom system

PubMed Central

Vonk, Freek J.; Casewell, Nicholas R.; Henkel, Christiaan V.; Heimberg, Alysha M.; Jansen, Hans J.; McCleary, Ryan J. R.; Kerkkamp, Harald M. E.; Vos, Rutger A.; Guerreiro, Isabel; Calvete, Juan J.; Wüster, Wolfgang; Woods, Anthony E.; Logan, Jessica M.; Harrison, Robert A.; Castoe, Todd A.; de Koning, A. P. Jason; Pollock, David D.; Yandell, Mark; Calderon, Diego; Renjifo, Camila; Currier, Rachel B.; Salgado, David; Pla, Davinia; Sanz, Libia; Hyder, Asad S.; Ribeiro, José M. C.; Arntzen, Jan W.; van den Thillart, Guido E. E. J. M.; Boetzer, Marten; Pirovano, Walter; Dirks, Ron P.; Spaink, Herman P.; Duboule, Denis; McGlinn, Edwina; Kini, R. Manjunatha; Richardson, Michael K.

2013-01-01

Snakes are limbless predators, and many species use venom to help overpower relatively large, agile prey. Snake venoms are complex protein mixtures encoded by several multilocus gene families that function synergistically to cause incapacitation. To examine venom evolution, we sequenced and interrogated the genome of a venomous snake, the king cobra (Ophiophagus hannah), and compared it, together with our unique transcriptome, microRNA, and proteome datasets from this species, with data from other vertebrates. In contrast to the platypus, the only other venomous vertebrate with a sequenced genome, we find that snake toxin genes evolve through several distinct co-option mechanisms and exhibit surprisingly variable levels of gene duplication and directional selection that correlate with their functional importance in prey capture. The enigmatic accessory venom gland shows a very different pattern of toxin gene expression from the main venom gland and seems to have recruited toxin-like lectin genes repeatedly for new nontoxic functions. In addition, tissue-specific microRNA analyses suggested the co-option of core genetic regulatory components of the venom secretory system from a pancreatic origin. Although the king cobra is limbless, we recovered coding sequences for all Hox genes involved in amniote limb development, with the exception of Hoxd12. Our results provide a unique view of the origin and evolution of snake venom and reveal multiple genome-level adaptive responses to natural selection in this complex biological weapon system. More generally, they provide insight into mechanisms of protein evolution under strong selection. PMID:24297900

High Cellular Monocyte Activation in People Living With Human Immunodeficiency Virus on Combination Antiretroviral Therapy and Lifestyle-Matched Controls Is Associated With Greater Inflammation in Cerebrospinal Fluid.

PubMed

Booiman, Thijs; Wit, Ferdinand W; Maurer, Irma; De Francesco, Davide; Sabin, Caroline A; Harskamp, Agnes M; Prins, Maria; Garagnani, Paolo; Pirazzini, Chiara; Franceschi, Claudio; Fuchs, Dietmar; Gisslén, Magnus; Winston, Alan; Reiss, Peter; Kootstra, Neeltje A

2017-01-01

Increased monocyte activation and intestinal damage have been shown to be predictive for the increased morbidity and mortality observed in treated people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV). A cross-sectional analysis of cellular and soluble markers of monocyte activation, coagulation, intestinal damage, and inflammation in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of PLHIV with suppressed plasma viremia on combination antiretroviral therapy and age and demographically comparable HIV-negative individuals participating in the Comorbidity in Relation to AIDS (COBRA) cohort and, where appropriate, age-matched blood bank donors (BBD). People living with HIV, HIV-negative individuals, and BBD had comparable percentages of classical, intermediate, and nonclassical monocytes. Expression of CD163, CD32, CD64, HLA-DR, CD38, CD40, CD86, CD91, CD11c, and CX3CR1 on monocytes did not differ between PLHIV and HIV-negative individuals, but it differed significantly from BBD. Principal component analysis revealed that 57.5% of PLHIV and 62.5% of HIV-negative individuals had a high monocyte activation profile compared with 2.9% of BBD. Cellular monocyte activation in the COBRA cohort was strongly associated with soluble markers of monocyte activation and inflammation in the CSF. People living with HIV and HIV-negative COBRA participants had high levels of cellular monocyte activation compared with age-matched BBD. High monocyte activation was predictive for inflammation in the CSF. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Infectious Diseases Society of America.

Genetic structure and demographic history should inform conservation: Chinese cobras currently treated as homogenous show population divergence.

PubMed

Lin, Long-Hui; Qu, Yan-Fu; Li, Hong; Zhou, Kai-Ya; Ji, Xiang

2012-01-01

An understanding of population structure and genetic diversity is crucial for wildlife conservation and for determining the integrity of wildlife populations. The vulnerable Chinese cobra (Naja atra) has a distribution from the mouth of the Yangtze River down to northern Vietnam and Laos, within which several large mountain ranges and water bodies may influence population structure. We combined 12 microsatellite loci and 1117 bp of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene to explore genetic structure and demographic history in this species, using 269 individuals from various localities in Mainland China and Vietnam. High levels of genetic variation were identified for both mtDNA and microsatellites. mtDNA data revealed two main (Vietnam + southern China + southwestern China; eastern + southeastern China) and one minor (comprising only two individuals from the westernmost site) clades. Microsatellite data divided the eastern + southeastern China clade further into two genetic clusters, which include individuals from the eastern and southeastern regions, respectively. The Luoxiao and Nanling Mountains may be important barriers affecting the diversification of lineages. In the haplotype network of cytchrome b, many haplotypes were represented within a "star" cluster and this and other tests suggest recent expansion. However, microsatellite analyses did not yield strong evidence for a recent bottleneck for any population or genetic cluster. The three main clusters identified here should be considered as independent management units for conservation purposes. The release of Chinese cobras into the wild should cease unless their origin can be determined, and this will avoid problems arising from unnatural homogenization.

5 CFR 890.806 - When can former spouses change enrollment or reenroll and what are the effective dates?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... § 890.804 loses coverage under another enrollment under this part or under another group health benefits... federally-sponsored health benefits program; (3) Loss of coverage due to the termination of membership in an... OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED) CIVIL SERVICE REGULATIONS (CONTINUED) FEDERAL EMPLOYEES HEALTH...

5 CFR 890.806 - When can former spouses change enrollment or reenroll and what are the effective dates?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... § 890.804 loses coverage under another enrollment under this part or under another group health benefits... federally-sponsored health benefits program; (3) Loss of coverage due to the termination of membership in an... OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED) CIVIL SERVICE REGULATIONS (CONTINUED) FEDERAL EMPLOYEES HEALTH...

5 CFR 890.806 - When can former spouses change enrollment or reenroll and what are the effective dates?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... § 890.804 loses coverage under another enrollment under this part or under another group health benefits... federally-sponsored health benefits program; (3) Loss of coverage due to the termination of membership in an... OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED) CIVIL SERVICE REGULATIONS (CONTINUED) FEDERAL EMPLOYEES HEALTH...

5 CFR 890.306 - When can annuitants or survivor annuitants change enrollment or reenroll and what are the...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... Administrative Personnel OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED) CIVIL SERVICE REGULATIONS (CONTINUED) FEDERAL... (including the Uniformed Services Family Health Plan) or TRICARE-for-Life coverage instead of FEHB coverage... program; or to use Peace Corps or CHAMPVA or TRICARE (including the Uniformed Services Family Health Plan...

5 CFR 890.306 - When can annuitants or survivor annuitants change enrollment or reenroll and what are the...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... Administrative Personnel OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED) CIVIL SERVICE REGULATIONS (CONTINUED) FEDERAL... (including the Uniformed Services Family Health Plan) or TRICARE-for-Life coverage instead of FEHB coverage... program; or to use Peace Corps or CHAMPVA or TRICARE (including the Uniformed Services Family Health Plan...

45 CFR 1225.4 - Coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... 45 Public Welfare 4 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Coverage. 1225.4 Section 1225.4 Public Welfare Regulations Relating to Public Welfare (Continued) CORPORATION FOR NATIONAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICE VOLUNTEER DISCRIMINATION COMPLAINT PROCEDURE General Provisions § 1225.4 Coverage. (a) These procedures apply to all Peace...

45 CFR 1225.4 - Coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... 45 Public Welfare 4 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Coverage. 1225.4 Section 1225.4 Public Welfare Regulations Relating to Public Welfare (Continued) CORPORATION FOR NATIONAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICE VOLUNTEER DISCRIMINATION COMPLAINT PROCEDURE General Provisions § 1225.4 Coverage. (a) These procedures apply to all Peace...

24 CFR 200.17 - Mortgage coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... 24 Housing and Urban Development 2 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Mortgage coverage. 200.17 Section 200.17 Housing and Urban Development Regulations Relating to Housing and Urban Development (Continued... Eligibility Requirements for Existing Projects Eligible Mortgage § 200.17 Mortgage coverage. The mortgage...

45 CFR 1225.4 - Coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 45 Public Welfare 4 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Coverage. 1225.4 Section 1225.4 Public Welfare Regulations Relating to Public Welfare (Continued) CORPORATION FOR NATIONAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICE VOLUNTEER DISCRIMINATION COMPLAINT PROCEDURE General Provisions § 1225.4 Coverage. (a) These procedures apply to all Peace...

45 CFR 1225.4 - Coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 45 Public Welfare 4 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Coverage. 1225.4 Section 1225.4 Public Welfare Regulations Relating to Public Welfare (Continued) CORPORATION FOR NATIONAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICE VOLUNTEER DISCRIMINATION COMPLAINT PROCEDURE General Provisions § 1225.4 Coverage. (a) These procedures apply to all Peace...

24 CFR 200.17 - Mortgage coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... 24 Housing and Urban Development 2 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Mortgage coverage. 200.17 Section 200.17 Housing and Urban Development Regulations Relating to Housing and Urban Development (Continued... Eligibility Requirements for Existing Projects Eligible Mortgage § 200.17 Mortgage coverage. The mortgage...

7 CFR 1735.11 - Area coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 11 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Area coverage. 1735.11 Section 1735.11 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) RURAL UTILITIES SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE... Policies § 1735.11 Area coverage. Borrowers must make adequate telephone service available to the widest...

45 CFR 1225.4 - Coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... 45 Public Welfare 4 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Coverage. 1225.4 Section 1225.4 Public Welfare Regulations Relating to Public Welfare (Continued) CORPORATION FOR NATIONAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICE VOLUNTEER DISCRIMINATION COMPLAINT PROCEDURE General Provisions § 1225.4 Coverage. (a) These procedures apply to all Peace...

18. METAL LIGHT STANDARD, AT NORTH END BLOCK OF EAST ...

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

18. METAL LIGHT STANDARD, AT NORTH END BLOCK OF EAST PARAPET, FROM NORTH, SHOWING ORIGINAL LIGHT STANDARD, WITH REPLACEMENT BRACKET AND COBRA-HEAD LAMP - Fifth Street Viaduct, Spanning Bacon's Quarter Branch Valley on Fifth Street, Richmond, Independent City, VA

ARC-1978-AC78-1040-172

NASA Image and Video Library

1978-11-14

Lockheed YO-3A (USA 69-18010 NASA 718) A/C & BELL COBRA HELICOPTER FLIGHT & GROUND TESTS AT EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE. Rotorcraft Research. NASA SP-1998-3300 Flight Research at Ames: 57 Years of Development and Validation of Aeronautical Technology Fig. 143

14 CFR 198.5 - Types of insurance coverage available.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... 14 Aeronautics and Space 3 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Types of insurance coverage available. 198.5 Section 198.5 Aeronautics and Space FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (CONTINUED) WAR RISK INSURANCE AVIATION INSURANCE § 198.5 Types of insurance coverage available. Application...

14 CFR 198.5 - Types of insurance coverage available.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... 14 Aeronautics and Space 3 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Types of insurance coverage available. 198.5 Section 198.5 Aeronautics and Space FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (CONTINUED) WAR RISK INSURANCE AVIATION INSURANCE § 198.5 Types of insurance coverage available. Application...

47 CFR 80.771 - Method of computing coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... 47 Telecommunication 5 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Method of computing coverage. 80.771 Section 80.771 Telecommunication FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (CONTINUED) SAFETY AND SPECIAL RADIO SERVICES STATIONS IN THE MARITIME SERVICES Standards for Computing Public Coast Station VHF Coverage § 80.771 Method...

43 CFR 3933.51 - Bond coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... 43 Public Lands: Interior 2 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Bond coverage. 3933.51 Section 3933.51 Public Lands: Interior Regulations Relating to Public Lands (Continued) BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT... Assignments and Subleases § 3933.51 Bond coverage. Before the BLM will approve an assignment, the assignee...

7 CFR 275.8 - Review coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 4 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Review coverage. 275.8 Section 275.8 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE...) Reviews § 275.8 Review coverage. (a) During each review period, State agencies shall review the national...

7 CFR 1710.103 - Area coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 11 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Area coverage. 1710.103 Section 1710.103 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) RURAL UTILITIES SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE... Basic Policies § 1710.103 Area coverage. (a) Borrowers shall make a diligent effort to extend electric...

43 CFR 3933.51 - Bond coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 43 Public Lands: Interior 2 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Bond coverage. 3933.51 Section 3933.51 Public Lands: Interior Regulations Relating to Public Lands (Continued) BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT... and Subleases § 3933.51 Bond coverage. Before the BLM will approve an assignment, the assignee must...

7 CFR 275.8 - Review coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 4 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Review coverage. 275.8 Section 275.8 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE...) Reviews § 275.8 Review coverage. (a) During each review period, State agencies shall review the national...

43 CFR 3933.51 - Bond coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... 43 Public Lands: Interior 2 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Bond coverage. 3933.51 Section 3933.51 Public Lands: Interior Regulations Relating to Public Lands (Continued) BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT... Assignments and Subleases § 3933.51 Bond coverage. Before the BLM will approve an assignment, the assignee...

7 CFR 275.8 - Review coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 4 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Review coverage. 275.8 Section 275.8 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE...) Reviews § 275.8 Review coverage. (a) During each review period, State agencies shall review the national...

7 CFR 275.8 - Review coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 4 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Review coverage. 275.8 Section 275.8 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE...) Reviews § 275.8 Review coverage. (a) During each review period, State agencies shall review the national...

75 FR 13595 - Publication of Model Notices for Health Care Continuation Coverage Provided Pursuant to the...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-03-22

... Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), as Further Amended by the Temporary Extension Act (TEA) of 2010, Notice AGENCY... Model Health Care Continuation Coverage Notices required by ARRA, as further amended by TEA. SUMMARY: On... notices required by ARRA, as further amended by TEA. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kevin Horahan or...

5 CFR 890.1209 - Responsibilities of the U.S. Department of State.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... (CONTINUED) CIVIL SERVICE REGULATIONS (CONTINUED) FEDERAL EMPLOYEES HEALTH BENEFITS PROGRAM Benefits for... of title 5 U.S. Code by reason of other health insurance coverage as provided in section 599C of... married or single for the purpose of coverage under a self only or a self and family enrollment as set...

14 CFR 198.7 - Amount of insurance coverage available.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... 14 Aeronautics and Space 3 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Amount of insurance coverage available. 198.7 Section 198.7 Aeronautics and Space FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (CONTINUED) WAR RISK INSURANCE AVIATION INSURANCE § 198.7 Amount of insurance coverage available. (a) For...

14 CFR 198.7 - Amount of insurance coverage available.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... 14 Aeronautics and Space 3 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Amount of insurance coverage available. 198.7 Section 198.7 Aeronautics and Space FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (CONTINUED) WAR RISK INSURANCE AVIATION INSURANCE § 198.7 Amount of insurance coverage available. (a) For...

5 CFR 890.302 - Coverage of family members.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 5 Administrative Personnel 2 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Coverage of family members. 890.302... REGULATIONS (CONTINUED) FEDERAL EMPLOYEES HEALTH BENEFITS PROGRAM Enrollment § 890.302 Coverage of family members. (a)(1) An enrollment for self and family includes all family members who are eligible to be...

5 CFR 890.302 - Coverage of family members.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... the marriage, an employee or annuitant may enroll in his or her own right in a self and family... 5 Administrative Personnel 2 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Coverage of family members. 890.302... REGULATIONS (CONTINUED) FEDERAL EMPLOYEES HEALTH BENEFITS PROGRAM Enrollment § 890.302 Coverage of family...

NOAA Weather Radio

Science.gov Websites

Questions NOAA WEATHER RADIO Marine Coverage The NOAA Weather Radio network provides near continuous coverage of the coastal U.S, Great Lakes, Hawaii, and populated Alaska coastline. Typical coverage is 25 Transmitter frequency, call sign and power; and remarks (if any.) Atlantic Gulf of Mexico Great Lakes West

42 CFR 486.102 - Condition for coverage: Supervision by a qualified physician.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 42 Public Health 5 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Condition for coverage: Supervision by a qualified physician. 486.102 Section 486.102 Public Health CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) STANDARDS AND CERTIFICATION CONDITIONS FOR COVERAGE OF SPECIALIZED...

29 CFR 2590.701-4 - Rules relating to creditable coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 2590.701-4 Labor Regulations Relating to Labor (Continued) EMPLOYEE BENEFITS SECURITY ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF LABOR GROUP HEALTH PLANS RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR GROUP HEALTH PLANS Health Coverage... I of the Act, and without regard to whether the coverage is offered in the group market, the...

29 CFR 2590.701-4 - Rules relating to creditable coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 2590.701-4 Labor Regulations Relating to Labor (Continued) EMPLOYEE BENEFITS SECURITY ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF LABOR GROUP HEALTH PLANS RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR GROUP HEALTH PLANS Health Coverage... I of the Act, and without regard to whether the coverage is offered in the group market, the...

29 CFR 2590.701-4 - Rules relating to creditable coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 2590.701-4 Labor Regulations Relating to Labor (Continued) EMPLOYEE BENEFITS SECURITY ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF LABOR GROUP HEALTH PLANS RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR GROUP HEALTH PLANS Health Coverage... I of the Act, and without regard to whether the coverage is offered in the group market, the...

75 FR 33303 - Comment Sought on Measurement of Mobile Broadband Network Performance and Coverage

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-06-11

...; DA 10-988] Comment Sought on Measurement of Mobile Broadband Network Performance and Coverage AGENCY... broadband services. The Bureau seeks comment on whether and how to pursue a measurement program for mobile... and coverage, and continue to work with measurement companies, application designers, device...

14 CFR 198.17 - Ground support and other coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 14 Aeronautics and Space 3 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Ground support and other coverage. 198.17 Section 198.17 Aeronautics and Space FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (CONTINUED) WAR RISK INSURANCE AVIATION INSURANCE § 198.17 Ground support and other coverage. An aircraft...

14 CFR 198.17 - Ground support and other coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 14 Aeronautics and Space 3 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Ground support and other coverage. 198.17 Section 198.17 Aeronautics and Space FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (CONTINUED) WAR RISK INSURANCE AVIATION INSURANCE § 198.17 Ground support and other coverage. An aircraft...

7 CFR 457.102 - Wheat or barley winter coverage endorsement.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 6 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Wheat or barley winter coverage endorsement. 457.102... INSURANCE CORPORATION, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE COMMON CROP INSURANCE REGULATIONS § 457.102 Wheat or barley... Wheat or Barley Winter Coverage Endorsement (This is a continuous endorsement) 1. In return for payment...

29 CFR 2590.606-4 - Notice requirements for plan administrators.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... Coverage, Qualified Medical Child Support Orders, Coverage for Adopted Children § 2590.606-4 Notice... child; (v) An explanation of the plan's procedures for electing continuation coverage, including an... the Social Security Administration, under title II or XVI of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 401 et...

Community Health Center Utilization Following the 2008 Medicaid Expansion in Oregon: Implications for the Affordable Care Act

PubMed Central

Bailey, Steffani R.; Cowburn, Stuart; Marino, Miguel; Angier, Heather; DeVoe, Jennifer E.

2016-01-01

Objectives. To assess longitudinal patterns of community health center (CHC) utilization and the effect of insurance discontinuity after Oregon’s 2008 Medicaid expansion (the Oregon Experiment). Methods. We conducted a retrospective cohort study with electronic health records and Medicaid data. We divided individuals who gained Medicaid in the Oregon Experiment into those who maintained (n = 788) or lost (n = 944) insurance coverage. We compared these groups with continuously insured (n = 921) and continuously uninsured (n = 5416) reference groups for community health center utilization rates over a 36-month period. Results. Both newly insured groups increased utilization in the first 6 months. After 6 months, use among those who maintained coverage stabilized at a level consistent with the continuously insured, whereas it returned to baseline for those who lost coverage. Conclusions. Individuals who maintained coverage through Oregon’s Medicaid expansion increased long-term utilization of CHCs, whereas those with unstable coverage did not. Policy implications. This study predicts long-term increase in CHC utilization following Affordable Care Act Medicaid expansion and emphasizes the need for policies that support insurance retention. PMID:26890164

Prophylactic action of garlic on the histological and histochemical patterns of hepatic and gastric tissues in rats injected with a snake venom.

PubMed

Rahmy, T R; Hemmaid, K Z

2001-05-01

The present study aimed to examine the prophylactic action of oral administration of two doses of garlic on the histological and histochemical patterns of the gastric and hepatic tissues in rats envenomed with cobra snake. The study included the following groups: Group I contained control rats orally administered distilled water for ten days. Group II included rats orally administered daily for ten days with the equivalent therapeutic dose of garlic to rat (18 mg/kg body weight). Group III included rats orally administered daily for ten days with double the equivalent therapeutic dose of garlic to rat (36 mg/kg body weight). Group IV contained rats intramuscularly (i.m.) injected with 1/2 LD50 of cobra venom (0.0125 microg venom/gm body weight) and dissected after 6 hr from injection. Groups V and VI contained rats daily administered with the previous two doses of garlic for ten days, respectively, followed by a single i.m. injection of the above dose of cobra venom after 24 hr from the last garlic application. Rats of these two groups were dissected after 6 hr from venom injection. Administration of the therapeutic dose of garlic induced slight cytoplasmic granulation in some hepatic cells. However, administration of double the therapeutic dose caused swelling, necrosis, and damage of the gastric glandular epithelia together with signs of erosion, exfoliation, and necrosis of the surface mucosal cells. It also induced swelling and coalescence of the hepatic cells, loss of the normal arrangement of the hepatic cords, and hypertrophy of Kupffer cells. Injection with cobra venom caused loss of the normal characteristic appearance of the gastric glands and the epithelial lining cells of the gastric folds and the appearance of numerous inflammatory cells in the lamina properia. It also induced the occurrence of highly swollen hepatic cells, hepatic cellular necrosis and damage, as well as activated Kupffer cells. Nevertheless, pretreatment with the therapeutic dose of garlic for ten days induced a prophylactic activity against the pathogenic effects of the venom in both tissues, which appeared more or less normal except for very minor abnormalities. However, application of double the therapeutic dose of garlic for the same duration did not induce any prophylactic activity. Histochemically, slight alterations were noticed in the polysaccharide, protein, and nucleic acid contents of the gastric mucosa and the hepatic tissues due to administration of the therapeutic doses of garlic. However, severe depletions of these components were recorded in both tissues due to administration of double the therapeutic doses of garlic or injection of cobravenom or the application of both of them together. On the contrary, minor changes were noticed in the histochemical patterns of both tissues in rats pretreated with the therapeutic doses of garlic prior to venom application. It could be concluded that oral administration of the therapeutic dose of garlic for ten days has no serious side effects on gastric and hepatic tissues and could be used as a prophylactic tool against cobra snake envenomation.

Architecture Study on Telemetry Coverage for Immediate Post-Separation Phase

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cheung, Kar-Ming; Lee, Charles; Kellogg, Kent; Stocklin, Frank; Zillig, David; Fielhauer, Karl

2008-01-01

This document is the viewgraphs that accompanies a paper that presents the preliminary results of an architecture study that provides continuous telemetry coverage for NASA missions for immediate post-separation phase. After launch when the spacecraft separated from the upper stage, the spacecraft typically executes a number of mission-critical operations prior to the deployment of solar panels and the activation of the primary communication subsystem. JPL, GSFC, and APL have similar design principle statements that require continuous coverage of mission-critical telemetry during the immediate post-separation phase. To conform to these design principles, an architecture that consists of a separate spacecraft transmitter and a robust communication network capable of tracking the spacecraft signals is needed. The main results of this study are as follows: 1) At low altitude (< 10000 km) when most post-separation critical operations are executed, Earth-based network (e.g. Deep Space Network (DSN)) can only provide limited coverage, whereas space-based network (e.g. Space Network (SN)) can provide continuous coverage. 2) Commercial-off-the-shelf SN compatible transmitters are available for small satellite applications. In this paper we present the detailed coverage analysis of Earth-based and Space-based networks. We identify the key functional and performance requirements of the architecture, and describe the proposed selection criteria of the spacecraft transmitter. We conclude the paper with a proposed forward plan.

COMPASS Final Report: Lunar Network Satellite-High Rate (LNS-HR)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

oleson, Steven R.; McGuire, Melissa L.

2012-01-01

Two design options were explored to address the requirement to provide lunar piloted missions with continuous communications for outpost and sortie missions. Two unique orbits were assessed, along with the appropriate spacecraft (S/C) to address these requirements. Both constellations (with only two S/C each) provide full time coverage (24 hr/7 d) for a south polar base and also provide continuous 7 day coverage for sorties for specified sites and periodic windows. Thus a two-satellite system can provide full coverage for sorties for selected windows of opportunity without reconfiguring the constellation.

The "Body Mass Index" of Flexible Ureteroscopes.

PubMed

Proietti, Silvia; Somani, Bhaskar; Sofer, Mario; Pietropaolo, Amelia; Rosso, Marco; Saitta, Giuseppe; Gaboardi, Franco; Traxer, Olivier; Giusti, Guido

2017-10-01

To assess the "body mass index" (BMI) (weight and length) of 12 flexible ureteroscopes (digital and fiber optic) along with the light cables and camera heads, to make the best use of our instruments. Twelve different brand-new flexible ureteroscopes from four different manufacturers, along with eight camera heads and three light cables were evaluated. Each ureteroscope, camera head, and light cable was weighted; the total length of each ureteroscope, shaft, handle, flexible end-tip, and cable were all measured. According to our measurements (in grams [g]), the lightest ureteroscope was the LithoVue (277.5 g), while the heaviest was the URF-V2 (942.5 g). The lightest fiber optic endoscope was the Viper (309 g), while the heaviest was the Cobra (351.5 g). Taking into account the entirety of the endoscopes, the lightest ureteroscope was the Lithovue and the heaviest was the Wolf Cobra with the Wolf camera "3 CHIP HD KAMERA KOPF ENDOCAM LOGIC HD" (1474 g). The longest ureteroscope was the URF-P6 (101.6 cm) and the shortest was the LithoVue (95.5 cm); whereas the Viper and Cobra had the longest shaft (69 cm) and URF-V had the shortest shaft (67.2 cm). The URF-V2 had the longest flexible end-tip (7.6 cm), while the LithoVue had the shortest end-tip (5.7 cm) in both directions (up/down), while the URF-V had the shortest upward deflection (3.7 cm). Newer more versatile digital endoscopes were lighter than their traditional fiber optic counterparts in their entirety, with disposable endoscope having a clear advantage over other reusable ureteroscopes. Knowing the "BMI" of our flexible ureteroscopes is an important information that every endourologist should always take into consideration.

BiKEGG: a COBRA toolbox extension for bridging the BiGG and KEGG databases.

PubMed

Jamialahmadi, Oveis; Motamedian, Ehsan; Hashemi-Najafabadi, Sameereh

2016-10-18

Development of an interface tool between the Biochemical, Genetic and Genomic (BiGG) and KEGG databases is necessary for simultaneous access to the features of both databases. For this purpose, we present the BiKEGG toolbox, an open source COBRA toolbox extension providing a set of functions to infer the reaction correspondences between the KEGG reaction identifiers and those in the BiGG knowledgebase using a combination of manual verification and computational methods. Inferred reaction correspondences using this approach are supported by evidence from the literature, which provides a higher number of reconciled reactions between these two databases compared to the MetaNetX and MetRxn databases. This set of equivalent reactions is then used to automatically superimpose the predicted fluxes using COBRA methods on classical KEGG pathway maps or to create a customized metabolic map based on the KEGG global metabolic pathway, and to find the corresponding reactions in BiGG based on the genome annotation of an organism in the KEGG database. Customized metabolic maps can be created for a set of pathways of interest, for the whole KEGG global map or exclusively for all pathways for which there exists at least one flux carrying reaction. This flexibility in visualization enables BiKEGG to indicate reaction directionality as well as to visualize the reaction fluxes for different static or dynamic conditions in an animated manner. BiKEGG allows the user to export (1) the output visualized metabolic maps to various standard image formats or save them as a video or animated GIF file, and (2) the equivalent reactions for an organism as an Excel spreadsheet.

Mad, bad and dangerous to know: the biochemistry, ecology and evolution of slow loris venom

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Only seven types of mammals are known to be venomous, including slow lorises (Nycticebus spp.). Despite the evolutionary significance of this unique adaptation amongst Nycticebus, the structure and function of slow loris venom is only just beginning to be understood. Here we review what is known about the chemical structure of slow loris venom. Research on a handful of captive samples from three of eight slow loris species reveals that the protein within slow loris venom resembles the disulphide-bridged heterodimeric structure of Fel-d1, more commonly known as cat allergen. In a comparison of N. pygmaeus and N. coucang, 212 and 68 compounds were found, respectively. Venom is activated by combining the oil from the brachial arm gland with saliva, and can cause death in small mammals and anaphylactic shock and death in humans. We examine four hypotheses for the function of slow loris venom. The least evidence is found for the hypothesis that loris venom evolved to kill prey. Although the venom’s primary function in nature seems to be as a defense against parasites and conspecifics, it may also serve to thwart olfactory-orientated predators. Combined with numerous other serpentine features of slow lorises, including extra vertebra in the spine leading to snake-like movement, serpentine aggressive vocalisations, a long dark dorsal stripe and the venom itself, we propose that venom may have evolved to mimic cobras (Naja sp.). During the Miocene when both slow lorises and cobras migrated throughout Southeast Asia, the evolution of venom may have been an adaptive strategy against predators used by slow lorises as a form of Müllerian mimicry with spectacled cobras. PMID:24074353

King cobra (Ophiophagus hannah) venom L-amino acid oxidase induces apoptosis in PC-3 cells and suppresses PC-3 solid tumor growth in a tumor xenograft mouse model.

PubMed

Lee, Mui Li; Fung, Shin Yee; Chung, Ivy; Pailoor, Jayalakshmi; Cheah, Swee Hung; Tan, Nget Hong

2014-01-01

King cobra (Ophiophagus hannah) venom L-amino acid oxidase (OH-LAAO), a heat stable enzyme, has been shown to exhibit very potent anti-proliferative activity against human breast and lung tumorigenic cells but not in their non-tumorigenic counterparts. We further examine its in vitro and in vivo anti-tumor activity in a human prostate adenocarcinoma (PC-3) model. OH-LAAO demonstrated potent cytotoxicity against PC-3 cells with IC50 of 0.05 µg/mL after 72 h incubation in vitro. It induced apoptosis as evidenced with an increase in caspase-3/7 cleavages and an increase in annexin V-stained cells. To examine its in vivo anti-tumor activity, we treated PC-3 tumor xenograft implanted subcutaneously in immunodeficient NU/NU (nude) mice with 1 µg/g OH-LAAO given intraperitoneally (i.p.). After 8 weeks of treatment, OH-LAAO treated PC-3 tumors were markedly inhibited, when compared to the control group (P <0.05). TUNEL staining analysis on the tumor sections showed a significantly increase of apoptotic cells in the LAAO-treated animals. Histological examinations of the vital organs in these two groups showed no significant differences with normal tissues, indicating no obvious tissue damage. The treatment also did not cause any significant changes on the body weight of the mice during the duration of the study. These observations suggest that OH-LAAO cytotoxic effects may be specific to tumor xenografts and less to normal organs. Given its potent anti-tumor activities shown in vitro as well as in vivo, the king cobra venom LAAO can potentially be developed to treat prostate cancer and other solid tumors.

Terminal differentiation of T cells is strongly associated with CMV infection and increased in HIV-positive individuals on ART and lifestyle matched controls

PubMed Central

Booiman, Thijs; Wit, Ferdinand W.; Girigorie, Arginell F.; Maurer, Irma; De Francesco, Davide; Sabin, Caroline A.; Harskamp, Agnes M.; Prins, Maria; Franceschi, Claudio; Deeks, Steven G.; Winston, Alan; Reiss, Peter

2017-01-01

HIV-1-positive individuals on successful antiretroviral therapy (ART) are reported to have higher rates of age-associated non-communicable comorbidities (AANCCs). HIV-associated immune dysfunction has been suggested to contribute to increased AANCC risk. Here we performed a cross-sectional immune phenotype analysis of T cells in ART-treated HIV-1-positive individuals with undetectable vireamia (HIV-positives) and HIV-1-negative individuals (HIV-negatives) over 45 years of age. In addition, two control groups were studied: HIV negative adults selected based on lifestyle and demographic factors (Co-morBidity in Relation to AIDS, or COBRA) and unselected age-matched donors from a blood bank. Despite long-term ART (median of 12.2 years), HIV-infected adults had lower CD4+ T-cell counts and higher CD8+ T-cell counts compared to well-matched HIV-negative COBRA participants. The proportion of CD38+HLA-DR+ and PD-1+ CD4+ T-cells was higher in HIV-positive cohort compared to the two HIV-negative cohorts. The proportion CD57+ and CD27−CD28− cells of both CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells in HIV-positives was higher compared to unselected adults (blood bank) as reported before but this difference was not apparent in comparison with well-matched HIV-negative COBRA participants. Multiple regression analysis showed that the presence of an increased proportion of terminally differentiated T cells was strongly associated with CMV infection. Compared to appropriately selected HIV-negative controls, HIV-positive individuals on ART with long-term suppressed viraemia exhibited incomplete immune recovery and increased immune activation/exhaustion. CMV infection rather than treated HIV infection appears to have more consistent effects on measures of terminal differentiation of T cells. PMID:28806406

Glycosphingolipid-facilitated membrane insertion and internalization of cobra cardiotoxin. The sulfatide.cardiotoxin complex structure in a membrane-like environment suggests a lipid-dependent cell-penetrating mechanism for membrane binding polypeptides.

PubMed

Wang, Chia-Hui; Liu, Jyung-Hurng; Lee, Shao-Chen; Hsiao, Chwan-Deng; Wu, Wen-Guey

2006-01-06

Cobra cardiotoxins, a family of basic polypeptides having lipid- and heparin-binding capacities similar to the cell-penetrating peptides, induce severe tissue necrosis and systolic heart arrest in snakebite victims. Whereas cardiotoxins are specifically retained on the cell surface via heparan sulfate-mediated processes, their lipid binding ability appears to be responsible, at least in part, for cardiotoxin-induced membrane leakage and cell death. Although the exact role of lipids involved in toxin-mediated cytotoxicity remains largely unknown, monoclonal anti-sulfatide antibody O4 has recently been shown to inhibit the action of CTX A3, the major cardiotoxin from Taiwan cobra venom, on cardiomyocytes by preventing cardiotoxin-induced membrane leakage and CTX A3 internalization into mitochondria. Here, we show that anti-sulfatide acts by blocking the binding of CTX A3 to the sulfatides in the plasma membrane to prevent sulfatide-dependent CTX A3 membrane pore formation and internalization. We also describe the crystal structure of a CTX A3-sulfatide complex in a membrane-like environment at 2.3 angstroms resolution. The unexpected orientation of the sulfatide fatty chains in the structure allows prediction of the mode of toxin insertion into the plasma membrane. CTX A3 recognizes both the headgroup and the ceramide interfacial region of sulfatide to induce a lipid conformational change that may play a key role in CTX A3 oligomerization and cellular internalization. This proposed lipid-mediated toxin translocation mechanism may also shed light on the cellular uptake mechanism of the amphiphilic cell-penetrating peptides known to involve multiple internalization pathways.

20 CFR 1002.171 - How does the continuation of health plan benefits apply to a multiemployer plan that provides...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... 20 Employees' Benefits 4 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false How does the continuation of health plan benefits apply to a multiemployer plan that provides health plan coverage through a health benefits account... benefits apply to a multiemployer plan that provides health plan coverage through a health benefits account...

20 CFR 1002.171 - How does the continuation of health plan benefits apply to a multiemployer plan that provides...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... 20 Employees' Benefits 4 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false How does the continuation of health plan benefits apply to a multiemployer plan that provides health plan coverage through a health benefits account... benefits apply to a multiemployer plan that provides health plan coverage through a health benefits account...

20 CFR 1002.171 - How does the continuation of health plan benefits apply to a multiemployer plan that provides...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... 20 Employees' Benefits 4 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false How does the continuation of health plan benefits apply to a multiemployer plan that provides health plan coverage through a health benefits account... benefits apply to a multiemployer plan that provides health plan coverage through a health benefits account...

20 CFR 1002.171 - How does the continuation of health plan benefits apply to a multiemployer plan that provides...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... 20 Employees' Benefits 3 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false How does the continuation of health plan benefits apply to a multiemployer plan that provides health plan coverage through a health benefits account... benefits apply to a multiemployer plan that provides health plan coverage through a health benefits account...

Architecture Study on Telemetry Coverage for Immediate Post-Separation Phase

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cheung, Kar-Ming; Lee, Charles H.; Kellogg, Kent H.; Stocklin, Frank J.; Zillig, David J.; Fielhauer, Karl B.

2008-01-01

This paper presents the preliminary results of an architecture study that provides continuous telemetry coverage for NASA missions for immediate post-separation phase. This study is a collaboration effort between Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), and Applied Physics Laboratory (APL). After launch when the spacecraft separated from the upper stage, the spacecraft typically executes a number of mission-critical operations prior to the deployment of solar panels and the activation of the primary communication subsystem. JPL, GSFC, and APL have similar design principle statements that require continuous coverage of mission-critical telemetry during the immediate post-separation phase. To conform to these design principles, an architecture that consists of a separate spacecraft transmitter and a robust communication network capable of tracking the spacecraft signals is needed.This paper presents the preliminary results of an architecture study that provides continuous telemetry coverage for NASA missions for immediate post-separation phase. This study is a collaboration effort between Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), and Applied Physics Laboratory (APL). After launch when the spacecraft separated from the upper stage, the spacecraft typically executes a number of mission-critical operations prior to the deployment of solar panels and the activation of the primary communication subsystem. JPL, GSFC, and APL have similar design principle statements that require continuous coverage of mission-critical telemetry during the immediate post-separation phase. To conform to these design principles, an architecture that consists of a separate spacecraft transmitter and a robust communication network capable of tracking the spacecraft signals is needed. The main results of this study are as follows: 1) At low altitude (< 10000 km) when most post-separation critical operations are executed, Earth-based network (e.g. Deep Space Network (DSN)) can only provide limited coverage, whereas space-based network (e.g. Space Network (SN)) can provide continuous coverage. 2) Commercial-off-the-shelf SN compatible transmitters are available for small satellite applications. In this paper we present the detailed coverage analysis of Earth-based and Space-based networks. We identify the key functional and performance requirements of the architecture, and describe the proposed selection criteria of the spacecraft transmitter. We conclude the paper with a proposed forward plan.

42 CFR 486.106 - Condition for coverage: Referral for service and preservation of records.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 42 Public Health 5 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Condition for coverage: Referral for service and preservation of records. 486.106 Section 486.106 Public Health CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) STANDARDS AND CERTIFICATION CONDITIONS FOR COVERAGE OF...

29 CFR 1620.7 - “Enterprise” coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 29 Labor 4 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false âEnterpriseâ coverage. 1620.7 Section 1620.7 Labor Regulations Relating to Labor (Continued) EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION THE EQUAL PAY ACT § 1620.7 “Enterprise” coverage. (a) The terms “enterprise” and “enterprise engaged in commerce or in the production of...

5 CFR 875.408 - What is the significance of incontestability?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... SERVICE REGULATIONS (CONTINUED) FEDERAL LONG TERM CARE INSURANCE PROGRAM Coverage § 875.408 What is the... coverage is different from what is shown in your medical records. (2) If your coverage has been in force... is shown in your medical records and pertains to the condition for which benefits are sought. (3...

5 CFR 875.408 - What is the significance of incontestability?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... SERVICE REGULATIONS (CONTINUED) FEDERAL LONG TERM CARE INSURANCE PROGRAM Coverage § 875.408 What is the... coverage is different from what is shown in your medical records. (2) If your coverage has been in force... is shown in your medical records and pertains to the condition for which benefits are sought. (3...

77 FR 21586 - Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-04-10

... for OMB Review; Comment Request; Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act Health Benefits... Reconciliation Act Health Benefits Subsidy Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 Evaluation... health benefits under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) that the American...

Technology in HRD.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

1998

This document contains four papers from a symposium on technology in human resource development (HRD). "COBRA, an Electronic Performance Support System for the Analysis of Jobs and Tasks" (Theo J. Bastiaens) is described as an integrated computerized environment that provides tools, information, advice, and training to help employees do…

Support to 2nd Generation RLV Propulsion Project Office

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lee, Thomas J.

2002-01-01

In this final report regarding support to the second generation RLV (Reusable Launch Vehicle) propulsion project office, a list of tasks accomplished is presented. During this period, Lee & Associates, LLC participated in numerous Systems Requirements Reviews (SRR) related to the Cobra development program.

Software Developed for Analyzing High- Speed Rolling-Element Bearings

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fleming, David P.

2005-01-01

COBRA-AHS (Computer Optimized Ball & Roller Bearing Analysis--Advanced High Speed, J.V. Poplawski & Associates, Bethlehem, PA) is used for the design and analysis of rolling element bearings operating at high speeds under complex mechanical and thermal loading. The code estimates bearing fatigue life by calculating three-dimensional subsurface stress fields developed within the bearing raceways. It provides a state-of-the-art interactive design environment for bearing engineers within a single easy-to-use design-analysis package. The code analyzes flexible or rigid shaft systems containing up to five bearings acted upon by radial, thrust, and moment loads in 5 degrees of freedom. Bearing types include high-speed ball, cylindrical roller, and tapered roller bearings. COBRA-AHS is the first major upgrade in 30 years of such commercially available bearing software. The upgrade was developed under a Small Business Innovation Research contract from the NASA Glenn Research Center, and incorporates the results of 30 years of NASA and industry bearing research and technology.

Transient Vibration Prediction for Rotors on Ball Bearings Using Load-dependent Non-linear Bearing Stiffness

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fleming, David P.; Poplawski, J. V.

2002-01-01

Rolling-element bearing forces vary nonlinearly with bearing deflection. Thus an accurate rotordynamic transient analysis requires bearing forces to be determined at each step of the transient solution. Analyses have been carried out to show the effect of accurate bearing transient forces (accounting for non-linear speed and load dependent bearing stiffness) as compared to conventional use of average rolling-element bearing stiffness. Bearing forces were calculated by COBRA-AHS (Computer Optimized Ball and Roller Bearing Analysis - Advanced High Speed) and supplied to the rotordynamics code ARDS (Analysis of Rotor Dynamic Systems) for accurate simulation of rotor transient behavior. COBRA-AHS is a fast-running 5 degree-of-freedom computer code able to calculate high speed rolling-element bearing load-displacement data for radial and angular contact ball bearings and also for cylindrical and tapered roller beatings. Results show that use of nonlinear bearing characteristics is essential for accurate prediction of rotordynamic behavior.

Staged Z-pinch Experiments on Cobra and Zebra

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wessel, Frank J.; Anderson, A.; Banasek, J. T.; Byvank, T.; Conti, F.; Darling, T. W.; Dutra, E.; Glebov, V.; Greenly, J.; Hammer, D. A.; Potter, W. M.; Rocco, S. V.; Ross, M. P.; Ruskov, E.; Valenzuela, J.; Beg, F.; Covington, A.; Narkis, J.; Rahman, H. U.

2017-10-01

A Staged Z-pinch (SZP), configured as a pre-magnetized, high-Z (Ar, or Kr) annular liner imploding onto a low-Z (H, or D) target, was tested on the Cornell University, Cobra Facility and the University of Nevada, Reno, Zebra Facility; each characterized similarly by a nominal 1-MA current and 100-ns risetime while possessing different diagnostic packages. XUV-fast imaging reveals that the SZP implosion dynamics is similar on both machines and that it is more stable with an axial (Bz) magnetic field, a target, or both, than without. On Zebra, where neutron production is possible, reproducible thermonuclear (DD) yields were recorded at levels in excess of 109/shot. Flux compression in the SZP is also expected to produce magnetic field intensities of the order of kilo-Tesla. Thus, the DD reaction produced tritions should also yield secondary DT neutrons. Indeed, secondaries are measured above the noise threshold at levels approaching 106/shot. Funded by the Advanced Research Projects Agency - Energy, under Grant Number DE-AR0000569.

Comparison of COBRA III-C and SABRE-1 (wire-wrap version) computational results with steady-state data from a 19-pin internally guard heated sodium-cooled bundle with a six-channel central blockage (THORS Bundle 3C). [LMFBR

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

Dearing, J F; Nelson, W R; Rose, S D

Computational thermal-hydraulic models of a 19-pin, electrically heated, wire-wrap liquid-metal fast breeder reactor test bundle were developed using two well-known subchannel analysis codes, COBRA III-C and SABRE-1 (wire-wrap version). These two codes use similar subchannel control volumes for the finite difference conservation equations but vary markedly in solution strategy and modeling capability. In particular, the empirical wire-wrap-forced diversion crossflow models are different. Surprisingly, however, crossflow velocity predictions of the two codes are very similar. Both codes show generally good agreement with experimental temperature data from a test in which a large radial temperature gradient was imposed. Differences between data andmore » code results are probably caused by experimental pin bowing, which is presently the limiting factor in validating coded empirical models.« less

In-flight measurements of propeller blade deformation on a VUT100 cobra aeroplane using a co-rotating camera system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boden, F.; Stasicki, B.; Szypuła, M.; Ružička, P.; Tvrdik, Z.; Ludwikowski, K.

2016-07-01

Knowledge of propeller or rotor blade behaviour under real operating conditions is crucial for optimizing the performance of a propeller or rotor system. A team of researchers, technicians and engineers from Avia Propeller, DLR, EVEKTOR and HARDsoft developed a rotating stereo camera system dedicated to in-flight blade deformation measurements. The whole system, co-rotating with the propeller at its full speed and hence exposed to high centrifugal forces and strong vibration, had been successfully tested on an EVEKTOR VUT 100 COBRA aeroplane in Kunovice (CZ) within the project AIM2—advanced in-flight measurement techniques funded by the European Commission (contract no. 266107). This paper will describe the work, starting from drawing the first sketch of the system up to performing the successful flight test. Apart from a description of the measurement hardware and the applied IPCT method, the paper will give some impressions of the flight test activities and discuss the results obtained from the measurements.

COBRA encodes a putative GPI-anchored protein, which is polarly localized and necessary for oriented cell expansion in Arabidopsis.

PubMed

Schindelman, G; Morikami, A; Jung, J; Baskin, T I; Carpita, N C; Derbyshire, P; McCann, M C; Benfey, P N

2001-05-01

To control organ shape, plant cells expand differentially. The organization of the cellulose microfibrils in the cell wall is a key determinant of differential expansion. Mutations in the COBRA (COB) gene of Arabidopsis, known to affect the orientation of cell expansion in the root, are reported here to reduce the amount of crystalline cellulose in cell walls in the root growth zone. The COB gene, identified by map-based cloning, contains a sequence motif found in proteins that are anchored to the extracellular surface of the plasma membrane through a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) linkage. In animal cells, this lipid linkage is known to confer polar localization to proteins. The COB protein was detected predominately on the longitudinal sides of root cells in the zone of rapid elongation. Moreover, COB RNA levels are dramatically upregulated in cells entering the zone of rapid elongation. Based on these results, models are proposed for the role of COB as a regulator of oriented cell expansion.

COBRA encodes a putative GPI-anchored protein, which is polarly localized and necessary for oriented cell expansion in Arabidopsis

PubMed Central

Schindelman, Gary; Morikami, Atsushi; Jung, Jee; Baskin, Tobias I.; Carpita, Nicholas C.; Derbyshire, Paul; McCann, Maureen C.; Benfey, Philip N.

2001-01-01

To control organ shape, plant cells expand differentially. The organization of the cellulose microfibrils in the cell wall is a key determinant of differential expansion. Mutations in the COBRA (COB) gene of Arabidopsis, known to affect the orientation of cell expansion in the root, are reported here to reduce the amount of crystalline cellulose in cell walls in the root growth zone. The COB gene, identified by map-based cloning, contains a sequence motif found in proteins that are anchored to the extracellular surface of the plasma membrane through a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) linkage. In animal cells, this lipid linkage is known to confer polar localization to proteins. The COB protein was detected predominately on the longitudinal sides of root cells in the zone of rapid elongation. Moreover, COB RNA levels are dramatically upregulated in cells entering the zone of rapid elongation. Based on these results, models are proposed for the role of COB as a regulator of oriented cell expansion. PMID:11331607

Sources of health insurance and characteristics of the uninsured: analysis of the March 2007 Current Population Survey.

PubMed

Fronstin, Paul

2007-10-01

This Issue Brief provides historic data through 2006 on the number and percentage of nonelderly individuals with and without health insurance. Based on EBRI estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau's March 2007 Current Population Survey (CPS), it reflects 2006 data. It also discusses trends in coverage for the 1994-2006 period and highlights characteristics that typically indicate whether an individual is insured. HEALTH COVERAGE CONTINUES DECLINE: The percentage of the nonelderly population (under age 65) with health insurance coverage continued to decline, reaching to a post-1994 low of 82.1 percent in 2006. Declines in health insurance coverage have been recorded in all but four years since 1994, when 36.5 million nonelderly individuals were uninsured; in 2006, the uninsured population was 46.5 million. EMPLOYMENT-BASED COVERAGE REMAINS DOMINANT SOURCE OF HEALTH COVERAGE: Employment-based health benefits remain by far the most common form of health coverage in the United States, consistently covering 60-70 percent of nonelderly individuals. In 2006, 62.2 percent of the nonelderly population had employment-based health benefits, as compared with 64.4 percent in 1994. Between 1994 and 2000, the percentage of the nonelderly population with employment-based coverage expanded. Since 2000, the percentage has declined. PUBLIC PROGRAM COVERAGE IS STABLE: Public-sector health coverage was slightly lower as a percentage of the population in 2006, accounting for 17.5 percent of the nonelderly population. The decline was due to a drop in the percentage of the population covered by the Tricare/CHAMPVA program. Enrollment in Medicaid and the State Children's Health Insurance Program increased, reaching 34.9 million in 2006, and covering 13.4 percent of the nonelderly population, which is significantly above the 10.5 percent level of 1999, but not far above the 12.7 percent level of 1994. INDIVIDUAL COVERAGE STABLE: Individually purchased health coverage was unchanged in 2006 and has basically hovered in the high 6 and low 7 percent range since 1994. PRIVATE- VS. PUBLIC-COVERAGE TRENDS REVERSING: Health insurance coverage generally has not sustained unbroken trends since 1994. There were crosscurrents: Employment-based coverage expanded significantly in the 1994-2000 period to exceed the growth in public programs. Subsequently, the dynamic reversed, as public programs expanded while employment-based coverage declined. It appears that 2005 might be the beginning of a new trend, where the erosion in employment-based coverage is not being offset by expansions in public programs. This may be due to the fact that, while unemployment is relatively low, the cost of providing health benefits continues to increase faster than inflation.

26 CFR 1.420-1 - Significant reduction in retiree health coverage during the cost maintenance period.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 26 Internal Revenue 5 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Significant reduction in retiree health coverage during the cost maintenance period. 1.420-1 Section 1.420-1 Internal Revenue INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY (CONTINUED) INCOME TAX (CONTINUED) INCOME TAXES Pension, Profit-Sharing, Stock Bonus Plans, Etc. § 1.420-1 Significant...

Aridopsis COBRA-LIKE 10, a GPI-anchored protien, mediates directional growth of pollen tubes

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Successful reproduction of flowering plants requires constant communication between female tissues and growing pollen tubes. Female cells secrete molecules and peptides as nutrients or guidance cues for fast and directional tube growth, which is executed by dynamic changes of intracellular activitie...

Ophidophobia!

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hennigan, Tom

1994-01-01

Addresses irrational fears of snakes and how an understanding of snakes can alleviate this fear. For example, the survival methods of the Eastern Hognose snake, which inhabits upland hillsides and woodland meadows, include impersonating a cobra and playing dead. Although this snake looks and acts dangerous, it is quite harmless to humans. (LP)

Post Conflict Reconstruction: A Selected Bibliography

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-01-01

www.heritage.org/research/nation alsecurity/bg1859.cfm Clover, Jenny, and Richard Cornwell , eds. Supporting Sustainable Livelihoods: A Critical Review of...and Bernard E. Trainor. “Starting from Scratch.” In Cobra II: The Inside Story of the Invasion and Occupation of Iraq, 475-496. New York: Pantheon

29 CFR 1620.6 - Coverage is not based on amount of covered activity.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 29 Labor 4 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Coverage is not based on amount of covered activity. 1620.6 Section 1620.6 Labor Regulations Relating to Labor (Continued) EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION THE EQUAL PAY ACT § 1620.6 Coverage is not based on amount of covered activity. The FLSA makes no...

An Optimized Hidden Node Detection Paradigm for Improving the Coverage and Network Efficiency in Wireless Multimedia Sensor Networks

PubMed Central

Alanazi, Adwan; Elleithy, Khaled

2016-01-01

Successful transmission of online multimedia streams in wireless multimedia sensor networks (WMSNs) is a big challenge due to their limited bandwidth and power resources. The existing WSN protocols are not completely appropriate for multimedia communication. The effectiveness of WMSNs varies, and it depends on the correct location of its sensor nodes in the field. Thus, maximizing the multimedia coverage is the most important issue in the delivery of multimedia contents. The nodes in WMSNs are either static or mobile. Thus, the node connections change continuously due to the mobility in wireless multimedia communication that causes an additional energy consumption, and synchronization loss between neighboring nodes. In this paper, we introduce an Optimized Hidden Node Detection (OHND) paradigm. The OHND consists of three phases: hidden node detection, message exchange, and location detection. These three phases aim to maximize the multimedia node coverage, and improve energy efficiency, hidden node detection capacity, and packet delivery ratio. OHND helps multimedia sensor nodes to compute the directional coverage. Furthermore, an OHND is used to maintain a continuous node– continuous neighbor discovery process in order to handle the mobility of the nodes. We implement our proposed algorithms by using a network simulator (NS2). The simulation results demonstrate that nodes are capable of maintaining direct coverage and detecting hidden nodes in order to maximize coverage and multimedia node mobility. To evaluate the performance of our proposed algorithms, we compared our results with other known approaches. PMID:27618048

An Optimized Hidden Node Detection Paradigm for Improving the Coverage and Network Efficiency in Wireless Multimedia Sensor Networks.

PubMed

Alanazi, Adwan; Elleithy, Khaled

2016-09-07

Successful transmission of online multimedia streams in wireless multimedia sensor networks (WMSNs) is a big challenge due to their limited bandwidth and power resources. The existing WSN protocols are not completely appropriate for multimedia communication. The effectiveness of WMSNs varies, and it depends on the correct location of its sensor nodes in the field. Thus, maximizing the multimedia coverage is the most important issue in the delivery of multimedia contents. The nodes in WMSNs are either static or mobile. Thus, the node connections change continuously due to the mobility in wireless multimedia communication that causes an additional energy consumption, and synchronization loss between neighboring nodes. In this paper, we introduce an Optimized Hidden Node Detection (OHND) paradigm. The OHND consists of three phases: hidden node detection, message exchange, and location detection. These three phases aim to maximize the multimedia node coverage, and improve energy efficiency, hidden node detection capacity, and packet delivery ratio. OHND helps multimedia sensor nodes to compute the directional coverage. Furthermore, an OHND is used to maintain a continuous node- continuous neighbor discovery process in order to handle the mobility of the nodes. We implement our proposed algorithms by using a network simulator (NS2). The simulation results demonstrate that nodes are capable of maintaining direct coverage and detecting hidden nodes in order to maximize coverage and multimedia node mobility. To evaluate the performance of our proposed algorithms, we compared our results with other known approaches.

5 CFR 892.211 - What options are available to me if I go on a period of leave without pay (LWOP) or other types...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... will continue FEHB coverage while on LWOP; your employer will advance your share of your FEHB premium during your LWOP period; and you will repay the advanced amounts when you return from LWOP. (Described in... you now waive). (b)(1) You may continue your FEHB coverage by agreeing in advance of LWOP to one of...

Insurance coverage and financial burden for families of children with special health care needs.

PubMed

Chen, Alex Y; Newacheck, Paul W

2006-01-01

To examine the role of insurance coverage in protecting families of children with special health care needs (CSHCN) from the financial burden associated with care. Data from the 2001 National Survey of Children with Special Health Care Needs were analyzed. We built 2 multivariate regression models by using "work loss/cut back" and "experiencing financial problems" as the dependent variables, and insurance status as the primary independent variable of interest while adjusting for income, race/ethnicity, functional limitation/severity, and other sociodemographic predictors. Approximately 29.9% of CSHCN live in families where their condition led parents to report cutting back on work or stopping work completely. Families of 20.9% of CSHCN reported experiencing financial difficulties due to the child's condition. Insurance coverage significantly reduced the likelihood of financial problems for families at every income level. The proportion of families experiencing financial problems was reduced from 35.7% to 23.0% for the poor and 44.9% to 24.5% for low-income families with continuous insurance coverage (P < .01 for both comparisons). Similarly, the proportion of parents having to cut back or stop work was reduced from 42.8% to 35.9% for the poor (P < .05) and 43.5% to 33.9% for low-income families (P < .01). Continuous health insurance coverage provides protection from financial burden and hardship for families of CSHCN in all income groups. This evidence is supportive of policies designed to promote universal coverage for CSHCN. However, many poor and low-income families continue to experience work loss and financial problems despite insurance coverage. Hence, health insurance should not be viewed as a solution in itself, but instead as one element of a comprehensive strategy to provide financial safety for families with CSHCN.

Speeches

Science.gov Websites

Zealand | March 5, 2018 | As Prepared for Delivery ... MORE Exercise Cobra Gold Combined Arms Live-Fire Combined Arms Live-Fire Exercise (CALFEX) | Ban Chan Krem, Thailand | February 22, 2018 | As Delivered . Many of them are within the Ring of Fire and pron... Twitter Logo Even after over a century of military

Development of Hybrid Computer Programs for AAFSS/COBRA/COIN Weapons Effectiveness Studies. Volume I. Simulating Aircraft Maneuvers and Weapon Firing Runs.

DTIC Science & Technology

for the game. Subsequent duels , flown with single armed escorts, calculated reduction in losses and damage states. For the study, hybrid computer...6) a duel between a ground weapon, armed escort, and formation of lift aircraft. (Author)

Special Course on Subsonic/Transonic Aerodynamic Interference for Aircraft

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-07-01

SHOCKS H = .83. CL = .40. COW .0005. A = 6.0 Fig. 25 Iteration history for transonic airfoil b) REDESIGNED WING design (M = .77) with weak shock Fig. 27...Finished Wing (King Cobra). RAE TN Aero. 2383, 1950. 10. Holstein , H.: Messungen zur Laminarhaltung der Grenzchicht an elnem Flugel. Lilenthal-Bericht

Platelets Orchestrate Remote Tissue Damage After Mesenteric Ischemia-Reperfusion

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-02-02

Medicine , Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, 330 Brookline Ave., CLS-928, Boston, MA 02115 (e-mail: gtsokos@bidmc.harvard.edu). Am...Guikema BJ, Fritzinger DC, Vogel CW, Stahl GL. Humanized cobra venom factor decreases myocardial ischemia-reperfu- sion injury. Mol Immunol 47: 506–510

29 CFR 1620.3 - General coverage of employees “engaged in * * * the production of goods for commerce.”

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 29 Labor 4 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false General coverage of employees âengaged in * * * the production of goods for commerce.â 1620.3 Section 1620.3 Labor Regulations Relating to Labor (Continued) EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION THE EQUAL PAY ACT § 1620.3 General coverage of employees...

29 CFR 1620.2 - General coverage of employees “engaged in commerce.”

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 29 Labor 4 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false General coverage of employees âengaged in commerce.â 1620.2 Section 1620.2 Labor Regulations Relating to Labor (Continued) EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION THE EQUAL PAY ACT § 1620.2 General coverage of employees “engaged in commerce.” (a) Like the FLSA, the EPA...

Make Your Good Publicity Work Marketing Magic.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wassom, Julie

1988-01-01

Stresses the importance of positive public opinion and media coverage for the successful continuity of day care centers. Suggests a variety of alternatives for maximizing the longevity and galvanizing the impact of positive media attention and coverage. (RWB)

Sources of health insurance and characteristics of the uninsured: analysis of the March 2009 Current Population Survey.

PubMed

Fronstin, Paul

2009-09-01

This Issue Brief provides historical data through 2008 on the number and percentage of nonelderly individuals with and without health insurance. Based on EBRI estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau's March 2009 Current Population Survey (CPS), it reflects 2008 data. It also discusses trends in coverage for the 1994-2008 period and highlights characteristics that typically indicate whether an individual is insured. HEALTH COVERAGE RATE CONTINUES TO DECREASE: The percentage of the nonelderly population (under age 65) with health insurance coverage decreased to 82.6 percent in 2008. Increases in health insurance coverage have been recorded in only four years since 1994, when 36.5 million nonelderly individuals were uninsured; in 2008, the uninsured population was 45.7 million. EMPLOYMENT-BASED COVERAGE REMAINS DOMINANT SOURCE OF HEALTH COVERAGE, BUT CONTINUES TO SLOWLY ERODE: Employment-based health benefits remain the most common form of health coverage in the United States. In 2008, 61.1 percent of the nonelderly population had employment-based health benefits, down from 68.4 percent in 2000. Between 1994 and 2000, the percentage of the nonelderly population with employment-based coverage expanded. PUBLIC PROGRAM COVERAGE IS GROWING: Public program health coverage expanded as a percentage of the population in 2008, accounting for 19.4 percent of the nonelderly population. Enrollment in Medicaid and the State Children's Health Insurance Program increased, reaching a combined 39.2 million in 2008, and covering 14.9 percent of the nonelderly population, significantly above the 10.5 percent level of 1999. INDIVIDUAL COVERAGE STABLE: Individually purchased health coverage was unchanged in 2008 and has basically hovered in the 6-7 percent range since 1994. MOST/LEAST LIKELY TO HAVE HEALTH INSURANCE: Full-time, full-year workers, public-sector workers, workers employed in manufacturing, managerial and professional workers, and individuals living in high-income families are most likely to have employment-based health benefits. Poor families are most likely to be covered by public coverage programs such as Medicaid or S-CHIP. RETHINKING THE VALUE OF OFFERING HEALTH INSURANCE: Research illustrates the advantages to consumers of having health insurance and the benefits to employers of offering it. In general, the availability of health insurance allows consumers to avoid unnecessary pain and suffering and improves the quality of life, and employers report that offering benefits has a positive impact on worker recruitment, retention, health status, and productivity. Employers may believe in the business case for providing health benefits today, but in the future they may rethink the value that offering coverage provides, especially if health costs continue to escalate sharply or if health reform changes the value proposition.

Cobra Strikes! High-Performance Car Inspires Students, Markets Program

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jenkins, Bonita

2008-01-01

Nestled in the Lower Piedmont region of upstate South Carolina, Piedmont Technical College (PTC) is one of 16 technical colleges in the state. Automotive technology is one of its most popular programs. The program features an instructive, motivating activity that the author describes in this article: building a high-performance car. The Cobra…

78 FR 13662 - Cobra Pipeline Ltd.; Notice of Petition

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-02-28

... determining the appropriate action to be taken, but will not serve to make protestants parties to the proceeding. Any person wishing to become a party must file a notice of intervention or motion to intervene, as appropriate. Such notices, motions, or protests must be filed on or before the date as indicated...

CASL VMA FY16 Milestone Report (L3:VMA.VUQ.P13.07) Westinghouse Mixing with COBRA-TF

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

Gordon, Natalie

2016-09-30

COBRA-TF (CTF) is a low-resolution code currently maintained as CASL's subchannel analysis tool. CTF operates as a two-phase, compressible code over a mesh comprised of subchannels and axial discretized nodes. In part because CTF is a low-resolution code, simulation run time is not computationally expensive, only on the order of minutes. Hi-resolution codes such as STAR-CCM+ can be used to train lower-fidelity codes such as CTF. Unlike STAR-CCM+, CTF has no turbulence model, only a two-phase turbulent mixing coefficient, β. β can be set to a constant value or calculated in terms of Reynolds number using an empirical correlation. Resultsmore » from STAR-CCM+ can be used to inform the appropriate value of β. Once β is calibrated, CTF runs can be an inexpensive alternative to costly STAR-CCM+ runs for scoping analyses. Based on the results of CTF runs, STAR-CCM+ can be run for specific parameters of interest. CASL areas of application are CIPS for single phase analysis and DNB-CTF for two-phase analysis.« less

Preliminary Thermal Modeling of HI-Storm 100S-218 Version B Storage Modules at Hope Creek Cuclear Power Station ISFSI

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

Cuta, Judith M.; Adkins, Harold E.

2013-08-30

As part of the Used Fuel Disposition Campaign of the U. S. Department of Energy, Office of Nuclear Energy (DOE-NE) Fuel Cycle Research and Development, a consortium of national laboratories and industry is performing visual inspections and temperature measurements of selected storage modules at various locations around the United States. This report documents thermal analyses in in support of the inspections at the Hope Creek Nuclear Generating Station ISFSI. This site utilizes the HI-STORM100 vertical storage system developed by Holtec International. This is a vertical storage module design, and the thermal models are being developed using COBRA-SFS (Michener, et al.,more » 1987), a code developed by PNNL for thermal-hydraulic analyses of multi assembly spent fuel storage and transportation systems. This report describes the COBRA-SFS model in detail, and presents pre-inspection predictions of component temperatures and temperature distributions. The final report will include evaluation of inspection results, and if required, additional post-test calculations, with appropriate discussion of results.« less

Isolation, expression and characterization of a novel dual serine protease inhibitor, OH-TCI, from king cobra venom.

PubMed

He, Ying-Ying; Liu, Shu-Bai; Lee, Wen-Hui; Qian, Jin-Qiao; Zhang, Yun

2008-10-01

Snake venom Kunitz/BPTI members are good tools for understanding of structure-functional relationship between serine proteases and their inhibitors. A novel dual Kunitz/BPTI serine proteinase inhibitor named OH-TCI (trypsin- and chymotrypsin-dual inhibitor from Ophiophagus hannah) was isolated from king cobra venom by three chromatographic steps of gel filtration, trypsin affinity and reverse phase HPLC. OH-TCI is composed of 58 amino acid residues with a molecular mass of 6339Da. Successful expression of OH-TCI was performed as the maltose-binding fusion protein in E. coli DH5alpha. Much different from Oh11-1, the purified native and recombinant OH-TCI both had strong inhibitory activities against trypsin and chymotrypsin although the sequence identity (74.1%) between them is very high. The inhibitor constants (K(i)) of recombinant OH-TCI were 3.91 x 10(-7) and 8.46 x10(-8)M for trypsin and chymotrypsin, respectively. To our knowledge, it was the first report of Kunitz/BPTI serine proteinase inhibitor from snake venom that had equivalent trypsin and chymotrypsin inhibitory activities.

The Crystal Structure of Cobra Venom Factor, a Cofactor for C3- and C5-Convertase CVFBb

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

Krishnan, Vengadesan; Ponnuraj, Karthe; Xu, Yuanyuan

2009-05-26

Cobra venom factor (CVF) is a functional analog of human complement component C3b, the active fragment of C3. Similar to C3b, in human and mammalian serum, CVF binds factor B, which is then cleaved by factor D, giving rise to the CVFBb complex that targets the same scissile bond in C3 as the authentic complement convertases C4bC2a and C3bBb. Unlike the latter, CVFBb is a stable complex and an efficient C5 convertase. We solved the crystal structure of CVF, isolated from Naja naja kouthia venom, at 2.6 {angstrom} resolution. The CVF crystal structure, an intermediate between C3b and C3c, lacksmore » the TED domain and has the CUB domain in an identical position to that seen in C3b. The similarly positioned CUB and slightly displaced C345c domains of CVF could play a vital role in the formation of C3 convertases by providing important primary binding sites for factor B.« less

Pulse-shape discrimination techniques for the COBRA double beta-decay experiment at LNGS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zatschler, S.; COBRA Collaboration

2017-09-01

In modern elementary particle physics several questions arise from the fact that neutrino oscillation experiments have found neutrinos to be massive. Among them is the so far unknown nature of neutrinos: either they act as so-called Majorana particles, where one cannot distinguish between particle and antiparticle, or they are Dirac particles like all the other fermions in the Standard Model. The study of neutrinoless double beta-decay (0νββ-decay), where the lepton number conservation is violated by two units, could answer the question regarding the underlying nature of neutrinos and might also shed light on the mechanism responsible for the mass generation. So far there is no experimental evidence for the existence of 0νββ-decay, hence, existing experiments have to be improved and novel techniques should be explored. One of the next-generation experiments dedicated to the search for this ultra-rare decay is the COBRA experiment. This article gives an overview of techniques to identify and reject background based on pulse-shape discrimination.

The crystal structure of cobra venom factor, a cofactor for C3- and C5-convertase CVFBb.

PubMed

Krishnan, Vengadesan; Ponnuraj, Karthe; Xu, Yuanyuan; Macon, Kevin; Volanakis, John E; Narayana, Sthanam V L

2009-04-15

Cobra venom factor (CVF) is a functional analog of human complement component C3b, the active fragment of C3. Similar to C3b, in human and mammalian serum, CVF binds factor B, which is then cleaved by factor D, giving rise to the CVFBb complex that targets the same scissile bond in C3 as the authentic complement convertases C4bC2a and C3bBb. Unlike the latter, CVFBb is a stable complex and an efficient C5 convertase. We solved the crystal structure of CVF, isolated from Naja naja kouthia venom, at 2.6 A resolution. The CVF crystal structure, an intermediate between C3b and C3c, lacks the TED domain and has the CUB domain in an identical position to that seen in C3b. The similarly positioned CUB and slightly displaced C345c domains of CVF could play a vital role in the formation of C3 convertases by providing important primary binding sites for factor B.

Black cobra (Naja naja karachiensis) lysates exhibit broad-spectrum antimicrobial activities

PubMed Central

Sagheer, Mehwish; Siddiqui, Ruqaiyyah; Iqbal, Junaid; Khan, Naveed Ahmed

2014-01-01

It is hypothesized that animals living in polluted environments possess antimicrobials to counter pathogenic microbes. The fact that snakes feed on germ-infested rodents suggests that they encounter pathogenic microbes and likely possess antimicrobials. The venom is used only to paralyze the rodent, but the ability of snakes to counter potential infections in the gut due to disease-ridden rodents requires robust action of the immune system against a broad range of pathogens. To test this hypothesis, crude lysates of different organs of Naja naja karachiensis (black cobra) were tested for antimicrobial properties. The antimicrobial activities of extracts were tested against selected bacterial pathogens (neuropathogenic Escherichia coli K1, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Streptococcus pneumonia), protist (Acanthamoeba castellanii), and filamentous fungus (Fusarium solani). The findings revealed that plasma and various organ extracts of N. n. karachiensis exhibited antimicrobial activity against E. coli K1, MRSA, P. aeruginosa, S. pneumoniae, A. castellanii, and F. solani in a concentration-dependent manner. The results of this study are promising for the development of new antimicrobials. PMID:24625321

Deep Space Network and Lunar Network Communication Coverage of the Moon

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lee, Charles H.; Cheung, Kar-Ming

2006-01-01

In this article, we describe the communication coverage analysis for the lunar network and the Earth ground stations. The first part of this article focuses on the direct communication coverage of the Moon from the Earth's ground stations. In particular, we assess the coverage performance of the Moon based on the existing Deep Space Network (DSN) antennas and the complimentary coverage of other potential stations at Hartebeesthoek, South Africa and at Santiago, Chile. We also address the coverage sensitivity based on different DSN antenna scenarios and their capability to provide single and redundant coverage of the Moon. The second part of this article focuses on the framework of the constrained optimization scheme to seek a stable constellation six relay satellites in two planes that not only can provide continuous communication coverage to any users on the Moon surface, but can also deliver data throughput in a highly efficient manner.

29 CFR 1603.101 - Coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 29 Labor 4 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Coverage. 1603.101 Section 1603.101 Labor Regulations Relating to Labor (Continued) EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION PROCEDURES FOR PREVIOUSLY EXEMPT STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEE COMPLAINTS OF EMPLOYMENT DISCRIMINATION UNDER SECTION 304 OF THE...

29 CFR 1603.101 - Coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 29 Labor 4 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Coverage. 1603.101 Section 1603.101 Labor Regulations Relating to Labor (Continued) EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION PROCEDURES FOR PREVIOUSLY EXEMPT STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEE COMPLAINTS OF EMPLOYMENT DISCRIMINATION UNDER SECTION 304 OF THE...

29 CFR 1603.101 - Coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 29 Labor 4 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Coverage. 1603.101 Section 1603.101 Labor Regulations Relating to Labor (Continued) EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION PROCEDURES FOR PREVIOUSLY EXEMPT STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEE COMPLAINTS OF EMPLOYMENT DISCRIMINATION UNDER SECTION 304 OF THE...

29 CFR 1603.101 - Coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 29 Labor 4 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Coverage. 1603.101 Section 1603.101 Labor Regulations Relating to Labor (Continued) EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION PROCEDURES FOR PREVIOUSLY EXEMPT STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEE COMPLAINTS OF EMPLOYMENT DISCRIMINATION UNDER SECTION 304 OF THE...

29 CFR 1603.101 - Coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 29 Labor 4 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Coverage. 1603.101 Section 1603.101 Labor Regulations Relating to Labor (Continued) EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION PROCEDURES FOR PREVIOUSLY EXEMPT STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEE COMPLAINTS OF EMPLOYMENT DISCRIMINATION UNDER SECTION 304 OF THE...

76 FR 21265 - Interest on Deposits; Deposit Insurance Coverage

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-04-15

... of interest on demand deposits, effective one year from the date of the DFA's enactment, July 21... COVERAGE 2. The authority for part 330 continues to read as follows: 12 U.S.C. 1813(l), 1813(m), 1817(i...

Employer-sponsored health insurance coverage continues to decline in a new decade.

PubMed

Gould, Elise

2013-01-01

Most Americans, particularly those under age 65, rely on health insurance offered through the workplace. Given continuing high unemployment, it comes as no surprise that the share of Americans under age 65 covered by employer-sponsored health insurance (ESI) eroded for the 11th year in a row in 2011, falling from 58.6 percent in 2010 to 58.3 percent. The situation started deteriorating long before the Great Recession: the share of Americans under age 65 covered by ESI eroded every year from 2000 to 2011, decreasing by a total of 10.9 percentage points. As many as 29 million more people under age 65 would have had ESI in 2011 if the coverage rate had remained at the 2000 level. The decline in ESI coverage has been accompanied by an overall decline in health insurance coverage. The number of uninsured non-elderly Americans was 47.9 million in 2011--11.7 million higher than in 2000. Increasing public insurance coverage, particularly among children, is the only reason the uninsured rate did not rise one-for-one with losses in ESI. In addition, key components in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act took effect in 2010, shielding young adults from further coverage losses.

[Thoracoscopic, epicardial ablation of atrial fibrillation using the COBRA Fusion system as the first part of hybrid ablation].

PubMed

Budera, P; Osmančík, P; Talavera, D; Fojt, R; Kraupnerová, A; Žďárská, J; Vaněk, T; Straka, Z

2017-01-01

Treatment of persistent and long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation is not successfully managed by methods of catheter ablation or pharmacotherapy. Hybrid ablation (i.e. combination of minimally invasive surgical ablation, followed by electrophysiological assessment and subsequent endocardial catheter ablation to complete the entire intended procedure) presents an ever more used and very promising treatment method. Patients underwent thoracoscopic ablation of pulmonary veins and posterior wall of the left atrium (the box-lesion) with use of the COBRA Fusion catheter; thoracoscopic occlusion of the left atrial appendage using the AtriClip system was also done in later patients. After 23 months, electrophysiological assessment and catheter ablation followed. In this article we summarize a strategy of the surgical part of the hybrid procedure performed in our centre. We describe the surgery itself (including possible periprocedural complications) and we also present our short-term results, especially with respect to subsequent electrophysiological findings. Data of the first 51 patients were analyzed. The first 25 patients underwent unilateral ablation; the mean time of surgery was 102 min. Subsequent 26 patients underwent the bilateral procedure with the mean surgery time of 160 min. Serious complications included 1 stroke, 1 phrenic nerve palsy and 2 surgical re-explorations for bleeding. After 1 month, 65% of patients showed sinus rhythm. The box-lesion was found complete during electrophysiological assessment in 38% of patients and after catheter ablation, 96% of patients were discharged in sinus rhythm. The surgical part of the hybrid procedure with use of the minimally invasive approach and the COBRA Fusion catheter is a well-feasible method with a low number of periprocedural complications. For electrophysiologists, it provides a very good basis for successful completion of the hybrid ablation.Key words: atrial fibrillation hybrid ablation - thoracoscopy catheter ablation electrophysiology assessment.

2007 costs and coverage of antiretrovirals under Medicare Part D for people with HIV/AIDS living in North Carolina.

PubMed

Sengupta, Sohini

2008-01-01

Effective January 1, 2006 Medicare Part D became a new source of prescription drug coverage for people with HIV/AIDS in the United States. The implementation of Part D has affected access to antiretrovirals for people with HIV/AIDS. In North Carolina, access can be difficult because of the state's struggling safety net programs and the growing HIV-infected populations among Blacks and in poor rural counties. This analysis examines Medicare Part D antiretroviral coverage in 2007 for beneficiaries with HIV/AIDS in North Carolina, particularly those who did not qualify as dual eligibles or for a full low-income subsidy. Data describing program coverage were obtained from the Web site www.medicare.gov and descriptive analyses were performed to assess changes in antiretroviral coverage in Part D prescription drug plans in North Carolina. Most of the 26 antiretrovirals are covered in some way by 76 North Carolina prescription drug plans. There may be variability in coverage however associated with (a) antiretroviral classification within formularies; (b) drug premiums; (c) whether premiums can be waived; (d) annual deductibles; and (e) whether coverage is provided in the "doughnut hole." The data may not reflect actual patterns of drug use and realized access to the drugs. The findings are limited to antiretroviral coverage in North Carolina's Part D offerings but could be generalized to other states with similar prescription drug plan costs and coverage. These concerns continue to pose significant challenges to accessing antiretrovirals for Part D beneficiaries with HIV/AIDS in North Carolina. Variability demonstrated within prescription drug plans will continue, and beneficiaries with HIV/AIDS who do not qualify as dual eligibles or for low-income subsidies will need to evaluate these issues when selecting a prescription drug plan in future enrollment periods.

Analysis on the Change of Grassland Coverage in the Source Region of Three Rivers during 2000-2012

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luo, Chengfeng; Wang, Jiao; Liu, Meilin; Liu, Zhengjun

2014-03-01

The Source Region of Three Rivers (SRTR) has very important ecological functions which form an ecological security barrier for China's Qinghai-Tibet plateau. As the biggest nationally occuring nature reserve region in China, the ecological environment here is very fragile. In SRTR the grassland coverage is an effective detector to reflect the ecological environment condition, because it records the changing process of climatic and environmental sensitively. In recent years SRTR has been suffering pressures from both nature and social pressures. With MODIS data the study monitored the grassland coverage continuously in SRTR from 2000 to 2012. The density-model was adapted to estimate grassland coverage degree firstly. Then the degree of change and the change intensity, change type were used to judge the grassland coverage change trend comprehensively. For grassland coverage there was natural change annual or within the year, and the degree of change was used to judge if there was change or not. The grassland has another important characteristic, annual fluctuation, and it can be differed from sustained changes with change type. For grassland coverage, such continuous change, like improvement or degradation, and to what extent, has more guidance sense on specific production practice. On the base of change type and degree of change, change intensity was used to identify the change trend of the grassland coverage. The analysis results from our study show that steady state and fluctuation are two main change trends for the vegetation coverage in SRTR from 2000 to 2012. The conclusion of this paper can provide references in response to environment change research and in the regional ecological environmental protection project in SRTR.

42 CFR 600.405 - Standard health plan coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... 42 Public Health 5 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Standard health plan coverage. 600.405 Section 600.405 Public Health CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) BASIC HEALTH PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION, ELIGIBILITY, ESSENTIAL HEALTH BENEFITS, PERFORMANCE...

45 CFR 1150.20 - What debts are included or excluded from coverage of these regulations on salary offset?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... Public Welfare (Continued) NATIONAL FOUNDATION ON THE ARTS AND THE HUMANITIES NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS COLLECTION OF CLAIMS Salary Offset § 1150.20 What debts are included or excluded from coverage of...

45 CFR 1150.20 - What debts are included or excluded from coverage of these regulations on salary offset?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... Public Welfare (Continued) NATIONAL FOUNDATION ON THE ARTS AND THE HUMANITIES NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS COLLECTION OF CLAIMS Salary Offset § 1150.20 What debts are included or excluded from coverage of...

Funding, coverage, and access under Thailand's universal health insurance program: an update after ten years.

PubMed

Damrongplasit, Kannika; Melnick, Glenn

2015-04-01

In 2001, Thailand implemented a universal coverage program by expanding government-funded health coverage to uninsured citizens and limited their out-of-pocket payments to 30 Baht per encounter and, in 2006, eliminated out-of-pocket payments entirely. Prior research covering the early years of the program showed that the program effectively expanded coverage while a more recent paper of the early effects of the program found that improved access from the program led to a reduction in infant mortality. We expand and update previous analyses of the effects of the 30 Baht program on access and out-of-pocket payments. We analyze national survey and governmental budgeting data through 2011 to examine trends in health care financing, coverage and access, including out-of-pocket payments. By 2011, only 1.64 % of the population remained uninsured in Thailand (down from 2.61 % in 2009). While government funding increased 75 % between 2005 and 2010, budgetary requests by health care providers exceeded approved amounts in many years. The 30 Baht program beneficiaries paid zero out-of-pocket payments for both outpatient and inpatient care. Inpatient and outpatient contact rates across all insurance categories fell slightly over time. Overall, the statistical results suggest that the program is continuing to achieve its goals after 10 years of operation. Insurance coverage is now virtually universal, access has been more or less maintained, government funding has continued to grow, though at rates below requested levels and 30 Baht patients are still guaranteed access to care with limited or no out-of-pocket costs. Important issues going forward are the ability of the government to sustain continued funding increases while minimizing cost sharing.

5 CFR 890.1103 - Eligibility.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... involuntary separation for gross misconduct. (2) Individuals whose coverage as children under the family... under a family enrollment of an employee or annuitant at the time of the qualifying event. (3) Former spouses of employees, of former employees having continued family coverage under this subpart, or of...

5 CFR 890.1103 - Eligibility.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... involuntary separation for gross misconduct. (2) Individuals whose coverage as children under the family... under a family enrollment of an employee or annuitant at the time of the qualifying event. (3) Former spouses of employees, of former employees having continued family coverage under this subpart, or of...

5 CFR 890.1103 - Eligibility.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... involuntary separation for gross misconduct. (2) Individuals whose coverage as children under the family... under a family enrollment of an employee or annuitant at the time of the qualifying event. (3) Former spouses of employees, of former employees having continued family coverage under this subpart, or of...

5 CFR 890.1103 - Eligibility.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... involuntary separation for gross misconduct. (2) Individuals whose coverage as children under the family... under a family enrollment of an employee or annuitant at the time of the qualifying event. (3) Former spouses of employees, of former employees having continued family coverage under this subpart, or of...

42 CFR 457.475 - Limitations on coverage: Abortions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... 42 Public Health 4 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Limitations on coverage: Abortions. 457.475 Section 457.475 Public Health CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) STATE CHILDREN'S HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAMS (SCHIPs) ALLOTMENTS AND GRANTS TO STATES...

42 CFR 457.475 - Limitations on coverage: Abortions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 42 Public Health 4 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Limitations on coverage: Abortions. 457.475 Section 457.475 Public Health CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) STATE CHILDREN'S HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAMS (SCHIPs) ALLOTMENTS AND GRANTS TO STATES...

42 CFR 457.475 - Limitations on coverage: Abortions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 42 Public Health 4 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Limitations on coverage: Abortions. 457.475 Section 457.475 Public Health CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) STATE CHILDREN'S HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAMS (SCHIPs) ALLOTMENTS AND GRANTS TO STATES...

42 CFR 457.475 - Limitations on coverage: Abortions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... 42 Public Health 4 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Limitations on coverage: Abortions. 457.475 Section 457.475 Public Health CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) STATE CHILDREN'S HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAMS (SCHIPs) ALLOTMENTS AND GRANTS TO STATES...

42 CFR 457.475 - Limitations on coverage: Abortions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... 42 Public Health 4 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Limitations on coverage: Abortions. 457.475 Section 457.475 Public Health CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) STATE CHILDREN'S HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAMS (SCHIPs) ALLOTMENTS AND GRANTS TO STATES...

42 CFR 457.410 - Health benefits coverage options.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 42 Public Health 4 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Health benefits coverage options. 457.410 Section 457.410 Public Health CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) STATE CHILDREN'S HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAMS (SCHIPs) ALLOTMENTS AND GRANTS TO STATES...

42 CFR 457.410 - Health benefits coverage options.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... 42 Public Health 4 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Health benefits coverage options. 457.410 Section 457.410 Public Health CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) STATE CHILDREN'S HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAMS (SCHIPs) ALLOTMENTS AND GRANTS TO STATES...

42 CFR 457.410 - Health benefits coverage options.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... 42 Public Health 4 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Health benefits coverage options. 457.410 Section 457.410 Public Health CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) STATE CHILDREN'S HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAMS (SCHIPs) ALLOTMENTS AND GRANTS TO STATES...

42 CFR 457.420 - Benchmark health benefits coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... 42 Public Health 4 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Benchmark health benefits coverage. 457.420 Section 457.420 Public Health CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) STATE CHILDREN'S HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAMS (SCHIPs) ALLOTMENTS AND GRANTS TO STATES...

42 CFR 457.420 - Benchmark health benefits coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 42 Public Health 4 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Benchmark health benefits coverage. 457.420 Section 457.420 Public Health CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) STATE CHILDREN'S HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAMS (SCHIPs) ALLOTMENTS AND GRANTS TO STATES...

42 CFR 457.420 - Benchmark health benefits coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... 42 Public Health 4 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Benchmark health benefits coverage. 457.420 Section 457.420 Public Health CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) STATE CHILDREN'S HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAMS (SCHIPs) ALLOTMENTS AND GRANTS TO STATES...

42 CFR 457.420 - Benchmark health benefits coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 42 Public Health 4 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Benchmark health benefits coverage. 457.420 Section 457.420 Public Health CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) STATE CHILDREN'S HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAMS (SCHIPs) ALLOTMENTS AND GRANTS TO STATES...

42 CFR 457.420 - Benchmark health benefits coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... 42 Public Health 4 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Benchmark health benefits coverage. 457.420 Section 457.420 Public Health CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) STATE CHILDREN'S HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAMS (SCHIPs) ALLOTMENTS AND GRANTS TO STATES...

42 CFR 457.410 - Health benefits coverage options.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 42 Public Health 4 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Health benefits coverage options. 457.410 Section 457.410 Public Health CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) STATE CHILDREN'S HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAMS (SCHIPs) ALLOTMENTS AND GRANTS TO STATES...

42 CFR 457.410 - Health benefits coverage options.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... 42 Public Health 4 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Health benefits coverage options. 457.410 Section 457.410 Public Health CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) STATE CHILDREN'S HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAMS (SCHIPs) ALLOTMENTS AND GRANTS TO STATES...

State trends in premiums and deductibles, 2003-2011: eroding protection and rising costs underscore need for action.

PubMed

Schoen, Cathy; Lippa, Jacob; Collins, Sara; Radley, David

2012-12-01

Rapidly rising health insurance premiums and higher cost-sharing continue to strain the budgets of U.S. working families and employers. Analysis of state trends in private employer-based health insurance from 2003 to 2011 reveals that premiums for family coverage increased 62 percent across states--rising far faster than income for middle- and low-income families. At the same time, deductibles more than doubled in large and small firms. Workers are thus paying more but getting less-protective benefits. If trends continue at their historical rate, the average premium for family coverage will reach nearly $25,000 by 2020. The Affordable Care Act's reforms should begin to moderate costs while improving coverage. But with private insurance costs projected to increase faster than incomes over the next decade, further efforts are needed. If annual premium growth slowed by one percentage point, by 2020 employers and families would save $2,029 annually for family coverage.

A new role for primary care teams in the United States after “Obamacare:” Track and improve health insurance coverage rates

PubMed Central

DeVoe, Jennifer; Angier, Heather; Hoopes, Megan; Gold, Rachel

2017-01-01

Maintaining continuous health insurance coverage is important. With recent expansions in access to coverage in the United States after “Obamacare,” primary care teams have a new role in helping to track and improve coverage rates and to provide outreach to patients. We describe efforts to longitudinally track health insurance rates using data from the electronic health record (EHR) of a primary care network and to use these data to support practice-based insurance outreach and assistance. Although we highlight a few examples from one network, we believe there is great potential for doing this type of work in a broad range of family medicine and community health clinics that provide continuity of care. By partnering with researchers through practice-based research networks and other similar collaboratives, primary care practices can greatly expand the use of EHR data and EHR-based tools targeting improvements in health insurance and quality health care. PMID:28966926

Inferior rabies vaccine quality and low immunization coverage in dogs (Canis familiaris) in China

PubMed Central

HU, R. L.; FOOKS, A. R.; ZHANG, S. F.; LIU, Y.; ZHANG, F.

2008-01-01

SUMMARY Human rabies in China continues to increase exponentially, largely due to an inadequate veterinary infrastructure and poor vaccine coverage of naive dogs. We performed an epidemiological survey of rabies both in humans and animals, examined vaccine quality for animal use, evaluated the vaccination coverage in dogs, and checked the dog samples for the presence of rabies virus. The lack of surveillance in dog rabies, together with the low immunization coverage (up to 2·8% in rural areas) and the high percentage of rabies virus prevalence (up to 6·4%) in dogs, suggests that the dog population is a continual threat for rabies transmission from dogs to humans in China. Results also indicated that the quality of rabies vaccines for animal use did not satisfy all of the requirements for an efficacious vaccine capable of fully eliminating rabies. These data suggest that the factors noted above are highly correlated with the high incidence of human rabies in China. PMID:18177524

From ACTS (Air Corps Tactical School) to COBRA: Evolution of Close Air Support Doctrine in World War Two.

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-04-01

cooperated and coordinated their activities in absolute precision cieated by total nental telepathy . Although XIX Tactice.1 Air Coeeand and Third Aray did...capture of the Romanian oil fields and increased production of synthetic oil, Germany produced enough oil to meet her military needs. By 1944, the

What's Race Got to Do with It? Preservice Teachers and White Racial Identity

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Peters, Terri; Margolin, Marcia; Fragnoli, Kristi; Bloom, Diane

2016-01-01

This study examined changes in student teachers' White racial identity and color-blindness (using scores on the WRCDS-R and CoBRAS), as well as their perceptions of working with students of color, following a semester of student teaching in diverse classrooms. Paired samples t-tests demonstrated student teachers were more color-blind about…

Operational Issues in the Development of a Cost-Effective Reusable LOX/LH2 Engine

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ballard, Richard O.

2005-01-01

Contents include the following: SLI initiated under NASA Research Announcement (NRA) 8-30. Strategic Objectives. Make spaceflight safer (1 in 10000 mission LOV). Make spaceflight cheaper ($1000/lb payload). Two prototype LOX/LH2 engine systems funded under Cycle-1 of NRA8-30. COBRA (Pratt & Whitney / Aerojet). RS-83 (Rocketdyne).

Learning from Their Own Learning: How Metacognitive and Meta-Affective Reflections Enhance Learning in Race-Related Courses

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chick, Nancy; Karis, Terri; Kernahan, Cyndi

2009-01-01

This interdisciplinary project examined how students think and feel about their learning in race-related diversity courses. Students in four classes (literature, psychology, geography) reflected on cognitive and affective dimensions of their own and their classmates' learning. The Color Blind Racial Attitudes Scales (CoBRAS) confirmed qualitative…

26 CFR 54.4980B-0 - Table of contents.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... requirements apply to cafeteria plans and other flexible benefit arrangements? Q-9: What is the effect of a... employer withdrawals from multiemployer plans. § 54.4980B-10Interaction of FMLA and COBRA. List of... purposes of section 4980B, what is a group health plan? Q-2: For purposes of section 4980B, what is the...

77 FR 71190 - Cobra Pipeline Ltd.; Notice of Petition for Rate Approval

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-11-29

... determining the appropriate action to be taken, but will not serve to make protestants parties to the proceeding. Any person wishing to become a party must file a notice of intervention or motion to intervene, as appropriate. Such notices, motions, or protests must be filed on or before the date as indicated...

Journal of Special Operations Medicine Volume 1, Edition 1

DTIC Science & Technology

2001-01-01

the enemy, and generally regard them with unspo- ken respect. The feelings they must have for those who are realistically threatening their lives...Cobras from the 1st Cav Division area of operation just down to the south of us, Loaches , even a Chi- nook. And fixed wing! We had everything but a B-52

Hospital emergency on-call coverage: is there a doctor in the house?

PubMed

O'Malley, Ann S; Draper, Debra A; Felland, Laurie E

2007-11-01

The nation's community hospitals face increasing problems obtaining emergency on-call coverage from specialist physicians, according to findings from the Center for Studying Health System Change's (HSC) 2007 site visits to 12 nationally representative metropolitan communities. The diminished willingness of specialist physicians to provide on-call coverage is occurring as hospital emergency departments confront an ever-increasing demand for services. Factors influencing physician reluctance to provide on-call coverage include decreased dependence on hospital admitting privileges as more services shift to non-hospital settings; payment for emergency care, especially for uninsured patients; and medical liability concerns. Hospital strategies to secure on-call coverage include enforcing hospital medical staff bylaws that require physicians to take call, contracting with physicians to provide coverage, paying physicians stipends, and employing physicians. Nonetheless, many hospitals continue to struggle with inadequate on-call coverage, which threatens patients' timely access to high-quality emergency care and may raise health care costs.

Terahertz quantum-cascade lasers as high-power and wideband, gapless sources for spectroscopy.

PubMed

Röben, Benjamin; Lü, Xiang; Hempel, Martin; Biermann, Klaus; Schrottke, Lutz; Grahn, Holger T

2017-07-10

Terahertz (THz) quantum-cascade lasers (QCLs) are powerful radiation sources for high-resolution and high-sensitivity spectroscopy with a discrete spectrum between 2 and 5 THz as well as a continuous coverage of several GHz. However, for many applications, a radiation source with a continuous coverage of a substantially larger frequency range is required. We employed a multi-mode THz QCL operated with a fast ramped injection current, which leads to a collective tuning of equally-spaced Fabry-Pérot laser modes exceeding their separation. A continuous coverage over 72 GHz at about 4.7 THz was achieved. We demonstrate that the QCL is superior to conventional sources used in Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy in terms of the signal-to-noise ratio as well as the dynamic range by one to two orders of magnitude. Our results pave the way for versatile THz spectroscopic systems with unprecedented resolution and sensitivity across a wide frequency range.

Massachusetts health reform: employer coverage from employees' perspective.

PubMed

Long, Sharon K; Stockley, Karen

2009-01-01

The national health reform debate continues to draw on Massachusetts' 2006 reform initiative, with a focus on sustaining employer-sponsored insurance. This study provides an update on employers' responses under health reform in fall 2008, using data from surveys of working-age adults. Results show that concerns about employers' dropping coverage or scaling back benefits under health reform have not been realized. Access to employer coverage has increased, as has the scope and quality of their coverage as assessed by workers. However, premiums and out-of-pocket costs have become more of an issue for employees in small firms.

Effect of the Medicare Part D coverage gap on medication use among patients with hypertension and hyperlipidemia.

PubMed

Li, Pengxiang; McElligott, Sean; Bergquist, Henry; Schwartz, J Sanford; Doshi, Jalpa A

2012-06-05

Prior studies of the Medicare Part D coverage gap are limited in generalizability and scope. To determine the effect of the coverage gap on drugs used for asymptomatic (antihypertensive and lipid-lowering drugs) and symptomatic (pain relievers, acid suppressants, and antidepressants) conditions in elderly patients with hypertension and hyperlipidemia. Quasi-experimental study using pre-post design and contemporaneous control group. Medicare claims files from 2005 and 2006 for 5% random sample of Medicare beneficiaries. Part D plan enrollees with hypertension or hyperlipidemia aged 65 years or older who had no coverage, generic-only coverage, or both brand-name and generic coverage during the gap in 2006. Patients who were fully eligible for the low-income subsidy served as the control group. Monthly 30-day supply prescriptions available, medication adherence, and continuous medication gaps of 30 days or more for antihypertensive or lipid-lowering drugs; monthly 30-day supply prescriptions available for pain relievers, acid suppressants, or antidepressants before and after coverage gap entry. Patients with no gap coverage had a decrease in monthly antihypertensive and lipid-lowering drug prescriptions during the coverage gap. Nonadherence also increased in this group (antihypertensives: odds ratio [OR], 1.60 [95% CI, 1.50 to 1.71]; lipid-lowering drugs: OR, 1.59 [CI, 1.50 to 1.68]). The proportion of patients with no gap coverage who had continuous medication gaps in lipid-lowering medication use and antihypertensive use increased by an absolute 7.3% (OR, 1.38 [CI, 1.29 to 1.46]) and 3.2% (OR, 1.35 [CI, 1.25 to 1.45]), respectively, because of the coverage gap. Decreases in use were smaller for pain relievers and antidepressants and larger for acid suppressants in patients with no gap coverage. Patients with generic-only coverage had decreased use of cardiovascular medications but no change in use of drugs for symptomatic conditions. No measures changed in the brand-name and generic coverage groups. Results of sensitivity analyses were consistent with the main findings. Because this study was nonrandomized, unobserved differences may still exist between study groups. The Part D coverage gap was associated with decreased use of medications for hypertension and hyperlipidemia in patients with no gap coverage and generic-only gap coverage. The proposed phasing out of the gap by 2020 will benefit such patients; however, use of low-value medications may also increase. Penn-Pfizer Alliance and American Heart Association.

29 CFR 825.109 - Federal agency coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... the administrative workweek; and, (4) An employee serving under an intermittent appointment or... Regulations Relating to Labor (Continued) WAGE AND HOUR DIVISION, DEPARTMENT OF LABOR OTHER LAWS THE FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE ACT OF 1993 Coverage Under the Family and Medical Leave Act § 825.109 Federal agency...

42 CFR 423.104 - Requirements related to qualified prescription drug coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 42 Public Health 3 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Requirements related to qualified prescription drug coverage. 423.104 Section 423.104 Public Health CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICARE PROGRAM VOLUNTARY MEDICARE PRESCRIPTION DRUG BENEFIT...

7 CFR 457.146 - Northern potato crop insurance-storage coverage endorsement.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 6 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Northern potato crop insurance-storage coverage endorsement. 457.146 Section 457.146 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) FEDERAL CROP INSURANCE CORPORATION, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE COMMON CROP INSURANCE REGULATIONS § 457.146...

42 CFR 457.430 - Benchmark-equivalent health benefits coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... 42 Public Health 4 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Benchmark-equivalent health benefits coverage. 457.430 Section 457.430 Public Health CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) STATE CHILDREN'S HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAMS (SCHIPs) ALLOTMENTS AND GRANTS TO...

42 CFR 457.430 - Benchmark-equivalent health benefits coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... 42 Public Health 4 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Benchmark-equivalent health benefits coverage. 457.430 Section 457.430 Public Health CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) STATE CHILDREN'S HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAMS (SCHIPs) ALLOTMENTS AND GRANTS TO...

5 CFR 890.401 - Temporary extension of coverage and conversion.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... conversion. 890.401 Section 890.401 Administrative Personnel OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED) CIVIL... and Conversion § 890.401 Temporary extension of coverage and conversion. (a) Thirty-one day extension and conversion. (1) An enrollee whose enrollment is terminated other than by cancellation of the...

76 FR 77051 - Proposed Collection; Comment Request for Form 13704

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-12-09

... 13704, Health Coverage Tax Credit Registration Update Form. DATES: Written comments should be [email protected] . SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Title: Health Coverage Tax Credit Registration Update Form... taxpayers determine if they are eligible for the credit and understand what they need to do to continue to...

47 CFR 80.905 - Vessel radio equipment.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... the coverage of an INMARSAT maritime mobile geostationary satellite in which continuous alerting is... of an INMARSAT maritime mobile geostationary satellite in which continuous alerting is available, an...

47 CFR 80.905 - Vessel radio equipment.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... the coverage of an INMARSAT maritime mobile geostationary satellite in which continuous alerting is... of an INMARSAT maritime mobile geostationary satellite in which continuous alerting is available, an...

47 CFR 80.905 - Vessel radio equipment.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... the coverage of an INMARSAT maritime mobile geostationary satellite in which continuous alerting is... of an INMARSAT maritime mobile geostationary satellite in which continuous alerting is available, an...

A shared responsibility. US employers and the provision of health insurance to employees.

PubMed

Collins, Sara R; Davis, Karen; Ho, Alice

2005-01-01

Employer-based health insurance is the backbone of the U.S. system of health insurance coverage. Yet it has been slowly eroding, and if these trends continue greater numbers of Americans are likely to be uninsured or without affordable coverage. Employer coverage has marked advantages, including benefits to employers and a natural risk pool that offers better benefits at lower cost than individual coverage, and is highly valued by employees. The shift of health care costs from employers who do not cover their workers to other parts of the economy is substantial. Very little attention has been given to policies that might strengthen and expand employer coverage. It will be important to shore up employer coverage both to curb its recent erosion and to build toward a more comprehensive system of health insurance.

Insurance premiums and insurance coverage of near-poor children.

PubMed

Hadley, Jack; Reschovsky, James D; Cunningham, Peter; Kenney, Genevieve; Dubay, Lisa

States increasingly are using premiums for near-poor children in their public insurance programs (Medicaid/SCHIP) to limit private insurance crowd-out and constrain program costs. Using national data from four rounds of the Community Tracking Study Household Surveys spanning the seven years from 1996 to 2003, this study estimates a multinomial logistic regression model examining how public and private insurance premiums affect insurance coverage outcomes (Medicaid/SCHIP coverage, private coverage, and no coverage). Higher public premiums are significantly associated with a lower probability of public coverage and higher probabilities of private coverage and uninsurance; higher private premiums are significantly related to a lower probability of private coverage and higher probabilities of public coverage and uninsurance. The results imply that uninsurance rates will rise if both public and private premiums increase, and suggest that states that impose or increase public insurance premiums for near-poor children will succeed in discouraging crowd-out of private insurance, but at the expense of higher rates of uninsurance. Sustained increases in private insurance premiums will continue to create enrollment pressures on state insurance programs for children.

45 CFR 2551.122 - What legal coverage does the Corporation make available to Senior Companions?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... available to Senior Companions? 2551.122 Section 2551.122 Public Welfare Regulations Relating to Public Welfare (Continued) CORPORATION FOR NATIONAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICE SENIOR COMPANION PROGRAM Restrictions and Legal Representation § 2551.122 What legal coverage does the Corporation make available to Senior...

29 CFR 825.106 - Joint employer coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... Regulations Relating to Labor (Continued) WAGE AND HOUR DIVISION, DEPARTMENT OF LABOR OTHER LAWS THE FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE ACT OF 1993 Coverage Under the Family and Medical Leave Act § 825.106 Joint employer... employees; (2) Where one employer acts directly or indirectly in the interest of the other employer in...

29 CFR 825.106 - Joint employer coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... Regulations Relating to Labor (Continued) WAGE AND HOUR DIVISION, DEPARTMENT OF LABOR OTHER LAWS THE FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE ACT OF 1993 Coverage Under the Family and Medical Leave Act § 825.106 Joint employer... employees; (2) Where one employer acts directly or indirectly in the interest of the other employer in...

29 CFR 825.106 - Joint employer coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... Regulations Relating to Labor (Continued) WAGE AND HOUR DIVISION, DEPARTMENT OF LABOR OTHER LAWS THE FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE ACT OF 1993 Coverage Under the Family and Medical Leave Act § 825.106 Joint employer... employees; (2) Where one employer acts directly or indirectly in the interest of the other employer in...

29 CFR 825.106 - Joint employer coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... Regulations Relating to Labor (Continued) WAGE AND HOUR DIVISION, DEPARTMENT OF LABOR OTHER LAWS THE FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE ACT OF 1993 Coverage Under the Family and Medical Leave Act § 825.106 Joint employer... employees; (2) Where one employer acts directly or indirectly in the interest of the other employer in...

42 CFR 457.80 - Current State child health insurance coverage and coordination.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 42 Public Health 4 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Current State child health insurance coverage and... HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) STATE CHILDREN'S HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAMS (SCHIPs) ALLOTMENTS AND GRANTS TO STATES Introduction; State Plans for Child Health Insurance Programs and Outreach Strategies...

5 CFR 847.502 - Transfers to the CSR Fund.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 5 Administrative Personnel 2 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Transfers to the CSR Fund. 847.502 Section 847.502 Administrative Personnel OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED) CIVIL SERVICE... to the CSR Fund. For elections of CSRS or FERS coverage under § 847.411 or FERS coverage and service...

5 CFR 831.204 - Elections of retirement coverage under the District of Columbia Financial Responsibility and...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 5 Administrative Personnel 2 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Elections of retirement coverage under the District of Columbia Financial Responsibility and Management Assistance Act of 1995. 831.204 Section 831.204 Administrative Personnel OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED) CIVIL SERVICE...

Group Health Insurance Plans for Public-School Personnel, 1964-65.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

National Education Association, Washington, DC.

This report explains the major considerations in developing group health insurance coverage for public school personnel. A general overview is given of (1) group health insurance coverage, (2) patterns of group health insurance, (3) group health insurance organizations, (4) eligibility and enrollment practices, and (5) continuous health insurance…

5 CFR 894.601 - When does my FEDVIP coverage stop?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... REGULATIONS (CONTINUED) FEDERAL EMPLOYEES DENTAL AND VISION INSURANCE PROGRAM Termination or Cancellation of...) If you are enrolled with a combination dental and vision carrier with a restricted service area, and... carrier and you change to a dental only or vision only carrier, your existing combination plan coverage...

5 CFR 894.601 - When does my FEDVIP coverage stop?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... REGULATIONS (CONTINUED) FEDERAL EMPLOYEES DENTAL AND VISION INSURANCE PROGRAM Termination or Cancellation of...) If you are enrolled with a combination dental and vision carrier with a restricted service area, and... carrier and you change to a dental only or vision only carrier, your existing combination plan coverage...

29 CFR 825.106 - Joint employer coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... Regulations Relating to Labor (Continued) WAGE AND HOUR DIVISION, DEPARTMENT OF LABOR OTHER LAWS THE FAMILY... coverage. (a) Where two or more businesses exercise some control over the work or working conditions of the... leave who is working for a secondary employer is considered employed by the secondary employer, and must...

42 CFR 416.40 - Condition for coverage-Compliance with State licensure law.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... licensure law. 416.40 Section 416.40 Public Health CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICARE PROGRAM AMBULATORY SURGICAL SERVICES Specific Conditions for Coverage § 416.40 Condition for coverage—Compliance with State licensure law. The ASC must comply...

29 CFR 778.2 - Coverage and exemptions not discussed.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... within the general coverage of the wage and hours provisions are wholly or partially excluded from the protection of the Act's minimum-wage and overtime-pay requirements. Some of these exemptions are self... Labor Regulations Relating to Labor (Continued) WAGE AND HOUR DIVISION, DEPARTMENT OF LABOR STATEMENTS...

5 CFR 890.1101 - Purpose.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 5 Administrative Personnel 2 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Purpose. 890.1101 Section 890.1101 Administrative Personnel OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED) CIVIL SERVICE REGULATIONS (CONTINUED) FEDERAL EMPLOYEES HEALTH BENEFITS PROGRAM Temporary Continuation of Coverage § 890.1101 Purpose. This subpart...

Ebb and Flow: Maintaining the Close Air Support Relationship through History

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-05-10

and ground forces should shape the CAS relationship for the future . Thesis Since the appearance of aircraft on the battlefield, ground forces in...campaigned for the primacy of airpower in national defense , but ultimately air and ground leaders alike share the responsibility for the failure to... for Operation Cobra involved a bold breakthrough of the German defenses , but Bradley anticipated

From COBRA to the Seine, August 1944: A Microcosm of the Operational Art

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-05-09

while Patto , c,,rducted operational maneuvers in the German rear. Hill 217 was decisive t erra i r. The 2nd SS Piz Div reached almost to St.Hilaire by...with Eberbach as a r-eplacement for- vonr Funick. But the combined effects oif TOTALIZE, stiffening pressure at lortamii aria Patto -n’ 5 cuit north

26 CFR 54.4980B-10 - Interaction of FMLA and COBRA.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... following questions-and-answers address how the taking of leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act of... circumstances does a qualifying event occur if an employee does not return from leave taken under FMLA? A-1: (a) The taking of leave under FMLA does not constitute a qualifying event. A qualifying event under Q&A-1...

26 CFR 54.4980B-10 - Interaction of FMLA and COBRA.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... following questions-and-answers address how the taking of leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act of... circumstances does a qualifying event occur if an employee does not return from leave taken under FMLA? A-1: (a) The taking of leave under FMLA does not constitute a qualifying event. A qualifying event under Q&A-1...

26 CFR 54.4980B-10 - Interaction of FMLA and COBRA.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... following questions-and-answers address how the taking of leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act of... circumstances does a qualifying event occur if an employee does not return from leave taken under FMLA? A-1: (a) The taking of leave under FMLA does not constitute a qualifying event. A qualifying event under Q&A-1...

26 CFR 54.4980B-10 - Interaction of FMLA and COBRA.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... following questions-and-answers address how the taking of leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act of... circumstances does a qualifying event occur if an employee does not return from leave taken under FMLA? A-1: (a) The taking of leave under FMLA does not constitute a qualifying event. A qualifying event under Q&A-1...

26 CFR 54.4980B-10 - Interaction of FMLA and COBRA.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... following questions-and-answers address how the taking of leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act of... circumstances does a qualifying event occur if an employee does not return from leave taken under FMLA? A-1: (a) The taking of leave under FMLA does not constitute a qualifying event. A qualifying event under Q&A-1...

Report on the Audit of Performnce and Reliability of Cobra Helicopter Rotor Blades

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-05-21

We are providing this final report for your information and use. The audit was made from January to March 1991. The audit objective was to evaluate...internal controls. The audit was made in response to concerns raised by personnel at the Sharpe Army Depot about the K747 blade’s performance, maintenance, and reliability.

JPRS Report - Science & Technology USSR: Life Sciences.

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-04-22

Demand for Cobra Venom Increases 7 Effect of Piracetam on Resistance of Higher Nervous Activity to Informational Overloads [E.G. Chkhubianishvili...gram, giving people health and life. 13227 Effect of Piracetam on Resistance of Higher Nervous Activity to Informational Overloads 18400140...Institute of Physiology imeni I.S. Beritashvili; presented by Academician S.P. Narikashvili 21 Apr 86] [Abstract] Although piracetam is a cyclic derivative

Joint-Basing Funding

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-02-17

expressed in this academic research paper are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of the US government or the...EDUCATION 1975 - High school graduate, Anna- Jonesboro Community High School, Anna, Illinois 1980 - Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering...premise for savings appears to be reductions in military and civilian manpower. Per the COBRA reports noted previously, reductions are exclusively from

76 FR 18750 - Humble Gas Pipeline Company; Cobra Pipeline Ltd.; Notice of Baseline Filings

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-04-05

... file a motion to intervene or to protest this filing in accordance with Rules 211 and 214 of the... Commission in determining the appropriate action to be taken, but will not serve to make protestants parties to the proceeding. Any person wishing to become a party must file a notice of intervention or motion...

North to the Euphrates: Part 1. The Taking of FOB Cobra

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-04-15

update to Ltc Hancock "Binnie you’re about to make air assault history. Don’t fuck it up!" LTG Luck’s, Commander of XVIII Airborne Corps...who called the information into the battery. Although this was a little awkward, it was the best way at the time to get the calls for fires

Anti-platelet activity of a three-finger toxin (3FTx) from Indian monocled cobra (Naja kaouthia) venom.

PubMed

Chanda, Chandrasekhar; Sarkar, Angshuman; Sistla, Srinivas; Chakrabarty, Dibakar

2013-11-22

A low molecular weight anti-platelet peptide (6.9 kDa) has been purified from Naja kaouthia venom and was named KT-6.9. MALDI-TOF/TOF mass spectrometry analysis revealed the homology of KT-6.9 peptide sequence with many three finger toxin family members. KT-6.9 inhibited human platelet aggregation process in a dose dependent manner. It has inhibited ADP, thrombin and arachidonic acid induced platelet aggregation process in dose dependent manner, but did not inhibit collagen and ristocetin induced platelet aggregation. Strong inhibition (70%) of the ADP induced platelet aggregation by KT-6.9 suggests competition with ADP for its receptors on platelet surface. Anti-platelet activity of KT-6.9 was found to be 25 times stronger than that of anti-platelet drug clopidogrel. Binding of KT-6.9 to platelet surface was confirmed by surface plasma resonance analysis using BIAcore X100. Binding was also observed by a modified sandwich ELISA method using anti-KT-6.9 antibodies. KT-6.9 is probably the first 3 FTx from Indian monocled cobra venom reported as a platelet aggregation inhibitor. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The New MODIS-Terra, and the Proposed COBRA Mission: First Global Aerosol Distribution and Properties Over Land and Ocean, and Plans to Measure Global Black Carbon Absorption Over the Ocean Glint

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kaufman, Yoram J.; Tanre, Didier; Remer, Lorraine; Martins, Vanderlei; Schoeberl, Mark; Lau, William K. M. (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

The MODIS instrument was launched on the NASA Terra satellite in Dec. 1999. Since last Oct, the sensor and the aerosol algorithm reached maturity and provide global daily retrievals of aerosol optical thickness and properties. MODIS has 36 spectral channels in the visible to IR with resolution down to 250 m. This allows accurate cloud screening and multi-spectral aerosol retrievals. We derive the aerosol optical thickness over the ocean and most of the land areas, distinguishing between fine (mainly man-made aerosol) and coarse (mainly natural) aerosol particles. New methods to derive the aerosol absorption of sunlight are also being developed. These measurements are use to track different aerosol sources, transport and the radiative forcing at the top and bottom of the atmosphere. However MODIS or any present satellite sensor cannot measure absorption by Black Carbon over the oceans, a critical component in studying climate change and human health. For this purpose we propose the COBRA mission that observes the ocean at glint and off glint simultaneously measuring the spectral polarized light and deriving precisely the aerosol absorption.

The protective effect of Mucuna pruriens seeds against snake venom poisoning.

PubMed

Tan, Nget Hong; Fung, Shin Yee; Sim, Si Mui; Marinello, Enrico; Guerranti, Roberto; Aguiyi, John C

2009-06-22

The seed, leaf and root of Mucuna pruriens have been used in traditional medicine for treatments of various diseases. In Nigeria, the seed is used as oral prophylactics for snakebite. To study the protective effects of Mucuna pruriens seed extract against the lethalities of various snake venoms. Rats were pre-treated with Mucuna pruriens seed extract and challenged with various snake venoms. The effectiveness of anti-Mucuna pruriens (anti-MPE) antibody to neutralize the lethalities of snake venoms was investigated by in vitro neutralization. In rats, MPE pre-treatment conferred effective protection against lethality of Naja sputatrix venom and moderate protection against Calloselasma rhodostoma venom. Indirect ELISA and immunoblotting studies showed that there were extensive cross-reactions between anti-MPE IgG and venoms from many different genera of poisonous snakes, suggesting the involvement of immunological neutralization in the protective effect of MPE pre-treatment against snake venom poisoning. In vitro neutralization experiments showed that the anti-MPE antibodies effectively neutralized the lethalities of Asiatic cobra (Naja) venoms, but were not very effective against other venoms tested. The anti-MPE antibodies could be used in the antiserum therapy of Asiatic cobra (Naja) bites.

Experimental Investigation of Micrometer Scale Areal Density Variations in Metal Liners Driven by the 1 MA COBRA Pulsed Power Generator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Atoyan, Levon; Pikuz, Sergei; Shelkovenko, Tania; Hammer, David; Byvank, Tom

2017-10-01

On the 20 MA Z machine, the seed for the MRT instability was mitigated in the Magnetized Liner Inertial Fusion experiment using a thick dielectric coating. We have used high-resolution radiography to study the development of small-scale ( 10-30 μm) features in thin foils on the 1 MA, 100-200 ns COBRA pulsed power generator. We examined those features quantitatively in a 16 µm thick cylindrical Al liner, where we show areal density variation of up to 40-50%. We then show how the features' wavelength decreases when the material is changed from Al to Ni, Cu, and Ti, going from 21 +/-4 µm for Al to 11 +/-2 µm for Ti. Moreover, we show that expansion inhibition on both sides by dielectric material reduces small-scale feature size and density, and we show how pattern seeding can affect those parameters. This work is supported by the National Nuclear Security Administration Stewardship Sciences Academic Programs under Department of Energy Cooperative Agreement DE-NA0001836 as well as by the Department of Energy Grant Number DE-NA0002952.

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

Kinzey, Bruce R.; Myer, Michael

This report describes the process and results of a demonstration of solid-state lighting (SSL) technology in a residential street lighting application, under the U.S. Department of Energy GATEWAY Solid-State Lighting Technology Demonstration Program. In this project, eight 100W (nominal) high-pressure sodium cobra head fixtures were replaced with a like number of LED street light luminaires manufactured by Leotek, Inc. The Leotek product achieved an estimated payback in the Lija Loop installation of about 20 years for replacement scenarios and a much shorter 7.6 years for new installations. Much of the associated energy savings (55%) supporting these payback periods, however, weremore » achieved by reducing average horizontal photopic illuminance a similar amount (53%). Examined from a different perspective, the measured performance suggests that the Leotek product is at approximate parity with the HPS cobra head in terms of average delivered photopic illumination for a given power consumption. HPS comprises the second most efficacious street lighting technology available, exceeded only by low pressure sodium (LPS). LPS technology is not considered suitable for most street lighting applications due to its monochromatic spectral output and poor color rendering ability; therefore, this LED product is performing at an efficiency level comparable to its primary competition in this application.« less

[Sequencing and analysis of the complete mitochondrial genome of the King Cobra, Ophiophagus hannah (Serpents: Elapidae)].

PubMed

Chen, Nian; Lai, Xiao-Ping

2010-07-01

We obtained the complete mitochondrial genome of King Cobra(GenBank accession number: EU_921899) by Ex Taq-PCR, TA-cloning and primer-walking methods. This genome is very similar to other vertebrate, which is 17 267 bp in length and encodes 38 genes (including 13 protein-coding, 2 ribosomal RNA and 23 transfer RNA genes) and two long non-coding regions. The duplication of tRNA-Ile gene forms a new mitochondrial gene rearrangement model. Eight tRNA genes and one protein genes were transcribed from L strand, and the other genes were transcribed genes from H strand. Genes on the H strand show a fairly similar content of Adenosine and Thymine respectively, whereas those on the L strand have higher proportion of A than T. Combined rDNA sequence data (12S+16S rRNA) were used to reconstruct the phylogeny of 21 snake species for which complete mitochondrial genome sequences were available in the public databases. This large data set and an appropriate range of outgroup taxa demonstrated that Elapidae is more closely related to colubridae than viperidae, which supports the traditional viewpoints.

Crystallization and preliminary X-ray diffraction analysis of hemextin A: a unique anticoagulant protein from Hemachatus haemachatus venom

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

Banerjee, Yajnavalka; Kumar, Sundramurthy; Jobichen, Chacko

2007-08-01

Crystals of hemextin A, a three-finger toxin isolated and purified from African Ringhals cobra (H. haemachatus), are orthorhombic, space group P2{sub 1}2{sub 1}2{sub 1}, with unit-cell parameters a = 49.27, b = 49.51, c = 57.87 Å, and diffract to 1.5 Å resolution. Hemextin A was isolated and purified from African Ringhals cobra (Hemachatus haemachatus). It is a three-finger toxin that specifically inhibits blood coagulation factor VIIa and clot formation and that also interacts with hemextin B to form a unique anticoagulant complex. Hemextin A was crystallized by the hanging-drop vapour-diffusion method by equilibration against 0.2 M ammonium acetate, 0.1more » M sodium acetate trihydrate pH 4.6 and 30% PEG 4000 as the precipitating agent. The crystals belong to space group P2{sub 1}2{sub 1}2{sub 1}, with unit-cell parameters a = 49.27, b = 49.51, c = 57.87 Å and two molecules in the asymmetric unit. They diffracted to 1.5 Å resolution at beamline X25 at BNL.« less

Effect of complement depletion by cobra venom factor on fowlpox virus infection in chickens and chicken embryos.

PubMed Central

Ohta, H; Yoshikawa, Y; Kai, C; Yamanouchi, K; Taniguchi, H; Komine, K; Ishijima, Y; Okada, H

1986-01-01

The course of infection with an attenuated strain of fowlpox virus (FPV), which is known to induce antibody-independent activation of complement via the alternative pathway, was investigated in 1- to 3-day-old chickens and 14-day-old chicken embryos by treatment with cobra venom factor (CVF). CVF was found to inhibit complement activity transiently via the alternative pathway but not via the classical pathway. In chickens treated with CVF, virus growth in the skin was enhanced, and pock lesions tended to disseminate, leading to fatal infection in some birds. Histologically, an acute inflammation at an early stage of infection (within 3 days) was inhibited, and virus content in the pock lesion was increased. In chicken embryos with immature immune capacities, CVF treatment caused changes in pock morphology from clear pocks to diffuse ones, an increase in virus content in the pock, and inhibition of cell infiltration. Thus, FPV infection was aggravated in both CVF-treated chickens and chicken embryos. These results are discussed in relation to roles of complement in the elimination of virus at an early stage of FPV infection. Images PMID:3003397

Early time studies of cylindrical liner implosions at 1 MA on COBRA

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

Atoyan, L., E-mail: la296@cornell.edu; Byvank, T., E-mail: la296@cornell.edu; Cahill, A. D., E-mail: la296@cornell.edu

Tests of the magnetized liner inertial fusion (MagLIF) concept will make use of the 27 MA Z machine at Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, to implode a cylindrical metal liner to compress and heat preheated, magnetized plasma contained within it. While most pulsed power machines produce much lower currents than the Z-machine, there are issues that can still be addressed on smaller scale facilities. Recent work on the Cornell Beam Research Accelerator (COBRA) has made use of 10 mm long and 4 mm diameter metal liners having different wall thicknesses to study the initiation of plasma on the liner’s surface asmore » well as axial magnetic field compression [P.-A. Gourdain et al., Nucl. Fusion 53, 083006 (2013)]. This report presents experimental results with non-imploding liners, investigating the impact the liner’s surface structure has on initiation and ablation. Extreme ultraviolet (XUV) imaging and optical 12 frame camera imaging were used to observe and assess emission non-uniformities as they developed. Axial and side-on interferometry was used to determine the distribution of plasma near the liner surface, including the impact of non-uniformities during the plasma initiation and ablation phases of the experiments.« less

Early time studies of cylindrical liner implosions at 1 MA on COBRA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Atoyan, L.; Byvank, T.; Cahill, A. D.; Hoyt, C. L.; de Grouchy, P. W. L.; Potter, W. M.; Kusse, B. R.; Hammer, D. A.

2014-12-01

Tests of the magnetized liner inertial fusion (MagLIF) concept will make use of the 27 MA Z machine at Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, to implode a cylindrical metal liner to compress and heat preheated, magnetized plasma contained within it. While most pulsed power machines produce much lower currents than the Z-machine, there are issues that can still be addressed on smaller scale facilities. Recent work on the Cornell Beam Research Accelerator (COBRA) has made use of 10 mm long and 4 mm diameter metal liners having different wall thicknesses to study the initiation of plasma on the liner's surface as well as axial magnetic field compression [P.-A. Gourdain et al., Nucl. Fusion 53, 083006 (2013)]. This report presents experimental results with non-imploding liners, investigating the impact the liner's surface structure has on initiation and ablation. Extreme ultraviolet (XUV) imaging and optical 12 frame camera imaging were used to observe and assess emission non-uniformities as they developed. Axial and side-on interferometry was used to determine the distribution of plasma near the liner surface, including the impact of non-uniformities during the plasma initiation and ablation phases of the experiments.

Tick infestation on wild snakes in northern part of western Ghats of India.

PubMed

Pandit, Pranav; Bandivdekar, Ruta; Geevarghese, G; Pande, Satish; Mandke, Omkar

2011-05-01

In total, 167 individuals of 30 species of snakes belonging to 22 genera and five families were examined for tick infestation from November 2008 to March 2010. Only two species of snakes, Ptyas mucosa (L., 1758) (Indian rat snake) and Naja naja (L., 1758) (spectacled cobra), were found infested by ticks. All ticks collected were identified to be Amblyomma gervaisi [previously Aponomma gervaisi (Lucas, 1847) 1. The average prevalence of these ticks on Indian rat snakes (n=48) was 29.16%, with abundance of 7.02 ticks per individual; on spectacled cobras (n=20), average prevalence was 30.00%, with abundance of 6.9 ticks per individual. The nymphs and males were predominant. All the ticks were found on the dorsal aspect of the body of the snake, and no ticks were recorded on the head, tail, or ventral body. The rate of tick infestation was highest in scrubland and was lowest in evergreen forests. Female Indian rat snakes showed higher tick infestation rates than male Indian rat snakes. Using Mann-Whitney U test, we found that longer snakes of both species had significantly higher rate of tick infestation in both the species of snakes.

Coverage for Gender-Affirming Care: Making Health Insurance Work for Transgender Americans.

PubMed

Padula, William V; Baker, Kellan

2017-08-01

Many transgender Americans continue to remain uninsured or are underinsured because of payers' refusal to cover medically necessary, gender-affirming healthcare services-such as hormone therapy, mental health counseling, and reconstructive surgeries. Coverage refusal results in higher costs and poor health outcomes among transgender people who cannot access gender-affirming care. Research into the value of health insurance coverage for gender-affirming care for transgender individuals shows that the health benefits far outweigh the costs of insuring transition procedures. Although the Affordable Care Act explicitly protects health insurance for transgender individuals, these laws are being threatened; therefore, this article reviews their importance to transgender-inclusive healthcare coverage.

Workplace Accommodations for Pregnant Employees: Associations With Women's Access to Health Insurance Coverage After Childbirth.

PubMed

Jou, Judy; Kozhimannil, Katy B; Blewett, Lynn A; McGovern, Patricia M; Abraham, Jean M

2016-06-01

This study evaluates the associations between workplace accommodations for pregnancy, including paid and unpaid maternity leave, and changes in women's health insurance coverage postpartum. Secondary analysis using Listening to Mothers III, a national survey of women ages 18 to 45 years who gave birth in U.S. hospitals during 2011 to 2012 (N = 700). Compared with women without access to paid maternity leave, women with access to paid leave were 0.4 times as likely to lose private health insurance coverage, 0.3 times as likely to lose public health coverage, and 0.3 times as likely to become uninsured after giving birth. Workplace accommodations for pregnant employees are associated with health insurance coverage via work continuity postpartum. Expanding protections for employees during pregnancy and after childbirth may help reduce employee turnover, loss of health insurance coverage, and discontinuity of care.

Coverage Gains After the Affordable Care Act Among the Uninsured in Minnesota.

PubMed

Call, Kathleen Thiede; Lukanen, Elizabeth; Spencer, Donna; Alarcón, Giovann; Kemmick Pintor, Jessie; Baines Simon, Alisha; Gildemeister, Stefan

2015-11-01

We determined whether and how Minnesotans who were uninsured in 2013 gained health insurance coverage in 2014, 1 year after the Affordable Care Act (ACA) expanded Medicaid coverage and enrollment. Insurance status and enrollment experiences came from the Minnesota Health Insurance Transitions Study (MH-HITS), a follow-up telephone survey of children and adults in Minnesota who had no health insurance in the fall of 2013. ACA had a tempered success in Minnesota. Outreach and enrollment efforts were effective; one half of those previously uninsured gained coverage, although many reported difficulty signing up (nearly 62%). Of the previously uninsured who gained coverage, 44% obtained their coverage through MNsure, Minnesota's insurance marketplace. Most of those who remained uninsured heard of MNsure and went to the Web site. Many still struggled with the enrollment process or reported being deterred by the cost of coverage. Targeting outreach, simplifying the enrollment process, focusing on affordability, and continuing funding for in-person assistance will be important in the future.

Coverage Gains After the Affordable Care Act Among the Uninsured in Minnesota

PubMed Central

Lukanen, Elizabeth; Spencer, Donna; Alarcón, Giovann; Kemmick Pintor, Jessie; Baines Simon, Alisha; Gildemeister, Stefan

2015-01-01

Objectives. We determined whether and how Minnesotans who were uninsured in 2013 gained health insurance coverage in 2014, 1 year after the Affordable Care Act (ACA) expanded Medicaid coverage and enrollment. Methods. Insurance status and enrollment experiences came from the Minnesota Health Insurance Transitions Study (MH-HITS), a follow-up telephone survey of children and adults in Minnesota who had no health insurance in the fall of 2013. Results. ACA had a tempered success in Minnesota. Outreach and enrollment efforts were effective; one half of those previously uninsured gained coverage, although many reported difficulty signing up (nearly 62%). Of the previously uninsured who gained coverage, 44% obtained their coverage through MNsure, Minnesota’s insurance marketplace. Most of those who remained uninsured heard of MNsure and went to the Web site. Many still struggled with the enrollment process or reported being deterred by the cost of coverage. Conclusions. Targeting outreach, simplifying the enrollment process, focusing on affordability, and continuing funding for in-person assistance will be important in the future. PMID:26447912

5 CFR 870.704 - Amount of Option A.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 5 Administrative Personnel 2 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Amount of Option A. 870.704 Section 870... of Option A. (a) The amount of Option A coverage an annuitant or compensationer can continue is $10,000. (b) An annuitant's or compensationer's Option A coverage reduces by 2 percent of the original...

29 CFR 825.109 - Federal agency coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... Regulations Relating to Labor (Continued) WAGE AND HOUR DIVISION, DEPARTMENT OF LABOR OTHER LAWS THE FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE ACT OF 1993 Coverage Under the Family and Medical Leave Act § 825.109 Federal agency... Congressional Accountability Act of 1995, 2 U.S.C. 1301. (b) The Federal Executive Branch employees within the...

29 CFR 825.109 - Federal agency coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... Regulations Relating to Labor (Continued) WAGE AND HOUR DIVISION, DEPARTMENT OF LABOR OTHER LAWS THE FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE ACT OF 1993 Coverage Under the Family and Medical Leave Act § 825.109 Federal agency... Congressional Accountability Act of 1995, 2 U.S.C. 1301. (b) The Federal Executive Branch employees within the...

29 CFR 825.109 - Federal agency coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... Regulations Relating to Labor (Continued) WAGE AND HOUR DIVISION, DEPARTMENT OF LABOR OTHER LAWS THE FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE ACT OF 1993 Coverage Under the Family and Medical Leave Act § 825.109 Federal agency... Congressional Accountability Act of 1995, 2 U.S.C. 1301. (b) The Federal Executive Branch employees within the...

29 CFR 825.109 - Federal agency coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... Regulations Relating to Labor (Continued) WAGE AND HOUR DIVISION, DEPARTMENT OF LABOR OTHER LAWS THE FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE ACT OF 1993 Coverage Under the Family and Medical Leave Act § 825.109 Federal agency... Congressional Accountability Act of 1995, 2 U.S.C. 1301. (b) The Federal Executive Branch employees within the...

42 CFR 486.100 - Condition for coverage: Compliance with Federal, State, and local laws and regulations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 42 Public Health 5 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Condition for coverage: Compliance with Federal, State, and local laws and regulations. 486.100 Section 486.100 Public Health CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) STANDARDS AND CERTIFICATION...

42 CFR 486.100 - Condition for coverage: Compliance with Federal, State, and local laws and regulations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 42 Public Health 5 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Condition for coverage: Compliance with Federal, State, and local laws and regulations. 486.100 Section 486.100 Public Health CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) STANDARDS AND CERTIFICATION...

15 CFR 730.5 - Coverage of more than exports.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

..., shipments from a U.S. foreign trade zone, and the electronic transmission of non-public data that will be... 15 Commerce and Foreign Trade 2 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Coverage of more than exports. 730.5 Section 730.5 Commerce and Foreign Trade Regulations Relating to Commerce and Foreign Trade (Continued...

46 CFR 154.1160 - Monitor coverage of system.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 46 Shipping 5 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Monitor coverage of system. 154.1160 Section 154.1160 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) CERTAIN BULK DANGEROUS CARGOES SAFETY STANDARDS FOR SELF-PROPELLED VESSELS CARRYING BULK LIQUEFIED GASES Design, Construction and Equipment Firefighting System: Dry Chemical § 154.1160...

46 CFR 154.1160 - Monitor coverage of system.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 46 Shipping 5 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Monitor coverage of system. 154.1160 Section 154.1160 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) CERTAIN BULK DANGEROUS CARGOES SAFETY STANDARDS FOR SELF-PROPELLED VESSELS CARRYING BULK LIQUEFIED GASES Design, Construction and Equipment Firefighting System: Dry Chemical § 154.1160...

5 CFR 875.414 - Will benefits be coordinated with other coverage?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... SERVICE REGULATIONS (CONTINUED) FEDERAL LONG TERM CARE INSURANCE PROGRAM Coverage § 875.414 Will benefits... coordination of benefits (COB) guidelines set by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. The total benefits from all plans that pay a long term care benefit to you should not exceed the actual costs you...

42 CFR 488.608 - Notice of alternative sanction and appeal rights: Termination of coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 42 Public Health 5 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Notice of alternative sanction and appeal rights..., DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) STANDARDS AND CERTIFICATION SURVEY, CERTIFICATION, AND... (ESRD) Facilities § 488.608 Notice of alternative sanction and appeal rights: Termination of coverage...

Multi-version software reliability through fault-avoidance and fault-tolerance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vouk, Mladen A.; Mcallister, David F.

1989-01-01

A number of experimental and theoretical issues associated with the practical use of multi-version software to provide run-time tolerance to software faults were investigated. A specialized tool was developed and evaluated for measuring testing coverage for a variety of metrics. The tool was used to collect information on the relationships between software faults and coverage provided by the testing process as measured by different metrics (including data flow metrics). Considerable correlation was found between coverage provided by some higher metrics and the elimination of faults in the code. Back-to-back testing was continued as an efficient mechanism for removal of un-correlated faults, and common-cause faults of variable span. Software reliability estimation methods was also continued based on non-random sampling, and the relationship between software reliability and code coverage provided through testing. New fault tolerance models were formulated. Simulation studies of the Acceptance Voting and Multi-stage Voting algorithms were finished and it was found that these two schemes for software fault tolerance are superior in many respects to some commonly used schemes. Particularly encouraging are the safety properties of the Acceptance testing scheme.

5 CFR 890.303 - Continuation of enrollment.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... entitled to health benefits coverage as a Federal employee or as a family member under another enrollment... employee or family member. The former spouse must have established entitlement to the health benefits... REGULATIONS (CONTINUED) FEDERAL EMPLOYEES HEALTH BENEFITS PROGRAM Enrollment § 890.303 Continuation of...

5 CFR 890.502 - Withholdings, contributions, LWOP, premiums, and direct premium payment.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED) CIVIL SERVICE REGULATIONS (CONTINUED) FEDERAL EMPLOYEES HEALTH BENEFITS PROGRAM... employee provides documentation that he or she has other coverage for the child(ren).) The employee may...

5 CFR 890.502 - Withholdings, contributions, LWOP, premiums, and direct premium payment.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED) CIVIL SERVICE REGULATIONS (CONTINUED) FEDERAL EMPLOYEES HEALTH BENEFITS PROGRAM... employee provides documentation that he or she has other coverage for the child(ren).) The employee may...

5 CFR 890.502 - Withholdings, contributions, LWOP, premiums, and direct premium payment.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED) CIVIL SERVICE REGULATIONS (CONTINUED) FEDERAL EMPLOYEES HEALTH BENEFITS PROGRAM... employee provides documentation that he or she has other coverage for the child(ren).) The employee may...

5 CFR 890.502 - Withholdings, contributions, LWOP, premiums, and direct premium payment.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED) CIVIL SERVICE REGULATIONS (CONTINUED) FEDERAL EMPLOYEES HEALTH BENEFITS PROGRAM... employee provides documentation that he or she has other coverage for the child(ren).) The employee may...