A hybrid personalized data recommendation approach for geoscience data sharing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

WANG, M.; Wang, J.

2016-12-01

Recommender systems are effective tools helping Internet users overcome information overloading. The two most widely used recommendation algorithms are collaborating filtering (CF) and content-based filtering (CBF). A number of recommender systems based on those two algorithms were developed for multimedia, online sells, and other domains. Each of the two algorithms has its advantages and shortcomings. Hybrid approaches that combine these two algorithms are better choices in many cases. In geoscience data sharing domain, where the items (datasets) are more informative (in space and time) and domain-specific, no recommender system is specialized for data users. This paper reports a dynamic weighted hybrid recommendation algorithm that combines CF and CBF for geoscience data sharing portal. We first derive users' ratings on items with their historical visiting time by Jenks Natural Break. In the CBF part, we incorporate the space, time, and subject information of geoscience datasets to compute item similarity. Predicted ratings were computed with k-NN method separately using CBF and CF, and then combined with weights. With training dataset we attempted to find the best model describing ideal weights and users' co-rating numbers. A logarithmic function was confirmed to be the best model. The model was then used to tune the weights of CF and CBF on user-item basis with test dataset. Evaluation results show that the dynamic weighted approach outperforms either solo CF or CBF approach in terms of Precision and Recall.

A ROle-Oriented Filtering (ROOF) approach for collaborative recommendation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ghani, Imran; Jeong, Seung Ryul

2016-09-01

In collaborative filtering (CF) recommender systems, existing techniques frequently focus on determining similarities among users' historical interests. This generally refers to situations in which each user normally plays a single role and his/her taste remains consistent over the long term. However, we note that existing techniques have not been significantly employed in a role-oriented context. This is especially so in situations where users may change their roles over time or play multiple roles simultaneously, while still expecting to access relevant information resources accordingly. Such systems include enterprise architecture management systems, e-commerce sites or journal management systems. In scenarios involving existing techniques, each user needs to build up very different profiles (preferences and interests) based on multiple roles which change over time. Should this not occur to a satisfactory degree, their previous information will either be lost or not utilised at all. To limit the occurrence of such issues, we propose a ROle-Oriented Filtering (ROOF) approach focusing on the manner in which multiple user profiles are obtained and maintained over time. We conducted a number of experiments using an enterprise architecture management scenario. In so doing, we observed that the ROOF approach performs better in comparison with other existing collaborative filtering-based techniques.

A Cross-Domain Collaborative Filtering Algorithm Based on Feature Construction and Locally Weighted Linear Regression

PubMed Central

Jiang, Feng; Han, Ji-zhong

2018-01-01

Cross-domain collaborative filtering (CDCF) solves the sparsity problem by transferring rating knowledge from auxiliary domains. Obviously, different auxiliary domains have different importance to the target domain. However, previous works cannot evaluate effectively the significance of different auxiliary domains. To overcome this drawback, we propose a cross-domain collaborative filtering algorithm based on Feature Construction and Locally Weighted Linear Regression (FCLWLR). We first construct features in different domains and use these features to represent different auxiliary domains. Thus the weight computation across different domains can be converted as the weight computation across different features. Then we combine the features in the target domain and in the auxiliary domains together and convert the cross-domain recommendation problem into a regression problem. Finally, we employ a Locally Weighted Linear Regression (LWLR) model to solve the regression problem. As LWLR is a nonparametric regression method, it can effectively avoid underfitting or overfitting problem occurring in parametric regression methods. We conduct extensive experiments to show that the proposed FCLWLR algorithm is effective in addressing the data sparsity problem by transferring the useful knowledge from the auxiliary domains, as compared to many state-of-the-art single-domain or cross-domain CF methods. PMID:29623088

A Cross-Domain Collaborative Filtering Algorithm Based on Feature Construction and Locally Weighted Linear Regression.

PubMed

Yu, Xu; Lin, Jun-Yu; Jiang, Feng; Du, Jun-Wei; Han, Ji-Zhong

2018-01-01

Cross-domain collaborative filtering (CDCF) solves the sparsity problem by transferring rating knowledge from auxiliary domains. Obviously, different auxiliary domains have different importance to the target domain. However, previous works cannot evaluate effectively the significance of different auxiliary domains. To overcome this drawback, we propose a cross-domain collaborative filtering algorithm based on Feature Construction and Locally Weighted Linear Regression (FCLWLR). We first construct features in different domains and use these features to represent different auxiliary domains. Thus the weight computation across different domains can be converted as the weight computation across different features. Then we combine the features in the target domain and in the auxiliary domains together and convert the cross-domain recommendation problem into a regression problem. Finally, we employ a Locally Weighted Linear Regression (LWLR) model to solve the regression problem. As LWLR is a nonparametric regression method, it can effectively avoid underfitting or overfitting problem occurring in parametric regression methods. We conduct extensive experiments to show that the proposed FCLWLR algorithm is effective in addressing the data sparsity problem by transferring the useful knowledge from the auxiliary domains, as compared to many state-of-the-art single-domain or cross-domain CF methods.

The recommender system for virtual items in MMORPGs based on a novel collaborative filtering approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, S. G.; Shi, L.

2014-10-01

The recommendation system for virtual items in massive multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs) has aroused the interest of researchers. Of the many approaches to construct a recommender system, collaborative filtering (CF) has been the most successful one. However, the traditional CFs just lure customers into the purchasing action and overlook customers' satisfaction, moreover, these techniques always suffer from low accuracy under cold-start conditions. Therefore, a novel collaborative filtering (NCF) method is proposed to identify like-minded customers according to the preference similarity coefficient (PSC), which implies correlation between the similarity of customers' characteristics and the similarity of customers' satisfaction level for the product. Furthermore, the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) is used to determine the relative importance of each characteristic of the customer and the improved ant colony optimisation (IACO) is adopted to generate the expression of the PSC. The IACO creates solutions using the Markov random walk model, which can accelerate the convergence of algorithm and prevent prematurity. For a target customer whose neighbours can be found, the NCF can predict his satisfaction level towards the suggested products and recommend the acceptable ones. Under cold-start conditions, the NCF will generate the recommendation list by excluding items that other customers prefer.

Information Filtering via Clustering Coefficients of User-Object Bipartite Networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Qiang; Leng, Rui; Shi, Kerui; Liu, Jian-Guo

The clustering coefficient of user-object bipartite networks is presented to evaluate the overlap percentage of neighbors rating lists, which could be used to measure interest correlations among neighbor sets. The collaborative filtering (CF) information filtering algorithm evaluates a given user's interests in terms of his/her friends' opinions, which has become one of the most successful technologies for recommender systems. In this paper, different from the object clustering coefficient, users' clustering coefficients of user-object bipartite networks are introduced to improve the user similarity measurement. Numerical results for MovieLens and Netflix data sets show that users' clustering effects could enhance the algorithm performance. For MovieLens data set, the algorithmic accuracy, measured by the average ranking score, can be improved by 12.0% and the diversity could be improved by 18.2% and reach 0.649 when the recommendation list equals to 50. For Netflix data set, the accuracy could be improved by 14.5% at the optimal case and the popularity could be reduced by 13.4% comparing with the standard CF algorithm. Finally, we investigate the sparsity effect on the performance. This work indicates the user clustering coefficients is an effective factor to measure the user similarity, meanwhile statistical properties of user-object bipartite networks should be investigated to estimate users' tastes.

Network Location-Aware Service Recommendation with Random Walk in Cyber-Physical Systems.

PubMed

Yin, Yuyu; Yu, Fangzheng; Xu, Yueshen; Yu, Lifeng; Mu, Jinglong

2017-09-08

Cyber-physical systems (CPS) have received much attention from both academia and industry. An increasing number of functions in CPS are provided in the way of services, which gives rise to an urgent task, that is, how to recommend the suitable services in a huge number of available services in CPS. In traditional service recommendation, collaborative filtering (CF) has been studied in academia, and used in industry. However, there exist several defects that limit the application of CF-based methods in CPS. One is that under the case of high data sparsity, CF-based methods are likely to generate inaccurate prediction results. In this paper, we discover that mining the potential similarity relations among users or services in CPS is really helpful to improve the prediction accuracy. Besides, most of traditional CF-based methods are only capable of using the service invocation records, but ignore the context information, such as network location, which is a typical context in CPS. In this paper, we propose a novel service recommendation method for CPS, which utilizes network location as context information and contains three prediction models using random walking. We conduct sufficient experiments on two real-world datasets, and the results demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposed methods and verify that the network location is indeed useful in QoS prediction.

Network Location-Aware Service Recommendation with Random Walk in Cyber-Physical Systems

PubMed Central

Yin, Yuyu; Yu, Fangzheng; Xu, Yueshen; Yu, Lifeng; Mu, Jinglong

2017-01-01

Cyber-physical systems (CPS) have received much attention from both academia and industry. An increasing number of functions in CPS are provided in the way of services, which gives rise to an urgent task, that is, how to recommend the suitable services in a huge number of available services in CPS. In traditional service recommendation, collaborative filtering (CF) has been studied in academia, and used in industry. However, there exist several defects that limit the application of CF-based methods in CPS. One is that under the case of high data sparsity, CF-based methods are likely to generate inaccurate prediction results. In this paper, we discover that mining the potential similarity relations among users or services in CPS is really helpful to improve the prediction accuracy. Besides, most of traditional CF-based methods are only capable of using the service invocation records, but ignore the context information, such as network location, which is a typical context in CPS. In this paper, we propose a novel service recommendation method for CPS, which utilizes network location as context information and contains three prediction models using random walking. We conduct sufficient experiments on two real-world datasets, and the results demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposed methods and verify that the network location is indeed useful in QoS prediction. PMID:28885602

Transitional analysis of organic thin color filter layers in displays during baking process using multi-speckle diffusing wave spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Park, Baek Sung; Hyung, Kyung Hee; Oh, Gwi Jeong; Jung, Hyun Wook

2018-02-01

The color filter (CF) is one of the key components for improving the performance of TV displays such as liquid crystal display (LCD) and white organic light emitting diodes (WOLED). The profile defects like undercut during the fine fabrication processes for CF layers are inevitably generated through the UV exposure and development processes, however, these can be controlled through the baking process. In order to resolve the profile defects of CF layers, in this study, the real-time dynamic changes of CF layers are monitored during the baking process by changing components such as polymeric binder and acrylate. The motion of pigment particles in CF layers during baking is quantitatively interpreted using multi-speckle diffusing wave spectroscopy (MSDWS), in terms of the autocorrelation function and the characteristic time of α-relaxation.

A Personalized Electronic Movie Recommendation System Based on Support Vector Machine and Improved Particle Swarm Optimization

PubMed Central

Wang, Xibin; Luo, Fengji; Qian, Ying; Ranzi, Gianluca

2016-01-01

With the rapid development of ICT and Web technologies, a large an amount of information is becoming available and this is producing, in some instances, a condition of information overload. Under these conditions, it is difficult for a person to locate and access useful information for making decisions. To address this problem, there are information filtering systems, such as the personalized recommendation system (PRS) considered in this paper, that assist a person in identifying possible products or services of interest based on his/her preferences. Among available approaches, collaborative Filtering (CF) is one of the most widely used recommendation techniques. However, CF has some limitations, e.g., the relatively simple similarity calculation, cold start problem, etc. In this context, this paper presents a new regression model based on the support vector machine (SVM) classification and an improved PSO (IPSO) for the development of an electronic movie PRS. In its implementation, a SVM classification model is first established to obtain a preliminary movie recommendation list based on which a SVM regression model is applied to predict movies’ ratings. The proposed PRS not only considers the movie’s content information but also integrates the users’ demographic and behavioral information to better capture the users’ interests and preferences. The efficiency of the proposed method is verified by a series of experiments based on the MovieLens benchmark data set. PMID:27898691

A Personalized Electronic Movie Recommendation System Based on Support Vector Machine and Improved Particle Swarm Optimization.

PubMed

Wang, Xibin; Luo, Fengji; Qian, Ying; Ranzi, Gianluca

2016-01-01

With the rapid development of ICT and Web technologies, a large an amount of information is becoming available and this is producing, in some instances, a condition of information overload. Under these conditions, it is difficult for a person to locate and access useful information for making decisions. To address this problem, there are information filtering systems, such as the personalized recommendation system (PRS) considered in this paper, that assist a person in identifying possible products or services of interest based on his/her preferences. Among available approaches, collaborative Filtering (CF) is one of the most widely used recommendation techniques. However, CF has some limitations, e.g., the relatively simple similarity calculation, cold start problem, etc. In this context, this paper presents a new regression model based on the support vector machine (SVM) classification and an improved PSO (IPSO) for the development of an electronic movie PRS. In its implementation, a SVM classification model is first established to obtain a preliminary movie recommendation list based on which a SVM regression model is applied to predict movies' ratings. The proposed PRS not only considers the movie's content information but also integrates the users' demographic and behavioral information to better capture the users' interests and preferences. The efficiency of the proposed method is verified by a series of experiments based on the MovieLens benchmark data set.

AUI&GIV: Recommendation with Asymmetric User Influence and Global Importance Value.

PubMed

Zhao, Zhi-Lin; Wang, Chang-Dong; Lai, Jian-Huang

2016-01-01

The user-based collaborative filtering (CF) algorithm is one of the most popular approaches for making recommendation. Despite its success, the traditional user-based CF algorithm suffers one serious problem that it only measures the influence between two users based on their symmetric similarities calculated by their consumption histories. It means that, for a pair of users, the influences on each other are the same, which however may not be true. Intuitively, an expert may have an impact on a novice user but a novice user may not affect an expert at all. Besides, each user may possess a global importance factor that affects his/her influence to the remaining users. To this end, in this paper, we propose an asymmetric user influence model to measure the directed influence between two users and adopt the PageRank algorithm to calculate the global importance value of each user. And then the directed influence values and the global importance values are integrated to deduce the final influence values between two users. Finally, we use the final influence values to improve the performance of the traditional user-based CF algorithm. Extensive experiments have been conducted, the results of which have confirmed that both the asymmetric user influence model and global importance value play key roles in improving recommendation accuracy, and hence the proposed method significantly outperforms the existing recommendation algorithms, in particular the user-based CF algorithm on the datasets of high rating density.

AUI&GIV: Recommendation with Asymmetric User Influence and Global Importance Value

PubMed Central

Zhao, Zhi-Lin; Wang, Chang-Dong; Lai, Jian-Huang

2016-01-01

The user-based collaborative filtering (CF) algorithm is one of the most popular approaches for making recommendation. Despite its success, the traditional user-based CF algorithm suffers one serious problem that it only measures the influence between two users based on their symmetric similarities calculated by their consumption histories. It means that, for a pair of users, the influences on each other are the same, which however may not be true. Intuitively, an expert may have an impact on a novice user but a novice user may not affect an expert at all. Besides, each user may possess a global importance factor that affects his/her influence to the remaining users. To this end, in this paper, we propose an asymmetric user influence model to measure the directed influence between two users and adopt the PageRank algorithm to calculate the global importance value of each user. And then the directed influence values and the global importance values are integrated to deduce the final influence values between two users. Finally, we use the final influence values to improve the performance of the traditional user-based CF algorithm. Extensive experiments have been conducted, the results of which have confirmed that both the asymmetric user influence model and global importance value play key roles in improving recommendation accuracy, and hence the proposed method significantly outperforms the existing recommendation algorithms, in particular the user-based CF algorithm on the datasets of high rating density. PMID:26828803

Comparison of conventional filtering and independent component analysis for artifact reduction in simultaneous gastric EMG and magnetogastrography from porcines.

PubMed

Irimia, Andrei; Richards, William O; Bradshaw, L Alan

2009-11-01

In this study, we perform a comparative study of independent component analysis (ICA) and conventional filtering (CF) for the purpose of artifact reduction from simultaneous gastric EMG and magnetogastrography (MGG). EMG/MGG data were acquired from ten anesthetized pigs by obtaining simultaneous recordings using serosal electrodes (EMG) as well as with a superconducting quantum interference device biomagnetometer (MGG). The analysis of MGG waveforms using ICA and CF indicates that ICA is superior to the CF method in its ability to extract respiration and cardiac artifacts from MGG recordings. A signal frequency analysis of ICA- and CF-processed data was also undertaken using waterfall plots, and it was determined that the two methods produce qualitatively comparable results. Through the use of simultaneous EMG/MGG, we were able to demonstrate the accuracy and trustworthiness of our results by comparison and cross-validation within the framework of a porcine model.

PAPR reduction in CO-OFDM systems using IPTS and modified clipping and filtering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tong, Zheng-rong; Hu, Ya-nong; Zhang, Wei-hua

2018-05-01

Aiming at the problem of the peak to average power ratio ( PAPR) in coherent optical orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (CO-OFDM), a hybrid PAPR reduction technique of the CO-OFDM system by combining iterative partial transmit sequence (IPTS) scheme with modified clipping and filtering (MCF) is proposed. The simulation results show that at the complementary cumulative distribution function ( CCDF) of 10-4, the PAPR of proposed scheme is optimized by 1.86 dB and 2.13 dB compared with those of IPTS and CF schemes, respectively. Meanwhile, when the bit error rate ( BER) is 10-3, the optical signal to noise ratio ( OSNR) are optimized by 1.57 dB and 0.66 dB compared with those of CF and IPTS-CF schemes, respectively.

Achieving Optimal Privacy in Trust-Aware Social Recommender Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dokoohaki, Nima; Kaleli, Cihan; Polat, Huseyin; Matskin, Mihhail

Collaborative filtering (CF) recommenders are subject to numerous shortcomings such as centralized processing, vulnerability to shilling attacks, and most important of all privacy. To overcome these obstacles, researchers proposed for utilization of interpersonal trust between users, to alleviate many of these crucial shortcomings. Till now, attention has been mainly paid to strong points about trust-aware recommenders such as alleviating profile sparsity or calculation cost efficiency, while least attention has been paid on investigating the notion of privacy surrounding the disclosure of individual ratings and most importantly protection of trust computation across social networks forming the backbone of these systems. To contribute to addressing problem of privacy in trust-aware recommenders, within this paper, first we introduce a framework for enabling privacy-preserving trust-aware recommendation generation. While trust mechanism aims at elevating recommender's accuracy, to preserve privacy, accuracy of the system needs to be decreased. Since within this context, privacy and accuracy are conflicting goals we show that a Pareto set can be found as an optimal setting for both privacy-preserving and trust-enabling mechanisms. We show that this Pareto set, when used as the configuration for measuring the accuracy of base collaborative filtering engine, yields an optimized tradeoff between conflicting goals of privacy and accuracy. We prove this concept along with applicability of our framework by experimenting with accuracy and privacy factors, and we show through experiment how such optimal set can be inferred.

Potential bioactivity and association of 17β-estradiol with the dissolved and colloidal fractions of manure and soil.

PubMed

Chambers, Katrin B; Casey, Francis X M; Hakk, Heldur; DeSutter, Thomas M; Shappell, Nancy W

2014-10-01

The dissolved (DF) and colloidal fractions (CF) of soil and manure play an important role in the environmental fate and transport of steroidal estrogens. The first objective of this study was to quantify the association of 17β-estradiol (E2) with the DF and CF isolated from (i) liquid swine manure (LSM), (ii) a soil:water mixture (soil), and (iii) a LSM:soil:water mixture (Soil+LSM). The appropriate CF and DF size fractions of the Soil, Soil+LSM, and LSM media were obtained by first filtering through a 0.45 μm filter, which provided the combined DF and CF (DF/CF). The DF/CF from the three media was spiked with carbon-14 ([(14)C]) radiolabeled E2 ([(14)C]-E2), and then ultrafiltered to isolate the CF (<0.45 μm and >1 kDa) from the DF (<1 kDa). The average recoveries of the [(14)C] associated with the DF were 67%-72%, 67%-79%, and 76%-78% for the Soil, Soil+LSM and LSM, respectively. For the CF that was retained on the 1 kDa filter, organic carbon and [(14)C]-E2 were dislodged with subsequent water rinses the Soil+LSM and LSM, but not the Soil. The second objective was to evaluate whether the E2 associated with the various fractions of the different media could still bind the estrogen receptor using an E2 receptor (17β-ER) competitor assay, which allowed E2 equivalent concentrations to be determined. The estrogen receptor assay results indicated that E2 present in the DF of the Soil and Soil+LSM solutions could still bind the estrogen receptor. Results from this study indicated that E2 preferentially associated with the DF of soil and manure, which may enhance its dissolved advective transport in surface and subsurface water. Furthermore, this study indicated that E2 associated with DF solutions in the environment could potentially induce endocrine responses through its interactions with estrogen receptor. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

QoS prediction for web services based on user-trust propagation model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thinh, Le-Van; Tu, Truong-Dinh

2017-10-01

There is an important online role for Web service providers and users; however, the rapidly growing number of service providers and users, it can create some similar functions among web services. This is an exciting area for research, and researchers seek to to propose solutions for the best service to users. Collaborative filtering (CF) algorithms are widely used in recommendation systems, although these are less effective for cold-start users. Recently, some recommender systems have been developed based on social network models, and the results show that social network models have better performance in terms of CF, especially for cold-start users. However, most social network-based recommendations do not consider the user's mood. This is a hidden source of information, and is very useful in improving prediction efficiency. In this paper, we introduce a new model called User-Trust Propagation (UTP). The model uses a combination of trust and the mood of users to predict the QoS value and matrix factorisation (MF), which is used to train the model. The experimental results show that the proposed model gives better accuracy than other models, especially for the cold-start problem.

Performance evaluation and modeling of a conformal filter (CF) based real-time standoff hazardous material detection sensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nelson, Matthew P.; Tazik, Shawna K.; Bangalore, Arjun S.; Treado, Patrick J.; Klem, Ethan; Temple, Dorota

2017-05-01

Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) systems can provide detection and identification of a variety of targets in the presence of complex backgrounds. However, current generation sensors are typically large, costly to field, do not usually operate in real time and have limited sensitivity and specificity. Despite these shortcomings, HSI-based intelligence has proven to be a valuable tool, thus resulting in increased demand for this type of technology. By moving the next generation of HSI technology into a more adaptive configuration, and a smaller and more cost effective form factor, HSI technologies can help maintain a competitive advantage for the U.S. armed forces as well as local, state and federal law enforcement agencies. Operating near the physical limits of HSI system capability is often necessary and very challenging, but is often enabled by rigorous modeling of detection performance. Specific performance envelopes we consistently strive to improve include: operating under low signal to background conditions; at higher and higher frame rates; and under less than ideal motion control scenarios. An adaptable, low cost, low footprint, standoff sensor architecture we have been maturing includes the use of conformal liquid crystal tunable filters (LCTFs). These Conformal Filters (CFs) are electro-optically tunable, multivariate HSI spectrometers that, when combined with Dual Polarization (DP) optics, produce optimized spectral passbands on demand, which can readily be reconfigured, to discriminate targets from complex backgrounds in real-time. With DARPA support, ChemImage Sensor Systems (CISS™) in collaboration with Research Triangle Institute (RTI) International are developing a novel, real-time, adaptable, compressive sensing short-wave infrared (SWIR) hyperspectral imaging technology called the Reconfigurable Conformal Imaging Sensor (RCIS) based on DP-CF technology. RCIS will address many shortcomings of current generation systems and offer improvements in operational agility and detection performance, while addressing sensor weight, form factor and cost needs. This paper discusses recent test and performance modeling results of a RCIS breadboard apparatus.

Teachers' Corrective Feedback in Writing Classes: The Impact of Collaborating with a Peer during the Editing Process on Students' Uptake and Retention

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kahyalar, Eda; Yilmaz, Figen

2016-01-01

Language teachers devote a lot of time and energy to provide corrective feedback (CF) to help student writers improve the accuracy of their writing. However, regardless of the CF approach adopted, similar types of errors usually appear in students' new pieces of writing. Thus, most teachers have some doubt about the impact of CF, and some see it…

Collaborative filtering to improve navigation of large radiology knowledge resources.

PubMed

Kahn, Charles E

2005-06-01

Collaborative filtering is a knowledge-discovery technique that can help guide readers to items of potential interest based on the experience of prior users. This study sought to determine the impact of collaborative filtering on navigation of a large, Web-based radiology knowledge resource. Collaborative filtering was applied to a collection of 1,168 radiology hypertext documents available via the Internet. An item-based collaborative filtering algorithm identified each document's six most closely related documents based on 248,304 page views in an 18-day period. Documents were amended to include links to their related documents, and use was analyzed over the next 5 days. The mean number of documents viewed per visit increased from 1.57 to 1.74 (P < 0.0001). Collaborative filtering can increase a radiology information resource's utilization and can improve its usefulness and ease of navigation. The technique holds promise for improving navigation of large Internet-based radiology knowledge resources.

Monitoring of toxic elements present in sludge of industrial waste using CF-LIBS.

PubMed

Kumar, Rohit; Rai, Awadhesh K; Alamelu, Devanathan; Aggarwal, Suresh K

2013-01-01

Industrial waste is one of the main causes of environmental pollution. Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) was applied to detect the toxic metals in the sludge of industrial waste water. Sludge on filter paper was obtained after filtering the collected waste water samples from different sections of a water treatment plant situated in an industrial area of Kanpur City. The LIBS spectra of the sludge samples were recorded in the spectral range of 200 to 500 nm by focusing the laser light on sludge. Calibration-free laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (CF-LIBS) technique was used for the quantitative measurement of toxic elements such as Cr and Pb present in the sample. We also used the traditional calibration curve approach to quantify these elements. The results obtained from CF-LIBS are in good agreement with the results from the calibration curve approach. Thus, our results demonstrate that CF-LIBS is an appropriate technique for quantitative analysis where reference/standard samples are not available to make the calibration curve. The results of the present experiment are alarming to the people living nearby areas of industrial activities, as the concentrations of toxic elements are quite high compared to the admissible limits of these substances.

PAH emissions from coal combustion and waste incineration.

PubMed

Hsu, Wei Ting; Liu, Mei Chen; Hung, Pao Chen; Chang, Shu Hao; Chang, Moo Been

2016-11-15

The characteristics of PAHs that are emitted by a municipal waste incinerator (MWI) and coal-fired power plant are examined via intensive sampling. Results of flue gas sampling reveal the potential for PAH formation within the selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system of a coal-fired power plant. In the large-scale MWI, the removal efficiency of PAHs achieved with the pilot-scaled catalytic filter (CF) exceeds that achieved by activated carbon injection with a bag filter (ACI+BF) owing to the effective destruction of gas-phase contaminants by a catalyst. A significantly lower PAH concentration (1640ng/g) was measured in fly ash from a CF module than from an ACI+BF system (5650ng/g). Replacing the ACI+BF system with CF technology would significantly reduce the discharge factor (including emission and fly ash) of PAHs from 251.6 to 77.8mg/ton-waste. The emission factors of PAHs that are obtained using ACI+BF and the CF system in the MWI are 8.05 and 7.13mg/ton, respectively. However, the emission factor of MWI is significantly higher than that of coal-fired power plant (1.56mg/ton). From the perspective of total environmental management to reduce PAH emissions, replacing the original ACI+BF process with a CF system is expected to reduce environmental impact thereof. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Space for Women: Perspectives on Careers in Science.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Corliss, Julie

The Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA) is a joint collaboration between the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory and the Harvard College Observatory. The CfA's research mission is the study of the origin, evolution, and ultimate fate of the universe. This 16-page booklet profiles women in the physical sciences or related fields; it…

Collaboration and Community Change in the Children's Futures Initiative

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Walker, Karen E.; Feldman, Amy

2009-01-01

In 2002, The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation launched Children's Futures (CF), a 10-year community change initiative designed to improve the health and well-being of children from birth to age three throughout Trenton, New Jersey. CF's strategies included efforts to increase residents' access to prenatal and other health services, provide parenting…

Accelerating the rate of improvement in cystic fibrosis care: contributions and insights of the learning and leadership collaborative.

PubMed

Godfrey, Marjorie M; Oliver, Brant J

2014-04-01

The Learning and Leadership Collaborative (LLC) supports cystic fibrosis (CF) centres' responses to the variation in CF outcomes in the USA. Between 2002 and 2013, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF) designed, tested and modified the LLC to guide front line staff efforts in these efforts. This paper describes the CFF LLC evolution and essential elements that have facilitated increased improvement capability of CF centres and improved CF outcomes. CF centre improvement teams across the USA have participated in 11 LLCs of 12 months' duration since 2002. Based on the Dartmouth Microsystem Improvement Curriculum, the original LLC included face to face meetings, an email listserv, conference calls and completion of between learning session task books. The LLCs evolved over time to include internet based learning, an electronic repository of improvement resources and examples, change ideas driven by evidence based clinical practice guidelines, benchmarking site visits, an applied QI measurement curriculum and team coaching. Over 90% of the CF centres in the USA have participated in the LLCs and have increased their improvement capabilities. Ten essential elements were identified as contributors to the successful LLCs: LLC national leadership and coordination, local leadership, people with CF and families involvement, registry data transparency, standardised improvement curriculum with evidence based change ideas, internet resources with reminders, team coaching, regular progress reporting and tracking, benchmarking site visits and applied improvement measurement. The LLCs have contributed to improved medical and process outcomes over the past 10 years. Ten essential elements of the LLCs may benefit improvement efforts in other chronic care populations and health systems.

Analysis of the Mean Absolute Error (MAE) and the Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) in Assessing Rounding Model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Weijie; Lu, Yanmin

2018-03-01

Most existing Collaborative Filtering (CF) algorithms predict a rating as the preference of an active user toward a given item, which is always a decimal fraction. Meanwhile, the actual ratings in most data sets are integers. In this paper, we discuss and demonstrate why rounding can bring different influences to these two metrics; prove that rounding is necessary in post-processing of the predicted ratings, eliminate of model prediction bias, improving the accuracy of the prediction. In addition, we also propose two new rounding approaches based on the predicted rating probability distribution, which can be used to round the predicted rating to an optimal integer rating, and get better prediction accuracy compared to the Basic Rounding approach. Extensive experiments on different data sets validate the correctness of our analysis and the effectiveness of our proposed rounding approaches.

Effect of filter on average glandular dose and image quality in digital mammography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Songsaeng, C.; Krisanachinda, A.; Theerakul, K.

2016-03-01

To determine the average glandular dose and entrance surface air kerma in both phantoms and patients to assess image quality for different target-filters (W/Rh and W/Ag) in digital mammography system. The compressed breast thickness, compression force, average glandular dose, entrance surface air kerma, peak kilovoltage and tube current time were recorded and compared between W/Rh and W/Ag target filter. The CNR and the figure of merit were used to determine the effect of target filter on image quality. The mean AGD of the W/Rh target filter was 1.75 mGy, the mean ESAK was 6.67 mGy, the mean CBT was 54.1 mm, the mean CF was 14 1bs. The mean AGD of W/Ag target filter was 2.7 mGy, the mean ESAK was 12.6 mGy, the mean CBT was 75.5 mm, the mean CF was 15 1bs. In phantom study, the AGD was 1.2 mGy at 4 cm, 3.3 mGy at 6 cm and 3.83 mGy at 7 cm thickness. The FOM was 24.6, CNR was 9.02 at thickness 6 cm. The FOM was 18.4, CNR was 8.6 at thickness 7 cm. The AGD from Digital Mammogram system with W/Rh of thinner CBT was lower than the AGD from W/Ag target filter.

An Automated Energy Detection Algorithm Based on Consecutive Mean Excision

DTIC Science & Technology

2018-01-01

present in the RF spectrum. 15. SUBJECT TERMS RF spectrum, detection threshold algorithm, consecutive mean excision, rank order filter , statistical...Median 4 3.1.9 Rank Order Filter (ROF) 4 3.1.10 Crest Factor (CF) 5 3.2 Statistical Summary 6 4. Algorithm 7 5. Conclusion 8 6. References 9...energy detection algorithm based on morphological filter processing with a semi- disk structure. Adelphi (MD): Army Research Laboratory (US); 2018 Jan

Benchmark Evaluation of True Single Molecular Sequencing to Determine Cystic Fibrosis Airway Microbiome Diversity.

PubMed

Hahn, Andrea; Bendall, Matthew L; Gibson, Keylie M; Chaney, Hollis; Sami, Iman; Perez, Geovanny F; Koumbourlis, Anastassios C; McCaffrey, Timothy A; Freishtat, Robert J; Crandall, Keith A

2018-01-01

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive disease associated with recurrent lung infections that can lead to morbidity and mortality. The impact of antibiotics for treatment of acute pulmonary exacerbations on the CF airway microbiome remains unclear with prior studies giving conflicting results and being limited by their use of 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing. Our primary objective was to validate the use of true single molecular sequencing (tSMS) and PathoScope in the analysis of the CF airway microbiome. Three control samples were created with differing amounts of Burkholderia cepacia , Pseudomonas aeruginosa , and Prevotella melaninogenica , three common bacteria found in cystic fibrosis lungs. Paired sputa were also obtained from three study participants with CF before and >6 days after initiation of antibiotics. Antibiotic resistant B. cepacia and P. aeruginosa were identified in concurrently obtained respiratory cultures. Direct sequencing was performed using tSMS, and filtered reads were aligned to reference genomes from NCBI using PathoScope and Kraken and unique clade-specific marker genes using MetaPhlAn. A total of 180-518 K of 6-12 million filtered reads were aligned for each sample. Detection of known pathogens in control samples was most successful using PathoScope. In the CF sputa, alpha diversity measures varied based on the alignment method used, but similar trends were found between pre- and post-antibiotic samples. PathoScope outperformed Kraken and MetaPhlAn in our validation study of artificial bacterial community controls and also has advantages over Kraken and MetaPhlAn of being able to determine bacterial strains and the presence of fungal organisms. PathoScope can be confidently used when evaluating metagenomic data to determine CF airway microbiome diversity.

Hybrid context aware recommender systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jain, Rajshree; Tyagi, Jaya; Singh, Sandeep Kumar; Alam, Taj

2017-10-01

Recommender systems and context awareness is currently a vital field of research. Most hybrid recommendation systems implement content based and collaborative filtering techniques whereas this work combines context and collaborative filtering. The paper presents a hybrid context aware recommender system for books and movies that gives recommendations based on the user context as well as user or item similarity. It also addresses the issue of dimensionality reduction using weighted pre filtering based on dynamically entered user context and preference of context. This unique step helps to reduce the size of dataset for collaborative filtering. Bias subtracted collaborative filtering is used so as to consider the relative rating of a particular user and not the absolute values. Cosine similarity is used as a metric to determine the similarity between users or items. The unknown ratings are calculated and evaluated using MSE (Mean Squared Error) in test and train datasets. The overall process of recommendation has helped to personalize recommendations and give more accurate results with reduced complexity in collaborative filtering.

Weighted hybrid technique for recommender system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suriati, S.; Dwiastuti, Meisyarah; Tulus, T.

2017-12-01

Recommender system becomes very popular and has important role in an information system or webpages nowadays. A recommender system tries to make a prediction of which item a user may like based on his activity on the system. There are some familiar techniques to build a recommender system, such as content-based filtering and collaborative filtering. Content-based filtering does not involve opinions from human to make the prediction, while collaborative filtering does, so collaborative filtering can predict more accurately. However, collaborative filtering cannot give prediction to items which have never been rated by any user. In order to cover the drawbacks of each approach with the advantages of other approach, both approaches can be combined with an approach known as hybrid technique. Hybrid technique used in this work is weighted technique in which the prediction score is combination linear of scores gained by techniques that are combined.The purpose of this work is to show how an approach of weighted hybrid technique combining content-based filtering and item-based collaborative filtering can work in a movie recommender system and to show the performance comparison when both approachare combined and when each approach works alone. There are three experiments done in this work, combining both techniques with different parameters. The result shows that the weighted hybrid technique that is done in this work does not really boost the performance up, but it helps to give prediction score for unrated movies that are impossible to be recommended by only using collaborative filtering.

Identification of eight novel mutations in a collaborative analysis of a part of the second transmembrane domain of the CFTR gene

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

Mercier, B.; Audrezet, M.P.; Guillermit, H.

Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), the gene responsible, when mutated, for cystic fibrosis (CF), spans over 230 kb on the long arm of chromosome 7 and is composed of 27 exons. The most common mutation responsible for CF worldwide is the deletion of a phenylalanine amino acid at codon 508 in the first nucleotide-binding fold and accounts for approximately 70% of CF chromosomes studied. More than 250 other mutations have been reported through the CF Genetic Analysis Consortium. The majority of the mutations previously described lie in the two nucleotide-binding folds. To explore exhaustively other regions of the gene,more » particularly exons coding for transmembrane domains, the authors have initiated a collaborative study between different laboratories to screen 369 non-[Delta]F508 CF chromosomes of seven ethnic European populations (Belgian, French, Breton, Irish, Italian, Yugoslavian, Russian). Among these chromosomes carrying an unidentified mutation, 63 were from Brittany, 50 of various French origin, 45 of Irish origin, 56 of Italian origin, 41 of Belgian origin, 2 of Turkish origin, 38 of Yugoslavian origin, 22 of Russian origin, and 52 of Bulgarian origin. Diagnostic criteria for CF included at least one positive sweat test and pulmonary disease with or without pancreatic disease. Using a denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) assay, they have identified eight novel mutations in exon 17b coding for part of the second transmembrane domain of the CFTR and they describe them in this report. 8 refs., 1 fig., 1 tab.« less

What Do You Recommend? Implementation and Analyses of Collaborative Information Filtering of Web Resources for Education.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Recker, Mimi M.; Walker, Andrew; Lawless, Kimberly

2003-01-01

Examines results from one pilot study and two empirical studies of a collaborative filtering system applied in higher education settings. Explains the use of collaborative filtering in electronic commerce and suggests it can be adapted to education to help find useful Web resources and to bring people together with similar interests and beliefs.…

Measuring Learner's Performance in E-Learning Recommender Systems

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ghauth, Khairil Imran; Abdullah, Nor Aniza

2010-01-01

A recommender system is a piece of software that helps users to identify the most interesting and relevant learning items from a large number of items. Recommender systems may be based on collaborative filtering (by user ratings), content-based filtering (by keywords), and hybrid filtering (by both collaborative and content-based filtering).…

A collaborative filtering recommendation algorithm based on weighted SimRank and social trust

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Su, Chang; Zhang, Butao

2017-05-01

Collaborative filtering is one of the most widely used recommendation technologies, but the data sparsity and cold start problem of collaborative filtering algorithms are difficult to solve effectively. In order to alleviate the problem of data sparsity in collaborative filtering algorithm, firstly, a weighted improved SimRank algorithm is proposed to compute the rating similarity between users in rating data set. The improved SimRank can find more nearest neighbors for target users according to the transmissibility of rating similarity. Then, we build trust network and introduce the calculation of trust degree in the trust relationship data set. Finally, we combine rating similarity and trust to build a comprehensive similarity in order to find more appropriate nearest neighbors for target user. Experimental results show that the algorithm proposed in this paper improves the recommendation precision of the Collaborative algorithm effectively.

Automatic detection of omissions in medication lists

PubMed Central

Duncan, George T; Neill, Daniel B; Padman, Rema

2011-01-01

Objective Evidence suggests that the medication lists of patients are often incomplete and could negatively affect patient outcomes. In this article, the authors propose the application of collaborative filtering methods to the medication reconciliation task. Given a current medication list for a patient, the authors employ collaborative filtering approaches to predict drugs the patient could be taking but are missing from their observed list. Design The collaborative filtering approach presented in this paper emerges from the insight that an omission in a medication list is analogous to an item a consumer might purchase from a product list. Online retailers use collaborative filtering to recommend relevant products using retrospective purchase data. In this article, the authors argue that patient information in electronic medical records, combined with artificial intelligence methods, can enhance medication reconciliation. The authors formulate the detection of omissions in medication lists as a collaborative filtering problem. Detection of omissions is accomplished using several machine-learning approaches. The effectiveness of these approaches is evaluated using medication data from three long-term care centers. The authors also propose several decision-theoretic extensions to the methodology for incorporating medical knowledge into recommendations. Results Results show that collaborative filtering identifies the missing drug in the top-10 list about 40–50% of the time and the therapeutic class of the missing drug 50%–65% of the time at the three clinics in this study. Conclusion Results suggest that collaborative filtering can be a valuable tool for reconciling medication lists, complementing currently recommended process-driven approaches. However, a one-size-fits-all approach is not optimal, and consideration should be given to context (eg, types of patients and drug regimens) and consequence (eg, the impact of omission on outcomes). PMID:21447497

Automatic detection of omissions in medication lists.

PubMed

Hasan, Sharique; Duncan, George T; Neill, Daniel B; Padman, Rema

2011-01-01

Evidence suggests that the medication lists of patients are often incomplete and could negatively affect patient outcomes. In this article, the authors propose the application of collaborative filtering methods to the medication reconciliation task. Given a current medication list for a patient, the authors employ collaborative filtering approaches to predict drugs the patient could be taking but are missing from their observed list. The collaborative filtering approach presented in this paper emerges from the insight that an omission in a medication list is analogous to an item a consumer might purchase from a product list. Online retailers use collaborative filtering to recommend relevant products using retrospective purchase data. In this article, the authors argue that patient information in electronic medical records, combined with artificial intelligence methods, can enhance medication reconciliation. The authors formulate the detection of omissions in medication lists as a collaborative filtering problem. Detection of omissions is accomplished using several machine-learning approaches. The effectiveness of these approaches is evaluated using medication data from three long-term care centers. The authors also propose several decision-theoretic extensions to the methodology for incorporating medical knowledge into recommendations. Results show that collaborative filtering identifies the missing drug in the top-10 list about 40-50% of the time and the therapeutic class of the missing drug 50%-65% of the time at the three clinics in this study. Results suggest that collaborative filtering can be a valuable tool for reconciling medication lists, complementing currently recommended process-driven approaches. However, a one-size-fits-all approach is not optimal, and consideration should be given to context (eg, types of patients and drug regimens) and consequence (eg, the impact of omission on outcomes).

Developing collaborative works for faster progress on fungal respiratory infections in cystic fibrosis.

PubMed

Schwarz, Carsten; Vandeputte, Patrick; Rougeron, Amandine; Giraud, Sandrine; Dugé de Bernonville, Thomas; Duvaux, Ludovic; Gastebois, Amandine; Alastruey-Izquierdo, Ana; Martín-Gomez, Maria Teresa; Mazuelos, Estrella Martin; Sole, Amparo; Cano, Josep; Pemán, Javier; Quindos, Guillermo; Botterel, Françoise; Bougnoux, Marie-Elisabeth; Chen, Sharon; Delhaès, Laurence; Favennec, Loïc; Ranque, Stéphane; Sedlacek, Ludwig; Steinmann, Joerg; Vazquez, Jose; Williams, Craig; Meyer, Wieland; Le Gal, Solène; Nevez, Gilles; Fleury, Maxime; Papon, Nicolas; Symoens, Françoise; Bouchara, Jean-Philippe

2018-04-01

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the major genetic inherited disease in Caucasian populations. The respiratory tract of CF patients displays a sticky viscous mucus, which allows for the entrapment of airborne bacteria and fungal spores and provides a suitable environment for growth of microorganisms, including numerous yeast and filamentous fungal species. As a consequence, respiratory infections are the major cause of morbidity and mortality in this clinical context. Although bacteria remain the most common agents of these infections, fungal respiratory infections have emerged as an important cause of disease. Therefore, the International Society for Human and Animal Mycology (ISHAM) has launched a working group on Fungal respiratory infections in Cystic Fibrosis (Fri-CF) in October 2006, which was subsequently approved by the European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM). Meetings of this working group, comprising both clinicians and mycologists involved in the follow-up of CF patients, as well as basic scientists interested in the fungal species involved, provided the opportunity to initiate collaborative works aimed to improve our knowledge on these infections to assist clinicians in patient management. The current review highlights the outcomes of some of these collaborative works in clinical surveillance, pathogenesis and treatment, giving special emphasis to standardization of culture procedures, improvement of species identification methods including the development of nonculture-based diagnostic methods, microbiome studies and identification of new biological markers, and the description of genotyping studies aiming to differentiate transient carriage and chronic colonization of the airways. The review also reports on the breakthrough in sequencing the genomes of the main Scedosporium species as basis for a better understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms of these fungi, and discusses treatment options of infections caused by multidrug resistant microorganisms, such as Scedosporium and Lomentospora species and members of the Rasamsonia argillacea species complex.

Measuring User Similarity Using Electric Circuit Analysis: Application to Collaborative Filtering

PubMed Central

Yang, Joonhyuk; Kim, Jinwook; Kim, Wonjoon; Kim, Young Hwan

2012-01-01

We propose a new technique of measuring user similarity in collaborative filtering using electric circuit analysis. Electric circuit analysis is used to measure the potential differences between nodes on an electric circuit. In this paper, by applying this method to transaction networks comprising users and items, i.e., user–item matrix, and by using the full information about the relationship structure of users in the perspective of item adoption, we overcome the limitations of one-to-one similarity calculation approach, such as the Pearson correlation, Tanimoto coefficient, and Hamming distance, in collaborative filtering. We found that electric circuit analysis can be successfully incorporated into recommender systems and has the potential to significantly enhance predictability, especially when combined with user-based collaborative filtering. We also propose four types of hybrid algorithms that combine the Pearson correlation method and electric circuit analysis. One of the algorithms exceeds the performance of the traditional collaborative filtering by 37.5% at most. This work opens new opportunities for interdisciplinary research between physics and computer science and the development of new recommendation systems PMID:23145095

Measuring user similarity using electric circuit analysis: application to collaborative filtering.

PubMed

Yang, Joonhyuk; Kim, Jinwook; Kim, Wonjoon; Kim, Young Hwan

2012-01-01

We propose a new technique of measuring user similarity in collaborative filtering using electric circuit analysis. Electric circuit analysis is used to measure the potential differences between nodes on an electric circuit. In this paper, by applying this method to transaction networks comprising users and items, i.e., user-item matrix, and by using the full information about the relationship structure of users in the perspective of item adoption, we overcome the limitations of one-to-one similarity calculation approach, such as the Pearson correlation, Tanimoto coefficient, and Hamming distance, in collaborative filtering. We found that electric circuit analysis can be successfully incorporated into recommender systems and has the potential to significantly enhance predictability, especially when combined with user-based collaborative filtering. We also propose four types of hybrid algorithms that combine the Pearson correlation method and electric circuit analysis. One of the algorithms exceeds the performance of the traditional collaborative filtering by 37.5% at most. This work opens new opportunities for interdisciplinary research between physics and computer science and the development of new recommendation systems.

Developing new products in cystic fibrosis: needs and obstacles for activities of small and middle-sized companies.

PubMed

Schlangen, Miriam; Reimann, Andreas L G

2011-06-01

Small and middle-sized enterprises (SMEs) can make important contributions to medical progress through the development of new safe and effective drugs that address the greatest unmet needs of patients. Regulatory inconsistencies across agencies in various countries, however, remain major challenges in cystic fibrosis (CF) drug development. Clear and consistent treatment guidelines, well educated clinical trial sites, a patient registry and grant funding for early development programs are important success-factors for an efficient development process. SMEs developing products for CF need partners in the CF community to assist with disease education and awareness for ongoing clinical trials. SMEs should collaborate and communicate with the CF community in a legally compliant way to take a patient-centric approach to drug design, development and administration. Furthermore, they can help to develop educational tools and fund medical education activities to increase the understanding of the underlying defects and mechanisms of CF disease. Copyright © 2011 European Cystic Fibrosis Society. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Image Recommendation Algorithm Using Feature-Based Collaborative Filtering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Deok-Hwan

As the multimedia contents market continues its rapid expansion, the amount of image contents used in mobile phone services, digital libraries, and catalog service is increasing remarkably. In spite of this rapid growth, users experience high levels of frustration when searching for the desired image. Even though new images are profitable to the service providers, traditional collaborative filtering methods cannot recommend them. To solve this problem, in this paper, we propose feature-based collaborative filtering (FBCF) method to reflect the user's most recent preference by representing his purchase sequence in the visual feature space. The proposed approach represents the images that have been purchased in the past as the feature clusters in the multi-dimensional feature space and then selects neighbors by using an inter-cluster distance function between their feature clusters. Various experiments using real image data demonstrate that the proposed approach provides a higher quality recommendation and better performance than do typical collaborative filtering and content-based filtering techniques.

A 2D Electron Density and Plasma Current Density Diagnostic for Opening Switches

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-02-01

x, y)) can be recovered by taking the inverse transform of C(f - f,, y), and calculating the inverse tangent of the ratio of its real and imaginary...parts, 27rfox + (x,y) = tan-1 [Re(IT)/Im(IT)], (7) where IT represents the inverse transform of C(f - fo, y). There are a number of options available...notch filtering around f, before the inverse transform is taken. However, since frequency space is discrete due to the discrete nature of the FFT, we

Collaborative filtering recommendation model based on fuzzy clustering algorithm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Ye; Zhang, Yunhua

2018-05-01

As one of the most widely used algorithms in recommender systems, collaborative filtering algorithm faces two serious problems, which are the sparsity of data and poor recommendation effect in big data environment. In traditional clustering analysis, the object is strictly divided into several classes and the boundary of this division is very clear. However, for most objects in real life, there is no strict definition of their forms and attributes of their class. Concerning the problems above, this paper proposes to improve the traditional collaborative filtering model through the hybrid optimization of implicit semantic algorithm and fuzzy clustering algorithm, meanwhile, cooperating with collaborative filtering algorithm. In this paper, the fuzzy clustering algorithm is introduced to fuzzy clustering the information of project attribute, which makes the project belong to different project categories with different membership degrees, and increases the density of data, effectively reduces the sparsity of data, and solves the problem of low accuracy which is resulted from the inaccuracy of similarity calculation. Finally, this paper carries out empirical analysis on the MovieLens dataset, and compares it with the traditional user-based collaborative filtering algorithm. The proposed algorithm has greatly improved the recommendation accuracy.

Surveying Cystic Fibrosis Care Centers to Assess Adoption of Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations.

PubMed

Saiman, Lisa; Zhou, Juyan J; Jiang, Xiaotong; Kosorok, Michael R; Muhlebach, Marianne S

2018-04-15

OBJECTIVEIn 2013, the Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Foundation developed an updated guideline for infection prevention and control (IP&C) practices for CF. We sought to assess the adoption of specific recommendations by CF care centers.METHODSDirectors of the 277 CF care centers in the United States were asked to complete a confidential online survey regarding the adoption of selected IP&C recommendations. Selected recommendations were those we considered less likely to be incorporated into a center's written IP&C policies.RESULTSCenter directors from 198 of 277 CF centers (71%) completed the survey between December 2015 and June 2016; pediatric and larger centers were more likely to do so. Overall, 70% have adopted ≥75% of the selected recommendations. As recommended, almost all provided education to CF center staff (98%) and patients and families (97%); fewer developed educational materials in collaboration with local IP&C teams (59%) and/or patients and families (37%). Among 108 centers with non-English-speaking patients, 65 (60%) provided educational materials in relevant languages. Most (74%) held group education events; of the 138 centers with in-person meetings, 45% allowed 1 individual with CF to attend, and 51% allowed no individuals with CF to attend. Most centers (93%) held outdoor events, and 84% allowed >1 individual with CF to attend. Audits of exam-room cleaning were performed by 49% of CF centers.CONCLUSIONSCystic fibrosis centers in the United States have adopted many of the recommendations addressed in this survey. Nonetheless, these findings suggest opportunities for improvement. More CF centers should provide education to non-English-speaking patients and families, and CF centers should perform audits of room cleaning.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2018:1-5.

12om Methodology: Process v1.1

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-03-31

in support of the Applied Research Project (ARP) 12om entitled “Collaborative Understanding of Complex Situations”. The overall purpose of this...Definition ARP Applied Research Project CF Canadian Forces CFOPP Canadian Forces Operational Planning Process CIDA Canadian International... Research Project (ARP) 12om entitled “Collaborative Understanding of Complex Situations”. The overall purpose of this project is to develop a

Collaboration between the Canadian Forces and the Public in Operations

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-03-01

recueillir les recommandations relativement à la formation et à l’éducation dans le but d’accroître l’efficacité de la collaboration civilo-militaire en...intervenants en contexte public (p. ex., avec des ONG), et 2) recueillir les recommandations d’experts en la matière (EM) relativement aux possibilités de...CF might be the distribution of aid to those in need. On the other hand, an indirect impact of collaboration could be an “implicit ethical message

Improved collaborative filtering recommendation algorithm of similarity measure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Baofu; Yuan, Baoping

2017-05-01

The Collaborative filtering recommendation algorithm is one of the most widely used recommendation algorithm in personalized recommender systems. The key is to find the nearest neighbor set of the active user by using similarity measure. However, the methods of traditional similarity measure mainly focus on the similarity of user common rating items, but ignore the relationship between the user common rating items and all items the user rates. And because rating matrix is very sparse, traditional collaborative filtering recommendation algorithm is not high efficiency. In order to obtain better accuracy, based on the consideration of common preference between users, the difference of rating scale and score of common items, this paper presents an improved similarity measure method, and based on this method, a collaborative filtering recommendation algorithm based on similarity improvement is proposed. Experimental results show that the algorithm can effectively improve the quality of recommendation, thus alleviate the impact of data sparseness.

Improving chronic care delivery and outcomes: the impact of the cystic fibrosis Care Center Network.

PubMed

Mogayzel, Peter J; Dunitz, Jordan; Marrow, Laura C; Hazle, Leslie A

2014-04-01

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a multisystem, life-shortening genetic disease that requires complex care. To facilitate this expert, multidisciplinary care, the CF Foundation established a Care Center Network and accredited the first care centres in 1961. This model of care brings together physicians and specialists from other disciplines to provide care, facilitate basic and clinical research, and educate the next generation of providers. Although the Care Center Network has been invaluable in achieving substantial gains in survival and quality of life, additional opportunities for improvements in CF care exist. In 1999, analysis of data from the CF Foundation's Patient Registry detected variation in care practices and outcomes across centres, identifying opportunities for improvement. In 2002, the CF Foundation launched a comprehensive quality improvement (QI) initiative to enhance care by assembling national experts to develop a strategic plan to disseminate QI training and processes throughout the Care Center Network. The QI strategies included developing leadership (nationally and within each care centre), identifying best CF care practices, and incorporating people with CF and their families into improvement efforts. The goal was to improve the care for every person with CF in the USA. Multiple tactics were undertaken to implement the strategic plan and disseminate QI training and tools throughout the Care Center Network. In addition, strategies to foster collaboration between care centre staff and individuals with CF and their families became a cornerstone of QI efforts. Today it is clear that the application of QI principles within the CF Care Center Network has improved adherence to clinical guidelines and achievement of important health outcomes.

Self-efficacy: empowering parents of children with cystic fibrosis.

PubMed

McDonald, Catherine M; Haberman, Diane; Brown, Natalie

2013-09-01

Can parent engagement in the development and delivery of educational materials for cystic fibrosis (CF) promote increased self-efficacy and confidence in self-management skills? Standard therapies for a child with CF frequently involve pulmonary treatment, medications, and behavioral and nutritional interventions. Parents report that the prescribed CF care can be overwhelming. Previous research at this pediatric CF Center indicated the parental perception of the difficulty in managing CF-related nutrition therapy. Parents' nutrition knowledge was an initial target of this continuous quality improvement (CQI) project with a long-range aim of increasing children's median body mass index (BMI) percentiles for patients at this pediatric CF center. The local CF Parent Advisory Council, CF parents and staff collaborated on this family-centered CQI project. A CF parent website with weekly email newsletters and a facebook page were developed and evolved with input from parents. Parental feedback was gathered through electronic surveys, written questionnaires, focus groups and informal interviews. A convenience sample of parents participated in pre- and post-intervention surveys to determine change in self-confidence in effectively managing their children's CF treatment regimens. Results were also compared with responses from a larger previous survey. Parental knowledge of nutrition facts and medical nutrition therapy for CF did not increase significantly over the course of the CQI project. Surveyed parents reported increased confidence in their self-management skills. Although mean BMI percentiles have increased at this center, they remain below the national average. Parent-driven educational strategies provide an opportunity to promote reliable CF-related information in parent-preferred formats that enhance self-management skills in caring for children with CF. Parental confidence to follow CF center recommendations increased between 2004 and 2011. Although many factors may impact confidence, parent satisfaction with the creation of electronic resources and engagement in the CQI process were intangible, but important outcomes. Copyright © 2012 European Cystic Fibrosis Society. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

High-Precision Attitude Estimation Method of Star Sensors and Gyro Based on Complementary Filter and Unscented Kalman Filter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, C.; Tong, X.; Liu, S.; Liu, S.; Lu, X.; Chen, P.; Jin, Y.; Xie, H.

2017-07-01

Determining the attitude of satellite at the time of imaging then establishing the mathematical relationship between image points and ground points is essential in high-resolution remote sensing image mapping. Star tracker is insensitive to the high frequency attitude variation due to the measure noise and satellite jitter, but the low frequency attitude motion can be determined with high accuracy. Gyro, as a short-term reference to the satellite's attitude, is sensitive to high frequency attitude change, but due to the existence of gyro drift and integral error, the attitude determination error increases with time. Based on the opposite noise frequency characteristics of two kinds of attitude sensors, this paper proposes an on-orbit attitude estimation method of star sensors and gyro based on Complementary Filter (CF) and Unscented Kalman Filter (UKF). In this study, the principle and implementation of the proposed method are described. First, gyro attitude quaternions are acquired based on the attitude kinematics equation. An attitude information fusion method is then introduced, which applies high-pass filtering and low-pass filtering to the gyro and star tracker, respectively. Second, the attitude fusion data based on CF are introduced as the observed values of UKF system in the process of measurement updating. The accuracy and effectiveness of the method are validated based on the simulated sensors attitude data. The obtained results indicate that the proposed method can suppress the gyro drift and measure noise of attitude sensors, improving the accuracy of the attitude determination significantly, comparing with the simulated on-orbit attitude and the attitude estimation results of the UKF defined by the same simulation parameters.

Efficient OCT Image Enhancement Based on Collaborative Shock Filtering

PubMed Central

2018-01-01

Efficient enhancement of noisy optical coherence tomography (OCT) images is a key task for interpreting them correctly. In this paper, to better enhance details and layered structures of a human retina image, we propose a collaborative shock filtering for OCT image denoising and enhancement. Noisy OCT image is first denoised by a collaborative filtering method with new similarity measure, and then the denoised image is sharpened by a shock-type filtering for edge and detail enhancement. For dim OCT images, in order to improve image contrast for the detection of tiny lesions, a gamma transformation is first used to enhance the images within proper gray levels. The proposed method integrating image smoothing and sharpening simultaneously obtains better visual results in experiments. PMID:29599954

Efficient OCT Image Enhancement Based on Collaborative Shock Filtering.

PubMed

Liu, Guohua; Wang, Ziyu; Mu, Guoying; Li, Peijin

2018-01-01

Efficient enhancement of noisy optical coherence tomography (OCT) images is a key task for interpreting them correctly. In this paper, to better enhance details and layered structures of a human retina image, we propose a collaborative shock filtering for OCT image denoising and enhancement. Noisy OCT image is first denoised by a collaborative filtering method with new similarity measure, and then the denoised image is sharpened by a shock-type filtering for edge and detail enhancement. For dim OCT images, in order to improve image contrast for the detection of tiny lesions, a gamma transformation is first used to enhance the images within proper gray levels. The proposed method integrating image smoothing and sharpening simultaneously obtains better visual results in experiments.

Enhancing collaborative filtering by user interest expansion via personalized ranking.

PubMed

Liu, Qi; Chen, Enhong; Xiong, Hui; Ding, Chris H Q; Chen, Jian

2012-02-01

Recommender systems suggest a few items from many possible choices to the users by understanding their past behaviors. In these systems, the user behaviors are influenced by the hidden interests of the users. Learning to leverage the information about user interests is often critical for making better recommendations. However, existing collaborative-filtering-based recommender systems are usually focused on exploiting the information about the user's interaction with the systems; the information about latent user interests is largely underexplored. To that end, inspired by the topic models, in this paper, we propose a novel collaborative-filtering-based recommender system by user interest expansion via personalized ranking, named iExpand. The goal is to build an item-oriented model-based collaborative-filtering framework. The iExpand method introduces a three-layer, user-interests-item, representation scheme, which leads to more accurate ranking recommendation results with less computation cost and helps the understanding of the interactions among users, items, and user interests. Moreover, iExpand strategically deals with many issues that exist in traditional collaborative-filtering approaches, such as the overspecialization problem and the cold-start problem. Finally, we evaluate iExpand on three benchmark data sets, and experimental results show that iExpand can lead to better ranking performance than state-of-the-art methods with a significant margin.

A filter-mediated communication model for design collaboration in building construction.

PubMed

Lee, Jaewook; Jeong, Yongwook; Oh, Minho; Hong, Seung Wan

2014-01-01

Multidisciplinary collaboration is an important aspect of modern engineering activities, arising from the growing complexity of artifacts whose design and construction require knowledge and skills that exceed the capacities of any one professional. However, current collaboration in the architecture, engineering, and construction industries often fails due to lack of shared understanding between different participants and limitations of their supporting tools. To achieve a high level of shared understanding, this study proposes a filter-mediated communication model. In the proposed model, participants retain their own data in the form most appropriate for their needs with domain-specific filters that transform the neutral representations into semantically rich ones, as needed by the participants. Conversely, the filters can translate semantically rich, domain-specific data into a neutral representation that can be accessed by other domain-specific filters. To validate the feasibility of the proposed model, we computationally implement the filter mechanism and apply it to a hypothetical test case. The result acknowledges that the filter mechanism can let the participants know ahead of time what will be the implications of their proposed actions, as seen from other participants' points of view.

Impact of the increased adoption of prenatal cfDNA screening on non-profit patient advocacy organizations in the United States.

PubMed

Meredith, Stephanie; Kaposy, Christopher; Miller, Victoria J; Allyse, Megan; Chandrasekharan, Subhashini; Michie, Marsha

2016-08-01

The 'Stakeholder Perspectives on Noninvasive Prenatal Genetic Screening' Symposium was held in conjunction with the 2015 annual meeting of the International Society for Prenatal Diagnosis. During the day-long meeting, a panel of patient advocacy group (PAG) representatives discussed concerns and challenges raised by prenatal cell-free DNA (cfDNA) screening, which has resulted in larger demands upon PAGs from concerned patients receiving prenatal cfDNA screening results. Prominent concerns included confusion about the accuracy of cfDNA screening and a lack of patient education resources about genetic conditions included in cfDNA screens. Some of the challenges faced by PAGs included funding limitations, lack of consistently implemented standards of care and oversight, diverse perspectives among PAGs and questions about neutrality, and lack of access to training and genetic counselors. PAG representatives also put forward suggestions for addressing these challenges, including improving educational and PAG funding and increasing collaboration between PAGs and the medical community. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Ultrastructure of the protonephridia of larval Rugiloricus cf. cauliculus, male Armorloricus elegans, and female Nanaloricus mysticus (Loricifera).

PubMed

Neuhaus, Birger; Kristensen, Reinhardt Møbjerg

2007-04-01

The protonephridial system of several Loricifera was studied by transmission electron microscopy. A larval specimen of Rugiloricus cf. cauliculus possesses two protonephridia, which are "capped" frontally by a compact mass of still undifferentiated gonadal cells. Each protonephridium consists of four monociliary terminal cells and four canal cells with a diplosome but no cilia. Because of incomplete series of sections and unsatisfactory fixation, the outleading cell(s) could not be detected. In a male specimen of Armorloricus elegans, each gonad contains two protonephridia that open into the gonadal lumen. Each protonephridium consists of two monociliary terminal cells, each forming a filter, two nonciliated canal cells, and two nephroporus cells. The protonephridial lumina of the latter cells fuse to one common lumen, which unites with the gonadal lumen. Preliminary observations on the protonephridia of a female Nanaloricus mysticus reveal a more complicated arrangement of interdigitating terminal and canal cells. One or two terminal cells form their own individual filter or four cells form a common compound filter. The cilium of the terminal cells of all species investigated are surrounded by a palisade of nine microvilli that support the filter barrier made of an extracellular matrix. An additional filter diaphragm could be traced between the pores in the cell wall of each terminal cell of A. elegans. The urogenital system of the Loricifera differs from that of the Priapulida in that the protonephridia of the former are completely integrated into the gonad, whereas the excretory organs of the latter open into the urogenital duct caudally of the gonads. Copyright (c) 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

SU-E-T-61: A Practical Process for Fabricating Passive Scatter Proton Beam Modulation Compensation Filters Using 3D Printing

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

Zhao, T; Drzymala, R

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to devise a practical fabrication process for passive scatter proton beam compensation filters (CF) that is competitive in time, cost and effort using 3D printing. Methods: DICOM compensator filter files for a proton beam were generated by our Eclipse (Varian, Inc.) treatment planning system. The compensator thickness specifications were extracted with in-house software written in Matlab (MathWorks, Inc.) code and written to a text file which could be read by the Rhinoceros 5, computer-aided design (CAD) package (Robert McNeel and Associates), which subsequently generated a smoothed model in a STereoLithographic also known asmore » a Standard Tesselation Language file (STL). The model in the STL file was subsequently refined using Netfabb software and then converted to printing instructions using Cura. version 15.02.1. for our 3D printer. The Airwolf3D, model HD2x, fused filament fabrication (FFF) 3D printer (Airwolf3D.com) was used for our fabrication system with a print speed of 150mm per second. It can print in over 22 different plastic filament materials in a build volume of 11” x 8” x 12”. We choose ABS plastic to print the 3D model of the imprint for our CFs. Results: Prints of the CF could be performed at a print speed of 70mm per second. The time to print the 3D topology for the CF for the 14 cm diameter snout of our Mevion 250 proton accelerator was less than 3 hours. The printed model is intended to subsequently be used as a mold to imprint a molten wax cylindrical to form the compensation after cooling. The whole process should be performed for a typical 3 beam treatment plan within a day. Conclusion: Use of 3D printing is practical and can be used to print a 3D model of a CF within a few hours.« less

Motility and Adhesiveness in Human Neutrophils

PubMed Central

Smith, C. Wayne; Hollers, James C.; Patrick, Richard A.; Hassett, Clare

1979-01-01

Human peripheral blood neutrophils (PMN) obtained from healthy adults were examined in vitro with techniques adapted to assess the effects of chemotactic factors (CF) on cellular configuration and adhesiveness. The results were compared with those that use certain conventional techniques for assessing chemotaxis and chemokinesis. Exposure of PMN to N-formyl-l-methionyl-l-phenylalanine (f-Met-Phe), zymosan-activated serum, bacterial chemotactic factor, or a low molecular weight chemotactic factor from activated serum (C5a) in the absence of a gradient resulted in a change in cellular shape from a spherical to a polarized configuration in a high percentage of cells. This occurred rapidly in suspension, under conditions designed to exclude a role for cell adhesiveness, and was reversible upon removal of the CF. Restimulation of cells with the CF resulted in reappearance of the polarized configuration to the same extent as on initial stimulation with one exception: f-Met-Phe pretreated cells failed to respond to f-Met-Phe, though they responded fully to the other CF. Each CF caused a significant increase in PMN attachment to protein-coated glass. This enhanced adhesiveness was not reversible upon removal of the CF when the cells were treated under conditions shown to produce chemotactic deactivation. Cells treated under these conditions also exhibited significantly reduced motility on glass and in micropore filters in the absence of a gradient of CF. Bacterial chemotactic factor, even at high concentrations, failed to produce deactivation and did not cause a sustained enhancement of adhesiveness. Images PMID:372238

Collaborative Information Filtering in Cooperative Communities.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Okamoto, T.; Miyahara, K.

1998-01-01

The purpose of this study was to develop an information filtering system which collects, classifies, selects, and stores various kinds of information found through the Internet. A collaborative form of information gathering was examined and a model was built and implemented in the Internet information space. (AEF)

New similarity of triangular fuzzy number and its application.

PubMed

Zhang, Xixiang; Ma, Weimin; Chen, Liping

2014-01-01

The similarity of triangular fuzzy numbers is an important metric for application of it. There exist several approaches to measure similarity of triangular fuzzy numbers. However, some of them are opt to be large. To make the similarity well distributed, a new method SIAM (Shape's Indifferent Area and Midpoint) to measure triangular fuzzy number is put forward, which takes the shape's indifferent area and midpoint of two triangular fuzzy numbers into consideration. Comparison with other similarity measurements shows the effectiveness of the proposed method. Then, it is applied to collaborative filtering recommendation to measure users' similarity. A collaborative filtering case is used to illustrate users' similarity based on cloud model and triangular fuzzy number; the result indicates that users' similarity based on triangular fuzzy number can obtain better discrimination. Finally, a simulated collaborative filtering recommendation system is developed which uses cloud model and triangular fuzzy number to express users' comprehensive evaluation on items, and result shows that the accuracy of collaborative filtering recommendation based on triangular fuzzy number is higher.

Collaborative filtering on a family of biological targets.

PubMed

Erhan, Dumitru; L'heureux, Pierre-Jean; Yue, Shi Yi; Bengio, Yoshua

2006-01-01

Building a QSAR model of a new biological target for which few screening data are available is a statistical challenge. However, the new target may be part of a bigger family, for which we have more screening data. Collaborative filtering or, more generally, multi-task learning, is a machine learning approach that improves the generalization performance of an algorithm by using information from related tasks as an inductive bias. We use collaborative filtering techniques for building predictive models that link multiple targets to multiple examples. The more commonalities between the targets, the better the multi-target model that can be built. We show an example of a multi-target neural network that can use family information to produce a predictive model of an undersampled target. We evaluate JRank, a kernel-based method designed for collaborative filtering. We show their performance on compound prioritization for an HTS campaign and the underlying shared representation between targets. JRank outperformed the neural network both in the single- and multi-target models.

Social Collaborative Filtering by Trust.

PubMed

Yang, Bo; Lei, Yu; Liu, Jiming; Li, Wenjie

2017-08-01

Recommender systems are used to accurately and actively provide users with potentially interesting information or services. Collaborative filtering is a widely adopted approach to recommendation, but sparse data and cold-start users are often barriers to providing high quality recommendations. To address such issues, we propose a novel method that works to improve the performance of collaborative filtering recommendations by integrating sparse rating data given by users and sparse social trust network among these same users. This is a model-based method that adopts matrix factorization technique that maps users into low-dimensional latent feature spaces in terms of their trust relationship, and aims to more accurately reflect the users reciprocal influence on the formation of their own opinions and to learn better preferential patterns of users for high-quality recommendations. We use four large-scale datasets to show that the proposed method performs much better, especially for cold start users, than state-of-the-art recommendation algorithms for social collaborative filtering based on trust.

Shilling Attacks Detection in Recommender Systems Based on Target Item Analysis

PubMed Central

Zhou, Wei; Wen, Junhao; Koh, Yun Sing; Xiong, Qingyu; Gao, Min; Dobbie, Gillian; Alam, Shafiq

2015-01-01

Recommender systems are highly vulnerable to shilling attacks, both by individuals and groups. Attackers who introduce biased ratings in order to affect recommendations, have been shown to negatively affect collaborative filtering (CF) algorithms. Previous research focuses only on the differences between genuine profiles and attack profiles, ignoring the group characteristics in attack profiles. In this paper, we study the use of statistical metrics to detect rating patterns of attackers and group characteristics in attack profiles. Another question is that most existing detecting methods are model specific. Two metrics, Rating Deviation from Mean Agreement (RDMA) and Degree of Similarity with Top Neighbors (DegSim), are used for analyzing rating patterns between malicious profiles and genuine profiles in attack models. Building upon this, we also propose and evaluate a detection structure called RD-TIA for detecting shilling attacks in recommender systems using a statistical approach. In order to detect more complicated attack models, we propose a novel metric called DegSim’ based on DegSim. The experimental results show that our detection model based on target item analysis is an effective approach for detecting shilling attacks. PMID:26222882

Comparing Consider-Covariance Analysis with Sigma-Point Consider Filter and Linear-Theory Consider Filter Formulations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lisano, Michael E.

2007-01-01

Recent literature in applied estimation theory reflects growing interest in the sigma-point (also called unscented ) formulation for optimal sequential state estimation, often describing performance comparisons with extended Kalman filters as applied to specific dynamical problems [c.f. 1, 2, 3]. Favorable attributes of sigma-point filters are described as including a lower expected error for nonlinear even non-differentiable dynamical systems, and a straightforward formulation not requiring derivation or implementation of any partial derivative Jacobian matrices. These attributes are particularly attractive, e.g. in terms of enabling simplified code architecture and streamlined testing, in the formulation of estimators for nonlinear spaceflight mechanics systems, such as filter software onboard deep-space robotic spacecraft. As presented in [4], the Sigma-Point Consider Filter (SPCF) algorithm extends the sigma-point filter algorithm to the problem of consider covariance analysis. Considering parameters in a dynamical system, while estimating its state, provides an upper bound on the estimated state covariance, which is viewed as a conservative approach to designing estimators for problems of general guidance, navigation and control. This is because, whether a parameter in the system model is observable or not, error in the knowledge of the value of a non-estimated parameter will increase the actual uncertainty of the estimated state of the system beyond the level formally indicated by the covariance of an estimator that neglects errors or uncertainty in that parameter. The equations for SPCF covariance evolution are obtained in a fashion similar to the derivation approach taken with standard (i.e. linearized or extended) consider parameterized Kalman filters (c.f. [5]). While in [4] the SPCF and linear-theory consider filter (LTCF) were applied to an illustrative linear dynamics/linear measurement problem, in the present work examines the SPCF as applied to nonlinear sequential consider covariance analysis, i.e. in the presence of nonlinear dynamics and nonlinear measurements. A simple SPCF for orbit determination, exemplifying an algorithm hosted in the guidance, navigation and control (GN&C) computer processor of a hypothetical robotic spacecraft, was implemented, and compared with an identically-parameterized (standard) extended, consider-parameterized Kalman filter. The onboard filtering scenario examined is a hypothetical spacecraft orbit about a small natural body with imperfectly-known mass. The formulations, relative complexities, and performances of the filters are compared and discussed.

Chitosan use in chemical conditioning for dewatering municipal-activated sludge.

PubMed

Zemmouri, H; Mameri, N; Lounici, H

2015-01-01

This work aims to evaluate the potential use of chitosan as an eco-friendly flocculant in chemical conditioning of municipal-activated sludge. Chitosan effectiveness was compared with synthetic cationic polyelectrolyte Sedipur CF802 (Sed CF802) and ferric chloride (FeCl₃). In this context, raw sludge samples from Beni-Messous wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) were tested. The classic jar test method was used to condition sludge samples. Capillary suction time (CST), specific resistance to filtration (SRF), cakes dry solid content and filtrate turbidity were analyzed to determine filterability, dewatering capacity of conditioned sludge and the optimum dose of each conditioner. Data exhibit that chitosan, FeCl₃and Sed CF802 improve sludge dewatering. Optimum dosages of chitosan, Sed CF802 and FeCl₃allowing CST values of 6, 5 and 9 s, were found, respectively, between 2-3, 1.5-3 and 6 kg/t ds. Both polymers have shown faster water removal with more permeable sludge. SRF values were 0.634 × 10¹², 0.932 × 10¹² and 2 × 10¹² m/kg for Sed CF802, chitosan and FeCl₃respectively. A reduction of 94.68 and 87.85% of the filtrate turbidity was obtained with optimal dosage of chitosan and Sed CF802, respectively. In contrast, 54.18% of turbidity abatement has been obtained using optimal dosage of FeCl₃.

A Filter-Mediated Communication Model for Design Collaboration in Building Construction

PubMed Central

Oh, Minho

2014-01-01

Multidisciplinary collaboration is an important aspect of modern engineering activities, arising from the growing complexity of artifacts whose design and construction require knowledge and skills that exceed the capacities of any one professional. However, current collaboration in the architecture, engineering, and construction industries often fails due to lack of shared understanding between different participants and limitations of their supporting tools. To achieve a high level of shared understanding, this study proposes a filter-mediated communication model. In the proposed model, participants retain their own data in the form most appropriate for their needs with domain-specific filters that transform the neutral representations into semantically rich ones, as needed by the participants. Conversely, the filters can translate semantically rich, domain-specific data into a neutral representation that can be accessed by other domain-specific filters. To validate the feasibility of the proposed model, we computationally implement the filter mechanism and apply it to a hypothetical test case. The result acknowledges that the filter mechanism can let the participants know ahead of time what will be the implications of their proposed actions, as seen from other participants' points of view. PMID:25309958

Influence of the DSM-IV Outline for Cultural Formulation on multidisciplinary case conferences in mental health.

PubMed

Dinh, Nathalie M H; Groleau, Danielle; Kirmayer, Laurence J; Rodriguez, Charo; Bibeau, Gilles

2012-01-01

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders of the American Psychiatric Association (DSM-IV-TR) includes an Outline for Cultural Formulation (CF) that identifies cultural information that can be used to modify diagnosis, clinical assessment and treatment plan. This study examined the use of the CF by a Cultural Consultation Service in the psychiatric assessment of patients referred by primary care providers. The study uses conversation analysis of 12 clinical case conferences to explore the ways in which the CF influenced the interaction of a multidisciplinary group of mental health professionals in conceptualizing the implications of patients' cultural background and current context for diagnosis and treatment planning. The results suggest that the CF can be a useful tool for interdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge transfer by providing a framework to systematically introduce different disciplinary perspectives and levels of description that transcend the narrow frame of disorder-centred psychiatric diagnosis, assessment and care.

Image denoising by sparse 3-D transform-domain collaborative filtering.

PubMed

Dabov, Kostadin; Foi, Alessandro; Katkovnik, Vladimir; Egiazarian, Karen

2007-08-01

We propose a novel image denoising strategy based on an enhanced sparse representation in transform domain. The enhancement of the sparsity is achieved by grouping similar 2-D image fragments (e.g., blocks) into 3-D data arrays which we call "groups." Collaborative filtering is a special procedure developed to deal with these 3-D groups. We realize it using the three successive steps: 3-D transformation of a group, shrinkage of the transform spectrum, and inverse 3-D transformation. The result is a 3-D estimate that consists of the jointly filtered grouped image blocks. By attenuating the noise, the collaborative filtering reveals even the finest details shared by grouped blocks and, at the same time, it preserves the essential unique features of each individual block. The filtered blocks are then returned to their original positions. Because these blocks are overlapping, for each pixel, we obtain many different estimates which need to be combined. Aggregation is a particular averaging procedure which is exploited to take advantage of this redundancy. A significant improvement is obtained by a specially developed collaborative Wiener filtering. An algorithm based on this novel denoising strategy and its efficient implementation are presented in full detail; an extension to color-image denoising is also developed. The experimental results demonstrate that this computationally scalable algorithm achieves state-of-the-art denoising performance in terms of both peak signal-to-noise ratio and subjective visual quality.

Impact of Gene Patents and Licensing Practices on Access to Genetic Testing for Cystic Fibrosis

PubMed Central

Chandrasekharan, Subhashini; Heaney, Christopher; James, Tamara; Conover, Chris; Cook-Deegan, Robert

2010-01-01

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is one of the most commonly tested autosomal recessive disorders in the US. Clinical CF is associated with mutations in the CFTR gene, of which the most common mutation among Caucasians, ΔF508, was identified in 1989. The University of Michigan, Johns Hopkins University, and the Hospital for Sick Children, where much of the initial research occurred, hold key patents for CF genetic sequences, mutations and methods for detecting them. Several patents including the one that covers detection of the ΔF508 mutation are jointly held by the University of Michigan and the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, with Michigan administering patent licensing in the US. The University of Michigan broadly licenses the ΔF508 patent for genetic testing with over 60 providers of genetic testing to date. Genetic testing is now used in newborn screening, diagnosis, and reproductive decisions. Interviews with key researchers and intellectual property managers, a survey of laboratories’ prices for CF genetic testing, a review of literature on CF tests’ cost effectiveness, and a review of the developing market for CF testing provide no evidence that patents have significantly hindered access to genetic tests for CF or prevented financially cost-effective screening. Current licensing practices for cystic fibrosis (CF) genetic testing appear to facilitate both academic research and commercial testing. More than one thousand different CFTR mutations have been identified, and research continues to determine their clinical significance. Patents have been nonexclusively licensed for diagnostic use, and have been variably licensed for gene transfer and other therapeutic applications. The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has been engaged in licensing decisions, making CF a model of collaborative and cooperative patenting and licensing practice. PMID:20393308

Collaborative Filtering Based on Sequential Extraction of User-Item Clusters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Honda, Katsuhiro; Notsu, Akira; Ichihashi, Hidetomo

Collaborative filtering is a computational realization of “word-of-mouth” in network community, in which the items prefered by “neighbors” are recommended. This paper proposes a new item-selection model for extracting user-item clusters from rectangular relation matrices, in which mutual relations between users and items are denoted in an alternative process of “liking or not”. A technique for sequential co-cluster extraction from rectangular relational data is given by combining the structural balancing-based user-item clustering method with sequential fuzzy cluster extraction appraoch. Then, the tecunique is applied to the collaborative filtering problem, in which some items may be shared by several user clusters.

Ion Energy and Ion Flux Distributions of CF4/Ar/O2 Inductively Coupled Plasmas in a GEC Cell

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rao, M. V. V. S.; Cruden, Brett; Sharma, Surendra; Meyyappan, Meyya

2001-01-01

Knowledge of ion kinetics in plasma processing gas mixtures, such as CF4:Ar:O2, is important for understanding plasma assisted etching and deposition of materials. Ion energies and ion fluxes were measured in this mixture for 80:10:10, 60:20:20, and 40:30:30 mixture ratios in the pressure range of 10-50 mTorr, and at 200 and 300 W of RF power. Ions from plasma, sampled through a 10 micron orifice in the center of the lower plane electrode, were energy and mass analyzed by a combination of electrostatic energy and quadrupole mass filters. CFx(+) (x = 1 - 3), F2(+), F(+), C(+) from CF4, Ar(+) from Ar, and O2(+) and O(+) from O2, and by-product ions SiFx(+)(x = 1 - 3) from etching of quartz coupling window, COFx(+)(x = 1 - 3), CO(+), CO2(+), and OF(+) were detected. In all conditions ion flux decreases with increase of pressure but increase with increase of RF power. Ar(+) signal decreases with increase of pressure while CF3(+), which is the dominant ion at all conditions, increases with increase in pressure. The loss mechanism for Ar(+) and increase of CF3(+) is due to large cross section for Ar(+) + CF4 yields Ar + CF3(+) + F. Ion energies, which range from 15-25 eV depending on plasma operating conditions, are nearly Gaussian. By-product ion signals are higher at lower pressures indicating stronger plasma interaction with quartz window.

Coarse cluster enhancing collaborative recommendation for social network systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Yao-Dong; Cai, Shi-Min; Tang, Ming; Shang, Min-Sheng

2017-10-01

Traditional collaborative filtering based recommender systems for social network systems bring very high demands on time complexity due to computing similarities of all pairs of users via resource usages and annotation actions, which thus strongly suppresses recommending speed. In this paper, to overcome this drawback, we propose a novel approach, namely coarse cluster that partitions similar users and associated items at a high speed to enhance user-based collaborative filtering, and then develop a fast collaborative user model for the social tagging systems. The experimental results based on Delicious dataset show that the proposed model is able to dramatically reduce the processing time cost greater than 90 % and relatively improve the accuracy in comparison with the ordinary user-based collaborative filtering, and is robust for the initial parameter. Most importantly, the proposed model can be conveniently extended by introducing more users' information (e.g., profiles) and practically applied for the large-scale social network systems to enhance the recommending speed without accuracy loss.

A Strategy toward Collaborative Filter Recommended Location Service for Privacy Protection

PubMed Central

Wang, Peng; Yang, Jing; Zhang, Jianpei

2018-01-01

A new collaborative filtered recommendation strategy was proposed for existing privacy and security issues in location services. In this strategy, every user establishes his/her own position profiles according to their daily position data, which is preprocessed using a density clustering method. Then, density prioritization was used to choose similar user groups as service request responders and the neighboring users in the chosen groups recommended appropriate location services using a collaborative filter recommendation algorithm. The two filter algorithms based on position profile similarity and position point similarity measures were designed in the recommendation, respectively. At the same time, the homomorphic encryption method was used to transfer location data for effective protection of privacy and security. A real location dataset was applied to test the proposed strategy and the results showed that the strategy provides better location service and protects users’ privacy. PMID:29751670

A Strategy toward Collaborative Filter Recommended Location Service for Privacy Protection.

PubMed

Wang, Peng; Yang, Jing; Zhang, Jianpei

2018-05-11

A new collaborative filtered recommendation strategy was proposed for existing privacy and security issues in location services. In this strategy, every user establishes his/her own position profiles according to their daily position data, which is preprocessed using a density clustering method. Then, density prioritization was used to choose similar user groups as service request responders and the neighboring users in the chosen groups recommended appropriate location services using a collaborative filter recommendation algorithm. The two filter algorithms based on position profile similarity and position point similarity measures were designed in the recommendation, respectively. At the same time, the homomorphic encryption method was used to transfer location data for effective protection of privacy and security. A real location dataset was applied to test the proposed strategy and the results showed that the strategy provides better location service and protects users' privacy.

Responses of sensitive and tolerant bush beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) to ozone in open-top chambers are influenced by phenotypic differences, morphological characteristics, and the chamber environment.

PubMed

Elagöz, Vahram; Manning, William J

2005-08-01

Responses of bush bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) lines 'S156' (O(3)-sensitive) and 'R123' (O(3)-tolerant), and cultivars 'BBL 290' (O(3)-sensitive) and 'BBL 274' (O(3)-tolerant) to ambient ozone (O(3)) were investigated during the 2001 and 2002 growing seasons. Seedlings were grown in pots inside open-top chambers (OTCs), with charcoal filtered (CF) and non-filtered (NF) ambient air, and in non-chambered ambient air (AA) plots. Growth parameters from individual plants were evaluated after harvests at the end of vegetative (V(4)) and reproductive (R(10)) growth phases. Results at V(4) indicated that CF did not provide additional benefits over NF in 'S156' in 2001 and 2002. In contrast, exposure to CF significantly impaired the growth of 'R123'. At the end of R(10), 'S156' produced more pods, most of which remained immature, and contained fewer seeds or were more frequently aborted, whereas pods produced in 'R123' reached pod maturation and senescence more consistently. Despite increased seed weights inside the OTCs, as observed in 'S156', differences between the two lines were insignificant when grown outside OTCs. Results from the 'BBL 290'/'BBL 274' pair, especially at V(4) phase, remained inconclusive. Plant morphological characteristics, variabilities in environmental conditions, and 'chamber effects' inside OTCs were influential in determining plant response to ambient O(3).

Guidelines for the clinical management and follow-up of infants with inconclusive cystic fibrosis diagnosis through newborn screening.

PubMed

Sermet-Gaudelus, I; Brouard, J; Audrézet, M-P; Couderc Kohen, L; Weiss, L; Wizla, N; Vrielynck, S; LLerena, K; Le Bourgeois, M; Deneuville, E; Remus, N; Nguyen-Khoa, T; Raynal, C; Roussey, M; Girodon, E

2017-12-01

Neonatal screening for cystic fibrosis (CF) can detect infants with elevated immunoreactive trypsinogen (IRT) levels and inconclusive sweat tests and/or CFTR DNA results. These cases of uncertain diagnosis are defined by (1) either the presence of at most one CF-associated cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) mutation with sweat chloride values between 30 and 59mmol/L or (2) two CFTR mutations with at least one of unknown pathogenic potential and a sweat chloride concentration below 60mmol/L. This encompasses various clinical situations whose progression cannot be predicted. In these cases, a sweat chloride test has to be repeated at 12 months, and if possible at 6 and 24 months of life along with extended CFTR sequencing to detect rare mutations. When the diagnosis is not definite, CFTR functional explorations may provide a better understanding of CFTR dysfunction. The initial evaluation of these infants must be conducted in dedicated CF reference centers and should include bacteriological sputum analysis, chest radiology, and fecal elastase assay. The primary care physicians in charge of these patients should be familiar with the current management of CF and should work in collaboration with CF centers. A follow-up should be performed in a CF reference center at 3, 6, and 12 months of life and every year thereafter. Any symptom indicative of CF requires immediate reevaluation of the diagnosis. These guidelines were established by the "neonatal screening and difficult diagnoses" working group of the French CF society. Their objective is to standardize the management of infants with unclear diagnosis. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Ecology of ephemeroptera, plecoptera and trichoptera (insecta) in rivers of the gunung jerai forest reserve: diversity and distribution of functional feeding groups.

PubMed

Hamid, Suhaila Ab; Md Rawi, Che Salmah

2014-08-01

A field study was performed to describe the functional feeding groups (FFGs) of Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera (EPT) in the Tupah, Batu Hampar and Teroi Rivers in the Gunung Jerai Forest Reserve (GJFR), Kedah, Malaysia. Twenty-nine genera belonging to 19 families were identified. The EPTs were classified into five FFGs: collector-gatherers (CG), collector-filterers (CF), shredders (SH), scrapers (SC) and predators (P). In this study, CG and CF were the dominant groups inhabiting all three rivers. Ephemeroptera dominated these rivers due to their high abundance, and they were also the CG (90.6%). SC were the lowest in abundance among all groups. Based on the FFGs, the Teroi River was suitable for CG, whereas the Tupah and Batu Hampar Rivers were suitable for CG and CF. The distribution of FFGs differed among the rivers (CG, χ(2) = 23.6, p = 0.00; SH, χ(2) = 10.02, p = 0.007; P, χ(2) = 25.54, p = 0.00; CF, χ(2) = 21.95, p = 0.00; SC, χ(2) = 9.31, p = 0.01). These findings indicated that the FFGs found in rivers of the GJFR represent high river quality.

Using Collaborative Filtering to Support College Students' Use of Online Forum for English Learning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wang, Pei-Yu; Yang, Hui-Chun

2012-01-01

This study examined the impact of collaborative filtering (the so-called recommender) on college students' use of an online forum for English learning. The forum was created with an open-source software, Drupal, and its extended recommender module. This study was guided by three main questions: 1) Is there any difference in online behaviors…

Collaborative Filtering Recommendation on Users' Interest Sequences.

PubMed

Cheng, Weijie; Yin, Guisheng; Dong, Yuxin; Dong, Hongbin; Zhang, Wansong

2016-01-01

As an important factor for improving recommendations, time information has been introduced to model users' dynamic preferences in many papers. However, the sequence of users' behaviour is rarely studied in recommender systems. Due to the users' unique behavior evolution patterns and personalized interest transitions among items, users' similarity in sequential dimension should be introduced to further distinguish users' preferences and interests. In this paper, we propose a new collaborative filtering recommendation method based on users' interest sequences (IS) that rank users' ratings or other online behaviors according to the timestamps when they occurred. This method extracts the semantics hidden in the interest sequences by the length of users' longest common sub-IS (LCSIS) and the count of users' total common sub-IS (ACSIS). Then, these semantics are utilized to obtain users' IS-based similarities and, further, to refine the similarities acquired from traditional collaborative filtering approaches. With these updated similarities, transition characteristics and dynamic evolution patterns of users' preferences are considered. Our new proposed method was compared with state-of-the-art time-aware collaborative filtering algorithms on datasets MovieLens, Flixster and Ciao. The experimental results validate that the proposed recommendation method is effective and outperforms several existing algorithms in the accuracy of rating prediction.

Collaborative Filtering Recommendation on Users’ Interest Sequences

PubMed Central

Cheng, Weijie; Yin, Guisheng; Dong, Yuxin; Dong, Hongbin; Zhang, Wansong

2016-01-01

As an important factor for improving recommendations, time information has been introduced to model users’ dynamic preferences in many papers. However, the sequence of users’ behaviour is rarely studied in recommender systems. Due to the users’ unique behavior evolution patterns and personalized interest transitions among items, users’ similarity in sequential dimension should be introduced to further distinguish users’ preferences and interests. In this paper, we propose a new collaborative filtering recommendation method based on users’ interest sequences (IS) that rank users’ ratings or other online behaviors according to the timestamps when they occurred. This method extracts the semantics hidden in the interest sequences by the length of users’ longest common sub-IS (LCSIS) and the count of users’ total common sub-IS (ACSIS). Then, these semantics are utilized to obtain users’ IS-based similarities and, further, to refine the similarities acquired from traditional collaborative filtering approaches. With these updated similarities, transition characteristics and dynamic evolution patterns of users’ preferences are considered. Our new proposed method was compared with state-of-the-art time-aware collaborative filtering algorithms on datasets MovieLens, Flixster and Ciao. The experimental results validate that the proposed recommendation method is effective and outperforms several existing algorithms in the accuracy of rating prediction. PMID:27195787

A European regulatory perspective on cystic fibrosis: current treatments, trends in drug development and translational challenges for CFTR modulators.

PubMed

Ponzano, Stefano; Nigrelli, Giulia; Fregonese, Laura; Eichler, Irmgard; Bertozzi, Fabio; Bandiera, Tiziano; Galietta, Luis J V; Papaluca, Marisa

2018-06-30

In this article we analyse the current authorised treatments and trends in early drug development for cystic fibrosis (CF) in the European Union for the time period 2000-2016. The analysis indicates a significant improvement in the innovation and development of new potential medicines for CF, shifting from products that act on the symptoms of the disease towards new therapies targeting the cause of CF. However, within these new innovative medicines, results for CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulators indicate that one major challenge for turning a CF concept product into an actual medicine for the benefit of patients resides in the fact that, although pre-clinical models have shown good predictability for certain mutations, a good correlation to clinical end-points or biomarkers ( e.g. forced expiratory volume in 1 s and sweat chloride) for all mutations has not yet been achieved. In this respect, the use of alternative end-points and innovative nonclinical models could be helpful for the understanding of those translational discrepancies. Collaborative endeavours to promote further research and development in these areas as well as early dialogue with the regulatory bodies available at the European competent authorities are recommended. Copyright ©ERS 2018.

[Transition - how adolescents with cystic fibrosis their parents experience the change from paediatric to adult care].

PubMed

Becher, Christine; Regamey, Nicolas; Spichiger, Elisabeth

2014-12-01

Cystic Fibrosis is the most common autosomal-recessive hereditary disease among white Europeans. The average survival of CF patients has increased to above 40 years and transition from paediatric to adult care has therefore become a significant issue. With this study, experiences of adolescents with CF and their parents with the transition from the paediatric to the adult care were explored. At a Swiss university CF centre, six adolescents and their mothers were recruited. Twelve narrative interviews were conducted on how the phase of transition was experienced. The transcribed interviews were analysed according to the method of hermeneutic phenomenology. Positive and negative experiences with long term routine care in the paediatric service, general themes of adolescence and the quality of the relationship with paediatric doctors influenced the families' experience during transition significantly. For mothers, insensitive information on the CF diagnosis might have influenced the transition experience. The adolescents welcomed an individualized and age appropriate care. Continuity in care, the announcement of, and involvement in the planning of the transfer were of great importance. The families particularly appreciated the timed adaptations of the transfer to individual needs. Flexibility and a strong collaboration between paediatric and adult CF teams are most relevant in the care of families.

Singular value decomposition for collaborative filtering on a GPU

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kato, Kimikazu; Hosino, Tikara

2010-06-01

A collaborative filtering predicts customers' unknown preferences from known preferences. In a computation of the collaborative filtering, a singular value decomposition (SVD) is needed to reduce the size of a large scale matrix so that the burden for the next phase computation will be decreased. In this application, SVD means a roughly approximated factorization of a given matrix into smaller sized matrices. Webb (a.k.a. Simon Funk) showed an effective algorithm to compute SVD toward a solution of an open competition called "Netflix Prize". The algorithm utilizes an iterative method so that the error of approximation improves in each step of the iteration. We give a GPU version of Webb's algorithm. Our algorithm is implemented in the CUDA and it is shown to be efficient by an experiment.

A Weighted Measurement Fusion Particle Filter for Nonlinear Multisensory Systems Based on Gauss–Hermite Approximation

PubMed Central

Li, Yun

2017-01-01

We addressed the fusion estimation problem for nonlinear multisensory systems. Based on the Gauss–Hermite approximation and weighted least square criterion, an augmented high-dimension measurement from all sensors was compressed into a lower dimension. By combining the low-dimension measurement function with the particle filter (PF), a weighted measurement fusion PF (WMF-PF) is presented. The accuracy of WMF-PF appears good and has a lower computational cost when compared to centralized fusion PF (CF-PF). An example is given to show the effectiveness of the proposed algorithms. PMID:28956862

Correction of false memory for associated word lists by collaborating groups.

PubMed

Weigold, Arne; Russell, Elizabeth J; Natera, Sara N

2014-01-01

Collaborative inhibition is often observed for both correct and false memories. However, research examining the mechanisms by which collaborative inhibition occurs, such as retrieval disruption, reality monitoring, or group filtering, is lacking. In addition, the creation of the nominal groups (i.e., groups artificially developed by combining individuals' recall) necessary for examining collaborative inhibition do not use statistical best practices. Using the Deese-Roediger-McDermott paradigm, we examined percentages of correct and false memories in individuals, collaborative interactive groups, and correctly created nominal groups, as well as the processes that the collaborative interactive groups used to determine which memories to report. Results showed evidence of the collaborative inhibition effect. In addition, analyses of the collaborative interactive groups' discussions found that these groups wrote down almost all presented words but less than half of nonpresented critical words, after discussing them, with nonpresented critical words being stated to the group with lower confidence and rejected by other group members more often. Overall, our findings indicated support for the group filtering hypothesis.

Tunable Universal Filter with Current Follower and Transconductance Amplifiers and Study of Parasitic Influences

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jeřábek, Jan; Šotner, Roman; Vrba, Kamil

2011-11-01

A universal filter with dual-output current follower (DO-CF), two transconductance amplifiers (OTAs) and two passive elements is presented in this paper. The filter is tunable, of the single-input multiple-output (SIMO) type, and operates in the current mode. Our solution utilizes a low-impedance input node and high-impedance outputs. All types of the active elements used can be realized using our UCC-N1B 0520 integrated circuit and therefore the paper contains not only simulation results that were obtained with the help of behavioral model of the UCC-N1B 0520 element, but also the characteristics that were gained by measurement with the mentioned circuit. The presented simulation and measurement results prove the quality of designed filter. Similar multi-loop structures are very-well known, but there are some drawbacks that are not discussed in similar papers. This paper also contains detailed study of parasitic influences on the filter performance.

The FPase properties and morphology changes of a cellulolytic bacterium, Sporocytophaga sp. JL-01, on decomposing filter paper cellulose.

PubMed

Wang, Xiuran; Peng, Zhongqi; Sun, Xiaoling; Liu, Dongbo; Chen, Shan; Li, Fan; Xia, Hongmei; Lu, Tiancheng

2012-01-01

Sporocytophaga sp. JL-01 is a sliding cellulose degrading bacterium that can decompose filter paper (FP), carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and cellulose CF11. In this paper, the morphological characteristics of S. sp. JL-01 growing in FP liquid medium was studied by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), and one of the FPase components of this bacterium was analyzed. The results showed that the cell shapes were variable during the process of filter paper cellulose decomposition and the rod shape might be connected with filter paper decomposing. After incubating for 120 h, the filter paper was decomposed significantly, and it was degraded absolutely within 144 h. An FPase1 was purified from the supernatant and its characteristics were analyzed. The molecular weight of the FPase1 was 55 kDa. The optimum pH was pH 7.2 and optimum temperature was 50°C under experiment conditions. Zn(2+) and Co(2+) enhanced the enzyme activity, but Fe(3+) inhibited it.

Leveraging tagging and rating for recommendation: RMF meets weighted diffusion on tripartite graphs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Jianguo; Tang, Yong; Chen, Jiemin

2017-10-01

Recommender systems (RSs) have been a widely exploited approach to solving the information overload problem. However, the performance is still limited due to the extreme sparsity of the rating data. With the popularity of Web 2.0, the social tagging system provides more external information to improve recommendation accuracy. Although some existing approaches combine the matrix factorization models with the tag co-occurrence and context of tags, they neglect the issue of tag sparsity that would also result in inaccurate recommendations. Consequently, in this paper, we propose a novel hybrid collaborative filtering model named WUDiff_RMF, which improves regularized matrix factorization (RMF) model by integrating Weighted User-Diffusion-based CF algorithm(WUDiff) that obtains the information of similar users from the weighted tripartite user-item-tag graph. This model aims to capture the degree correlation of the user-item-tag tripartite network to enhance the performance of recommendation. Experiments conducted on four real-world datasets demonstrate that our approach significantly performs better than already widely used methods in the accuracy of recommendation. Moreover, results show that WUDiff_RMF can alleviate the data sparsity, especially in the circumstance that users have made few ratings and few tags.

HyRA: A Hybrid Recommendation Algorithm Focused on Smart POI. Ceutí as a Study Scenario.

PubMed

Alvarado-Uribe, Joanna; Gómez-Oliva, Andrea; Barrera-Animas, Ari Yair; Molina, Germán; Gonzalez-Mendoza, Miguel; Parra-Meroño, María Concepción; Jara, Antonio J

2018-03-17

Nowadays, Physical Web together with the increase in the use of mobile devices, Global Positioning System (GPS), and Social Networking Sites (SNS) have caused users to share enriched information on the Web such as their tourist experiences. Therefore, an area that has been significantly improved by using the contextual information provided by these technologies is tourism. In this way, the main goals of this work are to propose and develop an algorithm focused on the recommendation of Smart Point of Interaction (Smart POI) for a specific user according to his/her preferences and the Smart POIs' context. Hence, a novel Hybrid Recommendation Algorithm (HyRA) is presented by incorporating an aggregation operator into the user-based Collaborative Filtering (CF) algorithm as well as including the Smart POIs' categories and geographical information. For the experimental phase, two real-world datasets have been collected and preprocessed. In addition, one Smart POIs' categories dataset was built. As a result, a dataset composed of 16 Smart POIs, another constituted by the explicit preferences of 200 respondents, and the last dataset integrated by 13 Smart POIs' categories are provided. The experimental results show that the recommendations suggested by HyRA are promising.

HyRA: A Hybrid Recommendation Algorithm Focused on Smart POI. Ceutí as a Study Scenario

PubMed Central

Gómez-Oliva, Andrea; Molina, Germán

2018-01-01

Nowadays, Physical Web together with the increase in the use of mobile devices, Global Positioning System (GPS), and Social Networking Sites (SNS) have caused users to share enriched information on the Web such as their tourist experiences. Therefore, an area that has been significantly improved by using the contextual information provided by these technologies is tourism. In this way, the main goals of this work are to propose and develop an algorithm focused on the recommendation of Smart Point of Interaction (Smart POI) for a specific user according to his/her preferences and the Smart POIs’ context. Hence, a novel Hybrid Recommendation Algorithm (HyRA) is presented by incorporating an aggregation operator into the user-based Collaborative Filtering (CF) algorithm as well as including the Smart POIs’ categories and geographical information. For the experimental phase, two real-world datasets have been collected and preprocessed. In addition, one Smart POIs’ categories dataset was built. As a result, a dataset composed of 16 Smart POIs, another constituted by the explicit preferences of 200 respondents, and the last dataset integrated by 13 Smart POIs’ categories are provided. The experimental results show that the recommendations suggested by HyRA are promising. PMID:29562590

Collaborative Filtering for Expansion of Learner's Background Knowledge in Online Language Learning: Does "Top-Down" Processing Improve Vocabulary Proficiency?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Yamada, Masanori; Kitamura, Satoshi; Matsukawa, Hideya; Misono, Tadashi; Kitani, Noriko; Yamauchi, Yuhei

2014-01-01

In recent years, collaborative filtering, a recommendation algorithm that incorporates a user's data such as interest, has received worldwide attention as an advanced learning support system. However, accurate recommendations along with a user's interest cannot be ideal as an effective learning environment. This study aims to develop and…

Fading vision: knowledge translation in the implementation of a public health policy intervention

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background In response to several high profile public health crises, public health renewal is underway in Canada. In the province of British Columbia, the Ministry of Health initiated a collaborative evidence-informed process involving a steering committee of representatives from the six health authorities. A Core Functions (CF) Framework was developed, identifying 21 core public health programs. For each core program, an evidence review was conducted and a model core program paper developed. These documents were distributed to health authorities to guide development of their own renewed public health services. The CF implementation was conceptualized as an embedded knowledge translation process. A CF coordinator in each health authority was to facilitate a gap analysis and development of a performance improvement plan for each core program, and post these publically on the health authority website. Methods Interviews (n = 19) and focus groups (n = 8) were conducted with a total of 56 managers and front line staff from five health authorities working in the Healthy Living and Sexually Transmitted Infection Prevention core programs. All interviews and focus groups were digitally recorded, transcribed and verified by the project coordinator. Five members of the research team used NVivo 9 to manage data and conducted a thematic analysis. Results Four main themes emerged concerning implementation of the CF Framework generally, and the two programs specifically. The themes were: ‘you’ve told me what, now tell me how’; ‘the double bind’; ‘but we already do that’; and the ‘selling game.’ Findings demonstrate the original vision of the CF process was lost in the implementation process and many participants were unaware of the CF framework or process. Conclusions Results are discussed with respect to a well-known framework on the adoption, assimilation, and implementation of innovations in health services organizations. Despite attempts of the Ministry of Health and the Steering Committee to develop and implement a collaborative, evidence-informed policy intervention, there were several barriers to the realization of the vision for core public health functions implementation, at least in the early stages. In neglecting the implementation process, it seems unlikely that the expected benefits of the public health renewal process will be realized. PMID:23734672

The diagnosis of cystic fibrosis.

PubMed

De Boeck, Kris; Vermeulen, Francois; Dupont, Lieven

2017-06-01

Establishing the diagnosis of cystic fibrosis (CF) is straight forward in the majority of patients: they present with a clear clinical picture (most frequently chronic respiratory symptoms plus malabsorption), the sweat chloride value is>60mmol/L and two known disease causing CFTR mutations are identified. In less than 5% of subjects, mainly those with a milder or limited phenotype, the diagnostic process is more complex, because initial diagnostic test results are inconclusive: sweat chloride concentration in the intermediate range, less than 2 CF causing mutations identified or both. These patients should be referred to expert centers where bioassays of CFTR function like nasal potential difference measurement or intestinal current measurement can be done. Still, in some patients, despite symptoms compatible with CF and some indication of CFTR dysfunction (e.g. only intermediate sweat chloride value), diagnostic criteria are not met (e.g. only 1 CFTR mutation identified). For these subjects, the term CFTR related disorder (CFTR-RD) is used. Patients with disseminated bronchiectasis, congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens and acute or recurrent pancreatitis may fall in this category. CF has a very wide disease spectrum and increasingly the diagnosis is being made during adult life, mainly in subjects with milder phenotypes. In many countries, nationwide CF newborn screening (NBS) has been introduced. In screen positive babies, the diagnosis of CF must be confirmed by a sweat test demonstrating a sweat chloride concentration above 60mmol/L. To achieve the benefit of NBS, every baby in whom the diagnosis of CF is confirmed must receive immediate follow-up and treatment in a CF reference center. CF NBS is not full proof: some diagnoses will be missed and in some babies the diagnosis cannot be confirmed nor ruled out with certainty. Screening algorithms that include gene sequencing will detect a high number of such babies that are screen positive with an inconclusive diagnosis (CFSPID). Even in 2016, the most reliable and widely available diagnostic test for CF is the measurement of chloride concentration in sweat. The method of choice is sweat induction by pilocarpine iontophoresis, followed by sweat collection on a gauze or filter paper or in a Macroduct coil. Since mutation specific therapies have become available, it is important to identify the mutations responsible for CF in each individual patient. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Ecology of Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera (Insecta) in Rivers of the Gunung Jerai Forest Reserve: Diversity and Distribution of Functional Feeding Groups

PubMed Central

Hamid, Suhaila Ab; Md Rawi, Che Salmah

2014-01-01

A field study was performed to describe the functional feeding groups (FFGs) of Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera (EPT) in the Tupah, Batu Hampar and Teroi Rivers in the Gunung Jerai Forest Reserve (GJFR), Kedah, Malaysia. Twenty-nine genera belonging to 19 families were identified. The EPTs were classified into five FFGs: collector-gatherers (CG), collector-filterers (CF), shredders (SH), scrapers (SC) and predators (P). In this study, CG and CF were the dominant groups inhabiting all three rivers. Ephemeroptera dominated these rivers due to their high abundance, and they were also the CG (90.6%). SC were the lowest in abundance among all groups. Based on the FFGs, the Teroi River was suitable for CG, whereas the Tupah and Batu Hampar Rivers were suitable for CG and CF. The distribution of FFGs differed among the rivers (CG, χ2 = 23.6, p = 0.00; SH, χ2 = 10.02, p = 0.007; P, χ2 = 25.54, p = 0.00; CF, χ2 = 21.95, p = 0.00; SC, χ2 = 9.31, p = 0.01). These findings indicated that the FFGs found in rivers of the GJFR represent high river quality. PMID:25210588

Effect of coffee filtrate, methylglyoxal, glyoxal, and caffeine on Salmonella typhimurium and S. enteritidis survival in ground chicken breasts.

PubMed

Maletta, Anne B; Were, Lilian M

2012-02-01

The antimicrobial effect of roasted coffee filtrate (CF) and dicarbonyls on Salmonella Typhimurium and Salmonella Enteritidis in raw ground chicken breast meat (GCB) was investigated. Coffee was brewed and filtered before addition to GCB. Coffee filtrate with and without added caffeine, methylglyoxal, and/or glyoxal was added to GCB and then inoculated with Salmonella Typhimurium and Salmonella Enteritidis. Ground chicken samples were stomached with peptone water at days 1, 3, 5, and 7, plated on XLD agar with a TSA overlay, and Salmonella survivors were enumerated. CF alone gave less than a 1 Log reduction in all runs compared to control GCB with no treatment. Methylglyoxal (2.28 mg/g GCB) had the greatest antimicrobial effect against Salmonella Typhimurium and Salmonella Enteritidis in GCB with average Log reductions of 2.27 to 3.23, respectively, over the 7 d duration of the experiment compared to control GCB with no treatment. A 1 Log reduction was observed in GCB with CF, 0.93 mg glyoxal, and 1 mg caffeine/g chicken compared to the control and GCB with only CF. Heat-produced coffee compounds could potentially reduce Salmonella in retail ground chicken and chicken products. © 2011 Institute of Food Technologists®

Formant and voice source properties in two male Kunqu Opera roles: a pilot study.

PubMed

Dong, Li; Sundberg, Johan; Kong, Jiangping

2013-01-01

This investigation analyzes flow glottogram and electroglottogram (EGG) parameters as well as the relationship between formant frequencies and partials in two male Kunqu Opera roles, Colorful face (CF) and Old man (OM). Four male professional Kunqu Opera singers volunteered as participants, 2 singers for each role. Using inverse filtering of the audio signal flow glottogram parameters and formant frequencies were measured in each note of scales. Two EGG parameters, contact quotient (CoQ) and speed quotient, were measured. Formant tuning was observed only in 1 of the OM singers and appeared in a pitch range lower than the passaggio range of Western male opera singers. Both the CF and the OM role singers showed high CoQ values and low values of the normalized amplitude quotient in singing. For 3 of the 4 singers CoQ and the level difference between the first and second partials showed a positive and a negative correlation with fundamental frequency (F0), respectively. Formant tuning may be applied by a singer of the OM role, and both CF and OM role singers may use a rather pressed type of phonation, CF singers more than OM singers in the lower part of the pitch range. Most singers increased glottal adduction with rising F0.

High-sensitivity sucrose erbium-doped fiber ring laser sensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khaleel, Wurood Abdulkhaleq; Al-Janabi, Abdul Hadi M.

2017-02-01

We investigate a high-sensitivity sucrose sensor based on a standard erbium-doped fiber ring laser incorporating a coreless fiber (CF). A single-mode-coreless-single mode (SCS) structure with a very low insertion loss has been constructed. The SCS fiber structure performed dual function as an intracavity fiber filter and/or a sensing element. The gain medium (erbium-doped fiber) is pumped by a 975-nm wavelength fiber coupled diode laser. Laser emission around 1537 nm with -2 dBm peak output power is obtained when a CF in SCS structure has a diameter of 125 μm. The 3-dB line-width of the laser is <0.14 nm, which is beneficial to high precision sensing. The sucrose concentration varied from 0% to 60%, and the relationship between the lasing wavelength and the sucrose concentration exhibited linear behavior (R2=0.996), with sensitivity of 0.16 nm/% was obtained. To improve the measurement sensitivity, the CF is etched by hydrofluoric acid. The splice joint of etched CF with SMF is a taper, which improves its sensitivity to sucrose changes. An average sensitivity of 0.57 nm/% and a high signal-to-noise ratio of 50 dB make the proposed sensor suitable for potential applications.

Layout Study and Application of Mobile App Recommendation Approach Based On Spark Streaming Framework

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, H. T.; Chen, T. T.; Yan, C.; Pan, H.

2018-05-01

For App recommended areas of mobile phone software, made while using conduct App application recommended combined weighted Slope One algorithm collaborative filtering algorithm items based on further improvement of the traditional collaborative filtering algorithm in cold start, data matrix sparseness and other issues, will recommend Spark stasis parallel algorithm platform, the introduction of real-time streaming streaming real-time computing framework to improve real-time software applications recommended.

Leveraging Collaborative Filtering to Accelerate Rare Disease Diagnosis

PubMed Central

Shen, Feichen; Liu, Sijia; Wang, Yanshan; Wang, Liwei; Afzal, Naveed; Liu, Hongfang

2017-01-01

In the USA, rare diseases are defined as those affecting fewer than 200,000 patients at any given time. Patients with rare diseases are frequently misdiagnosed or undiagnosed which may due to the lack of knowledge and experience of care providers. We hypothesize that patients’ phenotypic information available in electronic medical records (EMR) can be leveraged to accelerate disease diagnosis based on the intuition that providers need to document associated phenotypic information to support the diagnosis decision, especially for rare diseases. In this study, we proposed a collaborative filtering system enriched with natural language processing and semantic techniques to assist rare disease diagnosis based on phenotypic characterization. Specifically, we leveraged four similarity measurements with two neighborhood algorithms on 2010-2015 Mayo Clinic unstructured large patient cohort and evaluated different approaches. Preliminary results demonstrated that the use of collaborative filtering with phenotypic information is able to stratify patients with relatively similar rare diseases. PMID:29854225

Towards a Collaborative Filtering Approach to Medication Reconciliation

PubMed Central

Hasan, Sharique; Duncan, George T.; Neill, Daniel B.; Padman, Rema

2008-01-01

A physician’s prescribing decisions depend on knowledge of the patient’s medication list. This knowledge is often incomplete, and errors or omissions could result in adverse outcomes. To address this problem, the Joint Commission recommends medication reconciliation for creating a more accurate list of a patient’s medications. In this paper, we develop techniques for automatic detection of omissions in medication lists, identifying drugs that the patient may be taking but are not on the patient’s medication list. Our key insight is that this problem is analogous to the collaborative filtering framework increasingly used by online retailers to recommend relevant products to customers. The collaborative filtering approach enables a variety of solution techniques, including nearest neighbor and co-occurrence approaches. We evaluate the effectiveness of these approaches using medication data from a long-term care center in the Eastern US. Preliminary results suggest that this framework may become a valuable tool for medication reconciliation. PMID:18998834

Towards a collaborative filtering approach to medication reconciliation.

PubMed

Hasan, Sharique; Duncan, George T; Neill, Daniel B; Padman, Rema

2008-11-06

A physicians prescribing decisions depend on knowledge of the patients medication list. This knowledge is often incomplete, and errors or omissions could result in adverse outcomes. To address this problem, the Joint Commission recommends medication reconciliation for creating a more accurate list of a patients medications. In this paper, we develop techniques for automatic detection of omissions in medication lists, identifying drugs that the patient may be taking but are not on the patients medication list. Our key insight is that this problem is analogous to the collaborative filtering framework increasingly used by online retailers to recommend relevant products to customers. The collaborative filtering approach enables a variety of solution techniques, including nearest neighbor and co-occurrence approaches. We evaluate the effectiveness of these approaches using medication data from a long-term care center in the Eastern US. Preliminary results suggest that this framework may become a valuable tool for medication reconciliation.

Leveraging Collaborative Filtering to Accelerate Rare Disease Diagnosis.

PubMed

Shen, Feichen; Liu, Sijia; Wang, Yanshan; Wang, Liwei; Afzal, Naveed; Liu, Hongfang

2017-01-01

In the USA, rare diseases are defined as those affecting fewer than 200,000 patients at any given time. Patients with rare diseases are frequently misdiagnosed or undiagnosed which may due to the lack of knowledge and experience of care providers. We hypothesize that patients' phenotypic information available in electronic medical records (EMR) can be leveraged to accelerate disease diagnosis based on the intuition that providers need to document associated phenotypic information to support the diagnosis decision, especially for rare diseases. In this study, we proposed a collaborative filtering system enriched with natural language processing and semantic techniques to assist rare disease diagnosis based on phenotypic characterization. Specifically, we leveraged four similarity measurements with two neighborhood algorithms on 2010-2015 Mayo Clinic unstructured large patient cohort and evaluated different approaches. Preliminary results demonstrated that the use of collaborative filtering with phenotypic information is able to stratify patients with relatively similar rare diseases.

A new method for E-government procurement using collaborative filtering and Bayesian approach.

PubMed

Zhang, Shuai; Xi, Chengyu; Wang, Yan; Zhang, Wenyu; Chen, Yanhong

2013-01-01

Nowadays, as the Internet services increase faster than ever before, government systems are reinvented as E-government services. Therefore, government procurement sectors have to face challenges brought by the explosion of service information. This paper presents a novel method for E-government procurement (eGP) to search for the optimal procurement scheme (OPS). Item-based collaborative filtering and Bayesian approach are used to evaluate and select the candidate services to get the top-M recommendations such that the involved computation load can be alleviated. A trapezoidal fuzzy number similarity algorithm is applied to support the item-based collaborative filtering and Bayesian approach, since some of the services' attributes can be hardly expressed as certain and static values but only be easily represented as fuzzy values. A prototype system is built and validated with an illustrative example from eGP to confirm the feasibility of our approach.

A New Method for E-Government Procurement Using Collaborative Filtering and Bayesian Approach

PubMed Central

Wang, Yan

2013-01-01

Nowadays, as the Internet services increase faster than ever before, government systems are reinvented as E-government services. Therefore, government procurement sectors have to face challenges brought by the explosion of service information. This paper presents a novel method for E-government procurement (eGP) to search for the optimal procurement scheme (OPS). Item-based collaborative filtering and Bayesian approach are used to evaluate and select the candidate services to get the top-M recommendations such that the involved computation load can be alleviated. A trapezoidal fuzzy number similarity algorithm is applied to support the item-based collaborative filtering and Bayesian approach, since some of the services' attributes can be hardly expressed as certain and static values but only be easily represented as fuzzy values. A prototype system is built and validated with an illustrative example from eGP to confirm the feasibility of our approach. PMID:24385869

Fluid and Melt Inclusions as a tool to understand two high risk volcanic systems: Vesuvius and Campi Flegrei

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

De Vivo, B.

2017-12-01

In the Campania region (Southern Italy) major active volcanic systems occur in the greater metropolitan area of Naples: Mt. Somma-Vesuvius (SV) and the Campi Flegrei (CF). These volcanic systems have been studied for centuries, yet significant differences of opinions exist about their origins and behaviors. Here, I present some alternative views on issues based on more than 25 years of research, focusing the attention on role played by fluids and magmas based on fluid inclusions (FI) and melt inclusions (MI). In particular, FI and MI data from the Neapolitan volcanoes provide valuable information on the nature of fluid and melt phases trapped during the late evolutionary stages of the alkaline magmatic rocks; such data from past eruptions might be applied to predict the imminence of volcanic eruptions and help protect the population from such hazards. In my and my collaborator studies, FI and MI data have been also used to address the problem of bradyseism in the CF. Using FI and MI, to explain the bradyseism phenomena at CF, my collaborators and I described a new model that involves only hydrothermal fluids of magmatic or meteoric/marine origin with no direct involvement of the magma, other than as a heat source to explain the ground deformation. My collaborators and I explain the bradyseism as a purely hydrothermal model, using processes in porphyry systems as an analogue to those of the CF. SV activity is characterized by cyclic events, and in terms of volcanic risk assessment, a crucial aspect to understand is when a potential next explosive eruption might occur. Evaluating volcanic hazards requires knowledge of the processes that trigger eruptions and the nature and timing of geophysical/geochemical signals related to these processes. One approach to addressing this need is to link observable signals to pre-eruptive magmatic events deduced from studies of erupted magmas. I believe that a way to work in this direction is to determine the residence time, through MI diffusion profiles, of crystals in the magma chamber before an explosive event. I think that working on the crystals residence time of the many plinian eruptions we know to have occurred in SV history, could help us to understand better the relationships between tectonic, regional, event and explosive eruptions.

A new collaborative recommendation approach based on users clustering using artificial bee colony algorithm.

PubMed

Ju, Chunhua; Xu, Chonghuan

2013-01-01

Although there are many good collaborative recommendation methods, it is still a challenge to increase the accuracy and diversity of these methods to fulfill users' preferences. In this paper, we propose a novel collaborative filtering recommendation approach based on K-means clustering algorithm. In the process of clustering, we use artificial bee colony (ABC) algorithm to overcome the local optimal problem caused by K-means. After that we adopt the modified cosine similarity to compute the similarity between users in the same clusters. Finally, we generate recommendation results for the corresponding target users. Detailed numerical analysis on a benchmark dataset MovieLens and a real-world dataset indicates that our new collaborative filtering approach based on users clustering algorithm outperforms many other recommendation methods.

A New Collaborative Recommendation Approach Based on Users Clustering Using Artificial Bee Colony Algorithm

PubMed Central

Ju, Chunhua

2013-01-01

Although there are many good collaborative recommendation methods, it is still a challenge to increase the accuracy and diversity of these methods to fulfill users' preferences. In this paper, we propose a novel collaborative filtering recommendation approach based on K-means clustering algorithm. In the process of clustering, we use artificial bee colony (ABC) algorithm to overcome the local optimal problem caused by K-means. After that we adopt the modified cosine similarity to compute the similarity between users in the same clusters. Finally, we generate recommendation results for the corresponding target users. Detailed numerical analysis on a benchmark dataset MovieLens and a real-world dataset indicates that our new collaborative filtering approach based on users clustering algorithm outperforms many other recommendation methods. PMID:24381525

Adaptive Correlation Model for Visual Tracking Using Keypoints Matching and Deep Convolutional Feature.

PubMed

Li, Yuankun; Xu, Tingfa; Deng, Honggao; Shi, Guokai; Guo, Jie

2018-02-23

Although correlation filter (CF)-based visual tracking algorithms have achieved appealing results, there are still some problems to be solved. When the target object goes through long-term occlusions or scale variation, the correlation model used in existing CF-based algorithms will inevitably learn some non-target information or partial-target information. In order to avoid model contamination and enhance the adaptability of model updating, we introduce the keypoints matching strategy and adjust the model learning rate dynamically according to the matching score. Moreover, the proposed approach extracts convolutional features from a deep convolutional neural network (DCNN) to accurately estimate the position and scale of the target. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed tracker has achieved satisfactory performance in a wide range of challenging tracking scenarios.

Seedling Responses of Five Species of Western Conifers to Simulated Ambient Sulfur Dioxide Exposures

Treesearch

Theodor D. Leininger; Paul R. Miller; Susan L. Schilling; Paul H. Dunn

1991-01-01

Seedlings of ponderosa pine, Douglas-fir, white fir, Engelmann spruce, and subalpine fir were exposed continuously to charcoal-filtered (CF) air or one of three levels of a simulated ambient exposure typical of SO, pollution near smelters in the western United States. Seedlings were exposed during winter-spring experiments for 60 days to hourly means of 17, 38, and 54...

EFFECTS OF OZONE, SULFUR DIOXIDE, SOIL WATER DEFICIT, AND CULTIVAR ON YIELD OF SOYBEAN

EPA Science Inventory

The effects of ozone (O3) stress on bean yields and seed size of four soybean cultivars grown in open-top chambers in 1981, 1982, and 1983 are presented. he O3 treatments included charcoal filtered (CF) and nonfiltered (NF) air, and 0.03, 0.06. and 0.09 3, uLL -1 O3 added 7 h d-1...

Player Monitoring in Indoor Team Sports: Concurrent Validity of Inertial Measurement Units to Quantify Average and Peak Acceleration Values

PubMed Central

Roell, Mareike; Roecker, Kai; Gehring, Dominic; Mahler, Hubert; Gollhofer, Albert

2018-01-01

The increasing interest in assessing physical demands in team sports has led to the development of multiple sports related monitoring systems. Due to technical limitations, these systems primarily could be applied to outdoor sports, whereas an equivalent indoor locomotion analysis is not established yet. Technological development of inertial measurement units (IMU) broadens the possibilities for player monitoring and enables the quantification of locomotor movements in indoor environments. The aim of the current study was to validate an IMU measuring by determining average and peak human acceleration under indoor conditions in team sport specific movements. Data of a single wearable tracking device including an IMU (Optimeye S5, Catapult Sports, Melbourne, Australia) were compared to the results of a 3D motion analysis (MA) system (Vicon Motion Systems, Oxford, UK) during selected standardized movement simulations in an indoor laboratory (n = 56). A low-pass filtering method for gravity correction (LF) and two sensor fusion algorithms for orientation estimation [Complementary Filter (CF), Kalman-Filter (KF)] were implemented and compared with MA system data. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were found between LF and MA data but not between sensor fusion algorithms and MA. Higher precision and lower relative errors were found for CF (RMSE = 0.05; CV = 2.6%) and KF (RMSE = 0.15; CV = 3.8%) both compared to the LF method (RMSE = 1.14; CV = 47.6%) regarding the magnitude of the resulting vector and strongly emphasize the implementation of orientation estimation to accurately describe human acceleration. Comparing both sensor fusion algorithms, CF revealed slightly lower errors than KF and additionally provided valuable information about positive and negative acceleration values in all three movement planes with moderate to good validity (CV = 3.9 – 17.8%). Compared to x- and y-axis superior results were found for the z-axis. These findings demonstrate that IMU-based wearable tracking devices can successfully be applied for athlete monitoring in indoor team sports and provide potential to accurately quantify accelerations and decelerations in all three orthogonal axes with acceptable validity. An increase in accuracy taking magnetometers in account should be specifically pursued by future research. PMID:29535641

Information filtering based on transferring similarity.

PubMed

Sun, Duo; Zhou, Tao; Liu, Jian-Guo; Liu, Run-Ran; Jia, Chun-Xiao; Wang, Bing-Hong

2009-07-01

In this Brief Report, we propose an index of user similarity, namely, the transferring similarity, which involves all high-order similarities between users. Accordingly, we design a modified collaborative filtering algorithm, which provides remarkably higher accurate predictions than the standard collaborative filtering. More interestingly, we find that the algorithmic performance will approach its optimal value when the parameter, contained in the definition of transferring similarity, gets close to its critical value, before which the series expansion of transferring similarity is convergent and after which it is divergent. Our study is complementary to the one reported in [E. A. Leicht, P. Holme, and M. E. J. Newman, Phys. Rev. E 73, 026120 (2006)], and is relevant to the missing link prediction problem.

A generalized model via random walks for information filtering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ren, Zhuo-Ming; Kong, Yixiu; Shang, Ming-Sheng; Zhang, Yi-Cheng

2016-08-01

There could exist a simple general mechanism lurking beneath collaborative filtering and interdisciplinary physics approaches which have been successfully applied to online E-commerce platforms. Motivated by this idea, we propose a generalized model employing the dynamics of the random walk in the bipartite networks. Taking into account the degree information, the proposed generalized model could deduce the collaborative filtering, interdisciplinary physics approaches and even the enormous expansion of them. Furthermore, we analyze the generalized model with single and hybrid of degree information on the process of random walk in bipartite networks, and propose a possible strategy by using the hybrid degree information for different popular objects to toward promising precision of the recommendation.

Collaborative recall in face-to-face and electronic groups.

PubMed

Ekeocha, Justina Ohaeri; Brennan, Susan E

2008-04-01

When people remember shared experiences, the amount they recall as a collaborating group is less than the amount obtained by pooling their individual memories. We tested the hypothesis that reduced group productivity can be attributed, at least in part, to content filtering, where information is omitted from group products either because individuals fail to retrieve it or choose to withhold it (self-filtering), or because groups reject or fail to incorporate it (group-filtering). Three-person groups viewed a movie clip together and recalled it, first individually, then in face-to-face or electronic groups, and finally individually again. Although both kinds of groups recalled equal amounts, group-filtering occurred more often face-to-face, while self-filtering occurred more often electronically. This suggests that reduced group productivity is due not only to intrapersonal factors stemming from cognitive interference, but also to interpersonal costs of coordinating the group product. Finally, face-to-face group interaction facilitated subsequent individual recall.

Comparison of bandwidths in the inferior colliculus and the auditory nerve. II: Measurement using a temporally manipulated stimulus.

PubMed

Mc Laughlin, Myles; Chabwine, Joelle Nsimire; van der Heijden, Marcel; Joris, Philip X

2008-10-01

To localize low-frequency sounds, humans rely on an interaural comparison of the temporally encoded sound waveform after peripheral filtering. This process can be compared with cross-correlation. For a broadband stimulus, after filtering, the correlation function has a damped oscillatory shape where the periodicity reflects the filter's center frequency and the damping reflects the bandwidth (BW). The physiological equivalent of the correlation function is the noise delay (ND) function, which is obtained from binaural cells by measuring response rate to broadband noise with varying interaural time delays (ITDs). For monaural neurons, delay functions are obtained by counting coincidences for varying delays across spike trains obtained to the same stimulus. Previously, we showed that BWs in monaural and binaural neurons were similar. However, earlier work showed that the damping of delay functions differs significantly between these two populations. Here, we address this paradox by looking at the role of sensitivity to changes in interaural correlation. We measured delay and correlation functions in the cat inferior colliculus (IC) and auditory nerve (AN). We find that, at a population level, AN and IC neurons with similar characteristic frequencies (CF) and BWs can have different responses to changes in correlation. Notably, binaural neurons often show compression, which is not found in the AN and which makes the shape of delay functions more invariant with CF at the level of the IC than at the AN. We conclude that binaural sensitivity is more dependent on correlation sensitivity than has hitherto been appreciated and that the mechanisms underlying correlation sensitivity should be addressed in future studies.

A novel device for quantitative measurement of chloride concentration by fluorescence indicator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Junsheng; Wu, Xudong; Chon, Chanhee; Gonska, Tanja; Li, Dongqing

2012-02-01

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a life-threatening genetic disease. At present, the common method for diagnosis of CF is to detect the chloride concentration in sweat using ion-selective electrodes. However, the current sweat testing methods require a relatively large quantity of sweat sample, at least 25 µL, which is very difficult to obtain, especially for newborns. This paper presents a new method and a new device for rapid detection of the chloride concentration from a small volume of solution. In this method, the chloride concentration is determined quantitatively by the fluorescence intensity of MQAE, a chloride ion fluorescent indicator. In this device, the sample is carried by a small piece of filter paper on a cover glass exposed to an UV LED light source. The resulting fluorescent signals are detected by a Si photodiode. Data acquisition and processing are accomplished by LabVIEW software in a PDA. Based on the Stern-Volmer relationship, the effects of different parameters on the fluorescence intensity were analyzed. The observed significant difference between 40 and 60 mM (the borderline of chloride concentration for CF) is discussed in this paper. The results show that detection can be completed within 10 s. The minimum detectable volume of the chloride solution is 1 μL. The novel method and the device are of great potential for CF diagnosis.

Multiwall carbon nanotube embedded phenolic resin-based carbon foam for the removal of As (V) from contaminated water

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rani Agrawal, Pinki; Singh, Nahar; Kumari, Saroj; Dhakate, Sanjay R.

2018-03-01

It is well proposed that micron or nano size filters requires to separate adsorbent from water after removal of adsorbate. However, even after filtration trace quantity of adsorbent remains in purified water, which deteriorates the quality of water for potability. To overcome these problems, multi walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) loaded Carbon Foam (CF) was fabricated by a sacrificial template process. In this process, multi walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and phenolic resin mixture was used for the impregnation of the polyurethane (PU) template. Impregnated PU Foam stabilized and carbonized to get MWCNTs embedded Carbon Foam (CF). The MWCNT loaded CF (MWCNTs-CF) was used for the removal of As (V) species from water. The proposed foam efficiently removes arsenic (As (V)) from water and it can be easily separated from water after purification without any sophisticated tools. The adsorption capacity of the proposed material was found to be 90.5 μg*g-1 at optimized condition of pH, time and concentration, which is excellent in comparison to several other materials utilized for removal of As (V). Kinetic and isotherm studies reveal that the multilayer adsorption over heterogeneous surface follows pseudo second order kinetics. The adsorption phenomena were further confirmed by several characterization techniques like scanning electron microscope (SEM), x-ray diffraction (XRD) spectroscopy and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).

Video denoising, deblocking, and enhancement through separable 4-D nonlocal spatiotemporal transforms.

PubMed

Maggioni, Matteo; Boracchi, Giacomo; Foi, Alessandro; Egiazarian, Karen

2012-09-01

We propose a powerful video filtering algorithm that exploits temporal and spatial redundancy characterizing natural video sequences. The algorithm implements the paradigm of nonlocal grouping and collaborative filtering, where a higher dimensional transform-domain representation of the observations is leveraged to enforce sparsity, and thus regularize the data: 3-D spatiotemporal volumes are constructed by tracking blocks along trajectories defined by the motion vectors. Mutually similar volumes are then grouped together by stacking them along an additional fourth dimension, thus producing a 4-D structure, termed group, where different types of data correlation exist along the different dimensions: local correlation along the two dimensions of the blocks, temporal correlation along the motion trajectories, and nonlocal spatial correlation (i.e., self-similarity) along the fourth dimension of the group. Collaborative filtering is then realized by transforming each group through a decorrelating 4-D separable transform and then by shrinkage and inverse transformation. In this way, the collaborative filtering provides estimates for each volume stacked in the group, which are then returned and adaptively aggregated to their original positions in the video. The proposed filtering procedure addresses several video processing applications, such as denoising, deblocking, and enhancement of both grayscale and color data. Experimental results prove the effectiveness of our method in terms of both subjective and objective visual quality, and show that it outperforms the state of the art in video denoising.

Aggregation Trade Offs in Family Based Recommendations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Berkovsky, Shlomo; Freyne, Jill; Coombe, Mac

Personalized information access tools are frequently based on collaborative filtering recommendation algorithms. Collaborative filtering recommender systems typically suffer from a data sparsity problem, where systems do not have sufficient user data to generate accurate and reliable predictions. Prior research suggested using group-based user data in the collaborative filtering recommendation process to generate group-based predictions and partially resolve the sparsity problem. Although group recommendations are less accurate than personalized recommendations, they are more accurate than general non-personalized recommendations, which are the natural fall back when personalized recommendations cannot be generated. In this work we present initial results of a study that exploits the browsing logs of real families of users gathered in an eHealth portal. The browsing logs allowed us to experimentally compare the accuracy of two group-based recommendation strategies: aggregated group models and aggregated predictions. Our results showed that aggregating individual models into group models resulted in more accurate predictions than aggregating individual predictions into group predictions.

Using Online Role-Play to Promote Collaborative Argument and Collective Action

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Doerr-Stevens, Candance; Beach, Richard; Boeser, Elizabeth

2011-01-01

This article discusses how students use online role-play to collaborate and change real school policy. Playing different characters in an online role-play, students explore controversial aspects of Internet filtering and adopt a plan to change their school's policy. Through engaging in collaborative argumentation during their role-play, students…

Factors affecting ozone sensitivity of tobacco Bel-W3 seedlings.

PubMed

Cheng, Ji-Fang; Sun, En-Jang

2013-12-01

Since 1962, the tobacco variety Nicotiana tabacum cv. Bel-W3 has been used worldwide as an ozone (O3) bio-indicator. The use of indicator plants to monitor O3 pollution has proven problematic when trying to correlate the severity of injury to ambient O3 concentration. The aim of the present study was to study factors affecting the O3 sensitivity of Nicotiana tabacum cv. Bel-W3 seedlings. In chronic O3 pre-exposure tests, tobacco plants were cultured from seeds in charcoal-filtered air (CF) and noncharcoal-filtered ambient air (NF) for 21 days. During these periods, the mean O3 concentrations of the CF and NF treatments were 5.5 ± 0.2 and 14.7 ± 0.4 ppb h -1 , respectively (p < 0.001). At the end of the culturing period, no O3-induced foliar injury was observed in any of the plants. The O3 sensitivity of the tobacco plants was determined by exposing the plants to 150 ppb O3 for 8 hours in a fumigation chamber. The leaf injury index percentages (LII%) of indicator plants via the CF and NF treatments were 58.0 ± 3.2% and 43.1 ± 4.0%, respectively (p < 0.01). Twenty-one-day-old tobacco seedlings grown in NF air were used to test the effects of exposed leaves on O3 sensitivity. After removing the cotyledons and all true leaves, the NF seedlings with their apical buds intact were transferred to CF air. After another 7 days of culturing, the newly developed leaves were approximately 1 cm in length. After O3 treatment, the LII% values of the newly developed leaves from the untreated and defoliated seedlings were 2.5 ± 1.7% and 27.6 ± 1.3%, respectively (p < 0.001). In acute O3 exposure tests, 21-day-old seedlings grown in CF air were fumigated with 150 ppb O3 for 8 hours in one day or for 4 hours/day in two consecutive days. The LII% values for the two groups were 63.5 ± 7.4% and 20.1 ± 4.3%, respectively (p < 0.001). The present findings suggest that plant pre-exposure to O3 is a critical factor influencing O3 sensitivity and that exposed leaves obtain acquired tolerance against O3 injury later on.

Examination of Scanning Electron Microscope and Computed Tomography Images of PICA

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lawson, John W.; Stackpoole, Margaret M.; Shklover, Valery

2010-01-01

Micrographs of PICA (Phenolic Impregnated Carbon Ablator) taken using a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and 3D images taken with a Computed Tomography (CT) system are examined. PICA is a carbon fiber based composite (Fiberform ) with a phenolic polymer matrix. The micrographs are taken at different surface depths and at different magnifications in a sample after arc jet testing and show different levels of oxidative removal of the charred matrix (Figs 1 though 13). CT scans, courtesy of Xradia, Inc. of Concord CA, were captured for samples of virgin PICA, charred PICA and raw Fiberform (Fig. 14). We use these images to calculate the thermal conductivity (TC) of these materials using correlation function (CF) methods. CF methods give a mathematical description of how one material is embedded in another and is thus ideally suited for modeling composites like PICA. We will evaluate how the TC of the materials changes as a function of surface depth. This work is in collaboration with ETH-Zurich, which has expertise in high temperature materials and TC modeling (including CF methods).

User Preferences and Design Recommendations for an mHealth App to Promote Cystic Fibrosis Self-Management

PubMed Central

Hilliard, Marisa E; Hahn, Amy; Ridge, Alana K; Eakin, Michelle N

2014-01-01

Background mHealth apps hold potential to provide automated, tailored support for treatment adherence among individuals with chronic medical conditions. Yet relatively little empirical research has guided app development and end users are infrequently involved in designing the app features or functions that would best suit their needs. Self-management apps may be particularly useful for people with chronic conditions like cystic fibrosis (CF) that have complex, demanding regimens. Objective The aim of this mixed-methods study was to involve individuals with CF in guiding the development of engaging, effective, user-friendly adherence promotion apps that meet their preferences and self-management needs. Methods Adults with CF (n=16, aged 21-48 years, 50% male) provided quantitative data via a secure Web survey and qualitative data via semi-structured telephone interviews regarding previous experiences using apps in general and for health, and preferred and unwanted features of potential future apps to support CF self-management. Results Participants were smartphone users who reported sending or receiving text messages (93%, 14/15) or emails (80%, 12/15) on their smartphone or device every day, and 87% (13/15) said it would be somewhat or very hard to give up their smartphone. Approximately one-half (53%, 8/15) reported having health apps, all diet/weight-related, yet many reported that existing nutrition apps were not well-suited for CF management. Participants wanted apps to support CF self-management with characteristics such as having multiple rather than single functions (eg, simple alarms), being specific to CF, and minimizing user burden. Common themes for desired CF app features were having information at one’s fingertips, automation of disease management activities such as pharmacy refills, integration with smartphones’ technological capabilities, enhancing communication with health care team, and facilitating socialization within the CF community. Opinions were mixed regarding gamification and earning rewards or prizes. Participants emphasized the need for customization options to meet individual preferences and disease management goals. Conclusions Unique capabilities of emerging smartphone technologies (eg, social networking integration, movement and location detection, integrated sensors, or electronic monitors) make many of these requests possible. Involving end users in all stages of mHealth app development and collaborating with technology experts and the health care system may result in apps that maintain engagement, improve integration and automation, and ultimately impact self-management and health outcomes. PMID:25344616

Time-course measurements of caffeine and its metabolites extracted from fingertips after coffee intake: a preliminary study for the detection of drugs from fingerprints.

PubMed

Kuwayama, Kenji; Tsujikawa, Kenji; Miyaguchi, Hajime; Kanamori, Tatsuyuki; Iwata, Yuko T; Inoue, Hiroyuki

2013-05-01

The aim of this study was to determine whether an ingested drug and its metabolites could be detected in the subject's fingerprints. Caffeine (CF) was chosen as the model drug. Three healthy subjects were asked to consume a cup of coffee (ca. 100 mL) containing 80 micro micro mg CF as the total dose, which is the normal amount in one cup of coffee. After washing hands with water to remove external contaminants, each subject pressed the index fingertip to a collecting matrix just before consuming the test cup of coffee, and then again pressed the index fingertip to the collecting matrix after 1, 3, 5, and 7 h. The time curve of the amounts of CF and its metabolites-theobromine (TB), paraxanthine (PX), and theophylline (TP)-in fingerprints and blood was determined using liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS). A filter paper wetted with water (50 μL) was an efficient collecting matrix for extracting the analytes from the fingertip. With optimized sample preparation and LC/MS conditions, the total operating time, from taking the fingerprints to obtaining the analytical result, was approximately 10 min. The lower limits of quantification for CF, TB, PX, and TP were 0.5, 5, 0.5, and 5 ng/fingerprint, respectively. The amount of CF or PX determined in fingerprints obtained over 7 h after coffee intake was significantly greater than the amount determined in fingerprints taken before drinking coffee. Fingerprints were a more efficient source for drug testing than other biological samples, such as blood and sweat, because the procedures for sampling and extracting the drugs were simpler and took less time. The method could be used to prove drug intake in criminal investigations.

Biocidal Efficacy of a Flocculating Emergency Water Purification Tablet

DTIC Science & Technology

1994-07-01

size filters (Millipore, Bedford, Mass.). A 2-g waters were challenged with 107 Giardia muris cysts per liter portion of the recovered floc was...of Giardia muris cyst inactivation by lower microbial counts. Although CF tablets will remove some 1chlorine. Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 5O-1 15-1117...removed poliovirus type I from water at low temperatures genie dye as measures of Giardia muris cyst inactivation by ozone. even at high pH

Application of multi-tone mask technology in photolithographic fabrication of color filter components in LCD

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takada, Yoshihiro; Fukui, Matoko; Sai, Tsunehiro

2008-11-01

Recent progresses in the photoresists and photolithography for LCD industry applications have been primarily driven by the following two factors: advancement in the material performances (high resolution, high contrast ratio, low dielectric constant) for higher display quality, and cost reduction in the fabrication process. Along with crucial demand for cost competitiveness by improving production efficiency, environmental consciousness has been a major priority at fabrication process design to minimize the amount of waste produced. Having said the above, integration of two or more fabrication processes into a single process by using multi-tone mask technology has been the interest of research, due to its obvious advantage of reducing fabrication processes and cost. For example, multi-tone mask technology application has been widely employed on the TFT side to reduce the different types of photomasks being used. Similar trend has been employed on the CF side as well, where application of multi-tone mask technology is being investigated to integrate fabrication of multiple CF micro-components into a single process. In this presentation, we demonstrate a new approach of fabricating photospacer and peripheral CF components (MVA protrusion, sub-photospacers) in a single integrated process through multi-tone mask technology.

Global impact of bronchiectasis and cystic fibrosis

PubMed Central

Redondo, Margarida; Keyt, Holly; Dhar, Raja

2016-01-01

Educational aims To recognise the clinical and radiological presentation of the spectrum of diseases associated with bronchiectasis. To understand variation in the aetiology, microbiology and burden of bronchiectasis and cystic fibrosis across different global healthcare systems. Bronchiectasis is the term used to refer to dilatation of the bronchi that is usually permanent and is associated with a clinical syndrome of cough, sputum production and recurrent respiratory infections. It can be caused by a range of inherited and acquired disorders, or may be idiopathic in nature. The most well recognised inherited disorder in Western countries is cystic fibrosis (CF), an autosomal recessive condition that leads to progressive bronchiectasis, bacterial infection and premature mortality. Both bronchiectasis due to CF and bronchiectasis due to other conditions are placing an increasing burden on healthcare systems internationally. Treatments for CF are becoming more effective leading to more adult patients with complex healthcare needs. Bronchiectasis not due to CF is becoming increasingly recognised, particularly in the elderly population. Recognition is important and can lead to identification of the underlying cause, appropriate treatment and improved quality of life. The disease is highly diverse in its presentation, requiring all respiratory physicians to have knowledge of the different “bronchiectasis syndromes”. The most common aetiologies and presenting syndromes vary depending on geography, with nontuberculous mycobacterial disease predominating in some parts of North America, post-infectious and idiopathic disease predominating in Western Europe, and post-tuberculosis bronchiectasis dominating in South Asia and Eastern Europe. Ongoing global collaborative studies will greatly advance our understanding of the international impact of bronchiectasis and CF. PMID:28210295

Does interspecific competition alter effects of early season ozone exposure on plants from wet grasslands? Results of a three-year experiment in open-top chambers.

PubMed

Tonneijck, A E G; Franzaring, J; Brouwer, G; Metselaar, K; Dueck, Th A

2004-09-01

Chronic effects of ozone on wet grassland species early in the growing season might be altered by interspecific competition. Individual plants of Holcus lanatus, Lychnis flos-cuculi, Molinia caerulea and Plantago lanceolata were grown in monocultures and in mixed cultures with Agrostis capillaris. Mesocosms were exposed to charcoal-filtered air plus 25 nl l(-1) ozone (CF+25), non-filtered air (NF), non-filtered air plus 25 nl l(-1) ozone (NF+25) and non-filtered air plus 50 nl l(-1) ozone (NF+50) early in the growing seasons of 2000 through 2002. Ozone-enhanced senescence and visible foliar injury were recorded on some of the target plants in the first year only. Ozone effects on biomass production were minimal and plant response to ozone did not differ between monocultures and mixed cultures. After three years, above-ground biomass of the plants in mixed culture compared to monocultures was three times greater for H. lanatus and two to four times smaller for the other species.

Graphene-Based Filters and Supercapacitors for Space and Aeronautical Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Calle, Carlos I.

2015-01-01

Overview of the capabilities of graphene for selective filters and for energy storage with a general description of the work being done at NASA Kennedy Space Center in collaboration with the University of California Los Angeles for space and aeronautical applications.

Decomposition of hardwood leaves grown under elevated O[sub 3] and/or CO[sub 2

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

Boerner, R.E.J.; Rebbeck, J.

1993-06-01

We measured mass loss and N release from leaves of three hardwoods which varied in O[sub 3] sensitivity: O[sub 3]-tolerant sugar maple (Acer saccharum/SM), black cherry (Prunus serotina/BC), and putatively O[sub 3]-sensitive yellow poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera/YP), grown in pots in charcoal-filtered air (CF), ambient O[sub 3], or twice ambient O[sub 3] (2X) in open top chambers. Mass loss was not affected by the O[sub 3] regime in which the leaves were grown. k values averaged SM:-0.707, BC:-0.613, and YP:-0.859. N loss from ambient O[sub 3]-grown SM was significantly greater than from CF; N loss from BC did not differ amongmore » treatments. Significantly less N was released from CF-grown YP leaves than from O[sup 3]-treated leaves. YP leaves from plants grown in pots at 2X O[sub 3] and 350 ppm supplemental CO[sub 2] in CSTRs loss 40% as much mass and 27% as much N over one year as did leaves from YP grown in CF or 2X O[sub 3]. Thus, for leaves from plants grown in pots in fumigation chambers, the concentrations of both O[sub 3] and CO[sub 2] can affect N release from litter incubated in the field whereas mass loss rate was affected only by CO[sub 2].« less

In Situ Water Vapor Measurements Using Coupled UV Fragment Fluorescence/Absorption Spectroscopy in Support of CRYSTAL-FACE

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Anderson, James G.

2004-01-01

Understanding the coupling of dynamics, chemistry, and radiation within the context of the NASA Earth Science Enterprise (ESE) and the national Climate Change Science Program (CCSP) requires, as a first-order priority, high spatial resolution, high-accuracy observations of water in its various phases. Given the powerful diagnostic importance of the condensed phases of water for dynamics and the impact of phase changes in water on the radiation field, the accurate, in situ observation of water vapor is of central importance to CRYSTAL FACE (CF). This is clear both from the defined scientific objectives of the NRA and from developments in the coupled fields of stratosphere/troposphere exchange, cirrus cloud formation/removal and mechanisms for the distribution of water vapor in the middle/upper troposphere. Accordingly, we were funded under NASA Grant NAG5-11548 to perform the following tasks for the CF mission: 1. Prepare the water vapor instrument for integration into the WB57F and test flights scheduled for Spring 2002. 2. Calibrate and prepare the water vapor instrument for the Summer 2002 CF science flights based in Jacksonville, Florida. 3. Provide both science and engineering support for the above-mentioned efforts. 4. Analyze and interpret the CF data in collaboration with other mission scientists. 5. Attend the science workshop in Spring 2003. 6. Publish the data and analysis in peer-reviewed journals.

Long-term outcomes of late course accelerated hyper-fractionated radiotherapy for localized esophageal carcinoma in Mainland China: a meta-analysis.

PubMed

Zhang, Y W; Chen, L; Bai, Y; Zheng, X

2011-09-01

Published data on the long-term survival results of patients with localized esophageal carcinoma receiving late course accelerated hyper-fractionated radiotherapy (LCAF RT) versus conventional fractionated radiotherapy (CF RT) are inconclusive. In order to derive a more precise estimation of the both treatment-regimes, a meta-analysis based on systematic review of published articles was performed. A meta-analysis was performed using trials identified through Pubmed and Chinese national knowledge infrastructure. Results in 5-year survival and 5-year local control were collected from randomized trials comparing LCAF RT with CF RT. Review Manager (The Cochrane Collaboration, Oxford, England) and Stata software (Stata Corporation, College Station, TX, USA) were used for data management. A total of 11 trials were involved in this analysis with 572 cases and 567 controls. Our results showed that LCAF RT, compared with CF RT, significantly improved the 5-year survival (odds ratio [OR]= 2.93, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.15-4.00, P < 0.00001) and 5-year local control (OR = 3.96, 95% CI: 2.91-5.38, P < 0.00001). LCAF RT was more therapeutically beneficial than CF RT in the localized esophageal carcinoma. © 2011 Copyright the Authors. Journal compilation © 2011, Wiley Periodicals, Inc. and the International Society for Diseases of the Esophagus.

Importance of Personalized Health-Care Models: A Case Study in Activity Recognition.

PubMed

Zdravevski, Eftim; Lameski, Petre; Trajkovik, Vladimir; Pombo, Nuno; Garcia, Nuno

2018-01-01

Novel information and communication technologies create possibilities to change the future of health care. Ambient Assisted Living (AAL) is seen as a promising supplement of the current care models. The main goal of AAL solutions is to apply ambient intelligence technologies to enable elderly people to continue to live in their preferred environments. Applying trained models from health data is challenging because the personalized environments could differ significantly than the ones which provided training data. This paper investigates the effects on activity recognition accuracy using single accelerometer of personalized models compared to models built on general population. In addition, we propose a collaborative filtering based approach which provides balance between fully personalized models and generic models. The results show that the accuracy could be improved to 95% with fully personalized models, and up to 91.6% with collaborative filtering based models, which is significantly better than common models that exhibit accuracy of 85.1%. The collaborative filtering approach seems to provide highly personalized models with substantial accuracy, while overcoming the cold start problem that is common for fully personalized models.

The effects of intracrystalline and surface-bound proteins on the attachment of calcium oxalate monohydrate crystals to renal cells in undiluted human urine

PubMed Central

Grover, Phulwinder K.; Thurgood, Lauren A.; Wang, Tingting; Ryall, Rosemary L.

2010-01-01

Objective To compare the binding to Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK)-II cells of: (i) inorganic calcium oxalate monohydrate (iCOM) crystals and COM crystals precipitated from urine containing different concentrations of protein; and (ii) urinary COM crystals containing intracrystalline and intracrystalline + surface-bound protein. Materials and methods Urinary COM crystals were generated in sieved (sCOM), centrifuged and filtered (cfCOM), and ultrafiltered (ufCOM) portions of a pooled human urine and their adhesion to MDCK-II cells was compared using six different ultrafiltered urine samples as the binding medium. Crystal matrix extract (CME) was prepared by demineralizing calcium oxalate crystals precipitated from human urine and used to prepare COM crystals with intracrystalline, and intracrystalline + surface-bound CME at protein concentrations of 0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.5 and 5.0 mg/L. The amount of protein associated with the crystals was qualitatively assessed by sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and Western blotting, using prothrombin fragment 1 (PTF1) as a marker. Protein concentration was determined in sieved, centrifuged and filtered, and ultrafiltered fractions of 10 additional urine samples. Results The median crystal attachment in the six urine types decreased in the order iCOM > ufCOM > cfCOM = sCOM, in inverse proportion to the concentration of protein in the solution or urine from which they were precipitated. sCOM and cfCOM crystals bound ≈□ 23% less than iCOM crystals. The attachment of COM crystals generated in the presence of increasing concentrations of CME proteins was unaffected up to a concentration of 5 mg/L, but binding of crystals containing the same concentrations of intracrystalline + surface-bound proteins decreased proportionally at protein concentrations from 0 to 5.0 mg/L. Conclusion Inorganic COM crystals bind significantly more strongly to MDCK-II cells than urinary crystals precipitated from sieved, centrifuged and filtered, and ultrafiltered urine, and binding affinity is inversely related to the concentration of protein in the urine in which they are formed. While both intracrystalline and superficial CME proteins reduce the attachment of COM crystals to MDCK-II cells, those located on the crystal surface have a greater influence than those incarcerated within the mineral bulk. Future cell–crystal interaction studies should use urinary crystals and be performed in human urine. PMID:19694711

Robust visual tracking based on deep convolutional neural networks and kernelized correlation filters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Hua; Zhong, Donghong; Liu, Chenyi; Song, Kaiyou; Yin, Zhouping

2018-03-01

Object tracking is still a challenging problem in computer vision, as it entails learning an effective model to account for appearance changes caused by occlusion, out of view, plane rotation, scale change, and background clutter. This paper proposes a robust visual tracking algorithm called deep convolutional neural network (DCNNCT) to simultaneously address these challenges. The proposed DCNNCT algorithm utilizes a DCNN to extract the image feature of a tracked target, and the full range of information regarding each convolutional layer is used to express the image feature. Subsequently, the kernelized correlation filters (CF) in each convolutional layer are adaptively learned, the correlation response maps of that are combined to estimate the location of the tracked target. To avoid the case of tracking failure, an online random ferns classifier is employed to redetect the tracked target, and a dual-threshold scheme is used to obtain the final target location by comparing the tracking result with the detection result. Finally, the change in scale of the target is determined by building scale pyramids and training a CF. Extensive experiments demonstrate that the proposed algorithm is effective at tracking, especially when evaluated using an index called the overlap rate. The DCNNCT algorithm is also highly competitive in terms of robustness with respect to state-of-the-art trackers in various challenging scenarios.

D and 18O enrichment measurements in biological fluids in a continuous-flow elemental analyser with an isotope-ratio mass spectrometer using two configurations.

PubMed

Ripoche, N; Ferchaud-Roucher, V; Krempf, M; Ritz, P

2006-09-01

In doubly labelled water studies, biological sample enrichments are mainly measured using off-line techniques (equilibration followed by dual-inlet introduction) or high-temperature elemental analysis (HT-EA), coupled with an isotope-ratio mass spectrometer (IRMS). Here another continuous-flow method, (CF-EA/IRMS), initially dedicated to water, is tested for plasma and urine analyses. The elemental analyser configuration is adapted for each stable isotope: chromium tube for deuterium reduction and glassy carbon reactor for 18O pyrolysis. Before on-line conversion of water into gas, each matrix is submitted to a short and easy treatment, which is the same for the analysis of the two isotopes. Plasma is passed through centrifugal filters. Urine is cleaned with black carbon and filtered (0.45 microm diameter). Tested between 150 and 300 ppm in these fluids, the D/H ratio response is linear with good repeatability (SD<0.2 ppm) and reproducibility (SD<0.5 ppm). For 18O/16O ratios (from 2000 to 2200 ppm), the same repeatability is obtained with a between-day precision lower than 1.4 ppm. The accuracy on biological samples is validated by comparison to classical dual-inlet methods: 18O analyses give more accurate results. The data show that enriched physiological fluids can be successfully analysed in CF-EA/IRMS. Copyright (c) 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Cohort Selection and Management Application Leveraging Standards-based Semantic Interoperability and a Groovy DSL

PubMed Central

Bucur, Anca; van Leeuwen, Jasper; Chen, Njin-Zu; Claerhout, Brecht; de Schepper, Kristof; Perez-Rey, David; Paraiso-Medina, Sergio; Alonso-Calvo, Raul; Mehta, Keyur; Krykwinski, Cyril

2016-01-01

This paper describes a new Cohort Selection application implemented to support streamlining the definition phase of multi-centric clinical research in oncology. Our approach aims at both ease of use and precision in defining the selection filters expressing the characteristics of the desired population. The application leverages our standards-based Semantic Interoperability Solution and a Groovy DSL to provide high expressiveness in the definition of filters and flexibility in their composition into complex selection graphs including splits and merges. Widely-adopted ontologies such as SNOMED-CT are used to represent the semantics of the data and to express concepts in the application filters, facilitating data sharing and collaboration on joint research questions in large communities of clinical users. The application supports patient data exploration and efficient collaboration in multi-site, heterogeneous and distributed data environments. PMID:27570644

Sensitivity Studies and Experimental Evaluation for Optimizing Transcurium Isotope Production

DOE PAGES

Hogle, Susan L.; Alexander, Charles W.; Burns, Jonathan D.; ...

2017-03-01

This work applies to recent initiatives at the Radiochemical Engineering Development Center at Oak Ridge National Laboratory to optimize the production of transcurium isotopes in the High Flux Isotope Reactor in such a way as to prolong the use of high quality heavy curium feedstock. By studying the sensitivity of fission and transmutation reaction rates to the neutron flux spectrum a means of increasing the fraction of (n,γ) reactions per neutron absorption is explored. Filter materials which preferentially absorb neutrons at energies considered detrimental to optimal transcurium production are identified and transmutation rates are examined with high energy resolution. Experimentalmore » capsules are irradiated employing filter materials and the resulting fission and activation products studied to validate the filtering methodology. Improvement is seen in the production efficiency of heavier curium isotopes in 244Cm and 245Cm targets, and potentially in production of 252Cf from mixed californium targets. Finally, further analysis is recommended to evaluate longer duration irradiations more representative of typical transcurium production.« less

Psidium guajava 'Paluma' (the guava plant) as a new bio-indicator of ozone in the tropics.

PubMed

Furlan, C M; Moraes, R M; Bulbovas, P; Domingos, M; Salatino, A; Sanz, M J

2007-06-01

Psidium guajava 'Paluma' saplings were exposed to carbon filtered air (CF), ambient non-filtered air (NF), and ambient non-filtered air+40ppb ozone (NF+O(3)) 8h per day during two months. The AOT40 values at the end of the experiment were 48, 910 and 12 895ppbh(-1), respectively for the three treatments. After 5 days of exposure (AOT40=1497ppbh(-1)), interveinal red stippling appeared in plants in the NF+O(3) chamber. In the NF chamber, symptoms were observed only after 40 days of exposure (AOT40=880ppbh(-1)). After 60 days, injured leaves per plant corresponded to 86% in NF+O(3) and 25% in the NF treatment, and the average leaf area injured was 45% in NF+O(3) and 5% in the NF treatment. The extent of leaf area injured (leaf injury index) was explained mainly by the accumulated exposure of ozone (r(2)=0.91; p<0.05).

Aminoglycoside exposure and renal function before lung transplantation in adult cystic fibrosis patients.

PubMed

Novel-Catin, Etienne; Pelletier, Solenne; Reynaud, Quitterie; Nove-Josserand, Raphaele; Durupt, Stephane; Dubourg, Laurence; Durieu, Isabelle; Fouque, Denis

2018-04-18

Patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) are at risk of kidney injury even before undergoing lung transplantation, because of prolonged exposure to aminoglycosides (AGs), chronic dehydration and complications of diabetes mellitus. The usual equations estimating the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), such as Cockcroft-Gault and Modification of Diet in Renal Disease, are not adapted to the CF population due to patients' low body weight and reduced muscle mass. The aim of this study was to precisely measure GFR in adult CF patients and to see whether repeated AG treatment would impair renal function before lung transplantation. Inulin or iohexol clearances were performed in 25 adult CF patients when they entered the lung transplant waiting list. No patient was treated with AGs at the time of GFR measurement. Body mass index (BMI), history of diabetes mellitus and blood pressure were recorded. Exposure to intravenous (IV) AGs within 5 years prior to the GFR measurement was obtained from the patient's medical files. Urine samples were collected to check for albuminuria and proteinuria. The population was predominantly female (67%). The mean age was 32 years, the mean BMI was 19 kg/m2 and 28% had CF-related diabetes. Median exposure to IV AG within 5 years before GFR measurement was 155 days with a mean dosage of 7.7mg/kg/day. The mean measured GFR was 106 mL/min/1.73 m2 and the mean estimated GFR according to the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration formula was 124 mL/min/1.73 m2. Despite prolonged exposure to high-dose IV AG, no decline in GFR was observed in these patients.

GI complications after lung transplantation in patients with cystic fibrosis.

PubMed

Gilljam, Marita; Chaparro, Cecilia; Tullis, Elizabeth; Chan, Charles; Keshavjee, Shaf; Hutcheon, Michael

2003-01-01

Lung transplantation is now available for patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) and end-stage lung disease. While pulmonary graft function is often considered the major priority following transplantation, the nonpulmonary complications of this systemic disease also continue. We examined the GI complications in a cohort of patients who underwent transplantation. This was a retrospective study of all patients with CF who underwent transplantation between March 1988 and December 1998 in Toronto. Medical records were reviewed, and a short questionnaire was mailed to patients who were alive as of December 1998. There were 80 bilateral lung transplants performed in 75 patients. The questionnaire was distributed to 43 patients, of whom 27 patients (63%) responded. Pancreatic insufficiency requiring enzyme intake was evident in 72 of 75 patients (96%) at the time of surgery. Of three pancreatic-sufficient patients (4%), pancreatic insufficiency was diagnosed in two patients later. Biliary cirrhosis was diagnosed in three patients prior to transplantation. Distal intestinal obstruction syndrome (DIOS) was recorded for 15 patients (20%). Ten patients had a single episode, of which eight episodes occurred early in the postoperative period. Five patients had recurrent episodes. All were medically treated, except for two patients who underwent surgery. Other complications included cholecystitis (n = 3), mucocele of the appendix (n = 1), peptic ulcer disease (n = 3), and colonic carcinoma (n = 1). GI complications after lung transplantation are common in patients with CF, and attention should be paid to the risk for DIOS in the early postoperative period. Prevention and early medical treatment are important in order to avoid acute surgery. Close collaboration with the CF clinic, in order to diagnose and treat CF-related complications, is recommended.

Evaluating Assessment Using N-Dimensional Filtering.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dron, Jon; Boyne, Chris; Mitchell, Richard

This paper describes the use of the CoFIND (Collaborative Filter in N Dimensions) system to evaluate two assessment styles. CoFIND is a resource database that organizes itself around its users' needs. Learners enter resources, categorize, then rate them using "qualities," aspects of resources which learners find worthwhile, the n…

Geometric Models for Collaborative Search and Filtering

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bitton, Ephrat

2011-01-01

This dissertation explores the use of geometric and graphical models for a variety of information search and filtering applications. These models serve to provide an intuitive understanding of the problem domains and as well as computational efficiencies to our solution approaches. We begin by considering a search and rescue scenario where both…

Collaborative filtering for brain-computer interaction using transfer learning and active class selection.

PubMed

Wu, Dongrui; Lance, Brent J; Parsons, Thomas D

2013-01-01

Brain-computer interaction (BCI) and physiological computing are terms that refer to using processed neural or physiological signals to influence human interaction with computers, environment, and each other. A major challenge in developing these systems arises from the large individual differences typically seen in the neural/physiological responses. As a result, many researchers use individually-trained recognition algorithms to process this data. In order to minimize time, cost, and barriers to use, there is a need to minimize the amount of individual training data required, or equivalently, to increase the recognition accuracy without increasing the number of user-specific training samples. One promising method for achieving this is collaborative filtering, which combines training data from the individual subject with additional training data from other, similar subjects. This paper describes a successful application of a collaborative filtering approach intended for a BCI system. This approach is based on transfer learning (TL), active class selection (ACS), and a mean squared difference user-similarity heuristic. The resulting BCI system uses neural and physiological signals for automatic task difficulty recognition. TL improves the learning performance by combining a small number of user-specific training samples with a large number of auxiliary training samples from other similar subjects. ACS optimally selects the classes to generate user-specific training samples. Experimental results on 18 subjects, using both k nearest neighbors and support vector machine classifiers, demonstrate that the proposed approach can significantly reduce the number of user-specific training data samples. This collaborative filtering approach will also be generalizable to handling individual differences in many other applications that involve human neural or physiological data, such as affective computing.

Collaborative Filtering for Brain-Computer Interaction Using Transfer Learning and Active Class Selection

PubMed Central

Wu, Dongrui; Lance, Brent J.; Parsons, Thomas D.

2013-01-01

Brain-computer interaction (BCI) and physiological computing are terms that refer to using processed neural or physiological signals to influence human interaction with computers, environment, and each other. A major challenge in developing these systems arises from the large individual differences typically seen in the neural/physiological responses. As a result, many researchers use individually-trained recognition algorithms to process this data. In order to minimize time, cost, and barriers to use, there is a need to minimize the amount of individual training data required, or equivalently, to increase the recognition accuracy without increasing the number of user-specific training samples. One promising method for achieving this is collaborative filtering, which combines training data from the individual subject with additional training data from other, similar subjects. This paper describes a successful application of a collaborative filtering approach intended for a BCI system. This approach is based on transfer learning (TL), active class selection (ACS), and a mean squared difference user-similarity heuristic. The resulting BCI system uses neural and physiological signals for automatic task difficulty recognition. TL improves the learning performance by combining a small number of user-specific training samples with a large number of auxiliary training samples from other similar subjects. ACS optimally selects the classes to generate user-specific training samples. Experimental results on 18 subjects, using both nearest neighbors and support vector machine classifiers, demonstrate that the proposed approach can significantly reduce the number of user-specific training data samples. This collaborative filtering approach will also be generalizable to handling individual differences in many other applications that involve human neural or physiological data, such as affective computing. PMID:23437188

Invited Article: In situ comparison of passive radon-thoron discriminative monitors at subsurface workplaces in Hungary

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kávási, Norbert; Vigh, Tamás; Németh, Csaba; Ishikawa, Tetsuo; Omori, Yasutaka; Janik, Miroslaw; Yonehara, Hidenori

2014-02-01

During a one-year long measurement period, radon and thoron data obtained by two different passive radon-thoron discriminative monitors were compared at subsurface workplaces in Hungary, such as mines (bauxite and manganese ore) and caves (medical and touristic). These workplaces have special environmental conditions, such as, stable and high relative humidity (100%), relatively stable temperature (12°C-21°C), low or high wind speed (max. 2.4 m s-1) and low or elevated aerosol concentration (130-60 000 particles m-3). The measured radon and thoron concentrations fluctuated in a wide range among the different workplaces. The respective annual average radon concentrations and their standard deviations (in brackets) measured by the passive radon-thoron discriminative monitor with cellulose filter (CF) and the passive radon-thoron discriminative monitor with sponge filter (SF) were: 350(321) Bq m-3 and 550(497) Bq m-3 in the bauxite mine; 887(604) Bq m-3 and 1258(788) Bq m-3 in the manganese ore mine; 2510(2341) Bq m-3 and 3403(3075) Bq m-3 in the medical cave (Hospital Cave of Tapolca); and 6239(2057) Bq m-3 and 8512(1955) Bq m-3 in the touristic cave (Lake Cave of Tapolca). The respective average thoron concentrations and their standard deviation (in brackets) measured by CF and SF monitors were: 154(210) Bq m-3 and 161(148) Bq m-3 in the bauxite mine; 187(191) Bq m-3 and 117(147) Bq m-3 in the manganese-ore mine; 360(524) Bq m-3 and 371(789) Bq m-3 in the medical cave (Hospital Cave of Tapolca); and 1420(1184) Bq m-3 and 1462(3655) Bq m-3 in the touristic cave (Lake Cave of Tapolca). Under these circumstances, comparison of the radon data for the SF and CF monitors showed the former were consistently 51% higher in the bauxite mine, 38% higher in the manganese ore mine, and 34% higher in the caves. Consequently, correction is required on previously obtained radon data acquired by CF monitors at subsurface workplaces to gain comparable data for SF monitors. In the case of thoron, the data were unreliable and no significant tendency was seen during the comparison therefore comparison of previously obtained thoron data acquired by either CF or SF is doubtful. There was probable influence by relative humidity on the detection response; however, the effects of the high wind speed and elevated aerosol concentration could not be excluded. The results of this study call attention to the importance of calibration under extreme environmental conditions and the need for using reliable radon-thoron monitors for subsurface workplaces.

Systemic Nicotine Increases Gain and Narrows Receptive Fields in A1 via Integrated Cortical and Subcortical Actions

PubMed Central

Intskirveli, Irakli

2017-01-01

Abstract Nicotine enhances sensory and cognitive processing via actions at nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), yet the precise circuit- and systems-level mechanisms remain unclear. In sensory cortex, nicotinic modulation of receptive fields (RFs) provides a model to probe mechanisms by which nAChRs regulate cortical circuits. Here, we examine RF modulation in mouse primary auditory cortex (A1) using a novel electrophysiological approach: current-source density (CSD) analysis of responses to tone-in-notched-noise (TINN) acoustic stimuli. TINN stimuli consist of a tone at the characteristic frequency (CF) of the recording site embedded within a white noise stimulus filtered to create a spectral “notch” of variable width centered on CF. Systemic nicotine (2.1 mg/kg) enhanced responses to the CF tone and to narrow-notch stimuli, yet reduced the response to wider-notch stimuli, indicating increased response gain within a narrowed RF. Subsequent manipulations showed that modulation of cortical RFs by systemic nicotine reflected effects at several levels in the auditory pathway: nicotine suppressed responses in the auditory midbrain and thalamus, with suppression increasing with spectral distance from CF so that RFs became narrower, and facilitated responses in the thalamocortical pathway, while nicotinic actions within A1 further contributed to both suppression and facilitation. Thus, multiple effects of systemic nicotine integrate along the ascending auditory pathway. These actions at nAChRs in cortical and subcortical circuits, which mimic effects of auditory attention, likely contribute to nicotinic enhancement of sensory and cognitive processing. PMID:28660244

Systemic Nicotine Increases Gain and Narrows Receptive Fields in A1 via Integrated Cortical and Subcortical Actions.

PubMed

Askew, Caitlin; Intskirveli, Irakli; Metherate, Raju

2017-01-01

Nicotine enhances sensory and cognitive processing via actions at nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), yet the precise circuit- and systems-level mechanisms remain unclear. In sensory cortex, nicotinic modulation of receptive fields (RFs) provides a model to probe mechanisms by which nAChRs regulate cortical circuits. Here, we examine RF modulation in mouse primary auditory cortex (A1) using a novel electrophysiological approach: current-source density (CSD) analysis of responses to tone-in-notched-noise (TINN) acoustic stimuli. TINN stimuli consist of a tone at the characteristic frequency (CF) of the recording site embedded within a white noise stimulus filtered to create a spectral "notch" of variable width centered on CF. Systemic nicotine (2.1 mg/kg) enhanced responses to the CF tone and to narrow-notch stimuli, yet reduced the response to wider-notch stimuli, indicating increased response gain within a narrowed RF. Subsequent manipulations showed that modulation of cortical RFs by systemic nicotine reflected effects at several levels in the auditory pathway: nicotine suppressed responses in the auditory midbrain and thalamus, with suppression increasing with spectral distance from CF so that RFs became narrower, and facilitated responses in the thalamocortical pathway, while nicotinic actions within A1 further contributed to both suppression and facilitation. Thus, multiple effects of systemic nicotine integrate along the ascending auditory pathway. These actions at nAChRs in cortical and subcortical circuits, which mimic effects of auditory attention, likely contribute to nicotinic enhancement of sensory and cognitive processing.

The effect of interaural fluctuation rate on correlation change discrimination.

PubMed

Goupell, Matthew J; Litovsky, Ruth Y

2014-02-01

While bilateral cochlear implants (CIs) provide some binaural benefits, these benefits are limited compared to those observed in normal-hearing (NH) listeners. The large frequency-to-electrode allocation bandwidths (BWs) in CIs compared to auditory filter BWs in NH listeners increases the interaural fluctuation rate available for binaural unmasking, which may limit binaural benefits. The purpose of this work was to investigate the effect of interaural fluctuation rate on correlation change discrimination and binaural masking-level differences in NH listeners presented a CI simulation using a pulsed-sine vocoder. In experiment 1, correlation-change just-noticeable differences (JNDs) and tone-in-noise thresholds were measured for narrowband noises with different BWs and center frequencies (CFs). The results suggest that the BW, CF, and/or interaural fluctuation rate are important factors for correlation change discrimination. In experiment 2, the interaural fluctuation rate was systematically varied and dissociated from changes in BW and CF by using a pulsed-sine vocoder. Results indicated that the interaural fluctuation rate did not affect correlation change JNDs for correlated reference noises; however, slow interaural fluctuations increased correlation change JNDs for uncorrelated reference noises. In experiment 3, the BW, CF, and vocoder pulse rate were varied while interaural fluctuation rate was held constant. JNDs increased for increasing BW and decreased for increasing CF. In summary, relatively fast interaural fluctuation rates are not detrimental for detecting changes in interaural correlation. Thus, limiting factors to binaural benefits in CI listeners could be a result of other temporal and/or spectral deficiencies from electrical stimulation.

Top 20 Collaborative Internet-Based Science Projects of 1998: Characteristics and Comparisons to Exemplary Science Instruction.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Berg, Craig A.; Jefson, Cristy

This paper utilizes the characteristics of model science instruction to identify exemplary Internet-based science collaborations. The filter for attaining "exemplary" status was based on state and national standards-generating initiatives and the corresponding implications for appropriate student activity in science classrooms. Twenty…

COMPUTING THERAPY FOR PRECISION MEDICINE: COLLABORATIVE FILTERING INTEGRATES AND PREDICTS MULTI-ENTITY INTERACTIONS.

PubMed

Regenbogen, Sam; Wilkins, Angela D; Lichtarge, Olivier

2016-01-01

Biomedicine produces copious information it cannot fully exploit. Specifically, there is considerable need to integrate knowledge from disparate studies to discover connections across domains. Here, we used a Collaborative Filtering approach, inspired by online recommendation algorithms, in which non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) predicts interactions among chemicals, genes, and diseases only from pairwise information about their interactions. Our approach, applied to matrices derived from the Comparative Toxicogenomics Database, successfully recovered Chemical-Disease, Chemical-Gene, and Disease-Gene networks in 10-fold cross-validation experiments. Additionally, we could predict each of these interaction matrices from the other two. Integrating all three CTD interaction matrices with NMF led to good predictions of STRING, an independent, external network of protein-protein interactions. Finally, this approach could integrate the CTD and STRING interaction data to improve Chemical-Gene cross-validation performance significantly, and, in a time-stamped study, it predicted information added to CTD after a given date, using only data prior to that date. We conclude that collaborative filtering can integrate information across multiple types of biological entities, and that as a first step towards precision medicine it can compute drug repurposing hypotheses.

COMPUTING THERAPY FOR PRECISION MEDICINE: COLLABORATIVE FILTERING INTEGRATES AND PREDICTS MULTI-ENTITY INTERACTIONS

PubMed Central

REGENBOGEN, SAM; WILKINS, ANGELA D.; LICHTARGE, OLIVIER

2015-01-01

Biomedicine produces copious information it cannot fully exploit. Specifically, there is considerable need to integrate knowledge from disparate studies to discover connections across domains. Here, we used a Collaborative Filtering approach, inspired by online recommendation algorithms, in which non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) predicts interactions among chemicals, genes, and diseases only from pairwise information about their interactions. Our approach, applied to matrices derived from the Comparative Toxicogenomics Database, successfully recovered Chemical-Disease, Chemical-Gene, and Disease-Gene networks in 10-fold cross-validation experiments. Additionally, we could predict each of these interaction matrices from the other two. Integrating all three CTD interaction matrices with NMF led to good predictions of STRING, an independent, external network of protein-protein interactions. Finally, this approach could integrate the CTD and STRING interaction data to improve Chemical-Gene cross-validation performance significantly, and, in a time-stamped study, it predicted information added to CTD after a given date, using only data prior to that date. We conclude that collaborative filtering can integrate information across multiple types of biological entities, and that as a first step towards precision medicine it can compute drug repurposing hypotheses. PMID:26776170

A Performance Weighted Collaborative Filtering algorithm for personalized radiology education.

PubMed

Lin, Hongli; Yang, Xuedong; Wang, Weisheng; Luo, Jiawei

2014-10-01

Devising an accurate prediction algorithm that can predict the difficulty level of cases for individuals and then selects suitable cases for them is essential to the development of a personalized training system. In this paper, we propose a novel approach, called Performance Weighted Collaborative Filtering (PWCF), to predict the difficulty level of each case for individuals. The main idea of PWCF is to assign an optimal weight to each rating used for predicting the difficulty level of a target case for a trainee, rather than using an equal weight for all ratings as in traditional collaborative filtering methods. The assigned weight is a function of the performance level of the trainee at which the rating was made. The PWCF method and the traditional method are compared using two datasets. The experimental data are then evaluated by means of the MAE metric. Our experimental results show that PWCF outperforms the traditional methods by 8.12% and 17.05%, respectively, over the two datasets, in terms of prediction precision. This suggests that PWCF is a viable method for the development of personalized training systems in radiology education. Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Recommending personally interested contents by text mining, filtering, and interfaces

DOEpatents

Xu, Songhua

2015-10-27

A personalized content recommendation system includes a client interface device configured to monitor a user's information data stream. A collaborative filter remote from the client interface device generates automated predictions about the interests of the user. A database server stores personal behavioral profiles and user's preferences based on a plurality of monitored past behaviors and an output of the collaborative user personal interest inference engine. A programmed personal content recommendation server filters items in an incoming information stream with the personal behavioral profile and identifies only those items of the incoming information stream that substantially matches the personal behavioral profile. The identified personally relevant content is then recommended to the user following some priority that may consider the similarity between the personal interest matches, the context of the user information consumption behaviors that may be shown by the user's content consumption mode.

Similarity from multi-dimensional scaling: solving the accuracy and diversity dilemma in information filtering.

PubMed

Zeng, Wei; Zeng, An; Liu, Hao; Shang, Ming-Sheng; Zhang, Yi-Cheng

2014-01-01

Recommender systems are designed to assist individual users to navigate through the rapidly growing amount of information. One of the most successful recommendation techniques is the collaborative filtering, which has been extensively investigated and has already found wide applications in e-commerce. One of challenges in this algorithm is how to accurately quantify the similarities of user pairs and item pairs. In this paper, we employ the multidimensional scaling (MDS) method to measure the similarities between nodes in user-item bipartite networks. The MDS method can extract the essential similarity information from the networks by smoothing out noise, which provides a graphical display of the structure of the networks. With the similarity measured from MDS, we find that the item-based collaborative filtering algorithm can outperform the diffusion-based recommendation algorithms. Moreover, we show that this method tends to recommend unpopular items and increase the global diversification of the networks in long term.

Non-tip auditory-nerve responses that are suppressed by low-frequency bias tones originate from reticular lamina motion.

PubMed

Nam, Hui; Guinan, John J

2017-12-14

Recent cochlear mechanical measurements show that active processes increase the motion response of the reticular lamina (RL) at frequencies more than an octave below the local characteristic frequency (CF) for CFs above 5 kHz. A possible correlate is that in high-CF (>5 kHz) auditory-nerve (AN) fibers, responses to frequencies 1-3 octaves below CF ("tail" frequencies) can be inhibited by medial olivocochlear (MOC) efferents. These results indicate that active processes enhance the sensitivity of tail-frequency RL and AN responses. Perhaps related is that some apical low-CF AN fibers have tuning-curve (TC) "side-lobe" response areas at frequencies above and below the TC-tip that are MOC inhibited. We hypothesized that the tail and side-lobe responses are enhanced by the same active mechanisms as CF cochlear amplification. If responses to CF, tail-frequency, and TC-side-lobe tones are all enhanced by prestin motility controlled by outer-hair-cell (OHC) transmembrane voltage, then they should depend on OHC stereocilia position in the same way. To test this, we cyclically changed the OHC-stereocilia mechano-electric-transduction (MET) operating point with low-frequency "bias" tones (BTs) and increased the BT level until the BT caused quasi-static OHC MET saturation that reduced or "suppressed" the gain of OHC active processes. While measuring cat AN-fiber responses, 50 Hz BT level series, 70-120 dB SPL, were run alone and with CF tones, or 2.5 kHz tail-frequency tones, or side-lobe tones. BT-tone-alone responses were used to exclude BT sound levels that produced AN responses that might obscure BT suppression. Data were analyzed to show the BT phase that suppressed the tone responses at the lowest sound level. We found that AN responses to CF, tail-frequency, and side-lobe tones were suppressed at the same BT phase in almost all cases. The data are consistent with the enhancement of responses to CF, tail-frequency, and side-lobe tones all being due to the same OHC-stereocilia MET-dependent active process. Thus, OHC active processes enhance AN responses at frequencies outside of the cochlear-amplified TC-tip region in both high- and low-frequency cochlear regions. The data are consistent with the AN response enhancements being due to enhanced RL motion that drives IHC-stereocilia deflection by traditional RL-TM shear and/or by changing the RL-TM gap. Since tail-frequency basilar membrane (BM) motion is not actively enhanced, the tail-frequency IHC drive is from a vibrational mode little present on the BM, not a "second filter" of BM motion. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Improved urban stormwater treatment and pollutant removal pathways in amended wet detention ponds.

PubMed

Istenič, Darja; Arias, Carlos A; Vollertsen, Jes; Nielsen, Asbjørn H; Wium-Andersen, Tove; Hvitved-Jacobsen, Thorkild; Brix, Hans

2012-01-01

Dissolved and colloidal bound pollutants are generally poorly removed from stormwater in wet detention ponds. These fractions are, however, the most bio-available, and therefore three wet detention ponds were amended with planted sand filters, sorption filters and addition of precipitation chemicals to enhance the removal of dissolved pollutants and pollutants associated with fine particles and colloids. The three systems treated runoff from industrial, residential and combined (residential and highway) catchments and had permanent volumes of 1,990, 6,900 and 2,680 m(3), respectively. The treatment performance of the ponds for elimination of total suspended solids (TSS), total nitrogen (Tot-N), total phosphorous (Tot-P), PO(4)-P, Pb, Zn, Cd, Ni, Cr, Cu, Hg were within the range typically reported for wet detention ponds, but the concentrations of most of the pollutants were efficiently reduced by the planted sand filters at the outlets. The sorption filters contributed to further decrease the concentration of PO(4)-P from 0.04 ± 0.05 to 0.01 ± 0.01 mg L(-1) and were also efficient in removing heavy metals. Dosing of iron sulphate to enrich the bottom sediment with iron and dosing of aluminium salts to the inlet water resulted in less growth of phytoplankton, but treatment performance was not significantly affected. Heavy metals (Pb, Zn, Cd, Ni, Cr and Cu) accumulated in the sediment of the ponds. The concentrations of Zn, Ni, Cu and Pb in the roots of the wetland plants were generally correlated to the concentrations in the sediments. Among 13 plant species investigated, Rumex hydrolapathum accumulated the highest concentrations of heavy metals in the roots (Concentration Factor (CF) of 4.5 and 5.9 for Zn and Ni, respectively) and Iris pseudacorus the lowest (CF < 1). The translocation of heavy metals from roots to the aboveground tissues of plants was low. Therefore the potential transfer of heavy metals from the metal-enriched sediment to the surrounding ecosystem via plant uptake and translocation is negligible.

The Evaluation of Forms of Assessment Using N-Dimensional Filtering

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dron, Jon; Boyne, Chris; Mitchell, Richard

2004-01-01

This paper describes the use of the CoFIND (Collaborative Filter in N Dimensions) system to evaluate two assessment styles. CoFIND is a resource database which organizes itself around its users' needs. Learners enter resources, categorize, then rate them using "qualities," aspects of resources which learners find worthwhile, the n dimensions of…

Miniaturized High-Temperature Superconducting/Dielectric Multilayer Filters for Satellite Communications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Miranda, Felix A.

1997-01-01

Most communication satellites contain well over a hundred filters in their payload. Current technology in typical satellite multiplexers use dual-mode cavity or dielectric resonator filters that are large (approx. 25 to 125 cu in) and heavy (up to 600 g). As the complexity of future advanced electronic systems for satellite communications increases, even more filters will be needed, requiring filter miniaturization without performance degradation. Such improvements in filter technology will enhance satellite performance. To reduce the size, weight, and cost of the multiplexers without compromising performance, the NASA Lewis Research Center is collaborating with industry to develop a new class of dual-mode multilayer filters consisting of YBa2Cu3O7-delta high-temperature superconducting (HTS) thin films on LaAlO3 substrates.

Study on the paper substrate room temperature phosphorescence of theobromine, caffeine and theophylline and analytical application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chuan, Dong; Yan-Li, Wei; Shao-Min, Shuang

2003-05-01

Paper substrate room temperature phosphorescence (RTP) of theobromine (TB), caffeine (CF) and theophylline (TP) were investigated. The method is based on fast speed quantitative filter paper as substrate and KI-NaAc as heavy atom perturber. Various factors affecting their RTP were discussed in detail. Under the optimum experimental conditions, the linear dynamic range, limit of detection (LOD), and relative standard deviation (R.S.D.) were 14.41˜576.54 ng per spot, 1.14 ng per spot, 4.8% for TB, 5.44˜699.08 ng per spot, 0.78 ng per spot, 1.56% for CF, 7.21˜360.34 ng per spot, 1.80 ng per spot, 3.80% for TP, respectively. The first analytical application for the determination of these compounds was developed. The recovery of standard samples added to commercial products chocolate, tea, coffee and aminophylline is in the range 92.80-106.08%. The proposed method was successfully applied to real sample analysis without separation.

Shopping For Danger: E-commerce techniques applied to collaboration in cyber security

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

Bruce, Joseph R.; Fink, Glenn A.

Collaboration among cyber security analysts is essential to a successful protection strategy on the Internet today, but it is uncommonly practiced or encouraged in operating environments. Barriers to productive collaboration often include data sensitivity, time and effort to communicate, institutional policy, and protection of domain knowledge. We propose an ambient collaboration framework, Vulcan, designed to remove the barriers of time and effort and mitigate the others. Vulcan automated data collection, collaborative filtering, and asynchronous dissemination, eliminating the effort implied by explicit collaboration among peers. We instrumented two analytic applications and performed a mock analysis session to build a dataset andmore » test the output of the system.« less

Building and Running a Collaborative Internet Filter Is Akin to a Kansas Barn Raising

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Reddick, Thomas

2004-01-01

The Northeast Kansas Library System's filtering project started out as a response to the passage of CIPA, the Children's Internet Protection Act, in January 2001. Originally called "onGuard," it was a service that the Northeast Kansas Library System created for its members. When the Supreme Court ruling did uphold the constitutionality…

Filtering data from the collaborative initial glaucoma treatment study for improved identification of glaucoma progression.

PubMed

Schell, Greggory J; Lavieri, Mariel S; Stein, Joshua D; Musch, David C

2013-12-21

Open-angle glaucoma (OAG) is a prevalent, degenerate ocular disease which can lead to blindness without proper clinical management. The tests used to assess disease progression are susceptible to process and measurement noise. The aim of this study was to develop a methodology which accounts for the inherent noise in the data and improve significant disease progression identification. Longitudinal observations from the Collaborative Initial Glaucoma Treatment Study (CIGTS) were used to parameterize and validate a Kalman filter model and logistic regression function. The Kalman filter estimates the true value of biomarkers associated with OAG and forecasts future values of these variables. We develop two logistic regression models via generalized estimating equations (GEE) for calculating the probability of experiencing significant OAG progression: one model based on the raw measurements from CIGTS and another model based on the Kalman filter estimates of the CIGTS data. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and associated area under the ROC curve (AUC) estimates are calculated using cross-fold validation. The logistic regression model developed using Kalman filter estimates as data input achieves higher sensitivity and specificity than the model developed using raw measurements. The mean AUC for the Kalman filter-based model is 0.961 while the mean AUC for the raw measurements model is 0.889. Hence, using the probability function generated via Kalman filter estimates and GEE for logistic regression, we are able to more accurately classify patients and instances as experiencing significant OAG progression. A Kalman filter approach for estimating the true value of OAG biomarkers resulted in data input which improved the accuracy of a logistic regression classification model compared to a model using raw measurements as input. This methodology accounts for process and measurement noise to enable improved discrimination between progression and nonprogression in chronic diseases.

Flow Sorting of Marine Bacterioplankton after Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization

PubMed Central

Sekar, Raju; Fuchs, Bernhard M.; Amann, Rudolf; Pernthaler, Jakob

2004-01-01

We describe an approach to sort cells from coastal North Sea bacterioplankton by flow cytometry after in situ hybridization with rRNA-targeted horseradish peroxidase-labeled oligonucleotide probes and catalyzed fluorescent reporter deposition (CARD-FISH). In a sample from spring 2003 >90% of the cells were detected by CARD-FISH with a bacterial probe (EUB338). Approximately 30% of the microbial assemblage was affiliated with the Cytophaga-Flavobacterium lineage of the Bacteroidetes (CFB group) (probe CF319a), and almost 10% was targeted by a probe for the β-proteobacteria (probe BET42a). A protocol was optimized to detach cells hybridized with EUB338, BET42a, and CF319a from membrane filters (recovery rate, 70%) and to sort the cells by flow cytometry. The purity of sorted cells was >95%. 16S rRNA gene clone libraries were constructed from hybridized and sorted cells (S-EUB, S-BET, and S-CF libraries) and from unhybridized and unsorted cells (UNHYB library). Sequences related to the CFB group were significantly more frequent in the S-CF library (66%) than in the UNHYB library (13%). No enrichment of β-proteobacterial sequence types was found in the S-BET library, but novel sequences related to Nitrosospira were found exclusively in this library. These bacteria, together with members of marine clade OM43, represented >90% of the β-proteobacteria in the water sample, as determined by CARD-FISH with specific probes. This illustrates that a combination of CARD-FISH and flow sorting might be a powerful approach to study the diversity and potentially the activity and the genomes of different bacterial populations in aquatic habitats. PMID:15466568

An effective trust-based recommendation method using a novel graph clustering algorithm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moradi, Parham; Ahmadian, Sajad; Akhlaghian, Fardin

2015-10-01

Recommender systems are programs that aim to provide personalized recommendations to users for specific items (e.g. music, books) in online sharing communities or on e-commerce sites. Collaborative filtering methods are important and widely accepted types of recommender systems that generate recommendations based on the ratings of like-minded users. On the other hand, these systems confront several inherent issues such as data sparsity and cold start problems, caused by fewer ratings against the unknowns that need to be predicted. Incorporating trust information into the collaborative filtering systems is an attractive approach to resolve these problems. In this paper, we present a model-based collaborative filtering method by applying a novel graph clustering algorithm and also considering trust statements. In the proposed method first of all, the problem space is represented as a graph and then a sparsest subgraph finding algorithm is applied on the graph to find the initial cluster centers. Then, the proposed graph clustering algorithm is performed to obtain the appropriate users/items clusters. Finally, the identified clusters are used as a set of neighbors to recommend unseen items to the current active user. Experimental results based on three real-world datasets demonstrate that the proposed method outperforms several state-of-the-art recommender system methods.

Evolution of cystic fibrosis lung function in the early years.

PubMed

Bush, Andrew; Sly, Peter D

2015-11-01

Most treatment of newborn screening-diagnosed cystic fibrosis is not evidence-based; there are very few randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Furthermore, the advent of novel molecular therapies, which could be started at diagnosis, mandates performing RCTs in very young children. However, unless the natural history of early cystic fibrosis lung disease is known, RCTs are impossible. Here, we review the results of two large prospective cohorts of these infants - London Cystic Fibrosis Collaboration (LCFC) (London, UK) and Australian Respiratory Early Surveillance Team for Cystic Fibrosis (AREST-CF) (Australia). Nutritional status remained excellent in both the cohorts. Both cohorts reported abnormal lung function aged at 3 months. AREST-CF, which previously reported rapidly declining preschool lung function, now report good conventional school-age spirometry. LCFC reported improvement between 3 months and 1 year, and stability in the second year. AREST-CF also reported a high prevalence of high resolution computed tomographic abnormalities related to free neutrophil elastase in bronchoalveolar lavage; LCFC reported high resolution computed tomographic changes at 1 year, which were too mild to be scored reproducibly. At least in the first 2 years of life, lung function is not a good end-point for RCTs; routine bronchoalveolar lavage and HRCT cannot be justified. Newborn screening has greatly improved outcomes, but we need better point-of-care biomarkers.

E-Learning 3.0 = E-Learning 2.0 + Web 3.0?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hussain, Fehmida

2012-01-01

Web 3.0, termed as the semantic web or the web of data is the transformed version of Web 2.0 with technologies and functionalities such as intelligent collaborative filtering, cloud computing, big data, linked data, openness, interoperability and smart mobility. If Web 2.0 is about social networking and mass collaboration between the creator and…

Similarity from Multi-Dimensional Scaling: Solving the Accuracy and Diversity Dilemma in Information Filtering

PubMed Central

Zeng, Wei; Zeng, An; Liu, Hao; Shang, Ming-Sheng; Zhang, Yi-Cheng

2014-01-01

Recommender systems are designed to assist individual users to navigate through the rapidly growing amount of information. One of the most successful recommendation techniques is the collaborative filtering, which has been extensively investigated and has already found wide applications in e-commerce. One of challenges in this algorithm is how to accurately quantify the similarities of user pairs and item pairs. In this paper, we employ the multidimensional scaling (MDS) method to measure the similarities between nodes in user-item bipartite networks. The MDS method can extract the essential similarity information from the networks by smoothing out noise, which provides a graphical display of the structure of the networks. With the similarity measured from MDS, we find that the item-based collaborative filtering algorithm can outperform the diffusion-based recommendation algorithms. Moreover, we show that this method tends to recommend unpopular items and increase the global diversification of the networks in long term. PMID:25343243

Experimental Study on Ultrafine Particle Removal Performance of Portable Air Cleaners with Different Filters in an Office Room

PubMed Central

Ma, Huan; Shen, Henggen; Shui, Tiantian; Li, Qing; Zhou, Liuke

2016-01-01

Size- and time-dependent aerodynamic behaviors of indoor particles, including PM1.0, were evaluated in a school office in order to test the performance of air-cleaning devices using different filters. In-situ real-time measurements were taken using an optical particle counter. The filtration characteristics of filter media, including single-pass efficiency, volume and effectiveness, were evaluated and analyzed. The electret filter (EE) medium shows better initial removal efficiency than the high efficiency (HE) medium in the 0.3–3.5 μm particle size range, while under the same face velocity, the filtration resistance of the HE medium is several times higher than that of the EE medium. During service life testing, the efficiency of the EE medium decreased to 60% with a total purifying air flow of 25 × 104 m3/m2. The resistance curve rose slightly before the efficiency reached the bottom, and then increased almost exponentially. The single-pass efficiency of portable air cleaner (PAC) with the pre-filter (PR) or the active carbon granule filter (CF) was relatively poor. While PAC with the pre-filter and the high efficiency filter (PR&HE) showed maximum single-pass efficiency for PM1.0 (88.6%), PAC with the HE was the most effective at removing PM1.0. The enhancement of PR with HE and electret filters augmented the single-pass efficiency, but lessened the airflow rate and effectiveness. Combined with PR, the decay constant of large-sized particles could be greater than for PACs without PR. Without regard to the lifetime, the electret filters performed better with respect to resource saving and purification improvement. A most penetrating particle size range (MPPS: 0.4–0.65 μm) exists in both HE and electret filters; the MPPS tends to become larger after HE and electret filters are combined with PR. These results serve to provide a better understanding of the indoor particle removal performance of PACs when combined with different kinds of filters in school office buildings. PMID:26742055

A PageRank-based reputation model for personalised manufacturing service recommendation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, W. Y.; Zhang, S.; Guo, S. S.

2017-05-01

The number of manufacturing services for cross-enterprise business collaborations is increasing rapidly because of the explosive growth of Web service technologies. This trend demands intelligent and robust models to address information overload in order to enable efficient discovery of manufacturing services. In this paper, we present a personalised manufacturing service recommendation approach, which combines a PageRank-based reputation model and a collaborative filtering technique in a unified framework for recommending the right manufacturing services to an active service user for supply chain deployment. The novel aspect of this research is adapting the PageRank algorithm to a network of service-oriented multi-echelon supply chain in order to determine both user reputation and service reputation. In addition, it explores the use of these methods in alleviating data sparsity and cold start problems that hinder traditional collaborative filtering techniques. A case study is conducted to validate the practicality and effectiveness of the proposed approach in recommending the right manufacturing services to active service users.

Collaborative study of an enzymatic digestion method for the isolation of light filth from ground beef or hamburger.

PubMed

Alioto, P; Andreas, M

1976-01-01

Collaborative results are presented for a proposed method for light filth extraction from ground beef or hamburger. The method involves enzymatic digestion, wet sieving, and extraction with light mineral oil from 40% isopropanol. Recoveries are good and filter papers are clean. This method has been adopted as official first action.

Determination of the delta(15N/14N)of Ammonium (NH4+) in Water: RSIL Lab Code 2898

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hannon, Janet E.; Böhlke, John Karl

2008-01-01

The purpose of the technique described by Reston Stable Isotope Laboratory (RSIL) lab code 2898 is to determine the N isotopic composition, delta(15N/14N), abbreviated as d15N, of ammonium (NH4+) in water (freshwater and saline water). The procedure involves converting dissolved NH4+ into NH3 gas by raising the pH of the sample to above 9 with MgO and subsequently trapping the gas quantitatively as (NH4)2SO4 on a glass fiber (GF) filter. The GF filter is saturated with NaHSO4 and pressure sealed between two gas-permeable polypropylene filters. The GF filter 'sandwich' floats on the surface of the water sample in a closed bottle. NH3 diffuses from the water through the polypropylene filter and reacts with NaHSO4, forming (NH4)2SO4 on the GF filter. The GF filter containing (NH4)2SO4 is dried and then combusted with a Carlo Erba NC 2500 elemental analyzer (EA), which is used to convert total nitrogen in a solid sample into N2 gas. The EA is connected to a continuous-flow isotope-ratio mass spectrometer (CF-IRMS), which determines the relative difference in ratios of the amounts of the stable isotopes of nitrogen (15N and 14N) of the product N2 gas and a reference N2 gas. The filters containing the samples are compressed in tin capsules and loaded into a Costech Zero-Blank Autosampler on the EA. Under computer control, samples then are dropped into a heated reaction tube that contains an oxidant, where combustion takes place in a He atmosphere containing an excess of O2 gas. To remove S-O gases produced from the NaHSO4, a plug of Ag-coated Cu wool is inserted at the bottom of the reaction tube. Combustion products are transported by a He carrier through a reduction furnace to remove excess O2, toconvert all nitrogen oxides to N2, and to remove any remaining S-O gases. The gases then pass through a drying tube to remove water. The gas-phase products, mainly N2 and a small amount of background CO2, are separated by a gas chromatograph (GC). The gas is then introduced into the IRMS through a Finnigan ConFlo II interface. The ConFlo II interface is used to introduce not only sample into the IRMS but also N2 reference gas and He for sample dilution. The flash combustion is quantitative, so no isotopic fractionation is involved. The IRMS is a Finnigan Delta V CF-IRMS with 10 cups and is capable of detecting ion beams with mass/charge (m/z) 28, 29, 30. The ion beams from N2 are as follows: m/z 28 = 14N14N, m/z 29 = 14N15N, and m/z 30 = 15N15N. The ion beam with m/z 30 also represents 14N16O, which may indicate contamination or incomplete reduction.

“I think we’ve got too many tests!”: Prenatal providers’ reflections on ethical and clinical challenges in the practice integration of cell-free DNA screening

PubMed Central

Gammon, B.L.; Kraft, S.A.; Michie, M.; Allyse, M.

2016-01-01

Background The recent introduction of cell-free DNA-based non-invasive prenatal screening (cfDNA screening) into clinical practice was expected to revolutionize prenatal testing. cfDNA screening for fetal aneuploidy has demonstrated higher test sensitivity and specificity for some conditions than conventional serum screening and can be conducted early in the pregnancy. However, it is not clear whether and how clinical practices are assimilating this new type of testing into their informed consent and counselling processes. Since the introduction of cfDNA screening into practice in 2011, the uptake and scope have increased dramatically. Prenatal care providers are under pressure to stay up to date with rapidly changing cfDNA screening panels, manage increasing patient demands, and keep up with changing test costs, all while attempting to use the technology responsibly and ethically. While clinical literature on cfDNA screening has shown benefits for specific patient populations, it has also identified significant misunderstandings among providers and patients alike about the power of the technology. The unique features of cfDNA screening, in comparison to established prenatal testing technologies, have implications for informed decision-making and genetic counselling that must be addressed to ensure ethical practice. Objectives This study explored the experiences of prenatal care providers at the forefront of non-invasive genetic screening in the United States to understand how this testing changes the practice of prenatal medicine. We aimed to learn how the experience of providing and offering this testing differs from established prenatal testing methodologies. These differences may necessitate changes to patient education and consent procedures to maintain ethical practice. Methods We used the online American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Physician Directory to identify a systematic sample of five prenatal care providers in each U.S. state and the District of Columbia. Beginning with the lowest zip code in each state, we took every fifth name from the directory, excluding providers who were retired, did not currently practice in the state in which they were listed, or were not involved in a prenatal specialty. After repeating this step twice and sending a total of 461 invitations, 37 providers expressed interest in participating, and we completed telephone interviews with 21 providers (4.6%). We developed a semi-structured interview guide including questions about providers’ use of and attitudes toward cfDNA screening. A single interviewer conducted and audio-recorded all interviews by telephone, and the interviews lasted approximately 30 minutes each. We collaboratively developed a codebook through an iterative process of transcript review and code application, and a primary coder coded all transcripts. Results Prenatal care providers have varying perspectives on the advantages of cfDNA screening and express a range of concerns regarding the implementation of cfDNA screening in practice. While providers agreed on several advantages of cfDNA, including increased accuracy, earlier return of results, and decreased risk of complications, many expressed concern that there is not enough time to adequately counsel and educate patients on their prenatal screening and testing options. Providers also agreed that demand for cfDNA screening has increased and expressed a desire for more information from professional societies, labs, and publications. Providers disagreed about the healthcare implications and future of cfDNA screening. Some providers anticipated that cfDNA screening would decrease healthcare costs when implemented widely and expressed optimism for expanded cfDNA screening panels. Others were concerned that cfDNA screening would increase costs over time and questioned whether the expansion to include microdeletions could be done ethically. Conclusions The perspectives and experiences of the providers in this study allow insight into the clinical benefit, burden on prenatal practice, and potential future of cfDNA screening in clinical practice. Given the likelihood that the scope and uptake of cfDNA screening will continue to increase, it is essential to consider how these changes will affect frontline prenatal care providers and, in turn, patients. Providers’ requests for additional guidance and data as well as their concerns with the lack of time available to explain screening and testing options indicate significant potential issues with patient care. It is important to ensure that the clinical integration of cfDNA screening is managed responsibly and ethically before it expands further, exacerbating pre-existing issues. As prenatal screening evolves, so should informed consent and the resources available to women making decisions. The field must take steps to maximize the advantages of cfDNA screening and responsibly manage its ethical issues. PMID:28180146

"I think we've got too many tests!": Prenatal providers' reflections on ethical and clinical challenges in the practice integration of cell-free DNA screening.

PubMed

Gammon, B L; Kraft, S A; Michie, M; Allyse, M

2016-01-01

The recent introduction of cell-free DNA-based non-invasive prenatal screening (cfDNA screening) into clinical practice was expected to revolutionize prenatal testing. cfDNA screening for fetal aneuploidy has demonstrated higher test sensitivity and specificity for some conditions than conventional serum screening and can be conducted early in the pregnancy. However, it is not clear whether and how clinical practices are assimilating this new type of testing into their informed consent and counselling processes. Since the introduction of cfDNA screening into practice in 2011, the uptake and scope have increased dramatically. Prenatal care providers are under pressure to stay up to date with rapidly changing cfDNA screening panels, manage increasing patient demands, and keep up with changing test costs, all while attempting to use the technology responsibly and ethically. While clinical literature on cfDNA screening has shown benefits for specific patient populations, it has also identified significant misunderstandings among providers and patients alike about the power of the technology. The unique features of cfDNA screening, in comparison to established prenatal testing technologies, have implications for informed decision-making and genetic counselling that must be addressed to ensure ethical practice. This study explored the experiences of prenatal care providers at the forefront of non-invasive genetic screening in the United States to understand how this testing changes the practice of prenatal medicine. We aimed to learn how the experience of providing and offering this testing differs from established prenatal testing methodologies. These differences may necessitate changes to patient education and consent procedures to maintain ethical practice. We used the online American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Physician Directory to identify a systematic sample of five prenatal care providers in each U.S. state and the District of Columbia. Beginning with the lowest zip code in each state, we took every fifth name from the directory, excluding providers who were retired, did not currently practice in the state in which they were listed, or were not involved in a prenatal specialty. After repeating this step twice and sending a total of 461 invitations, 37 providers expressed interest in participating, and we completed telephone interviews with 21 providers (4.6%). We developed a semi-structured interview guide including questions about providers' use of and attitudes toward cfDNA screening. A single interviewer conducted and audio-recorded all interviews by telephone, and the interviews lasted approximately 30 minutes each. We collaboratively developed a codebook through an iterative process of transcript review and code application, and a primary coder coded all transcripts. Prenatal care providers have varying perspectives on the advantages of cfDNA screening and express a range of concerns regarding the implementation of cfDNA screening in practice. While providers agreed on several advantages of cfDNA, including increased accuracy, earlier return of results, and decreased risk of complications, many expressed concern that there is not enough time to adequately counsel and educate patients on their prenatal screening and testing options. Providers also agreed that demand for cfDNA screening has increased and expressed a desire for more information from professional societies, labs, and publications. Providers disagreed about the healthcare implications and future of cfDNA screening. Some providers anticipated that cfDNA screening would decrease healthcare costs when implemented widely and expressed optimism for expanded cfDNA screening panels. Others were concerned that cfDNA screening would increase costs over time and questioned whether the expansion to include microdeletions could be done ethically. The perspectives and experiences of the providers in this study allow insight into the clinical benefit, burden on prenatal practice, and potential future of cfDNA screening in clinical practice. Given the likelihood that the scope and uptake of cfDNA screening will continue to increase, it is essential to consider how these changes will affect frontline prenatal care providers and, in turn, patients. Providers' requests for additional guidance and data as well as their concerns with the lack of time available to explain screening and testing options indicate significant potential issues with patient care. It is important to ensure that the clinical integration of cfDNA screening is managed responsibly and ethically before it expands further, exacerbating pre-existing issues. As prenatal screening evolves, so should informed consent and the resources available to women making decisions. The field must take steps to maximize the advantages of cfDNA screening and responsibly manage its ethical issues.

Evidence for Type Ia Supernova Diversity from Ultraviolet Observations with the Hubble Space Telescope

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wang, Xiaofeng; Wang, Lifan; Filippenko, Alexei; Baron, Eddie; Kromer, Markus; Jack, Dennis; Zhang, Tianmeng; Aldering, Greg; Antilogus, Pierre; Arnett, W. David;

Multi-Beam Radio Frequency (RF) Aperture Arrays Using Multiplierless Approximate Fast Fourier Transform (FFT)

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-08-01

filtering, correlation and radio- astronomy . In this report approximate transforms that closely follow the DFT have been studied and found. The approximate...communications, data networks, sensor networks, cognitive radio, radar and beamforming, imaging, filtering, correlation and radio- astronomy . FFTs efficiently...public release; distribution is unlimited. 4.3 Digital Hardware and Design Architectures Collaboration for Astronomy Signal Processing and Electronics

Direct determination of geocenter motion by combining SLR, VLBI, GNSS, and DORIS time series

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, X.; Abbondanza, C.; Altamimi, Z.; Chin, T. M.; Collilieux, X.; Gross, R. S.; Heflin, M. B.; Jiang, Y.; Parker, J. W.

2013-12-01

The longest-wavelength surface mass transport includes three degree-one spherical harmonic components involving hemispherical mass exchanges. The mass load causes geocenter motion between the center-of-mass of the total Earth system (CM) and the center-of-figure of the solid Earth surface (CF), and deforms the solid Earth. Estimation of the degree-1 surface mass changes through CM-CF and degree-1 deformation signatures from space geodetic techniques can thus complement GRACE's time-variable gravity data to form a complete change spectrum up to a high resolution. Currently, SLR is considered the most accurate technique for direct geocenter motion determination. By tracking satellite motion from ground stations, SLR determines the motion between CM and the geometric center of its ground network (CN). This motion is then used to approximate CM-CF and subsequently for deriving degree-1 mass changes. However, the SLR network is very sparse and uneven in global distribution. The average number of operational tracking stations is about 20 in recent years. The poor network geometry can have a large CN-CF motion and is not ideal for the determination of CM-CF motion and degree-1 mass changes. We recently realized an experimental Terrestrial Reference Frame (TRF) through station time series using the Kalman filter and the RTS smoother. The TRF has its origin defined at nearly instantaneous CM using weekly SLR measurement time series. VLBI, GNSS and DORIS time series are combined weekly with those of SLR and tied to the geocentric (CM) reference frame through local tie measurements and co-motion constraints on co-located geodetic stations. The unified geocentric time series of the four geodetic techniques provide a much better network geometry for direct geodetic determination of geocenter motion. Results from this direct approach using a 90-station network compares favorably with those obtained from joint inversions of GPS/GRACE data and ocean bottom pressure models. We will also show that a previously identified discrepancy in X-component between direct SLR orbit-tracking and inverse determined geocenter motions is largely reconciled with the new unified network.

Reference Architecture for MNE 5 Technical System

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-05-30

of being available in most experiments. Core Services A core set of applications whi directories, web portal and collaboration applications etc. A...classifications Messages (xml, JMS, content level…) Meta data filtering, who can initiate services Web browsing Collaboration & messaging Border...Exchange Ref Architecture for MNE5 Tech System.doc 9 of 21 audit logging Person and machine Data lev objects, web services, messages rification el

Video denoising using low rank tensor decomposition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gui, Lihua; Cui, Gaochao; Zhao, Qibin; Wang, Dongsheng; Cichocki, Andrzej; Cao, Jianting

2017-03-01

Reducing noise in a video sequence is of vital important in many real-world applications. One popular method is block matching collaborative filtering. However, the main drawback of this method is that noise standard deviation for the whole video sequence is known in advance. In this paper, we present a tensor based denoising framework that considers 3D patches instead of 2D patches. By collecting the similar 3D patches non-locally, we employ the low-rank tensor decomposition for collaborative filtering. Since we specify the non-informative prior over the noise precision parameter, the noise variance can be inferred automatically from observed video data. Therefore, our method is more practical, which does not require knowing the noise variance. The experimental on video denoising demonstrates the effectiveness of our proposed method.

A Hybrid Approach using Collaborative filtering and Content based Filtering for Recommender System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Geetha, G.; Safa, M.; Fancy, C.; Saranya, D.

2018-04-01

In today’s digital world, it has become an irksome task to find the content of one's liking in an endless variety of content that are being consumed like books, videos, articles, movies, etc. On the other hand there has been an emerging growth among the digital content providers who want to engage as many users on their service as possible for the maximum time. This gave birth to the recommender system comes wherein the content providers recommend users the content according to the users’ taste and liking. In this paper we have proposed a movie recommendation system. A movie recommendation is important in our social life due to its features such as suggesting a set of movies to users based on their interest, or the popularities of the movies. In this paper we are proposing a movie recommendation system that has the ability to recommend movies to a new user as well as the other existing users. It mines movie databases to collect all the important information, such as, popularity and attractiveness, which are required for recommendation. We use content-based and collaborative filtering and also hybrid filtering, which is a combination of the results of these two techniques, to construct a system that provides more precise recommendations concerning movies.

Optical efficiency enhancement in white organic light-emitting diode display with high color gamut using patterned quantum dot film and long pass filter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Hyo-Jun; Shin, Min-Ho; Kim, Young-Joo

2016-08-01

A new structure for white organic light-emitting diode (OLED) displays with a patterned quantum dot (QD) film and a long pass filter (LPF) was proposed and evaluated to realize both a high color gamut and high optical efficiency. Since optical efficiency is a critical parameter in white OLED displays with a high color gamut, a red or green QD film as a color-converting component and an LPF as a light-recycling component are introduced to be adjusted via the characteristics of a color filter (CF). Compared with a conventional white OLED without both a QD film and the LPF, it was confirmed experimentally that the optical powers of red and green light in a new white OLED display were increased by 54.1 and 24.7% using a 30 wt % red QD film and a 20 wt % green QD film with the LPF, respectively. In addition, the white OLED with both a QD film and the LPF resulted in an increase in the color gamut from 98 to 107% (NTSC x,y ratio) due to the narrow emission linewidth of the QDs.

No significant interactions between nitrogen stimulation and ozone inhibition of isoprene emission in Cathay poplar.

PubMed

Yuan, Xiangyang; Shang, Bo; Xu, Yansen; Xin, Yue; Tian, Yuan; Feng, Zhaozhong; Paoletti, Elena

2017-12-01

Isoprene emission from plants subject to a combination of ozone (O 3 ) and nitrogen (N) has never been investigated. Cathay poplar (Populus cathayana) saplings were exposed to O 3 (CF, charcoal-filtered air, NF, non-filtered ambient air and E-O 3 , non-filtered air +40ppb) and N treatments (N0, 0kgNha -1 year -1 , N50, 50kgNha -1 year -1 and N100, 100kgNha -1 year -1 ) for 96days. Increasing O 3 exposure decreased isoprene emission (11.5% in NF and 57.9% in E-O 3 ), as well as light-saturated photosynthetic rate (A sat ) and chlorophyll content, while N load increased isoprene emission (19.6% in N50 and 33.4% in N100) as well as A sat and chlorophyll content. Although O 3 and N interacted significantly in A sat , N did not mitigate the negative effects of O 3 on isoprene emission, i.e. the combined effects were additive and did not interact. These results warrant more research on the combined effects of co-existing global change factors on future isoprene emission and atmospheric chemical processes. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Invited Article: In situ comparison of passive radon-thoron discriminative monitors at subsurface workplaces in Hungary

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

Kávási, Norbert, E-mail: norbert@fml.nirs.go.jp; Social Organization for Radioecological Cleanliness, Veszprém; Vigh, Tamás

During a one-year long measurement period, radon and thoron data obtained by two different passive radon-thoron discriminative monitors were compared at subsurface workplaces in Hungary, such as mines (bauxite and manganese ore) and caves (medical and touristic). These workplaces have special environmental conditions, such as, stable and high relative humidity (100%), relatively stable temperature (12°C–21°C), low or high wind speed (max. 2.4 m s{sup −1}) and low or elevated aerosol concentration (130–60 000 particles m{sup −3}). The measured radon and thoron concentrations fluctuated in a wide range among the different workplaces. The respective annual average radon concentrations and their standard deviations (inmore » brackets) measured by the passive radon-thoron discriminative monitor with cellulose filter (CF) and the passive radon-thoron discriminative monitor with sponge filter (SF) were: 350(321) Bq m{sup −3} and 550(497) Bq m{sup −3} in the bauxite mine; 887(604) Bq m{sup −3} and 1258(788) Bq m{sup −3} in the manganese ore mine; 2510(2341) Bq m{sup −3} and 3403(3075) Bq m{sup −3} in the medical cave (Hospital Cave of Tapolca); and 6239(2057) Bq m{sup −3} and 8512(1955) Bq m{sup −3} in the touristic cave (Lake Cave of Tapolca). The respective average thoron concentrations and their standard deviation (in brackets) measured by CF and SF monitors were: 154(210) Bq m{sup −3} and 161(148) Bq m{sup −3} in the bauxite mine; 187(191) Bq m{sup −3} and 117(147) Bq m{sup −3} in the manganese-ore mine; 360(524) Bq m{sup −3} and 371(789) Bq m{sup −3} in the medical cave (Hospital Cave of Tapolca); and 1420(1184) Bq m{sup −3} and 1462(3655) Bq m{sup −3} in the touristic cave (Lake Cave of Tapolca). Under these circumstances, comparison of the radon data for the SF and CF monitors showed the former were consistently 51% higher in the bauxite mine, 38% higher in the manganese ore mine, and 34% higher in the caves. Consequently, correction is required on previously obtained radon data acquired by CF monitors at subsurface workplaces to gain comparable data for SF monitors. In the case of thoron, the data were unreliable and no significant tendency was seen during the comparison therefore comparison of previously obtained thoron data acquired by either CF or SF is doubtful. There was probable influence by relative humidity on the detection response; however, the effects of the high wind speed and elevated aerosol concentration could not be excluded. The results of this study call attention to the importance of calibration under extreme environmental conditions and the need for using reliable radon-thoron monitors for subsurface workplaces.« less

Organic rankine cycle fluid

DOEpatents

Brasz, Joost J.; Jonsson, Ulf J.

2006-09-05

A method of operating an organic rankine cycle system wherein a liquid refrigerant is circulated to an evaporator where heat is introduced to the refrigerant to convert it to vapor. The vapor is then passed through a turbine, with the resulting cooled vapor then passing through a condenser for condensing the vapor to a liquid. The refrigerant is one of CF.sub.3CF.sub.2C(O)CF(CF.sub.3).sub.2, (CF.sub.3).sub.2 CFC(O)CF(CF.sub.3).sub.2, CF.sub.3(CF.sub.2).sub.2C(O)CF(CF.sub.3).sub.2, CF.sub.3(CF.sub.2).sub.3C(O)CF(CG.sub.3).sub.2, CF.sub.3(CF.sub.2).sub.5C(O)CF.sub.3, CF.sub.3CF.sub.2C(O)CF.sub.2CF.sub.2CF.sub.3, CF.sub.3C(O)CF(CF.sub.3).sub.2.

VAPOR PRESSURES, LIQUID MOLAR VOLUMES, VAPOR NON- IDEALITY, AND CRITICAL PROPERTIES OF CF3OCF2CF2CF3, c-CF2CF2CF2CF2O, CF3OCF2OCF3, AND CF3OCF2CF2H

EPA Science Inventory

New measurements of the thermophysical properties of CF3OCF2CF2CF3 and c -CF2CF2CF2CF2O are reported from T ≈ 235 K to the critical region. Liquid-phase volumetric results for CF3OCF2OCF3 and CF3OCF2CF2H (235 < T/K < 303) are reported to supplement the information already availab...

Effects of tropospheric ozone on loblolly pine seedlings inoculated with root infecting ophiostomatoid fungi.

PubMed

Chieppa, Jeff; Chappelka, Art; Eckhardt, Lori

2015-12-01

Seedlings from four loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) families were exposed in open-top chambers to charcoal-filtered air (CF), non-filtered air (NF) or air amended with ozone to 2 times ambient (2×). Two of the families used were selected for their tolerance to fungi associated with Southern Pine Decline while two were selected for their susceptibility. Seedlings were treated with five inoculation treatments: no wound (NW), wound only (W), wound + media (WM), Grosmannia huntii (GH) and Leptographium terebrantis (LT). After 118 days of exposure (AOT40 = 31 ppm-hr(-1) for 2× ozone) seedling volume, dry matter, chlorophyll content, water potential and lesions were measured and analyzed using ANOVA procedures. Our results indicate that seedlings selected for their susceptibility to root infecting ophiostomatoid fungi were also more sensitive to ozone. Overall lesion length was greater on seedlings exposed to elevated ozone concentrations but was not specific to either root infecting ophiostomatoid fungi. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Physiological and biochemical stress responses in grassland species are influenced by both early-season ozone exposure and interspecific competition.

PubMed

Scebba, Francesca; Canaccini, Francesca; Castagna, Antonella; Bender, Jürgen; Weigel, Hans-Joachim; Ranieri, Annamaria

2006-08-01

The effects of two-year early season ozone exposure on physiological and biochemical stress response were investigated in model plant communities. Achillea millefolium and Veronica chamaedrys target plants were grown in monocultures and in mixed cultures with Poa pratensis (phytometer) and exposed in open-top chambers over two years for five weeks to charcoal-filtered (CF) air plus 25 nl l(-1) O3 (control) and non-filtered (NF) air plus 50 nl l(-1) O3. Significant O3 effects were detected in different physiological and biochemical parameters, evidencing interspecific differences in metabolic stress responses and a strong influence of the competition factor. O3 induced strong oxidative effects in Achillea irrespective to the different growth modality. Veronica showed less O3-induced effects in monoculture than when grown in competition with the phytometer. Poa exhibited a different behaviour against O3 depending on the species in competition, showing an overall higher sensitivity to O3 when in mixture with Achillea.

VAPOR PRESSURES, LIQUID MOLAR VOLUMES, VAPOR NON- IDEALITIES, AND CRITICAL PROPERTIES OF SOME FLUORINATED ETHERS: CF3OCF2OCF3, CF3OCF2 CF2H, c-CF2CF2CF2O, CF3OCF2H, AND CF3OCH3; AND OF CCl3F AND CF2ClH

EPA Science Inventory

Vapor pressures, compressibilities, expansivities, and molar volumes of the liquid phase have been measured between room temperature and the critical temperature for a series of fluorinated ethers: CF3OCF2OCF3, CF3OCF2CF2H, c-CF2CF2CF2O, CF3OCF2H, and CF3OCH3. Vapor-phase non-ide...

Technology evaluation: cystic fibrosis therapy, Genzyme.

PubMed

Cockett, M I

1999-04-01

Genzyme is developing therapies to replace the defective forms of the cystic fibrosis (CF) transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein in CF patients. The company is developing a gene therapy, as well as a recombinant production of CFTR for protein replacement therapy. Both approaches have been granted orphan drug status by the FDA [156348]. The results of several clinical trials were discussed at the first annual meeting of the American Society of Gene Therapy in May 1998. A single dose nasal administration was well tolerated by volunteers, but had disappointing efficacy. In a study completed at the Royal Brompton Hospital, London, a single dose aerosol application of GL-67:DOPE was administered to eight patients, while another eight received GL-67:DOPE plus pCF1-CFTR. In the second group, a moderate increase in the potential difference in the lung was observed, with a slight trend towards bacterial adherence normalization in the airway cells. Seven of the patients in the second group, and three patients who received lipid alone, developed, flu-like symptoms within 24 h. A trial at the University of Alabama, using the same formulation, showed that flu-like symptoms developed in six of eight patients by day two, and in all patients by day seven [290120]. In 1995, the company began a clinical safety trial involving delivery of a normal CF gene to the patient's lungs via an adenovirus vector. The administration involves the inhalation of an aerosol containing the vector or, separately, delivery to one lobe of the patient's lung via a bronchoscope [191678]. To evaluate additional delivery methods for the gene, Genzyme has an exclusive research agreement for the use of Vical's cytofectins as non-viral delivery vectors for CFTR. Also under investigation are delivery systems for the nasal epithelium using liposomes or lipid-DNA complexes. These protocols are being developed in collaboration with the National Heart & Lung Institute, London, and an undisclosed partner [162590], [177633]. Following in vitro screenings by the company, two T-shaped molecules were identified (GL-67 and GL-53), the gene transfer activities of which could be enhanced by dioleoyl-PE (DOPE). A recently-completed clinical trial in 16 CF patients demonstrated that the GL-67:DOPE:DMPE-PEG5000-pCF1-CFTR compound accumulated in the lung with minimal toxicity and resulted in a 25% correction of CF symptoms [268093]. Genzyme has also developed recombinant cell lines that synthesize CFTR and has used transgenic expression techniques to breed mice, rabbits and goats which secrete the protein in their milk. Protein replacement therapy is currently in preclinical investigation and research efforts have been reduced infavor of the gene therapeutic approach [177633].

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

Ilowite, J.S.; Gorvoy, J.D.; Smaldone, G.C.

In cystic fibrosis (CF), the clinical effectiveness of aerosolized antibiotics is controversial. Previous investigators have not considered the type of nebulizer, droplet size, and dose to the lung in assessing the results of aerosol therapy. The present study tests the importance of these factors by standardizing an aerosol system for delivery of antibiotics and other agents to patients with CF. Particle size, distribution, and output from a commercially available nebulizer were measured. Thirteen patients with CF inhaled aerosol (MMAD = 1.1 micron) containing gentamicin (160 mg in nebulizer) and /sup 99m/Tc-labeled human serum albumin. Patients' sputum and serum were analyzedmore » for gentamicin levels by immunoenzymatic assay. Using a gamma camera and suitable filters, central versus peripheral deposition (C/P ratio) and whole lung deposition were measured and related to sputum gentamicin levels. Gentamicin deposit averaged 12.3 mg +/- 5.9 (SD) or 7.69% of the original amount placed in the nebulizer. Peak sputum levels averaged 376.6 micrograms/ml +/- 275, whereas serum levels were undetectable in all patients. When peak sputum levels were normalized for the amount deposited, a close correlation with C/P ratio was obtained (r = 0.88, p less than 0.05). Furthermore, an inverse relationship was found between the C/P ratio and the %FEV1 (r = 0.76, p less than 0.05). Finally, a bell-shaped relationship between deposited dose and minute ventilation was seen in the patients (r = 0.88, p less than 0.05), i.e., an optimal minute ventilation was shown. These relationships may be important when designing future clinical studies.« less

Fast Collaborative Filtering from Implicit Feedback withProvable Guarantees

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-11-22

n2 = Ω (( ε d̃2sσK(M2) )2) • n3 = Ω ( K2 ( 10 d̃2sσK(M2)5/2 + 2 √ 2 d̃3sσK(M2)3/2 )2 ε2 ) 212 Fast Collaborative Filtering for some constants c1 and c2...drawback of Method of Moments is that it will not work when there are only a few users available such that N < Θ( K2 ). However, modern recommendation systems...2 √ 2 d̃3sσK(M2)3/2 ) 2ε√ N ≤ c1 1 K √ πmax Since πmax ≤ 1, we need N ≥ Ω ( K2 ( 10 d̃2sσK(M2)5/2 + 2 √ 2 d̃3sσK(M2)3/2 )2 ε2 ) . This con- tributes

[Pediatric surgery 2.0].

PubMed

Mesa-Gutiérrez, J C; Bardají, C; Brun, N; Núñez, B; Sánchez, B; Sanvicente, B; Obiols, P; Rigol, S

2012-04-01

New tools from the web are a complete breakthrough in management of information. The aim of this paper is to present different resources in a friendly way, with apps and examples in the different phases of the knowledge management for the paediatric surgeon: search, filter, reception, classification, sharing, collaborative work and publication. We are assisting to a real revolution on how to manage knowledge and information. The main charateristics are: immediateness, social component, growing interaction, and easiness. Every physician has clinical questions and the Internet gives us more and more resources to make searchs easier. Along with them we need electronic resources to filter information of quality and to make easier transfer of knowledge to clinical practice. Cloud computing is on continuous development and makes possible sharing information with differents users and computers. The main feature of the apps from the Intenet is the social component, that makes possible interaction, sharing and collaborative work.

Preparation of new crosslinking agents and additives for use in polymer electrolyte membranes (PEMs) for fuel cell applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Yangliu

The most commonly used proton conductive membrane in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) and direct methanol fuel cells (DMFC) studies to date is DuPont's NafionRTM, which is a perfluorinated copolymer of tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) and perfluorovinyl ether with a pendant sulfonic acid group. A focus of this work is to find ways to improve the performance of NafionRTM membranes. Crosslinking the TFE chains of fluorinated ionomeric copolymers to improve their thermal and mechanical stability is a proven route to this goal. A straightforward synthetic route to perfluorinated divinyl ethers of the formula CF2=CFO(CF 2)3[OCF(CF3)CF2]mOCF=CF 2 (m = 0-1) has been demonstrated. The compounds CF2=CFO(CF 2)3OCF=CF2 and CF2=CFO(CF2) 3OCF(CF3)CF2OCF=CF2 were prepared and characterized by GC-MS, 13C and 19F NMR, and gas-IR spectroscopy. Synthetic routes to fluorosulfato-tetrafluoropropionyl fluoride [FSO3CF2CF2C(O)F] and difluoromalonyl difluoride [F(O)CCF2C(O)F] with improved yields were found. The second focus of the dissertation was the development of fluorous triarylphosphines for use as new doping materials for the modification of NafionRTM membranes and for use as ligands in catalysts for biphasic catalysis. The synthesis and characterization of a series of new polyhexafluoropropylene oxide derivatives for preparation of fluorous triarylphosphines and phosphonium salts was studied, such as F[CF(CF3)CF2O] 4CF(CF3)CH2CH2I, F[CF(CF3)CF 2O]4CF(CF3)CH=CH2, F[CF(CF3)CF 2O]4CF(CF3) CH2CH2C6H5, and F[CF(CF 3)CF2O]4CF(CF3)CH2CH 2C6H4Br. In a separate study, the photochlorination of 2,2,3,3-tetrafluoro-1-propanol (HCF2CF2CH2OH) and 2,2,3,3-tetrafluoropropyl 2,2,3,3-tetrafluoropropionate [HCF2CF2C(O)OCH2 CF2CF2H] with super diazo blue light (lambda max = 420 nm) were investigated. The photochemical products are different from those obtained under mercury light (lambda = 253.7nm). A new compound ClCF2CF2C(O)OC(H)ClCF2CF2Cl was prepared and characterized by GC-MS, elemental analysis, 1H, 13C and 19F NMR, and gas-IR spectroscopy.

Simulation of synaptic short-term plasticity using Ba(CF3SO3)2-doped polyethylene oxide electrolyte film.

PubMed

Chang, C T; Zeng, F; Li, X J; Dong, W S; Lu, S H; Gao, S; Pan, F

2016-01-07

The simulation of synaptic plasticity using new materials is critical in the study of brain-inspired computing. Devices composed of Ba(CF3SO3)2-doped polyethylene oxide (PEO) electrolyte film were fabricated and with pulse responses found to resemble the synaptic short-term plasticity (STP) of both short-term depression (STD) and short-term facilitation (STF) synapses. The values of the charge and discharge peaks of the pulse responses did not vary with input number when the pulse frequency was sufficiently low(~1 Hz). However, when the frequency was increased, the charge and discharge peaks decreased and increased, respectively, in gradual trends and approached stable values with respect to the input number. These stable values varied with the input frequency, which resulted in the depressed and potentiated weight modifications of the charge and discharge peaks, respectively. These electrical properties simulated the high and low band-pass filtering effects of STD and STF, respectively. The simulations were consistent with biological results and the corresponding biological parameters were successfully extracted. The study verified the feasibility of using organic electrolytes to mimic STP.

Energy performance indicators of wastewater treatment: a field study with 17 Portuguese plants.

PubMed

Silva, Catarina; Rosa, Maria João

2015-01-01

The energy costs usually represent the second largest part of the running costs of a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). It is therefore crucial to increase the energy efficiency of these infrastructures and to implement energy management systems, where quantitative performance metrics, such as performance indicators (PIs), play a key role. This paper presents energy PIs which cover the unit energy consumption, production, net use from external sources and costs, and the results used to validate them and derive their reference values. The results of a field study with 17 Portuguese WWTPs (5-year period) were consistent with the results obtained through an international literature survey on the two key parcels of the energy balance--consumption and production. The unit energy consumption showed an overall inverse relation with the volume treated, and the reference values reflect this relation for trickling filters and for activated sludge systems (conventional, with coagulation/filtration (C/F) and with nitrification and C/F). The reference values of electrical energy production were derived from the methane generation potential (converted to electrical energy) and literature data, whereas those of energy net use were obtained by the difference between the energy consumption and production.

Simulation of synaptic short-term plasticity using Ba(CF3SO3)2-doped polyethylene oxide electrolyte film

PubMed Central

Chang, C. T.; Zeng, F.; Li, X. J.; Dong, W. S.; Lu, S. H.; Gao, S.; Pan, F.

2016-01-01

The simulation of synaptic plasticity using new materials is critical in the study of brain-inspired computing. Devices composed of Ba(CF3SO3)2-doped polyethylene oxide (PEO) electrolyte film were fabricated and with pulse responses found to resemble the synaptic short-term plasticity (STP) of both short-term depression (STD) and short-term facilitation (STF) synapses. The values of the charge and discharge peaks of the pulse responses did not vary with input number when the pulse frequency was sufficiently low(~1 Hz). However, when the frequency was increased, the charge and discharge peaks decreased and increased, respectively, in gradual trends and approached stable values with respect to the input number. These stable values varied with the input frequency, which resulted in the depressed and potentiated weight modifications of the charge and discharge peaks, respectively. These electrical properties simulated the high and low band-pass filtering effects of STD and STF, respectively. The simulations were consistent with biological results and the corresponding biological parameters were successfully extracted. The study verified the feasibility of using organic electrolytes to mimic STP. PMID:26739613

Simulation of synaptic short-term plasticity using Ba(CF3SO3)2-doped polyethylene oxide electrolyte film

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chang, C. T.; Zeng, F.; Li, X. J.; Dong, W. S.; Lu, S. H.; Gao, S.; Pan, F.

2016-01-01

The simulation of synaptic plasticity using new materials is critical in the study of brain-inspired computing. Devices composed of Ba(CF3SO3)2-doped polyethylene oxide (PEO) electrolyte film were fabricated and with pulse responses found to resemble the synaptic short-term plasticity (STP) of both short-term depression (STD) and short-term facilitation (STF) synapses. The values of the charge and discharge peaks of the pulse responses did not vary with input number when the pulse frequency was sufficiently low(~1 Hz). However, when the frequency was increased, the charge and discharge peaks decreased and increased, respectively, in gradual trends and approached stable values with respect to the input number. These stable values varied with the input frequency, which resulted in the depressed and potentiated weight modifications of the charge and discharge peaks, respectively. These electrical properties simulated the high and low band-pass filtering effects of STD and STF, respectively. The simulations were consistent with biological results and the corresponding biological parameters were successfully extracted. The study verified the feasibility of using organic electrolytes to mimic STP.

Cross-Dependency Inference in Multi-Layered Networks: A Collaborative Filtering Perspective.

PubMed

Chen, Chen; Tong, Hanghang; Xie, Lei; Ying, Lei; He, Qing

2017-08-01

The increasingly connected world has catalyzed the fusion of networks from different domains, which facilitates the emergence of a new network model-multi-layered networks. Examples of such kind of network systems include critical infrastructure networks, biological systems, organization-level collaborations, cross-platform e-commerce, and so forth. One crucial structure that distances multi-layered network from other network models is its cross-layer dependency, which describes the associations between the nodes from different layers. Needless to say, the cross-layer dependency in the network plays an essential role in many data mining applications like system robustness analysis and complex network control. However, it remains a daunting task to know the exact dependency relationships due to noise, limited accessibility, and so forth. In this article, we tackle the cross-layer dependency inference problem by modeling it as a collective collaborative filtering problem. Based on this idea, we propose an effective algorithm Fascinate that can reveal unobserved dependencies with linear complexity. Moreover, we derive Fascinate-ZERO, an online variant of Fascinate that can respond to a newly added node timely by checking its neighborhood dependencies. We perform extensive evaluations on real datasets to substantiate the superiority of our proposed approaches.

Electrochemical testing of industrially produced PEO-based polymer electrolytes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Appetecchi, G. B.; Alessandrini, F.; Duan, R. G.; Arzu, A.; Passerini, S.

The present report describes the results of the electrochemical tests performed on polyethyleneoxide-based polymer electrolyte thin films industrially manufactured by blown-extrusion. The polymer electrolyte composition was PEO 20 LiCF 3SO 3: 16.7% γLiAlO 2. The polymer electrolyte film was tested to evaluate the ionic conductivity as well as the interfacial properties with lithium metal anodes. The work was developed within the advanced lithium polymer electrolyte (ALPE) project, an Italian project devoted to the realization of lithium polymer batteries for electric vehicle applications, in collaboration with Union Carbide.

A collaborative filtering approach for protein-protein docking scoring functions.

PubMed

Bourquard, Thomas; Bernauer, Julie; Azé, Jérôme; Poupon, Anne

2011-04-22

A protein-protein docking procedure traditionally consists in two successive tasks: a search algorithm generates a large number of candidate conformations mimicking the complex existing in vivo between two proteins, and a scoring function is used to rank them in order to extract a native-like one. We have already shown that using Voronoi constructions and a well chosen set of parameters, an accurate scoring function could be designed and optimized. However to be able to perform large-scale in silico exploration of the interactome, a near-native solution has to be found in the ten best-ranked solutions. This cannot yet be guaranteed by any of the existing scoring functions. In this work, we introduce a new procedure for conformation ranking. We previously developed a set of scoring functions where learning was performed using a genetic algorithm. These functions were used to assign a rank to each possible conformation. We now have a refined rank using different classifiers (decision trees, rules and support vector machines) in a collaborative filtering scheme. The scoring function newly obtained is evaluated using 10 fold cross-validation, and compared to the functions obtained using either genetic algorithms or collaborative filtering taken separately. This new approach was successfully applied to the CAPRI scoring ensembles. We show that for 10 targets out of 12, we are able to find a near-native conformation in the 10 best ranked solutions. Moreover, for 6 of them, the near-native conformation selected is of high accuracy. Finally, we show that this function dramatically enriches the 100 best-ranking conformations in near-native structures.

A Collaborative Filtering Approach for Protein-Protein Docking Scoring Functions

PubMed Central

Bourquard, Thomas; Bernauer, Julie; Azé, Jérôme; Poupon, Anne

2011-01-01

A protein-protein docking procedure traditionally consists in two successive tasks: a search algorithm generates a large number of candidate conformations mimicking the complex existing in vivo between two proteins, and a scoring function is used to rank them in order to extract a native-like one. We have already shown that using Voronoi constructions and a well chosen set of parameters, an accurate scoring function could be designed and optimized. However to be able to perform large-scale in silico exploration of the interactome, a near-native solution has to be found in the ten best-ranked solutions. This cannot yet be guaranteed by any of the existing scoring functions. In this work, we introduce a new procedure for conformation ranking. We previously developed a set of scoring functions where learning was performed using a genetic algorithm. These functions were used to assign a rank to each possible conformation. We now have a refined rank using different classifiers (decision trees, rules and support vector machines) in a collaborative filtering scheme. The scoring function newly obtained is evaluated using 10 fold cross-validation, and compared to the functions obtained using either genetic algorithms or collaborative filtering taken separately. This new approach was successfully applied to the CAPRI scoring ensembles. We show that for 10 targets out of 12, we are able to find a near-native conformation in the 10 best ranked solutions. Moreover, for 6 of them, the near-native conformation selected is of high accuracy. Finally, we show that this function dramatically enriches the 100 best-ranking conformations in near-native structures. PMID:21526112

Optical filters for UV to near IR space applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Begou, T.; Krol, H.; Hecquet, Christophe; Bondet, C.; Lumeau, J.; Grèzes-Besset, C.; Lequime, M.

2017-11-01

We present hereafter the results on the fabrication of complex optical filters within the Institut Fresnel in close collaboration with CILAS. Bandpass optical filters dedicated to astronomy and space applications, with central wavelengths ranging from ultraviolet to near infrared, were deposited on both sides of glass substrates with performances in very good congruence with theoretical designs. For these applications, the required functions are particularly complex as they must present a very narrow bandwidth as well as a high level of rejection over a broad spectral range. In addition to those severe optical performances, insensitivity to environmental conditions is necessary. For this purpose, robust solutions with particularly stable performances have to be proposed.

Collaboration spotting for dental science.

PubMed

Leonardi, E; Agocs, A; Fragkiskos, S; Kasfikis, N; Le Goff, J M; Cristalli, M P; Luzzi, V; Polimeni, A

2014-10-06

The goal of the Collaboration Spotting project is to create an automatic system to collect information about publications and patents related to a given technology, to identify the key players involved, and to highlight collaborations and related technologies. The collected information can be visualized in a web browser as interactive graphical maps showing in an intuitive way the players and their collaborations (Sociogram) and the relations among the technologies (Technogram). We propose to use the system to study technologies related to Dental Science. In order to create a Sociogram, we create a logical filter based on a set of keywords related to the technology under study. This filter is used to extract a list of publications from the Web of Science™ database. The list is validated by an expert in the technology and sent to CERN where it is inserted in the Collaboration Spotting database. Here, an automatic software system uses the data to generate the final maps. We studied a set of recent technologies related to bone regeneration procedures of oro--maxillo--facial critical size defects, namely the use of Porous HydroxyApatite (HA) as a bone substitute alone (bone graft) or as a tridimensional support (scaffold) for insemination and differentiation ex--vivo of Mesenchymal Stem Cells. We produced the Sociograms for these technologies and the resulting maps are now accessible on--line. The Collaboration Spotting system allows the automatic creation of interactive maps to show the current and historical state of research on a specific technology. These maps are an ideal tool both for researchers who want to assess the state--of--the--art in a given technology, and for research organizations who want to evaluate their contribution to the technological development in a given field. We demonstrated that the system can be used for Dental Science and produced the maps for an initial set of technologies in this field. We now plan to enlarge the set of mapped technologies in order to make the Collaboration Spotting system a useful reference tool for Dental Science research.

Collaboration Spotting for oral medicine.

PubMed

Leonardi, E; Agocs, A; Fragkiskos, S; Kasfikis, N; Le Goff, J M; Cristalli, M P; Luzzi, V; Polimeni, A

2014-09-01

The goal of the Collaboration Spotting project is to create an automatic system to collect information about publications and patents related to a given technology, to identify the key players involved, and to highlight collaborations and related technologies. The collected information can be visualized in a web browser as interactive graphical maps showing in an intuitive way the players and their collaborations (Sociogram) and the relations among the technologies (Technogram). We propose to use the system to study technologies related to oral medicine. In order to create a sociogram, we create a logical filter based on a set of keywords related to the technology under study. This filter is used to extract a list of publications from the Web of Science™ database. The list is validated by an expert in the technology and sent to CERN where it is inserted in the Collaboration Spotting database. Here, an automatic software system uses the data to generate the final maps. We studied a set of recent technologies related to bone regeneration procedures of oro-maxillo-facial critical size defects, namely the use of porous hydroxyapatite (HA) as a bone substitute alone (bone graft) or as a tridimensional support (scaffold) for insemination and differentiation ex vivo of mesenchymal stem cells. We produced the sociograms for these technologies and the resulting maps are now accessible on-line. The Collaboration Spotting system allows the automatic creation of interactive maps to show the current and historical state of research on a specific technology. These maps are an ideal tool both for researchers who want to assess the state-of-the-art in a given technology, and for research organizations who want to evaluate their contribution to the technological development in a given field. We demonstrated that the system can be used in oral medicine as is produced the maps for an initial set of technologies in this field. We now plan to enlarge the set of mapped technologies in order to make the Collaboration Spotting system a useful reference tool for oral medicine research.

Airborne In Situ and Ground-based Polarimetric Radar Measurements of Tropical Convection in Support of CRYSTAL-FACE

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Poellot, Michael R.; Kucera, Paul A.

2004-01-01

This report describes the work performed by the University of North Dakota (UND) under NASA Grant NAG5-11509, titled Airborne In Situ and Ground-based Polarimetric Radar Measurements of Tropical Convection in Support of CRYSTAL-FACE. This work focused on the collection of data by two key platforms: the UND Citation II research aircraft and the NASA NPOL radar system. The CRYSTAL-FACE (C-F) mission addresses several key issues from the NASA Earth System Enterprise, including the variability of water in the atmosphere, the forcing provided by tropical cirrus and the response of the Earth system to this forcing. In situ measurements and radar observations of tropical convection, cirrus clouds and their environment are core elements of C-F. One of the primary issues that C-F is addressing is the relationship of tropical cirrus anvils to precipitating deep convection. The in situ measurements from C-F are being used to validate remote sensing of Earth-Atmosphere properties, increase our knowledge of upper tropospheric water vapor and its distribution, and increase our knowledge of tropical cirrus cloud morphology and composition. Radar measurements, especially polarimetric diversity observations available fiom the NASA NPOL radar, are providing essential information about the initiation, modulation, and dissipation of convective cores and the generation of associated anvils in tropical convection. Specifically, NPOL radar measurements contain information about convective intensity and its vertical structure for comparison with thermodynamic and kinematic environmental measurements observed from soundings. Because of the polarimetric diversity of MOL, statistics on bulk microphysical properties can be retrieved and compared to the other characteristics of convection and associated cirrus anvils. In summary, the central objectives of this proposal were to deploy the UND Citation research aircraft as an in situ sensing platform for this mission and to provide collaborative analyses of the recorded data and to deploy the NPOL radar to observe the characteristics of cirrus and parent convection.

Measuring the Interestingness of News Articles

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

Pon, R K; Cardenas, A F; Buttler, D J

An explosive growth of online news has taken place. Users are inundated with thousands of news articles, only some of which are interesting. A system to filter out uninteresting articles would aid users that need to read and analyze many articles daily, such as financial analysts and government officials. The most obvious approach for reducing the amount of information overload is to learn keywords of interest for a user (Carreira et al., 2004). Although filtering articles based on keywords removes many irrelevant articles, there are still many uninteresting articles that are highly relevant to keyword searches. A relevant article maymore » not be interesting for various reasons, such as the article's age or if it discusses an event that the user has already read about in other articles. Although it has been shown that collaborative filtering can aid in personalized recommendation systems (Wang et al., 2006), a large number of users is needed. In a limited user environment, such as a small group of analysts monitoring news events, collaborative filtering would be ineffective. The definition of what makes an article interesting--or its 'interestingness'--varies from user to user and is continually evolving, calling for adaptable user personalization. Furthermore, due to the nature of news, most articles are uninteresting since many are similar or report events outside the scope of an individual's concerns. There has been much work in news recommendation systems, but none have yet addressed the question of what makes an article interesting.« less

Toward visual user interfaces supporting collaborative multimedia content management

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Husein, Fathi; Leissler, Martin; Hemmje, Matthias

2000-12-01

Supporting collaborative multimedia content management activities, as e.g., image and video acquisition, exploration, and access dialogues between naive users and multi media information systems is a non-trivial task. Although a wide variety of experimental and prototypical multimedia storage technologies as well as corresponding indexing and retrieval engines are available, most of them lack appropriate support for collaborative end-user oriented user interface front ends. The development of advanced user adaptable interfaces is necessary for building collaborative multimedia information- space presentations based upon advanced tools for information browsing, searching, filtering, and brokering to be applied on potentially very large and highly dynamic multimedia collections with a large number of users and user groups. Therefore, the development of advanced and at the same time adaptable and collaborative computer graphical information presentation schemes that allow to easily apply adequate visual metaphors for defined target user stereotypes has to become a key focus within ongoing research activities trying to support collaborative information work with multimedia collections.

Performance Evaluation of Axial Flow AG-1 FC and Prototype FM (High Strength) HEPA Filters - 13123

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

Giffin, Paxton K.; Parsons, Michael S.; Wilson, John A.

High efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters are routinely used in DOE nuclear containment activities. The Nuclear Air Cleaning Handbook (NACH) stipulates that air cleaning devices and equipment used in DOE nuclear applications must meet the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Code on Nuclear Air and Gas Treatment (AG-1) standard. This testing activity evaluates two different axial flow HEPA filters, those from AG-1 Sections FC and FM. Section FM is under development and has not yet been added to AG-1 due to a lack of qualification data available for these filters. Section FC filters are axial flow units that utilizemore » a fibrous glass filtering medium. The section FM filters utilize a similar fibrous glass medium, but also have scrim backing. The scrim-backed filters have demonstrated the ability to endure pressure impulses capable of completely destroying FC filters. The testing activities presented herein will examine the total lifetime loading for both FC and FM filters under ambient conditions and at elevated conditions of temperature and relative humidity. Results will include loading curves, penetration curves, and testing condition parameters. These testing activities have been developed through collaborations with representatives from the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), DOE Office of Environmental Management (DOE-EM), New Mexico State University, and Mississippi State University. (authors)« less

A CANDLE for a deeper in vivo insight

PubMed Central

Coupé, Pierrick; Munz, Martin; Manjón, Jose V; Ruthazer, Edward S; Louis Collins, D.

2012-01-01

A new Collaborative Approach for eNhanced Denoising under Low-light Excitation (CANDLE) is introduced for the processing of 3D laser scanning multiphoton microscopy images. CANDLE is designed to be robust for low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) conditions typically encountered when imaging deep in scattering biological specimens. Based on an optimized non-local means filter involving the comparison of filtered patches, CANDLE locally adapts the amount of smoothing in order to deal with the noise inhomogeneity inherent to laser scanning fluorescence microscopy images. An extensive validation on synthetic data, images acquired on microspheres and in vivo images is presented. These experiments show that the CANDLE filter obtained competitive results compared to a state-of-the-art method and a locally adaptive optimized nonlocal means filter, especially under low SNR conditions (PSNR<8dB). Finally, the deeper imaging capabilities enabled by the proposed filter are demonstrated on deep tissue in vivo images of neurons and fine axonal processes in the Xenopus tadpole brain. PMID:22341767

Theoretical insight into OH- and Cl-initiated oxidation of CF3OCH(CF3)2 and CF3OCF2CF2H & fate of CF3OC(X•)(CF3)2 and CF3OCF2CF2X• radicals (X=O, O2)

PubMed Central

Bai, Feng-Yang; Ma, Yuan; Lv, Shuang; Pan, Xiu-Mei; Jia, Xiu-Juan

2017-01-01

In this study, the mechanistic and kinetic analysis for reactions of CF3OCH(CF3)2 and CF3OCF2CF2H with OH radicals and Cl atoms have been performed at the CCSD(T)//B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) level. Kinetic isotope effects for reactions CF3OCH(CF3)2/CF3OCD(CF3)2 and CF3OCF2CF2H/CF3OCF2CF2D with OH and Cl were estimated so as to provide the theoretical estimation for future laboratory investigation. All rate constants, computed by canonical variational transition state theory (CVT) with the small-curvature tunneling correction (SCT), are in reasonable agreement with the limited experimental data. Standard enthalpies of formation for the species were also calculated. Atmospheric lifetime and global warming potentials (GWPs) of the reaction species were estimated, the large lifetimes and GWPs show that the environmental impact of them cannot be ignored. The organic nitrates can be produced by the further oxidation of CF3OC(•)(CF3)2 and CF3OCF2CF2• in the presence of O2 and NO. The subsequent decomposition pathways of CF3OC(O•)(CF3)2 and CF3OCF2CF2O• radicals were studied in detail. The derived Arrhenius expressions for the rate coefficients over 230–350 K are: k T(1) = 5.00 × 10−24T3.57 exp(−849.73/T), k T(2) = 1.79 × 10−24T4.84 exp(−4262.65/T), kT(3) = 1.94 × 10−24 T4.18 exp(−884.26/T), and k T(4) = 9.44 × 10−28T5.25 exp(−913.45/T) cm3 molecule−1 s−1. PMID:28067283

Theoretical insight into OH- and Cl-initiated oxidation of CF3OCH(CF3)2 and CF3OCF2CF2H & fate of CF3OC(X•)(CF3)2 and CF3OCF2CF2X• radicals (X=O, O2)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bai, Feng-Yang; Ma, Yuan; Lv, Shuang; Pan, Xiu-Mei; Jia, Xiu-Juan

2017-01-01

In this study, the mechanistic and kinetic analysis for reactions of CF3OCH(CF3)2 and CF3OCF2CF2H with OH radicals and Cl atoms have been performed at the CCSD(T)//B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) level. Kinetic isotope effects for reactions CF3OCH(CF3)2/CF3OCD(CF3)2 and CF3OCF2CF2H/CF3OCF2CF2D with OH and Cl were estimated so as to provide the theoretical estimation for future laboratory investigation. All rate constants, computed by canonical variational transition state theory (CVT) with the small-curvature tunneling correction (SCT), are in reasonable agreement with the limited experimental data. Standard enthalpies of formation for the species were also calculated. Atmospheric lifetime and global warming potentials (GWPs) of the reaction species were estimated, the large lifetimes and GWPs show that the environmental impact of them cannot be ignored. The organic nitrates can be produced by the further oxidation of CF3OC(•)(CF3)2 and CF3OCF2CF2• in the presence of O2 and NO. The subsequent decomposition pathways of CF3OC(O•)(CF3)2 and CF3OCF2CF2O• radicals were studied in detail. The derived Arrhenius expressions for the rate coefficients over 230-350 K are: k T(1) = 5.00 × 10-24T3.57 exp(-849.73/T), k T(2) = 1.79 × 10-24T4.84 exp(-4262.65/T), kT(3) = 1.94 × 10-24 T4.18 exp(-884.26/T), and k T(4) = 9.44 × 10-28T5.25 exp(-913.45/T) cm3 molecule-1 s-1.

Atmospheric Chemistry of (CF3)2CHOCH3, (CF3)2CHOCHO, and CF3C(O)OCH3.

PubMed

Østerstrøm, Freja From; Wallington, Timothy J; Sulbaek Andersen, Mads P; Nielsen, Ole John

2015-10-22

Smog chambers with in situ FTIR detection were used to measure rate coefficients in 700 Torr of air and 296 ± 2 K of: k(Cl+(CF3)2CHOCH3) = (5.41 ± 1.63) × 10(-12), k(Cl+(CF3)2CHOCHO) = (9.44 ± 1.81) × 10(-15), k(Cl+CF3C(O)OCH3) = (6.28 ± 0.98) × 10(-14), k(OH+(CF3)2CHOCH3) = (1.86 ± 0.41) × 10(-13), and k(OH+(CF3)2CHOCHO) = (2.08 ± 0.63) × 10(-14) cm(3) molecule(-1) s(-1). The Cl atom initiated oxidation of (CF3)2CHOCH3 gives (CF3)2CHOCHO in a yield indistinguishable from 100%. The OH radical initiated oxidation of (CF3)2CHOCH3 gives the following products (molar yields): (CF3)2CHOCHO (76 ± 8)%, CF3C(O)OCH3 (16 ± 2)%, CF3C(O)CF3 (4 ± 1)%, and C(O)F2 (45 ± 5)%. The primary oxidation product (CF3)2CHOCHO reacts with Cl atoms to give secondary products (molar yields): CF3C(O)CF3 (67 ± 7)%, CF3C(O)OCHO (28 ± 3)%, and C(O)F2 (118 ± 12)%. CF3C(O)OCH3 reacts with Cl atoms to give: CF3C(O)OCHO (80 ± 8)% and C(O)F2 (6 ± 1)%. Atmospheric lifetimes of (CF3)2CHOCH3, (CF3)2CHOCHO, and CF3C(O)OCH3 were estimated to be 62 days, 1.5 years, and 220 days, respectively. The 100-year global warming potentials (GWPs) for (CF3)2CHOCH3, (CF3)2CHOCHO, and CF3C(O)OCH3 are estimated to be 6, 121, and 46, respectively. A comprehensive description of the atmospheric fate of (CF3)2CHOCH3 is presented.

Long-Term Dynamics of Small Bodies in the Solar System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Saunders, Steve (Technical Monitor); Holman, Matthew J.

2005-01-01

As part of the NASA Planetary Geology and Geophysics program Prof. Norm Murray (CITA) and I have been conducting investigations of the long-term dynamics of small bodies in the outer solar system. This grant, and its predecessor NAG5-7761, supported travel for collaboration by the Investigators and also supports Murray during an annual one month visit to the CfA for further collaboration. In the course of this grant we made a number of advances in solar system dynamics. For example, we developed an analytic model for the origin and consequence of chaos associated with three-body resonances in the asteroid belt. This has been shown to be important for the delivery of near Earth objects. We later extended this model to three-body resonances among planets. We were able to show that the numerically identified chaos among the outer planets results from a three-body resonance involving Jupiter, Saturn, and Uranus. The resulting paper was awarded the 1999 Newcomb Cleveland award from the AAAS. This award singles out one paper published in Science each year for distinction. This grant has also supported, in part, my participate in other solar system dynamics projects. The results from those collaborations are also listed.

VizieR Online Data Catalog: RVs and R-band obs. of the EB* V541 Cyg (Torres+, 2017)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Torres, G.; McGruder, C. D.; Siverd, R. J.; Rodriguez, J. E.; Pepper, J.; Stevens, D. J.; Stassun, K. G.; Lund, M. B.; James, D.

2017-10-01

V541 Cyg was observed spectroscopically at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA) with the Digital Speedometer (DS) on the 1.5m Tillinghast reflector at the Fred L. Whipple Observatory on Mount Hopkins (AZ). We gathered 72 exposures between 2000 July and 2004 October (R~35000). Observations of V541 Cyg were obtained between 2007 May and 2014 November in the course of the Kilodegree Extremely Little Telescope transiting planet program (KELT). The passband of these observations resembles that of a very broad R-band filter. The magnitudes given in tables 2 and 3 are instrumental (not referring to a standard photometric system). (3 data files).

Acute Effects of Exercise Mode on Arterial Stiffness and Wave Reflection in Healthy Young Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

PubMed Central

Pierce, Doris R.; Doma, Kenji; Leicht, Anthony S.

2018-01-01

Background: This systematic review and meta-analysis quantified the effect of acute exercise mode on arterial stiffness and wave reflection measures including carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cf-PWV), augmentation index (AIx), and heart rate corrected AIx (AIx75). Methods: Using standardized terms, database searches from inception until 2017 identified 45 studies. Eligible studies included acute aerobic and/or resistance exercise in healthy adults, pre- and post-intervention measurements or change values, and described their study design. Data from included studies were analyzed and reported in accordance with the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions and PRISMA guidelines. Meta-analytical data were reported via forest plots using absolute differences with 95% confidence intervals with the random effects model accounting for between-study heterogeneity. Reporting bias was assessed via funnel plots and, individual studies were evaluated for bias using the Cochrane Collaboration's tool for assessing risk of bias. A modified PEDro Scale was applied to appraise methodological concerns inherent to included studies. Results: Acute aerobic exercise failed to change cf-PWV (mean difference: 0.00 ms−1 [95% confidence interval: −0.11, 0.11], p = 0.96), significantly reduced AIx (−4.54% [−7.05, −2.04], p = 0.0004) and significantly increased AIx75 (3.58% [0.56, 6.61], p = 0.02). Contrastingly, acute resistance exercise significantly increased cf-PWV (0.42 ms−1 [0.17, 0.66], p = 0.0008), did not change AIx (1.63% [−3.83, 7.09], p = 0.56), and significantly increased AIx75 (15.02% [8.71, 21.33], p < 0.00001). Significant heterogeneity was evident within all comparisons except cf-PWV following resistance exercise, and several methodological concerns including low applicability of exercise protocols and lack of control intervention were identified. Conclusions: Distinct arterial stiffness and wave reflection responses were identified following acute exercise with overall increases in both cf-PWV and AIx75 following resistance exercise potentially arising fromcardiovascular and non-cardiovascular factors that likely differ from those following aerobic exercise. Future studies should address identified methodological limitations to enhance interpretation and applicability of arterial stiffness and wave reflection indices to exercise and health. PMID:29487535

Leakage Risk Assessment for a Potential CO2 Storage Project in Saskatchewan, Canada

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

Houseworth, J.E.; Oldenburg, C.M.; Mazzoldi, A.

2011-05-01

A CO{sub 2} sequestration project is being considered to (1) capture CO{sub 2} emissions from the Consumers Cooperative Refineries Limited at Regina, Saskatchewan and (2) geologically sequester the captured CO{sub 2} locally in a deep saline aquifer. This project is a collaboration of several industrial and governmental organizations, including the Petroleum Technology Research Centre (PTRC), Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC), SaskEnvironment Go Green Fund, SaskPower, CCRL, Schlumberger Carbon Services, and Enbridge. The project objective is to sequester 600 tonnes CO{sub 2}/day. Injection is planned to start in 2012 or 2013 for a period of 25 years for a total storagemore » of approximately 5.5 million tonnes CO{sub 2}. This report presents an assessment of the leakage risk of the proposed project using a methodology known as the Certification Framework (CF). The CF is used for evaluating CO{sub 2} leakage risk associated with geologic carbon sequestration (GCS), as well as brine leakage risk owing to displacement and pressurization of brine by the injected CO{sub 2}. We follow the CF methodology by defining the entities (so-called Compartments) that could be impacted by CO{sub 2} leakage, the CO{sub 2} storage region, the potential for leakage along well and fault pathways, and the consequences of such leakage. An understanding of the likelihood and consequences of leakage forms the basis for understanding CO{sub 2} leakage risk, and forms the basis for recommendations of additional data collection and analysis to increase confidence in the risk assessment.« less

Sialic acid-to-urea ratio as a measure of airway surface hydration

PubMed Central

Hill, David B.; Button, Brian; Shi, Shuai; Jania, Corey; Duncan, Elizabeth A.; Doerschuk, Claire M.; Chen, Gang; Ranganathan, Sarath; Stick, Stephen M.; Boucher, Richard C.

2017-01-01

Although airway mucus dehydration is key to pathophysiology of cystic fibrosis (CF) and other airways diseases, measuring mucus hydration is challenging. We explored a robust method to estimate mucus hydration using sialic acid as a marker for mucin content. Terminal sialic acid residues from mucins were cleaved by acid hydrolysis from airway samples, and concentrations of sialic acid, urea, and other biomarkers were analyzed by mass spectrometry. In mucins purified from human airway epithelial (HAE), sialic acid concentrations after acid hydrolysis correlated with mucin concentrations (r2 = 0.92). Sialic acid-to-urea ratios measured from filters applied to the apical surface of cultured HAE correlated to percent solids and were elevated in samples from CF HAEs relative to controls (2.2 ± 1.1 vs. 0.93 ± 1.8, P < 0.01). Sialic acid-to-urea ratios were elevated in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) from β-epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) transgenic mice, known to have reduced mucus hydration, and mice sensitized to house dust mite allergen. In a translational application, elevated sialic acid-to-urea ratios were measured in BALF from young children with CF who had airway infection relative to those who did not (5.5 ± 3.7 vs. 1.9 ± 1.4, P < 0.02) and could be assessed simultaneously with established biomarkers of inflammation. The sialic acid-to-urea ratio performed similarly to percent solids, the gold standard measure of mucus hydration. The method proved robust and has potential to serve as flexible techniques to assess mucin hydration, particularly in samples like BALF in which established methods such as percent solids cannot be utilized. PMID:28062483

Dual linear structured support vector machine tracking method via scale correlation filter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Weisheng; Chen, Yanquan; Xiao, Bin; Feng, Chen

2018-01-01

Adaptive tracking-by-detection methods based on structured support vector machine (SVM) performed well on recent visual tracking benchmarks. However, these methods did not adopt an effective strategy of object scale estimation, which limits the overall tracking performance. We present a tracking method based on a dual linear structured support vector machine (DLSSVM) with a discriminative scale correlation filter. The collaborative tracker comprised of a DLSSVM model and a scale correlation filter obtains good results in tracking target position and scale estimation. The fast Fourier transform is applied for detection. Extensive experiments show that our tracking approach outperforms many popular top-ranking trackers. On a benchmark including 100 challenging video sequences, the average precision of the proposed method is 82.8%.

Multi-Dimensional High Order Essentially Non-Oscillatory Finite Difference Methods in Generalized Coordinates

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shu, Chi-Wang

1998-01-01

This project is about the development of high order, non-oscillatory type schemes for computational fluid dynamics. Algorithm analysis, implementation, and applications are performed. Collaborations with NASA scientists have been carried out to ensure that the research is relevant to NASA objectives. The combination of ENO finite difference method with spectral method in two space dimension is considered, jointly with Cai [3]. The resulting scheme behaves nicely for the two dimensional test problems with or without shocks. Jointly with Cai and Gottlieb, we have also considered one-sided filters for spectral approximations to discontinuous functions [2]. We proved theoretically the existence of filters to recover spectral accuracy up to the discontinuity. We also constructed such filters for practical calculations.

A Multi-Agent System for Intelligent Online Education.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

O'Riordan, Colm; Griffith, Josephine

1999-01-01

Describes the system architecture of an intelligent Web-based education system that includes user modeling agents, information filtering agents for automatic information gathering, and the multi-agent interaction. Discusses information management; user interaction; support for collaborative peer-peer learning; implementation; testing; and future…

Imagining the Digital Library in a Commercialized Internet.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Heckart, Ronald J.

1999-01-01

Discusses digital library planning in light of Internet commerce and technological innovation in marketing and customer relations that are transforming user expectations about Web sites that offer products and services. Topics include user self-sufficiency; personalized service; artificial intelligence; collaborative filtering; and electronic…

Comparing Information Access Approaches.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chalmers, Matthew

1999-01-01

Presents a broad view of information access, drawing from philosophy and semiology in constructing a framework for comparative discussion that is used to examine the information representations that underlie four approaches to information access--information retrieval, workflow, collaborative filtering, and the path model. Contains 32 references.…

75 FR 22693 - Airworthiness Directives; General Electric Company (GE) CF34-1A, CF34-3A, and CF34-3B Series...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-04-30

..., Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New England... Directives; General Electric Company (GE) CF34-1A, CF34-3A, and CF34-3B Series Turbofan Engines; Correction... to GE CF34-1A, CF34-3A, and CF34-3B series turbofan engines. The docket number is incorrect in all...

A Personalized QoS Prediction Approach for CPS Service Recommendation Based on Reputation and Location-Aware Collaborative Filtering.

PubMed

Kuang, Li; Yu, Long; Huang, Lan; Wang, Yin; Ma, Pengju; Li, Chuanbin; Zhu, Yujia

2018-05-14

With the rapid development of cyber-physical systems (CPS), building cyber-physical systems with high quality of service (QoS) has become an urgent requirement in both academia and industry. During the procedure of building Cyber-physical systems, it has been found that a large number of functionally equivalent services exist, so it becomes an urgent task to recommend suitable services from the large number of services available in CPS. However, since it is time-consuming, and even impractical, for a single user to invoke all of the services in CPS to experience their QoS, a robust QoS prediction method is needed to predict unknown QoS values. A commonly used method in QoS prediction is collaborative filtering, however, it is hard to deal with the data sparsity and cold start problem, and meanwhile most of the existing methods ignore the data credibility issue. Thence, in order to solve both of these challenging problems, in this paper, we design a framework of QoS prediction for CPS services, and propose a personalized QoS prediction approach based on reputation and location-aware collaborative filtering. Our approach first calculates the reputation of users by using the Dirichlet probability distribution, so as to identify untrusted users and process their unreliable data, and then it digs out the geographic neighborhood in three levels to improve the similarity calculation of users and services. Finally, the data from geographical neighbors of users and services are fused to predict the unknown QoS values. The experiments using real datasets show that our proposed approach outperforms other existing methods in terms of accuracy, efficiency, and robustness.

A Personalized QoS Prediction Approach for CPS Service Recommendation Based on Reputation and Location-Aware Collaborative Filtering

PubMed Central

Huang, Lan; Wang, Yin; Ma, Pengju; Li, Chuanbin; Zhu, Yujia

2018-01-01

With the rapid development of cyber-physical systems (CPS), building cyber-physical systems with high quality of service (QoS) has become an urgent requirement in both academia and industry. During the procedure of building Cyber-physical systems, it has been found that a large number of functionally equivalent services exist, so it becomes an urgent task to recommend suitable services from the large number of services available in CPS. However, since it is time-consuming, and even impractical, for a single user to invoke all of the services in CPS to experience their QoS, a robust QoS prediction method is needed to predict unknown QoS values. A commonly used method in QoS prediction is collaborative filtering, however, it is hard to deal with the data sparsity and cold start problem, and meanwhile most of the existing methods ignore the data credibility issue. Thence, in order to solve both of these challenging problems, in this paper, we design a framework of QoS prediction for CPS services, and propose a personalized QoS prediction approach based on reputation and location-aware collaborative filtering. Our approach first calculates the reputation of users by using the Dirichlet probability distribution, so as to identify untrusted users and process their unreliable data, and then it digs out the geographic neighborhood in three levels to improve the similarity calculation of users and services. Finally, the data from geographical neighbors of users and services are fused to predict the unknown QoS values. The experiments using real datasets show that our proposed approach outperforms other existing methods in terms of accuracy, efficiency, and robustness. PMID:29757995

[Risk Assessment of Trihalomethane Production Using the Beijiang River and the Pearl River, Guangzhou as Drinking Water Sources].

PubMed

Zhong, Hui-zhou; Wei, Chao-hai

2015-04-01

In order to investigate the risk of trihalomethane formation potential (THMFP) in finished waters as drinking water sources, 70 samples, 114 samples, and 70 samples were collected in November 2013, April 2014 and July 2014, respectively from different locations in the Beijiang River and the Pearl River. After filtration by 0.45 μm filter membrane, a total of 254 samples were chlorinated using Uniform Formation Condition (UFC) method for determining their THM Formation Potential (THMFP). The cancer risk and non-cancer risk of THMs were estimated using USEPA risk assessment model while dominant factors for total risk potential were estimated using sensitivity analysis. Among four THM species, chloroform( CF) was the highest ranging from 101.92-2 590.85 μg x L(-1), followed by bromodichloromethane (BDCM), dibromochloromethane (DBCM) and bromoform (BF). Chloroform, the major THMs speciation, accounted for 96.17% of total THMs. Non-cancer and cancer risk from ingesting THMs was estimated. The result indicated that non-cancer risk of THMs level ranged from 2.03 x 10(-7) to 1.00 x 10(-5) and was not more than 1.0 x 10(-5), the minimum or negligible non-cancer risk level defined by the USEPA. The average cancer risk of THMs was 2.91 x 10(-4) for male and 3.30 x 10(-4) for female in the two rivers, respectively, exceeding the minimum or negligible risk level defined by the USEPA (1. 0 x 10 ~6). The difference of cancer risk between the two rivers was that BDCM ranging from 2.50 x 10(-5) to 6.37 x 10(-4) was approximately twice that of CF in Beijing River. BDCM played an important role in the total risk in the Beijiang River while CF played an important role in the total risk in the Pearl River, Guangzhou. Sensitivity analysis showed that CF played an important role in the estimation of total risk potential, and that the direct utilization of water sources from Beijiang River and the Pearl River Guangzhou is dangerous, thus pretreatment is necessary before chlorination.

Biofilm Filtrates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Strains Isolated from Cystic Fibrosis Patients Inhibit Preformed Aspergillus fumigatus Biofilms via Apoptosis

PubMed Central

Shirazi, Fazal; Ferreira, Jose A. G.; Stevens, David A.; Clemons, Karl V.; Kontoyiannis, Dimitrios P.

2016-01-01

Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Pa) and Aspergillus fumigatus (Af) colonize cystic fibrosis (CF) patient airways. Pa culture filtrates inhibit Af biofilms, and Pa non-CF, mucoid (Muc-CF) and nonmucoid CF (NMuc-CF) isolates form an ascending inhibitory hierarchy. We hypothesized this activity is mediated through apoptosis induction. One Af and three Pa (non-CF, Muc-CF, NMuc-CF) reference isolates were studied. Af biofilm was formed in 96 well plates for 16 h ± Pa biofilm filtrates. After 24 h, apoptosis was characterized by viability dye DiBAc, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, mitochondrial membrane depolarization, DNA fragmentation and metacaspase activity. Muc-CF and NMuc-CF filtrates inhibited and damaged Af biofilm (p<0.0001). Intracellular ROS levels were elevated (p<0.001) in NMuc-CF-treated Af biofilms (3.7- fold) compared to treatment with filtrates from Muc-CF- (2.5- fold) or non-CF Pa (1.7- fold). Depolarization of mitochondrial potential was greater upon exposure to NMuc-CF (2.4-fold) compared to Muc-CF (1.8-fold) or non-CF (1.25-fold) (p<0.0001) filtrates. Exposure to filtrates resulted in more DNA fragmentation in Af biofilm, compared to control, mediated by metacaspase activation. In conclusion, filtrates from CF-Pa isolates were more inhibitory against Af biofilms than from non-CF. The apoptotic effect involves mitochondrial membrane damage associated with metacaspase activation. PMID:26930399

Biofilm Filtrates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Strains Isolated from Cystic Fibrosis Patients Inhibit Preformed Aspergillus fumigatus Biofilms via Apoptosis.

PubMed

Shirazi, Fazal; Ferreira, Jose A G; Stevens, David A; Clemons, Karl V; Kontoyiannis, Dimitrios P

2016-01-01

Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Pa) and Aspergillus fumigatus (Af) colonize cystic fibrosis (CF) patient airways. Pa culture filtrates inhibit Af biofilms, and Pa non-CF, mucoid (Muc-CF) and nonmucoid CF (NMuc-CF) isolates form an ascending inhibitory hierarchy. We hypothesized this activity is mediated through apoptosis induction. One Af and three Pa (non-CF, Muc-CF, NMuc-CF) reference isolates were studied. Af biofilm was formed in 96 well plates for 16 h ± Pa biofilm filtrates. After 24 h, apoptosis was characterized by viability dye DiBAc, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, mitochondrial membrane depolarization, DNA fragmentation and metacaspase activity. Muc-CF and NMuc-CF filtrates inhibited and damaged Af biofilm (p<0.0001). Intracellular ROS levels were elevated (p<0.001) in NMuc-CF-treated Af biofilms (3.7- fold) compared to treatment with filtrates from Muc-CF- (2.5- fold) or non-CF Pa (1.7- fold). Depolarization of mitochondrial potential was greater upon exposure to NMuc-CF (2.4-fold) compared to Muc-CF (1.8-fold) or non-CF (1.25-fold) (p<0.0001) filtrates. Exposure to filtrates resulted in more DNA fragmentation in Af biofilm, compared to control, mediated by metacaspase activation. In conclusion, filtrates from CF-Pa isolates were more inhibitory against Af biofilms than from non-CF. The apoptotic effect involves mitochondrial membrane damage associated with metacaspase activation.

Beyond Information Retrieval: Ways To Provide Content in Context.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wiley, Deborah Lynne

1998-01-01

Provides an overview of information retrieval from mainframe systems to Web search engines; discusses collaborative filtering, data extraction, data visualization, agent technology, pattern recognition, classification and clustering, and virtual communities. Argues that rather than huge data-storage centers and proprietary software, we need…

Collaboration tools and techniques for large model datasets

USGS Publications Warehouse

Signell, R.P.; Carniel, S.; Chiggiato, J.; Janekovic, I.; Pullen, J.; Sherwood, C.R.

2008-01-01

In MREA and many other marine applications, it is common to have multiple models running with different grids, run by different institutions. Techniques and tools are described for low-bandwidth delivery of data from large multidimensional datasets, such as those from meteorological and oceanographic models, directly into generic analysis and visualization tools. Output is stored using the NetCDF CF Metadata Conventions, and then delivered to collaborators over the web via OPeNDAP. OPeNDAP datasets served by different institutions are then organized via THREDDS catalogs. Tools and procedures are then used which enable scientists to explore data on the original model grids using tools they are familiar with. It is also low-bandwidth, enabling users to extract just the data they require, an important feature for access from ship or remote areas. The entire implementation is simple enough to be handled by modelers working with their webmasters - no advanced programming support is necessary. ?? 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A Dynamic Recommender System for Improved Web Usage Mining and CRM Using Swarm Intelligence.

PubMed

Alphy, Anna; Prabakaran, S

2015-01-01

In modern days, to enrich e-business, the websites are personalized for each user by understanding their interests and behavior. The main challenges of online usage data are information overload and their dynamic nature. In this paper, to address these issues, a WebBluegillRecom-annealing dynamic recommender system that uses web usage mining techniques in tandem with software agents developed for providing dynamic recommendations to users that can be used for customizing a website is proposed. The proposed WebBluegillRecom-annealing dynamic recommender uses swarm intelligence from the foraging behavior of a bluegill fish. It overcomes the information overload by handling dynamic behaviors of users. Our dynamic recommender system was compared against traditional collaborative filtering systems. The results show that the proposed system has higher precision, coverage, F1 measure, and scalability than the traditional collaborative filtering systems. Moreover, the recommendations given by our system overcome the overspecialization problem by including variety in recommendations.

Can Dissimilar Users Contribute to Accuracy and Diversity of Personalized Recommendation?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zeng, Wei; Shang, Ming-Sheng; Zhang, Qian-Ming; Lü, Linyuan; Zhou, Tao

Recommender systems are becoming a popular and important set of personalization techniques that assist individual users with navigating through the rapidly growing amount of information. A good recommender system should be able to not only find out the objects preferred by users, but also help users in discovering their personalized tastes. The former corresponds to high accuracy of the recommendation, while the latter to high diversity. A big challenge is to design an algorithm that provides both highly accurate and diverse recommendation. Traditional recommendation algorithms only take into account the contributions of similar users, thus, they tend to recommend popular items for users ignoring the diversity of recommendations. In this paper, we propose a recommendation algorithm by considering both the effects of similar and dissimilar users under the framework of collaborative filtering. Extensive analyses on three datasets, namely MovieLens, Netflix and Amazon, show that our method performs much better than the standard collaborative filtering algorithm for both accuracy and diversity.

Effects of high-order correlations on personalized recommendations for bipartite networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Jian-Guo; Zhou, Tao; Che, Hong-An; Wang, Bing-Hong; Zhang, Yi-Cheng

2010-02-01

In this paper, we introduce a modified collaborative filtering (MCF) algorithm, which has remarkably higher accuracy than the standard collaborative filtering. In the MCF, instead of the cosine similarity index, the user-user correlations are obtained by a diffusion process. Furthermore, by considering the second-order correlations, we design an effective algorithm that depresses the influence of mainstream preferences. Simulation results show that the algorithmic accuracy, measured by the average ranking score, is further improved by 20.45% and 33.25% in the optimal cases of MovieLens and Netflix data. More importantly, the optimal value λ depends approximately monotonously on the sparsity of the training set. Given a real system, we could estimate the optimal parameter according to the data sparsity, which makes this algorithm easy to be applied. In addition, two significant criteria of algorithmic performance, diversity and popularity, are also taken into account. Numerical results show that as the sparsity increases, the algorithm considering the second-order correlation can outperform the MCF simultaneously in all three criteria.

Towards collaborative filtering recommender systems for tailored health communications.

PubMed

Marlin, Benjamin M; Adams, Roy J; Sadasivam, Rajani; Houston, Thomas K

2013-01-01

The goal of computer tailored health communications (CTHC) is to promote healthy behaviors by sending messages tailored to individual patients. Current CTHC systems collect baseline patient "profiles" and then use expert-written, rule-based systems to target messages to subsets of patients. Our main interest in this work is the study of collaborative filtering-based CTHC systems that can learn to tailor future message selections to individual patients based explicit feedback about past message selections. This paper reports the results of a study designed to collect explicit feedback (ratings) regarding four aspects of messages from 100 subjects in the smoking cessation support domain. Our results show that most users have positive opinions of most messages and that the ratings for all four aspects of the messages are highly correlated with each other. Finally, we conduct a range of rating prediction experiments comparing several different model variations. Our results show that predicting future ratings based on each user's past ratings contributes the most to predictive accuracy.

Towards Collaborative Filtering Recommender Systems for Tailored Health Communications

PubMed Central

Marlin, Benjamin M.; Adams, Roy J.; Sadasivam, Rajani; Houston, Thomas K.

2013-01-01

The goal of computer tailored health communications (CTHC) is to promote healthy behaviors by sending messages tailored to individual patients. Current CTHC systems collect baseline patient “profiles” and then use expert-written, rule-based systems to target messages to subsets of patients. Our main interest in this work is the study of collaborative filtering-based CTHC systems that can learn to tailor future message selections to individual patients based explicit feedback about past message selections. This paper reports the results of a study designed to collect explicit feedback (ratings) regarding four aspects of messages from 100 subjects in the smoking cessation support domain. Our results show that most users have positive opinions of most messages and that the ratings for all four aspects of the messages are highly correlated with each other. Finally, we conduct a range of rating prediction experiments comparing several different model variations. Our results show that predicting future ratings based on each user’s past ratings contributes the most to predictive accuracy. PMID:24551430

Probability-based collaborative filtering model for predicting gene-disease associations.

PubMed

Zeng, Xiangxiang; Ding, Ningxiang; Rodríguez-Patón, Alfonso; Zou, Quan

2017-12-28

Accurately predicting pathogenic human genes has been challenging in recent research. Considering extensive gene-disease data verified by biological experiments, we can apply computational methods to perform accurate predictions with reduced time and expenses. We propose a probability-based collaborative filtering model (PCFM) to predict pathogenic human genes. Several kinds of data sets, containing data of humans and data of other nonhuman species, are integrated in our model. Firstly, on the basis of a typical latent factorization model, we propose model I with an average heterogeneous regularization. Secondly, we develop modified model II with personal heterogeneous regularization to enhance the accuracy of aforementioned models. In this model, vector space similarity or Pearson correlation coefficient metrics and data on related species are also used. We compared the results of PCFM with the results of four state-of-arts approaches. The results show that PCFM performs better than other advanced approaches. PCFM model can be leveraged for predictions of disease genes, especially for new human genes or diseases with no known relationships.

Making sense of sparse rating data in collaborative filtering via topographic organization of user preference patterns.

PubMed

Polcicová, Gabriela; Tino, Peter

2004-01-01

We introduce topographic versions of two latent class models (LCM) for collaborative filtering. Latent classes are topologically organized on a square grid. Topographic organization of latent classes makes orientation in rating/preference patterns captured by the latent classes easier and more systematic. The variation in film rating patterns is modelled by multinomial and binomial distributions with varying independence assumptions. In the first stage of topographic LCM construction, self-organizing maps with neural field organized according to the LCM topology are employed. We apply our system to a large collection of user ratings for films. The system can provide useful visualization plots unveiling user preference patterns buried in the data, without loosing potential to be a good recommender model. It appears that multinomial distribution is most adequate if the model is regularized by tight grid topologies. Since we deal with probabilistic models of the data, we can readily use tools from probability and information theories to interpret and visualize information extracted by our system.

A Dynamic Recommender System for Improved Web Usage Mining and CRM Using Swarm Intelligence

PubMed Central

Alphy, Anna; Prabakaran, S.

2015-01-01

In modern days, to enrich e-business, the websites are personalized for each user by understanding their interests and behavior. The main challenges of online usage data are information overload and their dynamic nature. In this paper, to address these issues, a WebBluegillRecom-annealing dynamic recommender system that uses web usage mining techniques in tandem with software agents developed for providing dynamic recommendations to users that can be used for customizing a website is proposed. The proposed WebBluegillRecom-annealing dynamic recommender uses swarm intelligence from the foraging behavior of a bluegill fish. It overcomes the information overload by handling dynamic behaviors of users. Our dynamic recommender system was compared against traditional collaborative filtering systems. The results show that the proposed system has higher precision, coverage, F1 measure, and scalability than the traditional collaborative filtering systems. Moreover, the recommendations given by our system overcome the overspecialization problem by including variety in recommendations. PMID:26229978

On the Numerical Solution of the Elliptic Monge—Ampère Equation in Dimension Two: A Least-Squares Approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dean, Edward J.; Glowinski, Roland

During his outstanding career, Olivier Pironneau has addressed the solution of a large variety of problems from the Natural Sciences, Engineering and Finance to name a few, an evidence of his activity being the many articles and books he has written. It is the opinion of these authors, and former collaborators of O. Pironneau (cf. [DGP91]), that this chapter is well-suited to a volume honoring him. Indeed, the two pillars of the solution methodology that we are going to describe are: (1) a nonlinear least squares formulation in an appropriate Hilbert space, and (2) a mixed finite element approximation, reminiscent of the one used in [DGP91] and [GP79] for solving the Stokes and Navier-Stokes equations in their stream function-vorticity formulation; the contributions of O. Pironneau on the two above topics are well-known world wide. Last but not least, we will show that the solution method discussed here can be viewed as a solution method for a non-standard variant of the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations, an area where O. Pironneau has many outstanding and celebrated contributions (cf. [Pir89], for example).

Comparison of PCR and quantitative real-time PCR methods for the characterization of ruminant and cattle fecal pollution sources.

PubMed

Raith, Meredith R; Kelty, Catherine A; Griffith, John F; Schriewer, Alexander; Wuertz, Stefan; Mieszkin, Sophie; Gourmelon, Michele; Reischer, Georg H; Farnleitner, Andreas H; Ervin, Jared S; Holden, Patricia A; Ebentier, Darcy L; Jay, Jennifer A; Wang, Dan; Boehm, Alexandria B; Aw, Tiong Gim; Rose, Joan B; Balleste, E; Meijer, W G; Sivaganesan, Mano; Shanks, Orin C

2013-11-15

The State of California has mandated the preparation of a guidance document on the application of fecal source identification methods for recreational water quality management. California contains the fifth highest population of cattle in the United States, making the inclusion of cow-associated methods a logical choice. Because the performance of these methods has been shown to change based on geography and/or local animal feeding practices, laboratory comparisons are needed to determine which assays are best suited for implementation. We describe the performance characterization of two end-point PCR assays (CF128 and CF193) and five real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) assays (Rum2Bac, BacR, BacCow, CowM2, and CowM3) reported to be associated with either ruminant or cattle feces. Each assay was tested against a blinded set of 38 reference challenge filters (19 duplicate samples) containing fecal pollution from 12 different sources suspected to impact water quality. The abundance of each host-associated genetic marker was measured for qPCR-based assays in both target and non-target animals and compared to quantities of total DNA mass, wet mass of fecal material, as well as Bacteroidales, and enterococci determined by 16S rRNA qPCR and culture-based approaches (enterococci only). Ruminant- and cow-associated genetic markers were detected in all filters containing a cattle fecal source. However, some assays cross-reacted with non-target pollution sources. A large amount of variability was evident across laboratories when protocols were not fixed suggesting that protocol standardization will be necessary for widespread implementation. Finally, performance metrics indicate that the cattle-associated CowM2 qPCR method combined with either the BacR or Rum2Bac ruminant-associated methods are most suitable for implementation. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

A dose-response relationship for marketable yield reduction of two lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) cultivars exposed to tropospheric ozone in Southern Europe.

PubMed

Marzuoli, Riccardo; Finco, Angelo; Chiesa, Maria; Gerosa, Giacomo

2017-12-01

The present study investigated the response to ozone (O 3 ) of two cultivars (cv.'Romana' and cv. 'Canasta') of irrigated lettuce grown in an open-top chamber (OTC) experiment in Mediterranean conditions. Two different levels of O 3 were applied, ambient O 3 in non-filtered OTCs (NF-OTCs) and -40% of ambient O 3 in charcoal-filtered OTCs (CF-OTCs), during four consecutive growing cycles. At the end of each growing cycle, the marketable yield (fresh biomass) was assessed while during the growing periods, measurements of the stomatal conductance at leaf level were performed and used to define a stomatal conductance model for calculation of the phytotoxic ozone dose (POD) absorbed by the plants.Results showed that O 3 caused statistically significant yield reductions in the first and in the last growing cycle. In general, the marketable yield of the NF-OTC plants was always lower than the CF-OTC plants for both cultivars, with mean reductions of -18.5 and -14.5% for 'Romana' and 'Canasta', respectively. On the contrary, there was no statistically significant difference in marketable yield due to the cultivar factor or to the interaction between O 3 and cultivar in any of the growing cycle performed.Dose-response relationships for the marketable relative yield based on the POD values were calculated according to different flux threshold values (Y). The best regression fit was obtained using an instantaneous flux threshold of 6 nmol O 3 m -2  s -1 (POD 6 ); the same value was obtained also for other crops. According to the generic lettuce dose-response relationship, an O 3 critical level of 1 mmol O 3 m -2 of POD 6 for a 15% of marketable yield loss was found.

Tunable bandgap energy of fluorinated nanocrystals for flash memory applications produced by low-damage plasma treatment.

PubMed

Huang, Chi-Hsien; Lin, Chih-Ting; Wang, Jer-Chyi; Chou, Chien; Ye, Yu-Ren; Cheng, Bing-Ming; Lai, Chao-Sung

2012-11-30

A plasma system with a complementary filter to shield samples from damage during tetrafluoromethane (CF(4)) plasma treatment was proposed in order to incorporate fluorine atoms into gadolinium oxide nanocrystals (Gd(2)O(3)-NCs) for flash memory applications. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirmed that fluorine atoms were successfully introduced into the Gd(2)O(3)-NCs despite the use of a filter in the plasma-enhanced chemical vapour deposition system to shield against several potentially damaging species. The number of incorporated fluorine atoms can be controlled by varying the treatment time. The optimized memory window of the resulting flash memory devices was twice that of devices treated by a filterless system because more fluorine atoms were incorporated into the Gd(2)O(3)-NCs film with very little damage. This enlarged the bandgap energy from 5.48 to 6.83 eV, as observed by ultraviolet absorption measurements. This bandgap expansion can provide a large built-in electric field that allows more charges to be stored in the Gd(2)O(3)-NCs. The maximum improvement in the retention characteristic was >60%. Because plasma damage during treatment is minimal, maximum fluorination can be achieved. The concept of simply adding a filter to a plasma system to prevent plasma damage exhibits great promise for functionalization or modification of nanomaterials for advanced nanoelectronics while introducing minimal defects.

Does the central limit theorem always apply to phase noise? Some implications for radar problems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gray, John E.; Addison, Stephen R.

2017-05-01

The phase noise problem or Rayleigh problem occurs in all aspects of radar. It is an effect that a radar engineer or physicist always has to take into account as part of a design or in attempt to characterize the physics of a problem such as reverberation. Normally, the mathematical difficulties of phase noise characterization are avoided by assuming the phase noise probability distribution function (PDF) is uniformly distributed, and the Central Limit Theorem (CLT) is invoked to argue that the superposition of relatively few random components obey the CLT and hence the superposition can be treated as a normal distribution. By formalizing the characterization of phase noise (see Gray and Alouani) for an individual random variable, the summation of identically distributed random variables is the product of multiple characteristic functions (CF). The product of the CFs for phase noise has a CF that can be analyzed to understand the limitations CLT when applied to phase noise. We mirror Kolmogorov's original proof as discussed in Papoulis to show the CLT can break down for receivers that gather limited amounts of data as well as the circumstances under which it can fail for certain phase noise distributions. We then discuss the consequences of this for matched filter design as well the implications for some physics problems.

Extending netCDF and CF conventions to support enhanced Earth Observation Ontology services: the Prod-Trees project

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mazzetti, Paolo; Valentin, Bernard; Koubarakis, Manolis; Nativi, Stefano

2013-04-01

Access to Earth Observation products remains not at all straightforward for end users in most domains. Semantically-enabled search engines, generally accessible through Web portals, have been developed. They allow searching for products by selecting application-specific terms and specifying basic geographical and temporal filtering criteria. Although this mostly suits the needs of the general public, the scientific communities require more advanced and controlled means to find products. Ranges of validity, traceability (e.g. origin, applied algorithms), accuracy, uncertainty, are concepts that are typically taken into account in research activities. The Prod-Trees (Enriching Earth Observation Ontology Services using Product Trees) project will enhance the CF-netCDF product format and vocabulary to allow storing metadata that better describe the products, and in particular EO products. The project will bring a standardized solution that permits annotating EO products in such a manner that official and third-party software libraries and tools will be able to search for products using advanced tags and controlled parameter names. Annotated EO products will be automatically supported by all the compatible software. Because the entire product information will come from the annotations and the standards, there will be no need for integrating extra components and data structures that have not been standardized. In the course of the project, the most important and popular open-source software libraries and tools will be extended to support the proposed extensions of CF-netCDF. The result will be provided back to the respective owners and maintainers for ensuring the best dissemination and adoption of the extended format. The project, funded by ESA, has started in December 2012 and will end in May 2014. It is coordinated by Space Applications Services, and the Consortium includes CNR-IIA and the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. The first activities included the elicitation of user requirements in order to identify gaps in the current CF and netCDF specification for providing an extended support of the discovery of EO data. To this aim a Validation Group has been established including members from organizations actively using netCDF and CF standards. A questionnaire has been prepared and submitted to the Validation Group; it was aimed for being filled online, but also for guiding interviews. The presentation will focus on the project objectives, the first achievements with particular reference to the results of the requirements analysis and future plans.

Attitudes and Decision Making Related to Pregnancy Among Young Women with Cystic Fibrosis.

PubMed

Kazmerski, Traci M; Gmelin, Theresa; Slocum, Breonna; Borrero, Sonya; Miller, Elizabeth

2017-04-01

Introduction The number of female patients with CF able to consider pregnancy has increased with improved therapies. This study explored attitudes and decision making regarding pregnancy among young women with CF. Methods Twenty-two women with CF ages 18-30 years completed semi-structured, in-person interviews exploring experiences with preconception counseling and reproductive care in the CF setting. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and coded using a thematic analysis approach. Results Participants indicated CF is a major factor in pregnancy decision making. Although women acknowledged that CF influences attitudes toward pregnancy, many expressed confusion about how CF can affect fertility/pregnancy. Many perceived disapproval from CF providers regarding pregnancy and were dissatisfied with reproductive care in the CF setting. Discussion Young female patients with CF reported poor understanding of the effect of CF on fertility and pregnancy and limited preconception counseling in CF care. Improvements in female sexual and reproductive health care in CF are warranted.

IFN-γ Stimulates Autophagy-Mediated Clearance of Burkholderia cenocepacia in Human Cystic Fibrosis Macrophages

PubMed Central

Assani, Kaivon; Tazi, Mia F.; Amer, Amal O.; Kopp, Benjamin T.

2014-01-01

Burkholderia cenocepacia is a virulent pathogen that causes significant morbidity and mortality in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), survives intracellularly in macrophages, and uniquely causes systemic infections in CF. Autophagy is a physiologic process that involves engulfing non-functional organelles and proteins and delivering them for lysosomal degradation, but also plays a role in eliminating intracellular pathogens, including B. cenocepacia. Autophagy is defective in CF but can be stimulated in murine CF models leading to increased clearance of B. cenocepacia, but little is known about autophagy stimulation in human CF macrophages. IFN-γ activates macrophages and increases antigen presentation while also inducing autophagy in macrophages. We therefore, hypothesized that treatment with IFN-γ would increase autophagy and macrophage activation in patients with CF. Peripheral blood monocyte derived macrophages (MDMs) were obtained from CF and non-CF donors and subsequently infected with B. cenocepacia. Basal serum levels of IFN-γ were similar between CF and non-CF patients, however after B. cenocepacia infection there is deficient IFN-γ production in CF MDMs. IFN-γ treated CF MDMs demonstrate increased co-localization with the autophagy molecule p62, increased autophagosome formation, and increased trafficking to lysosomes compared to untreated CF MDMs. Electron microscopy confirmed IFN-γ promotes double membrane vacuole formation around bacteria in CF MDMs, while only single membrane vacuoles form in untreated CF cells. Bacterial burden is significantly reduced in autophagy stimulated CF MDMs, comparable to non-CF levels. IL-1β production is decreased in CF MDMs after IFN-γ treatment. Together, these results demonstrate that IFN-γ promotes autophagy-mediated clearance of B. cenocepacia in human CF macrophages. PMID:24798083

Rotational response of suspended particles to turbulent flow: laboratory and numerical synthesis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Variano, Evan; Zhao, Lihao; Byron, Margaret; Bellani, Gabriele; Tao, Yiheng; Andersson, Helge

2014-11-01

Using laboratory and DNS measurements, we consider how aspherical and inertial particles suspended in a turbulent flow act to ``filter'' the fluid-phase vorticity. We use three approaches to predict the magnitude and structure of this filter. The first approach is based on Buckingham's Pi theorem, which shows a clear result for the relationship between filter strength and particle aspect ratio. Results are less clear for the dependence of filter strength on Stokes number; we briefly discuss some issues in the proper definition of Stokes number for use in this context. The second approach to predicting filter strength is based on a consideration of vorticity and enstrophy spectra in the fluid phase. This method has a useful feature: it can be used to predict the filter a priori, without need for measurements as input. We compare the results of this approach to measurements as a method of validation. The third and final approach to predicting filter strength is from the consideration of torques experienced by particles, and how the ``angular slip'' or ``spin slip'' evolves in an unsteady flow. We show results from our DNS that indicate different flow conditions in which the spin slip is more or less important in setting the particle rotation dynamics. Collaboration made possible by the Peder Sather Center.

Regions of the Cf-9B disease resistance protein able to cause spontaneous necrosis in Nicotiana benthamiana lie within the region controlling pathogen recognition in tomato.

PubMed

Chakrabarti, Apratim; Panter, Stephen N; Harrison, Kate; Jones, Jonathan D G; Jones, David A

2009-10-01

The tomato Cf-9 and Cf-9B genes both confer resistance to the leaf mold fungus Cladosporium fulvum but only Cf-9 confers seedling resistance and recognizes the avirulence (Avr) protein Avr9 produced by C. fulvum. Using domain swaps, leucine-rich repeats (LRR) 5 to 15 of Cf-9 were shown to be required for Cf-9-specific resistance to C. fulvum in tomato, and the entire N-terminus up to LRR15 of Cf-9B was shown to be required for Cf-9B-specific resistance. Finer domain swaps showed that nine amino-acid differences in LRR 13 to 15 provided sufficient Cf-9-specific residues in a Cf-9B context for recognition of Avr9 in Nicotiana tabacum or sufficient Cf-9B residues in a Cf-9 context for a novel necrotic response caused by the expression of Cf-9B in N. benthamiana. The responses conferred by LRR 13 to 15 were enhanced by addition of LRR 10 to 12, and either region of Cf-9B was found to cause necrosis in N. benthamiana when the other was replaced by Cf-9 sequence in a Cf-9B context. As a consequence, the domain swap with LRR 13 to 15 of Cf-9 in a Cf-9B context gained the dual ability to recognize Avr9 and cause necrosis in N. benthamiana. Intriguingly, two Cf-9B-specific domain swaps gave differing results for necrosis assays in N. benthamiana compared with disease resistance assays in transgenic tomato. The different domain requirements in these two cases suggest that the two assays detect unrelated ligands or detect related ligands in slightly different ways. A heat-sensitive necrosis-inducing factor present in N. benthamiana intercellular washing fluids was found to cause a necrotic response in N. tabacum plants carrying Hcr9-9A, Cf-9B, and Cf-9 but not in plants carrying only Cf-9. We postulate that this necrosis-inducing factor is recognized by Cf-9B either directly as a ligand or indirectly as a regulator of Cf-9B autoactivity.

Calculation and characteristic analysis on synergistic effect of CF3I gas mixtures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Su, ZHAO; Yunkun, DENG; Yuhao, GAO; Dengming, XIAO

2018-06-01

CF3I is a potential SF6 alternative gas. In order to study the insulation properties and synergistic effects of CF3I/N2 and CF3I/CO2 gas mixtures, two-term approximate Boltzmann equations were used to obtain the ionization coefficient α, attachment coefficient η and the critical equivalent electrical field strength (E/N)cr. The results show that the (E/N)cr of CF3I gas at 300 K is 1.2 times that of SF6 gas, and CF3I/N2 and CF3I/CO2 gas mixtures both have synergistic effect occurred. The synergistic effect coefficient of CF3I/CO2 gas mixture was higher than that of CF3I/N2 gas mixture. But the (E/N)cr of CF3I/N2 is higher than that of CF3I/CO2 under the same conditions. When the content of CF3I exceeds 20%, the (E/N)cr of CF3I/N2 and CF3I/CO2 gas mixture increase linearly with the increasing of CF3I gas content. The breakdown voltage of CF3I/N2 gas mixture is also higher than that of CF3I/CO2 gas mixture in slightly non-uniform electrical field under power frequency voltage, but the synergistic effect coefficients of the two gas mixtures are basically the same.

Purification and Characterization of a Glycerol-Resistant CF0-CF1 and CF1-ATPase from the Halotolerant Alga Dunaliella bardawil1

PubMed Central

Finel, Moshe; Pick, Uri; Selman-Reimer, Susanne; Selman, Bruce R.

1984-01-01

The isolation of the chloroplast ATP synthase complex (CF0-CF1) and of CF1 from Dunaliella bardawil is described. The subunit structure of the D. bardawil ATPase differs from that of the spinach in that the D. bardawil α subunit migrates ahead of the β subunit and ε-migrates ahead of subunit II of CF0 when separated by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The CF1 isolated from D. bardawil resembles the CF1 isolated from Chladmydomonas reinhardi in that a reversible, Mg2+-dependent ATPase is induced by selected organic solvents. Glycerol stimulates cyclic photophosphorylation catalyzed by D. bardawil thylakoid membranes but inhibits photophosphorylation catalyzed by spinach thylakoid membranes. Glycerol (20%) also stimulates the rate of ATP-Pi exchange catalyzed by D. bardawil CF0-CF1 proteoliposomes but inhibits the activity with the spinach enzyme. The ethanol-activated, Mg2+-ATPase of the D. bardawil CF1 is more resistant to glycerol inhibition than the octylglucoside-activated, Mg2+-ATPase of spinach CF1 or the ethanol-activated, Mg2+-dependent ATPase of the C. reinhardi CF1. Both cyclic photophosphorylation and ATP-Pi exchange catalyzed by D. bardawil CF0-CF1 are more sensitive to high concentrations of NaCl than is the spinach complex. Images Fig. 5 PMID:16663507

A 3D ultrasound scanner: real time filtering and rendering algorithms.

PubMed

Cifarelli, D; Ruggiero, C; Brusacà, M; Mazzarella, M

1997-01-01

The work described here has been carried out within a collaborative project between DIST and ESAOTE BIOMEDICA aiming to set up a new ultrasonic scanner performing 3D reconstruction. A system is being set up to process and display 3D ultrasonic data in a fast, economical and user friendly way to help the physician during diagnosis. A comparison is presented among several algorithms for digital filtering, data segmentation and rendering for real time, PC based, three-dimensional reconstruction from B-mode ultrasonic biomedical images. Several algorithms for digital filtering have been compared as relates to processing time and to final image quality. Three-dimensional data segmentation techniques and rendering has been carried out with special reference to user friendly features for foreseeable applications and reconstruction speed.

Experimental and Estimated Rate Constants for the Reactions of Hydroxyl Radicals with Several Halocarbons

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

DeMore, W.B.

1996-01-01

Relative rate experiments are used to measure rate constants and temperature dependencies of the reactions of OH with CH3F (41), CH2FCl (31), CH2BrCl (30B1), CH2Br2 (3OB2), CHBr3 (2OB3), CF2BrCHFCl (123aBl(alpha)), and CF2ClCHCl2 (122). Rate constants for additional compounds of these types are estimated using an empirical rate constant estimation method which is based on measured rate constants for a wide range of halocarbons. The experimental data are combined with the estimated and previously reported rate constants to illustrate the effects of F, Cl, and Br substitution on OH rate constants for a series of 19 halomethanes and 25 haloethanes. Application of the estimation technique is further illustrated for some higher hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), including CHF2CF2CF2CF2H (338pcc), CF3CHFCHFCF2CF3 (43-10mee), CF3CH2CH2CF3 (356ffa), CF3CH2CF2CH2CF3 (458mfcf), CF3CH2CHF2 (245fa), and CF3CH2CF2CH3 (365mfc). The predictions are compared with literature data for these compounds.

Effect of echolocation behavior-related constant frequency-frequency modulation sound on the frequency tuning of inferior collicular neurons in Hipposideros armiger.

PubMed

Tang, Jia; Fu, Zi-Ying; Wei, Chen-Xue; Chen, Qi-Cai

2015-08-01

In constant frequency-frequency modulation (CF-FM) bats, the CF-FM echolocation signals include both CF and FM components, yet the role of such complex acoustic signals in frequency resolution by bats remains unknown. Using CF and CF-FM echolocation signals as acoustic stimuli, the responses of inferior collicular (IC) neurons of Hipposideros armiger were obtained by extracellular recordings. We tested the effect of preceding CF or CF-FM sounds on the shape of the frequency tuning curves (FTCs) of IC neurons. Results showed that both CF-FM and CF sounds reduced the number of FTCs with tailed lower-frequency-side of IC neurons. However, more IC neurons experienced such conversion after adding CF-FM sound compared with CF sound. We also found that the Q 20 value of the FTC of IC neurons experienced the largest increase with the addition of CF-FM sound. Moreover, only CF-FM sound could cause an increase in the slope of the neurons' FTCs, and such increase occurred mainly in the lower-frequency edge. These results suggested that CF-FM sound could increase the accuracy of frequency analysis of echo and cut-off low-frequency elements from the habitat of bats more than CF sound.

Intracavitary moderator balloon combined with (252)Cf brachytherapy and boron neutron capture therapy, improving dosimetry in brain tumour and infiltrations.

PubMed

Brandão, S F; Campos, T P R

2015-07-01

This article proposes a combination of californium-252 ((252)Cf) brachytherapy, boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) and an intracavitary moderator balloon catheter applied to brain tumour and infiltrations. Dosimetric evaluations were performed on three protocol set-ups: (252)Cf brachytherapy combined with BNCT (Cf-BNCT); Cf-BNCT with a balloon catheter filled with light water (LWB) and the same set-up with heavy water (HWB). Cf-BNCT-HWB has presented dosimetric advantages to Cf-BNCT-LWB and Cf-BNCT in infiltrations at 2.0-5.0 cm from the balloon surface. However, Cf-BNCT-LWB has shown superior dosimetry up to 2.0 cm from the balloon surface. Cf-BNCT-HWB and Cf-BNCT-LWB protocols provide a selective dose distribution for brain tumour and infiltrations, mainly further from the (252)Cf source, sparing the normal brain tissue. Malignant brain tumours grow rapidly and often spread to adjacent brain tissues, leading to death. Improvements in brain radiation protocols have been continuously achieved; however, brain tumour recurrence is observed in most cases. Cf-BNCT-LWB and Cf-BNCT-HWB represent new modalities for selectively combating brain tumour infiltrations and metastasis.

High-Performance Monitoring Architecture for Large-Scale Distributed Systems Using Event Filtering

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Maly, K.

1998-01-01

Monitoring is an essential process to observe and improve the reliability and the performance of large-scale distributed (LSD) systems. In an LSD environment, a large number of events is generated by the system components during its execution or interaction with external objects (e.g. users or processes). Monitoring such events is necessary for observing the run-time behavior of LSD systems and providing status information required for debugging, tuning and managing such applications. However, correlated events are generated concurrently and could be distributed in various locations in the applications environment which complicates the management decisions process and thereby makes monitoring LSD systems an intricate task. We propose a scalable high-performance monitoring architecture for LSD systems to detect and classify interesting local and global events and disseminate the monitoring information to the corresponding end- points management applications such as debugging and reactive control tools to improve the application performance and reliability. A large volume of events may be generated due to the extensive demands of the monitoring applications and the high interaction of LSD systems. The monitoring architecture employs a high-performance event filtering mechanism to efficiently process the large volume of event traffic generated by LSD systems and minimize the intrusiveness of the monitoring process by reducing the event traffic flow in the system and distributing the monitoring computation. Our architecture also supports dynamic and flexible reconfiguration of the monitoring mechanism via its Instrumentation and subscription components. As a case study, we show how our monitoring architecture can be utilized to improve the reliability and the performance of the Interactive Remote Instruction (IRI) system which is a large-scale distributed system for collaborative distance learning. The filtering mechanism represents an Intrinsic component integrated with the monitoring architecture to reduce the volume of event traffic flow in the system, and thereby reduce the intrusiveness of the monitoring process. We are developing an event filtering architecture to efficiently process the large volume of event traffic generated by LSD systems (such as distributed interactive applications). This filtering architecture is used to monitor collaborative distance learning application for obtaining debugging and feedback information. Our architecture supports the dynamic (re)configuration and optimization of event filters in large-scale distributed systems. Our work represents a major contribution by (1) survey and evaluating existing event filtering mechanisms In supporting monitoring LSD systems and (2) devising an integrated scalable high- performance architecture of event filtering that spans several kev application domains, presenting techniques to improve the functionality, performance and scalability. This paper describes the primary characteristics and challenges of developing high-performance event filtering for monitoring LSD systems. We survey existing event filtering mechanisms and explain key characteristics for each technique. In addition, we discuss limitations with existing event filtering mechanisms and outline how our architecture will improve key aspects of event filtering.

An annotation system for 3D fluid flow visualization

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Loughlin, Maria M.; Hughes, John F.

1995-01-01

Annotation is a key activity of data analysis. However, current systems for data analysis focus almost exclusively on visualization. We propose a system which integrates annotations into a visualization system. Annotations are embedded in 3D data space, using the Post-it metaphor. This embedding allows contextual-based information storage and retrieval, and facilitates information sharing in collaborative environments. We provide a traditional database filter and a Magic Lens filter to create specialized views of the data. The system has been customized for fluid flow applications, with features which allow users to store parameters of visualization tools and sketch 3D volumes.

Theoretical studies on atmospheric chemistry of HFE-245mc and perfluoro-ethyl formate: Reaction with OH radicals, atmospheric fate of alkoxy radical and global warming potential

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lily, Makroni; Baidya, Bidisha; Chandra, Asit K.

2017-02-01

Theoretical studies have been performed on the kinetics, mechanism and thermochemistry of the hydrogen abstraction reactions of CF3CF2OCH3 (HFE-245mc) and CF3CF2OCHO with OH radical using DFT based M06-2X method. IRC calculation shows that both hydrogen abstraction reactions proceed via weakly bound hydrogen-bonded complex preceding to the formation of transition state. The rate coefficients calculated by canonical transition state theory along with Eckart's tunnelling correction at 298 K: k1(CF3CF2OCH3 + OH) = 1.09 × 10-14 and k2(CF3CF2OCHO + OH) = 1.03 × 10-14 cm3 molecule-1 s-1 are in very good agreement with the experimental values. The atmospheric implications of CF3CF2OCH3 and CF3CF2OCHO are also discussed.

Effect of Graphene Oxide Mixed Epoxy on Mechanical Properties of Carbon Fiber/Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene Composites.

PubMed

Wang, Cuicui; Ge, Heyi; Ma, Xiaolong; Liu, Zhifang; Wang, Ting; Zhang, Jingyi

2018-04-01

In this study, the watersoluble epoxy resin was prepared via the ring-opening reaction between diethanolamine and epoxy resin. The modified resin mixed with graphene oxide (GO) as a sizing agent was coated onto carbon fiber (CF) and then the GO-CF reinforced acrylonitrile-butadienestyrene (ABS) composites were prepared. The influences of the different contents of GO on CF and CF/ABS composite were explored. The combination among epoxy, GO sheets and maleic anhydride grafted ABS (ABSMA) showed a synergistic effect on improving the properties of GO-CF and GO-CF/ABS composite. The GO-CF had higher single tensile strength than the commercial CF. The maximum ILSS of GO-CF/ABS composite obtained 19.2% improvement as compared with that of the commercial CF/ABS composite. Such multiscale enhancement method and the synergistic reinforced GO-CF/ABS composite show good prospective applications in many industry areas.

[Effect of mineral N fertilizer reduction and organic fertilizer substitution on soil biological properties and aggregate characteristics in drip-irrigated cotton field.

PubMed

Li, Rui; Tai, Rui; Wang, Dan; Chu, Gui-Xin

2017-10-01

A four year field study was conducted to determine how soil biological properties and soil aggregate stability changed when organic fertilizer and biofertilizer were used to reduce chemical fertilizer application to a drip irrigated cotton field. The study consisted of six fertilization treatments: unfertilized (CK); chemical fertilizer (CF, 300 kg N·hm -2 ; 90 kg P2O5 · hm -2 , 60 kg K2 O·hm -2 ); 80% CF plus 3000 kg·hm -2 organic fertilizer (80%CF+OF); 60% CF plus 6000 kg·hm -2 organic fertilizer (60%CF+OF); 80% CF plus 3000 kg·hm -2 biofertilizer (80%CF+BF); and 60% CF plus 6000 kg·hm -2 biofertilizer (60%CF+BF). The relationships among soil organic C, soil biological properties, and soil aggregate size distribution were determined. The results showed that organic fertilizer and biofertilizer both significantly increased soil enzyme activities. Compared with CF, the biofertilizer treatments increased urease activity by 55.6%-84.0%, alkaline phosphatise activity by 53.1%-74.0%, invertase activity by 15.1%-38.0%, β-glucosidase activity by 38.2%-68.0%, polyphenoloxidase activity by 29.6%-52.0%, and arylsulfatase activity by 35.4%-58.9%. Soil enzyme activity increased as the amount of organic fertilizer and biofertilizer increased (i.e., 60%CF+OF > 80%CF+OF, 60%CF+BF > 80%CF+BF). Soil basal respiration decreased significantly in the order BF > OF > CF > CK. Soil microbial biomass C and N were 22.3% and 43.5% greater, respectively, in 60%CF+BF than in CF. The microbial biomass C:N was significantly lower in 60%CF+BF than in CF. The organic fertilizer and the biofertilizer both improved soil aggregate structure. Soil mass in the >0.25 mm fraction was 7.1% greater in 80%CF+OF and 8.0% greater in (60%CF+OF) than in CF. The geometric mean diameter was 9.2% greater in 80%CF+BF than in 80%CF+OF. Redundancy analysis and cluster analysis both demonstrated that soil aggregate structure and biological activities increased when organic fertilizer and biofertilizer were used to reduce chemical fertilizer application. In conclusion, the organic fertilizer and the biofertilizer significantly increased SOC, soil enzyme activity, and soil microbial biomass C and N. The organic fertilizers also improved soil aggregation. Therefore, soil quality could be improved by using these fertilizers to reduce chemical fertilizer application, especially under drip-irrigation.

Designing the Undesignable: Social Software and Control

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dron, Jon

2007-01-01

Social software, such as blogs, wikis, tagging systems and collaborative filters, treats the group as a first-class object within the system. Drawing from theories of transactional distance and control, this paper proposes a model of e-learning that extends traditional concepts of learner-teacher-content interactions to include these emergent…

Memory in the Information Age: New Tools for Second Language Acquisition.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chapin, Alex

2003-01-01

Describes a Middlebury College second language vocabulary learning database that goes well beyond flashcards, because it keeps track of what students learn. Discusses further expansion of the system through collaborative filtering software to establish learner profiles. A learner profile could then be used to create instructional materials just…

Networked Information: Finding What's Out There.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lynch, Clifford A.

1997-01-01

Clifford A. Lynch, developer of MELVYL and former director of library automation at the University of California, is now executive director for the Coalition for Networked Information (CNI). This interview discusses Lynch's background, MELVYL, the Web and the role of libraries and librarians, community and collaborative filtering, the library of…

Blogging and Internet Filters in Schools

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shearer, Kimberly M.

2010-01-01

Success in today's global market requires students to attain numerous 21st-Century skills, including collaborative and communication skills, and knowledge of how to use technology to both locate and create information. The use of instructional blogging in the classroom is one way to help students develop such skills. The Children's Internet…

Semantic Web-Driven LMS Architecture towards a Holistic Learning Process Model Focused on Personalization

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kerkiri, Tania

2010-01-01

A comprehensive presentation is here made on the modular architecture of an e-learning platform with a distinctive emphasis on content personalization, combining advantages from semantic web technology, collaborative filtering and recommendation systems. Modules of this architecture handle information about both the domain-specific didactic…

Personalized Recommendation of Learning Material Using Sequential Pattern Mining and Attribute Based Collaborative Filtering

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Salehi, Mojtaba; Nakhai Kamalabadi, Isa; Ghaznavi Ghoushchi, Mohammad Bagher

2014-01-01

Material recommender system is a significant part of e-learning systems for personalization and recommendation of appropriate materials to learners. However, in the existing recommendation algorithms, dynamic interests and multi-preference of learners and multidimensional-attribute of materials are not fully considered simultaneously. Moreover,…

Contexts in a Paper Recommendation System with Collaborative Filtering

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Winoto, Pinata; Tang, Tiffany Ya; McCalla, Gordon

2012-01-01

Making personalized paper recommendations to users in an educational domain is not a trivial task of simply matching users' interests with a paper topic. Therefore, we proposed a context-aware multidimensional paper recommendation system that considers additional user and paper features. Earlier experiments on experienced graduate students…

Gastrointestinal Pathology in Juvenile and Adult CFTR-Knockout Ferrets

PubMed Central

Sun, Xingshen; Olivier, Alicia K.; Yi, Yaling; Pope, Christopher E.; Hayden, Hillary S.; Liang, Bo; Sui, Hongshu; Zhou, Weihong; Hager, Kyle R.; Zhang, Yulong; Liu, Xiaoming; Yan, Ziying; Fisher, John T.; Keiser, Nicholas W.; Song, Yi; Tyler, Scott R.; Goeken, J. Adam; Kinyon, Joann M.; Radey, Matthew C.; Fligg, Danielle; Wang, Xiaoyan; Xie, Weiliang; Lynch, Thomas J.; Kaminsky, Paul M.; Brittnacher, Mitchell J.; Miller, Samuel I.; Parekh, Kalpaj; Meyerholz, David K.; Hoffman, Lucas R.; Frana, Timothy; Stewart, Zoe A.; Engelhardt, John F.

2015-01-01

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a multiorgan disease caused by loss of a functional cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) chloride channel in many epithelia of the body. Here we report the pathology observed in the gastrointestinal organs of juvenile to adult CFTR-knockout ferrets. CF gastrointestinal manifestations included gastric ulceration, intestinal bacterial overgrowth with villous atrophy, and rectal prolapse. Metagenomic phylogenetic analysis of fecal microbiota by deep sequencing revealed considerable genotype-independent microbial diversity between animals, with the majority of taxa overlapping between CF and non-CF pairs. CF hepatic manifestations were variable, but included steatosis, necrosis, biliary hyperplasia, and biliary fibrosis. Gallbladder cystic mucosal hyperplasia was commonly found in 67% of CF animals. The majority of CF animals (85%) had pancreatic abnormalities, including extensive fibrosis, loss of exocrine pancreas, and islet disorganization. Interestingly, 2 of 13 CF animals retained predominantly normal pancreatic histology (84% to 94%) at time of death. Fecal elastase-1 levels from these CF animals were similar to non-CF controls, whereas all other CF animals evaluated were pancreatic insufficient (<2 μg elastase-1 per gram of feces). These findings suggest that genetic factors likely influence the extent of exocrine pancreas disease in CF ferrets and have implications for the etiology of pancreatic sufficiency in CF patients. In summary, these studies demonstrate that the CF ferret model develops gastrointestinal pathology similar to CF patients. PMID:24637292

Differences in Outcomes between Early and Late Diagnosis of Cystic Fibrosis in the Newborn Screening Era.

PubMed

Coffey, Michael J; Whitaker, Viola; Gentin, Natalie; Junek, Rosie; Shalhoub, Carolyn; Nightingale, Scott; Hilton, Jodi; Wiley, Veronica; Wilcken, Bridget; Gaskin, Kevin J; Ooi, Chee Y

2017-02-01

To evaluate children with cystic fibrosis (CF) who had a late diagnosis of CF (LD-CF) despite newborn screening (NBS) and compare their clinical outcomes with children diagnosed after a positive NBS (NBS-CF). A retrospective review of patients with LD-CF in New South Wales, Australia, from 1988 to 2010 was performed. LD-CF was defined as NBS-negative (negative immunoreactive trypsinogen or no F508del) or NBS-positive but discharged following sweat chloride < 60 mmol/L. Cases of LD-CF were each matched 1:2 with patients with NBS-CF for age, sex, hospital, and exocrine pancreatic status. A total of 45 LD-CF cases were identified (39 NBS-negative and 6 NBS-positive) with 90 NBS-CF matched controls. Median age (IQR) of diagnosis for LD-CF and NBS-CF was 1.35 (0.4-2.8) and 0.12 (0.03-0.2) years, respectively (P <.0001). Estimated incidence of LD-CF was 1 in 45 000 live births. Compared with NBS-CF, LD-CF had more respiratory manifestations at time of diagnosis (66% vs 4%; P <.0001), a higher rate of hospital admission per year for respiratory illness (0.49 vs 0.2; P = .0004), worse lung function (forced expiratory volume in 1 second percentage of predicted, 0.88 vs 0.97; P = .007), and higher rates of chronic colonization with Pseudomonas aeruginosa (47% vs 24%; P = .01). The LD-CF cohort also appeared to be shorter than NBS-CF controls (mean height z-score -0.65 vs -0.03; P = .02). LD-CF, despite NBS, seems to be associated with worse health before diagnosis and worse later growth and respiratory outcomes, thus providing further support for NBS programs for CF. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Intracavitary moderator balloon combined with 252Cf brachytherapy and boron neutron capture therapy, improving dosimetry in brain tumour and infiltrations

PubMed Central

Brandão, S F

2015-01-01

Objective: This article proposes a combination of californium-252 (252Cf) brachytherapy, boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) and an intracavitary moderator balloon catheter applied to brain tumour and infiltrations. Methods: Dosimetric evaluations were performed on three protocol set-ups: 252Cf brachytherapy combined with BNCT (Cf-BNCT); Cf-BNCT with a balloon catheter filled with light water (LWB) and the same set-up with heavy water (HWB). Results: Cf-BNCT-HWB has presented dosimetric advantages to Cf-BNCT-LWB and Cf-BNCT in infiltrations at 2.0–5.0 cm from the balloon surface. However, Cf-BNCT-LWB has shown superior dosimetry up to 2.0 cm from the balloon surface. Conclusion: Cf-BNCT-HWB and Cf-BNCT-LWB protocols provide a selective dose distribution for brain tumour and infiltrations, mainly further from the 252Cf source, sparing the normal brain tissue. Advances in knowledge: Malignant brain tumours grow rapidly and often spread to adjacent brain tissues, leading to death. Improvements in brain radiation protocols have been continuously achieved; however, brain tumour recurrence is observed in most cases. Cf-BNCT-LWB and Cf-BNCT-HWB represent new modalities for selectively combating brain tumour infiltrations and metastasis. PMID:25927876

Social and content aware One-Class recommendation of papers in scientific social networks.

PubMed

Wang, Gang; He, XiRan; Ishuga, Carolyne Isigi

2017-01-01

With the rapid development of information technology, scientific social networks (SSNs) have become the fastest and most convenient way for researchers to communicate with each other. Many published papers are shared via SSNs every day, resulting in the problem of information overload. How to appropriately recommend personalized and highly valuable papers for researchers is becoming more urgent. However, when recommending papers in SSNs, only a small amount of positive instances are available, leaving a vast amount of unlabelled data, in which negative instances and potential unseen positive instances are mixed together, which naturally belongs to One-Class Collaborative Filtering (OCCF) problem. Therefore, considering the extreme data imbalance and data sparsity of this OCCF problem, a hybrid approach of Social and Content aware One-class Recommendation of Papers in SSNs, termed SCORP, is proposed in this study. Unlike previous approaches recommended to address the OCCF problem, social information, which has been proved playing a significant role in performing recommendations in many domains, is applied in both the profiling of content-based filtering and the collaborative filtering to achieve superior recommendations. To verify the effectiveness of the proposed SCORP approach, a real-life dataset from CiteULike was employed. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed approach is superior to all of the compared approaches, thus providing a more effective method for recommending papers in SSNs.

Social and content aware One-Class recommendation of papers in scientific social networks

PubMed Central

Wang, Gang; He, XiRan

2017-01-01

With the rapid development of information technology, scientific social networks (SSNs) have become the fastest and most convenient way for researchers to communicate with each other. Many published papers are shared via SSNs every day, resulting in the problem of information overload. How to appropriately recommend personalized and highly valuable papers for researchers is becoming more urgent. However, when recommending papers in SSNs, only a small amount of positive instances are available, leaving a vast amount of unlabelled data, in which negative instances and potential unseen positive instances are mixed together, which naturally belongs to One-Class Collaborative Filtering (OCCF) problem. Therefore, considering the extreme data imbalance and data sparsity of this OCCF problem, a hybrid approach of Social and Content aware One-class Recommendation of Papers in SSNs, termed SCORP, is proposed in this study. Unlike previous approaches recommended to address the OCCF problem, social information, which has been proved playing a significant role in performing recommendations in many domains, is applied in both the profiling of content-based filtering and the collaborative filtering to achieve superior recommendations. To verify the effectiveness of the proposed SCORP approach, a real-life dataset from CiteULike was employed. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed approach is superior to all of the compared approaches, thus providing a more effective method for recommending papers in SSNs. PMID:28771495

Forming trifluoromethylmetallates: competition between decarboxylation and C-F bond activation of group 11 trifluoroacetate complexes, [CF3CO2ML]-.

PubMed

Rijs, Nicole J; O'Hair, Richard A J

2012-03-28

A combination of gas-phase 3D quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometry experiments and density functional theory (DFT) calculations have been used to examine the mechanism of thermal decomposition of fluorinated coinage metal carboxylates. The precursor anions, [CF(3)CO(2)MO(2)CCF(3)](-) (M = Cu, Ag and Au), were introduced into the gas-phase via electrospray ionization. Multistage mass spectrometry (MS(n)) experiments were conducted utilizing collision-induced dissociation, yielding a series of trifluoromethylated organometallic species and fluorides via the loss of CO(2), CF(2) or "CF(2)CO(2)". Carboxylate ligand loss was insignificant or absent in all cases. DFT calculations were carried out on a range of potentially competing fragmentation pathways for [CF(3)CO(2)MO(2)CCF(3)](-), [CF(3)CO(2)MCF(3)](-) and [CF(3)CO(2)MF](-). These shed light on possible products and mechanisms for loss of "CF(2)CO(2)", namely, concerted or step-wise loss of CO(2) and CF(2) and a CF(2)CO(2) lactone pathway. The lactone pathway was found to be higher in energy in all cases. In addition, the possibility of forming [CF(3)MCF(3)](-) and [CF(3)MF](-), via decarboxylation is discussed. For the first time the novel fluoride complexes [FMF](-), M = Cu, Ag and Au have been experimentally observed. Finally, the decomposition reactions of [CF(3)CO(2)ML](-) (where L = CF(3) and CF(3)CO(2)) and [CH(3)CO(2)ML](-) (where L = CH(3) and CH(3)CO(2)) are compared.

An Efficient Recommendation Filter Model on Smart Home Big Data Analytics for Enhanced Living Environments.

PubMed

Chen, Hao; Xie, Xiaoyun; Shu, Wanneng; Xiong, Naixue

2016-10-15

With the rapid growth of wireless sensor applications, the user interfaces and configurations of smart homes have become so complicated and inflexible that users usually have to spend a great amount of time studying them and adapting to their expected operation. In order to improve user experience, a weighted hybrid recommender system based on a Kalman Filter model is proposed to predict what users might want to do next, especially when users are located in a smart home with an enhanced living environment. Specifically, a weight hybridization method was introduced, which combines contextual collaborative filter and the contextual content-based recommendations. This method inherits the advantages of the optimum regression and the stability features of the proposed adaptive Kalman Filter model, and it can predict and revise the weight of each system component dynamically. Experimental results show that the hybrid recommender system can optimize the distribution of weights of each component, and achieve more reasonable recall and precision rates.

An Efficient Recommendation Filter Model on Smart Home Big Data Analytics for Enhanced Living Environments

PubMed Central

Chen, Hao; Xie, Xiaoyun; Shu, Wanneng; Xiong, Naixue

2016-01-01

With the rapid growth of wireless sensor applications, the user interfaces and configurations of smart homes have become so complicated and inflexible that users usually have to spend a great amount of time studying them and adapting to their expected operation. In order to improve user experience, a weighted hybrid recommender system based on a Kalman Filter model is proposed to predict what users might want to do next, especially when users are located in a smart home with an enhanced living environment. Specifically, a weight hybridization method was introduced, which combines contextual collaborative filter and the contextual content-based recommendations. This method inherits the advantages of the optimum regression and the stability features of the proposed adaptive Kalman Filter model, and it can predict and revise the weight of each system component dynamically. Experimental results show that the hybrid recommender system can optimize the distribution of weights of each component, and achieve more reasonable recall and precision rates. PMID:27754456

Alkali metal and ammonium fluoro(trifluoroacetato)metallates M'[ M''3(μ3-F)(CF3COO)6(CF3COOH)3], where M' = Li, Na, K, NH4, Rb, or Cs and M'' = Ni or Co. Synthesis and crystal structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tereshchenko, D. S.; Morozov, I. V.; Boltalin, A. I.; Karpova, E. V.; Glazunova, T. Yu.; Troyanov, S. I.

2013-01-01

A series of fluoro(trifluoroacetato)metallates were synthesized by crystallization from solutions in trifluoroacetic acid containing nickel(II) or cobalt(II) nitrate hydrates and alkali metal or ammonium fluorides: Li[Ni3(μ3-F)(CF3COO)6(CF3COOH)3](CF3COOH)3 ( I), M'[Ni3(μ3-F)(CF3COO)6(CF3COOH)3] ( M' = Na ( II), NH4 ( IV), Rb ( V), and Cs ( VI)), NH4[Co3(μ3-F) (CF3COO)6(CF3COOH)3] ( III), and Cs[Ni3(μ3-F)(CF3COO)6(CF3COOH)3](CF3COOH)0.5 ( VII). The crystal structures of these compounds were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. All structures contain triangular trinuclear complex anions [ M 3″(μ3-F)(CF3COO)6(CF3COOH)3]- ( M″ = Ni, Co) structurally similar to trinuclear 3d metal oxo carboxylate complexes. The three-coordinated F atom is located at the center of the triangle formed by Ni(II) or Co(II) atoms. The metal atoms are linked in pairs by six bridging trifluoroacetate groups located above and below the plane of the [ M″3 F] triangle. The oxygen atoms of the axial CF3COOH molecules complete the coordination environment of M″ atoms to an octahedron.

Gastrointestinal pathology in juvenile and adult CFTR-knockout ferrets.

PubMed

Sun, Xingshen; Olivier, Alicia K; Yi, Yaling; Pope, Christopher E; Hayden, Hillary S; Liang, Bo; Sui, Hongshu; Zhou, Weihong; Hager, Kyle R; Zhang, Yulong; Liu, Xiaoming; Yan, Ziying; Fisher, John T; Keiser, Nicholas W; Song, Yi; Tyler, Scott R; Goeken, J Adam; Kinyon, Joann M; Radey, Matthew C; Fligg, Danielle; Wang, Xiaoyan; Xie, Weiliang; Lynch, Thomas J; Kaminsky, Paul M; Brittnacher, Mitchell J; Miller, Samuel I; Parekh, Kalpaj; Meyerholz, David K; Hoffman, Lucas R; Frana, Timothy; Stewart, Zoe A; Engelhardt, John F

2014-05-01

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a multiorgan disease caused by loss of a functional cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) chloride channel in many epithelia of the body. Here we report the pathology observed in the gastrointestinal organs of juvenile to adult CFTR-knockout ferrets. CF gastrointestinal manifestations included gastric ulceration, intestinal bacterial overgrowth with villous atrophy, and rectal prolapse. Metagenomic phylogenetic analysis of fecal microbiota by deep sequencing revealed considerable genotype-independent microbial diversity between animals, with the majority of taxa overlapping between CF and non-CF pairs. CF hepatic manifestations were variable, but included steatosis, necrosis, biliary hyperplasia, and biliary fibrosis. Gallbladder cystic mucosal hyperplasia was commonly found in 67% of CF animals. The majority of CF animals (85%) had pancreatic abnormalities, including extensive fibrosis, loss of exocrine pancreas, and islet disorganization. Interestingly, 2 of 13 CF animals retained predominantly normal pancreatic histology (84% to 94%) at time of death. Fecal elastase-1 levels from these CF animals were similar to non-CF controls, whereas all other CF animals evaluated were pancreatic insufficient (<2 μg elastase-1 per gram of feces). These findings suggest that genetic factors likely influence the extent of exocrine pancreas disease in CF ferrets and have implications for the etiology of pancreatic sufficiency in CF patients. In summary, these studies demonstrate that the CF ferret model develops gastrointestinal pathology similar to CF patients. Copyright © 2014 American Society for Investigative Pathology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Non-Genomic Estrogen Regulation of Ion Transport and Airway Surface Liquid Dynamics in Cystic Fibrosis Bronchial Epithelium

PubMed Central

Saint-Criq, Vinciane; Kim, Sung Hoon; Katzenellenbogen, John A.; Harvey, Brian J.

2013-01-01

Male cystic fibrosis (CF) patients survive longer than females and lung exacerbations in CF females vary during the estrous cycle. Estrogen has been reported to reduce the height of the airway surface liquid (ASL) in female CF bronchial epithelium. Here we investigated the effect of 17β-estradiol on the airway surface liquid height and ion transport in normal (NuLi-1) and CF (CuFi-1) bronchial epithelial monolayers. Live cell imaging using confocal microscopy revealed that airway surface liquid height was significantly higher in the non-CF cells compared to the CF cells. 17β-estradiol (0.1–10 nM) reduced the airway surface liquid height in non-CF and CF cells after 30 min treatment. Treatment with the nuclear-impeded Estrogen Dendrimer Conjugate mimicked the effect of free estrogen by reducing significantly the airway surface liquid height in CF and non-CF cells. Inhibition of chloride transport or basolateral potassium recycling decreased the airway surface liquid height and 17β-estradiol had no additive effect in the presence of these ion transporter inhibitors. 17β-estradiol decreased bumetanide-sensitive transepithelial short-circuit current in non-CF cells and prevented the forskolin-induced increase in ASL height. 17β-estradiol stimulated an amiloride-sensitive transepithelial current and increased ouabain-sensitive basolateral short-circuit current in CF cells. 17β-estradiol increased PKCδ activity in CF and non-CF cells. These results demonstrate that estrogen dehydrates CF and non-CF ASL, and these responses to 17β-estradiol are non-genomic rather than involving the classical nuclear estrogen receptor pathway. 17β-estradiol acts on the airway surface liquid by inhibiting cAMP-mediated chloride secretion in non-CF cells and increasing sodium absorption via the stimulation of PKCδ, ENaC and the Na+/K+ATPase in CF cells. PMID:24223826

A statistical model to predict one-year risk of death in patients with cystic fibrosis.

PubMed

Aaron, Shawn D; Stephenson, Anne L; Cameron, Donald W; Whitmore, George A

2015-11-01

We constructed a statistical model to assess the risk of death for cystic fibrosis (CF) patients between scheduled annual clinical visits. Our model includes a CF health index that shows the influence of risk factors on CF chronic health and on the severity and frequency of CF exacerbations. Our study used Canadian CF registry data for 3,794 CF patients born after 1970. Data up to 2010 were analyzed, yielding 44,390 annual visit records. Our stochastic process model postulates that CF health between annual clinical visits is a superposition of chronic disease progression and an exacerbation shock stream. Death occurs when an exacerbation carries CF health across a critical threshold. The data constitute censored survival data, and hence, threshold regression was used to connect CF death to study covariates. Maximum likelihood estimates were used to determine which clinical covariates were included within the regression functions for both CF chronic health and CF exacerbations. Lung function, Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection, CF-related diabetes, weight deficiency, pancreatic insufficiency, and the deltaF508 homozygous mutation were significantly associated with CF chronic health status. Lung function, age, gender, age at CF diagnosis, P aeruginosa infection, body mass index <18.5, number of previous hospitalizations for CF exacerbations in the preceding year, and decline in forced expiratory volume in 1 second in the preceding year were significantly associated with CF exacerbations. When combined in one summative model, the regression functions for CF chronic health and CF exacerbation risk provided a simple clinical scoring tool for assessing 1-year risk of death for an individual CF patient. Goodness-of-fit tests of the model showed very encouraging results. We confirmed predictive validity of the model by comparing actual and estimated deaths in repeated hold-out samples from the data set and showed excellent agreement between estimated and actual mortality. Our threshold regression model incorporates a composite CF chronic health status index and an exacerbation risk index to produce an accurate clinical scoring tool for prediction of 1-year survival of CF patients. Our tool can be used by clinicians to decide on optimal timing for lung transplant referral. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Weighted Optimization-Based Distributed Kalman Filter for Nonlinear Target Tracking in Collaborative Sensor Networks.

PubMed

Chen, Jie; Li, Jiahong; Yang, Shuanghua; Deng, Fang

2017-11-01

The identification of the nonlinearity and coupling is crucial in nonlinear target tracking problem in collaborative sensor networks. According to the adaptive Kalman filtering (KF) method, the nonlinearity and coupling can be regarded as the model noise covariance, and estimated by minimizing the innovation or residual errors of the states. However, the method requires large time window of data to achieve reliable covariance measurement, making it impractical for nonlinear systems which are rapidly changing. To deal with the problem, a weighted optimization-based distributed KF algorithm (WODKF) is proposed in this paper. The algorithm enlarges the data size of each sensor by the received measurements and state estimates from its connected sensors instead of the time window. A new cost function is set as the weighted sum of the bias and oscillation of the state to estimate the "best" estimate of the model noise covariance. The bias and oscillation of the state of each sensor are estimated by polynomial fitting a time window of state estimates and measurements of the sensor and its neighbors weighted by the measurement noise covariance. The best estimate of the model noise covariance is computed by minimizing the weighted cost function using the exhaustive method. The sensor selection method is in addition to the algorithm to decrease the computation load of the filter and increase the scalability of the sensor network. The existence, suboptimality and stability analysis of the algorithm are given. The local probability data association method is used in the proposed algorithm for the multitarget tracking case. The algorithm is demonstrated in simulations on tracking examples for a random signal, one nonlinear target, and four nonlinear targets. Results show the feasibility and superiority of WODKF against other filtering algorithms for a large class of systems.

Atmospheric chemistry of isoflurane, desflurane, and sevoflurane: kinetics and mechanisms of reactions with chlorine atoms and OH radicals and global warming potentials.

PubMed

Sulbaek Andersen, Mads P; Nielsen, Ole J; Karpichev, Boris; Wallington, Timothy J; Sander, Stanley P

2012-06-21

The smog chamber/Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) technique was used to measure the rate coefficients k(Cl + CF(3)CHClOCHF(2), isoflurane) = (4.5 ± 0.8) × 10(-15), k(Cl + CF(3)CHFOCHF(2), desflurane) = (1.0 ± 0.3) × 10(-15), k(Cl + (CF(3))(2)CHOCH(2)F, sevoflurane) = (1.1 ± 0.1) × 10(-13), and k(OH + (CF(3))(2)CHOCH(2)F) = (3.5 ± 0.7) × 10(-14) cm(3) molecule(-1) in 700 Torr of N(2)/air diluent at 295 ± 2 K. An upper limit of 6 × 10(-17) cm(3) molecule(-1) was established for k(Cl + (CF(3))(2)CHOC(O)F). The laser photolysis/laser-induced fluorescence (LP/LIF) technique was employed to determine hydroxyl radical rate coefficients as a function of temperature (241-298 K): k(OH + CF(3)CHFOCHF(2)) = (7.05 ± 1.80) × 10(-13) exp[-(1551 ± 72)/T] cm(3) molecule(-1); k(296 ± 1 K) = (3.73 ± 0.08) × 10(-15) cm(3) molecule(-1), and k(OH + (CF(3))(2)CHOCH(2)F) = (9.98 ± 3.24) × 10(-13) exp[-(969 ± 82)/T] cm(3) molecule(-1); k(298 ± 1 K) = (3.94 ± 0.30) × 10(-14) cm(3) molecule(-1). The rate coefficient of k(OH + CF(3)CHClOCHF(2), 296 ± 1 K) = (1.45 ± 0.16) × 10(-14) cm(3) molecule(-1) was also determined. Chlorine atoms react with CF(3)CHFOCHF(2) via H-abstraction to give CF(3)CFOCHF(2) and CF(3)CHFOCF(2) radicals in yields of approximately 83% and 17%. The major atmospheric fate of the CF(3)C(O)FOCHF(2) alkoxy radical is decomposition via elimination of CF(3) to give FC(O)OCHF(2) and is unaffected by the method used to generate the CF(3)C(O)FOCHF(2) radicals. CF(3)CHFOCF(2) radicals add O(2) and are converted by subsequent reactions into CF(3)CHFOCF(2)O alkoxy radicals, which decompose to give COF(2) and CF(3)CHFO radicals. In 700 Torr of air 82% of CF(3)CHFO radicals undergo C-C scission to yield HC(O)F and CF(3) radicals with the remaining 18% reacting with O(2) to give CF(3)C(O)F. Atmospheric oxidation of (CF(3))(2)CHOCH(2)F gives (CF(3))(2)CHOC(O)F in a molar yield of 93 ± 6% with CF(3)C(O)CF(3) and HCOF as minor products. The IR spectra of (CF(3))(2)CHOC(O)F and FC(O)OCHF(2) are reported for the first time. The atmospheric lifetimes of CF(3)CHClOCHF(2), CF(3)CHFOCHF(2), and (CF(3))(2)CHOCH(2)F (sevoflurane) are estimated at 3.2, 14, and 1.1 years, respectively. The 100 year time horizon global warming potentials of isoflurane, desflurane, and sevoflurane are 510, 2540, and 130, respectively. The atmospheric degradation products of these anesthetics are not of environmental concern.

The Role Of Contact Force In Atrial Fibrillation Ablation.

PubMed

Nakagawa, Hiroshi; Jackman, Warren M

2014-01-01

During radiofrequency (RF) ablation, low electrode-tissue contact force (CF) is associated with ineffective RF lesion formation, whereas excessive CF may increase the risk of steam pop and perforation. Recently, ablation catheters using two technologies have been developed to measure real-time catheter-tissue CF. One catheter uses three optical fibers to measure microdeformation of a deformable body in the catheter tip. The other catheter uses a small spring connecting the ablation tip electrode to the catheter shaft with a magnetic transmitter and sensors to measure microdeflection of the spring. Pre-clinical experimental studies have shown that 1) at constant RF power and application time, RF lesion size significantly increases with increasing CF; 2) the incidence of steam pop and thrombus also increase with increasing CF; 3) modulating RF power based on CF (i.e, high RF power at low CF and lower RF power at high CF) results in a similar and predictable RF lesion size. In clinical studies in patients undergoing pulmonary vein (PV) isolation, CF during mapping in the left atrium and PVs showed a wide range of CF and transient high CF. The most common high CF site was located at the anterior/rightward left atrial roof, directly beneath the ascending aorta. There was a poor relationship between CF and previously used surrogate parameters for CF (unipolar or bipolar atrial potential amplitude and impedance). Patients who underwent PV isolation with an average CF of <10 g experienced higher AF recurrence, whereas patients with ablation using an average CF of > 20g had lower AF recurrence. AF recurred within 12 months in 6 of 8 patients (75%) who had a mean Force-Time Integral (FTI, area under the curve for contact force vs. time) < 500 gs. In contrast, AF recurred in only 4 of 13 patients (21%) with ablation using a mean FTI >1000 gs. In another study, controlling RF power based on CF prevented steam pop and impedance rise without loss of lesion effectiveness. These studies confirm that CF is a major determinant of RF lesion size and future systems combining CF, RF power and application time may provide real-time assessment of lesion formation.

A data model of the Climate and Forecast metadata conventions (CF-1.6) with a software implementation (cf-python v2.1)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hassell, David; Gregory, Jonathan; Blower, Jon; Lawrence, Bryan N.; Taylor, Karl E.

2017-12-01

The CF (Climate and Forecast) metadata conventions are designed to promote the creation, processing, and sharing of climate and forecasting data using Network Common Data Form (netCDF) files and libraries. The CF conventions provide a description of the physical meaning of data and of their spatial and temporal properties, but they depend on the netCDF file encoding which can currently only be fully understood and interpreted by someone familiar with the rules and relationships specified in the conventions documentation. To aid in development of CF-compliant software and to capture with a minimal set of elements all of the information contained in the CF conventions, we propose a formal data model for CF which is independent of netCDF and describes all possible CF-compliant data. Because such data will often be analysed and visualised using software based on other data models, we compare our CF data model with the ISO 19123 coverage model, the Open Geospatial Consortium CF netCDF standard, and the Unidata Common Data Model. To demonstrate that this CF data model can in fact be implemented, we present cf-python, a Python software library that conforms to the model and can manipulate any CF-compliant dataset.

Carbon nanotubes/carbon fiber hybrid material: a super support material for sludge biofilms.

PubMed

Liu, Qijie; Dai, Guangze; Bao, Yanling

2017-07-16

Carbon fiber (CF) is widely used as a sludge biofilm support material for wastewater treatment. Carbon nanotubes/carbon fiber (CNTs/CF) hybrid material was prepared by ultrasonically assisted electrophoretic deposition (EPD). CF supports (CF without handling, CF oxidized by nitric acid, CNTs/CF hybrid material) were evaluated by sludge immobilization tests, bacterial cell adsorption tests and Derjaguin -Landau -Verwey -Overbeek (DLVO) theory. We found that the CNTs/CF hybrid material has a high capacity for adsorbing activated sludge, nitrifying bacterial sludge and pure strains (Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus). CNTs deposited on CF surface easily wound around the curved surface of bacterial cell which resulted in capturing more bacterial cells. DLVO theory indicated the lowest total interaction energy of CNTs/CF hybrid material, which resulted in the highest bacteria cell adsorption velocity. Experiments and DLVO theory results proved that CNTs/CF hybrid material is a super support material for sludge biofilms.

Modeling Adsorption Based Filters (Bio-remediation of Heavy Metal Contaminated Water)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McCarthy, Chris

I will discuss kinetic models of adsorption, as well as models of filters based on those mechanisms. These mathematical models have been developed in support of our interdisciplinary lab group, which is centered at BMCC/CUNY (City University of New York). Our group conducts research into bio-remediation of heavy metal contaminated water via filtration. The filters are constructed out of biomass, such as spent tea leaves. The spent tea leaves are available in large quantities as a result of the industrial production of tea beverages. The heavy metals bond with the surfaces of the tea leaves (adsorption). The models involve differential equations, stochastic methods, and recursive functions. I will compare the models' predictions to data obtained from computer simulations and experimentally by our lab group. Funding: CUNY Collaborative Incentive Research Grant (Round 12); CUNY Research Scholars Program.

Preview of Hawaii Cancer Facts and Figures 2010.

PubMed

Hernandez, Brenda Y; Green, Michael D; Cassel, Kevin D; Pobutsky, Ann M; Vu, Vyvy; Wilkens, Lynne R

2010-09-01

Each year, nearly 6,700 Hawaii residents are diagnosed with cancer and more than 2,000 die from the disease. Detailed data on the burden of cancer in Hawaii, including cancer incidence and mortality rates, are available in Hawaii Cancer Facts & Figures 2010 (CF&F). A collaborative effort of the Cancer Research Center of Hawaii, the American Cancer Society and the Hawaii Department of Health, this update of the original version published in 2003 is intended as a tool for public health education, research, and planning. The following are highlights of years 2000-2006 (a 6-year period) data as featured in Hawaii Cancer Facts & Figures 2010. Hawaii Medical Journal Copyright 2010.

Photoionisation study of Xe.CF{sub 4} and Kr.CF{sub 4} van-der-Waals molecules

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

Alekseev, V. A., E-mail: alekseev@va3474.spb.edu; Kevorkyants, R.; Garcia, G. A.

2016-05-14

We report on photoionization studies of Xe.CF{sub 4} and Kr.CF{sub 4} van-der-Waals complexes produced in a supersonic expansion and detected using synchrotron radiation and photoelectron-photoion coincidence techniques. The ionization potential of CF{sub 4} is larger than those of the Xe and Kr atoms and the ground state of the Rg.CF{sub 4}{sup +} ion correlates with Rg{sup +} ({sup 2}P{sub 3/2}) + CF{sub 4}. The onset of the Rg.CF{sub 4}{sup +} signals was found to be only ∼0.2 eV below the Rg ionization potential. In agreement with experiment, complementary ab initio calculations show that vertical transitions originating from the potential minimummore » of the ground state of Rg.CF{sub 4} terminate at a part of the potential energy surfaces of Rg.CF{sub 4}{sup +}, which are approximately 0.05 eV below the Rg{sup +} ({sup 2}P{sub 3/2}) + CF{sub 4} dissociation limit. In contrast to the neutral complexes, which are most stable in the face geometry, for the Rg.CF{sub 4}{sup +} ions, the calculations show that the minimum of the potential energy surface is in the vertex geometry. Experiments which have been performed only with Xe.CF{sub 4} revealed no Xe.CF{sub 4}{sup +} signal above the first ionization threshold of Xe, suggesting that the Rg.CF{sub 4}{sup +} ions are not stable above the first dissociation limit.« less

Background and Epidemiology

PubMed Central

Sanders, Don B.; Fink, Aliza

2016-01-01

SYNOPSIS Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common autosomal recessive disease in Caucasians. Significant advances in therapies and outcomes have occurred for people with CF over the past 30 years. Many of these improvements have come about through the concerted efforts of the US CF Foundation and international CF societies, networks of CF care centers, and the worldwide community of care providers, researchers, and patients and families. Despite these gains, there are still hurdles to overcome to continue to improve the quality of life, reduce CF complications, prolong survival, and ultimately cure CF. This article reviews the epidemiology of CF, including trends in incidence and prevalence, clinical characteristics, common complications, and survival. PMID:27469176

Atmospheric chemistry of cyc-CF2CF2CF2CH=CH-: Kinetics, products, and mechanism of gas-phase reaction with OH radicals, and atmospheric implications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Qin; Zhang, Ni; Uchimaru, Tadafumi; Chen, Liang; Quan, Hengdao; Mizukado, Junji

2018-04-01

The rate constants for the gas-phase reactions of cyc-CF2CF2CF2CH=CH- with OH radicals were determined by a relative rate method between 253 and 328 K. The rate constant k1 at 298 K was measured to be (1.08 ± 0.04) × 10-13 cm3 molecule-1 s-1, and the Arrhenius expression was k1 = (3.72 ± 0.14) × 10-13 exp [(-370 ± 12)/T]. The atmospheric lifetime of cyc-CF2CF2CF2CH=CH- was calculated to be 107 d. The products and mechanism for the reaction of cyc-CF2CF2CF2CH=CH- with OH radicals were also investigated. CO, CO2, and COF2 were identified as the main carbon-containing products following the OH-initiated reaction. Moreover, the radiative efficiency (RE) was determined to be 0.143 W m-2 ppb-1, and the global warming potentials (GWPs) for 20, 100, and 500 yr were 54, 15, and 4, respectively. The photochemical ozone creation potential of the title compound was estimated to be 1.3.

Assessment of the atmospheric loss processes initiated by OH radicals and sunlight, and the radiative efficiency for a series of hydrofluoroolefins, CF3(CF2)x=1,3,5CHCH2.

PubMed

González, Sergio; Jiménez, Elena; Albaladejo, José

2016-05-01

Hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs) of the type CF3(CF2)x≥0CHCH2, are currently being suggested as substitutes of some hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). In this work, an assessment of the atmospheric removal of CF3(CF2)x=1,3,5CHCH2, initiated by reaction with hydroxyl (OH) radicals and UV solar radiation is addressed. For that purpose, the rate coefficients for the OH + CF3(CF2)x=1,3,5CHCH2 reaction, kOH(T = 263-358 K), were determined by the pulsed laser photolysis-laser induced fluorescence technique. A slightly negative temperature dependence of kOH was observed, obtaining Ea/R (in K) values of -124 ± 15, -128 ± 6 and -160 ± 10, for CF3CF2CHCH2, CF3(CF2)3CHCH2 and CF3(CF2)5CHCH2, respectively. The estimated atmospheric lifetimes are around 8 days, considering that HFOs are well-mixed in the troposphere. Furthermore, an evaluation of the long-wave and short-wave absorption process of these HFOs have been carried out by determining the UV (191-367 nm) and IR (4000-500 cm(-1)) absorption cross sections at 298 K. Based on the obtained UV absorption cross sections, no photolysis of CF3(CF2)x=1,3,5CHCH2 is expected in the troposphere (λ > 290 nm). These species strongly absorb IR radiation in the atmospheric IR window. Despite the strong absorption in the IR region, the lifetime corrected radiative efficiencies are low (0.033 W m(-2) ppb(-1) for CF3(CF2)3CHCH2 and 0.039 Wm(-2) ppb(-1) for CF3(CF2)5CHCH2). Calculation of GWPs for these species has been performed as a function of the horizon time, providing values higher than unity for a short-period term, decreasing dramatically for longer periods. Therefore, it is concluded that emissions of these species do not affect the radiative forcing of climate, making them suitable replacements of large-GWP HFCs. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Two novel LRR-only proteins in Chlamys farreri: Similar in structure, yet different in expression profile and pattern recognition.

PubMed

Wang, Mengqiang; Wang, Lingling; Xin, Lusheng; Wang, Xiudan; Wang, Lin; Xu, Jianchao; Jia, Zhihao; Yue, Feng; Wang, Hao; Song, Linsheng

2016-06-01

Leucine-rich repeat (LRR)-only proteins could mediate protein-ligand and protein-protein interactions and be involved in the immune response. In the present study, two novel LRR-only proteins, CfLRRop-2 and CfLRRop-3, were identified and characterized from scallop Chlamys farreri. They both contained nine LRR motifs with the consensus signature sequence LxxLxLxxNxL and formed typical horseshoe structure. The CfLRRop-2 and CfLRRop-3 mRNA transcripts were constitutively expressed in haemocytes, muscle, mantle, gill, haepatopancreas and gonad, with the highest expression level in haepatopancreas and gill, respectively. During the ontogenesis of scallop, the mRNA transcripts of CfLRRop-2 were kept at a high level in oocytes and embryos, while those of CfLRRop-3 were expressed at a rather low level from oocytes to blastula. Their mRNA transcripts were significantly increased after the stimulation of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), peptidoglycan (PGN), glucan (GLU) and polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly I:C), and the mRNA expression of CfLRRop-2 rose more intensely than that of CfLRRop-3. After the suppression of CfTLR (previously identified Toll-like receptor in C. farreri) via RNA interference (RNAi), CfLRRop-3 mRNA transcripts increased more intensely and lastingly than those of CfLRRop-2. The rCfLRRop-3 protein could bind LPS, PGN, GLU and poly I:C, while rCfLRRop-2 exhibited no significant binding activity to them. Additionally, rCfLRRop-2 could significantly induce the release of TNF-α from the mixed primary cultured scallop haemocytes, but rCfLRRop-3 failed. These results collectively indicated that CfLRRop-2 might act as an immune effector or pro-inflammatory factor, while CfLRRop-3 would function as a pattern recognition receptor (PRR), suggesting the function of LRR-only protein family has differentiated in scallop. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Perceived needs for different components in a rehabilitation program among cancer survivors with chronic fatigue compared to survivors without chronic fatigue.

PubMed

Gjerset, Gunhild M; Loge, Jon H; Kiserud, Cecilie E; Fosså, Sophie D; Gudbergsson, Sævar B; Oldervoll, Line M; Wisløff, Torbjørn; Thorsen, Lene

2017-02-01

Knowledge about the user' needs is important to develop targeted rehabilitation for cancer patients with chronic fatigue (CF). The aims of the study were to examine prevalence of CF in cancer survivors attending an one-week inpatient educational program (IEP) and to identify characteristics of those with CF. Further to examine the perceived needs for different components in a rehabilitation program, need of complex rehabilitation (at least two components) and aspects of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among survivors with CF versus those without CF. Cancer survivors ≥18 years, diagnosed with different types of cancer within the last 10 years and attending a one-week IEP were invited to this cross-sectional study. CF was assessed by the Fatigue Questionnaire, perceived needs by asking a question about needs for different components in a rehabilitation program and HRQoL was assessed by The Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36. Of 564 participants, 45% reported CF. Breast cancer, mixed cancer types (including small groups with different cancer types) and comorbidities increased the risk for having CF. Compared to participants without CF, the participants with CF reported more frequently need for physical training (86% vs. 65%, p < 0.001), physiotherapy (71% vs. 55%, p < 0.001) and nutrition counseling (68% vs. 53%, p = 0.001). Among participants with CF, 75% reported need for three or more components whereas 54% reported need for the same number of components among those without CF (p < 0.001). Almost half of the cancer survivors attending the IEP had CF. Physical training, physiotherapy and nutrition counseling were the most frequently reported needs and significantly more often observed in participants with CF than without CF. A higher percentage of those with CF reported need for a complex rehabilitation compared to those without CF. More research is necessary to obtain more knowledge to further make targeted programs to better match cancer survivors' needs.

Pixelated filters for spatial imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mathieu, Karine; Lequime, Michel; Lumeau, Julien; Abel-Tiberini, Laetitia; Savin De Larclause, Isabelle; Berthon, Jacques

2015-10-01

Small satellites are often used by spatial agencies to meet scientific spatial mission requirements. Their payloads are composed of various instruments collecting an increasing amount of data, as well as respecting the growing constraints relative to volume and mass; So small-sized integrated camera have taken a favored place among these instruments. To ensure scene specific color information sensing, pixelated filters seem to be more attractive than filter wheels. The work presented here, in collaboration with Institut Fresnel, deals with the manufacturing of this kind of component, based on thin film technologies and photolithography processes. CCD detectors with a pixel pitch about 30 μm were considered. In the configuration where the matrix filters are positioned the closest to the detector, the matrix filters are composed of 2x2 macro pixels (e.g. 4 filters). These 4 filters have a bandwidth about 40 nm and are respectively centered at 550, 700, 770 and 840 nm with a specific rejection rate defined on the visible spectral range [500 - 900 nm]. After an intense design step, 4 thin-film structures have been elaborated with a maximum thickness of 5 μm. A run of tests has allowed us to choose the optimal micro-structuration parameters. The 100x100 matrix filters prototypes have been successfully manufactured with lift-off and ion assisted deposition processes. High spatial and spectral characterization, with a dedicated metrology bench, showed that initial specifications and simulations were globally met. These excellent performances knock down the technological barriers for high-end integrated specific multi spectral imaging.

Postnatal airway growth in cystic fibrosis piglets.

PubMed

Adam, Ryan J; Abou Alaiwa, Mahmoud H; Bouzek, Drake C; Cook, Daniel P; Gansemer, Nicholas D; Taft, Peter J; Powers, Linda S; Stroik, Mallory R; Hoegger, Mark J; McMenimen, James D; Hoffman, Eric A; Zabner, Joseph; Welsh, Michael J; Meyerholz, David K; Stoltz, David A

2017-09-01

Mutations in the gene encoding the cystic fibrosis (CF) transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) anion channel cause CF. The leading cause of death in the CF population is lung disease. Increasing evidence suggests that in utero airway development is CFTR-dependent and that developmental abnormalities may contribute to CF lung disease. However, relatively little is known about postnatal CF airway growth, largely because such studies are limited in humans. Therefore, we examined airway growth and lung volume in a porcine model of CF. We hypothesized that CF pigs would have abnormal postnatal airway growth. To test this hypothesis, we performed CT-based airway and lung volume measurements in 3-wk-old non-CF and CF pigs. We found that 3-wk-old CF pigs had tracheas of reduced caliber and irregular shape. Their bronchial lumens were reduced in size proximally but not distally, were irregularly shaped, and had reduced distensibility. Our data suggest that lack of CFTR results in aberrant postnatal airway growth and development, which could contribute to CF lung disease pathogenesis. NEW & NOTEWORTHY This CT scan-based study of airway morphometry in the cystic fibrosis (CF) postnatal period is unique, as analogous studies in humans are greatly limited for ethical and technical reasons. Findings such as reduced airway lumen area and irregular caliber suggest that airway growth and development are CF transmembrane conductance regulator-dependent and that airway growth defects may contribute to CF lung disease pathogenesis. Copyright © 2017 the American Physiological Society.

Reactivation of the chloroplast CF1-ATPase beta subunit by trace amounts of the CF1 alpha subunit suggests a chaperonin-like activity for CF1 alpha.

PubMed

Avni, A; Avital, S; Gromet-Elhanan, Z

1991-04-25

Incubation of tobacco and lettuce thylakoids with 2 M LiCl in the presence of MgATP removes the beta subunit from their CF1-ATPase (CF1 beta) together with varying amounts of the CF1 alpha subunit (CF1 alpha). These 2 M LiCl extracts, as with the one obtained from spinach thylakoids (Avital, S., and Gromet-Elhanan, Z. (1991) J. Biol. Chem. 266, 7067-7072), could form active hybrid ATPases when reconstituted into inactive beta-less Rhodospirillum rubrum chromatophores. Pure CF1 beta fractions that have been isolated from these extracts could not form such active hybrids by themselves, but could do so when supplemented with trace amounts (less than 5%) of CF1 alpha. A mitochondrial F1-ATPase alpha subunit was recently reported to be a heat-shock protein, having two amino acid sequences that show a highly conserved identity with sequences found in molecular chaperones (Luis, A. M., Alconada, A., and Cuezva, J. M. (1990) J. Biol. Chem. 265, 7713-7716). These sequences are also conserved in CF1 alpha isolated from various plants, but not in F1 beta subunits. The above described reactivation of CF1 beta by trace amounts of CF1 alpha could thus be due to a chaperonin-like function of CF1 alpha, which involves the correct, active folding of isolated pure CF1 beta.

Standardization of search methods for guideline development: an international survey of evidence-based guideline development groups.

PubMed

Deurenberg, Rikie; Vlayen, Joan; Guillo, Sylvie; Oliver, Thomas K; Fervers, Beatrice; Burgers, Jako

2008-03-01

Effective literature searching is particularly important for clinical practice guideline development. Sophisticated searching and filtering mechanisms are needed to help ensure that all relevant research is reviewed. To assess the methods used for the selection of evidence for guideline development by evidence-based guideline development organizations. A semistructured questionnaire assessing the databases, search filters and evaluation methods used for literature retrieval was distributed to eight major organizations involved in evidence-based guideline development. All of the organizations used search filters as part of guideline development. The medline database was the primary source accessed for literature retrieval. The OVID or SilverPlatter interfaces were used in preference to the freely accessed PubMed interface. The Cochrane Library, embase, cinahl and psycinfo databases were also frequently used by the organizations. All organizations reported the intention to improve and validate their filters for finding literature specifically relevant for guidelines. In the first international survey of its kind, eight major guideline development organizations indicated a strong interest in identifying, improving and standardizing search filters to improve guideline development. It is to be hoped that this will result in the standardization of, and open access to, search filters, an improvement in literature searching outcomes and greater collaboration among guideline development organizations.

Collaborative emitter tracking using Rao-Blackwellized random exchange diffusion particle filtering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bruno, Marcelo G. S.; Dias, Stiven S.

2014-12-01

We introduce in this paper the fully distributed, random exchange diffusion particle filter (ReDif-PF) to track a moving emitter using multiple received signal strength (RSS) sensors. We consider scenarios with both known and unknown sensor model parameters. In the unknown parameter case, a Rao-Blackwellized (RB) version of the random exchange diffusion particle filter, referred to as the RB ReDif-PF, is introduced. In a simulated scenario with a partially connected network, the proposed ReDif-PF outperformed a PF tracker that assimilates local neighboring measurements only and also outperformed a linearized random exchange distributed extended Kalman filter (ReDif-EKF). Furthermore, the novel ReDif-PF matched the tracking error performance of alternative suboptimal distributed PFs based respectively on iterative Markov chain move steps and selective average gossiping with an inter-node communication cost that is roughly two orders of magnitude lower than the corresponding cost for the Markov chain and selective gossip filters. Compared to a broadcast-based filter which exactly mimics the optimal centralized tracker or its equivalent (exact) consensus-based implementations, ReDif-PF showed a degradation in steady-state error performance. However, compared to the optimal consensus-based trackers, ReDif-PF is better suited for real-time applications since it does not require iterative inter-node communication between measurement arrivals.

Restructuring the Future Classroom--A Global Perspective

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shivakumar, G. S.; Manichander, T.

2013-01-01

The students are the consumers as well as co-creators of knowledge. Information does not flow top-down any more. Networks, peers and students inquisitiveness teach students. Teachers act as filters. Collaboration is the key. In today's world for the netgen, knowingly or unknowingly technology and the free flow of information via internet has made…

Archive 2.0: What Composition Students and Academic Libraries Can Gain from Digital-Collaborative Pedagogies

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Vetter, Matthew A.

2014-01-01

Research across disciplines in recent years has demonstrated a number of gains involved in community engagement and service-learning pedagogies. More recently, these pedagogies are being filtered into digital contexts as instructors begin to realize the opportunities made available by online writing venues. This presentation describes a specific…

Improved Personalized Recommendation Based on Causal Association Rule and Collaborative Filtering

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lei, Wu; Qing, Fang; Zhou, Jin

2016-01-01

There are usually limited user evaluation of resources on a recommender system, which caused an extremely sparse user rating matrix, and this greatly reduce the accuracy of personalized recommendation, especially for new users or new items. This paper presents a recommendation method based on rating prediction using causal association rules.…

USE OF BONE CHAR FOR THE REMOVAL OF ARSENIC AND URANIUM FROM GROUNDWATER AT THE PINE RIDGE RESERVATION

EPA Science Inventory

The student project team will work with faculty advisors at UIUC, advisors at Oglala Lakota College, and with residents of the Pine Ridge Reservation. Through this collaborative effort, we expect to identify filter materials including bone char that will effectively remove ars...

Symposium on Applications and the Internet (SAINT 2003) Proceedings (Orlando, Florida, January 27-31, 2003).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Helal, Sumi, Ed.; Oie, Yuji, Ed.; Chang, Carl, Ed.; Murai, Jun, Ed.

This proceedings from the 2003 Symposium on Applications and the Internet (SAINT) contains papers from sessions on: (1) mobile Internet, including a target-driven cache replacement policy, context-awareness for service discovery, and XML transformation; (2) collaboration technology I, including human-network-based filtering, virtual collaboration…

Career Goal-Based E-Learning Recommendation Using Enhanced Collaborative Filtering and PrefixSpan

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ma, Xueying; Ye, Lu

2018-01-01

This article describes how e-learning recommender systems nowadays have applied different kinds of techniques to recommend personalized learning content for users based on their preference, goals, interests and background information. However, the cold-start problem which exists in traditional recommendation algorithms are still left over in…

Empirical comparison of local structural similarity indices for collaborative-filtering-based recommender systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Qian-Ming; Shang, Ming-Sheng; Zeng, Wei; Chen, Yong; Lü, Linyuan

2010-08-01

Collaborative filtering is one of the most successful recommendation techniques, which can effectively predict the possible future likes of users based on their past preferences. The key problem of this method is how to define the similarity between users. A standard approach is using the correlation between the ratings that two users give to a set of objects, such as Cosine index and Pearson correlation coefficient. However, the costs of computing this kind of indices are relatively high, and thus it is impossible to be applied in the huge-size systems. To solve this problem, in this paper, we introduce six local-structure-based similarity indices and compare their performances with the above two benchmark indices. Experimental results on two data sets demonstrate that the structure-based similarity indices overall outperform the Pearson correlation coefficient. When the data is dense, the structure-based indices can perform competitively good as Cosine index, while with lower computational complexity. Furthermore, when the data is sparse, the structure-based indices give even better results than Cosine index.

Walking on a user similarity network towards personalized recommendations.

PubMed

Gan, Mingxin

2014-01-01

Personalized recommender systems have been receiving more and more attention in addressing the serious problem of information overload accompanying the rapid evolution of the world-wide-web. Although traditional collaborative filtering approaches based on similarities between users have achieved remarkable success, it has been shown that the existence of popular objects may adversely influence the correct scoring of candidate objects, which lead to unreasonable recommendation results. Meanwhile, recent advances have demonstrated that approaches based on diffusion and random walk processes exhibit superior performance over collaborative filtering methods in both the recommendation accuracy and diversity. Building on these results, we adopt three strategies (power-law adjustment, nearest neighbor, and threshold filtration) to adjust a user similarity network from user similarity scores calculated on historical data, and then propose a random walk with restart model on the constructed network to achieve personalized recommendations. We perform cross-validation experiments on two real data sets (MovieLens and Netflix) and compare the performance of our method against the existing state-of-the-art methods. Results show that our method outperforms existing methods in not only recommendation accuracy and diversity, but also retrieval performance.

Preparation & characterization of SiO2 interface layer by dip coating technique on carbon fibre for Cf/SiC composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, Kundan; Jariwala, C.; Pillai, R.; Chauhan, N.; Raole, P. M.

2015-08-01

Carbon fibres (Cf) are one of the most important reinforced materials for ceramic matrix composites such as Cf - SiC composites and they are generally sought for high temperature applications in as space application, nuclear reactor and automobile industries. But the major problem arise when Cf reinforced composites exposed to high temperature in an oxidizing environment, Cf react with oxygen and burnt away. In present work, we have studied the effect of silica (SiO2) coating as a protective coating on Cf for the Cf / SiC composites. The silica solution prepared by the sol-gel process and coating on Cf is done by dip coating technique with varying the withdrawing speed i.e. 2, 5, 8 mm/s with fixed dipping cycle (3 Nos.). The uniform silica coating on the Cf is shown by the Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) analysis. The tensile test shows the increase in tensile strength with respect to increase in withdrawing speed. The isothermal oxidation analysis confirmed enhancement of oxidation resistance of silica coated Cf as compared tothe uncoated Cf.

76 FR 14796 - Airworthiness Directives; General Electric Company CF6-45 and CF6-50 Series Turbofan Engines

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-03-18

... Airworthiness Directives; General Electric Company CF6-45 and CF6-50 Series Turbofan Engines AGENCY: Federal... airworthiness directive (AD) for General Electric Company (GE) CF6-45 and CF6-50 series turbofan engines. That..., and MD-10- 30F. The commenter stated that the proposed AD only listed these airplanes as a series. We...

Musculoskeletal manifestations and rheumatic symptoms in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) no observations of CF-specific arthropathy.

PubMed

Koch, Ann-Kristin; Brömme, Sabine; Wollschläger, Bettina; Horneff, Gerd; Keyszer, Gernot

2008-09-01

To determine the character and frequency of musculoskeletal manifestations and rheumatic symptoms in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Rheumatic symptoms and signs of 70 patients with CF (age 6 to 61 yrs) were determined by interview and clinical assessment. Age and sex-matched healthy volunteers served as a control group. In CF patients, laboratory measures and bone mineral density (BMD) were investigated. The data were correlated with the CF phenotype [Shwachman Score (ShS), Chrispin-Norman Score (ChNS), and pulmonary function tests (PFT)]. The prevalence of joint pain in the CF patients was 12.9%, with a mean duration of 7 days. Swollen joints were found in 4 patients. None fulfilled the criteria for rheumatoid arthritis or connective tissue disease. Adult CF patients complained more often about noninflammatory back pain and myalgia, and demonstrated reduced spine mobility and impaired everyday life functions compared with the controls. Symptomatic CF patients had elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein levels and performed worse on the ShS, ChNS, and PFT than asymptomatic patients. Antibodies against exotoxin A of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and recombinant Aspergillus fumigatus allergen f4 were found more frequently in CF patients with arthralgia. BMD was decreased in adult patients with more severe CF. In CF patients, the prevalence of rheumatic symptoms increases with age and CF severity. Our data suggest an association of infections with P. aeruginosa and A. fumigatus with the occurrence of rheumatic symptoms. However, no association of CF with definite inflammatory joint or connective tissue diseases was observed, and no CF-specific pattern of musculoskeletal symptoms was seen.

Use of Less Reactive Materials and More Stable Gases to Reduce Corrosive Wear When Lubricating with Halogenated Gases

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Buckley, Donald H.; Johnson, Robert L.

1960-01-01

The gases CF2Cl-CF2Cl, CF2Cl2, and CF2Br-CF2Br were used to lubricate metals, cermets, and ceramics in this study. One of the criteria for determining the effectiveness of a reactive-gas-lubricated systems is the stability of the halogen-containing gas molecule. The carbon-to-halogen bond in the ethane molecule has extremely good thermal stability superior to the methane analogs (CF2Cl2 and CF2Br2) used in earlier research. For this reason, the ethane compounds CF2Cl-CF2Cl and CF2Br-CF2Br were considered as high-temperature lubricants. Friction and wear studies were made with a hemisphere (3/16-in. rad.) rider sliding in a circumferential path on the flat surface of a rotating disk (21/2-in. diam. ). The specimens of metal alloys, cermets, and ceramics were run In an atmosphere of the various gases with a load of 1200 grams, sliding velocities from 75 to 8000 feet per minute, and temperatures from 75 to 1400 F. The gas CF2Cl-CF2Cl was found to be an effective lubricant for the cermet LT-LB (59.0 Cr, 19.0 Al2O3, 20.0 Mo, 2.0 Ti) and the ceramic Al2O3 sliding on Stellite Star J (cobalt-base alloy) at temperatures to 1400 F. The bromine-containing gas CF2Br-CF2Br was found to give friction and wear values that can be considered to be in a region of effective boundary lubrication for the cermet K175D (nickel-bonded metal carbide) sliding on the metal Hastelloy R-235 (nickel-base alloy) at temperatures to 1200 F.

A hybrid video codec based on extended block sizes, recursive integer transforms, improved interpolation, and flexible motion representation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karczewicz, Marta; Chen, Peisong; Joshi, Rajan; Wang, Xianglin; Chien, Wei-Jung; Panchal, Rahul; Coban, Muhammed; Chong, In Suk; Reznik, Yuriy A.

2011-01-01

This paper describes video coding technology proposal submitted by Qualcomm Inc. in response to a joint call for proposal (CfP) issued by ITU-T SG16 Q.6 (VCEG) and ISO/IEC JTC1/SC29/WG11 (MPEG) in January 2010. Proposed video codec follows a hybrid coding approach based on temporal prediction, followed by transform, quantization, and entropy coding of the residual. Some of its key features are extended block sizes (up to 64x64), recursive integer transforms, single pass switched interpolation filters with offsets (single pass SIFO), mode dependent directional transform (MDDT) for intra-coding, luma and chroma high precision filtering, geometry motion partitioning, adaptive motion vector resolution. It also incorporates internal bit-depth increase (IBDI), and modified quadtree based adaptive loop filtering (QALF). Simulation results are presented for a variety of bit rates, resolutions and coding configurations to demonstrate the high compression efficiency achieved by the proposed video codec at moderate level of encoding and decoding complexity. For random access hierarchical B configuration (HierB), the proposed video codec achieves an average BD-rate reduction of 30.88c/o compared to the H.264/AVC alpha anchor. For low delay hierarchical P (HierP) configuration, the proposed video codec achieves an average BD-rate reduction of 32.96c/o and 48.57c/o, compared to the H.264/AVC beta and gamma anchors, respectively.

Structural and kinetic study of reversible CO2 fixation by dicopper macrocyclic complexes. From intramolecular binding to self-assembly of molecular boxes.

PubMed

Company, Anna; Jee, Joo-Eun; Ribas, Xavi; Lopez-Valbuena, Josep Maria; Gómez, Laura; Corbella, Montserrat; Llobet, Antoni; Mahía, José; Benet-Buchholz, Jordi; Costas, Miquel; van Eldik, Rudi

2007-10-29

A study of the reversible CO2 fixation by a series of macrocyclic dicopper complexes is described. The dicopper macrocyclic complexes [Cu2(OH)2(Me2p)](CF3SO3)2, 1(CF3SO3)2, and [Cu2(mu-OH)2(Me2m)](CF3SO3)2, 2(CF3SO3)2, (Scheme 1) containing terminally bound and bridging hydroxide ligands, respectively, promote reversible inter- and intramolecular CO2 fixation that results in the formation of the carbonate complexes [{Cu2(Me2p)}2(mu-CO3)2](CF3SO3)4, 4(CF3SO3)4, and [Cu2(mu-CO3)(Me2m)](CF3SO3)2, 5(CF3SO3)2. Under a N2 atmosphere the complexes evolve CO2 and revert to the starting hydroxo complexes 1(CF3SO3)2 and 2(CF3SO3)2, a reaction the rate of which linearly depends on [H2O]. In the presence of water, attempts to crystallize 5(CF3SO3)2 afford [{Cu2(Me2m)(H2O)}2(mu-CO3)2](CF3SO3)4, 6(CF3SO3)4, which appears to rapidly convert to 5(CF3SO3)2 in acetonitrile solution. [Cu2(OH)2(H3m)]2+, 7, which contains a larger macrocyclic ligand, irreversibly reacts with atmospheric CO2 to generate cagelike [{Cu2(H3m)}2(mu-CO3)2](ClO4)4, 8(ClO4)4. However, addition of 1 equiv of HClO4 per Cu generates [Cu2(H3m)(CH3CN)4]4+ (3), and subsequent addition of Et3N under air reassembles 8. The carbonate complexes 4(CF3SO3)4, 5(CF3SO3)2, 6(CF3SO3)4, and 8(ClO4)4 have been characterized in the solid state by X-ray crystallography. This analysis reveals that 4(CF3SO3)4, 6(CF3SO3)4, and 8(ClO4)4 consist of self-assembled molecular boxes containing two macrocyclic dicopper complexes, bridged by CO32- ligands. The bridging mode of the carbonate ligand is anti-anti-mu-eta1:eta1 in 4(CF3SO3)4, anti-anti-mu-eta2:eta1 in 6(CF3SO3)4 and anti-anti-mu-eta2:eta2 in 5(CF3SO3)2 and 8(ClO4)4. Magnetic susceptibility measurements on 4(CF3SO3)4, 6(CF3SO3)4, and 8(ClO4)4 indicate that the carbonate ligands mediate antiferromagnetic coupling between each pair of bridged CuII ions (J = -23.1, -108.3, and -163.4 cm-1, respectively, H = -JS1S2). Detailed kinetic analyses of the reaction between carbon dioxide and the macrocyclic complexes 1(CF3SO3)2 and 2(CF3SO3)2 suggest that it is actually hydrogen carbonate formed in aqueous solution on dissolving CO2 that is responsible for the observed formation of the different carbonate complexes controlled by the binding mode of the hydroxy ligands. This study shows that CO2 fixation can be used as an on/off switch for the reversible self-assembly of supramolecular structures based on macrocyclic dicopper complexes.

Combining evidence and diffusion of innovation theory to enhance influenza immunization.

PubMed

Britto, Maria T; Pandzik, Geralyn M; Meeks, Connie S; Kotagal, Uma R

2006-08-01

Children and adolescents with chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and HIV are at high risk of influenza-related morbidity, and there are recommendations to immunize these populations annually. At Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, the influenza immunization rate increased to 90.4% (5% declined) among 200 patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Diffusion of innovation theory was used to guide the design and implementation of spread to other clinics. The main intervention strategies were: (1) engagement of interested, nurse-led teams, (2) A collaborative learning session, (3) A tool kit including literature, sample goals, reminder postcards, communication strategies, and team member roles and processes, (4) open-access scheduling and standing orders (5) A simple Web-based registry, (6) facilitated vaccine ordering, (7) recall phone calls, and (8) weekly results posting. Clinic-specific immunization rates ranged from 32.7% to 92.8%, with the highest rate reported in the CF clinic. All teams used multiple strategies; with six of the seven using four or more. Overall, 60.0% (762/1,269) of the population was immunized. Barriers included vaccine shortages, lack of time for reminder calls, and lack of physician support in one clinic. A combination of interventions, guided by evidence and diffusion of innovation theory, led to immunization rates higher than those reported in the literature.

Comparison of Cross Flow Filtration Performance for Manganese Oxide/Sludge Mixtures and Monosodium Titanate/Sludge Mixtures

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

Poirier, M.R.

2002-06-07

Personnel performed engineering-scale tests at the Filtration Research Engineering Demonstration (FRED) to determine crossflow filter performance with a 5.6 M sodium solution containing varying concentrations of sludge and sodium permanganate. The work represents another in a series of collaborative efforts between the University of South Carolina and the Savannah River Technology Center in support of the process development efforts for the Savannah River Site. The current tests investigated filter performance with slurry containing simulated Tank 40H Sludge and sodium permanganate at concentrations between 0.070 weight percent and 3.04 weight percent insoluble solids.

76 FR 292 - Airworthiness Directives; General Electric Company CF6-45 and CF6-50 Series Turbofan Engines

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-01-04

[email protected]ge.com . You may review copies of the referenced service information at the FAA, Engine..., February 26, 2009), for GE CF6-45 and CF6-50 series turbofan engines. That AD requires replacing LFCEN... that this proposed AD would affect 383 GE CF6-45 and CF6-50 series turbofan engines installed on...

Chitinase activation in patients with fungus-associated cystic fibrosis lung disease.

PubMed

Hector, Andreas; Chotirmall, Sanjay H; Lavelle, Gillian M; Mirković, Bojana; Horan, Deirdre; Eichler, Laura; Mezger, Markus; Singh, Anurag; Ralhan, Anjai; Berenbrinker, Sina; Mack, Ines; Ensenauer, Regina; Riethmüller, Joachim; Graepler-Mainka, Ute; Murray, Michelle A; Griese, Matthias; McElvaney, N Gerry; Hartl, Dominik

2016-10-01

Chitinases have recently gained attention in the field of pulmonary diseases, particularly in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, but their potential role in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF)-associated lung disease remains unclear. The aim of this study was to assess chitinase activity systemically and in the airways of patients with CF and asthma compared with healthy subjects. Additionally, we assessed factors that regulate chitinase activity within the lungs of patients with CF. Chitinase activities were quantified in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from patients with CF, asthmatic patients, and healthy control subjects. Mechanistically, the role of CF airway proteases and genetic chitinase deficiency was assessed. Chitinase activity was systemically increased in patients with CF compared with that in healthy control subjects and asthmatic patients. Further stratification showed that chitinase activity was enhanced in patients with CF colonized with Candida albicans compared with that in noncolonized patients. CF proteases degraded chitinases in the airway microenvironment of patients with CF. Genetic chitinase deficiency was associated with C albicans colonization in patients with CF. Patients with CF have enhanced chitinase activation associated with C albicans colonization. Therefore chitinases might represent a novel biomarker and therapeutic target for CF-associated fungal disease. Copyright © 2016 American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Cystic fibrosis airway secretions exhibit mucin hyperconcentration and increased osmotic pressure

PubMed Central

Henderson, Ashley G.; Ehre, Camille; Button, Brian; Abdullah, Lubna H.; Cai, Li-Heng; Leigh, Margaret W.; DeMaria, Genevieve C.; Matsui, Hiro; Donaldson, Scott H.; Davis, C. William; Sheehan, John K.; Boucher, Richard C.; Kesimer, Mehmet

2014-01-01

The pathogenesis of mucoinfective lung disease in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients likely involves poor mucus clearance. A recent model of mucus clearance predicts that mucus flow depends on the relative mucin concentration of the mucus layer compared with that of the periciliary layer; however, mucin concentrations have been difficult to measure in CF secretions. Here, we have shown that the concentration of mucin in CF sputum is low when measured by immunologically based techniques, and mass spectrometric analyses of CF mucins revealed mucin cleavage at antibody recognition sites. Using physical size exclusion chromatography/differential refractometry (SEC/dRI) techniques, we determined that mucin concentrations in CF secretions were higher than those in normal secretions. Measurements of partial osmotic pressures revealed that the partial osmotic pressure of CF sputum and the retained mucus in excised CF lungs were substantially greater than the partial osmotic pressure of normal secretions. Our data reveal that mucin concentration cannot be accurately measured immunologically in proteolytically active CF secretions; mucins are hyperconcentrated in CF secretions; and CF secretion osmotic pressures predict mucus layer–dependent osmotic compression of the periciliary liquid layer in CF lungs. Consequently, mucin hypersecretion likely produces mucus stasis, which contributes to key infectious and inflammatory components of CF lung disease. PMID:24892808

Developing a denoising filter for electron microscopy and tomography data in the cloud.

PubMed

Starosolski, Zbigniew; Szczepanski, Marek; Wahle, Manuel; Rusu, Mirabela; Wriggers, Willy

2012-09-01

The low radiation conditions and the predominantly phase-object image formation of cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) result in extremely high noise levels and low contrast in the recorded micrographs. The process of single particle or tomographic 3D reconstruction does not completely eliminate this noise and is even capable of introducing new sources of noise during alignment or when correcting for instrument parameters. The recently developed Digital Paths Supervised Variance (DPSV) denoising filter uses local variance information to control regional noise in a robust and adaptive manner. The performance of the DPSV filter was evaluated in this review qualitatively and quantitatively using simulated and experimental data from cryo-EM and tomography in two and three dimensions. We also assessed the benefit of filtering experimental reconstructions for visualization purposes and for enhancing the accuracy of feature detection. The DPSV filter eliminates high-frequency noise artifacts (density gaps), which would normally preclude the accurate segmentation of tomography reconstructions or the detection of alpha-helices in single-particle reconstructions. This collaborative software development project was carried out entirely by virtual interactions among the authors using publicly available development and file sharing tools.

Enhancement of discharge performance of Li/CF x cell by thermal treatment of CF x cathode material

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Sheng S.; Foster, Donald; Read, Jeffrey

In this work we demonstrate that the thermal treatment of CF x cathode material just below the decomposition temperature can enhance discharge performance of Li/CF x cells. The performance enhancement becomes more effective when heating a mixture of CF x and citric acid (CA) since CA serves as an extra carbon source. Discharge experiments show that the thermal treatment not only reduces initial voltage delay, but also raises discharge voltage. Whereas the measurement of powder impedance indicates the thermal treatment does not increase electronic conductivity of CF x material. Based on these facts, we propose that the thermal treatment results in a limited decomposition of CF x, which yields a subfluorinated carbon (CF x- δ), instead of a highly conductive carbon. In the case of CF x/AC mixture, the AC provides extra carbon that reacts with F 2 and fluorocarbon radicals generated by the thermal decomposition of CF x to form subfluorinated carbon. The process of thermal treatment is studied by thermogravimetric analysis and X-ray diffraction, and the effect of treatment conditions such as heating temperature, heating time and CF x/CA ratio on the discharge performance of CF x cathode is discussed. As an example, a Li/CF x cell using CF x treated with CA at 500 °C under nitrogen for 2 h achieved theretical specific capacity when being discharged at C/5. Impedance analysis indicates that the enhanced performance is attributed to a significant reduction in the cell reaction resistance.

An Inter-Personal Information Sharing Model Based on Personalized Recommendations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kamei, Koji; Funakoshi, Kaname; Akahani, Jun-Ichi; Satoh, Tetsuji

In this paper, we propose an inter-personal information sharing model among individuals based on personalized recommendations. In the proposed model, we define an information resource as shared between people when both of them consider it important --- not merely when they both possess it. In other words, the model defines the importance of information resources based on personalized recommendations from identifiable acquaintances. The proposed method is based on a collaborative filtering system that focuses on evaluations from identifiable acquaintances. It utilizes both user evaluations for documents and their contents. In other words, each user profile is represented as a matrix of credibility to the other users' evaluations on each domain of interests. We extended the content-based collaborative filtering method to distinguish other users to whom the documents should be recommended. We also applied a concept-based vector space model to represent the domain of interests instead of the previous method which represented them by a term-based vector space model. We introduce a personalized concept-base compiled from each user's information repository to improve the information retrieval in the user's environment. Furthermore, the concept-spaces change from user to user since they reflect the personalities of the users. Because of different concept-spaces, the similarity between a document and a user's interest varies for each user. As a result, a user receives recommendations from other users who have different view points, achieving inter-personal information sharing based on personalized recommendations. This paper also describes an experimental simulation of our information sharing model. In our laboratory, five participants accumulated a personal repository of e-mails and web pages from which they built their own concept-base. Then we estimated the user profiles according to personalized concept-bases and sets of documents which others evaluated. We simulated inter-personal recommendation based on the user profiles and evaluated the performance of the recommendation method by comparing the recommended documents to the result of the content-based collaborative filtering.

Comparative Analysis of the Effects of Hydroxysafflor Yellow A and Anhydrosafflor Yellow B in Safflower Series of Herb Pairs Using Prep-HPLC and a Selective Knock-Out Approach.

PubMed

Qu, Cheng; Wang, Lin-Yan; Jin, Wen-Tao; Tang, Yu-Ping; Jin, Yi; Shi, Xu-Qin; Shang, Li-Li; Shang, Er-Xin; Duan, Jin-Ao

2016-11-06

The flower of Carthamus tinctorius L. (Carthami Flos, safflower), important in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), is known for treating blood stasis, coronary heart disease, hypertension, and cerebrovascular disease in clinical and experimental studies. It is widely accepted that hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA) and anhydrosafflor yellow B (ASYB) are the major bioactive components of many formulae comprised of safflower. In this study, selective knock-out of target components such as HSYA and ASYB by using preparative high performance liquid chromatography (prep-HPLC) followed by antiplatelet and anticoagulation activities evaluation was used to investigate the roles of bioactive ingredients in safflower series of herb pairs. The results showed that both HSYA and ASYB not only played a direct role in activating blood circulation, but also indirectly made a contribution to the total bioactivity of safflower series of herb pairs. The degree of contribution of HSYA in the safflower and its series herb pairs was as follows: Carthami Flos-Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma Rubra (CF-GR) > Carthami Flos-Sappan Lignum (CF-SL) > Carthami Flos-Angelicae Sinensis Radix (CF-AS) > Carthami Flos-Astragali Radix (CF-AR) > Carthami Flos-Angelicae Sinensis Radix (CF-AS) > Carthami Flos-Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (CF-GL) > Carthami Flos-Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (CF-SM) > Carthami Flos (CF), and the contribution degree of ASYB in the safflower and its series herb pairs: CF-GL > CF-PS > CF-AS > CF-SL > CF-SM > CF-AR > CF-GR > CF. So, this study provided a significant and effective approach to elucidate the contribution of different herbal components to the bioactivity of the herb pair, and clarification of the variation of herb-pair compatibilities. In addition, this study provides guidance for investigating the relationship between herbal compounds and the bioactivities of herb pairs. It also provides a scientific basis for reasonable clinical applications and new drug development on the basis of the safflower series of herb pairs.

Low-energy ion beamline scattering apparatus for surface science investigations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gordon, M. J.; Giapis, K. P.

2005-08-01

We report on the design, construction, and performance of a high current (monolayers/s), mass-filtered ion beamline system for surface scattering studies using inert and reactive species at collision energies below 1500 eV. The system combines a high-density inductively coupled plasma ion source, high-voltage floating beam transport line with magnet mass-filter and neutral stripping, decelerator, and broad based detection capabilities (ions and neutrals in both mass and energy) for products leaving the target surface. The entire system was designed from the ground up to be a robust platform to study ion-surface interactions from a more global perspective, i.e., high fluxes (>100μA/cm2) of a single ion species at low, tunable energy (50-1400±5eV full width half maximum) can be delivered to a grounded target under ultrahigh vacuum conditions. The high current at low energy problem is solved using an accel-decel transport scheme where ions are created at the desired collision energy in the plasma source, extracted and accelerated to high transport energy (20 keV to fight space charge repulsion), and then decelerated back down to their original creation potential right before impacting the grounded target. Scattered species and those originating from the surface are directly analyzed in energy and mass using a triply pumped, hybrid detector composed of an electron impact ionizer, hemispherical electrostatic sector, and rf/dc quadrupole in series. With such a system, the collision kinematics, charge exchange, and chemistry occurring on the target surface can be separated by fully analyzing the scattered product flux. Key design aspects of the plasma source, beamline, and detection system are emphasized here to highlight how to work around physical limitations associated with high beam flux at low energy, pumping requirements, beam focusing, and scattered product analysis. Operational details of the beamline are discussed from the perspective of available beam current, mass resolution, projectile energy spread, and energy tunability. As well, performance of the overall system is demonstrated through three proof-of-concept examples: (1) elastic binary collisions at low energy, (2) core-level charge exchange reactions involving Ne+20 with Mg /Al/Si/P targets, and (3) reactive scattering of CF2+/CF3+ off Si. These studies clearly demonstrate why low, tunable incident energy, as well as mass and energy filtering of products leaving the target surface is advantageous and often essential for studies of inelastic energy losses, hard-collision charge exchange, and chemical reactions that occur during ion-surface scattering.

Minimum reaction network necessary to describe Ar/CF4 plasma etch

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Helpert, Sofia; Chopra, Meghali; Bonnecaze, Roger T.

2018-03-01

Predicting the etch and deposition profiles created using plasma processes is challenging due to the complexity of plasma discharges and plasma-surface interactions. Volume-averaged global models allow for efficient prediction of important processing parameters and provide a means to quickly determine the effect of a variety of process inputs on the plasma discharge. However, global models are limited based on simplifying assumptions to describe the chemical reaction network. Here a database of 128 reactions is compiled and their corresponding rate constants collected from 24 sources for an Ar/CF4 plasma using the platform RODEo (Recipe Optimization for Deposition and Etching). Six different reaction sets were tested which employed anywhere from 12 to all 128 reactions to evaluate the impact of the reaction database on particle species densities and electron temperature. Because many the reactions used in our database had conflicting rate constants as reported in literature, we also present a method to deal with those uncertainties when constructing the model which includes weighting each reaction rate and filtering outliers. By analyzing the link between a reaction's rate constant and its impact on the predicted plasma densities and electron temperatures, we determine the conditions at which a reaction is deemed necessary to the plasma model. The results of this study provide a foundation for determining which minimal set of reactions must be included in the reaction set of the plasma model.

Constrained Local UniversE Simulations: a Local Group factory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carlesi, Edoardo; Sorce, Jenny G.; Hoffman, Yehuda; Gottlöber, Stefan; Yepes, Gustavo; Libeskind, Noam I.; Pilipenko, Sergey V.; Knebe, Alexander; Courtois, Hélène; Tully, R. Brent; Steinmetz, Matthias

2016-05-01

Near-field cosmology is practised by studying the Local Group (LG) and its neighbourhood. This paper describes a framework for simulating the `near field' on the computer. Assuming the Λ cold dark matter (ΛCDM) model as a prior and applying the Bayesian tools of the Wiener filter and constrained realizations of Gaussian fields to the Cosmicflows-2 (CF2) survey of peculiar velocities, constrained simulations of our cosmic environment are performed. The aim of these simulations is to reproduce the LG and its local environment. Our main result is that the LG is likely a robust outcome of the ΛCDMscenario when subjected to the constraint derived from CF2 data, emerging in an environment akin to the observed one. Three levels of criteria are used to define the simulated LGs. At the base level, pairs of haloes must obey specific isolation, mass and separation criteria. At the second level, the orbital angular momentum and energy are constrained, and on the third one the phase of the orbit is constrained. Out of the 300 constrained simulations, 146 LGs obey the first set of criteria, 51 the second and 6 the third. The robustness of our LG `factory' enables the construction of a large ensemble of simulated LGs. Suitable candidates for high-resolution hydrodynamical simulations of the LG can be drawn from this ensemble, which can be used to perform comprehensive studies of the formation of the LG.

Gap Junctions Are Involved in the Rescue of CFTR-Dependent Chloride Efflux by Amniotic Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Coculture with Cystic Fibrosis CFBE41o- Cells.

PubMed

Carbone, Annalucia; Zefferino, Roberto; Beccia, Elisa; Casavola, Valeria; Castellani, Stefano; Di Gioia, Sante; Giannone, Valentina; Seia, Manuela; Angiolillo, Antonella; Colombo, Carla; Favia, Maria; Conese, Massimo

2018-01-01

We previously found that human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells (hAMSCs) in coculture with CF immortalised airway epithelial cells (CFBE41o- line, CFBE) on Transwell® filters acquired an epithelial phenotype and led to the expression of a mature and functional CFTR protein. In order to explore the role of gap junction- (GJ-) mediated intercellular communication (GJIC) in this rescue, cocultures (hAMSC : CFBE, 1 : 5 ratio) were studied for the formation of GJIC, before and after silencing connexin 43 (Cx43), a major component of GJs. Functional GJs in cocultures were inhibited when the expression of the Cx43 protein was downregulated. Transfection of cocultures with siRNA against Cx43 resulted in the absence of specific CFTR signal on the apical membrane and reduction in the mature form of CFTR (band C), and in parallel, the CFTR-dependent chloride channel activity was significantly decreased. Cx43 downregulation determined also a decrease in transepithelial resistance and an increase in paracellular permeability as compared with control cocultures, implying that GJIC may regulate CFTR expression and function that in turn modulate airway epithelium tightness. These results indicate that GJIC is involved in the correction of CFTR chloride channel activity upon the acquisition of an epithelial phenotype by hAMSCs in coculture with CF cells.

Long-Term Dynamics of Small Bodies in the Solar System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Holman, Matthew J.

2004-01-01

As part of the NASA Planetary Geology and Geophysics program Prof. Norm Murray (CITA) and I have been conducting investigations of the long-term dynamics of small bodies in the outer solar system. This grant, and its predecessor NAG5- 7761, supports travel for collaboration by the Investigators and also supports Murray during an annual one month visit to the CfA for further collaboration. In the course of this grant we made a number of advances in solar system dynamics. For example, we developed an analytic model for the origin and consequence of chaos associated with three-body resonances in the asteroid belt. This has been shown to be important for the delivery of near Earth objects. We later extended this model to three- body resonances among planets. We were able to show that the numerically identified chaos among the outer planets results from a three-body resonance involving Jupiter, Saturn, and Uranus. The resulting paper was awarded the 1999 Newcomb Cleveland award from the AAAS. This award singles out one paper published in Science each year for distinction.

Chlorination-promoted skeletal transformation of IPR C76 discovered via trifluoromethylation under the formation of non-IPR C76(CF3)nFm.

PubMed

Tamm, Nadezhda B; Brotsman, Victor A; Markov, Vitaliy Yu; Kemnitz, Erhard; Troyanov, Sergey I

2018-05-22

High-temperature chlorination of an Isolated-Pentagon Rule (IPR) D2-C76 fullerene followed by high-temperature trifluoromethylation of non-IPR C76 chlorides with CF3I unexpectedly resulted in a series of non-IPR C76(CF3)nFm compounds. X-ray diffraction study with the use of synchrotron radiation revealed the mixed CF3/F structures of non-classical, non-IPR C76(CF3)14, C76(CF3)14F2, and C76(CF3)16F6.

Progress in cystic fibrosis and the CF Therapeutics Development Network

PubMed Central

Rowe, Steven M; Borowitz, Drucy S; Burns, Jane L; Clancy, John P; Donaldson, Scott H; Retsch-Bogart, George; Sagel, Scott D; Ramsey, Bonnie W

2013-01-01

Cystic fibrosis (CF), the most common life-shortening genetic disorder in Caucasians, affects approximately 70 000 individuals worldwide. In 1998, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF) launched the CF Therapeutics Development Network (CF-TDN) as a central element of its Therapeutics Development Programme. Designed to accelerate the clinical evaluation of new therapies needed to fulfil the CFF mission to control and cure CF, the CF-TDN has conducted 75 clinical trials since its inception, and has contributed to studies as varied as initial safety and proof of concept trials to pivotal programmes required for regulatory approval. This review highlights recent and significant research efforts of the CF-TDN, including a summary of contributions to studies involving CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulators, airway surface liquid hydrators and mucus modifiers, anti-infectives, anti-inflammatories, and nutritional therapies. Efforts to advance CF biomarkers, necessary to accelerate the therapeutic goals of the network, are also summarised. PMID:22960984

Photochemistry of matrix isolated (trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl azide, CF₃SO₂N₃.

PubMed

Zeng, Xiaoqing; Beckers, Helmut; Willner, Helge; Neuhaus, Patrik; Grote, Dirk; Sander, Wolfram

2015-03-19

The photochemistry of matrix isolated (trifluoromethylsulfonyl) azide, CF3SO2N3, has been studied at low temperatures. Upon ArF laser irradiation (λ = 193 nm), the azide eliminates N2 and furnishes triplet [(trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl]nitrene, CF3SO2N, which has been characterized by IR and EPR spectroscopy. Upon subsequent UV light irradiation (λ = 260-400 nm) the nitrene converts to CF3N═SO2 and CF3S(O)NO through a Curtius-type rearrangement. Further two new species CF2N═SO2F and FSNO were identified together with CF2NF, SO2, F2CO, CF3NO, and SO as side products. In addition, triplet nitrene CF3N was detected by its EPR and IR spectra. The complex stepwise photodecomposition of matrix isolated CF3SO2N3 is discussed in terms of the observed photolysis products and quantum chemical calculations.

Progress in cystic fibrosis and the CF Therapeutics Development Network.

PubMed

Rowe, Steven M; Borowitz, Drucy S; Burns, Jane L; Clancy, John P; Donaldson, Scott H; Retsch-Bogart, George; Sagel, Scott D; Ramsey, Bonnie W

2012-10-01

Cystic fibrosis (CF), the most common life-shortening genetic disorder in Caucasians, affects approximately 70 000 individuals worldwide. In 1998, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF) launched the CF Therapeutics Development Network (CF-TDN) as a central element of its Therapeutics Development Programme. Designed to accelerate the clinical evaluation of new therapies needed to fulfil the CFF mission to control and cure CF, the CF-TDN has conducted 75 clinical trials since its inception, and has contributed to studies as varied as initial safety and proof of concept trials to pivotal programmes required for regulatory approval. This review highlights recent and significant research efforts of the CF-TDN, including a summary of contributions to studies involving CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulators, airway surface liquid hydrators and mucus modifiers, anti-infectives, anti-inflammatories, and nutritional therapies. Efforts to advance CF biomarkers, necessary to accelerate the therapeutic goals of the network, are also summarised.

Cystic fibrosis epithelial cells are primed for apoptosis as a result of increased Fas (CD95).

PubMed

Chen, Qiwei; Pandi, Sudha Priya Soundara; Kerrigan, Lauren; McElvaney, Noel G; Greene, Catherine M; Elborn, J Stuart; Taggart, Clifford C; Weldon, Sinéad

2018-02-24

Previous work suggests that apoptosis is dysfunctional in cystic fibrosis (CF) airways with conflicting results. We evaluated the relationship between dysfunctional cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) and apoptosis in CF airway epithelial cells. Apoptosis and associated caspase activity were analysed in non-CF and CF tracheal and bronchial epithelial cell lines. Basal levels of apoptosis and activity of caspase-3 and caspase-8 were significantly increased in CF epithelial cells compared to controls, suggesting involvement of extrinsic apoptosis signalling, which is mediated by the activation of death receptors, such as Fas (CD95). Increased levels of Fas were observed in CF epithelial cells and bronchial brushings from CF patients compared to non-CF controls. Neutralisation of Fas significantly inhibited caspase-3 activity in CF epithelial cells compared to untreated cells. In addition, activation of Fas significantly increased caspase-3 activity and apoptosis in CF epithelial cells compared to control cells. Overall, these results suggest that CF airway epithelial cells are more sensitive to apoptosis via increased levels of Fas and subsequent activation of the Fas death receptor pathway, which may be associated with dysfunctional CFTR. Copyright © 2018 European Cystic Fibrosis Society. All rights reserved.

Effects of ethylenediurea on snap bean at a range of ozone concentrations

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

Miller, J.E.; Pursley, W.A.; Heagle, A.S.

Ethylenediurea (EDU) [N-[2-(2-Oxo-1-imidazolidinyl) ethyl]-N{prime}-phenylurea] often protects plants from visible foliar injury due ozone{sub 3}. A few studies have indicated that EDU can suppress plant growth and yield. Because of the potential value of EDU as a research and assessment tool, controlled field experiments with snap bean Phaseolus vulgaris L. ({open_quotes}BBL-290{close_quotes}) were performed to test the effectiveness of different EDU application rates used in open-top chambers in each of two experiments [charcoal-filtered (CF) air, nonfiltered (NF) air, and nominal O{sub 3} additions of 0.025 and 0.05 or 0.03 and 0.06 {mu}LL{sup -1}O{sub 3} to NF air]. Ethylenediurea was added biweekly tomore » the potting medium . The EDU treatment concentration were 0, 14, 28, 56, and 120 and 0, 8, 16, and 32 mg EDU (active) L{sup -1} of potting medium in experiments one and two, respectively. Ethylenediurea provided some protection against O{sub 3}-induced foliar injury and growth suppression in both experiments. Measurements of net carbon exchange rate (NCER) and carbohydrate status of the tissues reflected the protective effects of EDU. In the first experiment EDU caused visible foliar injury at some growth stages and suppressed growth. In the second experiment, visible foliar injury was not caused by EDU at any concentration, but pod biomass (yield) was suppressed by EDU in CF chambers. The differences may have been due to environmental conditions (i.e., hot and dry during the first experiment and cooler during the second). Ethylenediurea also affected biomass partitioning in the plants grown in CF air (relative biomass was increased in leaves and decreased in pods). The results indicate that although EDU does protect or partially protect snap bean against O{sub 3} injury, it may also affect physiology and growth. 27 refs., 6 tabs.« less

An exploration of the experience of compassion fatigue in clinical oncology nurses.

PubMed

Perry, Beth; Toffner, Greg; Merrick, Trish; Dalton, Janice

2011-01-01

Compassion fatigue (CF) is "debilitating weariness brought about by repetitive, empathic responses to the pain and suffering of others" (LaRowe, 2005, p. 21). The work performed by oncology nurses, and the experiences of the people they care for, place oncology nurses at high risk for CF (Pierce et al., 2007; Ferrell & Coyle, 2008). Thus oncology nurses were chosen as the study focus. This paper details a descriptive exploratory qualitative research study that investigated the experience of CF in Canadian clinical oncology registered nurses (RNs). A conceptual stress process model by Aneshensel, Pearlin, Mullan, Zarit, and Whitlatch (1995) that considers caregivers' stress in four domains provided the study framework (see Figure 1). Nineteen study participants were recruited through an advertisement in the Canadian Oncology Nursing Journal (CONJ). The advertisement directed potential participants to a university-based online website developed for this study. Participants completed a questionnaire and wrote a narrative describing an experience with CF and submitted these through the secure research website. Data were analyzed thematically. Five themes include: defining CF, causes of CF, factors that worsen CF, factors that lessen CF, and outcomes of CF. Participants had limited knowledge about CF, about lack of external support, and that insufficient time to provide high quality, care may precipitate CF. The gap between quality of care nurses wanted to provide and what they were able to do, compounded by coexisting physical and emotional stress, worsened CF. CF was lessened by colleague support, work-life balance, connecting with others, acknowledgement, and maturity and experience. Outcomes of CF included profound fatigue of mind and body, negative effects on personal relationships, and considering leaving the specialty. Recommendations that may enhance oncology nurse well-being are provided.

Comparison of the clinical and functional outcomes following 3- and 4-corner fusions.

PubMed

Singh, Harvinder P; Dias, Joseph J; Phadnis, Joideep; Bain, Gregory

2015-06-01

To explore the clinical and functional outcomes of 3-corner fusion (3CF) for stage 2 and 3 scapholunate advanced collapse and scaphoid nonunion advanced collapse. We compared the results with 4-corner fusion (4CF) using a recent published report. Twelve patients (8 men and 4 women) who had a 3CF, mean age 60 years (range, 34-75 y) were reviewed in clinic more than 1 year after surgery. Subjective outcome measures included the Michigan Hand Questionnaire and Patient Evaluation Measure. Objective outcome measures included range of motion with a flexible electrogoniometer and grip strength measured with a digital dynamometer. The results were compared using a recent report of 24 patients (17 men and 7 women) with a 4CF, mean age 55 years (range, 34-68 y) assessed with similar techniques. The patients receiving 3CF had better subjective scores with the Michigan Hand Questionnaire, including the sub-scores for activities of daily living and satisfaction. The radioulnar arc was greater after the 3CF than after the 4CF. Circumduction of the 3CF was more like a normal wrist than the 4CF. This included having faster and smoother motion, with an axis of circumduction closer to the normal wrist. Peak grip strength was similar after either a 3CF or 4CF but grip strength in the 3CF was 82% of the contralateral wrist compared with 59% for the 4CF. The 3CF provided better patient-rated scores and the arc of wrist motion was more extended, with greater ulnar deviation. Motion was smoother and more closely replicated the normal axis and functional motion of the wrist. Therapeutic III. Copyright © 2015 American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Sleep Phase Delay in Cystic Fibrosis: A Potential New Manifestation of Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Regulator Dysfunction.

PubMed

Jensen, Judy L; Jones, Christopher R; Kartsonaki, Christiana; Packer, Kristyn A; Adler, Frederick R; Liou, Theodore G

2017-08-01

Cystic fibrosis (CF) transmembrane regulator (CFTR) protein dysfunction causes CF. Improving survival allows detection of increasingly subtle disease manifestations. CFTR dysfunction in the central nervous system (CNS) may disturb circadian rhythm and thus sleep phase. We studied sleep in adults to better understand potential CNS CFTR dysfunction. We recruited participants from April 2012 through April 2015 and administered the Munich Chronotype Questionnaire (MCTQ). We compared free-day sleep measurements between CF and non-CF participants and investigated associations with CF survival predictors. We recruited 23 female and 22 male adults with CF aged 18 to 46 years and 26 female and 22 male volunteers aged 18 to 45 years. Compared with volunteers without CF, patients with CF had delayed sleep onset (0.612 h; P = .015), midsleep (1.11 h; P < .001), and wake (1.15 h; P < .001) times and prolonged sleep latency (7.21 min; P = .05) and duration (0.489 h; P = .05). Every hour delay in sleep onset was associated with shorter sleep duration by 0.29 h in patients with CF and 0.75 h in subjects without CF (P = .007) and longer sleep latency by 7.51 min in patients with CF and 1.6 min in volunteers without CF (P = .035). Among patients with CF, FEV 1 % predicted, prior acute pulmonary exacerbations, and weight were independent of all free-day sleep measurements. CF in adults is associated with marked delays in sleep phase consistent with circadian rhythm phase delays. Independence from disease characteristics predictive of survival suggests that sleep phase delay is a primary manifestation of CFTR dysfunction in the CNS. Copyright © 2017 American College of Chest Physicians. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

An (e, 2e+ ion) study of electron-impact ionization and fragmentation of tetrafluoromethane at low energies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hossen, Khokon; Ren, Xueguang; Wang, Enliang; Kumar, S. V. K.; Dorn, Alexander

2018-03-01

We study ionization and fragmentation of tetrafluoromethane (CF4) molecule induced by electron impact at low energies ( E 0 = 38 and 67 eV). We use a reaction microscope combined with a pulsed photoemission electron beam for our experimental investigation. The momentum vectors of the two outgoing electrons (energies E 1, E 2) and one fragment ion are detected in triple coincidence (e, 2e+ ion). After dissociation, the fragment products observed are CF3 +, CF2 +, CF+, F+ and C+. For CF3 + and CF2 + channels, we measure the ionized orbitals binding energies, the kinetic energy (KE) of the charged fragments and the two-dimensional (2D) correlation map between binding energy (BE) and KE of the fragments. From the BE and KE spectra, we conclude which molecular orbitals contribute to particular fragmentation channels of CF4. We also measure the total ionization cross section for the formation of CF3 + and CF2 + ions as function of projectile energy. We compare our results with earlier experiments and calculations for electron-impact and photoionization. The major contribution to CF3 + formation originates from ionization of the 4t2 orbital while CF2 + is mainly formed after 3t2 orbital ionization. We also observe a weak contribution of the (4a1)-1 state for the channel CF3 +.

Heterogeneous processes in CF4/O2 plasmas probed using laser-induced fluorescence of CF2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hansen, S. G.; Luckman, G.; Nieman, George C.; Colson, Steven D.

1990-09-01

Laser-induced fluorescence of CF2 is used to monitor heterogeneous processes in ≊300 mTorr CF4/O2 plasmas. CF2 is rapidly removed at fluorinated copper and silver surfaces in 13.56-MHz rf discharges as judged by a distinct dip in its spatial distribution. These metals, when employed as etch masks, are known to accelerate plasma etching of silicon, and the present results suggest catalytic dehalogenation of CF2 is involved in this process. In contrast, aluminum and silicon dioxide exhibit negligible reactivity with CF2, which suggests that aluminum masks will not appreciably accelerate silicon etching and that ground state CF2 does not efficiently etch silicon dioxide. Measurement of CF2 decay in a pulsed discharge coupled with direct laser sputtering of metal into the gas phase indicates the interaction between CF2 and the active metals is purely heterogeneous. Aluminum does, however, exhibit homogeneous reactivity with CF2. Redistribution of active metal by plasma sputtering readily occurs; silicon etch rates may also be enhanced by the metal's presence on the silicon surface. Polymers contribute CF2 to the plasma as they etch. The observation of an induction period suggests fluorination of the polymer surface is the first step in its degradation. Polymeric etch masks can therefore depress the silicon etch rate by removal of F atoms, the primary etchants.

Phospa-s-Triazines and Related Compositions of Improved Hydrolytic and Thermal Stability

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Paciorek, K. J. L.

1996-01-01

The objective of the Program was to synthesize novel degradation inhibitors for perfluoropolyalkylether fluids and to evaluate their performance as well as that of other available inhibitors. Four novel additives: (C3F7OCF(CF3)CF2OC(CF3)2CN)((C6H5)2PN)2, (C3F7O(CF(CF3)CF2O)2C(CF3)2CN)((C6H5)2PN)2, u-(C3F7OCF(CF3)CF2OC(CF3)2CN)2((C6H5)2PN)2 and C3F7(OCF(CF3)CF2)6C6H4OP(O)(OC6H5)2 were prepared, characterized and their thermal stabilities established. The alloys studied were: 440C steel, M-50 steel, Pyrowear 675, Cronidur 30, Ti (4Al, 4Mn), and Ti (6Al, 4V). The additives and metals were evaluated in two different lots of Fomblin Z25, in Krytox 143AC and in Krytox 16256. Phosphate esters were found to be fully effective in arresting perfluoropolyaucylether fluid's degradation at temperatures up to 300 C over 24 h in the presence of alloys in oxygen. The overall rating of additives was: phosphates greater than phosphate/diester mixture greater than phosphine grater vthan or equal to phpospha-s-triazines.

Ultrasound Image Despeckling Using Stochastic Distance-Based BM3D.

PubMed

Santos, Cid A N; Martins, Diego L N; Mascarenhas, Nelson D A

2017-06-01

Ultrasound image despeckling is an important research field, since it can improve the interpretability of one of the main categories of medical imaging. Many techniques have been tried over the years for ultrasound despeckling, and more recently, a great deal of attention has been focused on patch-based methods, such as non-local means and block-matching collaborative filtering (BM3D). A common idea in these recent methods is the measure of distance between patches, originally proposed as the Euclidean distance, for filtering additive white Gaussian noise. In this paper, we derive new stochastic distances for the Fisher-Tippett distribution, based on well-known statistical divergences, and use them as patch distance measures in a modified version of the BM3D algorithm for despeckling log-compressed ultrasound images. State-of-the-art results in filtering simulated, synthetic, and real ultrasound images confirm the potential of the proposed approach.

A Flexible Electronic Commerce Recommendation System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gong, Songjie

Recommendation systems have become very popular in E-commerce websites. Many of the largest commerce websites are already using recommender technologies to help their customers find products to purchase. An electronic commerce recommendation system learns from a customer and recommends products that the customer will find most valuable from among the available products. But most recommendation methods are hard-wired into the system and they support only fixed recommendations. This paper presented a framework of flexible electronic commerce recommendation system. The framework is composed by user model interface, recommendation engine, recommendation strategy model, recommendation technology group, user interest model and database interface. In the recommender strategy model, the method can be collaborative filtering, content-based filtering, mining associate rules method, knowledge-based filtering method or the mixed method. The system mapped the implementation and demand through strategy model, and the whole system would be design as standard parts to adapt to the change of the recommendation strategy.

Integrated approach for automatic target recognition using a network of collaborative sensors.

PubMed

Mahalanobis, Abhijit; Van Nevel, Alan

2006-10-01

We introduce what is believed to be a novel concept by which several sensors with automatic target recognition (ATR) capability collaborate to recognize objects. Such an approach would be suitable for netted systems in which the sensors and platforms can coordinate to optimize end-to-end performance. We use correlation filtering techniques to facilitate the development of the concept, although other ATR algorithms may be easily substituted. Essentially, a self-configuring geometry of netted platforms is proposed that positions the sensors optimally with respect to each other, and takes into account the interactions among the sensor, the recognition algorithms, and the classes of the objects to be recognized. We show how such a paradigm optimizes overall performance, and illustrate the collaborative ATR scheme for recognizing targets in synthetic aperture radar imagery by using viewing position as a sensor parameter.

Electrostatic atomization--Experiment, theory and industrial applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Okuda, H.; Kelly, Arnold J.

1996-05-01

Experimental and theoretical research has been initiated at the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory on the electrostatic atomization process in collaboration with Charged Injection Corporation. The goal of this collaboration is to set up a comprehensive research and development program on the electrostatic atomization at the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory so that both institutions can benefit from the collaboration. Experimental, theoretical and numerical simulation approaches are used for this purpose. An experiment consisting of a capillary sprayer combined with a quadrupole mass filter and a charge detector was installed at the Electrostatic Atomization Laboratory to study fundamental properties of the charged droplets such as the distribution of charges with respect to the droplet radius. In addition, a numerical simulation model is used to study interaction of beam electrons with atmospheric pressure water vapor, supporting an effort to develop an electrostatic water mist fire-fighting nozzle.

Oral Corrective Feedback in Second Language Classrooms

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lyster, Roy; Saito, Kazuya; Sato, Masatoshi

2013-01-01

This article reviews research on oral corrective feedback (CF) in second language (L2) classrooms. Various types of oral CF are first identified, and the results of research revealing CF frequency across instructional contexts are presented. Research on CF preferences is then reviewed, revealing a tendency for learners to prefer receiving CF more…

Pharmacokinetics and Tolerability of Oral Sildenafil in Adults with Cystic Fibrosis Lung Disease

PubMed Central

Taylor-Cousar, JL; Wiley, C; Felton, LA; St Clair, C; Jones, M; Curran-Everett, D; Poch, K; Nichols, DP; Solomon, GM; Saavedra, MT; Accurso, FJ; Nick, JA

2014-01-01

Rationale Airway inflammation is central to cystic fibrosis (CF) pathophysiology. Pre-clinical models have shown that phosphodiesterase inhibitors (PDEi) like sildenafil have anti-inflammatory activity. PDEi have not been studied in CF subjects. Objectives We evaluated the pharmacokinetics, tolerability, and safety of sildenafil in subjects with CF. Sputum biomarkers were used to explore efficacy. Methods An open-label pilot study of oral sildenafil administration was conducted in adults with mild to moderate CF lung disease. Subjects received oral sildenafil 20 or 40 mg p.o. t.i.d. for 6 weeks. Measurements and Main Results Twenty subjects completed the study. Estimated elimination rate constants were statistically different in subjects with CF compared to previously published non-CF subjects. Side effects were generally mild. There were no drug-related serious adverse events. Sputum neutrophil elastase activity decreased. Conclusions Subjects with CF may eliminate sildenafil at a faster rate than non-CF subjects. Sildenafil administration was safe in subjects with CF, and decreased sputum elastase activity. Sildenafil warrants further study as an anti-inflammatory in CF. PMID:25466700

Multicenter Retrospective Study of Cefmetazole and Flomoxef for Treatment of Extended-Spectrum-β-Lactamase-Producing Escherichia coli Bacteremia

PubMed Central

Yamamoto, Masaki; Nagao, Miki; Komori, Toshiaki; Fujita, Naohisa; Hayashi, Akihiko; Shimizu, Tsunehiro; Watanabe, Harumi; Doi, Shoichi; Tanaka, Michio; Takakura, Shunji; Ichiyama, Satoshi

2015-01-01

The efficacy of cefmetazole and flomoxef (CF) for the treatment of patients with extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli (ESBL-EC) bacteremia (ESBL-CF group) was compared with that of carbapenem treatment for ESBL-EC patients (ESBL-carbapenem group) and with that of CF treatment in patients with non-ESBL-EC bacteremia (non-ESBL-CF group). Adult patients treated for E. coli bacteremia in four hospitals were retrospectively evaluated. The 30-day mortality rates in patients belonging to the ESBL-CF, ESBL-carbapenem, and non-ESBL-CF groups were compared as 2 (empirical and definitive therapy) cohorts. The adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) for mortality were calculated using Cox regression models with weighting according to the inverse probability of propensity scores for receiving CF or carbapenem treatment. The empirical-therapy cohort included 104 patients (ESBL-CF, 26; ESBL-carbapenem, 45; non-ESBL-CF, 33), and the definitive-therapy cohort included 133 patients (ESBL-CF, 59; ESBL-carbapenem, 54; non-ESBL-CF, 20). The crude 30-day mortality rates for patients in the ESBL-CF, ESBL-carbapenem, and non-ESBL-CF groups were, respectively, 7.7%, 8.9%, and 3.0% in the empirical-therapy cohort and 5.1%, 9.3%, and 5.0% in the definitve-therapy cohort. In patients without hematological malignancy and neutropenia, CF treatment for ESBL-EC patients was not associated with mortality compared with carbapenem treatment (empirical-therapy cohort: aHR, 0.87; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.11 to 6.52; definitive therapy cohort: aHR, 1.04; CI, 0.24 to 4.49). CF therapy may represent an effective alternative to carbapenem treatment for patients with ESBL-EC bacteremia for empirical and definitive therapy in adult patients who do not have hematological malignancy and neutropenia. PMID:26100708

Multicenter retrospective study of cefmetazole and flomoxef for treatment of extended-spectrum-β-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli bacteremia.

PubMed

Matsumura, Yasufumi; Yamamoto, Masaki; Nagao, Miki; Komori, Toshiaki; Fujita, Naohisa; Hayashi, Akihiko; Shimizu, Tsunehiro; Watanabe, Harumi; Doi, Shoichi; Tanaka, Michio; Takakura, Shunji; Ichiyama, Satoshi

2015-09-01

The efficacy of cefmetazole and flomoxef (CF) for the treatment of patients with extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli (ESBL-EC) bacteremia (ESBL-CF group) was compared with that of carbapenem treatment for ESBL-EC patients (ESBL-carbapenem group) and with that of CF treatment in patients with non-ESBL-EC bacteremia (non-ESBL-CF group). Adult patients treated for E. coli bacteremia in four hospitals were retrospectively evaluated. The 30-day mortality rates in patients belonging to the ESBL-CF, ESBL-carbapenem, and non-ESBL-CF groups were compared as 2 (empirical and definitive therapy) cohorts. The adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) for mortality were calculated using Cox regression models with weighting according to the inverse probability of propensity scores for receiving CF or carbapenem treatment. The empirical-therapy cohort included 104 patients (ESBL-CF, 26; ESBL-carbapenem, 45; non-ESBL-CF, 33), and the definitive-therapy cohort included 133 patients (ESBL-CF, 59; ESBL-carbapenem, 54; non-ESBL-CF, 20). The crude 30-day mortality rates for patients in the ESBL-CF, ESBL-carbapenem, and non-ESBL-CF groups were, respectively, 7.7%, 8.9%, and 3.0% in the empirical-therapy cohort and 5.1%, 9.3%, and 5.0% in the definitve-therapy cohort. In patients without hematological malignancy and neutropenia, CF treatment for ESBL-EC patients was not associated with mortality compared with carbapenem treatment (empirical-therapy cohort: aHR, 0.87; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.11 to 6.52; definitive therapy cohort: aHR, 1.04; CI, 0.24 to 4.49). CF therapy may represent an effective alternative to carbapenem treatment for patients with ESBL-EC bacteremia for empirical and definitive therapy in adult patients who do not have hematological malignancy and neutropenia. Copyright © 2015, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

Diagnosis of Cystic Fibrosis in Nonscreened Populations.

PubMed

Sosnay, Patrick R; White, Terry B; Farrell, Philip M; Ren, Clement L; Derichs, Nico; Howenstine, Michelle S; Nick, Jerry A; De Boeck, Kris

2017-02-01

Although the majority of cases of cystic fibrosis (CF) are now diagnosed through newborn screening, there is still a need to standardize the diagnostic criteria for those diagnosed outside of the neonatal period. This is because newborn screening started relatively recently, it is not performed everywhere, and even for individuals who were screened, there is the possibility of a false negative. To limit irreversible organ pathology, a timely diagnosis of CF and institution of CF therapies can greatly benefit these patients. Experts on CF diagnosis were convened at the 2015 CF Foundation Diagnosis Consensus Conference. The participants reviewed and discussed published works and instructive cases of CF diagnosis in individuals presenting with signs, symptoms, or a family history of CF. Through a modified Delphi methodology, several consensus statements were agreed upon. These consensus statements were updates of prior CF diagnosis conferences and recommendations. CF diagnosis in individuals outside of newborn screening relies on the clinical evidence and on evidence of CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) dysfunction. Clinical evidence can include typical organ pathologies seen in CF such as bronchiectasis or pancreatic insufficiency but often represent a broad range of severity including mild cases. CFTR dysfunction can be demonstrated using sweat chloride testing, CFTR molecular genetic analysis, or CFTR physiologic tests. On the basis of the large number of patients with bona fide CF currently followed in registries with sweat chloride levels between 30 and 40 mmol/L, the threshold considered "intermediate" was lowered from 40 mmol/L in the prior diagnostic guidelines to 30 mmol/L. The CF diagnosis was also discussed in the context of CFTR-related disorders in which CFTR dysfunction may be present, but the individual does not meet criteria for CF. CF diagnosis remains a rare but important condition that can be diagnosed when characteristic clinical features are seen in an individual with demonstrated CFTR dysfunction. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Lung phenotype of juvenile and adult cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator-knockout ferrets.

PubMed

Sun, Xingshen; Olivier, Alicia K; Liang, Bo; Yi, Yaling; Sui, Hongshu; Evans, Turan I A; Zhang, Yulong; Zhou, Weihong; Tyler, Scott R; Fisher, John T; Keiser, Nicholas W; Liu, Xiaoming; Yan, Ziying; Song, Yi; Goeken, J Adam; Kinyon, Joann M; Fligg, Danielle; Wang, Xiaoyan; Xie, Weiliang; Lynch, Thomas J; Kaminsky, Paul M; Stewart, Zoe A; Pope, R Marshall; Frana, Timothy; Meyerholz, David K; Parekh, Kalpaj; Engelhardt, John F

2014-03-01

Chronic bacterial lung infections in cystic fibrosis (CF) are caused by defects in the CF transmembrane conductance regulator chloride channel. Previously, we described that newborn CF transmembrane conductance regulator-knockout ferrets rapidly develop lung infections within the first week of life. Here, we report a more slowly progressing lung bacterial colonization phenotype observed in juvenile to adult CF ferrets reared on a layered antibiotic regimen. Even on antibiotics, CF ferrets were still very susceptible to bacterial lung infection. The severity of lung histopathology ranged from mild to severe, and variably included mucus obstruction of the airways and submucosal glands, air trapping, atelectasis, bronchopneumonia, and interstitial pneumonia. In all CF lungs, significant numbers of bacteria were detected and impaired tracheal mucociliary clearance was observed. Although Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, and Enterococcus were observed most frequently in the lungs of CF animals, each animal displayed a predominant bacterial species that accounted for over 50% of the culturable bacteria, with no one bacterial taxon predominating in all animals. Matrix-assisted laser desorption-ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry fingerprinting was used to quantify lung bacteria in 10 CF animals and demonstrated Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, Enterococcus, or Escherichia as the most abundant genera. Interestingly, there was significant overlap in the types of bacteria observed in the lung and intestine of a given CF animal, including bacterial taxa unique to the lung and gut of each CF animal analyzed. These findings demonstrate that CF ferrets develop lung disease during the juvenile and adult stages that is similar to patients with CF, and suggest that enteric bacterial flora may seed the lung of CF ferrets.

Exploring Affiliation Network Models as a Collaborative Filtering Mechanism in E-Learning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rodriguez, Daniel; Sicilia, Miguel Angel; Sanchez-Alonso, Salvador; Lezcano, Leonardo; Garcia-Barriocanal, Elena

2011-01-01

The online interaction of learners and tutors in activities with concrete objectives provides a valuable source of data that can be analyzed for different purposes. One of these purposes is the use of the information extracted from that interaction to aid tutors and learners in decision making about either the configuration of further learning…

76 FR 52215 - Airworthiness Directives; General Electric Company CF34-10E2A1; CF34-10E5; CF34-10E5A1; CF34-10E6...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-08-22

...; CF34-10E7; and CF34- 10E7-B Turbofan Engines AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION... cracked at the attachment lugs. We are issuing this AD to prevent high-cycle fatigue cracking of the fan..., uncontained failure of the engine, and damage to the airplane. DATES: This AD is effective September 26, 2011...

Proposal of diagnostic process model for computer based diagnosis.

PubMed

Matsumura, Yasushi; Takeda, Toshihiro; Manabe, Shiro; Saito, Hirokazu; Teramoto, Kei; Kuwata, Shigeki; Mihara, Naoki

2012-01-01

We aim at making a diagnosis support system that can be put to practical use. We proposed a diagnostic process model based on simple knowledge which can be gleaned from textbooks. We defined clinical finding (CF) as a general concept for patient's symptom or findings etc., whose value is expressed by Boolean. We call the combination of several CFs a "CF pattern", and a set of CF patterns with concomitant diseases "case base". We consider diagnosis as a process of searching an instance from the case base whose CF pattern is concomitant with that of a patient. The diseases which have the same CF pattern are candidates for diagnosis. Then we select a CF which is present in part of the candidates and check whether it is present or absent in the patient in order to narrow down the candidates. Because the case base does not exist in reality, the probability of CF pattern is calculated by the product of CF occurrence rate assuming that occurrence of CF is independent. Therefore the knowledge required for diagnosis is frequency of disease under sex and age group and CF-disease relation (CF and its occurrence rate in the disease). By processing these two types of knowledge, diagnosis can be made.

Calculations to Support On-line Neutron Spectrum Adjustment by Measurements with Miniature Fission Chambers in the JSI TRIGA Reactor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kaiba, Tanja; Radulović, Vladimir; Žerovnik, Gašper; Snoj, Luka; Fourmentel, Damien; Barbot, LoÏc; Destouches, Christophe AE(; )

2018-01-01

Preliminary calculations were performed with the aim to establish optimal experimental conditions for the measurement campaign within the collaboration between the Jožef Stefan Institute (JSI) and Commissariat à l'Énergie Atomique et aux Énergies Alternatives (CEA Cadarache). The goal of the project is to additionally characterize the neutron spectruminside the JSI TRIGA reactor core with focus on the measurement epi-thermal and fast part of the spectrum. Measurements will be performed with fission chambers containing different fissile materials (235U, 237Np and 242Pu) covered with thermal neutron filters (Cd and Gd). The changes in the detected signal and neutron flux spectrum with and without transmission filter were studied. Additional effort was put into evaluation of the effect of the filter geometry (e.g. opening on the top end of the filter) on the detector signal. After the analysis of the scoping calculations it was concluded to position the experiment in the outside core ring inside one of the empty fuel element positions.

A Complex Inoculant of N2-Fixing, P- and K-Solubilizing Bacteria from a Purple Soil Improves the Growth of Kiwifruit (Actinidia chinensis) Plantlets

PubMed Central

Shen, Hong; He, Xinhua; Liu, Yiqing; Chen, Yi; Tang, Jianming; Guo, Tao

2016-01-01

Limited information is available if plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPB) can promote the growth of fruit crops through improvements in soil fertility. This study aimed to evaluate the capacity of PGPB, identified by phenotypic and 16S rRNA sequencing from a vegetable purple soil in Chongqing, China, to increase soil nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) availability and growth of kiwifruit (Actinidia chinensis). In doing so, three out of 17 bacterial isolates with a high capacity of N2-fixation (Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, XD-N-3), P-solubilization (B. pumilus, XD-P-1) or K-solubilization (B. circulans, XD-K-2) were mixed as a complex bacterial inoculant. A pot experiment then examined its effects of this complex inoculant on soil microflora, soil N2-fixation, P- and K-solubility and kiwifruit growth under four treatments. These treatments were (1) no-fertilizer and no-bacterial inoculant (Control), (2) no-bacterial inoculant and a full-rate of chemical NPK fertilizer (CF), (3) the complex inoculant (CI), and (4) a half-rate CF and full CI (1/2CF+CI). Results indicated that significantly greater growth of N2-fixing, P- and K-solubilizing bacteria among treatments ranked from greatest to least as under 1/2CF+CI ≈ CI > CF ≈ Control. Though generally without significant treatment differences in soil total N, P, or K, significantly greater soil available N, P, or K among treatments was, respectively, patterned as under 1/2CF+CI ≈ CI > CF ≈ Control, under 1/2CF+CI > CF > CI > Control or under 1/2CF+CI > CF ≈ CI > Control, indicating an improvement of soil fertility by this complex inoculant. In regards to plant growth, significantly greater total plant biomass and total N, P, and K accumulation among treatments were ranked as 1/2CF+CI ≈ CI > CF > Control. Additionally, significantly greater leaf polyphenol oxidase activity ranked as under CF > 1/2CF+CI ≈ Control ≈ CI, while leaf malondialdehyde contents as under Control > CI ≈ CF > 1/2CF+CI. In short, the applied complex inoculant is able to improve available soil N, P, and K and kiwifruit growth. These results demonstrate the potential of using a complex bacterial inoculant for promoting soil fertility and plant growth. PMID:27445991

A Complex Inoculant of N2-Fixing, P- and K-Solubilizing Bacteria from a Purple Soil Improves the Growth of Kiwifruit (Actinidia chinensis) Plantlets.

PubMed

Shen, Hong; He, Xinhua; Liu, Yiqing; Chen, Yi; Tang, Jianming; Guo, Tao

2016-01-01

Limited information is available if plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPB) can promote the growth of fruit crops through improvements in soil fertility. This study aimed to evaluate the capacity of PGPB, identified by phenotypic and 16S rRNA sequencing from a vegetable purple soil in Chongqing, China, to increase soil nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) availability and growth of kiwifruit (Actinidia chinensis). In doing so, three out of 17 bacterial isolates with a high capacity of N2-fixation (Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, XD-N-3), P-solubilization (B. pumilus, XD-P-1) or K-solubilization (B. circulans, XD-K-2) were mixed as a complex bacterial inoculant. A pot experiment then examined its effects of this complex inoculant on soil microflora, soil N2-fixation, P- and K-solubility and kiwifruit growth under four treatments. These treatments were (1) no-fertilizer and no-bacterial inoculant (Control), (2) no-bacterial inoculant and a full-rate of chemical NPK fertilizer (CF), (3) the complex inoculant (CI), and (4) a half-rate CF and full CI (1/2CF+CI). Results indicated that significantly greater growth of N2-fixing, P- and K-solubilizing bacteria among treatments ranked from greatest to least as under 1/2CF+CI ≈ CI > CF ≈ Control. Though generally without significant treatment differences in soil total N, P, or K, significantly greater soil available N, P, or K among treatments was, respectively, patterned as under 1/2CF+CI ≈ CI > CF ≈ Control, under 1/2CF+CI > CF > CI > Control or under 1/2CF+CI > CF ≈ CI > Control, indicating an improvement of soil fertility by this complex inoculant. In regards to plant growth, significantly greater total plant biomass and total N, P, and K accumulation among treatments were ranked as 1/2CF+CI ≈ CI > CF > Control. Additionally, significantly greater leaf polyphenol oxidase activity ranked as under CF > 1/2CF+CI ≈ Control ≈ CI, while leaf malondialdehyde contents as under Control > CI ≈ CF > 1/2CF+CI. In short, the applied complex inoculant is able to improve available soil N, P, and K and kiwifruit growth. These results demonstrate the potential of using a complex bacterial inoculant for promoting soil fertility and plant growth.

Comment on "A re-assessment of the safety of silver in household water treatment: rapid systematic review of mammalian in vivo genotoxicity studies".

PubMed

Lantagne, Daniele; Rayner, Justine; Mittelman, Anjuliee; Pennell, Kurt

2017-11-13

We wish to thank Fewtrell, Majuru, and Hunter for their article highlighting genotoxic risks associated with the use of particulate silver for primary drinking water treatment. The recent promotion of colloidal silver products for household water treatment in developing countries is problematic due to previously identified concerns regarding manufacturing quality and questionable advertising practices, as well as the low efficiency of silver nanoparticles to treat bacteria, viruses, and protozoa in source waters. However, in the conclusion statement of the manuscript, Fewtrell et al. state, "Before colloidal Ag or AgNP are used in filter matrices for drinking water treatment, consideration needs to be given to how much silver is likely to be released from the matrix during the life of the filter." Unfortunately, it appears Fewtrell et al. were unaware that studies of silver nanoparticle and silver ion elution from ceramic filters manufactured and used in developing countries have already been completed. These existing studies have found that: 1) silver ions, not silver nanoparticles, are eluted from ceramic filters treated with silver nanoparticles or silver nitrate; and, 2) silver ions have not been shown to be genotoxic. Thus, the existing recommendation of applying silver nanoparticles to ceramic filters to prevent biofilm formation within the filter and improve microbiological efficacy should still be adhered to, as there is no identified risk to people who drink water from ceramic filters treated with silver nanoparticles or silver nitrate. We note that efforts should continue to minimize exposure to silver nanoparticles (and silica) to employees in ceramic filter factories in collaboration with the organizations that provide technical assistance to ceramic filter factories.

Cystic fibrosis screening using the College panel: platform comparison and lessons learned from the first 20,000 samples.

PubMed

Strom, Charles M; Huang, Donghui; Buller, Arlene; Redman, Joy; Crossley, Beryl; Anderson, Ben; Entwistle, Tom; Sun, Weimin

2002-01-01

To determine the accuracy of two commercially available kits for cystic fibrosis (CF) genotyping and determine allele frequencies for the ACMG/ACOG recommended mutations. A total of 1,040 consecutive analyses using Roche CF Gold Strips and the ABI CF Genotyper were performed. Subsequently we performed analyses of 20,103 samples. Both kits accurately determined CF genotypes. The I148T mutation was found >100 times more frequently in carrier screening than in CF patients. Asymptomatic patients were identified who are compound heterozygotes for delta F508 and I148T. Four of 13 patients heterozygous for delta F508 and the IVS8-5T polymorphism had some symptoms of CF. Accurate and timely analysis can be performed for the ACMG CF panel. I148T is a low penetrance CF allele.

Reduced β-Cell Secretory Capacity in Pancreatic-Insufficient, but Not Pancreatic-Sufficient, Cystic Fibrosis Despite Normal Glucose Tolerance.

PubMed

Sheikh, Saba; Gudipaty, Lalitha; De Leon, Diva D; Hadjiliadis, Denis; Kubrak, Christina; Rosenfeld, Nora K; Nyirjesy, Sarah C; Peleckis, Amy J; Malik, Saloni; Stefanovski, Darko; Cuchel, Marina; Rubenstein, Ronald C; Kelly, Andrea; Rickels, Michael R

2017-01-01

Patients with pancreatic-insufficient cystic fibrosis (PI-CF) are at increased risk for developing diabetes. We determined β-cell secretory capacity and insulin secretory rates from glucose-potentiated arginine and mixed-meal tolerance tests (MMTTs), respectively, in pancreatic-sufficient cystic fibrosis (PS-CF), PI-CF, and normal control subjects, all with normal glucose tolerance, in order to identify early pathophysiologic defects. Acute islet cell secretory responses were determined under fasting, 230 mg/dL, and 340 mg/dL hyperglycemia clamp conditions. PI-CF subjects had lower acute insulin, C-peptide, and glucagon responses compared with PS-CF and normal control subjects, indicating reduced β-cell secretory capacity and α-cell function. Fasting proinsulin-to-C-peptide and proinsulin secretory ratios during glucose potentiation were higher in PI-CF, suggesting impaired proinsulin processing. In the first 30 min of the MMTT, insulin secretion was lower in PI-CF compared with PS-CF and normal control subjects, and glucagon-like peptide 1 and gastric inhibitory polypeptide were lower compared with PS-CF, and after 180 min, glucose was higher in PI-CF compared with normal control subjects. These findings indicate that despite "normal" glucose tolerance, adolescents and adults with PI-CF have impairments in functional islet mass and associated early-phase insulin secretion, which with decreased incretin responses likely leads to the early development of postprandial hyperglycemia in CF. © 2017 by the American Diabetes Association.

Cold flow of estradiol transdermal systems: influence of drug loss on the in vitro flux and drug transfer across human epidermis.

PubMed

Krishnaiah, Yellela S R; Yang, Yang; Hunt, Robert L; Khan, Mansoor A

2014-12-30

The objective was to quantify drug loss due to cold flow (CF) in marketed estradiol transdermal drug delivery systems (TDDS), and study its influence on the in vitro flux and drug transfer across contacting skin. TDDS samples (products-A and B) were induced with CF at 25 and 32°C/60% RH by applying 1-kg force for 72h. CF was measured as percent dimensional change and amount of drug loss/migration in CF region. In vitro drug permeation studies were conducted across human epidermis from TDDS excluding CF region, and CF region alone against control (without CF). In both products, significantly higher percentage of CF (dimensional change and drug migration) was observed at 32°C compared to 25°C. In vitro flux from both products excluding CF region either at 25 or 32°C was the same, but significantly lower compared to control. Drug transferred from CF region of product-A after 8h was the same at 25 and 32°C, but significantly higher in product-B. Flux from both products together with CF region at 32°C was significantly lower than that observed at 25°C. Results showed that excessive CF at storage (25°C) and clinical usage (32°C) conditions may have implications on product performance and safety of estradiol TDDS. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Under Utilization of Pancreas Transplants in Cystic Fibrosis Recipients in the United Network Organ Sharing (UNOS) Data 1987-2014.

PubMed

Usatin, D J; Perito, E R; Posselt, A M; Rosenthal, P

2016-05-01

Despite a high prevalence of pancreatic endocrine and exocrine insufficiency in cystic fibrosis (CF), pancreas transplantation is rarely reported. United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) data were used to examine utilization of pancreas transplant and posttransplant outcomes in CF patients. Between 1987-2014, CF patients (N = 4600) underwent 17 liver-pancreas, three lung-pancreas, one liver-lung pancreas, four kidney-pancreas, and three pancreas-only transplants. Of the 303 CF patients who received liver transplantation, 20% had CF-related diabetes (CFRD) before transplantation, and nine of those received a liver-pancreas transplant. Of 4241 CF patients who underwent lung transplantation, 33% had CFRD before transplantation, and three of those received a pancreas transplant. Of 49 CF patients who received a liver-lung transplant, 57% had CFRD before transplantation and one received a pancreas transplant. Posttransplantation diabetes developed in 7% of CF pancreas transplant recipients versus 24% of CF liver and 29% of CF lung recipients. UNOS has no data on pancreas exocrine insufficiency. Two-year posttransplantation survival was 88% after liver-pancreas transplant, 33% after lung-pancreas transplant, and 100% after pancreas-kidney and pancreas-only transplants. Diabetes is common pretransplantation and posttransplantation in CF solid organ transplant recipients, but pancreas transplantation remains rare. Further consideration of pancreas transplant in CF patients undergoing other solid organ transplant may be warranted. © Copyright 2015 The American Society of Transplantation and the American Society of Transplant Surgeons.

Transplant center volume and outcomes in lung transplantation for cystic fibrosis.

PubMed

Hayes, Don; Sweet, Stuart C; Benden, Christian; Kopp, Benjamin T; Goldfarb, Samuel B; Visner, Gary A; Mallory, George B; Tobias, Joseph D; Tumin, Dmitry

2017-04-01

Transplant volume represents lung transplant (LTx) expertise and predicts outcomes, so we sought to determine outcomes related to center volumes in cystic fibrosis (CF). United Network for Organ Sharing data were queried for patients with CF in the United States (US) receiving bilateral LTx from 2005 to 2015. Multivariable Cox regression was used to model survival to 1 year and long-term (>1 year) survival, conditional on surviving at least 1 year. A total of 2025 patients and 67 centers were included in the analysis. The median annual LTx volumes were three in CF [interquartile range (IQR): 2, 6] and 17 in non-CF (IQR: 8, 33). Multivariable Cox regression in cases with complete data and surviving at least 1 year (n = 1510) demonstrated that greater annual CF LTx volume (HR per 10 LTx = 0.66; 95% CI: 0.49, 0.89; P = 0.006) but not greater non-CF LTx volume (HR = 1.00; 95% CI: 0.96, 1.05; P = 0.844) was associated with improved long-term survival in LTx recipients with CF. A Wald interaction test confirmed that CF LTx volume was more strongly associated with long-term outcomes than non-CF LTx volume (P = 0.012). In a US cohort, center volume was not associated with 1-year survival. CF-specific expertise predicted improved long-term outcomes of LTx for CF, whereas general LTx expertise was unassociated with CF patients' survival. © 2016 Steunstichting ESOT.

Survival in Patients with Advanced Non-cystic Fibrosis Bronchiectasis Versus Cystic Fibrosis on the Waitlist for Lung Transplantation.

PubMed

Hayes, Don; Kopp, Benjamin T; Tobias, Joseph D; Woodley, Frederick W; Mansour, Heidi M; Tumin, Dmitry; Kirkby, Stephen E

2015-12-01

Survival in non-cystic fibrosis (CF) bronchiectasis is not well studied. The United Network for Organ Sharing database was queried from 1987 to 2013 to compare survival in adult patients with non-CF bronchiectasis to patients with CF listed for lung transplantation (LTx). Each subject was tracked from waitlist entry date until death or censoring to determine survival differences between the two groups. Of 2112 listed lung transplant candidates with bronchiectasis (180 non-CF, 1932 CF), 1617 were used for univariate Cox and Kaplan-Meier survival function analysis, 1173 for multivariate Cox models, and 182 for matched-pairs analysis based on propensity scores. Compared to CF, patients with non-CF bronchiectasis had a significantly lower mortality by univariate Cox analysis (HR 0.565; 95 % CI 0.424, 0.754; p < 0.001). Adjusting for potential confounders, multivariate Cox models identified a significant reduction in risk for death associated with non-CF bronchiectasis who were lung transplant candidates (HR 0.684; 95 % CI 0.475, 0.985; p = 0.041). Results were consistent in multivariate models adjusting for pulmonary hypertension and forced expiratory volume in one second. Non-CF bronchiectasis with advanced lung disease was associated with significantly lower mortality hazard compared to CF bronchiectasis on the waitlist for LTx. Separate referral and listing criteria for LTx in non-CF and CF populations should be considered.

Advances in the Diagnosis and Management of Cystic Fibrosis in the Genomic Era.

PubMed

Wiencek, Joesph R; Lo, Stanley F

2018-06-01

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a complex autosomal recessive disease that continues to present unique diagnostic challenges. Because CF was first described in 1938, there has been a substantial growth of genetic and phenotypic information about the disorder. During the past few years, as more evidence has become available, a consortium of international experts determined that the 2008 guidelines from the CF Foundation needed to be reviewed and updated. The goal of this review is to highlight the latest advances in CF multidisciplinary care, together with the recent updates to the 2017 CF Foundation diagnostic guidelines. Data from newborn screening programs, patient registries, clinical databases, and functional research have led to a better understanding of the CF transmembrane conductance regulator ( CFTR ) gene. Recent consensus guidelines have provided recommendations for clinicians and laboratorians to better assist with interpretation of disease status and related CF mutations. The highly recommended Clinical and Functional Translation of CFTR project should be the first resource in the evaluation of disease severity for CF mutations. Screen-positive newborns and patients with high clinical suspicion for CF are always recommended to undergo confirmatory sweat chloride testing with interpretations based on updated reference intervals. Every patient diagnosed with CF should receive genotyping, as novel molecular therapies are becoming standard of practice. The future of CF management must consider healthcare system disparities as CF transitions from a historically childhood disease to a predominantly adult epidemic. © 2018 American Association for Clinical Chemistry.

Duration-sensitive neurons in the inferior colliculus of horseshoe bats: adaptations for using CF-FM echolocation pulses.

PubMed

Luo, Feng; Metzner, Walter; Wu, Feijian; Wu, Feijian J; Zhang, Shuyi; Zhang, Shuyi Y; Chen, Qicai; Chen, Qicai C

2008-01-01

The present study examines duration-sensitive neurons in the inferior colliculus (IC) of the least horseshoe bat, Rhinolophus pusillus, from China. In contrast to other bat species tested for duration selectivity so far, echolocation pulses emitted by horseshoe bats are generally longer and composed of a long constant-frequency (CF) component followed by a short downward frequency-modulated (FM) sweep (CF-FM pulse). We used combined CF-FM pulses to analyze the differential effects that these two pulse components had on the duration tuning in neurons of the horseshoe bat's IC. Consistent with results from other mammals, duration-sensitive neurons found in the least horseshoe bat fall into three main classes: short-pass, band-pass, and long-pass. Using a CF stimulus alone, 54% (51/95) of all IC neurons showed at least one form of duration selectivity at one or more stimulus intensities. In 65 of the 95 IC neurons tested with CF pulses, we were also able to test their duration selectivity for a combined CF-FM pulse, which increased the ratio of duration-sensitive neurons to 66% (43/65). Seven to 15 neurons that failed to show duration tuning for CF bursts became duration sensitive for CF-FM pulses, with most of them exhibiting short-pass (depending on stimulus intensity, between 4 and 8 neurons) or band-pass tuning (1-3 neurons). Increasing stimulus intensities did not affect the duration tuning in 53% (23/43) of duration-sensitive neurons for CF bursts and in about 26% (7/27) for CF-FM stimuli. In the remaining neurons, increasing sound levels generally reduced the ratio of duration-sensitive neurons to 33% for CF and 37% for CF-FM stimulation. In those that remained duration sensitive, louder CF bursts shortened best durations in band-pass neurons and cutoff durations in short- and long-pass neurons, whereas louder CF-FM stimuli reduced the cutoff durations only in short-pass neurons. Bandwidths of band-pass neurons were not significantly affected by any stimulus configuration, with only a slight trend for increasing bandwidths for louder CF bursts (but not CF-FM stimuli). Best durations and cutoff durations reached higher values than those in the other bat species examined so far and roughly match the longer durations of echolocation pulses emitted by horseshoe bats. Therefore presentation of a CF-FM stimulus improved the duration sensitivity in IC neurons by increasing the ratio of duration-tuned neurons and making them less susceptible to changes in signal intensity.

Inter- and intraspecific sexual discrimination in the flour beetles Tribolium castaneum and Tribolium confusum.

PubMed

Serrano, J M; Castro, L; Toro, M A; López-Fanjul, C

2000-08-01

In Tribolium castaneum (CS) and T. confusum (CF), intra- and interspecific rates of homosexual mounting have been measured. The intraspecific results are compatible with the hypothesis of both species being sexually indiscriminate. However, the CF intraspecific rates were very high (35%-53% of mountings were homosexual), suggesting a lower sexual attractiveness, or a stronger rejection to being mounted, of CF females relative to conspecific males. CS males discriminate between species but, in interspecific contacts, preferentially mounted CF males rather than CF females. CF males do not discriminate between species, but the loss of sexual attractiveness of CF females, or their rejection to being mounted, may act as a precopulatory isolation mechanism.

Insights into the cystic fibrosis care in Eastern Europe: Results of survey.

PubMed

Walicka-Serzysko, Katarzyna; Peckova, Monika; Noordhoek, Jacquelien J; Sands, Dorota; Drevinek, Pavel

2018-04-19

The European cystic fibrosis (CF) Society Standards of Care were set to facilitate the delivery of high-quality care throughout Europe. However, their implementation may be difficult for less economically advantaged countries. This survey was performed to explore the gap in the knowledge of the level of CF care in Eastern Europe. Questionnaires were sent online to one CF professional and one CF patient representative for every Eastern European country. Although most respondents indicated the presence of CF centres, disparities in their framework among individual countries and between them and the European CF Standards of Care became apparent. A minority of countries achieved CF centre recognition by the government (6 of 16), provided CF care for adults (6 countries) and had a multidisciplinary team with all team members represented (2 countries). Patients were significantly more critical in the evaluation of various aspects of CF care than physicians, especially in the Balkan region. The survey results indicate that the organization and level of CF care across Eastern Europe is largely variable and lacks some of its fundamental attributes in several countries. Copyright © 2018 European Cystic Fibrosis Society. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Atmospheric chemistry of short-chain haloolefins: photochemical ozone creation potentials (POCPs), global warming potentials (GWPs), and ozone depletion potentials (ODPs).

PubMed

Wallington, T J; Sulbaek Andersen, M P; Nielsen, O J

2015-06-01

Short-chain haloolefins are being introduced as replacements for saturated halocarbons. The unifying chemical feature of haloolefins is the presence of a CC double bond which causes the atmospheric lifetimes to be significantly shorter than for the analogous saturated compounds. We discuss the atmospheric lifetimes, photochemical ozone creation potentials (POCPs), global warming potentials (GWPs), and ozone depletion potentials (ODPs) of haloolefins. The commercially relevant short-chain haloolefins CF3CFCH2 (1234yf), trans-CF3CHCHF (1234ze(Z)), CF3CFCF2 (1216), cis-CF3CHCHCl (1233zd(Z)), and trans-CF3CHCHCl (1233zd(E)) have short atmospheric lifetimes (days to weeks), negligible POCPs, negligible GWPs, and ODPs which do not differ materially from zero. In the concentrations expected in the environment their atmospheric degradation products will have a negligible impact on ecosystems. CF3CFCH2 (1234yf), trans-CF3CHCHF (1234ze(Z)), CF3CFCF2 (1216), cis-CF3CHCHCl (1233zd(Z)), and trans-CF3CHCHCl (1233zd(E)) are environmentally acceptable. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

NetCDF-CF: Supporting Earth System Science with Data Access, Analysis, and Visualization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Davis, E.; Zender, C. S.; Arctur, D. K.; O'Brien, K.; Jelenak, A.; Santek, D.; Dixon, M. J.; Whiteaker, T. L.; Yang, K.

2017-12-01

NetCDF-CF is a community-developed convention for storing and describing earth system science data in the netCDF binary data format. It is an OGC recognized standard with numerous existing FOSS (Free and Open Source Software) and commercial software tools can explore, analyze, and visualize data that is stored and described as netCDF-CF data. To better support a larger segment of the earth system science community, a number of efforts are underway to extend the netCDF-CF convention with the goal of increasing the types of data that can be represented as netCDF-CF data. This presentation will provide an overview and update of work to extend the existing netCDF-CF convention. It will detail the types of earth system science data currently supported by netCDF-CF and the types of data targeted for support by current netCDF-CF convention development efforts. It will also describe some of the tools that support the use of netCDF-CF compliant datasets, the types of data they support, and efforts to extend them to handle the new data types that netCDF-CF will support.

Attitudes toward abortion among parents of children with cystic fibrosis.

PubMed Central

Wertz, D C; Rosenfield, J M; Janes, S R; Erbe, R W

1991-01-01

BACKGROUND: DNA prenatal diagnosis for cystic fibrosis (CF) has been available for parents of affected children since late 1985. METHODS: Using anonymous questionnaires, we surveyed 395 parents of children with CF at 12 New England CF centers with regard to 12 maternal or family situations and 11 fetal characteristics; 271 (68%) responded. RESULTS: The majority supported legal abortion in the first trimester for all 23 situations; 58% would abort for severe mental retardation (MR), 40% would abort for a genetic disorder leading to death before age five years, 41% for a child bedridden for life, 35% for moderate MR, 20% for CF and 17% for a severe incurable disorder starting at age 40 years. Few would abort for a disorder starting at age 60 years, for genetic susceptibility to alcoholism or for sex selection. Variables most strongly related to abortion for CF were attitudes of spouse, respondent's siblings, and CF doctor toward abortion for CF as well as infrequent attendance at religious services. CONCLUSIONS: Prenatal diagnosis may not reduce substantially the number of CF births to parents of CF children because most do not accept abortion for CF. PMID:1854017

Nitric oxide deficiency contributes to impairment of airway relaxation in cystic fibrosis mice.

PubMed

Mhanna, M J; Ferkol, T; Martin, R J; Dreshaj, I A; van Heeckeren, A M; Kelley, T J; Haxhiu, M A

2001-05-01

The pulmonary disease of cystic fibrosis (CF) is characterized by persistent airway obstruction, which has been attributed to chronic endobronchial infection and inflammation. The levels of exhaled nitric oxide (NO) are reduced in CF patients, which could contribute to bronchial obstruction through dysregulated constriction of airway smooth muscle. Because airway epithelium from CF mice has been shown to have reduced expression of inducible NO synthase, we examined airway responsiveness and relaxation in isolated tracheas of CF mice. Airway relaxation as measured by percent relaxation of precontracted tracheal segments to electrical field stimulation (EFS) and substance P, a nonadrenergic, noncholinergic substance, was significantly impaired in CF mice. The airway relaxation in response to prostaglandin E2 was similar in CF and non-CF animals. Treatment with the NO synthase inhibitor NG-nitro-L-arginine methylester reduced tracheal relaxation induced by EFS in wild-type animals but had virtually no effect in the CF mice. Conversely, exogenous NO and L-arginine, a NO substrate, reversed the relaxation defect in CF airway. We conclude that the relative absence of NO compromises airways relaxation in CF, and may contribute to the bronchial obstruction seen in the disease.

A promising oral fucoidan-based antithrombotic nanosystem: development, activity and safety

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

da Silva, L. C. R. P.; Todaro, V.; do Carmo, F. A.; Frattani, F. S.; de Sousa, V. P.; Rodrigues, C. R.; Sathler, P. C.; Cabral, L. M.

2018-04-01

Fucoidan-loaded nanoparticles emerge as great candidates for oral anticoagulant therapy, due to increases in the bioavailability and circulation time of this natural anticoagulant. Crosslinks between chitosan chains are performed using glutaraldehyde to confer higher gastric pH resistance to nanoparticle matrices. In this work, chitosan-fucoidan nanoparticles, without (NpCF) and with glutaraldehyde crosslink (NpCF 1% and NpCF 2%), were prepared to evaluate their anticoagulant, antithrombotic and hemorrhagic profiles. Nanoparticles were characterized by average diameter (AD), polydispersity index, zeta potential, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and fucoidan in vitro release. Anticoagulant and antithrombotic activities were determined by in vitro and in vivo models, respectively. Hemorrhagic profile was in vivo evaluated by tail bleeding assay. Preparations showed nanometric and homogeneous ADs. Zeta potentials of NpCF and NpCF 1% were stable over the gastrointestinal pH range, which was confirmed by low fucoidan release in gastric and enteric media. In pH 7.4, NpCF and NpCF 1% demonstrated fucoidan release of 65.5% and 60.6%, respectively, within the first 24 h. In comparison to fucoidan, NpCF and NpCF 1% showed increased in vitro anticoagulant activity. A significant difference in the oral antithrombotic profile of NpCF 1% was found in comparison to fucoidan. Bleeding profile of NpCF and NpCF 1% showed no differences to the control group, indicating the safety of these systems. Surprisingly, the oral antithrombotic profile of commercially available fucoidan, from Fucus vesiculosus, has not been previously determined, which reveals new possibilities. In this work, significant advances were observed in the anticoagulant and antithrombotic profiles of fucoidan through the preparation of NpCF 1%.

Clinical characterization and diagnosis of cystic fibrosis through exome sequencing in Chinese infants with Bartter-syndrome-like hypokalemia alkalosis.

PubMed

Qiu, Liru; Yang, Fengjie; He, Yonghua; Yuan, Huiqing; Zhou, Jianhua

2018-03-09

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a fatal autosomal-recessive disease caused by mutations in the CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. CF is characterized by recurrent pulmonary infection with obstructive pulmonary disease. CF is common in the Caucasian population but is rare in the Chinese population. The symptoms of early-stage CF are often untypical and may sometimes manifest as Bartter syndrome (BS)-like hypokalemic alkalosis. Therefore, the ability of doctors to differentiate CF from BS-like hypokalemic alkalosis in Chinese infants is a great challenge in the timely and accurate diagnosis of CF. In China, sporadic CF has not been diagnosed in children younger than three years of age to date. Three infants, who were initially admitted to our hospital over the period of June 2013 to September 2014 with BS-like hypokalemic alkalosis, were diagnosed with CF through exome sequencing and sweat chloride measurement. The compound heterozygous mutations of the CFTR gene were detected in two infants, and a homozygous missense mutation was found in one infant. Among the six identified mutations, two are novel point mutations (c.1526G > C and c.3062C > T) that are possibly pathogenic. The three infants are the youngest Chinese patients to have been diagnosed with sporadic CF at a very early stage. Follow-up examination showed that all of the cases remained symptom-free after early intervention, indicating the potential benefit of very early diagnosis and timely intervention in children with CF. Our results demonstrate the necessity of distinguishing CF from BS in Chinese infants with hypokalemic alkalosis and the significant diagnostic value of powerful exome sequencing for rare genetic diseases. Furthermore, our findings expand the CFTR mutation spectrum associated with CF.

Synergistic interaction between pseudocapacitive Fe3O4 nanoparticles and highly porous silicon carbide for high-performance electrodes as electrochemical supercapacitors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Myeongjin; Kim, Jooheon

2017-05-01

Composites of micro- and mesoporous SiC flakes (SiCF) and ferroferric oxide (Fe3O4), SiCF/Fe3O4, were prepared via the chemical deposition of Fe3O4 on SiCF by the chemical reduction of an Fe precursor. The SiCF/Fe3O4 electrodes were fabricated at different Fe3O4 feeding ratios to determine the optimal Fe3O4 content that can maintain a high total surface area of SiCF/Fe3O4 composites as well as cause a vigorous redox reaction, thereby maximizing the synergistic effect between the electric double-layer capacitive effects of SiCF and the pseudo-capacitive effects of Fe3O4. The SiCF/Fe3O4 electrode fabricated with a Fe3O4/SiCF feeding ratio of 1.5:1 (SiCF/Fe3O4(1.5)) exhibited the highest charge storage capacity, showing a specific capacitance of 423.2 F g-1 at a scan rate of 5 mV s-1 with a rate performance of 81.8% from 5 to 500 mV s-1 in an aqueous 1 M KOH electrolyte. The outstanding capacitive performance of the SiCF/Fe3O4(1.5) electrode could be attributed to the harmonious synergistic effect between the electric double-layer capacitive contribution of the SiCF and the pseudocapacitive contribution of the Fe3O4 nanoparticles introduced on the SiCF surface. These encouraging results demonstrate that the SiCF/Fe3O4(1.5) electrode is a promising high-performance electrode material for use in supercapacitors.

Long-term outcomes of children with intermediate sweat chloride values in infancy.

PubMed

Groves, Tyler; Robinson, Paul; Wiley, Veronica; Fitzgerald, Dominic A

2015-06-01

To describe the clinical course of children who have intermediate sweat chloride values on initial screening for cystic fibrosis (CF). We performed a retrospective review of children with intermediate sweat chloride values (raised immunoreactive trypsinogen/1 copy of p.F508del CF mutation on newborn screening (NBS)/sweat chloride value of 30-59 mmol/L) presenting to The Children's Hospital at Westmead over 15 years. Patients with an intermediate sweat chloride evolving to a formal diagnosis of CF (termed "delayed CF") were matched (2:1) with NBS positive patients with CF (termed "NBS positive CF"). Clinical outcomes were compared. Fourteen of 29 (48%, 95% CI 0.3-0.66) patients with intermediate sweat chloride value evolved to a diagnosis of CF and were matched with 28 NBS positive patients with CF. Delayed CF had less pancreatic insufficiency (OR 0.06, 95% CI 0.01-0.44, P = .006), less colonization with nonmucoid Pseudomonas aeruginosa (OR 0.04, 95% CI 0.01-0.38, P = .005), milder obstructive lung disease (forced expiratory volume in 1 second/forced vital capacity ratio), and overall disease severity (Shwachman scores) at 10 years (mean difference 5.93, 95% CI 0.39-11.46, P = .04; mean difference 4.72, 95% CI 0.9-8.53, P = .015, respectively). Nutritional outcomes were better at 2 years for delayed CF but did not persist to later ages. In this cohort, approximately one-half of infants with intermediate sweat chloride value were later diagnosed with CF. The clinical course of delayed CF was milder in some aspects compared with NBS positive CF. These results emphasize the importance of ongoing follow-up of infants with intermediate sweat chloride values. Crown Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Synergistic interaction between pseudocapacitive Fe3O4 nanoparticles and highly porous silicon carbide for high-performance electrodes as electrochemical supercapacitors.

PubMed

Kim, Myeongjin; Kim, Jooheon

2017-05-12

Composites of micro- and mesoporous SiC flakes (SiCF) and ferroferric oxide (Fe 3 O 4 ), SiCF/Fe 3 O 4 , were prepared via the chemical deposition of Fe 3 O 4 on SiCF by the chemical reduction of an Fe precursor. The SiCF/Fe 3 O 4 electrodes were fabricated at different Fe 3 O 4 feeding ratios to determine the optimal Fe 3 O 4 content that can maintain a high total surface area of SiCF/Fe 3 O 4 composites as well as cause a vigorous redox reaction, thereby maximizing the synergistic effect between the electric double-layer capacitive effects of SiCF and the pseudo-capacitive effects of Fe 3 O 4 . The SiCF/Fe 3 O 4 electrode fabricated with a Fe 3 O 4 /SiCF feeding ratio of 1.5:1 (SiCF/Fe 3 O 4 (1.5)) exhibited the highest charge storage capacity, showing a specific capacitance of 423.2 F g -1 at a scan rate of 5 mV s -1 with a rate performance of 81.8% from 5 to 500 mV s -1 in an aqueous 1 M KOH electrolyte. The outstanding capacitive performance of the SiCF/Fe 3 O 4 (1.5) electrode could be attributed to the harmonious synergistic effect between the electric double-layer capacitive contribution of the SiCF and the pseudocapacitive contribution of the Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles introduced on the SiCF surface. These encouraging results demonstrate that the SiCF/Fe 3 O 4 (1.5) electrode is a promising high-performance electrode material for use in supercapacitors.

Applying Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator Genetics and CFTR2 Data to Facilitate Diagnoses.

PubMed

Sosnay, Patrick R; Salinas, Danieli B; White, Terry B; Ren, Clement L; Farrell, Philip M; Raraigh, Karen S; Girodon, Emmanuelle; Castellani, Carlo

2017-02-01

As a Mendelian disease, genetics plays an integral role in the diagnosis of cystic fibrosis (CF). The identification of 2 disease-causing mutations in the CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) in an individual with a phenotype provides evidence that the disease is CF. However, not all variations in CFTR always result in CF. Therefore, for CFTR genotype to provide the same level of evidence of CFTR dysfunction as shown by direct tests such as sweat chloride or nasal potential difference, the mutations identified must be known to always result in CF. The use of CFTR genetics in CF diagnosis, therefore, relies heavily on mutation interpretation. Progress that has been made on mutation interpretation and annotation was reviewed at the recent CF Foundation Diagnosis Consensus Conference. A modified Delphi method was used to identify consensus statements on the use of genetic analysis in CF diagnosis. The largest recent advance in CF genetics has come through the Clinical and Functional Translation of CFTR (CFTR2) project. This undertaking seeks to characterize CFTR mutations from patients with CF around the world. The project also established guidelines for the clinical, functional, and population/penetrance criteria that can be used to interpret mutations not yet included in CFTR2's review. The use of CFTR genetics to aid in diagnosis of CF requires that the mutations identified have a known disease liability. The demonstration of 2 in trans mutations known to always result in CF is satisfactory evidence of CFTR dysfunction. However, if the identified mutations are known to be associated with variable outcomes, or have unknown consequence, that genotype may not result in a CF phenotype. In these cases, other tests of CFTR function may help. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Lung Phenotype of Juvenile and Adult Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator–Knockout Ferrets

PubMed Central

Sun, Xingshen; Olivier, Alicia K.; Liang, Bo; Yi, Yaling; Sui, Hongshu; Evans, Turan I. A.; Zhang, Yulong; Zhou, Weihong; Tyler, Scott R.; Fisher, John T.; Keiser, Nicholas W.; Liu, Xiaoming; Yan, Ziying; Song, Yi; Goeken, J. Adam; Kinyon, Joann M.; Fligg, Danielle; Wang, Xiaoyan; Xie, Weiliang; Lynch, Thomas J.; Kaminsky, Paul M.; Stewart, Zoe A.; Pope, R. Marshall; Frana, Timothy; Meyerholz, David K.; Parekh, Kalpaj

2014-01-01

Chronic bacterial lung infections in cystic fibrosis (CF) are caused by defects in the CF transmembrane conductance regulator chloride channel. Previously, we described that newborn CF transmembrane conductance regulator–knockout ferrets rapidly develop lung infections within the first week of life. Here, we report a more slowly progressing lung bacterial colonization phenotype observed in juvenile to adult CF ferrets reared on a layered antibiotic regimen. Even on antibiotics, CF ferrets were still very susceptible to bacterial lung infection. The severity of lung histopathology ranged from mild to severe, and variably included mucus obstruction of the airways and submucosal glands, air trapping, atelectasis, bronchopneumonia, and interstitial pneumonia. In all CF lungs, significant numbers of bacteria were detected and impaired tracheal mucociliary clearance was observed. Although Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, and Enterococcus were observed most frequently in the lungs of CF animals, each animal displayed a predominant bacterial species that accounted for over 50% of the culturable bacteria, with no one bacterial taxon predominating in all animals. Matrix-assisted laser desorption–ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry fingerprinting was used to quantify lung bacteria in 10 CF animals and demonstrated Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, Enterococcus, or Escherichia as the most abundant genera. Interestingly, there was significant overlap in the types of bacteria observed in the lung and intestine of a given CF animal, including bacterial taxa unique to the lung and gut of each CF animal analyzed. These findings demonstrate that CF ferrets develop lung disease during the juvenile and adult stages that is similar to patients with CF, and suggest that enteric bacterial flora may seed the lung of CF ferrets. PMID:24074402

Respiratory muscle function in patients with cystic fibrosis.

PubMed

Dassios, Theodore; Katelari, Anna; Doudounakis, Stavros; Mantagos, Stefanos; Dimitriou, Gabriel

2013-09-01

Respiratory muscle function in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) can be assessed by measurement of maximal inspiratory pressure (Pimax ), maximal expiratory pressure (Pemax ), and pressure-time index of the respiratory muscles (PTImus ). We investigated the differences in maximal respiratory pressures and PTImus between CF patients with no gross hyperinflation and healthy controls and described the effects of pulmonary function and nutrition impairment on respiratory muscle function in this group of CF patients. Forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1 ), forced vital capacity (FVC) and maximal expiratory flow between 25% and 75% of VC (MEF25-75 ), body mass index (BMI), upper arm muscle area (UAMA), Pimax , Pemax , and PTImus were assessed in 140 CF patients and in a control group of 140 healthy subjects matched for age and gender. Median Pimax and Pemax were significantly lower in CF patients compared to the controls [Pimax  = 74 (57-94) in CF vs. 84 (66-102) in controls, P = 0.009], [Pemax  = 71 (50-95) in CF vs. 84 (66-102) in controls, P < 0.001]. Median PTImus in CF patients compared to controls was significantly increased [PTImus  = 0.110 (0.076-0.160) in CF vs. 0.094 (0.070-0.137) in controls, P = 0.049] and it was significantly higher in CF patients with impaired pulmonary function. In CF patients, PTImus was significantly negatively related to upper arm muscle area (r = 0.184, P = 0.031). These findings suggest that CF patients with no severe lung disease compared to healthy subjects exhibit impaired respiratory muscle function, while CF patients with impaired pulmonary function and nutrition indices exhibit higher PTImus values. Copyright © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Data that empower: The success and promise of CF patient registries.

PubMed

Fink, Aliza K; Loeffler, Deena R; Marshall, Bruce C; Goss, Christopher H; Morgan, Wayne J

2017-11-01

In this article, we describe existing CF registries with a focus on US registry data collected through the CF Foundation Patient Registry (CFFPR) and the Epidemiologic Study of CF (ESCF); highlight what registries have taught us regarding epidemiology of CF; showcase the impact of registries on research and clinical care; and discuss future directions. This manuscript complements the plenary address given by Dr Wayne Morgan at the 2016 North American CF Conference by summarizing the key points from the presentation and providing additional detail and information. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The Development of a Microbial Challenge Test with Acholeplasma laidlawii To Rate Mycoplasma-Retentive Filters by Filter Manufacturers.

PubMed

Folmsbee, Martha; Lentine, Kerry Roche; Wright, Christine; Haake, Gerhard; Mcburnie, Leesa; Ashtekar, Dilip; Beck, Brian; Hutchison, Nick; Okhio-Seaman, Laura; Potts, Barbara; Pawar, Vinayak; Windsor, Helena

2014-01-01

Mycoplasma are bacteria that can penetrate 0.2 and 0.22 μm rated sterilizing-grade filters and even some 0.1 μm rated filters. Primary applications for mycoplasma filtration include large scale mammalian and bacterial cell culture media and serum filtration. The Parenteral Drug Association recognized the absence of standard industry test parameters for testing and classifying 0.1 μm rated filters for mycoplasma clearance and formed a task force to formulate consensus test parameters. The task force established some test parameters by common agreement, based upon general industry practices, without the need for additional testing. However, the culture medium and incubation conditions, for generating test mycoplasma cells, varied from filter company to filter company and was recognized as a serious gap by the task force. Standardization of the culture medium and incubation conditions required collaborative testing in both commercial filter company laboratories and in an Independent laboratory (Table I). The use of consensus test parameters will facilitate the ultimate cross-industry goal of standardization of 0.1 μm filter claims for mycoplasma clearance. However, it is still important to recognize filter performance will depend on the actual conditions of use. Therefore end users should consider, using a risk-based approach, whether process-specific evaluation of filter performance may be warranted for their application. Mycoplasma are small bacteria that have the ability to penetrate sterilizing-grade filters. Filtration of large-scale mammalian and bacterial cell culture media is an example of an industry process where effective filtration of mycoplasma is required. The Parenteral Drug Association recognized the absence of industry standard test parameters for evaluating mycoplasma clearance filters by filter manufacturers and formed a task force to formulate such a consensus among manufacturers. The use of standardized test parameters by filter manufacturers, including the preparation of the culture broth, will facilitate the end user's evaluation of the mycoplasma clearance claims provided by filter vendors. However, it is still important to recognize filter performance will depend on the actual conditions of use; therefore end users should consider, using a risk-based approach, whether process-specific evaluation of filter performance may be warranted for their application. © PDA, Inc. 2014.

Comparative ozone responses of cutleaf coneflowers (Rudbeckia laciniata var. digitata, var. ampla) from Rocky Mountain and Great Smoky Mountains National Parks, USA.

PubMed

Neufeld, Howard S; Johnson, Jennifer; Kohut, Robert

2018-01-01

Cutleaf coneflower (Rudbeckia laciniata L. var. digitata) is native to Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GRSM) and an ozone bioindicator species. Variety ampla, whose ozone sensitivity is less well known, is native to Rocky Mountain National Park (ROMO). In the early 2000s, researchers found putative ozone symptoms on var. ampla and rhizomes were sent to Appalachian State University to verify that the symptoms were the result of ozone exposure. In 2011, potted plants were exposed to ambient ozone from May to August. These same plants were grown in open-top chambers (OTCs) in 2012 and 2013, and exposed to charcoal-filtered (CF), non-filtered (NF), elevated ozone (EO), NF+50ppb in 2012 for 47days and NF+30/NF+50ppb ozone in 2013 for 36 and 36days, respectively. Ozone symptoms similar to those found in ROMO (blue-black adaxial stippling) were reproduced both in ambient air and in the OTCs. Both varieties exhibited foliar injury in the OTCs in an exposure-dependent manner, verifying that symptoms resulted from ozone exposure. In two of the three study years, var. digitata appeared more sensitive than var. ampla. Exposure to EO caused reductions in ambient photosynthetic rate (A) and stomatal conductance (g s ) for both varieties. Light response curves indicated that ozone reduced A, g s , and the apparent quantum yield while it increased the light compensation point. In CF air, var. ampla had higher light saturated A (18.2±1.04 vs 11.6±0.37μmolm -2 s -1 ), higher light saturation (1833±166.7 vs 1108±141.7μmolm -2 s -1 ), and lower Ci/Ca ratio (0.67±0.01 vs 0.77±0.01) than var. digitata. Coneflowers in both Parks are adversely affected by exposure to ambient ozone and if ozone concentrations increase in the Rocky Mountains, greater amounts of injury on var. ampla can be expected. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A mutational analysis of the cytosolic domain of the tomato Cf-9 disease-resistance protein shows that membrane-proximal residues are important for Avr9-dependent necrosis.

PubMed

Chakrabarti, Apratim; Velusamy, Thilaga; Tee, Choon Yang; Jones, David A

2016-05-01

The tomato Cf-9 gene encodes a membrane-anchored glycoprotein that imparts race-specific resistance against the tomato leaf mould fungus Cladosporium fulvum in response to the avirulence protein Avr9. Although the N-terminal half of the extracellular leucine-rich repeat (eLRR) domain of the Cf-9 protein determines its specificity for Avr9, the C-terminal half, including its small cytosolic domain, is postulated to be involved in signalling. The cytosolic domain of Cf-9 carries several residues that are potential sites for ubiquitinylation or phosphorylation, or signals for endocytic uptake. A targeted mutagenesis approach was employed to investigate the roles of these residues and cellular processes in Avr9-dependent necrosis triggered by Cf-9. Our results indicate that the membrane-proximal region of the cytosolic domain of Cf-9 plays an important role in Cf-9-mediated necrosis, and two amino acids within this region, a threonine (T835) and a proline (P838), are particularly important for Cf-9 function. An alanine mutation of T835 had no effect on Cf-9 function, but an aspartic acid mutation, which mimics phosphorylation, reduced Cf-9 function. We therefore postulate that phosphorylation/de-phosphorylation of T835 could act as a molecular switch to determine whether Cf-9 is in a primed or inactive state. Yeast two-hybrid analysis was used to show that the cytosolic domain of Cf-9 interacts with the cytosolic domain of tomato VAP27. This interaction could be disrupted by an alanine mutation of P838, whereas interaction with CITRX remained unaffected. We therefore postulate that a proline-induced kink in the membrane-proximal region of the cytosolic domain of Cf-9 may be important for interaction with VAP27, which may, in turn, be important for Cf-9 function. © 2015 BSPP AND JOHN WILEY & SONS LTD.

Serial perioperative cell-free DNA levels in donors and recipients undergoing living donor liver transplantation.

PubMed

Prakash, K; Aggarwal, S; Bhardwaj, S; Ramakrishna, G; Pandey, C K

2017-10-01

Effect of anaesthesia and surgery on cell-free DNA (cfDNA) is not known. Given that surgical stress augments inflammation and injury, we hypothesized that levels of cfDNA will fluctuate during perioperative period. Therefore, in this study serial perioperative cfDNA concentration was measured in donors and recipients undergoing living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). Baseline, post-induction, intraoperative and post-operative plasma cfDNA levels were evaluated in 21 donors and recipients each, by Sytox green method. In addition, qPCR was performed in a subset of samples. Baseline cfDNA levels were higher in recipients (37.62 ng/ml) than in donors (25.49 ng/ml). A decrease in cfDNA was observed following anaesthesia induction in both recipients (11.90 ng/ml) and donors (10.75 ng/ml). When the kinetics of the cfDNA was monitored further, an increase was noted intraoperatively in donors (46.18 ng/ml) and recipients (anhepatic phase: 56.25 ng/ml, reperfusion phase: 54.36 ng/ml). cfDNA levels remained high post-operatively. One recipient who developed post-operative sepsis had the highest cfDNA level (94.72 ng/ml). Plasma cfDNA levels are high in recipients indicative of liver injury. Lower cfDNA levels following induction may be attributed to the subduing effect of anaesthetic agents on cell death. High cfDNA levels seen in intra- and post-operative phases reflect cellular trauma and inflammation. This similar pattern of fluctuation of cfDNA level in donors and recipients is suggestive of its possible utility as a surgical stress marker. In addition, comparable cfDNA levels in anhepatic and reperfusion phase reflect less ischemia reperfusion injury during LDLT. © 2017 The Acta Anaesthesiologica Scandinavica Foundation. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Baseline predictors of aortic stiffness progression among multi-ethnic Asians with type 2 diabetes.

PubMed

Moh, Mei Chung; Sum, Chee Fang; Tavintharan, Subramaniam; Ang, Keven; Lee, Simon Biing Ming; Tang, Wern Ee; Lim, Su Chi

2017-05-01

This 3-year prospective study aimed to identify baseline parameters that predicted the progression of carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cf-PWV), which was used to evaluate aortic stiffness, among Singapore's multi-ethnic Asians with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). The cf-PWV was measured by the gold-standard tonometry method in 994 T2DM subjects at baseline and follow-up. The annual rate of cf-PWV change was calculated, and individuals above the 90 th percentile with rate≥1.42 m/s per year were regarded as rapid progressors (n = 104). In a subgroup analysis of subjects with normal cf-PWV at 1 st visit (n = 611), incident aortic stiffness was defined as follow-up cf-PWV≥10 m/s (n = 188). The total cohort (mean age:57 ± 10 years; 53.4% Chinese, 20.4% Malay, 22.9% Indian, 3.2% 'Others') displayed a median annual cf-PWV progression rate of 0.2 m/s. Adjusted multivariate regression analyses showed that baseline age, cf-PWV and body mass index (BMI) constantly predicted follow-up cf-PWV, annual cf-PWV progression rate, rapid cf-PWV progression, and incident aortic stiffness. Paradoxically, lower baseline cf-PWV was associated with elevated annual cf-PWV progression rate and rapid progressors. This inverse relationship remained significant across ethnicities after ethnic stratification. Higher BMI independently predicted cf-PWV progression in Chinese and Indians, but not in Malay and 'Others' ethnic groups. Increased age was a significant predictor in Chinese and 'Others' ethnicities. We demonstrated that baseline BMI is a modifiable independent risk factor of cf-PWV progression and incident aortic stiffness. Therefore, better obesity management may impede aortic stiffness in Singapore's T2DM patients, especially in the Chinese and Indians. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Mass-resolved ion energy measurements at both electrodes of a 13.56 MHz plasma in CF4

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Snijkers, R. J. M. M.; van Sambeek, M. J. M.; Hoppenbrouwers, M. B.; Kroesen, G. M. W.; de Hoog, F. J.

1996-06-01

The ion energy distributions (IEDs) at the electrodes in a capacitively coupled 13.56 MHz plasma in CF4 have been measured mass resolved with a Balzers quadrupole in combination with a home-built energy analyzer. Mass-resolved determination offers the possibility to compare the IED of different ions achieved in the same sheath. The IEDs have been determined at both the largest and the smallest electrode. Apart from the IEDs of the CF4 species, the IEDs of ionic species in plasmas in argon and nitrogen also were determined. Apart from the CF4 ionic species CF+3, CF+2, CF+, and F+, CHF+2 ions also are present in the CF4 plasma due to residual water in the reactor. Because the CHF+2 ions are not produced in the sheath and because we do not detect elastically scattered ions, the IEDs of these ions show the typical bimodal distribution for rf plasmas which corresponds to an IED of ions which have not collided in the sheath. From these IEDs we can obtain the sheath characteristics, such as the averaged sheath potential. From the IEDs of CF+n ions one can conclude that, in the sheath of the CF4 plasma, a large number of chemical reactions takes place between the CF+n ions and the neutrals.

Surface Phenomena During Plasma-Assisted Atomic Layer Etching of SiO2.

PubMed

Gasvoda, Ryan J; van de Steeg, Alex W; Bhowmick, Ranadeep; Hudson, Eric A; Agarwal, Sumit

2017-09-13

Surface phenomena during atomic layer etching (ALE) of SiO 2 were studied during sequential half-cycles of plasma-assisted fluorocarbon (CF x ) film deposition and Ar plasma activation of the CF x film using in situ surface infrared spectroscopy and ellipsometry. Infrared spectra of the surface after the CF x deposition half-cycle from a C 4 F 8 /Ar plasma show that an atomically thin mixing layer is formed between the deposited CF x layer and the underlying SiO 2 film. Etching during the Ar plasma cycle is activated by Ar + bombardment of the CF x layer, which results in the simultaneous removal of surface CF x and the underlying SiO 2 film. The interfacial mixing layer in ALE is atomically thin due to the low ion energy during CF x deposition, which combined with an ultrathin CF x layer ensures an etch rate of a few monolayers per cycle. In situ ellipsometry shows that for a ∼4 Å thick CF x film, ∼3-4 Å of SiO 2 was etched per cycle. However, during the Ar plasma half-cycle, etching proceeds beyond complete removal of the surface CF x layer as F-containing radicals are slowly released into the plasma from the reactor walls. Buildup of CF x on reactor walls leads to a gradual increase in the etch per cycle.

Host-pathogen interplay in the respiratory environment of Cystic Fibrosis

PubMed Central

Hurley, Bryan P.; Bragonzi, Alessandra

2015-01-01

Significant advances have been made in the understanding of disease progression in cystic fibrosis (CF), revealing a complex interplay between host and pathogenic organisms. The diverse CF microbiota within the airway activates an aberrant immune response that is ineffective in clearing infection. An appreciation of how the CF host immune system interacts with these organisms is crucial to understanding the pathogenesis of CF pulmonary disease. Here we discuss the microbial complexity present in the lungs of individuals with CF, review emerging concepts of innate and adaptive immune responses to pathogens that chronically inhabit the CF lung, and discuss therapies that target the aberrant inflammatory response that characterizes CF. A greater understanding of the underlying mechanisms will shed light on pathogenesis and guide more targeted therapies in the future that serve to reduce infection, minimize lung pathology, and improve the quality of life for patients with CF. PMID:25800687

Siblings of children with cystic fibrosis: quality of life and the impact of illness.

PubMed

Havermans, T; Wuytack, L; Deboel, J; Tijtgat, A; Malfroot, A; De Boeck, C; Proesmans, M

2011-03-01

To asses self-reported quality of life (QoL) and perception of impact of illness on siblings of children with cystic fibrosis (CF). The Child Health Questionnaire was used to assess QoL. The Sibling Perception Questionnaire was used to assess impact of illness. Siblings of children with CF (n= 39) rated their QoL higher than siblings of healthy children on most QoL domains (e.g. Physical Functioning, Behavior, Mental Health). Siblings older than the child with CF reported a higher impact of CF than younger siblings. Perceived impact of illness was higher when the child with CF had been hospitalized or was intermittent or chronically infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Siblings of children with CF reported a good QoL. QoL and impact of illness were related to indices of CF severity. Insight into sibling-issues helps CF teams to provide family-oriented care. © 2010 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Finding Motivation: Online Information Seeking Following Newborn Screening for Cystic Fibrosis.

PubMed

Strekalova, Yulia A

2016-07-01

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disease that has no manifestations for carriers but is terminal for those diagnosed with it. CF is identified through newborn screening (NBS) tests, and most families have no knowledge about CF before their contact with a NBS program. Acknowledging the Internet as a popular health information source, this study examined information exchange about CF in online community forums. This article, guided by self-determination theory, aimed at providing understanding of psychological needs and motivation for health information seeking and active communication about CF. Through online communication with other families who share similar experience, caregivers of newborns diagnosed with CF sought and received support for their competence, autonomy, and relatedness needs during the initial CF testing and diagnosis reconciliation process. Online communities play an important role in the information seeking related to CF diagnosis and could become active partners in strategic knowledge dissemination efforts. © The Author(s) 2015.

Cystic fibrosis lung transplantation.

PubMed

Braun, Andrew T; Merlo, Christian A

2011-11-01

This review summarizes recently published investigations on issues pertaining to cystic fibrosis (CF) lung transplantation. We specifically focus on indications and candidate selection as well as infectious and noninfectious issues specific to CF lung transplant recipients. Recent studies have focused on candidate adequacy in high-risk CF patients. We review the current literature on individuals who develop respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation and those patients with a pretransplant diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension. Furthermore, the management of peri-operative infectious issues is reviewed including recurrent infections with multidrug-resistant bacterial, mycobacterial, and fungal organisms. Other CF-specific issues addressed include common comorbidities such as CF-related diabetes, gastroesophageal reflux, CF liver disease, and bone metabolism. Lung transplantation is a limited, but potentially life-saving therapeutic option for patients with CF. Optimal candidate selection and awareness of CF-specific issues in the pretransplant and posttransplant setting may lead to better long-term outcomes. © 2011 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins

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

Milbrandt, Anelia; Booth, Samuel

Carbon fiber (CF), known also as graphite fiber, is a lightweight, strong, and flexible material used in both structural (load-bearing) and non-structural applications (e.g., thermal insulation). The high cost of precursors (the starting material used to make CF, which comes predominately from fossil sources) and manufacturing have kept CF a niche market with applications limited mostly to high-performance structural materials (e.g., aerospace). Alternative precursors to reduce CF cost and dependence on fossil sources have been investigated over the years, including biomass-derived precursors such as rayon, lignin, glycerol, and lignocellulosic sugars. The purpose of this study is to provide a comprehensivemore » overview of CF precursors from biomass and their market potential. We examine the potential CF production from these precursors, the state of technology and applications, and the production cost (when data are available). We discuss their advantages and limitations. We also discuss the physical properties of biomass-based CF, and we compare them to those of polyacrylonitrile (PAN)-based CF. We also discuss manufacturing and end-product considerations for bio-based CF, as well as considerations for plant siting and biomass feedstock logistics, feedstock competition, and risk mitigation strategies. The main contribution of this study is that it provides detailed technical and market information about each bio-based CF precursor in one document while other studies focus on one precursor at a time or a particular topic (e.g., processing). Thus, this publication allows for a comprehensive view of the CF potential from all biomass sources and serves as a reference for both novice and experienced professionals interested in CF production from alternative sources.« less

Specialization of the auditory system for the processing of bio-sonar information in the frequency domain: Mustached bats.

PubMed

Suga, Nobuo

2018-04-01

For echolocation, mustached bats emit velocity-sensitive orientation sounds (pulses) containing a constant-frequency component consisting of four harmonics (CF 1-4 ). They show unique behavior called Doppler-shift compensation for Doppler-shifted echoes and hunting behavior for frequency and amplitude modulated echoes from fluttering insects. Their peripheral auditory system is highly specialized for fine frequency analysis of CF 2 (∼61.0 kHz) and detecting echo CF 2 from fluttering insects. In their central auditory system, lateral inhibition occurring at multiple levels sharpens V-shaped frequency-tuning curves at the periphery and creates sharp spindle-shaped tuning curves and amplitude tuning. The large CF 2 -tuned area of the auditory cortex systematically represents the frequency and amplitude of CF 2 in a frequency-versus-amplitude map. "CF/CF" neurons are tuned to a specific combination of pulse CF 1 and Doppler-shifted echo CF 2 or 3 . They are tuned to specific velocities. CF/CF neurons cluster in the CC ("C" stands for CF) and DIF (dorsal intrafossa) areas of the auditory cortex. The CC area has the velocity map for Doppler imaging. The DIF area is particularly for Dopper imaging of other bats approaching in cruising flight. To optimize the processing of behaviorally relevant sounds, cortico-cortical interactions and corticofugal feedback modulate the frequency tuning of cortical and sub-cortical auditory neurons and cochlear hair cells through a neural net consisting of positive feedback associated with lateral inhibition. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Four case reports of Chinese cystic fibrosis patients and literature review.

PubMed

Xu, Juan; Yin, Yong; Zhang, Lei; Zhang, Jing; Yuan, Shuhua; Zhang, Hao

2017-08-01

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an extremely rare disease in Asians. Here, we report four Chinese children with CF and review the literature about Chinese CF patients. The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene testing was performed on four suspected patients for CF screening. We also reviewed the literature about Chinese CF patients from 1970s. The clinical data of all these CF patients were summarized. We diagnosed four CF patients who had mutations in the CFTR gene. We identified six different mutations in the four patients. The c.1766+5G>T, c.595C>T, c.2909G>A, and c.4056G>C had been reported already. The two splicing mutations of c.579+1_579+2insACAT and c.1117-1G>C were novel mutations. There have been 46 Chinese CF patients reported in literature from 1974 up to present (2016.12). The clinical manifestations of CF involved several systems. The most common symptom was recurrent pulmonary infections. Thirty-three different mutations were identified; c.1766 + 5G>T was the most common mutation among Chinese CF patients. Only one of these mutations (R553X) was in the Caucasian CF screening panel. The spectrum of CFTR mutations in Chinese was highly different from that of Caucasian. There was a high risk of misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis of CF even in suspected cases in China. It is necessary to educate Chinese clinicians about the signs, symptoms, and diagnosis of cystic fibrosis and promote the implementation of the sweat chloride test. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Human Epididymis Protein 4: A Novel Serum Inflammatory Biomarker in Cystic Fibrosis.

PubMed

Nagy, Béla; Nagy, Béla; Fila, Libor; Clarke, Luka A; Gönczy, Ferenc; Bede, Olga; Nagy, Dóra; Újhelyi, Rita; Szabó, Ágnes; Anghelyi, Andrea; Major, Miklós; Bene, Zsolt; Fejes, Zsolt; Antal-Szalmás, Péter; Bhattoa, Harjit Pal; Balla, György; Kappelmayer, János; Amaral, Margarida D; Macek, Milan; Balogh, István

2016-09-01

Increased expression of the human epididymis protein 4 (HE4) was previously described in lung biopsy samples from patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). It remains unknown, however, whether serum HE4 concentrations are elevated in CF. Seventy-seven children with CF from six Hungarian CF centers and 57 adult patients with CF from a Czech center were enrolled. In addition, 94 individuals with non-CF lung diseases and 117 normal control subjects with no pulmonary disorders were analyzed. Serum HE4 levels were measured by using an immunoassay, and their expression was further investigated via the quantification of HE4 messenger RNA by using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction in CF vs non-CF respiratory epithelium biopsy specimens. The expression of the potential regulator miR-140-5p was analyzed by using an UPL-based quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction assay. HE4 was measured in the supernatants from unpolarized and polarized cystic fibrosis bronchial epithelial cells expressing wild-type or F508del-CFTR. Median serum HE4 levels were significantly elevated in children with CF (99.5 [73.1-128.9] pmol/L) compared with control subjects (36.3 [31.1-43.4] pmol/L; P < .0001). This observation was replicated in adults with CF (115.7 [77.8-148.7] pmol/L; P < .0001). In contrast, abnormal but lower HE4 concentrations were found in cases of severe bronchitis, asthma, pneumonia, and bronchiectasis. In patients with CF, the concentrations of HE4 were positively correlated with overall disease severity and C-reactive protein concentrations, whereas a significant inverse relationship was found between HE4 and the spirometric FEV1 value. Relative HE4 mRNA levels were significantly upregulated (P = .011) with a decreased miR-140-5p expression (P = .020) in the CF vs non-CF airway biopsy specimens. Twofold higher HE4 concentrations were recorded in the supernatant of polarized F508del-CF transmembrane conductance regulator/bronchial epithelial cells compared with wild-type cells. HE4 serum levels positively correlate with the overall severity of CF and the degree of pulmonary dysfunction. HE4 may thus be used as a novel inflammatory biomarker and possibly also as a measure of treatment efficacy in CF lung disease. Copyright © 2016 American College of Chest Physicians. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Tropospheric photooxidation of CF3CH2CHO and CF3(CH2)2CHO initiated by Cl atoms and OH radicals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Antiñolo, M.; Jiménez, E.; Notario, A.; Martínez, E.; Albaladejo, J.

2009-11-01

The absolute rate coefficients for the tropospheric reactions of chlorine (Cl) atoms and hydroxyl (OH) radicals with CF3CH2CHO and CF3(CH2)2CHO were measured as a function of temperature (263-371 K) and pressure (50-215 Torr of He) by pulsed UV laser photolysis techniques. Vacuum UV resonance fluorescence was employed to detect and monitor the time evolution of Cl atoms. Laser induced fluorescence was used in this work as a detection of OH radicals as a function of reaction time. No pressure dependence of the bimolecular rate coefficients, kCl and kOH, was found at all temperatures. At room temperature kCl and kOH were (in 10-11 cm3 molecule-1 s-1): kCl(CF3CH2CHO) = (1.55±0.53); kCl(CF3(CH2)2CHO) = (3.39±1.38); kOH(CF3CH2CHO) = (0.259±0.050); kOH(CF3(CH2)2CHO) = (1.28±0.24). A slightly negative temperature dependence of kCl was observed for CF3CH2CHO and CF3(CH2)2CHO, and kOH(CF3CH2CHO). In contrast, kOH(CF3(CH2)2CHO) did not exhibit a temperature dependence in the studied ranged. Arrhenius expressions for these reactions were: kCl(CF3CH2CHO) =(4.4±1.0) × 10-11 exp{-(316±68)/T} cm3 molecule-1 s-1, kCl(CF3(CH2)2CHO) = (2.9±0.7) × 10-10 exp{-625±80)/T} cm3 molecule-1 s-1, kOH(CF3CH2CHO) = (7.8±2.2) × 10-12 exp{-(314±90)/T} cm3 molecule-1 s-1. The atmospheric impact of the homogeneous removal by OH radicals and Cl atoms of these fluorinated aldehydes is discussed in terms of the global atmospheric lifetimes, taking into account different degradation pathways. The calculated lifetimes show that atmospheric oxidation of CF3(CH2)xCHO are globally dominated by OH radicals, however reactions initiated by Cl atoms can act as a source of free radicals at dawn in the troposphere.

Tropospheric photooxidation of CF3CH2CHO and CF3(CH2)2CHO initiated by Cl atoms and OH radicals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Antiñolo, M.; Jiménez, E.; Notario, A.; Martínez, E.; Albaladejo, J.

2010-02-01

The absolute rate coefficients for the tropospheric reactions of chlorine (Cl) atoms and hydroxyl (OH) radicals with CF3CH2CHO and CF3(CH2)2CHO were measured as a function of temperature (263-371 K) and pressure (50-215 Torr of He) by pulsed UV laser photolysis techniques. Vacuum UV resonance fluorescence was employed to detect and monitor the time evolution of Cl atoms. Laser induced fluorescence was used in this work for the detection of OH radicals as a function of reaction time. No pressure dependence of the bimolecular rate coefficients, kCl and kOH, was found at all temperatures. At room temperature kCl and kOH were (in 10-11 cm3 molecule-1 s-1): kCl(CF3CH2CHO) = (1.55±0.53); kCl(CF3(CH2)2CHO) = (3.39±1.38); kCl(CF3CH2CHO) = (0.259±0.050); kCl(CF3(CH2)2CHO) = (1.28±0.24). A slightly positive temperature dependence of kCl was observed for CF3CH2CHO and CF3(CH2)2CHO, and kOH(CF3CH2CHO). In contrast, kOH(CF3(CH2)2CHO) did not exhibit a temperature dependence over the range investigated. Arrhenius expressions for these reactions were: kCl(CF3CH2CHO) = (4.4±1.0)×10-11 exp{-(316±68)/T} cm3 molecule-1 s-1 kCl(CF3(CH2)2CHO) = (2.9±0.7)×10-10 exp{-(625±80)/T} cm3 molecule-1 s-1 kOH(CF3CH2CHO) = (7.8±2.2)×10-12 exp{-(314±90)/T} cm3 molecule-1 s-1 The atmospheric impact of the homogeneous removal by OH radicals and Cl atoms of these fluorinated aldehydes is discussed in terms of the global atmospheric lifetimes, taking into account different degradation pathways. The calculated lifetimes show that atmospheric oxidation of CF3(CH2)x CHO are globally dominated by OH radicals, however reactions initiated by Cl atoms can act as a source of free radicals at dawn in the troposphere.

Folate and Heptamethine Cyanine Modified Chitosan-Based Nanotheranostics for Tumor Targeted Near-Infrared Fluorescence Imaging and Photodynamic Therapy.

PubMed

Zhang, Yingying; Lv, Tingting; Zhang, Huijuan; Xie, Xiaodong; Li, Ziying; Chen, Haijun; Gao, Yu

2017-07-10

Folate (FA) and heptamethine cyanine (Cy7)-modified chitosan (CF7) was synthesized by click chemistry and its self-assembled nanoparticles (CF7Ns) were developed for tumor-specific imaging and photodynamic therapy. The characterization spectrum confirmed CF7 had a good FA and Cy7 conjugation efficacy. The diameter of CF7Ns measured by DLS was about 291.6 nm, and the morphology observed with AFM showed filamentous clusters of particles. The results of targeting ability of CF7Ns demonstrated enhanced targeting behaviors of CF7Ns compared with non-FA-modified nanoparticles C7Ns in FA receptor-positive HeLa cells. The cytotoxicity and cell apoptosis assay showed that CF7Ns under near-infrared light irradiation led to more apoptotic cell death in HeLa cells to improve the therapeutic efficacy. The mechanisms of the photodynamic effects of CF7Ns were demonstrated through measurement of intracellular reactive oxygen species and the apoptosis-related cytokines. These results suggested that CF7Ns are promising tumor targeting carriers for simultaneous fluorescence imaging and photodynamic therapy.

When Women with Cystic Fibrosis Become Mothers: Psychosocial Impact and Adjustments

PubMed Central

Duff, Alistair J. A.; Etherington, Christine

2016-01-01

Advances in the treatment and life expectancy of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients mean that motherhood is now a realistic option for many women with CF. This qualitative study explored the psychosocial impact and adjustments made when women with CF become mothers. Women with CF (n = 11) were recruited via an online forum and participated in semistructured telephone interviews about their experiences of becoming a mother. Transcriptions were analysed using Grounded Theory. Analysis revealed three core categories: (i) “Living with CF”: how becoming a mother impacted on health and treatment adherence, requiring a change in support from the CF team, (ii) “Becoming a Mother”: balancing issues common to new mothers with their CF, and (iii) “Pooling Personal Resources”: coping strategies in managing the dual demands of child and CF care. Participants experienced a variety of complex psychosocial processes. Most participants acknowledged an initial negative impact on CF care; however over time they reported successful adaptation to managing dual commitments and that adherence and motivation to stay well had improved. This study highlights the need for preconceptual psychosocial counselling and postpartum adjustment to CF care. PMID:27999682

Factors Accounting for a Missed Diagnosis of Cystic Fibrosis After Newborn Screening

PubMed Central

Rock, Michael J.; Levy, Hara; Zaleski, Christina; Farrell, Philip M.

2015-01-01

Summary Newborn screening is a public health policy program involving the centralized testing laboratory, infant and their family, primary care provider, and subspecialist for confirmatory testing and follow-up of abnormal results. Cystic fibrosis (CF) newborn screening has now been enacted in all 50 states and the District of Columbia and throughout many countries in the world. Although CF neonatal screening will identify the vast majority of infants with CF, there are many factors in the newborn screening system that can lead to a missed diagnosis of CF. To inform clinicians, this article summarizes the CF newborn screening system and highlights 14 factors that can account for a missed diagnosis of CF. Care providers should maintain a high suspicion for CF if there are compatible symptoms, regardless of the results of the newborn screening test. These factors in newborn screening programs leading to a missed diagnosis of CF present opportunities for quality improvement in specimen collection, laboratory analysis of immunoreactive tryspinogen (IRT) and CF mutation testing, communication, and sweat testing. PMID:22081556

Atmospheric chemistry of HFE-7000 (CF(3)CF (2)CF (2)OCH (3)) and 2,2,3,3,4,4,4-heptafluoro-1-butanol (CF (3)CF (2)CF (2)CH (2)OH): kinetic rate coefficients and temperature dependence of reactions with chlorine atoms.

PubMed

Díaz-de-Mera, Yolanda; Aranda, Alfonso; Bravo, Iván; Rodríguez, Diana; Rodríguez, Ana; Moreno, Elena

2008-10-01

The adverse environmental impacts of chlorinated hydrocarbons on the Earth's ozone layer have focused attention on the effort to replace these compounds by nonchlorinated substitutes with environmental acceptability. Hydrofluoroethers (HFEs) and fluorinated alcohols are currently being introduced in many applications for this purpose. Nevertheless, the presence of a great number of C-F bonds drives to atmospheric long-lived compounds with infrared absorption features. Thus, it is necessary to improve our knowledge about lifetimes and global warming potentials (GWP) for these compounds in order to get a complete evaluation of their environmental impact. Tropospheric degradation is expected to be initiated mainly by OH reactions in the gas phase. Nevertheless, Cl atoms reaction may also be important since rate constants are generally larger than those of OH. In the present work, we report the results obtained in the study of the reactions of Cl radicals with HFE-7000 (CF(3)CF(2)CF(2)OCH(3)) (1) and its isomer CF(3)CF(2)CF(2)CH(2)OH (2). Kinetic rate coefficients with Cl atoms have been measured using the discharge flow tube-mass spectrometric technique at 1 Torr of total pressure. The reactions of these chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) substitutes have been studied under pseudo-first-order kinetic conditions in excess of the fluorinated compounds over Cl atoms. The temperature ranges were 266-333 and 298-353 K for reactions of HFE-7000 and CF(3)CF(2)CF(2)CH(2)OH, respectively. The measured room temperature rate constants were k(Cl+CF(3)CF(2)CF(2)OCH(3)) = (1.24 +/- 0.28) x 10(-13) cm(3) molecule(-1) s(-1)and k(Cl+CF(3)CF(2)CF(2)CH(2)OH) = (8.35 +/- 1.63) x 10(-13) cm(3) molecule(-1) s(-1) (errors are 2sigma + 10% to cover systematic errors). The Arrhenius expression for reaction 1 was k (1)(266-333 K) = (6.1 +/- 3.8) x 10(-13)exp[-(445 +/- 186)/T] cm(3) molecule(-1) s(-1) and k (2)(298-353 K) = (1.9 +/- 0.7) x 10(-12)exp[-(244 +/- 125)/T] cm(3) molecule(-1) s(-1) (errors are 2sigma). The reactions are reported to proceed through the abstraction of an H atom to form HCl and the corresponding halo-alkyl radical. At 298 K and 1 Torr, yields on HCl of 0.95 +/- 0.38 and 0.97 +/- 0.16 (errors are 2sigma) were obtained for CF(3)CF(2)CF(2)OCH(3) and CF(3)CF(2)CF(2)CH(2)OH, respectively. The obtained kinetic rate constants are related to the previous data in the literature, showing a good agreement taking into account the error limits. Comparing the obtained results at room temperature, k (1) and k (2), HFE-7000 is significantly less reactive than its isomer C(3)F(7)CH(2)OH. A similar behavior has been reported for the reactions of other fluorinated alcohols and their isomeric fluorinated ethers with Cl atoms. Literature data, together with the results reported in this work, show that, for both fluorinated ethers and alcohols, the kinetic rate constant may be considered as not dependent on the number of -CF(2)- in the perfluorinated chain. This result may be useful since it is possible to obtain the required physicochemical properties for a given application by changing the number of -CF(2)- without changes in the atmospheric reactivity. Furthermore, lifetimes estimations for these CFCs substitutes are calculated and discussed. The average estimated Cl lifetimes are 256 and 38 years for HFE-7000 and C(3)H(7)CH(2)OH, respectively. The studied CFCs' substitutes are relatively short-lived and OH reaction constitutes their main reactive sink. The average contribution of Cl reactions to global lifetime is about 2% in both cases. Nevertheless, under local conditions as in the marine boundary layer, tau (Cl) values as low as 2.5 and 0.4 years for HFE-7000 and C(3)H(7)CH(2)OH, respectively, are expected, showing that the contribution of Cl to the atmospheric degradation of these CFCs substitutes under such conditions may constitute a relevant sink. In the case of CF(3)CF(2)CF(2)OCH(3), significant activation energy has been measured, thus the use of kinetic rate coefficient only at room temperature would result in underestimations of lifetimes and GWPs. The results obtained in this work may be helpful within the database used in the modeling studies of coastal areas. The knowledge of the atmospheric behavior and the structure-reactivity relationship discussed in this work may also contribute to the development of new environmentally acceptable chemicals. New volatile materials susceptible of emission to the troposphere should be subject to the study of their reactions with OH and Cl in the range of temperature of the troposphere. The knowledge of the temperature dependence of the kinetic rate constants, as it is now reported for the case of reactions 1 and 2, will allow more accurate lifetimes and related magnitudes like GWPs. Nevertheless, a better knowledge of the vertical Cl tropospheric distribution is still required.

Reactions in trifluoroacetic acid (CF 3COOH) induced by low energy electron attachment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Langer, Judith; Stano, Michal; Gohlke, Sascha; Foltin, Victor; Matejcik, Stefan; Illenberger, Eugen

2006-02-01

Dissociative electron attachment to trifluoroacetic acid (CF 3COOH) is characterized by an intense low energy shape resonance located near 1 eV and a comparatively weaker core excited resonance located near 7 eV. The shape resonance decomposes into the fragment ions CF 3COO -, CF 2COO -, and CF2-. The underlying reactions include simple bond cleavage but also more complex sequences involving multiple bond cleavages, rearrangement in the precursor ion and formation of new molecules (HF, CO 2). The core excited resonance additionally decomposes into F -, CF3- and probably metastable CO2-.

Cystic Fibrosis and the Nervous System.

PubMed

Reznikov, Leah R

2017-05-01

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a life-shortening autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in the gene encoding the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). CFTR is an anion channel that conducts bicarbonate and chloride across cell membranes. Although defective anion transport across epithelial cells is accepted as the basic defect in CF, many of the features observed in people with CF and organs affected by CF are modulated by the nervous system. This is of interest because CFTR expression has been reported in both the peripheral and central nervous systems, and it is well known that the transport of anions, such as chloride, greatly modulates neuronal excitability. Thus it is predicted that in CF, lack of CFTR in the nervous system affects neuronal function. Consistent with this prediction, several nervous system abnormalities and nervous system disorders have been described in people with CF and in animal models of CF. The goal of this special feature article is to highlight the expression and function of CFTR in the nervous system. Special emphasis is placed on nervous system abnormalities described in people with CF and in animal models of CF. Finally, features of CF that may be modulated by or attributed to faulty nervous system function are discussed. Copyright © 2016 American College of Chest Physicians. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Dietary intake and nutritional status of micronutrients in adults with cystic fibrosis in relation to current recommendations.

PubMed

Li, Li; Somerset, Shawn

2016-08-01

An increased prevalence of cystic fibrosis (CF) related complications such as impaired bone health and diabetes has accompanied increased survival of patients with CF. This review was conducted to determine the extent to which adults with CF are meeting current nutrition recommendations for micronutrients in association with CF-related complications management. Although dietary intake and nutritional status in CF has improved significantly in recent decades, micronutrient status seems to have diverged. While vitamin A and E intakes appear adequate, frequent vitamin D and K deficiency/insufficiency and compromised bone health in CF, occurs despite supplementation. Although deficiency of water-soluble vitamins and minerals is uncommon, ongoing surveillance will enhance overall health outcomes, particularly in cases of CF-related liver disease and deteriorated lung function and bone health. Salt and fluid status in CF may also need attention due to diminished thirst sensation and voluntary rehydration. Further investigation in micronutrient status optimisation in CF will inform the development of more effective and targeted nutrition therapies to enable integration of more refined recommendations for micronutrient intakes in CF based on individual needs and disease progression. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd and European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism. All rights reserved.

Divalent and trivalent gas-phase coordination complexes of californium: evaluating the stability of Cf(II)

DOE PAGES

Dau, Phuong D.; Shuh, David K.; Sturzbecher-Hoehne, Manuel; ...

2016-07-07

The divalent oxidation state is increasingly stable relative to the trivalent state for the later actinide elements, with californium the first actinide to exhibit divalent chemistry under moderate conditions. Although there is evidence for divalent Cf in solution and solid compounds, there are no reports of discrete complexes in which Cf II is coordinated by anionic ligands. Described here is the divalent Cf methanesulfinate coordination complex, Cf II(CH 3SO 2) 3-, prepared in the gas phase by reductive elimination of CH 3SO 2 from Cf III(CH 3SO 2) 4-. Comparison with synthesis of the corresponding Sm and Cm complexes revealsmore » reduction of CfIII and SmIII, and no evidence for reduction of Cm III. This reflects the comparative 3+/2+ reduction potentials: Cf 3+ (-1.60 V) ≈ Sm 3+ (-1.55 V) >> Cm 3+ (-3.7 V). Association of O 2 to the divalent complexes is attributed to formation of superoxides, with recovery of the trivalent oxidation state. Lastly, the new gas-phase chemistry of californium, now the heaviest element to have been studied in this manner, provides evidence for Cf II coordination complexes and similar chemistry of Cf and Sm.« less

Pulmonary infection of cystic fibrosis mice with Staphylococcus aureus requires expression of α-toxin.

PubMed

Keitsch, Simone; Riethmüller, Joachim; Soddemann, Matthias; Sehl, Carolin; Wilker, Barbara; Edwards, Michael J; Caldwell, Charles C; Fraunholz, Martin; Gulbins, Erich; Becker, Katrin Anne

2018-05-01

Pulmonary infections of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients with Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) occur very early in the disease. The molecular details that cause infection-susceptibility of CF patients to and mediate infection with S. aureus are poorly characterized. Therefore, we aimed to identify the role of α-toxin, a major S. aureus toxin, for pulmonary infection of CF mice. Infection with S. aureus JE2 resulted in severe pneumonia in CF mice, while wildtype mice were almost unaffected. Deficiency of α-toxin in JE2-Δhla reduced the pathogenicity of S. aureus in CF mice. However, CF mice were still more susceptible to the mutant S. aureus strain than wildtype mice. The S. aureus JE2 induced a marked increase of ceramide and a downregulation of sphingosine and acid ceramidase expression in bronchi of CF mice. Deletion of α-toxin reduced these changes after infection of CF mice. Similar changes were observed in wildtype mice, but at much lower levels. Our data indicate that expression of α-toxin is a major factor causing S. aureus infections in CF mice. Wildtype S. aureus induces a marked increase of ceramide and a reduction of sphingosine and acid ceramidase expression in bronchial epithelial cells of wildtype and CF mice, changes that determine infection susceptibility.

On reaction kinetics and atmospheric lifetimes of CF3CFHCF3 and CF3CH2Br

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nelson, D. D., Jr.; Zahniser, M. S.; Kolb, C. E.

1993-01-01

The rate constants for the reaction of the OH radical with CF3CFHCF3 and with CF3CH2Br have been measured as a function of temperature using the discharge flow technique with laser induced fluorescence detection of the OH radicals. The temperature dependent rate coefficients are well described by a simple Arrhenius expression, k(T) = A exp(E/(RT)). For the reaction of OH with CF3CFHCF3 we find A = 3.7 x 10 exp -13 cu cm/molecules/s and E/R = 1615 K; for the reaction of OH with CF3CH2Br we report A = 1.4 x 10 exp -12 cu cm/molecule/s and E/R = 1350 K. These Arrhenius parameters imply rate coefficients at 277 K of 1.09 x 10 exp -15 cu cm/molecule/s for CF3CFHCF3 and 1.06 x 10 exp -14 cu cm/molecule/s for CF3CH2Br. We find atmospheric lifetimes for CF3CFHCH3 and CF3CH2Br of 42 years and 4.1 years, respectively. We also estimate the steady state ozone depletion potential (ODP) of the brominated species relative to CFCl3 as about 0.84 using a semiempirical model.

Analysis of contributing factors associated to related patients safety incidents in Intensive Care Medicine.

PubMed

Martín Delgado, M C; Merino de Cos, P; Sirgo Rodríguez, G; Álvarez Rodríguez, J; Gutiérrez Cía, I; Obón Azuara, B; Alonso Ovies, Á

2015-01-01

To explore contributing factors (CF) associated to related critical patients safety incidents. SYREC study pos hoc analysis. A total of 79 Intensive Care Departments were involved. The study sample consisted of 1.017 patients; 591 were affected by one or more incidents. The CF were categorized according to a proposed model by the National Patient Safety Agency from United Kingdom that was modified. Type, class and severity of the incidents was analyzed. A total 2,965 CF were reported (1,729 were associated to near miss and 1,236 to adverse events). The CF group more frequently reported were related patients factors. Individual factors were reported more frequently in near miss and task related CF in adverse events. CF were reported in all classes of incidents. The majority of CF were reported in the incidents classified such as less serious, even thought CF patients factors were associated to serious incidents. Individual factors were considered like avoidable and patients factors as unavoidable. The CF group more frequently reported were patient factors and was associated to more severe and unavoidable incidents. By contrast, individual factors were associated to less severe and avoidable incidents. In general, CF most frequently reported were associated to near miss. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier España, S.L.U. and SEMICYUC. All rights reserved.

Divalent and trivalent gas-phase coordination complexes of californium: evaluating the stability of Cf(II)

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

Dau, Phuong D.; Shuh, David K.; Sturzbecher-Hoehne, Manuel

The divalent oxidation state is increasingly stable relative to the trivalent state for the later actinide elements, with californium the first actinide to exhibit divalent chemistry under moderate conditions. Although there is evidence for divalent Cf in solution and solid compounds, there are no reports of discrete complexes in which Cf II is coordinated by anionic ligands. Described here is the divalent Cf methanesulfinate coordination complex, Cf II(CH 3SO 2) 3-, prepared in the gas phase by reductive elimination of CH 3SO 2 from Cf III(CH 3SO 2) 4-. Comparison with synthesis of the corresponding Sm and Cm complexes revealsmore » reduction of CfIII and SmIII, and no evidence for reduction of Cm III. This reflects the comparative 3+/2+ reduction potentials: Cf 3+ (-1.60 V) ≈ Sm 3+ (-1.55 V) >> Cm 3+ (-3.7 V). Association of O 2 to the divalent complexes is attributed to formation of superoxides, with recovery of the trivalent oxidation state. Lastly, the new gas-phase chemistry of californium, now the heaviest element to have been studied in this manner, provides evidence for Cf II coordination complexes and similar chemistry of Cf and Sm.« less

Shock wave and modeling study of the thermal decomposition reactions of pentafluoroethane and 2-H-heptafluoropropane.

PubMed

Cobos, C J; Sölter, L; Tellbach, E; Troe, J

2014-06-07

The thermal decomposition reactions of CF3CF2H and CF3CFHCF3 have been studied in shock waves by monitoring the appearance of CF2 radicals. Temperatures in the range 1400-2000 K and Ar bath gas concentrations in the range (2-10) × 10(-5) mol cm(-3) were employed. It is shown that the reactions are initiated by C-C bond fission and not by HF elimination. Differing conclusions in the literature about the primary decomposition products, such as deduced from experiments at very low pressures, are attributed to unimolecular falloff effects. By increasing the initial reactant concentrations in Ar from 60 to 1000 ppm, a retardation of CF2 formation was observed while the final CF2 yields remained close to two CF2 per C2F5H or three CF2 per C3F7H decomposed. This is explained by secondary bimolecular reactions which lead to comparably stable transient species like CF3H, releasing CF2 at a slower rate. Quantum-chemical calculations and kinetic modeling help to identify the reaction pathways and provide estimates of rate constants for a series of primary and secondary reactions in the decomposition mechanism.

The polarised internal target for the PAX experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ciullo, G.; Barion, L.; Barschel, C.; Grigoriev, K.; Lenisa, P.; Nass, A.; Sarkadi, J.; Statera, M.; Steffens, E.; Tagliente, G.

2011-05-01

The PAX (Polarized Antiproton eXperiment) collaboration aims to polarise antiproton beams stored in ring by means of spin-filtering. The experimental setup is based on a polarised internal gas target, surrounded by a detection system for the measurement of spin observables. In this report, we present results from the commission of the PAX target (atomic beam source, openable cell, and polarimeter).

Evaluation of Keyphrase Extraction Algorithm and Tiling Process for a Document/Resource Recommender within E-Learning Environments

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mangina, Eleni; Kilbride, John

2008-01-01

The research presented in this paper is an examination of the applicability of IUI techniques in an online e-learning environment. In particular we make use of user modeling techniques, information retrieval and extraction mechanisms and collaborative filtering methods. The domains of e-learning, web-based training and instruction and intelligent…

An e-Learning Collaborative Filtering Approach to Suggest Problems to Solve in Programming Online Judges

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Toledo, Raciel Yera; Mota, Yailé Caballero

2014-01-01

The paper proposes a recommender system approach to cover online judge's domains. Online judges are e-learning tools that support the automatic evaluation of programming tasks done by individual users, and for this reason they are usually used for training students in programming contest and for supporting basic programming teachings. The…

Predicting online ratings based on the opinion spreading process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

He, Xing-Sheng; Zhou, Ming-Yang; Zhuo, Zhao; Fu, Zhong-Qian; Liu, Jian-Guo

2015-10-01

Predicting users' online ratings is always a challenge issue and has drawn lots of attention. In this paper, we present a rating prediction method by combining the user opinion spreading process with the collaborative filtering algorithm, where user similarity is defined by measuring the amount of opinion a user transfers to another based on the primitive user-item rating matrix. The proposed method could produce a more precise rating prediction for each unrated user-item pair. In addition, we introduce a tunable parameter λ to regulate the preferential diffusion relevant to the degree of both opinion sender and receiver. The numerical results for Movielens and Netflix data sets show that this algorithm has a better accuracy than the standard user-based collaborative filtering algorithm using Cosine and Pearson correlation without increasing computational complexity. By tuning λ, our method could further boost the prediction accuracy when using Mean Absolute Error (MAE) and Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE) as measurements. In the optimal cases, on Movielens and Netflix data sets, the corresponding algorithmic accuracy (MAE and RMSE) are improved 11.26% and 8.84%, 13.49% and 10.52% compared to the item average method, respectively.

Walking on a User Similarity Network towards Personalized Recommendations

PubMed Central

Gan, Mingxin

2014-01-01

Personalized recommender systems have been receiving more and more attention in addressing the serious problem of information overload accompanying the rapid evolution of the world-wide-web. Although traditional collaborative filtering approaches based on similarities between users have achieved remarkable success, it has been shown that the existence of popular objects may adversely influence the correct scoring of candidate objects, which lead to unreasonable recommendation results. Meanwhile, recent advances have demonstrated that approaches based on diffusion and random walk processes exhibit superior performance over collaborative filtering methods in both the recommendation accuracy and diversity. Building on these results, we adopt three strategies (power-law adjustment, nearest neighbor, and threshold filtration) to adjust a user similarity network from user similarity scores calculated on historical data, and then propose a random walk with restart model on the constructed network to achieve personalized recommendations. We perform cross-validation experiments on two real data sets (MovieLens and Netflix) and compare the performance of our method against the existing state-of-the-art methods. Results show that our method outperforms existing methods in not only recommendation accuracy and diversity, but also retrieval performance. PMID:25489942

Atmospheric chemistry of CF3CF═CH2 and (Z)-CF3CF═CHF: Cl and NO3 rate coefficients, Cl reaction product yields, and thermochemical calculations.

PubMed

Papadimitriou, Vassileios C; Lazarou, Yannis G; Talukdar, Ranajit K; Burkholder, James B

2011-01-20

Rate coefficients, k, for the gas-phase reactions of Cl atoms and NO(3) radicals with 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene, CF(3)CF═CH(2) (HFO-1234yf), and 1,2,3,3,3-pentafluoropropene, (Z)-CF(3)CF═CHF (HFO-1225ye), are reported. Cl-atom rate coefficients were measured in the fall-off region as a function of temperature (220-380 K) and pressure (50-630 Torr; N(2), O(2), and synthetic air) using a relative rate method. The measured rate coefficients are well represented by the fall-off parameters k(0)(T) = 6.5 × 10(-28) (T/300)(-6.9) cm(6) molecule(-2) s(-1) and k(∞)(T) = 7.7 × 10(-11) (T/300)(-0.65) cm(3) molecule(-1) s(-1) for CF(3)CF═CH(2) and k(0)(T) = 3 × 10(-27) (T/300)(-6.5) cm(6) molecule(-2) s(-1) and k(∞)(T) = 4.15 × 10(-11) (T/300)(-0.5) cm(3) molecule(-1) s(-1) for (Z)-CF(3)C═CHF with F(c) = 0.6. Reaction product yields were measured in the presence of O(2) to be (98 ± 7)% for CF(3)C(O)F and (61 ± 4)% for HC(O)Cl in the CF(3)CF═CH(2) reaction and (108 ± 8)% for CF(3)C(O)F and (112 ± 8)% for HC(O)F in the (Z)-CF(3)CF═CHF reaction, where the quoted uncertainties are 2σ (95% confidence level) and include estimated systematic errors. NO(3) reaction rate coefficients were determined using absolute and relative rate methods. Absolute measurements yielded upper limits for both reactions between 233 and 353 K, while the relative rate measurements yielded k(3)(295 K) = (2.6 ± 0.25) × 10(-17) cm(3) molecule(-1) s(-1) and k(4)(295 K) = (4.2 ± 0.5) × 10(-18) cm(3) molecule(-1) s(-1) for CF(3)CF═CH(2) and (Z)-CF(3)CF═CHF, respectively. The Cl-atom reaction with CF(3)CF═CH(2) and (Z)-CF(3)CF═CHF leads to decreases in their atmospheric lifetimes and global warming potentials and formation of a chlorine-containing product, HC(O)Cl, for CF(3)CF═CH(2). The NO(3) reaction has been shown to have a negligible impact on the atmospheric lifetimes of CF(3)CF═CH(2) and (Z)-CF(3)CF═CHF. The energetics for the reaction of Cl, NO(3), and OH with CF(3)CF═CH(2) and (Z)-CF(3)CF═CHF in the presence of O(2) were investigated using density functional theory (DFT).

ESR1 and PIK3CA mutational status in serum and plasma from metastatic breast cancer patients: A comparative study.

PubMed

Takeshita, Takashi; Yamamoto, Yutaka; Yamamoto-Ibusuki, Mutsuko; Tomiguchi, Mai; Sueta, Aiko; Iwase, Hirotaka

2018-04-07

Plasma and serum cell-free DNA (cfDNA) are useful sources of tumor DNA, but comparative investigations of the tumor mutational status between them are rare. we performed droplet digital PCR assay for representative hotspot mutations in metastatic breast cancer (MBC) (ESR1 and PIK3CA) in serum and plasma cfDNA concurrently extracted from the blood of 33 estrogen receptor-positive MBC patients. ESR1 mutations in plasma cfDNA were found in 7 of the 33 patients; ESR1 mutations in serum cfDNA were detected in only one out of 7 patients with ESR1 mutations in plasma cfDNA. PIK3CA exon 9 and exon 20 mutations in plasma cfDNA were found in 3 and 7 out of the 33 patients, respectively; PIK3CA exon 9 mutations in serum cfDNA were detected in 2 out of 3 patients with PIK3CA exon 9 mutations in plasma cfDNA; PIK3CA exon 20 mutations in serum cfDNA were detected in 2 out of 7 patients with PIK3CA exon 20 mutations in plasma cfDNA. Here we show the higher frequency of ESR1 and PIK3CA mutations in the plasma than in the serum in 33 MBC patients; therefore, serum samples should not be considered the preferred source of cfDNA.

Development and psychometric validation of a cystic fibrosis knowledge scale.

PubMed

Balfour, Louise; Armstrong, Michael; Holly, Crystal; Gaudet, Ena; Aaron, Shawn; Tasca, George; Cameron, William; Pakhale, Smita

2014-11-01

Well-developed and validated measures of cystic fibrosis (CF) knowledge are scarce. The purpose of the present study is to develop and validate a CF knowledge scale that is brief, easy to use, self-administered and demonstrates clinical utility. A comprehensive literature search generated a pool of scale items; an expert panel of CF team members reviewed and provided recommendations for item inclusion. A focus group of CF patients and family members (n = 12) then reviewed the items for face validity and reading clarity. To evaluate the validity and reliability of the newly developed CF knowledge scale, it was administered to several different samples including CF patients (n = 45), respirology patients (n = 100), health-care providers (n = 74) and university student samples (psychology students, n = 71; medical students, n = 36). Internal consistency of the scale was high, with an alpha coefficient for the overall sample of .95 (n = 326). The scale also demonstrated excellent construct validity. This study is an important first step in a line of research that aims to develop and empirically validate a psycho-educational adherence intervention for improving quality of life and treatment outcomes among adult CF patients. The CF knowledge scale has potential applications as a clinical teaching tool with patients and health-care providers and could be used as an outcome measure in CF educational intervention studies aimed at optimizing CF treatment knowledge, adherence and quality of life among CF patients. © 2014 Asian Pacific Society of Respirology.

Outcomes of infants with indeterminate diagnosis detected by cystic fibrosis newborn screening.

PubMed

Ren, Clement L; Fink, Aliza K; Petren, Kristofer; Borowitz, Drucy S; McColley, Susanna A; Sanders, Don B; Rosenfeld, Margaret; Marshall, Bruce C

2015-06-01

Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator-related metabolic syndrome (CRMS) describes asymptomatic infants with a positive cystic fibrosis (CF) newborn screen (NBS) but inconclusive diagnostic testing for CF. Little is known about the epidemiology and outcomes of CRMS. The goal of this study was to determine the prevalence, clinical features, and short-term outcomes of infants with CRMS. We analyzed data from the US CF Foundation Patient Registry (CFFPR) from 2010 to 2012. We compared demographic, diagnostic, anthropometric, health care utilization, microbiology, and treatment characteristics between infants with CF and infants with CRMS. There were 1983 infants diagnosed via NBS between 2010 and 2012 reported to the CFFPR. By using the CF Foundation guideline definitions, 1540 and 309 infants met the criteria for CF and CRMS, respectively (CF:CRMS ratio = 5.0:1.0). Of note, 40.8% of infants with CRMS were entered into the registry with a clinical diagnosis of CF. Infants with CRMS tended to have normal nutritional indices. However, 11% of infants with CRMS had a positive Pseudomonas aeruginosa respiratory tract culture in the first year of life. CRMS is a common outcome of CF NBS, and some infants with CRMS may develop features concerning for CF disease. A substantial proportion of infants with CRMS were assigned a clinical diagnosis of CF, which may reflect misclassification or clinical features not collected in the CFFPR. Copyright © 2015 by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Ethnicity impacts the cystic fibrosis diagnosis: A note of caution.

PubMed

Bosch, Barbara; Bilton, Diana; Sosnay, Patrick; Raraigh, Karen S; Mak, Denise Y F; Ishiguro, Hiroshi; Gulmans, Vincent; Thomas, Muriel; Cuppens, Harry; Amaral, Margarida; De Boeck, Kris

2017-07-01

The diagnosis of Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is by consensus based on the same parameters in all patients, yet the influence of ethnicity has only scarcely been studied. We aimed at elucidating the impact of Asian descent on the diagnosis of CF. We performed a retrospective analysis of the CFTR2 and UK CF databases for clinical phenotype, sweat chloride values and CFTR mutations and compared the diagnostic characteristics of Asian to non-Asian patients with CF. Asian patients with CF do not have a worse clinical phenotype. The repeatedly reported lower FEV 1 of Asian patients with CF is attributable to the influence of ethnicity on lung function in general. However, pancreatic sufficiency is more common in Asian patients with CF. The diagnosis of CF in people with Asian ancestry is heterogeneous as mean sweat chloride values are lower (92±26 versus 99±22mmol/L in controls) and 14% have sweat chloride values below 60mmol/L (versus 6% in non-Asians). Also, CFTR mutations differ from those in Caucasians: 55% of British Asian patients with CF do not have one mutation included in the routine newborn screening panel. Bringing together the largest cohort of patients with CF and Asian ethnicity, we demonstrate that Asian roots impact on all three CF diagnostic pillars. These findings have implications for clinical practice in the increasingly ethnically diverse Western population. Copyright © 2017 European Cystic Fibrosis Society. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Future directions in early cystic fibrosis lung disease research: an NHLBI workshop report.

PubMed

Ramsey, Bonnie W; Banks-Schlegel, Susan; Accurso, Frank J; Boucher, Richard C; Cutting, Garry R; Engelhardt, John F; Guggino, William B; Karp, Christopher L; Knowles, Michael R; Kolls, Jay K; LiPuma, John J; Lynch, Susan; McCray, Paul B; Rubenstein, Ronald C; Singh, Pradeep K; Sorscher, Eric; Welsh, Michael

2012-04-15

Since the 1989 discovery that mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene cause cystic fibrosis (CF), there has been substantial progress toward understanding the molecular basis for CF lung disease, leading to the discovery and development of new therapeutic approaches. However, the earliest impact of the loss of CFTR function on airway physiology and structure and its relationship to initial infection and inflammation are poorly understood. Universal newborn screening for CF in the United States represents an unprecedented opportunity for investigating CF clinical manifestations very early in life. Recently developed animal models with pulmonary phenotypic manifestations also provide a window into the early consequences of this genetic disorder. For these reasons, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) convened a working group of extramural experts, entitled "Future Research Directions in Early CF Lung Disease" on September 21-22, 2010, to identify future research directions of great promise in CF. The priority areas identified included (1) exploring pathogenic mechanisms of early CF lung disease; (2) leveraging newborn screening to elucidate the natural history of early lung disease; (3) developing a spectrum of biomarkers of early lung disease that reflects CF pathophysiology, clinical outcome, and response to treatment; (4) exploring the role of genetics/genomics (e.g., modifier genes, gene-environmental interactions, and epigenetics) in early CF pathogenesis; (5) defining early microbiological events in CF lung disease; and (6) elucidating the initial airway inflammatory, remodeling, and repair mechanisms in CF lung disease.

Relationship between blastocoel cell-free DNA and day-5 blastocyst morphology.

PubMed

Rule, Kiersten; Chosed, Renee J; Arthur Chang, T; David Wininger, J; Roudebush, William E

2018-06-04

Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) which is present in the blastocoel cavity of embryos is believed to result from physiological apoptosis during development. This study assessed cfDNA content and caspase-3 protease activity in day-5 IVF blastocysts to determine if there was a correlation with embryo morphology. Day-5 IVF blastocysts were scored according to the Gardner and Schoolcraft system (modified to generate a numerical value) and cfDNA was collected following laser-induced blastocoel collapsing prior to cryopreservation in 25 μL of media. cfDNA was quantified via fluorospectrometry and apoptotic activity was assessed via a caspase-3 protease assay using a fluorescent peptide substrate. Data were compared by linear regression. A total of 32 embryos were evaluated. There was a significant (p < 0.01) and positive correlation (cfDNA = 104.753 + (11.281 × score); R 2  = 0.200) between embryo score and cfDNA content. A significant (p < 0.05) and positive correlation (cfDNA = 115.9 + (0.05 × caspase-3); R 2 = 0.128) was observed between caspase-3 activity and cfDNA levels. There was no significant relationship between caspase-3 activity and embryo morphology score. This study provides further evidence that cfDNA is present in blastocoel fluid, can be quantified, and positively correlates with embryonic morphology. There is also evidence that at least a portion of the cfDNA present is from intracellular contents of embryonic cells that underwent apoptosis. Additional studies are warranted to determine other physiological sources of the cfDNA in blastocyst fluid and to determine the relationship with cfDNA content, embryo morphology, and chromosomal ploidy status plus implantation potential.

Commercial complementary food consumption is prospectively associated with added sugar intake in childhood.

PubMed

Foterek, Kristina; Buyken, Anette E; Bolzenius, Katja; Hilbig, Annett; Nöthlings, Ute; Alexy, Ute

2016-06-01

Given that commercial complementary food (CF) can contain high levels of added sugar, a high consumption may predispose to a preference for sweet taste later in life. This study examined cross-sectional associations between commercial CF consumption and added sugar intake in infancy as well as its prospective relation to added sugar intake in pre-school and primary-school age children. In all, 288 children of the Dortmund Nutritional and Anthropometric Longitudinally Designed Study with 3-d weighed dietary records at 0·5 and 0·75 (infancy), 3 and 4 (pre-school age) and 6 and 7 years of age (primary-school age) were included in this analysis. Individual commercial CF consumption as percentage of total commercial CF (%cCF) was averaged at 0·5 and 0·75 years. Individual total added sugar intake (g/d, energy percentage/d) was averaged for all three age groups. Multivariable logistic and linear regression models were used to analyse associations between %cCF and added sugar intake. In infancy, a higher %cCF was associated with odds for high added sugar intake from CF and for high total added sugar intake (>75th percentile, P<0·033). Prospectively, a higher %cCF was related to higher added sugar intake in both pre-school (P<0·041) and primary-school age children (P<0·039), although these associations were attenuated in models adjusting for added sugar intake in infancy. A higher %cCF in infancy may predispose to higher added sugar intake in later childhood by virtue of its added sugar content. Therefore, offering home-made CF or carefully chosen commercial CF without added sugar might be one strategy to reduce sugar intake in infancy and later on.

The expression of Mirc1/Mir17-92 cluster in sputum samples correlates with pulmonary exacerbations in cystic fibrosis patients.

PubMed

Krause, Kathrin; Kopp, Benjamin T; Tazi, Mia F; Caution, Kyle; Hamilton, Kaitlin; Badr, Asmaa; Shrestha, Chandra; Tumin, Dmitry; Hayes, Don; Robledo-Avila, Frank; Hall-Stoodley, Luanne; Klamer, Brett G; Zhang, Xiaoli; Partida-Sanchez, Santiago; Parinandi, Narasimham L; Kirkby, Stephen E; Dakhlallah, Duaa; McCoy, Karen S; Cormet-Boyaka, Estelle; Amer, Amal O

2018-07-01

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a multi-organ disorder characterized by chronic sino-pulmonary infections and inflammation. Many patients with CF suffer from repeated pulmonary exacerbations that are predictors of worsened long-term morbidity and mortality. There are no reliable markers that associate with the onset or progression of an exacerbation or pulmonary deterioration. Previously, we found that the Mirc1/Mir17-92a cluster which is comprised of 6 microRNAs (Mirs) is highly expressed in CF mice and negatively regulates autophagy which in turn improves CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) function. Therefore, here we sought to examine the expression of individual Mirs within the Mirc1/Mir17-92 cluster in human cells and biological fluids and determine their role as biomarkers of pulmonary exacerbations and response to treatment. Mirc1/Mir17-92 cluster expression was measured in human CF and non-CF plasma, blood-derived neutrophils, and sputum samples. Values were correlated with pulmonary function, exacerbations and use of CFTR modulators. Mirc1/Mir17-92 cluster expression was not significantly elevated in CF neutrophils nor plasma when compared to the non-CF cohort. Cluster expression in CF sputum was significantly higher than its expression in plasma. Elevated CF sputum Mirc1/Mir17-92 cluster expression positively correlated with pulmonary exacerbations and negatively correlated with lung function. Patients with CF undergoing treatment with the CFTR modulator Ivacaftor/Lumacaftor did not demonstrate significant change in the expression Mirc1/Mir17-92 cluster after six months of treatment. Mirc1/Mir17-92 cluster expression is a promising biomarker of respiratory status in patients with CF including pulmonary exacerbation. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Thermodynamic properties of seven gaseous halogenated hydrocarbons from acoustic measurements: CHClFCF3, CHF2 CF3, CF3 CH3, CHF2CH3, CF3CHFCHF2, CF3CH2CF3, and CHF2CF2CH2F

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gillis, K. A.

1997-01-01

Measurements of the speed of sound in seven halogenated hydrocarbons are presented. The compounds in this study are 1-chloro-1,2,2,2-tetrafluoroethane (CHClFCF3 or HCFC-124), pentafluoroethane (CHF2 CF3 or HFC-125), 1,1,1-trifluoroethane (CF3CH3 or HFC-143a), 1,1-difluoroethane (CHF2CH3 or HFC-152a), 1,1,1,2,3,3-hexafluoropropane (CF3CHFCHF2 or HFC-236ea), 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoropropane (CF3CH2CF3 or HFC-236fa), and 1,1,2,2,3-pentafluoropropane (CHF2CF2CH2F or HFC-245ca). The measurements were performed with a cylindrical resonator at temperatures between 240 and 400 K and at pressures up to 1.0 MPa. Ideal-gas heat capacities and acoustic virial coefficients were directly deduced from the data. The ideal-gas heat capacity of HFC-125 from this work differs from spectroscopic calculations by less than 0.2% over the measurement range. The coefficients for virial equations of state were obtained from the acoustic data and hard-core square-well intermolecular potentials. Gas densities that were calculated from the virial equations of state for HCFC-124 and HFC-125 differ from independent density measurements by at most 0.15%, for the ranges of temperature and pressure over which both acoustic and Burnett data exist. The uncertainties in the derived properties for the other five compounds are comparable to those for HCFC-124 and HFC-125.

Manoyl oxide (13R), the biosynthetic precursor of forskolin, is synthesized in specialized root cork cells in Coleus forskohlii.

PubMed

Pateraki, Irini; Andersen-Ranberg, Johan; Hamberger, Britta; Heskes, Allison Maree; Martens, Helle Juel; Zerbe, Philipp; Bach, Søren Spanner; Møller, Birger Lindberg; Bohlmann, Jörg; Hamberger, Björn

2014-03-01

Forskolin, a complex labdane diterpenoid found in the root of Coleus forskohlii (Lamiaceae), has received attention for its broad range of pharmacological activities, yet the biosynthesis has not been elucidated. We detected forskolin in the root cork of C. forskohlii in a specialized cell type containing characteristic structures with histochemical properties consistent with oil bodies. Organelle purification and chemical analysis confirmed the localization of forskolin and of its simplest diterpene precursor backbone, (13R) manoyl oxide, to the oil bodies. The labdane diterpene backbone is typically synthesized by two successive reactions catalyzed by two distinct classes of diterpene synthases. We have recently described the identification of a small gene family of diterpene synthase candidates (CfTPSs) in C. forskohlii. Here, we report the functional characterization of four CfTPSs using in vitro and in planta assays. CfTPS2, which synthesizes the intermediate copal-8-ol diphosphate, in combination with CfTPS3 resulted in the stereospecific formation of (13R) manoyl oxide, while the combination of CfTPS1 and CfTPS3 or CfTPS4 led to formation of miltiradiene, precursor of abietane diterpenoids in C. forskohlii. Expression profiling and phylogenetic analysis of the CfTPS family further support the functional diversification and distinct roles of the individual diterpene synthases and the involvement of CfTPS1 to CfTPS4 in specialized metabolism and of CfTPS14 and CfTPS15 in general metabolism. Our findings pave the way toward the discovery of the remaining components of the pathway to forskolin, likely localized in this specialized cell type, and support a role of oil bodies as storage organelles for lipophilic bioactive metabolites.

Manoyl Oxide (13R), the Biosynthetic Precursor of Forskolin, Is Synthesized in Specialized Root Cork Cells in Coleus forskohlii1[W][OPEN

PubMed Central

Pateraki, Irini; Andersen-Ranberg, Johan; Hamberger, Britta; Heskes, Allison Maree; Martens, Helle Juel; Zerbe, Philipp; Bach, Søren Spanner; Møller, Birger Lindberg; Bohlmann, Jörg; Hamberger, Björn

2014-01-01

Forskolin, a complex labdane diterpenoid found in the root of Coleus forskohlii (Lamiaceae), has received attention for its broad range of pharmacological activities, yet the biosynthesis has not been elucidated. We detected forskolin in the root cork of C. forskohlii in a specialized cell type containing characteristic structures with histochemical properties consistent with oil bodies. Organelle purification and chemical analysis confirmed the localization of forskolin and of its simplest diterpene precursor backbone, (13R) manoyl oxide, to the oil bodies. The labdane diterpene backbone is typically synthesized by two successive reactions catalyzed by two distinct classes of diterpene synthases. We have recently described the identification of a small gene family of diterpene synthase candidates (CfTPSs) in C. forskohlii. Here, we report the functional characterization of four CfTPSs using in vitro and in planta assays. CfTPS2, which synthesizes the intermediate copal-8-ol diphosphate, in combination with CfTPS3 resulted in the stereospecific formation of (13R) manoyl oxide, while the combination of CfTPS1 and CfTPS3 or CfTPS4 led to formation of miltiradiene, precursor of abietane diterpenoids in C. forskohlii. Expression profiling and phylogenetic analysis of the CfTPS family further support the functional diversification and distinct roles of the individual diterpene synthases and the involvement of CfTPS1 to CfTPS4 in specialized metabolism and of CfTPS14 and CfTPS15 in general metabolism. Our findings pave the way toward the discovery of the remaining components of the pathway to forskolin, likely localized in this specialized cell type, and support a role of oil bodies as storage organelles for lipophilic bioactive metabolites. PMID:24481136

Defective innate immunity and hyperinflammation in newborn cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator-knockout ferret lungs.

PubMed

Keiser, Nicholas W; Birket, Susan E; Evans, Idil A; Tyler, Scott R; Crooke, Adrianne K; Sun, Xingshen; Zhou, Weihong; Nellis, Joseph R; Stroebele, Elizabeth K; Chu, Kengyeh K; Tearney, Guillermo J; Stevens, Mark J; Harris, J Kirk; Rowe, Steven M; Engelhardt, John F

2015-06-01

Mucociliary clearance (MCC) and submucosal glands are major components of airway innate immunity that have impaired function in cystic fibrosis (CF). Although both of these defense systems develop postnatally in the ferret, the lungs of newborn ferrets remain sterile in the presence of a functioning cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator gene. We evaluated several components of airway innate immunity and inflammation in the early CF ferret lung. At birth, the rates of MCC did not differ between CF and non-CF animals, but the height of the airway surface liquid was significantly reduced in CF newborn ferrets. CF ferrets had impaired MCC after 7 days of age, despite normal rates of ciliogenesis. Only non-CF ferrets eradicated Pseudomonas directly introduced into the lung after birth, whereas both genotypes could eradicate Staphylococcus. CF bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) had significantly lower antimicrobial activity selectively against Pseudomonas than non-CF BALF, which was insensitive to changes in pH and bicarbonate. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and cytokine analysis of BALF from sterile Caesarean-sectioned and nonsterile naturally born animals demonstrated CF-associated disturbances in IL-8, TNF-α, and IL-β, and pathways that control immunity and inflammation, including the complement system, macrophage functions, mammalian target of rapamycin signaling, and eukaryotic initiation factor 2 signaling. Interestingly, during the birth transition, IL-8 was selectively induced in CF BALF, despite no genotypic difference in bacterial load shortly after birth. These results suggest that newborn CF ferrets have defects in both innate immunity and inflammatory signaling that may be important in the early onset and progression of lung disease in these animals.

Defective Innate Immunity and Hyperinflammation in Newborn Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator–Knockout Ferret Lungs

PubMed Central

Keiser, Nicholas W.; Birket, Susan E.; Evans, Idil A.; Tyler, Scott R.; Crooke, Adrianne K.; Sun, Xingshen; Zhou, Weihong; Nellis, Joseph R.; Stroebele, Elizabeth K.; Chu, Kengyeh K.; Tearney, Guillermo J.; Stevens, Mark J.; Harris, J. Kirk; Rowe, Steven M.

2015-01-01

Mucociliary clearance (MCC) and submucosal glands are major components of airway innate immunity that have impaired function in cystic fibrosis (CF). Although both of these defense systems develop postnatally in the ferret, the lungs of newborn ferrets remain sterile in the presence of a functioning cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator gene. We evaluated several components of airway innate immunity and inflammation in the early CF ferret lung. At birth, the rates of MCC did not differ between CF and non-CF animals, but the height of the airway surface liquid was significantly reduced in CF newborn ferrets. CF ferrets had impaired MCC after 7 days of age, despite normal rates of ciliogenesis. Only non-CF ferrets eradicated Pseudomonas directly introduced into the lung after birth, whereas both genotypes could eradicate Staphylococcus. CF bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) had significantly lower antimicrobial activity selectively against Pseudomonas than non-CF BALF, which was insensitive to changes in pH and bicarbonate. Liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry and cytokine analysis of BALF from sterile Caesarean-sectioned and nonsterile naturally born animals demonstrated CF-associated disturbances in IL-8, TNF-α, and IL-β, and pathways that control immunity and inflammation, including the complement system, macrophage functions, mammalian target of rapamycin signaling, and eukaryotic initiation factor 2 signaling. Interestingly, during the birth transition, IL-8 was selectively induced in CF BALF, despite no genotypic difference in bacterial load shortly after birth. These results suggest that newborn CF ferrets have defects in both innate immunity and inflammatory signaling that may be important in the early onset and progression of lung disease in these animals. PMID:25317669

Assessment of CF lung disease using motion corrected PROPELLER MRI: a comparison with CT.

PubMed

Ciet, Pierluigi; Serra, Goffredo; Bertolo, Silvia; Spronk, Sandra; Ros, Mirco; Fraioli, Francesco; Quattrucci, Serena; Assael, M Baroukh; Catalano, Carlo; Pomerri, Fabio; Tiddens, Harm A W M; Morana, Giovanni

2016-03-01

To date, PROPELLER MRI, a breathing-motion-insensitive technique, has not been assessed for cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease. We compared this technique to CT for assessing CF lung disease in children and adults. Thirty-eight stable CF patients (median 21 years, range 6-51 years, 22 female) underwent MRI and CT on the same day. Study protocol included respiratory-triggered PROPELLER MRI and volumetric CT end-inspiratory and -expiratory acquisitions. Two observers scored the images using the CF-MRI and CF-CT systems. Scores were compared with intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) and Bland-Altman plots. The sensitivity and specificity of MRI versus CT were calculated. MRI sensitivity for detecting severe CF bronchiectasis was 0.33 (CI 0.09-0.57), while specificity was 100% (CI 0.88-1). ICCs for bronchiectasis and trapped air were as follows: MRI-bronchiectasis (0.79); CT-bronchiectasis (0.85); MRI-trapped air (0.51); CT-trapped air (0.87). Bland-Altman plots showed an MRI tendency to overestimate the severity of bronchiectasis in mild CF disease and underestimate bronchiectasis in severe disease. Motion correction in PROPELLER MRI does not improve assessment of CF lung disease compared to CT. However, the good inter- and intra-observer agreement and the high specificity suggest that MRI might play a role in the short-term follow-up of CF lung disease (i.e. pulmonary exacerbations). PROPELLER MRI does not match CT sensitivity to assess CF lung disease. PROPELLER MRI has lower sensitivity than CT to detect severe bronchiectasis. PROPELLER MRI has good to very good intra- and inter-observer variability. PROPELLER MRI can be used for short-term follow-up studies in CF.

Atrial rhythm influences catheter tissue contact during radiofrequency catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation: comparison of contact force between sinus rhythm and atrial fibrillation.

PubMed

Matsuda, Hisao; Parwani, Abdul Shokor; Attanasio, Philipp; Huemer, Martin; Wutzler, Alexander; Blaschke, Florian; Haverkamp, Wilhelm; Boldt, Leif-Hendrik

2016-09-01

Catheter tissue contact force (CF) is an important factor for durable lesion formation during radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) of atrial fibrillation (AF). Since CF varies in the beating heart, atrial rhythm during RFCA may influence CF. A high-density map and RFCA points were obtained in 25 patients undergoing RFCA of AF using a CF-sensing catheter (Tacticath, St. Jude Medical). The operators were blinded to the CF information. Contact type was classified into three categories: constant, variable, and intermittent contact. Average CF and contact type were analyzed according to atrial rhythm (SR vs. AF) and anatomical location. A total of 1364 points (891 points during SR and 473 points during AF) were analyzed. Average CFs showed no significant difference between SR (17.2 ± 11.3 g) and AF (17.2 ± 13.3 g; p = 0.99). The distribution of points with an average CF of ≥20 and <10 g also showed no significant difference. However, the distribution of excessive CF (CF ≥40 g) was significantly higher during AF (7.4 %) in comparison with SR (4.2 %; p < 0.05). At the anterior area of the right inferior pulmonary vein (RIPV), the average CF during AF was significantly higher than during SR (p < 0.05). Constant contact was significantly higher during AF (32.2 %) when compared to SR (9.9 %; p < 0.01). Although the average CF was not different between atrial rhythms, constant contact was more often achievable during AF than it was during SR. However, excessive CF also seems to occur more frequently during AF especially at the anterior part of RIPV.

Relationship between catheter contact force and radiofrequency lesion size and incidence of steam pop in the beating canine heart: electrogram amplitude, impedance, and electrode temperature are poor predictors of electrode-tissue contact force and lesion size.

PubMed

Ikeda, Atsushi; Nakagawa, Hiroshi; Lambert, Hendrik; Shah, Dipen C; Fonck, Edouard; Yulzari, Aude; Sharma, Tushar; Pitha, Jan V; Lazzara, Ralph; Jackman, Warren M

2014-12-01

Electrode-tissue contact force (CF) is believed to be a major factor in radiofrequency lesion size. The purpose of this study was to determine, in the beating canine heart, the relationship between CF and radiofrequency lesion size and the accuracy of predicting CF and lesion size by measuring electrogram amplitude, impedance, and electrode temperature. Eight dogs were studied closed chest. Using a 7F catheter with a 3.5 mm irrigated electrode and CF sensor (TactiCath, St. Jude Medical), radiofrequency applications were delivered to 3 separate sites in the right ventricle (30 W, 60 seconds, 17 mL/min irrigation) and 3 sites in the left ventricle (40 W, 60 seconds, 30 mL/min irrigation) at (1) low CF (median 8 g); (2) moderate CF (median 21 g); and (3) high CF (median 60 g). Dogs were euthanized and lesion size was measured. At constant radiofrequency and time, lesion size increased significantly with increasing CF (P<0.01). The incidence of a steam pop increased with both increasing CF and higher power. Peak electrode temperature correlated poorly with lesion size. The decrease in impedance during the radiofrequency application correlated well with lesion size for lesions in the left ventricle but less well for lesions in the right ventricle. There was a poor relationship between CF and the amplitude of the bipolar or unipolar ventricular electrogram, unipolar injury current, and impedance. Radiofrequencylesion size and the incidence of steam pop increase strikingly with increasing CF. Electrogram parameters and initial impedance are poor predictors of CF for radiofrequency ablation. © 2014 American Heart Association, Inc.

Smell in cystic fibrosis.

PubMed

Lindig, J; Steger, C; Beiersdorf, N; Michl, R; Beck, J F; Hummel, T; Mainz, J G

2013-03-01

In cystic fibrosis (CF), the most frequent life threatening inherited disease in Caucasians, sinonasal mucosa is regularly affected by defective mucociliary clearance. This facilitates pathogen colonization into CF airways and causes frequent symptoms of rhinosinusitis, including an impaired sense of smell. Despite probable effects on nutrition and overall health, CF-rhinosinusitis is little understood: CF-associated smelling deficiencies reported in literature vary between 12 and 71 %. The aim of this study was to assess olfactory and gustatory function in relation to sinonasal symptoms and sinonasal colonization, and lung function and nutrition. Thirty-five CF patients of different ages were compared to 35 age-matched healthy controls. Olfactory function was assessed by 'Sniffin'Sticks', gustatory qualities by "Taste-strips", and symptoms by sino-nasal outcome test 20 (SNOT-20). Normosmia was found in 62.8 % of healthy controls but only in 28.6 % of CF patients. In contrast the majority of CF patients exhibited a smell loss; almost 62.9 % of them were hyposmic, and 8.6 % functionally anosmic. Importantly, reduced olfactory function only affected odor thresholds, which were significantly increased in CF, not odor identification. This suggests that the olfactory dysfunction in CF results from the olfactory periphery due to either problems in conduction and/or a functional lesion due to the inflammatory process. SNOT-20 scores increased continuously from normosmic to hyposmic and anosmic CF patients (means 7.2/11.1/28.3 points). Neither sinonasal pathogen colonization, gender, pulmonary function, nor allergy or sinonasal surgery appeared to have significant effects on olfactory function and taste. Olfactory disorders are considerably more frequent in CF patients than in age-matched healthy controls. Assessing these parameters within CF-routine care should be considered because of their importance to nutrition and, thus, overall therapy outcome.

Genetic evidence for heterogeneity in the etiology of CBAVD: Haplotype analysis in families

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

Kerem, B.; Rave-Harel, N.; Goshen, R.

1994-09-01

Male infertility due to congenital aplasia of the vas deference (CBAVD) is present in almost all CF male patients. It is also found in 1-2% of infertile otherwise healthy males. Several studies have found that about 10% of males with CBAVD carry 2 CF mutations, 40% carry one mutation and 50% have no mutations. These results indicate that in some males CBAVD is caused by two mutated CF alleles. However, in cases of males with one or no identified CF mutations, the association between CBAVD and CF is unclear. We therefore performed, in addition to CF mutation analysis, an extendedmore » haplotype analysis in 7 families of CBAVD males (2 had 2 brothers with CBAVD). Our results show that in 6 of the families, the infertile males inherited different CF alleles than their fertile brothers. However, in 2 families, in which no CF mutations were as of yet identified, different results were found. In one family, 2 infertile brothers differed in their haplotypes: both inherited from their mother the same CF allele, while from their father they inherited different alleles. Furthermore, their fertile brother inherited the same CF alleles as one of his fertile brothers. In another family, 2 brothers, one with CBAVD and the other fertile, inherited the same 2 CFTR alleles. These results provide genetic evidence for heterogeneity in the etiology of CBAVD. In some families the CBAVD is caused by 2 CF mutations, in others it is caused by other mechanism(s): heterozygosity for a CF mutation influenced by different threshold levels, mutations in other gene(s), or interaction between the two.« less

Anxiety and depression in adults with cystic fibrosis: a comparison between patients and the general population in Sweden and three other European countries.

PubMed

Backström-Eriksson, Lena; Sorjonen, Kimmo; Bergsten-Brucefors, Agneta; Hjelte, Lena; Melin, Bo

2015-10-14

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common autosomal recessive life-shortening disease among Caucasians. Studies exploring the prevalence of anxiety and depression in adult CF patients are few, show inconsistent findings and rarely include comparisons with general populations. Prevalence and degree of anxiety and depression were investigated in adult CF patients in Sweden, Belgium, Germany and the UK, and compared to corresponding general population data. Adult non-transplanted CF patients from the three largest CF-centres (out of four) in Sweden (N = 129; Age range 18-70 years; 50 % women) completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Studies using HADS in adult CF populations in the UK, Germany, and Belgium were included, as well as HADS normative data from the corresponding general populations. No elevated risk for anxiety and depression was found among the CF patients. However, a Country x Group interaction effect emerged; CF patients experienced a higher degree of anxiety than the general population in Sweden, but not in the other countries, though this finding did not remain significant in a logistic regression analysis. In Sweden the effect was limited to women. A Country x Group interaction effect was also found for Depression; CF patients experienced lower degree of depression than the general population in Sweden, Germany and the UK, but not in Belgium/Netherlands. Contrary to earlier outcomes, the present results do not indicate any general elevated risk for anxiety and depression among CF patients. Anxiety was slightly higher in the Swedish CF population, compared to the general population; this finding was not seen in the other countries. Depression among CF patients was lower than or similar to that in the general populations in the studied countries.

76 FR 27282 - Airworthiness Directives; General Electric Company CF34-10E2A1; CF34-10E5, CF34-10E5A1; CF34-10E6...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-05-11

... methods: Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov . Follow the instructions for... Investigation of a General Electric Company (GE) CF34-10E turbofan engine experiencing high fan frame vibrations... likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design. Proposed AD Requirements This...

The Effects of Alarm Display, Processing, and Availability on Crew Performance

DTIC Science & Technology

2000-11-01

snow Instrumentation line leakage Small LOCA Steam generator tube rupture Small feedwater leakage inside containment Cycling of main steam...implemented. • Due to primary pressure controller failure, pressure heater banks cycle between on and off. 8.00 CF1 CF2 CF3 CF4 CF5...temperatures after the high-pressure pre- heaters flows into the steam generators number of active emergency feedwater pumps openings of the condensate

Understanding of safety monitoring in clinical trials by individuals with CF or their parents: A qualitative analysis.

PubMed

Kern-Goldberger, Andrew S; Hessels, Amanda J; Saiman, Lisa; Quittell, Lynne M

2018-03-14

Recruiting both pediatric and adult participants for clinical trials in CF is currently of paramount importance as numerous new therapies are being developed. However, recruitment is challenging as parents of children with CF and adults with CF cite safety concerns as a principal barrier to enrollment. In conjunction with the CF Foundation (CFF) Data Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB), a pilot brochure was developed to inform patients and parents of the multiple levels of safety monitoring; the CFF simultaneously created an infographic representing the safety monitoring process. This study explores the attitudes and beliefs of CF patients and families regarding safety monitoring and clinical trial participation, and elicits feedback regarding the educational materials. Semi-structured interviews were conducted using a pre-tested interview guide and audio-recorded during routine CF clinic visits. Participants included 5 parents of children with CF <16years old; 5 adolescents and young adults with CF 16-21years old; and 5 adults with CF ≥22years old from pediatric and adult CF centers. The study team performed systematic text condensation analysis of the recorded interviews using an iterative process. Four major thematic categories with subthemes emerged as supported by exemplar quotations: attitudes toward clinical trials, safety values, conceptualizing the safety monitoring process, and priorities for delivery of patient education. Participant feedback was used to revise the pilot brochure; text was shortened, unfamiliar words clarified (e.g., "pipeline"), abbreviations eliminated, and redundancy avoided. Qualitative analysis of CF patient and family interviews provided insights into barriers to participation in clinical trials, safety concerns, perspectives on safety monitoring and educational priorities. We plan a multicenter study to determine if the revised brochure reduces knowledge, attitude and practice barriers regarding participation in CF clinical trials. Copyright © 2018 European Cystic Fibrosis Society. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Early severe anemia as the first sign of cystic fibrosis.

PubMed

Sismanlar, Tugba; Aslan, Ayşe Tana; Köse, Mehmet; Pekcan, Sevgi; Ezgü, Fatih Süheyl; Budakoğlu, Işıl İrem; Yenicesu, İdil

2016-09-01

Severe anemia is reported to occur rarely in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). This study aimed to determine the factors associated with early severe anemia in infants with CF. This study included 231 infants with CF from 3 pediatric CF centers ten year period that were retrospectively reviewed in terms of severe anemia as the first sign of CF. Factors that could affect anemia, such as age, pancreatic insufficiency, mutations, vitamin A and E, and albumin level were evaluated. Clinical and laboratory findings in CF patients that presented with severe anemia and no respiratory symptoms were compared to those in CF patients that did not present with severe anemia. Severe anemia as the first sign of CF was noted in 17 of 231 patients. Patient age, prolonged PT/INR and the albumin level differed significantly between the 2 groups of patients (P < 0.001). Feeding pattern, pancreatic insufficiency, vitamin E and A levels, and the types of genetic mutations did not differ between the 2 groups. The mean hemoglobin level was 5.59 ± 0.21 g/dL and respiratory symptoms began a mean 6.3 months after diagnosis of CF in the anemia group. In early infancy severe anemia in the absence of respiratory symptoms can be the first sign of CF. CF should be considered in the differential diagnosis of severe anemia in infants. Anemia can occur several months before respiratory symptoms in patients with CF and may be caused due to several reasons. • Severe anemia as a first sign is reported to occur rarely in patients with cystic fibrosis. • Although anemia is well known in cystic fibrosis, factors that cause severe anemia are not known clearly. What is New: • This study shows the importance of severe anemia as the first sign of cystic fibrosis. • Anemia can occur several months before respiratory symptoms in patients with CF.

The altered gut microbiota in adults with cystic fibrosis.

PubMed

Burke, D G; Fouhy, F; Harrison, M J; Rea, M C; Cotter, P D; O'Sullivan, O; Stanton, C; Hill, C; Shanahan, F; Plant, B J; Ross, R P

2017-03-09

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive disease that affects the function of a number of organs, principally the lungs, but also the gastrointestinal tract. The manifestations of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) dysfunction in the gastrointestinal tract, as well as frequent antibiotic exposure, undoubtedly disrupts the gut microbiota. To analyse the effects of CF and its management on the microbiome, we compared the gut microbiota of 43 individuals with CF during a period of stability, to that of 69 non-CF controls using 454-pyrosequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. The impact of clinical parameters, including antibiotic therapy, on the results was also assessed. The CF-associated microbiome had reduced microbial diversity, an increase in Firmicutes and a reduction in Bacteroidetes compared to the non-CF controls. While the greatest number of differences in taxonomic abundances of the intestinal microbiota was observed between individuals with CF and the healthy controls, gut microbiota differences were also reported between people with CF when grouped by clinical parameters including % predicted FEV 1 (measure of lung dysfunction) and the number of intravenous (IV) antibiotic courses in the previous 12 months. Notably, CF individuals presenting with severe lung dysfunction (% predicted FEV 1  ≤ 40%) had significantly (p < 0.05) reduced gut microbiota diversity relative to those presenting with mild or moderate dysfunction. A significant negative correlation (-0.383, Simpson's Diversity Index) was also observed between the number of IV antibiotic courses and gut microbiota diversity. This is one of the largest single-centre studies on gut microbiota in stable adults with CF and demonstrates the significantly altered gut microbiota, including reduced microbial diversity seen in CF patients compared to healthy controls. The data show the impact that CF and it's management have on gut microbiota, presenting the opportunity to develop CF specific probiotics to minimise microbiota alterations.

Pulmonary Emphysema in Cystic Fibrosis Detected by Densitometry on Chest Multidetector Computed Tomography

PubMed Central

Wielpütz, Mark O.; Weinheimer, Oliver; Eichinger, Monika; Wiebel, Matthias; Biederer, Jürgen; Kauczor, Hans-Ulrich; Heußel, Claus P.

2013-01-01

Background Histopathological studies on lung specimens from patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) and recent results from a mouse model indicate that emphysema may contribute to CF lung disease. However, little is known about the relevance of emphysema in patients with CF. In the present study, we used computationally generated density masks based on multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) of the chest for non-invasive characterization and quantification of emphysema in CF. Methods Volumetric MDCT scans were acquired in parallel to pulmonary function testing in 41 patients with CF (median age 20.1 years; range 7-66 years) and 21 non-CF controls (median age 30.4 years; range 4-68 years), and subjected to dedicated software. The lung was segmented, low attenuation volumes below a threshold of -950 Hounsfield units were assigned to emphysema volume (EV), and the emphysema index was computed (EI). Results were correlated with forced expiratory volume in 1 s percent predicted (FEV1%), residual volume (RV), and RV/total lung capacity (RV/TLC). Results We show that EV was increased in CF (457±530 ml) compared to non-CF controls (78±90 ml) (P<0.01). EI was also increased in CF (7.7±7.5%) compared to the control group (1.2±1.4%) (P<0.05). EI correlated inversely with FEV1% (rs=-0.66), and directly with RV (rs=0.69) and RV/TLC (rs=0.47) in patients with CF (P<0.007), but not in non-CF controls. Emphysema in CF was detected from early adolescence (~13 years) and increased with age (rs=0.67, P<0.001). Conclusions Our results indicate that early onset emphysema detected by densitometry on chest MDCT is a characteristic pathology that contributes to airflow limitation and may serve as a novel endpoint for monitoring lung disease in CF. PMID:23991177

Induction of an antiinflammatory effect and prevention of cartilage damage in rat knee osteoarthritis by CF101 treatment.

PubMed

Bar-Yehuda, S; Rath-Wolfson, L; Del Valle, L; Ochaion, A; Cohen, S; Patoka, R; Zozulya, G; Barer, F; Atar, E; Piña-Oviedo, S; Perez-Liz, G; Castel, D; Fishman, P

2009-10-01

Studies have suggested that rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA) share common characteristics. The highly selective A(3) adenosine receptor agonist CF101 was recently defined as a potent antiinflammatory agent for the treatment of RA. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of CF101 on the clinical and pathologic manifestations of OA in an experimental animal model. OA was induced in rats by monosodium iodoacetate, and upon disease onset, oral treatment with CF101 (100 microg/kg given twice daily) was initiated. The A(3) adenosine receptor antagonist MRS1220 (100 microg/kg given twice daily) was administered orally, 30 minutes before CF101 treatment. The OA clinical score was monitored by knee diameter measurements and by radiographic analyses. Histologic analyses were performed following staining with hematoxylin and eosin, Safranin O-fast green, or toluidine blue, and histologic changes were scored according to a modified Mankin system. Signaling proteins were assayed by Western blotting; apoptosis was detected via immunohistochemistry and TUNEL analyses. CF101 induced a marked decrease in knee diameter and improved the changes noted on radiographs. Administration of MRS1220 counteracted the effects of CF101. CF101 prevented cartilage damage, osteoclast/osteophyte formation, and bone destruction. In addition, CF101 markedly reduced pannus formation and lymphocyte infiltration. Mechanistically, CF101 induced deregulation of the NF-kappaB signaling pathway, resulting in down-regulation of tumor necrosis factor alpha. Consequently, CF101 induced apoptosis of inflammatory cells that had infiltrated the knee joints; however, it prevented apoptosis of chondrocytes. CF101 deregulated the NF-kappaB signaling pathway involved in the pathogenesis of OA. CF101 induced apoptosis of inflammatory cells and acted as a cartilage protective agent, which suggests that it would be a suitable candidate drug for the treatment of OA.

Measurement of plasma cell-free DNA concentrations in dogs with sepsis, trauma, and neoplasia.

PubMed

Letendre, Jo-Annie; Goggs, Robert

2017-05-01

To determine if cell-free DNA (cfDNA) was identifiable in canine plasma, to evaluate 3 techniques for the measurement of plasma cfDNA concentrations in dogs presented to an emergency service, and to compare the plasma cfDNA concentrations of healthy dogs to those with sepsis, trauma, and neoplasia. Retrospective study of banked canine plasma samples collected between May 2014 and December 2014. Dogs presented to the emergency service of a university veterinary teaching hospital. Plasma cfDNA was measured on residual plasma samples obtained from 15 dogs with sepsis, 15 dogs with moderate-severe trauma, 15 dogs diagnosed with a sarcoma. Plasma cfDNA was also measured in 15 healthy dogs. None. Assay linearity, repeatability, and reproducibility were evaluated. Quantification of cfDNA was performed in duplicate on diluted citrated plasma and following DNA purification using 2 fluorescence assays (SYBR-Gold; Quant-iT) and by ultraviolet absorbance spectroscopy. Fluorescence intensities (FIs) were converted to cfDNA concentrations using standard curves. Median FI values and cfDNA concentrations were compared to healthy controls using the Kruskal-Wallis test, with adjustment for multiple comparisons. Alpha was set at 0.05. Both assays had excellent linearity, and acceptable repeatability and reproducibility. Compared to controls, plasma cfDNA concentrations were significantly increased in dogs with sepsis or moderate-severe trauma with both assays (P ≤ 0.003). Dogs with neoplasia had significantly increased cfDNA concentrations with the Quant-iT assay only (P = 0.003). When measurements were performed on purified DNA, only dogs with moderate-severe trauma had significantly increased cfDNA concentrations (P < 0.001; SYBR-Gold assay). cfDNA can be readily identified in canine plasma using 2 fluorescence assays. DNA extraction offers no advantage over direct measurement. Compared to healthy controls, dogs with sepsis or moderate-severe trauma have significantly increased plasma cfDNA concentrations. © Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society 2017.

The role and diagnostic value of cell-free DNA in systemic lupus erythematosus.

PubMed

Truszewska, Anna; Foroncewicz, Bartosz; Pączek, Leszek

2017-01-01

Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) represents a small fraction of total DNA pool that circulates freely in the blood both in normal and pathological conditions. Data indicate that cfDNA plays an important role in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and hypomethylation may be crucial for its immunogenic properties. Although differences in quantification methodology hinder the comparison of results between the studies, it appears that levels of cfDNA are abnormally elevated in SLE patients and correlate with various antibody titers, but not with disease activity. Increased cfDNA concentration, however, may be associated with active lupus nephritis. Most of the studies confirmed apoptosis as the major cfDNA release mechanism in various conditions, but formation of neutrophil extracellular traps may significantly contribute to the cfDNA generation in SLE patients. In this review, we summarise current knowledge about the role and possible origin of cfDNA in SLE patients, and discuss why cfDNA testing for diagnostic and prognosis of SLE remains questionable.

Tuning Surface Properties of Poly(methyl methacrylate) Film Using Poly(perfluoromethyl methacrylate)s with Short Perfluorinated Side Chains.

PubMed

Sohn, Eun-Ho; Ha, Jong-Wook; Lee, Soo-Bok; Park, In Jun

2016-09-27

To control the surface properties of a commonly used polymer, poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), poly(perfluoromethyl methacrylate)s (PFMMAs) with short perfluorinated side groups (i.e., -CF3, -CF2CF3, -(CF3)2, -CF2CF2CF3) were used as blend components because of their good solubility in organic solvents, low surface energies, and high optical transmittance. The surface energies of the blend films of PFMMA with the -CF3 group and PMMA increased continuously with increasing PMMA contents from 17.6 to 26.0 mN/m, whereas those of the other polymer blend films remained at very low levels (10.2-12.6 mN/m), similar to those of pure PFMMAs, even when the blends contained 90 wt %PMMA. Surface morphology and composition measurements revealed that this result originated from the different blend structures, such as lateral and vertical phase separations. We expect that these PFMMAs will be useful in widening the applicable window of PMMA.

The CF-CARES primary palliative care model: A CF-specific structured assessment of symptoms, distress, and coping.

PubMed

Friedman, Deborah; Linnemann, Rachel W; Altstein, Lily L; Islam, Suhayla; Bach, Kieu-Tram; Lamb, Chelsea; Volpe, John; Doolittle, Caitlin; St John, Anita; O'Malley, Patricia J; Sawicki, Gregory S; Georgiopoulos, Anna M; Yonker, Lael M; Moskowitz, Samuel M

2018-01-01

Current palliative care tools do not address distressing chronic symptoms that are most relevant to cystic fibrosis. A CF-specific structured assessment based on a primary palliative care framework was administered to 41 adolescents and adults with CF. Descriptive and correlational analyses were conducted. Patients reported numerous physical and psychological symptoms (mean of 10 per patient), with psychological symptoms rated as more distressing. Anxiety (34%) and depression (44%) were prevalent and correlated with distress attributable to physical symptoms and difficulty with CF self-management, but did not correlate with disease severity. Individuals with CF, regardless of disease severity, face challenges managing symptom burden. Frequently reported symptoms are not consistently associated with distress, suggesting the importance of individualized evaluation. The CF-CARES (Coping, goal Assessment, and Relief from Evolving CF Symptoms) primary palliative care assessment model provides a framework for patients experiencing chronic symptoms to explore interventional options with their clinicians. Copyright © 2017 European Cystic Fibrosis Society. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effective ionization coefficients, limiting electric fields, and electron energy distributions in CF{sub 3}I + CF{sub 4} + Ar ternary gas mixtures

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

Tezcan, S. S.; Dincer, M. S.; Bektas, S.

2016-07-15

This paper reports on the effective ionization coefficients, limiting electric fields, electron energy distribution functions, and mean energies in ternary mixtures of (Trifluoroiodomethane) CF{sub 3}I + CF{sub 4} + Ar in the E/N range of 100–700 Td employing a two-term solution of the Boltzmann equation. In the ternary mixture, CF{sub 3}I component is increased while the CF{sub 4} component is reduced accordingly and the 40% Ar component is kept constant. It is seen that the electronegativity of the mixture increases with increased CF{sub 3}I content and effective ionization coefficients decrease while the limiting electric field values increase. Synergism in themore » mixture is also evaluated in percentage using the limiting electric field values obtained. Furthermore, it is possible to control the mean electron energy in the ternary mixture by changing the content of CF{sub 3}I component.« less

Free DNA in Cystic Fibrosis Airway Fluids Correlates with Airflow Obstruction

PubMed Central

Marcos, Veronica; Zhou-Suckow, Zhe; Önder Yildirim, Ali; Bohla, Alexander; Hector, Andreas; Vitkov, Ljubomir; Krautgartner, Wolf Dietrich; Stoiber, Walter; Griese, Matthias; Eickelberg, Oliver; Mall, Marcus A.; Hartl, Dominik

2015-01-01

Chronic obstructive lung disease determines morbidity and mortality of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). CF airways are characterized by a nonresolving neutrophilic inflammation. After pathogen contact or prolonged activation, neutrophils release DNA fibres decorated with antimicrobial proteins, forming neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). NETs have been described to act in a beneficial way for innate host defense by bactericidal, fungicidal, and virucidal actions. On the other hand, excessive NET formation has been linked to the pathogenesis of autoinflammatory and autoimmune disease conditions. We quantified free DNA structures characteristic of NETs in airway fluids of CF patients and a mouse model with CF-like lung disease. Free DNA levels correlated with airflow obstruction, fungal colonization, and CXC chemokine levels in CF patients and CF-like mice. When viewed in combination, our results demonstrate that neutrophilic inflammation in CF airways is associated with abundant free DNA characteristic for NETosis, and suggest that free DNA may be implicated in lung function decline in patients with CF. PMID:25918476

A Monte Carlo Sensitivity Analysis of CF2 and CF Radical Densities in a c-C4F8 Plasma

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bose, Deepak; Rauf, Shahid; Hash, D. B.; Govindan, T. R.; Meyyappan, M.

2004-01-01

A Monte Carlo sensitivity analysis is used to build a plasma chemistry model for octacyclofluorobutane (c-C4F8) which is commonly used in dielectric etch. Experimental data are used both quantitatively and quantitatively to analyze the gas phase and gas surface reactions for neutral radical chemistry. The sensitivity data of the resulting model identifies a few critical gas phase and surface aided reactions that account for most of the uncertainty in the CF2 and CF radical densities. Electron impact dissociation of small radicals (CF2 and CF) and their surface recombination reactions are found to be the rate-limiting steps in the neutral radical chemistry. The relative rates for these electron impact dissociation and surface recombination reactions are also suggested. The resulting mechanism is able to explain the measurements of CF2 and CF densities available in the literature and also their hollow spatial density profiles.

Host-pathogen interplay in the respiratory environment of cystic fibrosis.

PubMed

Yonker, Lael M; Cigana, Cristina; Hurley, Bryan P; Bragonzi, Alessandra

2015-07-01

Significant advances have been made in the understanding of disease progression in cystic fibrosis (CF), revealing a complex interplay between host and pathogenic organisms. The diverse CF microbiota within the airway activates an aberrant immune response that is ineffective in clearing infection. An appreciation of how the CF host immune system interacts with these organisms is crucial to understanding the pathogenesis of CF pulmonary disease. Here we discuss the microbial complexity present in the lungs of individuals with CF, review emerging concepts of innate and adaptive immune responses to pathogens that chronically inhabit the CF lung, and discuss therapies that target the aberrant inflammatory response that characterizes CF. A greater understanding of the underlying mechanisms will shed light on pathogenesis and guide more targeted therapies in the future that serve to reduce infection, minimize lung pathology, and improve the quality of life for patients with CF. Copyright © 2015 European Cystic Fibrosis Society. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Multi-agent cooperation rescue algorithm based on influence degree and state prediction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zheng, Yanbin; Ma, Guangfu; Wang, Linlin; Xi, Pengxue

2018-04-01

Aiming at the multi-agent cooperative rescue in disaster, a multi-agent cooperative rescue algorithm based on impact degree and state prediction is proposed. Firstly, based on the influence of the information in the scene on the collaborative task, the influence degree function is used to filter the information. Secondly, using the selected information to predict the state of the system and Agent behavior. Finally, according to the result of the forecast, the cooperative behavior of Agent is guided and improved the efficiency of individual collaboration. The simulation results show that this algorithm can effectively solve the cooperative rescue problem of multi-agent and ensure the efficient completion of the task.

Near-infrared photocatalysts of BiVO4/CaF2:Er3+, Tm3+, Yb3+ with enhanced upconversion properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Shouqiang; Zhu, Nanwen; Lou, Ziyang; Gu, Lin; Miao, Chen; Yuan, Haiping; Shan, Aidang

2014-01-01

Upconversion photocatalysts have the potential to absorb the near-infrared (NIR) light in solar energy and improve the photocatalytic performance. A hierarchical upconversion photocatalyst of BiVO4 (BVO)/CaF2:Er3+, Tm3+, Yb3+ (CF) combined with the narrow-band semiconductor of BVO and the luminescence agent of CF to enhance upconversion properties was synthesized via the hydrothermal method. The CF particles were deposited homogeneously on the surface of the BVO/CF composite with regular dendritic structure, which led to efficient upconversion emissions. The upconversion emission intensity of the BVO/CF composite was 8 times higher than that of pure CF, through tailoring the crystal symmetry of lanthanide ions by Bi3+ ions. The upconverted ultraviolet (361 and 379 nm), violet (408 nm), and blue (485 nm) light was able to excite BVO for photocatalysis in BVO/CF under NIR irradiation, which improved the degradation rate of methyl orange (MO).Upconversion photocatalysts have the potential to absorb the near-infrared (NIR) light in solar energy and improve the photocatalytic performance. A hierarchical upconversion photocatalyst of BiVO4 (BVO)/CaF2:Er3+, Tm3+, Yb3+ (CF) combined with the narrow-band semiconductor of BVO and the luminescence agent of CF to enhance upconversion properties was synthesized via the hydrothermal method. The CF particles were deposited homogeneously on the surface of the BVO/CF composite with regular dendritic structure, which led to efficient upconversion emissions. The upconversion emission intensity of the BVO/CF composite was 8 times higher than that of pure CF, through tailoring the crystal symmetry of lanthanide ions by Bi3+ ions. The upconverted ultraviolet (361 and 379 nm), violet (408 nm), and blue (485 nm) light was able to excite BVO for photocatalysis in BVO/CF under NIR irradiation, which improved the degradation rate of methyl orange (MO). Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Additional tables and figures. See DOI: 10.1039/c3nr05266d

Circulating, cell-free DNA as a marker for exercise load in intermittent sports.

PubMed

Haller, Nils; Helmig, Susanne; Taenny, Pascal; Petry, Julian; Schmidt, Sebastian; Simon, Perikles

2018-01-01

Attempts to establish a biomarker reflecting individual player load in intermittent sports such as football have failed so far. Increases in circulating DNA (cfDNA) have been demonstrated in various endurance sports settings. While it has been proposed that cfDNA could be a suitable marker for player load in intermittent sports, the effects on cfDNA of repeated sprinting as an essential feature in intermittent sports are unknown. For the first time, we assessed both alterations of cfDNA due to repeated maximal sprints and due to a professional football game. Nine participants were subjected to a standardised sprint training session with cross-over design of five maximal sprints of 40 meters with either "short" (1 minute) or "long" pauses (5 minutes). Capillary cfDNA and lactate were measured after every sprint and venous cfDNA before and after each series of sprints. Moreover, capillary cfDNA and lactate values were taken in 23 professional football players before and after incremental exercise testing, during the course of a training week at rest (baseline) and in all 17 enrolled players following a season game. Lactate and venous cfDNA increased more pronounced during "short" compared to "long" (1.4-fold, p = 0.032 and 1.7-fold, p = 0.016) and cfDNA correlated significantly with lactate (r = 0.69; p<0.001). Incremental exercise testing increased cfDNA 7.0-fold (p<0.001). The season game increased cfDNA 22.7-fold (p<0.0001), while lactate showed a 2.0-fold (p = 0.09) increase compared to baseline. Fold-changes in cfDNA correlated with distance covered during game (spearman's r = 0.87, p = 0.0012), while no correlation between lactate and the tracking data could be found. We show for the first time that cfDNA could be an objective marker for distance covered in elite intermittent sports. In contrast to the potential of more established blood-based markers like IL-6, CK, or CRP, cfDNA shows by far the strongest fold-change and a high correlation with a particular load related aspect in professional football.

Lubiprostone ameliorates the cystic fibrosis mouse intestinal phenotype.

PubMed

De Lisle, Robert C; Mueller, Racquel; Roach, Eileen

2010-09-15

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is caused by mutations in the CFTR gene that impair the function of CFTR, a cAMP-regulated anion channel. In the small intestine loss of CFTR function creates a dehydrated, acidic luminal environment which is believed to cause an accumulation of mucus, a phenotype characteristic of CF. CF mice have small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, an altered innate immune response, and impaired intestinal transit. We investigated whether lubiprostone, which can activate the CLC2 Cl- channel, would improve the intestinal phenotype in CF mice. Cftr(tm1UNC) (CF) and wildtype (WT) littermate mice on the C57BL/6J background were used. Lubiprostone (10 μg/kg-day) was administered by gavage for two weeks. Mucus accumulation was estimated from crypt lumen widths in periodic acid-Schiff base, Alcian blue stained sections. Luminal bacterial load was measured by qPCR for the bacterial 16S gene. Gastric emptying and small intestinal transit in fasted mice were assessed using gavaged rhodamine dextran. Gene expression was evaluated by Affymetrix Mouse430 2.0 microarray and qRT-PCR. Crypt width in control CF mice was 700% that of WT mice (P < 0.001). Lubiprostone did not affect WT crypt width but, unexpectedly, increased CF crypt width 22% (P = 0.001). Lubiprostone increased bacterial load in WT mice to 490% of WT control levels (P = 0.008). Conversely, lubiprostone decreased bacterial overgrowth in CF mice by 60% (P = 0.005). Lubiprostone increased gastric emptying at 20 min postgavage in both WT (P < 0.001) and CF mice (P < 0.001). Lubiprostone enhanced small intestinal transit in WT mice (P = 0.024) but not in CF mice (P = 0.377). Among other innate immune markers, expression of mast cell genes was elevated 4-to 40-fold in the CF intestine as compared to WT, and lubiprostone treatment of CF mice decreased expression to WT control levels. These results indicate that lubiprostone has some benefits for the CF intestinal phenotype, especially on bacterial overgrowth and the innate immune response. The unexpected observation of increased mucus accumulation in the crypts of lubiprostone-treated CF mice suggests the possibility that lubiprostone increases mucus secretion.

Lubiprostone ameliorates the cystic fibrosis mouse intestinal phenotype

PubMed Central

2010-01-01

Background Cystic fibrosis (CF) is caused by mutations in the CFTR gene that impair the function of CFTR, a cAMP-regulated anion channel. In the small intestine loss of CFTR function creates a dehydrated, acidic luminal environment which is believed to cause an accumulation of mucus, a phenotype characteristic of CF. CF mice have small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, an altered innate immune response, and impaired intestinal transit. We investigated whether lubiprostone, which can activate the CLC2 Cl- channel, would improve the intestinal phenotype in CF mice. Methods Cftrtm1UNC (CF) and wildtype (WT) littermate mice on the C57BL/6J background were used. Lubiprostone (10 μg/kg-day) was administered by gavage for two weeks. Mucus accumulation was estimated from crypt lumen widths in periodic acid-Schiff base, Alcian blue stained sections. Luminal bacterial load was measured by qPCR for the bacterial 16S gene. Gastric emptying and small intestinal transit in fasted mice were assessed using gavaged rhodamine dextran. Gene expression was evaluated by Affymetrix Mouse430 2.0 microarray and qRT-PCR. Results Crypt width in control CF mice was 700% that of WT mice (P < 0.001). Lubiprostone did not affect WT crypt width but, unexpectedly, increased CF crypt width 22% (P = 0.001). Lubiprostone increased bacterial load in WT mice to 490% of WT control levels (P = 0.008). Conversely, lubiprostone decreased bacterial overgrowth in CF mice by 60% (P = 0.005). Lubiprostone increased gastric emptying at 20 min postgavage in both WT (P < 0.001) and CF mice (P < 0.001). Lubiprostone enhanced small intestinal transit in WT mice (P = 0.024) but not in CF mice (P = 0.377). Among other innate immune markers, expression of mast cell genes was elevated 4-to 40-fold in the CF intestine as compared to WT, and lubiprostone treatment of CF mice decreased expression to WT control levels. Conclusions These results indicate that lubiprostone has some benefits for the CF intestinal phenotype, especially on bacterial overgrowth and the innate immune response. The unexpected observation of increased mucus accumulation in the crypts of lubiprostone-treated CF mice suggests the possibility that lubiprostone increases mucus secretion. PMID:20843337

Circulating, cell-free DNA as a marker for exercise load in intermittent sports

PubMed Central

Haller, Nils; Helmig, Susanne; Taenny, Pascal; Petry, Julian; Schmidt, Sebastian

2018-01-01

Background Attempts to establish a biomarker reflecting individual player load in intermittent sports such as football have failed so far. Increases in circulating DNA (cfDNA) have been demonstrated in various endurance sports settings. While it has been proposed that cfDNA could be a suitable marker for player load in intermittent sports, the effects on cfDNA of repeated sprinting as an essential feature in intermittent sports are unknown. For the first time, we assessed both alterations of cfDNA due to repeated maximal sprints and due to a professional football game. Methods Nine participants were subjected to a standardised sprint training session with cross-over design of five maximal sprints of 40 meters with either “short” (1 minute) or “long” pauses (5 minutes). Capillary cfDNA and lactate were measured after every sprint and venous cfDNA before and after each series of sprints. Moreover, capillary cfDNA and lactate values were taken in 23 professional football players before and after incremental exercise testing, during the course of a training week at rest (baseline) and in all 17 enrolled players following a season game. Results Lactate and venous cfDNA increased more pronounced during “short” compared to “long” (1.4-fold, p = 0.032 and 1.7-fold, p = 0.016) and cfDNA correlated significantly with lactate (r = 0.69; p<0.001). Incremental exercise testing increased cfDNA 7.0-fold (p<0.001). The season game increased cfDNA 22.7-fold (p<0.0001), while lactate showed a 2.0-fold (p = 0.09) increase compared to baseline. Fold-changes in cfDNA correlated with distance covered during game (spearman’s r = 0.87, p = 0.0012), while no correlation between lactate and the tracking data could be found. Discussion We show for the first time that cfDNA could be an objective marker for distance covered in elite intermittent sports. In contrast to the potential of more established blood-based markers like IL-6, CK, or CRP, cfDNA shows by far the strongest fold-change and a high correlation with a particular load related aspect in professional football. PMID:29370268

Report of the Snowmass M6 Working Group on high intensity proton sources

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

Weiren Chou and J. Wei

The U.S. high-energy physics program needs an intense proton source, a 1-4 MW Proton Driver (PD), by the end of this decade. This machine will serve as a stand-alone facility that will provide neutrino superbeams and other high intensity secondary beams such as kaons, muons, neutrons, and anti-protons (cf. E1 and E5 group reports) and also serve as the first stage of a neutrino factory (cf. M1 group report). It can also be a high brightness source for a VLHC. Based on present accelerator technology and project construction experience, it is both feasible and cost-effective to construct a 1-4 MWmore » Proton Driver. Two recent PD design studies have been made, one at FNAL and the other at the BNL. Both designed PD's for 1 MW proton beams at a cost of about U.S. $200M (excluding contingency and overhead) and both designs were upgradeable to 4 MW. An international collaboration between FNAL, BNL and KEK on high intensity proton facilities is addressing a number of key design issues. The superconducting (sc) RF cavities, cryogenics, and RF controls developed for the SNS can be directly adopted to save R&D efforts, cost, and schedule. PD studies are also actively being pursued at Europe and Japan.« less

Animal models of gastrointestinal and liver diseases. Animal models of cystic fibrosis: gastrointestinal, pancreatic, and hepatobiliary disease and pathophysiology

PubMed Central

Olivier, Alicia K.; Gibson-Corley, Katherine N.

2015-01-01

Multiple organ systems, including the gastrointestinal tract, pancreas, and hepatobiliary systems, are affected by cystic fibrosis (CF). Many of these changes begin early in life and are difficult to study in young CF patients. Recent development of novel CF animal models has expanded opportunities in the field to better understand CF pathogenesis and evaluate traditional and innovative therapeutics. In this review, we discuss manifestations of CF disease in gastrointestinal, pancreatic, and hepatobiliary systems of humans and animal models. We also compare the similarities and limitations of animal models and discuss future directions for modeling CF. PMID:25591863

Microstructure and Mechanical Property of SiCf/SiC and Cf/SiC Composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, S. P.; Cho, K. S.; Lee, H. U.; Lee, J. K.; Bae, D. S.; Byun, J. H.

2011-10-01

The mechanical properties of SiC based composites reinforced with different types of fabrics have been investigated, in conjunction with the detailed analyses of their microstructures. The thermal shock properties of SiCf/SiC composites were also examined. All composites showed a dense morphology in the matrix region. Carbon coated PW-SiCf/SiC composites had a good fracture energy, even if their strength was lower than that of PW-Cf/SiC composites. SiCf/SiC composites represented a great reduction of flexural strength at the thermal shock temperature difference of 300 °C.

A sensitive method to quantify human cell-free circulating DNA in blood: relevance to myocardial infarction screening.

PubMed

Jing, Rong-Rong; Wang, Hui-Min; Cui, Ming; Fang, Meng-Kang; Qiu, Xiao-Jun; Wu, Xin-Hua; Qi, Jin; Wang, Yue-Guo; Zhang, Lu-Rong; Zhu, Jian-Hua; Ju, Shao-Qing

2011-09-01

Human cell-free circulating DNA (cf-DNA) derived mainly from cell apoptosis and necrosis can be measured by a variety of laboratory techniques, but almost all of these methods require sample preparation. We have developed a branched DNA (bDNA)-based Alu assay for quantifying cf-DNA in myocardial infarction (MI) patients. A total of 82 individuals were included in the study; 22 MI and 60 normal controls. cf-DNA was quantified using a bDNA-based Alu assay. cf-DNA was higher in serum compared to plasma and there was a difference between genders. cf-DNA was significantly higher in MI patients compared to the controls. There was no correlation between cf-DNA and creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), troponin I (cTnI) or myoglobin (MYO). In serial specimens, cf-DNA was sensitive and peaked earlier than cTnI. The bDNA-based Alu assay is a novel method for quantifying human cf-DNA. Increased cf-DNA in MI patients might complement cTnI, CK-MB and MYO in a multiple marker format. Copyright © 2011 The Canadian Society of Clinical Chemists. All rights reserved.

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

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tanaka, Hideyuki; Toyoda, Hirotaka; Sugai, Hideo

1998-09-01

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

Levels and determinants of complementary feeding based on meal frequency among children of 6 to 23 months in Bangladesh.

PubMed

Chowdhury, Mohammad Rocky Khan; Rahman, Md Shafiur; Khan, Md Mobarak Hossain

2016-09-07

Information concerning complementary feeding (CF) practice during infancy and early childhood is still scarce in Bangladesh. Therefore, this study aimed to estimate the level of CF among children of 6-23 months and identify individual, household and community level determinants in Bangladesh. Secondary data from the Bangladesh Demographic Health Survey (BDHS) 2011 was used. A total of 2,373 children aged 6-23 months were selected. A simplified index called "dimension index" was used to estimate the level of CF. The score of this index was used either as continuous or categorical dependent variables. The highest score based on dimension index is associated to an adequate CF. Statistical analyses and tests were guided by types of variables. Finally, multivariable logistic regression (binary and multinomial) analyses were performed to identify the significant determinants of CF. The overall level of CF among children of 6-23 months was low. More than 90 % of children experienced either no (2.9 %) or inadequate CF (92.7 %). According to bivariable analyses, mean levels of CF as well as percentages of no/inadequate CF were significantly lower among children of the youngest age group, uneducated parents, unemployed/laborer fathers, socio-economically poor families, food insecure families and rural areas. No weekly exposure to mass media (namely watching TV and reading newspapers/magazines) also revealed significant associations with CF. However, only few variables remained significant for adequate CF in the multivariable logistic regression analysis. For example, the likelihood of experiencing adequate CF was significantly lower among children of 6-11 months (OR: 0.22, 95 % CI: 0.10-0.47), children of illiterate fathers (OR: 0.32, 95 % CI: 0.11-0.95) and socio-economically middle-class families (OR: 0.28, 95 % CI: 0.09-0.86) as compared to their reference categories. A high level of inadequate CF leading to malnutrition may cause serious health problems among children of 6-23 months in Bangladesh. Vulnerable groups of children (e.g., the children aged 6 to 11 months and children of illiterate fathers), who received low levels of adequate CF, should be targeted by government and other stakeholders while developing strategies and interventions in order to improve overall situation of CF in Bangladesh.

Zinc supplementation in children with cystic fibrosis

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Cystic fibrosis (CF) leads to malabsorption of macro- and micronutrients. Symptomatic zinc deficiency has been reported in CF but little is known about zinc homeostasis in children with CF. Zinc supplementation (Zn suppl) is increasingly common in children with CF but it is not without theoretcial r...

What's it Like to Have Cystic Fibrosis?

MedlinePlus

... deal with cystic fibrosis. What Is CF? Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a disease that causes the body to make thick, sticky mucus (say: ... special protein. This protein is defective in cystic fibrosis, producing the thick, sticky mucus that causes problems for people with CF. What Causes CF? ...

Nasal potential difference outcomes support diagnostic decisions in cystic fibrosis.

PubMed

Tridello, Gloria; Menin, Laura; Pintani, Emily; Bergamini, Gabriella; Assael, Baroukh Maurice; Melotti, Paola

2016-09-01

When cystic fibrosis (CF) is suspected Nasal Potential Difference (NPD) measurements are proposed to support controversial diagnosis: we investigated appropriate outcomes at the CF Centre of Verona. NPD were measured in 196 subjects: 50 non-CF, 65 classical CF (the reference group) and 81 with uncertain CF (case group). Discriminating power was determined by comparison between several outcomes from the CF reference group versus non-CF: basal, amiloride, 0Cl, isoproterenol, ATP, Delta-amiloride, Delta-0Cl, Delta-isoproterenol, Delta-ATP, Delta-isoproterenol+Delta-0Cl, Wilschanski Index (WI) and Sermet score (SS). The most appropriate cut-off values for variables with the best discriminating power were then applied to the case group. Descriptive statistics, logistic regression models and ROC curve analysis were applied. WI and SS were the most powerful in discriminating CF from non-CF subjects. In the reference group sensitivity of the 0.82 WI cut-off was 98%, specificity 96%; both sensitivity and specificity of the -0.44 SS cut-off value were 100%. For the case group, WI and SS were, respectively, consistent with CF diagnosis in 94% and 92% of the cases. Formulae have the highest discriminating power and can support the diagnosis in uncertain cases; they should be utilized for standardized interpretation of NPD for diagnosis and possibly for clinical research. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Maternal cfDNA screening for Down syndrome--a cost sensitivity analysis.

PubMed

Cuckle, Howard; Benn, Peter; Pergament, Eugene

2013-07-01

This study aimed to determine the principal factors contributing to the cost of avoiding a birth with Down syndrome by using cell-free DNA (cfDNA) to replace conventional screening. A range of unit costs were assigned to each item in the screening process. Detection rates were estimated by meta-analysis and modeling. The marginal cost associated with the detection of additional cases using cfDNA was estimated from the difference in average costs divided by the difference in detection. The main factor was the unit cost of cfDNA testing. For example, replacing a combined test costing $150 with 3% false-positive rate and invasive testing at $1000, by cfDNA tests at $2000, $1500, $1000, and $500, the marginal cost is $8.0, $5.8, $3.6, and $1.4m, respectively. Costs were lower when replacing a quadruple test and higher for a 5% false-positive rate, but the relative importance of cfDNA unit cost was unchanged. A contingent policy whereby 10% to 20% women were selected for cfDNA testing by conventional screening was considerably more cost-efficient. Costs were sensitive to cfDNA uptake. Universal cfDNA screening for Down syndrome will only become affordable by public health purchasers if costs fall substantially. Until this happens, the contingent use of cfDNA is recommended. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Electron attachment to CF3 and CF3Br at temperatures up to 890 K: experimental test of the kinetic modeling approach.

PubMed

Shuman, Nicholas S; Miller, Thomas M; Viggiano, Albert A; Troe, Jürgen

2013-05-28

Thermal rate constants and product branching fractions for electron attachment to CF3Br and the CF3 radical have been measured over the temperature range 300-890 K, the upper limit being restricted by thermal decomposition of CF3Br. Both measurements were made in Flowing Afterglow Langmuir Probe apparatuses; the CF3Br measurement was made using standard techniques, and the CF3 measurement using the Variable Electron and Neutral Density Attachment Mass Spectrometry technique. Attachment to CF3Br proceeds exclusively by the dissociative channel yielding Br(-), with a rate constant increasing from 1.1 × 10(-8) cm(3) s(-1) at 300 K to 5.3 × 10(-8) cm(3) s(-1) at 890 K, somewhat lower than previous data at temperatures up to 777 K. CF3 attachment proceeds through competition between associative attachment yielding CF3 (-) and dissociative attachment yielding F(-). Prior data up to 600 K showed the rate constant monotonically increasing, with the partial rate constant of the dissociative channel following Arrhenius behavior; however, extrapolation of the data using a recently proposed kinetic modeling approach predicted the rate constant to turn over at higher temperatures, despite being only ~5% of the collision rate. The current data agree well with the previous kinetic modeling extrapolation, providing a demonstration of the predictive capabilities of the approach.

Genetic Expression in Cystic Fibrosis Related Bone Disease. An Observational, Transversal, Cross-Sectional Study.

PubMed

Ciuca, Ioana M; Pop, Liviu L; Rogobete, Alexandru F; Onet, Dan I; Guta-Almajan, Bogdan; Popa, Zoran; Horhat, Florin G

2016-09-01

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most frequent monogenic genetic disease with autosomal recessive transmission and characterized by important clinical polymorphism and significant lethal prospective. CF related bone disease occurs frequently in adults with CF. Childhood is the period of bone formation, and therefore, children are more susceptible to low bone density. Several factors like pancreatic insufficiency, hormone imbalance, and physical inactivity contribute to CF bone disease development. Revealing this would be important for prophylactic treatment against bone disease occurrence. The study was observational, transversal, with a cross-sectional design. The study included 68 children with cystic fibrosis, genotyped and monitored in the National CF Centre. At the annual assessment, besides clinical examination, biochemical evaluation for pancreatic insufficiency, and diabetes, they were evaluated for bone mineral density using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Twenty-six patients, aged over 10 years were diagnosed with CF bone disease, without significant gender gap. Bone disease was frequent in patients aged over 10 years with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, carriers of severe mutations, and CF liver disease. CF carriers of a severe genotype which associates pancreatic insufficiency and CF liver disease, are more likely predisposed to low bone mineral density. Further studies should discover other significant influences in order to prevent the development of CF bone disease and an improved quality of life in cystic fibrosis children.

Compassion fatigue and burnout in Iranian nurses: The role of perceived social support.

PubMed

Ariapooran, Saeed

2014-05-01

Nurses are at risk for symptoms of compassion fatigue (CF) and burnout (BO). Social support plays an important role in predicting CF and BO. This study was performed to determine the prevalence of the symptoms of CF and BO and the role of perceived social support in predicting these symptoms in Iranian nurses. Using a correlational descriptive survey research design, we selected 173 participants among the nurses working in public hospitals of Malayer, Iran. Professional Quality of Life (CF and BO subscales) and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) were used for collecting the data. The obtained results indicated that the prevalence of CF and BO symptoms was 45.3% and 15.03%, respectively, in Iranian nurses. Social support (significant other, family, and friends) was negatively correlated to BO (P < 0.01). Also, there was a negative correlation between social support from family and CF (P < 0.01). According to hierarchical multiple regressions, social support from family was the significant predictor to CF (P < 0.005) and BO (P < 0.001) in nurses. Based on the obtained results, some nurses (especially emergency nurses) are at risk for CF and BO and social support negatively correlated to CF and BO in Iranian nurses. It is necessary to develop support systems for nurses who are at risk for CF and BO.

Compassion fatigue and burnout in Iranian nurses: The role of perceived social support

PubMed Central

Ariapooran, Saeed

2014-01-01

Background: Nurses are at risk for symptoms of compassion fatigue (CF) and burnout (BO). Social support plays an important role in predicting CF and BO. This study was performed to determine the prevalence of the symptoms of CF and BO and the role of perceived social support in predicting these symptoms in Iranian nurses. Materials and Methods: Using a correlational descriptive survey research design, we selected 173 participants among the nurses working in public hospitals of Malayer, Iran. Professional Quality of Life (CF and BO subscales) and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) were used for collecting the data. Results: The obtained results indicated that the prevalence of CF and BO symptoms was 45.3% and 15.03%, respectively, in Iranian nurses. Social support (significant other, family, and friends) was negatively correlated to BO (P < 0.01). Also, there was a negative correlation between social support from family and CF (P < 0.01). According to hierarchical multiple regressions, social support from family was the significant predictor to CF (P < 0.005) and BO (P < 0.001) in nurses. Conclusions: Based on the obtained results, some nurses (especially emergency nurses) are at risk for CF and BO and social support negatively correlated to CF and BO in Iranian nurses. It is necessary to develop support systems for nurses who are at risk for CF and BO. PMID:24949067

Comparative biology of cystic fibrosis animal models.

PubMed

Fisher, John T; Zhang, Yulong; Engelhardt, John F

2011-01-01

Animal models of human diseases are critical for dissecting mechanisms of pathophysiology and developing therapies. In the context of cystic fibrosis (CF), mouse models have been the dominant species by which to study CF disease processes in vivo for the past two decades. Although much has been learned through these CF mouse models, limitations in the ability of this species to recapitulate spontaneous lung disease and several other organ abnormalities seen in CF humans have created a need for additional species on which to study CF. To this end, pig and ferret CF models have been generated by somatic cell nuclear transfer and are currently being characterized. These new larger animal models have phenotypes that appear to closely resemble human CF disease seen in newborns, and efforts to characterize their adult phenotypes are ongoing. This chapter will review current knowledge about comparative lung cell biology and cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) biology among mice, pigs, and ferrets that has implications for CF disease modeling in these species. We will focus on methods used to compare the biology and function of CFTR between these species and their relevance to phenotypes seen in the animal models. These cross-species comparisons and the development of both the pig and the ferret CF models may help elucidate pathophysiologic mechanisms of CF lung disease and lead to new therapeutic approaches.

Diagnosing cystic fibrosis in newborn screening in Poland - 15 years of experience.

PubMed

Sands, Dorota; Zybert, Katarzyna; Mierzejewska, Ewa; Ołtarzewski, Mariusz

2015-01-01

Early diagnosis of cystic fibrosis (CF) made by the introduction of CF NBS (Cystic Fibrosis Newborn Screening) provides the opportunity to undertake preventive measures and provide treatment before the development of irreversible changes in the respiratory tract and other complications. CF NBS was conducted as a pilot programme in four Polish districts in the period 1999-2003. In 2006 CF NBS started again and was gradually extended across the country. The aim of this study was to show the evolution of the Polish CF NBS strategies and assess the diagnostic consequences of this programme. The study involved children diagnosed and treated only in the IMiD Centre. The strategy in Polish CF NBS was modified over time. Firstly, the model IRT/IRT and IRT/IRT/DNA with one mutation was implemented, which was followed by IRT/DNA with a gradually expanding number of CFTR mutations (tab. I). Newborns with positive results of CF NBS were called to the CF IMiD Centre, and sweat tests were performed. The children diagnosed and children with mutations in both alleles of the CFTR gene even if at least one of them had undefined pathogenicity) were taken under IMiD Centre care. Sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive values during subsequent stages of CF NBS were calculated (tab. III). During the 1999-2003 pilot study 444 063 newborns underwent CF NBS and in 74 cases CF was diagnosed. 582 693 newborns were screened from September 2006 to December 2011 in four regions and 100 children were diagnosed with CF. The frequencies of CF in the Polish population in both screening periods were 1:5767 and 1:5712 respectively. Firstly, the IRT/IRT model was implemented, but the number of newborns called to the CF Centre was high - the PPV was 7.6%. In the next step CF NBS DNA analysis was used. Here sensitivity and specificity were high - nearly 100%. In the following years the number of mutations detected was expanded (including 16 most common ones in the Polish population). Due to the panel changes, the number of calls declined and the PPV (predictive positive value) improved (to 26.1%) after the application of expanded genetic analysis. Expanding the panel of mutations resulted in an increased number of carriers and observational subjects. IRT/DNA strategy with expanded DNA analysis provides the opportunity for earlier CF diagnosis even in children with normal sweat test values. However, this model caused frequent carrier detection and inconclusive diagnosis in comparison to IRT/IRT or IRT/IRT/DNA with a limited number of mutations. Further research and changes in Polish CF NBS are needed to increase the PPV, while preserving high sensitivity and specificity..

Enterococcus faecalis Sex Pheromone cCF10 Enhances Conjugative Plasmid Transfer In Vivo.

PubMed

Hirt, Helmut; Greenwood-Quaintance, Kerryl E; Karau, Melissa J; Till, Lisa M; Kashyap, Purna C; Patel, Robin; Dunny, Gary M

2018-02-13

Cell-cell communication mediated by peptide pheromones (cCF10 [CF]) is essential for high-frequency plasmid transfer in vitro in Enterococcus faecalis To examine the role of pheromone signaling in vivo , we established either a CF-producing (CF+) recipient or a recipient producing a biologically inactive variant of CF (CF- recipient) in a germfree mouse model 3 days before donor inoculation and determined transfer frequencies of the pheromone-inducible plasmid pCF10. Plasmid transfer was detected in the upper and middle sections of the intestinal tract 5 h after donor inoculation and was highly efficient in the absence of antibiotic selection. The transconjugant/donor ratio reached a maximum level approaching 1 on day 4 in the upper intestinal tract. Plasmid transfer was significantly lower with the CF- recipient. While rescue of the CF- mating defect by coculture with CF+ recipients is easily accomplished in vitro , no extracellular complementation occurred in vivo This suggests that most pheromone signaling in the gut occurs between recipient and donor cells in very close proximity. Plasmid-bearing cells (donors plus transconjugants) steadily increased in the population from 0.1% after donor inoculation to about 10% at the conclusion of the experiments. This suggests a selective advantage of pCF10 carriage distinct from antibiotic resistance or bacteriocin production. Our results demonstrate that pheromone signaling is required for efficient pCF10 transfer in vivo In the absence of CF+ recipients, a low level of transfer to CF- recipients occurred in the gut. This may result from low-level host-mediated induction of the donors in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, similar to that previously observed in serum. IMPORTANCE Horizontal gene transfer is a major factor in the biology of Enterococcus faecalis , an important nosocomial pathogen. Previous studies showing efficient conjugative plasmid transfer in the gastrointestinal (GI) tracts of experimental animals did not examine how the enterococcal sex pheromone response impacts the efficiency of transfer. Our study demonstrates for the first time pheromone-enhanced, high-frequency plasmid transfer of E. faecalis plasmid pCF10 in a mouse model in the absence of antibiotic or bacteriocin selection. Pheromone production by recipients dramatically increased plasmid transfer in germfree mice colonized initially with recipients, followed by donors. The presence of a coresident community of common gut microbes did not significantly reduce in vivo plasmid transfer between enterococcal donors and recipients. In mice colonized with enterococcal recipients, we detected plasmid transfer in the intestinal tract within 5 h of addition of donors, before transconjugants could be cultured from feces. Surprisingly, pCF10 carriage provided a competitive fitness advantage unrelated to antibiotic resistance or bacteriocin production. Copyright © 2018 Hirt et al.

Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator-Related Metabolic Syndrome and Cystic Fibrosis Screen Positive, Inconclusive Diagnosis.

PubMed

Ren, Clement L; Borowitz, Drucy S; Gonska, Tanja; Howenstine, Michelle S; Levy, Hara; Massie, John; Milla, Carlos; Munck, Anne; Southern, Kevin W

2017-02-01

An unintended consequence of cystic fibrosis (CF) newborn screening (NBS) is the identification of infants with a positive NBS test but inconclusive diagnostic testing. These infants are classified as CF transmembrane conductance regulator-related metabolic syndrome (CRMS) in the US and CF screen positive, inconclusive diagnosis (CFSPID) in other countries. Diagnostic and management decisions of these infants are challenges for CF healthcare professionals and stressful situations for families. As CF NBS has become more widespread across the world, increased information about the epidemiology and outcomes of these infants is becoming available. These data were reviewed at the 2015 CF Foundation Diagnosis Consensus Conference, and a harmonized definition of CRMS and CFSPID was developed. At the consensus conference, participants reviewed published and unpublished studies of CRMS/CFSPID and used a modified Delphi methodology to develop a harmonized approach to the definition of CRMS/CFSPID. Several studies of CRMS/CFSPID from populations around the world have been published in the past year. Although the studies vary in the number of infants studied, study design, and outcome measures, there have been some consistent findings. CRMS/CFSPID occurs relatively frequently, with CF:CRMS that ranges from 3 to 5 cases of CF for every 1 case of CRMS/CFSPID in regions where gene sequencing is not used. The incidence varies by NBS protocol used, and in some regions more cases of CRMS/CFSPID are detected than cases of CF. The majority of individuals with CRMS/CFSPID do not develop CF disease or progress to a diagnosis of CF. However, between 10% and 20% of asymptomatic infants can develop clinical features concerning for CF, such as a respiratory culture positive for Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Most studies have only reported short-term outcomes in the first 1-3 years of life; the long-term outcomes of CRMS/CFSPID remain unknown. The European CF Society definition of CFSPID and the CF Foundation definition of CRMS differ only slightly, and the consensus conference was able to create a unified definition of CRMS/CFSPID. CRMS/CFSPID is a relatively common outcome of CF NBS, and clinicians need to be prepared to counsel families whose NBS test falls into this classification. The vast majority of infants with CRMS/CFSPID will remain free from disease manifestations early in life. However, a small proportion may develop clinical features concerning for CF or demonstrate progression to a clinical phenotype compatible with a CF diagnosis, and their long-term outcomes are not known. A consistent international definition of CRMS/CFSPID will allow for better data collection for study of outcomes and result in improved patient care. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Leakage of soluble microbial products from biological activated carbon filtration in drinking water treatment plants and its influence on health risks.

PubMed

Hong, Shen; Xian-Chun, Tang; Nan-Xiang, Wu; Hong-Bin, Chen

2018-07-01

The application of ozone-biological activated carbon (O 3 -BAC) as an advanced treatment method in drinking water treatment plants (DWTPs) can help to remove organic micropollutants and further decrease the dissolved organic carbon (DOC) level in finished water. With the increase attention to microbial safety of drinking water, a pre-positioned O 3 -BAC followed by a sand filter has been implanted into DWTP located in Shanghai, China to increase the biostability of effluents. The results showed that BAC had high removal efficiencies of UV 254 , DOC and disinfection by-product formation potential (DBPFP). The removal efficiencies between pre- and post-positioned BAC filtrations were similar. Based on the analyses of fluorescence excitation-emission matrix spectrophotometry (FEEM), the generation and leakage of soluble microbial products (SMPs) were found in both two BAC filtrations on account of the increased fluorescence intensities and fluorescence regional integration (FRI) distribution of protein-like organics, as well as the enhanced biological index (BIX). The leakage of SMPs produced by metabolism of microbes during BAC process resulted in increased DBPFP yield and carcinogenic factor per unit of DOC (CF/DOC). Although BAC filtration reduced the DBPFP and CF, there still was high health risk of effluents for the production of SMPs. Therefore, the health risks for SMPs generated by BAC filtration in drinking water advanced treatment process should be addressed, especially with that at high temperature. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Mild CFTR mutations and genetic predisposition to lactase persistence in cystic fibrosis

PubMed Central

Mądry, Edyta; Fidler, Ewa; Sobczyńska-Tomaszewska, Agnieszka; Lisowska, Aleksandra; Krzyżanowska, Patrycja; Pogorzelski, Andrzej; Minarowski, Łukasz; Oralewska, Beata; Mojs, Ewa; Sapiejka, Ewa; Marciniak, Ryszard; Sands, Dorota; Korzon-Burakowska, Anna; Kwiecień, Jarosław; Walkowiak, Jarosław

2011-01-01

Taking into account the reported incidence of hypolactasia in cystic fibrosis (CF) and the possible impact of milk products on nutritional status we aimed to assess the genetic predisposition to adult-type hypolactasia (ATH) and its incidence in CF. Single nucleotide polymorphism upstream of the lactase gene (LCT) was assessed in 289 CF patients. In subject with −13910C/C genotype (C/C) predisposing to ATH, hydrogen-methane breath test (BT) with lactose loading was conducted and clinical symptoms typical for lactose malabsorption were assessed. The percentage of CF patients with C/C was similar to that observed in healthy subjects (HS) (31.5 vs 32.5% ). Eleven out of 52 (24.5%) CF C/C patients had abnormal BT results. The recalculated frequency of lactose malabsorption was similar for the entire CF and HS populations (6.9 vs 7.2%). Similarly as in the control group, few CF patients have identified and linked to lactose consumption clinical symptoms. The frequency of LCT polymorphic variants in CF patients having and not having severe mutations of CFTR gene showed significant differences. The C allele was more frequent in homozygotes of the severe mutations than in patients carrying at least one mild/unknown mutation (P<0.0028) and in patients with at least one mild mutation (P<0.0377). In conclusion, CF patients carrying mild CFTR mutations seem to have lower genetic predisposition to ATH. Lactose malabsorption due to ATH in CF is not more frequent than in the general population. Symptomatic assessment of lactose malabsorption in CF is not reliable. PMID:21407263

The diverse origins of circulating cell-free DNA in the human body: a critical re-evaluation of the literature.

PubMed

Aucamp, Janine; Bronkhorst, Abel J; Badenhorst, Christoffel P S; Pretorius, Piet J

2018-04-14

Since the detection of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in human plasma in 1948, it has been investigated as a non-invasive screening tool for many diseases, especially solid tumours and foetal genetic abnormalities. However, to date our lack of knowledge regarding the origin and purpose of cfDNA in a physiological environment has limited its use to more obvious diagnostics, neglecting, for example, its potential utility in the identification of predisposition to disease, earlier detection of cancers, and lifestyle-induced epigenetic changes. Moreover, the concept or mechanism of cfDNA could also have potential therapeutic uses such as in immuno- or gene therapy. This review presents an extensive compilation of the putative origins of cfDNA and then contrasts the contributions of cellular breakdown processes with active mechanisms for the release of cfDNA into the extracellular environment. The involvement of cfDNA derived from both cellular breakdown and active release in lateral information transfer is also discussed. We hope to encourage researchers to adopt a more holistic view of cfDNA research, taking into account all the biological pathways in which cfDNA is involved, and to give serious consideration to the integration of in vitro and in vivo research. We also wish to encourage researchers not to limit their focus to the apoptotic or necrotic fraction of cfDNA, but to investigate the intercellular messaging capabilities of the actively released fraction of cfDNA and to study the role of cfDNA in pathogenesis. © 2018 Cambridge Philosophical Society.

Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis in patients with cystic fibrosis and non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis.

PubMed

Alyasin, Soheila; Moghtaderi, Mozhgan; Farjadian, Shirin; Babaei, Maryam; Teshnizi, Saeed Hosseini

2018-01-01

Aspergillus sensitization (AS) and allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) can occur as a cause of permanent lung damage in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) and non-CF bronchiectasis. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of AS and ABPA in patients with CF and non-CF bronchiectasis in southwestern Iran. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 33 patients with CF and 27 patients with non-CF bronchiectasis from southwestern Iran who were referred to Namazi Hospital affiliated to Shiraz University of Medical Sciences from July 2015 to February 2016. Skin prick test to Aspergillus fumigatus, peripheral blood eosinophil count, total serum IgE, specific IgE and IgG against Aspergillus fumigatus as well as radiologic chest studies were done for each patient. Statistical analysis was done by Mann-Whitney U test, Fisher Exact test, and Kappa weighted in SPSS software version 18. Level of significance was set at p<0.05. Nine patients with CF (27.3%) and one patient with non-CF bronchiectasis (3.7%) had positive skin tests to Aspergillus. There was 81.2% agreement between positive skin test and specific IgE to Aspergillus fumigatus (p<0.001). Three patients with CF (9%) met the diagnostic criteria for ABPA, whereas ABPA was not seen in patients with non-CF bronchiectasis. ABPA was low in this study, considering more frequency of AS in patients with cystic fibrosis, clinicians should keep in mind the diagnosis of ABPA for those CF patients that do not respond to usual medical therapy and have positive skin tests to Aspergillus allergens.

Perspectives of adolescent girls with cystic fibrosis and parents on disease-specific sexual and reproductive health education.

PubMed

Kazmerski, Traci M; Hill, Kelsey; Prushinskaya, Olga; Nelson, Eliza; Greenberg, Jonathan; Pitts, Sarah Ab; Borrero, Sonya; Miller, Elizabeth; Sawicki, Gregory S

2018-04-26

Adolescent girls with cystic fibrosis (CF) face significant disease-specific sexual and reproductive health (SRH) concerns that are not typically addressed in routine clinical care. Additionally, there is a paucity of developmentally appropriate CF-specific SRH educational resources for this population. The goal of this study was to explore patient and parent attitudes toward SRH educational resources for adolescent girls with CF. Adolescent girls ages 13-18 years with CF and parents of daughters ages 10-18 years with CF completed individual, semi-structured interviews regarding their experiences and preferences around CF-specific SRH education and care. To facilitate discussion, participants provided feedback on the format and design of existing SRH educational resources. Qualitative analysis was conducted using a thematic analysis approach. We interviewed 26 participants (14 parents and 12 patients). The majority reported they had never discussed SRH in the CF care setting. All participants preferred a comprehensive, online patient educational resource complemented by real patient stories and interactive components. Participants noted that such resources should create a sense of normalcy and community around CF and female SRH. Most desired more frequent communication around SRH between adolescent girls with CF and their healthcare providers as a way to promote SRH knowledge, decision making, and health outcomes. Adolescent girls with CF and their parents desire an online patient educational resource that normalizes SRH and enhances patient-provider communication around these topics. Creation of developmentally appropriate resources would facilitate improved health outcomes around this aspect of comprehensive care in CF. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Pharmacogenetics of cystic fibrosis treatment.

PubMed

Carter, Suzanne C; McKone, Edward F

2016-08-01

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is genetic autosomal recessive disease caused by reduced or absent function of CFTR protein. Treatments for patients with CF have primarily focused on the downstream end-organ consequences of defective CFTR. Since the discovery of the CFTR gene that causes CF in 1989 there have been tremendous advances in our understanding of the genetics and pathophysiology of CF. This has recently led to the development of new CFTR mutation-specific targeted therapies for select patients with CF. This review will discuss the characteristics of the CFTR gene, the CFTR mutations that cause CF and the new mutation specific pharmacological treatments including gene therapy that are contributing to the dawning of a new era in cystic fibrosis care.

Investigation on thermal properties of heat storage composites containing carbon fibers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Jifen; Xie, Huaqing; Xin, Zhong; Li, Yang; Yin, Chou

2011-11-01

We prepared a series of thermal performance-enhanced heat storage composite phase change materials containing carbon fibers. It revealed that the composites have reduced both melting point and latent heat capacity with an increase in the mass fraction of the carbon fibers (CF) or mechano-chemical treated CF (M-CF). Composites have enhanced thermal conductivities compared to palmitic acid (PA), with the enhancement ratios increasing with the mass fraction of additives. M-CF/PA enhances more thermal conductivity than CF/PA does when they contain the same additives and are at the same temperature. Thermal conductivity enhancement of 0.5 wt. % M-CF/PA is 239.2% in liquid state, compared with PA.

Halogen Oxygen Interactions and Disorder Modes in Pressure Frozen Complexes of 1,2-Dihaloperfluoroethanes with 1,4-Dioxane (Preprint)

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-05-17

iodoperfluoroethanes in 1:1 mixtures with 1,4-dioxane were pressure frozen in a diamond-anvil cell. Structures of cocrystal of 1,2...GPa/296 K. The cocrystal of ICF2CF2I:C4H8O2 and the 1,4-dioxane crystals are isostructural with their phases frozen by cooling; the...BrCF2CF2I:C4H8O2 cocrystal has not been reported earlier. In the structure of ICF2CF2I:C4H8O2 the –CF2-CF2-moiety is disordered about the I˙˙˙I molecular axis and