Sample records for compatibility effect nce

  1. The Role of Representation Strength of the Prime in Subliminal Visuomotor Priming.

    PubMed

    Wang, Yongchun; Wang, Yonghui; Liu, Peng; Di, Meilin; Gong, Yanyan; Tan, Mengge

    2017-11-01

    This study investigated the role of representation strength of the prime in subliminal visuomotor priming in two experiments. Prime/target compatibility (compatible and incompatible) and preposed object type (jumbled lines, strong masking; and rectangular outlines, weak masking) were manipulated in Experiment 1. A significant negative compatibility effect (NCE) was observed in the rectangle condition, whereas no compatibility effect was found in the line condition. However, when a new variable, prime duration, was introduced in Experiment 2, the NCE was reversed with an increase in the prime duration in the rectangle condition, whereas the NCE was maintained in the line condition. This result is consistent with the claim that increasing the prime duration causes the prime representation to be too strong for inhibition in the rectangle condition but strong enough to reliably trigger inhibition in the line condition. The findings demonstrated that prime representation has a causal role in subliminal visuomotor priming.

  2. The negative compatibility effect with relevant masks: a case for automatic motor inhibition

    PubMed Central

    Ocampo, Brenda; Finkbeiner, Matthew

    2013-01-01

    For many years controversy has surrounded the so-called “negative compatibility effect” (NCE), a surprising phenomenon whereby responses to a target stimulus are delayed when the target is preceded by an unconscious, response-compatible prime. According to proponents of the “self-inhibition” hypothesis, the NCE occurs when a low-level self-inhibitory mechanism supresses early motor activations that are no longer supported by perceptual evidence. This account has been debated, however, by those who regard the NCE to be a stimulus-specific phenomenon that can be explained without recourse to a self-inhibitory mechanism. The present study used a novel reach-to-touch paradigm to test whether unconscious response priming would manifest as motor activation of the opposite-to-prime response (supporting mask-induced priming accounts), or motor inhibition of the primed response (supporting the notion of low-level self-inhibition). This paper presents new findings that show the emergence of positive and negative compatibility effects as they occur in stimulus processing time. In addition, evidence is provided suggesting that the NCE is not driven by the activation of the incorrect, “opposite-to-prime” response, but rather might reflect automatic motor inhibition. PMID:24265623

  3. Interrupted object-based updating of reach program leads to a negative compatibility effect.

    PubMed

    Vainio, Lari

    2009-07-01

    The author investigated how the motor program elicited by an object's orientation is updated by object-based information while a participant reaches for the object. Participants selected the hand of response according to the thickness of the graspable object and then reached toward the location in which the object appeared. Reach initiation times decreased when the handle of the object was oriented toward the responding hand. This positive compatibility effect turned into a negative compatibility effect (NCE) during reach execution when the object was removed from the display 300 ms after object onset or replaced with a mask at movement onset. The results demonstrate that interrupted object-based updating of an ongoing reach movement triggers the NCE.

  4. A subliminal inhibitory mechanism for the negative compatibility effect: a continuous versus threshold mechanism.

    PubMed

    Liu, Peng; Chen, Xuhai; Dai, Dongyang; Wang, Yongchun; Wang, Yonghui

    2014-07-01

    The current study investigated the mechanism underlying subliminal inhibition using the negative compatibility effect (NCE) paradigm. We hypothesized that a decrease in prime activation affects the subsequent inhibitory process, delaying onset of inhibition and reducing its strength. Two experiments tested this hypothesis using arrow stimuli as primes and targets. Two different irrelevant masks (i.e., a mask sharing no prime features) were presented in succession in each trial to not only ensure that primes were processed subliminally, but also avoid feature updating between primes and masks. Prime/target compatibility and prime background density were manipulated in Experiment 1. Results showed that under subliminal inhibitory condition, the NCE disappears when the density increases (i.e., pixel density in the prime's background of 25 %) in Experiment 1. However, when we fixed the prime's background at the density of 25 % and manipulated prime/target compatibility as well as inter-stimuli-interval (ISI) between mask and target in Experiment 2, behavioral results showed marginally significant NCEs in the 150-ms ISI condition. Electrophysiological evidence showed the lateralized readiness potential for compatible trials was significantly more positive than that for incompatible trials during the two consecutive time windows (i.e., 400-450 and 450-500 ms) in the 150-ms ISI condition. In addition, the NCE size was significant smaller in Experiment 2 than in Experiment 1. All of the results support predictions of the continuous subliminal inhibitory mechanism hypothesis which posits that decreases in prime activation strength lead to delay in inhibitory onset and decline in inhibitory strength.

  5. The Relationship between Reversed Masked Priming and the Tri-Phasic Pattern of the Lateralised Readiness Potential

    PubMed Central

    Seiss, Ellen; Klippel, Marie; Hope, Christopher; Boy, Frederic; Sumner, Petroc

    2014-01-01

    One of the potential explanations for negative compatibility effects (NCE) in subliminal motor priming tasks has been perceptual prime-target interactions. Here, we investigate whether the characteristic tri-phasic LRP pattern associated with the NCE is caused by these prime-target interactions. We found that both the prime-related phase and the critical reversal phase remain present even on trials where the target is omitted, confirming they are elicited by the prime and mask, not by prime-target interactions. We also report that shape and size of the reversal phase are associated with response speed, consistent with a causal role for the reversal for the subsequent response latency. Additionally, we analysed sequential modulation of the NCE by previous conflicting events, even though such conflict is subliminal. In accordance with previous literature, this modulation is small but significant. PMID:24728088

  6. Study on Biopharmaceutics Classification and Oral Bioavailability of a Novel Multikinase Inhibitor NCE for Cancer Therapy

    PubMed Central

    Yang, Yang; Fan, Chun-Mei; He, Xuan; Ren, Ke; Zhang, Jin-Kun; He, Ying-Ju; Yu, Luo-Ting; Zhao, Ying-Lan; Gong, Chang-Yang; Zheng, Yu; Song, Xiang-Rong; Zeng, Jun

    2014-01-01

    Specific biopharmaceutics classification investigation and study on phamacokinetic profile of a novel drug candidate (2-methylcarbamoyl-4-{4-[3- (trifluoromethyl) benzamido] phenoxy} pyridinium 4-methylbenzenesulfonate monohydrate, NCE) were carried out. Equilibrium solubility and intrinsic dissolution rate (IDR) of NCE were estimated in different phosphate buffers. Effective intestinal permeability (Peff) of NCE was determined using single-pass intestinal perfusion technique in rat duodenum, jejunum and ileum at three concentrations. Theophylline (high permeability) and ranitidine (low permeability) were also applied to access the permeability of NCE as reference compounds. The bioavailability after intragastrical and intravenous administration was measured in beagle dogs. The solubility of NCE in tested phosphate buffers was quite low with the maximum solubility of 81.73 μg/mL at pH 1.0. The intrinsic dissolution ratio of NCE was 1 × 10−4 mg·min−1·cm−2. The Peff value of NCE in all intestinal segments was more proximate to the high-permeability reference theophylline. Therefore, NCE was classified as class II drug according to Biopharmaceutics Classification System due to its low solubility and high intestinal permeability. In addition, concentration-dependent permeability was not observed in all the segments, indicating that there might be passive transportation for NCE. The absolute oral bioavailability of NCE in beagle dogs was 26.75%. Therefore, dissolution promotion will be crucial for oral formulation development and intravenous administration route will also be suggested for further NCE formulation development. All the data would provide a reference for biopharmaceutics classification research of other novel drug candidates. PMID:24776763

  7. Study on biopharmaceutics classification and oral bioavailability of a novel multikinase inhibitor NCE for cancer therapy.

    PubMed

    Yang, Yang; Fan, Chun-Mei; He, Xuan; Ren, Ke; Zhang, Jin-Kun; He, Ying-Ju; Yu, Luo-Ting; Zhao, Ying-Lan; Gong, Chang-Yang; Zheng, Yu; Song, Xiang-Rong; Zeng, Jun

    2014-04-25

    Specific biopharmaceutics classification investigation and study on phamacokinetic profile of a novel drug candidate (2-methylcarbamoyl-4-{4-[3- (trifluoromethyl) benzamido] phenoxy} pyridinium 4-methylbenzenesulfonate monohydrate, NCE) were carried out. Equilibrium solubility and intrinsic dissolution rate (IDR) of NCE were estimated in different phosphate buffers. Effective intestinal permeability (P(eff)) of NCE was determined using single-pass intestinal perfusion technique in rat duodenum, jejunum and ileum at three concentrations. Theophylline (high permeability) and ranitidine (low permeability) were also applied to access the permeability of NCE as reference compounds. The bioavailability after intragastrical and intravenous administration was measured in beagle dogs. The solubility of NCE in tested phosphate buffers was quite low with the maximum solubility of 81.73 μg/mL at pH 1.0. The intrinsic dissolution ratio of NCE was 1 × 10⁻⁴ mg·min⁻¹·cm⁻². The P(eff) value of NCE in all intestinal segments was more proximate to the high-permeability reference theophylline. Therefore, NCE was classified as class II drug according to Biopharmaceutics Classification System due to its low solubility and high intestinal permeability. In addition, concentration-dependent permeability was not observed in all the segments, indicating that there might be passive transportation for NCE. The absolute oral bioavailability of NCE in beagle dogs was 26.75%. Therefore, dissolution promotion will be crucial for oral formulation development and intravenous administration route will also be suggested for further NCE formulation development. All the data would provide a reference for biopharmaceutics classification research of other novel drug candidates.

  8. Revisiting the classics: considering nonconsumptive effects in textbook examples of predator-prey interactions.

    PubMed

    Peckarsky, Barbara L; Abrams, Peter A; Bolnick, Daniel I; Dill, Lawrence M; Grabowski, Jonathan H; Luttbeg, Barney; Orrock, John L; Peacor, Scott D; Preisser, Evan L; Schmitz, Oswald J; Trussell, Geoffrey C

    2008-09-01

    Predator effects on prey dynamics are conventionally studied by measuring changes in prey abundance attributed to consumption by predators. We revisit four classic examples of predator-prey systems often cited in textbooks and incorporate subsequent studies of nonconsumptive effects of predators (NCE), defined as changes in prey traits (e.g., behavior, growth, development) measured on an ecological time scale. Our review revealed that NCE were integral to explaining lynx-hare population dynamics in boreal forests, cascading effects of top predators in Wisconsin lakes, and cascading effects of killer whales and sea otters on kelp forests in nearshore marine habitats. The relative roles of consumption and NCE of wolves on moose and consequent indirect effects on plant communities of Isle Royale depended on climate oscillations. Nonconsumptive effects have not been explicitly tested to explain the link between planktonic alewives and the size structure of the zooplankton, nor have they been invoked to attribute keystone predator status in intertidal communities or elsewhere. We argue that both consumption and intimidation contribute to the total effects of keystone predators, and that characteristics of keystone consumers may differ from those of predators having predominantly NCE. Nonconsumptive effects are often considered as an afterthought to explain observations inconsistent with consumption-based theory. Consequently, NCE with the same sign as consumptive effects may be overlooked, even though they can affect the magnitude, rate, or scale of a prey response to predation and can have important management or conservation implications. Nonconsumptive effects may underlie other classic paradigms in ecology, such as delayed density dependence and predator-mediated prey coexistence. Revisiting classic studies enriches our understanding of predator-prey dynamics and provides compelling rationale for ramping up efforts to consider how NCE affect traditional predator-prey models based on consumption, and to compare the relative magnitude of consumptive and NCE of predators.

  9. Development of inhibitory control among prenatally cocaine exposed and non-cocaine exposed youths from late childhood to early adolescence: The effects of gender and risk and subsequent aggressive behavior.

    PubMed

    Bridgett, David J; Mayes, Linda C

    2011-01-01

    The goal of the present investigation was to characterize the development of inhibitory control, an aspect of executive functions, in a sample of prenatally cocaine exposed (CE; n=165) children compared to an at risk, but prenatally cocaine unexposed (NCE; n=119) sample across time (i.e. 7.5 to 11.5 years of age). Gender and cumulative risk, a combination of postnatal medical (i.e. low birth weight and APGAR scores) and demographic risk, indexed by maternal educational attainment, were examined as predictors of change in inhibitory control across time and aggression was modeled as an outcome when children reached 14 years of age. Multiple group latent growth models indicated that CE children made more errors at 7.5 years of age during a standard Stroop interference task, however, over time CE children had greater age-related improvements, narrowing the initial gap, with NCE children in the ability to inhibit errors. Gender effects at 7.5 years within the NCE group were identified with NCE boys making initially more errors than NCE girls; both NCE and CE girls improved faster across development compared to NCE and CE boys, respectively. Greater cumulative risk was associated with more errors at 7.5 years in the CE and NCE groups. No differences were observed between CE and NCE children on time to complete the Stroop task at 7.5 years. However, NCE children had greater age-related improvements in their time to complete the Stroop interference task relative to their CE counterparts. NCE girls improved the fastest over time relative to NCE boys; a similar trend emerged (p<0.10) with CE girls improving faster over time than CE boys. Although all participants improved across development, higher cumulative risk in both groups was associated with slower age-related improvements (i.e. higher slopes) in the time to complete the Stroop task across development. After accounting for gender and cumulative risk, findings in both groups indicated that those who made more errors at 7.5 years of age and/or who had slower age-related changes (i.e. higher slopes) of time to complete the Stroop task across development were more aggressive as rated by caregivers at 14 years of age. Although qualified by gender and cumulative risk, these findings are consistent with reduced cognitive processing efficiency and executive function difficulties in CE children relative to NCE children. Findings suggest that executive function difficulties in CE children may be subtle as development continues to unfold over time. Furthermore, these findings indicate that development of inhibitory control may be an important mechanism linking prenatal cocaine exposure, gender, and cumulative risk to later adverse outcomes. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  10. Natural control of bacteria affecting meat quality by a neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) cake extract.

    PubMed

    Del Serrone, P; Failla, S; Nicoletti, M

    2015-01-01

    The antibacterial activity of an ethylacetate neem cake extract (NCE) against bacteria that affect meat quality, namely Campylobacter jejuni, Carnobacterium spp., Lactobacillus curvatus, Lactobacillus sakei and Leuconostoc sp., is reported. The antibacterial activity was detected using standardised disc diffusion and macrodilution methods. The bacterial growth inhibition zone ranged from 11.33 ± 0.58 to 22.67 ± 0.58 mm (100 μL NCE). There is significant difference between the growth inhibition zone of NCE and the control (ciprofloxacin 100 μg). The percent of bacterial growth reduction range was 79.75 ± 1.53 to 90.73 ± 1.53 (100 μg NCE) as compared with control (without NCE). NCE in different amounts counteracted the growth of all tested bacteria.

  11. Neutrino-nucleus neutral current elastic interactions measurement in MiniBooNE

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

    Perevalov, Denis

    2009-12-01

    The MiniBooNE experiment at the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (Fermilab) was designed to search for v μ → v e neutrino oscillations at Δm 2 ~ 1 eV 2 using an intense neutrino flux with an average energy E v ~ 700 MeV. From 2002 to 2009 MiniBooNE has accumulated more than 1.0 x 10 21 protons on target (POT) in both neutrino and antineutrino modes. MiniBooNE provides a perfect platform for detailed measurements of exclusive and semiinclusive neutrino cross-sections, for which MiniBooNE has the largest samples of events up to date, such as neutral current elastic (NCE), neutral currentmore » π 0, charged current quasi-elastic (CCQE), charged current π +, and other channels. These measured cross-sections, in turn, allow to improve the knowledge of nucleon structure. This thesis is devoted to the study of NCE interactions. Neutrino-nucleus neutral current elastic scattering (vN → vN) accounts for about 18% of all neutrino interactions in MiniBooNE. Using a high-statistics, high purity sample of NCE interactions in MiniBooNE, the flux-averaged NCE differential cross-section has been measured and is being reported here. Further study of the NCE cross-section allowed for probing the structure of nuclei. The main interest in the NCE cross-section is that it may be sensitive to the strange quark contribution to the nucleon spin, Δs, this however requires a separation of NCE proton (vp → vp) from NCE neutron (vn → vn) events, which in general is a challenging task. MiniBooNE uses a Cherenkov detector, which imposes restrictions on the measured nucleon kinematic variables, mainly due to the impossibility to reconstruct the nucleon direction below the Cherenkov threshold. However, at kinetic energies above this threshold MiniBooNE is able to identify NCE proton events that do not experience final state interactions (FSI). These events were used for the Δs measurement. In this thesis MiniBooNE reports the NCE (n+p) cross-section, the measurement of the axial mass, M A, and the Δs parameter from the NCE data.« less

  12. Neutrino-nucleus neutral current elastic interactions measurement in MiniBooNE

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Perevalov, Denis

    The MiniBooNE experiment at the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (Fermilab) was designed to search for numu → nu e neutrino oscillations at Deltam 2 ˜ 1 eV2 using an intense neutrino flux with an average energy Enu ˜ 700 MeV. From 2002 to 2009 MiniBooNE has accumulated more than 1.0x1021 protons on target (POT) in both neutrino and antineutrino modes. MiniBooNE provides a perfect platform for detailed measurements of exclusive and semi-inclusive neutrino cross-sections, for which MiniBooNE has the largest samples of events up to date, such as neutral current elastic (NCE), neutral current pi 0, charged current quasi-elastic (CCQE), charged current pi +, and other channels. These measured cross-sections, in turn, allow to improve the knowledge of nucleon structure. This thesis is devoted to the study of NCE interactions. Neutrino-nucleus neutral current elastic scattering (nuN → nu N) accounts for about 18% of all neutrino interactions in MiniBooNE. Using a high-statistics, high purity sample of NCE interactions in MiniBooNE, the flux-averaged NCE differential cross-section has been measured and is being reported here. Further study of the NCE cross-section allowed for probing the structure of nuclei. The main interest in the NCE cross-section is that it may be sensitive to the strange quark contribution to the nucleon spin, Deltas, this however requires a separation of NCE proton (nup → nu p) from NCE neutron (nun → nun ) events, which in general is a challenging task. MiniBooNE uses a Cherenkov detector, which imposes restrictions on the measured nucleon kinematic variables, mainly due to the impossibility to reconstruct the nucleon direction below the Cherenkov threshold. However, at kinetic energies above this threshold MiniBooNE is able to identify NCE proton events that do not experience final state interactions (FSI). These events were used for the Deltas measurement. In this thesis MiniBooNE reports the NCE (n+p) cross-section, the measurement of the axial mass, MA, and the Delta s parameter from the NCE data.

  13. 47 CFR 73.515 - NCE FM transmitter location.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... 47 Telecommunication 4 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false NCE FM transmitter location. 73.515 Section 73.515 Telecommunication FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (CONTINUED) BROADCAST RADIO SERVICES RADIO BROADCAST SERVICES Noncommercial Educational FM Broadcast Stations § 73.515 NCE FM transmitter location. The...

  14. 47 CFR 73.515 - NCE FM transmitter location.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... 47 Telecommunication 4 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false NCE FM transmitter location. 73.515 Section 73.515 Telecommunication FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (CONTINUED) BROADCAST RADIO SERVICES RADIO BROADCAST SERVICES Noncommercial Educational FM Broadcast Stations § 73.515 NCE FM transmitter location. The...

  15. 47 CFR 73.599 - NCE-FM engineering charts.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... 47 Telecommunication 4 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false NCE-FM engineering charts. 73.599 Section 73.599 Telecommunication FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (CONTINUED) BROADCAST RADIO SERVICES RADIO BROADCAST SERVICES Noncommercial Educational FM Broadcast Stations § 73.599 NCE-FM engineering charts. This...

  16. 47 CFR 73.599 - NCE-FM engineering charts.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... 47 Telecommunication 4 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false NCE-FM engineering charts. 73.599 Section 73.599 Telecommunication FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (CONTINUED) BROADCAST RADIO SERVICES RADIO BROADCAST SERVICES Noncommercial Educational FM Broadcast Stations § 73.599 NCE-FM engineering charts. This...

  17. 47 CFR 73.599 - NCE-FM engineering charts.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ... 47 Telecommunication 4 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false NCE-FM engineering charts. 73.599 Section 73.599 Telecommunication FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (CONTINUED) BROADCAST RADIO SERVICES RADIO BROADCAST SERVICES Noncommercial Educational FM Broadcast Stations § 73.599 NCE-FM engineering charts. This...

  18. 47 CFR 73.599 - NCE-FM engineering charts.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... 47 Telecommunication 4 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false NCE-FM engineering charts. 73.599 Section 73.599 Telecommunication FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (CONTINUED) BROADCAST RADIO SERVICES RADIO BROADCAST SERVICES Noncommercial Educational FM Broadcast Stations § 73.599 NCE-FM engineering charts. This...

  19. 47 CFR 73.599 - NCE-FM engineering charts.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ... 47 Telecommunication 4 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false NCE-FM engineering charts. 73.599 Section 73.599 Telecommunication FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (CONTINUED) BROADCAST RADIO SERVICES RADIO BROADCAST SERVICES Noncommercial Educational FM Broadcast Stations § 73.599 NCE-FM engineering charts. This...

  20. Antimicrobial Activity of a Neem Cake Extract in a Broth Model Meat System

    PubMed Central

    Del Serrone, Paola; Nicoletti, Marcello

    2013-01-01

    This work reports on the antimicrobial activity of an ethyl acetate extract of neem (Azadirachta indica) cake (NCE) against bacteria affecting the quality of retail fresh meat in a broth model meat system. NCE (100 µg) was also tested by the agar disc diffusion method. It inhibited the growth of all tested microorganisms. The NCE growth inhibition zone (IZ) ranged 11.33–22.67 mm while the ciprofloxacin (10 µg) IZ ranged from 23.41–32.67 mm. There was no significant difference (p ≤ 0.05) between the antimicrobial activity of NCE and ciprofloxacin vs. C. jejuni and Leuconostoc spp. The NCE antibacterial activity was moreover determined at lower concentrations (1:10–1:100,000) in micro-assays. The percent growth reduction ranged from 61 ± 2.08–92 ± 3.21. The higher bacterial growth reduction was obtained at 10 µg concentration of NCE. Species-specific PCR and multiplex PCR with the DNA dye propidium monoazide were used to directly detect viable bacterial cells from experimentally contaminated meat samples. The numbers of bacterial cells never significantly (p ≤ 0.05) exceeded the inocula concentration used to experimentally contaminate the NCE treated meat. This report represents a screening methodology to evaluate the antimicrobial capability of a herbal extract to preserve meat. PMID:23917814

  1. Aerodynamic Analysis of Variable Geometry Raked Wingtips for Mid-Range Transonic Transport Aircraft

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jingeleski, David J.

    Previous applications have shown that a wingtip treatment on a commercial airliner will reduce drag and increase fuel efficiency and the most common types of treatment are blended winglets and raked wingtips. With Boeing currently investigating novel designs for its next generation of airliners, a variable geometry raked wingtip novel control effector (VGRWT/NCE) was studied to determine the aerodynamic performance benefits over an untreated wingtip. The Boeing SUGAR design employing a truss-braced wing was selected as the baseline. Vortex lattice method (VLM) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software was implemented to analyze the aerodynamic performance of such a configuration applied to a next-generation, transonic, mid-range transport aircraft. Several models were created to simulate various sweep positions for the VGRWT/NCE tip, as well as a baseline model with an untreated wingtip. The majority of investigation was conducted using the VLM software, with CFD used largely as a validation of the VLM analysis. The VGRWT/NCE tip was shown to increase the lift of the wing while also decreasing the drag. As expected, the unswept VGRWT/NCE tip increases the amount of lift available over the untreated wingtip, which will be very beneficial for take-off and landing. Similarly, the swept VGRWT/NCE tip reduced the drag of the wing during cruise compared to the unmodified tip, which will favorably impact the fuel efficiency of the aircraft. Also, the swept VGRWT/NCE tip showed an increase in moment compared to the unmodified wingtip, implying an increase in stability, as well providing an avenue for roll control and gust alleviation for flexible wings. CFD analysis validated VLM as a useful low fidelity tool that yielded quite accurate results. The main results of this study are tabulated "deltas" in the forces and moments on the VGRWT/NCE tip as a function of sweep angle and aileron deflection compared to the baseline wing. A side study of the effects of the joint between the main wing and the movable tip showed that the drag impact can be kept small by careful design.

  2. Teachers' Factors as Determinants of the Professional Competence of the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) Teachers

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Adetayo, Janet Oyebola

    2016-01-01

    The National Teachers' Institute (NTI) has been involved in training teachers for the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) for over three decades through Distance Learning Programme. The quality of these teachers has been queried particularly when compared with those who run full-time NCE Programme. This study, therefore, determined the…

  3. A hidden Markov model to assess drug-induced sleep fragmentation in the telemetered rat.

    PubMed

    Diack, C; Ackaert, O; Ploeger, B A; van der Graaf, P H; Gurrell, R; Ivarsson, M; Fairman, D

    2011-12-01

    Drug-induced sleep fragmentation can cause sleep disturbances either via their intended pharmacological action or as a side effect. Examples of disturbances include excessive daytime sleepiness, insomnia and nightmares. Developing drugs without these side effects requires insight into the mechanisms leading to sleep disturbance. The characterization of the circadian sleep pattern by EEG following drug exposure has improved our understanding of these mechanisms and their translatability across species. The EEG shows frequent transitions between specific sleep states leading to multiple correlated sojourns in these states. We have developed a Markov model to consider the high correlation in the data and quantitatively compared sleep disturbance in telemetered rats induced by methylphenidate, which is known to disturb sleep, and of a new chemical entity (NCE). It was assumed that these drugs could either accelerate or decelerate the transitions between the sleep states. The difference in sleep disturbance of methylphenidate and the NCE were quantitated and different mechanisms of action on rebound sleep were identified. The estimated effect showed that both compounds induce sleep fragmentation with methylphenidate being fivefold more potent compared to the NCE.

  4. Effects of Arbutin on Radiation-Induced Micronuclei in Mice Bone Marrow Cells and Its Definite Dose Reduction Factor

    PubMed Central

    Nadi, Saba; Monfared, Ali Shabestani; Mozdarani, Hossein; Mahmodzade, Aziz; Pouramir, Mahdi

    2016-01-01

    Background: Interactions of free radicals from ionizing radiation with DNA can induce DNA damage and lead to mutagenesis and carsinogenesis. With respect to radiation damage to human, it is important to protect humans from side effects induced by ionizing radiation. In the present study, the effects of arbutin were investigated by using the micronucleus test for anti-clastogenic activity, to calculate the ratio of polychromatic erythrocyte to polychromatic erythrocyte plus normochromatic erythrocyte (PCE/PCE+NCE) in order to show cell proliferation activity. Methods: Arbutin (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) was intraperitoneally (ip)administered to NMRI mice two hours before gamma radiation at 2 and 4 gray (Gy). The frequency of micronuclei in 1000 PCEs (MnPCEs) and the ratio of PCE/PCE+NCE were calculated for each sample. Data were statistically evaluated using one-way ANOVA, Tukey HSD test, and t-test. Results: The findings indicated that gamma radiation at 2 and 4 Gy extremely increased the frequencies of MnPCE (P<0.001) while reducing PCE/PCE+NCE (P<0.001) compared to the control group. All three doses of arbutin before irradiation significantly reduced the frequencies of MnPCEs and increased the ratio of PCE/PCE+NCE in mice bone marrow compared to the non-drug-treated irradiated control (P<0.001). All three doses of arbutin had no toxicity effect on bone marrow cells. The calculated dose reduction factor (DRF) showed DRF=1.93 for 2Gy and DRF=2.22 for 4 Gy. Conclusion: Our results demonstrated that arbutin gives significant protection to rat bone against the clastogenic and cytotoxic effects of gamma irradiation. PMID:27217601

  5. Is there a role for antioxidants in prevention of pulmonary hypoplasia in nitrofen-induced rat model of congenital diaphragmatic hernia?

    PubMed

    Cigdem, Murat Kemal; Kizil, Goksel; Onen, Abdurrahman; Kizil, Murat; Nergiz, Yusuf; Celik, Yusuf

    2010-04-01

    Many studies suggest a role for antioxidants in the prevention of lung hypoplasia in nitrofen-induced rat models with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). This study investigates the oxidative status and the histological outcome of prenatal administration of vitamins E and C with synergistic effect, and effect of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) to improve lung maturation of nitrofen-induced rats. CDH was induced by maternal administration of a single oral dose of nitrofen on day 9.5 of gestation, and the Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into five groups: nitrofen (N), nitrofen + vitamin C (NC), nitrofen + vitamin E (NE), nitrofen + vitamin C + vitamin E (NCE) and nitrofen + NAC (NNAC). A control group in which only vehicle was administered was included. Cesarean section was performed on day 21. Body weight (BW) and total lung weight (LW) of all fetuses with CDH were recorded; lung histological evaluation was performed, and protein content of lungs, determination of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, and the protein carbonyls in tissue samples were determined. A total of 133 rat fetuses with CDH were investigated. The body weight and the lung weight of fetuses of all groups that were exposed to nitrofen were significantly decreased than of the control group (P < 0.05). The animals exposed to nitrofen with different antioxidants showed increased protein levels in lung tissue. However, in the NCE and the NNAC groups, protein levels were significantly increased than in the others. Malondialdehyde levels significantly decreased in the NCE and the NNAC groups when compared with the NC and the NE groups. In addition, the NCE and NNAC groups decreased protein oxidation to control levels, and no significant difference was observed between control and these two antioxidants groups. The N, NC, NE and NNAC groups showed minimal improvement in lung histology; the NCE groups showed the most improvement in lung histology when compared with the other nitrofen plus antioxidant groups. Prenatal administration of NAC and vitamin E in combination with vitamin C represented the best effects to avoid oxidative damage and protein content of the lungs in rat pups with CDH at birth.

  6. Detection of infragenual arterial disease using noncontrast-enhanced MR angiography in patients with diabetes

    PubMed Central

    Liu, Xin; Zhang, Na; Fan, Zhaoyang; Feng, Fei; Yang, Qi; Zheng, Hairong; Liu, Pengcheng; Li, Debiao

    2013-01-01

    Purpose To evaluate the diagnostic performance of a newly developed noncontrast-enhanced MR angiography (NCE-MRA) technique using flow-sensitive dephasing (FSD) prepared steady-state free precession (SSFP) for detecting calf arterial disease in patients with diabetes. Materials and Methods Forty-five patients with diabetes who underwent routine CE-MRA of lower extremities were recruited for NCE-MRA at the calf on a 1.5T MR system. Image quality evaluated on a four-point scale and diagnostic performance for detecting more than 50% arterial stenosis were statistically analyzed, using CE-MRA as the standard of reference. Results A total of 264 calf arterial segments were obtained in the 45 patients with 88 legs. The percentage of diagnostic arterial segments was all 98% for NCE- and CE-MRA. The image quality, SNR, CNR was 3.3, 177, 138 and 3.5, 103, 99 for NCE-MRA and CE-MRA respectively. The average sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of NCE-MRA were 97%, 96%, 90%, 99%, and 96%, respectively on a per-segment basis and 90%, 84%, 82%, 91%, and 87%, respectively on a per-patients basis. Conclusion The NCE-MRA technique demonstrates adequate image quality in the delineation of calf arteries and consistent diagnostic performance for detecting significant stenosis with CE-MRA in patients with diabetes. PMID:24925770

  7. Predicting the effects of nanoscale cerium additives in diesel fuel on regional-scale air quality.

    PubMed

    Erdakos, Garnet B; Bhave, Prakash V; Pouliot, George A; Simon, Heather; Mathur, Rohit

    2014-11-04

    Diesel vehicles are a major source of air pollutant emissions. Fuel additives containing nanoparticulate cerium (nCe) are currently being used in some diesel vehicles to improve fuel efficiency. These fuel additives also reduce fine particulate matter (PM2.5) emissions and alter the emissions of carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and hydrocarbon (HC) species, including several hazardous air pollutants (HAPs). To predict their net effect on regional air quality, we review the emissions literature and develop a multipollutant inventory for a hypothetical scenario in which nCe additives are used in all on-road and nonroad diesel vehicles. We apply the Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) model to a domain covering the eastern U.S. for a summer and a winter period. Model calculations suggest modest decreases of average PM2.5 concentrations and relatively larger decreases in particulate elemental carbon. The nCe additives also have an effect on 8 h maximum ozone in summer. Variable effects on HAPs are predicted. The total U.S. emissions of fine-particulate cerium are estimated to increase 25-fold and result in elevated levels of airborne cerium (up to 22 ng/m3), which might adversely impact human health and the environment.

  8. The MARVEL domain protein Nce102 regulates actin organization and invasive growth of Candida albicans.

    PubMed

    Douglas, Lois M; Wang, Hong X; Konopka, James B

    2013-11-26

    Invasive growth of the fungal pathogen Candida albicans into tissues promotes disseminated infections in humans. The plasma membrane is essential for pathogenesis because this important barrier mediates morphogenesis and invasive growth, as well as secretion of virulence factors, cell wall synthesis, nutrient import, and other processes. Previous studies showed that the Sur7 tetraspan protein that localizes to MCC (membrane compartment occupied by Can1)/eisosome subdomains of the plasma membrane regulates a broad range of key functions, including cell wall synthesis, morphogenesis, and resistance to copper. Therefore, a distinct tetraspan protein found in MCC/eisosomes, Nce102, was investigated. Nce102 belongs to the MARVEL domain protein family, which is implicated in regulating membrane structure and function. Deletion of NCE102 did not cause the broad defects seen in sur7Δ cells. Instead, the nce102Δ mutant displayed a unique phenotype in that it was defective in forming hyphae and invading low concentrations of agar but could invade well in higher agar concentrations. This phenotype was likely due to a defect in actin organization that was observed by phalloidin staining. In support of this, the invasive growth defect of a bni1Δ mutant that mislocalizes actin due to lack of the Bni1 formin was also reversed at high agar concentrations. This suggests that a denser matrix provides a signal that compensates for the actin defects. The nce102Δ mutant displayed decreased virulence and formed abnormal hyphae in mice. These studies identify novel ways that Nce102 and the physical environment surrounding C. albicans regulate morphogenesis and pathogenesis. The plasma membrane promotes virulence of the human fungal pathogen Candida albicans by acting as a protective barrier around the cell and mediating dynamic activities, such as morphogenesis, cell wall synthesis, secretion of virulence factors, and nutrient uptake. To better understand how the plasma membrane contributes to virulence, we analyzed a set of eight genes encoding MARVEL family proteins that are predicted to function in membrane organization. Interestingly, deletion of one gene, NCE102, caused a strong defect in formation of invasive hyphal growth in vitro and decreased virulence in mice. The nce102Δ mutant cells showed defects in actin organization that underlie the morphogenesis defect, since mutation of a known regulator of actin organization caused a similar defect. These studies identify a novel way in which the plasma membrane regulates the actin cytoskeleton and contributes to pathogenesis.

  9. HeNCE: A Heterogeneous Network Computing Environment

    DOE PAGES

    Beguelin, Adam; Dongarra, Jack J.; Geist, George Al; ...

    1994-01-01

    Network computing seeks to utilize the aggregate resources of many networked computers to solve a single problem. In so doing it is often possible to obtain supercomputer performance from an inexpensive local area network. The drawback is that network computing is complicated and error prone when done by hand, especially if the computers have different operating systems and data formats and are thus heterogeneous. The heterogeneous network computing environment (HeNCE) is an integrated graphical environment for creating and running parallel programs over a heterogeneous collection of computers. It is built on a lower level package called parallel virtual machine (PVM).more » The HeNCE philosophy of parallel programming is to have the programmer graphically specify the parallelism of a computation and to automate, as much as possible, the tasks of writing, compiling, executing, debugging, and tracing the network computation. Key to HeNCE is a graphical language based on directed graphs that describe the parallelism and data dependencies of an application. Nodes in the graphs represent conventional Fortran or C subroutines and the arcs represent data and control flow. This article describes the present state of HeNCE, its capabilities, limitations, and areas of future research.« less

  10. Study on the noncoincidence effect phenomenon using matrix isolated Raman spectra and the proposed structural organization model of acetone in condense phase

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Xu, Wenwen; Wu, Fengqi; Zhao, Yanying; Zhou, Ran; Wang, Huigang; Zheng, Xuming; Ni, Bukuo

    2017-03-01

    The isotropic and anisotropic Raman spectra of acetone and deuterated acetone isolated in an argon matrix have been recorded for the understanding of noncoincidence effect (NCE) phenomenon. According to the matrix isolated Raman spectra and DFT calculations, we proposed aggregated model for the explanations of the acetone C=O vibration NCE phenomenon and its concentration effect. The experimental data were in consistence with the DFT calculations performed at the B3LYP-D3/6-311 G (d,p) levels based on the proposed model. The experimental identification of the monomer, dimer and trimer are reported here, and the dynamic of the transformation from monomer to aggregated structure can be easily controlled by tuning annealing temperature.

  11. Dragon's blood Croton palanostigma induces genotoxic effects in mice.

    PubMed

    Maistro, Edson Luis; Ganthous, Giulia; Machado, Marina da Silva; Zermiani, Tailyn; Andrade, Sérgio Faloni de; Rosa, Paulo Cesar Pires; Perazzo, Fabio Ferreira

    2013-05-20

    Dragon's blood is a dark-red sap produced by species from the genus Croton (Euphorbiaceae), which has been used as a famous traditional medicine since ancient times in many countries, with scarce data about its safe use in humans. In this research, we studied genotoxicity and clastogenicity of Croton palanostigma sap using the comet assay and micronucleus test in cells of mice submitted to acute treatment. HPLC analysis was performed to identify the main components of the sap. The sap was administered by oral gavage at doses of 300 mg/kg, 1,000 mg/kg and 2,000 mg/kg. For the analysis, the comet assay was performed on the leukocytes and liver cells collected 24h after treatment, and the micronucleus test (MN) on bone marrow cells. Cytotoxicity was assessed by scoring 200 consecutive polychromatic (PCE) and normochromatic (NCE) erythrocytes (PCE/NCE ratio). The alkaloid taspine was the main compound indentified in the crude sap of Croton palanostigma. The results of the genotoxicity assessment show that all sap doses tested produced genotoxic effects in leukocytes and liver cells and also produced clastogenic/aneugenic effects in bone marrow cells of mice at the two higher doses tested. The PCE/NCE ratio indicated no cytotoxicity. The data obtained suggest caution in the use of Croton palanostigma sap by humans considering its risk of carcinogenesis. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  12. coNCePTual

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

    Pakin, Scott

    2004-05-13

    A frequently reinvented wheel among network researchers is a suite of programs that test a network’s performance. A problem with having umpteen versions of performance tests is that it leads to a variety in the way results are reported; colloquially, apples are often compared to oranges. Consider a bandwidth test. Does a bandwidth test run for a fixed number of iterations or a fixed length of time? Is bandwidth measured as ping-pong bandwidth (i.e., 2 * message length / round-trip time) or unidirectional throughput (N messages in one direction followed by a single acknowledgement message)? Is the acknowledgement message ofmore » minimal length or as long as the entire message? Does its length contribute to the total bandwidth? Is data sent unidirectionally or in both directions at once? How many warmup messages (if any) are sent before the timing loop? Is there a delay after the warmup messages (to give the network a chance to reclaim any scarce resources)? Are receives nonblocking (possibly allowing overlap in the NIC) or blocking? The motivation behind creating coNCePTuaL, a simple specification language designed for describing network benchmarks, is that it enables a benchmark to be described sufficiently tersely as to fit easily in a report or research paper, facilitating peer review of the experimental setup and timing measurements. Because coNCePTuaL code is simple to write, network tests can be developed and deployed with low turnaround times -- useful when the results of one test suggest a following test that should be written. Because coNCePTuaL is special-purpose its run-time system can perform the following functions, which benchmark writers often neglect to implement: * logging information about the environment under which the benchmark ran: operating system, CPU architecture and clock speed, timer type and resolution, etc. * aborting a program if it takes longer than a predetermined length of time to complete * writing measurement data and descriptive statistics to a variety of output formats, including the input formats of various graph-plotting programs coNCePTuaL is not limited to network peformance tests, however. It can also be used for network verification. That is, coNCePTuaL programs can be used to locate failed links or to determine the frequency of bit errors --even those that may sneak past the networks CRC hardware. In addition, because coNCePTuaL is a very high-level language, the coNCePTuaL compiler’s backend has a great deal of potential. It would be possible for the backend to produce a variety of target formats such as Fortran + MPI, Perl + sockets, C + a network vendor’s low-level messaging layer, and so forth. It could directly manipulate a network simulator. It could feed into a graphics program to produce a space-time diagram of a coNCePTuaL program. The possibilities are endless.« less

  13. Microwave assisted total synthesis of a benzothiophene-based new chemical entity (NCE)

    EPA Science Inventory

    Pharmaceutical scientists are required to generate diverse arrays of complex targets in short span of time, which can now be achieved by microwave-assisted organic synthesis. New chemical entities (NCE) can be built in a fraction of the time using this technique. However, there a...

  14. 77 FR 37638 - Noncommercial Educational Station Fundraising for Third-Party Non-Profit Organizations

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-06-22

    ... educational (NCE) broadcast stations to conduct on-air fundraising activities that interrupt regular... eliminate the need for NCE stations to seek a waiver of the Commission's rules to interrupt regular... Responses: 2,200 respondents/30,800 responses. Estimated Time per Response: 0.25 to 1.5 hours. Frequency of...

  15. Lipid Signaling via Pkh1/2 Regulates Fungal CO2 Sensing through the Kinase Sch9

    PubMed Central

    Pohlers, Susann; Martin, Ronny; Krüger, Thomas; Hellwig, Daniela; Hänel, Frank; Saluz, Hans Peter; Ernst, Joachim F.; Brakhage, Axel; Mühlschlegel, Fritz A.

    2017-01-01

    ABSTRACT Adaptation to alternating CO2 concentrations is crucial for all organisms. Carbonic anhydrases—metalloenzymes that have been found in all domains of life—enable fixation of scarce CO2 by accelerating its conversion to bicarbonate and ensure maintenance of cellular metabolism. In fungi and other eukaryotes, the carbonic anhydrase Nce103 has been shown to be essential for growth in air (~0.04% CO2). Expression of NCE103 is regulated in response to CO2 availability. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, NCE103 is activated by the transcription factor ScCst6, and in Candida albicans and Candida glabrata, it is activated by its homologues CaRca1 and CgRca1, respectively. To identify the kinase controlling Cst6/Rca1, we screened an S. cerevisiae kinase/phosphatase mutant library for the ability to regulate NCE103 in a CO2-dependent manner. We identified ScSch9 as a potential ScCst6-specific kinase, as the sch9Δ mutant strain showed deregulated NCE103 expression on the RNA and protein levels. Immunoprecipitation revealed the binding capabilities of both proteins, and detection of ScCst6 phosphorylation by ScSch9 in vitro confirmed Sch9 as the Cst6 kinase. We could show that CO2-dependent activation of Sch9, which is part of a kinase cascade, is mediated by lipid/Pkh1/2 signaling but not TORC1. Finally, we tested conservation of the identified regulatory cascade in the pathogenic yeast species C. albicans and C. glabrata. Deletion of SCH9 homologues of both species impaired CO2-dependent regulation of NCE103 expression, which indicates a conservation of the CO2 adaptation mechanism among yeasts. Thus, Sch9 is a Cst6/Rca1 kinase that links CO2 adaptation to lipid signaling via Pkh1/2 in fungi. PMID:28143980

  16. Aggressive resection at the infiltrative margins of glioblastoma facilitated by intraoperative fluorescein guidance.

    PubMed

    Neira, Justin A; Ung, Timothy H; Sims, Jennifer S; Malone, Hani R; Chow, Daniel S; Samanamud, Jorge L; Zanazzi, George J; Guo, Xiaotao; Bowden, Stephen G; Zhao, Binsheng; Sheth, Sameer A; McKhann, Guy M; Sisti, Michael B; Canoll, Peter; D'Amico, Randy S; Bruce, Jeffrey N

    2017-07-01

    OBJECTIVE Extent of resection is an important prognostic factor in patients undergoing surgery for glioblastoma (GBM). Recent evidence suggests that intravenously administered fluorescein sodium associates with tumor tissue, facilitating safe maximal resection of GBM. In this study, the authors evaluate the safety and utility of intraoperative fluorescein guidance for the prediction of histopathological alteration both in the contrast-enhancing (CE) regions, where this relationship has been established, and into the non-CE (NCE), diffusely infiltrated margins. METHODS Thirty-two patients received fluorescein sodium (3 mg/kg) intravenously prior to resection. Fluorescence was intraoperatively visualized using a Zeiss Pentero surgical microscope equipped with a YELLOW 560 filter. Stereotactically localized biopsy specimens were acquired from CE and NCE regions based on preoperative MRI in conjunction with neuronavigation. The fluorescence intensity of these specimens was subjectively classified in real time with subsequent quantitative image analysis, histopathological evaluation of localized biopsy specimens, and radiological volumetric assessment of the extent of resection. RESULTS Bright fluorescence was observed in all GBMs and localized to the CE regions and portions of the NCE margins of the tumors, thus serving as a visual guide during resection. Gross-total resection (GTR) was achieved in 84% of the patients with an average resected volume of 95%, and this rate was higher among patients for whom GTR was the surgical goal (GTR achieved in 93.1% of patients, average resected volume of 99.7%). Intraoperative fluorescein staining correlated with histopathological alteration in both CE and NCE regions, with positive predictive values by subjective fluorescence evaluation greater than 96% in NCE regions. CONCLUSIONS Intraoperative administration of fluorescein provides an easily visualized marker for glioma pathology in both CE and NCE regions of GBM. These findings support the use of fluorescein as a microsurgical adjunct for guiding GBM resection to facilitate safe maximal removal.

  17. The preclinical testing strategy for the development of novel chemical entities for the treatment of asthma.

    PubMed

    Hahn, Christian; Erb, Klaus Joseph

    2008-06-01

    Identifying and developing novel chemical entities (NCE) for the treatment of asthma is a time-consuming process and liabilities that endanger the successful progression of a compound from research into the patient are found throughout all phases of drug discovery. In particular the failure of advanced compounds in clinical studies due to lack of efficacy and/or safety concerns is tremendously costly. Therefore, in order to try and reduce the failure rate in clinical trials various in vitro and in vivo tests are performed during preclinical development, to rapidly identify liabilities, eliminate high risk compounds and promote promising potential drug candidates. To achieve this objective, numerous prerequisites have to be met regarding the physico-chemical properties of the compound, and bioactivity or model systems are needed to rate the therapeutic potential of new compounds. Drug liabilities such as target and species specificity, formulation issues, pharmacokinetics as well as pharmacodynamics and the toxic potential of the compound have to be analyzed in great detail before a compound can enter a clinical trial. A particularly challenging aspect of developing novel NCEs for the treatment of asthma is choosing and setting up in vivo models believed to be predictive for human disease. Numerous companies have in the past and are currently developing NCEs targeting many different pathways and cells with the aim to treat asthma. However, currently the only NCE having a significant market share are long-acting beta-agonists (LABA), inhaled and orally active steroids and leukotriene receptor antagonists. In the past many novel NCE for the treatment of asthma were effective in animal models but failed in the clinic. In this review we outline the prerequisites of novel NCE needed for clinical development.

  18. Teachers' Factors as Determinants of the Professional Competence of the Nigeria Certificate in Education Teachers

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Adetayo, Janet Oyebola

    2016-01-01

    The National Teachers' Institute (NTI) has been involved in training teachers for the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) for over three decades through Distance Learning Programme. The quality of these teachers has been queried particularly when compared with those who run full-time NCE Programme. This study, therefore, determined the…

  19. Gender Difference in Students' Academic Performance in Colleges of Education in Borno State, Nigeria: Implications for Counselling

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Goni, Umar; wali S. B., Yagana; Ali, Hajja Kaltum; Bularafa, Mohammed Waziri

    2015-01-01

    This study examines the differences between students' gender and academic achievement in Colleges of Education in Borno State. The study set one research objective, one research question and tested one research hypothesis. the population of this study include all the NCE students from three NCE awarding institutions in the state that were…

  20. A Working Framework for Quantifying Carbon Sequestration in Disturbed Land Mosaics

    Treesearch

    Jiquan Chen; Kimberley Brosofske; Asko Noormets; Thomas R. Crow; Mary K. Bresee; James M. Le Moine; Eug& #233; nie Euskirchen; Steve V. Mather; Daolan Zheng; Daolan Zheng

    2003-01-01

    We propose a working framework for future studies of net carbon exchange (NCE) in disturbed landscapes at broad spatial scales based on the central idea that landscape-level NCE is determined by the land mosaic, including its age structure. Within this framework, we argue that the area-of-edge-influence (AEI), which is prevalent in many disturbed, fragmented landscapes...

  1. Reversal of asynchrony between circular and longitudinal muscle contraction in nutcracker esophagus by atropine.

    PubMed

    Korsapati, Hariprasad; Bhargava, Valmik; Mittal, Ravinder K

    2008-09-01

    Patients with high-amplitude esophageal contractions (nutcracker esophagus [NCE]) show asynchrony of circular muscle (CM) and longitudinal muscle (LM) contraction during peristalsis. The goal of our study was to determine if this asynchrony is related to an increase in the cholinergic receptor activity. High-frequency intraluminal ultrasound images and pressures of the esophagus were recorded simultaneously in 10 normal subjects and 10 patients with NCE. Recordings were obtained at 2 cm above the lower esophageal sphincter under 2 study conditions in normal subjects (before and after 80 microgm/kg of edrophonium), and under 3 study conditions in the NCE patients (control, 5 microgm and 10 microgm/kg of atropine). In normal subjects, edrophonium induced an increase in the CM and LM contraction amplitude, an increase in the contraction duration, and asynchrony of LM and CM contraction during peristalsis. On the other hand, increased contraction amplitude, duration, and asynchrony of LM and CM contraction observed at the baseline in the NCE patients were reversed by atropine in a dose-dependent fashion. These data prove that the esophageal motor abnormalities in patients with nutcracker esophagus, including asynchrony of CM and LM contraction, are related to a hypercholinergic state.

  2. Magnetic resonance angiography: current status and future directions

    PubMed Central

    2011-01-01

    With recent improvement in hardware and software techniques, magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) has undergone significant changes in technique and approach. The advent of 3.0 T magnets has allowed reduction in exogenous contrast dose without compromising overall image quality. The use of novel intravascular contrast agents substantially increases the image windows and decreases contrast dose. Additionally, the lower risk and cost in non-contrast enhanced (NCE) MRA has sparked renewed interest in these methods. This article discusses the current state of both contrast-enhanced (CE) and NCE-MRA. New CE-MRA methods take advantage of dose reduction at 3.0 T, novel contrast agents, and parallel imaging methods. The risks of gadolinium-based contrast media, and the NCE-MRA methods of time-of-flight, steady-state free precession, and phase contrast are discussed. PMID:21388544

  3. Correction to Schlaghecken, Birak, and Maylor (2011).

    PubMed

    Schlaghecken, Friederike; Birak, Kulbir S; Maylor, Elizabeth A

    2012-06-01

    Reports an error in "Age-related deficits in low-level inhibitory motor control" by Friederike Schlaghecken, Kulbir S. Birak and Elizabeth A. Maylor (Psychology and Aging, 2011[Dec], Vol 26[4], 905-918). The authors discovered that the method proposed for individually extracting priming effects from time course analysis may lead to some spurious effects. In view of possible spurious effects from their application of time course analysis, the authors adopted an alternative strategy that retains their attempt to take an individual approach to identifying NCEs in older participants who may vary more than young participants in terms of the prime-target SOA at which NCEs initially appear. This reanalysis is presented in the erratum. (The following abstract of the original article appeared in record 2011-10375-001.) Inhibitory control functions in old age were investigated with the "masked prime" paradigm in which participants executed speeded manual choice responses to simple visual targets. These were preceded-either immediately or at some earlier time-by a backward-masked prime. Young adults produced positive compatibility effects (PCEs)-faster and more accurate responses for matching than for nonmatching prime-target pairs-when prime and target immediately followed each other, and the reverse effect (negative compatibility effect, NCE) for targets that followed the prime after a short interval. Older adults produced similar PCEs to young adults, indicating intact low-level motor activation, but failed to produce normal NCEs even with longer delays (Experiment 1), increased opportunity for prime processing (Experiment 2), and prolonged learning (Experiment 3). However, a fine-grained analysis of each individual's time course of masked priming effects revealed NCEs in the majority of older adults, of the same magnitude as those of young adults. These were significantly delayed (even more than expected on the basis of general slowing), indicating a disproportionate impairment of low-level inhibitory motor control in old age. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved).

  4. Preclinical Evaluation to Specifically Target Ovarian Cancer with Folic Acid-Conjugated Nanoceria

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2014-08-01

    cancer . Our experimental nanoparticle is Nanoceria (NCe), a cerium oxide nanoparticle . Nanotechnology -based tools and techniques are rapidly... cancer we proposed the present work, where we are integrating the field of nanotechnology with ovarian cancer cell’s unique property of...overexpressing folic acid receptor alpha (FR-a) to specifically target ovarian cancer . A cerium oxide nanoparticle , called Nanoceria (NCe), that has the ability

  5. Impact of intravenous contrast used in computed tomography on radiation dose to carotid arteries and thyroid in intensity-modulated radiation therapy planning for nasopharyngeal carcinoma

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

    Lee, Victor Ho Fun, E-mail: vhflee@hku.hk; Ng, Sherry Chor Yi; Kwong, Dora Lai Wan

    The aim of this study was to investigate if intravenous contrast injection affected the radiation doses to carotid arteries and thyroid during intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) planning for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Thirty consecutive patients with NPC underwent plain computed tomography (CT) followed by repeated scanning after contrast injection. Carotid arteries (common, external, internal), thyroid, target volumes, and other organs-at-risk (OARs), as well as IMRT planning, were based on contrast-enhanced CT (CE-CT) images. All these structures and the IMRT plans were then copied and transferred to the non–contrast-enhanced CT (NCE-CT) images, and dose calculation without optimization was performed again. The radiationmore » doses to the carotid arteries and the thyroid based on CE-CT and NCE-CT were then compared. Based on CE-CT, no statistical differences, despite minute numeric decreases, were noted in all dosimetric parameters (minimum, maximum, mean, median, D05, and D01) of the target volumes, the OARs, the carotid arteries, and the thyroid compared with NCE-CT. Our results suggested that compared with NCE-CT planning, CE-CT scanning should be performed during IMRT for better target and OAR delineation, without discernible change in radiation doses.« less

  6. Advanced Biosensors for Amino Acid Detection

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1990-04-18

    when (II) was dissolved in CHCl 3 , and found effective for extracting phenylethylamine (C 6 H5CH2 CH2 NH)) and di-phenylglycine ethyl ester (C 6 H6...reaction was promoted. Since reson nce effects are important in aromatic amines and since p-nitroanilive is an extremely weak nucleophile, lack of

  7. The association of prenatal cocaine exposure, externalizing behavior and adolescent substance use

    PubMed Central

    Minnes, Sonia; Min, Meeyoung O.; Kim, June-Yung; Francis, Meredith W.; Lang, Adelaide; Wu, Miaoping; Singer, Lynn T.

    2017-01-01

    Prenatal cocaine exposure (PCE) may increase adolescent substance use through alterations of neurotransmitter systems affecting fetal brain development. The relationship between PCE and substance use at 15 and 17 years was examined. Subjects (365: 186 PCE; 179 non-cocaine exposed (NCE)) supplied biologic and self-report data using the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS) and Computerized Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children (C-DISC 4) at ages 15 and 17. The relationship between PCE and substance use was assessed using General Estimating Equation (GEE) analyses controlling for confounding factors including violence exposure and preschool lead level. Teens with PCE vs. NCE teens were 2 times more likely to use tobacco (OR = 2.1; 95% CI 1.21–3.63; p < .001) and marijuana (OR = 1.85; CI 1.18–2.91; p < .001) and have a substance use disorder at age 17 (OR = 2.51; CI 1.00–6.28; p < .05). Evaluation of PCE status by gender revealed an association between PCE and marijuana use that was more pronounced for boys than girls at 17 years. Violence exposure was also a significant predictor of alcohol (p < .001), tobacco (p < .05), and marijuana (p < .0006) use and substance abuse/dependence (p < .01). Externalizing behavior at age 12 fully mediated the effects of PCE on substance use disorder at age 17 and partially mediated effects of PCE on tobacco use, but did not mediate effects on marijuana use. The percentage of substance use reported increased between 15 and 17 years, with no differences between the PCE and NCE groups. Data suggest specialized drug use prevention measures for children with PCE may benefit this high risk group. PMID:28514694

  8. Nandrolone androgenic hormone presents genotoxic effects in different cells of mice.

    PubMed

    do Carmo, Carolina Almeida; Gonçalves, Álvaro Luiz Martini; Salvadori, Daisy Maria Fávero; Maistro, Edson Luis

    2012-10-01

    Nandrolone is an androgenic-anabolic steroid (AAS) with diverse medical applications but taken indiscriminately by some to rapidly increase muscle mass. The aim of this study was to evaluate the genotoxic and clastogenic potential of nandrolone (deca-durabolin®) in vivo in different cells of mice, using the comet assay and micronucleus test, respectively. The animals received subcutaneous injection of the three doses of the steroid (1.0, 2.5 and 5.0 mg kg⁻¹ body weight). Cytotoxicity was assessed by scoring 200 consecutive total polychromatic (PCE) and normochromatic (NCE) erythrocytes (PCE-NCE ratio). The results showed a significant dose-related increase in the frequency of DNA damage in leukocytes, liver, bone marrow, brain and testicle cells at the three tested doses and a significant increase of the micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes at all tested doses. Under our experimental conditions, the nandrolone steroid hormone showed genotoxic and clastogenic effects when administered subcutaneously to mice. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  9. Predicting the Effects of Nano-Scale Cerium Additives in Diesel Fuel on Regional-Scale Air Quality

    EPA Science Inventory

    Diesel vehicles are a major source of air pollutant emissions. Fuel additives containing nanoparticulate cerium (nCe) are currently being used in some diesel vehicles to improve fuel efficiency. These fuel additives also reduce fine particulate matter (PM2.5) emissio...

  10. Uncertainty prediction for PUB

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mendiondo, E. M.; Tucci, C. M.; Clarke, R. T.; Castro, N. M.; Goldenfum, J. A.; Chevallier, P.

    2003-04-01

    IAHS’ initiative of Prediction in Ungaged Basins (PUB) attempts to integrate monitoring needs and uncertainty prediction for river basins. This paper outlines alternative ways of uncertainty prediction which could be linked with new blueprints for PUB, thereby showing how equifinality-based models should be grasped using practical strategies of gauging like the Nested Catchment Experiment (NCE). Uncertainty prediction is discussed from observations of Potiribu Project, which is a NCE layout at representative basins of a suptropical biome of 300,000 km2 in South America. Uncertainty prediction is assessed at the microscale (1 m2 plots), at the hillslope (0,125 km2) and at the mesoscale (0,125 - 560 km2). At the microscale, uncertainty-based models are constrained by temporal variations of state variables with changing likelihood surfaces of experiments using Green-Ampt model. Two new blueprints emerged from this NCE for PUB: (1) the Scale Transferability Scheme (STS) at the hillslope scale and the Integrating Process Hypothesis (IPH) at the mesoscale. The STS integrates a multi-dimensional scaling with similarity thresholds, as a generalization of the Representative Elementary Area (REA), using spatial correlation from point (distributed) to area (lumped) process. In this way, STS addresses uncertainty-bounds of model parameters, into an upscaling process at the hillslope. In the other hand, the IPH approach regionalizes synthetic hydrographs, thereby interpreting the uncertainty bounds of streamflow variables. Multiscale evidences from Potiribu NCE layout show novel pathways of uncertainty prediction under a PUB perspective in representative basins of world biomes.

  11. Students' Perception of Daylight Illumination in the School Workshop as a Determinant for Effective Students' Task Performance in Workshop Practice

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Amasuomo, Japo Oweikeye Morto; Alio, Abigail Ngozi

    2013-01-01

    The study investigated daylight illumination in the school workshop as a determinant for effective students' task performance in workshop practice. 183 NCE Technical students in 300 Level which comprised of 73 and 112 students from Federal Colleges of Education (Technical), Asaba and Omoku, Nigeria respectively during the 2008/2009 academic…

  12. Post-prandial carbohydrate ingestion during 1-h of moderate-intensity, intermittent cycling does not improve mood, perceived exertion, or subsequent power output in recreationally-active exercisers

    PubMed Central

    2013-01-01

    Background This study compared the effects of ingesting water (W), a flavored carbohydrate-electrolyte (CE) or a flavored non-caloric electrolyte (NCE) beverage on mood, ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), and sprint power during cycling in recreational exercisers. Methods Men (n = 23) and women (n = 13) consumed a 24–h standardized diet and reported 2–4 h post-prandial for all test sessions. After a familiarization session, participants completed 50 min of stationary cycling in a warm environment (wet bulb globe temperature = 25.0°C) at ~ 60-65% of heart rate reserve (146 ± 4 bpm) interspersed with 5 rest periods of 2 min each. During exercise, participants consumed W, CE, or NCE, served in a counterbalanced cross-over design. Beverage volume was served in 3 aliquots equaling each individual’s sweat losses (mean 847 ± 368 mL) during the familiarization session. Profiles of Mood States questionnaires (POMS) were administered and blood glucose levels were determined pre- and post- sub-maximal cycling. Following sub-maximal exercise, participants completed 3 30–s Wingate anaerobic tests (WAnT) with 2.5 min rest between tests to assess performance. Results Blood glucose was higher (p <  0.05) after 50 min of submaximal cycling just prior to the WAnT for CE (6.1 ± 1.7 mmol/L) compared to W (4.9 ± 1.5 mmol/L) and NCE (4.6 ± 1.2 mmol/L). Nonetheless, there were no differences among treatments in peak (642 ± 153, 635 ± 143, 650 ± 141 watts for W, NCE, and CE, respectively; p  =  0.44) or mean (455 ± 100, 458 ± 95, 454 ± 95 watts for W, NCE, and CE, respectively; p = 0.62) power for the first WAnT or mean (414 ± 92, 425 ± 85, 423 ± 82 watts, respectively; p = 0.13) power output averaged across all 3 WAnT. Likewise, RPE during submaximal exercise, session RPE, and fatigue and vigor assessed by POMS did not differ among beverage treatments (p > 0.05). Conclusions Carbohydrate ingestion consumed by recreational exercisers during a 1–h, moderate-intensity aerobic workout did not alter mood or perceived exertion, nor did it affect subsequent anaerobic performance under the conditions of this study. Drinking caloric sport beverages does not benefit recreational exercisers in a non-fasted state. PMID:23347391

  13. Mental health outcomes of cocaine-exposed children at 6 years of age.

    PubMed

    Linares, Teresa J; Singer, Lynn T; Kirchner, H Lester; Short, Elizabeth J; Min, Meeyoung O; Hussey, Patrick; Minnes, Sonia

    2006-01-01

    To assess 6-year-old cocaine- and noncocaine-exposed children's mental health outcomes controlling for potential confounders. The sample consisted of 322 children [169 cocaine exposed (CE) and 153 noncocaine exposed (NCE)] enrolled in a longitudinal study since birth. At age 6, children were assessed for mental health symptoms using the Dominic Interactive (DI), a child self-report measure, and the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), a caregiver report of behavioral problems. CE children were more likely to self-report symptoms in the probable clinical range for oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In contrast, prenatal cocaine exposure was not related to child behavior based on the CBCL. After control for exposure, CE children in adoptive or foster care were rated as having more problems with aggression, externalizing behaviors, and total behavioral problems than NCE children and CE children in maternal or relative care. Also, CE children in adoptive or foster care self-reported more externalizing symptoms than CE children in maternal or relative care and NCE children. Findings could not be attributed to caregiver intelligence or depressive symptoms, or to the quality of the home environment. CE children report more symptoms of ODD and ADHD than nonexposed children. Adoptive or foster caregivers rated their CE children as having more behavioral problems than did maternal or relative caregivers of CE children or parents of NCE children. Although further studies are needed to understand the basis for the more negative ratings by adoptive or foster caregivers of their CE children, the self-report of CE children indicates a need for psychological interventions.

  14. Performance Feedback: A Review of Its Psychological and Behavioral Effects

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1984-02-01

    order to feel a sense of compet’nce, some means must S be provided for the individual to judge his or her perFor, fance . Feedback usually is necessary in...the nature of general feedback. Gen - eral feedback, for the most part, represents a point along an evaluation con- tinuum. The source communicates to

  15. Metagenomic Sequencing for Detection of Non-Traditional Biological Agents: Synthetic Constructs, Genetically Modified Organisms, and Emerging Threats

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2013-03-31

    76.7%) 3.23 188,706 109 505 2,826,567 691 19 28,278,215 24,014,335 (84.9%) 2.83 140,519 107 867 2,175,052 719 20 27,535,077 23,053,100 (83.7%) 2.77...10 Staph Crono nce analysi Genus enus nia bacterium tococcus erichia ylococcus bacter s of Sample identified 454 % 0.30 0.55 33.10 4.93...Strep 10 Esch 10 Staph Vibri Bacil nce analysi Genus enus nia bacterium tococcus erichia ylococcus o lus s of Sample identified 454 % 0.48

  16. Development of a Prototype H-46 Helicopter Diagnostic Expert System.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1987-09-01

    SQUADRON MAINTEN\\NCE: CURRENT PROCESS AND CA D S INTEG R ,ATIO N ........................................ 14 A. MAINTENANCE DATA SYSTEM...increasce the effectiveness of the maintenance process should enhance the ability of achieving :hee objectives. Artificial intelligence techniques offer a...completeiy validated. G. ORGANIZATION OF STUDY Chapter II contains a description of the Naval Aviation Maintenance Program’s Maintenance Data System (MDS

  17. Post-silking Factor Consequences for N Efficiency Changes Over 38 Years of Commercial Maize Hybrids.

    PubMed

    Chen, Keru; Vyn, Tony J

    2017-01-01

    Hybrid selection in maize ( Zea mays L.) over the decades has increased post-silking dry matter (PostDM) and nitrogen (PostN) accumulation, often with an accompanying increase in one or more N use efficiency (NUE) metrics such as partial factor productivity (PFP), N conversion efficiency (NCE), and N internal efficiency (NIE). More certainty on the underlying mechanisms of how PostDM and PostN changes over time have contributed to NUE gains or losses in modern-era hybrids can only be realized by directly comparing hybrids of different eras in the context of production-system-relevant management systems. A two-year and two-location field study was conducted in Indiana with two N rates (55 and 220 kg N ha -1 ), three plant densities (54,000, 79,000, and 104,000 plants ha -1 ) and eight commercial hybrids that were released by a single seed company from 1967 to 2005. The main treatment effects of N rate, density, and hybrid dominated the PostDM and PostN responses, and there were no significant two-way or three-way interactions. Total dry matter at maturity gains averaged 80 kg ha -1 year -1 of hybrid release when averaged over locations, plant densities and N rates. Total N contents at maturity increased 0.68 kg ha -1 year -1 , primarily due to annual increases in grain N content (0.8 kg ha -1 year -1 ). Post-silking N uptake rate increased 0.44 kg ha -1 year -1 for these era hybrids in more favorable production site-years. Slopes of grain N concentration increases per unit PostN gain were similar for all hybrids. Gains in average PFP over time were considerably higher at the low N rate (0.9 kg ha -1 year -1 ) than at the high N rate (0.3 kg kg -1 year -1 ). Hybrid gains in NIE were evident from 1967 to 1994, but not thereafter. The low N rate and higher plant densities also increased relative NIE and NCE values, but without hybrid interactions. There was no consistent trend of NIE or NCE gains in these hybrids primarily because grain and whole-plant N concentrations didn't decline over the decades at either N rate, and because NIE and NCE were often plant-density dependent.

  18. Protective effect of hawthorn extract against genotoxicity induced by cyclophosphamide in mouse bone marrow cells.

    PubMed

    Hosseinimehr, Seyed Jalal; Azadbakht, Mohammad; Abadi, Atefeh Jahan

    2008-01-01

    The preventive effect of hawthorn (Crataegus microphylla) fruit extract was investigated in mouse bone marrow cells against genotoxicity induced by cyclophosphamide. Mice were orally (gavages) pretreated with solutions of hawthorn extract which was prepared at five different doses (25, 50, 100, 200 and 400mg/kg b.w.) for seven consecutive days. Mice were injected intraperitoneally on the seventh day with cyclophosphamide (50mg/kg b.w.) and killed after 24h for the evaluation of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MnPCEs) and the ratio of PCE/(PCE+NCE) (polychromatic erythrocyte/polychromatic erythrocyte+normochromatic erythrocyte). All of five doses of extract significantly reduced MnPCEs induced by cyclophosphamide (P<0.0001). Hawthorn extract at dose 100mg/kg b.w. reduced MnPCEs 2.5 time and also completely normalized PCE/(PCE+NCE) ratio. Hawthorn extract exhibited concentration-dependent antioxidant activity on 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl free radical. Hawthorn contains high amounts of phenolic compounds; the HPLC analysis showed that it contained chlorogenic acid, epicatechin and hyperoside. It is obvious that hawthorn, particularly flavonoids constituents with antioxidative activity, reduced the oxidative stress and genotoxicity induced by cyclophosphamide in mouse bone marrow cells. Copyright © 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  19. Reviews and syntheses: An empirical spatiotemporal description of the global surface-atmosphere carbon fluxes: opportunities and data limitations

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zscheischler, Jakob; Mahecha, Miguel D.; Avitabile, Valerio; Calle, Leonardo; Carvalhais, Nuno; Ciais, Philippe; Gans, Fabian; Gruber, Nicolas; Hartmann, Jens; Herold, Martin; Ichii, Kazuhito; Jung, Martin; Landschützer, Peter; Laruelle, Goulven G.; Lauerwald, Ronny; Papale, Dario; Peylin, Philippe; Poulter, Benjamin; Ray, Deepak; Regnier, Pierre; Rödenbeck, Christian; Roman-Cuesta, Rosa M.; Schwalm, Christopher; Tramontana, Gianluca; Tyukavina, Alexandra; Valentini, Riccardo; van der Werf, Guido; West, Tristram O.; Wolf, Julie E.; Reichstein, Markus

    2017-08-01

    Understanding the global carbon (C) cycle is of crucial importance to map current and future climate dynamics relative to global environmental change. A full characterization of C cycling requires detailed information on spatiotemporal patterns of surface-atmosphere fluxes. However, relevant C cycle observations are highly variable in their coverage and reporting standards. Especially problematic is the lack of integration of the carbon dioxide (CO2) exchange of the ocean, inland freshwaters and the land surface with the atmosphere. Here we adopt a data-driven approach to synthesize a wide range of observation-based spatially explicit surface-atmosphere CO2 fluxes from 2001 to 2010, to identify the state of today's observational opportunities and data limitations. The considered fluxes include net exchange of open oceans, continental shelves, estuaries, rivers, and lakes, as well as CO2 fluxes related to net ecosystem productivity, fire emissions, loss of tropical aboveground C, harvested wood and crops, as well as fossil fuel and cement emissions. Spatially explicit CO2 fluxes are obtained through geostatistical and/or remote-sensing-based upscaling, thereby minimizing biophysical or biogeochemical assumptions encoded in process-based models. We estimate a bottom-up net C exchange (NCE) between the surface (land, ocean, and coastal areas) and the atmosphere. Though we provide also global estimates, the primary goal of this study is to identify key uncertainties and observational shortcomings that need to be prioritized in the expansion of in situ observatories. Uncertainties for NCE and its components are derived using resampling. In many regions, our NCE estimates agree well with independent estimates from other sources such as process-based models and atmospheric inversions. This holds for Europe (mean ± 1 SD: 0.8 ± 0.1 PgC yr-1, positive numbers are sources to the atmosphere), Russia (0.1 ± 0.4 PgC yr-1), East Asia (1.6 ± 0.3 PgC yr-1), South Asia (0.3 ± 0.1 PgC yr-1), Australia (0.2 ± 0.3 PgC yr-1), and most of the Ocean regions. Our NCE estimates give a likely too large CO2 sink in tropical areas such as the Amazon, Congo, and Indonesia. Overall, and because of the overestimated CO2 uptake in tropical lands, our global bottom-up NCE amounts to a net sink of -5.4 ± 2.0 PgC yr-1. By contrast, the accurately measured mean atmospheric growth rate of CO2 over 2001-2010 indicates that the true value of NCE is a net CO2 source of 4.3 ± 0.1 PgC yr-1. This mismatch of nearly 10 PgC yr-1 highlights observational gaps and limitations of data-driven models in tropical lands, but also in North America. Our uncertainty assessment provides the basis for setting priority regions where to increase carbon observations in the future. High on the priority list are tropical land regions, which suffer from a lack of in situ observations. Second, extensive pCO2 data are missing in the Southern Ocean. Third, we lack observations that could enable seasonal estimates of shelf, estuary, and inland water-atmosphere C exchange. Our consistent derivation of data uncertainties could serve as prior knowledge in multicriteria optimization such as the Carbon Cycle Data Assimilation System (CCDAS) and atmospheric inversions, without over- or under-stating bottom-up data credibility. In the future, NCE estimates of carbon sinks could be aggregated at national scale to compare with the official national inventories of CO2 fluxes in the land use, land use change, and forestry sector, upon which future emission reductions are proposed.

  20. A comparative analysis of the impact of a positive list system on new chemical entity drugs and incrementally modified drugs in South Korea.

    PubMed

    Ha, DongMun; Choi, Yong; Kim, Dae Up; Chung, Kyu Hyuck; Lee, Eui-Kyung

    2011-07-01

    Medical costs in South Korea have risen, in part due to increased demand and consumption of pharmaceutical products by an aging population and also because of the introduction of newer, more expensive drugs. In an effort to stabilize the financing of health insurance and alleviate the financial burden on individuals, the government implemented a policy changing the national health insurance drug-listing system from a negative list system to a positive list system (PLS). The goal of this study was to compare differences in drug-listing rates for new chemical entities (NCEs) and incrementally modified drugs (IMDs) after South Korea introduced the PLS in December 2006. Parameters significantly affecting NCE and IMD listings were also identified. New drug-listing data for 2007 and 2008 were obtained from the databases of the Health Insurance Review Agency and the Ministry of Health and Welfare. Descriptive analyses on the reimbursement rate and logistic regression analysis were conducted. Statistical significance was tested for all results, and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. A total of 150 reimbursement applications (79 for NCEs, 71 for IMDs) were examined for this study. The overall drug-listing rate was lower than before the introduction of the PLS. Drug reimbursement rates for NCEs (50.6%) were lower than those for IMDs (74.6%) (P = 0.0025). However, the price negotiation rate was 85.0% for NCEs compared with 73.6% for IMDs (P = 0.1847). The time required for both reimbursement and drug pricing was significantly longer for NCE than for IMD listings (P < 0.05). Cost-effectiveness and budget impact were 2 significant variables affecting the listing of NCEs. However, no significant variable was identified for IMDs. The PLS challenges the drug-listing system by decreasing the drug-listing rate and lengthening the period for reimbursement determinations. These effects were more pronounced for NCE listings than for IMD listings. Crown Copyright © 2011. Published by EM Inc USA. All rights reserved.

  1. 47 CFR 73.7005 - Holding period.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ....318 Interference, Protection from— FM 73.209 NCE-FM 73.509 TV 73.612 Interference to Astronomy... concerning interference to Radio Astronomy, Research and Receiving installations 73.1030 Numerical...

  2. 47 CFR Alphabetical Index - Part 73

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ....318 Interference, Protection from— FM 73.209 NCE-FM 73.509 TV 73.612 Interference to Astronomy... concerning interference to Radio Astronomy, Research and Receiving installations 73.1030 Numerical...

  3. 47 CFR Alphabetical Index - Part 73

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ....318 Interference, Protection from— FM 73.209 NCE-FM 73.509 TV 73.612 Interference to Astronomy... concerning interference to Radio Astronomy, Research and Receiving installations 73.1030 Numerical...

  4. 47 CFR 73.8000 - Incorporation by reference.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ....318 Interference, Protection from— FM 73.209 NCE-FM 73.509 TV 73.612 Interference to Astronomy... concerning interference to Radio Astronomy, Research and Receiving installations 73.1030 Numerical...

  5. 47 CFR 73.8000 - Incorporation by reference.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ....318 Interference, Protection from— FM 73.209 NCE-FM 73.509 TV 73.612 Interference to Astronomy... concerning interference to Radio Astronomy, Research and Receiving installations 73.1030 Numerical...

  6. 47 CFR 73.9009 - Manufacture for exportation.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ....318 Interference, Protection from— FM 73.209 NCE-FM 73.509 TV 73.612 Interference to Astronomy... concerning interference to Radio Astronomy, Research and Receiving installations 73.1030 Numerical...

  7. Emotion potentiates response activation and inhibition in masked priming

    PubMed Central

    Bocanegra, Bruno R.; Zeelenberg, René

    2012-01-01

    Previous studies have shown that emotion can have 2-fold effects on perception. At the object-level, emotional stimuli benefit from a stimulus-specific boost in visual attention at the relative expense of competing stimuli. At the visual feature-level, recent findings indicate that emotion may inhibit the processing of small visual details and facilitate the processing of coarse visual features. In the present study, we investigated whether emotion can boost the activation and inhibition of automatic motor responses that are generated prior to overt perception. To investigate this, we tested whether an emotional cue affects covert motor responses in a masked priming task. We used a masked priming paradigm in which participants responded to target arrows that were preceded by invisible congruent or incongruent prime arrows. In the standard paradigm, participants react faster, and commit fewer errors responding to the directionality of target arrows, when they are preceded by congruent vs. incongruent masked prime arrows (positive congruency effect, PCE). However, as prime-target SOAs increase, this effect reverses (negative congruency effect, NCE). These findings have been explained as evidence for an initial activation and a subsequent inhibition of a partial response elicited by the masked prime arrow. Our results show that the presentation of fearful face cues, compared to neutral face cues, increased the size of both the PCE and NCE, despite the fact that the primes were invisible. This is the first demonstration that emotion prepares an individual's visuomotor system for automatic activation and inhibition of motor responses in the absence of visual awareness. PMID:23162447

  8. Emotion potentiates response activation and inhibition in masked priming.

    PubMed

    Bocanegra, Bruno R; Zeelenberg, René

    2012-01-01

    Previous studies have shown that emotion can have 2-fold effects on perception. At the object-level, emotional stimuli benefit from a stimulus-specific boost in visual attention at the relative expense of competing stimuli. At the visual feature-level, recent findings indicate that emotion may inhibit the processing of small visual details and facilitate the processing of coarse visual features. In the present study, we investigated whether emotion can boost the activation and inhibition of automatic motor responses that are generated prior to overt perception. To investigate this, we tested whether an emotional cue affects covert motor responses in a masked priming task. We used a masked priming paradigm in which participants responded to target arrows that were preceded by invisible congruent or incongruent prime arrows. In the standard paradigm, participants react faster, and commit fewer errors responding to the directionality of target arrows, when they are preceded by congruent vs. incongruent masked prime arrows (positive congruency effect, PCE). However, as prime-target SOAs increase, this effect reverses (negative congruency effect, NCE). These findings have been explained as evidence for an initial activation and a subsequent inhibition of a partial response elicited by the masked prime arrow. Our results show that the presentation of fearful face cues, compared to neutral face cues, increased the size of both the PCE and NCE, despite the fact that the primes were invisible. This is the first demonstration that emotion prepares an individual's visuomotor system for automatic activation and inhibition of motor responses in the absence of visual awareness.

  9. 47 CFR 76.56 - Signal carriage obligations.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... qualified local NCE station affiliated with a State public television network shall not be required to carry... stations in fulfillment of these must-carry obligations may do so, subject to approval by the franchising...

  10. The IND application.

    PubMed

    Ferkany, John W; Williams, Michael

    2008-09-01

    Translational biomedical research is often directed to the introduction of a new drug or biologic intended to treat unmet medical need in humans. This unit describes the timing and content of the investigational new drug (IND) application, the primary document required by the U.S. FDA for the initiation of clinical trials in humans with any new chemical entity (NCE) or biologic. The IND application contains all the information necessary for the FDA to make an assessment of the risks and benefits of the proposed clinical trials for the NCE/biologic, containing a detailed but succinct description of the biology, safety, toxicology, chemistry and manufacturing process, and the proposed clinical plan. This unit is geared for those with little or no experience with the IND process and is intended as a global introduction to this, the initial stage of the drug development process for drugs used in humans.

  11. Development of a Predictive Model to Assess the Effects of Extended Season Navigation on Great Lakes Connecting Waters. User’s Manual. Prediction of Vessel Impacts in a Confined Waterway

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1986-10-17

    INSTRUMENT IDENTIFICATION NUMBER ORGANIZATION U. S. Army (If applicable) Corps of Engineers NCE-IA-84-0127 Bc. ADDRESS (City, State, and ZIP Code) 10 SOURCE...Technological University CA Houghton, Michigan October 17, 1986 I I I I TABLE OF CONTENTSI Introduction ......................................... . Main...4 Option 2: Changes in Existing Cross-Section Data File . . .. 10 Option 3: Print Cross-Section Data ... .............. ... 15

  12. An Analytic Training Effectiveness Analysis for a CTEA Update

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1977-11-01

    minutes to insert a fault in the crtual harduare and an additional 5 minut(,s to remove the fault. This manual insertion of f,iults, therefore, will cut an...organizatioual mu Inten;4 nce m4n.for tle potrfo’ in.ý;e of hi 1 t ,ksx. Thus, feedlark would hatve to be piovil,,d by an Instrutor ohb.-erving ,v,.ry...use Information regarding problem parameters and student performance (time, errors). The problems in handling this such data manually are such that

  13. Evaluation and selection of bio-relevant dissolution media for a poorly water-soluble new chemical entity.

    PubMed

    Tang, L; Khan, S U; Muhammad, N A

    2001-11-01

    The purpose of this work is to develop a bio-relevant dissolution method for formulation screening in order to select an enhanced bioavailable formulation for a poorly water-soluble drug. The methods used included a modified rotating disk apparatus for measuring intrinsic dissolution rate of the new chemical entity (NCE) and the USP dissolution method II for evaluating dissolution profiles of the drug in three different dosage forms. The in vitro dissolution results were compared with the in vivo bioavailability for selecting a bio-relevant medium. The results showed that the solubility of the NCE was proportional to the concentration of sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) in the media. The apparent intrinsic dissolution rate of the NCE was linear to the rotational speed of the disk, which indicated that the dissolution of the drug is a diffusion-controlled mechanism. The apparent intrinsic dissolution rate was also linear to the surfactant concentration in the media, which was interpreted using the Noyes and Whitney Empirical Theory. Three formulations were studied in three different SLS media using the bulk drug as a reference. The dissolution results were compared with the corresponding bioavailability results in dogs. In the 1% SLS--sink conditions--the drug release from all the formulations was complete and the dissolution results were discriminative for the difference in particle size of the drug in the formulations. However, the data showed poor IVIV correlation. In the 0.5% SLS medium--non-sink conditions--the dissolution results showed the same rank order among the tested formulations as the bioavailability. The best IVIV correlation was obtained from the dissolution in 0.25% SLS medium, an over-saturated condition. The conclusions are: a surfactant medium increases the apparent intrinsic dissolution rate of the NCE linearly due to an increase in solubility. A low concentration of surfactant in the medium (0.25%) is more bio-relevant than higher concentrations of surfactant in the media for the poorly water-soluble drug. Creating sink conditions (based on bulk drug solubilities) by using a high concentration of a surfactant in the dissolution medium may not be a proper approach in developing a bio-relevant dissolution method for a poorly water-soluble drug.

  14. Assessment of the genotoxic/clastogenic potential of coumarin derivative 6,7-dihydroxycoumarin (aesculetin) in multiple mouse organs.

    PubMed

    Marques, Eduardo de Souza; Salles, Daiane Bernardoni; Maistro, Edson Luis

    2015-01-01

    6,7-Dihydroxycoumarin (6,7-HC) (aesculetin) is a natural and synthetic coumarin derivative of great interest for use by humans due to their potent antioxidant properties. Considering that there are no reports that assess the in vivo genetic toxicity of 6,7-HC, the aim of the present study was to investigate its genotoxic potential in terms of DNA damage in peripheral blood, liver, bone marrow and testicular cells of Swiss albino mice by the comet assay, and its clastogenic/aneugenic potential in bone marrow cells using the micronucleus test. In addition, the ability of 6,7-HC to modulate the genotoxic effects induced by doxorubicin (DXR) was also preliminarily evaluated. Cytotoxicity was assessed by scoring polychromatic (PCE) and normochromatic (NCE) erythrocytes' ratio. The test compound was administered orally at doses of 25, 50 and 500 mg kg -1 isolated and also simultaneously to DXR (80 mg kg -1 ). The results showed that 6,7-HC did not induce significant DNA damage in any of the analyzed cells, and also did not show any significant increase in micronucleated PCE at the three tested doses. The PCE/NCE ratio indicated no cytotoxicity. Moreover, the extent of DNA damage induced by DXR decreased significantly only in peripheral blood and testicular cells, and only at the lowest dose of 6,7-HC.

  15. [Inhibition and resource capacity during normal aging: a confrontation of the dorsal-ventral and frontal models in a modified version of negative priming].

    PubMed

    Martin, S; Brouillet, D; Guerdoux, E; Tarrago, R

    2006-01-01

    Over the past decades, cognitive psychology contribution to our understanding of aging relies on two major perspectives, focusing on the selective impact of age on either cognitive multiple-systems or global factors of cognition: slowing, working memory and inhibition. In the latter, reduction in inhibitory control during aging (in its access, deletion or restraint functions) is associated with poorer performance on a variety of tasks referring to memory, comprehension or language [Hasher, Zacks and May (16)]. The attractiveness of inhibition as an explanatory factor results in part in the absence of negative priming during aging. Negative priming refers to the slow down of latencies when individuals have to respond to recently ignored informations, compared to unrelated informations. The dissociation, between a preserved location negative priming and an absence of identity negative priming during aging, supports the dorsal-ventral model of inhibition which suggests that spatial and identity inhibition are supported by different and independent visual pathways. An alternative model, directly at odds, is that inhibitory mechanisms are supported by the frontal lobe. In this perspective, inhibition is not a central process responsible for the control of working memory contents, but an automatic and local mechanism whose triggering depends on controlled attention. Therefore, working memory drives efficient inhibition by sustaining task instructions and appropriate responses throughout task execution. This hypothesis is consistent with Houghton and Tipper's (17) architecture of selective attention. According to the authors, the presence or absence of automatic inhibition is very closely linked to a Match/Mismatch field whose function is to compare the present stimulus to an internal self-generated internal template. When an information fails to match the subject's current goals, the match/mismatch field causes an automatic inhibitory imbalance which reduces the to-be-ignored properties' responsiveness. In contrast, information matching subjects' goal is enhanced through an automatic excitatory imbalance. The accurate functioning of the Match/Mismatch field requires efficient executive functioning responsible for the uphold of goals and correct responses. In the case of negative priming, manipulating the efficiency of working memory is of interest as it should affect the triggering of slowing, ie, an indirect inhibitory deficit, when the task is resource demanding [Conwayet al. (6)]. Moreover, if inhibition, as reflected by negative priming, is mediated by individual resource capacity, then NP should disappear during aging only when individuals are engaged in a resource-demanding task. To address this issue, we examine whether cognitive control load in a gender decision task contributed to the presence or absence of NP during aging. According to the dorsal-ventral model, task complexity should not have any impact on performance, since gender decision task relies on a conceptual analysis of information. In turn, the frontal model predicts that age differences in performance profile will only differ when individual resource capacity is overloaded. Sixty-four participants (32 young and 32 older adults) performed a gender categorisation task through two experiments. Trials involved two stimuli presented successively at the same location. A word served as a prime and a word as a target. Both prime and target could be male or female. When prime and target matched on gender, we talked about VALID pairs (or compatible). When prime and target mismatched on the manipulated features, we talked about INVALID pairs (or incompatible). Participants' task was to identify the gender of the target. They were explicitly instructed not to respond to primes but to read them silently. Our interest was in response latencies for valid versus invalid pairs. We manipulated task complexity by the absence (experiment 1) or presence (experiment 2) of a distractor during probe trials. For younger adults, primes presented before targets gave rise to behavioural costs when pairs were mapped to the same response compared to pairs that were mapped to opposite ones. This slowing, called Negative Compatibility Effect (NCE), was independent of the presence or absence of a distractor. NCE was reliable for the elderly patients only under condition of no interfering information during the probe trial: pattern of performance of older participants was identical to that of young adults (experiment 1). This effect disappeared as task complexity increased (experiment 2). This result suggests that NCE triggering is dependant on the amount of cognitive control engaged by the task, and therefore that the ability to inhibit irrelevant information is secondary to a general capacity of the working memory. The implications of our data are consistent with the level of processing account, as well as the recent neuroimaging contributions which suggest, for example, the involvement of the dorso-lateral prefrontal cortex (sensitive to aging) when task demands are high, and a ventro-lateral prefrontal implication when demands are low [see Eenshuistra et al. for a review (10)].

  16. 75 FR 82279 - Radio Broadcasting Services; Various Locations

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-12-30

    ... FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 47 CFR Part 73 [DA 10-2280] Radio Broadcasting Services; Various Locations AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission. ACTION: Final rule. SUMMARY: The Commission amends the Table of FM Allotments to unreserved FM allotments that are reserved for noncommercial educational (NCE...

  17. Non-contrast-enhanced MRA of renal artery stenosis: validation against DSA in a porcine model.

    PubMed

    Bley, T A; François, C J; Schiebler, M L; Wieben, O; Takei, N; Brittain, J H; Del Rio, A Munoz; Grist, T M; Reeder, S B

    2016-02-01

    To compare 3D-inversion-recovery balanced steady-state free precession (IR-bSSFP) non-contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) with 3D-contrast-enhanced MRA (CE-MRA) for assessment of renal artery stenosis (RAS) using digital subtraction angiography (DSA) as the reference standard. Bilateral RAS were surgically created in 12 swine. IR-bSSFP and CE-MRA were acquired at 1.5 T and compared to rotational DSA. Three experienced cardiovascular radiologists evaluated the IR-bSSFP and CE-MRA studies independently. Linear regression models were used to calibrate and assess the accuracy of IR-bSSFP and CE-MRA, separately, against DSA. The coefficient of determination and Cohen's kappa coefficient were also generated. Calibration of the three readers' RAS grading revealed R(2) values of 0.52, 0.37 and 0.59 for NCE-MRA and 0.48, 0.53 and 0.71 for CE-MRA. Inter-rater agreement demonstrated Cohen's kappa values ranging from 0.25 to 0.65. Distal renal artery branch vessels were visible to a significantly higher degree with NCE-MRA compared to CE-MRA (p < 0.001). Image quality was rated excellent for both sequences, although image noise was higher with CE-MRA (p < 0.05). In no cases did noise interfere with image interpretation. In a well-controlled animal model of surgically induced RAS, IR-bSSFP based NCE-MRA and CE-MRA accurately graded RAS with a tendency for stenosis overestimation, compared to DSA. • IR-bSSFP and CE-MRA are accurate methods for diagnosis of renal artery stenosis • IR-bSSFP and CE-MRA demonstrate excellent agreement with DSA • Both IR-bSSFP and CE-MRA have a tendency to overestimate renal artery stenosis.

  18. Evaluation of velocity-sensitized and acceleration-sensitized NCE-MRA for below-knee peripheral arterial disease.

    PubMed

    Shaida, Nadeem; Priest, Andrew N; See, T C; Winterbottom, Andrew P; Graves, Martin J; Lomas, David J

    2017-06-01

    To evaluate the diagnostic performance of velocity- and acceleration-sensitized noncontrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (NCE-MRA) of the infrageniculate arteries using contrast-enhanced MRA (CE-MRA) as a reference standard. Twenty-four patients with symptoms of peripheral arterial disease were recruited. Each patient's infrageniculate arterial tree was examined using a velocity-dependent flow-sensitized dephasing (VEL-FSD) technique, an acceleration-dependent (ACC-FSD) technique, and our conventional CE-MRA technique performed at 1.5T. The images were independently reviewed by two experienced vascular radiologists, who evaluated each vessel segment to assess visibility, diagnostic confidence, venous contamination, and detection of pathology. In all, 432 segments were evaluated by each of the three techniques by each reader in total. Overall diagnostic confidence was rated as moderate or high in 98.5% of segments with CE-MRA, 92.1% with VEL-FSD, and 79.9% with ACC-FSD. No venous contamination was seen in 96% of segments with CE-MRA, 72.2% with VEL-FSD, and 85.8% with ACC-FSD. Per-segment, per-limb, and per-patient sensitivities for detecting significant stenotic disease were 63.4%, 73%, and 92%, respectively, for ACC-FSD, and 65.3%, 87.2%, and 96% for VEL-FSD, and as such no significant statistical change was detected using McNemar's chi-squared test with P-values of 1.00, 0.13, and 0.77 obtained, respectively. Flow-dependent NCE-MRA techniques may have a role to play in evaluation of patients with peripheral vascular disease. Increased sensitivity of a velocity-based technique compared to an acceleration-based technique comes at the expense of greater venous contamination. 2J. Technical Efficacy: Stage 2 J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2017;45:1846-1853. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.

  19. Genotoxic, Cytotoxic, Antigenotoxic, and Anticytotoxic Effects of Sulfonamide Chalcone Using the Ames Test and the Mouse Bone Marrow Micronucleus Test

    PubMed Central

    Borges, Flávio Fernandes Veloso; Bernardes, Aline; Perez, Caridad Noda; Silva, Daniela de Melo e

    2015-01-01

    Chalcones present several biological activities and sulfonamide chalcone derivatives have shown important biological applications, including antitumor activity. In this study, genotoxic, cytotoxic, antigenotoxic, and anticytotoxic activities of the sulfonamide chalcone N-{4-[3-(4-nitrophenyl)prop-2-enoyl]phenyl} benzenesulfonamide (CPN) were assessed using the Salmonella typhimurium reverse mutation test (Ames test) and the mouse bone marrow micronucleus test. The results showed that CPN caused a small increase in the number of histidine revertant colonies in S. typhimurium strains TA98 and TA100, but not statistically significant (p > 0.05). The antimutagenicity test showed that CPN significantly decreased the number of His+ revertants in strain TA98 at all doses tested (p < 0.05), whereas in strain TA100 this occurred only at doses higher than 50 μg/plate (p < 0.05). The results of the micronucleus test indicated that CPN significantly increased the frequency of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MNPCE) at 24 h and 48 h, revealing a genotoxic effect of this compound. Also, a significant decrease in polychromatic/normochromatic erythrocyte ratio (PCE/NCE) was observed at the higher doses of CPN at 24 h and 48 h (p < 0.05), indicating its cytotoxic action. CPN co-administered with mitomycin C (MMC) significantly decreased the frequency of MNPCE at almost all doses tested at 24 h (p < 0.05), showing its antigenotoxic activity, and also presented a small decrease in MNPCE at 48 h (p > 0.05). Additionally, CPN co-administered with MMC significantly increased PCE/NCE ratio at all doses tested, demonstrating its anticytotoxic effect. In summary, CPN presented genotoxic, cytotoxic, antigenotoxic, and anticytotoxic properties. PMID:26335560

  20. Genotoxic assessment of Rubus imperialis (Rosaceae) extract in vivo and its potential chemoprevention against cyclophosphamide-induced DNA damage.

    PubMed

    Alves, Ana Beatriz Costa Rodrigues; dos Santos, Rafaella Souza; Calil, Susana de Santana; Niero, Rivaldo; Lopes, Jhonny da Silva; Perazzo, Fábio F; Rosa, Paulo César Pires; Andrade, Sérgio Faloni; Cechinel-Filho, Valdir; Maistro, Edson Luis

    2014-05-14

    Rubus imperialis Cham. Schl. (Rosaceae) is frequently used in traditional medicine as hypoglycemic, antinociceptive and antiviral remedy. Swiss albino mice were distributed in eight groups for acute treatment with Rubus imperialis extract (24 h). The extract doses selected were 50, 250 and 500 mg/kg b.w. administered by gavage alone or plus to CPA (50 mg/kg b.w.) administered by intraperitoneal injection. Control groups were treated in a similar way. Analyses were performed using the comet assay, on leukocytes (collected 4 and 24h after treatment) and liver (collected 24 h after treatment), and using the micronucleus test (MN) in bone marrow cells. Cytotoxicity was assessed by scoring 200 consecutive polychromatic (PCE) and normochromatic (NCE) erythrocytes (PCE/NCE ratio). The main compounds identified in the Rubus imperialis extract were saponins and steroidal compounds, with niga-ichigoside and tormentic acid being the major compounds. Tested doses of Rubus imperialis extract showed no genotoxic effects on leukocytes from peripheral blood or liver cells by the comet assay. However, the MN test showed an increase in the frequency of micronucleated cells at the two higher doses tested, indicating that this extract has clastogenic/aneugenic effects on bone marrow cells at higher doses. On the other hand, for all cells evaluated, the three tested doses of the Rubus imperialis extract promoted inhibition of DNA damage induced by CPA. Despite the chemoprevention observed, the clastogenicity/aneugenicity observed suggested caution about either continuous or high-dose usage of Rubus imperialis aerial parts extract by humans. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  1. Evaluating Fire Doors with Hose Ports.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1987-06-01

    cm) of approved mineral wool structural insulation was applied to the fire side of the steel bulkhead. Steel pins were welded to the bulkhead and the...steel bulkheads, by continuously welding the frame Cl]nce to the bulkhead, USCG approved mineral wool structural insulation was applied on one side of

  2. Near-Road Modeling and Measurement of Particles Generated by Nanoparticle Diesel Fuel Additive Use

    EPA Science Inventory

    Cerium oxide (ceria) nanoparticles (n-Ce) are used as a fuel-borne catalyst in diesel engines to reduce particulate emissions, yet the environmental and human health impacts of the ceria-doped diesel exhaust aerosols are not well understood. To bridge the gap between emission mea...

  3. 47 CFR 74.1205 - Protection of channel 6 TV broadcast stations.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... SERVICES FM Broadcast Translator Stations and FM Broadcast Booster Stations § 74.1205 Protection of channel... permits for new or modified facilities for a noncommercial educational FM translator station on Channels 201-220, unless the application is accompanied by a written agreement between the NCE-FM translator...

  4. 47 CFR 73.809 - Interference protection to full service FM stations.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... 47 Telecommunication 4 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Interference protection to full service FM... RADIO SERVICES RADIO BROADCAST SERVICES Low Power FM Broadcast Stations (LPFM) § 73.809 Interference protection to full service FM stations. (a) If a full service commercial or NCE FM facility application is...

  5. Near-road modeling and measurement of cerium-containing particles generated by nanoparticle diesel fuel additive use

    EPA Science Inventory

    Cerium oxide nanoparticles (nCe) are used as a fuel-borne catalyst in diesel engines to reduce particulate emissions, yet the environmental and human health impacts of the exhaust particles are not well understood. To bridge the gap between emission measurements and ambient impac...

  6. Scaling up our understanding of non-consumptive effects in insect systems

    DOE PAGES

    Hermann, Sara L.; Landis, Douglas A.

    2017-04-06

    Here, non-consumptive effects (NCEs) of predators on prey is an important topic in insect ecology with potential applications for pest management. NCEs are changes in prey behavior and physiology that aid in predation avoidance. While NCEs can have positive outcomes for prey survival there may also be negative consequences including increased stress and reduced growth. These effects can cascade through trophic systems influencing ecosystem function. Most NCEs have been studied at small spatial and temporal scales. However, recent studies show promise for the potential to manipulate NCEs for pest management. We suggest the next frontier for NCE studies includes manipulatingmore » the landscape of fear to improve pest control, which requires scaling-up to field and landscape levels, over ecologically relevant time frames.« less

  7. Scaling up our understanding of non-consumptive effects in insect systems

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

    Hermann, Sara L.; Landis, Douglas A.

    Here, non-consumptive effects (NCEs) of predators on prey is an important topic in insect ecology with potential applications for pest management. NCEs are changes in prey behavior and physiology that aid in predation avoidance. While NCEs can have positive outcomes for prey survival there may also be negative consequences including increased stress and reduced growth. These effects can cascade through trophic systems influencing ecosystem function. Most NCEs have been studied at small spatial and temporal scales. However, recent studies show promise for the potential to manipulate NCEs for pest management. We suggest the next frontier for NCE studies includes manipulatingmore » the landscape of fear to improve pest control, which requires scaling-up to field and landscape levels, over ecologically relevant time frames.« less

  8. Predictors of Success on the National Certification Examination for Graduate Nurse Anesthetists

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hoversten, Mary

    2011-01-01

    Numerous challenges can be associated with pursuing a degree as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). The risk to perspective students and their nurse anesthesia programs may be lessened if success factors for program completion and passing of the national certification examination (NCE) could be identified. The purpose of this ex post…

  9. Tips for a Successful Job Search. PEPNet Tipsheet

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    PEPNet-Northeast, 2009

    2009-01-01

    Looking for a job can be a challenging experience. It helps to have a positive attitude and to be well prepared for every aspect of the job search. This tipsheet uses information from the NTID (National Technical Institute for the Deaf) Center on Employment (NCE) at Rochester Institute of Technology/National Technical Institute for the Deaf and…

  10. 76 FR 14362 - Policies To Promote Rural Radio Service and To Streamline Allotment and Assignment Procedures

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-03-16

    ... set forth in the First R&O, the Priority is premised on the unique ability of Tribes and Tribal... services the Tribal Priority generally operates as a dispositive preference in the application process... Tribal Priority operates as a dispositive preference in the AM commercial and FM NCE application contexts...

  11. Simultaneous analyses of cocaine, cocaethylene, and their possible metabolic and pyrolytic products.

    PubMed

    Cardona, Patrick S; Chaturvedi, Arvind K; Soper, John W; Canfield, Dennis V

    2006-02-10

    A method was developed for simultaneously analyzing cocaine (COC), benzoylecgonine (BZE), norbenzoylecgonine (BNE), norcocaine (NCOC), ecgonine (ECG), ecgonine methyl ester (EME), m-hydroxybenzoylecgonine (HBZE), anhydroecgonine methyl ester (AEME), cocaethylene (CE), norcocaethylene (NCE), and ecgonine ethyl ester (EEE) in blood, urine, and muscle. Available deuterated analogs of these analytes were used as internal standards. Proteins from blood and muscle homogenate were precipitated with cold acetonitrile. After the removal of acetonitrile by evaporation, the supernatants and urine were subjected to solid-phase extraction. The eluted analytes were converted to their hydrochloride salts and derivatized with pentafluoropropionic anhydride and 2,2,3,3,3-pentafluoro-1-propanol. The derivatized products were analyzed by a gas chromatograph (GC)/mass spectrometer by selected ion monitoring. The limit of detection (LOD) for COC, BZE, NCOC, EME, CE, NCE, and EEE was 2ng/ml, while the LODs for BNE, ECG, HBZE, and AEME were 25, 640, 50, and 13 ng/ml, respectively. This method was successfully applied in analyzing 13 case samples from aviation accident pilot fatalities and motor vehicle operators. AEME concentrations found in the 13 samples were consistent with those produced solely by the GC inlet pyrolysis of COC controls in blood. Anhydroecgonine cannot be used as a marker for the abuse of COC by smoking because it is also pyrolytically produced from COC metabolites on the GC inlet. The developed method can be effectively adopted for analyzing COC and related compounds in urine, blood, and muscle by a single extraction with increased sensitivity through formation of hydrochloride salts and using a one-step derivatization.

  12. Evaluation of the genotoxic and cytotoxic effects of crude extracts of Cordia ecalyculata and Echinodorus grandiflorus.

    PubMed

    da Silva, Cristiano José; Bastos, Jairo Kenupp; Takahashi, Catarina Satie

    2010-02-03

    Cordia ecalyculata Vell. and Echinodorus grandiflorus (Cham. & Schltdl.) Micheli are extensively used in Brazil as therapeutic preparations for indigenous groups and the general population. These plants have been used in the folk medicine as: tonic, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, appetite suppressants, for the treatment of snake bites, and weight loss. In this study, it was verified the possible cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of the crude extracts of. Cordia ecalyculata and Echinodorus grandiflorus, as well as their effectiveness in treating obesity. The Micronucleus Test was used for the evaluation of possible clastogenic and aneugenic effects, and the Comet Assay was used for the evaluation of single-strand and double-strand DNA breaks. The cytotoxic effects of the crude extracts were verified by PCE/NCE ratio. Swiss mice (Mus musculus) were used as the experimental model. It was observed a significant (P<0.05) increase, dose-independent, in the average frequency of micronucleated erythrocytes in peripheral blood in mice treated with either the Cordia ecalyculata or Echinodorus grandiflorus extracts, in comparison with the negative control. There were no significant differences (P>0.05) in the frequency of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes for both extract treatment. We observed that treatment with the Cordia ecalyculata extract at concentrations of 1000 and 2000 mg/kg bw resulted in a PCE/NCE ratio that was larger (P<0.05) than the negative control. After 15 days of daily treatment, a dose of 2000 mg/kg bw of either phytotherapeutic did not reduce body mass gain or the amount of food consumed by Swiss mice when compared with the negative control (P>0.05). The results of this study allowed us to infer that the crude extracts of Cordia ecalyculata and Echinodorus grandiflorus do not display cytotoxic or genotoxic activities. However, they do possess weak clastogenic activity (without significance) on peripheral blood cells. Contrary to commonly held beliefs it was also found in this study that the extracts are not effective for obesity treatments. Copyright 2009 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  13. Levels of Possession of Science Process Skills by Final Year Students of Colleges of Education in South-Eastern States of Nigeria

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Akani, Omiko

    2015-01-01

    This study investigated the levels of possession of science process skills by final year Nigerian Certificate in Education (NCE) Students in colleges of Education in South-Eastern States of Nigeria. The skills that were assessed were observation, experimentation, measurement, communication, and inference. The research was guided by five research…

  14. Management of Teaching Practice in the Preparation of Nigerian Certificate of Education (NCE) Teachers

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Asaya, Samuel Adetunji

    2010-01-01

    If the teacher must be "everything" to the learner as well as be the character-model to society, as it is commonly expected, his training must be such that is not only comprehensive but well articulated. Such training must be based on sound conceptual understanding and reasoning that have been developed within the matrix of practice and…

  15. Academic Performance of Students during Transition Period before Choice of Disciplines in Nigeria Certificate in Education (Technical) Programme

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Amasuomo, Japo Oweikeye

    2015-01-01

    The study examined the academic performance of students in the compulsory courses in technical education during the transition period of first and second years of three years Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) Technical programme before choosing their disciplines in the third year. The study comprised of 237 students that consisted of…

  16. Preclinical Evaluation to Specifically Target Ovarian Cancer with Folic Acid conjugated Nanoceria

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2013-06-01

    function (creatinine; urea ; albumin, uric acid ) in plasma collected, showed no significant difference in the untreated and treated mice. All values were...Transaminase), AST (Aspartate Transaminase), Albumin, Creatinine, urea and uric acid . groups (Fig 9). These data show that FA-NCe treatment...Specifically Target Ovarian Cancer with Folic Acid conjugated Nanoceria. PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Ramandeep Rattan, PhD CONTRACTING ORGANIZATION

  17. The medical practice of euthanasia in Belgium and The Netherlands: legal notification, control and evaluation procedures.

    PubMed

    Smets, Tinne; Bilsen, Johan; Cohen, Joachim; Rurup, Mette L; De Keyser, Els; Deliens, Luc

    2009-05-01

    To describe and compare current legal procedures for notifying, controlling and evaluating (NCE-procedures) euthanasia in Belgium and the Netherlands, and to discuss the implications for a safe and controllable euthanasia practice. We systematically studied and compared official documents relating to the Belgian and the Dutch NCE-procedures for euthanasia. In both countries, physicians are required to notify their cases to a review Committee, stimulating them to safeguard the quality of their euthanasia practice and to make societal control over the practice of euthanasia possible. However, the procedures in both countries differ. The main differences are that the Dutch notification and control procedures are more elaborate and transparent than the Belgian, and that the Belgian procedures are primarily anonymous, whereas the Dutch are not. Societal evaluation is made in both countries through the Committees' summary reports to Parliament. Transparent procedures like the Dutch may better facilitate societal control. Informing physicians about the law and the due care requirements for euthanasia, and systematic feedback about their medical actions are both pivotal to achieving efficient societal control and engendering the level of care needed when performing such far-reaching medical acts.

  18. Modeling Interferometric Structures with Birefringent Elements: A Linear Vector-Space Formalism

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2013-11-12

    Annapolis, Maryland ViNceNt J. Urick FraNk BUcholtz Photonics Technology Branch Optical Sciences Division i REPORT DOCUMENTATION PAGE Form...a Linear Vector-Space Formalism Nicholas J. Frigo,1 Vincent J. Urick , and Frank Bucholtz Naval Research Laboratory, Code 5650 4555 Overlook Avenue, SW...Annapolis, MD Unclassified Unlimited Unclassified Unlimited Unclassified Unlimited Unclassified Unlimited 29 Vincent J. Urick (202) 767-9352 Coupled mode

  19. ECIA Chapter 1 Program: 1982-83 Evaluation Report. Report No. 11:06:82/83:108 wp:5899.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Phoenix Union High School District, AZ. Research Services.

    This is a report of the testing results of the 1982-83 Chapter 1 program in the Phoenix Union High School District, Arizona. The average Normal Curve Equivalent (NCE) gains in the District's Chapter 1 Programs showed the students gained more knowledge in each subject than similar students across the nation. However, in some subjects the students…

  20. A Theoretical Search for Supervelocity Semiconductors

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1992-12-31

    such as small- dimension n - n -en majority carrier devices and the high electron mobility transistor. In addition, we have incorporated quantun correction...Availabity Co,.L-, , I-. R.. nd. Ioi TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.0 UMODUC’n1ON 1..................... 2.0 RESEARCH R JS ........... 3.......nnn...... n ...7 2.3 Publications and PreseIut.iou .... n ........... ............ 21 3.0 LIST OF RE NCE S

  1. Stacking of purines in water: the role of dipolar interactions in caffeine.

    PubMed

    Tavagnacco, L; Di Fonzo, S; D'Amico, F; Masciovecchio, C; Brady, J W; Cesàro, A

    2016-05-11

    During the last few decades it has been ascertained that base stacking is one of the major contributions stabilizing nucleic acid conformations. However, the understanding of the nature of the interactions involved in the stacking process remains under debate and it is a subject of theoretical and experimental studies. Structural similarity between purine bases (guanine and adenine) in DNA and the caffeine molecule makes caffeine an excellent model for the purine bases. The present study clearly shows that dipolar interactions play a fundamental role in determining stacking of purine molecules in solution. In order to reach this achievement, polarized ultraviolet Raman resonant scattering experiments have been carried out on caffeine aqueous solutions as a function of concentration and temperature. The investigation pointed out at the aggregation and solvation properties, particularly at elevated temperatures. Kubo-Anderson theory was used as a framework to investigate the non-coincidence effect (NCE) occurring in the totally symmetric breathing modes of the purine rings, and in the bending modes of the methyl groups of caffeine. The NCE concentration dependence shows that caffeine aggregation at 80 °C occurs by planar stacking of the hydrophobic faces. The data clearly indicate that dipolar interactions determine the reorientational motion of the molecules in solution and are the driving force for the stacking of caffeine. In parallel, the observed dephasing times imply a change in caffeine interactions as a function of temperature and concentration. A decrease, at low water content, of the dephasing time for the ring breathing vibration mode indicates that self-association alters the solvation structure that is detectable at low concentration. These results are in agreement with simulation predictions and serve as an important validation of the models used in those calculations.

  2. Safety pharmacology--current and emerging concepts.

    PubMed

    Hamdam, Junnat; Sethu, Swaminathan; Smith, Trevor; Alfirevic, Ana; Alhaidari, Mohammad; Atkinson, Jeffrey; Ayala, Mimieveshiofuo; Box, Helen; Cross, Michael; Delaunois, Annie; Dermody, Ailsa; Govindappa, Karthik; Guillon, Jean-Michel; Jenkins, Rosalind; Kenna, Gerry; Lemmer, Björn; Meecham, Ken; Olayanju, Adedamola; Pestel, Sabine; Rothfuss, Andreas; Sidaway, James; Sison-Young, Rowena; Smith, Emma; Stebbings, Richard; Tingle, Yulia; Valentin, Jean-Pierre; Williams, Awel; Williams, Dominic; Park, Kevin; Goldring, Christopher

    2013-12-01

    Safety pharmacology (SP) is an essential part of the drug development process that aims to identify and predict adverse effects prior to clinical trials. SP studies are described in the International Conference on Harmonisation (ICH) S7A and S7B guidelines. The core battery and supplemental SP studies evaluate effects of a new chemical entity (NCE) at both anticipated therapeutic and supra-therapeutic exposures on major organ systems, including cardiovascular, central nervous, respiratory, renal and gastrointestinal. This review outlines the current practices and emerging concepts in SP studies including frontloading, parallel assessment of core battery studies, use of non-standard species, biomarkers, and combining toxicology and SP assessments. Integration of the newer approaches to routine SP studies may significantly enhance the scope of SP by refining and providing mechanistic insight to potential adverse effects associated with test compounds. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  3. Solvent dependent frequency shift and Raman noncoincidence effect of S=O stretching mode of Dimethyl sulfoxide in liquid binary mixtures.

    PubMed

    Upadhyay, Ganesh; Devi, Th Gomti; Singh, Ranjan K; Singh, A; Alapati, P R

    2013-05-15

    The isotropic and anisotropic Raman peak frequencies of S=O stretching mode of Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) have been discussed in different chemical and isotopic solvent molecules using different mechanisms. The shifting of peak frequency in further dilution of DMSO with solvent molecule is observed for all solvents. Transition dipole - transition dipole interaction and hydrogen bonding may play a major role in shifting of peak frequencies. The non-coincidence effect (NCE) of DMSO was determined for all the solvents and compared with four theoretical models such as McHale's model, Mirone's modification of McHale's model, Logan's model and Onsager-Fröhlich dielectric continuum model respectively. Most of the theoretical models are largely consistent with our experimental data. Copyright © 2013. Published by Elsevier B.V.

  4. Relationship between NCE III Business Education Students Computational Skill and Their Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) in Colleges of Education in Bauchi and Gombe States

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Chadi, Aishatu Muhammad

    2017-01-01

    The study aimed at establishing the relationship and prediction power of Business Education students' computational skill (CPS) on their academic performance (CGPA) at college of education level. Two research questions and two hypotheses were formulated for the study. The design of the study was a correlational survey design. The population of the…

  5. The Performance of Antennas in Their Operational Environment

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1983-09-01

    signal is X dB below the direct signal. The disavantage of this method is that the reflected signal magnitude depends on the directivity of the...necessarily state or reflect those of the I’nited States (Government thereof, and shall not be used for advertising or product en- dorsement...used for advertising or product en- dorsement purposes. NOMERICAL MODELLING METHODS FOR PREDICTING ANTENNA PERFORR/^NCE ON AIRCRAFT by Stanley J

  6. Final Project Report, DynAX Innovations in Programming Models, Compilers and Runtime Systems for Dynamic Adaptive Event Driven Execution Models

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

    Gao, Guang; Meister, Benoit; Padua, David

    2015-12-31

    This report contains a summary of the work done for the Dynax Project from 9/1/2012 to 8/31/2015. Much of the information presented is discussed in further detail in other STI annual and quarterly reports. Additionally, a NCE report was submitted covering work done from the period of 9/1/2015 to 12/31/2015.

  7. A Research Program in Computer Technology. 1987 Annual Technical Report

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1990-07-01

    TITLE (Indcle Security Clanificstion) 1987 Annual Technical Report: *A Research Program in Computer Technology (Unclassified) 12. PERSONAL AUTHOR(S) IS...distributed processing, survivable networks 17. NCE: distributed processing, local networks, personal computers, workstation environment 18. SC Dev...are the auw’iors and should not be Interpreted as representIng the official opinion or policy of DARPA, the U.S. Government, or any person or agency

  8. Impacts of tropospheric ozone and climate change on net primary productivity and net carbon exchange of China’s forest ecosystems

    Treesearch

    Wei Ren; Hanqin Tian; Bo Tao; Art Chappelka; Ge Sun; et al

    2011-01-01

    Aim We investigated how ozone pollution and climate change/variability have interactively affected net primary productivity (NPP) and net carbon exchange (NCE) across China’s forest ecosystem in the past half century. Location Continental China. Methods Using the dynamic land ecosystem model (DLEM) in conjunction with 10-km-resolution gridded historical data sets (...

  9. Results and status of the NASA aircraft engine emission reduction technology programs

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Jones, R. E.; Diehl, L. A.; Petrash, D. A.; Grobman, J.

    1978-01-01

    The results of an aircraft engine emission reduction study are reviewed in detail. The capability of combustor concepts to produce significantly lower levels of exhaust emissions than present production combustors was evaluated. The development status of each combustor concept is discussed relative to its potential for implementation in aircraft engines. Also, the ability of these combustor concepts to achieve proposed NME and NCE EPA standards is discussed.

  10. An Analysis of Operational Availability of Brazilian Navy and Argentine Air Force A-4 Fleets Using Simulation Modeling

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1999-12-01

    Escuela de Ingenieria Aeronäutica, 1982 Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of MASTER OF SCD2NCE IN MANAGEMENT...defense industry , including joint production, technical data sharing, and reciprocal subcontracting in the joint development and production of a...34Foundations of Manufacturing Management". 15. Barton, Russell R., Simulation Metamodels, Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering, The

  11. A Proposed RTN Officer Performance Evaluation System

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1989-12-01

    Taa& No. WokI Unlit Acca ~def 11¶. TITLE (biclde Securiy ClassifiCation) A PROPOSED ROYAL THAI NAVY OFIICER PERFORM NCE EVALUATION SYSTEM 12. PERSONAL...all aspects of performance into account , the commanding officer uses his opinion to decide who is "the best." There are no standard guidelines for...ftequently used in orgunsadozn as a bais for adminiardstive decisions such as employee promotion., tuufer, and allocation of financial reward; employee

  12. Novel Therapy for Bone Regeneration in Large Segmental Defects

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2017-12-01

    HC, Giannoudis PV. Fat embolism and IM nailing. Injury. 2006;37(Suppl 4):S1–2. 38. Wenda K, Ritter G, Degreif J, Rudigier J. Pathogenesis of pul...morphogenetic protein (BMP), thrombopoietin (TPO), therapy, fracture healing, bone regeneration, minipig, pig 16. SECURITY CLASSIFICATION OF: 17... fracture healing, bone regeneration, minipig, pig 3. OVERALL PROJECT SUMMARY: Project start date 30/09/2013 Project end date 29/09/2017 (with 1 year NCE

  13. AGOR 28: SIO Shipyard Representative Bi-Weekly Progress Report

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2015-08-10

    government and SIO were started. Marine Outfitting has started working on a schedule. • Acoustic Tiles & MLV – Yard continues to apply Delta DT...direct the sound away from the main deck working area. NCE will be here to recheck the level during the underway portion of the PSTP next week on...ABS Correspondence - Self-Extinguishing Insulation )(R/ASR) 116/2 AGOR27 A024 STD Report - REGULATORY BODY CORRESPONDENCE ( DCI/USCG - ACCU, QFA

  14. Preclinical Evaluation to Specifically Target Ovarian Cancer with Folic Acid-Conjugated Nanoceria

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2012-06-01

    were conjugated to the amine functionalized by using 1 -ethyl- 3 -[ 3 - dimethylaminopropyl ]carbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC) and N...valid OMB control number. PLEASE DO NOT RETURN YOUR FORM TO THE ABOVE ADDRESS. 1 . REPORT DATE (DD-MM-YYYY) 2. REPORT TYPE 3 . DATES COVERED (From...defects) and concentration of Ce3+ species in nanoceria ( 1 ). NCe synthesized in Dr. Seal’s laboratory has been tailored to retain mixed valence states ( 3

  15. JTF CapMed Initial Outfitting and Transition (IO&T) - History, Process, Benefits

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2011-01-26

    Sharing Knowledge: Achieving Breakthrough Performance 2010 Military Health System Conference JTF CapMed 26 January, 2011 CAPT Russell Pendergrass...The Quadruple Aim: Working Together, Achieving Success 2011 Military Health System Confer nce JTF CapMed Initial Outfitting and Transition (IO&T...number. 1. REPORT DATE 26 JAN 2011 2. REPORT TYPE 3. DATES COVERED 00-00-2011 to 00-00-2011 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE JTF CapMed Initial Outfitting

  16. Histopathological and genotoxic effects of chlorpyrifos in rats.

    PubMed

    Ezzi, Lobna; Belhadj Salah, Imen; Haouas, Zohra; Sakly, Amina; Grissa, Intissar; Chakroun, Sana; Kerkeni, Emna; Hassine, Mohsen; Mehdi, Meriem; Ben Cheikh, Hassen

    2016-03-01

    This study aims to investigate the effects of chlorpyrifos's sub-acute exposure on male rats. Two groups with six animals each were orally treated, respectively, with 3.1 mg/kg b w and 6.2 mg/kg b w of chlorpyrifos during 4 weeks. The genotoxic effect of chlopyrifos was investigated using the comet assay and the micronucleus test. Some hematological and liver's histopathological changes were also evaluated. Results revealed that chlorpyrifos induced histopathological alterations in liver parenchyma. The lymphoid infiltration observed in liver sections and the increase in white blood cells parameter are signs of inflammation. A significant increase in the platelet' count and in polychromatic erythrocytes/normochromatic erythrocytes (PCE/NCE) ratio was observed in chlorpyrifos-treated groups which could be due to the stimulatory effect of chlorpyrifos on cell formation in the bone marrow at lower doses. In addition, the increase of bone marrow micronucleus percentage and the comet tail length revealed a genotoxic potential of chlorpyrifos in vivo.

  17. Assessment of substance abuse liability in rodents: self-administration, drug discrimination, and locomotor sensitization.

    PubMed

    Paterson, Neil E

    2012-09-01

    Assessing abuse liability is a crucial step in the development of a novel chemical entity (NCE) with central nervous system (CNS) activity or with chemical or pharmacological properties in common with known abused substances. Rodent assessment of abuse liability is highly attractive due to its relatively low cost and high predictive validity. Described in this unit are three rodent assays commonly used to provide data on the potential for abuse liability based on the acute effects of NCEs: specifically, self-administration, drug discrimination, and locomotor sensitization. As these assays provide insight into the potential abuse liability of NCEs as well as in vivo pharmacological mechanism(s) of action, they should form a key part of the development process for novel therapeutics aimed at treating CNS disorders.

  18. Non-Contrast Enhanced MR Angiography (NCE-MRA) of the Calf: A Direct Comparison between Flow-Sensitive Dephasing (FSD) Prepared Steady-State Free Precession (SSFP) and Quiescent-Interval Single-Shot (QISS) in Patients with Diabetes

    PubMed Central

    Huang, Yi; Liu, Dexiang; Tang, Yukuan; Fan, Zhaoyang; Chen, Hanwei; Liu, Xin

    2015-01-01

    Objectives To compare the image quality and diagnostic performance of two non-contrast enhanced MR angiography (NCE-MRA) techniques using flow-sensitive dephasing (FSD) prepared steady-state free precession (SSFP) and quiescent-interval single-shot (QISS) for the calf arteries in patients with diabetes. Materials and Methods Twenty six patients underwent the two NCE-MRA techniques followed by contrast-enhanced MRA (CE-MRA) of lower extremity on a 1.5T MR system. Image quality scores, arterial stenosis scores, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), vessel sharpness, and diagnostic accuracy for detecting more than 50% arterial stenosis were evaluated and statistically compared using CE-MRA as the reference standard. Results All examinations were performed successfully. Of the total 153 calf arterial segments obtained in the 26 patients, FSD and QISS showed no significant difference in the number of diagnostic arterial segments (151 [98%] vs. 147 [96%], respectively, P>0.05). The image quality of FSD was higher than that of QISS in the peroneal artery and posterior tibial artery (P<0.05), but no significant difference in the anterior tibial artery (P>0.05). SNR and CNR of FSD were higher than those of QISS (P<0.01), while FSD showed comparable vessel sharpness compared with QISS (P>0.05). The time efficiency of SNR and CNR between FSD and QISS showed no significant difference when taking into account the times for FSD-related scout scans. There was no difference in sensitivity (95% vs. 93%, P>0.05) and negative predictive value (98% vs. 97%, P>0.05) between FSD and QISS for detecting stenosis greater than 50%. However, FSD showed higher specificities (99% vs. 92%, P<0.05) and diagnostic accuracy (98% vs. 92%, P<0.05) compared to QISS. Conclusion Both FSD and QISS had similar high sensitivity and negative predictive value for detecting calf arteries with over 50% stenosis, but FSD showed slightly higher diagnostic specificity and better depiction of arterial lesions due to its isotropic submillimeter spatial resolution. QISS, being an easier to use and less time-consuming technique, could be a method of choice for rapid screening of arterial disease of the lower extremity. PMID:26035645

  19. Examining science achievement of African American females in suburban middle schools: A mixed methods study

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Topping, Kecia C.

    This dissertation examined factors that affected the science achievement of African American females in suburban middle schools. The research literature informed that African American females are facing the barriers of race, gender, socioeconomic status, and cultural learning style preferences. Nationally used measurements of science achievement such as the Standardized Achievement Test, Tenth edition (SAT-10), National Assessment for Educational Progress, and National Center for Educational Statistics showed that African American females are continuing to falter in the areas of science when compared to other ethnic groups. This study used a transformative sequential explanatory mixed methods design. In the first, quantitative, phase, the relationships among the dependent variables, science subscale SAT-10 NCE scores, yearly averages, and the independent variables, attitude toward science scores obtained from the Modified Fennema-Sherman Attitudes toward Science Scale, socioeconomics, and caregiver status were tested. The participants were 150 African American females in grades 6 through 8 in four suburban middle schools located in the Southeastern United States. The results showed a positive, significant linear relationship between the females' attitude and their science subscale SAT-10 NCE scores and a positive, significant linear relationship between the females' attitudes and their yearly averages in science. The results also confirmed that attitude was a significant predictor of science subscale SAT-10 NCE scores for these females and that attitude and socioeconomics were significant predictors of the females' yearly averages in science. In the second, qualitative, phase, nine females purposefully selected from those who had high and low attitude towards science scores on the scale in the quantitative phase were interviewed. The themes that emerged revealed seven additional factors that impacted the females' science achievement. They were usefulness of science, exposure to science, parent influence, peer influence, teacher expectations, strategies for academic success in science, and perception of self in a predominantly Caucasian population. This information should be used to create interactive suburban middle school science classrooms that encourage the participation of African American females. These females should experience increased involvement with activities that expose them to science that is relevant to their lives. As a result, these females will be inspired to excel in science and one day enter into science careers.

  20. Uniform Summary of Surface Weather Observations (RUSSWO), Edwards AFB, Lancaster, California (Revised)

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1979-02-09

    EARSONT -P-rCENTAGF FI’ UEN(Y r-F u-ckJR~NCE- OF WEATHER CONDITI2NS FRUW HOURLY JBSERVATIONS HOURS THUNDER- PAIN FREEZING SNOW 1 O1 SMOKE DUST X OF...o..,s o, L.,s ,o ., MI, oSSOUI 99 .. polg ?’ 10.1100ok Qooa.9 o . ol911- 4-’ . . . .- I >1k - -v ---. ---- - -- -- 2 ~ GL0l3t.L CLIMATOUurf’ BRA"C

  1. Studies in Battle Command

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1995-01-01

    gulars i ttl . te i ewa, le nce r ss i a enstown. enstown, h d nt f t pture orge. tely, l ander t ri , odore ac uncey, ed erate. id...triumph, or another such attack, would finally smash us, and then will come the monster catastrophe--a horrible compound of Afghanistan and Corunna...compromise or compound of all of these.“5 On I6 May, while Pemberton vacillated (much to the disgust of his subordi- nates), Grant simplified the

  2. Analysis of Photonic Phase-Shifting Technique Employing Amplitude-Controlled Fiber-Optic Delay Lines

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2012-01-13

    Controlled Fiber-Optic Delay Lines January 13, 2012 Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited. Meredith N. draa ViNceNt J. Urick keith J...Draa, Vincent J. Urick , and Keith J. Williams Naval Research Laboratory, Code 5652 4555 Overlook Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20375-5320 NRL/MR/5650--12...9376 Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited. Unclassified Unclassified Unclassified UU 29 Vincent J. Urick (202) 767-9352 Fiber optics

  3. Training Requirements and Job Language Performance Requirements for MOS 11B, Infantryman.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1982-10-01

    I-.* - : Combat Tech : Ma recding Orient a map using a compass apparent rotate alternate refer.nce ability angle shown suitable block to the ground...one through ee:.. These appcndices co.-taiii the formr for’ the information gathcrinig. They also contain all, the information used to deternine the .b...Apendix two is the Task Inventory/Compiled Data Form. it was used to record the point values of the variables nceded in the task prioritizitior, proccss

  4. Bibliography of NBDL (Naval Biodynamics Laboratory) Publications,

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1987-01-28

    of Pro- ceedings of 9th International Conference in Engineering on Medicine and Biology , Melbourne, Australia, Aug 1971, 154 pp. 3.15 Ewing, C. L...75thFAnnii1"onfer6nce on Engineerng in Medicine and Biology . Miami Beach, FL, 4 Oct 1972, 241 pp. 3.23 Becker, E. B. Measurement of Mass Distribution...Pepper, R. L. & Wiker, S. F. Perfonnance Evaluation Tests for Environmental Researh (PETER): Collected Papers. NBUL Research Report, NBUL-8URO(8

  5. Defense Acquisition Research Journal. Volume 22, Number 4, Issue 75, October 2015

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2015-10-01

    forma nce pa ra meters ba sed on operational requirements related to the mission. These thresholds will inform the develop- ment of KPPs, KSAs...success of a software development project. 400 Defense ARJ, October 2015, Vol. 22 No. 4 : 394–415 A Publication of the Defense Acquisition University...define when development is complete (Resnick et al., 2011), and when a story is added to a sprint the acceptance criteria can be adjusted. This is

  6. Radio protective effect of black mulberry extract on radiation-induced damage in bone marrow cells and liver in the rat

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ghasemnezhad Targhi, Reza; Homayoun, Mansour; Mansouri, Somaieh; Soukhtanloo, Mohammad; Soleymanifard, Shokouhozaman; Seghatoleslam, Masoumeh

    2017-01-01

    Ionizing radiation by producing free radicals induces tissue oxidative stress and has clastogenic and cytotoxic effects. The radio protective effect of black mulberry extract (BME) has been investigated on liver tissue and bone marrow cells in the rat. Intraperitoneal (ip) administration of 200 mg/kg BME three days before and three days after 3 Gy and 6 Gy gamma irradiation significantly reduced the frequencies of micro nucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MnPCEs) and micro nucleated norm chromatic erythrocyte (MnNCEs) and increased PCE/PCE+NCE ratio in rat bone marrow compared to the non-treated irradiated groups. Moreover, this concentration of BME extract decreased the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), as well as enhanced the total thiol content and catalase activity in rat's liver compared to the non-treated irradiated groups. It seems that BME extract with antioxidant activity reduced the genotoxicity and cytotoxicity induced by gamma irradiation in bone marrow cells and liver in the rat.

  7. Intrauterine position affects fetal weight and crown-rump length throughout gestation.

    PubMed

    Jang, Y D; Ma, Y L; Lindemann, M D

    2014-10-01

    To investigate the effect of intrauterine positions on fetal growth throughout gestation, data from a total of 65 gilts (n = 784 fetuses) that were slaughtered at assigned days of gestation (d 43, 58, 73, 91, 101, and 108) on a project to evaluate fetal mineral deposition were used. Placenta units were removed from the uterus, and position, sex, weight, and crown-rump length (CRL) of each fetus were recorded. Fetuses were classified into 5 categories within a uterine horn for the absolute intrauterine position: the ovarian end (OE) of the uterine horn, next to the ovarian end (NOE), the middle (MD), next to the cervical end (NCE), and the cervical end (CE), and also classified for the relative fetal position with respect to the sex of adjacent fetuses. Fetuses at the OE and NOE of the uterine horn tended to be heavier (P = 0.06) and longer (P < 0.05) than those at the MD of the uterine horn at d 58 of gestation. Fetuses at the OE of the uterine horn were also heavier and longer than those at the MD and NCE of the uterine horn at d 101 and 108 of gestation (P < 0.05). Fetuses at the CE of the uterine horn were intermediate in weight and length. There were no major effects of adjacent fetal sex (fetuses surrounded by the opposite sexes) in weight or length. Male fetuses were heavier than female fetuses at d 43, 58, 73, and 108 of gestation (P < 0.05) and longer than female fetuses at d 58 (P = 0.06), 73 (P < 0.05), 101 (P = 0.07), and 108 (P < 0.05) of gestation. Fetal weight was highly correlated with CRL at all gestational ages (P < 0.01). These results indicate that 1) the absolute intrauterine position affects fetal growth more than the sex of the adjacent fetus in the uterine horn, 2) each end of the uterine horn (OE and CE) has heavier fetuses than the MD, and 3) male pigs grow faster than female pigs even before birth.

  8. The effect of polymer size and charge of molecules on permeation through synovial membrane and accumulation in hyaline articular cartilage.

    PubMed

    Sterner, B; Harms, M; Wöll, S; Weigandt, M; Windbergs, M; Lehr, C M

    2016-04-01

    The treatment of joint related diseases often involves direct intra-articular injections. For rational development of novel delivery systems with extended residence time in the joint, detailed understanding of transport and retention phenomena within the joint is mandatory. This work presents a systematic study on the in vitro permeation, penetration and accumulation of model polymers with differing charges and molecular weights in bovine joint tissue. Permeation experiments with bovine synovial membrane were performed with PEG polymers (6-200 kDa) and methylene blue in customized diffusion chambers. For polyethylene glycol, 2-fold (PEG 6 kDa), 3-fold (PEG 10 kDa) and 13-fold (PEG 35 kDa) retention by the synovial membrane in reference to the small molecule methylene blue was demonstrated. No PEG 200 kDa was found in the acceptor in detectable amounts after 48 h. This showed the potential for a distinct extension of joint residence times by increasing molecular weights. In addition, experiments with bovine cartilage tissue were conducted. The ability for positively charged, high molecular weight chitosans and HEMA-Co-TMAP (HCT) polymers (up to 233 kDa) to distribute throughout the entire cartilage matrix was demonstrated. In contrast, a distribution into cartilage was not observed for neutral PEG polymers (6-200 kDa). Furthermore, the positive charge density of different compounds (chitosan, HEMA-Co-TMAP, methylene blue, MSC C1 (neutral NCE) and MSC D1 (positively charged NCE) was found to correlate with their accumulation in bovine cartilage tissue. In summary, the results offer pre-clinical in vitro data, indicating that the modification of molecular size and charge of a substance has the potential to decelerate its clearance through the synovial membrane and to promote accumulation inside the cartilage matrix. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  9. A National Study of the Aviation Mechanics Occupation. Phase III. Curriculum & Resurvey.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1970-08-01

    nce GoalI volts and lower. flc( (boo? * Read and inttrpol.:a1,: 0 Give~n: the proper _0( divi ,ins A moeck-up of an AC( electrical circuit having a...connected and operated as specified. 84 Key Points ibu Starting procedures *Why is the propeller " Pulled for 4-cycle recipro- through"? cating piston-type... pulled ? eWhat precautions should be taken concerning locking brakes? eWhy should cabin doors and windows be closed and locked? Protection against *When may

  10. United States Intervention in Panama: The Battle Continues

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1991-02-11

    U. S. presencc in Panama in accbrda~nce with Panama Canal Tra atiuzs, arid; support the Pentagon’s proposed post -cold war concept of retucing the...the Pentagon’s proposed post -cold war concept of reducing the number of unified commands. IDT10TA4 , ADi sr I o L: r 91-01546 9 6 7 064 11111 H11Il01l...success of Operation Just Cause, there were no post -invasion plans for rebuilding :;q - 5 Panama. According to General Frederick Woerner, former

  11. Fire Protection of Weapon Storage and Water Mist Redundancy Philosophies

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2012-11-01

    criteria me system ged system ozzles dummy tor d, insulated titute of Swe stems pedo pipe Date 2012 den Refere -03-31 P90 nce 0038-04...test wit tion test wit ution test wi t system, 10 st system, 5 m, 5 bar, 50 , 10 bar, 50 ummy, free- edo dummy pedo dummy pedo dummy ummy, dren...systems usi lower volum pedo dumm temperature discharge d ion. h Institute ynamics dström Date 2012 den ater mist/wa ests indicate fire

  12. Flue Gas Desulfurization at Navy Bases, Navy Energy Guidance Study. Phase IV.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1980-08-01

    WA08O9 146 BECHTEL NATIONAL INC SAN FRANCISCO CA FLUE GAS DESULFURIZATION AT NAVY BASES, NAVY ENERGY GUIDANCE ST-ETC(U) AUG 80 A I MCCONE N68305-77C... Flue gas desulfurization 10. ABSTRACT (C lno d. It -.4..,.d id-1, by 61-hb n-.1..) A study o e availability, costs, and operating perfor- nce of...industral-sized flue gas desulfurization (FGD) systems or coal-fired boilers 4...- mrfmmed for-the Civil Englneering- , - boratory at the Naval Construction

  13. The Biological Degradation of Spilled Jet Fuels: A Literature Review.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1981-10-01

    atoms attached to a ring. According to Bartha and Atlas 4 2 the following summary can be made of the relative biodegradability of hydrocarbons. 1. n...but had no efftct on the degradation rate of diesel Both substrates were util I zed s-’iltane islv. nt Limitation nce the work of Atlas and Bartha 6 0...that affects metabolic activity, degradation rILe fncreases vIth a rise in temperature. Atlas and Bartha 6 1 reported that le.rad !...Iion rate roughly

  14. Essays on Strategy. 5

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1988-01-01

    amphibius study group co nce pt pa per, L’S Na xa I War C’ol lege ( )SDept.); 1). B3. [<ii.kin, "’No Bastions for the Be’ar’’ t rnna polis: US N aval...Tracking Study results indicated that "level of pay" was only the fifth most important reason young males decided not to enlist. The first four ...the Institute for National Strategic Studies , hosts about two dozen Senior Fellows who engage in original research on national security issues. NDU

  15. Image Understanding Research and Its Application to Cartography and Computer-Based Analysis of Aerial Imagery

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1983-05-01

    Parallel Computation that Assign Canonical Object-Based Frames of Refer- ence," Proc. 7th it. .nt. Onf. on Artifcial Intellig nce (IJCAI-81), Vol. 2...Perception of Linear Struc- ture in Imaged Data ." TN 276, Artiflci!.a Intelligence Center, SRI International, Feb. 1983. [Fram75] J.P. Frain and E.S...1983 May 1983 D C By: Martin A. Fischler, Program Director S ELECTE Principal Investigator, (415)859-5106 MAY 2 21990 Artificial Intelligence Center

  16. Project CHECO Southeast Asia Report. Rolling Thunder, January 1967 - November 1968

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1969-10-01

    APPENDIX 5, Neut (alized o( Abandoned A list of inactive targets previously li,ted prima(ily in APPENDiX 4 that had been neutralized I- or abandoned and...struck was Van Dien Battery Plant for which no BDA was avail- able. " TRANSPORTATION, A major interdiction effort continued against the key lines of...the Laos Bor- der . Bridges that have not been used regularly s?,nce the bombing started are up and in use on LOCs leading to the DMZ. In short, the

  17. Japan and the Soviet Threat: Perceptions and Reactions.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1983-12-01

    s...nce the late 1970’s. This _training cannot but help elevate the defense readiness posture of Japan and based on the scenarios being exercised , the...supersonic low flyers, can be easily jammed, and are virtually unprotected (as are Japan’s air bases ). Though work is underway to improve BADGE, it will...opposition to Japanese plans in East Asia, Japan moved to improve its position by concluding a Neutrality Pact with le. .the USSR (1941). .5 The Soviets

  18. Heliport Noise Model (HNM). Version 1. (User’s Guide)

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1988-02-01

    Examples of acoustically hard surfaces include concrete or asphalt paving, water or baked clay surfaces. Mote that if the site does not meet the...neighbor should be characterized as either Hard (H) or Soft (S). From an acoustic point of view, "hard" ground is either pavement or water . All other...GROUND DISraNCE 10 - MAP - SEIUP 11 - HELIPADS 3 - HELIPADS 12- rAKEOI tRACKS 4 - HELICOPrERS 13 - APPROACH IRACKS 5 - IAKt-OFFS 14- rAxx fRACKS C6

  19. [Protective Effect of S-isopentenyl-L-cysteine against DNA Damage in Irradiated Mice].

    PubMed

    Zheng, Qi-sheng; Yu, Guang-yun; He, Xin; Jiang, Ming; Chu, Xiao-fei; Zhao, Shu-yi; Fan, Sai-jun; Liu, Pei-xun

    2015-10-01

    To evaluate the protective effect of S-isopentenyl-L-cysteine,a new cysteine derivative,on DNA damage induced by radiation by using acute radiation injury animal models. Forty ICR mice were randomly divided into five groups:the control group,1.0Gy gamma irradiation group,1.0Gy gamma irradiation combined with S-isopentenyl-L-cysteine group,7.2Gy gamma irradiation group,and 7.2Gy gamma irradiation combined with S-isopentenyl-L-cysteine group,with 8 mice in each group.The comet assay and bone marrow polychromatic micronucleus experiments were performed to evaluate the double-strand DNA breaks in ICR mice exposed to 1.0 and 7.2Gy gamma-ray, respectively. The tail DNA percentage,tail length,tail moment,and olive tail moment of peripheral blood lymphocytes in 7.2Gy gamma irradiation group were significantly higher than that of the control group (P<0.01).And it was also observed that above experimental indexes of 7.2Gy gamma irradiation combined with S-isopentenyl-L-cysteine group was significantly less than that of 7.2Gy gamma irradiation group (P<0.05). In addition,the micronucleus rate of 1.0Gy gamma irradiation group and 7.2Gy gamma irradiation group were both significantly higher than in the control group (P<0.01). In addition,in mice given S-isopentenyl-L-cysteine before irradiation,the micronucleus rate of ICR mice exposed to 1.0 and 7.2Gy gamma-ray decreased from (39.5000 ± 3.3141)‰ to (28.1667±4.1345)‰ (P=0.033) and from (76.5000 ± 4.6242)‰ to (22.8333 ± 3.6553)‰(P=0.000),respectively. The bone marrow polychromatic micronucleus experiment indicated that the value of polychromatic erythrocyte (PCE)/normochromatic erythrocyte(NCE) of ICR mice exposed to 1.0 and 7.2Gy gamma-ray was less than the control group(P<0.05). Meanwhile,after irradiating by certain dose,the value of PCE/NCE in mice given S-isopentenyl-L-cysteine before irradiation was significantly higher than the corresponding groups (P<0.05). S-isopentenyl-L-cysteine has a good protective effect against DNA damage induced by radiation.

  20. Ultra-high field upper extremity peripheral nerve and non-contrast enhanced vascular imaging

    PubMed Central

    Raval, Shailesh B.; Britton, Cynthia A.; Zhao, Tiejun; Krishnamurthy, Narayanan; Santini, Tales; Gorantla, Vijay S.; Ibrahim, Tamer S.

    2017-01-01

    Objective The purpose of this study was to explore the efficacy of Ultra-high field [UHF] 7 Tesla [T] MRI as compared to 3T MRI in non-contrast enhanced [nCE] imaging of structural anatomy in the elbow, forearm, and hand [upper extremity]. Materials and method A wide range of sequences including T1 weighted [T1] volumetric interpolate breath-hold exam [VIBE], T2 weighted [T2] double-echo steady state [DESS], susceptibility weighted imaging [SWI], time-of-flight [TOF], diffusion tensor imaging [DTI], and diffusion spectrum imaging [DSI] were optimized and incorporated with a radiofrequency [RF] coil system composed of a transverse electromagnetic [TEM] transmit coil combined with an 8-channel receive-only array for 7T upper extremity [UE] imaging. In addition, Siemens optimized protocol/sequences were used on a 3T scanner and the resulting images from T1 VIBE and T2 DESS were compared to that obtained at 7T qualitatively and quantitatively [SWI was only qualitatively compared]. DSI studio was utilized to identify nerves based on analysis of diffusion weighted derived fractional anisotropy images. Images of forearm vasculature were extracted using a paint grow manual segmentation method based on MIPAV [Medical Image Processing, Analysis, and Visualization]. Results High resolution and high quality signal-to-noise ratio [SNR] and contrast-to-noise ratio [CNR]—images of the hand, forearm, and elbow were acquired with nearly homogeneous 7T excitation. Measured [performed on the T1 VIBE and T2 DESS sequences] SNR and CNR values were almost doubled at 7T vs. 3T. Cartilage, synovial fluid and tendon structures could be seen with higher clarity in the 7T T1 and T2 weighted images. SWI allowed high resolution and better quality imaging of large and medium sized arteries and veins, capillary networks and arteriovenous anastomoses at 7T when compared to 3T. 7T diffusion weighted sequence [not performed at 3T] demonstrates that the forearm nerves are clearly delineated by fiber tractography. The proper digital palmar arteries and superficial palmar arch could also be clearly visualized using TOF nCE 7T MRI. Conclusion Ultra-high resolution neurovascular imaging in upper extremities is possible at 7T without use of renal toxic intravenous contrast. 7T MRI can provide superior peripheral nerve [based on fiber anisotropy and diffusion coefficient parameters derived from diffusion tensor/spectrum imaging] and vascular [nCE MRA and vessel segmentation] imaging. PMID:28662061

  1. Puget Sound Dredged Disposal Analysis (PSDDA). Unconfined, Open-Water Disposal Sites for Dredged Material. Phase 1 (Central Puget Sound). National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)/State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA)

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1988-06-01

    confined to a relatively small area. In 400 feet of water the descending cloud is approximately 250 feet in diameter (B. Trawle, personal communica- tion...when it hits the bottom, occuring 30 seconds after disposal is initiated. The collapsing cloud then spreads out in all directions. Ten minutes later...Compliance inspection6. Environ- mental monitorig an permin dp&nce insp ecti, arso part -disposal site management, are described in the MPR and the Management

  2. The Spectral Ocean Wave Model (SOWM), a Northern Hemisphere Computer Model for Specifying and Forecasting Ocean Wave Spectra

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1982-07-01

    directions. SIGNIFICANT WAVE HEIGHT A further sua-tion of (3) over the 15 frequency bands yields, within a linear model , the variance of a time history of...SPECTRAL Of.EAN WAVE MODEL (SOWM), A NORTHERN Final Report HEMtISPHEE COMPUTER MODELL Foyt SPECIFYING AND FORECASTING OCEAN WAVE .SftfTRA S EFRIGOG...Ocean Wave Model (SWM() In use at the Fleet Numerical Oceanography Center si.nce 1974 has been used to produce spectra for a 20- year ocean wave

  3. [Magnetic resonance compatibility research for coronary mental stents].

    PubMed

    Wang, Ying; Liu, Li; Wang, Shuo; Shang, Ruyao; Wang, Chunren

    2015-01-01

    The objective of this article is to research magnetic resonance compatibility for coronary mental stents, and to evaluate the magnetic resonance compatibility based on laboratory testing results. Coronary stents magnetic resonance compatibility test includes magnetically induced displacement force test, magnetically induced torque test, radio frequency induced heating and evaluation of MR image. By magnetic displacement force and torque values, temperature, and image distortion values to determine metal coronary stent demagnetization effect. The methods can be applied to test magnetic resonance compatibility for coronary mental stents and evaluate its demagnetization effect.

  4. Exploring the representational basis of response-effect compatibility: Evidence from bilingual verbal response-effect mappings.

    PubMed

    Földes, Noémi; Philipp, Andrea M; Badets, Arnaud; Koch, Iring

    2018-05-01

    The ideomotor principle states that actions are represented by their anticipated sensory effects. This notion is often tested using the response-effect compatibility (REC) paradigm, where participants' responses are followed either by a compatible or incompatible response effect (e.g., an effect on the right side after a right-hand response is considered R-E compatible due to the spatial overlap, whereas an effect on the left side after the right-hand response is considered incompatible). Shorter reaction times are typically observed in the compatible condition compared to the incompatible condition (i.e., REC effect), suggesting that effect anticipation plays a role in action control. Previous evidence from verbal REC suggested that effect anticipation can be due to conceptual R-E overlap, but there was also phonological overlap (i.e., anticipated reading of a word preceded by the vocal response of saying that very word). To examine the representational basis of REC, in three experiments, we introduced a bilingual R-E mapping to exclude phonological R-E overlap (i.e., in the R-E compatible condition, the translation equivalent of the response word is presented as an effect word in a different language). Our findings show that the REC effect is obtained when presenting the effect word in the same language as the response (i.e., monolingual condition), but the compatibility effect was not found when the semantically same word is presented in a different language, suggesting no conceptually generalized REC in a bilingual setting. (232 words). Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  5. The influence of the Japanese waving cat on the joint spatial compatibility effect: A replication and extension of Dolk, Hommel, Prinz, and Liepelt (2013).

    PubMed

    Puffe, Lydia; Dittrich, Kerstin; Klauer, Karl Christoph

    2017-01-01

    In a joint go/no-go Simon task, each of two participants is to respond to one of two non-spatial stimulus features by means of a spatially lateralized response. Stimulus position varies horizontally and responses are faster and more accurate when response side and stimulus position match (compatible trial) than when they mismatch (incompatible trial), defining the social Simon effect or joint spatial compatibility effect. This effect was originally explained in terms of action/task co-representation, assuming that the co-actor's action is automatically co-represented. Recent research by Dolk, Hommel, Prinz, and Liepelt (2013) challenged this account by demonstrating joint spatial compatibility effects in a task-setting in which non-social objects like a Japanese waving cat were present, but no real co-actor. They postulated that every sufficiently salient object induces joint spatial compatibility effects. However, what makes an object sufficiently salient is so far not well defined. To scrutinize this open question, the current study manipulated auditory and/or visual attention-attracting cues of a Japanese waving cat within an auditory (Experiment 1) and a visual joint go/no-go Simon task (Experiment 2). Results revealed that joint spatial compatibility effects only occurred in an auditory Simon task when the cat provided auditory cues while no joint spatial compatibility effects were found in a visual Simon task. This demonstrates that it is not the sufficiently salient object alone that leads to joint spatial compatibility effects but instead, a complex interaction between features of the object and the stimulus material of the joint go/no-go Simon task.

  6. Spatial compatibility and affordance compatibility in patients with chronic schizophrenia.

    PubMed

    Kume, Yu; Sato, Fumiyasu; Hiraoka, Yuya; Suzuki, Shingo; Niyama, Yoshitsugu

    2016-12-01

    A deterioration in information-processing performance is commonly recognized in patients with chronic schizophrenia. Although the enhancement of cognitive skills in patients with schizophrenia is important, the types of external stimuli that influence performance have not received much attention. The aim of present study was to clarify the effects of spatial and affordance compatibility in patients with schizophrenia, compared with those in healthy people. The subjects (25 patients with schizophrenia and 25 healthy controls) participated in two experiment examining the effects of the spatial location of stimuli and the action-relevance of objects. The results showed that the effect of spatial compatibility was similar in both the patients and the controls, whereas the influence of action-relevant objects was not highlighted in either patients with chronic schizophrenia or healthy controls. These findings provide important evidence of a normal spatial compatibility effect in patients with chronic schizophrenia. However, further research examining the affordance compatibility effect is needed, taking into consideration the symptomatology and the severity of the social functioning level in patients with schizophrenia. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  7. Dual-task performance with ideomotor-compatible tasks: is the central processing bottleneck intact, bypassed, or shifted in locus?

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Lien, Mei-Ching; McCann, Robert S.; Ruthruff, Eric; Proctor, Robert W.

    2005-01-01

    The present study examined whether the central bottleneck, assumed to be primarily responsible for the psychological refractory period (PRP) effect, is intact, bypassed, or shifted in locus with ideomotor (IM)-compatible tasks. In 4 experiments, factorial combinations of IM- and non-IM-compatible tasks were used for Task 1 and Task 2. All experiments showed substantial PRP effects, with a strong dependency between Task 1 and Task 2 response times. These findings, along with model-based simulations, indicate that the processing bottleneck was not bypassed, even with two IM-compatible tasks. Nevertheless, systematic changes in the PRP and correspondence effects across experiments suggest that IM compatibility shifted the locus of the bottleneck. The findings favor an engage-bottleneck-later hypothesis, whereby parallelism between tasks occurs deeper into the processing stream for IM- than for non-IM-compatible tasks, without the bottleneck being actually eliminated.

  8. 76 FR 2625 - Comment Sought on 2010 Review of Hearing Aid Compatibility Regulations

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-01-14

    ... compatibility, as well as the effects of display screens, wireless headsets, and simultaneous transmission.... ACTION: Proposed rule. SUMMARY: The Wireless Telecommunications Bureau (Bureau) seeks comments on the operation and effectiveness of the Commission's rules relating to hearing aid compatibility of wireless...

  9. The impact of pharmaceutical innovation on premature mortality, cancer mortality, and hospitalization in Slovenia, 1997-2010.

    PubMed

    Lichtenberg, Frank R

    2015-04-01

    In Slovenia during the period 2000-2010, the number of years of potential life lost before the age of 70 years per 100,000 population under 70 years of age declined 25 %. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that pharmaceutical innovation played a key role in reducing premature mortality from all diseases in Slovenia, and to examine the effects of pharmaceutical innovation on the age-standardized number of cancer deaths and on hospitalization from all diseases. Estimates and other data were used to calculate the incremental cost effectiveness of pharmaceutical innovation in Slovenia. Longitudinal disease-level data was analyzed to determine whether diseases for which there was greater pharmaceutical innovation-a larger increase in the number of new chemical entities (NCEs) previously launched-had larger declines in premature mortality, the age-standardized number of cancer deaths, and the number of hospital discharges. My methodology controls for the effects of macroeconomic trends and overall changes in the healthcare system. Premature mortality from a disease is inversely related to the number of NCEs launched more than 5 years earlier. On average, the introduction of an additional NCE for a disease reduced premature mortality from the disease by 2.4 % 7 years later. The age-standardized number of cancer deaths is inversely related to the number of NCEs launched 1-6 years earlier, conditional on the age-standardized number of new cancer cases diagnosed 0-2 years earlier. On average, the launch of an NCE reduced the number of hospital discharges 1 year later by approximately 1.5 %. The estimates imply that approximately two-thirds of the 2000-2010 decline in premature mortality was due to pharmaceutical innovation. If no NCEs had been launched in Slovenia during 1992-2003, the age-standardized number of cancer deaths in 2008 would have been 12.2 % higher. The NCEs launched in Slovenia during 2003-2009 are estimated to have reduced the number of hospital discharges in 2010 by 7 %. If we assume that pharmaceutical expenditure was the only type of expenditure affected by pharmaceutical innovation, the cost per life-year saved was 3,953, which is well below even the lowest estimates of the value of a life-year saved. Moreover, 85 % of the increase in drug expenditure may have been offset by a reduction in hospital expenditure; therefore. the cost per life-year saved may have been only €611.

  10. TRoPICALS: A Computational Embodied Neuroscience Model of Compatibility Effects

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Caligiore, Daniele; Borghi, Anna M.; Parisi, Domenico; Baldassarre, Gianluca

    2010-01-01

    Perceiving objects activates the representation of their affordances. For example, experiments on compatibility effects showed that categorizing objects by producing certain handgrips (power or precision) is faster if the requested responses are compatible with the affordance elicited by the size of objects (e.g., small or large). The article…

  11. Use of STOP Bang Questionnaire in Outpatient Setting: Increasing Both Identification of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Patients and Polysomnography Referral Accuracy

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2017-05-16

    DATE RECEIVED 34. OATE FO."\\Yv.RDED TO !:9 MD\\\\𔃻’PA 35. o:>MMENTS C: APFROVED tin coro+~nce v.41h RC".1’~ aoo J:(ll cy re-llew clredh’eS.) D...RECEJ ’JED 40. DATE Fo;;.<ILAR:>ED TO !:9 M:::l".V1’SG\\•U ApriJ !7. 2-017 April !7. 2011 ~1 . o:>M\\’IENTS ~ APFROVEO tin CC(l;.’.pl:’llnce v.41h ~ecu

  12. Word Frequency Analysis MOS: 95C. Skill Levels 1 & 2.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1981-05-01

    EMTAEEN I Bt.ANKST 2 BLANK-. S 1 SLIND I BREA~ CNCD I EGICK I Of I flf.NG 2 BR~OKE N 1 BULBS t BLNK 2 aUtK. 2 BUT 14 By 3 C 9 C ,;LL I CALLS 4 CAN 1 C’O0... POLICIES 4 PCPULATION I PCta 7 PEP7.3m 3 PCSIT ION I POSSIBLE I FC!TS I I’!’!P .q I P.,FPsCRIBED 2 PkEt NCE I PRESENT 1 ppVi l I PR Iok 54 PR I SCNER

  13. High Temperature Mechanical Testing of a Cylindrical Weave Carbon-Carbon Composite.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1985-07-01

    umentation. 11. Photograph of the Calcination Furnace 46 and Automatic Controller/"Recorder. 12. Shear-Lao Specimen for both Axial 47 and Radial Fiber...Pull-out.S 13. Photograph of Displacement Frame Used to 48 Load Both the Pull-out Specimens and Axial Rupture Specimens. 14. Graph i te Loadi ng B1...tested in creep at 1800 C the spec imen shoted no el onga t i on w i th an ao a: I stre=ss of 11.4 ksi for 20 min. This was not surp r is i rg si nce Lu an

  14. Are Automatic Imitation and Spatial Compatibility Mediated by Different Processes?

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Cooper, Richard P.; Catmur, Caroline; Heyes, Cecilia

    2013-01-01

    Automatic imitation or "imitative compatibility" is thought to be mediated by the mirror neuron system and to be a laboratory model of the motor mimicry that occurs spontaneously in naturalistic social interaction. Imitative compatibility and spatial compatibility effects are known to depend on different stimulus dimensions--body…

  15. The Effect of Birth Order on Roommate Compatibility

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Schuh, John H.; Williams, Ondre J.

    1977-01-01

    A group of students were matched on the basis of compatible birth order; another was matched on the basis of conflicting birth order. After a month's experience in a residence hall their compatibility was examined. Students with conflicting birth order were more compatible than those with the same birth order. (Author)

  16. Two-digit number comparison: Decade-unit and unit-decade produce the same compatibility effect with number words.

    PubMed

    Macizo, Pedro; Herrera, Amparo

    2010-03-01

    This study explored the processing of 2-digit number words by examining the unit-decade compatibility effect in Spanish. Participants were required to choose the larger of 2-digit number words presented in verbal notation. In compatible trials the decade and unit comparisons led to the same response (e.g., 53-68) while in incompatible trials the decade and unit comparisons led to different responses (e.g., 59-74). Participants were slower on compatible trials as compared to incompatible trials. In Experiments 2 and 3, we evaluated whether the reverse compatibility effect in Spanish was only due to a pure left-to-right encoding which favours the decade processing in this language (decade-unit order). When participants processed 2-digit number words presented in reverse form (in the unit-decade order), the same reverse compatibility effect was found. This pattern of results suggests that participants have learnt a language-dependent process for analysing written numbers which is used irrespective of the specific arrangement of units and decades in the comparison task. 2010 APA, all rights reserved.

  17. Absence of antimutagenicity of Cochlospermum regium (Mart. and Schr.) Pilger 1924 by micronucleus test in mice.

    PubMed

    Andrade, L S; Santos, D B; Castro, D B; Guillo, L A; Chen-Chen, L

    2008-02-01

    Cochlospermum regium (Mart. and Schr.) Pilger, popularly known as "algodãozinho do campo", is a medicinal plant that grows in the Cerrado of Brazil. This plant has been used in traditional medicine against various diseases such as leucorrhoea, gastritis and ulcers. It has also been effective in treating skin problems like pimples, boils and blotches. In the present study, the in vivo antimutagenicity of aqueous extract of C. regium was evaluated. The Micronucleus Test was performed in polychromatic erythrocytes from Swiss male mice treated with one of the four doses of extract of the plant (19, 38, 76 and 114 mg.kg(-1) body weight), administered by intraperitonial injection (i.p.) simultaneously with cyclophosphamide (24 mg.kg(-1) b.w.) or mitomycin C (4 mg.kg(-1) b.w.). The cytotoxicity was evaluated by polychromatic and normochromatic erythrocytes ratio (PCE/NCE). The results showed no significant reduction of the micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes frequency (P > 0.05). In conclusion, the data indicate that C. regium roots aqueous extract, for the conditions used, did not exhibit the antimutagenic effect.

  18. From Sunshine to Double Arrows: An Evaluation Window Account of Negative Compatibility Effects

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Klauer, Karl Christoph; Dittrich, Kerstin

    2010-01-01

    In category priming, target stimuli are to be sorted into 2 categories. Prime stimuli preceding targets typically facilitate processing of targets when primes and targets are members of the same category, relative to the case in which both stem from different categories, a positive compatibility effect (PCE). But negative compatibility effects…

  19. Safety pharmacology — Current and emerging concepts

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

    Hamdam, Junnat; Sethu, Swaminathan; Smith, Trevor

    2013-12-01

    Safety pharmacology (SP) is an essential part of the drug development process that aims to identify and predict adverse effects prior to clinical trials. SP studies are described in the International Conference on Harmonisation (ICH) S7A and S7B guidelines. The core battery and supplemental SP studies evaluate effects of a new chemical entity (NCE) at both anticipated therapeutic and supra-therapeutic exposures on major organ systems, including cardiovascular, central nervous, respiratory, renal and gastrointestinal. This review outlines the current practices and emerging concepts in SP studies including frontloading, parallel assessment of core battery studies, use of non-standard species, biomarkers, and combiningmore » toxicology and SP assessments. Integration of the newer approaches to routine SP studies may significantly enhance the scope of SP by refining and providing mechanistic insight to potential adverse effects associated with test compounds. - Highlights: • SP — mandatory non-clinical risk assessments performed during drug development. • SP organ system studies ensure the safety of clinical participants in FiH trials. • Frontloading in SP facilitates lead candidate drug selection. • Emerging trends: integrating SP-Toxicological endpoints; combined core battery tests.« less

  20. Investigating Climate Compatible Development Outcomes and their Implications for Distributive Justice: Evidence from Malawi

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wood, Benjamin T.; Quinn, Claire H.; Stringer, Lindsay C.; Dougill, Andrew J.

    2017-09-01

    Governments and donors are investing in climate compatible development in order to reduce climate and development vulnerabilities. However, the rate at which climate compatible development is being operationalised has outpaced academic enquiry into the concept. Interventions aiming to achieve climate compatible development "wins" (for development, mitigation, adaptation) can also create negative side-effects. Moreover, benefits and negative side-effects may differ across time and space and have diverse consequences for individuals and groups. Assessments of the full range of outcomes created by climate compatible development projects and their implications for distributive justice are scarce. This article develops a framework using a systematic literature review that enables holistic climate compatible development outcome evaluation over seven parameters identified. Thereafter, we explore the outcomes of two donor-funded projects that pursue climate compatible development triple-wins in Malawi using this framework. Household surveys, semi-structured interviews and documentary material are analysed. Results reveal that uneven outcomes are experienced between stakeholder groups and change over time. Although climate compatible development triple-wins can be achieved through projects, they do not represent the full range of outcomes. Ecosystem—and community-based activities are becoming popularised as approaches for achieving climate compatible development goals. However, findings suggest that a strengthened evidence base is required to ensure that these approaches are able to meet climate compatible development goals and further distributive justice.

  1. Application of Biosphere Compatibility Indicator for Assessment of the Effectiveness of Environmental Protection Methods

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bakaeva, N. V.; Vorobyov, S. A.; Chernyaeva, I. V.

    2017-11-01

    The article is devoted to the issue of using the biosphere compatibility indicator to assess the effectiveness of environmental protection methods. The indicator biosphere compatibility was proposed by the vice-president of RAASN (Russian Academy of Architecture and Building Sciences), Doctor of Technical Sciences, Professor V.I. Ilyichev. This indicator allows one to assess not only qualitatively but also quantitatively the degree of urban areas development from the standpoint of preserving the biosphere in urban ecosystems while performing the city’s main functions. The integral biosphere compatibility indicator allows us to assess not only the current ecological situation in the territory under consideration but also to plan the forecast of its changes for the new construction projects implementation or for the reconstruction of the existing ones. The biosphere compatibility indicator, which is a mathematical expression of the tripartite balance (technosphere, biosphere and population of this area), allows us to quantify the effectiveness degree of different methods for environment protection to choose the most effective one under these conditions.

  2. 2008 Evaluation of the DoD Voting Assistance Program

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2009-04-30

    tion reports fro~ VAOs and t he NVAP Web site . We a lso conside red arti cles, NAVADMINs , e;nails fro:n the Navy Vot~ng Act ion Of ficer (NVAOl...a nce. (DODD 133. 1 3) Response : Sixty o f s i xty-seven (83\\) r e cruitme nt o ff ice vo ting personne l c o mp l ete d requ i red training, a s...e: Per OPNAVINST 1 742. 18, VAOs are requ: red to conduct t r ainin-g at t he unit level. Ma n y c ommands c ov e r absen t ee reg i s trat ion and

  3. The Many Faces of Fear: Comparing the Pathways and Impacts of Nonconsumptive Predator Effects on Prey Populations

    PubMed Central

    Preisser, Evan L.; Bolnick, Daniel I.

    2008-01-01

    Background Most ecological models assume that predator and prey populations interact solely through consumption: predators reduce prey densities by killing and consuming individual prey. However, predators can also reduce prey densities by forcing prey to adopt costly defensive strategies. Methodology/Principal Findings We build on a simple Lotka-Volterra predator-prey model to provide a heuristic tool for distinguishing between the demographic effects of consumption (consumptive effects) and of anti-predator defenses (nonconsumptive effects), and for distinguishing among the multiple mechanisms by which anti-predator defenses might reduce prey population growth rates. We illustrate these alternative pathways for nonconsumptive effects with selected empirical examples, and use a meta-analysis of published literature to estimate the mean effect size of each pathway. Overall, predation risk tends to have a much larger impact on prey foraging behavior than measures of growth, survivorship, or fecundity. Conclusions/Significance While our model provides a concise framework for understanding the many potential NCE pathways and their relationships to each other, our results confirm empirical research showing that prey are able to partially compensate for changes in energy income, mitigating the fitness effects of defensive changes in time budgets. Distinguishing the many facets of nonconsumptive effects raises some novel questions, and will help guide both empirical and theoretical studies of how predation risk affects prey dynamics. PMID:18560575

  4. Effector identity and orthogonal stimulus-response compatibility in blindness to response-compatible stimuli.

    PubMed

    Nishimura, Akio; Yokosawa, Kazuhiko

    2010-03-01

    Perceiving a visual stimulus is hampered when the stimulus is compatible with simultaneously prepared or executed action (blindness effect). We explored the roles of the effector identity of the responding hand and of orthogonal compatibility (above-right/below-left correspondence) in the blindness effect. In Experiment 1, participants conducted bimanual key presses with vertically arranged responses while perceiving a brief presentation of rightward or leftward arrowheads. A blindness effect based on the effector identity did emerge, but only with the above-right/below-left key-hand arrangement. An orthogonal blindness effect was not found in Experiment 2 with a horizontal key-press action task and a vertical arrowhead perception task. We concluded that the anatomical identity of the responding hand was not integrated into the action plan with an orthogonally incompatible key-hand arrangement. The findings are discussed in terms of the generality and limits of the blindness effect, and hierarchical response coding.

  5. The Activation of Effect Codes in Response Preparation: New Evidence from an Indirect Priming Paradigm

    PubMed Central

    Ziessler, Michael; Nattkemper, Dieter; Vogt, Stefan

    2012-01-01

    Evidence for the anticipation of environmental effects as an integral part of response planning comes mainly from experiments in which the effects were physically presented. Thus, in these studies it cannot be excluded that effect codes were activated during response preparation only because the effects were displayed as external stimuli before response execution. In order to provide more clear-cut evidence for the anticipation of response effects in action planning, we performed a series of three experiments using a new paradigm, where displaying effect codes before the response was avoided. Participants first learned arbitrary effects of key-pressing responses. In the following test phase they were instructed to execute a response only if a Go stimulus was presented after a variable stimulus onset asynchrony (SOA). The Go stimulus was either compatible or incompatible with the effect, but independent of the response. In Experiment 1 we tested the paradigm with two responses and two effects. We found a significant compatibility effect: If the Go stimulus was compatible with the response effect, responses were initiated faster than in incompatible trials. In Experiment 2 response effects were only present in the acquisition phase, but not in the test phase. The compatibility effect disappeared, indicating that the results of Experiment 1 were indeed related to the anticipation of the forthcoming response effects. In Experiment 3 we extended this paradigm by using a larger number of stimuli and response alternatives. Again we found a robust compatibility effect, which can only be explained if the effect representations are active before response execution. The compatibility effects in Experiments 1 and 3 did not depend on the SOA. The fact that the Go stimulus affected response preparation at any time indicates that the role of effect anticipation is not limited to response selection. PMID:23293623

  6. Effects of in-vehicle warning information displays with or without spatial compatibility on driving behaviors and response performance.

    PubMed

    Liu, Yung-Ching; Jhuang, Jing-Wun

    2012-07-01

    A driving simulator study was conducted to evaluate the effects of five in-vehicle warning information displays upon drivers' emergent response and decision performance. These displays include visual display, auditory displays with and without spatial compatibility, hybrid displays in both visual and auditory format with and without spatial compatibility. Thirty volunteer drivers were recruited to perform various tasks that involved driving, stimulus-response, divided attention and stress rating. Results show that for displays of single-modality, drivers benefited more when coping with visual display of warning information than auditory display with or without spatial compatibility. However, auditory display with spatial compatibility significantly improved drivers' performance in reacting to the divided attention task and making accurate S-R task decision. Drivers' best performance results were obtained for hybrid display with spatial compatibility. Hybrid displays enabled drivers to respond the fastest and achieve the best accuracy in both S-R and divided attention tasks. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd and The Ergonomics Society. All rights reserved.

  7. Facial and semantic emotional interference: A pilot study on the behavioral and cortical responses to the dual valence association task

    PubMed Central

    2011-01-01

    Background Integration of compatible or incompatible emotional valence and semantic information is an essential aspect of complex social interactions. A modified version of the Implicit Association Test (IAT) called Dual Valence Association Task (DVAT) was designed in order to measure conflict resolution processing from compatibility/incompatibly of semantic and facial valence. The DVAT involves two emotional valence evaluative tasks which elicits two forms of emotional compatible/incompatible associations (facial and semantic). Methods Behavioural measures and Event Related Potentials were recorded while participants performed the DVAT. Results Behavioural data showed a robust effect that distinguished compatible/incompatible tasks. The effects of valence and contextual association (between facial and semantic stimuli) showed early discrimination in N170 of faces. The LPP component was modulated by the compatibility of the DVAT. Conclusions Results suggest that DVAT is a robust paradigm for studying the emotional interference effect in the processing of simultaneous information from semantic and facial stimuli. PMID:21489277

  8. Nonstrategic Contributions to Putatively Strategic Effects in Selective Attention Tasks

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Risko, Evan F.; Blais, Chris; Stolz, Jennifer A.; Besner, Derek

    2008-01-01

    Proportion compatible manipulations are often used to index strategic processes in selective attention tasks. Here, a subtle confound in proportion compatible manipulations is considered. Specifically, as the proportion of compatible trials increases, the ratio of complete repetitions and complete alternations to partial repetitions increases on…

  9. Transfer of location-specific control to untrained locations.

    PubMed

    Weidler, Blaire J; Bugg, Julie M

    2016-11-01

    Recent research highlights a seemingly flexible and automatic form of cognitive control that is triggered by potent contextual cues, as exemplified by the location-specific proportion congruence effect--reduced compatibility effects in locations associated with a high as compared to low likelihood of conflict. We investigated just how flexible location-specific control is by examining whether novel locations effectively cue control for congruency-unbiased stimuli. In two experiments, biased (mostly compatible or mostly incompatible) training stimuli appeared in distinct locations. During a final block, unbiased (50% compatible) stimuli appeared in novel untrained locations spatially linked to biased locations. The flanker compatibly effect was reduced for unbiased stimuli in novel locations linked to a mostly incompatible compared to a mostly compatible location, indicating transfer. Transfer was observed when stimuli appeared along a linear function (Experiment 1) or in rings of a bullseye (Experiment 2). The novel transfer effects imply that location-specific control is more flexible than previously reported and further counter the complex stimulus-response learning account of location-specific proportion congruence effects. We propose that the representation and retrieval of control settings in untrained locations may depend on environmental support and the presentation of stimuli in novel locations that fall within the same categories of space as trained locations.

  10. Effects of the thermal sterilization procedure on polymeric products

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Campbell, B. A.; Kalfayan, S. H.

    1971-01-01

    Properties of samples are tested, after thermal exposure, and values are compared with unexposed samples. Thermal stability or compatibility ratings of formulated or compounded organic polymers using trade names are made and degree of change in measured properties is assessed. Products are rated compatible, marginal, or not compatible.

  11. Financial Accounting and Reporting Improvement Concepts.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1980-02-01

    systems: coordination and nonlro m" f𔃾mannia systems- la_ 20. ABSTRACT (C a tgo *a n Fa.. ’" o I t nce so . y a, den ,A . blok M ) r a n g e p i a n a i...I NOV IS II0II Unclassified .. SECURITY CLSIIAX klq P.9 Dt "’~~~~-- kA ___________ O -eh awa UawOVd tI4A do NOIAV J.JiUV1 AJ|I¥fl*U 2M.0 ontinued J...800 North Quincy Street Arlington, Virginia 22217 r r .ut . o / - .. J .. . r Codes Attention: Dr. Thomas C. Varley Dear Sirs: sp RE: CONTRACT NO. 0014

  12. Factors Affecting the Vertical Motion of a Zero-Pressure, Polyethylene, Free Balloon

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1985-05-31

    Delle Traiettorie Dei Palloni Stratos- ferici Per Missioni Di Lunga Durata, Instituto di Tecnologia Aerospaziale, Universita di Boma (translation). 19...2) TD=E2-V ( 3D , 2) !%..TI)/DX ~(C.LI.EI) GO0TO 900 Tr (ALIS(rD) LT..01o) Hl=II1*EXFP(-CC*DX/Y(JD,2)) 1)T X 600- ( D rI.eVJD,2)+R1*DX IF (A&OS...MD.GE.U.01) 3P=H1*((Y(JD.?*)/TK)**(CCR)) IF (AL133(TD).LT.0.01) 9P-H14"IXP(-CL’*DXlY( 3D ,2)) c PREFSSUR~E CONVWRGI!NCE CHECK c C:0IRiiCTS MONOTONIC

  13. Corrosion on Fatigue and Fatigue Crack Growth in Aircraft Structural Materials

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1979-06-01

    nmonth- of 1Q730 v,’ ilc th au!Ihor xas. a! !Lockhehed Rvye (anyon Adva.nce,1d tj;ion in(I Research Laboratory. Mr. Gary Gos’s andl Mr. WValter Fitze ti...frtaerltd o11 1~ a cuea o rnicr srruae. 150x.IILI’ r11da- o p sdo’ l-akddi pe.Fgrc ()id4()c hl’ micro,,ructura ’Setd ~ ila i l--n ig ilc to ~IiiCId...bart 16 iretorted increcascd fatigue 0 t C Id ’ L5 treg th fof t eiii I Ic iti:ci st to L)i poic ed lirfe r; irnod a Ipho -teta or f inef~t

  14. Modality-specific effects on crosstalk in task switching: evidence from modality compatibility using bimodal stimulation.

    PubMed

    Stephan, Denise Nadine; Koch, Iring

    2016-11-01

    The present study was aimed at examining modality-specific influences in task switching. To this end, participants switched either between modality compatible tasks (auditory-vocal and visual-manual) or incompatible spatial discrimination tasks (auditory-manual and visual-vocal). In addition, auditory and visual stimuli were presented simultaneously (i.e., bimodally) in each trial, so that selective attention was required to process the task-relevant stimulus. The inclusion of bimodal stimuli enabled us to assess congruence effects as a converging measure of increased between-task interference. The tasks followed a pre-instructed sequence of double alternations (AABB), so that no explicit task cues were required. The results show that switching between two modality incompatible tasks increases both switch costs and congruence effects compared to switching between two modality compatible tasks. The finding of increased congruence effects in modality incompatible tasks supports our explanation in terms of ideomotor "backward" linkages between anticipated response effects and the stimuli that called for this response in the first place. According to this generalized ideomotor idea, the modality match between response effects and stimuli would prime selection of a response in the compatible modality. This priming would cause increased difficulties to ignore the competing stimulus and hence increases the congruence effect. Moreover, performance would be hindered when switching between modality incompatible tasks and facilitated when switching between modality compatible tasks.

  15. Effect of end segment on physicochemical properties and platelet compatibility of poly(propylene glycol)-initiated poly(methyl methacrylate).

    PubMed

    Fukuda, Chihiro; Yahata, Chie; Kinoshita, Takuya; Watanabe, Takafumi; Tsukamoto, Hideo; Mochizuki, Akira

    2017-10-01

    It is well known that polyether-based copolymers have good blood compatibility, although many mechanisms have been proposed to explain their favorable performance. Our objective in carrying out the present study was to obtain a better understanding of the effect of the (poly)ether segment on blood compatibility. Therefore, we synthesized poly(propylene glycol) (PPG)-based initiators for atom transfer polymerization, where the number of propylene glycol (PG) units in the PPG (Pn(PG) was varied from 1 to 94. Methyl methacrylate (MMA) was polymerized using the initiators, resulting in the formation of polyMMAs with a PG-based ether part at the polymer terminal. We mainly investigated the effects of Pn(PG) on the surface properties and platelet compatibility of the PPG-polyMMA. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and surface contact angle (CA) analysis revealed the exposure of the PG units at the surface of the polymer. The platelet compatibility of the polymers was improved compared with a commercial polyMMA, even when Pn(PG) = 1. These results suggest that PG units have an important influence on favorable blood compatibility, regardless of the Pn(PG) value. We also investigated protein adsorption behavior in terms of the amount and deformation of fibrinogen adsorbed on the polymer surface.

  16. Response-specifying cue for action interferes with perception of feature-sharing stimuli.

    PubMed

    Nishimura, Akio; Yokosawa, Kazuhiko

    2010-06-01

    Perceiving a visual stimulus is more difficult when a to-be-executed action is compatible with that stimulus, which is known as blindness to response-compatible stimuli. The present study explored how the factors constituting the action event (i.e., response-specifying cue, response intention, and response feature) affect the occurrence of this blindness effect. The response-specifying cue varied along the horizontal and vertical dimensions, while the response buttons were arranged diagonally. Participants responded based on one dimension randomly determined in a trial-by-trial manner. The response intention varied along a single dimension, whereas the response location and the response-specifying cue varied within both vertical and horizontal dimensions simultaneously. Moreover, the compatibility between the visual stimulus and the response location and the compatibility between that stimulus and the response-specifying cue was separately determined. The blindness effect emerged exclusively based on the feature correspondence between the response-specifying cue of the action task and the visual target of the perceptual task. The size of this stimulus-stimulus (S-S) blindness effect did not differ significantly across conditions, showing no effect of response intention and response location. This finding emphasizes the effect of stimulus factors, rather than response factors, of the action event as a source of the blindness to response-compatible stimuli.

  17. Performance consequences of alternating directional control-response compatibility: evidence from a coal mine shuttle car simulator.

    PubMed

    Zupanc, Christine M; Burgess-Limerick, Robin J; Wallis, Guy

    2007-08-01

    To investigate error and reaction time consequences of alternating compatible and incompatible steering arrangements during a simulated obstacle avoidance task. Underground coal mine shuttle cars provide an example of a vehicle in which operators are required to alternate between compatible and incompatible steering configurations. This experiment examines the performance of 48 novice participants in a virtual analogy of an underground coal mine shuttle car. Participants were randomly assigned to a compatible condition, an incompatible condition, an alternating condition in which compatibility alternated within and between hands, or an alternating condition in which compatibility alternated between hands. Participants made fewer steering direction errors and made correct steering responses more quickly in the compatible condition. Error rate decreased over time in the incompatible condition. A compatibility effect for both errors and reaction time was also found when the control-response relationship alternated; however, performance improvements over time were not consistent. Isolating compatibility to a hand resulted in reduced error rate and faster reaction time than when compatibility alternated within and between hands. The consequences of alternating control-response relationships are higher error rates and slower responses, at least in the early stages of learning. This research highlights the importance of ensuring consistently compatible human-machine directional control-response relationships.

  18. Language outcomes at 12 years for children exposed prenatally to cocaine.

    PubMed

    Lewis, Barbara A; Minnes, Sonia; Short, Elizabeth J; Min, Meeyoung O; Wu, Miaoping; Lang, Adelaide; Weishampel, Paul; Singer, Lynn T

    2013-10-01

    In this study, the authors aimed to examine the long-term effects of prenatal cocaine exposure (PCE) on the language development of 12-year-old children using a prospective design, controlling for confounding prenatal drug exposure and environmental factors. Children who were exposed to cocaine in utero (PCE; n = 183) and children who were not exposed to cocaine (i.e., no cocaine exposure [NCE]; n = 181) were followed prospectively from birth to 12 years of age and were compared on language subtests of the Test of Language Development-Intermediate, Third Edition ( Hammill & Newcomer, 1997b), and phonological processing as measured by the Comprehensive Test of Phonological Processing ( Wagner & Torgesen, 1999). The authors evaluated the relationship of PCE to language development through a multivariate analysis of covariance and regression analyses while controlling for confounders. Results show that PCE has small effects on specific aspects of language, including syntax and phonological processing. The caregiver variables of lower maternal vocabulary, more psychological symptoms, and a poorer home environment also had consistent effects on language and phonological processing scores. These findings suggest that PCE continues to have small, subtle effects on specific aspects of language at age 12 years. Phonological processing skills were significantly related to the reading outcomes of letter-word identification, reading fluency, and reading comprehension, indicating that PCE also has small but lasting effects on the language skills that are related to later literacy skills.

  19. Use of the method of biosphere compatibility for the assessment of environmental protection methods

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Vorobyov, Sergey

    2018-01-01

    The article is devoted to the question of using the indicator of biosphere compatibility for assessing the effectiveness of environmental protection methods. The indicator of biosphere compatibility was proposed by the vice-president of RAASN (Russian Academy of Architecture and Building Sciences), Doctor of Technical Sciences, Professor V.I. Ilyichev. This indicator is allows not only qualitatively but also quantitatively to assess the degree of development of urban urban areas, from the standpoint of preserving the biosphere in urban ecosystems while realizing the city’s main functions. The integral indicator of biosphere compatibility is allows us to assess not only the current ecological situation in the territory under consideration, but also to plan the forecast of its changes for building the new construction projects, or for reconstructing existing ones. The indicator of biosphere compatibility, which is a mathematical expression of the tripartite balance (technosphere, biosphere and population of this area), is allows us to quantify the degree of effectiveness of different method of protecting the environment for choose the most effective for these conditions.

  20. [Study on membrane type leaf water evaporation inhibitors for improving effect of preventing diseases and pest controlling of Lycium barbarum].

    PubMed

    Wang, Dan-Dan; Lv, Zhe; Xu, Chang-Qing; Liu, Sai; Chen, Jun; Peng, Xiao; Wu, Yan

    2018-01-01

    Through indoor and field comparative experiments, the properties of membrane type leaf evaporation inhibitors and its effects on photosynthesis of Lycium barbarum and compatibility and synergistic of pesticide were studied. The evaporation inhibitors and L. barbarum were chosen to investigate the suppression of water evaporation and the compatibility with pesticides. The effect of evaporation inhibitors on photosynthesis of L. barbarum leaves was determined by the chlorophyll fluorescence imaging system. The results showed that water evaporation of L. barbarum leaves of different leaf age were evidently suppressed after treated with evaporation inhibitor. The inhibitor was well compatible with pesticide and effectively improved the pesticide efficacy,and had no significant effect on chlorophyll fluorescence parameters. It is concluded that the evaporation inhibitor has good compatibility with the pesticide, and has remarkable effect of restraining moisture evaporation, which make it can be used for reducing the dosage and improving the efficacy of the pesticide in the field of L. barbarum. Copyright© by the Chinese Pharmaceutical Association.

  1. Is the psychological refractory period effect for ideomotor compatible tasks eliminated by speed-stress instructions?

    PubMed

    Shin, Yun Kyoung; Cho, Yang Seok; Lien, Mei-Ching; Proctor, Robert W

    2007-09-01

    It has been argued that the psychological refractory period (PRP) effect is eliminated with two ideomotor compatible tasks when instructions stress fast and simultaneous responding. Three experiments were conducted to test this hypothesis. In all experiments, Task 1 required spatially compatible manual responses (left or right) to the direction of an arrow, and Task 2 required saying the name of the auditory letter A or B. In Experiments 1 and 3, the manual responses were keypresses made with the left and right hands, whereas in Experiment 2 they were left-right toggle-switch movements made with the dominant hand. Instructions that stressed response speed reduced reaction time and increased error rate compared to standard instructions to respond fast and accurately, but did not eliminate the PRP effect on Task 2 reaction time. These results imply that, even when response speed is emphasized, ideomotor compatible tasks do not bypass response selection.

  2. Uniformity index measurement technology using thermocouples to improve performance in urea-selective catalytic reduction systems

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Park, Sangki; Oh, Jungmo

    2018-05-01

    The current commonly used nitrogen oxides (NOx) emission reduction techniques employ hydrocarbons (HCs), urea solutions, and exhaust gas emissions as the reductants. Two of the primary denitrification NOx (DeNOx) catalyst systems are the HC-lean NOx trap (HC-LNT) catalyst and urea-selective catalytic reduction (urea-SCR) catalyst. The secondary injection method depends on the type of injector, injection pressure, atomization, and spraying technique. In addition, the catalyst reaction efficiency is directly affected by the distribution of injectors; hence, the uniformity index (UI) of the reductant is very important and is the basis for system optimization. The UI of the reductant is an indicator of the NOx conversion efficiency (NCE), and good UI values can reduce the need for a catalyst. Therefore, improving the UI can reduce the cost of producing a catalytic converter, which are expensive due to the high prices of the precious metals contained therein. Accordingly, measurement of the UI is an important process in the development of catalytic systems. Two of the commonly used methods for measuring the reductant UI are (i) measuring the exhaust emissions at many points located upstream/downstream of the catalytic converter and (ii) acquisition of a reductant distribution image on a section of the exhaust pipe upstream of the catalytic converter. The purpose of this study is to develop a system and measurement algorithms to measure the exothermic response distribution in the exhaust gas as the reductant passes through the catalytic converter of the SCR catalyst system using a set of thermocouples downstream of the SCR catalyst. The system is used to measure the reductant UI, which is applied in real-time to the actual SCR system, and the results are compared for various types of mixtures for various engine operating conditions and mixer types in terms of NCE.

  3. Hemisphere division and its effect on selective attention: a generality examination of Lavie's load theory.

    PubMed

    Nishimura, Ritsuko; Yoshizaki, Kazuhito; Kato, Kimiko; Hatta, Takeshi

    2009-01-01

    The present study examined the role of visual presentation mode (unilateral vs. bilateral visual fields) on attentional modulation. We examined whether or not the presentation mode affects the compatibility effect, using a paradigm involving two task-relevant letter arrays. Sixteen participants identified a target letter among task-relevant letters while ignoring either a compatible or incompatible distracter letter that was presented to both hemispheres. Two letters arrays were presented to visual fields, either unilaterally or bilaterally. Results indicated that the compatibility effect was greater in bilateral than in unilateral visual field conditions. Findings support the assumption that the two hemispheres have separate attentional resources.

  4. A highly stable blood meal alternative for rearing Aedes and Anopheles mosquitoes.

    PubMed

    Baughman, Ted; Peterson, Chelsea; Ortega, Corrie; Preston, Sarah R; Paton, Christopher; Williams, Jessica; Guy, Amy; Omodei, Gavin; Johnson, Brian; Williams, Helen; O'Neill, Scott L; Ritchie, Scott A; Dobson, Stephen L; Madan, Damian

    2017-12-01

    We investigated alternatives to whole blood for blood feeding of mosquitoes with a focus on improved stability and compatibility with mass rearing programs. In contrast to whole blood, an artificial blood diet of ATP-supplemented plasma was effective in maintaining mosquito populations and was compatible with storage for extended periods refrigerated, frozen, and as a lyophilized powder. The plasma ATP diet supported rearing of both Anopheles and Aedes mosquitoes. It was also effective in rearing Wolbachia-infected Aedes mosquitoes, suggesting compatibility with vector control efforts.

  5. [Compatible biomass models of natural spruce (Picea asperata)].

    PubMed

    Wang, Jin Chi; Deng, Hua Feng; Huang, Guo Sheng; Wang, Xue Jun; Zhang, Lu

    2017-10-01

    By using nonlinear measurement error method, the compatible tree volume and above ground biomass equations were established based on the volume and biomass data of 150 sampling trees of natural spruce (Picea asperata). Two approaches, controlling directly under total aboveground biomass and controlling jointly from level to level, were used to design the compatible system for the total aboveground biomass and the biomass of four components (stem, bark, branch and foliage), and the total ground biomass could be estimated independently or estimated simultaneously in the system. The results showed that the R 2 of the one variable and bivariate compatible tree volume and aboveground biomass equations were all above 0.85, and the maximum value reached 0.99. The prediction effect of the volume equations could be improved significantly when tree height was included as predictor, while it was not significant in biomass estimation. For the compatible biomass systems, the one variable model based on controlling jointly from level to level was better than the model using controlling directly under total above ground biomass, but the bivariate models of the two methods were similar. Comparing the imitative effects of the one variable and bivariate compatible biomass models, the results showed that the increase of explainable variables could significantly improve the fitness of branch and foliage biomass, but had little effect on other components. Besides, there was almost no difference between the two methods of estimation based on the comparison.

  6. Whorf Reloaded: Language Effects on Nonverbal Number Processing in First Grade--A Trilingual Study

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Pixner, S.; Moeller, K.; Hermanova, V.; Nuerk, H. -C.; Kaufmann, L.

    2011-01-01

    The unit-decade compatibility effect is interpreted to reflect processes of place value integration in two-digit number magnitude comparisons. The current study aimed at elucidating the influence of language properties on the compatibility effect of Arabic two-digit numbers in Austrian, Italian, and Czech first graders. The number word systems of…

  7. Flexible and unique representations of two-digit decimals.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Li; Chen, Min; Lin, Chongde; Szűcs, Denes

    2014-09-01

    We examined the representation of two-digit decimals through studying distance and compatibility effects in magnitude comparison tasks in four experiments. Using number pairs with different leftmost digits, we found both the second digit distance effect and compatibility effect with two-digit integers but only the second digit distance effect with two-digit pure decimals. This suggests that both integers and pure decimals are processed in a compositional manner. In contrast, neither the second digit distance effect nor the compatibility effect was observed in two-digit mixed decimals, thereby showing no evidence for compositional processing of two-digit mixed decimals. However, when the relevance of the rightmost digit processing was increased by adding some decimals pairs with the same leftmost digits, both pure and mixed decimals produced the compatibility effect. Overall, results suggest that the processing of decimals is flexible and depends on the relevance of unique digit positions. This processing mode is different from integer analysis in that two-digit mixed decimals demonstrate parallel compositional processing only when the rightmost digit is relevant. Findings suggest that people probably do not represent decimals by simply ignoring the decimal point and converting them to natural numbers. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  8. Empirical study of fuzzy compatibility measures and aggregation operators

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Cross, Valerie V.; Sudkamp, Thomas A.

    1992-02-01

    Two fundamental requirements for the generation of support using incomplete and imprecise information are the ability to measure the compatibility of discriminatory information with domain knowledge and the ability to fuse information obtained from disparate sources. A generic architecture utilizing the generalized fuzzy relational database model has been developed to empirically investigate the support generation capabilities of various compatibility measures and aggregation operators. This paper examines the effectiveness of combinations of compatibility measures from the set-theoretic, geometric distance, and logic- based classes paired with t-norm and generalized mean families of aggregation operators.

  9. Testing a model of componential processing of multi-symbol numbers-evidence from measurement units.

    PubMed

    Huber, Stefan; Bahnmueller, Julia; Klein, Elise; Moeller, Korbinian

    2015-10-01

    Research on numerical cognition has addressed the processing of nonsymbolic quantities and symbolic digits extensively. However, magnitude processing of measurement units is still a neglected topic in numerical cognition research. Hence, we investigated the processing of measurement units to evaluate whether typical effects of multi-digit number processing such as the compatibility effect, the string length congruity effect, and the distance effect are also present for measurement units. In three experiments, participants had to single out the larger one of two physical quantities (e.g., lengths). In Experiment 1, the compatibility of number and measurement unit (compatible: 3 mm_6 cm with 3 < 6 and mm < cm; incompatible: 3 cm_6 mm with 3 < 6 but cm > mm) as well as string length congruity (congruent: 1 m_2 km with m < km and 2 < 3 characters; incongruent: 2 mm_1 m with mm < m, but 3 > 2 characters) were manipulated. We observed reliable compatibility effects with prolonged reaction times (RT) for incompatible trials. Moreover, a string length congruity effect was present in RT with longer RT for incongruent trials. Experiments 2 and 3 served as control experiments showing that compatibility effects persist when controlling for holistic distance and that a distance effect for measurement units exists. Our findings indicate that numbers and measurement units are processed in a componential manner and thus highlight that processing characteristics of multi-digit numbers generalize to measurement units. Thereby, our data lend further support to the recently proposed generalized model of componential multi-symbol number processing.

  10. Compatible solute influence on nucleic acids: Many questions but few answers

    PubMed Central

    Kurz, Matthias

    2008-01-01

    Compatible solutes are small organic osmolytes including but not limited to sugars, polyols, amino acids, and their derivatives. They are compatible with cell metabolism even at molar concentrations. A variety of organisms synthesize or take up compatible solutes for adaptation to extreme environments. In addition to their protective action on whole cells, compatible solutes display significant effects on biomolecules in vitro. These include stabilization of native protein and nucleic acid structures. They are used as additives in polymerase chain reactions to increase product yield and specificity, but also in other nucleic acid and protein applications. Interactions of compatible solutes with nucleic acids and protein-nucleic acid complexes are much less understood than the corresponding interactions of compatible solutes with proteins. Although we may begin to understand solute/nucleic acid interactions there are only few answers to the many questions we have. I summarize here the current state of knowledge and discuss possible molecular mechanisms and thermodynamics. PMID:18522725

  11. Statistical Reproducibility of the Dynamic and Static Fatigue Experiments.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1980-10-01

    82171a no 3 a s d e te rm-,I n ed7 from t Ynamic ’ra-,4-e 2x oe r imen. Figure 2. T-he c oeffic 4e nt o - v arari an ( C . o f .4eib L’ sIatce --ar a-:e...e rc lecnnique to aeterr-ine zne v~iidit of the assumptions. - .2 Static Fatioue Static -aticue tests entai- , the reDeatec measuremen- c - azure ...ress -ance ncreased, anc- tec.-ease: zs n :El ~ c a -amet: -7 4creas2c. -o r a ze sac, nC~e 3Es3 ra-.<e ~ D 3 s ar, c a s n amD-e , s e : ) rrc uCb c 0

  12. Modern Era Retrospective-analysis for Research and Applications (MERRA) Global Water and Energy Budgets

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Bosilovich, Michael G.; Robertson, Franklin R.; Chen, Junye

    2008-01-01

    The Modern. Era Retrospective-analysis for Research and Applications (MERRA) reanalyses has produced several years of data, on the way to a completing. the 1979-present modern satellite era. Here, we present a preliminary evaluation of those years currently available, includin g comparisons with the existing long reanalyses (ERA40, JRA25 and NCE P I and II) as well as with global data sets for the water and energy cycle Time series shows that the MERRA budgets can change with some of the variations in observing systems. We will present all terms of the budgets in MERRA including the time rates of change and analysis increments (tendency due to the analysis of observations)

  13. The impact of subliminal effect images in voluntary vs. stimulus-driven actions.

    PubMed

    Le Bars, Solène; Hsu, Yi-Fang; Waszak, Florian

    2016-11-01

    According to the ideomotor theory, actions are represented in terms of their sensory effects. In the current study we tested whether subliminal effect images influence action control (1) at early and/or late preparatory stages of (2) voluntary actions or stimulus-driven actions (3) with or without Stimulus-Response (S-R) compatibility. In Experiment 1, participants were presented at random with 50% of S-R compatible stimulus-driven action trials and 50% of voluntary action trials. The actions' effects (i.e. up- or down-pointing arrows) were presented subliminally before each action (i.e. a keypress). In voluntary actions, participants selected more often the action congruent with the prime when it was presented at long intervals before the action. Moreover they responded faster in prime-congruent than in prime-incongruent trials when primes were presented at short intervals before the action. In Experiment 2, participants were only presented with stimulus-driven action trials, with or without S-R compatibility. In stimulus-driven action trials with S-R compatibility (e.g., left-pointing arrow signaling a left keypress), subliminal action-effects did not generate any significant effect on RTs or error rates. On the other hand, in stimulus-driven action trials without S-R compatibility (e.g., letter "H" signaling a left keypress), participants were significantly faster in prime-congruent trials when primes were presented at the shortest time interval before the action. These results suggest that subliminal effect images facilitate voluntary action preparation on an early and a late level. Stimulus-driven action preparation is influenced on a late level only, and only if there is no compatibility between the stimulus and the motor response, that is when the response is not automatically triggered by the common properties existing between the stimulus and the required action. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  14. Analysis and Application of Antagonism Compound Prescription Compatibility

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Li, Mengyan; Wang, Can; Bai, Ming; Miao, Mingsan

    2018-01-01

    Deer horn glue is deer family animals deer or red deer horn made of solid plastic animal medicine, according to Chinese medicine “seven emotions together” theory, the antler and other Chinese herbal medicines compatibility can be better play its Medicinal value. In this paper, the chemical composition, pharmacological effects, compatibility analysis, clinical application and classic ancient prescriptions of antler are reviewed in recent years.

  15. Comparative Analysis of Compatibility Effects on Invigorating Blood Circulation for Cyperi Rhizoma Series of Herb Pairs Using Untargeted Metabolomics

    PubMed Central

    Liu, Pei; Shang, Er-Xin; Zhu, Yue; Yu, Jin-Gao; Qian, Da-Wei; Duan, Jin-Ao

    2017-01-01

    The mutual-assistance compatibility of Cyperi Rhizoma (Xiangfu, XF) and Angelicae Sinensis Radix (Danggui, DG), Chuanxiong Rhizoma (Chuanxiong, CX), Paeoniae Radix Alba (Baishao, BS), or Corydalis Rhizoma (Yanhusuo, YH), found in a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) named Xiang-Fu-Si-Wu Decoction (XFSWD), can produce synergistic and promoting blood effects. Nowadays, XFSWD has been proved to be effective in activating blood circulation and dissipating blood stasis. However, the role of the herb pairs synergistic effects in the formula were poorly understood. In order to quantitatively assess the compatibility effects of herb pairs, mass spectrometry-based untargeted metabolomics studies were performed. The plasma and urine metabolic profiles of acute blood stasis rats induced by adrenaline hydrochloride and ice water and administered with Cyperi Rhizoma—Angelicae Sinensis Radix (XD), Cyperi Rhizoma—Chuanxiong Rhizoma (XC), Cyperi Rhizoma—Paeoniae Radix Alba (XB), Cyperi Rhizoma—Corydalis Rhizoma (XY) were compared. Relative peak area of identified metabolites was calculated and principal component analysis (PCA) score plot from the potential markers was used to visualize the overall differences. Then, the metabolites results were used with biochemistry indicators and genes expression values as parameters to quantitatively evaluate the compatibility effects of XF series of herb pairs by PCA and correlation analysis. The collective results indicated that the four XF herb pairs regulated glycerophospholipid metabolism, steroid hormone biosynthesis and arachidonic acid metabolism pathway. XD was more prominent in regulating the blood stasis during the four XF herb pairs. This study demonstrated that metabolomics was a useful tool to efficacy evaluation and compatibility effects of TCM elucidation. PMID:29018346

  16. [Effect of effective fractions and its compatibilities and proportions of xie-xin decoction on nitric oxide production in peritonea macrophages from rat].

    PubMed

    Xiong, Yu-xia; Meng, Xian-li; Yang, Na; Zhang, Yi; He, Yu-min

    2007-01-01

    To observe the effect of effective fractions (Conjunct anthraquinone, free anthraquinone and total flavonoids) and its compatibilities and proportions of Xie-Xin decoction on NO production in peritonea macrophaes from rat. Growth activity of macrophages cultured with different levels of active components were detected by MTT. NO concentrations in peritoneal macrophages induced by LPS were detected by Griess method. The NO production from macrophages induced by LPS was inhibited obviously by active components at the levels of 0.01-0.1 mg/ml. The best time of administration was 1 h induced by LPS. The inhibition of best proportions of compatibilities of Conjunct anthraquinone and total flavonoids, free anthraquinone and total flavonoids were stronger than effective fractions solo. The NO production is inhibited obviously by these effective fractions, especially by conjunct anthraquinone. Effective fractions can inhibit the function of activated macrophages.

  17. The Effect of Nonmasking Distractors on the Priming of Motor Responses

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Jaskowski, Piotr

    2007-01-01

    Masked stimuli (primes) can affect the preparation of a motor response to subsequently presented target. In numerous studies, it has been shown that the compatibility effect is biphasic as it develops over time: positive (benefits for compatible trials and costs for incompatible trials) for short prime-target temporal distances and negative…

  18. Cognitive Effort Is Modulated outside of the Explicit Awareness of Conflict Frequency: Evidence from Pupillometry

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Diede, Nathaniel T.; Bugg, Julie M.

    2017-01-01

    Classic theories of cognitive control conceptualized controlled processes as slow, strategic, and willful, with automatic processes being fast and effortless. The context-specific proportion compatibility (CSPC) effect, the reduction in the compatibility effect in a context (e.g., location) associated with a high relative to low likelihood of…

  19. Thermodynamic analysis of chemical compatibility of several compounds with Fe-Cr-Al alloys

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Misra, Ajay K.

    1993-01-01

    Chemical compatibility between Fe-19.8Cr-4.8Al (weight percent), which is the base composition for the commercial superalloy MA956, and several carbides, borides, nitrides, oxides, and silicides was analyzed from thermodynamic considerations. The effect of addition of minor alloying elements, such as Ti, Y, and Y2O3, to the Fe-Cr-Al alloy on chemical compatibility between the alloy and various compounds was also analyzed. Several chemically compatible compounds that can be potential reinforcement materials and/or interface coating materials for Fe-Cr-Al based composites were identified.

  20. Transfer of learning in choice reactions: The roles of stimulus type, response mode, and set-level compatibility.

    PubMed

    Yamaguchi, Motonori; Chen, Jing; Proctor, Robert W

    2015-08-01

    The Simon effect refers to the advantage of responding to spatially compatible stimuli. This effect can be eliminated or even reversed to favor spatially incompatible stimuli after participants practice a choice-reaction task with spatially incompatible mappings (e.g., pressing left and right keys to stimuli on the right and left, respectively). This transfer of incompatible spatial associations has been observed under conditions in which responses were made manually (e.g., keypresses, moving a joystick). The present study used vocal responses to reveal the primary determinants of the transfer effect, dissociating the influences of stimulus type, response mode, and their interaction (set-level compatibility). The results suggest that contextual match between the practice and transfer tasks with respect to stimulus type and response mode determined transfer of incompatible associations to the Simon task, and stimulus type determined the efficiency of acquiring new associations. However, there was little evidence that set-level compatibility plays any major role in either acquisition or transfer of spatial associations.

  1. The flanker compatibility effect as a function of visual angle, attentional focus, visual transients, and perceptual load: a search for boundary conditions.

    PubMed

    Miller, J

    1991-03-01

    When subjects must respond to a relevant center letter and ignore irrelevant flanking letters, the identities of the flankers produce a response compatibility effect, indicating that they are processed semantically at least to some extent. Because this effect decreases as the separation between target and flankers increases, the effect appears to result from imperfect early selection (attenuation). In the present experiments, several features of the focused attention paradigm were examined, in order to determine whether they might produce the flanker compatibility effect by interfering with the operation of an early selective mechanism. Specifically, the effect might be produced because the paradigm requires subjects to (1) attend exclusively to stimuli within a very small visual angle, (2) maintain a long-term attentional focus on a constant display location, (3) focus attention on an empty display location, (4) exclude onset-transient flankers from semantic processing, or (5) ignore some of the few stimuli in an impoverished visual field. The results indicate that none of these task features is required for semantic processing of unattended stimuli to occur. In fact, visual angle is the only one of the task features that clearly has a strong influence on the size of the flanker compatibility effect. The invariance of the flanker compatibility effect across these conditions suggests that the mechanism for early selection rarely, if ever, completely excludes unattended stimuli from semantic analysis. In addition, it shows that selective mechanisms are relatively insensitive to several factors that might be expected to influence them, thereby supporting the view that spatial separation has a special status for visual selective attention.

  2. Zwitterionic polymer functionalization of polysulfone membrane with improved antifouling property and blood compatibility by combination of ATRP and click chemistry.

    PubMed

    Xiang, Tao; Lu, Ting; Xie, Yi; Zhao, Wei-Feng; Sun, Shu-Dong; Zhao, Chang-Sheng

    2016-08-01

    The chemical compositions are very important for designing blood-contacting membranes with good antifouling property and blood compatibility. In this study, we propose a method combining ATRP and click chemistry to introduce zwitterionic polymer of poly(sulfobetaine methacrylate) (PSBMA), negatively charged polymers of poly(sodium methacrylate) (PNaMAA) and/or poly(sodium p-styrene sulfonate) (PNaSS), to improve the antifouling property and blood compatibility of polysulfone (PSf) membranes. Attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectra, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and water contact angle results confirmed the successful grafting of the functional polymers. The antifouling property and blood compatibility of the modified membranes were systematically investigated. The zwitterionic polymer (PSBMA) grafted membranes showed good resistance to protein adsorption and bacterial adhesion; the negatively charged polymer (PNaSS or PNaMAA) grafted membranes showed improved blood compatibility, especially the anticoagulant property. Moreover, the PSBMA/PNaMAA modified membrane showed both antifouling property and anticoagulant property, and exhibited a synergistic effect in inhibiting blood coagulation. The functionalization of membrane surfaces by a combination of ATRP and click chemistry is demonstrated as an effective route to improve the antifouling property and blood compatibility of membranes in blood-contact. Copyright © 2016 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  3. The effect of extra virgin olive oil and soybean on DNA, cytogenicity and some antioxidant enzymes in rats.

    PubMed

    El-Kholy, Thanaa A; Abu Hilal, Mohammad; Al-Abbadi, Hatim Ali; Serafi, Abdulhalim Salim; Al-Ghamdi, Ahmad K; Sobhy, Hanan M; Richardson, John R C

    2014-06-23

    We investigated the effect of extra virgin (EV) olive oil and genetically modified (GM) soybean on DNA, cytogenicity and some antioxidant enzymes in rodents. Forty adult male albino rats were used in this study and divided into four groups. The control group of rodents was fed basal ration only. The second group was given basal ration mixed with EV olive oil (30%). The third group was fed basal ration mixed with GM (15%), and the fourth group survived on a combination of EV olive oil, GM and the basal ration for 65 consecutive days. On day 65, blood samples were collected from each rat for antioxidant enzyme analysis. In the group fed on basal ration mixed with GM soyabean (15%), there was a significant increase in serum level of lipid peroxidation, while glutathione transferase decreased significantly. Interestingly, GM soyabean increased not only the percentage of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MPCE), but also the ratio of polychromatic erythrocytes to normochromatic erythrocytes (PEC/NEC); however, the amount of DNA and NCE were significantly decreased. Importantly, the combination of EV olive oil and GM soyabean significantly altered the tested parameters towards normal levels. This may suggest an important role for EV olive oil on rodents' organs and warrants further investigation in humans.

  4. The construction of standard gamble utilities.

    PubMed

    van Osch, Sylvie M C; Stiggelbout, Anne M

    2008-01-01

    Health effects for cost-effectiveness analysis are best measured in life years, with quality of life in each life year expressed in terms of utilities. The standard gamble (SG) has been the gold standard for utility measurement. However, the biases of probability weighting, loss aversion, and scale compatibility have an inconclusive effect on SG utilities. We determined their effect on SG utilities using qualitative data to assess the reference point and the focus of attention. While thinking aloud, 45 healthy respondents provided SG utilities for six rheumatoid arthritis health states. Reference points, goals, and focuses of attention were coded. To assess the effect of scale compatibility, correlations were assessed between focus of attention and mean utility. The certain outcome served most frequently as reference point, the SG was perceived as a mixed gamble. Goals were mostly mentioned with respect to this outcome. Scale compatibility led to a significant upward bias in utilities; attention lay relatively more on the low outcome and this was positively correlated with mean utility. SG utilities should be corrected for loss aversion and probability weighting with the mixed correction formula proposed by prospect theory. Scale compatibility will likely still bias SG utilities, calling for research on a correction. Copyright (c) 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  5. Slippage theory and the flanker paradigm: an early-selection account of selective attention failures.

    PubMed

    Gaspelin, Nicholas; Ruthruff, Eric; Jung, Kyunghun

    2014-06-01

    In the flanker paradigm, participants identify a target letter while attempting to ignore an irrelevant flanker. When the identity of this flanker mismatches the target, target identification is slowed (called the flanker compatibility effect). Interestingly, reducing the array set size greatly increases flanker compatibility effects. This finding inspired 2 prominent explanations: perceptual load (mandatory capacity spillover) and dilution (visual interference). However, an alternative explanation, based on early selection theory and attention capture research, can also explain the data pattern. According to this "slippage" account, observers sometimes accidentally allocate spatial attention to the flanker (see Lachter, Forster, & Ruthruff, 2004), especially when the flanker has the property used to find the target (cf. contingent capture). In Experiments 1 through 4, deterring slippage to the flanker nearly eliminated flanker compatibility effects, even at the low set size. In Experiment 5, promoting slippage to the flanker dramatically enhanced compatibility effects, even at the high set size. Thus, slippage strongly modulates flanker effects and can, by itself, readily explain the impact of set size. The perceptual load and dilution accounts are, at best, incomplete, and, at worst, not needed. PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2014 APA, all rights reserved.

  6. 49 CFR 350.333 - What are the guidelines for the compatibility review?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... REGULATIONS COMMERCIAL MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM Funding § 350.333 What are the guidelines for... Regulation Compatibility Review Law or regulation has same effect as corresponding Federal regulation Applies...

  7. Exploring Modality Compatibility in the Response-Effect Compatibility Paradigm.

    PubMed

    Földes, Noémi; Philipp, Andrea M; Badets, Arnaud; Koch, Iring

    2017-01-01

    According to ideomotor theory , action planning is based on anticipatory perceptual representations of action-effects. This aspect of action control has been investigated in studies using the response-effect compatibility (REC) paradigm, in which responses have been shown to be facilitated if ensuing perceptual effects share codes with the response based on dimensional overlap (i.e., REC). Additionally, according to the notion of ideomotor compatibility, certain response-effect (R-E) mappings will be stronger than others because some response features resemble the anticipated sensory response effects more strongly than others (e.g., since vocal responses usually produce auditory effects, an auditory stimulus should be anticipated in a stronger manner following vocal responses rather than following manual responses). Yet, systematic research on this matter is lacking. In the present study, two REC experiments aimed to explore the influence of R-E modality mappings. In Experiment 1, vocal number word responses produced visual effects on the screen (digits vs. number words; i.e., visual-symbolic vs. visual-verbal effect codes). The REC effect was only marginally larger for visual-verbal than for visual-symbolic effects. Using verbal effect codes in Experiment 2, we found that the REC effect was larger with auditory-verbal R-E mapping than with visual-verbal R-E mapping. Overall, the findings support the hypothesis of a role of R-E modality mappings in REC effects, suggesting both further evidence for ideomotor accounts as well as code-specific and modality-specific contributions to effect anticipation.

  8. Language Outcomes at 12 Years for Children Exposed Prenatally to Cocaine

    PubMed Central

    Lewis, Barbara A.; Minnes, Sonia; Short, Elizabeth J.; Min, Meeyoung O.; Wu, Miaoping; Lang, Adelaide; Weishampel, Paul; Singer, Lynn T.

    2014-01-01

    Purpose In this study, the authors aimed to examine the long-term effects of prenatal cocaine exposure (PCE) on the language development of 12-year-old children using a prospective design, controlling for confounding prenatal drug exposure and environmental factors. Method Children who were exposed to cocaine in utero (PCE; n = 183) and children who were not exposed to cocaine (i.e., no cocaine exposure [NCE]; n = 181) were followed prospectively from birth to 12 years of age and were compared on language subtests of the Test of Language Development—Intermediate, Third Edition (Hammill & Newcomer, 1997b), and phonological processing as measured by the Comprehensive Test of Phonological Processing (Wagner & Torgesen, 1999). The authors evaluated the relationship of PCE to language development through a multivariate analysis of covariance and regression analyses while controlling for confounders. Results Results show that PCE has small effects on specific aspects of language, including syntax and phonological processing. The caregiver variables of lower maternal vocabulary, more psychological symptoms, and a poorer home environment also had consistent effects on language and phonological processing scores. Conclusions These findings suggest that PCE continues to have small, subtle effects on specific aspects of language at age 12 years. Phonological processing skills were significantly related to the reading outcomes of letter–word identification, reading fluency, and reading comprehension, indicating that PCE also has small but lasting effects on the language skills that are related to later literacy skills. PMID:24149136

  9. Safety pharmacology investigations in toxicology studies: an industry survey.

    PubMed

    Authier, Simon; Vargas, Hugo M; Curtis, Michael J; Holbrook, Mark; Pugsley, Michael K

    2013-01-01

    The Safety Pharmacology (SP) Society (SPS) conducted an industry survey in 2012 in an attempt to define current industry practices as they relate to inclusion of safety pharmacology (SP) endpoints into Toxicology studies. A total of 361 participants from Asia (9.1%), Europe (19.4%) and North America (71.4%) responded to the survey. The preponderance of respondents were toxicologists (53.2%) followed by safety pharmacologists (27.2%) and scientists involved in the conduct of both disciplines (19.6%). Most participants (58.6%) were from pharmaceutical companies employing more than 500 employees. A majority (68.2%) reported having experience in designing, performing or interpreting the SP component of a study when performed as part of a toxicology study. Some participants (42.0%) had submitted data to a regulatory agency where ICHS7 studies were performed as part of a toxicology study rather than as a standalone study. When comparing species that were used in studies in which SP was added to toxicology studies, canines were the most frequently reported animals used for new chemical entities (NCE) whereas non-human (NH) primates were the most frequent for the assessment of biological agents. The most frequent primary motivator for adding ICHS7 SP endpoints to regulatory toxicology studies was to generate additional data to allow for determination of an integrated risk assessment thereby testing Confidence in Safety (CIS) to better manage and/or mitigate risk. The current ability to add safety pharmacology endpoints into regulatory toxicology studies was used to address a specific concern (by 42.1% of respondents) to allow management of risk more effectively (36.8%) or to generate data that contributes to cessation of the progression of a compound (21.1%). For an NCE, SP measurements in toxicology studies were conducted in addition to standalone SP studies (by 40.6% of respondents) or in addition/instead of standalone safety pharmacology studies (by 39.8% of respondents). For biological agents, a majority (74.3%) indicated SP measurements in toxicology were conducted instead of standalone studies as outlined in the ICHS6 guideline while inclusion of SP endpoints in toxicology studies for biological agents in addition to standalone studies was reported by only 25.7% of the respondents. The survey highlights that obtaining regulatory agreement for the proposed combined SP/Tox study designs may be useful before study conduct in some cases. Respondents suggest that such discussion could occur at the pre-IND meeting before the IND/CTA enabling program. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  10. 75 FR 63764 - Hearing Aid Compatibility Proceeding; Request That Comments Address Effects of New Legislation

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-10-18

    ... FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 47 CFR Part 20 [DA 10-1936; WT Docket No. 07-250] Hearing Aid... Telecommunications Bureau requests that the comments in the pending Hearing Aid Compatibility proceeding address the effects of the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010, if any, on the...

  11. Evaluating arguments during instigations of defence motivation and accuracy motivation.

    PubMed

    Liu, Cheng-Hong

    2017-05-01

    When people evaluate the strength of an argument, their motivations are likely to influence the evaluation. However, few studies have specifically investigated the influences of motivational factors on argument evaluation. This study examined the effects of defence and accuracy motivations on argument evaluation. According to the compatibility between the advocated positions of arguments and participants' prior beliefs and the objective strength of arguments, participants evaluated four types of arguments: compatible-strong, compatible-weak, incompatible-strong, and incompatible-weak arguments. Experiment 1 revealed that participants possessing a high defence motivation rated compatible-weak arguments as stronger and incompatible-strong ones as weaker than participants possessing a low defence motivation. However, the strength ratings between the high and low defence groups regarding both compatible-strong and incompatible-weak arguments were similar. Experiment 2 revealed that when participants possessed a high accuracy motivation, they rated compatible-weak arguments as weaker and incompatible-strong ones as stronger than when they possessed a low accuracy motivation. However, participants' ratings on both compatible-strong and incompatible-weak arguments were similar when comparing high and low accuracy conditions. The results suggest that defence and accuracy motivations are two major motives influencing argument evaluation. However, they primarily influence the evaluation results for compatible-weak and incompatible-strong arguments, but not for compatible-strong and incompatible-weak arguments. © 2016 The British Psychological Society.

  12. Plasma Sterilization Technology for Spacecraft Applications

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Fraser, S. J.; Olson, R. L.; Leavens, W. M.

    1975-01-01

    The application of plasma gas technology to sterilization and decontamination of spacecraft components is considered. Areas investigated include: effective sterilizing ranges of four separate gases; lethal constituents of a plasma environment; effectiveness of plasma against a diverse group of microorganisms; penetrating efficiency of plasmas for sterilization; and compatibility of spacecraft materials with plasma environments. Results demonstrated that plasma gas, specifically helium plasma, is a highly effective sterilant and is compatible with spacecraft materials.

  13. Interactions Between Modality of Working Memory Load and Perceptual Load in Distractor Processing.

    PubMed

    Koshino, Hideya; Olid, Pilar

    2015-01-01

    The present study investigated interactions between working memory load and perceptual load. The load theory (Lavie, Hirst, de Fockert, & Viding, 2004 ) claims that perceptual load decreases distractor interference, whereas working memory load increases interference. However, recent studies showed that effects of working memory might depend on the relationship between modalities of working memory and task stimuli. Here, we examined whether the relationship between working memory load and perceptual load would remain the same across modalities. The results of Experiment 1 showed that verbal working memory load did not affect a compatibility effect for low perceptual load, whereas it increased the compatibility effect for high perceptual load. In Experiment 2, the compatibility effect remained the same regardless of visual working memory load. These results suggest that the effects of working memory load and perceptual load depend on the relationship between the modalities of working memory and stimuli.

  14. Limited Surface Observations Climatic Summary (LISOCS), Murmansk, USSR. Parts A-F

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1988-06-01

    1 OPERATING LOCATION - A USAFETAC Air Weather Service (MAC) "LIMITED SURFACE OBSERVATIONS" , 3sP6FETAr CLIMATIC SUMMARY "LISOCS" MURMANSK USSR MSC ...3’ 7"󈧵 1 -𔄁 4p-5s UC S6 TLIAL PLAN (Dr ’ EES I I 0 INb N • . 1.. 9.2 7.9 .7 29.9 7.5 !NL 7 𔃾.6 3.. ’,2 17.1 66 . 2.3 3 .6 1.2 7.2 93 TC 7 . 1.3...CEIrATOLOSY R INCH PLPCENIAGE F TEE L UC -NCY Or OCCUPRC NCE (IF SUROFACE WI1ND UTPf C tION VERSUS WINE) lFEfE StEAFL T AC FRU4 POORLYOERY08AT31ON’ Alg

  15. Pulsed laser deposition of lithium niobate thin films

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Canale, L.; Girault-Di Bin, C.; Cosset, F.; Bessaudou, A.; Celerier, A.; Decossas, J.-Louis; Vareille, J.-C.

    2000-12-01

    Pulsed laser deposition of Lithium Niobate thin films onto sapphire (0001) substrates is reported. Thin films composition and structure have been determined using Rutherford Backscattermg Spectroscopy (RBS) and X-ray diffraction ( XRD) experiments. The influe:nce of deposition parameters such as substrate temperature, oxygen pressure and target to substrate distance on the composition and the structure of the films has been studied. Deposition temperature is found to be an important parameter which enables us to grow LiNbO3 films without the Li deficient phase LiNb3O8. Nearly stoichiometric thin fihns have been obtained for an oxygen pressure of 0. 1 Ton and a substrate temperature of 800°C. Under optimized conditions the (001) preferential orientation of growth, suitable for most optical applications, has been obtained.

  16. [Analysis for contemporary academic study of Experience on Acupuncture and Moxibustion Therapy].

    PubMed

    Lu, Chengding; Tian, Sisheng; Zhang, Yongchen

    2016-12-12

    Experience on Acupuncture and Moxibustion Therapy is a profound book by WANG Zhizhong for acupuncture-moxibustion development. Twenty-five articles about arranging the book were analyzed in China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI) from 1980 to 2015. It is considered that the versions spread are clear, and literature quoted is abundant but needed to be further sorted. Also, academic thoughts with value were deeply explored in terms of acupoint, moxibustion, acupuncture-moxibustion case, contraindication and health preserving. However, shortages about contemporary research exist, such as less exploration on historical cultural background of the book, the humanistic spirit of WANG Zhizhong , the rule of acupoint application and the treatment experie-nce. We should pay attention to the above points so as to further systematically study its academic thought.

  17. On the Development of the Mental Number Line: More, Less, or Never Holistic with Increasing Age?

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Nuerk, Hans-Christoph; Kaufmann, Liane; Zoppoth, Sabine; Willmes, Klaus

    2004-01-01

    Magnitude is assumed to be represented along a holistic mental number line in adults. However, the authors recently observed a unit-decade compatibility effect for 2-digit numbers that is inconsistent with this "holisticness" assumption (H.-C. Nuerk, U. Weger, & K. Willmes, 2001). This study used the compatibility effect to examine whether the…

  18. Composite body movements modulate numerical cognition: evidence from the motion-numerical compatibility effect

    PubMed Central

    Cheng, Xiaorong; Ge, Hui; Andoni, Deljfina; Ding, Xianfeng; Fan, Zhao

    2015-01-01

    A recent hierarchical model of numerical processing, initiated by Fischer and Brugger (2011) and Fischer (2012), suggested that situated factors, such as different body postures and body movements, can influence the magnitude representation and bias numerical processing. Indeed, Loetscher et al. (2008) found that participants’ behavior in a random number generation task was biased by head rotations. More small numbers were reported after leftward than rightward head turns, i.e., a motion-numerical compatibility effect. Here, by carrying out two experiments, we explored whether similar motion-numerical compatibility effects exist for movements of other important body components, e.g., arms, and for composite body movements as well, which are basis for complex human activities in many ecologically meaningful situations. In Experiment 1, a motion-numerical compatibility effect was observed for lateral rotations of two body components, i.e., the head and arms. Relatively large numbers were reported after making rightward compared to leftward movements for both lateral head and arm turns. The motion-numerical compatibility effect was observed again in Experiment 2 when participants were asked to perform composite body movements of congruent movement directions, e.g., simultaneous head left turns and arm left turns. However, it disappeared when the movement directions were incongruent, e.g., simultaneous head left turns and arm right turns. Taken together, our results extended Loetscher et al.’s (2008) finding by demonstrating that their effect is effector-general and exists for arm movements. Moreover, our study reveals for the first time that the impact of spatial information on numerical processing induced by each of the two sensorimotor-based situated factors, e.g., a lateral head turn and a lateral arm turn, can cancel each other out. PMID:26594188

  19. Stimulus-Response Compatibility in Spatial Precuing and Symbolic Identification: Effects of Coding Practice, Retention and Transfer

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1989-05-31

    for the effects. Most of the pqychophysiological research has examined event-related potentials (ERPs). Bashore (Chapter 7 ), Ragot (Chapter 8), and...flanking noise letters I signaled a response that was incongruent with the resTcnse i:.dicated b., a target letter. Bashore (Chapter 7 ) describes a...forms. First, compatibility effects have been used as estimates of interhemispheric transmission time (Bashore, I Chapter 7 ). The logic, articulated

  20. Effect of variation in self-incompatibility on pollen limitation and inbreeding depression in Flourensia cernua (Asteraceae) scrubs of contrasting density

    PubMed Central

    Ferrer, Miriam M.; Good-Avila, Sara V.; Montaña, Carlos; Domínguez, César A.; Eguiarte, Luis E.

    2009-01-01

    Background and Aims Selection may favour a partial or complete loss of self-incompatibility (SI) if it increases the reproductive output of individuals in the presence of low mate availability. The reproductive output of individuals varying in their strength of SI may also be affected by population density via its affect on the spatial structuring and number of S-alleles in populations. Modifiers increasing levels of self-compatibility can be selected when self-compatible individuals receive reproductive compensation by, for example, increasing seed set and/or when they become associated with high fitness genotypes. Methods The effect of variation in the strength of SI and scrub density (low versus high) on seed set, seed germination and inbreeding depression in seed germination (δgerm) was investigated in the partially self-incompatible species Flourensia cernua by analysing data from self-, cross- and open-pollinated florets. Key Results Examination of 100 plants in both high and low scrub densities revealed that 51% of plants were strongly self-incompatible and 49 % varied from being self-incompatible to self-compatible. Seed set after hand cross-pollination was higher than after open-pollination for self-incompatible, partially self-incompatible and self-compatible plants but was uniformly low for strongly self-incompatible plants. Strongly self-incompatible and self-incompatible plants exhibited lower seed set, seed germination and multiplicative female fitness (floral display × seed set × seed germination) in open-pollinated florets compared with partially self-incompatible and self-compatible plants. Scrub density also had an effect on seed set and inbreeding depression: in low-density scrubs seed set was higher after open-pollination and δgerm was lower. Conclusions These data suggest that (a) plants suffered outcross pollen limitation, (b) female fitness in partially self-incompatible and self-compatible plants is enhanced by increased mate-compatibility and (c) plants in low-density scrubs received higher quality pollen via open-pollination than plants in high-density scrubs. PMID:19218580

  1. Beyond technology acceptance to effective technology use: a parsimonious and actionable model.

    PubMed

    Holahan, Patricia J; Lesselroth, Blake J; Adams, Kathleen; Wang, Kai; Church, Victoria

    2015-05-01

    To develop and test a parsimonious and actionable model of effective technology use (ETU). Cross-sectional survey of primary care providers (n = 53) in a large integrated health care organization that recently implemented new medication reconciliation technology. Surveys assessed 5 technology-related perceptions (compatibility with work values, implementation climate, compatibility with work processes, perceived usefulness, and ease of use) and 1 outcome variable, ETU. ETU was measured as both consistency and quality of technology use. Compatibility with work values and implementation climate were found to have differential effects on consistency and quality of use. When implementation climate was strong, consistency of technology use was high. However, quality of technology use was high only when implementation climate was strong and values compatibility was high. This is an important finding and highlights the importance of users' workplace values as a key determinant of quality of use. To extend our effectiveness in implementing new health care information technology, we need parsimonious models that include actionable determinants of ETU and account for the differential effects of these determinants on the multiple dimensions of ETU. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the American Medical Informatics Association. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

  2. Genetic Compatibility Underlies Benefits of Mate Choice in an External Fertilizer.

    PubMed

    Aguirre, J David; Blows, Mark W; Marshall, Dustin J

    2016-05-01

    Mate choice is a common feature of sexually reproducing species. In sessile or sedentary external fertilizers, however, direct interactions between reproductive partners are minimal, and instead mate recognition and choice must occur at the level of gametes. It is common for some sperm and egg combinations to have higher fertilization success than others, but it remains unclear whether differences in fertilization reflect gamete-level mate choice (GMC) for paternal quality or parental compatibility. Here, we examine the mechanisms underlying GMC in an externally fertilizing ascidian. A manipulative mate-choice assay confirmed that offspring viability was greater in clutches where we allowed GMC than in clutches where we precluded GMC. A complementary quantitative genetic experiment then revealed that paternal quality effects were generally weaker than parental compatibility effects, particularly for the trait combination underlying the benefits of GMC. Overall, our data suggest that gametes that are more compatible at fertilization produce more viable offspring than gametes that are less compatible at fertilization. Therefore, although the regalia we typically associate with sexual selection are absent in external fertilizers, mechanisms that allow females to bias fertilization in favor of some males over others produce significant fitness benefits in organisms reproducing via the ancestral strategy.

  3. Efficacy-oriented compatibility for component-based Chinese medicine

    PubMed Central

    Zhang, Jun-hua; Zhu, Yan; Fan, Xiao-hui; Zhang, Bo-li

    2015-01-01

    Single-target drugs have not achieved satisfactory therapeutic effects for complex diseases involving multiple factors. Instead, innovations in recent drug research and development have revealed the emergence of compound drugs, such as cocktail therapies and “polypills”, as the frontier in new drug development. A traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescription that is usually composed of several medicinal herbs can serve a typical representative of compound medicines. Although the traditional compatibility theory of TCM cannot be well expressed using modern scientific language nowadays, the fundamental purpose of TCM compatibility can be understood as promoting efficacy and reducing toxicity. This paper introduces the theory and methods of efficacy-oriented compatibility for developing component-based Chinese medicines. PMID:25864650

  4. Modern drug discovery technologies: opportunities and challenges in lead discovery.

    PubMed

    Guido, Rafael V C; Oliva, Glaucius; Andricopulo, Adriano D

    2011-12-01

    The identification of promising hits and the generation of high quality leads are crucial steps in the early stages of drug discovery projects. The definition and assessment of both chemical and biological space have revitalized the screening process model and emphasized the importance of exploring the intrinsic complementary nature of classical and modern methods in drug research. In this context, the widespread use of combinatorial chemistry and sophisticated screening methods for the discovery of lead compounds has created a large demand for small organic molecules that act on specific drug targets. Modern drug discovery involves the employment of a wide variety of technologies and expertise in multidisciplinary research teams. The synergistic effects between experimental and computational approaches on the selection and optimization of bioactive compounds emphasize the importance of the integration of advanced technologies in drug discovery programs. These technologies (VS, HTS, SBDD, LBDD, QSAR, and so on) are complementary in the sense that they have mutual goals, thereby the combination of both empirical and in silico efforts is feasible at many different levels of lead optimization and new chemical entity (NCE) discovery. This paper provides a brief perspective on the evolution and use of key drug design technologies, highlighting opportunities and challenges.

  5. Visual feature integration and focused attention: response competition from multiple distractor features.

    PubMed

    Lavie, N

    1997-05-01

    Predictions from Treisman's feature integration theory of attention were tested in a variant of the response-competition paradigm. Subjects made choice responses to particular color-shape conjunctions (e.g., a purple cross vs. a green circle) while withholding their responses to the opposite conjunctions (i.e., a purple circle vs. a green cross). The results showed that compatibility effects were based on both distractor color and shape. For unattended distractors in preknown irrelevant positions, compatibility effects were equivalent for conjunctive distractors (e.g., a purple cross and a blue triangle) and for disjunctive distractors (e.g., a purple triangle and a blue cross). Manipulation of attention to the distractors positions resulted in larger compatibility effects from conjoined features. These results accord with Treisman's claim that correct conjunction information is unavailable under conditions of inattention, and they provide new information on response-competition effects from multiple features.

  6. Anticipatory Regulation of Action Control in a Simon Task: Behavioral, Electrophysiological, and fMRI Correlates

    PubMed Central

    Strack, Gamze; Kaufmann, Christian; Kehrer, Stefanie; Brandt, Stephan; Stürmer, Birgit

    2013-01-01

    With the present study we investigated cue-induced preparation in a Simon task and measured electroencephalogram and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data in two within-subjects sessions. Cues informed either about the upcoming (1) spatial stimulus-response compatibility (rule cues), or (2) the stimulus location (position cues), or (3) were non-informative. Only rule cues allowed anticipating the upcoming compatibility condition. Position cues allowed anticipation of the upcoming location of the Simon stimulus but not its compatibility condition. Rule cues elicited fastest and most accurate performance for both compatible and incompatible trials. The contingent negative variation (CNV) in the event-related potential (ERP) of the cue-target interval is an index of anticipatory preparation and was magnified after rule cues. The N2 in the post-target ERP as a measure of online action control was reduced in Simon trials after rule cues. Although compatible trials were faster than incompatible trials in all cue conditions only non-informative cues revealed a compatibility effect in additional indicators of Simon task conflict like accuracy and the N2. We thus conclude that rule cues induced anticipatory re-coding of the Simon task that did not involve cognitive conflict anymore. fMRI revealed that rule cues yielded more activation of the left rostral, dorsal, and ventral prefrontal cortex as well as the pre-SMA as compared to POS and NON-cues. Pre-SMA and ventrolateral prefrontal activation after rule cues correlated with the effective use of rule cues in behavioral performance. Position cues induced a smaller CNV effect and exhibited less prefrontal and pre-SMA contributions in fMRI. Our data point to the importance to disentangle different anticipatory adjustments that might also include the prevention of upcoming conflict via task re-coding. PMID:23408377

  7. Assessing hazard risk, cost of adaptation and traditional land use activities in the context of permafrost thaw in communities in Yukon and the Northwest Territories, Canada

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Benkert, B.; Perrin, A.; Calmels, F.

    2015-12-01

    Together with its partners, the Northern Climate ExChange (NCE, part of the Yukon Research Centre at Yukon College) has been mapping permafrost-related hazard risk in northern communities since 2010. By integrating geoscience and climate project data, we have developed a series of community-scale hazard risk maps. The maps depict hazard risk in stoplight colours for easy interpretation, and support community-based, future-focused adaptation planning. Communities, First Nations, consultants and local regulatory agencies have used the hazard risk maps to site small-scale infrastructure projects, guide land planning processes, and assess suitability of land development applications. However, we know that assessing risk is only one step in integrating the implications of permafrost degradation in societal responses to environmental change. To build on our permafrost hazard risk maps, we are integrating economic principles and traditional land use elements. To assess economic implications of adaptation to permafrost change, we are working with geotechnical engineers to identify adaptation options (e.g., modified building techniques, permafrost thaw mitigation approaches) that suit the risks captured by our existing hazard risk maps. We layer this with an economic analysis of the costs associated with identified adaptation options, providing end-users with a more comprehensive basis upon which to make decisions related to infrastructure. NCE researchers have also integrated traditional land use activities in assessments of permafrost thaw risk, in a project led by Jean Marie River First Nation in the Northwest Territories. Here, the implications of permafrost degradation on food security and land use priorities were assessed by layering key game and gathering areas on permafrost thaw vulnerability maps. Results indicated that close to one quarter of big and small game habitats, and close to twenty percent of key furbearer and gathering areas within the First Nation's traditional territory, are situated on highly thaw sensitive permafrost. These projects demonstrate how physical and socio-economic factors can be integrated in assessments of permafrost vulnerability to thaw, thus providing tangible, useable results that reflect community priorities and support local decision making.

  8. 14 CFR 25.941 - Inlet, engine, and exhaust compatibility.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ..., engine, and exhaust compatibility. For airplanes using variable inlet or exhaust system geometry, or both— (a) The system comprised of the inlet, engine (including thrust augmentation systems, if incorporated... configurations; (b) The dynamic effects of the operation of these (including consideration of probable...

  9. Final Report,

    DTIC Science & Technology

    compare the effects of elevated temperature on 801-finish glass. The strength qualities at 75 F of Owens - Corning ECG-140 continuous-filament roving glass...with an 801 epoxy compatible finish and the same glass with an HTS epoxy compatible finish were tested. The strength qualities of Owens - Corning ECG

  10. Atuarfitsialak: Greenland's Cultural Compatible Reform

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Wyatt, Tasha R.

    2012-01-01

    In 2002, Greenlandic reform leaders launched a comprehensive, nation-wide reform to create culturally compatible education. Greenland's reform work spans the entire educational system and includes preschool through higher education. To assist their efforts, reform leaders adopted the Standards for Effective Pedagogy developed at the Center for…

  11. Simpler and equitable allocation of kidneys from postmortem donors primarily based on full HLA-DR compatibility.

    PubMed

    Doxiadis, Ilias I N; de Fijter, Johan W; Mallat, Marko J K; Haasnoot, Geert W; Ringers, Jan; Persijn, Guido G; Claas, Frans H J

    2007-05-15

    The introduction of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-matching in nonliving kidney transplantation has resulted into a better graft outcome, but also in an increase of waiting time, especially for patients with rare HLA phenotypes. We addressed the question of the differential influence of HLA-DR-matching versus HLA-A,B in clinical kidney transplantation. We used Kaplan-Meier product limit method to estimate survival rates, and Cox proportional hazard regression for the estimation of relative risks (Hazard-ratios) for different variables. A single center study (n=456 transplants, performed between 1985 and 1999) showed that full HLA-DR compatibility leads to a lower incidence of biopsy confirmed acute rejections in the first 180 posttransplantation days. These results were substantiated using the Eurotransplant database (n=39,205 transplants performed between 1985 and 2005) where graft survival in the full HLA-DR compatible group was significantly better than in the incompatible. An additional positive effect of HLA-A,B matching was only found in the full HLA-DR compatible group. In both studies, the introduction of a single HLA-DR incompatibility eliminates the HLA-A,B matching effect. We propose to allocate postmortem kidneys only to patients with full HLA-DR compatibility, and use HLA-A,B compatibility as an additional selection criterion. All patients, irrespective of their ethnic origin, will profit since the polymorphism of HLA-DR is by far lower than that of HLA-A,B. Excessive kidney travel and cold ischemia time will be significantly reduced.

  12. Material Compatibility for Historic Items Decontaminated with ...

    EPA Pesticide Factsheets

    Report This project continued research of the effects of decontamination methods for biological agents on materials identified as representative of types of irreplaceable objects or works of art found in museums and/or archive settings. In the previous research, surrogate materials were checked for compatibility with four decontamination methods: chlorine dioxide, hydrogen peroxide vapor, methyl bromide, and ethylene oxide gas. This project investigated the effects of gamma irradiation, which has also been shown to be an effective decontamination method for biological agents, on the surrogate test materials.

  13. Still states of bistable lattices, compatibility, and phase transition

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Cherkaev, Andrej; Kouznetsov, Andrei; Panchenko, Alexander

    2010-09-01

    We study a two-dimensional triangular lattice made of bistable rods. Each rod has two equilibrium lengths, and thus its energy has two equal minima. A rod undergoes a phase transition when its elongation exceeds a critical value. The lattice is subject to a homogeneous strain and is periodic with a sufficiently large period. The effective strain of a periodic element is defined. After phase transitions, the lattice rods are in two different states and lattice strain is inhomogeneous, the Cauchy-Born rule is not applicable. We show that the lattice has a number of deformed still states that carry no stresses. These states densely cover a neutral region in the space of entries of effective strains. In this region, the minimal energy of the periodic lattice is asymptotically close to zero. When the period goes to infinity, the effective energy of such lattices has the “flat bottom” which we explicitly describe. The compatibility of the partially transited lattice is studied. We derive compatibility conditions for lattices and demonstrate a family of compatible lattices (strips) that densely covers the flat bottom region. Under an additional assumption of the small difference of two equilibrium lengths, we demonstrate that the still structures continuously vary with the effective strain and prove a linear dependence of the average strain on the concentration of transited rods.

  14. Compatibility problems in frontal, side, single car collisions and car-to-pedestrian accidents in Japan.

    PubMed

    Mizuno, K; Kajzer, J

    1999-07-01

    Compatibility problems in car-to-car frontal, side, single car and car-to-pedestrian collisions in Japan are discussed using traffic accident data. The number of serious and fatal injuries is investigated for the subject car and other cars, which are categorized by their class and mass. The aggressivity of the cars is calculated by the number of fatalities, fatality rates and by the number of car registrations. The results show that in car-to-car frontal collisions, cars with a mass of 1150 kg are the most compatible among the current car population. In both car-to-car frontal and side collisions, the sports utility vehicle and mini car are found to be the most incompatible car types with high and low aggressivity, respectively. On the other hand, the accident data show that the wagon and midsize sedan are the most compatible car types. The compatibility of fixed objects in the road environment with cars and cars with pedestrians is also discussed. In a single car collision with a fixed object, the guardrail is the most compatible object and can reduce the fatality rate on prefecture roads by about 60%. The front geometry of the car has large effect on compatibility with a pedestrian.

  15. The compatibility heuristic in non-categorical hypothetical reasoning: inferences between conditionals and disjunctions.

    PubMed

    Espino, Orlando; Byrne, Ruth M J

    2013-11-01

    A new theory explains how people make hypothetical inferences from a premise consistent with several alternatives to a conclusion consistent with several alternatives. The key proposal is that people rely on a heuristic that identifies compatible possibilities. It is tested in 7 experiments that examine inferences between conditionals and disjunctions. Participants accepted inferences between conditionals and inclusive disjunctions when a compatible possibility was immediately available, in their binary judgments that a conclusion followed or not (Experiment 1a) and ternary judgments that included it was not possible to know (Experiment 1b). The compatibility effect was amplified when compatible possibilities were more readily available, e.g., for 'A only if B' conditionals (Experiment 2). It was eliminated when compatible possibilities were not available, e.g., for 'if and only if A B' bi-conditionals and exclusive disjunctions (Experiment 3). The compatibility heuristic occurs even for inferences based on implicit negation e.g., 'A or B, therefore if C D' (Experiment 4), and between universals 'All A's are B's' and disjunctions (Experiment 5a) and universals and conditionals (Experiment 5b). The implications of the results for alternative theories of the cognitive processes underlying hypothetical deductions are discussed. Copyright © 2013. Published by Elsevier Inc.

  16. A review of traditional and current methods used to potentially reduce toxicity of Aconitum roots in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

    PubMed

    Liu, Shuai; Li, Fei; Li, Yan; Li, Weifei; Xu, Jinkai; Du, Hong

    2017-07-31

    Aconitum species are well-known for their medicinal value and high lethal toxicity in many Asian countries, notably China, India and Japan. The tubers are only used after processing in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). They can be used safely and effectively with the methods of decoction, rational compatibility, and correct processing based on traditional experiences and new technologies. However, high toxicological risks still remain due to improper preparation and usage in China and other countries. Therefore, there is a need to clarify the methods of processing and compatibility to ensure their effectiveness and minimize the potential risks. The aim of this paper is to provide a review of traditional and current methods used to potentially reduce toxicity of Aconitum roots in TCM. The use of Aconitum has been investigated and the methods of processing and compatibility throughout history, including recent research, have been reviewed. Using of the methods of rational preparation, reasonable compatibility, and proper processing based on traditional experiences and new technologies, can enable Aconitum to be used safely and effectively. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  17. 76 FR 77415 - Amendment of the Commission's Rules Governing Hearing Aid-Compatible Mobile Handsets

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-12-13

    ... FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 47 CFR Part 20 [WT Docket No. 07-250; FCC 08-68] Amendment of the Commission's Rules Governing Hearing Aid- Compatible Mobile Handsets AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission. ACTION: Final rule; announcement of effective date. SUMMARY: In this document, the...

  18. Radioprotective effects of hawthorn fruit extract against gamma irradiation in mouse bone marrow cells.

    PubMed

    Hosseinimehr, Seyed Jalal; Azadbakht, Mohammad; Mousavi, Seyedeh Maryam; Mahmoudzadeh, Aziz; Akhlaghpoor, Shahram

    2007-01-01

    The radioprotective effect of hawthorn (Crataegus microphylla) fruit extract against genotoxicity induced by gamma irradiation has been investigated in mouse bone marrow cells. A single intraperitoneal (ip) administration of hawthorn extract at doses of 25, 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg 1h prior to gamma irradiation (2 Gy) reduced the frequencies of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MnPCEs). All four doses of hawthorn extract significantly reduced the frequencies of MnPCEs and increased the PCE/PCE+NCE ratio (polychromatic erythrocyte/ polychromatic erythrocyte + normochromatic erythrocyte) in mice bone marrow compared with the non drug-treated irradiated control (p < 0.02-0.00001). The maximum reduction in MnPCEs was observed in mice treated with extract at a dose of 200 mg/kg. Administration of amifostine at dose 100 mg/kg and hawthorn at dose 200 mg/kg reduced the frequency of MnPCE almost 4.8 and 5.7 fold; respectively, after being exposed to 2 Gy of gamma rays, compare with the irradiated control group. Crataegus extract exhibited concentration-dependent activity on 1,1-diphenyl 2-picrylhydrazyl free radical showing that Crataegus contained high amounts of phenolic compounds and the HPLC analysis determined that it contained chlorogenic acid, epicatechin and hyperoside. It appeared that hawthorn extract with antioxidant activity reduced the genotoxicity induced by gamma irradiation in bone marrow cells.

  19. Neonatal cerebral sinovenous thrombosis: Two cases, two different gene polymorphisms and risk factors.

    PubMed

    Turan, Özden; Anuk-İnce, Deniz; Olcay, Lale; Sezer, Taner; Gülleroğlu, Kaan; Yılmaz-Çelik, Zerrin; Ecevit, Ayşe

    2017-01-01

    Turan Ö, Anuk-İnce D, Olcay L, Sezer T, Gülleroğlu K, Yılmaz-Çelik Z, Ecevit A. Neonatal cerebral sinovenous thrombosis: Two cases, two different gene polymorphisms and risk factors. Turk J Pediatr 2017; 59: 71-75. Cerebral sinovenous thrombosis (CSVT) is a rare disease in the neonatal period and also the greatest risk of neonatal mortality and morbidity. In this report, we presented two cases with CSVT and different risk factors. One of these cases had methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T homozygous polymorphism and the other case had both MTHFR A1298C homozygous polymorphism, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) 4G/ 5G polymorphism and elevated lipoprotein a. Early diagnosis and prompt initiation of therapy of neonatal CSVT may prevent neonatal mortality and poor long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes.

  20. Effect Anticipation Affects Perceptual, Cognitive, and Motor Phases of Response Preparation: Evidence from an Event-Related Potential (ERP) Study

    PubMed Central

    Harrison, Neil R.; Ziessler, Michael

    2016-01-01

    The anticipation of action effects is a basic process that can be observed even for key-pressing responses in a stimulus-response paradigm. In Ziessler et al.’s (2012) experiments participants first learned arbitrary effects of key-pressing responses. In the test phase an imperative stimulus determined the response, but participants withheld the response until a Go-stimulus appeared. Reaction times (RTs) were shorter if the Go-stimulus was compatible with the learned response effect. This is strong evidence that effect representations were activated during response planning. Here, we repeated the experiment using event-related potentials (ERPs), and we found that Go-stimulus locked ERPs depended on the compatibility relationship between the Go-stimulus and the response effect. In general, this supports the interpretation of the behavioral data. More specifically, differences in the ERPs between compatible and incompatible Go-stimuli were found for the early perceptual P1 component and the later frontal P2 component. P1 differences were found only in the second half of the experiment and for long stimulus onset asynchronies (SOAs) between imperative stimulus and Go-stimulus, i.e., when the effect was fully anticipated and the perceptual system was prepared for the effect-compatible Go-stimulus. P2 amplitudes, likely associated with evaluation and conflict detection, were larger when Go-stimulus and effect were incompatible; presumably, incompatibility increased the difficulty of effect anticipation. Onset of response-locked lateralized readiness potentials (R-LRPs) occurred earlier under incompatible conditions indicating extended motor processing. Together, these results strongly suggest that effect anticipation affects all (i.e., perceptual, cognitive, and motor) phases of response preparation. PMID:26858621

  1. Effect Anticipation Affects Perceptual, Cognitive, and Motor Phases of Response Preparation: Evidence from an Event-Related Potential (ERP) Study.

    PubMed

    Harrison, Neil R; Ziessler, Michael

    2016-01-01

    The anticipation of action effects is a basic process that can be observed even for key-pressing responses in a stimulus-response paradigm. In Ziessler et al.'s (2012) experiments participants first learned arbitrary effects of key-pressing responses. In the test phase an imperative stimulus determined the response, but participants withheld the response until a Go-stimulus appeared. Reaction times (RTs) were shorter if the Go-stimulus was compatible with the learned response effect. This is strong evidence that effect representations were activated during response planning. Here, we repeated the experiment using event-related potentials (ERPs), and we found that Go-stimulus locked ERPs depended on the compatibility relationship between the Go-stimulus and the response effect. In general, this supports the interpretation of the behavioral data. More specifically, differences in the ERPs between compatible and incompatible Go-stimuli were found for the early perceptual P1 component and the later frontal P2 component. P1 differences were found only in the second half of the experiment and for long stimulus onset asynchronies (SOAs) between imperative stimulus and Go-stimulus, i.e., when the effect was fully anticipated and the perceptual system was prepared for the effect-compatible Go-stimulus. P2 amplitudes, likely associated with evaluation and conflict detection, were larger when Go-stimulus and effect were incompatible; presumably, incompatibility increased the difficulty of effect anticipation. Onset of response-locked lateralized readiness potentials (R-LRPs) occurred earlier under incompatible conditions indicating extended motor processing. Together, these results strongly suggest that effect anticipation affects all (i.e., perceptual, cognitive, and motor) phases of response preparation.

  2. Compatibility of refrigerants and lubricants with motor materials. Volume 1, Final report

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

    Doerr, R.; Kujak, S.

    This volume contains the abstract, scope, discussion of results, charts of motor material compatibility, test procedures, material identifications, and 84 pages of data summary tables. Compatibility test results for 11 pure refrigerants and 17 refrigerant-lubricant combinations with 24 motor materials are included. The greatest effect on the motor materials was caused by adsorption followed by desorption of refrigerants at higher temperatures. High internal pressure of the adsorbed refrigerants and their tendency to evolve from the materials resulted in blisters, cracks, internal bubbles in the varnish, and delamination or bubbles in the sheet insulations. The second effect was extraction or dissolutionmore » of materials that lead to embrittlement of some sheet insulations. HCFC-22 and HCFC- 22/mineral oil had the most deleterious effects; the materials are expected to be reliable when used with most of the new refrigerants and lubricants. Tables.« less

  3. The perceived compatibility of safety and production expectations in hazardous occupations.

    PubMed

    McLain, David L; Jarrell, Kimberly A

    2007-01-01

    Safety hazards are unavoidable in many work environments. Employees must be both productive and safe, however, conflicting safety and production demands can negatively affect safety, production, or both. The employee's perception of the compatibility of management's safety and production expectations is a possible predictor of such consequences. This paper defines "safety-production compatibility" and describes how measures of safety-production compatibility, as well as safety pressure and production pressure, were developed. We used LISREL structural equation modeling to test the influences of safety-production compatibility, safety pressure, and production pressure on safe work behavior and interference with performing other work tasks. The 239 study participants were workers employed in diverse but hazardous occupations. Pressure to work safely was positively associated with safe work behavior. The perceived compatibility of safety and production demands positively influenced safe work behavior and reduced the interference of safety hazards performing other tasks. Safety-production compatibility was also found to mediate the relationship between trust in management and safe work behavior. The results of this field study suggest increased compatibility, and thus less conflict, between safety and production demands influences safe work behavior and the interference of safety hazards with performing other work tasks. More broadly, the worker's reaction to multiple work demands is a safety and performance influence. Safety management efforts that focus only on the hazards fail to eliminate many accidents because accidents arise from many factors including technology, safety climate, social influences, production, and safety demands. This study suggests that workers differ in their perception of the compatibility of safety and production demands. These differences will show up in safe work behavior, influencing the effectiveness of safety management efforts and the trust workers have in management's concern for safety.

  4. Nomenclature associated with chemical characterization of and compatibility evaluations for medical product delivery systems.

    PubMed

    Jenke, Dennis R

    2003-01-01

    Delivery systems are used to store, contain, and/or administer liquid pharmaceutical products. Gaining an understanding of the chemical composition of such a delivery system is necessary with respect to effective system development, registration, and production. Additionally, the ability of the delivery system to impact the chemical composition of the contacted product may define the safety and/or efficacy of the product. Assessing the compatibility of the delivery system and the product is thus both necessary and desirable. The nomenclature associated with compatibility assessments has not been standardized, oftimes leading to conflicting or confusing information. This manuscript puts forth a nomenclature which classifies those chemical entities which participate in the system/product interaction and delineates the various extraction strategies which may be used in compatibility assessments.

  5. Unimodular sequence design under frequency hopping communication compatibility requirements

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ge, Peng; Cui, Guolong; Kong, Lingjiang; Yang, Jianyu

    2016-12-01

    The integrated design for both radar and anonymous communication has drawn more attention recently since wireless communication system appeals to enhance security and reliability. Given the frequency hopping (FH) communication system, an effective way to realize integrated design is to meet the spectrum compatibility between these two systems. The paper deals with a unimodular sequence design technique which considers optimizing both the spectrum compatibility and peak sidelobes levels (PSL) of auto-correlation function (ACF). The spectrum compatibility requirement realizes anonymous communication for the FH system and provides this system lower probability of intercept (LPI) since the spectrum of the FH system is hidden in that of the radar system. The proposed algorithm, named generalized fitting template (GFT) technique, converts the sequence optimization design problem to a iterative fitting process. In this process, the power spectrum density (PSD) and PSL behaviors of the generated sequences fit both PSD and PSL templates progressively. Two templates are established based on the spectrum compatibility requirement and the expected PSL. As noted, in order to ensure the communication security and reliability, spectrum compatibility requirement is given a higher priority to achieve in the GFT algorithm. This algorithm realizes this point by adjusting the weight adaptively between these two terms during the iteration process. The simulation results are analyzed in terms of bit error rate (BER), PSD, PSL, and signal-interference rate (SIR) for both the radar and FH systems. The performance of GFT is compared with SCAN, CAN, FRE, CYC, and MAT algorithms in the above aspects, which shows its good effectiveness.

  6. Fitness consequences of parental compatibility in the frog Crinia georgiana.

    PubMed

    Dziminski, Martin A; Roberts, J Dale; Simmons, Leigh W

    2008-04-01

    Theory suggests that multiple mating by females can evolve as a mechanism for acquiring compatible genes that promote offspring fitness. Genetic compatibility models predict that differences in fitness among offspring arise from interactions between male and female haplotypes. Using a cross-classified breeding design and in vitro fertilization, we raised families of maternal and paternal half-siblings of the frog Crinia georgiana, a species with a polyandrous breeding system and external fertilization. After controlling for variation in maternal provisioning, we found significant effects of interacting parental haplotypes on fertilization success, and nonadditive genetic effects on measures of offspring fitness such as embryo survival, and survival to, size at, and time to metamorphosis. Additive genetic variation due to males and females was negligible, and not statistically significant for any of the fitness traits measured. Combinations of parental haplotypes that resulted in high rates of fertilization produced offspring with higher embryo survival and rapid juvenile development. We suggest that a gamete recognition mechanism for selective fertilization by compatible sperm may promote offspring fitness in this system.

  7. Enhancing creativity: Proper body posture meets proper emotion.

    PubMed

    Hao, Ning; Xue, Hua; Yuan, Huan; Wang, Qing; Runco, Mark A

    2017-02-01

    This study tested whether compatibility or incompatibility between body posture and emotion was beneficial for creativity. In Study 1, participants were asked to solve the Alternative Uses Task (AUT) problems when performing open or closed body posture in positive or negative emotional state respectively. The results showed that originality of AUT performance was higher in the compatible conditions (i.e., open-positive and closed-negative) than in the incompatible conditions (i.e., closed-positive and open-negative). In Study 2, the compatibility effect was replicated in both the AUT and the Realistic Presented Problem test (i.e., RPP). Moreover, it was revealed that participants exhibited the highest associative flexibility in the open-positive condition, and the highest persistence in the closed-negative condition. These findings indicate that compatibility between body posture and emotion is beneficial for creativity. This may be because when the implicit emotions elicited by body posture match explicit emotions, the effects of emotions on creativity are enhanced, therefore promoting creativity through the flexibility or the persistence pathway respectively. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  8. Blends of polyester ionomers with polar polymers: Interactions, reactions, and compatibilization

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Boykin, Timothy Lamar

    The compatibility of amorphous and semicrystalline polyester ionomers with various polar polymers (i.e., polyesters and polyamides) has been investigated for their potential use as minor component compatibilizers. The degree of compatibility (i.e., ranging from incompatible to miscible) between the polyester ionomers and the polar polymers was determined by evaluating the effect of blend composition on the melting behavior and phase behavior of binary blends. In addition, the origin of compatibility and/or incompatibility for each of the binary blends (i.e., polyamide/ionomer and polyester/ionomer) was determined by evaluating blends prepared by both solution and melt mixed methods. Subsequent to investigation of the binary blends, the effect of polyester ionomer addition on the compatibility of polyamide/polyester blends was investigated by evaluating the mechanical properties and phase morphology of ionomer compatibilized polyamide/polyester blends. Polyester ionomers (amorphous and semicrystalline) were shown to exhibit a high degree of compatibility (even miscibility) with polyamides, such as nylon 6,6 (N66). Compatibility was attributed to specific interactions between the metal counterion of the polyester ionomer and the amide groups of N66. The degree of compatibility (or miscibility) was shown to be dependent on the counterion type of the ionomer, with the highest degree exhibited by blends containing the divalent form of the polyester ionomers. Although polyester ionomers were shown to exhibit incompatibility with both poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT), increasing the time of melt processing significantly enhanced the compatibility of the polyester ionomers with both PET and PBT. The observed enhancement in compatibility was attributed to ester-ester interchange between the polyester blend components, which was confirmed by NMR spectroscopy. The addition of polyester ionomers as a minor component compatibilizer (i.e., 2 to 5 wt%) resulted in significant enhancement in the impact strength and a dramatic improvement in the tensile properties compared to uncompatibilized blends of nylon 6,6 (N66) with poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT). This behavior was attributed to an increase in the interfacial adhesion between the phase-separated domains due to strong interactions between the polyester ionomer and N66. The placement of the ionomer compatibilizer at the N66/PBT interface was facilitated by pre-extrusion of the polyester ionomer with PBT, prior to extrusion with N66.

  9. Structural Model for the Effects of Environmental Elements on the Psychological Characteristics and Performance of the Employees of Manufacturing Systems

    PubMed Central

    Realyvásquez, Arturo; Maldonado-Macías, Aidé Aracely; García-Alcaraz, Jorge; Cortés-Robles, Guillermo; Blanco-Fernández, Julio

    2016-01-01

    This paper analyzes the effects of environmental elements on the psychological characteristics and performance of employees in manufacturing systems using structural equation modeling. Increasing the comprehension of these effects may help optimize manufacturing systems regarding their employees’ psychological characteristics and performance from a macroergonomic perspective. As the method, a new macroergonomic compatibility questionnaire (MCQ) was developed and statistically validated, and 158 respondents at four manufacture companies were considered. Noise, lighting and temperature, humidity and air quality (THAQ) were used as independent variables and psychological characteristics and employees’ performance as dependent variables. To propose and test the hypothetical causal model of significant relationships among the variables, a data analysis was deployed. Results found that the macroergonomic compatibility of environmental elements presents significant direct effects on employees’ psychological characteristics and either direct or indirect effects on the employees’ performance. THAQ had the highest direct and total effects on psychological characteristics. Regarding the direct and total effects on employees’ performance, the psychological characteristics presented the highest effects, followed by THAQ conditions. These results may help measure and optimize manufacturing systems’ performance by enhancing their macroergonomic compatibility and quality of life at work of the employees. PMID:26742054

  10. Structural Model for the Effects of Environmental Elements on the Psychological Characteristics and Performance of the Employees of Manufacturing Systems.

    PubMed

    Realyvásquez, Arturo; Maldonado-Macías, Aidé Aracely; García-Alcaraz, Jorge; Cortés-Robles, Guillermo; Blanco-Fernández, Julio

    2016-01-05

    This paper analyzes the effects of environmental elements on the psychological characteristics and performance of employees in manufacturing systems using structural equation modeling. Increasing the comprehension of these effects may help optimize manufacturing systems regarding their employees' psychological characteristics and performance from a macroergonomic perspective. As the method, a new macroergonomic compatibility questionnaire (MCQ) was developed and statistically validated, and 158 respondents at four manufacture companies were considered. Noise, lighting and temperature, humidity and air quality (THAQ) were used as independent variables and psychological characteristics and employees' performance as dependent variables. To propose and test the hypothetical causal model of significant relationships among the variables, a data analysis was deployed. Results found that the macroergonomic compatibility of environmental elements presents significant direct effects on employees' psychological characteristics and either direct or indirect effects on the employees' performance. THAQ had the highest direct and total effects on psychological characteristics. Regarding the direct and total effects on employees' performance, the psychological characteristics presented the highest effects, followed by THAQ conditions. These results may help measure and optimize manufacturing systems' performance by enhancing their macroergonomic compatibility and quality of life at work of the employees.

  11. State Adoption of Incentives to Promote Evidence-Based Practices in Behavioral Health Systems.

    PubMed

    Stewart, Rebecca E; Marcus, Steven C; Hadley, Trevor R; Hepburn, Brian M; Mandell, David S

    2018-06-01

    Despite the critical role behavioral health care payers can play in creating an incentive to use evidence-based practices (EBPs), little research has examined which incentives are used in public mental health systems, the largest providers of mental health care in the United States. The authors surveyed state mental health directors from 44 states about whether they used any of seven strategies to increase the use of EBPs. Participants also ranked attributes of each incentive on the basis of key characteristics of diffusion of innovation theory (perceived advantage, simplicity, compatibility, observability, and gradually implementable) and perceived effectiveness. Almost three-quarters of state directors endorsed using at least one financial incentive; most paid for training and technical assistance. Few used other incentives. Strategies perceived as simple and compatible were more readily adopted. Enhanced rates and paying for better outcomes were perceived as the most effective but were the least deployed, suggesting that simplicity and organizational compatibility may be the most decisive factors when choosing incentives. Payers are not using the incentives they perceive as most effective, and they are mostly using only one strategy for reasons of simplicity and compatibility. Future work should focus on barriers to measurement that likely hinder the adoption and implementation of paying for better outcomes and enhanced reimbursement rates, with the ultimate goal of measuring the effectiveness of incentives on EBP implementation efforts.

  12. The personification of animals: coding of human and nonhuman body parts based on posture and function.

    PubMed

    Welsh, Timothy N; McDougall, Laura; Paulson, Stephanie

    2014-09-01

    The purpose of the present research was to determine how humans represent the bodies and limbs of nonhuman mammals based on anatomical and functional properties. To this end, participants completed a series of body-part compatibility tasks in which they responded with a thumb or foot response to the color of a stimulus (red or blue, respectively) presented on different limbs of several animals. Across the studies, this compatibility task was conducted with images of human and nonhuman animals (bears, cows, and monkeys) in bipedal or quadrupedal postures. The results revealed that the coding of the limbs of nonhuman animals is strongly influenced by the posture of the body, but not the functional capacity of the limb. Specifically, body-part compatibility effects were present for both human and nonhuman animals when the figures were in a bipedal posture, but were not present when the animals were in a quadrupedal stance (Experiments 1a-c). Experiments 2a and 2b revealed that the posture-based body-part compatibility effects were not simply a vertical spatial compatibility effect or due to a mismatch between the posture of the body in the image and the participant. These data indicate that nonhuman animals in a bipedal posture are coded with respect to the "human" body representation, whereas nonhuman animals in a quadrupedal posture are not mapped to the human body representation. Overall, these studies provide new insight into the processes through which humans understand, mimic, and learn from the actions of nonhuman animals. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  13. Intact mirror mechanisms for automatic facial emotions in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder.

    PubMed

    Schulte-Rüther, Martin; Otte, Ellen; Adigüzel, Kübra; Firk, Christine; Herpertz-Dahlmann, Beate; Koch, Iring; Konrad, Kerstin

    2017-02-01

    It has been suggested that an early deficit in the human mirror neuron system (MNS) is an important feature of autism. Recent findings related to simple hand and finger movements do not support a general dysfunction of the MNS in autism. Studies investigating facial actions (e.g., emotional expressions) have been more consistent, however, mostly relied on passive observation tasks. We used a new variant of a compatibility task for the assessment of automatic facial mimicry responses that allowed for simultaneous control of attention to facial stimuli. We used facial electromyography in 18 children and adolescents with Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and 18 typically developing controls (TDCs). We observed a robust compatibility effect in ASD, that is, the execution of a facial expression was facilitated if a congruent facial expression was observed. Time course analysis of RT distributions and comparison to a classic compatibility task (symbolic Simon task) revealed that the facial compatibility effect appeared early and increased with time, suggesting fast and sustained activation of motor codes during observation of facial expressions. We observed a negative correlation of the compatibility effect with age across participants and in ASD, and a positive correlation between self-rated empathy and congruency for smiling faces in TDC but not in ASD. This pattern of results suggests that basic motor mimicry is intact in ASD, but is not associated with complex social cognitive abilities such as emotion understanding and empathy. Autism Res 2017, 10: 298-310. © 2016 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2016 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  14. Electronic systems failures and anomalies attributed to electromagnetic interference

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Leach, R. D. (Editor); Alexander, M. B. (Editor)

    1995-01-01

    The effects of electromagnetic interference can be very detrimental to electronic systems utilized in space missions. Assuring that subsystems and systems are electrically compatible is an important engineering function necessary to assure mission success. This reference publication will acquaint the reader with spacecraft electronic systems failures and anomalies caused by electromagnetic interference and will show the importance of electromagnetic compatibility activities in conjunction with space flight programs. It is also hoped that the report will illustrate that evolving electronic systems are increasingly sensitive to electromagnetic interference and that NASA personnel must continue to diligently pursue electromagnetic compatibility on space flight systems.

  15. Statistical EMC: A new dimension electromagnetic compatibility of digital electronic systems

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tsaliovich, Anatoly

    Electromagnetic compatibility compliance test results are used as a database for addressing three classes of electromagnetic-compatibility (EMC) related problems: statistical EMC profiles of digital electronic systems, the effect of equipment-under-test (EUT) parameters on the electromagnetic emission characteristics, and EMC measurement specifics. Open area test site (OATS) and absorber line shielded room (AR) results are compared for equipment-under-test highest radiated emissions. The suggested statistical evaluation methodology can be utilized to correlate the results of different EMC test techniques, characterize the EMC performance of electronic systems and components, and develop recommendations for electronic product optimal EMC design.

  16. Visual context modulates potentiation of grasp types during semantic object categorization.

    PubMed

    Kalénine, Solène; Shapiro, Allison D; Flumini, Andrea; Borghi, Anna M; Buxbaum, Laurel J

    2014-06-01

    Substantial evidence suggests that conceptual processing of manipulable objects is associated with potentiation of action. Such data have been viewed as evidence that objects are recognized via access to action features. Many objects, however, are associated with multiple actions. For example, a kitchen timer may be clenched with a power grip to move it but pinched with a precision grip to use it. The present study tested the hypothesis that action evocation during conceptual object processing is responsive to the visual scene in which objects are presented. Twenty-five healthy adults were asked to categorize object pictures presented in different naturalistic visual contexts that evoke either move- or use-related actions. Categorization judgments (natural vs. artifact) were performed by executing a move- or use-related action (clench vs. pinch) on a response device, and response times were assessed as a function of contextual congruence. Although the actions performed were irrelevant to the categorization judgment, responses were significantly faster when actions were compatible with the visual context. This compatibility effect was largely driven by faster pinch responses when objects were presented in use-compatible, as compared with move-compatible, contexts. The present study is the first to highlight the influence of visual scene on stimulus-response compatibility effects during semantic object processing. These data support the hypothesis that action evocation during conceptual object processing is biased toward context-relevant actions.

  17. The joint flanker effect and the joint Simon effect: On the comparability of processes underlying joint compatibility effects.

    PubMed

    Dittrich, Kerstin; Bossert, Marie-Luise; Rothe-Wulf, Annelie; Klauer, Karl Christoph

    2017-09-01

    Previous studies observed compatibility effects in different interference paradigms such as the Simon and flanker task even when the task was distributed across two co-actors. In both Simon and flanker tasks, performance is improved in compatible trials relative to incompatible trials if one actor works on the task alone as well as if two co-actors share the task. These findings have been taken to indicate that actors automatically co-represent their co-actor's task. However, recent research on the joint Simon and joint flanker effect suggests alternative non-social interpretations. To which degree both joint effects are driven by the same underlying processes is the question of the present study, and it was scrutinized by manipulating the visibility of the co-actor. While the joint Simon effect was not affected by the visibility of the co-actor, the joint flanker effect was reduced when participants did not see their co-actors but knew where the co-actors were seated. These findings provide further evidence for a spatial interpretation of the joint Simon effect. In contrast to recent claims, however, we propose a new explanation of the joint flanker effect that attributes the effect to an impairment in the focusing of spatial attention contingent on the visibility of the co-actor.

  18. Visual land-use compatibility and scenic-resource quality

    Treesearch

    William G. Hendrix

    1977-01-01

    The effect that land-use relationships have upon perceived quality of the visual landscape is discussed, and a case is made for expansion of fit-misfit theory into what has been called visual land-use compatibility. An assessment methodology that was designed to test people's perceptions of land-use relationships is presented and the results are discussed.

  19. METHODS FOR DETERMINING EXPOSURE TO AND POTENTIAL ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF GENE FLOW FROM GENETICALLY MODIFIED CROPS TO COMPATIBLE RELATIVES

    EPA Science Inventory

    SCIENCE QUESTIONS:

    -Does gene flow occur from genetically modified (GM) crop plants to compatible plants?

    -How can it be measured?

    -Are there ecological consequences of GM crop gene flow to plant communities?



    RESEARCH:

    The objectives ...

  20. NASA Applications for Computational Electromagnetic Analysis

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Lewis, Catherine C.; Trout, Dawn H.; Krome, Mark E.; Perry, Thomas A.

    2011-01-01

    Computational Electromagnetic Software is used by NASA to analyze the compatibility of systems too large or too complex for testing. Recent advances in software packages and computer capabilities have made it possible to determine the effects of a transmitter inside a launch vehicle fairing, better analyze the environment threats, and perform on-orbit replacements with assured electromagnetic compatibility.

  1. 75 FR 39614 - Approval of Noise Compatibility Program for Modesto City-County Airport, Modesto, CA

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-07-09

    ... compatibility program submitted by the City of Modesto under the provisions of Title I of the Aviation Safety...-County Airport, effective June 2, 2010. Under section 104(a) of the Aviation Safety and Noise Abatement... the program without derogating safety, adversely affecting the efficient use and management of the...

  2. Chemical Retraction Agents - in vivo and in vitro Studies into their Physico-Chemical Properties, Biocompatibility with Gingival Margin Tissues and Compatibility with Elastomer Impression Materials.

    PubMed

    Nowakowska, Danuta; Saczko, Jolanta; Kulbacka, Julita; Wicckiewicz, Wlodzimierz

    2017-01-01

    Gingival margin retraction/displacement (GMR/D) is a commonly accepted procedure in restorative dentistry. Of the various retraction methods, the chemo-mechanical approach with retraction media and chemical retraction agents (ChRAs) is mostly used. Different local and/or systemic side effects were observed after "chemical attacks" from these retraction agents. Moreover, no consensus exists as to the compatibility of chemical agents with different impression materials. This paper reports the findings of in vivo and in vitro studies and we discuss the physico-chemical properties of chemical retraction agents, their undesirable clinical side effects, biological activity and compatibility with selected groups of elastomer impression materials. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.org.

  3. Distinct effects of pollinator dependence and self-incompatibility on pollen limitation in South African biodiversity hotspots.

    PubMed

    Rodger, James G; Ellis, Allan G

    2016-06-01

    Global synthesis indicates that limitation of plant fecundity by pollen receipt (pollen limitation) is positively related to regional plant diversity and is higher for self-incompatible than self-compatible species. While self-incompatible species are always dependent on pollinating agents, self-compatible species may be pollinator-dependent or autofertile. This should cause variation in pollen limitation among self-compatible species, with lower pollen limitation in autofertile species because they do not depend on pollinators. We hypothesized that the intensity of pollen limitation in self-incompatible compared with pollinator-dependent self-compatible species should depend on whether pollen limitation is determined more by quantity than quality of pollen received. We compared pollen limitation between these three groups using a dataset of 70 biotically pollinated species from biodiverse regions of South Africa. Comparison with a global dataset indicated that pollen limitation in the South African biodiversity hotspots was generally comparable to other regions, despite expectations of higher pollen limitation based on the global plant diversity-pollen limitation relationship. Pollen limitation was lowest for autofertile species, as expected. It was also higher for pollinator-dependent self-compatible species than self-incompatible species, consistent with increased pollen-quality limitation in the former group due to negative consequences of pollinator-mediated self-pollination. However, there was a higher frequency of plants with zygomorphic flowers, which were also more pollen-limited, among pollinator-dependent self-compatible species. Thus, we could not attribute this difference in pollen limitation exclusively to a difference in pollen quality. Nevertheless, our results indicate that comparative studies should control for both pollinator dependence and self-incompatiblity when evaluating effects of other factors on pollen limitation. © 2016 The Author(s).

  4. The Drug Discovery and Development Industry in India—Two Decades of Proprietary Small‐Molecule R&D

    PubMed Central

    2017-01-01

    Abstract This review provides a comprehensive survey of proprietary drug discovery and development efforts performed by Indian companies between 1994 and mid‐2016. It is based on the identification and detailed analysis of pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and contract research companies active in proprietary new chemical entity (NCE) research and development (R&D) in India. Information on preclinical and clinical development compounds was collected by company, therapeutic indication, mode of action, target class, and development status. The analysis focuses on the overall pipeline and its evolution over two decades, contributions by type of company, therapeutic focus, attrition rates, and contribution to Western pharmaceutical pipelines through licensing agreements. This comprehensive analysis is the first of its kind, and, in our view, represents a significant contribution to the understanding of the current state of the drug discovery and development industry in India. PMID:28464443

  5. The Drug Discovery and Development Industry in India-Two Decades of Proprietary Small-Molecule R&D.

    PubMed

    Differding, Edmond

    2017-06-07

    This review provides a comprehensive survey of proprietary drug discovery and development efforts performed by Indian companies between 1994 and mid-2016. It is based on the identification and detailed analysis of pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and contract research companies active in proprietary new chemical entity (NCE) research and development (R&D) in India. Information on preclinical and clinical development compounds was collected by company, therapeutic indication, mode of action, target class, and development status. The analysis focuses on the overall pipeline and its evolution over two decades, contributions by type of company, therapeutic focus, attrition rates, and contribution to Western pharmaceutical pipelines through licensing agreements. This comprehensive analysis is the first of its kind, and, in our view, represents a significant contribution to the understanding of the current state of the drug discovery and development industry in India. © 2017 The Author. Published by Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA.

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

    Dhondt, Ineke; Petyuk, Vladislav A.; Cai, Huaihan

    Most aging hypotheses assume the accumulation of damage, resulting in gradual physiological decline and, ultimately, death. Avoiding protein damage accumulation by enhanced turnover should slow down the aging process and extend the lifespan. But, lowering translational efficiency extends rather than shortens the lifespan in C. elegans. We studied turnover of individual proteins in the long-lived daf-2 mutant by combining SILeNCe (stable isotope labeling by nitrogen in Caenorhabditiselegans) and mass spectrometry. Intriguingly, the majority of proteins displayed prolonged half-lives in daf-2, whereas others remained unchanged, signifying that longevity is not supported by high protein turnover. We found that this slowdown wasmore » most prominent for translation-related and mitochondrial proteins. Conversely, the high turnover of lysosomal hydrolases and very low turnover of cytoskeletal proteins remained largely unchanged. The slowdown of protein dynamics and decreased abundance of the translational machinery may point to the importance of anabolic attenuation in lifespan extension, as suggested by the hyperfunction theory.« less

  7. The role of primary and secondary air on wood combustion in cookstoves

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kirch, Thomas; Birzer, Cristian H.; Medwell, Paul R.; Holden, Liam

    2018-03-01

    A two-stage solid fuel research furnace was used to examine the claim that through forced draught greater mixing and more complete combustion could be achieved. By varying the primary air (PA) and secondary air (SA) flow the influence on the combustion process was investigated. In the first part of the combustion, when the release of volatile compounds predominates, the variation of neither PA nor SA had a significant influence. In the second part when mainly char is oxidised an increase in both PA and SA lead to a rising nominal combustion efficiency (?)), with a greater impact observed with SA. Furthermore higher air flows caused the heat transfer, to a pot above the furnace, to decline. Therefore forced draught does lead to greater mixing and mitigation of emissions, but in the presented configuration a trade-off between a higher NCE and a lower heat transfer needs consideration.

  8. Continuum Mean-Field Theories for Molecular Fluids, and Their Validity at the Nanoscale

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hanna, C. B.; Peyronel, F.; MacDougall, C.; Marangoni, A.; Pink, D. A.; AFMNet-NCE Collaboration

    2011-03-01

    We present a calculation of the physical properties of solid triglyceride particles dispersed in an oil phase, using atomic- scale molecular dynamics. Significant equilibrium density oscillations in the oil appear when the interparticle distance, d , becomes sufficiently small, with a global minimum in the free energy found at d ~ 1.4 nm. We compare the simulation values of the Hamaker coefficient with those of models which assume that the oil is a homogeneous continuum: (i) Lifshitz theory, (ii) the Fractal Model, and (iii) a Lennard-Jones 6-12 potential model. The last-named yields a minimum in the free energy at d ~ 0.26 nm. We conclude that, at the nanoscale, continuum Lifshitz theory and other continuum mean-field theories based on the assumption of homogeneous fluid density can lead to erroneous conclusions. CBH supported by NSF DMR-0906618. DAP supported by NSERC. This work supported by AFMNet-NCE.

  9. The imitation game: Effects of social cues on 'imitation' are domain-general in nature.

    PubMed

    Marsh, Lauren E; Bird, Geoffrey; Catmur, Caroline

    2016-10-01

    Imitation has been hailed as 'social glue', facilitating rapport with others. Previous studies suggest that social cues modulate imitation but the mechanism of such modulation remains underspecified. Here we examine the locus, specificity, and neural basis of the social control of imitation. Social cues (group membership and eye gaze) were manipulated during an imitation task in which imitative and spatial compatibility could be measured independently. Participants were faster to perform compatible compared to incompatible movements in both spatial and imitative domains. However, only spatial compatibility was modulated by social cues: an interaction between group membership and eye gaze revealed more spatial compatibility for ingroup members with direct gaze and outgroup members with averted gaze. The fMRI data were consistent with this finding. Regions associated with the control of imitative responding (temporoparietal junction, inferior frontal gyrus) were more active during imitatively incompatible compared to imitatively compatible trials. However, this activity was not modulated by social cues. On the contrary, an interaction between group, gaze and spatial compatibility was found in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in a pattern consistent with reaction times. This region may be exerting control over the motor system to modulate response inhibition. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  10. Use of amino acids as counterions improves the solubility of the BCS II model drug, indomethacin.

    PubMed

    ElShaer, Amr; Khan, Sheraz; Perumal, Dhaya; Hanson, Peter; Mohammed, Afzal R

    2011-07-01

    The number of new chemical entities (NCE) is increasing every day after the introduction of combinatorial chemistry and high throughput screening to the drug discovery cycle. One third of these new compounds have aqueous solubility less than 20µg/mL [1]. Therefore, a great deal of interest has been forwarded to the salt formation technique to overcome solubility limitations. This study aims to improve the drug solubility of a Biopharmaceutical Classification System class II (BCS II) model drug (Indomethacin; IND) using basic amino acids (L-arginine, L-lysine and L-histidine) as counterions. Three new salts were prepared using freeze drying method and characterised by FT-IR spectroscopy, proton nuclear magnetic resonance ((1)HNMR), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The effect of pH on IND solubility was also investigated using pH-solubility profile. Both arginine and lysine formed novel salts with IND, while histidine failed to dissociate the free acid and in turn no salt was formed. Arginine and lysine increased IND solubility by 10,000 and 2296 fold, respectively. An increase in dissolution rate was also observed for the novel salts. Since these new salts have improved IND solubility to that similar to BCS class I drugs, IND salts could be considered for possible waivers of bioequivalence.

  11. Effective Design of Multifunctional Peptides by Combining Compatible Functions

    PubMed Central

    Diener, Christian; Garza Ramos Martínez, Georgina; Moreno Blas, Daniel; Castillo González, David A.; Corzo, Gerardo; Castro-Obregon, Susana; Del Rio, Gabriel

    2016-01-01

    Multifunctionality is a common trait of many natural proteins and peptides, yet the rules to generate such multifunctionality remain unclear. We propose that the rules defining some protein/peptide functions are compatible. To explore this hypothesis, we trained a computational method to predict cell-penetrating peptides at the sequence level and learned that antimicrobial peptides and DNA-binding proteins are compatible with the rules of our predictor. Based on this finding, we expected that designing peptides for CPP activity may render AMP and DNA-binding activities. To test this prediction, we designed peptides that embedded two independent functional domains (nuclear localization and yeast pheromone activity), linked by optimizing their composition to fit the rules characterizing cell-penetrating peptides. These peptides presented effective cell penetration, DNA-binding, pheromone and antimicrobial activities, thus confirming the effectiveness of our computational approach to design multifunctional peptides with potential therapeutic uses. Our computational implementation is available at http://bis.ifc.unam.mx/en/software/dcf. PMID:27096600

  12. Music and the brain - design of an MEG compatible piano.

    PubMed

    Chacon-Castano, Julian; Rathbone, Daniel R; Hoffman, Rachel; Heng Yang; Pantazis, Dimitrios; Yang, Jason; Hornberger, Erik; Hanumara, Nevan C

    2017-07-01

    Magnetoencephalography (MEG) neuroimaging has been used to study subjects' responses when listening to music, but research into the effects of playing music has been limited by the lack of MEG compatible instruments that can operate in a magnetically shielded environment without creating electromagnetic interference. This paper describes the design and preliminary testing of an MEG compatible piano keyboard with 25 full size keys that employs a novel 3-state optical encoder design and electronics to provide realistic velocity-controlled volume modulation. This instrument will allow researchers to study musical performance on a finer timescale than fMRI and enable a range of MEG studies.

  13. Cognitive effort is modulated outside of the explicit awareness of conflict frequency: Evidence from pupillometry.

    PubMed

    Diede, Nathaniel T; Bugg, Julie M

    2017-05-01

    Classic theories of cognitive control conceptualized controlled processes as slow, strategic, and willful, with automatic processes being fast and effortless. The context-specific proportion compatibility (CSPC) effect, the reduction in the compatibility effect in a context (e.g., location) associated with a high relative to low likelihood of conflict, challenged classic theories by demonstrating fast and flexible control that appears to operate outside of conscious awareness. Two theoretical questions yet to be addressed are whether the CSPC effect is accompanied by context-dependent variation in effort, and whether the exertion of effort depends on explicit awareness of context-specific task demands. To address these questions, pupil diameter was measured during a CSPC paradigm. Stimuli were randomly presented in either a mostly compatible location or a mostly incompatible location. Replicating prior research, the CSPC effect was found. The novel finding was that pupil diameter was greater in the mostly incompatible location compared to the mostly compatible location, despite participants' lack of awareness of context-specific task demands. Additionally, this difference occurred regardless of trial type or a preceding switch in location. These patterns support the view that context (location) dictates selection of optimal attentional settings in the CSPC paradigm, and varying levels of effort and performance accompany these settings. Theoretically, these patterns imply that cognitive control may operate fast, flexibly, and outside of awareness, but not effortlessly. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2017 APA, all rights reserved).

  14. Stimuli inevitably generated by behavior that avoids electric shock are inherently reinforcing.

    PubMed Central

    Dinsmoor, J A

    2001-01-01

    A molecular analysis based on the termination of stimuli that are positively correlated with shock and the production of stimuli that are negatively correlated with shock provides a parsimonious count for both traditional discrete-trial avoidance behavior and the data derived from more recent free-operant procedures. The necessary stimuli are provided by the intrinsic feedback generated by the subject's behavior, in addition to those presented by the experimenter. Moreover, all data compatible with the molar principle of shock-frequency reduction as reinforcement are also compatible with a delay-of-shock gradient, but some data compatible with the delay gradient are not compatible with frequency reduction. The delay gradient corresponds to functions relating magnitude of behavioral effect to the time between conditional and unconditional stimuli, the time between conditioned and primary reinforcers, and the time between responses and positive reinforcers. PMID:11453621

  15. Skills-demands compatibility as a determinant of flow experience in an inductive reasoning task.

    PubMed

    Schiefele, Ulrich; Raabe, Andreas

    2011-10-01

    The skills-demands fit hypothesis of flow theory was examined. Based on the earlier finding that high demands in a game situation do not reduce the experience of flow, a cognitive task paradigm was used. The effect of skills-demands compatibility on the experience of flow but not of other, similar psychological states (i.e., concentration, negative and positive activation) was also investigated. Participants were 89 undergraduate students who worked on a number of inductive reasoning tasks in four successive trials with or without skills-demands compatibility. The results clearly supported the skills-demands fit hypothesis; concentration and activation were affected only by the tasks' difficulty. Inductive reasoning tasks are a useful tool for the experimental analysis of flow, and skills-demands compatibility is a significant and powerful condition of flow, but not of other, similar psychological states.

  16. Hydrocarbon-fuel/combustion-chamber-liner materials compatibility

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Gage, Mark L.

    1990-01-01

    Results of material compatibility experiments using hydrocarbon fuels in contact with copper-based combustion chamber liner materials are presented. Mil-Spec RP-1, n- dodecane, propane, and methane fuels were tested in contact with OFHC, NASA-Z, and ZrCu coppers. Two distinct test methods were employed. Static tests, in which copper coupons were exposed to fuel for long durations at constant temperature and pressure, provided compatibility data in a precisely controlled environment. Dynamic tests, using the Aerojet Carbothermal Test Facility, provided fuel and copper compatibility data under realistic booster engine service conditions. Tests were conducted using very pure grades of each fuel and fuels to which a contaminant, e.g., ethylene or methyl mercaptan, was added to define the role played by fuel impurities. Conclusions are reached as to degradation mechanisms and effects, methods for the elimination of these mechanisms, selection of copper alloy combustion chamber liners, and hydrocarbon fuel purchase specifications.

  17. Case Studies in Crewed Spacecraft Environmental Control and Life Support System Process Compatibility and Cabin Environmental Impact

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Perry, J. L.

    2017-01-01

    Contamination of a crewed spacecraft's cabin environment leading to environmental control and life support system (ECLSS) functional capability and operational margin degradation or loss can have an adverse effect on NASA's space exploration mission figures of merit-safety, mission success, effectiveness, and affordability. The role of evaluating the ECLSS's compatibility and cabin environmental impact as a key component of pass trace contaminant control is presented and the technical approach is described in the context of implementing NASA's safety and mission success objectives. Assessment examples are presented for a variety of chemicals used in vehicle systems and experiment hardware for the International Space Station program. The ECLSS compatibility and cabin environmental impact assessment approach, which can be applied to any crewed spacecraft development and operational effort, can provide guidance to crewed spacecraft system and payload developers relative to design criteria assigned ECLSS compatibility and cabin environmental impact ratings can be used by payload and system developers as criteria for ensuring adequate physical and operational containment. In additional to serving as an aid for guiding containment design, the assessments can guide flight rule and procedure development toward protecting the ECLSS as well as approaches for contamination event remediation.

  18. The quality of social relationships in ravens

    PubMed Central

    Fraser, Orlaith N.; Bugnyar, Thomas

    2015-01-01

    The quality of a social relationship represents the history of past social interactions between two individuals, from which the nature and outcome of future interactions can be predicted. Current theory predicts that relationship quality comprises three separate components, its value, compatibility and security. This study is the first to investigate the components of relationship quality in a large-brained bird. Following methods recently used to obtain quantitative measures of each relationship quality component in chimpanzees, Pan troglodytes, we entered data on seven behavioural variables from a group of 11 ravens, Corvus corax, into a principal components analysis. The characteristics of the extracted components matched those predicted for value, compatibility and security, and were labelled as such. When the effects of kinship and sex combination on each relationship quality component were analysed, we found that kin had more valuable relationships, whereas females had less secure and compatible relationships, although the effect of sex combination on compatibility only applied to nonkin. These patterns are consistent with what little knowledge we have of raven relationships from aviary studies and show that the components of relationship quality in ravens may indeed be analogous to those in chimpanzees. PMID:25821236

  19. Experimental Interactions of Components of Hemodialysis Units with Human Blood

    PubMed Central

    Zucker, W. H.; Shinoda, B. A.; Mason, R. G.

    1974-01-01

    An in vitro model test system for estimation of the blood compatibility of hemodialysis membranes and tubing is described. The model test system consists of a modified hemodialysis unit and blood pump through which fresh citrated human blood is circulated. The effects of the use of different pump and tubing types upon hematologic and blood coagulation parameters are described. Preexposure of test surfaces to albumin appeared to enhance blood compatibility characteristics of the model test system, whereas preexposure to a high density lipoprotein preparation or a proteinpolysaccharide preparation was without appreciable benefit. Use of blood from subjects receiving aspirin resulted in enhanced blood compatibility in the test system as did use of heparin. Use of Warfarin or dextran did not appear to enhance blood compatibility of test surfaces under the conditions of this test system. Dialysis membranes and tubing which formed parts of the test system were examined by scanning and transmission electron microscopy in control tests and in tests for effects of proteins and antithrombotic agents. ImagesFig 5Fig 6Fig 7Fig 8Fig 9Fig 10Fig 11Fig 12Fig 13Fig 14Fig 1Fig 2Fig 3Fig 4 PMID:4825611

  20. Zwitterionic sulfobetaine-grafted poly(vinylidene fluoride) membrane with highly effective blood compatibility via atmospheric plasma-induced surface copolymerization.

    PubMed

    Chang, Yung; Chang, Wan-Ju; Shih, Yu-Ju; Wei, Ta-Chin; Hsiue, Ging-Ho

    2011-04-01

    Development of nonfouling membranes to prevent nonspecific protein adsorption and platelet adhesion is critical for many biomedical applications. It is always a challenge to control the surface graft copolymerization of a highly polar monomer from the highly hydrophobic surface of a fluoropolymer membrane. In this work, the blood compatibility of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) membranes with surface-grafted electrically neutral zwitterionic poly(sulfobetaine methacrylate) (PSBMA), from atmospheric plasma-induced surface copolymerization, was studied. The effect of surface composition and graft morphology, electrical neutrality, hydrophilicity and hydration capability on blood compatibility of the membranes were determined. Blood compatibility of the zwitterionic PVDF membranes was systematically evaluated by plasma protein adsorption, platelet adhesion, plasma-clotting time, and blood cell hemolysis. It was found that the nonfouling nature and hydration capability of grafted PSBMA polymers can be effectively controlled by regulating the grafting coverage and charge balance of the PSBMA layer on the PVDF membrane surface. Even a slight charge bias in the grafted zwitterionic PSBMA layer can induce electrostatic interactions between proteins and the membrane surfaces, leading to surface protein adsorption, platelet activation, plasma clotting and blood cell hemolysis. Thus, the optimized PSBMA surface graft layer in overall charge neutrality has a high hydration capability and the best antifouling, anticoagulant, and antihemolytic activities when comes into contact with human blood. © 2011 American Chemical Society

  1. Rapid frequency‐dependent changes in free mitochondrial calcium concentration in rat cardiac myocytes

    PubMed Central

    Wüst, Rob C. I.; Helmes, Michiel; Martin, Jody L.; van der Wardt, Thomas J. T.; Musters, René J. P.; van der Velden, Jolanda

    2017-01-01

    Key points Calcium ions regulate mitochondrial ATP production and contractile activity and thus play a pivotal role in matching energy supply and demand in cardiac muscle.The magnitude and kinetics of the changes in free mitochondrial calcium concentration in cardiac myocytes are largely unknown.Rapid stimulation frequency‐dependent increases but relatively slow decreases in free mitochondrial calcium concentration were observed in rat cardiac myocytes. This asymmetry caused a rise in the mitochondrial calcium concentration with stimulation frequency.These results provide insight into the mechanisms of mitochondrial calcium uptake and release that are important in healthy and diseased myocardium. Abstract Calcium ions regulate mitochondrial ATP production and contractile activity and thus play a pivotal role in matching energy supply and demand in cardiac muscle. Little is known about the magnitude and kinetics of the changes in free mitochondrial calcium concentration in cardiomyocytes. Using adenoviral infection, a ratiometric mitochondrially targeted Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET)‐based calcium indicator (4mtD3cpv, MitoCam) was expressed in cultured adult rat cardiomyocytes and the free mitochondrial calcium concentration ([Ca2+]m) was measured at different stimulation frequencies (0.1–4 Hz) and external calcium concentrations (1.8–3.6 mm) at 37°C. Cytosolic calcium concentrations were assessed under the same experimental conditions in separate experiments using Fura‐4AM. The increases in [Ca2+]m during electrical stimulation at 0.1 Hz were rapid (rise time = 49 ± 2 ms), while the decreases in [Ca2+]m occurred more slowly (decay half time = 1.17 ± 0.07 s). Model calculations confirmed that this asymmetry caused the rise in [Ca2+]m during diastole observed at elevated stimulation frequencies. Inhibition of the mitochondrial sodium–calcium exchanger (mNCE) resulted in a rise in [Ca2+]m at baseline and, paradoxically, in an acceleration of Ca2+ release. In conclusion: rapid increases in [Ca2+]m allow for fast adjustment of mitochondrial ATP production to increases in myocardial demand on a beat‐to‐beat basis and mitochondrial calcium release depends on mNCE activity and mitochondrial calcium buffering. PMID:28028811

  2. Dissociating Simon and affordance compatibility effects: silhouettes and photographs.

    PubMed

    Pappas, Zissis

    2014-12-01

    When a graspable object's handle is oriented to the same side as the response hand, responses are quicker and more accurate than when it is oriented to the opposite side. This effect has been attributed to the affordance of the object's handle (Tucker & Ellis, 1998). Recent findings suggest this effect results instead from an abstract spatial response code (i.e., Simon effect; Cho & Proctor, 2010). However, the stimuli used in these previous studies differ in the amount of object and environmental depth information they contain, which may be critical to conveying an affordance. This information could explain these disparate findings as well as dissociate Simon and affordance compatibility effects. Four experiments demonstrate that the Simon effect results from the absence of this information, as in a silhouette, and the affordance effect results from its presence, as in a photograph. A fifth experiment confirmed that modifying information associated with the affordance, rather than the modification itself, produced the effects observed in the previous experiments. These findings support the following: (a) the internal details of an object and environmental depth can dissociate Simon and affordance compatibility effects, (b) this information is necessary to convey the object's graspable affordance, and (c) the outer shape of the object is not sufficient to elicit an affordance effect. These findings are discussed in relation to the theory of embodied cognition. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  3. Overview on the standardization in the field of electromagnetic compatibility

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Goldberg, Georges

    1989-04-01

    Standardization in the domain of electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) is discussed, with specific reference to the standards of the International Electrotechnical Commission, the Comite International Special des Perturbations Radioelectriques, and the Comite Europeen de Normalisation Electrotechnique. EMC fields considered include radiocommunications, telecommunications, biological effects, and data transmission. Standards are presented for such electromagnetic disturbances as low-frequency, high-frequency, conduction, and radiation phenomena.

  4. International Symposium on Electromagnetic Compatibility, Wakefield, MA, August 20-22, 1985, Record

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Various papers on electromagnetic compatibility are presented. The general topics addressed include: EMI transient/impulsive disturbances, electromagnetic shielding, antennas and propagation, measurement technology, anechoic chamber/open site measurements, communications systems, electrostatic discahrge, cables/transmission lines. Also considered are: elecromagnetic environments, antennas, electromagnetic pulse, nonlinear effect, computer/data transmission systems, EMI standards and requirements, enclosures/TEM cells, systems EMC, and test site measurements.

  5. Aircraft electromagnetic compatibility

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Clarke, Clifton A.; Larsen, William E.

    1987-01-01

    Illustrated are aircraft architecture, electromagnetic interference environments, electromagnetic compatibility protection techniques, program specifications, tasks, and verification and validation procedures. The environment of 400 Hz power, electrical transients, and radio frequency fields are portrayed and related to thresholds of avionics electronics. Five layers of protection for avionics are defined. Recognition is given to some present day electromagnetic compatibility weaknesses and issues which serve to reemphasize the importance of EMC verification of equipment and parts, and their ultimate EMC validation on the aircraft. Proven standards of grounding, bonding, shielding, wiring, and packaging are laid out to help provide a foundation for a comprehensive approach to successful future aircraft design and an understanding of cost effective EMC in an aircraft setting.

  6. Review on Prescription Compatibility of Shaoyao Gancao Decoction and Reflection on Pharmacokinetic Compatibility Mechanism of Traditional Chinese Medicine Prescription Based on In Vivo Drug Interaction of Main Efficacious Components

    PubMed Central

    Bi, Xiaolin; Gong, Meirong; Di, Liuqing

    2014-01-01

    Shaoyao Gancao Decoction (SGD) derived from Zhang Zhongjing's “Typhoid Theory” is composed of peony and licorice, having the efficacy of nourishing liver, relaxing spasm, and relieving pain. Modern compatibility studies of SGD on chemistry, pharmacology, and pharmacokinetics all demonstrate the reasonable compatibility of peony and licorice. However, the present research on pharmacokinetics is only descriptive and limited to the influence on in vivo dynamic process of certain ingredients; correspondingly, there is lack of studies on the essence of these efficacious substances' in vivo changes; that is, whether it is because there exists in vivo drug interaction in absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) of active ingredients that leads to the improvement of bioavailability. We herein take SGD as an example and suggest that it is necessary to study in vivo drug interaction of main efficacious components mediated by metabolic enzymes, transport proteins, or plasma protein binding in the course of ADME, which is helpful to illustrate the principle of pharmacokinetic compatibility from the essence leading to the changes of effective substances in vivo. PMID:25147573

  7. ‘The More We Stand For – The More We Fight For’: Compatibility and Legitimacy in the Effects of Multiple Social Identities

    PubMed Central

    Chayinska, Maria; Minescu, Anca; McGarty, Craig

    2017-01-01

    This paper explores the expression of multiple social identities through coordinated collective action. We propose that perceived compatibility between potentially contrasting identities and perceived legitimacy of protest serve as catalysts for collective action. The present paper maps the context of the “Euromaidan” anti-regime protests in Ukraine and reports data (N = 996) collected through an online survey following legislation to ban protests (March–May, 2014). We measured participants’ identification with three different groups (the Ukrainian nation, the online protest community, and the street movement), perception of compatibility between online protest and the street movement, perception of the legitimacy of protest, and intentions to take persuasive and confrontational collective action. We found evidence that the more social groups people “stood for,” the more they “fought” for their cause and that identifications predicted both forms of collective action to the degree that people saw the protest and the online movement as compatible with each other and believed protest to be legitimate. Collective action can be interpreted as the congruent expression of multiple identities that are rendered ideologically compatible both in online settings and on the street. PMID:28491046

  8. [Pharmacokinetic research strategies of compatibilities and synergistic effects of classical Danshen herb pairs based on pharmacokinetics of "Danshen-Bingpian" and "Danshen-Honghua"].

    PubMed

    Zhang, Cui-Ying; Ren, Wei-Guang

    2017-06-01

    Herb pairs are usual clinical compatibility forms and one of compound prescription sources in Chinese medicine. Pharmacokinetic research in vivo is one of the important items in elucidating the mechanism for synergistic and attenuated mechanisms of herb pairs. The paper comprehensively summarized and systemized the pharmacokinetic researches of marker-ingredients about Danshen-Honghua and Danshen-Bingpian in order to elucidate the rationality and scientificity of herb pairs and provide some feasible suggestions on the pharmacokinetics of drugs in the future. In view of complicated system of Traditional Chinese medicines and a chemical system that is not separated from its natural state, comparative pharmacokinetic researches on marker-ingredients from the herb pairs are reasonable to elucidate the synergistic and attenuated mechanisms of monarch-subjects compatible herbs and monarch-guide compatible herbs. Such pharmacokinetic research can better explain the mechanism of drug compatibility, while the pharmacokinetic researches based on the monomer chemical compositions and marker-ingredients that have been separated from complex chemical environment of traditional Chinese Medicine are still unreasonable and should be discussed deeply. Copyright© by the Chinese Pharmaceutical Association.

  9. Pathways to adolescent sexual risk behaviors: Effects of prenatal cocaine exposure.

    PubMed

    Min, Meeyoung O; Minnes, Sonia; Lang, Adelaide; Albert, Jeffrey M; Kim, June-Yung; Singer, Lynn T

    2016-04-01

    To assess the impact of prenatal cocaine exposure (PCE) on adolescent sexual risk behaviors. Externalizing behavior, teen substance use, and early sexual intercourse were examined as pathways mediating the effects of PCE on sexual risk behaviors. Adolescents (N=364; 185 PCE, 179 non-cocaine exposure (NCE); 205 girls, 159 boys), primarily African-American and of low socioeconomic status, were prospectively enrolled in a longitudinal study at birth. Risky sexual behaviors were assessed at ages 15 and 17. Externalizing behavior at 12 years was assessed with the Youth Self-Report. Substance use, via self-report and biologic assays, and early (before age 15) sexual intercourse were assessed at age 15. Path analyses with the weighted least squares estimator with mean and variance adjustments were performed. The final structural equation model-based path model, χ(2)=31.97 (df=27), p=.23, CFI=.99, TLI=.99, RMSEA=.021, WRMR=.695, indicated a direct effect of PCE on sexual risk behavior (β=.16, p=.02). Although PCE was related to greater externalizing behavior (β=.14, p=.009), which in turn, predicted early sexual intercourse (β=.16, p=.03), leading to sexual risk behavior (β=.44, p<.001), bootstrapping indicated a non-significant indirect effect (β=.01, p>.10). Substance use was correlated with early sexual intercourse (r=.60, p<.001) and predicted sexual risk behavior by age 17 (β=.31, p=.01). Prenatal cocaine exposure was related to more engagement in sexual risk behaviors, suggesting the importance of reducing substance use among pregnant women as a means of prevention of offspring substance use and sexual risk behavior. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  10. Formula Compatibility Identification of Dachengqi Decoction Based on the Effects of Absorbed Components in Cerulein-Injured Pancreatic AR42J Cells

    PubMed Central

    Zhang, Yumei; Zhu, Lin; Wang, Jia; Zhao, Jianlei; Zhao, Xianlin; Guo, Hui; Li, Juan; Tang, Wenfu

    2016-01-01

    Objective. To identify the herbal formula compatibility law based on the effects of the absorbed components from DCQD on the cerulein-injured AR42J cells. Methods. AR42J cells were pretreated for 30 min with or without the different concentrations of the absorbed components from DCQD individually or in combination or DCQD and coincubated with cerulein (10 nM) for a further 24 h. Cell viability, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, and the levels of apoptosis and necrosis were measured. Results. Compared to DCQD, the individual or combination components partially protected cerulein-injured AR42J cells by increasing cell viability, reducing LDH release, and promoting apoptosis. Rhein, naringin, and honokiol were the main absorbed components from DCQD in cerulein-induced pancreatitis. Moreover, rhein in combination with naringin and honokiol had synergistic effects in protecting cerulein-injured AR42J cells and was better than the individual or the pairwise combination of the three components. Conclusions. The ten effective components from DCQD may elicit similar protective effects as DCQD on cerulein-induced pancreatitis. The principle of the formula compatibility of DCQD may be identified based on the effects of its absorbed components in cerulein-injured AR42J cells. PMID:27123032

  11. Eat Me If You Can: Cognitive Mechanisms Underlying the Distance Effect

    PubMed Central

    Junghans, Astrid F.; Evers, Catharine; De Ridder, Denise T. D.

    2013-01-01

    Proximal objects provide affordances that activate the motor information involved in interacting with the objects. This effect has previously been shown for artifacts but not for natural objects, such as food. This study examined whether the sight of proximal food, compared to distant food activates eating-related information. In two experiments reaction times to verbal labels following the sight of proximal and distant objects (food and toys) were measured. Verbal labels included function words that were compatible with one object category (eating and playing) and observation words compatible with both object categories. The sight of food was expected to activate eating-related information when presented at proximity but not at distance, as reflected by faster reaction times to proximal than distant compatible eating words and no difference between reaction times to proximal and distant food for observation words (Experiment 1). Experiment 2 additionally compared the reaction times to wrapped and unwrapped food. The distance effect was expected to occur only for unwrapped food because only unwrapped food is readily edible. As expected, Experiment 1 and 2 revealed faster responses to compatible eating words at proximity than at distance. In Experiment 2 this distance effect occurred only for readily edible, unwrapped food but not for wrapped food. For observation words no difference in response times between the distances was found. These findings suggest that the sight of proximal food activates eating-related information, which could explain people’s differential behavioral responses to reachable versus distant food. The activation of eating-related information upon sight of accessible food could provide a cognition-based explanation for mindless eating. PMID:24367684

  12. Normal aging increases postural preparation errors: Evidence from a two-choice response task with balance constraints.

    PubMed

    Verrel, Julius; Lisofsky, Nina; Kühn, Simone; Lindenberger, Ulman

    2016-02-01

    Correlational studies indicate an association between age-related decline in balance and cognitive control, but these functions are rarely addressed within a single task. In this study, we investigate adult age differences in a two-choice response task with balance constraints under three levels of response conflict. Sixteen healthy young (20-30 years) and 16 healthy older adult participants (59-74 years) were cued symbolically (letter L vs. R) to lift either the left or the right foot from the floor in a standing position. Response conflict was manipulated by task-irrelevant visual stimuli showing congruent, incongruent, or no foot lift movement. Preparatory weight shifts (PWS) and foot lift movements were recorded using force plates and optical motion capture. Older adults showed longer response times (foot lift) and more PWS errors than younger adults. Incongruent distractors interfered with performance (greater response time and PWS errors), but this compatibility effect did not reliably differ between age groups. Response time effects of age and compatibility were strongly reduced or absent in trials without PWS errors, and for the onset of the first (erroneous) PWS in trials with preparation error. In addition, in older adults only, compatibility effects in the foot lift task correlated significantly with compatibility effects in the Flanker task. The present results strongly suggest that adult age differences in response latencies in a task with balance constraints are related to age-associated increases in postural preparation errors rather than being an epiphenomenon of general slowing. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  13. On the temporal dynamics of spatial stimulus-response transfer between spatial incompatibility and Simon tasks

    PubMed Central

    Ivanoff, Jason; Blagdon, Ryan; Feener, Stefanie; McNeil, Melanie; Muir, Paul H.

    2014-01-01

    The Simon effect refers to the performance (response time and accuracy) advantage for responses that spatially correspond to the task-irrelevant location of a stimulus. It has been attributed to a natural tendency to respond toward the source of stimulation. When location is task-relevant, however, and responses are intentionally directed away (incompatible) or toward (compatible) the source of the stimulation, there is also an advantage for spatially compatible responses over spatially incompatible responses. Interestingly, a number of studies have demonstrated a reversed, or reduced, Simon effect following practice with a spatial incompatibility task. One interpretation of this finding is that practicing a spatial incompatibility task disables the natural tendency to respond toward stimuli. Here, the temporal dynamics of this stimulus-response (S-R) transfer were explored with speed-accuracy trade-offs (SATs). All experiments used the mixed-task paradigm in which Simon and spatial compatibility/incompatibility tasks were interleaved across blocks of trials. In general, bidirectional S-R transfer was observed: while the spatial incompatibility task had an influence on the Simon effect, the task-relevant S-R mapping of the Simon task also had a small impact on congruency effects within the spatial compatibility and incompatibility tasks. These effects were generally greater when the task contexts were similar. Moreover, the SAT analysis of performance in the Simon task demonstrated that the tendency to respond to the location of the stimulus was not eliminated because of the spatial incompatibility task. Rather, S-R transfer from the spatial incompatibility task appeared to partially mask the natural tendency to respond to the source of stimulation with a conflicting inclination to respond away from it. These findings support the use of SAT methodology to quantitatively describe rapid response tendencies. PMID:25191217

  14. Mechanisms underlying flexible adaptation of cognitive control: behavioral and neuroimaging evidence in a flanker task.

    PubMed

    Zurawska Vel Grajewska, Blandyna; Sim, Eun-Jin; Hoenig, Klaus; Herrnberger, Bärbel; Kiefer, Markus

    2011-11-03

    Cognitive control can be adapted flexibly according to the conflict level in a given situation. In the Eriksen flanker task, interference evoked by flankers is larger in conditions with a higher, rather than a lower proportion of compatible trials. Such compatibility ratio effects also occur for stimuli presented at two spatial locations suggesting that different cognitive control settings can be simultaneously maintained. However, the conditions and the neural correlates of this flexible adaptation of cognitive control are only poorly understood. In the present study, we further elucidated the mechanisms underlying the simultaneous maintenance of two cognitive control settings. In behavioral experiments, stimuli were presented centrally above and below fixation and hence processed by both hemispheres or lateralized to stimulate hemispheres differentially. The different compatibility ratio at two stimulus locations had a differential influence on the flanker effect in both experiments. In an fMRI experiment, blocks with an identical compatibility ratio at two central spatial locations elicited stronger activity in a network of prefrontal and parietal brain areas, which are known to be involved in conflict resolution and cognitive control, as compared with blocks with a different compatibility ratio at the same spatial locations. This demonstrates that the simultaneous maintenance of two conflicting control settings vs. one single setting does not recruit additional neural circuits suggesting the involvement of one single cognitive control system. Instead a crosstalk between multiple control settings renders adaptation of cognitive control more efficient when only one uniform rather than two different control settings has to be simultaneously maintained. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  15. Ideomotor compatibility in the psychological refractory period effect: 29 years of oversimplification

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Lien, Mei-Ching; Proctor, Robert W.; Allen, Philip A.

    2002-01-01

    Four experiments examined whether the psychological refractory period (PRP) effect can be eliminated with ideomotor compatible (IM) but not stimulus-response compatible (SR) tasks, as reported by A. G. Greenwald and H. G. Shulman (1973). Their tasks were used: a left or right movement to a left- or right-pointing arrow (IM) or to the word left or right (SR) for Task 1; saying "A" or "B" (IM) or "1" or "2" (SR) to an auditory A or B for Task 2. The stimulus onset asynchronies were 0, 100, 200, 300, 500, and 1,000 ms in Experiment 1, and only 0, 100, 200, and 1,000 ms in Experiments 2-4. The arrow was in the center of the screen in Experiments 1-3 and to the left or right in Experiment 4. As in Greenwald and Shulman's Experiment 2, the instructions stated that most often the 2 stimuli would be presented simultaneously. A PRP effect was obtained in all conditions, most likely because response-selection decisions are required even for IM tasks.

  16. Ideomotor compatibility in the psychological refractory period effect: 29 years of oversimplification.

    PubMed

    Lien, Mei-Ching; Proctor, Robert W; Allen, Philip A

    2002-04-01

    Four experiments examined whether the psychological refractory period (PRP) effect can be eliminated with ideomotor compatible (IM) but not stimulus-response compatible (SR) tasks, as reported by A. G. Greenwald and H. G. Shulman (1973). Their tasks were used: a left or right movement to a left- or right-pointing arrow (IM) or to the word left or right (SR) for Task 1; saying "A" or "B" (IM) or "1" or "2" (SR) to an auditory A or B for Task 2. The stimulus onset asynchronies were 0, 100, 200, 300, 500, and 1,000 ms in Experiment 1, and only 0, 100, 200, and 1,000 ms in Experiments 2-4. The arrow was in the center of the screen in Experiments 1-3 and to the left or right in Experiment 4. As in Greenwald and Shulman's Experiment 2, the instructions stated that most often the 2 stimuli would be presented simultaneously. A PRP effect was obtained in all conditions, most likely because response-selection decisions are required even for IM tasks.

  17. Properties of Graphene/Shape Memory Thermoplastic Polyurethane Composites Actuating by Various Methods

    PubMed Central

    Park, Jin Ho; Dao, Trung Dung; Lee, Hyung-il; Jeong, Han Mo; Kim, Byung Kyu

    2014-01-01

    Shape memory behavior of crystalline shape memory polyurethane (SPU) reinforced with graphene, which utilizes melting temperature as a shape recovery temperature, was examined with various external actuating stimuli such as direct heating, resistive heating, and infrared (IR) heating. Compatibility of graphene with crystalline SPU was adjusted by altering the structure of the hard segment of the SPU, by changing the structure of the graphene, and by changing the preparation method of the graphene/SPU composite. The SPU made of aromatic 4,4′-diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MSPU) exhibited better compatibility with graphene, having an aromatic structure, compared to that made of the aliphatic hexamethylene diisocyanate. The finely dispersed graphene effectively reinforced MSPU, improved shape recovery of MSPU, and served effectively as a filler, triggering shape recovery by resistive or IR heating. Compatibility was enhanced when the graphene was modified with methanol. This improved shape recovery by direct heating, but worsened the conductivity of the composite, and consequently the efficiency of resistive heating for shape recovery also declined. Graphene modified with methanol was more effective than pristine graphene in terms of shape recovery by IR heating. PMID:28788529

  18. Designed microstructure based on color filter and metallic nanoslit for multiband spectral compatible control

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhan, Zhigang; Han, Yuge

    2018-01-01

    Controlling the spectral characteristics by regulating the geometry of microstructure has become an effective method to meet the requirements of various applications. To mediate the spectral characteristics, metallic subwavelength slits with different structures and color filters consisting of diverse materials were discussed, and then a designed microstructure composed of color filter and metallic slits, which were surrounded by grooves, was put forward for a compatible effect of controlling the spectral characteristics. Afterward, the spectral characteristics of the proposed structure were simulated by finite-difference time-domain method in the wavelength range of 300 to 10,000 nm. Additionally, the effects of geometric parameters on the spectral characteristics were studied. The results show that the presented microstructure can reflect a monochromatic color at the wavelength of 600 nm and its reflectance is ˜40%. The average absorptance near the wavelength of 1060 nm is more than 95%, and the average reflectance in the infrared band exceeds 80%. In conclusion, the compatible spectrum control in three bands (i.e., visible, near-infrared, and mid-infrared) was realized.

  19. Incipient evolution of Wolbachia compatibility types.

    PubMed

    Charlat, Sylvain; Riegler, Markus; Baures, Isabelle; Poinsot, Denis; Stauffer, Christian; Merçot, Hervé

    2004-09-01

    Cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI) is induced in arthropods by the maternally inherited bacterium Wolbachia. When infected males mate with uninfected females or with females bearing a different Wolbachia variant, paternal chromosomes behave abnormally and embryos die. This pattern can be interpreted as resulting from two bacterial effects: One (usually termed mod, for modification) would affect sperm and induce embryo death, unless Wolbachia is also present in the egg, which implies the existence of a second effect, usually termed resc, for rescue. The fact that CI can occur in crosses between males and females infected by different Wolbachia shows that mod and resc interact in a specific manner. In other words, different compatibility types, or mod/resc pairs seem to have diverged from one (or a few) common ancestor(s). We are interested in the process allowing the evolution of mod/resc pairs. Here this question is addressed experimentally after cytoplasmic injection into a single host species (Drosophila simulans) by investigating compatibility relationships between closely related Wolbachia variants naturally evolving in different dipteran hosts: D. simulans, Drosophila melanogaster, and Rhagoletis cerasi. Our results suggest that closely related bacteria can be totally or partially incompatible. The compatibility relationships observed can be explained using a formal description of the mod and resc functions, implying both qualitative and quantitative variations.

  20. Bimanual cross-talk during reaching movements is primarily related to response selection, not the specification of motor parameters

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Hazeltine, Eliot; Diedrichsen, Joern; Kennerley, Steven W.; Ivry, Richard B.

    2003-01-01

    Simultaneous reaching movements made with the two hands can show a considerable increase in reaction time (RT) when they differ in terms of direction or extent, compared to when the movements involve the same direction and extent. This cost has been attributed to cross-talk in the specification of the motor parameters for the two hands. However, a recent study [Diedrichsen, Hazeltine, Kennerley, & Ivry, (2001). Psychological Science, 12, 493-498] indicates that when reaching movements are cued by the onset of the target endpoint, no compatibility effects are observed. To determine why directly cued movements are immune from interference, we varied the stimulus onset asynchrony for the two movements and used different combinations of directly cued and symbolically cued movements. In two experiments, compatibility effects were only observed when both movements were symbolically cued. No difference was found between compatible and incompatible movements when both movements were directly cued or when one was directly cued and the other was symbolically cued. These results indicate that interference is not related to the specification of movement parameters but instead emerges from processes associated with response selection. Moreover, the data suggest that cross-talk, when present, primarily shortens the RT of the second movement on compatible trials rather than lengthening this RT on incompatible trials.

  1. Differences in the rheological properties and mixing compatibility with heparinoid cream of brand name and generic steroidal ointments: The effects of their surfactants.

    PubMed

    Kitagawa, Shuji; Yutani, Reiko; Kodani, Rhu-Ichi; Teraoka, Reiko

    2016-01-01

    Most steroidal ointments contain propylene glycol (PG) and surfactants, which improve the solubility of corticosteroids in white petrolatum. Surfactants aid the uniform dispersal of PG within white petrolatum. Since the surfactants used in generic ointments are usually different from those used in brand name ointments, we investigated the effects of surfactants on the rheological properties of three brand name ointments and six equivalent generic ointments. We detected marked differences in hardness, adhesiveness, and spreadability among the ointments. Further examinations of model ointments consisting of white petrolatum, PG, and surfactants revealed that the abovementioned properties, especially hardness and adhesiveness, were markedly affected by the surfactants. Since steroidal ointments are often admixed with moisturizing creams prior to use, we investigated the mixing compatibility of the ointments with heparinoid cream and how this was affected by their surfactants. We found that the ointments containing glyceryl monostearate demonstrated good mixing compatibility, whereas those containing non-ionic surfactants with polyoxyethylene chains exhibited phase separation. These results were also consistent with the findings for the model ointments, which indicates that the mixing compatibility of steroidal ointments with heparinoid cream is determined by the emulsifying capacity of the surfactants in their oily bases.

  2. Analysis of the Influence of HLA-A Matching Relative to HLA-B and -DR Matching on Heart Transplant Outcomes

    PubMed Central

    Ansari, David; Bućin, Dragan; Höglund, Peter; Ohlsson, Mattias; Andersson, Bodil; Nilsson, Johan

    2015-01-01

    Background There are conflicting reports on the effect of donor-recipient HLA matching on outcomes in heart transplantation. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of HLA-A matching relative to HLA-B and -DR matching on long-term survival in heart transplantation. Methods A total of 25 583 patients transplanted between 1988 and 2011 were identified from the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation registry. Transplants were divided into 2 donor-recipient matching groups: HLA-A–compatible (no HLA-A mismatches) and HLA-A–incompatible (1-2 HLA-A mismatches). Primary outcome was all-cause mortality. Secondary outcomes were graft failure-, cardiovascular-, infection-, or malignancy-related deaths. Results The risk of all-cause mortality 15 years after transplantation was higher for HLA-A–compatible (vs HLA-A–incompatible) grafts in patients who had HLA-B–, HLA-DR–, or HLA-B,DR–incompatible grafts (P = 0.027, P = 0.007, and P = 0.002, respectively) but not in HLA-B– and/or HLA-DR–compatible grafts. This was confirmed in multivariable Cox regression analysis where HLA-A compatibility (vs HLA-A incompatibility) was associated with higher mortality in transplants incompatible for HLA-DR or HLA-B and -DR (hazard ratio [HR], 1.59; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.11-2.28; P = 0.012 and HR, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.17-2.43; P = 0.005, respectively). In multivariable analysis, the largest compromise in survival for HLA-A compatibility (vs HLA-incompatibility) was for chronic rejection in HLA-B– and -DR–incompatible grafts (HR, 1.91; 95% CI, 1.22-3.01; P = 0.005). Conclusions Decreased long-term survival in heart transplantation was associated with HLA-A compatibility in HLA-B,DR–incompatible grafts. PMID:27500238

  3. Influences of layer thickness on the compatibility and physical properties of polycarbonate/polystyrene multilayered film via nanolayer coextrusion

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Cheng, Junfeng; Chen, Zhiru; Zhou, Jiaqi; Cao, Zheng; Wu, Dun; Liu, Chunlin; Pu, Hongting

    2018-05-01

    The effects of layer thickness on the compatibility between polycarbonate (PC) and polystyrene (PS) and physical properties of PC/PS multilayered film via nanolayer coextrusion are studied. The morphology of multilayered structure is observed using a scanning electron microscope. This multilayered structure may have a negative impact on the transparency, but it can improve the water resistance and heat resistance of film. To characterize the compatibility between PC and PS, differential scanning calorimetry is used to measure the glass transition temperature. The compatibility is found to be improved with the decrease of layer thickness. Therefore, the viscosity of multilayered film is also reduced with the decrease of layer thickness. In addition, the multilayered structure can improve the tensile strength with the increase of layer numbers. Because of the complete and continuous layer structure of PC, the PC/PS multilayered film can retain its mechanical strength at the temperature above Tg of PS.

  4. Conflict Adaptation and Cue Competition during Learning in an Eriksen Flanker Task

    PubMed Central

    Ghinescu, Rodica; Ramsey, Ashley K.; Gratton, Gabriele; Fabiani, Monica

    2016-01-01

    Two experiments investigated competition between cues that predicted the correct target response to a target stimulus in a response conflict procedure using a flanker task. Subjects received trials with five-character arrays with a central target character and distractor flanker characters that matched (compatible) or did not match (incompatible) the central target. Subjects’ expectancies for compatible and incompatible trials were manipulated by presenting pre-trial cues that signaled the occurrence of compatible or incompatible trials. On some trials, a single cue predicted the target stimulus and the required target response. On other trials, a second redundant, predictive cue was also present on such trials. The results showed an effect of competition between cues for control over strategic responding to the target stimuli, a finding that is predicted by associative learning theories. The finding of competition between pre-trial cues that predict incompatible trials, but not cues that predict compatible trials, suggests that different strategic processes may occur during adaptation to conflict when different kinds of trials are expected. PMID:27941977

  5. Herbal compatibility of traditional Chinese medical formulas for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

    PubMed

    Cui, Meng; Li, Jinghua; Li, Haiyan; Song, Chunxin

    2012-09-01

    Because herbal compatibility is one of the most important reasons why Traditional Chinese Medcine (TCM) formulas are effective for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), our study aimed to determine the compatibility of herbs based on published AIDS clinical research in Chinese periodicals. To achieve this aim, we designed a new data-mining algorithm according to TCM data characteristics. We found 25 clinical AIDS studies, all using Chinese herbs for treatment, in the Traditional Chinese Medicine Database System, and information on diagnosis and treatment was extracted. To find out herbal compatibility, especially the formulae for herbal combinations, we proposed an improved association rule algorithm based on the frequency of combinations. In this algorithm, all the compatibility relationships were displayed in a tree structure, by which the relationship between formulas and their derivation could be clearly inferred. Data analysis showed that approximately 100 herbs have been used for treating AIDS. Based on the whole herb compatibility tree, we calculated a basic formula for AIDS: Huang Qi combined with Ren Shen, Fu Ling, Bai Zhu, Bai Zhu, Dang Gui, and Bai Shao. This formula, deriving from most of clinical prescriptions, and was chosed by most of clinicians for AIDS treatment. From data mining we found that Qi replenishment and detoxification were the main treatment principles, which coincided with the AIDS pathological mechanism in which immune function is destroyed by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Our data-mining results suggest that the core TCM treatment of AIDS is replenishing Qi and detoxification, by which AIDS patients' immune system may be enhanced. Compatibility of Huang Qi with some frequently-used herbs have shown real efficacy in clinical practice, which warrants pharmacological research in the future.

  6. Compatibility testing of vacuum seal materials

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Foster, P. A.; Rodin, W. A.

    1993-05-01

    Small scale materials compatibility testing was conducted for three elastomers considered for use as vacuum seal materials: Adiprene MOCA-cured; Adiprene Cyanacured; and Sylgard silastic rubber. The tests were conducted using orthogonal array designed experiments for each of the elastomers placed in contact with three materials commonly used during weapon disassembly operations: Duxseal, Sylgard 186 grease, and 2-propyl alcohol. The test results indicated that only the 2-propyl alcohol had a significant effect on the elastomer hardness and physical properties. The alcohol had the largest effect on the two Adiprene materials, and the silastic rubber was the least affected.

  7. [Evaluate drug interaction of multi-components in Morus alba leaves based on α-glucosidase inhibitory activity].

    PubMed

    Ji, Tao; Su, Shu-Lan; Guo, Sheng; Qian, Da-Wei; Ouyang, Zhen; Duan, Jin-Ao

    2016-06-01

    Column chromatography was used for enrichment and separation of flavonoids, alkaloids and polysaccharides from the extracts of Morus alba leaves; glucose oxidase method was used with sucrose as the substrate to evaluate the multi-components of M. alba leaves in α-glucosidase inhibitory models; isobole method, Chou-Talalay combination index analysis and isobolographic analysis were used to evaluate the interaction effects and dose-effect characteristics of two components, providing scientific basis for revealing the hpyerglycemic mechanism of M. alba leaves. The components analysis showed that flavonoid content was 5.3%; organic phenolic acids content was 10.8%; DNJ content was 39.4%; and polysaccharide content was 18.9%. Activity evaluation results demonstrated that flavonoids, alkaloids and polysaccharides of M. alba leaves had significant inhibitory effects on α-glucosidase, and the inhibitory rate was increased with the increasing concentration. Alkaloids showed most significant inhibitory effects among these three components. Both compatibility of alkaloids and flavonoids, and the compatibility of alkaloids and polysaccharides demonstrated synergistic effects, but the compatibility of flavonoids and polysaccharides showed no obvious synergistic effects. The results have confirmed the interaction of multi-components from M. alba leaves to regulate blood sugar, and provided scientific basis for revealing hpyerglycemic effectiveness and mechanism of the multi-components from M. alba leaves. Copyright© by the Chinese Pharmaceutical Association.

  8. Application of Regulatory Focus Theory to Search Advertising.

    PubMed

    Mowle, Elyse N; Georgia, Emily J; Doss, Brian D; Updegraff, John A

    The purpose of this paper is to test the utility of regulatory focus theory principles in a real-world setting; specifically, Internet hosted text advertisements. Effect of compatibility of the ad text with the regulatory focus of the consumer was examined. Advertisements were created using Google AdWords. Data were collected for the number of views and clicks each ad received. Effect of regulatory fit was measured using logistic regression. Logistic regression analyses demonstrated that there was a strong main effect for keyword, such that users were almost six times as likely to click on a promotion advertisement as a prevention advertisement, as well as a main effect for compatibility, such that users were twice as likely to click on an advertisement with content that was consistent with their keyword. Finally, there was a strong interaction of these two variables, such that the effect of consistent advertisements was stronger for promotion searches than for prevention searches. The effect of ad compatibility had medium to large effect sizes, suggesting that individuals' state may have more influence on advertising response than do individuals' traits (e.g. personality traits). Measurement of regulatory fit was limited by the constraints of Google AdWords. The results of this study provide a possible framework for ad creation for Internet advertisers. This paper is the first study to demonstrate the utility of regulatory focus theory in online advertising.

  9. Transfer of an implied incompatible spatial mapping to a Simon task.

    PubMed

    Luo, Chunming; Proctor, Robert W

    2016-02-01

    When location words left and right are presented in left and right locations and mapped to left and right keypress responses in the Hedge and Marsh (1975) task (Arend & Wandmacher, 1987), a compatible mapping of words to responses yields a benefit for stimulus-response location correspondence (sometimes called the Simon effect), whereas an incompatible mapping yields a benefit for noncorrespondence (called the Hedge and Marsh reversal). Experiment 1 replicated the correspondence benefit and its reversal by using Chinese location words [symbol: see text] (left) and [symbol: see text] (right) in the Hedge and Marsh task. Experiments 2 and 3 examined whether the tendency to respond with the noncorresponding response when the mapping is incompatible transfers to the task version in which the mapping is compatible, and Experiment 4 examined whether transfer similarly occurs from the compatible mapping to the task version with incompatible mapping. Transfer of the incompatible relation was apparent in a lack of correspondence benefit when the mapping was changed to compatible, but transfer of the compatible relation to the incompatible mapping did not occur. The results suggest that an association between noncorresponding stimulus-response locations is acquired when the word-response mapping is incompatible, even though this relation is only implicit, regardless of whether through misapplication of a logical recoding rule or spatial representations shared by the locations and words. These associations then continue to affect processing of location when the mapping is compatible. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  10. Liquid oxygen LOX compatibility evaluations of aluminum lithium (Al-Li) alloys: Investigation of the Alcoa 2090 and MMC weldalite 049 alloys

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Diwan, Ravinder M.

    1989-01-01

    The behavior of liquid oxygen (LOX) compatibility of aluminum lithium (Al-Li) alloys is investigated. Alloy systems of Alcoa 2090, vintages 1 to 3, and of Martin Marietta Corporation (MMC) Weldalite 049 were evaluated for their behavior related to the LOX compatibility employing liquid oxygen impact test conditions under ambient pressures and up to 1000 psi. The developments of these aluminum lithium alloys are of critical and significant interest because of their lower densities and higher specific strengths and improved mechanical properties at cryogenic temperatures. Of the different LOX impact tests carried out at the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC), it is seen that in certain test conditions at higher pressures, not all Al-Li alloys are LOX compatible. In case of any reactivity, it appears that lithium makes the material more sensitive at grain boundaries due to microstructural inhomogeneities and associated precipitate free zones (PFZ). The objectives were to identify and rationalize the microstructural mechanisms that could be relaxed to LOX compatibility behavior of the alloy system in consideration. The LOX compatibility behavior of Al-Li 2090 and Weldalite 049 is analyzed in detail using microstructural characterization techniques with light optical metallography, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron microprobe analysis, and surface studies using secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS), electron spectroscopy in chemical analysis (ESCA) and Auger electron spectroscopy (AES). Differences in the behavior of these aluminum lithium alloys are assessed and related to their chemistry, heat treatment conditions, and microstructural effects.

  11. Rainfall and hydrological stability alter the impact of top predators on food web structure and function.

    PubMed

    Marino, Nicholas A C; Srivastava, Diane S; MacDonald, A Andrew M; Leal, Juliana S; Campos, Alice B A; Farjalla, Vinicius F

    2017-02-01

    Climate change will alter the distribution of rainfall, with potential consequences for the hydrological dynamics of aquatic habitats. Hydrological stability can be an important determinant of diversity in temporary aquatic habitats, affecting species persistence and the importance of predation on community dynamics. As such, prey are not only affected by drought-induced mortality but also the risk of predation [a non-consumptive effect (NCE)] and actual consumption by predators [a consumptive effect (CE)]. Climate-induced changes in rainfall may directly, or via altered hydrological stability, affect predator-prey interactions and their cascading effects on the food web, but this has rarely been explored, especially in natural food webs. To address this question, we performed a field experiment using tank bromeliads and their aquatic food web, composed of predatory damselfly larvae, macroinvertebrate prey and bacteria. We manipulated the presence and consumption ability of damselfly larvae under three rainfall scenarios (ambient, few large rainfall events and several small rainfall events), recorded the hydrological dynamics within bromeliads and examined the effects on macroinvertebrate colonization, nutrient cycling and bacterial biomass and turnover. Despite our large perturbations of rainfall, rainfall scenario had no effect on the hydrological dynamics of bromeliads. As a result, macroinvertebrate colonization and nutrient cycling depended on the hydrological stability of bromeliads, with no direct effect of rainfall or predation. In contrast, rainfall scenario determined the direction of the indirect effects of predators on bacteria, driven by both predator CEs and NCEs. These results suggest that rainfall and the hydrological stability of bromeliads had indirect effects on the food web through changes in the CEs and NCEs of predators. We suggest that future studies should consider the importance of the variability in hydrological dynamics among habitats as well as the biological mechanisms underlying the ecological responses to climate change. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  12. A Tol2 Gateway-Compatible Toolbox for the Study of the Nervous System and Neurodegenerative Disease.

    PubMed

    Don, Emily K; Formella, Isabel; Badrock, Andrew P; Hall, Thomas E; Morsch, Marco; Hortle, Elinor; Hogan, Alison; Chow, Sharron; Gwee, Serene S L; Stoddart, Jack J; Nicholson, Garth; Chung, Roger; Cole, Nicholas J

    2017-02-01

    Currently there is a lack in fundamental understanding of disease progression of most neurodegenerative diseases, and, therefore, treatments and preventative measures are limited. Consequently, there is a great need for adaptable, yet robust model systems to both investigate elementary disease mechanisms and discover effective therapeutics. We have generated a Tol2 Gateway-compatible toolbox to study neurodegenerative disorders in zebrafish, which includes promoters for astrocytes, microglia and motor neurons, multiple fluorophores, and compatibility for the introduction of genes of interest or disease-linked genes. This toolbox will advance the rapid and flexible generation of zebrafish models to discover the biology of the nervous system and the disease processes that lead to neurodegeneration.

  13. Carbon nanotubes with high bone-tissue compatibility and bone-formation acceleration effects.

    PubMed

    Usui, Yuki; Aoki, Kaoru; Narita, Nobuyo; Murakami, Narumichi; Nakamura, Isao; Nakamura, Koichi; Ishigaki, Norio; Yamazaki, Hiroshi; Horiuchi, Hiroshi; Kato, Hiroyuki; Taruta, Seiichi; Kim, Yoong Ahm; Endo, Morinobu; Saito, Naoto

    2008-02-01

    Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been used in various fields as composites with other substances or alone to develop highly functional materials. CNTs hold great interest with respect to biomaterials, particularly those to be positioned in contact with bone such as prostheses for arthroplasty, plates or screws for fracture fixation, drug delivery systems, and scaffolding for bone regeneration. Accordingly, bone-tissue compatibility of CNTs and CNT influence on bone formation are important issues, but the effects of CNTs on bone have not been delineated. Here, it is found that multi-walled CNTs adjoining bone induce little local inflammatory reaction, show high bone-tissue compatibility, permit bone repair, become integrated into new bone, and accelerate bone formation stimulated by recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2). This study provides an initial investigational basis for CNTs in biomaterials that are used adjacent to bone, including uses to promote bone regeneration. These findings should encourage development of clinical treatment modalities involving CNTs.

  14. Genetic variability in arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi compatibility supports the selection of durum wheat genotypes for enhancing soil ecological services and cropping systems in Canada.

    PubMed

    Singh, A K; Hamel, C; Depauw, R M; Knox, R E

    2012-03-01

    Crop nutrient- and water-use efficiency could be improved by using crop varieties highly compatible with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). Two greenhouse experiments demonstrated the presence of genetic variability for this trait in modern durum wheat ( Triticum turgidum L. var. durum Desf.) germplasm. Among the five cultivars tested, 'AC Morse' had consistently low levels of AM root colonization and DT710 had consistently high levels of AM root colonization, whereas 'Commander', which had the highest colonization levels under low soil fertility conditions, developed poor colonization levels under medium fertility level. The presence of genetic variability in durum wheat compatibility with AMF was further evidenced by significant genotype × inoculation interaction effects in grain and straw biomass production; grain P, straw P, and straw K concentrations under medium soil fertility level; and straw K and grain Fe concentrations at low soil fertility. Mycorrhizal dependency was an undesirable trait of 'Mongibello', which showed poor growth and nutrient balance in the absence of AMF. An AMF-mediated reduction in grain Cd under low soil fertility indicated that breeding durum wheat for compatibility with AMF could help reduce grain Cd concentration in durum wheat. Durum wheat genotypes should be selected for compatibility with AMF rather than for mycorrhizal dependency.

  15. Low dose of methyltestosterone in ovariectomised rats improves baroreflex sensitivity without geno- and cytotoxicity.

    PubMed

    Terra, Denise G; de Lima, Ewelyne M; do Nascimento, Andrews M; Brasil, Girlandia A; Filete, Placielle F; Kalil, Ieda C; Lenz, Dominik; Endringer, Denise C; Bissoli, Nazaré S; de Andrade, Tadeu U

    2016-08-01

    This study evaluated the effects of the isolated use of a low dose of methyltestosterone (MT) on cardiovascular reflexes and hormonal levels and its geno- and cytotoxic safety in ovariectomized rats. Female Wistar rats were divided into four groups (n = 6), respectively: SHAM (received vehicle methylcellulose 0.5%), SHAM + MT (received MT 0.05 mg/kg), OVX (received vehicle), and OVX + MT (received MT). Twenty-one days after ovariectomy, treatment was given orally daily for 28 days. The Bezold-Jarisch reflex (BJR) was analyzed by measuring the bradycardic and hypotensive responses elicited by phenylbiguanide (PBG) administration. The baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) was evaluated by phenylephrine and sodium nitroprussite. Myocyte hypertrophy was determined by morphometric analysis of H&E stained slides. Biochemical data were analyzed, as well as micronucleus assay. MT improved BRS and increased testosterone values, but did not change estradiol in the OVX group. MT did not promote changes in mean arterial pressure, heart rate, BJR, serum concentrations of troponin I, weight and histopathology of the heart. MT was able to restore the BRS in OVX rats. The geno- and cytotoxic safety of the MT was demonstrated by the absence of an increase in the micronucleus (PCEMN) or change in the ratio between normochromatic erythrocytes and polychromatic erythrocytes (NCE/PCE). © 2016 Société Française de Pharmacologie et de Thérapeutique.

  16. [Effects of sanguisorba tannins and saponins compatibility on pharmacokinetic parameters of catechin, epicatechin and ziyuglycoside Ⅰ in rats].

    PubMed

    Xiong, Yong-Ai; Yang, Ming

    2016-10-01

    To study the effects of sanguisorba tannins and saponins compatibility at different proportions [tannins-saponins (1∶1) and tannins-saponins(8∶1)] after intragastric administration (50 mg•kg⁻¹) on pharmacokinetic parameters of catechin, epicatechin and ziyuglycoside Ⅰ in rats by using pharmacokinetic techniques and methods. Kinetica 5.0 software was used to calculate the pharmacokinetic parameters. The results showed that the specificity, linearity, recovery rate, precision and stability of the established detection method were in line with the test requirements. When the sanguisorba tannins and eaponins were combined at the rate of 1∶1, Vd and CL of catechin and epicatechin were increased significantly(P<0.05); MRT was significantly shortened(P<0.05); Cmax and AUC were significantly reduced(P<0.05). When the sanguisorba tannins and saponins were combined at the rate of 8∶1, Vd and CL of catechin and epicatechin were significantly reduced(P<0.05); MRT was significantly prolonged(P<0.05); Cmax and AUC were increased significantly(P<0.05). In addition, with the increase in proportion of sanguisorba tannins in the compatibility, Cmax and AUC of ziyuglycoside Ⅰ were increased significantly(P<0.05); Vd and CL were significantly reduced(P<0.05), Tmax was obviously lagging behind, and MRT was also significantly prolonged(P<0.05). In our present study, catechin, epicatechin and ziyuglycoside Ⅰ showed good pharmacokinetic behavior in rats when sanguisorba tannins and saponins were combined at the rate of 8∶1 in compatibility, which could be used as a reference for the proportion in sanguisorba tannins and saponins compatibility. Copyright© by the Chinese Pharmaceutical Association.

  17. The effect of modified ijuk fibers to crystallinity of polypropylene composite

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Prabowo, I.; Nur Pratama, J.; Chalid, M.

    2017-07-01

    Nowadays, plastics becomes concern associated with its degradation and environmental issues. It has led studies to develop an environmental-friendly material. To minimize the impact of those problems, recently the usage of natural fibers as a filler are introduced because of biodegradability and availability. The promising natural fiber is “ijuk” fiber from Arenga pinnata plant as a filler and polypropylene (PP) polymer as a matrix. Unfortunately, the natural fibers and polymers have the different properties on which polymers are polar while natural fibers are non-polar so that reducing the compatibility and resulting the poor crystallinity. To enhance the compatibility and crystallinity, ijuk fibers were prepared by multistage treatments including alkalinization with 5 and 10% sodium hydroxide (NaOH), oxidation with 3 and 6% sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) and hydrolysis with 20% sulphuric acid (H2SO4) in sequences. The purposes of multistage treatments are to remove the components such as lignin, wax, hemicellulose, to cause an oxidative fragmentation of remaining lignin and to annihilate the amorphous parts respectively. Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) confirms the compatibility meanwhile Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) reveals the crystallinity and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) displays surface morphology of polypropylene. The experiments were revealing that the effects of “ijuk” fibers by the multistage treatments of 5 and 10% NaOH resulting the crystallinity of polypropylene around 31.2 and 27.64% respectively compared to the crystallinity before adding the “ijuk” fibers for 16.8%. It indicates that the entire treatments increasing the compatibility and crystallinity of polypropylene. In addition, the use of 5% NaOH offers the better crystallinity than non-treated polypropylene. The experiments conclude that by adding alkalinized “ijuk” fibers of multistage treatments can increase the compatibility and crystallinity of polypropylene.

  18. Negative childhood experiences alter a prefrontal-insular-motor cortical network in healthy adults: A preliminary multimodal rsfMRI-fMRI-MRS-dMRI study

    PubMed Central

    Duncan, Niall W.; Hayes, Dave J.; Wiebking, Christine; Tiret, Brice; Pietruska, Karin; Chen, David Q.; Rainville, Pierre; Marjańska, Malgorzata; Mohammid, Omar; Doyon, Julien; Hodaie, Mojgan; Northoff, Georg

    2016-01-01

    Research in humans and animals has shown that negative childhood experiences (NCE) can have long-term effects on the structure and function of the brain. Alterations have been noted in grey and white matter, in the brain’s resting state, on the glutamatergic system, and on neural and behavioural responses to aversive stimuli. These effects can be linked to psychiatric disorder such as depression and anxiety disorders that are influenced by excessive exposure to early life stressors. The aim of the current study was to investigate the effect of NCEs on these systems. Resting state functional MRI (rsfMRI), aversion task fMRI, glutamate magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), and diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) were combined with the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) in healthy subjects to examine the impact of NCEs on the brain. Low CTQ scores, a measure of NCEs, were related to higher resting state glutamate levels and higher resting state entropy in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). CTQ scores, mPFC glutamate and entropy, correlated with neural BOLD responses to the anticipation of aversive stimuli in regions throughout the aversion-related network, with strong correlations between all measures in the motor cortex and left insula. Structural connectivity strength, measured using mean fractional anisotropy, between the mPFC and left insula correlated to aversion-related signal changes in the motor cortex. These findings highlight the impact of NCEs on multiple inter-related brain systems. In particular, they highlight the role of a prefrontal-insular-motor cortical network in the processing and responsivity to aversive stimuli and its potential adaptability by NCEs. PMID:26287448

  19. FOXO/DAF-16 Activation Slows Down Turnover of the Majority of Proteins in C. elegans

    DOE PAGES

    Dhondt, Ineke; Petyuk, Vladislav A.; Cai, Huaihan; ...

    2016-09-13

    Most aging hypotheses assume the accumulation of damage, resulting in gradual physiological decline and, ultimately, death. Avoiding protein damage accumulation by enhanced turnover should slow down the aging process and extend the lifespan. But, lowering translational efficiency extends rather than shortens the lifespan in C. elegans. We studied turnover of individual proteins in the long-lived daf-2 mutant by combining SILeNCe (stable isotope labeling by nitrogen in Caenorhabditiselegans) and mass spectrometry. Intriguingly, the majority of proteins displayed prolonged half-lives in daf-2, whereas others remained unchanged, signifying that longevity is not supported by high protein turnover. We found that this slowdown wasmore » most prominent for translation-related and mitochondrial proteins. Conversely, the high turnover of lysosomal hydrolases and very low turnover of cytoskeletal proteins remained largely unchanged. The slowdown of protein dynamics and decreased abundance of the translational machinery may point to the importance of anabolic attenuation in lifespan extension, as suggested by the hyperfunction theory.« less

  20. Evidence for cis Amide Bonds in Peptoid Nanosheets.

    PubMed

    Hudson, Benjamin C; Battigelli, Alessia; Connolly, Michael D; Edison, John; Spencer, Ryan K; Whitelam, Stephen; Zuckermann, Ronald N; Paravastu, Anant K

    2018-05-17

    Peptoid nanosheets are supramolecular protein-mimetic materials that form from amphiphilic polypeptoids with aromatic and ionic side chains. Nanosheets have been studied at the nanometer scale, but the molecular structure has been difficult to probe. We report the use of 13 C- 13 C dipolar recoupling solid-state NMR measurements to reveal the configuration of backbone amide bonds selected by 13 C isotopic labeling of adjacent α-carbons. Measurements on the same molecules in the amorphous state and in nanosheets revealed that amide bonds in the center of the amino block of peptoid (NaeNpe) 7 -(NceNpe) 7 (B28) favor the trans configuration in the amorphous state and the cis configuration in the nanosheet. This unexpected result contrasts with previous NMR and theoretical studies of short solvated peptoids. Furthermore, examination of the amide bond at the junction of the two charged blocks within B28 revealed a mixture of both cis and trans configurational states, consistent with the previously predicted brickwork-like intermolecular organization.

  1. "New drug" designations for new therapeutic entities: new active substance, new chemical entity, new biological entity, new molecular entity.

    PubMed

    Branch, Sarah K; Agranat, Israel

    2014-11-13

    This Perspective addresses ambiguities in designations of "new drugs" intended as new therapeutic entities (NTEs). Designation of an NTE as a new drug is significant, as it may confer regulatory exclusivity, an important incentive for development of novel compounds. Such designations differ between jurisdictions according to their drug laws and drug regulations. Chemical, biological, and innovative drugs are addressed in turn. The terms new chemical entity (NCE), new molecular entity (NME), new active substance (NAS), and new biological entity (NBE) as applied in worldwide jurisdictions are clarified. Differences between them are explored through case studies showing why new drugs have different periods of exclusivity in different jurisdictions or none at all. Finally, this Perspective recommends that in future, for the purpose of new drug compilations, NME is used for a new chemical drug, NBE for a new biological drug, and the combined designation NTE should refer to either an NME or an NBE.

  2. Nitrogen Deposition to and Cycling in a Deciduous Forest

    DOE PAGES

    Pryor, Sara C.; Barthelmie, Rebecca J.; Carreiro, Margaret; ...

    2001-01-01

    The project described here seeks to answer questions regarding the role increased nitrogen (N) deposition is playing in enhanced carbon (C) sequestration in temperate mid-latitude forests, using detailed measurements from an AmeriFlux tower in southern Indiana (Morgan-Monroe State Forest, or MMSF). The measurements indicate an average atmosphere-surface N flux of approximately 6 mg-N m -2 day -1 during the 2000 growing season, with approximately 40% coming from dry deposition of ammonia (NH 3 ), nitric acid (HNO 3 ), and particle-bound N. Wet deposition and throughfall measurements indicate significant canopy uptake of N (particularly NH 4 +) at the site,more » leading to a net canopy exchange (NCE) of –6 kg-N ha -1 for the growing season. These data are used in combination with data on the aboveground C:N ratio, litterfall flux, and soil net N mineralization rates to indicate the level of potential perturbation of C sequestration at this site.« less

  3. Embodying animals: Body-part compatibility in mammalian, reptile and aves classes.

    PubMed

    Pacione, Sandra M; Welsh, Timothy N

    2015-09-01

    The purpose of the present study was to determine how humans code homologous body parts of nonhuman mammal, reptilian, and aves animals with respect to the representation of the human body. To this end, participants completed body-part compatibility tasks in which responses were executed to colored targets that were superimposed over the upper limbs, lower limbs or head of different animals in different postures. In Experiment 1, the images were of meekats and lizards in bipedal and quadrupedal postures. In Experiment 2, the images were of a human, a penguin, and an owl in a bipedal posture with upper limbs stretched out. Overall, the results revealed that the limbs of nonhuman mammals (meerkat and human) were consistently mapped onto the homologous human body parts only when the mammals were in a bipedal posture. Specifically, body-part compatibility effects emerged for the human and the meerkat in a bipedal posture, but not the meerkat in the quadrupedal posture. Further, consistent body-part compatibility effects were not observed for the lizard in the quadrupedal posture or for the lizard, penguin, or owl in a bipedal posture. The pattern of results suggests that the human bipedal body representation may distinguish taxonomical classes and is most highly engaged when viewing homologous body parts of mammalian animals. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  4. The in vivo blood compatibility of bio-inspired small diameter vascular graft: effect of submicron longitudinally aligned topography

    PubMed Central

    2013-01-01

    Background Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of deaths worldwide and the arterial reconstructive surgery remains the treatment of choice. Although large diameter vascular grafts have been widely used in clinical practices, there is an urgent need to develop a small diameter vascular graft with enhanced blood compatibility. Herein, we fabricated a small diameter vascular graft with submicron longitudinally aligned topography, which mimicked the tunica intima of the native arterial vessels and were tested in Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats. Methods Vascular grafts with aligned and smooth topography were prepared by electrospinning and were connected to the abdominal aorta of the SD rats to evaluate their blood compatibility. Graft patency and platelet adhesion were evaluated by color Doppler ultrasound and immunofluorescence respectively. Results We observed a significant higher patency rate (p = 0.021) and less thrombus formation in vascular graft with aligned topography than vascular graft with smooth topography. However, no significant difference between the adhesion rates on both vascular grafts (smooth/aligned: 0.35‰/0.12‰, p > 0.05) was observed. Moreover, both vascular grafts had few adherent activated platelets on the luminal surface. Conclusion Bionic vascular graft showed enhanced blood compatibility due to the effect of surface topography. Therefore, it has considerable potential for using in clinical application. PMID:24083888

  5. Visual context modulates potentiation of grasp types during semantic object categorization

    PubMed Central

    Kalénine, Solène; Shapiro, Allison D.; Flumini, Andrea; Borghi, Anna M.; Buxbaum, Laurel J.

    2013-01-01

    Substantial evidence suggests that conceptual processing of manipulable objects is associated with potentiation of action. Such data have been viewed as evidence that objects are recognized via access to action features. Many objects, however, are associated with multiple actions. For example, a kitchen timer may be clenched with a power grip to move it, but pinched with a precision grip to use it. The present study tested the hypothesis that action evocation during conceptual object processing is responsive to the visual scene in which objects are presented. Twenty-five healthy adults were asked to categorize object pictures presented in different naturalistic visual contexts that evoke either move- or use-related actions. Categorization judgments (natural vs. artifact) were performed by executing a move- or use-related action (clench vs. pinch) on a response device, and response times were assessed as a function of contextual congruence. Although the actions performed were irrelevant to the categorization judgment, responses were significantly faster when actions were compatible with the visual context. This compatibility effect was largely driven by faster pinch responses when objects were presented in use- compared to move-compatible contexts. The present study is the first to highlight the influence of visual scene on stimulus-response compatibility effects during semantic object processing. These data support the hypothesis that action evocation during conceptual object processing is biased toward context-relevant actions. PMID:24186270

  6. Compatible poliomyelitis cases in India during 2000.

    PubMed Central

    Kohler, Kathryn A.; Hlady, W. Gary; Banerjee, Kaushik; Gupta, Dhananjoy; Francis, Paul; Durrani, Sunita; Zuber, Patrick L. F.; Sutter, Roland W.

    2003-01-01

    OBJECTIVE: To describe the characteristics of compatible poliomyelitis cases and to assess the programmatic implications of clusters of such cases in India. METHODS: We described the characteristics of compatible poliomyelitis cases, identified clusters of compatible cases (two or more in the same district or neighbouring districts within two months), and examined their relationship to wild poliovirus cases. FINDINGS: There were 362 compatible cases in 2000. The incidence of compatible cases was higher in districts with laboratory-confirmed poliomyelitis cases than in districts without laboratory-confirmed cases. Of 580 districts, 96 reported one compatible case and 72 reported two or more compatible cases. Among these 168 districts with at least one compatible case, 123 had internal or cross- border clusters of compatible cases. In 27 districts with clusters of compatible cases, no wild poliovirus was isolated either in the same district or in neighbouring districts. Three of these 27 districts presented laboratory-confirmed poliomyelitis cases during 2001. CONCLUSION: Most clusters of compatible cases occurred in districts identified as areas with continuing wild poliovirus transmission and where mopping-up vaccination campaigns were carried out. As certification nears, areas with compatible poliomyelitis cases should be investigated and deficiencies in surveillance should be corrected in order to ensure that certification is justified. PMID:12640469

  7. [Value influence of different compatibilities of main active parts in yangyintongnao granule on pharmacokinetics parameters in rats with cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury by total amount statistic moment method].

    PubMed

    Guo, Ying; Yang, Jiehong; Znang, Hengyi; Fu, Xuchun; Zhnag, Yuyan; Wan, Haitong

    2010-02-01

    To study the influence of the different combinations of the main active parts in Yangyintongnao granule on the pharmacokinetics parameters of the two active components--ligustrazine and puerarin using the method of total amount statistic moment for pharmacokinetics. Combinations were formed according to the dosages of the four active parts (alkaloid, flavone, saponin, naphtha) by orthogonal experiment L9 (3(4)). Blood concentrations of ligustrazine and puerarin were determinated by HPLC at different time. Zero rank moment (AUC) and one rank moment (MRT, mean residence time) of ligustrazine and puerarin have been worked out to calculate the total amount statistic moment parameters was analyzed of Yangyintongnao granule by the method of the total amount statistic moment. The influence of different compatibilities on the pharmacokinetics parameters was analyzed by orthogonal test. Flavone has the strongest effect than saponin on the total AUC. Ligustrazine has the strongest effect on the total MRT. Saponin has little effect on the two parameters, but naphtha has more effect on both of them. It indicates that naphtha may promote metabolism of ligustrazine and puerarin in rat. Total amount statistic moment parameters can be used to guide for compatibilities of TCM.

  8. Europa Propulsion Valve Seat Material Testing

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Addona, Brad M.

    2017-01-01

    The Europa mission and spacecraft design presented unique challenges for selection of valve seat materials that met the fluid compatibility requirements, and combined fluid compatibility and high radiation exposure level requirements. The Europa spacecraft pressurization system valves will be exposed to fully saturated propellant vapor for the duration of the mission. The effects of Nitrogen Tetroxide (NTO) and Monomethylhydrazine (MMH) propellant vapors on heritage valve seat materials, such as Vespel SP-1 and Polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE), were evaluated to determine if an alternate material is required. In liquid system applications, Teflon is the only available compatible valve seat material. Radiation exposure data for Teflon in an air or vacuum environment has been previously documented. Radiation exposure data for Teflon in an oxidizer environment such as NTO, was not available, and it was unknown whether the effects would be similar to those on air-exposed samples. Material testing was conducted by Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) and White Sands Test Facility (WSTF) to determine the effects of propellant vapor on heritage seat materials for pressurization valve applications, and the effects of combined radiation and NTO propellant exposure on Teflon. The results indicated that changes in heritage pressurization valve seat materials' properties rendered them unsuitable for the Europa application. The combined radiation and NTO exposure testing of Teflon produced results equivalent to combined radiation and air exposure results.

  9. (Dis)similarity in Impulsivity and Marital Satisfaction: A Comparison of Volatility, Compatibility, and Incompatibility Hypotheses

    PubMed Central

    Derrick, Jaye L.; Houston, Rebecca J.; Quigley, Brian M.; Testa, Maria; Kubiak, Audrey; Levitt, Ash; Homish, Gregory G.; Leonard, Kenneth E.

    2016-01-01

    Impulsivity is negatively associated with relationship satisfaction, but whether relationship functioning is harmed or helped when both partners are high in impulsivity is unclear. The influence of impulsivity might be exacerbated (the Volatility Hypothesis) or reversed (the Compatibility Hypothesis). Alternatively, discrepancies in impulsivity might be particularly problematic (the Incompatibility Hypothesis). Behavioral and self-report measures of impulsivity were collected from a community sample of couples. Mixed effect polynomial regressions with response surface analysis provide evidence in favor of both the Compatibility Hypothesis and the Incompatibility Hypothesis, but not the Volatility Hypothesis. Mediation analyses suggest results for satisfaction are driven by perceptions of the partner's negative behavior and responsiveness. Implications for the study of both impulsivity and relationship functioning are discussed. PMID:26949275

  10. Application of Regulatory Focus Theory to Search Advertising

    PubMed Central

    Mowle, Elyse N.; Georgia, Emily J.; Doss, Brian D.; Updegraff, John A.

    2015-01-01

    Purpose The purpose of this paper is to test the utility of regulatory focus theory principles in a real-world setting; specifically, Internet hosted text advertisements. Effect of compatibility of the ad text with the regulatory focus of the consumer was examined. Design/methodology/approach Advertisements were created using Google AdWords. Data were collected for the number of views and clicks each ad received. Effect of regulatory fit was measured using logistic regression. Findings Logistic regression analyses demonstrated that there was a strong main effect for keyword, such that users were almost six times as likely to click on a promotion advertisement as a prevention advertisement, as well as a main effect for compatibility, such that users were twice as likely to click on an advertisement with content that was consistent with their keyword. Finally, there was a strong interaction of these two variables, such that the effect of consistent advertisements was stronger for promotion searches than for prevention searches. Research limitations/implications The effect of ad compatibility had medium to large effect sizes, suggesting that individuals’ state may have more influence on advertising response than do individuals’ traits (e.g. personality traits). Measurement of regulatory fit was limited by the constraints of Google AdWords. Practical implications The results of this study provide a possible framework for ad creation for Internet advertisers. Originality/value This paper is the first study to demonstrate the utility of regulatory focus theory in online advertising. PMID:26430293

  11. Orthogonal stimulus-response compatibility effects emerge even when the stimulus position is task irrelevant.

    PubMed

    Nishimura, Akio; Yokosawa, Kazuhiko

    2006-06-01

    The above-right/below-left mapping advantage with vertical stimuli and horizontal responses is known as the orthogonal stimulus-response compatibility (SRC) effect. We investigated whether the orthogonal SRC effect emerges with irrelevant stimulus dimensions. In Experiment 1, participants responded with a right or left key press to the colour of the stimulus presented above or below the fixation. We observed an above-right/below-left advantage (orthogonal Simon effect). In Experiment 2, we manipulated the polarity in the response dimension by varying the horizontal location of the response set. The orthogonal Simon effect decreased and even reversed as the left response code became more positive. This result provides evidence for the automatic activation of the positive and negative response codes by the corresponding positive and negative stimulus codes. These findings extended the orthogonal SRC effect based on coding asymmetry to an irrelevant stimulus dimension.

  12. Safety, effectiveness and comparability of professional skin cleansers.

    PubMed

    Terhaer, Flora K; Bock, Meike; Fartasch, Manigé; Gabard, Bernard; Elsner, Peter; Kleesz, Peter; Landeck, Lilla; Pohrt, Ute; Seyfarth, Florian; Schliemann, Sibylle; Diepgen, Thomas L; Zagrodnik, Fred; John, Swen Malte

    2010-10-01

    There are no widely-accepted methodical specifications with which to objectify cleansing effectiveness and skin compatibility of occuptional skin cleansing products in Europe. Therefore the German Social Insurance Agency (DGUV) initiated a study with the goal to evaluate such products in view of the potency and the safety of hand cleansers. A market analysis was a part of the project. The product descriptions and safety data sheets of 120 products (5-20/manufacturer) of 11 manufacturers were evaluated between 02/2008 and 04/2008. The manufacturers used mainly ingredients of low irritancy. The declaration of the applied ingredients was in the majority of the cases correctly labeled according to the INCI Declaration. Although there was documentation of skin tolerability for most products, the manufacturers used widely differing tests of skin compatibility. Evidences for cleansing effectiveness were not declared or have not been provided. One manufacturer even promised medical effects of its products. There was no uniform general classification of products making it difficult to identify characteristics of cleansers and choose between them. Presently, there are no commonly accepted criteria to classify products in view of cleansing effectiveness und skin compatibility. Generally accepted criteria and test methods are needed for the evaluation of hand cleansers in order to provide the possibility of transparency and comparability. © The Authors • Journal compilation © Blackwell Verlag GmbH, Berlin.

  13. Examining ABO compatible donors in double lung transplants during the era of lung allocation score.

    PubMed

    Taghavi, Sharven; Jayarajan, Senthil N; Furuya, Yuka; Komaroff, Eugene; Shiose, Akira; Leotta, Eros; Hisamoto, Kazuhiro; Patel, Namrata; Cordova, Francis; Criner, Gerard; Guy, T Sloane; Toyoda, Yoshiya

    2014-10-01

    The short-term and long-term effect of using ABO compatible donors in the era of lung allocation score is unknown. This study determined if carefully selected ABO compatible donors could be used in double lung transplantation (DLT) with good outcomes. The United Network for Organ Sharing database was retrospectively reviewed for adult DLT from May 2005 to December 2011. Of 6,655 double lung transplants, 493 (7.4%) were with ABO compatible donors and 6,162 (92.6%) were with ABO identical donors. In multivariate analysis, use of ABO compatible donors was not associated with mortality at 30 days (HR, 1.16; 95% CI, 0.76 to 1.79, p = 0.49), 1 year (HR, 1.10; 95% CI, 0.86 to 1.42, p = 0.46), and 5 years (HR, 1.06; 95% CI, 0.83 to 1.34, p = 0.65). Variables associated with mortality at 5 years were donor female sex, donor age 60 years or greater, prolonged ischemic time, increasing recipient creatinine, recipient age, race mismatch, and mechanical ventilation or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation as a bridge to transplantation. Length of stay was longer in the ABO compatible group (30.9 vs 25.9 days, p = 0.001). Acute rejection episodes on index hospitalization (8.8 vs. 8.9%, p = 1.00), peak posttransplant forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) (82.7 vs 79.7%, p = 0.053), and decrement in FEV1 over time were not different (p = 0.13). Freedom from bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome was similar (1,475 vs 1,454 days, p = 0.17). The use of ABO compatible donors in the era of lung allocation score was not associated with short-term or long-term mortality and resulted in equivalent posttransplant lung function. A DLT with carefully selected ABO compatible donors can result in excellent outcomes. Copyright © 2014 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  14. Characterization of a prototype MR-compatible Delta4 QA system in a 1.5 tesla MR-linac

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    de Vries, J. H. W.; Seravalli, E.; Houweling, A. C.; Woodings, S. J.; van Rooij, R.; Wolthaus, J. W. H.; Lagendijk, J. J. W.; Raaymakers, B. W.

    2018-01-01

    To perform patient plan quality assurance (QA) on a newly installed MR-linac (MRL) it is necessary to have an MR-compatible QA device. An MR compatible device (MR-Delta4) has been developed together with Scandidos AB (Uppsala, Sweden). The basic characteristics of the detector response, such as short-term reproducibility, dose linearity, field size dependency, dose rate dependency, dose-per-pulse dependency and angular dependency, were investigated for the clinical Delta4-PT as well as for the MR compatible version. All tests were performed with both devices on a conventional linac and the MR compatible device was tested on the MRL as well. No statistically significant differences were found in the short-term reproducibility (<0.1%), dose linearity (⩽0.5%), field size dependency (<2.0% for field sizes larger than 5  ×  5 cm2), dose rate dependency (<1.0%) or angular dependency for any phantom/linac combination. The dose-per-pulse dependency (<0.8%) was found to be significantly different between the two devices. This difference can be explained by the fact that the diodes in the clinical Delta4-PT were irradiated with a much larger dose than the MR-Delta4-PT ones. The absolute difference between the devices (<0.5%) was found to be small, so no clinical impact is expected. For both devices, the results were consistent with the characteristics of the Delta4-PT device reported in the literature (Bedford et al 2009 Phys. Med. Biol. 54 N167-76 Sadagopan et al 2009 J. Appl. Clin. Med. Phys. 10 2928). We found that the characteristics of the MR compatible Delta4 phantom were found to be comparable to the clinically used one. Also, the found characteristics do not differ from the previously reported characteristics of the commercially available non-MR compatible Delta4-PT phantom. Therefore, the MR compatible Delta4 prototype was found to be safe and effective for use in the 1.5 tesla magnetic field of the Elekta MR-linac

  15. Effect of Structure on Physical Properties of Polymers.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1979-12-31

    PORT NUMBE . J ! 2. GOVT ACCESSION NO. 3. RECIPIENT’S CATALOG NUMBER OSRT R’.-8 00 7 5 0 4_7_5_ Effecc of Structure on Physical Properties of -Final...Compatibility of Fluorosubstituted Styrene Polymers with PPO and PS. R. Vukovic , F.E. Karasz, W.J. MacKnight, (in press). (6) Compatibility of Ortho- and Para...fluorostyrene Copolymers with PPO and PS. R. Vukovic , F.E. Karasz, W.J. MacKnight, (in press). (7) Partial Miscibility in the System Poly (para

  16. MIMIC-compatible GaAs and InP field effect controlled transferred electron (FECTED) oscillators

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Scheiber, Helmut; Luebke, Kurt; Diskus, Christian G.; Thim, Hartwig W.; Gruetzmacher, D.

    1989-12-01

    A MIMIC-(millimeter and microwave integrated circuit) compatible transferred electron oscillator is investigated which utilizes the frequency-independent negative resistance of the stationary charge dipole domain that forms in the channel of a MESFET. The device structure, analysis, and simulation are described. Devices fabricated from GaAs and InP exhibit very high power levels of 56 mW at 29 GHz and 55 mW at 34 GHz, respectively. Continuous wave power levels are somewhat lower (30 mW).

  17. Test plan/procedure for the checkout of the USA cable communications test configuration for the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) tests

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Perry, J. C.

    1975-01-01

    A series of electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) tests were conducted in May, 1975 in the Soviet Union. The purpose of the EMC tests was to determine the effects of the operating environment of the Soviet aircraft, Soyuz, upon the electrical performance of the USA's cable communications equipment located in Soyuz. The test procedures necessary to check out the cable communications test configuration in preparation for the EMC tests are presented.

  18. An experimental evaluation of host specificity: The role of encounter and compatibility filters for a rhizocephalan parasite of crabs

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Kuris, Armand M.; Goddard, Jeffrey H. R.; Torchin, Mark E.; Murphy, Nicole; Gurney, Robert; Lafferty, Kevin D.

    2007-01-01

    The encounter/compatibility paradigm of host specificity provides three qualitative pathways to the success or failure of a potential host-parasite interaction. It is usually impossible to distinguish between two of these (encounter and compatibility filters closed versus encounter filter open and compatibility filter closed) because unsuccessful infection attempts are difficult to observe in nature. We were able to open the encounter filter under experimental laboratory conditions. Our analytical system used the rhizocephalan barnacle, Sacculina carcini, a parasitic castrator of the European green crab, Carcinus maenas, and Pachygrapsus marmoratus, a native European crab that occurs with C. maenas but is not parasitized by S. carcini in nature. Penetration followed by unsuccessful infection of P. marmoratus crabs by parasitic barnacle larvae leaves a uniquely permanent record in the thoracic ganglion of the crabs. This provided us with a novel tool to quantify the encounter filter in a host-parasite system in nature. We demonstrated, in the laboratory, that the compatibility filter was closed and that, in nature, even where barnacle larvae were present, the encounter filter was also effectively closed. The closure of both filters in nature explains the failure of this potential host-parasite interaction, an outcome favored by selection in both host and parasite.

  19. Nanofibrous polymeric beads from aramid fibers for efficient bilirubin removal.

    PubMed

    Peng, Zihang; Yang, Ye; Luo, Jiyue; Nie, Chuanxiong; Ma, Lang; Cheng, Chong; Zhao, Changsheng

    2016-08-16

    Polymer based hemoperfusion has been developed as an effective therapy to remove the extra bilirubin from patients. However, the currently applied materials suffer from either low removal efficiency or poor blood compatibility. In this study, we report the development of a new class of nanofibrous absorbent that exhibited high bilirubin removal efficiency and good blood compatibility. The Kevlar nanofiber was prepared by dissolving micron-sized Kevlar fiber in proper solvent, and the beads were prepared by dropping Kevlar nanofiber solutions into ethanol. Owing to the nanofiborous structure of the Kevlar nanofiber, the beads displayed porous structures and large specific areas, which would facilitate the adsorption of toxins. In the adsorption test, it was noticed that the beads possessed an adsorption capacity higher than 40 mg g(-1) towards bilirubin. In plasma mimetic solutions, the beads still showed high bilirubin removal efficiency. Furthermore, after incorporating with carbon nanotubes, the beads were found to have increased adsorption capacity for human degradation waste. Moreover, the beads showed excellent blood compatibility in terms of a low hemolysis ratio, prolonged clotting times, suppressed coagulant activation, limited platelet activation, and inhibited blood related inflammatory activation. Additionally, the beads showed good compatibility with endothelial cells. In general, the Kevlar nanofiber beads, which integrated with high adsorption capacity, good blood compatibility and low cytotoxicity, may have great potential for hemoperfusion and some other applications in biomedical fields.

  20. 49 CFR 173.52 - Classification codes and compatibility groups of explosives.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... 49 Transportation 2 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Classification codes and compatibility groups of... Class 1 § 173.52 Classification codes and compatibility groups of explosives. (a) The classification..., consists of the division number followed by the compatibility group letter. Compatibility group letters are...

  1. Contrasting motivational orientation and evaluative coding accounts: on the need to differentiate the effectors of approach/avoidance responses.

    PubMed

    Kozlik, Julia; Neumann, Roland; Lozo, Ljubica

    2015-01-01

    Several emotion theorists suggest that valenced stimuli automatically trigger motivational orientations and thereby facilitate corresponding behavior. Positive stimuli were thought to activate approach motivational circuits which in turn primed approach-related behavioral tendencies whereas negative stimuli were supposed to activate avoidance motivational circuits so that avoidance-related behavioral tendencies were primed (motivational orientation account). However, recent research suggests that typically observed affective stimulus-response compatibility phenomena might be entirely explained in terms of theories accounting for mechanisms of general action control instead of assuming motivational orientations to mediate the effects (evaluative coding account). In what follows, we explore to what extent this notion is applicable. We present literature suggesting that evaluative coding mechanisms indeed influence a wide variety of affective stimulus-response compatibility phenomena. However, the evaluative coding account does not seem to be sufficient to explain affective S-R compatibility effects. Instead, several studies provide clear evidence in favor of the motivational orientation account that seems to operate independently of evaluative coding mechanisms. Implications for theoretical developments and future research designs are discussed.

  2. Contrasting motivational orientation and evaluative coding accounts: on the need to differentiate the effectors of approach/avoidance responses

    PubMed Central

    Kozlik, Julia; Neumann, Roland; Lozo, Ljubica

    2015-01-01

    Several emotion theorists suggest that valenced stimuli automatically trigger motivational orientations and thereby facilitate corresponding behavior. Positive stimuli were thought to activate approach motivational circuits which in turn primed approach-related behavioral tendencies whereas negative stimuli were supposed to activate avoidance motivational circuits so that avoidance-related behavioral tendencies were primed (motivational orientation account). However, recent research suggests that typically observed affective stimulus–response compatibility phenomena might be entirely explained in terms of theories accounting for mechanisms of general action control instead of assuming motivational orientations to mediate the effects (evaluative coding account). In what follows, we explore to what extent this notion is applicable. We present literature suggesting that evaluative coding mechanisms indeed influence a wide variety of affective stimulus–response compatibility phenomena. However, the evaluative coding account does not seem to be sufficient to explain affective S–R compatibility effects. Instead, several studies provide clear evidence in favor of the motivational orientation account that seems to operate independently of evaluative coding mechanisms. Implications for theoretical developments and future research designs are discussed. PMID:25983718

  3. Word-to-picture recognition is a function of motor components mappings at the stage of retrieval.

    PubMed

    Brouillet, Denis; Brouillet, Thibaut; Milhau, Audrey; Heurley, Loïc; Vagnot, Caroline; Brunel, Lionel

    2016-10-01

    Embodied approaches of cognition argue that retrieval involves the re-enactment of both sensory and motor components of the desired remembering. In this study, we investigated the effect of motor action performed to produce the response in a recognition task when this action is compatible with the affordance of the objects that have to be recognised. In our experiment, participants were first asked to learn a list of words referring to graspable objects, and then told to make recognition judgements on pictures. The pictures represented objects where the graspable part was either pointing to the same or to the opposite side of the "Yes" response key. Results show a robust effect of compatibility between objects affordance and response hand. Moreover, this compatibility improves participants' ability of discrimination, suggesting that motor components are relevant cue for memory judgement at the stage of retrieval in a recognition task. More broadly, our data highlight that memory judgements are a function of motor components mappings at the stage of retrieval. © 2015 International Union of Psychological Science.

  4. Optical modulation techniques for analog signal processing and CMOS compatible electro-optic modulation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gill, Douglas M.; Rasras, Mahmoud; Tu, Kun-Yii; Chen, Young-Kai; White, Alice E.; Patel, Sanjay S.; Carothers, Daniel; Pomerene, Andrew; Kamocsai, Robert; Beattie, James; Kopa, Anthony; Apsel, Alyssa; Beals, Mark; Mitchel, Jurgen; Liu, Jifeng; Kimerling, Lionel C.

    2008-02-01

    Integrating electronic and photonic functions onto a single silicon-based chip using techniques compatible with mass-production CMOS electronics will enable new design paradigms for existing system architectures and open new opportunities for electro-optic applications with the potential to dramatically change the management, cost, footprint, weight, and power consumption of today's communication systems. While broadband analog system applications represent a smaller volume market than that for digital data transmission, there are significant deployments of analog electro-optic systems for commercial and military applications. Broadband linear modulation is a critical building block in optical analog signal processing and also could have significant applications in digital communication systems. Recently, broadband electro-optic modulators on a silicon platform have been demonstrated based on the plasma dispersion effect. The use of the plasma dispersion effect within a CMOS compatible waveguide creates new challenges and opportunities for analog signal processing since the index and propagation loss change within the waveguide during modulation. We will review the current status of silicon-based electrooptic modulators and also linearization techniques for optical modulation.

  5. Direct ultrasensitive electrical detection of prostate cancer biomarkers with CMOS-compatible n- and p-type silicon nanowire sensor arrays.

    PubMed

    Gao, Anran; Lu, Na; Dai, Pengfei; Fan, Chunhai; Wang, Yuelin; Li, Tie

    2014-11-07

    Sensitive and quantitative analysis of proteins is central to disease diagnosis, drug screening, and proteomic studies. Here, a label-free, real-time, simultaneous and ultrasensitive prostate-specific antigen (PSA) sensor was developed using CMOS-compatible silicon nanowire field effect transistors (SiNW FET). Highly responsive n- and p-type SiNW arrays were fabricated and integrated on a single chip with a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) compatible anisotropic self-stop etching technique which eliminated the need for a hybrid method. The incorporated n- and p-type nanowires revealed complementary electrical response upon PSA binding, providing a unique means of internal control for sensing signal verification. The highly selective, simultaneous and multiplexed detection of PSA marker at attomolar concentrations, a level useful for clinical diagnosis of prostate cancer, was demonstrated. The detection ability was corroborated to be effective by comparing the detection results at different pH values. Furthermore, the real-time measurement was also carried out in a clinically relevant sample of blood serum, indicating the practicable development of rapid, robust, high-performance, and low-cost diagnostic systems.

  6. Lambertian white top-emitting organic light emitting device with carbon nanotube cathode

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Freitag, P.; Zakhidov, Al. A.; Luessem, B.; Zakhidov, A. A.; Leo, K.

    2012-12-01

    We demonstrate that white organic light emitting devices (OLEDs) with top carbon nanotube (CNT) electrodes show almost no microcavity effect and exhibit essentially Lambertian emission. CNT top electrodes were applied by direct lamination of multiwall CNT sheets onto white small molecule OLED stack. The devices show an external quantum efficiency of 1.5% and high color rendering index of 70. Due to elimination of the cavity effect, the devices show good color stability for different viewing angles. Thus, CNT electrodes are a viable alternative to thin semitransparent metallic films, where the strong cavity effect causes spectral shift and non-Lambertian angular dependence. Our method of the device fabrication is simple yet effective and compatible with virtually any small molecule organic semiconductor stack. It is also compatible with flexible substrates and roll-to-roll fabrication.

  7. Stimulus-response compatibility and psychological refractory period effects: implications for response selection

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Lien, Mei-Ching; Proctor, Robert W.

    2002-01-01

    The purpose of this paper was to provide insight into the nature of response selection by reviewing the literature on stimulus-response compatibility (SRC) effects and the psychological refractory period (PRP) effect individually and jointly. The empirical findings and theoretical explanations of SRC effects that have been studied within a single-task context suggest that there are two response-selection routes-automatic activation and intentional translation. In contrast, all major PRP models reviewed in this paper have treated response selection as a single processing stage. In particular, the response-selection bottleneck (RSB) model assumes that the processing of Task 1 and Task 2 comprises two separate streams and that the PRP effect is due to a bottleneck located at response selection. Yet, considerable evidence from studies of SRC in the PRP paradigm shows that the processing of the two tasks is more interactive than is suggested by the RSB model and by most other models of the PRP effect. The major implication drawn from the studies of SRC effects in the PRP context is that response activation is a distinct process from final response selection. Response activation is based on both long-term and short-term task-defined S-R associations and occurs automatically and in parallel for the two tasks. The final response selection is an intentional act required even for highly compatible and practiced tasks and is restricted to processing one task at a time. Investigations of SRC effects and response-selection variables in dual-task contexts should be conducted more systematically because they provide significant insight into the nature of response-selection mechanisms.

  8. Preparation and blood compatibility of polysiloxane/liquid-crystal composite membranes.

    PubMed

    Li, L; Tu, M; Mou, S; Zhou, C

    2001-10-01

    Polysiloxane/liquid crystal composite membrane was first suggested to be used as biomaterials. In this work, the polydimethyl-methylhydrosiloxane and polydimethyl-methylethylenesilosiane, as a substrate, were blended with cholesteryl oleyl carbonate (COC) in tetrahydrofuran, and then crosslinked into membranes on glass plates by means of the platinum catalyst at 110 degrees C for 20 min. The effects of the liquid-crystal content in composite membranes on the formation of liquid-crystal phase were verified by the observation of optical polarization microscopy. The relationship between the morphology of the composite membranes and blood compatibility was identified by the dynamic blood-clotting tests, haemolysis ratio measurement, platelet adhesion and SEM observation. The results show that the blood-compatibility of composite membranes with the concentration of liquid crystal 20, 30% (wt) is more excellent than that of other composite membranes.

  9. Assessing the MR compatibility of dental retainer wires at 7 Tesla.

    PubMed

    Wezel, Joep; Kooij, Bert Jan; Webb, Andrew G

    2014-10-01

    To determine the MR compatibility of common dental retainer wires at 7 Tesla in terms of potential RF heating and magnetic susceptibility effects. Electromagnetic simulations and experimental results were compared for dental retainer wires placed in tissue-mimicking phantoms. Simulations were then performed for a human model with wire in place. Finally, image quality was assessed for different scanning protocols and wires. Simulations and experimental data in phantoms agreed well, with the length of the wire correlating to maximum heating in phantoms being approximately 47 mm. Even in this case, no substantial heating occurs when scanning within the specific absorption rate (SAR) guidelines for the head. Image distortions from the most ferromagnetic dental wire were not significant for any brain region. Dental retainer wires appear to be MR compatible at 7 Tesla. Copyright © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  10. Effects of grasp compatibility on long-term memory for objects.

    PubMed

    Canits, Ivonne; Pecher, Diane; Zeelenberg, René

    2018-01-01

    Previous studies have shown action potentiation during conceptual processing of manipulable objects. In four experiments, we investigated whether these motor actions also play a role in long-term memory. Participants categorized objects that afforded either a power grasp or a precision grasp as natural or artifact by grasping cylinders with either a power grasp or a precision grasp. In all experiments, responses were faster when the affordance of the object was compatible with the type of grasp response. However, subsequent free recall and recognition memory tasks revealed no better memory for object pictures and object names for which the grasp affordance was compatible with the grasp response. The present results therefore do not support the hypothesis that motor actions play a role in long-term memory. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  11. A study on contraction of pneumatic artificial muscle (PAM) for load-lifting

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Najmuddin, W. S. W. A.; Mustaffa, M. T.

    2017-10-01

    Pneumatic Artificial Muscles (PAMs) have been known for its wide application in various aspects of industrial automation and robotic equipments. Many advantages in terms of high power-to-volume ratio, high power-to-weight ratio, stick-slip-free operation and high degree of safety offer by PAM compare to traditional actuators. However, behind this benefits lie a limitation of significant compatibility of PAM mechanism which have to be considered so as to fully understand how the PAM works during load-lifting. In this study, the mesh suitability experiment and the effect of force load on PAM contraction experiment have been carried out. PAM is constructed and compatibility of bladder and the braided mesh to produce uniform expansion is investigated. Moreover, the first experimental result of finding compatibility is used to verify the contraction value under various loads.

  12. Visual compatibility of defibrotide with selected drugs during simulated Y-site administration.

    PubMed

    Correard, Florian; Savry, Amandine; Gauthier-Villano, Laurence; Pisano, Pascale; Pourroy, Bertrand

    2014-08-01

    The visual compatibility of a solution of defibrotide (the only drug recommended for treatment and prophylaxis of hepatic venoocclusive disease) with solutions of various drugs commonly administered in bone marrow transplant procedures was studied. Solutions of 43 drug products in concentrations typically used in clinical practice were evaluated in 1:1 mixtures with defibrotide solution in glass tubes kept at room temperature. The evaluated products included antiinfectious, corticoid, sedative, analgesic, and cardiovascular agents widely used for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and other marrow transplant procedures; in most cases, test solutions were prepared via dilution in or reconstitution with sterile water, 0.9% sodium chloride injection, or 5% dextrose injection. The mixtures were visually observed immediately after manual mixing and at specified time points (60, 150, and 240 minutes). Visual compatibility was defined as the absence of color change, haze, fibers, particles, gas generation, and precipitate formation. The effect of mixing order on visual compatibility was ascertained. Of the 43 tested drug solutions, 36 were found to be visually compatible with the defibrotide solution over the entire four-hour study period. Solutions of 7 drugs (amikacin, furosemide, midazolam, mycophenolate mofetil, nicardipine, tobramycin, and vancomycin) were visually incompatible with defibrotide solution. In some cases, evidence of incompatibility was observed intermittently or was dependent on mixing order. Defibrotide solution was found to be visually compatible with solutions of 36 i.v. products that are likely to be coadministered with the drug in a bone marrow transplant unit. Seven drug solutions were visually incompatible with defibrotide solution. Copyright © 2014 by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. All rights reserved.

  13. Magnetic resonance imaging-compatible circular mapping catheter: an in vivo feasibility and safety study.

    PubMed

    Elbes, Delphine; Magat, Julie; Govari, Assaf; Ephrath, Yaron; Vieillot, Delphine; Beeckler, Christopher; Weerasooriya, Rukshen; Jais, Pierre; Quesson, Bruno

    2017-03-01

    Interventional cardiac catheter mapping is routinely guided by X-ray fluoroscopy, although radiation exposure remains a significant concern. Feasibility of catheter ablation for common flutter has recently been demonstrated under magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) guidance. The benefit of catheter ablation under MRI could be significant for complex arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation (AF), but MRI-compatible multi-electrode catheters such as Lasso have not yet been developed. This study aimed at demonstrating the feasibility and safety of using a multi-electrode catheter [magnetic resonance (MR)-compatible Lasso] during MRI for cardiac mapping. We also aimed at measuring the level of interference between MR and electrophysiological (EP) systems. Experiments were performed in vivo in sheep (N = 5) using a multi-electrode, circular, steerable, MR-compatible diagnostic catheter. The most common MRI sequences (1.5T) relevant for cardiac examination were run with the catheter positioned in the right atrium. High-quality electrograms were recorded while imaging with a maximal signal-to-noise ratio (peak-to-peak signal amplitude/peak-to-peak noise amplitude) ranging from 5.8 to 165. Importantly, MRI image quality was unchanged. Artefacts induced by MRI sequences during mapping were demonstrated to be compatible with clinical use. Phantom data demonstrated that this 10-pole circular catheter can be used safely with a maximum of 4°C increase in temperature. This new MR-compatible 10-pole catheter appears to be safe and effective. Combining MR and multipolar EP in a single session offers the possibility to correlate substrate information (scar, fibrosis) and EP mapping as well as online monitoring of lesion formation and electrical endpoint. Published on behalf of the European Society of Cardiology. All rights reserved. © The Author 2016. For permissions please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

  14. Off-design temperature effects on nuclear fuel pins for an advanced space-power-reactor concept

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Bowles, K. J.

    1974-01-01

    An exploratory out-of-reactor investigation was made of the effects of short-time temperature excursions above the nominal operating temperature of 990 C on the compatibility of advanced nuclear space-power reactor fuel pin materials. This information is required for formulating a reliable reactor safety analysis and designing an emergency core cooling system. Simulated uranium mononitride (UN) fuel pins, clad with tungsten-lined T-111 (Ta-8W-2Hf) showed no compatibility problems after heating for 8 hours at 2400 C. At 2520 C and above, reactions occurred in 1 hour or less. Under these conditions free uranium formed, redistributed, and attacked the cladding.

  15. A safe, effective, and facility compatible cleaning in place procedure for affinity resin in large-scale monoclonal antibody purification.

    PubMed

    Wang, Lu; Dembecki, Jill; Jaffe, Neil E; O'Mara, Brian W; Cai, Hui; Sparks, Colleen N; Zhang, Jian; Laino, Sarah G; Russell, Reb J; Wang, Michelle

    2013-09-20

    Cleaning-in-place (CIP) for column chromatography plays an important role in therapeutic protein production. A robust and efficient CIP procedure ensures product quality, improves column life time and reduces the cost of the purification processes, particularly for those using expensive affinity resins, such as MabSelect protein A resin. Cleaning efficiency, resin compatibility, and facility compatibility are the three major aspects to consider in CIP process design. Cleaning MabSelect resin with 50mM sodium hydroxide (NaOH) along with 1M sodium chloride is one of the most popular cleaning procedures used in biopharmaceutical industries. However, high concentration sodium chloride is a leading cause of corrosion in the stainless steel containers used in large scale manufacture. Corroded containers may potentially introduce metal contaminants into purified drug products. Therefore, it is challenging to apply this cleaning procedure into commercial manufacturing due to facility compatibility and drug safety concerns. This paper reports a safe, effective and environmental and facility-friendly cleaning procedure that is suitable for large scale affinity chromatography. An alternative salt (sodium sulfate) is used to prevent the stainless steel corrosion caused by sodium chloride. Sodium hydroxide and salt concentrations were optimized using a high throughput screening approach to achieve the best combination of facility compatibility, cleaning efficiency and resin stability. Additionally, benzyl alcohol is applied to achieve more effective microbial control. Based on the findings, the recommended optimum cleaning strategy is cleaning MabSelect resin with 25 mM NaOH, 0.25 M Na2SO4 and 1% benzyl alcohol solution every cycle, followed by a more stringent cleaning using 50 mM NaOH with 0.25 M Na2SO4 and 1% benzyl alcohol at the end of each manufacturing campaign. A resin life cycle study using the MabSelect affinity resin demonstrates that the new cleaning strategy prolongs resin life time and consistently delivers high purity drug products. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  16. Keep calm and don't stop growing: Non-consumptive effects of a sympatric predator on two invasive Ponto-Caspian gammarids Dikerogammarus villosus and Pontogammarus robustoides.

    PubMed

    Jermacz, Łukasz; Kobak, Jarosław

    2017-01-01

    Predators shape prey populations by elimination of individuals (consumptive effects) and by inducing modifications in prey behaviour, physiology or morphology (NCE-non-consumptive effects). Due to the resource allocation to defence, decreased feeding and higher stress, the costs of predator NCEs can be considerable. Therefore, the resistance to NCEs may be crucial for population growth and interspecific competition. We tested the resistance of Ponto-Caspian gammarids Dikerogammarus villosus and Pontogammarus robustoides to NCEs imposed by their predator, the racer goby Babka gymnotrachelus. As D. villosus is often avoided by predators in the presence of alternative food, we hypothesised that it would bear lower behavioural and physiological costs of anti-predator responses. We tested gammarid feeding in short-time experiments (2-4 h) with food (chironomid larvae) located at various distances from the stony shelter (to enforce food searching, Experiment I) or in the direct gammarid proximity (no searching needed, Experiment II). Moreover, we checked the predator effect on gammarid growth in a 2-week Experiment III. Both gammarids exposed to predators reduced feeding efficiency outside the shelter (Experiment I). Contrary to our expectations, the response of D. villosus was stronger. When food was provided in their direct proximity (Experiment II), the feeding of both species was unaffected by predators, indicating that a shelter supplied with food can reduce predator NCEs. The growth of P. robustoides was reduced in the presence of predators (Experiment III), whereas that of D. villosus was unaffected. Although D. villosus has a more effective defence strategy than P. robustoides, it bears similar or even higher behavioural costs of NCEs. However, it exhibits the higher resistance to the long-term predator presence, sustaining its growth rate under such conditions. This may be one of the factors contributing to the great invasion success of D. villosus, currently taking place in European fresh waters.

  17. Genetic quality and sexual selection: an integrated framework for good genes and compatible genes.

    PubMed

    Neff, Bryan D; Pitcher, Trevor E

    2005-01-01

    Why are females so choosy when it comes to mating? This question has puzzled and marveled evolutionary and behavioral ecologists for decades. In mating systems in which males provide direct benefits to the female or her offspring, such as food or shelter, the answer seems straightforward--females should prefer to mate with males that are able to provide more resources. The answer is less clear in other mating systems in which males provide no resources (other than sperm) to females. Theoretical models that account for the evolution of mate choice in such nonresource-based mating systems require that females obtain a genetic benefit through increased offspring fitness from their choice. Empirical studies of nonresource-based mating systems that are characterized by strong female choice for males with elaborate sexual traits (like the large tail of peacocks) suggest that additive genetic benefits can explain only a small percentage of the variation in fitness. Other research on genetic benefits has examined nonadditive effects as another source of genetic variation in fitness and a potential benefit to female mate choice. In this paper, we review the sexual selection literature on genetic quality to address five objectives. First, we attempt to provide an integrated framework for discussing genetic quality. We propose that the term 'good gene' be used exclusively to refer to additive genetic variation in fitness, 'compatible gene' be used to refer to nonadditive genetic variation in fitness, and 'genetic quality' be defined as the sum of the two effects. Second, we review empirical approaches used to calculate the effect size of genetic quality and discuss these approaches in the context of measuring benefits from good genes, compatible genes and both types of genes. Third, we discuss biological mechanisms for acquiring and promoting offspring genetic quality and categorize these into three stages during breeding: (i) precopulatory (mate choice); (ii) postcopulatory, prefertilization (sperm utilization); and (iii) postcopulatory, postfertilization (differential investment). Fourth, we present a verbal model of the effect of good genes sexual selection and compatible genes sexual selection on population genetic variation in fitness, and discuss the potential trade-offs that might exist between mate choice for good genes and mate choice for compatible genes. Fifth, we discuss some future directions for research on genetic quality and sexual selection.

  18. The interplay between the effectiveness of the grass-endophyte mutualism and the genetic variability of the host plant

    PubMed Central

    Gundel, Pedro E; Omacini, Marina; Sadras, Victor O; Ghersa, Claudio M

    2010-01-01

    Neotyphodium endophytic fungi, the asexual state of Epichloë species, protect cool-season grasses against stresses. The outcomes of Neotyphodium-grass symbioses are agronomically relevant as they may affect the productivity of pastures. It has been suggested that the mutualism is characteristic of agronomic grasses and that differential rates of gene flow between both partners’ populations are expected to disrupt the specificity of the association and, thus, the mutualism in wild grasses. We propose that compatibility is necessary but not sufficient to explain the outcomes of Neotyphodium-grass symbiosis, and advance a model that links genetic compatibility, mutualism effectiveness, and endophyte transmission efficiency. For endophytes that reproduce clonally and depend on allogamous hosts for reproduction and dissemination, we propose that this symbiosis works as an integrated entity where gene flow promotes its fitness and evolution. Compatibility between the host plant and the fungal endophyte would be high in genetically close parents; however, mutualism effectiveness and transmission efficiency would be low in fitness depressed host plants. Increasing the genetic distance of mating parents would increase mutualism effectiveness and transmission efficiency. This tendency would be broken when the genetic distance between parents is high (out-breeding depression). Our model allows for testable hypotheses that would contribute to understand the coevolutionary origin and future of the endophyte-grass mutualism. PMID:25567945

  19. On the functional role of human parietal cortex in number processing: How gender mediates the impact of a 'virtual lesion' induced by rTMS.

    PubMed

    Knops, Andre; Nuerk, Hans-Christoph; Sparing, Roland; Foltys, Henrik; Willmes, Klaus

    2006-01-01

    Areas around the horizontal part of the intraparietal sulcus (hIPS) have repeatedly been reported to participate in processing numerical magnitude. Using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), we investigated the functional role of the hIPS by examining two effects from the domain of numerical cognition: in magnitude comparison tasks response latencies are inversely related to the numerical distance between two numbers. This distance effect indexes access to the mental number representation. In magnitude comparison tasks responses are faster when decade and unit comparison would lead to the same decision (e.g. 42_57, 4 < 5 and 2 < 7) than when they would not (e.g. 47_62, 4 < 6 but 7 > 2). This compatibility effect reflects unit-decade integration processes. Differential susceptibility of (fe)male participants to TMS was examined. We applied repetitive TMS (rTMS; 1Hz for 10 min) over the left hIPS in 12 participants (6 female). No stimulation and vertex stimulation served as control conditions. The effect of rTMS was mediated by gender: in male participants, the distance effect decreased after TMS over hIPS. For female participants distance and compatibility effect both increased. This modulation of the compatibility effect was limited in duration to no more than 4 min. The hIPS seems to be functionally involved both in number magnitude processing and in integrating unit-decade magnitude information of two-digit numbers. Relative hemispheric specialization of the hIPS with respect to two-digit magnitude comparison is discussed.

  20. Valence-space compatibility effects depend on situated motor fluency in both right- and left-handers.

    PubMed

    Milhau, Audrey; Brouillet, Thibaut; Brouillet, Denis

    2015-01-01

    According to the body specificity hypothesis, the way we interact with our environment participates in our conceptualization of concepts and word meanings. For instance, valence is associated to horizontal space because of the motor fluency by which one acts with one's dominant hand. We propose that the decisive factor in the compatibility effects between valence and lateral actions is the interaction between the fluency of response movement and the situational constraints of the task. In a valence judgement task with positive and negative words, right-handers (Experiment 1) and left-handers (Experiment 2) responded with lateralized actions of either their dominant or their nondominant hand. To do so, we used a response device that was either congruent or noncongruent with the fluency of the response hand. Results highlighted that when the response device was congruent with the fluency of the responding hand, response times to positive evaluations were shorter than those to negative evaluations. Conversely, when the response device was noncongruent with the fluency of the responding hand, we observed faster responses for negative evaluations than for positive evaluations. Furthermore, we obtained similar patterns for right- and left-handers, supporting the idea that compatibility effects are driven by the situated fluency of the responding hand.

  1. Maternal effects, but no good or compatible genes for sperm competitiveness in Australian crickets.

    PubMed

    Dowling, Damian K; Nystrand, Magdalena; Simmons, Leigh W

    2010-05-01

    Explanations for the evolution of polyandry often center on the idea that females garner genetic benefits for their offspring by mating multiply. Furthermore, postcopulatory processes are thought to be fundamental to enabling polyandrous females to screen for genetic quality. Much attention has focused on the potential for polyandrous females to accrue such benefits via a sexy- or good-sperm mechanism, whereby additive variation exists among males in sperm competitiveness. Likewise, attention has focused on an alternative model, in which offspring quality (in this context, the sperm competitiveness of sons) hinges on an interaction between parental haplotypes (genetic compatibility). Sperm competitiveness that is contingent on parental compatibility will exhibit nonadditive genetic variation. We tested these models in the Australian cricket, Teleogryllus oceanicus, using a design that allowed us to partition additive, nonadditive genetic, and parental variance for sperm competitiveness. We found an absence of additive and nonadditive genetic variance in this species, challenging the direct relevance of either model to the evolution of sperm competitiveness in particular, and polyandry in general. Instead, we found maternal effects that were possibly sex-linked or cytoplasmically linked. We also found effects of focal male age on sperm competitiveness, with small increments in age conferring more competitive sperm.

  2. Effects of azadirachtin on Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae) and its compatibility with predatory mites (Acari: Phytoseiidae) on strawberry.

    PubMed

    Bernardi, Daniel; Botton, Marcos; da Cunha, Uemerson Silva; Bernardi, Oderlei; Malausa, Thibaut; Garcia, Mauro Silveira; Nava, Dori Edson

    2013-01-01

    The spider mite, Tetranychus urticae, is the major strawberry pest in Brazil. The main strategies for its control comprise synthetic acaricides and predatory mites. The recent register of a commercial formula of azadirachtin (Azamax(®) 12 g L(-1) ) can be viable for control of T. urticae. In this work, the effects of azadirachtin on T. urticae and its compatibility with predatory mites Neoseiulus californicus and Phytoseiulus macropilis in the strawberry crop were evaluated. Azadirachtin was efficient against T. urticae, with a mortality rate similar to that of abamectin. In addition, the azadirachtin showed lower biological persistence (7 days) than abamectin (21 days). Azadirachtin did not cause significant mortality of adult predatory mites (N. californicus and P. macropilis), but it did reduce fecundity by 50%. However, egg viability of the azadirachtin treatments was similar to that of the control (>80% viability). The use of azadirachtin and predatory mites is a valuable tool for controlling T. urticae in strawberry crop. Azadirachtin provided effective control of T. urticae and is compatible with the predatory mites N. californicus and P. macropilis. It is an excellent tool to be incorporated into integrated pest management for strawberry crop in Brazil. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry.

  3. Compatibility: drugs and parenteral nutrition

    PubMed Central

    Miranda, Talita Muniz Maloni; Ferraresi, Andressa de Abreu

    2016-01-01

    ABSTRACT Objective Standardization and systematization of data to provide quick access to compatibility of leading injectable drugs used in hospitals for parenteral nutrition. Methods We selected 55 injectable drugs analyzed individually with two types of parenteral nutrition: 2-in-1 and 3-in-1. The following variables were considered: active ingredient, compatibility of drugs with the parenteral nutrition with or without lipids, and maximum drug concentration after dilution for the drugs compatible with parenteral nutrition. Drugs were classified as compatible, incompatible and untested. Results After analysis, relevant information to the product’s compatibility with parental nutrition was summarized in a table. Conclusion Systematization of compatibility data provided quick and easy access, and enabled standardizing pharmacists work. PMID:27074235

  4. Body-part compatibility effects are modulated by the tendency for women to experience negative social comparative emotions and the body-type of the model.

    PubMed

    Pila, Eva; Jovanov, Kimberely; Welsh, Timothy N; Sabiston, Catherine M

    2017-01-01

    Although exposure to physique-salient media images of women's bodies has been consistently linked with negative psychological consequences, little is known about the cognitive processes that lead to these negative effects. The present study employed a novel adaptation of a computerized response time (RT) task to (i) assess implicit cognitive processing when exposed to the body of another individual, and (ii) examine individual differences in social comparative emotions that may influence the cognitive processing of human bodies. Adult females with low (n = 44) or high (n = 23) tendencies for comparative emotions completed a task in which they executed responses to coloured targets presented on the hands or feet of images of ultra-thin, average-size, and above average-size female models. Although the colour of the target is the only relevant target feature, it is typically found that the to-be-ignored location of the target on the body of the model influences RTs such that RTs are shorter when the target is on a body-part that is compatible with the responding limb (e.g., hand response when target was on hand) than on a body-part that is incompatible with the responding limb (e.g., hand response when target was on foot). Findings from the present study revealed that the magnitude of the body-part compatibility effect (i.e., the index of the cognitive processing of the model) was modulated by tendencies for affective body-related comparisons. Specifically, women who were prone to experiencing social comparative emotions demonstrated stronger and more consistent body-part compatibility effects across models. Therefore, women with higher social comparison tendencies have heightened processing of bodies at a neurocognitive level and may be at higher risk of the negative outcomes linked with physique-salient media exposure.

  5. Relationships between the floral neighborhood and individual pollen limitation in two self-incompatible herbs.

    PubMed

    Jakobsson, Anna; Lázaro, Amparo; Totland, Orjan

    2009-07-01

    Local flower density can affect pollen limitation and plant reproductive success through changes in pollinator visitation and availability of compatible pollen. Many studies have investigated the relationship between conspecific density and pollen limitation among populations, but less is known about within-population relationships and the effect of heterospecific flower density. In addition, few studies have explicitly assessed how the spatial scales at which flowers are monitored affect relationships. We investigated the effect of floral neighborhood on pollen limitation at four spatial scales in the self-incompatible herbs Armeria maritima spp. maritima and Ranunculus acris spp. acris. Moreover, we measured pollen deposition in Armeria and pollinator visits to Ranunculus. There was substantial variation in pollen limitation among Armeria individuals, and 25% of this variation was explained by the density of compatible and heterospecific flowers within a 3 m circle. Deposition of compatible pollen was affected by the density of compatible and incompatible inflorescences within a 0.5 m circle, and deposition of heterospecific pollen was affected by the density of heterospecific flowers within a 2 m circle. In Ranunculus, the number of pollinator visits was affected by both conspecific and heterospecific flower densities. This did not, however, result in effects of the floral neighborhood on pollen limitation, probably due to an absence of pollen limitation at the population level. Our study shows that considerable variation in pollen limitation may occur among individuals of a population, and that this variation is partly explained by floral neighborhood density. Such individual-based measures provide an important link between pollen limitation theory, which predicts ecological and evolutionary causes and consequences for individual plants, and studies of the effects of landscape fragmentation on plant species persistence. Our study also highlights the importance of considering multiple spatial scales to understand the spatial extent of pollination processes within a population.

  6. Body-part compatibility effects are modulated by the tendency for women to experience negative social comparative emotions and the body-type of the model

    PubMed Central

    Jovanov, Kimberely; Welsh, Timothy N.; Sabiston, Catherine M.

    2017-01-01

    Although exposure to physique-salient media images of women’s bodies has been consistently linked with negative psychological consequences, little is known about the cognitive processes that lead to these negative effects. The present study employed a novel adaptation of a computerized response time (RT) task to (i) assess implicit cognitive processing when exposed to the body of another individual, and (ii) examine individual differences in social comparative emotions that may influence the cognitive processing of human bodies. Adult females with low (n = 44) or high (n = 23) tendencies for comparative emotions completed a task in which they executed responses to coloured targets presented on the hands or feet of images of ultra-thin, average-size, and above average-size female models. Although the colour of the target is the only relevant target feature, it is typically found that the to-be-ignored location of the target on the body of the model influences RTs such that RTs are shorter when the target is on a body-part that is compatible with the responding limb (e.g., hand response when target was on hand) than on a body-part that is incompatible with the responding limb (e.g., hand response when target was on foot). Findings from the present study revealed that the magnitude of the body-part compatibility effect (i.e., the index of the cognitive processing of the model) was modulated by tendencies for affective body-related comparisons. Specifically, women who were prone to experiencing social comparative emotions demonstrated stronger and more consistent body-part compatibility effects across models. Therefore, women with higher social comparison tendencies have heightened processing of bodies at a neurocognitive level and may be at higher risk of the negative outcomes linked with physique-salient media exposure. PMID:28632746

  7. Physical compatibility of binary and ternary mixtures of morphine and methadone with other drugs for parenteral administration in palliative care.

    PubMed

    Destro, Massimo; Ottolini, Luca; Vicentini, Lorenza; Boschetti, Silvia

    2012-10-01

    The parenteral administration of combinations of drugs is often necessary in palliative medicine, particularly in the terminal stage of life, when patients are no longer able to take medication orally. The use of infusers to administer continuous subcutaneous infusions is a well-established practice in the palliative care setting and enables several drugs to be given simultaneously, avoiding the need for repeated administrations and the effects of peaks and troughs in the doses of medication. The method is also appreciated by patients and caregivers in the home care setting because the devices and infusion sites are easy to manage. Despite their frequent use, however, the mixtures of drugs adopted in clinical practice are sometimes not supported by reliable data concerning their chemical and physical compatibility. The present study investigates the chemical compatibility of binary mixtures (morphine with ketorolac) and the physical compatibility of binary (morphine or methadone with ketorolac) or ternary mixtures (morphine with ketorolac and/or haloperidol, and/or dexamethasone, and/or metoclopramide, and/or hyoscine butylbromide) with a view to reducing the aleatory nature of the empirical use of such combinations, thereby increasing their safety and clinical appropriateness.

  8. Studies of material and process compatibility in developing compact silicon vapor chambers

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Cai, Qingjun; Bhunia, Avijit; Tsai, Chialun; Kendig, Martin W.; DeNatale, Jeffrey F.

    2013-06-01

    The performance and long-term reliability of a silicon vapor chamber (SVC) developed for thermal management of high-power electronics critically depend on compatibility of the component materials. A hermetically sealed SVC presented in this paper is composed of bulk silicon, glass-frit as a bonding agent, lead/tin solder as an interface sealant and a copper charging tube. These materials, in the presence of a water/vapor environment, may chemically react and release noncondensable gas (NCG), which can weaken structural strength and degrade the heat transfer performance with time. The present work reports detailed studies on chemical compatibility of the components and potential solutions to avoid the resulting thermal performance degradation. Silicon surface oxidation and purification of operating liquid are necessary steps to reduce performance degradation in the transient period. A lead-based solder with its low reflow temperature is found to be electrochemically stable in water/vapor environment. High glazing temperature solidifies molecular bonding in glass-frit and mitigates PbO precipitation. Numerous liquid flushes guarantee removal of chemical residual after the charging tube is soldered to SVC. With these improvements on the SVC material and process compatibility, high effective thermal conductivity and steady heat transfer performance are obtained.

  9. Chemically induced graft copolymerization of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate onto polyurethane surface for improving blood compatibility

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    He, Chunli; Wang, Miao; Cai, Xianmei; Huang, Xiaobo; Li, Li; Zhu, Haomiao; Shen, Jian; Yuan, Jiang

    2011-11-01

    To improve hydrophilicity and blood compatibility properties of polyurethane (PU) film, we chemically induced graft copolymerization of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) onto the surface of polyurethane film using benzoyl peroxide as an initiator. The effects of grafting temperature, grafting time, monomer and initiator concentrations on the grafting yields were studied. The maximum grafting yield value was obtained 0.0275 g/cm2 for HEMA. Characterization of the films was carried out by attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), water contact angle measurements. ATR-FTIR data showed that HEMA was successfully grafted onto the PU films surface. Water contact angle measurement demonstrated the grafted films possessed a relatively hydrophilic surface. The blood compatibility of the grafted films was preliminarily evaluated by a platelet-rich plasma adhesion test and hemolysis test. The results of platelet adhesion experiment showed that polyurethane grafted polymerization with monomer of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate had good blood compatibility featured by the low platelet adhesion. Hemolysis rate of the PU-g-PHEMA films was dramatically decreased than the ungrafted PU films. This kind of new biomaterials grafted with HEMA monomers might have a potential usage for biomedical applications.

  10. Liquid oxygen-compatible filament-winding matrix resin

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Harrison, E. S.

    1973-01-01

    Polyurethanes derived from hydroxy terminated polyperfluoro propylene oxide prepolymers were evaluated as matrix resins for filament wound composites which would be exposed to liquid (and 100% gaseous) oxygen environments. A number of structural modifications were brought about by variations in prepolymer molecular weight, and alternative curing agents which allowed retention of the oxygen compatibility. Although satisfactory performance was achieved at sub-ambient temperatures, the derived composites suffered considerable property loss at ambient or slightly elevated temperatures. To attain overall effectiveness of the composite system, upgrading of the polymer thermomechanical properties must first be achieved.

  11. The DANTE Boltzmann transport solver: An unstructured mesh, 3-D, spherical harmonics algorithm compatible with parallel computer architectures

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

    McGhee, J.M.; Roberts, R.M.; Morel, J.E.

    1997-06-01

    A spherical harmonics research code (DANTE) has been developed which is compatible with parallel computer architectures. DANTE provides 3-D, multi-material, deterministic, transport capabilities using an arbitrary finite element mesh. The linearized Boltzmann transport equation is solved in a second order self-adjoint form utilizing a Galerkin finite element spatial differencing scheme. The core solver utilizes a preconditioned conjugate gradient algorithm. Other distinguishing features of the code include options for discrete-ordinates and simplified spherical harmonics angular differencing, an exact Marshak boundary treatment for arbitrarily oriented boundary faces, in-line matrix construction techniques to minimize memory consumption, and an effective diffusion based preconditioner formore » scattering dominated problems. Algorithm efficiency is demonstrated for a massively parallel SIMD architecture (CM-5), and compatibility with MPP multiprocessor platforms or workstation clusters is anticipated.« less

  12. A Magnetic Resonance Compatible Soft Wearable Robotic Glove for Hand Rehabilitation and Brain Imaging.

    PubMed

    Hong Kai Yap; Kamaldin, Nazir; Jeong Hoon Lim; Nasrallah, Fatima A; Goh, James Cho Hong; Chen-Hua Yeow

    2017-06-01

    In this paper, we present the design, fabrication and evaluation of a soft wearable robotic glove, which can be used with functional Magnetic Resonance imaging (fMRI) during the hand rehabilitation and task specific training. The soft wearable robotic glove, called MR-Glove, consists of two major components: a) a set of soft pneumatic actuators and b) a glove. The soft pneumatic actuators, which are made of silicone elastomers, generate bending motion and actuate finger joints upon pressurization. The device is MR-compatible as it contains no ferromagnetic materials and operates pneumatically. Our results show that the device did not cause artifacts to fMRI images during hand rehabilitation and task-specific exercises. This study demonstrated the possibility of using fMRI and MR-compatible soft wearable robotic device to study brain activities and motor performances during hand rehabilitation, and to unravel the functional effects of rehabilitation robotics on brain stimulation.

  13. Earth Observatory Satellite system definition study. Report no. 6: Space shuttle interfaces/utilization

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    1974-01-01

    The impacts of achieving compatibility of the Earth Observatory Satellite (EOS) with the space shuttle and the potential benefits of space shuttle utilization are discussed. Mission requirements and mission suitability, including the effects of multiple spacecraft missions, are addressed for the full spectrum of the missions. Design impact is assessed primarily against Mission B, but unique requirements reflected by Mission A, B, and C are addressed. The preliminary results indicated that the resupply mission had the most pronounced impact on spacecraft design and cost. Program costs are developed for the design changes necessary to achieve EOS-B compatibility with Space Shuttle operations. Non-recurring and recurring unit costs are determined, including development, test, ground support and logistics, and integration efforts. Mission suitability is addressed in terms of performance, volume, and center of gravity compatibility with both space shuttle and conventional launch vehicle capabilities.

  14. Challenges faced in the clinical application of artificial anal sphincters.

    PubMed

    Wang, Ming-hui; Zhou, Ying; Zhao, Shuang; Luo, Yun

    2015-09-01

    Fecal incontinence is an unresolved problem, which has a serious effect on patients, both physically and psychologically. For patients with severe symptoms, treatment with an artificial anal sphincter could be a potential option to restore continence. Currently, the Acticon Neosphincter is the only device certified by the US Food and Drug Administration. In this paper, the clinical safety and efficacy of the Acticon Neosphincter are evaluated and discussed. Furthermore, some other key studies on artificial anal sphincters are presented and summarized. In particular, this paper highlights that the crucial problem in this technology is to maintain long-term biomechanical compatibility between implants and surrounding tissues. Compatibility is affected by changes in both the morphology and mechanical properties of the tissues surrounding the implants. A new approach for enhancing the long-term biomechanical compatibility of implantable artificial sphincters is proposed based on the use of smart materials.

  15. In vitro studies of PBT Nonwoven Fabrics adsorbent for the removal of low density lipoprotein from hyperlipemia plasma

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Cao, Ye; Wang, Hong; Yang, Chao; Zhong, Rui; Lei, Yu; Sun, Kang; Liu, Jiaxin

    2011-06-01

    Polyanion ligands such as acrylic acid (AA) and heparin were grafted on PBT Nonwoven Fabrics (PBTNF) to study their effect on the adsorption of low density lipoprotein (LDL). These modified PBTNFs were characterized by Horizontal Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy and X-ray Photoelectron spectroscopy. The blood compatibilities of the modified PBTNFs were examined using in vitro hemolysis rate (HR), platelet adhesion, total protein (TP) and activated partial thromboplastin time. The results showed that direct immobilized heparin could improve PBTNF-PAA's blood compatibility and decrease the adsorption capability of useful high density lipoprotein, but would possess so low bioactivity that could not further improve the absorption of LDL and TC. Since the PBTNF-PAA55-Heparin adsorbent had quite good adsorption selectivity for these proteins, it can be an excellent candidate for depletion of LDL with good blood compatibility.

  16. Mo doped DLC nanocomposite coatings with improved mechanical and blood compatibility properties

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tang, X. S.; Wang, H. J.; Feng, L.; Shao, L. X.; Zou, C. W.

    2014-08-01

    Mo (molybdenum) doped diamond like carbon (Mo-DLC) coatings with improved mechanical and blood compatibility properties were deposited by closed field unbalanced magnetron sputtering. The undoped and Mo-doped DLC coatings were analyzed by various characterization techniques such as Raman spectra, Atomic force microscopy, and temperature-dependent frictional wear testing. The results showed that the Mo-DLC coating with low Mo concentration was a effective protective coating with reduced residual stress and increased cohesive strength, and kept good wear resistance at the ambient temperature of 500 °C. The blood compatibility of Mo-DLC coatings was investigated by platelet adhesion. The results showed that the amount of thrombus on the Mo-DLC nanocomposite coatings was much less than that of thrombus on pyrolytic carbon films. The Mo-DLC nanocomposite coatings would be a new kind of promising materials applied to artificial heart valve and endovascula stent.

  17. Looking back in time: self-concept change affects visual perspective in autobiographical memory.

    PubMed

    Libby, Lisa K; Eibach, Richard P

    2002-02-01

    People who change often report that their old selves seem like "different people." Correlational (Study 1) and experimental (Studies 2 and 3) studies showed that participants tended to use a 3rd-person observer perspective when visualizing memories of actions that conflicted with their current self-concept. A similar pattern emerged when participants imagined performing actions that varied in self-concept compatibility (Study 4). The authors conclude that on-line judgments of an action's self-concept compatibility affect the perspective used for image construction. Study 5 shows applied implications. Use of the 3rd-person perspective when recalling past episodes of overindulgent eating was related to optimism about behaving differently at an upcoming Thanksgiving dinner. The authors discuss the effect of self-concept compatibility on cognitive and emotional reactions to past actions and consider the role of causal attributions in defining the self across time.

  18. Figure-ground asymmetries in the Implicit Association Test (IAT).

    PubMed

    Rothermund, K; Wentura, D

    2001-01-01

    Based on the assumption that binary classification tasks are often processed asymmetrically (figure-ground asymmetries), two experiments showed that association alone cannot account for effects observed in the Implicit Association Test (IAT). Experiment 1 (N = 16) replicated a standard version of the IAT effect using old vs. young names as target categories and good and bad words as attribute categories. However, reliable compatibility effects were also found for a modified version of the task in which neutral words vs. nonwords instead of good vs. bad words were used as attribute categories. In Experiment 2 (N = 8), a reversed IAT effect was observed after the figure-ground asymmetry in the target dimension had been inverted by a previous go/nogo detection task in which participants searched for exemplars of the category "young." The experiments support the hypothesis that figure-ground asymmetries produce compatibility effects in the IAT and suggest that IAT effects do not rely exclusively on evaluative associations between the target and attribute categories.

  19. Effects of visual cue and response assignment on spatial stimulus coding in stimulus-response compatibility.

    PubMed

    Nishimura, Akio; Yokosawa, Kazuhiko

    2012-01-01

    Tlauka and McKenna ( 2000 ) reported a reversal of the traditional stimulus-response compatibility (SRC) effect (faster responding to a stimulus presented on the same side than to one on the opposite side) when the stimulus appearing on one side of a display is a member of a superordinate unit that is largely on the opposite side. We investigated the effects of a visual cue that explicitly shows a superordinate unit, and of assignment of multiple stimuli within each superordinate unit to one response, on the SRC effect based on superordinate unit position. Three experiments revealed that stimulus-response assignment is critical, while the visual cue plays a minor role, in eliciting the SRC effect based on the superordinate unit position. Findings suggest bidirectional interaction between perception and action and simultaneous spatial stimulus coding according to multiple frames of reference, with contribution of each coding to the SRC effect flexibly varying with task situations.

  20. Electromagnetic Compatibility Design of the Computer Circuits

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zitai, Hong

    2018-02-01

    Computers and the Internet have gradually penetrated into every aspect of people’s daily work. But with the improvement of electronic equipment as well as electrical system, the electromagnetic environment becomes much more complex. Electromagnetic interference has become an important factor to hinder the normal operation of electronic equipment. In order to analyse the computer circuit compatible with the electromagnetic compatibility, this paper starts from the computer electromagnetic and the conception of electromagnetic compatibility. And then, through the analysis of the main circuit and system of computer electromagnetic compatibility problems, we can design the computer circuits in term of electromagnetic compatibility. Finally, the basic contents and methods of EMC test are expounded in order to ensure the electromagnetic compatibility of equipment.

  1. Compatibility Conditions of Structural Mechanics

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Patnaik, Surya N.; Coroneos, Rula M.; Hopkins, Dale A.

    1999-01-01

    The theory of elasticity has camouflaged a deficiency in the compatibility formulation since 1860. In structures the ad hoc compatibility conditions through virtual "cuts" and closing "gaps" are not parallel to the strain formulation in elasticity. This deficiency in the compatibility conditions has prevented the development of a direct stress determination method in structures and in elasticity. We have addressed this deficiency and attempted to unify the theory of compatibility. This work has led to the development of the integrated force method for structures and the completed Beltrami-Michell formulation for elasticity. The improved accuracy observed in the solution of numerical examples by the integrated force method can be attributed to the compliance of the compatibility conditions. Using the compatibility conditions allows mapping of variables and facile movement among different structural analysis formulations. This paper reviews and illustrates the requirement of compatibility in structures and in elasticity. It also describes the generation of the conditions and quantifies the benefits of their use. The traditional analysis methods and available solutions (which have been obtained bypassing the missed conditions) should be verified for compliance of the compatibility conditions.

  2. Inverting the joint Simon effect by intention.

    PubMed

    Kiernan, Dovin; Ray, Matthew; Welsh, Timothy N

    2012-10-01

    The joint Simon effect (JSE) is a spatial-compatibility effect that emerges when two people complete complementary components of a Simon task. In typical JSE studies, two participants sit beside each other and perform go-no-go tasks in which they respond to one of two stimuli by pressing a button. According to the action co-representation account, JSEs emerge because each participant represents their partner's response in addition to their own, causing the same conflicts in processing that would occur if an individual responded to both stimuli (i.e., as in a two-choice task). Because the response buttons are typically in front of participants, however, an alternative explanation is that JSEs are the result of a dimensional overlap between target and response locations coded with respect to another salient object (e.g., the co-actor's effector). To contrast these hypotheses, the participants in the present study completed two-choice and joint Simon tasks in which they were asked to focus on generating an aftereffect in the space contralateral to their response. Hommel (Psychological Research 55:270-279, 1993) previously reported that, when participants completed a two-choice task under such effect-focused instructions, spatial-compatibility effects emerged that were based on the aftereffect location instead of the response location. Consistent with the co-representation account, the results of the present study were that an inverse aftereffect-based (i.e., not a response-location-based) compatibility effect was observed in both the two-choice and joint tasks. The overall pattern of results does not fit with the spatial-coding account and is discussed in the context of the extant JSE literature.

  3. The Compatibility Effect Of Coupling Agent On Rheological-Morphological Relationship Of Banana Fibre Reinforced Polypropylene

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

    Chang, S. Y.; Shamsudin, Z.

    The rheological properties of banana fibre reinforced polypropylene (PP/BF) composites at different composition were analysed using Shimadzu capillary rheometer. The effect of coupling agent concentration on the rheological properties was studied and followed by drawing a relationship of rheological-morphological properties of PP/BF composites. It was found that all composite system exhibits pseudoplasticity and incorporation of treated fibres consequents enhanced viscosity due to improved interfacial adhesion at fibre-matrix interface. However, it was observed that PP/BF composite with 2 wt% silane concentration does not yield further enhancement in the rheological properties when compared to that of 1 wt%. Composites with 1 wt%more » silane concentration were found to yield most promising compatibility effect with well-oriented and uniformly dispersed fibre morphology.« less

  4. Effects of /spl gamma/-rays on JFET devices and circuits fabricated in a detector-compatible Process

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Betta, G. F. D.; Manghisoni, M.; Ratti, L.; Re, V.; Speziali, V.; Traversi, G.

    2003-12-01

    This work is concerned with the effects of /spl gamma/-rays on the static, signal and noise characteristics of JFET-based circuits belonging to a fabrication technology made available by the Istituto per la Ricerca Scientifica e Tecnologica (ITC-IRST), Trento, Italy. Such a process has been tuned with the aim of monolithically integrating the readout electronics on the same highly resistive substrate as multielectrode silicon detectors. The radiation tolerance of some test structures, including single devices and charge sensitive amplifiers, was studied in view of low-noise applications in industrial and medical imaging, X- and /spl gamma/-ray astronomy and high energy physics experiments. This paper intends to fill the gap in the study of gamma radiation effects on JFET devices and circuits belonging to detector-compatible technologies.

  5. The interdisciplinary effect of hands-on science as measured by the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Cherry, Elvis H.

    This study examined the difference in scale scores from Tennessee's standardized test the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP). Archival data from the years 2002 and 2005 were compared using ANOVA tests at < .01 and < .05 levels. TCAP/NCE Scale Scores for academic subjects of Science, Math, Social Studies and Reading were used. 3922 student test results were divided into groups based on the number of years the student had a trained hands-on science teacher. Trained hands-on science teachers were identified from Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) Science Department inservice records, which gave information on the teacher's participation in The Hands-on Science Initiative, Biology Gateway and Physical Science training. This information included not only that the teacher had be trained but also the dates of training. The study revealed 1600 students who attended MNPS between the years 2002 and 2005; in grades five through seven that never had a hands-on science trained teacher. About 1600 students in those same years had a hands-on science teacher for only one year, and 588 students had a hands-on science teacher for two of the three years. Lastly of the 3922 students in the study there were 44 students who had a hands-on science teacher for all three years. The results of the ANOVA test showed statistically significant gains in science, math and social studies but not in reading for students who had trained hands-on science teachers for at least one year.

  6. L Band Service Compatibility : Part II: Optimum GPS Receiver ABI Compatibility

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    2015-03-12

    Workshop Objectives. This is the Second of Two Parts on Compatibility. Last time, OOBE. Today examine mitigation of Adjacent Band Interference, ABI. Apply Relevant TWG and NPEF (2011) data to engage compatibility analysis. Assert Principle: Dr. Brad ...

  7. Is cost-effective healthcare compatible with publicly financed academic medical centres?

    PubMed

    Chia, Whay Kuang; Toh, Han Chong

    2013-01-01

    Probably more than any country, Singapore has made significant investment into the biomedical enterprise as a proportion of its economy and size. This focus recently witnessed a shift towards a greater emphasis on translational and clinical development. Key to the realisation of this strategy will be Academic Medical Centres (AMCs), as a principal tool to developing and applying useful products for the market and further improving health outcomes. Here, we explore the principal value proposition of the AMC to Singapore society and its healthcare system. We question if the values inherent within academic medicine--that of inquiry, innovation, pedagogy and clinical exceptionalism--can be compatible with the seemingly paradoxical mandate of providing cost-effective or rationed healthcare.

  8. Silicon-compatible high-hole-mobility transistor with an undoped germanium channel for low-power application

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Cho, Seongjae; Man Kang, In; Rok Kim, Kyung; Park, Byung-Gook; Harris, James S.

    2013-11-01

    In this work, Ge-based high-hole-mobility transistor with Si compatibility is designed, and its performance is evaluated. A 2-dimensional hole gas is effectively constructed by a AlGaAs/Ge/Si heterojunction with a sufficiently large valence band offset. Moreover, an intrinsic Ge channel is exploited so that high hole mobility is preserved without dopant scattering. Effects of design parameters such as gate length, Ge channel thickness, and aluminum fraction in the barrier material on device characteristics are thoroughly investigated through device simulations. A high on-current above 30 μA/μm along with a low subthreshold swing was obtained from an optimized planar device for low-power applications.

  9. A METHOD FOR DETERMINING THE COMPATIBILITY OF HAZARDOUS WASTES

    EPA Science Inventory

    This report describes a method for determining the compatibility of the binary combinations of hazardous wastes. The method consists of two main parts, namely: (1) the step-by-step compatibility analysis procedures, and (2) the hazardous wastes compatibility chart. The key elemen...

  10. Non-aqueous cleaning solvent substitution

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Meier, Gerald J.

    1994-01-01

    A variety of environmental, safety, and health concerns exist over use of chlorinated and fluorinated cleaning solvents. Sandia National Laboratories, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratories, and the Kansas City Division of AlliedSignal have combined efforts to focus on finding alternative cleaning solvents and processes which are effective, environmentally safe, and compliant with local, state, and federal regulations. An alternative solvent has been identified, qualified, and implemented into production of complex electronic assemblies, where aqueous and semi-aqueous cleaning processes are not allowed. Extensive compatibility studies were performed with components, piece-parts, and materials. Electrical testing and accelerated aging were used to screen for detrimental, long-term effects. A terpene, d-limonene, was selected as the solvent of choice, and it was found to be compatible with the components and materials tested. A brief history of the overall project will be presented, along with representative cleaning efficiency results, compatibility results, and residual solvent data. The electronics industry is constantly searching for proven methods and environmentally-safe materials to use in manufacturing processes. The information in this presentation will provide another option to consider on future projects for applications requiring high levels of quality, reliability, and cleanliness from non-aqueous cleaning processes.

  11. Task-set inertia and memory-consolidation bottleneck in dual tasks.

    PubMed

    Koch, Iring; Rumiati, Raffaella I

    2006-11-01

    Three dual-task experiments examined the influence of processing a briefly presented visual object for deferred verbal report on performance in an unrelated auditory-manual reaction time (RT) task. RT was increased at short stimulus-onset asynchronies (SOAs) relative to long SOAs, showing that memory consolidation processes can produce a functional processing bottleneck in dual-task performance. In addition, the experiments manipulated the spatial compatibility of the orientation of the visual object and the side of the speeded manual response. This cross-task compatibility produced relative RT benefits only when the instruction for the visual task emphasized overlap at the level of response codes across the task sets (Experiment 1). However, once the effective task set was in place, it continued to produce cross-task compatibility effects even in single-task situations ("ignore" trials in Experiment 2) and when instructions for the visual task did not explicitly require spatial coding of object orientation (Experiment 3). Taken together, the data suggest a considerable degree of task-set inertia in dual-task performance, which is also reinforced by finding costs of switching task sequences (e.g., AC --> BC vs. BC --> BC) in Experiment 3.

  12. Platelet compatibility of magnesium alloys.

    PubMed

    Yahata, Chie; Mochizuki, Akira

    2017-09-01

    Lately, Mg alloys have been investigated as a new class of biomaterials owing to their excellent biodegradability and biocompatibility. It has previously been reported that the in vitro compatibility of a Mg alloy containing aluminum and zinc (AZ) alloy with the blood coagulation system is excellent due to Mg 2+ ions eluting from the alloy. In this study, the compatibility of the AZ alloy with platelets was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and flow cytometry. In the flow cytometry analysis, the platelets were stained using PAC-1 and P-selectin antibodies. SEM images and PAC-1 analyses showed no negative effects on the platelets, whereas P-selectin analysis showed marked platelet activation. To understand these contradictory results, the amount of β-thromboglobulin (β-TG) released from the platelets was investigated. From that investigation, it was concluded that platelets are markedly activated by the alloys. In addition to clarifying divergent results depending on the analysis method used, the effects of Mg 2+ ions and pH on platelet activation were studied. These results show that platelet activation is caused by an increase in pH at the alloy surface owing to the erosion of the alloy. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  13. The effect of bioadhesive on the interfacial compatibility and pervaporation performance of composite membranes by MD and GCMC simulation.

    PubMed

    Wang, Baohe; Nie, Yan; Ma, Jing

    2018-03-01

    Combing molecular dynamics (MD) and Grand Canonical Monte Carlo (GCMC) simulation, the effect of bioadhesive transition layer on the interfacial compatibility of the pervaporation composite membranes, and the pervaporation performance toward penetrant molecules were investigated. In our previous experimental study, the structural stability and permeability selectivity of the composite membranes were considerably enhanced by the introduction of bioadhesive carbopol (CP). In the present study, the interfacial compatibility and the interfacial energies between the chitosan (CS) separation layer, CP transition layer and the support layer were investigated, respectively. The mobility of polymer chains, free volume in bulk and interface regions were evaluated by the mean-square displacement (MSD) and free volume voids (FFV) analysis. The diffusion and sorption behavior of water/ethanol molecules in bulk and interface regions were characterized. The simulation results of membrane structure have good consistency, indicating that the introduction of CP transition layer improved the interfacial compatibility and interaction between the separation layer and the support layer. Comparing the bulk region of the separation layer, the mobility and free volume of the polymer chain in the interface region decreased and thus reduced the swelling of CS active layer, revealing the increased diffusion selectivity toward the permeated water and ethanol molecules. The strong hydrogen bonds interaction between the COOH of the CP transition layer and water molecules increased the adsorption of water molecules in the interface region. The simulation results were quite consistent with the experimental results. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  14. Tailoring of the titanium surface by immobilization of heparin/fibronectin complexes for improving blood compatibility and endothelialization: an in vitro study.

    PubMed

    Li, Guicai; Yang, Ping; Liao, Yuzhen; Huang, Nan

    2011-04-11

    To improve the blood compatibility and endothelialization simultaneously and to ensure the long-term effectiveness of the cardiovascular implants, we developed a surface modification method, enabling the coimmobilization of biomolecules to metal surfaces. In the present study, a heparin and fibronectin mixture (Hep/Fn) covalently immobilized on a titanium (Ti) substrate for biocompatibility was investigated. Different systems [N-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-N'-ethylcarbodiimide and N-hydroxysuccinimide, electrostatic] were used for the formation of Hep/Fn layers. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) showed that the roughness of the silanized Ti surface decreased after the immobilization of Hep/Fn. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Toluidine Blue O (TBO) test, and immunochemistry assay showed that Hep/Fn mixture was successfully immobilized on Ti surface. Blood compatibility tests (hemolysis rate, APTT, platelet adhesion, fibrinogen conformational change) showed that the coimmobilized films of Hep/Fn mixture reduced blood hemolysis rate, prolonged blood coagulation time, reduced platelets activation and aggregation, and induced less fibrinogen conformational change compared with a bare Ti surface. Endothelial cell (EC) seeding showed more EC with better morphology on pH 4 samples than on pH 7 and EDC/NHS samples, which showed rounded and aggregated cells. Systematic evaluation showed that the pH 4 samples also had much better blood compatibility. All results suggest that the coimmobilized films of Hep/Fn can confer excellent antithrombotic properties and with good endothelialization. We envisage that this method will provide a potential and effective solution for the surface modification of cardiovascular implant materials.

  15. Differential effects of rare specific flavonoids on compatible and incompatible strains in the Myrica gale-Frankia actinorhizal symbiosis.

    PubMed

    Popovici, Jean; Comte, Gilles; Bagnarol, Emilie; Alloisio, Nicole; Fournier, Pascale; Bellvert, Floriant; Bertrand, Cédric; Fernandez, Maria P

    2010-04-01

    Plant secondary metabolites, and specifically phenolics, play important roles when plants interact with their environment and can act as weapons or positive signals during biotic interactions. One such interaction, the establishment of mutualistic nitrogen-fixing symbioses, typically involves phenolic-based recognition mechanisms between host plants and bacterial symbionts during the early stages of interaction. While these mechanisms are well studied in the rhizobia-legume symbiosis, little is known about the role of plant phenolics in the symbiosis between actinorhizal plants and Frankia genus strains. In this study, the responsiveness of Frankia strains to plant phenolics was correlated with their symbiotic compatibility. We used Myrica gale, a host species with narrow symbiont specificity, and a set of compatible and noncompatible Frankia strains. M. gale fruit exudate phenolics were extracted, and 8 dominant molecules were purified and identified as flavonoids by high-resolution spectroscopic techniques. Total fruit exudates, along with two purified dihydrochalcone molecules, induced modifications of bacterial growth and nitrogen fixation according to the symbiotic specificity of strains, enhancing compatible strains and inhibiting incompatible ones. Candidate genes involved in these effects were identified by a global transcriptomic approach using ACN14a strain whole-genome microarrays. Fruit exudates induced differential expression of 22 genes involved mostly in oxidative stress response and drug resistance, along with the overexpression of a whiB transcriptional regulator. This work provides evidence for the involvement of plant secondary metabolites in determining symbiotic specificity and expands our understanding of the mechanisms, leading to the establishment of actinorhizal symbioses.

  16. Mirror neuron activation as a function of explicit learning: changes in mu-event-related power after learning novel responses to ideomotor compatible, partially compatible, and non-compatible stimuli.

    PubMed

    Behmer, Lawrence P; Fournier, Lisa R

    2016-11-01

    Questions regarding the malleability of the mirror neuron system (MNS) continue to be debated. MNS activation has been reported when people observe another person performing biological goal-directed behaviors, such as grasping a cup. These findings support the importance of mapping goal-directed biological behavior onto one's motor repertoire as a means of understanding the actions of others. Still, other evidence supports the Associative Sequence Learning (ASL) model which predicts that the MNS responds to a variety of stimuli after sensorimotor learning, not simply biological behavior. MNS activity develops as a consequence of developing stimulus-response associations between a stimulus and its motor outcome. Findings from the ideomotor literature indicate that stimuli that are more ideomotor compatible with a response are accompanied by an increase in response activation compared to less compatible stimuli; however, non-compatible stimuli robustly activate a constituent response after sensorimotor learning. Here, we measured changes in the mu-rhythm, an EEG marker thought to index MNS activity, predicting that stimuli that differ along dimensions of ideomotor compatibility should show changes in mirror neuron activation as participants learn the respective stimulus-response associations. We observed robust mu-suppression for ideomotor-compatible hand actions and partially compatible dot animations prior to learning; however, compatible stimuli showed greater mu-suppression than partially or non-compatible stimuli after explicit learning. Additionally, non-compatible abstract stimuli exceeded baseline only after participants explicitly learned the motor responses associated with the stimuli. We conclude that the empirical differences between the biological and ASL accounts of the MNS can be explained by Ideomotor Theory. © 2016 Federation of European Neuroscience Societies and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  17. The Catastrophe Revisited

    PubMed Central

    Ratner, Buddy D.

    2007-01-01

    The biomaterials community has been unable to accurately assign the term “blood compatible” to a biomaterial in spite of 50 years of intensive research on the subject. There is no clear consensus as to which materials are “blood compatible.” There are no standardized methods to assess blood compatibility. Since we use millions of devices in contact with blood each year, it is imperative we give serious thought to this intellectual catastrophe. In this perspective, I consider five hypotheses as to why progress has been slow in evolving a clear understanding of blood compatibility: Hypothesis 1 -- It is impossible to make a blood compatible material. Hypothesis 2 -- We do not understand the biology behind blood compatibility. Hypothesis 3 -- We do not understand how to test for or evaluate blood compatibility. Hypothesis 4 -- Certain materials of natural origin seem to show better blood compatibility but we do not know how to exploit this concept. Hypothesis 5 -- We now have better blood compatible materials but the regulatory and economic climate prevent adoption in clinical practice. PMID:17689608

  18. Influence of auditory and audiovisual stimuli on the right-left prevalence effect.

    PubMed

    Vu, Kim-Phuong L; Minakata, Katsumi; Ngo, Mary Kim

    2014-01-01

    When auditory stimuli are used in two-dimensional spatial compatibility tasks, where the stimulus and response configurations vary along the horizontal and vertical dimensions simultaneously, a right-left prevalence effect occurs in which horizontal compatibility dominates over vertical compatibility. The right-left prevalence effects obtained with auditory stimuli are typically larger than that obtained with visual stimuli even though less attention should be demanded from the horizontal dimension in auditory processing. In the present study, we examined whether auditory or visual dominance occurs when the two-dimensional stimuli are audiovisual, as well as whether there will be cross-modal facilitation of response selection for the horizontal and vertical dimensions. We also examined whether there is an additional benefit of adding a pitch dimension to the auditory stimulus to facilitate vertical coding through use of the spatial-musical association of response codes (SMARC) effect, where pitch is coded in terms of height in space. In Experiment 1, we found a larger right-left prevalence effect for unimodal auditory than visual stimuli. Neutral, non-pitch coded, audiovisual stimuli did not result in cross-modal facilitation, but did show evidence of visual dominance. The right-left prevalence effect was eliminated in the presence of SMARC audiovisual stimuli, but the effect influenced horizontal rather than vertical coding. Experiment 2 showed that the influence of the pitch dimension was not in terms of influencing response selection on a trial-to-trial basis, but in terms of altering the salience of the task environment. Taken together, these findings indicate that in the absence of salient vertical cues, auditory and audiovisual stimuli tend to be coded along the horizontal dimension and vision tends to dominate audition in this two-dimensional spatial stimulus-response task.

  19. Inverse Target- and Cue-Priming Effects of Masked Stimuli

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Mattler, Uwe

    2007-01-01

    The processing of a visual target that follows a briefly presented prime stimulus can be facilitated if prime and target stimuli are similar. In contrast to these positive priming effects, inverse priming effects (or negative compatibility effects) have been found when a mask follows prime stimuli before the target stimulus is presented: Responses…

  20. Inheritance of graft compatibility in Douglas fir.

    Treesearch

    D.L. Copes

    1973-01-01

    Graft compatibility of genetically related and unrelated rootstock-scion combinations was compared. Scion clones were 75% compatible when grafted on half-related rootstocks but only 56% compatible when grafted on unrelated rootstocks. Most variance associated with graft incompatibility in Douglas-fir appears to be caused by multiple genes.

  1. Preformulation considerations for controlled release dosage forms. Part I. Selecting candidates.

    PubMed

    Chrzanowski, Frank

    2008-01-01

    The physical-chemical properties of interest for controlled release (CR) dosage form development presented are based on the author's experience. Part I addresses selection of the final form based on a logical progression of physical-chemical properties evaluation of candidate forms and elimination of forms with undesirable properties from further evaluation in order to simplify final form selection. Several candidate forms which could include salt, free base or acid, polymorphic and amorphic forms of a new chemical entity (NCE) or existing drug substance (DS) are prepared and evaluated for critical properties in a scheme relevant to manufacturing processes, predictive of problems, requiring small amounts of test materials and simple analytical tools. A stability indicating assay is not needed to initiate the evaluation. This process is applicable to CR and immediate release (IR) dosage form development. The critical properties evaluated are melting, crystallinity, solubilities in water, 0.1 N HCl, and SIF, hygrodymamics, i.e., moisture sorption and loss at extremes of RH, and LOD at typical wet granulation drying conditions, and processability, i.e., corrosivity, and filming and/or sticking upon compression.

  2. FY 1998/1999 Defense Budget Review Descriptive Summaries

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1996-09-01

    OA 4J0 0.Ia0 04406 (A 4J -H 0 93 .441 1V 0U 0 $4 v00$ ,,4 4J ý’~4 ’A0’ V) 4 10 rio o 410wa4 0) O .4v CL0 0ki % 0410 4 0S - -M 44 0 oC0 005o H~r...ý . 4 .𔃾 d C)cl a & a J 4 4r 4. ) 0 1 a.J10f ý4.C 14 a 1:6 Im pa4~) w-~ ’.4 0 0 ; - 4 td 0 NC)E CN N 0 12 . 0-4 Q40 $4 )1 ~ u 4 004 to 0 0 )4 4b...41 4)QC) fd)" 004O W . 41 $4 d 44 41o r. 4 1$ to -4 C3 02 4 JQ m t 4.44 MOO 0Cr. td 01 ’UHO 4.) 0 -r4 F a I o 1U 0 r 4.) 0%0) T)aC o In a f- 49 r4 41

  3. Current and Future Research at DANCE

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jandel, M.; Baramsai, B.; Bredeweg, T. A.; Couture, A.; Hayes, A.; Kawano, T.; Mosby, S.; Rusev, G.; Stetcu, I.; Taddeucci, T. N.; Talou, P.; Ullmann, J. L.; Walker, C. L.; Wilhelmy, J. B.

    2015-05-01

    An overview of the current experimental program on measurements of neutron capture and neutron induced fission at the Detector for Advanced Neutron Capture Experiments (DANCE) is presented. Three major projects are currently under way: 1) high precision measurements of neutron capture cross sections on Uranium isotopes, 2) research aimed at studies of the short-lived actinide isomer production in neutron capture on 235U and 3) measurements of correlated data of fission observables. New projects include developments of auxiliary detectors to improve the capability of DANCE. We are building a compact, segmented NEUtron detector Array at DANCE (NEUANCE), which will be installed in the central cavity of the DANCE array. It will provide experimental information on prompt fission neutrons in coincidence with the prompt fission gamma-rays measured by 160 BaF2 crystals of DANCE. Unique correlated data will be obtained for neutron capture and neutron-induced fission using the DANCE-NEUANCE experimental set up in the future.

  4. Assessment of sleep in pediatric cancer patients.

    PubMed

    İnce, Dilek; Demirağ, Bengü; Karapınar, Tuba Hilkay; Oymak, Yeşim; Ay, Yılmaz; Kaygusuz, Arife; Töret, Ersin; Vergin, Canan

    2017-01-01

    İnce D, Demirağ B, Karapınar TH, Oymak Y, Ay Y, Kaygusuz A, Töret E, Vergin C. Assessment of sleep in pediatric cancer patients. Turk J Pediatr 2017; 59: 379-386. The purpose of the study is to describe sleep habits, assess the prevalence of sleep disturbances in pediatric cancer patients and healthy controls, and to compare sleep patterns, sleep problems. One hundred-thirty-five patients and 190 healthy controls were evaluated. Healthy children matched for age, sex, economic status, parental education and family structure constituted the control group. Sleep was evaluated by using the Children`s Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ). Sleep problems were detected in half of patients. There were no significant differences in total sleep score and subscale scores between patients and controls. Solely the wake-time was found significantly different between patients and controls. Although our results indicated that neither childhood cancer survivors nor patients with cancer during treatment period had more sleep problems than their healthy peers, sleep problems were not uncommon in whole study group. This study underlines the need to screen, assess and manage sleep problems in children with diagnosis of cancer.

  5. Seven-quasiparticle bands in Ce139

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chanda, Somen; Bhattacharjee, Tumpa; Bhattacharyya, Sarmishtha; Mukherjee, Anjali; Basu, Swapan Kumar; Ragnarsson, I.; Bhowmik, R. K.; Muralithar, S.; Singh, R. P.; Ghugre, S. S.; Pramanik, U. Datta

    2009-05-01

    The high spin states in the Ce139 nucleus have been studied by in-beam γ-spectroscopic techniques using the reaction Te130(C12,3n)Ce139 at Ebeam=65 MeV. A gamma detector array, consisting of five Compton-suppressed Clover detectors was used for coincidence measurements. 15 new levels have been proposed and 28 new γ transitions have been assigned to Ce139 on the basis of γγ coincidence data. The level scheme of Ce139 has been extended above the known 70 ns (19)/(2)- isomer up to ~6.1 MeV in excitation energy and (35)/(2)ℏ in spin. The spin-parity assignments for most of the newly proposed levels have been made using the deduced Directional Correlation from Oriented states of nuclei (DCO ratio) and the Polarization Directional Correlation from Oriented states (PDCO ratio) for the de-exciting transitions. The observed level structure has been compared with a large basis shell model calculation and also with the predictions from cranked Nilsson-Strutinsky (CNS) calculations. A general consistency has been observed between these two different theoretical approaches.

  6. 46 CFR 150.150 - Exceptions to the compatibility chart.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... 46 Shipping 5 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Exceptions to the compatibility chart. 150.150 Section 150.150 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) CERTAIN BULK DANGEROUS CARGOES COMPATIBILITY OF CARGOES § 150.150 Exceptions to the compatibility chart. The Commandant (G-MSO...

  7. 46 CFR Figure 1 to Part 150 - Compatibility Chart

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... 46 Shipping 5 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Compatibility Chart 1 Figure 1 to Part 150 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) CERTAIN BULK DANGEROUS CARGOES COMPATIBILITY OF CARGOES Pt. 150, Fig. 1 Figure 1 to Part 150—Compatibility Chart EC02FE91.079 ...

  8. 46 CFR Figure 1 to Part 150 - Compatibility Chart

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ... 46 Shipping 5 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Compatibility Chart 1 Figure 1 to Part 150 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) CERTAIN BULK DANGEROUS CARGOES COMPATIBILITY OF CARGOES Pt. 150, Fig. 1 Figure 1 to Part 150—Compatibility Chart EC02FE91.079 ...

  9. 46 CFR Figure 1 to Part 150 - Compatibility Chart

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ... 46 Shipping 5 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Compatibility Chart 1 Figure 1 to Part 150 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) CERTAIN BULK DANGEROUS CARGOES COMPATIBILITY OF CARGOES Pt. 150, Fig. 1 Figure 1 to Part 150—Compatibility Chart EC02FE91.079 ...

  10. 46 CFR Figure 1 to Part 150 - Compatibility Chart

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... 46 Shipping 5 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Compatibility Chart 1 Figure 1 to Part 150 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) CERTAIN BULK DANGEROUS CARGOES COMPATIBILITY OF CARGOES Pt. 150, Fig. 1 Figure 1 to Part 150—Compatibility Chart EC02FE91.079 ...

  11. 46 CFR 150.150 - Exceptions to the compatibility chart.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ... 46 Shipping 5 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Exceptions to the compatibility chart. 150.150 Section 150.150 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) CERTAIN BULK DANGEROUS CARGOES COMPATIBILITY OF CARGOES § 150.150 Exceptions to the compatibility chart. The Commandant (CG-ENG-5...

  12. 46 CFR Figure 1 to Part 150 - Compatibility Chart

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... 46 Shipping 5 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Compatibility Chart 1 Figure 1 to Part 150 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) CERTAIN BULK DANGEROUS CARGOES COMPATIBILITY OF CARGOES Pt. 150, Fig. 1 Figure 1 to Part 150—Compatibility Chart EC02FE91.079 ...

  13. 46 CFR 150.150 - Exceptions to the compatibility chart.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ... 46 Shipping 5 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Exceptions to the compatibility chart. 150.150 Section 150.150 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) CERTAIN BULK DANGEROUS CARGOES COMPATIBILITY OF CARGOES § 150.150 Exceptions to the compatibility chart. The Commandant (CG-ENG-5...

  14. 46 CFR 150.150 - Exceptions to the compatibility chart.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... 46 Shipping 5 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Exceptions to the compatibility chart. 150.150 Section 150.150 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) CERTAIN BULK DANGEROUS CARGOES COMPATIBILITY OF CARGOES § 150.150 Exceptions to the compatibility chart. The Commandant (G-MSO...

  15. 46 CFR 150.150 - Exceptions to the compatibility chart.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... 46 Shipping 5 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Exceptions to the compatibility chart. 150.150 Section 150.150 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) CERTAIN BULK DANGEROUS CARGOES COMPATIBILITY OF CARGOES § 150.150 Exceptions to the compatibility chart. The Commandant (CG-ENG-5...

  16. The effect of coimmobilizing heparin and fibronectin on titanium on hemocompatibility and endothelialization.

    PubMed

    Li, Guicai; Yang, Ping; Qin, Wei; Maitz, Manfred F; Zhou, Shuo; Huang, Nan

    2011-07-01

    Currently available cardiovascular implants, such as heart valves and stents, exhibit suboptimal biocompatibility because of the incomplete endothelialization and sequential thrombosis formation especially after a long-term implantation. To improve the blood compatibility and endothelialization simultaneously and ensure the long-term effect of the cardiovascular implants, a technique of combining electrostatic interaction and coimmobilization was developed to form heparin and fibronectin (Hep/Fn) films on aminosilanized titanium (Ti) surfaces. The Hep/Fn coimmobilized films were stable after immersion in PBS for five days, probed by wettability studies and by the release kinetics of heparin and fibronectin. Blood compatibility tests showed that the coimmobilized Hep/Fn films displayed lower hemolysis rate, prolonged blood coagulation time, higher AT III binding density, less platelets activation and aggregation, and less fibrinogen conformational change compared with Ti surface. Endothelial cells (ECs) seeding and fibronectin bioactivity results showed more attached and proliferated ECs and exposed cell-binding sites on the Hep/Fn immobilized samples than that on Ti surfaces. Thus, the Hep/Fn coimmobilized films kept excellent bioactivity even after immersion in PBS for five days. Systemic evaluation suggests that the coimmobilization of Hep/Fn complex improves the blood compatibility and promotes the endothelialization simultaneously. We envisage that this method will provide a potential and effective selection for biomaterials surface modification of cardiovascular implants. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  17. What's she doing in the kitchen? Context helps when actions are hard to recognize.

    PubMed

    Wurm, Moritz F; Schubotz, Ricarda I

    2017-04-01

    Specific spatial environments are often indicative of where certain actions may take place: In kitchens we prepare food, and in bathrooms we engage in personal hygiene, but not vice versa. In action recognition, contextual cues may constrain an observer's expectations toward actions that are more strongly associated with a particular context than others. Such cues should become particularly helpful when the action itself is difficult to recognize. However, to date only easily identifiable actions were investigated, and the effects of context on recognition were rather interfering than facilitatory. To test whether context also facilitates action recognition, we measured recognition performance of hardly identifiable actions that took place in compatible, incompatible, and neutral contextual settings. Action information was degraded by pixelizing the area of the object manipulation while the room in which the action took place remained fully visible. We found significantly higher accuracy for actions that took place in compatible compared to incompatible and neutral settings, indicating facilitation. Additionally, action recognition was slower in incompatible settings than in compatible and neutral settings, indicating interference. Together, our findings demonstrate that contextual information is effectively exploited during action observation, in particular when visual information about the action itself is sparse. Differential effects on speed and accuracy suggest that contexts modulate action recognition at different levels of processing. Our findings emphasize the importance of contextual information in comprehensive, ecologically valid models of action recognition.

  18. Spatial parameters at the basis of social transfer of learning.

    PubMed

    Lugli, Luisa; Iani, Cristina; Milanese, Nadia; Sebanz, Natalie; Rubichi, Sandro

    2015-06-01

    Recent research indicates that practicing on a joint spatial compatibility task with an incompatible stimulus-response mapping affects subsequent joint Simon task performance, eliminating the social Simon effect. It has been well established that in individual contexts, for transfer of learning to occur, participants need to practice an incompatible association between stimulus and response positions. The mechanisms underlying transfer of learning in joint task performance are, however, less well understood. The present study was aimed at assessing the relative contribution of 3 different spatial relations characterizing the joint practice context: stimulus-response, stimulus-participant, and participant-response relations. In 3 experiments, the authors manipulated the stimulus-response, stimulus-participant, and response-participant associations. We found that learning from the practice task did not transfer to the subsequent task when during practice stimulus-response associations were spatially incompatible and stimulus-participant associations were compatible (Experiment 1). However, a transfer of learning was evident when stimulus-participant associations were spatially incompatible. This occurred both when response-participant associations were incompatible (Experiment 2) and when they were compatible (Experiment 3). These results seem to support an agent corepresentation account of correspondence effects emerging in joint settings since they suggest that, in social contexts, critical to obtain transfer-of-learning effects is the spatial relation between stimulus and participant positions while the spatial relation between stimulus and response positions is irrelevant. (c) 2015 APA, all rights reserved).

  19. Effect of Rare Earth Ions on the Properties of Composites Composed of Ethylene Vinyl Acetate Copolymer and Layered Double Hydroxides

    PubMed Central

    Wang, Lili; Li, Bin; Zhao, Xiaohong; Chen, Chunxia; Cao, Jingjing

    2012-01-01

    Background The study on the rare earth (RE)-doped layered double hydroxides (LDHs) has received considerable attention due to their potential applications in catalysts. However, the use of RE-doped LDHs as polymer halogen-free flame retardants was seldom investigated. Furthermore, the effect of rare earth elements on the hydrophobicity of LDHs materials and the compatibility of LDHs/polymer composite has seldom been reported. Methodology/Principal Findings The stearate sodium surface modified Ni-containing LDHs and RE-doped Ni-containing LDHs were rapidly synthesized by a coprecipitation method coupled with the microwave hydrothermal treatment. The influences of trace amounts of rare earth ions La, Ce and Nd on the amount of water molecules, the crystallinity, the morphology, the hydrophobicity of modified Ni-containing LDHs and the adsorption of modifier in the surface of LDHs were investigated by TGA, XRD, TEM, contact angle and IR, respectively. Moreover, the effects of the rare earth ions on the interfacial compatibility, the flame retardancy and the mechanical properties of ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA)/LDHs composites were also explored in detail. Conclusions/Significance S-Ni0.1MgAl-La displayed more uniform dispersion and better interfacial compatibility in EVA matrix compared with other LDHs. Furthermore, the S-Ni0.1MgAl-La/EVA composite showed the best fire retardancy and mechanical properties in all composites. PMID:22693627

  20. In Pursuit of the MD: The Impact of Role Models, Identity Compatibility, and Belonging Among Undergraduate Women

    PubMed Central

    Levy, Sheri R.; London, Bonita; Lobel, Marci; Bazile, Cartney

    2014-01-01

    Women continue to face gender-related challenges in the medical field in places around the world where it has traditionally been male-dominated, including in the U.S. In an online experimental study with women attending a mid-sized public university in the Northeastern U.S. (N= 55) who were interested in pursuing a pre-medical track (being pre-med) as undergraduates, we explored the mechanisms involved in undergraduate women’s pursuit of a career as a physician, focusing on three factors: exposure to successful female physician role models, perceived identity compatibility between being a woman and being pre-med, and sense of belonging in pre-med. Participants were randomly assigned to an experimental condition in which they were exposed to information about successful female physicians, or to a control condition in which no information about female physicians was provided. First, as hypothesized, participants exposed to successful female physicians reported higher perceived identity compatibility, sense of belonging, and interest in a medical career compared to those in the control condition. Second, also as hypothesized, perceived identity compatibility mediated the effect of role models on sense of belonging, and sense of belonging mediated the relationship between perceived identity compatibility and interest in a medical career. This study highlights three key factors in women’s pursuit of a career as a physician and the process through which these factors may operate. Findings support the use of role models to set a positive psychosocial process in motion that can support women’s persistence in medicine. PMID:24497671

  1. On magnetoelectric coupling at equilibrium in continua with microstructure

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Romeo, Maurizio

    2017-10-01

    A theory of micromorphic continua, applied to electromagnetic solids, is exploited to study magnetoelectric effects at equilibrium. Microcurrents are modeled by the microgyration tensor of stationary micromotions, compatibly with the balance equations for null microdeformation. The equilibrium of the continuum subject to electric and magnetic fields is reformulated accounting for electric multipoles which are related to microdeformation by evolution equations. Polarization and magnetization are derived for uniform fields under the micropolar reduction in terms of microstrain and octupole structural parameters. Nonlinear dependance on the electromagnetic fields is evidenced, compatibly with known theoretical and experimental results on magnetoelectric coupling.

  2. Pilot cryo tunnel: Attachments, seals, and insulation

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Wilson, J. F.; Ware, G. D.; Ramsey, J. W., Jr.

    1974-01-01

    Several different tests are described which simulated the actual configuration of a cryogenic wind tunnel operating at pressures up to 5 atmospheres (507 kPa) and temperatures from -320 F (78K) to 120 F (322K) in order to determine compatible bolting, adequate sealing, and effective insulating materials. The evaluation of flange attachments (continuous threaded studs) considered bolting based on compatible flanges, attachment materials, and prescribed bolt elongations. Various types of seals and seal configurations were studied to determine suitability and reusability under the imposed pressure and temperature loadings. The temperature profile was established for several materials used for structural supports.

  3. Development of Design Standards and Guidelines for Electromagnetic Compatibility and Lightning Protection for Spacecraft Utilizing Composite Materials

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    1996-01-01

    Preliminary design guidelines necessary to assure electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) of spacecraft using composite materials, are presented. A database of electrical properties of composite materials which may have an effect on EMC is established. The guidelines concentrate on the composites that are conductive but may require enhancement to be adequate for EMC purposes. These composites are represented by graphite reinforced polymers. Methods for determining adequate conductivity levels for various EMC purposes are defined, along with the methods of design which increase conductivity of composite materials and joints to adequate levels.

  4. Isothermal Calorimetric Observations of the Effect of Welding on Compatibility of Stainless Steels with High-Test Hydrogen Peroxide Propellant

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Gostowski, Rudy

    2003-01-01

    High-Test Hydrogen Peroxide (HTP) is receiving renewed interest as a monopropellant and as the oxidizer for bipropellant systems. HTP is hydrogen peroxide having concentrations ranging from 70 to 98%. In these applications the energy and oxygen released during decomposition of HTP is used for propulsion. In propulsion systems components must be fabricated and connected using available joining processes. Welding is a common joining method for metallic components. The goal of this study was to compare the HTP compatibility of welded vs. unwelded stainless steel.

  5. Transitions between self-compatibility and self-incompatibility and the evolution of reproductive isolation in the large and diverse tropical genus Dendrobium (Orchidaceae)

    PubMed Central

    Pinheiro, Fabio; Cafasso, Donata; Cozzolino, Salvatore; Scopece, Giovanni

    2015-01-01

    Background and Aims The evolution of interspecific reproductive barriers is crucial to understanding species evolution. This study examines the contribution of transitions between self-compatibility (SC) and self-incompatibility (SI) and genetic divergence in the evolution of reproductive barriers in Dendrobium, one of the largest orchid genera. Specifically, it investigates the evolution of pre- and postzygotic isolation and the effects of transitions between compatibility states on interspecific reproductive isolation within the genus. Methods The role of SC and SI changes in reproductive compatibility among species was examined using fruit set and seed viability data available in the literature from 86 species and ∼2500 hand pollinations. The evolution of SC and SI in Dendrobium species was investigated within a phylogenetic framework using internal transcribed spacer sequences available in GenBank. Key Results Based on data from crossing experiments, estimations of genetic distance and the results of a literature survey, it was found that changes in SC and SI significantly influenced the compatibility between species in interspecific crosses. The number of fruits produced was significantly higher in crosses in which self-incompatible species acted as pollen donor for self-compatible species, following the SI × SC rule. Maximum likelihood and Bayesian tests did not reject transitions from SI to SC and from SC to SI across the Dendrobium phylogeny. In addition, postzygotic isolation (embryo mortality) was found to evolve gradually with genetic divergence, in agreement with previous results observed for other plant species, including orchids. Conclusions Transitions between SC and SI and the gradual accumulation of genetic incompatibilities affecting postzygotic isolation are important mechanisms preventing gene flow among Dendrobium species, and may constitute important evolutionary processes contributing to the high levels of species diversity in this tropical orchid group. PMID:25953040

  6. Transitions between self-compatibility and self-incompatibility and the evolution of reproductive isolation in the large and diverse tropical genus Dendrobium (Orchidaceae).

    PubMed

    Pinheiro, Fabio; Cafasso, Donata; Cozzolino, Salvatore; Scopece, Giovanni

    2015-09-01

    The evolution of interspecific reproductive barriers is crucial to understanding species evolution. This study examines the contribution of transitions between self-compatibility (SC) and self-incompatibility (SI) and genetic divergence in the evolution of reproductive barriers in Dendrobium, one of the largest orchid genera. Specifically, it investigates the evolution of pre- and postzygotic isolation and the effects of transitions between compatibility states on interspecific reproductive isolation within the genus. The role of SC and SI changes in reproductive compatibility among species was examined using fruit set and seed viability data available in the literature from 86 species and ∼2500 hand pollinations. The evolution of SC and SI in Dendrobium species was investigated within a phylogenetic framework using internal transcribed spacer sequences available in GenBank. Based on data from crossing experiments, estimations of genetic distance and the results of a literature survey, it was found that changes in SC and SI significantly influenced the compatibility between species in interspecific crosses. The number of fruits produced was significantly higher in crosses in which self-incompatible species acted as pollen donor for self-compatible species, following the SI × SC rule. Maximum likelihood and Bayesian tests did not reject transitions from SI to SC and from SC to SI across the Dendrobium phylogeny. In addition, postzygotic isolation (embryo mortality) was found to evolve gradually with genetic divergence, in agreement with previous results observed for other plant species, including orchids. Transitions between SC and SI and the gradual accumulation of genetic incompatibilities affecting postzygotic isolation are important mechanisms preventing gene flow among Dendrobium species, and may constitute important evolutionary processes contributing to the high levels of species diversity in this tropical orchid group. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Annals of Botany Company. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

  7. Analysis of main constituents and mechanisms underlying antidepressant-like effects of Xiaochaihutang in mice.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Kuo; Wang, Fang; Yang, Jing-yu; Wang, Li-juan; Pang, Huan-huan; Su, Guang-yue; Ma, Jie; Song, Shao-jiang; Xiong, Zhi-li; Wu, Chun-fu

    2015-12-04

    Xiaochaihutang (XCHT), a famous Chinese herbal formula which consists of seven Chinese herbs, has been used clinically in depressive disorders in China. Our previous studies have demonstrated that XCHT improved depressive-like behavior in several animal models of depression. However, therapeutic basis of XCHT on depression are challenging, due to the complex active constituents of XCHT and the unclear pharmacological mechanism of action. To provide further insights into therapeutic basis of XCHT, the core in compatibility of XCHT on antidepressant therapy was assessed by the method of orthogonal array design. The comparative evaluations on antidepressant effects of XCHT and its core in compatibility were executed by tail suspension test (TST), forced swim test (FST), novelty suppressed feeding test (NSFT), reserpine-induced hypothermia and palpebral ptosis. Moreover, the potential mechanism was explored by investigating levels of monoamine neurotransmitters in hypothalamus and striatum and neurogenesis in hippocampus. Chemical profile of active constituents in plasma after oral administration of the core in compatibility of XCHT was revealed by ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). The results of orthogonal array design experiment showed that Huangqin (Radix scutellariae), Renshen (Ginseng) and Gancao (Radix glycyrrhizae), defined as HRG, might be the core in compatibility of XCHT on antidepressant therapy. In accordance with XCHT, oral administration of HRG for 15 days significantly reduced immobility duration in TST and FST without affecting locomotor activity. Both HRG and XCHT increased immobility latency in FST, decreased the latency in NSFT, reversed reserpine-induced hypothermia and palpebral ptosis. Moreover, both HRG and XCHT significantly increased levels of 5-HT and DA in hypothalamus. In addition, HRG could remarkably increase Ki-67 and doublecortin (DCX) positive cells in hippocampus. A total 25 active constituents in plasma, including 14 prototype components and 11 metabolites, were identified by UPLC-MS/MS after oral administration of HRG. The present results reveal that HRG is supposed to be the core in compatibility of XCHT on antidepressant therapy. In accordance with XCHT, HRG exerts significant antidepressant-like effects, which are likely attributed to regulating serotonergic and dopaminergic systems and increasing hippocampal neurogenesis. The constituents identified in plasma after oral administration of HRG may be the potential active ingredients for the treatment of depression. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  8. Spatial interactions during bimanual coordination patterns: the effect of directional compatibility.

    PubMed

    Bogaerts, H; Swinnen, S P

    2001-04-01

    Whereas previous bimanual coordination research has predominantly focused on the constraining role of timing, the present study addressed the role of spatial (i.e., directional) constraints during the simultaneous production of equilateral triangles with both upper limbs. In addition to coordination modes in which mirror-image and isodirectional movements were performed (compatible patterns), new modes were tested in which the left limb lagged with respect to the right by one triangle side (non-compatible patterns). This resulted in the experimental manipulation of directional compatibility between the limbs. In addition, triangles with either horizontal or vertical orientations were to be drawn in order to assess the role of static images on movement production. Results supported the important role of directional constraints in bimanual coordination. Furthermore, triangles in vertical orientations (with a vertical symmetry axis, i.e., one apex pointing up) were drawn more successfully than those in horizontal orientations (with a horizontal symmetry axis, i.e., one apex pointing left or right), suggesting that the static aspects of a geometric form may affect movement dynamics. Finally, evidence suggested that cognitive processes related to integration of the submovements into a unified plan mediate the performance of new coordination patterns. The implications of the present finding for clinical populations are discussed

  9. Effects of Methyl Eugenol Feeding on Mating Compatibility of Asian Population of Bactrocera dorsalis (Diptera: Tephritidae) with African Population and with B. carambolae

    PubMed Central

    Haq, Ihsan ul; Vreysen, Marc J. B.; Schutze, Mark; Hendrichs, Jorge; Shelly, Todd

    2016-01-01

    Males of some species included in the Bactrocera dorsalis complex are strongly attracted to methyl eugenol (ME) (1,2-dimethoxy-4-(2-propenyl) benzene), a natural compound occurring in a variety of plant species. ME feeding of males of the B. dorsalis complex is known to enhance their mating competitiveness. Within B. dorsalis, recent studies show that Asian and African populations of B. dorsalis are sexually compatible, while populations of B. dorsalis and Bactrocera carambolae are relatively incompatible. The objectives of this study were to examine whether ME feeding by males affects mating compatibility between Asian and African populations of B. dorsalis and ME feeding reduces male mating incompatibility between B. dorsalis (Asian population) and B. carambolae. The data confirmed that Asian and African populations of B. dorsalis are sexually compatible for mating and showed that ME feeding only increased the number of matings. Though ME feeding also increased the number of matings of B. dorsalis (Asian population) and B. carambolae males but the sexual incompatibility between both species was not reduced by treatment with ME. These results conform to the efforts resolving the biological species limits among B. dorsalis complex and have implications for fruit fly control programs in fields and horticultural trade. PMID:26362991

  10. Cooperative control of blood compatibility and re-endothelialization by immobilized heparin and substrate topography.

    PubMed

    Ding, Yonghui; Yang, Meng; Yang, Zhilu; Luo, Rifang; Lu, Xiong; Huang, Nan; Huang, Pingbo; Leng, Yang

    2015-03-01

    A wide variety of environmental cues provided by the extracellular matrix, including biophysical and biochemical cues, are responsible for vascular cell behavior and function. In particular, substrate topography and surface chemistry have been shown to regulate blood and vascular compatibility individually. The combined impact of chemical and topographic cues on blood and vascular compatibility, and the interplay between these two types of cues, are subjects that are currently being explored. In the present study, a facile polydopamine-mediated approach is introduced for immobilization of heparin on topographically patterned substrates, and the combined effects of these cues on blood compatibility and re-endothelialization are systematically investigated. The results show that immobilized heparin and substrate topography cooperatively modulate anti-coagulation activity, endothelial cell (EC) attachment, proliferation, focal adhesion formation and endothelial marker expression. Meanwhile, the substrate topography is the primary determinant of cell alignment and elongation, driving in vivo-like endothelial organization. Importantly, combining immobilized heparin with substrate topography empowers substantially greater competitive ability of ECs over smooth muscle cells than each cue individually. Moreover, a model is proposed to elucidate the cooperative interplay between immobilized heparin and substrate topography in regulating cell behavior. Copyright © 2014 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  11. Recycling of plastic wastes with poly (ethylene-co-methacrylic acid) copolymer as compatibilizer and their conversion into high-end product.

    PubMed

    Rajasekaran, Divya; Maji, Pradip K

    2018-04-01

    This paper deals with the utilization of plastic wastes to a useful product. The major plastic pollutants that are considered to be in maximum use i.e. PET bottle and PE bags have been taken for consideration for recycling. As these two plastic wastes are not compatible, poly (ethylene-co-methacrylic acid) copolymer has been used as compatibilizer to process these two plastic wastes. Effect of dose of poly (ethylene-co-methacrylic acid) copolymer as compatibilizer has been studied here. It has been shown that only 3 wt% of poly (ethylene-co-methacrylic acid) copolymer is sufficient to make 3:1 mass ratio of PET bottle and polyethylene bags compatible. Compatibility has been examined through mechanical testing, thermal and morphological analysis. After analysing the property of recyclates, better mechanical and thermal property has been observed. Almost 500% of tensile property has been improved by addition of 3 wt% of poly (ethylene-co-methacrylic acid) copolymer in 3:1 mass ratio blend of PET bottle and PE bags than that of pristine blend. Morphological analysis by FESEM and AFM has also confirmed the compatibility of the blend. Experimental data showed better performance than available recycling process. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  12. Direct ultrasensitive electrical detection of prostate cancer biomarkers with CMOS-compatible n- and p-type silicon nanowire sensor arrays

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gao, Anran; Lu, Na; Dai, Pengfei; Fan, Chunhai; Wang, Yuelin; Li, Tie

    2014-10-01

    Sensitive and quantitative analysis of proteins is central to disease diagnosis, drug screening, and proteomic studies. Here, a label-free, real-time, simultaneous and ultrasensitive prostate-specific antigen (PSA) sensor was developed using CMOS-compatible silicon nanowire field effect transistors (SiNW FET). Highly responsive n- and p-type SiNW arrays were fabricated and integrated on a single chip with a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) compatible anisotropic self-stop etching technique which eliminated the need for a hybrid method. The incorporated n- and p-type nanowires revealed complementary electrical response upon PSA binding, providing a unique means of internal control for sensing signal verification. The highly selective, simultaneous and multiplexed detection of PSA marker at attomolar concentrations, a level useful for clinical diagnosis of prostate cancer, was demonstrated. The detection ability was corroborated to be effective by comparing the detection results at different pH values. Furthermore, the real-time measurement was also carried out in a clinically relevant sample of blood serum, indicating the practicable development of rapid, robust, high-performance, and low-cost diagnostic systems.Sensitive and quantitative analysis of proteins is central to disease diagnosis, drug screening, and proteomic studies. Here, a label-free, real-time, simultaneous and ultrasensitive prostate-specific antigen (PSA) sensor was developed using CMOS-compatible silicon nanowire field effect transistors (SiNW FET). Highly responsive n- and p-type SiNW arrays were fabricated and integrated on a single chip with a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) compatible anisotropic self-stop etching technique which eliminated the need for a hybrid method. The incorporated n- and p-type nanowires revealed complementary electrical response upon PSA binding, providing a unique means of internal control for sensing signal verification. The highly selective, simultaneous and multiplexed detection of PSA marker at attomolar concentrations, a level useful for clinical diagnosis of prostate cancer, was demonstrated. The detection ability was corroborated to be effective by comparing the detection results at different pH values. Furthermore, the real-time measurement was also carried out in a clinically relevant sample of blood serum, indicating the practicable development of rapid, robust, high-performance, and low-cost diagnostic systems. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Electrical characterization of fabricated n- and p-type nanowires, and influence of Debye screening on PSA sensing. See DOI: 10.1039/c4nr03210a

  13. 40 CFR 157.32 - Standards.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... REQUIREMENTS FOR PESTICIDES AND DEVICES Child-Resistant Packaging § 157.32 Standards. (a) Effectiveness standard. The child-resistant packaging, when tested by the protocol specified in 16 CFR 1700.20, shall meet the effectiveness specifications in 16 CFR 1700.15(b). (b) Compatibility standard. The child...

  14. Hand posture and cognitive control: The congruency sequence effect is reduced near the hands.

    PubMed

    Englert, Julia; Wentura, Dirk

    2016-10-01

    According to several recent articles, attentional processing seems to be modulated by the proximity of one's own hand to a stimulus. Weidler and Abrams (Psychonomic Bulletin & Review, 21, 462-469, 2014) found a significant reduction of the Eriksen flanker effect when the stimuli were presented close to the participants' hands. They interpreted this as evidence for stronger cognitive control near the hands. Using a near-by hands manipulation intended to vary distance while keeping posture of the hands constant, we found a modulation of the congruency sequence effect (CSE or Gratton effect), i.e., a larger flanker effect following incompatible trials than following compatible trials. The CSE was eliminated near the hands. Though we did not find a reduction in the flanker effect itself (which might be the result of using a near-by hand manipulation somewhat different from that of Weidler and Abrams), this result can be considered to be compatible with Weidler and Abrams' original hypothesis if the congruency sequence effect is interpreted in terms of cognitive control.

  15. Performance impact of novel polymeric dyes in photoresist applications

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lu, Ping-Hung; Mehtsun, Salem; Sagan, John P.; Shan, Jianhui; Gonzalez, Eleazar; Ding, Shuji; Khanna, Dinesh N.

    1999-06-01

    Dye compounds are commonly used in photoresists as a low cost and effective way to control swing and/or standing wave effect caused by thin film interference as well as reflective notching by reflective light from highly reflective substrate and topography. Convention dyes are typically a monomeric compound with high absorptivity at the wavelength of exposure light and compatible with the resist system selected. Because of the monomeric nature, conventional dyes are relatively low in molecular weight hence their thermal stability and sublimination propensity has always been an issue of concern. We recently synthesize several highly thermal stable diazotized polymeric dyes. Their thermal properties as well as compatibility with resist system were investigated. The impact of polymeric dyes on the resists lithographic performance, swing reduction and reflective notching control are discussed.

  16. Effect of Alkali treatments on physical and Mechanical strength of Pineapple leaf fibres

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Asim, M.; Jawaid, M.; Abdan, K.; Nasir, M.

    2018-01-01

    Pineapple leaf fibre (PALF) is a waste material of pineapple plants. PALF is abundant in amount for industrial purpose, cheap, easily available, high specific strength and stiffness. PALF is contributing a sustainable development in bio-composites as reinforcement material. However, natural fibres are not fully compatible with matrix due to hydrophilic in nature. To enhance the compatibility with matrix, fibres are modified its surface to make good interfacial bonding with matrix. In this research, PALF is treated with 3% and 6% concentration of NaOH for 3h, 6h 9h, and 12h soaking time. Surface modification of fibres was investigated by using scanning electron microscopy. Single fibre test and diameter of PALF fibres were evaluated the effects of NaOH treatments.

  17. Genetic compatibility, mate choice and patterns of parentage: invited review.

    PubMed

    Tregenza, T; Wedell, N

    2000-08-01

    There is growing interest in the possibility that genetic compatibility may drive mate choice, including gamete choice, particularly from the perspective of understanding why females frequently mate with more than one male. Mate choice for compatibility differs from other forms of choice for genetic benefits (such as 'good genes') because individuals are expected to differ in their mate preferences, changing the evolutionary dynamics of sexual selection. Recent experiments designed to investigate genetic benefits of polyandry suggest that mate choice on the basis of genetic compatibility may be widespread. However, in most systems the mechanisms responsible for variation in compatibility are unknown. We review potential sources of variation in genetic compatibility and whether there is any evidence for mate choice driven by these factors. Selfish genetic elements appear to have the potential to drive mate compatibility mate choice, though as yet there is only one convincing example. There is abundant evidence for assortative mating between populations in hybrid zones, but very few examples where this is clearly a result of selection against mating with genetically less compatible individuals. There are also numerous cases of inbreeding avoidance, but little evidence that mate choice or differential fertilization success driven by genetic compatibility occurs between unrelated individuals. The exceptions to this are a handful of situations where both the alleles causing incompatibility and the alleles involved in mate choice are located in a chromosome region where recombination is suppressed. As yet there are only a few potential sources of genetic compatibility which have clearly been shown to drive mate choice. This may reflect limitations in the potential for the evolution of mate choice for genetic compatibility within populations, although the most promising sources of such incompatibilities have received relatively little research.

  18. Mutual interferences and design principles for mechatronic devices in magnetic resonance imaging.

    PubMed

    Yu, Ningbo; Gassert, Roger; Riener, Robert

    2011-07-01

    Robotic and mechatronic devices that work compatibly with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are applied in diagnostic MRI, image-guided surgery, neurorehabilitation and neuroscience. MRI-compatible mechatronic systems must address the challenges imposed by the scanner's electromagnetic fields. We have developed objective quantitative evaluation criteria for device characteristics needed to formulate design guidelines that ensure MRI-compatibility based on safety, device functionality and image quality. The mutual interferences between an MRI system and mechatronic devices working in its vicinity are modeled and tested. For each interference, the involved components are listed, and a numerical measure for "MRI-compatibility" is proposed. These interferences are categorized into an MRI-compatibility matrix, with each element representing possible interactions between one part of the mechatronic system and one component of the electromagnetic fields. Based on this formulation, design principles for MRI-compatible mechatronic systems are proposed. Furthermore, test methods are developed to examine whether a mechatronic device indeed works without interferences within an MRI system. Finally, the proposed MRI-compatibility criteria and design guidelines have been applied to an actual design process that has been validated by the test procedures. Objective and quantitative MRI-compatibility measures for mechatronic and robotic devices have been established. Applying the proposed design principles, potential problems in safety, device functionality and image quality can be considered in the design phase to ensure that the mechatronic system will fulfill the MRI-compatibility criteria. New guidelines and test procedures for MRI instrument compatibility provide a rational basis for design and evaluation of mechatronic devices in various MRI applications. Designers can apply these criteria and use the tests, so that MRI-compatibility results can accrue to build an experiential database.

  19. Central Cross-Talk in Task Switching : Evidence from Manipulating Input-Output Modality Compatibility

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Stephan, Denise Nadine; Koch, Iring

    2010-01-01

    Two experiments examined the role of compatibility of input and output (I-O) modality mappings in task switching. We define I-O modality compatibility in terms of similarity of stimulus modality and modality of response-related sensory consequences. Experiment 1 included switching between 2 compatible tasks (auditory-vocal vs. visual-manual) and…

  20. Maintaining heterokaryosis in pseudo-homothallic fungi

    PubMed Central

    Grognet, Pierre; Silar, Philippe

    2015-01-01

    Among all the strategies displayed by fungi to reproduce and propagate, some species have adopted a peculiar behavior called pseudo-homothallism. Pseudo-homothallic fungi are true heterothallics, i.e., they need 2 genetically-compatible partners to mate, but they produce self-fertile mycelium in which the 2 different nuclei carrying the compatible mating types are present. This lifestyle not only enables the fungus to reproduce without finding a compatible partner, but also to cross with any mate it may encounter. However, to be fully functional, pseudo-homothallism requires maintaining heterokaryosis at every stage of the life cycle. We recently showed that neither the structure of the mating-type locus nor hybrid-enhancing effect due to the presence of the 2 mating types accounts for the maintenance of heterokaryosis in the pseudo-homothallic fungus P. anserina. In this addendum, we summarize the mechanisms creating heterokaryosis in P. anserina and 2 other well-known pseudo-homothallic fungi, Neurospora tetrasperma and Agaricus bisporus. We also discuss mechanisms potentially involved in maintaining heterokaryosis in these 3 species. PMID:26479494

  1. Maintaining heterokaryosis in pseudo-homothallic fungi.

    PubMed

    Grognet, Pierre; Silar, Philippe

    2015-01-01

    Among all the strategies displayed by fungi to reproduce and propagate, some species have adopted a peculiar behavior called pseudo-homothallism. Pseudo-homothallic fungi are true heterothallics, i.e., they need 2 genetically-compatible partners to mate, but they produce self-fertile mycelium in which the 2 different nuclei carrying the compatible mating types are present. This lifestyle not only enables the fungus to reproduce without finding a compatible partner, but also to cross with any mate it may encounter. However, to be fully functional, pseudo-homothallism requires maintaining heterokaryosis at every stage of the life cycle. We recently showed that neither the structure of the mating-type locus nor hybrid-enhancing effect due to the presence of the 2 mating types accounts for the maintenance of heterokaryosis in the pseudo-homothallic fungus P. anserina. In this addendum, we summarize the mechanisms creating heterokaryosis in P. anserina and 2 other well-known pseudo-homothallic fungi, Neurospora tetrasperma and Agaricus bisporus. We also discuss mechanisms potentially involved in maintaining heterokaryosis in these 3 species.

  2. An investigation of factors influencing healthcare workers' use and acceptance of e-learning in post-school healthcare education.

    PubMed

    Mikalsen, Marius; Walderhaug, Ståle

    2009-01-01

    The objective of the study presented here was to perform an empirical investigation on factors affecting healthcare workers acceptance and utilisation of e-learning in post-school healthcare education. E-learning benefits are realised when key features of e-learning are not only applied, but deemed useful, compatible with the learning process and supportive in order to reach the overall goals of the learning process. We conducted a survey of 14 state-enrolled nurses and skilled-workers within the field of healthcare in Norway. The results show that perceived compatibility and subjective norm explain system usage of the e-learning tool amongst the students. We found that the fact that the students considered the e-learning to be compatible with the course in question had a positive effect on e-learning tool usage. We also found support for factors such as facilitating conditions and ease of use leads to the e-learning tool being considered useful.

  3. Environmental compatibility of closed landfills - assessing future pollution hazards.

    PubMed

    Laner, David; Fellner, Johann; Brunner, Paul H

    2011-01-01

    Municipal solid waste landfills need to be managed after closure. This so-called aftercare comprises the treatment and monitoring of residual emissions as well as the maintenance and control of landfill elements. The measures can be terminated when a landfill does not pose a threat to the environment any more. Consequently, the evaluation of landfill environmental compatibility includes an estimation of future pollution hazards as well as an assessment of the vulnerability of the affected environment. An approach to assess future emission rates is presented and discussed in view of long-term environmental compatibility. The suggested method consists (a) of a continuous model to predict emissions under the assumption of constant landfill conditions, and (b) different scenarios to evaluate the effects of changing conditions within and around the landfill. The model takes into account the actual status of the landfill, hence different methods to gain information about landfill characteristics have to be applied. Finally, assumptions, uncertainties, and limitations of the methodology are discussed, and the need for future research is outlined.

  4. Compatibility of Surfactants and Thermally Activated Persulfate for Enhanced Subsurface Remediation.

    PubMed

    Wang, Li; Peng, Libin; Xie, Liling; Deng, Peiyan; Deng, Dayi

    2017-06-20

    Limited aqueous availability of hydrophobic organic contaminants and nonaqueous phase liquids in subsurface environment may seriously impair the effectiveness of traditional in situ chemical oxidation (ISCO). To tackle the issue, a combination of surfactants and thermally activated persulfate was proposed to enhance the aqueous availability and consequent oxidation of organic contaminants. The compatibility of eight representative nonionic, monovalent anionic, and divalent anionic surfactants with persulfate at various temperatures was first studied, to identify suitable surfactants that have high aqueous stability and low oxidant demands to couple with thermally activated persulfate. C 12 -MADS (sodium dodecyl diphenyl ether disulfonate, a representative divalent anionic surfactant) stands out as the most compatible surfactant. Batch treatability study with coal tar, an example of challenging scenarios for traditional ISCO, was then conducted. The results show that C 12 -MADS can significantly enhance not only the oxidation of polyaromatic hydrocarbons contained in coal tar but also oxidant utilization efficiency, indicating the potential of the proposed coupling process for the treatment of organic contaminants with low aqueous availability.

  5. Effect of Time on Gypsum-Impression Material Compatibility

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Won, John Boram

    The purpose of this study was to evaluate the compatibility of dental gypsum with three recently introduced irreversible hydrocolloid (alginate) alternatives. The test materials were Alginot® (Kerr™), Position Penta Quick® (3M ESPE™) and Silgimix ® (Sultan Dental™). The irreversible hydrocolloid impression material, Jeltrate Plus antimicrobial® (Dentsply Caulk™) served as the control. Materials and Methods: Testing of materials was conducted in accordance with ANSI/ADA Specification No. 18 for Alginate Impression Materials. Statistical Analysis: The 3-Way ANOVA test was used to analyze measurements between different time points at a significance level of (p < 0.05). Outcome: It was found that there was greater compatibility between gypsum and the alternative materials over time than the traditional irreversible hydrocolloid material that was tested. A statistically significant amount of surface change/incompatibility was found over time with the combination of the dental gypsum products and the control impression material (Jeltrate Plus antimicrobial®).

  6. Detergent-compatible bacterial amylases.

    PubMed

    Niyonzima, Francois N; More, Sunil S

    2014-10-01

    Proteases, lipases, amylases, and cellulases are enzymes used in detergent formulation to improve the detergency. The amylases are specifically supplemented to the detergent to digest starchy stains. Most of the solid and liquid detergents that are currently manufactured contain alkaline enzymes. The advantages of using alkaline enzymes in the detergent formulation are that they aid in removing tough stains and the process is environmentally friendly since they reduce the use of toxic detergent ingredients. Amylases active at low temperature are preferred as the energy consumption gets reduced, and the whole process becomes cost-effective. Most microbial alkaline amylases are used as detergent ingredients. Various reviews report on the production, purification, characterization, and application of amylases in different industry sectors, but there is no specific review on bacterial or fungal alkaline amylases or detergent-compatible amylases. In this mini-review, an overview on the production and property studies of the detergent bacterial amylases is given, and the stability and compatibility of the alkaline bacterial amylases in the presence of the detergents and the detergent components are highlighted.

  7. Spatial attention and reading ability: ERP correlates of flanker and cue-size effects in good and poor adult phonological decoders.

    PubMed

    Matthews, Allison Jane; Martin, Frances Heritage

    2015-12-01

    To investigate facilitatory and inhibitory processes during selective attention among adults with good (n=17) and poor (n=14) phonological decoding skills, a go/nogo flanker task was completed while EEG was recorded. Participants responded to a middle target letter flanked by compatible or incompatible flankers. The target was surrounded by a small or large circular cue which was presented simultaneously or 500ms prior. Poor decoders showed a greater RT cost for incompatible stimuli preceded by large cues and less RT benefit for compatible stimuli. Poor decoders also showed reduced modulation of ERPs by cue-size at left hemisphere posterior sites (N1) and by flanker compatibility at right hemisphere posterior sites (N1) and frontal sites (N2), consistent with processing differences in fronto-parietal attention networks. These findings have potential implications for understanding the relationship between spatial attention and phonological decoding in dyslexia. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  8. A CMOS-Compatible Poly-Si Nanowire Device with Hybrid Sensor/Memory Characteristics for System-on-Chip Applications

    PubMed Central

    Chen, Min-Cheng; Chen, Hao-Yu; Lin, Chia-Yi; Chien, Chao-Hsin; Hsieh, Tsung-Fan; Horng, Jim-Tong; Qiu, Jian-Tai; Huang, Chien-Chao; Ho, Chia-Hua; Yang, Fu-Liang

    2012-01-01

    This paper reports a versatile nano-sensor technology using “top-down” poly-silicon nanowire field-effect transistors (FETs) in the conventional Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS)-compatible semiconductor process. The nanowire manufacturing technique reduced nanowire width scaling to 50 nm without use of extra lithography equipment, and exhibited superior device uniformity. These n type polysilicon nanowire FETs have positive pH sensitivity (100 mV/pH) and sensitive deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) detection ability (100 pM) at normal system operation voltages. Specially designed oxide-nitride-oxide buried oxide nanowire realizes an electrically Vth-adjustable sensor to compensate device variation. These nanowire FETs also enable non-volatile memory application for a large and steady Vth adjustment window (>2 V Programming/Erasing window). The CMOS-compatible manufacturing technique of polysilicon nanowire FETs offers a possible solution for commercial System-on-Chip biosensor application, which enables portable physiology monitoring and in situ recording. PMID:22666012

  9. Irrelevant Singletons in Pop-Out Search: Attentional Capture or Filtering Costs?

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Becker, Stefanie I.

    2007-01-01

    The aim of the present study was to investigate whether costs invoked by the presence of an irrelevant singleton distractor in a visual search task are due to attentional capture by the irrelevant singleton or spatially unrelated filtering costs. Measures of spatial effects were based on distance effects, compatibility effects, and differences…

  10. Effect of Action Video Games on the Spatial Distribution of Visuospatial Attention

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Green, C. Shawn; Bavelier, Daphne

    2006-01-01

    The authors investigated the effect of action gaming on the spatial distribution of attention. The authors used the flanker compatibility effect to separately assess center and peripheral attentional resources in gamers versus nongamers. Gamers exhibited an enhancement in attentional resources compared with nongamers, not only in the periphery but…

  11. 76 FR 3307 - Hazardous Materials: Harmonization With the United Nations Recommendations, International...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-01-19

    ... Compatibility Group S indicates that hazardous effects from accidental functioning are limited to the extent the... package is capable of containing any hazardous effects in the event of an accidental functioning of its... demonstrate that any hazardous effects are confined within a package. In the ANPRM, we invited commenters to...

  12. Quantum Observables and Effect Algebras

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Dvurečenskij, Anatolij

    2018-03-01

    We study observables on monotone σ-complete effect algebras. We find conditions when a spectral resolution implies existence of the corresponding observable. We characterize sharp observables of a monotone σ-complete homogeneous effect algebra using its orthoalgebraic skeleton. In addition, we study compatibility in orthoalgebras and we show that every orthoalgebra satisfying RIP is an orthomodular poset.

  13. Dissociative adsorption of environment-friendly insulating medium C3F7CN on Cu(111) and Al(111) surface: A theoretical evaluation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhang, Xiaoxing; Li, Yi; Chen, Dachang; Xiao, Song; Tian, Shuangshuang; Tang, Ju; Wang, Dibo

    2018-03-01

    SF6 is extensively used in electrical applications because of its excellent insulation and arc extinguishing performance, but its strong greenhouse effect has negative impact on the atmosphere. The excellent performance of C3F7CN in greenhouse effect, insulation ability, safety, and thermal stability has been demonstrated, indicating that this compound can replace SF6 in electrical applications. However, little information is available on the compatibility of C3F7CN with metals, such as copper and aluminum, in devices. Material compatibility between new gas mixtures and materials used in Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS) should be investigated to determine the long-term behavior of materials. In this paper, dissociative adsorption of C3F7CN on Cu (1 1 1) and Al (1 1 1) surfaces were analyzed based on density functional theory. Adsorption energy, charge transfer, density of states, and electron density difference of interaction between C3F7CN and two metals were analyzed. It was found that the adsorption energy of C3F7CN adsorbed on Cu (1 1 1) and Al (1 1 1) is both below 0.8 eV. This value indicates that the interaction between them is not very strong. In addition, the dissociation reaction path of gas molecules after adsorption requires certain activation energy. Therefore, C3F7CN and copper or aluminum have certain compatibility and the compatibility of C3F7CN with aluminum is better than that of copper. Related results provide a reference for predicting the aging mechanism of equipment and the selection or modification of major materials for equipment.

  14. [Development and application of component-based Chinese medicine theory].

    PubMed

    Zhang, Jun-Hua; Fan, Guan-Wei; Zhang, Han; Fan, Xiao-Hui; Wang, Yi; Liu, Li-Mei; Li, Chuan; Gao, Yue; Gao, Xiu-Mei; Zhang, Bo-Li

    2017-11-01

    Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescription is the main therapies for disease prevention and treatment in Chinese medicine. Following the guidance of the theory of TCM and developing drug by composing prescriptions of TCM materials and pieces, it is a traditional application mode of TCM, and still widely used in clinic. TCM prescription has theoretical advantages and rich clinical application experience in dealing with multi-factor complex diseases, but scientific research is relatively weak. The lack of scientific cognition of the effective substances and mechanism of Chinese medicine leads to insufficient understanding of the efficacy regularity, which affects the stability of effect and hinders the improvement of quality of Chinese medicinal products. Component-based Chinese medicine (CCM) is an innovation based on inheritance, which breaks through the tradition of experience-based prescription and realize the transformation of compatibility from herbal pieces to components. CCM is an important achievement during the research process of modernization of Chinese medicine. Under the support of three national "973" projects, in order to reveal the scientific connotation of the prescription compatibility theory and develop innovative Chinese drugs, we have launched theoretical innovation and technological innovation around the "two relatively clear", and opened up the research field of CCM. CCM is an innovation based on inheritance, breaking through the tradition of experience based prescription, and realizing the transformation from compatibility of herbal pieces to component compatibility, which is an important achievement of the modernization of traditional Chinese medicine. In the past more than 10 years, with the deepening of research and the expansion of application, the theory and methods of CCM and efficacy-oriented compatibility have been continuously improved. The value of CCM is not only in developing new drug, more important is to build a communication bridge between traditional Chinese medicine and modern science and construct the system of key technologies which meet the need of innovation and development of TCM. This paper focused on the research progress, related concepts and technology development of CCM, as well as its application prospect in the theory research of Chinese medicine, development of innovative Chinese drugs, secondary development of Chinese patent medicine and upgrading of pharmaceutical technology. Copyright© by the Chinese Pharmaceutical Association.

  15. Evolution of Compatibility Range in the Rice-Magnaporthe oryzae System: An Uneven Distribution of R Genes Between Rice Subspecies.

    PubMed

    Gallet, Romain; Fontaine, Colin; Bonnot, François; Milazzo, Joëlle; Tertois, Christophe; Adreit, Henri; Ravigné, Virginie; Fournier, Elisabeth; Tharreau, Didier

    2016-04-01

    Efficient strategies for limiting the impact of pathogens on crops require a good understanding of the factors underlying the evolution of compatibility range for the pathogens and host plants, i.e., the set of host genotypes that a particular pathogen genotype can infect and the set of pathogen genotypes that can infect a particular host genotype. Until now, little is known about the evolutionary and ecological factors driving compatibility ranges in systems implicating crop plants. We studied the evolution of host and pathogen compatibility ranges for rice blast disease, which is caused by the ascomycete Magnaporthe oryzae. We challenged 61 rice varieties from three rice subspecies with 31 strains of M. oryzae collected worldwide from all major known genetic groups. We determined the compatibility range of each plant variety and pathogen genotype and the severity of each plant-pathogen interaction. Compatibility ranges differed between rice subspecies, with the most resistant subspecies selecting for pathogens with broader compatibility ranges and the least resistant subspecies selecting for pathogens with narrower compatibility ranges. These results are consistent with a nested distribution of R genes between rice subspecies.

  16. Detergent-compatible proteases: microbial production, properties, and stain removal analysis.

    PubMed

    Niyonzima, Francois Niyongabo; More, Sunil

    2015-01-01

    Proteases are one of the most important commercial enzymes used in various industrial domains such as detergent and leather industries. The alkaline proteases as well as other detergent-compatible enzymes such as lipases and amylases serve now as the key components in detergent formulations. They break down various stains during fabric washing. The search for detergent-compatible proteases with better properties is a continuous exercise. The current trend is to use detergent-compatible proteases that are stable over a wide temperature range. Although the proteases showing stability at elevated pH have the capacity to be used in detergent formulations, their usage can be significant if they are also stable and compatible with detergent and detergent ingredients, and also able to remove protein stains. Despite the existence of some reviews on alkaline proteases, there is no specification for the use of alkaline proteases as detergent additives. The present review describes the detergent-compatible proteases tested as detergent additives. An overview was provided for screening, optimization, purification, and properties of detergent compatible proteases, with an emphasis on the stability and compatibility of the alkaline proteases with the detergent and detergent compounds, as well as stain removal examination methods.

  17. Rejection of S-heteroallelic pollen by a dual-specific s-RNase in Solanum chacoense predicts a multimeric SI pollen component.

    PubMed Central

    Luu, D T; Qin, X; Laublin, G; Yang, Q; Morse, D; Cappadocia, M

    2001-01-01

    S-heteroallelic pollen (HAP) grains are usually diploid and contain two different S-alleles. Curiously, HAP produced by tetraploids derived from self-incompatible diploids are typically self-compatible. The two different hypotheses previously advanced to explain the compatibility of HAP are the lack of pollen-S expression and the "competition effect" between two pollen-S gene products expressed in a single pollen grain. To distinguish between these two possibilities, we used a previously described dual-specific S(11/13)-RNase, termed HVapb-RNase, which can reject two phenotypically distinct pollen (P(11) and P(13)). Since the HVapb-RNase does not distinguish between the two pollen types (it recognizes both), P(11)P(13) HAP should be incompatible with the HVapb-RNase in spite of the competition effect. We show here that P(11)P(13) HAP is accepted by S(11)S(13) styles, but is rejected by the S(11/13)-RNase, which demonstrates that the pollen-S genes must be expressed in HAP. A model involving tetrameric pollen-S is proposed to explain both the compatibility of P(11)P(13) HAP on S(11)S(13)-containing styles and the incompatibility of P(11)P(13) HAP on styles containing the HVapb-RNase. PMID:11560908

  18. Embodiment of abstract categories in space… grounding or mere compatibility effects? The case of politics.

    PubMed

    Farias, Ana Rita; Garrido, Margarida V; Semin, Gün R

    2016-05-01

    In two experiments, the role played by stimulus response compatibility in driving the spatial grounding of abstract concepts is examined. In Experiment 1, participants were asked to classify politics-related words appearing to the left or the right side of a computer monitor as socialist or conservative. Responses were given by pressing vertically aligned keys and thus orthogonal to the spatial information that may have been implied by the words. Responses given by left or right index finger were counterbalanced. In Experiment 2, a lexical decision task, participants categorized political words or non-words presented to the left or the right auditory channels, by pressing the top/bottom button of a response box. The response category labels (word or non-word) were also orthogonal to the spatial information that may have been implied by the stimulus words. In both experiments, responses were faster when socialism-related words were presented on the left and conservatism-related words were presented on the right, irrespective of the reference of the response keys or labels. Overall, our findings suggest that the spatial grounding of abstract concepts (or at least politics-related ones) is independent of experimentally driven stimulus-response compatibility effects. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  19. MIPs in Aqueous Environments.

    PubMed

    Wan, Ying-chun; Ma, Hui-ting; Lu, Bin

    2015-01-01

    When organic solvent-compatible molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) are used in aqueous environment, how to reduce nonspecific binding is a major challenge. By modifying the binding solvents and introducing appropriate washing and elution steps, even relatively hydrophobic MIPs can gain optimal rebinding selectivity in aqueous conditions. Furthermore, water-compatible MIPs that can be used to treat aqueous samples directly have been prepared. The use of hydrophilic co-monomers, the controlled surface modification through controlled radical polymerization, and the new interfacial molecular imprinting methods are different strategies to prepare water-compatible MIPs. By combining MIPs with other techniques, both organic solvent-compatible and water-compatible MIPs can display better functional performances in aqueous conditions. Intensive studies on MIPs in aqueous conditions can provide new MIPs with much-improved compatibilities that will lead to more interesting applications in biomedicine and biotechnology.

  20. Refringence, field theory and normal modes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Barceló, Carlos; Liberati, Stefano; Visser, Matt

    2002-06-01

    In a previous paper [Barceló C et al 2001 Class. Quantum Grav. 18 3595-610 (Preprint gr-qc/0104001)] we have shown that the occurrence of curved spacetime 'effective Lorentzian geometries' is a generic result of linearizing an arbitrary classical field theory around some nontrivial background configuration. This observation explains the ubiquitous nature of the 'analogue models' for general relativity that have recently been developed based on condensed matter physics. In the simple (single scalar field) situation analysed in our previous paper, there is a single unique effective metric; more complicated situations can lead to bi-metric and multi-metric theories. In the present paper we will investigate the conditions required to keep the situation under control and compatible with experiment - either by enforcing a unique effective metric (as would be required to be strictly compatible with the Einstein equivalence principle), or at the worst by arranging things so that there are multiple metrics that are all 'close' to each other (in order to be compatible with the Eötvös experiment). The algebraically most general situation leads to a physical model whose mathematical description requires an extension of the usual notion of Finsler geometry to a Lorentzian-signature pseudo-Finsler geometry; while this is possibly of some interest in its own right, this particular case does not seem to be immediately relevant for either particle physics or gravitation. The key result is that wide classes of theories lend themselves to an effective metric description. This observation provides further evidence that the notion of 'analogue gravity' is rather generic.

  1. Aetiological heterogeneity of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas: the role of human papillomavirus infections, smoking and alcohol.

    PubMed

    Farsi, Nada J; Rousseau, Marie-Claude; Schlecht, Nicolas; Castonguay, Geneviève; Allison, Paul; Nguyen-Tan, Phuc Félix; Souliéres, Denis; Coutlée, Francois; Hier, Michael; Madathil, Sreenath; Franco, Eduardo L; Nicolau, Belinda

    2017-12-07

    Tobacco and alcohol consumption are the main risk factors for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). In addition, human papillomavirus (HPV) infection plays a causal role in oropharyngeal cancer (OPC), a subset of HNSCC. We assessed the independent effects of tobacco, alcohol and HPV infection on OPC risk in the head and neck cancer (HeNCe) Life study, a hospital-based case-control study of HNSCC with frequency-matched controls by age and sex from four Montreal hospitals. Interviewers collected information on socio-demographic and behavioural factors. We tested exfoliated oral cells for HPV DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). We included only OPC cases (n = 188) and controls (n = 427) without missing values for HPV, smoking or alcohol. We examined associations by estimating odds ratios (ORs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) using unconditional logistic regression. Smoking (OR = 1.90, 95% CI: 1.04-3.45) and alcohol (OR = 2.74, 95% CI: 1.45-5.15) were associated with an increased risk of OPC independent of HPV status. Positivity for HPV 16 among heavy smokers and heavy alcohol users was associated with a 30.4-fold (95% CI: 8.94-103.26) and 18.6-fold (95% CI: 5.75-60.13) elevation in risk of OPC relative to participants who were HPV negative, respectively. Moreover, the combined effect of heavy smoking and alcohol comsumption with HPV 16 infection substantially increased OPC risk (OR = 48.76, 95% CI: 15.83-150.17) and (OR = 50.60, 95% CI: 15.96-160.40), respectively. Our results support the independent roles of smoking, alcohol and HPV infection in OPC risk and a possible combined effect. Efforts should be made to tackle these major risk factors simultaneously. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

  2. Evaluation of the genotoxic potential of Mangifera indica L. extract (Vimang), a new natural product with antioxidant activity.

    PubMed

    Rodeiro, I; Cancino, L; González, J E; Morffi, J; Garrido, G; González, R M; Nuñez, A; Delgado, R

    2006-10-01

    Mangifera indica L. extract (Vimang) consists of a defined mixture of components (polyphenols, terpenoids, steroids, fatty acids and microelements). It contains a variety of polyphenols, phenolic esters, flavan-3-ols and a xanthone (mangiferin), as main component. This extract has antioxidant action, antitumor and immunemodulatory effects proved in experimental models in both in vitro and in vivo assays. The present study was performed to investigate the genotoxicity potential activity of Vimang assessed through different tests: Ames, Comet and micronucleus assays. Positive and negative controls were included in each experimental series. Histidine requiring mutants of Salmonella typhimurium TA1535, TA1537, TA1538, TA98, TA100 and TA102 strains for point-mutation tests and in vitro micronucleus assay in primary human lymphocytes with and without metabolic activation were performed. In addition, genotoxic effects were evaluated on blood peripheral lymphocytes of NMRI mice of both sexes, which were treated during 2 days with intraperitoneal doses of M. indica L. extract (50-150 mg/kg). The observed results permitted to affirm that Vimang (200-5,000 microg/plate) did not increase the frequency of reverse mutations in the Ames test in presence or not of metabolic activation. Results of Comet assay showed that the extract did not induce single strand breaks or alkali-labile sites on blood peripheral lymphocytes of treated animals compared with controls. On the other hand, the results of the micronucleus studies (in vitro and in vivo) showed Vimang induces cytotoxic activity, determined as cell viability or PCE/NCE ratio, but neither increased the frequency of micronucleated binucleate cells in culture of human lymphocytes nor in mice bone marrow cells under our experimental conditions. The positive control chemicals included in each experiment induced the expected changes. The present results indicate that M. indica L. extract showed evidences of light cytotoxic activity but did not induce a mutagenic or genotoxic effects in the battery of assays used.

  3. Pollinator limitation and the effect of breeding systems on plant reproduction in forest fragments

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Nayak, K. Geetha; Davidar, Priya

    2010-03-01

    Reproduction of plants in fragmented habitats may be limited because of lower diversity or abundance of pollinators, and/or variation in local plant density. We assessed natural fruit set and pollinator limitation in ten species of woody plants in natural and restored fragments in the Pondicherry region of southern India, to see whether breeding system of plants (self-compatible and self-incompatible) affected fruit set. We tested whether the number of flowering individuals in the fragments affected the fruit set and further examined the adult and sapling densities of self-compatible (SC) and self-incompatible (SI) species. We measured the natural level of fruit set and pollinator limitation (calculated as the difference in fruit set between hand cross-pollinated and naturally pollinated flowers). Our results demonstrate that there was a higher level of pollinator limitation and hence lower levels of natural fruit set in self-incompatible species as compared to self-compatible species. However, the hand cross-pollinated flowers in SC and SI species produced similar levels of fruit set, further indicating that lower fruit set was due to pollinator limitation and not due to lack of cross-compatible individuals in the fragments. There was no significant relation between number of flowering individuals and the levels of natural fruit set, except for two species Derris ovalifolia, Ixora pavetta. In these species the natural fruit set decreased with increasing population size, again indicating pollinator limitation. The adult and sapling densities in self-compatible species were significantly higher than in self-incompatible species. These findings indicate that the low reproductive output in self-incompatible species may eventually lead to lower population sizes. Restoration of pollinator services along with plant species in fragmented habitats is important for the long-term conservation of biodiversity.

  4. [Effects of pesticides and plant bio-stimulants on the germination of chlamydospores and in vitro development of the nematophagous fungus Pochonia chlamydosporia].

    PubMed

    Ceiro, Wilson G; Arévalo, Jersys; Hidalgo-Díaz, Leopoldo

    2015-01-01

    The effects of pesticides and plant bio-stimulants used in protected vegetable production systems on the fungus Pochonia chlamydosporia are unknown. The effectiveness of P. chlamydosporia against Meloidogyne spp. could be affected by products used in protected vegetable production systems. Two in vitro assays were carried out to evaluate any potential effect that pesticides and bio-stimulants often used in these systems could have on the fungus. The effect on chlamydospore germination was evaluated in a first assay, and mycelia growth and sporulation in a second. With these results, the compatibility of each product with the fungus was determined. Chlamydospores germination was over 50% with the control, FitoMas E, Biobras-16 and Amidor. Lower results were observed with other products, with some of them even inhibiting germination completely. Fungal growth was potentiated by Biobras-16 to 106.23%, promoted up to 50-100% by the control, FitoMas E and Cuproflow, and was below 50% with the rest of the products.Cipermetrina, Benomilo, Zineb, Mitigan, Karate, FitoMas E and Amidor promoted fungal sporulation, which was below 50% with Cuproflow and completely inhibited by the other products. Fifty-four percent of the products evaluated were compatible with P. chlamydosporia, while 8% were toxic and 38%, very toxic. Cipermetrina, Karate, Amidor, Benomilo, Zineb, Mitigan and FitoMas E were compatible with P. chlamydosporia. If it is necessary to use any of the other products for integrated pest management in protected vegetable production systems, it is recommended to avoid direct contact with P. chlamydosporia. Copyright © 2013 Revista Iberoamericana de Micología. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.

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

    Hektor, Andi; Marzola, Luca; Institute of Physics, University of Tartu,Ravila 14c, 50411 Tartu

    Motivated by the recent indications for a 750 GeV resonance in the di-photon final state at the LHC, in this work we analyse the compatibility of the excess with the broad photon excess detected at the Galactic Centre. Intriguingly, by analysing the parameter space of an effective models where a 750 GeV pseudoscalar particles mediates the interaction between the Standard Model and a scalar dark sector, we prove the compatibility of the two signals. We show, however, that the LHC mono-jet searches and the Fermi LAT measurements strongly limit the viable parameter space. We comment on the possible impact ofmore » cosmic antiproton flux measurement by the AMS-02 experiment.« less

  6. Propellant material compatibility program and results

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Toth, L. R.; Cannon, W. A.; Coulbert, C. D.; Long, H. R.

    1976-01-01

    The effects of long-term (up to 10 years) contact of inert materials with earth-storable propellants were studied for the purpose of designing chemical propulsion system components that can be used for current as well as future planetary spacecraft. The primary experimental work, and results to date are reported. Investigations include the following propellants: hydrazine, hydrazine-hydrazine nitrate blends, monomethyl-hydrazine, and nitrogen tetroxide. Materials include: aluminum alloys, corrosion-resistant steels, and titanium alloys. More than 700 test specimen capsules were placed in long-term storage testing at 43 C in the special material compatibility facility. Material ratings relative to the 10-year requirement have been assigned.

  7. One Chance in a Million: Altruism and the Bone Marrow Registry.

    PubMed

    Bergstrom, Theodore C; Garratt, Rodney J; Sheehan-Connor, Damien

    2009-09-01

    Stem cell transplants save lives of many patients with blood diseases. Donation is painful, but rarely has lasting adverse effects. Patients can accept transplants only from donors with compatible immune systems. Those lacking a sibling match must seek donations from the general population. The probability that two unrelated persons are compatible is less than 1/10,000. Health authorities maintain a registry of several million genetically tested potential donors who agree to donate if asked. We find that the benefits of adding registrants of every race exceed costs. We also explore the peculiar structure of voluntary public good provision that faces potential donors.

  8. 14 CFR 25.941 - Inlet, engine, and exhaust compatibility.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... configurations; (b) The dynamic effects of the operation of these (including consideration of probable... structural limitation of the airplane; and (c) In showing compliance with paragraph (b) of this section, the...

  9. Objects and events as determinants of parallel processing in dual tasks: evidence from the backward compatibility effect.

    PubMed

    Ellenbogen, Ravid; Meiran, Nachshon

    2011-02-01

    The backward-compatibility effect (BCE) is a major index of parallel processing in dual tasks and is related to the dependency of Task 1 performance on Task 2 response codes (Hommel, 1998). The results of four dual-task experiments showed that a BCE occurs when the stimuli of both tasks are included in the same visual object (Experiments 1 and 2) or belong to the same perceptual event (Experiments 3 and 4). Thus, the BCE may be modulated by factors that influence whether both task stimuli are included in the same perceptual event (objects, as studied in cognitive experiments, being special cases of events). As with objects, drawing attention to a (selected) event results in the processing of its irrelevant features and may interfere with task execution. (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved.

  10. The effects of display-control I/O, compatibility, and integrality on dual-task performance and subjective workload

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Tsang, Pamela S.; Hart, Sandra G.; Vidulich, Michael A.

    1987-01-01

    The utility of speech technology was evaluated in terms of three dual task principles: resource competition between the time shared tasks, stimulus central processing response compatibility, and task integrality. Empirical support for these principles was reviewed. Two studies investigating the interactive effects of the three principles were described. Objective performance and subjective workload ratings for both single and dual tasks were examined. It was found that the single task measures were not necessarily good predictors for the dual task measures. It was shown that all three principles played an important role in determining an optimal task configuration. This was reflected in both the performance measures and the subjective measures. Therefore, consideration of all three principles is required to insure proper use of speech technology in a complex environment.

  11. Physical effects of DCNQI derivatives doping as an N type organic semiconductor in organic photovoltaic cell performance.

    PubMed

    Lee, Joo Hyung; Oh, Se Young

    2014-08-01

    In the previous work, we have reported that organic photovoltaic (OPV) cells using DMDCNQI as an n-type second dopant material showed a high power conversion efficiency (PCE). In the present work, we have synthesized a novel DHDCNQI with long alkyl chains to improve the compatibility between the DHDCNQI dopant molecule and host P3HT polymer. We have fabricated OPV cells consisting of ITO/PEDOT:PSS/P3HT:PCBM:DHDCNQI/Al. We have investigated the characteristics of theses OPV cells using DCNQI derivative dopants from the measurements of the incident photon-to-current collection efficiency and photocurrent. The OPV cell using 3 wt% DHDCNQI exhibited a high PCE of 3.29% due to the high charge separation efficiency, good compatibility and low trap site effect.

  12. EB-promoted recycling of waste tire rubber with polyolefins

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mészáros, László; Bárány, Tamás; Czvikovszky, Tibor

    2012-09-01

    Despite the fact that more and more methods and solutions are used in the recycling of polymers, there are still some problems, especially in the recycling of cross-linked materials such as rubber. Usually the biggest problem is the lack of compatibility between the cross-linked rubber and the thermoplastic matrix. In this study we applied ground tire rubber (GTR) as recycled material. The GTR was embedded into polyethylene (PE) and polyethylene/ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (PE/EVA) matrices. In order to increase the compatibility of the components electron beam (EB) irradiation was applied. The results showed that the irradiation has a beneficial effect on the polymer-GTR interfacial connection. The EB treatment increased not only the tensile strength but also the elongation at break. The irradiation had also positive effect on the impact strength properties.

  13. CMOS-compatible batch processing of monolayer MoS2 MOSFETs

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Xiong, Kuanchen; Kim, Hyun; Marstell, Roderick J.; Göritz, Alexander; Wipf, Christian; Li, Lei; Park, Ji-Hoon; Luo, Xi; Wietstruck, Matthias; Madjar, Asher; Strandwitz, Nicholas C.; Kaynak, Mehmet; Lee, Young Hee; Hwang, James C. M.

    2018-04-01

    Thousands of high-performance 2D metal-oxide-semiconductor field effect transistors (MOSFETs) were fabricated on wafer-scale chemical vapor deposited MoS2 with fully-CMOS-compatible processes such as photolithography and aluminum metallurgy. The yield was greater than 50% in terms of effective gate control with less-than-10 V threshold voltage, even for MOSFETs having deep-submicron gate length. The large number of fabricated MOSFETs allowed statistics to be gathered and the main yield limiter to be attributed to the weak adhesion between the transferred MoS2 and the substrate. With cut-off frequencies approaching the gigahertz range, the performances of the MOSFETs were comparable to that of state-of-the-art MoS2 MOSFETs, whether the MoS2 was grown by a thin-film process or exfoliated from a bulk crystal.

  14. Intact Automatic Imitation and Typical Spatial Compatibility in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Challenging the Broken Mirror Theory.

    PubMed

    Sowden, Sophie; Koehne, Svenja; Catmur, Caroline; Dziobek, Isabel; Bird, Geoffrey

    2016-02-01

    A lack of imitative behavior is frequently described as a core feature of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and is consistent with claims of mirror neuron system dysfunction in these individuals. Previous research has questioned this characterization of ASD however, arguing that when tests of automatic imitation are used--which do not require higher-level cognitive processing--imitative behavior is intact or even enhanced in individuals with ASD. In Experiment 1, 60 adult individuals with ASD and a matched Control group completed an automatic imitation task in which they were required to perform an index or a middle finger lift while observing a hand making either the same, or the alternate, finger movement. Both groups demonstrated a significant imitation effect whereby actions were executed faster when preceded by observation of the same action, than when preceded by the alternate action. The magnitude of this "imitation effect" was statistically indistinguishable in the ASD and Control groups. Experiment 2 utilized an improved automatic imitation paradigm to demonstrate that, when automatic imitation effects are isolated from those due to spatial compatibility, increasing autism symptom severity is associated with an increased tendency to imitate. Notably, there was no association between autism symptom severity and spatial compatibility, demonstrating the specificity of the link between ASD symptoms and increased imitation. These results provide evidence against claims of a lack of imitative behavior in ASD, and challenge the "Broken Mirror Theory of Autism." © 2015 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  15. Reverse indentation size effects in gamma irradiated blood compatible blend films of chitosan-poly (vinyl alcohol) for possible medical applications.

    PubMed

    Bisen, D S; Bhatt, Rinkesh; Bajpai, A K; Bajpai, R; Katare, R

    2017-02-01

    In the present work binary blends of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and chitosan (CS) were prepared by solution cast method and characterized by analytical methods like FTIR, XRD and SEM for seeking structural and morphological information. The blends were exposed to gamma radiation and evaluated for their improved mechanical strength. It was found that the tensile strength and microhardness increased after irradiation of CS-PVA films. Plastic effect due to absorption of water molecules and scissoring effect due to gamma irradiation were found to decrease the softness or increase the microhardness of the blends. Improved mechanical properties were attributed to intermolecular and intramolecular hydrogen bonds and adhesive nature of the blends also. The blends were also investigated for water intake behavior and in vitro blood compatibility property on the basis of certain in vitro tests like protein adsorption, haemolysis and blood clot formation on the un-irradiated and irradiated blend samples. The increased % swelling with time could be assigned to the fact that increasing water content facilitates the phase separation process within the blend which results in advancement in interstitial nano-void spaces which are occupied by water molecules. The blood compatibility results showed that when the amount of CS was varied from 0.5% to 2%, the amount of blood clot and percent haemolysis decreased while the protein adsorption increased with increasing CS content of the blend films. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  16. Effects of working memory contents and perceptual load on distractor processing: When a response-related distractor is held in working memory.

    PubMed

    Koshino, Hideya

    2017-01-01

    Working memory and attention are closely related. Recent research has shown that working memory can be viewed as internally directed attention. Working memory can affect attention in at least two ways. One is the effect of working memory load on attention, and the other is the effect of working memory contents on attention. In the present study, an interaction between working memory contents and perceptual load in distractor processing was investigated. Participants performed a perceptual load task in a standard form in one condition (Single task). In the other condition, a response-related distractor was maintained in working memory, rather than presented in the same stimulus display as a target (Dual task). For the Dual task condition, a significant compatibility effect was found under high perceptual load; however, there was no compatibility effect under low perceptual load. These results suggest that the way the contents of working memory affect visual search depends on perceptual load. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  17. A study of surface tension driven segregation in monotectic alloy systems

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Andrews, J. Barry; Andrews, Rosalia N.; Gowens, Terrell F.

    1988-01-01

    The compatibilities of various monotectic alloy systems with several different crucible materials were evaluated. The study was carried out using small candidate alloy samples of compositions that produced fifty volume percent of each liquid phase at the monotectic temperature. Compatibility was based on the evaluation of the wetting tendency of the two immiscible phases with the crucible material in a one-g solidified sample. Three types of wetting phenomena were observed during the evaluation. Type 1 indicates an alloy-crucible combination where the L2 phase preferentially wets the crucible material. Since L2 is usually the minority phase in desirable alloys, this material combination would be difficult to process and is therefore considered incompatible. Type 2 behavior indicates an alloy-crucible combination where the L1 phase preferentially wets the crucible material. This type of combination is considered compatible since surface tension effects should aid in processing the alloy to a useful form. Type 3 indicates any combination that leads to major reactions between the alloy and crucible material, gas entrapment, or separation of the metal from the crucible wall. Additional compatibility evaluations would have to be carried out on combinations of this category. The five alloy systems studied included aluminum-bismuth, copper-lead, aluminum-indium, aluminum-lead and cadmium-gallium. The systems were combined with crucibles of alumina, boron nitride, mullite, quartz, silicon carbide and zirconia.

  18. A robust fingerprint matching algorithm based on compatibility of star structures

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Cao, Jia; Feng, Jufu

    2009-10-01

    In fingerprint verification or identification systems, most minutiae-based matching algorithms suffered from the problems of non-linear distortion and missing or faking minutiae. Local structures such as triangle or k-nearest structure are widely used to reduce the impact of non-linear distortion, but are suffered from missing and faking minutiae. In our proposed method, star structure is used to present local structure. A star structure contains various number of minutiae, thus, it is more robust with missing and faking minutiae. Our method consists of four steps: 1) Constructing star structures at minutia level; 2) Computing similarity score for each structure pair, and eliminating impostor matched pairs which have the low scores. As it is generally assumed that there is only linear distortion in local area, the similarity is defined by rotation and shifting. 3) Voting for remained matched pairs according to the compatibility between them, and eliminating impostor matched pairs which gain few votes. The concept of compatibility is first introduced by Yansong Feng [4], the original definition is only based on triangles. We define the compatibility for star structures to adjust to our proposed algorithm. 4) Computing the matching score, based on the number of matched structures and their voting scores. The score also reflects the fact that, it should get higher score if minutiae match in more intensive areas. Experiments evaluated on FVC 2004 show both effectiveness and efficiency of our methods.

  19. Working with anaerobic soil disinfestation for control of key soil-borne pathogens

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Anaerobic soil disinfestation (ASD) has been shown to be effective in reducing Verticillium dahliae in soil and to be able to provide marketable fruit yields compatible to fumigation in California strawberry systems. However the effect of ASD on charcoal rot caused by Macrophomina phaseolina in Cali...

  20. Experiential Learning in Management Education: What Kinds of Students Benefit?

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Veiga, John F.

    1976-01-01

    With the relationship between individual learning styles and the effectiveness of the experiential approach, it was hypothesized that the effectiveness of the experiential approach, as measured by student perceptions and student grades, was a function of learning style compatability. The results did not support this hypothesis. (Author)

  1. Sequential Effects on Speeded Information Processing: A Developmental Study

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Smulders, S.F.A.; Notebaert, W.; Meijer, M.; Crone, E.A.; van der Molen, M.W.; Soetens, E.

    2005-01-01

    Two experiments were performed to assess age-related changes in sequential effects on choice reaction time (RT). Sequential effects portray the influence of previous trials on the RT to the current stimulus. In Experiment 1, three age groups (7-9, 10-12, and 18-25 years) performed a spatially compatible choice task, with response-to-stimulus…

  2. A Pollen Coat–Inducible Autoinhibited Ca2+-ATPase Expressed in Stigmatic Papilla Cells Is Required for Compatible Pollination in the Brassicaceae[W

    PubMed Central

    Iwano, Megumi; Igarashi, Motoko; Tarutani, Yoshiaki; Kaothien-Nakayama, Pulla; Nakayama, Hideki; Moriyama, Hideki; Yakabe, Ryo; Entani, Tetsuyuki; Shimosato-Asano, Hiroko; Ueki, Masao; Tamiya, Gen; Takayama, Seiji

    2014-01-01

    In the Brassicaceae, intraspecific non-self pollen (compatible pollen) can germinate and grow into stigmatic papilla cells, while self-pollen or interspecific pollen is rejected at this stage. However, the mechanisms underlying this selective acceptance of compatible pollen remain unclear. Here, using a cell-impermeant calcium indicator, we showed that the compatible pollen coat contains signaling molecules that stimulate Ca2+ export from the papilla cells. Transcriptome analyses of stigmas suggested that autoinhibited Ca2+-ATPase13 (ACA13) was induced after both compatible pollination and compatible pollen coat treatment. A complementation test using a yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain lacking major Ca2+ transport systems suggested that ACA13 indeed functions as an autoinhibited Ca2+ transporter. ACA13 transcription increased in papilla cells and in transmitting tracts after pollination. ACA13 protein localized to the plasma membrane and to vesicles near the Golgi body and accumulated at the pollen tube penetration site after pollination. The stigma of a T-DNA insertion line of ACA13 exhibited reduced Ca2+ export, as well as defects in compatible pollen germination and seed production. These findings suggest that stigmatic ACA13 functions in the export of Ca2+ to the compatible pollen tube, which promotes successful fertilization. PMID:24569769

  3. Obsessive-compulsive tendencies are associated with a focused information processing strategy.

    PubMed

    Soref, Assaf; Dar, Reuven; Argov, Galit; Meiran, Nachshon

    2008-12-01

    The study examined the hypothesis that obsessive-compulsive (OC) tendencies are related to a reliance on focused and serial rather than a parallel, speed-oriented information processing style. Ten students with high OC tendencies and 10 students with low OC tendencies performed the flanker task, in which they were required to quickly classify a briefly presented target letter (S or H) that was flanked by compatible (e.g., SSSSS) or incompatible (e.g., HHSHH) noise letters. Participants received 4 blocks of 100 trials each, two with 50% compatible trials and two with 80% compatible trials and were informed of the probability of compatible trials before the beginning of each block. As predicted, high OC participants, as compared to low OC participants, had slower overall reaction time (RT) and lower tendency for parallel processing (defined as incompatible trials RT minus compatible trials RT). Low, more than high OC participants tended to adjust their focused/parallel processing including a shift towards parallel processing in blocks with 80% compatible trials and in trials following compatible trials. Implications of these results to the cognitive theory and therapy of OCD are discussed.

  4. Coproduction of detergent compatible bacterial enzymes and stain removal evaluation.

    PubMed

    Niyonzima, Francois N; More, Sunil S

    2015-10-01

    Most of the detergents that are presently produced contain the detergent compatible enzymes to improve and accelerate the washing performance by removing tough stains. The process is environment friendly as the use of enzymes in the detergent formulation reduces the utilization of toxic detergent constituents. The current trend is to use the detergent compatible enzymes that are active at low and ambient temperature in order to save energy and maintain fabric quality. As the detergent compatible bacterial enzymes are used together in the detergent formulation, it is important to co-produce the detergent enzymes in a single fermentation medium as the enzyme stability is assured, and production cost gets reduced enormously. The review reports on the production, purification, characterization and application of detergent compatible amylases, lipases, and proteases are available. However, there is no specific review or minireview on the concomitant production of detergent compatible amylases, lipases, and proteases. In this minireview, the coproduction of detergent compatible enzymes by bacterial species, enzyme stability towards detergents and detergent components, and stain release analysis were discussed. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  5. Unstable identity compatibility: how gender rejection sensitivity undermines the success of women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields.

    PubMed

    Ahlqvist, Sheana; London, Bonita; Rosenthal, Lisa

    2013-09-01

    Although the perceived compatibility between one's gender and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) identities (gender-STEM compatibility) has been linked to women's success in STEM fields, no work to date has examined how the stability of identity over time contributes to subjective and objective STEM success. In the present study, 146 undergraduate female STEM majors rated their gender-STEM compatibility weekly during their freshman spring semester. STEM women higher in gender rejection sensitivity, or gender RS, a social-cognitive measure assessing the tendency to perceive social-identity threat, experienced larger fluctuations in gender-STEM compatibility across their second semester of college. Fluctuations in compatibility predicted impaired outcomes the following school year, including lower STEM engagement and lower academic performance in STEM (but not non-STEM) classes, and significantly mediated the relationship between gender RS and STEM engagement and achievement in the 2nd year of college. The week-to-week changes in gender-STEM compatibility occurred in response to negative academic (but not social) experiences.

  6. The use of the bicycle compatibility index in identifying gaps and deficiencies in bicycle networks

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ilie, A.; Oprea, C.; Costescu, D.; Roşca, E.; Dinu, O.; Ghionea, F.

    2016-11-01

    Currently, no methodology is widely accepted by engineers, planners, or bicycle coordinators that allow them to determine how compatible a roadway is in providing efficient operation of both bicycles and motor vehicles. Previous studies reported a number of approaches to obtain an appropriate level of service; some authors developed the bicycle level of service (BLOS) and other authors developed the bicycle compatibility indexes (BCI). The level of service (BLOS) for a bicycle route represents an evaluation of safety and commodity perceived by a bicyclist reported to the motorized traffic, while running on the road surface. The bicycle compatibility index (BCI) is used by bicycle coordinators, transportation planners, traffic engineers to evaluate the capability of specific roadways to accommodate both motorists and bicyclists and to plan for and design roadways that are bicycle compatible. After applying BCI and BLOS models for the designed bicycle infrastructure network in the city of Dej, one can see that only few streets are Moderately Low compatible compared to the others with a high degree of compatibility that recommends to include them in the bicycle infrastructure network.

  7. Evaluating the compatibility of multi-functional and intensive urban land uses

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Taleai, M.; Sharifi, A.; Sliuzas, R.; Mesgari, M.

    2007-12-01

    This research is aimed at developing a model for assessing land use compatibility in densely built-up urban areas. In this process, a new model was developed through the combination of a suite of existing methods and tools: geographical information system, Delphi methods and spatial decision support tools: namely multi-criteria evaluation analysis, analytical hierarchy process and ordered weighted average method. The developed model has the potential to calculate land use compatibility in both horizontal and vertical directions. Furthermore, the compatibility between the use of each floor in a building and its neighboring land uses can be evaluated. The method was tested in a built-up urban area located in Tehran, the capital city of Iran. The results show that the model is robust in clarifying different levels of physical compatibility between neighboring land uses. This paper describes the various steps and processes of developing the proposed land use compatibility evaluation model (CEM).

  8. Compatible Solute Synthesis and Import by the Moderate Halophile Spiribacter salinus: Physiology and Genomics

    PubMed Central

    León, María J.; Hoffmann, Tamara; Sánchez-Porro, Cristina; Heider, Johann; Ventosa, Antonio; Bremer, Erhard

    2018-01-01

    Members of the genus Spiribacter are found worldwide and are abundant in ecosystems possessing intermediate salinities between seawater and saturated salt concentrations. Spiribacter salinus M19-40 is the type species of this genus and its first cultivated representative. In the habitats of S. salinus M19-40, high salinity is a key determinant for growth and we therefore focused on the cellular adjustment strategy to this persistent environmental challenge. We coupled these experimental studies to the in silico mining of the genome sequence of this moderate halophile with respect to systems allowing this bacterium to control its potassium and sodium pools, and its ability to import and synthesize compatible solutes. S. salinus M19-40 produces enhanced levels of the compatible solute ectoine, both under optimal and growth-challenging salt concentrations, but the genes encoding the corresponding biosynthetic enzymes are not organized in a canonical ectABC operon. Instead, they are scrambled (ectAC; ectB) and are physically separated from each other on the S. salinus M19-40 genome. Genomes of many phylogenetically related bacteria also exhibit a non-canonical organization of the ect genes. S. salinus M19-40 also synthesizes trehalose, but this compatible solute seems to make only a minor contribution to the cytoplasmic solute pool under osmotic stress conditions. However, its cellular levels increase substantially in stationary phase cells grown under optimal salt concentrations. In silico genome mining revealed that S. salinus M19-40 possesses different types of uptake systems for compatible solutes. Among the set of compatible solutes tested in an osmostress protection growth assay, glycine betaine and arsenobetaine were the most effective. Transport studies with radiolabeled glycine betaine showed that S. salinus M19-40 increases the pool size of this osmolyte in a fashion that is sensitively tied to the prevalent salinity of the growth medium. It was amassed in salt-stressed cells in unmodified form and suppressed the synthesis of ectoine. In conclusion, the data presented here allow us to derive a genome-scale picture of the cellular adjustment strategy of a species that represents an environmentally abundant group of ecophysiologically important halophilic microorganisms. PMID:29497403

  9. The effects of acute stress and perceptual load on distractor interference.

    PubMed

    Sato, Hirotsune; Takenaka, Ippei; Kawahara, Jun I

    2012-01-01

    Selective attention can be improved under conditions in which a high perceptual load is assumed to exhaust cognitive resources, leaving scarce resources for distractor processing. The present study examined whether perceptual load and acute stress share common attentional resources by manipulating perceptual and stress loads. Participants identified a target within an array of nontargets that were flanked by compatible or incompatible distractors. Attentional selectivity was measured by longer reaction times in response to the incompatible than to the compatible distractors. Participants in the stress group participated in a speech test that increased anxiety and threatened self-esteem. The effect of perceptual load interacted with the stress manipulation in that participants in the control group demonstrated an interference effect under the low perceptual load condition, whereas such interference disappeared under the high perceptual load condition. Importantly, the stress group showed virtually no interference under the low perceptual load condition, whereas substantial interference occurred under the high perceptual load condition. These results suggest that perceptual and stress related demands consume the same attentional resources.

  10. Keep your hands crossed: the valence-by-left/right interaction is related to hand, not side, in an incongruent hand-response key assignment.

    PubMed

    de la Vega, Irmgard; Dudschig, Carolin; De Filippis, Mónica; Lachmair, Martin; Kaup, Barbara

    2013-02-01

    The body-specificity hypothesis (Casasanto, 2009) associates positive emotional valence and the space surrounding the dominant hand, and negative valence and the space surrounding the non-dominant hand. This effect has not only been found for manual responses, but also for the left and right side. In the present study, we investigated whether this compatibility effect still shows when hand and side carry incongruent information, and whether it is then related to hand or to side. We conducted two experiments which used an incongruent hand-response key assignment, that is, participants had their hands crossed. Participants were instructed to respond with their right vs. left hand (Experiment 1) or with the right vs. left key (Experiment 2). In both experiments, a compatibility effect related to hand emerged, indicating that the association between hand and valence overrides the one between side and valence when hand and side carry contradicting information. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  11. 49 CFR 238.425 - Electrical system.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ... insulated from the supports that hold them. (d) Electromagnetic interference and compatibility. (1) The operating railroad shall ensure electromagnetic compatibility of the safety-critical equipment systems with their environment. Electromagnetic compatibility can be achieved through equipment design or changes to...

  12. 49 CFR 238.425 - Electrical system.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... insulated from the supports that hold them. (d) Electromagnetic interference and compatibility. (1) The operating railroad shall ensure electromagnetic compatibility of the safety-critical equipment systems with their environment. Electromagnetic compatibility can be achieved through equipment design or changes to...

  13. 49 CFR 238.425 - Electrical system.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ... insulated from the supports that hold them. (d) Electromagnetic interference and compatibility. (1) The operating railroad shall ensure electromagnetic compatibility of the safety-critical equipment systems with their environment. Electromagnetic compatibility can be achieved through equipment design or changes to...

  14. 49 CFR 238.225 - Electrical system.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ..., and the frames shall be electrically insulated from the supports that hold them. (d) Electromagnetic interference and compatibility. (1) The operating railroad shall ensure electromagnetic compatibility of the safety-critical equipment systems with their environment. Electromagnetic compatibility may be achieved...

  15. 49 CFR 238.425 - Electrical system.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... insulated from the supports that hold them. (d) Electromagnetic interference and compatibility. (1) The operating railroad shall ensure electromagnetic compatibility of the safety-critical equipment systems with their environment. Electromagnetic compatibility can be achieved through equipment design or changes to...

  16. 49 CFR 238.225 - Electrical system.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ..., and the frames shall be electrically insulated from the supports that hold them. (d) Electromagnetic interference and compatibility. (1) The operating railroad shall ensure electromagnetic compatibility of the safety-critical equipment systems with their environment. Electromagnetic compatibility may be achieved...

  17. 49 CFR 238.225 - Electrical system.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ..., and the frames shall be electrically insulated from the supports that hold them. (d) Electromagnetic interference and compatibility. (1) The operating railroad shall ensure electromagnetic compatibility of the safety-critical equipment systems with their environment. Electromagnetic compatibility may be achieved...

  18. 49 CFR 238.225 - Electrical system.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ..., and the frames shall be electrically insulated from the supports that hold them. (d) Electromagnetic interference and compatibility. (1) The operating railroad shall ensure electromagnetic compatibility of the safety-critical equipment systems with their environment. Electromagnetic compatibility may be achieved...

  19. 49 CFR 238.225 - Electrical system.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ..., and the frames shall be electrically insulated from the supports that hold them. (d) Electromagnetic interference and compatibility. (1) The operating railroad shall ensure electromagnetic compatibility of the safety-critical equipment systems with their environment. Electromagnetic compatibility may be achieved...

  20. 49 CFR 238.425 - Electrical system.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... insulated from the supports that hold them. (d) Electromagnetic interference and compatibility. (1) The operating railroad shall ensure electromagnetic compatibility of the safety-critical equipment systems with their environment. Electromagnetic compatibility can be achieved through equipment design or changes to...

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