The whole genome sequences and experimentally phased haplotypes of over 100 personal genomes.

PubMed

Mao, Qing; Ciotlos, Serban; Zhang, Rebecca Yu; Ball, Madeleine P; Chin, Robert; Carnevali, Paolo; Barua, Nina; Nguyen, Staci; Agarwal, Misha R; Clegg, Tom; Connelly, Abram; Vandewege, Ward; Zaranek, Alexander Wait; Estep, Preston W; Church, George M; Drmanac, Radoje; Peters, Brock A

2016-10-11

Since the completion of the Human Genome Project in 2003, it is estimated that more than 200,000 individual whole human genomes have been sequenced. A stunning accomplishment in such a short period of time. However, most of these were sequenced without experimental haplotype data and are therefore missing an important aspect of genome biology. In addition, much of the genomic data is not available to the public and lacks phenotypic information. As part of the Personal Genome Project, blood samples from 184 participants were collected and processed using Complete Genomics' Long Fragment Read technology. Here, we present the experimental whole genome haplotyping and sequencing of these samples to an average read coverage depth of 100X. This is approximately three-fold higher than the read coverage applied to most whole human genome assemblies and ensures the highest quality results. Currently, 114 genomes from this dataset are freely available in the GigaDB repository and are associated with rich phenotypic data; the remaining 70 should be added in the near future as they are approved through the PGP data release process. For reproducibility analyses, 20 genomes were sequenced at least twice using independent LFR barcoded libraries. Seven genomes were also sequenced using Complete Genomics' standard non-barcoded library process. In addition, we report 2.6 million high-quality, rare variants not previously identified in the Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms database or the 1000 Genomes Project Phase 3 data. These genomes represent a unique source of haplotype and phenotype data for the scientific community and should help to expand our understanding of human genome evolution and function.

Evaluating Childhood Vaccination Coverage of NIP Vaccines: Coverage Survey versus Zhejiang Provincial Immunization Information System.

PubMed

Hu, Yu; Chen, Yaping

2017-07-11

Vaccination coverage in Zhejiang province, east China, is evaluated through repeated coverage surveys. The Zhejiang provincial immunization information system (ZJIIS) was established in 2004 with links to all immunization clinics. ZJIIS has become an alternative to quickly assess the vaccination coverage. To assess the current completeness and accuracy on the vaccination coverage derived from ZJIIS, we compared the estimates from ZJIIS with the estimates from the most recent provincial coverage survey in 2014, which combined interview data with verified data from ZJIIS. Of the enrolled 2772 children in the 2014 provincial survey, the proportions of children with vaccination cards and registered in ZJIIS were 94.0% and 87.4%, respectively. Coverage estimates from ZJIIS were systematically higher than the corresponding estimates obtained through the survey, with a mean difference of 4.5%. Of the vaccination doses registered in ZJIIS, 16.7% differed from the date recorded in the corresponding vaccination cards. Under-registration in ZJIIS significantly influenced the coverage estimates derived from ZJIIS. Therefore, periodic coverage surveys currently provide more complete and reliable results than the estimates based on ZJIIS alone. However, further improvement of completeness and accuracy of ZJIIS will likely allow more reliable and timely estimates in future.

Quantifying the impact of cross coverage on physician's workload and performance in radiation oncology.

PubMed

Mosaly, Prithima R; Mazur, Lukasz M; Jones, Ellen L; Hoyle, Lesley; Zagar, Timothy; Chera, Bhishamjit S; Marks, Lawrence B

2013-01-01

To quantitatively assess the difference in workload and performance of radiation oncology physicians during radiation therapy treatment planning tasks under the conditions of "cross coverage" versus planning a patient with whom they were familiar. Eight physicians (3 experienced faculty physicians and 5 physician residents) performed 2 cases. The first case represented a "cross-coverage" scenario where the physicians had no prior information about the case to be planned. The second exposure represented a "regular-coverage" scenario where the physicians were familiar with the patient case to be planned. Each case involved 3 tasks to be completed systematically. Workload was assessed both subjectively (perceived) using National Aeronautics and Space Administration-Task Load Index (NASA-TLX), and objectively (physiological) throughout the task using eye data (via monitoring pupil size and blink rate). Performance of each task and the case was measured using completion time. Subjective willingness to approve or disapprove the generated plan was obtained after completion of the case only. Forty-eight perceived and 48 physiological workload assessments were obtained. Overall, results revealed a significant increase in perceived workload (high NASA-TLX score) and decrease in performance (longer completion time and reduced approval rate) during cross coverage. There were nonsignificant increases in pupil diameter and decreases in the blink rate during cross-coverage versus regular-coverage scenario. In both cross-coverage and regular-coverage scenarios the level of experience did not affect workload and performance. The cross-coverage scenario significantly increases perceived workload and degrades performance versus regular coverage. Hence, to improve patient safety, efforts must be made to develop policies, standard operating procedures, and usability improvements to electronic medical record and treatment planning systems for "easier" information processing to deal with cross coverage, while recognizing strengths and limitations of human performance. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Persistence with biologic therapies in the Medicare coverage gap.

PubMed

Tamariz, Leonardo; Uribe, Claudia L; Luo, Jiacong; Hanna, John W; Ball, Daniel E; Krohn, Kelly; Meadows, Eric S

2011-11-01

To describe persistence with teriparatide and other biologic therapies in Medicare Part D plans with and without a coverage gap. Retrospective (2006) cohort study of Medicare Part D prescription drug plan beneficiaries from a large benefits company. Two plans with a coverage gap (defined as "basic") were combined and compared with a single plan with coverage for generic and branded medications (defined as "complete"). Patients taking alendronate (nonbiologic comparator), teriparatide, etanercept, adalimumab, interferon β-1a, or glatiramer acetate were selected for the study. For patients with complete coverage, equivalent financial thresholds were used to define the "gap."The definition of discontinuation was failure to fill the index prescription after reaching the gap. For alendronate, 27% of 133,260 patients had enrolled in the complete plan. Patients taking biologic therapies had more commonly enrolled in complete plans: teriparatide (66% of 6221), etanercept (58% of 1469), adalimumab (52% of 824), interferon β-1a (60% of 438), and glatiramer acetate (53% of 393). For patients taking either alendronate or teriparatide, discontinuation rates were higher in the basic, versus complete, plan (adjusted odds ratios, 2.02 and 3.56, respectively). Discontinuation did not significantly vary by plan type for etanercept, adalimumab, interferon β-1a, or glatiramer acetate. For patients who reached the coverage gap, discontinuation was more likely for patients taking osteoporosis (OP) medication. Not having a coverage gap was associated with improved persistence with OP treatment.

Evaluating Childhood Vaccination Coverage of NIP Vaccines: Coverage Survey versus Zhejiang Provincial Immunization Information System

PubMed Central

Hu, Yu; Chen, Yaping

2017-01-01

Vaccination coverage in Zhejiang province, east China, is evaluated through repeated coverage surveys. The Zhejiang provincial immunization information system (ZJIIS) was established in 2004 with links to all immunization clinics. ZJIIS has become an alternative to quickly assess the vaccination coverage. To assess the current completeness and accuracy on the vaccination coverage derived from ZJIIS, we compared the estimates from ZJIIS with the estimates from the most recent provincial coverage survey in 2014, which combined interview data with verified data from ZJIIS. Of the enrolled 2772 children in the 2014 provincial survey, the proportions of children with vaccination cards and registered in ZJIIS were 94.0% and 87.4%, respectively. Coverage estimates from ZJIIS were systematically higher than the corresponding estimates obtained through the survey, with a mean difference of 4.5%. Of the vaccination doses registered in ZJIIS, 16.7% differed from the date recorded in the corresponding vaccination cards. Under-registration in ZJIIS significantly influenced the coverage estimates derived from ZJIIS. Therefore, periodic coverage surveys currently provide more complete and reliable results than the estimates based on ZJIIS alone. However, further improvement of completeness and accuracy of ZJIIS will likely allow more reliable and timely estimates in future. PMID:28696387

From non school-based, co-payment to school-based, free Human Papillomavirus vaccination in Flanders (Belgium): a retrospective cohort study describing vaccination coverage, age-specific coverage and socio-economic inequalities.

PubMed

Lefevere, Eva; Theeten, Heidi; Hens, Niel; De Smet, Frank; Top, Geert; Van Damme, Pierre

2015-09-22

School-based, free HPV vaccination for girls in the first year of secondary school was introduced in Flanders (Belgium) in 2010. Before that, non school-based, co-payment vaccination for girls aged 12-18 was in place. We compared vaccination coverage, age-specific coverage and socio-economic inequalities in coverage - 3 important parameters contributing to the effectiveness of the vaccination programs - under both vaccination systems. We used retrospective administrative data from different sources. Our sample consisted of all female members of the National Alliance of Christian Mutualities born in 1995, 1996, 1998 or 1999 (N=66,664). For each vaccination system we described the cumulative proportion HPV vaccination initiation and completion over time. We used life table analysis to calculate age-specific rates of HPV vaccination initiation and completion. Analyses were done separately for higher income and low income groups. Under non school-based, co-payment vaccination the proportions HPV vaccination initiation and completion slowly rose over time. By age 17, the proportion HPV vaccination initiation/completion was 0.75 (95% CI 0.74-076)/0.66 (95% CI 0.65-0.67). The median age at vaccination initiation/completion was 14.4 years (95% CI 14.4-14.5)/15.4 years (95% CI 15.3-15.4). Socio-economic inequalities in coverage widened over time and with age. Under school-based, free vaccination rates of HPV vaccination initiation were substantially higher. By age 14,the proportion HPV vaccination initiation/completion was 0.90 (95% CI 0.90-0.90)/0.87 (95% CI 0.87-0.88). The median age at vaccination initiation/completion was 12.7 years (95% CI 12.7-12.7)/13.3 years (95% CI 13.3-13.3). Socio-economic inequalities in coverage and in age-specific coverage were substantially smaller. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Timeliness and completeness of measles vaccination among children in rural areas of Guangxi, China: A stratified three-stage cluster survey.

PubMed

Tang, Xianyan; Geater, Alan; McNeil, Edward; Zhou, Hongxia; Deng, Qiuyun; Dong, Aihu

2017-07-01

Large-scale outbreaks of measles occurred in 2013 and 2014 in rural Guangxi, a region in Southwest China with high coverage for measles-containing vaccine (MCV). This study aimed to estimate the timely vaccination coverage, the timely-and-complete vaccination coverage, and the median delay period for MCV among children aged 18-54 months in rural Guangxi. Based on quartiles of measles incidence during 2011-2013, a stratified three-stage cluster survey was conducted from June through August 2015. Using weighted estimation and finite population correction, vaccination coverage and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Weighted Kaplan-Meier analyses were used to estimate the median delay periods for the first (MCV1) and second (MCV2) doses of the vaccine. A total of 1216 children were surveyed. The timely vaccination coverage rate was 58.4% (95% CI, 54.9%-62.0%) for MCV1, and 76.9% (95% CI, 73.6%-80.0%) for MCV2. The timely-and-complete vaccination coverage rate was 47.4% (95% CI, 44.0%-51.0%). The median delay period was 32 (95% CI, 27-38) days for MCV1, and 159 (95% CI, 118-195) days for MCV2. The timeliness and completeness of measles vaccination was low, and the median delay period was long among children in rural Guangxi. Incorporating the timeliness and completeness into official routine vaccination coverage statistics may help appraise the coverage of vaccination in China. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Colliding stellar winds in the eclipsing Wolf-Rayet binary V444 Cygni

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brown, Douglas N.; Shore, Steven N.

1988-01-01

High resolution spectra of V444 Cygni have been obtained using the International Ultraviolet Explorer Satellite. These spectra span both eclipses and include one observation at third quadrature. Together with seven archival spectra, they provide reasonably complete phase coverage for the system. The variations in the P Cygni profiles of the He(II) and N(IV) lines, imply the existence of a low density region in the WR wind. This region occupies a relatively narrow range of orbital phase coinciding with the highest terminal velocities observed in C IV. These data are interpreted to be evidence of an interaction region separating the winds of the O-star and Wolf-Rayet star.

Gapped excitations in the high-pressure antiferromagnetic phase of URu 2 Si 2

DOE PAGES

Williams, Travis J.; Oak Ridge National Lab.; Barath, Harini; ...

2017-05-31

Here, we report a neutron scattering study of the magnetic excitation spectrum in each of the three temperature and pressure driven phases of URu 2Si 2. We also found qualitatively similar excitations throughout the (H0L) scattering plane in the hidden order and large moment phases, with no changes in the hbar-omega-widths of the excitations at the Sigma = (1.407,0,0) and Z = (1,0,0) points, within our experimental resolution. There is, however, an increase in the gap at the Sigma point and an increase in the first moment of both excitations. At 8 meV where the Q-dependence of magnetic scattering inmore » the hidden order phase is extended in Q-space, the excitations in the large moment phase are sharper. Furthermore, the expanded Q-hbar-omega coverage of this study suggest more complete nesting within the antiferromagnetic phase, an important property for future theoretical predictions of a hidden order parameter.« less

Mapping Titan Cloud Coverage

NASA Image and Video Library

2010-09-21

This graphic, constructed from data obtained by NASA Cassini spacecraft, shows the percentage of cloud coverage across the surface of Saturn moon Titan. The color scale from black to yellow signifies no cloud coverage to complete cloud coverage.

Sustained low influenza vaccination in health care workers after H1N1 pandemic: a cross sectional study in an Italian health care setting for at-risk patients.

PubMed

Giannattasio, Antonietta; Mariano, Miriam; Romano, Roberto; Chiatto, Fabrizia; Liguoro, Ilaria; Borgia, Guglielmo; Guarino, Alfredo; Lo Vecchio, Andrea

2015-08-12

Despite consistent recommendations by all Public Health Authorities in support of annual influenza vaccination for at-risk categories, there is still a low uptake of influenza vaccine in these groups including health care workers (HCWs). Aim of this observational two-phase study was to estimate the immunization rates for influenza in four subsequent seasons and for pandemic H1N1 influenza in HCWs of a University Hospital, and to investigate its distribution pattern and the main determinants of immunization. Phase 1 data collection was performed in 2009-2010, during the peak of H1N1 pandemic. Phase 2 data collection, aimed to investigate seasonal influenza vaccination coverage in the three seasons after pandemic, was performed in 2012-2013. The overall H1N1 vaccination rate was derived by the Hospital immunization registry. In 2010, the personnel of three Departments (Infectious Diseases, Pediatrics and Gynecology/Obstetrics) completed a survey on influenza. A second-phase analysis was performed in 2012 to investigate influenza vaccination coverage in three consecutive seasons. The first-phase survey showed a low coverage for influenza in all categories (17 %), with the lowest rate in nurses (8.1 %). A total of 37 % of health care workers received H1N1 vaccine, with the highest rate among physicians and the lowest in nurses. H1N1 vaccination was closely related to the Department, being higher in the Department of Infectious Diseases (53.7 %) and Pediatrics (42.4 %) than in Gynecology/Obstetrics (8.3 %). The second-phase survey showed the lowest rate of influenza vaccination in 2012/13 season. The main reasons for not being vaccinated were "Unsure of the efficacy of vaccine" and "Feel not at-risk of getting influenza or its complications". Despite recommendations, influenza vaccine uptake remains poor. Immunization is largely perceived as a personal protection rather than a measure needed to prevent disease spreading to at-risk patients. Compulsory vaccination against influenza should be considered as a possible strategy, at least in health institutions where at-risk patients are admitted.

A broadband high-transmission gradient phase discontinuity metasurface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Yahong; Liu, Congcong; Song, Kun; Li, Meize; Zhao, Xiaopeng

2018-03-01

Metasurfaces have attracted significant attention due to the control of the electromagnetic waves that they enable. In this paper, we demonstrate a high-transmission gradient phase discontinuity metasurface composed of metallic rods and cylindrical dielectric resonators operating at a broadband microwave frequency from 8 GHz to 9.8 GHz, with a fractional bandwidth of 20.2%. The proposed gradient phase discontinuity metasurface can achieve complete 2π transmission phase coverage with π/4 phase intervals by varying the geometric parameters of the dielectric resonators and metallic rods. It is shown that the proposed metasurface can refract a normally incident plane wave to an angle of 30°. The broadband metasurface is flexible, and the refracted angle can be adjusted easily by varying the lattice constant. Besides the broadband anomalous refraction, we also demonstrate the metasurface can produce an interesting vortex and wave-focusing in the wide frequency range from 8 GHz to 9.8 GHz. Finally, we demonstrate that the present metasurface can tailor interference wavefronts to plane wavefronts.

76 FR 2253 - TRICARE; Coverage of National Cancer Institute (NCI) Sponsored Phase I Studies

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-01-13

... works. Phase II studies usually focus on a particular type of cancer. A Phase III trial tests a new drug... Secretary, DoD. ACTION: Final rule. SUMMARY: This final rule adds coverage of National Cancer Institute (NCI... evaluate how a new drug should be given (by mouth, injected into the blood, or injected into the muscle...

Superwide-angle coverage code-multiplexed optical scanner.

PubMed

Riza, Nabeel A; Arain, Muzammil A

2004-05-01

A superwide-angle coverage code-multiplexed optical scanner is presented that has the potential to provide 4 pi-sr coverage. As a proof-of-concept experiment, an angular scan range of 288 degrees for six randomly distributed beams is demonstrated. The proposed scanner achieves its superwide coverage by exploiting a combination of phase-encoded transmission and reflection holography within an in-line hologram recording-retrieval geometry. The basic scanner unit consists of one phase-only digital mode spatial light modulator for code entry (i.e., beam scan control) and a holographic material from which we obtained what we believe is the first-of-a-kind extremely wide coverage, low component count, high speed (e.g., microsecond domain), and large aperture (e.g., > 1-cm diameter) scanner.

Secret Lives of Cepheids: beta Dor as a Test of Cepheid X-ray Heating Mechanisms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Engle, Scott

2017-09-01

We propose two 40 ksec phase-constrained ACIS-I observations of the 9.8 day Cepheid beta Dor. This will fill its uncharted 0.9-0.2 phase gap to confirm and define (Lx, kT) its pulsation-driven X-ray variations and help identify the mechanism (shocks, magnetic fields, turbulent dynamos) responsible, in complement to our recent confirmation of pulsation-induced X-ray variations from delta Cep (Engle et al. 2017). Beta Dor has different properties than delta Cep (P = 9.8/5.4d; R = 61/44Rsun), and the proposed visits are crucial to combine with existing X-ray and FUV data and test the X-ray heating mechanisms. This program is the culmination of several years of work, and the resulting nearly complete phase coverage of beta Dor makes this Cepheid the timeliest and most promising target.

[Complete immunization coverage and reasons for non-vaccination in a periurban area of Abidjan].

PubMed

Sackou, K J; Oga, A S S; Desquith, A A; Houenou, Y; Kouadio, K L

2012-10-01

An immunization coverage survey was conducted among children aged 12-59 months in a suburban neighbourhood in Abidjan. The objective was to determine the complete immunization coverage, the reasons for non-vaccination and factors influencing the immunization status of children. The method of exhaustive sampling enabled us to interview the mothers of 669 children using a questionnaire. Overall vaccination coverage was 68.6% with 1.2%, with 1.2% of children never having received vaccine. The logistic regression analysis showed that the level of education, knowledge of the immunization schedule and the marital status of mothers, as well as the type of habitat, were associated with full immunization of children. These determinants must be taken into account to improve vaccination coverage.

The structural and electronic properties of cleaved silicon (111) surfaces following adsorption of silver

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Le Lay, G.; Chauvet, A.; Manneville, M.; Kern, R.

Silver overlayers for coverages ranging from zero to several monolayers are evaporated on vacuum-cleaved (111) silicon surfaces and carefully examined using low-energy electron diffraction (diffraction patterns and I(v) curves), and Auger electron spectroscopy (condensation/desorption curves), with the aim of establishing a closer correlation between the adsorption process, the different superlattices observed (i.e. 7 × 7-R(±19°1), 3 × 3-R(30° ), 3 × 1 and 6 × 1), the growth mechanism of the deposit on the one hand and the electronic properties of the system recently probed using photoemission yield spectroscopy on the other hand. These new results basically confirm the direct relations we had previously shown between the growth mode as monitored with electron diffraction LEED, RHEED, TED and Auger spectroscopy, and the electronic structures as investigated by low energy electron spectroscopy, but permit a deeper insight into the adsorption process at low coverage. At room temperature on the 2 × 1 cleavage structure where the silver-silicon interaction is weak, the adsorbed phase is completed at about 6/7 of a monolayer (θ ≃ 6/7) and a local arrangement of vacancies in the adlayer yields the 7 superstructure, while little effect on the silicon dangling bonds is noticed, but when silver two-dimensional islands (θ > 6/7) growing in a quasi layer fashion have covered the substrate surface. At higher temperatures three-dimensional growth of crystallites occurs after completion of the 3 phase whose saturation coverage increases with condensation temperatures, maxima ranging from θ ˜ 0.7 to θ ˜ 1.0 ( T ˜ 500°C) for different cleaves. This Si(111) 3-Ag surface exhibits again the same dangling bond peak as a clean 2 × 1 Si surface, despite the fact that the interaction between Ag and Si is now rather strong, as is confirmed by desorption experiments ( T ˜ 600°C). We thus critically discuss the geometrical models of this 3 phase previously devised and tentatively propose a new one which accounts better for these recent results, along with models of the 3 × 1 and 6 × 1 structures observed in the course of the desorption process.

Implications of private sector Hib vaccine coverage for the introduction of public sector Hib-containing pentavalent vaccine in India: evidence from retrospective time series data.

PubMed

Sharma, Abhishek; Kaplan, Warren A; Chokshi, Maulik; Hasan Farooqui, Habib; Zodpey, Sanjay P

2015-02-23

Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine has been available in India's private sector market since 1997. It was not until 14 December 2011 that the Government of India initiated the phased public sector introduction of a Hib (and DPT, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus)-containing pentavalent vaccine. Our objective was to investigate the state-specific coverage and behaviour of Hib vaccine in India when it was available only in the private sector market but not in the public sector. This baseline information can act as a guide to determine how much coverage the public sector rollout of pentavalent vaccine (scheduled April 2015) will need to bear in order to achieve complete coverage. 16 of 29 states in India, 2009-2012. Retrospective descriptive secondary data analysis. (1) Annual sales of Hib vaccines, by volume, from private sector hospitals and retail pharmacies collected by IMS Health and (2) national household surveys. State-specific Hib vaccine coverage (%) and its associations with state-specific socioeconomic status. The overall private sector Hib vaccine coverage among the 2009-2012 birth cohort was low (4%) and varied widely among the studied Indian states (minimum 0.3%; maximum 4.6%). We found that private sector Hib vaccine coverage depends on urban areas with good access to the private sector, parent's purchasing capacity and private paediatricians' prescribing practices. Per capita gross domestic product is a key explanatory variable. The annual Hib vaccine uptake and the 2009-2012 coverage levels were several times higher in the capital/metropolitan cities than the rest of the state, suggesting inequity in access to Hib vaccine delivered by the private sector. If India has to achieve high and equitable Hib vaccine coverage levels, nationwide public sector introduction of the pentavalent vaccine is needed. However, the role of private sector in universal Hib vaccine coverage is undefined as yet but it should not be neglected as a useful complement to public sector services. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://group.bmj.com/group/rights-licensing/permissions.

Implications of private sector Hib vaccine coverage for the introduction of public sector Hib-containing pentavalent vaccine in India: evidence from retrospective time series data

PubMed Central

Sharma, Abhishek; Kaplan, Warren A; Chokshi, Maulik; Hasan Farooqui, Habib; Zodpey, Sanjay P

2015-01-01

Objective Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine has been available in India's private sector market since 1997. It was not until 14 December 2011 that the Government of India initiated the phased public sector introduction of a Hib (and DPT, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus)-containing pentavalent vaccine. Our objective was to investigate the state-specific coverage and behaviour of Hib vaccine in India when it was available only in the private sector market but not in the public sector. This baseline information can act as a guide to determine how much coverage the public sector rollout of pentavalent vaccine (scheduled April 2015) will need to bear in order to achieve complete coverage. Setting 16 of 29 states in India, 2009–2012. Design Retrospective descriptive secondary data analysis. Data (1) Annual sales of Hib vaccines, by volume, from private sector hospitals and retail pharmacies collected by IMS Health and (2) national household surveys. Outcome measures State-specific Hib vaccine coverage (%) and its associations with state-specific socioeconomic status. Results The overall private sector Hib vaccine coverage among the 2009–2012 birth cohort was low (4%) and varied widely among the studied Indian states (minimum 0.3%; maximum 4.6%). We found that private sector Hib vaccine coverage depends on urban areas with good access to the private sector, parent's purchasing capacity and private paediatricians’ prescribing practices. Per capita gross domestic product is a key explanatory variable. The annual Hib vaccine uptake and the 2009–2012 coverage levels were several times higher in the capital/metropolitan cities than the rest of the state, suggesting inequity in access to Hib vaccine delivered by the private sector. Conclusions If India has to achieve high and equitable Hib vaccine coverage levels, nationwide public sector introduction of the pentavalent vaccine is needed. However, the role of private sector in universal Hib vaccine coverage is undefined as yet but it should not be neglected as a useful complement to public sector services. PMID:25712822

Coronally advanced flap with and without a xenogenic collagen matrix in the treatment of multiple recessions: a randomized controlled clinical study.

PubMed

Cardaropoli, Daniele; Tamagnone, Lorenzo; Roffredo, Alessandro; Gaveglio, Lorena

2014-01-01

Multiple adjacent recession defects were treated in 32 patients using a coronally advanced flap (CAF) with or without a collagen matrix (CM). The percentage of root coverage was 81.49% ± 23.45% (58% complete root coverage) for CAF sites (control) and 93.25% ± 10.01% root coverage (72% complete root coverage) for CM plus CAF sites (test). The results achieved in the test group were significantly greater than in the control group, indicating that CM plus CAF is a suitable option for the treatment of multiple adjacent gingival recessions.

Spontaneous desorption and phase transitions of self-assembled alkanethiol and alicyclic thiol monolayers chemisorbed on Au(111) in ultrahigh vacuum at room temperature.

PubMed

Ito, Eisuke; Kang, Hungu; Lee, Dongjin; Park, Joon B; Hara, Masahiko; Noh, Jaegeun

2013-03-15

Scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were used to examine the surface structure and adsorption conditions of hexanethiol (HT) and cyclohexanethiol (CHT) self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on Au(111) as a function of storage period in ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) conditions of 3×10(-7) Pa at room temperature (RT). STM imaging revealed that after storage for 7 days, HT SAMs underwent phase transitions from c(4×2) phase to low coverage 4×√3 phase. This transition is due to a structural rearrangement of hexanethiolates that results from the spontaneous desorption of chemisorbed HT molecules on Au(111) surface. XPS measurements showed approximately 28% reduction in sulfur coverage, which indicates desorption of hexanethiolates from the surfaces. Contrary to HT SAMs, the structural order of CHT SAMs with (5×2√3)R35° phase completely disappeared after storage for 3 or 7 days. XPS results show desorption of more than 80% of the cyclohexanethiolates, even after storage for 3 days. We found that spontaneous desorption of CHT molecules on Au(111) in UHV at RT occurred quickly, whereas spontaneous desorption of HT molecules was much slower. Thermal desorption spectroscopy (TDS) results suggest CHT SAMs in UHV at RT can desorb more efficiently than HT SAMs due to formation of thiol desorption fragments that result from chemical reactions between surface hydrogen atoms and thiolates on Au(111) surfaces. This study clearly demonstrated that organic thiols chemisorbed on gold surfaces are desorbed spontaneously in UHV at RT and van der Waals interactions play an important role in determining the structural stability of thiolate SAMs in UHV. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Crude childhood vaccination coverage in West Africa: Trends and predictors of completeness.

PubMed

Kazungu, Jacob S; Adetifa, Ifedayo M O

2017-02-15

Background : Africa has the lowest childhood vaccination coverage worldwide. If the full benefits of childhood vaccination programmes are to be enjoyed in sub-Saharan Africa, all countries need to improve on vaccine delivery to achieve and sustain high coverage. In this paper, we review trends in vaccination coverage, dropouts between vaccine doses and explored the country-specific predictors of complete vaccination in West Africa.  Methods : We utilized datasets from the Demographic and Health Surveys Program, available for Benin, Burkina Faso, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Cote d'Ivoire, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo, to obtain coverage for Bacillus Calmette-Guerin, polio, measles, and diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus (DPT) vaccines in children aged 12 - 23 months. We also calculated the DPT1-to-DPT3 and DPT1-to-measles dropouts, and proportions of the fully immunised child (FIC). Factors predictive of FIC were explored using Chi-squared tests and multivariable logistic regression.  Results : Overall, there was a trend of increasing vaccination coverage. The proportion of FIC varied significantly by country (range 24.1-81.4%, mean 49%). DPT1-to-DPT3 dropout was high (range 5.1% -33.9%, mean 16.3%). Similarly, DPT1-measles dropout exceeded 10% in all but four countries. Although no single risk factor was consistently associated with FIC across these countries, maternal education, delivery in a health facility, possessing a vaccine card and a recent post delivery visit to a health facility were the key predictors of complete vaccination.  Conclusions : The low numbers of fully immunised children and high dropout between vaccine doses highlights weaknesses and the need to strengthen the healthcare and routine immunization delivery systems in this region. Country-specific correlates of complete vaccination should be explored further to identify interventions required to increase vaccination coverage. Despite the promise of an increasing trend in vaccination coverage in West African countries, more effort is required to attain and maintain global vaccination coverage targets.

Two complementary reversed-phase separations for comprehensive coverage of the semipolar and nonpolar metabolome.

PubMed

Naser, Fuad J; Mahieu, Nathaniel G; Wang, Lingjue; Spalding, Jonathan L; Johnson, Stephen L; Patti, Gary J

2018-02-01

Although it is common in untargeted metabolomics to apply reversed-phase liquid chromatography (RPLC) and hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) methods that have been systematically optimized for lipids and central carbon metabolites, here we show that these established protocols provide poor coverage of semipolar metabolites because of inadequate retention. Our objective was to develop an RPLC approach that improved detection of these metabolites without sacrificing lipid coverage. We initially evaluated columns recently released by Waters under the CORTECS line by analyzing 47 small-molecule standards that evenly span the nonpolar and semipolar ranges. An RPLC method commonly used in untargeted metabolomics was considered a benchmarking reference. We found that highly nonpolar and semipolar metabolites cannot be reliably profiled with any single method because of retention and solubility limitations of the injection solvent. Instead, we optimized a multiplexed approach using the CORTECS T3 column to analyze semipolar compounds and the CORTECS C 8 column to analyze lipids. Strikingly, we determined that combining these methods allowed detection of 41 of the total 47 standards, whereas our reference RPLC method detected only 10 of the 47 standards. We then applied credentialing to compare method performance at the comprehensive scale. The tandem method showed more than a fivefold increase in credentialing coverage relative to our RPLC benchmark. Our results demonstrate that comprehensive coverage of metabolites amenable to reversed-phase separation necessitates two reconstitution solvents and chromatographic methods. Thus, we suggest complementing HILIC methods with a dual T3 and C 8 RPLC approach to increase coverage of semipolar metabolites and lipids for untargeted metabolomics. Graphical abstract Analysis of semipolar and nonpolar metabolites necessitates two reversed-phase chromatography (RPLC) methods, which extend metabolome coverage more than fivefold for untargeted profiling. HILIC hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography.

A practical application of practice-based learning: development of an algorithm for empiric antibiotic coverage in ventilator-associated pneumonia.

PubMed

Miller, Preston R; Partrick, Matthew S; Hoth, J Jason; Meredith, J Wayne; Chang, Michael C

2006-04-01

Development of practice-based learning (PBL) is one of the core competencies required for resident education by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, and specialty organizations including the American College of Surgeons have formed task forces to understand and disseminate information on this important concept. However, translating this concept into daily practice may be difficult. Our goal was to describe the successful application of PBL to patient care improvement with development of an algorithm for the empiric therapy of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). The algorithm development occurred in two phases. In phase 1, the microbiology and timing of VAP as diagnosed by bronchoalveolar lavage was reviewed over a 2-year period to allow for recognition of patterns of infection. In phase 2, based on these data, an algorithm for empiric antibiotic coverage that would ensure that the large majority of patients with VAP received adequate initial empiric therapy was developed and put into practice. The period of algorithm use was then examined to determine rate of adequate coverage and outcome. : In Phase 1, from January 1, 2000 to December 31 2001, 110 patients were diagnosed with VAP. Analysis of microbiology revealed a sharp increase in the recovery of nosocomial pathogens on postinjury day 7 (19% < day 7 versus 47% > or = day 7, p = 0.003). Adequate initial antibiotic coverage was seen in 74%. In Phase 2, an algorithm employing ampicillin- sulbactam for coverage of community- acquired pathogens before day 7 and cefipime for nosocomial coverage > or =day 7 was then employed from January 1, 2002 to December 31, 2003. Evaluation of 186 VAP cases during this interval revealed a similar distribution of nosocomial cases (13% < day 7 versus 64% > or = day 7, p < 0.0001). Empiric antibiotic therapy was adequate in 82% of cases or =day 7: overall accuracy improved to 83% (p = 0.05). Mortality from phase 1 to phase 2 trended toward a decrease (21% versus 13%, p = 0.1). Application of the concept of PBL allowed for identification of local patterns of infection and development of an institution specific treatment algorithm that resulted in >80% adequate initial empiric coverage for VAP with a trend toward decreased mortality. PBL allows for alteration in practice based on local patterns and outcomes and has the potential to improve patient care.

How complete are immunization registries? The Philadelphia story.

PubMed

Kolasa, Maureen S; Chilkatowsky, Andrew P; Clarke, Kevin R; Lutz, James P

2006-01-01

To assess accuracy and completeness of Philadelphia, Pa, registry data among children served by providers in areas at risk for underimmunization. Philadelphia's Department of Public Health selected a simple random sample of 45 children age 19-35 months (or all children age 19-35 months if there were <45 children in the practice) from each of 30 private practices receiving government-funded vaccine and located in zip codes where children are at risk for underimmunization. Chart and registry data were compared with determine the proportion of children missing from the registry and assess differences in immunization coverage. Of 620 children reviewed, 567 (92%) were in the registry. Significant differences (P < .05) were observed in immunization coverage for 4 diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis vaccinations, 3 polio vaccinations, 1 measles-mumps-rubella vaccination, and 3 Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccinations between the chart (80% coverage) and registry (62% coverage). Providers submitting electronic medical records or directly transferring electronic data to the registry had significantly more children in the registry and higher registry-reported immunization coverage than those whose data were entered from billing records or log forms. All practice types experienced difficulties in transferring complete data to the registry. Although 92% of study children were in the registry, immunization coverage was significantly lower when registry data were compared with chart data. Because electronic medical records and direct electronic data transfer resulted in more complete registry data, these methods should be encouraged in linking providers with immunization registries.

Rates of coverage and determinants of complete vaccination of children in rural areas of Burkina Faso (1998-2003).

PubMed

Sia, Drissa; Fournier, Pierre; Kobiané, Jean-François; Sondo, Blaise K

2009-11-17

Burkina Faso's immunization program has benefited regularly from national and international support. However, national immunization coverage has been irregular, decreasing from 34.7% in 1993 to 29.3% in 1998, and then increasing to 43.9% in 2003. Undoubtedly, a variety of factors contributed to this pattern. This study aims to identify both individual and systemic factors associated with complete vaccination in 1998 and 2003 and relate them to variations in national and international policies and strategies on vaccination of rural Burkinabé children aged 12-23 months. Data from the 1998 and 2003 Demographic and Health Surveys and the Ministry of Health's 1997 and 2002 Statistical Yearbooks, as well as individual interviews with central and regional decision-makers and with field workers in Burkina's healthcare system, were used to carry out a multilevel study that included 805 children in 1998 and 1,360 children in 2003, aged 12-23 months, spread over 44 and 48 rural health districts respectively. In rural areas, complete vaccination coverage went from 25.9% in 1998 to 41.2% in 2003. District resources had no significant effect on coverage and the impact of education declined over time. The factors that continued to have the greatest impact on coverage rates were poverty, with its various dimensions, and the utilization of other healthcare services. However, these factors do not explain the persistent differences in complete vaccination between districts. In 2003, despite a trend toward district homogenization, differences between health districts still accounted for a 7.4% variance in complete vaccination. Complete vaccination coverage of children is improving in a context of worsening poverty. Education no longer represents an advantage in relation to vaccination. Continuity from prenatal care to institutional delivery creates a loyalty to healthcare services and is the most significant and stable explanatory factor associated with complete vaccination of children. Healthcare service utilization is the result of a dynamic process of interaction between communities and the healthcare system; understanding this process is the key to understanding better the factors underlying the complete vaccination of children.

Determinants of childhood immunisation coverage in urban poor settlements of Delhi, India: a cross-sectional study

PubMed Central

Devasenapathy, Niveditha; Ghosh Jerath, Suparna; Sharma, Saket; Allen, Elizabeth; Shankar, Anuraj H; Zodpey, Sanjay

2016-01-01

Objectives Aggregate data on childhood immunisation from urban settings may not reflect the coverage among the urban poor. This study provides information on complete childhood immunisation coverage among the urban poor, and explores its household and neighbourhood-level determinants. Setting Urban poor community in the Southeast district of Delhi, India. Participants We randomly sampled 1849 children aged 1–3.5 years from 13 451 households in 39 clusters (cluster defined as area covered by a community health worker) in 2 large urban poor settlements. Of these, 1343 completed the survey. We collected information regarding childhood immunisation (BCG, oral polio vaccine, diphtheria–pertussis–tetanus vaccine, hepatitis B and measles) from vaccination cards or mothers’ recall. We used random intercept logistic regression to explore the sociodemographic determinants of complete immunisation. Results Complete immunisation coverage was 46.7% and 7.5% were not immunised. The odds of complete vaccination (OR, 95% CI) were lower in female children (0.70 (0.55 to 0.89)) and Muslim households (0.65 (0.45 to 0.94)). The odds of complete vaccination were higher if the mother was literate (1.6 (1.15 to 2.16)), if the child was born within the city (2.7 (1.97 to 3.65)), in a health facility ( 1.5 (1.19 to 2.02)), belonged to the highest wealth quintile (compared with the poorest; 2.46 (1.5 to 4.02)) or possessed a birth certificate (1.40 (1.03 to 1.91)). Cluster effect due to unmeasured neighbourhood factors expressed as median OR was 1.32. Conclusions Immunisation coverage in this urban poor area was much lower than that of regional surveys reporting overall urban data. Socioeconomic status of the household, female illiteracy, health awareness and gender inequality were important determinants of coverage in this population. Hence, in addition to enhancing the infrastructure for providing mother and child services, efforts are also needed to address these issues in order to improve immunisation coverage in deprived urban communities. Trial registration number CTRI/2011/091/000095. PMID:27566644

[Coverage by health insurance or discount cards: a household survey in the coverage area of the Family Health Strategy].

PubMed

Fontenelle, Leonardo Ferreira; Camargo, Maria Beatriz Junqueira de; Bertoldi, Andréa Dâmaso; Gonçalves, Helen; Maciel, Ethel Leonor Noia; Barros, Aluísio J D

2017-10-26

This study was designed to assess the reasons for health insurance coverage in a population covered by the Family Health Strategy in Brazil. We describe overall health insurance coverage and according to types, and analyze its association with health-related and socio-demographic characteristics. Among the 31.3% of persons (95%CI: 23.8-39.9) who reported "health insurance" coverage, 57.0% (95%CI: 45.2-68.0) were covered only by discount cards, which do not offer any kind of coverage for medical care, but only discounts in pharmacies, clinics, and hospitals. Both for health insurance and discount cards, the most frequently cited reasons for such coverage were "to be on the safe side" and "to receive better care". Both types of coverage were associated statistically with age (+65 vs. 15-24 years: adjusted odds ratios, aOR = 2.98, 95%CI: 1.28-6.90; and aOR = 3.67; 95%CI: 2.22-6.07, respectively) and socioeconomic status (additional standard deviation: aOR = 2.25, 95%CI: 1.62-3.14; and aOR = 1.96, 95%CI: 1.34-2.97). In addition, health insurance coverage was associated with schooling (aOR = 7.59, 95%CI: 4.44-13.00) for complete University Education and aOR = 3.74 (95%CI: 1.61-8.68) for complete Secondary Education, compared to less than complete Primary Education. Meanwhile, neither health insurance nor discount card was associated with health status or number of diagnosed diseases. In conclusion, studies that aim to assess private health insurance should be planned to distinguish between discount cards and formal health insurance.

HOST turbine heat transfer subproject overview

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gladden, Herbert J.

1986-01-01

The experimental part of the turbine heat transfer subproject consists of six large experiments, which are highlighted in this overview, and three of somewhat more modest scope. One of the initial efforts was the stator airfoil heat transfer program. The non-film cooled and the showerhead film cooled data have already been reported. The gill region film cooling effort is currently underway. The investigation of secondary flows in a 90 deg curved duct, was completed. The first phase examined flows with a relatively thin inlet boundary layer and low free stream turbulence. The second phase studied a thicker inlet boundary layer and higher free stream turbulence. A comparison of analytical and experimental cross flow velocity vectors is shown for the 60 deg plane. Two experiments were also conducted in the high pressure facility. One examined full coverage film cooled vanes, and the other, advanced instrumentation. The other three large experimental efforts were conducted in a rotation reference frame. An experiment to obtain gas path airfoil heat transfer coefficients in the large, low speed turbine was completed. Single-stage data with both high and low-inlet turbulence were taken. The second phase examined a one and one-half stage turbine and focused on the second vane row. Under phase 3 aerodynamic quantities such as interrow time-averaged and rms values of velocity, flow angle, inlet turbulence, and surface pressure distribution were measured.

Architecture Study on Telemetry Coverage for Immediate Post-Separation Phase

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

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

2008-01-01

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

Temporal variability of the surface and atmosphere of Mars: Viking Orbiter color observations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mcewen, A. S.

1992-01-01

We are near the final stages in the processing of a large Viking Orbiter global color dataset. Mosaics from 57 spacecraft revolutions (or 'revs' hereafter) were produced, most in both red and violet or red, green, and violet filters. Phase angles range from 13 deg to 85 deg. A total of approximately 2000 frames were processed through radiometric calibration, cosmetic cleanup, geometric control, reprojection, and mosaicking into single-rev mosaics at a scale of 1 km/pixel. All of the mosaics are geometrically tied to the 1/256 deg/pixel Mars Digital Image Mosaic (MDIM). Photometric normalization is in progress, to be followed by production of a 'best coverage' global mosaic at a scale of 1/64 deg/pixel (0.923 km/pixel). Global coverage is near 100 percent in red-filter mosaics and 98 percent and 60 percent in corresponding violet- and green-filter mosaics, respectively. Soon after completion, all final datasets (including single-rev mosaics) will be distributed to the planetary community on compact disks.

Architecture Study on Telemetry Coverage for Immediate Post-Separation Phase

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

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

2008-01-01

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

Coverage Metrics for Model Checking

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Penix, John; Visser, Willem; Norvig, Peter (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

When using model checking to verify programs in practice, it is not usually possible to achieve complete coverage of the system. In this position paper we describe ongoing research within the Automated Software Engineering group at NASA Ames on the use of test coverage metrics to measure partial coverage and provide heuristic guidance for program model checking. We are specifically interested in applying and developing coverage metrics for concurrent programs that might be used to support certification of next generation avionics software.

A testing-coverage software reliability model considering fault removal efficiency and error generation.

PubMed

Li, Qiuying; Pham, Hoang

2017-01-01

In this paper, we propose a software reliability model that considers not only error generation but also fault removal efficiency combined with testing coverage information based on a nonhomogeneous Poisson process (NHPP). During the past four decades, many software reliability growth models (SRGMs) based on NHPP have been proposed to estimate the software reliability measures, most of which have the same following agreements: 1) it is a common phenomenon that during the testing phase, the fault detection rate always changes; 2) as a result of imperfect debugging, fault removal has been related to a fault re-introduction rate. But there are few SRGMs in the literature that differentiate between fault detection and fault removal, i.e. they seldom consider the imperfect fault removal efficiency. But in practical software developing process, fault removal efficiency cannot always be perfect, i.e. the failures detected might not be removed completely and the original faults might still exist and new faults might be introduced meanwhile, which is referred to as imperfect debugging phenomenon. In this study, a model aiming to incorporate fault introduction rate, fault removal efficiency and testing coverage into software reliability evaluation is developed, using testing coverage to express the fault detection rate and using fault removal efficiency to consider the fault repair. We compare the performance of the proposed model with several existing NHPP SRGMs using three sets of real failure data based on five criteria. The results exhibit that the model can give a better fitting and predictive performance.

An equity dashboard to monitor vaccination coverage.

PubMed

Arsenault, Catherine; Harper, Sam; Nandi, Arijit; Rodríguez, José M Mendoza; Hansen, Peter M; Johri, Mira

2017-02-01

Equity monitoring is a priority for Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and for those implementing The 2030 agenda for sustainable development . For its new phase of operations, Gavi reassessed its approach to monitoring equity in vaccination coverage. To help inform this effort, we made a systematic analysis of inequalities in vaccination coverage across 45 Gavi-supported countries and compared results from different measurement approaches. Based on our findings, we formulated recommendations for Gavi's equity monitoring approach. The approach involved defining the vulnerable populations, choosing appropriate measures to quantify inequalities, and defining equity benchmarks that reflect the ambitions of the sustainable development agenda. In this article, we explain the rationale for the recommendations and for the development of an improved equity monitoring tool. Gavi's previous approach to measuring equity was the difference in vaccination coverage between a country's richest and poorest wealth quintiles. In addition to the wealth index, we recommend monitoring other dimensions of vulnerability (maternal education, place of residence, child sex and the multidimensional poverty index). For dimensions with multiple subgroups, measures of inequality that consider information on all subgroups should be used. We also recommend that both absolute and relative measures of inequality be tracked over time. Finally, we propose that equity benchmarks target complete elimination of inequalities. To facilitate equity monitoring, we recommend the use of a data display tool - the equity dashboard - to support decision-making in the sustainable development period. We highlight its key advantages using data from Côte d'Ivoire and Haiti.

An equity dashboard to monitor vaccination coverage

PubMed Central

Harper, Sam; Nandi, Arijit; Rodríguez, José M Mendoza; Hansen, Peter M; Johri, Mira

2017-01-01

Abstract Equity monitoring is a priority for Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and for those implementing The 2030 agenda for sustainable development. For its new phase of operations, Gavi reassessed its approach to monitoring equity in vaccination coverage. To help inform this effort, we made a systematic analysis of inequalities in vaccination coverage across 45 Gavi-supported countries and compared results from different measurement approaches. Based on our findings, we formulated recommendations for Gavi’s equity monitoring approach. The approach involved defining the vulnerable populations, choosing appropriate measures to quantify inequalities, and defining equity benchmarks that reflect the ambitions of the sustainable development agenda. In this article, we explain the rationale for the recommendations and for the development of an improved equity monitoring tool. Gavi’s previous approach to measuring equity was the difference in vaccination coverage between a country’s richest and poorest wealth quintiles. In addition to the wealth index, we recommend monitoring other dimensions of vulnerability (maternal education, place of residence, child sex and the multidimensional poverty index). For dimensions with multiple subgroups, measures of inequality that consider information on all subgroups should be used. We also recommend that both absolute and relative measures of inequality be tracked over time. Finally, we propose that equity benchmarks target complete elimination of inequalities. To facilitate equity monitoring, we recommend the use of a data display tool – the equity dashboard – to support decision-making in the sustainable development period. We highlight its key advantages using data from Côte d’Ivoire and Haiti. PMID:28250513

Resource and environmental surveys from space with the thematic mapper in the 1980's

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1976-01-01

The selection of observation of vegetation is the primary optimization objective of the thematic mapper. The following are aspects of plans for the thematic mapper: (1) to include an appropriately modified first generation MSS in the thematic mapper mission; (2) to provide assured coverage for a minimum of six years to give agencies and other users an opportunity to justify the necessary commitment of resources for the transition into a completely valid operational phase; (3) to provide for global, direct data read-out, without the necessity for on-board data storage or dependence on foreign receiving stations; (4) to recognize the operational character of the thematic mapper after successful completion of its experimental evaluation; and (5) to combine future experimental packages with compatible orbits as part of the operational LANDSAT follow-on payloads.

Assessment of Routine Immunization Coverage in Nyala Locality, Reasons behind Incomplete Immunization in South Darfur State, Sudan

PubMed Central

Ismail, Ismail Tibin Adam; El-Tayeb, Elsadeg Mahgoob; Omer, Mohammed Diaaeldin F.A.; Eltahir, Yassir Mohammed; El-Sayed, El-Tayeb Ahmed; Deribe, Kebede

2014-01-01

Little is known about the coverage of routine immunization service in South Darfur state, Sudan. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the vaccination rate and barriers for vaccination. A cross-sectional community-based study was undertaken in Nyala locality, south Darfur, Sudan, including urban, rural and Internal Displaced Peoples (IDPs) population in proportional representation. Survey data were collected by a questionnaire which was applied face to face to parents of 213 children 12-23 months. The collected data was then analyzed with SPSS software package. Results showed that vaccination coverage as revealed by showed vaccination card alone was 63.4% while it was increased to 82.2% when both history and cards were used. Some (5.6%) of children were completely non-vaccinated. The factors contributing to the low vaccination coverage were found to be knowledge problems of mothers (51%), access problems (15%) and attitude problems (34%). Children whose mother attended antenatal care and those from urban areas were more likely to complete their immunization schedule. In conclusion, the vaccination coverage in the studied area was low compared to the national coverage. Efforts to increase vaccination converge and completion of the scheduled plan should focus on addressing concerns of caregivers particularly side effects and strengthening the Expanded Programmer on Immunization services in rural areas. PMID:25729558

Assessment of Routine Immunization Coverage in Nyala Locality, Reasons behind Incomplete Immunization in South Darfur State, Sudan.

PubMed

Ismail, Ismail Tibin Adam; El-Tayeb, Elsadeg Mahgoob; Omer, Mohammed Diaaeldin F A; Eltahir, Yassir Mohammed; El-Sayed, El-Tayeb Ahmed; Deribe, Kebede

2014-02-25

Little is known about the coverage of routine immunization service in South Darfur state, Sudan. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the vaccination rate and barriers for vaccination. A cross-sectional community-based study was undertaken in Nyala locality, south Darfur, Sudan, including urban, rural and Internal Displaced Peoples (IDPs) population in proportional representation. Survey data were collected by a questionnaire which was applied face to face to parents of 213 children 12-23 months. The collected data was then analyzed with SPSS software package. Results showed that vaccination coverage as revealed by showed vaccination card alone was 63.4% while it was increased to 82.2% when both history and cards were used. Some (5.6%) of children were completely non-vaccinated. The factors contributing to the low vaccination coverage were found to be knowledge problems of mothers (51%), access problems (15%) and attitude problems (34%). Children whose mother attended antenatal care and those from urban areas were more likely to complete their immunization schedule. In conclusion, the vaccination coverage in the studied area was low compared to the national coverage. Efforts to increase vaccination converge and completion of the scheduled plan should focus on addressing concerns of caregivers particularly side effects and strengthening the Expanded Programmer on Immunization services in rural areas.

Analytical methodologies for broad metabolite coverage of exhaled breath condensate.

PubMed

Aksenov, Alexander A; Zamuruyev, Konstantin O; Pasamontes, Alberto; Brown, Joshua F; Schivo, Michael; Foutouhi, Soraya; Weimer, Bart C; Kenyon, Nicholas J; Davis, Cristina E

2017-09-01

Breath analysis has been gaining popularity as a non-invasive technique that is amenable to a broad range of medical uses. One of the persistent problems hampering the wide application of the breath analysis method is measurement variability of metabolite abundances stemming from differences in both sampling and analysis methodologies used in various studies. Mass spectrometry has been a method of choice for comprehensive metabolomic analysis. For the first time in the present study, we juxtapose the most commonly employed mass spectrometry-based analysis methodologies and directly compare the resultant coverages of detected compounds in exhaled breath condensate in order to guide methodology choices for exhaled breath condensate analysis studies. Four methods were explored to broaden the range of measured compounds across both the volatile and non-volatile domain. Liquid phase sampling with polyacrylate Solid-Phase MicroExtraction fiber, liquid phase extraction with a polydimethylsiloxane patch, and headspace sampling using Carboxen/Polydimethylsiloxane Solid-Phase MicroExtraction (SPME) followed by gas chromatography mass spectrometry were tested for the analysis of volatile fraction. Hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography and reversed-phase chromatography high performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry were used for analysis of non-volatile fraction. We found that liquid phase breath condensate extraction was notably superior compared to headspace extraction and differences in employed sorbents manifested altered metabolite coverages. The most pronounced effect was substantially enhanced metabolite capture for larger, higher-boiling compounds using polyacrylate SPME liquid phase sampling. The analysis of the non-volatile fraction of breath condensate by hydrophilic and reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry indicated orthogonal metabolite coverage by these chromatography modes. We found that the metabolite coverage could be enhanced significantly with the use of organic solvent as a device rinse after breath sampling to collect the non-aqueous fraction as opposed to neat breath condensate sample. Here, we show the detected ranges of compounds in each case and provide a practical guide for methodology selection for optimal detection of specific compounds. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The effect of partially exposed connective tissue graft on root-coverage outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PubMed

Dodge, Austin; Garcia, Jeffrey; Luepke, Paul; Lai, Yu-Lin; Kassab, Moawia; Lin, Guo-Hao

2018-04-01

The aim of this systematic review was to compare the root-coverage outcomes of using a partially exposed connective tissue graft (CTG) technique with a fully covered CTG technique for root coverage. An electronic search up to February 28 th , 2017, was performed to identify human clinical studies with data comparing outcomes of root coverage using CTG, with and without a partially exposed graft. Five clinical studies were selected for inclusion in this review. For each study, the gain of keratinized gingiva, reduction of recession depth, number of surgical sites achieving complete root coverage, percentage of root coverage, gain of tissue thickness, and changes of probing depth and clinical attachment level were recorded. Meta-analysis for the comparison of complete root coverage between the two techniques presented no statistically significant differences. A statistically significant gain of keratinized tissue in favor of the sites with an exposed CTG and a tendency of greater reduction in recession depth were seen at the sites with a fully covered CTG. Based on the results, the use of a partially exposed CTG in root-coverage procedures could achieve greater gain in keratinized gingiva, while a fully covered CTG might be indicated for procedures aiming to reduce recession depth. © 2018 Eur J Oral Sci.

Determinants of childhood immunisation coverage in urban poor settlements of Delhi, India: a cross-sectional study.

PubMed

Devasenapathy, Niveditha; Ghosh Jerath, Suparna; Sharma, Saket; Allen, Elizabeth; Shankar, Anuraj H; Zodpey, Sanjay

2016-08-26

Aggregate data on childhood immunisation from urban settings may not reflect the coverage among the urban poor. This study provides information on complete childhood immunisation coverage among the urban poor, and explores its household and neighbourhood-level determinants. Urban poor community in the Southeast district of Delhi, India. We randomly sampled 1849 children aged 1-3.5 years from 13 451 households in 39 clusters (cluster defined as area covered by a community health worker) in 2 large urban poor settlements. Of these, 1343 completed the survey. We collected information regarding childhood immunisation (BCG, oral polio vaccine, diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus vaccine, hepatitis B and measles) from vaccination cards or mothers' recall. We used random intercept logistic regression to explore the sociodemographic determinants of complete immunisation. Complete immunisation coverage was 46.7% and 7.5% were not immunised. The odds of complete vaccination (OR, 95% CI) were lower in female children (0.70 (0.55 to 0.89)) and Muslim households (0.65 (0.45 to 0.94)). The odds of complete vaccination were higher if the mother was literate (1.6 (1.15 to 2.16)), if the child was born within the city (2.7 (1.97 to 3.65)), in a health facility ( 1.5 (1.19 to 2.02)), belonged to the highest wealth quintile (compared with the poorest; 2.46 (1.5 to 4.02)) or possessed a birth certificate (1.40 (1.03 to 1.91)). Cluster effect due to unmeasured neighbourhood factors expressed as median OR was 1.32. Immunisation coverage in this urban poor area was much lower than that of regional surveys reporting overall urban data. Socioeconomic status of the household, female illiteracy, health awareness and gender inequality were important determinants of coverage in this population. Hence, in addition to enhancing the infrastructure for providing mother and child services, efforts are also needed to address these issues in order to improve immunisation coverage in deprived urban communities. CTRI/2011/091/000095. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/

QUEST/Ada: Query utility environment for software testing of Ada

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brown, David B.

1989-01-01

Results of research and development efforts are presented for Task 1, Phase 2 of a general project entitled, The Development of a Program Analysis Environment for Ada. A prototype of the QUEST/Ada system was developed to collect data to determine the effectiveness of the rule-based testing paradigm. The prototype consists of five parts: the test data generator, the parser/scanner, the test coverage analyzer, a symbolic evaluator, and a data management facility, known as the Librarian. These components are discussed at length. Also presented is an experimental design for the evaluations, an overview of the project, and a schedule for its completion.

10 CFR 40.2a - Coverage of inactive tailings sites.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 10 Energy 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Coverage of inactive tailings sites. 40.2a Section 40.2a Energy NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION DOMESTIC LICENSING OF SOURCE MATERIAL General Provisions § 40.2a Coverage of inactive tailings sites. (a) Prior to the completion of the remedial action, the Commission...

Universal Hepatitis B Vaccination Coverage in Children and Adolescents with Intellectual Disabilities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lin, Jin-Ding; Lin, Pei-Ying; Lin, Lan-Ping

2010-01-01

There is little information of hepatitis B vaccination coverage for people with intellectual disabilities (ID). The present paper aims to examine the completed hepatitis B vaccination coverage rate and its determinants of children and adolescents with ID in Taiwan. A cross-sectional questionnaire survey, with the entire response participants was…

Haplotype estimation using sequencing reads.

PubMed

Delaneau, Olivier; Howie, Bryan; Cox, Anthony J; Zagury, Jean-François; Marchini, Jonathan

2013-10-03

High-throughput sequencing technologies produce short sequence reads that can contain phase information if they span two or more heterozygote genotypes. This information is not routinely used by current methods that infer haplotypes from genotype data. We have extended the SHAPEIT2 method to use phase-informative sequencing reads to improve phasing accuracy. Our model incorporates the read information in a probabilistic model through base quality scores within each read. The method is primarily designed for high-coverage sequence data or data sets that already have genotypes called. One important application is phasing of single samples sequenced at high coverage for use in medical sequencing and studies of rare diseases. Our method can also use existing panels of reference haplotypes. We tested the method by using a mother-father-child trio sequenced at high-coverage by Illumina together with the low-coverage sequence data from the 1000 Genomes Project (1000GP). We found that use of phase-informative reads increases the mean distance between switch errors by 22% from 274.4 kb to 328.6 kb. We also used male chromosome X haplotypes from the 1000GP samples to simulate sequencing reads with varying insert size, read length, and base error rate. When using short 100 bp paired-end reads, we found that using mixtures of insert sizes produced the best results. When using longer reads with high error rates (5-20 kb read with 4%-15% error per base), phasing performance was substantially improved. Copyright © 2013 The American Society of Human Genetics. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Children of National Guard troops: a pilot study of deployment, patriotism, and media coverage.

PubMed

Pfefferbaum, Betty; Jeon-Slaughter, Haekyung; Jacobs, Anne K; Houston, J Brian

2013-01-01

This exploratory pilot study examined the psychosocial effects of the war in Iraq, patriotism, and attention to war-related media coverage in the children of National Guard troops across phases of parental deployment--pre deployment, during deployment, and post deployment. Participants included 11 children, ages 8 to 18 years. Data collected in each deployment phase included demographics, the Behavior Assessment System for Children, (Second Edition, BASC-2), patriotism (national identity, uncritical patriotism, and constructive patriotism), and attention to war-related media coverage. School problems and emotional symptoms were significantly higher during deployment than post deployment. National identity and constructive patriotism increased and uncritical patriotism decreased post deployment from levels during deployment. Uncritical patriotism correlated positively with emotional symptoms and correlated negatively with personal adjustment. Constructive patriotism correlated positively with emotional symptoms and with internalizing problems. Greater attention to war-related media coverage correlated with uncritical patriotism, and attention to internet coverage correlated with constructive patriotism. Attention to media coverage was linked to greater emotional and behavioral problems and was negatively correlated with personal adjustment. The results of this pilot study identified relationships of both patriotism and attention to media coverage with children's emotional and behavioral status and personal adjustment suggesting areas for future investigation.

The Utility and Versatility of Perforator-Based Propeller Flaps in Burn Care.

PubMed

Teven, Chad M; Mhlaba, Julie; O'Connor, Annemarie; Gottlieb, Lawrence J

The majority of surgical burn care involves the use of skin grafts. However, there are cases when flaps are required or provide superior outcomes both in the acute setting and for postburn reconstruction. Rarely discussed in the context of burn care, the perforator-based propeller flap is an important option to consider. We describe our experience with perforator-based propeller flaps in the acute and reconstructive phases of burn care. We reviewed demographics, indications, operative details, and outcomes for patients whose burn care included the use of a perforator-based propeller flap at our institution from May 2007 to April 2015. Details of the surgical technique and individual cases are also discussed. Twenty-one perforator-based propeller flaps were used in the care of 17 burn patients. Six flaps (29%) were used in the acute phase for coverage of exposed joints, tendons, cartilage, and bone; coverage of open wounds; and preservation of range of motion (ROM) by minimizing scar contracture. Fifteen flaps (71%) were used for reconstruction of postburn deformities including coverage of chronic wounds, for coverage after scar contracture release, and to improve ROM. The majority of flaps (94% at follow-up) exhibited stable soft tissue coverage and good or improved ROM of adjacent joints. Three cases of partial flap loss and one case of total flap loss occurred. Perforator-based propeller flaps provide reliable vascularized soft tissue for coverage of vital structures and wounds, contracture release, and preservation of ROM across joints. Despite a relatively significant risk of minor complications particularly in the coverage of chronic wounds, our study supports their utility in both the acute and reconstructive phases of burn care.

Delaunay Triangulation as a New Coverage Measurement Method in Wireless Sensor Network

PubMed Central

Chizari, Hassan; Hosseini, Majid; Poston, Timothy; Razak, Shukor Abd; Abdullah, Abdul Hanan

2011-01-01

Sensing and communication coverage are among the most important trade-offs in Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) design. A minimum bound of sensing coverage is vital in scheduling, target tracking and redeployment phases, as well as providing communication coverage. Some methods measure the coverage as a percentage value, but detailed information has been missing. Two scenarios with equal coverage percentage may not have the same Quality of Coverage (QoC). In this paper, we propose a new coverage measurement method using Delaunay Triangulation (DT). This can provide the value for all coverage measurement tools. Moreover, it categorizes sensors as ‘fat’, ‘healthy’ or ‘thin’ to show the dense, optimal and scattered areas. It can also yield the largest empty area of sensors in the field. Simulation results show that the proposed DT method can achieve accurate coverage information, and provides many tools to compare QoC between different scenarios. PMID:22163792

Bowen emission from Aquila X-1: evidence for multiple components and constraint on the accretion disc vertical structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiménez-Ibarra, F.; Muñoz-Darias, T.; Wang, L.; Casares, J.; Mata Sánchez, D.; Steeghs, D.; Armas Padilla, M.; Charles, P. A.

2018-03-01

We present a detailed spectroscopic study of the optical counterpart of the neutron star X-ray transient Aquila X-1 during its 2011, 2013 and 2016 outbursts. We use 65 intermediate resolution GTC-10.4 m spectra with the aim of detecting irradiation-induced Bowen blend emission from the donor star. While Gaussian fitting does not yield conclusive results, our full phase coverage allows us to exploit Doppler mapping techniques to independently constrain the donor star radial velocity. By using the component N III 4640.64/4641.84 Å, we measure Kem = 102 ± 6 km s-1. This highly significant detection (≳13σ) is fully compatible with the true companion star radial velocity obtained from near-infrared spectroscopy during quiescence. Combining these two velocities we determine, for the first time, the accretion disc opening angle and its associated error from direct spectroscopic measurements and detailed modelling, obtaining α = 15.5 ^{+ 2.5}_{-5} deg. This value is consistent with theoretical work if significant X-ray irradiation is taken into account and is important in the light of recent observations of GX339-4, where discrepant results were obtained between the donor's intrinsic radial velocity and the Bowen-inferred value. We also discuss the limitations of the Bowen technique when complete phase coverage is not available.

Constellation Coverage Analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lo, Martin W. (Compiler)

1997-01-01

The design of satellite constellations requires an understanding of the dynamic global coverage provided by the constellations. Even for a small constellation with a simple circular orbit propagator, the combinatorial nature of the analysis frequently renders the problem intractable. Particularly for the initial design phase where the orbital parameters are still fluid and undetermined, the coverage information is crucial to evaluate the performance of the constellation design. We have developed a fast and simple algorithm for determining the global constellation coverage dynamically using image processing techniques. This approach provides a fast, powerful and simple method for the analysis of global constellation coverage.

The Profile Envision and Splicing Tool (PRESTO): Developing an Atmospheric Wind Analysis Tool for Space Launch Vehicles Using Python

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Orcutt, John M.; Barbre, Robert E., Jr.; Brenton, James C.; Decker, Ryan K.

2017-01-01

Launch vehicle programs require vertically complete atmospheric profiles. Many systems at the ER to make the necessary measurements, but all have different EVR, vertical coverage, and temporal coverage. MSFC Natural Environments Branch developed a tool to create a vertically complete profile from multiple inputs using Python. Forward work: Finish Formal Testing Acceptance Testing, End-to-End Testing. Formal Release

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine coverage achievements in low and middle-income countries 2007-2016.

PubMed

Gallagher, Katherine E; Howard, Natasha; Kabakama, Severin; Mounier-Jack, Sandra; Burchett, Helen E D; LaMontagne, D Scott; Watson-Jones, Deborah

2017-12-01

Since 2007, HPV vaccine has been available to low and middle income countries (LAMIC) for small-scale 'demonstration projects', or national programmes. We analysed coverage achieved in HPV vaccine demonstration projects and national programmes that had completed at least 6 months of implementation between January 2007-2016. A mapping exercise identified 45 LAMICs with HPV vaccine delivery experience. Estimates of coverage and factors influencing coverage were obtained from 56 key informant interviews, a systematic published literature search of 5 databases that identified 61 relevant full texts and 188 solicited unpublished documents, including coverage surveys. Coverage achievements were analysed descriptively against country or project/programme characteristics. Heterogeneity in data, funder requirements, and project/programme design precluded multivariate analysis. Estimates of uptake, schedule completion rates and/or final dose coverage were available from 41 of 45 LAMICs included in the study. Only 17 estimates from 13 countries were from coverage surveys, most were administrative data. Final dose coverage estimates were all over 50% with most between 70% and 90%, and showed no trend over time. The majority of delivery strategies included schools as a vaccination venue. In countries with school enrolment rates below 90%, inclusion of strategies to reach out-of-school girls contributed to obtaining high coverage compared to school-only strategies. There was no correlation between final dose coverage and estimated recurrent financial costs of delivery from cost analyses. Coverage achieved during joint delivery of HPV vaccine combined with another intervention was variable with little/no evaluation of the correlates of success. This is the most comprehensive descriptive analysis of HPV vaccine coverage in LAMICs to date. It is possible to deliver HPV vaccine with excellent coverage in LAMICs. Further good quality data are needed from health facility based delivery strategies and national programmes to aid policymakers to effectively and sustainably scale-up HPV vaccination. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Clustered lot quality assurance sampling: a pragmatic tool for timely assessment of vaccination coverage.

PubMed

Greenland, K; Rondy, M; Chevez, A; Sadozai, N; Gasasira, A; Abanida, E A; Pate, M A; Ronveaux, O; Okayasu, H; Pedalino, B; Pezzoli, L

2011-07-01

To evaluate oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV) coverage of the November 2009 round in five Northern Nigeria states with ongoing wild poliovirus transmission using clustered lot quality assurance sampling (CLQAS). We selected four local government areas in each pre-selected state and sampled six clusters of 10 children in each Local Government Area, defined as the lot area. We used three decision thresholds to classify OPV coverage: 75-90%, 55-70% and 35-50%. A full lot was completed, but we also assessed in retrospect the potential time-saving benefits of stopping sampling when a lot had been classified. We accepted two local government areas (LGAs) with vaccination coverage above 75%. Of the remaining 18 rejected LGAs, 11 also failed to reach 70% coverage, of which four also failed to reach 50%. The average time taken to complete a lot was 10 h. By stopping sampling when a decision was reached, we could have classified lots in 5.3, 7.7 and 7.3 h on average at the 90%, 70% and 50% coverage targets, respectively. Clustered lot quality assurance sampling was feasible and useful to estimate OPV coverage in Northern Nigeria. The multi-threshold approach provided useful information on the variation of IPD vaccination coverage. CLQAS is a very timely tool, allowing corrective actions to be directly taken in insufficiently covered areas. © 2011 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Assessing vaccination coverage in infants, survey studies versus the Flemish immunisation register: achieving the best of both worlds.

PubMed

Braeckman, Tessa; Lernout, Tinne; Top, Geert; Paeps, Annick; Roelants, Mathieu; Hoppenbrouwers, Karel; Van Damme, Pierre; Theeten, Heidi

2014-01-09

Infant immunisation coverage in Flanders, Belgium, is monitored through repeated coverage surveys. With the increased use of Vaccinnet, the web-based ordering system for vaccines in Flanders set up in 2004 and linked to an immunisation register, this database could become an alternative to quickly estimate vaccination coverage. To evaluate its current accuracy, coverage estimates generated from Vaccinnet alone were compared with estimates from the most recent survey (2012) that combined interview data with data from Vaccinnet and medical files. Coverage rates from registrations in Vaccinnet were systematically lower than the corresponding estimates obtained through the survey (mean difference 7.7%). This difference increased by dose number for vaccines that require multiple doses. Differences in administration date between the two sources were observed for 3.8-8.2% of registered doses. Underparticipation in Vaccinnet thus significantly impacts on the register-based immunisation coverage estimates, amplified by underregistration of administered doses among vaccinators using Vaccinnet. Therefore, survey studies, despite being labour-intensive and expensive, currently provide more complete and reliable results than register-based estimates alone in Flanders. However, further improvement of Vaccinnet's completeness will likely allow more accurate estimates in the nearby future. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A testing-coverage software reliability model considering fault removal efficiency and error generation

PubMed Central

Li, Qiuying; Pham, Hoang

2017-01-01

In this paper, we propose a software reliability model that considers not only error generation but also fault removal efficiency combined with testing coverage information based on a nonhomogeneous Poisson process (NHPP). During the past four decades, many software reliability growth models (SRGMs) based on NHPP have been proposed to estimate the software reliability measures, most of which have the same following agreements: 1) it is a common phenomenon that during the testing phase, the fault detection rate always changes; 2) as a result of imperfect debugging, fault removal has been related to a fault re-introduction rate. But there are few SRGMs in the literature that differentiate between fault detection and fault removal, i.e. they seldom consider the imperfect fault removal efficiency. But in practical software developing process, fault removal efficiency cannot always be perfect, i.e. the failures detected might not be removed completely and the original faults might still exist and new faults might be introduced meanwhile, which is referred to as imperfect debugging phenomenon. In this study, a model aiming to incorporate fault introduction rate, fault removal efficiency and testing coverage into software reliability evaluation is developed, using testing coverage to express the fault detection rate and using fault removal efficiency to consider the fault repair. We compare the performance of the proposed model with several existing NHPP SRGMs using three sets of real failure data based on five criteria. The results exhibit that the model can give a better fitting and predictive performance. PMID:28750091

46 CFR 308.3 - Applications for insurance; warranties; supporting documents; payment of binder fees.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... identifies each vessel to be insured and the coverage(s) required, by completing appendices A and B to that form. An interim binder for war risk insurance coverage, of the types described in subparts B, C and D... from the Office of Subsidy and Insurance. (b) Warranties—(1) In general. Applications for war risk hull...

Immunization coverage in India for areas served by the Integrated Child Development Services programme. The Integrated Child Development Services Consultants.

PubMed

Tandon, B N; Gandhi, N

1992-01-01

The Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) programme was launched by the Indian government in October 1975 to provide a package of health, nutrition and informal educational services to mothers and children. In 1988 we studied the impact of ICDS on the immunization coverage of children aged 12-24 months and of mothers of infants in 19 rural, 8 tribal, and 9 urban ICDS projects that had been operational for more than 5 years. Complete coverage with BCG, diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus (DPT) and poliomyelitis vaccines was recorded for 65%, 63%, and 64% of children, respectively, in the ICDS population. By comparison, the coverage in the non-ICDS group was only 22% for BCG, 28% for DPT, and 27% for poliomyelitis. Complete immunization with tetanus toxoid was recorded for 68% of the mothers in the ICDS group and for 40% in the non-ICDS group. Coverage was greater in the urban and lower in the tribal projects. Scheduled castes, scheduled tribes, backward communities, and minorities (groups that have a high priority for social services) had immunization coverages in ICDS projects that were similar to those of higher castes.

Simulation Facilities and Test Beds for Galileo

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schlarmann, Bernhard Kl.; Leonard, Arian

2002-01-01

Galileo is the European satellite navigation system, financed by the European Space Agency (ESA) and the European Commission (EC). The Galileo System, currently under definition phase, will offer seamless global coverage, providing state-of-the-art positioning and timing services. Galileo services will include a standard service targeted at mass market users, an augmented integrity service, providing integrity warnings when fault occur and Public Regulated Services (ensuring a continuity of service for the public users). Other services are under consideration (SAR and integrated communications). Galileo will be interoperable with GPS, and will be complemented by local elements that will enhance the services for specific local users. In the frame of the Galileo definition phase, several system design and simulation facilities and test beds have been defined and developed for the coming phases of the project, respectively they are currently under development. These are mainly the following tools: Galileo Mission Analysis Simulator to design the Space Segment, especially to support constellation design, deployment and replacement. Galileo Service Volume Simulator to analyse the global performance requirements based on a coverage analysis for different service levels and degrades modes. Galileo System Simulation Facility is a sophisticated end-to-end simulation tool to assess the navigation performances for a complete variety of users under different operating conditions and different modes. Galileo Signal Validation Facility to evaluate signal and message structures for Galileo. Galileo System Test Bed (Version 1) to assess and refine the Orbit Determination &Time Synchronisation and Integrity algorithms, through experiments relying on GPS space infrastructure. This paper presents an overview on the so called "G-Facilities" and describes the use of the different system design tools during the project life cycle in order to design the system with respect to availability, continuity and integrity requirements. It gives more details on two of these system design tools: the Galileo Signal Validation Facility (GSVF) and the Galileo System Simulation Facility (GSSF). It will describe the operational use of these facilities within the complete set of design tools and especially the combined use of GSVF and GSSF will be described. Finally, this paper presents also examples and results obtained with these tools.

High-performance perovskite CH3NH3PbI3 thin films for solar cells prepared by single-source physical vapour deposition

PubMed Central

Fan, Ping; Gu, Di; Liang, Guang-Xing; Luo, Jing-Ting; Chen, Ju-Long; Zheng, Zhuang-Hao; Zhang, Dong-Ping

2016-01-01

In this work, an alternative route to fabricating high-quality CH3NH3PbI3 thin films is proposed. Single-source physical vapour deposition (SSPVD) without a post-heat-treating process was used to prepare CH3NH3PbI3 thin films at room temperature. This new process enabled complete surface coverage and moisture stability in a non-vacuum solution. Moreover, the challenges of simultaneously controlling evaporation processes of the organic and inorganic sources via dual-source vapour evaporation and the heating process required to obtain high crystallization were avoided. Excellent composition with stoichiometry transferred from the powder material, a high level of tetragonal phase-purity, full surface coverage, well-defined grain structure, high crystallization and reproducibility were obtained. A PCE of approximately 10.90% was obtained with a device based on SSPVD CH3NH3PbI3. These initial results suggest that SSPVD is a promising method to significantly optimize perovskite CH3NH3PbI3 solar cell efficiency. PMID:27426686

Coverage Dependent Charge Reduction of Cationic Gold Clusters on Surfaces Prepared Using Soft Landing of Mass-selected Ions

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

Johnson, Grant E.; Priest, Thomas A.; Laskin, Julia

2012-11-29

The ionic charge state of monodisperse cationic gold clusters on surfaces may be controlled by selecting the coverage of mass-selected ions soft landed onto a substrate. Polydisperse diphosphine-capped gold clusters were synthesized in solution by reduction of chloro(triphenylphosphine)gold(I) with borane tert-butylamine in the presence of 1,3-bis(diphenylphosphino)propane. The polydisperse gold clusters were introduced into the gas phase by electrospray ionization and mass selection was employed to select a multiply charged cationic cluster species (Au11L53+, m/z = 1409, L = 1,3-bis(diphenylphosphino)propane) which was delivered to the surfaces of four different self-assembled monolayers on gold (SAMs) at coverages of 1011 and 1012 clusters/mm2.more » Employing the spatial profiling capabilities of in-situ time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS) it is shown that, in addition to the chemical functionality of the monolayer (as demonstrated previously: ACS Nano, 2012, 6, 573) the coverage of cationic gold clusters on the surface may be used to control the distribution of ionic charge states of the soft-landed multiply charged clusters. In the case of a 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorodecanethiol SAM (FSAM) almost complete retention of charge by the deposited Au11L53+ clusters was observed at a lower coverage of 1011 clusters/mm2. In contrast, at a higher coverage of 1012 clusters/mm2, pronounced reduction of charge to Au11L52+ and Au11L5+ was observed on the FSAM. When soft landed onto 16- and 11-mercaptohexadecanoic acid surfaces on gold (16,11-COOH-SAMs), the mass-selected Au11L53+ clusters exhibited partial reduction of charge to Au11L52+ at lower coverage and additional reduction of charge to both Au11L52+ and Au11L5+ at higher coverage. The reduction of charge was found to be more pronounced on the surface of the shorter (thinner) C11 than the longer (thicker) C16-COOH-SAM. On the surface of the 1-dodecanethiol (HSAM) monolayer, the most abundant charge state was found to be Au11L52+ at lower coverage and Au11L5+ at higher coverage, respectively. A coverage-dependent electron tunneling mechanism is proposed to account for the observed reduction of charge of mass-selected multiply charged gold clusters soft landed on SAMs. The results demonstrate that one of the critical parameters that influence the chemical and physical properties of supported metal clusters, ionic charge state, may be controlled by selecting the coverage of charged species soft landed onto surfaces.« less

Rotavirus vaccine coverage and factors associated with uptake using linked data: Ontario, Canada

PubMed Central

Chung, Hannah; Schwartz, Kevin L.; Guttmann, Astrid; Deeks, Shelley L.; Kwong, Jeffrey C.; Crowcroft, Natasha S.; Wing, Laura; Tu, Karen

2018-01-01

Background In August 2011, Ontario, Canada introduced a rotavirus immunization program using Rotarix™ vaccine. No assessments of rotavirus vaccine coverage have been previously conducted in Ontario. Methods We assessed vaccine coverage (series initiation and completion) and factors associated with uptake using the Electronic Medical Record Administrative data Linked Database (EMRALD), a collection of family physician electronic medical records (EMR) linked to health administrative data. Series initiation (1 dose) and series completion (2 doses) before and after the program’s introduction were calculated. To identify factors associated with series initiation and completion, adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were calculated using logistic regression. Results A total of 12,525 children were included. Series completion increased each year of the program (73%, 79% and 84%, respectively). Factors associated with series initiation included high continuity of care (aOR = 2.15; 95%CI, 1.61–2.87), maternal influenza vaccination (aOR = 1.55; 95%CI,1.24–1.93), maternal immmigration to Canada in the last five years (aOR = 1.47; 95% CI, 1.05–2.04), and having no siblings (aOR = 1.62; 95%CI,1.30–2.03). Relative to the first program year, infants were more likely to initiate the series in the second year (aOR = 1.71; 95% CI 1.39–2.10) and third year (aOR = 2.02; 95% CI 1.56–2.61) of the program. Infants receiving care from physicians with large practices were less likely to initiate the series (aOR 0.91; 95%CI, 0.88–0.94, per 100 patients rostered) and less likely to complete the series (aOR 0.94; 95%CI, 0.91–0.97, per 100 patients rostered). Additional associations were identified for series completion. Conclusions Family physician delivery achieved moderately high coverage in the program’s first three years. This assessment demonstrates the usefulness of EMR data for evaluating vaccine coverage. Important insights into factors associated with initiation or completion (i.e. high continuity of care, smaller roster sizes, rural practice location) suggest areas for research and potential program supports. PMID:29444167

Full-mouth treatment of gingival recessions and noncarious cervical lesions with coronally advanced flap and xenogeneic collagen matrix: 
a 2-year case report.

PubMed

Martiniello, Nello; Stefanini, Martina; Zucchelli, Giovanni

In clinical practice it is common to observe adjacent multiple gingival recessions (MGRs) associated with noncarious cervical lesions (NCCLs). The aim of this 2-year case report was to describe the full-mouth treatment of a patient affected by MGRs and NCCLs, with a combined restorative-surgical approach using a coronally advanced flap (CAF) and a xenogeneic collagen matrix (CM). Before surgery, a composite restoration filled the deepest portion of the NCCL defects and was finished at the level of the maximum root coverage (MRC). The surgical technique adopted for the root coverage procedures was CAF for MGRs without vertical releasing incisions in the maxilla, and with one vertical releasing incision in the mandible. The CM was positioned at the level of the cementoenamel junction (CEJ), and sutured at the base of the anatomic de-epithelialized papillae. The flap was shifted coronally, providing complete coverage of the CM, and sutured coronal to the CEJ with a variable number of sling sutures. At 2 years, complete root coverage was achieved in all treated sites, and the patient reported complete resolution of dental hypersensitivity. In the questionnaire, the patient-reported outcome showed a high level of esthetic satisfaction (mean score: 9.6; range: 9 to 10), and the objective esthetic evaluation with the root coverage esthetic score (RES) system showed a very high result (mean: 9.4). The suggested combined restorative-surgical approach provided successful root coverage and a favorable esthetic outcome in the treatment of MGR associated with NCCLs.

Seasonal influenza immunisation in Europe. Overview of recommendations and vaccination coverage for three seasons: pre-pandemic (2008/09), pandemic (2009/10) and post-pandemic (2010/11).

PubMed

Mereckiene, J; Cotter, S; Nicoll, A; Lopalco, P; Noori, T; Weber, Jt; D'Ancona, F; Levy-Bruhl, D; Dematte, L; Giambi, C; Valentiner-Branth, P; Stankiewicz, I; Appelgren, E; O Flanagan, D

2014-04-24

Since 2008, annual surveys of influenza vaccination policies, practices and coverage have been undertaken in 29 European Union (EU)/ European Economic Area (EEA) countries. After 2009, this monitored the impact of European Council recommendation to increase vaccination coverage to 75% among risk groups. This paper summarises the results of three seasonal influenza seasons: 2008/09, 2009/10 and 2010/11. In 2008/09, 27/29 countries completed the survey; in 2009/10 and 2010/11, 28/29 completed it. All or almost all countries recommended vaccination of older people (defined as those aged ≥50, ≥55, ≥59, ≥60 or ≥65 years), and people aged ≥6 months with clinical risk and healthcare workers. A total of 23 countries provided vaccination coverage data for older people, but only 7 and 10 had data for the clinical risk groups and healthcare workers, respectively. The number of countries recommending vaccination for some or all pregnant women increased from 10 in 2008/09 to 22 in 2010/11. Only three countries could report coverage among pregnant women. Seasonal influenza vaccination coverage during and after the pandemic season in older people and clinical groups remained unchanged in countries with higher coverage. However, small decreases were seen in most countries during this period. The results of the surveys indicate that most EU/EEA countries recommend influenza vaccination for the main target groups; however, only a few countries have achieved the target of 75% coverage among risk groups. Coverage among healthcare workers remained low.

Vaccination Coverage Cluster Surveys in Middle Dreib – Akkar, Lebanon: Comparison of Vaccination Coverage in Children Aged 12-59 Months Pre- and Post-Vaccination Campaign

PubMed Central

Assaad, Ramia; Rebeschini, Arianna; Hamadeh, Randa

2016-01-01

Introduction With the high proportion of refugee population throughout Lebanon and continuous population movement, it is sensible to believe that, in particular vulnerable areas, vaccination coverage may not be at an optimal level. Therefore, we assessed the vaccination coverage in children under 5 in a district of the Akkar governorate before and after a vaccination campaign. During the vaccination campaign, conducted in August 2015, 2,509 children were vaccinated. Materials and Methods We conducted a pre- and post-vaccination campaign coverage surveys adapting the WHO EPI cluster survey to the Lebanese MoPH vaccination calendar. Percentages of coverage for each dose of each vaccine were calculated for both surveys. Factors associated with complete vaccination were explored. Results Comparing the pre- with the post-campaign surveys, coverage for polio vaccine increased from 51.9% to 84.3%, for Pentavalent from 49.0% to 71.9%, for MMR from 36.2% to 61.0%, while the percentage of children with fully updated vaccination calendar increased from 32.9% to 53.8%. While Lebanese children were found to be better covered for some antigens compared to Syrians at the first survey, this difference disappeared at the post-campaign survey. Awareness and logistic obstacles were the primary reported causes of not complete vaccination in both surveys. Discussion Vaccination campaigns remain a quick and effective approach to increase vaccination coverage in crisis-affected areas. However, campaigns cannot be considered as a replacement of routine vaccination services to maintain a good level of coverage. PMID:27992470

Vaccination Coverage Disparities Between Foreign-Born and U.S.-Born Children Aged 19-35 Months, United States, 2010-2012.

PubMed

Varan, Aiden K; Rodriguez-Lainz, Alfonso; Hill, Holly A; Elam-Evans, Laurie D; Yankey, David; Li, Qian

2017-08-01

Healthy People 2020 targets high vaccination coverage among children. Although reductions in coverage disparities by race/ethnicity have been described, data by nativity are limited. The National Immunization Survey is a random-digit-dialed telephone survey that estimates vaccination coverage among U.S. children aged 19-35 months. We assessed coverage among 52,441 children from pooled 2010-2012 data for individual vaccines and the combined 4:3:1:3*:3:1:4 series (which includes ≥4 doses of diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis vaccine/diphtheria and tetanus toxoids vaccine/diphtheria, tetanus toxoids, and pertussis vaccine, ≥3 doses of poliovirus vaccine, ≥1 dose of measles-containing vaccine, ≥3 or ≥4 doses of Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine (depending on product type of vaccine; denoted as 3* in the series name), ≥3 doses of hepatitis B vaccine, ≥1 dose of varicella vaccine, and ≥4 doses of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine). Coverage estimates controlling for sociodemographic factors and multivariable logistic regression modeling for 4:3:1:3*:3:1:4 series completion are presented. Significantly lower coverage among foreign-born children was detected for DTaP, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, Hib, pneumococcal conjugate, and rotavirus vaccines, and for the combined series. Series completion disparities persisted after control for demographic, access-to-care, poverty, and language effects. Substantial and potentially widening disparities in vaccination coverage exist among foreign-born children. Improved immunization strategies targeting this population and continued vaccination coverage monitoring by nativity are needed.

Immunisation coverage of adults: a vaccination counselling campaign in the pharmacies in Switzerland.

PubMed

Valeri, Fabio; Hatz, Christoph; Jordan, Dominique; Leuthold, Claudine; Czock, Astrid; Lang, Phung

2014-01-01

To assess vaccination coverage for adults living in Switzerland. Through a media campaign, the general population was invited during 1 month to bring their vaccination certificates to the pharmacies to have their immunisation status evaluated with the software viavac©, and to complete a questionnaire. A total of 496 pharmacies in Switzerland participated in the campaign, of which 284 (57%) submitted valid vaccination information. From a total of 3,634 participants in the campaign, there were 3,291 valid cases (participants born ≤ 1992) and 1,011 questionnaires completed. Vaccination coverage for the participants was 45.9% and 34.6% for five and six doses of diphtheria, 56.4% and 44.0% for tetanus and 66.3% and 48.0% for polio, respectively. Coverage estimates for one and two doses of measles vaccine were 76.5% and 49.4%, respectively, for the birth cohort 1967-1992 and 4.0% and 0.8%, respectively, for the cohort ≤ 1966. There was a significant difference in coverage for most vaccinations between the two aforementioned birth cohorts. A plot of the measles vaccine coverage over time shows that the increase in coverage correlated with policy changes in the Swiss Immunisation Schedule. Despite selection bias and low participation, this study indicates that vaccination coverage for the basic recommended immunisations in the adult population in Switzerland is suboptimal. More efforts using various means and methods are needed to increase immunisation coverage in adolescents before they leave school. An established method to determine vaccination coverage for the general population could provide invaluable insights into the effects of changes in vaccination policies and disease outbreaks.

Contraception Insurance Coverage and Receipt of Long-Acting Reversible Contraception or Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate on the Day of Abortion.

PubMed

Krashin, Jamie W; Stuart, Gretchen S; Garrett, Joanne; Spector, Hannah; Bryant, Amy G; Charm, Samantha; Morse, Jessica E

2017-07-01

To evaluate whether contraceptive insurance coverage for women who present for an abortion is associated with obtaining long-acting reversible contraception or depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) on the day the abortion is completed. We conducted a prospective cohort study of women presenting for medical or surgical abortion at a single health center in North Carolina. Eligible women were 18 years or older and fluent in English or Spanish. Data were from participant questionnaires, medical charts, and financial records. Our main exposure was whether the woman had insurance coverage for contraception at clinic intake. Our primary outcome was receiving DMPA, an intrauterine device, or a contraceptive subdermal implant on the same day of their surgical abortion or at the visit that determined their medication abortion was complete. We used univariable, bivariable, and multivariable analysis to report our findings. Five hundred seventy-five women enrolled in our cohort between September 2015 and April 2016. One hundred twenty-eight (22%) had insurance coverage and 447 (78%) did not. In the group with insurance coverage for contraception, 38% (49/128) received a long-acting reversible contraception method or DMPA compared with 7% (33/447) in the group without insurance coverage for contraception. After adjusting for confounding, women with contraceptive coverage were more than five times as likely to receive immediate postabortion contraception with one of these methods compared with women without coverage (relative risk 5.6, 95% confidence interval 3.8-8.3). Women with contraceptive insurance coverage on the day of their abortion were more likely to leave the abortion clinic with an intrauterine device or implant in place or receive DMPA injection compared with women without coverage.

Preparation of stationary phases for reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography using thermal treatments at high temperature.

PubMed

Vigna, Camila R M; Bottoli, Carla B G; Collins, Kenneth E; Collins, Carol H

2007-07-13

Batches of poly(methyloctylsiloxane) (PMOS)-loaded silica were prepared by deposition from a solution of PMOS into the pores of HPLC silica. Portions of PMOS-loaded silica were subjected to a thermal treatment at 100 degrees C for 24h (condition 1) in a tube furnace under a nitrogen atmosphere. After that, the material was heated for 4h at higher temperatures (150-400 degrees C) (condition 2). Heating at higher temperatures produces polymer bilayers. Non-immobilized and thermally treated stationary phases were characterized by percent carbon, (29)Si cross-polarization magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and reversed-phase chromatographic performance. The results show that thermal treatment between 150 and 300 degrees C accelerates the immobilization process, possibly due to some bond breaking of the polysiloxane, with formation of strong linkages to the surface of the support, resulting in more complete coverage of the silica. The chromatographic results show an improvement of efficiency with the increase of the temperature of condition 2 up to 300 degrees C and an increase in the resolution of the components, mainly for the phase heated at 300 degrees C. Such results demonstrate that a two-step thermal treatment (100 degrees C then 150-300 degrees C) produces stationary phases with good properties for use in reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography.

Marked increase in measles vaccination coverage among young adults in Switzerland: a campaign or cohort effect?

PubMed

Altpeter, Ekkehardt; Wymann, Monica N; Richard, Jean-Luc; Mäusezahl-Feuz, Mirjam

2018-06-01

To evaluate the impact of the Swiss measles elimination strategy-including a mass media campaign-on vaccination coverage and awareness among young adults aged 20-29 years. Comparison of the results of two cross-sectional population surveys in 2012 and 2015. Documented vaccination coverage increased from 77 to 88% for two doses of measles vaccine. Major determinants of complete vaccination were survey year, birth cohort, sex and the absence of prior measles disease. If birth cohort and prior history of measles disease are included as factors in a multivariate model, the difference between 2012 and 2015 vanishes. The marked increase in complete measles vaccination coverage is due to a cohort effect, owing to the introduction of the second dose of vaccine in 1996. Most of the vaccinations were administered before the national strategy was implemented and vaccination catch-ups did not increase during the campaign in young adults. Nevertheless, this study provides evidence of an improvement in the awareness of measles and measles vaccination in young adults, which may result in an impact on measles vaccination coverage in the near future.

The effect of Fe-coverage on the structure, morphology and magnetic properties of α-FeSi2 nanoislands.

PubMed

Tripathi, J K; Garbrecht, M; Kaplan, W D; Markovich, G; Goldfarb, I

2012-12-14

Self-assembled α-FeSi(2) nanoislands were formed using solid-phase epitaxy of low (~1.2 ML) and high (~21 ML) Fe coverages onto vicinal Si(111) surfaces followed by thermal annealing. At a resulting low Fe-covered Si(111) surface, we observed in situ, by real-time scanning tunneling microscopy and surface electron diffraction, the entire sequence of Fe-silicide formation and transformation from the initially two-dimensional (2 × 2)-reconstructed layer at 300 °C into (2 × 2)-reconstructed nanoislands decorating the vicinal step-bunch edges in a self-ordered fashion at higher temperatures. In contrast, the silicide nanoislands at a high Fe-covered surface were noticeably larger, more three-dimensional, and randomly distributed all over the surface. Ex situ x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy indicated the formation of an α-FeSi(2) island phase, in an α-FeSi(2){112} // Si{111} orientation. Superconducting quantum interference device magnetometry showed considerable superparamagnetism, with ~1.9 μ(B)/Fe atom at 4 K for the low Fe-coverage, indicating stronger ferromagnetic coupling of individual magnetic moments, as compared to high Fe-coverage, where the calculated moments were only ~0.8 μ(B)/Fe atom. Such anomalous magnetic behavior, particularly for the low Fe-coverage case, is radically different from the non-magnetic bulk α-FeSi(2) phase, and may open new pathways to high-density magnetic memory storage devices.

HPV Vaccination among Adolescent Females from Appalachia: Implications for Cervical Cancer Disparities

PubMed Central

Reiter, Paul L.; Katz, Mira L.; Paskett, Electra D.

2012-01-01

Background Appalachia is a geographic region with high cervical cancer incidence and mortality rates, yet little is known about human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination in this region. We determined HPV vaccine coverage among adolescent females from Appalachia, made comparisons to non-Appalachian females, and examined how coverage differs across subregions within Appalachia. Methods We analyzed 2008–2010 data from the National Immunization Survey-Teen (NIS-Teen) for adolescent females ages 13–17 (n=1,951 Appalachian females and n=25,468 non-Appalachian females). We examined HPV vaccine initiation (receipt of at least one dose), completion (receipt of at least three doses), and follow-through (completion among initiators). Analyses used weighted logistic regression. Results HPV vaccine initiation (Appalachian=40.8% vs. non-Appalachian=43.6%; OR=0.92, 95% CI: 0.79–1.07) and completion (Appalachian=27.7% vs. non-Appalachian=25.3%; OR=1.12, 95% CI: 0.95–1.32) were similar between Appalachian and non-Appalachian females. HPV vaccine follow-through was higher among Appalachian females than non-Appalachian females (67.8% vs. 58.1%; OR=1.36, 95% CI: 1.07–1.72). Vaccination outcomes tended to be higher in the Northern (completion and follow-through) and South Central (follow-through) subregions of Appalachia compared to non-Appalachian U.S. Conversely, vaccination outcomes tended to be lower in the Central (initiation and completion) and Southern (initiation and completion) subregions. Conclusions In general, HPV vaccination in Appalachia is mostly similar to the rest of the U.S. However, vaccination is lagging in regions of Appalachia where cervical cancer incidence and mortality rates are highest. Impact Current cervical cancer disparities could potentially worsen if HPV vaccine coverage is not improved in regions of Appalachia with low HPV vaccine coverage. PMID:23136141

Automated discovery and construction of surface phase diagrams using machine learning

DOE PAGES

Ulissi, Zachary W.; Singh, Aayush R.; Tsai, Charlie; ...

2016-08-24

Surface phase diagrams are necessary for understanding surface chemistry in electrochemical catalysis, where a range of adsorbates and coverages exist at varying applied potentials. These diagrams are typically constructed using intuition, which risks missing complex coverages and configurations at potentials of interest. More accurate cluster expansion methods are often difficult to implement quickly for new surfaces. We adopt a machine learning approach to rectify both issues. Using a Gaussian process regression model, the free energy of all possible adsorbate coverages for surfaces is predicted for a finite number of adsorption sites. Our result demonstrates a rational, simple, and systematic approachmore » for generating accurate free-energy diagrams with reduced computational resources. Finally, the Pourbaix diagram for the IrO 2(110) surface (with nine coverages from fully hydrogenated to fully oxygenated surfaces) is reconstructed using just 20 electronic structure relaxations, compared to approximately 90 using typical search methods. Similar efficiency is demonstrated for the MoS 2 surface.« less

Highly-efficient all-dielectric Huygens' surface holograms (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chong, Katie; Wang, Lei; Staude, Isabelle; James, Anthony; Dominguez, Jason; Subramania, Ganapathi; Liu, Sheng; Decker, Manuel; Neshev, Dragomir N.; Brener, Igal; Kivshar, Yuri S.

2016-04-01

Optical metasurfaces have developed as a breakthrough concept for advanced wave-front. Key to these "designer metasurfaces"[1] is that they provide full 360 degree phase coverage and that their local phase can be precisely controlled. The local control of phase, amplitude and polarization on an optically thin plane will lead to a new class of flat optical components in the areas of integrated optics, flat displays, energy harvesting and mid-infrared photonics, with increased performance and functionality. However, reflection and/or absorption losses as well as low polarization-conversion efficiencies pose a fundamental obstacle for achieving high transmission efficiencies that are required for practical applications. A promising way to overcome these limitations is the use of metamaterial Huygens' surfaces [2-4], i.e., reflection-less surfaces that can also provide full 360 degree phase coverage in transmission. Plasmonic implementations of Huygens' surfaces for microwave [2] and the mid-infrared spectral range [3], where the intrinsic losses of the metals are negligible, have been suggested, however, these designs cannot be transferred to near-infrared or even visible frequencies because of the high dissipative losses of plasmonic structures at optical frequencies. Here, we demonstrate the first holographic metasurface utilizing the concept of all-dielectric Huygens' surfaces thereby achieving record transmission efficiencies of approximately 82% at 1477nm wavelength. Our low-loss Huygens' surface is realized by two-dimensional subwavelength arrays of loss-less silicon nanodisks with both electric and magnetic dipole resonances [4]. By controlling the intrinsic properties of the resonances, i.e. their relative electric and magnetic polarizabilities, quality factors and spectral position, we can design silicon nanodisks to behave as near-ideal Huygens' particles. This allows us to realize all-dielectric Huygens' surfaces providing full 360 degree phase coverage that lack dissipative losses and also suppress unwanted reflections without relying on cross-polarization schemes that additionally suffer from polarization-conversion losses. We now use such Huygens' surfaces in order to create a highly-efficient phase masks for the generation of optical holograms. By varying only one geometrical parameter, namely the lattice periodicity that can be controlled easily during the fabrication process we can effectively generate arbitrary hologram images from a 4-level phase discretization. In order to design the arrangement of the pixels in the metasurfaces, we calculate the phase mask required for a hologram generating the letters `hv' in the hologram plane. In the next step the Huygens' hologram is fabricated on a back-side polished SOI wafer by electron-beam lithography followed by a reactive-ion etching process. Then, we measure the phase of the generated hologram using a home-built Mach-Zehnder interferometer and perform a phase retrieval process to compare the experimental phase with the designed phase. Finally, we record the holographic image in the hologram plane and demonstrate that the device functionality is completely polarization insensitive with a transmission efficiency of 82%, in contrast to all the earlier works utilizing geometric phase. References [1] Yu et al., Nat. Mater. 13, 139 (2014). [2] Pfeiffer et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 110, 197401 (2013). [3] Monticone et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 110, 203903 (2013). [4] Decker et al., Adv. Opt. Mater. 3, 813 (2015).

Clustered lot quality assurance sampling: a tool to monitor immunization coverage rapidly during a national yellow fever and polio vaccination campaign in Cameroon, May 2009.

PubMed

Pezzoli, L; Tchio, R; Dzossa, A D; Ndjomo, S; Takeu, A; Anya, B; Ticha, J; Ronveaux, O; Lewis, R F

2012-01-01

We used the clustered lot quality assurance sampling (clustered-LQAS) technique to identify districts with low immunization coverage and guide mop-up actions during the last 4 days of a combined oral polio vaccine (OPV) and yellow fever (YF) vaccination campaign conducted in Cameroon in May 2009. We monitored 17 pre-selected districts at risk for low coverage. We designed LQAS plans to reject districts with YF vaccination coverage <90% and with OPV coverage <95%. In each lot the sample size was 50 (five clusters of 10) with decision values of 3 for assessing OPV and 7 for YF coverage. We 'rejected' 10 districts for low YF coverage and 14 for low OPV coverage. Hence we recommended a 2-day extension of the campaign. Clustered-LQAS proved to be useful in guiding the campaign vaccination strategy before the completion of the operations.

Implementation of softcopy photogrammetric workstations at the US Geological Survey

USGS Publications Warehouse

Skalet, C.D.; Lee, G.Y.G.; Ladner, L. J.

1992-01-01

The US Geological Survey has provided the Nation with primary quadrangle maps and map products for the last 50 years. The Survey recently completed initial coverage of the conterminous United States and Hawaii at 1:24 000 scale. In Alaska, complete coverage exists at 1:63 360 scale. Effort is underway to build a National Digital Cartographic Data Base (NDCDB) composed of the digital representation of these and other map series. In addition the Survey plans to meet the demand for more current and complete data through the development and promotion of spatial data standards in cooperation with other Federal, State, local and private organizations. -from Authors

Uptake and timeliness of rotavirus vaccination in Norway: The first year post-introduction.

PubMed

Valcarcel Salamanca, Beatriz; Hagerup-Jenssen, Maria Elisabeth; Flem, Elmira

2016-09-07

To minimise vaccine-associated risk of intussusception following rotavirus vaccination, Norway adopted very strict age limits for initiating and completing the vaccine series at the time rotavirus vaccination was included in the national immunisation programme, October 2014. Although Norway has a high coverage for routine childhood vaccines, these stringent age limits could negatively affect rotavirus coverage. We documented the status and impact of rotavirus vaccination on other infant vaccines during the first year after its introduction. We used individual vaccination data from the national immunisation register to calculate coverage for rotavirus and other vaccines and examine adherence with the recommended schedules. We identified factors associated with completing the full rotavirus series by performing multiple logistic regression analyses. We also evaluated potential changes in uptake and timeliness of other routine vaccines after the introduction of rotavirus vaccine using the Kaplan-Meier method. The national coverage for rotavirus vaccine achieved a year after the introduction was 89% for one dose and 82% for two doses, respectively. Among fully rotavirus-vaccinated children, 98% received both doses within the upper age limit and 90% received both doses according to the recommended schedule. The child's age at the initiation of rotavirus series and being vaccinated with diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio and Haemophilus influenzae type b (DTaP/IPV/Hib) and pneumococcal vaccines were the strongest predictors of completing the full rotavirus series. No major changes in uptake and timeliness of other paediatric vaccines were observed after introduction of rotavirus vaccine. Norway achieved a high national coverage and excellent adherence with the strict age limits for rotavirus vaccine administration during the first year of introduction, indicating robustness of the national immunisation programme. Rotavirus vaccination did not impact coverage or timeliness of other infant vaccines. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Novel methods to optimize genotypic imputation for low-coverage, next-generation sequence data in crop plants

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Next-generation sequencing technology such as genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) made low-cost, but often low-coverage, whole-genome sequencing widely available. Extensive inbreeding in crop plants provides an untapped, high quality source of phased haplotypes for imputing missing genotypes. We introduc...

Coverage vs Frequency : Is Spatial Coverage or Temporal Frequency More Impactful on Transit Ridership?

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2017-08-01

Transit ridership has long been studied, and the findings are concisely elucidated by Taylor & Fink (2003) when they say To sum, transit ridership is largely, though not completely, a product of factors outside the control of transit managers. ...

Two low coverage bird genomes and a comparison of reference-guided versus de novo genome assemblies.

PubMed

Card, Daren C; Schield, Drew R; Reyes-Velasco, Jacobo; Fujita, Matthew K; Andrew, Audra L; Oyler-McCance, Sara J; Fike, Jennifer A; Tomback, Diana F; Ruggiero, Robert P; Castoe, Todd A

2014-01-01

As a greater number and diversity of high-quality vertebrate reference genomes become available, it is increasingly feasible to use these references to guide new draft assemblies for related species. Reference-guided assembly approaches may substantially increase the contiguity and completeness of a new genome using only low levels of genome coverage that might otherwise be insufficient for de novo genome assembly. We used low-coverage (∼3.5-5.5x) Illumina paired-end sequencing to assemble draft genomes of two bird species (the Gunnison Sage-Grouse, Centrocercus minimus, and the Clark's Nutcracker, Nucifraga columbiana). We used these data to estimate de novo genome assemblies and reference-guided assemblies, and compared the information content and completeness of these assemblies by comparing CEGMA gene set representation, repeat element content, simple sequence repeat content, and GC isochore structure among assemblies. Our results demonstrate that even lower-coverage genome sequencing projects are capable of producing informative and useful genomic resources, particularly through the use of reference-guided assemblies.

Two low coverage bird genomes and a comparison of reference-guided versus de novo genome assemblies

USGS Publications Warehouse

Card, Daren C.; Schield, Drew R.; Reyes-Velasco, Jacobo; Fujita, Matthre K.; Andrew, Audra L.; Oyler-McCance, Sara J.; Fike, Jennifer A.; Tomback, Diana F.; Ruggiero, Robert P.; Castoe, Todd A.

2014-01-01

As a greater number and diversity of high-quality vertebrate reference genomes become available, it is increasingly feasible to use these references to guide new draft assemblies for related species. Reference-guided assembly approaches may substantially increase the contiguity and completeness of a new genome using only low levels of genome coverage that might otherwise be insufficient for de novo genome assembly. We used low-coverage (~3.5–5.5x) Illumina paired-end sequencing to assemble draft genomes of two bird species (the Gunnison Sage-Grouse, Centrocercus minimus, and the Clark's Nutcracker, Nucifraga columbiana). We used these data to estimate de novo genome assemblies and reference-guided assemblies, and compared the information content and completeness of these assemblies by comparing CEGMA gene set representation, repeat element content, simple sequence repeat content, and GC isochore structure among assemblies. Our results demonstrate that even lower-coverage genome sequencing projects are capable of producing informative and useful genomic resources, particularly through the use of reference-guided assemblies.

Cohort Profile Update: The Amirkola Health and Ageing Project (AHAP).

PubMed

Bijani, Ali; Ghadimi, Reza; Mikaniki, Ebrahim; Kheirkhah, Farzan; Mozaffarpur, Seyyed Ali; Motallebnejad, Mina; Esmaili, Haleh; Majidi, Fatemeh; Cumming, Robert Graham; Hosseini, Seyed Reza

2017-01-01

The original cohort study of AHAP started in 2011 on 1616 elderly residents of Amirkola, northern part of Iran near the Caspian Sea. The main goal of this study was to comprehensively evaluate the health of the elderly in the region with the emphasis on chronic diseases such as osteoporosis. The first cohort profile was published in the International Journal of Epidemiology in 2014. The phase 1 AHAP showed the elevated level of some diseases and conditions including osteoporosis, metabolic syndrome, obesity, vision problems and relatively low levels of oral health. Therefore, the second phase of this cohort started with more complete population coverage in 2016, not only to collect and record the information based on previous protocol, but also consider new areas such as nutritional status, complete eye and dental examinations and health assessment on the basis of Iranian Traditional Medicine. The new aspect of this project is to conduct clinical and laboratory examinations at the health center to extend more facilities to the elderly. In addition to serum and DNA, samples of saliva, hair and nails are collected and kept under standard conditions in the biobank of this cohort. Researchers can apply for access to data or suggest a collaborative study by submitting the proposal to AHAP committee.

Cohort Profile Update: The Amirkola Health and Ageing Project (AHAP)

PubMed Central

Bijani, Ali; Ghadimi, Reza; Mikaniki, Ebrahim; Kheirkhah, Farzan; Mozaffarpur, Seyyed Ali; Motallebnejad, Mina; Esmaili, Haleh; Majidi, Fatemeh; Cumming, Robert Graham; Hosseini, Seyed Reza

2017-01-01

The original cohort study of AHAP started in 2011 on 1616 elderly residents of Amirkola, northern part of Iran near the Caspian Sea. The main goal of this study was to comprehensively evaluate the health of the elderly in the region with the emphasis on chronic diseases such as osteoporosis. The first cohort profile was published in the International Journal of Epidemiology in 2014. The phase 1 AHAP showed the elevated level of some diseases and conditions including osteoporosis, metabolic syndrome, obesity, vision problems and relatively low levels of oral health. Therefore, the second phase of this cohort started with more complete population coverage in 2016, not only to collect and record the information based on previous protocol, but also consider new areas such as nutritional status, complete eye and dental examinations and health assessment on the basis of Iranian Traditional Medicine. The new aspect of this project is to conduct clinical and laboratory examinations at the health center to extend more facilities to the elderly. In addition to serum and DNA, samples of saliva, hair and nails are collected and kept under standard conditions in the biobank of this cohort. Researchers can apply for access to data or suggest a collaborative study by submitting the proposal to AHAP committee. PMID:28932373

Nanoparticle flotation collectors: mechanisms behind a new technology.

PubMed

Yang, Songtao; Pelton, Robert; Raegen, Adam; Montgomery, Miles; Dalnoki-Veress, Kari

2011-09-06

This is the first report describing a new technology where hydrophobic nanoparticles adsorb onto much larger, hydrophilic mineral particle surfaces to facilitate attachment to air bubbles in flotation. The adsorption of 46 nm cationic polystyrene nanoparticles onto 43 μm diameter glass beads, a mineral model, facilitates virtually complete removal of the beads by flotation. As little as 5% coverage of the bead surfaces with nanoparticles promotes high flotation efficiencies. The maximum force required to pull a glass bead from an air bubble interface into the aqueous phase was measured by micromechanics. The pull-off force was 1.9 μN for glass beads coated with nanoparticles, compared to 0.0086 μN for clean beads. The pull-off forces were modeled using Scheludko's classical expression. We propose that the bubble/bead contact area may not be dry (completely dewetted). Instead, for hydrophobic nanoparticles sitting on a hydrophilic surface, it is possible that only the nanoparticles penetrate the air/water interface to form a three-phase contact line. We present a new model for pull-off forces for such a wet contact patch between the bead and the air bubble. Contact angle measurements of both nanoparticle coated glass and smooth films from dissolved nanoparticles were performed to support the modeling. © 2011 American Chemical Society

Receipt of human papillomavirus vaccine among privately insured adult women in a U.S. Midwestern Health Maintenance Organization.

PubMed

Kharbanda, Elyse Olshen; Parker, Emily; Nordin, James D; Hedblom, Brita; Rolnick, Sharon J

2013-11-01

To describe human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine coverage among adult privately insured women including variation in coverage by race/ethnicity. This cross-sectional, observational study included women 18-26 years of age with continuous enrollment in a U.S. Midwestern health insurance plan and at least one visit to a plan affiliated practice. Vaccination data came from insurance claims and the electronic medical record. Primary outcomes were: receipt of at least 1 HPV vaccine (HPV1) and completion of the 3-dose HPV vaccine series (HPV3). Coverage was described for the entire cohort and stratified by race/ethnicity. For a subset of women, automated data was compared to personal recall. As of June 2010, among 2546 privately insured women 18-26 years, 72.7% had received their first HPV vaccine and 57.9% completed the 3-dose series. Compared to white women, African American and Asian women had significantly lower coverage for HPV1 and HPV3. There was 94.5% (95% CI: 88.5-100%) agreement between personal recall and claims/EMR for receiving HPV1. In this cohort of privately insured women, a majority received HPV1 and more than half completed the 3-dose vaccine series. Marked disparities in receipt of HPV vaccine by race/ethnicity were observed. © 2013.

Self assembly of oppositely charged latex particles at oil-water interface.

PubMed

Nallamilli, Trivikram; Ragothaman, Srikanth; Basavaraj, Madivala G

2017-01-15

In this study we explore the self assembly of oppositely charged latex particles at decane water interfaces. Two spreading protocols have been proposed in this context. In the first method oppositely charged particles are mixed prior to spreading at the interface, this is called "premixed-mixtures". In the second protocol negatively charged particles are first spread at the interface at known coverage followed by spreading positively charged particles at known coverage and this is called "sequential-mixtures". In premixed mixtures depending on particle mixing ratio (composition) and total surface coverage a number of 2d structures ranging from 2d crystals, aggregate-crystal coexistence and 2d-gels are observed. A detailed phase diagram of this system has been explored. In sequential-mixtures for the first time we observed a new phase in colloidal monolayers called 2d-bi crystalline domains. These structures consisted regions of two crystal phases of oppositely charged particles separated by a one dimensional chain of alternating positive and negative particles. Phase diagram of this system has also been explored at various combinations of first spread and second spread particles. A possible mechanism leading to formation of these 2d bi crystalline structures has been discussed. A direct visualization of breakage and reformation of particle barriers separating the crystal phases has been demonstrated through videos. Effect of salt in the water sub phase and particle hydrophobicity on domain formation is also investigated. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Real-Time Monitoring of Vaccination Campaign Performance Using Mobile Phones - Nepal, 2016.

PubMed

Oh, David H; Dabbagh, Alya; Goodson, James L; Strebel, Peter M; Thapa, Sanjita; Giri, Jagat Narain; Shakya, Sagar Ratna; Khanal, Sudhir

2016-10-07

In 2012, the Global Vaccine Action Plan* established a goal to achieve measles and rubella elimination in five of the six World Health Organization (WHO) regions (194 countries) by 2020 (1). Measles elimination strategies aim to achieve ≥95% coverage with 2 routine doses of measles-containing vaccine (2), and implement supplementary immunization activities (SIAs) † in settings where routine coverage is low or where there are subpopulations at high risk. To ensure SIA quality and to achieve ≥95% SIA coverage nationally, rapid convenience monitoring (RCM) is used during or immediately after SIAs (3,4). The objective of RCM is to find unvaccinated children and to identify reasons for nonvaccination in areas with persons at high risk, to enable immediate implementation of corrective actions (e.g., reassigning teams to poorly vaccinated areas, modifying the timing of vaccination, or conducting mop-up vaccination activities). This report describes pilot testing of RCM using mobile phones (RCM-MP) during the second phase of an SIA in Nepal in 2016. Use of RCM-MP resulted in 87% timeliness and 94% completeness of data reporting and found that, although 95% of children were vaccinated, 42% of areas required corrective vaccination activities. RCM-MP challenges included connecting to mobile networks, small phone screen size, and capturing Global Positioning System (GPS) coordinates. Nonetheless, use of RCM-MP led to faster data transmission, analysis, and decision-making and to increased accountability among levels of the health system.

The role of competition in the phase shift to dominance of the zoanthid Palythoa cf. variabilis on coral reefs.

PubMed

Cruz, Igor Cristino Silva; Meira, Verena Henschen; de Kikuchi, Ruy Kenji Papa; Creed, Joel Christopher

2016-04-01

Phase shift phenomena are becoming increasingly common. However, they are also opportunities to better understand how communities are structured. In Southwest Atlantic coral reefs, a shift to the zoanthid Palythoa cf. variabilis dominance has been described. To test if competition drove this process, we carried out a manipulative experiment with three coral species. To estimate the natural frequency of encounters we assess the relationship between the proportion of encounters and this zoanthids coverage. The contact causes necrosis in 78% of coral colonies (6.47 ± SD 7.92 cm(2)) in 118 days. We found a logarithmic relationship between the proportion of these encounters and the cover of P. cf. variabilis, where 5.5% coverage of this zoanthid is enough to put 50% of coral colonies in contact, increasing their partial mortality. We demonstrate that zoanthid coverage increase followed by coral mortality increase will reduce coral cover and that competition drives the phase shift process. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Filling in the GAPS: evaluating completeness and coverage of open-access biodiversity databases in the United States

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

Troia, Matthew J.; McManamay, Ryan A.

Primary biodiversity data constitute observations of particular species at given points in time and space. Open-access electronic databases provide unprecedented access to these data, but their usefulness in characterizing species distributions and patterns in biodiversity depend on how complete species inventories are at a given survey location and how uniformly distributed survey locations are along dimensions of time, space, and environment. Our aim was to compare completeness and coverage among three open-access databases representing ten taxonomic groups (amphibians, birds, freshwater bivalves, crayfish, freshwater fish, fungi, insects, mammals, plants, and reptiles) in the contiguous United States. We compiled occurrence records frommore » the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF), the North American Breeding Bird Survey (BBS), and federally administered fish surveys (FFS). In this study, we aggregated occurrence records by 0.1° × 0.1° grid cells and computed three completeness metrics to classify each grid cell as well-surveyed or not. Next, we compared frequency distributions of surveyed grid cells to background environmental conditions in a GIS and performed Kolmogorov–Smirnov tests to quantify coverage through time, along two spatial gradients, and along eight environmental gradients. The three databases contributed >13.6 million reliable occurrence records distributed among >190,000 grid cells. The percent of well-surveyed grid cells was substantially lower for GBIF (5.2%) than for systematic surveys (BBS and FFS; 82.5%). Still, the large number of GBIF occurrence records produced at least 250 well-surveyed grid cells for six of nine taxonomic groups. Coverages of systematic surveys were less biased across spatial and environmental dimensions but were more biased in temporal coverage compared to GBIF data. GBIF coverages also varied among taxonomic groups, consistent with commonly recognized geographic, environmental, and institutional sampling biases. Lastly, this comprehensive assessment of biodiversity data across the contiguous United States provides a prioritization scheme to fill in the gaps by contributing existing occurrence records to the public domain and planning future surveys.« less

Filling in the GAPS: evaluating completeness and coverage of open-access biodiversity databases in the United States

DOE PAGES

Troia, Matthew J.; McManamay, Ryan A.

2016-06-12

Primary biodiversity data constitute observations of particular species at given points in time and space. Open-access electronic databases provide unprecedented access to these data, but their usefulness in characterizing species distributions and patterns in biodiversity depend on how complete species inventories are at a given survey location and how uniformly distributed survey locations are along dimensions of time, space, and environment. Our aim was to compare completeness and coverage among three open-access databases representing ten taxonomic groups (amphibians, birds, freshwater bivalves, crayfish, freshwater fish, fungi, insects, mammals, plants, and reptiles) in the contiguous United States. We compiled occurrence records frommore » the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF), the North American Breeding Bird Survey (BBS), and federally administered fish surveys (FFS). In this study, we aggregated occurrence records by 0.1° × 0.1° grid cells and computed three completeness metrics to classify each grid cell as well-surveyed or not. Next, we compared frequency distributions of surveyed grid cells to background environmental conditions in a GIS and performed Kolmogorov–Smirnov tests to quantify coverage through time, along two spatial gradients, and along eight environmental gradients. The three databases contributed >13.6 million reliable occurrence records distributed among >190,000 grid cells. The percent of well-surveyed grid cells was substantially lower for GBIF (5.2%) than for systematic surveys (BBS and FFS; 82.5%). Still, the large number of GBIF occurrence records produced at least 250 well-surveyed grid cells for six of nine taxonomic groups. Coverages of systematic surveys were less biased across spatial and environmental dimensions but were more biased in temporal coverage compared to GBIF data. GBIF coverages also varied among taxonomic groups, consistent with commonly recognized geographic, environmental, and institutional sampling biases. Lastly, this comprehensive assessment of biodiversity data across the contiguous United States provides a prioritization scheme to fill in the gaps by contributing existing occurrence records to the public domain and planning future surveys.« less

Sulfate-enhanced catalytic destruction of 1,1,1-trichlorethane over Pt(111).

PubMed

Lee, Adam F; Wilson, Karen

2006-01-19

The catalytic destruction of 1,1,1-trichloroethane (TCA) over model sulfated Pt(111) surfaces has been investigated by fast X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. TCA adsorbs molecularly over SO4 precovered Pt(111) at 100 K, with a saturation coverage of 0.4 monolayer (ML) comparable to that on the bare surface. Surface crowding perturbs both TCA and SO4 species within the mixed adlayer, evidenced by strong, coverage-dependent C 1s and Cl and S 2p core-level shifts. TCA undergoes complete dechlorination above 170 K, accompanied by C-C bond cleavage to form surface CH3, CO, and Cl moieties. These in turn react between 170 and 350 K to evolve gaseous CO2, C2H6, and H2O. Subsequent CH3 dehydrogenation and combustion occurs between 350 and 450 K, again liberating CO2 and water. Combustion is accompanied by SO4 reduction, with the coincident evolution of gas phase SO2 and CO2 suggesting the formation of a CO-SOx surface complex. Reactively formed HCl desorbs in a single state at 400 K. Only trace (<0.06 ML) residual atomic carbon and chlorine remain on the surface by 500 K.

47 CFR 90.743 - Renewal expectancy.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... showing must include: (1) A description of its current service in terms of geographic coverage and... relate to any matter described in this paragraph. (c) Phase I non-nationwide licensees have license terms... authorization in order to receive a renewal expectancy. Phase I nationwide licensees and all Phase II licensees...

47 CFR 90.743 - Renewal expectancy.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... showing must include: (1) A description of its current service in terms of geographic coverage and... relate to any matter described in this paragraph. (c) Phase I non-nationwide licensees have license terms... authorization in order to receive a renewal expectancy. Phase I nationwide licensees and all Phase II licensees...

Cluster Survey Evaluation of a Measles Vaccination Campaign in Jharkhand, India, 2012

PubMed Central

Scobie, Heather M.; Ray, Arindam; Routray, Satyabrata; Bose, Anindya; Bahl, Sunil; Sosler, Stephen; Wannemuehler, Kathleen; Kumar, Rakesh; Haldar, Pradeep; Anand, Abhijeet

2015-01-01

Introduction India was the last country in the world to implement a two-dose strategy for measles-containing vaccine (MCV) in 2010. As part of measles second-dose introduction, phased measles vaccination campaigns were conducted during 2010–2013, targeting 131 million children 9 months to <10 years of age. We performed a post-campaign coverage survey to estimate measles vaccination coverage in Jharkhand state. Methods A multi-stage cluster survey was conducted 2 months after the phase 2 measles campaign occurred in 19 of 24 districts of Jharkhand during November 2011–March 2012. Vaccination status of children 9 months to <10 years of age was documented based on vaccination card or mother’s recall. Coverage estimates and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for 1,018 children were calculated using survey methods. Results In the Jharkhand phase 2 campaign, MCV coverage among children aged 9 months to <10 years was 61.0% (95% CI: 54.4–67.7%). Significant differences in coverage were observed between rural (65.0%; 95% CI: 56.8–73.2%) and urban areas (45.6%; 95% CI: 37.3–53.9%). Campaign awareness among mothers was low (51.5%), and the most commonly reported reason for non-vaccination was being unaware of the campaign (69.4%). At the end of the campaign, 53.7% (95% CI: 46.5–60.9%) of children 12 months to <10 years of age received ≥2 MCV doses, while a large proportion of children remained under-vaccinated (34.0%, 95% CI: 28.0–40.0%) or unvaccinated (12.3%, 95% CI: 9.3–16.2%). Conclusions Implementation of the national measles campaign was a significant achievement towards measles elimination in India. In Jharkhand, campaign performance was below the target coverage of ≥90% set by the Government of India, and challenges in disseminating campaign messages were identified. Efforts towards increasing two-dose MCV coverage are needed to achieve the recently adopted measles elimination goal in India and the South-East Asia region. PMID:26010084

Using health-facility data to assess subnational coverage of maternal and child health indicators, Kenya.

PubMed

Maina, Isabella; Wanjala, Pepela; Soti, David; Kipruto, Hillary; Droti, Benson; Boerma, Ties

2017-10-01

To develop a systematic approach to obtain the best possible national and subnational statistics for maternal and child health coverage indicators from routine health-facility data. Our approach aimed to obtain improved numerators and denominators for calculating coverage at the subnational level from health-facility data. This involved assessing data quality and determining adjustment factors for incomplete reporting by facilities, then estimating local target populations based on interventions with near-universal coverage (first antenatal visit and first dose of pentavalent vaccine). We applied the method to Kenya at the county level, where routine electronic reporting by facilities is in place via the district health information software system. Reporting completeness for facility data were well above 80% in all 47 counties and the consistency of data over time was good. Coverage of the first dose of pentavalent vaccine, adjusted for facility reporting completeness, was used to obtain estimates of the county target populations for maternal and child health indicators. The country and national statistics for the four-year period 2012/13 to 2015/16 showed good consistency with results of the 2014 Kenya demographic and health survey. Our results indicated a stagnation of immunization coverage in almost all counties, a rapid increase of facility-based deliveries and caesarean sections and limited progress in antenatal care coverage. While surveys will continue to be necessary to provide population-based data, web-based information systems for health facility reporting provide an opportunity for more frequent, local monitoring of progress, in maternal and child health.

AD-LIBS: inferring ancestry across hybrid genomes using low-coverage sequence data.

PubMed

Schaefer, Nathan K; Shapiro, Beth; Green, Richard E

2017-04-04

Inferring the ancestry of each region of admixed individuals' genomes is useful in studies ranging from disease gene mapping to speciation genetics. Current methods require high-coverage genotype data and phased reference panels, and are therefore inappropriate for many data sets. We present a software application, AD-LIBS, that uses a hidden Markov model to infer ancestry across hybrid genomes without requiring variant calling or phasing. This approach is useful for non-model organisms and in cases of low-coverage data, such as ancient DNA. We demonstrate the utility of AD-LIBS with synthetic data. We then use AD-LIBS to infer ancestry in two published data sets: European human genomes with Neanderthal ancestry and brown bear genomes with polar bear ancestry. AD-LIBS correctly infers 87-91% of ancestry in simulations and produces ancestry maps that agree with published results and global ancestry estimates in humans. In brown bears, we find more polar bear ancestry than has been published previously, using both AD-LIBS and an existing software application for local ancestry inference, HAPMIX. We validate AD-LIBS polar bear ancestry maps by recovering a geographic signal within bears that mirrors what is seen in SNP data. Finally, we demonstrate that AD-LIBS is more effective than HAPMIX at inferring ancestry when preexisting phased reference data are unavailable and genomes are sequenced to low coverage. AD-LIBS is an effective tool for ancestry inference that can be used even when few individuals are available for comparison or when genomes are sequenced to low coverage. AD-LIBS is therefore likely to be useful in studies of non-model or ancient organisms that lack large amounts of genomic DNA. AD-LIBS can therefore expand the range of studies in which admixture mapping is a viable tool.

26 CFR 54.9801-4 - Rules relating to creditable coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... Subtitle K, and without regard to whether the coverage is offered in the group market, the individual market, or otherwise). (iii) Part A or B of title XVIII of the Social Security Act (Medicare). (iv) Title... complete application for a health insurance policy in the individual market. E's application is accepted...

Two Low Coverage Bird Genomes and a Comparison of Reference-Guided versus De Novo Genome Assemblies

PubMed Central

Card, Daren C.; Schield, Drew R.; Reyes-Velasco, Jacobo; Fujita, Matthew K.; Andrew, Audra L.; Oyler-McCance, Sara J.; Fike, Jennifer A.; Tomback, Diana F.; Ruggiero, Robert P.; Castoe, Todd A.

2014-01-01

As a greater number and diversity of high-quality vertebrate reference genomes become available, it is increasingly feasible to use these references to guide new draft assemblies for related species. Reference-guided assembly approaches may substantially increase the contiguity and completeness of a new genome using only low levels of genome coverage that might otherwise be insufficient for de novo genome assembly. We used low-coverage (∼3.5–5.5x) Illumina paired-end sequencing to assemble draft genomes of two bird species (the Gunnison Sage-Grouse, Centrocercus minimus, and the Clark's Nutcracker, Nucifraga columbiana). We used these data to estimate de novo genome assemblies and reference-guided assemblies, and compared the information content and completeness of these assemblies by comparing CEGMA gene set representation, repeat element content, simple sequence repeat content, and GC isochore structure among assemblies. Our results demonstrate that even lower-coverage genome sequencing projects are capable of producing informative and useful genomic resources, particularly through the use of reference-guided assemblies. PMID:25192061

Insurance coverage of medical foods for treatment of inherited metabolic disorders

PubMed Central

Berry, Susan A.; Kenney, Mary Kay; Harris, Katharine B.; Singh, Rani H.; Cameron, Cynthia A.; Kraszewski, Jennifer N.; Levy-Fisch, Jill; Shuger, Jill F.; Greene, Carol L.; Lloyd-Puryear, Michele A.; Boyle, Coleen A.

2015-01-01

Purpose Treatment of inherited metabolic disorders is accomplished by use of specialized diets employing medical foods and medically necessary supplements. Families seeking insurance coverage for these products express concern that coverage is often limited; the extent of this challenge is not well defined. Methods To learn about limitations in insurance coverage, parents of 305 children with inherited metabolic disorders completed a paper survey providing information about their use of medical foods, modified low-protein foods, prescribed dietary supplements, and medical feeding equipment and supplies for treatment of their child's disorder as well as details about payment sources for these products. Results Although nearly all children with inherited metabolic dis orders had medical coverage of some type, families paid “out of pocket” for all types of products. Uncovered spending was reported for 11% of families purchasing medical foods, 26% purchasing supplements, 33% of those needing medical feeding supplies, and 59% of families requiring modified low-protein foods. Forty-two percent of families using modified low-protein foods and 21% of families using medical foods reported additional treatment-related expenses of $100 or more per month for these products. Conclusion Costs of medical foods used to treat inherited metabolic disorders are not completely covered by insurance or other resources. PMID:23598714

Effect of hydrogen coverage on hydrogenation of o-cresol on Pt(111)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Yaping; Liu, Zhimin; Crossley, Steven P.; Jentoft, Friederike C.; Wang, Sanwu

2018-06-01

The conversion of phenolics over metal catalysts is an important process for upgrading biofuels. With density functional calculations, hydrogenation of o-cresol on the hydrogen-covered Pt(111) surface was investigated. The results show that the coverage of hydrogen plays a significant role in the reaction rate while it does not affect the reaction selectivity. The reaction barriers of the hydrogenation process leading to the formation of both 2-methyl-cyclohexanone (the intermediate product) and 2-methyl-cyclohexanol (the final product) at high H coverages (∼1 ML) are found to be smaller by 0.14-0.69 eV than those at lower H coverages (∼1/25 ML). After both hydrogen and cresol are adsorbed on Pt(111) from their initial gas phase state, the reaction energy of each hydrogenation step on the surface is also dependent on the hydrogen coverage. On the H-covered Pt(111) surface, most steps of hydrogenation involve exothermic reactions when the hydrogen coverage is high while they are endothermic reactions at low hydrogen coverages. The differences in reaction rate and reaction energy between high and low H coverages can be understood with the coverage-dependent bonding strength and configurations.

More than 95% completeness of reported procedures in the population-based Dutch Arthroplasty Register

PubMed Central

van Steenbergen, Liza N; Spooren, Anneke; van Rooden, Stephanie M; van Oosterhout, Frank J; Morrenhof, Jan W; Nelissen, Rob G H H

2015-01-01

Background and purpose A complete and correct national arthroplasty register is indispensable for the quality of arthroplasty outcome studies. We evaluated the coverage, completeness, and validity of the Dutch Arthroplasty Register (LROI) for hip and knee arthroplasty. Patients and methods The LROI is a nationwide population-based registry with information on joint arthroplasties in the Netherlands. Completeness of entered procedures was validated in 2 ways: (1) by comparison with the number of reimbursements for arthroplasty surgeries (Vektis database), and (2) by comparison with data from hospital information systems (HISs). The validity was examined by conducting checks on missing or incorrectly coded values in the LROI. Results The LROI contains over 300,000 hip and knee arthroplasties performed since 2007. Coverage of all Dutch hospitals (n = 100) was reached in 2012. Completeness of registered procedures was 98% for hip arthroplasty and 96% for knee arthroplasty in 2012, based on Vektis data. Based on comparison with data from the HIS, completeness of registered procedures was 97% for primary total hip arthroplasty and 96% for primary knee arthroplasty in 2013. Completeness of revision arthroplasty was 88% for hips and 90% for knees in 2013. The proportion of missing or incorrectly coded values of variables was generally less than 0.5%, except for encrypted personal identity numbers (17% of which were missing) and ASA scores (10% of which were missing). Interpretation The LROI now contains over 300,000 hip and knee arthroplasty procedures, with coverage of all hospitals. It has a good level of completeness (i.e. more than 95% for primary hip and knee arthroplasty procedures in 2012 and 2013) and the database has high validity. PMID:25758646

Care 3, Phase 1, volume 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stiffler, J. J.; Bryant, L. A.; Guccione, L.

1979-01-01

A computer program to aid in accessing the reliability of fault tolerant avionics systems was developed. A simple mathematical expression was used to evaluate the reliability of any redundant configuration over any interval during which the failure rates and coverage parameters remained unaffected by configuration changes. Provision was made for convolving such expressions in order to evaluate the reliability of a dual mode system. A coverage model was also developed to determine the various relevant coverage coefficients as a function of the available hardware and software fault detector characteristics, and subsequent isolation and recovery delay statistics.

Hepatitis B vaccination coverage among adults aged ≥18 years traveling to a country of high or intermediate endemicity, United States, 2015.

PubMed

Lu, Peng-Jun; O'Halloran, Alissa C; Williams, Walter W; Nelson, Noele P

2018-04-28

Persons from the United States who travel to developing countries are at substantial risk for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Hepatitis B vaccine has been recommended for adults at increased risk for infection, including travelers to high or intermediate hepatitis B endemic countries. To assess hepatitis B vaccination coverage among adults ≥18 years traveling to a country of high or intermediate endemicity from the United States. Data from the 2015 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) were analyzed to determine hepatitis B vaccination coverage (≥1 dose) and series completion (≥3 doses) among persons aged ≥18 years who reported traveling to a country of high or intermediate hepatitis B endemicity. Multivariable logistic regression and predictive marginal analyses were conducted to identify factors independently associated with hepatitis B vaccination. In 2015, hepatitis B vaccination coverage (≥1 dose) among adults aged ≥18 years who reported traveling to high or intermediate hepatitis B endemic countries was 38.6%, significantly higher compared with 25.9% among non-travelers. Series completion (≥3 doses) was 31.7% and 21.2%, respectively (P < 0.05). On multivariable analysis among all respondents, travel status was significantly associated with hepatitis B vaccination coverage and series completion. Other characteristics independently associated with vaccination (≥1 dose, and ≥3 doses) among travelers included age, race/ethnicity, educational level, duration of US residence, number of physician contacts in the past year, status of ever being tested for HIV, and healthcare personnel status. Although travel to a country of high or intermediate hepatitis B endemicity was associated with higher likelihood of hepatitis B vaccination, hepatitis B vaccination coverage was low among adult travelers to these areas. Healthcare providers should ask their patients about travel plans and recommend and offer travel related vaccinations to their patients or refer them to alternate sites for vaccination. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Hepatitis B vaccination coverage among adults aged ≥ 18 years traveling to a country of high or intermediate endemicity, United States, 2015.

PubMed

Lu, Peng-Jun; O'Halloran, Alissa C; Williams, Walter W; Nelson, Noele P

2018-04-25

Persons from the United States who travel to developing countries are at substantial risk for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Hepatitis B vaccine has been recommended for adults at increased risk for infection, including travelers to high or intermediate hepatitis B endemic countries. To assess hepatitis B vaccination coverage among adults ≥ 18 years traveling to a country of high or intermediate endemicity from the United States. Data from the 2015 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) were analyzed to determine hepatitis B vaccination coverage (≥1 dose) and series completion (≥3 doses) among persons aged ≥ 18 years who reported traveling to a country of high or intermediate hepatitis B endemicity. Multivariable logistic regression and predictive marginal analyses were conducted to identify factors independently associated with hepatitis B vaccination. In 2015, hepatitis B vaccination coverage (≥1 dose) among adults aged ≥ 18 years who reported traveling to high or intermediate hepatitis B endemic countries was 38.6%, significantly higher compared with 25.9% among non-travelers. Series completion (≥3 doses) was 31.7% and 21.2%, respectively (P < 0.05). On multivariable analysis among all respondents, travel status was significantly associated with hepatitis B vaccination coverage and series completion. Other characteristics independently associated with vaccination (≥1 dose, and ≥ 3 doses) among travelers included age, race/ethnicity, educational level, duration of U.S. residence, number of physician contacts in the past year, status of ever being tested for HIV, and healthcare personnel status. Although travel to a country of high or intermediate hepatitis B endemicity was associated with higher likelihood of hepatitis B vaccination, hepatitis B vaccination coverage was low among adult travelers to these areas. Healthcare providers should ask their patients about travel plans and recommend and offer travel related vaccinations to their patients or refer them to alternate sites for vaccination. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Assessment of immunization registry databases as supplemental sources of data to improve ascertainment of vaccination coverage estimates in the national immunization survey.

PubMed

Khare, Meena; Piccinino, Linda; Barker, Lawrence E; Linkins, Robert W

2006-08-01

To evaluate the use of immunization registry data to supplement missing or incomplete vaccination data reported by immunization providers (referred to as "providers" hereafter) in the National Immunization Survey. Cross-sectional, random-digit-dialing, telephone survey to measure vaccination coverage among children aged 19 to 35 months in the United States. Four sites with mature (with >67% of provider participation in the area) immunization registries. Of the 639 children with complete household interviews, interviewers had consent from the respondents for 569 (89.0%) children to contact their providers and for 556 (87.0%) children to contact both providers and registries. Percentages of children up-to-date for vaccines based on data from providers, registries, and both sources combined. According to provider-reported data, weighted estimates of coverage for the recommended childhood vaccine series 4:3:1:3 at the 4 sites were 65.6%, 78.8%, 81.6%, and 77.0%. According to registry data, these coverage rates were consistently lower: 31.7% (P<.05), 65.4%, 71.9%, and 61.8%, respectively. When all unique vaccine doses were combined from both sources, the pooled 4:3:1:3 coverage rates increased to 72.0%, 92.0%, 88.7%, and 80.2%, respectively. The quality and completeness of vaccination histories from the registries were inconsistent and varied by sites. Vaccination coverage estimates were the lowest when only registry-reported data were used and were the highest when provider- and registry-reported histories were combined. Although registries enrolled and matched more children, vaccination histories were missing, incomplete, and inconsistent. The quality and completeness of the registry data must be improved and must be comparable across all states before further consideration may be given to supplement or replace the provider-reported National Immunization Survey data.

Introducing the CTA concept

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Acharya, B. S.; Actis, M.; Aghajani, T.; Agnetta, G.; Aguilar, J.; Aharonian, F.; Ajello, M.; Akhperjanian, A.; Alcubierre, M.; Aleksić, J.; Alfaro, R.; Aliu, E.; Allafort, A. J.; Allan, D.; Allekotte, I.; Amato, E.; Anderson, J.; Angüner, E. O.; Antonelli, L. A.; Antoranz, P.; Aravantinos, A.; Arlen, T.; Armstrong, T.; Arnaldi, H.; Arrabito, L.; Asano, K.; Ashton, T.; Asorey, H. G.; Awane, Y.; Baba, H.; Babic, A.; Baby, N.; Bähr, J.; Bais, A.; Baixeras, C.; Bajtlik, S.; Balbo, M.; Balis, D.; Balkowski, C.; Bamba, A.; Bandiera, R.; Barber, A.; Barbier, C.; Barceló, M.; Barnacka, A.; Barnstedt, J.; Barres de Almeida, U.; Barrio, J. A.; Basili, A.; Basso, S.; Bastieri, D.; Bauer, C.; Baushev, A.; Becerra, J.; Becherini, Y.; Bechtol, K. C.; Becker Tjus, J.; Beckmann, V.; Bednarek, W.; Behera, B.; Belluso, M.; Benbow, W.; Berdugo, J.; Berger, K.; Bernard, F.; Bernardino, T.; Bernlöhr, K.; Bhat, N.; Bhattacharyya, S.; Bigongiari, C.; Biland, A.; Billotta, S.; Bird, T.; Birsin, E.; Bissaldi, E.; Biteau, J.; Bitossi, M.; Blake, S.; Blanch Bigas, O.; Blasi, P.; Bobkov, A.; Boccone, V.; Boettcher, M.; Bogacz, L.; Bogart, J.; Bogdan, M.; Boisson, C.; Boix Gargallo, J.; Bolmont, J.; Bonanno, G.; Bonardi, A.; Bonev, T.; Bonifacio, P.; Bonnoli, G.; Bordas, P.; Borgland, A.; Borkowski, J.; Bose, R.; Botner, O.; Bottani, A.; Bouchet, L.; Bourgeat, M.; Boutonnet, C.; Bouvier, A.; Brau-Nogué, S.; Braun, I.; Bretz, T.; Briggs, M.; Bringmann, T.; Brook, P.; Brun, P.; Brunetti, L.; Buanes, T.; Buckley, J.; Buehler, R.; Bugaev, V.; Bulgarelli, A.; Bulik, T.; Busetto, G.; Buson, S.; Byrum, K.; Cailles, M.; Cameron, R.; Camprecios, J.; Canestrari, R.; Cantu, S.; Capalbi, M.; Caraveo, P.; Carmona, E.; Carosi, A.; Carr, J.; Carton, P.-H.; Casanova, S.; Casiraghi, M.; Catalano, O.; Cavazzani, S.; Cazaux, S.; Cerruti, M.; Chabanne, E.; Chadwick, P.; Champion, C.; Chen, A.; Chiang, J.; Chiappetti, L.; Chikawa, M.; Chitnis, V. R.; Chollet, F.; Chudoba, J.; Cieślar, M.; Cillis, A.; Cohen-Tanugi, J.; Colafrancesco, S.; Colin, P.; Colome, J.; Colonges, S.; Compin, M.; Conconi, P.; Conforti, V.; Connaughton, V.; Conrad, J.; Contreras, J. L.; Coppi, P.; Corona, P.; Corti, D.; Cortina, J.; Cossio, L.; Costantini, H.; Cotter, G.; Courty, B.; Couturier, S.; Covino, S.; Crimi, G.; Criswell, S. J.; Croston, J.; Cusumano, G.; Dafonseca, M.; Dale, O.; Daniel, M.; Darling, J.; Davids, I.; Dazzi, F.; De Angelis, A.; De Caprio, V.; De Frondat, F.; de Gouveia Dal Pino, E. M.; de la Calle, I.; De La Vega, G. A.; de los Reyes Lopez, R.; De Lotto, B.; De Luca, A.; de Mello Neto, J. R. T.; de Naurois, M.; de Oliveira, Y.; de Oña Wilhelmi, E.; de Souza, V.; Decerprit, G.; Decock, G.; Deil, C.; Delagnes, E.; Deleglise, G.; Delgado, C.; Della Volpe, D.; Demange, P.; Depaola, G.; Dettlaff, A.; Di Paola, A.; Di Pierro, F.; Díaz, C.; Dick, J.; Dickherber, R.; Dickinson, H.; Diez-Blanco, V.; Digel, S.; Dimitrov, D.; Disset, G.; Djannati-Ataï, A.; Doert, M.; Dohmke, M.; Domainko, W.; Dominis Prester, D.; Donat, A.; Dorner, D.; Doro, M.; Dournaux, J.-L.; Drake, G.; Dravins, D.; Drury, L.; Dubois, F.; Dubois, R.; Dubus, G.; Dufour, C.; Dumas, D.; Dumm, J.; Durand, D.; Dyks, J.; Dyrda, M.; Ebr, J.; Edy, E.; Egberts, K.; Eger, P.; Einecke, S.; Eleftheriadis, C.; Elles, S.; Emmanoulopoulos, D.; Engelhaupt, D.; Enomoto, R.; Ernenwein, J.-P.; Errando, M.; Etchegoyen, A.; Evans, P.; Falcone, A.; Fantinel, D.; Farakos, K.; Farnier, C.; Fasola, G.; Favill, B.; Fede, E.; Federici, S.; Fegan, S.; Feinstein, F.; Ferenc, D.; Ferrando, P.; Fesquet, M.; Fiasson, A.; Fillin-Martino, E.; Fink, D.; Finley, C.; Finley, J. P.; Fiorini, M.; Firpo Curcoll, R.; Flores, H.; Florin, D.; Focke, W.; Föhr, C.; Fokitis, E.; Font, L.; Fontaine, G.; Fornasa, M.; Förster, A.; Fortson, L.; Fouque, N.; Franckowiak, A.; Fransson, C.; Fraser, G.; Frei, R.; Albuquerque, I. F. M.; Fresnillo, L.; Fruck, C.; Fujita, Y.; Fukazawa, Y.; Fukui, Y.; Funk, S.; Gäbele, W.; Gabici, S.; Gabriele, R.; Gadola, A.; Galante, N.; Gall, D.; Gallant, Y.; Gámez-García, J.; García, B.; Garcia López, R.; Gardiol, D.; Garrido, D.; Garrido, L.; Gascon, D.; Gaug, M.; Gaweda, J.; Gebremedhin, L.; Geffroy, N.; Gerard, L.; Ghedina, A.; Ghigo, M.; Giannakaki, E.; Gianotti, F.; Giarrusso, S.; Giavitto, G.; Giebels, B.; Gika, V.; Giommi, P.; Girard, N.; Giro, E.; Giuliani, A.; Glanzman, T.; Glicenstein, J.-F.; Godinovic, N.; Golev, V.; Gomez Berisso, M.; Gómez-Ortega, J.; Gonzalez, M. M.; González, A.; González, F.; González Muñoz, A.; Gothe, K. S.; Gougerot, M.; Graciani, R.; Grandi, P.; Grañena, F.; Granot, J.; Grasseau, G.; Gredig, R.; Green, A.; Greenshaw, T.; Grégoire, T.; Grimm, O.; Grube, J.; Grudzinska, M.; Gruev, V.; Grünewald, S.; Grygorczuk, J.; Guarino, V.; Gunji, S.; Gyuk, G.; Hadasch, D.; Hagiwara, R.; Hahn, J.; Hakansson, N.; Hallgren, A.; Hamer Heras, N.; Hara, S.; Hardcastle, M. J.; Harris, J.; Hassan, T.; Hatanaka, K.; Haubold, T.; Haupt, A.; Hayakawa, T.; Hayashida, M.; Heller, R.; Henault, F.; Henri, G.; Hermann, G.; Hermel, R.; Herrero, A.; Hidaka, N.; Hinton, J.; Hoffmann, D.; Hofmann, W.; Hofverberg, P.; Holder, J.; Horns, D.; Horville, D.; Houles, J.; Hrabovsky, M.; Hrupec, D.; Huan, H.; Huber, B.; Huet, J.-M.; Hughes, G.; Humensky, T. B.; Huovelin, J.; Ibarra, A.; Illa, J. M.; Impiombato, D.; Incorvaia, S.; Inoue, S.; Inoue, Y.; Ioka, K.; Ismailova, E.; Jablonski, C.; Jacholkowska, A.; Jamrozy, M.; Janiak, M.; Jean, P.; Jeanney, C.; Jimenez, J. J.; Jogler, T.; Johnson, T.; Journet, L.; Juffroy, C.; Jung, I.; Kaaret, P.; Kabuki, S.; Kagaya, M.; Kakuwa, J.; Kalkuhl, C.; Kankanyan, R.; Karastergiou, A.; Kärcher, K.; Karczewski, M.; Karkar, S.; Kasperek, J.; Kastana, D.; Katagiri, H.; Kataoka, J.; Katarzyński, K.; Katz, U.; Kawanaka, N.; Kellner-Leidel, B.; Kelly, H.; Kendziorra, E.; Khélifi, B.; Kieda, D. B.; Kifune, T.; Kihm, T.; Kishimoto, T.; Kitamoto, K.; Kluźniak, W.; Knapic, C.; Knapp, J.; Knödlseder, J.; Köck, F.; Kocot, J.; Kodani, K.; Köhne, J.-H.; Kohri, K.; Kokkotas, K.; Kolitzus, D.; Komin, N.; Kominis, I.; Konno, Y.; Köppel, H.; Korohoda, P.; Kosack, K.; Koss, G.; Kossakowski, R.; Kostka, P.; Koul, R.; Kowal, G.; Koyama, S.; Kozioł, J.; Krähenbühl, T.; Krause, J.; Krawzcynski, H.; Krennrich, F.; Krepps, A.; Kretzschmann, A.; Krobot, R.; Krueger, P.; Kubo, H.; Kudryavtsev, V. A.; Kushida, J.; Kuznetsov, A.; La Barbera, A.; La Palombara, N.; La Parola, V.; La Rosa, G.; Lacombe, K.; Lamanna, G.; Lande, J.; Languignon, D.; Lapington, J.; Laporte, P.; Lavalley, C.; Le Flour, T.; Le Padellec, A.; Lee, S.-H.; Lee, W. H.; Leigui de Oliveira, M. A.; Lelas, D.; Lenain, J.-P.; Leopold, D. J.; Lerch, T.; Lessio, L.; Lieunard, B.; Lindfors, E.; Liolios, A.; Lipniacka, A.; Lockart, H.; Lohse, T.; Lombardi, S.; Lopatin, A.; Lopez, M.; López-Coto, R.; López-Oramas, A.; Lorca, A.; Lorenz, E.; Lubinski, P.; Lucarelli, F.; Lüdecke, H.; Ludwin, J.; Luque-Escamilla, P. L.; Lustermann, W.; Luz, O.; Lyard, E.; Maccarone, M. C.; Maccarone, T. J.; Madejski, G. M.; Madhavan, A.; Mahabir, M.; Maier, G.; Majumdar, P.; Malaguti, G.; Maltezos, S.; Manalaysay, A.; Mancilla, A.; Mandat, D.; Maneva, G.; Mangano, A.; Manigot, P.; Mannheim, K.; Manthos, I.; Maragos, N.; Marcowith, A.; Mariotti, M.; Marisaldi, M.; Markoff, S.; Marszałek, A.; Martens, C.; Martí, J.; Martin, J.-M.; Martin, P.; Martínez, G.; Martínez, F.; Martínez, M.; Masserot, A.; Mastichiadis, A.; Mathieu, A.; Matsumoto, H.; Mattana, F.; Mattiazzo, S.; Maurin, G.; Maxfield, S.; Maya, J.; Mazin, D.; Mc Comb, L.; McCubbin, N.; McHardy, I.; McKay, R.; Medina, C.; Melioli, C.; Melkumyan, D.; Mereghetti, S.; Mertsch, P.; Meucci, M.; Michałowski, J.; Micolon, P.; Mihailidis, A.; Mineo, T.; Minuti, M.; Mirabal, N.; Mirabel, F.; Miranda, J. M.; Mirzoyan, R.; Mizuno, T.; Moal, B.; Moderski, R.; Mognet, I.; Molinari, E.; Molinaro, M.; Montaruli, T.; Monteiro, I.; Moore, P.; Moralejo Olaizola, A.; Mordalska, M.; Morello, C.; Mori, K.; Mottez, F.; Moudden, Y.; Moulin, E.; Mrusek, I.; Mukherjee, R.; Munar-Adrover, P.; Muraishi, H.; Murase, K.; Murphy, A.; Nagataki, S.; Naito, T.; Nakajima, D.; Nakamori, T.; Nakayama, K.; Naumann, C.; Naumann, D.; Naumann-Godo, M.; Nayman, P.; Nedbal, D.; Neise, D.; Nellen, L.; Neustroev, V.; Neyroud, N.; Nicastro, L.; Nicolau-Kukliński, J.; Niedźwiecki, A.; Niemiec, J.; Nieto, D.; Nikolaidis, A.; Nishijima, K.; Nolan, S.; Northrop, R.; Nosek, D.; Nowak, N.; Nozato, A.; O'Brien, P.; Ohira, Y.; Ohishi, M.; Ohm, S.; Ohoka, H.; Okuda, T.; Okumura, A.; Olive, J.-F.; Ong, R. A.; Orito, R.; Orr, M.; Osborne, J.; Ostrowski, M.; Otero, L. A.; Otte, N.; Ovcharov, E.; Oya, I.; Ozieblo, A.; Padilla, L.; Paiano, S.; Paillot, D.; Paizis, A.; Palanque, S.; Palatka, M.; Pallota, J.; Panagiotidis, K.; Panazol, J.-L.; Paneque, D.; Panter, M.; Paoletti, R.; Papayannis, A.; Papyan, G.; Paredes, J. M.; Pareschi, G.; Parks, G.; Parraud, J.-M.; Parsons, D.; Paz Arribas, M.; Pech, M.; Pedaletti, G.; Pelassa, V.; Pelat, D.; Perez, M. d. C.; Persic, M.; Petrucci, P.-O.; Peyaud, B.; Pichel, A.; Pita, S.; Pizzolato, F.; Platos, Ł.; Platzer, R.; Pogosyan, L.; Pohl, M.; Pojmanski, G.; Ponz, J. D.; Potter, W.; Poutanen, J.; Prandini, E.; Prast, J.; Preece, R.; Profeti, F.; Prokoph, H.; Prouza, M.; Proyetti, M.; Puerto-Gimenez, I.; Pühlhofer, G.; Puljak, I.; Punch, M.; Pyzioł, R.; Quel, E. J.; Quinn, J.; Quirrenbach, A.; Racero, E.; Rajda, P. J.; Ramon, P.; Rando, R.; Rannot, R. C.; Rataj, M.; Raue, M.; Reardon, P.; Reimann, O.; Reimer, A.; Reimer, O.; Reitberger, K.; Renaud, M.; Renner, S.; Reville, B.; Rhode, W.; Ribó, M.; Ribordy, M.; Richer, M. G.; Rico, J.; Ridky, J.; Rieger, F.; Ringegni, P.; Ripken, J.; Ristori, P. R.; Riviére, A.; Rivoire, S.; Rob, L.; Roeser, U.; Rohlfs, R.; Rojas, G.; Romano, P.; Romaszkan, W.; Romero, G. E.; Rosen, S.; Rosier Lees, S.; Ross, D.; Rouaix, G.; Rousselle, J.; Rousselle, S.; Rovero, A. C.; Roy, F.; Royer, S.; Rudak, B.; Rulten, C.; Rupiński, M.; Russo, F.; Ryde, F.; Sacco, B.; Saemann, E. O.; Saggion, A.; Sahakian, V.; Saito, K.; Saito, T.; Saito, Y.; Sakaki, N.; Sakonaka, R.; Salini, A.; Sanchez, F.; Sanchez-Conde, M.; Sandoval, A.; Sandaker, H.; Sant'Ambrogio, E.; Santangelo, A.; Santos, E. M.; Sanuy, A.; Sapozhnikov, L.; Sarkar, S.; Sartore, N.; Sasaki, H.; Satalecka, K.; Sawada, M.; Scalzotto, V.; Scapin, V.; Scarcioffolo, M.; Schafer, J.; Schanz, T.; Schlenstedt, S.; Schlickeiser, R.; Schmidt, T.; Schmoll, J.; Schovanek, P.; Schroedter, M.; Schultz, C.; Schultze, J.; Schulz, A.; Schure, K.; Schwab, T.; Schwanke, U.; Schwarz, J.; Schwarzburg, S.; Schweizer, T.; Schwemmer, S.; Segreto, A.; Seiradakis, J.-H.; Sembroski, G. H.; Seweryn, K.; Sharma, M.; Shayduk, M.; Shellard, R. C.; Shi, J.; Shibata, T.; Shibuya, A.; Shum, E.; Sidoli, L.; Sidz, M.; Sieiro, J.; Sikora, M.; Silk, J.; Sillanpää, A.; Singh, B. B.; Sitarek, J.; Skole, C.; Smareglia, R.; Smith, A.; Smith, D.; Smith, J.; Smith, N.; Sobczyńska, D.; Sol, H.; Sottile, G.; Sowiński, M.; Spanier, F.; Spiga, D.; Spyrou, S.; Stamatescu, V.; Stamerra, A.; Starling, R.; Stawarz, Ł.; Steenkamp, R.; Stegmann, C.; Steiner, S.; Stergioulas, N.; Sternberger, R.; Sterzel, M.; Stinzing, F.; Stodulski, M.; Straumann, U.; Strazzeri, E.; Stringhetti, L.; Suarez, A.; Suchenek, M.; Sugawara, R.; Sulanke, K.-H.; Sun, S.; Supanitsky, A. D.; Suric, T.; Sutcliffe, P.; Sykes, J.; Szanecki, M.; Szepieniec, T.; Szostek, A.; Tagliaferri, G.; Tajima, H.; Takahashi, H.; Takahashi, K.; Takalo, L.; Takami, H.; Talbot, G.; Tammi, J.; Tanaka, M.; Tanaka, S.; Tasan, J.; Tavani, M.; Tavernet, J.-P.; Tejedor, L. A.; Telezhinsky, I.; Temnikov, P.; Tenzer, C.; Terada, Y.; Terrier, R.; Teshima, M.; Testa, V.; Tezier, D.; Thuermann, D.; Tibaldo, L.; Tibolla, O.; Tiengo, A.; Tluczykont, M.; Todero Peixoto, C. J.; Tokanai, F.; Tokarz, M.; Toma, K.; Torii, K.; Tornikoski, M.; Torres, D. F.; Torres, M.; Tosti, G.; Totani, T.; Toussenel, F.; Tovmassian, G.; Travnicek, P.; Trifoglio, M.; Troyano, I.; Tsinganos, K.; Ueno, H.; Umehara, K.; Upadhya, S. S.; Usher, T.; Uslenghi, M.; Valdes-Galicia, J. F.; Vallania, P.; Vallejo, G.; van Driel, W.; van Eldik, C.; Vandenbrouke, J.; Vanderwalt, J.; Vankov, H.; Vasileiadis, G.; Vassiliev, V.; Veberic, D.; Vegas, I.; Vercellone, S.; Vergani, S.; Veyssiére, C.; Vialle, J. P.; Viana, A.; Videla, M.; Vincent, P.; Vincent, S.; Vink, J.; Vlahakis, N.; Vlahos, L.; Vogler, P.; Vollhardt, A.; von Gunten, H.-P.; Vorobiov, S.; Vuerli, C.; Waegebaert, V.; Wagner, R.; Wagner, R. G.; Wagner, S.; Wakely, S. P.; Walter, R.; Walther, T.; Warda, K.; Warwick, R.; Wawer, P.; Wawrzaszek, R.; Webb, N.; Wegner, P.; Weinstein, A.; Weitzel, Q.; Welsing, R.; Werner, M.; Wetteskind, H.; White, R.; Wierzcholska, A.; Wiesand, S.; Wilkinson, M.; Williams, D. A.; Willingale, R.; Winiarski, K.; Wischnewski, R.; Wiśniewski, Ł.; Wood, M.; Wörnlein, A.; Xiong, Q.; Yadav, K. K.; Yamamoto, H.; Yamamoto, T.; Yamazaki, R.; Yanagita, S.; Yebras, J. M.; Yelos, D.; Yoshida, A.; Yoshida, T.; Yoshikoshi, T.; Zabalza, V.; Zacharias, M.; Zajczyk, A.; Zanin, R.; Zdziarski, A.; Zech, A.; Zhao, A.; Zhou, X.; Ziętara, K.; Ziolkowski, J.; Ziółkowski, P.; Zitelli, V.; Zurbach, C.; Żychowski, P.; CTA Consortium

2013-03-01

The Cherenkov Telescope Array (CTA) is a new observatory for very high-energy (VHE) gamma rays. CTA has ambitions science goals, for which it is necessary to achieve full-sky coverage, to improve the sensitivity by about an order of magnitude, to span about four decades of energy, from a few tens of GeV to above 100 TeV with enhanced angular and energy resolutions over existing VHE gamma-ray observatories. An international collaboration has formed with more than 1000 members from 27 countries in Europe, Asia, Africa and North and South America. In 2010 the CTA Consortium completed a Design Study and started a three-year Preparatory Phase which leads to production readiness of CTA in 2014. In this paper we introduce the science goals and the concept of CTA, and provide an overview of the project.

Numerical simulation of high Reynolds number bubble motion

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

McLaughlin, J.B.

This paper presents the results of numerical simulations of bubble motion. All the results are for single bubbles in unbounded fluids. The liquid phase is quiescent except for the motion created by the bubble, which is axisymmetric. The main focus of the paper is on bubbles that are of order 1 mm in diameter in water. Of particular interest is the effect of surfactant molecules on bubble motion. Results for the {open_quotes}insoluble surfactant{close_quotes} model will be presented. These results extend research by other investigators to finite Reynolds numbers. The results indicate that, by assuming complete coverage of the bubble surface,more » one obtains good agreement with experimental observations of bubble motion in tap water. The effect of surfactant concentration on the separation angle is discussed.« less

Adherence and persistence to prescribed medication therapy among Medicare part D beneficiaries on dialysis: comparisons of benefit type and benefit phase.

PubMed

Park, Haesuk; Rascati, Karen L; Lawson, Kenneth A; Barner, Jamie C; Richards, Kristin M; Malone, Daniel C

2014-08-01

The implementation of Medicare Part D provided insurance coverage for outpatient medications, but when persons reach the "gap," they have very limited or no medication insurance coverage until they reach a second threshold for catastrophic coverage. In addition, some patients have a low-income subsidy (LIS), and their out-of-pocket costs do not reach the threshold for the gap. Little is known about how these Part D types (LIS versus non-LIS) and benefit phases (before the gap, during the gap, after the gap) affect medication adherence and persistence of dialysis patients.  To examine medication use, adherence, and persistence for Medicare-eligible dialysis patients by Part D benefit type and benefit phase.  A retrospective cohort study using data from the U.S. Renal Data System (USRDS) was conducted for Medicare-eligible dialysis patients. Outcomes included medication use, adherence, and persistence. Patients were categorized into 4 cohorts based on their Part D benefit phase that the beneficiaries reached at the end of the year and LIS receipt in 2007: Cohort 1 = non-LIS and did not reach the coverage gap; Cohort 2 = non-LIS and reached the coverage gap; Cohort 3 = non-LIS and reached catastrophic coverage after the gap; and Cohort 4 = received an LIS and none of the LIS patients reached the coverage gap. Outcomes were measured separately for 5 therapeutic classes of outpatient prescription drugs: antihyperglycemics, antihypertensives, antilipidemics, phosphate binders, and calcimimetics.  A total of 11,732 patients met the study inclusion criteria. Patients were distributed among the cohorts as follows: 3,678 (31.3%) patients in Cohort 1 who did not reach the coverage gap; 4,349 (37.1%) patients in Cohort 2 who reached the coverage gap but not catastrophic coverage; 1,310 (11.2%) patients in Cohort 3 who reached catastrophic coverage; and 2,395 (20.4%) patients in Cohort 4 who had an LIS (none of whom reached the gap). Overall, the percentage of patients who were adherent to their medications (≥ 80% medication possession ratio) was low: 39% for antihyperglycemics, 59% for antihypertensives, 54% for antilipidemics, 22% for phosphate binders, and 35% for cinacalcet. There were wide ranges in adherence rates depending on the cohort. For patients on antihyperglycemics, antihypertensives, antilipidemics, phosphate binders, and cinacalcet, the odds ratios for adherence to therapy were 0.76 (95% C I =0.63-0.92), 1.06 (0.94-1.19), 0.80 (0.67-0.95), 0.65 (0.55-0.76), and 0.39 (0.30-0.49), respectively; the hazard ratios for discontinuation of therapy were 1.18 (95% CI 1.06-1.31), 1.01 (0.93-1.10), 1.25 (1.12-1.40), 1.13 (1.05-1.21), and 1.61 (1.75-1.82), respectively, for Cohort 2 patients who reached the coverage gap compared with those in Cohort 4 who received an LIS. In addition, when comparing adherence before and after the benefit gap, patients in Cohort 2 were significantly more likely to be nonadherent to medications for diabetes (relative risk (RR) = 1.71, 95% CI = 1.48-1.99), hypertension (RR = 1.69, 95% CI = 1.54-1.85), hyperlipidemia (RR = 2.01, 95% CI = 1.76-2.29), hyperphosphatemia (RR = 1.74, 95% CI = 1.55-1.95), and hyperparathyroidism (RR = 2.08, 95% CI = 1.66-2.60) after reaching the coverage gap.  More than half of Medicare beneficiaries on dialysis reached the Part D coverage gap in 2007. Our findings suggest that the Part D coverage gap was significantly associated with decreases in adherence and persistence for medications frequently used in patients undergoing dialysis. Patients who reached the coverage gap (Cohort 2) often decreased use of or discontinued critical medications after reaching the coverage gap. Compared with patients who had an LIS (Cohort 4), patients in Cohort 2 had significantly lower medication adherence and persistence levels. The negative impact of the Part D coverage gap (high out-of-pocket cost sharing) on medication adherence and persistence for Medicare-eligible dialysis patients has implications for currently proposed Medicare end-stage renal disease bundled reimbursement payment and requires more research.

Vaccine coverage and determinants of incomplete vaccination in children aged 12-23 months in Dschang, West Region, Cameroon: a cross-sectional survey during a polio outbreak.

PubMed

Russo, Gianluca; Miglietta, Alessandro; Pezzotti, Patrizio; Biguioh, Rodrigue Mabvouna; Bouting Mayaka, Georges; Sobze, Martin Sanou; Stefanelli, Paola; Vullo, Vincenzo; Rezza, Giovanni

2015-07-10

Inadequate immunization coverage with increased risk of vaccine preventable diseases outbreaks remains a problem in Africa. Moreover, different factors contribute to incomplete vaccination status. This study was performed in Dschang (West Region, Cameroon), during the polio outbreak occurred in October 2013, in order to estimate the immunization coverage among children aged 12-23 months, to identify determinants for incomplete vaccination status and to assess the risk of poliovirus spread in the study population. A cross-sectional household survey was conducted in November-December 2013, using the WHO two-stage sampling design. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to obtain information from consenting parents of children aged 12-23 months. Vaccination coverage was assessed by vaccination card and parents' recall. Chi-square test and multilevel logistic regression model were used to identify the determinants of incomplete immunization status. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Overall, 3248 households were visited and 502 children were enrolled. Complete immunization coverage was 85.9% and 84.5%, according to card plus parents' recall and card only, respectively. All children had received at least one routine vaccination, the OPV-3 (Oral Polio Vaccine) coverage was >90%, and 73.4% children completed the recommended vaccinations before 1-year of age. In the final multilevel logistic regression model, factors significantly associated with incomplete immunization status were: retention of immunization card (AOR: 7.89; 95% CI: 1.08-57.37), lower mothers' utilization of antenatal care (ANC) services (AOR:1.25; 95% CI: 1.07-63.75), being the ≥ 3(rd) born child in the family (AOR: 425.4; 95% CI: 9.6-18,808), younger mothers' age (AOR: 49.55; 95% CI: 1.59-1544), parents' negative attitude towards immunization (AOR: 20.2; 95% CI: 1.46-278.9), and poorer parents' exposure to information on vaccination (AOR: 28.07; 95 % CI: 2.26-348.1). Longer distance from the vaccination centers was marginally significant (p = 0.05). Vaccination coverage was high; however, 1 out of 7 children was partially vaccinated, and 1 out of 4 did not complete timely the recommended vaccinations. In order to improve the immunization coverage, it is necessary to strengthen ANC services, and to improve parents' information and attitude towards immunization, targeting younger parents and families living far away from vaccination centers, using appropriate communication strategies. Finally, the estimated OPV-3 coverage is reassuring in relation to the ongoing polio outbreak.

The role of insurance in the achievement of universal coverage within a developing country context: South Africa as a case study.

PubMed

van den Heever, Alex M

2012-01-01

Achieving universal coverage as an objective needs to confront the reality of multiple mechanisms, with healthcare financing and provision occurring in both public and private settings. South Africa has both large and mature public and private health systems offering useful insights into how they can be effectively harmonized to optimise coverage. Private healthcare in South Africa has also gone through many phases and regulatory regimes which, through careful review, can help identify potential policy frameworks that can optimise their ability to deepen coverage in a manner that complements the basic coverage of public arrangements. Using South Africa as a case study, this review examines whether private health systems are susceptible to regulation and therefore able to support an extension and deepening of coverage when complementing a pre-existing publicly funded and delivered health system? The approach involves a review of different stages in the development of the South African private health system and its response to policy changes. The focus is on the time-bound characteristics of the health system and associated policy responses and opportunities. A distinction is consequently made between the early, largely unregulated, phases of development and more mature phases with alternative regulatory regimes. The private health system in South Africa has played an important supplementary role in achieving universal coverage throughout its history, but more especially in the post-Apartheid period. However, the quality of this role has been erratic, influenced predominantly by policy vacillation.The private system expanded rapidly during the 1980s mainly due to the pre-existence of a mature health insurance system and a weakening public hospital system which could accommodate and facilitate an increased demand for private hospital services. This growth served to expand commercial interest in health insurance, in the form of regulated medical schemes, which until this point took the form of non-commercial occupational (employer-based) schemes. During the 1980s government acquiesced to industry lobbies arguing for the deregulation of health insurance from 1989, with an extreme deregulation occurring in 1994, evidently in anticipation of the change of government associated with the democratic dispensation. Dramatic unintended consequences followed, with substantial increases in provider and funder costs coinciding with uncontrolled discrimination against poor health risks.Against significant industry opposition, including legal challenges, partial re-regulation took effect from 2000 which removed the discretion of schemes to discriminate against poor health risks. This included: the implementation of a strong regulator of health insurance; the establishment of one allowable vehicle able to provide health insurance; open enrolment, whereby schemes could not refuse membership applications; mandatory minimum benefit requirements; and a prohibition on setting contributions or premiums on the basis of health status. After a two-year lag, dramatically reduced cost trends and contributions became evident. Aside from generally tighter regulation across a range of fronts, this appears related to the need for schemes to compete more on the basis of healthcare provider costs than demographic risk profiles. Despite an incomplete reform improved equitable coverage and cost-containment was nevertheless achieved.A more complete regulatory regime is consequently likely to deepen coverage by: further stabilising and even decreasing costs; enhanced risk pooling; and access for low income groups. This would occur if South Africa: improved the quality of free public services, thereby creating competitive constraints for medical schemes; introduced risk-equalisation, increasing the pressure on schemes to compete on the cost and quality of coverage rather than their risk profile; and through the establishment of improved price regulation. The objective of universal coverage can be seen in two dimensions, horizontal extension and vertical deepening. Private systems play an important role in deepening coverage by mobilising revenue from income earners for health services over-and-above the horizontal extension role of public systems and related subsidies. South Africa provides an example of how this natural deepening occurs whether regulated or unregulated. It also demonstrates how poor regulation of mature private systems can severely undermine this role and diminish achievements below attainable levels of social protection. The mature South African system has demonstrated its sensitivity to regulatory design and responds rapidly to changes both positive and negative. When measures to enhance risk pooling are introduced, coverage is expanded and becomes increasingly fair and sustainable. When removed, however, the system becomes less stable and fair as costs rise and people with poor health status are systematically excluded from cover. This susceptibility to regulation therefore presents an opportunity to policymakers to achieve social protection objectives through the strategic management of markets rather than exclusively through less responsive systems based on tax-funded direct provision. This is especially relevant as private markets for healthcare are inevitable, with policy discretion reduced to a choice between functional or dysfunctional regimes.

The role of insurance in the achievement of universal coverage within a developing country context: South Africa as a case study

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background Achieving universal coverage as an objective needs to confront the reality of multiple mechanisms, with healthcare financing and provision occurring in both public and private settings. South Africa has both large and mature public and private health systems offering useful insights into how they can be effectively harmonized to optimise coverage. Private healthcare in South Africa has also gone through many phases and regulatory regimes which, through careful review, can help identify potential policy frameworks that can optimise their ability to deepen coverage in a manner that complements the basic coverage of public arrangements. Research question Using South Africa as a case study, this review examines whether private health systems are susceptible to regulation and therefore able to support an extension and deepening of coverage when complementing a pre-existing publicly funded and delivered health system? Methods The approach involves a review of different stages in the development of the South African private health system and its response to policy changes. The focus is on the time-bound characteristics of the health system and associated policy responses and opportunities. A distinction is consequently made between the early, largely unregulated, phases of development and more mature phases with alternative regulatory regimes. Results The private health system in South Africa has played an important supplementary role in achieving universal coverage throughout its history, but more especially in the post-Apartheid period. However, the quality of this role has been erratic, influenced predominantly by policy vacillation. The private system expanded rapidly during the 1980s mainly due to the pre-existence of a mature health insurance system and a weakening public hospital system which could accommodate and facilitate an increased demand for private hospital services. This growth served to expand commercial interest in health insurance, in the form of regulated medical schemes, which until this point took the form of non-commercial occupational (employer-based) schemes. During the 1980s government acquiesced to industry lobbies arguing for the deregulation of health insurance from 1989, with an extreme deregulation occurring in 1994, evidently in anticipation of the change of government associated with the democratic dispensation. Dramatic unintended consequences followed, with substantial increases in provider and funder costs coinciding with uncontrolled discrimination against poor health risks. Against significant industry opposition, including legal challenges, partial re-regulation took effect from 2000 which removed the discretion of schemes to discriminate against poor health risks. This included: the implementation of a strong regulator of health insurance; the establishment of one allowable vehicle able to provide health insurance; open enrolment, whereby schemes could not refuse membership applications; mandatory minimum benefit requirements; and a prohibition on setting contributions or premiums on the basis of health status. After a two-year lag, dramatically reduced cost trends and contributions became evident. Aside from generally tighter regulation across a range of fronts, this appears related to the need for schemes to compete more on the basis of healthcare provider costs than demographic risk profiles. Despite an incomplete reform improved equitable coverage and cost-containment was nevertheless achieved. A more complete regulatory regime is consequently likely to deepen coverage by: further stabilising and even decreasing costs; enhanced risk pooling; and access for low income groups. This would occur if South Africa: improved the quality of free public services, thereby creating competitive constraints for medical schemes; introduced risk-equalisation, increasing the pressure on schemes to compete on the cost and quality of coverage rather than their risk profile; and through the establishment of improved price regulation. Conclusions The objective of universal coverage can be seen in two dimensions, horizontal extension and vertical deepening. Private systems play an important role in deepening coverage by mobilising revenue from income earners for health services over-and-above the horizontal extension role of public systems and related subsidies. South Africa provides an example of how this natural deepening occurs whether regulated or unregulated. It also demonstrates how poor regulation of mature private systems can severely undermine this role and diminish achievements below attainable levels of social protection. The mature South African system has demonstrated its sensitivity to regulatory design and responds rapidly to changes both positive and negative. When measures to enhance risk pooling are introduced, coverage is expanded and becomes increasingly fair and sustainable. When removed, however, the system becomes less stable and fair as costs rise and people with poor health status are systematically excluded from cover. This susceptibility to regulation therefore presents an opportunity to policymakers to achieve social protection objectives through the strategic management of markets rather than exclusively through less responsive systems based on tax-funded direct provision. This is especially relevant as private markets for healthcare are inevitable, with policy discretion reduced to a choice between functional or dysfunctional regimes. PMID:22992410

Vaccination coverage and reasons for non-vaccination in a district of Istanbul

PubMed Central

Torun, Sebahat D; Bakırcı, Nadi

2006-01-01

Background In order to control and eliminate the vaccine preventable diseases it is important to know the vaccination coverage and reasons for non-vaccination. The primary objective of this study was to determine the complete vaccination rate; the reasons for non-vaccination and the predictors that influence vaccination of children. The other objective was to determine coverage of measles vaccination of the Measles Immunization Days (MID) 2005 for children aged 9 month to 6 years in a region of Umraniye, Istanbul, Turkey. Methods A '30 × 7' cluster sampling design was used as the sampling method. Thirty streets were selected at random from study area. Survey data were collected by a questionnaire which was applied face to face to parents of 221 children. A Chi-square test and logistic regression was used for the statistical analyses. Content analysis method was used to evaluate the open-ended questions. Results The complete vaccination rate for study population was 84.5% and 3.2% of all children were totally non-vaccinated. The siblings of non-vaccinated children were also non-vaccinated. Reasons for non-vaccination were as follows: being in the village and couldn't reach to health care services; having no knowledge about vaccination; the father of child didn't allow vaccination; intercurrent illness of child during vaccination time; missed opportunities like not to shave off a vial for only one child. In logistic regression analysis, paternal and maternal levels of education and immigration time of both parents to Istanbul were found to influence whether children were completely vaccinated or non-vaccinated. Measles vaccination coverage during MID was 79.3%. Conclusion Efforts to increase vaccination coverage should take reasons for non-vaccination into account. PMID:16677375

An assessment of the retention behaviour of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons on reversed phase stationary phases: selectivity and retention on C18 and phenyl-type surfaces.

PubMed

Kayillo, Sindy; Dennis, Gary R; Shalliker, R Andrew

2006-09-08

In this manuscript the retention and selectivity of a set of linear and non-linear PAHs were evaluated on five different reversed-phase columns. These phases included C18 and C18 Aqua stationary phases, as well as three phenyl phases: Propyl-phenyl, Synergi polar-RP and Cosmosil 5PBB phase. Overall, the results revealed that the phenyl-type columns offered better separation performance for the linear PAHs, while the separation of the structural isomer PAHs was enhanced on the C18 columns. The Propyl-phenyl column was found to have the highest molecular-stationary phase interactions, as evidenced by the greatest rate of change in 'S' (0.71) as a function of the molecular weight in the PAH homologous series, despite having the lowest surface coverage (3% carbon load) (where S is the slope of a plot of logk versus the solvent composition). In contrast, the C18 Aqua column, having the highest surface coverage (15% carbon load) was found to have the second lowest molecular-stationary phase interactions (rate of change in S=0.61). Interestingly, the Synergi polar-RP column, which also is a phenyl stationary phase behaved more 'C18-like' than 'phenyl-like' in many of the tests undertaken. This is probably not unexpected since all five phases were reversed phase.

Uniform circular array for structural health monitoring of composite structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stepinski, Tadeusz; Engholm, Marcus

2008-03-01

Phased array with all-azimuth angle coverage would be extremely useful in structural health monitoring (SHM) of planar structures. One method to achieve the 360° coverage is to use uniform circular arrays (UCAs). In this paper we present the concept of UCA adapted for SHM applications. We start from a brief presentation of UCA beamformers based on the principle of phase mode excitation. UCA performance is illustrated by the results of beamformer simulations performed for the narrowband and wideband ultrasonic signals. Preliminary experimental results obtained with UCA used for the reception of ultrasonic signals propagating in an aluminum plate are also presented.

7 CFR 1737.21 - The completed loan application.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... application consists of four parts: (1) A completed RUS Form 490. (2) A market survey called the Area Coverage Survey (ACS). (3) The plan and associated costs for the proposed construction, called the Loan Design (LD...

7 CFR 1737.21 - The completed loan application.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... application consists of four parts: (1) A completed RUS Form 490. (2) A market survey called the Area Coverage Survey (ACS). (3) The plan and associated costs for the proposed construction, called the Loan Design (LD...

7 CFR 1737.21 - The completed loan application.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... application consists of four parts: (1) A completed RUS Form 490. (2) A market survey called the Area Coverage Survey (ACS). (3) The plan and associated costs for the proposed construction, called the Loan Design (LD...

Forestry [Chapter 11

Treesearch

H. Gyde Lund; William A. Befort; James E. Brickell; William M. Ciesla; Elizabeth C. Collins; Raymond L. Czaplewski; Attilio Antonio Disperati; Robert W. Douglass; Charles W. Dull; Jerry D. Greer; Rachel Riemann Hershey; Vernon J. LaBau; Henry Lachowski; Peter A. Murtha; David J. Nowak; Marc A. Roberts; Pierre Schram; Mahadev D. Shedha; Ashbindu Singh; Kenneth C. Winterberger

1997-01-01

Foresters and other resource managers have used aerial photographs to help manage resources since the late 1920s. As discussed in chapter 1, however, it was not until the mid-1940s that their use became common. Obtaining photographic coverage was always a problem. For many areas of the world, reasonably complete coverage did not exist until after World War II. In...

Inaccuracies in Media Coverage of the 1996 and 2000 Presidential Debates.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Benoit, William L.; Currie, Heather

2001-01-01

Compares data from a content analysis of the 1996 and 2000 presidential debates with news coverage of those debates. Concludes that the average newspaper story in 2000 only reported 7% of what the candidates said in a debate. Suggests that voters cannot expect to obtain an accurate or complete representation of presidential debates from media…

Liquid-Vapor Coexistence at a Mesoporous Substrate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kityk, A. V.; Hofmann, T.; Knorr, K.

2008-01-01

The condensation of hexane vapor onto a mesoporous Si substrate with a pore radius of 3.5 nm has been studied by means of volumetry and ellipsometry. The filling fraction of the pores and the coverage of the substrate have been determined. The coverage of the regime after the completion of capillary condensation has been compared to recent theoretical work.

Quality Improvement to Immunization Coverage in Primary Care Measured in Medical Record and Population-Based Registry Data.

PubMed

Harder, Valerie S; Barry, Sara E; Ahrens, Bridget; Davis, Wendy S; Shaw, Judith S

Despite the proven benefits of immunizations, coverage remains low in many states, including Vermont. This study measured the impact of a quality improvement (QI) project on immunization coverage in childhood, school-age, and adolescent groups. In 2013, a total of 20 primary care practices completed a 7-month QI project aimed to increase immunization coverage among early childhood (29-33 months), school-age (6 years), and adolescent (13 years) age groups. For this study, we examined random cross-sectional medical record reviews from 12 of the 20 practices within each age group in 2012, 2013, and 2014 to measure improvement in immunization coverage over time using chi-squared tests. We repeated these analyses on population-level data from Vermont's immunization registry for the 12 practices in each age group each year. We used difference-in-differences regressions in the immunization registry data to compare improvements over time between the 12 practices and those not participating in QI. Immunization coverage increased over 3 years for all ages and all immunization series (P ≤ .009) except one, as measured by medical record review. Registry results aligned partially with medical record review with increases in early childhood and adolescent series over time (P ≤ .012). Notably, the adolescent immunization series completion, including human papillomavirus, increased more than in the comparison practices (P = .037). Medical record review indicated that QI efforts led to increases in immunization coverage in pediatric primary care. Results were partially validated in the immunization registry particularly among early childhood and adolescent groups, with a population-level impact of the intervention among adolescents. Copyright © 2018 Academic Pediatric Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Uptake of oral rotavirus vaccine and timeliness of routine immunization in Brazil’s National Immunization Program

PubMed Central

Flannery, Brendan; Samad, Samia; de Moraes, José Cássio; Tate, Jacqueline E.; Danovaro-Holliday, M. Carolina; de Oliveira, Lúcia Helena; Rainey, Jeanette J.

2015-01-01

Introduction In March, 2006, oral rotavirus vaccine was added to Brazil’s infant immunization schedule with recommended upper age limits for initiating (by age 14 weeks) and completing (by age 24 weeks) the two-dose series to minimize age-specific risk of intussusception following rotavirus vaccination. Several years after introduction, estimated coverage with rotavirus vaccine (83%) was lower compared to coverage for other recommended childhood immunizations (≥94%). Methods We analyzed data from Brazil’s national immunization program on uptake of oral rotavirus vaccine by geographic region and compared administrative coverage estimates for first and second doses of oral rotavirus vaccine (Rota1 and Rota2) with first and second doses of diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis-Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine (DTP-Hib1 and DTP-Hib2). For 27 Brazilian cities, we compared differences between estimated rotavirus and DTP-Hib coverage in 2010 with delayed receipt of DTP-Hib vaccine among a cohort of children surveyed before rotavirus introduction. Results In 2010, infant vaccination coverage was 99.0% for DTP-Hib1 versus 95.2% for Rota1 (3.8% difference), and 98.4% for DTP-Hib2 versus 83.0% for Rota2 (15.4% difference), with substantial regional variation. Differences between DTP-Hib and rotavirus vaccination coverage in Brazilian cities correlated with delay in DTP-Hib vaccination among children surveyed. Age restrictions for initiating and completing the rotavirus vaccination series likely contributed to lower coverage with rotavirus vaccine in Brazil. Conclusion To maximize benefits of rotavirus vaccination, strategies are needed to improve timeliness of routine immunizations; monitoring rotavirus vaccine uptake and intussusception risk is needed to guide further recommendations for rotavirus vaccination. PMID:23313652

Systematic Assessment of Seven Solvent and Solid-Phase Extraction Methods for Metabolomics Analysis of Human Plasma by LC-MS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sitnikov, Dmitri G.; Monnin, Cian S.; Vuckovic, Dajana

2016-12-01

The comparison of extraction methods for global metabolomics is usually executed in biofluids only and focuses on metabolite coverage and method repeatability. This limits our detailed understanding of extraction parameters such as recovery and matrix effects and prevents side-by-side comparison of different sample preparation strategies. To address this gap in knowledge, seven solvent-based and solid-phase extraction methods were systematically evaluated using standard analytes spiked into both buffer and human plasma. We compared recovery, coverage, repeatability, matrix effects, selectivity and orthogonality of all methods tested for non-lipid metabolome in combination with reversed-phased and mixed-mode liquid chromatography mass spectrometry analysis (LC-MS). Our results confirmed wide selectivity and excellent precision of solvent precipitations, but revealed their high susceptibility to matrix effects. The use of all seven methods showed high overlap and redundancy which resulted in metabolite coverage increases of 34-80% depending on LC-MS method employed as compared to the best single extraction protocol (methanol/ethanol precipitation) despite 7x increase in MS analysis time and sample consumption. The most orthogonal methods to methanol-based precipitation were ion-exchange solid-phase extraction and liquid-liquid extraction using methyl-tertbutyl ether. Our results help facilitate rational design and selection of sample preparation methods and internal standards for global metabolomics.

Systematic Assessment of Seven Solvent and Solid-Phase Extraction Methods for Metabolomics Analysis of Human Plasma by LC-MS

PubMed Central

Sitnikov, Dmitri G.; Monnin, Cian S.; Vuckovic, Dajana

2016-01-01

The comparison of extraction methods for global metabolomics is usually executed in biofluids only and focuses on metabolite coverage and method repeatability. This limits our detailed understanding of extraction parameters such as recovery and matrix effects and prevents side-by-side comparison of different sample preparation strategies. To address this gap in knowledge, seven solvent-based and solid-phase extraction methods were systematically evaluated using standard analytes spiked into both buffer and human plasma. We compared recovery, coverage, repeatability, matrix effects, selectivity and orthogonality of all methods tested for non-lipid metabolome in combination with reversed-phased and mixed-mode liquid chromatography mass spectrometry analysis (LC-MS). Our results confirmed wide selectivity and excellent precision of solvent precipitations, but revealed their high susceptibility to matrix effects. The use of all seven methods showed high overlap and redundancy which resulted in metabolite coverage increases of 34–80% depending on LC-MS method employed as compared to the best single extraction protocol (methanol/ethanol precipitation) despite 7x increase in MS analysis time and sample consumption. The most orthogonal methods to methanol-based precipitation were ion-exchange solid-phase extraction and liquid-liquid extraction using methyl-tertbutyl ether. Our results help facilitate rational design and selection of sample preparation methods and internal standards for global metabolomics. PMID:28000704

Water adsorbate phases on ZnO and impact of vapor pressure on the equilibrium shape of nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kenmoe, Stephane; Biedermann, P. Ulrich

2018-02-01

ZnO nanoparticles are used as catalysts and have potential applications in gas-sensing and solar energy conversion. A fundamental understanding of the exposed crystal facets, their surface chemistry, and stability as a function of environmental conditions is essential for rational design and improvement of synthesis and properties. We study the stability of water adsorbate phases on the non-polar low-index (10 1 ¯ 0 ) and (11 2 ¯ 0 ) surfaces from low coverage to multilayers using ab initio thermodynamics. We show that phonon contributions and the entropies due to a 2D lattice gas at low coverage and multiple adsorbate configurations at higher coverage have an important impact on the stability range of water adsorbate phases in the (T,p) phase diagram. Based on this insight, we compute and analyze the possible growth mode of water films for pressures ranging from UHV via ambient conditions to high pressures and the impact of water adsorption on the equilibrium shape of nanoparticles in a humid environment. A 2D variant of the Wulff construction shows that the (10 1 ¯ 0 ) and (11 2 ¯ 0 ) surfaces coexist on 12-faceted prismatic ZnO nanoparticles in dry conditions, while in humid environment, the (10 1 ¯ 0 ) surface is selectively stabilized by water adsorption resulting in hexagonal prisms.

EORTC radiation proctitis-specific quality of life module - pretesting in four European countries.

PubMed

Halkett, Georgia; Aoun, Samar; Hayne, Dickon; Lund, Jo-Asmund; Gruen, Arne; Villa, Julie; Livi, Lorenzo; Arcangeli, Stefano; Velikova, Galina; Spry, Nigel

2010-11-01

Radiation proctitis is a side effect which can occur after pelvic radiation therapy. Currently available questionnaires do not comprehensively assess the range of problems, nor impact on quality of life associated with proctitis. This article reports on the cultural testing phase of an EORTC module (QLQ-PRT21) developed to assess radiation proctitis specific issues and designed to be used in conjunction with the EORTC core quality of life questionnaire (QLQ-C30). The previously developed 21-item module, pre-tested in Australia, was translated into Norwegian, German, French and Italian. Patients completed the EORTC QLQ-C30 and module questionnaires towards the end of their radical pelvic radiation treatment to target acute side effects. Patients experiencing chronic proctitis were also surveyed. Patients also participated in structured interviews to determine issues of comprehensibility, coverage and relevance. Results were compared with Australian data. Questionnaires were completed by 64 European patients. The module was found to be relevant and culturally acceptable to participants. Feedback has led to minor translation modifications and the inclusion of two additional questions. This module is ready for Phase IV testing which will consist of large scale field testing with the aim to perform psychometric analysis and finalize a module that will be suitable in the assessment of radiation induced proctitis. Crown Copyright © 2010. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

LiST modelling with monitoring data to estimate impact on child mortality of an ORS and zinc programme with public sector providers in Bihar, India.

PubMed

Ayyanat, Jayachandran A; Harbour, Catherine; Kumar, Sanjeev; Singh, Manjula

2018-01-05

Many interventions have attempted to increase vulnerable and remote populations' access to ORS and zinc to reduce child mortality from diarrhoea. However, the impact of these interventions is difficult to measure. From 2010 to 15, Micronutrient Initiative (MI), worked with the public sector in Bihar, India to enable community health workers to treat and report uncomplicated child diarrhoea with ORS and zinc. We describe how we estimated programme's impact on child mortality with Lives Saved Tool (LiST) modelling and data from MI's management information system (MIS). This study demonstrates that using LiST modelling and MIS data are viable options for evaluating programmes to reduce child mortality. We used MI's programme monitoring data to estimate coverage rates and LiST modelling software to estimate programme impact on child mortality. Four scenarios estimated the effects of different rates of programme scale-up and programme coverage on estimated child mortality by measuring children's lives saved. The programme saved an estimated 806-975 children under-5 who had diarrhoea during five-year project phase. Increasing ORS and zinc coverage rates to 19.8% & 18.3% respectively under public sector coverage with effective treatment would have increased the programme's impact on child mortality and could have achieved the project goal of saving 4200 children's lives during the five-year programme. Programme monitoring data can be used with LiST modelling software to estimate coverage rates and programme impact on child mortality. This modelling approach may cost less and yield estimates sooner than directly measuring programme impact with population-based surveys. However, users must be cautious about relying on modelled estimates of impact and ensure that the programme monitoring data used is complete and precise about the programme aspects that are modelled. Otherwise, LiST may mis-estimate impact on child mortality. Further, LiST software may require modifications to its built-in assumptions to capture programmatic inputs. LiST assumes that mortality rates and cause of death structure change only in response to changes in programme coverage. In Bihar, overall child mortality has decreased and diarrhoea seems to be less lethal than previously, but at present LiST does not adjust its estimates for these sorts of changes.

Methods used for immunization coverage assessment in Canada, a Canadian Immunization Research Network (CIRN) study.

PubMed

Wilson, Sarah E; Quach, Susan; MacDonald, Shannon E; Naus, Monika; Deeks, Shelley L; Crowcroft, Natasha S; Mahmud, Salaheddin M; Tran, Dat; Kwong, Jeff; Tu, Karen; Gilbert, Nicolas L; Johnson, Caitlin; Desai, Shalini

2017-08-03

Accurate and complete immunization data are necessary to assess vaccine coverage, safety and effectiveness. Across Canada, different methods and data sources are used to assess vaccine coverage, but these have not been systematically described. Our primary objective was to examine and describe the methods used to determine immunization coverage in Canada. The secondary objective was to compare routine infant and childhood coverage estimates derived from the Canadian 2013 Childhood National Immunization Coverage Survey (cNICS) with estimates collected from provinces and territories (P/Ts). We collected information from key informants regarding their provincial, territorial or federal methods for assessing immunization coverage. We also collected P/T coverage estimates for select antigens and birth cohorts to determine absolute differences between these and estimates from cNICS. Twenty-six individuals across 16 public health organizations participated between April and August 2015. Coverage surveys are conducted regularly for toddlers in Quebec and in one health authority in British Columbia. Across P/Ts, different methodologies for measuring coverage are used (e.g., valid doses, grace periods). Most P/Ts, except Ontario, measure up-to-date (UTD) coverage and 4 P/Ts also assess on-time coverage. The degree of concordance between P/T and cNICS coverage estimates varied by jurisdiction, antigen and age group. In addition to differences in the data sources and processes used for coverage assessment, there are also differences between Canadian P/Ts in the methods used for calculating immunization coverage. Comparisons between P/T and cNICS estimates leave remaining questions about the proportion of children fully vaccinated in Canada.

Methods used for immunization coverage assessment in Canada, a Canadian Immunization Research Network (CIRN) study

PubMed Central

Quach, Susan; MacDonald, Shannon E.; Naus, Monika; Deeks, Shelley L.; Crowcroft, Natasha S.; Mahmud, Salaheddin M.; Tran, Dat; Kwong, Jeff; Tu, Karen; Johnson, Caitlin; Desai, Shalini

2017-01-01

ABSTRACT Accurate and complete immunization data are necessary to assess vaccine coverage, safety and effectiveness. Across Canada, different methods and data sources are used to assess vaccine coverage, but these have not been systematically described. Our primary objective was to examine and describe the methods used to determine immunization coverage in Canada. The secondary objective was to compare routine infant and childhood coverage estimates derived from the Canadian 2013 Childhood National Immunization Coverage Survey (cNICS) with estimates collected from provinces and territories (P/Ts). We collected information from key informants regarding their provincial, territorial or federal methods for assessing immunization coverage. We also collected P/T coverage estimates for select antigens and birth cohorts to determine absolute differences between these and estimates from cNICS. Twenty-six individuals across 16 public health organizations participated between April and August 2015. Coverage surveys are conducted regularly for toddlers in Quebec and in one health authority in British Columbia. Across P/Ts, different methodologies for measuring coverage are used (e.g., valid doses, grace periods). Most P/Ts, except Ontario, measure up-to-date (UTD) coverage and 4 P/Ts also assess on-time coverage. The degree of concordance between P/T and cNICS coverage estimates varied by jurisdiction, antigen and age group. In addition to differences in the data sources and processes used for coverage assessment, there are also differences between Canadian P/Ts in the methods used for calculating immunization coverage. Comparisons between P/T and cNICS estimates leave remaining questions about the proportion of children fully vaccinated in Canada. PMID:28708945

New Radar Altimeter Missions are Providing a Dramatically Sharper Image of Global Marine Tectonics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sandwell, D. T.; Müller, D.; Garcia, E.; Matthews, K. J.; Smith, W. H. F.; Zaron, E.; Zhang, S.; Bassett, D.; Francis, R.

2015-12-01

Marine gravity, derived from satellite radar altimetry, is a powerful tool for mapping tectonic structures, especially in the deep ocean basins where the topography remains unmapped by ships or is buried by thick sediment. The ability to infer seafloor tectonics from space was first demonstrated in 1978 using Seasat altimeter data but the spatial coverage was incomplete because of the short three-month lifetime of the satellite. Most ocean altimeters have repeat ground tracks with spacings of hundreds of kilometers so they do not resolve tectonic structures. Adequate altimeter coverage became available in 1995 when the United States Navy declassified the Geosat radar altimeter data and the ERS-1 altimeter completed a 1-year mapping phase. These mid-1990's altimeter-derived images of the ocean basins remained static for 15 years because there were no new non-repeat altimeter missions. This situation changed dramatically in 2010 when CryoSat-2, with its advanced radar altimeter, was launched into a non-repeat orbit and continues to collect data until perhaps 2020. In addition the Jason-1 altimeter was placed into a 14-month geodetic phase at the end of its lifetime. More recently the 1.5 times higher precision measurements from the AltiKa altimeter aboard the SARAL spacecraft began to drift away from its 35-day repeat trackline. The Chinese HY-2 altimeter is scheduled to begin a dense mapping phase in early 2016. Moreover in 2020 we may enjoy significantly higher resolution maps of the ocean basins from the planned SWOT altimeter mission with its advanced swath mapping ability. All of this new data will provide a much sharper image of the tectonics of the deep ocean basins and continental margins. During this talk we will tour of the new tectonic structures revealed by CryoSat-2 and Jason-1 and speculate on the tectonic views of the ocean basins in 2020 and beyond.

NPDES Permits for Phase 2 Stormwater Program in Puerto Rico

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

EPA's 1999 stormwater Phase II regulations established small municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4s) in urbanized areas, and small MS4s outside the urbanized areas that are designated by the permitting authority, to obtain NPDES permit coverage.

[National Health and Nutrition Survey 2012: design and coverage].

PubMed

Romero-Martínez, Martín; Shamah-Levy, Teresa; Franco-Núñez, Aurora; Villalpando, Salvador; Cuevas-Nasu, Lucía; Gutiérrez, Juan Pablo; Rivera-Dommarco, Juan Ángel

2013-01-01

To describe the design and population coverage of the National Health and Nutrition Survey 2012 (NHNS 2012). The design of the NHNS 2012 is reported, as a probabilistic population based survey with a multi-stage and stratified sampling, as well as the sample inferential properties, the logistical procedures, and the obtained coverage. Household response rate for the NHNS 2012 was 87%, completing data from 50,528 households, where 96 031 individual interviews selected by age and 14,104 of ambulatory health services users were also obtained. The probabilistic design of the NHNS 2012 as well as its coverage allowed to generate inferences about health and nutrition conditions, health programs coverage, and access to health services. Because of their complex designs, all estimations from the NHNS 2012 must use the survey design: weights, primary sampling units, and stratus variables.

SS 433: Total Coverage of 162-Day Precession Phase in Four Years

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Band, David L.

1997-01-01

The observations prior to AO-4 covered a number of precession phases, leaving a gap at phase 0.8. In addition, ASCA and previous observations of SS 433 did not observe the spectrum above approx. 10 keV, and consequently the continuum underlying the spectral lines was poorly constrained. Therefore RXTE observations were scheduled for April 1997 to extend the observed spectrum to higher energies; these observations were planned to sample the X-ray lightcurve during the 13.08 day binary period, concentrating on the eclipse of the compact object which emits the jets. We proposed and were awarded ASCA observations simultaneous with the RXTE observations; the purpose of the ASCA observations was to provide greater spectral resolution at the low end of the spectrum observed by RXTE, and to complete the phase coverage of SS 433. As a result of scheduling difficulties early in the mission the RXTE observations were confined to a much shorter time range than originally planned, April 18-91 1997. Optical observations of SS 433 were performed at a number of observatories. The ASCA observations occurred from April 18 13:10 (UT) to April 21 13:20 (UT) for a total effective exposure of 120 ks. The continuum X-ray light curve shows that the ASCA observations started shortly before the ingress into the X-ray partial eclipse, and ended approximately at the time of the egress. Light curves were also obtained for the prominent Fe emission lines in the blue-shifted frame (approaching jet), red-shifted frame (receding jet), and the stationary frame (fluorescent line from the ambient matter). Through the eclipse mapping technique using the light curves, the parameters of the jet emission model were constrained, showing that the kinetic power in the jet exceeds 104? erg s-l. If the energy source is gravitational accretion, as is commonly believed, the derived l;inetic power implies extremely supercritical accretion even for a black; hole with 10M. These results will be described more fully in a major presentation of all the ASCA observations of SS 433.

Influence of preparation design and ceramic thicknesses on fracture resistance and failure modes of premolar partial coverage restorations

PubMed Central

Guess, Petra C.; Schultheis, Stefan; Wolkewitz, Martin; Zhang; Strub, Joerg R.

2015-01-01

Statement of problem Preparation designs and ceramic thicknesses are key factors for the long-term success of minimally invasive premolar partial coverage restorations. However, only limited information is presently available on this topic. Purpose The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the fracture resistance and failure modes of ceramic premolar partial coverage restorations with different preparation designs and ceramic thicknesses. Material and methods Caries-free human premolars (n= 144) were divided into 9 groups. Palatal onlay preparation comprised reduction of the palatal cusp by 2 mm (Palatal-Onlay-Standard), 1 mm (Palatal-Onlay-Thin), or 0.5 mm (Palatal-Onlay-Ultra-Thin). Complete-coverage onlay preparation additionally included the buccal cusp (Occlusal-Onlay-Standard; Occlusal-Onlay-Thin; Occlusal-Onlay-Ultra-Thin). Labial surface preparations with chamfer reductions of 0.8 mm (Complete-Veneer-Standard), 0.6 mm (Complete-Veneer-Thin) and 0.4 mm (Complete-Veneer-Ultra-Thin) were implemented for complete veneer restorations. Restorations were fabricated from a pressable lithium-disilicate ceramic (IPS-e.max-Press) and cemented adhesively (Syntac-Classic/Variolink-II). All specimens were subjected to cyclic mechanical loading (F= 49 N, 1.2 million cycles) and simultaneous thermocycling (5°C to 55°C) in a mouth-motion simulator. After fatigue, restorations were exposed to single-load-to-failure. Two-way ANOVA was used to identify statistical differences. Pair-wise differences were calculated and P-values were adjusted by the Tukey–Kramer method (α= .05). Results All specimens survived fatigue. Mean (SD) load to failure values (N) were as follows: 837 (320/Palatal-Onlay-Standard), 1055 (369/Palatal-Onlay-Thin), 1192 (342/Palatal-Onlay-Ultra-Thin), 963 (405/Occlusal-Onlay-Standard), 1108 (340/Occlusal-Onlay-Thin), 997 (331/Occlusal-Onlay-Ultra-Thin), 1361 (333/Complete-Veneer-Standard), 1087 (251/Complete-Veneer-Thin), 883 (311/Complete-Veneer-Ultra-Thin). Palatal-onlay restorations revealed a significantly higher fracture resistance with ultra-thin thicknesses than with standard thicknesses (P=.015). Onlay restorations were not affected by thickness variations. Fracture loads of standard complete veneers were significantly higher than thin (P=.03) and ultra-thin (P<.001) restorations. Conclusions In this in vitro study, the reduction of preparation depth to 1.00 and 0.5 mm did not impair fracture resistance of pressable lithium-disilicate ceramic onlay restorations but resulted in lower failure loads in complete veneer restorations on premolars. PMID:24079561

Effects of Intergranular Gas Bubbles on Thermal Conductivity

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

K. Chockalingam; Paul C. Millett; M. R. Tonks

2012-11-01

Model microstructures obtained from phase-field simulations are used to study the effective heat transfer across bicrys- tals with stationary grain boundary bubble populations. We find that the grain boundary coverage, irrespective of the intergranular bubble radii, is the most relevant parameter to the thermal resistance, which we use to derive effec- tive Kapitza resistances that are dependent on the grain boundary coverage and Kaptiza resistance of the intact grain boundary. We propose a model to predict thermal conductivity as a function of porosity, grain-size, Kaptiza resistance of the intact grain boundary, and grain boundary bubble coverage.

78 FR 21355 - Tribal Mobility Fund Phase I Auction Scheduled for October 24, 2013; Comment Sought on...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-04-10

... unit is the basic unit that will be used to determine the winners in Auction 902 and to measure... Bureaus will measure coverage based on population rather than road miles. Under the auction design options...: EV-DO, EV-DO Rev A, UMTS/HSPA, HSPA+, WiMAX, and LTE. If the Mosaik data did not show such coverage...

78 FR 56875 - Tribal Mobility Fund Phase I Auction Rescheduled for December 19, 2013; Notice and Filing...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-09-16

... of comparing bids and measuring the performance of Tribal Mobility Fund Phase I support recipients..., EV-DO Rev A, UMTS/HSPA, HSPA+, WiMAX, and LTE. If the Mosaik data did not show such coverage, the...

Mapping the literature of clinical laboratory science.

PubMed

Delwiche, Frances A

2003-07-01

This paper describes a citation analysis of the literature of clinical laboratory science (medical technology), conducted as part of a project of the Nursing and Allied Health Resources Section of the Medical Library Association. Three source journals widely read by those in the field were identified, from which cited references were collected for a three-year period. Analysis of the references showed that journals were the predominant format of literature cited and the majority of the references were from the last eleven years. Applying Bradford's Law of Scattering to the list of journals cited, three zones were created, each producing approximately one third of the cited references. Thirteen journals were in the first zone, eighty-one in the second, and 849 in the third. A similar list of journals cited was created for four specialty areas in the field: chemistry, hematology, immunohematology, and microbiology. In comparing the indexing coverage of the Zone 1 and 2 journals by four major databases, MEDLINE provided the most comprehensive coverage, while the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature was the only database that provided complete coverage of the three source journals. However, to obtain complete coverage of the field, it is essential to search multiple databases.

Mapping the literature of clinical laboratory science

PubMed Central

Delwiche, Frances A.

2003-01-01

This paper describes a citation analysis of the literature of clinical laboratory science (medical technology), conducted as part of a project of the Nursing and Allied Health Resources Section of the Medical Library Association. Three source journals widely read by those in the field were identified, from which cited references were collected for a three-year period. Analysis of the references showed that journals were the predominant format of literature cited and the majority of the references were from the last eleven years. Applying Bradford's Law of Scattering to the list of journals cited, three zones were created, each producing approximately one third of the cited references. Thirteen journals were in the first zone, eighty-one in the second, and 849 in the third. A similar list of journals cited was created for four specialty areas in the field: chemistry, hematology, immunohematology, and microbiology. In comparing the indexing coverage of the Zone 1 and 2 journals by four major databases, MEDLINE provided the most comprehensive coverage, while the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature was the only database that provided complete coverage of the three source journals. However, to obtain complete coverage of the field, it is essential to search multiple databases. PMID:12883564

Explanatory Supplement to the AllWISE Data Release Products

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cutri, R. M.; Wright, E. L.; Conrow, T.; Fowler, J. W.; Eisenhardt, P. R. M.; Grillmair, C.; Kirkpatrick, J. D.; Masci, F.; McCallon, H. L.; Wheelock, S. L.; Fajardo-Acosta, S.; Yan, L.; Benford, D.; Harbut, M.; Jarrett, T.; Lake, S.; Leisawitz, D.; Ressler, M. E.; Stanford, S. A.; Tsai, C. W.; Liu, F.; Helou, G.; Mainzer, A.; Gettings, D.; Gonzalez, A.; Hoffman, D.; Marsh, K. A.; Padgett, D.; Skrutskie, M. F.; Beck, R. P.; Papin, M.; Wittman, M.

2013-11-01

The AllWISE program builds upon the successful Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE; Wright et al. 2010) mission by combining data from all WISE and NEOWISE (Mainzer et al. 2011) survey phases to form the most comprehensive view of the mid-infrared sky currently available. By combining the data from two complete sky coverage epochs in an advanced data processing system, AllWISE has generated new products that have enhanced photometric sensitivity and accuracy, and improved astrometric precision compared with the earlier WISE All-Sky Data Release. Exploiting the 6 month baseline between the WISE sky coverage epochs enables AllWISE to measure source motions for the first time, and to compute improved flux variability statistics. AllWISE data release products include: a Source Catalog that contains 4-band fluxes, positions, apparent motion measurements, and flux variability statistics for over 747 million objects detected at SNR>5 in the combined exposures; a Multiepoch Photometry Database containing over 42 billion time-tagged, single-exposure fluxes for each object detected on the combined exposures; and an Image Atlas of 18,240 4-band calibrated FITS images, depth-of-coverage and noise maps that cover the sky produced by coadding nearly 7.9 million single-exposure images from the cryogenic and post-cryogenic survey phases. The Explanatory Supplement to the AllWISE Data Release Products is a general guide for users of the AllWISE data. The Supplement contains detailed descriptions of the format and characteristics of the AllWISE data products, as well as a summary of cautionary notes that describe known limitations. The Supplement is an on-line document that is updated frequently to provide the most current information for users of the AllWISE data products. The Explanatory Supplement is maintained at: http://wise2.ipac.caltech.edu/docs/release/allwise/expsup/index.html AllWISE makes use of data from WISE, which is a joint project of the University of California, Los Angeles, and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory/California Institute of Technology, and NEOWISE, which is a project of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory/California Institute of Technology. WISE and NEOWISE are funded by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

A methodology for extending domain coverage in SemRep.

PubMed

Rosemblat, Graciela; Shin, Dongwook; Kilicoglu, Halil; Sneiderman, Charles; Rindflesch, Thomas C

2013-12-01

We describe a domain-independent methodology to extend SemRep coverage beyond the biomedical domain. SemRep, a natural language processing application originally designed for biomedical texts, uses the knowledge sources provided by the Unified Medical Language System (UMLS©). Ontological and terminological extensions to the system are needed in order to support other areas of knowledge. We extended SemRep's application by developing a semantic representation of a previously unsupported domain. This was achieved by adapting well-known ontology engineering phases and integrating them with the UMLS knowledge sources on which SemRep crucially depends. While the process to extend SemRep coverage has been successfully applied in earlier projects, this paper presents in detail the step-wise approach we followed and the mechanisms implemented. A case study in the field of medical informatics illustrates how the ontology engineering phases have been adapted for optimal integration with the UMLS. We provide qualitative and quantitative results, which indicate the validity and usefulness of our methodology. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Health Benefits In 2015: Stable Trends In The Employer Market.

PubMed

Claxton, Gary; Rae, Matthew; Panchal, Nirmita; Whitmore, Heidi; Damico, Anthony; Kenward, Kevin; Long, Michelle

2015-10-01

The annual Kaiser Family Foundation/Health Research and Educational Trust Employer Health Benefits Survey found that in 2015, average annual premiums (employer and worker contributions combined) were $6,251 for single coverage and $17,545 for family coverage. Both premiums rose 4 percent from 2014, continuing several years of modest growth. The percentage of firms offering health benefits and the percentage of workers covered by their employers' plans remained statistically unchanged from 2014. Eighty-one percent of covered workers were enrolled in a plan with a general annual deductible. Among those workers, the average deductible for single coverage was $1,318. Half of large employers either offered employees the opportunity or required them to complete biometric screening. Of firms that offer an incentive for completing the screening, 20 percent provide employees with incentives or penalties that are tied to meeting those biometric outcomes. The 2015 survey included new questions on financial incentives to complete wellness programs and meet specified biometric outcomes as well as questions about narrow networks and employers' strategies related to the high-cost plan tax and the employer shared-responsibility provisions of the Affordable Care Act. Project HOPE—The People-to-People Health Foundation, Inc.

High coverage fluid-phase floating lipid bilayers supported by ω-thiolipid self-assembled monolayers

PubMed Central

Hughes, Arwel V.; Holt, Stephen A.; Daulton, Emma; Soliakov, Andrei; Charlton, Timothy R.; Roser, Steven J.; Lakey, Jeremy H.

2014-01-01

Large area lipid bilayers, on solid surfaces, are useful in physical studies of biological membranes. It is advantageous to minimize the interactions of these bilayers with the substrate and this can be achieved via the formation of a floating supported bilayer (FSB) upon either a surface bound phospholipid bilayer or monolayer. The FSB's independence is enabled by the continuous water layer (greater than 15 Å) that remains between the two. However, previous FSBs have had limited stability and low density. Here, we demonstrate by surface plasmon resonance and neutron reflectivity, the formation of a complete self-assembled monolayer (SAM) on gold surfaces by a synthetic phosphatidylcholine bearing a thiol group at the end of one fatty acyl chain. Furthermore, a very dense FSB (more than 96%) of saturated phosphatidylcholine can be formed on this SAM by sequential Langmuir–Blodgett and Langmuir–Schaefer procedures. Neutron reflectivity used both isotopic and magnetic contrast to enhance the accuracy of the data fits. This system offers the means to study transmembrane proteins, membrane potential effects (using the gold as an electrode) and even model bacterial outer membranes. Using unsaturated phosphatidylcholines, which have previously failed to form stable FSBs, we achieved a coverage of 73%. PMID:25030385

Dynamic Monte Carlo Simulations of Phase Ordering in Br Electrosorption on Ag(100)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mitchell, S. J.; Brown, G.; Rikvold, P. A.

2000-03-01

We study the dynamics of Br electrosorption on single-crystal Ag(100) by Monte Carlo simulation. The system has a second-order phase transition from a low-coverage disordered phase at more negative potentials to a doubly degenerate c(2× 2) ordered phase at more positive potentials.(B.M. Ocko, et al.), Phys. Rev. Lett. 79, 1511 (1997). Effective lateral interactions were estimated by fitting equilibrium Monte Carlo isotherms to experiments. These are well described by nearest-neighbor exclusion and repulsive 1/r^3 interactions.(M.T.M. Koper, J. Electroanal. Chem. 450), 189 (1997). Considering adsorption/desorption and diffusion with barriers estimated from ab-initio calculations,(A. Ignaczak and J.A.N.F. Gomes, J. Electroanal. Chem. 420), 71 (1997). we simulate the time dependent Br coverage, order parameter, and x-ray scattering intensity following sudden potential steps across the phase boundary. For steps far into the ordered phase, dynamical scaling is observed. For smaller steps, the dynamics are more complicated. We also analyze hysteresis in a simulated cyclic-voltammetry experiment. Movies at http://www.scri.fsu.edu/ ~mitchell/.

Phase diagram of the CF{sub 4} monolayer and bilayer on graphite

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

Thomas, Petros; Hess, George B., E-mail: gbh@virginia.edu

2014-05-21

We report an experimental study of physisorbed monolayers and bilayers of CF{sub 4} on graphite using infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy supplemented by ellipsometry. The symmetric C–F stretch mode ν{sub 3} near 1283 cm{sup −1} in the gas is strongly blue shifted in the film by dynamic dipole coupling. This blue shift provides a very sensitive measure of the inter-molecular spacing in the monolayer and, less directly, in the bilayer. We find that important corrections are necessary to the volumetric coverage scales used in previous heat capacity and x-ray diffraction studies of this system. This requires quantitative and some qualitative changesmore » to the previously proposed phase diagram. We find evidence for a new phase transition in the middle of the hexagonal incommensurate region and construct new phase diagrams in both the variables coverage-temperature and chemical potential-temperature. We determine the compressibility and thermal expansion in the low-pressure hexagonal incommensurate phase and values for the entropy change in several phase transitions. Below about 55 K there is evidence of solution of up to 7% of an impurity, most likely CO, in our monolayer but not the bilayer film.« less

Impact of using different four-dimensional computed tomography data sets to design proton treatment plans for distal esophageal cancer.

PubMed

Pan, Xiaoning; Zhang, Xiaodong; Li, Yupeng; Mohan, Radhe; Liao, Zhongxing

2009-02-01

To study the impact of selecting different data sets from four-dimensional computed tomography (4D CT) imaging during proton treatment planning in patients with distal esophageal cancer. We examined the effects of changes in 4D CT data set and smearing margins in proton treatment planning for 5 patients with distal esophageal cancer whose diaphragms were in the beam path and could move several centimeters during respiration. Planning strategies based on (1) average, (2) inspiration, and (3) expiration CT were evaluated in terms of their coverage on the internal clinic target volume (ICTV) at the prescribed dose. For Strategy 1, increasing the smearing margin caused an increase in the ICTV prescription dose coverage (PDC) at the end-exhalation phase for all patients, whereas the ICTV PDC decreased for some patients at the end-inhalation phase. For Strategy 2, a smearing margin in the range of 1.0 to 3.5 cm caused the ICTV PDC to remain essentially unchanged, regardless of which phase of 4D CT was used for dose calculation, for all patients. For Strategy 3, the ICTV coverage was adequate for 2 of the 5 patients when a smearing margin of less than 1.0 cm was used, but was not adequate for the other 3 patients regardless of the smearing margin. Using the inspiration CT plus a smearing margin can lead to adequate ICTV coverage in treatment plans for patients with distal esophageal tumors surrounded by tissue that is subject to large changes in density during a proton treatment.

NSW annual immunisation coverage report, 2010.

PubMed

Hull, Brynley; Dey, Aditi; Campbell-Lloyd, Sue; Menzies, Robert I; McIntyre, Peter B

2011-11-01

This annual report, the second in the series, documents trends in immunisation coverage in NSW for children, adolescents and the elderly, to the end of 2010. Data from the Australian Childhood Immunisation Register, the NSW School Immunisation Program and the NSW Population Health Survey were used to calculate various measures of population coverage, coverage for Aboriginal children and vaccination timeliness for all children. Over 90% coverage has been reached for children at 12 and 24 months of age. For children at 5 years of age there was an improvement during 2010 in timeliness for vaccines due at 4 years and coverage almost reached 90%. Delayed receipt of vaccines is still an issue for Aboriginal children. For adolescents, there is good coverage for the first and second doses of human papillomavirus vaccine and the dose of diphtheria, tetanus and acellular pertussis. The pneumococcal vaccination rate in the elderly has been steadily rising, although it has remained lower than the influenza coverage estimates. Completion of the recommended immunisation schedule at the earliest appropriate age should be the next public health goal at both the state and local health district level. Official coverage assessments for 'fully immunised' should include the 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate and meningococcal C vaccines, and wider dissemination should be considered.

Obesity coverage gap: Consumers perceive low coverage for obesity treatments even when workplace wellness programs target BMI.

PubMed

Wilson, Elizabeth Ruth; Kyle, Theodore K; Nadglowski, Joseph F; Stanford, Fatima Cody

2017-02-01

Evidence-based obesity treatments, such as bariatric surgery, are not considered essential health benefits under the Affordable Care Act. Employer-sponsored wellness programs with incentives based on biometric outcomes are allowed and often used despite mixed evidence regarding their effectiveness. This study examines consumers' perceptions of their coverage for obesity treatments and exposure to workplace wellness programs. A total of 7,378 participants completed an online survey during 2015-2016. Respondents answered questions regarding their health coverage for seven medical services and exposure to employer wellness programs that target weight or body mass index (BMI). Using χ 2 tests, associations between perceptions of exposure to employer wellness programs and coverage for medical services were examined. Differences between survey years were also assessed. Most respondents reported they did not have health coverage for obesity treatments, but more of the respondents with employer wellness programs reported having coverage. Neither the perception of coverage for obesity treatments nor exposure to wellness programs increased between 2015 and 2016. Even when consumers have exposure to employer wellness programs that target BMI, their health insurance often excludes obesity treatments. Given the clinical and cost-effectiveness of such treatments, reducing that coverage gap may mitigate obesity's individual- and population-level effects. © 2017 The Obesity Society.

[Using the concept of universal health coverage to promote the health system reform in China].

PubMed

Hu, S L

2016-11-06

The paper is systematically explained the definition, contents of universal health coverage (UHC). Universal health coverage calls for all people to have access to quality health services they need without facing undue financial burden. The relationship between five main attributes, i.e., quality, efficiency, equity, accountability and resilience, and their 15 action plans has been explained. The nature of UHC is belonged to the State and government. The core function is commitment with equality. The whole-of-system method is used to promoting the health system reform. In China, the universal health coverage has been reached to the preliminary achievements, which include universal coverage of social medical insurance, basic medical services, basic public health services, and the provision of essential medicines. China has completed millennium development goals (MDG) and is being stepped to the sustainable development goals (SDG).

Concept and analytical basis for revistas - A fast, flexible computer/graphic system for generating periodic satellite coverage patterns

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

King, J. C.

1976-01-01

The generation of satellite coverage patterns is facilitated by three basic strategies: use of a simplified physical model, permitting rapid closed-form calculation; separation of earth rotation and nodal precession from initial geometric analyses; and use of symmetries to construct traces of indefinite length by repetitive transposition of basic one-quadrant elements. The complete coverage patterns generated consist of a basic nadir trace plus a number of associated off-nadir traces, one for each sensor swath edge to be delineated. Each trace is generated by transposing one or two of the basic quadrant elements into a circle on a nonrotating earth model sphere, after which the circle is expanded into the actual 'helical' pattern by adding rotational displacements to the longitude coordinates. The procedure adapts to the important periodic coverage cases by direct insertion of the characteristic integers N and R (days and orbital revolutions, respectively, per coverage period).

Dosimetric Implications of Residual Tracking Errors During Robotic SBRT of Liver Metastases

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

Chan, Mark; Tuen Mun Hospital, Hong Kong; Grehn, Melanie

Purpose: Although the metric precision of robotic stereotactic body radiation therapy in the presence of breathing motion is widely known, we investigated the dosimetric implications of breathing phase–related residual tracking errors. Methods and Materials: In 24 patients (28 liver metastases) treated with the CyberKnife, we recorded the residual correlation, prediction, and rotational tracking errors from 90 fractions and binned them into 10 breathing phases. The average breathing phase errors were used to shift and rotate the clinical tumor volume (CTV) and planning target volume (PTV) for each phase to calculate a pseudo 4-dimensional error dose distribution for comparison with themore » original planned dose distribution. Results: The median systematic directional correlation, prediction, and absolute aggregate rotation errors were 0.3 mm (range, 0.1-1.3 mm), 0.01 mm (range, 0.00-0.05 mm), and 1.5° (range, 0.4°-2.7°), respectively. Dosimetrically, 44%, 81%, and 92% of all voxels differed by less than 1%, 3%, and 5% of the planned local dose, respectively. The median coverage reduction for the PTV was 1.1% (range in coverage difference, −7.8% to +0.8%), significantly depending on correlation (P=.026) and rotational (P=.005) error. With a 3-mm PTV margin, the median coverage change for the CTV was 0.0% (range, −1.0% to +5.4%), not significantly depending on any investigated parameter. In 42% of patients, the 3-mm margin did not fully compensate for the residual tracking errors, resulting in a CTV coverage reduction of 0.1% to 1.0%. Conclusions: For liver tumors treated with robotic stereotactic body radiation therapy, a safety margin of 3 mm is not always sufficient to cover all residual tracking errors. Dosimetrically, this translates into only small CTV coverage reductions.« less

Restoring Anadromous Fish Habitat in Big Canyon Creek Watershed, 2004-2005 Annual Report.

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

Rasmussen, Lynn

2006-07-01

The ''Restoring Anadromous Fish Habitat in the Big Canyon Creek Watershed'' is a multi-phase project to enhance steelhead trout in the Big Canyon Creek watershed by improving salmonid spawning and rearing habitat. Habitat is limited by extreme high runoff events, low summer flows, high water temperatures, poor instream cover, spawning gravel siltation, and sediment, nutrient and bacteria loading. Funded by the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) as part of the Northwest Power Planning Council's Fish and Wildlife Program, the project assists in mitigating damage to steelhead runs caused by the Columbia River hydroelectric dams. The project is sponsored by the Nezmore » Perce Soil and Water Conservation District. Target fish species include steelhead trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Steelhead trout within the Snake River Basin were listed in 1997 as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. Accomplishments for the contract period September 1, 2004 through October 31, 2005 include; 2.7 riparian miles treated, 3.0 wetland acres treated, 5,263.3 upland acres treated, 106.5 riparian acres treated, 76,285 general public reached, 3,000 students reached, 40 teachers reached, 18 maintenance plans completed, temperature data collected at 6 sites, 8 landowner applications received and processed, 14 land inventories completed, 58 habitat improvement project designs completed, 5 newsletters published, 6 habitat plans completed, 34 projects installed, 2 educational workshops, 6 displays, 1 television segment, 2 public service announcements, a noxious weed GIS coverage, and completion of NEPA, ESA, and cultural resources requirements.« less

Spacecraft Multiple Array Communication System Performance Analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hwu, Shian U.; Desilva, Kanishka; Sham, Catherine C.

2010-01-01

The Communication Systems Simulation Laboratory (CSSL) at the NASA Johnson Space Center is tasked to perform spacecraft and ground network communication system simulations, design validation, and performance verification. The CSSL has developed simulation tools that model spacecraft communication systems and the space and ground environment in which the tools operate. In this paper, a spacecraft communication system with multiple arrays is simulated. Multiple array combined technique is used to increase the radio frequency coverage and data rate performance. The technique is to achieve phase coherence among the phased arrays to combine the signals at the targeting receiver constructively. There are many technical challenges in spacecraft integration with a high transmit power communication system. The array combining technique can improve the communication system data rate and coverage performances without increasing the system transmit power requirements. Example simulation results indicate significant performance improvement can be achieved with phase coherence implementation.

Integrated vector management: the Zambian experience.

PubMed

Chanda, Emmanuel; Masaninga, Fred; Coleman, Michael; Sikaala, Chadwick; Katebe, Cecilia; Macdonald, Michael; Baboo, Kumar S; Govere, John; Manga, Lucien

2008-08-27

The Zambian Malaria Control Programme with the Roll Back Malaria (RBM) partners have developed the current National Malaria Strategic Plan (NMSP 2006-2011) which focuses on prevention based on the Integrated Vector Management (IVM) strategy. The introduction and implementation of an IVM strategy was planned in accordance with the World Health Organization (WHO) steps towards IVM implementation namely Introduction Phase, Consolidation Phase and Expansion Phase. IVM has created commitment for Legal and Regulatory policy review, monitoring, Research and a strong stewardship by the chemical suppliers. It has also leveraged additional resources, improved inter-sectoral collaboration, capacity building and enhanced community participation which facilitated a steady scaling up in coverage and utilisation of key preventive interventions. Thus, markedly reducing malaria incidence and case fatalities in the country. Zambia has successfully introduced, consolidated and expanded IVM activities. Resulting in increased coverage and utilization of interventions and markedly reducing malaria-related morbidity and mortality while ensuring a better protection of the environment.

A global reference for human genetic variation

PubMed Central

2016-01-01

The 1000 Genomes Project set out to provide a comprehensive description of common human genetic variation by applying whole-genome sequencing to a diverse set of individuals from multiple populations. Here we report completion of the project, having reconstructed the genomes of 2,504 individuals from 26 populations using a combination of low-coverage whole-genome sequencing, deep exome sequencing, and dense microarray genotyping. We characterized a broad spectrum of genetic variation, in total over 88 million variants (84.7 million single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), 3.6 million short insertions/deletions (indels), and 60,000 structural variants), all phased onto high-quality haplotypes. This resource includes >99% of SNP variants with a frequency of >1% for a variety of ancestries. We describe the distribution of genetic variation across the global sample, and discuss the implications for common disease studies. PMID:26432245

QUEST/Ada (Query Utility Environment for Software Testing of Ada): The development of a prgram analysis environment for Ada, task 1, phase 2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brown, David B.

1990-01-01

The results of research and development efforts are described for Task one, Phase two of a general project entitled The Development of a Program Analysis Environment for Ada. The scope of this task includes the design and development of a prototype system for testing Ada software modules at the unit level. The system is called Query Utility Environment for Software Testing of Ada (QUEST/Ada). The prototype for condition coverage provides a platform that implements expert system interaction with program testing. The expert system can modify data in the instrument source code in order to achieve coverage goals. Given this initial prototype, it is possible to evaluate the rule base in order to develop improved rules for test case generation. The goals of Phase two are the following: (1) to continue to develop and improve the current user interface to support the other goals of this research effort (i.e., those related to improved testing efficiency and increased code reliable); (2) to develop and empirically evaluate a succession of alternative rule bases for the test case generator such that the expert system achieves coverage in a more efficient manner; and (3) to extend the concepts of the current test environment to address the issues of Ada concurrency.

Hepatitis A vaccination coverage among adults 18-49 years traveling to a country of high or intermediate endemicity, United States.

PubMed

Lu, Peng-Jun; Byrd, Kathy K; Murphy, Trudy V

2013-05-01

Since 1996, hepatitis A vaccine (HepA) has been recommended for adults at increased risk for infection including travelers to high or intermediate hepatitis A endemic countries. In 2009, travel outside the United States and Canada was the most common exposure nationally reported for persons with hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection. To assess HepA vaccination coverage among adults 18-49 years traveling to a country of high or intermediate endemicity in the United States. We analyzed data from the 2010 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), to determine self-reported HepA vaccination coverage (≥1 dose) and series completion (≥2 dose) among persons 18-49 years who traveled, since 1995, to a country of high or intermediate HAV endemicity. Multivariable logistic regression and predictive marginal analyses were conducted to identify factors independently associated with HepA vaccine receipt. In 2010, approximately 36.6% of adults 18-49 years reported traveling to high or intermediate hepatitis A endemic countries; among this group unadjusted HepA vaccination coverage was 26.6% compared to 12.7% among non-travelers (P-values<0.001) and series completion were 16.9% and 7.6%, respectively (P-values<0.001). On multivariable analysis among all respondents, travel status was an independent predictor of HepA coverage and series completion (both P-values<0.001). Among travelers, HepA coverage and series completion (≥2 doses) were higher for travelers 18-25 years (prevalence ratios 2.3, 2.8, respectively, P-values<0.001) and for travelers 26-39 years (prevalence ratios 1.5, 1.5, respectively, P-value<0.001, P-value=0.002, respectively) compared to travelers 40-49 years. Other characteristics independently associated with a higher likelihood of HepA receipt among travelers included Asian race/ethnicity, male sex, never having been married, having a high school or higher education, living in the western United States, having greater number of physician contacts or receipt of influenza vaccination in the previous year. HepB vaccination was excluded from the model because of the significant correlation between receipt of HepA vaccination and HepB vaccination could distort the model. Although travel to a country of high or intermediate hepatitis A endemicity was associated with higher likelihood of HepA vaccination in 2010 among adults 18-49 years, self-reported HepA vaccination coverage was low among adult travelers to these areas. Healthcare providers should ask their patients' upcoming travel plans and recommend and offer travel related vaccinations to their patients. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Hepatitis A vaccination coverage among adults 18–49 years traveling to a country of high or intermediate endemicity, United States

PubMed Central

Lu, Peng-jun; Byrd, Kathy K.; Murphy, Trudy V.

2018-01-01

Background Since 1996, hepatitis A vaccine (HepA) has been recommended for adults at increased risk for infection including travelers to high or intermediate hepatitis A endemic countries. In 2009, travel outside the United States and Canada was the most common exposure nationally reported for persons with hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection. Objective To assess HepA vaccination coverage among adults 18–49 years traveling to a country of high or intermediate endemicity in the United States. Methods We analyzed data from the 2010 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), to determine self-reported HepA vaccination coverage (≥1 dose) and series completion (≥2 dose) among persons 18–49 years who traveled, since 1995, to a country of high or intermediate HAV endemicity. Multivariable logistic regression and predictive marginal analyses were conducted to identify factors independently associated with HepA vaccine receipt. Results In 2010, approximately 36.6% of adults 18–49 years reported traveling to high or intermediate hepatitis A endemic countries; among this group unadjusted HepA vaccination coverage was 26.6% compared to 12.7% among non-travelers (P-values < 0.001) and series completion were 16.9% and 7.6%, respectively (P-values < 0.001). On multivariable analysis among all respondents, travel status was an independent predictor of HepA coverage and series completion (both P-values < 0.001). Among travelers, HepA coverage and series completion (≥2 doses) were higher for travelers 18–25 years (prevalence ratios 2.3, 2.8, respectively, P-values < 0.001) and for travelers 26–39 years (prevalence ratios 1.5, 1.5, respectively, P-value < 0.001, P-value = 0.002, respectively) compared to travelers 40–49 years. Other characteristics independently associated with a higher likelihood of HepA receipt among travelers included Asian race/ethnicity, male sex, never having been married, having a high school or higher education, living in the western United States, having greater number of physician contacts or receipt of influenza vaccination in the previous year. HepB vaccination was excluded from the model because of the significant correlation between receipt of HepA vaccination and HepB vaccination could distort the model. Conclusions Although travel to a country of high or intermediate hepatitis A endemicity was associated with higher likelihood of HepA vaccination in 2010 among adults 18–49 years, self-reported HepA vaccination coverage was low among adult travelers to these areas. Healthcare providers should ask their patients’ upcoming travel plans and recommend and offer travel related vaccinations to their patients. PMID:23523408

Mapping the literature of health care chaplaincy.

PubMed

Johnson, Emily; Dodd-McCue, Diane; Tartaglia, Alexander; McDaniel, Jennifer

2013-07-01

This study examined citation patterns and indexing coverage from 2008 to 2010 to determine (1) the core literature of health care chaplaincy and (2) the resources providing optimum coverage for the literature. Citations from three source journals (2008-2010 inclusive) were collected and analyzed according to the protocol created for the Mapping the Literature of Allied Health Professions Project. An analysis of indexing coverage by five databases was conducted. A secondary analysis of self-citations by source journals was also conducted. The 3 source journals--Chaplaincy Today, the Journal of Health Care Chaplaincy, and the Journal of Pastoral Care and Counseling--ranked as the top 3 journals in Zone 1 and provided the highest number of most frequently cited articles for health care chaplaincy. Additional journals that appeared in this highly productive zone covered the disciplines of medicine, psychology, nursing, and religion, which were also represented in the Zones 2 and 3 journals. None of the databases provided complete coverage for the core journals; however, MEDLINE provided the most comprehensive coverage for journals in Zones 1 and 2, followed by Academic Search Complete, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and ATLA. Self-citations for the source journals ranged from 9% to 16%. Health care chaplaincy draws from a diverse body of inter-professional literature. Libraries wishing to provide access to journal literature to support health care chaplaincy at their institutions will be best able to do this by subscribing to databases and journals that cover medical, psychological, nursing, and religion- or spirituality-focused disciplines.

Sub-epithelial connective tissue graft for root coverage in nonsmokers and smokers: A pilot comparative clinical study

PubMed Central

Dwarakanath, Chini Doraswamy; Divya, Bheemavarapu; Sruthima, Gottumukkala Naga Venkata Satya; Penmetsa, Gautami Subadra

2016-01-01

Background: Gingival recession is a common condition and is more prevalent in smokers. It is widely believed that root coverage procedures in smokers result in less desirable outcome compared to nonsmokers', and there are few controlled studies in literature to support this finding. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the outcome of root coverage with sub-epithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG) in nonsmokers and smokers. Materials and Methods: A sample of twenty subjects, 10 nonsmokers and 10 smokers were selected each with at least 1 Miller's Class I or II recession on a single rooted tooth. Clinical measurements of probing depth, clinical attachment level (CAL), gingival recession total surface area (GRTSA), depth of recession (RD), width of recession (RW), and width of keratinized tissue were determined at baseline, 3, and 6 months after surgery. Results: The treatment of gingival recession with SCTG and coronally advanced flap showed a decrease in the GRTSA, RD, RW, and an increase in CAL and width of keratinized gingiva in both the groups. However, the intergroup comparison of the clinical parameters showed no statistical significance. About 6 out of 10 nonsmokers (60%) and 3 smokers (30%) showed complete root coverage. The mean percentage of root coverage of 71.2% in nonsmokers and 38% in smokers was observed. Conclusion: The results of the present study suggest that smoking may negatively influence gingival recession reduction and CAL gain. In addition, smokers may exhibit fewer chances of complete root coverage. Overall, nonsmokers showed better improvements in all the parameters compared to smokers at the end of 6 months. PMID:28298827

The Role of Smoking and Gingival Crevicular Fluid Markers on Coronally Advanced Flap Outcomes

PubMed Central

Kaval, Başak; Renaud, Diane E.; Scott, David A.; Buduneli, Nurcan

2015-01-01

Background This study evaluates possible effects of smoking on the following: 1) biochemical content in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) samples from sites of gingival recession and saliva; and 2) clinical outcomes of coronally advanced flap (CAF) for root coverage. Methods Eighteen defects in 15 patients were included in each of the smoker and non-smoker groups. Baseline cotinine, basic fibroblast growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor, platelet-derived growth factor, interleukin (IL)-8, IL-10, IL-12, tumor necrosis factor-α, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-8, MMP-9, and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 levels were determined in GCF and saliva samples. CAF with microsurgery technique was applied. Plaque index, papilla bleeding index, recession depth (RD), recession width (RW), and root surface area were evaluated at baseline and postoperative months 1, 3, and 6. Probing depth, clinical attachment level (CAL), and keratinized gingival width (KGW) was recorded at baseline and month 6. Percentage of root coverage and complete root coverage were calculated at postoperative months 1, 3, and 6. Results All biochemical parameters were similar in the two groups apart from the definite difference in salivary cotinine concentrations (P = 0.000). Compared with the baseline values, RD, RW, CAL, and root surface area decreased, and KGW increased, with no significant difference between the study groups. CAL gain, percentage of root coverage, and complete root-coverage rates were similar in the study groups. Conclusion Similar baseline biochemical data and comparably high success rates of root coverage with CAF in systemically and periodontally healthy smokers versus non-smokers suggest lack of adverse effects of smoking on clinical outcomes. PMID:23725027

Coverage Dependent Assembly of Anthraquinone on Au(111)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Conrad, Brad; Deloach, Andrew; Einstein, Theodore; Dougherty, Daniel

A study of adsorbate-adsorbate and surface state mediated interactions of anthraquinone (AnQ) on Au(111) is presented. We utilize scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) to characterize the coverage dependence of AnQ structure formation. Ordered structures are observed up to a single monolayer (ML) and are found to be strongly dependent on molecular surface density. While the complete ML forms a well-ordered close-packed layer, for a narrow range of sub-ML coverages irregular close-packed islands are observed to coexist with a disordered pore network linking neighboring islands. This network displays a characteristic pore size and at lower coverages, the soliton walls of the herringbone reconstruction are shown to promote formation of distinct pore nanostructures. We will discuss these nanostructure formations in the context of surface mediated and more direct adsorbate interactions.

Measuring Adolescent Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Coverage: A Match of Sexually Transmitted Disease Clinic and Immunization Registry Data.

PubMed

Pathela, Preeti; Jamison, Kelly; Papadouka, Vikki; Kabir, Rezaul; Markowitz, Lauri E; Dunne, Eileen F; Schillinger, Julia A

2016-12-01

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is recommended for adolescents. By the end of 2013, 64% of female and 40% of male New York City residents aged 13-18 years had received ≥1 HPV vaccine dose. Adolescents attending sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinics are at high risk for HPV exposure and could benefit from vaccination. Our objective was to estimate HPV vaccination coverage for this population. We matched records of New York City's STD clinic patients aged 13-18 years during 2010-2013 with the Citywide Immunization Registry. We assessed HPV vaccine initiation (≥1 dose) and series completion (≥3 doses among those who initiated) as of clinic visit date and by patient demographics. We compared receipt of ≥1 dose for HPV, tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis, and meningococcal conjugate vaccine. Eighty-two percent of clinic attendees (13,505/16,364) had records in the Citywide Immunization Registry. Receipt of ≥1 HPV dose increased during 2010-2013 (females: 57.6%-69.7%; males: 1.5%-36.3%). Among females, ≥1-dose coverage was lowest among whites (53.4%) and highest among Hispanics (73.3%); among males, ≥1-dose coverage was lowest among whites (6.9%) and highest among Asians (20.9%). Series completion averaged 57.7% (females) and 28.0% (males), with little variation by race/ethnicity or poverty level. Receipt of ≥1 dose was 59.7% for HPV, 82% for tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis, and 76% for meningococcal conjugate vaccines. HPV vaccine initiation and completion were low among adolescent STD clinic patients; coverage was lower compared with other recommended vaccines. STD clinics may be good venues for delivering HPV vaccine, thereby enhancing efforts to improve HPV vaccination. Copyright © 2016 Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine. All rights reserved.

Imaging of Stellar Surfaces with the Navy Precision Optical Interferometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jorgensen, A.; Schmitt, H. R.; van Belle, G. T.; Hutter, Clark; Mozurkewich, D.; Armstrong, J. T.; Baines, E. K.; Restaino, S. R.

The Navy Precision Optical Interferometer (NPOI) has a unique layout which is particularly well-suited for high-resolution interferometric imaging. By combining the NPOI layout with a new data acquisition and fringe tracking system we are progressing toward a imaging capability which will exceed any other interferometer in operation. The project, funded by the National Science Foundation, combines several existing advances and infrastructure at NPOI with modest enhancements. For optimal imaging there are several requirements that should be fulfilled. The observatory should be capable of measuring visibilities on a wide range of baseline lengths and orientations, providing complete UV coverage in a short period of time. It should measure visibility amplitudes with good SNR on all baselines as critical imaging information is often contained in low-amplitude visibilities. It should measure the visibility phase on all baselines. The technologies which can achieve this are the NPOI Y-shaped array with (nearly) equal spacing between telescopes and an ability for rapid configuration. Placing 6-telescopes in a row makes it possible to measure visibilities into the 4th lobe of the visibility function. By arranging the available telescopes carefully we will be able to switch, every few days, between 3 different 6-station chains which provide symmetric coverage in the UV (Fourier) plane without moving any telescopes, only by moving beam relay mirrors. The 6-station chains are important to achieve the highest imaging resolution, and switching rapidly between station chains provides uniform coverage. Coherent integration techniques can be used to obtain good SNR on very small visibilities. Coherently integrated visibilities can be used for imaging with standard radio imaging packages such as AIPS. The commissioning of one additional station, the use of new data acquisition hardware and fringe tracking algorithms are the enhancements which make this project possible.

A Hybrid Memetic Framework for Coverage Optimization in Wireless Sensor Networks.

PubMed

Chen, Chia-Pang; Mukhopadhyay, Subhas Chandra; Chuang, Cheng-Long; Lin, Tzu-Shiang; Liao, Min-Sheng; Wang, Yung-Chung; Jiang, Joe-Air

2015-10-01

One of the critical concerns in wireless sensor networks (WSNs) is the continuous maintenance of sensing coverage. Many particular applications, such as battlefield intrusion detection and object tracking, require a full-coverage at any time, which is typically resolved by adding redundant sensor nodes. With abundant energy, previous studies suggested that the network lifetime can be maximized while maintaining full coverage through organizing sensor nodes into a maximum number of disjoint sets and alternately turning them on. Since the power of sensor nodes is unevenly consumed over time, and early failure of sensor nodes leads to coverage loss, WSNs require dynamic coverage maintenance. Thus, the task of permanently sustaining full coverage is particularly formulated as a hybrid of disjoint set covers and dynamic-coverage-maintenance problems, and both have been proven to be nondeterministic polynomial-complete. In this paper, a hybrid memetic framework for coverage optimization (Hy-MFCO) is presented to cope with the hybrid problem using two major components: 1) a memetic algorithm (MA)-based scheduling strategy and 2) a heuristic recursive algorithm (HRA). First, the MA-based scheduling strategy adopts a dynamic chromosome structure to create disjoint sets, and then the HRA is utilized to compensate the loss of coverage by awaking some of the hibernated nodes in local regions when a disjoint set fails to maintain full coverage. The results obtained from real-world experiments using a WSN test-bed and computer simulations indicate that the proposed Hy-MFCO is able to maximize sensing coverage while achieving energy efficiency at the same time. Moreover, the results also show that the Hy-MFCO significantly outperforms the existing methods with respect to coverage preservation and energy efficiency.

Specialist availability in emergencies: contributions of response times and the use of ad hoc coverage in New York State.

PubMed

Rabin, Elaine; Patrick, Lisa

2016-04-01

Nationwide, hospitals struggle to maintain specialist on-call coverage for emergencies. We seek to further understand the issue by examining reliability of scheduled coverage and the role of ad hoc coverage when none is scheduled. An anonymous electronic survey of all emergency department (ED) directors of a large state. Overall and for 10 specialties, respondents were asked to estimate on-call coverage extent and "reliability" (frequency of emergency response in a clinically useful time frame: 2 hours), and use and effect of ad hoc emergency coverage to fill gaps. Descriptive statistics were performed using Fisher exact and Wilcoxon sign rank tests for significance. Contact information was obtained for 125 of 167 ED directors. Sixty responded (48%), representing 36% of EDs. Forty-six percent reported full on-call coverage scheduled for all specialties. Forty-six percent reported consistent reliability. Coverage and reliability were strongly related (P<.01; 33% reported both), and larger ED volume correlated with both (P<.01). Ninety percent of hospitals that had gaps in either employed ad hoc coverage, significantly improving coverage for 8 of 10 specialties. For all but 1 specialty, more than 20% of hospitals reported that specialists are "Never", "Rarely" or "Sometimes" reliable (more than 50% for cardiovascular surgery, hand surgery and ophthalmology). Significant holes in scheduled on-call specialist coverage are compounded by frequent unreliability of on-call specialists, but partially ameliorated by ad hoc specialist coverage. Regionalization may help because a 2-tiered system may exist: larger hospitals have more complete, reliable coverage. Better understanding of specialists' willingness to treat emergencies ad hoc without taking formal call will suggest additional remedies. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Open Tibia Shaft Fractures and Soft-Tissue Coverage: The Effects of Management by an Orthopaedic Microsurgical Team.

PubMed

VandenBerg, James; Osei, Daniel; Boyer, Martin I; Gardner, Michael J; Ricci, William M; Spraggs-Hughes, Amanda; McAndrew, Christopher M

2017-06-01

To compare the timing of soft-tissue (flap) coverage and occurrence of complications before and after the establishment of an integrated orthopaedic trauma/microsurgical team. Retrospective cohort study. A single level 1 trauma center. Twenty-eight subjects (13 pre- and 15 post-integration) with open tibia shaft fractures (OTA/AO 42A, 42B, and 42C) treated with flap coverage between January 2009 and March 2015. Flap coverage for open tibia shaft fractures treated before ("preintegration") and after ("postintegration") implementation of an integrated orthopaedic trauma/microsurgical team. Time from index injury to flap coverage. The unadjusted median time to coverage was 7 days (95% confidence interval, 5.9-8.1) preintegration, and 6 days (95% confidence interval, 4.6-7.4) postintegration (P = 0.48). For preintegration, 9 (69%) of the patients experienced complications, compared with 7 (47%) postintegration (P = 0.23). After formation of an integrated orthopaedic trauma/microsurgery team, we observed a 1-day decrease in median days to coverage from index injury. Complications overall were lowered in the postintegration group, although statistically insignificant. Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

42 CFR 416.52 - Conditions for coverage-Patient admission, assessment and discharge.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... completion of the most recently documented medical history and physical assessment, including documentation of any allergies to drugs and biologicals. (3) The patient's medical history and physical assessment... have a comprehensive medical history and physical assessment completed by a physician (as defined in...

42 CFR 416.52 - Conditions for coverage-Patient admission, assessment and discharge.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... completion of the most recently documented medical history and physical assessment, including documentation of any allergies to drugs and biologicals. (3) The patient's medical history and physical assessment... have a comprehensive medical history and physical assessment completed by a physician (as defined in...

42 CFR 416.52 - Conditions for coverage-Patient admission, assessment and discharge.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... completion of the most recently documented medical history and physical assessment, including documentation of any allergies to drugs and biologicals. (3) The patient's medical history and physical assessment... have a comprehensive medical history and physical assessment completed by a physician (as defined in...

Au36(SPh)23 nanomolecules.

PubMed

Nimmala, Praneeth Reddy; Dass, Amala

2011-06-22

A new core size protected completely by an aromatic thiol, Au(36)(SPh)(23), is synthesized and characterized by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry and UV-visible spectroscopy. The synthesis involving core size changes is studied by MS, and the complete ligand coverage by aromatic thiol group is shown by NMR.

A health plan to reduce poverty.

PubMed

Weil, Alan

2007-01-01

Noting that the failures of the U.S. health care system are compounding the problems faced by low-income Americans, Alan Weil argues that any strategy to reduce poverty must provide access to health care for all low-income families. Although nearly all children in families with incomes under 200 percent of poverty are eligible for either Medicaid or the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), the parents of poor children often lack health insurance. Parents who leave welfare normally get a year of coverage but then lose coverage unless their employer provides it, and many employers of low-wage workers do not offer health insurance. Similarly, parents who take low-paying jobs to avoid welfare usually have no coverage at all. This lack of coverage discourages adults from working and may also affect the health of children because adults without health insurance are less likely to take their children for preventive care. Weil proposes creating a federal earned income health credit (EIHC) and redefining the federal floor of coverage through Medicaid and SCHIP. His aim is to make health insurance affordable for low-income families and to make sure enough options are available that individuals and families can get coverage using a combination of their own, their employer's, and public resources. Weil would expand Medicaid eligibility to include all families whose income falls below the poverty line. The EIHC would be a refundable tax credit that would be available to parents during the year in advance of filing a tax return. The credit, which would be based on taxpayer earnings and family structure, would phase in as earnings increase, reach a plateau, and then phase out farther up the income scale. The credit would be larger for families with dependents. The EIHC would function seamlessly with the employee payroll withholding system. It would be available only to adults who demonstrate that they had health insurance coverage during the year and, for adults with children, only if their eligible dependent children were enrolled in either a private or public insurance program. Weil's proposal would cover individuals who receive coverage from their employer and those who do not. The proposal smooths transitions from public to private coverage, and it anticipates a substantial role for states. Weil estimates that his policy would cost about $45 billion a year.

The Orbit of the Gamma-Ray Binary 1FGL J1018.6−5856

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

Monageng, I. M.; McBride, V. A.; Kniazev, A. Y.

2017-09-20

Gamma-ray binaries are a small subclass of the high mass X-ray binary population that exhibit emission across the whole electromagnetic spectrum. We present the radial velocities of 1FGL J1018.6−5856 based on the observations obtained with the Southern African Large Telescope. We combine our measurements with those published in the literature to get a broad phase coverage. The mass function obtained supports a neutron star compact object, although a black hole mass is possible for the very low inclination angles. The improved phase coverage allows constraints to be placed on the orbital eccentricity ( e = 0.31 ± 0.16), which agreesmore » with the estimates from the high-energy data.« less

Microwave Landing System. Phase II. Tracker Error Study.

DTIC Science & Technology

1974-12-01

the runways and environs. The geographical locations of the four phototheodolite towers are indicated on Figure 1-1. A Contraves Model C phototheodolite...temperature 400 K above 500 elevation (dark sky) Side lobe location 1.720 (Ist) Type of scan Monopulse R-f transmission line Rectangular waveguide Line loss ...receiving 1.3 db Line loss transmitting 2.3 db System Facts Azimuth coverage 3600 Elevation coverage -10* to 190* (tracking -10* to 85*) Range accuracy

Effects of finite coverage on global polarization observables in heavy ion collisions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lan, Shaowei; Lin, Zi-Wei; Shi, Shusu; Sun, Xu

2018-05-01

In non-central relativistic heavy ion collisions, the created matter possesses a large initial orbital angular momentum. Particles produced in the collisions could be polarized globally in the direction of the orbital angular momentum due to spin-orbit coupling. Recently, the STAR experiment has presented polarization signals for Λ hyperons and possible spin alignment signals for ϕ mesons. Here we discuss the effects of finite coverage on these observables. The results from a multi-phase transport and a toy model both indicate that a pseudorapidity coverage narrower than | η | < ∼ 1 will generate a larger value for the extracted ϕ-meson ρ00 parameter; thus a finite coverage can lead to an artificial deviation of ρ00 from 1/3. We also show that a finite η and pT coverage affect the extracted pH parameter for Λ hyperons when the real pH value is non-zero. Therefore proper corrections are necessary to reliably quantify the global polarization with experimental observables.

Systematic Structure–Property Relationship Studies in Palladium-Catalyzed Methane Complete Combustion

DOE PAGES

Willis, Joshua J.; Gallo, Alessandro; Sokaras, Dimosthenis; ...

2017-10-09

To limit further rising levels in methane emissions from stationary and mobile sources and to enable promising technologies based on methane, the development of efficient combustion catalysts that completely oxidize CH 4 to CO 2 and H 2O at low temperatures in the presence of high steam concentrations is required. Palladium is widely considered as one of the most promising materials for this reaction, and a better understanding of the factors affecting its activity and stability is crucial to design even more improved catalysts that efficiently utilize this precious metal. Here we report a study of the effect of threemore » important variables (particle size, support, and reaction conditions including water) on the activity of supported Pd catalysts. We use uniform palladium nanocrystals as catalyst precursors to prepare a library of well-defined catalysts to systematically describe structure–property relationships with help from theory and in situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy. With this approach, we confirm that PdO is the most active phase and that small differences in reaction rates as a function of size are likely due to variations in the surface crystal structure. We further demonstrate that the support exerts a limited influence on the PdO activity, with inert (SiO 2), acidic (Al 2O 3), and redox-active (Ce 0.8Zr 0.2O 2) supports providing similar rates, while basic (MgO) supports show remarkably lower activity. Finally, we show that the introduction of steam leads to a considerable decrease in rates that is due to coverage effects, rather than structural and/or phase changes. Altogether, the data suggest that to further increase the activity and stability of Pd-based catalysts for methane combustion, increasing the surface area of supported PdO phases while avoiding strong adsorption of water on the catalytic surfaces is required. Furthermore, this study clarifies contrasting reports in the literature about the active phase and stability of Pd-based materials for methane combustion.« less

Systematic Structure–Property Relationship Studies in Palladium-Catalyzed Methane Complete Combustion

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

Willis, Joshua J.; Gallo, Alessandro; Sokaras, Dimosthenis

To limit further rising levels in methane emissions from stationary and mobile sources and to enable promising technologies based on methane, the development of efficient combustion catalysts that completely oxidize CH 4 to CO 2 and H 2O at low temperatures in the presence of high steam concentrations is required. Palladium is widely considered as one of the most promising materials for this reaction, and a better understanding of the factors affecting its activity and stability is crucial to design even more improved catalysts that efficiently utilize this precious metal. Here we report a study of the effect of threemore » important variables (particle size, support, and reaction conditions including water) on the activity of supported Pd catalysts. We use uniform palladium nanocrystals as catalyst precursors to prepare a library of well-defined catalysts to systematically describe structure–property relationships with help from theory and in situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy. With this approach, we confirm that PdO is the most active phase and that small differences in reaction rates as a function of size are likely due to variations in the surface crystal structure. We further demonstrate that the support exerts a limited influence on the PdO activity, with inert (SiO 2), acidic (Al 2O 3), and redox-active (Ce 0.8Zr 0.2O 2) supports providing similar rates, while basic (MgO) supports show remarkably lower activity. Finally, we show that the introduction of steam leads to a considerable decrease in rates that is due to coverage effects, rather than structural and/or phase changes. Altogether, the data suggest that to further increase the activity and stability of Pd-based catalysts for methane combustion, increasing the surface area of supported PdO phases while avoiding strong adsorption of water on the catalytic surfaces is required. Furthermore, this study clarifies contrasting reports in the literature about the active phase and stability of Pd-based materials for methane combustion.« less

Airborne antenna polarization study for the microwave landing system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gilreath, M. C.

1976-01-01

The feasibility of the microwave landing system (MLS) airborne antenna pattern coverage requirements are investigated for a large commercial aircraft using a single omnidirectional antenna. Omnidirectional antennas having vertical and horizontal polarizations were evaluated at several different station locations on a one-eleventh scale model Boeing 737 aircraft. The results obtained during this experimental program are presented which include principal plane antenna patterns and complete volumetric coverage plots.

Impact of Using Different Four-Dimensional Computed Tomography Data Sets to Design Proton Treatment Plans for Distal Esophageal Cancer

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

Pan Xiaoning; Zhang Xiaodong; Li Yupeng

2009-02-01

Purpose: To study the impact of selecting different data sets from four-dimensional computed tomography (4D CT) imaging during proton treatment planning in patients with distal esophageal cancer. Methods and Materials: We examined the effects of changes in 4D CT data set and smearing margins in proton treatment planning for 5 patients with distal esophageal cancer whose diaphragms were in the beam path and could move several centimeters during respiration. Planning strategies based on (1) average, (2) inspiration, and (3) expiration CT were evaluated in terms of their coverage on the internal clinic target volume (ICTV) at the prescribed dose. Results:more » For Strategy 1, increasing the smearing margin caused an increase in the ICTV prescription dose coverage (PDC) at the end-exhalation phase for all patients, whereas the ICTV PDC decreased for some patients at the end-inhalation phase. For Strategy 2, a smearing margin in the range of 1.0 to 3.5 cm caused the ICTV PDC to remain essentially unchanged, regardless of which phase of 4D CT was used for dose calculation, for all patients. For Strategy 3, the ICTV coverage was adequate for 2 of the 5 patients when a smearing margin of less than 1.0 cm was used, but was not adequate for the other 3 patients regardless of the smearing margin. Conclusion: Using the inspiration CT plus a smearing margin can lead to adequate ICTV coverage in treatment plans for patients with distal esophageal tumors surrounded by tissue that is subject to large changes in density during a proton treatment.« less

Electronic structure of dense Pb overlayers on Si(111) investigated using angle-resolved photoemission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Choi, W. H.; Koh, H.; Rotenberg, E.; Yeom, H. W.

2007-02-01

Dense Pb overlayers on Si(111) are important as the wetting layer for anomalous Pb island growth as well as for their own complex “devil’s-staircase” phases. The electronic structures of dense Pb overlayers on Si(111) were investigated in detail by angle-resolved photoemission. Among the series of ordered phases found recently above one monolayer, the low-coverage 7×3 and the high-coverage 14×3 phases are studied; they are well ordered and form reproducibly in large areas. The band dispersions and Fermi surfaces of the two-dimensional (2D) electronic states of these overlayers are mapped out. A number of metallic surface-state bands are identified for both phases with complex Fermi contours. The basic features of the observed Fermi contours can be explained by overlapping 2D free-electron-like Fermi circles. This analysis reveals that the 2D electrons near the Fermi level of the 7×3 and 14×3 phases are mainly governed by strong 1×1 and 3×3 potentials, respectively. The origins of the 2D electronic states and their apparent Fermi surface shapes are discussed based on recent structure models.

Management of gingival recession by the use of an acellular dermal graft material: a 12-case series.

PubMed

Santos, A; Goumenos, G; Pascual, A

2005-11-01

Different soft tissue defects can be treated by a variety of surgical procedures. Most of these techniques require the palatal area as a donor site. Recently, an acellular dermal graft has become available that can substitute for palatal donor tissue. This study describes the surgical technique for gingival augmentation and root coverage and the results of 12 clinical cases. A comparison between the three most popular mucogingival procedures for root coverage is also presented. The results of the 12 patients and the 26 denuded surfaces have shown that we can obtain a mean root coverage of 74% with the acellular dermal graft. Thirteen out of the 26 denuded surfaces had complete root coverage. The average increase in keratinized tissue was 1.19 mm. It seems that the long-term results of the cases are stable. The proposed technique of root coverage with an acellular dermal graft can be a good alternative to soft tissue grafts for root coverage, and it should be part of our periodontal plastic surgery armamentarium.

Evaluation of primary immunization coverage of infants under universal immunization programme in an urban area of bangalore city using cluster sampling and lot quality assurance sampling techniques.

PubMed

K, Punith; K, Lalitha; G, Suman; Bs, Pradeep; Kumar K, Jayanth

2008-07-01

Is LQAS technique better than cluster sampling technique in terms of resources to evaluate the immunization coverage in an urban area? To assess and compare the lot quality assurance sampling against cluster sampling in the evaluation of primary immunization coverage. Population-based cross-sectional study. Areas under Mathikere Urban Health Center. Children aged 12 months to 23 months. 220 in cluster sampling, 76 in lot quality assurance sampling. Percentages and Proportions, Chi square Test. (1) Using cluster sampling, the percentage of completely immunized, partially immunized and unimmunized children were 84.09%, 14.09% and 1.82%, respectively. With lot quality assurance sampling, it was 92.11%, 6.58% and 1.31%, respectively. (2) Immunization coverage levels as evaluated by cluster sampling technique were not statistically different from the coverage value as obtained by lot quality assurance sampling techniques. Considering the time and resources required, it was found that lot quality assurance sampling is a better technique in evaluating the primary immunization coverage in urban area.

High agreement between the new Mongolian electronic immunization register and written immunization records: a health centre based audit

PubMed Central

Mungun, Tuya; Dorj, Narangerel; Volody, Baigal; Chuluundorj, Uranjargal; Munkhbat, Enkhtuya; Danzan, Gerelmaa; Nguyen, Cattram D; La Vincente, Sophie; Russell, Fiona

2017-01-01

Introduction Monitoring of vaccination coverage is vital for the prevention and control of vaccine-preventable diseases. Electronic immunization registers have been increasingly adopted to assist with the monitoring of vaccine coverage; however, there is limited literature about the use of electronic registers in low- and middle-income countries such as Mongolia. We aimed to determine the accuracy and completeness of the newly introduced electronic immunization register for calculating vaccination coverage and determining vaccine effectiveness within two districts in Mongolia in comparison to written health provider records. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional record review among children 2–23 months of age vaccinated at immunization clinics within the two districts. We linked data from written records with the electronic immunization register using the national identification number to determine the completeness and accuracy of the electronic register. Results Both completeness (90.9%; 95% CI: 88.4–93.4) and accuracy (93.3%; 95% CI: 84.1–97.4) of the electronic immunization register were high when compared to written records. The increase in completeness over time indicated a delay in data entry. Conclusion Through this audit, we have demonstrated concordance between a newly introduced electronic register and health provider records in a middle-income country setting. Based on this experience, we recommend that electronic registers be accompanied by routine quality assurance procedures for the monitoring of vaccination programmes in such settings. PMID:29051836

High Throughput Transcriptomics @ USEPA (Toxicology ...

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

The ideal chemical testing approach will provide complete coverage of all relevant toxicological responses. It should be sensitive and specific It should identify the mechanism/mode-of-action (with dose-dependence). It should identify responses relevant to the species of interest. Responses should ideally be translated into tissue-, organ-, and organism-level effects. It must be economical and scalable. Using a High Throughput Transcriptomics platform within US EPA provides broader coverage of biological activity space and toxicological MOAs and helps fill the toxicological data gap. Slide presentation at the 2016 ToxForum on using High Throughput Transcriptomics at US EPA for broader coverage biological activity space and toxicological MOAs.

Improved Small-Particle Powders for Plasma Spraying

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nguyen, QuynhGiao, N.; Miller, Robert A.; Leissler, George W.

2005-01-01

Improved small-particle powders and powder-processing conditions have been developed for use in plasma spray deposition of thermal-barrier and environmental barrier coatings. Heretofore, plasma-sprayed coatings have typically ranged in thickness from 125 to 1,800 micrometers. As explained below, the improved powders make it possible to ensure complete coverage of substrates at unprecedently small thicknesses of the order of 25 micrometers. Plasma spraying involves feeding a powder into a hot, high-velocity plasma jet. The individual powder particles melt in the plasma jet as they are propelled towards a substrate, upon which they splat to build up a coating. In some cases, multiple coating layers are required. The size range of the powder particles necessarily dictates the minimum thickness of a coating layer needed to obtain uniform or complete coverage. Heretofore, powder particle sizes have typically ranged from 40 to 70 micrometers; as a result, the minimum thickness of a coating layer for complete coverage has been about 75 micrometers. In some applications, thinner coatings or thinner coating layers are desirable. In principle, one can reduce the minimum complete-coverage thickness of a layer by using smaller powder particles. However, until now, when powder particle sizes have been reduced, the powders have exhibited a tendency to cake, clogging powder feeder mechanisms and feed lines. Hence, the main problem is one of synthesizing smaller-particle powders having desirable flow properties. The problem is solved by use of a process that begins with a spray-drying subprocess to produce spherical powder particles having diameters of less than 30 micrometers. (Spherical-particle powders have the best flow properties.) The powder is then passed several times through a commercial sifter with a mesh to separate particles having diameters less than 15 micrometers. The resulting fine, flowable powder is passed through a commercial fluidized bed powder feeder into a plasma spray jet.

Methanol oxidation on stoichiometric and oxygen-rich RuO2(110).

PubMed

Rai, Rahul; Weaver, Jason F

2017-07-26

We used temperature-programmed reaction spectroscopy (TPRS) to investigate the adsorption and oxidation of methanol on stoichiometric and O-rich RuO 2 (110) surfaces. We find that the complete oxidation of CH 3 OH is strongly preferred on stoichiometric RuO 2 (110) during TPRS for initial CH 3 OH coverages below ∼0.33 ML (monolayer), and that partial oxidation to mainly CH 2 O becomes increasingly favored with increasing CH 3 OH coverage from 0.33 to 1.0 ML. We present evidence that an adsorbed CH 2 O 2 species serves as the key intermediate to complete oxidation and that CH 2 O 2 formation is intrinsically facile but becomes limited by the availability of bridging O-atoms on stoichiometric RuO 2 (110) at initial CH 3 OH coverages above 0.33 ML. We show that methanol molecules adsorbed in excess of 0.33 ML dehydrogenate to mainly CH 2 O and desorb during TPRS, with adsorbed CH 3 O groups mediating the evolution of both CH 2 O and CH 3 OH. We find that O-rich RuO 2 (110) surfaces are also highly active toward methanol oxidation and that selectivity toward the complete oxidation of methanol increases markedly with increasing coverage of on-top O-atoms (O ot ) on RuO 2 (110). Our results demonstrate that CH 3 OH species adsorbed within O ot -rich domains react efficiently during TPRS, in parallel with reaction of CH 3 OH adsorbed initially on cus-Ru sites. The data suggests that the facile hydrogenation of O ot atoms and the resulting desorption of H 2 O at low-temperature (<∼400 K) provides an efficient pathway for restoring reactive O-atoms and thereby promoting complete oxidation of methanol on the O-rich RuO 2 (110) surface.

Volumetrically-Derived Global Navigation Satellite System Performance Assessment from the Earths Surface through the Terrestrial Service Volume and the Space Service Volume

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Welch, Bryan W.

2016-01-01

NASA is participating in the International Committee on Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) (ICG)'s efforts towards demonstrating the benefits to the space user from the Earth's surface through the Terrestrial Service Volume (TSV) to the edge of the Space Service Volume (SSV), when a multi-GNSS solution space approach is utilized. The ICG Working Group: Enhancement of GNSS Performance, New Services and Capabilities has started a three phase analysis initiative as an outcome of recommendations at the ICG-10 meeting, in preparation for the ICG-11 meeting. The first phase of that increasing complexity and fidelity analysis initiative was recently expanded to compare nadir-facing and zenith-facing user hemispherical antenna coverage with omnidirectional antenna coverage at different distances of 8,000 km altitude and 36,000 km altitude. This report summarizes the performance using these antenna coverage techniques at distances ranging from 100 km altitude to 36,000 km to be all encompassing, as well as the volumetrically-derived system availability metrics.

Chemical waves in the O2 + H2 reaction on a Rh(111) surface alloyed with nickel. I. Photoelectron emission microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smolinsky, Tim; von Boehn, Bernhard; Imbihl, Ronald

2018-04-01

Chemical waves that arise in the H2 + O2 reaction on a bimetallic Rh(111)/Ni surface have been studied in the 10-6 and 10-5 mbar range at T = 773 K with photoelectron emission microscopy (PEEM), low-energy electron diffraction (LEED), and Auger electron spectroscopy (AES). Nickel coverages of 0.3, 0.6, and 1.0 monolayers were investigated. Coadsorbed with some oxygen, Ni starts to penetrate the Rh bulk region substantially only beyond 900 K. In the 10-5 mbar range, chemical waves are characterized by three distinct gray levels in PEEM. This number reduces to only two levels in the 10-6 mbar range. In situ LEED showed the periodic appearance of a (n × 1) (n = 8, 10) pattern during chemical waves which was assigned to a 2D-Ni oxide. With in situ AES, one observes that the bright phase in PEEM correlates with a high Ni coverage and the dark phase with a low Ni coverage.

32 CFR 644.47 - Appraisal of other interests.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... improvements will include, in addition to complete coverage of all factors influencing the use of the property... construction. (ii) Complete cost data as to original purchase price and Government construction. (iii) Detailed... inspected, it will be so noted in the appraisal report. The decision concerning the necessity for a physical...

Investigation of multichannel phased array performance for fetal MR imaging on 1.5T clinical MR system

PubMed Central

Li, Ye; Pang, Yong; Vigneron, Daniel; Glenn, Orit; Xu, Duan; Zhang, Xiaoliang

2011-01-01

Fetal MRI on 1.5T clinical scanner has been increasingly becoming a powerful imaging tool for studying fetal brain abnormalities in vivo. Due to limited availability of dedicated fetal phased arrays, commercial torso or cardiac phased arrays are routinely used for fetal scans, which are unable to provide optimized SNR and parallel imaging performance with a small number coil elements, and insufficient coverage and filling factor. This poses a demand for the investigation and development of dedicated and efficient radiofrequency (RF) hardware to improve fetal imaging. In this work, an investigational approach to simulate the performance of multichannel flexible phased arrays is proposed to find a better solution to fetal MR imaging. A 32 channel fetal array is presented to increase coil sensitivity, coverage and parallel imaging performance. The electromagnetic field distribution of each element of the fetal array is numerically simulated by using finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method. The array performance, including B1 coverage, parallel reconstructed images and artifact power, is then theoretically calculated and compared with the torso array. Study results show that the proposed array is capable of increasing B1 field strength as well as sensitivity homogeneity in the entire area of uterus. This would ensure high quality imaging regardless of the location of the fetus in the uterus. In addition, the paralleling imaging performance of the proposed fetal array is validated by using artifact power comparison with torso array. These results demonstrate the feasibility of the 32 channel flexible array for fetal MR imaging at 1.5T. PMID:22408747

Neotectonics of the San Andreas Fault system: Basin and range province juncture

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Estes, J. E.; Crowell, J. C. (Principal Investigator)

1981-01-01

A thorough evaluation of all LANDSAT coverage of the study area (considering atmospheric clarity, seasonal aspects, specific swath location, and digital quality) resulted in the selection of two consecutive (continuously recorded) scenes for detailed analyses. The acquisition of HCMM and SEASAT imagery as well as high altitude U-2 uniform coverage is being considered. A bibliography of previous geological studies and methodological examples is estimated to be 70% complete.

Multi-band photometric study of the short-period eclipsing binary GR Boo

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Daimei; Zhang, Liyun; Han, Xianming L.; Lu, Hongpeng

2017-05-01

We present BVRI light curves with complete phase coverage for the short-period (p = 0.377day) eclipsing binary star GR Boo. We carried out the observations using the SARA 90 cm telescope located at Kitt Peak National Observatory. We obtained six new light curve minimum times. By fitting all of the available O-C minimum times, we obtained an updated ephemeris that shows the orbital period of GR Boo is decreasing at a rate of P˙ = - 2.36 ×10-7 days/year. This decrease in its period can be explained by either mass transfer from the more massive component to the less massive one, or angular momentum exchange due to magnetic activities. We also obtained a set of revised orbital parameters using the Wilson & Devinney program. And finally, we concluded that GR Boo is a contact binary with a dark spot.

Electronic recording and reporting system for tuberculosis in China: experience and opportunities

PubMed Central

Huang, Fei; Cheng, ShiMing; Du, Xin; Chen, Wei; Scano, Fabio; Falzon, Dennis; Wang, Lixia

2014-01-01

Tuberculosis (TB) surveillance in China is organized through a nationwide network of about 3200 hospitals and health facilities. In 2005, an electronic Tuberculosis Information Management System (TBIMS) started to be phased in to replace paper recording. The TBIMS collects key information on TB cases notified in TB care facilities, and exchanges real-time data with the Infectious Disease Reporting System, which covers the country’s 37 notifiable diseases. The system is accessible to authorized users at every level of the TB network through a password-protected website. By 2009 the TBIMS achieved nationwide coverage. Completeness of data on patient bacteriological end points improved remarkably over time. Data on about a million active TB cases, including drug-resistant TB, are included each year. The sheer scale of the data handling and the intricate functions that the China TBIMS performs makes it stand apart from the electronic information systems for TB adopted in other countries. PMID:24326537

Back to the Basics: Community-Acquired Pneumonia in Children.

PubMed

Boyd, Kathleen

2017-07-01

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a common childhood infection and often a reason for inpatient admission, especially when a child is hypoxic or in respiratory distress. Despite advances in technology and diagnostics, it remains difficult to accurately differentiate bacterial CAP from a viral process. Most of the laboratory tests routinely done in inpatient medicine, such as complete blood counts and acute phase reactants, do little to differentiate a viral pneumonia from a bacterial pneumonia. Clinicians must rely heavily on the clinical presentation and decide whether to treat empirically with antibiotics. Guidelines published by the Infectious Disease Society of America in 2011 have helped clinicians standardize the diagnosis and treatment of CAP. The guidelines recommend relatively narrow-spectrum antibiotics, such as ampicillin or penicillin, as empiric coverage for the fully immunized child older than age 3 months who requires hospitalization for CAP. [Pediatr Ann. 2017;46(7):e257-e261.]. Copyright 2017, SLACK Incorporated.

Lightning and Precipitation: Observational Analysis of LIS and PR

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Adamo, C.; Solomon, R.; Goodman, S.; Dietrich, S.; Mugnai, A.

2003-01-01

Lightning flash rate can identify areas of convective rainfall when the storms are dominated by ice-phase precipitation. Modeling and observational studies indicate that cloud electrification and microphysics are very closely related and it is of great interest to understand the relationship between lightning and cloud microphysical quantities. Analyzing data from the Lightning Image Sensor (LIS) and the Precipitation Radar (PR), we show a quantitative relationship between microphysical characteristics of thunderclouds and lightning flash rate. We have performed a complete analysis of all data available over the Mediterranean during the TRMM mission and show a range of reflective profiles as a function of lightning activity for both convective and stratiform regimes as well as seasonal variations. Due to the increasing global coverage of lightning detection networks, this kind of study can used to extend the knowledge about thunderstorms and discriminate between different regimes in regions where radar measurements are readilly available.

The XMM Large Scale Structure Survey

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pierre, Marguerite

2005-10-01

We propose to complete, by an additional 5 deg2, the XMM-LSS Survey region overlying the Spitzer/SWIRE field. This field already has CFHTLS and Integral coverage, and will encompass about 10 deg2. The resulting multi-wavelength medium-depth survey, which complements XMM and Chandra deep surveys, will provide a unique view of large-scale structure over a wide range of redshift, and will show active galaxies in the full range of environments. The complete coverage by optical and IR surveys provides high-quality photometric redshifts, so that cosmological results can quickly be extracted. In the spirit of a Legacy survey, we will make the raw X-ray data immediately public. Multi-band catalogues and images will also be made available on short time scales.

The effect of delivery mechanisms on the uptake of bed net re-impregnation in Kilifi District, Kenya.

PubMed

Snow, R W; McCabe, E; Mbogo, C N; Molyneux, C S; Some, E S; Mung'ala, V O; Nevill, C G

1999-03-01

The results of recently completed trials in Africa of insecticide-treated bed nets (ITBN) offer new possibilities for malaria control. These experimental trials aimed for high ITBN coverage combined with high re-treatment rates. Whilst necessary to understand protective efficacy, the approaches used to deliver the intervention provide few indications of what coverage of net re-treatment would be under operational conditions. Varied delivery and financing strategies have been proposed for the sustainable delivery of ITBNs and re-treatment programmes. Following the completion of a randomized, controlled trial on the Kenyan coast, a series of suitable delivery strategies were used to continue net re-treatment in the area. The trial adopted a bi-annual, house-to-house re-treatment schedule free of charge using research project staff and resulted in over 95% coverage of nets issued to children. During the year following the trial, sentinel dipping stations were situated throughout the community and household members informed of their position and opening times. This free re-treatment service achieved between 61-67% coverage of nets used by children for three years. In 1997 a social marketing approach, that introduced cost-retrieval, was used to deliver the net re-treatment services. The immediate result of this transition was that significantly fewer of the mothers who had used the previous re-treatment services adopted this revised approach and coverage declined to 7%. The future of new delivery services and their financing are discussed in the context of their likely impact upon previously defined protective efficacy and cost-effectiveness estimates.

Sampling properties of directed networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Son, S.-W.; Christensen, C.; Bizhani, G.; Foster, D. V.; Grassberger, P.; Paczuski, M.

2012-10-01

For many real-world networks only a small “sampled” version of the original network may be investigated; those results are then used to draw conclusions about the actual system. Variants of breadth-first search (BFS) sampling, which are based on epidemic processes, are widely used. Although it is well established that BFS sampling fails, in most cases, to capture the IN component(s) of directed networks, a description of the effects of BFS sampling on other topological properties is all but absent from the literature. To systematically study the effects of sampling biases on directed networks, we compare BFS sampling to random sampling on complete large-scale directed networks. We present new results and a thorough analysis of the topological properties of seven complete directed networks (prior to sampling), including three versions of Wikipedia, three different sources of sampled World Wide Web data, and an Internet-based social network. We detail the differences that sampling method and coverage can make to the structural properties of sampled versions of these seven networks. Most notably, we find that sampling method and coverage affect both the bow-tie structure and the number and structure of strongly connected components in sampled networks. In addition, at a low sampling coverage (i.e., less than 40%), the values of average degree, variance of out-degree, degree autocorrelation, and link reciprocity are overestimated by 30% or more in BFS-sampled networks and only attain values within 10% of the corresponding values in the complete networks when sampling coverage is in excess of 65%. These results may cause us to rethink what we know about the structure, function, and evolution of real-world directed networks.

Expected antenna utilization and overload

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Posner, Edward C.

1991-01-01

The trade-offs between the number of antennas at Deep Space Network (DSN) Deep-Space Communications Complex and the fraction of continuous coverage provided to a set of hypothetical spacecraft, assuming random placement of the space craft passes during the day. The trade-offs are fairly robust with respect to the randomness assumption. A sample result is that a three-antenna complex provides an average of 82.6 percent utilization of facilities and coverage of nine spacecraft that each have 8-hour passes, whereas perfect phasing of the passes would yield 100 percent utilization and coverage. One key point is that sometimes fewer than three spacecraft are visible, so an antenna is idle, while at other times, there aren't enough antennas, and some spacecraft do without service. This point of view may be useful in helping to size the network or to develop a normalization for a figure of merit of DSN coverage.

Two Synthetic Methods for Preparation of Chiral Stationary Phases Using Crystalline Degradation Products of Vancomycin: Column Performance for Enantioseparation of Acidic and Basic Drugs.

PubMed

Abdollahpour, Assem; Heydari, Rouhollah; Shamsipur, Mojtaba

2017-07-01

Two chiral stationary phases (CSPs) based on crystalline degradation products (CDPs) of vancomycin by using different synthetic methods were prepared and compared. Crystalline degradation products of vancomycin were produced by hydrolytic loss of ammonia from vancomycin molecules. Performances of two chiral columns prepared with these degradation products were investigated using several acidic and basic drugs as model analytes. Retention and resolution of these analytes on the prepared columns, as two main parameters, in enantioseparation were studied. The results demonstrated that the stationary phase preparation procedure has a significant effect on the column performance. The resolving powers of prepared columns for enantiomers resolution were changed with the variation in vancomycin-CDP coverage on the silica support. Elemental analysis was used to monitor the surface coverage of silica support by vancomycin-CDP. The results showed that both columns can be successfully applied to chiral separation studies.

Kinetic control of the coverage of oil droplets by DNA-functionalized colloids

PubMed Central

Joshi, Darshana; Bargteil, Dylan; Caciagli, Alessio; Burelbach, Jerome; Xing, Zhongyang; Nunes, André S.; Pinto, Diogo E. P.; Araújo, Nuno A. M.; Brujic, Jasna; Eiser, Erika

2016-01-01

We report a study of reversible adsorption of DNA-coated colloids on complementary functionalized oil droplets. We show that it is possible to control the surface coverage of oil droplets using colloidal particles by exploiting the fact that, during slow adsorption, compositional arrest takes place well before structural arrest occurs. As a consequence, we can prepare colloid-coated oil droplets with a “frozen” degree of loading but with fully ergodic colloidal dynamics on the droplets. We illustrate the equilibrium nature of the adsorbed colloidal phase by exploring the quasi–two-dimensional phase behavior of the adsorbed colloids under the influence of depletion interactions and present simulations of a simple model that illustrates the nature of the compositional arrest and the structural ergodicity. PMID:27532053

Photometric Observations of Soils and Rocks at the Mars Exploration Rover Landing Sites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnson, J. R.; Arvidson, R. A.; Bell, J. F., III; Farrand, W.; Guinness, E.; Johnson, M.; Herkenhoff, K. E.; Lemmon, M.; Morris, R. V.; Seelos, F., IV

2005-01-01

The Panoramic Cameras (Pancam) on the Spirit and Opportunity Mars Exploration Rovers have acquired multispectral reflectance observations of rocks and soils at different incidence, emission, and phase angles that will be used for photometric modeling of surface materials. Phase angle coverage at both sites extends from approx. 0 deg. to approx. 155 deg.

Oxidative dissolution of silver nanoparticles: A new theoretical approach.

PubMed

Adamczyk, Zbigniew; Oćwieja, Magdalena; Mrowiec, Halina; Walas, Stanisław; Lupa, Dawid

2016-05-01

A general model of an oxidative dissolution of silver particle suspensions was developed that rigorously considers the bulk and surface solute transport. A two-step surface reaction scheme was proposed that comprises the formation of the silver oxide phase by direct oxidation and the acidic dissolution of this phase leading to silver ion release. By considering this, a complete set of equations is formulated describing oxygen and silver ion transport to and from particles' surfaces. These equations are solved in some limiting cases of nanoparticle dissolution in dilute suspensions. The obtained kinetic equations were used for the interpretation of experimental data pertinent to the dissolution kinetics of citrate-stabilized silver nanoparticles. In these kinetic measurements the role of pH and bulk suspension concentration was quantitatively evaluated by using the atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). It was shown that the theoretical model adequately reflects the main features of the experimental results, especially the significant increase in the dissolution rate for lower pH. Also the presence of two kinetic regimes was quantitatively explained in terms of the decrease in the coverage of the fast dissolving oxide layer. The overall silver dissolution rate constants characterizing these two regimes were determined. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Mapping the literature of nurse-midwifery

PubMed Central

Seaton, Helen J.

2006-01-01

Objective: This article is part of a project for mapping the literature of nursing. The purpose is to identify the core journals in nurse-midwifery and to determine the extent to which these titles are covered by standard indexing sources. Methods: Cited references from two source journals were analyzed to discover the most frequently cited publications, including their format, age, and amount of dispersion, as well as the indexes that offer the most complete coverage. Results: A study of the literature of nurse-midwifery reveals that the field is diverse, including such topics as women's health, obstetrics, gynecology, and parent-child relations, in addition to the practice of nurse-midwifery itself. Journals were the most heavily cited format, and analysis revealed that ten journals provided one-third of all the references in the study. Conclusions: A combination of Science Citation Index and Social Sciences Citation Index or PubMed/MEDLINE provided the best overall coverage because of the field's reliance on medical journals. CINAHL had the most complete coverage for the nurse-midwifery journals as well as nursing journals in general. PMID:16710467

Near-Field Deformation Associated with the South Napa Earthquake (M 6.0) Using Differential Airborne LiDAR

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hudnut, K. W.; Glennie, C. L.; Brooks, B. A.; Hauser, D. L.; Ericksen, T.; Boatwright, J.; Rosinski, A.; Dawson, T. E.; Mccrink, T. P.; Mardock, D. K.; Hoirup, D. F., Jr.; Bray, J.

2014-12-01

Pre-earthquake airborne LiDAR coverage exists for the area impacted by the M 6.0 South Napa earthquake. The Napa watershed data set was acquired in 2003, and data sets were acquired in other portions of the impacted area in 2007, 2010 and 2014. The pre-earthquake data are being assessed and are of variable quality and point density. Following the earthquake, a coalition was formed to enable rapid acquisition of post-earthquake LiDAR. Coordination of this coalition took place through the California Earthquake Clearinghouse; consequently, a commercial contract was organized by Department of Water Resources that allowed for the main fault rupture and damaged Browns Valley area to be covered 16 days after the earthquake at a density of 20 points per square meter over a 20 square kilometer area. Along with the airborne LiDAR, aerial imagery was acquired and will be processed to form an orthomosaic using the LiDAR-derived DEM. The 'Phase I' airborne data were acquired using an Optech Orion M300 scanner, an Applanix 200 GPS-IMU, and a DiMac ultralight medium format camera by Towill. These new data, once delivered, will be differenced against the pre-earthquake data sets using a newly developed algorithm for point cloud matching, which is improved over prior methods by accounting for scan geometry error sources. Proposed additional 'Phase II' coverage would allow repeat-pass, post-earthquake coverage of the same area of interest as in Phase I, as well as an addition of up to 4,150 square kilometers that would potentially allow for differential LiDAR assessment of levee and bridge impacts at a greater distance from the earthquake source. Levee damage was reported up to 30 km away from the epicenter, and proposed LiDAR coverage would extend up to 50 km away and cover important critical lifeline infrastructure in the western Sacramento River delta, as well as providing full post-earthquake repeat-pass coverage of the Napa watershed to study transient deformation.

Measuring postnatal care contacts for mothers and newborns: An analysis of data from the MICS and DHS surveys

PubMed Central

Amouzou, Agbessi; Mehra, Vrinda; Carvajal–Aguirre, Liliana; Khan, Shane M.; Sitrin, Deborah; Vaz, Lara ME

2017-01-01

Background The postnatal period represents a vulnerable phase for mothers and newborns where both face increased risk of morbidity and death. WHO recommends postnatal care (PNC) for mothers and newborns to include a first contact within 24 hours following the birth of the child. However, measuring coverage of PNC in household surveys has been variable over time. The two largest household survey programs in low and middle–income countries, the UNICEF–supported Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS) and USAID–funded Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS), now include modules that capture these measures. However, the measurement approach is slightly different between the two programs. We attempt to assess the possible measurement differences that might affect comparability of coverage measures. Methods We first review the standard questionnaires of the two survey programs to compare approaches to collecting data on postnatal contacts for mothers and newborns. We then illustrate how the approaches used can affect PNC coverage estimates by analysing data from four countries; Bangladesh, Ghana, Kygyz Republic, and Nepal, with both MICS and DHS between 2010–2015. Results We found that tools implemented todate by MICS and DHS (up to MICS round 5 and up to DHS phase 6) have collected PNC information in different ways. While MICS dedicated a full module to PNC and distinguishes immediate vs later PNC, DHS implemented a more blended module of pregnancy and postnatal and did not systematically distinguish those phases. The two survey programs differred in the way questions on postnatal care for mothers and newbors were framed. Subsequently, MICS and DHS surveys followed different methodological approach to compute the global indicator of postnatal contacts for mothers and newborns within two days following delivery. Regardless of the place of delivery, MICS estimates for postnatal contacts for mothers and newbors appeared consistently higher than those reported in DHS. The difference was however, far more pronounced in case of newborns. Conclusions Difference in questionnaires and the methodology adopted to measure PNC have created comparability issues in the coverage levels. Harmonization of survey instruments on postnatal contacts will allow comparable and better assessment of coverage levels and trends. PMID:29423179

Structure and dynamics of water near the interface with oligo(ethylene oxide) self-assembled monolayers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ismail, Ahmed E.; Grest, Gary S.; Stevens, Mark J.

2007-03-01

Oligo(ethylene oxide) self-assembled monolayers (OEO SAM's) deposited on Au are the prototypical materials used to study protein resistance. Recently, protein resistance has been shown to vary as a function of surface coverage and to be maximal at about two-thirds coverage, not complete coverage. We use molecular dynamics simulations to study the nature of the interface between water and the OEO SAM for a range of SAM coverages. As SAM coverage decreases, the amount of water within the OEO monolayer increases monotonically; however, the penetration depth of the water shows a maximum near the experimentally-found maximal coverage. As the water content increases, the SAM-water mixture becomes harder to distinguish from bulk water. Since the oxygen atoms of OEO are hydrogen bond acceptors, a hydrogen bond network forms within the SAM-water mixture. The water molecules diffuse freely within the monolayer and exchange with the bulk water. Because the monolayer becomes increasingly like bulk water as the coverage decreases, proteins stay in their bulk soluble conformation and do not adsorb. Sandia is a multiprogram laboratory operated by Sandia Corporation, a Lockheed Martin Company, for the United States Department of Energy under Contract No. DE-AC04-94AL85000.

Evaluation of a vaccine passport to improve vaccine coverage in people living with HIV.

PubMed

Chadwick, D R; Corbett, K; Mann, S; Teruzzi, B; Horner, S

2018-01-01

An increased risk of vaccine-preventable infections (VPIs) is seen in people living with HIV (PLWH), and current vaccine coverage and immunity is variable. Vaccine passports have the potential to improve vaccine coverage. The objective was to assess how successful a vaccine passport was in improving vaccine coverage in PLWH. Baseline immunity to VPIs was established in PLWH attending a single HIV clinic and vaccinations required were determined based on the BHIVA Vaccination Guidelines (2015). The passport was completed and the PLWH informed about additional vaccines they should obtain from primary care. After 6-9 months the passport was reviewed including confirmation if vaccines were given. PLWH satisfaction with the system was evaluated by a survey. Seventy-three PLWH provided sufficient data for analysis. At baseline significant proportions of PLWH were not immune/unvaccinated to the main VPIs, especially human papillomavirus, pneumococcus and measles. After the passport was applied immunity improved significantly (56% overall, p < 0.01) for most VPIs; however, full coverage was not achieved. The system was popular with PLWH. The passport was successful in increasing vaccination coverage although full or near-full coverage was not achieved. A more successful service would probably be achieved by commissioning English HIV clinics to provide all vaccines.

In-hospital fellow coverage reduces communication errors in the surgical intensive care unit.

PubMed

Williams, Mallory; Alban, Rodrigo F; Hardy, James P; Oxman, David A; Garcia, Edward R; Hevelone, Nathanael; Frendl, Gyorgy; Rogers, Selwyn O

2014-06-01

Staff coverage strategies of intensive care units (ICUs) impact clinical outcomes. High-intensity staff coverage strategies are associated with lower morbidity and mortality. Accessible clinical expertise, team work, and effective communication have all been attributed to the success of this coverage strategy. We evaluate the impact of in-hospital fellow coverage (IHFC) on improving communication of cardiorespiratory events. A prospective observational study performed in an academic tertiary care center with high-intensity staff coverage. The main outcome measure was resident to fellow communication of cardiorespiratory events during IHFC vs home coverage (HC) periods. Three hundred twelve cardiorespiratory events were collected in 114 surgical ICU patients in 134 study days. Complete data were available for 306 events. One hundred three communication errors occurred. IHFC was associated with significantly better communication of events compared to HC (P<.0001). Residents communicated 89% of events during IHFC vs 51% of events during HC (P<.001). Communication patterns of junior and midlevel residents were similar. Midlevel residents communicated 68% of all on-call events (87% IHFC vs 50% HC, P<.001). Junior residents communicated 66% of events (94% IHFC vs 52% HC, P<.001). Communication errors were lower in all ICUs during IHFC (P<.001). IHFC reduced communication errors. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Prescription drug coverage and effects on drug expenditures among elderly Medicare beneficiaries.

PubMed

Huh, Soonim; Rice, Thomas; Ettner, Susan L

2008-06-01

To identify determinants of drug coverage among elderly Medicare beneficiaries and to investigate the impact of drug coverage on drug expenditures with and without taking selection bias into account. The primary data were from the 2000 Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey (MCBS) Cost and Use file, linked to other data sources at the county or state-level that provided instrumental variables. Community-dwelling elderly Medicare beneficiaries who completed the survey were included in the study (N=7,525). A probit regression to predict the probability of having drug coverage and the effects of drug coverage on drug expenditures was estimated by a two-part model, assuming no correlation across equations. In addition, the discrete factor model estimated choice of drug coverage and expenditures for prescription drugs simultaneously to control for self-selection into drug coverage, allowing for correlation of error terms across equations. Findings indicated that unobservable characteristics leading elderly Medicare beneficiaries to purchase drug coverage also lead them to have higher drug expenditures on conditional use (i.e., adverse selection), while the same unobservable factors do not influence their decisions whether to use any drugs. After controlling for potential selection bias, the probability of any drug use among persons with drug coverage use was 4.5 percent higher than among those without, and drug coverage led to an increase in drug expenditures of $308 among those who used prescription drugs. Given significant adverse selection into drug coverage before the implementation of the Medicare Prescription Drug Improvement and Modernization Act, it is essential that selection effects be monitored as beneficiaries choose whether or not to enroll in this voluntary program.

7 CFR 457.132 - Cranberry crop insurance provisions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

.... If you fail to notify us of any circumstance that may affect your yields from previous levels, we... considered acceptable by us; and (d) That are grown on vines that have completed four growing seasons after...: (i) A transfer of coverage and right to an indemnity, or a similar form approved by us, is completed...

7 CFR 457.132 - Cranberry crop insurance provisions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

.... If you fail to notify us of any circumstance that may affect your yields from previous levels, we... considered acceptable by us; and (d) That are grown on vines that have completed four growing seasons after...: (i) A transfer of coverage and right to an indemnity, or a similar form approved by us, is completed...

7 CFR 457.132 - Cranberry crop insurance provisions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

.... If you fail to notify us of any circumstance that may affect your yields from previous levels, we... considered acceptable by us; and (d) That are grown on vines that have completed four growing seasons after...: (i) A transfer of coverage and right to an indemnity, or a similar form approved by us, is completed...

7 CFR 457.132 - Cranberry crop insurance provisions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

.... If you fail to notify us of any circumstance that may affect your yields from previous levels, we... considered acceptable by us; and (d) That are grown on vines that have completed four growing seasons after...: (i) A transfer of coverage and right to an indemnity, or a similar form approved by us, is completed...

76 FR 52475 - Summary of Benefits and Coverage and Uniform Glossary-Templates, Instructions, and Related...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-08-22

...The Departments of the Health and Human Services, Labor, and the Treasury (the Departments) are simultaneously publishing in the Federal Register this document and proposed regulations (2011 proposed regulations) under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to implement the disclosure for group health plans and health insurance issuers of the summary of benefits and coverage (SBC) and the uniform glossary. This document proposes a template for an SBC; instructions, sample language, and a guide for coverage examples calculations to be used in completing the template; and a uniform glossary that would satisfy the disclosure requirements under section 2715 of the Public Health Service (PHS) Act. Comments are invited on these materials.

Estimating genotype error rates from high-coverage next-generation sequence data.

PubMed

Wall, Jeffrey D; Tang, Ling Fung; Zerbe, Brandon; Kvale, Mark N; Kwok, Pui-Yan; Schaefer, Catherine; Risch, Neil

2014-11-01

Exome and whole-genome sequencing studies are becoming increasingly common, but little is known about the accuracy of the genotype calls made by the commonly used platforms. Here we use replicate high-coverage sequencing of blood and saliva DNA samples from four European-American individuals to estimate lower bounds on the error rates of Complete Genomics and Illumina HiSeq whole-genome and whole-exome sequencing. Error rates for nonreference genotype calls range from 0.1% to 0.6%, depending on the platform and the depth of coverage. Additionally, we found (1) no difference in the error profiles or rates between blood and saliva samples; (2) Complete Genomics sequences had substantially higher error rates than Illumina sequences had; (3) error rates were higher (up to 6%) for rare or unique variants; (4) error rates generally declined with genotype quality (GQ) score, but in a nonlinear fashion for the Illumina data, likely due to loss of specificity of GQ scores greater than 60; and (5) error rates increased with increasing depth of coverage for the Illumina data. These findings, especially (3)-(5), suggest that caution should be taken in interpreting the results of next-generation sequencing-based association studies, and even more so in clinical application of this technology in the absence of validation by other more robust sequencing or genotyping methods. © 2014 Wall et al.; Published by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press.

Conventional sunscreen application does not lead to sufficient body coverage.

PubMed

Jovanovic, Z; Schornstein, T; Sutor, A; Neufang, G; Hagens, R

2017-10-01

This study aimed to assess sunscreen application habits and relative body coverage after single whole body application. Fifty-two healthy volunteers were asked to use the test product once, following their usual sunscreen application routine. Standardized UV photographs, which were evaluated by Image Analysis, were conducted before and immediately after product application to evaluate relative body coverage. In addition to these procedures, the volunteers completed an online self-assessment questionnaire to assess sunscreen usage habits. After product application, the front side showed significantly less non-covered skin (4.35%) than the backside (17.27%) (P = 0.0000). Females showed overall significantly less non-covered skin (8.98%) than males (13.16%) (P = 0.0381). On the backside, females showed significantly less non-covered skin (13.57%) (P = 0.0045) than males (21.94%), while on the front side, this difference between females (4.14%) and males (4.53%) was not significant. In most cases, the usual sunscreen application routine does not provide complete body coverage even though an extra light sunscreen with good absorption properties was used. On average, 11% of the body surface was not covered by sunscreen at all. Therefore, appropriate consumer education is required to improve sunscreen application and to warrant effective sun protection. © 2017 Society of Cosmetic Scientists and the Société Française de Cosmétologie.

Evaluation of Primary Immunization Coverage of Infants Under Universal Immunization Programme in an Urban Area of Bangalore City Using Cluster Sampling and Lot Quality Assurance Sampling Techniques

PubMed Central

K, Punith; K, Lalitha; G, Suman; BS, Pradeep; Kumar K, Jayanth

2008-01-01

Research Question: Is LQAS technique better than cluster sampling technique in terms of resources to evaluate the immunization coverage in an urban area? Objective: To assess and compare the lot quality assurance sampling against cluster sampling in the evaluation of primary immunization coverage. Study Design: Population-based cross-sectional study. Study Setting: Areas under Mathikere Urban Health Center. Study Subjects: Children aged 12 months to 23 months. Sample Size: 220 in cluster sampling, 76 in lot quality assurance sampling. Statistical Analysis: Percentages and Proportions, Chi square Test. Results: (1) Using cluster sampling, the percentage of completely immunized, partially immunized and unimmunized children were 84.09%, 14.09% and 1.82%, respectively. With lot quality assurance sampling, it was 92.11%, 6.58% and 1.31%, respectively. (2) Immunization coverage levels as evaluated by cluster sampling technique were not statistically different from the coverage value as obtained by lot quality assurance sampling techniques. Considering the time and resources required, it was found that lot quality assurance sampling is a better technique in evaluating the primary immunization coverage in urban area. PMID:19876474

Coverage-dependent adsorption and desorption of oxygen on Pd(100)

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

Dunnen, Angela den; Jacobse, Leon; Wiegman, Sandra

2016-06-28

We have studied the adsorption and desorption of O{sub 2} on Pd(100) by supersonic molecular beam techniques and thermal desorption spectroscopy. Adsorption measurements on the bare surface confirm that O{sub 2} initially dissociates for all kinetic energies between 56 and 380 meV and surface temperatures between 100 and 600 K via a direct mechanism. At and below 150 K, continued adsorption leads to a combined O/O{sub 2} overlayer. Dissociation of molecularly bound O{sub 2} during a subsequent temperature ramp leads to unexpected high atomic oxygen coverages, which are also obtained at high incident energy and high surface temperature. At intermediatemore » temperatures and energies, these high final coverages are not obtained. Our results show that kinetic energy of the gas phase reactant and reaction energy dissipated during O{sub 2} dissociation on the cold surface both enable activated nucleation of high-coverage surface structures. We suggest that excitation of local substrate phonons may play a crucial role in oxygen dissociation at any coverage.« less

Surface diffusion of In on Ge(111) studied by optical second harmonic microscopy

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

Suni, I.I.; Seebauer, E.G.

Surface diffusion of In on Ge(111) has been measured by optical second harmonic microscopy. This technique employs surface second harmonic generation to directly image submonolayer surface concentration profiles. The coverage dependence of the diffusivity [ital D] can then be obtained from a Boltzmann--Matano analysis. In the coverage range 0.1[lt][theta][lt]0.48, the activation energy [ital E][sub diff] decreased with increasing coverage, ranging from 31 kcal/mol at [theta]=0.1 to 23 kcal/mol at [theta]=0.48. Over the same coverage range, the pre-exponential factor [ital D][sub 0] decreased from 5[times]10[sup 2] to 1[times]10[sup [minus]1] cm[sup 2]/s. This gradual change reflects a change in diffusion mechanism arisingmore » from the disordered nature of the Ge(111) surface. At low coverages, In adatoms sink into the top layer of Ge, and diffusion is dominated by thermal formation of adatom-vacancy pairs. At high coverages, diffusion occurs by normal site-to-site hopping. The gradual change in diffusion parameters with coverage was interrupted by an apparent phase transition at [theta]=0.16. At this point, both [ital E][sub diff] and [ital D][sub 0] peaked sharply at 41 kcal/mol and 6[times]10[sup 5] cm[sup 2]/s, respectively. The desorption energy [ital E][sub des] was measured by temperature programmed desorption. [ital E][sub des] decreased from 60 kcal/mol at submonolayer coverages to 55 kcal/mol at multilayer coverages.« less

What are the Most Widely used and Effective Attack Coverage Systems in Men’s Volleyball?

PubMed Central

Hileno, Raúl; García-de-Alcaraz, Antonio; Buscà, Bernat; Salas, Cristòfol; Camerino, Oleguer

2018-01-01

Abstract In volleyball, attack coverage is one of the play actions most neglected in coaching and research. The purpose of this study was to find out which attack coverage systems are used by high-level men’s teams in different game situations and the characteristics of the most effective systems. We analysed 15 matches from the 2010 Men’s Pan-American Volleyball Cup, with a total of 1,415 coverage actions. Chi-square tests for independence, adjusted residuals analysis and calculations of standardised mean difference were performed. The results show that high-level men’s volleyball uses many coverage systems other than the traditional 3-2-0 and 2-3-0. At this level of play, the most frequent systems were 1-3-1 and 1-2-2, which occurred significantly often at the culmination of a third-tempo attack at the wing. The most effective systems consisted of three coverage lines, with fewer than five players covering the spiker and at least one player in the first coverage line, in both the attack and counterattack phases. Given the large number of coverage systems identified in different game situations, we recommend flexible, loosely structured training in these systems, based on a set of guiding principles that all players on a team must internalise for the specific position they are playing. Regarding the systems’ efficacy, the main watchword is that on each coverage line there should always be at least one player, but the first line should not be exposed. PMID:29922383

SU-C-202-05: Pilot Study of Online Treatment Evaluation and Adaptive Re-Planning for Laryngeal SBRT

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

Mao, W; Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI; Liu, C

Purpose: We have instigated a phase I trial of 5-fraction stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for advanced-stage laryngeal cancer. We conducted this pilot dosimetric study to confirm the potential utility of online adaptive re-planning to preserve treatment quality. Methods: Ten cases of larynx cancer were evaluated. Baseline and daily SBRT treatment plans were generated per trial protocol. Daily volumetric images were acquired prior to every fraction of treatment. Reference simulation CT images were deformably registered to daily volumetric images using Eclipse. Planning contours were then deformably propagated to daily images. Reference SBRT plans were directly copied to calculate delivered dose distributionsmore » on deformed reference CT images. In-house software platform has been developed to calculate cumulative dose over a course of treatment in four steps: 1) deforming delivered dose grid to reference CT images using deformation information exported from Eclipse; 2) generating tetrahedrons using deformed dose grid as vertices; 3) resampling dose to a high resolution within every tetrahedron; 4) calculating dose-volume histograms. Our inhouse software was benchmarked with a commercial software, Mirada. Results: In all ten cases including 49 fractions of treatments, delivered daily doses were completely evaluated and treatment could be re-planned within 10 minutes. Prescription dose coverage of PTV was less than intended in 53% of fractions of treatment (mean: 94%, range: 84%–98%) while minimum coverage of CTV and GTV was 94% and 97%, respectively. Maximum bystander point dose limits to arytenoids, parotids, and spinal cord remained respected in all cases, although variances in carotid artery doses were observed in a minority of cases. Conclusion: Although GTV and CTV coverage is preserved by in-room 3D image guidance of larynx SBRT, PTV coverage can vary significantly from intended plans. Online adaptive treatment evaluation and re-planning is potentially necessary and our procedure is clinically applicable to fully preserve treatment quality. This project is supported by CPRIT Individual Investigator Research Award RP150386.« less

[Health insurance for infants and infant vaccination related to forced-displacement in Colombia].

PubMed

Ruiz-Rodríguez, Myriam; Vera-Cala, Lina M; López-Barbosa, Nahyr

2008-01-01

Determining vaccination coverage amongst children (<5 years old) having multiple socio-economic risk factors and their relationship to insurance status. This was a cross-sectional study of 514 families from urban settlements receiving people displaced by the armed conflict in 4 municipalities in the Santander department ( Colombia ). The households were selected by probabilistic sampling, using proportional modelling by municipality. Immunisation data was collected from vaccination cards; interviews provided socio-demographic data. The dependent variable consisted of having the complete vaccination scheme by age according to the official Ministry of Social Protection's programme. The probability of being vaccinated was modelled by a logistical regression, adjusted for sociodemographic variables. 369 children were studied, of whom 48,8 % belonged to families displaced by the armed conflict. 46,1 % of the people being interviewed presented their vaccination cards. Contrary to what had been expected, only 21,2 % of those having a vaccination card were insured and 22,9 % of them had a complete vaccination scheme for their age. The probability of having a complete vaccination scheme for those individuals who were covered by the subsidised health system was 2,4 times higher when compared to those who were not insured (p=0.042). Low vaccination coverage indicated barriers for people living in conditions of poverty and displacement obtaining health services and low insurance coverage suggested faults in health insurance policies addressing similar populations.

Quantification of Ecological Changes by Remote Sensing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roerink, Gerbert J.; Danes, Matthijs H. G. I.

2010-05-01

During the recent year there is a growing interest for ecological trends and conditions. Satellite images are very suitable to monitor the ecological conditions as they are sensitive to vegetation properties, provide for objective information on a regular basis and have a complete land surface coverage. However, up to now monitoring of the vegetation properties with remote sensing is done qualitatively only, i.e. the land cover is classified in several classes and changes between years are monitored. In this way, quantitative changes within a certain land cover class cannot be monitored, like for example start of the growing season or maximum vegetation peak. This paper describes a method to overcome these shortcomings. The method is based upon quantification of the plant phenology by a time series analysis of satellite images. The HANTS time series algorithm is applied to MODIS 16-days-max-NDVI composite images of the Netherlands in the years 2003 (relatively dry and cold winter) and 2007 (relatively wet). This algorithm considers only the most significant frequencies expected to be present in the time profiles, and applies a least squares curve fitting procedure based on harmonic components (cosines). For each frequency the amplitude and phase of the cosine function is determined during an iterative procedure. Input data points that have a large positive or negative deviation from the current curve are removed by assigning a weight of zero to them. After recalculation of the coefficients on the basis of the remaining points, the procedure is repeated until the maximum error is acceptable or the number of remaining points has become too small. The resulting amplitude and phase values describe in a quantitative way the plant phenology. The next step is to subtract the amplitude and phase values from the two considered years. Agricultural areas are masked as their land cover is changing frequently by definition due to the rotating cropping systems at agricultural fields. The remaining natural areas are examined in detail. The differences are the result from weather conditions, human interventions and other causes, like for example plant disease or forest fires. Weather conditions are responsible for the overall trend in differences: the average NDVI was lower in 2003 (less precipitation), the annual amplitude was higher in 2003 (colder winter), and annual phase started later in 2003 (colder winter). However, extreme differences are detected as well. Examples of these so-called "hot-spots" are investigated in detail with aerial photography from 2003 and 2006. In most cases human interventions, like forest cutting, giving agricultural lands back to nature or removal of shrubs, can be indentified as main explanation for the hot-spots. However, in some cases the explanation is less easy, which is however also the strength of the method. The described method is able to detect quantitatively ecological or environmental changes with complete land surface coverage and has the potential to monitor land surface with its vegetation dynamics in an operational way.

Effect of the accountable care act of 2010 on clinical trial insurance coverage.

PubMed

Kircher, Sheetal M; Benson, Al B; Farber, Matthew; Nimeiri, Halla S

2012-02-10

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) of 2010 implemented dramatic changes in our health care system. The new law requires that insurers and health plans provide coverage for individuals participating in clinical trials. Currently, there are states that already have laws or agreements requiring clinical trial coverage, but there remain deficiencies that will need to be addressed to achieve compliance with the new law. State mandates were reviewed to determine current laws and agreements. The ACA was reviewed to outline its provisions, and these were compared with current mandates to identify deficiencies. Eighteen states meet the requirements set forth by the ACA either through a state law or agreement; 33 states do not meet the requirements. Of these 33 states, 15 do not have any existing laws or agreements in place regarding clinical trials. In states that have deficient policies in place, the most common deficiency is the lack of phase I coverage. The second most common deficiency in policy is coverage of only therapeutic studies. Most states currently do not meet the requirements of the ACA and will be required to make changes by 2014. The implications of the ACA with regard to insurance coverage of clinical trials remain unclear as implementation of the legislation unfolds. State governments can take steps to ensure insurance coverage by creating and expanding agreements with insurance companies.

Completeness and overlap in open access systems: Search engines, aggregate institutional repositories and physics-related open sources.

PubMed

Tsay, Ming-Yueh; Wu, Tai-Luan; Tseng, Ling-Li

2017-01-01

This study examines the completeness and overlap of coverage in physics of six open access scholarly communication systems, including two search engines (Google Scholar and Microsoft Academic), two aggregate institutional repositories (OAIster and OpenDOAR), and two physics-related open sources (arXiv.org and Astrophysics Data System). The 2001-2013 Nobel Laureates in Physics served as the sample. Bibliographic records of their publications were retrieved and downloaded from each system, and a computer program was developed to perform the analytical tasks of sorting, comparison, elimination, aggregation and statistical calculations. Quantitative analyses and cross-referencing were performed to determine the completeness and overlap of the system coverage of the six open access systems. The results may enable scholars to select an appropriate open access system as an efficient scholarly communication channel, and academic institutions may build institutional repositories or independently create citation index systems in the future. Suggestions on indicators and tools for academic assessment are presented based on the comprehensiveness assessment of each system.

Decision making with regard to antiviral intervention during an influenza pandemic.

PubMed

Shim, Eunha; Chapman, Gretchen B; Galvani, Alison P

2010-01-01

Antiviral coverage is defined by the proportion of the population that takes antiviral prophylaxis or treatment. High coverage of an antiviral drug has epidemiological and evolutionary repercussions. Antivirals select for drug resistance within the population, and individuals may experience adverse effects. To determine optimal antiviral coverage in the context of an influenza outbreak, we compared 2 perspectives: 1) the individual level (the Nash perspective), and 2) the population level (utilitarian perspective). We developed an epidemiological game-theoretic model of an influenza pandemic. The data sources were published literature and a national survey. The target population was the US population. The time horizon was 6 months. The perspective was individuals and the population overall. The interventions were antiviral prophylaxis and treatment. The outcome measures were the optimal coverage of antivirals in an influenza pandemic. At current antiviral pricing, the optimal Nash strategy is 0% coverage for prophylaxis and 30% coverage for treatment, whereas the optimal utilitarian strategy is 19% coverage for prophylaxis and 100% coverage for treatment. Subsidizing prophylaxis by $440 and treatment by $85 would bring the Nash and utilitarian strategies into alignment. For both prophylaxis and treatment, the optimal antiviral coverage decreases as pricing of antivirals increases. Our study does not incorporate the possibility of an effective vaccine and lacks probabilistic sensitivity analysis. Our survey also does not completely represent the US population. Because our model assumes a homogeneous population and homogeneous antiviral pricing, it does not incorporate heterogeneity of preference. The optimal antiviral coverage from the population perspective and individual perspectives differs widely for both prophylaxis and treatment strategies. Optimal population and individual strategies for prophylaxis and treatment might be aligned through subsidization.

Childhood vaccination coverage rates among military dependents in the United States.

PubMed

Dunn, Angela C; Black, Carla L; Arnold, John; Brodine, Stephanie; Waalen, Jill; Binkin, Nancy

2015-05-01

The Military Health System provides universal coverage of all recommended childhood vaccinations. Few studies have examined the effect that being insured by the Military Health System has on childhood vaccination coverage. The purpose of this study was to compare the coverage of the universally recommended vaccines among military dependents versus other insured and uninsured children using a nationwide sample of children. The National Immunization Survey is a multistage, random-digit dialing survey designed to measure vaccination coverage estimates of US children aged 19 to 35 months old. Data from 2007 through 2012 were combined to permit comparison of vaccination coverage among military dependent and all other children. Among military dependents, 28.0% of children aged 19 to 35 months were not up to date on the 4:3:1:3:3:1 vaccination series excluding Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine compared with 21.1% of all other children (odds ratio: 1.4; 95% confidence interval: 1.2-1.6). After controlling for sociodemographic characteristics, compared with all other US children, military dependent children were more likely to be incompletely vaccinated (odds ratio: 1.3; 95% confidence interval: 1.1-1.5). Lower vaccination coverage rates among US military dependent children might be due to this population being highly mobile. However, the lack of a military-wide childhood immunization registry and incomplete documentation of vaccinations could contribute to the lower vaccination coverage rates seen in this study. These results suggest the need for further investigation to evaluate vaccination coverage of children with complete ascertainment of vaccination history, and if lower immunization rates are verified, assessment of reasons for lower vaccination coverage rates among military dependent children. Copyright © 2015 by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Decision Making with Regard to Antiviral Intervention during an Influenza Pandemic

PubMed Central

Shim, Eunha; Chapman, Gretchen B.; Galvani, Alison P.

2012-01-01

Background Antiviral coverage is defined by the proportion of the population that takes antiviral prophylaxis or treatment. High coverage of an antiviral drug has epidemiological and evolutionary repercussions. Antivirals select for drug resistance within the population, and individuals may experience adverse effects. To determine optimal antiviral coverage in the context of an influenza outbreak, we compared 2 perspectives: 1) the individual level (the Nash perspective), and 2) the population level (utilitarian perspective). Methods We developed an epidemiological game-theoretic model of an influenza pandemic. The data sources were published literature and a national survey. The target population was the US population. The time horizon was 6 months. The perspective was individuals and the population overall. The interventions were antiviral prophylaxis and treatment. The outcome measures were the optimal coverage of antivirals in an influenza pandemic. Results At current antiviral pricing, the optimal Nash strategy is 0% coverage for prophylaxis and 30% coverage for treatment, whereas the optimal utilitarian strategy is 19% coverage for prophylaxis and 100% coverage for treatment. Subsidizing prophylaxis by $440 and treatment by $85 would bring the Nash and utilitarian strategies into alignment. For both prophylaxis and treatment, the optimal antiviral coverage decreases as pricing of antivirals increases. Our study does not incorporate the possibility of an effective vaccine and lacks probabilistic sensitivity analysis. Our survey also does not completely represent the US population. Because our model assumes a homogeneous population and homogeneous antiviral pricing, it does not incorporate heterogeneity of preference. Conclusions The optimal antiviral coverage from the population perspective and individual perspectives differs widely for both prophylaxis and treatment strategies. Optimal population and individual strategies for prophylaxis and treatment might be aligned through subsidization. PMID:20634545

5 CFR 1650.41 - How to obtain an age-based withdrawal.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... record keeper a properly completed paper TSP age-based withdrawal request form or use the TSP Web site to initiate a request. A participant's ability to complete an age-based withdrawal on the Web will depend on his or her retirement system coverage, marital status, and whether or not part or all of the...

A mystery caller evaluation of Medicaid staff responses about state coverage of abortion care.

PubMed

Dennis, Amanda; Blanchard, Kelly

2012-03-01

The Hyde Amendment prohibits federal Medicaid funding for abortion except when a woman is seeking an abortion for a pregnancy that is the result of rape or incest, or that threatens her life. We investigated how Medicaid staff in 17 states responded to inquiries about coverage for abortion in the few circumstances that qualify for federal Medicaid funding. Using a mystery caller approach, we surveyed Medicaid staff about the availability of abortion coverage, the process for obtaining coverage, and the associated costs for an abortion in circumstances of rape and life endangerment in five states where Medicaid coverage should be available to cover most abortions and in 12 states with restrictions on the circumstances under which Medicaid funding can be used for abortion. We were able to complete 82% of surveys. Medicaid staff definitively provided information about the availability of coverage that was consistent with state policies in 64% of surveys. However, 52% of staff reported that coverage could be difficult to obtain and that rigorous documentation of the circumstances of the abortion was required. Information about copays for abortion was given in 78% of surveys. We subjectively rated the caller's experience with Medicaid staff as excellent during 32% of the surveys, adequate in 61% of surveys, and poor in 7% of surveys. Medicaid staff provided inconsistent information that was often discouraging of women seeking abortion coverage, suggesting that women may have difficulties obtaining accurate information about Medicaid coverage of abortion, which may deter access to care. Copyright © 2012 Jacobs Institute of Women

Uptake of HNO3 on hexane and aviation kerosene soots.

PubMed

Talukdar, Ranajit K; Loukhovitskaya, Ekaterina E; Popovicheva, Olga B; Ravishankara, A R

2006-08-10

The uptake of HNO(3) on aviation kerosene (TC-1) soot was measured as a function of temperature (253-295 K) and the partial pressure of HNO(3), and the uptake of HNO(3) on hexane soot was studied at 295 K and over a limited partial pressure of HNO(3). The HNO(3) uptake was mostly reversible and did not release measurable amounts of gas-phase products such as HONO, NO(3), NO(2) or N(2)O(5). The heat of adsorption of HNO(3) on soot was dependent on the surface coverage. The isosteric heats of adsorption, Delta(0)H(isosteric), were determined as a function of coverage. Delta(0)H(isosteric) values were in the range -16 to -13 kcal mol(-1). The heats of adsorption decrease with increasing coverage. The adsorption data were fit to Freundlich and to Langmuir-Freundlich isotherms. The heterogeneity parameter values were close to 0.5, which suggested that a HNO(3) molecule can occupy two sites on the surface with or without being dissociated and that the soot surface could be nonuniform. Surface FTIR studies on the interaction of soot with HNO(3) did not reveal formation of any minor product such as organic nitrate or nitro compound on the soot surface. Using our measured coverage, we calculate that the partitioning of gas-phase nitric acid to black carbon aerosol is not a significant loss process of HNO(3) in the atmosphere.

Lunar geodesy and cartography: a new era

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Duxbury, Thomas; Smith, David; Robinson, Mark; Zuber, Maria T.; Neumann, Gregory; Danton, Jacob; Oberst, Juergen; Archinal, Brent; Glaeser, Philipp

The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) ushers in a new era in precision lunar geodesy and cartography. LRO was launched in June, 2009, completed its Commissioning Phase in Septem-ber 2009 and is now in its Primary Mission Phase on its way to collecting high precision, global topographic and imaging data. Aboard LRO are the Lunar Orbiter Laser Altimeter (LOLA -Smith, et al., 2009) and the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera (LROC -Robinson, et al., ). LOLA is a derivative of the successful MOLA at Mars that produced the global reference surface being used for all precision cartographic products. LOLA produces 5 altimetry spots having footprints of 5 m at a frequency of 28 Hz, significantly bettering MOLA that produced 1 spot having a footprint of 150 m at a frequency of 10 Hz. LROC has twin narrow angle cameras having pixel resolutions of 0.5 meters from a 50 km orbit and a wide-angle camera having a pixel resolution of 75 m and in up to 7 color bands. One of the two NACs looks to the right of nadir and the other looks to the left with a few hundred pixel overlap in the nadir direction. LOLA is mounted on the LRO spacecraft to look nadir, in the overlap region of the NACs. The LRO spacecraft has the ability to look nadir and build up global coverage as well as looking off-nadir to provide stereo coverage and fill in data gaps. The LROC wide-angle camera builds up global stereo coverage naturally from its large field-of-view overlap from orbit to orbit during nadir viewing. To date, the LROC WAC has already produced global stereo coverage of the lunar surface. This report focuses on the registration of LOLA altimetry to the LROC NAC images. LOLA has a dynamic range of tens of km while producing elevation data at sub-meter precision. LOLA also has good return in off-nadir attitudes. Over the LRO mission, multiple LOLA tracks will be in each of the NAC images at the lunar equator and even more tracks in the NAC images nearer the poles. The registration of LOLA altimetry to NAC images is aided by the 5 spots showing regional and local slopes, along and cross-track, that are easily correlated visually to features within the images. Once can precisely register each of the 5 LOLA spots to specific pixels in LROC images of distinct features such as craters and boulders. This can be performed routinely for features at the 100 m level and larger. However, even features at the several m level can also be registered if a single LOLA spots probes the depth of a small crater while the other 4 spots are on the surrounding surface or one spot returns from the top of a small boulder seen by NAC. The automatic registration of LOLA tracks with NAC stereo digital terrain models should provide for even higher accuracy. Also the LOLA pulse spread of the returned signal, which is sensitive to slopes and roughness, is an additional source of information to help match the LOLA tracks to the images As the global coverage builds, LOLA will provide absolute coordinates in latitude, longitude and radius of surface features with accuracy at the meter level or better. The NAC images will then be reg-istered to the LOLA reference surface in the production of precision, controlled photomosaics, having spatial resolutions as good as 0.5 m/pixel. For hundreds of strategic sites viewed in stereo, even higher precision and more complete surface coverage is possible for the produc-tion of digital terrain models and mosaics. LRO, with LOLA and LROC, will improve the relative and absolute accuracy of geodesy and cartography by orders of magnitude, ushering in a new era for lunar geodesy and cartography. Robinson, M., et al., Space Sci. Rev., DOI 10.1007/s11214-010-9634-2, Date: 2010-02-23, in press. Smith, D., et al., Space Sci. Rev., DOI 10.1007/s11214-009-9512-y, published online 16 May 2009.

Representation of ophthalmology concepts by electronic systems: adequacy of controlled medical terminologies.

PubMed

Chiang, Michael F; Casper, Daniel S; Cimino, James J; Starren, Justin

2005-02-01

To assess the adequacy of 5 controlled medical terminologies (International Classification of Diseases 9, Clinical Modification [ICD9-CM]; Current Procedural Terminology 4 [CPT-4]; Systematized Nomenclature of Medicine, Clinical Terms [SNOMED-CT]; Logical Identifiers, Names, and Codes [LOINC]; Medical Entities Dictionary [MED]) for representing concepts in ophthalmology. Noncomparative case series. Twenty complete ophthalmology case presentations were sequentially selected from a publicly available ophthalmology journal. Each of the 20 cases was parsed into discrete concepts, and each concept was classified along 2 axes: (1) diagnosis, finding, or procedure and (2) ophthalmic or medical concept. Electronic or paper browsers were used to assign a code for every concept in each of the 5 terminologies. Adequacy of assignment for each concept was scored on a 3-point scale. Findings from all 20 case presentations were combined and compared based on a coverage score, which was the average score for all concepts in that terminology. Adequacy of assignment for concepts in each terminology, based on a 3-point Likert scale (0, no match; 1, partial match; 2, complete match). Cases were parsed into 1603 concepts. SNOMED-CT had the highest mean overall coverage score (1.625+/-0.667), followed by MED (0.974+/-0.764), LOINC (0.781+/-0.929), ICD9-CM (0.280+/-0.619), and CPT-4 (0.082+/-0.337). SNOMED-CT also had higher coverage scores than any of the other terminologies for concepts in the diagnosis, finding, and procedure categories. Average coverage scores for ophthalmic concepts were lower than those for medical concepts. Controlled terminologies are required for electronic representation of ophthalmology data. SNOMED-CT had significantly higher content coverage than any other terminology in this study.

Relationship between aneurysm occlusion and flow diverting device oversizing in a rabbit model.

PubMed

Hodis, Simona; Ding, Yong-Hong; Dai, Daying; Lingineni, Ravi; Mut, Fernando; Cebral, Juan; Kallmes, David; Kadirvel, Ramanathan

2016-01-01

Implanted, actual flow diverter pore density is thought to be strongly influenced by proper matching between the device size and parent artery diameter. The objective of this study was to characterize the correlation between device sizing, metal coverage, and the resultant occlusion of aneurysms following flow diverter treatment in a rabbit model. Rabbit saccular aneurysms were treated with flow diverters (iso-sized to proximal parent artery, 0.5 mm oversized, or 1.0 mm oversized, respectively, n=6 for each group). Eight weeks after implantation, the angiographic degree of aneurysm occlusion was graded (complete, near-complete, or incomplete). The ostium of the explanted aneurysm covered with the flow diverter struts was photographed. Based on gross anatomic findings, the metal coverage and pore density at the ostium of the aneurysm were calculated and correlated with the degree of aneurysm occlusion. Angiographic results showed there were no statistically significant differences in aneurysm geometry and occlusion among groups. The mean parent artery diameter to flow diverter diameter ratio was higher in the 1.0 mm oversized group than in the other groups. Neither the percentage metal coverage nor the pore density showed statistically significant differences among groups. Aneurysm occlusion was inversely correlated with the ostium diameter, irrespective of the size of the device implanted. Device sizing alone does not predict resultant pore density or metal coverage following flow diverter implantation in the rabbit aneurysm model. Aneurysm occlusion was not impacted by either metal coverage or pore density, but was inversely correlated with the diameter of the ostium. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/

Measles vaccination response during Kosi floods, Bihar, India 2008.

PubMed

Varkey, Sherin; Krishna, Gopal; Pradhan, Narottam; Gupta, Satish Kumar; Caravotta, Jorge; Hombergh, Henri Vanden; Hoekstra, Edward; Askari, Sufia; Kansal, O P

2009-11-01

The Kosi floods of Bihar in 2008 led to initial rapid displacement followed by rehabilitation of the affected population. Strategically planned phase-wise activity of supplementary as well as primary measles vaccination combined with a variety of other interventions proved to be successful in preventing outbreaks and deaths due to measles. While 70% supplementary measles vaccination coverage was achieved in relief camps, the coverage of primary measles doses in the latter phases was dependant on accessibility of villages and previous vaccination status of eligible beneficiaries. The integrated diseases surveillance system, which became operational during the floods, also complemented the vaccination efforts by providing daily figures of cases with fever and rash. The overall response was not only successful in terms of preventing measles mortality, but also provided vital lessons that may be useful for planning future vaccination responses in emergency settings.

International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project (ISCCP) Ice Snow Product in Native (NAT) Format (ISCCP_ICESNOW_NAT)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rossow, William B. (Principal Investigator)

Since 1983 an international group of institutions has collected and analyzed satellite radiance measurements from up to five geostationary and two polar orbiting satellites to infer the global distribution of cloud properties and their diurnal, seasonal and interannual variations. The primary focus of the first phase of the project (1983-1995) was the elucidation of the role of clouds in the radiation budget (top of the atmosphere and surface). In the second phase of the project (1995 onwards) the analysis also concerns improving understanding of clouds in the global hydrological cycle. [Location=GLOBAL] [Temporal_Coverage: Start_Date=1983-07-01; Stop_Date=] [Spatial_Coverage: Southernmost_Latitude=-90; Northernmost_Latitude=90; Westernmost_Longitude=-180; Easternmost_Longitude=180] [Data_Resolution: Latitude_Resolution=112 Km; Longitude_Resolution=112 Km; Temporal_Resolution=5-day].

Image selection system. [computerized data storage and retrieval system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Knutson, M. A.; Hurd, D.; Hubble, L.; Kroeck, R. M.

1974-01-01

An image selection (ISS) was developed for the NASA-Ames Research Center Earth Resources Aircraft Project. The ISS is an interactive, graphics oriented, computer retrieval system for aerial imagery. An analysis of user coverage requests and retrieval strategies is presented, followed by a complete system description. Data base structure, retrieval processors, command language, interactive display options, file structures, and the system's capability to manage sets of selected imagery are described. A detailed example of an area coverage request is graphically presented.

Key to acanthocephala reported in waterfowl

USGS Publications Warehouse

McDonald, Malcolm E.

1988-01-01

This is the third part of a continuing series on helminths reported in waterfowl (McDonald 1974, 1981). Coots and moorhens (in Family Rallidae, Order Gruiformes) are included with the Anatidae of Anseriformes. The goal of these studies i complete coverage of waterfowl helminths of the world, although the original incentive-inadequate knowledge of the parasites of North American waterfowl- is less true now. World coverage is desirable because the world distribution of the family, tribes, and even many species of waterfowl often results in world distribution of parasites.

Characterization of a Planet: Dependence on Coverage Fraction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lorenz, R. D.

1996-03-01

I investigate, by means of numerical experiments and a real-time quiz of colleagues (to be repeated at the poster presentation associated with this abstract), how well-characterized a planet may be considered, as a function of how much of its surface has been studied. Most measures seem to indicate that characterization quality increases steeply up to about 30% coverage. Beyond 30%, additional coverage has a lower marginal value as a 'complete' knowledge of the surface is asymptotically reached. These studies are pertinent where tradeoffs of coverage against other scientific objectives exist, for example the orbital tour design of the Cassini mission. The tour design affects how much of Titan's surface (after the Galileo mission, Titan's surface becomes the largest mappable, but unmapped, area in the solar system) may be covered by the Cassini radar. The mission has too few flybys to cover all of Titan's surface: the Radar team aims to have 30% coverage at 1km resolution or better. I also find that long, thin swaths sample a planet better than square blocks of equivalent area.

Deformation Measurement In The Hayward Fault Zone Using Partially Correlated Persistent Scatterers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lien, J.; Zebker, H. A.

2013-12-01

Interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) is an effective tool for measuring temporal changes in the Earth's surface. By combining SAR phase data collected at varying times and orbit geometries, with InSAR we can produce high accuracy, wide coverage images of crustal deformation fields. Changes in the radar imaging geometry, scatterer positions, or scattering behavior between radar passes causes the measured radar return to differ, leading to a decorrelation phase term that obscures the deformation signal and prevents the use of large baseline data. Here we present a new physically-based method of modeling decorrelation from the subset of pixels with the highest intrinsic signal-to-noise ratio, the so-called persistent scatters (PS). This more complete formulation, which includes both phase and amplitude scintillations, better describes the scattering behavior of partially correlated PS pixels and leads to a more reliable selection algorithm. The new method identifies PS pixels using maximum likelihood signal-to-clutter ratio (SCR) estimation based on the joint interferometric stack phase-amplitude distribution. Our PS selection method is unique in that it considers both phase and amplitude; accounts for correlation between all possible pairs of interferometric observations; and models the effect of spatial and temporal baselines on the stack. We use the resulting maximum likelihood SCR estimate as a criterion for PS selection. We implement the partially correlated persistent scatterer technique to analyze a stack of C-band European Remote Sensing (ERS-1/2) interferometric radar data imaging the Hayward Fault Zone from 1995 to 2000. We show that our technique achieves a better trade-off between PS pixel selection accuracy and network density compared to other PS identification methods, particularly in areas of natural terrain. We then present deformation measurements obtained by the selected PS network. Our results demonstrate that the partially correlated persistent scatterer technique can attain accurate deformation measurements even in areas that suffer decorrelation due to natural terrain. The accuracy of phase unwrapping and subsequent deformation estimation on the spatially sparse PS network depends on both pixel selection accuracy and the density of the network. We find that many additional pixels can be added to the PS list if we are able to correctly identify and add those in which the scattering mechanism exhibits partial, rather than complete, correlation across all radar scenes.

On the aliasing of the solar cycle in the lower stratospheric tropical temperature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuchar, Ales; Ball, William T.; Rozanov, Eugene V.; Stenke, Andrea; Revell, Laura; Miksovsky, Jiri; Pisoft, Petr; Peter, Thomas

2017-09-01

The double-peaked response of the tropical stratospheric temperature profile to the 11 year solar cycle (SC) has been well documented. However, there are concerns about the origin of the lower peak due to potential aliasing with volcanic eruptions or the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) detected using multiple linear regression analysis. We confirm the aliasing using the results of the chemistry-climate model (CCM) SOCOLv3 obtained in the framework of the International Global Atmospheric Chemisty/Stratosphere-troposphere Processes And their Role in Climate Chemistry-Climate Model Initiative phase 1. We further show that even without major volcanic eruptions included in transient simulations, the lower stratospheric response exhibits a residual peak when historical sea surface temperatures (SSTs)/sea ice coverage (SIC) are used. Only the use of climatological SSTs/SICs in addition to background stratospheric aerosols removes volcanic and ENSO signals and results in an almost complete disappearance of the modeled solar signal in the lower stratospheric temperature. We demonstrate that the choice of temporal subperiod considered for the regression analysis has a large impact on the estimated profile signal in the lower stratosphere: at least 45 consecutive years are needed to avoid the large aliasing effect of SC maxima with volcanic eruptions in 1982 and 1991 in historical simulations, reanalyses, and observations. The application of volcanic forcing compiled for phase 6 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP6) in the CCM SOCOLv3 reduces the warming overestimation in the tropical lower stratosphere and the volcanic aliasing of the temperature response to the SC, although it does not eliminate it completely.

SU-G-BRA-16: Target Dose Comparison for Dynamic MLC Tracking and Mid- Ventilation Planning in Lung Radiotherapy Subject to Intrafractional Baseline Drifts

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

Menten, MJ; Fast, MF; Nill, S

Purpose: Lung tumor motion during radiotherapy can be accounted for by expanded treatment margins, for example using a mid-ventilation planning approach, or by localizing the tumor in real-time and adapting the treatment beam with multileaf collimator (MLC) tracking. This study evaluates the effect of intrafractional changes in the average tumor position (baseline drifts) on these two treatment techniques. Methods: Lung stereotactic treatment plans (9-beam IMRT, 54Gy/3 fractions, mean treatment time: 9.63min) were generated for three patients: either for delivery with MLC tracking (isotropic GTV-to-PTV margin: 2.6mm) or planned with a mid-ventilation approach and delivered without online motion compensation (GTV-to-PTV margin:more » 4.4-6.3mm). Delivery to a breathing patient was simulated using DynaTrack, our in-house tracking and delivery software. Baseline drifts in cranial and posterior direction were simulated at a rate of 0.5, 1.0 or 1.5mm/min. For dose reconstruction, the corresponding 4DCT phase was selected for each time point of the delivery. Baseline drifts were accounted for by rigidly shifting the CT to ensure correct relative beam-to-target positioning. Afterwards, the doses delivered to each 4DCT phase were accumulated deformably on the mid-ventilation phase using research RayStation v4.6 and dose coverage of the GTV was evaluated. Results: When using the mid-ventilation planning approach, dose coverage of the tumor deteriorated substantially in the presence of baseline drifts. The reduction in D98% coverage of the GTV in a single fraction ranged from 0.4-1.2, 0.6-3.3 and 4.5-6.2Gy, respectively, for the different drift rates. With MLC tracking the GTV D98% coverage remained unchanged (+/− 0.1Gy) regardless of drift. Conclusion: Intrafractional baseline drifts reduce the tumor dose in treatments based on mid-ventilation planning. In rare, large target baseline drifts tumor dose coverage may drop below the prescription, potentially affecting clinical outcome in hypofractionated treatment protocols. Dynamic MLC tracking preserves tumor dose coverage even in the presence of extreme baseline drifts. We acknowledge financial and technical support of the MLC tracking research from Elekta AB. Research at ICR is supported by CRUK under Programme C33589/A19727 and NHS funding to the NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at RMH and ICR. MFF is supported by CRUK under Programme C33589/A19908.« less

Platelet-rich-fibrin: A novel root coverage approach

PubMed Central

Anilkumar, K.; Geetha, A.; Umasudhakar; Ramakrishnan, T; Vijayalakshmi, R; Pameela, E.

2009-01-01

Treatment of gingival recession has become an important therapeutic issue due to increasing cosmetic demand. Multiple surgical procedures have been developed to obtain predictable esthetic root coverage. More specifically, after periodontal regenerative surgery, the aim is to achieve complete wound healing and regeneration of the periodontal unit. A recent innovation in dentistry is the preparation and use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP), a concentrated suspension of the growth factors, found in platelets. These growth factors are involved in wound healing and postulated as promoters of tissue regeneration. This paper reports the use of PRF membrane for root coverage on the labial surfaces of the mandibular anterior teeth. This was accomplished using laterally displaced flap technique with platelet rich fibrin (PRF) membrane at the recipient site. PMID:20376243

Creeping attachment after 10 years of treatment of a gingival recession with acellular dermal matrix: a case report.

PubMed

Santos, Antonio; Goumenos, George; Pascual, Andrés; Nart, Jose

2011-02-01

Acellular dermal matrix grafts have become a good alternative to autogenous soft tissue grafts in root coverage. Until now, the literature has reported short- or medium-term data regarding the stability of the gingival margin after the use of acellular dermal matrix on root coverage. The aim of this article is to describe a case report with 10 years of evolution with creeping attachment that developed bucally on a moderate recession of a maxillary canine with an old composite restoration subsequent to an acellular dermal matrix. Long-term creeping attachment and complete root coverage on a restored tooth treated with acellular dermal matrix has not been previously reported in the dental literature.

The public health impact of malaria vaccine RTS,S in malaria endemic Africa: country-specific predictions using 18 month follow-up Phase III data and simulation models.

PubMed

Penny, Melissa A; Galactionova, Katya; Tarantino, Michael; Tanner, Marcel; Smith, Thomas A

2015-07-29

The RTS,S/AS01 malaria vaccine candidate recently completed Phase III trials in 11 African sites. Recommendations for its deployment will partly depend on predictions of public health impact in endemic countries. Previous predictions of these used only limited information on underlying vaccine properties and have not considered country-specific contextual data. Each Phase III trial cohort was simulated explicitly using an ensemble of individual-based stochastic models, and many hypothetical vaccine profiles. The true profile was estimated by Bayesian fitting of these models to the site- and time-specific incidence of clinical malaria in both trial arms over 18 months of follow-up. Health impacts of implementation via two vaccine schedules in 43 endemic sub-Saharan African countries, using country-specific prevalence, access to care, immunisation coverage and demography data, were predicted via weighted averaging over many simulations. The efficacy against infection of three doses of vaccine was initially approximately 65 % (when immunising 6-12 week old infants) and 80 % (children 5-17 months old), with a 1 year half-life (exponential decay). Either schedule will avert substantial disease, but predicted impact strongly depends on the decay rate of vaccine effects and average transmission intensity. For the first time Phase III site- and time-specific data were available to estimate both the underlying profile of RTS,S/AS01 and likely country-specific health impacts. Initial efficacy will probably be high, but decay rapidly. Adding RTS,S to existing control programs, assuming continuation of current levels of malaria exposure and of health system performance, will potentially avert 100-580 malaria deaths and 45,000 to 80,000 clinical episodes per 100,000 fully vaccinated children over an initial 10-year phase.

Use of a collagen matrix for recession coverage in patients who received orthodontic therapy: a case series.

PubMed

Tan, Wah C; Tan, Wah L; Ong, Marianne M A; Lang, Niklaus P

2017-02-01

The aim of the present study was to determine the percentage of recession coverage achieved following surgery with a collagen matrix, and patient-reported outcome measures. Five healthy adults who had completed orthodontic therapy with a gingival recession defect were recruited. Gingival recession coverage was performed using a two-layer, xenogeneic collagen matrix (Mucograft). During the first 2 weeks, the patients charted their perceptions on bleeding, swelling, pain, and bruising using a visual analog scale (VAS). Post-surgical complications were assessed clinically at 1 week, 2 weeks, and 1 month post-surgery. Recession dimensions were examined at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. At 1 year, an average of 67% root coverage was achieved. The amount of recession coverage achieved was stable from 3 months. The results were maintained at 1 year. There were no post-surgical complications. All VAS parameters decreased to almost zero by day 14. From day 1, bleeding and pain decreased over time. However, there were peaks on days 2 and 3 for swelling and bruising, respectively, followed by a subsequent decrease. The use of Mucograft for recession coverage is effective and safe, with low morbidity and no post-surgical complications. Recession coverage achieved at 3 months remained stable in the 1-year follow-up period. © 2015 Wiley Publishing Asia Pty Ltd.

Modelling preventive effectiveness to estimate the equity tipping point: at what coverage can individual preventive interventions reduce socioeconomic disparities in diabetes risk?

PubMed

Manuel, D G; Ho, T H; Harper, S; Anderson, G M; Lynch, J; Rosella, L C

2014-07-01

Most individual preventive therapies potentially narrow or widen health disparities depending on the difference in community effectiveness across socioeconomic position (SEP). The equity tipping point (defined as the point at which health disparities become larger) can be calculated by varying components of community effectiveness such as baseline risk of disease, intervention coverage and/or intervention efficacy across SEP. We used a simple modelling approach to estimate the community effectiveness of diabetes prevention across SEP in Canada under different scenarios of intervention coverage. Five-year baseline diabetes risk differed between the lowest and highest income groups by 1.76%. Assuming complete coverage across all income groups, the difference was reduced to 0.90% (144 000 cases prevented) with lifestyle interventions and 1.24% (88 100 cases prevented) with pharmacotherapy. The equity tipping point was estimated to be a coverage difference of 30% for preventive interventions (100% and 70% coverage among the highest and lowest income earners, respectively). Disparities in diabetes risk could be measurably reduced if existing interventions were equally adopted across SEP. However, disparities in coverage could lead to increased inequity in risk. Simple modelling approaches can be used to examine the community effectiveness of individual preventive interventions and their potential to reduce (or increase) disparities. The equity tipping point can be used as a critical threshold for disparities analyses.

Exploring the relationship between population density and maternal health coverage.

PubMed

Hanlon, Michael; Burstein, Roy; Masters, Samuel H; Zhang, Raymond

2012-11-21

Delivering health services to dense populations is more practical than to dispersed populations, other factors constant. This engenders the hypothesis that population density positively affects coverage rates of health services. This hypothesis has been tested indirectly for some services at a local level, but not at a national level. We use cross-sectional data to conduct cross-country, OLS regressions at the national level to estimate the relationship between population density and maternal health coverage. We separately estimate the effect of two measures of density on three population-level coverage rates (6 tests in total). Our coverage indicators are the fraction of the maternal population completing four antenatal care visits and the utilization rates of both skilled birth attendants and in-facility delivery. The first density metric we use is the percentage of a population living in an urban area. The second metric, which we denote as a density score, is a relative ranking of countries by population density. The score's calculation discounts a nation's uninhabited territory under the assumption those areas are irrelevant to service delivery. We find significantly positive relationships between our maternal health indicators and density measures. On average, a one-unit increase in our density score is equivalent to a 0.2% increase in coverage rates. Countries with dispersed populations face higher burdens to achieve multinational coverage targets such as the United Nations' Millennial Development Goals.

Influence of Palatal Coverage and Implant Distribution on Implant Strain in Maxillary Implant Overdentures.

PubMed

Takahashi, Toshihito; Gonda, Tomoya; Mizuno, Yoko; Fujinami, Yozo; Maeda, Yoshinobu

2016-01-01

Maxillary implant overdentures are often used in clinical practice. However, there is no agreement or established guidelines regarding prosthetic design or optimal implant placement configuration. The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of palatal coverage and implant number and distribution in relation to impact strain under maxillary implant overdentures. A maxillary edentulous model with implants and experimental overdentures with and without palatal coverage was fabricated. Four strain gauges were attached to each implant, and they were positioned in the anterior, premolar, and molar areas. A vertical occlusal load of 98 N was applied through a mandibular complete denture, and the implant strains were compared using one-way analysis of variance (P = .05). The palatolabial strain was much higher on anterior implants than on other implants in both denture types. Although there was no significant difference between the strain under dentures with and without palatal coverage, palateless dentures tended to result in higher implant strain than dentures with palatal coverage. Dentures supported by only two implants registered higher strain than those supported by four or six implants. Implants under palateless dentures registered higher strain than those under dentures with palatal coverage. Anterior implants exhibited higher palatolabial strain than other implants regardless of palatal coverage and implant configuration; it is therefore recommended that maxillary implant overdentures should be supported by six implants with support extending to the distal end of the arch.

Expensive but worth it: older parents' attitudes and opinions about the costs and insurance coverage for in vitro fertilization.

PubMed

Nachtigall, Robert D; MacDougall, Kirstin; Davis, Anne C; Beyene, Yewoubdar

2012-01-01

To describe older parents' attitudes and opinions about the costs and insurance coverage for IVF. Qualitative interview study. Two Northern California IVF practices. Sixty women and 35 male partners in which the woman had delivered her first child after the age of 40 years using IVF. Two in-depth interviews over 3 months. Thematic analysis of interview transcripts. We found that although the costs of IVF were perceived as high, even by those with insurance or who could afford them, the cost of IVF relative to other expenses in life was dwarfed by the value attributed to having a child. Women were twice as likely as men to support insurance coverage for IVF. Both men and women with complete or partial IVF insurance coverage were more likely to support insurance than those without coverage. There was a broad range of attitudes and opinions about the appropriateness of IVF insurance coverage, which addressed questions of age, gender equality, reproductive choice, whether infertility is a medical illness, and the role of personal and societal economic equity and responsibility. Despite a generally favorable opinion about the appropriateness of insurance coverage by those who have successfully undergone IVF treatment, the affordability of IVF remains an unresolved dilemma in the United States. Copyright © 2012 American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Expensive but worth it: older parents’ attitudes and opinions about the costs and insurance coverage for in vitro fertilization

PubMed Central

Nachtigall, Robert D.; MacDougall, Kirstin; Davis, Anne C.; Beyene, Yewoubdar

2011-01-01

Objective To describe older parents’ attitudes and opinions about the costs and insurance coverage for IVF. Design Qualitative interview study. Setting Two Northern California IVF practices. Patient(s) Sixty women and 35 male partners in which the woman had delivered her first child after the age of 40 years using IVF. Intervention(s) Two in-depth interviews over 3 months. Main Outcome Measure(s) Thematic analysis of interview transcripts. Result(s) We found that although the costs of IVF were perceived as high, even by those with insurance or who could afford them, the cost of IVF relative to other expenses in life was dwarfed by the value attributed to having a child. Women were twice as likely as men to support insurance coverage for IVF. Both men and women with complete or partial IVF insurance coverage were more likely to support insurance than those without coverage. There was a broad range of attitudes and opinions about the appropriateness of IVF insurance coverage, which addressed questions of age, gender equality, reproductive choice, whether infertility is a medical illness, and the role of personal and societal economic equity and responsibility. Conclusion(s) Despite a generally favorable opinion about the appropriateness of insurance coverage by those who have successfully undergone IVF treatment, the affordability of IVF remains an unresolved dilemma in the United States. PMID:22118993

Prenatal vaccination education intervention improves both the mothers' knowledge and children's vaccination coverage: Evidence from randomized controlled trial from eastern China.

PubMed

Hu, Yu; Chen, Yaping; Wang, Ying; Song, Quanwei; Li, Qian

2017-06-03

To verify the effectiveness of prenatal vaccination education intervention on improving mother's vaccination knowledge and child's vaccination status in Zhejiang province, eastern China. Pregnant women with ≥ 12 gestational weeks were recruited and randomly assigned into the intervention group and the control group. The intervention group were given a vaccination education session while the control group were not. Two round surveys were performed before and 3 months after the intervention. The vaccination status of child was extracted at 12 months of age from immunization information system. The differences of the vaccination knowledge, the coverage, the completeness and the timeliness of vaccination between 2 groups were evaluated. The effectiveness of vaccination education intervention was assessed, under the control of the other demographic variables. Among the 1252 participants, 851 subjects replied to the post-survey. Significant improvements of vaccination knowledge between the pre- and the post- survey in the intervention group were observed (Mean ± S.D:1.8 ± 1.1 vs. 3.7 ± 1.2 for vaccines score and 2.7 ± 1.5 vs. 4.8 ± 1.0 for vaccine policy score, respectively). The coverage of fully vaccination was significantly higher in the intervention group (90.0% vs. 82.9%, P<0.01). The timeliness of fully vaccination was significantly higher in the intervention group (51.9% vs. 33.0%, P<0.01). In the intervention group, pregnant women were more likely to be with high score of knowledge (OR = 5.2, 95%CI: 2.6-8.8), and children were more likely to complete the full series of vaccination (OR = 3.4, 95%CI: 2.1-4.8), and children were more likely to complete the full series of vaccination in a timely manner (OR = 2.3, 95%CI: 1.6-3.5). Vaccination education in the pregnant women can effectively improve the knowledge regarding immunization and increase the coverage, the completeness and the timeliness of childhood vaccination. Strong partnership needs to be established between the obstetricians and the vaccination staff to improve the performance of NIP.

Prenatal vaccination education intervention improves both the mothers' knowledge and children's vaccination coverage: Evidence from randomized controlled trial from eastern China

PubMed Central

Chen, Yaping; Wang, Ying; Song, Quanwei; Li, Qian

2017-01-01

ABSTRACT Objectives: To verify the effectiveness of prenatal vaccination education intervention on improving mother's vaccination knowledge and child's vaccination status in Zhejiang province, eastern China. Methods: Pregnant women with ≥ 12 gestational weeks were recruited and randomly assigned into the intervention group and the control group. The intervention group were given a vaccination education session while the control group were not. Two round surveys were performed before and 3 months after the intervention. The vaccination status of child was extracted at 12 months of age from immunization information system. The differences of the vaccination knowledge, the coverage, the completeness and the timeliness of vaccination between 2 groups were evaluated. The effectiveness of vaccination education intervention was assessed, under the control of the other demographic variables. Results: Among the 1252 participants, 851 subjects replied to the post-survey. Significant improvements of vaccination knowledge between the pre- and the post- survey in the intervention group were observed (Mean ± S.D:1.8 ± 1.1 vs. 3.7 ± 1.2 for vaccines score and 2.7 ± 1.5 vs. 4.8 ± 1.0 for vaccine policy score, respectively). The coverage of fully vaccination was significantly higher in the intervention group (90.0% vs. 82.9%, P<0.01). The timeliness of fully vaccination was significantly higher in the intervention group (51.9% vs. 33.0%, P<0.01). In the intervention group, pregnant women were more likely to be with high score of knowledge (OR = 5.2, 95%CI: 2.6–8.8), and children were more likely to complete the full series of vaccination (OR = 3.4, 95%CI: 2.1–4.8), and children were more likely to complete the full series of vaccination in a timely manner (OR = 2.3, 95%CI: 1.6–3.5). Conclusions: Vaccination education in the pregnant women can effectively improve the knowledge regarding immunization and increase the coverage, the completeness and the timeliness of childhood vaccination. Strong partnership needs to be established between the obstetricians and the vaccination staff to improve the performance of NIP. PMID:28319453

Combining multivariate statistics and the think-aloud protocol to assess Human-Computer Interaction barriers in symptom checkers.

PubMed

Marco-Ruiz, Luis; Bønes, Erlend; de la Asunción, Estela; Gabarron, Elia; Aviles-Solis, Juan Carlos; Lee, Eunji; Traver, Vicente; Sato, Keiichi; Bellika, Johan G

2017-10-01

Symptom checkers are software tools that allow users to submit a set of symptoms and receive advice related to them in the form of a diagnosis list, health information or triage. The heterogeneity of their potential users and the number of different components in their user interfaces can make testing with end-users unaffordable. We designed and executed a two-phase method to test the respiratory diseases module of the symptom checker Erdusyk. Phase I consisted of an online test with a large sample of users (n=53). In Phase I, users evaluated the system remotely and completed a questionnaire based on the Technology Acceptance Model. Principal Component Analysis was used to correlate each section of the interface with the questionnaire responses, thus identifying which areas of the user interface presented significant contributions to the technology acceptance. In the second phase, the think-aloud procedure was executed with a small number of samples (n=15), focusing on the areas with significant contributions to analyze the reasons for such contributions. Our method was used effectively to optimize the testing of symptom checker user interfaces. The method allowed kept the cost of testing at reasonable levels by restricting the use of the think-aloud procedure while still assuring a high amount of coverage. The main barriers detected in Erdusyk were related to problems understanding time repetition patterns, the selection of levels in scales to record intensities, navigation, the quantification of some symptom attributes, and the characteristics of the symptoms. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The Chandra Source Catalog 2.0: Data Processing Pipelines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miller, Joseph; Allen, Christopher E.; Budynkiewicz, Jamie A.; Gibbs, Danny G., II; Paxson, Charles; Chen, Judy C.; Anderson, Craig S.; Burke, Douglas; Civano, Francesca Maria; D'Abrusco, Raffaele; Doe, Stephen M.; Evans, Ian N.; Evans, Janet D.; Fabbiano, Giuseppina; Glotfelty, Kenny J.; Graessle, Dale E.; Grier, John D.; Hain, Roger; Hall, Diane M.; Harbo, Peter N.; Houck, John C.; Lauer, Jennifer L.; Laurino, Omar; Lee, Nicholas P.; Martínez-Galarza, Juan Rafael; McCollough, Michael L.; McDowell, Jonathan C.; McLaughlin, Warren; Morgan, Douglas L.; Mossman, Amy E.; Nguyen, Dan T.; Nichols, Joy S.; Nowak, Michael A.; Plummer, David A.; Primini, Francis Anthony; Rots, Arnold H.; Siemiginowska, Aneta; Sundheim, Beth A.; Tibbetts, Michael; Van Stone, David W.; Zografou, Panagoula

2018-01-01

With the construction of the Second Chandra Source Catalog (CSC2.0), came new requirements and new techniques to create a software system that can process 10,000 observations and identify nearly 320,000 point and compact X-ray sources. A new series of processing pipelines have been developed to allow for deeper more complete exploration of the Chanda observations. In CSC1.0 there were 4 general pipelines, whereas in CSC2.0 there are 20 data processing pipelines that have been organized into 3 distinct phases of operation - detection, master matching and source property characterization.With CSC2.0, observations within one arcminute of each other are stacked before searching for sources. The detection phase of processing combines the data, adjusts for shifts in fine astrometry, detects sources, and assesses the likelihood that sources are real. During the master source phase, detections across stacks of observations are analyzed for coverage of the same source to produce a master source. Finally, in the source property phase, each source is characterized with aperture photometry, spectrometry, variability and other properties at theobservation, stack and master levels over several energy bands.We present how these pipelines were constructed and the challenges we faced in how we processed data ranging from virtually no counts to millions of counts, how pipelines were tuned to work optimally on a computational cluster, and how we ensure the data produced was correct through various quality assurance steps.This work has been supported by NASA under contract NAS 8-03060 to the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory for operation of the Chandra X-ray Center.

Assembly of a phased diploid Candida albicans genome facilitates allele-specific measurements and provides a simple model for repeat and indel structure

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Candida albicans is a ubiquitous opportunistic fungal pathogen that afflicts immunocompromised human hosts. With rare and transient exceptions the yeast is diploid, yet despite its clinical relevance the respective sequences of its two homologous chromosomes have not been completely resolved. Results We construct a phased diploid genome assembly by deep sequencing a standard laboratory wild-type strain and a panel of strains homozygous for particular chromosomes. The assembly has 700-fold coverage on average, allowing extensive revision and expansion of the number of known SNPs and indels. This phased genome significantly enhances the sensitivity and specificity of allele-specific expression measurements by enabling pooling and cross-validation of signal across multiple polymorphic sites. Additionally, the diploid assembly reveals pervasive and unexpected patterns in allelic differences between homologous chromosomes. Firstly, we see striking clustering of indels, concentrated primarily in the repeat sequences in promoters. Secondly, both indels and their repeat-sequence substrate are enriched near replication origins. Finally, we reveal an intimate link between repeat sequences and indels, which argues that repeat length is under selective pressure for most eukaryotes. This connection is described by a concise one-parameter model that explains repeat-sequence abundance in C. albicans as a function of the indel rate, and provides a general framework to interpret repeat abundance in species ranging from bacteria to humans. Conclusions The phased genome assembly and insights into repeat plasticity will be valuable for better understanding allele-specific phenomena and genome evolution. PMID:24025428

32 CFR 651.51 - The final phase.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... proposed action). (3) The three categories of impacts are as follows: (i) Direct. (ii) Indirect. (iii... through reference to their coverage elsewhere (40 CFR 1501.7(a)(3)). (c) As part of the scoping process...

Using Social Marketing Theory as a Framework for Understanding and Increasing HPV Vaccine Series Completion Among Hispanic Adolescents: A Qualitative Study

PubMed Central

Ward, Kristy K.; Carmack, Chakema C.; Muñoz, Becky T.; Cano, Miguel A.; Cribbs, Felicity

2016-01-01

HPV vaccine series completion rates among adolescent Hispanic females and males (~39 and 21 %, respectively) are far below the Healthy People 80 % coverage goal. Completion of the 3-dose vaccine series is critical to reducing the incidence of HPV-associated cancers. This formative study applies social marketing theory to assess the needs and preferences of Hispanic mothers in order to guide the development of interventions to increase HPV vaccine completion. We conducted 51 in-depth interviews with Hispanic mothers of adolescents to identify the key concepts of social marketing theory (i.e., the four P’s: product, price, place and promotion). Results suggest that a desire complete the vaccine series, vaccine reminders and preventing illnesses and protecting their children against illnesses and HPV all influence vaccination (product). The majority of Completed mothers did not experience barriers that prevented vaccine series completion and Initiated mothers perceived a lack of health insurance and the cost of the vaccine as potential barriers. Informational barriers were prevalent across both market segments (price). Clinics are important locations for deciding to complete the vaccine series (place). They are the preferred sources to obtain information about the HPV vaccine thus making them ideal locations to deliver intervention messages, followed by television, the child’s school and brochures (promotion). Increasing HPV vaccine coverage among Hispanic adolescents will reduce the rates of HPV-associated cancers and the cervical cancer health disparity among Hispanic women. This research can inform the development of an intervention to increase HPV vaccine series completion in this population. PMID:27624345

Using Social Marketing Theory as a Framework for Understanding and Increasing HPV Vaccine Series Completion Among Hispanic Adolescents: A Qualitative Study.

PubMed

Roncancio, Angelica M; Ward, Kristy K; Carmack, Chakema C; Muñoz, Becky T; Cano, Miguel A; Cribbs, Felicity

2017-02-01

HPV vaccine series completion rates among adolescent Hispanic females and males (~39 and 21 %, respectively) are far below the Healthy People 80 % coverage goal. Completion of the 3-dose vaccine series is critical to reducing the incidence of HPV-associated cancers. This formative study applies social marketing theory to assess the needs and preferences of Hispanic mothers in order to guide the development of interventions to increase HPV vaccine completion. We conducted 51 in-depth interviews with Hispanic mothers of adolescents to identify the key concepts of social marketing theory (i.e., the four P's: product, price, place and promotion). Results suggest that a desire complete the vaccine series, vaccine reminders and preventing illnesses and protecting their children against illnesses and HPV all influence vaccination (product). The majority of Completed mothers did not experience barriers that prevented vaccine series completion and Initiated mothers perceived a lack of health insurance and the cost of the vaccine as potential barriers. Informational barriers were prevalent across both market segments (price). Clinics are important locations for deciding to complete the vaccine series (place). They are the preferred sources to obtain information about the HPV vaccine thus making them ideal locations to deliver intervention messages, followed by television, the child's school and brochures (promotion). Increasing HPV vaccine coverage among Hispanic adolescents will reduce the rates of HPV-associated cancers and the cervical cancer health disparity among Hispanic women. This research can inform the development of an intervention to increase HPV vaccine series completion in this population.

Desorption of oxygen from alloyed Ag/Pt(111)

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

Jankowski, Maciej; Wormeester, Herbert, E-mail: h.wormeester@utwente.nl; Zandvliet, Harold J. W.

2014-06-21

We have investigated the interaction of oxygen with the Ag/Pt(111) surface alloy by thermal desorption spectroscopy (TDS). The surface alloy was formed during the deposition of sub-monolayer amounts of silver on Pt(111) at 800 K and subsequent cooling to 300 K. The low-temperature phase of the surface alloy is composed of nanometer-sized silver rich stripes, embedded within platinum-rich domains, which were characterized with spot profile analysis low energy electron diffraction. The TDS measurements show that oxygen adsorption is blocked on Ag sites: the saturation coverage of oxygen decreases with increasing Ag coverage. Also, the activation energy for desorption (E{sub des})more » decreases with Ag coverage. The analysis of the desorption spectra from clean Pt(111) shows a linear decay of E{sub des} with oxygen coverage, which indicates repulsive interactions between the adsorbed oxygen atoms. In contrast, adsorption on alloyed Ag/Pt(111) leads to an attractive interaction between adsorbed oxygen atoms.« less

Cyclohexylamine additives for enhanced peptide separations in reversed phase liquid chromatography.

PubMed

Cole, S R; Dorsey, J G

1997-01-01

While the choice of stationary phase, organic modifier, and gradient strength can have significant effects on biomolecule separations, mobile phase additives can also have a significant effect on the chromatographic selectivity, recovery, efficiency and resolution. Given the importance of stationary phase coverage, the beneficial, silanol-masking properties of amines, and the potential for selectivity modification through ion-pair interactions, cyclohexylamine was examined as a mobile phase additive and compared with triethylamine and trifluoroacetic acid. Greatly improved separation was possible when cyclohexylamine was used as compared with phosphate buffer, and cyclohexylamine did not require purification before use, while triethylamine required distillation before 'clean' chromatograms were obtained.

Attack Coverage in High-Level Men’s Volleyball: Organization on the Edge of Chaos?

PubMed Central

Laporta, Lorenzo; Nikolaidis, Pantelis; Thomas, Luke; Afonso, José

2015-01-01

Change is pervasive, but emerging patterns are occasionally detectable through analysis of systemic behaviors. Match analysis uses these patterns in order to reduce the degree of improvisation and to optimize the training process. However, it is possible that certain game phases elude systematic patterning. In this vein, our aim was to analyze the case of attack coverage in men’s volleyball, as we suspected it would elude systematic patterning and has received negligible attention in scientific research. We analyzed the occurrence of attack coverage in 4544 plays of the 2011 Volleyball World League. A Chi-square test with residual adjusted values was applied to explore significant associations between variables. A Monte Carlo correction was applied, as some cells had n<5. Effect sizes were determined using Cramer’s V. Overall, attack coverage occurred in 3.89% of ball possessions, and 23 distinct structures emerged. These structures lacked significant associations with the game complex, setting zone, and effect of attack coverage. Conversely, attack coverage structures showed significant associations with the attack zone and tempo, with very strong effect sizes (V=0.472 and V=0.521, respectively). As certain attack zones are deeply associated with attack tempo, it is apparent that quicker attack plays affect attack coverage structuring, promoting the formation of less complex structures. Ultimately, attack coverage structures seem to depend on momentary constraints, thereby rendering rigid systematization impracticable. Still, we contended that a principle-based approach might be suitable. This invites researchers to rethink how to interpret game regularities. PMID:26557208

Coverage of Continuous Regions in Euclidean Space Using Homogeneous Resources with Application to the Allocation of the Phased Array Radar Systems

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-06-01

centered at OPi with radius β. Let δ ∗ be the coverage level of the entire polygon P , AP be the area of polygon P , APi be the area of sub-polygon...30 1104 512 1120 992 512 297 1.72 40 600 512 480 544 480 167 2.87 80 158 128 120 136 120 42 2.86 120 70 32 70 62 32 19 1.68 160 38 32 30 34 30 11

Optimization of microfabricated nanoliter-scale solid-phase extraction device for detection of gel-separated proteins in low abundance by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Chen, Wenzhang; Shen, Jing; Yin, Xuefeng; Yu, Yingnian

2007-01-01

A nano-scale solid-phase extraction (SPE) device was developed for the detection of gel-separated proteins in low abundance by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) with a simplified microfabrication technology. By using SU-8 photoresist instead of epoxy glue to connect the microchannel and transfer capillary, polymeric contaminant signals in MS analysis were significantly reduced. Micro SPE columns with different capacities and geometric characteristics were investigated in order to increase the detection sensitivity and decrease spot size for MALDI-TOF-MS analysis. It is shown that enhancements in sensitivities for the detection of proteins in low abundance were correlated with the reduction in column capacity and increase in column aspect ratio. Fifty nanoliters of matrix solution were sufficient to elute the sample completely from the optimized micro SPE column with 3.5 nL capacity. The mass spectrum of a 5 fmol in-gel tryptic digest of bovine serum albumin (BSA), processed by the micro SPE column, demonstrated that 29 peptides matched the protein giving a sequence coverage of 51%, which was better than that obtained from analysis of 25 fmol of the same sample prepared by the dried-droplet method. With the micro SPE column treatment of 2 microL of digestion supernatant of a gel spot of the IQGAP1 protein, 15 peptides were detected from the mass spectrum with the highest individual score of 111, while, with a ZipTip procedure, only nine peaks were detected with the highest individual score of 71. Analytical results demonstrated that this approach greatly improved the sequence coverage and identification specificity for the tested protein. It can serve as a very useful tool in proteomics studies, especially for low abundance proteins. Copyright (c) 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Gold deposited on a Ge(0 0 1) surface: DFT calculations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsay, Shiow-Fon

2016-11-01

The atomic geometry, stability and electronic properties of self-organized Au induced nanowires on a Ge(0 0 1) surface are investigated based on the density-functional theory in the generalized gradient approximation and the stoichiometry of Au. According to the formation energy and the simulated STM image, the Ge atoms substituted by the Au atoms have been confirmed as occurring at a Au coverage lower than 0.25 Ml. The STM image with single and double dimer vacancies looks like the Au atoms have penetrated the subsurface. The energetically favorable dimer-row arrayed structures at 0.50 Ml and 0.75 Ml Au coverages have a 4  ×  1, 4  ×  2 or c(8  ×  2) transition symmetry, which comprise a flat Au-Au homodimer row and an alternating various buckling phase Ge-Ge or Au-Ge dimer row. The c(8  ×  2) zigzag-shaped protruding chains of shallow-groove STM images are highly consistent with the observations, but a long-range order dimer-row arrayed structure formation requires sufficient mobile energy to complete mass transport of the substituted Ge atoms in order to avoid the re-adsorption of these atoms; otherwise a deep-groove structure reconstruction is sequentially formed. A quasi-1D electron-like energy trough aligns in the direction perpendicular to the nanowire of the dimer-row arrayed structure in the c(8  ×  2) phase on a 0.75 Ml Au/Ge(0 0 1) surface, which is contributed by the Au-Ge dimer rows and the subsurface Ge atoms below them. The bottom energy of the energy trough is consistent with angle-resolved photo-emission spectroscopy studies (Schäfer et al 2008 Phys. Rev. Lett. 101 236802, Meyer et al 2011 Phys. Rev. B 83 121411(R)).

Competition between hardwood hammocks and mangroves

USGS Publications Warehouse

Sternberg, L.D.S.L.; Teh, S.Y.; Ewe, S.M.L.; Miralles-Wilhelm, F.; DeAngelis, D.L.

2007-01-01

The boundaries between mangroves and freshwater hammocks in coastal ecotones of South Florida are sharp. Further, previous studies indicate that there is a discontinuity in plant predawn water potentials, with woody plants either showing predawn water potentials reflecting exposure to saline water or exposure to freshwater. This abrupt concurrent change in community type and plant water status suggests that there might be feedback dynamics between vegetation and salinity. A model examining the salinity of the aerated zone of soil overlying a saline body of water, known as the vadose layer, as a function of precipitation, evaporation and plant water uptake is presented here. The model predicts that mixtures of saline and freshwater vegetative species represent unstable states. Depending on the initial vegetation composition, subsequent vegetative change will lead either to patches of mangrove coverage having a high salinity vadose zone or to freshwater hammock coverage having a low salinity vadose zone. Complete or nearly complete coverage by either freshwater or saltwater vegetation represents two stable steady-state points. This model can explain many of the previous observations of vegetation patterns in coastal South Florida as well as observations on the dynamics of vegetation shifts caused by sea level rise and climate change. ?? 2007 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.

Adding the missing piece: Spitzer imaging of the HSC-Deep/PFS fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sajina, Anna; Bezanson, Rachel; Capak, Peter; Egami, Eiichi; Fan, Xiaohui; Farrah, Duncan; Greene, Jenny; Goulding, Andy; Lacy, Mark; Lin, Yen-Ting; Liu, Xin; Marchesini, Danilo; Moutard, Thibaud; Ono, Yoshiaki; Ouchi, Masami; Sawicki, Marcin; Strauss, Michael; Surace, Jason; Whitaker, Katherine

2018-05-01

We propose to observe a total of 7sq.deg. to complete the Spitzer-IRAC coverage of the HSC-Deep survey fields. These fields are the sites of the PrimeFocusSpectrograph (PFS) galaxy evolution survey which will provide spectra of wide wavelength range and resolution for almost all M* galaxies at z 0.7-1.7, and extend out to z 7 for targeted samples. Our fields already have deep broadband and narrowband photometry in 12 bands spanning from u through K and a wealth of other ancillary data. We propose completing the matching depth IRAC observations in the extended COSMOS, ELAIS-N1 and Deep2-3 fields. By complementing existing Spitzer coverage, this program will lead to an unprecedended in spectro-photometric coverage dataset across a total of 15 sq.deg. This dataset will have significant legacy value as it samples a large enough cosmic volume to be representative of the full range of environments, but also doing so with sufficient information content per galaxy to confidently derive stellar population characteristics. This enables detailed studies of the growth and quenching of galaxies and their supermassive black holes in the context of a galaxy's local and large scale environment.

Robustness of Representative Signals Relative to Data Loss Using Atlas-Based Parcellations.

PubMed

Gajdoš, Martin; Výtvarová, Eva; Fousek, Jan; Lamoš, Martin; Mikl, Michal

2018-04-24

Parcellation-based approaches are an important part of functional magnetic resonance imaging data analysis. They are a necessary processing step for sorting data in structurally or functionally homogenous regions. Real functional magnetic resonance imaging datasets usually do not cover the atlas template completely; they are often spatially constrained due to the physical limitations of MR sequence settings, the inter-individual variability in brain shape, etc. When using a parcellation template, many regions are not completely covered by actual data. This paper addresses the issue of the area coverage required in real data in order to reliably estimate the representative signal and the influence of this kind of data loss on network analysis metrics. We demonstrate this issue on four datasets using four different widely used parcellation templates. We used two erosion approaches to simulate data loss on the whole-brain level and the ROI-specific level. Our results show that changes in ROI coverage have a systematic influence on network measures. Based on the results of our analysis, we recommend controlling the ROI coverage and retaining at least 60% of the area in order to ensure at least 80% of explained variance of the original signal.

Pertussis vaccination coverage among French parents of infants after 10years of cocoon strategy.

PubMed

Cohen, R; Gaudelus, J; Denis, F; Stahl, J-P; Chevaillier, O; Pujol, P; Martinot, A

2016-06-01

The cocoon strategy against pertussis has been recommended in France since 2004 to indirectly protect young infants who are not yet vaccinated. We aimed to measure vaccination coverage among French parents of infants. A representative sample of 300 mothers and 200 fathers of infants aged <12 months completed a self-administered online questionnaire. They all provided their own vaccination records. Overall, 87% of mothers believed vaccination against pertussis to be important; 83% reported being immunized against pertussis but their vaccination records showed that a third of them was wrong (34%). On the basis of our sample, the 2009-2014 vaccination coverage against pertussis among mothers increased from 22 to 61% (P<0.005); over the same period of time, vaccination coverage against diphtheria, tetanus, and polio remained stable (80%). Vaccination coverage against pertussis among fathers increased from 21 to 42% between 2010 and 2013 (P=0.009). In 2013, one couple out of four (26%) was adequately immunized against pertussis. The cocoon strategy was implemented 10years ago in France but vaccination coverage remains suboptimal among parents of young infants. Healthcare professionals must recommend vaccination against pertussis to young adults and check that their vaccination status is up to date. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Vaccination Coverage Among Children Aged 2 Years - U.S. Affiliated Pacific Islands, April-October, 2016.

PubMed

Tippins, Ashley; Murthy, Neil; Meghani, Mehreen; Solsman, Amy; Apaisam, Carter; Basilius, Merlyn; Eckert, Maribeth; Judicpa, Peter; Masunu, Yolanda; Pistotnik, Kelsey; Pedro, Daisy; Sasamoto, Jeremy; Underwood, J Michael

2018-05-25

Vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) cause substantial morbidity and mortality in the United States Affiliated Pacific Islands (USAPI).* CDC collaborates with USAPI immunization programs to monitor vaccination coverage. In 2016, † USAPI immunization programs and CDC piloted a method for estimating up-to-date status among children aged 2 years using medical record abstraction to ascertain regional vaccination coverage. This was the first concurrent assessment of childhood vaccination coverage across five USAPI jurisdictions (American Samoa; Chuuk State, Federated States of Micronesia [FSM]; Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands [CNMI]; Republic of the Marshall Islands [RMI]; and Republic of Palau). § Differences in vaccination coverage between main and outer islands ¶ were assessed for two jurisdictions where data were adequate.** Series coverage in this report includes the following doses of vaccines: ≥4 doses of diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and acellular pertussis vaccine (DTaP); ≥3 doses of inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV); ≥1 dose of measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine (MMR); ≥3 doses of Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) vaccine; ≥3 doses of hepatitis B (HepB) vaccine; and ≥4 doses of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV); i.e., 4:3:1:3:3:4. Coverage with ≥3 doses of rotavirus vaccine was also assessed. Completion of the recommended series of each of these vaccines †† was <90% in all jurisdictions except Palau. Coverage with the full recommended six-vaccine series (4:3:1:3:3:4) ranged from 19.5% (Chuuk) to 69.1% (Palau). In RMI and Chuuk, coverage was lower in the outer islands than in the main islands for most vaccines, with differences ranging from 0.9 to 66.8 percentage points. Medical record abstraction enabled rapid vaccination coverage assessment and timely dissemination of results to guide programmatic decision-making. Effectively monitoring vaccination coverage, coupled with implementation of data-driven interventions, is essential to maintain protection from VPD outbreaks in the region and the mainland United States.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination coverage in young Australian women is higher than previously estimated: independent estimates from a nationally representative mobile phone survey.

PubMed

Brotherton, Julia M L; Liu, Bette; Donovan, Basil; Kaldor, John M; Saville, Marion

2014-01-23

Accurate estimates of coverage are essential for estimating the population effectiveness of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination. Australia has a purpose built National HPV Vaccination Program Register for monitoring coverage, however notification of doses administered to young women in the community during the national catch-up program (2007-2009) was not compulsory. In 2011, we undertook a population-based mobile phone survey of young women to independently estimate HPV vaccination coverage. Randomly generated mobile phone numbers were dialed to recruit women aged 22-30 (age eligible for HPV vaccination) to complete a computer assisted telephone interview. Consent was sought to validate self reported HPV vaccination status against the national register. Coverage rates were calculated based on self report and weighted to the age and state of residence structure of the Australian female population. These were compared with coverage estimates from the register using Australian Bureau of Statistics estimated resident populations as the denominator. Among the 1379 participants, the national estimate for self reported HPV vaccination coverage for doses 1/2/3, respectively, weighted for age and state of residence, was 64/59/53%. This compares with coverage of 55/45/32% and 49/40/28% based on register records, using 2007 and 2011 population data as the denominators respectively. Some significant differences in coverage between the states were identified. 20% (223) of women returned a consent form allowing validation of doses against the register and provider records: among these women 85.6% (538) of self reported doses were confirmed. We confirmed that coverage rates for young women vaccinated in the community (at age 18-26 years) are underestimated by the national register and that under-notification is greater for second and third doses. Using 2011 population estimates, rather than estimates contemporaneous with the program rollout, reduces register-based coverage estimates further because of large population increases due to immigration since the program. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Malaria burden and costs of intensified control in Bhutan, 2006-14: an observational study and situation analysis.

PubMed

Wangdi, Kinley; Banwell, Cathy; Gatton, Michelle L; Kelly, Gerard C; Namgay, Rinzin; Clements, Archie C A

2016-05-01

The number of malaria cases has fallen in Bhutan in the past two decades, and the country has a goal of complete elimination of malaria by 2016. The aims of this study are to ascertain the trends and burden of malaria, the costs of intensified control activities, the main donors of funding for the control activities, and the costs of different preventive measures in the pre-elimination phase (2006-14) in Bhutan. We undertook a descriptive analysis of malaria surveillance data from 2006 to 2014, using data from the Vector-borne Disease Control Programme (VDCP) run by the Department of Public Health of Bhutan's Ministry of Health. Malaria morbidity and mortality in local Bhutanese people and foreign nationals were analysed. The cost of different control and preventive measures were calculated, and the average numbers of long-lasting insecticidal nests per person were estimated. A total of 5491 confirmed malaria cases occurred in Bhutan between 2006 and 2014. By 2013, there was an average of one long-lasting insecticidal net for every 1·51 individuals. The cost of procuring long-lasting insecticidal nets accounted for more than 90% of the total cost of prevention measures. The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria was the main international donor, accounting for more than 80% of the total funds. The malaria burden in Bhutan decreased significantly during the study period with high coverage of long-lasting insecticidal nets. The foreseeable challenges that require national attention to maintain a malaria-free status after elimination are importation of malaria, especially from India; continued protection of the population in endemic districts through complete coverage with long-lasting insecticidal nets and indoor residual spraying; and exploration of local funding modalities post-elimination in the event of a reduction in international funding. None. Copyright © 2016 Wangdi et al. Open Access article distributed under the terms of CC BY. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Water uptake coefficients and deliquescence of NaCl nanoparticles at atmospheric relative humidities from molecular dynamics simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bahadur, Ranjit; Russell, Lynn M.

2008-09-01

Deliquescence properties of sodium chloride are size dependent for particles smaller than 100 nm. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations are used to determine deliquescence relative humidity (DRH) for particles in this size range by modeling idealized particles in contact with humid air. Constant humidity conditions are simulated by inclusion of a liquid reservoir of NaCl solution in contact with the vapor phase, which acts as a source of water molecules as uptake by the nanoparticle proceeds. DRH is bounded between the minimum humidity at which sustained water accumulation is observed at the particle surface and the maximum humidity at which water accumulation is not observed. Complete formation of a liquid layer is not observed due to computational limitations. The DRH determined increases with decreasing particle diameter, rising to between 91% and 93% for a 2.2 nm particle and between 81% and 85% for an 11 nm particle, higher than the 75% expected for particles larger than 100 nm. The simulated size dependence of DRH agrees well with predictions from bulk thermodynamic models and appears to converge with measurements for sizes larger than 10 nm. Complete deliquescence of nanoparticles in the 2-11 nm size range requires between 1 and 100 μs, exceeding the available computational resources for this study. Water uptake coefficients are near 0.1 with a negligible contribution from diffusion effects. Planar uptake coefficients decrease from 0.41 to 0.09 with increasing fractional water coverage from 0.002 to 1, showing a linear dependence on the logarithm of the coverage fraction with a slope of -0.08+/-0.01 (representing the effect of solvation). Particle uptake coefficients increase from 0.13 at 11 nm to 0.65 at 2.2 nm, showing a linear dependence on the logarithm of the edge fraction (which is a function of diameter) with a slope of 0.74+/-0.04 (representing larger edge effects in smaller particles).

Internal mammary lymph node inclusion in standard tangent breast fields: effects of body habitus.

PubMed

Proulx, G M; Lee, R J; Stomper, P C

2001-01-01

The purpose of this study was to determine the variability of internal mammary node (IMN) coverage with standard breast tangent fields using surface anatomy as determined by computed tomography (CT) planning for patients treated with either breast-conserving treatment or postmastectomy, and to evaluate the influence of body habitus and shape on IMN coverage with standard tangent fields. This prospective study included consecutive women with breast cancer who underwent either local excision or mastectomy and had standard tangent fields intended to cover the breast plus a margin simulated using surface anatomy. CT planning determined the location of the IMN with respect to the tangent fields designed from surface anatomy. The internal mammary vessels were used as surrogates for the IMNs. CT measurements of the presternal fat thickness and anteroposterior (AP) and transverse skeletal diameters were made to determine their relationship to the inclusion of IMNs within the tangent fields. Only seven patients (14%) had their IMNs completely within the tangent fields. Twenty patients (40%) had partial coverage of their IMNs, and 23 (46%) had their IMNs completely outside the fields. IMN inclusion was inversely correlated with presternal fat thickness. Thoracic skeletal shape was not associated with IMN inclusion. Standard tangent fields generally do not cover the IMNs completely but may cover them at least partially in a majority of patients. The presternal fat thickness is inversely correlated with IMN inclusion in the tangent fields.

Gut inflammation and expression of ICC in a fetal lamb model of fetoscopic intervention for gastroschisis.

PubMed

Krebs, Thomas; Boettcher, Michael; Schäfer, Hansjörg; Eschenburg, Georg; Wenke, Katharina; Appl, Birgit; Roth, Beate; Andreas, Thomas; Schmitz, Carla; Fahje, Rebecca; Jacobsen, Birthe; Tiemann, Bastian; Reinshagen, Konrad; Hecher, Kurt; Bergholz, Robert

2014-08-01

The pathogenesis of intestinal dysmotility in gastroschisis is not completely understood. Peel formation and disorganization of interstitial Cajal cells (ICC) have been proposed in humans. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of prenatal coverage of gastroschisis on gut inflammation and expression of ICC in a fetal lamb model. Twenty-one German blackhead sheep with an abdominal wall defect that was created fetoscopically on day 77 of 145 days gestation were used in this study. Intrauterine surgery with the aim to cover the defect was performed 3 weeks later; two fetuses were covered completely, 5 partially and 11 remained uncovered. Three fetuses without gastroschisis were used as controls. All fetuses were retrieved by cesarean section at day 135. Samples of the small intestine were stained with hematoxylin and eosin for histologic analysis of peel formation and serosal and muscular thickness. For ICC detection, immunohistochemistry using anti-CD117 (c-Kit) antibody was used. In all samples with exposure to amniotic fluid, peel formation and significantly decreased ICC were found. Complete coverage reduced peel formation and disorganization of ICC compared to uncovered animals almost to the level of controls. Peel formation and ICC derangement were significantly reduced by prenatal coverage of gastroschisis. Moreover, this animal model mimics the histopathological bowel changes as seen in human gastroschisis and may, therefore, be used for further research on the pathophysiology and fetal therapy of this malformation.

Multiple imputation methods for bivariate outcomes in cluster randomised trials.

PubMed

DiazOrdaz, K; Kenward, M G; Gomes, M; Grieve, R

2016-09-10

Missing observations are common in cluster randomised trials. The problem is exacerbated when modelling bivariate outcomes jointly, as the proportion of complete cases is often considerably smaller than the proportion having either of the outcomes fully observed. Approaches taken to handling such missing data include the following: complete case analysis, single-level multiple imputation that ignores the clustering, multiple imputation with a fixed effect for each cluster and multilevel multiple imputation. We contrasted the alternative approaches to handling missing data in a cost-effectiveness analysis that uses data from a cluster randomised trial to evaluate an exercise intervention for care home residents. We then conducted a simulation study to assess the performance of these approaches on bivariate continuous outcomes, in terms of confidence interval coverage and empirical bias in the estimated treatment effects. Missing-at-random clustered data scenarios were simulated following a full-factorial design. Across all the missing data mechanisms considered, the multiple imputation methods provided estimators with negligible bias, while complete case analysis resulted in biased treatment effect estimates in scenarios where the randomised treatment arm was associated with missingness. Confidence interval coverage was generally in excess of nominal levels (up to 99.8%) following fixed-effects multiple imputation and too low following single-level multiple imputation. Multilevel multiple imputation led to coverage levels of approximately 95% throughout. © 2016 The Authors. Statistics in Medicine Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. © 2016 The Authors. Statistics in Medicine Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Treatment of multiple adjacent Miller Class I and II gingival recessions with collagen matrix and the modified coronally advanced tunnel technique.

PubMed

Molnár, Bálint; Aroca, Sofia; Keglevich, Tibor; Gera, István; Windisch, Péter; Stavropoulos, Andreas; Sculean, Anton

2013-01-01

To clinically evaluate the treatment of Miller Class I and II multiple adjacent gingival recessions using the modified coronally advanced tunnel technique combined with a newly developed bioresorbable collagen matrix of porcine origin. Eight healthy patients exhibiting at least three multiple Miller Class I and II multiple adjacent gingival recessions (a total of 42 recessions) were consecutively treated by means of the modified coronally advanced tunnel technique and collagen matrix. The following clinical parameters were assessed at baseline and 12 months postoperatively: full mouth plaque score (FMPS), full mouth bleeding score (FMBS), probing depth (PD), recession depth (RD), recession width (RW), keratinized tissue thickness (KTT), and keratinized tissue width (KTW). The primary outcome variable was complete root coverage. Neither allergic reactions nor soft tissue irritations or matrix exfoliations occurred. Postoperative pain and discomfort were reported to be low, and patient acceptance was generally high. At 12 months, complete root coverage was obtained in 2 out of the 8 patients and 30 of the 42 recessions (71%). Within their limits, the present results indicate that treatment of Miller Class I and II multiple adjacent gingival recessions by means of the modified coronally advanced tunnel technique and collagen matrix may result in statistically and clinically significant complete root coverage. Further studies are warranted to evaluate the performance of collagen matrix compared with connective tissue grafts and other soft tissue grafts.

Are You Covered? Associations Between Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act Knowledge and Preventive Reproductive Service Use.

PubMed

Sawyer, Ashlee N; Kwitowski, Melissa A; Benotsch, Eric G

2018-05-01

Sexual and reproductive health conditions (eg, infections, cancers) represent public health concerns for American women. The present study examined how knowledge of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) relates to receipt of preventive reproductive health services among women. Cross-sectional online survey. Online questionnaires were completed via Amazon Mechanical Turk, a crowdsourcing website where individuals complete web-based tasks for compensation. Cisgendered women aged 18 to 44 years (N = 1083) from across the United States. Participants completed online questionnaires assessing demographics, insurance status, preventive service use, and knowledge of PPACA provisions. Chi-squares showed that receipt of well-woman, pelvic, and breast examinations, as well as pap smears, was related to insurance coverage, with those not having coverage at all during the previous year having significantly lower rates of use. Hierarchical logistic regressions determined the independent relationship between PPACA knowledge and use of health services after controlling for demographic factors and insurance status. Knowledge of PPACA provisions was associated with receiving well-woman, pelvic, and breast examinations, human papillomavirus vaccination, and sexually transmitted infections testing, after controlling for these factors. Results indicate that expanding knowledge about health-care legislation may be beneficial in increasing preventive reproductive health service use among women. Current findings provide support for increasing resources for outreach and education of the general population about the provisions and benefits of health-care legislation, as well as personal health coverage plans.

[Impact of immunization measures by the Family Health Program on infant mortality from preventable diseases in Olinda, Pernambuco State, Brazil].

PubMed

Guimarães, Tânia Maria Rocha; Alves, João Guilherme Bezerra; Tavares, Márcia Maia Ferreira

2009-04-01

This article analyzes the impact of the Family Health Program (FHP) on infant health in Olinda, Pernambuco State, Brazil, evaluating immunization and infant mortality from vaccine-preventable diseases. A time-series study was conducted with data from the principal health information systems, analyzing indicators before and after implementation of the FHP in 1995. The independent variable was year of birth, related to degree of population coverage by the FHP. Three periods were analyzed: 1990-1994 (prior), 1995-1996 (implementation phase: 0 to 30% coverage), and 1997-2002 (intervention: coverage of 38.6% to 54%). Trends in the indicators were analyzed by simple linear regression, testing significance with the t test. During the implementation period there was an increase in all the vaccination coverage rates (176% BCG, 223% polio, 52% DPT, 61% measures) and a decrease in infant mortality from preventable diseases (12.7 deaths/year), even without a decrease in absolute poverty in the municipality or an increase in either coverage by the public health care system or the sewage system. Improvement in the indicators demonstrates the effectiveness of FHP actions in the municipality.

Periodic domain boundary ordering in a dense molecular adlayer: Sub-saturation carbon monoxide on Pd(111)

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

Xu, Pan; Liu, Shizhong; Hong, Sung -Young

Here, we describe a previously unreported ordered phase of carbon monoxide adsorbed on the (111) facet of single crystal palladium at near-saturation coverage. The adlayer superstructure is identified from low energy electron diffraction to be c(16×2) with respect to the underlying Pd(111) surface net. The ideal coverage is determined to be 0.6875 ML, approximately 92% of the 0.75–ML saturation coverage. Density functional theory calculations support a model for the molecular packing characterized by strips of locally-saturated (2×2) regions, with the CO bound near high-symmetry surface sites, separated by antiphase domain boundaries. The structure exists in a narrow coverage range andmore » is prepared by heating the saturated adlayer to desorb a small fraction of the CO. Comparison of the c(16×2) domain-boundary structure with structural motifs at lower coverages suggests that between 0.6 and 0.6875 ML the adlayer order may be more strongly influenced by interadsorbate repulsion than by adsorption-site-specific interactions. The system is an example of the structural complexity that results from the compromise between adsorbate–substrate and adsorbate–adsorbate interactions.« less

Periodic domain boundary ordering in a dense molecular adlayer: Sub-saturation carbon monoxide on Pd(111)

DOE PAGES

Xu, Pan; Liu, Shizhong; Hong, Sung -Young; ...

2016-12-31

Here, we describe a previously unreported ordered phase of carbon monoxide adsorbed on the (111) facet of single crystal palladium at near-saturation coverage. The adlayer superstructure is identified from low energy electron diffraction to be c(16×2) with respect to the underlying Pd(111) surface net. The ideal coverage is determined to be 0.6875 ML, approximately 92% of the 0.75–ML saturation coverage. Density functional theory calculations support a model for the molecular packing characterized by strips of locally-saturated (2×2) regions, with the CO bound near high-symmetry surface sites, separated by antiphase domain boundaries. The structure exists in a narrow coverage range andmore » is prepared by heating the saturated adlayer to desorb a small fraction of the CO. Comparison of the c(16×2) domain-boundary structure with structural motifs at lower coverages suggests that between 0.6 and 0.6875 ML the adlayer order may be more strongly influenced by interadsorbate repulsion than by adsorption-site-specific interactions. The system is an example of the structural complexity that results from the compromise between adsorbate–substrate and adsorbate–adsorbate interactions.« less

15 years of zooming in and zooming out: Developing a new single scale national active fault database of New Zealand

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ries, William; Langridge, Robert; Villamor, Pilar; Litchfield, Nicola; Van Dissen, Russ; Townsend, Dougal; Lee, Julie; Heron, David; Lukovic, Biljana

2014-05-01

In New Zealand, we are currently reconciling multiple digital coverages of mapped active faults into a national coverage at a single scale (1:250,000). This seems at first glance to be a relatively simple task. However, methods used to capture data, the scale of capture, and the initial purpose of the fault mapping, has produced datasets that have very different characteristics. The New Zealand digital active fault database (AFDB) was initially developed as a way of managing active fault locations and fault-related features within a computer-based spatial framework. The data contained within the AFDB comes from a wide range of studies, from plate tectonic (1:500,000) to cadastral (1:2,000) scale. The database was designed to allow capture of field observations and remotely sourced data without a loss in data resolution. This approach has worked well as a method for compiling a centralised database for fault information but not for providing a complete national coverage at a single scale. During the last 15 years other complementary projects have used and also contributed data to the AFDB, most notably the QMAP project (a national series of geological maps completed over 19 years that include coverage of active and inactive faults at 1:250,000). AFDB linework and attributes was incorporated into this series but simplification of linework and attributes has occurred to maintain map clarity at 1:250,000 scale. Also, during this period on-going mapping of active faults has improved upon these data. Other projects of note that have used data from the AFDB include the National Seismic Hazard Model of New Zealand and the Global Earthquake Model (GEM). The main goal of the current project has been to provide the best digital spatial representation of a fault trace at 1:250,000 scale and combine this with the most up to date attributes. In some areas this has required a simplification of very fine detailed data and in some cases new mapping to provide a complete coverage. Where datasets have conflicting line work and/or attributes, data was reviewed through consultation with authors or review of published research to ensure the most to date representation was maintained. The current project aims to provide a coverage that will be consistent between the AFDB and QMAP digital and provide a free download of these data on the AFDB website (http://data.gns.cri.nz/af/).

Vaccination coverage among children under two years of age based on electronic immunization registry in Southern Brazil.

PubMed

Luhm, Karin Regina; Cardoso, Maria Regina Alves; Waldman, Eliseu Alves

2011-02-01

To evaluate the immunization program for 12 and 24-month-old children based on electronic immunization registry. A descriptive study of a random sample of 2,637 children born in 2002 living in the city of Curitiba, Southern Brazil was performed. Data was collected from local electronic immunization registers and the National Live Birth Information System, as well as from a household survey for cases with incomplete records. Coverage at 12 and 24 months was estimated and analyzed according to the socioeconomic characteristics of each administrative district and the child's enrollment status in the health care service. The coverage, completeness, and record duplication in the registry were analyzed. Coverage of immunization was 95.3% at 12 months, with no disparities among administrative districts, and 90.3% at 24 months, with higher coverage in a district with lower socioeconomic conditions (p < 0.01). The proportion of vaccines, according to type, given before and after the recommended age reached 0.9% and 32.2%, respectively. In the surveyed sample, electronic immunization registry coverage was 98%, underreporting of vaccine doses was 11%, and record duplication was 20.6%. Groups with highest coverage included children with permanent records, children with three or more appointments through the National Unified Health Care System, and children seen within Primary Health Care Facilities fully adopting the Family Health Strategy. Vaccination coverage in Curitiba was high and homogeneous among districts, and health service enrollment status was an important factor in these results. The electronic immunization registry was a useful tool for monitoring vaccine coverage; however, it will be important to determine cost-effectiveness prior to wide-scale adoption by the National Immunization Program.

Interactions of the space debris environment with mega constellations-Using the example of the OneWeb constellation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Radtke, Jonas; Kebschull, Christopher; Stoll, Enrico

2017-02-01

Recently, several announcements have been published to deploy satellite constellations into Low Earth Orbit (LEO) containing several hundred to thousands of rather small sized objects. The purpose of these constellations is to provide a worldwide internet coverage, even to the remotest areas. Examples of these mega-constellations are one from SpaceX, which is announced to comprise of about 4000 satellites, the Norwegian STEAM network, which is told to contain 4257 satellites, and the OneWeb constellation, which forms one of the smaller constellations with 720 satellites. As example constellation, OneWeb has been chosen. From all announced constellation, OneWeb by far delivered most information, both in regards to constellation design and their plans to encounter space debris issues, which is the reason why it has been chosen for these analyses. In this paper, at first an overview of the planned OneWeb constellation setup is given. From this description, a mission life-cycle is deduced, splitting the complete orbital lifetime of the satellites into four phases. Following, using ESA-MASTER, for each of the mission phases the flux on both single constellations satellites and the complete constellation are performed and the collision probabilities are derived. The focus in this analysis is set on catastrophic collisions. This analysis is then varied parametrically for different operational altitudes of the constellation as well as different lifetimes with different assumptions for the success of post mission disposal (PMD). Following the to-be-expected mean number of collision avoidance manoeuvres during all active mission phases is performed using ARES from ESA's DRAMA tool suite. The same variations as during the flux analysis are considered. Lastly the characteristics of hypothetical OneWeb satellite fragmentation clouds, calculated using the NASA Breakup model, are described and the impact of collision clouds from OneWeb satellites on the constellation itself is analysed.

Annual immunisation coverage report, 2010.

PubMed

Hull, Brynley; Dey, Aditi; Menzies, Rob; McIntyre, Peter

2013-03-31

This, the fourth annual immunisation coverage report, documents trends during 2010 for a range of standard measures derived from Australian Childhood Immunisation Register (ACIR) data. These include coverage at standard age milestones and for individual vaccines included on the National Immunisation Program (NIP). For the first time, coverage from other sources for adolescents and the elderly are included. The proportion of children 'fully vaccinated' at 12, 24 and 60 months of age was 91.6%, 92.1% and 89.1% respectively. For vaccines available on the NIP but not currently assessed for 'fully immunised' status or for eligibility for incentive payments (rotavirus and pneumococcal at 12 months and meningococcal C and varicella at 24 months) coverage varied. Although pneumococcal vaccine had similar coverage at 12 months to other vaccines, coverage was lower for rotavirus at 12 months (84.7%) and varicella at 24 months (83.0%). Overall coverage at 24 months of age exceeded that at 12 months of age nationally and for most jurisdictions, but as receipt of varicella vaccine at 18 months is excluded from calculations, this represents delayed immunisation, with some contribution from immunisation incentives. The 'fully immunised' coverage estimates for immunisations due by 60 months increased substantially in 2009, reaching almost 90% in 2010, probably related to completed immunisation by 60 months of age being introduced in 2009 as a requirement for GP incentive payments. As previously documented, vaccines recommended for Indigenous children only (hepatitis A and pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine) had suboptimal coverage at around 57%. Delayed receipt of vaccines by Indigenous children at the 60-month milestone age improved from 56% to 62% but the disparity in on-time vaccination between Indigenous and non-Indigenous children at earlier age milestones did not improve. Coverage data for human papillomavirus (HPV)from the national HPV register are consistent with high coverage in the school-based program (73%) but were lower for the catch-up program for women outside school (30-38%). Coverage estimates for vaccines on the NIP from 65 years of age were comparable with other developed countries.

Titration of submonolayer Au growth on Si(111)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kautz, J.; Copel, M. W.; Gordon, M. S.; Tromp, R. M.; van der Molen, S. J.

2014-01-01

We study and analyze the growth of submonolayers of Au on Si(111) by a complementary set of surface techniques. Specifically, we focus on the 5×2 and the α√3 ×√3 structures. We determine the gold coverage of these structures as a function of temperature by means of low energy electron diffraction (LEED) and low energy electron microscopy (LEEM). These results are independently calibrated by ex-situ ion scattering experiments. This allows us to present a phase diagram for this system. Remarkably, for all temperatures considered (820-1040 K), we find a coverage for the 5×2 phase that is significantly (≈10%) higher than the value of 0.6 monolayers which is assumed in the latest structural models. Therefore, a further refinement of the present picture of the quasi-one-dimensional 5×2 structure is required.

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

PubMed

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

2012-06-05

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

Problem behaviour and traumatic dental injuries in adolescents.

PubMed

Ramchandani, Damini; Marcenes, Wagner; Stansfeld, Stephen A; Bernabé, Eduardo

2016-02-01

To explore the relationship between problem behaviour and traumatic dental injuries (TDI) among 15- to 16-year-old schoolchildren from East London. This cross-sectional study used data from 794 adolescents who participated in phase III of the Research with East London Adolescents Community Health Survey (RELACHS), a school-based prospective study of a representative sample of adolescents. Participants completed a questionnaire and were clinically examined for TDI, overjet and lip coverage. The Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) was used to assess problem behaviour, which provided a total score and five domain scores (emotional symptoms, conduct problems, hyperactivity, peer problems and pro-social behaviour). The association between problem behaviour and TDI was assessed in unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression models. Adjusted models controlled for demographic (sex, age and ethnicity), socio-economic (parental employment) and clinical factors (overjet and lip coverage). The prevalence of TDI was 17% and the prevalence of problem behaviour, according to the SDQ, was 10%. In the adjusted model, adolescents with problem behaviour were 1.87 (95% confidence interval: 1.03-3.37) times more likely to have TDI than those without problem behaviour. In subsequent analysis by SDQ domains, it was found that only peer problems were associated with TDI (OR = 1.78, 95% CI: 1.01-3.14), even after adjustment for confounders. This study found evidence for a relationship between problem behaviour and TDI among adolescents, which was mainly due to peer relationship problems. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

SAGE III on the International Space Station

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McCormick, M. P.; Damadeo, R. P.; Hill, C. A.

2017-12-01

A much-improved Stratospheric Aerosol and Gas Experiment (SAGE III) instrument was launched on February 19, 2017 from NASA's Kennedy Space Center aboard the SpaceX CRS-10 Dragon Spacecraft. It subsequently docked with the International Space Station (ISS), completed commissioning on July 1, 2017, and is now in its Mission Operations phase. SAGE III-ISS will combine the experience and capabilities of its successful predecessor satellite instruments SAM II, SAGE, SAGE II, and SAGE III-Meteor-3M to measure aerosol, cloud, O3, H2O, and NO2 profiles from the upper troposphere through the stratosphere. In addition to solar and lunar occultation with vertical resolutions of about 1.0 km, SAGE III-ISS will make limb scattering measurements on the solar side of each orbit greatly expanding the measurement coverage per spacecraft orbit, and tie the very high resolution and precise solar occultation measurements with the limb scattering measurements. The programmable readout array detector enhances its measurement capability and should allow for experimental data products like BrO, and IO, and along with a single photodiode detector, the measurement of larger aerosols. The wavelengths covered by SAGE III-ISS range from 280 to 1050 nm with 1 to 2 nm spectral resolution using a grating spectrometer. The single photodiode extends measurements to 1550 nm. This talk will describe the measurement capabilities of SAGE III, and include early data and validation examples, its additional modes and increased geographical coverage, its calibration and characterization, and data archival and validation approach.

Uav Surveying for a Complete Mapping and Documentation of Archaeological Findings. The Early Neolithic Site of Portonovo

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Malinverni, E. S.; Conati Barbaro, C.; Pierdicca, R.; Bozzi, C. A.; Tassetti, A. N.

2016-06-01

The huge potential of 3D digital acquisition techniques for the documentation of archaeological sites, as well as the related findings, is almost well established. In spite of the variety of available techniques, a sole documentation pipeline cannot be defined a priori because of the diversity of archaeological settings. Stratigraphic archaeological excavations, for example, require a systematic, quick and low cost 3D single-surface documentation because the nature of stratigraphic archaeology compels providing documentary evidence of any excavation phase. Only within a destructive process each single excavation cannot be identified, documented and interpreted and this implies the necessity of a re- examination of the work on field. In this context, this paper describes the methodology, carried out during the last years, to 3D document the Early Neolithic site of Portonovo (Ancona, Italy) and, in particular, its latest step consisting in a photogrammetric aerial survey by means of UAV platform. It completes the previous research delivered in the same site by means of terrestrial laser scanning and close range techniques and sets out different options for further reflection in terms of site coverage, resolution and campaign cost. With the support of a topographic network and a unique reference system, the full documentation of the site is managed in order to detail each excavation phase; besides, the final output proves how the 3D digital methodology can be completely integrated with reasonable costs during the excavation and used to interpret the archaeological context. Further contribution of this work is the comparison between several acquisition techniques (i.e. terrestrial and aerial), which could be useful as decision support system for different archaeological scenarios. The main objectives of the comparison are: i) the evaluation of 3D mapping accuracy from different data sources, ii) the definition of a standard pipeline for different archaeological needs and iii) the provision of different level of detail according to the user needs.

Emergency room coverage: an evolving crisis.

PubMed

Davison, Steven P

2004-08-01

Historically, a newly graduated plastic surgeon in the United States could build a practice from his or her emergency room coverage. The historical cliche was for the surgeon to be affable, able, and available, and from that basis one's practice would grow. Emergency room exposure was an avenue for starting a practice, developing recognition, and, after that, building a referral pattern. Recently, the cross-shifting influence of management care, rising malpractice insurance costs, and risk ratio are changing this cliche to a crisis. An evaluation of a 2 1/2-year exposure to emergency room coverage has revealed a completely different profile. A total of 300 patient visits resulting in 69 surgical operations were evaluated for insurance and remuneration history. The findings indicated a significant remuneration dilemma for emergency room coverage. Interestingly, a remuneration problem exists in a market different from what one would expect. In this study, a sample from a suburban hospital, rather than an inner-city university hospital, is the greater problem.

Health Benefits In 2016: Family Premiums Rose Modestly, And Offer Rates Remained Stable.

PubMed

Claxton, Gary; Rae, Matthew; Long, Michelle; Damico, Anthony; Whitmore, Heidi; Foster, Gregory

2016-10-01

The annual Kaiser Family Foundation/Health Research and Educational Trust Employer Health Benefits Survey found that in 2016, average annual premiums (employer and worker contributions combined) were $6,435 for single coverage and $18,142 for family coverage. The family premium in 2016 was 3 percent higher than that in 2015. On average, workers contributed 18 percent of the premium for single coverage and 30 percent for family coverage. The share of firms offering health benefits (56 percent) and of workers covered by their employers' plans (62 percent) remained statistically unchanged from 2015. Employers continued to offer financial incentives for completing wellness or health promotion activities. Almost three in ten covered workers were enrolled in a high-deductible plan with a savings option-a significant increase from 2014. The 2016 survey included new questions on cost sharing for specialty drugs and on the prevalence of incentives for employees to seek care at alternative settings. Project HOPE—The People-to-People Health Foundation, Inc.

Forecasted trends in vaccination coverage and correlations with socioeconomic factors: a global time-series analysis over 30 years.

PubMed

de Figueiredo, Alexandre; Johnston, Iain G; Smith, David M D; Agarwal, Sumeet; Larson, Heidi J; Jones, Nick S

2016-10-01

Incomplete immunisation coverage causes preventable illness and death in both developing and developed countries. Identification of factors that might modulate coverage could inform effective immunisation programmes and policies. We constructed a performance indicator that could quantitatively approximate measures of the susceptibility of immunisation programmes to coverage losses, with an aim to identify correlations between trends in vaccine coverage and socioeconomic factors. We undertook a data-driven time-series analysis to examine trends in coverage of diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTP) vaccination across 190 countries over the past 30 years. We grouped countries into six world regions according to WHO classifications. We used Gaussian process regression to forecast future coverage rates and provide a vaccine performance index: a summary measure of the strength of immunisation coverage in a country. Overall vaccine coverage increased in all six world regions between 1980 and 2010, with variation in volatility and trends. Our vaccine performance index identified that 53 countries had more than a 50% chance of missing the Global Vaccine Action Plan (GVAP) target of 90% worldwide coverage with three doses of DTP (DTP3) by 2015. These countries were mostly in sub-Saharan Africa and south Asia, but Austria and Ukraine also featured. Factors associated with DTP3 immunisation coverage varied by world region: personal income (Spearman's ρ=0·66, p=0·0011) and government health spending (0·66, p<0·0001) were informative of immunisation coverage in the Eastern Mediterranean between 1980 and 2010, whereas primary school completion was informative of coverage in Africa (0·56, p<0·0001) over the same period. The proportion of births attended by skilled health staff correlated significantly with immunisation coverage across many world regions. Our vaccine performance index highlighted countries at risk of failing to achieve the GVAP target of 90% coverage by 2015, and could aid policy makers' assessments of the strength and resilience of immunisation programmes. Weakening correlations with socioeconomic factors show a need to tackle vaccine confidence, whereas strengthening correlations point to clear factors to address. UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council. Copyright © 2016 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an Open Access article under the CC BY license. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Use of Bedrock and Geomorphic Mapping Compilations in Assessing Geologic Hazards at Recreation Sites on National Forests in NW California

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

de La Fuente, J. A.; Bell, A.; Elder, D.; Mowery, R.; Mikulovsky, R.; Klingel, H.; Stevens, M.

2010-12-01

Geologic hazards on US Forest Service lands have a long history of producing catastrophic events. In 1890 (prior to the establishment of the Forest Service), the China Mine landslide buried a miner’s camp along the Trinity River in NW California, killing a number of miners. An earthquake in southwestern Montana triggered a massive landslide which killed 28 people in a US Forest Service campground in 1959. In 1980, Mount St. Helens erupted in Oregon, killing 57 people. Debris flows from a winter storm in 2003 on the burned hillslopes of the San Bernardino National Forest in California killed 14 people at the St. Sophia youth Camp. A rockfall in the summer of 2009 in Lassen National Park killed a 9 year old boy. The most recent catastrophe occurred on June 11, 2010 when 20 people died in a flash flood at the Albert Pike Campground on the Ouachita National Forest. These and other disasters point out the need for geologic hazard mapping and assessments on the National Forests. The US Forest Service (USFS) is currently assessing geologic hazards in the Northern Province of USFS Region 5 (Pacific Southwest Region), which includes the Klamath, Mendocino, Shasta-Trinity, and Six Rivers National Forests. The most common geologic hazards (relatively short return intervals) in this area include landslides, rock falls, debris flows, flooding, temporary dam failures (landslide or woody debris), naturally occurring hazardous materials, (asbestos radon, etc), and rarely, karst subsidence. Seismic and volcanic hazards are also important at longer return intervals. This assessment will be conducted in three phases, and is patterned after a process developed by Region 8 of the US Forest Service. The first phase is a reconnaissance level assessment based on existing information such as spatial databases, aerial photos, Digital Elevation Models, State of California Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zone maps, previous investigations and anecdotal accounts of past events. The bedrock coverage is a compilation of the best available mapping for all National Forests in California. The geomorphic coverage includes features such as active and dormant landslides, alluvial fans, headwall basins, glacial features, and valley inner gorge. Criteria will be developed which utilize elements of this data to evaluate geologic hazards in the vicinity of developed recreation sites. The second phase will be conducted later and involves site specific analyses focusing on areas identified as higher hazard in the first phase, along with verification and updating of phase 1 findings. The third phase will complete any site level geologic or hydrologic investigations, and wrap up the hazard assessment process. A summary report with hazard maps and recommendations will be prepared at the end of each phase. The overriding goal of this project is to provide sound geologic information to managers so they can use a science-based approach in recognizing and managing geologic hazards at recreation sites.

Understanding Practical Catalysts Using a Surface Science Approach. The Importance of Strong Interaction between BaO and Al 2O 3 in NO x Storage Materials

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

Yi, Cheol-Woo W.; Kwak, Ja Hun; Peden, Charles H.F.

2007-09-21

Modern surface science techniques have been commonly applied to understand issues arising from practical catalytic systems.[1-4] However, the applicability of most of the results obtained from model systems has been limited, due, primarily, to the vastly different conditions studies on model and practical systems are carried out (catalyst composition, reaction conditions etc.).[5, 6] Therefore, the need to conduct experiments on compositionally similar systems (model and practical) is necessary to obtain valuable information on the workings of real catalysts. In this communication we demonstrate the utility of surface science studies on model catalysts in understanding the properties of high surface area,more » BaO-based NO x storage-reduction (NSR) catalysts.[7] We present evidence for the facile formation of surface barium aluminate-like species even at very low coverages of BaO. This Ba-aluminate layer, however, can react with NO 2 resulting in the formation of a bulk-like Ba(NO 3) 2 phase. In order to construct model catalysts that are representative of the practical NO x storage systems, we first needed to estimate the BaO covareges on the high surface area catalysts. Since the publication of the work by Fanson et al.[8], BaO loadings of 8 – 10 wt.% on a γ-alumina support (200 m 2/g) have been regarded as corresponding to one monolayer (ML) coverage, based on the unit cell size of bulk BaO. The coverage equivalent of one ML, however, was significantly underestimated. Assuming complete spreading of the BaO layer and using a Ba–O distance of ~ 2.77 Å (one unit of BaO occupies 1.53 × 10 -19 m 2), 10 wt.% loading of BaO would cover only about 1/3 of the alumina surface. Table 1 shows our calculated estimates of two-dimensional BaO coverages as a function of loading on a -Al 2O 3 surface (200 m 2/g) based on the lattice parameters of bulk BaO[9] (5.54 Å). Based on these values, for our model system studies we prepared BaO/Al 2O 3/NiAl(110) materials in which the BaO coverages were very close to those of 4, 8, and 20 wt.% BaO/γ-Al 2O 3 high surface area catalysts used in prior studies.« less

Coverage by land, sea, and airplane surveys, 1900-1967.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fabiano, E.; Cain, S. J.

1971-01-01

The worldwide coverage of the earth by land, sea, and aircraft magnetic surveys since the beginning of the 20th century is shown on three world maps for surface surveys spanning the periods of 1900-1930, 1930-1955, and 1955-1967, respectively, on a fourth map for ship-towed magnetometer surveys performed after 1956, and on a fifth map for 1953-1966 airborne survey data. The technique used, involving a position plotting of each measurement with a microfilm plotter, results in the appearance of heavily surveyed regions as completely darkened areas. The coverage includes measurements at about 100,000 land stations, airborne measurements at over 90,000 points, and marine measurements at over 25,000 points. The marine measurements cover over 1,000,000 km of trackline.

Formal methods for test case generation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rushby, John (Inventor); De Moura, Leonardo Mendonga (Inventor); Hamon, Gregoire (Inventor)

2011-01-01

The invention relates to the use of model checkers to generate efficient test sets for hardware and software systems. The method provides for extending existing tests to reach new coverage targets; searching *to* some or all of the uncovered targets in parallel; searching in parallel *from* some or all of the states reached in previous tests; and slicing the model relative to the current set of coverage targets. The invention provides efficient test case generation and test set formation. Deep regions of the state space can be reached within allotted time and memory. The approach has been applied to use of the model checkers of SRI's SAL system and to model-based designs developed in Stateflow. Stateflow models achieving complete state and transition coverage in a single test case are reported.

Multi-Body Orbit Architectures for Lunar South Pole Coverage

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Grebow, D. J.; Ozimek, M. T.; Howell, K. C.; Folta, D. C.

2006-01-01

A potential ground station at the lunar south pole has prompted studies of orbit architectures that ensure adequate coverage. Constant communications can be achieved with two spacecraft in different combinations of Earth-Moon libration point orbits. Halo and vertical families, as well as other orbits near L1 and L2 are considered. The investigation includes detailed results using nine different orbits with periods ranging from 7 to 16 days. Natural solutions are generated in a full ephemeris model, including solar perturbations. A preliminary station-keeping analysis is also completed.

LANDSAT-5 orbit adjust maneuver report

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hassett, P. J.; Johnson, R. L.

1984-01-01

The orbit adjust maneuvers performed to raise the LANDSAT 5 spacecraft to mission altitude, synchronize it with the required groundtrack, and properly phase the spacecraft with LANDSAT-4 to provide an 8 day full Earth coverage cycle are described. Maneuver planning and evaluation procedures, data and analysis results for all maneuvers performed to date, the frozen orbit concept, and the phasing requirement between LANDSAT-4 and LANDSAT-5 are also examined.

Adaptive multibeam phased array design for a Spacelab experiment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Noji, T. T.; Fass, S.; Fuoco, A. M.; Wang, C. D.

1977-01-01

The parametric tradeoff analyses and design for an Adaptive Multibeam Phased Array (AMPA) for a Spacelab experiment are described. This AMPA Experiment System was designed with particular emphasis to maximize channel capacity and minimize implementation and cost impacts for future austere maritime and aeronautical users, operating with a low gain hemispherical coverage antenna element, low effective radiated power, and low antenna gain-to-system noise temperature ratio.

SFG and SPR Study of Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate Film Assembly on Positively Charged Surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, Sanghun; Weidner, Tobias; Wagner, Matthew; Castner, David

2012-02-01

This study uses sum frequency generation (SFG) vibrational spectroscopy and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensing to investigate the structure of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) films formed on positively charged and hydrophilic surfaces. The SPR signals show a good surface coverage suggesting that full monolayer coverage is reached at 1 mM. SFG spectra of SDS adsorbed exhibits well resolved CH3 peaks and OH peaks. At both 0.2 mM and 1 mM SDS concentration the intensity of both the CH3 and OH peaks decreased close to background levels. We found that the loss of SFG signal at 0.2 mM occurs at this concentration independent of surface charge density. It is more likely that the loss of signal is related to structural inhomogeneity induced by a striped phase - stand-up phase transition. This is supported by a distinct change of the relative SFG phase between CH3/OH near 0.2 mM. The second intensity minimum might be related to charge compensation effects. We observed a substrate dependence for the high concentration transition. We also observed distinct SFG signal phase changes for water molecules associated with SDS layers at different SDS solution concentrations indicating that the orientation of bound water changed with SDS surface structure.

Porous polymer monolithic columns with gold nanoparticles as an intermediate ligand for the separation of proteins in reverse phase-ion exchange mixed mode

DOE PAGES

Terborg, Lydia; Masini, Jorge C.; Lin, Michelle; ...

2014-11-04

A new approach has been developed for the preparation of mixed-mode stationary phases to separate proteins. The pore surface of monolithic poly(glycidyl methacrylate- co-ethylene dimethacrylate) capillary columns was functionalized with thiols and coated with gold nanoparticles. The final mixed mode surface chemistry was formed by attaching, in a single step, alkanethiols, mercaptoalkanoic acids, and their mixtures on the free surface of attached gold nanoparticles. Use of these mixtures allowed fine tuning of the hydrophobic/hydrophilic balance. The amount of attached gold nanoparticles according to thermal gravimetric analysis was 44.8 wt.%. This value together with results of frontal elution enabled calculation ofmore » surface coverage with the alkanethiol and mercaptoalkanoic acid ligands. Interestingly, alkanethiols coverage in a range of 4.46–4.51 molecules/nm 2 significantly exceeded that of mercaptoalkanoic acids with 2.39–2.45 molecules/nm 2. The mixed mode character of these monolithic stationary phases was for the first time demonstrated in the separations of proteins that could be achieved in the same column using gradient elution conditions typical of reverse phase (using gradient of acetonitrile in water) and ion exchange chromatographic modes (applying gradient of salt in water), respectively.« less

Dynamics of self-assembled cytosine nucleobases on graphene

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saikia, Nabanita; Johnson, Floyd; Waters, Kevin; Pandey, Ravindra

2018-05-01

Molecular self-assembly of cytosine (C n ) bases on graphene was investigated using molecular dynamics methods. For free-standing C n bases, simulation conditions (gas versus aqueous) determine the nature of self-assembly; the bases prefer to aggregate in the gas phase and are stabilized by intermolecular H-bonds, while in the aqueous phase, the water molecules disrupt base-base interactions, which facilitate the formation of π-stacked domains. The substrate-induced effects, on the other hand, find the polarity and donor-acceptor sites of the bases to govern the assembly process. For example, in the gas phase, the assembly of C n bases on graphene displays short-range ordered linear arrays stabilized by the intermolecular H-bonds. In the aqueous phase, however, there are two distinct configurations for the C n bases assembly on graphene. For the first case corresponding to low surface coverage, the bases are dispersed on graphene and are isolated. The second configuration archetype is disordered linear arrays assembled with medium and high surface coverage. The simulation results establish the role of H-bonding, vdW π-stacking, and the influence of graphene surface towards the self-assembly. The ability to regulate the assembly into well-defined patterns can aid in the design of self-assembled nanostructures for the next-generation DNA based biosensors and nanoelectronic devices.

Thermodynamic Control of Two-Dimensional Molecular Ionic Nanostructures on Metal Surfaces

DOE PAGES

Jeon, Seokmin; Doak, Peter W.; Sumpter, Bobby G.; ...

2016-07-26

Bulk molecular ionic solids exhibit fascinating electronic properties, including electron correlations, phase transitions and superconducting ground states. In contrast, few of these phenomena have so far been observed in low-dimensional molecular structures, including thin films, nanoparticles and molecular blends, not in the least because most of such structures have so far been composed of nearly closed-shell molecules. It is therefore desirable to develop low-dimensional molecular structures of ionic molecules toward fundamental studies and potential applications. Here we present detailed analysis of monolayer-thick structures of the canonical TTF-TCNQ (tetrathiafulvalene 7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane) system grown on low-index gold and silver surfaces. The most distinctivemore » property of the epitaxial growth is the wide abundance of stable TTF/TCNQ ratios, in sharp contrast to the predominance of 1:1 ratio in the bulk. We propose the existence of the surface phase-diagram that controls the structures of TTF-TCNQ on the surfaces, and demonstrate phase-transitions that occur upon progressively increasing the density of TCNQ while keeping the surface coverage of TTF fixed. Based on direct observations, we propose the binding motif behind the stable phases and infer the dominant interactions that enable the existence of the rich spectrum of surface structures. Finally, we also show that the surface phase diagram will control the epitaxy beyond monolayer coverage. Multiplicity of stable surface structures, the corollary rich phase diagram and the corresponding phase-transitions present an interesting opportunity for low-dimensional molecular systems, particularly if some of the electronic properties of the bulk can be preserved or modified in the surface phases.« less

A Coordinated X-Ray and Optical Campaign of the Nearby Massive Binary Sigma Orionis Aa. II; X-Ray Variability

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nichols, J.; Huenemoerder, D. P.; Corcoran, M. F.; Waldron, W.; Naze, Y; Pollock, A. M. T.; Moffat, A. F. J.; Lauer, J.; Shenar, T.; Russell, C. M. P.;

Exploring the relationship between population density and maternal health coverage

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background Delivering health services to dense populations is more practical than to dispersed populations, other factors constant. This engenders the hypothesis that population density positively affects coverage rates of health services. This hypothesis has been tested indirectly for some services at a local level, but not at a national level. Methods We use cross-sectional data to conduct cross-country, OLS regressions at the national level to estimate the relationship between population density and maternal health coverage. We separately estimate the effect of two measures of density on three population-level coverage rates (6 tests in total). Our coverage indicators are the fraction of the maternal population completing four antenatal care visits and the utilization rates of both skilled birth attendants and in-facility delivery. The first density metric we use is the percentage of a population living in an urban area. The second metric, which we denote as a density score, is a relative ranking of countries by population density. The score’s calculation discounts a nation’s uninhabited territory under the assumption those areas are irrelevant to service delivery. Results We find significantly positive relationships between our maternal health indicators and density measures. On average, a one-unit increase in our density score is equivalent to a 0.2% increase in coverage rates. Conclusions Countries with dispersed populations face higher burdens to achieve multinational coverage targets such as the United Nations’ Millennial Development Goals. PMID:23170895

Measles resurgence following a nationwide measles vaccination campaign in Nigeria, 2005-2008.

PubMed

Weldegebriel, Goitom G; Gasasira, Alex; Harvey, Pauline; Masresha, Balcha; Goodson, James L; Pate, Muhammad A; Abanida, Emmanuel; Chevez, Ana

2011-07-01

From 1990 through 2008, routine immunization coverage of measles vaccine in Nigeria ranged from 35% to 70%. Nigeria conducted a nationwide measles vaccination campaign in 2 phases during 2005-2006 that targeted children aged 9 months to 14 years; in 2008, a nationwide follow-up campaign that targeted children aged 9 months to 4 years was conducted in 2 phases. Despite these efforts, measles cases continued to occur. This is a descriptive study that reviewed the measles immunization coverage data from administrative, World Health Organization, United Nations Children's Fund, survey, and supplemental immunization activities data. Measles surveillance data were analyzed from case-based surveillance reports. Confirmed measles cases increased from 383 in 2006 to 2542 in 2007 and to 9510 in 2008. Of the confirmed cases in 2008, 717 (30%) occurred in children <2 years of age, 1145 (48%) in children 2-4 years of age, and 354 (14%) were in children 5-14 years of age. In 2008, the measles case fatality rate was 1.2%. Suboptimal routine coverage and the wide interval between the catch-up and follow-up campaigns likely led to an accumulation of children susceptible to measles. © The Author 2011. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Infectious Diseases Society of America. All rights reserved.

Inverse 4D conformal planning for lung SBRT using particle swarm optimization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Modiri, A.; Gu, X.; Hagan, A.; Bland, R.; Iyengar, P.; Timmerman, R.; Sawant, A.

2016-08-01

A critical aspect of highly potent regimens such as lung stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is to avoid collateral toxicity while achieving planning target volume (PTV) coverage. In this work, we describe four dimensional conformal radiotherapy using a highly parallelizable swarm intelligence-based stochastic optimization technique. Conventional lung CRT-SBRT uses a 4DCT to create an internal target volume and then, using forward-planning, generates a 3D conformal plan. In contrast, we investigate an inverse-planning strategy that uses 4DCT data to create a 4D conformal plan, which is optimized across the three spatial dimensions (3D) as well as time, as represented by the respiratory phase. The key idea is to use respiratory motion as an additional degree of freedom. We iteratively adjust fluence weights for all beam apertures across all respiratory phases considering OAR sparing, PTV coverage and delivery efficiency. To demonstrate proof-of-concept, five non-small-cell lung cancer SBRT patients were retrospectively studied. The 4D optimized plans achieved PTV coverage comparable to the corresponding clinically delivered plans while showing significantly superior OAR sparing ranging from 26% to 83% for D max heart, 10%-41% for D max esophagus, 31%-68% for D max spinal cord and 7%-32% for V 13 lung.

Inverse 4D conformal planning for lung SBRT using particle swarm optimization

PubMed Central

Modiri, A; Gu, X; Hagan, A; Bland, R; Iyengar, P; Timmerman, R; Sawant, A

2016-01-01

A critical aspect of highly potent regimens such as lung stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is to avoid collateral toxicity while achieving planning target volume (PTV) coverage. In this work, we describe four dimensional conformal radiotherapy (4D CRT) using a highly parallelizable swarm intelligence-based stochastic optimization technique. Conventional lung CRT-SBRT uses a 4DCT to create an internal target volume (ITV) and then, using forward-planning, generates a 3D conformal plan. In contrast, we investigate an inverse-planning strategy that uses 4DCT data to create a 4D conformal plan, which is optimized across the three spatial dimensions (3D) as well as time, as represented by the respiratory phase. The key idea is to use respiratory motion as an additional degree of freedom. We iteratively adjust fluence weights for all beam apertures across all respiratory phases considering OAR sparing, PTV coverage and delivery efficiency. To demonstrate proof-of-concept, five non-small-cell lung cancer SBRT patients were retrospectively studied. The 4D optimized plans achieved PTV coverage comparable to the corresponding clinically delivered plans while showing significantly superior OAR sparing ranging from 26% to 83% for Dmax heart, 10% to 41% for Dmax esophagus, 31% to 68% for Dmax spinal cord and 7% to 32% for V13 lung. PMID:27476472

4MOST systems engineering: from conceptual design to preliminary design review

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bellido-Tirado, Olga; Frey, Steffen; Barden, Samuel C.; Brynnel, Joar; Giannone, Domenico; Haynes, Roger; de Jong, Roelof S.; Phillips, Daniel; Schnurr, Olivier; Walcher, Jakob; Winkler, Roland

2016-08-01

The 4MOST Facility is a high-multiplex, wide-field, brief-fed spectrograph system for the ESO VISTA telescope. It aims to create a world-class spectroscopic survey facility unique in its combination of wide-field multiplex, spectral resolution, spectral coverage, and sensitivity. At the end of 2014, after a successful concept optimization design phase, 4MOST entered into its Preliminary Design Phase. Here we present the process and tools adopted during the Preliminary Design Phase to define the subsystems specifications, coordinate the interface control documents and draft the system verification procedures.

Increase in EPI vaccines coverage after implementation of intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in infant with Sulfadoxine -pyrimethamine in the district of Kolokani, Mali: Results from a cluster randomized control trial

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background Even though the efficacy of Intermittent Preventive Treatment in infants (IPTi) with Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine (SP) against clinical disease and the absence of its interaction with routine vaccines of the Expanded Immunization Programme (EPI) have been established, there are still some concerns regarding the addition of IPTi, which may increase the work burden and disrupt the routine EPI services especially in Africa where the target immunization coverage remains to be met. However IPTi may also increase the adherence of the community to EPI services and improve EPI coverage, once the benefice of strategy is perceived. Methods To assess the impact of IPTi implementation on the coverage of EPI vaccines, 22 health areas of the district of Kolokani were randomized at a 1:1 ratio to either receive IPTi-SP or to serve as a control. The EPI vaccines coverage was assessed using cross-sectional surveys at baseline in November 2006 and after one year of IPTi pilot-implementation in December 2007. Results At baseline, the proportion of children of 9-23 months who were completely vaccinated (defined as children who received BGG, 3 doses of DTP/Polio, measles and yellow fever vaccines) was 36.7% (95% CI 25.3% -48.0%). After one year of implementation of IPTi-SP using routine health services, the proportion of children completely vaccinated rose to 53.8% in the non intervention zone and 69.5% in the IPTi intervention zone (P <0.001). The proportion of children in the target age groups who received IPTi with each of the 3 vaccinations DTP2, DTP3 and Measles, were 89.2% (95% CI 85.9%-92.0%), 91.0% (95% CI 87.6% -93.7%) and 77.4% (95% CI 70.7%-83.2%) respectively. The corresponding figures in non intervention zone were 2.3% (95% CI 0.9% -4.7%), 2.6% (95% CI 1.0% -5.6%) and 1.7% (95% CI 0.4% - 4.9%). Conclusion This study shows that high coverage of the IPTi can be obtained when the strategy is implemented using routine health services and implementation results in a significant increase in coverage of EPI vaccines in the district of Kolokani, Mali. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00766662 PMID:21767403

Increase in EPI vaccines coverage after implementation of intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in infant with Sulfadoxine -pyrimethamine in the district of Kolokani, Mali: results from a cluster randomized control trial.

PubMed

Dicko, Alassane; Toure, Sidy O; Traore, Mariam; Sagara, Issaka; Toure, Ousmane B; Sissoko, Mahamadou S; Diallo, Alpha T; Rogier, Christophe; Salomon, Roger; de Sousa, Alexandra; Doumbo, Ogobara K

2011-07-18

Even though the efficacy of Intermittent Preventive Treatment in infants (IPTi) with Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine (SP) against clinical disease and the absence of its interaction with routine vaccines of the Expanded Immunization Programme (EPI) have been established, there are still some concerns regarding the addition of IPTi, which may increase the work burden and disrupt the routine EPI services especially in Africa where the target immunization coverage remains to be met. However IPTi may also increase the adherence of the community to EPI services and improve EPI coverage, once the benefice of strategy is perceived. To assess the impact of IPTi implementation on the coverage of EPI vaccines, 22 health areas of the district of Kolokani were randomized at a 1:1 ratio to either receive IPTi-SP or to serve as a control. The EPI vaccines coverage was assessed using cross-sectional surveys at baseline in November 2006 and after one year of IPTi pilot-implementation in December 2007. At baseline, the proportion of children of 9-23 months who were completely vaccinated (defined as children who received BGG, 3 doses of DTP/Polio, measles and yellow fever vaccines) was 36.7% (95% CI 25.3% -48.0%). After one year of implementation of IPTi-SP using routine health services, the proportion of children completely vaccinated rose to 53.8% in the non intervention zone and 69.5% in the IPTi intervention zone (P <0.001).The proportion of children in the target age groups who received IPTi with each of the 3 vaccinations DTP2, DTP3 and Measles, were 89.2% (95% CI 85.9%-92.0%), 91.0% (95% CI 87.6% -93.7%) and 77.4% (95% CI 70.7%-83.2%) respectively. The corresponding figures in non intervention zone were 2.3% (95% CI 0.9% -4.7%), 2.6% (95% CI 1.0% -5.6%) and 1.7% (95% CI 0.4% - 4.9%). This study shows that high coverage of the IPTi can be obtained when the strategy is implemented using routine health services and implementation results in a significant increase in coverage of EPI vaccines in the district of Kolokani, Mali.

Completeness and overlap in open access systems: Search engines, aggregate institutional repositories and physics-related open sources

PubMed Central

Wu, Tai-luan; Tseng, Ling-li

2017-01-01

This study examines the completeness and overlap of coverage in physics of six open access scholarly communication systems, including two search engines (Google Scholar and Microsoft Academic), two aggregate institutional repositories (OAIster and OpenDOAR), and two physics-related open sources (arXiv.org and Astrophysics Data System). The 2001–2013 Nobel Laureates in Physics served as the sample. Bibliographic records of their publications were retrieved and downloaded from each system, and a computer program was developed to perform the analytical tasks of sorting, comparison, elimination, aggregation and statistical calculations. Quantitative analyses and cross-referencing were performed to determine the completeness and overlap of the system coverage of the six open access systems. The results may enable scholars to select an appropriate open access system as an efficient scholarly communication channel, and academic institutions may build institutional repositories or independently create citation index systems in the future. Suggestions on indicators and tools for academic assessment are presented based on the comprehensiveness assessment of each system. PMID:29267327

Pt monolayer coating on complex network substrate with high catalytic activity for the hydrogen evolution reaction

PubMed Central

Li, Man; Ma, Qiang; Zi, Wei; Liu, Xiaojing; Zhu, Xuejie; Liu, Shengzhong (Frank)

2015-01-01

A deposition process has been developed to fabricate a complete-monolayer Pt coating on a large-surface-area three-dimensional (3D) Ni foam substrate using a buffer layer (Ag or Au) strategy. The quartz crystal microbalance, current density analysis, cyclic voltammetry integration, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results show that the monolayer deposition process accomplishes full coverage on the substrate and the deposition can be controlled to a single atomic layer thickness. To our knowledge, this is the first report on a complete-monolayer Pt coating on a 3D bulk substrate with complex fine structures; all prior literature reported on submonolayer or incomplete-monolayer coating. A thin underlayer of Ag or Au is found to be necessary to cover a very reactive Ni substrate to ensure complete-monolayer Pt coverage; otherwise, only an incomplete monolayer is formed. Moreover, the Pt monolayer is found to work as well as a thick Pt film for catalytic reactions. This development may pave a way to fabricating a high-activity Pt catalyst with minimal Pt usage. PMID:26601247

Care 3 phase 2 report, maintenance manual

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bryant, L. A.; Stiffler, J. J.

1982-01-01

CARE 3 (Computer-Aided Reliability Estimation, version three) is a computer program designed to help estimate the reliability of complex, redundant systems. Although the program can model a wide variety of redundant structures, it was developed specifically for fault-tolerant avionics systems--systems distinguished by the need for extremely reliable performance since a system failure could well result in the loss of human life. It substantially generalizes the class of redundant configurations that could be accommodated, and includes a coverage model to determine the various coverage probabilities as a function of the applicable fault recovery mechanisms (detection delay, diagnostic scheduling interval, isolation and recovery delay, etc.). CARE 3 further generalizes the class of system structures that can be modeled and greatly expands the coverage model to take into account such effects as intermittent and transient faults, latent faults, error propagation, etc.

Improvement of crystalline quality of N-polar AlN layers on c-plane sapphire by low-pressure flow-modulated MOCVD

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takeuchi, M.; Shimizu, H.; Kajitani, R.; Kawasaki, K.; Kumagai, Y.; Koukitu, A.; Aoyagi, Y.

2007-01-01

The growth of N-polar AlN layers on c-plane sapphire is reported. Low-temperature AlN (LT-AlN) layers were used as seeding buffer layers with pre-nitridation for sapphire. To avoid strong vapor-phase reaction between trimethylaluminum (TMA) and ammonia (NH 3) and to improve the crystalline quality, low-pressure flow-modulated (FM) metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) technique was introduced with careful optimization of the FM sequence. The surface morphologies and the crystalline quality defined by the X-ray diffraction (XRD) (0 0 2) and (1 0 0) rocking curve measurements strongly depended on the LT-AlN thickness and on the TMA coverage per cycle of the FM growth. The sample showing the best XRD data with a good morphology was almost completely etched in aqueous KOH solution owing to N-polarity. From the plan-view transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observation, the dislocation density was counted to be about 3×10 10 cm -2.

Simultaneous submicrometric 3D imaging of the micro-vascular network and the neuronal system in a mouse spinal cord

PubMed Central

Fratini, Michela; Bukreeva, Inna; Campi, Gaetano; Brun, Francesco; Tromba, Giuliana; Modregger, Peter; Bucci, Domenico; Battaglia, Giuseppe; Spanò, Raffaele; Mastrogiacomo, Maddalena; Requardt, Herwig; Giove, Federico; Bravin, Alberto; Cedola, Alessia

2015-01-01

Faults in vascular (VN) and neuronal networks of spinal cord are responsible for serious neurodegenerative pathologies. Because of inadequate investigation tools, the lacking knowledge of the complete fine structure of VN and neuronal system represents a crucial problem. Conventional 2D imaging yields incomplete spatial coverage leading to possible data misinterpretation, whereas standard 3D computed tomography imaging achieves insufficient resolution and contrast. We show that X-ray high-resolution phase-contrast tomography allows the simultaneous visualization of three-dimensional VN and neuronal systems of ex-vivo mouse spinal cord at scales spanning from millimeters to hundreds of nanometers, with nor contrast agent nor sectioning and neither destructive sample-preparation. We image both the 3D distribution of micro-capillary network and the micrometric nerve fibers, axon-bundles and neuron soma. Our approach is very suitable for pre-clinical investigation of neurodegenerative pathologies and spinal-cord-injuries, in particular to resolve the entangled relationship between VN and neuronal system. PMID:25686728

Detection of lack of fusion using opaque additives, phase 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cook, J. L.

1972-01-01

Two major problems in welded aluminum spacecraft structure, reliable nondestructive inspection for incomplete weldment penetration and the rapid oxidation of aluminum surfaces left exposed to the atmosphere are investigated. The approach employed to solve both problems was to employ copper as a coating to prevent oxidation of the aluminum and as an opaque additive in the weldment to enhance X-ray detection in the event of incomplete penetration. Both plasma spray and vacuum vapor deposition techniques were evaluated for depositing the copper. A series of welded panels was made using three thicknesses of vacuum-vapor-deposited copper. All weldments were nondestructively inspected by X-ray, then excised into tensile and bend specimens. Mechanical tests were conducted and all data evaluated. It was determined that the vacuum-vapor-deposited coating was superior to a plasma sprayed coating of the same thickness. The vacuum-vapor-deposited coating was more uniform in thickness, provided complete coverage of the aluminum, and was free of cracks and porosity.

The combined use of NPWT and instillation using an octenidine based wound rinsing solution: a case study.

PubMed

Matiasek, J; Djedovic, G; Mattesich, M; Morandi, E; Pauzenberger, R; Pikula, R; Verstappen, R; Pierer, G; Koller, R; Rieger, U M

2014-11-01

Effective wound bed preparation is an essential element in the healing of chronic wounds, including pressure ulcers (PUs). Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) reduces oedema, stimulates the formation of granulation tissue and helps remove wound exudate. This helps prepare the wound bed for secondary healing, skin grafting or coverage with flaps. Combining NPWT with an instillation phase using an antiseptic (octenidine based) irrigation solution is a novel approach to PU management. Three patients with Category 4 gluteal PUs were treated with NPWT and instillation fluid, following surgical debridement of necrotic tissue. The aim was to achieve optimal wound bed preparation prior to wound closure by local fasciocutaneous flap. The antiseptic efficacy of octenilin wound irrigation solution in microorganism eradication was quantified by in vitro tests simulating real conditions using leg ulcer vacuum exudates. All wounds completely healed after four weeks, and no adverse incidents occurred due to instillation of octenidine. No recurrence of the PU occurred during a one year follow-up.

Growth and interfacial structure of methylammonium lead iodide thin films on Au(111)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

She, Limin; Liu, Meizhuang; Li, Xiaoli; Cai, Zeying; Zhong, Dingyong

2017-02-01

Due to the promising optoelectronic properties, organic-inorganic hybrid perovskites have been intensively studied as the active layers in perovskite solar cells. However, the structural information about their interface, one of the key factors determining device performances, is so far very rare. Herein, we report on the growth of CH3NH3PbI3 (MAPbI3, MA=CH3NH3) thin films by means of vapor deposition under ultrahigh vacuum. The surface morphology and interfacial structure have been investigated by scanning tunneling microscopy. At the initial growth stage, a complicated transient phase consisting of three atomic layers, i.e., iodine, MA-PbI4 and MA-I, was formed on the Au(111) substrate. With the coverage increasing, atomically smooth MAPbI3 films with orthorhombic structure have been obtained after annealing to 373 K. The films followed a self-organized twofold-layer by twofold-layer growth mode with the formation of complete PbI6 octahedrons and the exposure of MA-I terminated (001) surface.

Socioeconomic inequalities are still a barrier to full child vaccine coverage in the Brazilian Amazon: a cross-sectional study in Assis Brasil, Acre, Brazil.

PubMed

Branco, Fernando Luiz Cunha Castelo; Pereira, Thasciany Moraes; Delfino, Breno Matos; Braña, Athos Muniz; Oliart-Guzmán, Humberto; Mantovani, Saulo Augusto Silva; Martins, Antonio Camargo; Oliveira, Cristieli Sérgio de Menezes; Ramalho, Alanderson Alves; Codeço, Claudia Torres; da Silva-Nunes, Mônica

2014-11-27

Vaccines are very important to reduce morbidity and mortality by preventable infectious diseases, especially during childhood. Optimal coverage is not always achieved, for several reasons. Here we assessed vaccine coverage for the first 12 months of age in children between 12 and 59 months old, residing in the urban area of a small Amazonian city, and factors associated with incomplete vaccination. A census was performed in the urban area of Assis Brasil, in the Brazilian Amazon, in January 2010, with mothers of 282 children aged 12 to 59 months old, using structured interviews and data from vaccination cards. Mixed logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with incomplete vaccination schemes. Only 82.6% of all children had a completed the basic vaccine scheme for the first year of life. Vaccine coverage ranged from 52.7% coverage (oral rotavirus vaccine) to 99.7% coverage (for Bacille Calmette-Guérin). The major deficiencies occurred in doses administered after the first six months of life. Incomplete vaccination was associated with not having enough income to buy a house (aOR = 2.12, 95% CI 1.06-4.21), low maternal schooling (aOR = 2.60, 95% CI 1.28 - 5.29) , and time of residence of the child in the urban area of the city (aOR = 0.73, 95% CI 0.55 - 0.95). This study showed that vaccine coverage in the first twelve months of life in Assis Brasil is similar to other areas in the Amazon and it is below the coverage postulated by the Brazilian Ministry of Health. Low vaccine coverage was associated with socioeconomic inequities that still prevail in the Brazilian Amazon. Short and long-term strategies must be taken to update child vaccines and increase vaccine coverage in the Amazon.

A long way to go - Estimates of combined water, sanitation and hygiene coverage for 25 sub-Saharan African countries.

PubMed

Roche, Rachel; Bain, Robert; Cumming, Oliver

2017-01-01

Water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) are essential for a healthy and dignified life. International targets to reduce inadequate WASH coverage were set under the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs, 1990-2015) and now the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs, 2016-2030). The MDGs called for halving the proportion of the population without access to adequate water and sanitation, whereas the SDGs call for universal access, require the progressive reduction of inequalities, and include hygiene in addition to water and sanitation. Estimating access to complete WASH coverage provides a baseline for monitoring during the SDG period. Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) has among the lowest rates of WASH coverage globally. The most recent available Demographic Household Survey (DHS) or Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) data for 25 countries in SSA were analysed to estimate national and regional coverage for combined water and sanitation (a combined MDG indicator for 'improved' access) and combined water with collection time within 30 minutes plus sanitation and hygiene (a combined SDG indicator for 'basic' access). Coverage rates were estimated separately for urban and rural populations and for wealth quintiles. Frequency ratios and percentage point differences for urban and rural coverage were calculated to give both relative and absolute measures of urban-rural inequality. Wealth inequalities were assessed by visual examination of coverage across wealth quintiles in urban and rural populations and by calculating concentration indices as standard measures of relative wealth related inequality that give an indication of how unevenly a health indicator is distributed across the wealth distribution. Combined MDG coverage in SSA was 20%, and combined basic SDG coverage was 4%; an estimated 921 million people lacked basic SDG coverage. Relative measures of inequality were higher for combined basic SDG coverage than combined MDG coverage, but absolute inequality was lower. Rural combined basic SDG coverage was close to zero in many countries. Our estimates help to quantify the scale of progress required to achieve universal WASH access in low-income countries, as envisaged under the water and sanitation SDG. Monitoring and reporting changes in the proportion of the national population with access to water, sanitation and hygiene may be useful in focusing WASH policy and investments towards the areas of greatest need.

A long way to go – Estimates of combined water, sanitation and hygiene coverage for 25 sub-Saharan African countries

PubMed Central

Bain, Robert; Cumming, Oliver

2017-01-01

Background Water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) are essential for a healthy and dignified life. International targets to reduce inadequate WASH coverage were set under the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs, 1990–2015) and now the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs, 2016–2030). The MDGs called for halving the proportion of the population without access to adequate water and sanitation, whereas the SDGs call for universal access, require the progressive reduction of inequalities, and include hygiene in addition to water and sanitation. Estimating access to complete WASH coverage provides a baseline for monitoring during the SDG period. Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) has among the lowest rates of WASH coverage globally. Methods The most recent available Demographic Household Survey (DHS) or Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) data for 25 countries in SSA were analysed to estimate national and regional coverage for combined water and sanitation (a combined MDG indicator for ‘improved’ access) and combined water with collection time within 30 minutes plus sanitation and hygiene (a combined SDG indicator for ‘basic’ access). Coverage rates were estimated separately for urban and rural populations and for wealth quintiles. Frequency ratios and percentage point differences for urban and rural coverage were calculated to give both relative and absolute measures of urban-rural inequality. Wealth inequalities were assessed by visual examination of coverage across wealth quintiles in urban and rural populations and by calculating concentration indices as standard measures of relative wealth related inequality that give an indication of how unevenly a health indicator is distributed across the wealth distribution. Results Combined MDG coverage in SSA was 20%, and combined basic SDG coverage was 4%; an estimated 921 million people lacked basic SDG coverage. Relative measures of inequality were higher for combined basic SDG coverage than combined MDG coverage, but absolute inequality was lower. Rural combined basic SDG coverage was close to zero in many countries. Conclusions Our estimates help to quantify the scale of progress required to achieve universal WASH access in low-income countries, as envisaged under the water and sanitation SDG. Monitoring and reporting changes in the proportion of the national population with access to water, sanitation and hygiene may be useful in focusing WASH policy and investments towards the areas of greatest need. PMID:28182796

RCT: Module 2.11, Radiological Work Coverage, Course 8777

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

Hillmer, Kurt T.

2017-07-20

Radiological work is usually approved and controlled by radiation protection personnel by using administrative and procedural controls, such as radiological work permits (RWPs). In addition, some jobs will require working in, or will have the potential for creating, very high radiation, contamination, or airborne radioactivity areas. Radiological control technicians (RCTs) providing job coverage have an integral role in controlling radiological hazards. This course will prepare the student with the skills necessary for RCT qualification by passing quizzes, tests, and the RCT Comprehensive Phase 1, Unit 2 Examination (TEST 27566) and will provide in-the-field skills.

Sentinel-1A - Launching the first satellite and launching the operational Copernicus programme

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aschbacher, Josef; Milagro Perez, Maria Pilar

2014-05-01

The first Copernicus satellite, Sentinel-1A, is prepared for launch in April 2014. It will provide continuous, systematic and highly reliable radar images of the Earth. Sentinel-1B will follow around 18 months later to increase observation frequency and establish an operational system. Sentinel-1 is designed to work in a pre-programmed conflict-free operation mode ensuring the reliability required by operational services and creating a consistent long-term data archive for applications based on long time series. This mission will ensure the continuation and improvement of SAR operational services and applications addressing primarily medium- to high-resolution applications through a main mode of operation that features both a wide swath (250 km) and high geometric (5 × 20 m) and radiometric resolution, allowing imaging of global landmasses, coastal zones, sea ice, polar areas, and shipping routes at high resolution. The Sentinel-1 main operational mode (Interferometric Wide Swath) will allow to have a complete coverage of the Earth in 6 days in the operational configuration when the two Sentinel-1 spacecraft will be in orbit simultaneously. High priority areas like Europe, Canada and some shipping routes will be covered almost daily. This high global observation frequency is unprecedented and cannot be reached with any other current radar mission. Envisat, for example, which was the 'workhorse' in this domain up to April 2012, reached global coverage every 35 days. Sentinel-1 data products will be made available systematically and free of charge to all users including institutional users, the general public, scientific and commercial users. The transition of the Copernicus programme from the development to operational phase will take place at about the same time when the first Sentinel-1 satellite will be launched. During the operational phase, funding of the programme will come from the European Union Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for the years 2014-2020. The EU Copernicus Regulation, laying down the legal basis for the EU operational Copernicus programme, is currently in its final phase of approval by the European Parliament and Council. Based on this, the future EU-ESA Copernicus Agreement will define the modalities for the cooperation between ESA and the EU for the period 2014-2020 and will regulate the budget implementation tasks entrusted to ESA by the EU for the accomplishment of the space segment and the programme operations phase. The agreement, once signed, will pave the way for important procurements over the next seven years in the Earth observation domain.

HPV Vaccination Coverage of Male Adolescents in the United States

PubMed Central

Lu, Peng-jun; Yankey, David; Jeyarajah, Jenny; O’Halloran, Alissa; Elam-Evans, Laurie D.; Smith, Philip J.; Stokley, Shannon; Singleton, James A.; Dunne, Eileen F.

2018-01-01

Background In 2011, the Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended routine use HPV vaccine for male adolescents. Methods We used the 2013 National Immunization Survey-Teen (NIS-Teen) data to assess HPV vaccine uptake (≥1 dose) and series completion (≥3 doses). Multivariable logistic regression analysis and a predictive marginal model were conducted to identify independent predictors of vaccination among adolescent males aged 13–17 years. Results HPV vaccination coverage with ≥1 dose was 34.6% while series completion (≥3 doses) was 13.9%. Coverage was significantly higher among non-Hispanic blacks and Hispanics compared with non-Hispanic white males. Multivariable logistic regression showed that characteristics independently associated with a higher likelihood of HPV vaccination (≥1 dose) included: being non-Hispanic black race or Hispanic ethnicity, having mothers who were widowed, divorced, or separated, having 1–3 physician contacts in the past 12 months, a well-child visit at age 11–12 years, having one or two vaccination providers, living in urban or suburban areas, and receiving vaccinations from more than one type of facility (p<0.05). Having mothers with some college or college education, having a higher family income to poverty ratio, living in South or Midwest, and receiving vaccinations from all STD/school/teen clinics or other facilities were independently associated with a lower likelihood of HPV vaccination (p<0.05). Conclusions Following recommendations for routine HPV vaccination among male adolescents, uptake in 2013 was low in males. Increased efforts are needed to improve vaccination coverage, especially for those who are least likely to be vaccinated. PMID:26504124

A cross-sectional vaccination coverage study in preschool children attending nurseries-kindergartens: Implications on economic crisis effect

PubMed Central

Menegas, Damianos; Katsioulis, Antonis; Theodoridou, Maria; Kremastinou, Jenny; Hadjichristodoulou, Christos

2017-01-01

ABSTRACT Vaccination coverage studies are important in determining a population's vaccination status and strategically adjusting national immunization programs. This study assessed full and timely vaccination coverage of preschool children aged 2–3 y attending nurseries-kindergartens (N-K) nationwide at the socioeconomic crisis onset. Geographically stratified cluster sampling was implemented considering prefectures as strata and N-K as clusters. The N-K were selected by simple random sampling from the sampling frame while their number was proportional to the stratum size. In total, 185 N-K (response rate 93.9%) and 2539 children (response rate 81.5%) participated. Coverage with traditional vaccines for diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, polio and measles-mumps-rubella was very high (>95%), followed by Haemophilus influenzae type b and varicella vaccines. Despite very high final coverage, delayed vaccination was observed for hepatitis B (48.3% completed by 12 months). Significant delay was observed for the booster dose of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV) and meningococcal C conjugate vaccines (MCC). Of the total population studied, 82.3% received 3 PCV doses by 12 months, while 62.3% received the fourth dose by 24 months and 76.2% by 30 months. However, 89.6% received at least one MCC dose over 12 months. Timely vaccinated for hepatitis A with 2 doses by 24 months were 6.1%. Coverage was significantly low for Rotavirus (<20%) and influenza (23.1% one dose). High vaccination coverage is maintained for most vaccines at the beginning of the crisis in Greece. Coverage and timeliness show an increasing trend compared to previous studies. Sustained efforts are needed to support the preventive medicine system as socioeconomic instability continues. PMID:27669156

Photometric normalization of LROC WAC images

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sato, H.; Denevi, B.; Robinson, M. S.; Hapke, B. W.; McEwen, A. S.; LROC Science Team

2010-12-01

The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera (LROC) Wide Angle Camera (WAC) acquires near global coverage on a monthly basis. The WAC is a push frame sensor with a 90° field of view (FOV) in BW mode and 60° FOV in 7-color mode (320 nm to 689 nm). WAC images are acquired during each orbit in 10° latitude segments with cross track coverage of ~50 km. Before mosaicking, WAC images are radiometrically calibrated to remove instrumental artifacts and to convert at sensor radiance to I/F. Images are also photometrically normalized to common viewing and illumination angles (30° phase), a challenge due to the wide angle nature of the WAC where large differences in phase angle are observed in a single image line (±30°). During a single month the equatorial incidence angle drifts about 28° and over the course of ~1 year the lighting completes a 360° cycle. The light scattering properties of the lunar surface depend on incidence(i), emission(e), and phase(p) angles as well as soil properties such as single-scattering albedo and roughness that vary with terrain type and state of maturity [1]. We first tested a Lommel-Seeliger Correction (LSC) [cos(i)/(cos(i) + cos(e))] [2] with a phase function defined by an exponential decay plus 4th order polynomial term [3] which did not provide an adequate solution. Next we employed a LSC with an exponential 2nd order decay phase correction that was an improvement, but still exhibited unacceptable frame-to-frame residuals. In both cases we fitted the LSC I/F vs. phase angle to derive the phase corrections. To date, the best results are with a lunar-lambert function [4] with exponential 2nd order decay phase correction (LLEXP2) [(A1exp(B1p)+A2exp(B2p)+A3) * cos(i)/(cos(e) + cos(i)) + B3cos(i)]. We derived the parameters for the LLEXP2 from repeat imaging of a small region and then corrected that region with excellent results. When this correction was applied to the whole Moon the results were less than optimal - no surprise given the variability of the regolith from region to region. As the fitting area increases, the accuracy of curve fitting decreases due to the larger variety of albedo, topography, and composition. Thus we have adopted an albedo-dependent photometric normalization routine. Phase curves are derived for discreet bins of preliminary normalized reflectance calculated from Clementine global mosaic in a fitting area that is composed of predominantly mare in Oceanus Procellarum. The global WAC mosaic was then corrected pixel-by-pixel according to its preliminary reflectance map with satisfactory results. We observed that the phase curves per normalized-reflectance bins become steeper as the reflectance value increases. Further filtering by using FeO, TiO2, or optical maturity [5] for parameter calculations may help elucidate the effects of surface composition and maturity on photometric properties of the surface. [1] Hapke, B.W. (1993) Theory of Reflectance and Emittance Spectroscopy, Cambridge Univ. Press. [2] Schoenberg (1925) Ada. Soc. Febb., vol. 50. [3] Hillier et al. (1999) Icarus 141, 205-225. [4] McEwen (1991) Icarus 92, 298-311. [5] Lucey et al. (2000) JGR, v105, no E8, p20377-20386.

Extent of hydrogen coverage of Si(001) under chemical vapor deposition conditions from ab initio approaches

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rosenow, Phil; Tonner, Ralf

2016-05-01

The extent of hydrogen coverage of the Si(001) c(4 × 2) surface in the presence of hydrogen gas has been studied with dispersion corrected density functional theory. Electronic energy contributions are well described using a hybrid functional. The temperature dependence of the coverage in thermodynamic equilibrium was studied computing the phonon spectrum in a supercell approach. As an approximation to these demanding computations, an interpolated phonon approach was found to give comparable accuracy. The simpler ab initio thermodynamic approach is not accurate enough for the system studied, even if corrections by the Einstein model for surface vibrations are considered. The on-set of H2 desorption from the fully hydrogenated surface is predicted to occur at temperatures around 750 K. Strong changes in hydrogen coverage are found between 1000 and 1200 K in good agreement with previous reflectance anisotropy spectroscopy experiments. These findings allow a rational choice for the surface state in the computational treatment of chemical reactions under typical metal organic vapor phase epitaxy conditions on Si(001).

Extent of hydrogen coverage of Si(001) under chemical vapor deposition conditions from ab initio approaches

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

Rosenow, Phil; Tonner, Ralf, E-mail: tonner@chemie.uni-marburg.de

2016-05-28

The extent of hydrogen coverage of the Si(001) c(4 × 2) surface in the presence of hydrogen gas has been studied with dispersion corrected density functional theory. Electronic energy contributions are well described using a hybrid functional. The temperature dependence of the coverage in thermodynamic equilibrium was studied computing the phonon spectrum in a supercell approach. As an approximation to these demanding computations, an interpolated phonon approach was found to give comparable accuracy. The simpler ab initio thermodynamic approach is not accurate enough for the system studied, even if corrections by the Einstein model for surface vibrations are considered. Themore » on-set of H{sub 2} desorption from the fully hydrogenated surface is predicted to occur at temperatures around 750 K. Strong changes in hydrogen coverage are found between 1000 and 1200 K in good agreement with previous reflectance anisotropy spectroscopy experiments. These findings allow a rational choice for the surface state in the computational treatment of chemical reactions under typical metal organic vapor phase epitaxy conditions on Si(001).« less

The commensurate-to-incommensurate phase transition of an organic monolayer: A high resolution LEED analysis of the superstructures of NTCDA on Ag(1 1 1)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kilian, L.; Stahl, U.; Kossev, I.; Sokolowski, M.; Fink, R.; Umbach, E.

2008-07-01

The structural order of 1,4,9,10-naphthalene-tetracarboxylicacid-dianhydride (NTCDA) monolayers on Ag(1 1 1) has been investigated by spot profile analysis low energy electron diffraction (SPA-LEED). For increasing coverage, we find a sequence of three highly ordered structures: a commensurate structure (α), a uniaxially incommensurate structure (α 2), and an incommensurate structure (β) with coverages of 0.9 ML, 0.95 ML, and 1 (saturated) monolayer (ML), respectively. In the high coverage regime, the structures coexist and a coverage increase causes a change of their relative fractions. The α and β structures were known before [U. Stahl, D. Gador, A. Soukopp, R. Fink, E. Umbach, Surf. Sci. 414 (1998) 423], but the β structure was proposed as commensurate, since its very small misfit with respect to a commensurate structure could not be resolved. This misfit leads to a periodic modulation, causing additional Moiré satellites in the diffraction pattern. This finding demonstrates the importance of high resolution methods for the geometry determination of large organic adsorbates.

Estimating human papillomavirus vaccination coverage among young women in Victoria and reasons for non-vaccination.

PubMed

Brotherton, Julia M L; Piers, Leonard S; Vaughan, Loretta

2016-04-01

Background Adult Australian women aged 18 to 26 years were offered human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in a mass catch up campaign between 2007 and 2009. Not all doses administered were notified to Australia's HPV vaccine register and not all young women commenced or completed the vaccine course. We surveyed vaccine age-eligible women as part of the Victorian Population Health Survey 2011-2012, a population based telephone survey, to ascertain self-reported vaccine uptake and reasons for non-vaccination or non-completion of vaccination among young women resident in the state of Victoria, Australia. Among 956 women surveyed, 62.3 per cent (57.8-66.6%) had been vaccinated against HPV and coverage with three doses was estimated at 53.7 per cent (49.1-58.2%). These estimates are higher than register-based estimates for the same cohort, which were 57.8 per cent and 37.2 per cent respectively. A lack of awareness about needing three doses and simply forgetting, rather than fear or experience of side effects, were the most common reasons for failure to complete all three doses. Among women who were not vaccinated, the most frequent reasons were not knowing the vaccine was available, perceiving they were too old to benefit, or not being resident in Australia at the time. It is likely that at least half of Victoria's young women were vaccinated during the catch-up program. This high level of coverage is likely to explain the marked reductions in HPV infection, genital warts and cervical disease already observed in young women in Victoria.

Human papillomavirus vaccination among adolescents in Georgia.

PubMed

Underwood, Natasha L; Weiss, Paul; Gargano, Lisa M; Seib, Katherine; Rask, Kimberly J; Morfaw, Christopher; Murray, Dennis; DiClemente, Ralph J; Hughes, James M; Sales, Jessica M

2015-01-01

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination coverage for adolescent females and males remains low in the United States. We conducted a 3-arm randomized controlled trial (RCT) conducted in middle and high schools in eastern Georgia from 2011-2013 to determine the effect of 2 educational interventions used to increase adolescent vaccination coverage for the 4 recommended adolescent vaccines: Tdap, MCV4, HPV and influenza. As part of this RCT, this article focuses on: 1) describing initiation and completion of HPV vaccine series among a diverse population of male and female adolescents; 2) assessing parental attitudes toward HPV vaccine; and 3) examining correlates of HPV vaccine series initiation and completion. Parental attitude score was the strongest predictor of HPV vaccine initiation among adolescents (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 2.08; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.80, 2.39). Other correlates that significantly predicted HPV series initiation were gender, study year, and intervention arm. Parental attitudes remained a significant predictor of receipt of 3 doses of HPV vaccine along with gender, race, school type and insurance type. This study demonstrates that positive parental attitudes are important predictors of HPV vaccination and critical to increasing coverage rates. Our findings suggest that more research is needed to understand how parental attitudes are developed and evolve over time.

Personality Disorder Models and their Coverage of Interpersonal Problems

PubMed Central

Williams, Trevor F.; Simms, Leonard J.

2015-01-01

Interpersonal dysfunction is a defining feature of personality disorders (PDs) and can serve as a criterion for comparing PD models. In this study, the interpersonal coverage of four competing PD models was examined using a sample of 628 current or recent psychiatric patients who completed the NEO Personality Inventory-3 First Half (NEO-PI-3FH; McCrae & Costa, 2007), Personality Inventory for the DSM-5 (PID-5; Krueger et al., 2012), Computerized Adaptive Test of Personality Disorder-Static Form (CAT-PD-SF; Simms et al., 2011), and Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Personality Questionnaire (SCID-II PQ; First, Spitzer, Gibbon, & Williams, 1995). Participants also completed the Inventory of Interpersonal Problems-Short Circumplex (IIP-SC; Soldz, Budman, Demby, & Merry, 1995) to assess interpersonal dysfunction. Analyses compared the severity and style of interpersonal problems that characterize PD models. Previous research with DSM-5 Section II and III models was generally replicated. Extraversion and Agreeableness facets related to the most well defined interpersonal problems across normal-range and pathological traits. Pathological trait models provided more coverage of dominance problems, whereas normal-range traits covered nonassertiveness better. These results suggest that more work may be needed to reconcile descriptions of personality pathology at the level of specific constructs. PMID:26168406

Recent advances in liquid and gas chromatography methodology for extending coverage of the metabolome.

PubMed

Haggarty, Jennifer; Burgess, Karl Ev

2017-02-01

The metabolome is the complete complement of metabolites (small organic biomolecules). In order to comprehensively understand the effect of stimuli on a biological system, it is important to detect as many of the metabolites within that system as possible. This review briefly describes some new advances in liquid and gas chromatography to improve coverage of the metabolome, including the serial combination of two columns in tandem, column switching and different variations of two-dimensional chromatography. Supercritical fluid chromatography could provide complimentary data to liquid and gas chromatography. Although there have been many recent advancements in the field of metabolomics, it is evident that a combination, rather than a single method, is required to approach full coverage of the metabolome. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Telescopic Overdenture: A Case Report

PubMed Central

Shruthi, C. S.; Poojya, R.; Ram, Swati; Anupama

2017-01-01

Patient: This report describes the case of a 68 year old female patient who presented with the chief complaint of difficulty in chewing and poor aesthetics due to missing teeth. The patient was interested in saving the remaining natural teeth and desired minimal tissue coverage from the prosthesis. After consideration of all the factors involved, it was deemed advisable to resort to a palate free maxillary telescopic complete denture and a mandibular removable partial denture. Discussion: Considering the age of the patient and the cost involved, implant supported prosthesis was ruled out as a treatment option for the patient. A telescopic denture was chosen as a favourable treatment option since it overcomes many of the problems posed by conventional complete dentures like progressive bone loss, lower stability and retention, loss of periodontal proprioception and low masticatory efficiency. It also provides minimal tissue coverage and better distribution of forces. Evaluation of occlusion, esthetics, phonetics and comfort after 24 hours, 1 week and 1 month of treatment showed that the patient was happy with the prosthesis and was able to speak and chew well. Conclusion: Telescopic overdentures have better retention and stability as compared to conventional complete dentures. They improve the chewing efficiency, patient comfort and also decrease the alveolar bone resorption. As such they are an excellent alternative to conventional complete denture treatment. PMID:28533736

Telescopic Overdenture: A Case Report.

PubMed

Shruthi, C S; Poojya, R; Ram, Swati; Anupama

2017-03-01

This report describes the case of a 68 year old female patient who presented with the chief complaint of difficulty in chewing and poor aesthetics due to missing teeth. The patient was interested in saving the remaining natural teeth and desired minimal tissue coverage from the prosthesis. After consideration of all the factors involved, it was deemed advisable to resort to a palate free maxillary telescopic complete denture and a mandibular removable partial denture. Considering the age of the patient and the cost involved, implant supported prosthesis was ruled out as a treatment option for the patient. A telescopic denture was chosen as a favourable treatment option since it overcomes many of the problems posed by conventional complete dentures like progressive bone loss, lower stability and retention, loss of periodontal proprioception and low masticatory efficiency. It also provides minimal tissue coverage and better distribution of forces. Evaluation of occlusion, esthetics, phonetics and comfort after 24 hours, 1 week and 1 month of treatment showed that the patient was happy with the prosthesis and was able to speak and chew well. Telescopic overdentures have better retention and stability as compared to conventional complete dentures. They improve the chewing efficiency, patient comfort and also decrease the alveolar bone resorption. As such they are an excellent alternative to conventional complete denture treatment.

A Coordinated X-Ray and Optical Campaign of the Nearest Massive Eclipsing Binary, Delta Orionis Aa. II. X-Ray Variability

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nichols, J.; Huenemoerder, D. P.; Corcoran, M. F.; Waldron, W.; Naze, Y.; Pollock, A. M. T.; Moffat, A. F. J.; Lauer, J.; Shenar, T.; Russell, C. M. P.;

Wireless Metal Detection and Surface Coverage Sensing for All-Surface Induction Heating

PubMed Central

Kilic, Veli Tayfun; Unal, Emre; Demir, Hilmi Volkan

2016-01-01

All-surface induction heating systems, typically comprising small-area coils, face a major challenge in detecting the presence of a metallic vessel and identifying its partial surface coverage over the coils to determine which of the coils to power up. The difficulty arises due to the fact that the user can heat vessels made of a wide variety of metals (and their alloys). To address this problem, we propose and demonstrate a new wireless detection methodology that allows for detecting the presence of metallic vessels together with uniquely sensing their surface coverages while also identifying their effective material type in all-surface induction heating systems. The proposed method is based on telemetrically measuring simultaneously inductance and resistance of the induction coil coupled with the vessel in the heating system. Here, variations in the inductance and resistance values for an all-surface heating coil loaded by vessels (made of stainless steel and aluminum) at different positions were systematically investigated at different frequencies. Results show that, independent of the metal material type, unique identification of the surface coverage is possible at all freqeuncies. Additionally, using the magnitude and phase information extracted from the coupled coil impedance, unique identification of the vessel effective material is also achievable, this time independent of its surface coverage. PMID:26978367

Nitric Acid Uptake on Subtropical Cirrus Cloud Particles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2004-01-01

The redistribution of HNO3 via uptake and sedimentation by cirrus cloud particles is considered an important term in the upper tropospheric budget of reactive nitrogen. Numerous cirrus cloud encounters by the NASA WB-57F high-altitude research aircraft during CRYSTAL-FACE were accompanied by the observation of condensed-phase HNO3 with the NOAA chemical ionization mass spectrometer. The instrument measures HNO3 with two independent channels of detection connected to separate forward- and downward-facing inlets that allow a determination of the amount of HNO3 condensed on ice particles. Subtropical cirrus clouds, as indicated by the presence of ice particles, were observed coincident with condensed-phase HNO3 at temperatures of 197 K - 224 K and pressures of 122 hPa - 224 hPa. Maximum levels of condensed-phase HNO3 approached the gas-phase equivalent of 0.8 ppbv. Ice particle surface coverages as high as 1.4- 10(exp 14) molecules/sq cm were observed. A dissociative Langmuir adsorption model, when using an empirically derived HNO3 adsorption enthalpy of -11.0 kcal/mol, effectively describes the observed molecular coverages to within a factor of 5. The percentage of total HNO3 in the condensed phase ranged from near zero to 100% in the observed cirrus clouds. With volume-weighted mean particle diameters up to 700 pm and particle fall velocities up to 10 m/s, some observed clouds have significant potential to redistribute HNO3 in the upper troposphere.

5 CFR 1650.42 - How to obtain a financial hardship withdrawal.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... form or use the TSP Web site to initiate a request. A participant's ability to complete a financial hardship withdrawal on the Web will depend on his or her retirement system coverage and marital status. (b...

5 CFR 1650.24 - How to obtain a post-employment withdrawal.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... request form or use the TSP Web site to initiate a request. (A participant's ability to complete a post-employment withdrawal on the Web will depend on his or her retirement system coverage, withdrawal election...

High Throughput Transcriptomics @ USEPA (Toxicology Forum)

EPA Science Inventory

The ideal chemical testing approach will provide complete coverage of all relevant toxicological responses. It should be sensitive and specific It should identify the mechanism/mode-of-action (with dose-dependence). It should identify responses relevant to the species of interest...

5 CFR 1650.24 - How to obtain a post-employment withdrawal.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... request form or use the TSP Web site to initiate a request. (A participant's ability to complete a post-employment withdrawal on the Web will depend on his or her retirement system coverage, withdrawal election...

5 CFR 1650.24 - How to obtain a post-employment withdrawal.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... request form or use the TSP Web site to initiate a request. (A participant's ability to complete a post-employment withdrawal on the Web will depend on his or her retirement system coverage, withdrawal election...

Evaluation of the Risk Factors for a Rotator Cuff Retear After Repair Surgery.

PubMed

Lee, Yeong Seok; Jeong, Jeung Yeol; Park, Chan-Deok; Kang, Seung Gyoon; Yoo, Jae Chul

2017-07-01

A retear is a significant clinical problem after rotator cuff repair. However, no study has evaluated the retear rate with regard to the extent of footprint coverage. To evaluate the preoperative and intraoperative factors for a retear after rotator cuff repair, and to confirm the relationship with the extent of footprint coverage. Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Data were retrospectively collected from 693 patients who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair between January 2006 and December 2014. All repairs were classified into 4 types of completeness of repair according to the amount of footprint coverage at the end of surgery. All patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) after a mean postoperative duration of 5.4 months. Preoperative demographic data, functional scores, range of motion, and global fatty degeneration on preoperative MRI and intraoperative variables including the tear size, completeness of rotator cuff repair, concomitant subscapularis repair, number of suture anchors used, repair technique (single-row or transosseous-equivalent double-row repair), and surgical duration were evaluated. Furthermore, the factors associated with failure using the single-row technique and transosseous-equivalent double-row technique were analyzed separately. The retear rate was 7.22%. Univariate analysis revealed that rotator cuff retears were affected by age; the presence of inflammatory arthritis; the completeness of rotator cuff repair; the initial tear size; the number of suture anchors; mean operative time; functional visual analog scale scores; Simple Shoulder Test findings; American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores; and fatty degeneration of the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, and subscapularis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed patient age, initial tear size, and fatty degeneration of the supraspinatus as independent risk factors for a rotator cuff retear. Multivariate logistic regression analysis of the single-row group revealed patient age and fatty degeneration of the supraspinatus as independent risk factors for a rotator cuff retear. Multivariate logistic regression analysis of the transosseous-equivalent double-row group revealed a frozen shoulder as an independent risk factor for a rotator cuff retear. Our results suggest that patient age, initial tear size, and fatty degeneration of the supraspinatus are independent risk factors for a rotator cuff retear, whereas the completeness of rotator cuff repair based on the extent of footprint coverage and repair technique are not.

From atoms to layers: in situ gold cluster growth kinetics during sputter deposition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schwartzkopf, Matthias; Buffet, Adeline; Körstgens, Volker; Metwalli, Ezzeldin; Schlage, Kai; Benecke, Gunthard; Perlich, Jan; Rawolle, Monika; Rothkirch, André; Heidmann, Berit; Herzog, Gerd; Müller-Buschbaum, Peter; Röhlsberger, Ralf; Gehrke, Rainer; Stribeck, Norbert; Roth, Stephan V.

2013-05-01

The adjustment of size-dependent catalytic, electrical and optical properties of gold cluster assemblies is a very significant issue in modern applied nanotechnology. We present a real-time investigation of the growth kinetics of gold nanostructures from small nuclei to a complete gold layer during magnetron sputter deposition with high time resolution by means of in situ microbeam grazing incidence small-angle X-ray scattering (μGISAXS). We specify the four-stage growth including their thresholds with sub-monolayer resolution and identify phase transitions monitored in Yoneda intensity as a material-specific characteristic. An innovative and flexible geometrical model enables the extraction of morphological real space parameters, such as cluster size and shape, correlation distance, layer porosity and surface coverage, directly from reciprocal space scattering data. This approach enables a large variety of future investigations of the influence of different process parameters on the thin metal film morphology. Furthermore, our study allows for deducing the wetting behavior of gold cluster films on solid substrates and provides a better understanding of the growth kinetics in general, which is essential for optimization of manufacturing parameters, saving energy and resources.The adjustment of size-dependent catalytic, electrical and optical properties of gold cluster assemblies is a very significant issue in modern applied nanotechnology. We present a real-time investigation of the growth kinetics of gold nanostructures from small nuclei to a complete gold layer during magnetron sputter deposition with high time resolution by means of in situ microbeam grazing incidence small-angle X-ray scattering (μGISAXS). We specify the four-stage growth including their thresholds with sub-monolayer resolution and identify phase transitions monitored in Yoneda intensity as a material-specific characteristic. An innovative and flexible geometrical model enables the extraction of morphological real space parameters, such as cluster size and shape, correlation distance, layer porosity and surface coverage, directly from reciprocal space scattering data. This approach enables a large variety of future investigations of the influence of different process parameters on the thin metal film morphology. Furthermore, our study allows for deducing the wetting behavior of gold cluster films on solid substrates and provides a better understanding of the growth kinetics in general, which is essential for optimization of manufacturing parameters, saving energy and resources. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: The full GISAXS image sequence of the experiment, the model-based IsGISAXS-simulation sequence as movie files for comparison and detailed information about sample cleaning, XRR, FESEM, IsGISAXS, comparison μGIWAXS/μGISAXS, and sampling statistics. See DOI: 10.1039/c3nr34216f

Interplay between Self-Assembled Structures and Energy Level Alignment of Benzenediamine on Au(111) Surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Guo; Neaton, Jeffrey

2015-03-01

Using van der Waals-corrected density functional theory (DFT) calculations, we study the adsorption of benzene-diamine (BDA) molecules on Au(111) surfaces. We find that at low surface coverage, the adsorbed molecules prefer to stay isolated from each other in a monomer phase, due to the inter-molecular dipole-dipole repulsions. However, when the coverage rises above a critical value of 0.9nm-2, the adsorbed molecules aggregate into linear structures via hydrogen bonding between amine groups, consistent with recent experiments [Haxton, Zhou, Tamblyn, et al, Phys. Rev. Lett. 111, 265701 (2013)]. Moreover, we find that these linear structures at high density considerably reduces the Au work function (relative to a monomer phase). Due to reduced surface polarization effects, we estimate that the resonance energy of the highest occupied molecular orbital of the adsorbed BDA molecule relative to the Au Fermi level is significantly lower than the monomer phase by more than 0.5 eV, consistent with the experimental measurements [DellAngela, Kladnik, and Cossaro, et al., Nano Lett. 10, 2470 (2010)]. This work supported by DOE (the JCAP under Award Number DE-SC000499 and the Molecular Foundry of LBNL), and computational resources provided by NERSC.

Atmospheric Modeling of the Martian Polar Regions: CRISM EPF Coverage During the South Polar Spring Recession

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brown, A. J.; McGuire, P.; Wolff, M. J.

2008-03-01

We describe efforts to model dust and ice aerosols content and soils and icy surface reflectance in the Martian southern polar region during spring recession (Ls = 152-320) using CRISM emission phase function (EPF) observations.

Stakeholders apply the GRADE evidence-to-decision framework to facilitate coverage decisions.

PubMed

Dahm, Philipp; Oxman, Andrew D; Djulbegovic, Benjamin; Guyatt, Gordon H; Murad, M Hassan; Amato, Laura; Parmelli, Elena; Davoli, Marina; Morgan, Rebecca L; Mustafa, Reem A; Sultan, Shahnaz; Falck-Ytter, Yngve; Akl, Elie A; Schünemann, Holger J

2017-06-01

Coverage decisions are complex and require the consideration of many factors. A well-defined, transparent process could improve decision-making and facilitate decision-maker accountability. We surveyed key US-based stakeholders regarding their current approaches for coverage decisions. Then, we held a workshop to test an evidence-to-decision (EtD) framework for coverage based on the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) criteria. A total of 42 individuals (including 19 US stakeholders as well as international health policymakers and GRADE working group members) attended the workshop. Of the 19 stakeholders, 14 (74%) completed the survey before the workshop. Almost all of their organizations (13 of 14; 93%) used systematic reviews for coverage decision-making; few (2 of 14; 14%) developed their own evidence synthesis; a majority (9 of 14; 64%) rated the certainty of evidence (using various systems); almost all (13 of 14; 93%) denied formal consideration of resource use; and half (7 of 14; 50%) reported explicit criteria for decision-making. At the workshop, stakeholders successfully applied the EtD framework to four case studies and provided narrative feedback, which centered on contextual factors affecting coverage decisions in the United States, the need for reliable data on subgroups of patients, and the challenge of decision-making without formal consideration of resource use. Stakeholders successfully applied the EtD framework to four case studies and highlighted contextual factors affecting coverage decisions and affirmed its value. Their input informed the further development of a revised EtD framework, now publicly available (http://gradepro.org/). Published by Elsevier Inc.

Phase Variation of NadA in Invasive Neisseria meningitidis Isolates Impacts on Coverage Estimates for 4C-MenB, a MenB vaccine.

PubMed

Green, Luke R; Lucidarme, Jay; Dave, Neelam; Chan, Hannah; Clark, Stephen; Borrow, Ray; Bayliss, Christopher D

2018-06-27

A recombinant NadA protein is one of the four major protective antigens of 4C-MenB (Bexsero®), a vaccine developed for serogroup B Neisseria meningitidis (MenB). The Meningococcal Antigen Typing System (MATS) is utilised as a high throughput assay for assessing the invasive MenB strain coverage of 4C-MenB. Where present, the nadA gene is subject to phase variable changes in transcription due to a 5'TAAA repeat tract located in a regulatory region. The promoter-containing intergenic region sequences (IGR) and 5'TAAA repeat numbers were determined for 906 invasive meningococcal disease isolates possessing the nadA gene. Exclusion of the 5'TAAA repeats reduced the number of IGR alleles from 82 to 23. Repeat numbers were associated with low and high levels of NadA expression by Western blotting and ELISA. Low expression repeat numbers were present in 83% of 179 MenB isolates with NadA-2/3 or Nad-1 peptide variants and 68% of 480 MenW ST-11 complex isolates with Nad-2/3 peptide variants. For isolates with vaccine-compatible NadA variants, 93% of MATS negative isolates were associated with low expression repeat numbers whereas 63% of isolates with MATS RP scores above the 95% confidence interval for the positive bactericidal threshold had high expression repeat numbers. Analysis of the 5'TAAA repeat number has potential as a rapid, high throughput method for assessing strain coverage for the NadA-component of 4C-MenB. A key application will be assessing coverage in meningococcal disease cases where confirmation is by PCR only and MATS cannot be applied. Copyright © 2018 Green et al.

Determining accurate vaccination coverage rates for adolescents: the National Immunization Survey-Teen 2006.

PubMed

Jain, Nidhi; Singleton, James A; Montgomery, Margrethe; Skalland, Benjamin

2009-01-01

Since 1994, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has funded the National Immunization Survey (NIS), a large telephone survey used to estimate vaccination coverage of U.S. children aged 19-35 months. The NIS is a two-phase survey that obtains vaccination receipt information from a random-digit-dialed survey, designed to identify households with eligible children, followed by a provider record check, which obtains provider-reported vaccination histories for eligible children. In 2006, the survey was expanded for the first time to include a national sample of adolescents aged 13-17 years, called the NIS-Teen. This article summarizes the methodology used in the NIS-Teen. In 2008, the NIS-Teen was expanded to collect state-specific and national-level data to determine vaccination coverage estimates. This survey provides valuable information to guide immunization programs for adolescents.

Another Look at the Great Area-Coverage Controversy of the 1950's

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blanchard, Walter

2005-09-01

In the immediate aftermath of WW2 there sprang up an international argument over the relative merits for aerial navigation of area-coverage radio navaids versus point-source systems. The United States was in favour of point-source whereas the UK proposed area-coverage, systems for which had successfully been demonstrated under very adverse conditions during the war. It rumbled on for many years, not being finally settled until the ICAO Montreal Conference of 1959 decided for point-source. Since then, VOR/DME/ADF/ILS have been the standard aviation radio navaids and there seems little likelihood of any change in the near future, GNSS notwithstanding, if one discounts the phasing-out of ADF. It now seems sufficiently in the past to perhaps allow a dispassionate evaluation of the technical arguments used at the time the political ones can be left to another place and time.

Implications of MOLA Global Roughness, Statistics, and Topography

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Aharonson, O.; Zuber, M. T.; Neumann, G. A.

1999-01-01

New insights are emerging as the ongoing high-quality measurements of the Martian surface topography by Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter (MOLA) on board the Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) spacecraft increase in coverage, resolution, and diversity. For the first time, a global characterization of the statistical properties of topography is possible. The data were collected during the aerobreaking hiatus, science phasing, and mapping orbits of MGS, and have a resolution of 300-400 m along track, a range resolution of 37.5 cm, a range precision of 1-10 m for surface slopes up to 30 deg., and an absolute accuracy of topography of 13 m. The spacecraft's orbit inclination dictates that nadir observations have latitude coverage of about 87.1S to 87.1N; the addition of observations obtained during a period of off-nadir pointing over the north pole extended coverage to 90N. Additional information is contained in the original extended abstract.

Fluorinated silica microchannel surfaces

DOEpatents

Kirby, Brian J.; Shepodd, Timothy Jon

2005-03-15

A method for surface modification of microchannels and capillaries. The method produces a chemically inert surface having a lowered surface free energy and improved frictional properties by attaching a fluorinated alkane group to the surface. The coating is produced by hydrolysis of a silane agent that is functionalized with either alkoxy or chloro ligands and an uncharged C.sub.3 -C.sub.10 fluorinated alkane chain. It has been found that the extent of surface coverage can be controlled by controlling the contact time from a minimum of about 2 minutes to a maximum of 120 minutes for complete surface coverage.

Redundancy management of inertial systems.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mckern, R. A.; Musoff, H.

1973-01-01

The paper reviews developments in failure detection and isolation techniques applicable to gimballed and strapdown systems. It examines basic redundancy management goals of improved reliability, performance and logistic costs, and explores mechanizations available for both input and output data handling. The meaning of redundant system reliability in terms of available coverage, system MTBF, and mission time is presented and the practical hardware performance limitations of failure detection and isolation techniques are explored. Simulation results are presented illustrating implementation coverages attainable considering IMU performance models and mission detection threshold requirements. The implications of a complete GN&C redundancy management method on inertial techniques are also explored.

Planetary Transits of the Trans-Atlantic Exoplanet Survey Candidate TrES-1b

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Price, A.; Bissinger, R.; Laughlin, G. P.; Gary, B. L.; Vanmunster, T.; Henden, A. A.; Starkey, D. R.; Kaiser, D. H.; Holtzman, J. A.; Marschall, L. A.; Michalik, T.; Wellington, T.; Paakkonen, P.

2005-08-01

The AAVSO compiled 10,560 CCD observations of the suspected exoplanet transit object TrES-1b covering seven complete transit windows, three windows of partial coverage, and coverage of baseline non-transit periods. Visual inspection of the light curves reveals the presence of slight humps at the egress points of some transits. A boot strap Monte Carlo simulation was applied to the data to confirm that the humps exist to a statistically significant degree. However, it does not rule out systemic effects which will be tested with campaigns in the 2005 observing season.

Playing the Catch-Up Game: Accelerating the Scale-Up of Prevention of Mother-To-Child Transmission of HIV (PMTCT) Services to Eliminate New Pediatric HIV Infection in Nigeria.

PubMed

Oladele, Edward Adekola; Khamofu, Hadiza; Asala, Seun; Saleh, Mariya; Ralph-Opara, Uche; Nwosisi, Charles; Anyaike, Chukwuma; Gana, Catherine; Adedokun, Oluwasanmi; Dirks, Rebecca; Adebayo, Olufunsho; Oduwole, Modupe; Mandala, Justin; Torpey, Kwasi

2017-01-01

As the world is making progress towards elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, poor coverage of PMTCT services in Nigeria remains a major challenge. In order to address this, scale-up was planned with activities organized into 3 phases. This paper describes the process undertaken in eight high burden Nigerian states to rapidly close PMTCT coverage gaps at facility and population levels between February 2013 and March 2014. Activities were grouped into three phases-pre-assessment phase (engagement of a wide range of stakeholders), assessment (rapid health facility assessment, a cross sectional survey using mixed methods conducted in the various states between Feb and May 2013 and impact modelling), and post-assessment (drawing up costed state operational plans to achieve eMTCT by 2015, data-driven smart scale-up). Over a period of 10 months starting June 2013, 2044 facilities were supported to begin provision of PMTCT services. This increased facility coverage from 8% to 50%. A 246% increase was also recorded in the number of pregnant women and their families who have access to HIV testing and counselling in the context of PMTCT. Similarly, access to antiretrovirals for PMTCT has witnessed a 152% increase in these eight states between October 2013 and October 2014. A data-driven and participatory approach can be used to rapidly scale-up PMTCT services at community and facility levels in this region. These results present us with hope for real progress in Nigeria. We are confident that the efforts described here will contribute significantly to eliminating new pediatric HIV infection in Nigeria.

Optimization of Self-Directed Target Coverage in Wireless Multimedia Sensor Network

PubMed Central

Yang, Yang; Wang, Yufei; Pi, Dechang; Wang, Ruchuan

2014-01-01

Video and image sensors in wireless multimedia sensor networks (WMSNs) have directed view and limited sensing angle. So the methods to solve target coverage problem for traditional sensor networks, which use circle sensing model, are not suitable for WMSNs. Based on the FoV (field of view) sensing model and FoV disk model proposed, how expected multimedia sensor covers the target is defined by the deflection angle between target and the sensor's current orientation and the distance between target and the sensor. Then target coverage optimization algorithms based on expected coverage value are presented for single-sensor single-target, multisensor single-target, and single-sensor multitargets problems distinguishingly. Selecting the orientation that sensor rotated to cover every target falling in the FoV disk of that sensor for candidate orientations and using genetic algorithm to multisensor multitargets problem, which has NP-complete complexity, then result in the approximated minimum subset of sensors which covers all the targets in networks. Simulation results show the algorithm's performance and the effect of number of targets on the resulting subset. PMID:25136667

Modeling of Nickel Hydroxide Electrode Containing Multiple Phases

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Timmerman, P.; Ratnakumar, B. V.; Di Stefano, S.

1996-01-01

Mathematical models of alkaline rechargeable nickel cell systems (e.g., Ni-Cd, Ni-H(sub 2) and Ni-MH) have so far been developed based on the assumption that the active material at Ni electrode exists primarily in a single phase as Beta-NiOOH -- Beta-Ni(OH)(sub 2), despite enough experimental evidence for the second phase, i.e., Gamma-NiOOH -- Alpha-Ni(OH)(sub 2), especially under conditions of extended coverage. Here, we have incorporated the additional couple of Gamma-NiOOH -- Alpha-Ni(OH)(sub 2) into the modeling of the Ni electrode.

News Sources on Rhodesia: A Comparative Analysis.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McCoy, Jennifer; Cholawsky, Elizabeth

1982-01-01

Concludes that the "London Times" and the Foreign Broadcast Information Service of the United States government provide both comprehensive and unbiased coverage of events in Rhodesia, while the "New York Times" is less complete and the "Christian Science Monitor" is selective. (FL)

Heterogeneity in the spread and control of infectious disease: consequences for the elimination of canine rabies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ferguson, Elaine A.; Hampson, Katie; Cleaveland, Sarah; Consunji, Ramona; Deray, Raffy; Friar, John; Haydon, Daniel T.; Jimenez, Joji; Pancipane, Marlon; Townsend, Sunny E.

2015-12-01

Understanding the factors influencing vaccination campaign effectiveness is vital in designing efficient disease elimination programmes. We investigated the importance of spatial heterogeneity in vaccination coverage and human-mediated dog movements for the elimination of endemic canine rabies by mass dog vaccination in Region VI of the Philippines (Western Visayas). Household survey data was used to parameterise a spatially-explicit rabies transmission model with realistic dog movement and vaccination coverage scenarios, assuming a basic reproduction number for rabies drawn from the literature. This showed that heterogeneous vaccination reduces elimination prospects relative to homogeneous vaccination at the same overall level. Had the three vaccination campaigns completed in Region VI in 2010-2012 been homogeneous, they would have eliminated rabies with high probability. However, given the observed heterogeneity, three further campaigns may be required to achieve elimination with probability 0.95. We recommend that heterogeneity be reduced in future campaigns through targeted efforts in low coverage areas, even at the expense of reduced coverage in previously high coverage areas. Reported human-mediated dog movements did not reduce elimination probability, so expending limited resources on restricting dog movements is unnecessary in this endemic setting. Enhanced surveillance will be necessary post-elimination, however, given the reintroduction risk from long-distance dog movements.

Defining epitope coverage requirements for T cell-based HIV vaccines: Theoretical considerations and practical applications

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background HIV vaccine development must address the genetic diversity and plasticity of the virus that permits the presentation of diverse genetic forms to the immune system and subsequent escape from immune pressure. Assessment of potential HIV strain coverage by candidate T cell-based vaccines (whether natural sequence or computationally optimized products) is now a critical component in interpreting candidate vaccine suitability. Methods We have utilized an N-mer identity algorithm to represent T cell epitopes and explore potential coverage of the global HIV pandemic using natural sequences derived from candidate HIV vaccines. Breadth (the number of T cell epitopes generated) and depth (the variant coverage within a T cell epitope) analyses have been incorporated into the model to explore vaccine coverage requirements in terms of the number of discrete T cell epitopes generated. Results We show that when multiple epitope generation by a vaccine product is considered a far more nuanced appraisal of the potential HIV strain coverage of the vaccine product emerges. By considering epitope breadth and depth several important observations were made: (1) epitope breadth requirements to reach particular levels of vaccine coverage, even for natural sequence-based vaccine products is not necessarily an intractable problem for the immune system; (2) increasing the valency (number of T cell epitope variants present) of vaccine products dramatically decreases the epitope requirements to reach particular coverage levels for any epidemic; (3) considering multiple-hit models (more than one exact epitope match with an incoming HIV strain) places a significantly higher requirement upon epitope breadth in order to reach a given level of coverage, to the point where low valency natural sequence based products would not practically be able to generate sufficient epitopes. Conclusions When HIV vaccine sequences are compared against datasets of potential incoming viruses important metrics such as the minimum epitope count required to reach a desired level of coverage can be easily calculated. We propose that such analyses can be applied early in the planning stages and during the execution phase of a vaccine trial to explore theoretical and empirical suitability of a vaccine product to a particular epidemic setting. PMID:22152192

Constraints on the Dip of the Anisotropic Symmetry Axis Beneath Japan From Shear Wave Splitting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Long, M. D.; Chevrot, S.; van der Hilst, R.

2001-12-01

Shear wave splitting is widely used as a tool to characterize deformational signatures in the upper mantle. However, we nearly always make the simplifying assumption that the axis of symmetry of the anisotropy is horizontal, which may not always be correct. Due to the nearly vertical incidence angles of the SKS phases typically used in splitting studies, the dip of the symmetry axis is difficult to characterize. However, if phases with varying angles of incidence are used, constraints may be placed on the dip of the symmetry axis. Splitting measurements made on upgoing shear waves with different incidence angles should exhibit discrepancies if the axis of symmetry is not horizontal. Therefore, recordings of SKKS, S, and ScS phases in addition to SKS may be used to constrain the dip of the axis of anisotropic symmetry. Japan is an excellent candidate region to potentially exhibit such discrepancies; deformation associated with the subduction beneath Japan could reasonably be expected to produce a dipping axis of symmetry. In addition, Japan is favorably located with respect to suitable source regions and data from several dense broadband seismic networks are available. We examine data from several high-quality, low-noise stations from the FREESIA network, a network of 62 broadband stations in Japan. We search for good recordings of events in the 0o-60o distance range for ScS, from 40o-80o for S, from 90o-130ofor SKS, and beyond 105o for SKKS. Only deep (>200km) events are used for S and ScS to eliminate contamination from source-side anisotropy. The multichannel method of Chevrot (JGR 2000) is used to determine splitting parameters (φ , δ t) at each station for each phase. Splitting parameters are determined from the azimuthal dependence of the splitting intensity; the method is therefore limited by the azimuthal coverage. Japan has relatively poor azimuthal coverage for SKS and SKKS, and this limits the usefulness of the multichannel method for this dataset. Splitting parameters for SKS and SKKS phases may also be determined using the method of Silver & Chan (JGR 1991). Azimuthal coverage for deep events in the distance ranges associated with S and ScS, however, is quite good and this favorable coverage makes Japan a good place to carry out such a study. We investigate the discrepancies between measured splitting parameters for S, ScS, SKS, and SKKS. We will present preliminary results of the modeling of such discrepancies in terms of a dipping axis and discuss to what extent this can be explained by the presence of a dipping slab.

Fullerene-derivative PC61BM forms three types of phase-pure monolayer on the surface of Au(111)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Wen-Jie; Du, Ying-Ying; Zhang, Han-Jie; Chen, Guang-Hua; Sheng, Chun-Qi; Wu, Rui; Wang, Jia-Ou; Qian, Hai-Jie; Ibrahim, Kurash; He, Pi-Mo; Li, Hong-Nian

2016-12-01

We have studied the packing structures of C60-derivative PC61BM on the surface of Au(111) in ultrahigh vacuum using scanning tunneling microscopy. The Au(111) has a triangle-like reconstructed surface, which results in some packing structures different from those reported for low coverages. PC61BM can form three types of phase-pure monolayer, namely, the compact straight molecular double-row monolayer, the hexagonal-packing monolayer and the glassy monolayer. The different types of monolayer form for different molecular densities and different annealing temperatures. In addition to the already known inter-molecular interactions (Van de Waals interaction and hydrogen bond), the steric effect of the phenyl-butyric-acid-methyl-ester side tail plays conspicuous role in the molecular self-assembly at high coverages. The steric effect makes it difficult to prepare a hexagonal-packing monolayer at room temperature and decides the instability of the hexagonal-packing monolayer prepared by thermal annealing.

An Update on ToxCast™ | Science Inventory | US EPA

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

In its first phase, ToxCast™ is profiling over 300 well-characterized chemicals (primarily pesticides) in over 400 HTS endpoints. These endpoints include biochemical assays of protein function, cell-based transcriptional reporter assays, multi-cell interaction assays, transcriptomics on primary cell cultures, and developmental assays in zebrafish embryos. Almost all of the compounds being examined in Phase 1 of ToxCast™ have been tested in traditional toxicology tests, including developmental toxicity, multi-generation studies, and sub-chronic and chronic rodent bioassays Lessons learned to date for ToxCast: Large amounts of quality HTS data can be economically obtained. Large scale data sets will be required to understand potential for biological activity. Value in having multiple assays with overlapping coverage of biological pathways and a variety of methodologies Concentration-response will be important for ultimate interpretation Data transparency will be important for acceptance. Metabolic capabilities and coverage of developmental toxicity pathways will need additional attention. Need to define the gold standard Partnerships are needed to bring critical mass and expertise.

A modeling framework for optimal long-term care insurance purchase decisions in retirement planning.

PubMed

Gupta, Aparna; Li, Lepeng

2004-05-01

The level of need and costs of obtaining long-term care (LTC) during retired life require that planning for it is an integral part of retirement planning. In this paper, we divide retirement planning into two phases, pre-retirement and post-retirement. On the basis of four interrelated models for health evolution, wealth evolution, LTC insurance premium and coverage, and LTC cost structure, a framework for optimal LTC insurance purchase decisions in the pre-retirement phase is developed. Optimal decisions are obtained by developing a trade-off between post-retirement LTC costs and LTC insurance premiums and coverage. Two-way branching models are used to model stochastic health events and asset returns. The resulting optimization problem is formulated as a dynamic programming problem. We compare the optimal decision under two insurance purchase scenarios: one assumes that insurance is purchased for good and other assumes it may be purchased, relinquished and re-purchased. Sensitivity analysis is performed for the retirement age.

Immunization coverage and predictive factors for complete and age-appropriate vaccination among preschoolers in Athens, Greece: a cross--sectional study.

PubMed

Pavlopoulou, Ioanna D; Michail, Koralia A; Samoli, Evangelia; Tsiftis, George; Tsoumakas, Konstantinos

2013-10-02

In Greece, several new childhood vaccines were introduced recently but were reimbursed gradually and at different time points. The aim of this study was to assess immunization coverage and identify factors influencing complete and age-appropriate vaccination among children attending public nurseries in the municipal district of Athens. A cross-sectional study, using stratified sampling was performed. Immunization history was obtained from vaccination booklets. Demographic and socioeconomic data were obtained from school registries and telephone interviews. Vaccination rates were estimated by sample weighted proportions while associations between complete and age-appropriate immunization and potential determinants by logistic regression analysis. A total of 731 children (mean age: 46, median: 48, range: 10-65 months) were included. Overall immunization coverage with traditional vaccines (DTP, polio, Hib, HBV, 1st dose MMR) was satisfactory, exceeding 90%, but the administration of booster doses was delayed (range: 33.7- 97.4%, at 60 months of age). Complete vaccination rates were lower for new vaccines (Men C, PCV7, varicella, hepatitis A), ranging between 61-92%. In addition, a significant delay in timely administration of Men C, PCV7, as well as HBV was noted (22.9%, 16.0% and 27.7% at 12 months of age, respectively). Child's age was strongly associated with incomplete vaccination with all vaccines (p< 0.001), while as immigrant status was a predictor of incomplete (p=0.034) and delayed vaccination (p<0.001) with traditional vaccines. Increasing household size and higher maternal education were negatively associated with the receipt of all and newly licensed vaccines, respectively (p=0.035). Our findings highlight the need to monitor uptake of new vaccines and improve age- appropriate administration of booster doses as well as early vaccination against hepatitis B. Immigrant status, increased household size and high maternal education may warrant targeted intervention.

Immunization coverage and predictive factors for complete and age-appropriate vaccination among preschoolers in Athens, Greece: a cross- sectional study

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background In Greece, several new childhood vaccines were introduced recently but were reimbursed gradually and at different time points. The aim of this study was to assess immunization coverage and identify factors influencing complete and age-appropriate vaccination among children attending public nurseries in the municipal district of Athens. Methods A cross-sectional study, using stratified sampling was performed. Immunization history was obtained from vaccination booklets. Demographic and socioeconomic data were obtained from school registries and telephone interviews. Vaccination rates were estimated by sample weighted proportions while associations between complete and age-appropriate immunization and potential determinants by logistic regression analysis. Results A total of 731 children (mean age: 46, median: 48, range: 10–65 months) were included. Overall immunization coverage with traditional vaccines (DTP, polio, Hib, HBV, 1st dose MMR) was satisfactory, exceeding 90%, but the administration of booster doses was delayed (range: 33.7- 97.4%, at 60 months of age). Complete vaccination rates were lower for new vaccines (Men C, PCV7, varicella, hepatitis A), ranging between 61-92%. In addition, a significant delay in timely administration of Men C, PCV7, as well as HBV was noted (22.9%, 16.0% and 27.7% at 12 months of age, respectively). Child’s age was strongly associated with incomplete vaccination with all vaccines (p< 0.001), while as immigrant status was a predictor of incomplete (p=0.034) and delayed vaccination (p<0.001) with traditional vaccines. Increasing household size and higher maternal education were negatively associated with the receipt of all and newly licensed vaccines, respectively (p=0.035). Conclusions Our findings highlight the need to monitor uptake of new vaccines and improve age- appropriate administration of booster doses as well as early vaccination against hepatitis B. Immigrant status, increased household size and high maternal education may warrant targeted intervention. PMID:24083352

Trends and patterns of under-5 vaccination in Nigeria, 1990-2008: what manner of progress?

PubMed

Ushie, B A; Fayehun, O A; Ugal, D B

2014-03-01

Despite efforts towards reducing childhood morbidity and mortality, Nigeria ranks among countries with the highest rates of vaccine-preventable diseases including tuberculosis, poliomyelitis, measles, diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus. These efforts include regular rounds of immunization days and routine exercises. The government of Nigeria periodically undertakes National Demographic and Health (NDH) surveys, which tap information on various health indices including vaccination coverage. Limited studies have used the NDHS data to examine the trends in vaccination coverage for the assessment of successes or failures of the immunization efforts. This study used four NDH Surveys datasets between 1990 and 2008, which generated child health information including the proportion that had had any or all basic childhood vaccines. A combined total of 44,071 (weighted) children were involved in the study. The trend and pattern of vaccination over 18 years were examined while selected factors were regressed to obtain predictors of child vaccinations in Nigeria. The most recent survey (2008) reported more complete vaccination apart from 1990, which was said to be inaccurate. In all surveys, children from mothers with higher education, who were delivered in hospitals, lived in urban areas, and whose mothers work outside the home had significantly higher proportions of completed basic vaccination. A lower level of childhood vaccination is observed in the northern parts, while higher rates are observed in the southern parts. More complete vaccination coverage was reported in the 1990 survey, followed by 2008, 1999 and 2003. In addition, children from mothers with higher levels of education, who were delivered in hospitals, who lived in urban areas, and whose mothers work outside the home had significantly higher proportions of completed basic vaccination. Much more work needs to be done if more children are to be covered and thus reduce vaccine-preventable diseases. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Hospice benefits and phase I cancer trials.

PubMed

Byock, Ira; Miles, Steven H

2003-02-18

Medicare denies hospice coverage to patients with terminal illnesses who enroll as participants in phase I studies, which assess the toxicity and dosing of potential treatments for incurable diseases. Federal regulations require patients to forgo curative therapies, and they interpret phase I agents as treatment for the terminal condition for which hospice care was elected. Thus, by enrolling as a participant in a phase I trial, a patient otherwise eligible for hospice is rendered ineligible. Private insurers have similar provisions for children and adults younger than 65 years of age. Such exclusions are not defensible on ethical or clinical grounds. Policymakers, insurers, and institutional review boards all have a role in resolving this problem.

Human papillomavirus vaccination coverage among females and males, National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, United States, 2007-2016.

PubMed

Lewis, Rayleen M; Markowitz, Lauri E

2018-05-03

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination has been routinely recommended at age 11-12 years in the United States for females since 2006 and males since 2011. Coverage can be estimated using self/parent-reported HPV vaccination collected in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) for a wider age range than other national surveys. We assessed vaccination coverage in 2015-2016, temporal trends by age, and the validity of self/parent-reported vaccination status. Participants aged 9-59 years completed an interview collecting demographic and vaccination information. Weighted coverage was estimated for two-year NHANES cycles by age group for 2007-2008 to 2015-2016 for females (N = 14318) and 2011-2012 to 2015-2016 for males (N = 7847). Temporal trends in coverage were assessed from 2007-2008 to 2011-2012 for females and from 2011-2012 to 2015-2016 for both sexes. Sensitivity and specificity of self/parent-reported vaccination were assessed using provider-verified vaccination records from a pilot study in 14-29 year-olds. In 2015-2016, ≥1 dose coverage among females was highest in 14-19 (54.7%) and 20-24 (56.0%) year-olds and lower in successively older age groups. Among males, ≥1 dose coverage was highest in 14-19 year-olds (39.5%) and lower at older ages. Coverage was similar in 9-13 year-old females and males. Between 2007-2008 and 2011-2012, there were increases among females younger than 30 years. Between 2011-2012 and 2015-2016, there were increases among female age groups including 20-39 year-olds; male coverage increased among ages 9-13, 14-19, and 20-24 years. Self/parent-reported receipt of ≥1 dose had a sensitivity and specificity of 87.0% and 83.3%. Performance was lower for 3 doses. While overall HPV vaccination coverage remains low, it is higher in females than males, except in 9-13 year-olds. There have been increases in coverage among many age groups, but coverage has stalled in younger females. Adequate validity was demonstrated for self/parent-reported vaccination of ≥1 dose, but not 3 doses, in a pilot study. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Barriers and facilitators to influenza vaccination and vaccine coverage in a cohort of health care personnel.

PubMed

Naleway, Allison L; Henkle, Emily M; Ball, Sarah; Bozeman, Sam; Gaglani, Manjusha J; Kennedy, Erin D; Thompson, Mark G

2014-04-01

Annual influenza vaccination is recommended for health care personnel (HCP). We describe influenza vaccination coverage among HCP during the 2010-2011 season and present reported facilitators of and barriers to vaccination. We enrolled HCP 18 to 65 years of age, working full time, with direct patient contact. Participants completed an Internet-based survey at enrollment and the end of influenza season. In addition to self-reported data, we collected information about the 2010-2011 influenza vaccine from electronic employee health and medical records. Vaccination coverage was 77% (1,307/1,701). Factors associated with higher vaccination coverage include older age, being married or partnered, working as a physician or dentist, prior history of influenza vaccination, more years in patient care, and higher job satisfaction. Personal protection was reported as the most important reason for vaccination followed closely by convenience, protection of patients, and protection of family and friends. Concerns about perceived vaccine safety and effectiveness and low perceived susceptibility to influenza were the most commonly reported barriers to vaccination. About half of the unvaccinated HCP said they would have been vaccinated if required by their employer. Influenza vaccination in this cohort was relatively high but still fell short of the recommended target of 90% coverage for HCP. Addressing concerns about vaccine safety and effectiveness are possible areas for future education or intervention to improve coverage among HCP. Copyright © 2014 Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. All rights reserved.

Tunneling electron induced chemisorption of copper phthalocyanine molecules on the Cu(111) surface

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

Stock, T.; Nogami, J.

2014-02-17

The adsorption of up to one monolayer (ML) of copper phthalocyanine (CuPc) molecules on a room temperature Cu(111) surface has been studied using scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). Below 1 ML the molecules are in a fluid state and are highly mobile on the surface. At 1 ML coverage the molecules coalesce into a highly ordered 2D crystal phase. At sub-ML coverages, chemisorption of individual CuPc molecules can be induced through exposure to tunneling electrons at a tunneling bias voltage exceeding a threshold value. This tunneling electron induced effect has been exploited to perform molecular STM lithography.

Travelling fronts of the CO oxidation on Pd(111) with coverage-dependent diffusion

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

Cisternas, Jaime, E-mail: jecisternas@miuandes.cl; Karpitschka, Stefan; Wehner, Stefan

2014-10-28

In this work, we study a surface reaction on Pd(111) crystals under ultra-high-vacuum conditions that can be modeled by two coupled reaction-diffusion equations. In the bistable regime, the reaction exhibits travelling fronts that can be observed experimentally using photo electron emission microscopy. The spatial profile of the fronts reveals a coverage-dependent diffusivity for one of the species. We propose a method to solve the nonlinear eigenvalue problem and compute the direction and the speed of the fronts based on a geometrical construction in phase-space. This method successfully captures the dependence of the speed on control parameters and diffusivities.

Health benefits in 2013: moderate premium increases in employer-sponsored plans.

PubMed

Claxton, Gary; Rae, Matthew; Panchal, Nirmita; Damico, Anthony; Whitmore, Heidi; Bostick, Nathan; Kenward, Kevin

2013-09-01

Employer-sponsored health insurance premiums rose moderately in 2013, the annual Kaiser Family Foundation/Health Research and Educational Trust (Kaiser/HRET) Employer Health Benefits Survey found. In 2013 single coverage premiums rose 5 percent to $5,884, and family coverage premiums rose 4 percent to $16,351. The percentage of firms offering health benefits (57 percent) was similar to that in 2012, as was the percentage of workers at offering firms who were covered by their firm's health benefits (62 percent). The share of workers with a deductible for single coverage increased significantly from 2012, as did the share of workers in small firms with annual deductibles of $1,000 or more. Most firms (77 percent), including nearly all large employers, continued to offer wellness programs, but relatively few used incentives to encourage employees to participate. More than half of large employers offering health risk appraisals to workers offered financial incentives for completing the appraisal.

Single-walled carbon nanotube-facilitated dispersion of particulate TiO2 on ZrO2 ceramic membrane filters.

PubMed

Yao, Yuan; Li, Gonghu; Gray, Kimberly A; Lueptow, Richard M

2008-07-15

We report that SWCNTs substantially improve the uniformity and coverage of TiO2 coatings on porous ZrO2 ceramic membrane filters. The ZrO2 filters were dip coated with 100 nm anatase TiO2, TiO2/SWCNT composites, a TiO2+SWCNT mixture, and a TiO2/MWCNT composite at pH 3, 5, and 8. Whereas the TiO2+SWCNT mixture and the TiO2/MWCNT composite promote better coverage and less clumping than TiO2 alone, the TiO2/SWCNT composite forms a complete uniform coating without cracking at pH 5 ( approximately 100% coverage). A combination of chemical and electrostatic effects between TiO2 and SWCNTs forming the composite as well as between the composite and the ZrO2 surface explains these observations.

Mapping the literature of pediatric nursing: update and implications for library services

PubMed Central

Watwood, Carol L.

2016-01-01

Objective The purpose of this study was to identify core journals and other types of literature cited in four major pediatric nursing journals and to characterize coverage of these resources in major bibliographic databases. The study was part of the “Mapping the Literature of Nursing Project” of the Medical Library Association's Nursing and Allied Health Resource Section. It updates a similar analysis published in 2006 and determines whether citation patterns have changed over time. Methods Cited references from articles published in 4 pediatric nursing journals between 2011 and 2013 were collected. Cited journal titles were ranked according to number of times cited and analyzed according to Bradford's Law of Scattering and the 80/20 rule to identify the most frequently cited journals. Five databases were surveyed to assess the coverage of the most-often-cited journals. The most frequently cited non-journal sources were also identified. Results Journals were the most frequently cited sources, followed by books, government documents, Internet resources, and miscellaneous resources. Most cited sources were cited within ten years of their publication, which was particularly true for government documents and Internet resources. Scopus had complete coverage of the most frequently cited journals, whereas PubMed had nearly complete coverage. Conclusions Compared with the 2006 study, the list of top-cited journals referenced by pediatric nursing researchers has remained relatively stable, but the number of cited journal titles has increased. Book citations have declined, and Internet and government document references have increased. These findings suggest that librarians should retain subscriptions to frequently cited journal titles, provide efficient document delivery of articles from infrequently used journals, de-emphasize but not eliminate books, and connect patrons with useful open-access Internet resources. PMID:27822148

Mapping the literature of pediatric nursing: update and implications for library services.

PubMed

Watwood, Carol L

2016-10-01

The purpose of this study was to identify core journals and other types of literature cited in four major pediatric nursing journals and to characterize coverage of these resources in major bibliographic databases. The study was part of the "Mapping the Literature of Nursing Project" of the Medical Library Association's Nursing and Allied Health Resource Section. It updates a similar analysis published in 2006 and determines whether citation patterns have changed over time. Cited references from articles published in 4 pediatric nursing journals between 2011 and 2013 were collected. Cited journal titles were ranked according to number of times cited and analyzed according to Bradford's Law of Scattering and the 80/20 rule to identify the most frequently cited journals. Five databases were surveyed to assess the coverage of the most-often-cited journals. The most frequently cited non-journal sources were also identified. Journals were the most frequently cited sources, followed by books, government documents, Internet resources, and miscellaneous resources. Most cited sources were cited within ten years of their publication, which was particularly true for government documents and Internet resources. Scopus had complete coverage of the most frequently cited journals, whereas PubMed had nearly complete coverage. Compared with the 2006 study, the list of top-cited journals referenced by pediatric nursing researchers has remained relatively stable, but the number of cited journal titles has increased. Book citations have declined, and Internet and government document references have increased. These findings suggest that librarians should retain subscriptions to frequently cited journal titles, provide efficient document delivery of articles from infrequently used journals, de-emphasize but not eliminate books, and connect patrons with useful open-access Internet resources.

Effect of the conditional cash transfer program Oportunidades on vaccination coverage in older Mexican people.

PubMed

Salinas-Rodríguez, Aarón; Manrique-Espinoza, Betty Soledad

2013-07-08

Immunization is one of the most effective ways of preventing illness, disability and death from infectious diseases for older people. However, worldwide immunization rates are still low, particularly for the most vulnerable groups within the elderly population. The objective of this study was to estimate the effect of the Oportunidades -an incentive-based poverty alleviation program- on vaccination coverage for poor and rural older people in Mexico. Cross-sectional study, based on 2007 Oportunidades Evaluation Survey, conducted in low-income households from 741 rural communities (localities with <2,500 inhabitants) of 13 Mexican states. Vaccination coverage was defined according to three individual vaccines: tetanus, influenza and pneumococcal, and for complete vaccination schedule. Propensity score matching and linear probability model were used in order to estimate the Oportunidades effect. 12,146 older people were interviewed, and 7% presented cognitive impairment. Among remaining, 4,628 were matched. Low coverage rates were observed for the vaccines analyzed. For Oportunidades and non-Oportunidades populations were 46% and 41% for influenza, 52% and 45% for pneumococcal disease, and 79% and 71% for tetanus, respectively. Oportunidades effect was significant in increasing the proportion of older people vaccinated: for complete schedule 5.5% (CI95% 2.8-8.3), for influenza 6.9% (CI95% 3.8-9.6), for pneumococcal 7.2% (CI95% 4.3-10.2), and for tetanus 6.6% (CI95% 4.1-9.2). The results of this study extend the evidence on the effect that conditional transfer programs exert on health indicators. In particular, Oportunidades increased vaccination rates in the population of older people. There is a need to continue raising vaccination rates, however, particularly for the most vulnerable older people.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of educating parents on the benefits and schedules of childhood vaccinations in low and middle-income countries.

PubMed

Lukusa, Lungeni Auguy; Ndze, Valantine Ngum; Mbeye, Nyanyiwe Masingi; Wiysonge, Charles Shey

2018-03-26

Public health benefits of childhood vaccinations risk being derailed by low vaccination coverage in low and middle-income countries. One reason for the low coverage is poor parental knowledge of the importance of completing vaccination schedules. We therefore assessed the effects on childhood vaccination coverage, of educating parents and other persons assuming the parental role. We prospectively registered the systematic review, published the protocol, and used standard Cochrane methods to collect and synthesise the evidence. We found six eligible randomised trials with 4248 participants. Three trials assessed health-facility based education of mothers on the importance of completing vaccination schedules; immediately after birth and three months later (one study) or during the first vaccination visit (two studies). The other trials assessed community-based education, including information campaigns on the importance of vaccines using audiotaped presentations and leaflet distributions (one study); structured group discussions on benefits and costs of childhood vaccination and local action plans for improving vaccine uptake (one study); and home-based information sessions using graphic cards showing benefits and costs of childhood vaccinations and location of vaccination centres (one study). Combining the data shows that these interventions lead to substantial improvements in childhood vaccination coverage (relative increase 36%, 95% confidence interval 14% to 62%). There was no difference between the effects of community-based and facility-based education. Therefore, education in communities and health facilities on the importance of childhood vaccinations should be integrated into all vaccination programmes in low and middle-income countries; accompanied by robust monitoring of impacts and use of data for action.

Effect of the conditional cash transfer program Oportunidades on vaccination coverage in older Mexican people

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Immunization is one of the most effective ways of preventing illness, disability and death from infectious diseases for older people. However, worldwide immunization rates are still low, particularly for the most vulnerable groups within the elderly population. The objective of this study was to estimate the effect of the Oportunidades -an incentive-based poverty alleviation program- on vaccination coverage for poor and rural older people in Mexico. Methods Cross-sectional study, based on 2007 Oportunidades Evaluation Survey, conducted in low-income households from 741 rural communities (localities with <2,500 inhabitants) of 13 Mexican states. Vaccination coverage was defined according to three individual vaccines: tetanus, influenza and pneumococcal, and for complete vaccination schedule. Propensity score matching and linear probability model were used in order to estimate the Oportunidades effect. Results 12,146 older people were interviewed, and 7% presented cognitive impairment. Among remaining, 4,628 were matched. Low coverage rates were observed for the vaccines analyzed. For Oportunidades and non-Oportunidades populations were 46% and 41% for influenza, 52% and 45% for pneumococcal disease, and 79% and 71% for tetanus, respectively. Oportunidades effect was significant in increasing the proportion of older people vaccinated: for complete schedule 5.5% (CI95% 2.8-8.3), for influenza 6.9% (CI95% 3.8-9.6), for pneumococcal 7.2% (CI95% 4.3-10.2), and for tetanus 6.6% (CI95% 4.1-9.2). Conclusions The results of this study extend the evidence on the effect that conditional transfer programs exert on health indicators. In particular, Oportunidades increased vaccination rates in the population of older people. There is a need to continue raising vaccination rates, however, particularly for the most vulnerable older people. PMID:23835202

Primary health care and immunisation in Iran.

PubMed

Nasseri, K; Sadrizadeh, B; Malek-Afzali, H; Mohammad, K; Chamsa, M; Cheraghchi-Bashi, M T; Haghgoo, M; Azmoodeh, M

1991-05-01

The Primary Health Care (PHC) network of Iran consists of a rural and an urban branch. While the rural branch presently covers a sizeable portion of the rural population, the urban PHC project is in its early stages of implementation. The Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) in Iran, which started as an independent and vertical project in early 1983, is being gradually integrated into the PHC network as the latter expands. Results of the second PHC programme review of Iran shows that immunisation coverage of children has improved appreciably since the first PHC review, especially for BCG which stands at 56.3%. Complete immunisation at first birthday in the rural areas with the PHC services is 44.1%, whereas for urban areas other than Teheran it is 28.1%. While the high coverage in the rural areas is attributed to the 'active' approach and vigilance of the providers of immunisation (i.e. the community health workers and the vaccinators of the mobile teams), the higher coverage in the capital city of Teheran is attributed to the involvement of private paediatricians and the generally higher social, economic, and educational status as well as higher interest of mothers. It is noticed that the results of cluster sampling for determination of immunisation coverage in large metropolitan areas of the developing world must be interpreted with much care. The reason is that in these areas extreme fluctuations in the crude birth rate are common and therefore results tend to over-represent the attributes of the segment of population with lower birth rate. It is also argued that complete immunisation might not be the best indicator for assessing the progress of the immunisation efforts. These and other findings are discussed in detail. are discussed in detail.

Multiple Gingival Recession Coverage Treated with Vestibular Incision Subperiosteal Tunnel Access Approach with or without Platelet-Rich Fibrin - A Case Series

PubMed Central

Garg, Surbhi; Arora, Sachit Anand; Chhina, Shivjot; Singh, Padam

2017-01-01

Background: Gingival recession involves both soft tissue and hard tissue loss. In this evolutionary era of dentistry, newer techniques have evolved for complete coverage of isolated recession defects. Since 2012, vestibular incision subperiosteal tunnel access (VISTA) technique was used with various regenerative membranes to treat multiple recession defects (MRDs). Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) membrane, a pool of growth factors but have any added advantage to recession coverage techniques is controversial. Thus, in this case series, we compare the effect of VISTA with or without PRF-membrane for the treatment of Classes I and III MRDs. Subjects and Methods: Four patients between of age 30 and 40 years (two patients having bilateral Class I and another two having bilateral Class III MRDs) were selected from the Department of Periodontics, ITS Dental College, Greater Noida and designated as Case I–IV simultaneously. Recession defects at antagonist sites in each patient were corrected by VISTA approach with or without PRF-membrane. Recorded clinical parameters included recession depth, recession width, pocket probing depth, and clinical attachment level (CAL) at baseline and 6 months postoperatively. Results: Patients having Class I recession defects showed almost complete root coverage with VISTA technique alone and reflected no added advantage of PRF-membrane. However, patients with Class III recession defects treated with VISTA + PRF-membrane showed more reduction in recession depth and gain in CAL as compared to sites treated with VISTA only. Conclusion: VISTA alone is a convenient technique for treatment of Class I MRDs. Addition of PRF-membrane for Class III recession defects give better outcome in term of reduction of recession depth and gain in CAL 6 month postoperatively. PMID:29042736

Angiographic analysis of animal model aneurysms treated with novel polyurethane asymmetric vascular stent (P-AVS): feasibility study.

PubMed

Ionita, Ciprian N; Dohatcu, Andreea; Sinelnikov, Andrey; Sherman, Jason; Keleshis, Christos; Paciorek, Ann M; Hoffmann, K R; Bednarek, D R; Rudin, S

2009-01-01

Image-guided endovascular intervention (EIGI), using new flow modifying endovascular devices for intracranial aneurysm treatment is an active area of stroke research. The new polyurethane-asymmetric vascular stent (P-AVS), a vascular stent partially covered with a polyurethane-based patch, is used to cover the aneurysm neck, thus occluding flow into the aneurysm. This study involves angiographic imaging of partially covered aneurysm orifices. This particular situation could occur when the vascular geometry does not allow full aneurysm coverage. Four standard in-vivo rabbit-model aneurysms were investigated; two had stent patches placed over the distal region of the aneurysm orifice while the other two had stent patches placed over the proximal region of the aneurysm orifice. Angiographic analysis was used to evaluate aneurysm blood flow before and immediately after stenting and at four-week follow-up. The treatment results were also evaluated using histology on the aneurysm dome and electron microscopy on the aneurysm neck. Post-stenting angiographic flow analysis revealed aneurysmal flow reduction in all cases with faster flow in the distally-covered case and very slow flow and prolonged pooling for proximal-coverage. At follow-up, proximally-covered aneurysms showed full dome occlusion. The electron microscopy showed a remnant neck in both distally-placed stent cases but complete coverage in the proximally-placed stent cases. Thus, direct flow (impingement jet) removal from the aneurysm dome, as indicated by angiograms in the proximally-covered case, was sufficient to cause full aneurysm healing in four weeks; however, aneurysm healing was not complete for the distally-covered case. These results support further investigations into the treatment of aneurysms by flow-modification using partial aneurysm-orifice coverage.

Angiographic analysis of animal model aneurysms treated with novel polyurethane asymmetric vascular stent (P-AVS): feasibility study

PubMed Central

Ionita, Ciprian N.; Dohatcu, Andreea; Sinelnikov, Andrey; Sherman, Jason; Keleshis, Christos; Paciorek, Ann M.; Hoffmann, K R.; Bednarek, D. R.; Rudin, S

2009-01-01

Image-guided endovascular intervention (EIGI), using new flow modifying endovascular devices for intracranial aneurysm treatment is an active area of stroke research. The new polyurethane-asymmetric vascular stent (P-AVS), a vascular stent partially covered with a polyurethane-based patch, is used to cover the aneurysm neck, thus occluding flow into the aneurysm. This study involves angiographic imaging of partially covered aneurysm orifices. This particular situation could occur when the vascular geometry does not allow full aneurysm coverage. Four standard in-vivo rabbit-model aneurysms were investigated; two had stent patches placed over the distal region of the aneurysm orifice while the other two had stent patches placed over the proximal region of the aneurysm orifice. Angiographic analysis was used to evaluate aneurysm blood flow before and immediately after stenting and at four-week follow-up. The treatment results were also evaluated using histology on the aneurysm dome and electron microscopy on the aneurysm neck. Post-stenting angiographic flow analysis revealed aneurysmal flow reduction in all cases with faster flow in the distally-covered case and very slow flow and prolonged pooling for proximal-coverage. At follow-up, proximally-covered aneurysms showed full dome occlusion. The electron microscopy showed a remnant neck in both distally-placed stent cases but complete coverage in the proximally-placed stent cases. Thus, direct flow (impingement jet) removal from the aneurysm dome, as indicated by angiograms in the proximally-covered case, was sufficient to cause full aneurysm healing in four weeks; however, aneurysm healing was not complete for the distally-covered case. These results support further investigations into the treatment of aneurysms by flow-modification using partial aneurysm-orifice coverage. PMID:19763252

42 CFR 423.578 - Exceptions process.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... and medical and scientific evidence and the known relevant physical or mental characteristics of the... evidence and medical and scientific evidence and the known relevant physical or mental characteristics of... reasonable and complete exceptions procedures subject to CMS' approval for this type of coverage...

42 CFR 423.578 - Exceptions process.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... and medical and scientific evidence and the known relevant physical or mental characteristics of the... evidence and medical and scientific evidence and the known relevant physical or mental characteristics of... maintain reasonable and complete exceptions procedures subject to CMS' approval for this type of coverage...

International Turf Management Handbook.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Aldous, D. E., Ed.

Complete coverage on the establishment, maintenance, and management of natural turfgrass sports surfaces in Australia and overseas is provided. The book's 20 articles are divided into four sections covering: (1) the technical aspects of turfgrass growth and development; (2) business, administration, contract development and management; (3) the…

Estimating Landscape Pattern Metrics from a Sample of Land Cover

EPA Science Inventory

Although landscape pattern metrics can be computed directly from wall-to-wall land-cover maps, statistical sampling offers a practical alternative when complete coverage land-cover information is unavailable. Partitioning a region into spatial units (“blocks”) to create a samplin...

Lunar Orbiter Photographic Atlas of the Moon

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bowker, D. E.; Hughes, J. K.

1971-01-01

A selection of the reconstructed photographs taken during 1966 and 1967 by five Lunar Orbiters is presented. The selection provides essentially complete coverage of the near and far sides of the moon in detail. The photographs were reprocessed from the original video data tapes.

In a Quandary?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hester, Dwight A.

1983-01-01

Before renewing or purchasing additional school insurance, school business officials should identify one person as insurance coordinator, complete and update a risk management audit, develop coverage specifications, determine whether the purchases will be by bid or negotiation, and develop procedures for reviewing policies once they have been…

Radarsat Antarctic Mapping Project: Antarctic Imaging Campaign 2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2001-01-01

The Radarsat Antarctic Mapping Project is a collaboration between NASA and the Canadian Space Agency to map Antarctica using synthetic aperture radar (SAR). The first Antarctic Mapping Mission (AMM-1) was successfully completed in October 1997. Data from the acquisition phase of the 1997 campaign have been used to achieve the primary goal of producing the first, high-resolution SAR image map of Antarctica. The limited amount of data suitable for interferometric analysis have also been used to produce remarkably detailed maps of surface velocity for a few selected regions. Most importantly, the results from AMM-1 are now available to the general science community in the form of various resolution, radiometrically calibrated and geometrically accurate image mosaics. The second Antarctic imaging campaign occurred during the fall of 2000. Modified from AMM-1, the satellite remained in north looking mode during AMM-2 restricting coverage to regions north of about -80 degrees latitude. But AMM-2 utilized for the first time RADARSAT-1 fine beams providing an unprecedented opportunity to image many of Antarctica's fast glaciers whose extent was revealed through AMM-1 data. AMM-2 also captured extensive data suitable for interferometric analysis of the surface velocity field. This report summarizes the science goals, mission objectives, and project status through the acquisition phase and the start of the processing phase. The reports describes the efforts of team members including Alaska SAR Facility, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Vexcel Corporation, Goddard Space Flight Center, Wallops Flight Facility, Ohio State University, Environmental Research Institute of Michigan, White Sands Facility, Canadian Space Agency Mission Planning and Operations Groups, and the Antarctic Mapping Planning Group.

Silica hydride intermediate for octadecylsilica and phenyl bonded phase preparation via heterogeneous hydrosilation in supercritical carbon dioxide.

PubMed

Scully, N M; Ashu-Arrah, B A; Nagle, A P; Omamogho, J O; O'Sullivan, G P; Friebolin, V; Dietrich, B; Albert, K; Glennon, J D

2011-04-15

Investigations into the preparation of silica hydride intermediate in supercritical carbon dioxide (sc-CO(2)) that avoids the use of organic solvents such as toluene or dioxane are described. The effects of reaction temperature, pressure and time on the surface coverage of the supercritical fluid generated silica hydride intermediate were studied. Under optimised supercritical conditions of 120°C, 483 bar and 3 h reaction time, silica hydride (Si-H) conversion efficiencies of ca. 40% were achieved for the hydride intermediate prepared from a monofunctional silane reagent (dimethylmethoxysilane). Si-H conversion efficiencies (as determined from (29)Si CP-MAS NMR spectral analysis) for the hydride intermediate prepared from triethoxysilane (TES) in sc-CO(2) were found to be comparable to those obtained using a TES silanisation approach in an organic solvent. (13)C and (29)Si CP-MAS-NMR spectroscopy was employed to provide a complete structural assignment of the silica hydride intermediates. Furthermore, supercritical CO(2) was subsequently employed as a reaction medium for the heterogenous hydrosilation of silica hydride with octadecene and with styrene, in the presence of a free radical initiator. These supercritical fluid generated reversed-phase materials were prepared in a substantially reduced reaction time (3 h) compared to organic solvent based methods (100 h reaction time). Silica functionalisation in sc-CO(2) presents an efficient and clean alternative to organic solvent based methods for the preparation of important silica hydride intermediate and silica bonded stationary phases via a hydrosilation approach. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

WHO programme for the prevention of rheumatic fever/rheumatic heart disease in 16 developing countries: report from Phase I (1986-90). WHO Cardiovascular Diseases Unit and principal investigators.

PubMed

1992-01-01

The programme was initiated in 1984 by WHO in close collaboration with the International Society and Federation of Cardiology (ISFC). Sixteen countries in five WHO Regions participated: Mali, Zambia and Zimbabwe (in Africa); Bolivia, El Salvador and Jamaica (in the Americas); Egypt, Iraq, Pakistan and Sudan (in the Eastern Mediterranean); India, Sri Lanka and Thailand (in South-East Asia); and China, the Philippines and Tonga (in the Western Pacific). The programme was planned for implementation in three phases: pilot study and control programme in a selected area, control programmes in all the selected communities, and their extension to the whole country. In Phase I, a total of 1,433,710 schoolchildren were screened and 3135 cases of rheumatic fever/rheumatic heart disease (RF/RHD) were found, giving a prevalence of 2.2 per 1000 (higher in the African and Eastern Mediterranean regions); 33,651 recently identified or already known cases were registered; completion of secondary prophylaxis was irregular but averaged 63.2% coverage; percentages of adverse reactions (0.3%) and recurrence of acute RF (0.4%) were very small; 24,398 health personnel and teachers were trained. Health education activities were organized for patients, their relatives, and the general public in hundreds of health education sessions. Thousands of pamphlets, brochures and posters were distributed, and health education programmes were broadcast on radio and television. The quality of care for RF/RHD patients improved under the programme, which has been expanded to other areas.

Household survey analysis of the impact of comprehensive strategies to improve the expanded programme on immunisation at the county level in western China, 2006–2010

PubMed Central

Zhou, Yuqing; Xing, Yi; Liang, Xiaofeng; Yue, Chenyan; Zhu, Xu; Hipgrave, David

2016-01-01

Objective To evaluate interventions to improve routine vaccination coverage and caregiver knowledge in China's remote west, where routine immunisation is relatively weak. Design Prospective pre–post (2006–2010) evaluation in project counties; retrospective comparison based on 2004 administrative data at baseline and surveyed post-intervention (2010) data in selected non-project counties. Setting Four project counties and one non-project county in each of four provinces. Participants 3390 children in project counties at baseline, and 3299 in project and 830 in non-project counties post-intervention; and 3279 caregivers at baseline, and 3389 in project and 830 in non-project counties post-intervention. Intervention Multicomponent inexpensive knowledge-strengthening and service-strengthening and innovative, multisectoral engagement. Data collection Standard 30-cluster household surveys of vaccine coverage and caregiver interviews pre-intervention and post-intervention in each project county. Similar surveys in one non-project county selected by local authorities in each province post-intervention. Administrative data on vaccination coverage in non-project counties at baseline. Primary outcome measures Changes in vaccine coverage between baseline and project completion (2010); comparative caregiver knowledge in all counties in 2010. Analysis Crude (χ2) analysis of changes and differences in vaccination coverage and related knowledge. Multiple logistic regression to assess associations with timely coverage. Results Timely coverage of four routine vaccines increased by 21% (p<0.001) and hepatitis B (HepB) birth dose by 35% (p<0.001) over baseline in project counties. Comparison with non-project counties revealed secular improvement in most provinces, except new vaccine coverage was mostly higher in project counties. Ethnicity, province, birthplace, vaccination site, dual-parental out-migration and parental knowledge had significant associations with coverage. Knowledge increased for all variables but one in project counties (highest p<0.05) and was substantially higher than in non-project counties (p<0.01). Conclusions Comprehensive but inexpensive strategies improved vaccination coverage and caretaker knowledge in western China. Establishing multisectoral leadership, involving the education sector and including immunisation in public-sector performance standards, are affordable and effective interventions. PMID:26966053

Comparing Methods of Assessing Dog Rabies Vaccination Coverage in Rural and Urban Communities in Tanzania

PubMed Central

Sambo, Maganga; Johnson, Paul C. D.; Hotopp, Karen; Changalucha, Joel; Cleaveland, Sarah; Kazwala, Rudovick; Lembo, Tiziana; Lugelo, Ahmed; Lushasi, Kennedy; Maziku, Mathew; Mbunda, Eberhard; Mtema, Zacharia; Sikana, Lwitiko; Townsend, Sunny E.; Hampson, Katie

2017-01-01

Rabies can be eliminated by achieving comprehensive coverage of 70% of domestic dogs during annual mass vaccination campaigns. Estimates of vaccination coverage are, therefore, required to evaluate and manage mass dog vaccination programs; however, there is no specific guidance for the most accurate and efficient methods for estimating coverage in different settings. Here, we compare post-vaccination transects, school-based surveys, and household surveys across 28 districts in southeast Tanzania and Pemba island covering rural, urban, coastal and inland settings, and a range of different livelihoods and religious backgrounds. These approaches were explored in detail in a single district in northwest Tanzania (Serengeti), where their performance was compared with a complete dog population census that also recorded dog vaccination status. Post-vaccination transects involved counting marked (vaccinated) and unmarked (unvaccinated) dogs immediately after campaigns in 2,155 villages (24,721 dogs counted). School-based surveys were administered to 8,587 primary school pupils each representing a unique household, in 119 randomly selected schools approximately 2 months after campaigns. Household surveys were conducted in 160 randomly selected villages (4,488 households) in July/August 2011. Costs to implement these coverage assessments were $12.01, $66.12, and $155.70 per village for post-vaccination transects, school-based, and household surveys, respectively. Simulations were performed to assess the effect of sampling on the precision of coverage estimation. The sampling effort required to obtain reasonably precise estimates of coverage from household surveys is generally very high and probably prohibitively expensive for routine monitoring across large areas, particularly in communities with high human to dog ratios. School-based surveys partially overcame sampling constraints, however, were also costly to obtain reasonably precise estimates of coverage. Post-vaccination transects provided precise and timely estimates of community-level coverage that could be used to troubleshoot the performance of campaigns across large areas. However, transects typically overestimated coverage by around 10%, which therefore needs consideration when evaluating the impacts of campaigns. We discuss the advantages and disadvantages of these different methods and make recommendations for how vaccination campaigns can be better monitored and managed at different stages of rabies control and elimination programs. PMID:28352630

The summer North Atlantic Oscillation (SNAO) variability on decadal to paleoclimate time scales

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Linderholm, H. W.; Folland, C. K.; Zhang, P.; Gunnarson, B. E.; Jeong, J. H.; Ren, H.

2017-12-01

The summer North Atlantic Oscillation (SNAO), strongly related to the latitude of the North Atlantic and European summer storm tracks, exerts a considerable influence on European summer climate variability and extremes. Here we extend the period covered by the SNAO from July and August to June, July and August (JJA). As well as marked interannual variability, the JJA SNAO has shown a large inter-decadal change since the 1970s. Decadally averaged, there has been a change from a very positive to a rather negative SNAO phase. This change in SNAO phase is opposite in sign from that expected by a number of climate models under enhanced greenhouse forcing by the late twenty first century. It has led to noticeably wetter summers in North West Europe in the last decade. On interannual to multidecadal timescales, SNAO variability is linked to variations in North Atlantic sea surface temperature (SST): observations and models indicate an association between the Atlantic Multi-decadal Oscillation (AMO) where the cold (warm) phase of the AMO corresponds a positive (negative) phase of the SNAO. Observations also indicate a link with SST in the Gulf Stream region of the North Atlantic where, particularly on decadal time scales, SST warming may favour a more positive phase of the SNAO. Influences of Arctic climate change on North Atlantic and European atmospheric circulation may also exist, particularly reduced sea ice coverage, perhaps favouring the negative phase of the SNAO. A new tree-ring data based JJA SNAO reconstruction extending over the last millennium, as well as climate model output for the same period, enables us to examine the influence of North Atlantic SST and Arctic sea-ice coverage, as well as SNAO impacts on European summer climate, in a long-term, pre-industrial context.

Phase transitions in a system of long rods on two-dimensional lattices by means of information theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vogel, E. E.; Saravia, G.; Ramirez-Pastor, A. J.

2017-12-01

The orientational phase transitions that occur in the deposition of longitudinal polymers of length k (in terms of lattice units) are characterized by information theory techniques. We calculate the absolute value of an order parameter δ , which weights the relative orientations of the deposited rods, which varies between 0.0 (random orientation) and 1.0 (fully oriented in either of the two equivalent directions in an L ×L square lattice). A Monte Carlo (MC) algorithm is implemented to induce a dynamics allowing for accommodation of the rods for any given density or coverage θ (ratio of the occupied sites over all the sites in the lattice). The files storing δ (t ) (with time t measured in MC steps) are then treated by data recognizer wlzip based on data compressor techniques yielding the information content measured by a parameter η (θ ) . This allows us to recognize two maxima separated by a well-defined minimum for η (θ ) provided k ≥7 . The first maximum is associated with an isotropic-nematic (I -N ) phase transition occurring at intermediate density, while the second maximum is associated with some kind of nematic-isotropic transition at high coverage. In the cases of k <7 , the curves for η (θ ) are almost constant, presenting a very broad maximum which can hardly be associated with a phase transition. The study varies L and k , allowing for a basic scaling of the found critical densities towards the thermodynamic limit. These calculations confirm the tendency obtained by different methods in the case of the intermediate-density I -N phase transition, while this tendency is established here in the case of the high-density phase transition.

Do sexual health campaigns work? An outcome evaluation of a media campaign to increase chlamydia testing among young people aged 15–24 in England

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background A national multimedia campaign was launched in January 2010, to increase the proportion of young people tested for chlamydia. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the campaign on the coverage and positivity within the National Chlamydia Screening Programme (NSCP) in England. Method An interrupted time series of anonymised NCSP testing reports for England for a 27 month period (1st April 2008 to 30th June 2010) was analysed. Reports were assigned to a pre-campaign, campaign and post campaign phase according to the test date. Exclusion criteria included tests for clinical reasons, contacts of known cases, and tests returned from prisons or military services. Negative binomial and logistic regression modelling was used to provide an estimate for the change in coverage and positivity, during, and after the campaign and estimates were adjusted for secular and cyclical trends. Results Adjusting for cyclical and secular trends, there was no change in the overall testing coverage either during (RR: 0.91; 95% CI: 0.72-1.14) or after (RR: 0.88; 95%CI: 0.69-1.11) the campaign. The coverage varied amongst different socio-demographic groups, testing of men increased during the campaign phase while testing of people of black and other ethnic groups fell in this phase. The positivity rate was increased during the campaign (OR: 1.18; 95% CI 1.13-1.23) and further increased in the post-campaign phase (OR: 1.40; 95% CI 1.30-1.51). The proportion of chlamydia infections detected increased for all socio-demographic and self-reported sexual behaviour groups both during and after the campaign. Conclusion The uptake of chlamydia testing rose during the campaign; however, this apparent increase was not maintained once overall trends in testing were taken into account. Nonetheless, once secular and cyclical trends were controlled for, the campaign was associated with an increased positivity linked to increased testing of high risk individuals groups in the target population who were previously less likely to come forward for testing. However, our study indicated that there may have been a disparity in the impact of the campaign on different population groups. The content and delivery of ongoing and future information campaigns aimed at increasing chlamydia screening should be carefully developed so that they are relevant to all sections of the target population. PMID:23683345

3D model generation using an airborne swarm

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

Clark, R. A.; Punzo, G.; Macdonald, M.

2015-03-31

Using an artificial kinematic field to provide co-ordination between multiple inspection UAVs, the authors herein demonstrate full 3D modelling capability based on a photogrammetric system. The operation of the system is demonstrated by generating a full 3D surface model of an intermediate level nuclear waste storage drum. Such drums require periodic inspection to ensure that drum distortion or corrosion is carefully monitored. Performing this inspection with multiple airborne platforms enables rapid inspection of structures that are inaccessible to on-surface remote vehicles and are in human-hazardous environments. A three-dimensional surface-meshed model of the target can then be constructed in post-processing throughmore » photogrammetry analysis of the visual inspection data. The inspection environment uses a tracking system to precisely monitor the position of each aerial vehicle within the enclosure. The vehicles used are commercially available Parrot AR. Drone quadcopters, controlled through a computer interface connected over an IEEE 802.11n (WiFi) network, implementing a distributed controller for each vehicle. This enables the autonomous and distributed elements of the control scheme to be retained, while alleviating the vehicles of the control algorithm’s computational load. The control scheme relies on a kinematic field defined with the target at its centre. This field defines the trajectory for all the drones in the volume relative to the central target, enabling the drones to circle the target at a set radius while avoiding drone collisions. This function enables complete coverage along the height of the object, which is assured by transitioning to another inspection band only after completing circumferential coverage. Using a swarm of vehicles, the time until complete coverage can be significantly reduced.« less

3D model generation using an airborne swarm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Clark, R. A.; Punzo, G.; Dobie, G.; MacLeod, C. N.; Summan, R.; Pierce, G.; Macdonald, M.; Bolton, G.

2015-03-01

Using an artificial kinematic field to provide co-ordination between multiple inspection UAVs, the authors herein demonstrate full 3D modelling capability based on a photogrammetric system. The operation of the system is demonstrated by generating a full 3D surface model of an intermediate level nuclear waste storage drum. Such drums require periodic inspection to ensure that drum distortion or corrosion is carefully monitored. Performing this inspection with multiple airborne platforms enables rapid inspection of structures that are inaccessible to on-surface remote vehicles and are in human-hazardous environments. A three-dimensional surface-meshed model of the target can then be constructed in post-processing through photogrammetry analysis of the visual inspection data. The inspection environment uses a tracking system to precisely monitor the position of each aerial vehicle within the enclosure. The vehicles used are commercially available Parrot AR. Drone quadcopters, controlled through a computer interface connected over an IEEE 802.11n (WiFi) network, implementing a distributed controller for each vehicle. This enables the autonomous and distributed elements of the control scheme to be retained, while alleviating the vehicles of the control algorithm's computational load. The control scheme relies on a kinematic field defined with the target at its centre. This field defines the trajectory for all the drones in the volume relative to the central target, enabling the drones to circle the target at a set radius while avoiding drone collisions. This function enables complete coverage along the height of the object, which is assured by transitioning to another inspection band only after completing circumferential coverage. Using a swarm of vehicles, the time until complete coverage can be significantly reduced.

Policy Choices for Progressive Realization of Universal Health Coverage

PubMed Central

Tangcharoensathien, Viroj; Patcharanarumol, Walaiporn; Panichkriangkrai, Warisa; Sommanustweechai, Angkana

2017-01-01

In responses to Norheim’s editorial, this commentary offers reflections from Thailand, how the five unacceptable trade-offs were applied to the universal health coverage (UHC) reforms between 1975 and 2002 when the whole 64 million people were covered by one of the three public health insurance systems. This commentary aims to generate global discussions on how best UHC can be gradually achieved. Not only the proposed five discrete trade-offs within each dimension, there are also trade-offs between the three dimensions of UHC such as population coverage, service coverage and cost coverage. Findings from Thai UHC show that equity is applied for the population coverage extension, when the low income households and the informal sector were the priority population groups for coverage extension by different prepayment schemes in 1975 and 1984, respectively. With an exception of public sector employees who were historically covered as part of fringe benefits were covered well before the poor. The private sector employees were covered last in 1990. Historically, Thailand applied a comprehensive benefit package where a few items are excluded using the negative list; until there was improved capacities on technology assessment that cost-effectiveness are used for the inclusion of new interventions into the benefit package. Not only cost-effectiveness, but long term budget impact, equity and ethical considerations are taken into account. Cost coverage is mostly determined by the fiscal capacities. Close ended budget with mix of provider payment methods are used as a tool for trade-off service coverage and financial risk protection. Introducing copayment in the context of fee-for-service can be harmful to beneficiaries due to supplier induced demands, inefficiency and unpredictable out of pocket payment by households. UHC achieves favorable outcomes as it was implemented when there was a full geographical coverage of primary healthcare coverage in all districts and sub-districts after three decade of health infrastructure investment and health workforce development since 1980s. The legacy of targeting population group by different prepayment mechanisms, leading to fragmentation, discrepancies and inequity across schemes, can be rectified by harmonization at the early phase when these schemes were introduced. Robust public accountability and participation mechanisms are recommended when deciding the UHC strategy. PMID:28812786

MobileSat (R): A characteristically Australian MSS

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wagg, Michael; Jansen, Michael

1995-01-01

Optus launched its mobile satellite telephone service MobileSat in August 1994. This provided Australia and its neighboring waters with nation-wide mobile telephone coverage and still is the world's only domestic mobile satellite telephone system. This paper provides details of Optus' experience in developing and launching the MobileSat service, including (1) a retrospective of the issues that have waxed and waned in importance during the development and implementation phases, and (2) the strategy for future activities based on the experience gained in the development phase.

Socioeconomic inequalities and vaccination coverage: results of an immunisation coverage survey in 27 Brazilian capitals, 2007-2008.

PubMed

Barata, Rita Barradas; Ribeiro, Manoel Carlos Sampaio de Almeida; de Moraes, José Cássio; Flannery, Brendan

2012-10-01

Since 1988, Brazil's Unified Health System has sought to provide universal and equal access to immunisations. Inequalities in immunisation may be examined by contrasting vaccination coverage among children in the highest versus the lowest socioeconomic strata. The authors examined coverage with routine infant immunisations from a survey of Brazilian children according to socioeconomic stratum of residence census tract. The authors conducted a household cluster survey in census tracts systematically selected from five socioeconomic strata, according to average household income and head of household education, in 26 Brazilian capitals and the federal district. The authors calculated coverage with recommended vaccinations among children until 18 months of age, according to socioeconomic quintile of residence census tract, and examined factors associated with incomplete vaccination. Among 17,295 children with immunisation cards, 14,538 (82.6%) had received all recommended vaccinations by 18 months of age. Among children residing in census tracts in the highest socioeconomic stratum, 77.2% were completely immunised by 18 months of age versus 81.2%-86.2% of children residing in the four census tract quintiles with lower socioeconomic indicators (p<0.01). Census tracts in the highest socioeconomic quintile had significantly lower coverage for bacille Calmette-Guérin, oral polio and hepatitis B vaccines than those with lower socioeconomic indicators. In multivariable analysis, higher birth order and residing in the highest socioeconomic quintile were associated with incomplete vaccination. After adjusting for interaction between socioeconomic strata of residence census tract and household wealth index, only birth order remained significant. Evidence from Brazilian capitals shows success in achieving high immunisation coverage among poorer children. Strategies are needed to reach children in wealthier areas.

Socioeconomic inequalities and vaccination coverage: results of an immunisation coverage survey in 27 Brazilian capitals, 2007–2008

PubMed Central

Sampaio de Almeida Ribeiro, Manoel Carlos; de Moraes, José Cássio; Flannery, Brendan

2012-01-01

Background Since 1988, Brazil's Unified Health System has sought to provide universal and equal access to immunisations. Inequalities in immunisation may be examined by contrasting vaccination coverage among children in the highest versus the lowest socioeconomic strata. The authors examined coverage with routine infant immunisations from a survey of Brazilian children according to socioeconomic stratum of residence census tract. Methods The authors conducted a household cluster survey in census tracts systematically selected from five socioeconomic strata, according to average household income and head of household education, in 26 Brazilian capitals and the federal district. The authors calculated coverage with recommended vaccinations among children until 18 months of age, according to socioeconomic quintile of residence census tract, and examined factors associated with incomplete vaccination. Results Among 17 295 children with immunisation cards, 14 538 (82.6%) had received all recommended vaccinations by 18 months of age. Among children residing in census tracts in the highest socioeconomic stratum, 77.2% were completely immunised by 18 months of age versus 81.2%–86.2% of children residing in the four census tract quintiles with lower socioeconomic indicators (p<0.01). Census tracts in the highest socioeconomic quintile had significantly lower coverage for bacille Calmette-Guérin, oral polio and hepatitis B vaccines than those with lower socioeconomic indicators. In multivariable analysis, higher birth order and residing in the highest socioeconomic quintile were associated with incomplete vaccination. After adjusting for interaction between socioeconomic strata of residence census tract and household wealth index, only birth order remained significant. Conclusions Evidence from Brazilian capitals shows success in achieving high immunisation coverage among poorer children. Strategies are needed to reach children in wealthier areas. PMID:22268129

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

PubMed

Chen, Alex Y; Newacheck, Paul W

2006-01-01

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

The impact of reforestation in the northeast United States on precipitation and surface temperature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Clark, Allyson

Since the 1920s, forest coverage in the northeastern United States has recovered from disease, clearing for agricultural and urban development, and the demands of the timber industry. Such a dramatic change in ground cover can influence heat and moisture fluxes to the atmosphere, as measured in altered landscapes in Australia, Israel, and the Amazon. In this study, the impacts of recent reforestation in the northeastern United States on summertime precipitation and surface temperature were quantified by comparing average modern values to 1950s values. Weak positive (negative) relationships between reforestation and average monthly precipitation and daily minimum temperatures (average daily maximum surface temperature) were found. There was no relationship between reforestation and average surface temperature. Results of the observational analysis were compared with results obtained from reforestation scenarios simulated with the BUGS5 global climate model. The single difference between the model runs was the amount of forest coverage in the northeast United States; three levels of forest were defined - a grassland state, with 0% forest coverage, a completely forested state, with approximately 100% forest coverage, and a control state, with forest coverage closely resembling modern forest coverage. The three simulations were compared, and had larger magnitude average changes in precipitation and in all temperature variables. The difference in magnitudes between the model simulations observations was much larger than the difference in the amount of reforestation in each case. Additionally, unlike in observations, a negative relationship was found between average daily minimum temperature and amount of forest coverage, implying that additional factors influence temperature and precipitation in the real world that are not accounted for in the model.

A simple model for the evolution of melt pond coverage on permeable Arctic sea ice

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Popović, Predrag; Abbot, Dorian

2017-05-01

As the melt season progresses, sea ice in the Arctic often becomes permeable enough to allow for nearly complete drainage of meltwater that has collected on the ice surface. Melt ponds that remain after drainage are hydraulically connected to the ocean and correspond to regions of sea ice whose surface is below sea level. We present a simple model for the evolution of melt pond coverage on such permeable sea ice floes in which we allow for spatially varying ice melt rates and assume the whole floe is in hydrostatic balance. The model is represented by two simple ordinary differential equations, where the rate of change of pond coverage depends on the pond coverage. All the physical parameters of the system are summarized by four strengths that control the relative importance of the terms in the equations. The model both fits observations and allows us to understand the behavior of melt ponds in a way that is often not possible with more complex models. Examples of insights we can gain from the model are that (1) the pond growth rate is more sensitive to changes in bare sea ice albedo than changes in pond albedo, (2) ponds grow slower on smoother ice, and (3) ponds respond strongest to freeboard sinking on first-year ice and sidewall melting on multiyear ice. We also show that under a global warming scenario, pond coverage would increase, decreasing the overall ice albedo and leading to ice thinning that is likely comparable to thinning due to direct forcing. Since melt pond coverage is one of the key parameters controlling the albedo of sea ice, understanding the mechanisms that control the distribution of pond coverage will help improve large-scale model parameterizations and sea ice forecasts in a warming climate.

A reflection on invasive pneumococcal disease and pneumococcal conjugate vaccination coverage in children in Southern Europe (2009-2016).

PubMed

Moreira, Marta; Castro, Olga; Palmieri, Melissa; Efklidou, Sofia; Castagna, Stefano; Hoet, Bernard

2017-06-03

Higher-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) were licensed from 2009 in Europe; similar worldwide clinical effectiveness was observed for PCVs in routine use. Despite a proven medical need, PCV vaccination in Southern Europe remained suboptimal until 2015/16. We searched PubMed for manuscripts published between 2009 and mid-2016. Included manuscripts had to contain data about invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) incidence, or vaccination coverage with higher-valent PCVs. This review represents the first analysis of vaccination coverage and impact of higher-valent PCVs on overall IPD in Southern European countries (Portugal, Spain, Italy, Greece, Cyprus). Vaccination coverage in the Portuguese private market peaked around 2008 at 75% (children ≤ 2 years) but declined to 63% in 2012. In Madrid, coverage was 95% (2007-2012) but dropped to 67% (2013/14; children ≤ 2 years) after funding termination in May 2012. PCVs were recently introduced in the national immunisation program (NIP) of Portugal (2015) and Spain (2015/16). In Italy, coverage for the complete PCV schedule (children ≤ 2 years) was 88% in 2013, although highly variable between regions (45-99%). In Greece, in 2013, 82.3% had received 3 PCV doses by 12 months, while 62.3% received the fourth dose by 24 months. Overall IPD (net benefit: effect on vaccine types, vaccine-related types, and non-vaccine types) has decreased; in Greece, pneumococcal meningitis incidence remained stable. Continued IPD surveillance or national registers using ICD-10 codes of clinically suspected IPD are necessary, with timely publicly available reports and adequate national vaccination registers to assess trends in vaccination coverage, allowing evaluation of PCVs in NIPs.

Progress toward measles preelimination--African Region, 2011-2012.

PubMed

Masresha, Balcha G; Kaiser, Reinhard; Eshetu, Messeret; Katsande, Reggis; Luce, Richard; Fall, Amadou; Dosseh, Annick R G A; Naouri, Boubker; Byabamazima, Charles R; Perry, Robert; Dabbagh, Alya J; Strebel, Peter; Kretsinger, Katrina; Goodson, James L; Nshimirimana, Deo

2014-04-04

In 2008, the 46 member states of the World Health Organization (WHO) African Region (AFR) adopted a measles preelimination goal to reach by the end of 2012 with the following targets: 1) >98% reduction in estimated regional measles mortality compared with 2000, 2) annual measles incidence of fewer than five reported cases per million population nationally, 3) >90% national first dose of measles-containing vaccine (MCV1) coverage and >80% MCV1 coverage in all districts, and 4) >95% MCV coverage in all districts by supplementary immunization activities (SIAs). Surveillance performance objectives were to report two or more cases of nonmeasles febrile rash illness per 100,000 population, one or more suspected measles cases investigated with blood specimens in ≥80% of districts, and 100% completeness of surveillance reporting from all districts. This report updates previous reports and describes progress toward the measles preelimination goal during 2011-2012. In 2012, 13 (28%) member states had >90% MCV1 coverage, and three (7%) reported >90% MCV1 coverage nationally and >80% coverage in all districts. During 2011-2012, four (15%) of 27 SIAs with available information met the target of >95% coverage in all districts. In 2012, 16 of 43 (37%) member states met the incidence target of fewer than five cases per million, and 19 of 43 (44%) met both surveillance performance targets. In 2011, the WHO Regional Committee for AFR established a goal to achieve measles elimination by 2020. To achieve this goal, intensified efforts to identify and close population immunity gaps and improve surveillance quality are needed, as well as committed leadership and ownership of the measles elimination activities and mobilization of adequate resources to complement funding from global partners.

Methods for forming particles

DOEpatents

Fox, Robert V.; Zhang, Fengyan; Rodriguez, Rene G.; Pak, Joshua J.; Sun, Chivin

2016-06-21

Single source precursors or pre-copolymers of single source precursors are subjected to microwave radiation to form particles of a I-III-VI.sub.2 material. Such particles may be formed in a wurtzite phase and may be converted to a chalcopyrite phase by, for example, exposure to heat. The particles in the wurtzite phase may have a substantially hexagonal shape that enables stacking into ordered layers. The particles in the wurtzite phase may be mixed with particles in the chalcopyrite phase (i.e., chalcopyrite nanoparticles) that may fill voids within the ordered layers of the particles in the wurtzite phase thus produce films with good coverage. In some embodiments, the methods are used to form layers of semiconductor materials comprising a I-III-VI.sub.2 material. Devices such as, for example, thin-film solar cells may be fabricated using such methods.

Van der Waals model for phase transitions in thermoresponsive surface films.

PubMed

McCoy, John D; Curro, John G

2009-05-21

Phase transitions in polymeric surface films are studied with a simple model based on the van der Waals equation of state. Each chain is modeled by a single bead attached to the surface by an entropic-Hooke's law spring. The surface coverage is controlled by adjusting the chemical potential, and the equilibrium density profile is calculated with density functional theory. The interesting feature of this model is the multivalued nature of the density profile seen at low temperature. This van der Waals loop behavior is resolved with a Maxwell construction between a high-density phase near the wall and a low-density phase in a "vertical" phase transition. Signatures of the phase transition in experimentally measurable quantities are then found. Numerical calculations are presented for isotherms of surface pressure, for the Poisson ratio, and for the swelling ratio.

Adsorption of hydrogen on stable and metastable Ir(100) surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arman, Mohammad Alif; Klein, Andreas; Ferstl, Pascal; Valookaran, Abhilash; Gustafson, Johan; Schulte, Karina; Lundgren, Edvin; Heinz, Klaus; Schneider, Alexander; Mittendorfer, Florian; Hammer, Lutz; Knudsen, Jan

2017-02-01

Using the combination of high resolution core level spectroscopy and density functional theory we present a detailed spectroscopic study for all clean and hydrogen covered phases of Ir(100). The results are complemented by an investigation of the hydrogen desorption process from various phases using temperature programmed desorption spectroscopy and scanning tunneling microscopy. In total, all experimentally determined core level shifts match very well with those predicted by density functional theory based on established structural models. In particular, we find for the (bridge site) adsorption on the unreconstructed 1×1 phase that the initial core level shift of surface Ir atoms is altered by +0.17 eV for each Ir-H bond formed. In the submonolayer regime we find evidence for island formation at low temperatures. For the H-induced deconstructed 5×1-H phase we identify four different surface core level shifts with two of them being degenerate. Finally, for the reconstructed 5×1-hex phase also four surface components are identified, which undergo a rather rigid core level shift of +0.15 eV upon hydrogen adsorption suggesting a similarly homogeneous charge transfer to all Ir surface atoms. Thermodesorption experiments for the 5×1-H phase reveal two different binding states for hydrogen independent of the total coverage. We conclude that the surface always separates into patches of fully covered deconstructed and uncovered reconstructed phases. We could also show by tunneling microscopy that with the desorption of the last hydrogen atom from the deconstructed unit cell the surface instantaneously reverts into the reconstructed state. Eventually, we could determine the saturation coverage upon molecular adsorption for all phases to be θmax1 × 1 - H = 1.0 ML , θmax5 × 1 - H = 0.8 ML , and θmax5 × 1 - hex - H ≥ 1.0 ML .

Influence of surface coverage on the chemical desorption process

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

Minissale, M.; Dulieu, F., E-mail: francois.dulieu@obspm.fr

2014-07-07

In cold astrophysical environments, some molecules are observed in the gas phase whereas they should have been depleted, frozen on dust grains. In order to solve this problem, astrochemists have proposed that a fraction of molecules synthesized on the surface of dust grains could desorb just after their formation. Recently the chemical desorption process has been demonstrated experimentally, but the key parameters at play have not yet been fully understood. In this article, we propose a new procedure to analyze the ratio of di-oxygen and ozone synthesized after O atoms adsorption on oxidized graphite. We demonstrate that the chemical desorptionmore » efficiency of the two reaction paths (O+O and O+O{sub 2}) is different by one order of magnitude. We show the importance of the surface coverage: for the O+O reaction, the chemical desorption efficiency is close to 80% at zero coverage and tends to zero at one monolayer coverage. The coverage dependence of O+O chemical desorption is proved by varying the amount of pre-adsorbed N{sub 2} on the substrate from 0 to 1.5 ML. Finally, we discuss the relevance of the different physical parameters that could play a role in the chemical desorption process: binding energy, enthalpy of formation, and energy transfer from the new molecule to the surface or to other adsorbates.« less

Full coverage of perovskite layer onto ZnO nanorods via a modified sequential two-step deposition method for efficiency enhancement in perovskite solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ruankham, Pipat; Wongratanaphisan, Duangmanee; Gardchareon, Atcharawon; Phadungdhitidhada, Surachet; Choopun, Supab; Sagawa, Takashi

2017-07-01

Full coverage of perovskite layer onto ZnO nanorod substrates with less pinholes is crucial for achieving high-efficiency perovskite solar cells. In this work, a two-step sequential deposition method is modified to achieve an appropriate property of perovskite (MAPbI3) film. Surface treatment of perovskite layer and its precursor have been systematically performed and their morphologies have been investigated. By pre-wetting of lead iodide (PbI2) and letting it dry before reacting with methylammonium iodide (MAI) provide better coverage of perovskite film onto ZnO nanorod substrate than one without any treatment. An additional MAI deposition followed with toluene drop-casting technique on the perovskite film is also found to increase the coverage and enhance the transformation of PbI2 to MAPbI3. These lead to longer charge carrier lifetime, resulting in an enhanced power conversion efficiency (PCE) from 1.21% to 3.05%. The modified method could been applied to a complex ZnO nanorods/TiO2 nanoparticles substrate. The enhancement in PCE to 3.41% is observed. These imply that our introduced method provides a simple way to obtain the full coverage and better transformation to MAPbI3 phase for enhancement in performances of perovskite solar cells.

Nitric Acid Uptake on Subtropical Cirrus Cloud Particles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Popp, P. J.; Gao, R. S.; Marcy, T. P.; Fahey, D. W.; Hudson, P. K.; Thompson, T. L.; Kaercher, B.; Ridley, B. A.; Weinheimer, A. J.; Knapp, D. J.;

SU-F-R-47: Quantitative Shape Relationship Analysis of PTV Modification for Critical Anatomy Sparing and Its Impact On Pathologic Response for Neoadjuvant Stereotactic Radiotherapy for Pancreatic Cancer

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

Cheng, Z; Rosati, L; Chen, L

Purpose: Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) may be used to increase surgery candidacy in borderline resectable (BRPC) and locally advanced (LAPC) pancreatic cancer. However, the planning target volume (PTV) may need to be limited to avoid toxicity when the gross tumor volume (GTV) is anatomically involved with surrounding critical structures. Our study aims to characterize the coverage of GTV and investigate the association between modified PTV and pathologic (pCR) or near pathologic (npCR) complete response rates determined from the surgical specimen. Methods: Patients treated with neoadjuvant pancreas SBRT followed by surgery from 2010–2015 were selected from Oncospace. Overlap volume histogrammore » (OVH) analysis was performed to determine the extent of compromise of the PTV from both the GTV and a standard target (GTV+3mm). Subsequently, normalized overlap volume (%) was calculated for: (1) GTV-PTV, and (2) GTV+3mm expansion-PTV. A logistic regression model was used to identify the association between the overlap ratios and ≥ npCR(pCR/npCR) stratified by active breathing control (ABC) versus free-breathing status. Results: Eighty-one (BRPC: n=42, LAPC: n=39) patients were available for analysis. Nearly 40% (31/81) had ≥npCR and 75% (61/81) were able to complete ABC. Mean coverage of the GTV-PTV was 92.6% (range, 59.9%–100%, SD = 8.68) and coverage of the GTV+3mm expansion-PTV was 85. 2% (range, 59.9% −100.0%, SD= 8.67). Among the patients with ABC, every 10% increase in GTV coverage doubled the odds to have ≥npCR (OR = 1.82, p=0.06). Coverage of GTV+3mm expansion was not associated with ≥npCR regardless of ABC status. Conclusion: Preferential sparing of critical anatomy over GTV-PTV coverage with ABC management suggests worse ≥npCR rates for neoadjuvant SBRT in BRPC and LAPC. Limiting the GTV and GTV+3mm expansion in free-breathing patients was not associated with pathologic response perhaps due to larger GTV definitions as a result of motion artifacts in free-breathing CT scans. Collaboration with Toshiba, Elekta, and Phillips.« less

Leaflets and continual educational offerings led to increased coverage rate of newborn hearing screening in Akita.

PubMed

Sato, Teruyuki; Nakazawa, Misao; Takahashi, Shin; Mizuno, Tomomi; Sato, Akira; Noguchi, Atsuko; Sato, Megumi; Katagiri, Sadako; Yamada, Takechiyo

2018-08-01

Newborn hearing screening (NHS) has been actively performed in Japan since 2001. The NHS coverage rate has increased each year in Akita Prefecture. We analyzed the details of the NHS program and how the Akita leaflets and the many educational offerings about the importance of NHS led to the high NHS coverage rate. A retrospective study was conducted in liveborn newborns in hospitals and in clinics where hearing screening was performed from the program's beginning in 2001 through the end of 2015. We describe the chronological history of NHS. The outcome data of NHS were collected from our department and analyzed. From the founding of the program in 2001 to 2015, the live birth rate in Akita continually declined. Nevertheless, the number of infants receiving NHS rose each year. Since 2012, the coverage rate of NHS has been over 90%. From 2001 to 2015, 75,331 newborns constituted the eligible population for the NHS program. Since 2012, the number of NHS tests has stabilized. We prepared educational leaflets for Akita Prefecture early in 2002. We also provided many educational classes about the importance of NHS for not only pregnant women but also professionals including obstetricians and gynecologists, pediatricians and municipal staff members. The NHS program received the complete endorsement of the Akita Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists in 2010. The largest increase in the NHS coverage rate occurred from 2001 to 2002, and the second largest increase occurred from 2009 to 2010. The number of participating institutions increased the coverage rate. The coverage rate is strongly correlated with the number of participating institutions (rs=0.843, p<0.001, Spearman's rank correlation coefficient). Comparing the coverage rate for 5 years before and after the Akita Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists reached their consensus on the importance of NHS, the coverage rate after 2010 was significantly higher than before 2010 (p<0.001, paired sample t-test). The NHS coverage rate ultimately reached 95.4% without need for legislation or subsidization. The number of participating institutions increased each year, and the number of NHS tests and the coverage rate increased proportionately. The number of participating institutions statistically has a strong correlation with the number of NHS tests and the coverage rate. Our research indicates that the Akita leaflets and the provision of educational sessions about the importance of NHS were the most significant factors in establishing the high NHS coverage rate. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The British Nursing Index and CINAHL: a comparison of journal title coverage and the implications for information professionals.

PubMed

Briscoe, Simon; Cooper, Chris

2014-09-01

This paper compares the journal coverage of the British Nursing Index (BNI) and the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL). The main objectives are to assess whether BNI is a useful source of UK publications and to consider the implications for information professionals. Lists of the journals indexed in BNI and CINAHL, CINAHL Plus and CINAHL Complete were compared. The date coverage and article entry date of a selection of UK nursing journals were also compared. One hundred and fifty-nine journals are uniquely indexed in BNI compared with the basic version of CINAHL. Eighty-one journals are uniquely indexed in BNI compared with all versions of CINAHL. Fifty-one of these journals are UK publications. Most of the selected UK nursing journals have earlier start and entry dates in CINAHL than BNI. BNI is smaller than CINAHL, and BNI indexes a relatively small number of unique journals. An information professional with access to CINAHL Plus or CINAHL Complete could reasonably not search BNI for a nursing topic, particularly if the topic is not UK specific. UK nursing research is more likely to benefit from using BNI, although the acquisition of BNI by ProQuest could impact this finding. © 2014 The authors. Health Information and Libraries Journal © 2014 Health Libraries Journal.

Metabolic systems biology: a brief primer.

PubMed

Edwards, Lindsay M

2017-05-01

In the early to mid-20th century, reductionism as a concept in biology was challenged by key thinkers, including Ludwig von Bertalanffy. He proposed that living organisms were specific examples of complex systems and, as such, they should display characteristics including hierarchical organisation and emergent behaviour. Yet the true study of complete biological systems (for example, metabolism) was not possible until technological advances that occurred 60 years later. Technology now exists that permits the measurement of complete levels of the biological hierarchy, for example the genome and transcriptome. The complexity and scale of these data require computational models for their interpretation. The combination of these - systems thinking, high-dimensional data and computation - defines systems biology, typically accompanied by some notion of iterative model refinement. Only sequencing-based technologies, however, offer full coverage. Other 'omics' platforms trade coverage for sensitivity, although the densely connected nature of biological networks suggests that full coverage may not be necessary. Systems biology models are often characterised as either 'bottom-up' (mechanistic) or 'top-down' (statistical). This distinction can mislead, as all models rely on data and all are, to some degree, 'middle-out'. Systems biology has matured as a discipline, and its methods are commonplace in many laboratories. However, many challenges remain, especially those related to large-scale data integration. © 2016 The Authors. The Journal of Physiology © 2016 The Physiological Society.

Experimental research on microhardness and wear resistances of pure Cu subjected to surface dynamic plastic deformation by ultrasonic impact

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Zhaoxia; He, Yangming

2018-04-01

Dynamic plastic deformation (DPD) has been induced in the surface of pure Cu by ultrasonic impact treating (UIT) with the varied impact current and coverage percentage. The microstructures of the treated surface were analyzed by a scanning electron microscope (SEM). And the wear resistance of pure Cu was experimentally researched both with the treated and untreated specimens. The effect of DPD on the hardness was also investigated using microhardness tester. The results show that the grains on the top surfaces of pure Cu are highly refined. The maximum depth of the plastic deformation layer is approximately 1400 µm. The larger the current and coverage percentage, the greater of the microhardness and wear resistance the treated surface layer of pure Cu will be. When the impact current is 2 A and coverage percentage is 300%, the microhardness and wear resistance of the treated sample is about 276.1% and 68.8% higher than that of the untreated specimen, respectively. But the properties of the treated sample deteriorate when the UIT current is 3 A and the coverage percentage is 300% because of the formation of a new phase forms in the treated surface.

77 FR 39244 - Proposed Information Collection Activity; Comment Request

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-07-02

... DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Administration for Children and Families Proposed... document to be completed by state child support enforcement agencies, employers, and health plan administrators to assist in enforcing health care coverage provisions in a child support order. The Department of...

CAPSULE REPORT: REVERSE OSMOSIS PROCESS

EPA Science Inventory

A failure analysis has been completed for the reverse osmosis (RO) process. The focus was on process failures that result in releases of liquids and vapors to the environment. The report includes the following: 1) A description of RO and coverage of the principles behind the proc...

Systematic Viewing in Radiology: Seeing More, Missing Less?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kok, Ellen M.; Jarodzka, Halszka; de Bruin, Anique B. H.; BinAmir, Hussain A. N.; Robben, Simon G. F.; van Merriënboer, Jeroen J. G.

2016-01-01

To prevent radiologists from overlooking lesions, radiology textbooks recommend "systematic viewing," a technique whereby anatomical areas are inspected in a fixed order. This would ensure complete inspection (full coverage) of the image and, in turn, improve diagnostic performance. To test this assumption, two experiments were…

High coverage of the complete mitochondrial genome of the rare Gray's beaked whale (Mesoplodon grayi) using Illumina next generation sequencing.

PubMed

Thompson, Kirsten F; Patel, Selina; Williams, Liam; Tsai, Peter; Constantine, Rochelle; Baker, C Scott; Millar, Craig D

2016-01-01

Using an Illumina platform, we shot-gun sequenced the complete mitochondrial genome of Gray's beaked whale (Mesoplodon grayi) to an average coverage of 152X. We performed a de novo assembly using SOAPdenovo2 and determined the total mitogenome length to be 16,347 bp. The nucleotide composition was asymmetric (33.3% A, 24.6% C, 12.6% G, 29.5% T) with an overall GC content of 37.2%. The gene organization was similar to that of other cetaceans with 13 protein-coding genes, 2 rRNAs (12S and 16S), 22 predicted tRNAs and 1 control region or D-loop. We found no evidence of heteroplasmy or nuclear copies of mitochondrial DNA in this individual. Beaked whales within the genus Mesoplodon are rarely seen at sea and their basic biology is poorly understood. These data will contribute to resolving the phylogeography and population ecology of this speciose group.

The NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Earth Global Reference Atmospheric Model-2010 Version

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Leslie, F. W.; Justus, C. G.

2011-01-01

Reference or standard atmospheric models have long been used for design and mission planning of various aerospace systems. The NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Global Reference Atmospheric Model was developed in response to the need for a design reference atmosphere that provides complete global geographical variability and complete altitude coverage (surface to orbital altitudes), as well as complete seasonal and monthly variability of the thermodynamic variables and wind components. In addition to providing the geographical, height, and monthly variation of the mean atmospheric state, it includes the ability to simulate spatial and temporal perturbations.

First Phase of X-48B Flight Tests Completed

NASA Image and Video Library

2010-03-19

A joint NASA/Boeing team completed the first phase of flight tests on the unique X-48B Blended Wing Body aircraft at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center at Edwards, CA. The team completed the 80th and last flight of the project's first phase on March 19, 2010.

Treatment of multiple recessions by means of a collagen matrix: a case series.

PubMed

Schlee, Markus; Lex, Maria; Rathe, Florian; Kasaj, Adrian; Sader, Robert

2014-01-01

This case series evaluated the use of a collagen matrix with a coronally advanced flap procedure for the treatment of multiple recession defects. Fifteen patients with a total of 80 recession defects were included. Root coverage was 85% ± 13% at 6 months and 81% ± 22% at 12 months. Complete root coverage was achieved in 60% of the sites after 6 months and in 56% after 12 months. The percentage of sites with thick gingival morphotype increased significantly. The results indicated that the collagen matrix may be a useful alternative to the connective tissue graft in the treatment of multiple recession defects.

Low-coverage MiSeq next generation sequencing reveals the mitochondrial genome of the Eastern Rock Lobster, Sagmariasus verreauxi.

PubMed

Doyle, Stephen R; Griffith, Ian S; Murphy, Nick P; Strugnell, Jan M

2015-01-01

The complete mitochondrial genome of the Eastern Rock lobster, Sagmariasus verreauxi, is reported for the first time. Using low-coverage, long read MiSeq next generation sequencing, we constructed and determined the mtDNA genome organization of the 15,470 bp sequence from two isolates from Eastern Tasmania, Australia and Northern New Zealand, and identified 46 polymorphic nucleotides between the two sequences. This genome sequence and its genetic polymorphisms will likely be useful in understanding the distribution and population connectivity of the Eastern Rock Lobster, and in the fisheries management of this commercially important species.

A HIGH COVERAGE GENOME SEQUENCE FROM AN ARCHAIC DENISOVAN INDIVIDUAL

PubMed Central

Meyer, Matthias; Kircher, Martin; Gansauge, Marie-Theres; Li, Heng; Racimo, Fernando; Mallick, Swapan; Schraiber, Joshua G.; Jay, Flora; Prüfer, Kay; de Filippo, Cesare; Sudmant, Peter H.; Alkan, Can; Fu, Qiaomei; Do, Ron; Rohland, Nadin; Tandon, Arti; Siebauer, Michael; Green, Richard E.; Bryc, Katarzyna; Briggs, Adrian W.; Stenzel, Udo; Dabney, Jesse; Shendure, Jay; Kitzman, Jacob; Hammer, Michael F.; Shunkov, Michael V.; Derevianko, Anatoli P.; Patterson, Nick; Andrés, Aida M.; Eichler, Evan E.; Slatkin, Montgomery; Reich, David; Kelso, Janet; Pääbo, Svante

2013-01-01

We present a DNA library preparation method that has allowed us to reconstruct a high coverage (30X) genome sequence of a Denisovan, an extinct relative of Neandertals. The quality of this genome allows a direct estimation of Denisovan heterozygosity indicating that genetic diversity in these archaic hominins was extremely low. It also allows tentative dating of the specimen on the basis of “missing evolution” in its genome, detailed measurements of Denisovan and Neandertal admixture into present-day human populations, and the generation of a near-complete catalog of genetic changes that swept to high frequency in modern humans since their divergence from Denisovans. PMID:22936568

MONET: a MOnitoring NEtwork of Telescopes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hessman, F. V.; Beuermann, K.

2002-01-01

MONET is a planned network of two 1m-class robotic telescopes which will be used for various photometric monitoring projects -- variable stars, planet searches, AGN's, GRB's -- as well as by school children in Germany and over the world. The two host partners, the Univ. of Texas' McDonald Observatory and the South African Astronomical Observatory, will operate the telescopes in exchange for observing time on the network. MONET will be one of the first robotic telescope networks offering 1-m class telescopes, complete coverage of the sky, good longitude coverage for long observing sequences on objects near the celestial equator, and a heavy educational emphasis.

Root coverage of a previously restored tooth. A case report with a 7-year follow-up

PubMed Central

Corsair, Alexander

2009-01-01

This case report describes the treatment of a maxillary canine that had 4 mm of marginal gingival recession. The exposed root had been previously restored with a composite class 5 restoration. The restoration was removed and the root planed and demineralized. The root was then covered by a subepithelial connective tissue graft harvested from the palate. The flap was coronally positioned to completely cover the graft and exposed root. The healing was photographed post-operatively at one month, six months, and seven years. Root coverage increased to 100% after seven years. The zone of attached gingiva also increased. PMID:23674903

Root coverage of a previously restored tooth. A case report with a 7-year follow-up.

PubMed

Corsair, Alexander

2009-01-01

This case report describes the treatment of a maxillary canine that had 4 mm of marginal gingival recession. The exposed root had been previously restored with a composite class 5 restoration. The restoration was removed and the root planed and demineralized. The root was then covered by a subepithelial connective tissue graft harvested from the palate. The flap was coronally positioned to completely cover the graft and exposed root. The healing was photographed post-operatively at one month, six months, and seven years. Root coverage increased to 100% after seven years. The zone of attached gingiva also increased.

Unit Testing and Remote Display Development

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Costa, Nicholas

2014-01-01

The Kennedy Space Center is currently undergoing an extremely interesting transitional phase. The final Space Shuttle mission, STS-135, was completed in July of 2011. NASA is now approaching a new era of space exploration. The development of the Orion Multi- Purpose Crew Vehicle (MPCV) and the Space Launch System (SLS) launch vehicle that will launch the Orion are currently in progress. An important part of this transition involves replacing the Launch Processing System (LPS) which was previously used to process and launch Space Shuttles and their associated hardware. NASA is creating the Spaceport Command and Control System (SCCS) to replace the LPS. The SCCS will be much simpler to maintain and improve during the lifetime of the spaceflight program that it will support. The Launch Control System (LCS) is a portion of the SCCS that will be responsible for launching the rockets and spacecraft. The Integrated Launch Operations Applications (ILOA) group of SCCS is responsible for creating displays and scripts, both remote and local, that will be used to monitor and control hardware and systems needed to launch a spacecraft. It is crucial that the software contained within be thoroughly tested to ensure that it functions as intended. Unit tests must be written in Application Control Language (ACL), the scripting language used by LCS. These unit tests must ensure complete code coverage to safely guarantee there are no bugs or any kind of issue with the software.

Single-Phase Mail Survey Design for Rare Population Subgroups

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brick, J. Michael; Andrews, William R.; Mathiowetz, Nancy A.

2016-01-01

Although using random digit dialing (RDD) telephone samples was the preferred method for conducting surveys of households for many years, declining response and coverage rates have led researchers to explore alternative approaches. The use of address-based sampling (ABS) has been examined for sampling the general population and subgroups, most…

Imprinting Community College Computer Science Education with Software Engineering Principles

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hundley, Jacqueline Holliday

2012-01-01

Although the two-year curriculum guide includes coverage of all eight software engineering core topics, the computer science courses taught in Alabama community colleges limit student exposure to the programming, or coding, phase of the software development lifecycle and offer little experience in requirements analysis, design, testing, and…

Stabilization of enzymatically polymerized phenolic chemicals in a model soil organic matter-free geomaterial.

PubMed

Palomo, Mónica; Bhandari, Alok

2012-01-01

A variety of remediation methods, including contaminant transformation by peroxidase-mediated oxidative polymerization, have been proposed to manage soils and groundwater contaminated with chlorinated phenols. Phenol stabilization has been successfully observed during cross polymerization between phenolic polymers and soil organic matter (SOM) for soils with SOM >3%. This study evaluates peroxidase-mediated transformation and removal of 2,4-dichlorophenol (DCP) from an aqueous phase in contact with a natural geomaterial modified to contain negligible (<0.3%) SOM. The results are compared with those for soils with higher SOM. The SOM-free sorbent was generated by removing SOM using a NaOCl oxidation. When horseradish peroxidase (HRP) was used to induce polymerization of DCP, the soil-water phase distribution relationship (PDR) of DCP polymerization products (DPP) was complete within 1 d and PDRs did not significantly change over the 28 d of study. The conversion of DCP to DPP was close to 95% efficient. Extractable solute consisted entirely of DPP with 5% or less of unreacted DCP. The aqueous extractability of DPP from SOM-free geomaterial decreased at longer contact times and at smaller residual aqueous concentrations of DPP. DCP stabilization appeared to have resulted from a combination of sorption, precipitation, and ligand exchange between oligomeric products and the exposed mineral surfaces. Modification of the mineral surface through coverage with DPP enhanced the time-dependent retention of the oligomers. DPP stabilization in SOM-free geomaterial was comparable with that reported in the literature with soil containing SOM contents >1%. Results from this study suggest that the effectiveness of HRP-mediated stabilization of phenolic compounds not only depends on the cross-coupling with SOM, but also on the modification of the surface of the sorbent that can augment affinity with oligomers and enhance stabilization. Coverage of the mineral surface by phenolic oligomers may be analogous to SOM that can potentially sorb other xenobiotics. HRP- mediated reactions can be used to stabilize DCP associated with low SOM mineral soils or aquifer media, thereby restricting the transport of phenolic contaminants in the soil environment. Copyright © by the American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, and Soil Science Society of America, Inc.

Perceptions of 24/7 In-house Attending Coverage on Fellow Education and Autonomy in a Pediatric Cardiothoracic Intensive Care Unit.

PubMed

Owens, Sonal T; Owens, Gabe E; Rajput, Shaili H; Charpie, John R; Kidwell, Kelley M; Mullan, Patricia B

2015-01-01

The 24/7 in-house attending coverage is emerging as the standard of care in intensive care units. Implementation costs, workforce feasibility, and patient outcomes resulting from changes in physician staffing are widely debated topics. Understanding the impact of staffing models on the learning environment for medical trainees and faculty is equally warranted, particularly with respect to trainee education and autonomy. This study aims to elicit the perceptions of pediatric cardiology fellows and attendings toward 24/7 in-house attending coverage and its effect on fellow education and autonomy. We surveyed pediatric cardiology fellows and attendings practicing in the pediatric cardiothoracic intensive care unit (PCTU) of a large, university-affiliated medical center, using structured Likert response items and open-ended questions, prior to and following the transition to 24/7 in-house attending coverage. All (100%) trainees and faculty completed all surveys. Both prior to and following transition to 24/7 in-house attending coverage, all fellows, and the majority of attendings agreed that the overnight call experience benefited fellow education. At baseline, trainees identified limited circumstances in which on-site attending coverage would be critical. Preimplementation concerns that 24/7 in-house attending coverage would negatively affect the education of fellows were not reflected following actual implementation of the new staffing policy. However, based upon open-ended questions, fellow autonomy was affected by the new paradigm, with fellows and attendings reporting decreased "appropriateness" of autonomy after implementation. Our prospective study, showing initial concerns about limiting the learning environment in transitioning to 24/7 in-house attending coverage did not result in diminished perceptions of the educational experience for our fellows but revealed an expected decrease in fellow autonomy. The study indirectly facilitated open discussions about methods to preserve fellow education and warranted autonomy in our PCTU; however, continued efforts are needed to achieve the optimal balance between supervised training and the transition to autonomous practice. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Polarization-Independent Silicon Metadevices for Efficient Optical Wavefront Control.

PubMed

Chong, Katie E; Staude, Isabelle; James, Anthony; Dominguez, Jason; Liu, Sheng; Campione, Salvatore; Subramania, Ganapathi S; Luk, Ting S; Decker, Manuel; Neshev, Dragomir N; Brener, Igal; Kivshar, Yuri S

2015-08-12

We experimentally demonstrate a functional silicon metadevice at telecom wavelengths that can efficiently control the wavefront of optical beams by imprinting a spatially varying transmittance phase independent of the polarization of the incident beam. Near-unity transmittance efficiency and close to 0-2π phase coverage are enabled by utilizing the localized electric and magnetic Mie-type resonances of low-loss silicon nanoparticles tailored to behave as electromagnetically dual-symmetric scatterers. We apply this concept to realize a metadevice that converts a Gaussian beam into a vortex beam. The required spatial distribution of transmittance phases is achieved by a variation of the lattice spacing as a single geometric control parameter.

SU-G-JeP3-14: Positioning and Dosimetric Uncertainties in Image-Guided Radiation Therapy with Respiratory Gating

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

Ali, I; Hossain, S; Algan, O

Purpose: To investigate quantitatively positioning and dosimetric uncertainties due to 4D-CT intra-phase motion in the internal-target-volume (ITV) associated with radiation therapy using respiratory-gating for patients setup with image-guidance-radiation-therapy (IGRT) using free-breathing or average-phase CT-images. Methods: A lung phantom with an embedded tissue-equivalent target is imaged with CT while it is stationary and moving. Four-sets of structures are outlined: (a) the actual target on CT-images of the stationary-target, (b) ITV on CT-images for the free-moving phantom, (c) ITV’s from the ten different phases (10–100%) and (d) ITV on the CT-images generated from combining 3 phases: 40%–50%–60%. The variations in volume, lengthmore » and center-position of the ITV’s and their effects on dosimetry during dose delivery for patients setup with image-guidance are investigated. Results: Intra-phase motion due to breathing affects the volume, center position and length of the ITVs from different respiratory-phases. The ITV’s vary by about 10% from one phase to another. The largest ITV is measured on the free breathing CT images and the smallest is on the stationary CT-images. The ITV lengths vary by about 4mm where it may shrink or elongated depending on the motion-phase. The center position of the ITV varies between the different motion-phases which shifts upto 10mm from the stationary-position which is nearly equal to motion-amplitude. This causes systematic shifts during dose delivery with beam gating using certain phases (40%–50%–60%) for patients setup with IGRT using free-breathing or average-phase CT-images. The dose coverage of the ITV depends on the margins used for treatment-planning-volume where margins larger than the motion-amplitudes are needed to ensure dose coverage of the ITV. Conclusion: Volume, length, and center position of the ITV’s change between the different motion phases. Large systematic shifts are induced by respiratory-gating with ITVs on certain phases when patients are setup with IGRT using free-breathing or average-phase CT-images.« less

Evaluating the Theoretical Content of Online Physical Activity Information for People with Multiple Sclerosis

PubMed Central

Baillie, Colin P.T.; Galaviz, Karla; Jarvis, Jocelyn W.; Latimer-Cheung, Amy E.

2015-01-01

Background: Physical activity can aid people with multiple sclerosis (MS) in managing symptoms and maintaining functional abilities. The Internet is a preferred source of physical activity information for people with MS and, therefore, a method for the dissemination of behavior change techniques. The purpose of this study was to examine the coverage and quality of physical activity behavior change techniques delivered on the Internet for adults with MS using Abraham and Michie's taxonomy of behavior change techniques. Methods: Using the taxonomy, 20 websites were coded for quality (ie, accuracy of information) and coverage (ie, completeness of information) of theoretical behavior change techniques. Results: Results indicated that most websites covered a mean of 8.05 (SD 3.86, range 3–16) techniques out of a possible 20. Only one of the techniques, provide information on behavior–health link and consequences, was delivered on all websites. The websites demonstrated low mean coverage and quality across all behavior change techniques, with means of 0.64 (SD 0.67) and 0.62 (SD 0.37) on a scale of 0 to 2, respectively. However, coverage and quality improved when websites were examined solely for the techniques that they covered, as opposed to all 20 techniques. Conclusions: This study, which examined quality and coverage of physical activity behavior change techniques described online for people with MS, illustrated that the dissemination of these techniques requires improvement. PMID:25892979

Treatment of gingival recession defects with a coronally advanced flap and a xenogeneic collagen matrix: a multicenter randomized clinical trial.

PubMed

Jepsen, Karin; Jepsen, Søren; Zucchelli, Giovanni; Stefanini, Martina; de Sanctis, Massimo; Baldini, Nicola; Greven, Björn; Heinz, Bernd; Wennström, Jan; Cassel, Björn; Vignoletti, Fabio; Sanz, Mariano

2013-01-01

To evaluate the clinical outcomes of the use of a xenogeneic collagen matrix (CM) in combination with the coronally advanced flap (CAF) in the treatment of localized recession defects. In a multicentre single-blinded, randomized, controlled, split-mouth trial, 90 recessions (Miller I, II) in 45 patients received either CAF + CM or CAF alone. At 6 months, root coverage (primary outcome) was 75.29% for test and 72.66% for control defects (p = 0.169), with 36% of test and 31% of control defects exhibiting complete coverage. The increase in mean width of keratinized tissue (KT) was higher in test (from 1.97 to 2.90 mm) than in control defects (from 2.00 to 2.57 mm) (p = 0.036). Likewise, test sites had more gain in gingival thickness (GT) (0.59 mm) than control sites (0.34 mm) (p = 0.003). Larger (≥3 mm) recessions (n = 35 patients) treated with CM showed higher root coverage (72.03% versus 66.16%, p = 0.043), as well as more gain in KT and GT. CAF + CM was not superior with regard to root coverage, but enhanced gingival thickness and width of keratinized tissue when compared with CAF alone. For the coverage of larger defects, CAF + CM was more effective. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Cyberbullying: What Counselors Need to Know

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bauman, Sheri

2011-01-01

This informative book offers complete, up-to-date coverage of the growing problem of cyberbullying. Written for counselors, teachers, school leaders, and other professionals who work with children and teens, "Cyberbullying" addresses the real-life dangers students face on the Internet, including offensive, confrontational, and harassing messages;…

5 CFR 752.201 - Coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... subpart covers: (1) An employee in the competitive service who has completed a probationary or trial period; (2) An employee in the competitive service serving in an appointment which requires no... competitive status who occupies a position under Schedule B of part 213 of this chapter; (4) An employee who...

5 CFR 752.201 - Coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

...: (1) An employee in the competitive service who has completed a probationary or trial period; (2) An employee in the competitive service serving in an appointment which requires no probationary or trial... under other than a temporary appointment limited to 1 year or less; (3) An employee with competitive...

Science & Technology Almanac, 2000.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Allstetter, William, Ed.

This volume links the year's current news to encyclopedic and almanac-style information on science and technology. This second edition is completely updated, offering full news coverage for 1999, revised statistical tables, and updated facts and figures. The timeline has been expanded to include more problems and catastrophes associated with…

Impact of school-entry and education mandates by states on HPV vaccination coverage: Analysis of the 2009-2013 National Immunization Survey-Teen.

PubMed

Perkins, Rebecca B; Lin, Mengyun; Wallington, Sherrie F; Hanchate, Amresh D

2016-06-02

To determine the effectiveness of existing school entry and education mandates on HPV vaccination coverage, we compared coverage among girls residing in states and jurisdictions with and without education and school-entry mandates. Virginia and the District of Columbia enacted school entry mandates, though both laws included liberal opt-out provisions. Ten additional states had mandates requiring distribution of education to parents or provision of education within school curricula. Using data from the National Immunization Survey-Teen from 2009-2013, we estimated multilevel logistic regression models to compare coverage with HPV vaccines for girls ages 13-17 residing in states and jurisdictions with and without school entry and education mandates, adjusting for demographic factors, healthcare access, and provider recommendation. Girls residing in states and jurisdictions with HPV vaccine school entry mandates (DC and VA) and education mandates (LA, MI, CO, IN, IA, IL, NJ, NC, TX, and WA) did not have higher HPV vaccine series initiation or completion than those living in states without mandates for any year (2009-2013). Similar results were seen when comparing girls ages 13-14 to those ages 15-17, and after adjustment for known covariates of vaccination. States and jurisdictions with school-entry and education mandates do not currently have higher HPV vaccination coverage than states without such legislation. Liberal opt-out language in existing school entry mandates may weaken their impact. Policy-makers contemplating legislation to improve vaccination coverage should be aware of the limitations of existing mandates.

Mapping the literature of transcultural nursing*

PubMed Central

Murphy, Sharon C.

2006-01-01

Overview: No bibliometric studies of the literature of the field of transcultural nursing have been published. This paper describes a citation analysis as part of the project undertaken by the Nursing and Allied Health Resources Section of the Medical Library Association to map the literature of nursing. Objective: The purpose of this study was to identify the core literature and determine which databases provided the most complete access to the transcultural nursing literature. Methods: Cited references from essential source journals were analyzed for a three-year period. Eight major databases were compared for indexing coverage of the identified core list of journals. Results: This study identifies 138 core journals. Transcultural nursing relies on journal literature from associated health sciences fields in addition to nursing. Books provide an important format. Nearly all cited references were from the previous 18 years. In comparing indexing coverage among 8 major databases, 3 databases rose to the top. Conclusions: No single database can claim comprehensive indexing coverage for this broad field. It is essential to search multiple databases. Based on this study, PubMed/MEDLINE, Social Sciences Citation Index, and CINAHL provide the best coverage. Collections supporting transcultural nursing require robust access to literature beyond nursing publications. PMID:16710461

Measuring the Impact of the Home Health Nursing Shortage on Family Caregivers of Children Receiving Palliative Care.

PubMed

Weaver, Meaghann S; Wichman, Brittany; Bace, Sue; Schroeder, Denice; Vail, Catherine; Wichman, Chris; Macfadyen, Andrew

2018-06-01

The national nursing shortage translates into a gap in home nursing care available to children with complex, chronic medical conditions and their family caregivers receiving palliative care consultations. A total of 38 home health nursing surveys were completed by families receiving pediatric palliative care consultation services at a freestanding children's hospital in the Midwest. The gap in the average number of nursing hours allotted versus received was 40 h/wk per family, primarily during evening hours. Parents missed an average of 23 hours of employment per week to provide hands-on nursing care at home, ranking stress regarding personal employment due to nursing shortage at 6.2/10. Families invested an average of 10 h/mo searching for additional nursing coverage and often resorted to utilizing more than 6 different home nurse coverage personnel per month. Families reported multiple delays to hospital discharges (mean, 15 days per delay) due to inability to find home nursing coverage. Respiratory technology and lack of Medicaid coverage ( P < .02) correlated with the gap in home nursing access. This study examines how the pediatric home nursing shortage translates into a lived experience for families with children with complex medical conditions receiving palliative care.

The Effects of Workplace Clean Indoor Air Law Coverage on Workers' Smoking-Related Outcomes.

PubMed

Cheng, Kai-Wen; Liu, Feng; Gonzalez, MariaElena; Glantz, Stanton

2017-02-01

This study investigated the effects of workplace clean indoor air law (CIAL) coverage on worksite compliance with CIALs, smoking participation among indoor workers, and secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure among nonsmoker indoor workers. This study improved on previous research by using the probability of a resident in a county covered by workplace CIALs, taking into account the state, county, and city legislation. The county-level probability of being covered by a CIAL is merged into two large nationally representative US surveys on smoking behaviors: Tobacco Use Supplement of the Current Population Survey (2001-2010) and Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (2000-2006) based on the year of the survey and respondent's geographic location to identify respondents' CIAL coverage. This study estimated several model specifications of including and not including state or county fixed effects, and the effects of workplace CIALs are consistent across models. Increased coverage by workplace CIALs significantly increased likelihood of reporting a complete smoking restriction by 8% and 10% for the two different datasets, decreased smoking participation among indoor workers by 12%, and decreased SHS exposure among nonsmokers by 28%. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The Effects of Workplace Clean Indoor Air Law Coverage on Workers’ Smoking-Related Outcomes

PubMed Central

Cheng, Kai-Wen; Liu, Feng; Gonzalez, MariaElena; Glantz, Stanton

2015-01-01

This study investigated the effects of workplace clean indoor air law (CIAL) coverage on worksite compliance with CIALs, smoking participation among indoor workers, and secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure among non-smoker indoor workers. This study improved on previous research by using the probability of a resident in a county covered by workplace CIALs taking into account the state, county, and city legislation. The county-level probability of being covered by a CIAL is merged into two large nationally representative US surveys on smoking behaviors: Tobacco Use Supplement of the Current Population Survey (2001–2010) and Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (2000–2006) based on the year of the survey and respondent’s geographic location to identify respondents’ CIAL coverage. This study estimated several model specifications of including and not including state or county fixed effects, and the effects of workplace CIALs are consistent across models. Increased coverage by workplace CIALs significantly increased likelihood of reporting a complete smoking restriction by 8% and 10% for the two different datasets, decreased smoking participation among indoor workers by 12%, and decreased SHS exposure among non-smokers by 28%. PMID:26639369

Shear Wave Velocity Structure beneath the African-Anatolian Subduction Zone in Southwestern Turkey from Inversions of Rayleigh Waves

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Teoman, U. M.; Sandvol, E. A.; Kahraman, M.; Sahin, S.; Turkelli, N.

2011-12-01

The ongoing subduction of the African Plate under western Anatolia results in a highly complex tectonic structure especially beneath Isparta Angle (IA) and the surroundings where the Hellenic and Cyprian slabs with different subduction geometries intersect. The primary objective is to accurately image the lithospheric structure at this convergent plate boundary and further understand the reasons responsible for the active deformation. Data was gathered from a temporary seismic network consisting of 10 broadband stations that was installed in August 2006 with the support from University of Missouri and nine more stations deployed in March 2007 with the support from Bogazici Research Fund (project ID:07T203). In addition, 21 permanent stations of Kandilli Observatory and Earthquake Research Institute (KOERI) and two from Süleyman Demirel University (SDU) together with five stations from IRIS/Geofon Network were also included to extend the station coverage. We used earthquakes in a distance range of 30-120 degrees with body wave magnitudes larger than 5.5. Depending on the signal to noise ratio, azimuthal coverage of events, and coherence from station, 81 events provided high-quality data for our analysis. The distribution of events shows a good azimuthal coverage, which is important for resolving both lateral heterogeneity and azimuthal anisotropy. We adopted a two-plane-wave inversion technique of Forsyth and Li (2003) to simultaneously solve for the incoming wave field and phase velocity. This relatively simpler representation of a more complex wavefield provided quite stable patterns of amplitude variations in many cases. To begin with, an average phase velocity dispersion curve was obtained and used as an input for tomographic inversions. Two-dimensional tomographic maps of isotropic and azimuthally anisotropic phase velocity variations were generated. Phase velocities can only tell us integrated information about the upper mantle. Furthermore, we inverted phase velocities for shear wave velocities (Saito,1988) in order to obtain direct information at a depth range of 30-300 km that can be interpreted in terms of major tectonic processes such as extension, slab detachment/tearing, STEP faults, volcanism, temperature anomalies, the presence of melt or dissolved water, etc. Resulting tomograms along horizontal and vertical depth sections provided valuable insights on the crustal and upper mantle structure beneath Southwestern Turkey down to almost 300 km.

Genotator: a disease-agnostic tool for genetic annotation of disease.

PubMed

Wall, Dennis P; Pivovarov, Rimma; Tong, Mark; Jung, Jae-Yoon; Fusaro, Vincent A; DeLuca, Todd F; Tonellato, Peter J

2010-10-29

Disease-specific genetic information has been increasing at rapid rates as a consequence of recent improvements and massive cost reductions in sequencing technologies. Numerous systems designed to capture and organize this mounting sea of genetic data have emerged, but these resources differ dramatically in their disease coverage and genetic depth. With few exceptions, researchers must manually search a variety of sites to assemble a complete set of genetic evidence for a particular disease of interest, a process that is both time-consuming and error-prone. We designed a real-time aggregation tool that provides both comprehensive coverage and reliable gene-to-disease rankings for any disease. Our tool, called Genotator, automatically integrates data from 11 externally accessible clinical genetics resources and uses these data in a straightforward formula to rank genes in order of disease relevance. We tested the accuracy of coverage of Genotator in three separate diseases for which there exist specialty curated databases, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Parkinson's Disease, and Alzheimer Disease. Genotator is freely available at http://genotator.hms.harvard.edu. Genotator demonstrated that most of the 11 selected databases contain unique information about the genetic composition of disease, with 2514 genes found in only one of the 11 databases. These findings confirm that the integration of these databases provides a more complete picture than would be possible from any one database alone. Genotator successfully identified at least 75% of the top ranked genes for all three of our use cases, including a 90% concordance with the top 40 ranked candidates for Alzheimer Disease. As a meta-query engine, Genotator provides high coverage of both historical genetic research as well as recent advances in the genetic understanding of specific diseases. As such, Genotator provides a real-time aggregation of ranked data that remains current with the pace of research in the disease fields. Genotator's algorithm appropriately transforms query terms to match the input requirements of each targeted databases and accurately resolves named synonyms to ensure full coverage of the genetic results with official nomenclature. Genotator generates an excel-style output that is consistent across disease queries and readily importable to other applications.

Dynamic simulation of motion effects in IMAT lung SBRT.

PubMed

Zou, Wei; Yin, Lingshu; Shen, Jiajian; Corradetti, Michael N; Kirk, Maura; Munbodh, Reshma; Fang, Penny; Jabbour, Salma K; Simone, Charles B; Yue, Ning J; Rengan, Ramesh; Teo, Boon-Keng Kevin

2014-11-01

Intensity modulated arc therapy (IMAT) has been widely adopted for Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT) for lung cancer. While treatment dose is optimized and calculated on a static Computed Tomography (CT) image, the effect of the interplay between the target and linac multi-leaf collimator (MLC) motion is not well described and may result in deviations between delivered and planned dose. In this study, we investigated the dosimetric consequences of the inter-play effect on target and organs at risk (OAR) by simulating dynamic dose delivery using dynamic CT datasets. Fifteen stage I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with greater than 10 mm tumor motion treated with SBRT in 4 fractions to a dose of 50 Gy were retrospectively analyzed for this study. Each IMAT plan was initially optimized using two arcs. Simulated dynamic delivery was performed by associating the MLC leaf position, gantry angle and delivered beam monitor units (MUs) for each control point with different respiratory phases of the 4D-CT using machine delivery log files containing time stamps of the control points. Dose maps associated with each phase of the 4D-CT dose were calculated in the treatment planning system and accumulated using deformable image registration onto the exhale phase of the 4D-CT. The original IMAT plans were recalculated on the exhale phase of the CT for comparison with the dynamic simulation. The dose coverage of the PTV showed negligible variation between the static and dynamic simulation. There was less than 1.5% difference in PTV V95% and V90%. The average inter-fraction and cumulative dosimetric effects among all the patients were less than 0.5% for PTV V95% and V90% coverage and 0.8 Gy for the OARs. However, in patients where target is close to the organs, large variations were observed on great vessels and bronchus for as much as 4.9 Gy and 7.8 Gy. Limited variation in target dose coverage and OAR constraints were seen for each SBRT fraction as well as over all four fractions. Large dose variations were observed on critical organs in patients where these organs were closer to the target.

Can EO afford big data - an assessment of the temporal and monetary costs of existing and emerging big data workflows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Clements, Oliver; Walker, Peter

2014-05-01

The cost of working with extremely large data sets is an increasingly important issue within the Earth Observation community. From global coverage data at any resolution to small coverage data at extremely high resolution, the community has always produced big data. This will only increase as new sensors are deployed and their data made available. Over time standard workflows have emerged. These have been facilitated by the production and adoption of standard technologies. Groups such as the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) and the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) have been a driving force in this area for many years. The production of standard protocols and interfaces such as OPeNDAP, Web Coverage Service (WCS), Web Processing Service (WPS) and the newer emerging standards such as Web Coverage Processing Service (WCPS) have helped to galvanise these workflows. An example of a traditional workflow, assume a researcher wants to assess the temporal trend in chlorophyll concentration. This would involve a discovery phase, an acquisition phase, a processing phase and finally a derived product or analysis phase. Each element of this workflow has an associated temporal and monetary cost. Firstly the researcher would require a high bandwidth connection or the acquisition phase would take too long. Secondly the researcher must have their own expensive equipment for use in the processing phase. Both of these elements cost money and time. This can make the whole process prohibitive to scientists from the developing world or "citizen scientists" that do not have the processing infrastructure necessary. The use of emerging technologies can help improve both the monetary and time costs associated with these existing workflows. By utilising a WPS that is hosted at the same location as the data a user is able to apply processing to the data without needing their own processing infrastructure. This however limits the user to predefined processes that are made available by the data provider. The emerging OGC WCPS standard combined with big data analytics engines may provide a mechanism to improve this situation. The technology allows users to create their own queries using an SQL like query language and apply them over available large data archive, once again at the data providers end. This not only removes the processing cost whilst still allowing user defined processes it also reduces the bandwidth required, as only the final analysis or derived product needs to be downloaded. The maturity of the new technologies is a stage where their use should be justified by a quantitative assessment rather than simply by the fact that they are new developments. We will present a study of the time and cost requirements for a selection of existing workflows and then show how new/emerging standards and technologies can help to both reduce the cost to the user by shifting processing to the data, and reducing the required bandwidth for analysing large datasets, making analysis of big-data archives possible for a greater and more diverse audience.

More Constraints on the Physical Conditions of the Kinematically Complex, Multiphase Absorption Line System at z=0.93 toward PG1206+459

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rosenwasser, Ben; Muzahid, Sowgat; Norris, Jackson; Charlton, Jane C.

2015-01-01

We present the results of photo- and collisional ionization modeling of the strong MgII absorption system at redshift z~0.93 towards the quasar PG1206+459. This system has been extensively studied over the last two decades (Churchill & Charlton 1999; Ding et al. 2003; Tripp et al. 2011) using a combination of spectra from Keck/HIRES, HST/FOS, HST/STIS, and HST/COS. Here we present newconstraints using the most complete spectral coverage including more recent observations of OVI and the Lyman series from HST/COS. Numerous absorption components are seen over a large velocity spread (~1500km/s), and multiple ionization phases are required to account for the detected transitions, which include MgI, MgII, FeII, SiII, SiIII, SiIV, CII, CIII, CIV, SIII, SIV, SV, SVI, NIII, NIV, NV, OIII, OIV, OV, OVI, and NeVIII. Considering the new constraints, we revisit the question of the physical nature of the structures that produce this absorber.

3D active edge silicon sensors: Device processing, yield and QA for the ATLAS-IBL production

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

Da Vià, Cinzia; Boscardil, Maurizio; Dalla Betta, GianFranco

2013-01-01

3D silicon sensors, where plasma micromachining is used to etch deep narrow apertures in the silicon substrate to form electrodes of PIN junctions, were successfully manufactured in facilities in Europe and USA. In 2011 the technology underwent a qualification process to establish its maturity for a medium scale production for the construction of a pixel layer for vertex detection, the Insertable B-Layer (IBL) at the CERN-LHC ATLAS experiment. The IBL collaboration, following that recommendation from the review panel, decided to complete the production of planar and 3D sensors and endorsed the proposal to build enough modules for a mixed IBLmore » sensor scenario where 25% of 3D modules populate the forward and backward part of each stave. The production of planar sensors will also allow coverage of 100% of the IBL, in case that option was required. This paper will describe the processing strategy which allowed successful 3D sensor production, some of the Quality Assurance (QA) tests performed during the pre-production phase and the production yield to date.« less

Electronic recording and reporting system for tuberculosis in China: experience and opportunities.

PubMed

Huang, Fei; Cheng, ShiMing; Du, Xin; Chen, Wei; Scano, Fabio; Falzon, Dennis; Wang, Lixia

2014-01-01

Tuberculosis (TB) surveillance in China is organized through a nationwide network of about 3200 hospitals and health facilities. In 2005, an electronic Tuberculosis Information Management System (TBIMS) started to be phased in to replace paper recording. The TBIMS collects key information on TB cases notified in TB care facilities, and exchanges real-time data with the Infectious Disease Reporting System, which covers the country's 37 notifiable diseases. The system is accessible to authorized users at every level of the TB network through a password-protected website. By 2009 the TBIMS achieved nationwide coverage. Completeness of data on patient bacteriological end points improved remarkably over time. Data on about a million active TB cases, including drug-resistant TB, are included each year. The sheer scale of the data handling and the intricate functions that the China TBIMS performs makes it stand apart from the electronic information systems for TB adopted in other countries. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://group.bmj.com/group/rights-licensing/permissions.

Interstellar absorption lines in the spectrum of sigma Sco using Copernicus observations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Allen, M. M.; Snow, T. P.

1986-01-01

Since the launch of Copernicus in 1972, studies have been made of the depletion of gas-phase elements onto dust grains. A few stars have been studied in detail, resulting in a standard depletion pattern which has since been used for comparison. Recent developments, however, have suggested that this standard pattern may need to be re-examined. Some weak, semi-forbidden lines were detected recently which may be able to resolve some of the ambiguities. Studies of single elements have shown that depletion of carbon and oxgyen are much smaller than previously determined. The high resolution ultraviolet spectral scans of sigma Sco were originally made in 1973, but have only recently been analyzed. All these stars are bright and moderately reddened. All four stars will be analyzed in detail, but sigma Sco is the first one completed. The data has broad coverage of ions, making these stars excellent candidates for determination of accurate depletions. A profile-fitting analysis was used rather than curves-of-growth in order to determine separate abundances and depletions in components separated by several km/sec.

Growth optimization and electronic structure of ultrathin CoO films on Ag(001): A LEED and photoemission study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barman, Sukanta; Menon, Krishnakumar S. R.

2018-04-01

We present here a detailed growth optimization of CoO thin film on Ag(001) involving the effects of different growth parameters on the electronic structure. A well-ordered stoichiometric growth of 5 ML CoO film has been observed at 473 K substrate temperature and 1 × 10-6 mbar oxygen partial pressure. The growth at lower substrate temperature and oxygen partial pressure show non-stoichiometric impurity phases which have been investigated further to correlate the growth parameters with surface electronic structure. The coverage dependent valence band electronic structure of the films grown at optimized condition reveals the presence of interfacial states near the Fermi edge (EF) for lower film coverages. Presence of interfacial states in the stoichiometric films rules out their defect-induced origin. We argue that this is an intrinsic feature of transition metal monoxides like NiO, CoO, MnO in the low coverage regime.

Adsorption of dextrin on hydrophobic minerals.

PubMed

Beaussart, Audrey; Mierczynska-Vasilev, Agnieszka; Beattie, David A

2009-09-01

The adsorption of dextrin on talc, molybdenite, and graphite (three naturally hydrophobic minerals) has been compared. Adsorption isotherms and in situ tapping mode atomic force microscope (TMAFM) imaging have enabled polymer adsorbed amount and morphology of the adsorbed layer (area coverage and polymer domain size) to be determined and also the amount of hydration water in the structure of the adsorbed layer. The effect of the polymer on the mineral contact angles, measured by the captive bubble method on cleaved mineral surfaces, indicates clear correlations between the hydrophobicity reduction of the minerals, the adsorbed amount, and the surface coverage of the adsorbed polymer. Predictions of the flotation recovery of the treated mineral phases have been confirmed by performing batch flotation experiments. The influence of the polymer surface coverage on flotation recovery has highlighted the importance of this key parameter in the predictions of depressant efficiency. The roles of the initial hydrophobicity and the surface structure of the mineral basal plane in determining adsorption parameters and flotation response of the polymer-treated minerals are also discussed.

Possible reasons for non-completion of immunization in an urban settlement of Papua New Guinea.

PubMed

Bukenya, G B; Freeman, P A

1991-03-01

A study to identify possible reasons for non-completion of immunization among children was carried out in an urban settlement of Port Moresby. It was found that the children's mothers lacked basic understanding about immunization and the potential seriousness of immunizable diseases. There was also poor social interaction between health workers and the mothers. It is recommended that emphasis be placed also on the social aspects of immunization if widespread coverage is to be achieved.

Ab Initio Surface Phase Diagrams for Coadsorption of Aromatics and Hydrogen on the Pt(111) Surface

DOE PAGES

Ferguson, Glen Allen; Vorotnikov, Vassili; Wunder, Nicholas; ...

2016-11-02

Supported metal catalysts are commonly used for the hydrogenation and deoxygenation of biomass-derived aromatic compounds in catalytic fast pyrolysis. To date, the substrate-adsorbate interactions under reaction conditions crucial to these processes remain poorly understood, yet understanding this is critical to constructing detailed mechanistic models of the reactions important to catalytic fast pyrolysis. Density functional theory (DFT) has been used in identifying mechanistic details, but many of these works assume surface models that are not representative of realistic conditions, for example, under which the surface is covered with some concentration of hydrogen and aromatic compounds. In this study, we investigate hydrogen-guaiacolmore » coadsorption on Pt(111) using van der Waals-corrected DFT and ab initio thermodynamics over a range of temperatures and pressures relevant to bio-oil upgrading. We find that relative coverage of hydrogen and guaiacol is strongly dependent on the temperature and pressure of the system. Under conditions relevant to ex situ catalytic fast pyrolysis (CFP; 620-730 K, 1-10 bar), guaiacol and hydrogen chemisorb to the surface with a submonolayer hydrogen (~0.44 ML H), while under conditions relevant to hydrotreating (470-580 K, 10-200 bar), the surface exhibits a full-monolayer hydrogen coverage with guaiacol physisorbed to the surface. These results correlate with experimentally observed selectivities, which show ring saturation to methoxycyclohexanol at hydrotreating conditions and deoxygenation to phenol at CFP-relevant conditions. Additionally, the vibrational energy of the adsorbates on the surface significantly contributes to surface energy at higher coverage. Ignoring this contribution results in not only quantitatively, but also qualitatively incorrect interpretation of coadsorption, shifting the phase boundaries by more than 200 K and ~10-20 bar and predicting no guaiacol adsorption under CFP and hydrotreating conditions. We discuss the implications of this work in the context of modeling hydrogenation and deoxygenation reactions on Pt(111), and we find that only the models representative of equilibrium surface coverage can capture the hydrogenation kinetics correctly. Lastly, as a major outcome of this work, we introduce a freely available web-based tool, dubbed the Surface Phase Explorer (SPE), which allows researchers to conveniently determine surface composition for any one- or two-component system at thermodynamic equilibrium over a wide range of temperatures and pressures on any crystalline surface using standard DFT output.« less

The need for an assembly pilot project

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Progress has been rapid since the June 2008 start of the cacao genome sequencing project with the completion of the physical map and the accumulation of approximately 10x coverage of the genome with Titanium 454 sequence data of Matina1-6, the highly homozygous Amelonado tree chosen for the project....

Fundamentals of Collection Development and Management. Second Edition

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Johnson, Peggy

2009-01-01

In this fully updated revision, expert instructor and librarian Peggy Johnson addresses the art in controlling and updating your library's collection. Each chapter offers complete coverage of one aspect of collection development, including suggestions for further reading and a narrative case study exploring the issue. Johnson also integrates…

7 CFR 1737.50 - Review of completed loan application.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 3017); (3) A market survey called the Area Coverage Survey (ACS); (4) The plan and associated costs for the proposed construction, called the Loan Design (LD); (5) Evidence that the borrower is... determine that the system design is acceptable to RUS, that the design is technically correct, that the cost...

7 CFR 1737.50 - Review of completed loan application.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... 3017); (3) A market survey called the Area Coverage Survey (ACS); (4) The plan and associated costs for the proposed construction, called the Loan Design (LD); (5) Evidence that the borrower is... determine that the system design is acceptable to RUS, that the design is technically correct, that the cost...

7 CFR 1737.50 - Review of completed loan application.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... 3017); (3) A market survey called the Area Coverage Survey (ACS); (4) The plan and associated costs for the proposed construction, called the Loan Design (LD); (5) Evidence that the borrower is... determine that the system design is acceptable to RUS, that the design is technically correct, that the cost...

7 CFR 1737.50 - Review of completed loan application.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 3017); (3) A market survey called the Area Coverage Survey (ACS); (4) The plan and associated costs for the proposed construction, called the Loan Design (LD); (5) Evidence that the borrower is... determine that the system design is acceptable to RUS, that the design is technically correct, that the cost...

7 CFR 1737.50 - Review of completed loan application.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... 3017); (3) A market survey called the Area Coverage Survey (ACS); (4) The plan and associated costs for the proposed construction, called the Loan Design (LD); (5) Evidence that the borrower is... determine that the system design is acceptable to RUS, that the design is technically correct, that the cost...

31 CFR 50.13 - Offer, purchase, and renewal.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 31 Money and Finance: Treasury 1 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Offer, purchase, and renewal. 50.13 Section 50.13 Money and Finance: Treasury Office of the Secretary of the Treasury TERRORISM RISK INSURANCE... the final terms of terrorism insurance coverage, at the time the transaction is completed. ...

31 CFR 50.13 - Offer, purchase, and renewal.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 31 Money and Finance: Treasury 1 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Offer, purchase, and renewal. 50.13 Section 50.13 Money and Finance: Treasury Office of the Secretary of the Treasury TERRORISM RISK INSURANCE... the final terms of terrorism insurance coverage, at the time the transaction is completed. ...

31 CFR 50.13 - Offer, purchase, and renewal.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 31 Money and Finance: Treasury 1 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Offer, purchase, and renewal. 50.13 Section 50.13 Money and Finance: Treasury Office of the Secretary of the Treasury TERRORISM RISK INSURANCE... the final terms of terrorism insurance coverage, at the time the transaction is completed. ...

31 CFR 50.13 - Offer, purchase, and renewal.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 31 Money and Finance: Treasury 1 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Offer, purchase, and renewal. 50.13 Section 50.13 Money and Finance: Treasury Office of the Secretary of the Treasury TERRORISM RISK INSURANCE... the final terms of terrorism insurance coverage, at the time the transaction is completed. ...

5 CFR 9701.604 - Coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... action taken against a preference eligible employee in the competitive service who has completed the... U.S.C. 3502; (5) An action under 5 U.S.C. 1215; (6) An action against an administrative law judge... contrary to law or regulation; (13) An action taken under a provision of statute, other than one codified...

42 CFR 416.52 - Conditions for coverage-Patient admission, assessment and discharge.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... recently documented medical history and physical assessment, including documentation of any allergies to drugs and biologicals. (3) The patient's medical history and physical assessment must be placed in the... comprehensive medical history and physical assessment completed by a physician (as defined in section 1861(r) of...

Vietnam Revised: Are Our Textbooks Changing?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fleming, Dan B.; Nurse, Ronald J.

1982-01-01

Describes a study which analyzed 10 current and widely used secondary U.S. history textbooks for their coverage of the Vietnam War to determine their accuracy, completeness, and objectivity. Most of the textbooks studied offered a too sketchy account of the Vietnam War. Certain key topics are often neglected. (RM)

Handbook of Research on Electronic Surveys and Measurements

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Reynolds, Rodney, Ed.; Woods, Robert, Ed.; Baker, Jason, Ed.

2007-01-01

The "Handbook of Research on Electronic Surveys and Measurements" is the comprehensive reference source for innovative knowledge on electronic surveys. This commanding handbook of research provides complete coverage of the challenges associated with the use of the Internet to develop online surveys, administer Web-based instruments, and conduct…