A Behavioral Test of Accepting Benefits that Cost Others: Associations with Conduct Problems and Callous-Unemotionality

PubMed Central

Sakai, Joseph T.; Dalwani, Manish S.; Gelhorn, Heather L.; Mikulich-Gilbertson, Susan K.; Crowley, Thomas J.

2012-01-01

Background Youth with conduct problems (CP) often make decisions which value self-interest over the interests of others. Self-benefiting behavior despite loss to others is especially common among youth with CP and callous-unemotional traits (CU). Such behavioral tendencies are generally measured using self- or observer-report. We are unaware of attempts to measure this tendency with a behavioral paradigm. Methods/Principal Findings In our AlAn's (altruism-antisocial) game a computer program presents subjects with a series of offers in which they will receive money but a planned actual charity donation will be reduced; subjects decide to accept or reject each offer. We tested (1) whether adolescent patients with CP (n = 20) compared with adolescent controls (n = 19) differed on AlAn's game outcomes, (2) whether youths with CP and CU differed significantly from controls without CP or CU, and (3) whether AlAn's game outcomes correlated significantly with CP and separately, CU severity. Patients with CP and CU compared with controls without these problems took significantly more money for themselves and left significantly less money in the charity donation; AlAn's game outcomes were significantly correlated with CU, but not CP. Conclusions/Significance In the AlAn's game adolescents with conduct problems and CU traits, compared with controls without CP/CU, are disposed to benefit themselves while costing others even in a novel situation, devoid of peer influences, where anonymity is assured, reciprocity or retribution are impossible, intoxication is absent and when the “other” to be harmed is considered beneficent. AlAn's game outcomes are associated with measures of CU. Results suggest that the AlAn's game provides an objective means of capturing information about CU traits. The AlAn's game, which was designed for future use in the MRI environment, may be used in studies attempting to identify the neural correlates of self-benefiting decision-making. PMID:22558367

Revisiting Data Related to the Age of Onset and Developmental Course of Female Conduct Problems

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Children who exhibit persistently elevated levels of conduct problems (CP) from early childhood, so called “early-starters,” are known to be at increased risk for continued CP throughout middle childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. Theoretical and empirical work has focused on this subgroup of children characterized by similar risk factors, an early age of onset, and a persistent developmental course of CP. However, females were historically neglected from this literature. Although research on female CP has increased, conclusions drawn from limited prior work continue to predominate. The primary aim of this review was to evaluate the updated literature to determine the percentage of females who show the early-starter CP pattern relative to two other trajectories often theorized to be more characteristic of females: early-starting desisting and adolescent onset CP. The findings suggest that a subgroup of females exhibits an early-starting and persistent CP pattern, while a separate group of females demonstrates an onset of CP in adolescence. In addition, although it has been argued that females with childhood CP are not likely to show CP into adolescence and adulthood, evidence for early-starting desisting CP was inconsistent. The results are discussed with respect to implications for developmental taxonomy theory and future basic research in the area of CP development, as well as intervention efforts. PMID:23076722

ADHD and comorbid conduct problems among adolescents: associations with self-esteem and substance use.

PubMed

Glass, Kerrie; Flory, Kate; Martin, Amber; Hankin, Benjamin L

2011-03-01

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common child and adolescent disorder that is associated with negative outcomes (e.g., emotional and behavioral problems, substance use) and is often comorbid with Conduct Problems (CP). Research findings are mixed as to whether youth with ADHD alone or comorbid ADHD/CP suffer from low self-esteem. Research has also shown links between low self-esteem and ADHD (alone and with CP) with substance use; yet, no research has examined the links between self-esteem and substance use in adolescents with ADHD and CP. The current study examined the relation between ADHD with and without comorbid CP and self-esteem, and whether self-esteem moderated the relation between ADHD and ADHD/CP with substance use among adolescents. We hypothesized that adolescents with comorbid ADHD/CP would experience lower self-esteem than adolescents with ADHD alone or with neither disorder and that self-esteem would moderate the association between ADHD, CP, and substance use. Participants were 62 adolescents who completed the laboratory-based study with a parent. Results suggested that adolescents with comorbid ADHD and CP had significantly lower self-esteem than adolescents with ADHD alone or neither disorder. Self-esteem was not significantly different for adolescents with ADHD alone versus those in the control group. There was one marginally significant interaction between ADHD and self-esteem predicting substance use, such that individuals with comorbid ADHD/CP who also had low self-esteem tended to use more substances. Results have implications for treatments that target adolescents with ADHD and comorbid CP, as these adolescents are at risk for many deleterious outcomes.

Childhood callous-unemotional traits moderate the relation between parenting distress and conduct problems over time.

PubMed

Fanti, Kostas A; Centifanti, Luna C Munoz

2014-01-01

The present short-term longitudinal study examines the bidirectional effects among paternal-reported and maternal-reported involvement, distress and conduct-problems (CP) in children ages 7–12 years with callous-unemotional (CU) traits as a potential moderator. Latent profile analysis revealed four groups: high, moderate, decreasing, and low on CU traits. Findings suggested that children high on CU traits were at higher risk to exhibit CP and were more likely to experience low parental-involvement and high parental-distress compared to children with low, decreasing, and moderate CU traits. Findings from the cross-lagged structural equation model suggested that high levels of CP predicted increases in parenting distress, and this was shown for youth with high levels of CU traits. In turn, parental-reported distress predicted increases in CP for children in the low and decreasing CU groups. A negative bidirectional association between maternal-involvement and CP was also identified. Findings extend cross-sectional research showing parents become distressed by CP behaviors, particularly when accompanied by high CU traits.

Social Problem Solving, Conduct Problems, and Callous-Unemotional Traits in Children

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Waschbusch, Daniel A.; Walsh, Trudi M.; Andrade, Brendan F.; King, Sara; Carrey, Normand J.

2007-01-01

This study examined the association between social problem solving, conduct problems (CP), and callous-unemotional (CU) traits in elementary age children. Participants were 53 children (40 boys and 13 girls) aged 7-12 years. Social problem solving was evaluated using the Social Problem Solving Test-Revised, which requires children to produce…

Greater fear reactivity and psychophysiological hyperactivity among infants with later conduct problems and callous-unemotional traits.

PubMed

Mills-Koonce, William R; Wagner, Nicholas J; Willoughby, Michael T; Stifter, Cynthia; Blair, Clancy; Granger, Douglas A

2015-02-01

Approximately one third of children who meet criteria for conduct problems (CP) are also characterized by elevated callous-unemotional (CU) traits. This subgroup is at elevated risk for more pervasive and extreme levels of later antisocial behavior and has been characterized by a fearlessness temperament and blunted stress psychophysiology at older ages. The objective of this study was to examine group differences in fear reactivity and stress psychophysiology in infancy among children classified as having CP with CU (CP + CU), CP without CU (CP only), or no CP in later childhood. A birth cohort study (n = 1,292) was followed longitudinally from birth through first grade. Behavioral fear, baseline heart period (HP) and respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA), and pretask, 20-min posttask, and 40-min posttask salivary cortisol were assessed at 6 and 15 months of age around a fear challenge task. CP and CU were assessed by maternal report at first grade and children were classified into CP and CU groups if they scored in the upper 10(th) percentile of these ratings. No group differences were observed in children at 6 months of age. However, at 15 months of age children with later CP + CU displayed greater high-intensity fear behavior, higher pretask and overall cortisol levels, and lower levels of HP and RSA compared to children with CP only and children with no CP. The discrepancy between the biobehavioral correlates of conduct problems with callous-unemotional traits in infancy and those reported from studies of older children and adults suggests that the etiology of this behavioral phenotype may be more complex than a simple genetic maturation model. © 2014 The Authors. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry. © 2014 Association for Child and Adolescent Mental Health.

Self Regulation, Cognitive Capacity and Risk Taking: Investigating Heterogeneity Among Adolescents with Callous-Unemotional Traits.

PubMed

Hadjicharalambous, Maria-Zoe; Fanti, Kostas A

2018-06-01

The majority of prior work focuses on understanding the association between callous-unemotional (CU) traits and conduct problems, providing limited information on why some youth who score high on CU traits do not engage in conduct problem behaviors. The current study investigated heterogeneity among a sub-sample of adolescents with CU traits (N = 152; Mage = 13.09, SD = 2.76, 45.6% female) identified from a large community sample. Three groups were compared: control, callous-unemotional traits only (CU-only), and combined callous-unemotional and conduct problems (CU + CP). Participants were administered a battery of neuropsychological computerized tasks assessing risk taking, self-regulation and cognitive capacity. Results indicated that youth high on CU traits and low on CP scored higher on self-regulation and were less likely to make risky decisions compared to youth with combined CU + CP. In general, the findings provided information that heterogeneity within CU traits can be explained based on differences in neuro-cognitive functioning. In addition, the characteristics of youth high on CU traits only can provide information for interventions aiming to decrease conduct problems among youth high on these traits.

The Impact of Prenatal Maternal Risk, Fearless Temperament and Early Parenting on Adolescent Callous-Unemotional Traits: A 14-Year Longitudinal Investigation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Barker, Edward D.; Oliver, Bonamy R.; Viding, Essi; Salekin, Randall T.; Maughan, Barbara

2011-01-01

Objective: Proposals have been submitted to the DSM-V for the addition of a callous-unemotional (CU) specifier for conduct problem (CP) youth (CP/CU). While the addition of such a diagnostic category may aid in the identification of homogeneous CP subtypes, evidence on risks for the development of CP/CU remains limited. The present study sought to…

Increasing Relationship Between Negative Emotionality and Conduct Problems During Childhood: A Cross-Sectional Behavioral Genetic Analysis.

PubMed

Hur, Yoon-Mi; Hwang, Sunyung; Chung, Un-Sun

2015-12-01

Age difference in the etiology of the relationship between childhood negative emotionality (NE) and conduct problems (CP) has not been previously investigated. Mothers of 662 pairs of twins completed questions on the emotionality (NE) scale of the EAS temperament survey and the CP scale of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaires (SDQ) via a telephone interview. Twin data were analyzed separately in younger (ages 3 to 7 years; mostly pre-schoolers) and older children (ages 8 to 13 years; mostly elementary school children). The phenotypic correlation between NE and CP increased from 0.33 among younger twins to 0.43 among older twins. Bivariate model-fitting analysis was performed to determine age difference in the etiology of the relationship between NE and CP. Among younger twins, the correlation between NE and CP was entirely explained by additive genetic factors common to NE and CP. Among older children, however, a small but significant amount of unique environmental correlation emerged to account for about 47% of the phenotypic correlation between NE and CP. The remaining 53% of the phenotypic correlation was due to shared additive genetic factors. We speculate that environmental factors associated with school adjustment may exert influences on the relationship between NE and CP among elementary school children.

Effects of Callous-Unemotional Traits on the Association Between Parenting and Child Conduct Problems.

PubMed

Crum, Kathleen I; Waschbusch, Daniel A; Bagner, Daniel M; Coxe, Stefany

2015-12-01

The current study investigated whether and how callous-unemotional traits (CU) moderated the association between specific parenting practices and child conduct problems (CP) with a special consideration of informant patterns. Associations between CU, ODD and CD symptom severity, and the parenting practices of deficient monitoring, positive involvement, and negative/ineffective discipline were examined across parent and teacher reports on 851 elementary-school students. Relative to children with low CU, in children with high CU: (1) positive parenting was associated with lower CD, but increased ODD; (2) negative/ineffective discipline was associated with increased ODD; (3) deficient monitoring was associated with increased CD. Results were not robust across informants. These findings suggest that in the context of CU, the associations between parenting and CP differ based on parenting characteristics, CP dimensions, and informant, and that families may benefit from treatment targeting specific parenting practices based on CP symptom profiles.

Factors differentiating callous-unemotional children with and without conduct problems.

PubMed

Wall, Tina D; Frick, Paul J; Fanti, Kostas A; Kimonis, Eva R; Lordos, Alexandros

2016-08-01

Callous-unemotional (CU) traits are a risk factor for a severe, aggressive, and persistent pattern of conduct problems (CP). This study investigated characteristics that might differentiate children with elevated CU traits with and without CP in an effort to identify factors that may reduce the risk for CP in children with limited prosocial emotions. Utilizing a sample of 1,366 children from Cyprus, five groups were identified for further study based on latent profile analysis: low-risk (67.2%), high-CP/low-CU (7.9%), high-CU (9.4%), moderate-CP/CU (8.4%), and high-CP/CU (7.2%). The identified groups were compared on behavioral and social measures. There were significant main effects of group for: impulsivity and executive functioning; parenting; and connectedness to school. The high-CU group had significantly lower hyperactivity-impulsivity and executive functioning deficits, significantly higher self-regulation, and their mothers reported more maternal involvement and positive parenting than those in the high-CP/CU group. Also, the high-CU group showed more school connectedness than those in the high-CP/CU group. These findings highlight several factors in the child and in his or her social environment that are associated with CU traits in the absence of serious CP and that may suggest targets for intervention for youth who may lack prosocial emotions. © 2016 Association for Child and Adolescent Mental Health.

Callous-Unemotional Traits, Behavior Disorders, and the Student-Teacher Relationship in Elementary School Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Crum, Kathleen I.; Waschbusch, Daniel A.; Willoughby, Michael T.

2016-01-01

Mental health research demonstrates that children with conduct problems (CP) and callous-unemotional (CU) traits differ in important ways from children with CP alone, including differences in primary caregiver attachment quality. This research suggests CU may also influence the quality of attachment between children with CP and their teachers.…

Treatment Response in CP/ADHD Children with Callous/Unemotional Traits

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Haas, Sarah M.; Waschbusch, Daniel A.; Pelham, William E.; King, Sara; Andrade, Brendan F.; Carrey, Normand J.

2011-01-01

The current study examines the role of callous/unemotional (CU) traits in response to treatment among children with conduct problems (CP) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Fifty-four children with CP/ADHD and 16 controls (age = 9.48, SD = 1.58) took part in a summer treatment and research program. Simple correlations showed that…

Dopamine and serotonin transporter genotypes moderate sensitivity to maternal expressed emotion: the case of conduct and emotional problems in attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

PubMed

Sonuga-Barke, Edmund J S; Oades, Robert D; Psychogiou, Lamprini; Chen, Wai; Franke, Barbara; Buitelaar, Jan; Banaschewski, Tobias; Ebstein, Richard P; Gil, Michael; Anney, Richard; Miranda, Ana; Roeyers, Herbert; Rothenberger, Aribert; Sergeant, Joseph; Steinhausen, Hans Christoph; Thompson, Margaret; Asherson, Philip; Faraone, Stephen V

2009-09-01

Mothers' positive emotions expressed about their children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are associated with a reduced likelihood of comorbid conduct problems (CP). We examined whether this association with CP, and one with emotional problems (EMO), is moderated by variants within three genes, previously reported to be associated with ADHD and to moderate the impact of environmental risks on conduct and/or emotional problems; the dopamine transporter gene (SLC6A3/DAT1), the dopamine D4 receptor gene (DRD4) and the serotonin transporter gene (SLC6A4/5HTT). Seven hundred and twenty-eight males between the ages of 5 and 17 with a DSM-IV research diagnosis of combined type ADHD were included in these analyses. Parents and teachers rated children's conduct and emotional problems. Positive maternal expressed emotion (PMEE) was coded by independent observers on comments made during a clinical assessment with the mother based on current or recent medication-free periods. Sensitivity to the effects of PMEE on CP was moderated by variants of the DAT1 and 5HTT genes. Only children who did not carry the DAT1 10R/10R or the 5HTT l/l genotypes showed altered levels of CP when exposed to PMEE. The effect was most marked where the child with ADHD had both these genotypes. For EMO, sensitivity to PMEE was found only with those who carried the DAT1 9R/9R. There was no effect of DRD4 on CP or EMO. The gene-environment interactions observed suggested that genetic make-up can alter the degree of sensitivity an ADHD patients has to their family environment. Further research should focus on distinguishing general sensitivity genotypes from those conferring risk or protective qualities.

The interplay among socioeconomic status, household chaos, and parenting in the prediction of child conduct problems and callous-unemotional behaviors.

PubMed

Mills-Koonce, W Roger; Willoughby, Michael T; Garrett-Peters, Patricia; Wagner, Nicholas; Vernon-Feagans, Lynne

2016-08-01

Child conduct problems (CP) reflect a heterogeneous collection of oppositional, aggressive, norm-violating, and sometimes violent behaviors, whereas child callous-unemotional (CU) behaviors reflect interpersonal styles of interactions reflecting a lack of guilt and empathy as well as uncaring and shallow emotional responses to others. Taken together, high levels of child CP and CU behaviors are thought to identify a relatively homogenous group of children at elevated risk for persistent and more severe problem behaviors across childhood and into adulthood. Although a large body of research has examined the developmental etiology of CP behaviors, only recently has a developmental psychopathology approach been applied to early CU behaviors. The current study examines multiple levels of contextual influences during the first years of life, including family socioeconomic status, household chaos, and parenting behaviors, on CP and CU behaviors assessed during the first-grade year. Whereas previous studies found associations between parenting behaviors and child problem behaviors moderated by household chaos, the current study found no evidence of moderation. However, path analyses suggest that the associations between child CP and CU behaviors and the contextual variables of socioeconomic status (family income and parental education) and household chaos (disorganization and instability) were mediated by maternal sensitive and harsh-intrusive parenting behavior. Analyses are presented, interpreted, and discussed with respect to both bioecological and family stress models of development.

Developmental Trajectories of Conduct Problems and Hyperactivity from Ages 2 to 10

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shaw, Daniel S.; Lacourse, Eric; Nagin, Daniel S.

2005-01-01

Background: Conduct problems (CP) and hyperactivity/attention problems (HAP) are thought to covary with regularity, yet few studies have examined their co-occurrence or risk factors that discriminate their trajectories beginning in early childhood. Method: The present study sought to advance our understanding of this issue by examining separate…

A Qualitative Study of Psychosocial Problems among Parents of Children with Cerebral Palsy Attending Two Tertiary Care Hospitals in Western India

PubMed Central

Panchal, Dhara Antani

2014-01-01

Objective. To explore the psychosocial problems faced by the parents of children with cerebral palsy (CP) in rural and urban settings. Design. Qualitative research design using focus group discussions (FGDs) was used for the study. Setting. Two FGDs comprising one at a rural tertiary level care hospital and the other at an urban tertiary level care hospital were conducted. Participants. A total of thirteen parents participated in the two FGDs. Main Outcome Measured. Psychosocial problems experienced by the parents of children suffering from CP were measured. Results. The problems experienced by the mothers were associated with common themes such as disturbed social relationships, health problems, financial problems, moments of happiness, worries about future of the child, need for more support services, and lack of adequate number of trained physiotherapists. All the parents had children with problems since birth and most had approached various health care providers for a cure for their child. Conclusions. A wide range of psychosocial problems are experienced by the parents of children with CP. Studies like this can provide valuable information for designing a family centered care programme for children with CP. PMID:24967331

Latent Class Analysis of Conduct Problems of Elementary Students Receiving Special Education Services

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Toupin, Jean; Déry, Michèle; Verlaan, Pierrette; Lemelin, Jean-Pascal; Lecocq, Aurélie; Jagiellowicz, Jadwiga

2016-01-01

Students with conduct problems (CPs) may present heterogeneity in terms of behavioral manifestations and service needs. Previous studies using Latent Class Analysis (LCA) to capture this heterogeneity have been conducted mostly with community samples and have often applied a narrow definition of CP. Considering this context, this study…

Aggression in Children with Conduct Problems and Callous-Unemotional Traits: Social Information Processing and Response to Peer Provocation.

PubMed

Helseth, Sarah A; Waschbusch, Daniel A; King, Sara; Willoughby, Michael T

2015-11-01

Callous/unemotional traits (CU) moderate children's conduct problems (CP) in numerous domains, including social functioning. The present study examined whether CU traits also moderate the aggressiveness of children's social information processing (SIP) and responses to varying intensities of peer provocation. Sixty elementary school-age children (46 males) were grouped into those without CP or CU (controls, n = 32), those with CP but not CU (CP-only; n = 14), and those with both CP and CU (CPCU, n = 14). Participants completed a task that measured two aspects of SIP (response generation and hostile attribution bias) and a computerized reaction time task (CRTT) that measured behavior, affect, and communication before and after provocation under instrumental and hostile aggressive conditions. Children with CPCU generated more aggressive responses than controls on measures of SIP. On the CRTT, all children exhibited reactive aggression following high provocation, but only children with CPCU exhibited proactive aggression, and reactive aggression following low provocation; no differences in affect were found. In a series of exploratory analyses, CPCU children communicated antisocially, while CP-only communicated prosocially. Finally, children with CPCU did not seem to hold a grudge following the final instance of provocation, instead gradually returning to baseline like their non-CU peers. These distinct social cognitive and behavioral profiles hint at different etiologies of CP and CPCU, underscoring the variability of aggression in these populations.

Dysfunctional representation of expected value is associated with reinforcement-based decision-making deficits in adolescents with conduct problems.

PubMed

White, Stuart F; Tyler, Patrick M; Erway, Anna K; Botkin, Mary L; Kolli, Venkata; Meffert, Harma; Pope, Kayla; Blair, James R

2016-08-01

Previous work has shown that patients with conduct problems (CP) show impairments in reinforcement-based decision-making. However, studies with patients have not previously demonstrated any relationships between impairment in any of the neurocomputations underpinning reinforcement-based decision-making and specific symptom sets [e.g. level of CP and/or callous-unemotional (CU) traits]. Seventy-two youths [20 female, mean age = 13.81 (SD = 2.14), mean IQ = 102.34 (SD = 10.99)] from a residential treatment program and the community completed a passive avoidance task while undergoing functional MRI. Greater levels of CP were associated with poorer task performance. Reduced representation of expected values (EV) when making avoidance responses within bilateral anterior insula cortex/inferior frontal gyrus (AIC/iFG) and striatum was associated with greater levels of CP but not CU traits. The current data indicate that difficulties in the use of value information to motivate decisions to avoid suboptimal choices are associated with increased levels of CP (though not severity of CU traits). Moreover, they account for the behavioral deficits observed during reinforcement-based decision-making in youth with CP. In short, an individual's relative failure to utilize value information within AIC/iFG to avoid bad choices is associated with elevated levels of CP. © 2016 Association for Child and Adolescent Mental Health.

Predicting Depression and Anxiety from Oppositional Defiant Disorder Symptoms in Elementary School-Age Girls and Boys with Conduct Problems.

PubMed

Déry, Michèle; Lapalme, Mélanie; Jagiellowicz, Jadzia; Poirier, Martine; Temcheff, Caroline; Toupin, Jean

2017-02-01

This study investigated the relationship between the three DSM-5 categories of oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) symptoms (irritable mood, defiant behavior, vindictive behavior) and anxiety/depression in girls and boys with conduct problems (CP) while controlling for comorbid child psychopathology at baseline. Data were drawn from an ongoing longitudinal study of 6- to 9-year-old French-Canadian children (N = 276; 40.8 % girls) receiving special educational services for CP at school and followed for 2 years. Using linear regression analysis, the results showed that irritable mood symptoms predicted a higher level of depression and anxiety in girls and boys 2 years later, whereas the behavioral symptoms of ODD (e.g., defiant, vindictive symptoms) were linked to lower depression scores. The contribution of ODD symptoms to these predictions, while statistically significant, remained modest. The usefulness of ODD irritable symptoms as a marker for identifying girls and boys with CP who are more vulnerable to developing internalizing problems is discussed.

Callous-Unemotional Traits Among Adolescents with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Associations with Parenting

PubMed Central

Fabiano, Gregory; Willoughby, Michael T.; Waschbusch, Daniel; Morris, Karen; Schatz, Nicole; Vujnovic, Rebecca

2016-01-01

This study examined the extent to which positive and negative parenting relates to conduct problems (CP) and callous-unemotional (CU) traits among 172 adolescents (72 % males; Mage = 16.91 years, SD = .67) with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and whether CU traits moderate the link between parenting and CP. Mothers reported on their adolescents’ CP, CU traits, and their own parenting practices. Maternal behaviors were observed during a problem-solving communication task. Parents who engaged in more positive parenting (self-reported and observed) reported their adolescents as having lower levels of CU traits. No effect was found for negative parenting. Moderation analyses indicated that lower levels of positive maternal behavior was only associated with higher CP in the presence of higher levels of CU traits. Negative parenting was positively related to CP regardless of CU traits. Positive parenting, irrespective of measurement approach, uniquely relates to adolescents’ CU traits while both positive and negative parenting relate to CP. PMID:27165312

Narcissism and Callous-Unemotional Traits Prospectively Predict Child Conduct Problems.

PubMed

Jezior, Kristen L; McKenzie, Meghan E; Lee, Steve S

2016-01-01

Although narcissism and callous-unemotional (CU) traits are separable facets of psychopathy, their independent prediction of conduct problems (CP) among young children is not well known. In addition, above-average IQ was central to the original conceptualization of psychopathy, yet IQ is typically inversely associated with youth CP. We examined narcissism and CU traits as independent and prospective predictors of oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), conduct disorder (CD), and youth self-reported antisocial behavior, as well as their moderation by IQ. At baseline, parents and teachers separately rated narcissism and CU traits in 188 6-to-10-year-old children (47.9% non-White; 69.1% male; M = 7.34 years, SD = 1.09) with (n = 99) and without (n = 89) attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Approximately 2 years later, parents and teachers separately rated youth ODD and CD symptoms, and youth self-reported antisocial behavior. With control of baseline ADHD and ODD/CD symptoms, narcissism and CU traits independently and positively predicted ODD and CD symptoms at follow-up. IQ did not moderate any CP predictions from baseline narcissism or CU traits. These preliminary findings suggest that individual differences in narcissism and CU traits, even relatively early in development, are uniquely associated with emergent CP. Findings are considered within a developmental framework and the multiple pathways underlying the heterogeneity of CP are discussed.

Associations between Prenatal and Early Childhood Fish and Processed Food Intake, Conduct Problems, and Co-Occurring Difficulties.

PubMed

Mesirow, Maurissa Sc; Cecil, Charlotte; Maughan, Barbara; Barker, Edward D

2017-07-01

Little is known about early life diet as a risk factor for early-onset persistent conduct problems (EOP CP). To investigate this, we used data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children, a UK-based prospective epidemiological birth cohort. 5727 mother-child pairs (49.9 % boys) monitored since pregnancy (delivery date between 1 April, 1991 and 31 December, 1992) reported intake of fish and processed foods at 32 weeks gestation and, for the child, at 3 years; EOP (n = 666) and Low conduct problem (Low CP, n = 5061) trajectories were measured from 4 to 13 years; hyperactivity and emotional difficulties were assessed in childhood (4-10 years) and early adolescence (12-13 years), in addition to potential confounding factors (family adversity, birth complications, income). Compared to Low CP, mothers of EOP children consumed less fish (p < 0.01) and more processed food (p < 0.05) prenatally, while EOP children consumed more processed food at 3 years (p < 0.05). For EOP, but not Low CP children, consuming less than two servings/week of fish (vs. two or more servings/week, p < 0.05), and one or more servings/day of processed food (vs. less than one serving/day, p < 0.01), was associated with higher emotional difficulties in early adolescence. Findings suggest that prenatal and postnatal diets high in processed food, and low in fish, associate with an EOP CP trajectory and co-occurring difficulties in early adolescence. As small effect size differences were found, further studies are needed to investigate the long-term impact of early unhealthy diet.

Bullying and Victimization: The Role of Conduct Problems and Psychopathic Traits

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fanti, Kostas A.; Kimonis, Eva R.

2012-01-01

Bullying and victimization occurring in adolescence can have a long-lasting negative impact into adulthood. This study investigates whether conduct problems (CP) and dimensions of psychopathy predict the developmental course of bullying and victimization from ages 12 to 14 among 1,416 Greek-Cypriot adolescents. Results indicate that initial levels…

Neural bases of Theory of Mind in children with autism spectrum disorders and children with conduct problems and callous-unemotional traits.

PubMed

O'Nions, Elizabeth; Sebastian, Catherine L; McCrory, Eamon; Chantiluke, Kaylita; Happé, Francesca; Viding, Essi

2014-09-01

Individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) have difficulty understanding other minds (Theory of Mind; ToM), with atypical processing evident at both behavioural and neural levels. Individuals with conduct problems and high levels of callous-unemotional (CU) traits (CP/HCU) exhibit reduced responsiveness to others' emotions and difficulties interacting with others, but nonetheless perform normally in experimental tests of ToM. The present study aimed to examine the neural underpinnings of ToM in children (aged 10-16) with ASD (N = 16), CP/HCU (N = 16) and typically developing (TD) controls (N = 16) using a non-verbal cartoon vignette task. Whilst individuals with ASD were predicted to show reduced fMRI responses across regions involved in ToM processing, CP/HCU individuals were predicted to show no differences compared with TD controls. The analyses indicated that neural responses did not differ between TD and CP/HCU groups during ToM. TD and CP/HCU children exhibited significantly greater medial prefrontal cortex responses during ToM than did the ASD group. Within the ASD group, responses in medial prefrontal cortex and right temporoparietal junction (TPJ) correlated with symptom severity as measured by the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS). Findings suggest that although both ASD and CP/HCU are characterized by social difficulties, only children with ASD display atypical neural processing associated with ToM. © 2014 The Authors. Developmental Science Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Variation in Latent Classes of Adult Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder by Sex and Environmental Adversity.

PubMed

Ebejer, Jane L; Medland, Sarah E; van der Werf, Julius; Lynskey, Michael; Martin, Nicholas G; Duffy, David L

2016-11-01

The findings of genetic, imaging and neuropsychological studies of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are mixed. To understand why this might be the case we use both dimensional and categorical symptom measurement to provide alternate and detailed perspectives of symptom expression. Interviewers collected ADHD, conduct problems (CP) and sociodemographic data from 3793 twins and their siblings aged 22 to 49 (M = 32.6). We estimate linear weighting of symptoms across ADHD and CP items. Latent class analyses and regression describe associations between measured variables, environmental risk factors and subsequent disadvantage. Additionally, the clinical relevance of each class was estimated. Five classes were found for women and men; few symptoms, hyperactive-impulsive, CP, inattentive, combined symptoms with CP. Women within the inattentive class reported more symptoms and reduced emotional health when compared to men and to women within other latent classes. Women and men with combined ADHD symptoms reported comorbid conduct problems but those with either inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity only did not. The dual perspective of dimensional and categorical measurement of ADHD provides important detail about symptom variation across sex and with environmental covariates. © The Author(s) 2013.

Parenting and children's representations of family predict disruptive and callous-unemotional behaviors

PubMed Central

Wagner, Nicholas J.; Mills-Koonce, W. Roger; Willoughby, Michael T.; Zvara, Bharathi; Cox, Martha J.

2015-01-01

Data from a large prospective longitudinal study (n = 1,239) was used to investigate the association between observed sensitive parenting in early childhood and children's representations of family relationships as measured by the Family Drawing Paradigm (FDP) in first grade as well as the extent to which these representations partially mediate the influences of early caregiving experiences on later conduct problems and callous-unemotional behaviors. A structural equation modeling approach revealed that less sensitive parenting at 24, 36, and 58 months predicts higher levels of conduct problems (CP) and callous-unemotional (CU) behaviors in first grade controlling for earlier measures of CP and CU behaviors. Results also indicated that greater dysfunctional family representations, as assessed with the FDP, are significantly associated with higher CU behaviors in the first grade, but not CP. Finally, a test of the indirect pathway suggests that children's dysfunctional family representations may, in part, account for the association between sensitive parenting and CU behaviors. PMID:26010385

An fMRI investigation of empathic processing in boys with conduct problems and varying levels of callous-unemotional traits.

PubMed

Sethi, Arjun; O'Nions, Elizabeth; McCrory, Eamon; Bird, Geoffrey; Viding, Essi

2018-01-01

The ability to empathise relies in part on using one's own affective experience to simulate the affective experience of others. This process is supported by a number of brain areas including the anterior insula (AI), anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), and the amygdala. Children with conduct problems (CP), and in particular those with high levels of callous-unemotional traits (CP/HCU) present with less empathy than their peers. They also show reduced neural response in areas supporting empathic processing when viewing other people in distress. The current study focused on identifying brain areas co-activated during affective introspection of: i) One's own emotions ('Own emotion'); ii) Others' emotions ('Other emotion'); and iii) One's feelings about others' emotions ('Feel for other') during fearful vs neutral scenarios in typically developing boys (TD; n  = 31), boys with CP/HCU ( n  = 31), and boys with CP and low levels of CU (CP/LCU; n  = 33). The conjunction analysis across conditions within the TD group revealed significant clusters of activation in the AI, ACC/mPFC, and occipital cortex. Conjunction analyses across conditions in the CP/HCU and CP/LCU groups did not identify these areas as significantly activated. However, follow-up analyses were not able to confirm statistically significant differences between groups across the whole network, and Bayes-factor analyses did not provide substantial support for either the null or alternate hypotheses. Post-hoc comparisons indicated that the lack of conjunction effects in the CP/HCU group may reflect reduced affective introspection in the 'Other emotion' and 'Feel for other' conditions, and by reduced affective introspection in the 'Own emotion' condition in the CP/LCU group. These findings provide limited and ultimately equivocal evidence for altered affective introspection regarding others in CP/HCU, and altered affective introspection for own emotions in CP/LCU, and highlight the need for further research to systematically investigate the precise nature of empathy deficits in children with CP.

Neural Bases of Theory of Mind in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Children with Conduct Problems and Callous-Unemotional Traits

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

O'Nions, Elizabeth; Sebastian, Catherine L.; McCrory, Eamon; Chantiluke, Kaylita; Happé, Francesca; Viding, Essi

2014-01-01

Individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) have difficulty understanding other minds (Theory of Mind; ToM), with atypical processing evident at both behavioural and neural levels. Individuals with conduct problems and high levels of callous-unemotional (CU) traits (CP/HCU) exhibit reduced responsiveness to others' emotions and difficulties…

Callous-Unemotional Traits Trajectories Interact with Earlier Conduct Problems and Executive Control to Predict Violence and Substance Use Among High Risk Male Adolescents.

PubMed

Baskin-Sommers, Arielle R; Waller, Rebecca; Fish, Ari M; Hyde, Luke W

2015-11-01

Callous-unemotional (CU) traits, conduct problems (CP), and deficits in executive control are all linked to the development of more severe antisocial behavior, including violence and substance use. Though previous research has examined the impact of these factors on antisocial outcomes, little work has examined trajectories of CU traits across adolescence and how these trajectories predict greater antisocial behavior in adulthood. Moreover, no study has assessed how severity of early CP and executive control may exacerbate these pathways and increase risk for later violence and substance use. The current study (a) identified trajectories of CU traits among a large, high-risk sample of adolescent males, (b) examined the relationship between CU traits trajectories and future violence and substance use, and (c) examined whether early CP and executive control moderated the effects of a high CU traits trajectory membership and high CP on violence and substance use. Results indicated that: (a) CU traits could be grouped into three stable trajectories across adolescence, (b) the 'high' CU traits trajectory, particularly in the presence of 'elevated' CP, was related to higher violence and substance use, over and above a variety of environmental risk factors, and (c) the effects the 'high' CU traits trajectory on both violence and substance and in the presence of 'elevated' CP was stronger among youth with high executive control. These findings highlight the utility of identifying subgroups of youth who differ on trajectories of CU traits for understanding the development and maintenance of severe antisocial behavior.

Effects of Methylphenidate and Behavior Modification on the Social and Academic Behavior of Children with Disruptive Behavior Disorders: The Moderating Role of Callous/Unemotional Traits

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Waschbusch, Daniel A.; Carrey, Normand J.; Willoughby, Michael T.; King, Sara; Andrade, Brendan F.

2007-01-01

This study examined whether response to behavior modification with and without methylphenidate differed for children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and conduct problems (CP) depending on the presence of callous/unemotional (CU) traits. Participants were 37 children ages 7 to 12, including 19 with ADHD/CP-only and 18 with…

Child sex moderates the association between negative parenting and childhood conduct problems.

PubMed

Tung, Irene; Li, James J; Lee, Steve S

2012-01-01

Although multiple dimensions of negative parenting behavior are associated with childhood conduct problems (CP), there is relatively little research on whether the association is equally robust in boys and girls. To improve the specificity of current models of negative parenting and offspring CP, we explored the potential moderating role of child sex in a sample of 179 5- to 10-year-old ethnically diverse boys and girls with and without attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) who were assessed using multiple methods (i.e., rating scales, semistructured interviews) and informants (i.e., parents, teachers). Controlling for children's age, race-ethnicity, and ADHD diagnostic status (i.e., ADHD vs. non-ADHD), inconsistent discipline was positively associated with offspring aggression and rule-breaking behavior, whereas harsh punishment was positively associated with aggression, rule-breaking behavior, and oppositional defiant disorder symptoms. Furthermore, child sex significantly moderated the association of inconsistent discipline and aggression and rule-breaking behavior, such that inconsistent discipline was positively associated with CP for boys, but not for girls. Given the centrality of negative parenting to theories of and efficacious interventions for aggression and CP, we discuss these findings within a developmental psychopathology framework and consider their implications for intervention. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Cannabis Problem Experiences Among Users of the Tobacco-Cannabis Combination Known As Blunts

PubMed Central

Fairman, Brian J.

2015-01-01

Background In most of the world, cannabis smokers mix loose tobacco inside a joint, pipe, spliff, or cone. More recently, a ‘blunt’ formulation combines these two drugs by inserting cannabis into a hollowed-out cigar. Epidemiological research linking simultaneous use of these two drugs and the development of cannabis use disorders (CUD) remains unclear. This study estimates associations linking blunt smoking with levels and subtypes of cannabis problems. Methods Cross-sectional data on 27,767 past-year cannabis users were analyzed from the US National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) conducted from 2009–2012. Ten self-reported items of DSM-IV CUD features elicited a single latent trait of cannabis problem (CP) severity, which was then regressed on past-year blunt smoking and past-month blunt frequency measures within the context of a conceptual model. Differential item functioning (DIF) analysis evaluated potential bias in CP feature response by blunt smoking history. Results Past-year blunt smoking was associated with higher CP severity compared to cannabis users who did not smoke blunts. Days of blunt smoking in the past month also predicted higher CP severity than less frequent blunt use. Those smoking blunts experienced more subjectively felt tolerance and having spent more time obtaining or using cannabis, but were less likely to experience other problems, even at the same level of CP severity. Conclusions These findings suggest smoking blunts might promote the development of problematic cannabis use. Responses to cannabis problems differed by history of blunt smoking, possibly implicating an influence of tobacco on measurement of cannabis use disorders. PMID:25746234

Cannabis problem experiences among users of the tobacco-cannabis combination known as blunts.

PubMed

Fairman, Brian J

2015-05-01

In most of the world, cannabis smokers mix loose tobacco inside a joint, pipe, spliff, or cone. More recently, a 'blunt' formulation combines these two drugs by inserting cannabis into a hollowed-out cigar. Epidemiological research linking simultaneous use of these two drugs and the development of cannabis use disorders (CUD) remains unclear. This study estimates associations linking blunt smoking with levels and subtypes of cannabis problems. Cross-sectional data on 27,767 past-year cannabis users were analyzed from the US National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) conducted from 2009 to 2012. Ten self-reported items of DSM-IV CUD features elicited a single latent trait of cannabis problem (CP) severity, which was then regressed on past-year blunt smoking and past-month blunt frequency measures within the context of a conceptual model. Differential item functioning (DIF) analysis evaluated potential bias in CP feature response by blunt smoking history. Past-year blunt smoking was associated with higher CP severity compared to cannabis users who did not smoke blunts. Days of blunt smoking in the past month also predicted higher CP severity than less frequent blunt use. Those smoking blunts experienced more subjectively felt tolerance and having spent more time obtaining or using cannabis, but were less likely to experience other problems, even at the same level of CP severity. These findings suggest smoking blunts might promote the development of problematic cannabis use. Responses to cannabis problems differed by history of blunt smoking, possibly implicating an influence of tobacco on measurement of cannabis use disorders. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Everyday psychological functioning in children with unilateral cerebral palsy: does executive functioning play a role?

PubMed

Whittingham, Koa; Bodimeade, Harriet L; Lloyd, Owen; Boyd, Roslyn N

2014-06-01

To identify whether executive functioning mediates the effect of having unilateral cerebral palsy (CP) on executive functioning in everyday life, psychological functioning, and social functioning. A cross-sectional cohort of 46 children with unilateral CP (25 males, 21 females; mean age 11y 1mo, SD 2y 5mo; 24 right-sided, 22 left-sided) and 20 children with typical development (nine males, 11 females; mean age 10y 10mo, SD 2y 4mo). Cognitive executive functioning was tested using a neuropsychological battery. Executive functioning in everyday life was measured with the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF; teacher and parent reports) and psychological and social functioning by the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Analysis included analysis of covariance and bootstrapping. Children with unilateral CP were found to have significantly decreased functioning, compared with children with typical development, on the BRIEF Behavioral Regulation Index, the BRIEF Metacognition Index, and on the SDQ emotion, conduct, hyperactivity, and peer problems subscales. Group differences were mediated by cognitive executive functioning for the BRIEF Metacognition Index (teacher and parent report), the BRIEF Behavioral Regulation Index (parent report only), the SDQ conduct subscale, and the SDQ hyperactivity subscale. This study suggests that the increased risk of children with unilateral CP experiencing executive functioning difficulties in everyday life, conduct problems, and hyperactivity can be partly explained by decreased cognitive executive functioning abilities relative to children with typical development. © 2014 Mac Keith Press.

Maternal warmth and directiveness jointly moderate the etiology of childhood conduct problems.

PubMed

Alexandra Burt, S; Klahr, Ashlea M; Neale, Michael C; Klump, Kelly L

2013-10-01

Prior studies exploring gene-environment interactions (GxE) in the development of youth conduct problems (CP) have focused almost exclusively on single-risk experiences, despite research indicating that the presence of other risk factors and or the absence of protective factors can accentuate the influence of a given risk factor on CP. The goal of the current study was to fill this gap in the literature, evaluating whether risky and protective aspects of parenting might combine to jointly moderate the etiology of CP. The sample consisted of 500 child twin pairs from the Michigan State University Twin Registry (MSUTR). Child CP was assessed using multiple informant reports. Maternal warmth and directiveness were assessed via videotaped dyadic interactions between mothers and each of their twins. Biometric GxE analyses revealed that directiveness and warmth did appear to jointly moderate the etiology of CP. In particular, shared environmental influences were accentuated by colder, less directive or 'less engaged' mothering, whereas genetic influences were strongest when the child was experiencing warmer, more directive or 'more authoritative' mothering. Such findings serve to highlight the synergistic effects of risky and protective experiences on child outcomes. They also provide additional empirical support for the bioecological form of GxE, which postulates that, in some cases, genetic influences may be most strongly expressed in the presence of low-risk environments. © 2013 The Authors. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry © 2013 Association for Child and Adolescent Mental Health.

Detection of core-periphery structure in networks based on 3-tuple motifs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Chuang; Xiang, Bing-Bing; Chen, Han-Shuang; Small, Michael; Zhang, Hai-Feng

2018-05-01

Detecting mesoscale structure, such as community structure, is of vital importance for analyzing complex networks. Recently, a new mesoscale structure, core-periphery (CP) structure, has been identified in many real-world systems. In this paper, we propose an effective algorithm for detecting CP structure based on a 3-tuple motif. In this algorithm, we first define a 3-tuple motif in terms of the patterns of edges as well as the property of nodes, and then a motif adjacency matrix is constructed based on the 3-tuple motif. Finally, the problem is converted to find a cluster that minimizes the smallest motif conductance. Our algorithm works well in different CP structures: including single or multiple CP structure, and local or global CP structures. Results on the synthetic and the empirical networks validate the high performance of our method.

Effects of Parent Training on Callous-Unemotional Traits, Effortful Control, and Conduct Problems: Mediation by Parenting.

PubMed

Elizur, Yoel; Somech, Lior Y; Vinokur, Amiram D

2017-01-01

Callous-unemotional (CU) traits and effortful control (EC) are personality and temperament traits implicated in early-onset antisocial trajectories. This secondary analysis of Hitkashrut's randomized controlled trial first tested parent training's effects on EC and CU traits while controlling for more general treatment effects on conduct problems (CP), and subsequently tested mediation by parenting. Prekindergarten teachers in three Israeli cities identified 209 3-5 year-old (163 boys; 46 girls) preschoolers with subclinical-clinical range conduct problems. All participants were Jewish ranging from ultra-orthodox to secular. They were assigned to 14-session co-parent training groups (n = 140 couples), or to minimal intervention control groups with referral to local services as necessary (n = 69 couples). We employed averaged indices of pre- and post-intervention questionnaires completed by both parents. The testing of all hypothesized models controlled for treatment effects on CP in order to strengthen the robustness of the analyses. We found significant concurrent treatment effects on CP and on either CU traits or EC. All effects were mediated by ineffective parenting (IP): a latent variable that was indicated by negative/inconsistent practices and perceived parenting inefficacy. This is the first demonstration of parenting mediated treatment effects on both EC and CU traits in a randomized controlled study conducted in everyday practice contexts. This finding supports a disruption model of change: the reduction of IP facilitates a caregiving environment that affects children's behavior and developing personality. The changing of personality and temperament characteristics implicated in early-onset pathways suggests an innovative prevention strategy for disruptive behavior disorders.

Demographic and service-use profiles of individuals using the CarePayment program for hospital-related medical debt: results from a nationwide survey of guarantors.

PubMed

Lessard, Laura; Solomon, Julie

2016-07-15

Many Americans find themselves with problems paying medical bills, and medical debt can lead to numerous negative financial, social and access to healthcare outcomes. One potential market-based solution to these challenges is to provide financing options that have patient-friendly terms while complying with increasingly complex federal lending regulations. CarePayment (CP) is one entity that provides zero interest financing to individuals from participating medical facilities. An independent, initial outcome study was undertaken to understand the demographic and medical debt-related outcomes of CP users. This information is integral to understanding whether and how this program can ameliorate the negative consequences of medical debt. A nationwide telephone survey was conducted with a random sample of 8122 guarantors who were paying off CarePayment debt as of January 1, 2015. Respondents were asked about their demographic characteristics as well as self-report of negative outcomes typically associated with medical debt. Analyses included descriptive statistics along with logistic regression models comparing first-time CP users and those with higher amounts of CP debt to others. The most commonly reported financial challenge related to medical bills was problems paying or being unable to pay medical bills (59.5 %). The most commonly reported access-to-care challenges were skipping a medical test or treatment recommended by a doctor (32.9 %) and having a medical problem but not going to the doctor/clinic (30.3 %). Comparisons between first-time and repeat CP users suggest that first-time users were significantly more likely to report several negative outcomes and those with both CP and non-CP debt were significantly more likely to report nearly all of the undesirable financial and access outcomes that were assessed compared to those with only CP debt. The results suggest that CP use, especially repeat CP use, may be associated with a reduction in many negative outcomes of medical debt. In addition, while we found that individuals with only CP debt fared better than those with both CP debt and other medical debt, 60 % of our sample had more than one source of medical debt. This suggests that the beneficial impact of CP could be increased by expanding access to the program.

Neural correlates of affective empathy and reinforcement learning in boys with conduct problems: fMRI evidence from a gambling task.

PubMed

Schwenck, Christina; Ciaramidaro, Angela; Selivanova, Marina; Tournay, Jennifer; Freitag, Christine M; Siniatchkin, Michael

2017-03-01

Conduct problems (CP) comprise abnormal behaviors associated with aberrant aspects of affective empathy as well as learning. However, behavioral measures for affective empathy are challenging, and previous results concerning learning in patients with CP are inconsistent. Nineteen boys with CP and 24 typically developing (TD) boys aged 11-17 years (M=14.34, SD=1.93) participated in the study. An ultimatum-game was applied in order to elicit the feeling of like or dislike towards the opponent for a subsequent gambling task, which was played by the opponents (OTHER-condition) and by the participants themselves (SELF-condition). Functional MRI data were recorded throughout the experiment. In accordance with the model of insensitivity to punishment, hypo-activation of the left amygdala, left anterior insula, ventral medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC), and bilateral temporo-parietal junction (TPJ) was observed as a response to losing in participants with CP during the SELF-condition. Callous-unemotional (CU)-traits correlated negatively with activation of amygdala and right TPJ. During the OTHER-condition, TD participants showed activation in brain areas associated with theory of mind (right TPJ, left IFG), and affect regulation (right DLPFC) rather than areas associated with affective empathy. This pattern was not found in adolescents with CP. Moreover, and independently of individual characteristics of their opponents, adolescents with CP demonstrated reward-associated activation (ventral striatum) observing others win, which was positively correlated with CU-traits. This may be interpreted in line with the theory of reward dominance. The current study provides support for the theory of abnormal learning processing in adolescents with CP which yields implications for further research as well as clinical practice. The gambling task did not activate affective empathy networks, but was specific for cognitive empathy, inhibition, and affect regulation. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Differential associations of early callous-unemotional, oppositional, and ADHD behaviors: multiple domains within early-starting conduct problems?

PubMed

Waller, Rebecca; Hyde, Luke W; Grabell, Adam S; Alves, Martha L; Olson, Sheryl L

2015-06-01

Early-starting child conduct problems (CP) are linked to the development of persistent antisocial behavior. Researchers have theorized multiple pathways to CP and that CP comprise separable domains, marked by callous-unemotional (CU) behavior, oppositional behavior, or ADHD symptoms. However, a lack of empirical evidence exists from studies that have examined whether there are unique correlates of these domains. We examined differential correlates of CU, oppositional, and ADHD behaviors during the preschool years to test their potentially distinct nomological networks. Multimethod data, including parent and teacher reports and observations of child behavior, were drawn from a prospective, longitudinal study of children assessed at age 3 and age 6 (N = 240; 48% female). Dimensions of CU, oppositional, and ADHD behaviors were separable within Confirmatory Factor Analyses across mother and father reports. There were differential associations between CU, oppositional, and ADHD behaviors and socioemotional, cognitive, and behavioral outcomes: CU behavior was uniquely related to lower moral regulation, guilt, and empathy. ADHD was uniquely related to lower attentional focusing and observed effortful control. Finally, CU behavior uniquely predicted increases in teacher-reported externalizing from ages 3-6 over and above covariates, and ADHD and oppositional behavior. Consistent with theory, dimensions of CU, ADHD, and oppositional behavior demonstrated separable nomological networks representing separable facets within early-starting CP. © 2014 Association for Child and Adolescent Mental Health.

The better of two evils? Evidence that children exhibiting continuous conduct problems high or low on callous-unemotional traits score on opposite directions on physiological and behavioral measures of fear.

PubMed

Fanti, Kostas A; Panayiotou, Georgia; Lazarou, Chrysostomos; Michael, Raphaelia; Georgiou, Giorgos

2016-02-01

The present study examines whether heterogeneous groups of children identified based on their longitudinal scores on conduct problems (CP) and callous-unemotional (CU) traits differ on physiological and behavioral measures of fear. Specifically, it aims to test the hypothesis that children with high/stable CP differentiated on CU traits score on opposite directions on a fear-fearless continuum. Seventy-three participants (M age = 11.21; 45.2% female) were selected from a sample of 1,200 children. Children and their parents completed a battery of questionnaires assessing fearfulness, sensitivity to punishment, and behavioral inhibition. Children also participated in an experiment assessing their startle reactivity to fearful mental imagery, a well-established index of defensive motivation. The pattern of results verifies the hypothesis that fearlessness, assessed with physiological and behavioral measures, is a core characteristic of children high on both CP and CU traits (i.e., receiving the DSM-5 specifier of limited prosocial emotions). To the contrary, children with high/stable CP and low CU traits demonstrated high responsiveness to fear, high behavioral inhibition, and high sensitivity to punishment. The study is in accord with the principle of equifinality, in that different developmental mechanisms (i.e., extremes of high and low fear) may have the same behavioral outcome manifested as phenotypic antisocial behavior.

A bottom-up approach to the strong CP problem

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Diaz-Cruz, J. L.; Hollik, W. G.; Saldana-Salazar, U. J.

2018-05-01

The strong CP problem is one of many puzzles in the theoretical description of elementary particle physics that still lacks an explanation. While top-down solutions to that problem usually comprise new symmetries or fields or both, we want to present a rather bottom-up perspective. The main problem seems to be how to achieve small CP violation in the strong interactions despite the large CP violation in weak interactions. In this paper, we show that with minimal assumptions on the structure of mass (Yukawa) matrices, they do not contribute to the strong CP problem and thus we can provide a pathway to a solution of the strong CP problem within the structures of the Standard Model and no extension at the electroweak scale is needed. However, to address the flavor puzzle, models based on minimal SU(3) flavor groups leading to the proposed flavor matrices are favored. Though we refrain from an explicit UV completion of the Standard Model, we provide a simple requirement for such models not to show a strong CP problem by construction.

Comparative analysis of immune effects in mice model: Clonorchis sinensis cysteine protease generated from recombinant Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis spores.

PubMed

Wu, Zhanshuai; Tang, Zeli; Shang, Mei; Zhao, Lu; Zhou, Lina; Kong, Xiangzhan; Lin, Zhipeng; Sun, Hengchang; Chen, Tingjin; Xu, Jin; Li, Xuerong; Huang, Yan; Yu, Xinbing

2017-07-01

Clonorchiasis remains a nonnegligible public health problem in endemic areas. Cysteine protease of Clonorchis sinensis (CsCP) plays indispensable roles in the parasitic physiology and pathology, and has been exploited as a promising drug and vaccine candidate. In recent years, development of spore-based vaccines against multiple pathogens has attracted many investigators' interest. In previous studies, the recombinant Escherichia coli (BL21) and Bacillus subtilis spores expressing CsCP have been successfully constructed, respectively. In this study, the immune effects of CsCP protein purified from recombinant BL21 (rCsCP) and B. subtilis spores presenting CsCP (B.s-CsCP) in Balb/c mice model were conducted with comparative analysis. Levels of specific IgG, IgG1 and IgG2a were significantly increased in sera from both rCsCP and B.s-CsCP intraperitoneally immunized mice. Additionally, recombinant spores expressing abundant fusion CsCP (0.03125 pg/spore) could strongly enhance the immunogenicity of CsCP with significantly higher levels of IgG and isotypes. Compared with rCsCP alone, intraperitoneal administration of mice with spores expressing CsCP achieved a better effect of fighting against C. sinensis infection by slowing down the process of fibrosis. Our results demonstrated that a combination of Th1/Th2 immune responses could be elicited by rCsCP, while spores displaying CsCP prominently induced Th1-biased specific immune responses, and the complex cytokine network maybe mediates protective immune responses against C. sinensis. This work further confirmed that the usage of B. subtilis spores displaying CsCP is an effective way to against C. sinensis.

Response of chickpea genotypes to Agrobacterium-mediated delivery of Chickpea chlorotic dwarf virus (CpCDV) genome and identification of resistance source.

PubMed

Kanakala, S; Verma, H N; Vijay, P; Saxena, D R; Malathi, V G

2013-11-01

Chickpea stunt disease caused by Chickpea chlorotic dwarf virus (CpCDV) (genus Mastrevirus, family Geminiviridae) is the most important biotic stress affecting chickpea crops worldwide. A survey conducted on the incidence of stunt disease clearly revealed high incidence of the disease with severe symptom expression in both indigenous and imported genotypes. To manage the disease in a sustainable way, resistant genotypes need to be bred by adopting objective and precise assessment of the disease response of chickpea genotypes. At present, evaluation of CpCDV resistance is conducted on the basis of natural infection in the field, which is bound to be erroneous due to vagaries in vector population. To circumvent the above problems, we devised an agroinoculation technique that involves the delivery of viral genomic DNA through Agrobacterium tumefaciens. An objective scoring system assigning quantitative value to different symptoms has been evolved to assess the response of chickpea genotypes to CpCDV inoculation. Using the inoculation and scoring techniques, we screened 70 genotypes, which helped in differentiating field resistance that is more due to resistance to vector feeding than resistance to the virus.

Social support and adaptation outcomes in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy.

PubMed

Carona, Carlos; Moreira, Helena; Silva, Neuza; Crespo, Carla; Canavarro, Maria Cristina

2014-01-01

This study had two main objectives: first, to describe the social support and psychological maladjustment of children and adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP); and second, to test a mediation model where psychological maladjustment was hypothesized to mediate the link between social support and health-related quality of life (HRQL). In addition, the moderating role of gender and age was examined for this mediation model. Self- and proxy-report questionnaires on the aforementioned variables were administered to a sample of 96 children/adolescents with CP and 118 healthy controls, as well as one of their parents. Univariate and multivariate analyses of covariance were conducted to examine differences in social support and psychological maladjustment, respectively. PROCESS computational tool was used for path analysis-based mediation, moderation and moderated mediation analyses. Children/adolescents with CP reported lower levels of social support than their healthy peers, but no significant differences emerged in terms of their psychological maladjustment. For children/adolescents with CP, internalizing and externalizing problems were found to mediate the link between social support and HRQL, and these indirect effects were not conditional upon age or gender. Children and adolescents with CP are likely have more negative perceptions of social support, but not necessarily more psychological adjustment problems than their healthy, able-bodied peers. Results further suggest that interventions targeting social support perceptions may positively affect HRQL outcomes in children/adolescents with CP, through the improvement of internalizing and externalizing dimensions of their psychological adjustment. Social support perceptions are important intervention targets in psychosocial rehabilitation with children and adolescents with CP. Children and adolescents with CP do not necessarily present increased psychological maladjustment. Interventions targeting these children and adolescents' social support may promote their psychological adjustment and health-related quality of life. Developmental specificities, such as age and gender differences, should be considered when planning and implementing psychosocial interventions.

Feeding and Gastrointestinal Problems in Children with Cerebral Palsy

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Erkin, Gulten; Culha, Canan; Ozel, Sumru; Kirbiyik, Eylem Gulsen

2010-01-01

The aim of our study was to identify feeding and gastrointestinal system (GIS) problems in children with cerebral palsy (CP), and to evaluate the relationship between these problems and the severity of CP. A total of 120 children with CP were enrolled consecutively into the study (67 males, 53 females; mean age: 6.0[plus or minus]2.4 years; range:…

Feeding and gastrointestinal problems in children with cerebral palsy.

PubMed

Erkin, Gulten; Culha, Canan; Ozel, Sumru; Kirbiyik, Eylem Gulsen

2010-09-01

The aim of our study was to identify feeding and gastrointestinal system (GIS) problems in children with cerebral palsy (CP), and to evaluate the relationship between these problems and the severity of CP. A total of 120 children with CP were enrolled consecutively into the study (67 males, 53 females; mean age: 6.0±2.4 years; range: 2-12 years). The children were classified according to the Swedish classification as diplegic, hemiplegic, or quadriplegic. Severity of CP was classified based on the Gross Motor Function Classification System. The amount of time that the caregiver allocated to mealtimes, modifications of the food, as well as feeding and GIS problems was evaluated. Feeding dysfunction was classified as mild, moderate, or severe. Comparisons of GIS and feeding disorders and the severity of CP were carried out using χ test. The results indicated lack of appetite in 46 of the 120 children (38.3%), sialorrhea in 37 (30.8%), constipation in 30 (25%), difficulty in swallowing in 23 (19.2%), and feeding dysfunction in 26 (21.7%). On the basis of the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS), the incidence of GIS problems and feeding dysfunction was found to be significantly higher in the children classified in the severe group. The time taken to consume meals was significantly longer among children with feeding dysfunction. Feeding and GIS problems are frequent in children with CP, and more marked in those with severe CP. Approximately one fourth of children with CP suffer from feeding dysfunction, and more time has to be allocated to consume meals.

Pressure-induced amorphization of a dense coordination polymer and its impact on proton conductivity

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

Umeyama, Daiki; Hagi, Keisuke; Ogiwara, Naoki

2014-12-01

The proton conductivity of a dense coordination polymer (CP) was investigated under high-pressure conditions. Impedance measurements under high pressures revealed that the proton conductivity of the CP decreased more than 1000-fold at pressures of 3–7 GPa and that the activation energy for proton conduction almost doubled compared with that at ambient pressure. A synchrotron X-ray study under high pressure identified the amorphization process of the CP during compression, which rationally explains the decrease in conductivity and increase in activation energy. This phenomenon is categorized as reversible pressure-induced amorphization of a dense CP and is regarded as a demonstration of themore » coupling of the mechanical and electrical properties of a CP.« less

Testing the Feasibility of a Briefer School-based Preventive Intervention with Aggressive Children: A Hybrid Intervention with Face-to-Face and Internet Components

PubMed Central

Lochman, John E.; Boxmeyer, Caroline L.; Jones, Shannon; Qu, Lixin; Ewoldsen, David; Nelson, W. Michael

2017-01-01

This study describes the results from a feasibility study of an innovative indicated prevention intervention with hybrid face-to-face and web-based components for preadolescent youth. This intervention includes a considerably briefer set of face-to-face sessions from the evidence-based Coping Power program and a carefully integrated internet component with practice and teaching activities and cartoon videos for children and for parents. The Coping Power — Internet Enhanced (CP-IE) program introduces a set of cognitive-behavioral skills in 12 small group sessions for children delivered during the school day and 7 group sessions for parents. Eight elementary schools were randomly assigned to CP-IE or to Control, and six children at each school were identified each year based on 4th grade teacher ratings of aggressive behavior. Path analyses of teacher-rated disruptive behavior outcomes for 91 fifth grade children, across two annual cohorts, indicated Control children had significantly greater increases in conduct problem behaviors across the 5th grade year than did CP-IE children. This much briefer version of Coping Power provided beneficial preventive effects on children’s behavior in the school setting similar to the effects of the longer version of Coping Power. The website materials appeared to successfully engage children, and parents’ use of the website predicted children’s changes in conduct problems across the year. PMID:28646974

A Mixture-Model Approach to Linking ADHD to Adolescent Onset of Illicit Drug Use

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Malone, Patrick S.; Van Eck, Kathryn; Flory, Kate; Lamis, Dorian A.

2010-01-01

Prior research findings have been mixed as to whether attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is related to illicit drug use independent of conduct problems (CP). With the current study, the authors add to this literature by investigating the association between trajectories of ADHD symptoms across childhood and adolescence and onset of…

Design and synthesis of hierarchical MnO2 nanospheres/carbon nanotubes/conducting polymer ternary composite for high performance electrochemical electrodes.

PubMed

Hou, Ye; Cheng, Yingwen; Hobson, Tyler; Liu, Jie

2010-07-14

For efficient use of metal oxides, such as MnO(2) and RuO(2), in pseudocapacitors and other electrochemical applications, the poor conductivity of the metal oxide is a major problem. To tackle the problem, we have designed a ternary nanocomposite film composed of metal oxide (MnO(2)), carbon nanotube (CNT), and conducting polymer (CP). Each component in the MnO(2)/CNT/CP film provides unique and critical function to achieve optimized electrochemical properties. The electrochemical performance of the film is evaluated by cyclic voltammetry, and constant-current charge/discharge cycling techniques. Specific capacitance (SC) of the ternary composite electrode can reach 427 F/g. Even at high mass loading and high concentration of MnO(2) (60%), the film still showed SC value as high as 200 F/g. The electrode also exhibited excellent charge/discharge rate and good cycling stability, retaining over 99% of its initial charge after 1000 cycles. The results demonstrated that MnO(2) is effectively utilized with assistance of other components (fFWNTs and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly(styrenesulfonate) in the electrode. Such ternary composite is very promising for the next generation high performance electrochemical supercapacitors.

Parental corporal punishment in relation to children's executive function and externalizing behavior problems in China.

PubMed

Xing, Xiaopei; Wang, Meifang; Wang, Zhengyan

2018-04-01

The current study examined the relationship among paternal and maternal corporal punishment (CP), children's executive function (EF), and children's externalizing behavior problems. In total, 328 Chinese preschool-aged children and their parents and teachers participated. Paternal and maternal CP was assessed by father-reports and by mother-reports, respectively. Children's EF was assessed by the Executive Function Touch program. Children's externalizing behavior problems were assessed by mother-reports and by teacher-reports. The results of structural equation modeling generally supported working memory as a mediator linking paternal CP and children's externalizing behaviors and inhibitory control as a mediator linking maternal CP and children's externalizing behaviors. No differences by children's gender were found. The current findings highlight the importance of EF in behavioral outcomes of children who experience parental CP.

Revenue Share between Layers and Investment Incentive for ISP in the Internet Market

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Unno, Masaru; Xu, Hua

In this paper, we consider a revenue-sharing and network investment problem between an Internet service provider (ISP) and a content provider (CP) by applying the dynamic agency theory. We formulate the problem as the principal-agent problem where the ISP is the principal and the CP is the agent. The principal-agent problem is transformed to a stochastic optimal control problem in which the objectives of ISP are to find an optimal revenue-sharing strategy and a network investment strategy, and to advise an incentive compatible effort level to the CP. The sufficient conditions for the existence of the optimal revenue-sharing strategy, the optimal investment strategy and the incentive compatible effort to the CP are obtained. A numerical example is solved to show the existence of such strategies. The practical implications of the results obtained in the paper will also be discussed.

The optimization problems of CP operation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kler, A. M.; Stepanova, E. L.; Maximov, A. S.

2017-11-01

The problem of enhancing energy and economic efficiency of CP is urgent indeed. One of the main methods for solving it is optimization of CP operation. To solve the optimization problems of CP operation, Energy Systems Institute, SB of RAS, has developed a software. The software makes it possible to make optimization calculations of CP operation. The software is based on the techniques and software tools of mathematical modeling and optimization of heat and power installations. Detailed mathematical models of new equipment have been developed in the work. They describe sufficiently accurately the processes that occur in the installations. The developed models include steam turbine models (based on the checking calculation) which take account of all steam turbine compartments and regeneration system. They also enable one to make calculations with regenerative heaters disconnected. The software for mathematical modeling of equipment and optimization of CP operation has been developed. It is based on the technique for optimization of CP operating conditions in the form of software tools and integrates them in the common user interface. The optimization of CP operation often generates the need to determine the minimum and maximum possible total useful electricity capacity of the plant at set heat loads of consumers, i.e. it is necessary to determine the interval on which the CP capacity may vary. The software has been applied to optimize the operating conditions of the Novo-Irkutskaya CP of JSC “Irkutskenergo”. The efficiency of operating condition optimization and the possibility for determination of CP energy characteristics that are necessary for optimization of power system operation are shown.

Unmet health care needs in children with cerebral palsy: a cross-sectional study.

PubMed

Jackson, Katie E; Krishnaswami, Shanthi; McPheeters, Melissa

2011-01-01

Children with potentially severe health conditions such as cerebral palsy (CP) are at risk for unmet health care needs. We sought to determine whether children with CP had significantly greater unmet health care needs than children with other special health care needs (SHCN), and whether conditions associated with CP increased the odds of unmet health care needs. We analyzed data from the National Survey of Children with Special Health Care Needs, 2005-2006, using multivariate logistic regression to calculate the adjusted odds of children with CP having one or more unmet health care needs compared to children with other SHCN. We also determined the association of CP-related conditions with unmet health care needs in children with CP. After weighting to national averages, our sample represented 178,536 children with CP (1.9%), and 9,236,794 with children with other SHCN (98.1%). Although having CP increased the odds that children had unmet health care needs (OR = 1.46, 95% CI [1.07-1.99]), the presence of a "severe" health condition weakened the association. Gastrointestinal problems and emotional problems increased the odds that children with CP would have unmet health care needs above that of children without the associated conditions (p ≤ .01). Children with CP are similar to children with other SHCN and may benefit from collaborative programs targeting severe chronic conditions. However, children with CP and associated conditions have increased odds of unmet health care needs in comparison to children without those problems. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Paternal psychosocial characteristics and corporal punishment of their 3-year-old children.

PubMed

Lee, Shawna J; Perron, Brian E; Taylor, Catherine A; Guterman, Neil B

2011-01-01

This study uses data from 2,309 biological fathers who participated in the Fragile Families and Child Well-Being Study (FFCWS) to examine associations between psychosocial characteristics and levels of corporal punishment (CP) toward their 3-year-old children over the past month. Results indicate that 61% of the fathers reported no CP over the past month, 23% reported using CP once or twice, and 16% reported using CP a few times in the past month or more. In multivariate models controlling for important sociodemographic factors as well as characteristics of the child, fathers' parenting stress, major depression, heavy alcohol use, and drug use were significantly associated with greater use of CP, whereas involvement with the child and generalized anxiety disorder were not. Girls were less likely to be the recipient of CP than were boys, and child externalizing behavior problems but not internalizing behavior problems were associated with more CP.

The impact of prenatal maternal risk, fearless temperament and early parenting on adolescent callous-unemotional traits: a 14-year longitudinal investigation.

PubMed

Barker, Edward D; Oliver, Bonamy R; Viding, Essi; Salekin, Randall T; Maughan, Barbara

2011-08-01

Proposals have been submitted to the DSM-V for the addition of a callous-unemotional (CU) specifier for conduct problem (CP) youth (CP/CU). While the addition of such a diagnostic category may aid in the identification of homogeneous CP subtypes, evidence on risks for the development of CP/CU remains limited. The present study sought to examine the extent to which CP/CU in early adolescence could be differentiated by family- and child-based risks from pregnancy to age 4 years. Using data from approximately 7,000 mothers and their offspring (51% male) participating in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children, the authors examined maternal prenatal risks (psychopathology, criminality, substance use), child's fearless temperament (age 2 years) and harsh and warm parenting (age 4 years) as predictors of CP and CU at age 13; then used follow-back analyses to explore pre- and early post-natal risks in more detail. Maternal prenatal risks increased fearless temperament and CP and CU. Fearless temperament was also prospectively associated with higher levels of early adolescent CP and CU, above and beyond parenting and prenatal maternal risks. Follow-back analyses showed fearless temperament in boys manifested as lower response to punishment cues, while for girls this temperament was indexed by boldness toward novel situations and strangers, particularly for CP/CU youth. The current findings suggest that (i) maternal prenatal risks and fearless temperament showed a dose-response relationship with CP and CU (i.e., higher clustering of risks tended to relate to both higher levels and the co-occurrence of CU with CP), and (ii) intervention programs that aim to improve behavioural outcomes may consider targeting specific temperamental features in both boys and girls. © 2011 The Authors. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry © 2011 Association for Child and Adolescent Mental Health.

Clinical profile, predisposing factors, and associated co-morbidities of children with cerebral palsy in South India

PubMed Central

Gowda, Vykuntaraju K.; Kumar, Anil; Shivappa, Sanjay K.; Srikanteswara, Praveen Kumar; Shivananda; Mahadeviah, M. S.; Govindraj, M.; Ramaswamy, Premalatha

2015-01-01

Introduction: Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common physical disorder of children. Causes like jaundice and birth injury though are decreasing; complications resulting from the survival of low birth weight babies are replacing some of the older etiologies. Hence, this study was planned. Objectives: The objective was to study the clinical patterns, predisposing factors, and co-morbidities in children with CP. Materials and Methods: The present study is a hospital based prospective study conducted from January 2012 to January 2013 in children presenting to neurodevelopmental clinic at a tertiary care teaching hospital in India. Hundred cases with clinical features suggestive of CP were included in the study. Cases were evaluated by history, clinical examination, and necessary investigations. Results: Results of the study showed 81% of spastic, 12% of hypotonic, 5% of dystonic, and 2% of mixed CP cases. The mean age of presentation was 2 year, 2 month, and male to female ratio of 1:2. Pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) was the most common antenatal complication observed in 6%. Four percent had neonatal sepsis and 19% were born premature. Associated co-morbidities were mental retardation (55%), seizure disorder (46%), visual problems (26%), hearing problems (19%), and failure to thrive (47%). Discussion: Sex distribution observed in our study was male to female ratio of 1.2, which was comparable with a multicenter study in Europe. PIH was observed in 6% of cases, which was comparable with prior studies. Birth asphyxia was observed in 43% of cases. Eighty-one percent of the cases constituted a spastic variety of CP which was comparable to other studies. Conclusion: Perinatal asphyxia was the important etiological factor. We found preventable intranatal causes (60%) and antenatal causes (20%) forming a significant proportion. Co-morbidities were significantly observed in our study. PMID:26167210

Self-worth, perceived competence, and behaviour problems in children with cerebral palsy.

PubMed

Schuengel, Carlo; Voorman, Jeanine; Stolk, Joop; Dallmeijer, Annet; Vermeer, Adri; Becher, Jules

2006-10-30

To examine the relevance of physical disabilities for self-worth and perceived competence in children with cerebral palsy (CP), and to examine associations between behaviour problems and self-worth and perceived competence. The Harter scales for self-worth and perceived competence and a new scale for perceived motor competence were used in a sample of 80 children with CP. Their motor functioning was assessed with the Gross Motor Functioning Measure (GMFM) and behaviour problems with the Child Behaviour Check List administered to parents. Self-worth and perceived competence for children with CP were comparable to the Dutch norm sample, except for perceived athletic competence. Within the CP sample, the GMFM showed a domain-specific effect on perceived motor competence. In the multivariate analysis, internalizing problems were associated negatively with all perceived competence scales and self-worth, whereas aggression was positively associated with perceived motor competence, physical appearance, and self-worth. Children with CP appear resilient against challenges posed to their self-worth caused by their disabilities. The relevance of the physical disability appears to be domain-specific. For internalizing problems and aggression, different theoretical models are needed to account for their associations with self-worth and perceived competence.

Corporal punishment and long-term behavior problems: the moderating role of positive parenting and psychological aggression.

PubMed

Gámez-Guadix, Manuel; Straus, Murray A; Carrobles, José Antonio; Muñoz-Rivas, Marina J; Almendros, Carmen

2010-11-01

The aims of this study were: (a) to examine the prevalence of corporal punishment (CP) of children in Spain; (b) to analyze the extent to which CP is used in combination with psychological aggression and positive parenting among Spanish parents; and (c) to investigate whether the relation between CP and behavior problems is moderated by a positive parenting context in which CP may be used, and by the co-occurrence of psychological aggression. The sample comprised 1,071 Spanish university students (74.8% female; 25.2% male). Findings indicate a high prevalence of CP of Spanish students, revealing that significantly more mothers than fathers used CP. Furthermore, more CP is related to more use of psychological aggression and less of positive parenting. Regression analyses revealed that CP was associated with an increased probability of antisocial traits and behaviors regardless of whether there was positive parenting and psychological aggression. These results highlight that, though many Spanish parents use CP as a disciplinary strategy, it appears to be related to negative outcomes for children regardless the parental context in which it is used.

International Round-Robin Testing of Bulk Thermoelectrics

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

Wang, Hsin; Porter, Wallace D; Bottner, Harold

2011-11-01

Two international round-robin studies were conducted on transport properties measurements of bulk thermoelectric materials. The study discovered current measurement problems. In order to get ZT of a material four separate transport measurements must be taken. The round-robin study showed that among the four properties Seebeck coefficient is the one can be measured consistently. Electrical resistivity has +4-9% scatter. Thermal diffusivity has similar +5-10% scatter. The reliability of the above three properties can be improved by standardizing test procedures and enforcing system calibrations. The worst problem was found in specific heat measurements using DSC. The probability of making measurement error ismore » great due to the fact three separate runs must be taken to determine Cp and the baseline shift is always an issue for commercial DSC. It is suggest the Dulong Petit limit be always used as a guide line for Cp. Procedures have been developed to eliminate operator and system errors. The IEA-AMT annex is developing standard procedures for transport properties testing.« less

On the strong-CP problem and its axion solution in torsionful theories

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karananas, Georgios K.

2018-06-01

Gravitational effects may interfere with the axion solution to the strong-CP problem. We point out that gravity can potentially provide a protection mechanism against itself, in the form of an additional axion-like field associated with torsion.

Spanking, corporal punishment and negative long-term outcomes: a meta-analytic review of longitudinal studies.

PubMed

Ferguson, Christopher J

2013-02-01

Social scientists continue to debate the impact of spanking and corporal punishment (CP) on negative child outcomes including externalizing and internalizing behavior problems and cognitive performance. Previous meta-analytic reviews have mixed long- and short-term studies and relied on bivariate r, which may inflate effect sizes. The current meta-analysis focused on longitudinal studies, and compared effects using bivariate r and better controlled partial r coefficients controlling for time-1 outcome variables. Consistent with previous findings, results based on bivariate r found small but non-trivial long-term relationships between spanking/CP use and negative outcomes. Spanking and CP correlated .14 and .18 respectively with externalizing problems, .12 and .21 with internalizing problems and -.09 and -.18 with cognitive performance. However, when better controlled partial r coefficients (pr) were examined, results were statistically significant but trivial (at or below pr = .10) for externalizing (.07 for spanking, .08 for CP) and internalizing behaviors (.10 for spanking, insufficient studies for CP) and near the threshold of trivial for cognitive performance (-.11 for CP, insufficient studies for spanking). It is concluded that the impact of spanking and CP on the negative outcomes evaluated here (externalizing, internalizing behaviors and low cognitive performance) are minimal. It is advised that psychologists take a more nuanced approach in discussing the effects of spanking/CP with the general public, consistent with the size as well as the significance of their longitudinal associations with adverse outcomes.

[Nursing activities in family medicine groups for patients with chronic pain].

PubMed

Bergeron, Dave A; Bourgault, Patricia; Gallagher, Frances

2015-01-01

Thousands of people treated in primary care are currently experiencing chronic pain (CP), for which management is often inadequate. In Quebec, nurses in family medicine groups (FMGs) play a key role in the management of chronic health problems. The present study aimed to describe the activities performed by FMG nurses in relation to CP management and to describe barriers to those activities. A descriptive correlational cross-sectional postal survey was used. The accessible population includes FMG nurses on the Ordre des infirmières et infirmiers du Québec list. All nurses on the list who provided consent to be contacted at home for research purposes were contacted. A self-administered postal questionnaire (Pain Management Activities Questionnaire) was completed by 53 FMG nurses. Three activities most often performed by nurses were to establish a therapeutic relationship with the client; discuss the effectiveness of therapeutic measures with the physician; and conduct personalized teaching for the patient. The average number of individuals seen by interviewed nurses that they believe suffer from CP was 2.68 per week. The lack of knowledge of possible interventions in pain management (71.7%) and the nonavailability of information on pain management (52.8%) are the main barriers perceived by FMG nurses. FMG nurses are currently performing few activities in CP management. The nonrecognition of CP may explain this situation.

Cost-Effectiveness of Four Parenting Programs and Bibliotherapy for Parents of Children with Conduct Problems.

PubMed

Sampaio, Filipa; Enebrink, Pia; Mihalopoulos, Cathrine; Feldman, Inna

2016-12-01

Parenting programs and self-help parenting interventions employing written materials are effective in reducing child conduct problems (CP) in the short-term compared to control groups, however evidence on the cost-effectiveness of such interventions is insufficient. Few studies have looked at the differences in effects between interventions in the same study design. This study aimed to determine the cost-effectiveness of four parenting programs: Comet, Incredible Years (IY), Cope and Connect, and bibliotherapy, compared to a waitlist control (WC), with a time horizon of 4 months, targeting CP in children aged 3-12 years. This economic evaluation was conducted alongside an RCT of the four parenting interventions and bibliotherapy compared to a WC. The study sample consisted of 961 parents of 3-12 year-old children with CP. CP was measured by the Eyberg Child Behavior Inventory. Effectiveness was expressed as the proportion of "recovered" cases of CP. The time horizon of the study was four months with a limited health sector perspective, including parents' time costs. We performed an initial comparative cost analysis for interventions whose outcomes differed significantly from the WC, and later a cost-effectiveness analysis of interventions whose outcomes differed significantly from both the WC and each other. Secondary analyses were performed: (i) joint outcome "recovered and improved", (ii) intervention completers, (iii) exclusion of parents' time costs, (iv) exclusion of training costs. All interventions apart from Connect significantly reduced CP compared to the WC. Of the other interventions Comet resulted in a significantly higher proportion of recovered cases compared to bibliotherapy. A comparative cost analysis of the effective interventions rendered an average cost per recovered case for bibliotherapy of USD 483, Cope USD 1972, Comet USD 3741, and IY USD 6668. Furthermore, Comet had an ICER of USD 8375 compared to bibliotherapy. Secondary analyses of "recovered and improved" and of intervention completers held Cope as the cheapest alternative. Exclusion of parents' time and training costs did not change the cost-effectiveness results. The time horizon for this evaluation is very short. This study also had a limited costing perspective. Results may be interpreted with caution when considering decision-making about value for money. The inclusion of a multi-attribute utility instrument sensitive to domains of quality-of-life impacted by CP in children would be valuable so that pragmatic value for money estimations can be made. Further studies are needed with longer follow-up periods to ascertain on the sustainability of the effects, and fuller economic evaluations and economic modeling to provide insights on longer-term cost-effectiveness. These results also raise the need to investigate the cost-effectiveness of the provision of these interventions as a "stepped care" approach. The results suggest the delivery of different programs according to budget constraints and the outcome desired. In the absence of a WTP threshold, bibliotherapy could be a cheap and effective option to initially target CP within a limited budget, whereas Comet could be offered to achieve greater effects based on decision-makers' willingness to make larger investments. In its turn, Cope could be offered when targeting broader outcomes, such as symptom improvement, rather than clinical caseness.

Exploring the Electrical Conductivity of Cytochrome P450 by Nano-Electrode and Conductive Atomic Force Microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Debin; Gu, Jianhua; Chye, Yewhee; Lederman, David; Kabulski, Jarod; Gannett, Peter; Tracy, Timothy

2006-03-01

There is a growing interest in measuring the conductivity of electron-transfer proteins. The cytochrome P450 (CP450) enzymes represent an important class of heme-containing enzymes. Immobilizing CP450 enzymes on a surface can be used for studying a single enzyme with respect to electron transfer. The spin state of the heme iron can change upon binding of a substrate. In our experiment, CP450 (diameter ˜ 5 nm) has been bonded to a metal surface. Nano-electrodes (gap < 10 nm) were fabricated by defining a bridge via e-beam lithography and then breaking the junction by electromigration at low temperatures. We have examined the electronic properties of CP450 by itself and after binding CP450 with flurbiprofen. The room temperature I-V conductivity is reminiscent to cyclic voltammetry measurements, indicating the presence of strong ionic transfer. At lower temperatures (100 K) the I-V characteristics indicate electronic transport dominated by tunneling processes. The conductive AFM is an additional method used to examine the enzyme's electronic properties. The results from two methods will be discussed..

New results of the spectral observations of CP stars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Polosukhina, N. S.; Shavrina, A. V.; Drake, N. A.; Kudryavtsev, D. O.; Smirnova, M. A.

2010-04-01

The lithium problem in Ap-CP stars has been, for a long time, a subject of debate. Individual characteristics of CP stars, such as high abundance of the rare-earth elements presence of magnetic fields, complicate structure of the surface distribution of chemical elements, rapid oscillations of some CP-stars, make the detection of the lithium lines and the determination of the lithium abundance, a difficult task. During the International Meeting in Slovakia in 1996, the lithium problem in Ap-CP stars was discussed. The results of the Li study carried out in CrAO Polosukhina (1973-1976), the works of Hack & Faraggiana (1963), Wallerstein & Hack (1964), Faraggiana et al. (1992-1996) formed the basis of the International project ‘Lithium in the cool CP-stars with magnetic fields’. The main goal of the project was, using systematical observations of Ap-CP stars with phase rotation in the spectral regions of the resonance doublet Li I 6708 Å and subordinate 6104 Å lithium lines with different telescopes, to create a database, which will permit to explain the physical origin of anomalous Li abundance in the atmospheres of these stars.

Epigenetic regulation of the DRD4 gene and dimensions of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children.

PubMed

Dadds, Mark R; Schollar-Root, Olivia; Lenroot, Rhoshel; Moul, Caroline; Hawes, David J

2016-10-01

Recent evidence suggests that epigenetic regulation of the DRD4 gene may characterise specific aspects of ADHD symptomology. We tested associations between ADHD symptoms and epigenetic changes to the DRD4 gene in DNA extracted from blood and saliva in N = 330 children referred for a variety of behavioural and emotional problems. ADHD was indexed using DSM diagnoses as well as mother, father, and teacher reports. Methylation levels were assayed for the island of 18 CpG sites in the DRD4 receptor gene. A nearby SNP, rs3758653, was also genotyped as it has previously been shown to influence methylation levels. There was high consistency of methylation levels across CpG sites and tissue sources, and higher methylation levels were associated with the major allele of SNP rs3758653. Higher methylation levels were associated with more severe ADHD independent of SNP status, tissue source, ethnicity, environmental adversity, and comorbid conduct problems. The association applied specifically to the cognitive/attentional, rather than hyperactivity problems that characterise ADHD. The results indicate that epigenetic regulation of the DRD4 gene in the form of increased methylation is associated with the cognitive/attentional deficits in ADHD.

Sexually coercive behavior in male youth: population survey of general and specific risk factors.

PubMed

Kjellgren, Cecilia; Priebe, Gisela; Svedin, Carl Göran; Långström, Niklas

2010-10-01

Little is known about risk/protective factors for sexually coercive behavior in general population youth. We used a Swedish school-based population survey of sexual attitudes and experiences (response rate 77%) and investigated literature-based variables across sexually coercive (SEX), non-sexual conduct problem (CP), and normal control (NC) participants to identify general and specific risk/protective factors for sexual coercion. Among 1,933 male youth, 101 (5.2%) reported sexual coercion (ever talked or forced somebody into genital, oral, or anal sex) (SEX), 132 (6.8%) were classified as CP, and the remaining 1,700 (87.9%) as NC. Of 29 tested variables, 25 were more common in both SEX and CP compared to NC youth, including minority ethnicity, separated parents, vocational study program, risk-taking, aggressiveness, depressive symptoms, substance abuse, sexual victimization, extensive sexual experiences, and sexual preoccupation. When compared to CP youth only, SEX youth more often followed academic study programs, used less drugs and were less risk-taking. Further, SEX more frequently than CP youth reported gender stereotypic and pro-rape attitudes, sexual preoccupation, prostitution, and friends using violent porn. Finally, in a multivariate logistic regression, academic study program, pro-rape attitudes, sexual preoccupation, and less risk-taking independently remained more strongly associated with SEX compared to CP offending. In conclusion, several sociodemographic, family, and individual risk/protective factors were common to non-sexual and sexually coercive antisocial behavior in late adolescence. However, pro-rape cognitions, and sexual preoccupation, were sexuality-related, specific risk factors. The findings could inform preventive efforts and the assessment and treatment of sexually coercive male youth.

Reliable Multi-Label Learning via Conformal Predictor and Random Forest for Syndrome Differentiation of Chronic Fatigue in Traditional Chinese Medicine

PubMed Central

Wang, Huazhen; Liu, Xin; Lv, Bing; Yang, Fan; Hong, Yanzhu

2014-01-01

Objective Chronic Fatigue (CF) still remains unclear about its etiology, pathophysiology, nomenclature and diagnostic criteria in the medical community. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) adopts a unique diagnostic method, namely ‘bian zheng lun zhi’ or syndrome differentiation, to diagnose the CF with a set of syndrome factors, which can be regarded as the Multi-Label Learning (MLL) problem in the machine learning literature. To obtain an effective and reliable diagnostic tool, we use Conformal Predictor (CP), Random Forest (RF) and Problem Transformation method (PT) for the syndrome differentiation of CF. Methods and Materials In this work, using PT method, CP-RF is extended to handle MLL problem. CP-RF applies RF to measure the confidence level (p-value) of each label being the true label, and then selects multiple labels whose p-values are larger than the pre-defined significance level as the region prediction. In this paper, we compare the proposed CP-RF with typical CP-NBC(Naïve Bayes Classifier), CP-KNN(K-Nearest Neighbors) and ML-KNN on CF dataset, which consists of 736 cases. Specifically, 95 symptoms are used to identify CF, and four syndrome factors are employed in the syndrome differentiation, including ‘spleen deficiency’, ‘heart deficiency’, ‘liver stagnation’ and ‘qi deficiency’. The Results CP-RF demonstrates an outstanding performance beyond CP-NBC, CP-KNN and ML-KNN under the general metrics of subset accuracy, hamming loss, one-error, coverage, ranking loss and average precision. Furthermore, the performance of CP-RF remains steady at the large scale of confidence levels from 80% to 100%, which indicates its robustness to the threshold determination. In addition, the confidence evaluation provided by CP is valid and well-calibrated. Conclusion CP-RF not only offers outstanding performance but also provides valid confidence evaluation for the CF syndrome differentiation. It would be well applicable to TCM practitioners and facilitate the utilities of objective, effective and reliable computer-based diagnosis tool. PMID:24918430

Rotordynamic Instability Problems in High-Performance Turbomachinery, 1986

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1987-01-01

The first rotordynamics workshop proceedings (NASA CP-2133, 1980) emphasized a feeling of uncertainty in predicting the stability of characteristics of high-performance turbomachinery. In the second workshop proceedings (NASA CP-2250, 1982) these uncertainities were reduced through programs established to systematically resolve problems, with emphasis on experimental validiation of the forces that influence rotordynamics. In third proceedings (NASA CP-2338, 1984) many programs for predicting or measuring forces and force coefficients in high-performance turbomachinery produced results. Data became available for designing new machines with enhanced stability characteristics or for upgrading existing machines. The present workshop proceedings illustrates a continued trend toward a more unified view of rotordynamic instability problems and several encouraging new analytical developments.

School Corporal Punishment, Family Tension, and Students' Internalizing Problems: Evidence from India

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Deb, Sibnath; Kumar, Aneesh; Holden, George W.; Simpson Rowe, Lorelei

2017-01-01

There is considerable evidence that parental corporal punishment (CP) is positively associated with children's behavioral and mental health problems. However, there is very little evidence addressing whether CP perpetrated by teachers or school staff is similarly associated with problematic student functioning. To address this gap in the research…

A partial loss of function allele of Methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 predicts a human neurodevelopmental syndrome

PubMed Central

Samaco, Rodney C.; Fryer, John D.; Ren, Jun; Fyffe, Sharyl; Chao, Hsiao-Tuan; Sun, Yaling; Greer, John J.; Zoghbi, Huda Y.; Neul, Jeffrey L.

2008-01-01

Rett Syndrome, an X-linked dominant neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by regression of language and hand use, is primarily caused by mutations in methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MECP2). Loss of function mutations in MECP2 are also found in other neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism, Angelman-like syndrome and non-specific mental retardation. Furthermore, duplication of the MECP2 genomic region results in mental retardation with speech and social problems. The common features of human neurodevelopmental disorders caused by the loss or increase of MeCP2 function suggest that even modest alterations of MeCP2 protein levels result in neurodevelopmental problems. To determine whether a small reduction in MeCP2 level has phenotypic consequences, we characterized a conditional mouse allele of Mecp2 that expresses 50% of the wild-type level of MeCP2. Upon careful behavioral analysis, mice that harbor this allele display a spectrum of abnormalities such as learning and motor deficits, decreased anxiety, altered social behavior and nest building, decreased pain recognition and disrupted breathing patterns. These results indicate that precise control of MeCP2 is critical for normal behavior and predict that human neurodevelopmental disorders will result from a subtle reduction in MeCP2 expression. PMID:18321864

New Results of Spectral Observations of CP Stars in the Li I 6708 Å Spectral Region with the 6-m BTA Telescope

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Polosukhina, N.; Shavrina, A.; Drake, N.; Kudryavtsev, D.; Smirnova, M.

The lithium problem in Ap-CP stars has for a long time been a subject of debates. Individual characteristics of CP stars, such as a high abundance of rare-earth elements, the presence of magnetic fields, complex structures of the surface distribution of chemical elements, rapid oscillations of some CP stars, make the detection of lithium lines, and determination of lithium abundance a challenging task. The lithium problem in Ap-CP stars was discussed during the meeting in Slovakia in 1996. The results of the Li study, carried out in CrAO (Polosukhina, 1973 - 1976), the works of Faraggiana & Hack (1963), Wallerstein & Hack (1964), Faraggiana et al. (1992 - 1996) formed the basis of the international project, called Lithium in the Cool CP Stars with Magnetic Fields. The main goal of the project was, using systematical observations of Ap-CP stars with phase rotation in the spectral regions of the resonance doublet Li I 6708 Å and subordinate 6104 Å lithium lines with different telescopes, to create a database, which will permit to explain the physical origin of the anomalous Li abundance in the atmospheres of these stars.

Prolonged length of stay for acute hospital admissions as the increasing of age: A nationwide population study for Taiwan's patients with cerebral palsy.

PubMed

Chiang, Kuo-Liang; Huang, Chin-Yin; Fan, Hueng-Chuen; Kuo, Fang-Chuan

2018-04-12

Studies investigating reasons for the admission and the associated lengths of stay (LOSs) among cerebral palsy (CP) patients are limited. This study determined common reasons for acute hospitalizations and the LOSs among children, adolescents, and young adults with CP. We performed a secondary analysis of data. CP patients aged 4-32.9 years were identified by CP registry in the catastrophic illness patient registry of the 2010 Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. Data of admission claims from 2010 to 2011 were analyzed. Reasons for admissions were identified according to International Classification of Diseases codes. Common reasons, frequencies of admissions for each reason, and LOSs were reported. Pneumonia, other respiratory problems, and epilepsy were the top three reasons for admissions in all groups. Other common reasons in all groups were sepsis, other respiratory infections, and gastrointestinal problems. The reasons specific to children included orthopedic issues; ear, nose, and throat problems; and urinary tract infections (UTIs). In youths, scoliosis, and contractures, were unique reasons. In young adults, UTIs, blood problems, and mental illness, were special reasons. Most admission reasons appeared to prolong LOS, and the LOS exhibited an increasing trend as age increased. The results implied that patients with CP are more susceptible to most disease invasions. Our results also suggest that the current care system in Taiwan is unsuitable for patients with CP. These results can be used as guidance for planning effective multidisciplinary assessments in the future. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Cognitive Correlates of Mathematical Achievement in Children with Cerebral Palsy and Typically Developing Children

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jenks, Kathleen M.; van Lieshout, Ernest C. D. M.; de Moor, Jan M. H.

2012-01-01

Background: Remarkably few studies have investigated the nature and origin of learning difficulties in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Aims: To investigate math achievement in terms of word-problem solving ability in children with CP and controls. Because of the potential importance of reading for word-problem solving, we investigated reading…

Dark matter and dark energy from the solution of the strong CP problem.

PubMed

Mainini, Roberto; Bonometto, Silvio A

2004-09-17

The Peccei-Quinn (PQ) solution of the strong CP problem requires the existence of axions, which are viable candidates for dark matter. If the Nambu-Goldstone potential of the PQ model is replaced by a potential V(|Phi|) admitting a tracker solution, the scalar field |Phi| can account for dark energy, while the phase of Phi yields axion dark matter. If V is a supergravity (SUGRA) potential, the model essentially depends on a single parameter, the energy scale Lambda. Once we set Lambda approximately equal to 10(10) GeV at the quark-hadron transition, |Phi| naturally passes through values suitable to solve the strong CP problem, later growing to values providing fair amounts of dark matter and dark energy.

Strong CP and SUZ2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Albaid, Abdelhamid; Dine, Michael; Draper, Patrick

2015-12-01

Solutions to the strong CP problem typically introduce new scales associated with the spontaneous breaking of symmetries. Absent any anthropic argument for small overline{θ} , these scales require stabilization against ultraviolet corrections. Supersymmetry offers a tempting stabilization mechanism, since it can solve the "big" electroweak hierarchy problem at the same time. One family of solutions to strong CP, including generalized parity models, heavy axion models, and heavy η' models, introduces {Z}_2 copies of (part of) the Standard Model and an associated scale of {Z}_2 -breaking. We review why, without additional structure such as supersymmetry, the {Z}_2 -breaking scale is unacceptably tuned. We then study "SUZ2" models, supersymmetric theories with {Z}_2 copies of the MSSM. We find that the addition of SUSY typically destroys the {Z}_2 protection of overline{θ}=0 , even at tree level, once SUSY and {Z}_2 are broken. In theories like supersymmetric completions of the twin Higgs, where {Z}_2 addresses the little hierarchy problem but not strong CP, two axions can be used to relax overline{θ}.

The Properties of p-GaN with Different Cp2Mg/Ga Ratios and Their Influence on Conductivity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shang, Lin; Ma, Shufang; Liang, Jian; Li, Tianbao; Yu, Chunyan; Liu, Xuguang; Xu, Bingshe

2016-06-01

The effect of Cp2Mg/Ga ratio on the properties of p-GaN was explored by scanning Hall probe, photoluminescence (PL), and atomic force microscopy measurement. It was found that p-GaN has an optimal doping concentration under 2% Cp2Mg/Ga ratio, and higher or lower doping concentration is not beneficial to the conductivity. Hole concentration under the optimum condition is 4.2 × 1017 cm-3 at room temperature. If the Cp2Mg/Ga ratio exceeds the optimum value of 2%, surface morphology and electrical conduction properties become poor, and blue emission at 440 nm, considered deep donor-to-acceptor pair transitions in the PL spectra, are dominant. The decrease in electrical properties indicates the existence of compensating donors because the hole concentration decreases at such high Cp2Mg/Ga ratio. The obtained results indicate that Mg is not incorporated in the exact acceptor site under a heavy doping condition, but acts as a deep donor, instead.

Characteristics of dysphagia in children with cerebral palsy, related to gross motor function.

PubMed

Kim, Joon-Sung; Han, Zee-A; Song, Dae Heon; Oh, Hyun-Mi; Chung, Myung Eun

2013-10-01

The aim of this study was to report the characteristics of dysphagia in children with cerebral palsy (CP), related to gross motor function. Videofluoroscopic swallow study was performed in 29 children with CP, according to the manual of Logemann. Five questions about oromotor dysfunction were answered. Gross motor function level was classified by the Gross Motor Function Classification System Expanded and Revised. The results of the videofluoroscopic swallowing studies showed that reduced lip closure, inadequate bolus formation, residue in the oral cavity, delayed triggering of pharyngeal swallow, reduced larynx elevation, coating on the pharyngeal wall, delayed pharyngeal transit time, multiple swallow, and aspiration were significantly more common in the severe group (Gross Motor Function Classification System Expanded and Revised IV or V). As for aspiration, 50% of the children with severe CP had problems, but only 14.3% of them with moderate (Gross Motor Function Classification System Expanded and Revised III) CP and none of them with mild CP had abnormalities. In addition, five of the seven aspiration cases occurred silently. This study shows that dysphagia is closely related to gross motor function in children with CP. Silent aspiration was observed in the moderate to severe CP groups. Aspiration is an important cause of medical problems such as acute and chronic lung disease, and associated respiratory complications contribute significantly in increasing morbidity and mortality in these patient groups. Therefore, the authors suggest that early dysphagia evaluation including videofluoroscopic swallow study is necessary in managing feeding problems and may prevent chronic aspiration, malnutrition, and infections.

Perceived Instrumentality and Normativeness of Corporal Punishment Use among Black Mothers

PubMed Central

Taylor, Catherine A.; Hamvas, Lauren; Paris, Ruth

2011-01-01

Corporal punishment (CP) remains highly prevalent in the U.S. despite its association with increased risk for child aggression and physical abuse. Five focus groups were conducted with parents (n=18) from a community at particularly high risk for using CP (Black, low socioeconomic status, Southern) in order to investigate their perceptions about why CP use is so common. A systematic qualitative analysis was conducted using grounded theory techniques within an overall thematic analysis. Codes were collapsed and two broad themes emerged. CP was perceived to be: 1) instrumental in achieving parenting goals and 2) normative within participants' key social identity groups, including race/ethnicity, religion, and family of origin. Implications for the reduction of CP are discussed using a social ecological framework. PMID:22707816

Parental corporal punishment predicts behavior problems in early childhood.

PubMed

Mulvaney, Matthew K; Mebert, Carolyn J

2007-09-01

Using data from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Study of Early Child Care and Youth Development (Research Triangle Institute, 2002), this study examined the impact of corporal punishment (CP) on children's behavior problems. Longitudinal analyses were specified that controlled for covarying contextual and parenting variables and that partialed child effects. The results indicate that parental CP uniquely contributes to negative behavioral adjustment in children at both 36 months and at 1st grade, with the effects at the earlier age more pronounced in children with difficult temperaments. Parents and mental health professionals who work to modify children's negative behavior should be aware of the unique impact that CP likely plays in triggering and maintaining children's behavior problems. Broad-based family policies that reduce the use of this parenting behavior would potentially increase children's mental health and decrease the incidence of children's behavior problems. PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2007 APA, all rights reserved

An ultra-weak sector, the strong CP problem and the pseudo-Goldstone dilaton

DOE PAGES

Allison, Kyle; Hill, Christopher T.; Ross, Graham G.

2014-12-29

In the context of a Coleman–Weinberg mechanism for the Higgs boson mass, we address the strong CP problem. We show that a DFSZ-like invisible axion model with a gauge-singlet complex scalar field S, whose couplings to the Standard Model are naturally ultra-weak, can solve the strong CP problem and simultaneously generate acceptable electroweak symmetry breaking. The ultra-weak couplings of the singlet S are associated with underlying approximate shift symmetries that act as custodial symmetries and maintain technical naturalness. The model also contains a very light pseudo-Goldstone dilaton that is consistent with cosmological Polonyi bounds, and the axion can be themore » dark matter of the universe. As a result, we further outline how a SUSY version of this model, which may be required in the context of Grand Unification, can avoid introducing a hierarchy problem.« less

An ultra-weak sector, the strong CP problem and the pseudo-Goldstone dilaton

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

Allison, Kyle; Hill, Christopher T.; Ross, Graham G.

In the context of a Coleman–Weinberg mechanism for the Higgs boson mass, we address the strong CP problem. We show that a DFSZ-like invisible axion model with a gauge-singlet complex scalar field S, whose couplings to the Standard Model are naturally ultra-weak, can solve the strong CP problem and simultaneously generate acceptable electroweak symmetry breaking. The ultra-weak couplings of the singlet S are associated with underlying approximate shift symmetries that act as custodial symmetries and maintain technical naturalness. The model also contains a very light pseudo-Goldstone dilaton that is consistent with cosmological Polonyi bounds, and the axion can be themore » dark matter of the universe. As a result, we further outline how a SUSY version of this model, which may be required in the context of Grand Unification, can avoid introducing a hierarchy problem.« less

Comparing the effectiveness of TWEAK and T-ACE in determining problem drinkers in pregnancy.

PubMed

Sarkar, M; Einarson, T; Koren, G

2010-01-01

The TWEAK and T-ACE screening tools are validated methods of identifying problem drinking in a pregnant population. The objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness of the TWEAK and T-ACE screening tools in identifying problem drinking using traditional cut-points (CP). Study participants consisted of women calling the Motherisk Alcohol Helpline for information regarding their alcohol use in pregnancy. In this cohort, concerns surrounding underreporting are not likely as women self-report their alcohol consumption. Participant's self-identification, confirmed by her amount of alcohol use, determined whether she was a problem drinker or not. The TWEAK and T-ACE tools were administered on both groups and subsequent analysis was done to determine if one tool was more effective in predicting problem drinking. The study consisted of 75 problem and 100 non-problem drinkers. Using traditional CP, the TWEAK and T-ACE tools both performed similarly at identifying potential at-risk women (positive predictive value = 0.54), with very high sensitivity rates (100-99% and 100-93%, respectively) but poor specificity rates (36-43% and 19-34%, respectively). Upon comparison, there was no statistical difference in the effectiveness for one test performing better than next using either CP of 2 (P = 0.66) or CP of 3 (P = 0.38). Despite the lack of difference in performance, improved specificity associated with TWEAK suggests that it may be better suited to screen at-risk populations seeking advice from a helpline.

Chronic Pain in the Emergency Department: A Pilot Mixed-Methods Cross-Sectional Study Examining Patient Characteristics and Reasons for Presentations.

PubMed

Poulin, Patricia A; Nelli, Jennifer; Tremblay, Steven; Small, Rebecca; Caluyong, Myka B; Freeman, Jeffrey; Romanow, Heather; Stokes, Yehudis; Carpino, Tia; Carson, Amanda; Shergill, Yaadwinder; Stiell, Ian G; Taljaard, Monica; Nathan, Howard; Smyth, Catherine E

2016-01-01

Background . Chronic pain (CP) accounts for 10-16% of emergency department (ED) visits, contributing to ED overcrowding and leading to adverse events. Objectives . To describe patients with CP attending the ED and identify factors contributing to their visit. Methods . We used a mixed-method design combining interviews and questionnaires addressing pain, psychological distress, signs of opioid misuse, and disability. Participants were adults who attended the EDs of a large academic tertiary care center for their CP problem. Results . Fifty-eight patients (66% women; mean age 46.5, SD = 16.9) completed the study. The most frequently cited reason (60%) for ED visits was inability to cope with pain. Mental health problems were common, including depression (61%) and anxiety (45%). Participants had questions about the etiology of their pain, concerns about severe pain-related impairment, and problems with medication renewals or efficacy and sometimes felt invalidated in the ED. Although most participants had a primary care physician, the ED was seen as the only or best option when pain became unmanageable. Conclusions . Patients with CP visiting the ED often present with complex difficulties that cannot be addressed in the ED. Better access to interdisciplinary pain treatment is needed to reduce the burden of CP on the ED.

Sleep disturbances in preschool age children with cerebral palsy: a questionnaire study.

PubMed

Romeo, Domenico M; Brogna, Claudia; Musto, Elisa; Baranello, Giovanni; Pagliano, Emanuela; Casalino, Tiziana; Ricci, Daniela; Mallardi, Maria; Sivo, Serena; Cota, Francesco; Battaglia, Domenica; Bruni, Oliviero; Mercuri, Eugenio

2014-09-01

The study aimed to analyze (i) the prevalence of sleep disorders in pre-school children with cerebral palsy (CP) using the Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children (SDSC), (ii) the possible association with motor, cognitive and behavioral problems, and (iii) the possible differences with typically developing children matched for age and gender. One-hundred children with CP (age range: 3-5 years, mean: 3.8 years) were assessed using the SDSC, the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS), the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence, and the Child Behaviour Check List (CBCL) to assess sleep, motor, cognitive, and behavioral problems, respectively. Further 100 healthy children matched for age and sex were assessed using the SDSC. An abnormal total sleep score was found in 13% of children with CP while 35% had an abnormal score on at least one SDSC factor. SDSC total score was significantly associated with pathological internalizing scores on CBCL and active epilepsy on multivariate analysis. CP group reported higher significant median scores on SDSC total, parasomnias, and difficulty in initiating and maintaining sleep factors. In pre-school children sleep disorders are more common in children with CP than in healthy control group and are often associated with epilepsy and behavioral problems. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Behavioural problems in school age children with cerebral palsy.

PubMed

Brossard-Racine, Marie; Hall, Nick; Majnemer, Annette; Shevell, Michael I; Law, Mary; Poulin, Chantal; Rosenbaum, Peter

2012-01-01

Although behavioural problems are frequent in children with Cerebral Palsy (CP), the exact nature of these difficulties and their relationship with intrinsic or extrinsic factors are just beginning to be explored. To describe and characterize behavioural problems in children with CP and to determine the nature of any relationships with child and family characteristics. In this cross-sectional study, children with CP between 6 and 12 years of age were recruited. Children were assessed using the Leiter Intelligence Test, the Gross Motor Function Measure, the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales and questionnaires on demographic factors. Parents' level of stress was measured with the Parenting Stress Index. Seventy-six parents completed the SDQ. Using the Total Difficulties Scores, 39.4% of the sample scored in the borderline to clinically abnormal range. Peer problems were the most common (55.3%). High parental stress was consistently associated with behavioural difficulties across all domains of the SDQ. Not surprisingly, better socialization skills and a lower parental stress were correlated with more positive behaviours. Behavioural difficulties are common in children with CP and appear not to be associated with socio-demographic variables and physical and cognitive characteristics. These difficulties are an important correlate of parental distress. This study emphasizes the need to recognize and address behavioural difficulties that may arise so as to optimize the health and well-being of children with CP and their families. Copyright © 2011 European Paediatric Neurology Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Constraint Programming to Solve Maximal Density Still Life

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chu, Geoffrey; Petrie, Karen Elizabeth; Yorke-Smith, Neil

The Maximum Density Still Life problem fills a finite Game of Life board with a stable pattern of cells that has as many live cells as possible. Although simple to state, this problem is computationally challenging for any but the smallest sizes of board. Especially difficult is to prove that the maximum number of live cells has been found. Various approaches have been employed. The most successful are approaches based on Constraint Programming (CP). We describe the Maximum Density Still Life problem, introduce the concept of constraint programming, give an overview on how the problem can be modelled and solved with CP, and report on best-known results for the problem.

Oral Health Status among Children with Cerebral Palsy in Dubai, United Arab Emirates

PubMed Central

Al Hashmi, Haifa; Kowash, Mawlood; Hassan, Amar; Al Halabi, Manal

2017-01-01

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to assess the oral health status of children with cerebral palsy (CP) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). Materials and Methods: Eighty-four CP and 125 healthy children were recruited from special needs centers and private/public schools in Dubai. A dental examination for decayed-missing-filled teeth in primary dentition (dmft)/Decayed-Missing-Filled teeth in permanent dentition (DMFT) indices, simplified oral hygiene index, calculus index (CI), and oral debris index was conducted. In addition, assessments of occlusal, dentofacial, soft tissue anomalies and erosion were conducted. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS for Windows, version 20.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Results: DMFT/dmft scores were comparable in both groups. CI was significantly higher among children with CP. CP patients had a significantly higher proportion of anterior open bite, anterior spacing, Class II molar Angle malocclusion, trauma, high-arched palate, tongue thrust, lymphadenopathy, angular cheilitis, macroglossia, drooling, and erosion as compared to controls. Conclusions: The study highlighted peculiar characteristics and needs for the CP patients in Dubai, UAE. PMID:29285470

Convex optimization problem prototyping for image reconstruction in computed tomography with the Chambolle-Pock algorithm

PubMed Central

Sidky, Emil Y.; Jørgensen, Jakob H.; Pan, Xiaochuan

2012-01-01

The primal-dual optimization algorithm developed in Chambolle and Pock (CP), 2011 is applied to various convex optimization problems of interest in computed tomography (CT) image reconstruction. This algorithm allows for rapid prototyping of optimization problems for the purpose of designing iterative image reconstruction algorithms for CT. The primal-dual algorithm is briefly summarized in the article, and its potential for prototyping is demonstrated by explicitly deriving CP algorithm instances for many optimization problems relevant to CT. An example application modeling breast CT with low-intensity X-ray illumination is presented. PMID:22538474

Cerebral palsy risk factors and their impact on psychopathology.

PubMed

Levy-Zaks, Anat; Pollak, Yehuda; Ben-Pazi, Hilla

2014-01-01

We examined whether the type of brain injury impacts the psychopathological profile and quality of life in children with cerebral palsy (CP). We assessed 18 children with CP [9 premature, 9 asphyxia at term] and 16 siblings using parent forms of the child behavior checklist (CBCL), disruptive behavior disorder rating scale (DBDRS), and pediatric quality of life inventory (PEDSQL). Children with CP demonstrated more emotional and behavioral symptoms (depression, anxiety, and social, thought, and attention problems) and lower quality of life than their siblings. The pathopsychological profile of children with CP due to prematurity and asphyxia was similar. Etiology does not impact the psychopathology in children with CP.

Feasibility of trialling cord blood stem cell treatments for cerebral palsy in Australia.

PubMed

Crompton, Kylie E; Elwood, Ngaire; Kirkland, Mark; Clark, Pamela; Novak, Iona; Reddihough, Dinah

2014-07-01

Umbilical cord blood may have therapeutic benefit in children with cerebral palsy (CP), but further studies are required. On first appearance it seems that Australia is well placed for such a trial because we have excellence in CP research backed by extensive CP registers, and both public and private cord blood banks. We aimed to examine the possibilities of conducting a trial of autologous umbilical cord blood cells (UCBCs) as a treatment for children with CP in Australia. Data linkages between CP registers and cord blood banks were used to estimate potential participant numbers for a trial of autologous UCBCs for children with CP. As of early 2013, one Victorian child with CP had cord blood stored in the public bank, and between 1 and 3 children had their cord blood stored at Cell Care Australia (private cord blood bank). In New South Wales, we counted two children on the CP register who had their stored cord blood available in early 2013. We estimate that there are between 10 and 24 children with CP of any type who have autologous cord blood available across Australia. In nations with small populations like Australia, combined with Australia's relatively low per capita cord blood storage to date, it is not currently feasible to conduct trials of autologous UCBCs for children with CP. Other options must be explored, such as allogeneic UCBCs or prospective trials for neonates at risk of CP. © 2014 The Authors. Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health © 2014 Paediatrics and Child Health Division (Royal Australasian College of Physicians).

Performance of a conductive-paint anode in cathodic protection systems for inland concrete bridge piers in Virginia.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1997-01-01

As part of efforts to identify effective and durable anodes for use in cathodic protection (CP) of reinforced concrete members, a water-based, electrically conductive paint was evaluated for use as the secondary anode in CP systems for protecting inl...

Time dependency of strainrange partitioning life relationships

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kalluri, S.; Manson, S. S.

1984-01-01

The effect of exposure time (or creep rate) on the CP life relationship is established by conducting isothermal CP tests at varying exposure times on 316 Ss at 1300 and 1500 F. A reduction in the CP cycle life is observed with an increase in the exposure time of the CP test at a given inelastic strain-range. This phenomenon is characterized by modifying the Manson-Coffin type of CP relationship. Two new life relationships: (1) the Steady State Creep Rate (SSRC) Modified CP life relationship, and (2) the Failure Time (FT) Modified CP life relationship, are developed in this report. They account for the effect of creep rate and exposure time within the CP type of waveform. The reduction in CP cyclic life in the long exposure time tests is attributed to oxidation and the precipitation of carbides along the grain boundaries.

Registration of 'CP 09-2392' Sugarcane

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

CP 09-2392’ (Reg. No.____; PI _____) sugarcane, a complex hybrid of Saccharum spp, was developed through cooperative research conducted by the USDA-ARS, the University of Florida, and the Florida Sugar Cane League, Inc., and was released to growers in June 2016. ‘CP 09-2392’ was selected from a cro...

CenteringPregnancy-Africa: a pilot of group antenatal care to address Millennium Development Goals.

PubMed

Patil, Crystal L; Abrams, Elizabeth T; Klima, Carrie; Kaponda, Chrissie P N; Leshabari, Sebalda C; Vonderheid, Susan C; Kamanga, Martha; Norr, Kathleen F

2013-10-01

severe health worker shortages and resource limitations negatively affect quality of antenatal care (ANC) throughout sub-Saharan Africa. Group ANC, specifically CenteringPregnancy (CP), may offer an innovative approach to enable midwives to offer higher quality ANC. our overarching goal was to prepare to conduct a clinical trial of CenteringPregnancy-Africa (CP-Africa) in Malawi and Tanzania. In Phase 1, our goal was to determine the acceptability of CP as a model for ANC in both countries. In Phase 2, our objective was to develop CP-Africa session content consistent with the Essential Elements of CP model and with national standards in both Malawi and Tanzania. In Phase 3, our objective was to pilot CP-Africa in Malawi to determine whether sessions could be conducted with fidelity to the Centering process. Phases 1 and 2 took place in Malawi and Tanzania. Phase 3, the piloting of two sessions of CP-Africa, occurred at two sites in Malawi: a district hospital and a small clinic. we used an Action Research approach to promote partnerships among university researchers, the Centering Healthcare Institute, health care administrators, health professionals and women attending ANC to develop CP-Africa session content and pilot this model of group ANC. for Phases 1 and 2, members of the Ministries of Health, health professionals and pregnant women in Malawi and Tanzania were introduced to and interviewed about CP. In Phase 2, we finalised CP-Africa content and trained 13 health professionals in the Centering Healthcare model. In Phase 3, we conducted a small pilot with 24 pregnant women (12 at each site). participants enthusiastically embraced CP-Africa as an acceptable model of ANC health care delivery. The CP-Africa content met both CP and national standards. The pilot established that the CP model could be implemented with process fidelity to the 13 Essential Elements. Several implementation challenges and strategies to address these challenges were identified. preliminary data suggest that CP-Africa is feasible in resource-constrained, low-literacy, high-HIV settings in sub-Saharan Africa. By improving the quality of ANC delivery, midwives have an opportunity to make a contribution towards Millennium Development Goals (MDG) targeting improvements in child, maternal and HIV-related health outcomes (MDGs 4, 5 and 6). A clinical trial is needed to establish efficacy. CP-Africa also has the potential to reduce job-related stress and enhance job satisfaction for midwives in low income countries. If CP can be transferred with fidelity to process in sub-Saharan Africa and retain similar results to those reported in clinical trials, it has the potential to benefit pregnant women and their infants and could make a positive contribution to MGDs 4, 5 and 6. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Musculoskeletal system problems and quality of life of mothers of children with cerebral palsy with different levels of disability.

PubMed

Kavlak, Erdoğan; Altuğ, Filiz; Büker, Nihal; Şenol, Hande

2015-01-01

The objective of this study is to investigate musculoskeletal system problems and quality of life of mothers of children with cerebral palsy with different levels of disability. 100 children (37 girls and 63 boys) with cerebral palsy (CP) and their mothers were included in this study. Functional levels of children with CP were assessed by using the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) and the Pediatric Functional Independence Measure (WeeFIM). Quality of life of mothers regarding health was assessed by using the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP). Musculoskeletal system problems of mothers were assessed by using the Neck Disability Index (NDI) and the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ). No statistical significance was found when GMFCS levels of children with CP and the NHP, DASH-T, RMDQ, NDI and the BAE values of mothers were compared in an inter-group way (p> 0.05). When the NHP parameters and the existence of lower and arm pains of mothers were compared with their BAI, NDI, RMDQ and DASH-T scores, a statistically significant relationship was found among them (p< 0.05). As functional levels of children with CP get worse, upper extremity, lower back and neck problems and anxiety levels of mothers increase and this situation negatively affects mothers' quality of life.

Behaviour in children with cerebral palsy with and without epilepsy.

PubMed

Carlsson, Malin; Olsson, Ingrid; Hagberg, Gudrun; Beckung, Eva

2008-10-01

The aim of the study was to describe behavioural problems in children with cerebral palsy (CP) with and without epilepsy. The children were sampled from the Western Sweden CP register and were part of a European Union project. The Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire and questions on epilepsy were answered by one parent of each child. Medical records were reviewed. Parents of 83 children (44 males, 39 females) age range participated: 30 at Gross Motor Function Classification System levels I and II, and 53 at levels III to V; 60 had spastic age range 8 to 12 years (bilateral 42, unilateral 18) and 23 dyskinetic CP; 34 children had active epilepsy. The proportion of children with normal behaviour on the total difficulties score (TDS) of the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire was significantly lower than normative data (57% vs 80%, p<0.001). Parents of 21 children (25%) considered their child's behaviour to be abnormal. Children with CP and epilepsy had a significantly higher median TDS (p=0.03) than seizure-free children. In children with aided or no walking ability, the TDS was significantly higher in those with epilepsy (p=0.04). Parents of 32 children (39%) considered their children's behaviour to have an impact on themselves and others. We conclude that behavioural problems are common in children with CP, and even more when epilepsy is present. Parents identify these problems, and professionals need to address them.

The possibility of leptonic CP-violation measurement with JUNO

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smirnov, M. V.; Hu, Zh. J.; Li, S. J.; Ling, J. J.

2018-06-01

The existence of CP-violation in the leptonic sector is one of the most important issues for modern science. Neutrino physics is a key to the solution of this problem. JUNO (under construction) is the near future of neutrino physics. However CP-violation is not a priority for the current scientific program. We estimate the capability of δCP measurement, assuming a combination of the JUNO detector and a superconductive cyclotron as the antineutrino source. This method of measuring CP-violation is an alternative to conventional beam experiments. A significance level of 3σ can be reached for 22% of the δCP range. The accuracy of measurement lies between 8o and 22o. It is shown that the dominant influence on the result is the uncertainty in the mixing angle Θ23.

Research findings can change attitudes about corporal punishment.

PubMed

Holden, George W; Brown, Alan S; Baldwin, Austin S; Croft Caderao, Kathryn

2014-05-01

Positive attitudes toward the use of corporal punishment (CP) predict subsequent spanking behavior. Given that CP has frequently been associated with behavior problems in children and child maltreatment, this prevention work was designed to test whether adults' attitudes could be changed by informing participants about the research findings on problematic behaviors associated with CP. Two random assignment studies are reported. In Study 1, we tested whether an active reading condition would result in more attitude change than a passive condition. With a sample of 118 non-parent adults, we found that after reading very brief research summaries on the problems associated with CP, there was a significant decrease in favorable attitudes toward CP. Contrary to expectations, the magnitude of the change was comparable for active and passive processing conditions. In Study 2, we extended our approach to a sample of 520 parents and included a control group. A significant decrease in positive attitudes toward spanking was observed in the intervention group, but no change for the control group. Parents who were unaware of the research showed more change after reading the summaries. Thus, these studies demonstrate that a brief and cost-effective approach to raise awareness of research findings can reduce positive attitudes toward CP. Implications for prevention and intervention are discussed. Copyright © 2013. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

75 FR 51015 - Sorbitol From France: Notice of Rescission of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-08-18

... Products International (CP), domestic producers of sorbitol, we are now rescinding this administrative... received a request from CP that the Department conduct an administrative review covering Syral. On April 30... its antidumping duty questionnaire to Syral. On June 25, 2010, CP withdrew its request for review of...

The epidemiology of cerebral palsy: incidence, impairments and risk factors.

PubMed

Odding, Else; Roebroeck, Marij E; Stam, Hendrik J

2006-02-28

Describing the epidemiology of cerebral palsy (CP), its impairments and risk factors. Literature review 1965-2004. Search terms: Cerebral palsy, incidence, prevalence, impairments, risk factors. In the last 40 years the prevalence of CP has risen to well above 2.0 per 1000 life births. In this time span the proportion of low-birthweight infants rose, the proportion of diplegia decreased, while the proportion of hemiplegia increased. CP is more prevalent in more deprived socio-economic populations. The majority of people with CP have the spastic syndrome of which the diplegic group is the smallest. Dependent on the subgroup of CP, 25-80% have additional impairments. A large proportion has some kind of cognitive impairment; the prevalence varies with the type of CP and especially increases when epilepsy is present. Epilepsy is present in 20-40%; it is most common among the hemi- and tetraplegics. Sensibility of the hands is impaired in about half. Chronic pain is reported by more than a quarter of the adults. Up to 80% have at least some impairment of speech. Low visual acuity is reported in almost three-quarters of all children. Half of all children have gastrointestinal and feeding problems. Stunted growth occurs in a quarter, while under- or overweight problems are present in half of the children. Almost 70% of people with spastic CP have abnormal brain CT findings; abnormal cranial ultrasounds is most strongly associated with hemiplegia, normal cranial ultrasounds with diplegia. The most important risk factors for CP are low birthweight, intrauterine infections and multiple gestation.

[Oral motor dysfunction, feeding problems and nutritional status in children with cerebral palsy].

PubMed

Hou, Mei; Fu, Ping; Zhao, Jian-hui; Lan, Kun; Zhang, Hong

2004-10-01

This study was undertaken to investigate the clinical features of oral motor dysfunction and feeding problems as well as the nutritional status of children with cerebral palsy (CP). Fifty-nine CP children, 39 boys and 20 girls, mean age 31 months (20 to 72 months), were recruited. Their parents were interviewed for high risk factors and feeding history. Each case was assessed for oral motor and feeding problems based on oral motor and feeding skill score; for nutritional status by measurement of weight, height; neurologically for type of cerebral palsy and for developmental age by Gesell's developmental scale. Equal number of age and sex matched controls were included for comparison of nutritional status, oral motor and feeding skill score. Among 59 patients, 51 cases had oral motor dysfunction and 55 cases had feeding problems including all athtosis, spastic tetraplegia, and 16 had spastic diplegia. The scores of both the mean oral motor function and feeding skill of CP children were significantly lower than those of the controls (P < 0.001). Main food of children with cerebral palsy consisted of liquid and semisolid diet. Body weight and height below the 25th percentile were found in 13 cases and 19 cases, respectively. The majority of the children with cerebral palsy had oral motor dysfunction and feeding problems which appeared in early age and disturbed the growth and nutritional status. Thorough assessment for oral motor function, feeding problems and nutritional status of CP children is indicated in order to start timely rehabilitation and nutritional interventions which can significantly improve their nutritional status and quality of life.

Direct ink writing of 3D conductive polyaniline structures and rheological modelling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Holness, F. Benjamin; Price, Aaron D.

2018-01-01

The intractable nature of conjugated polymers (CP) leads to practical limitations in the fabrication of CP-based transducers having complex three-dimensional geometries. Conventional CP device fabrication processes have focused primarily on thin-film deposition techniques; this study explores novel additive manufacturing processes specifically developed for CP with the ultimate goal of increasing the functionality of CP sensors and actuators. Herein we employ automated polymer paste extrusion processes for the direct ink writing of 3D conductive polyaniline (PANI) structures. Realization of these structures was enabled through a modified fused filament fabrication delta robot equipped with an integrated polymer paste extruder to fabricate high-resolution 3D conductive PANI structures. The required processability of PANI was achieved by means of a counterion-induced thermal doping method. The effect of thermal doping on the PANI-DBSA paste by means of a constitutive relationship to describe the paste flow as a function of the thermal doping time is explored. This relationship is incorporated within a flow model to predict the extruded track width as a function of various process parameters including: print speed, gauge pressure, nozzle diameter, and pre-extrusion thermal doping time.

CENTERING PREGANCY- AFRICA: A PILOT OF GROUP ANTENATAL CARE TO ADDRESS MILLENIUM DEVELOPMENT GOALS

PubMed Central

Patil, Crystal L.; Abrams, Elizabeth T.; Klima, Carrie; Kaponda, Chrissie P.N.; Leshabari, Sebalda C.; Vonderheid, Susan C.; Kamaga, Martha; Norr, Kathleen F.

2013-01-01

Background Severe health worker shortages and resource limitations negatively affect quality of antenatal care (ANC) throughout sub-Saharan Africa. Group ANC, specifically CenteringPregnancy (CP), may offer an innovative approach to enable midwives to offer higher quality ANC. Objective Our overarching goal was to prepare to conduct a clinical trial of CenteringPregnancy – Africa (CP-Africa) in Malawi and Tanzania. In Phase 1, our goal was to determine the acceptability of CP as model for ANC in both countries. In Phase 2, our objective was to develop CP-Africa session content consistent with the Essential Elements of CP model and with national standards in both Malawi and Tanzania. In Phase 3, our objective was to pilot CP-Africa in Malawi to determine whether sessions could be conducted with fidelity to the Centering process. Setting Phase 1 and 2 took place in Malawi and Tanzania. Phase 3, the piloting of two sessions of CP-Africa, occurred at two sites in Malawi: a district hospital and a small clinic. Design We used an Action Research approach to promote partnerships among university researchers, the Centering Healthcare Institute, healthcare administrators, health professionals and women attending ANC to develop CP-Africa session content and pilot this model of group ANC. Participants For Phases 1 and 2, members of the Ministries of Health, health professionals and pregnant women in Malawi and Tanzania were introduced to and interviewed about CP. In Phase 2, we finalized CP-Africa content and trained thirteen health professionals in the Centering Healthcare model. In Phase 3, we conducted a small pilot with 24 pregnant women (12 at each site). Measurements and Findings Participants enthusiastically embraced CP-Africa as an acceptable model of ANC healthcare delivery. The CP-Africa content met both CP and national standards. The pilot established that the CP model could be implemented with process fidelity to the 13 Essential Elements. Several implementation challenges and strategies to address these challenges were identified. Key Conclusions Preliminary data suggest that CP-Africa is feasible in resource-constrained, low-literacy, high-HIV settings in sub-Saharan Africa. By improving the quality of ANC delivery, midwives have an opportunity to make a contribution towards Millennium Development Goals (MDG) targeting improvements in child, maternal and HIV-related health outcomes (MDGs 4, 5 and 6). A clinical trial is needed to establish efficacy. Implications for Practice CP-Africa also has the potential to reduce job-related stress and enhance job satisfaction for midwives in low income countries. If CP can be transferred with fidelity to process in sub-Saharan Africa and retain similar results to those reported in clinical trials, it has the potential to benefit pregnant women and their infants and could make a positive contribution to MGDs 4, 5 and .6. PMID:23871278

Corrosion Potential Monitoring for Polymer Composite Wrapping and Galvanic CP System for Reinforced Concrete Marine Piles

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-02-01

deteriorated – Rebar corrosion – Spalling concrete Repair Options • Patching • Polymeric composite wraps • Pre-fabricated composite shell with CP Objective... Corrosion Potential Monitoring for Polymer Composite Wrapping and Galvanic CP System for Reinforced Concrete Marine Piles David Bailey, Richard...Command DoD Corrosion Problem • Piers and wharves – Critical facilities – $14.5M maintenance costs – Reinforced concrete piles • Aged and

Direct Detection of the Ion Pair to Free Ions Transformation upon Complexation with an Ion Receptor in Non-Polar Solvents by using Conductometry.

PubMed

Iseda, Kazuya; Kokado, Kenta; Sada, Kazuki

2018-03-01

In this study, we performed conductometry in various organic solvents to directly detect the transformation from tetrabutylammonium chloride ( TBACl ) ion-pair salt to the free ions through complexation with meso -octamethylcalix[4]pyrrole ( CP ), which is a well-known receptor for chloride anions. In the presence of CP , the conductivity of TBACl increases in various non-polar solvents, indicating that complexation with CP enhances the ionic dissociation of TBACl in such non-polar solvents. In other words, CP recognizes chloride as an ion-paired salt as well as a free anion in non-polar solvents. Additionally, the TBA(CP - Cl ) complex exhibited a considerably lower ion-pairing constant ( K ip ) than TBACl in non-polar solvents, resulting in enhanced conductivity. Based on these findings, we can conclude that complexation of an anion with a hydrophobic anion receptor will be useful for creating functional and stimuli-responsive soft materials in organic solvents using coulombic forces.

How does Reactivity to Frustrative Non-Reward Increase Risk for Externalizing Symptoms?

PubMed Central

Gatzke-Kopp, Lisa M.; Willner, Cynthia J.; Jetha, Michelle K.; Abenavoli, Rachel M.; DuPuis, David; Segalowitz, Sidney J.

2015-01-01

Frustration is a normative affective response with adaptive value in motivating behavior. However, excessive anger in response to frustration characterizes multiple forms of externalizing psychopathology. How a given trait subserves both normative and pathological behavioral profiles is not entirely clear. One hypothesis is that the magnitude of response to frustration differentiates normative versus maladaptive reactivity. Disproportionate increases in arousal in response to frustration may exceed normal regulatory capacity, thus precipitating aggressive or antisocial responses. Alternatively, pathology may arise when reactivity to frustration interferes with other cognitive systems, impairing the individual’s ability to respond to frustration adaptively. In this paper we examine these two hypotheses in a sample of kindergarten children. First we examine whether children with conduct problems (CP; n = 105) are differentiated from comparison children (n = 135) with regard to magnitude of autonomic reactivity (cardiac and electrodermal) across a task that includes a frustrative non-reward block flanked by two reward blocks. Second we examine whether cognitive processing, as reflected by magnitude of the P3b brain response, is disrupted in the context of frustrative non-reward. Results indicate no differences in skin conductance, but a greater increase in heart rate during the frustration block among children in the CP group. Additionally, the CP group was characterized by a pronounced decrement in P3b amplitude during the frustration condition compared with both reward conditions. No interaction between cardiac and P3b measures was observed, suggesting that each system independently reflects a greater sensitivity to frustration in association with externalizing symptom severity. PMID:25937209

Dental caries and periodontal disease in Brazilian children and adolescents with cerebral palsy.

PubMed

Cardoso, Andreia M R; Gomes, Lays N; Silva, Clara Regina D; Soares, Renata de S C; Abreu, Mauro Henrique N G de; Padilha, Wilton W N; Cavalcanti, Alessandro L

2014-12-29

The aim of the present study was determine the prevalence and factors associated with dental caries and periodontal disease in Brazilian children and adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP). This is a cross-sectional study conducted with 80 patients ranging in age from 2 to 18 years old. Oral exams were conducted by an examiner with records of DMFT, dmft, Gingival Bleeding Index (GBI) and Community Periodontal Index (CPI). The statistical analysis used Poisson Regression with robust variance estimation (α = 0.05). The prevalence of dental caries was 59.3%, with DMFT and mean dmft of 1.71 ± 2.42 and 2.22 ± 3.23, respectively. The mean GBI was 22.44%, and in the CPI, the prevalence of gingival bleeding, calculus, shallow and deep pockets were 94.73%, 79.62%, 12.90% and 3.22%, respectively. The caregiver's educational level of less than eight years were associated with the dental caries experience (PR = 1.439; 95%CI = 1.09-1.89). The periodontal alterations were associated with female sex (PR = 0.82; 95%CI = 0.69-0.97), caregiver's educational level of less than eight years (PR = 1.15; 95%CI = 1.03-1.29), poor oral perception (PR = 0.89; 95%CI = 0.80-0.98), serious communication problem (PR = 0.87; 95%CI = 0.76-0.99) and athetoid type of CP (PR = 0.85; 95%CI = 0.75-0.97). The patients with CP presented high dental caries experience and periodontal alterations, which were associated with their demographic, socioeconomic, oral health perception and systemic information.

How does reactivity to frustrative non-reward increase risk for externalizing symptoms?

PubMed

Gatzke-Kopp, Lisa M; Willner, Cynthia J; Jetha, Michelle K; Abenavoli, Rachel M; DuPuis, David; Segalowitz, Sidney J

2015-11-01

Frustration is a normative affective response with an adaptive value in motivating behavior. However, excessive anger in response to frustration characterizes multiple forms of externalizing psychopathology. How a given trait subserves both normative and pathological behavioral profiles is not entirely clear. One hypothesis is that the magnitude of response to frustration differentiates normative versus maladaptive reactivity. Disproportionate increases in arousal in response to frustration may exceed normal regulatory capacity, thus precipitating aggressive or antisocial responses. Alternatively, pathology may arise when reactivity to frustration interferes with other cognitive systems, impairing the individual's ability to respond to frustration adaptively. In this paper we examine these two hypotheses in a sample of kindergarten children. First we examine whether children with conduct problems (CP; n=105) are differentiated from comparison children (n=135) with regard to magnitude of autonomic reactivity (cardiac and electrodermal) across a task that includes a frustrative non-reward block flanked by two reward blocks. Second we examine whether cognitive processing, as reflected by magnitude of the P3b brain response, is disrupted in the context of frustrative non-reward. Results indicate no differences in skin conductance, but a greater increase in heart rate during the frustration block among children in the CP group. Additionally, the CP group was characterized by a pronounced decrement in P3b amplitude during the frustration condition compared with both reward conditions. No interaction between cardiac and P3b measures was observed, suggesting that each system independently reflects a greater sensitivity to frustration in association with externalizing symptom severity. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Gastric dysmotility following orthopaedic scoliosis surgery in patients with cerebral palsy: a case series.

PubMed

Vande Velde, S; Van Biervliet, S; De Bruyne, R; Van Renterghem, K; Plasschaert, F; Van Winckel, M

2010-08-01

Scoliosis is a common complication in children with cerebral palsy (CP). In these patients, surgical correction carries a high risk of complications. CP is also associated with gastrointestinal dysmotility such as delayed gastric emptying and gastro-oesophageal reflux. We describe 5 patients with CP in whom symptoms of gastric dysmotility clearly exacerbated after orthopaedic scoliosis surgery. They all showed persisting vomiting, nausea, bloating, weight loss, and anorexia necessitating total parental nutrition and/or jejunal feeding. This intensified nutritional support resulted in weight gain. Symptoms, however, persisted in half of the patients. The aetiology of these gastro-intestinal motility problems following scoliosis surgery remains unclear. Mechanical obstruction needs to be ruled out. Delayed gastric emptying may be due to postprandial antral hypomotility as a consequence of sympathic stimulation. Malnutrition could further aggravate gastrointestinal dysmotility. This complication should be taken into account when surgery for spinal deformities in CP patients is planned, especially in patients with pre-existing gastrointestinal motility problems. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Bayesian CP Factorization of Incomplete Tensors with Automatic Rank Determination.

PubMed

Zhao, Qibin; Zhang, Liqing; Cichocki, Andrzej

2015-09-01

CANDECOMP/PARAFAC (CP) tensor factorization of incomplete data is a powerful technique for tensor completion through explicitly capturing the multilinear latent factors. The existing CP algorithms require the tensor rank to be manually specified, however, the determination of tensor rank remains a challenging problem especially for CP rank . In addition, existing approaches do not take into account uncertainty information of latent factors, as well as missing entries. To address these issues, we formulate CP factorization using a hierarchical probabilistic model and employ a fully Bayesian treatment by incorporating a sparsity-inducing prior over multiple latent factors and the appropriate hyperpriors over all hyperparameters, resulting in automatic rank determination. To learn the model, we develop an efficient deterministic Bayesian inference algorithm, which scales linearly with data size. Our method is characterized as a tuning parameter-free approach, which can effectively infer underlying multilinear factors with a low-rank constraint, while also providing predictive distributions over missing entries. Extensive simulations on synthetic data illustrate the intrinsic capability of our method to recover the ground-truth of CP rank and prevent the overfitting problem, even when a large amount of entries are missing. Moreover, the results from real-world applications, including image inpainting and facial image synthesis, demonstrate that our method outperforms state-of-the-art approaches for both tensor factorization and tensor completion in terms of predictive performance.

A Survey of Corrosion and Conditions of Corrosion Protection Systems in Civil Works Structures of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-09-01

corrosion: coatings and cathodic protection (CP). Coatings consist of paints, epoxies, enamels , metalizing, and other coatings. CP is a chem- ical means...environmental factors such as water quality and resistivity. One of the major problems associated with lock gates is structural cracking in the...One of the problems described by Mr. Davis is fatigue crack growth resulting from the poor welding usually associated with stress risers and

Behavioural problems and autism in children with hydrocephalus : a population-based study.

PubMed

Lindquist, Barbro; Carlsson, Göran; Persson, Eva-Karin; Uvebrant, Paul

2006-06-01

To investigate the prevalence of behavioural problems and autism in a population-based group of children with hydrocephalus and to see whether learning disabilities, cerebral palsy (CP), epilepsy, myelomeningocele (MMC) or preterm birth increase the risk of these problems. In the 107 children with hydrocephalus born in western Sweden in 1989-1993, behaviour was assessed using the Conners' parent rating scales in 66 and the teacher's rating scales in 57. Autism was investigated using the Childhood Autism Rating Scale. Parents rated 67% of the children and teachers 39% of the children as having behavioural problems (>1.5 SD, or T score >65). Learning disabilities increased the risk significantly and almost all the children with CP and/or epilepsy had behavioural problems. Autism was present in nine children (13%), in 20% of those without MMC and in one of 26 with MMC. Autism was significantly more frequent in children with learning disabilities (27% vs. 7%) and in children with CP and/or epilepsy (33% vs. 6%). The majority of children with hydrocephalus have behavioural problems and many have autism. It is therefore important to assess and understand all the aspects of cognition and behaviour in these children in order to minimise disability and enhance participation for the child.

Dental Decay and Oral Findings in Children and Adolescents Affected by Different Types of Cerebral Palsy: A Comparative Study.

PubMed

Rodríguez, Juan Pablo Loyola; Ayala-Herrera, Jose Luis; Muñoz-Gomez, Noel; Martínez-Martínez, Rita E; Santos-Díaz, Miguel Angel; Olvera-Delgado, Jose Honorio; Loyola-Leyva, Alejandra

To compare dental caries and oral findings in patients affected by different types of Cerebral Palsy (CP). This cross-sectional study involved 120 children and adolescents with a diagnosis of CP. WHO diagnostic criteria were used to determine DMFT (caries diagnosis), the pocket depth and attachment level (periodontitis diagnosis). Additionally, the study evaluated dental erosion, traumatic dental injuries, treatment needs index (TNI), oral habits, malocclusions, gingival overgrowth, and dental fluorosis. The most frequent CP type was spastic (62.5%), followed by mixed (18.3%), ataxic (10%), and athetoid (9.1). Patients affected by mixed CP showed a higher prevalence in decayed, DMFT index and TNI compared with the other types of CP (p<0.05). The frequency of malocclusion in the clinical evaluation was 87.5% and in plaster models was 49.2%. Dental caries was an important issue in mixed and athetoid CP groups. Oral habits and malocclusions were the most significant oral health problems in individuals with CP.

Study of CP(N-1) theta-vacua by cluster simulation of SU(N) quantum spin ladders.

PubMed

Beard, B B; Pepe, M; Riederer, S; Wiese, U-J

2005-01-14

D-theory provides an alternative lattice regularization of the 2D CP(N-1) quantum field theory in which continuous classical fields emerge from the dimensional reduction of discrete SU(N) quantum spins. Spin ladders consisting of n transversely coupled spin chains lead to a CP(N-1) model with a vacuum angle theta=npi. In D-theory no sign problem arises and an efficient cluster algorithm is used to investigate theta-vacuum effects. At theta=pi there is a first order phase transition with spontaneous breaking of charge conjugation symmetry for CP(N-1) models with N>2.

CFD Techniques for Propulsion Applications Panel Symposium (77th), Held in San Antonio, Texas on 27-31 May 1991 (Les Techniques de l’Aerodynamique Numerique pour les Applications aux Propulseurs)

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-02-01

CONCLUDING REMARKS secondary flow pattern. Probably both factors are influential. Unfortunately The present study has examined the the secondary...Panels which are compesed of experts appointed - by the National Delegates, the Consultant and Exchange Programme and the Aerospace Applications Studies ...CP 352. September 1983 /Combustion Problems in Turbine Engines AGARD CP 353, January 1984 (,rHazard Studies for Solid Propellant Rocket Motors AGARD CP

Polymorphisms in the oxytocin receptor gene are associated with the development of psychopathy.

PubMed

Dadds, Mark R; Moul, Caroline; Cauchi, Avril; Dobson-Stone, Carol; Hawes, David J; Brennan, John; Urwin, Ruth; Ebstein, Richard E

2014-02-01

The co-occurrence of child conduct problems (CPs) and callous-unemotional (CU) traits confers risk for psychopathy. The oxytocin (OXT) system is a likely candidate for involvement in the development of psychopathy. We tested variations in the OXT receptor gene (OXTR) in CP children and adolescents with varying levels of CU traits. Two samples of Caucasian children, aged 4-16 years, who met DSM criteria for disruptive behavior problems and had no features of autism spectrum disorder, were stratified into low versus high CU traits. Measures were the frequencies of nine candidate OXTR polymorphisms (single nucleotide polymorphisms). In Sample 1, high CU traits were associated with single nucleotide polymorphism rs1042778 in the 3' untranslated region of OXTR and the CGCT haplotype of rs2268490, rs2254298, rs237889, and rs13316193. The association of rs1042778 was replicated in the second rural sample and held across gender and child versus adolescent age groups. We conclude that polymorphic variation of the OXTR characterizes children with high levels of CU traits and CPs. The results are consistent with a hypothesized role of OXT in the developmental antecedents of psychopathy, particularly the differential amygdala activation model of psychopathic traits, and add genetic evidence that high CU traits specify a distinct subgroup within CP children.

Axions, inflation and the anthropic principle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mack, Katherine J.

2011-07-01

The QCD axion is the leading solution to the strong-CP problem, a dark matter candidate, and a possible result of string theory compactifications. However, for axions produced before inflation, symmetry-breaking scales of fagtrsim1012 GeV (which are favored in string-theoretic axion models) are ruled out by cosmological constraints unless both the axion misalignment angle θ0 and the inflationary Hubble scale HI are extremely fine-tuned. We show that attempting to accommodate a high-fa axion in inflationary cosmology leads to a fine-tuning problem that is worse than the strong-CP problem the axion was originally invented to solve. We also show that this problem remains unresolved by anthropic selection arguments commonly applied to the high-fa axion scenario.

Association between chronic periodontitis and the risk of Alzheimer's disease: a retrospective, population-based, matched-cohort study.

PubMed

Chen, Chang-Kai; Wu, Yung-Tsan; Chang, Yu-Chao

2017-08-08

Although recent short-term cross-sectional studies have revealed that chronic periodontitis (CP) may be a risk factor for increased cognitive impairment in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD), systematic reviews and long-term longitudinal studies have provided less clear evidence regarding the relationship between CP and AD. Therefore, we conducted a retrospective cohort study using the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) of Taiwan to determine whether patients with CP are at increased risk of developing AD. We conducted a retrospective matched-cohort study using the NHIRD of Taiwan. We identified 9291 patients newly diagnosed with CP between 1997 and 2004. A total of 18,672 patients without CP were matched to the patient cohort according to sex, age, index year, co-morbidity and urbanisation level. Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were performed to evaluate the subsequent risk of AD. Patients with CP had a higher prevalence of hyperlipidaemia, depression, traumatic brain injury and co-morbidities, as well as higher urbanisation levels, than those in the unexposed cohort (all p < 0.01). At the final follow-up, totals of 115 (1.24%) and 208 (1.11%) individuals in the CP exposed and unexposed groups, respectively, had developed AD. Patients with 10 years of CP exposure exhibited a higher risk of developing AD than unexposed groups (adjusted HR 1.707, 95% CI 1.152-2.528, p = 0.0077). Our findings demonstrate that 10-year CP exposure was associated with a 1.707-fold increase in the risk of developing AD. These findings highlight the need to prevent progression of periodontal disease and promote healthcare service at the national level.

Fracture detection in concrete by glass fiber cloth reinforced plastics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shin, Soon-Gi; Lee, Sung-Riong

2006-04-01

Two types of carbon (carbon fiber and carbon powder) and a glass cloth were used as conductive phases and a reinforcing fiber, respectively, in polymer rods. The carbon powder was used for fabricating electrically conductive carbon powder-glass fiber reinforced plastic (CP-GFRP) rods. The carbon fiber tows and the CP-GFRP rods were adhered to mortar specimens using epoxy resin and glass fiber cloth. On bending, the electrical resistance of the carbon fiber tow attached to the mortar specimen increased greatly after crack generation, and that of the CP-GFRP rod increased after the early stages of deflection in the mortar. Therefore, the CP-GFRP rod is superior to the carbon fiber tow in detecting fractures. Also, by reinforcing with a glass fiber cloth reinforced plastic, the strength of the mortar specimens became more than twice as strong as that of the unreinforced mortar.

Scratch and wear behaviour of plasma sprayed nano ceramics bilayer Al2O3-13 wt%TiO2/hydroxyapatite coated on medical grade titanium substrates in SBF environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Palanivelu, R.; Ruban Kumar, A.

2014-10-01

Among the various coating techniques, plasma spray coating is an efficient technique to protect the metal surface from the various surface problems like wear and corrosion. The aim of this present work is to design and produce a bilayer coating on the non- toxic commercially pure titanium (denoted as CP-Ti) implant substrate in order to improve the biocompatibility and surface properties. To achieve that, Al2O3-13 wt%TiO2 (AT13) and hydroxyapatite (HAP) were coated on CP-Ti implant substrate using plasma spray coating technique. Further, the coated substrates were subjected to various characterization techniques. The crystallite size of coated HAP and its morphological studies were carried out using X-ray diffractometer (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) respectively. The wear test on the bilayer (AT13/HAP) coated CP-Ti implant surface was conducted using ball-on-disc tester under SBF environment at 37 °C, in order to determine the wear rate and the coefficient of friction. The adhesion strength of the bilayer coated surface was evaluated by micro scratch tester under the ramp load conditions with load range of 14-20 N. The above said studies were repeated on the single layer coated HAP and AT13 implant surfaces. The results reveal that the bilayer (AT13/HAP) coated CP-Ti surface has the improved wear rate, coefficient of friction in compared to single layer coated HAP and AT13 surfaces.

An Experimental Investigation of Effects of Fluxes (Na3AlF6 and K2TiF6), Element Alloys (Mg), and Composite Powders ((Al + TiC)CP and (Al + B4C)CP) on Distribution of Particles and Phases in Al-B4C and Al-TiC Composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mazaheri, Younes; Emadi, Rahmatollah; Meratian, Mahmood; Zarchi, Mehdi Karimi

2017-04-01

The wettability, incorporation, and gravity segregation of TiC and B4C particles into molten aluminum are important problems in the production of Al-TiC and Al-B4C composites by the casting techniques. In order to solve these problems, different methods consisting of adding the Na3AlF6 and K2TiF6 fluxes and Mg (as the alloying element) into the molten aluminum and injection of the (Al + TiC)CP and (Al + B4C)CP composite powders instead of B4C and TiC particles are evaluated. In this work, the conditions of sample preparation, such as particle addition temperature, stirring speed, and stirring time, are determined after many studies and tests. Microstructural characterizations of samples are investigated by scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray diffractometry. The results show better distribution and incorporation of TiCp and B4Cp in aluminum matrix when the fluxes are used, as well as EDS analysis of the interface between the matrix and reinforcement-strengthened formation of the different phases such as Al4C3 in the Al-TiC composites and Al3BC, TiB2 in the Al-B4C composites.

Factors associated with pelvic asymmetry in transverse plane during gait in patients with cerebral palsy.

PubMed

de Morais Filho, Mauro César; Kawamura, Cátia Myuki; Andrade, Paula Horta; Dos Santos, Márcia Belas; Pickel, Marina Rigolin; Neto, Raul Bolliger

2009-11-01

The purpose of this study was to describe the patterns of pelvic rotational asymmetry in the transverse plane and identify the possible factors related to this problem. One thousand and forty-five patients with cerebral palsy (CP) and complete documentation in the gait laboratory were reviewed in a retrospective study. Pelvic asymmetry in the transverse plane was observed in 52.7% of the patients; and to identify the possible causes of pelvic retraction, clinical (Thomas test, popliteal angle, and gastrocnemius tightness) and dynamic parameters (mean rotation of the hip in stance, minimum hip flexion, minimum knee flexion, and peak ankle dorsiflexion) were evaluated. The association between these parameters and pelvic retraction was assessed statistically. The results showed that 75.7% of patients with asymmetric pattern of the pelvis had clinical diagnosis of diplegic spastic CP. Among the patients with asymmetrical CP, the most common pattern was pelvic retraction on the affected side. The relationship between pelvic retraction and internal hip rotation was stronger in patients with asymmetrical diplegic CP than in those with hemiplegic (P<0.001) or symmetrical diplegic CP (P = 0.014). All of the patients exhibited a significant association among clinical parameters (Thomas test, popliteal angle, and gastrocnemius tightness) and pelvic retraction. In conclusion, pelvic retraction seems to be a multifactorial problem, and the etiology can change according to topographic classification, which must be taken into account during the decision-making process in patients with CP.

Grain Refinement and Mechanical Properties of Cu–Cr–Zr Alloys with Different Nano-Sized TiCp Addition

PubMed Central

Zhang, Dongdong; Bai, Fang; Wang, Yong; Wang, Jinguo; Wang, Wenquan

2017-01-01

The TiCp/Cu master alloy was prepared via thermal explosion reaction. Afterwards, the nano-sized TiCp/Cu master alloy was dispersed by electromagnetic stirring casting into the melting Cu–Cr–Zr alloys to fabricate the nano-sized TiCp-reinforced Cu–Cr–Zr composites. Results show that nano-sized TiCp can effectively refine the grain size of Cu–Cr–Zr alloys. The morphologies of grain in Cu–Cr–Zr composites changed from dendritic grain to equiaxed crystal because of the addition and dispersion of nano-sized TiCp. The grain size decreased from 82 to 28 μm with the nano-sized TiCp content. Compared with Cu–Cr–Zr alloys, the ultimate compressive strength (σUCS) and yield strength (σ0.2) of 4 wt% TiCp-reinforced Cu–Cr–Zr composites increased by 6.7% and 9.4%, respectively. The wear resistance of the nano-sized TiCp-reinforced Cu–Cr–Zr composites increased with the increasing nano-sized TiCp content. The wear loss of the nano-sized TiCp-reinforced Cu–Cr–Zr composites decreased with the increasing TiCp content under abrasive particles. The eletrical conductivity of Cu–Cr–Zr alloys, 2% and 4% nano-sized TiCp-reinforced Cu–Cr–Zr composites are 64.71% IACS, 56.77% IACS and 52.93% IACS, respectively. PMID:28786937

Feed efficiency of diets with different energy and protein concentrations supplemented with methionine in laying quails

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ratriyanto, A.; Indreswari, R.; Nuhriawangsa, A. M. P.; Purwanti, E.

2018-03-01

The study was conducted to evaluate the feed efficiency of quail diets containing different concentrations of metabolizable energy (ME) and crude protein (CP) with constant ratio and supplemented with methionine. Four hundred laying quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) were randomly assigned to four experimental diets in a 2×2 factorial arrangement. Each dietary treatment used 5 replicates of 20 quails. Two basal diets were formulated to contain 2,800 kcal kg-1 ME and 18.7% CP (High ME-CP) and 2,600 kcal kg-1 ME and 17.3% CP (Low ME-CP). Each basal diet was supplemented with 0 and 0.12% methionine. The High ME-CP diets generated lower feed consumption but higher egg mass and feed efficiency (P<0.01) compared with the Low ME-CP. Furthermore, supplementation of methionine increased egg mass, feed efficiency, energy efficiency ratio and protein efficiency ratio (P<0.01). The High ME-CP supplemented with methionine resulted the highest feed efficiency followed by the Low ME-CP supplemented with methionine, while both High ME-CP and Low ME-CP without methionine supplementation resulted the lowest feed efficiency (P<0.05). In addition, ME and CP consumption of the birds were not influenced by the treatments. Thus, feeding High ME-CP supplemented with 0.12% methionine provided benefit to improve the feed efficiency in laying quails.

Gait Trainer for Children with Spastic Cerebral Palsy

DTIC Science & Technology

2001-10-25

same person. Spastic CP is the most common type of Cerebral Palsy. It can be subdivided into 5 types : Quadriplegia : A type of CP when occurs in...all four of their limbs-both arms and both legs it is called quadriplegia . Due to the problems of controlling the muscles in their face and upper

Attentional and Executive Impairments in Children with Spastic Cerebral Palsy

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bottcher, Louise; Flachs, Esben Meulengracht; Uldall, Peter

2010-01-01

Aim: Children with cerebral palsy (CP) are reported to have learning and social problems. The aim of the present study was to examine whether children with CP have impairments in attention or executive function. Method: We examined attention and executive function with standardized neuropsychological measures in a group of children with unilateral…

Juvenile catamenial pneumothorax: institutional report and review.

PubMed

Inoue, Takashi; Chida, Masayuki; Inaba, Hirohisa; Tamura, Motohiko; Kobayashi, Satoru; Sado, Tetsu

2015-06-13

Catamenial pneumothorax (CP) is a type of spontaneous pneumothorax due to thoracic endometriosis occurring in reproductive women, and usually involves the right side of the thorax showing diaphragm lesions. For the present study, we defined juvenile CP (JCP) as patients with CP who were 19 years old and younger. Institutional findings and a systematic literature review are presented. We retrospectively enrolled all patients with CP treated at our institutions from January 2002 to June 2013. In addition, we conducted a search of medical literature published using the PubMed and Japanese Ichushi databases with "catamenial pneumothorax" as the search term. Thirteen female patients with CP, 1 on the left side, were treated at our institutions. The patient with left-side CP was classified as JCP, while that was also identified in 29 of 451 CPs reported in our literature review. Pneumothorax occurred more frequently on the left side in JCP as compared to usual CP (p<0.01). There was a significantly lower ratio of JCP cases with diaphragm lesions as compared to usual CP (p<0.01). Significant laterality was not seen in JCP patients and fewer had diaphragm lesions as compared to usual CP. JCP may be a new entity of CP.

Poincare recurrence theorem and the strong CP problem

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

Kalloniatis, Alex C.; Nedelko, Sergei N.; Bogoliubov Laboratory of Theoretical Physics, JINR, 141980 Dubna

2006-02-01

The existence in the physical QCD vacuum of nonzero gluon condensates, such as , requires dominance of gluon fields with finite mean action density. This naturally allows any real number value for the unit 'topological charge' q characterizing the fields approximating the gluon configurations which should dominate the QCD partition function. If q is an irrational number then the critical values of the {theta} parameter for which CP is spontaneously broken are dense in R, which provides for a mechanism of resolving the strong CP problem simultaneously with a correct implementation of U{sub A}(1) symmetry. We present anmore » explicit realization of this mechanism within a QCD motivated domain model. Some model independent arguments are given that suggest the relevance of this mechanism also to genuine QCD.« less

Dental Caries and Periodontal Disease in Brazilian Children and Adolescents with Cerebral Palsy

PubMed Central

Cardoso, Andreia M. R.; Gomes, Lays N.; Silva, Clara Regina D.; de S. C. Soares, Renata; de Abreu, Mauro Henrique N. G.; Padilha, Wilton W. N.; Cavalcanti, Alessandro L.

2014-01-01

The aim of the present study was determine the prevalence and factors associated with dental caries and periodontal disease in Brazilian children and adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP). This is a cross-sectional study conducted with 80 patients ranging in age from 2 to 18 years old. Oral exams were conducted by an examiner with records of DMFT, dmft, Gingival Bleeding Index (GBI) and Community Periodontal Index (CPI). The statistical analysis used Poisson Regression with robust variance estimation (α = 0.05). The prevalence of dental caries was 59.3%, with DMFT and mean dmft of 1.71 ± 2.42 and 2.22 ± 3.23, respectively. The mean GBI was 22.44%, and in the CPI, the prevalence of gingival bleeding, calculus, shallow and deep pockets were 94.73%, 79.62%, 12.90% and 3.22%, respectively. The caregiver’s educational level of less than eight years were associated with the dental caries experience (PR = 1.439; 95%CI = 1.09–1.89). The periodontal alterations were associated with female sex (PR = 0.82; 95%CI = 0.69–0.97), caregiver’s educational level of less than eight years (PR = 1.15; 95%CI = 1.03–1.29), poor oral perception (PR = 0.89; 95%CI = 0.80–0.98), serious communication problem (PR = 0.87; 95%CI = 0.76–0.99) and athetoid type of CP (PR = 0.85; 95%CI = 0.75–0.97). The patients with CP presented high dental caries experience and periodontal alterations, which were associated with their demographic, socioeconomic, oral health perception and systemic information. PMID:25551517

Physiological and comfort effects of a commercial "cooling cap" worn under protective helmets.

PubMed

Wickwire, P J; Bishop, P A; Green, J M; Richardson, M T; Lomax, R G; Casaru, C; Curtner-Smith, M

2009-08-01

Ballistic protective helmets can impair heat dissipation. A cooling device in the helmet (cooling pad, CP) could help prevent heat problems in military personnel and potentially enhance comfort. This study examined the effects of CP on rectal and skin temperatures, heart rate, percent change in plasma volume, urine specific gravity, rating of perceived exertion, and other subjective measures while performing light work in a hot environment. It was hypothesized that the CP would act as an insulator to the head, which would not positively affect any physiological variable but could positively affect wearer subjective comfort or temperature. Participants performed a work protocol for approximately 2 hr. A ballistic vest, slacks, short-sleeved button-up shirt, and a ballistic helmet (one trial with CP and one trial without) were worn. Repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed no differences (p > 0.05) between wearing and not wearing the CP for any physiological parameter. However, participants perceived the CP as cooler (p = 0.002). Other trends in perceptual data such as thermal strain and helmet comfort indicated the CP felt cooler. However, based on forehead temperature and participant comments, the CP lost its cooling ability relatively quickly (within approximately 30 min).

A Matter of Low Self-Control? Exploring Differences Between Child Pornography Possessors and Child Pornography Producers/Distributers Using Self-Control Theory.

PubMed

Clevenger, Shelly L; Navarro, Jordana N; Jasinski, Jana L

2016-09-01

This study examined the demographic and background characteristic differences between those arrested for child pornography (CP) possession (only), or CP production/distribution, or an attempted or completed sexual exploitation of a minor (SEM) that involved the Internet in some capacity within the context of self-control theory using data from the second wave of the National Juvenile Online Victimization Study (N-JOV2). Results indicate few demographic similarities, which thereby suggest these are largely heterogeneous groupings of individuals. Results also indicate CP producers/distributers engaged in a greater number of behaviors indicative of low self-control compared with CP possessors. Specifically, offenders arrested for CP production/distribution were more likely to have (a) had problems with drugs/alcohol at the time of the crime and (b) been previously violent. In contrast, the only indicator of low self-control that reached statistical significance for CP possessors was the previous use of violence. Moreover, in contrast to CP producers/distributers, full-time employment and marital status may be important factors to consider in the likelihood of arrest for CP possessors, which is congruent with the tenets of self-control theory. © The Author(s) 2014.

Measuring a year of child pornography trafficking by U.S. computers on a peer-to-peer network.

PubMed

Wolak, Janis; Liberatore, Marc; Levine, Brian Neil

2014-02-01

We used data gathered via investigative "RoundUp" software to measure a year of online child pornography (CP) trafficking activity by U.S. computers on the Gnutella peer-to-peer network. The data include millions of observations of Internet Protocol addresses sharing known CP files, identified as such in previous law enforcement investigations. We found that 244,920 U.S. computers shared 120,418 unique known CP files on Gnutella during the study year. More than 80% of these computers shared fewer than 10 such files during the study year or shared files for fewer than 10 days. However, less than 1% of computers (n=915) made high annual contributions to the number of known CP files available on the network (100 or more files). If law enforcement arrested the operators of these high-contribution computers and took their files offline, the number of distinct known CP files available in the P2P network could be reduced by as much as 30%. Our findings indicate widespread low level CP trafficking by U.S. computers in one peer-to-peer network, while a small percentage of computers made high contributions to the problem. However, our measures were not comprehensive and should be considered lower bounds estimates. Nonetheless, our findings show that data can be systematically gathered and analyzed to develop an empirical grasp of the scope and characteristics of CP trafficking on peer-to-peer networks. Such measurements can be used to combat the problem. Further, investigative software tools can be used strategically to help law enforcement prioritize investigations. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Perceived social norms, expectations, and attitudes toward corporal punishment among an urban community sample of parents.

PubMed

Taylor, Catherine A; Hamvas, Lauren; Rice, Janet; Newman, Denise L; DeJong, William

2011-04-01

Despite the fact that corporal punishment (CP) is a significant risk factor for increased aggression in children, child physical abuse victimization, and other poor outcomes, approval of CP remains high in the United States. Having a positive attitude toward CP use is a strong and malleable predictor of CP use and, therefore, is an important potential target for reducing use of CP. The Theory of Planned Behavior suggests that parents' perceived injunctive and descriptive social norms and expectations regarding CP use might be linked with CP attitudes and behavior. A random-digit-dial telephone survey of parents from an urban community sample (n = 500) was conducted. Perceived social norms were the strongest predictors of having positive attitudes toward CP, as follows: (1) perceived approval of CP by professionals (β = 0.30), (2) perceived descriptive norms of CP use (β = 0.22), and (3) perceived approval of CP by family and friends (β = 0.19); also, both positive (β = 0.13) and negative (β = -0.13) expected outcomes for CP use were strong predictors of these attitudes. Targeted efforts are needed to both assess and shift the attitudes and practices of professionals who influence parents regarding CP use; universal efforts, such as public education campaigns, are needed to educate parents and the general public about the high risk/benefit ratio for using CP and the effectiveness of non-physical forms of child discipline.

Separated matter and antimatter domains with vanishing domain walls

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

Dolgov, A.D.; Godunov, S.I.; Rudenko, A.S.

2015-10-01

We present a model of spontaneous (or dynamical) C and CP violation where it is possible to generate domains of matter and antimatter separated by cosmologically large distances. Such C(CP) violation existed only in the early universe and later it disappeared with the only trace of generated baryonic and/or antibaryonic domains. So the problem of domain walls in this model does not exist. These features are achieved through a postulated form of interaction between inflaton and a new scalar field, realizing short time C(CP) violation.

Developments and Control of Biocompatible Conducting Polymer for Intracorporeal Continuum Robots.

PubMed

Chikhaoui, Mohamed Taha; Benouhiba, Amine; Rougeot, Patrick; Rabenorosoa, Kanty; Ouisse, Morvan; Andreff, Nicolas

2018-04-30

Dexterity of robots is highly required when it comes to integration for medical applications. Major efforts have been conducted to increase the dexterity at the distal parts of medical robots. This paper reports on developments toward integrating biocompatible conducting polymers (CP) into inherently dexterous concentric tube robot paradigm. In the form of tri-layer thin structures, CP micro-actuators produce high strains while requiring less than 1 V for actuation. Fabrication, characterization, and first integrations of such micro-actuators are presented. The integration is validated in a preliminary telescopic soft robot prototype with qualitative and quantitative performance assessment of accurate position control for trajectory tracking scenarios. Further, CP micro-actuators are integrated to a laser steering system in a closed-loop control scheme with displacements up to 5 mm. Our first developments aim toward intracorporeal medical robotics, with miniaturized actuators to be embedded into continuum robots.

Reasons for hospital admissions among youth and young adults with cerebral palsy.

PubMed

Young, Nancy L; McCormick, Anna M; Gilbert, Tom; Ayling-Campos, Anne; Burke, Tricia; Fehlings, Darcy; Wedge, John

2011-01-01

To identify the most common reasons for acute care hospital admissions among youth (age range, 13-17.9y) and young adults (age range, 23-32.9y) with cerebral palsy (CP). We completed a secondary analysis of data from the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) to determine the most frequently observed reasons for admissions and the associated lengths of stay (LOS). Participants were identified from 6 children's treatment centers in Ontario, Canada. Health records data from youth with CP (n=587) and young adults with CP (n=477) contributed to this study. Not applicable. The most common reasons for hospital admission, relative frequencies of admissions for each reason, and mean LOS were reported. The analysis of CIHI records identified epilepsy and pneumonia as the top 2 reasons for admissions in both age groups. Both age groups were commonly admitted because of infections other than pneumonia and urinary tract infections (UTIs), gastrointestinal (GI) problems such as malabsorption, and mental illness. The reasons that were unique to youth included orthopedic and joint-related issues, other respiratory problems, and scoliosis. In young adults, mental illness was the third most common reason for admission, followed by lower GI or constipation problems, malnutrition or dehydration, upper GI problems, fractures, and UTIs. This article provides important clinical information that can be used in the training of physicians and health care providers, and to guide future planning of ambulatory care services to support the clinical management of persons with CP over their lifespan. Copyright © 2011 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Towards an advanced e-Infrastructure for Civil Protection applications: Research Strategies and Innovation Guidelines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mazzetti, P.; Nativi, S.; Verlato, M.; Angelini, V.

2009-04-01

In the context of the EU co-funded project CYCLOPS (http://www.cyclops-project.eu) the problem of designing an advanced e-Infrastructure for Civil Protection (CP) applications has been addressed. As a preliminary step, some studies about European CP systems and operational applications were performed in order to define their specific system requirements. At a higher level it was verified that CP applications are usually conceived to map CP Business Processes involving different levels of processing including data access, data processing, and output visualization. At their core they usually run one or more Earth Science models for information extraction. The traditional approach based on the development of monolithic applications presents some limitations related to flexibility (e.g. the possibility of running the same models with different input data sources, or different models with the same data sources) and scalability (e.g. launching several runs for different scenarios, or implementing more accurate and computing-demanding models). Flexibility can be addressed adopting a modular design based on a SOA and standard services and models, such as OWS and ISO for geospatial services. Distributed computing and storage solutions could improve scalability. Basing on such considerations an architectural framework has been defined. It is made of a Web Service layer providing advanced services for CP applications (e.g. standard geospatial data sharing and processing services) working on the underlying Grid platform. This framework has been tested through the development of prototypes as proof-of-concept. These theoretical studies and proof-of-concept demonstrated that although Grid and geospatial technologies would be able to provide significant benefits to CP applications in terms of scalability and flexibility, current platforms are designed taking into account requirements different from CP. In particular CP applications have strict requirements in terms of: a) Real-Time capabilities, privileging time-of-response instead of accuracy, b) Security services to support complex data policies and trust relationships, c) Interoperability with existing or planned infrastructures (e.g. e-Government, INSPIRE compliant, etc.). Actually these requirements are the main reason why CP applications differ from Earth Science applications. Therefore further research is required to design and implement an advanced e-Infrastructure satisfying those specific requirements. In particular five themes where further research is required were identified: Grid Infrastructure Enhancement, Advanced Middleware for CP Applications, Security and Data Policies, CP Applications Enablement, and Interoperability. For each theme several research topics were proposed and detailed. They are targeted to solve specific problems for the implementation of an effective operational European e-Infrastructure for CP applications.

Effect of Heat Treatment on the Microstructure and Wear Properties of Al-Zn-Mg-Cu/In-Situ Al-9Si-SiCp/Pure Al Composite by Powder Metallurgy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Byung Chul; Bae, Ki-Chang; Jung, Je Ki; Kim, Yong-Hwan; Park, Yong Ho

2018-05-01

This study examined the effects of heat treatment on the microstructure and wear properties of Al-Zn-Mg-Cu/in-situ Al-9Si-SiCp/pure Al composites. Pure Al powder was used to increase densification but it resulted in heterogeneous precipitation as well as differences in hardness among the grains. Heat treatment was conducted to solve this problem. The heat treatment process consisted of three stages: solution treatment, quenching, and aging treatment. After the solution treatment, the main dissolved phases were η'(Mg4Zn7), η(MgZn2), and Al2Cu phase. An aging treatment was conducted over the temperature range, 100-240 °C, for various times. The GP zone and η'(Mg4Zn7) phase precipitated at a low aging temperature of 100-160 °C, whereas the η(MgZn2) phase precipitated at a high aging temperature of 200-240 °C. The hardness of the sample aged at 100-160 °C was higher than that aged at 200-240 °C. The wear test was conducted under various linear speeds with a load of 100 N. The aged composite showed a lower wear rate than that of the as-sintered composite under all conditions. As the linear speed was increased to 1.0 m/s, the predominant wear behavior changed from abrasive to adhesive wear in all composites.

Behaviour in Children with Cerebral Palsy with and without Epilepsy

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Carlsson, Malin; Olsson, Ingrid; Hagberg, Gudrun; Beckung, Eva

2008-01-01

The aim of the study was to describe behavioural problems in children with cerebral palsy (CP) with and without epilepsy. The children were sampled from the Western Sweden CP register and were part of a European Union project. The Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire and questions on epilepsy were answered by one parent of each child. Medical…

Relationships between Respiratory Muscle Strength and Daily Living Function in Children with Cerebral Palsy

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wang, Hui-Yi; Chen, Chien-Chih; Hsiao, Shih-Fen

2012-01-01

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a common childhood disorder characterized by motor disability. Children with CP are at risk of developing significant respiratory problems associated with insufficient respiratory muscle strength. It is crucial to identify important factors which are associated with the limitations in daily living function in such children.…

Development of clinical pharmacy key performance indicators for hospital pharmacists using a modified Delphi approach.

PubMed

Fernandes, Olavo; Gorman, Sean K; Slavik, Richard S; Semchuk, William M; Shalansky, Steve; Bussières, Jean-François; Doucette, Douglas; Bannerman, Heather; Lo, Jennifer; Shukla, Simone; Chan, Winnie W Y; Benninger, Natalie; MacKinnon, Neil J; Bell, Chaim M; Slobodan, Jeremy; Lyder, Catherine; Zed, Peter J; Toombs, Kent

2015-06-01

Key performance indicators (KPIs) are quantifiable measures of quality. There are no published, systematically derived clinical pharmacy KPIs (cpKPIs). A group of hospital pharmacists aimed to develop national cpKPIs to advance clinical pharmacy practice and improve patient care. A cpKPI working group established a cpKPI definition, 8 evidence-derived cpKPI critical activity areas, 26 candidate cpKPIs, and 11 cpKPI ideal attributes in addition to 1 overall consensus criterion. Twenty-six clinical pharmacists and hospital pharmacy leaders participated in an internet-based 3-round modified Delphi survey. Panelists rated 26 candidate cpKPIs using 11 cpKPI ideal attributes and 1 overall consensus criterion on a 9-point Likert scale. A meeting was facilitated between rounds 2 and 3 to debate the merits and wording of candidate cpKPIs. Consensus was reached if 75% or more of panelists assigned a score of 7 to 9 on the consensus criterion during the third Delphi round. All panelists completed the 3 Delphi rounds, and 25/26 (96%) attended the meeting. Eight candidate cpKPIs met the consensus definition: (1) performing admission medication reconciliation (including best-possible medication history), (2) participating in interprofessional patient care rounds, (3) completing pharmaceutical care plans, (4) resolving drug therapy problems, (5) providing in-person disease and medication education to patients, (6) providing discharge patient medication education, (7) performing discharge medication reconciliation, and (8) providing bundled, proactive direct patient care activities. A Delphi panel of hospital pharmacists was successful in determining 8 consensus cpKPIs. Measurement and assessment of these cpKPIs will serve to advance clinical pharmacy practice and improve patient care. © The Author(s) 2015.

Advances in surgical treatment of chronic pancreatitis.

PubMed

Ni, Qingqiang; Yun, Lin; Roy, Manish; Shang, Dong

2015-02-08

The incidence of chronic pancreatitis (CP) is between 2 and 200 per 100,000 persons and shows an increasing trend year by year. India has the highest incidence of CP in the world at approximately 114 to 200 per 100,000 persons. The incidence of CP in China is approximately 13 per 100,000 persons. The aim of this review is to assist surgeons in managing patients with CP in surgical treatment. We conducted a PubMed search for "chronic pancreatitis" and "surgical treatment" and reviewed relevant articles. On the basis of our review of the literature, we found that CP cannot be completely cured. The purpose of surgical therapy for CP is to relieve symptoms, especially pain; to improve the patient's quality of life; and to treat complications. Decompression (drainage), resection, neuroablation and decompression combined with resection are commonly used methods for the surgical treatment of CP. Before developing a surgical regimen, surgeons should comprehensively evaluate the patient's clinical manifestations, auxiliary examination results and medical history to develop an individualized surgical treatment regimen.

Altered sense of Agency in children with spastic cerebral palsy

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background Children diagnosed with spastic Cerebral Palsy (CP) often show perceptual and cognitive problems, which may contribute to their functional deficit. Here we investigated if altered ability to determine whether an observed movement is performed by themselves (sense of agency) contributes to the motor deficit in children with CP. Methods Three groups; 1) CP children, 2) healthy peers, and 3) healthy adults produced straight drawing movements on a pen-tablet which was not visible for the subjects. The produced movement was presented as a virtual moving object on a computer screen. Subjects had to evaluate after each trial whether the movement of the object on the computer screen was generated by themselves or by a computer program which randomly manipulated the visual feedback by angling the trajectories 0, 5, 10, 15, 20 degrees away from target. Results Healthy adults executed the movements in 310 seconds, whereas healthy children and especially CP children were significantly slower (p < 0.002) (on average 456 seconds and 543 seconds respectively). There was also a statistical difference between the healthy and age matched CP children (p = 0.037). When the trajectory of the object generated by the computer corresponded to the subject's own movements all three groups reported that they were responsible for the movement of the object. When the trajectory of the object deviated by more than 10 degrees from target, healthy adults and children more frequently than CP children reported that the computer was responsible for the movement of the object. CP children consequently also attempted to compensate more frequently from the perturbation generated by the computer. Conclusions We conclude that CP children have a reduced ability to determine whether movement of a virtual moving object is caused by themselves or an external source. We suggest that this may be related to a poor integration of their intention of movement with visual and proprioceptive information about the performed movement and that altered sense of agency may be an important functional problem in children with CP. PMID:22129483

The impact and burden of chronic pain in the workplace: a qualitative systematic review.

PubMed

Patel, Ajay S; Farquharson, Rachel; Carroll, Dawn; Moore, Andrew; Phillips, Ceri J; Taylor, Rod S; Barden, Jodie

2012-09-01

Chronic pain (CP) poses a diverse and substantial burden for employees, employers, and society. The deleterious consequences of CP in the workplace are frequently underestimated. To estimate the burden of CP in the European workplace. A systematic review following PRISMA statement guidelines was conducted to identify studies reporting work-related outcomes for people with CP. EMBASE, MEDLINE, EconLit, and Cochrane Library databases were searched up to 18th August 2010. We identified 91 observational studies. Few were specifically designed to investigate the association between CP, productivity, and employment. The focus for this review was studies clearly reporting outcomes relating to the burden of CP on employment status (n = 37), sickness absence (absenteeism, n = 47), and loss of productivity because of reduced ability at work (presenteeism, n = 8). The body of evidence identified from the systematic review indicates that CP has a substantial negative impact on work-related outcomes, supporting the importance of interventions to reduce the burden of CP. Well-designed prospective studies specifically assessing the direct consequences of CP on employment are needed to confirm these findings. © 2012 Abacus International. Pain Practice © 2012 World Institute of Pain.

Dental health of children with cerebral palsy

PubMed Central

Jan, Basil M.; Jan, Mohammed M.

2016-01-01

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a common chronic motor disorder with associated cognitive, communicative, and seizure disorders. Children with CP have a higher risk of dental problems creating significant morbidity that can further affect their wellbeing and negatively impact their quality of life. Screening for dental disease should be part of the initial assessment of any child with CP. The objective of this article is to present an updated overview of dental health issues in children with CP and outline important preventative and practical strategies to the management of this common comorbidity. Providing adequate oral care requires adaptation of special dental skills to help families manage the ongoing health issues that may arise. As oral health is increasingly recognized as a foundation for general wellbeing, caregivers for CP patients should be considered an important component of the oral health team and must become knowledgeable and competent in home oral health practices. PMID:27744459

[The catamenial pneumothorax: a diagnosis often overlooked].

PubMed

Anastasio, C; Wémeau-Stervinou, L; Jaillard, S; Mariage, P; Wallaert, B

2013-02-01

The catamenial pneumothorax (CP) is defined as recurrent pneumothorax occurring from the day before menstruations until 72 hours after their beginning, but remains a diagnostic and therapeutic problem. We herein report the cases of two young women who presented several episodes of pneumothorax. The first patient (28 years old) underwent 18 recurrent pneumothorax before the diagnosis of CP. The video-assisted mini-thoracotomy found many diaphragmatic perforations, which were sutured after resection and biopsy. The latter patient underwent four pneumothorax before diagnosis of CP. A video-assisted mini-thoracotomy associated with pleurectomy and pleural freshening was then performed. CP is a rare entity of spontaneous pneumothorax often associated with thoracic endometriosis. The difficulty remains in diagnosis (diagnostic delay before the start of appropriate care), as well as in the treatment. Overall, CP requires a multidisciplinary approach combining pulmonology, thoracic surgery and gynecology. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Zirconocene-iridium hydrido complexes: arene carbon-hydrogen bond activation and formation of a planar square Zr2Ir2 complex.

PubMed

Oishi, Masataka; Suzuki, Hiroharu

2009-03-16

New early-late heterobimetallic hydrides (L(2)ZrCl)(Cp*Ir)(mu-H)(3) (1; L = Cp derivative, Cp* = eta(5)-C(5)Me(5)) were synthesized from zirconocene derivatives (L(2)ZrCl(2)) and LiCp*IrH(3) via a salt elimination reaction and structurally characterized by NMR and X-ray analyses. Upon treatment of 1 with an alkyllithium reagent, hydride abstraction complex 4 underwent thermolytic ligand elimination at the Zr-Ir system to yield a novel planar square complex (L(2)Zr)(2)(Cp*Ir)(2)(mu(3)-H)(4) (2). When a labeling study of the reaction was conducted, it was found that the conversion of 1 to 2 involves rapid aromatic and benzylic C-H activation by a coordinatively unsaturated dinuclear complex (L(2)Zr)(Cp*Ir)(H)(2) (3).

Direct Detection of the Ion Pair to Free Ions Transformation upon Complexation with an Ion Receptor in Non‐Polar Solvents by using Conductometry

PubMed Central

Iseda, Kazuya

2018-01-01

Abstract In this study, we performed conductometry in various organic solvents to directly detect the transformation from tetrabutylammonium chloride (TBACl) ion‐pair salt to the free ions through complexation with meso‐octamethylcalix[4]pyrrole (CP), which is a well‐known receptor for chloride anions. In the presence of CP, the conductivity of TBACl increases in various non‐polar solvents, indicating that complexation with CP enhances the ionic dissociation of TBACl in such non‐polar solvents. In other words, CP recognizes chloride as an ion‐paired salt as well as a free anion in non‐polar solvents. Additionally, the TBA(CP–Cl) complex exhibited a considerably lower ion‐pairing constant (K ip) than TBACl in non‐polar solvents, resulting in enhanced conductivity. Based on these findings, we can conclude that complexation of an anion with a hydrophobic anion receptor will be useful for creating functional and stimuli‐responsive soft materials in organic solvents using coulombic forces. PMID:29610717

Comparison of lipid profile between degrees of severity of hepatic cirrhosis in Haji Adam Malik general hospital Medan

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Siregar, G. A.; Tampubolon, S. E.

2018-03-01

Lipid metabolism disorders usually occurred in chronic liver disease. A cross- sectional study was conducted in liver cirrhosis (LC) patients who came to Central Hospital Haji Adam Malik, Medan on July-December 2016 to evaluatethe comparison of total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglyceride in Child-Pugh class. Inclusions criteria were apatient diagnosed with LC from anamnesis, physic diagnostic, laboratory, and imaging. The patientswere being evaluated with Child-Pugh (CP). P-value was calculated by using univariate and bivariate analysis of variance test (ANOVA). There were 80 subjects which included 45 men (56.3%) and 35 women (43.8%). Mean age was 51.36±12.6 years. There were 40% with HBsAg(+) and 12.5% with Anti-HCV (+). There was 60% patient with CP-C, 21.3% CP-B, and 18.8% CP-A. There were significant differences between LDL and HDL level among LC patient grade in CP-A, B, and C (p<0.05). HDL and LDL level significantly lower in CP-C compared with CP-A. There were significantly differences between LDL and HDL level among LC patient grade in CP-A, B, and C (p<0.05). HDL and LDL level significantly lower in CP-C compared with CP-A. There weren’t any statistically difference between total cholesterol and triglyceride level in LC patients with CP- A, B, and C.

Bamboo vs. crops: an integrated emergy and economic evaluation of using bamboo to replace crops in south Sichuan Province, China.

PubMed

Lu, Hong-Fang; Cai, Chun-Ju; Zeng, Xian-Shu; Campbell, Daniel E; Fan, Shao-Hui; Liu, Guang-Lu

2018-03-10

Based on long-term monitoring conducted in Chang-ning county, a pilot site of the 'Grain for Green Program' (GFGP), an integrated emergy and economic method was applied to evaluate the dynamic ecological-economic performance of 3 kinds of bamboo systems planted on sloping farmland. The results confirmed the positive effects of all 3 kinds of bamboo systems on water conservation and soil erosion control. The benefits gained progressively increased during the first 8 years after conversion, going from 4639 to 16127 EMyuan/ha/yr on average. All three bamboo plantations were much more sustainable than common agricultural crops planted on sloping land (CP) on both the short and long-term scales with their Emergy Sustainability Index (ESI) and Emergy Index for Sustainable Development (EISD), respectively, being 14.07-325.71 and 80.35-265.80 times that of CP. However, all 3 bamboo plantations had a Net Economic Benefit (NEB) less than that of CP during the first 8 years after conversion. Even with the government-mandated ecological compensation applied, the annual NEB EC s of the Bambusa rigida (BR) and Phyllostachys pubescense (PP) plantations were, respectively, 3922.03 and 7422.77 yuan/ha/yr lower than the NEB of CP. Emergy-based evaluation of ecosystem services provides an objective reference for applying ecological compensation in strategy-making, but it cannot wholly solve the economic viability problem faced by all bamboo plantations. Inter-planting annual herbs or edible fungus, such as Dictyophora echinovolvata , within bamboo forests, especially in young bamboo plantations, might be a direction for optimizing bamboo cultivation that would improve its economic viability.

Assessment of oral and dental health status in children with cerebral palsy: An exploratory study

PubMed Central

Sedky, Nabila A

2018-01-01

Objectives: Evaluating oral and dental health status in Egyptian children with cerebral palsy (CP) in relation to gross motor skills and types of CP. Methods: A Cross-sectional study was conducted at el-Shatby Hospital for Children, Alexandria-Egypt. Oral examination for 62 children with CP between the age ranges 3–12 years was performed and decay missing filling-tooth/decay filling-tooth (DMFT/dft), simplified oral hygiene index (OHI-S), and modified gingival index (MGI) indices were charted. Maxillofacial defects, dental problems and drooling of saliva were assessed. Children’s CP type, motor milestone, and gross motor skills were determined. All statistical analyses were performed at P < 0.05 and 0.01. Results: About 84.0% of children had spastic quadriplegia, 41.9% were sit supported, 32.3% had Level IV gross motor function classification system (GMFCS), and 29.0% had Level V. No maxillofacial defects, 14.5% had dentine exposure >1/3 of the surface, and 22.6% had frequent/severe drooling saliva. Caries prevalence comprised 54.8%, 53.2% had poor oral hygiene (OHI-S index), and 43.6% had severe gingival inflammation (MGI index). The first best predictor variable for dft was “Motor Milestone.” GMFCS (Level IV and V) was the first best predictor variable for DMFT, OHI-S, and MGI indices. Conclusion: The majority of children had dental caries, poor oral hygiene, and severe gingival inflammation. Children who were sit supported had no neck support and stand supported were suffering from dental caries (dft) more than children who were sitting and walking alone. Children with Levels IV/V GMFCS were prone to have dental caries (DMFT), susceptible to suffer from bad oral hygiene, and older children experiencing severe gingivitis more than younger ones. PMID:29623011

Sorafenib tosylate, Ribavirn and Sofosbuvir combination therapy for HCV virus infected patients with decompensated liver cancer.

PubMed

Munir, Bushra; Ahmed, Bilal; Kiran, Shumaila; Jalal, Fatima; Zahoor, Muhammad Kashif; Shehzadi, Saba; Oranab, Sadaf; Kamran, Sayed Kashif; Ghaffar, Abdul

2017-11-01

Hepatitis C is the most common health problem worldwide and is major cause of death due to proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma. The medicines available for HCV treatment overcome up-to 95% complications of HCV. However, liver cancer needs some additional care. Normally Sorafenib tosylate 200 mg is recommended for liver cancer. There is no such trial in which this drug could effectively be used in combination of direct acting antivirals for HCV. The study was conducted for HCV patients (n=30) with liver cancer having decompensated stage. Combination of Sorafenib tosylate, Ribavirn and Sofosbuvir were used for the pharmacokinetics of these medicines. Child pugh score less then 7 (CP A) in adults during treatment phase (received 12 weeks of Sorafenib tosylate 200 mg, Ribavirn and Sofosbuvir 400 mg once daily) have no side effect while child pugh score 7-9 (CP B) have evidence of hypertension. The main efficiency end point sustained virology response with overcoming liver cancer as well in 12 weeks after end treatment (SVR-LLC 12). Mean pharmacokinetic exposure to Sorafenib tosylate 200 mg, Ribavirn and Sofosbuvir at week 8th was 2.1, 1.5,1.2 times greater in CP B than in CP A. Adverse effects (AEs) were observed in 12 out of 30 patients but not severe as lethal for life. Treatment with Sorafenib tosylate, Ribavirn and Sofosbuvir for twelve weeks was harmless and well accepted, 100 % patients achieve (SVR LLC 12) with 10-fold cure rate more than previous ones. The combination therapy of Sorafenib tosylate, Ribavirn and Sofosbuvir was found helpful for the management of decompensated liver cancer.

Sunitinib Improves Some Clinical Aspects and Reverts DMBA-Induced Hyperplasic Lesions in Hamster Buccal Pouch

PubMed Central

de Souza, Fernanda Lopes; Oliveira, Mariana; Nunes, Marianne Brochado; Serafim, Lucas Horstmann; Azambuja, Alan Arrieira; Braga, Luisa Maria G. de M.; Saur, Lisiani; de Souza, Maria Antonieta Lopes; Xavier, Léder Leal

2014-01-01

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a public health problem. The hamster buccal pouch model is ideal for analyzing the development of OSCC. This research analysed the effects of sunitinib (tyrosine kinase inhibitor) in precancerous lesions induced by 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) in this model. Thirty-four male hamsters, divided into six groups: control—C (n = 7), acetone—A (n = 12), carbamide peroxide—CP (n = 5 ), acetone and CP—A+CP (n = 8), 1% DMBA in acetone and CP—DA+CP (n = 6), and 1% DMBA in acetone and CP and 4-week treatment with sunitinib—DA+CP+S (n = 7). The aspects evaluated were anatomopathological features (peribuccal area, paws, nose, and fur), histological sections of the hamster buccal pouches (qualitatively analyzed), epithelium thickness, and the rete ridge density (estimated). Sunitinib was unable to attenuate the decrease in weight gain induced by DMBA; no increase in volume was detected in the pouch and/or ulceration, observed in 43% of the animals in the DA+CP group. DA+CP groups presented a significant increase in rete ridge density compared to the control groups (P < 0.01) which was reverted by sunitinib in the DA+CP+S group. Sunitinib seems to have important benefits in early stage carcinogenesis and may be useful in chemoprevention. PMID:24693453

Poor nutrition is a serious problem in children with cerebral palsy in Palawan, the Philippines.

PubMed

Socrates, C; Grantham-McGregor, S M; Harknett, S G; Seal, A J

2000-09-01

Children with cerebral palsy (CP) in developed countries have poor nutritional status; however there is little data from developing countries. In Palawan, in the Philippines, the nutritional status of 31 children with CP was compared to that of their siblings (n = 20) and a control group of neighbourhood children (n = 64), matched for age and sex. The children's weights, heights and armspans were measured. The heights of children with CP could not be measured and were estimated from their armspans using an equation relating height to armspan in siblings and controls. Haemoglobin levels of the study cases and siblings were measured. Siblings and controls had similar nutritional status. The children with CP had extremely poor nutritional status, and had significantly smaller weights for height, heights for age and weights for age than siblings or controls. Haemoglobin levels were not significantly different between the children with CP and their siblings. The nutritional status of children with quadriplegic CP was much poorer than that of similar children in the USA. The severity of malnutrition in children with CP is likely to be detrimental to their development, and a nutritional component should be incorporated into rehabilitation programmes. Also, there is a need to examine the nutritional status of children with CP in other developing countries.

Axions, inflation and the anthropic principle

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

Mack, Katherine J., E-mail: mack@ast.cam.ac.uk

2011-07-01

The QCD axion is the leading solution to the strong-CP problem, a dark matter candidate, and a possible result of string theory compactifications. However, for axions produced before inflation, symmetry-breaking scales of f{sub a}∼>10{sup 12} GeV (which are favored in string-theoretic axion models) are ruled out by cosmological constraints unless both the axion misalignment angle θ{sub 0} and the inflationary Hubble scale H{sub I} are extremely fine-tuned. We show that attempting to accommodate a high-f{sub a} axion in inflationary cosmology leads to a fine-tuning problem that is worse than the strong-CP problem the axion was originally invented to solve. Wemore » also show that this problem remains unresolved by anthropic selection arguments commonly applied to the high-f{sub a} axion scenario.« less

Interface COMSOL-PHREEQC (iCP), an efficient numerical framework for the solution of coupled multiphysics and geochemistry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nardi, Albert; Idiart, Andrés; Trinchero, Paolo; de Vries, Luis Manuel; Molinero, Jorge

2014-08-01

This paper presents the development, verification and application of an efficient interface, denoted as iCP, which couples two standalone simulation programs: the general purpose Finite Element framework COMSOL Multiphysics® and the geochemical simulator PHREEQC. The main goal of the interface is to maximize the synergies between the aforementioned codes, providing a numerical platform that can efficiently simulate a wide number of multiphysics problems coupled with geochemistry. iCP is written in Java and uses the IPhreeqc C++ dynamic library and the COMSOL Java-API. Given the large computational requirements of the aforementioned coupled models, special emphasis has been placed on numerical robustness and efficiency. To this end, the geochemical reactions are solved in parallel by balancing the computational load over multiple threads. First, a benchmark exercise is used to test the reliability of iCP regarding flow and reactive transport. Then, a large scale thermo-hydro-chemical (THC) problem is solved to show the code capabilities. The results of the verification exercise are successfully compared with those obtained using PHREEQC and the application case demonstrates the scalability of a large scale model, at least up to 32 threads.

Specific memory impairment following neonatal encephalopathy in term-born children.

PubMed

van Handel, Mariëlle; de Sonneville, Leo; de Vries, Linda S; Jongmans, Marian J; Swaab, Hanna

2012-01-01

This study examines short-term memory, verbal working memory, episodic long-term memory, and intelligence in 32 children with mild neonatal encephalopathy (NE), 39 children with moderate NE, 10 children with NE who developed cerebral palsy (CP), and 53 comparison children, at the age of 9 to 10 years. in addition to a global effect on intelligence, NE had a specific effect on verbal working memory, verbal and visuo-spatial long-term memory, and learning, which was associated with degree of NE. Although these memory problems occurred in children without CP, they were more pronounced when children had also developed CP.

Adaptive Resampling Particle Filters for GPS Carrier-Phase Navigation and Collision Avoidance System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hwang, Soon Sik

This dissertation addresses three problems: 1) adaptive resampling technique (ART) for Particle Filters, 2) precise relative positioning using Global Positioning System (GPS) Carrier-Phase (CP) measurements applied to nonlinear integer resolution problem for GPS CP navigation using Particle Filters, and 3) collision detection system based on GPS CP broadcasts. First, Monte Carlo filters, called Particle Filters (PF), are widely used where the system is non-linear and non-Gaussian. In real-time applications, their estimation accuracies and efficiencies are significantly affected by the number of particles and the scheduling of relocating weights and samples, the so-called resampling step. In this dissertation, the appropriate number of particles is estimated adaptively such that the error of the sample mean and variance stay in bounds. These bounds are given by the confidence interval of a normal probability distribution for a multi-variate state. Two required number of samples maintaining the mean and variance error within the bounds are derived. The time of resampling is determined when the required sample number for the variance error crosses the required sample number for the mean error. Second, the PF using GPS CP measurements with adaptive resampling is applied to precise relative navigation between two GPS antennas. In order to make use of CP measurements for navigation, the unknown number of cycles between GPS antennas, the so called integer ambiguity, should be resolved. The PF is applied to this integer ambiguity resolution problem where the relative navigation states estimation involves nonlinear observations and nonlinear dynamics equation. Using the PF, the probability density function of the states is estimated by sampling from the position and velocity space and the integer ambiguities are resolved without using the usual hypothesis tests to search for the integer ambiguity. The ART manages the number of position samples and the frequency of the resampling step for real-time kinematics GPS navigation. The experimental results demonstrate the performance of the ART and the insensitivity of the proposed approach to GPS CP cycle-slips. Third, the GPS has great potential for the development of new collision avoidance systems and is being considered for the next generation Traffic alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS). The current TCAS equipment, is capable of broadcasting GPS code information to nearby airplanes, and also, the collision avoidance system using the navigation information based on GPS code has been studied by researchers. In this dissertation, the aircraft collision detection system using GPS CP information is addressed. The PF with position samples is employed for the CP based relative position estimation problem and the same algorithm can be used to determine the vehicle attitude if multiple GPS antennas are used. For a reliable and enhanced collision avoidance system, three dimensional trajectories are projected using the estimates of the relative position, velocity, and the attitude. It is shown that the performance of GPS CP based collision detecting algorithm meets the accuracy requirements for a precise approach of flight for auto landing with significantly less unnecessary collision false alarms and no miss alarms.

A Retrospective Administrative Database Analysis of Suicide Attempts and Completed Suicide in Patients With Chronic Pancreatitis.

PubMed

Chen, Chien-Hua; Lin, Cheng-Li; Hsu, Chung-Y; Kao, Chia-Hung

2018-01-01

Background: The actual incidence rate of suicide attempt and the suicide-related fatality rate (completed suicide) in patients with chronic pancreatitis (CP) have not been mentioned in the literature. Methods: We conducted a nationwide population-based cohort study by analyzing data from Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) to compare the rate of suicide attempt between a CP cohort and a non-CP cohort. For the study cohort, we identified 17,733 patients (age ≥ 20 years) diagnosed as having CP between 2000 and 2010 from the NHIRD in Taiwan. Beneficiaries with no history of CP were matched with the study cohort at a 2:1 ratio according to age, sex, and index date. To determine the incidence of suicide, all patients were followed until the end of 2011 or until their withdrawal from the Taiwan National Health Insurance program. Results: Patients with CP had an increased risk of suicide attempt, compared with those without CP (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 2.72, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.69-4.37). The suicide-related fatality in the CP cohort was higher than that in the non-CP cohort, but the difference was not statistically significant (aHR = 1.21, 95% CI = 0.39-3.78). Conclusion: Our population-based cohort study reveals a close association between CP and subsequent suicide attempt. Compared with the non-CP cohort, the suicide-related fatality was higher in the CP cohort, although the result was not statistically significant. These findings necessitate surveying patients with CP and providing psychological support to prevent suicide.

A Retrospective Administrative Database Analysis of Suicide Attempts and Completed Suicide in Patients With Chronic Pancreatitis

PubMed Central

Chen, Chien-Hua; Lin, Cheng-Li; Hsu, Chung-Y.; Kao, Chia-Hung

2018-01-01

Background: The actual incidence rate of suicide attempt and the suicide-related fatality rate (completed suicide) in patients with chronic pancreatitis (CP) have not been mentioned in the literature. Methods: We conducted a nationwide population-based cohort study by analyzing data from Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) to compare the rate of suicide attempt between a CP cohort and a non-CP cohort. For the study cohort, we identified 17,733 patients (age ≥ 20 years) diagnosed as having CP between 2000 and 2010 from the NHIRD in Taiwan. Beneficiaries with no history of CP were matched with the study cohort at a 2:1 ratio according to age, sex, and index date. To determine the incidence of suicide, all patients were followed until the end of 2011 or until their withdrawal from the Taiwan National Health Insurance program. Results: Patients with CP had an increased risk of suicide attempt, compared with those without CP (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 2.72, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.69–4.37). The suicide-related fatality in the CP cohort was higher than that in the non-CP cohort, but the difference was not statistically significant (aHR = 1.21, 95% CI = 0.39–3.78). Conclusion: Our population-based cohort study reveals a close association between CP and subsequent suicide attempt. Compared with the non-CP cohort, the suicide-related fatality was higher in the CP cohort, although the result was not statistically significant. These findings necessitate surveying patients with CP and providing psychological support to prevent suicide. PMID:29720951

iCar-PseCp: identify carbonylation sites in proteins by Monte Carlo sampling and incorporating sequence coupled effects into general PseAAC.

PubMed

Jia, Jianhua; Liu, Zi; Xiao, Xuan; Liu, Bingxiang; Chou, Kuo-Chen

2016-06-07

Carbonylation is a posttranslational modification (PTM or PTLM), where a carbonyl group is added to lysine (K), proline (P), arginine (R), and threonine (T) residue of a protein molecule. Carbonylation plays an important role in orchestrating various biological processes but it is also associated with many diseases such as diabetes, chronic lung disease, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, chronic renal failure, and sepsis. Therefore, from the angles of both basic research and drug development, we are facing a challenging problem: for an uncharacterized protein sequence containing many residues of K, P, R, or T, which ones can be carbonylated, and which ones cannot? To address this problem, we have developed a predictor called iCar-PseCp by incorporating the sequence-coupled information into the general pseudo amino acid composition, and balancing out skewed training dataset by Monte Carlo sampling to expand positive subset. Rigorous target cross-validations on a same set of carbonylation-known proteins indicated that the new predictor remarkably outperformed its existing counterparts. For the convenience of most experimental scientists, a user-friendly web-server for iCar-PseCp has been established at http://www.jci-bioinfo.cn/iCar-PseCp, by which users can easily obtain their desired results without the need to go through the complicated mathematical equations involved. It has not escaped our notice that the formulation and approach presented here can also be used to analyze many other problems in computational proteomics.

iHyd-PseCp: Identify hydroxyproline and hydroxylysine in proteins by incorporating sequence-coupled effects into general PseAAC.

PubMed

Qiu, Wang-Ren; Sun, Bi-Qian; Xiao, Xuan; Xu, Zhao-Chun; Chou, Kuo-Chen

2016-07-12

Protein hydroxylation is a posttranslational modification (PTM), in which a CH group in Pro (P) or Lys (K) residue has been converted into a COH group, or a hydroxyl group (-OH) is converted into an organic compound. Closely associated with cellular signaling activities, this type of PTM is also involved in some major diseases, such as stomach cancer and lung cancer. Therefore, from the angles of both basic research and drug development, we are facing a challenging problem: for an uncharacterized protein sequence containing many residues of P or K, which ones can be hydroxylated, and which ones cannot? With the explosive growth of protein sequences in the post-genomic age, the problem has become even more urgent. To address such a problem, we have developed a predictor called iHyd-PseCp by incorporating the sequence-coupled information into the general pseudo amino acid composition (PseAAC) and introducing the "Random Forest" algorithm to operate the calculation. Rigorous jackknife tests indicated that the new predictor remarkably outperformed the existing state-of-the-art prediction method for the same purpose. For the convenience of most experimental scientists, a user-friendly web-server for iHyd-PseCp has been established at http://www.jci-bioinfo.cn/iHyd-PseCp, by which users can easily obtain their desired results without the need to go through the complicated mathematical equations involved.

Registration of ‘CP 06-2400’ Sugarcane

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

‘CP 06-2400’ (Reg. No. ; PI ____) sugarcane (a complex hybrid of Saccharum spp.) was developed through cooperative research conducted by the USDA-ARS, the University of Florida, and the Florida Sugar Cane League, Inc. and released to growers for organic (muck) soils in Florida in October 2013. ...

Registration of ‘CP 06-2400’ Sugarcane

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Technical Abstract: ‘CP 06-2400’ (Reg. No. ; PI 670018) sugarcane (a complex hybrid of Saccharum spp.) was developed through cooperative research conducted by the USDA-ARS, the University of Florida, and the Florida Sugar Cane League, Inc. and released to growers for organic (muck) soils in Fl...

Registration of ‘CP 09-1430’ Sugarcane

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

‘CP 09-1430’ (Reg. No. ; PI 686940 sugarcane (a complex hybrid of Saccharum spp.) was developed and released (6 Jun. 2016) through cooperative research conducted by the USDA-ARS Sugarcane Field Station , Canal Point, the University of Florida, and the Florida Sugar Cane League, Inc. for use on ...

Fumigant distribution in forest nursery soils

Treesearch

Dong Wang; Stephen W. Fraedrich; Jennifer Juzwik; Kurt Spokas; Yi Zhang; William C. Koskinen

2006-01-01

Adequate concentration, exposure time and distribution uniformity of activated fumigant gases are prerequisites for successful soil fumigation. Field experiments were conducted to evaluate gas phase distributions of methyl isothiocyanate (MITC) and chloropicrin (CP) in two forest-tree nurseries. Concentrations of MITC and CP in soil air were measured from replicated...

Celastrus paniculatus seed water soluble extracts protect against glutamate toxicity in neuronal cultures from rat forebrain.

PubMed

Godkar, Praful B; Gordon, Richard K; Ravindran, Arippa; Doctor, Bhupendra P

2004-08-01

Aqueous extracts of Celastrus paniculatus (CP) seed have been reported to improve learning and memory in rats. In addition, these extracts were shown to have antioxidant properties, augmented endogenous antioxidant enzymes, and decreased lipid peroxidation in rat brain. However, water soluble extracts of CP seed (CP-WSE) have not been evaluated for their neuroprotective effects. In the study reported here, we used enriched forebrain primary neuronal cell (FBNC) cultures to study the neuroprotective effects of three CP-WSE extracts (a room temperature, WF; a hot water, HF; and an acid, AF) on glutamate-induced toxicity. FBNC were pre-treated with the CP-WSE and then with glutamate to evaluate the protection afforded against excitatory amino acid-induced toxicity. The criteria for neuroprotection were based on the effects of CP-WSE on a mitochondrial function test following glutamate-induced neurotoxicity. Pre-treatment of neuronal cells with CP-WSE significantly attenuated glutamate-induced neuronal death. To understand the molecular mechanism of action of CP-WSE, we conducted electrophysiological studies using patch-clamp techniques on N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-activated whole-cell currents in FBNC. WSE significantly and reversibly inhibited whole-cell currents activated by NMDA. The results suggest that CP-WSE protected neuronal cells against glutamate-induced toxicity by modulating glutamate receptor function.

Levels of plasma ceruloplasmin protein are markedly lower following dietary copper deficiency in rodents

PubMed Central

Broderius, Margaret; Mostad, Elise; Wendroth, Krista; Prohaska, Joseph R.

2010-01-01

Ceruloplasmin (Cp) is a multicopper oxidase and the most abundant copper binding protein in vertebrate plasma. Loss of function mutations in humans or experimental deletion in mice result in iron overload consistent with a putative ferroxidase function. Prior work suggested plasma may contain multiple ferroxidases. Studies were conducted in Holtzman rats (Rattus novegicus), albino mice (Mus musculus), Cp -/- mice, and adult humans (Homo sapiens) to investigate the copper-iron interaction. Dietary copper-deficient (CuD) rats and mice were produced using a modified AIN-76A diet. Results confirmed that o-dianisidine is a better substrate than paraphenylene diamine (PPD) for assessing diamine oxidase activity of Cp. Plasma from CuD rat dams and pups, and CuD and Cp -/- mice contained no detectable Cp diamine oxidase activity. Importantly, no ferroxidase activity was detectable for CuD rats, mice, or Cp -/- mice compared to robust activity for copper-adequate (CuA) rodent controls using western membrane assay. Immunoblot protocols detected major reductions (60-90%) in Cp protein in plasma of CuD rodents but no alteration in liver mRNA levels by qRT-PCR. Data are consistent with apo-Cp being less stable than holo-Cp. Further research is needed to explain normal plasma iron in CuD mice. Reduction in Cp is a sensitive biomarker for copper deficiency. PMID:20170749

First-order convex feasibility algorithms for x-ray CT

PubMed Central

Sidky, Emil Y.; Jørgensen, Jakob S.; Pan, Xiaochuan

2013-01-01

Purpose: Iterative image reconstruction (IIR) algorithms in computed tomography (CT) are based on algorithms for solving a particular optimization problem. Design of the IIR algorithm, therefore, is aided by knowledge of the solution to the optimization problem on which it is based. Often times, however, it is impractical to achieve accurate solution to the optimization of interest, which complicates design of IIR algorithms. This issue is particularly acute for CT with a limited angular-range scan, which leads to poorly conditioned system matrices and difficult to solve optimization problems. In this paper, we develop IIR algorithms which solve a certain type of optimization called convex feasibility. The convex feasibility approach can provide alternatives to unconstrained optimization approaches and at the same time allow for rapidly convergent algorithms for their solution—thereby facilitating the IIR algorithm design process. Methods: An accelerated version of the Chambolle−Pock (CP) algorithm is adapted to various convex feasibility problems of potential interest to IIR in CT. One of the proposed problems is seen to be equivalent to least-squares minimization, and two other problems provide alternatives to penalized, least-squares minimization. Results: The accelerated CP algorithms are demonstrated on a simulation of circular fan-beam CT with a limited scanning arc of 144°. The CP algorithms are seen in the empirical results to converge to the solution of their respective convex feasibility problems. Conclusions: Formulation of convex feasibility problems can provide a useful alternative to unconstrained optimization when designing IIR algorithms for CT. The approach is amenable to recent methods for accelerating first-order algorithms which may be particularly useful for CT with limited angular-range scanning. The present paper demonstrates the methodology, and future work will illustrate its utility in actual CT application. PMID:23464295

The Public and the Energy Problem

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rosa, Eugene

1978-01-01

Reviews findings of 17 national surveys administered between 1973 and 1977 which questioned the severity of the energy problems. Findings reveal that at only one time, during the oil embargo of 1973-1974, did the American public rate energy as a more serious problem than economic inflation. (CP)

CP function: an alpha spending function based on conditional power.

PubMed

Jiang, Zhiwei; Wang, Ling; Li, Chanjuan; Xia, Jielai; Wang, William

2014-11-20

Alpha spending function and stochastic curtailment are two frequently used methods in group sequential design. In the stochastic curtailment approach, the actual type I error probability cannot be well controlled within the specified significance level. But conditional power (CP) in stochastic curtailment is easier to be accepted and understood by clinicians. In this paper, we develop a spending function based on the concept of conditional power, named CP function, which combines desirable features of alpha spending and stochastic curtailment. Like other two-parameter functions, CP function is flexible to fit the needs of the trial. A simulation study is conducted to explore the choice of CP boundary in CP function that maximizes the trial power. It is equivalent to, even better than, classical Pocock, O'Brien-Fleming, and quadratic spending function as long as a proper ρ0 is given, which is pre-specified CP threshold for efficacy. It also well controls the overall type I error type I error rate and overcomes the disadvantage of stochastic curtailment. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Cohort profile: cerebral palsy in the Norwegian and Danish birth cohorts (MOBAND-CP)

PubMed Central

Tollånes, Mette C; Strandberg-Larsen, Katrine; Forthun, Ingeborg; Petersen, Tanja Gram; Moster, Dag; Andersen, Anne-Marie Nybo; Stoltenberg, Camilla; Olsen, Jørn; Wilcox, Allen J

2016-01-01

Purpose The purpose of MOthers and BAbies in Norway and Denmark cerebral palsy (MOBAND-CP) was to study CP aetiology in a prospective design. Participants MOBAND-CP is a cohort of more than 210 000 children, created as a collaboration between the world's two largest pregnancy cohorts—the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort study (MoBa) and the Danish National Birth Cohort. MOBAND-CP includes maternal interview/questionnaire data collected during pregnancy and follow-up, plus linked information from national health registries. Findings to date Initial harmonisation of data from the 2 cohorts has created 140 variables for children and their mothers. In the MOBAND-CP cohort, 438 children with CP have been identified through record linkage with validated national registries, providing by far the largest such sample with prospectively collected detailed pregnancy data. Several studies investigating various hypotheses regarding CP aetiology are currently on-going. Future plans Additional data can be harmonised as necessary to meet requirements of new projects. Biological specimens collected during pregnancy and at delivery are potentially available for assay, as are results from assays conducted on these specimens for other projects. The study size allows consideration of CP subtypes, which is rare in aetiological studies of CP. In addition, MOBAND-CP provides a platform within the context of a merged birth cohort of exceptional size that could, after appropriate permissions have been sought, be used for cohort and case-cohort studies of other relatively rare health conditions of infants and children. PMID:27591025

Three flavor neutrino oscillations in matter: Flavor diagonal potentials, the adiabatic basis, and the CP phase

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kneller, James P.; McLaughlin, Gail C.

2009-09-01

We discuss the three neutrino flavor evolution problem with general, flavor-diagonal, matter potentials and a fully parametrized mixing matrix that includes CP violation, and derive expressions for the eigenvalues, mixing angles, and phases. We demonstrate that, in the limit that the mu and tau potentials are equal, the eigenvalues and matter mixing angles θ˜12 and θ˜13 are independent of the CP phase, although θ˜23 does have CP dependence. Since we are interested in developing a framework that can be used for S matrix calculations of neutrino flavor transformation, it is useful to work in a basis that contains only off-diagonal entries in the Hamiltonian. We derive the “nonadiabaticity” parameters that appear in the Hamiltonian in this basis. We then introduce the neutrino S matrix, derive its evolution equation and the integral solution. We find that this new Hamiltonian, and therefore the S matrix, in the limit that the μ and τ neutrino potentials are the same, is independent of both θ˜23 and the CP violating phase. In this limit, any CP violation in the flavor basis can only be introduced via the rotation matrices, and so effects which derive from the CP phase are then straightforward to determine. We then show explicitly that the electron neutrino and electron antineutrino survival probability is independent of the CP phase in this limit. Conversely, if the CP phase is nonzero and mu and tau matter potentials are not equal, then the electron neutrino survival probability cannot be independent of the CP phase.

How do parents label their physical disciplinary practices? A focus on the definition of corporal punishment.

PubMed

Fréchette, Sabrina; Romano, Elisa

2017-09-01

The lack of consensus about the definition of corporal punishment (CP) contributes to the varying research findings and fuels the debate surrounding its use. Related to the problem of definitional variability is also the possibility that some parents may not be aware that their physical disciplinary strategies (PDS) are forms of CP. As a first step to move beyond the debate and to tailor educational efforts to change cultural norms and parents' behaviors, the objective of the current study was to clarify what parents self-label as CP. Using a sample of 338 Canadian parents, the study assessed the relationship between endorsement of CP and self-reports of specific PDS ranging in level of severity. Predictors (i.e., cultural norms, attitudes toward and childhood experiences of CP) of this relationship were investigated. Results revealed that general questions on CP may best reflect parental use of milder forms of PDS, such as spanking (Φ=0.62; r=-0.65) and slapping on the hand, arm, or leg (r=-0.47). Results also suggested that some parents (19.8%) do not endorse CP but use mild PDS. To move beyond the debate and to reach parents at risk of underreporting their use of CP, educational messages need to be tailored to specific and mild forms of PDS rather than to broad concepts such as CP. Moreover, factors such as attitudes toward corporal punishment (p ˂0.001) can help identify those parents who use PDS but who do not endorse CP. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Kinetics of cyclopentene isomerization at 1200 K

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

Lewis, D.K.; Baldwin, J.E.; Cianciosi, S.J.

1990-09-20

This study was conducted to determine the rate of intramolecular degenerate rearrangement of cyclopentene (CP), presumably via reversible conversion to vinylcyclopropane (VCP). Cyclopentene-3-{sup 13}C was synthesized and heated to 1,200 K in a single-pulse shock tube and then analyzed by {sup 13}C NMR to ascertain the extent of migration of the {sup 13}C label to the 4-position. The very small amounts of migration observed were consistent with log k(CP {yields} VCP) = 15.7 {minus} (16,000/T). This rate constant for CP {yields} VCP is too small to account for the previously reported evidence of multiple channels for H{sub 2} elimination frommore » CP.« less

Comparing emergency department presentations among children with cerebral palsy with general childhood presentations: a data linkage study.

PubMed

Meehan, Elaine; Williams, Katrina; Reid, Susan M; Freed, Gary L; Babl, Franz E; Sewell, Jillian R; Vidmar, Suzanna; Donath, Susan; Reddihough, Dinah S

2017-11-01

The aims of this study were to estimate the proportion of emergency department presentations attributable to children with cerebral palsy (CP), investigate the frequency of emergency department presentations in a CP cohort, and compare emergency department presentations among children with CP with those of other children. This was a retrospective cohort study. The Victorian Cerebral Palsy Register was linked to the Victorian Emergency Minimum Dataset. Data on emergency department presentations for the CP cohort occurring between 2007 and 2014 and population control data were obtained. The CP cohort (n=1748) had 7015 emergency department presentations during the 7-year period, accounting for 0.4% of the 1.69 million age-specific presentations during that time. The number of annual presentations per 1000 children rose with increasing CP severity. Compared with presentations among the general population, higher proportions of presentations among the CP cohort were preceded by ambulance arrivals (27% vs 8%), triaged as urgent (66% vs 32%), and required hospital admission (38% vs 12%). The marked differences in presentations between the CP cohort and the general population in the proportions that were urgent and required ambulance arrivals and hospital admissions was an important finding. Strategies to ensure appropriate use of services, including encouragement to seek earlier assistance from primary care providers, may prevent problems escalating to the need for urgent care. Children with cerebral palsy (CP) account for 0.4% of childhood emergency department presentations. More emergency department presentations among children with CP require ambulance arrival. More CP emergency department presentations are urgent and require hospital admission. Traditional emergency department triage scales seem less accurate for this group. © 2017 Mac Keith Press.

Predictors of needs for families of children with cerebral palsy.

PubMed

Almasri, Nihad A; O'Neil, Margaret; Palisano, Robert J

2014-01-01

This study examined child, family and service characteristics that are predictors of family needs for community, financial, family support and services needs for families of children with cerebral palsy (CP). CP is a non-progressive neurological condition caused by lesions in the central nervous system resulting in limitations in motor function and associated co-morbid conditions. Children with CP often require multiple health, rehabilitation, and community services. To identify risk and protective factors among predictors of needed resources and services (i.e. community, financial, family support) and to discuss implications for coordination of medical, rehabilitation, and community services for children with CP and their families. Secondary data analysis was conducted with a national dataset (n = 441) of mothers of children with CP. The average age of children was 10.7 years (SD = 4.5) and was distributed across the various Gross Motor Function Classification System levels. Four logistic regression models were conducted to examine predictive power of child, family and current service characteristics on needed resources and services. Limited child gross motor function was a risk factor (odds ratio (OR): 1.30-1.70) while perception of family-centered services (FCS) was a protective factor (OR: 0.57-0.63) in having the needs met. Mothers of children with CP who are able to walk, reported strong family relationships, and perceived need-oriented and FCS expressed less needs for community, financial, family support and services' resources needs. Implications for service providers are provided.

The impact of Kinesio taping technique on children with cerebral palsy

PubMed Central

Shamsoddini, Alireza; Rasti, Zabihallah; Kalantari, Minoo; Hollisaz, Mohammad Taghi; Sobhani, Vahid; Dalvand, Hamid; Bakhshandeh-Bali, Mohammad Kazem

2016-01-01

Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common movement disorder in children that is associated with life-long disability and multiple impairments. The clinical manifestations of CP vary among children. CP is accompanied by a wide range of problems and has a broad spectrum. Children with CP demonstrate poor fine and dross motor function due to psychomotor disturbances. Early rehabilitation programs are essential for children with CP and should be appropriate for the age and functional condition of the patients. Kinesio taping (KT) technique is a relatively new technique applied in rehabilitation programs of CP. This article reviews the effects of KT techniques on improving motor skills in children with CP. In this study, we used keywords "cerebral palsy, Kinesio Tape, KT and Taping" in the national and international electronic databases between 1999 and 2016. Out of the 43 articles obtained, 21 studies met the inclusion criteria. There are several different applications about KT technique in children with CP. Review of the literature demonstrated that the impact of this technique on gross and fine motor function and dynamic activities is more effective than postural and static activities. Also this technique has more effectiveness in the child at higher developmental and motor stages. The majority of consistent findings showed that KT technique as part of a multimodal therapy program can be effective in the rehabilitation of children with CP to improve motor function and dynamic activities especially in higher developmental and motor stages. PMID:28435631

Fluid viscosity affects the fragmentation and inertial cavitation threshold of lipid encapsulated microbubbles

PubMed Central

Helfield, Brandon; Black, John J.; Qin, Bin; Pacella, John; Chen, Xucai; Villanueva, Flordeliza S.

2015-01-01

Ultrasound and microbubble optimization studies for therapeutic applications are often conducted in water/saline, with a fluid viscosity of 1 cP. In an in vivo context, microbubbles are situated in blood, a more viscous fluid (~4 cP). In this study, ultra-high speed microscopy and passive cavitation approaches were employed to investigate the effect of fluid viscosity on microbubble behavior at 1 MHz subject to high pressures (0.25 – 2 MPa). The propensity for individual microbubble (n=220) fragmentation was shown to significantly decrease in 4 cP fluid as compared to 1 cP fluid, despite achieving similar maximum radial excursions. Microbubble populations diluted in 4 cP fluid exhibited decreased wideband emissions (up to 10.2 times), and increasingly distinct harmonic emission peaks (e.g. ultraharmonic) with increasing pressure as compared to 1 cP fluid. These results suggest that in vitro studies should consider an evaluation using physiologic viscosity perfusate before transitioning to in vivo evaluations. PMID:26674676

The KCNQ1 gene polymorphism as a shared genetic risk for rheumatoid arthritis and chronic periodontitis in Japanese adults: A pilot case-control study.

PubMed

Kobayashi, Tetsuo; Kido, Jun-Ichi; Ishihara, Yuichi; Omori, Kazuhiro; Ito, Satoshi; Matsuura, Takato; Bando, Takashi; Wada, Jun; Murasawa, Akira; Nakazono, Kiyoshi; Mitani, Akio; Takashiba, Shogo; Nagata, Toshihiko; Yoshie, Hiromasa

2018-03-01

A number of studies have suggested a bidirectional relationship of periodontitis with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, the genetic factors that underlie these relationships have not been elucidated. We conducted a multicenter case-control study that included 185 patients with RA and chronic periodontitis (CP), 149 patients with T2DM and CP, 251 patients with CP, and 130 systemically and periodontally healthy controls from a cohort of Japanese adults to assess the shared genetic risk factors for RA and CP as well as for T2DM and CP. A total of 17 candidate single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with RA, T2DM, and CP were genotyped. Multiple logistic regression analyses revealed that the KCNQ1 rs2237892 was significantly associated with comorbidity of RA and CP (P = 0.005) after adjustment for age, sex, and smoking status. The carriers of the T allele among patients with RA and CP showed significantly higher disease activity scores including 28 joints using C-reactive protein values than the non-carriers (P = 0.02), although the age, female percentage, and smoking status were comparable. Other SNPs were not associated with comorbidity of RA and CP, T2DM and CP, or susceptibility to CP. The results of the present pilot study suggest for the first time that the KCNQ1 rs2237892 may constitute a shared genetic risk factor for RA and CP, but not for T2DM and CP in Japanese adults. © 2018 American Academy of Periodontology.

TLR9 agonists oppositely modulate DNA repair genes in tumor versus immune cells and enhance chemotherapy effects.

PubMed

Sommariva, Michele; De Cecco, Loris; De Cesare, Michelandrea; Sfondrini, Lucia; Ménard, Sylvie; Melani, Cecilia; Delia, Domenico; Zaffaroni, Nadia; Pratesi, Graziella; Uva, Valentina; Tagliabue, Elda; Balsari, Andrea

2011-10-15

Synthetic oligodeoxynucleotides expressing CpG motifs (CpG-ODN) are a Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) agonist that can enhance the antitumor activity of DNA-damaging chemotherapy and radiation therapy in preclinical mouse models. We hypothesized that the success of these combinations is related to the ability of CpG-ODN to modulate genes involved in DNA repair. We conducted an in silico analysis of genes implicated in DNA repair in data sets obtained from murine colon carcinoma cells in mice injected intratumorally with CpG-ODN and from splenocytes in mice treated intraperitoneally with CpG-ODN. CpG-ODN treatment caused downregulation of DNA repair genes in tumors. Microarray analyses of human IGROV-1 ovarian carcinoma xenografts in mice treated intraperitoneally with CpG-ODN confirmed in silico findings. When combined with the DNA-damaging drug cisplatin, CpG-ODN significantly increased the life span of mice compared with individual treatments. In contrast, CpG-ODN led to an upregulation of genes involved in DNA repair in immune cells. Cisplatin-treated patients with ovarian carcinoma as well as anthracycline-treated patients with breast cancer who are classified as "CpG-like" for the level of expression of CpG-ODN modulated DNA repair genes have a better outcome than patients classified as "CpG-untreated-like," indicating the relevance of these genes in the tumor cell response to DNA-damaging drugs. Taken together, the findings provide evidence that the tumor microenvironment can sensitize cancer cells to DNA-damaging chemotherapy, thereby expanding the benefits of CpG-ODN therapy beyond induction of a strong immune response.

As if one pain problem was not enough: prevalence and patterns of coexisting chronic pain conditions and their impact on treatment outcomes

PubMed Central

Pagé, M Gabrielle; Fortier, Maude; Ware, Mark A; Choinière, Manon

2018-01-01

Introduction The presence of multiple coexisting chronic pain (CP) conditions (eg, low-back pain and migraines) within patients has received little attention in literature. The goals of this observational longitudinal study were to determine the prevalence of coexisting CP conditions, identify the most frequent ones and patterns of coexistence, investigate the relationships among patients’ biopsychosocial characteristics and number of CP conditions, and determine the impact of coexisting CP conditions on treatment response. Patients and methods A total of 3,966 patients attending multidisciplinary pain-treatment centers who were enrolled in the Quebec Pain Registry were included. Patients completed self-report and nurse-administered questionnaires before their first visit and 6 months later. Results were analyzed using descriptive statistics, factor and cluster analyses, negative binomials with log-link generalized linear models, and linear mixed-effect models. Results A third of patients reported coexisting CP conditions. No specific patterns of comorbidities emerged. The presence of coexisting CP conditions was associated with longer pain duration, older age, being female, and poorer quality of life. The presence of more than one CP condition did not have a clinically significant impact on treatment responses. Discussion The novelty of the study results relate to the heterogeneity that was found in the patterns of coexistence of CP conditions and the fact that having multiple CP conditions did not clinically impact treatment response. These results highlight the need for future research that examines causes of coexistence among CP conditions across the spectrum of CP, as opposed to focusing on specific conditions, and to examine whether multiple CP conditions impact on additional domains, such as treatment satisfaction. These results highlight the importance of studying the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the development of coexisting CP conditions, in order eventually to prevent/minimize their occurrence and/or develop optimal treatment and management approaches. PMID:29416373

A Flavorful Factoring of the Strong CP Problem

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

Agrawal, Prateek; Howe, Kiel

Motivated by the intimate connection between the strong CP problem and the flavor structure of the Standard Model, we present a flavor model that revives and extends the classicmore » $${m_u=0}$$ solution to the strong CP problem. QCD is embedded into a $$SU(3)_1\\times SU(3)_2 \\times SU(3)_3$$ gauge group, with each generation of quarks charged under the respective $SU(3)$. The non-zero value of the up-quark Yukawa coupling (along with the strange quark and bottom-quark Yukawas) is generated by contributions from small instantons at a new scale $$M \\gg \\Lambda_{QCD}$$. The Higgsing of $$SU(3)^3\\to SU(3)_c$$ allows dimension-5 operators that generate the Standard Model flavor structure and can be completed in a simple renormalizable theory. The smallness of the third generation mixing angles can naturally emerge in this picture, and is connected to the smallness of threshold corrections to $$\\bar\\theta$$. Remarkably, $$\\bar\\theta$$ is essentially fixed by the measured quark masses and mixings, and is estimated to be close to the current experimental bound and well within reach of the next generation of neutron and proton EDM experiments.« less

Finding the strong CP problem at the LHC

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

D'Agnolo, Raffaele Tito; Hook, Anson

2016-11-01

We show that a class of parity based solutions to the strong CP problem predicts new colored particles with mass at the TeV scale, due to constraints from Planck suppressed operators. The new particles are copies of the Standard Model quarks and leptons. The new quarks can be produced at the LHC and are either collider stable or decay into Standard Model quarks through a Higgs, a W or a Z boson. We discuss some simple but generic predictions of the models for the LHC and find signatures not related to the traditional solutions of the hierarchy problem. We thus provide alternative motivation for new physics searches at the weak scale. We also briefly discuss the cosmological history of these models and how to obtain successful baryogenesis.

Occupational Chest Problems

PubMed Central

Markham, John

1976-01-01

The interaction between chest problems and occupational environments occurs in a field wider than industry. Some common examples are described to show where the family physician's index of suspicion should be raised concerning occupational relationships of such problems. Imagesp60-ap60-bp60-cp61-ap61-bp61-c PMID:21308038

Contextual Priming in Semantic Anomia: A Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Renvall, Kati; Laine, Matti; Martin, Nadine

2005-01-01

The present case continues the series of anomia treatment studies with contextual priming (CP), being the second in-depth treatment study conducted for an individual suffering from semantically based anomia. Our aim was to acquire further evidence of the facilitation and interference effects of the CP treatment on semantic anomia. Based on the…

A Comparison of Doctoral Graduates in Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zimpfer, David G.

1993-01-01

Conducted nationwide survey to compare graduates of doctoral programs in counselor education (CE, n=135) and in counseling psychology (CP, n=121). The findings suggest that great similarities exist between CE and CP doctoral graduates in terms of sex, type of master's education, rate of current employment, professional participation, income, and…

Registration of ‘CP 08-1110’ Sugarcane

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

‘CP 08-1110’ (Reg. No.CV-171; PI 678579) sugarcane (a complex hybrid of Saccharum spp.) was developed through cooperative research conducted by the USDA-ARS, the University of Florida, and the Florida Sugar Cane League, Inc. and released to growers for mineral (sand) soils in Florida in October 2014...

Registration of ‘CP 06-2042’ Sugarcane

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

‘CP 06-2042’ (Reg. No.CV-169; PI 675156) sugarcane (a complex hybrid of Saccharum spp.) was developed through cooperative research conducted by the USDA-ARS, the University of Florida, and the Florida Sugar Cane League, Inc., and released to growers for organic (muck) and mineral (sand) soils in Fl...

PHYSICAL AND BIOLOGICAL PARAMETERS THAT DETERMINE THE FATE OF 'P'-CHLOROPHENOL IN LABORATORY TEST SYSTEMS

EPA Science Inventory

Shake flask and microcosm studies were conducted to determine the fate of parachlorophenol (p-CP) in water and sediment systems and the role of sediment and nonsediment surfaces in the biodegradation process. Biodegradation of p-CP in estuarine water samples in shake flasks was s...

Perceived Instrumentality and Normativeness of Corporal Punishment Use among Black Mothers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Taylor, Catherine A.; Hamvas, Lauren; Paris, Ruth

2011-01-01

Corporal punishment (CP) remains highly prevalent in the United States despite its association with increased risk for child aggression and physical abuse. Five focus groups were conducted with parents (n = 18) from a community at particularly high risk for using CP (Black, low socioeconomic status, Southern) in order to investigate their…

Environmental Release Prevention and Control Plan (ERP and CP) annual review and update for 1993

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

Jannik, G.T.; Mamatey, A.; Arnett, M.

1993-10-05

In the Environmental Release Prevention and Control Plan (ERP and CP), WSRC made a commitment to conduct the following follow-up activities and actions: (1) Complete the action items developed in response to the findings and recommendation of the Environmental Release Prevention Taskteam (WSRC-RP-92-356). (2) Complete all batch and continuous release procedure revisions to incorporate the attributes that WSRC senior management required of each procedure. (3) DOE-SR Assistance Managers and WSRC counterparts to reach consensus and closure on the identified engineered solutions documented in the ERP and CP, develop and drive implementation of facility changes per the agreements. (4) Continue tomore » analyze releases and monitor performance in accordance with the ERP and CP, and utilize the ALARA Release Guides Committee to drive improvements. (5) Conduct annual re-evaluations of the cost benefit analyses of the identified engineered solutions, and identify new options and alternatives for each outfall in response to site mission and facility changes. This report documents the efforts that have been completed over the past year in response to these commitments.« less

Effect of a low crude protein diet supplemented with different levels of threonine on growth performance, carcass traits, blood parameters, and immune responses of growing broilers.

PubMed

Sigolo, Samantha; Zohrabi, Zahra; Gallo, Antonio; Seidavi, Alireza; Prandini, Aldo

2017-08-01

A study was conducted to evaluate growth performance, carcass traits, blood serum parameters, and immune responses of Ross 308 male broilers fed diets containing 2 different crude protein (CP) levels (97.5 and 100%) and 4 threonine (Thr) levels (100, 110, 120, and 130% of Ross recommendations for starter and grower periods). A completely randomized block design was adopted and main effects (CP and Thr) were arranged in a 2 × 4 factorial approach. Optimum growth performance was achieved when broiler requirements for CP and Thr were 100% satisfied. The 110% Thr inclusion in 97.5% CP diet increased ADG, ADFI, energy intake, and protein intake (Thr, P < 0.01; quadratic, P = 0.01). The G:F (linear, P = 0.05) and energy efficiency (linear, P = 0.04) tended to decreased (Thr, P = 0.09) by increasing Thr supplementation level, whereas protein efficiency tended to increase (CP, P = 0.06) by reducing CP level. The 110% Thr inclusion in 97.5% CP diet increased eviscerated carcass weight (CP × Thr, P = 0.03) and carcass yield (Thr, P = 0.08; quadratic, P = 0.05). The reduction of CP content promoted fat abdominal deposition (CP, P = 0.05). Incremental Thr raised abdominal fat (Thr, P = 0.01; linear, P = 0.01). The 97.5% CP diets resulted in higher serum concentrations of uric acid (CP, P = 0.02), total and high- and low-density lipoprotein-linked cholesterol (CP, P≤ 0.01), and alanine aminotransferase (CP, P = 0.05) and lower (CP, P = 0.01) concentrations of triglycerides and very low density lipoproteins compared with the 100% CP diets. However, the Thr inclusion improved serum lipid profile. Irrespective of CP content, incremental Thr levels up to 120% increased (Thr, P = 0.01) broiler immune responses against Newcastle disease virus and sheep red blood cells. In order to reduce dietary CP content, strategies to increase synthetic amino acid availability, such as the use of encapsulated amino acids, should be taken into account. © 2017 Poultry Science Association Inc.

Speech problems affect more than one in two children with cerebral palsy: Swedish population-based study.

PubMed

Nordberg, A; Miniscalco, C; Lohmander, A; Himmelmann, K

2013-02-01

To describe speech ability in a population-based study of children with cerebral palsy (CP), in relation to CP subtype, motor function, cognitive level and neuroimaging findings. A retrospective chart review of 129 children (66 girls, 63 boys) with CP, born in 1999-2002, was carried out. Speech ability and background information, such as type of CP, motor function, cognitive level and neuroimaging data, were collected and analysed. Speech disorders were found in 21% of the children and were present in all types of CP. Forty-one per cent of the children with speech disorders also had mental retardation, and 42% were able to walk independently. A further 32% of the children were nonverbal, and maldevelopment and basal ganglia lesions were most common in this group. The remaining 47% had no speech disorders, and this group was most likely to display white matter lesions of immaturity. More than half of the children in this CP cohort had a speech disorder (21%) or were nonverbal (32%). Speech ability was related to the type of CP, gross motor function, the presence of mental retardation and the localization of brain maldevelopment and lesions. Neuroimaging results differed between the three speech ability groups. ©2012 The Author(s)/Acta Paediatrica ©2012 Foundation Acta Paediatrica.

Conductive polymer nanotube patch for fast and controlled ex vivo transdermal drug delivery.

PubMed

Nguyen, Thao M; Lee, Sebin; Lee, Sang Bok

2014-10-01

To uptake and release hydrophilic model drugs and insulin in a novel conductive polymer (CP) nanotube transdermal patch. The externally controlled transdermal delivery of model drugs and insulin were tested ex vivo and results were compared with CP films. The unique intrinsic properties of CPs provide electrostatic interaction between the model drugs and polymer backbone. When a pulsed potential was applied, the drug delivery release profile mimics that of injection delivery. With a constant potential applied, the release rate constants of the patch system were up to three-times faster than the control (0 V) and released approximately 80% more drug molecules over 24 h. The CP nanotube transdermal patch represents a new and promising drug method, specifically for hydrophilic molecules, which have been a large obstacle for conventional transdermal drug delivery systems.

Association between F508 deletion in CFTR and chronic pancreatitis risk.

PubMed

Zhao, Dong; Xu, Yanzhen; Li, Jiatong; Fu, Shien; Xiao, Feifan; Song, Xiaowei; Xie, Zhibin; Jiang, Min; He, Yan; Liu, Chengwu; Wen, Qiongxian; Yang, Xiaoli

2017-09-01

The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) has been reported to influence individual susceptibility to chronic pancreatitis (CP), but the results of previous studies are controversial. We performed a study to demonstrate the relationship between CFTR and CP. We searched PubMed, Scopus, and Embase for studies of patients with CP. Seven studies from 1995 to 2016 were identified, and included 64,832 patients. Pooled prevalence and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. F508 deletion in CFTR was significantly positively associated with CP risk in the overall analysis (odds ratio [OR]=3.20, 95% CI: 2.30-4.44, I 2 =31.7%). In subgroup analysis stratified by ethnicity, F508 deletion was significantly associated with CP risk in Indian populations, using a fixed effects model (ORs=5.45, 95% CI: 2.52-11.79, I 2 =0.0%), and in non-Indian populations, using a random effects model (ORs=3.59, 95% CI: 1.73-7.48, I 2 =60.9%). At the same time, we found that Indians with F508 deletion had much higher CP prevalence than non-Indians. Interestingly, F508 deletion was also associated with CP and idiopathic CP risk in subgroup analysis stratified by aeitiology, using the fixed effects model. Based on current evidence, F508 deletion is a risk factor for CP, and Indians with F508 deletion have much higher CP morbidity. Copyright © 2017 Editrice Gastroenterologica Italiana S.r.l. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Adsorption and biodegradation of 2-chlorophenol by mixed culture using activated carbon as a supporting medium-reactor performance and model verification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Yen-Hui

2017-11-01

A non-steady-state mathematical model system for the kinetics of adsorption and biodegradation of 2-chlorophenol (2-CP) by attached and suspended biomass on activated carbon process was derived. The mechanisms in the model system included 2-CP adsorption by activated carbon, 2-CP mass transport diffusion in biofilm, and biodegradation by attached and suspended biomass. Batch kinetic tests were performed to determine surface diffusivity of 2-CP, adsorption parameters for 2-CP, and biokinetic parameters of biomass. Experiments were conducted using a biological activated carbon (BAC) reactor system with high recycled rate to approximate a completely mixed flow reactor for model verification. Concentration profiles of 2-CP by model predictions indicated that biofilm bioregenerated the activated carbon by lowering the 2-CP concentration at the biofilm-activated carbon interface as the biofilm grew thicker. The removal efficiency of 2-CP by biomass was approximately 98.5% when 2-CP concentration in the influent was around 190.5 mg L-1 at a steady-state condition. The concentration of suspended biomass reached up to about 25.3 mg L-1 while the thickness of attached biomass was estimated to be 636 μm at a steady-state condition by model prediction. The experimental results agree closely with the results of the model predictions.

Solubility and cation exchange in phosphate rock and saturated clinoptilolite mixtures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Allen, E. R.; Hossner, L. R.; Ming, D. W.; Henninger, D. L.

1993-01-01

Mixtures of zeolite and phosphate rock (PR) have the potential to provide slow-release fertilization of plants in synthetic soils by dissolution and ion-exchange reactions. This study was conducted to examine solubility and cation-exchange relationships in mixtures of PR and NH4- and K-saturated clinoptilolite (Cp). Batch-equilibration experiments were designed to investigate the effect of PR source, the proportion of exchangeable K and NH4, and the Cp to PR ratio on solution N, P, K, and Ca concentrations. The dissolution and cation-exchange reactions that occurred after mixing NH4- and K-saturated Cp with PR increased the solubility of the PR and simultaneously released NH4 and K into solution. The more reactive North Carolina (NC) PR rendered higher solution concentrations of NH4 and K when mixed with Cp than did Tennessee (TN) PR. Solution P concentrations for the Cp-NC PR mixture and the Cp-TN PR mixture were similar. Solution concentrations of N, P, K, and Ca and the ratios of these nutrients in solution varied predictably with the type of PR, the Cp/PR ratio, and the proportions of exchangeable K and NH4 on the Cp. Our research indicated that slow-release fertilization using Cp/PR media may provide adequate levels of N, P, and K to support plant growth. Solution Ca concentrations were lower than optimum for plant growth.

Clinical characteristics and functional status of children with different subtypes of dyskinetic cerebral palsy.

PubMed

Sun, Dianrong; Wang, Qiang; Hou, Mei; Li, Yutang; Yu, Rong; Zhao, Jianhui; Wang, Ke

2018-05-01

Dyskinetic cerebral palsy (CP) is the second major subtype of CP. Dyskinetic CP can be classified into different subtypes, but the exact clinical characteristics of these subtypes have been poorly studied. To investigate the clinical characteristics and functional classification of dyskinetic CP from the perspective of neurologic subtypes in a hospital-based follow-up study.This was an observational study of consecutive children with dyskinetic CP treated at The Affiliated Women & Children Hospital of Qingdao University (China) from October 2005 to February 2015. The children were stratified according to their neurologic subtype and assessed with the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS), Manual Ability Classification System (MACS), and Communication Function Classification System (CFCS). MRI scanning was conducted at 1 year of age for most children.Twenty-six participants (28.0%) had dystonic CP, 26 (28.0%) had choreoathetotic CP, and 41 (44.1%) had mixed CP. Auditory impairment and basal ganglion lesions occurred more frequently in the dystonia group (n = 8, 31%; and n = 16, 67%), while seizures, microcephaly, white matter lesions, and mixed lesions were more frequent in the mixed type (n = 14, 34%; n = 10, 24%; n = 15, 41%; n = 12, 32%). Functional classification levels were distributed unequally among the 3 subgroups (P < .01). No significant difference between GMFCS and MACS was found among the 3 subgroups (P > .05).Different subtypes of dyskinetic CP have specific comorbidities, radiological characteristics, and functional attributes according to their etiological factors and brain lesions. Children with dystonic CP have more limited functional status than children with choreoathetotic CP.

Speech, communication and use of augmentative communication in young people with cerebral palsy: the SH&PE population study.

PubMed

Cockerill, H; Elbourne, D; Allen, E; Scrutton, D; Will, E; McNee, A; Fairhurst, C; Baird, G

2014-03-01

Communication is frequently impaired in young people (YP) with bilateral cerebral palsy (CP). Important factors include motoric speech problems (dysarthria) and intellectual disability. Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) techniques are often employed. The aim was to describe the speech problems in bilateral CP, factors associated with speech problems, current AAC provision and use, and to explore the views of both the parent/carer and young person about communication. A total population of children with bilateral CP (n = 346) from four consecutive years of births (1989-1992 inclusive) with onset of CP before 15 months were reassessed at age 16-18 years. Motor skills and speech were directly assessed and both parent/carer and the young person asked about communication and satisfaction with it. Sixty had died, eight had other conditions, 243 consented and speech was assessed in 224 of whom 141 (63%) had impaired speech. Fifty-two (23% of total YP) were mainly intelligible to unfamiliar people, 22 (10%) were mostly unintelligible to unfamiliar people, 67 (30%) were mostly or wholly unintelligible even to familiar adults. However, 89% of parent/carers said that they could communicate 1:1 with their young person. Of the 128 YP who could independently complete the questions, 107 (83.6%) were happy with their communication, nine (7%) neither happy nor unhappy and 12 (9.4%) unhappy. A total of 72 of 224 (32%) were provided with one or more types of AAC but in a significant number (75% of 52 recorded) AAC was not used at home, only in school. Factors associated with speech impairment were severity of physical impairment, as measured by Gross Motor Function Scale level and manipulation in the best hand, intellectual disability and current epilepsy. In a population representative group of YP, aged 16-18 years, with bilateral CP, 63% had impaired speech of varying severity, most had been provided with AAC but few used it at home for communication. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Risk Factors for Carbapenemase-Producing Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CP-CRE) Acquisition Among Contacts of Newly Diagnosed CP-CRE Patients.

PubMed

Schwartz-Neiderman, Anat; Braun, Tali; Fallach, Noga; Schwartz, David; Carmeli, Yehuda; Schechner, Vered

2016-10-01

OBJECTIVE Carbapenemase-producing carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CP-CRE) are extremely drug-resistant pathogens. Screening of contacts of newly identified CP-CRE patients is an important step to limit further transmission. We aimed to determine the risk factors for CP-CRE acquisition among patients exposed to a CP-CRE index patient. METHODS A matched case-control study was performed in a tertiary care hospital in Israel. The study population was comprised of patients who underwent rectal screening for CP-CRE following close contact with a newly identified CP-CRE index patient. Cases were defined as positive tests for CP-CRE. For each case patient, 2 matched controls were randomly selected from the pool of contacts who tested negative for CP-CRE following exposure to the same index case. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were conducted using conditional logistic regression. RESULTS In total, 53 positive contacts were identified in 40 unique investigations (896 tests performed on 735 contacts) between October 6, 2008, and June 7, 2012. bla KPC was the only carbapenemase identified. In multivariate analysis, risk factors for CP-CRE acquisition among contacts were (1) contact with an index patient for ≥3 days (odds ratio [OR], 9.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.0-48.9), (2) mechanical ventilation (OR, 4.1; 95% CI, 1.4-11.9), and (3) carriage or infection with another multidrug-resistant organism (MDRO; OR, 2.6; 95% CI, 1.0-7.1). Among patients who received antibiotics, cephalosporins were associated with a lower risk of acquisition. CONCLUSIONS Patient characteristics (ventilation and carriage of another MDRO) as well as duration of contact are risk factors for CP-CRE acquisition among contacts. The role of cephalosporins requires further study. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2016;1-7.

Characteristics of children with cerebral palsy in the ORACLE children study.

PubMed

Marlow, Neil; Pike, Katie; Bower, Eva; Brocklehurst, Peter; Jones, David; Kenyon, Sara; Kurinczuk, Jennifer J; Taylor, David; Salt, Alison

2012-07-01

We have identified an excess of children with cerebral palsy (CP) born to women who received antibiotic treatment for spontaneous preterm labour (SPL). This nested study investigated the profile of impairment among children with CP in the ORACLE Children Study (OCS), and contrasted outcomes with those in 4Child, a population CP registry. The study group comprised 167 children aged from 7 to 10 years (100 males, 67 females) with CP from the OCS, who were subdivided into a preterm rupture of membranes (PROM) group (87 children) and an SPL group (80 children). The OCS sought follow-up information regarding the health and behaviour of surviving children at 7 years of age in the UK using a parent-report postal questionnaire. Families provided further information to define wider aspects of function and were offered a physiotherapy assessment. The prevalence of CP was higher among children in the OCS than among those in 4Child (standardized morbidity ratios: SPL group, 3.12 [95% confidence interval {CI} 2.47-3.87); PROM group: 1.56 (CI 1.24-1.92)]. The proportion of children with CP born after 32 weeks of gestation was higher in in the SPL group (73%) than in the PROM group (30%); the prevalence of CP was higher in the SPL group than in the PROM group or 4Child. Children with CP in the OCS tended to have similar distributions of neuroimpairment as children in 4Child, but motor impairment and associated vision and hearing problems were found to be less severe. The pattern of CP in both the PROM and the SPL groups was similar, but functional outcomes were milder, compared with children with CP in the general population. However, in these groups the risk of CP was increased independently of gestational age. This is consistent with findings that ongoing inflammatory damage can cause CP. © The Authors. Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology © 2012 Mac Keith Press.

Chitosan-coated boron nitride nanospheres enhance delivery of CpG oligodeoxynucleotides and induction of cytokines

PubMed Central

Zhang, Huijie; Chen, Song; Zhi, Chunyi; Yamazaki, Tomohiko; Hanagata, Nobutaka

2013-01-01

Background Cytosine-phosphate-guanine (CpG) oligodeoxynucleotides activate Toll-like receptor 9, leading to induction of proinflammatory cytokines, which play an important role in induction and maintenance of innate and adaptive immune responses. Previously, we have used boron nitride nanospheres (BNNS) as a carrier for delivery of unmodified CpG oligodeoxynucleotides to activate Toll-like receptor 9. However, because CpG oligodeoxynucleotides and BNNS are both negatively charged, electrostatic repulsion between them is likely to reduce the loading of CpG oligodeoxynucleotides onto BNNS. Therefore, the efficiency of uptake of CpG oligodeoxynucleotides is also limited and does not result in induction of a robust cytokine response. To ameliorate these problems, we developed a CpG oligodeoxynucleotide delivery system using chitosan-coated BNNS as a carrier. Methods To facilitate attachment of CpG oligodeoxynucleotides onto the BNNS and improve their loading capacity, we prepared positively charged BNNS by coating them with chitosan preparations of three different molecular weights and used them as carriers for delivery of CpG oligodeoxynucleotides. Results The zeta potentials of the BNNS-CS complexes were positive, and chitosan coating improved their dispersity and stability in aqueous solution compared with BNNS. The positive charge of the BNNS-CS complexes greatly improved the loading capacity and cellular uptake efficiency of CpG oligodeoxynucleotides. The loading capacity of the CpG oligodeoxynucleotides depended on the molecular weight of chitosan, which affected the positive charge density on the surface of the BNNS. CpG oligodeoxynucleotides loaded onto BNNS-CS complexes significantly enhanced production of interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α by peripheral blood mononuclear cells compared with CpG oligodeoxynucleotides directly loaded onto BNNS, or when Lipofectamine™ 2000 was used as the carrier. The molecular weight of the chitosan used to coat the BNNS affected the magnitude of cytokine induction by varying the strength of condensation of the CpG oligodeoxynucleotides. Conclusion Although the loading capacity of BNNS coated with low molecular weight chitosan preparations was the lowest of all the preparations, they induced the highest levels of cytokines. PMID:23674892

Composite-pulse and partially dipolar dephased multiCP for improved quantitative solid-state 13C NMR

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Duan, Pu; Schmidt-Rohr, Klaus

2017-12-01

Improved multiple cross polarization (multiCP) pulse sequences for quickly acquiring quantitative 13C NMR spectra of organic solids are presented. Loss of 13C magnetization due to imperfect read-out and storage pulses in multiCP has been identified as a significant mechanism limiting polarization enhancement for 13C sites with weak couplings to 1H. This problem can be greatly reduced by composite 90° pulses with non-orthogonal phases that flip the magnetization onto the spin-lock field and back to the longitudinal direction for the 1H repolarization period; the observed loss is <3% for over ±10 kHz resonance offset and up to 20% flip-angle error. This composite-pulse multiCP (ComPmultiCP) sequence consistently provides performance superior to that of conventional multiCP, without any trade-off. The longer total CP time enabled by the composite pulses allows for a wider amplitude ramp during CP, which decreases the sensitivity to Hartmann-Hahn mismatch by a factor of two, with a <7% root-mean-square deviation within a 1-dB range for Boc-alanine. In samples with very short T1ρ, under-polarization of non-protonated carbons can be compensated by slight dipolar dephasing of CHn signals resulting from relatively weak decoupling during the Hahn spin echo period before detection. Quantitative spectra have been obtained by ComPmultiCP for low-crystallinity branched polyethylene at 4.5 kHz MAS, and in combination with partial dipolar dephasing for soil organic matter at 14 kHz MAS.

Improving the Performance of the Granulosis Virus of Codling Moth (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) by Adding the Yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae with Sugar.

PubMed

Knight, Alan L; Basoalto, Esteban; Witzgall, Peter

2015-04-01

Studies were conducted with the codling moth granulosis virus (CpGV) to evaluate whether adding the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae Meyen ex E. C. Hansen with brown cane sugar could improve larval control of Cydia pomonella (L.). Larval mortalities in dipped-apple bioassays with S. cerevisiae or sugar alone were not significantly different from the water control. The addition of S. cerevisiae but not sugar with CpGV significantly increased larval mortality compared with CpGV alone. The combination of S. cerevisiae and sugar with CpGV significantly increased larval mortality compared with CpGV plus either additive alone. The addition of S. cerevisiae improved the efficacy of CpGV similarly to the use of the yeast Metschnikowia pulcherrima (isolated from field-collected larvae). The proportion of uninjured fruit in field trials was significantly increased with the addition of S. cerevisiae and sugar to CpGV compared with CpGV alone only in year 1, and from the controls in both years. In comparison, larval mortality was significantly increased in both years with the addition of S. cerevisiae and sugar with CpGV compared with CpGV alone or from the controls. The numbers of overwintering larvae on trees was significantly reduced from the control following a seasonal program of CpGV plus S. cerevisiae and sugar. The addition of a microencapsulated formulation of pear ester did not improve the performance of CpGV or CpGV plus S. cerevisiae and sugar. These data suggest that yeasts can enhance the effectiveness of the biological control agent CpGV, in managing and maintaining codling moth at low densities. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Entomological Society of America 2015. This work is written by US Government employees and is in the public domain in the US.

Why PQ?

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

Peccei, R. D.

2010-08-30

I discuss how the solution of the U(1){sub A} problem of QCD through the existence of the {theta}-vacuum gave rise to the strong CP problem. After examining various suggested solutions to this problem, I conclude that the only viable solution still is one that involves the existence of a spontaneously broken chiral symmetry: U(1){sub PQ}.

Microcontact printing for patterning carbon nanotube/polymer composite films with electrical conductivity.

PubMed

Ogihara, Hitoshi; Kibayashi, Hiro; Saji, Tetsuo

2012-09-26

Patterned carbon nanotube (CNT)/acrylic resin composite films were prepared using microcontact printing (μCP). To prepare ink for μCP, CNTs were dispersed into propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate (PGMEA) solution in which acrylic resin and a commercially available dispersant (Disperbyk-2001) dissolved. The resulting ink were spin-coated onto poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) stamps. By drying solvent components from the ink, CNT/polymer composite films were prepared over PDMS stamps. Contact between the stamps and glass substrates provided CNT/polymer composite patternings on the substrates. The transfer behavior of the CNT/polymer composite films depended on the thermal-treatment temperature during μCP; thermal treatment at temperatures near the glass-transition temperature (T(g)) of the acrylic resin was effective to form uniform patternings on substrates. Moreover, contact area between polymer and substrates also affect the transfer behavior. The CNT/polymer composite films showed high electrical conductivity, despite the nonconductivity of polymer components, because CNTs in the films were interconnected. The electrical conductivity of the composite films increased as CNT content in the film became higher; as a result, the composite patternings showed almost as high electrical conductivity as previously reported CNT/polymer bulk composites.

The N-terminal region of the Plantago asiatica mosaic virus coat protein is required for cell-to-cell movement but is dispensable for virion assembly.

PubMed

Ozeki, Johji; Hashimoto, Masayoshi; Komatsu, Ken; Maejima, Kensaku; Himeno, Misako; Senshu, Hiroko; Kawanishi, Takeshi; Kagiwada, Satoshi; Yamaji, Yasuyuki; Namba, Shigetou

2009-06-01

Potexvirus cell-to-cell movement requires coat protein (CP) and movement proteins. In this study, mutations in two conserved in-frame AUG codons in the 5' region of the CP open reading frame of Plantago asiatica mosaic virus (PlAMV) were introduced, and virus accumulation of these mutants was analyzed in inoculated and upper noninoculated leaves. When CP was translated only from the second AUG codon, virus accumulation in inoculated leaves was lower than that of wild-type PlAMV, and the viral spread was impaired. Trans-complementation analysis showed that the leucine residue at the third position (Leu-3) of CP is important for cell-to-cell movement of PlAMV. The 14-amino-acid N-terminal region of CP was dispensable for virion formation. Immunoprecipitation assays conducted with an anti-TGBp1 antibody indicated that PlAMV CP interacts with TGBp1 in vivo and that this interaction is not affected by alanine substitution at Leu-3. These results support the concept that the N-terminal region of potexvirus CP can be separated into two distinct functional domains.

Chronicles of recent disasters. Are Agencies and Civil Protections getting sloppy?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miozzo, D.; Altamura, M.; Ferraris, L.; Musso, L.

2010-09-01

Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) models and forecasts have a paramount role in the real time decision making command chain. It is thanks to them that Civil Protection (CP) across Europe and the World were able to redeploy towards preventing calamities rather than passively awaiting for their happening. However, from the implementation of these new methodological and procedural instruments stems the process of codification of a generalized Ius Commune. This natural drive towards Positive Law grants the fruition and tutelage of new rights but, if not adequately controlled, can initiate vicious circles leading towards the overcriminalization of the system. Trials, intended against CP operators and guardians or guarantors, according to civil law acception, showed how meteorological weather prediction can be faulty and dangerously underestimate an incoming event. The margin of error unfolds on both a temporal and a spatial plan. The discrepancy which emerged from ex post analysis (Molini et al. 2009) tells us that state of the art instruments can possibly induce CP operators to make wrong decisions. In addition to these computational and modelling problems, the complex orography of our territories impedes to deterministically asses and characterize hydrometeorological risk. The best instrument in our hands, a part from radar and satellite data (which both have a yet important delay in the acquisition of data due to its transfer), is still represented by NWP models and by the experience of whom, on a daily basis, issues meteorological bulletins and alert whom are the foremost link between CPs and the population. Envisaging the problem of the overcriminalization phenomenon and its social consequences, unpredicted flash floods are extremely rare to count. Nevertheless they do happen and create the basis for a much more dangerous problem: the lowering of the alert threshold to an excessively precautionary level, thus, eliminating any kind of discretionality in assessing incoming risks. In order to reduce the possibility of being convicted, CP guardians are augmenting the number of alerts issued. Generalized, and more frequent, alerts are being issued, by so doing risk perception of the population is unawarely declining. The recent events in the French region of the Var are explicative of such a reality. The similarity that ties two systems of CP (Italy and France) to similar difficulties, in the first place demonstrate how the problem is transnational and not tied to national deficiencies, whilst, in the second place, makes necessary a critical analysis of the real risks that CP organizations are facing in terms of functionality and ability to communicate the real level of risk to the endangered citizenship. It is in these terms that we must think or, rather, rethink agencies and CP organizations. Implementing the best strategies, with the most advanced technologies, will not compensate the eventual disjunction between the core structure and the administrative periphery. Establishing operative mechanisms for the "last mile" and educating both the citizenship and the jurisprudential orders of our society to the undergoing risk of a collapse of CP institutions represents the main effort of our research and of this work.

Diversity of Participation in Children with Cerebral Palsy

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Imms, Christine; Reilly, Sheena; Carlin, John; Dodd, Karen

2008-01-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the participation of children with cerebral palsy (CP) in activities outside school and to compare their participation with a large representative sample of children. A population-based survey was conducted of children with CP born in Victoria, Australia in 1994 and 1995. Of 219 living children identified,…

Heritable DNA methylation in CD4+ cells among complex families displays genetic and non-genetic effects

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

DNA methylation at CpG sites is both heritable and influenced by environment, but the relative contributions of each to DNA methylation levels are unclear. We conducted a heritability analysis of CpG methylation in human CD4+ cells across 975 individuals from 163 families in the Genetics of Lipid-lo...

Surface treatment influences electrochemical stability of cpTi exposed to mouthwashes.

PubMed

Beline, Thamara; Garcia, Camila S; Ogawa, Erika S; Marques, Isabella S V; Matos, Adaias O; Sukotjo, Cortino; Mathew, Mathew T; Mesquita, Marcelo F; Consani, Rafael X; Barão, Valentim A R

2016-02-01

The role of surface treatment on the electrochemical behavior of commercially pure titanium (cpTi) exposed to mouthwashes was tested. Seventy-five disks were divided into 15 groups according to surface treatment (machined, sand blasted with Al2O3, and acid etched) and electrolyte solution (artificial saliva — control, 0.12% chlorhexidine digluconate, 0.05% cetylpyridinium chloride, 0.2% sodium fluoride, and 1.5% hydrogen peroxide) (n = 5). Open-circuit-potential and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy were conducted at baseline and after 7 and 14 days of immersion in each solution. Potentiodynamic test and total weight loss of disks were performed after 14 days of immersion. Scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, white light interferometry and profilometry were conducted for surface characterization before and after the electrochemical tests. Sandblasting promoted the lowest polarization resistance (Rp) (P b .0001) and the highest capacitance (CPE) (P b .006), corrosion current density (Icorr) and corrosion rate (P b .0001). In contrast, acid etching increased Rp and reduced CPE, independent to the mouthwash; while hydrogen peroxide reduced Rp (P b .008) and increased Icorr and corrosion rate (P b .0001). The highest CPE values were found for hydrogen peroxide and 0.2% sodium fluoride. Immersion for longer period improved the electrochemical stability of cpTi (P b .05). In conclusion, acid etching enhanced the electrochemical stability of cpTi. Hydrogen peroxide and sodium fluoride reduced the resistance to corrosion of cpTi, independent to the surface treatment. Chlorhexidine gluconate and cetylpyridinium chloride did not alter the corrosive behavior of cpTi.

A Wi-Fi Union Mechanism for Internet Advertising Reciprocal Platform in Microenterprises.

PubMed

Nguyen, Thi Thanh An; Chang, Che-Pin; Yuan, Shyan-Ming

2017-07-13

With the evolution of the Internet and smartphone devices, Internet advertising has become one of the most important methods for delivering promotional marketing messages to customers. However, the efficiency of Internet advertising for microenterprise is not very high, since Wi-Fi advertising-which is limited by a small router coverage area-is mainly used. Moreover, because of the lack of money, microenterprises have been using low-cost methods to promote their products. Thus, enhancing the effectiveness of Wi-Fi advertising, and solving the problem of cost and the range of the views are now an essential investigation in this study. In this paper, we propose a reciprocal model with Wi-Fi union mechanism for Internet advertising based on fog computing architecture to enhance the efficiency of advertisement, reduce the cost, and increase the range of the views for microenterprise by using the Internet. In particular, the system was built in advertisers', publishers', and consumers' sides. In our system, we use contribution point (CP) as an exchange value among the participants. Advertisers and publishers can get CP by helping the others in the system to promote their advertisements, increasing their CP by one unit. Similarly, advertisers and publishers can use their CP to ask for assistance from the others, decreasing their CP by one unit. The result shows that the system in a Wi-Fi union is easy to use, and advertisements can be seen by all customers who are using free Wi-Fi from the stores of the union. This method can solve the problem of cost and fixed consumer groups.

A Wi-Fi Union Mechanism for Internet Advertising Reciprocal Platform in Microenterprises

PubMed Central

Nguyen, Thi Thanh An; Chang, Che-Pin

2017-01-01

With the evolution of the Internet and smartphone devices, Internet advertising has become one of the most important methods for delivering promotional marketing messages to customers. However, the efficiency of Internet advertising for microenterprise is not very high, since Wi-Fi advertising—which is limited by a small router coverage area—is mainly used. Moreover, because of the lack of money, microenterprises have been using low-cost methods to promote their products. Thus, enhancing the effectiveness of Wi-Fi advertising, and solving the problem of cost and the range of the views are now an essential investigation in this study. In this paper, we propose a reciprocal model with Wi-Fi union mechanism for Internet advertising based on fog computing architecture to enhance the efficiency of advertisement, reduce the cost, and increase the range of the views for microenterprise by using the Internet. In particular, the system was built in advertisers’, publishers’, and consumers’ sides. In our system, we use contribution point (CP) as an exchange value among the participants. Advertisers and publishers can get CP by helping the others in the system to promote their advertisements, increasing their CP by one unit. Similarly, advertisers and publishers can use their CP to ask for assistance from the others, decreasing their CP by one unit. The result shows that the system in a Wi-Fi union is easy to use, and advertisements can be seen by all customers who are using free Wi-Fi from the stores of the union. This method can solve the problem of cost and fixed consumer groups. PMID:28703761

The long-term health, social, and financial burden of hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy.

PubMed

Eunson, Paul

2015-04-01

Infants who suffer hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE) at term are at risk of dying or developing severe cerebral palsy (CP). Children with severe CP often have other neurodevelopmental disabilities, which may affect their quality of life as much as the CP itself. New treatments for HIE, such as cooling, may improve motor outcomes, but affected infants may still have significant cognitive or communication problems. Infants who have experienced HIE and develop CP will require significant medical input throughout childhood and adult life. The costs of this medical input are high, but the indirect costs to the child, his or her family, and the relevant social services and education systems are many times greater. When demonstrating the cost-effectiveness of interventions aimed at preventing or treating HIE, these additional costs should be taken into account. © The Authors. Journal compilation © 2015 Mac Keith Press.

Reconstruction of cogeneration plants equipped with LMZ R-50-130 steam turbines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ermolaev, V. V.; Gudkov, N. N.; Shklyar, A. I.; Dudin, N. N.; Adamson, D. A.; Babiev, A. N.; Koshelev, S. A.; Solov'ev, A. K.; Miroshnichenko, S. A.

2009-04-01

The problems of how to use backpressure turbines underloaded for objective reasons at industrial cogeneration plants (CPs) are analyzed. The means of modernization of R-50-130 turbines implemented by the Teploenergoservis group of companies, which make it possible to meet the changed requirements for power and heat supply from a CP equipped with R-50-130 turbines and to increase productivity of CP fixed assets, are described.

Practical Problems in the Cement Industry Solved by Modern Research Techniques

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Daugherty, Kenneth E.; Robertson, Les D.

1972-01-01

Practical chemical problems in the cement industry are being solved by such techniques as infrared spectroscopy, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, X-ray diffraction, atomic absorption and arc spectroscopy, thermally evolved gas analysis, Mossbauer spectroscopy, transmission and scanning electron microscopy. (CP)

Effect of dietary crude protein levels in a commercial range, on the nitrogen balance, ammonia emission and pollutant characteristics of slurry in fattening pigs.

PubMed

Hernández, F; Martínez, S; López, C; Megías, M D; López, M; Madrid, J

2011-06-01

An experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary levels of crude protein (CP), close to the range used commercially and to the European Commission recommended values, on the nitrogen (N) balance, ammonia (NH(3)) emission and pollutant characteristics of the slurry from growing and finishing pigs. Three feeding programmes with different CP levels were compared during the growing and the finishing periods of fattening. Diets were formulated to be isoenergetic and for the digestible lysine : metabolisable energy ratio to be similar in all the diets for each phase, but differed in CP concentration (160, 150 and 140 g CP/kg for the growing phase and 155, 145 and 135 g CP/kg for the finishing phase). Faeces and urine from barrows (eight replicates per diet) allocated in metabolism cages were collected separately for 5 days to calculate the N balance and for 2 days to measure NH(3) emission in a laboratory system for 240 h. Excreta were analysed for pH, volatile fatty acids (VFA), total N, electrical conductivity (EC), total solids (TS), volatile solids (VS), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD(5)), chemical oxygen demand (COD) and NH(4)-N reduction of dietary CP content led to a linear decrease of urinary (P < 0.05) and total (P < 0.05) N excretion, and N excretion/feed intake (P < 0.001). The emission of NH3 was similar in all diets (P > 0.05) during the 240 h of study. However, in the growing phase, the NH(3)-N level in slurry was lower (P < 0.05) for the low-CP diet. In addition, the CP level had no significant effect (P > 0.05) on total VFA, EC, TS, VS, COD or BOD(5) contents of excreta. These parameters were higher (P < 0.05) in slurry from the finishing phase than from the growing phase. However, NH(4)-N in the slurry decreased (P < 0.05) by 20.3% and 28.4% when the CP level was decreased by 9.30 or 21.40 g/kg, respectively. It is concluded that lowering dietary CP levels even by small amounts and using CP levels close to these used in commercial diets and close to the European Commission recommended values will decrease urinary and total N excretion in the slurry of growing-finishing pigs. The slurry from finishing pigs is more concentrated than that from growing pigs.

Frey's procedure for chronic pancreatitis improves the nutritional status of these patients.

PubMed

Sato, Hideaki; Ishida, Masaharu; Motoi, Fuyuhiko; Sakata, Naoaki; Aoki, Takeshi; Kudoh, Katsuyoshi; Ohtsuka, Hideo; Mizuma, Masamichi; Morikawa, Takanori; Hayashi, Hiroki; Nakagawa, Kei; Naitoh, Takeshi; Egawa, Shinich; Unno, Michiaki

2018-01-01

The aim of surgical intervention for chronic pancreatitis (CP) is to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life. However, the precise effect of surgery on the nutritional status of CP patients, which is often impaired by exocrine and endocrine pancreatic dysfunction, has not been elucidated. We conducted this study to evaluate whether Frey's procedure improves the nutritional status of CP patients. The nutritional status of 35 patients who underwent Frey's procedure for CP at our institute between April 2005 and December 2014, was assessed by the controlling nutritional status (CONUT) scoring before and 1 year after the surgery, and compared with that of seven CP patients who underwent pancreatoduodenectomy. The occurrence of postoperative hepatic steatosis was also monitored. The nutritional status improved after Frey's procedure, but not after pancreatoduodenectomy. The median postoperative CONUT score after Frey's procedure was significantly lower than the preoperative score (1.0 ± 0.5 vs. 4.0 ± 2.5; p < 0.001). Frey's procedure is superior to pancreatoduodenectomy for improving the nutritional status of CP patients.

Fluid Viscosity Affects the Fragmentation and Inertial Cavitation Threshold of Lipid-Encapsulated Microbubbles.

PubMed

Helfield, Brandon; Black, John J; Qin, Bin; Pacella, John; Chen, Xucai; Villanueva, Flordeliza S

2016-03-01

Ultrasound and microbubble optimization studies for therapeutic applications are often conducted in water/saline, with a fluid viscosity of 1 cP. In an in vivo context, microbubbles are situated in blood, a more viscous fluid (∼4 cP). In this study, ultrahigh-speed microscopy and passive cavitation approaches were employed to investigate the effect of fluid viscosity on microbubble behavior at 1 MHz subject to high pressures (0.25-2 MPa). The propensity for individual microbubble (n = 220) fragmentation was found to significantly decrease in 4-cP fluid compared with 1-cP fluid, despite achieving similar maximum radial excursions. Microbubble populations diluted in 4-cP fluid exhibited decreased wideband emissions (up to 10.2 times), and increasingly distinct harmonic emission peaks (e.g., ultraharmonic) with increasing pressure, compared with those in 1-cP fluid. These results suggest that in vitro studies should consider an evaluation using physiologic viscosity perfusate before transitioning to in vivo evaluations. Copyright © 2016 World Federation for Ultrasound in Medicine & Biology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

CP decomposition approach to blind separation for DS-CDMA system using a new performance index

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rouijel, Awatif; Minaoui, Khalid; Comon, Pierre; Aboutajdine, Driss

2014-12-01

In this paper, we present a canonical polyadic (CP) tensor decomposition isolating the scaling matrix. This has two major implications: (i) the problem conditioning shows up explicitly and could be controlled through a constraint on the so-called coherences and (ii) a performance criterion concerning the factor matrices can be exactly calculated and is more realistic than performance metrics used in the literature. Two new algorithms optimizing the CP decomposition based on gradient descent are proposed. This decomposition is illustrated by an application to direct-sequence code division multiplexing access (DS-CDMA) systems; computer simulations are provided and demonstrate the good behavior of these algorithms, compared to others in the literature.

Efficacy and safety of CP-945,598, a selective cannabinoid CB1 receptor antagonist, on weight loss and maintenance.

PubMed

Aronne, Louis J; Finer, Nick; Hollander, Priscilla A; England, Richard D; Klioze, Solomon S; Chew, Robert D; Fountaine, Robert J; Powell, Coralie M; Obourn, John D

2011-07-01

Three double-blind, placebo-controlled, three-parallel-group, multicenter phase 3 trials were conducted to assess the efficacy and safety of CP-945,598 for weight loss and weight-loss maintenance. Two trials were designed to be 2 years in duration (in obese and overweight patients) and one as a 1-year study (in obese and overweight patients with type 2 diabetes). However, the 2-year trials and the CP-945,598 development program were terminated before completion due to changing regulatory perspectives of CB1 receptor-related drugs. In total, 1,253 and 2,536 participants in the two 2-year multinational and North American studies were randomized to 10-mg CP-945,598 (n = 360; 718); 20-mg CP-945,598 (n = 534, 1,084) and placebo (n = 359, 734), respectively; and 975 participants were randomized to 10-mg CP-945,598 (n = 318); 20-mg CP-945,598 (n = 320); and placebo (n = 337) in the 1-year multinational diabetes trial. Baseline demographics were similar between treatment groups within each trial. One year of treatment with CP-945,598 resulted in a dose-related mean percentage reduction from baseline body-weight in all trials. A significant proportion of all participants also achieved 5% and 10% weight loss after 1 year. In participants with mainly well-controlled type 2 diabetes, the combination of lifestyle and CP-945,598 induced substantial improvements in glycemic control. The most frequent adverse events (AEs) for CP-945,598 were: diarrhea, nausea, nasopharyngitis, and headache. Self-reported experiences of anxiety and suicidal thoughts were higher with CP-945,598 than placebo, as were the incidence of depression and depressed mood. However, the reported increases in psychiatric symptoms were not consistently dose dependent.

The effect of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) on semen parameters in human males: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PubMed

Fu, Weihua; Zhou, Zhansong; Liu, Shijian; Li, Qianwei; Yao, Jiwei; Li, Weibing; Yan, Junan

2014-01-01

Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) is one of the risk factors of impaired male fertility potential. Studies have investigated the effect of CP/CPPS on several semen parameters but have shown inconsistent results. Hence, we performed a systematic literature review and meta-analysis to assess the association between CP/CPPS and basic semen parameters in adult men. Systematic literature searches were conducted with PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library up to August 2013 for case-control studies that involved the impact of CP/CPSS on semen parameters. Meta-analysis was performed with Review Manager and Stata software. Standard mean differences (SMD) of semen parameters were identified with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) in a random effects model. Twelve studies were identified, including 999 cases of CP/CPPS and 455 controls. Our results illustrated that the sperm concentration and the percentage of progressively motile sperm and morphologically normal sperm from patients with CP/CPPS were significantly lower than controls (SMD (95% CI) -14.12 (-21.69, -6.63), -5.94 (-8.63, -3.25) and -8.26 (-11.83, -4.66), respectively). However, semen volume in the CP/CPPS group was higher than in the control group (SMD (95% CI) 0.50 (0.11, 0.89)). There was no significant effect of CP/CPPS on the total sperm count, sperm total motility, and sperm vitality. The present study illustrates that there was a significant negative effect of CP/CPPS on sperm concentration, sperm progressive motility, and normal sperm morphology. Further studies with larger sample sizes are needed to better illuminate the negative impact of CP/CPPS on semen parameters.

Cerebral Palsy and Growth Failure at 6 to 7 Years

PubMed Central

Stephens, Bonnie E.; McDonald, Scott A.; Ehrenkranz, Richard A.; Laptook, Abbot R.; Pappas, Athina; Hintz, Susan R.; Shankaran, Seetha; Higgins, Rosemary D.; Das, Abhik

2013-01-01

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between severity of cerebral palsy (CP) and growth to 6 to 7 years of age among children with moderate to severe (Mod/Sev) hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). It was hypothesized that children with Mod/Sev CP would have poorer growth, lower cognitive scores, and increased rehospitalization rates compared with children with no CP (No CP). METHODS: Among 115 of 122 surviving children followed in the hypothermia trial for neonatal HIE, growth parameters and neurodevelopmental status at 18 to 22 months and 6 to 7 years were available. Group comparisons (Mod/Sev CP and No CP) with unadjusted and adjusted analyses for growth <10th percentile and z scores by using Fisher’s exact tests and regression modeling were conducted. RESULTS: Children with Mod/Sev CP had high rates of slow growth and cognitive and motor impairment and rehospitalizations at 18 to 22 months and 6 to 7 years. At 6 to 7 years of age, children with Mod/Sev CP had increased rates of growth parameters <10th percentile compared with those with No CP (weight, 57% vs 3%; height, 70% vs 2%; and head circumference, 82% vs 13%; P < .0001). Increasing severity of slow growth was associated with increasing age (P < .04 for weight, P < .001 for length, and P < .0001 for head circumference). Gastrostomy feeds were associated with better growth. CONCLUSIONS: Term children with HIE who develop Mod/Sev CP have high and increasing rates of growth <10th percentile by 6 to 7 years of age. These findings support the need for close medical and nutrition management of children with HIE who develop CP. PMID:24019415

Cohort profile: cerebral palsy in the Norwegian and Danish birth cohorts (MOBAND-CP).

PubMed

Tollånes, Mette C; Strandberg-Larsen, Katrine; Forthun, Ingeborg; Petersen, Tanja Gram; Moster, Dag; Andersen, Anne-Marie Nybo; Stoltenberg, Camilla; Olsen, Jørn; Wilcox, Allen J

2016-09-02

The purpose of MOthers and BAbies in Norway and Denmark cerebral palsy (MOBAND-CP) was to study CP aetiology in a prospective design. MOBAND-CP is a cohort of more than 210 000 children, created as a collaboration between the world's two largest pregnancy cohorts-the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort study (MoBa) and the Danish National Birth Cohort. MOBAND-CP includes maternal interview/questionnaire data collected during pregnancy and follow-up, plus linked information from national health registries. Initial harmonisation of data from the 2 cohorts has created 140 variables for children and their mothers. In the MOBAND-CP cohort, 438 children with CP have been identified through record linkage with validated national registries, providing by far the largest such sample with prospectively collected detailed pregnancy data. Several studies investigating various hypotheses regarding CP aetiology are currently on-going. Additional data can be harmonised as necessary to meet requirements of new projects. Biological specimens collected during pregnancy and at delivery are potentially available for assay, as are results from assays conducted on these specimens for other projects. The study size allows consideration of CP subtypes, which is rare in aetiological studies of CP. In addition, MOBAND-CP provides a platform within the context of a merged birth cohort of exceptional size that could, after appropriate permissions have been sought, be used for cohort and case-cohort studies of other relatively rare health conditions of infants and children. 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/

Sensitivity and specificity of General Movements Assessment for diagnostic accuracy of detecting cerebral palsy early in an Australian context.

PubMed

Morgan, Catherine; Crowle, Cathryn; Goyen, Traci-Anne; Hardman, Caroline; Jackman, Michelle; Novak, Iona; Badawi, Nadia

2016-01-01

The aim of this study was to calculate the sensitivity and specificity of the General Movements Assessment (GMA) for estimating diagnostic accuracy in detecting cerebral palsy (CP) in an Australian context by a newly established NSW rater network. A prospective longitudinal cross-sectional study was conducted. The GMA was blind-rated from conventional video by two independent certified raters, blinded to medical history. A third rater resolved disagreements. High-risk population screening for CP using the GMA during the fidgety period (12-20 weeks) was carried out in four neonatal intensive care units and one CP service over a 30-month period (2012-2013). Participants were 259 high-risk infants. Sensitivity and specificity values were calculated with true positives defined as a confirmed diagnosis of CP from a medical doctor. Of the 259 infants assessed, 1-year follow-up data were available for 187. Of these, n = 48 had absent fidgety (high risk for CP), n = 138 had normal fidgety (low risk for CP), and n = 1 had abnormal fidgety (high risk for a neurological disorder). Of the 48 with absent fidgety movements, 39 had received a diagnosis of CP by 18 months and another 6 had an abnormal outcome. Of the n = 138 normal fidgety cases, n = 99 cases had a normal outcome, n = 38 had an abnormal outcome but not CP, and n = 1 had CP. For detecting CP, we had a sensitivity of 98% and specificity of 94%. GMA was feasible in an Australian context and accurately identified CP with a sensitivity and specificity comparable with European standards and published neuroimaging data. © 2015 The Authors. Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health © 2015 Paediatrics and Child Health Division (Royal Australasian College of Physicians).

[Analysis of using assistive devices by patients suffering from cerebral palsy - preliminary report].

PubMed

Zeńczak-Praga, Krystyna; Zgorzalewicz-Stachowiak, Małgorzata; Cesar, Kinga

2015-11-01

Cerebral palsy (CP) is still significant health and social issue in the world. Adults who suffer from that illness have problem with mobility which make their functioning much harder. Common symptoms include spasticity, chronic pain of musculoskeletal system, disturbance of sensation, epilepsy or mental retardation. The aim of the study was analysis of assistive devices used by patients with CP through childhood and adulthood. The results were compared with the situation in this field of CP patients in other countries. The study involved 30 patients with CP in age between 20-43 living in Poznan and under the care of Occupational Therapy Workshop and Enviromental Self-help Houses. The research method was questionnaire which was directed to caregivers of adults with CP. They were asked about diagnosis, accompanying symptoms as well as assistive devices used during childhood and adulthood. During childhood wheelchair and standing frame were used the most often while during adulthood the most common were also the first mentioned above as well as rehabilitation lift. Although unfavourable evaluation of fitting assistive devices, majority of caregivers of CP sufferer claimed that there was varying improvement in patients motor functionality. Comprehensive rehabilitation and assistive devices are necessary for patients with CP during adulthood not less than during childhood. Wheelchairs are even more essential for adults than for children. © 2015 MEDPRESS.

Dopamine receptor D4 promoter hypermethylation increases the risk of drug addiction.

PubMed

Ji, Huihui; Xu, Xuting; Liu, Guili; Liu, Huifen; Wang, Qinwen; Shen, Wenwen; Li, Longhui; Xie, Xiaohu; Hu, Haochang; Xu, Lei; Zhou, Wenhua; Duan, Shiwei

2018-02-01

Heroin and methylamphetamine (METH) are two addictive drugs that cause serious problems for society. Dopamine receptor D4 (DRD4), a key receptor in the dopaminergic system, may facilitate the development of drug addiction. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between the promoter methylation level of DRD4 gene and drug addiction. Bisulfite pyrosequencing technology was used to measure the methylation levels of DRD4 promoter in 60 drug addicts and 52 matched controls. Significantly higher levels of DRD4 CpG1 and CpG4 methylation were detected in METH and heroin drug addicts compared with controls (P<0.05). Male METH addicts exhibited significantly higher DRD4 CpG1, CpG2 and CpG4 methylation levels compared with sex-matched controls (P<0.05). In heroin addicts, a positive correlation was observed between depression-dejection and DRD4 CpG5 methylation (r=0.537, P=0.039) whereas there was a negative correlation between drug usage frequency and CpG1 methylation (r=-0.632, P=0.011). In METH addicts, methylation levels were not significantly associated with depression-dejection and drug usage frequency. In addition, luciferase assays demonstrated that the target sequence of the DRD4 promoter upregulates gene expression. The results of the present study suggest that DNA methylation of DRD4 may be responsible for the pathophysiology of drug addiction.

In situ study of the relevance of bacterial adherence to feed particles for the contamination and accuracy of rumen degradability estimates for feeds of vegetable origin.

PubMed

Rodríguez, C A; González, J

2006-08-01

An in situ study was conducted on four rumen-cannulated wethers to determine (using (15)N infusion techniques) the microbial contamination (mg bacterial DM or crude protein (CP)/100 mg DM or CP) and the associated error on the effective degradability of fourteen feeds: barley and maize grains, soyabean and sunflower meals, full-fat soyabean, maize gluten feed, soyabean hulls, brewers dried grains, sugarbeet pulp, wheat bran, lucerne and vetch-oat hays, and barley and lentil straws. The DM or CP contamination in residues (M) fitted to single exponential or sigmoid curves. A general model (M=m (1-e(-ft) ) (j)) was proposed to match this fit. Asymptotic values (m) varied from 2.84% to 13.3% and from 2.85% to 80.9% for DM and CP, respectively. Uncorrected results underestimated the effective degradability of both DM (P<0.05) and CP (P<0.01). For CP, this underestimation varied from 0.59 % to 13.1%, with a higher but unascertainable error for barley straw. Excluding maize grain, the microbial contamination of both DM and CP, and the associated underestimation of the effective degradability of CP, were positively related to the cellulose content of the feed. The error in the effective degradability of CP was also negatively related to the CP content and its apparent effective degradability (R(2) 0.867). This equation allows easier and more accurate estimates of effective degradability, needed to improve protein-rationing systems.

Chronic prostatitis and comorbid non-urological overlapping pain conditions: A co-twin control study.

PubMed

Gasperi, Marianna; Krieger, John N; Forsberg, Christopher; Goldberg, Jack; Buchwald, Dedra; Afari, Niloofar

2017-11-01

Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) is characterized by pain and voiding symptoms in the absence of an obvious infection or other cause. CP/CPPS frequently occurs with non-urological chronic overlapping pain conditions (COPCs) of unknown etiology. We conducted a co-twin control study in men discordant for chronic prostatitis (CP), an overarching diagnosis of which approximately 90% is CP/CPPS. The primary aim was to investigate the contribution of familial factors, including shared genetic and common environmental factors, to the comorbidity of CP and COPCs. Data from 6824 male twins in the Vietnam Era Twin Registry were examined to evaluate the association between self-reported lifetime physician diagnosis of CP with COPCs including fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome, temporomandibular disorder, tension headaches, and migraine headaches. Random effects logistic regression models were used and within-pair analyses evaluated confounding effects of familial factors on the associations. There were significant associations between CP and all 6 examined COPCs. After adjusting for shared familial influences in within twin pair analyses, the associations for all COPCs diminished but remained significant. Familial confounding was strongest for the association of CP with fibromyalgia and temporomandibular disorder and smallest for irritable bowel syndrome. CP and COPCs are highly comorbid. These associations can be partially explained by familial factors. The mechanisms underlying these relationships are likely diverse and multifactorial. Future longitudinal research can help to further elucidate specific genetic and environmental mechanisms and determine potentially causal relationships between CP and its comorbidities. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Redundant prepuce increases the odds of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS).

PubMed

Zhao, Yu-Yang; Xu, Dong-Liang; Zhao, Fu-Jun; Han, Bang-Min; Shao, Yi; Zhao, Wei; Xia, Shu-Jie

2014-01-01

Some published evidence has revealed that the dendritic cells can interact with pathogens that exist in the inner foreskin. This information provides a new vision that pathogens could play a role through the redundant prepuce; numerous studies have failed to find pathogens in prostates of patients who had chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS). However, no studies have reported an association between foreskin length and CP/CPPS. Hence, we conducted a retrospective case-control study of clinical data from 322 CP/CPPS patients (case group) and 341 nonCP/CPPS patients (control group). Demographic characteristics, lifestyle factors, and foreskin lengths were collected and analyzed. Multivariate logistic regression was adopted to calculate the odds of foreskin length for CP/CPPS. According to the multivariate logistic regression results, when the foreskin length covered up more than half of the glans penis, the odds for CP/CPPS were higher with an increased foreskin (odds ratio (OR): 1.66, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.04-2.66). In comparison, when the glans penis was completely covered by the foreskin, the OR value increased to 1.86 (95% CI, 1.2-2.88). The study results showed an association between foreskin length and the odds of CP/CPPS. When the foreskin length covered up more than half of the glans penis, there were greater odds for CP/CPPS. This possible mechanism might result from interaction between pathogens and DCs in the inner foreskin, consequently activating T-cells to mediate allergic inflammation in the prostate and producing the autoimmunizations causing CP/CPPS.

Melittin induces PTCH1 expression by down-regulating MeCP2 in human hepatocellular carcinoma SMMC-7721 cells

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

Wu, Xiaoqin; Zhao, Bin; Cheng, Yahui

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has a high mortality rate worldwide and still remains to be a noticeable public health problem. Therefore, new remedies are urgently needed. Melittin, a major component of bee venom, is known to suppress cell growth in various cancers including HCC. However, the mechanism of the anticancer effect of melittin on HCC has not been fully elucidated. It has been reported that Methyl-CpG binding protein 2 (MeCP2) plays a key role in tumor proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion. In the present study, we found the high expression of MeCP2 in human HCC tissues and in the SMMC-7721 cellmore » line. MeCP2 silencing inhibited cell proliferation, while over-expression of MeCP2 promoted cell growth in SMMC-7721 cells. It indicates that MeCP2 may be an attractive target for human HCC. We further found that melittin could inhibit cell proliferation by reducing MeCP2 expression in vitro. Interestingly, the inhibitory effect of melittin on cell proliferation was due to a delay in G{sub 0}/G{sub 1} cell cycle progression, without influencing cell apoptosis. Next, we investigated the potential molecular mechanisms and found that MeCP2 could modulate Shh signaling in SMMC-7721 cells. Further study indicates that melittin may induce the demethylation of PTCH1 promoter, resulting in the increased expression of PTCH1. Furthermore, the expression of Shh and GLI1 was significantly lowered upon treatment of melittin. These results suggest that melittin can block Shh signaling in vitro. In short, these results indicate that melittin inhibits cell proliferation by down-regulating MeCP2 through Shh signaling in SMMC-7721 cells. - Highlights: • MeCP2 plays a key role in the proliferation of human HCC cells. • Melittin reduces MeCP2 expression in vitro. • Melittin induces G{sub 0}/G{sub 1} cell cycle arrest in SMMC-7721 cells. • MeCP2 modulates the Shh signaling pathway in SMMC-7721 cells. • Melittin blocks the Shh signaling pathway in SMMC-7721 cells.« less

CpG PatternFinder: a Windows-based utility program for easy and rapid identification of the CpG methylation status of DNA.

PubMed

Xu, Yi-Hua; Manoharan, Herbert T; Pitot, Henry C

2007-09-01

The bisulfite genomic sequencing technique is one of the most widely used techniques to study sequence-specific DNA methylation because of its unambiguous ability to reveal DNA methylation status to the order of a single nucleotide. One characteristic feature of the bisulfite genomic sequencing technique is that a number of sample sequence files will be produced from a single DNA sample. The PCR products of bisulfite-treated DNA samples cannot be sequenced directly because they are heterogeneous in nature; therefore they should be cloned into suitable plasmids and then sequenced. This procedure generates an enormous number of sample DNA sequence files as well as adding extra bases belonging to the plasmids to the sequence, which will cause problems in the final sequence comparison. Finding the methylation status for each CpG in each sample sequence is not an easy job. As a result CpG PatternFinder was developed for this purpose. The main functions of the CpG PatternFinder are: (i) to analyze the reference sequence to obtain CpG and non-CpG-C residue position information. (ii) To tailor sample sequence files (delete insertions and mark deletions from the sample sequence files) based on a configuration of ClustalW multiple alignment. (iii) To align sample sequence files with a reference file to obtain bisulfite conversion efficiency and CpG methylation status. And, (iv) to produce graphics, highlighted aligned sequence text and a summary report which can be easily exported to Microsoft Office suite. CpG PatternFinder is designed to operate cooperatively with BioEdit, a freeware on the internet. It can handle up to 100 files of sample DNA sequences simultaneously, and the total CpG pattern analysis process can be finished in minutes. CpG PatternFinder is an ideal software tool for DNA methylation studies to determine the differential methylation pattern in a large number of individuals in a population. Previously we developed the CpG Analyzer program; CpG PatternFinder is our further effort to create software tools for DNA methylation studies.

Effects of Long Term Thermal Exposure on Chemically Pure (CP) Titanium Grade 2 Room Temperature Tensile Properties and Microstructure

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ellis, David L.

2007-01-01

Room temperature tensile testing of Chemically Pure (CP) Titanium Grade 2 was conducted for as-received commercially produced sheet and following thermal exposure at 550 and 650 K for times up to 5,000 h. No significant changes in microstructure or failure mechanism were observed. A statistical analysis of the data was performed. Small statistical differences were found, but all properties were well above minimum values for CP Ti Grade 2 as defined by ASTM standards and likely would fall within normal variation of the material.

Mapping the signal peptide binding and oligomer contact sites of the core subunit of the pea twin arginine protein translocase.

PubMed

Ma, Xianyue; Cline, Kenneth

2013-03-01

Twin arginine translocation (Tat) systems of thylakoid and bacterial membranes transport folded proteins using the proton gradient as the sole energy source. Tat substrates have hydrophobic signal peptides with an essential twin arginine (RR) recognition motif. The multispanning cpTatC plays a central role in Tat operation: It binds the signal peptide, directs translocase assembly, and may facilitate translocation. An in vitro assay with pea (Pisum sativum) chloroplasts was developed to conduct mutagenesis and analysis of cpTatC functions. Ala scanning mutagenesis identified mutants defective in substrate binding and receptor complex assembly. Mutations in the N terminus (S1) and first stromal loop (S2) caused specific defects in signal peptide recognition. Cys matching between substrate and imported cpTatC confirmed that S1 and S2 directly and specifically bind the RR proximal region of the signal peptide. Mutations in four lumen-proximal regions of cpTatC were defective in receptor complex assembly. Copurification and Cys matching analyses suggest that several of the lumen proximal regions may be important for cpTatC-cpTatC interactions. Surprisingly, RR binding domains of adjacent cpTatCs directed strong cpTatC-cpTatC cross-linking. This suggests clustering of binding sites on the multivalent receptor complex and explains the ability of Tat to transport cross-linked multimers. Transport of substrate proteins cross-linked to the signal peptide binding site tentatively identified mutants impaired in the translocation step.

"Low Testosterone Levels in Body Fluids Are Associated With Chronic Periodontitis".

PubMed

Kellesarian, Sergio Varela; Malmstrom, Hans; Abduljabbar, Tariq; Vohra, Fahim; Kellesarian, Tammy Varela; Javed, Fawad; Romanos, Georgios E

2017-03-01

There is a debate over the association between low testosterone levels in body fluids and the occurrence of chronic periodontitis (CP). The aim of the present systematic review was to assess whether low testosterone levels in body fluids reflect CP. In order to identify studies relevant to the focus question: "Is there a relationship between low testosterone levels in body fluids and CP?" an electronic search without time or language restrictions was conducted up to June 2016 in indexed databases using different keywords: periodontitis, chronic periodontitis, periodontal diseases, testosterone, and gonadal steroid hormones. A total of eight studies were included in the present systematic review. The number of study participants ranged from 24 to 1,838 male individuals with ages ranging from 15 to 95 years. Seven studies measured testosterone levels in serum, two studies in saliva, and one study in gingiva. Four studies reported a negative association between serum testosterone levels and CP. Two studies reported a positive association between decreased testosterone levels in serum and CP. Increased levels of salivary testosterone among patients with CP were reported in one study; whereas one study reported no significant difference in the concentration of salivary testosterone between patients with and without CP. One study identified significant increase in the metabolism of testosterone in the gingiva of patients with CP. Within the limits of the evidence available, the relationship between low testosterone levels and CP remains debatable and further longitudinal studies and control trials are needed.

“Low Testosterone Levels in Body Fluids Are Associated With Chronic Periodontitis”

PubMed Central

Kellesarian, Sergio Varela; Malmstrom, Hans; Abduljabbar, Tariq; Vohra, Fahim; Kellesarian, Tammy Varela; Javed, Fawad; Romanos, Georgios E.

2016-01-01

There is a debate over the association between low testosterone levels in body fluids and the occurrence of chronic periodontitis (CP). The aim of the present systematic review was to assess whether low testosterone levels in body fluids reflect CP. In order to identify studies relevant to the focus question: “Is there a relationship between low testosterone levels in body fluids and CP?” an electronic search without time or language restrictions was conducted up to June 2016 in indexed databases using different keywords: periodontitis, chronic periodontitis, periodontal diseases, testosterone, and gonadal steroid hormones. A total of eight studies were included in the present systematic review. The number of study participants ranged from 24 to 1,838 male individuals with ages ranging from 15 to 95 years. Seven studies measured testosterone levels in serum, two studies in saliva, and one study in gingiva. Four studies reported a negative association between serum testosterone levels and CP. Two studies reported a positive association between decreased testosterone levels in serum and CP. Increased levels of salivary testosterone among patients with CP were reported in one study; whereas one study reported no significant difference in the concentration of salivary testosterone between patients with and without CP. One study identified significant increase in the metabolism of testosterone in the gingiva of patients with CP. Within the limits of the evidence available, the relationship between low testosterone levels and CP remains debatable and further longitudinal studies and control trials are needed. PMID:27645514

Effect of treating alfalfa silage with pistachio by-products extract on Saanen dairy goats performance and microbial nitrogen synthesis.

PubMed

Mokhtarpour, A; Naserian, A A; Pourmollae, F; Ghaffari, M H

2016-08-01

A lactation experiment was conducted to determine the influence of addition of pistachio by-products extract (PBE) to alfalfa silage (AS) on performance, rumen fermentation, milk yield and composition, and microbial nitrogen synthesis. Eight multiparous dairy goats (1.8 ± 0.25 kg of milk yield) were used in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments to compare two types of AS (supplemented with or without PBE) with two levels of dietary crude protein (14% vs. 16% CP). Dietary treatments were (i) AS with 14% CP of DM diet without PBE (14%CP-PBE), (ii) AS with 14% CP of DM diet with PBE (14%CP + PBE), (iii) AS with 16% CP of DM diet without PBE (16%CP-PBE) and (iv) AS with 16% CP of DM diet with PBE (16%CP + PBE). PBE was sprayed on fresh alfalfa at a ratio of 500 ml/kg alfalfa DM to get the final concentration of 1% tannin as tannic acid equivalent on DM basis. Intake of CP was greater (p < 0.01) in goats fed 16% CP diets than those fed 14% CP diets, regardless of PBE supplementation. Supplementation of PBE tended to decrease (p = 0.09) rumen NH3 -N concentration regardless of the level of CP in the diet. Supplementation of PBE tended (p = 0.09) to decrease total purine derivatives regardless of the level of CP in the diet with no significant change in microbial nitrogen supply. Efficiency of microbial nitrogen synthesis (EMNS) had a tendency (p = 0.07) to decrease in PBE supplemented diets. There was also a tendency (p = 0.10) for more EMNS in 14% CP fed goats than those fed 16% CP diets. Therefore, AS supplemented with PBE may lead to less concentration of ruminal NH3 -N because of decreased degradation of CP by rumen micro-organisms in response to pistachio by-products tannins. Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition © 2015 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.

DNA from bird-dispersed seed and wind-disseminated pollen provides insights into postglacial colonization and population genetic structure of whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis)

Treesearch

Bryce A. Richardson; Steven J. Runsfeld; Ned B. Klopfenstein

2002-01-01

Uniparentally inherited mitochondrial (mt)DNA and chloroplast (cp)DNA microsatellites (cpSSRs) were used to examine population genetic structure and biogeographic patterns of bird-dispersed seed and wind-disseminated pollen of whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis Engelm.). Sampling was conducted from 41 populations throughout the range of the species....

Fumigant distribution in forest nursery soil under water seal and plastic film after application of dazomet, metam-sodium and chloropicrin

Treesearch

Dong Wang; Stephen W. Fraedrich; Jennifer Juzwik; Kurt Spokas; Yi Zhang; William C. Koskinen

2006-01-01

Adequate concentration, exposure time and distribution uniformity of activated fumigant gases are prerequisites for successful soil fumigation. Field experiments were conducted to evaluate gas phase distributions of methyl isothiocyanate (MITC) and chloropicrin (CP) in two forest-tree nurseries. Concentrations of MITC and CP in soil air were measured from replicated...

Efficiently hiding sensitive itemsets with transaction deletion based on genetic algorithms.

PubMed

Lin, Chun-Wei; Zhang, Binbin; Yang, Kuo-Tung; Hong, Tzung-Pei

2014-01-01

Data mining is used to mine meaningful and useful information or knowledge from a very large database. Some secure or private information can be discovered by data mining techniques, thus resulting in an inherent risk of threats to privacy. Privacy-preserving data mining (PPDM) has thus arisen in recent years to sanitize the original database for hiding sensitive information, which can be concerned as an NP-hard problem in sanitization process. In this paper, a compact prelarge GA-based (cpGA2DT) algorithm to delete transactions for hiding sensitive itemsets is thus proposed. It solves the limitations of the evolutionary process by adopting both the compact GA-based (cGA) mechanism and the prelarge concept. A flexible fitness function with three adjustable weights is thus designed to find the appropriate transactions to be deleted in order to hide sensitive itemsets with minimal side effects of hiding failure, missing cost, and artificial cost. Experiments are conducted to show the performance of the proposed cpGA2DT algorithm compared to the simple GA-based (sGA2DT) algorithm and the greedy approach in terms of execution time and three side effects.

Energy Choices for Consumers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nolan, William T.

1977-01-01

Sample problems concerning energy consumption and conservation with air conditioners, electric ranges, refrigerators and televisions are provided. The energy efficiency ratio (EER) is also discussed. (CP)

Transgenes for insect resistance reduce herbivory and enhance fecundity in advanced generations of crop–weed hybrids of rice

PubMed Central

Yang, Xiao; Xia, Hui; Wang, Wei; Wang, Feng; Su, Jun; Snow, Allison A; Lu, Bao-Rong

2011-01-01

Gene flow from transgenic crops allows novel traits to spread to sexually compatible weeds. Traits such as resistance to insects may enhance the fitness of weeds, but few studies have tested for these effects under natural field conditions. We created F2 and F3 crop–weed hybrid lineages of genetically engineered rice (Oryza sativa) using lines with two transgene constructs, cowpea trypsin inhibitor (CpTI) and a Bt transgene linked to CpTI (Bt/CpTI). Experiments conducted in Fuzhou, China, demonstrated that CpTI alone did not significantly affect fecundity, although it reduced herbivory. In contrast, under certain conditions, Bt/CpTI conferred up to 79% less insect damage and 47% greater fecundity relative to nontransgenic controls, and a 44% increase in fecundity relative to the weedy parent. A small fitness cost was detected in F3 progeny with Bt/CpTI when grown under low insect pressure and direct competition with transgene-negative controls. We conclude that Bt/CpTI transgenes may introgress into co-occurring weedy rice populations and contribute to greater seed production when target insects are abundant. However, the net fitness benefits that are associated with Bt/CpTI could be ephemeral if insect pressure is lacking, for example, because of widespread planting of Bt cultivars that suppress target insect populations. PMID:25568014

The Role of Trust in CenteringPregnancy: Building Interpersonal Trust Relationships in Group-Based Prenatal Care in The Netherlands.

PubMed

Kweekel, Liselotte; Gerrits, Trudie; Rijnders, Marlies; Brown, Patrick

2017-03-01

CenteringPregnancy (CP) is a specific model of group-based prenatal care for women, implemented in 44 midwifery practices in The Netherlands since 2011. Women have evaluated CP positively, especially in terms of social support, and improvements have been made in birthweight and preterm-birth outcomes; however, there is limited understanding as to why. The purpose of this study was to examine the mechanisms that create trusting relationships within CP to better understand CP outcomes and effectiveness. A qualitative study was conducted using in-depth interviews with 26 (former) CP participants, alongside observations of CP sessions. All interviews were transcribed and analyzed following open, axial, and selective coding. Most women characterized trust as a positive expectation about how others would respond to sensitive information that was shared within the group. Trust emerged within the data as a multidimensional concept and several preconditions seemed crucial in building trusting relations: vulnerability, communication, reciprocity, chemistry, and atmosphere. The facilitating of interpersonal trust among CP participants enhanced group processes, especially as a basis for social support by which women said they were more eager to share sensitive information in a trusting environment. Processes of trust were interwoven within various CP group dynamics. Trust facilitated social support which in turn enabled reassurance and the building of women's self-confidence. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Main-sequence magnetic CP stars: II. Physical parameters and chemical composition of the atmosphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Romanyuk, I. I.

2007-03-01

This paper continues a series of reviews dedicated to magnetic CP stars. The occurrence frequency of CP stars among B5 F0-type main-sequence stars is shown to be equal to about 15 20%. The problems of identification and classification of these objects are addressed. We prefer the classification of Preston, which subdivides chemically peculiar stars into the following groups: Am, λ Boo, Ap/Bp, Hg-Mn, He-weak, and He-strong stars. The main characteristic features of objects of each group are briefly analyzed. The rotation velocities of CP stars are shown to be about three times lower than those of normal stars of the same spectral types (except for λ Boo and He-strong objects). The rotation periods of CP stars range from 0.5 to 100 days, however, there is also a small group of objects with especially long (up to several tens of years) variability periods. All kinds of peculiar stars can be found in visual binaries, with Am-and Hg-Mn-type stars occurring mostly in short-period binaries with P < 10 days, and the binary rate of these stars is close to normal. The percentage of binaries among magnetic stars (20%) is lower than among normal stars. A rather large fraction of CP1-and CP2-type stars was found to occur in young clusters (with ages smaller than 107 years). Photometric and spectral variability of peculiar stars of various types is discussed, and it is shown that only objects possessing magnetic fields exhibit light and spectral variations. The chemical composition of the atmospheres of CP stars of various types is considered. The abundances of various elements are usually determined by comparing the line profiles in the observed spectrum with those of the synthetic spectra computed for various model atmospheres. Different mechanisms are shown to contribute to chemical inhomogeneity at the star’s surface, and the hypothesis of selective diffusion of atoms in a stable atmosphere is developed. Attention is also paid to the problems of the determination of local chemical composition including the stratification of elements. Some of the coolest SrCrEu peculiar stars are found to exhibit fast light variations with periods ranging from 6 to 15 min. These variations are unassociated with rotation, but are due to nonradial pulsations. The final part of the the review considers the fundamental parameters of CP stars. The effective temperatures, luminosities, radii, and masses of these objects are shown to agree with the corresponding physical parameters of normal main-sequence stars of the same spectral types.

Obstacle Crossing During Gait in Children With Cerebral Palsy: Cross-Sectional Study With Kinematic Analysis of Dynamic Balance and Trunk Control.

PubMed

Malone, Ailish; Kiernan, Damien; French, Helen; Saunders, Valerie; O'Brien, Timothy

2016-08-01

Balance problems are common in children who have cerebral palsy (CP) but are active and ambulant. Control of the whole-body center of mass is critical in maintaining dynamic stability during challenging mobility tasks, such as clearing an obstacle while walking. The objective of this study was to compare trunk and lower limb kinematics and center-of-mass control in children with CP and those in children with typical development during obstacle crossing. This was a cross-sectional study. Thirty-four children who were 5 to 17 years of age (17 with CP and 17 with typical development) and matched in age and height completed 2 gait trials involving crossing a 10-cm obstacle. Three-dimensional kinematic and kinetic data were captured with a general-purpose 3-dimensional motion tracking system and forceplates. Trunk data were captured with a validated model. All children cleared the obstacle with similar hip and knee kinematics, step length, and single-support duration. In children with CP, step width was increased by 4.81 cm, and center-of-mass velocity was significantly slower at lead limb toe-off (0.31 m/s) and during lead limb clearance (0.2 m/s). Children with CP showed altered trunk and pelvis movement, characterized by significantly greater pelvic obliquity, pelvic tilt, and trunk rotation throughout the task, increased lateral trunk lean during lead limb crossing (3.7°), and greater sagittal trunk movement as the trail limb crossed (5.1°). The study was not powered to analyze differences between children with diplegia and those with hemiplegia. Children with CP required greater adjustments at the trunk and pelvis to achieve successful obstacle crossing. The increase in trunk movement could have been compensatory for reduced stability distally or for a primary problem reflecting poor proximal control. The findings suggest that rehabilitation should focus on both proximal trunk control and distal stability to improve balance. © 2016 American Physical Therapy Association.

Male Mating Competitiveness of a Wolbachia-Introgressed Aedes polynesiensis Strain under Semi-Field Conditions

PubMed Central

Bossin, Hervé; Dobson, Stephen L.

2011-01-01

Background Lymphatic filariasis (LF), a global public health problem affecting approximately 120 million people worldwide, is a leading cause of disability in the developing world including the South Pacific. Despite decades of ongoing mass drug administration (MDA) in the region, some island nations have not yet achieved the threshold levels of microfilaremia established by the World Health Organization for eliminating transmission. Previously, the generation of a novel Aedes polynesiensis strain (CP) infected with an exogenous type of Wolbachia has been described. The CP mosquito is cytoplasmically incompatible (i.e., effectively sterile) when mated with wildtype mosquitoes, and a strategy was proposed for the control of A. polynesiensis populations by repeated, inundative releases of CP males to disrupt fertility of wild females. Such a strategy could lead to suppression of the vector population and subsequently lead to a reduction in the transmission of filarial worms. Methodology/Principal Findings CP males and F1 male offspring from wild-caught A. polynesiensis females exhibit near equal mating competitiveness with F1 females under semi-field conditions. Conclusions/Significance While laboratory experiments are important, prior projects have demonstrated the need for additional testing under semi-field conditions in order to recognize problems before field implementation. The results reported here from semi-field experiments encourage forward progression toward small-scale field releases. PMID:21829750

Biochemical bond breaking in coal: Third quarterly report, (April through June 1987)

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

Not Available

1987-07-01

Major research efforts are presently being conducted in three principal areas of focus: (1) optimization of coal biosolubilization; (2) characterization of the solubilized products resulting from microbial coal depolymerization; and (3) degradation of model compounds to assess potential interunit linkages which may be attacked by whole culture or cell-free culture supernatants containing extracellular enzymes. Initial evaluations of the various combinations of microbes, coals, and coal pretreatments indicated that CP1 and CP1 + 2 solubilized all of the coals selected for this project at substantially higher rates than S. setonii or T. versicolor. The ARC CP1 + 2 consortium was chosenmore » as the primary culture for detailed evaluation of coal biosolubilization and model compound degradation. Studies were conducted to determine if solubilization of coal by CP1 + 2 supernatants could be enhanced by elevating the temperature. Solubilization of both untreated Leonardite and HNO3 treated Wyodak (Smith-Roland) subbituminous coal was increased when elevating the temperature from ambient to 35C. The initial solubilization rate (T0 - 1 hour) of Leonardite at 22C was 16 OD units/hour and at 35C was 18 OD units/hour. Thus, an elevation of 13C enhanced solubilization of this coal by 12.5%. The effect of temperature on solubilization of Wyodak coal appeared to be more pronounced. Solubilization of HNO3 treated coals by the CP organisms is not only relatively rapid, but is also extensive. The relatively rapid and extensive coal solubilization attainable by CP1 + 2 has enabled us to produce quantities of product sufficient for analytical methods development and for characterization of the coal products. Initial attempts have been made to characterize the depolymerized products using HPLC and GC/MS. 9 figs., 3 tabs.« less

Association of NOS1 gene polymorphisms with cerebral palsy in a Han Chinese population: a case-control study.

PubMed

Yu, Ting; Xia, Lei; Bi, Dan; Wang, Yangong; Shang, Qing; Zhu, Dengna; Song, Juan; Wang, Yong; Wang, Xiaoyang; Zhu, Changlian; Xing, Qinghe

2018-06-25

Cerebral palsy (CP) is the leading cause of motor disability in children; however, its pathogenesis is unknown in most cases. Growing evidence suggests that Nitric oxide synthase 1 (NOS1) is involved in neural development and neurologic diseases. The purpose of this study was to determine whether genetic variants of NOS1 contribute to CP susceptibility in a Han Chinese population. A case-control study involving 652 CP patients and 636 healthy controls was conducted. Six SNPs in the NOS1 gene (rs3782219, rs6490121, rs2293054, rs10774909, rs3741475, and rs2682826) were selected, and the MassARRAY typing technique was applied for genotyping. Data analysis was conducted using SHEsis online software, and multiple test corrections were performed using SNPSpD online software. There were no significant differences in genotype and allele frequencies between patients and controls for the SNPs except rs6490121, which deviated from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and was excluded from further analyses. Subgroup analysis revealed differences in genotype frequencies between the CP with neonatal encephalopathy group (CP + NE) and control group for rs10774909, rs3741475, and rs2682826 (after SNPSpD correction, p = 0.004, 0.012, and 0.002, respectively). The T allele of NOS1 SNP rs3782219 was negatively associated with spastic quadriplegia (OR = 0.742, 95% CI = 0.600-0.918, after SNPSpD correction, p = 0.023). There were no differences in allele or genotype frequencies between CP subgroups and controls for the other genetic polymorphisms. NOS1 is associated with CP + NE and spastic quadriplegia, suggesting that NOS1 is likely involved in the pathogenesis of CP and that it is a potential therapeutic target for treatment of cerebral injury.

Drooling, saliva production, and swallowing in cerebral palsy.

PubMed

Senner, Jill E; Logemann, Jerilyn; Zecker, Steven; Gaebler-Spira, Deborah

2004-12-01

Fourteen participants (six females, eight males) ranging in age from 7 years 11 months to 18 years 2 months (mean 11y 7mo) with a confirmed diagnosis of spastic cerebral palsy (CP) were included in the study. Participants included those who drooled (CP+, n=14); age- and sex-matched children with spastic CP who were dry to mild and never to infrequent droolers (CP-, n=14) as well as typically developing peers (CTRL, n=14) served as controls. Frequency of swallowing was measured by using simultaneous cervical ausculation and videotaping of the head and neck. Saliva production was measured with the Saxon test, a simple gauze-chewing procedure. In addition, Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI), Test of Nonverbal Intelligence-3 (TONI-3), dysarthria severity scale, and Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) scores were obtained for each participant. Both groups of participants with CP tended to swallow less frequently than typically developing participants and tended to produce less saliva than typically developing controls; however, these differences were not statistically significant. No correlation was found between amount of saliva produced and amount drooled (r=0.245). An analysis of variance (ANOVA) conducted on the PEDI functional skills mean scores indicated significant differences between the three groups (F(2,39)=23.522,p<0.0001). Likewise, an ANOVA conducted on the TONI-3 scores revealed statistically significant differences between the three groups (F(2,39)=31.761, p<0.0001). A Spearman's rho correlation indicated that GMFCS scores were not significantly correlated with drooling severity (Spearman's rho correlation=0.3951,p=0.037). Drooling severity was found to be positively correlated with dysarthria severity (Spearman's rho correlation=0.82,p<0.0001). These findings suggest that drooling in patients with CP is related to swallowing difficulties rather than hypersalivation.

Spontaneous CP breaking in QCD and the axion potential: an effective Lagrangian approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Di Vecchia, Paolo; Rossi, Giancarlo; Veneziano, Gabriele; Yankielowicz, Shimon

2017-12-01

Using the well-known low-energy effective Lagrangian of QCD — valid for small (non-vanishing) quark masses and a large number of colors — we study in detail the regions of parameter space where CP is spontaneously broken/unbroken for a vacuum angle θ = π. In the CP broken region there are first order phase transitions as one crosses θ = π, while on the (hyper)surface separating the two regions, there are second order phase transitions signalled by the vanishing of the mass of a pseudo Nambu-Goldstone boson and by a divergent QCD topological susceptibility. The second order point sits at the end of a first order line associated with the CP spontaneous breaking, in the appropriate complex parameter plane. When the effective Lagrangian is extended by the inclusion of an axion these features of QCD imply that standard calculations of the axion potential have to be revised if the QCD parameters fall in the above mentioned CP broken region, in spite of the fact that the axion solves the strong- CP problem. These last results could be of interest for axionic dark matter calculations if the topological susceptibility of pure Yang-Mills theory falls off sufficiently fast when temperature is increased towards the QCD deconfining transition.

Inactive and sedentary lifestyles amongst ambulatory adolescents and young adults with cerebral palsy

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background To assess physical behaviour, including physical activity and sedentary behaviour, of ambulatory adolescents and young adults with cerebral palsy (CP). We compared participant physical behaviour to that of able-bodied persons and assessed differences related to Gross Motor Functioning Classification System (GMFCS) level and CP distribution (unilateral/bilateral). Methods In 48 ambulatory persons aged 16 to 24 years with spastic CP and in 32 able-bodied controls, physical behaviour was objectively determined with an accelerometer-based activity monitor. Total duration, intensity and type of physical activity were assessed and sedentary time was determined (lying and sitting). Furthermore, distribution of walking bouts and sitting bouts was specified. Results Adolescents and young adults with CP spent 8.6% of 24 hours physically active and 79.5% sedentary, corresponding with respectively 123 minutes and 1147 minutes per 24 hours. Compared to able-bodied controls, persons with CP participated 48 minutes less in physical activities (p < 0.01) and spent 80 minutes more sedentary per 24 hours (p < 0.01). Physical behaviour was not different between persons with GMFCS level I and II and only number of short sitting bouts were significantly more prevalent in persons with bilateral CP compared to unilateral CP (p < 0.05). Conclusions Ambulatory adolescents and young adults with CP are less physically active and spend more time sedentary compared to able-bodied persons, suggesting that this group may be at increased risk for health problems related to less favourable physical behaviour. Trial registration Nederlands trial register: NTR1785 PMID:24708559

Bangladesh Cerebral Palsy Register (BCPR): a pilot study to develop a national cerebral palsy (CP) register with surveillance of children for CP.

PubMed

Khandaker, Gulam; Smithers-Sheedy, Hayley; Islam, Johurul; Alam, Monzurul; Jung, Jenny; Novak, Iona; Booy, Robert; Jones, Cheryl; Badawi, Nadia; Muhit, Mohammad

2015-09-25

The causes and pathogenesis of cerebral palsy (CP) are all poorly understood, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). There are gaps in knowledge about CP in Bangladesh, especially in the spheres of epidemiological research, intervention and service utilization. In high-income countries CP registers have made substantial contributions to our understanding of CP. In this paper, we describe a pilot study protocol to develop, implement, and evaluate a CP population register in Bangladesh (i.e., Bangladesh Cerebral Palsy Register - BCPR) to facilitate studies on prevalence, severity, aetiology, associated impairments and risk factors for CP. The BCPR will utilise a modified version of the Australian Cerebral Palsy Register (ACPR) on a secured web-based platform hosted by the Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research Institute, Australia. A standard BCPR record form (i.e., data collection form) has been developed in consultation with local and international experts. Using this form, the BPCR will capture information about maternal health, birth history and the nature of disability in all children with CP aged <18 years. The pilot will be conducted in the Shahjadpur sub-district of Sirajgonj district in the northern part of Bangladesh. There are 296 villages in Shahjadpur, a total population of 561,076 (child population ~ 226,114), an estimated 70,998 households and 12,117 live births per annum. Children with CP will be identified by using the community based Key Informants Method (KIM). Data from the completed BPCR record together with details of assessment by a research physician will be entered into an online data repository. Once implemented, BCPR will be, to the best of our knowledge, the first formalised CP register from a LMIC. Establishment of the BCPR will enable estimates of prevalence; facilitate clinical surveillance and promote research to improve the care of individuals with CP in Bangladesh.

Nutrient digestibility and energy value of sheep rations differing in protein level, main protein source and non-forage fibre source.

PubMed

Milis, Ch; Liamadis, D

2008-02-01

Two in vivo digestion trials were conducted to evaluate the effects of diet's crude protein (CP) level, N degradability, and non-forage fibre source (NFFS) on nutrient digestibility and energy value of sheep rations. In each trial, rams were fed four isocaloric and isofibrous rations, differing in main protein and/or NFFS source. At the first trial, mean CP/metabolizable energy (ME) ratio of the diets was 17 g/MJ ME and at the second trial, 13 g/MJ ME. At both trials, the first ration contained cotton seed cake (CSC) and wheat bran (WB), the second CSC and corn gluten feed (CGF), the third corn gluten meal (CGM) and WB and the fourth CGM and CGF. Data of both trials were analysed in common as 2 x 2 x 2 factorial experimental design. Low N degradability (CGM) had positive effect on CP, neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and acid detergent fibre (ADF) digestibility of the ration. Those results suggest that an increase in rumen undegradable protein (RUP) content does not negatively affect nutrient digestibility of sheep rations. Corn gluten feed significantly elevated crude fibre (CF) digestibility, in comparison with WB. Rations having high CP/ME ratio had higher digestibility of CP in comparison with those having low CP/ME ratio; the opposite was true for ether extract, CF, NDF and ADF digestibilities. CP level x N degradability interaction negatively affected energy value of the rations that had high CP level and high N degradability. Former suggest that when CP content is high then N degradability should be low otherwise ration's ME is negatively affected. CP digestibility and coefficient q of the rations containing WB and having high N degradability (N degradability x NFFS interaction) were the lowest suggesting that the combination of CSC and WB negatively affected CP digestibility and energy value of the ration. This could be explained by a reduced microbial CP synthesis, or lower RUP digestibility or both.

Corporal Punishment: Evaluation of an Intervention by PNPs.

PubMed

Hornor, Gail; Bretl, Deborah; Chapman, Evelyn; Chiocca, Ellen; Donnell, Carrie; Doughty, Katharine; Houser, Susan; Marshall, Bridget; Morris, Kristen; Quinones, Saribel Garcia

2015-01-01

Corporal punishment (CP) is defined as the use of physical force with the intention of causing a child to experience pain but not injury for the purpose of correction or control of the child's behavior. CP has been linked to a variety of negative consequences for children, including physical abuse, eternalizing behavioral problems, and slowed cognitive development. Many American children continue to experience CP at the hands of their parents and other caregivers. The purpose of this study was to evaluate learner attitude toward CP before and after implementation of a pediatric nurse practitioner-designed educational intervention and influences upon learner attitude and beliefs about CP. This study used a pre- and postsurvey design to assess learner attitude about CP before and after participation in an educational intervention. Influences upon learner attitudes and beliefs regarding CP were also described. Learners (N = 882) were health care providers. Nearly all learners (n = 747; 84.7%) stated that the way their parents disciplined them influenced their attitudes toward CP. Fewer than one fifth of learners who were also parents (n = 126; 14.4%) reported that their child's health care provider had ever discussed child discipline with them. Prior to the educational intervention, more than one third of learners (n = 351; 39.88%) endorsed spanking as sometimes necessary, yet significantly fewer learners (n = 251; 28.9%; p < .001) made this statement after the educational intervention. Child discipline management was included in the health care provider education for fewer than half of learners (n = 365; 41.4%). The potential for experiencing CP as a child to result in negative consequences for children has been well documented, yet many American parents continue to use CP as a form of child discipline, and some pediatric health care professionals continue to endorse its use. Pediatric health care providers, including nurses and pediatric nurse practitioners, need to be educated about child discipline and CP. All pediatric health care providers need to advocate for the use of positive parenting principles and discourage the use of CP. Copyright © 2015 National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The Effect of Chronic Prostatitis/Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CP/CPPS) on Erectile Function: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

PubMed

Chen, Xiang; Zhou, ZhiRui; Qiu, XiaoChun; Wang, Bin; Dai, JiCan

2015-01-01

High prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED) has been observed in patients with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS). However, whether or not CP/CPPS is a risk factor of ED remains unknown and controversial. Therefore, we conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the relationship between CP/CPPS and ED. PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and The Cochrane Library were searched up to November 11, 2014 to identify studies reporting the association between CP/CPPS and ED. Case-control, cohort and cross-sectional studies were included. Quality of the included studies was assessed. The odds ratio of ED and the mean difference of five-item International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) score were pooled using a random effects model. Subgroup analysis and sensitivity analyses were performed. Three cross-sectional studies, two case-control studies, and four retrospective studies with 31,956 participants were included to calculate the pooled odds ratio of ED, and two studies with 1499 participants were included to calculate the pooled mean difference of IIEF-5 scores. A strong correlation was found between CP/CPPS and ED (pooled odds ratio: 3.02, 95% CI: 2.18-4.17, P < 0.01), with heterogeneity across studies (I2 = 65%; P < 0.01). A significant decrease in the IIFE-5 score was observed in the CP/CPPS group (pooled mean difference: -4.54, 95% CI: -5.11--3.98; P < 0.01). Our study indicates that patients with CP/CPPS have an increased risk of suffering from ED. Assessment of erectile function is necessary for the therapy of patients with CP/CPPS. Further evidence is necessary to confirm the relationship between CP/CPPS and ED.

Parenting attitudes and infant spanking: the influence of childhood experiences.

PubMed

Chung, Esther K; Mathew, Leny; Rothkopf, Amy C; Elo, Irma T; Coyne, James C; Culhane, Jennifer F

2009-08-01

To assess associations among maternal childhood experiences and subsequent parenting attitudes and use of infant spanking (IS), and determine if attitudes mediate the association between physical abuse exposure and IS. We performed a prospective study of women who received prenatal care at community health centers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Sociodemographic characteristics, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), attitudes toward corporal punishment (CP), and IS use were assessed via face-to-face interviews, conducted at the first prenatal care visit, 3 months postpartum, and 11 months postpartum. Bivariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted. The sample consisted of 1265 mostly black, low-income women. Nineteen percent of the participants valued CP as a means of discipline, and 14% reported IS use. Mothers exposed to childhood physical abuse and verbal hostility were more likely to report IS use than those not exposed (16% vs 10%, P = .002; 17% vs 12%, P = .02, respectively). In the adjusted analyses, maternal exposure to physical abuse, other ACEs, and valuing CP were independently associated with IS use. Attitudes that value CP did not mediate these associations. Mothers who had childhood experiences of violence were more likely to use IS than mothers without such experiences. Intergenerational transmission of CP was evident. Mothers who had experienced physical abuse as a child, when compared to those who had not, were 1.5 times more likely to use IS. Child discipline attitudes and maternal childhood experiences should be discussed early in parenting in order to prevent IS use, particularly among at-risk mothers.

Categorical perception of color: evidence from secondary category boundary

PubMed Central

Al-rasheed, Abdulrahman Saud

2015-01-01

Despite a plethora of behavioral research exploring the phenomenon of color categorical perception (CP) known as “better discrimination between pair of colors stimuli from different categories and pair of colors stimuli from the same category even when the stimulus differences between the pairs of stimuli are equal”, most of the evidence for the CP of color was derived from Roman or top-to-down script readers and very rarely from right-to-left script readers in primary category. To date, no studies of color CP have been conducted on right-to-left script readers in secondary category boundary to support this theory. Three experiments have been conducted: Experiments 1 and 2 established the Arabic blue–purple secondary category boundary, and Experiment 3 tested the CP of color in the blue–purple category boundary. Sixty participants (30 men and 30 women) took part in this study. All spoke Arabic as their first language, and all were undergraduate or postgraduate students at King Saud University. Their ages ranged from 18–35 years with a mean age of 21.9 years (SD =5.2). The result indicated that for Experiments 1 and 2, it appeared that the Arabic blue–purple category boundary was approximately 10PB and it is in the same location as for English. For Experiment 3, reaction times in the between-categories condition were significantly faster than those in the within-category condition; this suggested that CP of color was shown in the Arabic’s blue–purple secondary category boundary. PMID:26648764

Chloropicrin Emission Reduction by Soil Amendment with Biochar

PubMed Central

Wang, Qiuxia; Yan, Dongdong; Liu, Pengfei; Mao, Liangang; Wang, Dong; Fang, Wensheng; Li, Yuan; Ouyang, Canbin; Guo, Meixia; Cao, Aocheng

2015-01-01

Biochar has sorption capacity, and can be used to enhance the sequestration of volatile organic contaminants such as pesticides in soil. Chloropicrin (CP) is an important soil fumigant for the production of many fruit and vegetable crops, but its emissions must be minimized to reduce exposure risks and air pollution. The objective of this study was to determine the capacity of biochar to adsorb CP and the effect of biochar amendments to soil on CP emission, concentration in the soil gas phase, degradation in soil and CP bioactivity for controlling soil borne pests. CP emission and concentration in the soil air phase were measured from packed soil columns after fumigant injection at 20-cm depth and application of selected doses of biocharto the surface 5 cm soil. Laboratory incubation and fumigation experiments were conducted to determine the capacity of biochar to adsorb CP, the effects on CP degradation and, separately, CP’s bioactivity on soil borne pests in soil amended with biochar. Biochar amendment at 2% to 5% (w/w) greatly reduced total CP emission losses by 85.7% - 97.7% compared to fumigation without biochar. CP concentrations in the soil gas-phase, especially in the top 5 cm of soil, were reduced within 48 h following application. The half-life of CP decreased from 13.6 h to 6.4 h as the biochar rate increased from 0% to 5%. CP and its metabolite (dichloronitromethane) both degraded more rapidly in pure biochar than in soil. The biochar used in the present study had a maximum adsorption capacity for CP of less than 5 mg g-1. There were no negative effects on pathogen and nematode control when the biochar used in this study was less than 1% (on a weight basis) in soil. Biochar amendment to soil reduced the emissions of CP. CP concentrations in the top 5 cm of soil gas-phase were reduced. CP degradation was accelerated with the addition of biochar. The biochar used in the present study had a low adsorption capacity for CP. There were no negative effects on pathogen and nematode control when the biochar amendment rate was less than 1% (by weight). The findings would be useful for establishing guidelines for biochar use in soil fumigation. PMID:26075904

Longitudinal Development of Hand Function in Children with Unilateral Cerebral Palsy

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Holmefur, Marie; Krumlinde-Sundholm, Lena; Bergstrom, Jakob; Eliasson, Ann-Christin

2010-01-01

Aim: The aim of this study was to describe how the usefulness of the hemiplegic hand develops in children with unilateral cerebral palsy (CP) aged between 18 months and 8 years. Method: A prospective longitudinal study of 43 children (22 males, 21 females) with unilateral CP was conducted. Inclusion age was 18 months to 5 years 4 months (mean 2y…

Atmospheric emissions of methyl isothiocyanate and chloropicrin following soil fumigation and surface containment treatment in bare-root forest nurseries

Treesearch

D. Wang; J. Juzwik; Stephen W. Fraedrich; K. Spokas; Y. Zhang; W.C. Koskinen

2005-01-01

Methylisothiocyanate (MITC) and chloropicrin (CP) are alternatives to methyl bromide for soil fumigation. However, surface transport of MITC emission has been cited as the cause for seedling damage in adjacent fields at several bare-root forest-tree nurseries. Field experiments were conducted at nurseries in Wisconsin and Georgia to measure air emissions of MITC and CP...

Atmospheric emissions of methyl isothiocyanate and chloropicrin following soil fumigation and surface containment treatment in bare-root forest nurseries

Treesearch

D. Wang; J. Juzwik; S.W. Fraedrich; K. Spokas; Y. Zhang; W.C. Koskinen

2005-01-01

Methylisothiocyanate (MITC) and chloropicrin (CP) are alternatives to methyl bromide for soil fumigation. However, surface transport of MITC emission has been cited as the cause for seedling damage in adjacent fields at several bare-root forest-tree nurseries. Field experiments were conducted at nurseries to measure air emissions of MITC and CP after fumigation....

Localized, stepwise template growth of functional nanowires from an amino acid-supported framework in a microfluidic chip.

PubMed

Puigmartí-Luis, Josep; Rubio-Martínez, Marta; Imaz, Inhar; Cvetković, Benjamin Z; Abad, Llibertat; Pérez Del Pino, Angel; Maspoch, Daniel; Amabilino, David B

2014-01-28

A spatially controlled synthesis of nanowire bundles of the functional crystalline coordination polymer (CP) Ag(I)TCNQ (tetracyanoquinodimethane) from previously fabricated and trapped monovalent silver CP (Ag(I)Cys (cysteine)) using a room-temperature microfluidic-assisted templated growth method is demonstrated. The incorporation of microengineered pneumatic clamps in a two-layer polydimethylsiloxane-based (PDMS) microfluidic platform was used. Apart from guiding the formation of the Ag(I)Cys coordination polymer, this microfluidic approach enables a local trapping of the in situ synthesized structures with a simple pneumatic clamp actuation. This method not only enables continuous and multiple chemical events to be conducted upon the trapped structures, but the excellent fluid handling ensures a precise chemical activation of the amino acid-supported framework in a position controlled by interface and clamp location that leads to a site-specific growth of Ag(I)TCNQ nanowire bundles. The synthesis is conducted stepwise starting with Ag(I)Cys CPs, going through silver metal, and back to a functional CP (Ag(I)TCNQ); that is, a novel microfluidic controlled ligand exchange (CP → NP → CP) is presented. Additionally, the pneumatic clamps can be employed further to integrate the conductive Ag(I)TCNQ nanowire bundles onto electrode arrays located on a surface, hence facilitating the construction of the final functional interfaced systems from solution specifically with no need for postassembly manipulation. This localized self-supported growth of functional matter from an amino acid-based CP shows how sequential localized chemistry in a fluid cell can be used to integrate molecular systems onto device platforms using a chip incorporating microengineered pneumatic tools. The control of clamp pressure and in parallel the variation of relative flow rates of source solutions permit deposition of materials at different locations on a chip that could be useful for device array preparation. The in situ reaction and washing procedures make this approach a powerful one for the fabrication of multicomponent complex nanomaterials using a soft bottom-up approach.

Preterm birth and developmental problems in the preschool age. Part I: minor motor problems.

PubMed

Ferrari, Fabrizio; Gallo, Claudio; Pugliese, Marisa; Guidotti, Isotta; Gavioli, Sara; Coccolini, Elena; Zagni, Paola; Della Casa, Elisa; Rossi, Cecilia; Lugli, Licia; Todeschini, Alessandra; Ori, Luca; Bertoncelli, Natascia

2012-11-01

Nearly half of very preterm (VP) and extremely preterm (EP) infants suffers from minor disabilities. The paper overviews the literature dealing with motor problems other than cerebral palsy (CP) during infancy and preschool age. The term "minor motor problems" indicates a wide spectrum of motor disorders other than CP; "minor" does not mean "minimal", as a relevant proportion of the preterm infants will develop academic and behavioural problems at school age. Early onset disorders consist of abnormal general movements (GMs), transient dystonia and postural instability; these conditions usually fade during the first months. They were underestimated in the past; recently, qualitative assessment of GMs using Prechtl's method has become a major item of the neurological examination. Late onset disorders include developmental coordination disorder (DCD) and/or minor neurological dysfunction (MND): both terms cover partly overlapping problems. Simple MND (MND-1) and complex MND (MND-2) can be identified and MND-2 gives a higher risk for learning and behavioural disorders. A relationship between the quality of GMs and MND in childhood has been recently described. The Touwen infant neurological examination (TINE) can reliably detect neurological signs of MND even in infancy. However, the prognostic value of these disorders requires further investigations.

Parents’ Primary Professional Sources of Parenting Advice Moderate Predictors of Parental Attitudes toward Corporal Punishment

PubMed Central

Taylor, Catherine A.; McKasson, Sarah; Hoy, Guenevere; DeJong, William

2016-01-01

Despite the risk it poses to children’s mental and physical health, approval and use of corporal punishment (CP) remains high in the United States. Informed by the Theory of Planned Behavior, we examined potential predictors of attitudes supportive of CP while assessing the moderating effects of parents’ (N=500) chosen primary professional source of advice regarding child discipline: pediatricians (47.8%), religious leaders (20.8%), mental health professionals (MHPs) (n=18.4%), or other identified professionals (13.0%). We conducted a random-digit-dial telephone survey among parents ages 18 and over within New Orleans, LA. The main outcome measure was derived from the Attitudes Toward Spanking scale (ATS). The main “predictors” were: perceived injunctive norms (i.e., perceived approval of CP by professionals; and by family and friends), perceived descriptive norms of family and friends regarding CP, and expected outcomes of CP use. We used multivariate OLS models to regress ATS scores on the predictor variables for each subset of parents based on their chosen professional source of advice. Perceived approval of CP by professionals was the strongest predictor of parental attitudes supportive of CP, except for those seeking advice from MHPs. Perceived injunctive and descriptive norms of family and friends were important, but only for those seeking advice from pediatricians or religious leaders. Positive expected outcomes of CP mattered, but only for those seeking advice from religious leaders or MHPs. In conclusion, the strength and relevance of variables predicting attitudes toward CP varied according to the professional from which the parent was most likely to seek advice. PMID:28529440

Parents' Primary Professional Sources of Parenting Advice Moderate Predictors of Parental Attitudes toward Corporal Punishment.

PubMed

Taylor, Catherine A; McKasson, Sarah; Hoy, Guenevere; DeJong, William

2017-02-01

Despite the risk it poses to children's mental and physical health, approval and use of corporal punishment (CP) remains high in the United States. Informed by the Theory of Planned Behavior, we examined potential predictors of attitudes supportive of CP while assessing the moderating effects of parents' (N=500) chosen primary professional source of advice regarding child discipline: pediatricians (47.8%), religious leaders (20.8%), mental health professionals (MHPs) (n=18.4%), or other identified professionals (13.0%). We conducted a random-digit-dial telephone survey among parents ages 18 and over within New Orleans, LA. The main outcome measure was derived from the Attitudes Toward Spanking scale (ATS). The main "predictors" were: perceived injunctive norms (i.e., perceived approval of CP by professionals; and by family and friends), perceived descriptive norms of family and friends regarding CP, and expected outcomes of CP use. We used multivariate OLS models to regress ATS scores on the predictor variables for each subset of parents based on their chosen professional source of advice. Perceived approval of CP by professionals was the strongest predictor of parental attitudes supportive of CP, except for those seeking advice from MHPs. Perceived injunctive and descriptive norms of family and friends were important, but only for those seeking advice from pediatricians or religious leaders. Positive expected outcomes of CP mattered, but only for those seeking advice from religious leaders or MHPs. In conclusion, the strength and relevance of variables predicting attitudes toward CP varied according to the professional from which the parent was most likely to seek advice.

Cross-Proportions: A Conceptual Method for Developing Quantitative Problem-Solving Skills

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cook, Elzbieta; Cook, Stephen L.

2005-01-01

The cross-proportion method allows both the instructor and the student to easily determine where an error is made during problem solving. The C-P method supports a strong cognitive foundation upon which students can develop other diagnostic methods as they advance in chemistry and scientific careers.

Impact of drug reconciliation at discharge and communication between hospital and community pharmacists on drug-related problems: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Pourrat, Xavier; Roux, Clarisse; Bouzige, Brigitte; Garnier, Valérie; Develay, Armelle; Allenet, Benoit; Fraysse, Martial; Halimi, Jean-Michel; Grassin, Jacqueline; Giraudeau, Bruno

2014-06-30

Patients are at risk of drug-related problems (DRPs) at transition points during hospitalization. The community pharmacist (CP) is often the first healthcare professional patients visit after discharge. CPs lack sufficient information about the patient and so they may be unable to identify problems in medications, which may lead to dispensing the wrong drugs or dosage, and/or giving wrong information. We aim to assess the impact of a complex intervention comprising of medication reconciliation performed at discharge by a hospital pharmacist (HP) with communication between the HP and CP on DRPs during the seven days following discharge. The study is a cluster randomized crossover trial involving 46 care units (each unit corresponding to a cluster) in 22 French hospitals during two consecutive 14-day periods, randomly assigned as 'experimental' or 'control' (usual care) periods. We will recruit patients older than 18 years of age and visiting the same CP for at least three months. We will exclude patients with a hospital length of stay of more than 21 days, who do not return home or those in palliative care. During the experimental period, the HP will perform a medications reconciliation that will be communicated to the patient. The HP will inform the patient's CP about the patient's drug therapy (modification in home medication, acute drugs prescribed, nonprescription treatments, and/or lab results). The primary outcome will be a composite outcome of any kind of drug misuse during the seven days following discharge assessed at day seven (±2) post-discharge by a pharmacist in charge of the study who will contact both patients and CPs by phone. The secondary outcome will be unplanned hospitalizations assessed by phone contact at day 35 (±5) after discharge. We plan to recruit 1,176 patients. This study will assess the impact of a reconciliation of medications performed at patient discharge followed by communication between the HP and the patient's CP. It will allow for identifying the type of patients in France for which the intervention is most relevant. This study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (number: NCT02006797) on 5 December 2013.

Onset factors in cerebral palsy: A systematic review.

PubMed

van Lieshout, Pascal; Candundo, Hamilton; Martino, Rosemary; Shin, Sabina; Barakat-Haddad, Caroline

2017-07-01

Studies have noted several factors associated with the occurrence of Cerebral Palsy (CP), yet considerable uncertainty remains about modifiable factors related to disease onset. A systematic review was performed to identify existing systematic reviews and primary studies pertaining to targeted factors associated with the onset of CP. The following databases were searched: MEDLINE, MEDLINE In Process, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, CINHAL, ProQuest Dissertations & Theses, Huge Navigator, AARP Ageline. Variations of MeSH and keyword search terms were used. Critical appraisal was conducted on selected articles. Data extraction targeted reported factors, risk estimates, and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Findings identified two systematic reviews and three meta- analyses, as well as 83 studies of case control, cohort, and cross-sectional methodological designs. Selected studies indicated that lower gestational age was associated with the onset of CP. Medical diagnoses for the mother, in particular chorioamnionitis, was found to be positively associated with onset of CP. Preeclampsia was reported to be either inconclusive or positively associated with CP onset. Low birth weight predominantly indicated a positive association with the onset of CP, while male gender showed mixed findings. The combination of male gender with pre-term or low birth weight was also found to be positively associated with CP. Evidence was identified in the literature pertaining to specific factors relating to the onset of CP, in particular showing positive associations with lower gestational age and low birth weight. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Impact of soil characteristics and land use on pipe erosion in a temperate humid climate: Field studies in Belgium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Verachtert, E.; Van Den Eeckhaut, M.; Martínez-Murillo, J. F.; Nadal-Romero, E.; Poesen, J.; Devoldere, S.; Wijnants, N.; Deckers, J.

2013-06-01

This study investigates the role of soil characteristics and land use in the development of soil pipes in the loess belt of Belgium. First, we tested the hypothesis that discontinuities in the soil profile enhance lateral flow and piping by impeding vertical infiltration. We focus on discontinuities in soil characteristics that can vary with soil depth, including texture, saturated hydraulic conductivity, penetration resistance, and bulk density. These characteristics as well as soil biological activity were studied in detail on 12 representative soil profiles for different land use types. Twelve sites were selected in the Flemish Ardennes (Belgium): four pastures with collapsed pipes (CP), four pastures without CP, two sites under arable land without CP and two sites under forest without CP. Secondly, this study aimed at evaluating the interaction of groundwater table positions (through soil augerings) and CP in a larger area, with a focus on pastures. Pasture is the land use where almost all CP in the study area are observed. Therefore, the position of the groundwater table was compared for 15 pastures with CP and 14 pastures without CP, having comparable topographical characteristics in terms of slope gradient and contributing area. Finally, the effect of land use history on the occurrence of pipe collapse was evaluated for a database of 84 parcels with CP and 84 parcels without CP, currently under pasture. As to the first hypothesis, no clear discontinuities for abiotic soil characteristics in soil profiles were observed at the depth where pipes occur, but pastures with CP had significantly more earthworm channels and mole burrows at larger depths (> 120 cm: mean of > 200 earthworm channels per m2) than pastures without CP, arable land or forest (> 120 cm depth, a few or no earthworm channels left). The land use history appeared to be similar for the pastures with and without CP. Combining all results from soil profiles and soil augering indicates that intense biological activity (especially by earthworms and moles), in combination with a sufficiently high groundwater table, favours the development of soil pipes in the study area.

Effects of decreasing metabolizable protein and rumen-undegradable protein on milk production and composition and blood metabolites of Holstein dairy cows in early lactation.

PubMed

Bahrami-Yekdangi, H; Khorvash, M; Ghorbani, G R; Alikhani, M; Jahanian, R; Kamalian, E

2014-01-01

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of decreasing dietary protein and rumen-undegradable protein (RUP) on production performance, nitrogen retention, and nutrient digestibility in high-producing Holstein cows in early lactation. Twelve multiparous Holstein lactating cows (2 lactations; 50 ± 7 d in milk; 47 kg/d of milk production) were used in a Latin square design with 4 treatments and 3 replicates (cows). Treatments 1 to 4 consisted of diets containing 18, 17.2, 16.4, and 15.6% crude protein (CP), respectively, with the 18% CP diet considered the control group. Rumen-degradable protein levels were constant across the treatments (approximately 10.9% on a dry matter basis), whereas RUP was gradually decreased. All diets were calculated to supply a postruminal Lys:Met ratio of about 3:1. Dietary CP had no significant effects on milk production or milk composition. In fact, 16.4% dietary CP compared with 18% dietary CP led to higher milk production; however, this effect was not significant. Feed intake was higher for 16.4% CP than for 18% CP (25.7 vs. 24.3 kg/d). Control cows had greater CP and RUP intakes, which resulted in higher concentrations of plasma urea nitrogen and milk urea nitrogen; cows receiving 16.4 and 15.6% CP, respectively, exhibited lower concentrations of milk urea nitrogen (15.2 and 15.1 vs. 17.3 mg/dL). The control diet had a significant effect on predicted urinary N. Higher CP digestibility was recorded for 18% CP compared with the other diets. Decreasing CP and RUP to 15.6 and 4.6% of dietary dry matter, respectively, had no negative effects on milk production or composition when the amounts of Lys and Met and the Lys:Met ratio were balanced. Furthermore, decreasing CP and RUP to 16.4 and 5.4%, respectively, increased dry matter intake. Copyright © 2014 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Effect of supplementing rumen-protected methionine on production and nitrogen excretion in lactating dairy cows.

PubMed

Broderick, G A; Stevenson, M J; Patton, R A; Lobos, N E; Olmos Colmenero, J J

2008-03-01

Two 4 x 4 Latin square trials (4-wk periods; 16 wk total) were conducted to see whether supplementing rumen-protected Met (RPM; fed as Mepron) would allow feeding less crude protein (CP), thereby reducing urinary N excretion, but without losing production. In trial 1, 24 Holsteins were fed 4 diets as total mixed rations containing [dry matter (DM) basis]: 18.6% CP and 0 g of RPM/d; 17.3% CP and 5 g of RPM/d; 16.1% CP and 10 g of RPM/d; or 14.8% CP and 15 g of RPM/d. Dietary CP was reduced by replacing soybean meal with high-moisture shelled corn. All diets contained 21% alfalfa silage, 28% corn silage, 4.5% roasted soybeans, 5.8% soyhulls, 0.6% sodium bicarbonate, 0.5% vitamins and minerals, and 27% neutral detergent fiber. There was no effect of diet on intake, weight gain, or yields of protein, lactose, and solids-not-fat. However, production was greater at 17.3% CP plus RPM and 16.1% CP plus RPM than on the other 2 diets. Apparent N efficiency (milk N:N intake) was greatest on the lowest CP diet containing the most RPM. Linear reductions in milk urea N and urinary N excretion were observed with lower dietary CP. In trial 2, 32 Holsteins were fed 4 diets as total mixed rations, formulated from ingredients used in trial 1 and containing 16.1 or 17.3% CP with 0 or 10 g of RPM/d. On average, cows were calculated to be in negative N balance on all diets because of lower than expected DM intake. There was no effect of RPM supplementation on any production trait. However, higher CP gave small increases in yields of milk, protein, and solids-not-fat and tended to increase DM intake and lactose yield. Apparent N efficiency was greater, and milk urea nitrogen was lower, on 16.1% CP. In trial 1, feeding lower CP diets supplemented with RPM resulted in improved N efficiency and reduced urinary N excretion. However, in trial 2, reducing dietary CP from 17.3 to 16.1% reduced milk secretion, an effect that was not reversed by RPM supplementation at low DM intakes when cows were apparently mobilizing body protein.

Diphotons, new vacuum angles, and strong CP

DOE PAGES

Draper, Patrick; McKeen, David

2016-04-20

The Standard Model contains a well-understood, natural, spin-0 diphoton resonance: the π 0. Numerous studies have pointed out that the hint of a new diphoton resonance at 750 GeV could be a pion analog, identified with the pseudo-Nambu-Goldstone boson of a chiral symmetry spontaneously broken by new strong dynamics at the TeV scale. These “hypercolor” models are generically expected to violate parity through a topological angle θ ~. We discuss the physics of θ ~ and its impact on the phenomenology of the new sector. We also describe some of the theoretical implications of a nonzero θ ~. In particular,more » θ ~ can generate an O(1) threshold correction to the QCD vacuum angle θ near the TeV scale, sharply constraining ultraviolet solutions to the strong CP problem. Furthermore, finding that θ ~ is small may be interpreted as evidence in favor of UV solutions to strong CP, particularly those based on spontaneously broken P or CP symmetries.« less

Diphotons, new vacuum angles, and strong CP

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

Draper, Patrick; McKeen, David

The Standard Model contains a well-understood, natural, spin-0 diphoton resonance: the π 0. Numerous studies have pointed out that the hint of a new diphoton resonance at 750 GeV could be a pion analog, identified with the pseudo-Nambu-Goldstone boson of a chiral symmetry spontaneously broken by new strong dynamics at the TeV scale. These “hypercolor” models are generically expected to violate parity through a topological angle θ ~. We discuss the physics of θ ~ and its impact on the phenomenology of the new sector. We also describe some of the theoretical implications of a nonzero θ ~. In particular,more » θ ~ can generate an O(1) threshold correction to the QCD vacuum angle θ near the TeV scale, sharply constraining ultraviolet solutions to the strong CP problem. Furthermore, finding that θ ~ is small may be interpreted as evidence in favor of UV solutions to strong CP, particularly those based on spontaneously broken P or CP symmetries.« less

Severe forms of concealed penis without hypospadias: Surgical strategies

PubMed Central

de Jesus, Lisieux Eyer; Dekermacher, Samuel; Anderson, Kleber M.

2015-01-01

Introduction: Concealed penis (CP) may vary in severity and includes megaprepuce (MP) as a variant. Many different surgical strategies have been described in order to maximize penile exposure and to deal with skin deficiency. We describe the strategies that we use to overcome technical problems in severe cases of CP. Materials and Methods: Six consecutive cases of severe CP (including 3 with MP) were treated in a 2-year period between January 2011 and April 2013. These patients were treated using extensive degloving, removal of dysplastic dartos, Alexander's preputial flap, scrotal flaps and skin grafts. Three patients had been previously circumcised. Cases associated with hypospadias, obesity, disorders of sexual differentiation and micropenises were excluded. Results: All six patients attained good results, with good exposure of the penis, ability to void standing with a well-directed flow and reasonable esthetic results. A technical algorithm for the treatment of primary or recurring cases of CP is proposed. Conclusion: Alexander’ s distally based ventral preputial flap is a useful technical resource to treat MP cases. Free skin grafts and/or laterally based scrotal flaps may be used to cover the penis after release in severe cases of CP. PMID:26604447

Cerebral palsy: phenotypes and risk factors in term singletons born small for gestational age.

PubMed

Freire, Gabrielle; Shevell, Michael; Oskoui, Maryam

2015-03-01

Children born small for gestational age (SGA) are at increased risk of developing cerebral palsy (CP). The pathophysiology behind this association remains unclear. We compare the clinical profile of children with CP born SGA to other children with CP. We hypothesize that differences noted will support antenatal causes of CP in children born SGA. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of term singletons with CP, extracting data from the Canadian Cerebral Palsy Registry. SGA was determined as birth weight for gestational age and sex below the tenth percentile. Mothers of children with CP born SGA were more likely to be of African-American ethnicity (RR 2.54, 95% CI 1.20-5.39), have intrauterine infections (RR 2.22, 95% CI 1.09-4.50) and have gestational hypertension (RR 1.78, 95% CI 1.06-3.00). Children with CP born SGA had smaller head circumferences at birth (p < 0.001) and higher frequencies of emergency cesarean-section (RR 1.53, 95% CI 1.22-1.92), birth asphyxia (RR 1.53, 95% CI 1.0-2.32), and placental abnormalities (RR 1.45, 95% CI 1.00-2.10). Children with CP born SGA had greater fine motor (RR 1.46, 95% CI 1.02-2.11), gross motor (RR 1.53, 95% CI 1.12-2.10) and communication impairment (RR 1.24, 95% CI 1.10-1.40), and a higher frequency of cognitive impairment (RR 1.33, 95% CI 1.06-1.69). Children with CP born SGA have different clinical factors and phenotypic profiles than other children with CP. These differences support the hypothesis of antenatal and perinatal causes of CP in children born SGA. Future case control studies would be desired to further define this causal pathway. Copyright © 2015 European Paediatric Neurology Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effect of crude protein concentration and dietary electrolyte balance on litter quality, foot pad dermatitis, growth performance and processing yields in two medium heavy turkey hybrids.

PubMed

Veldkamp, T; Hocking, P M; Vinco, L J

2017-10-01

1. An experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of crude protein (CP) concentration and dietary electrolyte balance (DEB) on growth performance, processing yields, litter quality and foot pad dermatitis (FPD) in male turkeys from two commercial hybrids. Soya bean meal was replaced by vegetable protein sources selected for lower K concentrations to lower DEB in order to improve litter quality and subsequent quality of foot pads. 2. Effects of CP on litter friability and wetness were not consistent during the production period. FPD in turkeys fed on diets with low CP was significantly lower than FPD in turkeys fed on diets with high CP until 84 d. Growth performance was adversely affected at low CP. Processing yields were not affected by CP. 3. Litter was significantly dryer in pens of turkeys fed on diets with low DEB than in pens of turkeys fed on diets with high DEB. FPD in turkeys fed on diets with low DEB was significantly lower than in turkeys fed on diets with high DEB. Growth performance and processing yields were adversely affected at low DEB. 4. FPD in turkey hybrid A was higher than in turkey hybrid B at 28 d of age. Thereafter, no differences in FPD between turkey hybrids were observed. Growth performance and processing yields were not affected by turkey hybrid. 5. Overall, a significant interaction effect of CP × DEB was observed for FCR: in turkeys fed on the high DEB treatment, FCR of turkeys fed on the high CP diets was lower than FCR of turkeys fed on the low CP (LCP) diets whereas on the low DEB treatment, FCR was not affected by CP treatment. 6. It was concluded that litter quality can be improved and FPD may be decreased in turkeys fed on diets containing lower CP and DEB levels.

Crataegus monogyna aqueous extract ameliorates cyclophosphamide-induced toxicity in rat testis: stereological evidences.

PubMed

Jalali, Ali Shalizar; Hasanzadeh, Shapour; Malekinejad, Hassan

2012-01-01

Cyclophosphamide (CP) is extensively used as an antineoplastic agent for the treatment of various cancers, as well as an immunosuppressive agent. However, despite its wide spectrum of clinical uses, CP is known to cause several adverse effects including reproductive toxicity. Crataegus monogyna is one of the oldest pharmaceutical plants that have been shown to be cytoprotective by scavenging free radicals. The present study was conducted to assess whether Crataegus monogyna fruits aqueous extract with anti-oxidant properties, could serve as a protective agent against reproductive toxicity during CP treatment in a rat model. Male Wistar rats were categorized into four groups. Two groups of rats were administered CP at a dose of 5 mg in 5 ml saline/kg/day for 28 days by oral gavages. One of these groups received Crataegus monogyna aqueous extract at a dose of 20 mg/kg/day orally four hours after cyclophosphamide administration. A vehicle treated control group and a Crataegus monogyna control group were also included. The CP-treated group showed significant decreases in the body, testes and epididymides weights as well as many histological alterations. Stereological parameters and spermatogenic activities (Sertoli cell, repopulation and miotic indices) were also significantly decreased by CP treatment. Notably, Crataegus coadministration caused a partial recovery in above-mentined parameters. These findings indicate that Crataegus monogyna may be partially protective against CP-induced testicular toxicity.

Rapid eye movement sleep behaviour disorder and striatal dopamine depletion in patients with Parkinson's disease.

PubMed

Chung, S J; Lee, Y; Lee, J J; Lee, P H; Sohn, Y H

2017-10-01

Rapid eye movement sleep behaviour disorder (RBD) is related to striatal dopamine depletion. This study was performed to confirm whether clinically probable RBD (cpRBD) in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) is associated with a specific pattern of striatal dopamine depletion. A prospective survey was conducted using the RBD Screening Questionnaire (RBDSQ) in 122 patients with PD who had undergone dopamine transporter (DAT) positron emission tomography scan. Patients with cpRBD (RBDSQ ≥ 7) exhibited greater motor deficits, predominantly in the less-affected side and axial symptoms, and were prescribed higher levodopa-equivalent doses at follow-up than those without cpRBD (RBDSQ ≤ 4), despite their similar disease and treatment durations. Compared to patients without cpRBD, those with cpRBD showed lower DAT activities in the putamen, particularly in the less-affected side in all putaminal subregions, and a tendency to be lower in the ventral striatum. In addition, greater motor deficits in patients with cpRBD than in those without cpRBD remained significant after controlling for DAT binding in the putamen and other confounding variables. These results demonstrated that the presence of RBD in patients with PD is associated with different patterns of both motor deficit distribution and striatal DAT depletion, suggesting that the presence of RBD represents a distinct PD subtype with a malignant motor parkinsonism. © 2017 EAN.

Interventions for the treatment of craniopharyngioma-related hypothalamic obesity: a systematic review.

PubMed

Ni, Weimin; Shi, Xiang'en

2018-06-23

Craniopharyngiomas (CPs) and their treatment are associated with hypothalamic damage that causes hypothalamic obesity (HO) in 30-70% of cases. Thus, there is ongoing research regarding tangible solutions for HO, as these patients have unrelenting resistance to basic weight-loss interventions. This review aims to summarize the interventions that are currently used to treat CP-related HO (CP-HO), including pharmacotherapy and bariatric surgery. The Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and PubMed databases were searched up to June 2017 for relevant reports. Two reviewers conducted independent evaluations of the identified studies. Eighteen publications were included in the systematic review, with three reports describing pharmacotherapy in randomized controlled trials and 15 reports describing bariatric surgery. Although several studies described effective interventions for treating CP-HO, the evidence base was limited by its low quality and our inability to perform a meta-analysis, which was related to a lack of adequate or integrated data. Octreotide appears to be a preferred treatment for CP-HO patients, based on currently limited data. Gastric bypass surgery may also be suitable for select CP-HO patients, based on a review of various procedures in this setting. Microsurgical preservation of the hypothalamic structures is mandatory to decrease CP-HO-related morbidity and mortality. Further studies with adequate analytical power and sufficient follow-up are needed to identify effective strategies for CP-HO treatment. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A propensity score matching analysis of dasatinib and nilotinib as a frontline therapy for patients with chronic myeloid leukemia in chronic phase.

PubMed

Takahashi, Koichi; Kantarjian, Hagop M; Yang, Yulong; Sasaki, Koji; Jain, Preetesh; DellaSala, Sara; Ravandi, Farhad; Kadia, Tapan; Pemmaraju, Naveen; Daver, Naval; Borthakur, Gautam; Garcia-Manero, Guillermo; Jabbour, Elias; Cortes, Jorge E

2016-11-15

Both dasatinib and nilotinib are approved frontline therapy for chronic myeloid leukemia in chronic phase (CML-CP) based on randomized trials compared with imatinib. However, no head-to-head comparison of dasatinib and nilotinib has been conducted in patients with newly diagnosed CML-CP. The authors conducted a propensity score (PS) matched comparison of patients with CML-CP who received frontline therapy with either dasatinib (N = 102) or nilotinib (N = 104) under the respective phase 2 trials conducted in parallel. PS matching resulted in 87 patients from each trial being matched for pretreatment characteristics. The 3-month BCR-ABL1/ABL1 ratio <10% rate was 93% with dasatinib and 94% with nilotinib (P = .25); the rates of major molecular response at 12 months were 77% and 85%, respectively (P = .13); and the rates of molecular response with 4.5-log reduction in the ratio at 36 months were 66% and 64%, respectively (P = .96). All other clinically relevant responses were similar between the 2 treatment cohorts. The 3-year probability of event-free survival was 89% among the patients who received dasatinib and 87% among those who received nilotinib (P = .99), and the corresponding 3-year overall survival probabilities were 99% and 93%, respectively (P = .95). No statistical difference was observed between the dasatinib and nilotinib groups in any of the other survival endpoints. The treatment discontinuation rate also was similar between the 2 cohorts (dasatinib group, 18%; nilotinib group, 19%; P = .82). In a PS-matched cohort of patients with newly diagnosed CML-CP, dasatinib and nilotinib offer similar response and survival outcomes. Both drugs can be considered reasonable standard-of-care options as first-line therapy for patients with CML-CP. Cancer 2016;122:3336-3343. © 2016 American Cancer Society. © 2016 American Cancer Society.

Innovation in Vertical Axis Hydrokinetic Turbine – Straight Blade Cascaded (VAHT-SBC) design and testing for low current speed power generation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hantoro, R.; Utama, I. K. A. P.; Arief, I. S.; Ismail, A.; Manggala, S. W.

2018-05-01

This study examines an innovative turbine with the addition of the number and arrangement of straight blade cascaded (SBC). SBC is a combination of passive variable-pitch and fixed pitch of each turbine arm. This study was conducted in an open channel flow that has a current velocity (V-m/s) of 1.1, 1.2, and 1.3. RPM and torque ware measured for coefficient of performance (Cp) and tip speed ratio (TSR) calculation. Without changing the turbine dimension, the employment of cascaded blade (three blades in each arm) contributes to improve energy extraction significantly. A significant increase in Cp value is seen when 9 blades (3 cascaded blades per arm) are used with a Cp 0.42 value at TSR 2.19. This value has reached 93% of the maximum theoritical Cp value.

Amniotic fluid

MedlinePlus

Burton GJ, Sibley CP, Jauniaux ERM. Placental anatomy and physiology. In: Gabbe SG, Niebyl JR, Simpson JL, et al, eds. Obstetrics: Normal and Problem Pregnancies . 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2017:chap 1. ...

Supersymmetric flaxion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ema, Yohei; Hagihara, Daisuke; Hamaguchi, Koichi; Moroi, Takeo; Nakayama, Kazunori

2018-04-01

Recently, a new minimal extension of the Standard Model has been proposed, where a spontaneously broken, flavor-dependent global U(1) symmetry is introduced. It not only explains the hierarchical flavor structure in the quark and lepton sector, but also solves the strong CP problem by identifying the Nambu-Goldstone boson as the QCD axion, which we call flaxion. In this work, we consider supersymmetric extensions of the flaxion scenario. We study the CP and flavor violations due to supersymmetric particles, the effects of R-parity violations, the cosmological gravitino and axino problems, and the cosmological evolution of the scalar partner of the flaxion, sflaxion. We also propose an attractor-like inflationary model where the flaxion multiplet contains the inflaton field, and show that a consistent cosmological scenario can be obtained, including inflation, leptogenesis, and dark matter.

Digestive tract neural control and gastrointestinal disorders in cerebral palsy.

PubMed

Araújo, Liubiana A; Silva, Luciana R; Mendes, Fabiana A A

2012-01-01

To examine the neural control of digestive tract and describe the main gastrointestinal disorders in cerebral palsy (CP), with attention to the importance of early diagnosis to an efficient interdisciplinary treatment. Systematic review of literature from 1997 to 2012 from Medline, Lilacs, Scielo, and Cochrane Library databases. The study included 70 papers, such as relevant reviews, observational studies, controlled trials, and prevalence studies. Qualitative studies were excluded. The keywords used were: cerebral palsy, dysphagia, gastroesophageal reflux disease, constipation, recurrent respiratory infections, and gastrostomy. The appropriate control of the digestive system depends on the healthy functioning and integrity of the neural system. Since CP patients have structural abnormalities of the central and peripheral nervous system, they are more likely to develop eating disorders. These range from neurological immaturity to interference in the mood and capacity of caregivers. The disease has, therefore, a multifactorial etiology. The most prevalent digestive tract disorders are dysphagia, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and constipation, with consequent recurrent respiratory infections and deleterious impact on nutritional status. Patients with CP can have neurological abnormalities of digestive system control; therefore, digestive problems are common. The issues raised in the present study are essential for professionals within the interdisciplinary teams that treat patients with CP, concerning the importance of comprehensive anamnesis and clinical examination, such as detailed investigation of gastrointestinal disorders. Early detection of these digestive problems may lead to more efficient rehabilitation measures in order to improve patients' quality of life.

A Minimalist Analysis of English Topicalization: A Phase-Based Cartographic Complementizer Phrase (CP) Perspective.

PubMed

Tanaka, Hiroyoshi

Under the basic tenet that syntactic derivation offers an optimal solution to both phonological realization and semantic interpretation of linguistic expression, the recent minimalist framework of syntactic theory claims that the basic unit for the derivation is equivalent to a syntactic propositional element, which is called a phase. In this analysis, syntactic derivation is assumed to proceed at phasal projections that include Complementizer Phrases (CP). However, there have been pointed out some empirical problems with respect to the failure of multiple occurrences of discourse-related elements in the CP domain. This problem can be easily overcome if the alternative approach in the recent minimalist perspective, which is called Cartographic CP analysis, is adopted, but this may raise a theoretical issue about the tension between phasality and four kinds of functional projections assumed in this analysis (Force Phrase (ForceP), Finite Phrase (FinP), Topic Phrase (TopP) and Focus Phrase (FocP)). This paper argues that a hybrid analysis with these two influential approaches can be proposed by claiming a reasonable assumption that syntactically requisite projections (i.e., ForceP and FinP) are phases and independently constitute a phasehood with relevant heads in the derivation. This then enables us to capture various syntactic properties of the Topicalization construction in English. Our proposed analysis, coupled with some additional assumptions and observations in recent minimalist studies, can be extended to incorporate peculiar properties in temporal/conditional adverbials and imperatives.

High definition clouds and precipitation for climate prediction -results from a unified German research initiative on high resolution modeling and observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rauser, F.

2013-12-01

We present results from the German BMBF initiative 'High Definition Cloud and Precipitation for advancing Climate Prediction -HD(CP)2'. This initiative addresses most of the problems that are discussed in this session in one, unified approach: cloud physics, convection, boundary layer development, radiation and subgrid variability are approached in one organizational framework. HD(CP)2 merges both observation and high performance computing / model development communities to tackle a shared problem: how to improve the understanding of the most important subgrid-scale processes of cloud and precipitation physics, and how to utilize this knowledge for improved climate predictions. HD(CP)2 is a coordinated initiative to: (i) realize; (ii) evaluate; and (iii) statistically characterize and exploit for the purpose of both parameterization development and cloud / precipitation feedback analysis; ultra-high resolution (100 m in the horizontal, 10-50 m in the vertical) regional hind-casts over time periods (3-15 y) and spatial scales (1000-1500 km) that are climatically meaningful. HD(CP)2 thus consists of three elements (the model development and simulations, their observational evaluation and exploitation/synthesis to advance CP prediction) and its first three-year phase has started on October 1st 2012. As a central part of HD(CP)2, the HD(CP)2 Observational Prototype Experiment (HOPE) has been carried out in spring 2013. In this campaign, high resolution measurements with a multitude of instruments from all major centers in Germany have been carried out in a limited domain, to allow for unprecedented resolution and precision in the observation of microphysics parameters on a resolution that will allow for evaluation and improvement of ultra-high resolution models. At the same time, a local area version of the new climate model ICON of the Max Planck Institute and the German weather service has been developed that allows for LES-type simulations on high resolutions on limited domains. The advantage of modifying an existing, evolving climate model is to share insights from high resolution runs directly with the large-scale modelers and to allow for easy intercomparison and evaluation later on. Within this presentation, we will give a short overview on HD(CP)2 , show results from the observation campaign HOPE and the LES simulations of the same domain and conditions and will discuss how these will lead to an improved understanding and evaluation background for the efforts to improve fast physics in our climate model.

Ovario-protective effects of genistein against cyclophosphamide toxicity in rats: Role of anti-müllerian hormone and oestradiol.

PubMed

Saleh, Dalia O; Mansour, Dina F

2016-10-15

Cyclophosphamide (CP), the commonly used chemotherapeutic agent in cancer treatment, is proven to cause ovarian toxicity and infertility in women. In the present study, we investigated the protective effect of genistein (GEN), a phytoestrogen found in the soy protein, against CP-induced ovarian toxicity in rats. Forty female adult rats were allocated into five groups. A normal control group received the vehicle; another group was injected with a single acute intraperitoneal dose of CP (200mg/kg). Three other groups were pretreated with GEN (0.5, 1 or 2mg/kg; s.c.) for 14 days. Sera and ovaries were obtained 48h after CP treatment. Serum levels of anti-müllerian hormone (AMH) and oestradiol (E2) were detected as well as the ovarian level of reduced glutathione (GSH), activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), level of malondialdehyde (MDA) and interleukin 1β (IL-1β) were evaluated. Histopathological examination and immunohistochemical detection of inducible nitric oxide synthetase (iNOS) were conducted. Results of the present study revealed that CP-induced severe ovarian toxicity via decreasing serum levels of AMH and E2 and elevating oxidative stress and inflammation in ovarian tissues. Histologically, CP caused increase in primordial follicles with less graafian follicles and corpora lutea in ovarian tissues as well as severe induction of iNOS. GEN inhibited the severe decrease in serum AMH and E2 with alleviation of oxidative stress and inflammation significantly compared to CP-treated group. GEN improved ovarian histology and immunostaining of ovarian iNOS disrupted by CP. Finally, it can be concluded that GEN exerted protective effects against CP-induced ovarian toxicity. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Medical Cannabis Use Is Associated With Decreased Opiate Medication Use in a Retrospective Cross-Sectional Survey of Patients With Chronic Pain.

PubMed

Boehnke, Kevin F; Litinas, Evangelos; Clauw, Daniel J

2016-06-01

Opioids are commonly used to treat patients with chronic pain (CP), though there is little evidence that they are effective for long term CP treatment. Previous studies reported strong associations between passage of medical cannabis laws and decrease in opioid overdose statewide. Our aim was to examine whether using medical cannabis for CP changed individual patterns of opioid use. Using an online questionnaire, we conducted a cross-sectional retrospective survey of 244 medical cannabis patients with CP who patronized a medical cannabis dispensary in Michigan between November 2013 and February 2015. Data collected included demographic information, changes in opioid use, quality of life, medication classes used, and medication side effects before and after initiation of cannabis usage. Among study participants, medical cannabis use was associated with a 64% decrease in opioid use (n = 118), decreased number and side effects of medications, and an improved quality of life (45%). This study suggests that many CP patients are essentially substituting medical cannabis for opioids and other medications for CP treatment, and finding the benefit and side effect profile of cannabis to be greater than these other classes of medications. More research is needed to validate this finding. This article suggests that using medical cannabis for CP treatment may benefit some CP patients. The reported improvement in quality of life, better side effect profile, and decreased opioid use should be confirmed by rigorous, longitudinal studies that also assess how CP patients use medical cannabis for pain management. Copyright © 2016 American Pain Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Frequency of progression from acute to chronic pancreatitis and risk factors: a meta-analysis.

PubMed

Sankaran, Sharanya J; Xiao, Amy Y; Wu, Landy M; Windsor, John A; Forsmark, Christopher E; Petrov, Maxim S

2015-11-01

Acute pancreatitis (AP) and chronic pancreatitis (CP) traditionally have been thought to be distinct diseases, but there is evidence that AP can progress to CP. Little is known about the mechanisms of pancreatitis progression. We performed a meta-analysis to quantify the frequency of transition of AP to CP and identify risk factors for progression. We searched PubMed, Scopus, and Embase for studies of patients with AP who developed CP, published from 1966 through November 2014. Pooled prevalence and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for these outcomes, and sensitivity, subgroup, and meta-regression analyses were conducted. We analyzed 14 studies, which included a total of 8492 patients. The pooled prevalence of recurrent AP was 22% (95% CI, 18%-26%), and the pooled prevalence of CP was 10% (95% CI, 6%-15%). Sensitivity analyses yielded a pooled prevalence of CP of 10% (95% CI, 4%-19%) and 36% (95% CI, 20%-53%) in patients after the first occurrence and recurrent AP, respectively. Subgroup analyses found alcohol use and smoking to be the largest risk factors for the development of CP, with pooled prevalence values of 65% (95% CI, 48%-56%) and 61% (95% CI, 47%-73%), respectively. Meta-regression analysis found that men were more likely than women to transition from AP to CP. Ten percent of patients with a first episode of AP and 36% of patients with recurrent AP develop CP; the risk is higher among smokers, alcoholics, and men. Prospective clinical studies are needed to study pancreatitis progression. Copyright © 2015 AGA Institute. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Social adjustment of children with cerebral palsy in mainstream classes: peer perception.

PubMed

Nadeau, Line; Tessier, Réjean

2006-05-01

The aim of this study was to describe the social experience of children with cerebral palsy (CP) in mainstream classes in Canada and compare it with that of their classmates without disability. The CP group included 25 females and 35 males (mean age 10 y 5 mo [SD 0.95], range 10 y 4 mo-10 y 10 mo) diagnosed as having hemiplegia (n=44) or diplegia (n=16) and classified as Level I on the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS). Fifty-seven comparison children, born at term and without any motor and/or sensory impairment, were recruited from the classes of the children with CP during a school visit (mean age 10 y 3 mo, [SD 1.0], range 10 y-10 y 6 mo). They were matched to children with CP for sex, age, parents' education level, and family income. Social adjustment measures (social status, reciprocated friendships, social isolation, aggression, sociability/leadership, and verbal and/or physical victimization) were obtained by conducting a class-wide sociometric interview (n=943) in the classes of the children with CP. Findings showed that children with CP (specifically females with CP and irrespective of their type of disability) had fewer reciprocated friendships, exhibited fewer sociable/leadership behaviours, and were more isolated and victimized by their peers than their classmates without a disability. This seems to suggest that females and males with CP are perceived differently from their peers in a mainstreaming context. The discussion addresses the issue of age- and sex-related differences and provides avenues of intervention relating to personal and environmental factors that could facilitate or interfere with the social experience of children with CP in a mainstream environment.

[Correction of indigestion in chronic biliary pancreatitis].

PubMed

Trukhan, D I; Tarasova, L V

2013-01-01

Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is one of the most urgent and investigated problems in gastroenterology. Despite the variety of the spectrum of etiologic, pathogenetic and provoking factors for CP, one of the leading causes of disease pathology is pathology of biliary tract. A key element in the treatment of CP is a correction of the digestive system, with biliary pancreatitis feature that distinguishes it from other forms of pancreatitis, is a combination of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency with chronic biliary insufficiency. The variety of biochemical and immunological effects of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) can treat it with biliary pancreatitis as the drug of etiological, pathogenetic and substitution therapy. UDCA (Ursosan) in combination with modern mini-microspheroidal polyfermental drugs significantly improves the clinical efficacy of the correction of the digestive system in biliary pancreatitis.

Baryogenesis from strong CP violation and the QCD axion.

PubMed

Servant, Géraldine

2014-10-24

We show that strong CP violation from the QCD axion can be responsible for the matter antimatter asymmetry of the Universe in the context of cold electroweak baryogenesis if the electroweak phase transition is delayed below the GeV scale. This can occur naturally if the Higgs couples to a O(100)  GeV dilaton, as expected in some models where the Higgs is a pseudo-Nambu-Goldstone boson of a new strongly interacting sector at the TeV scale. The existence of such a second scalar resonance with a mass and properties similar to the Higgs boson will soon be tested at the LHC. In this context, the QCD axion would not only solve the strong CP problem, but also the matter antimatter asymmetry and dark matter.

Application of calcium peroxide activated with Fe(II)-EDDS complex in trichloroethylene degradation.

PubMed

Zhang, Xiang; Gu, Xiaogang; Lu, Shuguang; Miao, Zhouwei; Xu, Minhui; Fu, Xiaori; Qiu, Zhaofu; Sui, Qian

2016-10-01

This study was conducted to assess the application of calcium peroxide (CP) activated with Fe(II) chelated by (S,S)-ethylenediamine-N,N'-disuccinic acid (EDDS) to enhance trichloroethylene (TCE) degradation in aqueous solution. It was indicated that EDDS prevented soluble iron from precipitation, and the optimum molar ratio of Fe(II)/EDDS to accelerate TCE degradation was 1/1. The influences of initial TCE, CP and Fe(II)-EDDS concentration were also investigated. The combination of CP and Fe(II)-EDDS complex rendered the efficient degradation of TCE at near neutral pH range. Chemical probe and scavenger tests identified that TCE degradation mainly owed to the oxidation of HO while O2(-) promoted HO generation. Cl(-), HCO3(-) and humic acid were found to inhibit CP/Fe(II)-EDDS performance on different levels. In conclusion, the application of CP activated with Fe(II)-EDDS complex is a promising technology in chemical remediation of groundwater, while further research in practical implementation is needed. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Cytotoxicity and the effect of cationic peptide fragments against cariogenic bacteria under planktonic and biofilm conditions.

PubMed

Kreling, Paula Fernanda; Aida, Kelly Limi; Massunari, Loiane; Caiaffa, Karina Sampaio; Percinoto, Célio; Bedran, Telma Blanca Lombardo; Spolidorio, Denise Madalena Palomari; Abuna, Gabriel Flores; Cilli, Eduardo Maffud; Duque, Cristiane

2016-10-01

This study evaluated the cytotoxicity and effect of fragments derived from three oral cationic peptides (CP): LL-37, D6-17 and D1-23 against cariogenic bacteria under planktonic and biofilm conditions. For cytotoxicity analysis, two epithelial cell lines were used. The minimum inhibitory concentration and the minimal bactericidal concentration were determined for the CP fragments and the control (chlorhexidine-CHX) against cariogenic bacteria. The fractional inhibitory concentration was obtained for the combinations of CP fragments on Streptococcus mutans. Biofilm assays were conducted with the best antimicrobial CP fragment against S. mutans. The results indicated that D6-17 was not cytotoxic. D1-23, LL-37 and CHX were not cytotoxic in low concentrations. D1-23 presented the best bactericidal activity against S. mutans, S. mitis and S. salivarius. Combinations of CP fragments did not show a synergic effect. D1-23 presented a higher activity against S. mutans biofilm than CHX. It was concluded that D1-23 showed a substantial effect against cariogenic bacteria and low cytotoxicity.

Social conditions and urban environment associated with participation in the Ciclovia program among adults from Cali, Colombia.

PubMed

Gómez, Luis Fernando; Mosquera, Janeth; Gómez, Olga Lucia; Moreno, José; Pinzon, Jose D; Jacoby, Enrique; Cepeda, Magda; Parra, Diana Celmira

2015-11-01

The Ciclovia program (CP) has emerged as an effective initiative to promote active living in urban spaces in Latin America. This study assessed the association between social conditions, the urban environment and participation in the CP among adults living in the city of Cali, Colombia. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2011 and 2012 among 719 adults aged 18 to 44. Urban environment measures were obtained using Geographic Information Systems. A multilevel logistic regression was used for the analysis. Slightly more than 7% of participants had participated in the CP in the previous four weekends. Being male and having a high school degree were positively associated with participation in the CP. Participation in the CP was positively associated with living in neighborhoods with Ciclovia lanes. In contrast, a negative association was found among those living in neighborhoods with a presence of traffic fatalities. This study provides new insights about a recreational program that has potential health benefits in a region marked by urban inequalities in terms of opportunities for physical activity.

Parenting Attitudes and Infant Spanking: The Influence of Childhood Experiences

PubMed Central

Chung, Esther K.; Mathew, Leny; Rothkopf, Amy C.; Elo, Irma T.; Coyne, James C.; Culhane, Jennifer F.

2013-01-01

OBJECTIVES To assess associations among maternal childhood experiences and subsequent parenting attitudes and use of infant spanking (IS), and determine if attitudes mediate the association between physical abuse exposure and IS. METHODS We performed a prospective study of women who received prenatal care at community health centers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Sociodemographic characteristics, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), attitudes toward corporal punishment (CP), and IS use were assessed via face-to-face interviews, conducted at the first prenatal care visit, 3 months postpartum, and 11 months postpartum. Bivariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted. RESULTS The sample consisted of 1265 mostly black, low-income women. Nineteen percent of the participants valued CP as a means of discipline, and 14% reported IS use. Mothers exposed to childhood physical abuse and verbal hostility were more likely to report IS use than those not exposed (16% vs 10%, P = .002; 17% vs 12%, P = .02, respectively). In the adjusted analyses, maternal exposure to physical abuse, other ACEs, and valuing CP were independently associated with IS use. Attitudes that value CP did not mediate these associations. CONCLUSIONS Mothers who had childhood experiences of violence were more likely to use IS than mothers without such experiences. Intergenerational transmission of CP was evident. Mothers who had experienced physical abuse as a child, when compared to those who had not, were 1.5 times more likely to use IS. Child discipline attitudes and maternal childhood experiences should be discussed early in parenting in order to prevent IS use, particularly among at-risk mothers. PMID:19620204

Response of laying hens to feeding low-protein amino acid-supplemented diets under high ambient temperature: performance, egg quality, leukocyte profile, blood lipids, and excreta pH

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Torki, Mehran; Mohebbifar, Ahmad; Ghasemi, Hossein Ali; Zardast, Afshin

2015-05-01

An experiment was conducted to determine whether, by using a low-protein amino acid-supplemented diet, the health status, stress response, and excreta quality could be improved without affecting the productive performance of heat-stressed laying hens. The requirements for egg production, egg mass, and feed conversion ratio were also estimated using second-order equations and broken-line regression. A total of 150 Lohmann Selected Leghorn (LSL-Lite) hens were divided randomly into five groups of 30 with five replicates of six hens. The hens were raised for an 8-week period (52 to 60 weeks) in wire cages situated in high ambient temperature in an open-sided housing system. The five experimental diets (ME; 2,720 kcal/kg) varied according to five crude protein (CP) levels: normal-CP diet (control, 16.5 % CP) and low-CP diets containing 15.0, 13.5, 12.0, or 10.5 % CP. All experimental diets were supplemented with crystalline amino acids at the levels sufficient to meet their requirements. The results showed that under high temperature conditions, all productive performance and egg quality parameters in the birds fed with 15.0, 13.5, and 12.0 % CP diets were similar to those of birds fed with control diet (16.5 % CP), whereas feeding 10.5 % CP diet significantly decreased egg production and egg mass. Estimations of requirements were of 13.93 and 12.77 % CP for egg production, 14.62 and 13.22 % CP for egg mass, and 12.93 and 12.26 % CP for feed conversion ratio using quadratic and broken-line models, respectively. Egg yolk color index, blood triglyceride level, and excreta acidity were also significantly higher in birds fed with 12.0 and 10.5 % CP diets compared with those of control birds. The heterophil to lymphocyte ratio, as a stress indicator, was significantly decreased by 15.0, 13.5, and 12 % CP diets. On the basis of our findings, reducing dietary CP from 16.5 to 12.0 % and supplementing the diets with the essential amino acids showed merit for improving the stress response and excreta quality while maintaining acceptable production performance from laying hens under high ambient temperature conditions.

Cysteine proteinases from papaya (Carica papaya) in the treatment of experimental Trichuris suis infection in pigs: two randomized controlled trials.

PubMed

Levecke, Bruno; Buttle, David J; Behnke, Jerzy M; Duce, Ian R; Vercruysse, Jozef

2014-05-30

Cysteine proteinases (CPs) from papaya (Carica papaya) possess anthelmintic properties against human soil-transmitted helminths (STH, Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura and hookworm), but there is a lack of supportive and up-to-date efficacy data. We therefore conducted two randomized controlled trials in pigs to assess the efficacy of papaya CPs against experimental infections with T. suis. First, we assessed efficacy by means of egg (ERR) and adult worm reduction rate (WRR) of a single-oral dose of 450 μmol active CPs (CP450) against low (inoculum of 300 eggs) and high (inoculum of 3,000 eggs) intensity T. suis infections and compared the efficacy with those obtained after a single-oral dose of 400 mg albendazole (ALB). In the second trial, we determined and compared the efficacy of a series of CP doses (45 [CP45], 115 [CP115], 225 [CP225], and 450 [CP450] μmol) against high intensity infections. CP450 was highly efficacious against both levels of infection intensity, resulting in ERR and WRR of more than 97%. For both levels of infection intensity, CP450 was significantly more efficacious compared to ALB by means of WRR (low infection intensity: 99.0% vs. 39.0%; high infection intensity; 97.4% vs. 23.2%). When the efficacy was assessed by ERR, a significant difference was only observed for high intensity infections, CP450 being more efficacious than ALB (98.9% vs. 59.0%). For low infection intensities, there was no significant difference in ERR between CP450 (98.3%) and ALB (64.4%). The efficacy of CPs increased as a function of increasing dose. When determined by ERR, the efficacy ranged from 2.1% for CP45 to 99.2% for CP450. For WRR the results varied from -14.0% to 99.0%, respectively. Pairwise comparison revealed a significant difference in ERR and WRR only between CP45 and CP450, the latter being more efficacious. A single dose of 450 μmol CPs provided greater efficacy against T. suis infections in pigs than a single-oral dose of 400 mg ALB. Although these results highlight the possibility of papaya CPs for controlling human STH, further development is needed in order to obtain and validate an oral formulation for human application.

Comparing impact on the family and insurance coverage in children with cerebral palsy and children with another special healthcare need.

PubMed

Schaible, B; Colquitt, G; Caciula, M C; Carnes, A; Li, L; Moreau, N

2018-05-01

Families and caregivers of children with special healthcare needs (CSHCN) often experience financial difficulties, have unmet physical and mental health needs, and are at increased risk of marital problems due to the stress caused by carrying for their child. Within the larger population of CHSCN, young people with cerebral palsy (CP) have more unmet needs due to the complexity and potential severity of the disability. The purpose of this study was to identify factors associated with differences in insurance coverage and impact on the family of children with CP and other CHSCN. The data were taken from the National Survey of Children with Special Health Care Needs, which was designed to examine state- and national-level estimates of CSHCN. Three variables examined differences in insurance coverage between those children diagnosed with CP versus all other CSHCN: insurance coverage for the previous year, current insurance coverage, and adequacy of insurance coverage. Four variables representing different indicators of family impact were used to assess differences between children with CP versus all other CSHCN: out-of-pocket expenses for healthcare, family financial burden, hours per week that family members spent caring for the child, and impact on family work life. The results of this study showed significant differences between households with a child with CP and a child with another health special need in terms of insurance coverage, indicating a tendency of children with CP to be insured the entire year. As for the impact on the family in households with children with CP versus other CSHCN, there were significant differences in all four variables that were analysed. There is limited evidence highlighting differences between the impact of caring for a child with CP and caring for other CSHCN. Caring for a child with CP has a significant impact on the family, despite insurance coverage. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Differences in demographic, clinical, and symptom characteristics and quality of life outcomes among oncology patients with different types of pain.

PubMed

Posternak, Victoria; Dunn, Laura B; Dhruva, Anand; Paul, Steven M; Luce, Judith; Mastick, Judy; Levine, Jon D; Aouizerat, Bradley E; Hammer, Marylin; Wright, Fay; Miaskowski, Christine

2016-04-01

The purposes of this study, in oncology outpatients receiving chemotherapy (n = 926), were to: describe the occurrence of different types of pain (ie, no pain, only noncancer pain [NCP], only cancer pain [CP], or both CP and NCP) and evaluate for differences in demographic, clinical, and symptom characteristics, and quality of life (QOL) among the 4 groups. Patients completed self-report questionnaires on demographic and symptom characteristics and QOL. Patients who had pain were asked to indicate if it was or was not related to their cancer or its treatment. Medical records were reviewed for information on cancer and its treatments. In this study, 72.5% of the patients reported pain. Of the 671 who reported pain, 21.5% reported only NCP, 37.0% only CP, and 41.5% both CP and NCP. Across the 3 pain groups, worst pain scores were in the moderate to severe range. Compared with the no pain group, patients with both CP and NCP were significantly younger, more likely to be female, have a higher level of comorbidity, and a poorer functional status. In addition, these patients reported: higher levels of depression, anxiety, fatigue, and sleep disturbance; lower levels of energy and attentional function; and poorer QOL. Patients with only NCP were significantly older than the other 3 groups. The most common comorbidities in the NCP group were back pain, hypertension, osteoarthritis, and depression. Unrelieved CP and NCP continue to be significant problems. Oncology outpatients need to be assessed for both CP and NCP conditions.

Cleft extension and risks of other birth defects in children with isolated cleft palate.

PubMed

Chetpakdeechit, Woranuch; Mohlin, Bengt; Persson, Christina; Hagberg, Catharina

2010-03-01

To study the risks of having other birth defects in children born with an isolated cleft palate (iCP) when the length of the cleft was taken into account. The hypothesis was that a newborn with an extensive cleft lesion may have an increased risk of other birth defects compared to a child with a less extensive cleft of the palate. All Caucasian children with iCP born between 1975 and 2005 in the southwestern region of Sweden were included. Data were collected from standardized medical records and the length of the cleft was checked on the pre-surgical dental cast for each child. A total of 343 children were born with an iCP. The incidence was 0.64/1000 live births. Thirty-four percent of children with either a total or partial iCP had other birth defects. The risk was 1.7 times higher for a total compared to a partial iCP. The two most common birth defects were congenital heart disease and intellectual disability. Ear problems related to infections were registered in 43% of cases. Fifteen percent of the children had the Pierre Robin sequence, which was analyzed as a separate variable and not included as a birth defect. The length of the iCP was found to influence the risk of having another birth defect as the total palatal clefts were more often combined with other birth defects compared to partial clefts. Careful medical check-ups are important for newborns with iCP since they have increased risks of other birth defects.

Nuchal Skinfold Thickness: A Novel Parameter for Assessment of Body Composition in Childhood Craniopharyngioma

PubMed Central

Sterkenburg, Anthe S.; Hoffmann, Anika; Reichel, Julia; Lohle, Kristin; Eveslage, Maria; Warmuth-Metz, Monika

2016-01-01

Context: Hypothalamic obesity, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and relapse/progression have a major impact on prognosis in childhood-onset craniopharyngioma (CP). We analyzed nuchal skinfold thickness (NST) on magnetic resonance imaging performed for follow-up monitoring as a novel parameter for body composition (BC) and CVD in CP. Objective: The objective of the study was to identify the association of NST with body mass index (BMI), waist to height ratio (WHtR), functional capacity, and blood pressure (BP) in CP and controls. Design: This was a cross-sectional and longitudinal prospective study in CP patients. Setting: The study was conducted at HIT-Endo, KRANIOPHARYNGEOM 2000/2007. Patients: Participants included 94 CP patients and 75 controls. Interventions: There were no interventions. Main Outcome Measures: Association of NST with BC and BP in 43 CP and 43 controls was measured. Results: NST correlated with BMI SD score (SDS; r = 0.78; P < .001; n = 169) and WHtR (r = 0.85; P < .001; n = 86) in the total cohort and CP patients (NST-BMI SDS: r = 0.77, P < .001, n = 94); NST-WHtR: r = 0.835, P < .001, n=43) and controls (NST-BMI SDS: r = 0.792, P < .001, n = 75; NST-WHtR: r = 0.671, P < .001, n = 43). In CP, systolic BP correlated with NST (r = 0.575, P < .001), BMI SDS (r = 0.434, P = .004), and WHtR (r = 0.386, P = .011). Similar results were observed for diastolic BP in CP. In multivariate analyses, NST had a predictive value for hypertension in postpubertal CP and controls (odds ratio 6.98, 95% confidence interval [1.65, 29.5], P = .008). During a longitudinal follow-up, changes in NST correlated with changes in BMI SDS (P < .001) and WHtR (P = .01) but not with changes in BP and functional capacity. Conclusions: Because monitoring of magnetic resonance imaging and BC is essential for follow-up in CP, NST could serve as a novel and clinically relevant parameter for longitudinal assessment of BC and CVD risk in CP. PMID:27680877

The effect of superior canal dehiscence on cochlear potential in response to air-conducted stimuli in chinchilla

PubMed Central

Songer, Jocelyn E.; Rosowski, John J.

2006-01-01

A superior semicircular canal dehiscence (SCD) is a break or hole in the bony wall of the superior semicircular canal. Patients with SCD syndrome present with a variety of symptoms: some with vestibular symptoms, others with auditory symptoms (including low-frequency conductive hearing loss) and yet others with both. We are interested in whether or not mechanically altering the superior canal by introducing a dehiscence is sufficient to cause the low-frequency conductive hearing loss associated with SCD syndrome. We evaluated the effect of a surgically introduced dehiscence on auditory responses to air-conducted (AC) stimuli in 11 chinchilla ears. Cochlear potential (CP) was recorded at the round-window before and after a dehiscence was introduced. In each ear, a decrease in CP in response to low frequency (<2 kHz) sound stimuli was observed after the introduction of the dehiscence. The dehiscence was then patched with cyanoacrylate glue leading to a reversal of the dehiscence-induced changes in CP. The reversible decrease in auditory sensitivity observed in chinchilla is consistent with the elevated AC thresholds observed in patients with SCD. According to the ‘third-window’ hypothesis the SCD shunts sound-induced stapes velocity away from the cochlea, resulting in decreased auditory sensitivity to AC sounds. The data collected in this study are consistent with predictions of this hypothesis. PMID:16150562

Pin on flat wear volume prediction of UHMWPE against cp Ti for orthopedic applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Handoko, Suyitno, Dharmastiti, Rini; Magetsari, Rahadyan

2018-04-01

Tribological assessment of orthopedic biomaterials requires a lot of testing time. Researchers must test the biomaterials in millions of cycles at low frequency (1 Hz) to mimic the in vivo conditions. It is a problem because product designs and developments could not wait longer for wear data to predict the lifetime of their products. The problem can be solved with the use of computation techniques to model the wear phenomena and provide predicted data. The aim of this research is to predict the wear volume of the commonly used ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) sliding against commercially pure titanium (cp Ti) in the unidirectional pin on flat tests. The 9 mm diameter UHMWPE pin and cp Ti plate contact mechanics were modeled using Abaqus. Contact pressure was set at 3 MPa. Outputs of the computations (contact pressure and contact area) were used to calculate the wear volume with Archard law. A custom Python script was made to automate the process. The results were then compared with experimental data for validations. The predicted data were in a good trend with numerical errors from 0.3% up to 26%.

Sleep disorders in children with cerebral palsy: neurodevelopmental and behavioral correlates.

PubMed

Romeo, Domenico M; Brogna, Claudia; Quintiliani, Michela; Baranello, Giovanni; Pagliano, Emanuela; Casalino, Tiziana; Sacco, Annalisa; Ricci, Daniela; Mallardi, Maria; Musto, Elisa; Sivo, Serena; Cota, Francesco; Battaglia, Domenica; Bruni, Oliviero; Mercuri, Eugenio

2014-02-01

We aimed to estimate the frequency of sleep disorders in children with cerebral palsy (CP) using the Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children (SDSC) and to evaluate the relations between sleep disorders and motor, cognitive, and behavioral problems. One hundred and sixty-five children with CP ages 6-16 years (mean age, 11years) were assessed using the SDSC, the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS), the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children and the Child Behavior Check List (CBCL) to assess sleep, motor, cognitive, and behavioral problems, respectively. An abnormal total sleep score was found in 19% of children with CP; more than 40% of children had an abnormal score on at least one SDSC factor. The SDSC total score was significantly associated (P<.01) with mental retardation, epilepsy, CBCL scores, and level 5 on the GMFCS. Our results confirm that sleep disorders are common in children with cerebral palsy. The relationship between motor and cognitive behavior and epilepsy should be further explored to better understand how these factors influence one another to identify effective treatments and to improve the well-being of the child. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The in vivo pharmacology of CP-80, 633, a selective inhibitor of phosphodiesterase 4.

PubMed

Turner, C R; Cohan, V L; Cheng, J B; Showell, H J; Pazoles, C J; Watson, J W

1996-09-01

The following studies were conducted to characterize the bron-chodilatory and antiinflammatory activity of the novel, selective phosphodiesterase-IV inhibitor, CP-80,633 (2'S)5-[3-(2'-exobicyclo[2.2.1]heptyloxy-4-methoxy-phenyl]te trahydro- 2(1H)-pyrimidone, a compound in clinical development for atopic disease. In IgG1 passively sensitized guinea pigs, aerosolized ovalbumin challenge increases both pulmonary eosinophil peroxidase levels and airway obstruction. CP-80,633, administered before ovalbumin challenge, significantly attenuated both the increase in tissue eosinophil peroxidase levels (ED50 = 1.4 mg/kg, p.o.) and airway obstruction (ED50 = 0.93 +/- 0.14 mg/kg,p.o.) 10 to 30 times more potently than theophyl-line. Intraarterially administered CP-80,633 also reversed an established bronchoconstriction initiated by continuous infusion of histamine to guinea pigs (ED50 of 8.2 micrograms/kg vs. 5.6 mg/kg for theophylline). The antiinflammatory effect of CP-80,633 was also examined in atopic monkeys challenged with Ascaris suum (Ag) aerosol. CP-80,633 (1 mg/kg, qid, s.c., 1 hr before antigen challenge) significantly reduced antigen-induced increases in bronchoalveolar lavage neutrophils (72.8 +/- 15.8% inhibition) and eosinophils (61.1 +/- 5.7% inhibition) 4 hr postchallenge, but did not reduce leukocytes 24 hr postchallenge. CP-80,633 did not inhibit antigen-induced increases in BAL levels of interleukin-1 beta, -6 or -8 as measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay. These results indicate that CP-80,633 possesses bronchodilatory activity in guinea pigs and some antiinflammatory effects in both guinea pigs and monkeys.

ParticiPAte CP: a protocol of a randomised waitlist controlled trial of a motivational and behaviour change therapy intervention to increase physical activity through meaningful participation in children with cerebral palsy

PubMed Central

Boyd, Roslyn N; Elliott, Catherine

2017-01-01

Introduction Children with cerebral palsy (CP) participate in leisure-time physical activities (PA) less often, with less intensity and reduced diversity than their typically developing peers. Participation in leisure-time physical activities may be an important source of habitual physical activity (HPA) for children with CP, who as a group have lower levels of HPA and increased sedentary time compared with their typically developing peers. The proposed study aims to compare the efficacy of a participation focused therapy (ParticiPAte CP) to usual care in a pragmatic, randomised waitlist controlled trial. Methods and analysis Thirty-six children with CP (18 in each group), classified as Gross Motor Function Classification System levels I to III, aged between 8 and 12 years will be recruited across South East Queensland, Australia. Children will be randomised to receive either ParticiPAte CP or waitlist usual care using concealed allocation. ParticiPAte CP is an individually tailored, goal-directed intervention model of pragmatic participation-focused therapy using a toolbox of evidence-based strategies in the treatment of children with CP. This will include goal-setting; identification of barriers and facilitators to participation goals, strategy formation and planning and communication guided by principles of Self-Determination Theory using strategies of Motivational Interviewing. The intervention comprises 8 weekly sessions of 1 hour duration conducted by a physiotherapist in the child's home or community. Trial registration number ACTRN12615001064594. PMID:28790038

Systematic review and meta-analysis of the effect of equine assisted activities and therapies on gross motor outcome in children with cerebral palsy.

PubMed

Tseng, Sung-Hui; Chen, Hung-Chou; Tam, Ka-Wai

2013-01-01

To evaluate the literature on the efficacy of equine assisted activities and therapies (EAAT) on gross motor outcomes representing the ICF component of body functions and activity in children with cerebral palsy (CP). We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials and observational studies of hippotherapy (HPOT) and therapeutic horseback riding (TR) for children with spastic CP. Gross motor outcomes, assessed via muscle activity and muscle tone, gait, posture and Gross Motor Function Measures (GMFM) were evaluated. Five TR studies and nine HPOT studies were included. Our meta-analysis indicated that short-term HPOT (total riding time 8-10 min) significantly reduced asymmetrical activity of the hip adductor muscles. HPOT could improve postural control in children with spastic CP, GMFCS level < 5. However, the evidence did not show a statistically significant effect on GMFM after long-term HPOT or TR (total riding time, 8-22 h) in children with spastic CP. This systematic review found insufficient evidence to support the claim that long-term TR or HPOT provide a significant benefit to children with spastic CP. We found no statistically significant evidence of either therapeutic effect or maintenance effects on the gross motor activity status in CP children.

Is There Evidence That Active Videogames Increase Energy Expenditure and Exercise Intensity for People Poststroke and with Cerebral Palsy?

PubMed

Deutsch, Judith E; Guarrera-Bowlby, Phyllis; Myslinski, Mary Jane; Kafri, Michal

2015-02-01

This article asked and answered the question of whether there was evidence to support the use of videogames for promotion of wellness and fitness for people poststroke and those with cerebral palsy (CP). A literature search of PubMed, CINAHL, and PEDro using a population, intervention, and outcome (PIO) approach and the key words "stroke (or CP) AND video games (and synonyms) AND energy expenditure (EE) (and synonyms)" was conducted. It yielded two relevant references for people poststroke and five references for people with CP. The literature extraction and synthesis by the categories of the PIO indicated that most studies used only the population of interest, except two that compared the EE with that of healthy controls. The main finding is that both people poststroke (moderate severity) and people with CP (mild severity) can achieve moderate EE playing Wii(™) (Nintendo, Kyoto, Japan), PlayStation(®) (Sony, Tokyo, Japan), and Kinect(™) (Microsoft, Redmond, WA) games. Adults with CP of mild severity played the videogames at vigorous levels, whereas those with severe CP played them at low levels. There appears to be an interaction between development and severity that influences the exercise intensity measured by EE. The findings suggests that videogames are a gateway for wellness promotion.

Behavioral Assessment: Questionnaires.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wilson, C. Chrisman

1980-01-01

This is a general discussion of the validity, reliability, function, and format of questionnaires designed to measure problem behavior, noncompliance, anxiety, social interaction, hyperactivity, drug use, and sexual behavior. Commonly used questionnaires are cited. (CP)

Birth Defects: Cerebral Palsy

MedlinePlus

... Quality Collaboratives Launch Prematurity research centers What is team science? More than 75 years of solving problems ... is CP treated? You can work with a team of health care providers to figure out your ...

Sociometric status and the attribution of intentions in a sample of adolescents with cerebral palsy.

PubMed

Voyer, Anne-Pier; Tessier, Réjean; Nadeau, Line

2017-03-01

Purpose To examine how cerebral palsy (CP) and sociometric status at age 10 explain the development of a cognitive bias across two groups of adolescents aged 15. Method Children with CP (N = 60) and without CP (N = 57) are part of a follow-up study. Three categories of sociometric status (popular, average, rejected) were obtained by conducting a class-wide interview in the class of the target children at age 10. At 15 years old, the same children (CP and non-CP) were asked to complete the Home Interview With Child questionnaire measuring a cognitive bias (hostile attribution of intentions (AI)). Results Children with CP, especially girls, were significantly more rejected and less popular than controls at age 10. At age 15, among all participants, sociometric rejected and popular children tended to have a higher percentage of hostile AI than sociometric average children. Conclusions There were no significant results for the combined effect of CP and sociometric status on the development of hostile AI at age 15. However, knowing the risk incurred by children with CP of being socially rejected, attention should be paid in the rehabilitation process to opportunities for social participation to facilitate the development of social competence. Implications for Rehabilitation Level I or II cerebral palsy (CP) is a condition that affects not only motor abilities but also social competence in children. Sociometric status in a group tends to affect the development of the ability to interprete intentions of others during adolescence. Sociometric measures in the class of children with CP could be a useful tool in the rehabilitation process in order to better define social participation opportunities. To improve social participation attempts, rehabilitation interventions should target social initiating skills, flexibility in interpreting peers' behaviours, and ability to react effectively to negative peer treatment.

Gears and Power Transmission Systems for Helicopters and Turboprops; Conference Proceedings: Propulsion and Energetics Panel Symposium (64th) Held at Lisbon, Portugal on 8-12 October 1984.

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-01-01

surface is a non -trivial problem of theoretical physics. Even so, the phenomenologi- cal description given earlier which is based on experimental findings...AGARD-CP-369 ISBN 92-835-0372-4 UNCLASSII-ILI1) -5. Originator Advisory Group tor Aerospace Research and Decvelopmtent North Atlantic Treaty...discussed in an AG;ARI~ographl to be published ri I97’ AGARD-CP-369 NORTH ATLANTIC TREATY ORGANIZATION ADVISORY GROUP FOR AEROSPACE RESEARCH AND

[A multidiscipline clinical and biological approach to the study of psychotic types of autistic spectrum disorders in children].

PubMed

Simashkova, N V; Iakupova, L P; Kliushnik, T P; Koval'-Zaĭtsev, A A

2013-01-01

The current problem of heterogeneity of psychotic types of autistic spectrum disorders (ASD) is reviewed. The authors present results of a multidiscipline psychopathological, pathopsychological, neurophysiological and immunological examination of 87 patients, aged from 3 to 14 years, with psychotic types of ASD: childhood psychosis (CP) and atypical childhood psychosis (ACP). Significant differences in clinical presentations of CP and ACP that were correlated with pathopsychological, neurophysiological and immunological disorders were found. These findings support different nosological entities of these types of ASD.

Immunostimulation of bronchoalveolar lavage cells from recurrent airway obstruction-affected horses by different CpG-classes bound to gelatin nanoparticles.

PubMed

Klier, John; May, Anna; Fuchs, Sebastian; Schillinger, Ulrike; Plank, Christian; Winter, Gerhard; Gehlen, Heidrun; Coester, Conrad

2011-11-15

Recurrent airway obstruction (RAO) in horses has become a common problem in stabled horses in industrialized countries and deserves new therapeutic strategies. CpG-oligodeoxynucleotides (CpG-ODNs) were developed as effective immunostimulating agents to induce a Th2/Th1 shift. These agents showed a beneficial therapeutic effect in allergic diseases with predominant Th2 immunoresponse. CpG-ODN delivery by gelatin nanoparticles (GNPs) resulted in enhanced cellular uptake in murine and human in vitro studies and was a starting point for the present trial. The aim of this study was to identify an optimal stimulating CpG motif in horses with regard to species specificity on equine bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cells, in terms of a possible specific immunomodulation effect (Th2/Th1 shift) by used CpG-ODN. Accordingly, GNPs were evaluated as a delivery system to improve CpG-ODN immunostimulation in equine BAL cells. BAL fluid (BALF) was obtained from seven horses with moderate RAO and from four healthy horses and was subsequently incubated with five different CpG-ODN sequences (from A-, B- and C-class) and one ODN without any CpG motif. Release of three key cytokines (IL-4, IL-10 and IFN-γ) was quantified by ELISA to detect an allergy mediated Th2 immunoresponse (IL-4) as well as a proinflammatory Th1 response (IFN-γ). Due to its specific anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects, IL-10 was considered as a beneficial agent in pathophysiology of RAO. Results showed a significant upregulation of IL-10 and IFN-γ on the one hand and a downregulation of IL-4 on the other hand in RAO affected horses. Cell cultures from healthy horses had a significantly stronger response in cytokine release to all the applied stimuli in contrast to RAO derived cells. Comparing all five CpG sequences, A-class 2216 significantly showed the highest immunomodulatory effects on equine BALF cells and, hence, was chosen for follow-up preliminary clinical studies. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The Safety of Intravenous Cyclophosphamide in the Treatment of Rheumatic Diseases.

PubMed

Woytala, Patryk J; Morgiel, Ewa; Łuczak, Anna; Czesak-Woytala, Katarzyna; Wiland, Piotr

2016-01-01

The therapeutic effects of cyclophosphamide (CP) in the treatment of systemic rheumatic diseases are related to its immune suppressive activity. However effective, the application of CP is restricted due to multiple adverse effects. This retrospective study was conducted to determine the frequency of adverse effects attributed to CP toxicity. The study involved 65 patients (17 male; 48 female) receiving intravenous CP between October 2007 and December 2010. The mean age at onset was 51.2 years (range 19-77 years). The most common diagnoses were systemic sclerosis (20), systemic lupus erythematosus (13) and vasculitis (13). The indications for treatment with CP were interstitial lung disease in the course of systemic diseases (33), vasculitis (24), glomerulonephritis (5) and changes in the central nervous system (3). The patients were administered 400-1000 mg CP in intravenous infusions at 2-16 week intervals, with the addition of sodium 2-sulfanylethanesulfonate (mesna) before and after each pulse. Out of 65 patients 40 (60%) reported adverse effects: infections in 24 (37%), nausea in 19 (29%), vomiting in 11 (17%), abdominal pain in 7 (11%) and pancytopenia in one, leading to cessation of the therapy. No association was found between the frequency of side effects and the treatment duration (p = 0.632), age (p = 0.852), diagnosis (p = 0.171) or nominal dose (p = 0.321). As knowledge about CP continues to increase, this medication remains a safe way to treat many rheumatic diseases.

Arsenic(V) removal from aqueous solutions using an anion exchanger derived from coconut coir pith and its recovery.

PubMed

Anirudhan, T S; Unnithan, Maya R

2007-01-01

The performance of a new anion exchanger (AE) prepared from coconut coir pith (CP), for the removal of arsenic(V) [As(V)] from aqueous solutions was evaluated in this study. The adsorbent (CP-AE) carrying dimethylaminohydroxypropyl weak base functional group was synthesized by the reaction of CP with epichlorohydrin and dimethylamine followed by treatment of hydrochloric acid. IR spectroscopy results confirm the presence of -NH(+)(CH(3))(2)Cl(-) group in the adsorbent. XRD studies confirm the decrease of crystallinity in CP-AE compared to CP, and it favours the protrusion of the functional group into the aqueous medium. Batch experiments were conducted to examine the efficiency of the adsorbent on As(V) removal. Maximum removal of 99.2% was obtained for an initial concentration of 1 mgl(-1) As(V) at pH 7.0 and an adsorbent dose of 2 gl(-1). The kinetics of sorption of As(V) onto CP-AE was described using the pseudo-second-order model. The equilibrium isotherms were determined for different temperatures and the results were analysed using the Langmuir equation. The temperature dependence indicates an exothermic process. Utility of the adsorbent was tested by removing As(V) from simulated groundwater. Regeneration studies were performed using 0.1N HCl. Batch adsorption-desorption studies illustrate that CP-AE could be used to remove As(V) from ground water and other industrial effluents.

Gait training reduces ankle joint stiffness and facilitates heel strike in children with Cerebral Palsy.

PubMed

Willerslev-Olsen, Maria; Lorentzen, Jakob; Nielsen, Jens Bo

2014-01-01

Foot drop and toe walking are frequent concerns in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Increased stiffness of the ankle joint muscles may contribute to these problems. Does four weeks of daily home based treadmill training with incline reduce ankle joint stiffness and facilitate heel strike in children with CP? Seventeen children with CP (4-14 years) were recruited. Muscle stiffness and gait ability were measured twice before and twice after training with an interval of one month. Passive and reflex-mediated stiffness were measured by a dynamometer which applied stretches below and above reflex threshold. Gait kinematics were recorded by 3-D video-analysis during treadmill walking. Foot pressure was measured by force-sensitive foot soles during treadmill and over-ground walking. Children with increased passive stiffness showed a significant reduction in stiffness following training (P = 0.01). Toe lift in the swing phase (P = 0.014) and heel impact (P = 0.003) increased significantly following the training during both treadmill and over-ground walking. Daily intensive gait training may influence the elastic properties of ankle joint muscles and facilitate toe lift and heel strike in children with CP. Intensive gait training may be beneficial in preventing contractures and maintain gait ability in children with CP.

Self-image perception of 171 children and adolescents with cleft lip and palate from 22 countries.

PubMed

Abd-Elsayed, Alaa A; Delgado, Sergio V; Livingstone, Morgan

2013-01-01

Cleft lip (CL) and cleft palate (CP) are among the most common congenital deformities of the head and neck. They are associated with many problems, physical and psychological. We describe 171 children and adolescents with CL/CP from 22 countries who were asked to draw their faces in a self-image perception drawing 2 hours before surgery to repair their deformities. The aim of the study was to explore whether children and adolescents with CL and CP perceived themselves as deformed when given the opportunity to draw their faces before surgery to repair their deformities. Children were asked to lie down on a large piece of paper to have their body outline traced. Subsequently, the children were asked to draw their faces within the outline. All of the children included in this study drew their faces with normal mouths. None of the 171 patients with CL/CP drew their deformity when asked to draw their faces; the reasons are not clear. The children may have wanted to compensate for their disability with the constructive use of fantasy as they anticipated the surgery to repair their CL/CP. An additional hypothesis is that the children felt the need to draw an image that they knew represented their parents' desires.

Self-Image Perception of 171 Children and Adolescents With Cleft Lip and Palate From 22 Countries

PubMed Central

Abd-Elsayed, Alaa A.; Delgado, Sergio V.; Livingstone, Morgan

2013-01-01

Background Cleft lip (CL) and cleft palate (CP) are among the most common congenital deformities of the head and neck. They are associated with many problems, physical and psychological. We describe 171 children and adolescents with CL/CP from 22 countries who were asked to draw their faces in a self-image perception drawing 2 hours before surgery to repair their deformities. Methods The aim of the study was to explore whether children and adolescents with CL and CP perceived themselves as deformed when given the opportunity to draw their faces before surgery to repair their deformities. Children were asked to lie down on a large piece of paper to have their body outline traced. Subsequently, the children were asked to draw their faces within the outline. Results All of the children included in this study drew their faces with normal mouths. Conclusion None of the 171 patients with CL/CP drew their deformity when asked to draw their faces; the reasons are not clear. The children may have wanted to compensate for their disability with the constructive use of fantasy as they anticipated the surgery to repair their CL/CP. An additional hypothesis is that the children felt the need to draw an image that they knew represented their parents' desires. PMID:23789006

Assessing near infrared optical properties of ceramic orthodontic brackets using cross-polarization optical coherence tomography.

PubMed

Isfeld, Darren M; Aparicio, Conrado; Jones, Robert S

2014-04-01

Secondary decay (caries) under ceramic orthodontic brackets remains a significant dental problem and near infrared cross-polarization optical coherence tomography (CP-OCT) has the potential to detect underlying demineralization. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of crystalline structure and chemical composition of ceramic brackets on CP-OCT imaging. Four ceramic brackets types, which were divided into monocrystalline and polycrystalline, were examined using CP-OCT. The results of this study demonstrated that the crystallinity of the ceramic brackets affected the 1310 nm CP-OCT imaging with the greatest attenuation seen in polycrystalline alumina brackets. The alumina polycrystalline bracket materials had significantly higher attenuation and scattering than alumina monocrystalline brackets (p < 0.05, ANOVA, Bonferroni). Additionally, bracket base morphology and composition affected NIR light attenuation. There was considerable attenuation in bracket bases that contained additive zirconium spheres (∼30 µm) and this alteration was significantly greater than the jagged alumina crystallographic alterations found in the other bracket systems (p < 0.05, ANOVA, Bonferroni). Noninvasive, near infrared (NIR) cross-polarization optical coherence tomography (CP-OCT) has potential to effectively image through portions of ceramic brackets; however, further investigation into the optical effects of resin integration in the base portion of the brackets is warranted. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Gastroprotective Mechanism and Ulcer Resolution Effect of Cyrtocarpa procera Methanolic Extract on Ethanol-Induced Gastric Injury

PubMed Central

Escobedo-Hinojosa, Wendy Itzel; García-Martínez, Karina; Guerrero Alquicira, Raquel; Cardoso-Taketa, Alexandre

2018-01-01

Gastric ulcers are a worldwide health problem and their poor healing is one of the most important causes for their recurrence. We have previously reported the remarkable gastroprotective and anti-Helicobacter pylori activities of the methanolic extract (CpMet) of Cyrtocarpa procera bark. This work investigates, in a murine model, the CpMet gastroprotective mechanism and establishes its preclinical efficacy in the resolution of ethanol-induced gastric ulcers. The results showed that the gastroprotective activity of CpMet is mainly associated with endogenous NO and prostaglandins, followed by sulfhydryl groups and KATP channels. Furthermore, CpMet (300 mg/kg, twice a day) orally administered during 20 consecutive days promoted an ulcer area reduction of 62.65% at the 20th day of the treatment. The effect was confirmed macroscopically by the alleviation of gastric mucosal erosions and microscopically by an increase in mucin content and a reduction in the inflammatory infiltration at the site of the ulcer. No clinical symptoms or signs of toxicity were observed in the treated animals. The results indicate the safety and efficacy of CpMet in promoting high quality of ulcer healing by different mechanisms, but mostly through cytoprotective and anti-inflammatory effects, making it a promising phytodrug for ulcer treatment. PMID:29507589

Some Decays of Neutral Higgs Bosons in the NMSSM

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chinh Cuong, Nguyen; Thi Thu Trang, Do; Thi Phuong Thuy, Nguyen

2014-09-01

To solve the μ problem of the Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model (MSSM), a single field S is added to build the Next Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model (NMSSM). Vacuum enlarged with non-zero vevs of the neutral-even CP is the combination of Hu, Hd and S. In the NMSSM, the higgs sector is increased to 7 higgs (compared with 5 higgs in the MSSM), including three higgs which are even-CP h1,2,3(mh1 < mh2 < mh3), two higgs which are odd-CP a1,2(ma1 < ma2) and a couple of charged higgs H±. The decays higgs into higgs is one of the remarkable new points of the NMSSM. In this paper we study some decays of neutral Higgs bosons. The numerical results are also presented together with evaluations.

Experimental validation of a linear model for data reduction in chirp-pulse microwave CT.

PubMed

Miyakawa, M; Orikasa, K; Bertero, M; Boccacci, P; Conte, F; Piana, M

2002-04-01

Chirp-pulse microwave computerized tomography (CP-MCT) is an imaging modality developed at the Department of Biocybernetics, University of Niigata (Niigata, Japan), which intends to reduce the microwave-tomography problem to an X-ray-like situation. We have recently shown that data acquisition in CP-MCT can be described in terms of a linear model derived from scattering theory. In this paper, we validate this model by showing that the theoretically computed response function is in good agreement with the one obtained from a regularized multiple deconvolution of three data sets measured with the prototype of CP-MCT. Furthermore, the reliability of the model as far as image restoration in concerned, is tested in the case of space-invariant conditions by considering the reconstruction of simple on-axis cylindrical phantoms.

Substrate dependent stability of conducting polymer coatings on medical electrodes.

PubMed

Green, Rylie A; Hassarati, Rachelle T; Bouchinet, Lucie; Lee, Chaekyung S; Cheong, Gin L M; Yu, Jin F; Dodds, Christopher W; Suaning, Gregg J; Poole-Warren, Laura A; Lovell, Nigel H

2012-09-01

Conducting polymer (CP) coatings on medical electrodes have the potential to provide superior performance when compared to conventional metallic electrodes, but their stability is strongly dependant on the substrate properties. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of laser roughening of underlying platinum (Pt) electrode surfaces on the mechanical, electrical and biological performance of CP coatings. In addition, the impact of dopant type on electrical performance and stability was assessed. The CP poly(ethylene dioxythiophene) (PEDOT) was coated on Pt microelectrode arrays, with three conventional dopant ions. The in vitro electrical characteristics were assessed by cyclic voltammetry and biphasic stimulation. Results showed that laser roughening of the underlying substrate did not affect the charge injection limit of the coated material, but significantly improved the passive stability and chronic stimulation lifetime without failure of the coating. Accelerated material ageing and long-term biphasic stimulus studies determined that some PEDOT variants experienced delamination within as little as 10 days when the underlying Pt was smooth, but laser roughening to produce a surface index of 2.5 improved stability, such that more than 1.3 billion stimulation cycles could be applied without evidence of failure. PEDOT doped with paratoluene sulfonate (PEDOT/pTS) was found to be the most stable CP on roughened Pt, and presented a surface topography which encouraged neural cell attachment. Crown Copyright © 2012. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

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

Arakawa, Akio; Konor, C.S.

Two types of vertical grids are used for atmospheric models: The Lorenz (L grid) and the Charney-Phillips grid (CP grid). In this paper, problems with the L grid are pointed out that are due to the existence of an extra degree of freedom in the vertical distribution of the temperature (and the potential temperature). Then a vertical differencing of the primitive equations based on the CP grid is presented, while most of the advantages of the L grid in a hybrid {sigma}-p vetical coordinate are maintained. The discrete hydrostatic equation is constructed in such a way that it is freemore » from the vertical computational mode in the thermal field. Also, the vertical advection of the potential temperature in the discrete thermodynamic equation is constructed in such a way that it reduces to the standard (and most straightforward) vertical differencing of the quasigeostrophic equations based on the CP grid. Simulations of standing oscillations superposed on a resting atmosphere are presented using two vertically discrete models, one based on the L grid and the other on the CP grid. The comparison of the simulations shows that with the L grid a stationary vertically zigzag pattern dominates in the thermal field, while with the CP grid no such pattern is evident. Simulations of the growth of an extrapolated cyclone in a cyclic channel on a {beta} plan are also presented using two different {sigma}-coordinate models, again one with the L grid and the other with the CP grid, starting from random disturbances. 17 refs., 8 figs.« less

Systematic review of the efficacy of parenting interventions for children with cerebral palsy.

PubMed

Whittingham, K; Wee, D; Boyd, R

2011-07-01

This systematic review aims to evaluate the efficacy of parenting interventions (i.e. behavioural family intervention and parent training) with parents of children with cerebral palsy (CP) on child behavioural outcomes and parenting style/skill outcomes. The following databases were searched: Medline (1950-April 2010), PubMed (1951-April 2010), PsycINFO (1840-April 2010), CINAHL (1982-April 2010) and Web of Science (1900-April 2010). No randomized clinical trials of parenting interventions with parents of children with CP were identified. Three studies were identified that involved the examination of a targeted parenting intervention via a pre-post design. Interventions utilized included the implementation of parenting interventions in conjunction with behavioural intervention and oral motor exercises for children with CP and feeding difficulties, the Hanen It Takes Two to Talk programme and a Functional Communication Training programme for parents. All studies found changes in relevant child behavioural outcomes. The studies reviewed suggest that parenting interventions may be an effective intervention for parents of children with CP. However, the current research is limited to pre-post designs of targeted parenting interventions (e.g. parenting interventions focused upon communication). A randomized controlled trial of parenting interventions for families of children with CP is urgently needed to address this paucity in the literature and provide families of children with CP with an evidence-based intervention to address child behavioural and emotional problems as well as parenting challenges. © 2011 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Physical strain of comfortable walking in children with mild cerebral palsy.

PubMed

Dallmeijer, Annet J; Brehm, Merel-Anne

2011-01-01

To evaluate the physical strain of comfortable walking in children with mild cerebral palsy (CP) in comparison to typically developing (TD) children. Physical strain was defined as the oxygen uptake during walking (VO(2walk)) expressed as a percentage of their maximal aerobic capacity (VO(2peak)). Eighteen children (aged 8-16 years) participated, including eight ambulant children (four girls, four boys) with mild spastic CP (three hemiplegia, five diplegia, GMFCS I: n = 7 and II: n = 1) and 10 TD children. VO(2walk) was measured during 5 min of walking on an indoor track at comfortable walking speed. VO(2peak) was measured in a shuttle run test. VO(2walk) was significantly higher in CP (19.7 (2.8) ml/kg/min) compared to TD (16.8 (3.6) ml/kg/min, p = 0.033), while walking speed did not differ significantly between groups. VO(2peak) was significantly lower in CP (37.2 (2.2) ml/kg/min) compared to TD (45.0 (5.3) ml/kg/min, p = 0.001). Consequently, the physical strain during walking was significantly higher in CP (52 (7.7) %) compared to TD (36 (8.4) %, p = 0.001). The higher physical strain during comfortable walking of children with mild CP compared to TD children may be related to reported problems with fatigue in this population, and suggest a need for physical aerobic training programmes.

Dietary protein quality and quantity affect lactational responses to corn distillers grains: a meta-analysis.

PubMed

Hollmann, M; Allen, M S; Beede, D K

2011-04-01

Diet fermentability influences lactational responses to feeding corn distillers grains (CDG) to dairy cows. However, some measures of diet fermentability are inherently related to the concentration and characteristics of corn-based ingredients in the ration. Corn-based feeds have poor protein quality, unable to meet the essential AA requirements of lactating cows. We conducted a meta-analysis of treatment means (n=44) from the scientific literature to evaluate responses in milk yield (MY) and milk true protein concentration and yield to dietary CDG. The test variable was the difference in response between the CDG diet mean and the control diet mean (0% CDG) within experiment. Fixed variables were CDG concentration of the diet [% of dietary dry matter (DM)] and crude protein (CP) concentration and fractions of CP based on origin (corn-based versus non-corn-based feeds) of control and CDG diets. Diets with CDG ranged from 4 to 42% CDG, DM basis. Non-corn-based dietary CP averaged 6.3±3.32% of total DM. Milk yield and milk true protein yield responses to added CDG were maximized when approximately 8.5% of the total dietary DM was non-corn-based CP. Milk yield response peaked for higher-producing cows (>30.0 kg MY/cow per day) at 4.3% dietary corn-based CP, but decreased linearly for lower-producing cows (<30.0 kg MY/cow per day) as corn-based dietary CP increased. Milk true protein yield response decreased as corn-based dietary CP concentration increased but milk true protein concentration response was not decreased when CDG diets had more than 6.5% dietary non-corn-based CP. Overall, 8.5% dietary non-corn-based CP was necessary in lactation diets to maximize lactational responses to dietary CDG. The necessity of dietary non-corn-based CP to maximize milk and milk protein yields limits the amount of dietary corn-based CP, including that from CDG, which can be included in rations without overfeeding N. Copyright © 2011 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

[Test for assessing levels of alcohol consumption in Bucaramanga, Colombia: design and validation].

PubMed

Herrán, Oscar F; Ardila, María F; Barba, Diana M

2008-03-01

Excessive alcohol intake can pose a serious problem in public health. The development of instruments to classify the consumers correctly is the first stage in the epidemiologic investigation. The internal validity and the reliability was evaluated for a test of problematic alcohol consumption (CP-alcohol) in Bucaramanga, Colombia. 2005--2006. This work provides a measure that is internally consistent and improved reliability of diagnostic technology. Six hundred one subjects between 18 and 60 years participated in the test for CP-alcohol on two occasions. At the same time, a survey on biological variables (VB), socioeconomic (VSE) and dietary (D) was administered. The internal consistency of CP-alcohol was evaluated by calculating the coefficient alpha of Cronbach, and the reliability with coefficients of Spearman and Cohens Kappa. To evaluate the associations among problematic consumption, VB, VSE, D and the risk of alcoholism, the prevalence ratios were calculated using binomial regression. The frequency of problematic alcohol consumption was of 46.9 (CI 42.9-50.9). Men presented an increased frequency of problematic alcohol use 1.6 times that of women (p<0.001). The coefficient alpha of Cronbach was moderate for all the questions of the test (minimum 0.41, maximum 0.61). In the first application of CP-alcohol, Cronbachs alpha was 0.63, and, in the second, 0.49. Spearmans correlation coefficient was of 0.87 (CI 0.84-0.90) for the population-for men 0.86 (CI 0.82-0.90) and for women 0.86 (CI 0.82-0.90). The Kappas obtained were very good, 0.70 to 0.89. Sex, pleasure provided by alcoholic drinks , risk of alcoholism according to Cut Down on Drinking, Annoyed by Criticism, Guilty Feeling, and Eye Opener (CAGE) and the quantity of consumed alcohol were all correlated with problematic consumption. CP-alcohol is a useful test for investigating the epidemiology of health problems associated with alcohol use.

Severe hip displacement reduces health-related quality of life in children with cerebral palsy.

PubMed

Ramstad, Kjersti; Jahnsen, Reidun B; Terjesen, Terje

2017-04-01

Background and purpose - Hip displacement is common in children with severe cerebral palsy (CP) and can cause problems such as pain, contractures, and nursing difficulties. Caregiver priorities and child health index of life with disabilities (CPCHILD) is a recently developed measure of health-related quality of life (HRQL) in children with severe CP. The associations between CPCHILD scores and hip displacement have not been investigated. We explored the effect of hip displacement on HRQL. Patients and methods - 67 children were recruited from the population-based Norwegian CP register. Mean age was 9 (7-12) years. There were 40 boys. Gross motor function classification system (GMFCS) distribution was 12 level III, 17 level IV, and 38 level V. Hip displacement was assessed by radiographic migration percentage (MP). The criterion for hip displacement was MP of the worst hip of ≥40%. Primary caregivers responded to 5 of the 6 domains of the CPCHILD questionnaire. Results - Hip displacement was found in 18 children and it was significantly associated with lower scores on the CPCHILD domains 3 (Comfort and Emotions) and 5 (Health), but not with domains 1 (Activities of Daily Living/Personal Care), 2 (Positioning, Transfer, and Mobility), and 6 (Overall Quality of Life). GMFCS level V was a significant predictor of low scores in all the domains. Interpretation - For the assessment of HRQL in children with severe CP and hip problems, we propose a modified and simplified version of the CPCHILD consisting of 14 of 37 questions. This would reduce the responders' burden and probably increase the response rate in clinical studies without losing important information.

Investigation of thermal transport in polymer composites with percolating networks of silver thin films by the flash diffusivity method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pettersen, Sigurd R.; Nagao, Shijo; Kristiansen, Helge; Helland, Susanne; Njagi, John; Suganuma, Katsuaki; Zhang, Zhiliang; He, Jianying

2017-01-01

The flash diffusivity method, also known as laser flash analysis (LFA), is commonly used to obtain the thermal diffusivity (α) and thermal conductivity (κ) of materials, due to its relative simplicity, rapid measurements, small sample size requirement, and standardized commercially available instruments. In this work, an epoxy adhesive was filled with a large fraction of homogeneous micron-sized polymethylmethacrylate spheres coated with thin silver films, such that a percolating metallic network that dominated the electric and thermal transport formed through the polymer at <3 vol. % silver. Specific heat capacity (Cp) was measured from the LFA measurements by a comparative method and from the total and reversible heat flow signals of modulated differential scanning calorimetry (MDSC). κ was estimated as the product of α, Cp, and density (ρ) and was found to vary significantly with the method to find Cp. The electron contribution was found from the electrical conductivity by the Wiedemann-Franz law and was used to elucidate the thermal transport mechanisms in the composite. A theoretical background for the various methods is included.

An outbreak of chickenpox at a child care centre in Western Australia. Costs to the community and implications for vaccination policy.

PubMed

Vally, Hassan; Dowse, Gary K; Eastwood, Keith; Cameron, Scott

2007-04-01

Between May and June 2002 an outbreak of chickenpox (CP) occurred at a child care centre in Perth, Western Australia. An epidemiological study was undertaken in order to determine the characteristics of the outbreak, assess vaccine effectiveness, and to define the direct and indirect costs associated with CP infections in young children. A cohort study of the outbreak utilising attendance records and a telephone survey of parents was conducted. Of the 211 children attending the child care centre at the time of the outbreak, 44 contracted CP (attack rate 25.7%). In addition, two staff members, five secondary household contacts (secondary attack rate 38.5%) and four secondary non-household associated contacts were infected. There were no severe complications or any hospitalisations recorded in infected persons. Two cases had been vaccinated previously. Vaccine effectiveness for CP of any severity was 78.0% (95% CI 15.4-94.3%) while vaccine effectiveness against severe CP was 100%. Direct costs during this outbreak were estimated to be $54 per case and the total costs, including cost of parental time off work or study, were estimated to be $525.73 per case. Although morbidity associated with CP in young children is not great, infection in childhood is almost universal. This study found that the average costs associated with each CP case were considerable. Since varicella vaccine affords good protection against CP, the recent inclusion of this vaccine in the Australian childhood vaccination schedule should save the community a considerable amount in direct and indirect costs if high coverage rates can be achieved.

Continuous measurements of bedload transport rates in a small glacial river catchment in the summer season (Spitsbergen)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kociuba, Waldemar; Janicki, Grzegorz

2014-05-01

The study on bedload transport was conducted on the gravel-bed Scott River catchment with a glacial alimentation regime, located in the NW part of the Wedel Jarlsberg Land (Spitsbergen) with subpolar climatic conditions. In the melt season of 2010, bedload transport rate was continuously monitored at 24-hour intervals by means of four River Bedload Trap devices aligned across the width of the channel. The maximum bedload transport rate varied strongly at portions of the cross section from 16 to 152 kg m- 1 d- 1 in cross-profile I (c-p I) and 4 to 125 kg m- 1 d- 1 in cross-profile II (c-p II). The maximum channel-mean bedload transport rate (qa) amounted to 54 kg m- 1 d- 1 (c-p I) and 35 kg m- 1 d- 1 (c-p II). Mean daily bedload discharge (Qb) was estimated at a level of 97 kg day- 1 (c-p I) and 35 kg m- 1 d- 1 (c-p II), and the total bedload yield was determined at approx. 4345 kg in the measurement period (2086 kg — c-p I; 2203 kg — c-p II from 13.07 to 10.08). The analysis of the relationship between channel-mean bedload transport rate and water velocity or shear stress revealed a significant value of the correlation coefficient (R2 = 0.6). Discharge and rate of bedload transport were dependent on the weather and number of days with flood discharge. Approx. 58% of the entire discharged bedload was transported during 3 violent ablation-precipitation floods. Bedload grain size distribution was right-skewed and showed moderate sorting.

Deficits in long-term recognition memory reveal dissociated subtypes in congenital prosopagnosia.

PubMed

Stollhoff, Rainer; Jost, Jürgen; Elze, Tobias; Kennerknecht, Ingo

2011-01-25

The study investigates long-term recognition memory in congenital prosopagnosia (CP), a lifelong impairment in face identification that is present from birth. Previous investigations of processing deficits in CP have mostly relied on short-term recognition tests to estimate the scope and severity of individual deficits. We firstly report on a controlled test of long-term (one year) recognition memory for faces and objects conducted with a large group of participants with CP. Long-term recognition memory is significantly impaired in eight CP participants (CPs). In all but one case, this deficit was selective to faces and didn't extend to intra-class recognition of object stimuli. In a test of famous face recognition, long-term recognition deficits were less pronounced, even after accounting for differences in media consumption between controls and CPs. Secondly, we combined test results on long-term and short-term recognition of faces and objects, and found a large heterogeneity in severity and scope of individual deficits. Analysis of the observed heterogeneity revealed a dissociation of CP into subtypes with a homogeneous phenotypical profile. Thirdly, we found that among CPs self-assessment of real-life difficulties, based on a standardized questionnaire, and experimentally assessed face recognition deficits are strongly correlated. Our results demonstrate that controlled tests of long-term recognition memory are needed to fully assess face recognition deficits in CP. Based on controlled and comprehensive experimental testing, CP can be dissociated into subtypes with a homogeneous phenotypical profile. The CP subtypes identified align with those found in prosopagnosia caused by cortical lesions; they can be interpreted with respect to a hierarchical neural system for face perception.

Clinical Placement Before or After Simulated Learning Environments?: A Naturalistic Study of Clinical Skills Acquisition Among Early-Stage Paramedicine Students.

PubMed

Mills, Brennen W; Carter, Owen B J; Rudd, Cobie J; Ross, Nathan P; Claxton, Louise A

2015-10-01

There is conflicting evidence surrounding the merit of clinical placements (CPs) for early-stage health-profession students. Some contend that early-stage CPs facilitate contextualization of a subsequently learned theory. Others argue that training in simulated-learning experiences (SLEs) should occur before CP to ensure that students possess at least basic competency. We sought to investigate both claims. First-year paramedicine students (n = 85) undertook 3 days of CP and SLEs as part of course requirements. Students undertook CP either before or after participation in SLEs creating 2 groups (Clin → Sim/Sim → Clin). Clinical skills acquisition was measured via direct scenario-based clinical assessments with expert observers conducted at 4 intervals during the semester. Perceptions of difficulty of CP and SLE were measured via the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Task Load Index. Students' clinical assessment scores in both groups improved significantly from beginning to end of semester (P < 0.001). However, at semester's end, clinical assessment scores for the Sim → Clin group were statistically significantly greater than those of the Clin → Sim group (P = 0.021). Both groups found SLEs more demanding than CP (P < 0.001). However, compared with the Sim → Clin group, the Clin → Sim group rated SLE as substantially more time-demanding than CP (P = 0.003). Differences in temporal demand suggest that the Clin → Sim students had fewer opportunities to practice clinical skills during CP than the Sim → Clin students due to a more limited scope of practice. The Sim → Clin students contextualized SLE within subsequent CP resulting in greater improvement in clinical competency by semester's end in comparison with the Clin → Sim students who were forced to contextualize skills retrospectively.

ParticiPAte CP: a protocol of a randomised waitlist controlled trial of a motivational and behaviour change therapy intervention to increase physical activity through meaningful participation in children with cerebral palsy.

PubMed

Reedman, Sarah Elizabeth; Boyd, Roslyn N; Elliott, Catherine; Sakzewski, Leanne

2017-08-07

Children with cerebral palsy (CP) participate in leisure-time physical activities (PA) less often, with less intensity and reduced diversity than their typically developing peers. Participation in leisure-time physical activities may be an important source of habitual physical activity (HPA) for children with CP, who as a group have lower levels of HPA and increased sedentary time compared with their typically developing peers. The proposed study aims to compare the efficacy of a participation focused therapy (ParticiPAte CP) to usual care in a pragmatic, randomised waitlist controlled trial. Thirty-six children with CP (18 in each group), classified as Gross Motor Function Classification System levels I to III, aged between 8 and 12 years will be recruited across South East Queensland, Australia. Children will be randomised to receive either ParticiPAte CP or waitlist usual care using concealed allocation. ParticiPAte CP is an individually tailored, goal-directed intervention model of pragmatic participation-focused therapy using a toolbox of evidence-based strategies in the treatment of children with CP. This will include goal-setting; identification of barriers and facilitators to participation goals, strategy formation and planning and communication guided by principles of Self-Determination Theory using strategies of Motivational Interviewing. The intervention comprises 8 weekly sessions of 1 hour duration conducted by a physiotherapist in the child's home or community. ACTRN12615001064594. © Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2017. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.

Deficits in Long-Term Recognition Memory Reveal Dissociated Subtypes in Congenital Prosopagnosia

PubMed Central

Stollhoff, Rainer; Jost, Jürgen; Elze, Tobias; Kennerknecht, Ingo

2011-01-01

The study investigates long-term recognition memory in congenital prosopagnosia (CP), a lifelong impairment in face identification that is present from birth. Previous investigations of processing deficits in CP have mostly relied on short-term recognition tests to estimate the scope and severity of individual deficits. We firstly report on a controlled test of long-term (one year) recognition memory for faces and objects conducted with a large group of participants with CP. Long-term recognition memory is significantly impaired in eight CP participants (CPs). In all but one case, this deficit was selective to faces and didn't extend to intra-class recognition of object stimuli. In a test of famous face recognition, long-term recognition deficits were less pronounced, even after accounting for differences in media consumption between controls and CPs. Secondly, we combined test results on long-term and short-term recognition of faces and objects, and found a large heterogeneity in severity and scope of individual deficits. Analysis of the observed heterogeneity revealed a dissociation of CP into subtypes with a homogeneous phenotypical profile. Thirdly, we found that among CPs self-assessment of real-life difficulties, based on a standardized questionnaire, and experimentally assessed face recognition deficits are strongly correlated. Our results demonstrate that controlled tests of long-term recognition memory are needed to fully assess face recognition deficits in CP. Based on controlled and comprehensive experimental testing, CP can be dissociated into subtypes with a homogeneous phenotypical profile. The CP subtypes identified align with those found in prosopagnosia caused by cortical lesions; they can be interpreted with respect to a hierarchical neural system for face perception. PMID:21283572

Comparison of Re-irradiation Outcomes for Charged Particle Radiotherapy and Robotic Stereotactic Radiotherapy Using CyberKnife for Recurrent Head and Neck Cancers: A Multi-institutional Matched-cohort Analysis.

PubMed

Yamazaki, Hideya; Demizu, Yusuke; Okimoto, Tomoaki; Ogita, Mikio; Himei, Kengo; Nakamura, Satoaki; Suzuki, Gen; Yoshida, Ken; Kotsuma, Tadayuki; Yoshioka, Yasuo

2016-10-01

To compare survival outcomes for charged particle radiotherapy (CP) and stereotactic body radiotherapy using CyberKnife (CK) in patients who had undergone re-irradiation for head and neck cancers. We conducted a retrospective multi-institutional matched-cohort analysis on 25 patients treated with CP and 25 matched patients treated with CK according to three prognostic factors (nasopharyngeal cancer or not, interval between initial radiotherapy and re-irradiation, and planning target volume). CP was used more often to treat non-squamous cell cancer ((non-SCC): 52% vs. 0%) with a higher prescribed dose (median=57.6 Gy(RBE)/16 fractions) than CK (32 Gy/5 fractions). The local control rate (LC) for patients treated with CP was 71.2% at 1 year and that for patients treated with CK was 63.8% (p=0.24). The 1-year overall survival (OS) rates were 67.1% for CP and 36.3% for CK (p=0.0002), respectively. Non-SCC patients showed better OS rates at 1 year than SCC patients. In the SCC sub-group analysis, the 1-year LC, OS rates were 65%, 58.3% in the CP group and 64%, 36.3% in the CK group (p=0.81, p=0.02), respectively. A total of 16 patients (32%) experienced grade 3 or worse toxicities (24% in CK and 40% in CP, p=0.36), including six grade 5 toxicities. CP produced higher survival rates than CK, treated more non-SCC patients and used a higher prescribed dose. On the other hand, severe toxicities occurred in both groups, which, however, require further investigation. Copyright© 2016 International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. John G. Delinassios), All rights reserved.

The effect of having a children with cerebral palsy on quality of life, burn-out, depression and anxiety scores: a comparative study.

PubMed

Basaran, A; Karadavut, K I; Uneri, S O; Balbaloglu, O; Atasoy, N

2013-12-01

The caregivers of children with cerebral palsy (CP) should overcome the difficulties and complications arising from their children's impairments. It may be stressful for the caregivers when the balance between these inevitable demands and their own social needs impairs. Therefore, the primary caregiver, may experience several psycho-social problems. To compare the quality of life (QoL), mental health and burnout of caregivers of patients with CP and healthy controls. The effects of the functional limitations of children with CP on the QoL, mental health and burnout of caregivers have also been evaluated. Cross-sectional, comparative. Outpatient. One hundred and forty-three caregivers of children with CP and 60 caregivers of typically developing children were recruited for the study. The inventories related to QoL, mental health and burnout of the caregivers for both groups were compared. The correlations between functional limitations of the children with CP and QoL, mental health and burnout of their caregivers have been analyzed. Caregivers in CP group had poorer QoL, worser mental health, and higher burnout levels compared to the controls. The functional limitations of the children with CP were correlated with impairment of QoL and depression scores of their caregivers, but not with the anxiety or burnout scores. Having a disabled child has interference on caregivers' QoL and mental health and increases the burnout. Furthermore, as the functional impairment level of the child increases, the interference does too. Clinical rehabilitation impact. Health professionals working in this area should also consider the mental health and the QoL of caregivers and should develop interventions that support and nurture the family as a whole.

Unique Proton Transportation Pathway in a Robust Inorganic Coordination Polymer Leading to Intrinsically High and Sustainable Anhydrous Proton Conductivity.

PubMed

Gui, Daxiang; Dai, Xing; Tao, Zetian; Zheng, Tao; Wang, Xiangxiang; Silver, Mark A; Shu, Jie; Chen, Lanhua; Wang, Yanlong; Zhang, Tiantian; Xie, Jian; Zou, Lin; Xia, Yuanhua; Zhang, Jujia; Zhang, Jin; Zhao, Ling; Diwu, Juan; Zhou, Ruhong; Chai, Zhifang; Wang, Shuao

2018-05-16

Although comprehensive progress has been made in the area of coordination polymer (CP)/metal-organic framework (MOF)-based proton-conducting materials over the past decade, searching for a CP/MOF with stable, intrinsic, high anhydrous proton conductivity that can be directly used as a practical electrolyte in an intermediate-temperature proton-exchange membrane fuel cell assembly for durable power generation remains a substantial challenge. Here, we introduce a new proton-conducting CP, (NH 4 ) 3 [Zr(H 2/3 PO 4 ) 3 ] (ZrP), which consists of one-dimensional zirconium phosphate anionic chains and fully ordered charge-balancing NH 4 + cations. X-ray crystallography, neutron powder diffraction, and variable-temperature solid-state NMR spectroscopy suggest that protons are disordered within an inherent hydrogen-bonded infinite chain of acid-base pairs (N-H···O-P), leading to a stable anhydrous proton conductivity of 1.45 × 10 -3 S·cm -1 at 180 °C, one of the highest values among reported intermediate-temperature proton-conducting materials. First-principles and quantum molecular dynamics simulations were used to directly visualize the unique proton transport pathway involving very efficient proton exchange between NH 4 + and phosphate pairs, which is distinct from the common guest encapsulation/dehydration/superprotonic transition mechanisms. ZrP as the electrolyte was further assembled into a H 2 /O 2 fuel cell, which showed a record-high electrical power density of 12 mW·cm -2 at 180 °C among reported cells assembled from crystalline solid electrolytes, as well as a direct methanol fuel cell for the first time to demonstrate real applications. These cells were tested for over 15 h without notable power loss.

Solid-state fermentation of rice straw residues for its use as growing medium in ornamental nurseries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Belal, Elsayed B.; El-Mahrouk, M. E.

2010-11-01

This work was conducted at a private nursery in Kafr El-Sheikh governorate to investigate the bioconversion of rice straw into a soil-like substrate (SLS) by Phanerochaete chrysosporium and Trichoderma hazianum and the possibility of using rice straw compost in ornamental nurseries as a partial or total replacement of coconut peat (CP) and vermiculite (V) in the growing medium. The results showed that rice straw could be treated better by aerobic fermentation. The authors used five mixtures as follows: (1) Control (CP+V at 1:1 v/v), (2) SLS (100%), (3) SLS+CP (1:1 v/v), (4) SLS+V (1:1 v/v), and (5) SLS+CP+V (1:1:1 v/v/v). Data were recorded as seedling height, no. of leaves, shoot fresh and dry weights, root length and root fresh and dry weights in order to assess the quality of both transplants of Althea rosea (hollyhock) and Calendula officinalis (scotch marigold). Hollyhock seedlings grown in medium containing a mixture of SLS+CP+V displayed quality traits similar to those recorded from the control treatment, while scotch marigold seedlings in the same medium followed the control medium in quality.

Deep brain stimulation in cerebral palsy: Challenges and opportunities.

PubMed

Koy, Anne; Timmermann, Lars

2017-01-01

Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common cause for acquired dystonia in childhood. Pharmacological treatment is often unsatisfactory and side effects are frequently dose-limiting. Data on outcome of DBS in paediatric patients with dyskinetic CP is very limited and heterogeneous. Reasons for the variability in responses are not entirely known yet. Interestingly, some CP-patients seem to improve subjectively on pallidal stimulation but without measurable changes in impairment scales. Besides dystonia scales, the use of sensitive age-dependent assessments tools is therefore reasonable to capture the full effect. As the course of disease duration as well as the age at operation seem to correlate with DBS outcome in patients with dystonia, DBS at an early stage of development might be beneficial for some of these patients. For the future, well-conducted trials as well as data collection in the international registry is of major importance to increase knowledge about DBS in CP patients, especially those implanted at a young age. Furthermore, selection criteria and guidelines or treatment standards are needed to improve the service for children with dyskinetic CP - especially in light of unsatisfactory medical treatment options. Copyright © 2016 European Paediatric Neurology Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The Screaming Boredom of Learning Science

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Krips, H.

1977-01-01

Advocates changing the role of secondary school science from one of theory verification and problem solving to the formulation and acceptance of hypotheses for observed phenomena. Provides an example of the procedure using Hooke's Law. (CP)

Synthesis and characterization of Al & SiCp nano particles by non-contact ultrasonic assisted method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Swain, Pradyut Kumar; Das, Ratnakar; Sahoo, Ashok Kumar; Naik, Bikash; Padhi, Payodhar

2018-05-01

The present study deals with proper mixing of SiCp nano particle in the aluminum metal matrix in two stages of processing i.e. primary and secondary. During primary processing, the breaking of agglomeration of nano particles take place and these are mixed with liquid aluminum powder using high frequency(35kHz) mechanical vibration. But, during secondary processing, mixing of nano particles along with subsequent cooling take place using high frequency non contact ultrasonic method. The study also reveals that in the liquid metal nano particle were uniformly dispersed and the segregation of the particles near the grain boundaries is due to pushing of the nano particle during grain growth. The study was performed by taking aluminum as matrix and SiCp as reinforcement with weight fraction of 2% and 3% and SiCp particles sizes of 30nm each. Scanning electron microscopy(SEM) and X-ray diffraction(XRD) were conducted for characterization of nano composite material.

Design and fabrication of a microstrip patch antenna with a low radar cross section in the X-band

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jang, Hong-Kyu; Lee, Won-Jun; Kim, Chun-Gon

2011-01-01

In this study, the authors developed a radar absorbing method to reduce the antenna radar cross section (RCS) without any loss of antenna performance. The new method was based upon an electromagnetic bandgap (EBG) absorber using conducting polymer (CP). First, a microstrip patch antenna was made by using a copper film and glass/epoxy composite materials, which are typically used for load-bearing structures, such as aircraft and other vehicles. Then, CP EBG patterns were also designed that had a 90% electromagnetic (EM) wave absorbing performance within the X-band (8.2-12.4 GHz). Finally, the CP EBG patterns were printed on the top surface of the microstrip patch antenna. The measured radar absorbing performance of the fabricated patch antenna showed that the frontal RCS of the antenna declined by nearly 95% at 10 GHz frequency while the CP EBG patterns had almost no effect on the antenna's performance.

Application of the self-diagnosis composite into concrete structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Matsubara, Hideaki; Shin, Soon-Gi; Okuhara, Yoshiki; Nomura, Hiroshi; Yanagida, Hiroaki

2001-04-01

The function and performance of the self-diagnosis composites embedded in mortar/concrete blocks and concrete piles were investigated by bending tests and electrical resistance measurements. Carbon powder (CP) and carbon fiber (CF) were introduced in glass fiber reinforced plastics composites to obtain electrical conductivity. The CP composite has commonly good performances in various bending tests of block and pile specimens, comparing to the CF composite. The electrical resistance of the CP composite increases in a small strain to response remarkably micro-crack formation at about 200 (mu) strain and to detect well to smaller deformations before the crack formation. The CP composite possesses a continuous resistance change up to a large strain level near the final fracture of concrete structures reinforced by steel bars. The cyclic bending tests showed that the micro crack closed at unloading state was able to be evaluated from the measurement of residual resistance. It has been concluded that the self- diagnosis composite is fairly useful for the measurement of damage and fracture in concrete blocks and piles.

Immunomodulatory and Hemagglutinating Activities of Acidic Polysaccharides Isolated from Combretum racemosum

PubMed Central

Schepetkin, Igor A.; Kouakou, Koffi; Yapi, Ahoua; Kirpotina, Liliya N.; Jutila, Mark A.; Quinn, Mark T.

2013-01-01

Extracts of leaves of different species of the genus Combretum have been used historically to treat a variety of medicinal problems. However, little is known about the active components conferring therapeutic properties to these extracts. In the present studies, we evaluated biochemical properties and immunomodulatory activity of polysaccharides isolated from the leaves of Combretum racemosum. Water-soluble polysaccharides from leaves of C. racemosum were extracted and fractionated by DEAE-cellulose and Diaion HP-20 to obtain a Diaion-bound fraction, designated Combretum polysaccharide-acidic bound or CP-AB, which was eluted with methanol, and an unbound fraction, designated as CP-AU. Molecular weight determination, sugar analysis, and other physical and chemical characterization of the fractions were performed. Fraction CP-AU (mol. weight 5.0 kDa) contained type II arabinogalactan and had potent immunomodulatory activity, inducing the production of interleukin (IL)-1β, -6, -10, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) by human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and MonoMac-6 monocytic cells. Likewise, intraperitoneal administration of CP-AU increased in vivo serum levels of IL-6 and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) in mice. CP-AU-induced secretion of TNF-α in PBMC was prevented by Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) antagonist LPS-RS. Treatment with CP-AU induced phosphorylation of Akt2, Akt3, GSK-3β, HSP27, mTOR, and all p38 MAPK isoforms (α, β, δ, and γ), as well as stimulation of AP-1/NF-κB transcriptional activity. In addition, CP-AU effectively agglutinated erythrocytes from several species, including human, mouse, and rabbit. In contrast, fraction CP-AB was inactive in all biological tests, including cytokine production and hemagglutination. These data suggest that at least part of the beneficial therapeutic effects reported for the water extracts of leaves from C. racemosum are due to modulation of leukocyte functions. PMID:23380150

The Complete Chloroplast Genome of Wild Rice (Oryza minuta) and Its Comparison to Related Species.

PubMed

Asaf, Sajjad; Waqas, Muhammad; Khan, Abdul L; Khan, Muhammad A; Kang, Sang-Mo; Imran, Qari M; Shahzad, Raheem; Bilal, Saqib; Yun, Byung-Wook; Lee, In-Jung

2017-01-01

Oryza minuta , a tetraploid wild relative of cultivated rice (family Poaceae), possesses a BBCC genome and contains genes that confer resistance to bacterial blight (BB) and white-backed (WBPH) and brown (BPH) plant hoppers. Based on the importance of this wild species, this study aimed to understand the phylogenetic relationships of O. minuta with other Oryza species through an in-depth analysis of the composition and diversity of the chloroplast (cp) genome. The analysis revealed a cp genome size of 135,094 bp with a typical quadripartite structure and consisting of a pair of inverted repeats separated by small and large single copies, 139 representative genes, and 419 randomly distributed microsatellites. The genomic organization, gene order, GC content and codon usage are similar to those of typical angiosperm cp genomes. Approximately 30 forward, 28 tandem and 20 palindromic repeats were detected in the O . minuta cp genome. Comparison of the complete O. minuta cp genome with another eleven Oryza species showed a high degree of sequence similarity and relatively high divergence of intergenic spacers. Phylogenetic analyses were conducted based on the complete genome sequence, 65 shared genes and matK gene showed same topologies and O. minuta forms a single clade with parental O. punctata . Thus, the complete O . minuta cp genome provides interesting insights and valuable information that can be used to identify related species and reconstruct its phylogeny.

Assemblage of Presolar Materials and Early Solar System Condensates in Chondritic Porous Interplanetary Dust Particles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nguyen, A. N.; Nakamura-Messenger, K.; Messenger, S.; Keller, L. P.; Kloeck, W.

2015-01-01

Anhydrous chondritic porous inter-planetary dust particles (CP IDPs) contain an assortment of highly primitive solar system components, molecular cloud matter, and presolar grains. These IDPs have largely escaped parent body processing that has affected meteorites, advocating cometary origins. Though the stardust abundance in CP IDPs is generally greater than in primitive meteorites, it can vary widely among individual CP IDPs. The average abundance of silicate stardust among isotopically primitive IDPs is approx. 375 ppm while some have extreme abundances up to approx. 1.5%. H and N isotopic anomalies are common in CP IDPs and the carrier of these anomalies has been traced to organic matter that has experienced chemical reactions in cold molecular clouds or the outer protosolar disk. Significant variations in these anomalies may reflect different degrees of nebular processing. Refractory inclusions are commonly observed in carbonaceous chondrites. These inclusions are among the first solar system condensates and display 16O-rich isotopic compositions. Refractory grains have also been observed in the comet 81P/Wild-2 samples re-turned from the Stardust Mission and in CP IDPs, but they occur with much less frequency. Here we conduct coordinated mineralogical and isotopic analyses of CP IDPs that were characterized for their bulk chemistry by to study the distribution of primitive components and the degree of nebular alteration incurred.

Comorbidity of Alcohol Use Disorder and Chronic Pain: Genetic Influences on Brain Reward and Stress Systems.

PubMed

Yeung, Ellen W; Craggs, Jason G; Gizer, Ian R

2017-11-01

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is highly comorbid with chronic pain (CP). Evidence has suggested that neuroadaptive processes characterized by reward deficit and stress surfeit are involved in the development of AUD and pain chronification. Neurological data suggest that shared genetic architecture associated with the reward and stress systems may contribute to the comorbidity of AUD and CP. This monograph first delineates the prevailing theories of the development of AUD and pain chronification focusing on the reward and stress systems. It then provides a brief summary of relevant neurological findings followed by an evaluation of evidence documented by molecular genetic studies. Candidate gene association studies have provided some initial support for the genetic overlap between AUD and CP; however, these results must be interpreted with caution until studies with sufficient statistical power are conducted and replications obtained. Genomewide association studies have suggested a number of genes (e.g., TBX19, HTR7, and ADRA1A) that are either directly or indirectly related to the reward and stress systems in the AUD and CP literature. Evidence reviewed in this monograph suggests that shared genetic liability underlying the comorbidity between AUD and CP, if present, is likely to be complex. As the advancement in molecular genetic methods continues, future studies may show broader central nervous system involvement in AUD-CP comorbidity. Copyright © 2017 by the Research Society on Alcoholism.

The effect of passivation film in preparation 3D structural carbon paper/tin oxide@carbon as freestanding anode for lithium-ion batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deng, Chenfang; Liu, Yang; Lu, Zhongpei; Ma, Chao; Ge, Tao; Li, Weili; Yang, Gang

2018-03-01

Tin-based compounds are potential anode materials for high performance lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Due to the low melting point of metallic Sn, it is hard to maintain the crystal morphology of Sn during the as-follow process of carbon coating for high performance anode. In this work, the core@shell composite of SnOx@carbon (SnOx@C) is successfully fabricated on the substrate of carbon paper (CP) through electrodeposition and carbonization based on the precursor of Sn nanoparticles. A passivation shell is essentially grown onto Sn particles to obtain a stable structure of SnOx@C, otherwise the Sn particles will be pulverized and fell off the substrate of CP during the subsequent process of carbonization. The as-produced CP/SnOx@C film has excellent flexibility and mechanical stability to be directly served as electrode for LIBs. Carbon shell prevents the detachment and agglomeration of the active particles during lithiation/delithiation processes and maintains the stability of the conductive network. After 100th cycles, CP/SnOx@C electrode delivers 0.8 mAh cm-2, much higher than the capacity 0.37 mAh cm-2 of CP/Sn electrode operated at the current density of 0.1 mA cm-2. These features enable the flexible film of CP/SnOx@C to be attractive applications in energy storage devices.

[Peculiarities of diabetes mellitus course in chronic pancreatitis].

PubMed

Vinokurova, L V; Drozdov, V N; Berezina, O I; Shuliat'ev, I S; Varvanina, G G; Nemezhinskiĭ, V I

2011-01-01

In order to identify features of the course pancreatic diabetes and discussion of the principles of conservative therapy were examined 66 patients with CP in age of 30 to 65 years (55 men, 11 women). Among them in 22 cases disease was followed with formation of calcification of pancreas, 13 - pancreatic cysts, and 5 revealed pseudo tumor form of CP, 10 patients had clinical and laboratory evidence of diabetes. Concerning CP complicated course were performed 14 resection and 11 draining operations on the pancreas. Based on clinical, instrumental and laboratory data was made the diagnosis of CP. Exocrine pancreatic function was assessed on the results of the breath test, using 13C-trioktanaine, which is applied for exocrine pancreatic function in vivo test. The content of C-peptide was investigated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The data indicate pancreatic exocrine function decrease in patients with CP with complications and without complications in compare with the norm of 44% (24,3 +/- 1,7, 26,6 +/- 1,3%, respectively) according to the breath test. Significant decrease of the cumulative output tags based on the test data of patients with CP and pancreatic calcification, diabetes mellitus, after resection surgery with CP complications, and there were significant differences in compare with a group of patients with CP without complications (p = 0.5). The level of C-peptide in these groups of patients decreased significantly in compare with a group of patients with CP without complications, and patients with CP and Diabetes was reduced to 0,11 +/- 0,02 ng/ml, at a rate range of 0.7-1.9 ng/ml, ie below the minimum values of norm. Obtained a direct correlation between the level of C-peptide and indicators breath test in patients after resection HP (r = 0,84, p = 0,03). Antibodies to insulin in the whole group of studied patients CPs were negative, which proves the specific type of Diabetes at HP. Antibodies to insulin can be detected only at diabetes type 1. In 7 patients with CP and CD detected calcification, 5 patients performed resection surgery, 3 patients had calcification and conducted the pancreas resection. Thus, we can conclude that in patients with CP and formation of pancreas calcification, pancreas resections may predict the development of diabetes.

Regulatory effect of paraprobiotic Lactobacillus gasseri CP2305 on gut environment and function.

PubMed

Sugawara, Tomonori; Sawada, Daisuke; Ishida, Yu; Aihara, Kotaro; Aoki, Yumeko; Takehara, Isao; Takano, Kazuhiko; Fujiwara, Shigeru

2016-01-01

Lactobacillus gasseri CP2305 (CP2305) is a strain of Lactobacillus isolated from a stool sample from a healthy adult that showed beneficial effects on health as a paraprobiotic. In a previous study, we demonstrated that CP2305-fermented heat-treated milk modified gut functions more than artificially acidified sour milk. Thus, the regulatory activity of the former beverage was attributed to the inactivated CP2305 cells. The aim of this study was to elucidate the contribution of non-viable paraprobiotic CP2305 cells to regulating human gut functions. We thus conducted a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded parallel group trial. The trial included 118 healthy participants with relatively low or high stool frequencies. The test beverage was prepared by adding 1×10(10) washed, heat-treated, and dried CP2305 cells directly to the placebo beverage. The participants ingested a bottle of the assigned beverage daily for 3 weeks and answered daily questionnaires about defecation and quality of life. Fecal samples were collected and the fecal characteristics, microbial metabolite contents of the feces and composition of fecal microbiota were evaluated. The number of evacuations and the scores for fecal odors were significantly improved in the group that consumed the CP2305-containing beverage compared with those of the group that consumed the placebo (p=0.035 and p=0.040, respectively). Regarding the fecal contents of microbial metabolites, the level of fecal p-cresol was significantly decreased in the CP2305 group relative to that of the placebo group (p=0.013). The Bifidobacterium content of the intestinal microbiota was significantly increased in the CP2305 group relative to that of the placebo group (p<0.008), whereas the content of Clostridium cluster IV was significantly decreased (p<0.003). The parasympathetic nerve activity of the autonomic nervous system became dominant and the total power of autonomic activity was elevated in the CP2305 group (p=0.0401 and p=0.011, respectively). The continuous ingestion of heat-treated CP2305 cells clearly affected intestinal functionality. This is the first report of sterilized Lactobacillus cells having a significant impact on the environment and functions of the intestinal tract. The observed effects might be due, at least in part, to the brain-gut interaction.

Regulatory effect of paraprobiotic Lactobacillus gasseri CP2305 on gut environment and function

PubMed Central

Sugawara, Tomonori; Sawada, Daisuke; Ishida, Yu; Aihara, Kotaro; Aoki, Yumeko; Takehara, Isao; Takano, Kazuhiko; Fujiwara, Shigeru

2016-01-01

Background Lactobacillus gasseri CP2305 (CP2305) is a strain of Lactobacillus isolated from a stool sample from a healthy adult that showed beneficial effects on health as a paraprobiotic. In a previous study, we demonstrated that CP2305-fermented heat-treated milk modified gut functions more than artificially acidified sour milk. Thus, the regulatory activity of the former beverage was attributed to the inactivated CP2305 cells. Objective The aim of this study was to elucidate the contribution of non-viable paraprobiotic CP2305 cells to regulating human gut functions. We thus conducted a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded parallel group trial. Design The trial included 118 healthy participants with relatively low or high stool frequencies. The test beverage was prepared by adding 1×1010 washed, heat-treated, and dried CP2305 cells directly to the placebo beverage. The participants ingested a bottle of the assigned beverage daily for 3 weeks and answered daily questionnaires about defecation and quality of life. Fecal samples were collected and the fecal characteristics, microbial metabolite contents of the feces and composition of fecal microbiota were evaluated. Results The number of evacuations and the scores for fecal odors were significantly improved in the group that consumed the CP2305-containing beverage compared with those of the group that consumed the placebo (p=0.035 and p=0.040, respectively). Regarding the fecal contents of microbial metabolites, the level of fecal p-cresol was significantly decreased in the CP2305 group relative to that of the placebo group (p=0.013). The Bifidobacterium content of the intestinal microbiota was significantly increased in the CP2305 group relative to that of the placebo group (p<0.008), whereas the content of Clostridium cluster IV was significantly decreased (p<0.003). The parasympathetic nerve activity of the autonomic nervous system became dominant and the total power of autonomic activity was elevated in the CP2305 group (p=0.0401 and p=0.011, respectively). Conclusions The continuous ingestion of heat-treated CP2305 cells clearly affected intestinal functionality. This is the first report of sterilized Lactobacillus cells having a significant impact on the environment and functions of the intestinal tract. The observed effects might be due, at least in part, to the brain–gut interaction. PMID:26979643

Relaxation from particle production

DOE PAGES

Hook, Anson; Marques-Tavares, Gustavo

2016-12-20

Here, we consider using particle production as a friction force by which to implement a “Relaxion” solution to the electroweak hierarchy problem. Using this approach, we are able to avoid superplanckian field excursions and avoid any conflict with the strong CP problem. The relaxation mechanism can work before, during or after inflation allowing for inflationary dynamics to play an important role or to be completely decoupled.

Applications of conducting polymers and their issues in biomedical engineering

PubMed Central

Ravichandran, Rajeswari; Sundarrajan, Subramanian; Venugopal, Jayarama Reddy; Mukherjee, Shayanti; Ramakrishna, Seeram

2010-01-01

Conducting polymers (CPs) have attracted much interest as suitable matrices of biomolecules and have been used to enhance the stability, speed and sensitivity of various biomedical devices. Moreover, CPs are inexpensive, easy to synthesize and versatile because their properties can be readily modulated by (i) surface functionalization techniques and (ii) the use of a wide range of molecules that can be entrapped or used as dopants. This paper discusses the various surface modifications of the CP that can be employed in order to impart physico-chemical and biological guidance cues that promote cell adhesion/proliferation at the polymer–tissue interface. This ability of the CP to induce various cellular mechanisms widens its applications in medical fields and bioengineering. PMID:20610422

Pharmacists' Perceptions of the Barriers and Facilitators to the Implementation of Clinical Pharmacy Key Performance Indicators

PubMed Central

Minard, Laura V; Deal, Heidi; Harrison, Megan E; Toombs, Kent; Neville, Heather; Meade, Andrea

2016-01-01

Background In hospitals around the world, there has been no consensus regarding which clinical activities a pharmacist should focus on until recently. In 2011, a Canadian clinical pharmacy key performance indicator (cpKPI) collaborative was formed. The goal of the collaborative was to advance pharmacy practice in order to improve patient outcomes and enhance the quality of care provided to patients by hospital pharmacists. Following a literature review, which indicated that pharmacists can improve patient outcomes by carrying out specific activities, and an evidence-informed consensus process, a final set of eight cpKPIs were established. Canadian hospitals leading the cpKPI initiative are currently in the early stages of implementing these indicators. Objective To explore pharmacists' perceptions of the barriers and facilitators to the implementation of cpKPIs. Methods Clinical pharmacists employed by the Nova Scotia Health Authority were invited to participate in focus groups. Focus group discussions were audio-recorded and transcribed, and data was analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings Three focus groups, including 26 pharmacists, were conducted in February 2015. Three major themes were identified. Resisting the change was comprised of documentation challenges, increased workload, practice environment constraints, and competing priorities. Embracing cpKPIs was composed of seeing the benefit, demonstrating value, and existing supports. Navigating the unknown was made up of quality versus quantity battle, and insights into the future. Conclusions Although pharmacists were challenged by documentation and other changes associated with the implementation of cpKPIs, they demonstrated significant support for cpKPIs and were able to see benefits of the implementation. Pharmacists came up with suggestions for overcoming resistance associated with the implementation of cpKPIs and provided insights into the future of pharmacy practice. The identification of barriers and facilitators to cpKPI implementation will be used to inform the implementation process on a local and national level. PMID:27043716

Pharmacists' Perceptions of the Barriers and Facilitators to the Implementation of Clinical Pharmacy Key Performance Indicators.

PubMed

Minard, Laura V; Deal, Heidi; Harrison, Megan E; Toombs, Kent; Neville, Heather; Meade, Andrea

2016-01-01

In hospitals around the world, there has been no consensus regarding which clinical activities a pharmacist should focus on until recently. In 2011, a Canadian clinical pharmacy key performance indicator (cpKPI) collaborative was formed. The goal of the collaborative was to advance pharmacy practice in order to improve patient outcomes and enhance the quality of care provided to patients by hospital pharmacists. Following a literature review, which indicated that pharmacists can improve patient outcomes by carrying out specific activities, and an evidence-informed consensus process, a final set of eight cpKPIs were established. Canadian hospitals leading the cpKPI initiative are currently in the early stages of implementing these indicators. To explore pharmacists' perceptions of the barriers and facilitators to the implementation of cpKPIs. Clinical pharmacists employed by the Nova Scotia Health Authority were invited to participate in focus groups. Focus group discussions were audio-recorded and transcribed, and data was analyzed using thematic analysis. Three focus groups, including 26 pharmacists, were conducted in February 2015. Three major themes were identified. Resisting the change was comprised of documentation challenges, increased workload, practice environment constraints, and competing priorities. Embracing cpKPIs was composed of seeing the benefit, demonstrating value, and existing supports. Navigating the unknown was made up of quality versus quantity battle, and insights into the future. Although pharmacists were challenged by documentation and other changes associated with the implementation of cpKPIs, they demonstrated significant support for cpKPIs and were able to see benefits of the implementation. Pharmacists came up with suggestions for overcoming resistance associated with the implementation of cpKPIs and provided insights into the future of pharmacy practice. The identification of barriers and facilitators to cpKPI implementation will be used to inform the implementation process on a local and national level.

An epidemiologic internet survey of fibromyalgia and chronic pain in Japan.

PubMed

Nakamura, Ikuro; Nishioka, Kenya; Usui, Chie; Osada, Kenichi; Ichibayashi, Hisao; Ishida, Mitsuhiro; Turk, Dennis C; Matsumoto, Yoshifuji; Nishioka, Kusuki

2014-07-01

To determine the epidemiologic features and symptom characteristics of fibromyalgia (FM) in Japan, and compare them with those for other chronic pain (CP) diagnoses. An internet survey was conducted in June and July 2011. The questionnaire consisted of 111 questions, including assessments of the Japanese version of the 2010 American College of Rheumatology preliminary diagnostic criteria for FM, the Japanese Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, and additional questions regarding pain and lifestyle. The questionnaire was completed by 20,407 male and female respondents in all prefectures of Japan. Of the survey population, 2,524 respondents (12.4%) reported symptoms consistent with CP; of these, 425 (2.1%) reported symptoms consistent with FM. Among respondents with FM and CP, 61% and 53%, respectively, were women. Pain severity and Widespread Pain Index scores were significantly higher in respondents meeting the diagnostic criteria for FM than in those meeting the criteria for CP. In terms of symptom severity scores, the proportions of respondents reporting the 3 major symptoms as "highly applicable" and greater numbers of 41 somatic symptoms were higher among respondents with FM than among those with CP. The incidence of FM in the present survey was similar to that reported (1.7%) in a study of FM in Japan in 2003, despite the use of the newer, easier to use 2010 diagnostic criteria. Because FM usually presents with more severe and more widely distributed pain, as well as more nonpainful symptoms than CP, our results suggest that FM is a different clinical phenotype of CP. Copyright © 2014 by the American College of Rheumatology.

Liquid-based cervical cytology using ThinPrep technology: weighing the pros and cons in a cost-effectiveness analysis.

PubMed

de Bekker-Grob, Esther W; de Kok, Inge M C M; Bulten, Johan; van Rosmalen, Joost; Vedder, Judith E M; Arbyn, Marc; Klinkhamer, Paul J J M; Siebers, Albertus G; van Ballegooijen, Marjolein

2012-08-01

Cervical cancer screening with liquid-based cytology (LBC) has been developed as an alternative to the conventional Papanicolaou (CP) smear. Cost-effectiveness is one of the issues when evaluating LBC. Based on the results of a Dutch randomised controlled trial, we conducted cost-effectiveness threshold analyses to investigate under what circumstances manually screened ThinPrep LBC is cost-effective for screening. The MISCAN-Cervix microsimulation model and data from the Dutch NETHCON trial (including 89,784 women) were used to estimate the costs and (quality-adjusted) life years ((QA)LYs) gained for EU screening schedules, varying cost-effectiveness threshold values. Screening strategies were primary cytological screening with LBC or CP, and triage with human papillomavirus (HPV) testing. Threshold analyses showed that screening with LBC as a primary test can be cost-effective if LBC is less than 3.2 more costly per test than CP, if the sensitivity of LBC is at least 3-5 % points higher than CP, if the quality of life for women in triage follow-up is only 0.39, or if the rate of inadequate CP smears is at least 16.2 %. Regarding test characteristics and costs of LBC and CP, only under certain conditions will a change from CP to manually screened ThinPrep LBC be cost-effective. If none of these conditions are met, implementation of manually screened ThinPrep LBC seems warranted only if there are advantages other than cost-effectiveness. Further research is needed to establish whether other LBC systems will be more favorable with regard to cost-effectiveness.

Protective immunity against Megalocytivirus infection in rock bream (Oplegnathus fasciatus) following CpG ODN administration.

PubMed

Jung, Myung-Hwa; Lee, Jehee; Ortega-Villaizan, M; Perez, Luis; Jung, Sung-Ju

2017-06-27

Rock bream iridovirus (RBIV) disease in rock bream (Oplegnathus fasciatus) remains an unsolved problem in Korea aquaculture farms. CpG ODNs are known as immunostimulant, can improve the innate immune system of fish providing resistance to diseases. In this study, we evaluated the potential of CpG ODNs to induce anti-viral status protecting rock bream from different RBIV infection conditions. We found that, when administered into rock bream, CpG ODN 1668 induces better antiviral immune responses compared to other 5 CpG ODNs (2216, 1826, 2133, 2395 and 1720). All CpG ODN 1668 administered fish (1/5µg) at 2days before infection (1.1×10 7 ) held at 26°C died even though mortality was delayed from 8days (1µg) and 4days (5µg). Similarly, CpG ODN 1668 administered (5µg) at 2days before infection (1.2×10 6 ) held at 23/20°C had 100% mortality; the mortality was delayed from 9days (23°C) and 11days (20°C). Moreover, when CpG ODN 1668 administered (1/5/10µg) at 2/4/7days before infection or virus concentration was decreased to 1.1×10 4 and held at 20°C had mortality rates of 20/60/30% (2days), 30/40/60% (4days) and 60/60/20% (7days), respectively, for the respective administration dose, through 100 dpi. To investigate the development of a protective immune response, survivors were re-infected with RBIV (1.1×10 7 ) at 100 and 400 dpi, respectively. While 100% of the previously unexposed fish died, 100% of the previously infected fish survived. The high survival rate of fish following re-challenge with RBIV indicates that protective immunity was established in the surviving rock bream. Our results showed the possibility of developing preventive measures against RBIV using CpG ODN 1668 by reducing RBIV replication speed (i.e. water temperature of 20°C and infection dose of 1.1×10 4 ). Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Complete cpDNA genome sequence of Smilax china and phylogenetic placement of Liliales--influences of gene partitions and taxon sampling.

PubMed

Liu, Juan; Qi, Zhe-Chen; Zhao, Yun-Peng; Fu, Cheng-Xin; Jenny Xiang, Qiu-Yun

2012-09-01

The complete nucleotide sequence of the chloroplast genome (cpDNA) of Smilax china L. (Smilacaceae) is reported. It is the first complete cp genome sequence in Liliales. Genomic analyses were conducted to examine the rate and pattern of cpDNA genome evolution in Smilax relative to other major lineages of monocots. The cpDNA genomic sequences were combined with those available for Lilium to evaluate the phylogenetic position of Liliales and to investigate the influence of taxon sampling, gene sampling, gene function, natural selection, and substitution rate on phylogenetic inference in monocots. Phylogenetic analyses using sequence data of gene groups partitioned according to gene function, selection force, and total substitution rate demonstrated evident impacts of these factors on phylogenetic inference of monocots and the placement of Liliales, suggesting potential evolutionary convergence or adaptation of some cpDNA genes in monocots. Our study also demonstrated that reduced taxon sampling reduced the bootstrap support for the placement of Liliales in the cpDNA phylogenomic analysis. Analyses of sequences of 77 protein genes with some missing data and sequences of 81 genes (all protein genes plus the rRNA genes) support a sister relationship of Liliales to the commelinids-Asparagales clade, consistent with the APG III system. Analyses of 63 cpDNA protein genes for 32 taxa with few missing data, however, support a sister relationship of Liliales (represented by Smilax and Lilium) to Dioscoreales-Pandanales. Topology tests indicated that these two alignments do not significantly differ given any of these three cpDNA genomic sequence data sets. Furthermore, we found no saturation effect of the data, suggesting that the cpDNA genomic sequence data used in the study are appropriate for monocot phylogenetic study and long-branch attraction is unlikely to be the cause to explain the result of two well-supported, conflict placements of Liliales. Further analyses using sufficient nuclear data remain necessary to evaluate these two phylogenetic hypotheses regarding the position of Liliales and to address the causes of signal conflict among genes and partitions. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A clinical evaluation of 10 percent vs. 15 percent carbamide peroxide tooth-whitening agents.

PubMed

Kihn, P W; Barnes, D M; Romberg, E; Peterson, K

2000-10-01

Agents with carbamide peroxide, or CP, in various concentrations are widely prescribed for at-home tooth whitening. It is not clear, however, if the more concentrated gels will whitening teeth to a greater extent, as no controlled clinical trials have been reported. The authors conducted a double-blind study of human subjects to evaluate whether a 15 percent CP tooth-whitening system was more effective than a 10 percent CP system, and to determine if tooth sensitivity increased with use of the higher concentration. The authors recruited 57 subjects with maxillary anterior teeth of shade A3 or darker (as gauged against a value-oriented shade guide). The subjects were 18 to 65 years of age and in good general and dental health. After matching the subjects by sex and age, the authors randomly assigned them to either a control group, which used a 10 percent CP whitening agent, or an experimental group, which used a 15 percent CP agent. The results indicated that there was no significant difference in shade change between the groups after one week of treatment (t = 1.455, P = .05), but there was a significant difference at the end of the treatment period (t = 2.303, P < .05), as well as two weeks after treatment concluded (t = 2.248, P < .05). There was no significant difference in sensitivity (t = 1.399, P > .05). There was a significant difference in color change between the 10 percent CP and 15 percent CP groups at the end of the study period. There was no significant difference in level of tooth sensitivity between the two groups, and the incidence was equal; there was, however, a significant difference in variability of tooth sensitivity between the two groups. If performed under the careful guidance of a dentist, at-home whitening is an effective treatment, regardless of whether 10 percent CP or 15 percent CP is used. There may be added color change and varying sensitivity with the use of 15 percent CP.

Relationships between parents' use of corporal punishment and their children's endorsement of spanking and hitting other children.

PubMed

Simons, Dominique A; Wurtele, Sandy K

2010-09-01

To explore the intergenerational cycle of violence, the present study examined the relationship between parental approval and children's approval of corporal punishment (CP) and the subsequent relationship between children's CP experience and preference for hitting to resolve interpersonal conflict. Participants consisted of 102 families, parents, and children, ages 3-7 years old. Parents were assessed on their reported practices and beliefs about corporal punishment using 3 self-report measures. Fifty-four boys and 48 girls were interviewed by researchers to assess their approval of spanking and hitting. Children whose parents approved of and used CP were more likely to endorse hitting as a strategy for resolving interpersonal conflicts with peers and siblings. Frequent spanking was the strongest predictor of children's acceptance of aggressive problem solving, above and beyond parental acceptance, parental experience of CP, and familial demographics. Findings supported an intergenerational cycle of violence; parents who experienced frequent corporal punishment during childhood perceived its use as acceptable and frequently spanked their children. These children, in turn, advocated that spanking be used as a disciplinary method and preferred aggressive conflict resolution strategies with peers and siblings. These findings support an additional "side effect of spanking;" when parents use CP it teaches their children that hitting is an acceptable means of dealing with conflict. Practitioners should encourage parents to avoid using CP as a disciplinary method which could lead to a change in the attitudes and behaviors of the next generation of parents. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A New Approach to Suppress the Effect of Machining Error for Waveguide Septum Circular Polarizer at 230 GHz Band in Radio Astronomy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hasegawa, Yutaka; Harada, Ryohei; Tokuda, Kazuki; Kimura, Kimihiro; Ogawa, Hideo; Onishi, Toshikazu; Nishimura, Atsushi; Han, Johnson; Inoue, Makoto

2017-05-01

A new stepped septum-type waveguide circular polarizer (SST-CP) was developed to operate in the 230 GHz band for radio astronomy, especially submillimeter-band VLBI observations. For previously reported SST-CP models, the 230 GHz band is too high to achieve the design characteristics in manufactured devices because of unexpected machining errors. To realize a functional SST-CP that can operate in the submillimeter band, a new method was developed, in which the division surface is shifted from the top step of the septum to the second step from the top, and we simulated the expected machining error. The SST-CP using this method can compensate for specified machining errors and suppress serious deterioration. To verify the proposed method, several test pieces were manufactured, and their characteristics were measured using a VNA. These results indicated that the insertion losses were approximately 0.75 dB, and the input return losses and the crosstalk of the left- and right-hand circular polarization were greater than 20 dB at 220-245 GHz on 300 K. Moreover, a 230 GHz SST-CP was developed by the proposed method and installed in a 1.85-m radio telescope receiver systems, and then had used for scientific observations during one observation season without any problems. These achievements demonstrate the successful development of a 230 GHz SST-CP for radio astronomical observations. Furthermore, the proposed method can be applicable for observations in higher frequency bands, such as 345 GHz.

Accelerated Stability Testing of a Clobetasol Propionate-Loaded Nanoemulsion as per ICH Guidelines.

PubMed

Ali, Mohammad Sajid; Alam, Mohammad Sarfaraz; Alam, Nawazish; Anwer, Tarique; Safhi, Mohammed Mohsen A

2013-01-01

The physical and chemical degradation of drugs may result in altered therapeutic efficacy and even toxic effects. Therefore, the objective of this work was to study the stability of clobetasol propionate (CP) in a nanoemulsion. The nanoemulsion formulation containing CP was prepared by the spontaneous emulsification method. For the formulation of the nanoemulsion, Safsol, Tween 20, ethanol, and distilled water were used. The drug was incorporated into an oil phase in 0.05% w/v. The lipophilic nature of the drug led to the O/W nanoemulsion formulation. This was characterized by droplet size, pH, viscosity, conductivity, and refractive index. Stability studies were performed as per ICH guidelines for a period of three months. The shelf life of the nanoemulsion formulation was also determined after performing accelerated stability testing (40°C ± 2°C and 75% ± 5% RH). We also performed an intermediate stability study (30°C ± 2°C/65% RH ± 5% RH). It was found that the droplet size, conductivity, and refractive index were slightly increased, while the viscosity and pH slightly decreased at all storage conditions during the 3-month period. However, the changes in these parameters were not statistically significant (p≥0.05). The degradation (%) of the optimized nanoemulsion of CP was determined and the shelf life was found to be 2.18 years at room temperature. These studies confirmed that the physical and chemical stability of CP were enhanced in the nanoemulsion formulation.

Active Videogaming for Individuals with Severe Movement Disorders: Results from a Community Study.

PubMed

Chung, Peter J; Vanderbilt, Douglas L; Schrager, Sheree M; Nguyen, Eugene; Fowler, Eileen

2015-06-01

Active videogaming (AVG) has potential to provide positive health outcomes for individuals with cerebral palsy (CP), but their use for individuals with severe motor impairments is limited. Our objective was to evaluate the accessibility and enjoyment of videogames using the Kinect™ (Microsoft, Redmond, WA) with the Flexible Action and Articulated Skeleton Toolkit (FAAST) system (University of Southern California Institute for Creative Technologies, Los Angeles, CA) for individuals with severely limiting CP. A videogaming system was installed in a community center serving adults with CP, and a staff member was instructed in its use. Participants completed a baseline survey assessing demographics, mobility, and prior videogame experience; they then used the FAAST system with Kinect and completed a 5-point Likert survey to assess their experience. Descriptive statistics assessed overall enjoyment of the system, and Mann-Whitney U tests were conducted to determine whether responses differed by demographic factors, mobility, or prior videogame experience. Twenty-two subjects were recruited. The enjoyment scale demonstrated high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha=0.88). The mean total enjoyment score was 4.24 out of 5. Median scores did not significantly differ by ethnicity, gender, CP severity, or previous videogame exposure. The FAAST with Kinect is a low-cost system that engages individuals with severe movement disorders across a wide range of physical ability and videogame experience. Further research should be conducted on in-home use, therapeutic applications, and potential benefits for socialization.

Development of n-type cobaltocene-encapsulated carbon nanotubes with remarkable thermoelectric property

PubMed Central

Fukumaru, Takahiro; Fujigaya, Tsuyohiko; Nakashima, Naotoshi

2015-01-01

Direct conversion from heat to electricity is one of the important technologies for a sustainable society since large quantities of energy are wasted as heat. We report the development of a single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT)-based high conversion efficiency, air-stable and flexible thermoelectric material. We prepared cobaltocene-encapsulated SWNTs (denoted CoCp2@SWNTs) and revealed that the material showed a negative-type (n-type) semiconducting behaviour (Seebeck coefficient: −41.8 μV K−1 at 320 K). The CoCp2@SWNT film was found to show a high electrical conductivity (43,200 S m−1 at 320 K) and large power factor (75.4 μW m−1 K−2) and the performance was remarkably stable under atmospheric conditions over a wide range of temperatures. The thermoelectric figure of merit (ZT) value of the CoCp2@SWNT film (0.157 at 320 K) was highest among the reported n-type organic thermoelectric materials due to the large power factor and low thermal conductivity (0.15 W m−1 K−1). These characteristics of the n-type CoCp2@SWNTs allowed us to fabricate a p-n type thermoelectric device by combination with an empty SWNT-based p-type film. The fabricated device exhibited a highly efficient power generation close to the calculated values even without any air-protective coating due to the high stability of the SWNT-based materials under atmospheric conditions. PMID:25608478

Principle of Spacetime and Black Hole Equivalence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Tianxi

2016-06-01

Modelling the universe without relying on a set of hypothetical entities (HEs) to explain observations and overcome problems and difficulties is essential to developing a physical cosmology. The well-known big bang cosmology, widely accepted as the standard model, stands on two fundamentals, which are Einstein’s general relativity (GR) that describes the effect of matter on spacetime and the cosmological principle (CP) of spacetime isotropy and homogeneity. The field equation of GR along with the Friedmann-Lemaitre-Robertson-Walker (FLRW) metric of spacetime derived from CP generates the Friedmann equation (FE) that governs the development and dynamics of the universe. The big bang theory has made impressive successes in explaining the universe, but still has problems and solutions of them rely on an increasing number of HEs such as inflation, dark matter, dark energy, and so on. Recently, the author has developed a new cosmological model called black hole universe, which, instead of making many those hypotheses, only includes a new single postulate (or a new principle) to the cosmology - Principle of Spacetime and Black Hole Equivalence (SBHEP) - to explain all the existing observations of the universe and overcome all the existing problems in conventional cosmologies. This study thoroughly demonstrates how this newly developed black hole universe model, which therefore stands on the three fundamentals (GR, CP, and SBHEP), can fully explain the universe as well as easily conquer the difficulties according to the well-developed physics, thus, neither needing any other hypotheses nor existing any unsolved difficulties. This work was supported by NSF/REU (Grant #: PHY-1263253) at Alabama A & M University.

Use of Botulinum Neurotoxin Injections to Treat Spasticity

MedlinePlus

... walking. These problems, called spasticity, are common in cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, stroke, multiple sclerosis, and spinal ... How does BoNT control spasticity in children with cerebral palsy (CP)? There is strong evidence that BoNT injections ...

Severe hip displacement reduces health-related quality of life in children with cerebral palsy

PubMed Central

Ramstad, Kjersti; Jahnsen, Reidun B; Terjesen, Terje

2017-01-01

Background and purpose Hip displacement is common in children with severe cerebral palsy (CP) and can cause problems such as pain, contractures, and nursing difficulties. Caregiver priorities and child health index of life with disabilities (CPCHILD) is a recently developed measure of health-related quality of life (HRQL) in children with severe CP. The associations between CPCHILD scores and hip displacement have not been investigated. We explored the effect of hip displacement on HRQL. Patients and methods 67 children were recruited from the population-based Norwegian CP register. Mean age was 9 (7–12) years. There were 40 boys. Gross motor function classification system (GMFCS) distribution was 12 level III, 17 level IV, and 38 level V. Hip displacement was assessed by radiographic migration percentage (MP). The criterion for hip displacement was MP of the worst hip of ≥40%. Primary caregivers responded to 5 of the 6 domains of the CPCHILD questionnaire. Results Hip displacement was found in 18 children and it was significantly associated with lower scores on the CPCHILD domains 3 (Comfort and Emotions) and 5 (Health), but not with domains 1 (Activities of Daily Living/Personal Care), 2 (Positioning, Transfer, and Mobility), and 6 (Overall Quality of Life). GMFCS level V was a significant predictor of low scores in all the domains. Interpretation For the assessment of HRQL in children with severe CP and hip problems, we propose a modified and simplified version of the CPCHILD consisting of 14 of 37 questions. This would reduce the responders’ burden and probably increase the response rate in clinical studies without losing important information. PMID:27892753

Materials, properties, and applications of nitrogen-doped organic semiconductors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chan, Calvin Kar-Fai

As organic semiconducting materials draw increasing attention for many promising applications, including efficient organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), large-area organic photovoltaic (OPV) cells, and flexible organic thin-film transistors (OTFTs), chemical doping of organic materials is emerging as an important technique for overcoming performance deficiencies and material limitations of intrinsic organic films. Although p-doping has been amply demonstrated, molecular n-type doping has been difficult to study because of the inherent instability of easily oxidized n-dopants. In this work, the facile use of two low ionization energy (IE) small molecules that are suitable for n-doping a wide range of organic electronic materials is demonstrated. Cobaltocene (CoCp2) and its derivative, decamethylcobaltocene ( CoCp*2 ), were found to have fairly low IEs for organic compounds. Co-deposition of the n-dopants with different host molecules results in pronounced shifts of the Fermi-level towards unoccupied molecular states, indicating a significant increase in electron concentration. The Fermi-level shifts, measured with ultra-violet photoemission spectroscopy (UPS), are correlated with excess carrier densities using a model based on Fermi-Dirac (F-D) statistics and a Gaussian distributed density of states. The calculated electron densities suggest full dopant ionization at low concentrations, and diminished efficiency at high donor concentrations. The concentration of incorporated dopants is examined by chemical composition analysis of doped films using X-ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS). Atomic concentration depth profiling determined by Rutherford backscattering (RBS) suggests that the incorporation of CoCp2 and CoCp*2 is well-controlled and the dopants are minimally diffusive. Organic films n-doped using CoCp2 and CoCp*2 show several orders of magnitude increase in current density resulting from both enhanced electron injection and increased electron conductivity in the bulk. Increases in the bulk conductivity suggest both improved electron mobility and higher electron concentrations. These findings are applied with previous work on p-doping to fabricate organic p-i-n homojunction devices that exhibit strong rectification and large built-in potentials. Heterojunction OPVs using undoped CuPc and n-doped C60 display significant increases in open-circuit voltage (Voc), short-circuit current (Isc), fill-factor (FF), and efficiency.

Comparing the effects of positive and negative feedback in information-integration category learning.

PubMed

Freedberg, Michael; Glass, Brian; Filoteo, J Vincent; Hazeltine, Eliot; Maddox, W Todd

2017-01-01

Categorical learning is dependent on feedback. Here, we compare how positive and negative feedback affect information-integration (II) category learning. Ashby and O'Brien (2007) demonstrated that both positive and negative feedback are required to solve II category problems when feedback was not guaranteed on each trial, and reported no differences between positive-only and negative-only feedback in terms of their effectiveness. We followed up on these findings and conducted 3 experiments in which participants completed 2,400 II categorization trials across three days under 1 of 3 conditions: positive feedback only (PFB), negative feedback only (NFB), or both types of feedback (CP; control partial). An adaptive algorithm controlled the amount of feedback given to each group so that feedback was nearly equated. Using different feedback control procedures, Experiments 1 and 2 demonstrated that participants in the NFB and CP group were able to engage II learning strategies, whereas the PFB group was not. Additionally, the NFB group was able to achieve significantly higher accuracy than the PFB group by Day 3. Experiment 3 revealed that these differences remained even when we equated the information received on feedback trials. Thus, negative feedback appears significantly more effective for learning II category structures. This suggests that the human implicit learning system may be capable of learning in the absence of positive feedback.

Health Risks and Benefits of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum) Consumption.

PubMed

Gupta, Rinkesh Kumar; Gupta, Kriti; Sharma, Akanksha; Das, Mukul; Ansari, Irfan Ahmad; Dwivedi, Premendra D

2017-01-11

Chickpeas (CPs) are one of the most commonly consumed legumes, especially in the Mediterranean area as well as in the Western world. Being one of the most nutritional elements of the human diet, CP toxicity and allergy have raised health concerns. CPs may contain various antinutritional compounds, including protease inhibitors, phytic acid, lectins, oligosaccharides, and some phenolic compounds that may impair the utilization of the nutrients by people. Also, high consumption rates of CPs have enhanced the allergic problems in sensitive individuals as they contain many allergens. On the other hand, beneficial health aspects of CP consumption have received attention from researchers recently. Phytic acid, lectins, sterols, saponins, dietary fibers, resistant starch, oligosaccharides, unsaturated fatty acids, amylase inhibitors, and certain bioactive compounds such as carotenoids and isoflavones have shown the capability of lowering the clinical complications associated with various human diseases. The aim of this paper is to unravel the health risks as well as health-promoting aspects of CP consumption and to try to fill the gaps that currently exist. The present review also focuses on various prevention strategies to avoid health risks of CP consumption using simple but promising ways.

Interventional effects of squid ink polysaccharides on cyclophosphamide-associated testicular damage in mice.

PubMed

Le, X Y; Luo, P; Gu, Y P; Tao, Y X; Liu, H Z

2015-01-01

Cyclophosphamide (CP) is a commonly used antitumour and immunosuppressive drug, but it is inevitable that the chemotherapeutic agent may cause long-term or permanent reproductive damage on young male patients through inducing oxidative stress in the testes. Squid ink polysaccharides (SIP), a newly found marine glycosaminoglycon have been proved to have antioxidant capabilities and chemotherapy-protective activities on model animals in our recent investigations. This study was conducted to assess whether or not SIP could protect male mice against gonadotoxicity during CP exposure. Sexually mature male Kunming mice were allocated to one of four groups. CP was abdominally administered at dose of 15 mg/kg body weight to two groups of mice for ten weeks, once a week, one group of mice received SIP at dose of 80 mg/kg body weight by gavage for ten weeks, once a day. The other two groups comprised a vehicle treated group and an SIP treated group. Toxicity of CP and protective activity of SIP on the testes were assessed by: sperm parameters, organ index, testicular antioxidant ability, activities of marker enzymes, sex hormone content, and histopathological features. Data showed CP-induced, serious negative changes on murine sperm parameters, organ index, testicular antioxidant ability, activities of marker enzymes, sexual hormone contents, and histopathological features which were all significantly impaired by SIP. This study found that SIP were demonstrated to offer protective effects against CP-induced toxicity on testes in mice (Tab. 2, Fig. 3, Ref. 29).

Mobile applications in children with cerebral palsy.

PubMed

Rodríguez Mariblanca, M; Cano de la Cuerda, R

2017-12-21

Cerebral palsy (CP) is one of the most common developmental disorders. Technological development has enabled a transformation of the healthcare sector, which can offer more individualised, participatory, and preventive services. Within this context of new technology applied to the healthcare sector, mobile applications, or apps, constitute a very promising tool for the management of children with CP. The purpose of this article is to perform a systematic review of the information published about various mobile applications either directly related to CP or with potential to be useful in the context of the disease, and to describe, analyse, and classify these applications. A literature search was carried out to gather articles published in English or Spanish between 2011 and 2017 which presented, analysed, or validated applications either specifically designed or potentially useful for CP. Furthermore, a search for mobile applications was conducted in the main mobile application markets. A total of 63 applications were found in biomedical databases and mobile application markets, of which 40 were potentially useful for CP and 23 were specifically designed for the condition (11 for information, 3 for evaluation, and 9 for treatment). There are numerous mobile applications either specifically designed for or with potential to be useful in the field of CP. However, despite the existing scientific evidence, the low methodological quality of scientific articles makes it impossible to generalise the use of these tools. Copyright © 2017 Sociedad Española de Neurología. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Three-dimensional lumbar segment movement characteristics during paediatric cerebral palsy gait.

PubMed

Kiernan, D; Malone, A; O'Brien, T; Simms, C K

2017-03-01

Kinematic analysis of the trunk during cerebral palsy (CP) gait has been well described. In contrast, movement of the lumbar spine is generally ignored. This is most likely due to the complex nature of the spine. As an alternative to using complex sensor protocols, this study modelled the lumbar region as a single segment and investigated characteristic patterns of movement during CP gait. In addition, the impact of functional level of impairment and the relationship with lower lumbar spinal loading were examined. Fifty-two children with CP (26 GMFCS I and 26 GMFCS II) and 26 controls were recruited. A full barefoot 3-dimensional kinematic and kinetic analysis were conducted. Lumbar segment movement demonstrated increased forward flexion for CP children. This movement became more pronounced according to GMFCS level with GMFCS II children demonstrating increases of up to 8°. In addition, a moderate correlation was present between lumbar flexion/extension and L5/S1 sagittal moments (r=0.427 in the global frame and r=0.448 with respect to the pelvis, p<0.01). Children with CP demonstrated increased movement of the lumbar region compared to TD, with movement becoming more excessive as GMFCS level increased. Excessive forward flexion and loading at the lumbar spine were linked. However, the moderate correlation suggests other contributors to increased loading were present. In conclusion, this study is a first step at identifying how lumbar segment movement is altered during CP gait. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

NEAR-INFRARED CIRCULAR AND LINEAR POLARIMETRY OF MONOCEROS R2

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

Kwon, Jungmi; Tamura, Motohide; Hough, James H.

We have conducted simultaneous JHK{sub s}-band imaging circular and linear polarimetry of the Monoceros R2 (Mon R2) cluster. We present results from deep and wide near-infrared linear polarimetry of the Mon R2 region. Prominent and extended polarized nebulosities over the Mon R2 field are revisited, and an infrared reflection nebula associated with the Mon R2 cluster and two local reflection nebulae, vdB 67 and vdB 69, is detected. We also present results from deep imaging circular polarimetry in the same region. For the first time, the observations show relatively high degrees of circular polarization (CP) in Mon R2, with asmore » much as approximately 10% in the K{sub s} band. The maximum CP extent of a ring-like nebula around the Mon R2 cluster is approximately 0.60 pc, while that of a western nebula, around vdB 67, is approximately 0.24 pc. The extended size of the CP is larger than those seen in the Orion region around IRc2, while the maximum degree of CP of ∼10% is smaller than those of ∼17% seen in the Orion region. Nonetheless, both the CP size and degree of this region are among the largest in our infrared CP survey of star-forming regions. We have also investigated the time variability of the degree of the polarization of several infrared sources and found possible variations in three sources.« less

Child Pornography Possessors and Child Contact Sex Offenders: A Multilevel Comparison of Demographic Characteristics and Rates of Recidivism.

PubMed

Faust, Erik; Bickart, William; Renaud, Cheryl; Camp, Scott

2015-10-01

Considerable debate surrounds the topic of whether possessing or distributing online images of child pornography (CP) represents a new type of crime perpetrated by conventional sex offenders (e.g., child contact [CC] sex offenders), or whether individuals who commit these crimes differ from contact sex offenders in meaningful ways. The current study compares groups of Internet (CP) and CC sexual offenders, with each group's sexual offending history exclusively confined to its offense category. T tests were used to conduct bivariate comparisons of group demographics and criminal histories. Rates of recidivism were examined using survival curves and Cox proportional hazard regression models. Results showed significant differences on demographic and criminal history variables, with CP offenders demonstrating a lower frequency of prior criminal offending and substance abuse, and higher rates of pre-incarceration employment and level of education. Rates of recidivism were significantly different between the two groups, with CP offenders showing lower rates of re-offense for most measures of recidivism. When controlling for background characteristics and the timing of the event, CC offenders were at much greater risk for having an arrest for a new crime or a non-sexual violent crime than CP offenders. Treatment and policy implications are discussed, along with suggestions for future research. © The Author(s) 2014.

Prevalence of Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth among Chronic Pancreatitis Patients: A Case-Control Study

PubMed Central

Bouchard, Simon; Sidani, Sacha

2016-01-01

Background. Patients with chronic pancreatitis (CP) exhibit numerous risk factors for the development of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). Objective. To determine the prevalence of SIBO in patients with CP. Methods. Prospective, single-centre case-control study conducted between January and September 2013. Inclusion criteria were age 18 to 75 years and clinical and radiological diagnosis of CP. Exclusion criteria included history of gastric, pancreatic, or intestinal surgery or significant clinical gastroparesis. SIBO was detected using a standard lactulose breath test (LBT). A healthy control group also underwent LBT. Results. Thirty-one patients and 40 controls were included. The patient group was significantly older (53.8 versus 38.7 years; P < 0.01). The proportion of positive LBTs was significantly higher in CP patients (38.7 versus 2.5%: P < 0.01). A trend toward a higher proportion of positive LBTs in women compared with men was observed (66.6 versus 27.3%; P = 0.056). The subgroups with positive and negative LBTs were comparable in demographic and clinical characteristics, use of opiates, pancreatic enzymes replacement therapy (PERT), and severity of symptoms. Conclusion. The prevalence of SIBO detected using LBT was high among patients with CP. There was no association between clinical features and the risk for SIBO. PMID:27446865

Prevalence of Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth among Chronic Pancreatitis Patients: A Case-Control Study.

PubMed

Therrien, Amelie; Bouchard, Simon; Sidani, Sacha; Bouin, Mickael

2016-01-01

Background. Patients with chronic pancreatitis (CP) exhibit numerous risk factors for the development of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). Objective. To determine the prevalence of SIBO in patients with CP. Methods. Prospective, single-centre case-control study conducted between January and September 2013. Inclusion criteria were age 18 to 75 years and clinical and radiological diagnosis of CP. Exclusion criteria included history of gastric, pancreatic, or intestinal surgery or significant clinical gastroparesis. SIBO was detected using a standard lactulose breath test (LBT). A healthy control group also underwent LBT. Results. Thirty-one patients and 40 controls were included. The patient group was significantly older (53.8 versus 38.7 years; P < 0.01). The proportion of positive LBTs was significantly higher in CP patients (38.7 versus 2.5%: P < 0.01). A trend toward a higher proportion of positive LBTs in women compared with men was observed (66.6 versus 27.3%; P = 0.056). The subgroups with positive and negative LBTs were comparable in demographic and clinical characteristics, use of opiates, pancreatic enzymes replacement therapy (PERT), and severity of symptoms. Conclusion. The prevalence of SIBO detected using LBT was high among patients with CP. There was no association between clinical features and the risk for SIBO.

Cerebral Palsy in Children as a Risk Factor for Malnutrition.

PubMed

Perenc, Lidia; Przysada, Grzegorz; Trzeciak, Jadwiga

2015-01-01

The main aim of this study was to determine some malnutrition risk factors among children with cerebral palsy (CP). Children with CP often require the assistance of physical therapy centers. Experience suggests that, apart from physical disabilities, this group often suffers from malnutrition. Data were gathered in the hospital among 128 children aged 3-18 years who were suffering from CP. The children were admitted from 2011 to 2013 to the Center for Neurological Physical Therapy for children in the Regional Hospital No. 2. St. Queen Jadwiga in Rzeszow (RORE). Statistical analyses were conducted for data on gender, age, type of CP, motor function level according to Gross Motor Function Classification Scale (GMFCS), body mass index (BMI) and hemoglobin levels in blood. The risk of anemia differs based on gender--the risk is 6 times greater among boys than among girls (p = 0.0398). Risk of malnutrition is 3.5 times higher in children with tetraplegia than in children with diplegia or hemiplegia (p = 0.0043). Higher GMFCS scores are connected to greater proportions of malnourished children (for BMI z-score <-1.64, p = 0.0010). Among children with CP, malnourishment risk factors are male gender for anemia and tetraplegia and high GMFCS values. 2015 S. Karger AG, Basel.

The effects of crude protein concentration and slow release urea on nitrogen metabolism in Holstein steers.

PubMed

Holder, Vaughn B; El-Kadi, Samer W; Tricarico, Juan M; Vanzant, Eric S; McLeod, Kyle R; Harmon, David L

2013-04-01

This experiment was conducted to determine the effects of slow release urea (SRU) and its interaction with crude protein (CP) level in the diet on N metabolism in Holstein steers. Eight rumen-cannulated Holstein steers (body weight 265 ± 18 kg) were used in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design with a 2 × 2 factorial treatment structure. Treatment factors were the CP level in the diet, 10.9% versus 12.1% CP, and the non-protein nitrogen source used, urea versus SRU. Total collection of urine and faeces for 7 days allowed the estimation of N retention and diet digestibility. In addition, blood and rumen sampling allowed estimation of rumen fermentation and blood N profiles. Decreasing CP intake from 12.1% to 10.9% reduced urinary N output, but also reduced diet digestibility and N retention. When compared to urea, SRU did not alter N retention, but reduced ruminal ammonia and plasma urea concentrations. Although SRU did not improve N retention at either CP level, rumen ammonia and plasma urea concentrations were reduced, which may indicate that SRU may carry a lower risk for toxicity when compared to urea when fed at higher dietary concentrations.

Practice on improving fattening local cattle production in Vietnam by increasing crude protein level in concentrate and concentrate level.

PubMed

Van Dung, Dinh; Ba, Nguyen Xuan; Van, Nguyen Huu; Phung, Le Dinh; Ngoan, Le Duc; Cuong, Vu Chi; Yao, Wen

2013-10-01

Two experiments were conducted to determine the effects of crude protein (CP) level in concentrate (experiment 1) and concentrate level (experiment 2) on feed intake, nutrient digestibility, nitrogen (N) retention, ruminal pH and NH3-N concentration and average daily gain (ADG) of Vietnamese local fattening cattle. Animals (24 cattle, initial live weight (LW) 150.3 ± 11.8 kg in experiment 1 and 145.1 ± 9.8 kg in experiment 2) were allotted based on LW to one of four treatments in a randomised complete block design. In experiment 1, concentrate with four levels of CP (10, 13, 16 and 19 %) was fed at 1.5 % of LW. In experiment 2, concentrate was fed at 1.0, 1.4, 1.8 and 2.2 % of LW. In both experiments, roughage was 5 kg/day native grass and ad libitum rice straw (fresh basis). Results showed that the CP level in concentrate significantly affected dry matter (DM) intake (P < 0.05), N retention, ADG and ruminal NH3-N concentration (P < 0.01), but it had no significant effect on DM, organic matter (OM) and neutral detergent fibre (NDF) digestibility (P > 0.05), whereas CP digestibility increased (P < 0.001) along with the CP level. DM intake, N retention and ADG increased (P < 0.001) linearly with concentrate intake. DM and CP digestibility were not significantly affected by concentrate intake (P > 0.05). OM digestibility and NH3-N concentration increased linearly (P < 0.05), whereas NDF digestibility and ruminal pH declined linearly with increased concentrate consumption (P < 0.01). These results indicate that 16 % CP in concentrate and feeding concentrate at the rate of 2.2 % of LW are recommendable for fattening local cattle in Vietnam.

The seventh nationwide epidemiological survey for chronic pancreatitis in Japan: clinical significance of smoking habit in Japanese patients.

PubMed

Hirota, Morihisa; Shimosegawa, Tooru; Masamune, Atsushi; Kikuta, Kazuhiro; Kume, Kiyoshi; Hamada, Shin; Kanno, Atsushi; Kimura, Kenji; Tsuji, Ichiro; Kuriyama, Shinichi

2014-01-01

A nationwide survey was conducted to clarify the epidemiological features of patients with chronic pancreatitis (CP) in Japan. In the first survey, both the prevalence and the incidence of CP in 2011 were estimated. In the second survey, the clinicoepidemiological features of the patients were clarified by mailed questionnaires. Patients were diagnosed by the Japanese diagnostic criteria for chronic pancreatitis 2009. The estimated annual prevalence and incidence of CP in 2011 were 52.4/100,000 and 14.0/100,000, respectively. The sex ratio (male/female) of patients was 4.6, with a mean age of 62.3 years. Alcoholic (67.5%) was the most common and idiopathic (20.0%) was the second most common cause of CP. Comorbidity with diabetes mellitus (DM) and pancreatic calcifications (PC) occurred more frequent in ever smokers independently of their drinking status. Among patients without drinking habit, the incidences of DM and PC were significantly higher in ever smokers than in never smokers. The multiple logistic regression analysis revealed smoking was an independent factor of DM and PC in CP patients: DM, Odds ratio (OR) 1.644, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.202 to 2.247 (P = 0.002): PC, OR 2.010, 95% CI 1.458 to 2.773 (P < 0.001). On the other hand, smoking was not identified as an independent factor for the appearance of abdominal pain by this analysis. The prevalence of Japanese patients with CP has been increasing. Smoking was identified as an independent factor related to DM and PC in Japanese CP patients. Copyright © 2014 IAP and EPC. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Risk factors of carotid plaque and carotid common artery intima-media thickening in a high-stroke-risk population.

PubMed

Wang, ChunFang; Lv, GaoPeng; Zang, DaWei

2017-11-01

To analyze the risk factors of carotid plaque (CP) and carotid common artery intima-media thickening (CCAIMT) and the association between the risk factors and CP numbers and the side of the CCAIMT in a high-stroke-risk population. Carotid ultrasonography was conducted in 2025 participants with high stroke risk. Participants were divided into different groups according to the results of the ultrasound. The risk factors and blood biochemical indices were recorded. The presence of CP and CCAIMT were 38.9% and 24.8% respectively. Multivariate logistic regression indicated that the risk factors of CP were age, high LDL-C and FBG levels, male gender, stroke, diabetes, hypertension, and tobacco use. Compared with participants without CPs, the participants who were male, and older in age, with risk factors of tobacco use, diabetes, high LDL-C levels, and a family history of hypertension were likely to have a single CP, whereas the participants with risk factors of tobacco use, diabetes, hypertension, male gender, older age, high LDL-C levels, stroke and AF or valvulopathy were prone to have multiple CPs. The risk factors of CCAIMT were male gender, stroke, hypertension, diabetes, AF or valvulopathy, tobacco use and age. Compared with the N-CCAIMT subgroup, the risk factors of left CCAIMT were tobacco use, diabetes, male gender, and age. The risk factors of right CCAIMT were male gender, high FBG levels, age, AF or valvulopathy. The risk factors of dual CCAIMT were high frequency of drinking milk, tobacco use, male gender, age, stroke, and hypertension. These findings revealed the risk factors of CP and CCAIMT, and an association between the risk factors and the CP numbers and the side of the CCAIMT.

International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health Core Sets for cerebral palsy, autism spectrum disorder, and attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder.

PubMed

Schiariti, Verónica; Mahdi, Soheil; Bölte, Sven

2018-05-30

Capturing functional information is crucial in childhood disability. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) Core Sets promote assessments of functional abilities and disabilities in clinical practice regarding circumscribed diagnoses. However, the specificity of ICF Core Sets for childhood-onset disabilities has been doubted. This study aimed to identify content commonalities and differences among the ICF Core Sets for cerebral palsy (CP), and the newly developed Core Sets for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The categories within each Core Set were aggregated at the ICF component and chapter levels. Content comparison was conducted using descriptive analyses. The activities and participation component of the ICF was the most covered across all Core Sets. Main differences included representation of ICF components and coverage of ICF chapters within each component. CP included all ICF components, while ADHD and ASD predominantly focused on activities and participation. Environmental factors were highly represented in the ADHD Core Sets (40.5%) compared to the ASD (28%) and CP (27%) Core Sets. International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health Core Sets for CP, ASD, and ADHD capture both common but also unique functional information, showing the importance of creating condition-specific, ICF-based tools to build functional profiles of individuals with childhood-onset disabilities. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) Core Sets for cerebral palsy (CP), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) include unique functional information. The ICF-based tools for CP, ASD, and ADHD differ in terms of representation and coverage of ICF components and ICF chapters. Representation of environmental factors uniquely influences functioning and disability across ICF Core Sets for CP, ASD and ADHD. © 2018 Mac Keith Press.

Epigenetic Signatures of Cigarette Smoking

PubMed Central

Joehanes, Roby; Just, Allan C.; Marioni, Riccardo E.; Pilling, Luke C.; Reynolds, Lindsay M.; Mandaviya, Pooja R.; Guan, Weihua; Xu, Tao; Elks, Cathy E.; Aslibekyan, Stella; Moreno-Macias, Hortensia; Smith, Jennifer A.; Brody, Jennifer A.; Dhingra, Radhika; Yousefi, Paul; Pankow, James S.; Kunze, Sonja; Shah, Sonia; McRae, Allan F.; Lohman, Kurt; Sha, Jin; Absher, Devin M.; Ferrucci, Luigi; Zhao, Wei; Demerath, Ellen W.; Bressler, Jan; Grove, Megan L.; Huan, Tianxiao; Liu, Chunyu; Mendelson, Michael M.; Yao, Chen; Kiel, Douglas P.; Peters, Annette; Wang-Sattler, Rui; Visscher, Peter M.; Wray, Naomi R.; Starr, John M.; Ding, Jingzhong; Rodriguez, Carlos J.; Wareham, Nicholas J.; Irvin, Marguerite R.; Zhi, Degui; Barrdahl, Myrto; Vineis, Paolo; Ambatipudi, Srikant; Uitterlinden, André G.; Hofman, Albert; Schwartz, Joel; Colicino, Elena; Hou, Lifang; Vokonas, Pantel S.; Hernandez, Dena G.; Singleton, Andrew B.; Bandinelli, Stefania; Turner, Stephen T.; Ware, Erin B.; Smith, Alicia K.; Klengel, Torsten; Binder, Elisabeth B.; Psaty, Bruce M.; Taylor, Kent D.; Gharib, Sina A.; Swenson, Brenton R.; Liang, Liming; DeMeo, Dawn L.; O'Connor, George T.; Herceg, Zdenko; Ressler, Kerry J.; Conneely, Karen N.; Sotoodehnia, Nona; Kardia, Sharon L. R.; Melzer, David; Baccarelli, Andrea A.; van Meurs, Joyce B. J.; Romieu, Isabelle; Arnett, Donna K.; Ong, Ken K.; Liu, Yongmei; Waldenberger, Melanie; Deary, Ian J.; Fornage, Myriam; Levy, Daniel; London, Stephanie J.

2016-01-01

Background DNA methylation leaves a long-term signature of smoking exposure and is one potential mechanism by which tobacco exposure predisposes to adverse health outcomes, such as cancers, osteoporosis, lung, and cardiovascular disorders. Methods and Results To comprehensively determine the association between cigarette smoking and DNA methylation, we conducted a meta-analysis of genome-wide DNA methylation assessed using the Illumina BeadChip 450K array on 15,907 blood derived DNA samples from participants in 16 cohorts (including 2,433 current, 6,518 former, and 6,956 never smokers). Comparing current versus never smokers, 2,623 CpG sites (CpGs), annotated to 1,405 genes, were statistically significantly differentially methylated at Bonferroni threshold of p<1×10−7 (18,760 CpGs at False Discovery Rate (FDR)<0.05). Genes annotated to these CpGs were enriched for associations with several smoking-related traits in genome-wide studies including pulmonary function, cancers, inflammatory diseases and heart disease. Comparing former versus never smokers, 185 of the CpGs that differed between current and never smokers were significant p<1×10−7 (2,623 CpGs at FDR<0.05), indicating a pattern of persistent altered methylation, with attenuation, after smoking cessation. Transcriptomic integration identified effects on gene expression at many differentially methylated CpGs. Conclusions Cigarette smoking has a broad impact on genome-wide methylation that, at many loci, persists many years after smoking cessation. Many of the differentially methylated genes were novel genes with respect to biologic effects of smoking, and might represent therapeutic targets for prevention or treatment of tobacco-related diseases. Methylation at these sites could also serve as sensitive and stable biomarkers of lifetime exposure to tobacco smoke. PMID:27651444

Comparative chloroplast genomes of eleven Schima (Theaceae) species: Insights into DNA barcoding and phylogeny.

PubMed

Yu, Xiang-Qin; Drew, Bryan T; Yang, Jun-Bo; Gao, Lian-Ming; Li, De-Zhu

2017-01-01

Schima is an ecologically and economically important woody genus in tea family (Theaceae). Unresolved species delimitations and phylogenetic relationships within Schima limit our understanding of the genus and hinder utilization of the genus for economic purposes. In the present study, we conducted comparative analysis among the complete chloroplast (cp) genomes of 11 Schima species. Our results indicate that Schima cp genomes possess a typical quadripartite structure, with conserved genomic structure and gene order. The size of the Schima cp genome is about 157 kilo base pairs (kb). They consistently encode 114 unique genes, including 80 protein-coding genes, 30 tRNAs, and 4 rRNAs, with 17 duplicated in the inverted repeat (IR). These cp genomes are highly conserved and do not show obvious expansion or contraction of the IR region. The percent variability of the 68 coding and 93 noncoding (>150 bp) fragments is consistently less than 3%. The seven most widely touted DNA barcode regions as well as one promising barcode candidate showed low sequence divergence. Eight mutational hotspots were identified from the 11 cp genomes. These hotspots may potentially be useful as specific DNA barcodes for species identification of Schima. The 58 cpSSR loci reported here are complementary to the microsatellite markers identified from the nuclear genome, and will be leveraged for further population-level studies. Phylogenetic relationships among the 11 Schima species were resolved with strong support based on the cp genome data set, which corresponds well with the species distribution pattern. The data presented here will serve as a foundation to facilitate species identification, DNA barcoding and phylogenetic reconstructions for future exploration of Schima.

Science/Society Case Study. Solid Wastes: Diamonds in the Rough?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Moore, John W., Ed.; Moore, Elizabeth A., Ed.

1976-01-01

Expounds on the current solid waste disposal problems of the United States and current methods of waste disposal. Includes a description of the use of solid waste in power generating plants. A bibliography of suggested readings is provided. (CP)

Effects of dietary crude protein and rumen-degradable protein concentrations on urea recycling, nitrogen balance, omasal nutrient flow, and milk production in dairy cows.

PubMed

Mutsvangwa, T; Davies, K L; McKinnon, J J; Christensen, D A

2016-08-01

The objective of this study was to determine how interactions between dietary crude protein (CP) and rumen-degradable protein (RDP) concentrations alter urea-nitrogen recycling, nitrogen (N) balance, omasal nutrient flow, and milk production in lactating Holstein cows. Eight multiparous Holstein cows (711±21kg of body weight; 91±17d in milk at the start of the experiment) were used in a replicated 4×4 Latin square design with a 2×2 factorial arrangement of dietary treatments and 29-d experimental periods. Four cows in one Latin square were fitted with ruminal cannulas to allow ruminal and omasal sampling. The dietary treatment factors were CP (14.9 vs. 17.5%; dry matter basis) and RDP (63 vs. 69% of CP) contents. Dietary RDP concentration was manipulated by including unprocessed or micronized canola meal. Diet adaptation (d 1-20) was followed by 8d (d 21-29) of sample and data collection. Continuous intrajugular infusions of [(15)N(15)N]-urea (220mg/d) were conducted for 4d (d 25-29) with concurrent total collections of urine and feces to estimate N balance and whole-body urea kinetics. Proportions of [(15)N(15)N]- and [(14)N(15)N]-urea in urinary urea, and (15)N enrichment in feces were used to calculate urea kinetics. For the low-CP diets, cows fed the high-RDP diet had a greater DM intake compared with those fed the low-RDP diet, but the opposite trend was observed for cows fed the high-CP diets. Dietary treatment had no effect on milk yield. Milk composition and milk component yields were largely unaffected by dietary treatment; however, on the low-CP diets, milk fat yield was greater for cows fed the low-RDP diet compared with those fed the high-RDP diet, but it was unaffected by RDP concentration on the high-CP diets. On the high-CP diets, milk urea nitrogen concentration was greater in cows fed the high-RDP diet compared with those fed the low-RDP diet, but it was unaffected by RDP concentration on the low-CP diets. Ruminal NH3-N concentration tended to be greater in cows fed the high-CP diet compared with those fed the low-CP diet, and it was greater in cows fed the high-RDP diet as compared with those fed the low-RDP diet. Nitrogen intake and both total N and urea-N excretion in urine were greater for cows fed the high-CP diet compared with those fed the low-CP diet. However, N balance and urinary excretion of purine derivatives were unaffected by dietary treatment. Urea-N entry rate (UER) was greater in cows fed the high-CP diet compared with those fed the low-CP diet; however, UER was unaffected by dietary RDP concentration. The proportion of urea-N recycled to the gastrointestinal tract (as a percentage of UER) was greater in cows fed the low-CP diet compared with those fed the high-CP diet. In summary, reducing dietary CP concentration decreased urinary N excretion but had no effect on milk yield, thus resulting in an overall improvement in milk N efficiency. Copyright © 2016 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Thermomechanical modeling of the Colorado Plateau-Basin and range transition zone

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Londe, M. D.

1985-01-01

The Colorado Plateau (CP) basin and range (B & R) boundary is marked by a transition zone on the order of 75 to 150 km in width. As one moves westward across this transition from the CP interior to the B & R there is a variation in the surface topography, surface heat flow, Bouguer gravity, seismicity, and crustal structure. This transition extends eastward into the western CP from the Wastach-Hurricane fault line and is largely coincident with the high plateaus of Utah and the Wasatch Mountains. It has been suggested that this transition zone marks a thermal and tectonic encroachment of the CP by the B & R. A simple two dimensional numerical model of the thermal regime for the transition zone was constructed to test the hypothesis that the observed geophysical signatures across the transition are due to lateral heat conduction from steady state uniform extension within the B & R lithosphere. Surface heat flow, uplift due to flexure from thermal buoyant loading, and regional Bouguer gravity are computed for various extension rates, crustal structures, and compensation depths.

Rheological and biochemical properties of Solanum lycocarpum starch.

PubMed

Di-Medeiros, Maria Carolina B; Pascoal, Aline M; Batista, Karla A; Bassinello, Priscila Z; Lião, Luciano M; Leles, Maria Inês G; Fernandes, Kátia F

2014-04-15

This study was conducted to evaluate the rheological and physicochemical properties of Solanum lycocarpum starch. The thermogravimetric analysis of S. lycocarpum starch showed a typical three-step weight loss pattern. Microscopy revealed significant changes in the granule morphology after hydrothermal treatment. Samples hydrothermally treated at 50°C for 10 min lost 52% of their crystallinity, which was recovered after storage for 7 days at 4°C. However, samples hydrothermally treated at 65°C were totally amorphous. This treatment was sufficient to completely disrupt the starch granule, as evidenced by the absence of an endothermic peak in the DSC thermogram. The RVA of S. lycocarpum starch revealed 4440.7cP peak viscosity, 2660.5cP breakdown viscosity, 2414.1cP final viscosity, 834.3cP setback viscosity, and a pasting temperature of 49.6°C. The low content of resistant starch (10.25%) and high content of digestible starch (89.78%) in S. lycocarpum suggest that this starch may be a good source for the production of hydrolysates, such as glucose syrup and its derivatives. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Threonine supplementation reduces dietary protein and improves lipid metabolism in Pekin ducks.

PubMed

Jiang, Y; Tang, J; Xie, M; Wen, Z G; Qiao, S Y; Hou, S S

2017-12-01

1. This study was conducted to investigate the efficiency of threonine (Thr) supplementation on reducing dietary crude protein (CP) content and the effects of Thr on lipid metabolism in Pekin ducks. The effects of dietary CP concentration (160, 190 and 220 g/kg) and Thr supplemental concentration (0, 0.7, 1.4, 2.1 and 2.8 g/kg) on growth performance, carcass, liver lipid and plasma profiles were determined in Pekin ducks from 1-21 d of age. 2. A total of 720-d-old male Pekin ducks were randomly allotted to 1 of 15 dietary treatments with 6 replicate cages of 8 birds per cage for each treatment according to average body weight. 3. Dietary Thr supplementation improved growth performance and breast muscle percentage at all CP diets, and ducks fed Thr-supplemented diets had higher plasma concentrations of some plasma amino acids. Thr supplementation reduced the concentrations of total lipid, triglyceride, cholesterol in liver, and plasma low density lipoprotein cholesterin concentration at 160 and 190 g/kg CP, whereas it increased triglyceride concentration at 160 g/kg CP. 4. Thr requirements based on quadratic broken-line model estimation were 6.6 and 7.0 g/kg for optimal average daily gain (ADG), and 6.7 and 7.3 g/kg for breast muscle percentage of Pekin ducks from 1-21 d of age at 190 and 220 g/kg CP, respectively. The dietary Thr requirements and estimated ADG (55.18 vs. 55.86 g/d/bird) and breast muscle percentage (2.79% vs. 2.75%) of Pekin ducks did not differ between 190 and 220 g/kg CP according to the t-test results. 5. Dietary CP level could be reduced to 190 g/kg in Pekin ducks from 1-21 d of age with Thr supplementation to balance dietary amino acids, and Thr supplementation prevented excess liver lipid deposition in this instance.

The prevalence of underweight is increased in chronic pancreatitis outpatients and associates with reduced life quality.

PubMed

Olesen, Søren S; Frandsen, Louise Kuhlman; Poulsen, Jakob Lykke; Vestergaard, Peter; Rasmussen, Henrik Højgaard; Drewes, Asbjørn M

Underweight is a well-known complication of chronic pancreatitis (CP), but little is known about its prevalence in the outpatient setting. We investigated the prevalence of underweight in outpatients with CP and its association with quality of life (QOL) and various risk factors. This was a cross-sectional study of 166 outpatients with CP that was conducted at a tertiary referral center. The primary outcome was the prevalence of underweight (body mass index [BMI] <20 kg/m 2 ) in patients with CP compared with 160 age- and sex-matched controls. Clinical and demographic parameters including QOL, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), pain severity, pain pattern (constant versus intermittent), opioid use, and smoking and drinking habits were analyzed for their association with BMI. Patients with CP had a decreased mean BMI compared with controls (22.9 ± 4.2 kg/m 2 versus 26.8 ± 5.2 kg/m 2 ; P < 0.0001). Of 166 patients with CP, 43 (26.0% [95% confidence interval: 19.8-33.1%]) were underweight compared with 15 of 160 controls (9.4% [95% confidence interval: 5.8-14.9%]; odds ratio: 3.38 [95% confidence interval: 1.79-6.38]; P = 0.0001). Several QOL scales and items were associated with underweight, including physical functioning (P = 0.024). Alcoholic etiology (P = 0.002), EPI (P = 0.004), and constant pain (P = 0.026) were independently associated with low BMI. One quarter of outpatients with CP are underweight and report reduced life quality compared with their normal-weight counterparts. EPI, alcoholic etiology, and pain-related symptoms are independent risk factors. Our findings emphasize the need for a multidisciplinary approach in the handling of patients with CP that focuses on alcohol cessation and the appropriate treatment of pain and EPI. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Cerebral palsy characterization by estimating ocular motion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

González, Jully; Atehortúa, Angélica; Moncayo, Ricardo; Romero, Eduardo

2017-11-01

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a large group of motion and posture disorders caused during the fetal or infant brain development. Sensorial impairment is commonly found in children with CP, i.e., between 40-75 percent presents some form of vision problems or disabilities. An automatic characterization of the cerebral palsy is herein presented by estimating the ocular motion during a gaze pursuing task. Specifically, After automatically detecting the eye location, an optical flow algorithm tracks the eye motion following a pre-established visual assignment. Subsequently, the optical flow trajectories are characterized in the velocity-acceleration phase plane. Differences are quantified in a small set of patients between four to ten years.

Segregation of isotopes of heavy metals due to light-induced drift: results and problems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sapar, A.; Aret, A.; Poolamäe, R.; Sapar, L.

2008-04-01

Atutov and Shalagin (1988) proposed light-induced drift (LID) as a physically well understandable mechanism to explain the formation of isotopic anomalies observed in CP stars. We have generalized the theory of LID and applied it to diffusion of heavy elements and their isotopes in quiescent atmospheres of CP stars. Diffusional segregation of isotopes of chemical elements is described by the equations of continuity and diffusion velocity. Computations of evolutionary sequences for the abundances of mercury isotopes in several model atmospheres have been made, using the Fortran 90 program SMART composed by the authors. Results confirm predominant role of LID in separation of isotopes.

Improved health-related quality of life, participation, and autonomy in patients with treatment-resistant chronic pain after an intensive social cognitive intervention with the participation of support partners

PubMed Central

Jongen, Peter Joseph; Ruimschotel, Rob P; Museler-Kreijns, YM; Dragstra, TMC; Duyverman, L; Valkenburg-Vissers, J; Cornelissen, J; Lagrand, R; Donders, Rogier; Hartog, A

2017-01-01

Despite the availability of various specific treatments, most patients with chronic pain (CP) consider their pain problem as undertreated. Recently, multiple sclerosis (MS) patients who were given an intensive 3-day social cognitive treatment with the participation of support partners experienced lasting improvements in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and self-efficacy. In this study, a similar intervention was given to treatment-resistant CP patients with stressors, relational problems with support partner, and distress, anxiety or depression. Before and 1, 3, and 6 months after the intervention, patients completed the Euro-Qol 5 Dimensions 5 Levels (EQ-5D-5L) and Impact on Participation and Autonomy (IPA) questionnaires (primary outcomes), and the Survey Of Pain Attitudes (SOPA), the Four-Dimensional Symptom Questionnaire (4DSQ) (distress, depression, anxiety, and somatization), and Visual Analog Scale for pain intensity, whereas the support partners completed the Caregiver Strain Index (CSI) questionnaire. Differences between baseline and post-treatment were tested via paired t-tests (significance level 0.05). Of the 39 patients who were included, 34 (87.2%) completed the 3-day treatment. At 1, 3, and 6 months, improvements were seen in EQ-5D-5L-Index (+40.6%; +22.4%; +31.7%), Health Today (+61.8%; +36.3%; +46.8%), Control attitude (+45.8%; not significant [NS]; +55.0%) and decreases in IPA-Problems (−14.8%; NS; −20.4%), Harm attitude (−18.9%; −15.0%; −17.7%), Distress (−17.7%; −31.8%; −37.1%), and Depression (−37.4%; −31.4%; −35.7%) scores. The CSI score had decreased by −29.0%, −21.4%, and −25.9%, respectively. In conclusion, after an intensive 3-day social cognitive intervention, treatment-resistant CP patients experienced substantial and lasting improvements in HRQoL and in problematic limitations to participation and autonomy, in association with improvements in pain attitudes, depression, and distress. To assess whether this innovative approach may be an effective treatment for this subgroup of CP patients, future randomized controlled studies are needed. PMID:29238216

Improved health-related quality of life, participation, and autonomy in patients with treatment-resistant chronic pain after an intensive social cognitive intervention with the participation of support partners.

PubMed

Jongen, Peter Joseph; Ruimschotel, Rob P; Museler-Kreijns, Y M; Dragstra, Tmc; Duyverman, L; Valkenburg-Vissers, J; Cornelissen, J; Lagrand, R; Donders, Rogier; Hartog, A

2017-01-01

Despite the availability of various specific treatments, most patients with chronic pain (CP) consider their pain problem as undertreated. Recently, multiple sclerosis (MS) patients who were given an intensive 3-day social cognitive treatment with the participation of support partners experienced lasting improvements in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and self-efficacy. In this study, a similar intervention was given to treatment-resistant CP patients with stressors, relational problems with support partner, and distress, anxiety or depression. Before and 1, 3, and 6 months after the intervention, patients completed the Euro-Qol 5 Dimensions 5 Levels (EQ-5D-5L) and Impact on Participation and Autonomy (IPA) questionnaires (primary outcomes), and the Survey Of Pain Attitudes (SOPA), the Four-Dimensional Symptom Questionnaire (4DSQ) (distress, depression, anxiety, and somatization), and Visual Analog Scale for pain intensity, whereas the support partners completed the Caregiver Strain Index (CSI) questionnaire. Differences between baseline and post-treatment were tested via paired t -tests (significance level 0.05). Of the 39 patients who were included, 34 (87.2%) completed the 3-day treatment. At 1, 3, and 6 months, improvements were seen in EQ-5D-5L-Index (+40.6%; +22.4%; +31.7%), Health Today (+61.8%; +36.3%; +46.8%), Control attitude (+45.8%; not significant [NS]; +55.0%) and decreases in IPA-Problems (-14.8%; NS; -20.4%), Harm attitude (-18.9%; -15.0%; -17.7%), Distress (-17.7%; -31.8%; -37.1%), and Depression (-37.4%; -31.4%; -35.7%) scores. The CSI score had decreased by -29.0%, -21.4%, and -25.9%, respectively. In conclusion, after an intensive 3-day social cognitive intervention, treatment-resistant CP patients experienced substantial and lasting improvements in HRQoL and in problematic limitations to participation and autonomy, in association with improvements in pain attitudes, depression, and distress. To assess whether this innovative approach may be an effective treatment for this subgroup of CP patients, future randomized controlled studies are needed.

Searching for New Physics at SuperB - The Super Flavor Factory

ScienceCinema

Hiltin, David

2018-01-05

SuperB – a Super Flavor Factory, an electron-positron collider with a luminosity of 1036 cm-2 s-1, can conduct conduct unique sensitive searches for New Physics effects such as lepton flavor violation and new sources of CP violation in the quark and lepton sectors.

CFD Simulation On The Pressure Distribution For An Isolated Single-Story House With Extension: Grid Sensitivity Analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yahya, W. N. W.; Zaini, S. S.; Ismail, M. A.; Majid, T. A.; Deraman, S. N. C.; Abdullah, J.

2018-04-01

Damage due to wind-related disasters is increasing due to global climate change. Many studies have been conducted to study the wind effect surrounding low-rise building using wind tunnel tests or numerical simulations. The use of numerical simulation is relatively cheap but requires very good command in handling the software, acquiring the correct input parameters and obtaining the optimum grid or mesh. However, before a study can be conducted, a grid sensitivity test must be conducted to get a suitable cell number for the final to ensure an accurate result with lesser computing time. This study demonstrates the numerical procedures for conducting a grid sensitivity analysis using five models with different grid schemes. The pressure coefficients (CP) were observed along the wall and roof profile and compared between the models. The results showed that medium grid scheme can be used and able to produce high accuracy results compared to finer grid scheme as the difference in terms of the CP values was found to be insignificant.

An accurate sleep stages classification system using a new class of optimally time-frequency localized three-band wavelet filter bank.

PubMed

Sharma, Manish; Goyal, Deepanshu; Achuth, P V; Acharya, U Rajendra

2018-07-01

Sleep related disorder causes diminished quality of lives in human beings. Sleep scoring or sleep staging is the process of classifying various sleep stages which helps to detect the quality of sleep. The identification of sleep-stages using electroencephalogram (EEG) signals is an arduous task. Just by looking at an EEG signal, one cannot determine the sleep stages precisely. Sleep specialists may make errors in identifying sleep stages by visual inspection. To mitigate the erroneous identification and to reduce the burden on doctors, a computer-aided EEG based system can be deployed in the hospitals, which can help identify the sleep stages, correctly. Several automated systems based on the analysis of polysomnographic (PSG) signals have been proposed. A few sleep stage scoring systems using EEG signals have also been proposed. But, still there is a need for a robust and accurate portable system developed using huge dataset. In this study, we have developed a new single-channel EEG based sleep-stages identification system using a novel set of wavelet-based features extracted from a large EEG dataset. We employed a novel three-band time-frequency localized (TBTFL) wavelet filter bank (FB). The EEG signals are decomposed using three-level wavelet decomposition, yielding seven sub-bands (SBs). This is followed by the computation of discriminating features namely, log-energy (LE), signal-fractal-dimensions (SFD), and signal-sample-entropy (SSE) from all seven SBs. The extracted features are ranked and fed to the support vector machine (SVM) and other supervised learning classifiers. In this study, we have considered five different classification problems (CPs), (two-class (CP-1), three-class (CP-2), four-class (CP-3), five-class (CP-4) and six-class (CP-5)). The proposed system yielded accuracies of 98.3%, 93.9%, 92.1%, 91.7%, and 91.5% for CP-1 to CP-5, respectively, using 10-fold cross validation (CV) technique. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A within-trial cost-effectiveness analysis of primary care referral to a commercial provider for weight loss treatment, relative to standard care—an international randomised controlled trial

PubMed Central

Fuller, N R; Colagiuri, S; Schofield, D; Olson, A D; Shrestha, R; Holzapfel, C; Wolfenstetter, S B; Holle, R; Ahern, A L; Hauner, H; Jebb, S A; Caterson, I D

2013-01-01

Background: Due to the high prevalence of overweight and obesity there is a need to identify cost-effective approaches for weight loss in primary care and community settings. Objective: We evaluated the cost effectiveness of two weight loss programmes of 1-year duration, either standard care (SC) as defined by national guidelines, or a commercial provider (Weight Watchers) (CP). Design: This analysis was based on a randomised controlled trial of 772 adults (87% female; age 47.4±12.9 years; body mass index 31.4±2.6 kg m−2) recruited by health professionals in primary care in Australia, United Kingdom and Germany. Both a health sector and societal perspective were adopted to calculate the cost per kilogram of weight loss and the ICER, expressed as the cost per quality adjusted life year (QALY). Results: The cost per kilogram of weight loss was USD122, 90 and 180 for the CP in Australia, the United Kingdom and Germany, respectively. For SC the cost was USD138, 151 and 133, respectively. From a health-sector perspective, the ICER for the CP relative to SC was USD18 266, 12 100 and 40 933 for Australia, the United Kingdom and Germany, respectively. Corresponding societal ICER figures were USD31 663, 24 996 and 51 571. Conclusion: The CP was a cost-effective approach from a health funder and societal perspective. Despite participants in the CP group attending two to three times more meetings than the SC group, the CP was still cost effective even including these added patient travel costs. This study indicates that it is cost effective for general practitioners (GPs) to refer overweight and obese patients to a CP, which may be better value than expending public funds on GP visits to manage this problem. PMID:22929209

DNA Methylation at the DAT Promoter and Risk for Psychopathology: Intergenerational Transmission between School-Age Youths and Their Parents in a Community Sample.

PubMed

Cimino, Silvia; Cerniglia, Luca; Ballarotto, Giulia; Marzilli, Eleonora; Pascale, Esterina; D'Addario, Claudio; Adriani, Walter; Tambelli, Renata

2017-01-01

The effect of gene polymorphisms and promoter methylation, associated with maladaptive developmental outcomes, vary depending on environmental factors (e.g., parental psychopathology). Most studies have focused on 0- to 5-year-old children, adolescents, or adults, whereas there is dearth of research on school-age youths and pre-adolescents. In a sample of 21 families recruited at schools, we addressed parents' psychopathological symptoms (through SCL-90-R); offspring emotional-behavioral functioning (through CBCL-6-18); dopamine transporter gene (DAT1) for epigenetic status of the 5'-untranslated region (UTR) and for genotype, i.e., variable number of tandem repeats polymorphism at the 3'-UTR. Possible associations were explored between bio-genetic and psychological characteristics within the same individual and between triplets of children, mothers, and fathers. DAT methylation of CpG at positions M1, M6, and M7 in mothers was correlated with maternal (phobic) anxiety, whereas in fathers' position M6 was related to paternal depression, anxiety, hostility, psychoticism, and higher Global Severity Index (GSI). No significant correlations were found between maternal and offspring DAT methylation. Significant correlations were found between fathers' methylation at CpG M1 and children's methylation at CpG M6. Linear regressions showed that mothers and fathers' GSI predicted children's methylation at CpG sites M2, M3, and M6, whereas fathers' GSI predicted children's methylation at CpG sites, particularly M1, M2, and M6. Moreover, offspring methylation of DAT at CpG M2 predicted somatic complaint, internalizing and attention problems; methylation of DAT at CpG M6 predicted withdraw. This study may have important clinical implication for the prevention and treatment of emotional-behavioral difficulties in children, as it adds to previous knowledge about the role of genetic and environmental factors in predicting psychopathological symptoms within non-clinical populations.

Child characteristics, caregiver characteristics, and environmental factors affecting the quality of life of caregivers of children with cerebral palsy.

PubMed

Tseng, Mei-Hui; Chen, Kuan-Lin; Shieh, Jeng-Yi; Lu, Lu; Huang, Chien-Yu; Simeonsson, Rune J

2016-12-01

The study aimed to investigate comprehensively the determinants of the quality of life (QOL) of caregivers of children with cerebral palsy (CP) based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health for Children and Youth (ICF-CY). A total of 167 children with CP (mean age 9.06 years, SD 2.61 years) and their caregivers (mean age 40.24 years, SD 5.43 years) participated in this study. The QOL of caregivers was measured with the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF-Taiwan version (WHOQOL-BREF-TW). The potential determinants of QOL were collected, including child characteristics, caregiver characteristics, and environmental factors from all dimensions of the ICF-CY and analysed using multiple regression models. Four multiple regression models revealed that determinants of the QOL of caregivers of children with CP was multidimensional, encompassing child characteristics (age, type of CP, fine motor impairment, other diseases, behaviour and emotions, visual impairment, hearing impairment), caregiver characteristics (general mental health, parenting stress, marital status, family coping patterns, and socio-economic status), and environmental factors (child's medication, school setting, and current rehabilitation service, caregiver's spouse's age, family life impacts, and domestic helper). Knowledge of the determinants of QOL could serve as a guide in a holistic approach to evaluation and intervention and help plan interventions targeted at these determinants to improve the QOL of caregivers of children with CP. Implications for Rehabilitation Caregivers of children with CP had lower QOL, except the environment QOL. The QOL determinants of caregivers of children with CP are multidimensional, including child characteristics, caregiver characteristics, and environmental factors. In addition to child characteristics of severity of fine motor impairments and emotional and behavioural problems, caregiver characteristics of general mental health, parenting stress, and coping patterns, and environmental factors of family life impacts, and school setting demonstrated important relationships with caregiver QOL.

Right hepatic lobe donation adversely affects donor life insurability up to one year after donation.

PubMed

Nissing, Matthew H; Hayashi, Paul H

2005-07-01

There are no data regarding hepatic lobe donation effects on donor life insurability. Two investigators called 10 agents of 10 different large life insurance companies. One investigator gave a fictitious profile: Caucasian man, 33 years old, nonsmoker, without medical problems (control profile [CP]). The other investigator used the same profile with a history of uncomplicated right lobe donation 12 months earlier (donor profile [DP]). Investigators asked for premium quotes on a $100,000 term life policy. No medical testing or record review was allowed. Investigators were blinded to the results of each other's calls. Agents were unaware of the study. We documented underwriting decisions, premiums quoted, stipulations, number of phone calls, and phone time. All 10 companies would pursue underwriting CP at their lowest, "preferred" rate. Five would do the same for DP. Two might underwrite DP at a more expensive "standard" rate, but a "preferred" rate would be less likely. One would underwrite DP at the "standard" rate; one would not underwrite DP. One agent did not return follow-up calls (DP insurability < CP, P = 0.04). Mean quoted premiums were lower for CP vs. DP ($189/yr. vs. $202/yr., P = 0.56). Median number of phone calls required was 1 for CP and 3 for DP (P = 0.01). Mean telephone minutes were 4.2 for CP and 8.0 for DP (P = 0.004). In conclusion, right hepatic lobe donation decreases life insurability 1 year after uncomplicated donation. Donors can expect some increased difficulty obtaining life insurance, but they should find a company willing to pursue underwriting. The premium paid may be slightly higher.

DNA Methylation in Newborns and Maternal Smoking in Pregnancy: Genome-wide Consortium Meta-analysis

PubMed Central

Joubert, Bonnie R.; Felix, Janine F.; Yousefi, Paul; Bakulski, Kelly M.; Just, Allan C.; Breton, Carrie; Reese, Sarah E.; Markunas, Christina A.; Richmond, Rebecca C.; Xu, Cheng-Jian; Küpers, Leanne K.; Oh, Sam S.; Hoyo, Cathrine; Gruzieva, Olena; Söderhäll, Cilla; Salas, Lucas A.; Baïz, Nour; Zhang, Hongmei; Lepeule, Johanna; Ruiz, Carlos; Ligthart, Symen; Wang, Tianyuan; Taylor, Jack A.; Duijts, Liesbeth; Sharp, Gemma C.; Jankipersadsing, Soesma A.; Nilsen, Roy M.; Vaez, Ahmad; Fallin, M. Daniele; Hu, Donglei; Litonjua, Augusto A.; Fuemmeler, Bernard F.; Huen, Karen; Kere, Juha; Kull, Inger; Munthe-Kaas, Monica Cheng; Gehring, Ulrike; Bustamante, Mariona; Saurel-Coubizolles, Marie José; Quraishi, Bilal M.; Ren, Jie; Tost, Jörg; Gonzalez, Juan R.; Peters, Marjolein J.; Håberg, Siri E.; Xu, Zongli; van Meurs, Joyce B.; Gaunt, Tom R.; Kerkhof, Marjan; Corpeleijn, Eva; Feinberg, Andrew P.; Eng, Celeste; Baccarelli, Andrea A.; Benjamin Neelon, Sara E.; Bradman, Asa; Merid, Simon Kebede; Bergström, Anna; Herceg, Zdenko; Hernandez-Vargas, Hector; Brunekreef, Bert; Pinart, Mariona; Heude, Barbara; Ewart, Susan; Yao, Jin; Lemonnier, Nathanaël; Franco, Oscar H.; Wu, Michael C.; Hofman, Albert; McArdle, Wendy; Van der Vlies, Pieter; Falahi, Fahimeh; Gillman, Matthew W.; Barcellos, Lisa F.; Kumar, Ashish; Wickman, Magnus; Guerra, Stefano; Charles, Marie-Aline; Holloway, John; Auffray, Charles; Tiemeier, Henning W.; Smith, George Davey; Postma, Dirkje; Hivert, Marie-France; Eskenazi, Brenda; Vrijheid, Martine; Arshad, Hasan; Antó, Josep M.; Dehghan, Abbas; Karmaus, Wilfried; Annesi-Maesano, Isabella; Sunyer, Jordi; Ghantous, Akram; Pershagen, Göran; Holland, Nina; Murphy, Susan K.; DeMeo, Dawn L.; Burchard, Esteban G.; Ladd-Acosta, Christine; Snieder, Harold; Nystad, Wenche; Koppelman, Gerard H.; Relton, Caroline L.; Jaddoe, Vincent W.V.; Wilcox, Allen; Melén, Erik; London, Stephanie J.

2016-01-01

Epigenetic modifications, including DNA methylation, represent a potential mechanism for environmental impacts on human disease. Maternal smoking in pregnancy remains an important public health problem that impacts child health in a myriad of ways and has potential lifelong consequences. The mechanisms are largely unknown, but epigenetics most likely plays a role. We formed the Pregnancy And Childhood Epigenetics (PACE) consortium and meta-analyzed, across 13 cohorts (n = 6,685), the association between maternal smoking in pregnancy and newborn blood DNA methylation at over 450,000 CpG sites (CpGs) by using the Illumina 450K BeadChip. Over 6,000 CpGs were differentially methylated in relation to maternal smoking at genome-wide statistical significance (false discovery rate, 5%), including 2,965 CpGs corresponding to 2,017 genes not previously related to smoking and methylation in either newborns or adults. Several genes are relevant to diseases that can be caused by maternal smoking (e.g., orofacial clefts and asthma) or adult smoking (e.g., certain cancers). A number of differentially methylated CpGs were associated with gene expression. We observed enrichment in pathways and processes critical to development. In older children (5 cohorts, n = 3,187), 100% of CpGs gave at least nominal levels of significance, far more than expected by chance (p value < 2.2 × 10−16). Results were robust to different normalization methods used across studies and cell type adjustment. In this large scale meta-analysis of methylation data, we identified numerous loci involved in response to maternal smoking in pregnancy with persistence into later childhood and provide insights into mechanisms underlying effects of this important exposure. PMID:27040690

[Relevance and validity of a new French composite index to measure poverty on a geographical level].

PubMed

Challier, B; Viel, J F

2001-02-01

A number of disease conditions are influenced by deprivation. Geographical measurement of deprivation can provide an independent contribution to individual measures by accounting for the social context. Such a geographical approach, based on deprivation indices, is classical in Great Britain but scarcely used in France. The objective of this work was to build and validate an index readily usable in French municipalities and cantons. Socioeconomic data (unemployment, occupations, housing specifications, income, etc.) were derived from the 1990 census of municipalities and cantons in the Doubs departement. A new index was built by principal components analysis on the municipality data. The validity of the new index was checked and tested for correlations with British deprivation indices. Principal components analysis on municipality data identified four components (explaining 76% of the variance). Only the first component (CP1 explaining 42% of the variance) was retained. Content validity (wide choice of potential deprivation items, correlation between items and CP1: 0.52 to 0.96) and construct validity (CP1 socially relevant; Cronbach's alpha=0.91; correlation between CP1 and three out of four British indices ranging from 0.73 to 0.88) were sufficient. Analysis on canton data supported that on municipality data. The validation of the new index being satisfactory, the user will have to make a choice. The new index, CP1, is closer to the local background and was derived from data from a French departement. It is therefore better adapted to more descriptive approaches such as health care planning. To examine the relationship between deprivation and health with a more etiological approach, the British indices (anteriority, international comparisons) would be more appropriate, but CP1, once validated in various health problem situations, should be most useful for French studies.

Standardized ileal digestibility of amino acids in European soya bean and rapeseed products fed to growing pigs.

PubMed

Kaewtapee, C; Mosenthin, R; Nenning, S; Wiltafsky, M; Schäffler, M; Eklund, M; Rosenfelder-Kuon, P

2018-04-01

This study was conducted to determine the chemical composition and standardized ileal digestibility coefficients (SID) of crude protein (CP) and amino acids (AA) of European soya bean and rapeseed products in pigs. Six soya bean and two rapeseed products were used as the sole dietary source of CP and AA, including raw (FFSB) and roasted full-fat soya beans (FFSB R oasted ), soya bean (SBC) and rapeseed cake (RSC), and rapeseed meal (RSM) from Bavaria (Germany), soya bean meal (SBM) from the Danube region (Austria; SBM A ustria ), a commercially available standard SBM (SBM S td ) and an imported genetically modified organism-free SBM (SBM GMO -free ). Eight ileal- cannulated pigs with an initial body weight of 32 ± 2 kg were allotted to a row-column design with eight diets and six periods of seven days each. Trypsin inhibitor activity (TIA) ranged from 1.8 in SBM S td to 24.5 mg/g DM in FFSB. The SID of CP and all AA in FFSB R oasted were greater than in FFSB, but lower when compared to SBC and SBM A ustria (p < .05). The SID of CP and all AA (except glutamic acid) were not different between SBC and SBM A ustria , but the SID of CP and all AA (except methionine) were greater (p < .05) in SBC than in SBM GMO -free . Furthermore, the SID of CP and most AA showed a quadratic response with decreasing TIA, and there exists a quadratic response in SID of CP and all AA with increasing lysine to CP ratio and neutral detergent insoluble nitrogen (p < .05). In conclusion, variation in chemical composition and SID of CP and AA was observed in different European soya bean and rapeseed products as influenced by differences in processing conditions. European SBC and SBM A ustria can be used as alternative to imported SBM GMO -free and SBM S td in diets for growing pigs. © 2017 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.

The classical dynamic symmetry for the U(1) -Kepler problems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bouarroudj, Sofiane; Meng, Guowu

2018-01-01

For the Jordan algebra of hermitian matrices of order n ≥ 2, we let X be its submanifold consisting of rank-one semi-positive definite elements. The composition of the cotangent bundle map πX: T∗ X → X with the canonical map X → CP n - 1 (i.e., the map that sends a given hermitian matrix to its column space), pulls back the Kähler form of the Fubini-Study metric on CP n - 1 to a real closed differential two-form ωK on T∗ X. Let ωX be the canonical symplectic form on T∗ X and μ a real number. A standard fact says that ωμ ≔ωX + 2 μωK turns T∗ X into a symplectic manifold, hence a Poisson manifold with Poisson bracket {,}μ. In this article we exhibit a Poisson realization of the simple real Lie algebra su(n , n) on the Poisson manifold (T∗ X ,{,}μ) , i.e., a Lie algebra homomorphism from su(n , n) to (C∞(T∗ X , R) ,{,}μ). Consequently one obtains the Laplace-Runge-Lenz vector for the classical U(1) -Kepler problem of level n and magnetic charge μ. Since the McIntosh-Cisneros-Zwanziger-Kepler problems (MICZ-Kepler Problems) are the U(1) -Kepler problems of level 2, the work presented here is a direct generalization of the work by A. Barut and G. Bornzin (1971) on the classical dynamic symmetry for the MICZ-Kepler problems.

Effect of Patient-Focused Clinical Pathway on Anxiety, Depression and Satisfaction of Patients With Coronary Artery Disease: A Quasi-Experimental Study.

PubMed

Fakhr-Movahedi, Ali; Soleimani, Mohsen; Ghazvininejad, Razeyeh; Maher, Mohammad Kazem; Ghorbani, Raheb

2015-09-01

Coronary artery diseases (CAD) are associated with psychological problems such as anxiety and depression in patients. Thus, management of these problems can consider as an important intervention by health care workers, especially nurses. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of patient-focused clinical pathway on anxiety, depression and satisfaction of patients with CAD. In this quasi-experimental study, 138 patients suffering from CAD in a coronary care unit of a referral teaching hospital affiliated to Semnan University of Medical Sciences in Semnan, Iran, were recruited using a convenience sampling method. The participants were assigned to two groups: Clinical pathway (CP) and routine (RUT) care. The level of anxiety and depression of patients were measured in admission and discharge in both groups. Also, the level of patients' satisfaction was measured at the time of discharge. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Prevalence rates of anxiety and depression in total of patients were 7.2% and 8.7%, respectively. In terms of anxiety, the mean of difference between pretest and posttest scores in the CP group (0.52 ± 1.39) was higher compared to the RUT group (-0.17 ± 1.69) and there was a significant difference between the two group (P = 0.009). In terms of depression, the mean of this difference in the CP group (0.75 ± 2.05) was higher compared to the RUT group (0.00 ± 1.08), as there was a significant difference between the two group (P = 0.024). Also, the mean of patients' satisfaction scores in the CP group (3.69 ± 0.39) was higher compared to the RUT group (3.45 ± 0.47) and there was a significant difference between the two groups (P = 0.002). According to the positive effects of CP on patients with CADs, it can be considered as a useful, safe and simple instrument for the improvement of patients' outcomes. Thus, the findings of this study can provide a new insight in patient care for clinical nurses.

Availability, spatial accessibility, utilisation and the role of telehealth for multi-disciplinary paediatric cerebral palsy services in Queensland.

PubMed

Edirippulige, Sisira; Reyno, John; Armfield, Nigel R; Bambling, Matthew; Lloyd, Owen; McNevin, Elizabeth

2016-10-01

The purpose of this study was to understand the methods of current delivery of health care services to cerebral palsy (CP) patients in Queensland, Australia. The study also examines the current use of telehealth by clinicians and their perceptions about telehealth use. Patient records during July 2013-July 2014 were accessed from the Queensland Paediatric Rehabilitation Service (QPRS) to collect information relating to the service delivery for CP patients. Analysis was carried out to examine the patient locations and travel distances using ArcMap geoprocessing software. In addition, 13 face-to-face semi structured interviews were conducted with clinicians from the QPRS and the Cerebral Palsy Health Service (CPHS) to understand the perceptions of clinicians relating to the current level of health care delivery. We also examined the clinicians' current use of telehealth and their opinions about this method. Records of 329 paediatric CP patients were accessed and reviewed. The majority of patients (96%, n = 307) who attended the clinics at the Royal Children's Hospital (RCH), Brisbane, were from remote, rural or regional areas of Queensland. Only 4% of patients (n = 13) were from major cities. During 12 months, patients had attended nine outreach programmes that were conducted by the QPRS and CPHS. The study found that non-local patients were required to travel an average distance of 836 km to access QPRS and CPHS services in Brisbane. The average distance for receiving a consultation at an outreach clinic was 173 km. Clinicians perceived that access to health care services to CP patients in Queensland is inadequate. Nearly all clinicians interviewed had some experience in using telehealth. They had high satisfaction levels with the method. Traditional methods of delivering services to CP patients do not meet their needs. Clinicians have found telehealth is a feasible and satisfactory delivery method. However, the use of telehealth is still limited. © The Author(s) 2015.

Using Case Studies in the Teaching of Physical Principles

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lowe, Ian

1975-01-01

Proposes the use of problems of the everyday world to motivate students to master basic physical principles. Cites the example of conversion of solar energy by a photovoltaic cell as a source of topics in electricity and solid state physics. (CP)

Gastrointestinal Disorders in Children with Neurodevelopmental Disabilities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sullivan, Peter B.

2008-01-01

Children with neurodevelopmental disabilities such as cerebral palsy (CP), spina bifida, or inborn errors of metabolism frequently have associated gastrointestinal problems. These include oral motor dysfunction leading to feeding difficulties, risk of aspiration, prolonged feeding times, and malnutrition with its attendant physical compromise.…

Degradation of 4-chlorophenol and microbial diversity in soil inoculated with single Pseudomonas sp. CF600 and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia KB2.

PubMed

Nowak, Agnieszka; Mrozik, Agnieszka

2018-06-01

Soil contamination with chlorophenols is a serious problem all over the world due to their common use in different branches of industry and agriculture. The objective of this study was to determine whether bioaugmenting soil with single Pseudomonas sp. CF600 and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia KB2 and additional carbon sources such as phenol (P) and sodium benzoate (SB) could enhance the degradation of 4-chlorophenol (4-CP). During the degradation experiment, the number of bacteria as well as the structural and functional diversity of the soil microbial communities were determined. It was found that the most effective degradation of 4-CP in the soil was observed after it was inoculated with CF600 and the addition of SB. The biodegradation of five doses of 4-CP in this soil proceeded within 100 days. At the same time, the rate of the disappearance of 4-CP in the soil that had been bioaugmented with CF600 and contaminated with 4-CP and P was 5-6.5 times lower compared to its rate of disappearance in the soil that had been contaminated with 4-CP. The biodegradation of 4-CP in all of the treated and untreated soils was accompanied by a systematic decrease in the number of heterotrophic bacteria (THB) ranging between 13 and 40%. It was also proven that the tested aromatic compounds affected the soil microbial community structure through an increase in the marker fatty acids for Gram-negative bacteria (BG-) and fungi (F). The essential changes in the patterns of the fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) for the polluted soil included an increase in the fatty acid saturation and hydroxy fatty acid abundance. The obtained results also indicated that the introduction of CF600 into the soil contaminated with 4-CP and SB or P caused an increase in the functional diversity of the soil microorganisms. In contrast, in the soil that had been inoculated with KB2 and in the non-inoculated soil, the addition of 4-CP and P decreased the microbial activity. In conclusion, the inoculation of both strains into contaminated soil with aromatic compounds caused irreversible changes in the functional and structural diversity of the soil microbial communities. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Permeability from complex conductivity: an evaluation of polarization magnitude versus relaxation time based geophysical length scales

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Slater, L. D.; Robinson, J.; Weller, A.; Keating, K.; Robinson, T.; Parker, B. L.

2017-12-01

Geophysical length scales determined from complex conductivity (CC) measurements can be used to estimate permeability k when the electrical formation factor F describing the ratio between tortuosity and porosity is known. Two geophysical length scales have been proposed: [1] the imaginary conductivity σ" normalized by the specific polarizability cp; [2] the time constant τ multiplied by a diffusion coefficient D+. The parameters cp and D+ account for the control of fluid chemistry and/or varying minerology on the geophysical length scale. We evaluated the predictive capability of two recently presented CC permeability models: [1] an empirical formulation based on σ"; [2] a mechanistic formulation based on τ;. The performance of the CC models was evaluated against measured permeability; this performance was also compared against that of well-established k estimation equations that use geometric length scales to represent the pore scale properties controlling fluid flow. Both CC models predict permeability within one order of magnitude for a database of 58 sandstone samples, with the exception of those samples characterized by high pore volume normalized surface area Spor and more complex mineralogy including significant dolomite. Variations in cp and D+ likely contribute to the poor performance of the models for these high Spor samples. The ultimate value of such geophysical models for permeability prediction lies in their application to field scale geophysical datasets. Two observations favor the implementation of the σ" based model over the τ based model for field-scale estimation: [1] the limited range of variation in cp relative to D+; [2] σ" is readily measured using field geophysical instrumentation (at a single frequency) whereas τ requires broadband spectral measurements that are extremely challenging and time consuming to accurately measure in the field. However, the need for a reliable estimate of F remains a major obstacle to the field-scale implementation of either of the CC permeability models for k estimation.

Assessment the effect of homogenized soil on soil hydraulic properties and soil water transport

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mohawesh, O.; Janssen, M.; Maaitah, O.; Lennartz, B.

2017-09-01

Soil hydraulic properties play a crucial role in simulating water flow and contaminant transport. Soil hydraulic properties are commonly measured using homogenized soil samples. However, soil structure has a significant effect on the soil ability to retain and to conduct water, particularly in aggregated soils. In order to determine the effect of soil homogenization on soil hydraulic properties and soil water transport, undisturbed soil samples were carefully collected. Five different soil structures were identified: Angular-blocky, Crumble, Angular-blocky (different soil texture), Granular, and subangular-blocky. The soil hydraulic properties were determined for undisturbed and homogenized soil samples for each soil structure. The soil hydraulic properties were used to model soil water transport using HYDRUS-1D.The homogenized soil samples showed a significant increase in wide pores (wCP) and a decrease in narrow pores (nCP). The wCP increased by 95.6, 141.2, 391.6, 3.9, 261.3%, and nCP decreased by 69.5, 10.5, 33.8, 72.7, and 39.3% for homogenized soil samples compared to undisturbed soil samples. The soil water retention curves exhibited a significant decrease in water holding capacity for homogenized soil samples compared with the undisturbed soil samples. The homogenized soil samples showed also a decrease in soil hydraulic conductivity. The simulated results showed that water movement and distribution were affected by soil homogenizing. Moreover, soil homogenizing affected soil hydraulic properties and soil water transport. However, field studies are being needed to find the effect of these differences on water, chemical, and pollutant transport under several scenarios.

[Relationship and interaction between folate and expression of methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 in cervical cancerization].

PubMed

Li, Q L; Ding, L; Nan, J; Liu, C L; Yang, Z K; Chen, F; Liang, Y L; Wang, J T

2016-07-01

To explore the interaction between folate and the expression of methyl-CpG-binding protein 2(MeCP2)in cervical cancerization. Forty one patients diagnosed with cervical squamous cell carcinoma(SCC), 71 patients diagnosed with cervical intraepithelial neoplasm(CIN1, n=34; CIN2 +, n=37)and 61 women with normal cervix(NC)were recruited in this study. Microbiological assay was conducted to detect the levels of serum folate and RBC folate, Western blot assay and real-time PCR were performed to detect the expression levels of MeCP2 protein and mRNA, respectively. The data were analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis H test, χ(2) test, trend χ(2) test and Spearman correlation with SPSS statistical software(version 20.0), and the interaction were evaluated by using generalized multifactor dimensionality reduction(GMDR)model. The levels of serum folate(H=44.71, P<0.001; trend χ(2)=24.48, P<0.001)and RBC folate(H=5.28, P<0.001; trend χ(2)=3.83, P<0.05)decreased gradually along with the severity of cervical lesions. There was a positive correlation between serum folate level and RBC folate level(r=0.270, P< 0.001). The expression levels of MeCP2 protein(H=33.72, P<0.001; trend χ(2)=14.74, P<0.001)and mRNA(H=19.50, P<0.001; trend χ(2)=10.74, P<0.001)increased gradually along with the severity of cervical lesions. There were negative correlation between folate level and the expression level of MeCP2 protein(serum folate: r=-0.226, P=0.003; RBC folate: r=-0.164, P=0.004). Moreover, the results by GMDR model revealed there were interaction among serum folate deficiency, RBC folate deficiency, MeCP2 protein high expression and MeCP2 mRNA high expression in SCC and CIN2 + patients. Folate deficiency and high expression of MeCP2 gene might increase the risk of cervical cancer and its precancerous lesions through interaction among serum folate deficiency, RBC folate deficiency, MeCP2 protein high expression and mRNA high expression in the progression of cervical cancerization.

The effect of dietary protein and phosphorus on ammonia concentration and litter composition in broilers.

PubMed

Ferguson, N S; Gates, R S; Taraba, J L; Cantor, A H; Pescatore, A J; Straw, M L; Ford, M J; Burnham, D J

1998-08-01

An experiment was conducted to determine whether broiler litter concentration of N and P and equilibrium NH3 gas concentration can be reduced by reducing dietary CP and P levels and supplementing with amino acids and phytase, respectively, without adversely affecting bird performance. Equilibrium NH3 gas concentration above the litter was measured. The experiment was divided into a starter period (1 to 21 d) and grower period (22 to 42 d), each having two different CP and P levels in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement. The CP treatments consisted of a control with a mean CP of 204 and 202 g/kg for starter and grower periods, respectively, and a low CP diet with means of 188 and 183 g/kg, respectively, but with similar amino acid levels as the control. The P treatments comprised starter and grower control diets containing means of 6.7 and 6.3 g/kg P, respectively, and low P treatment means of 5.8 and 5.4 g/kg P supplemented with 1.0 g/kg phytase. Reducing starter diet CP by 16 g/kg reduced weight gain by 3.5% and, hence, body weight at 21 d of age, but did not affect feed intake or feed efficiency. Reducing P did not affect feed intake and weight gain, but improved feed efficiency by 2.0%. Responses in feed intake and efficiency to CP depended on the level of dietary P. For the grower period there were no significant differences in feed intake, weight gain, and feed efficiency, nor in body weight at 42 d of age, after correcting for 21-d body weight, between CP and P treatments. There were significant (P < 0.001) reductions in litter N and P concentrations, but not equilibrium NH3 gas concentration, moisture content, or pH, for low CP and P diets. Mean equilibrium NH3 gas concentration was 63 ppm. Litter N concentration was reduced 16.3% with the low CP diets, and litter P by 23.2% in low P treatments. The results suggest that dietary manipulation shows merit for reducing litter N and P concentrations while maintaining acceptable production performance from broilers.

Large area in situ fabrication of poly(pyrrole)-nanowires on flexible thermoplastic films using nanocontact printing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Garcia-Cruz, Alvaro; Lee, Michael; Marote, Pedro; Zine, Nadia; Sigaud, Monique; Bonhomme, Anne; Pruna, Raquel; Lopez, Manuel; Bausells, Joan; Jaffrezic, Nicole; Errachid, Abdelhamid

2016-08-01

Highly efficient nano-engineering tools will certainly revolutionize the biomedical and sensing devices research and development in the years to come. Here, we present a novel high performance conducting poly(pyrrole) nanowires (PPy-NW) patterning technology on thermoplastic surfaces (poly(ethylene terephthalate (PETE), poly(ethylene 2,6-naphthalate (PEN), polyimide (PI), and cyclic olefin copolymer) using nanocontact printing and controlled chemical polymerization (nCP-CCP) technique. The technique uses a commercial compact disk as a template to produce nanopatterned polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) stamps. The PDMS nanopatterned stamp was applied to print the PPy-NWs and the developed technology of nCP-CCP produced 3D conducting nanostructures. This new and very promising nanopatterning technology was achieved in a single step and with a low cost of fabrication over large areas.

Robust estimation of thermodynamic parameters (ΔH, ΔS and ΔCp) for prediction of retention time in gas chromatography - Part I (Theoretical).

PubMed

Claumann, Carlos Alberto; Wüst Zibetti, André; Bolzan, Ariovaldo; Machado, Ricardo A F; Pinto, Leonel Teixeira

2015-12-18

An approach that is commonly used for calculating the retention time of a compound in GC departs from the thermodynamic properties ΔH, ΔS and ΔCp of phase change (from mobile to stationary). Such properties can be estimated by using experimental retention time data, which results in a non-linear regression problem for non-isothermal temperature programs. As shown in this work, the surface of the objective function (approximation error criterion) on the basis of thermodynamic parameters can be divided into three clearly defined regions, and solely in one of them there is a possibility for the global optimum to be found. The main contribution of this study was the development of an algorithm that distinguishes the different regions of the error surface and its use in the robust initialization of the estimation of parameters ΔH, ΔS and ΔCp. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Rehabilitation outcomes of children with cerebral palsy.

PubMed

Yalcinkaya, Ebru Yilmaz; Caglar, Nil Sayıner; Tugcu, Betul; Tonbaklar, Aysegul

2014-02-01

[Purpose] To evaluate the results of Bobath-based rehabilitation performed at a pediatric cerebral palsy (CP) inpatient clinic. [Subjects and Methods] The study subjects were 28 children with CP who were inpatients at a pediatric service. Inclusion criteria were: being an inpatient of our hospital aged 2-12 with a diagnosis of CP; having one permanent primary caregiver; and the caregiver having no medical or psychotic problems. All of the patients received Bobath treatment for 1 hour per day, 5 days a week. The locomotor system, neurologic and orthopedic examination, Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) of the patients, and Short Form-36 (SF-36) of permanent caregivers were evaluated at the time of admission to hospital, discharge from hospital, and at 1 and 3 months after discharge. [Results] Post-admission scores of GMFM at discharge, and 1 and 3 months later showed significant increase. Social function and emotional role subscores of SF-36 had increased significantly at discharge. [Conclusion] Bobath treatment is promising and randomized controlled further studies are needed for rehabilitation technics.

Rehabilitation Outcomes of Children with Cerebral Palsy

PubMed Central

Yalcinkaya, Ebru Yilmaz; Caglar, Nil Sayıner; Tugcu, Betul; Tonbaklar, Aysegul

2014-01-01

[Purpose] To evaluate the results of Bobath-based rehabilitation performed at a pediatric cerebral palsy (CP) inpatient clinic. [Subjects and Methods] The study subjects were 28 children with CP who were inpatients at a pediatric service. Inclusion criteria were: being an inpatient of our hospital aged 2–12 with a diagnosis of CP; having one permanent primary caregiver; and the caregiver having no medical or psychotic problems. All of the patients received Bobath treatment for 1 hour per day, 5 days a week. The locomotor system, neurologic and orthopedic examination, Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) of the patients, and Short Form-36 (SF-36) of permanent caregivers were evaluated at the time of admission to hospital, discharge from hospital, and at 1 and 3 months after discharge. [Results] Post-admission scores of GMFM at discharge, and 1 and 3 months later showed significant increase. Social function and emotional role subscores of SF-36 had increased significantly at discharge. [Conclusion] Bobath treatment is promising and randomized controlled further studies are needed for rehabilitation technics. PMID:24648650

Neurobehavior related to epigenetic differences in preterm infants

PubMed Central

Lester, Barry M; Marsit, Carmen J; Giarraputo, James; Hawes, Katheleen; LaGasse, Linda L; Padbury, James F

2015-01-01

Preterm birth is associated with medical problems affecting the neuroendocrine system, altering cortisol levels resulting in negative effects on newborn neurobehavior. Newborn neurobehavior is regulated by DNA methylation of NR3C1 and HSD11B2. Aim: Determine if methylation of HSD11B2 and NR3C1 is associated with neurobehavioral profiles in preterm infants. Patients & methods: Neurobehavior was measured before discharge from the hospital in 67 preterm infants. Cheek swabs were collected for DNA extraction. Results: Infants with the high-risk neurobehavioral profile showed more methylation than infants with the low-risk neurobehavioral profile at CpG3 for NR3C1 and less methylation of CpG3 for HSD11B2. Infants with these profiles were more likely to have increased methylation of NR3C1 and decreased methylation of HSD11B2 at these CpG sites. Conclusion: Preterm birth is associated with epigenetic differences in genes that regulate cortisol levels related to high-risk neurobehavioral profiles. PMID:26585459

Excitability properties of motor axons in adults with cerebral palsy

PubMed Central

Klein, Cliff S.; Zhou, Ping; Marciniak, Christina

2015-01-01

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a permanent disorder caused by a lesion to the developing brain that significantly impairs motor function. The neurophysiological mechanisms underlying motor impairment are not well understood. Specifically, few have addressed whether motoneuron or peripheral axon properties are altered in CP, even though disruption of descending inputs to the spinal cord may cause them to change. In the present study, we have compared nerve excitability properties in seven adults with CP and fourteen healthy controls using threshold tracking techniques by stimulating the median nerve at the wrist and recording the compound muscle action potential over the abductor pollicis brevis. The excitability properties in the CP subjects were found to be abnormal. Early and late depolarizing and hyperpolarizing threshold electrotonus was significantly larger (i.e., fanning out), and resting current–threshold (I/V) slope was smaller, in CP compared to control. In addition resting threshold and rheobase tended to be larger in CP. According to a modeling analysis of the data, an increase in leakage current under or through the myelin sheath, i.e., the Barrett–Barrett conductance, combined with a slight hyperpolarization of the resting membrane potential, best explained the group differences in excitability properties. There was a trend for those with greater impairment in gross motor function to have more abnormal axon properties. The findings indicate plasticity of motor axon properties far removed from the site of the lesion. We suspect that this plasticity is caused by disruption of descending inputs to the motoneurons at an early age around the time of their injury. PMID:26089791

Environmental temperature and stocking density effects on acute phase proteins, heat shock protein 70, circulating corticosterone and performance in broiler chickens

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Najafi, Pardis; Zulkifli, Idrus; Amat Jajuli, Nurfarahin; Farjam, Abdoreza Soleimani; Ramiah, Suriya Kumari; Amir, Anna Aryani; O'Reily, Emily; Eckersall, David

2015-11-01

An experiment was conducted to determine the effect of different stocking densities on serum corticosterone (CORT), ovotransferrin (OVT), α1-acid glycoprotein (AGP) and ceruloplasmin (CP) concentrations, brain heat shock protein (HSP) 70 expression and performance in broiler chickens exposed to unheated and heated conditions. Day-old chicks were stocked at 0.100 m2/bird (low density (LD)) or 0.063 m2/bird (high density (HD)), in battery cages and housed in environmentally controlled rooms. From 21 to 35 days of age, birds from each stocking density group were exposed to either 24 or 32 °C. Growth performance was recorded during the heat treatment period, and blood and brain samples were collected to determine CORT, OVT, AGP, CP and HSP 70 levels on day 35. Heat treatment but not stocking density was detrimental to growth performance. There were significant temperature × density interactions for CORT, CP and OVT on day 35. Although HD elevated CORT, CP and OVT when compared to LD, the effects of the former were more obvious under heated condition. Both temperature and density had significant effect on AGP and HSP 70. In conclusion, irrespective of temperature, high stocking density was physiologically stressful to broiler chickens, as indicated by CORT, AGP, CP, OVT and HSP 70, but not detrimental to growth performance and survivability. As it was shown in the present study, AGP, CP and OVT could be useful biomarkers to determine the effect of overcrowding and high temperature on the welfare of broiler chickens.

Experimental thermal characterization of concrete to be used in CP5.2 packaging system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lo Frano, R.; Maggini, A.; Aquaro, D.

2017-01-01

This work deals with the experimental evaluation of the thermal conductivity of a concrete matrix to be used for embedding LILW bituminised Wastes into the packaging system. Such a type of packaging, identified with the acronym CP5.2, has been also qualified by executing at the Lab. Scalbatraio of Dep. of Civil and Industrial Engineering of the University of Pisa, an experimental test campaign accordingly to the IAEA regulations. In particular, the knowledge of the thermal conductivity is important because of the fire or furnace test to carry out in oven at 800 °C for 30 minutes. These data allowed to simulate pre-test conditions and to set up safety and operational fire test procedures. The concrete thermal conductivity was obtained by performing hot wire tests on cylindrical concrete samples for temperatures ranging from 100° to about 800°C. Thermal conductivity is determined at steady state condition. Results indicate a monotonically reduction of the thermal conductivity as the temperature increases. The comparison with concrete thermal conductivity data available in literature indicates a quite good agreement. Finally, visual and X-ray inspection of sample did not highlight the presence of micro/macro damages that would have affected the thermal performance of the concrete under study.

Marine Curators Gather

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McCoy, Floyd W.

1977-01-01

Reports on a recent meeting of marine curators in which data dissemination, standardization of marine curating techniques and methods, responsibilities of curators, funding problems, and sampling equipment were the main areas of discussion. A listing of the major deep sea sample collections in the United States is also provided. (CP)

Contextual priming in semantic anomia: a case study.

PubMed

Renvall, Kati; Laine, Matti; Martin, Nadine

2005-11-01

The present case continues the series of anomia treatment studies with contextual priming (CP), being the second in-depth treatment study conducted for an individual suffering from semantically based anomia. Our aim was to acquire further evidence of the facilitation and interference effects of the CP treatment on semantic anomia. Based on the results of the study of , our hypothesis before the treatment was that our participant would show short-term interference and at most modest and short-term benefit from treatment. To acquire such evidence would not only be important for the choice of anomia treatment methods in individual patients, but would also prompt further development of the CP method. The CP technique used for our participant included cycles of repeating and naming items in three contextual conditions (semantic, phonological, and unrelated). As predicted, the overall improvement of naming was modest and short-term. Interestingly, the contextual condition that corresponded with the nature of our patient's underlying naming deficit (semantic) elicited immediate interference in the form of contextual naming errors, as well as short-term improvement of naming. Based on this and a recent study by , it appears that despite short-term positive effects, in its current form the CP treatment is not sufficient for those aphasics who have a semantic deficit underlying their anomia. The possible mechanism and directions for future research are discussed.

The role of socio-economic status and perinatal factors in racial disparities in the risk of cerebral palsy.

PubMed

Durkin, Maureen S; Maenner, Matthew J; Benedict, Ruth E; Van Naarden Braun, Kim; Christensen, Deborah; Kirby, Russell S; Wingate, Martha; Yeargin-Allsopp, Marshalyn

2015-09-01

To determine whether racial disparities in cerebral palsy (CP) risk among US children persist after controlling for socio-economic status (SES) (here indicated by maternal education) and perinatal risk factors. A population-based birth cohort study was conducted using the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network surveillance and birth data for 8-year-old children residing in multi-county areas in Alabama, Georgia, Missouri, and Wisconsin between 2002 and 2008. The birth cohort comparison group included 458 027 children and the case group included 1570 children with CP, 1202 with available birth records. χ(2) tests were performed to evaluate associations and logistic regression was used to calculate relative risks (RR) and adjusted odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). The risk of spastic CP was more than 50% higher for black versus white children (RR 1.52, 95% CI 1.33-1.73), and this greater risk persisted after adjustment for SES (OR 1.35, 95% CI 1.18-1.55), but not after further adjustment for preterm birth and size for gestational age. The protective effect of maternal education remained after adjustment for race/ethnicity and perinatal factors. Maternal education appears to independently affect CP risk but does not fully explain existing racial disparities in CP prevalence in the US. © 2015 Mac Keith Press.

Effectiveness of Exercise on Functional Mobility in Adults with Cerebral Palsy: A Systematic Review

PubMed Central

Lawrence, Hillary; Hills, Sara; Kline, Nicole; Weems, Kyra

2016-01-01

Purpose: We identified evidence evaluating the effect of exercise on functional mobility in adults (aged 18 y or older) with cerebral palsy (CP). Method: An exhaustive search was conducted using the electronic databases PubMed, MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, SPORTDiscus, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews from the earliest available evidence (1975) to the present (January 2016) for studies whose participants were ambulatory adults with CP receiving conservative treatment to address functional mobility limitations. Two independent reviewers agreed on the eligibility, inclusion, and level of evidence of each study. The Maastricht-Amsterdam List (MAL) was used to assess evidence quality. Results: Five of the six studies included were randomized controlled trials, and one was a pre–post case series. Interventions included whole-body vibration, treadmill training without body-weight support, rhythmic auditory stimulation, dynamic balance and gait activities, progressive resistance training, and interactive serious gaming for balance. All studies were considered high quality, as indicated by their MAL scores. Four studies showed no statistical difference and trivial effect sizes between the intervention and the control group. Rhythmic auditory stimulation and interactive serious gaming were found to be statistically significant in benefiting adults with CP. Conclusions: Evidence of the effect of exercise on functional mobility for ambulatory adults with CP is lacking. A need exists for quality research to determine the best interventions for adults with CP to maximize functional mobility. PMID:27904240

Potato virus X TGBp1 induces plasmodesmata gating and moves between cells in several host species whereas CP moves only in N. benthamiana leaves

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

Howard, Amanda R.; Heppler, Marty L.; Ju, Ho-Jong

Experiments were conducted to compare the plasmodesmal transport activities of Potato virus X (PVX) TGBp1 and coat protein (CP) in several plant species. Microinjection experiments indicated that TGBp1 gates plasmodesmata in Nicotiana tabacum leaves. These results support previous microinjection studies indicating that TGBp1 gates plasmodesmata in Nicotiana benthamiana and Nicotiana clevelandii leaves. To study protein movement, plasmids expressing the green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene fused to the PVX TGBp1 or CP genes were biolistically bombarded to leaves taken from four different PVX host species. GFP/TGBp1 moved between adjacent cells in N. tabacum, N. clevelandii, N. benthamiana, and Lycopersicon esculentum, whereasmore » GFP/CP moved only in N. benthamiana leaves. Mutations m12 and m13 were introduced into the TGBp1 gene and both mutations eliminated TGBp1 ATPase active site motifs, inhibited PVX movement, reduced GFP/TGBp1 cell-to-cell movement in N. benthamiana leaves, and eliminated GFP/TGBp1 movement in N. tabacum, N. clevelandii, and L. esculentum leaves. GFP/TGBp1m13 formed aggregates in tobacco cells. The ability of GFP/CP and mutant GFP/TGBp1 fusion proteins to move in N. benthamiana and not in the other PVX host species suggests that N. benthamiana plants have a unique ability to promote protein intercellular movement.« less

"You gotta try it all": Parents' Experiences with Robotic Gait Training for their Children with Cerebral Palsy.

PubMed

Beveridge, Briony; Feltracco, Deanna; Struyf, Jillian; Strauss, Emily; Dang, Saniya; Phelan, Shanon; Wright, F Virginia; Gibson, Barbara E

2015-01-01

Innovative robotic technologies hold strong promise for improving walking abilities of children with cerebral palsy (CP), but may create expectations for parents pursuing the "newest thing" in treatment. The aim of this qualitative study was to explore parents' values about walking in relation to their experiences with robotic gait training for their children. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with parents of five ambulatory children with CP participating in a randomized trial investigating robotic gait training effectiveness. Parents valued walking, especially "correct" walking, as a key component of their children's present and future well-being. They continually sought the "next best thing" in therapy and viewed the robotic gait trainer as a potentially revolutionary technology despite mixed experiences. The results can help inform rehabilitation therapists' knowledge of parents' values and perspectives, and guide effective collaborations toward meeting the therapeutic needs of children with CP.

Complete chloroplast genome of Prunus yedoensis Matsum.(Rosaceae), wild and endemic flowering cherry on Jeju Island, Korea.

PubMed

Cho, Myong-Suk; Hyun Cho, Chung; Yeon Kim, Su; Su Yoon, Hwan; Kim, Seung-Chul

2016-09-01

The complete chloroplast genome sequences of the wild flowering cherry, Prunus yedoensis Matsum., which is native and endemic to Jeju Island, Korea, is reported in this study. The genome size is 157 786 bp in length with 36.7% GC content, which is composed of LSC region of 85 908 bp, SSC region of 19 120 bp and two IR copies of 26 379 bp each. The cp genome contains 131 genes, including 86 coding genes, 8 rRNA genes and 37 tRNA genes. The maximum likelihood analysis was conducted to verify a phylogenetic position of the newly sequenced cp genome of P. yedoensis using 11 representatives of complete cp genome sequences within the family Rosaceae. The genus Prunus exhibited monophyly and the result of the phylogenetic relationship agreed with the previous phylogenetic analyses within Rosaceae.

Modeling transport kinetics in clinoptilolite-phosphate rock systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Allen, E. R.; Ming, D. W.; Hossner, L. R.; Henninger, D. L.

1995-01-01

Nutrient release in clinoptilolite-phosphate rock (Cp-PR) systems occurs through dissolution and cation-exchange reactions. Investigating the kinetics of these reactions expands our understanding of nutrient release processes. Research was conducted to model transport kinetics of nutrient release in Cp-PR systems. The objectives were to identify empirical models that best describe NH4, K, and P release and define diffusion-controlling processes. Materials included a Texas clinoptilolite (Cp) and North Carolina phosphate rock (PR). A continuous-flow thin-disk technique was used. Models evaluated included zero order, first order, second order, parabolic diffusion, simplified Elovich, Elovich, and power function. The power-function, Elovich, and parabolic-diffusion models adequately described NH4, K, and P release. The power-function model was preferred because of its simplicity. Models indicated nutrient release was diffusion controlled. Primary transport processes controlling nutrient release for the time span observed were probably the result of a combination of several interacting transport mechanisms.

Bacterial wetwood detection in Fagus grandifolia and Prunus serotina sapwood using a conducting polymer electronic-nose device

Treesearch

A.D. Wilson

2014-01-01

New electronic gas-detection methods were developed and tested for the diagnosis of bacterial wetwood disease in Fagus grandifolia (American beech) and Prunus serotina (black cherry) using a Conducting Polymer (CP)-type electronic nose (e-nose), the Aromascan A32S, based on detection of headspace...

7 CFR 1260.311 - Collecting persons for purposes of collection of assessments.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... to aslaughter/ packer Sales to afeedlot Sales toan order buyer/dealer Countrysales 1 Arizona CP CP CP B B California CP CP B B-CP B Colorado CP B B B B Idaho B B B B B Montana CP B B B B Nebraska CP CP B-CP B-CP B-CP Nevada B B B B B Oregon CP B-CP B B B New Mexico CP B-CP B-CP B-CP B-CP Utah CP B-CP...

7 CFR 1260.311 - Collecting persons for purposes of collection of assessments.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... to aslaughter/ packer Sales to afeedlot Sales toan order buyer/dealer Countrysales 1 Arizona CP CP CP B B California CP CP B B-CP B Colorado CP B B B B Idaho B B B B B Montana CP B B B B Nebraska CP CP B-CP B-CP B-CP Nevada B B B B B Oregon CP B-CP B B B New Mexico CP B-CP B-CP B-CP B-CP Utah CP B-CP...

7 CFR 1260.311 - Collecting persons for purposes of collection of assessments.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... to aslaughter/ packer Sales to afeedlot Sales toan order buyer/dealer Countrysales 1 Arizona CP CP CP B B California CP CP B B-CP B Colorado CP B B B B Idaho B B B B B Montana CP B B B B Nebraska CP CP B-CP B-CP B-CP Nevada B B B B B Oregon CP B-CP B B B New Mexico CP B-CP B-CP B-CP B-CP Utah CP B-CP...

7 CFR 1260.311 - Collecting persons for purposes of collection of assessments.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... to aslaughter/ packer Sales to afeedlot Sales toan order buyer/dealer Countrysales 1 Arizona CP CP CP B B California CP CP B B-CP B Colorado CP B B B B Idaho B B B B B Montana CP B B B B Nebraska CP CP B-CP B-CP B-CP Nevada B B B B B Oregon CP B-CP B B B New Mexico CP B-CP B-CP B-CP B-CP Utah CP B-CP...

7 CFR 1260.311 - Collecting persons for purposes of collection of assessments.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... to aslaughter/ packer Sales to afeedlot Sales toan order buyer/dealer Countrysales 1 Arizona CP CP CP B B California CP CP B B-CP B Colorado CP B B B B Idaho B B B B B Montana CP B B B B Nebraska CP CP B-CP B-CP B-CP Nevada B B B B B Oregon CP B-CP B B B New Mexico CP B-CP B-CP B-CP B-CP Utah CP B-CP...

Rehabilitation Needs of People with Cerebral Palsy: a qualitative Study

PubMed Central

sharifi, Azam; Kamali, Mohammad; Chabok, Ali

2014-01-01

Background: Cerebral palsy (CP) describes a group of disorders regarding the development of movement and posture, which causes limitations in activity. In fact, it is attributed to non-progressive disturbances that occur during brain development in fetus or infant. CP disorders may accompany by speech, auditory, visual abnormality, seizure, learning disorder, mental retardation and etc. Due to the variation in disorders and ultimately the needs that are made in the wake of the diseases, understanding the needs of these patients is essential. Methods: This research was a qualitative study, with phenomenology method and sampling was purposeful. The participants were 17 cerebral palsy people (6 female and 11 male, with aged 15 to 43). Data were collected by deep interview with open-end questions and analyzed by collaizi method. Results: During the interview sessions, notes and ideas were classified and assorted, so that, the rehabilitation needs of people with CP were understood according to the statements of participants. The results of this study were placed in four domains, 3 themes and 22 subthemes. The domains included social, emotional needs, economic, and therapeutic needs. Conclusion: The requirements studies in this research were particularly introduced by patients with CP. People in the society, who might have contact with these patients, are responsible to help them to overcome their problems and disabilities. PMID:25250261

Incorporating Family Function into Chronic Pain Disability: The Role of Catastrophizing

PubMed Central

Akbari, Fatemeh; Dehghani, Mohsen; Khatibi, Ali; Vervoort, Tine

2016-01-01

Background. Observers' responses to pain are recently investigated to more comprehensively explain chronic pain (CP) and disability. However, the role of family context, defined as interference in roles, communication, and problem-solving, and how (i.e., through which mechanisms) these variables contribute to CP related disability have yet to be examined. Objectives. The aim of the present study is to examine family context in relationship to pain catastrophizing, fear of movement, and depression and its role in understanding CP disability. Three different models were examined. Methods. A total sample of 142 patients with musculoskeletal chronic pain was recruited to examine the role of fear of movement, pain intensity, pain catastrophizing, and depression in relationship to family functioning as predictors of disability. Results. Findings indicated that two models showed acceptable fit, but one of them revealed superior fit indices. Results of the model with superior fit indices indicated that family dysfunction may contribute to catastrophic thinking, which, in turn, contributes to patients' disability through increasing fear of movement and depression. Discussion. The current study provides further support for the notion that the impact of emotional and cognitive variables upon CP-related disability can be better understood when we consider the social context of pain patients and family function in particular. PMID:27445620

Incorporating Family Function into Chronic Pain Disability: The Role of Catastrophizing.

PubMed

Akbari, Fatemeh; Dehghani, Mohsen; Khatibi, Ali; Vervoort, Tine

2016-01-01

Background. Observers' responses to pain are recently investigated to more comprehensively explain chronic pain (CP) and disability. However, the role of family context, defined as interference in roles, communication, and problem-solving, and how (i.e., through which mechanisms) these variables contribute to CP related disability have yet to be examined. Objectives. The aim of the present study is to examine family context in relationship to pain catastrophizing, fear of movement, and depression and its role in understanding CP disability. Three different models were examined. Methods. A total sample of 142 patients with musculoskeletal chronic pain was recruited to examine the role of fear of movement, pain intensity, pain catastrophizing, and depression in relationship to family functioning as predictors of disability. Results. Findings indicated that two models showed acceptable fit, but one of them revealed superior fit indices. Results of the model with superior fit indices indicated that family dysfunction may contribute to catastrophic thinking, which, in turn, contributes to patients' disability through increasing fear of movement and depression. Discussion. The current study provides further support for the notion that the impact of emotional and cognitive variables upon CP-related disability can be better understood when we consider the social context of pain patients and family function in particular.

PANCREATITIS - DIABETES - PANCREATIC CANCER: Summary of an NIDDK-NCI Workshop

PubMed Central

Andersen, Dana K.; Andren-Sandberg, Åke; Duell, Eric J.; Goggins, Michael; Korc, Murray; Petersen, Gloria M.; Smith, Jill P.; Whitcomb, David C.

2013-01-01

A workshop sponsored by the NIDDK and the NCI on “Pancreatitis-Diabetes-Pancreatic Cancer” focused on the risk factors of chronic pancreatitis (CP) and diabetes mellitus (DM) on the development of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Sessions were held on a) an overview of the problem of PDAC, b) CP as a risk factor for PDAC, c) DM as a risk factor for PDAC, d) pancreatogenic, or type 3c DM (T3cDM), e) genomic associations of CP, DM, and PDAC, f) surveillance of high-risk populations and early detection of PDAC, and g) effects of DM treatment on PDAC. Recent data and current understandings of the mechanisms of CP- and DM-associated factors on PDAC development were discussed, and a detailed review of the possible risks of DM treatment on the development of PDAC was provided by representatives from academia, industry, and the Food and Drug Administration. The current status of possible biomarkers of PDAC and surveillance strategies for high-risk populations were discussed, and the gaps in knowledge and opportunities for further research were elucidated. A broad spectrum of expertise of the speakers and discussants provided an unusually productive workshop, the highlights of which are summarized in the accompanying article. PMID:24152948

Critical period inhibition of NKCC1 rectifies synapse plasticity in the somatosensory cortex and restores adult tactile response maps in fragile X mice.

PubMed

He, Qionger; Arroyo, Erica D; Smukowski, Samuel N; Xu, Jian; Piochon, Claire; Savas, Jeffrey N; Portera-Cailliau, Carlos; Contractor, Anis

2018-04-27

Sensory perturbations in visual, auditory and tactile perception are core problems in fragile X syndrome (FXS). In the Fmr1 knockout mouse model of FXS, the maturation of synapses and circuits during critical period (CP) development in the somatosensory cortex is delayed, but it is unclear how this contributes to altered tactile sensory processing in the mature CNS. Here we demonstrate that inhibiting the juvenile chloride co-transporter NKCC1, which contributes to altered chloride homeostasis in developing cortical neurons of FXS mice, rectifies the chloride imbalance in layer IV somatosensory cortex neurons and corrects the development of thalamocortical excitatory synapses during the CP. Comparison of protein abundances demonstrated that NKCC1 inhibition during early development caused a broad remodeling of the proteome in the barrel cortex. In addition, the abnormally large size of whisker-evoked cortical maps in adult Fmr1 knockout mice was corrected by rectifying the chloride imbalance during the early CP. These data demonstrate that correcting the disrupted driving force through GABA A receptors during the CP in cortical neurons restores their synaptic development, has an unexpectedly large effect on differentially expressed proteins, and produces a long-lasting correction of somatosensory circuit function in FXS mice.

Opportunities lost and found: experiences of patients with cerebral palsy and their parents transitioning from pediatric to adult healthcare.

PubMed

DiFazio, Rachel L; Harris, Marie; Vessey, Judith A; Glader, Laurie; Shanske, Susan

2014-01-01

To describe and define the experiences of adults with cerebral palsy (CP) and parents of adults with CP who have been involved in a transfer of physiatry care from pediatric to adult healthcare and to explore their experiences more generally in the transition from pediatric to adult services. A qualitative research approach was used. Semi-structured focus group interviews were conducted with adults with CP (n=5) and parents of adults with CP (n=8) to explore the health care transition (HCT) process from pediatric to adult healthcare. Four key content domains were used to facilitate the focus groups; 1) Transition Planning, 2) Accessibility of Services, 3) Experience with Adult Providers, and 4) Recommendations for Improving the Transition Process. Conventional content analysis was used to analyze the data. Four themes emerged from the focus groups; Lost in Transition, Roadmap to Care, List of None, and One Stop Shopping. Participants felt lost in the HCT process, requested a transparent transition plan, expressed concern regarding access to adult healthcare, and made recommendations for improvements. Challenges in transitioning from pediatric to adult health care were identified by all participants and several strategies were recommended for improvement.

A multi-scale model of dislocation plasticity in α-Fe: Incorporating temperature, strain rate and non-Schmid effects

DOE PAGES

Lim, H.; Hale, L. M.; Zimmerman, J. A.; ...

2015-01-05

In this study, we develop an atomistically informed crystal plasticity finite element (CP-FE) model for body-centered-cubic (BCC) α-Fe that incorporates non-Schmid stress dependent slip with temperature and strain rate effects. Based on recent insights obtained from atomistic simulations, we propose a new constitutive model that combines a generalized non-Schmid yield law with aspects from a line tension (LT) model for describing activation enthalpy required for the motion of dislocation kinks. Atomistic calculations are conducted to quantify the non-Schmid effects while both experimental data and atomistic simulations are used to assess the temperature and strain rate effects. The parameterized constitutive equationmore » is implemented into a BCC CP-FE model to simulate plastic deformation of single and polycrystalline Fe which is compared with experimental data from the literature. This direct comparison demonstrates that the atomistically informed model accurately captures the effects of crystal orientation, temperature and strain rate on the flow behavior of siangle crystal Fe. Furthermore, our proposed CP-FE model exhibits temperature and strain rate dependent flow and yield surfaces in polycrystalline Fe that deviate from conventional CP-FE models based on Schmid's law.« less

Chronic Pancreatitis in the 21st Century - Research Challenges and Opportunities: Summary of a National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Workshop.

PubMed

Uc, Aliye; Andersen, Dana K; Bellin, Melena D; Bruce, Jason I; Drewes, Asbjørn M; Engelhardt, John F; Forsmark, Christopher E; Lerch, Markus M; Lowe, Mark E; Neuschwander-Tetri, Brent A; OʼKeefe, Stephen J; Palermo, Tonya M; Pasricha, Pankaj; Saluja, Ashok K; Singh, Vikesh K; Szigethy, Eva M; Whitcomb, David C; Yadav, Dhiraj; Conwell, Darwin L

2016-11-01

A workshop was sponsored by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases to focus on research gaps and opportunities in chronic pancreatitis (CP) and its sequelae. This conference marked the 20th year anniversary of the discovery of the cationic trypsinogen (PRSS1) gene mutation for hereditary pancreatitis. The event was held on July 27, 2016, and structured into 4 sessions: (1) pathophysiology, (2) exocrine complications, (3) endocrine complications, and (4) pain. The current state of knowledge was reviewed; many knowledge gaps and research needs were identified that require further investigation. Common themes included the need to design better tools to diagnose CP and its sequelae early and reliably, identify predisposing risk factors for disease progression, develop standardized protocols to distinguish type 3c diabetes mellitus from other types of diabetes, and design effective therapeutic strategies through novel cell culture technologies, animal models mimicking human disease, and pain management tools. Gene therapy and cystic fibrosis conductance regulator potentiators as possible treatments of CP were discussed. Importantly, the need for CP end points and intermediate targets for future drug trials was emphasized.

Origin of colossal dielectric response in (In + Nb) co-doped TiO2 rutile ceramics: a potential electrothermal material.

PubMed

Ke, Shanming; Li, Tao; Ye, Mao; Lin, Peng; Yuan, Wenxiang; Zeng, Xierong; Chen, Lang; Huang, Haitao

2017-08-31

(In + Nb) co-doped TiO 2 (TINO) rutile is an emerging material with a colossal dielectric permittivity (CP) and a low dielectric loss over wide temperature and frequency ranges. The electrical inhomogeneous nature of TINO ceramics is demonstrated by direct local current probing with high-resolution conductive atomic force microscopy (cAFM). The CP response in TINO is found to originate from the electron-pinned defect dipole induced conductive cluster effect and the electrode effect. Two types of dielectric relaxations are simultaneously observed due to these two effects. With the given synthesis condition, we found TINO shows a highly leaky feature that impairs its application as a dielectric material. However, the fast-temperature-rising phenomenon found in this work may open a new door for TINO to be applied as a potential electrothermal material with high efficiency, oxidation-proof, high temperature stability, and energy saving.

Electrochemical DNA hybridization sensors based on conducting polymers.

PubMed

Rahman, Md Mahbubur; Li, Xiao-Bo; Lopa, Nasrin Siraj; Ahn, Sang Jung; Lee, Jae-Joon

2015-02-05

Conducting polymers (CPs) are a group of polymeric materials that have attracted considerable attention because of their unique electronic, chemical, and biochemical properties. This is reflected in their use in a wide range of potential applications, including light-emitting diodes, anti-static coating, electrochromic materials, solar cells, chemical sensors, biosensors, and drug-release systems. Electrochemical DNA sensors based on CPs can be used in numerous areas related to human health. This review summarizes the recent progress made in the development and use of CP-based electrochemical DNA hybridization sensors. We discuss the distinct properties of CPs with respect to their use in the immobilization of probe DNA on electrode surfaces, and we describe the immobilization techniques used for developing DNA hybridization sensors together with the various transduction methods employed. In the concluding part of this review, we present some of the challenges faced in the use of CP-based DNA hybridization sensors, as well as a future perspective.

Food pyramid for subjects with chronic pain: foods and dietary constituents as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agents.

PubMed

Rondanelli, Mariangela; Faliva, Milena Anna; Miccono, Alessandra; Naso, Maurizio; Nichetti, Mara; Riva, Antonella; Guerriero, Fabio; De Gregori, Manuela; Peroni, Gabriella; Perna, Simone

2018-06-01

Emerging literature suggests that diet constituents may play a modulatory role in chronic pain (CP) through management of inflammation/oxidative stress, resulting in attenuation of pain. We performed a narrative review to evaluate the existing evidence regarding the optimum diet for the management of CP, and we built a food pyramid on this topic. The present review also describes the activities of various natural compounds contained in foods (i.e. phenolic compounds in extra-virgin olive oil (EVO)) listed on our pyramid, which have comparable effects to drug management therapy. This review included 172 eligible studies. The pyramid shows that carbohydrates with low glycaemic index should be consumed every day (three portions), together with fruits and vegetables (five portions), yogurt (125 ml), red wine (125 ml) and EVO; weekly: legumes and fish (four portions); white meat, eggs and fresh cheese (two portions); red or processed meats (once per week); sweets can be consumed occasionally. The food amounts are estimates based on nutritional and practical considerations. At the top of the pyramid there is a pennant: it means that CP subjects may need a specific customised supplementation (vitamin B12, vitamin D, n-3 fatty acids, fibre). The food pyramid proposal will serve to guide dietary intake with to the intent of alleviating pain in CP patients. Moreover, a targeted diet can also help to solve problems related to the drugs used to combat CP, i.e. constipation. However, this paper would be an early hypothetical proposal due to the limitations of the studies.

Cell Adhesion on Surface-Functionalized Magnesium.

PubMed

Wagener, Victoria; Schilling, Achim; Mainka, Astrid; Hennig, Diana; Gerum, Richard; Kelch, Marie-Luise; Keim, Simon; Fabry, Ben; Virtanen, Sannakaisa

2016-05-18

The biocompatibility of commercially pure magnesium-based (cp Mg) biodegradable implants is compromised of strong hydrogen evolution and surface alkalization due to high initial corrosion rates of cp Mg in the physiological environment. To mitigate this problem, the addition of corrosion-retarding alloying elements or coating of implant surfaces has been suggested. In the following work, we explored the effect of organic coatings on long-term cell growth. cp Mg was coated with aminopropyltriehtoxysilane + vitamin C (AV), carbonyldiimidazole (CDI), or stearic acid (SA). All three coatings have been previously suggested to reduce initial corrosion and to enhance protein adsorption and hence cell adhesion on magnesium surfaces. Endothelial cells (DH1+/+) and osteosarcoma cells (MG63) were cultured on coated samples for up to 20 days. To quantify Mg corrosion, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was measured after 1, 3, and 5 days of cell culture. We also investigated the speed of initial cell spreading after seeding using fluorescently labeled fibroblasts (NIH/3T3). Hydrogen evolution after contact with cell culture medium was markedly decreased on AV- and SA-coated Mg compared to uncoated Mg. These coatings also showed improved cell adhesion and spreading after 24 h of culture comparable to tissue-treated plastic surfaces. On AV-coated cp Mg, a confluent layer of endothelial cells formed after 5 days and remained intact for up to 20 days. Together, these data demonstrate that surface coating with AV is a viable strategy for improving long-term biocompatibility of cp Mg-based implants. EIS measurements confirmed that the presence of a confluent cell layer increased the corrosion resistance.

Effect of varying concentrations of dietary crude protein and metabolizable energy on laying performance of Pearl Grey guinea fowl hens.

PubMed

Nahashon, S N; Adefope, N A; Amenyenu, A; Wright, D

2007-08-01

This study was conducted to evaluate optimum dietary concentrations of ME and CP for egg production performance of the Pearl Gray guinea fowl laying hens. In a 2 x 3 factorial arrangement, 360 Pearl Gray guinea fowl replacement pullets (22 wk of age) were randomly assigned to experimental diets with 2,800 and 2,900 kcal of ME/kg of diet, each containing 14, 16, and 18% CP, respectively. Each dietary treatment was replicated 4 times, and feed and water were provided ad libitum. Experimental birds were raised in laying cages and received 16 h of light throughout the study period. The birds were observed for feed consumption, hen-day egg production (HDEP), egg weight (EW), egg mass (EM), feed conversion ratio, internal egg quality, shell thickness (ST), and BW at the end of each 28-d lay period at 26 to 50 wk of age and at 62 to 86 wk of age. Mortality was recorded as it occurred. Mean HDEP, EW, EM, and ST were higher (P < 0.05) in hens receiving diets with 2,800 kcal of ME/kg of feed than those fed diets containing 2,900 kcal of ME/kg of diet. Hens on 14% CP diets also exhibited higher (P < 0.05) HDEP, EM, and ST than those fed diets containing 16 and 18% CP diets. Mean feed conversion ratio of birds on 2,800 kcal of ME/kg of diet and 14% CP diets were significantly lower than those of hens on other dietary treatments. Differences in feed consumption, EW, internal egg quality, BW, and mortality among dietary ME and CP concentrations were not significant (P > 0.05). Overall, diets composed of 2,800 kcal of ME/kg of diet and 14% CP were utilized more efficiently by the Pearl Gray guinea fowl laying hens at 26 to 50 and 62 to 86 wk of age.

Deficiency of fat-soluble vitamins in chronic pancreatitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

PubMed

Martínez-Moneo, Emma; Stigliano, Serena; Hedström, Aleksandra; Kaczka, Aleksandra; Malvik, Marko; Waldthaler, Alexander; Maisonneuve, Patrick; Simon, Peter; Capurso, Gabriele

Chronic pancreatitis (CP) patients are at risk for fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) deficiency, but available studies are small and heterogeneous. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the prevalence of fat-soluble vitamins deficiency in CP patients. Medline was searched up to January 2016 for case series and case-control studies reporting prevalence of fat-soluble vitamin deficiency in CP patients. The prevalent deficiency rate was pooled for included studies, and deficiency rate between CP and controls, with relative odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) calculated for case-control studies. Twelve studies including 548 patients included. With a random-effect model, the pooled prevalence rate of vitamin A, D and E deficiency were 16.8% (95%CI 6.9-35.7), 57.6% (95%CI 43.9-70.4) and 29.2% (95%CI 8.6-64.5) respectively, with considerable heterogeneity (I 2  = 75%, 87.1% and 92%). Only one study evaluated vitamin K deficiency. The pooled OR for vitamin D deficiency in CP cases compared with controls was 1.17 (95% CI 0.77-1.78). Sensitivity analyses showed lower prevalence of vitamin A and E, and higher prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in high-quality studies. The rate of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency did not seem affect the deficiency rates, while the use of different cut-offs influences results and heterogeneity for vitamin E, but not A. Fat-soluble vitamins deficiency is frequent in CP patients, with considerable heterogeneity. There is, however, no apparent increased risk of vitamin D deficiency in CP compared to controls. Larger, high-quality studies are necessary to better estimate the prevalence of fat-soluble vitamins deficiency, including vitamin K. Copyright © 2016 IAP and EPC. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Can manual ability be measured with a generic ABILHAND scale? A cross-sectional study conducted on six diagnostic groups

PubMed Central

Arnould, Carlyne; Vandervelde, Laure; Batcho, Charles Sèbiyo; Penta, Massimo; Thonnard, Jean-Louis

2012-01-01

Objectives Several ABILHAND Rasch-built manual ability scales were previously developed for chronic stroke (CS), cerebral palsy (CP), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic sclerosis (SSc) and neuromuscular disorders (NMD). The present study aimed to explore the applicability of a generic manual ability scale unbiased by diagnosis and to study the nature of manual ability across diagnoses. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting Outpatient clinic homes (CS, CP, RA), specialised centres (CP), reference centres (CP, NMD) and university hospitals (SSc). Participants 762 patients from six diagnostic groups: 103 CS adults, 113 CP children, 112 RA adults, 156 SSc adults, 124 NMD children and 124 NMD adults. Primary and secondary outcome measures Manual ability as measured by the ABILHAND disease-specific questionnaires, diagnosis and nature (ie, uni-manual or bi-manual involvement and proximal or distal joints involvement) of the ABILHAND manual activities. Results The difficulties of most manual activities were diagnosis dependent. A principal component analysis highlighted that 57% of the variance in the item difficulty between diagnoses was explained by the symmetric or asymmetric nature of the disorders. A generic scale was constructed, from a metric point of view, with 11 items sharing a common difficulty among diagnoses and 41 items displaying a category-specific location (asymmetric: CS, CP; and symmetric: RA, SSc, NMD). This generic scale showed that CP and NMD children had significantly less manual ability than RA patients, who had significantly less manual ability than CS, SSc and NMD adults. However, the generic scale was less discriminative and responsive to small deficits than disease-specific instruments. Conclusions Our finding that most of the manual item difficulties were disease-dependent emphasises the danger of using generic scales without prior investigation of item invariance across diagnostic groups. Nevertheless, a generic manual ability scale could be developed by adjusting and accounting for activities perceived differently in various disorders. PMID:23117570

Evaluation of fumigation and surface seal methods on fumigant emissions in an orchard replant field.

PubMed

Gao, Suduan; Trout, Thomas J; Schneider, Sally

2008-01-01

Soil fumigation is an important management practice for controlling soil pests and enabling successful replanting of orchards. Reducing emissions is required to minimize the possible worker and bystander risk and the contribution of fumigants to the atmosphere as volatile organic compounds that lead to the formation of ground-level ozone. A field trial was conducted in a peach orchard replant field to investigate the effects of fumigation method (shank-injection vs. subsurface drip-application treatments) and surface treatments (water applications and plastic tarps) on emissions of 1,3-dichloropropene (1,3-D) and chloropicrin (CP) from shank-injection of Telone C-35 and drip application of InLine. Treatments included control (no water or soil surface treatment); standard high-density polyethylene (HDPE) tarp, virtually impermeable film (VIF) tarp, and pre-irrigation, all over shank injection; and HDPE tarp over and irrigation with micro-sprinklers before and after the drip application. The highest 1,3-D and CP emission losses over a 2-wk monitoring period were from the control (36% 1,3-D and 30% CP) and HDPE tarp (43% 1,3-D and 17% CP) over shank injection. The pre-irrigation 4 d before fumigation and VIF tarp over shank injection had similar total emission losses (19% 1,3-D and 8-9% CP). The HDPE tarp and irrigations over subsurface drip-application treatments resulted in similar and the lowest emission losses (12-13% 1,3-D, and 2-3% CP). Lower fumigant concentrations in the soil-gas phase were observed with drip-application than in the shank-injection treatments; however, all treatments provided 100% kill to citrus nematodes in bags buried from 30 to 90 cm depth. Pre-irrigation and drip application seem to be effective to minimize emissions of 1,3-D and CP.

In-vivo corneal pulsation in relation to in-vivo intraocular pressure and corneal biomechanics assessed in-vitro. An animal pilot study.

PubMed

Rogala, Maja M; Danielewska, Monika E; Antończyk, Agnieszka; Kiełbowicz, Zdzisław; Rogowska, Marta E; Kozuń, Marta; Detyna, Jerzy; Iskander, D Robert

2017-09-01

The aim was to ascertain whether the characteristics of the corneal pulse (CP) measured in-vivo in a rabbit eye change after short-term artificial increase of intraocular pressure (IOP) and whether they correlate with corneal biomechanics assessed in-vitro. Eight New Zealand white rabbits were included in this study and were anesthetized. In-vivo experiments included simultaneous measurements of the CP signal, registered with a non-contact method, IOP, intra-arterial blood pressure, and blood pulse (BPL), at the baseline and short-term elevated IOP. Afterwards, thickness of post-mortem corneas was determined and then uniaxial tensile tests were conducted leading to estimates of their Young's modulus (E). At the baseline IOP, backward stepwise regression analyses were performed in which successively the ocular biomechanical, biometric and cardiovascular predictors were separately taken into account. Results of the analysis revealed that the 3rd CP harmonic can be statistically significantly predicted by E and central corneal thickness (Models: R 2  = 0.662, p < 0.005 and R 2  = 0.832, p < 0.001 for the signal amplitude and power, respectively). The 1st CP harmonic can be statistically significantly predicted by the amplitude and power of the 1st BPL harmonic (Models: R 2  = 0.534, p = 0.015 and R 2  = 0.509, p < 0.018, respectively). For elevated IOP, non-parametric analysis indicated significant differences for the power of the 1st CP harmonic (Kruskal-Wallis test; p = 0.031) and for the mean, systolic and diastolic blood pressures (p = 0.025, p = 0.019, p = 0.033, respectively). In conclusion, for the first time, the association between parameters of the CP signal in-vivo and corneal biomechanics in-vitro was confirmed. In particular, spectral analysis revealed that higher amplitude and power of the 3rd CP harmonic indicates higher corneal stiffness, while the 1st CP harmonic correlates positively with the corresponding harmonic of the BPL signal. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Development and implementation of an online clinical pathway for adult chronic kidney disease in primary care: a mixed methods study.

PubMed

Donald, Maoliosa; McBrien, Kerry; Jackson, Wes; Manns, Braden J; Tonelli, Marcello; King-Shier, Kathryn; Jindal, Kailash; Lewanczuk, Richard Z; Scott-Douglas, Nairne; Braun, Ted; Straus, Sharon E; Naugler, Christopher; Elliott, Meghan J; Jun, Min; Hemmelgarn, Brenda R

2016-08-17

Primary care physicians and other primary health care professionals from Alberta, Canada identified a clinical pathway as a potential tool to facilitate uptake of clinical practice guidelines for the diagnosis, management and referral of adults with chronic kidney disease. We describe the development and implementation of a chronic kidney disease clinical pathway (CKD-CP; www.ckdpathway.ca ). The CKD-CP was developed and implemented based on the principles of the Knowledge-To-Action Cycle framework. We used a mixed methods approach to identify the usability and feasibility of the CKD-CP. This included individual interviews, an online survey and website analytics, to gather data on barriers and facilitators to use, perceived usefulness and characteristics of users. Results are reported using conventional qualitative content analysis and descriptive statistics. Eighteen individual interviews were conducted with primary care physicians, nephrologists, pharmacists and nurse practitioners to identify themes reflecting both barriers and facilitators to integrating the CKD-CP into clinical practice. Themes identified included: communication, work efficiency and confidence. Of the 159 participants that completed the online survey, the majority (52 %) were first time CKD-CP users. Among those who had previously used the CKD-CP, 94 % agreed or strongly agreed that the pathway was user friendly, provided useful information and increased their knowledge and confidence in the care of patients with CKD. Between November 2014 and July 2015, the CKD-CP website had 10,710 visits, 67 % of which were new visitors. The 3 most frequently visited web pages were home, diagnose and medical management. Canada, Indonesia and the United States were the top 3 countries accessing the website during the 9 month period. An interactive, online, point-of-care tool for primary care providers can be developed and implemented to assist in the care of patients with CKD. Our findings are important for making refinements to the CKD -CP website via ongoing discussions with end-users and the development team, along with continued dissemination using multiple strategies.

Phosphorus and nitrogen utilization responses of broiler chickens to dietary crude protein and phosphorus levels.

PubMed

Xue, P C; Ajuwon, K M; Adeola, O

2016-11-01

A study was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary CP levels on pre-cecal digestibility and total tract retention of phosphorus (P) in broiler chickens. A total of 384 14-day-old male broiler chickens were used in a randomized complete block design with 8 treatments and 6 replicates per treatment in a 7-d experimental period. There were 8 corn-soybean meal-based diets in a 2 × 4 factorial arrangement, which included 2 CP levels (10.7 or 21.5%) and 4 apparent total tract digestible P (ATTDP) levels (0.18, 0.32, 0.45, or 0.59%). Soybean meal and mono-calcium phosphate were used to adjust the CP and ATTDP levels, respectively. At the end of the experiment, BW was recorded and digesta samples from the distal two-thirds of ileum and mucosa samples from the middle of the jejunum were collected. Total RNA also was isolated from mucosa samples and used for real-time PCR to determine the gene expression of sodium-phosphate co-transporter IIb (NaPi-IIb). Results showed that low dietary CP level limited the growth performance (P < 0.01), pre-cecal digestion, and total tract retention of P (P < 0.01), and NaPi-IIb gene expression (P < 0.05), compared with high dietary CP. Pre-cecal digestion and total tract retention of P (g/kg DM intake) linearly increased (P < 0.01) with increasing ATTDP levels in both low and high CP groups. In conclusion, this study suggests an interrelationship between N and P digestion such that CP deficiency decreased the growth performance of birds consequently reducing pre-cecal P digestion in broiler chickens. Total tract retention of CP and P are linked with each other and body tissue growth may be a driver of the deposition of these 2 nutrients. Supplementation of protein may be necessary in diets during P digestibility studies to ameliorate an effect of protein deficiency on P digestion and retention. © 2016 Poultry Science Association Inc.

Different priorities: a comparison of parents' and health professionals' perceptions of quality of life in quadriplegic cerebral palsy.

PubMed

Morrow, A M; Quine, S; Loughlin, E V O; Craig, J C

2008-02-01

Almost all children with quadriplegic cerebral palsy (CP) have feeding difficulties. Our aim was to identify the major determinants of feeding-related quality of life (QoL) in children with quadriplegic CP from the perspective of parents and to compare findings with the perceptions of health professionals. Qualitative cross-sectional study. A trained facilitator conducted four semi-structured focus groups with parents (n = 21) of children with quadriplegic CP attending a multi-disciplinary feeding clinic at a paediatric teaching hospital in Sydney, Australia, between November 2003 and February 2005. All sessions were audio- and video-taped. NVivo software was used to facilitate thematic analysis of the transcribed audiotapes and to compare them with data from focus groups conducted by the same research team with health professional participants. Parental perceptions clustered into the same five themes described by health professionals (parent-child interaction; delivery of health services; the child's emotional well-being; the child's physical well-being, and socialisation), but the content of the subthemes and the values attached differed, for example health professionals valued weight gain, whereas parents valued their child feeling loved. Health professionals did not consider the full range of issues important to families. The differences in priorities for treatment outcomes negatively affected the parent-health professional relationship. Disparities between parents' and health professionals' perceptions provide useful insight into communication between the two, identify the range of issues important to families, and highlight the parents' expert role in assessing the child's emotional and social well-being. The five themes identified provide a framework for a comprehensive evaluation of the health status of children with quadriplegic CP and feeding difficulties.

Predictors of symptom severity in patients with chronic prostatitis and interstitial cystitis.

PubMed

Clemens, J Quentin; Brown, Sheila O; Kozloff, Lara; Calhoun, Elizabeth A

2006-03-01

Numerous studies have been performed to identify potential risk factors for CP/CPPS and IC. However, few studies have been done to identify predictors of disease severity. A total of 174 men with CP/CPPS and 111 women with IC completed questionnaires to quantify symptom severity and identify demographic, medical and psychosocial characteristics. Symptom severity was assessed with the National Institutes of Health CPSI in men, and the O'Leary-Sant ICSI and problem index in women. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify characteristics predictive of worse symptoms. The mean National Institutes of Health CPSI score in men was 15.32, and the mean O'Leary-Sant ICSI and problem index in women was 19.17. The most commonly reported comorbidities were allergies, sinusitis, erectile dysfunction and irritable bowel syndrome in men, and allergies, urinary incontinence, sinusitis and irritable bowel syndrome in women. In the 2 sexes self-reported urinary frequency and urgency, worse depression scores and lower education level were independent predictors of worse symptom severity. In men additional independent predictors were self-reported pelvic pain, fibromyalgia and previous heart attack, and in women an additional independent predictor was postmenopausal status. There are several common medical conditions associated with urological pelvic pain syndromes in men and women. Few of them were predictive of symptoms severity in this analysis. Self-reported pelvic pain symptoms, education and depression severity were the factors most strongly predictive of symptom severity in patients with CP/CPPS and IC.

In Vitro Evaluation of Cell Compatibility of Dental Cements Used with Titanium Implant Components.

PubMed

Marvin, Jason C; Gallegos, Silvia I; Parsaei, Shaida; Rodrigues, Danieli C

2018-03-09

To evaluate the biocompatibility of five dental cement compositions after directly exposing human gingival fibroblast (HGF) and MC3T3-E1 preosteoblast cells to cement alone and cement applied on commercially pure titanium (cpTi) specimens. Nanostructurally integrated bioceramic (NIB), resin (R), resin-modified glass ionomer (RMGIC), zinc oxide eugenol (ZOE), and zinc phosphate (ZP) compositions were prepared according to the respective manufacturer's instructions. Samples were prepared in cylindrical Teflon molds or applied over the entire surface of polished cpTi discs. All samples were cured for 0.5, 1, 12, or 24 hours post-mixing. Direct contact testing was conducted according to ISO 10993 by seeding 6-well plates at 350,000 cells/well. Plates were incubated at 37°C in a humidified atmosphere with 5% CO 2 for 24 hours before individually plating samples and cpTi control discs. Plates were then incubated for an additional 24 hours. Microtetrazolium (MTT) cell viability assays were used to measure sample cytotoxicity. For samples that cured for 24 hours prior to direct contact exposure, only NIB and ZP cements when cemented on cpTi demonstrated cell viability percentages above the minimum biocompatibility requirement (≥70%) for both the investigative cell lines. R, RMGIC, and ZOE cements exhibited moderate to severe cytotoxic effects on both cell lines in direct contact and when cemented on cpTi specimens. For HGF cells, ZOE cemented-cpTi specimens exhibited significantly decreased cytotoxicity, whereas RMGIC cemented-cpTi specimens exhibited significantly increased cytotoxicity. Despite previous studies that showed enhanced cpTi corrosion activity for fluoride-containing compositions (NIB and ZP), there was no significant difference in cytotoxicity between cement alone and cemented-cpTi. In general, the MC3T3-E1 preosteoblast cells were more sensitive than HGF cells to cement composition. Ultimately, cement composition played a significant role in maintaining host cell compatibility. Results of this work help illustrate the impact of different cement formulations on host cell health and emphasize the need for understanding material properties when selecting certain formulations of dental cements, which can ultimately influence the survival of dental implant systems. © 2018 by the American College of Prosthodontists.

What does the literature say about using robots on children with disabilities?

PubMed

Miguel Cruz, Antonio; Ríos Rincón, Adriana María; Rodríguez Dueñas, William Ricardo; Quiroga Torres, Daniel Alejandro; Bohórquez-Heredia, Andrés Felipe

2017-07-01

The purpose of this study is to examine the extent and type of robots used for the rehabilitation and education of children and young people with CP and ASD and the associated outcomes. The scholarly literature was systematically searched and analyzed. Articles were included if they reported the results of robots used or intended to be used for the rehabilitation and education of children and young people with CP and ASD during play and educative and social interaction activities. We found 15 robotic systems reported in 34 studies that provided a low level of evidence. The outcomes were mainly for children with ASD interaction and who had a reduction in autistic behaviour, and for CP cognitive development, learning, and play. More research is needed in this area using designs that provide higher validity. A centred design approach is needed for developing new low-cost robots for this population. Implications for rehabilitation In spite of the potential of robots to promote development in children with ASD and CP, the limited available evidence requires researchers to conduct studies with higher validity. The low level of evidence plus the need for specialized technical support should be considered critical factors before making the decision to purchase robots for use in treatment for children with CP and ASD. A user-entered design approach would increase the chances of success for robots to improve functional, learning, and educative outcomes in children with ASD and CP. We recommend that developers use this approach. The participation of interdisciplinary teams in the design, development, and implementation of new robotic systems is of extra value. We recommend the design and development of low-cost robotic systems to make robots more affordable.

Increased GABA-A receptor binding and reduced connectivity at the motor cortex in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy: a multimodal investigation using 18F-fluoroflumazenil PET, immunohistochemistry, and MR imaging.

PubMed

Park, Hae-Jeong; Kim, Chul Hoon; Park, Eun Sook; Park, Bumhee; Oh, So Ra; Oh, Maeng-Keun; Park, Chang Il; Lee, Jong Doo

2013-08-01

γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-A receptor-mediated neural transmission is important to promote practice-dependent plasticity after brain injury. This study investigated alterations in GABA-A receptor binding and functional and anatomic connectivity within the motor cortex in children with cerebral palsy (CP). We conducted (18)F-fluoroflumazenil PET on children with hemiplegic CP to investigate whether in vivo GABA-A receptor binding is altered in the ipsilateral or contralateral hemisphere of the lesion site. To evaluate changes in the GABA-A receptor subunit after prenatal brain injury, we performed GABA-A receptor immunohistochemistry using rat pups with a diffuse hypoxic ischemic insult. We also performed diffusion tensor MR imaging and resting-state functional MR imaging on the same children with hemiplegic CP to investigate alterations in anatomic and functional connectivity at the motor cortex with increased GABA-A receptor binding. In children with hemiplegic CP, the (18)F-fluoroflumazenil binding potential was increased within the ipsilateral motor cortex. GABA-A receptors with the α1 subunit were highly expressed exclusively within cortical layers III, IV, and VI of the motor cortex in rat pups. The motor cortex with increased GABA-A receptor binding in children with hemiplegic CP had reduced thalamocortical and corticocortical connectivity, which might be linked to increased GABA-A receptor distribution in cortical layers in rats. Increased expression of the GABA-A receptor α1 subunit within the ipsilateral motor cortex may be an important adaptive mechanism after prenatal brain injury in children with CP but may be associated with improper functional connectivity after birth and have adverse effects on the development of motor plasticity.

Emotional Support, Depressive Symptoms, and Age-Related Alterations in Male Body Composition: Cross-Sectional Findings from the Men's Health 40+ Study

PubMed Central

Walther, Andreas; Philipp, Michel; Lozza, Niclà; Ehlert, Ulrike

2017-01-01

More depressive symptoms and low emotional support have been related to worse body composition. Body composition significantly deteriorates in aging men. Therefore, we aimed to examine whether high emotional support and low depressive symptoms are associated with better body composition and a decelerated age-related deterioration of body composition in aging men. A cross-sectional analysis including 269 self-reporting healthy men aged between 40 and 75 years living in the German-speaking part of Switzerland was conducted. Participants completed questionnaires on emotional support and depressive symptoms. The depression screening instrument was used to form a group with low (N = 225) and moderate (N = 44) depressive symptoms. Body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) were measured, and cell proportion (CP), fat mass (FM), and water balance (WB) were obtained using bioelectrical impedance analysis. Age-related associations emerged for WHR, CP, FM, and WB, but not for BMI. Emotional support was negatively associated with BMI, WHR, and WB, and only trend-wise with CP and FM. Group comparisons revealed that more depressive symptoms were associated with lower levels of CP and higher levels of WB. Both emotional support and depressive symptoms were significant moderators of the association between age and specific measures of body composition such as CP, FM, and WB. However, after correction for multiple testing for moderation analyses only the moderation effects of depressive symptoms on the association between age and WB and CP remained significant. Low depressive symptoms were associated with a better body composition as well as a decelerated decline in body composition and the role of emotional support acting as a buffer against age-related deterioration of body composition merits further investigation. PMID:28706495

Cathodic Protection Measurement Through Inline Inspection Technology Uses and Observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ferguson, Briana Ley

This research supports the evaluation of an impressed current cathodic protection (CP) system of a buried coated steel pipeline through alternative technology and methods, via an inline inspection device (ILI, CP ILI tool, or tool), in order to prevent and mitigate external corrosion. This thesis investigates the ability to measure the current density of a pipeline's CP system from inside of a pipeline rather than manually from outside, and then convert that CP ILI tool reading into a pipe-to-soil potential as required by regulations and standards. This was demonstrated through a mathematical model that utilizes applications of Ohm's Law, circuit concepts, and attenuation principles in order to match the results of the ILI sample data by varying parameters of the model (i.e., values for over potential and coating resistivity). This research has not been conducted previously in order to determine if the protected potential range can be achieved with respect to the predicted current density from the CP ILI device. Kirchhoff's method was explored, but certain principals could not be used in the model as manual measurements were required. This research was based on circuit concepts which indirectly affected electrochemical processes. Through Ohm's law, the results show that a constant current density is possible in the protected potential range; therefore, indicates polarization of the pipeline, which leads to calcareous deposit development with respect to electrochemistry. Calcareous deposit is desirable in industry since it increases the resistance of the pipeline coating and lowers current, thus slowing the oxygen diffusion process. This research conveys that an alternative method for CP evaluation from inside of the pipeline is possible where the pipe-to-soil potential can be estimated (as required by regulations) from the ILI tool's current density measurement.

Characteristics and associations of pain intensity in patients referred to a specialist cancer pain clinic.

PubMed

Pina, Paulo; Sabri, Elham; Lawlor, Peter G

2015-01-01

Uncontrolled cancer pain (CP) may impair quality of life. Given the multidimensional nature of CP, its poor control is often attributed to poor assessment and classification. To determine the characteristics and associations of pain intensity in a specialist CP clinic. Consecutive patients referred to the CP clinic of the Portuguese Cancer Institute (Lisbon, Portugal) had standardized initial assessments and status documentation of the following: Brief Pain Inventory ratings for 'pain now' as the outcome variable; initial pain intensity (iPI) on a 0 to 10 scale; pain mechanism (using the Douleur Neuropathique 4 tool to assess neuropathic pain); episodic pain; Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group rating; oral morphine equivalent daily dose (MEDD); Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale and Emotional Thermometer scores; and cancer diagnosis, metastases, treatment and pain duration. Univariable analyses were conducted to test the association of independent variables with iPI. Variables with P<0.1 were entered into a multivariable regression model, using backward elimination and a cut-point of P=0.2 for final model selection. Of 371 participants, 285 (77%) had moderate (4 to 6) or severe (7 to 10) iPI. The initial median MEDD was relatively low (30 mg [range 20 mg to 60 mg]). In the multivariable model, higher income, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group rating 3 to 4, cancer diagnosis (head and neck, genitourinary and gastrointestinal), adjuvant use and initial MEDD were associated with iPI (P<0.05). The model's R2 was 18.6, which explained only 19% of iPI variance. The diversity of factors associated with pain intensity and their limited explanation of its variance underscore the biopsychosocial complexity of CP. Adequacy of CP management warrants further exploration.

Low dose chromium-polynicotinate or policosanol is effective in hypercholesterolemic children only in combination with glucomannan.

PubMed

Martino, Francesco; Puddu, Paolo Emilio; Pannarale, Giuseppe; Colantoni, Chiara; Martino, Eliana; Niglio, Tarcisio; Zanoni, Cristina; Barillà, Francesco

2013-05-01

A low-fat, fiber-rich diet is the first step in the management for hypercholesterolemic children. Glucomannan (GM) is a natural fiber that has been demonstrated to lower total and LDL-cholesterol. The use of high-dose chromium-polynicotinate (CP) and policosanol (PC) has also shown cholesterol-lowering benefits. We aimed at investigating the effects of low-dose CP or PC and their GM combination in hypercholesterolemic children. A double-blind trial was conducted in 120 children (60 M, 60 F, 9 ± 4 years, median 9.6 years, range: 3-16 years) randomly assigned to 5 neutraceutical and 1 placebo (only resistant starch) 8-week treatment groups. Fasting blood glucose (FBG), total cholesterol (CholT), triglycerides (TG), HDL and LDL cholesterol were considered. GM combination of low-dose CP or PC reduced CholT and LDL without changing HDL, TG and FBG. The highest post-treatment changes were seen after GM combination with CP (CholT 85 ± 3% and LDL 85 ± 5%, of pretreatment) which was significantly (p < 0.01) less than with low-dose CP or PC and starch. When GM was associated with starch, there was no lipid lowering effect, which was an unexpected finding as compared to previous data with GM and no starch. No adverse effects were reported. This is the first report to show the cholesterol-lowering efficacy of GM combined treatment with low-dose CP or PC. Further studies are needed to investigate the best combinations and doses of nutraceutics to be added to the standard GM treatment. The potential negative association of GM and nutraceutics with starch is clearly shown. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Epigenetic Signatures of Cigarette Smoking.

PubMed

Joehanes, Roby; Just, Allan C; Marioni, Riccardo E; Pilling, Luke C; Reynolds, Lindsay M; Mandaviya, Pooja R; Guan, Weihua; Xu, Tao; Elks, Cathy E; Aslibekyan, Stella; Moreno-Macias, Hortensia; Smith, Jennifer A; Brody, Jennifer A; Dhingra, Radhika; Yousefi, Paul; Pankow, James S; Kunze, Sonja; Shah, Sonia H; McRae, Allan F; Lohman, Kurt; Sha, Jin; Absher, Devin M; Ferrucci, Luigi; Zhao, Wei; Demerath, Ellen W; Bressler, Jan; Grove, Megan L; Huan, Tianxiao; Liu, Chunyu; Mendelson, Michael M; Yao, Chen; Kiel, Douglas P; Peters, Annette; Wang-Sattler, Rui; Visscher, Peter M; Wray, Naomi R; Starr, John M; Ding, Jingzhong; Rodriguez, Carlos J; Wareham, Nicholas J; Irvin, Marguerite R; Zhi, Degui; Barrdahl, Myrto; Vineis, Paolo; Ambatipudi, Srikant; Uitterlinden, André G; Hofman, Albert; Schwartz, Joel; Colicino, Elena; Hou, Lifang; Vokonas, Pantel S; Hernandez, Dena G; Singleton, Andrew B; Bandinelli, Stefania; Turner, Stephen T; Ware, Erin B; Smith, Alicia K; Klengel, Torsten; Binder, Elisabeth B; Psaty, Bruce M; Taylor, Kent D; Gharib, Sina A; Swenson, Brenton R; Liang, Liming; DeMeo, Dawn L; O'Connor, George T; Herceg, Zdenko; Ressler, Kerry J; Conneely, Karen N; Sotoodehnia, Nona; Kardia, Sharon L R; Melzer, David; Baccarelli, Andrea A; van Meurs, Joyce B J; Romieu, Isabelle; Arnett, Donna K; Ong, Ken K; Liu, Yongmei; Waldenberger, Melanie; Deary, Ian J; Fornage, Myriam; Levy, Daniel; London, Stephanie J

2016-10-01

DNA methylation leaves a long-term signature of smoking exposure and is one potential mechanism by which tobacco exposure predisposes to adverse health outcomes, such as cancers, osteoporosis, lung, and cardiovascular disorders. To comprehensively determine the association between cigarette smoking and DNA methylation, we conducted a meta-analysis of genome-wide DNA methylation assessed using the Illumina BeadChip 450K array on 15 907 blood-derived DNA samples from participants in 16 cohorts (including 2433 current, 6518 former, and 6956 never smokers). Comparing current versus never smokers, 2623 cytosine-phosphate-guanine sites (CpGs), annotated to 1405 genes, were statistically significantly differentially methylated at Bonferroni threshold of P<1×10 -7 (18 760 CpGs at false discovery rate <0.05). Genes annotated to these CpGs were enriched for associations with several smoking-related traits in genome-wide studies including pulmonary function, cancers, inflammatory diseases, and heart disease. Comparing former versus never smokers, 185 of the CpGs that differed between current and never smokers were significant P<1×10 -7 (2623 CpGs at false discovery rate <0.05), indicating a pattern of persistent altered methylation, with attenuation, after smoking cessation. Transcriptomic integration identified effects on gene expression at many differentially methylated CpGs. Cigarette smoking has a broad impact on genome-wide methylation that, at many loci, persists many years after smoking cessation. Many of the differentially methylated genes were novel genes with respect to biological effects of smoking and might represent therapeutic targets for prevention or treatment of tobacco-related diseases. Methylation at these sites could also serve as sensitive and stable biomarkers of lifetime exposure to tobacco smoke. © 2016 American Heart Association, Inc.

Energy requirements in preschool-age children with cerebral palsy.

PubMed

Walker, Jacqueline L; Bell, Kristie L; Boyd, Roslyn N; Davies, Peter S W

2012-12-01

There is a paucity of data concerning the energy requirements (ERs) of preschool-age children with cerebral palsy (CP), the knowledge of which is essential for early nutritional management. We aimed to determine the ERs for preschool-age children with CP in relation to functional ability, motor type, and distribution and compared with typically developing children (TDC) and published estimation equations. Thirty-two children with CP (63% male) of all functional abilities, motor types, and distributions and 16 TDC (63% male) aged 2.9-4.4 y participated in this study. The doubly labeled water method was used to determine ERs. Statistical analyses were conducted by 1-factor ANOVA and post hoc Tukey honestly significant difference tests, independent and paired t tests, Bland and Altman analyses, correlations, and multivariable regressions. As a population, children with CP had significantly lower ERs than did TDC (P < 0.05). No significant difference in ERs was found between ambulant children and TDC. Marginally ambulant and nonambulant children had ERs that were ∼18% lower than those of ambulant children and 31% lower than those of TDC. A trend toward lower ERs with greater numbers of limbs involved was observed. The influence of motor type could not be determined statistically. Published equations substantially underestimated ERs in the nonambulant children by ∼22%. In preschool-age children with CP, ERs decreased as ambulatory status declined and more limbs were involved. The greatest predictor of ERs was fat-free mass, then ambulatory status. Future research should build on the information presented to expand the knowledge base regarding ERs in children with CP. This trial was registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry as ACTRN 12612000686808.

Woven Thermal Protection System Based Heat-shield for Extreme Entry Environments Technology (HEEET)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chinnapongse, Ronald; Ellerbe, Donald; Stackpoole, Maragaret; Venkatapathy, Ethiraj; Beerman, Adam; Feldman, Jay; Peterson Keith; Prabhu, Dinesh; Dillman, Robert; Munk, Michelle

2013-01-01

NASA's future robotic missions utilizing an entry system into Venus and the outer planets, namely, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, result in extremely severe entry conditions that exceed the capabilities of state of the art low to mid density ablators such as PICA or Avcoat. Therefore mission planners typically assume the use of a fully dense carbon phenolic heat shield similar to what was flown on Pioneer Venus and Galileo. Carbon phenolic (CP) is a robust TPS material however its high density and relatively high thermal conductivity constrain mission planners to steep entries, with high heat fluxes and pressures and short entry durations, in order for CP to be feasible from a mass perspective. The high entry conditions pose challenges for certification in existing ground based test facilities and the longer-­-term sustainability of CP will continue to pose challenges. In 2012 the Game Changing Development Program (GCDP) in NASA's Space Technology Mission Directorate funded NASA ARC to investigate the feasibility of a Woven Thermal Protection System (WTPS) to meet the needs of NASA's most challenging entry missions. This project was highly successful demonstrating that a Woven TPS solution compares favorably to CP in performance in simulated reentry environments and provides the opportunity to manufacture graded materials that should result in overall reduced mass solutions and enable a much broader set of missions than does CP. Building off the success of the WTPS project GCDP has funded a follow on project to further mature and scale up the WTPS concept for insertion into future NASA robotic missions. The matured WTPS will address the CP concerns associated with ground based test limitations and sustainability. This presentation will briefly discuss results from the WTPS Project and the plans for WTPS maturation into a heat-­-shield for extreme entry environment.

Epidemiology and risk factors for mortality in bloodstream infection by CP-Kp, ESBL-E, Candida and CDI: A single center retrospective study.

PubMed

Corcione, Silvia; Angilletta, Roberto; Raviolo, Stefania; Filippini, Claudia; Fossati, Lucina; Di Perri, Giovanni; Cavallo, Rossana; De Rosa, Francesco Giuseppe

2018-02-01

The incidence of C. difficile infection (CDI) and of bloodstream infection (BSI) caused by Candida spp., ESBL-E-producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-E) and carbapenemase-producing K. pneumoniae (CP-Kp) is associated with high mortality. We conducted a single centre retrospective study on patients admitted to Molinette Hospital, Turin, Italy, from January 2013 to April 2015 with CDI or BSI caused by Candida, ESBL-E or CP-Kp. For each patient demographic, clinical and microbiological data were collected. Aims of this study were to describe epidemiology and to evaluate risk factors for in-hospital mortality in this group of patients. Seven hundred-eighty six cases were analyzed: 398 CDI, 137 candidemia, 125 ESBL-E BSI and 126 CP-Kp BSI. CDI, candidemia and ESBL-E BSI were more frequently reported in internal medicine wards (IMW), whilst CP-Kp were more described in intensive care unit (ICU). Sixty-six percent of patients had a previous hospitalization and the majority of patients had several medical comorbidities. In-hospital death occurred in 23.4%. Independent risk factors for mortality were antibiotic therapy before hospital admission, cardiovascular diseases, neutropenia, urinary catheter, total parenteral nutrition, SIRS and higher creatinine levels at diagnosis. Previous abdominal surgery, inflammatory bowel disease, higher serum albumin levels at the admission and fever at diagnosis were significantly associated with survival. Our data showed that CDI, ESBL-E BSI and candidemia are more frequent in frail patients, admitted to IMW, with chronic comorbidities and broad exposure to antibiotic therapies, with the exception for CP-Kp BSI, still more common in the ICU. Copyright © 2017 European Federation of Internal Medicine. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.