Analysis of Milk from Mothers Who Delivered Prematurely Reveals Few Changes in Proteases and Protease Inhibitors across Gestational Age at Birth and Infant Postnatal Age123

PubMed Central

Demers-Mathieu, Veronique; Nielsen, Søren Drud; Underwood, Mark A; Borghese, Robyn

2017-01-01

Background: Peptidomics research has demonstrated that protease activity is higher in breast milk from preterm-delivering mothers than from term-delivering mothers. However, to our knowledge, the effect of the degree of prematurity and postnatal age on proteases and protease inhibitors in human milk remains unknown. Objective: We aimed to determine the change of proteases and protease inhibitors in milk from mothers who delivered prematurely across gestational age (GA) and postnatal age. Methods: Milk samples were collected from 18 mothers aged 26–40 y who delivered preterm infants and who lacked mastitis. For analysis, samples were separated into 2 groups: 9 from early GA (EGA) (24–26 wk GA)-delivering mothers and 9 from late GA (LGA) (27–32 wk GA)-delivering mothers. Within the 9 samples in each group, the collection time ranged from postnatal days 2 to 47. The activity and predicted activity of proteases in preterm milk were determined with the use of fluorometric and spectrophotometric assays and peptidomics, respectively. Protease and protease inhibitor concentrations were determined with the use of ELISA. Linear mixed models were applied to compare enzymes across GA and postnatal age. Results: Carboxypeptidase B2, kallikrein, plasmin, elastase, thrombin, and cytosol aminopeptidase were present and active in the milk of preterm-delivering mothers. Most milk protease and antiprotease concentrations did not change with GA or postnatal age. However, the concentration and activity of kallikrein, the most abundant and active protease in preterm milk, increased by 25.4 ng · mL−1 · d−1 and 0.454 μg · mL−1 · d−1 postnatally, respectively, in EGA milk samples while remaining stable in LGA milk samples. Conclusions: This research demonstrates that proteases are active in human milk and begin to degrade milk protein within the mammary gland before consumption by infants. Proteases and protease inhibitors in milk from mothers of premature infants mostly did not vary substantially across GA and postnatal age. PMID:28424255

Analysis of Milk from Mothers Who Delivered Prematurely Reveals Few Changes in Proteases and Protease Inhibitors across Gestational Age at Birth and Infant Postnatal Age.

PubMed

Demers-Mathieu, Veronique; Nielsen, Søren Drud; Underwood, Mark A; Borghese, Robyn; Dallas, David C

2017-06-01

Background: Peptidomics research has demonstrated that protease activity is higher in breast milk from preterm-delivering mothers than from term-delivering mothers. However, to our knowledge, the effect of the degree of prematurity and postnatal age on proteases and protease inhibitors in human milk remains unknown. Objective: We aimed to determine the change of proteases and protease inhibitors in milk from mothers who delivered prematurely across gestational age (GA) and postnatal age. Methods: Milk samples were collected from 18 mothers aged 26-40 y who delivered preterm infants and who lacked mastitis. For analysis, samples were separated into 2 groups: 9 from early GA (EGA) (24-26 wk GA)-delivering mothers and 9 from late GA (LGA) (27-32 wk GA)-delivering mothers. Within the 9 samples in each group, the collection time ranged from postnatal days 2 to 47. The activity and predicted activity of proteases in preterm milk were determined with the use of fluorometric and spectrophotometric assays and peptidomics, respectively. Protease and protease inhibitor concentrations were determined with the use of ELISA. Linear mixed models were applied to compare enzymes across GA and postnatal age. Results: Carboxypeptidase B2, kallikrein, plasmin, elastase, thrombin, and cytosol aminopeptidase were present and active in the milk of preterm-delivering mothers. Most milk protease and antiprotease concentrations did not change with GA or postnatal age. However, the concentration and activity of kallikrein, the most abundant and active protease in preterm milk, increased by 25.4 ng · mL -1 · d -1 and 0.454 μg · mL -1 · d -1 postnatally, respectively, in EGA milk samples while remaining stable in LGA milk samples. Conclusions: This research demonstrates that proteases are active in human milk and begin to degrade milk protein within the mammary gland before consumption by infants. Proteases and protease inhibitors in milk from mothers of premature infants mostly did not vary substantially across GA and postnatal age. © 2017 American Society for Nutrition.

Developing and testing new smoking measures for the Health Plan Employer Data and Information Set.

PubMed

Pbert, Lori; Vuckovic, Nancy; Ockene, Judith K; Hollis, Jack F; Riedlinger, Karen

2003-04-01

To develop and test items for the Health Plan Employee Data and Information Set (HEDIS) that assess delivery of the full range of provider-delivered tobacco interventions. The authors identified potential items via literature review; items were reviewed by national experts. Face validity of candidate items was tested in focus groups. The final survey was sent to a random sample of 1711 adult primary care patients; the re-test survey was sent to self-identified smokers. The process identified reliable items to capture provider assessment of motivation and provision of assistance and follow-up. One can reliably assess patient self-report of provider delivery of the full range of brief tobacco interventions. Such assessment and feedback to health plans and providers may increase use of evidence-based brief interventions.

The Effectiveness and Cost of Lifestyle Interventions Including Nutrition Education for Diabetes Prevention: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

PubMed

Sun, Yu; You, Wen; Almeida, Fabio; Estabrooks, Paul; Davy, Brenda

2017-03-01

Type 2 diabetes is a significant public health concern. With the completion of the Diabetes Prevention Program, there has been a proliferation of studies attempting to translate this evidence base into practice. However, the cost, effectiveness, and cost-effectiveness of these adapted interventions is unknown. The purpose of this systematic review was to conduct a comprehensive meta-analysis to synthesize the effectiveness, cost, and cost-effectiveness of lifestyle diabetes prevention interventions and compare effects by intervention delivery agent (dietitian vs non-dietitian) and channel (in-person vs technology-delivered). English and full-text research articles published up to July 2015 were identified using the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Education Resources Information Center, CAB Direct, Science Direct, and Google Scholar. Sixty-nine studies met inclusion criteria. Most employed both dietary and physical activity intervention components (four of 69 were diet-only interventions). Changes in weight, fasting and 2-hour blood glucose concentration, and hemoglobin A1c were extracted from each article. Heterogeneity was measured by the I 2 index, and study-specific effect sizes or mean differences were pooled using a random effects model when heterogeneity was confirmed. Participants receiving intervention with nutrition education experienced a reduction of 2.07 kg (95% CI 1.52 to 2.62; P<0.001; I 2 =90.99%, 95% CI 88.61% to 92.87%) in weight at 12 months with effect sizes over time ranging from small (0.17, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.30; P=0.012; I 2 = 86.83%, 95% CI 80.42% to 91.14%) to medium (0.65, 95% CI 0.49 to 0.82; P<0.001; I 2 =98.75%, 95% CI 98.52% to 98.94). Effect sizes for 2-hour blood glucose and hemoglobin A1c level changes ranged from small to medium. The meta-regression analysis revealed a larger relative weight loss in dietitian-delivered interventions than in those delivered by nondietitians (full sample: -1.0 kg; US subsample: -2.4 kg), and did not find statistical evidence that the delivery channel was an important predictor of weight loss. The average cost per kilogram weight loss ranged from $34.06 over 6 months to $1,005.36 over 12 months. The cost of intervention per participant delivered by dietitians was lower than interventions delivered by non-dietitians, although few studies reported costs. Lifestyle interventions are effective in reducing body weight and glucose-related outcomes. Dietitian-delivered interventions, compared with those delivered by other personnel, achieved greater weight reduction. No consistent trend was identified across different delivery channels. Copyright © 2017 Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The effectiveness and cost of lifestyle intervention including nutrition education for diabetes prevention: A systematic review and meta-analysis

PubMed Central

Sun, Yu; You, Wen; Almeida, Fabio; Estabrooks, Paul

2016-01-01

Background Type 2 diabetes is a significant public health concern. With the completion of the Diabetes Prevention Program, there has been a proliferation of studies attempting to translate this evidence base into practice. However, the cost, effectiveness, and cost-effectiveness of these adapted interventions is unknown. Objective The purpose of this systematic review was to conduct a comprehensive meta-analysis to synthesize the effectiveness, cost, and cost-effectiveness of lifestyle diabetes prevention interventions and compare effects by intervention delivery agent (dietitian vs non-dietitian) and channel (in-person vs technology-delivered). Methods English and full-text research articles published up to July 2015 were identified using the Cochrane Library, PubMed, ERIC, CAB Direct, Science Direct and Google Scholar. Sixty-nine studies met inclusion criteria. Most employed both dietary and physical activity intervention components (four of 69 were diet-only interventions). Changes in weight, fasting and 2-hour blood glucose concentration, and hemoglobin A1c were extracted from each article. Heterogeneity was measured by the I^2 index, and study-specific effect sizes or mean differences were pooled using a random effects model when heterogeneity was confirmed. Results Participants receiving intervention with nutrition education experienced a reduction of 2.07 kg (95% CI: 1.52 to 2.62; p<0.001; I2=90.99%, 95% CI: 88.61% to 92.87%) in weight at 12 months with effect sizes over time ranging from small (0.17, 95% CI: 0.04 to 0.30; p=0.012; I2= 86.83%, 95% CI: 80.42% to 91.14%) to medium (0.65, 95% CI: 0.49 to 0.82; p<0.001; I2= 98.75%, 95% CI: 98.52% to 98.94). Effect sizes for 2-h blood glucose and HbA1c changes ranged from small to medium. The meta-regression analysis revealed a larger relative weight loss in dietitian-delivered interventions than in those delivered by non-dietitians (full sample: −1.0 kg; US subsample: −2.4 kg), and did not find statistical evidence that the delivery channel was an important predictor of weight loss. The average cost per kg weight loss ranged from $53.87 over 2 months to $1,005.36 over 12 months. The cost of intervention per participant delivered by dietitians was lower than interventions delivered by non-dietitians, though few studies reported costs. Conclusions Lifestyle interventions are effective in reducing body weight and glucose-related outcomes. Dietitian-delivered interventions, compared to those delivered by other personnel, achieved greater weight reduction. No consistent trend was identified across different delivery channels. PMID:28236962

Factors influencing delivered mean airway pressure during nasal CPAP with the RAM cannula.

PubMed

Gerdes, Jeffrey S; Sivieri, Emidio M; Abbasi, Soraya

2016-01-01

To measure mean airway pressure (MAP) delivered through the RAM Cannula® when used with a ventilator in CPAP mode as a function of percent nares occlusion in a simulated nasal interface/test lung model and to compare the results to MAPs using a nasal continuous positive airway pressure (NCPAP) interface with nares fully occluded. An artificial airway model was connected to a spontaneous breathing lung model in which MAP was measured at set NCPAP levels between 4 and 8 cmH2 O provided by a Dräger Evita XL® ventilator and delivered through three sizes of RAM cannulae. Measurements were performed with varying leakage at the nasal interface by decreasing occlusion from 100% to 29%, half-way prong insertion, and simulated mouth leakage. Comparison measurements were made using the Dräger BabyFlow® NCPAP interface with a full nasal seal. With simulated mouth closed, the Dräger interface delivered MAPs within 0.5 cmH2 O of set CPAP levels. For the RAM cannula, with 60-80% nares occlusion, overall delivered MAPs were 60 ± 17% less than set CPAP levels (P < 0.001). Further, MAP decreased progressively with decreasing percent nares occlusion. The simulated open mouth condition resulted in significantly lower MAPs to <1.7 cmH2 O. The one-half prong insertion depth condition, with closed mouth, yielded MAPs approximately 35 ± 9% less than full insertion pressures (P < 0.001). In our bench tests, the RAM interface connected to a ventilator in NCPAP mode failed to deliver set CPAP levels when applied using the manufacturer recommended 60-80% nares occlusion, even with closed mouth and full nasal prong insertion conditions. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Special-purpose computing for dense stellar systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Makino, Junichiro

2007-08-01

I'll describe the current status of the GRAPE-DR project. The GRAPE-DR is the next-generation hardware for N-body simulation. Unlike the previous GRAPE hardwares, it is programmable SIMD machine with a large number of simple processors integrated into a single chip. The GRAPE-DR chip consists of 512 simple processors and operates at the clock speed of 500 MHz, delivering the theoretical peak speed of 512/226 Gflops (single/double precision). As of August 2006, the first prototype board with the sample chip successfully passed the test we prepared. The full GRAPE-DR system will consist of 4096 chips, reaching the theoretical peak speed of 2 Pflops.

Preanalytical influence of pneumatic tube delivery system on results of routine biochemistry and haematology analysis.

PubMed

Petit, Morgane; Mine, Louis; Pascreau, Tiffany; Brouzes, Chantal; Majoux, Sandrine; Borgel, Delphine; Beaudeux, Jean-Louis; Lasne, Dominique; Hennequin, Carole

2017-12-01

Pneumatic tube delivery system (PTS) enables to reduce considerably turnaround times. The aim of the study was to assess the influence of the PTS on the quality of routine biochemical and hematological tests in our laboratory. Blood samples from 6 hospitalized patients and 8 healthy volunteers were analyzed. Blood samples were delivered to the laboratory by a PTS and by a human courier. We performed the following analysis: ionized calcium, sodium, potassium, lactate deshydrogenase (LDH), aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT), arterial blood gas, complete blood count and coagulation test as prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, factors V and VIII. Results were compared between the both method of transport according to the recommendation of the Société française de biologie clinique and the French committee for accreditation (SH-GTA01, norme NF ISO 5275-6). The hemolysis index of plasma was similar between the groups and no morphological differences were found on blood cells. For three samples, when delivered by PTS, LDH levels (two samples) and neutrophil polynuclear count (one sample) were above the recommended guidelines compared to those delivered by courier. Conversely, LDH levels and FVIII were below in two samples delivered by PTS. LDH levels, PNN count or factor VIII can be affected by PTS without the clinical interpretation being modified. We concluded that the PTS can be used to transport blood samples for routine biochemical and hematological analysis in our hospital.

Design and implementation of a film dosimetry audit tool for comparison of planned and delivered dose distributions in high dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Palmer, Antony L.; Lee, Chris; Ratcliffe, Ailsa J.; Bradley, David; Nisbet, Andrew

2013-10-01

A novel phantom is presented for ‘full system’ dosimetric audit comparing planned and delivered dose distributions in HDR gynaecological brachytherapy, using clinical treatment applicators. The brachytherapy applicator dosimetry test object consists of a near full-scatter water tank with applicator and film supports constructed of Solid Water, accommodating any typical cervix applicator. Film dosimeters are precisely held in four orthogonal planes bisecting the intrauterine tube, sampling dose distributions in the high risk clinical target volume, points A and B, bladder, rectum and sigmoid. The applicator position is fixed prior to CT scanning and through treatment planning and irradiation. The CT data is acquired with the applicator in a near clinical orientation to include applicator reconstruction in the system test. Gamma analysis is used to compare treatment planning system exported RTDose grid with measured multi-channel film dose maps. Results from two pilot audits are presented, using Ir-192 and Co-60 HDR sources, with a mean gamma passing rate of 98.6% using criteria of 3% local normalization and 3 mm distance to agreement (DTA). The mean DTA between prescribed dose and measured film dose at point A was 1.2 mm. The phantom was funded by IPEM and will be used for a UK national brachytherapy dosimetry audit.

Design and implementation of a film dosimetry audit tool for comparison of planned and delivered dose distributions in high dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy.

PubMed

Palmer, Antony L; Lee, Chris; Ratcliffe, Ailsa J; Bradley, David; Nisbet, Andrew

2013-10-07

A novel phantom is presented for 'full system' dosimetric audit comparing planned and delivered dose distributions in HDR gynaecological brachytherapy, using clinical treatment applicators. The brachytherapy applicator dosimetry test object consists of a near full-scatter water tank with applicator and film supports constructed of Solid Water, accommodating any typical cervix applicator. Film dosimeters are precisely held in four orthogonal planes bisecting the intrauterine tube, sampling dose distributions in the high risk clinical target volume, points A and B, bladder, rectum and sigmoid. The applicator position is fixed prior to CT scanning and through treatment planning and irradiation. The CT data is acquired with the applicator in a near clinical orientation to include applicator reconstruction in the system test. Gamma analysis is used to compare treatment planning system exported RTDose grid with measured multi-channel film dose maps. Results from two pilot audits are presented, using Ir-192 and Co-60 HDR sources, with a mean gamma passing rate of 98.6% using criteria of 3% local normalization and 3 mm distance to agreement (DTA). The mean DTA between prescribed dose and measured film dose at point A was 1.2 mm. The phantom was funded by IPEM and will be used for a UK national brachytherapy dosimetry audit.

Actual and prescribed energy and protein intakes for very low birth weight infants: An observational study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Allevato, Anthony J.

Objectives: To determine (1) whether prescribed and delivered energy and protein intakes during the first two weeks of life met Ziegler's estimated requirements for Very Low Birth Weight (VLBW) infants, (2) if actual energy during the first week of life correlated with time to regain birth weight and reach full enteral nutrition (EN) defined as 100 kcal/kg/day, (3) if growth velocity from time to reach full EN to 36 weeks' postmenstrual age (PMA) met Ziegler's estimated fetal growth velocity (16 g/kg/day), and (4) growth outcomes at 36 weeks' PMA. Study design: Observational study of feeding, early nutrition and early growth of 40 VLBW infants <30 weeks GA at birth in three newborn intensive care units NICUs. Results: During the first week of life, the percentages of prescribed and delivered energy (69% [65 kcal/kg/day]) and protein (89% [3.1 g/kg/day]) were significantly less than theoretical estimated requirements. Delivered intakes were 15% less than prescribed because of numerous interruptions in delivery and medical complications. During the second week, the delivered intakes of energy (90% [86 kcal/kg/day]) and protein (102% [3.5 g/kg/day]) improved although the differences between prescribed and delivered were consistently 15%. Energy but not protein intake during the first week was significantly related to time to reach full EN. Neither energy nor protein intake significantly correlated with days to return to birth weight. The average growth velocity from the age that full EN was attained to 36 weeks' PMA (15 g/kg/day) was significantly less than the theoretical estimated fetal growth velocity (16 g/kg/day) (p<0.03). A difference of 1 g/kg/day represents a total deficit of 42 - 54 grams over the course of a month. At 36 weeks' PMA, 53% of the VLBW infants had extrauterine growth restriction, or EUGR (<10th percentile) on the Fenton growth grid and 34% had EUGR on the Lubchenco growth grid. Conclusions: The delivered nutrient intakes were consistently less than 15% of the prescribed intakes. Growth velocity between the age when full EN was achieved and 36 weeks' PMA was 6.7% lower than Ziegler's estimate. One-third to one-half of the infants have EUGR at 36 weeks' PMA.

Renewable surface fluorescence sandwich immunoassay biosensor for rapid sensitive botulinum toxin detection in an automated fluidic format.

PubMed

Grate, Jay W; Warner, Marvin G; Ozanich, Richard M; Miller, Keith D; Colburn, Heather A; Dockendorff, Brian; Antolick, Kathryn C; Anheier, Norman C; Lind, Michael A; Lou, Jianlong; Marks, James D; Bruckner-Lea, Cynthia J

2009-05-01

A renewable surface biosensor for rapid detection of botulinum neurotoxin serotype A is described based on fluidic automation of a fluorescence sandwich immunoassay, using a recombinant protein fragment of the toxin heavy chain ( approximately 50 kDa) as a structurally valid simulant. Monoclonal antibodies AR4 and RAZ1 bind to separate non-overlapping epitopes of the full botulinum holotoxin ( approximately 150 kDa). Both of the targeted epitopes are located on the recombinant fragment. The AR4 antibody was covalently bound to Sepharose beads and used as the capture antibody. A rotating rod flow cell was used to capture these beads delivered as a suspension by a sequential injection flow system, creating a 3.6 microL column. After perfusing the bead column with sample and washing away the matrix, the column was perfused with Alexa 647 dye-labeled RAZ1 antibody as the reporter. Optical fibers coupled to the rotating rod flow cell at a 90 degrees angle to one another delivered excitation light from a HeNe laser (633 nm) using one fiber and collected fluorescent emission light for detection with the other. After each measurement, the used Sepharose beads are released and replaced with fresh beads. In a rapid screening approach to sample analysis, the toxin simulant was detected to concentrations of 10 pM in less than 20 minutes using this system.

Application of the shifted excitation Raman difference spectroscopy (SERDS) to the analysis of trace amounts of methanol in red wines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Volodin, Boris; Dolgy, Sergei; Ban, Vladimir S.; Gracin, Davor; Juraić, Krunoslav; Gracin, Leo

2014-03-01

Shifted Excitation Raman Difference Spectroscopy (SERDS) has proven an effective method for performing Raman analysis of fluorescent samples. This technique allows achieving excellent signal to noise performance with shorter excitation wavelengths, thus taking full advantage of the superior signal strength afforded by shorter excitation wavelengths and the superior performance, also combined with lower cost, delivered by silicon CCDs. The technique is enabled by use of two closely space fixed-wavelength laser diode sources stabilized with the Volume Bragg gratings (VBGs). A side by side comparison reveals that SERDS technique delivers superior signal to noise ratio and better detection limits in most situations, even when a longer excitation wavelength is employed for the purpose of elimination of the fluorescence. We have applied the SERDS technique to the quantitative analysis of the presence of trace amounts of methanol in red wines, which is an important task in quality control operations within wine industry and is currently difficult to perform in the field. So far conventional Raman spectroscopy analysis of red wines has been impractical due to the high degree of fluorescence.

Personnel Development for Staff Delivering Special Population Services, Participant's Workbook. Presenter's Manual.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Texas State Technical Coll., Waco.

This workbook is designed for use by community and technical college staff involved in delivering counseling, instructional, and/or employment services to special populations throughout Texas. First, the purpose and administration of the Perkins Act of 1990, access and full participation of special populations in vocational education, and the…

Model for equitable care and outcomes for remote full care hemodialysis units.

PubMed

Bernstein, Keevin; Zacharias, James; Blanchard, James F; Yu, B Nancy; Shaw, Souradet Y

2010-04-01

Remotely located patients not living close to a nephrologist present major challenges for providing care. Various models of remotely delivered care have been developed, with a gap in knowledge regarding the outcomes of these heterogeneous models. This report describes a satellite care model for remote full-care hemodialysis units managed homogenously in the province of Manitoba, Canada, without onsite nephrologists. Survival in remotely located full-care units is compared with a large, urban full-care center with onsite nephrologists. Data from a Canadian provincial dialysis registry were extracted on 2663 patients between 1990 and 2005. All-cause mortality after initiation of chronic hemodialysis was assessed with Cox proportional hazards regression. Both short-term (1 year) and long-term (2 to 5 years) survival were analyzed. Survival for patients receiving remotely delivered care was shown to be better than for those receiving care in the urban care center with this particular Canadian model of care. Furthermore, there was no difference when assessing short- and long-term survival. This was independent of distance from the urban center. Chronic hemodialysis patients receiving remotely delivered care in a specialized facility attain comparable, if not better survival outcomes than their urban counterparts with direct onsite nephrology care. This model can potentially be adapted to other underserviced areas, including increasingly larger urban centers.

43 CFR 426.6 - Leasing and full-cost pricing.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... payments due the United States. (6) In determining full-cost charges, the following factors will be...-cost entitlement for limited recipients that did not receive irrigation water on or prior to October 1... appropriate full-cost rate for irrigation water delivered to acreage that equals the amount of leased land...

43 CFR 426.6 - Leasing and full-cost pricing.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... payments due the United States. (6) In determining full-cost charges, the following factors will be...-cost entitlement for limited recipients that did not receive irrigation water on or prior to October 1... appropriate full-cost rate for irrigation water delivered to acreage that equals the amount of leased land...

43 CFR 426.6 - Leasing and full-cost pricing.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... payments due the United States. (6) In determining full-cost charges, the following factors will be...-cost entitlement for limited recipients that did not receive irrigation water on or prior to October 1... appropriate full-cost rate for irrigation water delivered to acreage that equals the amount of leased land...

43 CFR 426.6 - Leasing and full-cost pricing.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... payments due the United States. (6) In determining full-cost charges, the following factors will be...-cost entitlement for limited recipients that did not receive irrigation water on or prior to October 1... appropriate full-cost rate for irrigation water delivered to acreage that equals the amount of leased land...

'Snow White' Trench

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2008-01-01

This image was acquired by NASA's Phoenix Mars Lander's Surface Stereo Imager on Sol 43, the 43rd Martian day after landing (July 8, 2008). This image shows the trench informally called 'Snow White.'

Two samples were delivered to the Wet Chemistry Laboratory, which is part of Phoenix's Microscopy, Electrochemistry, and Conductivity Analyzer (MECA). The first sample was taken from the surface area just left of the trench and informally named 'Rosy Red.' It was delivered to the Wet Chemistry Laboratory on Sol 30 (June 25, 2008). The second sample, informally named 'Sorceress,' was taken from the center of the 'Snow White' trench and delivered to the Wet Chemistry Laboratory on Sol 41 (July 6, 2008).

The Phoenix Mission is led by the University of Arizona, Tucson, on behalf of NASA. Project management of the mission is by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif. Spacecraft development is by Lockheed Martin Space Systems, Denver.

Engaging Micro-Businesses: A Guide for Learning Providers Delivering Skills Provision for Unemployed Adults

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

National Institute of Adult Continuing Education, 2012

2012-01-01

This guide is primarily aimed at skills providers for unemployed adults, but will also be of interest to learning providers that wish to engage micro-businesses for the purpose of delivering other forms of provision such as apprenticeships and work-based learning through full cost recovery. The National Institute of Adult Continuing Education…

7 CFR 31.401 - Cost of samples for wool grades.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (Standards, Inspections, Marketing Practices), DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE COMMODITY STANDARDS AND STANDARD CONTAINER...: $22 each, delivered to any destination within the United States and $24 each, delivered to any...

Adequacy of Prenatal Care and Gestational Weight Gain

PubMed Central

Crandell, Jamie L.; Jones-Vessey, Kathleen

2016-01-01

Abstract Background: The goal of prenatal care is to maximize health outcomes for a woman and her fetus. We examined how prenatal care is associated with meeting the 2009 Institute of Medicine (IOM) guidelines for gestational weight gain. Sample: The study used deidentified birth certificate data supplied by the North Carolina State Center for Health Statistics. The sample included 197,354 women (≥18 years) who delivered singleton full-term infants in 2011 and 2012. Methods: A generalized multinomial model was used to identify how adequate prenatal care was associated with the odds of gaining excessive or insufficient weight during pregnancy according to the 2009 IOM guidelines. The model adjusted for prepregnancy body size, sociodemographic factors, and birth weight. Results: A total of 197,354 women (≥18 years) delivered singleton full-term infants. The odds ratio (OR) for excessive weight gain was 2.44 (95% CI 2.37–2.50) in overweight and 2.33 (95% CI 2.27–2.40) in obese women compared with normal weight women. The OR for insufficient weight gain was 1.15 (95% CI 1.09–1.22) for underweight and 1.34 (95% CI 1.30–1.39) for obese women compared with normal weight women. Prenatal care at the inadequate or intermediate levels was associated with insufficient weight gain (OR: 1.32, 95% CI 1.27–1.38; OR: 1.15, 95% CI 1.09–1.21, respectively) compared with adequate prenatal care. Women with inadequate care were less likely to gain excessive weight (OR: 0.88, 95% CI 0.86–0.91). Conclusions: Whereas prenatal care was effective for preventing insufficient weight gain regardless of prepregnancy body size, educational background, and racial/ethnic group, there were no indications that adequate prenatal care was associated with reduced risk for excessive gestational weight gain. Further research is needed to improve prenatal care programs for preventing excess weight gain. PMID:26741198

Electrokinetic focusing injection methods on microfluidic devices.

PubMed

Fu, Lung-Ming; Yang, Ruey-Jen; Lee, Gwo-Bin

2003-04-15

This paper presents an experimental and numerical investigation into electrokinetic focusing injection on microfluidic chips. The valving characteristics on microfluidic devices are controlled through appropriate manipulations of the electric potential strengths during the sample loading and dispensing steps. The present study also addresses the design and testing of various injection systems used to deliver a sample plug. A novel double-cross injection microfluidic chip is fabricated, which employs electrokinetic focusing to deliver sample plugs of variable volume. The proposed design combines several functions of traditional sample plug injection systems on a single microfluidic chip. The injection technique uses an unique sequence of loading steps with different electric potential distributions and magnitudes within the various channels to effectuate a virtual valve.

Something New about Something Old: A 10-Year Follow-Up on Classical and New Psychoactive Tryptamines and Results of Analysis.

PubMed

Palma-Conesa, Álvaro José; Ventura, Mireia; Galindo, Liliana; Fonseca, Francina; Grifell, Marc; Quintana, Pol; Fornís, Iván; Gil, Cristina; Farré, Magí; Torrens, Marta

2017-01-01

New psychoactive tryptamines may be a public health risk since they intend to mimic the hallucinogenic effects of regulated psychoactive drugs. Few studies describe uses and clinical effects of unregulated new psychoactive tryptamines. This study aims (1) to explore the presence of tryptamines classified as NPS among the substances delivered for analysis to a harm-reduction organization; (2) to describe the substances found in the samples after analysis; and (3) to compare analytical results of regulated vs. non-regulated tryptamines. Samples delivered and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry from 2006 to 2015 were included. A descriptive study of results was conducted. From 25,296 samples that were delivered, 436 were tryptamines; from these 232 (53.21%) were non-regulated. The most delivered non-regulated tryptamine was 4-AcO-DMT. A search of the PubMed database in July 2016 revealed that no studies in humans have ever been carried out with 4-AcO-DMT. Unregulated tryptamines likely contained one unadulterated substance (p ≤ 0.001). The number of samples submitted which contained tryptamines increased during the course of the study, with significant differences in client expectations vs. analysis results between the controlled and uncontrolled groups. There is a need for further research in order to prevent the potential health risks associated with their use.

7 CFR 31.402 - Cost of samples for wool top grades.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

....402 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (Standards, Inspections, Marketing Practices), DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE COMMODITY STANDARDS AND STANDARD CONTAINER... set: $42 each, delivered to any destination within the United States and $44 each, delivered to any...

Randomized, Controlled Pilot Trial of a Smartphone App for Smoking Cessation Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

PubMed Central

Bricker, Jonathan B.; Mull, Kristin; Kientz, Julie A.; Vilardaga, Roger M.; Mercer, Laina D.; Akioka, Katrina; Heffner, Jaimee L.

2014-01-01

Background There is a dual need for (1) innovative theory-based smartphone applications for smoking cessation and (2) controlled trials to evaluate their efficacy. Accordingly, this study tested the feasibility, acceptability, preliminary efficacy, and mechanism of behavioral change of an innovative smartphone-delivered Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) application for smoking cessation versus an application following US Clinical Practice Guidelines. Method Adult participants were recruited nationally into the double-blind randomized controlled pilot trial (N = 196) that compared smartphone-delivered ACT for smoking cessation application (SmartQuit) with the National Cancer Institute's application for smoking cessation (QuitGuide). Results We recruited 196 participants in two months. SmartQuit participants opened their application an average of 37.2 times, as compared to 15.2 times for QuitGuide participants (p <.0001). The overall quit rates were 13% in SmartQuit vs. 8% in QuitGuide (OR=2.7; 95% CI=0.8-10.3). Consistent with ACT's theory of change, among those scoring low (below the median) on acceptance of cravings at baseline (n = 88), the quit rates were 15% in SmartQuit vs. 8% in QuitGuide (OR=2.9; 95% CI=0.6-20.7). Conclusions ACT is feasible to deliver by smartphone application and shows higher engagement and promising quit rates compared to an application that follows US Clinical Practice Guidelines. As results were limited by the pilot design (e.g., small sample), a full-scale efficacy trial is now needed. PMID:25085225

Between Cultures: Using Curriculum Assessment to Develop and Deliver the Integrated Core of an Arts and Sciences Program

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pennee, Donna Palmateer

2007-01-01

How does one develop and deliver the integrated core of a cross-disciplinary arts and sciences undergraduate degree when the degree program has no departmental or college home and no full-time faculty, but plenty of enthusiastic students who are looking for a unique educational experience? This article outlines how a formalized curriculum…

NREL: News - Prototype Low-Emissions Natural Gas Engine Saves Fuel

Science.gov Websites

/heavy_vehicle/natgas_pub.html#engine for a copy of the full NREL report, "Development of a Throttleless engines. In testing, the prototype engine operated over the full speed and load range, delivering 250

COMPUTATIONAL FLUID DYNAMICS MODELING OF SCALED HANFORD DOUBLE SHELL TANK MIXING - CFD MODELING SENSITIVITY STUDY RESULTS

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

JACKSON VL

2011-08-31

The primary purpose of the tank mixing and sampling demonstration program is to mitigate the technical risks associated with the ability of the Hanford tank farm delivery and celtification systems to measure and deliver a uniformly mixed high-level waste (HLW) feed to the Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant (WTP) Uniform feed to the WTP is a requirement of 24590-WTP-ICD-MG-01-019, ICD-19 - Interface Control Document for Waste Feed, although the exact definition of uniform is evolving in this context. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modeling has been used to assist in evaluating scaleup issues, study operational parameters, and predict mixing performance atmore » full-scale.« less

The Gulliver mission: Sample return from Deimos

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Britt, D.

The Martian moon Deimos has been accumulating material ejected from the Martian surface ever since the earliest periods of Martian history, over 4.4 Gyrs ago. Analysis of Martian ejecta, material accumulation, capture cross-section, regolith overturn, and Deimos's albedo suggest that Mars material may make up as much as 5-10% of Deimos's regolith. The Martian material on Deimos would be dominated by ejecta from the ancient crust of Mars, delivered during the Noachian Period of basin-forming impacts and heavy bombardment. Deimos is essentially a repository of samples from ancient Mars, which would include the full range of Martian crustal and upper mantle material from the early differentiation and crustal-forming epoch as well as samples from the era of high volatile flux, thick atmosphere, and possible surface water. The Gulliver Mission proposes to directly collect up to 10 kilograms of Deimos regolith and return it to Earth. This sample will contain up to 1000 grams of Martian material. Because of stochastic processes of regolith mixing over 4.4 Gyrs, the rock fragments, grains, and pebble-sized materials will likely sample the diversity of the Martian ancient surface. In addition to Martian ejecta, 90% of the Deimos sample will be spectral type D asteroidal material, thought to be highly primitive and originate in the outer asteroid belt. In essence, Gulliver represents two shortcuts, to Mars sample return and to the outer asteroid belt.

21 CFR 203.39 - Donation of drug samples to charitable institutions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 4 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Donation of drug samples to charitable... SERVICES (CONTINUED) DRUGS: GENERAL PRESCRIPTION DRUG MARKETING Samples § 203.39 Donation of drug samples... donation record accurately describes the drug sample delivered and that no drug sample is adulterated or...

21 CFR 203.39 - Donation of drug samples to charitable institutions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 4 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Donation of drug samples to charitable... SERVICES (CONTINUED) DRUGS: GENERAL PRESCRIPTION DRUG MARKETING Samples § 203.39 Donation of drug samples... donation record accurately describes the drug sample delivered and that no drug sample is adulterated or...

21 CFR 203.39 - Donation of drug samples to charitable institutions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 4 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Donation of drug samples to charitable... SERVICES (CONTINUED) DRUGS: GENERAL PRESCRIPTION DRUG MARKETING Samples § 203.39 Donation of drug samples... donation record accurately describes the drug sample delivered and that no drug sample is adulterated or...

A dual-reflective electrothermal MEMS micromirror for full circumferential scanning endoscopic imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Lei; Xie, Huikai

2008-02-01

This paper reports the design, fabrication and measurements of a dual-reflective, single-crystal silicon based micromirror that can perform full circumferential scanning (FCS) for endoscopic optical coherence tomography (EOCT). In the proposed FCS-EOCT probe, two optical fibers are used to deliver light beams to either surface of the micromirror, which can rotate +/-45° (or 90°) and thus a 180° optical scanning is obtained from each mirror surface, resulting in full circumferential scans. A novel surface- and bulk-combined micromachining process based on SOI wafers is developed for fabricating the dual reflective micromirror. The single-crystal-silicon device layer of SOI wafers is used for mirror flatness, and Al is coated on both sides for high reflectivity. With one light beam delivered to each mirror surface, full 360° scans have been observed. Other measured data include the resonant frequency: 328Hz, radius of curvatures: - 124 mm (front surface) and 127 mm (back surface), and the reflectances: 81.3% (front surface) and 79.0% (back surface).

Cost-efficient designs for three-arm trials with treatment delivered by health professionals: Sample sizes for a combination of nested and crossed designs

PubMed Central

Moerbeek, Mirjam

2018-01-01

Background This article studies the design of trials that compare three treatment conditions that are delivered by two types of health professionals. The one type of health professional delivers one treatment, and the other type delivers two treatments, hence, this design is a combination of a nested and crossed design. As each health professional treats multiple patients, the data have a nested structure. This nested structure has thus far been ignored in the design of such trials, which may result in an underestimate of the required sample size. In the design stage, the sample sizes should be determined such that a desired power is achieved for each of the three pairwise comparisons, while keeping costs or sample size at a minimum. Methods The statistical model that relates outcome to treatment condition and explicitly takes the nested data structure into account is presented. Mathematical expressions that relate sample size to power are derived for each of the three pairwise comparisons on the basis of this model. The cost-efficient design achieves sufficient power for each pairwise comparison at lowest costs. Alternatively, one may minimize the total number of patients. The sample sizes are found numerically and an Internet application is available for this purpose. The design is also compared to a nested design in which each health professional delivers just one treatment. Results Mathematical expressions show that this design is more efficient than the nested design. For each pairwise comparison, power increases with the number of health professionals and the number of patients per health professional. The methodology of finding a cost-efficient design is illustrated using a trial that compares treatments for social phobia. The optimal sample sizes reflect the costs for training and supervising psychologists and psychiatrists, and the patient-level costs in the three treatment conditions. Conclusion This article provides the methodology for designing trials that compare three treatment conditions while taking the nesting of patients within health professionals into account. As such, it helps to avoid underpowered trials. To use the methodology, a priori estimates of the total outcome variances and intraclass correlation coefficients must be obtained from experts’ opinions or findings in the literature. PMID:29316807

Mars Science Laboratory Sample Acquisition, Sample Processing and Handling Subsystem: A Description of the Sampling Functionality

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jandura, L.; Burke, K.; Kennedy, B.; Melko, J.; Okon, A.; Sunshine, D.

2009-12-01

The Sample Acquisition/Sample Processing and Handling (SA/SPaH) subsystem for the Mars Science Library (MSL) is a rover-based sampling system scheduled to launch in 2011. The SA/SPaH consists of a powdering drill and a scooping, sieving, and portioning device mounted on a turret at the end of a robotic arm. Also on the turret is a dust removal tool for clearing the surface of scientific targets, and two science instruments mounted on vibration isolators. The SA/SPaH can acquire powder from rocks at depths of 20 to 50 mm and can also pick up loose regolith with its scoop. The acquired sample is sieved and portioned and delivered to one of two instruments inside the rover for analysis. The functionality of the system will be described along with the targets the system can acquire and the sample that can be delivered. Top View of the SA/SPaH on the Rover

[Rapid analysis of metronidazole tablets by optic-fiber sensing technologies and the similarity of ultraviolet spectra].

PubMed

Jin, Lu; Li, Li; Li, Xin-xia; Yang, Ting; Kong, Bin; Xu, Ping-ping

2011-02-01

The paper is to report the development of an optic-fiber sensing technology method to analyze metronidazole tablets rapidly. In this fiber-optic sensing system, the light from source delivering to probe can be dipped into simple-handling sample solution, absorbed by the solution and reflected to the fiber-optic and detected in the detection system at last. Then the drug content can be shown in the screen from the ultraviolet absorption spectra and the consistency between that obtained by this method and that in China Pharmacopoeia can be compared. With regard to data processing, a new method is explored to identify the authenticity of drugs using the similarity between the sample map and the standard pattern by full ultraviolet spectrum. The results indicate that ultraviolet spectra of tablets can be obtained from this technology and the determination results showed no significant difference as compared with the method in China Pharmacopoeia (P > 0.05), and the similarity can be a parameter to identify the authenticity of drugs.

MX2: a high-flux undulator microfocus beamline serving both the chemical and macromolecular crystallography communities at the Australian Synchrotron

PubMed Central

Aishima, Jun; Cherukuvada, Hima; Clarken, Robert; Clift, Mark; Ericsson, Daniel Jesper; Macedo, Sofia; Mudie, Nathan; Price, Jason Roy; Rostan, Robert; Williamson, Rachel

2018-01-01

MX2 is an in-vacuum undulator-based crystallography beamline at the 3 GeV Australian Synchrotron. The beamline delivers hard X-rays in the energy range 4.8–21 keV to a focal spot of 22 × 12 µm FWHM (H × V). At 13 keV the flux at the sample is 3.4 × 1012 photons s−1. The beamline endstation allows robotic handling of cryogenic samples via an updated SSRL SAM robot. This beamline is ideal for weakly diffracting hard-to-crystallize proteins, virus particles, protein assemblies and nucleic acids as well as smaller molecules such as inorganic catalysts and organic drug molecules. The beamline is now mature and has enjoyed a full user program for the last nine years. This paper describes the beamline status, plans for its future and some recent scientific highlights. PMID:29714201

Cryopreservation of semen from pubertal boys with cancer.

PubMed

Müller, J; Sønksen, J; Sommer, P; Schmiegelow, M; Petersen, P M; Heilman, C; Schmiegelow, K

2000-03-01

The possibility of cryopreservation of semen from adolescents has until now received only little attention. Therefore, we have investigated the possibility of cryopreservation of semen in adolescent boys with cancer. Forty-five boys, aged 13-18 years, admitted because of cancer during the period January 1, 1995 to July 31, 1998 were eligible. Semen was obtained after masturbation in the majority of the cases. In three boys, semen was preserved after penile vibration or electroejaculation in general anaesthesia. The semen samples were analysed for concentration, motility, and morphology according to the WHO guidelines. The sample was transferred into straws prior to cryopreservation at 196 degrees C in liquid nitrogen. Twenty-one boys delivered a semen sample for cryopreservation. Four boys were offered and accepted sperm banking but were not able to produce a sample. In 20 cases time did not allow an attempt of sperm banking, the boy was not assessed to be mature enough to deliver a semen sample, or the procedure was not accepted. The boys delivered 1-3 samples, and the total number of spermatozoa ranged from 0-210 millions. Median percentage of motile sperm was 50% (range 9-86%). Semen quality improved with age; however, a 13- year- old boy produced 75 million spermatozoa with 38% motile cells. Pubertal maturation should be assessed in all boys admitted for cancer, and the possibility of sperm banking should be discussed with the patient and his parents.

Parent training for Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: is it as effective when delivered as routine rather than as specialist care?

PubMed

Sonuga-Barke, Edmund J S; Thompson, Margaret; Daley, David; Laver-Bradbury, Cathy

2004-11-01

The effectiveness of parent training (PT) when delivered as part of specialist tier-two services for preschool AD/HD children has been recently demonstrated. To assess the effectiveness of the same PT programme when delivered as part of routine primary care by non-specialist nurses. A sample of 89 3-year-old children with preschool AD/HD took part in a controlled trial of an eight-week (one hour a week), health visitor delivered, PT package. Children, allocated randomly to PT (n = 59) and waiting list control (WLC; n = 30) groups, were compared. PT did not reduce AD/HD symptoms. Maternal well-being decreased in both PT and WLC groups. While PT is an effective intervention for preschool AD/HD when delivered in specialized settings, these benefits do not appear to generalize when programme are delivered as part of routine primary care by non-specialist nurses.

Familiarity with and intentions to use Internet-delivered mental health treatments among older rural adults.

PubMed

Handley, Tonelle; Perkins, David; Kay-Lambkin, Frances; Lewin, Terry; Kelly, Brian

2015-01-01

Older adults are the fastest growing age group in Australia, necessitating an increase in appropriate mental health services in the coming years. While Internet-delivered mental health treatments have been established as acceptable and efficacious among younger samples, little research has explored whether they would be similarly useful in older populations. The participants were part of the Australian Rural Mental Health study, which explores mental health and well-being in residents of non-metropolitan New South Wales. A postal survey was used to assess knowledge of and intentions to use Internet-delivered mental health treatments. Demographics, mental health, and frequency of Internet use were also measured. The survey was completed by 950 adults aged 50-93. The sample was largely unfamiliar with Internet mental health services, with 75% reporting that they had never heard of them and a further 20% not knowing any details of what they involved. Intentions to use these services were also low, at 13.5%; however, this increased with level of familiarity. Respondents with higher psychological distress, higher education, and more frequent Internet use were significantly more likely to consider using Internet treatments. Among older adults, overall awareness of Internet-delivered mental health treatments appears to be limited; however, higher familiarity contributes to higher intentions to use these treatments. Importantly, respondents with higher distress and greater computer literacy were more likely to consider mental health treatments delivered via the Internet. Future research exploring strategies to increase the promotion of these services to older samples may further improve their perceptions and use.

Medicare Chronic Care Management Payments and Financial Returns to Primary Care Practices: A Modeling Study.

PubMed

Basu, Sanjay; Phillips, Russell S; Bitton, Asaf; Song, Zirui; Landon, Bruce E

2015-10-20

Physicians have traditionally been reimbursed for face-to-face visits. A new non-visit-based payment for chronic care management (CCM) of Medicare patients took effect in January 2015. To estimate financial implications of CCM payment for primary care practices. Microsimulation model incorporating national data on primary care use, staffing, expenditures, and reimbursements. National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey and other published sources. Medicare patients. 10 years. Practice-level. Comparison of CCM delivery approaches by staff and physicians. Net revenue per full-time equivalent (FTE) physician; time spent delivering CCM services. If nonphysician staff were to deliver CCM services, net revenue to practices would increase despite opportunity and staffing costs. Practices could expect approximately $332 per enrolled patient per year (95% CI, $234 to $429) if CCM services were delivered by registered nurses (RNs), approximately $372 (CI, $276 to $468) if services were delivered by licensed practical nurses, and approximately $385 (CI, $286 to $485) if services were delivered by medical assistants. For a typical practice, this equates to more than $75 ,00 of net annual revenue per FTE physician and 12 hours of nursing service time per week if 50% of eligible patients enroll. At a minimum, 131 Medicare patients (CI, 115 to 140 patients) must enroll for practices to recoup the salary and overhead costs of hiring a full-time RN to provide CCM services. If physicians were to deliver all CCM services, approximately 25% of practices nationwide could expect net revenue losses due to opportunity costs of face-to-face visit time. The CCM program may alter long-term primary care use, which is difficult to predict. Practices that rely on nonphysician team members to deliver CCM services will probably experience substantial net revenue gains but must enroll a sufficient number of eligible patients to recoup costs. None.

Space transportation booster engine thrust chamber technology, large scale injector

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schneider, J. A.

1993-01-01

The objective of the Large Scale Injector (LSI) program was to deliver a 21 inch diameter, 600,000 lbf thrust class injector to NASA/MSFC for hot fire testing. The hot fire test program would demonstrate the feasibility and integrity of the full scale injector, including combustion stability, chamber wall compatibility (thermal management), and injector performance. The 21 inch diameter injector was delivered in September of 1991.

Weapon System Requirements: Detailed Systems Engineering Prior to Product Development Positions Programs for Success

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-11-01

systems engineering had better outcomes. For example, the Small Diameter Bomb Increment I program, which delivered within cost and schedule estimates ...its current portfolio. This portfolio has experienced cost growth of 48 percent since first full estimates and average delays in delivering initial...stable design, building and testing of prototypes, and demonstration of mature production processes. • Realistic cost estimate : Sound cost estimates

7 CFR 27.24 - Delivery of samples of cotton.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 2 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Delivery of samples of cotton. 27.24 Section 27.24... REGULATIONS COTTON CLASSIFICATION UNDER COTTON FUTURES LEGISLATION Regulations Inspection and Samples § 27.24 Delivery of samples of cotton. The original sample from each bale to be classified shall be delivered to...

7 CFR 27.24 - Delivery of samples of cotton.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 2 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Delivery of samples of cotton. 27.24 Section 27.24... REGULATIONS COTTON CLASSIFICATION UNDER COTTON FUTURES LEGISLATION Regulations Inspection and Samples § 27.24 Delivery of samples of cotton. The original sample from each bale to be classified shall be delivered to...

7 CFR 27.24 - Delivery of samples of cotton.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 2 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Delivery of samples of cotton. 27.24 Section 27.24... REGULATIONS COTTON CLASSIFICATION UNDER COTTON FUTURES LEGISLATION Regulations Inspection and Samples § 27.24 Delivery of samples of cotton. The original sample from each bale to be classified shall be delivered to...

7 CFR 27.24 - Delivery of samples of cotton.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 2 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Delivery of samples of cotton. 27.24 Section 27.24... REGULATIONS COTTON CLASSIFICATION UNDER COTTON FUTURES LEGISLATION Regulations Inspection and Samples § 27.24 Delivery of samples of cotton. The original sample from each bale to be classified shall be delivered to...

7 CFR 27.24 - Delivery of samples of cotton.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 2 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Delivery of samples of cotton. 27.24 Section 27.24... REGULATIONS COTTON CLASSIFICATION UNDER COTTON FUTURES LEGISLATION Regulations Inspection and Samples § 27.24 Delivery of samples of cotton. The original sample from each bale to be classified shall be delivered to...

Dynamic delivery of the National Transit Database Sampling Manual.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2013-02-01

This project improves the National Transit Database (NTD) Sampling Manual and develops an Internet-based, WordPress-powered interactive Web tool to deliver the new NTD Sampling Manual dynamically. The new manual adds guidance and a tool for transit a...

Dynamic delivery of the National Transit Database sampling manual.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2013-02-01

This project improves the National Transit Database (NTD) Sampling Manual and develops an Internet-based, WordPress-powered interactive Web tool to deliver the new NTD Sampling Manual dynamically. The new manual adds guidance and a tool for transit a...

Health Services Utilization between Older and Younger Homeless Adults.(author Abstract)

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nakonezny, Paul A.; Ojeda, Michael

2005-01-01

Purpose: Our purpose in the current study was to examine the relationship between health services utilization delivered by means of the Homeless Outreach Medical Services (HOMES) program and health services utilization delivered by means of the Parkland emergency room and inpatient units among a sample of older and younger homeless adults being…

System automatically supplies precise analytical samples of high-pressure gases

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Langdon, W. M.

1967-01-01

High-pressure-reducing and flow-stabilization system delivers analytical gas samples from a gas supply. The system employs parallel capillary restrictors for pressure reduction and downstream throttling valves for flow control. It is used in conjunction with a sampling valve and minimizes alterations of the sampled gas.

Space fabrication demonstration system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1978-01-01

The lower right aluminum beam cap roll forming mill was delivered and installed in the beam builder. The beam was brought to full operational status and beams of one to six bay lengths were produced to demonstrate full system capability. Although the cap flange waviness problem persists, work is progressing within cost and schedule.

Open port sampling interface

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

Van Berkel, Gary J

A system for sampling a sample material includes a probe which can have an outer probe housing with an open end. A liquid supply conduit within the housing has an outlet positioned to deliver liquid to the open end of the housing. The liquid supply conduit can be connectable to a liquid supply for delivering liquid at a first volumetric flow rate to the open end of the housing. A liquid exhaust conduit within the housing is provided for removing liquid from the open end of the housing. A liquid exhaust system can be provided for removing liquid from themore » liquid exhaust conduit at a second volumetric flow rate, the first volumetric flow rate exceeding the second volumetric flow rate, wherein liquid at the open end will receive sample, liquid containing sample material will be drawn into and through the liquid exhaust conduit, and liquid will overflow from the open end.« less

Online CBT life skills programme for low mood and anxiety: study protocol for a pilot randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Williams, Christopher; McClay, Carrie-Anne; Martinez, Rebeca; Morrison, Jill; Haig, Caroline; Jones, Ray; Farrand, Paul

2016-04-27

Low mood is a common mental health problem with significant health consequences. Studies have shown that cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is an effective treatment for low mood and anxiety when delivered one-to-one by an expert practitioner. However, access to this talking therapy is often limited and waiting lists can be long, although a range of low-intensity interventions that can increase access to services are available. These include guided self-help materials delivered via books, classes and online packages. This project aims to pilot a randomized controlled trial of an online CBT-based life skills course with community-based individuals experiencing low mood and anxiety. Individuals with elevated symptoms of depression will be recruited directly from the community via online and newspaper advertisements. Participants will be remotely randomized to receive either immediate access or delayed access to the Living Life to the Full guided online CBT-based life skills package, with telephone or email support provided whilst they use the online intervention. The primary end point will be at 3 months post-randomization, at which point the delayed-access group will be offered the intervention. Levels of depression, anxiety, social functioning and satisfaction will be assessed. This pilot study will test the trial design, and ability to recruit and deliver the intervention. Drop-out rates will be assessed and the completion and acceptability of the package will be investigated. The study will also inform a sample size power calculation for a subsequent substantive randomized controlled trial. ISRCTN ISRCTN12890709.

Randomized, controlled pilot trial of a smartphone app for smoking cessation using acceptance and commitment therapy.

PubMed

Bricker, Jonathan B; Mull, Kristin E; Kientz, Julie A; Vilardaga, Roger; Mercer, Laina D; Akioka, Katrina J; Heffner, Jaimee L

2014-10-01

There is a dual need for (1) innovative theory-based smartphone applications for smoking cessation and (2) controlled trials to evaluate their efficacy. Accordingly, this study tested the feasibility, acceptability, preliminary efficacy, and mechanism of behavioral change of an innovative smartphone-delivered acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) application for smoking cessation vs. an application following US Clinical Practice Guidelines. Adult participants were recruited nationally into the double-blind randomized controlled pilot trial (n=196) that compared smartphone-delivered ACT for smoking cessation application (SmartQuit) with the National Cancer Institute's application for smoking cessation (QuitGuide). We recruited 196 participants in two months. SmartQuit participants opened their application an average of 37.2 times, as compared to 15.2 times for QuitGuide participants (p<0001). The overall quit rates were 13% in SmartQuit vs. 8% in QuitGuide (OR=2.7; 95% CI=0.8-10.3). Consistent with ACT's theory of change, among those scoring low (below the median) on acceptance of cravings at baseline (n=88), the quit rates were 15% in SmartQuit vs. 8% in QuitGuide (OR=2.9; 95% CI=0.6-20.7). ACT is feasible to deliver by smartphone application and shows higher engagement and promising quit rates compared to an application that follows US Clinical Practice Guidelines. As results were limited by the pilot design (e.g., small sample), a full-scale efficacy trial is now needed. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Nurse-delivered counselling intervention for parental HIV disclosure: results from a pilot randomized controlled trial in China.

PubMed

Simoni, Jane M; Yang, Joyce P; Shiu, Cheng-Shi; Chen, Wei-Ti; Udell, Wadiya; Bao, Meijuan; Zhang, Lin; Lu, Hongzhou

2015-06-01

The objective of this study was to design and conduct a preliminary evaluation of an intervention to assist parents in decision-making about disclosure of their HIV diagnosis to their children. This was a pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) with blinded assessment. Participants were randomized to intervention or treatment-as-usual (TAU) arms. The study occurred at an outpatient HIV primary care centre in Shanghai, China. Participants were 20 HIV-positive outpatients with at least one child (13-25 years old) who was unaware of the parent's HIV diagnosis. The nurse-delivered intervention involved three, hour-long, individual sessions over 4 weeks. Intervention content comprised family assessment, discussion of advantages and disadvantages of disclosure, psycho-education about cognitive, social and emotional abilities of children at different developmental stages, and disclosure planning and practicing via role-plays. Primary study outcomes for intervention versus TAU arms were self-reported disclosure distress, self-efficacy, and behaviours along a continuum from no disclosure to full disclosure and open communication about HIV. In all cross-sectional (Wald tests) and longitudinal (general estimating equations) analyses, at both postintervention (4 weeks) and follow-up (13 weeks), effects were in the hypothesized directions. Despite the small sample size, most of these between-arm comparisons were statistically significant, with at least one result for each outcome indicating a 'large' effect size. Our results suggest that nurses are able to deliver a counselling intervention in a clinic setting with the potential to alleviate parental distress around HIV disclosure to their children. Findings warrant future trials powered for efficacy.

Low Cost High Value Mars Sample to Orbit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adler, M.; Guernsey, C.; Sell, S.; Sengupta, A.; Shiraishi, L.

2012-06-01

A mid-size lander, rover, and MAV using the MSL CEDL architecture and a 3-stage Falcon 9 can collect scientifically high-quality Mars surface samples consisting of rock cores collected by a roving platform, and deliver those samples to Mars orbit.

Detection of Organic Constituents Including Chloromethylpropene in the Analyses of the ROCKNEST Drift by Sample Analysis at Mars (SAM)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Eigenbrode, J. L.; Glavin, D.; Coll, P.; Summons, R. E.; Mahaffy, P.; Archer, D.; Brunner, A.; Conrad, P.; Freissinet, C.; Martin, M.;

Computer-Assisted, Counselor-Delivered Smoking Cessation Counseling for Community College Students: Intervention Approach and Sample Characteristics

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Prokhorov, Alexander V.; Fouladi, Rachel T.; de Moor, Carl; Warneke, Carla L.; Luca, Mario; Jones, Mary Mullin; Rosenblum, Carol; Emmons, Karen M.; Hudmon, Karen Suchanek; Yost, Tracey E.; Gritz, Ellen R.

2007-01-01

This report presents the experimental approach and baseline findings from "Look at Your Health," an ongoing study to develop and evaluate a computer-assisted, counselor-delivered smoking cessation program for community college students. It describes the expert system software program used for data collection and for provision of tailored feedback,…

Metaproteomics of complex microbial communities in biogas plants

PubMed Central

Heyer, Robert; Kohrs, Fabian; Reichl, Udo; Benndorf, Dirk

2015-01-01

Production of biogas from agricultural biomass or organic wastes is an important source of renewable energy. Although thousands of biogas plants (BGPs) are operating in Germany, there is still a significant potential to improve yields, e.g. from fibrous substrates. In addition, process stability should be optimized. Besides evaluating technical measures, improving our understanding of microbial communities involved into the biogas process is considered as key issue to achieve both goals. Microscopic and genetic approaches to analyse community composition provide valuable experimental data, but fail to detect presence of enzymes and overall metabolic activity of microbial communities. Therefore, metaproteomics can significantly contribute to elucidate critical steps in the conversion of biomass to methane as it delivers combined functional and phylogenetic data. Although metaproteomics analyses are challenged by sample impurities, sample complexity and redundant protein identification, and are still limited by the availability of genome sequences, recent studies have shown promising results. In the following, the workflow and potential pitfalls for metaproteomics of samples from full-scale BGP are discussed. In addition, the value of metaproteomics to contribute to the further advancement of microbial ecology is evaluated. Finally, synergistic effects expected when metaproteomics is combined with advanced imaging techniques, metagenomics, metatranscriptomics and metabolomics are addressed. PMID:25874383

Who Should Join the Environmental Response Laboratory Network

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Laboratories that analyze biological samples, chemical warfare agents, radiological, or toxic industrial chemical samples can join the ERLN. Members make up a critical infrastructure that delivers data necessary for responses to large scale emergencies.

The Effect of Gestational and Lactational Age on the Human Milk Metabolome

PubMed Central

Sundekilde, Ulrik K.; Downey, Eimear; O’Mahony, James A.; O’Shea, Carol-Anne; Ryan, C. Anthony; Kelly, Alan L.; Bertram, Hanne C.

2016-01-01

Human milk is the ideal nutrition source for healthy infants during the first six months of life and a detailed characterisation of the composition of milk from mothers that deliver prematurely (<37 weeks gestation), and of how human milk changes during lactation, would benefit our understanding of the nutritional requirements of premature infants. Individual milk samples from mothers delivering prematurely and at term were collected. The human milk metabolome, established by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, was influenced by gestational and lactation age. Metabolite profiling identified that levels of valine, leucine, betaine, and creatinine were increased in colostrum from term mothers compared with mature milk, while those of glutamate, caprylate, and caprate were increased in mature term milk compared with colostrum. Levels of oligosaccharides, citrate, and creatinine were increased in pre-term colostrum, while those of caprylate, caprate, valine, leucine, glutamate, and pantothenate increased with time postpartum. There were differences between pre-term and full-term milk in the levels of carnitine, caprylate, caprate, pantothenate, urea, lactose, oligosaccharides, citrate, phosphocholine, choline, and formate. These findings suggest that the metabolome of pre-term milk changes within 5–7 weeks postpartum to resemble that of term milk, independent of time of gestation at pre-mature delivery. PMID:27213440

Process evaluation of Internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy for adults with tinnitus in the context of a randomised control trial.

PubMed

Beukes, Eldré W; Manchaiah, Vinaya; Baguley, David M; Allen, Peter M; Andersson, Gerhard

2018-02-01

The research objective was to identify processes that could either facilitate or hinder clinical implementation of an Internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy intervention for tinnitus in the UK. This was done by exploring the research context, the intervention components and the factors that contributed to the outcomes obtained. This study investigated eight processes including the recruitment strategies, reach, research context, treatment dose delivered and received, implementation fidelity, barriers to implementation and effectiveness of the intervention. Of the 169 registered participants, 146 were randomly assigned to the experimental or control groups (23 were excluded). The mean age was 55.57 years with an average tinnitus duration of 11.63 years. The intended sample of people with distressing tinnitus who were underserved with evidence-based tinnitus interventions was reached. The full guided intervention was delivered. The recommended modules were read more than the optional modules. Intervention components such as the easily readable format and the benefits of the applied relaxation programme facilitated significant positive post-intervention outcomes. Barriers hampering the intervention application included time pressures and low self-motivation. Results of this process evaluation together with the outcome data can be used to facilitate translating this research into clinical practice.

The Effect of Gestational and Lactational Age on the Human Milk Metabolome.

PubMed

Sundekilde, Ulrik K; Downey, Eimear; O'Mahony, James A; O'Shea, Carol-Anne; Ryan, C Anthony; Kelly, Alan L; Bertram, Hanne C

2016-05-19

Human milk is the ideal nutrition source for healthy infants during the first six months of life and a detailed characterisation of the composition of milk from mothers that deliver prematurely (<37 weeks gestation), and of how human milk changes during lactation, would benefit our understanding of the nutritional requirements of premature infants. Individual milk samples from mothers delivering prematurely and at term were collected. The human milk metabolome, established by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, was influenced by gestational and lactation age. Metabolite profiling identified that levels of valine, leucine, betaine, and creatinine were increased in colostrum from term mothers compared with mature milk, while those of glutamate, caprylate, and caprate were increased in mature term milk compared with colostrum. Levels of oligosaccharides, citrate, and creatinine were increased in pre-term colostrum, while those of caprylate, caprate, valine, leucine, glutamate, and pantothenate increased with time postpartum. There were differences between pre-term and full-term milk in the levels of carnitine, caprylate, caprate, pantothenate, urea, lactose, oligosaccharides, citrate, phosphocholine, choline, and formate. These findings suggest that the metabolome of pre-term milk changes within 5-7 weeks postpartum to resemble that of term milk, independent of time of gestation at pre-mature delivery.

Impact of intrapartum antimicrobial prophylaxis upon the intestinal microbiota and the prevalence of antibiotic resistance genes in vaginally delivered full-term neonates.

PubMed

Nogacka, Alicja; Salazar, Nuria; Suárez, Marta; Milani, Christian; Arboleya, Silvia; Solís, Gonzalo; Fernández, Nuria; Alaez, Lidia; Hernández-Barranco, Ana M; de Los Reyes-Gavilán, Clara G; Ventura, Marco; Gueimonde, Miguel

2017-08-08

Disturbances in the early establishment of the intestinal microbiota may produce important implications for the infant's health and for the risk of disease later on. Different perinatal conditions may be affecting the development of the gut microbiota. Some of them, such as delivery mode or feeding habits, have been extensively assessed whereas others remain to be studied, being critical to identify their impact on the microbiota and, if any, to minimize it. Antibiotics are among the drugs most frequently used in early life, the use of intrapartum antimicrobial prophylaxis (IAP), present in over 30% of deliveries, being the most frequent source of exposure. However, our knowledge on the effects of IAP on the microbiota establishment is still limited. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the impact of IAP investigating a cohort of 40 full-term vaginally delivered infants born after an uncomplicated pregnancy, 18 of which were born from mothers receiving IAP. Fecal samples were collected at 2, 10, 30, and 90 days of age. We analyzed the composition of the fecal microbiota during the first 3 months of life by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and quantified fecal short chain fatty acids by gas chromatography. The presence of genes for resistance to antibiotics was determined by PCR in the samples from 1-month-old infants. Our results showed an altered pattern of intestinal microbiota establishment in IAP infants during the first weeks of life, with lower relative proportions of Actinobacteria and Bacteroidetes and increased of Preoteobacteria and Firmicutes. A delay in the increase on the levels of acetate was observed in IAP infants. The analyses of specific antibiotic resistance genes showed a higher occurrence of some β-lactamase coding genes in infants whose mothers received IAP. Our results indicate an effect of IAP on the establishing early microbiota during the first months of life, which represent a key moment for the development of the microbiota-induced host homeostasis. Understanding the impact of IAP in the gut microbiota development is essential for developing treatments to minimize it, favoring a proper gut microbiota development in IAP-exposed neonates.

Biological instability in a chlorinated drinking water distribution network.

PubMed

Nescerecka, Alina; Rubulis, Janis; Vital, Marius; Juhna, Talis; Hammes, Frederik

2014-01-01

The purpose of a drinking water distribution system is to deliver drinking water to the consumer, preferably with the same quality as when it left the treatment plant. In this context, the maintenance of good microbiological quality is often referred to as biological stability, and the addition of sufficient chlorine residuals is regarded as one way to achieve this. The full-scale drinking water distribution system of Riga (Latvia) was investigated with respect to biological stability in chlorinated drinking water. Flow cytometric (FCM) intact cell concentrations, intracellular adenosine tri-phosphate (ATP), heterotrophic plate counts and residual chlorine measurements were performed to evaluate the drinking water quality and stability at 49 sampling points throughout the distribution network. Cell viability methods were compared and the importance of extracellular ATP measurements was examined as well. FCM intact cell concentrations varied from 5×10(3) cells mL(-1) to 4.66×10(5) cells mL(-1) in the network. While this parameter did not exceed 2.1×10(4) cells mL(-1) in the effluent from any water treatment plant, 50% of all the network samples contained more than 1.06×10(5) cells mL(-1). This indisputably demonstrates biological instability in this particular drinking water distribution system, which was ascribed to a loss of disinfectant residuals and concomitant bacterial growth. The study highlights the potential of using cultivation-independent methods for the assessment of chlorinated water samples. In addition, it underlines the complexity of full-scale drinking water distribution systems, and the resulting challenges to establish the causes of biological instability.

Biological Instability in a Chlorinated Drinking Water Distribution Network

PubMed Central

Nescerecka, Alina; Rubulis, Janis; Vital, Marius; Juhna, Talis; Hammes, Frederik

2014-01-01

The purpose of a drinking water distribution system is to deliver drinking water to the consumer, preferably with the same quality as when it left the treatment plant. In this context, the maintenance of good microbiological quality is often referred to as biological stability, and the addition of sufficient chlorine residuals is regarded as one way to achieve this. The full-scale drinking water distribution system of Riga (Latvia) was investigated with respect to biological stability in chlorinated drinking water. Flow cytometric (FCM) intact cell concentrations, intracellular adenosine tri-phosphate (ATP), heterotrophic plate counts and residual chlorine measurements were performed to evaluate the drinking water quality and stability at 49 sampling points throughout the distribution network. Cell viability methods were compared and the importance of extracellular ATP measurements was examined as well. FCM intact cell concentrations varied from 5×103 cells mL−1 to 4.66×105 cells mL−1 in the network. While this parameter did not exceed 2.1×104 cells mL−1 in the effluent from any water treatment plant, 50% of all the network samples contained more than 1.06×105 cells mL−1. This indisputably demonstrates biological instability in this particular drinking water distribution system, which was ascribed to a loss of disinfectant residuals and concomitant bacterial growth. The study highlights the potential of using cultivation-independent methods for the assessment of chlorinated water samples. In addition, it underlines the complexity of full-scale drinking water distribution systems, and the resulting challenges to establish the causes of biological instability. PMID:24796923

Evaluation of delivered dose for a clinical daily adaptive plan selection strategy for bladder cancer radiotherapy.

PubMed

Lutkenhaus, Lotte J; Visser, Jorrit; de Jong, Rianne; Hulshof, Maarten C C M; Bel, Arjan

2015-07-01

To account for variable bladder size during bladder cancer radiotherapy, a daily plan selection strategy was implemented. The aim of this study was to calculate the actually delivered dose using an adaptive strategy, compared to a non-adaptive approach. Ten patients were treated to the bladder and lymph nodes with an adaptive full bladder strategy. Interpolated delineations of bladder and tumor on a full and empty bladder CT scan resulted in five PTVs for which VMAT plans were created. Daily cone beam CT (CBCT) scans were used for plan selection. Bowel, rectum and target volumes were delineated on these CBCTs, and delivered dose for these was calculated using both the adaptive plan, and a non-adaptive plan. Target coverage for lymph nodes improved using an adaptive strategy. The full bladder strategy spared the healthy part of the bladder from a high dose. Average bowel cavity V30Gy and V40Gy significantly reduced with 60 and 69ml, respectively (p<0.01). Other parameters for bowel and rectum remained unchanged. Daily plan selection compared to a non-adaptive strategy yielded similar bladder coverage and improved coverage for lymph nodes, with a significant reduction in bowel cavity V30Gy and V40Gy only, while other sparing was limited. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

External Validation of Early Weight Loss Nomograms for Exclusively Breastfed Newborns.

PubMed

Schaefer, Eric W; Flaherman, Valerie J; Kuzniewicz, Michael W; Li, Sherian X; Walsh, Eileen M; Paul, Ian M

2015-12-01

Nomograms that show hour-by-hour percentiles of weight loss during the birth hospitalization were recently developed to aid clinical care of breastfeeding newborns. The nomograms for breastfed neonates were based on a sample of 108,907 newborns delivered at 14 Kaiser Permanente medical centers in Northern California (United States). The objective of this study was to externally validate the published nomograms for newborn weight loss using data from a geographically distinct population. Data were compiled from the Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center located in Hershey, PA. For singleton neonates delivered at ≥36 weeks of gestation between January 2013 and September 2014, weights were obtained between 6 hours and 48 hours (vaginal delivery) or 60 hours (cesarean delivery) for neonates who were exclusively breastfeeding. Quantile regression methods appropriate for repeated measures were used to estimate 50th, 75th, 90th, and 95th percentiles of weight loss as a function of time after birth. These percentile estimates were compared with the published nomograms. Of the 1,587 newborns who met inclusion criteria, 1,148 were delivered vaginally, and 439 were delivered via cesarean section. These newborns contributed 1,815 weights for vaginal deliveries (1.6 per newborn) and 893 weights for cesarean deliveries (2.0 per newborn). Percentile estimates from this Penn State sample were similar to the published nomograms. Deviations in percentile estimates for the Penn State sample were similar to deviations observed after fitting the same model separately to each medical center that made up the Kaiser Permanente sample. The published newborn weight loss nomograms for breastfed neonates were externally validated in a geographically distinct population.

Sampling and Chemical Analysis of Potable Water for ISS Expeditions 12 and 13

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Straub, John E. II; Plumlee, Deborah K.; Schultz, John R.

2007-01-01

The crews of Expeditions 12 and 13 aboard the International Space Station (ISS) continued to rely on potable water from two different sources, regenerated humidity condensate and Russian ground-supplied water. The Space Shuttle launched twice during the 12- months spanning both expeditions and docked with the ISS for delivery of hardware and supplies. However, no Shuttle potable water was transferred to the station during either of these missions. The chemical quality of the ISS onboard potable water supplies was verified by performing ground analyses of archival water samples at the Johnson Space Center (JSC) Water and Food Analytical Laboratory (WAFAL). Since no Shuttle flights launched during Expedition 12 and there was restricted return volume on the Russian Soyuz vehicle, only one chemical archive potable water sample was collected with U.S. hardware and returned during Expedition 12. This sample was collected in March 2006 and returned on Soyuz 11. The number and sensitivity of the chemical analyses performed on this sample were limited due to low sample volume. Shuttle flights STS-121 (ULF1.1) and STS-115 (12A) docked with the ISS in July and September of 2006, respectively. These flights returned to Earth with eight chemical archive potable water samples that were collected with U.S. hardware during Expedition 13. The average collected volume increased for these samples, allowing full chemical characterization to be performed. This paper presents a discussion of the results from chemical analyses performed on Expeditions 12 and 13 archive potable water samples. In addition to the results from the U.S. samples analyzed, results from pre-flight samples of Russian potable water delivered to the ISS on Progress vehicles and in-flight samples collected with Russian hardware during Expeditions 12 and 13 and analyzed at JSC are also discussed.

Computer-Based Delivery Systems in College Developmental Writing: Increasing Access for At-Risk Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Olivier, Denise H.

2016-01-01

Purpose, Scope, and Method of Study: The purpose of this study was to compare student success rates in a college developmental writing course delivered in a conventional classroom to the same course using a computer-delivered model. The sample was drawn from a small, Midwestern community college. Students were enrolled in one of three sections…

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

Van Berkel, Gary J.

A system for sampling a sample material includes a probe which can have an outer probe housing with an open end. A liquid supply conduit within the housing has an outlet positioned to deliver liquid to the open end of the housing. The liquid supply conduit can be connectable to a liquid supply for delivering liquid at a first volumetric flow rate to the open end of the housing. A liquid exhaust conduit within the housing is provided for removing liquid from the open end of the housing. A liquid exhaust system can be provided for removing liquid from themore » liquid exhaust conduit at a second volumetric flow rate, the first volumetric flow rate exceeding the second volumetric flow rate, wherein liquid at the open end will receive sample, liquid containing sample material will be drawn into and through the liquid exhaust conduit, and liquid will overflow from the open end.« less

AuScope research infrastructure - supporting Australian mineral discovery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McInnes, B.; Rawling, T.

2016-12-01

Earth and geospatial scientists are heavy users of data products. When industry geologists access spatial data from the field and the exploration office they require data products that are discoverable, searchable, interoperable and attributed with robust metadata. Over the last decade AuScope has utilised NCRIS funding to provide a variety of data products including geophysical data (reflection and passive seismic, magnetotellurics and gravity), GIS layers from state and national geological survey organisations, hyperspectral core logging (National Virtual Core Library) and time-series geospatial data from GNSS and VLBI instruments - all delivered using AuScope GRID technologies based on the Spatial Information Services Stack (SiSS). Perhaps one of the best examples of collaboration to deliver data products to industry users is the National Mineral Library. Working with researchers at Curtin Universities John de Laeter Centre and ANDS, AuScope has also supported the development of a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS). The project has produced an entirely new workflow, based around a TESCAN TIMA field emission scanning electron microscope, that allows metadata to be collected and recorded from the sample collection and preparation right through to data delivery and publication. This process has facilitated the scanning of a large stockpile of mineral samples from across Western Australia that will produce a state-wide Mineral Library, allowing mineral explorers to better understand the composition of critical rock outcrop samples from all over the state. This new NCRIS supported initiative provides a dataset that underpins both academic and applied research programs and is important for the economic future of Australia. Mining companies do a lot of heavy mineral analysis in research and development but, because there isn't a baseline for mineralogy across each state, it is difficult to have full confidence in the heavy mineral data. This creates an issue for pinpointing where the next major mineral deposits are. Having solid baseline data will help improve targeting, which in turn reduces the costs associated with exploration and supports new discovery.

The Sample Handling System for the Mars Icebreaker Life Mission: from Dirt to Data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dave, Arwen; Thompson, Sarah J.; McKay, Christopher P.; Stoker, Carol R.; Zacny, Kris; Paulsen, Gale; Mellerowicz, Bolek; Glass, Brian J.; Wilson, David; Bonaccorsi, Rosalba;

Spray-on tanning.

PubMed

Rogers, Cindy J

2005-01-01

The modern formulation of dihydroxyacetone (DHA), the only sunless tanning solution approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), is combined with bronzers and moisturizers to deliver a cosmetically acceptable skin color and a natural-looking tan without ultraviolet (UV) exposure. Spray-on tanning products, which deliver this formulation evenly to achieve a full body tan, may be applied in a tanning booth, airbrushed on by a technician, or sprayed on at home, and they appear to offer a generally safe alternative for patients who seek a suntanned appearance.

Panorama of Phoenix Solar Panel and Robotic Arm

NASA Image and Video Library

2008-06-13

This panorama image of NASA’s Phoenix Mars Lander’s solar panel and the lander’s Robotic Arm with a sample in the scoop. The image was taken just before the sample was delivered to the Optical Microscope.

Nurse-delivered counselling intervention for parental HIV disclosure: Results from a pilot randomized controlled trial in China

PubMed Central

Simoni, Jane M.; Yang, Joyce P.; Shiu, Cheng-Shi; Chen, Wei-ti; Udell, Wadiya; Bao, Meijuan; Zhang, Lin; Lu, Hongzhou

2016-01-01

Objective The objective of this study was to design and conduct a preliminary evaluation of an intervention to assist parents in decision-making about disclosure of their HIV diagnosis to their children. Design This was a pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) with blinded assessment. Participants were randomized to intervention or treatment-as-usual (TAU) arms. Setting The study occurred at an outpatient HIV primary care centre in Shanghai, China. Participants Participants were 20 HIV-positive outpatients with at least one child (13–25 years old) who was unaware of the parent’s HIV diagnosis. Intervention The nurse-delivered intervention involved three, hour-long, individual sessions over 4 weeks. Intervention content comprised family assessment, discussion of advantages and disadvantages of disclosure, psycho-education about cognitive, social and emotional abilities of children at different developmental stages, and disclosure planning and practicing via role-plays. Main outcome measure(s) Primary study outcomes for intervention versus TAU arms were self-reported disclosure distress, self-efficacy and behaviours along a continuum from no disclosure to full disclosure and open communication about HIV. Results In all cross-sectional (Wald tests) and longitudinal (general estimating equations) analyses, at both postintervention (4 weeks) and follow-up (13 weeks), effects were in the hypothesized directions. Despite the small sample size, most of these between-arm comparisons were statistically significant, with at least one result for each outcome indicating a ‘large’ effect size. Conclusion Our results suggest that nurses are able to deliver a counselling intervention in a clinic setting with the potential to alleviate parental distress around HIV disclosure to their children. Findings warrant future trials powered for efficacy. PMID:26049544

Mechanical and Pharmacologic Methods of Labor Induction: A Randomized Controlled Trial

PubMed Central

Levine, Lisa D.; Downes, Katheryne L.; Elovitz, Michal A.; Parry, Samuel; Sammel, Mary D.; Srinivas, Sindhu K

2016-01-01

Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of four commonly used induction methods. Methods This randomized trial compared four induction methods: Misoprostol alone, Foley alone, Misoprostol–cervical Foley concurrently, and Foley–oxytocin concurrently,. Women undergoing labor induction with full term (≥37 weeks), singleton, vertex presenting gestations, with no contraindication to vaginal delivery, intact membranes, Bishop score ≤6, and cervical dilation ≤2cm were included. Women were enrolled only once during the study period. Our primary outcome was time to delivery. Neither patients nor providers were blinded to assigned treatment group since examinations are required for placement of all methods; however, research personnel were blinded during data abstraction. A sample size of 123 per group (N=492) was planned to compare the four groups pairwise (P≤.008), with a 4-hour reduction in delivery time considered clinically meaningful. Results From May 2013 through June 2015, 997 women were screened and 491 were randomized and analyzed. Demographic and clinical characteristics were similar among the four treatment groups. When comparing all induction method groups, combination methods achieved a faster median time to delivery than single-agent methods, (misoprostol–Foley: 13.1 hours, Foley–oxytocin: 14.5 hours, misoprostol: 17.6 hours, Foley: 17.7 hours, p<0.001). When censored for cesarean and adjusting for parity, women who received misoprostol–Foley delivered almost twice as likely to deliver before women who received misoprostol alone (hazard ratio (HR, 95% CI) 1.92 [1.42–2.59]) or Foley alone (HR, 95%CI: 1.87 [1.39–2.52]), whereas Foley–oxytocin was not statistically different from single-agent methods. Conclusion After censoring for cesarean and adjusting for parity, misoprostol–cervical Foley resulted in twice the chance of delivering before either single-agent method. PMID:27824758

Organic cleanliness of the Mars Science Laboratory sample transfer chain.

PubMed

Blakkolb, B; Logan, C; Jandura, L; Okon, A; Anderson, M; Katz, I; Aveni, G; Brown, K; Chung, S; Ferraro, N; Limonadi, D; Melko, J; Mennella, J; Yavrouian, A

2014-07-01

One of the primary science goals of the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) Rover, Curiosity, is the detection of organics in Mars rock and regolith. To achieve this, the Curiosity rover includes a robotic sampling system that acquires rock and regolith samples and delivers it to the Sample Analysis at Mars (SAM) instrument on board the rover. In order to provide confidence that any significant organics detection result was Martian and not terrestrial in origin, a requirement was levied on the flight system (i.e., all sources minus the SAM instrument) to impart no more than 36 parts per billion (ppb by weight) of total reduced carbon terrestrial contamination to any sample transferred to the SAM instrument. This very clean level was achieved by a combination of a rigorous contamination control program on the project, and then using the first collected samples for a "dilution cleaning" campaign of the sample chain prior to delivering a sample to the SAM instrument. Direct cleanliness assays of the sample-contacting and other Flight System surfaces during pre-launch processing were used as inputs to determine the number of dilution cleaning samples needed once on Mars, to enable delivery of suitably clean samples to the SAM experiment. Taking into account contaminant redistribution during launch thorough landing of the MSL on Mars, the amount of residue present on the sampling hardware prior to the time of first dilution cleaning sample acquisition was estimated to be 60 ng/cm(2) on exposed outer surfaces of the sampling hardware and 20 ng/cm(2) on internal sample contacting surfaces; residues consisting mainly of aliphatic hydrocarbons and esters. After three dilution cleaning samples, estimated in-sample contamination level for the first regolith sample delivered to the SAM instrument at the Gale Crater "Rocknest" site was bounded at ≤10 ppb total organic carbon. A Project decision to forego ejecting the dilution cleaning sample and instead transfer the first drill-acquired sample at the "John Klein" site to SAM resulted in an estimated level of terrestrial contamination of ≤430 ppb. The estimated terrestrial contamination for portions from the second drill-acquired sample, at Cumberland, was ≤69 ppb; the estimate for a future, third, drilled sample is ≤38 ppb. These levels are comparable in magnitude to the SAM instrument blanks at the nanomole level (as chlorohydrocarbon).

Enrichment of clinically relevant organisms in spontaneous preterm delivered placenta and reagent contamination across all clinical groups in a large UK pregnancy cohort.

PubMed

Leon, Lydia J; Doyle, Ronan; Diez-Benavente, Ernest; Clark, Taane G; Klein, Nigel; Stanier, Philip; Moore, Gudrun E

2018-05-18

In this study differences in the placental microbiota of term and preterm deliveries from a large UK pregnancy cohort were studied using 16S targeted amplicon sequencing. The impact of contamination from DNA extraction, PCR reagents, as well as those from delivery itself were also examined. A total of 400 placental samples from 256 singleton pregnancies were analysed and differences investigated between spontaneous preterm, non-spontaneous preterm, and term delivered placenta. DNA from recently delivered placenta was extracted, and screening for bacterial DNA was carried out using targeted sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene on the Illumina MiSeq platform. Sequenced reads were analysed for presence of contaminating operational taxonomic units (OTUs) identified via sequencing of negative extraction and PCR blank samples. Differential abundance and between sample (beta) diversity metrics were then compared. A large proportion of the reads sequenced from the extracted placental samples mapped to OTUs that were also found in negative extractions. Striking differences in the composition of samples were also observed, according to whether the placenta was delivered abdominally or vaginally, providing strong circumstantial evidence for delivery contamination as an important contributor to observed microbial profiles. When OTU and genus level abundances were compared between the groups of interest, a number of organisms were enriched in the spontaneous preterm cohort, including organisms that have been previously associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, specifically Mycoplasma spp., and Ureaplasma spp.. However, analyses of overall community structure did not reveal convincing evidence for the existence of a reproducible 'preterm placental microbiome'. IMPORTANCE Preterm birth is associated with both psychological and physical disabilities and is the leading cause of infant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Infection is known to be an important cause of spontaneous preterm birth, and recent research has implicated variation in the 'placental microbiome' with preterm birth risk. Consistent with previous studies, the abundance of certain clinically relevant species differed between spontaneous preterm and non-spontaneous preterm or term delivered placenta. These results support the view that a proportion of spontaneous preterm births have an intra-uterine infection component. However, an additional observation from this study was that a substantial proportion of reads sequenced were contaminating reads, rather than DNA from endogenous, clinically relevant species. This observation warrants caution in the interpretation of sequencing output from such low biomass samples as the placenta. Copyright © 2018 Leon et al.

Alternative Modes of Measuring Self-Reports on HIV-Related Behaviors among College Students: Web-Delivered Mode versus Paper-Pencil Mode

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hou, Su-I

2007-01-01

HIV-related behaviors, self-reported using Web-delivered or paper-pencil modes, were collected from two convenience samples of college students at a major university in the southeastern U.S. To enhance the equivalence of the comparisons, a subset pool of participants from each group, proportionally matched on key demographic variables including…

21 CFR 2.10 - Examination and investigation samples.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... of analytical results, to be adequate to establish the respects, if any, in which the article is... shipment or other lot of the article from which such sample was collected was introduced or delivered for... article from which the sample is collected. (b) When an officer or employee of the Department collects an...

Contamination of successive samples in portable pumping systems

Treesearch

Robert B. Thomas; Rand E. Eads

1983-01-01

Automatic discrete sample pumping systems used to monitor water quality should deliver to storage all materials pumped in a given cycle. If they do not, successive samples will be contaminated, a severe problem with highly variable suspended sediment concentrations in small streams. The cross-contamination characteristics of two small commonly used portable pumping...

Powder metallurgy technology of NiTi shape memory alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dutkiewicz, J. M.; Maziarz, W.; Czeppe, T.; Lityńska, L.; Nowacki, W. K.; Gadaj, S. P.; Luckner, J.; Pieczyska, E. A.

2008-05-01

Powder metallurgy technology was elaborated for consolidation of shape memory NiTi powders. The shape memory alloy was compacted from the prealloyed powder delivered by Memry SA. The powder shows Ms = 10°C and As = -34°C as results from DSC measurements. The samples were hot pressed in the as delivered spherical particle's state. The hot compaction was performed in a specially constructed vacuum press, at temperature of 680°C and pressure of 400 MPa. The alloy powder was encapsulated in copper capsules prior to hot pressing to avoid oxidation or carbides formation. The alloy after hot vacuum compaction at 680°C (i.e. within the B2 NiTi stability range) has shown similar transformation range as the powder. The porosity of samples compacted in the as delivered state was only 1%. The samples tested in compression up to ɛ = 0.06 have shown partial superelastic effect due to martensitic reversible transform- ation which started at the stress above 300 MPa and returned back to ɛ = 0.015 after unloading. They have shown also a high ultimate compression strength of 1600 MPa. Measurements of the samples temperature changes during the process allowed to detect the temperature increase above 12°C for the strain rate 10-2 s-1 accompanied the exothermic martensite transformation during loading and the temperature decrease related to the reverse endothermic transformation during unloading.

Wautersia: The Contingency Water Container Bacterial Contamination Investigation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shkedi, Brienne; Labuda, Laura; Bruce, Rebekah

2009-01-01

The Orbiter delivers water to the International Space Station (ISS) in Contingency Water Containers (CWCs) on each flight to the ISS. These CWCs are routinely sampled during each mission to verify the quality of the delivered water. Of the 5 samples returned on STS118/ 13A.1 in August 2007, two exhibited microbial growth exceeding potable water acceptability limits and historical data by orders of magnitude . The microbe was identified as Wautersia species and an investigation was launched to find the source of the contamination. Since then, samples collected on subsequent flights indicated additional CWCs had the same bacteria, as well as several on-orbit systems. An investigation was launched to try to find and address the source of the bacterial contamination. This paper will discuss how Wautersia was found, what Wautersia is, the investigation, and resolution.

Performance measures for public transit mobility management.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2011-12-01

"Mobility management is an innovative approach for managing and delivering coordinated public : transportation services that embraces the full family of public transit options. At a national level, there are : currently no industry recognized perform...

Priority setting in purchasing.

PubMed

Carroll, G

The NHS cannot deliver full comprehensive health care to all the population. In this article the need to define a range of basic health services is emphasized. Agreement on priorities requires ethical, economic and clinical debate.

The association between maternal cervicovaginal proinflammatory cytokines concentrations during pregnancy and subsequent early-onset neonatal infection.

PubMed

Kalinka, Jarosław; Krajewski, Paweł; Sobala, Wojciech; Wasiela, Małgorzata; Brzezińska-Błaszczyk, Ewa

2006-01-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the concentration of selected proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1alpha, IL-1beta, IL-6 and IL-8) in cervicovaginal fluid, as measured in midgestation, and the risk of early-onset neonatal infection (EONI). Cervicovaginal fluids were obtained from a cohort of 114 pregnant women at 22 to 34 weeks' gestation. The samples were analyzed for the concentrations of selected proinflammatory cytokines using standard enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique (ELISA). Lower genital tract microbiology was diagnosed using Gram stain method according to Spiegel's criteria and by culture. Mean gestational age at the time of sampling was 29.0 weeks. Mean time between sampling and delivery was 9.3 (SD 4.7) weeks. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) was diagnosed in 27.2% of subjects and M. hominis and U. urealyticum in 22.8% and 26.3%, respectively. Out of 114 women examined, 20 (17.5%) delivered newborns with EONI. Median cervicovaginal concentrations of IL-1alpha, IL-1beta, IL-6 and IL-8 did not differ between women who delivered newborns with EONI as compared to women who delivered newborns without EONI. Women with pathological lower genital tract microflora and low IL-8 concentration (below 25(th) percentile) during pregnancy presented a significant risk of delivering newborns with EONI (OR=4.9; 95% CI, 1.1-22.8). Subjects with pathological lower genital tract microflora and a low concentration of more than one cytokine had the highest risk of delivering a newborn with EONI, OR=16.2, 95% CI, 1.1-234.0. Cytokine measurement in cervicovaginal fluid in early gestation could be useful for predicting subsequent EONI only among pregnant women with lower genital tract infection. Maternal genital tract immune hyporesponsiveness as represented by low concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines may create a permissive environment for ascending infection and may lead to subsequent EONI.

The Preference for Internet-Based Psychological Interventions by Individuals Without Past or Current Use of Mental Health Treatment Delivered Online: A Survey Study With Mixed-Methods Analysis

PubMed Central

Mattsson, Susanne; Olsson, Erik Martin Gustaf

2016-01-01

Background The use of the Internet has the potential to increase access to evidence-based mental health services for a far-reaching population at a low cost. However, low take-up rates in routine care indicate that barriers for implementing Internet-based interventions have not yet been fully identified. Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the preference for Internet-based psychological interventions as compared to treatment delivered face to face among individuals without past or current use of mental health treatment delivered online. A further aim was to investigate predictors of treatment preference and to complement the quantitative analyses with qualitative data about the perceived advantages and disadvantages of Internet-based interventions. Methods Two convenience samples were used. Sample 1 was recruited in an occupational setting (n=231) and Sample 2 consisted of individuals previously treated for cancer (n=208). Data were collected using a paper-and-pencil survey and analyzed using mixed methods. Results The preference for Internet-based psychological interventions was low in both Sample 1 (6.5%) and Sample 2 (2.6%). Most participants preferred psychological interventions delivered face to face. Use of the Internet to search for and read health-related information was a significant predictor of treatment preference in both Sample 1 (odds ratio [OR] 2.82, 95% CI 1.18-6.75) and Sample 2 (OR 3.52, 95% CI 1.33-9.29). Being born outside of Sweden was a significant predictor of preference for Internet-based interventions, but only in Sample 2 (OR 6.24, 95% CI 1.29-30.16). Similar advantages and disadvantages were mentioned in both samples. Perceived advantages of Internet-based interventions included flexibility regarding time and location, low effort, accessibility, anonymity, credibility, user empowerment, and improved communication between therapist and client. Perceived disadvantages included anonymity, low credibility, impoverished communication between therapist and client, fear of negative side effects, requirements of computer literacy, and concerns about confidentiality. Conclusions Internet-based interventions were reported as the preferred choice by a minority of participants. The results suggest that Internet-based interventions have specific advantages that may facilitate help-seeking among some individuals and some disadvantages that may restrict its use. Initiatives to increase treatment acceptability may benefit from addressing the advantages and disadvantages reported in this study. PMID:27302200

Discourse Analysis of the Political Speeches of the Ousted Arab Presidents during the Arab Spring Revolution Using Halliday and Hasan's Framework of Cohesion

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Al-Majali, Wala'

2015-01-01

This study is designed to explore the salient linguistic features of the political speeches of the ousted Arab presidents during the Arab Spring Revolution. The sample of the study is composed of seven political speeches delivered by the ousted Arab presidents during the period from December 2010 to December 2012. Three speeches were delivered by…

Means of introducing an analyte into liquid sampling atmospheric pressure glow discharge

DOEpatents

Marcus, R. Kenneth; Quarles, Jr., Charles Derrick; Russo, Richard E.; Koppenaal, David W.; Barinaga, Charles J.; Carado, Anthony J.

2017-01-03

A liquid sampling, atmospheric pressure, glow discharge (LS-APGD) device as well as systems that incorporate the device and methods for using the device and systems are described. The LS-APGD includes a hollow capillary for delivering an electrolyte solution to a glow discharge space. The device also includes a counter electrode in the form of a second hollow capillary that can deliver the analyte into the glow discharge space. A voltage across the electrolyte solution and the counter electrode creates the microplasma within the glow discharge space that interacts with the analyte to move it to a higher energy state (vaporization, excitation, and/or ionization of the analyte).

Comparison of interval duration between single course antenatal corticosteroid administration and delivery on neonatal outcomes

PubMed Central

Sekhavat, Leila; Firouzabadi, Raziah Dehghani; Karbasi, Sedighah Akhavan

2011-01-01

Objective This study was performed to determine the effect of antenatal corticosteroid the interval between administration and delivery affect on neonatal outcomes. Material and Methods An observational study was performed on all deliveries between 28–34 weeks gestation where delivery occurred vaginally after completing a single course of antenatal corticosteroid (dexamethasone). Women were divided into 3 groups on the basis of the interval from first corticosteroid dose to delivery (<2 days, 2–7 and >7 days). The primary outcome was the need for neonatal resuscitation and the secondary outcome was respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), which was described as “need for ventilation with positive pressure O2 during the first 24 hrs of life”. P value <0.05 was significant. Results Of 104 neonates whose mothers received a full course of antenatal corticosteroid, 29 delivered <2 days, 41 delivered 2–7 days, and 34 delivered more than 7 days after the initial dose. Overall, those delivering within 2 days after the first injection of corticosteroid had more need for resuscitation and ventilation than those infants delivering between 2–7 days and after 7 days. Infants delivering between 2–7 days had a lower incidence of need for resuscitation and receiving respiratory support for more than 24 hours. Conclusion We found that the interval between corticosteroid administration and delivery influences the incidence of need for resuscitation and ventilation. Infants delivering less than 2 days of corticosteroid exposure have a higher frequency of need for resuscitation and ventilation than delivering between 2–7 days and after 7 days. PMID:24591968

Comparison of interval duration between single course antenatal corticosteroid administration and delivery on neonatal outcomes.

PubMed

Sekhavat, Leila; Firouzabadi, Raziah Dehghani; Karbasi, Sedighah Akhavan

2011-01-01

This study was performed to determine the effect of antenatal corticosteroid the interval between administration and delivery affect on neonatal outcomes. An observational study was performed on all deliveries between 28-34 weeks gestation where delivery occurred vaginally after completing a single course of antenatal corticosteroid (dexamethasone). Women were divided into 3 groups on the basis of the interval from first corticosteroid dose to delivery (<2 days, 2-7 and >7 days). The primary outcome was the need for neonatal resuscitation and the secondary outcome was respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), which was described as "need for ventilation with positive pressure O2 during the first 24 hrs of life". P value <0.05 was significant. Of 104 neonates whose mothers received a full course of antenatal corticosteroid, 29 delivered <2 days, 41 delivered 2-7 days, and 34 delivered more than 7 days after the initial dose. Overall, those delivering within 2 days after the first injection of corticosteroid had more need for resuscitation and ventilation than those infants delivering between 2-7 days and after 7 days. Infants delivering between 2-7 days had a lower incidence of need for resuscitation and receiving respiratory support for more than 24 hours. We found that the interval between corticosteroid administration and delivery influences the incidence of need for resuscitation and ventilation. Infants delivering less than 2 days of corticosteroid exposure have a higher frequency of need for resuscitation and ventilation than delivering between 2-7 days and after 7 days.

Next generation 1536-well oligonucleotide synthesizer with on-the-fly dispense.

PubMed

Jensen, Michael; Roberts, Lester; Johnson, Andrew; Fukushima, Marilyn; Davis, Ronald

2014-02-10

Here we report the development of our Next Generation Automated Multiplexed Oligonucleotide Synthesizer (NG-1536-AMOS), capable of producing 1536 samples in a single run using a multi-well filtered titer plate. With the potential to synthesize up to 3456 samples per plate, we converted the BioRAPTR Flying Reagent Dispenser into an open-well system where spent reagents are drained to waste under vacuum. During synthesis, reagents are delivered on-the-fly to each micro-titer well at volumes ≤5 μl with plate speeds up to 150 mm/s. Using gas-phase cleavage and deprotection, a full plate of 1536 60 mers may be processed with same-day turnaround with an average yield per well at 3.5 nmol. Final product at only $0.00277/base is eluted into a low-volume collection plate for immediate use in downstream application (e.g. Biomek FX for versatile sample handling). Also, crude oligonucleotide quality is comparable to that of commercial synthesis instrumentation, with an error rate on the NG-1536-AMOS platform of 1.53/717 bases. Furthermore, mass spectral analysis on strands synthesized up to 80 bases showed high purity with an average coupling efficiency of 99.5%. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Concentrated ERP Delivered in a Group Setting: A Replication Study.

PubMed

Havnen, Audun; Hansen, Bjarne; Öst, Lars-Göran; Kvale, Gerd

2017-09-01

In a previous effectiveness study (Havnen et al., 2014), 35 obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) patients underwent Concentrated Exposure Treatment (cET), which is a newly developed group treatment format delivered over four consecutive days. The primary aims of the present study were to evaluate the treatment results for a new sample of OCD patients receiving the cET treatment approach and to replicate the effectiveness study described in Havnen et al. (2014). Forty-two OCD patients underwent cET treatment. Treatment was delivered by different therapists than in Havnen et al. (2014), except for two groups led by the developers of the treatment. Assessments of OCD symptom severity, treatment satisfaction, and occupational impairment were included. The results showed a significant reduction in Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale scores from pre-treatment to post-treatment, which was maintained at 6-month follow-up. At post-treatment, 74% of the sample was remitted; at 6-month follow-up, 60% were recovered. The sample showed a very high degree of overall treatment satisfaction. The results from the present study were statistically compared with those obtained in the previous study. The analyses showed that the study samples had comparable demographic data and equal application of treatment. The outcome of the present and original study did not differ significantly on primary and secondary outcome measures. This study shows that cET was successfully replicated in a new patient sample treated by different therapists than the original study. The results indicate that cET is well accepted by the patients, and the potential for dissemination is discussed.

Associations between preterm birth, low birth weight, and postpartum health in a predominantly Hispanic WIC population.

PubMed

Leonard, Stephanie A; Gee, Denise; Zhu, Yuda; Crespi, Catherine M; Whaley, Shannon E

2014-01-01

To describe the postpartum health of predominantly Hispanic participants in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and identify how health characteristics differ between mothers who delivered preterm or low birth weight infants and those who did not. Cross-sectional survey among postpartum WIC mothers. Los Angeles and Orange Counties, CA. WIC participants within 1 year of delivery (n = 1,420). Postpartum health behaviors, health characteristics, and birth spacing intentions and behaviors. Frequencies of health characteristics were estimated using analyses with sample weights. Differences were assessed with chi-square and Fisher exact tests with Bonferroni correction for pairs of tests. Many women exhibited postpartum risk factors for future adverse health events, including overweight or obesity (62.3%), depressive symptoms (27.5%), and no folic acid supplementation (65.5%). Most characteristics did not differ significantly (P > .025) between mothers of preterm infants and full-term infants or between mothers of low birth weight and normal birth weight infants. Despite few differences between postpartum characteristics of mothers who delivered preterm or low birth weight infants and those who did not, a high percentage of mothers had risk factors that need to be addressed. Current postpartum educational activities of WIC programs should be evaluated and shared. Copyright © 2014 Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

High Contrast Imaging of Exoplanets and Exoplanetary Systems with JWST

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hinkley, Sasha; Skemer, Andrew; Biller, Beth; Baraffe, I.; Bonnefoy, M.; Bowler, B.; Carter, A.; Chen, C.; Choquet, E.; Currie, T.; Danielski, C.; Fortney, J.; Grady, C.; Greenbaum, A.; Hines, D.; Janson, M.; Kalas, P.; Kennedy, G.; Kraus, A.; Lagrange, A.; Liu, M.; Marley, M.; Marois, C.; Matthews, B.; Mawet, D.; Metchev, S.; Meyer, M.; Millar-Blanchaer, M.; Perrin, M.; Pueyo, L.; Quanz, S.; Rameau, J.; Rodigas, T.; Sallum, S.; Sargent, B.; Schlieder, J.; Schneider, G.; Stapelfeldt, K.; Tremblin, P.; Vigan, A.; Ygouf, M.

2017-11-01

JWST will transform our ability to characterize directly imaged planets and circumstellar debris disks, including the first spectroscopic characterization of directly imaged exoplanets at wavelengths beyond 5 microns, providing a powerful diagnostic of cloud particle properties, atmospheric structure, and composition. To lay the groundwork for these science goals, we propose a 39-hour ERS program to rapidly establish optimal strategies for JWST high contrast imaging. We will acquire: a) coronagraphic imaging of a newly discovered exoplanet companion, and a well-studied circumstellar debris disk with NIRCam & MIRI; b) spectroscopy of a wide separation planetary mass companion with NIRSPEC & MIRI; and c) deep aperture masking interferometry with NIRISS. Our primary goals are to: 1) generate representative datasets in modes to be commonly used by the exoplanet and disk imaging communities; 2) deliver science enabling products to empower a broad user base to develop successful future investigations; and 3) carry out breakthrough science by characterizing exoplanets for the first time over their full spectral range from 2-28 microns, and debris disk spectrophotometry out to 15 microns sampling the 3 micron water ice feature. Our team represents the majority of the community dedicated to exoplanet and disk imaging and has decades of experience with high contrast imaging algorithms and pipelines. We have developed a collaboration management plan and several organized working groups to ensure we can rapidly and effectively deliver high quality Science Enabling Products to the community.

Building a Full Service School: Florida's Model of Collaboration for School-Based and School-Linked Services.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Calfee, Carol; Meredith, Mimi, Ed.; Wittwer, Frank

This book is designed to guide readers as they consider establishing a full-service school in their community. Drawing on a working model with a 5-year history of development and implementation, the book shows how schools and community social, welfare, and health agencies can work together to deliver services to children and their families. After…

Controlled power delivery for super-resolution imaging of biological samples using digital micromirror device

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Valiya Peedikakkal, Liyana; Cadby, Ashley

2017-02-01

Localization based super resolution images of a biological sample is generally achieved by using high power laser illumination with long exposure time which unfortunately increases photo-toxicity of a sample, making super resolution microscopy, in general, incompatible with live cell imaging. Furthermore, the limitation of photobleaching reduces the ability to acquire time lapse images of live biological cells using fluorescence microscopy. Digital Light Processing (DLP) technology can deliver light at grey scale levels by flickering digital micromirrors at around 290 Hz enabling highly controlled power delivery to samples. In this work, Digital Micromirror Device (DMD) is implemented in an inverse Schiefspiegler telescope setup to control the power and pattern of illumination for super resolution microscopy. We can achieve spatial and temporal patterning of illumination by controlling the DMD pixel by pixel. The DMD allows us to control the power and spatial extent of the laser illumination. We have used this to show that we can reduce the power delivered to the sample to allow for longer time imaging in one area while achieving sub-diffraction STORM imaging in another using higher power densities.

Formulation of dark chocolate as a carrier to deliver eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids: Effects on product quality.

PubMed

Toker, Omer Said; Konar, Nevzat; Palabiyik, Ibrahim; Rasouli Pirouzian, Haniyeh; Oba, Sirin; Polat, Derya Genc; Poyrazoglu, Ender Sinan; Sagdic, Osman

2018-07-15

In this study, dark chocolate enriched with EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) was developed using various forms and origins. Quality characteristics such as physical, thermo-gravimetric, rheological, textural and sensory properties of chocolates were investigated. The highest EPA/DHA stability was determined in samples prepared by free-flowing powder and microencapsulated forms of omega-3 fatty acids (FA). The L ∗ and C ∗ values varied from 32.16-33.37 and 7.45-8.09, respectively for the all samples. Hardness values ranged between 6422 and 8367 N and the use of EPA/DHA in the triglyceride form caused softer chocolate whereas control sample was the hardest sample. Melting and rheological properties were not significantly affected by the studied EPA/DHA sources (P < 0.05). Microencapsulated EPA/DHA added chocolate was the most preferred source whereas sample with algae oil showed the lowest acceptability. According to the results, dark chocolate can be used for delivering omega-3 FA by considering their origin and physical form. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Innovation leading the way: application of lean manufacturing to sample management.

PubMed

Allen, M; Wigglesworth, M J

2009-06-01

Historically, sample management successfully focused on providing compound quality and tracking distribution within a diverse geographic. However, if a competitive advantage is to be delivered in a changing environment of outsourcing, efficiency and customer service must now improve or face reconstruction. The authors have used discrete event simulation to model the compound process from chemistry to assay and applied lean manufacturing techniques to analyze and improve these processes. In doing so, they identified a value-adding process time of just 11 min within a procedure that took days. Modeling also allowed the analysis of equipment and human resources necessary to complete the expected demand in an acceptable cycle time. Layout and location of sample management and screening departments are key in allowing process integration, creating rapid flow of work, and delivering these efficiencies. Following this analysis and minor process changes, the authors have demonstrated for 2 programs that solid compounds can be converted to assay-ready plates in less than 4 h. In addition, it is now possible to deliver assay data from these compounds within the same working day, allowing chemistry teams more flexibility and more time to execute the next chemistry round. Additional application of lean manufacturing principles has the potential to further decrease cycle times while using fewer resources.

A systematic review of the use of an expertise-based randomised controlled trial design.

PubMed

Cook, Jonathan A; Elders, Andrew; Boachie, Charles; Bassinga, Ted; Fraser, Cynthia; Altman, Doug G; Boutron, Isabelle; Ramsay, Craig R; MacLennan, Graeme S

2015-05-30

Under a conventional two-arm randomised trial design, participants are allocated to an intervention and participating health professionals are expected to deliver both interventions. However, health professionals often have differing levels of expertise in a skill-based interventions such as surgery or psychotherapy. An expertise-based approach to trial design, where health professionals only deliver an intervention in which they have expertise, has been proposed as an alternative. The aim of this project was to systematically review the use of an expertise-based trial design in the medical literature. We carried out a comprehensive search of nine databases--AMED, BIOSIS, CENTRAL, CINAHL, Cochrane Methodology Register, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Science Citation Index, and PsycINFO--from 1966 to 2012 and performed citation searches using the ISI Citation Indexes and Scopus. Studies that used an expertise-based trial design were included. Two review authors independently screened the titles and abstracts and assessed full-text reports. Data were extracted and summarised on the study characteristics, general and expertise-specific study methodology, and conduct. In total, 7476 titles and abstracts were identified, leading to 43 included studies (54 articles). The vast majority (88%) used a pure expertise-based design; three (7%) adopted a hybrid design, and two (5%) used a design that was unclear. Most studies compared substantially different interventions (79%). In many cases, key information relating to the expertise-based design was absent; only 12 (28%) reported criteria for delivering both interventions. Most studies recruited the target sample size or very close to it (median of 101, interquartile range of 94 to 118), although the target was reported for only 40% of studies. The proportion of participants who received the allocated intervention was high (92%, interquartile range of 82 to 99%). While use of an expertise-based trial design is growing, it remains uncommon. Reporting of study methodology and, particularly, expertise-related methodology was poor. Empirical evidence provided some support for purported benefits such as high levels of recruitment and compliance with allocation. An expertise-based trial design should be considered but its value seems context-specific, particularly when interventions differ substantially or interventions are typically delivered by different health professionals.

Positive Imagery-Based Cognitive Bias Modification as a Web-Based Treatment Tool for Depressed Adults

PubMed Central

Blackwell, Simon E.; Browning, Michael; Mathews, Andrew; Pictet, Arnaud; Welch, James; Davies, Jim; Watson, Peter; Geddes, John R.

2015-01-01

Depression is a global health problem requiring treatment innovation. Targeting neglected cognitive aspects may provide a useful route. We tested a cognitive-training paradigm using positive mental imagery (imagery cognitive bias modification, imagery CBM), developed via experimental psychopathology studies, in a randomized controlled trial. Training was delivered via the Internet to 150 individuals with current major depression. Unexpectedly, there was no significant advantage for imagery CBM compared with a closely matched control for depression symptoms as a whole in the full sample. In exploratory analyses, compared with the control, imagery CBM significantly improved anhedonia over the intervention and improved depression symptoms as a whole for those participants with fewer than five episodes of depression and those who engaged to a threshold level of imagery. Results suggest avenues for improving imagery CBM to inform low-intensity treatment tools for depression. Anhedonia may be a useful treatment target for future work. PMID:25984421

High frequency power distribution system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Patel, Mikund R.

1986-01-01

The objective of this project was to provide the technology of high frequency, high power transmission lines to the 100 kW power range at 20 kHz frequency. In addition to the necessary design studies, a 150 m long, 600 V, 60 A transmission line was built, tested and delivered for full vacuum tests. The configuration analysis on five alternative configurations resulted in the final selection of the three parallel Litz straps configuration, which gave a virtually concentric design in the electromagnetic sense. Low inductance, low EMI and flexibility in handling are the key features of this configuration. The final design was made after a parametric study to minimize the losses, weight and inductance. The construction of the cable was completed with no major difficulties. The R,L,C parameters measured on the cable agreed well with the calculated values. The corona tests on insulation samples showed a safety factor of 3.

Laser megajoule 1.06-μm mirror production with very high laser damage threshold

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pinot, B.; Leplan, Herve; Houbre, Francois; Lavastre, Eric; Poncetta, Jean-Christophe; Chabassier, Genevieve

2002-03-01

As part of the LMJ (Laser Megajoule) program, CEA is building the LIL laser with full size optics and LMJ requirements. SAGEM has been selected as the supplier of large optical components and coatings with very high laser- induced damage threshold. Including spare parts, about 100 mirrors 610*430 mm2 with LIDT-3ns>25 J/cm2 have to be produced. Using a 5 m3 vacuum chamber and the 100 J/cm2 mirror coating process developed at CEA-LETI, with Hafnium and SiO2 materials, we are now typically in a serial production phase. To date, about thirty mirrors have been delivered. This paper focuses on the acceptance tests performed after coating, at SAGEM then CEA: LIDT measurement and Raster-Scan on samples; reflectance mapping on CEA automatic photometer; reflected wavefront deformation with \

Hydrogen-Oxygen PEM Regenerative Fuel Cell Development at the NASA Glenn Research Center

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bents, David J.; Scullin, Vincent J.; Chang, Bei-Jiann; Johnson, Donald W.; Garcia, Christoher P.; Jakupca, Ian J.

2005-01-01

The closed-cycle hydrogen-oxygen PEM regenerative fuel cell (RFC) at the NASA Glenn Research Center has successfully demonstrated closed cycle operation at rated power for multiple charge-discharge cycles. During charge cycle the RFC has absorbed input electrical power simulating a solar day cycle ranging from zero to 15 kWe peak, and delivered steady 5 kWe output power for periods exceeding 8 hr. Orderly transitions from charge to discharge mode, and return to charging after full discharge, have been accomplished without incident. Continuing test operations focus on: (1) Increasing the number of contiguous uninterrupted charge discharge cycles; (2) Increasing the performance envelope boundaries; (3) Operating the RFC as an energy storage device on a regular basis; (4) Gaining operational experience leading to development of fully automated operation; and (5) Developing instrumentation and in situ fluid sampling strategies to monitor health and anticipate breakdowns.

The common vaginal commensal bacterium Ureaplasma parvum is associated with chorioamnionitis in extreme preterm labor.

PubMed

Cox, Ciara; Saxena, Nita; Watt, Alison P; Gannon, Caroline; McKenna, James P; Fairley, Derek J; Sweet, David; Shields, Michael D; L Cosby, Sara; Coyle, Peter V

2016-11-01

To assess the association of vaginal commensal and low-grade pathogenic bacteria including Ureaplasma parvum, Ureaplasma urealyticum, Mycoplasma hominis, Mycoplasma genitalium, Group B streptococcus (GBS), and Gardnerella vaginalis, in women who delivered preterm at less than 37-week gestation in the presence or absence of inflammation of the chorioamnionitic membranes. A case control study involving women who delivered before 37-week gestation with and without inflammation of chorioamnionitic membranes. A total of 57 placental samples were histologically examined for polymorphonuclear leukocyte infiltration of placental tissue for evidence of chorioamnionitis, and by type-specific nucleic acid amplification for evidence of infection with one or more of the target bacteria. Demographic data were collected for each mother. Among the 57 placental samples, 42.1% had chorioamnionitis and 24.6% delivered in the second trimester of pregnancy; U. parvum, U. urealyticum, G. vaginalis, and GBS were all detected in the study with respective prevalence of 19.3%, 3.5%, 17.5%, and 15.8%; M. genitalium and M. hominis were not detected. U. parvum was significantly associated with chorioamnionitis (p = 0.02; OR 5.0; (95% CI 1.2-21.5) and was more common in women who delivered in the second (35.7%) compared to the third trimester of pregnancy (13.9%). None of the other bacteria were associated with chorioamnionitis or earlier delivery, and all G. vaginalis-positive women delivered in the third trimester of pregnancy (p = 0.04). The detection of U. parvum in placental tissue was significantly associated with acute chorioamnionitis in women presenting in extreme preterm labor.

Multiplex CARS imaging with spectral notch shaped laser pulses delivered by optical fibers.

PubMed

Oh, Seung Ryeol; Park, Joo Hyun; Kim, Kyung-Soo; Lee, Jae Yong; Kim, Soohyun

2017-12-11

We present an experimental demonstration of single-pulse coherent anti-Stokes Raman spectroscopy (CARS) using a spectrally shaped broadband laser that is delivered by an optical fiber to a sample at its distal end. The optical fiber consists of a fiber Bragg grating component to serve as a narrowband notch filter and a combined large-mode-area fiber to transmit such shaped ultrashort laser pulses without spectral distortion in a long distance. Experimentally, our implementation showed a capability to measure CARS spectra of various samples with molecular vibrations in the fingerprint region. Furthermore, CARS imaging of poly(methyl methacrylate) bead samples was carried out successfully under epi-CARS geometry in which backward-scattered CARS signals were collected into a multimode optical fiber. A compatibility of single-pulse CARS scheme with fiber optics, verified in this study, implies a potential for future realization of compact all-fiber CARS spectroscopic imaging systems.

Mercury in US coal: Observations using the COALQUAL and ICR data

USGS Publications Warehouse

Quick, J.C.; Brill, T.C.; Tabet, D.E.

2003-01-01

The COALQUAL data set lists the mercury content of samples collected from the in-ground US coal resource, whereas the ICR data set lists the mercury content of samples collected from coal shipments delivered to US electric utilities. After selection and adjustment of records, the COALQUAL data average 0.17 ??g Hg/g dry coal or 5.8 kg Hg/PJ, whereas the ICR data average 0.10 ??g Hg/g dry coal or 3.5 kg Hg/PJ. Because sample frequency does not correspond to the inground or produced tonnage, these values are not accurate estimates of the mercury content of either in-ground or delivered US coal. Commercial US coal contains less mercury than previously estimated, and its mercury content has declined during the 1990s. Selective mining and more extensive coal washing may accelerate the current trend towards lower mercury content in coal burned at US electric utilities.

The presence of cariogenic and periodontal pathogens in the oral cavity of one-year-old infants delivered pre-term with very low birthweights: a case control study

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Recently, the dental literature has focused mainly on the microbial colonization of healthy full-term infants and their mothers or caretakers. However, oral microbial acquisition by premature infants has not been adequately investigated, and the correlation between pre-term birth and the presence of cariogenic and periodontal pathogens has not been determined. The aim of this study was to identify the presence and quantities of representative cariogenic and periodontal pathogens in the oral cavities of 12-month-old infants and compare the occurrence of these microbes between a cohort of pre-term infants with very low birthweights and a control cohort comprising full-term infants. Methods The research cohort was composed of 69 one-year-old infants, of whom 24 were born prematurely with very low birthweights and 45 of whom were carried to full term. Information regarding the infants’ gestational age, mode of delivery, general health status, birthweight and antibiotic use were obtained from hospital records and through oral interviews. At 12 months of age, both groups of infants were examined, and unstimulated saliva samples from the dorsum of the tongue and dental plaque samples were collected. The microorganisms (Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus spp., Actinomyces spp., Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, Treponema denticola, Peptostreptococcus micros, Prevotella intermedia, Fusobacterium nucleatum) were identified and their quantities were evaluated using a PCR-based method. The chi-squared and Fisher’s factorial tests were used for the statistical evaluations. Results The infants had a high prevalence of cariogenic microbes and of Fusosbacterium nucleatum and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans. Cariogenic microbes were detected in 91.7% of the very low birthweight infants and in all full-term infants. Periodontal pathogens were present in 83% of the pre-term infants and in 96% of the full-term infants. A significant difference was found between the cohorts in terms of the presence of S. mutans. Most of the very low birthweight infants had negative values of this microbe, while the full-term infants had positive values. Conclusions This study confirms the early transmission of representative cariogenic and periodontal pathogens to the oral cavity of one-year-old infants and a higher prevalence of S. mutans in full-term infants than in premature infants. PMID:25178742

Knowledge Retrieval Solutions.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Khan, Kamran

1998-01-01

Excalibur RetrievalWare offers true knowledge retrieval solutions. Its fundamental technologies, Adaptive Pattern Recognition Processing and Semantic Networks, have capabilities for knowledge discovery and knowledge management of full-text, structured and visual information. The software delivers a combination of accuracy, extensibility,…

Transport telematics, tolling and info systems

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1995-10-03

This online document is the full text of the speech delivered by John Dawson, Group Public Affairs Director, The Automobile Association (AA), at the Waldorf Hotel, London, on October 3, 1995. It focuses on intelligent transportation systems, ITS, for...

piggyBac transposons expressing full-length human dystrophin enable genetic correction of dystrophic mesoangioblasts

PubMed Central

Loperfido, Mariana; Jarmin, Susan; Dastidar, Sumitava; Di Matteo, Mario; Perini, Ilaria; Moore, Marc; Nair, Nisha; Samara-Kuko, Ermira; Athanasopoulos, Takis; Tedesco, Francesco Saverio; Dickson, George; Sampaolesi, Maurilio; VandenDriessche, Thierry; Chuah, Marinee K.

2016-01-01

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a genetic neuromuscular disorder caused by the absence of dystrophin. We developed a novel gene therapy approach based on the use of the piggyBac (PB) transposon system to deliver the coding DNA sequence (CDS) of either full-length human dystrophin (DYS: 11.1 kb) or truncated microdystrophins (MD1: 3.6 kb; MD2: 4 kb). PB transposons encoding microdystrophins were transfected in C2C12 myoblasts, yielding 65±2% MD1 and 66±2% MD2 expression in differentiated multinucleated myotubes. A hyperactive PB (hyPB) transposase was then deployed to enable transposition of the large-size PB transposon (17 kb) encoding the full-length DYS and green fluorescence protein (GFP). Stable GFP expression attaining 78±3% could be achieved in the C2C12 myoblasts that had undergone transposition. Western blot analysis demonstrated expression of the full-length human DYS protein in myotubes. Subsequently, dystrophic mesoangioblasts from a Golden Retriever muscular dystrophy dog were transfected with the large-size PB transposon resulting in 50±5% GFP-expressing cells after stable transposition. This was consistent with correction of the differentiated dystrophic mesoangioblasts following expression of full-length human DYS. These results pave the way toward a novel non-viral gene therapy approach for DMD using PB transposons underscoring their potential to deliver large therapeutic genes. PMID:26682797

Strategies for delivering insecticide-treated nets at scale for malaria control: a systematic review

PubMed Central

Paintain, Lucy Smith; Mangham, Lindsay; Car, Josip; Schellenberg, Joanna Armstrong

2012-01-01

Abstract Objective To synthesize findings from recent studies of strategies to deliver insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) at scale in malaria-endemic areas. Methods Databases were searched for studies published between January 2000 and December 2010 in which: subjects resided in areas with endemicity for Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax malaria; ITN delivery at scale was evaluated; ITN ownership among households, receipt by pregnant women and/or use among children aged < 5 years was evaluated; and the study design was an individual or cluster-randomized controlled design, nonrandomized, quasi-experimental, before-and-after, interrupted time series or cross-sectional without temporal or geographical controls. Papers describing qualitative studies, case studies, process evaluations and cost-effectiveness studies linked to an eligible paper were also included. Study quality was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias checklist and GRADE criteria. Important influences on scaling up were identified and assessed across delivery strategies. Findings A total of 32 papers describing 20 African studies were reviewed. Many delivery strategies involved health sectors and retail outlets (partial subsidy), antenatal care clinics (full subsidy) and campaigns (full subsidy). Strategies achieving high ownership among households and use among children < 5 delivered ITNs free through campaigns. Costs were largely comparable across strategies; ITNs were the main cost. Cost-effectiveness estimates were most sensitive to the assumed net lifespan and leakage. Common barriers to delivery included cost, stock-outs and poor logistics. Common facilitators were staff training and supervision, cooperation across departments or ministries and stakeholder involvement. Conclusion There is a broad taxonomy of strategies for delivering ITNs at scale. PMID:22984312

Umbilical cord CD71+ erythroid cells are reduced in neonates born to women in spontaneous preterm labor.

PubMed

Gomez-Lopez, Nardhy; Romero, Roberto; Xu, Yi; Miller, Derek; Unkel, Ronald; C MacKenzie, Tippi; Frascoli, Michela; Hassan, Sonia S

2016-10-01

Preterm neonates are highly susceptible to infection. Neonatal host defense against infection seems to be maintained by the temporal presence of immunosuppressive CD71+ erythroid cells. The aim of this study was to investigate whether umbilical cord CD71+ erythroid cells are reduced in neonates born to women who undergo spontaneous preterm labor/birth. Umbilical cord blood samples (n=155) were collected from neonates born to women who delivered preterm with (n=39) and without (n=12) spontaneous labor or at term with (n=82) and without (n=22) spontaneous labor. Time-matched maternal peripheral blood samples were also included (n=111). Mononuclear cells were isolated from these samples, and CD71+ erythroid cells were identified and quantified as CD3-CD235a+CD71+ cells by flow cytometry. (i) The proportion of CD71+ erythroid cells was 50-fold higher in cord blood than in maternal blood; (ii) a reduced number and frequency of umbilical cord CD71+ erythroid cells were found in neonates born to women who underwent spontaneous preterm labor compared to those born to women who delivered preterm without labor; (iii) umbilical cord CD71+ erythroid cells were fewer in neonates born to term pregnancies, regardless of the process of labor, than in those born to women who delivered preterm without labor; and (iv) no differences were seen in umbilical cord CD71+ erythroid cells between neonates born to women who underwent spontaneous preterm labor and those born to women who delivered at term with labor. Umbilical cord CD71+ erythroid cells are reduced in neonates born to women who had undergone spontaneous preterm labor. Published 2016. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.

Particle generator

DOEpatents

Hess, Wayne P.; Joly, Alan G.; Gerrity, Daniel P.; Beck, Kenneth M.; Sushko, Peter V.; Shlyuger, Alexander L.

2005-06-28

Energy tunable solid state sources of neutral particles are described. In a disclosed embodiment, a halogen particle source includes a solid halide sample, a photon source positioned to deliver photons to a surface of the halide, and a collimating means positioned to accept a spatially defined plume of hyperthermal halogen particles emitted from the sample surface.

An Automated Sample Divider for Farmers Stock Peanuts

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

In-shell peanuts are harvested, loaded into drying trailers, and delivered to a central facility where they are dried to a moisture content safe for long term storage, sampled, graded, then unloaded into bulk storage. Drying trailers have capacities ranging from five to twenty-five tons of dry farme...

An automated sample divider for farmers stock peanuts

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

In-shell peanuts are harvested, loaded into drying trailers, and delivered to a central facility where they are dried to a moisture content safe for long term storage, sampled, graded, then unloaded into bulk storage. Drying trailers have capacities ranging from five to twenty-five tons of dry farme...

30 CFR 57.22227 - Approved testing devices (I-A, I-B, I-C, II-A, II-B, III, IV, V-A, and V-B mines).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... be used in Subcategory I-C mines. (c)(1) If electrically powered, remote sensing devices are used.... (2) If air samples are delivered to remote analytical devices through sampling tubes, such tubes...

Podcasts on Mobile Devices as a Read-Aloud Testing Accommodation in Middle School Science Assessment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McMahon, Don; Wright, Rachel; Cihak, David F.; Moore, Tara C.; Lamb, Richard

2016-04-01

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of a digitized podcast to deliver read-aloud testing accommodations on mobile devices to students with disabilities and reading difficulties. The total sample for this study included 47 middle school students with reading difficulties. Of the 47 students, 16 were identified as students with disabilities who received special education services. Participants were randomly assigned to three experimental testing conditions, standard administration, teacher-controlled read-aloud in traditional group delivery format, and student-controlled read-aloud delivered as a podcast and accessed on a mobile device, and given sample end-of-year science assessments. Based on a factorial analysis of variances, with test conditions and student status as the fixed factors, both student groups demonstrated statistically significant gains based on their testing conditions. Results support the use of podcast delivery as a viable alternative to the traditional teacher-delivered read-aloud test accommodation. Conclusions are discussed in the context of universal design for learning testing accommodations for future research and practice.

Comparison of the fatty acid composition of transitional and mature milk of mothers who delivered healthy full-term babies, preterm babies and full-term small for gestational age infants.

PubMed

Bobiński, R; Mikulska, M; Mojska, H; Simon, M

2013-09-01

The fatty acid (FA) composition of breast milk throughout the period of lactation is fairly well understood. What is not known, however, is the FA composition of breast milk at the interface of physiology and pathology of pregnancy. We therefore decided to analyse and compare the differences in the FA composition of transitional and mature milk of mothers who delivered small for gestational age (SGA) neonates born at term; infants delivered at 35-37 weeks of gestation, that is 'late preterm'; and that of mothers who gave birth to appropriate for gestational age neonates (AGA). The FAs were analysed by HPLC equipped with MS detector. We found differences in the percentage share of the studied FA pool regarding levels of capric, lauric and gadoleic acids. Comparing transitional and mature milk, the greatest diversity was seen in the group of mothers of AGA neonates and the least was noted in the group of mothers of SGA neonates. Both 'late prematurity' and reduced neonatal weight of children born at term affect the FA composition of breast milk. Even a small degree of fetal malformation alters the composition of breast milk, which is probably related to the child's needs and condition.

Concentrating Solar Power Projects - Likana Solar Energy Project |

Science.gov Websites

three 130 megawatt (MW) solar thermal towers each with 13 hours of full load energy storage, delivering Thermal Storage Storage Type: 2-tank direct Storage Capacity: 13 hours Thermal Storage Description: Molten

ISS Expeditions 16 through 20: Chemical Analysis Results for Potable Water

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Straub, John E., II; Plumlee, Debrah K.; Schultz, John R.

2010-01-01

During the 2-year span from Expedition 16 through Expedition 20, the chemical quality of the potable water onboard the International Space Station (ISS) was verified safe for crew consumption through the return and chemical analysis of archival water samples by the Water and Food Analytical Laboratory (WAFAL) at Johnson Space Center (JSC). Reclaimed cabin humidity condensate and Russian ground-supplied water were the principal sources of potable water for Expeditions 16 through 18. During Expedition 18 the U.S. water processor assembly was delivered, installed, and tested during a 90-day checkout period. Beginning with Expedition 19, U.S. potable water recovered from a combined waste stream of humidity condensate and pretreated urine was also available for ISS crew use. A total of 74 potable water samples were collected using U.S. sampling hardware during Expeditions 16 through 20 and returned on both Shuttle and Soyuz vehicles. The results of JSC chemical analyses of these ISS potable water samples are presented in this paper. Eight potable water samples collected in flight with Russian hardware were also received for analysis, as well as 5 preflight samples of Rodnik potable water delivered to ISS on Russian Progress vehicles 28 to 34. Analytical results for these additional potable water samples are also reported and discussed.

A phase III randomized three-arm trial of physical therapist delivered pain coping skills training for patients with total knee arthroplasty: the KASTPain protocol

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background Approximately 20% of patients report persistent and disabling pain following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) despite an apparently normally functioning prosthesis. One potential risk factor for unexplained persistent pain is high levels of pain catastrophizing. We designed a three-arm trial to determine if a pain coping skills training program, delivered prior to TKA, effectively reduces function-limiting pain following the procedure in patients with high levels of pain catastrophizing. Methods/design The trial will be conducted at four University-based sites in the US. A sample of 402 patients with high levels of pain catastrophizing will be randomly assigned to either a pain coping skills training arm, an arthritis education control arm or usual care. Pain coping skills will be delivered by physical therapists trained and supervised by clinical psychologist experts. Arthritis education will be delivered by nurses trained in the delivery of arthritis-related content. The primary outcome will be change in Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) Pain scale score 12 months following surgery. A variety of secondary clinical and economic outcomes also will be evaluated. Discussion The trial will be conducted at four University-based sites in the US. A sample of 402 patients with high levels of pain catastrophizing will be randomly assigned to either a pain coping skills training arm, an arthritis education control arm or usual care. Pain coping skills will be delivered by physical therapists trained and supervised by clinical psychologist experts. Arthritis education will be delivered by nurses trained in the delivery of arthritis-related content. The primary outcome will be change in Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) Pain scale score 12 months following surgery. A variety of secondary clinical and economic outcomes also will be evaluated. Trial Registration NCT01620983 PMID:22906061

The mental health workforce gap in low- and middle-income countries: a needs-based approach

PubMed Central

Scheffler, Richard M; Shen, Gordon; Yoon, Jangho; Chisholm, Dan; Morris, Jodi; Fulton, Brent D; Dal Poz, Mario R; Saxena, Shekhar

2011-01-01

Abstract Objective To estimate the shortage of mental health professionals in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Methods We used data from the World Health Organization’s Assessment Instrument for Mental Health Systems (WHO-AIMS) from 58 LMICs, country-specific information on the burden of various mental disorders and a hypothetical core service delivery package to estimate how many psychiatrists, nurses and psychosocial care providers would be needed to provide mental health care to the total population of the countries studied. We focused on the following eight problems, to which WHO has attached priority: depression, schizophrenia, psychoses other than schizophrenia, suicide, epilepsy, dementia, disorders related to the use of alcohol and illicit drugs, and paediatric mental disorders. Findings All low-income countries and 59% of the middle-income countries in our sample were found to have far fewer professionals than they need to deliver a core set of mental health interventions. The 58 LMICs sampled would need to increase their total mental health workforce by 239 000 full-time equivalent professionals to address the current shortage. Conclusion Country-specific policies are needed to overcome the large shortage of mental health-care staff and services throughout LMICs. PMID:21379414

76 FR 11216 - Notice of Public Meetings for the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Land Acquisition and...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-03-01

... full integration of MEB-sized Aviation Combat Element operations and both air- and ground-delivered...-scale MEB Exercise conducted twice per year for 24 continuous days each. Current levels of proficiency...

Alginate-Based Edible Films Delivering Probiotic Bacteria to Sliced Ham Pretreated with High Pressure Processing.

PubMed

Pavli, Foteini; Kovaiou, Ioanna; Apostolakopoulou, Georgia; Kapetanakou, Anastasia; Skandamis, Panagiotis; Nychas, George-John E; Tassou, Chrysoula; Chorianopoulos, Nikos

2017-08-29

The aim of the present work was to evaluate the efficacy of Na-alginate edible films as vehicles for delivering probiotic bacteria to sliced ham with or without pretreatment using high pressure processing (HPP). Three strains of probiotic bacteria were incorporated in Na-alginate forming solution. Ham slices (with or without pretreatment using HPP at 500 MPa for 2 min) were packed under vacuum in contact with the films and then stored at 4, 8 and 12 °C for 66, 47 and 40 days, respectively. Microbiological analysis was performed in parallel with pH and color measurements. Sensory characteristics were assessed, while the presence and the relative abundance of each probiotic strain during storage was evaluated using pulsed field gel electrophoresis. In ham slices without HPP treatment, probiotic bacteria were enumerated above 10⁶ CFU/g during storage at all temperatures. Same results were obtained in cases of HPP treated samples, but pH measurements showed differences with the latter ones exhibiting higher values. Sensory evaluation revealed that probiotic samples had a more acidic taste and odor than the control ones, however these characteristics were markedly compromised in samples treated with HPP. Overall, the results of the study are promising since probiotic bacteria were successfully delivered in the products by edible films regardless of the HPP treatment.

Alginate-Based Edible Films Delivering Probiotic Bacteria to Sliced Ham Pretreated with High Pressure Processing

PubMed Central

Pavli, Foteini; Kovaiou, Ioanna; Apostolakopoulou, Georgia; Kapetanakou, Anastasia; Skandamis, Panagiotis; Tassou, Chrysoula

2017-01-01

The aim of the present work was to evaluate the efficacy of Na-alginate edible films as vehicles for delivering probiotic bacteria to sliced ham with or without pretreatment using high pressure processing (HPP). Three strains of probiotic bacteria were incorporated in Na-alginate forming solution. Ham slices (with or without pretreatment using HPP at 500 MPa for 2 min) were packed under vacuum in contact with the films and then stored at 4, 8 and 12 °C for 66, 47 and 40 days, respectively. Microbiological analysis was performed in parallel with pH and color measurements. Sensory characteristics were assessed, while the presence and the relative abundance of each probiotic strain during storage was evaluated using pulsed field gel electrophoresis. In ham slices without HPP treatment, probiotic bacteria were enumerated above 106 CFU/g during storage at all temperatures. Same results were obtained in cases of HPP treated samples, but pH measurements showed differences with the latter ones exhibiting higher values. Sensory evaluation revealed that probiotic samples had a more acidic taste and odor than the control ones, however these characteristics were markedly compromised in samples treated with HPP. Overall, the results of the study are promising since probiotic bacteria were successfully delivered in the products by edible films regardless of the HPP treatment. PMID:28850093

Inspection tester for explosives

DOEpatents

Haas, Jeffrey S.; Simpson, Randall L.; Satcher, Joe H.

2007-11-13

An inspection tester that can be used anywhere as a primary screening tool by non-technical personnel to determine whether a surface contains explosives. It includes a body with a sample pad. First and second explosives detecting reagent holders and dispensers are operatively connected to the body and the sample pad. The first and second explosives detecting reagent holders and dispensers are positioned to deliver the explosives detecting reagents to the sample pad. A is heater operatively connected to the sample pad.

Inspection tester for explosives

DOEpatents

Haas, Jeffrey S.; Simpson, Randall L.; Satcher, Joe H.

2010-10-05

An inspection tester that can be used anywhere as a primary screening tool by non-technical personnel to determine whether a surface contains explosives. It includes a body with a sample pad. First and second explosives detecting reagent holders and dispensers are operatively connected to the body and the sample pad. The first and second explosives detecting reagent holders and dispensers are positioned to deliver the explosives detecting reagents to the sample pad. A is heater operatively connected to the sample pad.

Assessment of haemodialysis adequacy by ionic dialysance: intra-patient variability of delivered treatment.

PubMed

McIntyre, Christopher W; Lambie, Stewart H; Taal, Maarten W; Fluck, Richard J

2003-03-01

Adequate delivered dose of solute removal (as assessed by urea reduction and calculation of Kt/V) is an important determinant of clinical outcome in chronic haemodialysis (HD) patients. The requirement for multiple blood sampling and efforts taken to minimize the effects of rebound on post-treatment samples ensure Kt/V is measured only intermittently. On-line conductivity monitoring (using sodium flux as a surrogate for urea) allows the repeated non-invasive measurement of Kt/V on each HD treatment. We have studied the accuracy of this method of measuring Kt/V, and the variability of treatment dose delivered to individual patients. We prospectively studied 26 established chronic HD patients over 4 weeks (316 treatments). Patients were dialysed using Hospal Integra dialysis monitors, equipped with Diascan modules to measure Kt/V. Data were downloaded automatically to a central computer server. Urea reduction was measured (once a week) by a two-pool calculation using 30 min post-treatment sampling. Treatment time, Q(B) and modality were fully delivered in all treatments analysed (97% of total). Kt/V measured by ionic dialysance (Kt/V(ID)) correlated highly with that derived from measurement of urea reduction (R(2)=0.92, P<0.0001). Kt/V(ID) underestimated urea-based Kt/V by a mean of only 1.5% (95% CI 0.18-2.9%). Kt/V(ID) varied greatly within individual patients with a mean CV of 0.13+/-0.10 (95% CI 0.05-0.3). If a Kt/V(ID) of 1.0 is considered 'adequate', 55% of the patients had variations that would have potentially altered their status as being adequately or inadequately dialysed, as the range of Kt/V readings cross that point during the study period. In conclusion, Kt/V(ID) seems to be an accurate and readily obtained measure of adequacy. Substantial variation in Kt/V implies repeated measures (ideally for all treatments) are necessary to gain a true picture of the mean treatment dose being delivered to patients.

Microtrap assembly for greenhouse gas and air pollution monitoring

DOEpatents

Mitra, Somenath; Saridara, Chutarat

2015-08-25

A microtrap assembly includes a carbon nanotube sorbent. The microtrap assembly may be employed as a preconcentrator operable to deliver a sample to an analytical device to measure the concentrations of greenhouse gases. A system includes a microtrap having a carbon nanotube sorbent for measuring the concentrations of greenhouse gases in a sample.

Determinants of suboptimal breast-feeding practices in Pakistan.

PubMed

Hazir, Tabish; Akram, Dure-Samin; Nisar, Yasir Bin; Kazmi, Narjis; Agho, Kingsley E; Abbasi, Saleem; Khan, Amira M; Dibley, Michael J

2013-04-01

Exclusive breast-feeding is estimated to reduce infant mortality in low-income countries by up to 13 %. The aim of the present study was to determine the risk factors associated with suboptimal breast-feeding practices in Pakistan. A cross-sectional study using data extracted from the multistage cluster sample survey of the Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey 2006-2007. A nationally representative sample of households. Last-born alive children aged 0-23 months (total weighted sample size 3103). The prevalences of timely initiation of breast-feeding, bottle-feeding in children aged 0-23 months, exclusive breast-feeding and predominant breast-feeding in infants aged 0-5 months were 27·3 %, 32·1 %, 37·1 % and 18·7 %, respectively. Multivariate analysis indicated that working mothers (OR = 1·48, 95 % CI 1·16, 1·87; P = 0·001) and mothers who delivered by Caesarean section (OR = 1·95, 95 % CI 1·30, 2·90; P = 0·001) had significantly higher odds for no timely initiation of breast-feeding. Mothers from North West Frontier Province were significantly less likely (OR = 0·37, 95 % CI 0·23, 0·59; P < 0·001) not to breast-feed their babies exclusively. Mothers delivered by traditional birth attendants had significantly higher odds to predominantly breast-feed their babies (OR = 1·96, 95 % CI 1·18, 3·24; P = 0·009). The odds of being bottle-fed was significantly higher in infants whose mothers had four or more antenatal clinic visits (OR = 1·93, 95 % CI 1·46, 2·55; P < 0·001) and belonged to the richest wealth quintile (OR = 2·41, 95 % CI 1·62, 3·58; P < 0·001). The majority of Pakistani mothers have suboptimal breast-feeding practices. To gain the full benefits of breast-feeding for child health and nutrition, there is an urgent need to develop interventions to improve the rates of exclusive breast-feeding.

After Sample-Delivery Attempt, Sol 62

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2008-01-01

NASA's Phoenix Mars Lander collected a soil sample and attempted to deliver some of it to a laboratory oven on the deck during the mission's 62nd Martian day, or sol, (July 28, 2008). The sample came from a hard layer at the bottom of the 'Snow White' trench and might have contained water ice mixed with the soil. This image taken after the attempt to deliver the sample through the open doors to cell number zero on the Thermal and Evolved-Gas Analyzer shows that very little of the soil fell onto the screened opening.

Not enough material reached the oven, through a funnel under the screen, to proceed with analysis of the sample material.

Phoenix's Robotic Arm Camera took this image at 7:54 a.m. local solar time on Sol 62. The size of the screened opening is about 10 centimeters (4 inches) long by 4 centimeters (1.5 inches) wide.

The Phoenix Mission is led by the University of Arizona, Tucson, on behalf of NASA. Project management of the mission is by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif. Spacecraft development is by Lockheed Martin Space Systems, Denver.

Benefits of Nuclear Electric Propulsion for Outer Planet Exploration

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kos, Larry; Johnson, Les; Jones, Jonathan; Trausch, Ann; Eberle, Bill; Woodcock, Gordon; Brady, Hugh J. (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

Nuclear electric propulsion (NEP) offers significant benefits to missions for outer planet exploration. Reaching outer planet destinations, especially beyond Jupiter, is a struggle against time and distance. For relatively near missions, such as a Europa lander, conventional chemical propulsion and NEP offer similar performance and capabilities. For challenging missions such as a Pluto orbiter, neither chemical nor solar electric propulsion are capable while NEP offers acceptable performance. Three missions are compared in this paper: Europa lander, Pluto orbiter, and Titan sample return, illustrating how performance of conventional and advanced propulsion systems vary with increasing difficulty. The paper presents parametric trajectory performance data for NEP. Preliminary mass/performance estimates are provided for a Europa lander and a Titan sample return system, to derive net payloads for NEP. The NEP system delivers payloads and ascent/descent spacecraft to orbit around the target body, and for sample return, delivers the sample carrier system from Titan orbit to an Earth transfer trajectory. A representative scientific payload 500 kg was assumed, typical for a robotic mission. The resulting NEP systems are 100-kWe class, with specific impulse from 6000 to 9000 seconds.

Arrowhead Ripper: Adaptive Leadership in Full Spectrum Operations

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-06-01

of the city . Local mills processed flour from a combination of Iraqi wheat and imported grain, and agents delivered it to the citizens. However...later as an operation’s officer for the Center for Army Lessons Learned at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas . Upon completion of the Command and General...a “full spectrum” force during Operation ARROWHEAD RIPPER in the city of Baqubah, Iraq, from June to September 2007. The Brigade Commander organized

Generator and Setup for Emulating Exposures of Biological Samples to Lightning Strokes.

PubMed

Rebersek, Matej; Marjanovic, Igor; Begus, Samo; Pillet, Flavien; Rols, Marie-Pierre; Miklavcic, Damijan; Kotnik, Tadej

2015-10-01

We aimed to develop a system for controlled exposure of biological samples to conditions they experience when lightning strikes their habitats. We based the generator on a capacitor charged via a bridge rectifier and a dc-dc converter, and discharged via a relay, delivering arcs similar to natural lightning strokes in electric current waveform and similarly accompanied by acoustic shock waves. We coupled the generator to our exposure chamber described previously, measured electrical and acoustic properties of arc discharges delivered, and assessed their ability to inactivate bacterial spores. Submicrosecond discharges descended vertically from the conical emitting electrode across the air gap, entering the sample centrally and dissipating radially toward the ring-shaped receiving electrode. In contrast, longer discharges tended to short-circuit the electrodes. Recording at 341 000 FPS with Vision Research Phantom v2010 camera revealed that initial arc descent was still vertical, but became accompanied by arcs leaning increasingly sideways; after 8-12 μs, as the first of these arcs formed direct contact with the receiving electrode, it evolved into a channel of plasmified air and short-circuited the electrodes. We eliminated this artefact by incorporating an insulating cylinder concentrically between the electrodes, precluding short-circuiting between them. While bacterial spores are highly resistant to electric pulses delivered through direct contact, we showed that with arc discharges accompanied by an acoustic shock wave, spore inactivation is readily obtained. The presented system allows scientific investigation of effects of arc discharges on biological samples. This system will allow realistic experimental studies of lightning-triggered horizontal gene transfer and assessment of its role in evolution.

Tests of a High Temperature Sample Conditioner for the Waste Treatment Plant LV-S2, LV-S3, HV-S3A and HV-S3B Exhaust Systems

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

Flaherty, Julia E.; Glissmeyer, John A.

2015-03-18

Tests were performed to evaluate a sample conditioning unit for stack monitoring at Hanford Tank Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant (WTP) exhaust stacks with elevated air temperatures. The LV-S2, LV-S3, HV-S3A and HV-S3B exhaust stacks are expected to have elevated air temperature and dew point. At these emission points, exhaust temperatures are too high to deliver the air sample directly to the required stack monitoring equipment. As a result, a sample conditioning system is considered to cool and dry the air prior to its delivery to the stack monitoring system. The method proposed for the sample conditioning is a dilutionmore » system that will introduce cooler, dry air to the air sample stream. This method of sample conditioning is meant to reduce the sample temperature while avoiding condensation of moisture in the sample stream. An additional constraint is that the ANSI/HPS N13.1-1999 standard states that at least 50% of the 10 μm aerodynamic diameter (AD) particles present in the stack free stream must be delivered to the sample collector. In other words, depositional loss of particles should be limited to 50% in the sampling, transport, and conditioning systems. Based on estimates of particle penetration through the LV-S3 sampling system, the diluter should perform with about 80% penetration or better to ensure that the total sampling system passes the 50% or greater penetration criterion.« less

Feasibility and Testing of Additive Manufactured Components

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

Dehoff, Ryan R.; Hummelt, Ed; Solovyeva, Lyudmila

2016-09-01

This project focused on demonstrating the ability to fabricate two parts with different geometry: an arc flash interrupter and a hydraulic manifold. Eaton Corporation provided ORNL solid models, information related to tolerances and sensitive parameters of the parts and provided testing and evaluation. ORNL successfully manufactured both components, provided cost models of the manufacturing (materials, labor, time and post processing) and delivered test components for Eaton evaluation. The arc flash suppressor was fabricated using the Renishaw laser powder bed technology in CoCrMo while the manifold was produced from Ti-6Al-4V using the Arcam electron beam melting technology. These manufacturing techniques weremore » selected based on the design and geometrical tolerances required. A full-scale manifold was produced on the Arcam A2 system (nearly 12 inches tall). A portion of the manifold was also produced in the Arcam Q10 system. Although a full scale manifold could not be produced in the system, a full scale manifold is expected to have similar material properties, geometric accuracy, and surface finish as could be fabricated on an Arcam Q20 system that is capable of producing four full scale manifolds in a production environment. In addition to the manifold, mechanical test specimens, geometric tolerance artifacts, and microstructure samples were produced alongside the manifold. The development and demonstration of these two key components helped Eaton understand the impact additive manufacturing can have on many of their existing products. By working within the MDF and leveraging ORNL’s manufacturing and characterization capabilities, the work will ensure the rapid insertion and commercialization of this technology.« less

piggyBac transposons expressing full-length human dystrophin enable genetic correction of dystrophic mesoangioblasts.

PubMed

Loperfido, Mariana; Jarmin, Susan; Dastidar, Sumitava; Di Matteo, Mario; Perini, Ilaria; Moore, Marc; Nair, Nisha; Samara-Kuko, Ermira; Athanasopoulos, Takis; Tedesco, Francesco Saverio; Dickson, George; Sampaolesi, Maurilio; VandenDriessche, Thierry; Chuah, Marinee K

2016-01-29

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a genetic neuromuscular disorder caused by the absence of dystrophin. We developed a novel gene therapy approach based on the use of the piggyBac (PB) transposon system to deliver the coding DNA sequence (CDS) of either full-length human dystrophin (DYS: 11.1 kb) or truncated microdystrophins (MD1: 3.6 kb; MD2: 4 kb). PB transposons encoding microdystrophins were transfected in C2C12 myoblasts, yielding 65±2% MD1 and 66±2% MD2 expression in differentiated multinucleated myotubes. A hyperactive PB (hyPB) transposase was then deployed to enable transposition of the large-size PB transposon (17 kb) encoding the full-length DYS and green fluorescence protein (GFP). Stable GFP expression attaining 78±3% could be achieved in the C2C12 myoblasts that had undergone transposition. Western blot analysis demonstrated expression of the full-length human DYS protein in myotubes. Subsequently, dystrophic mesoangioblasts from a Golden Retriever muscular dystrophy dog were transfected with the large-size PB transposon resulting in 50±5% GFP-expressing cells after stable transposition. This was consistent with correction of the differentiated dystrophic mesoangioblasts following expression of full-length human DYS. These results pave the way toward a novel non-viral gene therapy approach for DMD using PB transposons underscoring their potential to deliver large therapeutic genes. © The Author(s) 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Nucleic Acids Research.

Design of experiments with four-factors for a PEM fuel cell optimization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Olteanu, V.; Pǎtularu, L.; Popescu, C. L.; Popescu, M. O.; Crǎciunescu, A.

2017-07-01

Nowadays, many research efforts are allocated for the development of fuel cells, since they constitute a carbon-free electrical energy generator which can be used for stationary, mobile and portable applications. The maximum value of the delivered power of a fuel cell depends on many factors as: the height of plates' channels, the stoichiometry level of the air flow, the air pressure for the cathode, and of the actual operating electric current density. In this paper, two levels, full four-factors factorial experiment has been designed in order to obtain the appropriate response surface which approximates the maximum delivered power dependence of the above-mentioned factors. The optimum set of the fuel-cell factors which determine the maximum value of the delivered power was determined and a comparison between simulated and measured optimal Power versus Current Density characteristics is given.

The state of public transportation in Houston

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1994-12-14

This full text of a speech delivered at a luncheon in Harris County,Texas on December 14, 1994, gives a status report on METRO and how Houston's key transportation providers plan to meet the challenges of the twenty-first century. Many improvements h...

Characterization of tank 51 sludge samples (HTF-51-17-44/ HTF-51-17-48) in support of sludge batch 10 processing

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

Oji, L. N.

The Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) was requested by Savannah River Remediation (SRR) Engineering (SRR-E) to provide sample characterization and analyses of Tank 51 sludge samples in support of Sludge Batch (SB) 10. The two Tank 51 sludge samples were sampled and delivered to SRNL in May of 2017. These two tank 51 sludge samples were combined into one composite sample and analyzed for corrosion controls analytes, select radionuclides, chemical elements, density and weight percent total solids and aluminum hydroxides (gibbsite and boehmite) by x-ray diffraction.

Electropolishing of Re-melted SLM Stainless Steel 316L Parts Using Deep Eutectic Solvents: 3 × 3 Full Factorial Design

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alrbaey, K.; Wimpenny, D. I.; Al-Barzinjy, A. A.; Moroz, A.

2016-07-01

This three-level three-factor full factorial study describes the effects of electropolishing using deep eutectic solvents on the surface roughness of re-melted 316L stainless steel samples produced by the selective laser melting (SLM) powder bed fusion additive manufacturing method. An improvement in the surface finish of re-melted stainless steel 316L parts was achieved by optimizing the processing parameters for a relatively environmentally friendly (`green') electropolishing process using a Choline Chloride ionic electrolyte. The results show that further improvement of the response value-average surface roughness ( Ra) can be obtained by electropolishing after re-melting to yield a 75% improvement compared to the as-built Ra. The best Ra value was less than 0.5 μm, obtained with a potential of 4 V, maintained for 30 min at 40 °C. Electropolishing has been shown to be effective at removing the residual oxide film formed during the re-melting process. The material dissolution during the process is not homogenous and is directed preferentially toward the iron and nickel, leaving the surface rich in chromium with potentially enhanced properties. The re-melted and polished surface of the samples gave an approximately 20% improvement in fatigue life at low stresses (approximately 570 MPa). The results of the study demonstrate that a combination of re-melting and electropolishing provides a flexible method for surface texture improvement which is capable of delivering a significant improvement in surface finish while holding the dimensional accuracy of parts within an acceptable range.

Towards 3D crystal orientation reconstruction using automated crystal orientation mapping transmission electron microscopy (ACOM-TEM).

PubMed

Kobler, Aaron; Kübel, Christian

2018-01-01

To relate the internal structure of a volume (crystallite and phase boundaries) to properties (electrical, magnetic, mechanical, thermal), a full 3D reconstruction in combination with in situ testing is desirable. In situ testing allows the crystallographic changes in a material to be followed by tracking and comparing the individual crystals and phases. Standard transmission electron microscopy (TEM) delivers a projection image through the 3D volume of an electron-transparent TEM sample lamella. Only with the help of a dedicated TEM tomography sample holder is an accurate 3D reconstruction of the TEM lamella currently possible. 2D crystal orientation mapping has become a standard method for crystal orientation and phase determination while 3D crystal orientation mapping have been reported only a few times. The combination of in situ testing with 3D crystal orientation mapping remains a challenge in terms of stability and accuracy. Here, we outline a method to 3D reconstruct the crystal orientation from a superimposed diffraction pattern of overlapping crystals without sample tilt. Avoiding the typically required tilt series for 3D reconstruction enables not only faster in situ tests but also opens the possibility for more stable and more accurate in situ mechanical testing. The approach laid out here should serve as an inspiration for further research and does not make a claim to be complete.

Sample Manipulation System for Sample Analysis at Mars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mumm, Erik; Kennedy, Tom; Carlson, Lee; Roberts, Dustyn

2008-01-01

The Sample Analysis at Mars (SAM) instrument will analyze Martian samples collected by the Mars Science Laboratory Rover with a suite of spectrometers. This paper discusses the driving requirements, design, and lessons learned in the development of the Sample Manipulation System (SMS) within SAM. The SMS stores and manipulates 74 sample cups to be used for solid sample pyrolysis experiments. Focus is given to the unique mechanism architecture developed to deliver a high packing density of sample cups in a reliable, fault tolerant manner while minimizing system mass and control complexity. Lessons learned are presented on contamination control, launch restraint mechanisms for fragile sample cups, and mechanism test data.

Contrast enhanced spectroscopic optical coherence tomography

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Xu, Chenyang (Inventor); Boppart, Stephen A. (Inventor)

2010-01-01

A method of forming an image of a sample includes performing SOCT on a sample. The sample may include a contrast agent, which may include an absorbing agent and/or a scattering agent. A method of forming an image of tissue may include selecting a contrast agent, delivering the contrast agent to the tissue, acquiring SOCT data from the tissue, and converting the SOCT data into an image. The contributions to the SOCT data of an absorbing agent and a scattering agent in a sample may be quantified separately.

Method and apparatus for chemical and topographical microanalysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kossakovski, Dmitri A. (Inventor); Baldeschwieler, John D. (Inventor); Beauchamp, Jesse L. (Inventor)

2002-01-01

A scanning probe microscope is combined with a laser induced breakdown spectrometer to provide spatially resolved chemical analysis of the surface correlated with the surface topography. Topographical analysis is achieved by scanning a sharp probe across the sample at constant distance from the surface. Chemical analysis is achieved by the means of laser induced breakdown spectroscopy by delivering pulsed laser radiation to the sample surface through the same sharp probe, and consequent collection and analysis of emission spectra from plasma generated on the sample by the laser radiation. The method comprises performing microtopographical analysis of the sample with a scanning probe, selecting a scanned topological site on the sample, generating a plasma plume at the selected scanned topological site, and measuring a spectrum of optical emission from the plasma at the selected scanned topological site. The apparatus comprises a scanning probe, a pulsed laser optically coupled to the probe, an optical spectrometer, and a controller coupled to the scanner, laser and spectrometer for controlling the operation of the scanner, laser and spectrometer. The probe and scanner are used for topographical profiling the sample. The probe is also used for laser radiation delivery to the sample for generating a plasma plume from the sample. Optical emission from the plasma plume is collected and delivered to the optical spectrometer so that analysis of emission spectrum by the optical spectrometer allows for identification of chemical composition of the sample at user selected sites.

The feasibility of early pulmonary rehabilitation and activity after COPD exacerbations: external pilot randomised controlled trial, qualitative case study and exploratory economic evaluation.

PubMed

Cox, Matthew; O'Connor, Catherine; Biggs, Katie; Hind, Daniel; Bortolami, Oscar; Franklin, Matthew; Collins, Barbara; Walters, Stephen; Wailoo, Allan; Channell, Julie; Albert, Paul; Freeman, Ursula; Bourke, Stephen; Steiner, Michael; Miles, Jon; O'Brien, Tom; McWilliams, David; Schofield, Terry; O'Reilly, John; Hughes, Rodney

2018-03-01

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) affects > 3 million people in the UK. Acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD) are the second most common reason for emergency hospital admission in the UK. Pulmonary rehabilitation is usual care for stable COPD but there is little evidence for early pulmonary rehabilitation (EPR) following AECOPD, either in hospital or immediately post discharge. To assess the feasibility of recruiting patients, collecting data and delivering EPR to patients with AECOPD to evaluate EPR compared with usual care. Parallel-group, pilot 2 × 2 factorial randomised trial with nested qualitative research and an economic analysis. Two acute hospital NHS trusts. Recruitment was carried out from September 2015 to April 2016 and follow-up was completed in July 2016. Eligible patients were those aged ≥ 35 years who were admitted with AECOPD, who were non-acidotic and who maintained their blood oxygen saturation level ( S pO 2 ) within a prescribed range. Exclusions included the presence of comorbidities that affected the ability to undertake the interventions. (1) Hospital EPR: muscle training delivered at the patient's hospital bed using a cycle ergometer and (2) home EPR: a pulmonary rehabilitation programme delivered in the patient's home. Both interventions were delivered by trained physiotherapists. Participants were allocated on a 1 : 1 : 1 : 1 ratio to (1) hospital EPR ( n  = 14), (2) home EPR ( n  = 15), (3) hospital EPR and home EPR ( n  = 14) and (4) control ( n  = 15). Outcome assessors were blind to treatment allocation; it was not possible to blind patients. Feasibility of recruiting 76 participants in 7 months at two centres; intervention delivery; views on intervention/research acceptability; clinical outcomes including the 6-minute walk distance (6WMD); and costs. Semistructured interviews with participants ( n  = 27) and research health professionals ( n  = 11), optimisation assessments and an economic analysis were also undertaken. Over 7 months 449 patients were screened, of whom most were not eligible for the trial or felt too ill/declined entry. In total, 58 participants (76%) of the target 76 participants were recruited to the trial. The primary clinical outcome (6MWD) was difficult to collect (hospital EPR, n  = 5; home EPR, n  = 6; hospital EPR and home EPR, n  = 5; control, n  = 5). Hospital EPR was difficult to deliver over 5 days because of patient discharge/staff availability, with 34.1% of the scheduled sessions delivered compared with 78.3% of the home EPR sessions. Serious adverse events were experienced by 26 participants (45%), none of which was related to the interventions. Interviewed participants generally found both interventions to be acceptable. Home EPR had a higher rate of acceptability, mainly because patients felt too unwell when in hospital to undergo hospital EPR. Physiotherapists generally found the interventions to be acceptable and valued them but found delivery difficult because of staffing issues. The health economic analysis results suggest that there would be value in conducting a larger trial to assess the cost-effectiveness of the hospital EPR and hospital EPR plus home EPR trial arms and collect more information to inform the hospital cost and quality-adjusted life-year parameters, which were shown to be key drivers of the model. A full-scale randomised controlled trial using this protocol would not be feasible. Recruitment and delivery of the hospital EPR intervention was difficult. The data obtained can be used to design a full-scale trial of home EPR. Because of the small sample and large confidence intervals, this study should not be used to inform clinical practice. Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN18634494. This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment ; Vol. 22, No. 11. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.

The development and feasibility of a pharmacy-delivered opioid intervention in the emergency department

PubMed Central

Winstanley, Erin L.; Mashni, Rebecca; Schnee, Sydney; Miller, Nate; Mashni, Susan M.

2017-01-01

Objectives To develop a brief intervention and to assess the feasibility of pharmacy-delivered education on opioid safety and overdose prevention in the emergency department. Methods A convenience sample of patients (n = 102) approached between May and June 2016 at a single community-based suburban emergency department located in the Midwest. Results The intervention included scripted counseling to be delivered in person and 2 educational brochures. The counseling took approximately 5 minutes, and only 2 patients refused the counseling. All the patients were satisfied with the intervention, and 97.4% of them reported that the counseling improved their knowledge of opioid side effects. The majority of patients thought that their own risk of addiction was significantly less than the general public’s risk of addiction when taking opioids. Conclusion This study provides preliminary evidence that student pharmacists or pharmacists are able to deliver opioid safety and overdose education in the emergency department. PMID:28292506

Silicon Whisker and Carbon Nanofiber Composite Anode

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lang, Christopher M.

2015-01-01

Phase II Objectives: Demonstrate production levels of grams per batch; Achieve full cell anode capacity of greater than 1,000 mAh/g at a charge rate of 10 (C/10) and 0 degree C; Establish a full cell cycle life of over 300 cycles; Display an operating temperature of negative 30 degrees C to plus 30 degrees C; Demonstrate a rate capability of C/5 or higher; Deliver to NASA three 2.5 Ah cells (energy density greater than 220 Wh/kg); Exhibit the safety features of the anode and full cells; Design a 1 kWh prismatic battery pack.

Defining the demands and meeting the challenges of integrated bird conservation

Treesearch

Charles K. Baxter

2005-01-01

Understanding the demands of integration bird conservation begins with a critical assessment of the North American Bird Conservation Initiative's (NABCI) goal."Regionally-based, biologically-driven, landscape oriented partnerships delivering the full spectrum of bird conservation across the entirety of North America."

Intradermal Inactivated Poliovirus Vaccine: A Preclinical Dose-Finding Study

PubMed Central

Kouiavskaia, Diana; Mirochnitchenko, Olga; Dragunsky, Eugenia; Kochba, Efrat; Levin, Yotam; Troy, Stephanie; Chumakov, Konstantin

2015-01-01

Intradermal delivery of vaccines has been shown to result in dose sparing. We tested the ability of fractional doses of inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV) delivered intradermally to induce levels of serum poliovirus-neutralizing antibodies similar to immunization through the intramuscular route. Immunogenicity of fractional doses of IPV was studied by comparing intramuscular and intradermal immunization of Wistar rats using NanoPass MicronJet600 microneedles. Intradermal delivery of partial vaccine doses induced antibodies at titers comparable to those after immunization with full human dose delivered intramuscularly. The results suggest that intradermal delivery of IPV may lead to dose-sparing effect and reduction of the vaccination cost. PMID:25391313

System Would Acquire Core and Powder Samples of Rocks

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bar-Cohen, Yoseph; Randolph, James; Bao, Xiaoqi; Sherrit, Stewart; Ritz, Chuck; Cook, Greg

2006-01-01

A system for automated sampling of rocks, ice, and similar hard materials at and immediately below the surface of the ground is undergoing development. The system, denoted a sample preparation, acquisition, handling, and delivery (SPAHD) device, would be mounted on a robotic exploratory vehicle that would traverse the terrain of interest on the Earth or on a remote planet. The SPAHD device would probe the ground to obtain data for optimization of sampling, prepare the surface, acquire samples in the form(s) of cores and/or powdered cuttings, and deliver the samples to a selected location for analysis and/or storage.

Automated fluid analysis apparatus and techniques

DOEpatents

Szecsody, James E.

2004-03-16

An automated device that couples a pair of differently sized sample loops with a syringe pump and a source of degassed water. A fluid sample is mounted at an inlet port and delivered to the sample loops. A selected sample from the sample loops is diluted in the syringe pump with the degassed water and fed to a flow through detector for analysis. The sample inlet is also directly connected to the syringe pump to selectively perform analysis without dilution. The device is airtight and used to detect oxygen-sensitive species, such as dithionite in groundwater following a remedial injection to treat soil contamination.

Utilization of healthcare services in postpartum women in the Philippines who delivered at home and the effects on their health: a cross-sectional analytical study.

PubMed

Yamashita, Tadashi; Reyes Tuliao, Maria Teresa; Concel Meana, Magdalena; Suplido, Sherri Ann; Llave, Cecilia L; Tanaka, Yuko; Matsuo, Hiroya

2017-01-01

A low ratio of utilization of healthcare services in postpartum women may contribute to maternal deaths during the postpartum period. The maternal mortality ratio is high in the Philippines. The aim of this study was to examine the current utilization of healthcare services and the effects on the health of women in the Philippines who delivered at home. This was a cross-sectional analytical study, based on a self-administrated questionnaire, conducted from March 2015 to February 2016 in Muntinlupa, Philippines. Sixty-three postpartum women who delivered at home or at a facility were enrolled for this study. A questionnaire containing questions regarding characteristics, utilization of healthcare services, and abnormal symptoms during postpartum period was administered. To analyze the questionnaire data, the sample was divided into delivery at home and delivery at a facility. Chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, and Mann-Whitney U test were used. There were significant differences in the type of birth attendant, area of residence, monthly income, and maternal and child health book usage between women who delivered at home and those who delivered at a facility ( P <0.01). There was significant difference in the utilization of antenatal checkup ( P <0.01) during pregnancy, whilst there was no significant difference in utilization of healthcare services during the postpartum period. Women who delivered at home were more likely to experience feeling of irritated eyes and headaches, and continuous abdominal pain ( P <0.05). Financial and environmental barriers might hinder the utilization of healthcare services by women who deliver at home in the Philippines. Low utilization of healthcare services in women who deliver at home might result in more frequent abnormal symptoms during postpartum.

Impact of a pneumatic tube system transport on hemostasis parameters measurement: the experiment of Cochin universitary hospital (AP-HP, Paris, France).

PubMed

Calmette, Leyla; Ibrahim, Firas; Gouin, Isabelle; Horellou, Marie-Hélène; Mazoyer, Élisabeth; Fontenay, Michaela; Flaujac, Claire

2017-02-01

Samples transported by pneumatic tube system are submitted to forces of acceleration and deceleration which can affect laboratory parameters. At Cochin hospital, majority of samples of hemostasis, except for platelets tests, are transported by pneumatic tube system. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of a pneumatic tube system (PTS) transport compared to hand-delivered transport on samples and to qualify Cochin hospital PTS according to requirements of standard ISO 15189. A bibliographical study was made and showed that pneumatic tube system particularly influences platelets tests. Four citrate tubes were collected in 5 healthy volunteers in the maternity: 2 tubes were transported by PTS and 2 others were hand-delivered to the laboratory. Five coagulation tests were analyzed: prothrombine time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), factor (F) V, FVIII and platelet closure time with PFA-100TM collagen/epinephrine. For each volunteer, the results obtained by PTS and by hand-delivered transport were compared with formula usually used for biological analysis retake: 2.8 x standard deviation of reproductibility variation coefficient (SH GTA 01, COFRAC). This study did not show an impact of PTS on PT, aPTT, FV and FVIII. For PFA-100TM collagen/epinephrine, we noted an impact on 2/5 volunteers. These results, in agreement with the literature, led to the conclusion that Cochin hospital PTS is in compliance to transport samples for usual coagulation tests except platelet tests. This study allowed to issue French recommendations for PTS transport of hemostasis tubes qualification available on "Groupe français d'hémostase et thrombose" Web site.

CHIMRA: Scoops, Sieves and Delivers Samples

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-10-04

This false-color engineering drawing shows the Collection and Handling for In-Situ Martian Rock Analysis CHIMRA device, attached to the turret at the end of the robotic arm on NASA Curiosity Mars rover.

User fee exemptions and excessive household spending for normal delivery in Burkina Faso: the need for careful implementation.

PubMed

Ben Ameur, Amal; Ridde, Valéry; Bado, Aristide R; Ingabire, Marie-Gloriose; Queuille, Ludovic

2012-11-21

In 2006, the Parliament of Burkina Faso passed a policy to reduce the direct costs of obstetric services and neonatal care in the country's health centres, aiming to lower the country's high national maternal mortality and morbidity rates. Implementation was via a "partial exemption" covering 80% of the costs. In 2008 the German NGO HELP launched a pilot project in two health districts to eliminate the remaining 20% of user fees. Regardless of any exemptions, women giving birth in Burkina Faso's health centres face additional expenses that often represent an additional barrier to accessing health services. We compared the total cost of giving birth in health centres offering partial exemption versus those with full exemption to assess the impact on additional out-of-pocket fees. A case-control study was performed to compare medical expenses. Case subjects were women who gave birth in 12 health centres located in the Dori and Sebba districts, where HELP provided full fee exemption for obstetric services and neonatal care. Controls were from six health centres in the neighbouring Djibo district where a partial fee exemption was in place. A random sample of approximately 50 women per health centre was selected for a total of 870 women. There was an implementation gap regarding the full exemption for obstetric services and neonatal care. Only 1.1% of the sample from Sebba but 17.5% of the group from Dori had excessive spending on birth related costs, indicating that women who delivered in Sebba were much less exposed to excessive medical expenses than women from Dori. Additional out-of-pocket fees in the full exemption health districts took into account household ability to pay, with poorer women generally paying less. We found that the elimination of fees for facility-based births benefits especially the poorest households. The existence of excessive spending related to direct costs of giving birth is of concern, making it urgent for the government to remove all direct fees for obstetric and neonatal care. However, the policy of completely abolishing user fees is insufficient; the implementation process must have a thorough monitoring system to reduce implementation gaps.

Drawing at the Speed of Talk: doodling complex discussions in real-time to create animated ``Conversation Portraits''

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rosenberg, Flash

2012-02-01

What does your research look like as a drawing? Imagine the guy who delivered your pizza understanding the latest paper you delivered. Flash Rosenberg will describe how she ``live-draws'' discussions between prominent authors and scientists to create lucid animations. She will offer strategies for how to translate the impenetrable into the understandable, convert equations into sensations, and enable everyone to appreciate issues in physics as relevant, intriguing fun. View sample ``Conversation Portraits'' at http://vimeo.com/flashrosenberg/videos

Citizens and Handicaps.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Thomas, Stanley B., Jr.

In a speech delivered at the National Easter Seal Society's Annual Convention (1974), the author discusses progress toward full citizenship for the handicapped focusing on the roles of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare (DHEW) and the Office for the Handicapped, Constitutional guarantees of equal rights for all citizens, and national…

Performances achieved to the Grid by a Full Power Converter Used in a Variable Speed Pumped Storage Plant

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Claude, Jean-Michel

2017-04-01

The growth of renewable energies likes wind and solar requires pumped-storage plants to increase their performances to stabilize grid frequency and voltage. The introduction of a full-power converter constitutes the ultimate step forward to meet the requirement in a safe, reliable and sustainable manner. This article quickly introduces the converter topology and technology before describing the performances it aims to deliver to the grid. Finally, converter bypass is discussed.

An Analysis of Scalable GPU-Based Ray-Guided Volume Rendering

PubMed Central

Fogal, Thomas; Schiewe, Alexander; Krüger, Jens

2014-01-01

Volume rendering continues to be a critical method for analyzing large-scale scalar fields, in disciplines as diverse as biomedical engineering and computational fluid dynamics. Commodity desktop hardware has struggled to keep pace with data size increases, challenging modern visualization software to deliver responsive interactions for O(N3) algorithms such as volume rendering. We target the data type common in these domains: regularly-structured data. In this work, we demonstrate that the major limitation of most volume rendering approaches is their inability to switch the data sampling rate (and thus data size) quickly. Using a volume renderer inspired by recent work, we demonstrate that the actual amount of visualizable data for a scene is typically bound considerably lower than the memory available on a commodity GPU. Our instrumented renderer is used to investigate design decisions typically swept under the rug in volume rendering literature. The renderer is freely available, with binaries for all major platforms as well as full source code, to encourage reproduction and comparison with future research. PMID:25506079

The Phobos-Grunt microgravity soil preparation system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yung, Kai-leung; Lam, Chi Wo; Ko, Sui Man; Foster, James Abbott

2017-12-01

To understand the composition of regolith on distant bodies it is important to make quantitative measurement of its composition. However, many instruments on board space missions can only make qualitative measurements. The SOil Preparation SYStem (SOPSYS) designed for the Phobos-grunt mission in 2011 was a unique spacecraft subsystem that can grind, sieve, transport and measure samples of regolith in the absence of gravity. Its mission was to produce a compact plug of regolith sample composed of particles no larger than 1 mm for a gas analytic package. It delivers a sample with specified volume enabling a quantitative analysis of the volatiles produced at different temperatures through heating. To minimize cross contamination, SOPSYS self-cleans after each sample is delivered. The apparatus was a cooperative development between China and Russia for the Phobos-Grunt mission to the Martian moon Phobos and will be reused on the upcoming reattempt of that mission and other similar missions. The paper presents an overview of the subsystem and the results of qualification model testing. The flight unit of SOPSYS has a low mass of 622 g including control electronics and compact dimensions of 247 mm by 102 mm by 45 mm.

Performance of the University of Denver Low Turbulence, Airborne Aerosol Inlet in ACE-Asia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lafleur, B.; Wilson, J. C.; Seebaugh, W. R.; Gesler, D.; Hilbert, H.; Mullen, J.; Reeves, J. M.

2002-12-01

The University of Denver Low Turbulence Inlet (DULTI) was flown on the NCAR C-130 in ACE-Asia. This inlet delivered large sample flows at velocities of a few meters per second at the exit of the inlet. This flow was slowed from the true air speed of the aircraft (100 to 150 m/s) to a few meters per second in a short diffuser with porous walls. The flow in the diffusing section was laminar. The automatic control system kept the inlet operating at near isokinetic intake velocities and in laminar flow for nearly all the flight time. The DULTI permits super micron particles to be sampled and delivered with high efficiency to the interior of the aircraft where they can be measured or collected. Because most of the air entering the inlet is removed through the porous medium, the sample flow experiences inertial enhancements. Because these enhancements occur in laminar flow, they are calculable using FLUENT. Enhancement factors are defined as the ratio of the number of particles of a given size per unit mass of air in the sample to the number of particles of that size per unit mass of air in the ambient. Experimenters divide measured mixing ratios of the aerosol by the enhancement factor to get the ambient mixing ratio of the particles. The diffuser used in ACE-Asia differed from that used in PELTI (2000), TexAQS2000 (2000) and ITCT (2002). In this poster, the flow parameters measured in the inlet in flight are compared with those calculated from FLUENT. And enhancement factors are presented for flight conditions. The enhancement factors are found to depend upon the Stokes number of particles in the entrance to the inlet and the ratio of the mass flow rate of air removed by suction to the mass flow rate delivered as sample.

The Gulliver Mission: A Short-Cut to Primitive Body and Mars Sample Return

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Britt, D. T.

2003-05-01

The Martian moon Deimos has extraordinary potential for future sample return missions. Deimos is spectrally similar to D-type asteroids and may be a captured primitive asteroid that originated in the outer asteroid belt. This capture probably took place in the earliest periods of Martian history, over 4.4 Gyrs ago [1], and Deimos has been accumulating material ejected from the Martian surface ever since. Analysis of Martian ejecta, material accumulation, capture cross-section, regolith over-turn, and Deimos's albedo suggest that Mars material may make up as much as 10% of Deimos's regolith. The Martian material on Deimos would be dominated by ejecta from the ancient crust of Mars, delivered during the Noachian Period of basin-forming impacts and heavy bombardment. Deimos could be a repository of samples from ancient Mars, including the full range of Martian crustal and upper mantle material from the early differentiation and crustal-forming epoch as well as samples from the era of high volatile flux, thick atmosphere, and possible surface water. In addition to Martian ejecta, 90% of the Deimos sample will be spectral type D asteroidal material. D-type asteroids are thought to be highly primitive and are most common in the difficult to access outer asteroid belt and the Jupiter Trojans. The Gulliver Mission proposes to directly collect up to 10 kilograms of Deimos regolith and return it to Earth. This sample may contain up to 1000 grams of Martian material along with up to 9 kilograms of primitive asteroidal material. Because of stochastic processes of regolith mixing over 4.4 Gyrs, the rock fragments and grains will likely sample the diversity of the Martian ancient surface as well as the asteroid. In essence, Gulliver represents two shortcuts, to Mars sample return and to the outer asteroid belt. References: [1] Burns J. A. (1992) Mars (Kieffer H. H. et al., eds), 1283-1302.

Sea Ice as a Sink for CO2 and Biogeochemical Material: a Novel Sampling Method and Astrobiological Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wilner, J.; Hofmann, A.; Hand, K. P.

2017-12-01

Accurately modelling the intensification of greenhouse gas effects in the polar regions ("polar amplification") necessitates a thorough understanding of the geochemical balance between atmospheric, sea ice, and oceanic layers. Sea ice is highly permeable to CO2 and therefore represents a major sink of oceanic CO2 in winter and of atmospheric CO2 in summer, sinks that are typically either poorly constrained in or fully absent from global climate models. We present a novel method for sampling both trapped and dissolved gases (CO2, CH4 and δ13CH4) in sea ice with a Picarro 2132-i Methane Analyzer, taking the following sampling considerations into account: minimization of water and air contamination, full headspace sampling, prevention of inadvertent sample bag double-puncturing, and ease of use. This method involves melting of vacuum-sealed ice cores to evacuate trapped gases to the headspace and sampling the headspace gas with a blunt needle sheathed by a beveled puncturing needle. A gravity catchment tube prevents input of dangerous levels of liquid water to the Picarro cavity. Subsequent ultrasonic degassing allows for dissolved gas measurement. We are in the process of using this method to sample gases trapped and dissolved in Arctic autumn sea ice cores and atmospheric samples collected during the 2016 Polarstern Expedition and during a May 2017 field campaign north of Barrow, Alaska. We additionally employ this method, together with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), to analyze the transfer of potential biogeochemical signatures of underlying hydrothermal plumes to sea ice. This has particular relevance to Europa and Enceladus, where hypothetical hydrothermal plumes may deliver seafloor chemicals to the overlying ice shell. Hence, we are presently investigating the entrainment of methane and other hydrothermal material in sea ice cores collected along the Gakkel Ridge that may serve as biosignatures of methanogenic organisms in seafloor oases analogous to icy ocean worlds.

Safeguarding Copyrighted Contents: Digital Libraries and Intellectual Property Management. CWRU's Rights Management System.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Alrashid, Tareq M.; Barker, James A.; Christian, Brian S.; Cox, Steven C.; Rabne, Michael W.; Slotta, Elizabeth A.; Upthegrove, Luella R.

1998-01-01

Describes Case Western Reserve University's (CWRU's) digital library project that examines the networked delivery of full-text materials and high-quality images to provide students excellent supplemental instructional resources delivered directly to their dormitory rooms. Reviews intellectual property (IP) management requirements and describes…

A Distance Learning Case Study.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Boord, Patricia M.

1998-01-01

To address diminishing resources and increased training demands, the Operational Training Unit (OTU) of the Federal Bureau of Investigation has saved almost $2 million by developing a distance education course to replace one full week of training at the FBI Academy. Discussion focuses on major issues faced by OTU in designing/delivering this…

Customized News in Your Mailbox.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rudich, Joe

1996-01-01

Customized Internet services deliver news and selected research via e-mail, fax, Web browser, or their own software. Some are clipping services while others are full-fledged online newspapers. Most charge a monthly subscription fee, but a few are free to registered users. Provides the addresses, cost, scope, and evaluation of eight services. (PEN)

43 CFR 418.28 - Conditions of delivery.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... deliveries. If water is delivered to ineligible land or in excess of the appropriate water duty then: (1) The... year to determine the amount of water required to enable the delivery of full entitlements at... will take prompt action to avoid such violations. The Bureau will exercise reasonable latitude from...

43 CFR 418.28 - Conditions of delivery.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... deliveries. If water is delivered to ineligible land or in excess of the appropriate water duty then: (1) The... year to determine the amount of water required to enable the delivery of full entitlements at... will take prompt action to avoid such violations. The Bureau will exercise reasonable latitude from...

43 CFR 418.28 - Conditions of delivery.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... deliveries. If water is delivered to ineligible land or in excess of the appropriate water duty then: (1) The... year to determine the amount of water required to enable the delivery of full entitlements at... will take prompt action to avoid such violations. The Bureau will exercise reasonable latitude from...

MOOCs: Expectations and Reality. Full Report

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hollands, Fiona M.; Tirthali, Devayani

2014-01-01

The purpose of this study was to investigate the goals of institutions that are currently developing and delivering Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) and to assess the current evidence as to whether these goals are being met. A qualitative study was conducted comprising interviews of 83 individuals across 62 institutions including public and…

Outcomes research in pediatric settings: recent trends and future directions.

PubMed

Forrest, Christopher B; Shipman, Scott A; Dougherty, Denise; Miller, Marlene R

2003-01-01

Pediatric outcomes research examines the effects of health care delivered in everyday medical settings on the health of children and adolescents. It is an area of inquiry in its nascent stages of development. We conducted a systematic literature review that covered articles published during the 6-year interval 1994-1999 and in 39 peer-reviewed journals chosen for their likelihood of containing child health services research. This article summarizes the article abstraction, reviews the literature, describes recent trends, and makes recommendations for future work. In the sample of journals that we examined, the number of pediatric outcomes research articles doubled between 1994 and 1999. Hospitals and primary care practices were the most common service sectors, accounting for more than half of the articles. Common clinical categories included neonatal conditions, asthma, psychosocial problems, and injuries. Approximately 1 in 5 studies included multistate or national samples; 1 in 10 used a randomized controlled trial study design. Remarkably few studies examined the health effects of preventive, diagnostic, long-term management, or curative services delivered to children and adolescents. Outcomes research in pediatric settings is a rapidly growing area of inquiry that is acquiring breadth but has achieved little depth in any single content area. Much work needs to be done to inform decision making regarding the optimal ways to finance, organize, and deliver child health care services. To improve the evidence base of pediatric health care, more effectiveness research is needed to evaluate the overall and relative effects of services delivered to children and adolescents in everyday settings.

The impact of maternal- and neonatal-associated factors on human milk's macronutrients and energy.

PubMed

Dritsakou, Kalliopi; Liosis, Georgios; Valsami, Georgia; Polychronopoulos, Evangelos; Skouroliakou, Maria

2017-06-01

To test the impact of specific maternal- and neonatal-associated factors on human milk's macronutrients and energy. This study was conducted with the use of a human milk analyzer (HMA, MIRIS, Uppsala, Sweden). Six hundred and thirty samples of raw milk and 95 samples of donor pasteurized milk were delivered from a total of 305 mothers. A significant inverse correlation of fat, protein and energy content with gestational age and birth weight was established. Fat and energy were lower in colostrum, increased in transitional milk and decreased on the 30th day's mature milk compared to transitional. The rate of protein decline from colostrum to mature milk was lower in premature deliveries compared to that of full-terms, resulting in greater contents of protein in preterm mature milk. The upmost amounts of carbohydrates were found in mature milk of preterm deliveries. A positive correlation was found between maternal age and fat contents. In women with higher post-pregnancy BMI levels greater analogies of fat and energy were presented. In women suffering diet-controlled gestational diabetes (GD), lower protein and higher fat and energy levels were found. Prematurity, maternal age, diet-controlled GD and high post-pregnancy BMI levels were found to impose statistical significant effect on milk's macronutrients and energy.

Computer-Delivered Interventions for Health Promotion and Behavioral Risk Reduction: A Meta-Analysis of 75 Randomized Controlled Trials, 1988 – 2007

PubMed Central

Portnoy, David B.; Scott-Sheldon, Lori A. J.; Johnson, Blair T.; Carey, Michael P.

2008-01-01

Objective Use of computers to promote healthy behavior is increasing. To evaluate the efficacy of these computer-delivered interventions, we conducted a meta-analysis of the published literature. Method Studies examining health domains related to the leading health indicators outlined in Healthy People 2010 were selected. Data from 75 randomized controlled trials, published between 1988 and 2007, with 35,685 participants and 82 separate interventions were included. All studies were coded independently by two raters for study and participant characteristics, design and methodology, and intervention content. We calculated weighted mean effect sizes for theoretically-meaningful psychosocial and behavioral outcomes; moderator analyses determined the relation between study characteristics and the magnitude of effect sizes for heterogeneous outcomes. Results Compared with controls, participants who received a computer-delivered intervention improved several hypothesized antecedents of health behavior (knowledge, attitudes, intentions); intervention recipients also improved health behaviors (nutrition, tobacco use, substance use, safer sexual behavior, binge/purge behaviors) and general health maintenance. Several sample, study and intervention characteristics moderated the psychosocial and behavioral outcomes. Conclusion Computer-delivered interventions can lead to improved behavioral health outcomes at first post-intervention assessment. Interventions evaluating outcomes at extended assessment periods are needed to evaluate the longer-term efficacy of computer-delivered interventions. PMID:18403003

Innovative model of delivering quality improvement education for trainees--a pilot project.

PubMed

Ramar, Kannan; Hale, Curt W; Dankbar, Eugene C

2015-01-01

After incorporating quality improvement (QI) education as a required curriculum for our trainees in 2010, a need arose to readdress our didactic sessions as they were too long, difficult to schedule, and resulting in a drop in attendance. A 'flipped classroom' (FC) model to deliver QI education was touted to be an effective delivery method as it allows the trainees to view didactic materials on videos, on their own time, and uses the classroom to clarify concepts and employ learned tools on case-based scenarios including workshops. The Mayo Quality Academy prepared 29 videos that incorporated the previously delivered 17 weekly didactic sessions, for a total duration of 135 min. The half-day session clarified questions related to the videos, followed by case examples and a hands-on workshop on how to perform and utilize a few commonly used QI tools and methods. Seven trainees participated. There was a significant improvement in knowledge as measured by pre- and post-FC model test results [improvement by 40.34% (SD 16.34), p<0.001]. The survey results were overall positive about the FC model with all trainees strongly agreeing that we should continue with this model to deliver QI education. The pilot project of using the FC model to deliver QI education was successful in a small sample of trainees.

Physical Activity Outcomes of Nurse-Delivered Lifestyle Interventions.

PubMed

Richards, Elizabeth A; Cai, Yun

2016-02-01

Promotion of physical activity has been a public health priority for decades. Over two million home healthcare nurses are at the front line to deliver effective health education and health promotion interventions in the United States. The purpose of this systematic review is to examine the effectiveness of nurse-delivered lifestyle physical interventions on physical activity outcomes conducted in home settings. Computerized database and ancestry search strategies located distinct intervention trials between 1990 and 2015. A total of eight quantitative studies were reviewed. Four of the eight studies were randomized control trials and four studies used an uncontrolled pretest-posttest design. The eight studies represented a total of 1,221 participants with mean ages from 43 to 81. Study sample sizes ranged from 16 to 504. Seven of the eight studies demonstrated modest effect of nurse-delivered home-based interventions on physical activity behaviors. Home-based physical activity promotion was most often incorporated into secondary prevention of postacute diseases, chronic disease management, or disease prevention/health promotion. Findings indicate that nurse-delivered home-based physical activity promotion show overall effectiveness in general adult populations. Possible effective intervention domains were also discussed in this review to guide future home-based health promotion. More large randomized controlled trials with longer study/follow-up periods and studies with cost-effectiveness data are warranted in future research.

Gerontological Social Work Student-Delivered Respite: A Community-University Partnership Pilot Program.

PubMed

Washington, Tiffany R; Tachman, Jacqueline A

2017-01-01

This study describes a community-university partnership to support a gerontological social work student-delivered respite program, the Houseguest Program (Houseguest). Houseguest was designed using a community-engaged scholarship model of integrating research, teaching, and service. Houseguest was piloted with a small group of community-dwelling, coresiding dementia caregivers and care recipients. We examined caregivers' experiences with student-delivered respite using qualitative data analysis. Thematic analysis produced 8 themes: (a) respite from full time caregiving role, (b) information on caregiving strategies, (c) no-cost supportive services, (d) opportunity for care recipients to socialize, (e) tailored activities for care recipients, (f) rapport-building between students and family dyad, (g) reciprocity between students and family dyad, and (h) program continuation. We conclude with a proposed community-engaged scholarship model for dementia caregiving. Through a community-university partnership, Houseguest reduced the impact of caregiver burden and created an opportunity for students to serve families affected by dementia through respite and tailored activities.

Wi-Fi Service enhancement at CERN

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ducret, V.; Sosnowski, A.; Gonzalez Caballero, B.; Barrand, Q.

2017-10-01

Since the early 2000’s, the number of mobile devices connected to CERN’s internal network has increased from just a handful to well over 10,000. Wireless access is no longer simply “nice to have” or just for conference and meeting rooms; support for mobility is expected by most, if not all, of the CERN community. In this context, a full renewal of the CERN Wi-Fi network has been launched to deliver a state-of-the-art campus-wide Wi-Fi Infrastructure. We aim to deliver, in more than 200 office buildings with a surface area of over 400,000m2 and including many high-priority and high-occupation zones, an end-user experience comparable, for most applications, to a wired connection and with seamless mobility support. We describe here the studies and tests performed at CERN to ensure the solution we are deploying can meet these goals as well as delivering a single, simple, flexible and open management platform.

Providing the full DDF link protection for bus-connected SIEPON based system architecture

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hwang, I.-Shyan; Pakpahan, Andrew Fernando; Liem, Andrew Tanny; Nikoukar, AliAkbar

2016-09-01

Currently a massive amount of traffic per second is delivered through EPON systems, one of the prominent access network technologies for delivering the next generation network. Therefore, it is vital to keep the EPON optical distribution network (ODN) working by providing the necessity protection mechanism in the deployed devices; otherwise, when failures occur it will cause a great loss for both network operators and business customers. In this paper, we propose a bus-connected architecture to protect and recover distribution drop fiber (DDF) link faults or transceiver failures at ONU(s) in SIEPON system. The proposed architecture provides a cost-effective architecture, which delivers the high fault-tolerance in handling multiple DDF faults, while also providing flexibility in choosing the backup ONU assignments. Simulation results show that the proposed architecture provides the reliability and maintains quality of service (QoS) performance in terms of mean packet delay, system throughput, packet loss and EF jitter when DDF link failures occur.

Sprinkle Test by Phoenix Robotic Arm Movie

NASA Image and Video Library

2008-06-10

NASA Phoenix Mars Lander used its Robotic Arm during the mission 15th Martian day since landing June 9, 2008 to test a prinkle method for delivering small samples of soil to instruments on the lander deck.

Smartphone App Using Mindfulness Meditation for Women With Chronic Pelvic Pain (MEMPHIS): Protocol for a Randomized Feasibility Trial

PubMed Central

Newton, Sian; Kahan, Brennan C; Forbes, Gordon; Wright, Neil; Cantalapiedra Calvete, Clara; Gibson, Harry A L; Rogozinska, Ewelina; Rivas, Carol; Taylor, Stephanie J C; Birch, Judy; Dodds, Julie

2018-01-01

Background Female chronic pelvic pain (CPP) is defined as intermittent or constant pelvic or lower abdominal pain occurring in a woman for at least 6 months. Up to a quarter of women are estimated to be affected by CPP worldwide and it is responsible for one fifth of specialist gynecological referrals in the United Kingdom. Psychological interventions are commonly utilized. As waiting times and funding capacity impede access to face-to-face consultations, supported self-management (SSM) has emerged as a viable alternative. Mindfulness meditation is a potentially valuable SSM tool, and in the era of mobile technology, this can be delivered to the individual user via a smartphone app. Objective To assess the feasibility of conducting a trial of a mindfulness meditation intervention delivered by a mobile phone app for patients with CPP. The main feasibility objectives were to assess patient recruitment and app adherence, to obtain information to be used in the sample size estimate of a future trial, and to receive feedback on usability of the app. Methods Mindfulness Meditation for Women With Chronic Pelvic Pain (MEMPHIS) is a three-arm feasibility trial, that took place in two hospitals in the United Kingdom. Eligible participants were randomized in a 1:1:1 ratio to one of three treatment arms: (1) the intervention arm, consisting of a guided, spoken mindfulness meditation app; (2) an active control arm, consisting of a progressive muscle relaxation app; and (3) usual care (no app). Participants were followed-up for 6 months. Key feasibility outcomes included the time taken to recruit all patients for the study, adherence, and estimates to be used in the sample size calculation for a subsequent full-scale trial. Upon completion of the feasibility trial we will conduct focus groups to explore app usability and reasons for noncompliance. Results Recruitment for MEMPHIS took place between May 2016 and September 2016. The study was closed March 2017 and the report was submitted to the NIHR on October 26, 2017. Conclusions This feasibility trial will inform the design of a large multicentered trial to assess the clinical effectiveness of mindfulness meditation delivered via a smartphone app for the treatment of CPP. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02721108; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02721108 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6wLMAkuaU); BioMed Central: ISRCTN10925965; https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN10925965 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6wLMVLuys) PMID:29335232

Missouri Assessment Program, Spring 2002: Social Studies, Grade 8. Released Items [and] Scoring Guide.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Missouri State Dept. of Elementary and Secondary Education, Jefferson City.

This booklet contains sample items from the Missouri social studies test for eighth graders. The first sample is based on a speech delivered by Elizabeth Cady Stanton in the mid-1880s, which proposed a new approach to raising girls. Students are directed to use their own knowledge and the speech excerpt to do three activities. The second sample…

Adequacy of and satisfaction with delivery and use of home-delivered meals.

PubMed

Frongillo, Edward A; Isaacman, Tanushree D; Horan, Claire M; Wethington, Elaine; Pillemer, Karl

2010-04-01

For home-delivered meals to have a beneficial impact on older persons, it is important that both delivery of services and use by older persons are adequate. From November 2004 to February 2005, we conducted a random-sample telephone survey of 1505 New York City home-delivered meals recipients, asking them about adequacy of and satisfaction with delivery of services and use of meal services. Fourteen percent of recipients relied solely on program food. Two-thirds prepared other foods themselves. Consumption of fruit, vegetables, and milk was low; 14-20% of recipients consumed each of these less than 1 time per day. Most recipients saw (and about half talked with) the meal deliverer most of the time. Most could contact the meal provider agency, but had not done so. A second stratified sample of 500 meal recipients was surveyed in June 2006 regarding satisfaction with food packaging and labels, food acquisition, meal delivery, and meal variety. About three-fourths of recipients reported satisfaction most of the time with the meals in terms of taste, variety, ease of preparation, healthfulness, and fit to religious or cultural needs. The most satisfied recipients were those who were receiving hot meals, food-secure, without hearing problems, frailer, in better emotional health, with informal social support, and more religious.

CareTrack Kids—part 2. Assessing the appropriateness of the healthcare delivered to Australian children: study protocol for a retrospective medical record review

PubMed Central

Hooper, Tamara D; Hibbert, Peter D; Mealing, Nicole; Wiles, Louise K; Jaffe, Adam; White, Les; Cowell, Christopher T; Runciman, William B; Goldstein, Stan; Hallahan, Andrew R; Wakefield, John G; Murphy, Elisabeth; Lau, Annie; Wheaton, Gavin; Williams, Helena M; Hughes, Clifford; Braithwaite, Jeffrey

2015-01-01

Introduction Australian and international clinical practice guidelines are available for common paediatric conditions. Yet there is evidence that there are substantial variations between the guidelines, recommendations (appropriate care) and the care delivered. This paper describes a study protocol to determine the appropriateness of the healthcare delivered to Australian children for 16 common paediatric conditions in acute and primary healthcare settings. Methods and analysis A random sample of 6000–8000 medical records representing a cross-section of the Australian paediatric population will be reviewed for appropriateness of care against a set of indicators within three Australian states (New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia) using multistage, stratified sampling. Medical records of children aged <16 years who presented with at least one of the study conditions during 2012 and 2013 will be reviewed. Ethics and dissemination Human Research Ethics Committee approvals have been received from the Sydney Children's Hospital Network, Children's Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service and Women's and Children's Hospital Network (South Australia). An application is under review for the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. The authors will submit the results of the study to relevant journals and offer oral presentations to researchers, clinicians and policymakers at national and international conferences. PMID:25854977

Characterization of Tank 51 Sludge Slurry Samples (HTF-51-17-67, -68, -69, -74, -75, and -76) in Support of Sludge Batch 10 Processing

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

Oji, L. N.; Reboul, S. H.

The Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) was requested by Savannah River Remediation (SRR) Engineering (SRR-E) to provide sample characterization and analyses of Tank 51 sludge samples in support of Sludge Batch (SB) 10. The six Tank 51 sludge samples were sampled and delivered to SRNL in August of 2017. These six Tank 51 sludge samples, after undergoing physical characterizations which included rheology, weight percent total solid, dissolved solids and density measurements, were combined into one composite Tank 51 sample and analyzed for corrosion controls analytes, select radionuclides, chemical elements, density and weight percent total solids.

A high-throughput robotic sample preparation system and HPLC-MS/MS for measuring urinary anatabine, anabasine, nicotine and major nicotine metabolites.

PubMed

Wei, Binnian; Feng, June; Rehmani, Imran J; Miller, Sharyn; McGuffey, James E; Blount, Benjamin C; Wang, Lanqing

2014-09-25

Most sample preparation methods characteristically involve intensive and repetitive labor, which is inefficient when preparing large numbers of samples from population-scale studies. This study presents a robotic system designed to meet the sampling requirements for large population-scale studies. Using this robotic system, we developed and validated a method to simultaneously measure urinary anatabine, anabasine, nicotine and seven major nicotine metabolites: 4-Hydroxy-4-(3-pyridyl)butanoic acid, cotinine-N-oxide, nicotine-N-oxide, trans-3'-hydroxycotinine, norcotinine, cotinine and nornicotine. We analyzed robotically prepared samples using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry in positive electrospray ionization mode using scheduled multiple reaction monitoring (sMRM) with a total runtime of 8.5 min. The optimized procedure was able to deliver linear analyte responses over a broad range of concentrations. Responses of urine-based calibrators delivered coefficients of determination (R(2)) of >0.995. Sample preparation recovery was generally higher than 80%. The robotic system was able to prepare four 96-well plate (384 urine samples) per day, and the overall method afforded an accuracy range of 92-115%, and an imprecision of <15.0% on average. The validation results demonstrate that the method is accurate, precise, sensitive, robust, and most significantly labor-saving for sample preparation, making it efficient and practical for routine measurements in large population-scale studies such as the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) study. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Quantifying thermal modifications on laser welded skin tissue

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tabakoglu, Hasim Ö.; Gülsoy, Murat

2011-02-01

Laser tissue welding is a potential medical treatment method especially on closing cuts implemented during any kind of surgery. Photothermal effects of laser on tissue should be quantified in order to determine optimal dosimetry parameters. Polarized light and phase contrast techniques reveal information about extend of thermal change over tissue occurred during laser welding application. Change in collagen structure in skin tissue stained with hematoxilen and eosin samples can be detected. In this study, three different near infrared laser wavelengths (809 nm, 980 nm and 1070 nm) were compared for skin welding efficiency. 1 cm long cuts were treated spot by spot laser application on Wistar rats' dorsal skin, in vivo. In all laser applications, 0.5 W of optical power was delivered to the tissue, 5 s continuously, resulting in 79.61 J/cm2 energy density (15.92 W/cm2 power density) for each spot. The 1st, 4th, 7th, 14th, and 21st days of recovery period were determined as control days, and skin samples needed for histology were removed on these particular days. The stained samples were examined under a light microscope. Images were taken with a CCD camera and examined with imaging software. 809 Nm laser was found to be capable of creating strong full-thickness closure, but thermal damage was evident. The thermal damage from 980 nm laser welding was found to be more tolerable. The results showed that 1070 nm laser welding produced noticeably stronger bonds with minimal scar formation.

1H-NMR-Based Metabolic Profiling of Maternal and Umbilical Cord Blood Indicates Altered Materno-Foetal Nutrient Exchange in Preterm Infants

PubMed Central

Küster, Alice; Guignard, Nadia; Alexandre–Gouabau, Marie-Cécile; Darmaun, Dominique; Robins, Richard J.

2012-01-01

Background Adequate foetal growth is primarily determined by nutrient availability, which is dependent on placental nutrient transport and foetal metabolism. We have used 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to probe the metabolic adaptations associated with premature birth. Methodology The metabolic profile in 1H NMR spectra of plasma taken immediately after birth from umbilical vein, umbilical artery and maternal blood were recorded for mothers delivering very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) or normo-ponderal full-term (FT) neonates. Principal Findings Clear distinctions between maternal and cord plasma of all samples were observed by principal component analysis (PCA). Levels of amino acids, glucose, and albumin-lysyl in cord plasma exceeded those in maternal plasma, whereas lipoproteins (notably low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) and lipid levels were lower in cord plasma from both VLBW and FT neonates. The metabolic signature of mothers delivering VLBW infants included decreased levels of acetate and increased levels of lipids, pyruvate, glutamine, valine and threonine. Decreased levels of lipoproteins glucose, pyruvate and albumin-lysyl and increased levels of glutamine were characteristic of cord blood (both arterial and venous) from VLBW infants, along with a decrease in levels of several amino acids in arterial cord blood. Conclusion These results show that, because of its characteristics and simple non-invasive mode of collection, cord plasma is particularly suited for metabolomic analysis even in VLBW infants and provides new insights into the materno-foetal nutrient exchange in preterm infants. PMID:22291897

Ex vivo model unravelling cell distribution effect in hydrogels for cartilage repair.

PubMed

Mouser, Vivian H M; Dautzenberg, Noël M M; Levato, Riccardo; van Rijen, Mattie H P; Dhert, Wouter J A; Malda, Jos; Gawlitta, Debby

2018-01-01

The implantation of chondrocyte-laden hydrogels is a promising cartilage repair strategy. Chondrocytes can be spatially positioned in hydrogels and thus in defects, while current clinical cell therapies introduce chondrocytes in the defect depth. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of spatial chondrocyte distribution on the reparative process. To reduce animal experiments, an ex vivo osteochondral plug model was used and evaluated. The role of the delivered and endogenous cells in the repair process was investigated. Full thickness cartilage defects were created in equine osteochondral plugs. Defects were filled with (A) chondrocytes at the bottom of the defect, covered with a cell-free hydrogel, (B) chondrocytes homogeneously encapsulated in a hydrogel, and (C, D) combinations of A and B with different cell densities. Plugs were cultured for up to 57 days, after which the cartilage and repair tissues were characterized and compared to baseline samples. Additionally, at day 21, the origin of cells in the repair tissue was evaluated. Best outcomes were obtained with conditions C and D, which resulted in well-integrated cartilage-like tissue that completely filled the defect, regardless of the initial cell density. A critical role of the spatial chondrocyte distribution in the repair process was observed. Moreover, the osteochondral plugs stimulated cartilage formation in the hydrogels when cultured in the defects. The resulting repair tissue originated from the delivered cells. These findings confirm the potential of the osteochondral plug model for the optimization of the composition of cartilage implants and for studying repair mechanisms.

Ion binding compounds, radionuclide complexes, methods of making radionuclide complexes, methods of extracting radionuclides, and methods of delivering radionuclides to target locations

DOEpatents

Chen, Xiaoyuan; Wai, Chien M.; Fisher, Darrell R.

2000-01-01

The invention pertains to compounds for binding lanthanide ions and actinide ions. The invention further pertains to compounds for binding radionuclides, and to methods of making radionuclide complexes. Also, the invention pertains to methods of extracting radionuclides. Additionally, the invention pertains to methods of delivering radionuclides to target locations. In one aspect, the invention includes a compound comprising: a) a calix[n]arene group, wherein n is an integer greater than 3, the calix[n]arene group comprising an upper rim and a lower rim; b) at least one ionizable group attached to the lower rim; and c) an ion selected from the group consisting of lanthanide and actinide elements bound to the ionizable group. In another aspect, the invention includes a method of extracting a radionuclide, comprising: a) providing a sample comprising a radionuclide; b) providing a calix[n]arene compound in contact with the sample, wherein n is an integer greater than 3; and c) extracting radionuclide from the sample into the calix[n]arene compound. In yet another aspect, the invention includes a method of delivering a radionuclide to a target location, comprising: a) providing a calix[n]arene compound, wherein n is an integer greater than 3, the calix[n]arene compound comprising at least one ionizable group; b) providing a radionuclide bound to the calix[n]arene compound; and c) providing an antibody attached to the calix[n]arene compound, the antibody being specific for a material found at the target location.

A multi-MHz single-shot data acquisition scheme with high dynamic range: pump-probe X-ray experiments at synchrotrons.

PubMed

Britz, Alexander; Assefa, Tadesse A; Galler, Andreas; Gawelda, Wojciech; Diez, Michael; Zalden, Peter; Khakhulin, Dmitry; Fernandes, Bruno; Gessler, Patrick; Sotoudi Namin, Hamed; Beckmann, Andreas; Harder, Manuel; Yavaş, Hasan; Bressler, Christian

2016-11-01

The technical implementation of a multi-MHz data acquisition scheme for laser-X-ray pump-probe experiments with pulse limited temporal resolution (100 ps) is presented. Such techniques are very attractive to benefit from the high-repetition rates of X-ray pulses delivered from advanced synchrotron radiation sources. Exploiting a synchronized 3.9 MHz laser excitation source, experiments in 60-bunch mode (7.8 MHz) at beamline P01 of the PETRA III storage ring are performed. Hereby molecular systems in liquid solutions are excited by the pulsed laser source and the total X-ray fluorescence yield (TFY) from the sample is recorded using silicon avalanche photodiode detectors (APDs). The subsequent digitizer card samples the APD signal traces in 0.5 ns steps with 12-bit resolution. These traces are then processed to deliver an integrated value for each recorded single X-ray pulse intensity and sorted into bins according to whether the laser excited the sample or not. For each subgroup the recorded single-shot values are averaged over ∼10 7  pulses to deliver a mean TFY value with its standard error for each data point, e.g. at a given X-ray probe energy. The sensitivity reaches down to the shot-noise limit, and signal-to-noise ratios approaching 1000 are achievable in only a few seconds collection time per data point. The dynamic range covers 100 photons pulse -1 and is only technically limited by the utilized APD.

Preconception care: advancing from ‘important to do and can be done’ to ‘is being done and is making a difference’

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

There is a growing evidence base for preconception care - – the provision of biomedical, behavioral and social interventions to women and couples before conception occurs. Firstly, there is evidence that health problems, problem behaviours and individual and environmental risks contribute to poor maternal and child health outcomes. Secondly, there are biomedical, behavioural and social interventions that when delivered before conception occurs, effectively address many of these health problems, problem behaviours and risk factors. And thirdly, there is emerging experience of how to deliver these interventions in low and middle income countries (LMIC). The preconception care interventions delivered and whom they are delivered to, will need to be tailored to local realities. The package of preconception care interventions delivered in a particular setting will depend on the local epidemiology, the interventions already being delivered, and the resources in place to deliver additional interventions. Although a range of population groups could benefit from preconception care, prioritization based on need and feasibility will be needed. There are both potential benefits and risks associated with preconception care. Preconception care could result in large health and social benefits in LMIC. It could also be misused to limit the autonomy of women and reinforce the notion that the focus of all efforts to improve the health of girls and women should be at improving maternal and child health outcomes rather than at improving the health of girls and women as individuals in their own right. There are challenges in delivering preconception care. While the potential benefits of preconception care programmes could be substantial, extending the traditional Maternal and Child Health package will be both a logistic and financial challenge. We need to help countries set and achieve pragmatic and meaningful short term goals. While our long-term goal for preconception care should be for a full package of health and social interventions to be delivered to all women and couples of reproductive age everywhere, our short-term goals must be pragmatic. This is because countries that need preconception care most are the ones least likely to be able to afford them and deliver them. If we want these countries to take on the additional challenge of providing preconception care while they struggle to increase the coverage of prenatal care, skilled care at birth etc., we must help them identify and deliver a small number of effective interventions based on epidemiology and feasibility. PMID:25415261

Effectiveness of brief school-based interventions for adolescents: A meta-analysis of alcohol use prevention programs

PubMed Central

Hennessy, Emily A.; Tanner-Smith, Emily E.

2015-01-01

Objective To conduct a meta-analysis summarizing the effectiveness of school-based brief alcohol interventions (BAIs) among adolescents, and to examine possible iatrogenic effects due to deviancy training in group-delivered interventions. Method A systematic search for eligible studies was undertaken, current through December 31, 2012. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they used an experimental/quasi-experimental design; focused on school-based BAIs; enrolled adolescent participants; and reported an alcohol-related outcome measure. Studies were coded for key variables, and outcome effect sizes were analyzed as standardized mean differences adjusted for small samples (Hedges’ g). Analyses were conducted using inverse-variance weighted mixed effects meta-regression models. Sensitivity analyses were also conducted. Results Across all 17 studies eligible for inclusion, school-based BAIs were associated with significant improvements among adolescents, whereby adolescents in the BAI groups reduced their alcohol consumption relative to the control groups (ḡ = 0.34, 95% CI [0.11, 0.56]). Subgroup analyses indicated that whereas individually-delivered BAIs were effective (ḡ = 0.58, 95% CI [0.23, 0.92]), there was no evidence that group-delivered BAIs were associated with reductions in alcohol use (ḡ = −0.02, 95% CI [−0.17, 0.14]). Delivery format was confounded with program modality, however, such that motivational enhancement therapy was the most effective modality, but was rarely implemented in group-delivered interventions. Conclusions Some school-based BAIs are effective in reducing adolescent alcohol consumption, but may be ineffective if delivered in group settings. Future research should explore whether group-delivered BAIs that use motivational enhancement therapy components may yield beneficial outcomes like those observed in individually-delivered programs. PMID:25294110

Wellness lessons from transportation companies.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2011-09-01

The purpose of this report is to describe wellness programs and offer two suggestions for improving how they are delivered to commercial drivers and operators. It is not a large sample empirical study from which generalizations can be made. Rather, t...

76 FR 127 - The Central Valley Project, the California-Oregon Transmission Project, the Pacific Alternating...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-01-03

..., beyond delivered BR, for Full Load Service (FLS) customers and Variable Resource (VR) customers, Western.... FLS and VR customers who contract with Western for such service will pay all SP costs. FLS customers pay a portfolio management charge pursuant to their contract, whereas VR customers pay a scheduling...

Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention in a Rural Native American Community

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hagen, Janet W.; Skenandore, Alice H.; Scow, Beverly M.; Schanen, Jennifer G.; Clary, Frieda Hugo

2012-01-01

Nationally, the United States has a higher rate of teen pregnancy than any other industrialized nation. Native American youth have a higher birth rate than the national rate. A full-year healthy relationship program, based on Native American teachings, traditions, and cultural norms, was delivered to all eighth-grade students at a rural tribal…

Hermes, the Information Messenger, Integrating Information Services and Delivering Them to the End User.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Coello-Coutino, Gerardo; Ainsworth, Shirley; Escalante-Gonzalbo, Ana Marie

2002-01-01

Describes Hermes, a research tool that uses specially designed acquisition, parsing and presentation methods to integrate information resources on the Internet, from searching in disparate bibliographic databases, to accessing full text articles online, and developing a web of information associated with each reference via one common interface.…

Improving Cancer-Related Outcomes with Connected Health - Objective 4

Cancer.gov

The full benefits of connected health cannot be achieved unless everyone in the United States who wants to participate and the organizations that support health and deliver healthcare have adequate access to high-speed Internet service. Access depends both on the availability of broadband service and the resources needed to obtain and maintain service.

High Performance Team: Building a Business Program with Part- and Full-Time Faculty

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Marsh, F. K.

2010-01-01

Business programs at colleges and universities presently face wide-ranging challenges in delivering quality education. As more and more business programs find it necessary to conserve or redirect resources, successfully leading through change becomes paramount for departments and their faculty teams. This challenge is compounded by a growing…

Regenerable Cu-intercalated MnO2 layered cathode for highly cyclable energy dense batteries

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

Yadav, Gautam G.; Gallaway, Joshua W.; Turney, Damon E.

2017-03-06

Manganese dioxide cathodes are inexpensive and have high theoretical capacity (based on two electrons) of 617 mAh g-1, making them attractive for low-cost, energy-dense batteries. They are used in non-rechargeable batteries with anodes like zinc. Only ~10% of the theoretical capacity is currently accessible in rechargeable alkaline systems. Attempts to access the full capacity using additives have been unsuccessful. We report a class of Bi-birnessite (a layered manganese oxide polymorph mixed with bismuth oxide (Bi2O3)) cathodes intercalated with Cu2+ that deliver near-full two-electron capacity reversibly for >6,000 cycles. The key to rechargeability lies in exploiting the redox potentials of Cumore » to reversibly intercalate into the Bi-birnessite-layered structure during its dissolution and precipitation process for stabilizing and enhancing its charge transfer characteristics. This process holds promise for other applications like catalysis and intercalation of metal ions into layered structures. A large prismatic rechargeable Zn-birnessite cell delivering ~140 Wh l-1 is shown.« less

Spontaneous Preterm Birth Is Associated with Differential Expression of Vaginal Metabolites by Lactobacilli-Dominated Microflora.

PubMed

Stafford, Graham P; Parker, Jennifer L; Amabebe, Emmanuel; Kistler, James; Reynolds, Steven; Stern, Victoria; Paley, Martyn; Anumba, Dilly O C

2017-01-01

A major challenge in preventing preterm birth (PTB) is identifying women at greatest risk. This pilot study prospectively examined the differences in vaginal microbiota and metabolite profiles of women who delivered prematurely compared to their term counterparts in a cohort of asymptomatic (studied at 20-22, n = 80; and 26-28 weeks, n = 41) and symptomatic women (studied at 24-36 weeks, n = 37). Using 16S rRNA sequencing, the vaginal microbiota from cervicovaginal fluid samples was characterized into five Community State Types (CST) dominated by Lactobacillus spp.: CSTI ( Lactobacillus crispatus ), CSTII ( Lactobacillus gasseri ), CSTIII ( Lactobacillus iners) , CSTV ( Lactobacillus jensenii ); and mixed anaerobes-CSTIV. This was then related to the vaginal metabolite profile and pH determined by 1 H-Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy and pH indicator paper, respectively. At 20-22 weeks, the term-delivered women (TDW) indicated a proportion of CSTI-dominated microbiota >2-fold higher compared to the preterm-delivered women (PTDW) (40.3 vs. 16.7%, P = 0.0002), and a slightly higher proportion at 26-28 weeks (20.7 vs. 16.7%, P = 0.03). CSTV was >2-fold higher in the PTDW compared to TDW at 20-22 (22.2 vs. 9.7%, P = 0.0002) and 26-28 weeks (25.0 vs. 10.3%, P = 0.03). Furthermore, at 26-28 weeks no PTDW had a CSTII-dominated microbiome, in contrast to 28% of TDW ( P < 0.0001). CSTI-dominated samples showed higher lactate levels than CSTV at 20-22 weeks ( P < 0.01), and 26-28 weeks ( P < 0.05), while CSTII-dominated samples indicated raised succinate levels over CSTV at 26-28 weeks ( P < 0.05). These were supported by Principal coordinates analysis, which revealed strong clustering of metabolites according to CST. In addition, the CSTI-dominated samples had an average pH of 3.8, which was lower than those of CSTII-4.4, and CSTV-4.2 ( P < 0.05). Elevated vaginal lactate and succinate were associated with predominance of CSTI and II over CSTV in women who delivered at term compared with their preterm counterparts. This suggests that L. jensenii- dominance and decreased lactate and/or succinate could increase the risk of PTB, while L. crispatus/gasseri may confer some protection against inflammation-associated PTB and highlight the need for further study in this area.

Chemical Analysis Results for Potable Water from ISS Expeditions 21 to 25

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Straub, John E., II; Plumlee, Debrah K.; Schultz, John R.; McCoy, J. Torin

2010-01-01

The Johnson Space Center Water and Food Analytical Laboratory (WAFAL) performed detailed ground-based analyses of archival water samples for verification of the chemical quality of the International Space Station (ISS) potable water supplies for Expeditions 21 to 25. Over a 14-month period, the Space Shuttle visited the ISS on five occasions to complete construction and deliver supplies. The onboard supplies of potable water available for consumption by the Expeditions 21 to 25 crews consisted of Russian ground-supplied potable water, Russian potable water regenerated from humidity condensate, and US potable water recovered from urine distillate and condensate. Chemical archival water samples that were collected with U.S. hardware during Expeditions 21 to 25 were returned on Shuttle flights STS-129 (ULF3), STS-130 (20A), STS-131 (19A), STS-132 (ULF4) and STS-133 (ULF5), as well as on Soyuz flights 19-22. This paper reports the analytical results for the returned archival water samples and evaluates their compliance with ISS water quality standards. The WAFAL also received and analyzed aliquots of some Russian potable water samples collected in-flight and pre-flight samples of Rodnik potable water delivered to the Station on the Russian Progress vehicle during Expeditions 21 to 25. These additional analytical results are also reported and discussed in this paper.

Versatility of erbium YAG laser: from fractional skin rejuvenation to full-field skin resurfacing.

PubMed

Holcomb, J David

2011-05-01

For the laser surgeon, the Er-YAG laser is an invaluable tool that delivers unsurpassed ablation efficiency, and with appropriate functionality (quasi long-pulse feature) provides sufficient tissue coagulation to remodel deep rhytids. As such, the 2940-nm wavelength is well suited for routine laser skin rejuvenation in full-field, fractional, and point-beam modes with additional benefits, including applicability to diverse skin types, short healing times, and a low likelihood of energy-related complications. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Botulinum Neurotoxins: Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis Using the Mouse Phrenic Nerve Hemidiaphragm Assay (MPN).

PubMed

Bigalke, Hans; Rummel, Andreas

2015-11-25

The historical method for the detection of botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) is represented by the mouse bioassay (MBA) measuring the animal survival rate. Since the endpoint of the MBA is the death of the mice due to paralysis of the respiratory muscle, an ex vivo animal replacement method, called mouse phrenic nerve (MPN) assay, employs the isolated N. phrenicus-hemidiaphragm tissue. Here, BoNT causes a dose-dependent characteristic decrease of the contraction amplitude of the indirectly stimulated muscle. Within the EQuATox BoNT proficiency 13 test samples were analysed using the MPN assay by serial dilution to a bath concentration resulting in a paralysis time within the range of calibration curves generated with BoNT/A, B and E standards, respectively. For serotype identification the diluted samples were pre-incubated with polyclonal anti-BoNT/A, B or E antitoxin or a combination of each. All 13 samples were qualitatively correctly identified thereby delivering superior results compared to single in vitro methods like LFA, ELISA and LC-MS/MS. Having characterized the BoNT serotype, the final bath concentrations were calculated using the calibration curves and then multiplied by the respective dilution factor to obtain the sample concentration. Depending on the source of the BoNT standards used, the quantitation of ten BoNT/A containing samples delivered a mean z-score of 7 and of three BoNT/B or BoNT/E containing samples z-scores <2, respectively.

Comparative analysis of detection methods for congenital cytomegalovirus infection in a Guinea pig model.

PubMed

Park, Albert H; Mann, David; Error, Marc E; Miller, Matthew; Firpo, Matthew A; Wang, Yong; Alder, Stephen C; Schleiss, Mark R

2013-01-01

To assess the validity of the guinea pig as a model for congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection by comparing the effectiveness of detecting the virus by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in blood, urine, and saliva. Case-control study. Academic research. Eleven pregnant Hartley guinea pigs. Blood, urine, and saliva samples were collected from guinea pig pups delivered from pregnant dams inoculated with guinea pig CMV. These samples were then evaluated for the presence of guinea pig CMV by real-time PCR assuming 100% transmission. Thirty-one pups delivered from 9 inoculated pregnant dams and 8 uninfected control pups underwent testing for guinea pig CMV and for auditory brainstem response hearing loss. Repeated-measures analysis of variance demonstrated no statistically significantly lower weight for the infected pups compared with the noninfected control pups. Six infected pups demonstrated auditory brainstem response hearing loss. The sensitivity and specificity of the real-time PCR assay on saliva samples were 74.2% and 100.0%, respectively. The sensitivity of the real-time PCR on blood and urine samples was significantly lower than that on saliva samples. Real-time PCR assays of blood, urine, and saliva revealed that saliva samples show high sensitivity and specificity for detecting congenital CMV infection in guinea pigs. This finding is consistent with recent screening studies in human newborns. The guinea pig may be a good animal model in which to compare different diagnostic assays for congenital CMV infection.

Does Pneumatic Tube System Transport Contribute to Hemolysis in ED Blood Samples?

PubMed Central

Phelan, Michael P.; Reineks, Edmunds Z.; Hustey, Fredric M.; Berriochoa, Jacob P.; Podolsky, Seth R.; Meldon, Stephen; Schold, Jesse D.; Chamberlin, Janelle; Procop, Gary W.

2016-01-01

Introduction Our goal was to determine if the hemolysis among blood samples obtained in an emergency department and then sent to the laboratory in a pneumatic tube system was different from those in samples that were hand-carried. Methods The hemolysis index is measured on all samples submitted for potassium analysis. We queried our hospital laboratory database system (SunQuest®) for potassium results for specimens obtained between January 2014 and July 2014. From facility maintenance records, we identified periods of system downtime, during which specimens were hand-carried to the laboratory. Results During the study period, 15,851 blood specimens were transported via our pneumatic tube system and 92 samples were hand delivered. The proportions of hemolyzed specimens in the two groups were not significantly different (13.6% vs. 13.1% [p=0.90]). Results were consistent when the criterion was limited to gross (3.3% vs 3.3% [p=0.99]) or mild (10.3% vs 9.8% [p=0.88]) hemolysis. The hemolysis rate showed minimal variation during the study period (12.6%–14.6%). Conclusion We found no statistical difference in the percentages of hemolyzed specimens transported by a pneumatic tube system or hand delivered to the laboratory. Certain features of pneumatic tube systems might contribute to hemolysis (e.g., speed, distance, packing material). Since each system is unique in design, we encourage medical facilities to consider whether their method of transport might contribute to hemolysis in samples obtained in the emergency department. PMID:27625719

Does Pneumatic Tube System Transport Contribute to Hemolysis in ED Blood Samples?

PubMed

Phelan, Michael P; Reineks, Edmunds Z; Hustey, Fredric M; Berriochoa, Jacob P; Podolsky, Seth R; Meldon, Stephen; Schold, Jesse D; Chamberlin, Janelle; Procop, Gary W

2016-09-01

Our goal was to determine if the hemolysis among blood samples obtained in an emergency department and then sent to the laboratory in a pneumatic tube system was different from those in samples that were hand-carried. The hemolysis index is measured on all samples submitted for potassium analysis. We queried our hospital laboratory database system (SunQuest(®)) for potassium results for specimens obtained between January 2014 and July 2014. From facility maintenance records, we identified periods of system downtime, during which specimens were hand-carried to the laboratory. During the study period, 15,851 blood specimens were transported via our pneumatic tube system and 92 samples were hand delivered. The proportions of hemolyzed specimens in the two groups were not significantly different (13.6% vs. 13.1% [p=0.90]). Results were consistent when the criterion was limited to gross (3.3% vs 3.3% [p=0.99]) or mild (10.3% vs 9.8% [p=0.88]) hemolysis. The hemolysis rate showed minimal variation during the study period (12.6%-14.6%). We found no statistical difference in the percentages of hemolyzed specimens transported by a pneumatic tube system or hand delivered to the laboratory. Certain features of pneumatic tube systems might contribute to hemolysis (e.g., speed, distance, packing material). Since each system is unique in design, we encourage medical facilities to consider whether their method of transport might contribute to hemolysis in samples obtained in the emergency department.

Method and apparatus for measuring the gas permeability of a solid sample

DOEpatents

Carstens, D.H.W.

1984-01-27

The disclosure is directed to an apparatus and method for measuring the permeability of a gas in a sample. The gas is allowed to reach a steady flow rate through the sample. A measurable amount of the gas is collected during a given time period and then delivered to a sensitive quadrupole. The quadrupole signal, adjusted for background, is proportional to the amount of gas collected during the time period. The quadrupole can be calibrated with a standard helium leak. The gas can be deuterium and the sample can be polyvinyl alcohol.

SU-E-T-633: Preparation and Planning of a VMAT Multi - Arc Radiation Therapy Technique for Full Scalp Treatment

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

Araujo, C; Bardock, A; Berkelaar, S

2015-06-15

Purpose: The target volume for angiosarcoma of the scalp encompasses the entire scalp. Full scalp radiotherapy (FSRT) requires careful design of required bolus, immobilization and marking of the field before the patient CT is acquired. A VMAT multi-arc technique was designed to deliver FSRT for a patient with angiosarcoma of the scalp to a dose of 6000cGy in 25 fractions. Methods: A custom bolus helmet was fabricated from a 0.5 cm thick sheet of aquaplast material, which was molded to the patient’s head. With the bolus helmet in place the patient was then positioned supine on a H&N immobilization board.more » A custom vaclock bag positioned on a standard headrest and a thermoplastic mask were used to immobilize the patient. Additional bolus to cover the remaining treatment area was attached to the mask. We acquired two CT scans of the patient’s head, one in treatment position and an additional scan without the immobilization mask with wires marking the treatment area that the oncologist had delineated on the patient’s skin. The second scan was registered to the first and used to define the treatment CTV. A four-arc VMAT treatment planned using Varian-Eclipse was optimized to cover the skin with a PTV margin while sparing the brain and limiting the dose to the optic apparatus and lacrimal glands. Daily treatment setup was verified using anterior and lateral kV on-board-imaging. To verify the treated dose, TLDs were positioned on the patient’s scalp during one fraction. Results: With full dose coverage to the PTV, the mean dose to the brain was less than 24 Gy. The dose measured by the TLDs (mean difference 1%, standard deviation 4%)showed excellent agreement with the treatment planning calculation. Conclusion: FSRT delivered with a bolus helmet and a VMAT multi-arc technique can be accurately delivered with high dose uniformity and conformality.« less

Economic Analysis of Delivering Primary Health Care Services through Community Health Workers in 3 North Indian States

PubMed Central

Prinja, Shankar; Jeet, Gursimer; Verma, Ramesh; Kumar, Dinesh; Bahuguna, Pankaj; Kaur, Manmeet; Kumar, Rajesh

2014-01-01

Background We assessed overall annual and unit cost of delivering package of services and specific services at sub-centre level by CHWs and cost effectiveness of Government of India’s policy of introducing a second auxiliary nurse midwife (ANM) at the sub-centre compared to scenario of single ANM sub-centre. Methods We undertook an economic costing of health services delivered by CHWs, from a health system perspective. Bottom-up costing method was used to collect data on resources spent in 50 randomly selected sub-centres selected from 4 districts. Mean unit cost along with its 95% confidence intervals were estimated using bootstrap method. Multiple linear regression model was used to standardize cost and assess its determinants. Results Annually it costs INR 1.03 million (USD 19,381), or INR 187 (USD 3.5) per capita per year, to provide a package of preventive, curative and promotive services through community health workers. Unit costs for antenatal care, postnatal care, DOTS treatment and immunization were INR 525 (USD 10) per full ANC care, INR 767 (USD 14) per PNC case registered, INR 974 (USD 18) per DOTS treatment completed and INR 97 (USD 1.8) per child immunized in routine immunization respectively. A 10% increase in human resource costs results in 6% rise in per capita cost. Similarly, 10% increment in the ANC case registered per provider through-put results in a decline in unit cost ranging from 2% in the event of current capacity utilization to 3% reduction in case of full capacity utilization. Incremental cost of introducing 2nd ANM at sub-centre level per unit percent increase ANC coverage was INR 23,058 (USD 432). Conclusion Our estimates would be useful in undertaking full economic evaluations or equity analysis of CHW programs. Government of India’s policy of hiring 2nd ANM at sub-centre level is very cost effective from Indian health system perspective. PMID:24626285

Low-Level Analytical Methodology Updates to Support Decontaminant Performance Evaluations

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-06-01

from EPDM and tire rubber coupon materials that were spiked with a known amount of the chemical agent VX, treated with bleach decontaminant, and...to evaluate the performance of bleach decontaminant on EPDM and tire rubber coupons. Dose-confirmation or Tool samples were collected by delivering...components • An aging or damaged analytical column • Dirty detector • Other factors related to general instrument and/or sample analysis performance

Mutagen Sensitivity, Apoptosis, and Polymorphism in DNA Repair as Measures of Prostate Cancer Risk

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-02-01

blood tubes are immediately refrigerated and delivered on ice within 6 hours to the GCRC core facility at Georgetown University for processing . Case...is CLIA certified. There is a centrally monitored storage facility with -80’C freezers. The established recruitment and optimized sample processing in...controls. We have established the recruitment procedures, sample collection, processing , repository, and data management. This is a substantial effort

AFM fluid delivery/liquid extraction surface sampling/electrostatic spray cantilever probe

DOEpatents

Van Berkel, Gary J.

2015-06-23

An electrospray system comprises a liquid extraction surface sampling probe. The probe comprises a probe body having a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet, and having a liquid extraction tip. A solvent delivery conduit is provided for receiving solvent liquid from the liquid inlet and delivering the solvent liquid to the liquid extraction tip. An open liquid extraction channel extends across an exterior surface of the probe body from the liquid extraction tip to the liquid outlet. An electrospray emitter tip is in liquid communication with the liquid outlet of the liquid extraction surface sampling probe. A system for analyzing samples, a liquid junction surface sampling system, and a method of analyzing samples are also disclosed.

Magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance apparatus and process for high-resolution in situ investigations

DOEpatents

Hu, Jian Zhi; Sears, Jr., Jesse A.; Hoyt, David W.; Mehta, Hardeep S.; Peden, Charles H. F.

2015-11-24

A continuous-flow (CF) magic angle sample spinning (CF-MAS) NMR rotor and probe are described for investigating reaction dynamics, stable intermediates/transition states, and mechanisms of catalytic reactions in situ. The rotor includes a sample chamber of a flow-through design with a large sample volume that delivers a flow of reactants through a catalyst bed contained within the sample cell allowing in-situ investigations of reactants and products. Flow through the sample chamber improves diffusion of reactants and products through the catalyst. The large volume of the sample chamber enhances sensitivity permitting in situ .sup.13C CF-MAS studies at natural abundance.

Facility-based delivery in the context of Zimbabwe's HIV epidemic--missed opportunities for improving engagement with care: a community-based serosurvey.

PubMed

Buzdugan, Raluca; McCoy, Sandra I; Webb, Karen; Mushavi, Angela; Mahomva, Agnes; Padian, Nancy S; Cowan, Frances M

2015-12-17

In developing countries, facility-based delivery is recommended for maternal and neonatal health, and for prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission (PMTCT). However, little is known about whether or not learning one's HIV status affects one's decision to deliver in a health facility. We examined this association in Zimbabwe. We analyzed data from a 2012 cross-sectional community-based serosurvey conducted to evaluate Zimbabwe's accelerated national PMTCT program. Eligible women (≥16 years old and mothers of infants born 9-18 months before the survey) were randomly sampled from the catchment areas of 157 health facilities in five of ten provinces. Participants were interviewed about where they delivered and provided blood samples for HIV testing. Overall 8796 (77 %) mothers reported facility-based delivery; uptake varied by community (30-100%). The likelihood of facility-based delivery was not associated with maternal HIV status. Women who self-reported being HIV-positive before delivery were as likely to deliver in a health facility as women who were HIV-negative, irrespective of when they learned their status - before (adjusted prevalence ratio (PRa) = 1.04, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.00-1.09) or during pregnancy (PRa = 1.05, 95% CI = 1.01-1.09). Mothers who had not accessed antenatal care or tested for HIV were most likely to deliver outside a health facility (69%). Overall, however 77% of home deliveries occurred among women who had accessed antenatal care and were HIV-tested. Uptake of facility-based delivery was similar among HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected mothers, which was somewhat unexpected given the substantial technical and financial investment aimed at retaining HIV-positive women in care in Zimbabwe.

7 CFR 32.403 - Cost of samples for mohair top grades.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 32.403 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (Standards, Inspections, Marketing Practices), DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE COMMODITY STANDARDS AND STANDARD... top grades. (a) Complete set. Twenty-seven dollars each, delivered to any destination within the...

Transcleral delivery of triamcinolone acetonide and ranibizumab to retinal tissues using macroesis.

PubMed

Singh, Rishi P; Mathews, Michael Ellen; Kaufman, Michael; Riga, Alan

2010-02-01

To determine the feasibility of macroesis for the delivery of ranibizumab and triamcinolone acetonide via a transcleral route. Macroesis is a non-invasive method of drug delivery that uses alternating current (AC) to deliver drugs to target tissues. Two preclinical models of drug delivery were used for feasibility studies of delivering ranibizumab and triamcinolone acetonide to ocular tissues. In the first model, full-thickness sections of rabbit ocular tissue (conjunctiva to retina) were placed on an interdigitated electrode platform, and the drug was placed on the surface of the tissue. A non-uniform electrical field was applied to the ocular tissue, and electrical conductivity, a measurement of drug delivery, was monitored during the course of the experiment. In a second model, termed a 'simulated vitreous model,' the same full-thickness sections of rabbit ocular tissue were mounted below the electrode device, and the test compounds were placed on the electrodes. The fluid below the tissue, which simulated the vitreous cavity, was analysed using UV spectroscopy at the end of the study for the presence of drug. In the electrical conductivity studies, the electric characteristics of the tissue-drug system clearly showed movement of the drug through the tissue to the dielectric sensor based on changes in the electrical conductivity of the tissue sample with triamcinolone. No change in tissue conductivity was observed when no drug was placed. No heat generation occurred during the course of the study; nor was any gross tissue destruction noted. In the simulated vitreous model, studies using triamcinolone yielded concentrations ranging from 0.280 to 0.970 mg/ml, depending on the voltage, frequency and time applied. In as little as 6.7 min, clinically efficacious doses could be obtained in the preclinical system. Studies using ranibizumab yielded concentrations of 0.070-0.171 mg/ml, depending on the voltage, frequency, and time applied. In as little at 6.7 min, 92.8% throughput could be achieved. Successful delivery of ranibizumab and triamcinolone acetonide can be achieved with macroesis in preclinical studies.

Legacy ExtraGalactic UV Survey (LEGUS): The HST View of Star Formation in Nearby Galaxies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Calzetti, Daniela; Lee, J. C.; Adamo, A.; Aloisi, A.; Andrews, J. E.; Brown, T. M.; Chandar, R.; Christian, C. A.; Cignoni, M.; Clayton, G. C.; Da Silva, R. L.; de Mink, S. E.; Dobbs, C.; Elmegreen, B.; Elmegreen, D. M.; Evans, A. S.; Fumagalli, M.; Gallagher, J. S.; Gouliermis, D.; Grebel, E.; Herrero-Davo`, A.; Hilbert, B.; Hunter, D. A.; Johnson, K. E.; Kennicutt, R.; Kim, H.; Krumholz, M. R.; Lennon, D. J.; Martin, C. D.; Nair, P.; Nota, A.; Pellerin, A.; Prieto, J.; Regan, M. W.; Sabbi, E.; Schaerer, D.; Schiminovich, D.; Smith, L. J.; Thilker, D. A.; Tosi, M.; Van Dyk, S. D.; Walterbos, R. A.; Whitmore, B. C.; Wofford, A.

2014-01-01

The Treasury program LEGUS (HST/GO-13364) is the first HST UV Atlas of nearby galaxies, and is aimed at the thorough investigation of star formation and its relation with galaxy environment, from the scales of individual stars to those of ~kpc clustered structures. The 154-orbits program is obtaining NUV,U,B,V,I images of 50 star-forming galaxies in the distance range 4-12 Mpc, covering the full range of morphology, star formation rate (SFR), mass, metallicity, internal structure, and interaction state found in the local Universe. The imaging survey will yield accurate recent (<50 Myr) star formation histories (SFHs) from resolved massive stars, and the extinction-corrected ages and masses of star clusters and associations. These extensive inventories of massive stars, clustered systems, and SFHs will be used to: (1) quantify how the clustering of star formation evolves both in space and in time; (2) discriminate among models of star cluster evolution; (3) investigate the effects of SFH on the UV SFR calibrations; (4) explore the impact of environment on star formation and cluster evolution across the full range of galactic and ISM properties. LEGUS observations will inform theories of star formation and galaxy evolution, and improve the understanding of the physical underpinning of the gas-star formation relation and the nature of the clumpy star formation at high redshift. LEGUS will generate the most homogeneous high-resolution, wide-field UV dataset to date, building and expanding on the GALEX legacy. Data products that will be delivered to the community include: catalogs of massive stars and star clusters, catalogs of star cluster properties (ages, masses, extinction), and a one-stop shop for all the ancillary data available for this well-studied galaxy sample. LEGUS will provide the reference survey and the foundation for future observations with JWST and with ALMA. This abstract accompanies another one from the same project, and presents the status of the project, its structure, and the data products that will be delivered to the community; the other abstract presents the science goals of LEGUS and how these will be addressed by the HST observations.

Effect of breast-feeding on weight retention at 3 and 6 months postpartum: data from the North Carolina WIC Programme.

PubMed

Krause, Katrina M; Lovelady, Cheryl A; Peterson, Bercedis L; Chowdhury, Najmul; Østbye, Truls

2010-12-01

Pregnancy-related weight retention can contribute to obesity, and breast-feeding may facilitate postpartum weight loss. We investigated the effect of breast-feeding on postpartum weight retention. A retrospective follow-up study of weight retention, compared in women who were fully breast-feeding, combining breast-feeding with formula-feeding (mixed feeding), or formula-feeding at 3 months (n 14 330) or 6 months (n 4922) postpartum, controlling for demographic and weight-related covariates using multiple linear regression. The North Carolina Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). Participants in the North Carolina WIC Programme who delivered a baby between 1996 and 2004. In covariate-adjusted analyses, there was no association between breast-feeding and weight retention at 3 months postpartum. At 6 months postpartum, as compared to formula-feeders, mean weight retention was 0·84 kg lower in mixed feeders (95 % CI 0·39, 1·29; P = 0·0002) and 1·38 kg lower in full breast-feeders (95 % CI 0·89, 1·87; P ≤ 0·0001). Breast-feeding was inversely associated with weight retention at 6 months postpartum in this large, racially diverse sample of low-income women. Further, full breast-feeding had a larger protective effect than did breast-feeding combined with formula-feeding.

The Effect of Full-Mouth Rehabilitation on Oral Health-Related Quality of Life for Children with Special Health Care Needs.

PubMed

El-Meligy, Omar; Maashi, Manal; Al-Mushayt, Abdullah; Al-Nowaiser, Abeer; Al-Mubark, Sultan

2016-01-01

Changes in oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among 40 children with special health care needs (CSHCN) aged 5-14 years before and 12 months after full-mouth rehabilitation (FMR) under general anesthesia (GA) in two hospitals in Jeddah city were assessed. The questionnaire was delivered to the parents/caregivers at baseline (pre-operative) and at the 12-month post-operative follow-up visit. Medical and dental histories and clinical findings were correlated accordingly. The follow-up response rate was 87.5% with 35 children completing a 12-month follow-up visit. The age range was from 5 to 12 years with a mean of 7.3 ± 2.4 years. More than half of the study sample was boys (63%) in the 5-8 year age-group (69%). The impact on OHRQoL was reportedly negative before FMR under GA, with overall scores ranging from 12 to 68 and a mean of 43.34 ± 14.83. OHRQoL improved significantly in all aspects evaluated (P<0.05) following FMR under GA with overall scores ranging from 4 to 41 and a mean of 18.86 ± 8.54. Treating CSHCN under GA, with 3-month recall visits for the patients, had a significant long-term effect on their OHRQoL extending up to 12 months postoperatively.

Potential pathways by which maternal second-hand smoke exposure during pregnancy causes full-term low birth weight.

PubMed

Niu, Zhongzheng; Xie, Chuanbo; Wen, Xiaozhong; Tian, Fuying; Yuan, Shixin; Jia, Deqin; Chen, Wei-Qing

2016-04-29

It is well documented that maternal exposure to second-hand smoke (SHS) during pregnancy causes low birth weight (LBW), but its mechanism remains unknown. This study explored the potential pathways. We enrolled 195 pregnant women who delivered full-term LBW newborns, and 195 who delivered full-term normal birth weight newborns as the controls. After controlling for maternal age, education level, family income, pre-pregnant body mass index, newborn gender and gestational age, logistic regression analysis revealed that LBW was significantly and positively associated with maternal exposure to SHS during pregnancy, lower placental weight, TNF-α and IL-1β, and that SHS exposure was significantly associated with lower placental weight, TNF-α and IL-1β. Structural equation modelling identified two plausible pathways by which maternal exposure to SHS during pregnancy might cause LBW. First, SHS exposure induced the elevation of TNF-α, which might directly increase the risk of LBW by transmission across the placenta. Second, SHS exposure first increased maternal secretion of IL-1β and TNF-α, which then triggered the secretion of VCAM-1; both TNF-α and VCAM-1 were significantly associated with lower placental weight, thus increasing the risk of LBW. In conclusion, maternal exposure to SHS during pregnancy may lead to LBW through the potential pathways of maternal inflammation and lower placental weight.

Gamma-H2AX-based dose estimation for whole and partial body radiation exposure.

PubMed

Horn, Simon; Barnard, Stephen; Rothkamm, Kai

2011-01-01

Most human exposures to ionising radiation are partial body exposures. However, to date only limited tools are available for rapid and accurate estimation of the dose distribution and the extent of the body spared from the exposure. These parameters are of great importance for emergency triage and clinical management of exposed individuals. Here, measurements of γ-H2AX immunofluorescence by microscopy and flow cytometry were compared as rapid biodosimetric tools for whole and partial body exposures. Ex vivo uniformly X-irradiated blood lymphocytes from one donor were used to generate a universal biexponential calibration function for γ-H2AX foci/intensity yields per unit dose for time points up to 96 hours post exposure. Foci--but not intensity--levels remained significantly above background for 96 hours for doses of 0.5 Gy or more. Foci-based dose estimates for ex vivo X-irradiated blood samples from 13 volunteers were in excellent agreement with the actual dose delivered to the targeted samples. Flow cytometric dose estimates for X-irradiated blood samples from 8 volunteers were in excellent agreement with the actual dose delivered at 1 hour post exposure but less so at 24 hours post exposure. In partial body exposures, simulated by mixing ex vivo irradiated and unirradiated lymphocytes, foci/intensity distributions were significantly over-dispersed compared to uniformly irradiated lymphocytes. For both methods and in all cases the estimated fraction of irradiated lymphocytes and dose to that fraction, calculated using the zero contaminated Poisson test and γ-H2AX calibration function, were in good agreement with the actual mixing ratios and doses delivered to the samples. In conclusion, γ-H2AX analysis of irradiated lymphocytes enables rapid and accurate assessment of whole body doses while dispersion analysis of foci or intensity distributions helps determine partial body doses and the irradiated fraction size in cases of partial body exposures.

Absorbed dose measurement in low temperature samples:. comparative methods using simulated material

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Garcia, Ruth; Harris, Anthony; Winters, Martell; Howard, Betty; Mellor, Paul; Patil, Deepak; Meiner, Jason

2004-09-01

There is a growing need to reliably measure absorbed dose in low temperature samples, especially in the pharmaceutical and tissue banking industries. All dosimetry systems commonly used in the irradiation industry are temperature sensitive. Radiation of low temperature samples, such as those packaged with dry ice, must therefore take these dosimeter temperature effects into consideration. This paper will suggest a method to accurately deliver an absorbed radiation dose using dosimetry techniques designed to abrogate the skewing effects of low temperature environments on existing dosimetry systems.

ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY VERIFICATION: JOINT (NSF-EPA) VERIFICATION STATEMENT AND REPORT; UV DISINFECTION FOR REUSE APPLICATION, AQUIONICS, INC. BERSONINLINE 4250 UV SYSTEM

EPA Science Inventory

Verification testing of the Aquionics, Inc. bersonInLine® 4250 UV System to develop the UV delivered dose flow relationship was conducted at the Parsippany-Troy Hills Wastewater Treatment Plant test site in Parsippany, New Jersey. Two full-scale reactors were mounted in series. T...

Integrated Educational and Mental Health Services within a Day Treatment Setting.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Francis, Greta; Radka, Dale F.

This paper discusses the integration of educational and mental health services for children and adolescents within a psychiatric day treatment setting at the Bradley School housed in a private psychiatric hospital affiliated with Brown University in Rhode Island. A full range of mental health services are used, and therapies are delivered in the…

Survey of Current Academic Practices for Full-Time Postlicensure Nursing Faculty Who Teach Online

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hanford, Karen J.

2010-01-01

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine current academic practices of compensation, workload, rewards, and tenure and promotion for nursing faculty who teach graduate and postlicensure programs that are delivered 50% to 100% online. Deans and directors who are members of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) were the…

Skills Recognition for the Rural Sector--Coming to a Screen Near You

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bell, Charlie; White, Julie

2013-01-01

Tocal College, as part of New South Wales Department of Primary Industries (DPI), provides training in agriculture and related disciplines across NSW and Australia. Tocal College delivers a wide range of full time, short course, and distance education courses, along with publications and study support materials. The rural and related industries in…

Attitudes and Perceptions of Students to Open and Distance Learning in Nigeria

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ojo, David Olugbenga; Olakulehin, Felix Kayode

2006-01-01

In the West African Region of Africa, the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) is the first full fledged university that operates in an exclusively open and distance learning (ODL) mode of education. NOUN focuses mainly on open and distance teaching and learning system, and delivers its courses materials via print in conjunction with…

Videoconferencing a Stroke Assessment Training Workshop: Effectiveness, Acceptability, and Cost

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Miller, Patricia A.; Huijbregts, Maria; French, Esme; Taylor, Denise; Reinikka, Kirsti; Berezny, Laura; Fry, Sherri; Grunin, Anna; Harvey, Melissa

2008-01-01

Introduction: Videoconferencing (VC) is becoming a common method for the delivery of continuing education (CE) to clinicians in remote locations. The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness, acceptability, and costs of a full-day training workshop (TW) delivered through two different formats: face-to-face (FTF) and VC. The TW was…

Effectiveness of different rescanning techniques for scanned proton radiotherapy in lung cancer patients

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Engwall, E.; Glimelius, L.; Hynning, E.

2018-05-01

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a tumour type thought to be well-suited for proton radiotherapy. However, the lung region poses many problems related to organ motion and can for actively scanned beams induce severe interplay effects. In this study we investigate four mitigating rescanning techniques: (1) volumetric rescanning, (2) layered rescanning, (3) breath-sampled (BS) layered rescanning, and (4) continuous breath-sampled (CBS) layered rescanning. The breath-sampled methods will spread the layer rescans over a full breathing cycle, resulting in an improved averaging effect at the expense of longer treatment times. In CBS, we aim at further improving the averaging by delivering as many rescans as possible within one breathing cycle. The interplay effect was evaluated for 4D robustly optimized treatment plans (with and without rescanning) for seven NSCLC patients in the treatment planning system RayStation. The optimization and final dose calculation used a Monte Carlo dose engine to account for the density heterogeneities in the lung region. A realistic treatment delivery time structure given from the IBA ScanAlgo simulation tool served as basis for the interplay evaluation. Both slow (2.0 s) and fast (0.1 s) energy switching times were simulated. For all seven studied patients, rescanning improves the dose conformity to the target. The general trend is that the breath-sampled techniques are superior to layered and volumetric rescanning with respect to both target coverage and variability in dose to OARs. The spacing between rescans in our breath-sampled techniques is set at planning, based on the average breathing cycle length obtained in conjunction with CT acquisition. For moderately varied breathing cycle lengths between planning and delivery (up to 15%), the breath-sampled techniques still mitigate the interplay effect well. This shows the potential for smooth implementation at the clinic without additional motion monitoring equipment.

Design of an elastin-layered dermal regeneration template.

PubMed

Mithieux, Suzanne M; Weiss, Anthony S

2017-04-01

We demonstrate a novel approach for the production of tunable quantities of elastic fibers. We also show that exogenous tropoelastin is rate-limiting for elastin synthesis regardless of the age of the dermal fibroblast donor. Additionally, we provide a strategy to further enhance synthesis by older cells through the application of conditioned media. We show that this approach delivers an elastin layer on one side of the leading dermal repair template for contact with the deep dermis in order to deliver prefabricated elastic fibers to a physiologically appropriate site during subsequent surgery. This system is attractive because it provides for the first time a viable path for sufficient, histologically detectable levels of patient elastin into full-thickness wound sites that have until now lacked this elastic underlayer. The scars of full thickness wounds typically lack elasticity. Elastin is essential for skin elasticity and is enriched in the deep dermis. This paper is significant because it shows that: (1) we can generate elastic fibers in tunable quantities, (2) tropoelastin is the rate-limiting component in elastin synthesis in vitro, (3) we can generate elastin fibers regardless of donor age, (4) we describe a novel approach to further increase the numbers and thickness of elastic fibers for older donors, (5) we improve on Integra Dermal Regeneration Template and generate a new hybrid biomaterial intended to subsequently surgically deliver these elastic fibers, (6) the elastic fiber layer is presented on the side of Integra that is intended for delivery into its physiologically appropriate site i.e. the deep dermis. Copyright © 2016 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Polyamine levels in breast milk are associated with mothers' dietary intake and are higher in preterm than full-term human milk and formulas.

PubMed

Atiya Ali, M; Strandvik, B; Sabel, K-G; Palme Kilander, C; Strömberg, R; Yngve, A

2014-10-01

Polyamine intake from milk is considered essential for post-natal maturation of the immune system and small intestine. The present study aimed to determine polyamine content in human milk after preterm delivery and the association with mothers' dietary intake. In comparison, the polyamine levels were compared with those in term breast milk and some corresponding formulas. Transitional breast milk was collected from 40 mothers delivering after 24-36 weeks of gestation, and from 12 mothers delivering after full term. Food intake was assessed in mothers delivering preterm babies using a 3-day diary. Polyamines were analysed by high-performance liquid chromatography. The dietary intake of polyamines was significantly associated with breast milk content but weaker for spermine than for spermidine and putrescine. Total polyamine level was higher in preterm than term milk and lower in the corresponding formulas. Putrescine, spermidine and spermine contents [mean (SEM)] in preterm milk were 165.6 (25), 615.5 (80) and 167.7 (16) nmol dL⁻¹, respectively, with the levels of putrescine and spermidine being 50% and 25% higher than in term milk. The content of spermine did not differ. Dietary intake of polyamines has an impact on the content in breast milk. The difference between human milk after preterm and term delivery might be considered when using donor human milk for preterm infants. The corresponding formulas had lower contents. Further studies are important for determining the relationship between tissue growth and maturation and optimal intake. © 2013 The British Dietetic Association Ltd.

Apparatus and method for detecting full-capture radiation events

DOEpatents

Odell, D.M.C.

1994-10-11

An apparatus and method are disclosed for sampling the output signal of a radiation detector and distinguishing full-capture radiation events from Compton scattering events. The output signal of a radiation detector is continuously sampled. The samples are converted to digital values and input to a discriminator where samples that are representative of events are identified. The discriminator transfers only event samples, that is, samples representing full-capture events and Compton events, to a signal processor where the samples are saved in a three-dimensional count matrix with time (from the time of onset of the pulse) on the first axis, sample pulse current amplitude on the second axis, and number of samples on the third axis. The stored data are analyzed to separate the Compton events from full-capture events, and the energy of the full-capture events is determined without having determined the energies of any of the individual radiation detector events. 4 figs.

Apparatus and method for detecting full-capture radiation events

DOEpatents

Odell, Daniel M. C.

1994-01-01

An apparatus and method for sampling the output signal of a radiation detector and distinguishing full-capture radiation events from Compton scattering events. The output signal of a radiation detector is continuously sampled. The samples are converted to digital values and input to a discriminator where samples that are representative of events are identified. The discriminator transfers only event samples, that is, samples representing full-capture events and Compton events, to a signal processor where the samples are saved in a three-dimensional count matrix with time (from the time of onset of the pulse) on the first axis, sample pulse current amplitude on the second axis, and number of samples on the third axis. The stored data are analyzed to separate the Compton events from full-capture events, and the energy of the full-capture events is determined without having determined the energies of any of the individual radiation detector events.

Sedimentological Signatures of Transient Depositional Events in the Cariaco Basin, Venezuela

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Elmore, A. C.; Thunell, R. C.; Black, D. E.; Murray, R. W.; Martinez, N. C.

2004-12-01

The varved sediments that have accumulated in the Cariaco Basin throughout the Holocene provide a detailed archive of the region's climatic history, and act as a historical record for the occurrence of phenomena such as earthquakes and coastal flooding. In this study we compare the sedimentological characteristics of lithogenic material collected from the water column during transient depositional events to those of normal hemipelagic sedimentation in the basin. Specifically, we have examined the clay mineralogy and grain size distribution of detrital material delivered to the basin by the July 9, 1997 earthquake near Cumana, Venezuela and the coastal flooding of Venezuela in late 1999. The sample material used in our study was collected as part of an ongoing sediment trap time series in the Cariaco Basin. The sedimentological signatures associated with these two events are distinctive from the typical lithogenic input to the basin. Preliminary data for biweekly samples collected from 1997-1999 shows a tri-modal particle size distribution, with peaks at 3, 22, and 80 im. However, material collected from the deep basin immediately following the 1997 earthquake is characterized by a particle diameter distribution at 6 and 22 im with a smaller than normal peak at 80 im; this variance suggests an alternate source of material was delivered to the basin via a turbidity flow induced by the earthquake. Supporting this theory, the clay mineralogy of the same sediment trap samples shows a higher than average ratio of kaolinite to quartz for sediments delivered to the basin following both the earthquake and flooding. We hope to extend the use of these sedimentological methods to identify past transient depositional events in Cariaco Basin cores.

Sprinkle Test by Phoenix's Robotic Arm (Movie)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2008-01-01

NASA's Phoenix Mars Lander used its Robotic Arm during the mission's 15th Martian day since landing (June 9, 2008) to test a 'sprinkle' method for delivering small samples of soil to instruments on the lander deck. This sequence of four images from the spacecraft's Surface Stereo Imager covers a period of 20 minutes from beginning to end of the activity.

In the single delivery of a soil sample to a Phoenix instrument prior to this test, the arm brought the scooped up soil over the instrument's opened door and turned over the scoop to release the soil. The sprinkle technique, by contrast, holds the scoop at a steady angle and vibrates the scoop by running the motorized rasp located beneath the scoop. This gently jostles some material out of the scoop to the target below.

For this test, the target was near the upper end the cover of the Microscopy, Electrochemistry and Conductivity Analyzer instrument suite, or MECA. The cover is 20 centimeters (7.9 inches) across. The scoop is about 8.5 centimeters (3.3 inches) across.

Based on the test's success in delivering a small quantity and fine-size particles, the Phoenix team plans to use the sprinkle method for delivering samples to MECA and to the Thermal and Evolved-Gas Analyzer, or TEGA. The next planned delivery is to MECA's Optical Microscope, via the port in the MECA cover visible at the bottom of these images.

The Phoenix Mission is led by the University of Arizona, Tucson, on behalf of NASA. Project management of the mission is by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif. Spacecraft development is by Lockheed Martin Space Systems, Denver.

Casas Maternas in the Rural Highlands of Guatemala: A Mixed-Methods Case Study of the Introduction and Utilization of Birthing Facilities by an Indigenous Population

PubMed Central

Stollak, Ira; Valdez, Mario; Rivas, Karin; Perry, Henry

2016-01-01

ABSTRACT Background: An international NGO, with financial and managerial support from “partner” communities, established Casas Maternas (birthing facilities) in 3 municipalities in the isolated northwestern highlands of the department of Huehuetenango in Guatemala—an area with high maternal mortality ratio (338 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births). Traditional birth attendants are encouraged to bring patients for delivery at the Casas Maternas, where trained staff are present and access to referral care is facilitated. Methods: We conducted a mixed-methods study in San Sebastian Coatán municipality to assess the contribution of 2 Casas Maternas to health facility deliveries among partner and non-partner communities, with particular emphasis on equity in access. We surveyed all women who delivered in the study area between April 2013 and March 2014, the first full year in which both Casas Maternas in the study area were operating. In addition, using purposive sampling, we conducted in-depth interviews with 22 women who delivered and 6 focus group discussions with 42 community leaders, traditional birth attendants, and Casas Maternas staff members. We analyzed the quantitative data using descriptive statstics and the qualitative data with descriptive content analysis. Results: Of the 321 women eligible for inclusion in the study, we surveyed 275 women (14.3% could not be located or refused to participate). Between April 2013 and March 2014, 70% of women living in partner communities delivered in a health facility (54% in a Casa Materna) compared with 30% of women living in non-partner communities (17% in a Casa Materna). There was no statistically significant difference in uptake of the Casa Materna by maternal education and only a weak effect by household wealth. In contrast, distance from the Casa Materna had a pronounced effect. Traditional birth attendants were strong advocates for utilization of the Casa Materna and played an important role in the decision regarding where the birth would take place. In addition, the program’s outreach component, in which peer volunteers visit homes to promote healthy behaviors and appropriate use of health facilities, was identified as a key factor in encouraging mothers to deliver in facilities. Discussion: The Casa Materna approach to strengthening maternity care as developed by Curamericas has potential to increase health facility utilization in isolated mountainous areas inhabited by an indigenous population where access to government services is limited and where maternal mortality is high. The approach shows promise for broader application in Guatemala and beyond. PMID:27016548

Casas Maternas in the Rural Highlands of Guatemala: A Mixed-Methods Case Study of the Introduction and Utilization of Birthing Facilities by an Indigenous Population.

PubMed

Stollak, Ira; Valdez, Mario; Rivas, Karin; Perry, Henry

2016-03-01

An international NGO, with financial and managerial support from "partner" communities, established Casas Maternas (birthing facilities) in 3 municipalities in the isolated northwestern highlands of the department of Huehuetenango in Guatemala-an area with high maternal mortality ratio (338 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births). Traditional birth attendants are encouraged to bring patients for delivery at the Casas Maternas, where trained staff are present and access to referral care is facilitated. We conducted a mixed-methods study in San Sebastian Coatán municipality to assess the contribution of 2 Casas Maternas to health facility deliveries among partner and non-partner communities, with particular emphasis on equity in access. We surveyed all women who delivered in the study area between April 2013 and March 2014, the first full year in which both Casas Maternas in the study area were operating. In addition, using purposive sampling, we conducted in-depth interviews with 22 women who delivered and 6 focus group discussions with 42 community leaders, traditional birth attendants, and Casas Maternas staff members. We analyzed the quantitative data using descriptive statstics and the qualitative data with descriptive content analysis. Of the 321 women eligible for inclusion in the study, we surveyed 275 women (14.3% could not be located or refused to participate). Between April 2013 and March 2014, 70% of women living in partner communities delivered in a health facility (54% in a Casa Materna) compared with 30% of women living in non-partner communities (17% in a Casa Materna). There was no statistically significant difference in uptake of the Casa Materna by maternal education and only a weak effect by household wealth. In contrast, distance from the Casa Materna had a pronounced effect. Traditional birth attendants were strong advocates for utilization of the Casa Materna and played an important role in the decision regarding where the birth would take place. In addition, the program's outreach component, in which peer volunteers visit homes to promote healthy behaviors and appropriate use of health facilities, was identified as a key factor in encouraging mothers to deliver in facilities. The Casa Materna approach to strengthening maternity care as developed by Curamericas has potential to increase health facility utilization in isolated mountainous areas inhabited by an indigenous population where access to government services is limited and where maternal mortality is high. The approach shows promise for broader application in Guatemala and beyond. © Stollak et al.

Acceptability of Interventions Delivered Online and Through Mobile Phones for People Who Experience Severe Mental Health Problems: A Systematic Review.

PubMed

Berry, Natalie; Lobban, Fiona; Emsley, Richard; Bucci, Sandra

2016-05-31

Psychological interventions are recommended for people with severe mental health problems (SMI). However, barriers exist in the provision of these services and access is limited. Therefore, researchers are beginning to develop and deliver interventions online and via mobile phones. Previous research has indicated that interventions delivered in this format are acceptable for people with SMI. However, a comprehensive systematic review is needed to investigate the acceptability of online and mobile phone-delivered interventions for SMI in depth. This systematic review aimed to 1) identify the hypothetical acceptability (acceptability prior to or without the delivery of an intervention) and actual acceptability (acceptability where an intervention was delivered) of online and mobile phone-delivered interventions for SMI, 2) investigate the impact of factors such as demographic and clinical characteristics on acceptability, and 3) identify common participant views in qualitative studies that pinpoint factors influencing acceptability. We conducted a systematic search of the databases PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Web of Science in April 2015, which yielded a total of 8017 search results, with 49 studies meeting the full inclusion criteria. Studies were included if they measured acceptability through participant views, module completion rates, or intervention use. Studies delivering interventions were included if the delivery method was online or via mobile phones. The hypothetical acceptability of online and mobile phone-delivered interventions for SMI was relatively low, while actual acceptability tended to be high. Hypothetical acceptability was higher for interventions delivered via text messages than by emails. The majority of studies that assessed the impact of demographic characteristics on acceptability reported no significant relationships between the two. Additionally, actual acceptability was higher when participants were provided remote online support. Common qualitative factors relating to acceptability were safety and privacy concerns, the importance of an engaging and appealing delivery format, the inclusion of peer support, computer and mobile phone literacy, technical issues, and concerns about the impact of psychological state on intervention use. This systematic review provides an in-depth focus on the acceptability of online and mobile phone-delivered interventions for SMI and identified the need for further research in this area. Based on the results from this review, we recommend that researchers measure both hypothetical and actual acceptability to identify whether initial perceptions of online and mobile phone-delivered interventions change after access. In addition, more focus is needed on the potential impact of demographic and clinical characteristics on acceptability. The review also identified issues with module completion rates and intervention use as measures of acceptability. We therefore advise researchers to obtain qualitative reports of acceptability throughout each phase of intervention development and testing. Further implications and opportunities for future research are discussed.

Acceptability of Interventions Delivered Online and Through Mobile Phones for People Who Experience Severe Mental Health Problems: A Systematic Review

PubMed Central

Lobban, Fiona; Emsley, Richard; Bucci, Sandra

2016-01-01

Background Psychological interventions are recommended for people with severe mental health problems (SMI). However, barriers exist in the provision of these services and access is limited. Therefore, researchers are beginning to develop and deliver interventions online and via mobile phones. Previous research has indicated that interventions delivered in this format are acceptable for people with SMI. However, a comprehensive systematic review is needed to investigate the acceptability of online and mobile phone-delivered interventions for SMI in depth. Objective This systematic review aimed to 1) identify the hypothetical acceptability (acceptability prior to or without the delivery of an intervention) and actual acceptability (acceptability where an intervention was delivered) of online and mobile phone-delivered interventions for SMI, 2) investigate the impact of factors such as demographic and clinical characteristics on acceptability, and 3) identify common participant views in qualitative studies that pinpoint factors influencing acceptability. Methods We conducted a systematic search of the databases PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Web of Science in April 2015, which yielded a total of 8017 search results, with 49 studies meeting the full inclusion criteria. Studies were included if they measured acceptability through participant views, module completion rates, or intervention use. Studies delivering interventions were included if the delivery method was online or via mobile phones. Results The hypothetical acceptability of online and mobile phone-delivered interventions for SMI was relatively low, while actual acceptability tended to be high. Hypothetical acceptability was higher for interventions delivered via text messages than by emails. The majority of studies that assessed the impact of demographic characteristics on acceptability reported no significant relationships between the two. Additionally, actual acceptability was higher when participants were provided remote online support. Common qualitative factors relating to acceptability were safety and privacy concerns, the importance of an engaging and appealing delivery format, the inclusion of peer support, computer and mobile phone literacy, technical issues, and concerns about the impact of psychological state on intervention use. Conclusions This systematic review provides an in-depth focus on the acceptability of online and mobile phone-delivered interventions for SMI and identified the need for further research in this area. Based on the results from this review, we recommend that researchers measure both hypothetical and actual acceptability to identify whether initial perceptions of online and mobile phone-delivered interventions change after access. In addition, more focus is needed on the potential impact of demographic and clinical characteristics on acceptability. The review also identified issues with module completion rates and intervention use as measures of acceptability. We therefore advise researchers to obtain qualitative reports of acceptability throughout each phase of intervention development and testing. Further implications and opportunities for future research are discussed. PMID:27245693

Dance movement therapy for dementia.

PubMed

Karkou, Vicky; Meekums, Bonnie

2017-02-03

Dementia is a collective name for different degenerative brain syndromes which, according to Alzheimer's Disease International, affects approximately 35.6 million people worldwide. The latest NICE guideline for dementia highlights the value of diverse treatment options for the different stages and symptoms of dementia including non-pharmacological treatments. Relevant literature also argues for the value of interventions that acknowledge the complexity of the condition and address the person as a whole, including their physical, emotional, social and cognitive processes. At the same time, there is growing literature that highlights the capacity of the arts and embodied practices to address this complexity. Dance movement therapy is an embodied psychological intervention that can address complexity and thus, may be useful for people with dementia, but its effectiveness remains unclear. To assess the effects of dance movement therapy on behavioural, social, cognitive and emotional symptoms of people with dementia in comparison to no treatment, standard care or any other treatment. Also, to compare different forms of dance movement therapy (e.g. Laban-based dance movement therapy, Chacian dance movement therapy or Authentic Movement). Searches took place up to March 2016 through ALOIS, Cochrane Dementia and Cognitive Improvement's Specialized Register, which covers CENTRAL, a number of major healthcare databases and trial registers, and grey literature sources. We checked bibliographies of relevant studies and reviews, and contacted professional associations, educational programmes and experts from around the world. We considered randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in any language, including cross-over design and cluster-RCTs for inclusion. Studies considered had to include people with dementia, in any age group and in any setting, with interventions delivered by a dance movement therapy practitioner who (i) had received formal training (ii) was a dance movement therapist in training or (iii) was otherwise recognised as a dance movement therapist in the country in which the study was conducted. The two review authors independently reviewed studies on an abstract/title level and again after reading the full paper, and we independently evaluated methodological quality. Of the 102 studies identified through electronic searches and personal communication, after de-duplication we screened 80 at title/abstract level. We then reviewed 19 full papers, none of which met the inclusion criteria. Although three studies mentioned dance movement therapy as their intervention, they were excluded because they were not delivered by a qualified dance movement therapy practitioner. As a result, no studies were included in this review. Trials of high methodological quality, large sample sizes and clarity in the way the intervention is put together and delivered are needed to assess whether dance movement therapy is an effective intervention for dementia.

7 CFR 32.401 - Cost of samples for grease mohair grades.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... Section 32.401 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (Standards, Inspections, Marketing Practices), DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE COMMODITY STANDARDS AND STANDARD... mohair grades. (a) Complete set. $22 each, delivered to any destination with the United States and $25...

Needs, Acceptability, and Value of Humanitarian Medical Assistance in Remote Peruvian Amazon Riverine Communities

PubMed Central

Sanchez, Juan F.; Halsey, Eric S.; Bayer, Angela M.; Beltran, Martin; Razuri, Hugo R.; Velasquez, Daniel E.; Cama, Vitaliano A.; Graf, Paul C. F.; Quispe, Antonio M.; Maves, Ryan C.; Montgomery, Joel M.; Sanders, John W.; Lescano, Andres G.

2015-01-01

Much debate exists regarding the need, acceptability, and value of humanitarian medical assistance. We conducted a cross-sectional study on 457 children under 5 years from four remote riverine communities in the Peruvian Amazon and collected anthropometric measures, blood samples (1–4 years), and stool samples. Focus groups and key informant interviews assessed perspectives regarding medical aid delivered by foreigners. The prevalence of stunting, anemia, and intestinal parasites was 20%, 37%, and 62%, respectively. Infection with multiple parasites, usually geohelminths, was detected in 41% of children. The prevalence of intestinal parasites both individual and polyparasitism increased with age. Participants from smaller communities less exposed to foreigners expressed lack of trust and fear of them. However, participants from all communities were positive about foreigners visiting to provide health support. Prevalent health needs such as parasitic infections and anemia may be addressed by short-term medical interventions. There is a perceived openness to and acceptability of medical assistance delivered by foreign personnel. PMID:25846293

Precise pooling and dispensing of microfluidic droplets towards micro- to macro-world interfacing

PubMed Central

Brouzes, Eric; Carniol, April; Bakowski, Tomasz; Strey, Helmut H.

2014-01-01

Droplet microfluidics possesses unique properties such as the ability to carry out multiple independent reactions without dispersion of samples in microchannels. We seek to extend the use of droplet microfluidics to a new range of applications by enabling its integration into workflows based on traditional technologies, such as microtiter plates. Our strategy consists in developing a novel method to manipulate, pool and deliver a precise number of microfluidic droplets. To this aim, we present a basic module that combines droplet trapping with an on-chip valve. We quantitatively analyzed the trapping efficiency of the basic module in order to optimize its design. We also demonstrate the integration of the basic module into a multiplex device that can deliver 8 droplets at every cycle. This device will have a great impact in low throughput droplet applications that necessitate interfacing with macroscale technologies. The micro- to macro- interface is particularly critical in microfluidic applications that aim at sample preparation and has not been rigorously addressed in this context. PMID:25485102

Rapid microfluidic mixing and liquid jets for studying biomolecular chemical dynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Langley, Daniel; Abbey, Brian

2018-01-01

X-ray Free-Electron Lasers (XFELs) offer a unique opportunity to study the structural dynamics of proteins on a femtosecond time-scale. To realize the full potential of XFEL sources for studying time-resolved biomolecular processes however, requires the optimization and development of devices that can both act as a trigger and a delivery mechanism for the system of interest. Here we present numerical simulations and actual devices exploring the conditions required for the development of successful mixing and injection devices for tracking the molecular dynamics of proteins in solution on micro to nanosecond timescales using XFELs. The mechanism for combining reagents employs a threefold combination of pico-liter volumes, lamination and serpentine mixing. Focusing and delivering the sample in solution is achieved using the Gas Dynamic Virtual Nozzle (GDVN), which was specifically developed to produce a micrometer diameter, in-vacuum liquid jet. We explore the influence of parameters such as flow rate and gas pressure on the mixing time and jet stability, and explore the formation of rapid homogeneously mixed jets for `mix-and-inject' liquid scattering experiments at Synchrotron and XFEL facilities.

Fixed Target combined with Spectral Mapping: Approaching 100% Hit Rates for Serial Crystallography

PubMed Central

Pare-Labrosse, Olivier; Kuo, Anling; Marx, Alexander; Epp, Sascha W.; Sherrell, Darren A.; Eger, Bryan T.; Zhong, Yinpeng; Loch, Rolf; Mariani, Valerio; Alonso-Mori, Roberto; Nelson, Silke; Lemke, Henrik T.; Owen, Robin L.; Pearson, Arwen R.; Stuart, David I.; Ernst, Oliver P.; Mueller-Werkmeister, Henrike M.; Miller, R. J. Dwayne

2018-01-01

The advent of ultrafast highly brilliant coherent X-ray Free Electron Laser sources has driven the development of novel structure determination approaches for proteins, and promises visualisation of protein dynamics on the fastest timescales with full atomic resolution. Significant efforts are being applied to the development of sample delivery systems that allow these unique sources to be most efficiently exploited for high throughput serial femtosecond crystallography. We present here the next generation of a fixed target crystallography chip designed for rapid and reliable delivery of up to 11,259 protein crystals with high spatial precision. An experimental scheme for predetermining the positions of crystals in the chip by means of in-situ spectroscopy using a fiducial system for rapid, precise alignment and registration of the crystal positions is presented. This delivers unprecedented performance in serial crystallography experiments at room temperature under atmospheric pressure with a raw hit rate approaching 100% with an effective indexing rate of approximately 50%, increasing the efficiency of beam usage, and allowing the method to be applied to systems where the number of crystals is limited. PMID:27487825

The simulation library of the Belle II software system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, D. Y.; Ritter, M.; Bilka, T.; Bobrov, A.; Casarosa, G.; Chilikin, K.; Ferber, T.; Godang, R.; Jaegle, I.; Kandra, J.; Kodys, P.; Kuhr, T.; Kvasnicka, P.; Nakayama, H.; Piilonen, L.; Pulvermacher, C.; Santelj, L.; Schwenker, B.; Sibidanov, A.; Soloviev, Y.; Starič, M.; Uglov, T.

2017-10-01

SuperKEKB, the next generation B factory, has been constructed in Japan as an upgrade of KEKB. This brand new e+ e- collider is expected to deliver a very large data set for the Belle II experiment, which will be 50 times larger than the previous Belle sample. Both the triggered physics event rate and the background event rate will be increased by at least 10 times than the previous ones, and will create a challenging data taking environment for the Belle II detector. The software system of the Belle II experiment is designed to execute this ambitious plan. A full detector simulation library, which is a part of the Belle II software system, is created based on Geant4 and has been tested thoroughly. Recently the library has been upgraded with Geant4 version 10.1. The library is behaving as expected and it is utilized actively in producing Monte Carlo data sets for various studies. In this paper, we will explain the structure of the simulation library and the various interfaces to other packages including geometry and beam background simulation.

Isotachophoresis-Based Surface Immunoassay.

PubMed

Paratore, Federico; Zeidman Kalman, Tal; Rosenfeld, Tally; Kaigala, Govind V; Bercovici, Moran

2017-07-18

In the absence of amplification methods for proteins, the immune-detection of low-abundance proteins using antibodies is fundamentally limited by binding kinetic rates. Here, we present a new class of surface-based immunoassays in which protein-antibody reaction is accelerated by isotachophoresis (ITP). We demonstrate the use of ITP to preconcentrate and deliver target proteins to a surface decorated with specific antibodies, where effective utilization of the focused sample is achieved by modulating the driving electric field (stop-and-diffuse ITP mode) or applying a counter flow that opposes the ITP motion (counterflow ITP mode). Using enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) as a model protein, we carry out an experimental optimization of the ITP-based immunoassay and demonstrate a 1300-fold improvement in limit of detection compared to a standard immunoassay, in a 6 min protein-antibody reaction. We discuss the design of buffer chemistries for other protein systems and, in concert with experiments, provide full analytical solutions for the two operation modes, elucidating the interplay between reaction, diffusion, and accumulation time scales and enabling the prediction and design of future immunoassays.

Fixed target combined with spectral mapping: approaching 100% hit rates for serial crystallography.

PubMed

Oghbaey, Saeed; Sarracini, Antoine; Ginn, Helen M; Pare-Labrosse, Olivier; Kuo, Anling; Marx, Alexander; Epp, Sascha W; Sherrell, Darren A; Eger, Bryan T; Zhong, Yinpeng; Loch, Rolf; Mariani, Valerio; Alonso-Mori, Roberto; Nelson, Silke; Lemke, Henrik T; Owen, Robin L; Pearson, Arwen R; Stuart, David I; Ernst, Oliver P; Mueller-Werkmeister, Henrike M; Miller, R J Dwayne

2016-08-01

The advent of ultrafast highly brilliant coherent X-ray free-electron laser sources has driven the development of novel structure-determination approaches for proteins, and promises visualization of protein dynamics on sub-picosecond timescales with full atomic resolution. Significant efforts are being applied to the development of sample-delivery systems that allow these unique sources to be most efficiently exploited for high-throughput serial femtosecond crystallography. Here, the next iteration of a fixed-target crystallography chip designed for rapid and reliable delivery of up to 11 259 protein crystals with high spatial precision is presented. An experimental scheme for predetermining the positions of crystals in the chip by means of in situ spectroscopy using a fiducial system for rapid, precise alignment and registration of the crystal positions is presented. This delivers unprecedented performance in serial crystallography experiments at room temperature under atmospheric pressure, giving a raw hit rate approaching 100% with an effective indexing rate of approximately 50%, increasing the efficiency of beam usage and allowing the method to be applied to systems where the number of crystals is limited.

Ultrafast photon counting applied to resonant scanning STED microscopy.

PubMed

Wu, Xundong; Toro, Ligia; Stefani, Enrico; Wu, Yong

2015-01-01

To take full advantage of fast resonant scanning in super-resolution stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscopy, we have developed an ultrafast photon counting system based on a multigiga sample per second analogue-to-digital conversion chip that delivers an unprecedented 450 MHz pixel clock (2.2 ns pixel dwell time in each scan). The system achieves a large field of view (∼50 × 50 μm) with fast scanning that reduces photobleaching, and advances the time-gated continuous wave STED technology to the usage of resonant scanning with hardware-based time-gating. The assembled system provides superb signal-to-noise ratio and highly linear quantification of light that result in superior image quality. Also, the system design allows great flexibility in processing photon signals to further improve the dynamic range. In conclusion, we have constructed a frontier photon counting image acquisition system with ultrafast readout rate, excellent counting linearity, and with the capacity of realizing resonant-scanning continuous wave STED microscopy with online time-gated detection. © 2014 The Authors Journal of Microscopy © 2014 Royal Microscopical Society.

BENNU’S JOURNEY - Early Earth

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-12-08

This is an artist's concept of the young Earth being bombarded by asteroids. Scientists think these impacts could have delivered significant amounts of organic matter and water to Earth. Image Credit: NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center Conceptual Image Lab The Origins Spectral Interpretation Resource Identification Security -- Regolith Explorer spacecraft (OSIRIS-REx) will travel to a near-Earth asteroid, called Bennu, and bring a sample back to Earth for study. The mission will help scientists investigate how planets formed and how life began, as well as improve our understanding of asteroids that could impact Earth. OSIRIS-REx is scheduled for launch in late 2016. As planned, the spacecraft will reach its asteroid target in 2018 and return a sample to Earth in 2023. Watch the full video: youtu.be/gtUgarROs08 Learn more about NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission and the making of Bennu’s Journey: www.nasa.gov/content/goddard/bennus-journey/ More information on the OSIRIS-REx mission is available at: www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/osiris-rex/index.html www.asteroidmission.org NASA image use policy. NASA Goddard Space Flight Center enables NASA’s mission through four scientific endeavors: Earth Science, Heliophysics, Solar System Exploration, and Astrophysics. Goddard plays a leading role in NASA’s accomplishments by contributing compelling scientific knowledge to advance the Agency’s mission. Follow us on Twitter Like us on Facebook Find us on Instagram

Metals in boat paint fragments from slipways, repair facilities and abandoned vessels: an evaluation using field portable XRF.

PubMed

Turner, Andrew; Comber, Sean; Rees, Aldous B; Gkiokas, Dimitrios; Solman, Kevin

2015-01-01

Paint flaking off abandoned vessels or generated during boat repair is hazardous to human health and wildlife. In this study, a means of screening paint fragments using a field portable-X-ray fluorescence (FP-XRF) spectrometer is described. The technique is capable of delivering rapid, surficial measurements of Ba, Cu, Pb and Zn down to concentrations less than 150 μg g(-1), and Sn and Cr to concentrations of a few hundred μg g(-1). Application of the technique to fragments collected from slipways, yards, hardstandings, abandoned boats and ships undergoing maintenance throughout the EU reveal highly variable concentrations of metals among samples from the same environment or from the same region of a given boat; in many cases, variability is also evident in different areas or on different surfaces of the same fragment. Of particular concern are elevated concentrations of substances that have been restricted or banned (e.g. Sn, an indicator of organotin, and up to concentrations of 40,000 μg g(-1), and Pb up to concentrations of 200,000 μg g(-1)). Although FP-XRF can rapidly screen samples whose composition and origin are unknown and can assist in instantaneous decision making, a full risk assessment will rely on additional analyses of the precise species (including organo-forms) of the metals present. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Recovery of latent fingerprints and DNA on human skin.

PubMed

Färber, Doris; Seul, Andrea; Weisser, Hans-Joachim; Bohnert, Michael

2010-11-01

The project "Latent Fingerprints and DNA on Human Skin" was the first systematic research in Europe dealing with detection of fingerprints and DNA left by offenders on the skin of corpses. One thousand samples gave results that allow general statements on the materials and methods used. The tests were carried out according to a uniform trial structure. Fingerprints were deposited by natural donors on corpses. The latent fingerprints were treated with magnetic powder or black fingerprint powder. Afterward, they were lifted with silicone casting material (Isomark(®)) or gelatine foil. All lifts were swabbed to recover DNA. It was possible to visualize comparable and identifiable fingerprints on the skin of corpses (16%). In the same categories, magnetic powder (18.4%) yielded better results than black fingerprint powder (13.6%). The number of comparable and identifiable fingerprints decreased on the lifts (12.7%). Isomark(®) (14.9%) was the better lifting material in comparison with gelatine foil (10.1%). In one-third of the samples, DNA could be extracted from the powdered and lifted latents. Black fingerprint powder delivered the better result with a rate of 2.2% for full DNA profiles and profiles useful for exclusion in comparison with 1.8% for the magnetic powder traces. Isomark(®) (3.1%) yielded better results than gelatine foil (0.6%). © 2010 American Academy of Forensic Sciences.

A Probabilistic Approach to Fitting Period–luminosity Relations and Validating Gaia Parallaxes

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

Sesar, Branimir; Fouesneau, Morgan; Bailer-Jones, Coryn A. L.

Pulsating stars, such as Cepheids, Miras, and RR Lyrae stars, are important distance indicators and calibrators of the “cosmic distance ladder,” and yet their period–luminosity–metallicity (PLZ) relations are still constrained using simple statistical methods that cannot take full advantage of available data. To enable optimal usage of data provided by the Gaia mission, we present a probabilistic approach that simultaneously constrains parameters of PLZ relations and uncertainties in Gaia parallax measurements. We demonstrate this approach by constraining PLZ relations of type ab RR Lyrae stars in near-infrared W 1 and W 2 bands, using Tycho- Gaia Astrometric Solution (TGAS) parallaxmore » measurements for a sample of ≈100 type ab RR Lyrae stars located within 2.5 kpc of the Sun. The fitted PLZ relations are consistent with previous studies, and in combination with other data, deliver distances precise to 6% (once various sources of uncertainty are taken into account). To a precision of 0.05 mas (1 σ ), we do not find a statistically significant offset in TGAS parallaxes for this sample of distant RR Lyrae stars (median parallax of 0.8 mas and distance of 1.4 kpc). With only minor modifications, our probabilistic approach can be used to constrain PLZ relations of other pulsating stars, and we intend to apply it to Cepheid and Mira stars in the near future.« less

The Effectiveness of Full Day School System for Students’ Character Building

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Benawa, A.; Peter, R.; Makmun, S.

2018-01-01

The study aims to put forward that full day school which was delivered in Marsudirini Elementary School in Bogor is effective for students’ character building. The study focused on the implementation of full day school system. The qualitative-based research method applied in the study is characteristic evaluation involving non-participant observation, interview, and documentation analysis. The result of this study concludes that the full day school system is significantly effective in education system for elementary students’ character building. The full day school system embraced the entire relevant processes based on the character building standard. The synergy of comprehensive components in instructional process at full day school has influenced the building of the students’ character effectively and efficiently. The relationship emerged between instructional development process in full day school system and the character building of the students. By developing instructional process through systemic and systematic process in full day school system, the support of stakeholders (leaders, human resources, students, parents’ role) and other components (learning resources, facilities, budget) provides a potent and expeditious contribution for character building among the students eventually.

Maturation of body and breathing movements in 24-33 week-old fetuses threatening to deliver prematurely.

PubMed

Kisilevsky, B S; Hains, S M; Low, J A

1999-05-01

Maturation of spontaneous fetal body and breathing movements of 24- to 33-week-old fetuses in 168 pregnancies threatening to deliver prematurely were examined on the basis of newborn outcome (premature compromised, premature healthy, term healthy). Maturation of fetuses in 60 low-risk pregnancies delivering as healthy full-term infants served as a normative comparison group. Each fetus was observed for 30 min; the amount of body and breathing movements were noted and an estimation of amniotic fluid volume was made. The pattern of behavioural maturation was similar for all outcome groups; with advancing gestation there was a decrease in body movements and an increase in breathing movements. Both reduced activity levels and advanced behaviours were observed in the high-risk outcome groups. The high-risk fetuses had reduced levels of body movements which increased with better outcome and, an earlier onset of increased amounts of breathing, occurring at 30 weeks in contrast to 33 weeks for the comparison group. In the presence of ruptured membranes, those high-risk fetuses who were born prematurely had less breathing compared to those who delivered at term. Similar maturation patterns among high- and low-risk outcome groups suggests normal/typical functional development in the high-risk fetal groups. The observed differential behaviours were associated with prematurity and most likely associated with events leading to premature labour.

Quality of Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision Services during Scale-Up: A Comparative Process Evaluation in Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania and Zimbabwe

PubMed Central

Jennings, Larissa; Bertrand, Jane; Rech, Dino; Harvey, Steven A.; Hatzold, Karin; Samkange, Christopher A.; Omondi Aduda, Dickens S.; Fimbo, Bennett; Cherutich, Peter; Perry, Linnea; Castor, Delivette; Njeuhmeli, Emmanuel

2014-01-01

Background The rapid expansion of voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) has raised concerns whether health systems can deliver and sustain VMMC according to minimum quality criteria. Methods and Findings A comparative process evaluation was used to examine data from SYMMACS, the Systematic Monitoring of the Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision Scale-Up, among health facilities providing VMMC across two years of program scale-up. Site-level assessments examined the availability of guidelines, supplies and equipment, infection control, and continuity of care services. Direct observation of VMMC surgeries were used to assess care quality. Two sample tests of proportions and t-tests were used to examine differences in the percent of facilities meeting requisite preparedness standards and the mean number of directly-observed surgical tasks performed correctly. Results showed that safe, high quality VMMC can be implemented and sustained at-scale, although substantial variability was observed over time. In some settings, facility preparedness and VMMC service quality improved as the number of VMMC facilities increased. Yet, lapses in high performance and expansion of considerably deficient services were also observed. Surgical tasks had the highest quality scores, with lower performance levels in infection control, pre-operative examinations, and post-operative patient monitoring and counseling. The range of scale-up models used across countries additionally underscored the complexity of delivering high quality VMMC. Conclusions Greater efforts are needed to integrate VMMC scale-up and quality improvement processes in sub-Saharan African settings. Monitoring of service quality, not just adverse events reporting, will be essential in realizing the full health impact of VMMC for HIV prevention. PMID:24801073

Internet-based cognitive behaviour therapy for tinnitus patients delivered in a regular clinical setting: outcome and analysis of treatment dropout.

PubMed

Kaldo, Viktor; Haak, Thomas; Buhrman, Monica; Alfonsson, Sven; Larsen, Hans-Christian; Andersson, Gerhard

2013-01-01

Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) can reduce tinnitus distress but is not available for most patients. Therapist guided, internet-based CBT (ICBT) increase availability and has been shown to be effective. However, the initial positive results need to be replicated in larger samples, and treatment dropout has not been thoroughly studied. Moreover, it has not been evaluated if a low-intensity version of ICBT without therapist contact could be an alternative for patients who do not need or are able to manage the full ICBT-program. This study evaluated two parallel interventions delivered in regular care: ICBT for tinnitus distress (n = 293) and a low-intensity version of ICBT (n = 81) for patients with lower levels of tinnitus distress. We also explored predictors of dropout from ICBT and if dropout influences outcome. Tinnitus Reaction Questionnaire (Wilson, Henry, Bowen, & Haralambous, 1991) was used as the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes were measures of depression, anxiety, sleep, and sound sensitivity. Significant reductions following ICBT were found on all measures after treatment and also at a three-month follow-up. Patients receiving low-intensity ICBT showed a significant reduction in distress, even when they had low levels of distress initially. Treatment dropout was preceded by an increase in days spent at each treatment step but not by an increased distress. Early dropout was related to worse outcome. ICBT can be used in a regular clinical setting to reduce tinnitus distress. Early dropouts may need additional management. For help-seeking patients with lower distress, a low-intensity version of ICBT can be used.

SU-F-T-148: Are the Approximations in Analytic Semi-Empirical Dose Calculation Algorithms for Intensity Modulated Proton Therapy for Complex Heterogeneities of Head and Neck Clinically Significant?

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

Yepes, P; UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX; Titt, U

2016-06-15

Purpose: Evaluate the differences in dose distributions between the proton analytic semi-empirical dose calculation algorithm used in the clinic and Monte Carlo calculations for a sample of 50 head-and-neck (H&N) patients and estimate the potential clinical significance of the differences. Methods: A cohort of 50 H&N patients, treated at the University of Texas Cancer Center with Intensity Modulated Proton Therapy (IMPT), were selected for evaluation of clinical significance of approximations in computed dose distributions. H&N site was selected because of the highly inhomogeneous nature of the anatomy. The Fast Dose Calculator (FDC), a fast track-repeating accelerated Monte Carlo algorithm formore » proton therapy, was utilized for the calculation of dose distributions delivered during treatment plans. Because of its short processing time, FDC allows for the processing of large cohorts of patients. FDC has been validated versus GEANT4, a full Monte Carlo system and measurements in water and for inhomogeneous phantoms. A gamma-index analysis, DVHs, EUDs, and TCP and NTCPs computed using published models were utilized to evaluate the differences between the Treatment Plan System (TPS) and FDC. Results: The Monte Carlo results systematically predict lower dose delivered in the target. The observed differences can be as large as 8 Gy, and should have a clinical impact. Gamma analysis also showed significant differences between both approaches, especially for the target volumes. Conclusion: Monte Carlo calculations with fast algorithms is practical and should be considered for the clinic, at least as a treatment plan verification tool.« less

Student Enrollment Patterns and Achievement in Ohio's Online Charter Schools

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ahn, June; McEachin, Andrew

2017-01-01

We utilize state data of nearly 1.7 million students in Ohio to study a specific sector of online education: K-12 schools that deliver most, if not all, education online, lack a brick-and-mortar presence, and enroll students full-time. First, we explore e-school enrollment patterns and how these patterns vary by student subgroups and geography.…

Charting the Course for Civil Affairs in the New Normal

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-07-01

Select a caveat Unlimited distribution Charting the Course for Civil Affairs in the New Normal Vera Zakem and Emily Mushen July...11  Challenges for Joint CA in the New Normal Environment ............................................ 13  New requirements for ...deliver essential services in preparation for handing full control back to the host nation government. Other independent civil affairs teams worked

Actual and Prescribed Energy and Protein Intakes for Very Low Birth Weight Infants: An Observational Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Abel, Deborah Marie

2012-01-01

Objectives: To determine (1) whether prescribed and delivered energy and protein intakes during the first two weeks of life met Ziegler's estimated requirements for Very Low Birth Weight (VLBW) infants, (2) if actual energy during the first week of life correlated with time to regain birth weight and reach full enteral nutrition (EN) defined as…

Only in Canada: A Study of National Market Potential for Christian Higher Education Canada (CHEC) Institutions

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hiebert, Al

2011-01-01

In July 2007 Ipsos Reid delivered to Christian Higher Education Canada (CHEC) a report entitled "Christian Post-Secondary Education in Canada, Phase 3: Defining the Market". This article is a selective summary of the full 353-page report. It tabulates and analyzes findings from 1,000 phone interviews and 6,689 online surveys from six…

Nsls-II Boster

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gurov, S. M.; Akimov, A. V.; Akimov, V. E.; Anashin, V. V.; Anchugov, O. V.; Baranov, G. N.; Batrakov, A. M.; Belikov, O. V.; Bekhtenev, E. A.; Blum, E.; Bulatov, A. V.; Burenkov, D. B.; Cheblakov, P. B.; Chernyakin, A. D.; Cheskidov, V. G.; Churkin, I. N.; Davidsavier, M.; Derbenev, A. A.; Erokhin, A. I.; Fliller, R. P.; Fulkerson, M.; Gorchakov, K. M.; Ganetis, G.; Gao, F.; Gurov, D. S.; Hseuh, H.; Hu, Y.; Johanson, M.; Kadyrov, R. A.; Karnaev, S. E.; Karpov, G. V.; Kiselev, V. A.; Kobets, V. V.; Konstantinov, V. M.; Kolmogorov, V. V.; Korepanov, A. A.; Kramer, S.; Krasnov, A. A.; Kremnev, A. A.; Kuper, E. A.; Kuzminykh, V. S.; Levichev, E. B.; Li, Y.; Long, J. De; Makeev, A. V.; Mamkin, V. R.; Medvedko, A. S.; Meshkov, O. I.; Nefedov, N. B.; Neyfeld, V. V.; Okunev, I. N.; Ozaki, S.; Padrazo, D.; Petrov, V. V.; Petrichenkov, M. V.; Philipchenko, A. V.; Polyansky, A. V.; Pureskin, D. N.; Rakhimov, A. R.; Rose, J.; Ruvinskiy, S. I.; Rybitskaya, T. V.; Sazonov, N. V.; Schegolev, L. M.; Semenov, A. M.; Semenov, E. P.; Senkov, D. V.; Serdakov, L. E.; Serednyakov, S. S.; Shaftan, T. V.; Sharma, S.; Shichkov, D. S.; Shiyankov, S. V.; Shvedov, D. A.; Simonov, E. A.; Singh, O.; Sinyatkin, S. V.; Smaluk, V. V.; Sukhanov, A. V.; Tian, Y.; Tsukanova, L. A.; Vakhrushev, R. V.; Vobly, P. D.; Utkin, A. V.; Wang, G.; Wahl, W.; Willeke, F.; Yaminov, K. R.; Yong, H.; Zhuravlev, A.; Zuhoski, P.

The National Synchrotron Light Source II is a third generation light source, which was constructed at Brookhaven National Laboratory. This project includes a highly-optimized 3 GeV electron storage ring, linac preinjector, and full-energy synchrotron injector. Budker Institute of Nuclear Physics built and delivered the booster for NSLS-II. The commissioning of the booster was successfully completed. This paper reviews fulfilled work by participants.

Enduring Inequities, Imagined Futures--Circulating Policy Discourses and Dilemmas in the Anthropology of Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McCarty, Teresa L.

2012-01-01

This article is a slightly revised version of the CAE Presidential Address delivered at the Annual Meeting of the American Anthropological Association in New Orleans, LA on November 20, 2010. The address inaugurated a CAE program change in which a full evening session was devoted to the talk, including commentaries by Hugh Mehan and Sofia…

Air-Based Remediation Workshop - Section 1 Sampling And Analysis Revelant To Air-Based Remediation Technologies

EPA Science Inventory

Pursant to the EPA-AIT Implementing Arrangement 7 for Technical Environmental Collaboration, Activity 11 "Remediation of Contaminated Sites," the USEPA Office of International Affairs Organized a Force Air Remediation Workshop in Taipei to deliver expert training to the Environme...

Spontaneous Preterm Birth Is Associated with Differential Expression of Vaginal Metabolites by Lactobacilli-Dominated Microflora

PubMed Central

Stafford, Graham P.; Parker, Jennifer L.; Amabebe, Emmanuel; Kistler, James; Reynolds, Steven; Stern, Victoria; Paley, Martyn; Anumba, Dilly O. C.

2017-01-01

A major challenge in preventing preterm birth (PTB) is identifying women at greatest risk. This pilot study prospectively examined the differences in vaginal microbiota and metabolite profiles of women who delivered prematurely compared to their term counterparts in a cohort of asymptomatic (studied at 20–22, n = 80; and 26–28 weeks, n = 41) and symptomatic women (studied at 24–36 weeks, n = 37). Using 16S rRNA sequencing, the vaginal microbiota from cervicovaginal fluid samples was characterized into five Community State Types (CST) dominated by Lactobacillus spp.: CSTI (Lactobacillus crispatus), CSTII (Lactobacillus gasseri), CSTIII (Lactobacillus iners), CSTV (Lactobacillus jensenii); and mixed anaerobes—CSTIV. This was then related to the vaginal metabolite profile and pH determined by 1H-Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy and pH indicator paper, respectively. At 20–22 weeks, the term-delivered women (TDW) indicated a proportion of CSTI-dominated microbiota >2-fold higher compared to the preterm-delivered women (PTDW) (40.3 vs. 16.7%, P = 0.0002), and a slightly higher proportion at 26–28 weeks (20.7 vs. 16.7%, P = 0.03). CSTV was >2-fold higher in the PTDW compared to TDW at 20–22 (22.2 vs. 9.7%, P = 0.0002) and 26–28 weeks (25.0 vs. 10.3%, P = 0.03). Furthermore, at 26–28 weeks no PTDW had a CSTII-dominated microbiome, in contrast to 28% of TDW (P < 0.0001). CSTI-dominated samples showed higher lactate levels than CSTV at 20–22 weeks (P < 0.01), and 26–28 weeks (P < 0.05), while CSTII-dominated samples indicated raised succinate levels over CSTV at 26–28 weeks (P < 0.05). These were supported by Principal coordinates analysis, which revealed strong clustering of metabolites according to CST. In addition, the CSTI-dominated samples had an average pH of 3.8, which was lower than those of CSTII—4.4, and CSTV—4.2 (P < 0.05). Elevated vaginal lactate and succinate were associated with predominance of CSTI and II over CSTV in women who delivered at term compared with their preterm counterparts. This suggests that L. jensenii-dominance and decreased lactate and/or succinate could increase the risk of PTB, while L. crispatus/gasseri may confer some protection against inflammation-associated PTB and highlight the need for further study in this area. PMID:28878691

Acupuncture injection for field amplified sample stacking and glass microchip-based capillary gel electrophoresis.

PubMed

Ha, Ji Won; Hahn, Jong Hoon

2017-02-01

Acupuncture sample injection is a simple method to deliver well-defined nanoliter-scale sample plugs in PDMS microfluidic channels. This acupuncture injection method in microchip CE has several advantages, including minimization of sample consumption, the capability of serial injections of different sample solutions into the same microchannel, and the capability of injecting sample plugs into any desired position of a microchannel. Herein, we demonstrate that the simple and cost-effective acupuncture sample injection method can be used for PDMS microchip-based field amplified sample stacking in the most simplified straight channel by applying a single potential. We achieved the increase in electropherogram signals for the case of sample stacking. Furthermore, we present that microchip CGE of ΦX174 DNA-HaeⅢ digest can be performed with the acupuncture injection method on a glass microchip while minimizing sample loss and voltage control hardware. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Chip-based device for parallel sorting, amplification, detection, and identification of nucleic acid subsequences

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

Beer, Neil Reginald; Colston, Jr, Billy W.

An apparatus for chip-based sorting, amplification, detection, and identification of a sample having a planar substrate. The planar substrate is divided into cells. The cells are arranged on the planar substrate in rows and columns. Electrodes are located in the cells. A micro-reactor maker produces micro-reactors containing the sample. The micro-reactor maker is positioned to deliver the micro-reactors to the planar substrate. A microprocessor is connected to the electrodes for manipulating the micro-reactors on the planar substrate. A detector is positioned to interrogate the sample contained in the micro-reactors.

Mineralogy and Petrology of COMET WILD2 Nucleus Samples

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zolensky, Michael; Bland, Phil; Bradley, John; Brearley, Adrian; Brennan, Sean; Bridges, John; Brownlee, Donald; Butterworth, Anna; Dai, Zurong; Ebel, Denton

2006-01-01

The sample return capsule of the Stardust spacecraft will be recovered in northern Utah on January 15, 2006, and under nominal conditions it will be delivered to the new Stardust Curation Laboratory at the Johnson Space Center two days later. Within the first week we plan to begin the harvesting of aerogel cells, and the comet nucleus samples they contain for detailed analysis. By the time of the LPSC meeting we will have been analyzing selected removed grains for more than one month. This presentation will present the first results from the mineralogical and petrological analyses that will have been performed.

PlanetVac: Sample Return with a Puff of Gas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zacny, K.; Mueller, R.; Betts, B. H.

2014-12-01

PlanetVac is a regolith sample acquisition mission concept that uses compressed gas to blow material from the surface up a pneumatic tube and directly into a sample return container. The PlanetVac sampling device is built into the lander legs to eliminate cost and complexity associated with robotic arms and scoops. The pneumatic system can effectively capture fine and coarse regolith, including small pebbles. It is well suited for landed missions to Mars, asteroids, or the Moon. Because of the low pressures on all those bodies, the technique is extremely efficient. If losses are kept to minimum, 1 gram of compressed gas could efficiently lift 6000 grams of soil. To demonstrate this approach, the PlanetVac lander with four legs and two sampling tubes has been designed, integrated, and tested. Vacuum chamber testing was performed using two well-known planetary regolith simulants: Mars Mojave Simulant (MMS) and lunar regolith simulant JSC-1A. One of the two sampling systems was connected to a mockup of an earth return rocket while the second sampling system was connected to a lander deck mounted instrument (clear box for easy viewing). The tests included a drop from a height of approximately 50 cm onto the bed of regolith, deployment of sampling tubes into the regolith, pneumatic acquisition of sample into an instrument (sample container) and the rocket, and the launch of the rocket. The demonstration has been successful and can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DjJXvtQk6no. In most of the tests, 20 grams or more of sample was delivered to the 'instrument' and approximately 5 grams of regolith was delivered into a sampling chamber within the rocket. The gas lifting efficiency was calculated to be approximately 1000:1; that is 1 gram of gas lofted 1000 grams of regolith. Efficiencies in lower gravity environments are expected to be much higher. This successful, simple and lightweight sample capture demonstration paves the way to using such sampling system on either NASA or commercial landers to the Moon, Asteroids, comets, or Mars.

Preterm human milk contains a large pool of latent TGF-β, which can be activated by exogenous neuraminidase

PubMed Central

Namachivayam, Kopperuncholan; Blanco, Cynthia L.; Frost, Brandy L.; Reeves, Aaron A.; Jagadeeswaran, Ramasamy; MohanKumar, Krishnan; Safarulla, Azif; Mandal, Partha; Garzon, Steven A.; Raj, J. Usha

2013-01-01

Human milk contains substantial amounts of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, particularly the isoform TGF-β2. We previously showed in preclinical models that enterally administered TGF-β2 can protect against necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), an inflammatory bowel necrosis of premature infants. In this study we hypothesized that premature infants remain at higher risk of NEC than full-term infants, even when they receive their own mother's milk, because preterm human milk contains less bioactive TGF-β than full-term milk. Our objective was to compare TGF-β bioactivity in preterm vs. full-term milk and identify factors that activate milk-borne TGF-β. Mothers who delivered between 23 0/7 and 31 6/7 wk or at ≥37 wk of gestation provided milk samples at serial time points. TGF-β bioactivity and NF-κB signaling were measured using specific reporter cells and in murine intestinal tissue explants. TGF-β1, TGF-β2, TGF-β3, and various TGF-β activators were measured by real-time PCR, enzyme immunoassays, or established enzymatic activity assays. Preterm human milk showed minimal TGF-β bioactivity in the native state but contained a large pool of latent TGF-β. TGF-β2 was the predominant isoform of TGF-β in preterm milk. Using a combination of several in vitro and ex vivo models, we show that neuraminidase is a key regulator of TGF-β bioactivity in human milk. Finally, we show that addition of bacterial neuraminidase to preterm human milk increased TGF-β bioactivity. Preterm milk contains large quantities of TGF-β, but most of it is in an inactive state. Addition of neuraminidase can increase TGF-β bioactivity in preterm milk and enhance its anti-inflammatory effects. PMID:23558011

Lifestyle behavior interventions delivered using technology in childhood, adolescent, and young adult cancer survivors: A systematic review.

PubMed

Kopp, Lisa M; Gastelum, Zachary; Guerrero, Christian H; Howe, Carol L; Hingorani, Pooja; Hingle, Melanie

2017-01-01

Childhood, adolescent, and young adult cancer survivors demonstrate increased cardio-metabolic risk factors, which are amenable to lifestyle changes. The use of technology to impact lifestyle change expands previously limited intervention access, yet little is known about its use. We summarized lifestyle interventions for survivors delivered using technology, finding six studies, primarily targeting physical activity. Study samples were small and durations ranged from 5 to 16 weeks and outcomes modest. Participants were older, white, survivors of leukemia or brain tumors, and the majority received Web-based interventions. Study quality was moderate. Few technology-based interventions have been developed, suggesting an area of opportunity for survivors. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Social Workers as Research Psychotherapists in an Investigation of Cognitive–Behavioral Therapy among Rural Older Adults

PubMed Central

Shah, Avani; Scogin, Forrest; Presnell, Andrew; Morthland, Martin; Kaufman, Allan V.

2013-01-01

This is a report on the treatment fidelity of in-home cognitive–behavioral therapy (CBT) delivered by a sample of clinically trained, master's-level social workers to a group of primarily rural, medically frail older adults as part of the Project to Enhance Aged Rural Living (PEARL) clinical trial. The social workers in this study received brief didactic and experiential CBT training. Audiotaped sessions were randomly selected and evaluated by independent reviewers. Results showed that the social workers adequately delivered CBT as measured by the Cognitive Therapy Scale. Older adult participants also evidenced pre- posttreatment improvements, suggesting that the social workers' delivery of CBT facilitated improvement. PMID:25949093

Check in the Mail or More in the Paycheck: Does the Effectiveness of Fiscal Stimulus Depend on How It Is Delivered?†

PubMed Central

Sahm, Claudia R.; Shapiro, Matthew D.; Slemrod, Joel

2013-01-01

Recent fiscal policies, including the 2008 stimulus payments and the 2009 Making Work Pay Tax Credit, aimed to increase household spending. This paper quantifies the spending response to these policies and examines differences in spending by whether the stimulus was delivered as a one-time payment or as a flow of payments from reduced withholding. Based on responses from a representative sample of households in the Thomson Reuters University of Michigan Surveys of Consumers, the paper finds that the reduction in withholding in 2009 boosted spending at roughly half the rate (13 percent) as the one-time payments (25 percent) in 2008. PMID:23970951

Unintended Consequences of Evidence-Based Treatment Policy Reform: Is Implementation the Goal or the Strategy for Higher Quality Care?

PubMed

Park, Alayna L; Tsai, Katherine H; Guan, Karen; Chorpita, Bruce F

2018-02-14

This study examined patterns of evidence-based treatment (EBT) delivery following a county-wide EBT reform initiative. Data were gathered from 60 youth and their 21 providers, who were instructed to deliver therapy as they normally would under the EBT initiative. Results showed limited applicability of county-supported EBTs to this service sample, and that most youth did not receive traditional delivery of EBTs. Findings suggest that it may be unrealistic to expect providers to deliver EBTs with fidelity with all clients, and that EBT implementation may be best thought of as a strategy for improving mental health services rather than a goal.

The role of digital sample information within the digital geoscience infrastructure: a pragmatic approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Howe, Michael

2014-05-01

Much of the digital geological information on the composition, properties and dynamics of the subsurface is based ultimately on physical samples, many of which are archived to provide a basis for the information. Online metadata catalogues of these collections have now been available for many years. Many of these are institutional and tightly focussed, with UK examples including the British Geological Survey's (BGS) palaeontological samples database, PalaeoSaurus (http://www.bgs.ac.uk/palaeosaurus/), and mineralogical and petrological sample database, Britrocks (http://www.bgs.ac.uk/data/britrocks.html) . There are now a growing number of international sample metadata databases, including The Palaeobiology Database (http://paleobiodb.org/) and SESAR, the IGSN (International Geo Sample Number) database (http://www.geosamples.org/catalogsearch/ ). More recently the emphasis has moved beyond metadata (locality, identification, age, citations, etc) to digital imagery, with the intention of providing the user with at least enough information to determine whether viewing the sample would be worthwhile. Recent BGS examples include high resolution (e.g. 7216 x 5412 pixel) hydrocarbon well core images (http://www.bgs.ac.uk/data/offshoreWells/wells.cfc?method=searchWells) , high resolution rock thin section images (e.g. http://www.largeimages.bgs.ac.uk/iip/britrocks.html?id=290000/291739 ) and building stone images (http://geoscenic.bgs.ac.uk/asset-bank/action/browseItems?categoryId=1547&categoryTypeId=1) . This has been developed further with high resolution stereo images. The Jisc funded GB3D type fossils online project delivers these as red-cyan anaglyphs (http://www.3d-fossils.ac.uk/). More innovatively, the GB3D type fossils project has laser scanned several thousand type fossils and the resulting 3d-digital models are now being delivered through the online portal. Importantly, this project also represents collaboration between the BGS, Oxford and Cambridge Universities, the National Museums of Wales, and numerous other national, local and regional museums. The lack of currently accepted international standards and infrastructures for the delivery of high resolution images and 3d-digital models has necessitated the BGS in developing or selecting its own. Most high resolution images have been delivered using the JPEG 2000 format because of its quality and speed. Digital models have been made available in both .PLY and .OBJ format because of their respective efficient file size, and flexibility. Consideration must now be given to European and international standards and infrastructures for the delivery of high resolution images and 3d-digital models.

Maternal intention to breast-feed and breast-feeding outcomes in term and preterm infants: Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS), 2000-2003.

PubMed

Colaizy, Tarah T; Saftlas, Audrey F; Morriss, Frank H

2012-04-01

To determine the effect of intention to breast-feed on short-term breast-feeding outcomes in women delivering term and preterm infants. Data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) for three states, Ohio, Michigan and Arkansas, during 2000-2003 were analysed. SAS 9·1·3 and SUDAAN 10 statistical software packages were used for analyses. Arkansas, Michigan and Ohio, USA. Mothers of recently delivered infants, selected by birth certificate sampling. Of 16,839 mothers included, 9·7% delivered preterm. Some 52·2% expressed definite intention to breast-feed, 16·8% expressed tentative intention, 4·3% were uncertain and 26·8% had no intention to breast-feed. Overall 65·2% initiated breast-feeding, 52·0% breast-fed for ≥4 weeks and 30·8% breast-fed for ≥10 weeks. Women with definite intention were more likely to initiate (OR = 24·3, 95% CI 18·4, 32·1), to breast-feed for ≥4 weeks (OR = 7·12, 95% CI 5·95, 8·51) and to breast-feed for ≥10 weeks (OR = 2·75, 95% CI 2·20, 3·45) compared with women with tentative intention. Levels of intention did not differ between women delivering preterm and term. Women delivering at <34 weeks were more likely to initiate breast-feeding (OR = 2·24, 95% CI 1·64, 3·06) and to breast-feed for ≥4 weeks (OR = 2·58, 95% CI 1·96, 3·41), but less likely to breast-feed for ≥10 weeks (OR = 0·55, 95% CI 0·44, 0·68), compared with those delivering at term. Women delivering between 34 and 36 weeks were less likely to breast-feed for ≥10 weeks than those delivering at term (OR = 0·63, 95% CI 0·49, 0·81). Prenatal intention to breast-feed is a powerful predictor of short-term breast-feeding outcomes in women delivering both at term and prematurely.

17 CFR Appendix B to Part 420 - Sample Large Position Report

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... Memorandum 1 $ Memorandum 2: Report the gross par amount of fails to deliver. Included in the calculation of... millions at par value as of trade date] Security Being Reported Date For Which Information is Being... Principal Components of the Specific Security $________ Total Net Trading Position $ 2. Gross Financing...

Air and Space Museum Apollo 40th Celebration

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-07-19

NASA Astronaut and Expedition 19 Flight Engineer Michael Barratt delivers remarks and shows a moon rock sample being flown onboard the International Space Station at the Apollo 40th anniversary celebration held at the National Air and Space Museum, Monday, July 20, 2009 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Perceptions of College and University Presidents Regarding Tobacco-Free Campus Policies

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Reindl, Diana; Glassman, Tavis; Price, James; Dake, Joseph; Yingling, Faith

2014-01-01

Objective: To identify college presidents' support for tobacco-free campus policies (TFCP), perceived barriers and benefits to implementing such policies, and activities that might initiate policy adoption. Participants: Participants were 405 presidents (51% of 796 delivered surveys) from a national sample of eligible 4-year institutions in…

Roadmapping towards Sustainability Proficiency in Engineering Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rodriguez-Andara, Alejandro; Río-Belver, Rosa María; Rodríguez-Salvador, Marisela; Lezama-Nicolás, René

2018-01-01

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to deliver a roadmap that displays pathways to develop sustainability skills in the engineering curricula. Design/methodology/approach: The selected approach to enrich engineering students with sustainability skills was active learning methodologies. First, a survey was carried out on a sample of 189 students…

The MEE Report: Reaching the Hip-Hop Generation.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

MEE Productions Inc., Philadelphia, PA. Research Div.

Effective communications strategies for delivering substance abuse and other prosocial behavior messages to African American inner city teenagers were studied. After pilot studies, the final sample consisted of middle school and high school students from the urban centers of New York City; Washington, D.C.; Camden (New Jersey); Philadelphia…

Our New Challenge: Recreation for the Deaf-Blind.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brannan, Steve A., Ed.

Presented are 20 papers delivered at the 1975 Northwest Regional Conference on Recreation for the Deaf-Blind. Included are papers on the following topics (with sample papers in parentheses): national trends; interdisciplinary considerations ("Movement and Physical Activity: the Foundation for the Most Important R" by J. Stein); community…

Tourism Skills Delivery: Sharing Tourism Knowledge Online

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Braun, Patrice; Hollick, Mary

2006-01-01

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to share the authors' initial insights into tourism industry capacity building via flexibly delivered online skilling and knowledge sharing. Design/methodology/approach: An online research survey approach was employed, involving a sample of 64 micro tourism operators. Findings: The paper finds that the major…

Maryland 2000: Journal of the Maryland Association for Institutional Research.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Clagett, Craig A., Ed.

1991-01-01

This journal chronicles a sample of the papers and presentations delivered during previous annual meetings of the Maryland Association for Institutional Research on the fifth anniversary of that association. A first paper, one from the first annual meeting in 1987 titled "Environmental Scanning: Assessing Local Business Training Needs"…

Modular Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Body Dysmorphic Disorder

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wilhelm, Sabine; Phillips, Katharine A.; Fama, Jeanne M.; Greenberg, Jennifer L.; Steketee, Gail

2011-01-01

This study pilot tested a newly developed modular cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) treatment manual for body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). We tested feasibility, acceptability, and treatment outcome in a sample of 12 adults with primary BDD. Treatment was delivered in weekly individual sessions over 18 or 22 weeks. Standardized clinician ratings…

Partnering with NASA JSC for Community Research Needs; Collaborative and Student Opportunities via Jacobs and Psams Initiative

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Danielson, L. R.; Draper, D. S.

2016-12-01

NASA Johnson Space Center's (JSC) Astromaterials Research and Exploration Science Division houses a unique combination of laboratories and other assets for conducting cutting-edge planetary research. These facilities have been accessed for decades by outside scientists; over the past five years, the 16 full time contract research and technical staff members in our division have hosted a total of 223 visiting researchers, representing 35 institutions. We intend to submit a proposal to NASA specifically for facilities support and establishment of our laboratories as a collective, PSAMS, Planetary Sample Analyses and Mission Science, which should result in substantial cost savings to PIs who wish to use our facilities. JSC is a recognized NASA center of excellence for curation, and in future will allow PIs easy access to samples in Curation facilities that they have been approved to study. Our curation expertise could also be used for a collection of experimental run products and standards that could be shared and distributed to community members, products that could range from 1 bar controlled atmosphere furnace, piston cylinder, multi-anvil, to shocked products. Coordinated analyses of samples is one of the major strengths of our division, where a single sample can be prepared with minimal destruction for a variety of chemical and structural analyses, from macro to nano-scale. A CT scanner will be delivered August 2016 and installed in the same building as all the other division experimental and analytical facilities, allowing users to construct a 3 dimensional model of their run product and/or starting material before any destruction of their sample for follow up analyses. The 3D printer may also be utilized to construct containers for diamond anvil cell experiments. Our staff scientists will work with PIs to maximize science return and serve the needs of the community. We welcome student visitors, and a graduate semester internship is available through Jacobs.

Gingiva laser welding: preliminary study on an ex vivo porcine model.

PubMed

Rasca, Emilia; Nyssen-Behets, Catherine; Tielemans, Marc; Peremans, André; Hendaoui, Nordine; Heysselaer, Daniel; Romeo, Umberto; Nammour, Samir

2014-08-01

The use of lasers to fuse different tissues has been studied for 50 years. As none of these experiments concerned the oral soft tissues, our objective was to assess the feasibility of laser gingiva welding. Porcine full-thickness gingival flaps served to prepare calibrated samples in the middle of which a 2 cm long incision was closed, either by conventional suture or by laser tissue welding (LTW). To determine the irradiation conditions yielding the best tensile strength, 13 output power values, from 0.5 to 5 W, delivered either at 10 Hz or in continuous wave mode, were tested on six indocyanine green (ICG) concentrations, from 8% to 13% (588 samples). Then, some samples served to compare the tensile strength between the laser welded and the sutured gingiva; the other samples were histologically processed in order to evaluate the thermal damage extent. The temperature rise during the LTW was measured by thermocouples. Another group of 12 samples was used to measure the temperature elevation by thermal camera. In the laser welding groups, the best tensile strength (p<0.05) was yielded by the 9% ICG saline solution (117 mM) at 4.5 W, 10 Hz, and a fluence of 31.3 kJ/cm(2). The apposition strength revealed no statistically significant difference (p<0.05) between the sutured and the laser welded gingiva at 4.5 W, 10 Hz, and 9% ICG solution. The mean temperature was 74±5.4°C at the upper surface and 42±8.9°C at the lower surface. The damaged zone averaged 333 μm at the upper surface. The 808 nm diode laser associated with ICG can achieve oral mucosa LTW, which is conceivable as a promising technique of gingival repair.

Absorbed organ and effective doses from digital intra-oral and panoramic radiography applying the ICRP 103 recommendations for effective dose estimations

PubMed Central

Thilander-Klang, Anne; Ylhan, Betȕl; Lofthag-Hansen, Sara; Ekestubbe, Annika

2016-01-01

Objective: During dental radiography, the salivary and thyroid glands are at radiation risk. In 2007, the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) updated the methodology for determining the effective dose, and the salivary glands were assigned tissue-specific weighting factors for the first time. The aims of this study were to determine the absorbed dose to the organs and to calculate, applying the ICRP publication 103 tissue-weighting factors, the effective doses delivered during digital intraoral and panoramic radiography. Methods: Thermoluminescent dosemeter measurements were performed on an anthropomorphic head and neck phantom. The organ-absorbed doses were measured at 30 locations, representing different radiosensitive organs in the head and neck, and the effective dose was calculated according to the ICRP recommendations. Results: The salivary glands and the oral mucosa received the highest absorbed doses from both intraoral and panoramic radiography. The effective dose from a full-mouth intraoral examination was 15 μSv and for panoramic radiography, the effective dose was in the range of 19–75 μSv, depending on the panoramic equipment used. Conclusion: The effective dose from a full-mouth intraoral examination is lower and that from panoramic radiography is higher than previously reported. Clinicians should be aware of the higher effective dose delivered during panoramic radiography and the risk–benefit profile of this technique must be assessed for the individual patient. Advances in knowledge: The effective dose of radiation from panoramic radiography is higher than previously reported and there is large variability in the delivered radiation dosage among the different types of equipment used. PMID:27452261

The OSIRIS-REx Asteroid Sample Return Mission Operations Design

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gal-Edd, Jonathan S.; Cheuvront, Allan

2015-01-01

OSIRIS-REx is an acronym that captures the scientific objectives: Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, and Security-Regolith Explorer. OSIRIS-REx will thoroughly characterize near-Earth asteroid Bennu (Previously known as 1019551999 RQ36). The OSIRIS-REx Asteroid Sample Return Mission delivers its science using five instruments and radio science along with the Touch-And-Go Sample Acquisition Mechanism (TAGSAM). All of the instruments and data analysis techniques have direct heritage from flown planetary missions. The OSIRIS-REx mission employs a methodical, phased approach to ensure success in meeting the mission's science requirements. OSIRIS-REx launches in September 2016, with a backup launch period occurring one year later. Sampling occurs in 2019. The departure burn from Bennu occurs in March 2021. On September 24, 2023, the Sample Return Capsule (SRC) lands at the Utah Test and Training Range (UTTR). Stardust heritage procedures are followed to transport the SRC to Johnson Space Center, where the samples are removed and delivered to the OSIRIS-REx curation facility. After a six-month preliminary examination period the mission will produce a catalog of the returned sample, allowing the worldwide community to request samples for detailed analysis. Traveling and returning a sample from an Asteroid that has not been explored before requires unique operations consideration. The Design Reference Mission (DRM) ties together spacecraft, instrument and operations scenarios. Asteroid Touch and Go (TAG) has various options varying from ground only to fully automated (natural feature tracking). Spacecraft constraints such as thermo and high gain antenna pointing impact the timeline. The mission is sensitive to navigation errors, so a late command update has been implemented. The project implemented lessons learned from other "small body" missions. The key lesson learned was 'expect the unexpected' and implement planning tools early in the lifecycle. This paper summarizes the ground and spacecraft design as presented at OSIRIS-REx Critical Design Review(CDR) held April 2014.

Exploring interest and goals for videoconferencing delivered cognitive rehabilitation with rural individuals with mild cognitive impairment or dementia.

PubMed

Burton, Rachel; O'Connell, Megan E; Morgan, Debra G

2016-06-30

Goal oriented cognitive rehabilitation is a promising intervention for individuals diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia due to Alzheimer Disease (AD). Videoconferencing delivered cognitive rehabilitation is a potential avenue for increasing accessibility for rural patients and their families. First, we were concerned with the accessibility of the treatment for individuals in rural and remote areas. Second, client-centered goal setting was explored by asking this sample about their goals for cognitive rehabilitation. We mailed questions to all active patients with diagnoses of MCI or dementia due to AD of a rural memory clinic and compare features of the responders versus the non-responders. We asked about interest in videoconferencing delivered treatment and about goals for cognitive rehabilitation, which were thematically analyzed. The responders (N = 25) were similar to non-responders in severity, depression, and caregiver burden. Of the responders, 80% were interested in videoconferencing developed treatment. A thematic analysis coded 95% of responses as amenable to cognitive rehabilitation. Participants' goals were focused on memory, household activities, other cognitive domains, recreation, and higher order tasks. This work informs the development of both in-person and videoconferencing delivered cognitive rehabilitation for individuals diagnosed with MCI or dementia.

Impact of peer delivered wellness coaching.

PubMed

Swarbrick, Margaret; Gill, Kenneth J; Pratt, Carlos W

2016-09-01

People receiving publicly funded behavioral health services for severe mental disorders have shorter lifespans and significantly impaired health-related quality of life compared to the general population. The aim of this article was to explore how peer wellness coaching (PWC), a manualized approach to pursue specific physical wellness goals, impacted goal attainment and overall health related quality of life. Deidentified archival program evaluation data were examined to explore whether peer delivered wellness coaching had an impact on 33 service recipients with regard to goal attainment and health-related quality of life. Participants were served by 1 of 12 wellness coach trainees from a transformation transfer initiative grant who had been trained in the manualized approach. Coaching participants and their coaches reported significant progress toward the attainment of individually chosen goals, 2 to 4 weeks after establishing their goals. After 8 to 10 weeks of peer delivered wellness coaching, improvements were evident in the self-report of physical health, general health, and perceived health. These improvements were sustained 90 days later. PWC is potentially a promising practice for helping people choose and pursue individual goals and facilitating positive health and wellness changes. Rigorous controlled research with larger samples is needed to evaluate the benefits of peer delivered wellness coaching. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved).

Effective weight-loss using an e-health delivered physical activity and dietary intervention: A federal credit union pilot study.

PubMed

Gregoski, Mathew J; Newton, Janis; Ling, Catherine G; Blaylock, Kathleen; Smith, Sheila A O; Paguntalan, John; Treiber, Frank A

2016-04-06

This pilot study investigated the effectiveness of a distance-based e-health program delivered across multiple rural Federal Credit Union worksites that focused on physical activity and dietary education. Program design and implementation were based on the premises of Social Impact Theory (SIT). A sample of fifty-four participants (47 white. 7 black) aged 24 to 58 across different worksite locations completed 10 weeks of e-health delivered physical activity and dietary intervention. Pre to post weight changes were examined as a primary outcome. The findings showed that regardless of worksite location, participants on average reduced their weight by 10.13 lbs if they completed both the exercise and lunch and learn components of the study compared to a decrease of 2.73 lbs for participants who chose not to engage in the exercise related activities. Participant dropout from either group was less than four percent. The results of this study show the beneficial influence of physical activity integration using SIT upon distance programs targeting weight loss. In addition, the high adherence and weight loss success show promise and demonstrates the potential for e-health delivered exercise and lifestyle interventions. Further replication of results via additional randomized controlled trials is needed.

Intimate partner violence during pregnancy and adverse neonatal outcomes in low-income women.

PubMed

Alhusen, Jeanne L; Bullock, Linda; Sharps, Phyllis; Schminkey, Donna; Comstock, Emily; Campbell, Jacquelyn

2014-11-01

Intimate partner violence (IPV) affects an estimated 1.5 million U.S. women annually. IPV impacts maternal and neonatal health with higher rates of depression and low birth weight (LBW). Less studied is experiencing IPV and delivering a small for gestational age (SGA) baby. SGA neonates are at increased risk of developmental and behavioral problems. The negative sequelae persist into adulthood with increased rates of diabetes mellitus and coronary heart disease. In a sample of 239 pregnant women experiencing IPV, in urban and rural settings, we examined cross-sectional associations of severity of IPV and neonatal outcomes (i.e., birth weight and gestational age). Severity of IPV was measured by the Conflict Tactics Scale 2 and neonatal outcomes were collected at the time of delivery. Outcomes were collected on 194 neonates; 14.9% (n=29) were classified as LBW, 19.1% (n=37) classified as SGA, and 9.8% (n=19) as LBW and SGA. Women reporting higher severity of IPV during pregnancy had a greater likelihood of delivering an SGA neonate (odds ratio [OR] 4.81; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.86-12.47), and LBW neonate (OR 4.20; 95% CI 1.46-12.10). In a sample of pregnant women experiencing perinatal IPV, women experiencing greater severities of IPV were more likely to deliver a neonate with an adverse outcome. Early recognition and intervention of IPV is essential to reduce disparities in birth outcomes and long-term health outcomes for these neonates.

Eskolaite in the regolith of the Taurus-Littrow Valley

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mokhov, A. V.; Rybchuk, A. P.; Kartashov, P. M.; Gornostaeva, T. A.; Bogatikov, O. A.

2017-08-01

Eskolaite crystals were discovered in the course of Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) studies of the regolith sample, which was delivered from the continental area between Serenitatis and Tranquilitatis Maria during the Apollo 17 mission. The finding was compared with an analogue sampled from Mare Crisium (Luna 24 mission). A condensate-impact origin of eskolaite is assumed for both findings. It was demonstrated that the eskolaite of the Apollo 17 probe is genetically and morphologically identical to the eskolaite from the Luna 24 probes.

System and process for dissolution of solids

DOEpatents

Liezers, Martin; Farmer, III, Orville T.

2017-10-10

A system and process are disclosed for dissolution of solids and "difficult-to-dissolve" solids. A solid sample may be ablated in an ablation device to generate nanoscale particles. Nanoparticles may then swept into a coupled plasma device operating at atmospheric pressure where the solid nanoparticles are atomized. The plasma exhaust may be delivered directly into an aqueous fluid to form a solution containing the atomized and dissolved solids. The composition of the resulting solution reflects the composition of the original solid sample.

Metallized Capillaries as Probes for Raman Spectroscopy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pelletier, Michael

2003-01-01

A class of miniature probes has been proposed to supplant the fiber-optic probes used heretofore in some Raman and fluorescence spectroscopic systems. A probe according to the proposal would include a capillary tube coated with metal on its inside to make it reflective. A microlens would be hermetically sealed onto one end of the tube. A spectroscopic probe head would contain a single such probe, which would both deliver laser light to a sample and collect Raman or fluorescent light emitted by the sample.

Ultra-accelerated natural sunlight exposure testing facilities

DOEpatents

Lewandowski, Allan A.; Jorgensen, Gary J.

2003-08-12

A multi-faceted concentrator apparatus for providing ultra-accelerated natural sunlight exposure testing for sample materials under controlled weathering conditions comprising: facets that receive incident natural sunlight, transmits VIS/NIR and reflects UV/VIS to deliver a uniform flux of UV/VIS onto a sample exposure plane located near a center of a facet array in chamber means that provide concurrent levels of temperature and/or relative humidity at high levels of up to 100.times. of natural sunlight that allow sample materials to be subjected to accelerated irradiance exposure factors for a significant period of time of about 3 to 10 days to provide a corresponding time of about at least a years worth representative weathering of sample materials.

Prox-1 Automated Proximity Operations

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-01-13

K.J., and Veto, M., "Automated Trajectory Control for On-Orbit Inspection in the Prox-1 Mission," Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets , in review...the operability of all commands needed for the minimum mission. A Simulated Communications Test was performed that demonstrated long-range uplink...Guidance, Navigation and Control subsystem 6 DOF simulation , and delivered for flight coding. Validation of the system’s capability to meet full

TEMPUS: Simulating personnel and tasks in a 3-D environment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Badler, N. I.; Korein, J. D.

1985-01-01

The latest TEMPUS installation occurred in March, 1985. Another update is slated for early June, 1985. An updated User's Manual is in preparation and will be delivered approximately mid-June, 1985. NASA JSC has full source code listings and internal documentation for installed software. NASA JSC staff has received instruction in the use of TEMPUS. Telephone consultations have augmented on-site instruction.

Our Anonymous Online Research Participants Are Not Always Anonymous: Is This a Problem?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dawson, Phillip

2014-01-01

When educational research is conducted online, we sometimes promise our participants that they will be anonymous--but do we deliver on this promise? We have been warned since 1996 to be careful when using direct quotes in Internet research, as full-text web search engines make it easy to find chunks of text online. This paper details an empirical…

Adenovirus-vectored foot-and-mouth disease vaccine confers early and full protection against FMDV O1 Manisa in swine

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

A human adenovirus (Ad5) vectored foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) sero-type O1-Manisa subunit vaccine (Ad5-O1Man) was engineered to deliver FMDV O1-Manisa empty capsids. Swine inoculated with Ad5-O1Man developed an FMDV-specific neutralizing antibody response as compared to animals inoculated wi...

Research Suggestions in the Design of a Global Graduate Business Program Delivered by Online Learning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Puderbaugh, Amy

2015-01-01

The purpose of this paper was to examine the unique areas of concern when establishing an eLearning program in the field of global business. A survey of eLearning and a global management subject matter appears. This paper identifies potential challenges in program design and raises practical concerns for future research. [For the full proceedings,…

HealtheSteps™ Study Protocol: a pragmatic randomized controlled trial promoting active living and healthy lifestyles in at-risk Canadian adults delivered in primary care and community-based clinics.

PubMed

Gill, Dawn P; Blunt, Wendy; Bartol, Cassandra; Pulford, Roseanne W; De Cruz, Ashleigh; Simmavong, P Karen; Gavarkovs, Adam; Newhouse, Ian; Pearson, Erin; Ostenfeldt, Bayley; Law, Barbi; Karvinen, Kristina; Moffit, Pertice; Jones, Gareth; Watson, Cori; Zou, Guangyong; Petrella, Robert J

2017-02-07

Physical inactivity is one of the leading causes of chronic disease in Canadian adults. With less than 50% of Canadian adults reaching the recommended amount of daily physical activity, there is an urgent need for effective programs targeting this risk factor. HealtheSteps™ is a healthy lifestyle prescription program, developed from an extensive research base to address risk factors for chronic disease such as physical inactivity, sedentary behaviour and poor eating habits. HealtheSteps™ participants are provided with in-person lifestyle coaching and access to eHealth technologies delivered in community-based primary care clinics and health care organizations. To determine the effectiveness of Healthesteps™, we will conduct a 6-month pragmatic randomized controlled trial with integrated process and economic evaluations of HealtheSteps™ in 5 clinic settings in Southwestern Ontario. 110 participants will be individually randomized (1:1; stratified by site) to either the intervention (HealtheSteps™ program) or comparator (Wait-list control). There are 3 phases of the HealtheSteps™ program, lasting 6 months each. The active phase consists of bi-monthly in-person coaching with access to a full suite of eHealth technology supports. During the maintenance phase I, the in-person coaching will be removed, but participants will still have access to the full suite of eHealth technology supports. In the final stage, maintenance phase II, access to the full suite of eHealth technology supports is removed and participants only have access to publicly available resources and tools. This trial aims to determine the effectiveness of the program in increasing physical activity levels and improving other health behaviours and indicators, the acceptability of the HealtheSteps™ program, and the direct cost for each person participating in the program as well as the costs associated with delivering the program at the different community sites. These results will inform future optimization and scaling up of the program into additional community-based primary care sites. NCT02413385 (Clinicaltrials.gov). Date Registered: April 6, 2015.

Postprandial effects of a polyphenolic grape extract (PGE) supplement on appetite and food intake: a randomised dose-comparison trial.

PubMed

Shin, Hyun-San; Kindleysides, Sophie; Yip, Wilson; Budgett, Stephanie C; Ingram, John R; Poppitt, Sally D

2015-09-14

There is recent evidence that glucose delivered to the distal small intestine (SI) may stimulate the ileal brake and inhibit appetite. High polyphenolic grape extract (PGE) has been shown to inhibit α-amylase and α-glucosidase activity, two key enzymes required for starch digestion, in vitro. It is hypothesised to slow digestion and absorption of starch in the proximal SI such that glucose may be delivered distally into the ileum and suppress appetite. This study investigated the safety and efficacy of a PGE supplement, delivered within a capsule and consumed with a high-starch breakfast, on appetite ratings and ad libitum energy intake (EI) at a subsequent lunch meal. Twenty healthy, non-obese (BMI 18-28 kg/m(2)) male volunteers participated in a randomised, double blind, placebo controlled, three arm, cross-over study. Participants were administered (i) low dose PGE500 (500 mg), (ii) high dose PGE1500 (1500 mg), and (iii) matched placebo with a 2 MJ high-starch breakfast (white bread); followed 3 h later by a single item buffet-style lunch meal (pasta and meat sauce). Outcome variables were feelings of hunger, fullness, prospective thoughts of food (TOF) and satisfaction assessed using visual analogue scales (VAS); and ad lib energy and macronutrient intake at the lunch meal. There was no detectable effect of PGE500 or PGE1500 compared with placebo (all, time*supplement interaction, P > 0.05) on VAS-assessed hunger, fullness, TOF or satisfaction. There was also no evidence that PGE significantly altered ad lib energy or macronutrient intake at the lunch meal relative to placebo (P > 0.05). EI following PGE500 was +164 kJ higher than placebo (+5.3%, P > 0.05); and EI following PGE1500 was -51 kJ lower than placebo (-1.7%, P > 0.05). Whilst well tolerated, there was no evidence that encapsulated low dose PGE500 or high dose PGE1500 consumed with a high starch breakfast meal altered postprandial hunger, fullness, TOF or satisfaction relative to a matched placebo. Nor was there evidence that either dose altered ad lib energy or macronutrient intake at an outcome meal. ACTRN12614000041651.

Measurement of characteristic prompt gamma rays emitted from oxygen and carbon in tissue-equivalent samples during proton beam irradiation

PubMed Central

Polf, Jerimy C; Panthi, Rajesh; Mackin, Dennis S; McCleskey, Matt; Saastamoinen, Antti; Roeder, Brian T; Beddar, Sam

2013-01-01

The purpose of this work was to characterize how prompt gamma (PG) emission from tissue changes as a function of carbon and oxygen concentration, and to assess the feasibility of determining elemental concentration in tissues irradiated with proton beams. For this study, four tissue-equivalent water-sucrose samples with differing densities and concentrations of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen were irradiated with a 48 MeV proton pencil beam. The PG spectrum emitted from each sample was measured using a high-purity germanium detector, and the absolute detection efficiency of the detector, average beam current, and delivered dose distribution were also measured. Changes to the total PG emission from 12C (4.44 MeV) and 16O (6.13 MeV) per incident proton and per Gray of absorbed dose were characterized as a function of carbon and oxygen concentration in the sample. The intensity of the 4.44 MeV PG emission per incident proton was found to be nearly constant for all samples regardless of their carbon concentration. However, we found that the 6.13 MeV PG emission increased linearly with the total amount (in grams) of oxygen irradiated in the sample. From the measured PG data, we determined that 1.64 × 107 oxygen PGs were emitted per gram of oxygen irradiated per Gray of absorbed dose delivered with a 48 MeV proton beam. These results indicate that the 6.13 MeV PG emission from 16O is proportional to the concentration of oxygen in tissue irradiated with proton beams, showing that it is possible to determine the concentration of oxygen within tissues irradiated with proton beams by measuring 16O PG emission. PMID:23920051

Ghrelin and cholecystokinin in term and preterm human breast milk.

PubMed

Kierson, Jennifer A; Dimatteo, Darlise M; Locke, Robert G; Mackley, Amy B; Spear, Michael L

2006-08-01

To determine whether ghrelin and cholecystokinin (CCK) are present in significant quantities in term and preterm human breast milk, and to identify their source. Samples were collected from 10 mothers who delivered term infants and 10 mothers who delivered preterm infants. Estimated fat content was measured. Ghrelin and CCK levels were measured in whole and skim breast milk samples using radioimmunoassays (RIA). Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was performed using RNA from human mammary epithelial cells (hMECs) and mammary gland with primers specific to ghrelin. The median ghrelin level in whole breast milk was 2125 pg/ml, which is significantly higher than normal plasma levels. There was a direct correlation between whole milk ghrelin levels and estimated milk fat content (r=0.84, p<0.001). Both the mammary gland and hMECs produced ghrelin. While CCK was detected in some samples, levels were insignificant. Infant gestational age, birthweight, maternal age, and maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index did not significantly affect the results. Ghrelin, but not CCK, is present in breast milk. Since the mammary gland produces ghrelin message, and ghrelin levels in breast milk are higher than those found in plasma, we conclude that ghrelin is produced and secreted by the breast.

Digital microfluidics platform for interfacing solid-liquid extraction column with portable capillary electropherograph for analysis of soil amino acids.

PubMed

Gorbatsova, Jelena; Jaanus, Martin; Vaher, Merike; Kaljurand, Mihkel

2016-02-01

In this work, the concept of a field-portable analyzer is proposed that operates with milliliter amounts of solvents and samples. The need to develop such an analyzer is not only driven by specific extraterrestrial analysis but also, for example, by forensics applications where the amount of liquid that can be taken to the field is severely limited. The prototype of the proposed analyzer consists of a solid-liquid extractor, the output of which is connected to the micropump, which delivers droplets of extracts to digital microfluidic platform (DMFP). In this way, world-to-chip interfacing is established. Further, the sample droplets are transported to CE capillary inlet port, separated and detected via a contactless conductivity detector. Working buffers and other solvents needed to perform CE analysis are also delivered as droplets to the DMFP and transported through the CE capillary. The performance of the analyzer is demonstrated by analysis of amino acids in sand matrices. The recovery of the spiked amino acids from the inert sand sample was from 34 to 51% with analysis LOD from 0.2 to 0.6 ppm and migration time RSD from 0.2 to 6.0%. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Nurse practitioner integration: Qualitative experiences of the change management process.

PubMed

Lowe, Grainne; Plummer, Virginia; Boyd, Leanne

2018-04-30

The aim of this qualitative research was to explore perceptions of organisational change related to the integration of nurse practitioners from key nursing stakeholders. The ongoing delivery of effective and efficient patient services is reliant upon the development and sustainability of nurse practitioner roles. Examination of the factors contributing to the underutilization of nurse practitioner roles is crucial to inform future management policies. A change management theory is used to reveal the complexity involved. Qualitative interviews were undertaken using a purposive sampling strategy of key stakeholders. Thematic analysis was undertaken and key themes were correlated to the theoretical framework. The results confirm the benefits of nurse practitioner roles, but suggest organisational structures and embedded professional cultures present barriers to full role optimization. Complicated policy processes are creating barriers to the integration of nurse practitioner roles. The findings increase understanding of the links between strategic planning, human resource management, professional and organisational cultures, governance and politics in change management. Effective leadership drives the change process through the ability to align key components necessary for success. Sustainability of nurse practitioners relies on recognition of their full potential in the health care team. The results of this study highlight the importance of management and leadership in the promotion of advanced nursing skills and experience to better meet patient outcomes. The findings reinforce the potential of nurse practitioners to deliver patient centred, timely and efficient health care. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

A phase I trial of imatinib in combination with mFOLFOX6-bevacizumab in patients with advanced colorectal cancer.

PubMed

Michael, M; Zalcberg, J; Gibbs, P; Lipton, L; Gouillou, M; Jefford, M; McArthur, G; Copeman, M; Lynch, K; Tebbutt, N C

2013-02-01

Platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR) inhibition by reducing tumoral interstitial fluid pressure might increase the efficacy of chemotherapy. Imatinib inhibits PDGFR kinase activity at therapeutically relevant doses. This phase I study aimed to assess the maximal tolerated dose (MTD) of imatinib in combination with mFOLFOX6-bevacizumab in patients with advanced colorectal cancer and to identify pharmacokinetic (PK) interactions and toxicities. Eligible patients had measurable disease and adequate organ function. On day-14, patients commenced imatinib daily plus bevacizumab (5 mg/kg/2 weekly). Two weeks later (day 1), patients were also treated with full dose mFOLFOX6-bevacizumab for 12 cycles. Blood samples were taken for PK. DLTs defined in the first 6 weeks. Standard dose escalation of imatinib, with 3 patient cohorts: planned dose levels (DL): DL1; 400 mg, DL2; 600 mg, DL3; 800 mg daily. Ten patients enrolled. DL1 3 patients, DL2 7 patients. DLTs observed in 3 of 6 patients in DL2: febrile neutropenia (2); Grade 3 infection and Grade 4 neutropenia (1). Neutropenia was most frequent AEs: Grade 3/4 in >60 % of patients overall. In DL2 pts, imatinib clearance was reduced post-chemotherapy (P < 0.05). Oxaliplatin and 5FU PK unchanged by imatinib. MTD was imatinib 400 mg plus full dose mFOLFOX-bevacizumab. Dose escalation of imatinib limited by neutropenia. Further study is warranted as imatinib can be delivered at levels that inhibit PDGFR.

Internet-delivered treatment: its potential as a low-intensity community intervention for adults with symptoms of depression: protocol for a randomized controlled trial

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Depression is a high prevalence disorder, displaying high rates of lifetime incidence, early age onset, high chronicity, and role impairment. In Ireland 12-month prevalence of depression has been reported to be 10.3%. A large percentage of affected individuals have no medical diagnosis nor seek treatment. Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) has established itself as an option for the treatment of depression. Many Irish adults with depression find it difficult to access evidence-based CBT, this is due to several factors, like stigma and costs. However, systematic factors including the shortage of trained professionals and the relative underdevelopment of services also make access difficult. Stepped-care can increase access to evidence-based CBT. One option is tailored internet-delivered treatment programs. Preliminary research from Ireland needs now to include large-scale studies on effectiveness. Thus the current study seeks to examine the potential of an internet-delivered low-intensity treatment for symptoms of depression in an Irish adult community sample. Method/Design The study is a randomized controlled trial of an online CBT (iCBT) program for the treatment of adults with depressive symptoms. The trial will include an active treatment group and a waiting-list control group. The active condition will consist of 8 weekly modules of iCBT, with post-session feedback support. Participants in the waiting list will receive access to the treatment at week 8. Participants will complete the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) and eligibility criteria will also apply. Primary outcomes are depressive symptoms. Secondary outcomes include quality of life indicators, significant events and satisfaction with online treatment. Data will be collected at baseline and at post-treatment, week 8, and at follow-up week 20 (3-months) and week 32 (6-months). Analysis will be conducted on the intention-to-treat basis. Discussion The study seeks to evaluate the effectiveness of an online delivered treatment for depression in a community sample of Irish adults with symptoms of depression. The study will be a first contribution and depending on the sample recruited the results may be generalizable to people with similar difficulties in Ireland and may therefore give insight into the potential of low-intensity interventions for Irish people with depressive symptoms. Trial registration number Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN03704676. DOI: 10.1186/ISRCTN03704676 PMID:24886179

Miniaturized material sampling and transfer devices for extraterrestrial exploration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gorevan, S.; Rafeek, S.; Myrick, T.; Kong, K. Y.; Mahaffey, P.

1997-01-01

For early extraterrestrial exploration with a limited payload, miniaturized sampling devices that can be mounted on a rover platform will be crucial in locating areas with high resource concentration for future extraction, storage and utilization. Two such rover friendly sampling devices are the gas Sniffer and the Sample Acquisition and Transfer Mechanism (SATM). The Sniffer is a miniaturized gas sampler that can be utilized for the characterization of atmospheric, surface and subsurface molecular composition as a function of time and site location. The device is embodied in the tip of a non-rotating, drill sleeve just behind the auger and cutting head. SATM is another highly developed miniature sampling device that can repeatedly deliver solid samples (acquired from the surface to depths of 1 meter below surface) to a number of on-board instruments such as microscopes (for cataloging), ovens (for composition analyses) and/or to a hermetically sealed sample return canister for a sample return mission.

Estimation of the full marginal costs of port related truck traffic.

PubMed

Berechman, Joseph

2009-11-01

NY region is expected to grow by additional 1 million people by 2020, which translates into roughly 70 million more tons of goods to be delivered annually. Due to lack of rail capacity, mainly trucks will haul this volume of freight, challenging an already much constrained highway network. What are the total costs associated with this additional traffic, in particular, congestion, safety and emission? Since a major source of this expected flow is the Port of New York-New Jersey, this paper focuses on the estimation of the full marginal costs of truck traffic resulting from the further expansion of the port's activities.

3-D interactive visualisation tools for Hi spectral line imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

van der Hulst, J. M.; Punzo, D.; Roerdink, J. B. T. M.

2017-06-01

Upcoming HI surveys will deliver such large datasets that automated processing using the full 3-D information to find and characterize HI objects is unavoidable. Full 3-D visualization is an essential tool for enabling qualitative and quantitative inspection and analysis of the 3-D data, which is often complex in nature. Here we present SlicerAstro, an open-source extension of 3DSlicer, a multi-platform open source software package for visualization and medical image processing, which we developed for the inspection and analysis of HI spectral line data. We describe its initial capabilities, including 3-D filtering, 3-D selection and comparative modelling.

Intradermal inactivated poliovirus vaccine: a preclinical dose-finding study.

PubMed

Kouiavskaia, Diana; Mirochnitchenko, Olga; Dragunsky, Eugenia; Kochba, Efrat; Levin, Yotam; Troy, Stephanie; Chumakov, Konstantin

2015-05-01

Intradermal delivery of vaccines has been shown to result in dose sparing. We tested the ability of fractional doses of inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV) delivered intradermally to induce levels of serum poliovirus-neutralizing antibodies similar to immunization through the intramuscular route. Immunogenicity of fractional doses of IPV was studied by comparing intramuscular and intradermal immunization of Wistar rats using NanoPass MicronJet600 microneedles. Intradermal delivery of partial vaccine doses induced antibodies at titers comparable to those after immunization with full human dose delivered intramuscularly. The results suggest that intradermal delivery of IPV may lead to dose-sparing effect and reduction of the vaccination cost. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Infectious Diseases Society of America 2014. This work is written by (a) US Government employee(s) and is in the public domain in the US.

Titration Techniques

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jacobsen, Jerrold J.; Houston Jetzer, Kelly; Patani, Néha; Zimmerman, John; Zweerink, Gerald

1995-07-01

Significant attention is paid to the proper technique for reading a meniscus. Video shows meniscus-viewing techniques for colorless and dark liquids and the consequences of not reading a meniscus at eye level. Lessons are provided on approaching the end point, focusing on end point colors produced via different commonly used indicators. The concept of a titration curve is illustrated by means of a pH meter. Carefully recorded images of the entire range of meniscus values in a buret, pipet, and graduated cylinder are included so that you can show your students, in lecture or pre-lab discussion, any meniscus and discuss how to read the buret properly. These buret meniscus values are very carefully recorded at the rate of one video frame per hundredth of a milliliter, so that an image showing any given meniscus value can be obtained. These images can be easily incorporated into a computer-based multimedia environment for testing or meniscus-reading exercises. Two of the authors have used this technique and found the exercise to be very well received by their students. Video on side two shows nearly 100 "bloopers", demonstrating both the right way and wrong ways to do tasks associated with titration. This material can be used in a variety of situations: to show students the correct way to do something; to test students by asking them "What is this person doing wrong?"; or to develop multimedia, computer-based lessons. The contents of Titration Techniques are listed below: Side 1 Titration: what it is. A simple titration; Acid-base titration animation; A brief redox titration; Redox titration animation; A complete acid-base titration. Titration techniques. Hand technique variations; Stopcock; Using a buret to measure liquid volumes; Wait before reading meniscus; Dirty and clean burets; Read meniscus at eye level (see Fig. 1); Meniscus viewing techniques--light colored liquids; Meniscus viewing techniques--dark liquids; Using a magnetic stirrer; Rough titration; Significant figures; Approaching the end point; End point colors; Titration with a pH meter; Titration curves; Colors of indicators. Meniscus values. Buret meniscus values; Pipet meniscus values; Graduated cylinder meniscus values. Side 2"Bloopers". Introducing the people; Titration animation; Inspecting the buret; Rinsing the buret with water; Preparing a solid sample; Obtaining a liquid sample; Delivering a liquid sample with a Mohr pipet; Pipetting a liquid sample with a Mohr pipet; Rinsing the Mohr pipet with sample; Using the Mohr pipet to transfer sample; Delivering a liquid sample with a volumetric pipet; Pipetting a liquid sample with a volumetric pipet; Rinsing the volumetric pipet with sample; Using the volumetric pipet to transfer sample; Obtaining the titrant; Rinsing the buret with titrant; Filling the buret with titrant; Adding the indicator; The initial reading; Beginning the titration; Delivering titrant; The final reading. Figure 3. Near the end point a single drop of titrant can cause a lasting color change.

Retrospective study on the performance of porcelain laminate veneers delivered by undergraduate dental students.

PubMed

Murphy, E; Ziada, H M; Allen, P F

2005-03-01

The aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the clinical performance of porcelain laminate veneer restorations delivered by undergraduate students at the Department of Restorative Dentistry, University Dental School and Hospital Cork and to analyze the factors that influence their prognosis and their effect on periodontal health. Patients who had veneers fitted over a period of 5 yrs. were recalled for evaluation. The recall protocol took the form of a questionnaire and a full clinical examination of the teeth involved and contra lateral control teeth. In all, 29 patients with 62 porcelain veneers were examined, only 2 of which were in the mandible. 77% of patients had veneers fitted due to discolouration, 13% in order to alter the shape or size of teeth and 10% due to palatal erosion. On the date of recall 89% of veneers had never debonded or fractured, 6% had to be rebonded since the date of insertion and 5% presented with a fracture. From this study it appears that porcelain laminate veneers are successful in the treatment of discoloured and irregular configured anterior teeth. It shows that undergraduate students can deliver satisfactory veneer restorations.

Expert assessment concludes negative emissions scenarios may not deliver

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vaughan, Naomi E.; Gough, Clair

2016-09-01

Many integrated assessment models (IAMs) rely on the availability and extensive use of biomass energy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) to deliver emissions scenarios consistent with limiting climate change to below 2 °C average temperature rise. BECCS has the potential to remove carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere, delivering ‘negative emissions’. The deployment of BECCS at the scale assumed in IAM scenarios is highly uncertain: biomass energy is commonly used but not at such a scale, and CCS technologies have been demonstrated but not commercially established. Here we present the results of an expert elicitation process that explores the explicit and implicit assumptions underpinning the feasibility of BECCS in IAM scenarios. Our results show that the assumptions are considered realistic regarding technical aspects of CCS but unrealistic regarding the extent of bioenergy deployment, and development of adequate societal support and governance structures for BECCS. The results highlight concerns about the assumed magnitude of carbon dioxide removal achieved across a full BECCS supply chain, with the greatest uncertainty in bioenergy production. Unrealistically optimistic assumptions regarding the future availability of BECCS in IAM scenarios could lead to the overshoot of critical warming limits and have significant impacts on near-term mitigation options.

Feasibility of a clearing house for improved cooperation between telemedicine networks delivering humanitarian services: acceptability to network coordinators.

PubMed

Wootton, Richard; Bonnardot, Laurent; Geissbuhler, Antoine; Jethwani, Kamal; Kovarik, Carrie; McGoey, Suzanne; Person, Donald A; Vladzymyrskyy, Anton; Zolfo, Maria

2012-10-09

Telemedicine networks, which deliver humanitarian services, sometimes need to share expertise to find particular experts in other networks. It has been suggested that a mechanism for sharing expertise between networks (a 'clearing house') might be useful. To propose a mechanism for implementing the clearing house concept for sharing expertise, and to confirm its feasibility in terms of acceptability to the relevant networks. We conducted a needs analysis among eight telemedicine networks delivering humanitarian services. A small proportion of consultations (5-10%) suggested that networks may experience difficulties in finding the right specialists from within their own resources. With the assistance of key stakeholders, many of whom were network coordinators, various methods of implementing a clearing house were considered. One simple solution is to establish a central database holding information about consultants who have agreed to provide help to other networks; this database could be made available to network coordinators who need a specialist when none was available in their own network. The proposed solution was examined in a desktop simulation exercise, which confirmed its feasibility and probable value. This analysis informs full-scale implementation of a clearing house, and an associated examination of its costs and benefits.

A Triple-Fluorophore-Labeled Nucleic Acid pH Nanosensor to Investigate Non-viral Gene Delivery.

PubMed

Wilson, David R; Routkevitch, Denis; Rui, Yuan; Mosenia, Arman; Wahlin, Karl J; Quinones-Hinojosa, Alfredo; Zack, Donald J; Green, Jordan J

2017-07-05

There is a need for new tools to better quantify intracellular delivery barriers in high-throughput and high-content ways. Here, we synthesized a triple-fluorophore-labeled nucleic acid pH nanosensor for measuring intracellular pH of exogenous DNA at specific time points in a high-throughput manner by flow cytometry following non-viral transfection. By including two pH-sensitive fluorophores and one pH-insensitive fluorophore in the nanosensor, detection of pH was possible over the full physiological range. We further assessed possible correlation between intracellular pH of delivered DNA, cellular uptake of DNA, and DNA reporter gene expression at 24 hr post-transfection for poly-L-lysine and branched polyethylenimine polyplex nanoparticles. While successful transfection was shown to clearly depend on median cellular pH of delivered DNA at the cell population level, surprisingly, on an individual cell basis, there was no significant correlation between intracellular pH and transfection efficacy. To our knowledge, this is the first reported instance of high-throughput single-cell analysis between cellular uptake of DNA, intracellular pH of delivered DNA, and gene expression of the delivered DNA. Using the nanosensor, we demonstrate that the ability of polymeric nanoparticles to avoid an acidic environment is necessary, but not sufficient, for successful transfection. Copyright © 2017 The American Society of Gene and Cell Therapy. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The sample handling system for the Mars Icebreaker Life mission: from dirt to data.

PubMed

Davé, Arwen; Thompson, Sarah J; McKay, Christopher P; Stoker, Carol R; Zacny, Kris; Paulsen, Gale; Mellerowicz, Bolek; Glass, Brian J; Willson, David; Bonaccorsi, Rosalba; Rask, Jon

2013-04-01

The Mars Icebreaker Life mission will search for subsurface life on Mars. It consists of three payload elements: a drill to retrieve soil samples from approximately 1 m below the surface, a robotic sample handling system to deliver the sample from the drill to the instruments, and the instruments themselves. This paper will discuss the robotic sample handling system. Collecting samples from ice-rich soils on Mars in search of life presents two challenges: protection of that icy soil--considered a "special region" with respect to planetary protection--from contamination from Earth, and delivery of the icy, sticky soil to spacecraft instruments. We present a sampling device that meets these challenges. We built a prototype system and tested it at martian pressure, drilling into ice-cemented soil, collecting cuttings, and transferring them to the inlet port of the SOLID2 life-detection instrument. The tests successfully demonstrated that the Icebreaker drill, sample handling system, and life-detection instrument can collectively operate in these conditions and produce science data that can be delivered via telemetry--from dirt to data. Our results also demonstrate the feasibility of using an air gap to prevent forward contamination. We define a set of six analog soils for testing over a range of soil cohesion, from loose sand to basalt soil, with angles of repose of 27° and 39°, respectively. Particle size is a key determinant of jamming of mechanical parts by soil particles. Jamming occurs when the clearance between moving parts is equal in size to the most common particle size or equal to three of these particles together. Three particles acting together tend to form bridges and lead to clogging. Our experiments show that rotary-hammer action of the Icebreaker drill influences the particle size, typically reducing particle size by ≈ 100 μm.

The in vitro and in vivo investigation of a novel small chamber dry powder inhalation delivery system for preclinical dosing to rats.

PubMed

Sellers, Shari; Horodnik, Walter; House, Aileen; Wylie, Jennifer; Mauser, Peter; Donovan, Brent

2015-01-01

This research describes a novel "minitower" dry powder delivery system for nose-only delivery of dry powder aerosols to spontaneously breathing rats. The minitower system forces pressurized air through pre-filled capsules to deliver aerosolized drug to four nose ports; three of which house spontaneously breathing rats, with the fourth used as a control. Within each port are vent filters which capture drug that was not inhaled for further quantitation. These vent filters along with a novel control system referred to as the "artificial rat lung", allow for the theoretical amount of drug delivered and subsequently inhaled by each rat to be calculated. In vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated this system's ability to deliver aerosolized drug to rats. The in vitro study showed that ∼30% of the starting dose reached the 4 ports and was available for inhalation. During in-vivo studies, rats inhaled ∼34% of the delivered dose. Of the estimated inhaled dose, 12-18% was detectable in the various tissue samples, with over 30% of the recovered dose found in the rat's lungs. Results show that this system is capable of reproducibly delivering drug to the lungs of spontaneously breathing rats. Advantages over current delivery methods include being amenable to the administration of multiple doses and using less (milligram) amount of starting material. In addition, this technique avoids anesthesia which is typically required for instillation or insufflation, and thus has the potential as an efficient and noninvasive aerosol delivery method for preclinical drug development.

Mother-to-Infant Transmission of Intestinal Bifidobacterial Strains Has an Impact on the Early Development of Vaginally Delivered Infant's Microbiota

PubMed Central

Makino, Hiroshi; Kushiro, Akira; Ishikawa, Eiji; Kubota, Hiroyuki; Gawad, Agata; Sakai, Takafumi; Oishi, Kenji; Martin, Rocio; Ben-Amor, Kaouther; Knol, Jan; Tanaka, Ryuichiro

2013-01-01

Objectives Bifidobacterium species are one of the major components of the infant's intestine microbiota. Colonization with bifidobacteria in early infancy is suggested to be important for health in later life. However, information remains limited regarding the source of these microbes. Here, we investigated whether specific strains of bifidobacteria in the maternal intestinal flora are transmitted to their infant's intestine. Materials and Methods Fecal samples were collected from healthy 17 mother and infant pairs (Vaginal delivery: 12; Cesarean section delivery: 5). Mother's feces were collected twice before delivery. Infant's feces were collected at 0 (meconium), 3, 7, 30, 90 days after birth. Bifidobacteria isolated from feces were genotyped by multilocus sequencing typing, and the transitions of bifidobacteria counts in infant's feces were analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR. Results Stains belonging to Bifidobacterium adolescentis, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium catenulatum, Bifidobacterium longum subsp. longum, and Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum, were identified to be monophyletic between mother's and infant's intestine. Eleven out of 12 vaginal delivered infants carried at least one monophyletic strain. The bifidobacterial counts of the species to which the monophyletic strains belong, increased predominantly in the infant's intestine within 3 days after birth. Among infants delivered by C-section, monophyletic strains were not observed. Moreover, the bifidobacterial counts were significantly lower than the vaginal delivered infants until 7 days of age. Conclusions Among infants born vaginally, several Bifidobacterium strains transmit from the mother and colonize the infant's intestine shortly after birth. Our data suggest that the mother's intestine is an important source for the vaginal delivered infant's intestinal microbiota. PMID:24244304

Effectiveness of Modular CBT for Child Anxiety in Elementary Schools

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chiu, Angela W.; Langer, David A.; McLeod, Bryce D.; Har, Kim; Drahota, Amy; Galla, Brian M.; Jacobs, Jeffrey; Ifekwunigwe, Muriel; Wood, Jeffrey J.

2013-01-01

Most randomized controlled trials of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for children with anxiety disorders have evaluated treatment efficacy using recruited samples treated in research settings. Clinical trials in school settings are needed to determine if CBT can be effective when delivered in real world settings. This study evaluated a modular…

17 CFR Appendix B to Part 420 - Sample Large Position Report

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... $ Memorandum 2: Report the gross par amount of fails to deliver. Included in the calculation of line item 3... millions at par value as of trade date] Security Being Reported Date For Which Information is Being... Principal Components of the Specific Security $ Total Net Trading Position $ 2. Gross Financing Position...

17 CFR Appendix B to Part 420 - Sample Large Position Report

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... $ Memorandum 2: Report the gross par amount of fails to deliver. Included in the calculation of line item 3... millions at par value as of trade date] Security Being Reported Date For Which Information is Being... Principal Components of the Specific Security $ Total Net Trading Position $ 2. Gross Financing Position...

17 CFR Appendix B to Part 420 - Sample Large Position Report

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... $ Memorandum 2: Report the gross par amount of fails to deliver. Included in the calculation of line item 3... millions at par value as of trade date] Security Being Reported Date For Which Information is Being... Principal Components of the Specific Security $ Total Net Trading Position $ 2. Gross Financing Position...

Professional Development Needs of Online Instructors of the Louisiana Technical College System

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Laycock, Sharon P.

2010-01-01

The purpose of this study was to determine perceptions of importance and the knowledge of skill levels required to develop and deliver distance learning successfully by the Louisiana Technical College (LTC) instructors as related to professional development needs. The study sample consisted of a group of approximately 200 instructors/teachers…

Acquisition of German Pluralization Rules in Monolingual and Multilingual Children

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zaretsky, Eugen; Lange, Benjamin P.; Euler, Harald A.; Neumann, Katrin

2013-01-01

Existing studies on plural acquisition in German have relied on small samples and thus hardly deliver generalizable and differentiated results. Here, overgeneralizations of certain plural allomorphs and other tendencies in the acquisition of German plural markers are described on the basis of test data from 7,394 3- to 5-year-old monolingual…

A National Evaluation of Community-Based Youth Cessation Programs: Design and Implementation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Curry, Susan J.; Mermelstein, Robin J.; Sporer, Amy K.; Emery, Sherry L.; Berbaum, Michael L.; Campbell, Richard T.; Carusi, Charles; Flay, Brian; Taylor, Kristie; Warnecke, Richard B.

2010-01-01

Although widely available, little is known about the effectiveness of youth cessation treatments delivered in real-world settings. The authors recruited a nonprobability sample of 41 community-based group-format programs that treated at least 15 youth per year and included evidence-based treatment components. Data collection included longitudinal…

Progress Towards Providing Heat-Shield for Extreme Entry Environment Technology (HEEET) for Venus and Other New Froniters Missions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Venkatapathy, E.; Ellerby, D.; Gage, P.

2017-11-01

HEEET, in development since 2014 with the goal of enabling missions to Venus, Saturn and other high-speed sample return missions, is incentivized by SMD-PSD and will be delivered at TRL 6 by FY'18. This presentation will cover the current status.

A Randomized Trial of Contingency Management Delivered in the Context of Group Counseling

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Petry, Nancy M.; Weinstock, Jeremiah; Alessi, Sheila M.

2011-01-01

Objective: Contingency management (CM) is efficacious in reducing drug use. Typically, reinforcers are provided on an individual basis to patients for submitting drug-negative samples. However, most treatment is provided in a group context, and poor attendance is a substantial concern. This study evaluated whether adding CM to group-based…

Testing the Efficacy of Brief Multicultural Education Interventions in White College Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Garriott, Patton O.; Reiter, Stephanie; Brownfield, Jenna

2016-01-01

This pilot study tested the overall and relative efficacy of 3 common approaches to multicultural education in a sample (N = 52) of White undergraduate students using a randomized controlled trial. Brief multicultural education interventions were delivered in the form of educational, social norming, and entertainment conditions. Affective (i.e.,…

Science Perceptions of Prospective Class Teachers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ulucinar Sagir, Safak

2017-01-01

The perceptions of class teachers, who will deliver science education at the elementary school, of information and science are significant as these affect the quality of education received by children. The aim of this research is to determine perceptions of prospective class teachers of science. The sample group of the research consists of 120…

16 CFR 1631.33 - Carpets and rugs with fire-retardant treatment.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

..., containing the letter “T”, legibly and conspicuously written, is delivered to the consumer in due course of... have had a fire-retardant treatment, the letter “T” shall be set forth legibly and conspicuously, and... regulations thereunder, whether or not such letter “T” appears elsewhere on said product. Samples, pieces...

30 CFR 74.16 - Material required for record.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Material required for record. 74.16 Section 74.16 Mineral Resources MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF LABOR COAL MINE SAFETY AND... deliver a complete sampling device free of charge to NIOSH at the address specified on the NIOSH Web page...

[Child abuse in in the city Temuco. Prevalence study and associated factors].

PubMed

Vizcarra, M B; Cortés, J; Bustos, L; Alarcón, M; Muñoz, S

2001-12-01

Child maltreatment is recognised as a significant health problem in developed countries. There is increasing awareness on family violence in Chile, becoming a health priority in the last five years, but there is scant information about its prevalence. Determine prevalence of child abuse, and associated factors in a population sample from Temuco, Chile. A standardised questionnaire was applied to a sample of 422 women at their homes. Instrument had questions about disciplinary practices by caretakers, a standardised questionnaire to assess mental health, as measures of risk and protective factors for violence The prevalence of psychological aggression delivered by mothers or fathers was 17.5% and 6.8% respectively. The figures for corporal punishment delivered by mother or fathers were 42.3% and 17% respectively. Three percent of mothers and 1.2% of fathers recognised severe physical abuse. Associated factors were mother impaired mental health, antecedents of child abuse in both parents, parents alcohol abuse and child emotional/behavioral problem. Child abuse is a extended significant problem in Temuco that requires multidisciplinary intervention programs.

Photonic-crystal fiber as a multifunctional optical sensor and sample collector.

PubMed

Konorov, Stanislav; Zheltikov, Aleksei; Scalora, Michael

2005-05-02

Two protocols of optical sensing realized with the same photonic-crystal fiber are compared. In the first protocol, diode-laser radiation is delivered to a sample through the central core of a dual-cladding photonic-crystal fiber with a diameter of a few micrometers, while the large-diameter fiber cladding serves to collect the fluorescent response from the sample and to guide it to a detector in the backward direction. In the second scheme, liquid sample is collected by a microcapillary array in the fiber cladding and is interrogated by laser radiation guided in the fiber modes. For sample fluids with refractive indices exceeding the refractive index of the fiber material, fluid channels in photonic-crystal fibers can guide laser light by total internal reflection, providing an 80% overlap of interrogating radiation with sample fluid.

Laser ablation in analytical chemistry - A review

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

Russo, Richard E.; Mao, Xianglei; Liu, Haichen

Laser ablation is becoming a dominant technology for direct solid sampling in analytical chemistry. Laser ablation refers to the process in which an intense burst of energy delivered by a short laser pulse is used to sample (remove a portion of) a material. The advantages of laser ablation chemical analysis include direct characterization of solids, no chemical procedures for dissolution, reduced risk of contamination or sample loss, analysis of very small samples not separable for solution analysis, and determination of spatial distributions of elemental composition. This review describes recent research to understand and utilize laser ablation for direct solid sampling,more » with emphasis on sample introduction to an inductively coupled plasma (ICP). Current research related to contemporary experimental systems, calibration and optimization, and fractionation is discussed, with a summary of applications in several areas.« less

In-situ continuous water analyzing module

DOEpatents

Thompson, Cyril V.; Wise, Marcus B.

1998-01-01

An in-situ continuous liquid analyzing system for continuously analyzing volatile components contained in a water source comprises: a carrier gas supply, an extraction container and a mass spectrometer. The carrier gas supply continuously supplies the carrier gas to the extraction container and is mixed with a water sample that is continuously drawn into the extraction container. The carrier gas continuously extracts the volatile components out of the water sample. The water sample is returned to the water source after the volatile components are extracted from it. The extracted volatile components and the carrier gas are delivered continuously to the mass spectometer and the volatile components are continuously analyzed by the mass spectrometer.

Micro injector sample delivery system for charged molecules

DOEpatents

Davidson, James C.; Balch, Joseph W.

1999-11-09

A micro injector sample delivery system for charged molecules. The injector is used for collecting and delivering controlled amounts of charged molecule samples for subsequent analysis. The injector delivery system can be scaled to large numbers (>96) for sample delivery to massively parallel high throughput analysis systems. The essence of the injector system is an electric field controllable loading tip including a section of porous material. By applying the appropriate polarity bias potential to the injector tip, charged molecules will migrate into porous material, and by reversing the polarity bias potential the molecules are ejected or forced away from the tip. The invention has application for uptake of charged biological molecules (e.g. proteins, nucleic acids, polymers, etc.) for delivery to analytical systems, and can be used in automated sample delivery systems.

Young people's views of mental health education in secondary schools: a Scottish study.

PubMed

Woolfson, R; Woolfson, L; Mooney, L; Bryce, D

2009-11-01

This exploratory study used mixed methods to investigate young people's preferences in the delivery of mental health education and to investigate possible age and gender differences. Information was gathered about the delivery of mental health education in three secondary schools. Nine pupil focus groups were carried out to identify key themes which were then further developed and administered through questionnaires to a larger sample of 773 pupils. Gender and age differences were found in young people's preferences about who should deliver mental health education, and what, when, where and how this should be delivered. Mental health education should reflect the needs of young people. Age and gender preferences should be considered when designing these programmes.

Motivational Interviewing delivered by existing prison staff: a randomized controlled study of effectiveness on substance use after release.

PubMed

Forsberg, Lars Georg; Ernst, Denise; Sundqvist, Kristina; Farbring, Carl Åke

2011-01-01

A sample of 296 drug-using inmates in 14 Swedish prisons was randomized during 2004-2006 into three intervention groups; Motivational Interviewing delivered by counselors with workshop-only training, or by counselors with workshop training followed by peer group supervision, and controls. Drug and alcohol use was measured by the Addiction Severity Index (ASI) at intake and at 10 months after release. Complete data from 114 clients were analyzed by a stepwise regression analysis. All three groups reduced alcohol and drug use. Limitations in the study are discussed and future research is suggested. The study is financed by grants from the Research Committee of the National Prison and Probation Administration.

Accelerated Comparative Fatigue Strength Testing of Belt Adhesive Joints

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bajda, Miroslaw; Blazej, Ryszard; Jurdziak, Leszek

2017-12-01

Belt joints are the weakest link in the serial structure that creates an endless loop of spliced belt segments. This affects not only the lower strength of adhesive joints of textile belts in comparison to vulcanized splices, but also the replacement of traditional glues to more ecological but with other strength parameters. This is reflected in the lowered durability of adhesive joints, which in underground coal mines is nearly twice shorter than the operating time of belts. Vulcanized splices require high precision in performance, they need long time to achieve cross-linking of the friction mixture and, above all, they require specialized equipment (vulcanization press) which is not readily available and often takes much time to be delivered down, which means reduced mining output or even downtime. All this reduces the reliability and durability of adhesive joints. In addition, due to the consolidation on the Polish coal market, mines are joined into large economic units serviced by a smaller number of processing plants. The consequence is to extend the transport routes downstream and increase reliability requirements. The greater number of conveyors in the chain reduces reliability of supply and increases production losses. With high fixed costs of underground mines, the reduction in mining output is reflected in the increase in unit costs, and this at low coal prices on the market can mean substantial losses for mines. The paper describes the comparative study of fatigue strength of shortened samples of adhesive joints conducted to compare many different variants of joints (various adhesives and materials). Shortened samples were exposed to accelerated fatigue in the usually long-lasting dynamic studies, allowing more variants to be tested at the same time. High correlation between the results obtained for shortened (100 mm) and traditional full-length (3×250 mm) samples renders accelerated tests possible.

Time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry imaging of biological samples with delayed extraction for high mass and high spatial resolutions

PubMed Central

Vanbellingen, Quentin P.; Elie, Nicolas; Eller, Michael J.; Della‐Negra, Serge; Touboul, David

2015-01-01

Rationale In Time‐of‐Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (TOF‐SIMS), pulsed and focused primary ion beams enable mass spectrometry imaging, a method which is particularly useful to map various small molecules such as lipids at the surface of biological samples. When using TOF‐SIMS instruments, the focusing modes of the primary ion beam delivered by liquid metal ion guns can provide either a mass resolution of several thousand or a sub‐µm lateral resolution, but the combination of both is generally not possible. Methods With a TOF‐SIMS setup, a delayed extraction applied to secondary ions has been studied extensively on rat cerebellum sections in order to compensate for the effect of long primary ion bunches. Results The use of a delayed extraction has been proven to be an efficient solution leading to unique features, i.e. a mass resolution up to 10000 at m/z 385.4 combined with a lateral resolution of about 400 nm. Simulations of ion trajectories confirm the experimental determination of optimal delayed extraction and allow understanding of the behavior of ions as a function of their mass‐to‐charge ratio. Conclusions Although the use of a delayed extraction has been well known for many years and is very popular in MALDI, it is much less used in TOF‐SIMS. Its full characterization now enables secondary ion images to be recorded in a single run with a submicron spatial resolution and with a mass resolution of several thousand. This improvement is very useful when analyzing lipids on tissue sections, or rare, precious, or very small size samples. © 2015 The Authors. Rapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. PMID:26395603

"Will It Be on the Test?" a Closer Look at How Leaders and Parents Think about Accountability in the Public Schools

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Johnson, Jean

2013-01-01

Over the past 15 years, federal, state, and local officials have pursued a broad range of reforms aimed at ensuring that the nation's public school system is more accountable--that it delivers a rich, full education for children in communities across the country. New research from the Kettering Foundation and Public Agenda suggests that there are…

Fabrication of prepackaged superalloy honeycomb Thermal Protection System (TPS) panels

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Blair, W.; Meaney, J. E.; Rosenthal, H. A.

1985-01-01

High temperature materials were surveyed, and Inconel 617 and titanium were selected for application to a honeycomb TPS configuration designed to withstand 2000 F. The configuration was analyzed both thermally and structurally. Component and full-sized panels were fabricated and tested to obtain data for comparison with analysis. Results verified the panel design. Twenty five panels were delivered to NASA Langley Research Center for additional evaluation.

Optical design of the ARAMIS-beamlines at SwissFEL

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

Follath, R.; Flechsig, U.; Milne, C.

2016-07-27

SwissFEL is a free electron laser facility for hard and soft X-rays at the Paul Scherrer Institut in Switzerland. The first hard X-ray FEL named ARAMIS will deliver photons in the wavelength range from 1 Å to 7 Å in up to three beamlines alternatively. The beamlines are equipped with crystal monochromators, cover the full wavelength range and offer a variety of operational modes.

The new chiropractic.

PubMed

Walker, Bruce F

2016-01-01

Physical manipulation and manual therapies are thousands of years old. The most popular western world iteration of these therapies is delivered by chiropractors. It can be argued that the collective public health benefit from chiropractic for spinal pain has been very substantial, however as chiropractic has transitioned from craft to profession it has encountered many internally and externally driven machinations that have retarded its progress to a fully accepted allied health profession. This article sets out a ten point plan for a new chiropractic that will achieve full acceptance for this troubled profession. This article is based on a keynote speech known as the FG Roberts Memorial Address delivered on October 10, 2015, in Melbourne, Australia at the Chiropractic & Osteopathic College of Australasia and Chiropractic Australia national conference. The ten point plan consists of the following: improving the pre-professional education of chiropractors, establishing a progressive identity, developing a special interest for the profession, marginalising the nonsensical elements of the profession, being pro-public health, supporting the legitimate organised elements of the profession, improving clinical practice, embracing evidence based practice, supporting research and showing personal leadership. Adherence to this fresh ten point plan will, over time, see the chiropractic profession gain full legitimacy in the allied health field and acceptance by other health providers, policy makers and the public at large.

High-resolution analysis of the terrestrial influence on DOC and POC export in a Siberian Arctic River during the spring freshet

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Myers-Pigg, A.; Teisserenc, R.; Tananaev, N.; Louchouarn, P.

2015-12-01

Arctic Rivers transport vast amounts of terrestrial organic material (TOM) to the Arctic Ocean. The Yenisei River delivers ~18% of total dissolved organic carbon (DOC) exported to the Arctic Ocean each year during peak river discharge (May-June), known as the spring freshet. Previously published DOC fluxes for the freshet period extrapolate from relatively few data points, due to the uniquely difficult sampling conditions during this dynamic period. Here, we present new high resolution data collected from an extensive sampling campaign from April-July 2014 using a reverse osmosis system for DOC isolation. The similarity between the calculated DOC load delivered during the 2014 freshet (2.94 TgC) and the ten-year average from the previous decade (2.92 TgC for 1999-2008) validates the methodological approach used here. In contrast, the total measured load of polymeric lignin phenols (∑8: 643 Gg), an indicator of TOM input, was one order of magnitude higher than a previously estimated load (42 Gg) for May-June. Hence, we may need to re-evaluate the magnitude of terrestrial carbon exported, including the efficiencies of different sampling methods. Additionally, we present the first simultaneous particulate and dissolved lignin analyses in a major Arctic river. Approximately 30% of the total lignin flux in the Yenisei River is delivered in the particulate phase. Particulate lignin export is decoupled from dissolved lignin during the freshet; the initial flush is dominated by dissolved lignin, while the latter portion of the freshet is dominated by particulate lignin. The chemical signatures of lignin in both phases are similar throughout the freshet, suggesting a mobilization of the same source of carbon each spring. This conclusion is at odds with reported isotopic sources signatures (14C age) of bulk organic matter and lignin in these rivers, requiring a multi-faceted approach to fully understand the sources and ages of terrestrial organic matter in Arctic rivers.

Study of a MEMS-based Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensor with adjustable pupil sampling for astronomical adaptive optics.

PubMed

Baranec, Christoph; Dekany, Richard

2008-10-01

We introduce a Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensor for adaptive optics that enables dynamic control of the spatial sampling of an incoming wavefront using a segmented mirror microelectrical mechanical systems (MEMS) device. Unlike a conventional lenslet array, subapertures are defined by either segments or groups of segments of a mirror array, with the ability to change spatial pupil sampling arbitrarily by redefining the segment grouping. Control over the spatial sampling of the wavefront allows for the minimization of wavefront reconstruction error for different intensities of guide source and different atmospheric conditions, which in turn maximizes an adaptive optics system's delivered Strehl ratio. Requirements for the MEMS devices needed in this Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensor are also presented.

Ultra-Accelerated Natural Sunlight Exposure Testing Facilities

DOEpatents

Lewandowski, Allan A.; Jorgensen, Gary J.

2004-11-23

A multi-faceted concentrator apparatus for providing ultra-accelerated natural sunlight exposure testing for sample materials under controlled weathering conditions comprising: facets that receive incident natural sunlight, transmits VIS/NIR and reflects UV/VIS onto a secondary reflector that delivers a uniform flux of UV/VIS onto a sample exposure plane located near a center of a facet array in a chamber that provide concurrent levels of temperature and/or relative humidity at high levels of up to 100.times. of natural sunlight that allow sample materials to be subjected to accelerated irradiance exposure factors for a significant period of time of about 3 to 10 days to provide a corresponding time of about at least a years worth representative weathering of sample materials.

Analysis of Samples Collected from the Surface of Interim Storage Canisters at Calvert Cliffs in June 2017: Revision 01.

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

Bryan, Charles R.; Schindelholz, Eric John

In June 2017, dust and salt samples were collected from the surface of Spent Nuclear Fuel (SNF) dry storage canisters at the Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant. The samples were delivered to Sandia National laboratories for analysis. Two types of samples were collected: filter-backed Scotch-Brite TM pads were used to collect dry dust samples for characterization of salt and dust morphologies and distributions; and Saltsmart TM test strips were used to collect soluble salts for determining salt surface loadings per unit area. After collection, the samples were sealed into plastic sleeves for shipping. Condensation within the sleeves containing the Scotch-Britemore » TM samples remobilized the salts, rendering them ineffective for the intended purpose, and also led to mold growth, further compromising the samples; for these reasons, the samples were not analyzed. The SaltSmart TM samples were unaffected and were analyzed by ion chromatography for major anions and cations. The results of those analyses are presented here.« less

Dissatisfaction with traditional birth attendants in rural Tanzania.

PubMed

Mbaruku, Godfrey; Msambichaka, Beverly; Galea, Sandro; Rockers, Peter C; Kruk, Margaret E

2009-10-01

To assess women's satisfaction with traditional birth attendants (TBAs) in rural Tanzania. A population-representative sample of households in Kasulu district was used to collect data on demographics, childbirth history, and perception of TBAs and doctors/nurses from women who had recently had a child and from their partners. Two-thirds of women who gave birth in a health facility reported being very satisfied with the experience, compared with 21.2% of women who delivered at home with TBAs. A sizeable proportion of women felt that TBAs had poor medical skills (23.1%), while only 0.3% of women felt the same about doctors' and nurses' skills. Of women who delivered with a TBA, 16.0% reported that TBAs had poor medical skills whereas 0.5% stated the same for doctors and nurses. Although many women delivered at home in this rural study district, women and their partners reported higher confidence in doctors and nurses than in TBAs. Policymakers and program managers should not assume that women prefer TBAs to trained professionals for delivery but should consider system barriers to facility delivery in interventions aimed at reducing maternal mortality.

Effects of laryngoscope handle light source on the light intensity from disposable laryngoscope blades.

PubMed

Milne, A D; Brousseau, P A; Brousseau, C A

2014-12-01

A bench-top study was performed to assess the effects of different laryngoscope handles on the light intensity delivered from disposable metal or plastic laryngoscope blades. The light intensity from both the handle light sources themselves and the combined handle and laryngoscope blade sets was measured using a custom-designed testing system and light meter. Five samples of each disposable blade type were tested and compared with a standard re-usable stainless steel blade using three different handle/light sources (Vital Signs LED, Heine 2.5 V Xenon and 3.5 V Xenon). The light intensity delivered by the disposable blades ranged from 790 to 3846 lux for the different handle types. Overall, the 3.5 V Heine handle delivered the highest light output (p < 0.007) in comparison with the other handles. For the disposable blades, the overall light output was significantly higher from the plastic than the metal blades (p < 0.001). © 2014 The Association of Anaesthetists of Great Britain and Ireland.

Effects of Home-Delivered Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Depression on Anxiety Symptoms among Rural, Ethnically Diverse Older Adults.

PubMed

DiNapoli, Elizabeth A; Pierpaoli, Christina M; Shah, Avani; Yang, Xin; Scogin, Forrest

2017-01-01

We examined the effects of home-delivered cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for depression on anxiety symptoms in an ethnically diverse, low resource, and medically frail sample of rural, older adults. This was a secondary analysis of a randomized clincial trial with 134 rural-dwelling adults 65 years and older with decreased quality of life and elevated psychological symptomatology. Anxiety symptoms were assessed with the anxiety and phobic anxiety subscales of the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R). Compared to a minimal support control condition, CBT for depression resulted in significantly greater improvements in symptoms of anxiety and phobic anxiety from pre-treatment to post-treatment. Home-delivered CBT for depression can be an effective treatment for anxiety in a hard-to-reach older populations. Additional research should explore integrated anxiety and depression protocols and other treatment modalities, including bibliotherapy or telehealth models of CBT, to reduce costs associated with its in home delivery. Flexibility in administration and adaptations to the CBT protocol may be necessary for use with vulnerable, rural older adults.

Monitoring sodium removal and delivered dialysis by conductivity.

PubMed

Locatelli, F; Di Filippo, S; Manzoni, C; Corti, M; Andrulli, S; Pontoriero, G

1995-11-01

As cardiovascular stability and the delivery of the prescribed dialysis "dose" seem to be the main factors in determining the morbidity and mortality of hemodialyzer patients today, it is of paramount importance to match hydro-sodium removal with interdialytic load and to verify the delivered dialysis at each session. A specially designed Biofeedback Module (BM--COT Hospal) allows the automatic determination of plasma water conductivity and effective ionic dialysance with no need for blood samples. Using BM, we evaluated the validity of "conductivity kinetic modelling" (CKM) and the possibility that this may substitute "sodium kinetic modelling". Moreover, we evaluated the "in vivo" relationship between ionic dialysance and effective urea clearance. Our results demonstrate that: 1) CKM makes it possible to obtain programmed end-dialysis plasma water conductivity with an error of less than +/- 0.14 mS/cm, roughly equivalent to a sodium concentration of +/- 1.4 mEq/L. 2). Ionic dialysance and effective urea clearance are not equivalent but, as the interrelationship between these is known, the BM allows the routine monitoring of delivered dialysis.

Virtual reality exposure therapy for social anxiety disorder: a randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Anderson, Page L; Price, Matthew; Edwards, Shannan M; Obasaju, Mayowa A; Schmertz, Stefan K; Zimand, Elana; Calamaras, Martha R

2013-10-01

This is the first randomized trial comparing virtual reality exposure therapy to in vivo exposure for social anxiety disorder. Participants with a principal diagnosis of social anxiety disorder who identified public speaking as their primary fear (N = 97) were recruited from the community, resulting in an ethnically diverse sample (M age = 39 years) of mostly women (62%). Participants were randomly assigned to and completed 8 sessions of manualized virtual reality exposure therapy, exposure group therapy, or wait list. Standardized self-report measures were collected at pretreatment, posttreatment, and 12-month follow-up, and process measures were collected during treatment. A standardized speech task was delivered at pre- and posttreatment, and diagnostic status was reassessed at 3-month follow-up. Analysis of covariance showed that, relative to wait list, people completing either active treatment significantly improved on all but one measure (length of speech for exposure group therapy and self-reported fear of negative evaluation for virtual reality exposure therapy). At 12-month follow-up, people showed significant improvement from pretreatment on all measures. There were no differences between the active treatments on any process or outcome measure at any time, nor differences on achieving partial or full remission. Virtual reality exposure therapy is effective for treating social fears, and improvement is maintained for 1 year. Virtual reality exposure therapy is equally effective as exposure group therapy; further research with a larger sample is needed, however, to better control and statistically test differences between the treatments.

Social Stories in mainstream schools for children with autism spectrum disorder: a feasibility randomised controlled trial.

PubMed

Marshall, David; Wright, Barry; Allgar, Victoria; Adamson, Joy; Williams, Christine; Ainsworth, Hannah; Cook, Liz; Varley, Danielle; Hackney, Lisa; Dempster, Paul; Ali, Shehzad; Trepel, Dominic; Collingridge Moore, Danielle; Littlewood, Elizabeth; McMillan, Dean

2016-08-11

To assess the feasibility of recruitment, retention, outcome measures and intervention training/delivery among teachers, parents and children. To calculate a sample size estimation for full trial. A single-centre, unblinded, cluster feasibility randomised controlled trial examining Social Stories delivered within a school environment compared with an attentional control. 37 primary schools in York, UK. 50 participants were recruited and a cluster randomisation approach by school was examined. Participants were randomised into the treatment group (n=23) or a waiting list control group (n=27). Acceptability and feasibility of the trial, intervention and of measurements required to assess outcomes in a definitive trial. An assessment of the questionnaire completion rates indicated teachers would be most appropriate to complete the primary outcome measure. 2 outcome measures: the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS)-2 and a goal-based measure showed both the highest levels of completion rates (above 80%) at the primary follow-up point (6 weeks postintervention) and captured relevant social and behaviour outcomes. Power calculations were based on these 2 outcome measures leading to a total proposed sample size of 180 participant groups. Results suggest that a future trial would be feasible to conduct and could inform the policy and practice of using Social Stories in mainstream schools. ISRCTN96286707; Results. 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/

Can physical therapists deliver a pain coping skills program? An examination of training processes and outcomes.

PubMed

Bryant, Christina; Lewis, Prudence; Bennell, Kim L; Ahamed, Yasmin; Crough, Denae; Jull, Gwendolen A; Kenardy, Justin; Nicholas, Michael K; Keefe, Francis J

2014-10-01

Physical therapists are well established as providers of treatments for common, painful, and disabling conditions, such as knee osteoarthritis (OA). Thus, they are well placed to deliver treatments that integrate physical and psychosocial elements. Attention is usually given to outcomes of such programs, but few studies have examined the processes and outcomes of training physical therapists to deliver such treatments. The aim of this study was to describe the processes in training physical therapists: (1) to deliver a standardized pain coping skills treatment and (2) to evaluate the effectiveness of that training. This study was an analysis of data relating to therapist performance in a randomized clinical trial. Eleven physical therapists were trained to deliver a 10-session pain coping skills training program for people with knee OA as part of a randomized controlled trial (N=222). The initial training was provided in a workshop format and included extensive, ongoing supervision by a psychologist and rigorous use of well-defined performance criteria to assess competence. Adherence to the program, ratings of performance, and use of advanced skills were all measured against these criteria in a sample (n=74, 10%) of the audio recordings of the intervention sessions. Overall, the physical therapists achieved a very high standard of treatment delivery, with 96.6% adherence to the program and mean performance ratings all in the satisfactory range. These results were maintained throughout the intervention and across all sessions. Only 10% of the delivered sessions were analyzed, and the physical therapists who took part in the study were a self-selected group. This study demonstrated that a systematic approach to training and accrediting physical therapists to deliver a standardized pain coping skills program can result in high and sustained levels of adherence to the program. Training fidelity was achieved in this group of motivated clinicians, but the supervision provided was time intensive. The data provide a promising indicator of greater potential for psychologically informed practice to be a feature of effective health care. © 2014 American Physical Therapy Association.

The planetary spatial data infrastructure for the OSIRIS-REx mission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

DellaGiustina, D. N.; Selznick, S.; Nolan, M. C.; Enos, H. L.; Lauretta, D. S.

2017-12-01

The primary objective of the Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, and Security-Regolith Explorer (OSIRIS-REx) mission is to return a pristine sample of carbonaceous material from primitive asteroid (101955) Bennu. Understanding the geospatial context of Bennu is critical to choosing a sample-site and also linking the nature of the sample to the global properties of Bennu and the broader asteroid population. We established a planetary spatial data infrastructure (PSDI) support the primary objective of OSIRIS-REx. OSIRIS-REx is unique among planetary missions in that all remote sensing is performed to support the sample return objective. Prior to sampling, OSIRIS-REx will survey Bennu for nearly two years to select and document the most valuable primary and backup sample sites. During this period, the mission will combine coordinated observations from five science instruments into four thematic maps: deliverability, safety, sampleability, and scientific value. The deliverability map assesses the probability that the flight dynamics team can deliver the spacecraft to the desired location. The safety map indicates the probability that physical hazards are present at the sample-site. The sampleability map quantifies the probability that a sample can be successfully collected from the surface. Finally, the scientific value map shows the probability that the collected sample contains organics and volatiles and also places the sample site in a definitive geological context relative to Bennu's history. The OSIRIS-REx Science Processing and Operations Center (SPOC) serves as the operational PSDI for the mission. The SPOC is tasked with intake of all data from the spacecraft and other ground sources and assimilating these data into a single comprehensive system for processing and presentation. The SPOC centralizes all geographic data of Bennu in a relational database and ensures that standardization and provenance are maintained throughout proximity operations.The SPOC is a live system that handles inputs from spacecraft and science instrument telemetry, and science data producers. It includes multiple levels of validation, both automated and manual to process all data in a robust and reliable manner and eventually deliver it to the NASA Planetary Data System for archive.

Modulation of the Foreign Body Reaction for Implants in the Subcutaneous Space: Microdialysis Probes as Localized Drug Delivery/Sampling Devices

PubMed Central

Mou, Xiaodun; Lennartz, Michelle R; Loegering, Daniel J; Stenken, Julie A

2011-01-01

Modulation of the foreign body reaction is considered to be an important step toward creation of implanted sensors with reliable long-term performance. In this work, microdialysis probes were implanted into the subcutaneous space of Sprague-Dawley rats. The probe performance was evaluated by comparing collected endogenous glucose concentrations with internal standard calibration (2-deoxyglucose, antipyrine, and vitamin B12). Probes were tested until failure, which for this work was defined as loss of fluid flow. In order to determine the effect of fibrous capsule formation on probe function, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1/CC chemokine ligand 2 (MCP-1/CCL2) was delivered locally via the probe to increase capsule thickness and dexamethasone 21-phosphate was delivered to reduce capsule thickness. Probes delivering MCP-1 had a capsule that was twice the thickness (500–600 μm) of control probes (200–225 μm) and typically failed 2 days earlier than control probes. Probes delivering dexamethasone 21-phosphate had more fragile capsules and the probes typically failed 2 days later than controls. Unexpectedly, extraction efficiency and collected glucose concentrations exhibited minor differences between groups. This is an interesting result in that the foreign body capsule formation was related to the duration of probe function but did not consistently relate to probe calibration. PMID:21722577

Penetration of sub-micron particles into dentinal tubules using ultrasonic cavitation.

PubMed

Vyas, N; Sammons, R L; Pikramenou, Z; Palin, W M; Dehghani, H; Walmsley, A D

2017-01-01

Functionalised silica sub-micron particles are being investigated as a method of delivering antimicrobials and remineralisation agents into dentinal tubules. However, their methods of application are not optimised, resulting in shallow penetration and aggregation. The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of cavitation occurring around ultrasonic scalers for enhancing particle penetration into dentinal tubules. Dentine slices were prepared from premolar teeth. Silica sub-micron particles were prepared in water or acetone. Cavitation from an ultrasonic scaler (Satelec P5 Newtron, Acteon, France) was applied to dentine slices immersed inside the sub-micron particle solutions. Samples were imaged with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to assess tubule occlusion and particle penetration. Qualitative observations of SEM images showed some tubule occlusion. The particles could penetrate inside the tubules up to 60μm when there was no cavitation and up to ∼180μm when there was cavitation. The cavitation bubbles produced from an ultrasonic scaler may be used to deliver sub-micron particles into dentine. This method has the potential to deliver such particles deeper into the dentinal tubules. Cavitation from a clinical ultrasonic scaler may enhance penetration of sub-micron particles into dentinal tubules. This can aid in the development of novel methods for delivering therapeutic clinical materials for hypersensitivity relief and treatment of dentinal caries. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Superimpositional assessment of treatment-associated changes in the temporomandibular joint and the mandibular symphysis.

PubMed

Baumrind, S; Korn, E L; Isaacson, R J; West, E E; Molthen, R

1983-12-01

This article analyzes differences in the measured displacement of the condyle and of progonion when different vectors of force are delivered to the maxilla in the course of non-full-banded, Phase 1, mixed-dentition treatment for the correction of Class II malocclusion. The 238-case sample is identical to that for which changes in other parameters of facial form have been reported previously. Relative to superimposition on anterior cranial base and measured in a Frankfort-plane-determined coordinate system, we have attempted to identify and quantitate (1) the displacement of each structure which results from local remodeling and (2) the displacement of each structure which occurs as a secondary consequence of changes in other regions of the skull. We have also attempted to isolate treatment effects from those attributable to spontaneous growth and development. At the condyle, we note that in all three treatment groups and in the control group there is a small but real downward and backward displacement of the glenoid fossa. This change is not treatment induced but, rather, is associated with spontaneous growth and development. (See Fig. 5.) Some interesting differences in pattern of "growth at the condyle" were noted between samples. In the intraoral (modified activator) sample, there were small but statistically significant increases in growth rate as compared to the untreated group of Class II controls. To our surprise, similar statistically significant increases over the growth rate of the control group were noted in the cervical sample. (See Table III, variables 17 and 18.) Small but statistically significant differences between treatments were also noted in the patterns of change at pogonion. As compared to the untreated control group, the rate of total displacement in the modified activator group was significantly greater in the forward direction, while the rate of total displacement in the cervical group was significantly greater in the downward direction. There were no statistically significant differences in the rate of total displacement of pogonion between the high-pull sample and the control sample. (See Table IV, variables 21 and 22.

Outcome Expectations and Associated Treatment Outcomes in Motivational Enhancement Therapy Delivered in English and Spanish

PubMed Central

Serafini, Kelly; Decker, Suzanne; Kiluk, Brian D.; Añez, Luis; Paris, Manuel; Frankforter, Tami; Carroll, Kathleen M.

2016-01-01

Background and Objectives The relationship between patients’ baseline expectations regarding treatment outcome and actual outcomes has not been widely studied within the field of substance use disorders. We hypothesized that outcome expectations would be unrelated to outcomes in a study investigating Motivational Enhancement Therapy delivered in English (MET-E) consistent with our earlier work, and conducted exploratory analyses in a separate study that investigated the same treatment delivered in Spanish (MET-S). Methods These secondary analyses compared patient outcome expectations and substance use treatment outcomes in two large, multisite randomized controlled clinical trials that evaluated three sessions of MET-E or MET-S. The MET-E sample included 461 participants and the MET-S sample included 405 participants. Outcome expectations were measured by a single item regarding expectations about abstinence prior to initiating treatment. Results Outcome expectations were strongly associated with most substance use outcomes in the MET-S trial (but not in MET-E), even after controlling for severity of substance use at baseline. In MET-S, those who indicated that they were ‘unsure’ that they would achieve abstinence during treatment submitted a greater percentage of drug-positive urine toxicology screens during the treatment period than those who were ‘sure’ they would achieve abstinence (F = 18.83, p <.001). Discussion and Conclusions Patients’ outcome expectations regarding the likelihood of abstinence may be an important predictor of drug use treatment outcomes among Spanish-speakers, but not necessarily for English-speakers. Scientific Significance Individual differences and cultural factors may play a role in the association between outcome expectations and treatment outcomes. PMID:26541501

Outcome expectations and associated treatment outcomes in motivational enhancement therapy delivered in English and Spanish.

PubMed

Serafini, Kelly; Decker, Suzanne; Kiluk, Brian D; Añez, Luis; Paris, Manuel; Frankforter, Tami; Carroll, Kathleen M

2015-12-01

The relationship between patients' baseline expectations regarding treatment outcome and actual outcomes has not been widely studied within the field of substance use disorders. We hypothesized that outcome expectations would be unrelated to outcomes in a study investigating motivational enhancement therapy delivered in English (MET-E) consistent with our earlier work, and conducted exploratory analyses in a separate study that investigated the same treatment delivered in Spanish (MET-S). These secondary analyses compared patient outcome expectations and substance use treatment outcomes in two large, multisite randomized controlled clinical trials that evaluated three sessions of MET-E or MET-S. The MET-E sample included 461 participants and the MET-S sample included 405 participants. Outcome expectations were measured by a single item regarding expectations about abstinence prior to initiating treatment. Outcome expectations were strongly associated with most substance use outcomes in the MET-S trial (but not in MET-E), even after controlling for severity of substance use at baseline. In MET-S, those who indicated that they were "unsure" that they would achieve abstinence during treatment submitted a greater percentage of drug-positive urine toxicology screens during the treatment period than those who were 'sure' they would achieve abstinence (F = 18.83, p < .001). Patients' outcome expectations regarding the likelihood of abstinence may be an important predictor of drug use treatment outcomes among Spanish-speakers, but not necessarily for English-speakers. Individual differences and cultural factors may play a role in the association between outcome expectations and treatment outcomes. © American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry.

Feasibility of a home-based program to improve handwriting after stroke: a pilot study.

PubMed

Simpson, Bronwyn; McCluskey, Annie; Lannin, Natasha; Cordier, Reinie

2016-01-01

To test the feasibility of a handwriting retraining program with adults after stroke; specifically the feasibility of: (i) recruiting people with stroke to the study, (ii) delivering the handwriting retraining program and (iii) outcome measures of handwriting performance. A quasi-experimental pre-test post-test design was used. A four-week, home-based handwriting retraining program was delivered by an occupational therapist using task-specific practice. Legibility, speed, pen control and self-perception of handwriting were measured at baseline and completion of the program. Legibility was scored by a blinded rater. Seven adults with stroke were recruited (eligibility fraction 43% of those screened, and enrolment fraction 78% of those eligible). There were no dropouts. Although, recruitment was slow the intervention was feasible and acceptable to adults with stroke. No statistically or clinically significant changes in legibility were reported in this small sample, but a ceiling effect was evident for some outcome measures. The study was not powered to determine efficacy. Delivery of a four-week handwriting intervention with eight supervised sessions in the community was feasible; however, recruitment of an adequate sample size would require greater investment than the single site used in this pilot. Handwriting difficulty is common following hemiparesis after stroke, however research addressing handwriting retraining for adults with stroke is lacking. A four-week home-based handwriting program using task-specific practice and feedback was feasible to deliver and appropriate for adults with stroke. Improving handwriting legibility and neatness across a range of tasks were important goals for adults with handwriting impairment.

Randomized Controlled Trial of Telephone-Delivered Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Chronic Insomnia

PubMed Central

Arnedt, J. Todd; Cuddihy, Leisha; Swanson, Leslie M.; Pickett, Scott; Aikens, James; Chervin, Ronald D.

2013-01-01

Study Objectives: To compare the efficacy of telephone-delivered cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia to an information pamphlet control on sleep and daytime functioning at pretreatment, posttreatment, and 12-wk follow-up. Design: Randomized controlled parallel trial. Setting: N/A. Participants: Thirty individuals with chronic insomnia (27 women, age 39.1 ± 14.4 years, insomnia duration 8.7 ± 10.7 years). Interventions: Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBTI) delivered in up to eight weekly telephone sessions (CBTI-Phone, n = 15) versus an information pamphlet control (IPC, n = 15). Measurements and Results: Sleep/wake diary, sleep-related questionnaires (Insomnia Severity Index, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, 16-item Dysfunctional Beliefs and Attitudes about Sleep), and daytime symptom assessments (fatigue, depression, anxiety, and quality of life) were completed at pretreatment, posttreatment, and 12-wk follow-up. Linear mixed models indicated that sleep/wake diary sleep efficiency and total sleep time improved significantly at posttreatment in both groups and remained stable at 12-wk follow-up. More CBTI-Phone than IPC patients showed posttreatment improvements in unhelpful sleep-related cognitions (P < 0.001) and were classified as “in remission” from insomnia at follow-up (P < 0.05). Posttreatment effect sizes on most daytime symptoms were large (Cohen d = 0.8–2.5) for CBTI-Phone patients and small to moderate (Cohen d = -0.1–0.6) for IPC patients. All CBTI-Phone patients completed posttreatment and 12-wk follow-up assessments, but three IPC patients discontinued the study. Conclusions: The findings provide preliminary support for telephone-delivered CBTI in the treatment of chronic insomnia. Future larger-scale studies with more diverse samples are warranted. Some individuals with insomnia may also benefit from pamphlet-delivered CBTI with brief telephone support. Citation: Arnedt JT; Cuddihy L; Swanson LM; Pickett S; Aikens J; Chervin RD. Randomized controlled trial of telephone-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy for chronic insomnia. SLEEP 2013;36(3):353-362. PMID:23450712

PEL Staff Together for the First Time | Poster

Cancer.gov

By Ashley DeVine, Staff Writer John-Paul Denson and Troy Taylor of the Protein Expression Laboratory (PEL) used to pack liters of Escherichia coli lysates on ice, put them in the back of a microvan, and drive across campus to deliver the samples for protein purification. Now that all PEL staff members are working under the same roof at the Advanced Technology Research Facility (ATRF), transferring samples is just a walk down the hall. Staff members were previously spread out in five buildings across the Fort Detrick campus.

An asymmetric resonant coupling wireless power transmission link for Micro-Ball Endoscopy.

PubMed

Sun, Tianjia; Xie, Xiang; Li, Guolin; Gu, Yingke; Deng, Yangdong; Wang, Ziqiang; Wang, Zhihua

2010-01-01

This paper investigates the design and optimization of a wireless power transmission link targeting Micro-Ball Endoscopy applications. A novel asymmetric resonant coupling structure is proposed to deliver power to an endoscopic Micro-Ball system for image read-out after it is excreted. Such a technology enables many key medical applications with stringent requirements for small system volume and high power delivery efficiency. A prototyping power transmission sub-system of the Micro-Ball system was implemented. It consists of primary coil, middle resonant coil, and cube-like full-direction secondary receiving coils. Our experimental results proved that 200mW of power can be successfully delivered. Such a wireless power transmission capability could satisfy the requirements of the Micro-Ball based endoscopy application. The transmission efficiency is in the range of 41% (worst working condition) to 53% (best working condition). Comparing to conventional structures, Asymmetric Resonant Coupling Structure improves power efficiency by 13%.

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

Kung, C C; Brunkhorst, C; Greenough, N

Experimental results have shown that the high harmonic fast wave (HHFW) at 30 MHz can provide substantial plasma heating and current drive for the NSTX spherical tokamak operation. However, the present antenna strap design rarely achieves the design goal of delivering the full transmitter capability of 6 MW to the plasma. In order to deliver more power to the plasma, a new antenna strap design and the associated coaxial line feeds are being constructed. This new antenna strap design features two feedthroughs to replace the old single feed-through design. In the design process, CST Microwave Studio has been used tomore » simulate the entire new antenna strap structure including the enclosure and the Faraday shield. In this paper, the antenna strap model and the simulation results will be discussed in detail. The test results from the new antenna straps with their associated resonant loops will be presented as well.« less

The world's nuclear future - built on material success

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ion, Sue

2010-07-01

In our energy hungry world of the twenty-first century, the future of electricity generation must meet the twin challenges of security of supply and reduced carbon emissions. The expectations for nuclear power programmes to play a part in delivering success on both counts, grows ever higher. The nuclear industry is poised on a renaissance likely to dwarf the heady days of the 1960s and early 1970s. Global supply chain and project management challenges abound, now just as then. The science and engineering of materials will be key to the successful deployment and operation of a new generation of reactor systems and their associated fuel cycles. Understanding and predicting materials performance will be key to achieving life extension of existing assets and underpinning waste disposal options, as well as giving confidence to the designers, their financial backers and governments across the globe, that the next generation of reactors will deliver their full potential.

Multicast Routing of Hierarchical Data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shacham, Nachum

1992-01-01

The issue of multicast of broadband, real-time data in a heterogeneous environment, in which the data recipients differ in their reception abilities, is considered. Traditional multicast schemes, which are designed to deliver all the source data to all recipients, offer limited performance in such an environment, since they must either force the source to overcompress its signal or restrict the destination population to those who can receive the full signal. We present an approach for resolving this issue by combining hierarchical source coding techniques, which allow recipients to trade off reception bandwidth for signal quality, and sophisticated routing algorithms that deliver to each destination the maximum possible signal quality. The field of hierarchical coding is briefly surveyed and new multicast routing algorithms are presented. The algorithms are compared in terms of network utilization efficiency, lengths of paths, and the required mechanisms for forwarding packets on the resulting paths.

Generation of coherent magnons in NiO stimulated by EUV pulses from a seeded free-electron laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Simoncig, A.; Mincigrucci, R.; Principi, E.; Bencivenga, F.; Calvi, A.; Foglia, L.; Kurdi, G.; Matruglio, A.; Dal Zilio, S.; Masciotti, V.; Lazzarino, M.; Masciovecchio, C.

2017-12-01

The full comprehension of magnetic phenomena at the femtosecond (fs) time scale is of high demand for current material science and technology. Here we report the observation of coherent collective modes in the antiferromagnetic insulator nickel oxide (NiO) identified by a frequency of 0.86 THz, which matches the expected out-of-plane single-mode magnon resonance. Such collective excitations are inelastically stimulated by extreme ultraviolet (EUV) pulses delivered by a seeded free-electron laser (FEL) and subsequently revealed probing the transient optical activity of NiO looking at the Faraday effect. Moreover, the unique capability of the employed FEL source to deliver circularly polarized pulses allows us to demonstrate optomagnetic control of such collective modes at EUV photon energies. These results may set a starting point for future investigations of magnetic materials at time scales comparable or faster than those typical of exchange interactions.

Desktop document delivery using portable document format (PDF) files and the Web.

PubMed Central

Shipman, J P; Gembala, W L; Reeder, J M; Zick, B A; Rainwater, M J

1998-01-01

Desktop access to electronic full-text literature was rated one of the most desirable services in a client survey conducted by the University of Washington Libraries. The University of Washington Health Sciences Libraries (UW HSL) conducted a ten-month pilot test from August 1996 to May 1997 to determine the feasibility of delivering electronic journal articles via the Internet to remote faculty. Articles were scanned into Adobe Acrobat Portable Document Format (PDF) files and delivered to individuals using Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions (MIME) standard e-mail attachments and the Web. Participants retrieved scanned articles and used the Adobe Acrobat Reader software to view and print files. The pilot test required a special programming effort to automate the client notification and file deletion processes. Test participants were satisfied with the pilot test despite some technical difficulties. Desktop delivery is now offered as a routine delivery method from the UW HSL. PMID:9681165

Desktop document delivery using portable document format (PDF) files and the Web.

PubMed

Shipman, J P; Gembala, W L; Reeder, J M; Zick, B A; Rainwater, M J

1998-07-01

Desktop access to electronic full-text literature was rated one of the most desirable services in a client survey conducted by the University of Washington Libraries. The University of Washington Health Sciences Libraries (UW HSL) conducted a ten-month pilot test from August 1996 to May 1997 to determine the feasibility of delivering electronic journal articles via the Internet to remote faculty. Articles were scanned into Adobe Acrobat Portable Document Format (PDF) files and delivered to individuals using Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions (MIME) standard e-mail attachments and the Web. Participants retrieved scanned articles and used the Adobe Acrobat Reader software to view and print files. The pilot test required a special programming effort to automate the client notification and file deletion processes. Test participants were satisfied with the pilot test despite some technical difficulties. Desktop delivery is now offered as a routine delivery method from the UW HSL.

BioMot exoskeleton - Towards a smart wearable robot for symbiotic human-robot interaction.

PubMed

Bacek, Tomislav; Moltedo, Marta; Langlois, Kevin; Prieto, Guillermo Asin; Sanchez-Villamanan, Maria Carmen; Gonzalez-Vargas, Jose; Vanderborght, Bram; Lefeber, Dirk; Moreno, Juan C

2017-07-01

This paper presents design of a novel modular lower-limb gait exoskeleton built within the FP7 BioMot project. Exoskeleton employs a variable stiffness actuator in all 6 joints, a directional-flexibility structure and a novel physical humanrobot interfacing, which allows it to deliver the required output while minimally constraining user's gait by providing passive degrees of freedom. Due to modularity, the exoskeleton can be used as a full lower-limb orthosis, a single-joint orthosis in any of the three joints, and a two-joint orthosis in a combination of any of the two joints. By employing a simple torque control strategy, the exoskeleton can be used to deliver user-specific assistance, both in gait rehabilitation and in assisting people suffering musculoskeletal impairments. The result of the presented BioMot efforts is a low-footprint exoskeleton with powerful compliant actuators, simple, yet effective torque controller and easily adjustable flexible structure.

"I Like English Better": Latino Dual Language Students' Investment in Spanish, English, and Bilingualism

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Babino, Alexandra; Stewart, Mary Amanda

2017-01-01

This mixed-methodology study surveys 63 fifth graders in a one-way dual language school. Findings alarmingly indicate that although these students are native Spanish speakers in a school that delivers 50% of their instruction in Spanish, they prefer English both academically and socially. Subsequent interviews with 10 sample students of the larger…

Youth and Young Adult Perceptions of Drinking and Driving Prevention Programs: A Focus Group Study.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rivers, Kim; And Others

1996-01-01

A sample of 18 focus groups (subject ages 15-24) revealed young people's clear opinions on what constitutes an effective drinking and driving education program. Such programs should be student-centered, conducted in small group settings, emphasize real-life situations, and be delivered by people affected by drinking and driving. (RJM)

Employment and Satisfaction Outcomes From a Job Retention Intervention Delivered to Persons with Chronic Diseases

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Allaire, Saralynn H.; Niu, Jingbo; LaValley, Michael P.

2005-01-01

Job retention services are recommended for people with chronic diseases based on their high risk for work disability. This randomized trial tested the effectiveness of a job retention intervention in a sample of employed persons with rheumatic diseases at risk for work disability. One hundred and twenty-two experimental participants received the…

The Politics of Resistance to Workplace Cultural Diversity Education for Health Service Providers: An Australian Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Johnstone, Megan-Jane; Kanitsaki, Olga

2008-01-01

This qualitative study has as its focus an exploration of health service providers' perceptions and experiences of the processes and implications of delivering workplace cultural diversity education for staff. Data were obtained from conducting in-depth individual and focus group interviews with a purposeful sample of 137 healthcare professionals,…

The Economic Literacy of Louisiana College Students.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fishbaugh, Charles P.

The Test of Understanding in College Economics (TUCE) was delivered to a random sample of college students enrolled in 15 private and public institutions in Louisiana. The students took form A of the TUCE test before taking their first college course in economics and Form B of TUCE upon completing the course. Results showed that before taking a…

Optimizing Health Care for Children with Spina Bifida

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Liptak, Gregory S.; El Samra, Ahmad

2010-01-01

The health care needs of children with spina bifida are complex. They need specialists, generalists, and an integrated system to deliver this complex care and to align and inform all the providers. Most research in spina bifida has been focused on narrow medical outcomes; it has been noncollaborative, based on small samples of convenience, with no…

In Touch with the Spirit: Black Religious and Musical Expression in American Cinema. Conference Papers.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Indiana Univ., Bloomington. Afro-American Studies.

This monograph presents a sampling of papers delivered at a multidisciplinary conference focused on two dominant entities in African American cinema: religion and music. Papers in the monograph are grouped into three sections: the scholar's involvement in the filmmaking process, early Black theater and film, and contemporary issues in Black cinema…

A Comparison of Perinatal HIV Prevention Opportunities for Hispanic and Non-Hispanic Women in California

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kropp, Rhonda Y.; Sarnquist, Clea C.; Montgomery, Elizabeth T.; Ruiz, Juan D.; Maldonado, Yvonne A.

2006-01-01

Using a semi-structured survey and convenience sample of pregnant/recently delivered Hispanic (n = 453) and non-Hispanic (n = 904) women in four California counties, this study compared rates of timely prenatal care (PNC) initiation, HIV test counseling, test offering, and test acceptance in PNC between Hispanic and non-Hispanic women. Hispanic…

Internet-Based Interventions Have Potential to Affect Short-Term Mediators and Indicators of Dietary Behavior of Young Adults

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Park, Amanda; Nitzke, Susan; Kritsch, Karen; Kattelmann, Kendra; White, Adrienne; Boeckner, Linda; Lohse, Barbara; Hoerr, Sharon; Greene, Geoffrey; Zhang, Zhumin

2008-01-01

Objective: Evaluate a theory-based, Internet-delivered nutrition education module. Design: Randomized, treatment-control design with pre-post intervention assessments. Setting and Participants: Convenience sample of 160 young adults (aged 18-24) recruited by community educators in 4 states. Study completers (n = 96) included a mix of…

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

Casey, Andrew R.; Hawkins, Keith; Koposov, Sergey

The orbits, atmospheric parameters, chemical abundances, and ages of individual stars in the Milky Way provide the most comprehensive illustration of galaxy formation available. The Tycho- Gaia Astrometric Solution (TGAS) will deliver astrometric parameters for the largest ever sample of Milky Way stars, though its full potential cannot be realized without the addition of complementary spectroscopy. Among existing spectroscopic surveys, the RAdial Velocity Experiment (RAVE) has the largest overlap with TGAS (≳200,000 stars). We present a data-driven re-analysis of 520,781 RAVE spectra using The Cannon . For red giants, we build our model using high-fidelity APOGEE stellar parameters and abundancesmore » for stars that overlap with RAVE. For main sequence and sub-giant stars, our model uses stellar parameters from the K2/EPIC . We derive and validate effective temperature T {sub eff}, surface gravity log g , and chemical abundances of up to seven elements (O, Mg, Al, Si, Ca, Fe, and Ni). We report a total of 1,685,851 elemental abundances with a typical precision of 0.07 dex, a substantial improvement over previous RAVE data releases. The synthesis of RAVE-on and TGAS is the most powerful data set for chemo-dynamic analyses of the Milky Way ever produced.« less

Implementation of a community-based secondhand smoke reduction intervention for caregivers of urban children with asthma: process evaluation, successes and challenges

PubMed Central

Blaakman, Susan; Tremblay, Paul J.; Halterman, Jill S.; Fagnano, Maria; Borrelli, Belinda

2013-01-01

Many children, including those with asthma, remain exposed to secondhand smoke. This manuscript evaluates the process of implementing a secondhand smoke reduction counseling intervention using motivational interviewing (MI) for caregivers of urban children with asthma, including reach, dose delivered, dose received and fidelity. Challenges, strategies and successes in applying MI are highlighted. Data for 140 children (3–10 years) enrolled in the School Based Asthma Therapy trial, randomized to the treatment condition and living with one or more smoker, were analyzed. Summary statistics describe the sample, process measures related to intervention implementation, and primary caregiver (PCG) satisfaction with the intervention. The full intervention was completed by 79% of PCGs, but only 17% of other smoking caregivers. Nearly all (98%) PCGs were satisfied with the care study nurses provided and felt the program might be helpful to others. Despite challenges, this intervention was feasible and well received reaching caregivers who were not actively seeking treatment for smoking cessation or secondhand smoke reduction. Anticipating the strategies required to implement such an intervention may help promote participant engagement and retention to enhance the program’s ultimate success. PMID:22717938

Superresolving dendritic spine morphology with STED microscopy under holographic photostimulation

PubMed Central

Lauterbach, Marcel Andreas; Guillon, Marc; Desnos, Claire; Khamsing, Dany; Jaffal, Zahra; Darchen, François; Emiliani, Valentina

2016-01-01

Abstract. Emerging all-optical methods provide unique possibilities for noninvasive studies of physiological processes at the cellular and subcellular scale. On the one hand, superresolution microscopy enables observation of living samples with nanometer resolution. On the other hand, light can be used to stimulate cells due to the advent of optogenetics and photolyzable neurotransmitters. To exploit the full potential of optical stimulation, light must be delivered to specific cells or even parts of cells such as dendritic spines. This can be achieved with computer generated holography (CGH), which shapes light to arbitrary patterns by phase-only modulation. We demonstrate here in detail how CGH can be incorporated into a stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscope for photostimulation of neurons and monitoring of nanoscale morphological changes. We implement an original optical system to allow simultaneous holographic photostimulation and superresolution STED imaging. We present how synapses can be clearly visualized in live cells using membrane stains either with lipophilic organic dyes or with fluorescent proteins. We demonstrate the capabilities of this microscope to precisely monitor morphological changes of dendritic spines after stimulation. These all-optical methods for cell stimulation and monitoring are expected to spread to various fields of biological research in neuroscience and beyond. PMID:27413766

Mothers have heavy burden in West Africa.

PubMed

1998-01-01

This article summarizes findings from a study of women's health during pregnancy, delivery, and the postpartum periods in West African countries. The sample included about 20,300 reproductive-age women. One in three women reported a health problem of some kind during the course of pregnancy. One in 16 reported a very severe problem. 1 in 340 died as a result of the pregnancy. 33% of severe complications were due to obstructed labor. 21% were due to hemorrhage before or during delivery. Eclampsia and hypertensive complications were the cause of 10% of severe complications. Only 1.5% of complications were due to infections, but these infections were the cause of most maternal mortality. One woman in five reported a current unwanted pregnancy. 80% of pregnant women delivered in a health facility. 83% were full-term pregnancies. 22% of births weighed under 2500 g (low birth weight). Most women had at least two prenatal visits by the 8th month of pregnancy, but consultations were not successful in identifying complications. Researchers recommend improved training of health providers, strengthened care during the 3rd trimester, and training of motivated persons to assist at the birth.

GSFC_20171127_M12791_SpaceComm

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-11-27

#CyberMonday is one of the biggest online shopping days of the year. We're investigating how to bring cyber to outer space by developing new space communications technology. Space communications is very difficult because missions don't always have a full bandwidth connection with Earth. Reliably delivering data from missions to different destinations across not-always-connected paths currently requires a lot of advanced planning. A technology called Disruption Tolerant Networking will change all that. Space Communications Architect, Dave Israel and Exploration and Space Communications Outreach Lead, Amber Jacobson break down the technology. Facebook Live recording from Monday, November 27, 2017. For full resolution file go to: https://svs.gsfc.nasa.gov/12791

Possible Detection of Perchlorates by Evolved Gas Analysis of Rocknest Soils: Global Implication

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Archer, P. D., Jr.; Sutter, B.; Ming, D. W.; McKay, C. P.; Navarro-Gonzalez, R.; Franz, H. B.; McAdam, A.; Mahaffy, P. R.

2013-01-01

The Sample Analysis at Mars (SAM) instrument suite on board the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) recently ran four samples from an aeolian bedform named Rocknest. Rocknest was selected as the source of the first samples analyzed because it is representative of both windblown material in Gale crater as well as the globally-distributed dust. The four samples analyzed by SAM were portioned from the fifth scoop at this location. The material delivered to SAM passed through a 150 m sieve and should have been well mixed during the sample acquisition/ preparation/handoff process. Rocknest samples were heated to 835 C at a 35 C/minute ramp rate with a He carrier gas flow rate of 1.5 standard cubic centimeters per minute and at an oven pressure of 30 mbar. Evolved gases were detected by a quadrupole mass spectrometer (QMS).

Materials samples face rigors of space.

PubMed

Flinn, Edward D

2002-07-01

The Materials International Space Station Experiment (MISSE) is described. This project is designed to conduct long duration materials tests on samples attached to the ISS. A batch of 750 material samples were delivered on STS-105 and attached to the ISS airlock. They will be exposed to the space environment for 18 months and are slated to return on STS-114. A second batch of 750 samples is being prepared. The experiment containers were used originally for the Mir Environmental Effects Payload, which tested a variety of substances, including some slated for use on the ISS. Researchers are particularly interested in the effects of atomic oxygen on the samples. Some samples are being tested to determine their use in radiation protection. As part of the MISSE project, ultrathin tether materials are being tested for use on the Propulsive Small Expendable Depoloyer System (ProSEDS), which will use a tether system to change a satellite's orbital altitude.

Automated high-throughput flow-through real-time diagnostic system

DOEpatents

Regan, John Frederick

2012-10-30

An automated real-time flow-through system capable of processing multiple samples in an asynchronous, simultaneous, and parallel fashion for nucleic acid extraction and purification, followed by assay assembly, genetic amplification, multiplex detection, analysis, and decontamination. The system is able to hold and access an unlimited number of fluorescent reagents that may be used to screen samples for the presence of specific sequences. The apparatus works by associating extracted and purified sample with a series of reagent plugs that have been formed in a flow channel and delivered to a flow-through real-time amplification detector that has a multiplicity of optical windows, to which the sample-reagent plugs are placed in an operative position. The diagnostic apparatus includes sample multi-position valves, a master sample multi-position valve, a master reagent multi-position valve, reagent multi-position valves, and an optical amplification/detection system.

Triple F - A Comet Nucleus Sample Return Mission

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kueppers, Michael; Keller, Horst Uwe; Kuhrt, Ekkehard; A'Hearn, Michael; Altwegg, Kathrin; Betrand, Regis; Busemann, Henner; Capria, Maria Teresa; Colangeli, Luigi

2008-01-01

The Triple F (Fresh From the Fridge) mission, a Comet Nucleus Sample Return, has been proposed to ESA s Cosmic Vision program. A sample return from a comet enables us to reach the ultimate goal of cometary research. Since comets are the least processed bodies in the solar system, the proposal goes far beyond cometary science topics (like the explanation of cometary activity) and delivers invaluable information about the formation of the solar system and the interstellar molecular cloud from which it formed. The proposed mission would extract three samples of the upper 50 cm from three locations on a cometary nucleus and return them cooled to Earth for analysis in the laboratory. The simple mission concept with a touch-and-go sampling by a single spacecraft was proposed as an M-class mission in collaboration with the Russian space agency ROSCOSMOS.

Triple F - A Comet Nucleus Sample Return Mission

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kueppers, Michael; Keller, H. U.; Kuehrt, E.; A'Hearn, M. F.; Altwegg, K.; Bertrand, R.; Busemann, H.; Capria, M. T.; Colangeli, L.; Davidsson, B.;

Quality Control of High-Dose-Rate Brachytherapy: Treatment Delivery Analysis Using Statistical Process Control

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

Able, Charles M., E-mail: cable@wfubmc.edu; Bright, Megan; Frizzell, Bart

Purpose: Statistical process control (SPC) is a quality control method used to ensure that a process is well controlled and operates with little variation. This study determined whether SPC was a viable technique for evaluating the proper operation of a high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy treatment delivery system. Methods and Materials: A surrogate prostate patient was developed using Vyse ordnance gelatin. A total of 10 metal oxide semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs) were placed from prostate base to apex. Computed tomography guidance was used to accurately position the first detector in each train at the base. The plan consisted of 12 needles withmore » 129 dwell positions delivering a prescribed peripheral dose of 200 cGy. Sixteen accurate treatment trials were delivered as planned. Subsequently, a number of treatments were delivered with errors introduced, including wrong patient, wrong source calibration, wrong connection sequence, single needle displaced inferiorly 5 mm, and entire implant displaced 2 mm and 4 mm inferiorly. Two process behavior charts (PBC), an individual and a moving range chart, were developed for each dosimeter location. Results: There were 4 false positives resulting from 160 measurements from 16 accurately delivered treatments. For the inaccurately delivered treatments, the PBC indicated that measurements made at the periphery and apex (regions of high-dose gradient) were much more sensitive to treatment delivery errors. All errors introduced were correctly identified by either the individual or the moving range PBC in the apex region. Measurements at the urethra and base were less sensitive to errors. Conclusions: SPC is a viable method for assessing the quality of HDR treatment delivery. Further development is necessary to determine the most effective dose sampling, to ensure reproducible evaluation of treatment delivery accuracy.« less

Electrical output of bryophyte microbial fuel cell systems is sufficient to power a radio or an environmental sensor.

PubMed

Bombelli, Paolo; Dennis, Ross J; Felder, Fabienne; Cooper, Matt B; Madras Rajaraman Iyer, Durgaprasad; Royles, Jessica; Harrison, Susan T L; Smith, Alison G; Harrison, C Jill; Howe, Christopher J

2016-10-01

Plant microbial fuel cells are a recently developed technology that exploits photosynthesis in vascular plants by harnessing solar energy and generating electrical power. In this study, the model moss species Physcomitrella patens , and other environmental samples of mosses, have been used to develop a non-vascular bryophyte microbial fuel cell (bryoMFC). A novel three-dimensional anodic matrix was successfully created and characterized and was further tested in a bryoMFC to determine the capacity of mosses to generate electrical power. The importance of anodophilic microorganisms in the bryoMFC was also determined. It was found that the non-sterile bryoMFCs operated with P. patens delivered over an order of magnitude higher peak power output (2.6 ± 0.6 µW m -2 ) than bryoMFCs kept in near-sterile conditions (0.2 ± 0.1 µW m -2 ). These results confirm the importance of the microbial populations for delivering electrons to the anode in a bryoMFC. When the bryoMFCs were operated with environmental samples of moss (non-sterile) the peak power output reached 6.7 ± 0.6 mW m -2 . The bryoMFCs operated with environmental samples of moss were able to power a commercial radio receiver or an environmental sensor (LCD desktop weather station).

Electrical output of bryophyte microbial fuel cell systems is sufficient to power a radio or an environmental sensor

PubMed Central

Dennis, Ross J.; Felder, Fabienne; Cooper, Matt B.; Royles, Jessica; Harrison, Susan T. L.; Smith, Alison G.; Howe, Christopher J.

2016-01-01

Plant microbial fuel cells are a recently developed technology that exploits photosynthesis in vascular plants by harnessing solar energy and generating electrical power. In this study, the model moss species Physcomitrella patens, and other environmental samples of mosses, have been used to develop a non-vascular bryophyte microbial fuel cell (bryoMFC). A novel three-dimensional anodic matrix was successfully created and characterized and was further tested in a bryoMFC to determine the capacity of mosses to generate electrical power. The importance of anodophilic microorganisms in the bryoMFC was also determined. It was found that the non-sterile bryoMFCs operated with P. patens delivered over an order of magnitude higher peak power output (2.6 ± 0.6 µW m−2) than bryoMFCs kept in near-sterile conditions (0.2 ± 0.1 µW m−2). These results confirm the importance of the microbial populations for delivering electrons to the anode in a bryoMFC. When the bryoMFCs were operated with environmental samples of moss (non-sterile) the peak power output reached 6.7 ± 0.6 mW m−2. The bryoMFCs operated with environmental samples of moss were able to power a commercial radio receiver or an environmental sensor (LCD desktop weather station). PMID:27853542

Ultrafast-Charging Supercapacitors Based on Corn-Like Titanium Nitride Nanostructures.

PubMed

Yang, Peihua; Chao, Dongliang; Zhu, Changrong; Xia, Xinhui; Zhang, Yongqi; Wang, Xingli; Sun, Peng; Tay, Beng Kang; Shen, Ze Xiang; Mai, Wenjie; Fan, Hong Jin

2016-06-01

Ultrahigh rates realized by ALD-made TiN . The symmetric full-cell supercapacitors deliver a typical capacitance of 20.7 F cm -3 at a scan rate of 1 V s -1 , and retain 4.3 F cm -3 at high rate of 100 V s -1 . The devices can be charged and discharged for 20 000 cycles with negligible capacitance loss and with an ultralow self-discharge current (≈1 μA).

Impact of lunar oxygen production on direct manned Mars missions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Young, Roy M., Jr.; Tucker, William B.

1992-01-01

A manned Mars program made up of six missions is evaluated to determine the impact of using lunar liquid oxygen (LOX) as a propellant. Two departure and return nodes, low Earth orbit and low lunar orbit, are considered, as well as two return vehicle configurations, a full 70,000-kg vehicle and a 6800-kg capsule. The cost of lunar LOX delivered to orbit is expressed as a ratio of Earth launch cost.

Integrated Cost Analysis Teams: How ICATs Support Better Buying Power 2.0

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-06-01

and its procuring contracting officer ( PCO ) with a supportable and sustainable starting position for negotiation. The ICAT can deliver full pricing...proposals as well, arming the PCO with an all-encompassing report. Requesting DCMA assistance is straightforward. The cus- tomer receives a proposal in...any level of support needed to assist the PCO . Conversely, if the schedule is the determining factor, the ICAT can tailor the scope to meet the

X-Ray Simulator Theory Support

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-11-01

the pulse power elements in existing and future DNA flash x-ray simulators, in particular DECADE. The pulse power for this machine is based on...usually requires usage at less than the radiation the longer the radiation pulse. full power . Energy delivered to the plasma load is converted into...on the Proto II generator sured with ap-i-n diode filtered with 25 pm ofaluminum; the TABLE 1. Nominal parameters for some pulse power generators used

Driving out waste: a framework to enhance value in clinical care.

PubMed

Burton, David A

2013-06-01

Many healthcare providers today are seeking to improve the value of the care they deliver by implementing standardized clinical practice guidelines aimed at reducing variations in care, avoiding complications, and lowering costs. To succeed, such an initiative requires the full support and participation of the clinicians who will use the guidelines. Providers also should have a fully developed infrastructure consisting of a clinical content system, an analytics system, and a deployment system.

X-ray-induced photo-chemistry and X-ray absorption spectroscopy of biological samples

PubMed Central

George, Graham N.; Pickering, Ingrid J.; Pushie, M. Jake; Nienaber, Kurt; Hackett, Mark J.; Ascone, Isabella; Hedman, Britt; Hodgson, Keith O.; Aitken, Jade B.; Levina, Aviva; Glover, Christopher; Lay, Peter A.

2012-01-01

As synchrotron light sources and optics deliver greater photon flux on samples, X-ray-induced photo-chemistry is increasingly encountered in X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) experiments. The resulting problems are particularly pronounced for biological XAS experiments. This is because biological samples are very often quite dilute and therefore require signal averaging to achieve adequate signal-to-noise ratios, with correspondingly greater exposures to the X-ray beam. This paper reviews the origins of photo-reduction and photo-oxidation, the impact that they can have on active site structure, and the methods that can be used to provide relief from X-ray-induced photo-chemical artifacts. PMID:23093745

Sampling Strategy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2008-01-01

Three locations to the right of the test dig area are identified for the first samples to be delivered to the Thermal and Evolved Gas Analyzer (TEGA), the Wet Chemistry Lab (WCL), and the Optical Microscope (OM) on NASA's Phoenix Mars Lander. These sampling areas are informally labeled 'Baby Bear', 'Mama Bear', and 'Papa Bear' respectively. This image was taken on the seventh day of the Mars mission, or Sol 7 (June 1, 2008) by the Surface Stereo Imager aboard NASA's Phoenix Mars Lander.

The Phoenix Mission is led by the University of Arizona, Tucson, on behalf of NASA. Project management of the mission is by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif. Spacecraft development is by Lockheed Martin Space Systems, Denver.

Pressure-flow reducer for aerosol focusing devices

DOEpatents

Gard, Eric; Riot, Vincent; Coffee, Keith; Woods, Bruce; Tobias, Herbert; Birch, Jim; Weisgraber, Todd

2008-04-22

A pressure-flow reducer, and an aerosol focusing system incorporating such a pressure-flow reducer, for performing high-flow, atmosphere-pressure sampling while delivering a tightly focused particle beam in vacuum via an aerodynamic focusing lens stack. The pressure-flow reducer has an inlet nozzle for adjusting the sampling flow rate, a pressure-flow reduction region with a skimmer and pumping ports for reducing the pressure and flow to enable interfacing with low pressure, low flow aerosol focusing devices, and a relaxation chamber for slowing or stopping aerosol particles. In this manner, the pressure-flow reducer decouples pressure from flow, and enables aerosol sampling at atmospheric pressure and at rates greater than 1 liter per minute.

Evaluation of a segment-based LANDSAT full-frame approach to corp area estimation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bauer, M. E. (Principal Investigator); Hixson, M. M.; Davis, S. M.

1981-01-01

As the registration of LANDSAT full frames enters the realm of current technology, sampling methods should be examined which utilize other than the segment data used for LACIE. The effect of separating the functions of sampling for training and sampling for area estimation. The frame selected for analysis was acquired over north central Iowa on August 9, 1978. A stratification of he full-frame was defined. Training data came from segments within the frame. Two classification and estimation procedures were compared: statistics developed on one segment were used to classify that segment, and pooled statistics from the segments were used to classify a systematic sample of pixels. Comparisons to USDA/ESCS estimates illustrate that the full-frame sampling approach can provide accurate and precise area estimates.

Evaluating the effectiveness of a peer-led education intervention to improve the patient safety attitudes of junior pharmacy students: a cross-sectional study using a latent growth curve modelling approach.

PubMed

Walpola, Ramesh L; Fois, Romano A; McLachlan, Andrew J; Chen, Timothy F

2015-12-08

Despite the recognition that educating healthcare students in patient safety is essential, changing already full curricula can be challenging. Furthermore, institutions may lack the capacity and capability to deliver patient safety education, particularly from the start of professional practice studies. Using senior students as peer educators to deliver practice-based education can potentially overcome some of the contextual barriers in training junior students. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a peer-led patient safety education programme for junior pharmacy students. A repeat cross-sectional design utilising a previously validated patient safety attitudinal survey was used to evaluate attitudes prior to, immediately after and 1 month after the delivery of a patient safety education programme. Latent growth curve (LGC) modelling was used to evaluate the change in attitudes of first-year students using second-year students as a comparator group. Undergraduate university students in Sydney, Australia. 175 first-year and 140 second-year students enrolled in the Bachelor of Pharmacy programme at the University of Sydney. An introductory patient safety programme was implemented into the first-year Bachelor of Pharmacy curriculum at the University of Sydney. The programme covered introductory patient safety topics including teamwork, communication skills, systems thinking and open disclosure. The programme consisted of 2 lectures, delivered by a senior academic, and a workshop delivered by trained final-year pharmacy students. A full LGC model was constructed including the intervention as a non-time-dependent predictor of change (χ(2) (51)=164.070, root mean square error of approximation=0.084, comparative fit index=0.913, standardised root mean square=0.056). First-year students' attitudes significantly improved as a result of the intervention, particularly in relation to internalising errors (p=0.010), questioning behaviours (p<0.001) and open disclosure (p=0.008). Peer-led education is an effective method that can be adopted to improve junior pharmacy students' attitudes towards patient safety. 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/

An integrative review of e-learning in the delivery of self-management support training for health professionals.

PubMed

Lawn, Sharon; Zhi, Xiaojuan; Morello, Andrea

2017-10-10

E-learning involves delivery of education through Information and Communication Technology (ITC) using a wide variety of instructional designs, including synchronous and asynchronous formats. It can be as effective as face-to-face training for many aspects of health professional training. There are, however, particular practices and skills needed in providing patient self-management support, such as partnering with patients in goal-setting, which may challenge conventional practice norms. E-learning for the delivery of self-management support (SMS) continuing education to existing health professionals is a relatively new and growing area with limited studies identifying features associated with best acquisition of skills in self-management support. An integrative literature review examined what is known about e-learning for self-management support. This review included both qualitative and quantitative studies that focused on e-learning provided to existing health professionals for their continuing professional development. Papers were limited to those published in English between 2006 and 2016. Content analysis was used to organize and focus and describe the findings. The search returned 1505 articles, with most subsequently excluded based on their title or abstract. Fifty-two full text articles were obtained and checked, with 42 excluded because they did not meet the full criteria. Ten peer-reviewed articles were included in this review. Seven main themes emerged from the content analysis: participants and professions; time; package content; guiding theoretical framework; outcome measures; learning features or formats; and learning barriers. These themes revealed substantial heterogeneity in instructional design and other elements of e-learning applied to SMS, indicating that there is still much to understand about how best to deliver e-learning for SMS skills development. Few e-learning approaches meet the need for high levels of interactivity, reflection, practice and application to practice for health professionals learning to deliver effective SMS. Findings suggest that the context of SMS for patients with chronic condition matters to how health professional training is delivered, to ensure partnership and person-centred care. Further creative approaches and their rigorous evaluation are needed to deliver completely online learning in this space. Blended learning that combines e-learning and face-to-face methods is suggested to support SMS skills development for health professionals.

A modular and compact portable mini-endstation for high-precision, high-speed fixed target serial crystallography at FEL and synchrotron sources

DOE PAGES

Sherrell, Darren A.; Foster, Andrew J.; Hudson, Lee; ...

2015-01-01

The design and implementation of a compact and portable sample alignment system suitable for use at both synchrotron and free-electron laser (FEL) sources and its performance are described. The system provides the ability to quickly and reliably deliver large numbers of samples using the minimum amount of sample possible, through positioning of fixed target arrays into the X-ray beam. The combination of high-precision stages, high-quality sample viewing, a fast controller and a software layer overcome many of the challenges associated with sample alignment. A straightforward interface that minimizes setup and sample changeover time as well as simplifying communication with themore » stages during the experiment is also described, together with an intuitive naming convention for defining, tracking and locating sample positions. Lastly, the setup allows the precise delivery of samples in predefined locations to a specific position in space and time, reliably and simply.« less

A microfluidic device for the automated derivatization of free fatty acids to fatty acid methyl esters.

PubMed

Duong, Cindy T; Roper, Michael G

2012-02-21

Free fatty acid (FFA) compositions are examined in feedstock for biodiesel production, as source-specific markers in soil, and because of their role in cellular signaling. However, sample preparation of FFAs for gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis can be time and labor intensive. Therefore, to increase sample preparation throughput, a glass microfluidic device was developed to automate derivatization of FFAs to fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs). FFAs were delivered to one input of the device and methanolic-HCl was delivered to a second input. FAME products were produced as the reagents traversed a 29 μL reaction channel held at 55 °C. A Design of Experiment protocol was used to determine the combination of derivatization time (T(der)) and ratio of methanolic-HCl:FFA (R(der)) that maximized the derivatization efficiencies of tridecanoic acid and stearic acid to their methyl ester forms. The combination of T(der) = 0.8 min and R(der) = 4.9 that produced optimal derivatization conditions for both FFAs within a 5 min total sample preparation time was determined. This combination of T(der) and R(der) was used to derivatize 12 FFAs with a range of derivatization efficiencies from 18% to 93% with efficiencies of 61% for tridecanoic acid and 84% for stearic acid. As compared to a conventional macroscale derivatization of FFA to FAME, the microfluidic device decreased the volume of methanolic-HCl and FFA by 20- and 1300-fold, respectively. The developed microfluidic device can be used for automated preparation of FAMEs to analyze the FFA compositions of volume-limited samples.

Lactate Injection by Electric Currents for Bioremediation of Tetrachloroethylene in Clay

PubMed Central

Wu, Xingzhi; Gent, David B.; Davis, Jeffrey L.; Alshawabkeh, Akram N.

2012-01-01

Biological transformation of tetrachloroethylene (PCE) in silty clay samples by ionic injection of lactate under electric fields is evaluated. To prepare contaminated samples, a silty clay slurry was mixed with PCE, inoculated with KB-1® dechlorinators and was consolidated in a 40 cm long cell. A current density between 5.3 and 13.3 A m−2 was applied across treated soil samples while circulating electrolytes containing 10 mg L−1 lactate concentration between the anode and cathode compartments to maintain neutral pH and chemically reducing boundary conditions. The total adsorbed and aqueous PCE was degraded in the soil to trichloroethylene (TCE), cis-1,2-dichloroethene (cis-DCE), vinyl chloride (VC) and ethene in 120 d, which is about double the time expected for transformation. Lactate was delivered into the soil by a reactive transport rate of 3.7 cm2 d−1 V−1. PCE degradation in the clay samples followed zero order transformation rates ranging from 1.5 to 5 mg L−1 d−1 without any significant formation of TCE. cis-DCE transformation followed first order transformation rates of 0.06 to 0.10 per day. A control experiment conducted with KB-1 and lactate, but without electricity did not show any significant lactate buildup or cis-DCE transformation because the soil was practically impermeable (hydraulic conductivity of 2×10−7 cm s−1). It is concluded that ionic migration will deliver organic additives and induce biological activity and complete PCE transformation in clay, even though the transformation occurs under slower rates compared to ideal conditions. PMID:23264697

Participatory action inquiry using baccalaureate nursing students: The inclusion of integrative health care modalities in nursing core curriculum.

PubMed

Chan, Roxane Raffin; Schaffrath, Michelle

2017-01-01

Nurses, nursing educators and students support the inclusion of integrative health care (IHC) into nursing core curriculum as a way to create nurses who deliver nursing care to the full extent of their scope of practice and advance evidenced based IHC. Because of the holistic nature of IHC modalities, research to investigate appropriate teaching strategies and potential efficacy of learning IHC in the baccalaureate core curriculum requires a holistic approach. Therefore a phenomenological exploration using participatory action inquiry was conducted at a large Midwestern university. Eighteen first year nursing students were selected as co-researchers. Their experiences in learning and delivering three 15 min IHC interventions (foot reflexology, lavender aromatherapy and mindful breathing) in an acute care setting were captured using reflexive journaling and participation in structured and organic communicative spaces. Of the patients approached, 67% accepted to receive one or more IHC modalities (147/219). Using van Manen's model for holistic data reduction three themes emerged: The experience of presence, competency and unexpected results. Learning IHC modalities is best supported by a self-reflective process that is constructed and modeled by a nurse faculty member with experience in delivering IHC modalities. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Inactivated poliovirus type 2 vaccine delivered to rat skin via high density microprojection array elicits potent neutralising antibody responses.

PubMed

Muller, David A; Pearson, Frances E; Fernando, Germain J P; Agyei-Yeboah, Christiana; Owens, Nick S; Corrie, Simon R; Crichton, Michael L; Wei, Jonathan C J; Weldon, William C; Oberste, M Steven; Young, Paul R; Kendall, Mark A F

2016-02-25

Polio eradication is progressing rapidly, and the live attenuated Sabin strains in the oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV) are being removed sequentially, starting with type 2 in April 2016. For risk mitigation, countries are introducing inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV) into routine vaccination programs. After April 2016, monovalent type 2 OPV will be available for type 2 outbreak control. Because the current IPV is not suitable for house-to-house vaccination campaigns (the intramuscular injections require health professionals), we developed a high-density microprojection array, the Nanopatch, delivered monovalent type 2 IPV (IPV2) vaccine to the skin. To assess the immunogenicity of the Nanopatch, we performed a dose-matched study in rats, comparing the immunogenicity of IPV2 delivered by intramuscular injection or Nanopatch immunisation. A single dose of 0.2 D-antigen units of IPV2 elicited protective levels of poliovirus antibodies in 100% of animals. However, animals receiving IPV2 by IM required at least 3 immunisations to reach the same neutralising antibody titres. This level of dose reduction (1/40th of a full dose) is unprecedented for poliovirus vaccine delivery. The ease of administration coupled with the dose reduction observed in this study points to the Nanopatch as a potential tool for facilitating inexpensive IPV for mass vaccination campaigns.

Long-term erosion rates of Panamanian drainage basins determined using in situ 10Be

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gonzalez, Veronica Sosa; Bierman, Paul R.; Nichols, Kyle K.; Rood, Dylan H.

2016-12-01

Erosion rates of tropical landscapes are poorly known. Using measurements of in situ-produced 10Be in quartz extracted from river and landslide sediment samples, we calculate long-term erosion rates for many physiographic regions of Panama. We collected river sediment samples from a wide variety of watersheds (n = 35), and then quantified 24 landscape-scale variables (physiographic, climatic, seismic, geologic, and land-use proxies) for each watershed before determining the relationship between these variables and long-term erosion rates using linear regression, multiple regression, and analysis of variance (ANOVA). We also used grain-size-specific 10Be analysis to infer the effect of landslides on the concentration of 10Be in fluvial sediment and thus on erosion rates. Cosmogenic 10Be-inferred, background erosion rates in Panama range from 26 to 595 m My- 1, with an arithmetic average of 201 m My- 1, and an area-weighted average of 144 m My- 1. The strongest and most significant relationship in the dataset was between erosion rate and silicate weathering rate, the mass of material leaving the basin in solution. None of the topographic variables showed a significant relationship with erosion rate at the 95% significance level; we observed weak but significant correlation between erosion rates and several climatic variables related to precipitation and temperature. On average, erosion rates in Panama are higher than other cosmogenically-derived erosion rates in tropical climates including those from Puerto Rico, Madagascar, Australia and Sri Lanka, likely the result of Panama's active tectonic setting and thus high rates of seismicity and uplift. Contemporary sediment yield and cosmogenically-derived erosion rates for three of the rivers we studied are similar, suggesting that human activities are not increasing sediment yield above long-term erosion rate averages in Panama. 10Be concentration is inversely proportional to grain size in landslide and fluvial samples from Panama; finer grain sizes from landslide material have lower 10Be concentration than fine-grained fluvial sediment. Large grains from both landslide and stream sediments have similarly low 10Be concentrations. These data suggest that fluvial gravel is delivered to the channel by landslides whereas sand is preferentially delivered by soil creep and bank collapse. Furthermore, the difference in 10Be concentration in sand-sized material delivered by soil creep and that delivered by landsliding suggests that the frequency and intensity of landslides influence basin scale erosion rates.

Contained radiological analytical chemistry module

DOEpatents

Barney, David M.

1989-01-01

A system which provides analytical determination of a plurality of water chemistry parameters with respect to water samples subject to radiological contamination. The system includes a water sample analyzer disposed within a containment and comprising a sampling section for providing predetermined volumes of samples for analysis; a flow control section for controlling the flow through the system; and a gas analysis section for analyzing samples provided by the sampling system. The sampling section includes a controllable multiple port valve for, in one position, metering out sample of a predetermined volume and for, in a second position, delivering the material sample for analysis. The flow control section includes a regulator valve for reducing the pressure in a portion of the system to provide a low pressure region, and measurement devices located in the low pressure region for measuring sample parameters such as pH and conductivity, at low pressure. The gas analysis section which is of independent utility provides for isolating a small water sample and extracting the dissolved gases therefrom into a small expansion volume wherein the gas pressure and thermoconductivity of the extracted gas are measured.

Contained radiological analytical chemistry module

DOEpatents

Barney, David M.

1990-01-01

A system which provides analytical determination of a plurality of water chemistry parameters with respect to water samples subject to radiological contamination. The system includes a water sample analyzer disposed within a containment and comprising a sampling section for providing predetermined volumes of samples for analysis; a flow control section for controlling the flow through the system; and a gas analysis section for analyzing samples provided by the sampling system. The sampling section includes a controllable multiple port valve for, in one position, metering out sample of a predetermined volume and for, in a second position, delivering the material sample for analysis. The flow control section includes a regulator valve for reducing the pressure in a portion of the system to provide a low pressure region, and measurement devices located in the low pressure region for measuring sample parameters such as pH and conductivity, at low pressure. The gas analysis section which is of independent utility provides for isolating a small water sample and extracting the dissolved gases therefrom into a small expansion volume wherein the gas pressure and thermoconductivity of the extracted gas are measured.

Improving pneumococcal and herpes zoster vaccination uptake: expanding pharmacist privileges.

PubMed

Taitel, Michael S; Fensterheim, Leonard E; Cannon, Adam E; Cohen, Edward S

2013-09-01

To investigate how state-authorized pharmacist immunization privileges influence pharmacist intervention effectiveness in delivering pneumococcal and herpes zoster vaccinations and assess the implications these privileges have on vaccination rates. Cross-sectional study of Walgreens vaccination records from August 2011 to March 2012. A random sample of patients having a claim for influenza vaccination in the study period was selected. Vaccination uptake rates for pneumococcal disease and herpes zoster were calculated for previously unvaccinated patients at high risk for these conditions. Rates were examined by state-level pharmacist privileges. For states authorizing immunization by protocol or prescriptive authority, the 1-year pneumococcal vaccination uptake rate for previously unvaccinated, high-risk persons was 6.6%, compared with 2.5% for states requiring a prescription (P <.0001), and 2.8% for states with no authorization (P <.0001). For herpes zoster, the 1-year vaccination uptake rate was 3.3% for states authorizing per protocol/prescriptive authority, compared with 2.8% (not significant, P <.05) for states authorizing by prescription, and 1.0% for states with no authorization (P <.0001). A 148% increase of pneumococcal vaccination and a 77% increase of herpes zoster vaccination would result if all states granted pharmacists full immunization privileges. This analysis demonstrates that states that offer pharmacists full immunization privileges have higher vaccination uptake rates than states with restricted or no authorization. Considering the suboptimal vaccination rates of pneumonia and shingles and the public health goals of 2020, states with limited or no immunization authorization for pharmacists should consider expanding pharmacist privileges for these vaccinations.

A Multi-Wavelength View of Planet Forming Regions: Unleashing the Full Power of ALMA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tazzari, Marco

2017-11-01

Observations at sub-mm/mm wavelengths allow us to probe the solids in the interior of protoplanetary disks, where the bulk of the dust is located and planet formation is expected to occur. However, the actual size of dust grains is still largely unknown due to the limited angular resolution and sensitivity of past observations. The upgraded VLA and, especially, the ALMA observatories provide now powerful tools to resolve grain growth in disks, making the time ripe for developing a multi-wavelength analysis of sub-mm/mm observations of disks. In my contribution I will present a novel analysis method for multi-wavelength ALMA/VLA observations which, based on the self-consistent modelling of the sub-mm/mm disk continuum emission, allows us to constrain simultaneously the size distribution of dust grains and the disk's physical structure (Tazzari et al. 2016, A&A 588 A53). I will also present the recent analysis of spatially resolved ALMA Band 7 observations of a large sample of disks in the Lupus star forming region, from which we obtained a tentative evidence of a disk size-disk mass correlation (Tazzari et al. 2017, arXiv:1707.01499). Finally, I will introduce galario, a GPU Accelerated Library for the Analysis of Radio Interferometry Observations. Fitting the observed visibilities in the uv-plane is computationally demanding: with galario we solve this problem for the current as well as for the full-science ALMA capabilities by leveraging on the computing power of GPUs, providing the computational breakthrough needed to fully exploit the new wealth of information delivered by ALMA.

76 FR 56141 - Notice of Intent To Request New Information Collection

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-09-12

... level surveys of similar scope and size. The sample for each selected community will be strategically... of 2 hours per sample community. Full Study: The maximum sample size for the full study is 2,812... questionnaires. The initial sample size for this phase of the research is 100 respondents (10 respondents per...

10 CFR Appendix A to Subpart U of... - Sampling Plan for Enforcement Testing of Electric Motors

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

....010 is based on a 20 percent tolerance in the total power loss at full-load and fixed output power... measured full-load efficiency of unit i. Step 3. Compute the sample standard deviation (S1) of the measured full-load efficiency of the n1 units in the first sample as follows: ER83AD04.006 Step 4. Compute the...

10 CFR Appendix A to Subpart U of... - Sampling Plan for Enforcement Testing of Electric Motors

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

....010 is based on a 20 percent tolerance in the total power loss at full-load and fixed output power... measured full-load efficiency of unit i. Step 3. Compute the sample standard deviation (S1) of the measured full-load efficiency of the n1 units in the first sample as follows: ER83AD04.006 Step 4. Compute the...

10 CFR Appendix A to Subpart U of... - Sampling Plan for Enforcement Testing of Electric Motors

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

....010 is based on a 20 percent tolerance in the total power loss at full-load and fixed output power... measured full-load efficiency of unit i. Step 3. Compute the sample standard deviation (S1) of the measured full-load efficiency of the n1 units in the first sample as follows: ER83AD04.006 Step 4. Compute the...

10 CFR Appendix A to Subpart U of... - Sampling Plan for Enforcement Testing of Electric Motors

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... based on a 20 percent tolerance in the total power loss at full-load and fixed output power. Given the... performance of the n1 units in the first sample as follows: ER83AD04.005 where Xi is the measured full-load efficiency of unit i. Step 3. Compute the sample standard deviation (S1) of the measured full-load efficiency...

10 CFR Appendix A to Subpart U of... - Sampling Plan for Enforcement Testing of Electric Motors

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... based on a 20 percent tolerance in the total power loss at full-load and fixed output power. Given the... performance of the n1 units in the first sample as follows: ER83AD04.005 where Xi is the measured full-load efficiency of unit i. Step 3. Compute the sample standard deviation (S1) of the measured full-load efficiency...

Targeting HSP70-induced thermotolerance for design of thermal sensitizers.

PubMed

Calderwood, S K; Asea, A

2002-01-01

Thermal therapy has been shown to be an extremely powerful anti-cancer agent and a potent radiation sensitizer. However, the full potential of thermal therapy is hindered by a number of considerations including highly conserved heat resistance pathways in tumour cells and inhomogeneous heating of deep-seated tumours due to energy deposition and perfusion issues. This report reviews recent progress in the development of hyperthermia sensitizing drugs designed to specifically amplify the effects of hyperthermia. Such agents might be particularly useful in situations where heating is not adequate for the full biological effect or is not homogeneously delivered to tumours. The particular pathway concentrated on is thermotolerance, a complex, inducible cellular response that leads to heat resistance. This paper will concentrate on the molecular pathways of thermotolerance induction for designing inhibitors of heat resistance/thermal sensitizers, which may allow the full potential of thermal therapy to be utilized.

An Integrated Tiered Service Delivery Model (ITSDM) Based on Local CD4 Testing Demands Can Improve Turn-Around Times and Save Costs whilst Ensuring Accessible and Scalable CD4 Services across a National Programme

PubMed Central

Glencross, Deborah K.; Coetzee, Lindi M.; Cassim, Naseem

2014-01-01

Background The South African National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) responded to HIV treatment initiatives with two-tiered CD4 laboratory services in 2004. Increasing programmatic burden, as more patients access anti-retroviral therapy (ART), has demanded extending CD4 services to meet increasing clinical needs. The aim of this study was to review existing services and develop a service-model that integrated laboratory-based and point-of-care testing (POCT), to extend national coverage, improve local turn-around/(TAT) and contain programmatic costs. Methods NHLS Corporate Data Warehouse CD4 data, from 60–70 laboratories and 4756 referring health facilities was reviewed for referral laboratory workload, respective referring facility volumes and related TAT, from 2009–2012. Results An integrated tiered service delivery model (ITSDM) is proposed. Tier-1/POCT delivers CD4 testing at single health-clinics providing ART in hard-to-reach areas (<5 samples/day). Laboratory-based testing is extended with Tier-2/POC-Hubs (processing ≤30–40 CD4 samples/day), consolidating POCT across 8–10 health-clinics with other HIV-related testing and Tier-3/‘community’ laboratories, serving ≤40 health-clinics, processing ≤150 samples/day. Existing Tier-4/‘regional’ laboratories serve ≤100 facilities and process <350 samples/day; Tier-5 are high-volume ‘metro’/centralized laboratories (>350–1500 tests/day, serving ≥200 health-clinics). Tier-6 provides national support for standardisation, harmonization and quality across the organization. Conclusion The ITSDM offers improved local TAT by extending CD4 services into rural/remote areas with new Tier-3 or Tier-2/POC-Hub services installed in existing community laboratories, most with developed infrastructure. The advantage of lower laboratory CD4 costs and use of existing infrastructure enables subsidization of delivery of more expensive POC services, into hard-to-reach districts without reasonable access to a local CD4 laboratory. Full ITSDM implementation across 5 service tiers (as opposed to widespread implementation of POC testing to extend service) can facilitate sustainable ‘full service coverage’ across South Africa, and save>than R125 million in HIV/AIDS programmatic costs. ITSDM hierarchical parental-support also assures laboratory/POC management, equipment maintenance, quality control and on-going training between tiers. PMID:25490718

SU-E-T-205: Improving Quality Assurance of HDR Brachytherapy: Verifying Agreement Between Planned and Delivered Dose Distributions Using DICOM RTDose and Advanced Film Dosimetry

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

Palmer, A L; University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey; Bradley, D A

Purpose: HDR brachytherapy is undergoing significant development, and quality assurance (QA) checks must keep pace. Current recommendations do not adequately verify delivered against planned dose distributions: This is particularly relevant for new treatment planning system (TPS) calculation algorithms (non TG-43 based), and an era of significant patient-specific plan optimisation. Full system checks are desirable in modern QA recommendations, complementary to device-centric individual tests. We present a QA system incorporating TPS calculation, dose distribution export, HDR unit performance, and dose distribution measurement. Such an approach, more common in external beam radiotherapy, has not previously been reported in the literature for brachytherapy.more » Methods: Our QA method was tested at 24 UK brachytherapy centres. As a novel approach, we used the TPS DICOM RTDose file export to compare planned dose distribution with that measured using Gafchromic EBT3 films placed around clinical brachytherapy treatment applicators. Gamma analysis was used to compare the dose distributions. Dose difference and distance to agreement were determined at prescription Point A. Accurate film dosimetry was achieved using a glass compression plate at scanning to ensure physically-flat films, simultaneous scanning of known dose films with measurement films, and triple-channel dosimetric analysis. Results: The mean gamma pass rate of RTDose compared to film-measured dose distributions was 98.1% at 3%(local), 2 mm criteria. The mean dose difference, measured to planned, at Point A was -0.5% for plastic treatment applicators and -2.4% for metal applicators, due to shielding not accounted for in TPS. The mean distance to agreement was 0.6 mm. Conclusion: It is recommended to develop brachytherapy QA to include full-system verification of agreement between planned and delivered dose distributions. This is a novel approach for HDR brachytherapy QA. A methodology using advanced film dosimetry and gamma comparison to DICOM RTDose files has been demonstrated as suitable to fulfil this need.« less

Dose painting to treat single-lobe prostate cancer with hypofractionated high-dose radiation using targeted external beam radiation: Is it feasible?

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

Amini, Arya; Westerly, David C.; Waxweiler, Timothy V.

Targeted focal therapy strategies for treating single-lobe prostate cancer are under investigation. In this planning study, we investigate the feasibility of treating a portion of the prostate to full-dose external beam radiation with reduced dose to the opposite lobe, compared with full-dose radiation delivered to the entire gland using hypofractionated radiation. For 10 consecutive patients with low- to intermediate-risk prostate cancer, 2 hypofractionated, single-arc volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) plans were designed. The first plan (standard hypofractionation regimen [STD]) included the entire prostate gland, treated to 70 Gy delivered in 28 fractions. The second dose painting plan (DP) encompassed the involvedmore » lobe treated to 70 Gy delivered in 28 fractions, whereas the opposing, uninvolved lobe received 50.4 Gy in 28 fractions. Mean dose to the opposing neurovascular bundle (NVB) was considerably lower for DP vs STD, with a mean dose of 53.9 vs 72.3 Gy (p < 0.001). Mean penile bulb dose was 18.6 Gy for DP vs 19.2 Gy for STD (p = 0.880). Mean rectal dose was 21.0 Gy for DP vs 22.8 Gy for STD (p = 0.356). Rectum V{sub 70} (the volume receiving ≥70 Gy) was 2.01% for DP vs 2.74% for STD (p = 0.328). Bladder V{sub 70} was 1.69% for DP vs 2.78% for STD (p = 0.232). Planning target volume (PTV) maximum dose points were 76.5 and 76.3 Gy for DP and STD, respectively (p = 0.760). This study demonstrates the feasibility of using VMAT for partial-lobe prostate radiation in patients with prostate cancer involving 1 lobe. Partial-lobe prostate plans appeared to spare adjacent critical structures including the opposite NVB.« less

Coping with pregnancy resolution among never-married women.

PubMed

Bracken, Michael B; Klerman, Lorraine V; Bracken, Maryann

1978-04-01

The Janis-Mann model of decision-making provides the theoretical orientation for empirical analyses of decisions to deliver or abort in matched samples of never-married women. Results focus on four variables: happiness about pregnancy; initial acceptance of delivery or abortion; ease of decision-making; and satisfaction with final choice. Path analyses summarize findings, which are discussed in terms of conflict resolution strategies.

Efficacy of a Reading and Language Intervention for Children with Down Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Burgoyne, Kelly; Duff, Fiona J.; Clarke, Paula J.; Buckley, Sue; Snowling, Margaret J.; Hulme, Charles

2012-01-01

Background: This study evaluates the effects of a language and literacy intervention for children with Down syndrome. Methods: Teaching assistants (TAs) were trained to deliver a reading and language intervention to children in individual daily 40-min sessions. We used a waiting list control design, in which half the sample received the…

Investigation of Preservice Teachers' Speech Anxiety with Different Points of View

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kana, Fatih

2015-01-01

The purpose of this study is to find out the level of speech anxiety of last year students at Education Faculties and the effects of speech anxiety. For this purpose, speech anxiety inventory was delivered to 540 pre-service teachers at 2013-2014 academic year using stratified sampling method. Relational screening model was used in the study. To…

Return of salmon-derived nutrients from the riparian zone to the stream during a storm in southeastern Alaska

Treesearch

Jason B. Fellman; Eran Hood; Rick T. Edwards; David V. D' Amore

2008-01-01

Spawning salmon deliver nutrients (salmon-derived nutrients, SDN) to natal watersheds that can be incorporated into terrestrial and aquatic food webs, potentially increasing ecosystem productivity. Peterson Creek, a coastal watershed in southeast Alaska that supports several species of anadromous fish, was sampled over the course of a storm during September 2006 to...

The Process of Change in Cognitive Therapy for Depression when Combined with Antidepressant Medication: Predictors of Early Intersession Symptom Gains

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Strunk, Daniel R.; Cooper, Andrew A.; Ryan, Elizabeth T.; DeRubeis, Robert J.; Hollon, Steven D.

2012-01-01

Objective: Previous studies of cognitive therapy (CT) for depression have examined therapist adherence and the therapeutic alliance as predictors of subsequent symptom change. However, little is known about these CT process variables when CT is delivered in combination with antidepressant medication. Method: In a sample of 176 depressed…

Exploring the Impact of Varying Levels of Augmented Reality to Teach Probability and Sampling with a Mobile Device

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Conley, Quincy

2013-01-01

Statistics is taught at every level of education, yet teachers often have to assume their students have no knowledge of statistics and start from scratch each time they set out to teach statistics. The motivation for this experimental study comes from interest in exploring educational applications of augmented reality (AR) delivered via mobile…

Enhancing Nursing Students' Medication Knowledge: The Effect of Learning Materials Delivered by Short Message Service

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chuang, Yeu-Hui; Tsao, Chiung-Wen

2013-01-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of using mobile phone short message service (SMS) to enhance knowledge of medications among nursing students. A quasi-experimental design was used. A convenience sample of 111 nursing students who were taking a pharmacology course at a university in southern Taiwan received an invitation to…

Contamination of hospital tap water: the survival and persistence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa on conventional and 'antimicrobial' outlet fittings.

PubMed

Hutchins, C F; Moore, G; Thompson, K-A; Webb, J; Walker, J T

2017-10-01

Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections have been linked to contaminated hospital taps, highlighting the potential for tap outlet fittings (OF) to harbour biofilm. P. aeruginosa may be transferred to OFs via contaminated cleaning cloths. Suggested interventions include flushing regimens and alternative OF designs. To investigate the transfer of P. aeruginosa from a contaminated cleaning cloth to conventional and 'antimicrobial/antibiofilm' OFs and to determine whether this contamination persists and/or leads to contamination of tap water. Microfibre cloths contaminated with P. aeruginosa (10 8  cfu/mL) were used to wipe four different types of OF [one of conventional design (OF-A) and three marketed as 'antimicrobial' and/or 'antibiofilm' (OF- B, -C and -D)]. OFs were inserted into an experimental water distribution system for up to 24 h. Survival was assessed by culture. Single and multiple water samples were collected and cultured for P. aeruginosa. The median number of P. aeruginosa transferred from cloth to OF was 5.7 × 10 5  cfu (OF-A), 1.9 × 10 6  cfu (OF-B), 1.4 × 10 5  cfu (OF-C) and 2.9 × 10 6  cfu (OF-D). Numbers declined on all OFs during the 24 h period with log reductions ranging from 3.5 (OF-C) to 5.2 (OF-B; P > 0.05). All water samples delivered immediately after OF contamination contained P. aeruginosa at ≥10 cfu per 100 mL. Contamination of water delivered from OF-A persisted despite continued flushing. Water delivered from OF-B did not contain P. aeruginosa beyond the first flush. Contaminated cleaning cloths may transfer P. aeruginosa to OFs, leading to contamination of tap water. Although not removing the potential for contamination, 'antimicrobial/antibiofilm' OFs may prevent P. aeruginosa from continually contaminating water delivered from the outlet. Copyright © 2017 The Healthcare Infection Society. All rights reserved.

The challenges of interventions to promote healthier food in independent takeaways in England: qualitative study of intervention deliverers' views.

PubMed

Goffe, Louis; Penn, Linda; Adams, Jean; Araujo-Soares, Vera; Summerbell, Carolyn D; Abraham, Charles; White, Martin; Adamson, Ashley; Lake, Amelia A

2018-01-27

Much of the food available from takeaways, pubs and restaurants particularly that sold by independent outlets, is unhealthy and its consumption is increasing. These food outlets are therefore important potential targets for interventions to improve diet and thus prevent diet related chronic diseases. Local authorities in England have been charged with delivering interventions to increase the provision of healthy food choices in independent outlets, but prior research shows that few such interventions have been rigorously developed or evaluated. We aimed to learn from the experiences of professionals delivering interventions in independent food outlets in England to identify the operational challenges and their suggestions for best practice. We used one-to-one semi-structured qualitative interviews to explore the views and experiences of professionals who were either employees of, or contracted by, a local authority to deliver interventions to increase the provision of healthier food choices in independent food outlets. Purposive sampling was used to recruit a sample which included men and women, from a range of professional roles, across different areas of England. Interviews were informed by a topic guide, and proceeded until no new themes emerged. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using the Framework method. We conducted 11 individual interviews. Participants focussed on independent takeaways and their unhealthy food offerings, and highlighted the advantages and disadvantages of intervention delivery methods, their evaluation and impact. The main barriers to implementation of interventions in independent takeaways were identified as limited funding and the difficulties of engaging the food outlet owner/manager. Engagement was thought to be facilitated by delivering intensive, interactive and tailored interventions, clear and specific information, and incentives, whilst accounting for practical, primarily financial, constraints of food businesses. Alternative intervention approaches, targeting suppliers or customers, were suggested. Participants emphasised independent takeaways as particularly challenging, but worthwhile intervention targets. Participants perceived that interventions need to take account of the potentially challenging operating environment, particularly the primacy of the profit motive. Upstream interventions, engaging suppliers, as well as those that drive consumer demand, may be worth exploring. Rigorous, evidence-informed development and evaluation of such interventions is needed.

Fetal exposures and perinatal influences on the stool microbiota of premature infants

PubMed Central

Chernikova, Diana A.; Koestler, Devin C.; Hoen, Anne Gatewood; Housman, Molly L.; Hibberd, Patricia L.; Moore, Jason H.; Morrison, Hilary G.; Sogin, Mitchell L.; Ul-Abideen, Muhammad Zain; Madan, Juliette C.

2015-01-01

Objective To test the hypothesis that maternal complications significantly affect gut colonization patterns in very low birth weight infants. Methods 49 serial stool samples were obtained weekly from 9 extremely premature infants enrolled in a prospective longitudinal study. Sequencing of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene from stool samples was performed to approximate the intestinal microbiome. Linear mixed effects models were used to evaluate relationships between perinatal complications and intestinal microbiome development. Results Subjects with prenatal exposure to a non-sterile intrauterine environment, i.e. PPPROM and chorioamnionitis exposure, were found to have a relatively higher abundance of potentially pathogenic bacteria in the stool across all time points compared to subjects without those exposures, irrespective of exposure to postnatal antibiotics. Compared with those delivered by Caesarean section, vaginally delivered subjects were found to have significantly lower diversity of stool microbiota across all time points, with lower abundance of many genera, most in the family Enterobacteriaceae. Conclusions We identified persistently increased potential pathogen abundance in the developing stool microbiota of subjects exposed to a non-sterile uterine environment. Maternal complications appear to significantly influence the diversity and bacterial composition of the stool microbiota of premature infants, with findings persisting over time. PMID:25394613

Renewable Surface Fluorescence Sandwich Immunoassay Biosensor for Rapid Sensitive Botulinum Toxin Detection in an Automated Fluidic Format

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

Grate, Jay W.; Warner, Marvin G.; Ozanich, Richard M.

2009-03-05

A renewable surface biosensor for rapid detection of botulinum toxin is described based on fluidic automation of a fluorescence sandwich immunoassay, using a recombinant fragment of the toxin heavy chain as a structurally valid simulant. Monoclonal antibodies AR4 and RAZ1 bind to separate epitopes of both this fragment and the holotoxin. The AR4 antibody was covalently bound to Sepharose beads and used as the capture antibody. A rotating rod flow cell was used to capture these beads delivered as a suspension by the sequential injection flow system, creating a 3.6 microliter column. After perfusing the bead column with sample andmore » washing away the matrix, the column was perfused with Alexa 647 dye-labeled RAZ1 antibody as the reporter. Optical fibers coupled to the rotating rod flow cell at a 90 degree angle to one another delivered excitation light from a HeNe laser and collected fluorescent emission light for detection. After each measurement, the used sepharose beads are released and replaced with fresh beads. In a rapid screening approach to sample analysis, the toxin simulant was detected to concentrations of 10 pM in less than 20 minutes.« less

The Rosetta Science Archive: Status and Plans for Enhancing the Archive Content

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Heather, David; Barthelemy, Maud; Besse, Sebastien; Fraga, Diego; Grotheer, Emmanuel; O'Rourke, Laurence; Taylor, Matthew; Vallat, Claire

2017-04-01

On 30 September 2016, Rosetta completed its incredible mission by landing on the surface of Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko. Although this marked an end to the spacecraft's active operations, intensive work is still ongoing with instrument teams preparing their final science data deliveries for ingestion into ESA's Planetary Science Archive (PSA). In addition, ESA is establishing contracts with some instrument teams to enhance their data and documentation in an effort to provide the best long-term archive possible for the Rosetta mission. Currently, the majority of teams have delivered all of their data from the nominal mission (end of 2015), and are working on their remaining increments from the 1-year mission extension. The aim is to complete the nominal archiving with data from the complete mission by the end of this year, when a full mission archive review will be held. This review will assess the complete data holdings from Rosetta and ensure that the archive is ready for the long-term. With the resources from the operational mission coming to an end, ESA has established a number of 'enhanced archiving' contracts to ensure that the best possible data are delivered to the archive before instrument teams disband. Updates are focused on key aspects of an instrument's calibration or the production of higher level data / information, and are therefore specific to each instrument's needs. These contracts are currently being kicked off, and will run for various lengths depending upon the activities to be undertaken. The full 'archive enhancement' process will run until September 2019, when the post operations activities for Rosetta will end. Within these contracts, most instrument teams will work on providing a Science User Guide for their data, as well as updating calibrations. Several teams will also be delivering higher level and derived products. For example, the VIRTIS team will be updating both their spectral and geometrical calibrations, and will aim to deliver mapping products to the final archive. Similarly, the OSIRIS team will be improving their calibrations and delivering data additionally in FITS format. The Rosetta Plasma Consortium (RPC) instruments will complete cross-calibrations and a number of activities individual to each instrument. The MIDAS team will also be working on cross-calibrations and will produce a dust particle catalog from the comet coma. GIADA will be producing dust environment maps, with products in 3D plus time. A contract also exists to produce and deliver data set(s) containing sup-porting ground-based observations from amateur astronomers. In addition to these contracts, the Rosetta ESA archiving team will produce calibrated data sets for the NAVCAM instrument, and will work to include the latest shape models from the comet into the final Rosetta archive. Work is also underway to provide a centralized solution to the problem of geometry on the comet. This presentation will outline the current status of the Rosetta archive, as well as highlighting some of the 'enhanced archiving' activities planned with the various instrument teams on Rosetta.

SU-F-J-193: Efficient Dose Extinction Method for Water Equivalent Path Length (WEPL) of Real Tissue Samples for Validation of CT HU to Stopping Power Conversion

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

Zhang, R; Baer, E; Jee, K

Purpose: For proton therapy, an accurate model of CT HU to relative stopping power (RSP) conversion is essential. In current practice, validation of these models relies solely on measurements of tissue substitutes with standard compositions. Validation based on real tissue samples would be much more direct and can address variations between patients. This study intends to develop an efficient and accurate system based on the concept of dose extinction to measure WEPL and retrieve RSP in biological tissue in large number of types. Methods: A broad AP proton beam delivering a spread out Bragg peak (SOBP) is used to irradiatemore » the samples with a Matrixx detector positioned immediately below. A water tank was placed on top of the samples, with the water level controllable in sub-millimeter by a remotely controlled dosing pump. While gradually lowering the water level with beam on, the transmission dose was recorded at 1 frame/sec. The WEPL were determined as the difference between the known beam range of the delivered SOBP (80%) and the water level corresponding to 80% of measured dose profiles in time. A Gammex 467 phantom was used to test the system and various types of biological tissue was measured. Results: RSP for all Gammex inserts, expect the one made with lung-450 material (<2% error), were determined within ±0.5% error. Depends on the WEPL of investigated phantom, a measurement takes around 10 min, which can be accelerated by a faster pump. Conclusion: Based on the concept of dose extinction, a system was explored to measure WEPL efficiently and accurately for a large number of samples. This allows the validation of CT HU to stopping power conversions based on large number of samples and real tissues. It also allows the assessment of beam uncertainties due to variations over patients, which issue has never been sufficiently studied before.« less

Chemical quality of water and bottom sediment, Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge, Lahontan Valley, Nevada

USGS Publications Warehouse

Thodal, Carl E.

2017-12-28

The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service collected data on water and bottom-sediment chemistry to be used to evaluate a new water rights acquisition program designed to enhance wetland habitat in Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge and in Lahontan Valley, Churchill County, Nevada. The area supports habitat critical to the feeding and resting of migratory birds travelling the Pacific Flyway. Information about how water rights acquisitions may affect the quality of water delivered to the wetlands is needed by stakeholders and Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge managers in order to evaluate the effectiveness of this approach to wetlands management. A network of six sites on waterways that deliver the majority of water to Refuge wetlands was established to monitor the quality of streamflow and bottom sediment. Each site was visited every 4 to 6 weeks and selected water-quality field parameters were measured when flowing water was present. Water samples were collected at varying frequencies and analyzed for major ions, silica, and organic carbon, and for selected species of nitrogen and phosphorus, trace elements, pharmaceuticals, and other trace organic compounds. Bottom-sediment samples were collected for analysis of selected trace elements.Dissolved-solids concentrations exceeded the recommended criterion for protection of aquatic life (500 milligrams per liter) in 33 of 62 filtered water samples. The maximum arsenic criterion (340 micrograms per liter) was exceeded twice and the continuous criterion was exceeded seven times. Criteria protecting aquatic life from continuous exposure to aluminum, cadmium, lead, and mercury (87, 0.72, 2.5, and 0.77 micrograms per liter, respectively) were exceeded only once in filtered samples (27, 40, 32, and 36 samples, respectively). Mercury was the only trace element analyzed in bottom-sediment samples to exceed the published probable effect concentration (1,060 micrograms per kilogram).

To deliver or not to deliver cognitive behavioral therapy for eating disorders: Replication and extension of our understanding of why therapists fail to do what they should do.

PubMed

Mulkens, Sandra; de Vos, Chloé; de Graaff, Anastacia; Waller, Glenn

2018-07-01

This study investigated the extent to which therapists fail to apply empirically supported treatments in a sample of clinicians in The Netherlands, delivering cognitive behavioral therapy for eating disorders (CBT-ED). It aimed to replicate previous findings, and to extend them by examining other potential intra-individual factors associated with the level of (non-)use of core CBT-ED techniques. Participants were 139 clinicians (127 women; mean age 41.4 years, range = 24-64) who completed an online survey about the level of use of specific techniques, their beliefs (e.g., about the importance of the alliance and use of pretreatment motivational techniques), anxiety (Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale), and personality (Ten Item Personality Inventory). Despite some differences with Waller's (2012) findings, the present results continue to indicate that therapists are not reliably delivering the CBT-ED techniques that would be expected to provide the best treatment to their patients. This 'non-delivery' appears to be related to clinician anxiety, temporal factors, and clinicians' beliefs about the power of the therapeutic alliance in driving therapy outcomes. Improving treatment delivery will involve working with clinicians' levels of anxiety, clarifying the lack of benefit of pre-therapy motivational enhancement work, and reminding clinicians that the therapeutic alliance is enhanced by behavioral change in CBT-ED, rather than the other way around. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Pulsed power accelerator for material physics experiments

DOE PAGES

Reisman, D.  B.; Stoltzfus, B.  S.; Stygar, W.  A.; ...

2015-09-01

We have developed the design of Thor: a pulsed power accelerator that delivers a precisely shaped current pulse with a peak value as high as 7 MA to a strip-line load. The peak magnetic pressure achieved within a 1-cm-wide load is as high as 100 GPa. Thor is powered by as many as 288 decoupled and transit-time isolated bricks. Each brick consists of a single switch and two capacitors connected electrically in series. The bricks can be individually triggered to achieve a high degree of current pulse tailoring. Because the accelerator is impedance matched throughout, capacitor energy is delivered tomore » the strip-line load with an efficiency as high as 50%. We used an iterative finite element method (FEM), circuit, and magnetohydrodynamic simulations to develop an optimized accelerator design. When powered by 96 bricks, Thor delivers as much as 4.1 MA to a load, and achieves peak magnetic pressures as high as 65 GPa. When powered by 288 bricks, Thor delivers as much as 6.9 MA to a load, and achieves magnetic pressures as high as 170 GPa. We have developed an algebraic calculational procedure that uses the single brick basis function to determine the brick-triggering sequence necessary to generate a highly tailored current pulse time history for shockless loading of samples. Thor will drive a wide variety of magnetically driven shockless ramp compression, shockless flyer plate, shock-ramp, equation of state, material strength, phase transition, and other advanced material physics experiments.« less

Adolescent relationship violence and acculturation among NYC Latinos.

PubMed

DuPont-Reyes, Melissa; Fry, Deborah; Rickert, Vaughn; Davidson, Leslie L

2015-07-01

Acculturation has been shown to positively and negatively affect Latino health. Little research investigates the overlap between acculturation and the different types of relationship violence among Latino youth and most research in this area predominantly involves Mexican-American samples. The current study examined associations between indices of acculturation (language use at home, chosen survey language, and nativity) and relationship physical violence and sexual coercion, both received and delivered, among predominantly Dominican and Puerto Rican adolescents from New York City. From 2006 to 2007, 1,454 adolescents aged 13-21 years in New York City completed an anonymous survey that included the Conflict in Adolescent Relationships Inventory which estimates experiences of physical violence and sexual coercion, both received and delivered, in the previous year. This analysis includes bivariate and multivariate methods to test the associations between language use at home, chosen survey language, and nativity with the different types of relationship violence. Among females, there is a significant association between language use at home and overall level of acculturation with delivering and receiving relationship physical violence; however, we did not find this association in delivering and receiving relationship sexual coercion. We found no association between acculturation and any type of relationship violence among males. Among Latina females, language spoken at home is an indicator of other protective factors of physical relationship violence. Future research in this area should explore the potential protective factors surrounding relationship violence among Latina females of various subgroups using comprehensive measures of acculturation, household composition and family engagement.

A Randomized, Two-Way Crossover Study to Evaluate the Pharmacokinetics of Caffeine Delivered Using Caffeinated Chewing Gum Versus a Marketed Caffeinated Beverage in Healthy Adult Volunteers.

PubMed

Sadek, Paul; Pan, Xiao; Shepherd, Phil; Malandain, Elise; Carney, John; Coleman, Hugh

2017-12-01

Background: This study was conducted to compare the pharmacokinetics of caffeine delivered using caffeinated chewing gum to that delivered using a marketed caffeinated beverage (instant coffee) in 16 healthy adult volunteers. Materials and Methods: This was a controlled open-label, randomized, two-period crossover study. Caffeinated chewing gum and a serving of instant coffee, each containing ∼50 mg caffeine, were administered with blood samples collected before and up to 24 hours after administration starts. Plasma caffeine levels were analyzed using validated liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry methodology. Results: There were no statistical differences between the two caffeine products in t max ( p  = 0.3308) and k a ( p  = 0.3894). Although formulated at ∼50 mg caffeine each, mean dose released from chewing gum was ∼18% less than beverage. Dose-normalized area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) 0-t , AUC 0-∞ , and C max was similar between products. Although the criteria were not set a priori and the study was not powered for concluding bioequivalence, the 90% confidence intervals fell within the bioequivalence limit of 80% to 125%. Conclusions: Existing scientific literature on caffeine, based mostly on data from caffeinated beverages, can be leveraged to support the safety of caffeine delivered by chewing gum and current maximum safe caffeine dose advice should be applicable irrespective of delivery method.

Patterns and Associated Factors of Caesarean Delivery Intention among Expectant Mothers in China: Implications from the Implementation of China’s New National Two-Child Policy

PubMed Central

Wang, Lianlian; Xu, Xianglong; Baker, Philip; Tong, Chao; Zhang, Lei; Qi, Hongbo; Zhao, Yong

2016-01-01

Objective: This study explores the basic demographic characteristics of expectant mothers in the context of their intentions regarding mode of delivery, in particular, the preference for caesarean delivery, and analyzes the social and psychological factors that influence delivery preference. Method: A cross-sectional survey of pregnant women was conducted during June to August in 2015. This study adopted a stratified sampling method, and 16 representative hospitals in five provinces of China were included. Results: 1755 and 590 of expectant mothers in their first and second pregnancies, respectively, were enrolled in this study. 354 (15.10%) intended to deliver by caesarean section and 585 (24.95%) participants were uncertain prior to delivery. 156 (8.89%) of expectant mothers in their first pregnancy and 198 (33.56%) expectant mothers in their second pregnancy intended to deliver by caesarean section. Ordinal logistic regression analysis found that nationality, parity, trimester of pregnancy, and advanced maternal age were factors associated with intention to deliver by caesarean (ordered logistic regression/three-level caesarean delivery intention criterion; odds ratios p < 0.05). Conclusions: 8.89% of first pregnancy expectant mothers and 33.56% of second pregnancy expectant mothers intended to deliver by caesarean section. Any intervention program to reduce the rate of Caesarean delivery should focus on the Han population, older pregnant women, and expectant mothers in their second pregnancy, at an early gestation. PMID:27399752

Systemic family psychotherapy in China: a qualitative analysis of therapy process.

PubMed

Liu, Liang; Miller, John K; Zhao, Xudong; Ma, Xiquan; Wang, Jikun; Li, Wentian

2013-12-01

Although the procedure of systemic family therapy has been extensively researched in Western culture, few studies on this subject have been conducted in China. The aim of this study was to specify the therapy-delivered interventions in Chinese systemic family therapy and to explore how Western-imported systemic therapy model is delivered in Chinese culture. A qualitative and exploratory research approach was taken in which thematic analysis was used to analyse the transcribed psychotherapy videotapes with Chinese families. Twenty-six hours of video-recorded systemic family therapy sessions from 14 Chinese family cases were sampled. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the transcriptions of therapy sessions and identify therapist-generated interventions in therapy. Frequencies of different interventions were counted, and correspondence analysis (CA) was used to reveal the corresponding relationships between different interventions. Analysis led to two main themes related to therapists-delivered interventions: Therapist's intention and therapy technique. Results revealed 15 types of therapist's intentions and 16 categories of therapy techniques. CA indicated that therapists' intentions changed across different therapy stages and specific techniques were used to achieve corresponding intentions. Interventions delivered in Chinese systemic therapy are mainly adherent with Milan and post-Milan systemic models. Due to the shortage in systemic therapy service in China and Chinese culture advocating reverence to authority, components of psycho-education, guidance, and metaphor are adopted in Chinese systemic practice. Some directions for future research are suggested. © 2012 The British Psychological Society.

75 FR 81789 - Third Party Testing for Certain Children's Products; Full-Size Baby Cribs and Non-Full-Size Baby...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-12-28

... sufficient samples of the product, or samples that are identical in all material respects to the product. The... 1220, Safety Standards for Full-Size Baby Cribs and Non-Full- Size Baby Cribs. A true copy, in English... assessment bodies seeking accredited status must submit to the Commission copies, in English, of their...

The Sample Analysis at Mars Investigation and Instrument Suite

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mahaffy, Paul; Webster, Chris R.; Cabane, M.; Conrad, Pamela G.; Coll, Patrice; Atreya, Sushil K.; Arvey, Robert; Barciniak, Michael; Benna, Mehdi; Bleacher, L.;

The Viking X ray fluorescence experiment - Sampling strategies and laboratory simulations. [Mars soil sampling

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Baird, A. K.; Castro, A. J.; Clark, B. C.; Toulmin, P., III; Rose, H., Jr.; Keil, K.; Gooding, J. L.

1977-01-01

Ten samples of Mars regolith material (six on Viking Lander 1 and four on Viking Lander 2) have been delivered to the X ray fluorescence spectrometers as of March 31, 1977. An additional six samples at least are planned for acquisition in the remaining Extended Mission (to January 1979) for each lander. All samples acquired are Martian fines from the near surface (less than 6-cm depth) of the landing sites except the latest on Viking Lander 1, which is fine material from the bottom of a trench dug to a depth of 25 cm. Several attempts on each lander to acquire fresh rock material (in pebble sizes) for analysis have yielded only cemented surface crustal material (duricrust). Laboratory simulation and experimentation are required both for mission planning of sampling and for interpretation of data returned from Mars. This paper is concerned with the rationale for sample site selections, surface sampler operations, and the supportive laboratory studies needed to interpret X ray results from Mars.

Glacimarine Sedimentary Processes and Facies on the Polar North Atlantic Margins

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dowdeswell, J. A.; Elverhfi, A.; Spielhagen, R.

Major contrasts in the glaciological, oceanic and atmospheric parameters affecting the Polar North Atlantic, both over space between its eastern and western margins, and through time from full glacial to interglacial conditions, have lead to the deposition of a wide variety of sedimentary facies in these ice-influenced seas. The dynamics of the glaciers and ice sheets on the hinterlands surrounding the Polar North Atlantic have exterted a major influence on the processes, rates and patterns of sedimentation on the continental margins of the Norwegian and Greenland seas over the Late Cenozoic. The western margin is influenced by the cold East Greenland Current and the Svalbard margin by the northernmost extent of the warm North Atlantic Drift and the passage of relatively warm cyclonic air masses. In the fjords of Spitsbergen and the northwestern Barents Sea, glacial meltwater is dominant in delivering sediments. In the fjords of East Greenland the large numbers of icebergs produced from fast-flowing outlets of the Greenland Ice Sheet play a more significant role in sedimentation. During full glacials, sediments are delivered to the shelf break from fast-flowing ice streams, which drain huge basins within the parent ice sheet. Large prograding fans located on the continental slope offshore of these ice streams are made up of stacked debris flows. Large-scale mass failures, turbidity currents, and gas-escape structures also rework debris in continental slope and shelf settings. Even during interglacials, both the margins and the deep ocean basins beyond them retain a glacimarine overprint derived from debris in far-travelled icebergs and sea ice. Under full glacial conditions, the glacier influence is correspondingly stronger, and this is reflected in the glacial and glacimarine facies deposited at these times.

Ionospheric Modification from Under-Dense Heating by High-Power HF Transmitter

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-03-03

Auroral Research Program ( HAARP ) is a HF transmitter, which delivers 0.36 to 3.6 GW effective isotropic radiated powers (F.IRP) for the radiation...dense heating, the EIRP of the HAARP heater can be increased significantly by increasing the heater frequency. With higher heater frequency, the loss...1304 local time) and on 13 April from 0812 to 0844 UTC (0012 to 0044 local time), using the HAARP transmitter facility at Gakona, AK, at full power

Design and development of an IBM/VM menu system

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

Cazzola, D.J.

1992-10-01

This report describes a full screen menu system developed using IBM's Interactive System Productivity Facility (ISPF) and the REXX programming language. The software was developed for the 2800 IBM/VM Electrical Computer Aided Design (ECAD) system. The system was developed to deliver electronic drawing definitions to a corporate drawing release system. Although this report documents the status of the menu system when it was retired, the methodologies used and the requirements defined are very applicable to replacement systems.

Mechanical Loading for Peripheral Nerve Stabilization and Regeneration

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-04-01

apple delivered within a New Skin liquid bandage will also be applied topically, as a deterrent. This constituted a minor amendment within our IACUC...Vicryl suture and the incision to the skin with 3-0 Prolene monofilament suture. The rat was kept for up to 3 weeks with full access to food and...Spagnoli, D., Gaini, S.M., Tanzi, M.C., Bresolin, N., Gri- moldi, N., and Torrente, Y. Skin -derived stem cells trans- planted into resorbable guides

A Detailed Research Study of Learning and Teaching Core Chemical Engineering to a High Standard in a Mixed-Ability Small Class in Industry

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Davey, Kenneth

2017-01-01

A detailed study of learning and teaching (L&T) of chemical engineering distillation to a mixed-ability small class of 13 students who are ordinarily full-time in-house employees in industry is reported. The course consisted of 9 × 2-h lectures (18 hours) and 9 × 2-h tutorials (18 hours). It was delivered over nine business days "in…

Comparative Analysis of Fecal Microbiota in Infants with and without Eczema

PubMed Central

Hong, Pei-Ying; Lee, Bee Wah; Aw, Marion; Shek, Lynette Pei Chi; Yap, Gaik Chin; Chua, Kaw Yan; Liu, Wen-Tso

2010-01-01

Eczema is a chronic form of childhood disorder that is gaining in prevalence in affluent societies. Previous studies hypothesized that the development of eczema is correlated with changes in microbial profile and composition of early life endemic microbiota, but contradictory conclusions were obtained, possibly due to the lack of minimization of apparent non-health related confounders (e.g., age, antibiotic consumption, diet and mode of delivery). In this study, we recruited seven caesarean-delivered and total formula-fed infants, and comparatively examined the early-life endemic microbiota in these infants with and without eczema. Using 16S pyrosequencing, infants' fecal microbiota were observed to comprise Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Actinobacteria and Bacteroidetes as the four main phyla, and the presence and absence of specific populations within these four phyla are primarily mediated by ageing. Quantitative analysis of bacterial targets on a larger sample size (n = 36 at 1, 3, and 12 months of age) revealed that the abundances of Bifidobacterium and Enterobacteriaceae were different among caesarean-delivered infants with and without eczema, and the bacterial targets may be potential biomarkers that can correlate to the health status of these infants. Our overall findings suggest that the minimization of possible confounders is essential prior to comparative evaluation and correlation of fecal microbiota to health status, and that stool samples collected from caesarean-delivered infants at less than 1 year of age may represent a good cohort to study for potential biomarkers that can distinguish infants with eczema from those without. These findings would greatly facilitate future efforts in understanding the possible pathogenesis behind certain bacterial targets, and may lead to a timely intervention that reduces the occurrence of early life eczema and possibly allergic disorders in later life. PMID:20376357

Facilitators and barriers influencing the readiness to receive dental implants in a geriatric institutionalised population-A randomized non-invasive interventional study.

PubMed

Merz, Miriam A; Terheyden, Hendrik; Huber, Christian G; Seixas, Azizi A; Schoetzau, Andreas; Schneeberger, Andres R

2017-09-01

Although elderly people have many serious dental issues and are in need of prosthesis, few opt for dental implants. The aim of this study was to investigate barriers that prevent elderly people from receiving dental implants. Specifically, we examined (i) whether the message was delivered before or after the interview had an impact, and (ii) whether it did matter who delivered the message. Sixty-six residents from seven residential homes in the Canton of Grisons, Switzerland were included. The sample was randomized to a treatment group that received comprehensive education about dental implants before the interview and a control group that received education after completing the questionnaire. The sample consisted of 54 women (81.8%) and 12 males (18.2%) with an average age of 86.2 years. Education before the interview did not show any impact on the attitude towards dental implants. Main reasons for a negative attitude towards implants were old age and high costs. Participants who received information about implants from their relatives and their own dentist and not from the study dentist were significantly more willing to receive implants. Providing an adequate education about benefits and risks of receiving dental implants does not change the attitude towards dental implants. The source of information/messenger does influence attitudes towards implants. If the person delivering the education and information is a relative or a known medical person, the person's attitude is more likely to change as compared to people receiving the information from an unrelated person. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons A/S and The Gerodontology Association. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

SU-E-T-413: Examining Acquisition Rate for Using MatriXX Ion Chamber Array to Measure HDR Brachytherapy Treatments

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

Wagar, M; Bhagwat, M; O’Farrell, D

2015-06-15

Purpose: There are unique obstacles to implementing the MatriXX ionchamber array as a QA tool in Brachytherapy given that the device is designed for use in the MV energy range. One of the challenges we investigate is the affect of acquisition rates on dose measurement accuracy for HDR treatment plans. Methods: A treatment plan was optimized in Oncentra Brachy TPS to deliver a planar dose to a 5×5cm region at 10mm depth. The applicator was affixed to the surface of the MatriXX array. The plan was delivered multiple times using a Nucleatron HDR afterloader with a 2.9Ci Ir192 source. Formore » each measurement the sampling rate of the MatriXX movie mode was varied (30ms and 500ms). This experiment was repeated with identical parameters, following a source exchange, with an 11.2Ci Ir192 source. Finally, a single snap measurement was acquired. Analysis was preformed to evaluate the fidelity of the dose delivery for each iteration of the experiment. Evaluation was based on the comparison between the measured and TPS predicted dose. Results: Higher sample rates induce a greater discrepancy between the predicted and measured dose. Delivering the plan using a lower activity source also produced greater discrepancy in the measurement due to the increased delivery time. Analyzing the single snap measurement showed little difference from the 500ms integral dose measurement. Conclusion: The advantage of using movie mode for HDR treatment delivery QA is the ability for real time source tracking in addition to dose measurement. Our analysis indicates that 500ms is an optimal frame rate.« less

Development of Complexity Science and Technology Tools for NextGen Airspace Research and Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Holmes, Bruce J.; Sawhill, Bruce K.; Herriot, James; Seehart, Ken; Zellweger, Dres; Shay, Rick

2012-01-01

The objective of this research by NextGen AeroSciences, LLC is twofold: 1) to deliver an initial "toolbox" of algorithms, agent-based structures, and method descriptions for introducing trajectory agency as a methodology for simulating and analyzing airspace states, including bulk properties of large numbers of heterogeneous 4D aircraft trajectories in a test airspace -- while maintaining or increasing system safety; and 2) to use these tools in a test airspace to identify possible phase transition structure to predict when an airspace will approach the limits of its capacity. These 4D trajectories continuously replan their paths in the presence of noise and uncertainty while optimizing performance measures and performing conflict detection and resolution. In this approach, trajectories are represented as extended objects endowed with pseudopotential, maintaining time and fuel-efficient paths by bending just enough to accommodate separation while remaining inside of performance envelopes. This trajectory-centric approach differs from previous aircraft-centric distributed approaches to deconfliction. The results of this project are the following: 1) we delivered a toolbox of algorithms, agent-based structures and method descriptions as pseudocode; and 2) we corroborated the existence of phase transition structure in simulation with the addition of "early warning" detected prior to "full" airspace. This research suggests that airspace "fullness" can be anticipated and remedied before the airspace becomes unsafe.

Modelling debris transport within glaciers by advection in a full-Stokes ice flow model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wirbel, Anna; Jarosch, Alexander H.; Nicholson, Lindsey

2018-01-01

Glaciers with extensive surface debris cover respond differently to climate forcing than those without supraglacial debris. In order to include debris-covered glaciers in projections of glaciogenic runoff and sea level rise and to understand the paleoclimate proxy recorded by such glaciers, it is necessary to understand the manner and timescales over which a supraglacial debris cover develops. Because debris is delivered to the glacier by processes that are heterogeneous in space and time, and these debris inclusions are altered during englacial transport through the glacier system, correctly determining where, when and how much debris is delivered to the glacier surface requires knowledge of englacial transport pathways and deformation. To achieve this, we present a model of englacial debris transport in which we couple an advection scheme to a full-Stokes ice flow model. The model performs well in numerical benchmark tests, and we present both 2-D and 3-D glacier test cases that, for a set of prescribed debris inputs, reproduce the englacial features, deformation thereof and patterns of surface emergence predicted by theory and observations of structural glaciology. In a future step, coupling this model to (i) a debris-aware surface mass balance scheme and (ii) a supraglacial debris transport scheme will enable the co-evolution of debris cover and glacier geometry to be modelled.

How can the pressure in anti-embolism stockings be maintained during use? Laboratory evaluation of simulated 'wear' and different reconditioning protocols.

PubMed

Macintyre, Lisa; Stewart, Hazel; Rae, Michelle

2016-12-01

Deep vein thrombosis is a major global health issue, responsible for thousands of deaths each year. While thrombi can form under a variety of circumstances, lack of mobility significantly increases risk and therefore non-ambulant patients are frequently fitted with anti-embolism stockings on admission to hospital, to aid blood flow, prevent pooling and thus clotting. Anti-embolism stockings are the most widely used non-invasive medical device on the market and are believed to reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis by 40%. Despite their widespread use in hospitals world-wide, there is remarkably little research addressing their use or reconditioning and a wide variety of different reconditioning protocols are used in hospitals. The objective of this study was to establish the impact of different wear and reconditioning protocols on the pressure delivering ability of anti-embolism stockings. A laboratory investigation was undertaken to evaluate the pressure delivering ability of 2 major global brands of anti-embolism stockings over 5-8days of simulated wear (extension on static cylinders) and 4 different reconditioning protocols. 1 set of samples was continuously 'worn' for 8days without reconditioning, 1 set of samples was 'worn' for 5days with a day of relaxation between each day of 'wear', 1 set was 'hand washed' and 1 set was machine washed and then allowed to relax between each day of 'wear'. The pressure was measured at the beginning and end of each period of 'wear'. This study was undertaken in a conditioned textile testing laboratory that complies with BS EN ISO 139:2005+A1:2011. The pressure exerted by anti-embolism stockings reduced by between 15 and 24% after 24h of wear, it reduced by between 21 and 32% when worn continuously for 8days. Allowing stockings to rest for a day between days of wear allowed them to recover slightly but this recovery was only temporary. Washing stockings regenerated their pressure delivering potential significantly and machine washing allowed some to recover to exert more pressure than they had when new. Different brands of anti-embolism stockings exert different pressures on the same size of leg, when correctly fitted. The pressure exerted by anti-embolism stockings decreases with use but the correct pressure gradient is maintained if correctly fitted. Washing stockings after 24h of wear is effective in restoring their pressure delivering abilities and in some cases can surpass their 'as new' pressure delivering ability. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Conventional and Advanced Separations in Mass Spectrometry-Based Metabolomics: Methodologies and Applications

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

Heyman, Heino M.; Zhang, Xing; Tang, Keqi

2016-02-16

Metabolomics is the quantitative analysis of all metabolites in a given sample. Due to the chemical complexity of the metabolome, optimal separations are required for comprehensive identification and quantification of sample constituents. This chapter provides an overview of both conventional and advanced separations methods in practice for reducing the complexity of metabolite extracts delivered to the mass spectrometer detector, and covers gas chromatography (GC), liquid chromatography (LC), capillary electrophoresis (CE), supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) and ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) separation techniques coupled with mass spectrometry (MS) as both uni-dimensional and as multi-dimensional approaches.

Combined raman and IR fiber-based sensor for gas detection

DOEpatents

Carter, Jerry C; Chan, James W; Trebes, James E; Angel, Stanley M; Mizaikoff, Boris

2014-06-24

A double-pass fiber-optic based spectroscopic gas sensor delivers Raman excitation light and infrared light to a hollow structure, such as a hollow fiber waveguide, that contains a gas sample of interest. A retro-reflector is placed at the end of this hollow structure to send the light back through the waveguide where the light is detected at the same end as the light source. This double pass retro reflector design increases the interaction path length of the light and the gas sample, and also reduces the form factor of the hollow structure.

Gene delivery by direct injection (microinjection) using a controlled-flow system.

PubMed

Dean, David A

2006-12-01

INTRODUCTIONThis protocol describes a method for constant-flow microinjection using the Pneumatic PicoPump (World Precision Instruments). This type of system is very simple and can be assembled on a relatively low budget. In this method, a constant flow of sample is delivered from the tip of the pipette, and the amount of sample injected into the cell is determined by how long the pipette remains in the cell. A typical system is composed of a pressure regulator that can be adjusted for two pressures (back pressure and injection pressure), a capillary holder, and a coarse and fine micromanipulator.

Design of a blood-freezing system for leukemia research

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Williams, T. E.; Cygnarowicz, T. A.

1978-01-01

Leukemia research involves the use of cryogenic freezing and storage equipment. In a program being carried out at the National Cancer Institute (NCI), bone marrow (white blood cells) was frozen using a standard cryogenic biological freezer. With this system, it is difficult to maintain the desired rate of freezing and repeatability from sample to sample. A freezing system was developed that satisfies the requirements for a repeatable, constant freezing rate. The system was delivered to NIC and is now operational. This report describes the design of the major subsystems, the analyses, the operating procedure, and final system test results.

Free electron laser-driven ultrafast rearrangement of the electronic structure in Ti

PubMed Central

Principi, E.; Giangrisostomi, E.; Cucini, R.; Bencivenga, F.; Battistoni, A.; Gessini, A.; Mincigrucci, R.; Saito, M.; Di Fonzo, S.; D'Amico, F.; Di Cicco, A.; Gunnella, R.; Filipponi, A.; Giglia, A.; Nannarone, S.; Masciovecchio, C.

2015-01-01

High-energy density extreme ultraviolet radiation delivered by the FERMI seeded free-electron laser has been used to create an exotic nonequilibrium state of matter in a titanium sample characterized by a highly excited electron subsystem at temperatures in excess of 10 eV and a cold solid-density ion lattice. The obtained transient state has been investigated through ultrafast absorption spectroscopy across the Ti M2,3-edge revealing a drastic rearrangement of the sample electronic structure around the Fermi level occurring on a time scale of about 100 fs. PMID:26798835

The Gulliver sample return mission to Deimos

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Britt, D. T.; Robinson, M.; Gulliver Team

The Martian moon Deimos presents a unique opportunity for a sample return mission. Deimos is spectrally analogous to type D asteroids, which are thought to be composed of highly primitive carbonaceous material that originated in the outer asteroid belt. It also is in orbit around Mars and has been accumulating material ejected from the Martian surface ever since the earliest periods of Martian history, over 4.4 Gyrs ago. There are a number of factors that make sample return from Deimos extremely attractive. It is Better: Deimos is a repository for two kinds of extremely significant and scientifically exciting ancient samples: (1) Primitive spectral D-type material that may have accreted in the outer asteroid belt and Trojan swarm. This material samples the composition of solar nebula well outside the zone of terrestrial planets and provides a direct sample of primitive material so common past 3 AU but so uncommon in the meteorite collection. (2) Ancient Mars, which could include the full range of Martian crustal and upper mantle material from the early differentiation and crustal-forming epoch as well as samples from the era of high volatile flux, thick atmosphere, and possible surface water. The Martian material on Deimos would be dominated by ejecta from the ancient crust of Mars, delivered during the Noachian Period of basin-forming impacts and heavy bombardment. It is Closer: Compared to other primitive D-type asteroids, Deimos is by far the most accessible. Because of its orbit around Mars, Deimos is far closer than any other D asteroid. It is Safer: Deimos is also by far the safest small body for sample return yet imaged. It is an order of magnitude less rocky than Eros and the NEAR-Shoemaker mission succeeded in landing on Eros with a spacecraft not designed for landing and proximity maneuvering. Because of Viking imagery we already know a great deal about the surface roughness of Deimos. It is known to be very smooth and have moderate topography and gravitational slopes. It is Easier: Deimos is farther from Mars and smaller than Phobos. This location minimizes the delta-V penalties from entering the Martian gravity well; minimizes the energy requirements for sampling maneuvers; and minimizes Martian tidal effects on S/C operations. After initial processing these samples will be made available as soon as possible to the international cosmochemistry community for detailed analysis. The mission management team includes Lockheed Martin Astronautics (flight system, I&T) and JPL (payload, mission ops, and mission management).

A virtual experimenter to increase standardization for the investigation of placebo effects.

PubMed

Horing, Bjoern; Newsome, Nathan D; Enck, Paul; Babu, Sabarish V; Muth, Eric R

2016-07-18

Placebo effects are mediated by expectancy, which is highly influenced by psychosocial factors of a treatment context. These factors are difficult to standardize. Furthermore, dedicated placebo research often necessitates single-blind deceptive designs where biases are easily introduced. We propose a study protocol employing a virtual experimenter - a computer program designed to deliver treatment and instructions - for the purpose of standardization and reduction of biases when investigating placebo effects. To evaluate the virtual experimenter's efficacy in inducing placebo effects via expectancy manipulation, we suggest a partially blinded, deceptive design with a baseline/retest pain protocol (hand immersions in hot water bath). Between immersions, participants will receive an (actually inert) medication. Instructions pertaining to the medication will be delivered by one of three metaphors: The virtual experimenter, a human experimenter, and an audio/text presentation (predictor "Metaphor"). The second predictor includes falsely informing participants that the medication is an effective pain killer, or correctly informing them that it is, in fact, inert (predictor "Instruction"). Analysis will be performed with hierarchical linear modelling, with a sample size of N = 50. Results from two pilot studies are presented that indicate the viability of the pain protocol (N = 33), and of the virtual experimenter software and placebo manipulation (N = 48). It will be challenging to establish full comparability between all metaphors used for instruction delivery, and to account for participant differences in acceptance of their virtual interaction partner. Once established, the presence of placebo effects would suggest that the virtual experimenter exhibits sufficient cues to be perceived as a social agent. He could consequently provide a convenient platform to investigate effects of experimenter behavior, or other experimenter characteristics, e.g., sex, age, race/ethnicity or professional status. More general applications are possible, for example in psychological research such as bias research, or virtual reality research. Potential applications also exist for standardizing clinical research by documenting and communicating instructions used in clinical trials.

Optical Breath Gas Extravehicular Activity Sensor for the Advanced Portable Life Support System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wood, William R.; Casias, Miguel E.; Pilgrim, Jeffrey S.; Chullen, Cinda; Campbell, Colin

2016-01-01

The function of the infrared gas transducer used during extravehicular activity (EVA) in the current space suit is to measure and report the concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the ventilation loop. The next generation portable life support system (PLSS) requires highly accurate CO2 sensing technology with performance beyond that presently in use on the International Space Station extravehicular mobility unit (EMU). Further, that accuracy needs to be provided over the full operating pressure range of the suit (3 to 25 psia). Accommodation within space suits demands that optical sensors meet stringent size, weight, and power requirements. A laser diode (LD) sensor based on infrared absorption spectroscopy is being developed for this purpose by Vista Photonics, Inc. Version 1.0 prototype devices were delivered to NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) in September 2011. The prototypes were upgraded with more sophisticated communications and faster response times to version 2.0 and delivered to JSC in July 2012. The sensors incorporate a laser diode based CO2 channel that also includes an incidental water vapor (humidity) measurement. The prototypes are controlled digitally with an field-programmable gate array microcontroller architecture. Based on the results of the iterative instrument development, further prototype development and testing of instruments were performed leveraging the lessons learned where feasible. The present development extends and upgrades the earlier hardware for the advanced PLSS 2.5 prototypes for testing at JSC. The prototypes provide significantly enhanced accuracy for water vapor measurement and eliminate wavelength drift affecting the earlier versions. Various improvements to the electronics and gas sampling are currently being advanced including the companion development of engineering development units that will ultimately be capable of radiation tolerance. The combination of low power electronics with the performance of a long wavelength laser spectrometer enables multi-gas sensors with significantly increased performance over that presently offered in the EMU.

Internet delivered question and answer column for patients with schizophrenia.

PubMed

Maijala, Riikka; Anttila, Minna; Koivunen, Marita; Pitkänen, Anneli; Kuosmanen, Lauri; Välimäki, Maritta

2015-01-01

The purpose of this study was to describe the use of an Internet delivered question and answer column among patients with schizophrenia. The column was developed for research purposes. The study sample consisted of patients (N = 100) admitted to acute inpatient psychiatric care in two hospital districts. Descriptive data were collected from the column to which a nurse replied within 3 days and analysed using qualitative content analysis. The column had four to five questions weekly. The most common age of users was 18-24 years, and the gender distribution was almost equal. Column use was heaviest among students (44%) and least among unemployed people (19%). Out of 85 questions or comments sent to the column, 25 (29%) were related to program training and the remaining 60 (71%) were related to medication (31%), illness and tests (25%), other questions or comments (9%), daily life and coping with it (4%), and places to receive treatment (2%). An Internet delivered question and answer column can be included in the care of patients with schizophrenia. However, it requires a new type of basic and additional education in the field of mental health care in order for nurses to be able to provide nursing via the Internet forum.