[Optimization of prokaryotic expression conditions of Leptospira interrogans trigeminy genus-specific protein antigen based on surface response analysis].

PubMed

Wang, Jiang; Luo, Dongjiao; Sun, Aihua; Yan, Jie

2008-07-01

Lipoproteins LipL32 and LipL21 and transmembrane protein OMPL1 have been confirmed as the superficial genus-specific antigens of Leptospira interrogans, which can be used as antigens for developing a universal genetic engineering vaccine. In order to obtain high expression of an artificial fusion gene lipL32/1-lipL21-ompL1/2, we optimized prokaryotic expression conditions. We used surface response analysis based on the central composite design to optimize culture conditions of a new antigen protein by recombinant Escherichia coli DE3.The culture conditions included initial pH, induction start time, post-induction time, Isopropyl beta-D-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG) concentration, and temperature. The maximal production of antigen protein was 37.78 mg/l. The optimal culture conditions for high recombinant fusion protein was determined: initial pH 7.9, induction start time 2.5 h, a post-induction time of 5.38 h, 0.20 mM IPTG, and a post-induction temperature of 31 degrees C. Surface response analysis based on CCD increased the target production. This statistical method reduced the number of experiments required for optimization and enabled rapid identification and integration of the key culture condition parameters for optimizing recombinant protein expression.

The reliability of manual reporting of clinical events in an anesthesia information management system (AIMS).

PubMed

Simpao, Allan F; Pruitt, Eric Y; Cook-Sather, Scott D; Gurnaney, Harshad G; Rehman, Mohamed A

2012-12-01

Manual incident reports significantly under-report adverse clinical events when compared with automated recordings of intraoperative data. Our goal was to determine the reliability of AIMS and CQI reports of adverse clinical events that had been witnessed and recorded by research assistants. The AIMS and CQI records of 995 patients aged 2-12 years were analyzed to determine if anesthesia providers had properly documented the emesis events that were observed and recorded by research assistants who were present in the operating room at the time of induction. Research assistants recorded eight cases of emesis during induction that were confirmed with the attending anesthesiologist at the time of induction. AIMS yielded a sensitivity of 38 % (95 % confidence interval [CI] 8.5-75.5 %), while the sensitivity of CQI reporting was 13 % (95 % CI 0.3-52.7 %). The low sensitivities of the AIMS and CQI reports suggest that user-reported AIMS and CQI data do not reliably include significant clinical events.

Factors determining the smooth flow and the non-operative time in a one-induction room to one-operating room setting

PubMed Central

Mulier, Jan P; De Boeck, Liesje; Meulders, Michel; Beliën, Jeroen; Colpaert, Jan; Sels, Annabel

2015-01-01

Rationale, aims and objectives What factors determine the use of an anaesthesia preparation room and shorten non-operative time? Methods A logistic regression is applied to 18 751 surgery records from AZ Sint-Jan Brugge AV, Belgium, where each operating room has its own anaesthesia preparation room. Surgeries, in which the patient's induction has already started when the preceding patient's surgery has ended, belong to a first group where the preparation room is used as an induction room. Surgeries not fulfilling this property belong to a second group. A logistic regression model tries to predict the probability that a surgery will be classified into a specific group. Non-operative time is calculated as the time between end of the previous surgery and incision of the next surgery. A log-linear regression of this non-operative time is performed. Results It was found that switches in surgeons, being a non-elective surgery as well as the previous surgery being non-elective, increase the probability of being classified into the second group. Only a few surgery types, anaesthesiologists and operating rooms can be found exclusively in one of the two groups. Analysis of variance demonstrates that the first group has significantly lower non-operative times. Switches in surgeons, anaesthesiologists and longer scheduled durations of the previous surgery increases the non-operative time. A switch in both surgeon and anaesthesiologist strengthens this negative effect. Only a few operating rooms and surgery types influence the non-operative time. Conclusion The use of the anaesthesia preparation room shortens the non-operative time and is determined by several human and structural factors. PMID:25496600

Topology evolution and gelation mechanism of agarose gel.

PubMed

Xiong, Jun-Ying; Narayanan, Janaky; Liu, Xiang-Yang; Chong, Tan Kok; Chen, Shing Bor; Chung, Tai-Shung

2005-03-31

Kinetics as well as the evolution of the agarose gel topology is discussed, and the agarose gelation mechanism is identified. Aqueous high melting (HM) agarose solution (0.5% w/v) is used as the model system. It is found that the gelation process can be clearly divided into three stages: induction stage, gelation stage, and pseudoequilibrium stage. The induction stage of the gelation mechanism is identified using an advanced rheological expansion system (ARES, Rheometric Scientific). When a quench rate as large as 30 deg C/min is applied, gelation seems to occur through a nucleation and growth mechanism with a well-defined induction time (time required for the formation of the critical nuclei which enable further growth). The relationship between the induction time and the driving force which is determined by the final setting temperature follows the 3D nucleation model. A schematic representation of the three stages of the gelation mechanism is given based on turbidity and rheological measurements. Aggregation of agarose chains is promoted in the polymer-rich phase and this effect is evident from the increasing mass/length ratio of the fiber bundles upon gelation. Continuously increasing pore size during gelation may be attributed to the coagulation of the local polymer-rich phase in order to achieve the global minimum of the free energy of the gelling system. The gel pore size determined using turbidity measurements has been verified by electrophoretic mobility measurements.

EM Induction Experiment to Determine the Moment of a Magnet

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Najiya Maryam, K. M.

2014-01-01

If we drop a magnet through a coil, an emf is induced in the coil according to Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction. Here, such an experiment is done using expEYES kit. The plot of emf versus time has a specific shape with two peaks. A theoretical analysis of this graph is discussed here for both short and long cylindrical magnets.…

Parental presence during induction of anesthesia: physiological effects on parents.

PubMed

Kain, Zeev N; Caldwell-Andrews, Alison A; Mayes, Linda C; Wang, Shu-Ming; Krivutza, Dawn M; LoDolce, Megan E

2003-01-01

The authors conducted a randomized controlled trial to determine whether parental presence during induction of anesthesia (PPIA) is associated with parental physiologic and behavioral manifestations of stress. Children and their parents (N = 80) were randomly assigned to one of three groups: (1) PPIA; (2) PPIA plus 0.5 mg/kg oral midazolam; and (3) control (no PPIA or midazolam). The effect of the group assignment on parental heart rate (HR), parental blood pressure, and parental skin conductance level (SCL) were assessed. Both parental HR and parental SCL were monitored continually. Anxiety of the parent and child was also assessed. Parental HR increased from baseline until the induction of anesthesia (P = 0.001). A group-by-time effect ( P= 0.005) was also found. That is, throughout the induction period there were several time points at which parents in the two PPIA groups had a significantly higher HR than did parents in the control group (P < 0.05). Similarly, SCL was found to increase in all parents from baseline until induction of anesthesia (P = 0.001). Significant group differences in SCL changes over time were found as well (P = 0.009). State anxiety and blood pressure following induction of anesthesia did not differ significantly between groups ( P= nonsignificant). Examination of parental Holter data revealed no rhythm abnormalities and no electrocardiogram changes indicating ischemia. The authors found that PPIA is associated with increased parental HR and SCL. However, no increased incidence of electrocardiogram abnormalities were found in parents present during induction of anesthesia.

An attempt to detect lameness in galloping horses by use of body-mounted inertial sensors.

PubMed

Lopes, Marco A F; Dearo, Antonio C O; Lee, Allen; Reed, Shannon K; Kramer, Joanne; Pai, P Frank; Yonezawa, Yoshiharu; Maki, Hiromitchi; Morgan, Terry L; Wilson, David A; Keegan, Kevin G

2016-10-01

OBJECTIVE To evaluate head, pelvic, and limb movement to detect lameness in galloping horses. ANIMALS 12 Thoroughbreds. PROCEDURES Movement data were collected with inertial sensors mounted on the head, pelvis, and limbs of horses trotting and galloping in a straight line before and after induction of forelimb and hind limb lameness by use of sole pressure. Successful induction of lameness was determined by measurement of asymmetric vertical head and pelvic movement during trotting. Differences in gallop strides before and after induction of lameness were evaluated with paired-sample statistical analysis and neural network training and testing. Variables included maximum, minimum, range, and time indices of vertical head and pelvic acceleration, head rotation in the sagittal plane, pelvic rotation in the frontal plane, limb contact intervals, stride durations, and limb lead preference. Difference between median standardized gallop strides for each limb lead before and after induction of lameness was calculated as the sum of squared differences at each time index and assessed with a 2-way ANOVA. RESULTS Head and pelvic acceleration and rotation, limb timing, stride duration measurements, and limb lead preference during galloping were not significantly different before and after induction of lameness in the forelimb or hind limb. Differences between limb leads before induction of lameness were similar to or greater than differences within limb leads before and after lameness induction. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Galloping horses maintained asymmetry of head, pelvic, and limb motion between limb leads that was unrelated to lameness.

Evaluation of AQUI-S(TM) (efficacy and minimum toxic concentration) as a fish anaesthetic/sedative for public aquaculture in the United States

USGS Publications Warehouse

Stehly, G.R.; Gingerich, W.H.

1999-01-01

A preliminary evaluation of efficacy and minimum toxic concentration of AQUI-S(TM), a fish anaesthetic/sedative, was determined in two size classes of six species of fish important to US public aquaculture (bluegill, channel catfish, lake trout, rainbow trout, walleye and yellow perch). In addition, efficacy and minimum toxic concentration were determined in juvenile-young adult (fish aged 1 year or older) rainbow trout acclimated to water at 7 ??C, 12 ??C and 17 ??C. Testing concentrations were based on determinations made with range-finding studies for both efficacy and minimum toxic concentration. Most of the tested juvenile-young adult fish species were induced in 3 min or less at a nominal AQUI-S(TM) concentration of 20 mg L-1. In juvenile-young adult fish, the minimum toxic concentration was at least 2.5 times the selected efficacious concentration. Three out of five species of fry-fingerlings (1.25-12.5 cm in length and < 1 year old) were induced in ??? 4.1 min at a nominal concentration of 20 mg L-1 AQUI-S(TM), with the other two species requiring nominal concentrations of 25 and 35 mg L-1 for similar times of induction. Recovery times were ??? 7.3 rain for all species in the two size classes. In fry-fingerlings, the minimum toxic concentration was at least 1.4 times the selected efficacious concentration. There appeared to be little relationship between size of fish and concentrations or times to induction, recovery times and minimum toxic concentration. The times required for induction and for recovery were increased in rainbow trout as the acclimation temperature was reduced.

Partial microwave-assisted wet digestion of animal tissue using a baby-bottle sterilizer for analyte determination by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Matos, Wladiana O.; Menezes, Eveline A.; Gonzalez, Mário H.; Costa, Letícia M.; Trevizan, Lilian C.; Nogueira, Ana Rita A.

2009-06-01

A procedure for partial digestion of bovine tissue is proposed using polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) micro-vessels inside a baby-bottle sterilizer under microwave radiation for multi-element determination by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP OES). Samples were directly weighed in laboratory-made polytetrafluoroethylene vessels. Nitric acid and hydrogen peroxide were added to the uncovered vessels, which were positioned inside the baby-bottle sterilizer, containing 500 mL of water. The hydrogen peroxide volume was fixed at 100 µL. The system was placed in a domestic microwave oven and partial digestion was carried out for the determination of Ca, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn and Zn by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. The single-vessel approach was used in the entire procedure, to minimize contamination in trace analysis. Better recoveries and lower residual carbon content (RCC) levels were obtained under the conditions established through a 2 4-1 fractional factorial design: 650 W microwave power, 7 min digestion time, 50 µL nitric acid and 50 mg sample mass. The digestion efficiency was ascertained according to the residual carbon content determined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. The accuracy of the proposed procedure was checked against two certified reference materials.

Global electromagnetic induction in the moon and planets. [poloidal eddy current transient response

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dyal, P.; Parkin, C. W.

1973-01-01

Experiments and analyses concerning electromagnetic induction in the moon and other extraterrestrial bodies are summarized. The theory of classical electromagnetic induction in a sphere is first considered, and this treatment is extended to the case of the moon, where poloidal eddy-current response has been found experimentally to dominate other induction modes. Analysis of lunar poloidal induction yields lunar internal electrical conductivity and temperature profiles. Two poloidal-induction analytical techniques are discussed: a transient-response method applied to time-series magnetometer data, and a harmonic-analysis method applied to data numerically Fourier-transformed to the frequency domain, with emphasis on the former technique. Attention is given to complicating effects of the solar wind interaction with both induced poloidal fields and remanent steady fields. The static magnetization field induction mode is described, from which are calculated bulk magnetic permeability profiles. Magnetic field measurements obtained from the moon and from fly-bys of Venus and Mars are studied to determine the feasibility of extending theoretical and experimental induction techniques to other bodies in the solar system.

Pharmacokinetics and anesthetic and cardiopulmonary effects of propofol in red-tailed hawks (Buteo jamaicensis) and great horned owls (Bubo virginianus).

PubMed

Hawkins, Michelle G; Wright, Bonnie D; Pascoe, Peter J; Kass, Philip H; Maxwell, Lara K; Tell, Lisa A

2003-06-01

To determine induction doses, anesthetic constant rate infusions (CRI), and cardiopulmonary effects of propofol in red-tailed hawks and great horned owls and propofol pharmacokinetics in the owls during CRI. 6 red-tailed hawks and 6 great horned owls. The CRI dose necessary for a loss of withdrawal reflex was determined via specific stimuli. Anesthesia was induced by IV administration of propofol (1 mg/kg/min) and maintained by CRI at the predetermined dose for 30 minutes. Heart and respiratory rates, arterial blood pressures, and blood gas tensions were obtained in awake birds and at various times after induction. End-tidal CO2 (ETCO2) concentration and esophageal temperature were obtained after induction. Propofol plasma concentrations were obtained after induction and after completion of the CRI in the owls. Recovery times were recorded. Mean +/- SD doses for induction and CRI were 4.48 +/- 1.09 mg/kg and 0.48 +/- 0.06 mg/kg/min, respectively, for hawks and 3.36 +/- 0.71 mg/kg and 0.56 +/- 0.15 mg/kg/min, respectively, for owls. Significant increases in PaCO2, HCO3, and ETCO2 in hawks and owls and significant decreases in arterial pH in hawks were detected. A 2-compartment model best described the owl pharmacodynamic data. Recovery times after infusion were prolonged and varied widely. Central nervous system excitatory signs were observed during recovery. Effects on blood pressure were minimal, but effective ventilation was reduced, suggesting the need for careful monitoring during anesthesia. Prolonged recovery periods with moderate-to-severe excitatory CNS signs may occur in these species at these doses.

Time-Resolved O3 Chemical Chain Reaction Kinetics Via High-Resolution IR Laser Absorption Methods

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kulcke, Axel; Blackmon, Brad; Chapman, William B.; Kim, In Koo; Nesbitt, David J.

1998-01-01

Excimer laser photolysis in combination with time-resolved IR laser absorption detection of OH radicals has been used to study O3/OH(v = 0)/HO2 chain reaction kinetics at 298 K, (i.e.,(k(sub 1) is OH + 03 yields H02 + 02 and (k(sub 2) is H02 + 03 yields OH + 202). From time-resolved detection of OH radicals with high-resolution near IR laser absorption methods, the chain induction kinetics have been measured at up to an order of magnitude higher ozone concentrations ([03] less than or equal to 10(exp 17) molecules/cu cm) than accessible in previous studies. This greater dynamic range permits the full evolution of the chain induction, propagation, and termination process to be temporally isolated and measured in real time. An exact solution for time-dependent OH evolution under pseudo- first-order chain reaction conditions is presented, which correctly predicts new kinetic signatures not included in previous OH + 03 kinetic analyses. Specifically, the solutions predict an initial exponential loss (chain "induction") of the OH radical to a steady-state level ([OH](sub ss)), with this fast initial decay determined by the sum of both chain rate constants, k(sub ind) = k(sub 1) + k(sub 2). By monitoring the chain induction feature, this sum of the rate constants is determined to be k(sub ind) = 8.4(8) x 10(exp -14) cu cm/molecule/s for room temperature reagents. This is significantly higher than the values currently recommended for use in atmospheric models, but in excellent agreement with previous results from Ravishankara et al.

Social induction of maturation and sex determination in a coral reef fish.

PubMed Central

Hobbs, Jean-Paul A.; Munday, Philip L.; Jones, Geoffrey P.

2004-01-01

Labile maturation and sex determination should be advantageous where the probability of finding a mating partner is unpredictable. Here we tested the hypothesis that the presence of a potential mating partner induces maturation and sex determination in a coral-dwelling fish, Gobiodon erythrospilus. In natural populations at Lizard Island (Great Barrier Reef), single individuals were less likely to be mature than paired individuals and they matured at a larger size, indicating plasticity in the timing of maturation. By manipulating group structure we demonstrated that both the timing of maturation and the sex of maturing individuals are socially controlled. Single juveniles did not mature, but maturation was rapidly induced by the presence of an adult partner. In addition, sex determination was found to be labile, with juveniles maturing into the opposite sex of the partner encountered. To our knowledge, this is the first experimental demonstration of social induction of maturation in conjunction with labile sex determination at maturation in vertebrates. This flexibility enables individuals to maximize their reproductive success in an environment where the timing of mate acquisition and the sex of their future partner are unpredictable. PMID:15475329

Utilizing high-throughput experimentation to enhance specific productivity of an E.coli T7 expression system by phosphate limitation.

PubMed

Huber, Robert; Roth, Simon; Rahmen, Natalie; Büchs, Jochen

2011-03-17

The specific productivity of cultivation processes can be optimized, amongst others, by using genetic engineering of strains, choice of suitable host/vector systems or process optimization (e.g. choosing the right induction time). A further possibility is to reduce biomass buildup in favor of an enhanced product formation, e.g. by limiting secondary substrates in the medium, such as phosphate. However, with conventional techniques (e.g. small scale cultivations in shake flasks), it is very tedious to establish optimal conditions for cell growth and protein expression, as the start of protein expression (induction time) and the degree of phosphate limitation have to be determined in numerous concerted, manually conducted experiments. We investigated the effect of different induction times and a concurrent phosphate limitation on the specific productivity of the T7 expression system E.coli BL21(DE3) pRhotHi-2-EcFbFP, which produces the model fluorescence protein EcFbFP upon induction. Therefore, specific online-monitoring tools for small scale cultivations (RAMOS, BioLector) as well as a novel cultivation platform (Robo-Lector) were used for rapid process optimization. The RAMOS system monitored the oxygen transfer rate in shake flasks, whereas the BioLector device allowed to monitor microbial growth and the production of EcFbFP in microtiter plates. The Robo-Lector is a combination of a BioLector and a pipetting robot and can conduct high-throughput experiments fully automated. By using these tools, it was possible to determine the optimal induction time and to increase the specific productivity for EcFbFP from 22% (for unlimited conditions) to 31% of total protein content of the E.coli cells via a phosphate limitation. The results revealed that a phosphate limitation at the right induction time was suitable to redirect the available cellular resources during cultivation to protein expression rather than in biomass production. To our knowledge, such an effect was shown for the first time for an IPTG-inducible expression system. Finally, this finding and the utilization of the introduced high-throughput experimentation approach could help to find new targets to further enhance the production capacity of recombinant E.coli-strains.

Multi-elemental analysis of aqueous geochemical samples by quadrupole inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS)

USGS Publications Warehouse

Wolf, Ruth E.; Adams, Monique

2015-01-01

Typically, quadrupole inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) is used to determine as many as 57 major, minor, and trace elements in aqueous geochemical samples, including natural surface water and groundwater, acid mine drainage water, and extracts or leachates from geological samples. The sample solution is aspirated into the inductively coupled plasma (ICP) which is an electrodeless discharge of ionized argon gas at a temperature of approximately 6,000 degrees Celsius. The elements in the sample solution are subsequently volatilized, atomized, and ionized by the ICP. The ions generated are then focused and introduced into a quadrupole mass filter which only allows one mass to reach the detector at a given moment in time. As the settings of the mass analyzer change, subsequent masses are allowed to impact the detector. Although the typical quadrupole ICP-MS system is a sequential scanning instrument (determining each mass separately), the scan speed of modern instruments is on the order of several thousand masses per second. Consequently, typical total sample analysis times of 2–3 minutes are readily achievable for up to 57 elements.

Isothermal Ice Crystallization Kinetics in the Gas-Diffusion Layer of a Proton-Exchange-Membrane Fuel Cell

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

Dursch, Thomas J.; Ciontea, Monica A.; Radke, Clayton J.

2011-12-01

Nucleation and growth of ice in the fibrous gas-diffusion layer (GDL) of a proton-exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) are studied using isothermal differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Isothermal crystallization rates and pseudo-steady-state nucleation rates are obtained as a function of subcooling from heat-flow and induction-time measurements. Kinetics of ice nucleation and growth are studied at two polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) loadings (0 and 10 wt %) in a commercial GDL for temperatures between 240 and 273 K. A nonlinear ice-crystallization rate expression is developed using Johnson–Mehl–Avrami–Kolmogorov (JMAK) theory, in which the heat-transfer-limited growth rate is determined from the moving-boundary Stefan problem. Induction timesmore » follow a Poisson distribution and increase upon addition of PTFE, indicating that nucleation occurs more slowly on a hydrophobic fiber than on a hydrophilic fiber. The determined nucleation rates and induction times follow expected trends from classical nucleation theory. Finally, a validated rate expression is now available for predicting ice-crystallization kinetics in GDLs.« less

Anesthetic activity of plant essential oils on Cyprinus carpio (koi carp).

PubMed

Khumpirapang, Nattakanwadee; Pikulkaew, Surachai; Anuchapreeda, Songyot; Okonogi, Siriporn

2018-03-19

The aims of this study were to investigate the anesthetic and cytotoxic effects of essential oils (EOs) of Ocimum basilicum (OBO), O. canum (OCO), and O. sanctum (OSO) on Cyprinus carpio (koi carp). For anesthetic effect, induction time to surgical anesthesia and recovery time were determined. For cytotoxicity effect, viability of fish peripheral blood nuclear cells (PBMCs) was investigated. Results indicated that increasing oil concentration caused significant (p < 0.01) decrease of induction time. OSO at 100, 200, and 300 mg/L gave the induction time of 169.5 ± 10.2, 62.8 ± 2.3, 45.3 ± 2.2 sec, respectively, significantly shorter than OCO, and OBO. The recovery time of anesthetized fish was dose dependent (p <0.01). Among them, OCO showed the longest recovery time of 313.0 ± 8.1, 420.7 ± 12.6, 616.6 ± 12.1 sec for concentrations of 100, 200, and 300 mg/L, respectively, followed by OSO and OBO, respectively. Within 10 min contact time of the EOs and fish PBMCs, the fish PBMC viability was higher than 80%. Increase contact time and EO concentration caused an increase in cytotoxicity to fish PBMC. OBO showed less toxic than OSO and OCO. Based on the desired induction and recovery times for anesthetizing koi carp, OBO, OCO, and OSO at 300, 200, and 100 mg/L, respectively were suggested to be the most suitable. It was concluded that OBO, OCO, and OSO can be used as natural anesthetics for fish.

[Evaluation of the scales used to measure anxiety and child behaviour during the induction of anaesthesia. Literature review].

PubMed

Jerez, C; Lázaro, J J; Ullán, A M

2016-02-01

The assessment of children's anxiety during anaesthetic induction is useful to determine if pre-operative strategies have been effective in reducing anxiety. The aim of this study is to review the different tools used to evaluate child anxiety or behaviour during the induction of anaesthesia. The electronic databases with no date limits were reviewed in December 2013, with a second review repeated in September 2014. A data extraction template was applied to find the scales used in the articles. Eight observational scales were found. Six of them can only be used during induction of anaesthesia, and two of those could be applied at various perioperative times, before surgery and during induction of anaesthesia. Copyright © 2014 Sociedad Española de Anestesiología, Reanimación y Terapéutica del Dolor. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Defining failed induction of labor.

PubMed

Grobman, William A; Bailit, Jennifer; Lai, Yinglei; Reddy, Uma M; Wapner, Ronald J; Varner, Michael W; Thorp, John M; Leveno, Kenneth J; Caritis, Steve N; Prasad, Mona; Tita, Alan T N; Saade, George; Sorokin, Yoram; Rouse, Dwight J; Blackwell, Sean C; Tolosa, Jorge E

2018-01-01

While there are well-accepted standards for the diagnosis of arrested active-phase labor, the definition of a "failed" induction of labor remains less certain. One approach to diagnosing a failed induction is based on the duration of the latent phase. However, a standard for the minimum duration that the latent phase of a labor induction should continue, absent acute maternal or fetal indications for cesarean delivery, remains lacking. The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes as a function of the duration of the latent phase among nulliparous women undergoing labor induction. This study is based on data from an obstetric cohort of women delivering at 25 US hospitals from 2008 through 2011. Nulliparous women who had a term singleton gestation in the cephalic presentation were eligible for this analysis if they underwent a labor induction. Consistent with prior studies, the latent phase was determined to begin once cervical ripening had ended, oxytocin was initiated, and rupture of membranes had occurred, and was determined to end once 5-cm dilation was achieved. The frequencies of cesarean delivery, as well as of adverse maternal (eg, postpartum hemorrhage, chorioamnionitis) and perinatal (eg, a composite frequency of seizures, sepsis, bone or nerve injury, encephalopathy, or death) outcomes, were compared as a function of the duration of the latent phase (analyzed with time both as a continuous measure and categorized in 3-hour increments). A total of 10,677 women were available for analysis. In the vast majority (96.4%) of women, the active phase had been reached by 15 hours. The longer the duration of a woman's latent phase, the greater her chance of ultimately undergoing a cesarean delivery (P < .001, for time both as a continuous and categorical independent variable), although >40% of women whose latent phase lasted ≥18 hours still had a vaginal delivery. Several maternal morbidities, such as postpartum hemorrhage (P < .001) and chorioamnionitis (P < .001), increased in frequency as the length of latent phase increased. Conversely, the frequencies of most adverse perinatal outcomes were statistically stable over time. The large majority of women undergoing labor induction will have entered the active phase by 15 hours after oxytocin has started and rupture of membranes has occurred. Maternal adverse outcomes become statistically more frequent with greater time in the latent phase, although the absolute increase in frequency is relatively small. These data suggest that cesarean delivery should not be undertaken during the latent phase prior to at least 15 hours after oxytocin and rupture of membranes have occurred. The decision to continue labor beyond this point should be individualized, and may take into account factors such as other evidence of labor progress. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Re-evaluation of rhodopsin's relaxation kinetics determined from femtosecond stimulated Raman lineshapes.

PubMed

McCamant, David W

2011-07-28

This work presents a theoretical treatment of the vibrational line shape generated in a femtosecond stimulated Raman spectroscopy (FSRS) experiment under conditions in which the probed vibration undergoes a significant frequency shift during its free induction decay. This theory is applied to simulate the FSRS lineshapes previously observed in rhodopsin (Kukura et al. Science 2005, 310, 1006). The previously determined relaxation times for formation of the trans-photoproduct of rhodopsin were calculated using an incorrect equation for the time dependence of the observed frequency shifts. Here the data are reanalyzed by calculation of the corrected frequency sweep occurring during the vibrational free induction decay. It is shown that the calculated frequency shifts and general conclusions of the original work are sound but that the coherent vibrational frequency shifts of the C(10), C(11), and C(12) hydrogen-out-of-plane vibrations occur with a 140 fs time constant rather than the previously reported 325 fs time constant. This time constant provides an important constraint for models of the dynamics of the cis to trans isomerization process. © 2011 American Chemical Society

Effect of sample volume on metastable zone width and induction time

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kubota, Noriaki

2012-04-01

The metastable zone width (MSZW) and the induction time, measured for a large sample (say>0.1 L) are reproducible and deterministic, while, for a small sample (say<1 mL), these values are irreproducible and stochastic. Such behaviors of MSZW and induction time were theoretically discussed both with stochastic and deterministic models. Equations for the distribution of stochastic MSZW and induction time were derived. The average values of stochastic MSZW and induction time both decreased with an increase in sample volume, while, the deterministic MSZW and induction time remained unchanged. Such different behaviors with variation in sample volume were explained in terms of detection sensitivity of crystallization events. The average values of MSZW and induction time in the stochastic model were compared with the deterministic MSZW and induction time, respectively. Literature data reported for paracetamol aqueous solution were explained theoretically with the presented models.

Starting time for induction of labor and the risk for night-time delivery.

PubMed

Thorsell, M; Lyrenäs, S; Andolf, E; Kaijser, M

2011-08-01

To analyze if starting time for labor induction affected the risk of night-time delivery, and to evaluate to what extent the risk was influenced by Bishop score at start of induction, mode of induction, and parity. A retrospective cohort study of women who delivered at Danderyd Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden, 2002-2006, comprising 1940 women induced by Dinoprostone (PGE(2)) or transcervical balloon catheter (BARD). Risks for night-time delivery were calculated as absolute risk and Odds Ratios by unconditional logistic regression using induction of labor in the morning as reference. For nulliparae with Bishop score 0-3 induced by BARD, odds ratios for night-time delivery were 0.42 (95% C.I. 0.19-0.93) and 0.09 (95% C.I. 0.02-0.47) when inductions started in the afternoon and evening, respectively, compared to inductions starting in the morning For multiparae, however, the risk of night-time delivery was highest if induction started in the evening. Compared to inductions started in the morning, odds ratios for night-time delivery were 3.53 (95% C.I. 2.57-4.83) and 8.49 (95% C.I. 4.45-16.19) for induction starting in the afternoon and evening, respectively. Starting time of labor induction affects the risk of giving birth at night. For nulliparae induced by BARD, starting the induction in the evening instead of during the day may reduce the number of night-time deliveries substantially. For multiparae, however, our data suggest that induction of labor should take place in the morning. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Induction Mapping of the 3D-Modulated Spin Texture of Skyrmions in Thin Helimagnets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schneider, S.; Wolf, D.; Stolt, M. J.; Jin, S.; Pohl, D.; Rellinghaus, B.; Schmidt, M.; Büchner, B.; Goennenwein, S. T. B.; Nielsch, K.; Lubk, A.

2018-05-01

Envisaged applications of Skyrmions in magnetic memory and logic devices crucially depend on the stability and mobility of these topologically nontrivial magnetic textures in thin films. We present for the first time quantitative maps of the magnetic induction that provide evidence for a 3D modulation of the Skyrmionic spin texture. The projected in-plane magnetic induction maps as determined from in-line and off-axis electron holography carry the clear signature of Bloch Skyrmions. However, the magnitude of this induction is much smaller than the values expected for homogeneous Bloch Skyrmions that extend throughout the thickness of the film. This finding can only be understood if the underlying spin textures are modulated along the out-of-plane z direction. The projection of (the in-plane magnetic induction of) helices is further found to exhibit thickness-dependent lateral shifts, which show that this z modulation is accompanied by an (in-plane) modulation along the x and y directions.

A rapid and practical strategy for the determination of platinum, palladium, ruthenium, rhodium, iridium and gold in large amounts of ultrabasic rock by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry combined with ultrasound extraction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Gai; Tian, Min

2015-04-01

This proposed method regulated the determination of platinum, palladium, ruthenium, rhodium, iridium and gold in platinum-group ores by nickel sulfide fire assay—inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) combined with ultrasound extraction for the first time. The quantitative limits were 0.013-0.023μg/g. The samples were fused to separate the platinum-group elements from matrix. The nickel sulfide button was then dissolved with hydrochloric acid and the insoluble platinum-group sulfide residue was dissolved with aqua regia by ultrasound bath and finally determined by ICP-OES. The proposed method has been applied into the determination of platinum-group element and gold in large amounts of ultrabasic rocks from the Great Dyke of Zimbabwe.

Unmet need for induction of labor in Africa: secondary analysis from the 2004 - 2005 WHO Global Maternal and Perinatal Health Survey (A cross-sectional survey)

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background Induction of labor is being increasingly used to prevent adverse outcomes in the mother and the newborn.This study assessed the prevalence of induction of labor and determinants of its use in Africa. Methods We performed secondary analysis of the WHO Global Survey of Maternal and Newborn Health of 2004 and 2005. The African database was analyzed to determine the use of induction of labor at the country level and indications for induction of labor. The un-met needs for specific obstetric indications and at country level were assessed. Determinants of use of induction of labor were explored with multivariate regression analysis. Results A total of 83,437 deliveries were recorded in the 7 participating countries. Average rate of induction was 4.4% with a range of 1.4 – 6.8%. Pre-labor rupture of membranes was the commonest indication for induction of labor. Two groups of women were identified: 2,776 women with indications had induction of labor while 7,996 women although had indications but labor was not induced. Induction of labor was associated with reduction of stillbirths and perinatal deaths [OR – 0.34; 95% CI (0.27 – 0.43)]. Unmet need for induction of labor ranged between 66.0% and 80.2% across countries. Determinants of having an induction of labor were place of residence, duration of schooling, type of health facility and level of antenatal care. Conclusion Utilization of induction of labor in health facilities in Africa is very low. Improvements in social and health infrastructure are required to reverse the high unmet need for induction of labor. PMID:22938026

Prediction of induction time for methane hydrate formation in the presence or absence of THF in flow loop system by Natarajan model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Talaghat, Mohammad Reza; Jokar, Seyyed Mohammad

2018-03-01

The induction time is a time interval to detect the initial hydrate formation, which is counted from the moment when the stirrer is turned on until the first detection of hydrate formation. The main objective of the present work is to predict and measure the induction time of methane hydrate formation in the presence or absence of tetrahydrofuran (THF) as promoter in the flow loop system. A laboratory flow mini-loop apparatus was set up to measure the induction time of methane hydrate formation. The induction time is predicted using developed Kashchiev and Firoozabadi model and modified model of Natarajan for a flow loop system. Furthermore, the effects of volumetric flow rate of the fluid on the induction time were investigated. The results of the models were compared with experimental data. They show that the induction time of hydrate formation in the presence of THF is very short at high pressure and high volumetric flow rate of the fluid. It decreases with increasing pressure and liquid volumetric flow rate. It is also shown that the modified Natarajan model is more accurate than the Kashchiev and Firoozabadi ones in prediction of the induction time.

A randomized trial of Foley balloon induction of labor trial in nulliparas (FIAT-N).

PubMed

Connolly, Katherine A; Kohari, Katherine S; Rekawek, Patricia; Smilen, Brooke S; Miller, Meredith R; Moshier, Erin; Factor, Stephanie H; Stone, Joanne L; Bianco, Angela T

2016-09-01

With an increasing rate of induction of labor, it is important to choose induction methods that are safe and efficient in achieving a vaginal delivery. The optimal method for inducing nulliparous women with an unfavorable cervix is not known. We sought to determine if induction of labor with simultaneous use of oxytocin and Foley balloon vs sequential use of Foley balloon followed by oxytocin decreases the time to delivery in nulliparous women. We conducted a randomized controlled trial of nulliparous women presenting for induction at a single institution from December 2013 through March 2015. After decision for induction was made by their primary provider, women with gestational age ≥24 weeks with a nonanomalous, singleton fetus in vertex presentation with intact membranes were offered participation. Exclusion criteria included history of uterine surgery, unexplained vaginal bleeding, latex allergy, or contraindication to vaginal delivery. Participants were randomized to either simultaneous (oxytocin and Foley balloon) or sequential (oxytocin after expulsion of Foley balloon) induction group. The primary outcome was time from induction to delivery. Secondary outcomes included mode of delivery, estimated blood loss, postpartum hemorrhage, chorioamnionitis, and composite neonatal outcome. Maternal and neonatal outcomes were collected via chart review. Analyses were done on an intention-to-treat basis. A total of 166 patients were enrolled; 82 in the simultaneous and 84 in the sequential group. There were no differences in baseline characteristics in the 2 groups. Patients who received simultaneous oxytocin with insertion of a Foley balloon delivered significantly earlier (15.92 vs 18.87 hours, P = .004) than those in the sequential group. There was no difference in rate of cesarean delivery, estimated blood loss, postpartum hemorrhage, chorioamnionitis, or composite neonatal outcome. Simultaneous use of oxytocin and Foley balloon for induction of labor results in a significantly shorter interval to delivery in nulliparas. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The dose effect of ephedrine on the onset time of vecuronium.

PubMed

Kim, Kyo S; Cheong, Mi A; Jeon, Jeong W; Lee, Jeong H; Shim, Jae C

2003-04-01

A small dose of ephedrine decreases the onset time of rocuronium and cisatracurium; however, ephedrine might be associated with adverse hemodynamic effects. The appropriate dose of ephedrine has not been determined. We, therefore, studied 120 patients anesthetized with fentanyl 2 microg/kg and propofol 2-2.5 mg/kg who were randomly divided to receive either ephedrine (30, 70, or 110 microg/kg) or saline. During propofol anesthesia, the neuromuscular block was monitored by mechanomyography by using submaximal current of train-of-four stimulation every 10 s. To determine cardiac output, a transcutaneous Doppler probe was placed externally at the suprasternal notch. Tracheal intubation was performed by a blinded investigator at 2 min after vecuronium. Neuromuscular block, intubating conditions, and hemodynamic effects were measured during the induction of anesthesia. Both ephedrine 70 and 110 microg/kg improved intubating conditions at 2 min after vecuronium; however, 110 microg/kg was associated with adverse hemodynamic effects. We conclude that ephedrine 70 microg/kg given before the induction of anesthesia improved intubating conditions at 2 min after vecuronium, probably by increased cardiac output without significant adverse hemodynamic effects. Ephedrine 70 microg/kg given before the induction of anesthesia improved tracheal intubating conditions at 2 min after vecuronium by increased cardiac output without significant adverse hemodynamic effects.

Determination of efficiencies, loss mechanisms, and performance degradation factors in chopper controlled dc vehical motors. Section 2: The time dependent finite element modeling of the electromagnetic field in electrical machines: Methods and applications. Ph.D. Thesis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hamilton, H. B.; Strangas, E.

1980-01-01

The time dependent solution of the magnetic field is introduced as a method for accounting for the variation, in time, of the machine parameters in predicting and analyzing the performance of the electrical machines. The method of time dependent finite element was used in combination with an also time dependent construction of a grid for the air gap region. The Maxwell stress tensor was used to calculate the airgap torque from the magnetic vector potential distribution. Incremental inductances were defined and calculated as functions of time, depending on eddy currents and saturation. The currents in all the machine circuits were calculated in the time domain based on these inductances, which were continuously updated. The method was applied to a chopper controlled DC series motor used for electric vehicle drive, and to a salient pole sychronous motor with damper bars. Simulation results were compared to experimentally obtained ones.

Cognitive predictors of everyday functioning in older adults: results from the ACTIVE Cognitive Intervention Trial.

PubMed

Gross, Alden L; Rebok, George W; Unverzagt, Frederick W; Willis, Sherry L; Brandt, Jason

2011-09-01

The present study sought to predict changes in everyday functioning using cognitive tests. Data from the Advanced Cognitive Training for Independent and Vital Elderly trial were used to examine the extent to which competence in different cognitive domains--memory, inductive reasoning, processing speed, and global mental status--predicts prospectively measured everyday functioning among older adults. Coefficients of determination for baseline levels and trajectories of everyday functioning were estimated using parallel process latent growth models. Each cognitive domain independently predicts a significant proportion of the variance in baseline and trajectory change of everyday functioning, with inductive reasoning explaining the most variance (R2 = .175) in baseline functioning and memory explaining the most variance (R2 = .057) in changes in everyday functioning. Inductive reasoning is an important determinant of current everyday functioning in community-dwelling older adults, suggesting that successful performance in daily tasks is critically dependent on executive cognitive function. On the other hand, baseline memory function is more important in determining change over time in everyday functioning, suggesting that some participants with low baseline memory function may reflect a subgroup with incipient progressive neurologic disease.

Inductive Measurement of Optically Hyperpolarized Phosphorous Donor Nuclei in an Isotopically Enriched Silicon-28 Crystal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gumann, P.; Patange, O.; Ramanathan, C.; Haas, H.; Moussa, O.; Thewalt, M. L. W.; Riemann, H.; Abrosimov, N. V.; Becker, P.; Pohl, H.-J.; Itoh, K. M.; Cory, D. G.

2014-12-01

We experimentally demonstrate the first inductive readout of optically hyperpolarized phosphorus-31 donor nuclear spins in an isotopically enriched silicon-28 crystal. The concentration of phosphorus donors in the crystal was 1.5 ×1 015 cm-3 , 3 orders of magnitude lower than has previously been detected via direct inductive detection. The signal-to-noise ratio measured in a single free induction decay from a 1 cm3 sample (≈1015 spins) was 113. By transferring the sample to an X -band ESR spectrometer, we were able to obtain a lower bound for the nuclear spin polarization at 1.7 K of ˜64 % . The 31P -T2 measured with a Hahn echo sequence was 420 ms at 1.7 K, which was extended to 1.2 s with a Carr Purcell cycle. The T1 of the 31P nuclear spins at 1.7 K is extremely long and could not be determined, as no decay was observed even on a time scale of 4.5 h. Optical excitation was performed with a 1047 nm laser, which provided above-band-gap excitation of the silicon. The buildup of the hyperpolarization at 4.2 K followed a single exponential with a characteristic time of 577 s, while the buildup at 1.7 K showed biexponential behavior with characteristic time constants of 578 and 5670 s.

Cisplatin and Oxaliplatin Toxicity: Importance of Cochlear Kinetics as a Determinant for Ototoxicity

PubMed Central

Wallin, Inger; Eriksson, Sofi; Hernlund, Emma; Jerremalm, Elin; Berndtsson, Maria; Eksborg, Staffan; Arnér, Elias S. J.; Shoshan, Maria; Ehrsson, Hans; Laurell, Göran

2009-01-01

Background Cisplatin is a cornerstone anticancer drug with pronounced ototoxicity, whereas oxaliplatin, a platinum derivative with a different clinical profile, is rarely ototoxic. This difference has not been explained. Methods In HCT116 cells, cisplatin (20 μM)-induced apoptosis was reduced by a calcium chelator from 9.9-fold induction (95% confidence interval [CI] = 8.1- to 11.7-fold), to 3.1-fold induction (95% CI = 2.0- to 4.2-fold) and by superoxide scavenging from 9.3-fold (95% CI = 8.8- to 9.8-fold), to 5.1-fold (95% CI = 4.4- to 5.8-fold). A guinea pig model (n = 23) was used to examine pharmacokinetics. Drug concentrations were determined by liquid chromatography with post-column derivatization. The total platinum concentration in cochlear tissue was determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Drug pharmacokinetics was assessed by determining the area under the concentration–time curve (AUC). Statistical tests were two-sided. Results In HCT116 cells, cisplatin (20 μM)-induced apoptosis was reduced by a calcium chelator from 9.9-fold induction (95% confidence interval [CI] = 8.1- to 11.7-fold to 3.1-fold induction) (95% CI = 2.0- to 4.2-fold) and by superoxide scavenging (from 9.3-fold, 95% CI = 8.8- to 9.8-fold, to 5.1-fold, 95% CI = 4.4- to 5.8-fold). Oxaliplatin (20 μM)-induced apoptosis was unaffected by calcium chelation (from 7.1- to 6.2-fold induction) and by superoxide scavenging (from 5.9- to 5.6-fold induction). In guinea pig cochlea, total platinum concentration (0.12 vs 0.63 μg/kg, respectively, P = .008) and perilymphatic drug concentrations (238 vs 515 μM × minute, respectively, P < .001) were lower after intravenous oxaliplatin treatment (16.6 mg/kg) than after equimolar cisplatin treatment (12.5 mg/kg). However, after a non-ototoxic cisplatin dose (5 mg/kg) or the same oxaliplatin dose (16.6 mg/kg), the AUC for perilymphatic concentrations was similar, indicating that the two drugs have different cochlear pharmacokinetics. Conclusion Cisplatin- but not oxaliplatin-induced apoptosis involved superoxide-related pathways. Lower cochlear uptake of oxaliplatin than cisplatin appears to be a major explanation for its lower ototoxicity. PMID:19116379

On coincident loop transient electromagnetic induction logging

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

Swidinsky, Andrei; Weiss, Chester J.

Coincident loop transient induction wireline logging is examined as the borehole analog of the well-known land and airborne time-domain electromagnetic (EM) method. The concept of whole-space late-time apparent resistivity is modified from the half-space version commonly used in land and airborne geophysics and applied to the coincident loop voltages produced from various formation, borehole, and invasion models. Given typical tool diameters, off-time measurements with such an instrument must be made on the order of nanoseconds to microseconds — much more rapidly than for surface methods. Departure curves of the apparent resistivity for thin beds, calculated using an algorithm developed tomore » model the transient response of a loop in a multilayered earth, indicate that the depth of investigation scales with the bed thickness. Modeled resistivity logs are comparable in accuracy and resolution with standard frequency-domain focused induction logs. However, if measurement times are longer than a few microseconds, the thicknesses of conductors can be overestimated, whereas resistors are underestimated. Thin-bed resolution characteristics are explained by visualizing snapshots of the EM fields in the formation, where a conductor traps the electric field while two current maxima are produced in the shoulder beds surrounding a resistor. Radial profiling is studied using a concentric cylinder earth model. Results found that true formation resistivity can be determined in the presence of either oil- or water-based mud, although in the latter case, measurements must be taken several orders of magnitude later in time. Lastly, the ability to determine true formation resistivity is governed by the degree that the EM field heals after being distorted by borehole fluid and invasion, a process visualized and particularly evident in the case of conductive water-based mud.« less

On coincident loop transient electromagnetic induction logging

DOE PAGES

Swidinsky, Andrei; Weiss, Chester J.

2017-05-31

Coincident loop transient induction wireline logging is examined as the borehole analog of the well-known land and airborne time-domain electromagnetic (EM) method. The concept of whole-space late-time apparent resistivity is modified from the half-space version commonly used in land and airborne geophysics and applied to the coincident loop voltages produced from various formation, borehole, and invasion models. Given typical tool diameters, off-time measurements with such an instrument must be made on the order of nanoseconds to microseconds — much more rapidly than for surface methods. Departure curves of the apparent resistivity for thin beds, calculated using an algorithm developed tomore » model the transient response of a loop in a multilayered earth, indicate that the depth of investigation scales with the bed thickness. Modeled resistivity logs are comparable in accuracy and resolution with standard frequency-domain focused induction logs. However, if measurement times are longer than a few microseconds, the thicknesses of conductors can be overestimated, whereas resistors are underestimated. Thin-bed resolution characteristics are explained by visualizing snapshots of the EM fields in the formation, where a conductor traps the electric field while two current maxima are produced in the shoulder beds surrounding a resistor. Radial profiling is studied using a concentric cylinder earth model. Results found that true formation resistivity can be determined in the presence of either oil- or water-based mud, although in the latter case, measurements must be taken several orders of magnitude later in time. Lastly, the ability to determine true formation resistivity is governed by the degree that the EM field heals after being distorted by borehole fluid and invasion, a process visualized and particularly evident in the case of conductive water-based mud.« less

Induction of osteoporosis with its influence on osteoporotic determinants and their interrelationships in rats by DEXA.

PubMed

Heiss, Christian; Govindarajan, Parameswari; Schlewitz, Gudrun; Hemdan, Nasr Y A; Schliefke, Nathalie; Alt, Volker; Thormann, Ulrich; Lips, Katrin Susanne; Wenisch, Sabine; Langheinrich, Alexander C; Zahner, Daniel; Schnettler, Reinhard

2012-06-01

As women are the population most affected by multifactorial osteoporosis, research is focused on unraveling the underlying mechanism of osteoporosis induction in rats by combining ovariectomy (OVX) either with calcium, phosphorus, vitamin C and vitamin D2/D3 deficiency, or by administration of glucocorticoid (dexamethasone). Different skeletal sites of sham, OVX-Diet and OVX-Steroid rats were analyzed by Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) at varied time points of 0, 4 and 12 weeks to determine and compare the osteoporotic factors such as bone mineral density (BMD), bone mineral content (BMC), area, body weight and percent fat among different groups and time points. Comparative analysis and interrelationships among osteoporotic determinants by regression analysis were also determined. T scores were below-2.5 in OVX-Diet rats at 4 and 12 weeks post-OVX. OVX-diet rats revealed pronounced osteoporotic status with reduced BMD and BMC than the steroid counterparts, with the spine and pelvis as the most affected skeletal sites. Increase in percent fat was observed irrespective of the osteoporosis inducers applied. Comparative analysis and interrelationships between osteoporotic determinants that are rarely studied in animals indicate the necessity to analyze BMC and area along with BMD in obtaining meaningful information leading to proper prediction of probability of osteoporotic fractures. Enhanced osteoporotic effect observed in OVX-Diet rats indicates that estrogen dysregulation combined with diet treatment induces and enhances osteoporosis with time when compared to the steroid group. Comparative and regression analysis indicates the need to determine BMC along with BMD and area in osteoporotic determination.

Three-phase short circuit calculation method based on pre-computed surface for doubly fed induction generator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, J.; Liu, Q.

2018-02-01

This paper presents an improved short circuit calculation method, based on pre-computed surface to determine the short circuit current of a distribution system with multiple doubly fed induction generators (DFIGs). The short circuit current, injected into power grid by DFIG, is determined by low voltage ride through (LVRT) control and protection under grid fault. However, the existing methods are difficult to calculate the short circuit current of DFIG in engineering practice due to its complexity. A short circuit calculation method, based on pre-computed surface, was proposed by developing the surface of short circuit current changing with the calculating impedance and the open circuit voltage. And the short circuit currents were derived by taking into account the rotor excitation and crowbar activation time. Finally, the pre-computed surfaces of short circuit current at different time were established, and the procedure of DFIG short circuit calculation considering its LVRT was designed. The correctness of proposed method was verified by simulation.

Sedimentation Time Measurements of Soil Particles by Light Scattering and Determination of Chromium, Lead, and Iron in Soil Samples via ICP

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Todebush, Patricia Metthe; Geiger, Franz M.

2005-01-01

The study of soil samples, using light scattering and Inductively Coupled Plasma spectrometry (ICP) to determine colloid sedimentation rates and the quantity of chromium, lead, and iron in the sample is described. It shows the physical and chemical behavior of solid components in soil, and how such pollutant binding colloid surfaces directly…

Clinical and histologic effects of intracardiac administration of propofol for induction of anesthesia in ball pythons (Python regius).

PubMed

McFadden, Michael S; Bennett, R Avery; Reavill, Drury R; Ragetly, Guillaume R; Clark-Price, Stuart C

2011-09-15

To assess the clinical differences between induction of anesthesia in ball pythons with intracardiac administration of propofol and induction with isoflurane in oxygen and to assess the histologic findings over time in hearts following intracardiac administration of propofol. Prospective randomized study. 30 hatchling ball pythons (Python regius). Anesthesia was induced with intracardiac administration of propofol (10 mg/kg [4.5 mg/lb]) in 18 ball pythons and with 5% isoflurane in oxygen in 12 ball pythons. Induction time, time of anesthesia, and recovery time were recorded. Hearts from snakes receiving intracardiac administration of propofol were evaluated histologically 3, 7, 14, 30, and 60 days following propofol administration. Induction time with intracardiac administration of propofol was significantly shorter than induction time with 5% isoflurane in oxygen. No significant differences were found in total anesthesia time. Recovery following intracardiac administration of propofol was significantly longer than recovery following induction of anesthesia with isoflurane in oxygen. Heart tissue evaluated histologically at 3, 7, and 14 days following intracardiac administration of propofol had mild inflammatory changes, and no histopathologic lesions were seen 30 and 60 days following propofol administration. Intracardiac injection of propofol in snakes is safe and provides a rapid induction of anesthesia but leads to prolonged recovery, compared with that following induction with isoflurane. Histopathologic lesions in heart tissues following intracardiac injection of propofol were mild and resolved after 14 days.

Design and test of a simple fast electromagnetic inductive gas valve for planar pulsed inductive plasma thruster

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Dawei; Cheng, Mousen; Li, Xiaokang

2017-10-01

In support of our planar pulsed inductive plasma thruster research, a fast electromagnetic inductive valve for a gas propellant injection system has been built and tested. A new and important design feature is the use of a conical diaphragm as the action part, which greatly contributes to the virtue of simplicity for adopting the resultant force of the diaphragm deformation as the closing force. An optical transmission technique is adopted to measure the opening and closing characters of the valve while the gas throughput is determined by measuring the pressure change per pulse in a test chamber with a capacitance manometer. The experimental results revealed that the delay time before the valve reaction is less than 40 μs, and the valve pulse width is no longer than 160 μs full width at half maximum. The valve delivers 0-2.5 mg of argon gas per pulse varied by adjusting the drive voltage and gas pressure.

Design and test of a simple fast electromagnetic inductive gas valve for planar pulsed inductive plasma thruster.

PubMed

Guo, Dawei; Cheng, Mousen; Li, Xiaokang

2017-10-01

In support of our planar pulsed inductive plasma thruster research, a fast electromagnetic inductive valve for a gas propellant injection system has been built and tested. A new and important design feature is the use of a conical diaphragm as the action part, which greatly contributes to the virtue of simplicity for adopting the resultant force of the diaphragm deformation as the closing force. An optical transmission technique is adopted to measure the opening and closing characters of the valve while the gas throughput is determined by measuring the pressure change per pulse in a test chamber with a capacitance manometer. The experimental results revealed that the delay time before the valve reaction is less than 40 μs, and the valve pulse width is no longer than 160 μs full width at half maximum. The valve delivers 0-2.5 mg of argon gas per pulse varied by adjusting the drive voltage and gas pressure.

Kinetic Inductance Photodetectors Based on Nonequilibrium Response in Superconducting Thin-Film Structures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sergeev, A. V.; Karasik, B. S.; Gogidze, I. G.; Mitin, V. V.

2001-01-01

While experimental studies of kinetic-inductance sensors have been limited so far by the temperature range near the superconducting transition, these detectors can be very sensitivity at temperatures well below the transition, where the number of equilibrium quasiparticles is exponentially small. In this regime, a shift of the quasiparticle chemical potential under radiation results in the change of the kinetic inductance, which can be measured by a sensitive SQUID readout. We modeled the kinetic inductance response of detectors made from disordered superconducting Nb, NbC, and MoRe films. Low phonon transparency of the interface between the superconductor and the substrate causes substantial re-trapping of phonons providing high quantum efficiency and the operating time of approximately 1 ms at 1 K. Due to the small number of quasiparticles, the noise equivalent power of the detector determined by the quasiparticle generation-recombination noise can be as small as approximately 10(exp -19) W/Hz(exp 1/2) at He4 temperatures.

Potentialities of mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) for actinides determination in urine.

PubMed

Bouvier-Capely, C; Ritt, J; Baglan, N; Cossonnet, C

2004-05-01

The applicability of inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) for determining actinides in urine was investigated. Performances of ICP-MS including detection limit and analysis time were studied and compared with alpha spectrometry performances. In the field of individual monitoring of workers, the comparison chart obtained in this study can be used as a guide for medical laboratories to select the most adequate procedure to be carried out depending on the case in question (the radioisotope to be measured, the required sensitivity, and the desired response time).

Wireless Metal Detection and Surface Coverage Sensing for All-Surface Induction Heating

PubMed Central

Kilic, Veli Tayfun; Unal, Emre; Demir, Hilmi Volkan

2016-01-01

All-surface induction heating systems, typically comprising small-area coils, face a major challenge in detecting the presence of a metallic vessel and identifying its partial surface coverage over the coils to determine which of the coils to power up. The difficulty arises due to the fact that the user can heat vessels made of a wide variety of metals (and their alloys). To address this problem, we propose and demonstrate a new wireless detection methodology that allows for detecting the presence of metallic vessels together with uniquely sensing their surface coverages while also identifying their effective material type in all-surface induction heating systems. The proposed method is based on telemetrically measuring simultaneously inductance and resistance of the induction coil coupled with the vessel in the heating system. Here, variations in the inductance and resistance values for an all-surface heating coil loaded by vessels (made of stainless steel and aluminum) at different positions were systematically investigated at different frequencies. Results show that, independent of the metal material type, unique identification of the surface coverage is possible at all freqeuncies. Additionally, using the magnitude and phase information extracted from the coupled coil impedance, unique identification of the vessel effective material is also achievable, this time independent of its surface coverage. PMID:26978367

Rapid expansion of preexisting nonleukemic hematopoietic clones frequently follows induction therapy for de novo AML.

PubMed

Wong, Terrence N; Miller, Christopher A; Klco, Jeffery M; Petti, Allegra; Demeter, Ryan; Helton, Nichole M; Li, Tiandao; Fulton, Robert S; Heath, Sharon E; Mardis, Elaine R; Westervelt, Peter; DiPersio, John F; Walter, Matthew J; Welch, John S; Graubert, Timothy A; Wilson, Richard K; Ley, Timothy J; Link, Daniel C

2016-02-18

There is interest in using leukemia-gene panels and next-generation sequencing to assess acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) response to induction chemotherapy. Studies have shown that patients with AML in morphologic remission may continue to have clonal hematopoiesis with populations closely related to the founding AML clone and that this confers an increased risk of relapse. However, it remains unknown how induction chemotherapy influences the clonal evolution of a patient's nonleukemic hematopoietic population. Here, we report that 5 of 15 patients with genetic clearance of their founding AML clone after induction chemotherapy had a concomitant expansion of a hematopoietic population unrelated to the initial AML. These populations frequently harbored somatic mutations in genes recurrently mutated in AML or myelodysplastic syndromes and were detectable at very low frequencies at the time of AML diagnosis. These results suggest that nonleukemic hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells, harboring specific aging-acquired mutations, may have a competitive fitness advantage after induction chemotherapy, expand, and persist long after the completion of chemotherapy. Although the clinical importance of these "rising" clones remains to be determined, it will be important to distinguish them from leukemia-related populations when assessing for molecular responses to induction chemotherapy. © 2016 by The American Society of Hematology.

Statistical optimization of medium composition and culture condition for the production of recombinant anti-lipopolysaccharide factor of Eriocheir sinensis in Escherichia coli

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Shan; Liu, Mei; Wang, Baojie; Jiang, Keyong; Wang, Lei

2011-11-01

Anti-lipopolysaccharide factors (ALFs) are important antimicrobial peptides that are isolated from some aquatic species. In a previous study, we isolated ALF genes from Chinese mitten crab, Eriocheir sinensis. In this study, we optimized the production of a recombinant ALF by expressing E. sinensis ALF genes in Escherichia coli maintained in shake-flasks. In particular, we focused on optimization of both the medium composition and the culture condition. Various medium components were analyzed by the Plackett-Burman design, and two significant screened factors, (NH4)2SO4 and KH2PO4, were further optimized via the central composite design (CCD). Based on the CCD analysis, we investigated the induction start-up time, the isopropylthio-D-galactoside (IPTG) concentration, the post-induction time, and the temperature by response surface methodology. We found that the highest level of ALF fusion protein was achieved in the medium containing 1.89 g/L (NH4)2SO4 and 3.18 g/L KH2PO4, with a cell optical density of 0.8 at 600 nm before induction, an IPTG concentration of 0.5 mmol/L, a post-induction temperature of 32.7°C, and a post-induction time of 4 h. Applying the whole optimization strategy using all optimal factors improved the target protein content from 6.1% (without optimization) to 13.2%. We further applied the optimized medium and conditions in high cell density cultivation, and determined that the soluble target protein constituted 10.5% of the total protein. Our identification of the economic medium composition, optimal culture conditions, and details of the fermentation process should facilitate the potential application of ALF for further research.

Transcriptional responses of human aortic endothelial cells to nanoconstructs used in biomedical applications

PubMed Central

Moos, Philip J.; Honeggar, Matthew; Malugin, Alexander; Herd, Heather; Thiagarajan, Giridhar; Ghandehari, Hamidreza

2013-01-01

Understanding the potential toxicities of manufactured nanoconstructs used for drug delivery and biomedical applications may help improve their safety. We sought to determine if surface modified silica nanoparticles and poly(amido amine) dendrimers elicit genotoxic responses on vascular endothelial cells. The nanoconstructs utilized in this study had distinct geometry (spheres vs. worms) and surface charge, which were used to evaluate the contributions of these parameters to any potential adverse effects of these materials. Time-dependent cytotoxicity was found for surfaced-functionalized but geometrically distinct silica materials while amine-terminated dendrimers displayed time-independent cytotoxicity and carboxylated dendrimers were nontoxic in our assays. Transcriptomic evaluation of HAEC responses indicated time-dependent gene induction following silica exposure, consisting of cell cycle gene repression and pro-inflammatory gene induction. However, the dendrimers did not induce genomic toxicity, despite displaying general cytotoxicity. PMID:23806026

Transcriptional responses of human aortic endothelial cells to nanoconstructs used in biomedical applications.

PubMed

Moos, Philip J; Honeggar, Matthew; Malugin, Alexander; Herd, Heather; Thiagarajan, Giridhar; Ghandehari, Hamidreza

2013-08-05

Understanding the potential toxicities of manufactured nanoconstructs used for drug delivery and biomedical applications may help improve their safety. We sought to determine if surface-modified silica nanoparticles and poly(amido amine) dendrimers elicit genotoxic responses on vascular endothelial cells. The nanoconstructs utilized in this study had a distinct geometry (spheres vs worms) and surface charge, which were used to evaluate the contributions of these parameters to any potential adverse effects of these materials. Time-dependent cytotoxicity was found for surfaced-functionalized but geometrically distinct silica materials, while amine-terminated dendrimers displayed time-independent cytotoxicity and carboxylated dendrimers were nontoxic in our assays. Transcriptomic evaluation of human aortic endothelial cell (HAEC) responses indicated time-dependent gene induction following silica exposure, consisting of cell cycle gene repression and pro-inflammatory gene induction. However, the dendrimers did not induce genomic toxicity, despite displaying general cytotoxicity.

Ultra-Sensitive Elemental Analysis Using Plasmas 4.Application of Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry to the Study of Environmental Radioactivity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yoshida, Satoshi

Applications of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) to the determination of long-lived radionuclides in environmental samples were summarized. In order to predict the long-term behavior of the radionuclides, related stable elements were also determined. Compared with radioactivity measurements, the ICP-MS method has advantages in terms of its simple analytical procedures, prompt measurement time, and capability of determining the isotope ratio such as240Pu/239Pu, which can not be separated by radiation. Concentration of U and Th in Japanese surface soils were determined in order to determine the background level of the natural radionuclides. The 235U/238U ratio was successfully used to detect the release of enriched U from reconversion facilities to the environment and to understand the source term. The 240Pu/239Pu ratios in environmental samples varied widely depending on the Pu sources. Applications of ICP-MS to the measurement of I and Tc isotopes were also described. The ratio between radiocesium and stable Cs is useful for judging the equilibrium of deposited radiocesium in a forest ecosystem.

Determination of Photoperiod-Sensitive Phase in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

PubMed Central

Daba, Ketema; Warkentin, Thomas D.; Bueckert, Rosalind; Todd, Christopher D.; Tar’an, Bunyamin

2016-01-01

Photoperiod is one of the major environmental factors determining time to flower initiation and first flower appearance in plants. In chickpea, photoperiod sensitivity, expressed as delayed to flower under short days (SD) as compared to long days (LD), may change with the growth stage of the crop. Photoperiod-sensitive and -insensitive phases were identified by experiments in which individual plants were reciprocally transferred in a time series from LD to SD and vice versa in growth chambers. Eight chickpea accessions with differing degrees of photoperiod sensitivity were grown in two separate chambers, one of which was adjusted to LD (16 h light/8 h dark) and the other adjusted to SD (10 h light/14 h dark), with temperatures of 22/16°C (12 h light/12 h dark) in both chambers. The accessions included day-neutral (ICCV 96029 and FLIP 98-142C), intermediate (ICC 15294, ICC 8621, ILC 1687, and ICC 8855), and photoperiod-sensitive (CDC Corinne and CDC Frontier) responses. Control plants were grown continuously under the respective photoperiods. Reciprocal transfers of plants between the SD and LD photoperiod treatments were made at seven time points after sowing, customized for each accession based on previous data. Photoperiod sensitivity was detected in intermediate and photoperiod-sensitive accessions. For the day-neutral accession, ICCV 96029, there was no significant difference in the number of days to flowering of the plants grown under SD and LD as well as subsequent transfers. In photoperiod-sensitive accessions, three different phenological phases were identified: a photoperiod-insensitive pre-inductive phase, a photoperiod-sensitive inductive phase, and a photoperiod-insensitive post-inductive phase. The photoperiod-sensitive phase extends after flower initiation to full flower development. Results from this research will help to develop cultivars with shorter pre-inductive photoperiod-insensitive and photoperiod-sensitive phases to fit to regions with short growing seasons. PMID:27148306

THE USE OF GENE ARRAYS TO DETERMINE TEMPORAL GENE INDUCTION IN SHEEPSHEAD MINNOWS EXPOSED TO E2

EPA Science Inventory

Gene arrays provide a means to study differential gene expression in fish exposed to environmental estrogens by providing a "snapshot" of the genes expressed at a given time. Such array data may also uncover previously unknown biochemical pathways affected by estrogenic compounds...

Study on the Removal of Gases in RH Refining Progress through Experiments Using Vacuum Induction Furnace

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Niu, Deliang; Liu, Qingcai; Wang, Zhu; Ren, Shan; Lan, Yuanpei; Xu, Minren

Removal of gas is the major function of RH degasser. To optimize the RH refining craft in Chongqing Iron and Steel Co. Ltd, the degassing effect of RH degasser at different degrees of vacuum was investigated using a vacuum induction furnace. In addition, the effect of processing time on the gas content dissolved in molten steel was also studied. The results showed that degree of vacuum was one of the important factors that determined the degassing efficiency in RH refining process. High vacuum degree is helpful in the removal of gas, especially in the removal of [H] dissolved in molten steel. The processing time could be reduced from 25-30 min to 15 minutes and gas content could also meet the demand of RH refining.

Methods of analysis by the U.S. Geological Survey National Water Quality Laboratory; determination of dissolved arsenic, boron, lithium, selenium, strontium, thallium, and vanadium using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry

USGS Publications Warehouse

Garbarino, John R.

1999-01-01

The inductively coupled plasma?mass spectrometric (ICP?MS) methods have been expanded to include the determination of dissolved arsenic, boron, lithium, selenium, strontium, thallium, and vanadium in filtered, acidified natural water. Method detection limits for these elements are now 10 to 200 times lower than by former U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) methods, thus providing lower variability at ambient concentrations. The bias and variability of the method was determined by using results from spike recoveries, standard reference materials, and validation samples. Spike recoveries at 5 to 10 times the method detection limit and 75 micrograms per liter in reagent-water, surface-water, and groundwater matrices averaged 93 percent for seven replicates, although selected elemental recoveries in a ground-water matrix with an extremely high iron sulfate concentration were negatively biased by 30 percent. Results for standard reference materials were within 1 standard deviation of the most probable value. Statistical analysis of the results from about 60 filtered, acidified natural-water samples indicated that there was no significant difference between ICP?MS and former USGS official methods of analysis.

Induction of osteoporosis with its influence on osteoporotic determinants and their interrelationships in rats by DEXA

PubMed Central

Heiss, Christian; Govindarajan, Parameswari; Schlewitz, Gudrun; Hemdan, Nasr Y.A.; Schliefke, Nathalie; Alt, Volker; Thormann, Ulrich; Lips, Katrin Susanne; Wenisch, Sabine; Langheinrich, Alexander C.; Zahner, Daniel; Schnettler, Reinhard

2012-01-01

Summary Background As women are the population most affected by multifactorial osteoporosis, research is focused on unraveling the underlying mechanism of osteoporosis induction in rats by combining ovariectomy (OVX) either with calcium, phosphorus, vitamin C and vitamin D2/D3 deficiency, or by administration of glucocorticoid (dexamethasone). Material/Methods Different skeletal sites of sham, OVX-Diet and OVX-Steroid rats were analyzed by Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) at varied time points of 0, 4 and 12 weeks to determine and compare the osteoporotic factors such as bone mineral density (BMD), bone mineral content (BMC), area, body weight and percent fat among different groups and time points. Comparative analysis and interrelationships among osteoporotic determinants by regression analysis were also determined. Results T scores were below-2.5 in OVX-Diet rats at 4 and 12 weeks post-OVX. OVX-diet rats revealed pronounced osteoporotic status with reduced BMD and BMC than the steroid counterparts, with the spine and pelvis as the most affected skeletal sites. Increase in percent fat was observed irrespective of the osteoporosis inducers applied. Comparative analysis and interrelationships between osteoporotic determinants that are rarely studied in animals indicate the necessity to analyze BMC and area along with BMD in obtaining meaningful information leading to proper prediction of probability of osteoporotic fractures. Conclusions Enhanced osteoporotic effect observed in OVX-Diet rats indicates that estrogen dysregulation combined with diet treatment induces and enhances osteoporosis with time when compared to the steroid group. Comparative and regression analysis indicates the need to determine BMC along with BMD and area in osteoporotic determination. PMID:22648240

Determination of induction period and crystal growth mechanism of dexamethasone sodium phosphate in methanol-acetone system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hao, Hongxun; Wang, Jingkang; Wang, Yongli

2005-02-01

The induction period of dexamethasone sodium phosphate at different supersaturation was experimentally determined in a methanol-acetone system. The laser monitoring observation technique was used to determine the appearance of the first nucleus in solution. The effect of solution composition on induction period was discussed. Based on classical homogeneous nucleation theory, the solid-liquid interfacial tension and surface entropy factor were calculated from the induction period data. The experimentally determined values of interfacial tension are in agreement with the theoretical values predicted by the Mersmann equation. It was found that the nucleus of dexamethasone sodium phosphate grows continuously in pure methanol and turns from continuous growth to birth and spread growth with increasing acetone content in a methanol-acetone mixture.

Quantitative real-time monitoring of multi-elements in airborne particulates by direct introduction into an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suzuki, Yoshinari; Sato, Hikaru; Hiyoshi, Katsuhiro; Furuta, Naoki

2012-10-01

A new calibration system for real-time determination of trace elements in airborne particulates was developed. Airborne particulates were directly introduced into an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer, and the concentrations of 15 trace elements were determined by means of an external calibration method. External standard solutions were nebulized by an ultrasonic nebulizer (USN) coupled with a desolvation system, and the resulting aerosol was introduced into the plasma. The efficiency of sample introduction via the USN was calculated by two methods: (1) the introduction of a Cr standard solution via the USN was compared with introduction of a Cr(CO)6 standard gas via a standard gas generator and (2) the aerosol generated by the USN was trapped on filters and then analyzed. The Cr introduction efficiencies obtained by the two methods were the same, and the introduction efficiencies of the other elements were equal to the introduction efficiency of Cr. Our results indicated that our calibration method for introduction efficiency worked well for the 15 elements (Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Mo, Sn, Sb, Ba, Tl and Pb). The real-time data and the filter-collection data agreed well for elements with low-melting oxides (V, Co, As, Mo, Sb, Tl, and Pb). In contrast, the real-time data were smaller than the filter-collection data for elements with high-melting oxides (Ti, Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, Sn, and Ba). This result implies that the oxides of these 8 elements were not completely fused, vaporized, atomized, and ionized in the initial radiation zone of the inductively coupled plasma. However, quantitative real-time monitoring can be realized after correction for the element recoveries which can be calculated from the ratio of real-time data/filter-collection data.

High voltage pulse conditioning

DOEpatents

Springfield, Ray M.; Wheat, Jr., Robert M.

1990-01-01

Apparatus for conditioning high voltage pulses from particle accelerators in order to shorten the rise times of the pulses. Flashover switches in the cathode stalk of the transmission line hold off conduction for a determinable period of time, reflecting the early portion of the pulses. Diodes upstream of the switches divert energy into the magnetic and electrostatic storage of the capacitance and inductance inherent to the transmission line until the switches close.

Regulation of Camphor Metabolism: Induction and Repression of Relevant Monooxygenases in Pseudomonas putida NCIMB 10007.

PubMed

Willetts, Andrew; Masters, Pamela; Steadman, Carol

2018-05-07

For the first time, the differential rates of synthesis of all the key monooxygenases involved in the catabolism by Pseudomonas putida NCIMB 10007 of bicyclic ( rac )-camphor to ∆ 2,5 -3,4,4-trimethylpimelyl-CoA, the first aliphatic pathway intermediate, have been determined to help establish the relevant induction profile of each of the oxygen-dependent enzymes. The efficacy of both relevant substrates and pathway metabolites as inducers has been established. Further, inhibitors with characterised functionality have been used to indicate that the pertinent regulatory controls operate at the level of transcription of the corresponding genes.

Elimination of boron memory effect in inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry by ammonia gas injection into the spray chamber during analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Al-Ammar, Assad S.; Gupta, Rajesh K.; Barnes, Ramon M.

2000-06-01

Injection of 10-20 ml/min of ammonia gas into an inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) spray chamber during boron determination eliminates the memory effect of a 1 μg/ml B solution within a 2-min washing time. Ammonia gas injection also reduces the boron blank by a factor of four and enhances the sensitivity by 33-90%. Boron detection limits are improved from 12 and 14 to 3 and 4 ng/ml, respectively, for two ICP-MS instruments. Trace boron concentrations in certified reference materials agree well using ammonia gas injection.

Buprenorphine dose induction in non-opioid-tolerant pre-release prisoners.

PubMed

Vocci, Frank J; Schwartz, Robert P; Wilson, Monique E; Gordon, Michael S; Kinlock, Timothy W; Fitzgerald, Terrence T; O'Grady, Kevin E; Jaffe, Jerome H

2015-11-01

In a previously reported randomized controlled trial, formerly opioid-dependent prisoners were more likely to enter community drug abuse treatment when they were inducted in prison onto buprenorphine/naloxone (hereafter called buprenorphine) than when they received counseling without buprenorphine in prison (47.5% vs. 33.7%, p=0.012) (Gordon et al., 2014). In this communication we report on the results of the induction schedule and the adverse event profile seen in pre-release prisoners inducted onto buprenorphine. This paper examines the dose induction procedure, a comparison of the proposed versus actual doses given per week, and side effects reported for 104 adult participants who were randomized to buprenorphine treatment in prison. Self-reported side effects were analyzed using generalized estimated equations to determine changes over time in side effects. Study participants were inducted onto buprenorphine at a rate faster than the induction schedule. Of the 104 (72 males, 32 females) buprenorphine recipients, 64 (37 males, 27 females) remained on medication at release from prison. Nine participants (8.6%) discontinued buprenorphine because of unpleasant opioid side effects. There were no serious adverse events reported during the in-prison phase of the study. Constipation was the most frequent symptom reported (69 percent). Our findings suggest that buprenorphine administered to non-opioid-tolerant adults should be started at a lower, individualized dose than customarily used for adults actively using opioids, and that non-opioid-tolerant pre-release prisoners can be successfully inducted onto therapeutic doses prior to release. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Preconcentration of heavy metals on activated carbon and their determination in fruits by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry.

PubMed

Feist, Barbara; Mikula, Barbara

2014-03-15

A method of separation and preconcentration of cadmium, cobalt, copper, nickel, lead, and zinc at trace level using activated carbon is proposed. Activated carbon with the adsorbed trace metals was mineralised using a high-pressure microwave mineraliser. The heavy metals were determined after preconcentration by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The influence of several parameters, such as pH, sorbent mass, shaking time was examined. Moreover, effects of inorganic matrix on recovery of the determined elements were studied. The experiment shows that foreign ions did not influence recovery of the determined elements. The detection limits (DL) of Cd, Co, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn were 0.17, 0.19, 1.60, 2.60, 0.92 and 1.50 μg L(-)(1), respectively. The recovery of the method for the determined elements was better than 95% with relative standard deviation from 1.3% to 3.7%. The preconcentration factor was 80. The proposed method was applied for determination of Cd, Co, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn in fruits materials. Accuracy of the proposed method was verified using certified reference material (NCS ZC85006 Tomato). Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Reactive power compensating system

DOEpatents

Williams, Timothy J.; El-Sharkawi, Mohamed A.; Venkata, Subrahmanyam S.

1987-01-01

The reactive power of an induction machine is compensated by providing fixed capacitors on each phase line for the minimum compensation required, sensing the current on one line at the time its voltage crosses zero to determine the actual compensation required for each phase, and selecting switched capacitors on each line to provide the balance of the compensation required.

Regulation of Bim in Health and Disease

PubMed Central

Sionov, Ronit Vogt; Vlahopoulos, Spiros A.; Granot, Zvi

2015-01-01

The BH3-only Bim protein is a major determinant for initiating the intrinsic apoptotic pathway under both physiological and pathophysiological conditions. Tight regulation of its expression and activity at the transcriptional, translational and post-translational levels together with the induction of alternatively spliced isoforms with different pro-apoptotic potential, ensure timely activation of Bim. Under physiological conditions, Bim is essential for shaping immune responses where its absence promotes autoimmunity, while too early Bim induction eliminates cytotoxic T cells prematurely, resulting in chronic inflammation and tumor progression. Enhanced Bim induction in neurons causes neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and Huntington's diseases. Moreover, type I diabetes is promoted by genetically predisposed elevation of Bim in β-cells. On the contrary, cancer cells have developed mechanisms that suppress Bim expression necessary for tumor progression and metastasis. This review focuses on the intricate network regulating Bim activity and its involvement in physiological and pathophysiological processes. PMID:26405162

Regulation of Bim in Health and Disease.

PubMed

Sionov, Ronit Vogt; Vlahopoulos, Spiros A; Granot, Zvi

2015-09-15

The BH3-only Bim protein is a major determinant for initiating the intrinsic apoptotic pathway under both physiological and pathophysiological conditions. Tight regulation of its expression and activity at the transcriptional, translational and post-translational levels together with the induction of alternatively spliced isoforms with different pro-apoptotic potential, ensure timely activation of Bim. Under physiological conditions, Bim is essential for shaping immune responses where its absence promotes autoimmunity, while too early Bim induction eliminates cytotoxic T cells prematurely, resulting in chronic inflammation and tumor progression. Enhanced Bim induction in neurons causes neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and Huntington's diseases. Moreover, type I diabetes is promoted by genetically predisposed elevation of Bim in β-cells. On the contrary, cancer cells have developed mechanisms that suppress Bim expression necessary for tumor progression and metastasis. This review focuses on the intricate network regulating Bim activity and its involvement in physiological and pathophysiological processes.

Phenobarbital Meets Phosphorylation of Nuclear Receptors

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

Phenobarbital was the first therapeutic drug to be characterized for its induction of hepatic drug metabolism. Essentially at the same time, cytochrome P450, an enzyme that metabolizes drugs, was discovered. After nearly 50 years of investigation, the molecular target of phenobarbital induction has now been delineated to phosphorylation at threonine 38 of the constitutive androstane receptor (NR1I3), a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily. Determining this mechanism has provided us with the molecular basis to understand drug induction of drug metabolism and disposition. Threonine 38 is conserved as a phosphorylation motif in the majority of both mouse and human nuclear receptors, providing us with an opportunity to integrate diverse functions of nuclear receptors. Here, I review the works and accomplishments of my laboratory at the National Institutes of Health National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and the future research directions of where our study of the constitutive androstane receptor might take us. PMID:28356313

Diffusion-mediated dephasing in the dipole field around a single spherical magnetic object.

PubMed

Buschle, Lukas R; Kurz, Felix T; Kampf, Thomas; Triphan, Simon M F; Schlemmer, Heinz-Peter; Ziener, Christian Herbert

2015-11-01

In this work, the time evolution of the free induction decay caused by the local dipole field of a spherical magnetic perturber is analyzed. The complicated treatment of the diffusion process is replaced by the strong-collision-approximation that allows a determination of the free induction decay in dependence of the underlying microscopic tissue parameters such as diffusion coefficient, sphere radius and susceptibility difference. The interplay between susceptibility- and diffusion-mediated effects yields several dephasing regimes of which, so far, only the classical regimes of motional narrowing and static dephasing for dominant and negligible diffusion, respectively, were extensively examined. Due to the asymmetric form of the dipole field for spherical objects, the free induction decay exhibits a complex component in contradiction to the cylindrical case, where the symmetric local dipole field only causes a purely real induction decay. Knowledge of the shape of the corresponding frequency distribution is necessary for the evaluation of more sophisticated pulse sequences and a detailed understanding of the off-resonance distribution allows improved quantification of transverse relaxation. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of strobe lights to reduce turbine entrainment of juvenile steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) at Cowlitz Falls Dam, Washington

USGS Publications Warehouse

Kock, Tobias J.; Evans, Scott D.; Liedtke, Theresa L.; Rondorf, Dennis W.; Kohn, Mike

2009-01-01

We conducted a radiotelemetry evaluation to determine if strobe lights could be used to decrease turbine entrainment of juvenile steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) at Cowlitz Falls Dam, Washington. We found that radio-tagged juvenile steelhead approached and entered two spillbays (one lighted, one unlighted) in equal proportions. However, the presence of strobe lights was associated with decreased spillbay residence time of juvenile steelhead and increased passage through induction slots (secondary turbine intakes located upstream of the ogee on the spillway). Mean residence time of tagged fish inside the lighted spillbay was 14 min compared to 62 min inside the unlighted spillbay. Radio-tagged steelhead passed through induction slots at a higher proportion in the lighted spillbay (55%) than in the unlighted spillbay (26%). Recent studies have suggested that strobe lights can induce torpor in juvenile salmonids. We believe that strobe light exposure affected fish in our study at a location where they were susceptible to high flows thereby reducing mean residence time and increasing the proportion of tagged fish entering induction slots in the lighted spillbay. Our results suggest that factors such as deployment location, exposure, and flow are important variables that should be considered when evaluating strobe lights as a potential fish-deterring management tool.

New approach to the determination phosphorothioate oligonucleotides by ultra high performance liquid chromatography coupled with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Studzińska, Sylwia; Mounicou, Sandra; Szpunar, Joanna; Łobiński, Ryszard; Buszewski, Bogusław

2015-01-15

This text presents a novel method for the separation and detection of phosphorothioate oligonucleotides with the use of ion pair ultra high performance liquid chromatography coupled with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry The research showed that hexafluoroisopropanol/triethylamine based mobile phases may be successfully used when liquid chromatography is coupled with such elemental detection. However, the concentration of both HFIP and TEA influences the final result. The lower concentration of HFIP, the lower the background in ICP-MS and the greater the sensitivity. The method applied for the analysis of serum samples was based on high resolution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Utilization of this method allows determination of fifty times lower quantity of phosphorothioate oligonucleotides than in the case of quadrupole mass analyzer. Monitoring of (31)P may be used to quantify these compounds at the level of 80 μg L(-1), while simultaneous determination of sulfur is very useful for qualitative analysis. Moreover, the results presented in this paper demonstrate the practical applicability of coupling LC with ICP-MS in determining phosphorothioate oligonucleotides and their metabolites in serum within 7 min with a very good sensitivity. The method was linear in the concentration range between 0.2 and 3 mg L(-1). The limit of detection was in the range of 0.07 and 0.13 mg L(-1). Accuracy varied with concentration, but was in the range of 3%. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Anti-stress and neuronal cell differentiation induction effects of Rosmarinus officinalis L. essential oil.

PubMed

Villareal, Myra O; Ikeya, Ayumi; Sasaki, Kazunori; Arfa, Abdelkarim Ben; Neffati, Mohamed; Isoda, Hiroko

2017-12-22

Mood disorder accounts for 13 % of global disease burden. And while therapeutic agents are available, usually orally administered, most have unwanted side effects, and thus making the inhalation of essential oils (EOs) an attractive alternative therapy. Rosmarinus officinalis EO (ROEO), Mediterranean ROEO reported to improve cognition, mood, and memory, the effect on stress of which has not yet been determined. Here, the anti-stress effect of ROEO on stress was evaluated in vivo and in vitro. Six-week-old male ICR mice were made to inhale ROEO and subjected to tail suspension test (TST). To determine the neuronal differentiation effect of ROEO in vitro, induction of ROEO-treated PC12 cells differentiation was observed. Intracellular acetylcholine and choline, as well as the Gap43 gene expression levels were also determined. Inhalation of ROEO significantly decreased the immobility time of ICR mice and serum corticosterone level, accompanied by increased brain dopamine level. Determination of the underlying mechanism in vitro revealed a PC12 differentiation-induction effect through the modulation of intracellular acetylcholine, choline, and Gap43 gene expression levels. ROEO activates the stress response system through the NGF pathway and the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis, promoting dopamine production and secretion. The effect of ROEO may be attributed to its bioactive components, specifically to α-pinene, one of its major compounds that has anxiolytic property. The results of this study suggest that ROEO inhalation has therapeutic potential against stress-related psychiatric disorders.

Study of the effect of loop inductance on the RF transmission line to cavity coupling coefficient

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

Lal, Shankar, E-mail: shankar@rrcat.gov.in; Pant, K. K.

2016-08-15

Coupling of RF power is an important aspect in the design and development of RF accelerating structures. RF power coupling employing coupler loops has the advantage of tunability of β, the transmission line to cavity coupling coefficient. Analytical expressions available in literature for determination of size of the coupler loop using Faraday’s law of induction show reasonably good agreement with experimentally measured values of β below critical coupling (β ≤ 1) but show large deviation with experimentally measured values and predictions by simulations for higher values of β. In actual accelerator application, many RF cavities need to be over-coupled withmore » β > 1 for reasons of beam loading compensation, reduction of cavity filling time, etc. This paper discusses a modified analytical formulation by including the effect of loop inductance in the determination of loop size for any desired coupling coefficient. The analytical formulation shows good agreement with 3D simulations and with experimentally measured values. It has been successfully qualified by the design and development of power coupler loops for two 476 MHz pre-buncher RF cavities, which have successfully been conditioned at rated power levels using these coupler loops.« less

Study of the effect of loop inductance on the RF transmission line to cavity coupling coefficient

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lal, Shankar; Pant, K. K.

2016-08-01

Coupling of RF power is an important aspect in the design and development of RF accelerating structures. RF power coupling employing coupler loops has the advantage of tunability of β, the transmission line to cavity coupling coefficient. Analytical expressions available in literature for determination of size of the coupler loop using Faraday's law of induction show reasonably good agreement with experimentally measured values of β below critical coupling (β ≤ 1) but show large deviation with experimentally measured values and predictions by simulations for higher values of β. In actual accelerator application, many RF cavities need to be over-coupled with β > 1 for reasons of beam loading compensation, reduction of cavity filling time, etc. This paper discusses a modified analytical formulation by including the effect of loop inductance in the determination of loop size for any desired coupling coefficient. The analytical formulation shows good agreement with 3D simulations and with experimentally measured values. It has been successfully qualified by the design and development of power coupler loops for two 476 MHz pre-buncher RF cavities, which have successfully been conditioned at rated power levels using these coupler loops.

Evaluation of a tunable bandpass reaction cell for an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer for the determination of chromium and vanadium in serum and urine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nixon, David E.; Neubauer, Kenneth R.; Eckdahl, Steven J.; Butz, John A.; Burritt, Mary F.

2002-05-01

A Dynamic Reaction Cell™ inductively coupled argon plasma mass spectrometer (DRC-ICP-MS) was evaluated for the determination of chromium and vanadium in serum and urine. Reaction cell conditions were evaluated for the elimination of ArC + and ClOH + interferences on chromium at mass 52 and OCl + on vanadium at mass 51. A diluent containing only 1% nitric acid and internal standards (Y and Ga) was used to prepare serum and urine for analysis. Instrument response calibration was achieved by using aqueous acidic standards spiked into pooled sera or urine matrices. The slopes of the calibration curves prepared in urine and serum matrices were nearly identical. On average, chromium detection limits are 2.5 times lower using the DRC than Zeeman graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (ZGFAAS). Vanadium detection limits are approximately 50 times lower. Average detection limits achieved with DRC-ICP-MS are 0.075 μg Cr/l and 0.028 μg V/l. Average results for the analysis of National Institute of Standards and Technology Standard Reference Material (NIST SRM) 1598 Bovine Serum (attained over 22 days) are: 0.14 μg Cr/l and 0.068 μg V/l. The reference concentrations for vanadium and chromium in NIST SRM 1598 are (0.06) μg V/l and 0.14±0.08 μg Cr/l, respectively. Results for chromium and vanadium determinations on ICP-MS survey samples from the Toxocologie du Quebec are equivalent to those reported by high resolution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HR-ICP-MS) for the same survey samples.

The induction of hyperthermia in rabbit liver by means of duplex stainless steel thermoseeds.

PubMed

Park, Byeong Ho; Koo, Bong Sig; Kim, Young Kon; Kim, Moon Kon

2002-01-01

To determine the heating characteristics of needle-shaped duplex stainless steel thermoseeds, and to evaluate their effectiveness in the induction of hyperthermia in rabbit liver. Thermoseeds of the two different shapes, L-shaped for single doses of hyperthermia and I-shaped for in-vitro study and repeated hyperthermic induction, were prepared. For the in-vitro study, an I-shaped thermoseed 0.23 mm in diameter and 25 mm long was placed inside a plastic tube filled with water. Heat was applied for 30 minutes within an induction magnetic field, and during this time changes in temperature were recorded using three thermocouples. For the in-vivo study, fifteen New Zealand white rabbits were divided into five equal groups. An I-shaped or L-shaped thermoseed was inserted in each rabbit's liver, and then placed within the center of the magnetic induction coil during a 30-minute period of hyperthermia. The rabbits in the first group were sacrificed immediately after hyperthermia was induced once, while those in the other groups were sacrificed at 1, 3, and 7 days, respectively, also after one induction. The remaining three rabbits were sacrificed 4 days after three consecutive daily treatment sessions. The resected segments of liver were subsequently evaluated histopathologically for the extent of coagulation necrosis caused by heating of the thermoseed. The in-vitro study demonstrated that the temperature in the thermoseed, which was 25.9 degrees C before heating and 54.8 degrees C after heating, rose rapidly at first but progressively less rapidly as time elapsed. Light microscopic examination of the rabbits' livers revealed coagulation necrosis and infiltration by inflammatory cells around the insertion site of the thermoseed. The maximum diameter of coagulation necrosis was 2.81+/-1.68 mm, and this occurred in the rabbits that were sacrificed 7 days after heat induction. Needle-shaped duplex stainless steel thermoseeds show temperature-dependent-type heating characteristics, and in rabbit liver, induced coagulation necrosis of surrounding tissues after heat is applied for 30 minutes. These thermoseeds may thus be useful for the induction of interstitial hyperthermia.

The Induction of Hyperthermia in Rabbit Liver by means of Duplex Stainless Steel Thermoseeds

PubMed Central

Koo, Bong Sig; Kim, Young Kon; Kim, Moon Kon

2002-01-01

Objective To determine the heating characteristics of needle-shaped duplex stainless steel thermoseeds, and to evaluate their effectiveness in the induction of hyperthermia in rabbit liver. Materials and Methods Thermoseeds of the two different shapes, L-shaped for single doses of hyperthermia and I-shaped for in-vitro study and repeated hyperthermic induction, were prepared. For the in-vitro study, an I-shaped thermoseed 0.23 mm in diameter and 25 mm long was placed inside a plastic tube filled with water. Heat was applied for 30 minutes within an induction magnetic field, and during this time changes in temperature were recorded using three thermocouples. For the in-vivo study, fifteen New Zealand white rabbits were divided into five equal groups. An I-shaped or L-shaped thermoseed was inserted in each rabbit's liver, and then placed within the center of the magnetic induction coil during a 30-minute period of hyperthermia. The rabbits in the first group were sacrificed immediately after hyperthermia was induced once, while those in the other groups were sacrificed at 1, 3, and 7 days, respectively, also after one induction. The remaining three rabbits were sacrificed 4 days after three consecutive daily treatment sessions. The resected segments of liver were subsequently evaluated histopathologically for the extent of coagulation necrosis caused by heating of the thermoseed. Results The in-vitro study demonstrated that the temperature in the thermoseed, which was 25.9℃ before heating and 54.8℃ after heating, rose rapidly at first but progressively less rapidly as time elapsed. Light microscopic examination of the rabbits' livers revealed coagulation necrosis and infiltration by inflammatory cells around the insertion site of the thermoseed. The maximum diameter of coagulation necrosis was 2.81 ± 1.68 mm, and this occurred in the rabbits that were sacrificed 7 days after heat induction. Conclusion Needle-shaped duplex stainless steel thermoseeds show temperature-dependent-type heating characteristics, and in rabbit liver, induced coagulation necrosis of surrounding tissues after heat is applied for 30 minutes. These thermoseeds may thus be useful for the induction of interstitial hyperthermia. PMID:12087199

Frequency, field, and temperature dependence of the AC penetration depth of a GdBa 2Cu 3O 7-δ film in the mixed state

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zeisberger, M.; Klupsch, Th.; Michalke, W.

1995-02-01

We report on a systematic mutual induction measurement of the complex AC penetration depth λ of a sputtered high-quality GdBa 2Cu 3O 7-δ film in the mixed state by a very small coil system arranged near the sample surface. The complex penetration depth λ( B, T, ω) for DC inductions B ⩽ 0.65 T (perpendicular to the film), for temperatures 36 K ⩽ T ⩽ 81 K, and for frequencies 1 kHz ⩽ ω/2 π ⩽ 500 kHz was determined from the measured signal by a novel inversion scheme. The results are consistent with theoretical predictions based upon single vortex pinning. The Labusch parameter α, the flux creep relaxation time τ, as well as the effective activation energy U are simulateneously determined.

Inductive monitoring system constructed from nominal system data and its use in real-time system monitoring

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Iverson, David L. (Inventor)

2008-01-01

The present invention relates to an Inductive Monitoring System (IMS), its software implementations, hardware embodiments and applications. Training data is received, typically nominal system data acquired from sensors in normally operating systems or from detailed system simulations. The training data is formed into vectors that are used to generate a knowledge database having clusters of nominal operating regions therein. IMS monitors a system's performance or health by comparing cluster parameters in the knowledge database with incoming sensor data from a monitored-system formed into vectors. Nominal performance is concluded when a monitored-system vector is determined to lie within a nominal operating region cluster or lies sufficiently close to a such a cluster as determined by a threshold value and a distance metric. Some embodiments of IMS include cluster indexing and retrieval methods that increase the execution speed of IMS.

Hyaluronidase as an adjunct in an immobilizing mixture for moose.

PubMed

Haigh, J C

1979-11-01

Hyaluronidase was put into immobilizing syringes for 58 of 104 moose captured with a fentanyl/xylazine mixture. Induction times were measured for both groups and were related to injection site as well as drug mixture. Hyaluronidase-treated moose had significantly shorter induction times than others. Injection site also had a significant effect on induction times.

Should high risk patients with Hodgkin's disease be singled out for heavier therapeutic regimens while low risk patients are spared such therapies?

PubMed

Reece, D

1995-01-01

In order to optimize the use of intensive therapy and autologous transplantation in patients with progressive Hodgkin's disease, we have examined the outcome of our initial 100 patients entered into autograft studies between 1985 and 1992. At a median follow-up of 3.6 (range 1.6-8.2) years, the actuarial progression free survival (PFS) was 46% (95% confidence intervals 33%-57%). The most significant determinant of PFS was the disease status at the time of protocol entry. Patients entered into transplant studies at the time of first untested relapse had a PFS of 61% compared with 38% in those who had failed induction chemotherapy, 25% in patients treated in > or = second untested relapse and 0% in those in a chemoresistant relapse. The reasons for failure differed, however, in that a high non-relapse mortality was seen in the > or = second untested relapse and resistant relapse groups while a high probability of relapse was observed in the induction failures and resistant relapse group. The most obvious group to target with more intensive therapeutic regimens consists of patients who have failed induction chemotherapy.

Cytochrome p450 turnover: regulation of synthesis and degradation, methods for determining rates, and implications for the prediction of drug interactions.

PubMed

Yang, Jiansong; Liao, Mingxiang; Shou, Magang; Jamei, Masoud; Yeo, Karen Rowland; Tucker, Geoffrey T; Rostami-Hodjegan, Amin

2008-06-01

In vivo enzyme levels are governed by the rates of de novo enzyme synthesis and degradation. A current lack of consensus on values of the in vivo turnover half-lives of human cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes places a significant limitation on the accurate prediction of changes in drug concentration-time profiles associated with interactions involving enzyme induction and mechanism (time)-based inhibition (MBI). In the case of MBI, the full extent of inhibition is also sensitive to values of enzyme turnover half-life. We review current understanding of CYP regulation, discuss the pros and cons of various in vitro and in vivo approaches used to estimate the turnover of specific CYPs and, by simulation, consider the impact of variability in estimates of CYP turnover on the prediction of enzyme induction and MBI in vivo. In the absence of consensus on values for the in vivo turnover half-lives of key CYPs, a sensitivity analysis of predictions of the pharmacokinetic effects of enzyme induction and MBI to these values should be an integral part of the modelling exercise, and the selective use of values should be avoided.

First-Year Undergraduate Induction: Who Attends and How Important Is Induction for First Year Attainment?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Murtagh, S.; Ridley, A.; Frings, D.; Kerr-Pertic, S.

2017-01-01

The first year of study in higher education is a time of major transition for students. While the importance of induction has been widely demonstrated, there is evidence to suggest that not all students benefit equally from participation in induction. This study examined attendance rates at induction, the relationship between induction attendance…

Effects of premedication with oral gabapentin on intraocular pressure changes following tracheal intubation in clinically normal dogs.

PubMed

Trbolova, Alexandra; Ghaffari, Masoud Selk; Capik, Igor

2017-09-19

Gabapentin is an antiepileptic drug widely approved as an add-on therapy for epilepsy treatment in human and dogs. There is a clinical impression that gabapentin is a suitable drug which attenuates the IOP elevation associated with tracheal intubation in humans. The present study performed to determine the effects of oral gabapentin on intraocular pressure (IOP) changes following tracheal intubation in dogs. Twenty adult healthy dogs were randomly assigned to treatment (n = 10) and control (n = 10) groups. Dogs in the treatment group received oral gabapentin (50 mg/kg) 2 h before induction of anesthesia and dogs in the control group received oral gelatin capsule placebo at the same time. The dogs were anesthetized with propofol 6 mg/kg, and anesthesia was maintained with a constant infusion of 0.2 mg/kg/min of propofol for 20 min. IOP were measured immediately before induction and then repeated immediately after induction, as well as 5 min, 10 min and 15 min following tracheal intubation in both groups. IOP was significantly higher immediately after induction, and 5 min after tracheal intubation when compared with IOP reading before induction in the control group. There was no statistically significant change in IOPs immediately after induction, and 5 min after tracheal intubation in comparison to the values before induction in the treatment group. Based on the findings of this study, preanesthetic oral administration of gabapentin significantly prevents an increase in the IOP associated with tracheal intubation in dogs anesthetized with propofol.

Chemical recognition of gases and gas mixtures with terahertz waves.

PubMed

Jacobsen, R H; Mittleman, D M; Nuss, M C

1996-12-15

A time-domain chemical-recognition system for classifying gases and analyzing gas mixtures is presented. We analyze the free induction decay exhibited by gases excited by far-infrared (terahertz) pulses in the time domain, using digital signal-processing techniques. A simple geometric picture is used for the classif ication of the waveforms measured for unknown gas species. We demonstrate how the recognition system can be used to determine the partial pressures of an ammonia-water gas mixture.

Chemical recognition of gases and gas mixtures with terahertz waves

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jacobsen, R. H.; Mittleman, D. M.; Nuss, M. C.

1996-12-01

A time-domain chemical-recognition system for classifying gases and analyzing gas mixtures is presented. We analyze the free induction decay exhibited by gases excited by far-infrared (terahertz) pulses in the time domain, using digital signal-processing techniques. A simple geometric picture is used for the classification of the waveforms measured for unknown gas species. We demonstrate how the recognition system can be used to determine the partial pressures of an ammonia-water gas mixture.

Effects of Ultrasonic Parameters on the Crystallization Behavior of Virgin Coconut Oil.

PubMed

Wu, Linhe; Cao, Jun; Bai, Xinpeng; Chen, Haiming; Zhang, Yuxiang; Wu, Qian

2016-12-01

Crystallization behavior of virgin coconut oil (VCO) in the absence and presence of ultrasonic treatment under a temperature gradient field was investigated. The effects of ultrasonic parameters on the crystallization behavior of VCO were studied by differential scanning calorimetry, ultraviolet/visible spectrophotometry and polarized light microscopy. The thermal effect of the ultrasonic treatment was also increased at higher power levels. Therefore, the optimal power level was determined at approximately 36 W. Induction time reduced evidently and the crystallization rate was accelerated under ultrasonic treatment at crystallization temperature (T c ) above 15°C. However, no significant difference in induction time was noted at 13°C. The result of morphological studies showed that the growth mechanism of crystals was significantly changed. Meanwhile, smaller and uniform crystals were produced by the ultrasonic treatment. This study shows a novel technique to accelerate the crystallization rate and alter the growth mechanism of VCO crystals.

Use of laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-time of flight-mass spectrometry to identify the elemental composition of vanilla and determine the geographic origin by discriminant function analysis.

PubMed

Hondrogiannis, Ellen M; Ehrlinger, Erin; Poplaski, Alyssa; Lisle, Meredith

2013-11-27

A total of 11 elements found in 25 vanilla samples from Uganda, Madagascar, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea were measured by laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-time-of-flight-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-TOF-MS) for the purpose of collecting data that could be used to discriminate among the origins. Pellets were prepared of the samples, and elemental concentrations were obtained on the basis of external calibration curves created using five National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) standards and one Chinese standard with (13)C internal standardization. These curves were validated using NIST 1573a (tomato leaves) as a check standard. Discriminant analysis was used to successfully classify the vanilla samples by their origin. Our method illustrates the feasibility of using LA-ICP-TOF-MS with an external calibration curve for high-throughput screening of spice screening analysis.

Obstetric outcomes of pre-induction of labor with a 200 μg misoprostol vaginal insert.

PubMed

Jagielska, Iwona; Kazdepka-Ziemińska, Anita; Tyloch, Małgorzata; Sopońska-Brzoszczyk, Paulina; Nowak, Karina; Dziedzic, Dawid; Dzikowska, Ewa; Grabiec, Marek

2017-01-01

Labor induction is indicated in 20% to 40% of pregnancies. Over half of pregnancies qualified for the induction of labor require stimulation of the cervix to ripen. The drug used increasingly more often in pre-induction is the PGE-1 pros-taglandin analog - misoprostol 200 μg. The study includes a total of 100 patients qualified for labor pre-induction with Misodel® (miso-prostol 200 μg vaginal insert). The study group comprises two subgroups: primigravidas and multiparas. Assessments included: indications for labor pre-induction, time from Misodel application to delivery, caesarean section rate and indica-tions, duration of first and second stage of labor, rate of vaginal deliveries, need for oxytocin or fenoterol administration side effects and newborn condition. The most common indication for labor induction was gestational diabetes and pregnancy past term. The average time to vaginal delivery was 14 h 45 min, time to the onset of active phase of labor - 11 h 45 min, time to membranes' rupture - 15 h, time to vaginal delivery - 14 h 18 min. The times of multiparas were significantly shorter. The rate of vaginal deliveries within 12 hours amounted to 42.42%, while within 24 hours it reached 83.33%. The overall caesarean section rate was 33%. The most common indication for caesarean section was the risk of intrauterine hypoxia. Tachysystole and hyperstimulation was observed in 4% of cases, while abnormalities in the cardiotocographic tracing in 43%. Misodel is an effective method for labor pre-induction, without affecting the caesarean section rate and has no adverse effect on the newborn condition.

Chromatic induction in space and time.

PubMed

Coia, Andrew J; Shevell, Steven K

2018-04-01

The color appearance of a light depends on variation in the complete visual field over both space and time. In the spatial domain, a chromatic stimulus within a patterned chromatic surround can appear a different hue than the same stimulus within a uniform surround. In the temporal domain, a stimulus presented as an element of a continuously changing chromaticity can appear a different color compared to the identical stimulus, presented simultaneously but viewed alone. This is the flash-lag effect for color, which has an analog in the domain of motion: a pulsed object seen alone can appear to lag behind an identical pulsed object that is an element of a motion sequence. Studies of the flash-lag effect for motion have considered whether it is mediated by a neural representation for the moving physical stimulus or, alternatively, for the perceived motion. The current study addresses this question for the flash-lag effect for color by testing whether the color flash lag depends on a representation of only the changing chromatic stimulus or, alternatively, its color percept, which can be altered by chromatic induction. baseline measurements for spatial chromatic induction determined the chromaticity of a flashed ring within a uniform surround that matched a flashed ring within a patterned surround. Baseline measurements for the color flash-lag effect determined the chromaticity of a pulsed ring presented alone (within a uniform surround) that matched a pulsed ring presented in a sequence of changing chromaticity over time (also within a uniform surround). Finally, the main experiments combined chromatic induction from a patterned surround and the flash-lag effect, in three conditions: (1) both the changing and pulsed rings were within a patterned chromatic surround; (2) the changing ring was within a patterned surround and the pulsed ring within a uniform surround; and (3) the changing ring was within a uniform surround and the pulsed ring within a patterned surround. the flash-lag measurements for a changing chromaticity were affected by perceptual changes induced by the surrounding chromatic pattern. Thus, the color shifts induced by a chromatic surround are incorporated in the neural representation mediating the flash-lag effect for color.

Comparative performance study of different sample introduction techniques for rapid and precise selenium isotope ratio determination using multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC-ICP/MS).

PubMed

Elwaer, Nagmeddin; Hintelmann, Holger

2007-11-01

The analytical performance of five sample introduction systems, a cross flow nebulizer spray chamber, two different solvent desolvation systems, a multi-mode sample introduction system (MSIS), and a hydride generation (LI2) system were compared for the determination of Se isotope ratio measurements using multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC-ICP/MS). The optimal operating parameters for obtaining the highest Se signal-to-noise (S/N) ratios and isotope ratio precision for each sample introduction were determined. The hydride generation (LI2) system was identified as the most suitable sample introduction method yielding maximum sensitivity and precision for Se isotope ratio measurement. It provided five times higher S/N ratios for all Se isotopes compared to the MSIS, 20 times the S/N ratios of both desolvation units, and 100 times the S/N ratios produced by the conventional spray chamber sample introduction method. The internal precision achieved for the (78)Se/(82)Se ratio at 100 ng mL(-1) Se with the spray chamber, two desolvation, MSIS, and the LI2 systems coupled to MC-ICP/MS was 150, 125, 114, 13, and 7 ppm, respectively. Instrument mass bias factors (K) were calculated using an exponential law correction function. Among the five studied sample introduction systems the LI2 showed the lowest mass bias of -0.0265 and the desolvation system showed the largest bias with -0.0321.

Smoking-Induced Affect Modulation in Non-Withdrawn Smokers with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Depression, and in Those with no Psychiatric Disorder

PubMed Central

Cook, Jessica W.; Baker, Timothy B.; Beckham, Jean C.; McFall, Miles

2017-01-01

This research sought to determine whether smoking influences affect by means other than withdrawal reduction. Little previous evidence suggests such an effect. We surmised that such an effect would be especially apparent in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depressive disorder (MDD), two disorders that are frequently comorbid with smoking and that involve dysregulated affect. Participants were US veterans who were regular smokers (N=159): 52 with PTSD (58% with comorbid MDD); 51 with MDD, and 56 controls with no psychiatric disorder. During three positive and three negative mood induction trials (scheduled over two sessions), non-withdrawn participants smoked either a nicotine-containing cigarette (NIC+), a nicotine-free cigarette (NIC−), or held a pen. Positive and negative affect were each measured before and after mood induction. Results showed a significant 2-way interaction of smoking condition x time on negative affect during the negative mood induction [F(6, 576)=2.41, p=.03] in those with PTSD and controls. In these groups, both NIC+ and NIC−, relative to pen, produced lower negative affect ratings following the negative mood induction. There was also a 2-way interaction of smoking condition x time on positive affect response to the positive mood induction amongst those with PTSD and controls F(6, 564)=3.17, p= .005] and amongst MDD and controls [F(6, 564)=2.27, p= .036]. Amongst all smokers, NIC+ enhanced the magnitude and duration of positive affect more than did NIC−. Results revealed affect modulation outside the context of withdrawal relief; such effects may motivate smoking among those with psychiatric diagnoses, and among smokers in general. PMID:28004948

Hexavalent Chromium Cr(VI) Up-Regulates COX-2 Expression through an NFκB/c-Jun/AP-1–Dependent Pathway

PubMed Central

Zuo, Zhenghong; Cai, Tongjian; Li, Jingxia; Zhang, Dongyun; Yu, Yonghui

2012-01-01

Background: Hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] is recognized as a human carcinogen via inhalation. However, the molecular mechanisms by which Cr(VI) causes cancers are not well understood. Objectives: We evaluated cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression and the signaling pathway leading to this induction due to Cr(VI) exposure in cultured cells. Methods: We used the luciferase reporter assay and Western blotting to determine COX-2 induction by Cr(VI). We used dominant negative mutant, genetic knockout, gene knockdown, and chromatin immunoprecipitation approaches to elucidate the signaling pathway leading to COX-2 induction. Results: We found that Cr(VI) exposure induced COX-2 expression in both normal human bronchial epithelial cells and mouse embryonic fibroblasts in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Deletion of IKKβ [inhibitor of transcription factor NFκB (IκB) kinase β; an upstream kinase responsible for nuclear factor κB (NFκB) activation] or overexpression of TAM67 (a dominant-negative mutant of c-Jun) dramatically inhibited the COX-2 induction due to Cr(VI), suggesting that both NFκB and c-Jun/AP-1 pathways were required for Cr(VI)-induced COX-2 expression. Our results show that p65 and c-Jun are two major components involved in NFκB and AP-1 activation, respectively. Moreover, our studies suggest crosstalk between NFκB and c-Jun/AP-1 pathways in cellular response to Cr(VI) exposure for COX-2 induction. Conclusion: We demonstrate for the first time that Cr(VI) is able to induce COX-2 expression via an NFκB/c-Jun/AP-1–dependent pathway. Our results provide novel insight into the molecular mechanisms linking Cr(VI) exposure to lung inflammation and carcinogenesis. PMID:22472290

Repeated Induction of Inattentional Blindness in a Simulated Aviation Environment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kennedy, Kellie D.; Stephens, Chad L.; Williams, Ralph A.; Schutte, Paul C.

2017-01-01

The study reported herein is a subset of a larger investigation on the role of automation in the context of the flight deck and used a fixed-based, human-in-the-loop simulator. This paper explored the relationship between automation and inattentional blindness (IB) occurrences in a repeated induction paradigm using two types of runway incursions. The critical stimuli for both runway incursions were directly relevant to primary task performance. Sixty non-pilot participants performed the final five minutes of a landing scenario twice in one of three automation conditions: full automation (FA), partial automation (PA), and no automation (NA). The first induction resulted in a 70 percent (42 of 60) detection failure rate with those in the PA condition significantly more likely to detect the incursion compared to the FA condition or the NA condition. The second induction yielded a 50 percent detection failure rate. Although detection improved (detection failure rates declined) in all conditions, those in the FA condition demonstrated the greatest improvement with doubled detection rates. The detection behavior in the first trial did not preclude a failed detection in the second induction. Group membership (IB vs. Detection) in the FA condition showed a greater improvement than those in the NA condition and rated the Mental Demand and Effort subscales of the NASA-TLX (NASA Task Load Index) significantly higher for Time 2 compared Time 1. Participants in the FA condition used the experience of IB exposure to improve task performance whereas those in the NA condition did not, indicating the availability and reallocation of attentional resources in the FA condition. These findings support the role of engagement in operational attention detriment and the consideration of attentional failure causation to determine appropriate mitigation strategies.

EFFECTIVENESS OF THE ANESTHETIC AQUI-S® 20E IN MARINE FINFISH AND ELASMOBRANCHS.

PubMed

Silbernagel, Constance; Yochem, Pamela

2016-04-01

Immersion anesthetics are used in hatchery settings by veterinarians, field biologists, and laboratory researchers to aid in handling finfish for medical procedures, research purposes, and moderating perceived stress responses. The only Food and Drug Administration- (FDA) approved anesthetic for food fish, tricaine methanesulfonate, requires a 21-d withdrawal period prior to harvest. Ten percent eugenol (AQUI-S® 20E) has been gaining momentum for FDA approval because of its 0-d withdrawal time if fish are not of harvestable size within 72 h of exposure. We performed two trials to determine appropriate anesthetic doses for two cultured marine finfish: Atractoscion nobilis (white seabass, WSB) and Seriola lalandi (California yellowtail, YT). Fish were held in a treated water bath for 10 min or until opercular beat rate slowed to a rate of <2 beats/min. Based on these results, we conducted a field trial with wild Paralabrax maculatofasciatus (spotted bay bass), Paralabrax nebulifer (barred sand bass), Paralichthys californicus (California halibut), Triakis semifasciata (leopard shark), and Mustelus californicus (grey smooth-hound) at a single dosing regime, with animals held 5-10 min in anesthetic baths. Anesthetic dosing of 35-55 mg L(-1) provided relatively fast induction and good anesthetic maintenance in cultured and wild finfish. Anesthetic induction times were comparable among S. lalandi and A. nobilis at 35-mg L(-1) to 75-mg L(-1) doses, but recovery times were variable. Mortality rates of 20-90% were observed at higher doses (75 mg L(-1) and 100 mg L(-1), A. nobilis; 55 mg L(-1) and 75 mg L(-1), S. lalandi). The apparent increase in sensitivity of S. lalandi may have been associated with nutritional stress in the fish tested. There were no differences in time to anesthesia or recovery among wild finfish species tested at a single dose. Anesthetic induction, maintenance, and recovery were less predictable in the elasmobranch species tested and additional trials are needed to determine optimal dosing.

Comparison of the therapeutic dose of warfarin in HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected patients: a study of clinical practice

PubMed Central

Jackson, B S; Mokoena, T

2017-01-01

Background People infected with HIV are prone to venous thrombosis. Treatment of thrombosis is primarily with warfarin. No studies have addressed the effects of HIV infection on warfarin dose. The aims of this study were to determine whether the therapeutic dose of warfarin and induction time to therapeutic dose in HIV-infected patients differ from that in HIV-uninfected patients. Methods A prospective and retrospective descriptive study of induction time to therapeutic warfarin dose, as well as of ambulant therapeutic warfarin dose, was performed. HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected patients being treated after deep venous thrombosis with or without pulmonary embolism were compared. Sex and use of antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) were also compared in the groups. Results 234 patients were entered into the study. Induction time to therapeutic warfarin dose did not differ between the 2 groups. The mean therapeutic dose of warfarin was higher in the HIV-infected than the HIV-uninfected group: 6.06 vs 5.72 mg/day, but this was not statistically significant (p=0.29). There was no difference in therapeutic warfarin dose between ARV-naïve groups—HIV-uninfected and HIV-infected patients not on ARVs. Conclusions There appears to be little effect of HIV infection on warfarin dosing. Warfarin therapy should be administered conventionally in HIV-infected patients. PMID:28179414

Inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometric determination of tin in canned food.

PubMed

Sumitani, H; Suekane, S; Nakatani, A; Tatsuka, K

1993-01-01

Various canned foods were digested sequentially with HNO3 and HCl, diluted to 100 mL, and filtered, and then tin was determined by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP/AES). Samples of canned Satsuma mandarin, peach, apricot, pineapple, apple juice, mushroom, asparagus, evaporated milk, short-necked clam, spinach, whole tomato, meat, and salmon were evaluated. Sample preparations did not require time-consuming dilutions, because ICP/AES has wide dynamic range. The standard addition method was used to determine tin concentration. Accuracy of the method was tested by analyzing analytical standards containing tin at 2 levels (50 and 250 micrograms/g). The amounts of tin found for the 50 and 250 micrograms/g levels were 50.5 and 256 micrograms/g, respectively, and the repeatability coefficients of variation were 4.0 and 3.8%, respectively. Recovery of tin from 13 canned foods spiked at 2 levels (50 and 250 micrograms/g) ranged from 93.9 to 109.4%, with a mean of 99.2%. The quantitation limit for tin standard solution was about 0.5 microgram/g.

In-house validation of a method for determination of silver nanoparticles in chicken meat based on asymmetric flow field-flow fractionation and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometric detection.

PubMed

Loeschner, Katrin; Navratilova, Jana; Grombe, Ringo; Linsinger, Thomas P J; Købler, Carsten; Mølhave, Kristian; Larsen, Erik H

2015-08-15

Nanomaterials are increasingly used in food production and packaging, and validated methods for detection of nanoparticles (NPs) in foodstuffs need to be developed both for regulatory purposes and product development. Asymmetric flow field-flow fractionation with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometric detection (AF(4)-ICP-MS) was applied for quantitative analysis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in a chicken meat matrix following enzymatic sample preparation. For the first time an analytical validation of nanoparticle detection in a food matrix by AF(4)-ICP-MS has been carried out and the results showed repeatable and intermediately reproducible determination of AgNP mass fraction and size. The findings demonstrated the potential of AF(4)-ICP-MS for quantitative analysis of NPs in complex food matrices for use in food monitoring and control. The accurate determination of AgNP size distribution remained challenging due to the lack of certified size standards. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Observation of reflected waves on the SABRE positive polarity inductive adder MITL

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

Cuneo, M.E.; Poukey, J.W.; Mendel, C.W.

We are studying the coupling of extraction applied-B ion diodes to Magnetically Insulated Transmission Line (MITLs) on the SABRE (Sandia Accelerator and Beam Research Experiment, 6 MV, 300 kA) positive polarity inductive voltage adder. Our goal is to determine conditions under which efficient coupling occurs. The best total power efficiency for an ideal ion diode load (i.e., without parasitic losses) is obtained by maximizing the product of cathode current and gap voltage. MITLs require that the load impedance be undermatched to the self-limited line operating impedance for efficient transfer of power to ion diodes, independent of transit time isolation, andmore » even in the case of multiple cathode system with significant vacuum electron flow. We observe that this undermatched condition results in a reflected wave which decreases the line voltage and gap electron sheath current, and increases the anode and cathode current in a time-dependent way. The MITL diode coupling is determined by the flow impedance at the adder exit. We also show that the flow impedance increases along the extension MITL on SABRE. Experimental measurements of current and peak voltage are compared to analytical models and TWOQUICK 2.5-D PIC code simulations.« less

Kinetics of the melting front movement in process of centrifugal induction surfacing of powder material with nanoscale modificaters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sasnouski, I.; Kurylionak, A.

2018-03-01

For solving the problem of improving the powder coatings modified by nanostructure components obtained by induction surfacing method tribological characteristics it is necessary to study the kinetics of the powdered layer melting and define the minimum time of melting. For powdered layer predetermined temperature maintenance at sintering mode stage it is required to determine the temperature difference through blank thickness of the for one hundred-day of the define the warm-up swing on of the stocking up by solving the thermal conductivity stationary problem for quill (hollow) cylinder with internal heat source. Herewith, since in practice thickness of the cylinder wall is much less then its diameter and the temperature difference is comparatively small, the thermal conductivity dependence upon the temperature can be treated as negligible. As it was shown by our previous studies, in the induction heating process under powdered material centrifugal surfacing (i.e. before achieving the melting temperature) the temperature distribution in powdered layer thickness may be considered even. Hereinafter, considering the blank part induction heating process quasi-stationarity under Fo big values, it is possible to consider its internal surface heating as developing with constant velocity. As a result of development the melting front movement mathematical model in a powdered material with nanostructure modifiers the minimum surfacing time is defined. It allows to minimize negative impact of thermal influence on formation of applied coating structure, to raise productivity of the process, to lower power inputs and to ensure saving of nonferrous and high alloys by reducing the allowance for machining. The difference of developed mathematical model of melting front movement from previously known is that the surface temperature from which the heat transfer occures is a variable and varies with a time after the linear law.

Caco-2 cells - expression, regulation and function of drug transporters compared with human jejunal tissue.

PubMed

Brück, S; Strohmeier, J; Busch, D; Drozdzik, M; Oswald, S

2017-03-01

Induction or inhibition of drug transporting proteins by concomitantly administered drugs can cause serious drug-drug interactions (DDIs). However, in vitro assays currently available are mostly for studying the inhibitory potential of drugs on intestinal transporter proteins, rather than induction. Therefore, this study investigated the suitability of the frequently used intestinal Caco-2 cell line to predict transporter-mediated DDIs as caused by induction via activation of nuclear receptors. TaqMan® low density arrays and LC-MS/MS based targeted proteomics were used to evaluate transporter expression in Caco-2 cells in comparison with jejunal tissue, in culture-time dependence studies and after incubation with different known inducers of drug metabolism and transport. Additionally, studies on ABCB1 function were performed using Transwell® assays with [ 3 H]-digoxin and [ 3 H]-talinolol as substrates after incubation with the prototypical inducers rifampicin, St John's wort, carbamazepine and efavirenz. The gene and protein expression pattern of drug transporters in Caco-2 cells and jejunal tissue differed considerably. For some transporters culture-time dependent differences in mRNA expression and/or protein abundance could be determined. Finally, none of the studied prototypical inducers showed an effect either on mRNA expression and protein abundance or on the function of ABCB1. Differences in transporter expression in Caco-2 cells compared with jejunal tissue, as well as expression dependence on culture time must be considered in in vitro studies to avoid under- or overestimation of certain transporters. The Caco-2 cell model is not suitable for the evaluation of DDIs caused by transporter induction. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

HIT-SI Injector Voltage Measurements Using Injector Langmuir Probes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aboul Hosn, Rabih; Smith, Roger; Jarboe, Thomas

2006-10-01

A pair of Langmuir probe arrays have been designed and built to measure floating potentials of the plasma at the injector mouth of the HIT-SI device. The Helicity Injected Torus using Steady Inductive Helicity Injection (HIT-SI) [1,2] is a ``bow tie'' spheromak using an electrodeless formation and sustainment concept. HIT-SI is powered by two inductive helicity injectors operated in quadrature to maintain a constant helicity injection rate. The electric probes consist of an array of four floating potential Langmuir probes measuring the voltage distribution in each injector from the shell to midpoint of the injector mouth. The probe measurements combine to determine the part of the injector loop voltage driving the n = 0 spheromak equilibrium region. Preliminary data suggest the spheromak voltage is the loop voltage minus the nearly constant injector voltage of 150-180 volts. These probe data will be used to calculate the helicity decay time of the spheromak. [1] T. R. Jarboe. Steady inductive helicity injection and its application to a high-beta spheromak. Fusion Technology, 36(1):85--91, July 1999. [2] P.E.Sieck et al., ``Demonstration of Steady Inductive Helicity Injection'', Nuc. Fusion, in press (2006).

Mediated interruptions of anaesthesia providers using predictions of workload from anaesthesia information management system data.

PubMed

Epstein, R H; Dexter, F

2012-09-01

Perioperative interruptions generated electronically from anaesthesia information management systems (AIMS) can provide useful feedback, but may adversely affect task performance if distractions occur at inopportune moments. Ideally such interruptions would occur only at times when their impact would be minimal. In this study of AIMS data, we evaluated the times of comments, drugs, fluids and periodic assessments (e.g. electrocardiogram diagnosis and train-of-four) to develop recommendations for the timing of interruptions during the intraoperative period. The 39,707 cases studied were divided into intervals between: 1) enter operating room; 2) induction; 3) intubation; 4) surgical incision; and 5) end surgery. Five-minute intervals of no documentation were determined for each case. The offsets from the start of each interval when >50% of ongoing cases had completed initial documentation were calculated (MIN50). The primary endpoint for each interval was the percentage of all cases still ongoing at MIN50. Results were that the intervals from entering the operating room to induction and from induction to intubation were unsuitable for interruptions confirming prior observational studies of anaesthesia workload. At least 13 minutes after surgical incision was the most suitable time for interruptions with 92% of cases still ongoing. Timing was minimally affected by the type of anaesthesia, surgical facility, surgical service, prone positioning or scheduled case duration. The implication of our results is that for mediated interruptions, waiting at least 13 minutes after the start of surgery is appropriate. Although we used AIMS data, operating room information system data is also suitable.

Induction, adaptation and recovery of biological responses: implications for environmental monitoring.

PubMed

Wu, Rudolf S S; Siu, William H L; Shin, Paul K S

2005-01-01

A wide range of biological responses have been used to identify exposure to contaminants, monitor spatial and temporal changes in contamination levels, provide early warning of environmental deterioration and indicate occurrences of adverse ecological consequences. To be useful in environmental monitoring, a biological response must reflect the environmental stress over time in a quantitative way. We here argue that the time required for initial induction, maximum induction, adaptation and recovery of these stress responses must first be fully understood and considered before they can be used in environmental monitoring, or else erroneous conclusions (both false-negative and false-positive) may be drawn when interpreting results. In this study, data on initial induction, maximum induction, adaptation and recovery of stress responses at various biological hierarchies (i.e., molecular, biochemical, physiological, behavioral, cytological, population and community responses) upon exposure to environmentally relevant levels of contaminants (i.e., metals, oil, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), organochlorines, organophosphates, endocrine disruptors) were extracted from 922 papers in the biomarker literature and analyzed. Statistical analyses showed that: (a) many stress responses may decline with time after induction (i.e., adaptation), even if the level of stress remains constant; (b) times for maximum induction and recovery of biochemical responses are positively related; (c) there is no evidence to support the general belief that time for induction of responses at a lower biological hierarchy (i.e., molecular responses and biochemical responses) is shorter than that at higher hierarchy (i.e., physiological, cytological and behavioral responses), although longer recovery time is found for population and community responses; (d) there are significant differences in times required for induction and adaptation of biological responses caused by different types of contaminants; (e) times required for initial and maximum induction of physiological responses in fish are significantly longer than those in crustaceans; and (f) there is a paucity of data on adaptation and recovery of responses, especially those at population and community levels. The above analyses highlight: (1) the limitations and possible erroneous conclusions in the present use of biomarkers in biomonitoring programs, (2) the importance of understanding the details of temporal changes of biological responses before employing them in environmental management, and (3) the suitability of using specific animal groups as bioindicator species.

Method and device for determining bond separation strength using induction heating

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Coultrip, Robert H. (Inventor); Johnson, Samuel D. (Inventor); Copeland, Carl E. (Inventor); Phillips, W. Morris (Inventor); Fox, Robert L. (Inventor)

1994-01-01

An induction heating device includes an induction heating gun which includes a housing, a U-shaped pole piece having two spaced apart opposite ends defining a gap there between, the U-shaped pole piece being mounted in one end of the housing, and a tank circuit including an induction coil wrapped around the pole piece and a capacitor connected to the induction coil. A power source is connected to the tank circuit. A pull test machine is provided having a stationary chuck and a movable chuck, the two chucks holding two test pieces bonded together at a bond region. The heating gun is mounted on the pull test machine in close proximity to the bond region of the two test pieces, whereby when the tank circuit is energized, the two test pieces are heated by induction heating while a tension load is applied to the two test pieces by the pull test machine to determine separation strength of the bond region.

Induction of triploidy and tetraploidy in Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (L.)

USGS Publications Warehouse

El Gamal, A.-R.A.; Davis, K.B.; Jenkins, J.A.; Les, Torrans E.

1999-01-01

Induction of triploidy and tetraploidy in Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, was investigated by heat shock, cold shock, hydrostatic pressure, and/ or chemicals (cytochalasin A, B, and D). Additionally, efficacy of combined protocols was determined. Heat shock 10 min after fertilization induced triploidy when incubation temperature was 24 C but not when incubation temperature was 31 C. Heat shock of 40-41 C at 4-6 min after fertilization was effective in inducing up to 100% triploidy with hatchability similar to controls. Cold shock at 13 C for 45 min five min after fertilization induced 85-100% triploids. Heat shock and multiple heat shocking were the most effective treatments for the induction of tetraploidy. Two heat treatments of 41 C applied at 65 and 80 min after fertilization for 5 min each produced approximately 80% tetraploidy in hatched fry. Immersion of fertilized eggs in cytochalasin A, B, or D at concentrations up to 10 ??g/L applied at various times and durations was ineffective in inducing triploidy or tetraploidy.

Brief mindfulness induction could reduce aggression after depletion.

PubMed

Yusainy, Cleoputri; Lawrence, Claire

2015-05-01

Many experiments have shown that one's ability to refrain from acting on aggressive impulses is likely to decrease following a prior act of self-control. This temporary state of self-control failure is known as ego-depletion. Although mindfulness is increasingly used to treat and manage aggressive behaviour, the extent to which mindfulness may counteract the depletion effect on aggression is yet to be determined. This study (N=110) investigated the effect of a laboratory induced one-time mindfulness meditation session on aggression following depletion. Aggression was assessed by the intensity of aversive noise blast participants delivered to an opponent on a computerised task. Depleted participants who received mindfulness induction behaved less aggressively than depleted participants with no mindfulness induction. Mindfulness also improved performance on a second measure of self-control (i.e., handgrip perseverance); however, this effect was independent of depletion condition. Motivational factors may help explain the dynamics of mindfulness, self-control, and aggression. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Phenobarbital Meets Phosphorylation of Nuclear Receptors.

PubMed

Negishi, Masahiko

2017-05-01

Phenobarbital was the first therapeutic drug to be characterized for its induction of hepatic drug metabolism. Essentially at the same time, cytochrome P450, an enzyme that metabolizes drugs, was discovered. After nearly 50 years of investigation, the molecular target of phenobarbital induction has now been delineated to phosphorylation at threonine 38 of the constitutive androstane receptor (NR1I3), a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily. Determining this mechanism has provided us with the molecular basis to understand drug induction of drug metabolism and disposition. Threonine 38 is conserved as a phosphorylation motif in the majority of both mouse and human nuclear receptors, providing us with an opportunity to integrate diverse functions of nuclear receptors. Here, I review the works and accomplishments of my laboratory at the National Institutes of Health National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and the future research directions of where our study of the constitutive androstane receptor might take us. U.S. Government work not protected by U.S. copyright.

Numerical simulation of inductive method for determining spatial distribution of critical current density

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kamitani, A.; Takayama, T.; Tanaka, A.; Ikuno, S.

2010-11-01

The inductive method for measuring the critical current density jC in a high-temperature superconducting (HTS) thin film has been investigated numerically. In order to simulate the method, a non-axisymmetric numerical code has been developed for analyzing the time evolution of the shielding current density. In the code, the governing equation of the shielding current density is spatially discretized with the finite element method and the resulting first-order ordinary differential system is solved by using the 5th-order Runge-Kutta method with an adaptive step-size control algorithm. By using the code, the threshold current IT is evaluated for various positions of a coil. The results of computations show that, near a film edge, the accuracy of the estimating formula for jC is remarkably degraded. Moreover, even the proportional relationship between jC and IT will be lost there. Hence, the critical current density near a film edge cannot be estimated by using the inductive method.

Differentiation of K562 cells under ELF-EMF applied at different time courses.

PubMed

Ayşe, Inhan-Garip; Zafer, Akan; Sule, Oncul; Işil, Işal-Turgut; Kalkan, Tunaya

2010-08-01

The time-course of ELF-EMF application to biological systems is thought to be an important parameter determining the physiological outcome. This study investigated the effect of ELF-EMF on the differentiation of K562 cells at different time courses. ELF-EMF (50 Hz, 5 mT, 1 h) was applied at two different time-courses; first at the onset of hemin induction for 1 h, and second, daily 1 h for four days. While single exposure to ELF-EMF resulted in a decrease in differentiation, ELF-EMF applied everyday for 1 h caused an increase in differentiation. The effect of co-stressors, magnesium, and heat-shock was also determined and similar results were obtained. ELF-EMF increased ROS levels in K562 cells not treated with hemin, however did not change ROS levels of hemin treated cells indicating that ROS was not the cause. Overall, these results imply that the time-course of application is an important parameter determining the physiological response of cells to ELF-EMF.

Biomarkers in Advanced Larynx Cancer

PubMed Central

Bradford, Carol R.; Kumar, Bhavna; Bellile, Emily; Lee, Julia; Taylor, Jeremy; D’Silva, Nisha; Cordell, Kitrina; Kleer, Celina; Kupfer, Robbi; Kumar, Pawan; Urba, Susan; Worden, Francis; Eisbruch, Avraham; Wolf, Gregory T.; Teknos, Theodoros N.; Prince, Mark E.P.; Chepeha, Douglas B.; Hogikyan, Norman D.; Moyer, Jeffrey S.; Carey, Thomas E.

2014-01-01

Objectives/Hypothesis To determine if tumor biomarkers were predictive of outcome in a prospective cohort of patients with advanced larynx cancer treated in a phase II clinical trial. Study Design Prospectively collected biopsy specimens from 58 patients entered into a Phase II trial of organ preservation in advanced laryngeal cancer were evaluated for expression of a large panel of biomarkers and correlations with outcome were determined. Methods Tissue microarrays were constructed from pretreatment biopsies and stained for cyclin D1, CD24, EGFR, MDM2, PCNA, p53, survivin, Bcl-xL, Bcl-2, BAK, rhoC, and NFκB. Pattern of invasion and p53 mutations were assessed. Correlations with overall survival (OS), disease-specific survival (DSS), time free from indication of surgery, induction chemotherapy response, and chemoradiation response were determined. Cox models were used to assess combinations of these biomarkers. Results Low expression of BAK was associated with response to induction chemotherapy. Low expression of BAK and cytoplasmic NFκB was associated with chemoradiation response. Aggressive histologic growth pattern was associated with response induction chemotherapy. Expression of cyclin D1 was predictive of overall and disease-specific survival. Overexpression of EGFR was also associated with an increased risk of death from disease. Bcl-xL expression increased significantly in persistent/recurrent tumors specimens when compared to pretreatment specimens derived from the same patient (p = 0.0003). Conclusions Evaluation of biomarker expression in pretreatment biopsy specimens can lend important predictive and prognostic information for patients with advanced larynx cancer. PMID:23775802

Methods of analysis by the U.S. Geological Survey National Water Quality Laboratory; determination of whole-water recoverable arsenic, boron, and vanadium using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry

USGS Publications Warehouse

Garbarino, John R.

2000-01-01

Analysis of in-bottle digestate by using the inductively coupled plasma?mass spectrometric (ICP?MS) method has been expanded to include arsenic, boron, and vanadium. Whole-water samples are digested by using either the hydrochloric acid in-bottle digestion procedure or the nitric acid in-bottle digestion procedure. When the hydrochloric acid in-bottle digestion procedure is used, chloride must be removed from the digestate by subboiling evaporation before arsenic and vanadium can be accurately determined. Method detection limits for these elements are now 10 to 100 times lower than U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) methods using hydride generation? atomic absorption spectrophotometry (HG? AAS) and inductively coupled plasma? atomic emission spectrometry (ICP?AES), thus providing lower variability at ambient concentrations. The bias and variability of the methods were determined by using results from spike recoveries, standard reference materials, and validation samples. Spike recoveries in reagent-water, surface-water, ground-water, and whole-water recoverable matrices averaged 90 percent for seven replicates; spike recoveries were biased from 25 to 35 percent low for the ground-water matrix because of the abnormally high iron concentration. Results for reference material were within one standard deviation of the most probable value. There was no significant difference between the results from ICP?MS and HG?AAS or ICP?AES methods for the natural whole-water samples that were analyzed.

Experimental induction of psychogenic illness in the context of a medical event and media exposure.

PubMed

Broderick, Joan E; Kaplan-Liss, Evonne; Bass, Elizabeth

2011-01-01

Mass psychogenic illness can be a significant problem for triage and hospital surge in disasters; however, research has been largely limited to posthoc observational reports. Reports on the impact of public media during a disaster have suggested both salutary as well as iatrogenic psychological effects. This study was designed to determine if psychogenic illness can be evoked and if media will exacerbate it in a plausible, controlled experiment among healthy community adults. A randomized controlled experiment used a simulated biological threat and elements of social contagion--essential precipitants of mass psychogenic illness. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups: no-intervention control group, psychogenic illness induction group, or psychogenic illness induction plus media group. Measures included three assessments of symptom intensity, heart rate, blood pressure, as well as questionnaires to measure potential psychogenic illness risk factors. The two psychogenic induction groups experienced 11 times more symptoms than the control group. Psychogenic illness was observed in both men and women at rates that were not significantly different. Higher rates of lifetime history of traumatic events and depression were associated with greater induction of illness. Media was not found to exacerbate symptom onset. Psychogenic illness relevant to public health disasters can be evoked in an experimental setting. This sets the stage for further research on psychogenic illness and strategies for mitigation.

Induction of parturition in dairy cattle and its effects on health and subsequent lactation and reproductive performance.

PubMed

Mansell, P D; Cameron, A R; Taylor, D P; Malmo, J

2006-09-01

To determine the effect of induction of parturition on health, milk production and reproductive performance of dairy cows. A prospective cohort study in 62 dairy herds. Health, milk production and fertility indices were documented for 1449 dairy cows treated with dexamethasone trimethylacetate, with or without prostaglandin to induce calving. Equivalent data was collected for 603 untreated herd mates that calved at approximately the same time. The median interval from initial treatment to calving was 11 days. Induction was associated with a substantially lower calf survival and commercial value of surviving calves. Calf viability and value was lower when induced cows were at an earlier stage of pregnancy. Retained foetal membranes, photosensitisation and other problems were significantly more frequent in the induced group compared to the untreated group. Milk production of induced cows was approximately 4% lower than untreated ones, but the majority of reproductive indices were not significantly different between the two groups. The practice of induction of parturition in seasonal calving dairy herds is a reliable way of shortening the gestation period of cows. Costs associated with morbidity and mortality of induced cows and losses in lactation and calf production are offset by benefits of improved reproductive performance and more efficient management of the herd. The welfare aspects of induction on calf survival must be considered.

Harmonic reduction of Direct Torque Control of six-phase induction motor.

PubMed

Taheri, A

2016-07-01

In this paper, a new switching method in Direct Torque Control (DTC) of a six-phase induction machine for reduction of current harmonics is introduced. Selecting a suitable vector in each sampling period is an ordinal method in the ST-DTC drive of a six-phase induction machine. The six-phase induction machine has 64 voltage vectors and divided further into four groups. In the proposed DTC method, the suitable voltage vectors are selected from two vector groups. By a suitable selection of two vectors in each sampling period, the harmonic amplitude is decreased more, in and various comparison to that of the ST-DTC drive. The harmonics loss is greater reduced, while the electromechanical energy is decreased with switching loss showing a little increase. Spectrum analysis of the phase current in the standard and new switching table DTC of the six-phase induction machine and determination for the amplitude of each harmonics is proposed in this paper. The proposed method has a less sampling time in comparison to the ordinary method. The Harmonic analyses of the current in the low and high speed shows the performance of the presented method. The simplicity of the proposed method and its implementation without any extra hardware is other advantages of the proposed method. The simulation and experimental results show the preference of the proposed method. Copyright © 2016 ISA. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Assessment of the contamination problems resulting from the use of stainless steel needles in liver biopsies by total reflection X-ray fluorescence and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Varga, Imre

2006-11-01

Percutaneous human liver biopsies taken from living patients could not be repeated; therefore considerable contamination was indirectly disproved. In the present study, the possible contamination of biopsy samples during sample collection was determined using a porcine liver model. Portions of porcine liver were cut by a quartz blade and treated the same as the steel needle biopsy samples. Concentrations determined in samples taken by a quartz device represented the non-contaminated values and were used to determine reproducibility of measurement and intra-individual variations. Additionally, multiple samples taken from a human liver of a patient suffering steatosis during autopsy were used to determine intra-individual variation of element concentrations. Concentration data of non-contaminated samples were compared to data of steel needle biopsy samples. To investigate the possible release of elements from the steel needles the samples were allowed to contact with the needle for different time in a refrigerator at 4 °C. Total reflection X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (TXRF) and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) were applied for simultaneous determination of Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Rb, Mo and Pb because of the very low sample demand of the two selected techniques. Although the steel needles in the present study could not be substituted by polypropylene or Teflon utensils, it was demonstrated that the application of needle biopsy sampling in the reported analysis does not involve measurable contamination if contact time is kept to several minutes as usual in the clinical practice.

Rate coefficient for H + O2 + M = HO2 + M evaluated from shock tube measurements of induction times

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Slack, M. W.

1977-01-01

Shock tube experiments measured hydrogen-air induction times near the second explosion limit. By matching these experimental results with numerically predicted induction times, the rate coefficient for the reaction H + O2 + M = HO2 + M was evaluated as k-sub 4,N2 = 3.3 (plus or minus .6) x 10 to the 15 cm to the 6th/sq mole/s.

REDD1 induction regulates the skeletal muscle gene expression signature following acute aerobic exercise.

PubMed

Gordon, Bradley S; Steiner, Jennifer L; Rossetti, Michael L; Qiao, Shuxi; Ellisen, Leif W; Govindarajan, Subramaniam S; Eroshkin, Alexey M; Williamson, David L; Coen, Paul M

2017-12-01

The metabolic stress placed on skeletal muscle by aerobic exercise promotes acute and long-term health benefits in part through changes in gene expression. However, the transducers that mediate altered gene expression signatures have not been completely elucidated. Regulated in development and DNA damage 1 (REDD1) is a stress-induced protein whose expression is transiently increased in skeletal muscle following acute aerobic exercise. However, the role of this induction remains unclear. Because REDD1 altered gene expression in other model systems, we sought to determine whether REDD1 induction following acute exercise altered the gene expression signature in muscle. To do this, wild-type and REDD1-null mice were randomized to remain sedentary or undergo a bout of acute treadmill exercise. Exercised mice recovered for 1, 3, or 6 h before euthanization. Acute exercise induced a transient increase in REDD1 protein expression within the plantaris only at 1 h postexercise, and the induction occurred in both cytosolic and nuclear fractions. At this time point, global changes in gene expression were surveyed using microarray. REDD1 induction was required for the exercise-induced change in expression of 24 genes. Validation by RT-PCR confirmed that the exercise-mediated changes in genes related to exercise capacity, muscle protein metabolism, neuromuscular junction remodeling, and Metformin action were negated in REDD1-null mice. Finally, the exercise-mediated induction of REDD1 was partially dependent upon glucocorticoid receptor activation. In all, these data show that REDD1 induction regulates the exercise-mediated change in a distinct set of genes within skeletal muscle. Copyright © 2017 the American Physiological Society.

A dynamic model of reasoning and memory.

PubMed

Hawkins, Guy E; Hayes, Brett K; Heit, Evan

2016-02-01

Previous models of category-based induction have neglected how the process of induction unfolds over time. We conceive of induction as a dynamic process and provide the first fine-grained examination of the distribution of response times observed in inductive reasoning. We used these data to develop and empirically test the first major quantitative modeling scheme that simultaneously accounts for inductive decisions and their time course. The model assumes that knowledge of similarity relations among novel test probes and items stored in memory drive an accumulation-to-bound sequential sampling process: Test probes with high similarity to studied exemplars are more likely to trigger a generalization response, and more rapidly, than items with low exemplar similarity. We contrast data and model predictions for inductive decisions with a recognition memory task using a common stimulus set. Hierarchical Bayesian analyses across 2 experiments demonstrated that inductive reasoning and recognition memory primarily differ in the threshold to trigger a decision: Observers required less evidence to make a property generalization judgment (induction) than an identity statement about a previously studied item (recognition). Experiment 1 and a condition emphasizing decision speed in Experiment 2 also found evidence that inductive decisions use lower quality similarity-based information than recognition. The findings suggest that induction might represent a less cautious form of recognition. We conclude that sequential sampling models grounded in exemplar-based similarity, combined with hierarchical Bayesian analysis, provide a more fine-grained and informative analysis of the processes involved in inductive reasoning than is possible solely through examination of choice data. PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved.

[Determination of arsenic speciation in Scomberomorus niphonius by capillary electrophoresis-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry].

PubMed

Chen, Fa-rong; Zheng, Li; Wang, Zhi-Guang; Sun, Jie; Han, Li-Hui; Wang, Xiao-ru

2014-06-01

A method for the detection of arsenocholine (AsC), arsenobetaine (AsB), As(III), dimethylarsinic (DMA), monomethylarsonic (MMA) and As (V) by capillary electrophoresis-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (CE-ICP-MS) was established. The results showed that the six species of arsenic were separated within 20 min under the optimized conditions. Good linearities of 6 arsenic species were observed in the range from 2 to 50 μg x L(-1) with the linear correlation greater than 0.996, the detection limits were 0.10-1.08 μg x L(-1) and the RSDs (n = 5) of the peak areas were smaller than 7%. The method was successfully adopted to the determination of the species in Scomberomorus niphonius. The recoveries were between 93% and 98%, and we found the arsenobetaine (AsB) was the main species in the sample. The method was suitable for the analysis of other biological samples with the advantages of good stability, less sample consumption, short analysis time and convenience.

Aluminium content of some processed foods, raw materials and food additives in China by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Deng, Gui-Fang; Li, Ke; Ma, Jing; Liu, Fen; Dai, Jing-Jing; Li, Hua-Bin

2011-01-01

The level of aluminium in 178 processed food samples from Shenzhen city in China was evaluated using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Some processed foods contained a concentration of up to 1226 mg/kg, which is about 12 times the Chinese food standard. To establish the main source in these foods, Al levels in the raw materials were determined. However, aluminium concentrations in raw materials were low (0.10-451.5 mg/kg). Therefore, aluminium levels in food additives used in these foods was determined and it was found that some food additives contained a high concentration of aluminium (0.005-57.4 g/kg). The results suggested that, in the interest of public health, food additives containing high concentrations of aluminium should be replaced by those containing less. This study has provided new information on aluminium levels in Chinese processed foods, raw materials and a selection of food additives.

Magnetic properties of electrical iron sheet under controlled magnetization

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

Takada, Shunji; Sasaki, Tadashi

1993-11-01

Power losses of electrical iron sheet were measured under the controlled magnetizing condition in which magnetic induction changes at a constant time rate for a fixed time and pauses at a certain induction for a varied time in every half magnetizing cycle. Considerable increase of losses per magnetizing cycle with a pause time has been found only in the case of magnetization pause at the maximum induction. The increase of losses is considered from magnetostriction measurements to be caused by internal magnetization rearrangement accompanied with flux reversal after the pause period.

Comprehensive Teacher Induction: Linking Teacher Induction to Theory

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Keilwitz, Heather A.

2014-01-01

Teacher retention is a wide concern in education and in response school districts throughout the United States are developing more comprehensive teacher induction programs. Components of teacher induction programs that have assisted with successful teacher development include release time for teacher observation, assignment of a knowledgeable…

Apparatus for characterizing conductivity of superconducting materials

DOEpatents

Doss, J.D.

1993-12-07

Apparatus and method for noncontact, radio-frequency shielding current characterization of materials. Self- or mutual inductance changes in one or more inductive elements, respectively, occur when materials capable of supporting shielding currents are placed in proximity thereto, or undergo change in resistivity while in place. Such changes can be observed by incorporating the inductor(s) in a resonant circuit and determining the frequency of oscillation or by measuring the voltage induced on a coupled inductive element. The present invention is useful for determining the critical temperature and superconducting transition width for superconducting samples. 10 figures.

Apparatus and method for characterizing conductivity of materials

DOEpatents

Doss, J.D.

1988-04-13

Apparatus and method for noncontact, radio-frequency shielding current characterization of materials. Self- or mutual inductance changes in one or more inductive elements, respectively, occur when materials capable of supporting shielding currents are placed in proximity thereto, or undergo change in resistivity while in place. Such changes can be observed by incorporating the inductor(s) in a resonant circuit and determining the frequency of oscillation or by measuring the voltage induced on a coupled inductive element. The present invention is useful for determining the critical temperature and superconducting transition width for superconducting samples. 8 figs.

Apoptotic induction of skin cancer cell death by plant extracts.

PubMed

Thuncharoen, Walairat; Chulasiri, Malin; Nilwarangkoon, Sirinun; Nakamura, Yukio; Watanapokasin, Ramida

2013-01-01

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of plant extracts on cancer apoptotic induction. Human epidermoid carcinoma A431 cell line, obtained from the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC, Manassas, VA), was maintained in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM) supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS) at 37 degrees C, 5% carbon dioxide (CO2). Plant extract solutions were obtained from S & J international enterprises public company limited. These plant extracts include 50% hydroglycol extracts from Etlingera elatior (Jack) R.M.Smith (torch ginger; EE), Rosa damascene (damask rose; DR) and Rafflesia kerrii Meijer (bua phut; RM). The cell viability, time and dose dependency were determined by MTT (3-(4, 5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay. A431 cells were treated with the plant extracts and stained with Hoechst 33342 fluorescent staining dye. Cell viability was demonstrated by the inhibitory concentration 50% (IC50). The anti-proliferative effects were shown to be dependent on time and dose. Typical characteristics of apoptosis which are cell morphological changes and chromatin condensation were clearly observed. The plant extracts was shown to be effective for anti-proliferation and induction of apoptosis cell death in skin cancer cells. Therefore, mechanisms underlying the cell death and its potential use for treatment of skin cancer will be further studied.

Evaluation of cancer mortality in a cohort of workers exposed to low-level radiation

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

Lea, C.S.

1995-12-01

The purpose of this dissertation was to re-analyze existing data to explore methodologic approaches that may determine whether excess cancer mortality in the ORNL cohort can be explained by time-related factors not previously considered; grouping of cancer outcomes; selection bias due to choice of method selected to incorporate an empirical induction period; or the type of statistical model chosen.

An Investigation of the Icing and Heated-air De-icing Characteristics of the R-2600-13 Induction System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chapman, Gilbert E.

1946-01-01

A laboratory investigation was made on a Holley 1685-HB carburetor mounted on an R-2600-13 supercharger assembly to determine the icing characteristics and the heated-air de-icing requirements of this portion of the B-25D airplane induction system. Icing has been found to be most prevalent at relatively small throttle openings and, consequently, all runs were made at simulated 60-percent normal rated power condition. Icing characteristics were determined during a series of 15-minute runs over a range of inlet-air conditions. For the de-icing investigation severe impact ice was allowed to form in the induction system and the time required for the recovery of 95 percent of the maximum possible air flow at the original throttle setting was then determined for a range of wet-bulb temperatures. Results of these runs showed that ice on the walls of the carburetor adapter and on the rim of the impeller-shroud portion of the supercharger diffuser plate did not affect engine operation at 60-percent normal rated power. Ice that adversely affected the air flow and the fuel-air ratio was formed only on the central web of the carburetor and then only when the inlet air was saturated or contained free moisture in excess of saturation. No serious ice formations were observed at inlet-air temperatures above 66 0 F or with an inlet-air enthalpy greater than 34 Btu per pound. The maximum temperature at. which any trace of icing could be detected was 1110 F with a relative humidity of approximately 28 percent, The air-flow recovery time for emergency de-icing was 0.3 minute for.an enthalpy of 35 Btu per pound or wet-bulb temperature of 68 0 F. Further increase in enthalpy and wet-bulb temperature above these values resulted in very slight improvement in recovery time. The fuel-air ratio restored by a 5-Minute application of heated air was approximately 7 percent less than the initial value for cold-air conditions.

Outpatient versus inpatient induction of labour for improving birth outcomes.

PubMed

Kelly, Anthony J; Alfirevic, Zarko; Ghosh, Arpita

2013-11-12

More than 20% of women undergo induction of labour in some countries. The different methods used to induce labour have been the focus of previous reviews, but the setting in which induction takes place (hospital versus outpatient settings) may have implications for maternal satisfaction and costs. It is not known whether some methods of induction that are effective and safe in hospital are suitable in outpatient settings. To assess the effects on outcomes for mothers and babies of induction of labour for women managed as outpatients versus inpatients. We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (30 June 2013). Published and unpublished randomised and quasi-randomised trials in which inpatient and outpatient methods of cervical ripening or induction of labour have been compared. Two review authors independently assessed trial reports for inclusion. Two review authors carried out data extraction and assessment of risk of bias independently. We included four trials, with a combined total of 1439 women in the review; each trial examined a different method of induction and we were unable to pool the results from trials.1. Vaginal PGE2 (two studies including 1028 women). There were no differences between women managed as outpatients versus inpatients for most review outcomes. There was no evidence of a difference between the likelihood of women requiring instrumental delivery in either setting (risk ratio (RR) 1.29; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.79 to 2.13). The overall length of hospital stay was similar in the two groups.2. Controlled release PGE2 10 mg (one study including 300 women). There was no evidence of differences between groups for most review outcomes, including success of induction. During the induction period itself, women in the outpatient group were more likely to report high levels of satisfaction with their care (satisfaction rated seven or more on a nine-point scale, RR 1.42; 95% CI 1.11 to 1.81), but satisfaction scores measured postnatally were similar in the two groups.3. Foley catheter (one study including 111 women). There was no evidence of differences between groups for caesarean section rates, total induction time and the numbers of babies admitted to neonatal intensive care. The data available to evaluate the efficacy or potential hazards of outpatient induction are limited. It is, therefore, not yet possible to determine whether induction of labour is effective and safe in outpatient settings.

Outpatient versus inpatient induction of labour for improving birth outcomes.

PubMed

Kelly, Anthony J; Alfirevic, Zarko; Dowswell, Therese

2009-04-15

More than 20% of women undergo induction of labour in some countries. The different methods used to induce labour have been the focus of previous reviews, but the setting in which induction takes place (hospital versus outpatient settings) may have implications for maternal satisfaction and costs. It is not known whether some methods of induction that are effective and safe in hospital are suitable in outpatient settings. To assess the effects on outcomes for mothers and babies of induction of labour for women managed as outpatients versus inpatients. We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (December 2008). Published and unpublished randomised and quasi-randomised trials in which inpatient and outpatient methods of cervical ripening or induction of labour have been compared. Two review authors independently assessed trial reports for inclusion. Two review authors carried out data extraction and assessment of risk of bias independently. We included three trials, with a combined total of 612 women in the review; each examined a different method of induction and we were unable to pool the results from trials.1. Vaginal PGE2 (One study including 201 women). There were no differences between women managed as out- versus inpatients for most review outcomes. Women in the outpatient group were more likely to have instrumental deliveries (risk ratio (RR) 1.74; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03 to 2.93). The overall length of hospital stay was similar in the two groups.2. Controlled release PGE2 10mg (one study including 300 women). There was no evidence of differences between groups for most review outcomes, including success of induction. During the induction period itself, women in the outpatient group were more likely to report high levels of satisfaction with their care (satisfaction rated seven or more on a nine-point scale RR 1.42; 95% CI 1.11 to 1.81), but satisfaction scores measured postnatally were similar in the two groups.3. Foley catheter (one study including 111 women). There was no evidence of differences between groups for caesarean section rates, total induction time and the numbers of babies admitted to neonatal intensive care. The data available to evaluate the efficacy or potential hazards of outpatient induction are limited. It is, therefore, not yet possible to determine whether induction of labour is effective and safe in outpatient settings.

Definition of Time Induction of Self-Ignition of the Substance on the Prognostic Extrapolation Depending on the Basis of Indicators Fire and Explosion Hazard

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sechin, A.; Kyrmakova, O.; Osipenko, S.

2016-01-01

In this article the research directed on development of a technique of definition of time of induction of the self-ignition of substances and materials which is an indicator of the beginning of development of an emergency is conducted. The experiment consisting in supervision over process of self-ignition of coal and oil deposits was the basis for research. On the basis of experimental data the curve expressing analytic - expected dependence of size of temperature of ignition on induction time was constructed. Proceeding from graphical representation of process, functional dependence of time of induction on a temperature indicator was received: y = 16920 • x0 537. By means of known indicators of such substances as bitumen oil oxidized (the combustible solid substance received by oxidation of residual product of oil refining) and tar oil (the combustible solid substance which is residual product of oil refining) and the received algorithm, verification of reliability of the received dependence and a technique of definition of time of induction of spontaneous ignition of deposits of oil in general was carried out. The practical importance of the conducted research is that having data on time of induction of process of self-ignition, by means of preventive measures becomes possible to avoid and prevent accidents in oil and oil processing branches, at the same time loss of property and loss of human life.

Determination of aluminium in groundwater samples by GF-AAS, ICP-AES, ICP-MS and modelling of inorganic aluminium complexes.

PubMed

Frankowski, Marcin; Zioła-Frankowska, Anetta; Kurzyca, Iwona; Novotný, Karel; Vaculovič, Tomas; Kanický, Viktor; Siepak, Marcin; Siepak, Jerzy

2011-11-01

The paper presents the results of aluminium determinations in ground water samples of the Miocene aquifer from the area of the city of Poznań (Poland). The determined aluminium content amounted from <0.0001 to 752.7 μg L(-1). The aluminium determinations were performed using three analytical techniques: graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GF-AAS), inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The results of aluminium determinations in groundwater samples for particular analytical techniques were compared. The results were used to identify the ascent of ground water from the Mesozoic aquifer to the Miocene aquifer in the area of the fault graben. Using the Mineql+ program, the modelling of the occurrence of aluminium and the following aluminium complexes: hydroxy, with fluorides and sulphates was performed. The paper presents the results of aluminium determinations in ground water using different analytical techniques as well as the chemical modelling in the Mineql+ program, which was performed for the first time and which enabled the identification of aluminium complexes in the investigated samples. The study confirms the occurrence of aluminium hydroxy complexes and aluminium fluoride complexes in the analysed groundwater samples. Despite the dominance of sulphates and organic matter in the sample, major participation of the complexes with these ligands was not stated based on the modelling.

Boron determination in steels by Inductively-Coupled Plasma spectometry (ICP)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Coedo, A. G.; Lopez, M. T. D.

1986-01-01

The sample is treated with 5N H2SO4 followed by concentrated HNO3 and the diluted mixture is filtered. Soluble B is determined in the filtrate by Inductively-Coupled Plasma (ICP) spectrometry after addition HCl and extraction of Fe with ethyl-ether. The residue is fused with Na2CO3 and, after treatment with HCl, the insoluble B is determined by ICP spectrometry as before. The method permits determination of ppm amounts of B in steel.

Cracking induction in health libraries: is there a right way?

PubMed

Forgham-Healey, Nicola

2017-06-01

In most instances, inductions are the first time that users will be introduced to health library services. The time available in which to deliver library orientation sessions within a broader, Trust induction programme is often limited, and this can present challenges for health librarians. Inductions are a great marketing tool, and it is important that induction sessions make the right impact. Within a brief window of opportunity, the health librarian must impart key information to the inductees whilst ensuring the session is relevant and memorable. In this article, guest writer Nicola Healey, Library Manager of North Somerset Healthcare Library, discusses the range of approaches she and her colleagues have explored in delivering library inductions, explaining what worked, what did not and what areas still remain for development. H. S. © 2017 Health Libraries Group.

Comparison of the therapeutic dose of warfarin in HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected patients: a study of clinical practice.

PubMed

Jackson, B S; Mokoena, T

2017-02-08

People infected with HIV are prone to venous thrombosis. Treatment of thrombosis is primarily with warfarin. No studies have addressed the effects of HIV infection on warfarin dose. The aims of this study were to determine whether the therapeutic dose of warfarin and induction time to therapeutic dose in HIV-infected patients differ from that in HIV-uninfected patients. A prospective and retrospective descriptive study of induction time to therapeutic warfarin dose, as well as of ambulant therapeutic warfarin dose, was performed. HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected patients being treated after deep venous thrombosis with or without pulmonary embolism were compared. Sex and use of antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) were also compared in the groups. 234 patients were entered into the study. Induction time to therapeutic warfarin dose did not differ between the 2 groups. The mean therapeutic dose of warfarin was higher in the HIV-infected than the HIV-uninfected group: 6.06 vs 5.72 mg/day, but this was not statistically significant (p=0.29). There was no difference in therapeutic warfarin dose between ARV-naïve groups-HIV-uninfected and HIV-infected patients not on ARVs. There appears to be little effect of HIV infection on warfarin dosing. Warfarin therapy should be administered conventionally in HIV-infected patients. 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/.

Rolling-element fatigue life of AMS 5749 corrosion resistant, high temperature bearing steel

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Parker, R. J.; Hodder, R. S.

1977-01-01

The rolling element fatigue lives of AMS 5749 and AISI M-50 were compared in tests run in the five ball fatigue tester and the rolling contact fatigue tester. The effects of double vacuum melting and retained austenite on the life of AMS 5749 were determined in five ball fatigue tests. The double vacuum melting process consisted of induction vacuum melting followed by vacuum arc remelting (VIM-VAR). In the five ball tests, VIM-VAR AMS 5749 gave lives at least six times that of VIM-VAR AISI M-50. Similar tests in the rolling contact fatigue tester showed no significant difference in the lives of the two materials. The rolling element fatigue life of VIM-VAR AMS 5749 was at least 14 times that of vacuum induction melted AMS 5749. A trend toward increased rolling element fatigue life with decreased retained austenite is apparent, but the confidence that all experimental differences are significant is not great.

Long-term results of children with acute myeloid leukemia: a report of three consecutive Phase III trials by the Children's Cancer Group: CCG 251, CCG 213 and CCG 2891.

PubMed

Smith, F O; Alonzo, T A; Gerbing, R B; Woods, W G; Arceci, R J

2005-12-01

The Children's Cancer Group (CCG) conducted three Phase III prospective clinical trials for children with de novo acute myeloid leukemia between the years 1979 and 1995. A total of 1903 eligible children ages birth to 21 years of age were enrolled on CCG 251 (n=485), CCG 213 (n=532) and CCG 2891 (n=886). Follow-up is ongoing, with medians of 7.9, 10.9 and 8.6 years, respectively. These three clinical trials developed dose- and time-intensive induction regimens based upon high-dose cytarabine and daunomycin and randomly assigned patients to allogeneic bone marrow transplantation in first remission if an HLA-matched related donor was identified. Despite dose- and time-intensive induction regimens, remission induction rates remained relatively stable at 77-78%. However, overall survival, event-free survival and disease-free survival (DFS) increased for patients receiving intensive-timing induction therapy in comparison to patients who received standard-timing induction, regardless of the type of postremission therapy. Outcomes were best for patients receiving intensive-timing induction followed by matched related donor allogeneic transplantation with DFS of 65+/-9% at 6 years. These three clinical trials have established a strong foundation for the development of future studies focusing on further risk group stratification and the development of novel, molecularly-targeted therapies.

Determination of trace and minor elements in alloys by atomic-absorption spectroscopy using an induction-heated graphite-well furnace as atom source-II.

PubMed

Ashy, M A; Headridge, J B; Sowerbutts, A

1974-06-01

Results are presented for the atomic-absorption spectrophotometric determination of zinc in aluminium and aluminium-silicon alloys, and aluminium, antimony and tin in steels, by means of solid samples dropped into an induction-heated graphite-well furnace to produce the atomic vapour.

Assessment of the analytical capabilities of inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry

USGS Publications Warehouse

Taylor, Howard E.; Garbarino, John R.

1988-01-01

A thorough assessment of the analytical capabilities of inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry was conducted for selected analytes of importance in water quality applications and hydrologic research. A multielement calibration curve technique was designed to produce accurate and precise results in analysis times of approximately one minute. The suite of elements included Al, As, B, Ba, Be, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Li, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Se, Sr, V, and Zn. The effects of sample matrix composition on the accuracy of the determinations showed that matrix elements (such as Na, Ca, Mg, and K) that may be present in natural water samples at concentration levels greater than 50 mg/L resulted in as much as a 10% suppression in ion current for analyte elements. Operational detection limits are presented.

Apparatus for characterizing conductivity of materials by measuring the effect of induced shielding currents therein

DOEpatents

Doss, James D.

1991-01-01

Apparatus and method for noncontact, radio-frequency shielding current characterization of materials. Self- or mutual inductance changes in one or more inductive elements, respectively, occur when materials capable of supporting shielding currents are placed in proximity thereto, or undergo change in resistivity while in place. Such changes can be observed by incorporating the inductor(s) in a resonant circuit and determining the frequency of oscillation or by measuring the voltage induced on a coupled inductive element. The present invention is useful for determining the critical temperature and superconducting transition width for superconducting samples.

Estrogen enhances mismatch repair by induction of MLH1 expression via estrogen receptor-β

PubMed Central

Lu, Jun-Yu; Jin, Peng; Gao, Wei; Wang, De-Zhi; Sheng, Jian-Qiu

2017-01-01

Epidemiological data demonstrated that hormone replace treatment has protective effect against colorectal cancer (CRC). Our previous studies showed that this effect may be associated with DNA mismatch repair. This study aims to investigate the mechanism of estrogen induction of MLH1, and whether colorectal tumor proliferation can be inhibited through induction of MLH1 by estrogen signal pathway. Human CRC cell lines were used to examine the regulation of MLH1 expression by over-expression and depletion of estrogen receptor-α (ERα) and estrogen receptor-β (ERβ), under the treatment with 17β-estradiol or β-Estradiol 6-(O-carboxy-methyl)oxime:BSA, followed by a real-time Q-PCR and Western blotting analysis. Luciferase reporter and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays were used to identify the estrogen response elements in the proximal promoter of MLH1 gene. Then, the influence of estrogen-induced MLH1 on CRC tumor growth were determined in vitro and in vivo. We found that mismatch repair ability and microsatellite stability of cells were enhanced by estrogen via induction of MLH1 expression, which was mediated by ERβ, through a transcriptional activation process. Furthermore, we identified that ERβ exerted an inhibitory effect on CRC tumor proliferation in vitro and in vivo, combined with 5-FU, through up-regulation of MLH1 expression. Finally, we concluded that estrogen enhances mismatch repair ability and tumor inhibition effect in vitro and in vivo, via induction of MLH1 expression mediated by ERβ. PMID:28404976

Estrogen enhances mismatch repair by induction of MLH1 expression via estrogen receptor-β.

PubMed

Lu, Jun-Yu; Jin, Peng; Gao, Wei; Wang, De-Zhi; Sheng, Jian-Qiu

2017-06-13

Epidemiological data demonstrated that hormone replace treatment has protective effect against colorectal cancer (CRC). Our previous studies showed that this effect may be associated with DNA mismatch repair. This study aims to investigate the mechanism of estrogen induction of MLH1, and whether colorectal tumor proliferation can be inhibited through induction of MLH1 by estrogen signal pathway. Human CRC cell lines were used to examine the regulation of MLH1 expression by over-expression and depletion of estrogen receptor-α (ERα) and estrogen receptor-β (ERβ), under the treatment with 17β-estradiol or β-Estradiol 6-(O-carboxy-methyl)oxime:BSA, followed by a real-time Q-PCR and Western blotting analysis. Luciferase reporter and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays were used to identify the estrogen response elements in the proximal promoter of MLH1 gene. Then, the influence of estrogen-induced MLH1 on CRC tumor growth were determined in vitro and in vivo. We found that mismatch repair ability and microsatellite stability of cells were enhanced by estrogen via induction of MLH1 expression, which was mediated by ERβ, through a transcriptional activation process. Furthermore, we identified that ERβ exerted an inhibitory effect on CRC tumor proliferation in vitro and in vivo, combined with 5-FU, through up-regulation of MLH1 expression. Finally, we concluded that estrogen enhances mismatch repair ability and tumor inhibition effect in vitro and in vivo, via induction of MLH1 expression mediated by ERβ.

Labor length among overweight and obese women undergoing induction of labor.

PubMed

Hirshberg, Adi; Levine, Lisa D; Srinivas, Sindhu

2014-11-01

Maternal weight is thought to impact labor. With rising rates of obesity and inductions, we sought to evaluate labor times among induced women by body mass index (BMI) category. Retrospective cohort study of term inductions from 2005 to 2010. BMI categories were: normal weight (NW), overweight (OW), and obese (Ob) (18.5-24.9, 25-29.9, ≥30 kg/m(2)). Kruskal-Wallis tests compared median latent labor (LL) length and active labor (AL) length. Chi-square determined associations. Multivariable logistic regression controlled for confounders. Analyses were stratified by parity. A total of 448 inductions were analyzed. For nulliparas, there was no difference in LL by BMI category (p = 0.22). However, OW nulliparas had a longer AL compared to NW and Ob nulliparas (3.2, 1.7, 2.0 h, p = 0.005). For multiparas, NW had the shortest LL (5.5 h, p = 0.025) with no difference in AL among BMI categories (p = 0.42). The overall cesarean rate was 23% with no difference by BMI category (p = 0.95). However, Ob women had a greater percentage of first stage cesareans (41%) and NW had a greater percentage of second stage cesareans (55%), p = 0.06. The association between BMI and labor length among inductions differs by phase of labor and parity. BMI also influences the stage of labor in which a cesarean occurs.

Coherent inductive communications link for biomedical applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hogrefe, Arthur F. (Inventor); Radford, Wade E. (Inventor)

1985-01-01

A two-way coherent inductive communications link between an external transceiver and an internal transceiver located in a biologically implanted programmable medical device. Digitally formatted command data and programming data is transmitted to the implanted medical device by frequency shift keying the inductive communications link. Internal transceiver is powered by the inductive field between internal and external transceivers. Digitally formatted data is transmitted to external transceiver by internal transceiver amplitude modulating inductive field. Immediate verification of the establishment of a reliable communications link is provided by determining existence of frequency lock and bit phase lock between internal and external transceivers.

Defining Teacher Quality: Teacher Efficacy among First-Year Teachers Involved in an Induction Program

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Scott-Coleman, Renette S.

2017-01-01

Studies have shown school districts across the United States strive to meet the needs of first-year teachers by adding various components within a beginning teacher induction program. The purpose of this study was to determine if a relationship existed between beginning teacher induction programming and the overall TEAM observation scores of…

The Relationship between Beginning Teachers' Engagement with Induction Program Components and Student Achievement

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Holt, Janice Hooper

2012-01-01

The purpose of this study was to examine induction programs in North Carolina during the 2010-2011 school year to determine beginning teachers received the support as recommended by State Board of Education policy. Participants were second-year high school teachers participating in district level beginning teacher induction programs and were…

Determination of the parameters of the scheme of substitution of the anchor winding of the inductive sup-exciter of the combined multifunctional brushless exciter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pavlov, N.; Denisenko, V.

2018-02-01

The picture of the magnetic field of scattering and mutual induction of the anchor winding of the exciter for the three types of configuration of the tooth-groove layer is considered. The inductive resistance is calculated for the entire phase.

Energy balance in a Z pinch with suppressed Rayleigh-Taylor instability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baksht, R. B.; Oreshkin, V. I.; Rousskikh, A. G.; Zhigalin, A. S.

2018-03-01

At present Z-pinch has evolved into a powerful plasma source of soft x-ray. This paper considers the energy balance in a radiating metallic gas-puff Z pinch. In this type of Z pinch, a power-law density distribution is realized, promoting suppression of Rayleigh-Taylor (RT) instabilities that occur in the pinch plasma during compression. The energy coupled into the pinch plasma, is determined as the difference between the total energy delivered to the load from the generator and the magnetic energy of the load inductance. A calibrated voltage divider and a Rogowski coil were used to determine the coupled energy and the load inductance. Time-gated optical imaging of the pinch plasma showed its stable compression up to the stagnation phase. The pinch implosion was simulated using a 1D two-temperature radiative magnetohydrodynamic code. Comparison of the experimental and simulation results has shown that the simulation adequately describes the pinch dynamics for conditions in which RT instability is suppressed. It has been found that the proportion of the Ohmic heating in the energy balance of a Z pinch with suppressed RT instability is determined by Spitzer resistance and makes no more than ten percent.

A novel methodology for rapid digestion of rare earth element ores and determination by microwave plasma-atomic emission spectrometry and dynamic reaction cell-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Helmeczi, Erick; Wang, Yong; Brindle, Ian D

2016-11-01

Short-wavelength infrared radiation has been successfully applied to accelerate the acid digestion of refractory rare-earth ore samples. Determinations were achieved with microwave plasma-atomic emission spectrometry (MP-AES) and dynamic reaction cell - inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (DRC-ICP-MS). The digestion method developed was able to tackle high iron-oxide and silicate matrices using only phosphoric acid in a time frame of only 8min, and did not require perchloric or hydrofluoric acid. Additionally, excellent recoveries and reproducibilities of the rare earth elements, as well as uranium and thorium, were achieved. Digestions of the certified reference materials OREAS-465 and REE-1, with radically different mineralogies, delivered results that mirror those obtained by fusion processes. For the rare-earth CRM OKA-2, whose REE data are provisional, experimental data for the rare-earth elements were generally higher than the provisional values, often exceeding z-values of +2. Determined values for Th and U in this reference material, for which certified values are available, were in excellent agreement. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Inductively-coupled plasmas in pure chlorine: comparison experiments/HPEM

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Booth, Jean-Paul; Sirse, Nishant; Azamoum, Yasmina; Chabert, Pascal

2012-10-01

Inductively-coupled plasmas in chlorine-based gas mixtures are widely used for etching of nanometric features in silicon for CMOS device manufacture. This system is also of considerable fundamental interest as an archetype of strongly electronegative plasmas in a simple gas, for which reliable techniques exist to measure the densities of all key species. As such, it is an ideal test-bed for comparison of simulations to experiment. We have developed a technique based on two-photon Laser-Induced Fluorescence to determine the absolute Cl atom density. The Cl surface recombination coefficient was determined from time-resolved measurements in the afterglow. Electron densities were determined by microwave hairpin resonator and EEDF's were measured by Langmuir probe. Whereas the HPEM results were in good agreement at lower pressures (below 10mTorr), electron densities are increasingly underestimated at higher pressures. The gas temperature was measured by Doppler-resolved Infra-red Laser Absorption spectroscopy of Ar metastable atoms (with a small fraction Ar added). At higher pressures the gas temperature was considerably underestimated by the model. The concomitant overestimation of the gas density is a major reason for the disagreement between model and experiment.

Investigating the procedural variables that determine whether rats will display negative anticipatory contrast or positive induction.

PubMed

Weatherly, Jeffrey N; Nurnberger, Jeri T; Hanson, Brent C

2005-08-31

Previous studies have demonstrated that consumption of a low-valued food substance may decrease if access to a high-valued substance will soon be available (negative anticipatory contrast). Research has also demonstrated that responding for a low-valued reinforcer may increase if responding for a high-valued reinforcer will soon be possible (positive induction). The present experiment employed rats to respond in a procedure similar to that typically used to produce negative anticipatory contrast. The goal was to determine what factors contribute to when a contrast or an induction effect will occur. Based on previous research, the influence of auditory cues, temporal delays, food deprivation, and location of substance delivery were investigated. Auditory cues and temporal delays did little to influence whether subjects increased or decreased their consumption of 1% sucrose when access to 32% sucrose was upcoming. The appearance of contrast or induction was related to level of deprivation, with deprivation promoting induction. Which effect occurred also depended on whether subjects consumed the two substances from one spout in one location (induction) or from two different spouts in two different locations (contrast). The present results help identify the procedural link(s) between these two effects. They also provide insight to why positive induction may occur (i.e., higher-order place conditioning).

32 CFR 1624.2 - Issuance of induction orders.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... numbers and at such times as will assure that such call or requisition is filled. The names contained in... INDUCTIONS § 1624.2 Issuance of induction orders. The Director of Selective Service, upon receipt of a call...

Differential involvement of left prefrontal cortex in inductive and deductive reasoning.

PubMed

Goel, Vinod; Dolan, Raymond J

2004-10-01

While inductive and deductive reasoning are considered distinct logical and psychological processes, little is known about their respective neural basis. To address this issue we scanned 16 subjects with fMRI, using an event-related design, while they engaged in inductive and deductive reasoning tasks. Both types of reasoning were characterized by activation of left lateral prefrontal and bilateral dorsal frontal, parietal, and occipital cortices. Neural responses unique to each type of reasoning determined from the Reasoning Type (deduction and induction) by Task (reasoning and baseline) interaction indicated greater involvement of left inferior frontal gyrus (BA 44) in deduction than induction, while left dorsolateral (BA 8/9) prefrontal gyrus showed greater activity during induction than deduction. This pattern suggests a dissociation within prefrontal cortex for deductive and inductive reasoning.

Will cognitive enhancement create post-persons? The use(lessness) of induction in determining the likelihood of moral status enhancement.

PubMed

Mihailov, Emilian; Dragomir, Alexandru

2018-06-01

The prospect of cognitive enhancement well beyond current human capacities raises worries that the fundamental equality in moral status of human beings could be undermined. Cognitive enhancement might create beings with moral status higher than persons. Yet, there is an expressibility problem of spelling out what the higher threshold in cognitive capacity would be like. Nicholas Agar has put forward the bold claim that we can show by means of inductive reasoning that indefinite cognitive enhancement will probably mark a difference in moral status. The hope is that induction can determine the plausibility of post-personhood existence in the absence of an account of what the higher status would be like. In this article, we argue that Agar's argument fails and, more generally, that inductive reasoning has little bearing on assessing the likelihood of post-personhood in the absence of an account of higher status. We conclude that induction cannot bypass the expressibility problem about post-persons. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Effect of laryngoscopy on middle ear pressure during anaesthesia induction.

PubMed

Degerli, Semih; Acar, Baran; Sahap, Mehmet; Horasanlı, Eyup

2013-01-01

The procedure of laryngoscopic orotracheal intubation (LOTI) has many impacts on several parts of the body. But its effect on middle ear pressure (MEP) is not known well. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the MEP changes subsequent to insertion of endotracheal tube with laryngoscope. 44 patients were included in this study with a normal physical examination of ear, nose and throat. A standard general anaesthesia induction without any inhaler agent was performed to the all patients. The MEP measurements for both ears were applied under 1 minute; before induction (BI) and after intubation (AI) with a middle ear analyzer. Also hemodynamic parameters were recorded before induction and after intubation. Of the 44 patients were 25 women and 19 men with a 43.5±15.1 mean age. A statistically significant rise in MEP was seen in all patients subsequent to insertion of endotracheal tube (P<0.05). Mean right MEPs were BI: -9.5 and AI: 18.5 daPa. Also mean left MEPs were BI: -21.7 and AI: 29.1 daPa. The amount of increases in left and right MEPs were 50 daPa and 27 daPa, respectively. 20% increase in systolic blood pressure and 19% increase in diastolic blood pressure were determined after intubation. The mean heart rate was 76/min before intubation, whereas it was 102/min after intubation with a 34% increase. In this study bilateral significant increases in MEP were determined subsequent to LOTI. Possible factors affecting MEP may be auditory tube, size and type of the blades, drugs and face masking time. But on the other hand in our opinion cardiovascular and haemodynamic response to LOTI has the most impact over the middle ear mucosa with mucosal venous congestion.

The effects of intravenous anesthetics on QT interval during anesthetic induction with sevoflurane.

PubMed

Terao, Yoshiaki; Higashijima, Ushio; Toyoda, Tomomi; Ichinomiya, Taiga; Fukusaki, Makoto; Hara, Tetsuya

2016-12-01

Sevoflurane is known to prolong the QT interval. This study aimed to determine the effect of the interaction between intravenous anesthetics and sevoflurane on the QT interval. The study included 48 patients who underwent lumbar spine surgery. Patients received 3 μg/kg fentanyl and were then randomly allocated to either Group T, in which they received 5 mg/kg thiamylal, or Group P, in which they received 1.5 mg/kg propofol, at 2 min after administration of fentanyl injection for anesthetic induction. Vecuronium (1.5 mg/kg) and sevoflurane (3 % inhaled concentration) were administered immediately after loss of consciousness and tracheal intubation was performed 3 min after vecuronium injection. Heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), bispectral index score (BIS), and the heart rate-corrected QT (QTc) interval on a 12-lead electrocardiogram were recorded immediately before fentanyl administration (T1), 2 min after fentanyl injection (T2), immediately before intubation (T3), and 2 min after intubation (T4). There were no significant differences between the two groups in baseline patient characteristics. BIS and MAP significantly decreased after anesthesia induction in both groups. At T3, MAP in Group T was higher than in Group P, while HR had reduced in both groups. The QTc interval was prolonged after anesthesia induction in Group T, but did not change at any time point in Group P. The QTc interval after anesthesia induction in Group T was longer than in Group P. We concluded that an injection of propofol could counteract QTc interval prolongation associated with sevoflurane anesthesia induction.

Arrhenius Rate: constant volume burn

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

Menikoff, Ralph

A constant volume burn occurs for an idealized initial state in which a large volume of reactants at rest is suddenly raised to a high temperature and begins to burn. Due to the uniform spatial state, there is no fluid motion and no heat conduction. This reduces the time evolu tion to an ODE for the reaction progress variable. With an Arrhenius reaction rate, two characteristics of thermal ignition are illustrated: induction time and thermal runaway. The Frank-Kamenetskii approximation then leads to a simple expression for the adiabatic induction time. For a first order reaction, the analytic solution is derivedmore » and used to illustrate the effect of varying the activation temperature; in particular, on the induction time. In general, the ODE can be solved numerically. This is used to illustrate the effect of varying the reaction order. We note that for a first order reaction, the time evolution of the reaction progress variable has an exponential tail. In contrast, for a reaction order less than one, the reaction completes in a nite time. The reaction order also affects the induction time.« less

The Hot-Pressing of Hafnium Carbide (Melting Point, 7030 F)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sanders, William A.; Grisaffe, Salvatore J.

1960-01-01

An investigation was undertaken to determine the effects of the hot-pressing variables (temperature, pressure, and time) on the density and grain size of hafnium carbide disks. The purpose was to provide information necessary for the production of high-density test shapes for the determination of physical and mechanical properties. Hot-pressing of -325 mesh hafnium carbide powder was accomplished with a hydraulic press and an inductively heated graphite die assembly. The ranges investigated for each variable were as follows: temperature, 3500 to 4870 F; pressure, 1000 to 6030 pounds per square inch; and time, 5 to 60 minutes. Hafnium carbide bodies of approximately 98 percent theoretical density can be produced under the following minimal conditions: 4230 F, 3500 pounds per square inch, and 15 minutes. Further increases in temperature and time resulted only in greater grain size.

Determination of optimal environmental policy for reclamation of land unearthed in lignite mines - Strategy and tactics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Batzias, Dimitris F.; Pollalis, Yannis A.

2012-12-01

In this paper, optimal environmental policy for reclamation of land unearthed in lignite mines is defined as a strategic target. The tactics concerning the achievement of this target, includes estimation of optimal time lag between each lignite site (which is a segment of the whole lignite field) complete exploitation and its reclamation. Subsidizing of reclamation has been determined as a function of this time lag and relevant implementation is presented for parameter values valid for the Greek economy. We proved that the methodology we have developed gives reasonable quantitative results within the norms imposed by legislation. Moreover, the interconnection between strategy and tactics becomes evident, since the former causes the latter by deduction and the latter revises the former by induction in the time course of land reclamation.

Universal adaptive torque control for PM motors for field-weakening region operation

DOEpatents

Royak, Semyon [Beachwood, OH; Harbaugh, Mark M [Richfield, OH; Breitzmann, Robert J [South Russel, OH; Nondahl, Thomas A [Wauwatosa, WI; Schmidt, Peter B [Franklin, WI; Liu, Jingbo [Milwaukee, WI

2011-03-29

The invention includes a motor controller and method for controlling a permanent magnet motor. In accordance with one aspect of the present technique, a permanent magnet motor is controlled by, among other things, receiving a torque command, determining a normalized torque command by normalizing the torque command to a characteristic current of the motor, determining a normalized maximum available voltage, determining an inductance ratio of the motor, and determining a direct-axis current based upon the normalized torque command, the normalized maximum available voltage, and the inductance ratio of the motor.

Determining Detection and Classification Potential of Munitions using Advanced EMI Sensors in the Underwater Environment

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-11-01

focuses on characterizing Electromagnetic Induction (EMI) responses in the underwater setting through numerical and experimental studies with the...marine EMI sensing. 15. SUBJECT TERMS Munitions Response, Electromagnetic Induction, Unexploded Ordnance, Classification 16. SECURITY CLASSIFICATION...using Advanced EMI Sensors in the Underwater Environment.” The project focuses on characterizing Electromagnetic Induction (EMI) responses in the

An Efficient Fuzzy Controller Design for Parallel Connected Induction Motor Drives

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Usha, S.; Subramani, C.

2018-04-01

Generally, an induction motors are highly non-linear and has a complex time varying dynamics. This makes the speed control of an induction motor a challenging issue in the industries. But, due to the recent trends in the power electronic devices and intelligent controllers, the speed control of the induction motor is achieved by including non-linear characteristics also. Conventionally a single inverter is used to run one induction motor in industries. In the traction applications, two or more inductions motors are operated in parallel to reduce the size and cost of induction motors. In this application, the parallel connected induction motors can be driven by a single inverter unit. The stability problems may introduce in the parallel operation under low speed operating conditions. Hence, the speed deviations should be reduce with help of suitable controllers. The speed control of the parallel connected system is performed by PID controller and fuzzy logic controller. In this paper the speed response of the induction motor for the rating of IHP, 1440 rpm, and 50Hz with these controller are compared in time domain specifications. The stability analysis of the system also performed under low speed using matlab platform. The hardware model is developed for speed control using fuzzy logic controller which exhibited superior performances over the other controller.

Glucocorticoid Induction of Occludin Expression and Endothelial Barrier Requires Transcription Factor p54 NONO

PubMed Central

Keil, Jason M.; Liu, Xuwen; Antonetti, David A.

2013-01-01

Purpose. Glucocorticoids (GCs) effectively reduce retinal edema and induce vascular barrier properties but possess unwanted side effects. Understanding GC induction of barrier properties may lead to more effective and specific therapies. Previous work identified the occludin enhancer element (OEE) as a GC-responsive cis-element in the promoters of multiple junctional genes, including occludin, claudin-5, and cadherin-9. Here, we identify two OEE-binding factors and determine their contribution to GC induction of tight junction (TJ) gene expression and endothelial barrier properties. Methods. OEE-binding factors were isolated from human retinal endothelial cells (HREC) using DNA affinity purification followed by MALDI-TOF MS/MS. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays determined in situ binding. siRNA was used to evaluate the role of trans-acting factors in transcription of TJ genes in response to GC stimulation. Paracellular permeability was determined by quantifying flux through a cell monolayer, whereas transendothelial electrical resistance (TER) was measured using the ECIS system. Results. MS/MS analysis of HREC nuclear extracts identified the heterodimer of transcription factors p54/NONO (p54) and polypyrimidine tract-binding protein-associated splicing factor (PSF) as OEE-binding factors, which was confirmed by ChIP assay from GC-treated endothelial cells and rat retina. siRNA knockdown of p54 demonstrated that this factor is necessary for GC induction of occludin and claudin-5 expression. Further, p54 knockdown ablated the pro-barrier effects of GC treatment. Conclusions. p54 is essential for GC-mediated expression of occludin, claudin-5, and barrier induction, and the p54/PSF heterodimer may contribute to normal blood-retinal barrier (BRB) induction in vivo. Understanding the mechanism of GC induction of BRB properties may provide novel therapies for macular edema. PMID:23640037

Glucocorticoid induction of occludin expression and endothelial barrier requires transcription factor p54 NONO.

PubMed

Keil, Jason M; Liu, Xuwen; Antonetti, David A

2013-06-12

Glucocorticoids (GCs) effectively reduce retinal edema and induce vascular barrier properties but possess unwanted side effects. Understanding GC induction of barrier properties may lead to more effective and specific therapies. Previous work identified the occludin enhancer element (OEE) as a GC-responsive cis-element in the promoters of multiple junctional genes, including occludin, claudin-5, and cadherin-9. Here, we identify two OEE-binding factors and determine their contribution to GC induction of tight junction (TJ) gene expression and endothelial barrier properties. OEE-binding factors were isolated from human retinal endothelial cells (HREC) using DNA affinity purification followed by MALDI-TOF MS/MS. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays determined in situ binding. siRNA was used to evaluate the role of trans-acting factors in transcription of TJ genes in response to GC stimulation. Paracellular permeability was determined by quantifying flux through a cell monolayer, whereas transendothelial electrical resistance (TER) was measured using the ECIS system. MS/MS analysis of HREC nuclear extracts identified the heterodimer of transcription factors p54/NONO (p54) and polypyrimidine tract-binding protein-associated splicing factor (PSF) as OEE-binding factors, which was confirmed by ChIP assay from GC-treated endothelial cells and rat retina. siRNA knockdown of p54 demonstrated that this factor is necessary for GC induction of occludin and claudin-5 expression. Further, p54 knockdown ablated the pro-barrier effects of GC treatment. p54 is essential for GC-mediated expression of occludin, claudin-5, and barrier induction, and the p54/PSF heterodimer may contribute to normal blood-retinal barrier (BRB) induction in vivo. Understanding the mechanism of GC induction of BRB properties may provide novel therapies for macular edema.

Temporal aspects of tumorigenic response to individual and mixed carcinogens. Comprehensive progress report, June 1, 1975--May 31, 1978. [Mouse skin, rats, hamsters

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

Albert, R.E.; Burns, F.J.; Altshuler, B.

1978-02-01

The research proposed here is designed to obtain a better understanding of the temporal kinetics of tumor induction when one or more carcinogens are present simultaneously or sequentially for prolonged periods of time. Studies done to date under this contract have shown that carcinogenesis in mouse skin by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon carcinogens is consistent with the induction of dependent and autonomous cell transformations by the carcinogen followed by the conversion of autonomous tumor cells into malignancies at a rate which is determined by the level of carcinogen exposure. Dependent cell transformations remain latent in the skin unless expressed by amore » promoting agent. Dependent neoplasia appears to follow one-hit kinetics while malignancy is a multihit endpoint. Dose-related and time-related aspects of tumor induction are separable in the initiation-promotion system of mouse skin which along with rat skin and hamster lung is being used as a model for testing hypotheses. Results to date provide the basis for a new interpretation of the linear non-threshold extrapolation model. The broad aim of the study is to provide a basis or rationale for estimating risks associated with prolonged exposures to carcinogens found in the environment and to predict how different tissues and species respond to the same carcinogens.« less

Clinical governance in the management of induction of labour.

PubMed

Zuberi, Nadeem Faiyaz; Siddiqui, Salva; Qureshi, Rahat Najam

2003-02-01

To determine whether dissemination of explicit guidelines, developed in consensus with stakeholders, for the processes of induction of labour (IOL), results in reduction of variability in clinical practice. A prospective behaviour modification interventional study. The study was conducted in the department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the Aga Khan University, Karachi, between January 1 and August 31, 2002. In a total of 142 conveniently sampled women, undergoing IOL, pre-identified quality assessment indicators were measured. After collection of data from initial 71-women (pre-intervention group) mutually agreed guidelines for clinical practice were disseminated, over a period of time, among consultants, residents and nurses. These indicators were again measured in subsequent 71 women (post-intervention group) to evaluate magnitude of residual non-conformities in these processes. Following behaviour modification interventions, nonconformities in consultants and residents-dependent processes like timely review of patients by consultants (72 vs 1.4%, p value <0.0001), documentation of indication for IOL (66.2 vs 16.9%, p value <0.0001), method of induction for IOL (56.3 vs 28.2%, p value 0.0001), and calculation of Bishop score before IOL (38.0 vs 4.2 %, p value <0.0001) were significantly reduced. Dissemination of explicit guidelines developed in consensus with stakeholders significantly reduces variability in clinical practice. Our model can be used for improving quality of care in other areas of obstetric health care.

Simultaneous induction of sod, glutathione reductase, GSH, and ascorbate in liver and kidney correlates with survival during aging.

PubMed

López-Torres, M; Pérez-Campo, R; Rojas, C; Cadenas, S; Barja, G

1993-08-01

Catalase was continuously inhibited with aminotriazole in the liver and kidney during 33 months in large populations of old and young frogs in order to study the effects of the modification of the tissue antioxidant/prooxidant balance on the life span of a vertebrate species showing an oxygen consumption rate similar to that of humans. Free-radical-related parameters were measured during three consecutive years at 2.5, 14.5, and 26.5 months of experimentation. Aging per se did not decrease antioxidant enzymes and did not increase peroxidation (thiobarbituric acid positive substances, or high-pressure liquid chromatography [HPLC]-malondialdehyde), either cross sectionally or longitudinally. Long-term catalase inhibition leads to time-dependent increases (100-900%) of endogenous superoxide dismutase, GSH, ascorbate, and especially glutathione reductase at 2.5 and 14.5 months of experimentation. This was positively correlated with a higher survival of treated animals (91% in treated versus 46% in controls at 14.5 months of experimentation). The loss of those inductions after 26.5 months leads to a sharp increase in mortality rate. The results show for the first time that simultaneous induction of various tissue antioxidant enzymes and nonenzymatic antioxidants can increase the mean life span of a vertebrate animal. It is concluded that the tissue antioxidant/prooxidant balance is a strong determinant of mean life span.

Evaluation of on-line desalter-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry system for determination of Cr(III), Cr(VI), and total chromium concentrations in natural water and urine samples

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Y. C.; Lin, C. Y.; Wu, S. F.; Chung, Y. T.

2006-02-01

We have developed a simple and convenient method for the determination of Cr(III), Cr(VI), and the total chromium concentrations in natural water and urine samples that use a flow injection on-line desalter-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry system. When using aqueous ammonium chloride (pH 8) as the stripping solution, the severe interference from sodium in the matrix can be eliminated prior to inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry measurement, and the Cr(VI) level can be determined directly. To determine the total concentration of Cr in natural water and urine samples, we used H 2O 2 or HNO 3 to decompose the organic matter and convert all chromium species into the Cr(VI) oxidation state. To overcome the spectral interference caused by the matrix chloride ion in the resulting solutions, we employed cool plasma to successfully suppress chloride-based molecular ion interference during the inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry measurement. By significantly eliminating interference from the cationic and anionic components in the matrices prior to the inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry measurement, we found that the detection limit reached 0.18 μg L - 1 (based on 3 sigma). We validated this method through the analysis of the total chromium content in two reference materials (NIST 1643c and 2670E) and through measuring the recovery in spiked samples.

Apparatus for characterizing conductivity of materials by measuring the effect of induced shielding currents therein

DOEpatents

Doss, J.D.

1991-05-14

Apparatus and method for noncontact, radio-frequency shielding current characterization of materials is disclosed. Self- or mutual inductance changes in one or more inductive elements, respectively, occur when materials capable of supporting shielding currents are placed in proximity thereto, or undergo change in resistivity while in place. Such changes can be observed by incorporating the inductor(s) in a resonant circuit and determining the frequency of oscillation or by measuring the voltage induced on a coupled inductive element. The present invention is useful for determining the critical temperature and superconducting transition width for superconducting samples. 10 figures.

Immune tolerance induction in patients with haemophilia a and inhibitors: effectiveness and cost analysis in an European Cohort (The ITER Study).

PubMed

Rocino, A; Cortesi, P A; Scalone, L; Mantovani, L G; Crea, R; Gringeri, A

2016-01-01

Although immune tolerance induction (ITI) is considered the first choice treatment to eradicate inhibitors in haemophilia A patients, little is known about outcomes determinants and cost magnitude. A retrospective, multicentre study was conducted to assess the relationship between ITI outcome, clinical and treatment characteristics and cost of ITI treatment in haemophilia A patients. Data from 12 months before inhibitor diagnosis to 12 months after ITI completion were collected. Treatment cost was calculated in the third-party perspective and expressed as mean € per patient-month. Cox regression models were used to identify predictors of better outcome and the time taken to achieve tolerance. Seventy-one patients, aged 0.4-41 years (median: 3.8 years) at ITI start, were enrolled. Undetectable inhibitor was achieved in 84.5% of patients and inhibitor eradication with normal factor VIII (FVIII) pharmacokinetics in 74.2%. Median time to successful tolerance was 10.7 months (range 2.0-90.0 months). Peak inhibitor level on ITI was a significant predictor of ITI success. Breakthrough bleeding event incidence during ITI was associated with time to success. The mean cost of treatment for the time period between inhibitor diagnosis and ITI start was €3188 per patient-month (92.1% for bypassing agents), and €60 078 during ITI (76.8% for FVIII use in ITI). Immune tolerance induction in this patient cohort was successful in 84.5% of patients with a mean cost of €60 000 per patient-month. This high cost is dwarfed by comparison with the prospect of lifelong care of an inhibitor patient, in addition to gains in life expectancy and health-related quality of life. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Quantitative analysis of the thermal requirements for stepwise physical dormancy-break in seeds of the winter annual Geranium carolinianum (Geraniaceae)

PubMed Central

Gama-Arachchige, N. S.; Baskin, J. M.; Geneve, R. L.; Baskin, C. C.

2013-01-01

Background and Aims Physical dormancy (PY)-break in some annual plant species is a two-step process controlled by two different temperature and/or moisture regimes. The thermal time model has been used to quantify PY-break in several species of Fabaceae, but not to describe stepwise PY-break. The primary aims of this study were to quantify the thermal requirement for sensitivity induction by developing a thermal time model and to propose a mechanism for stepwise PY-breaking in the winter annual Geranium carolinianum. Methods Seeds of G. carolinianum were stored under dry conditions at different constant and alternating temperatures to induce sensitivity (step I). Sensitivity induction was analysed based on the thermal time approach using the Gompertz function. The effect of temperature on step II was studied by incubating sensitive seeds at low temperatures. Scanning electron microscopy, penetrometer techniques, and different humidity levels and temperatures were used to explain the mechanism of stepwise PY-break. Key Results The base temperature (Tb) for sensitivity induction was 17·2 °C and constant for all seed fractions of the population. Thermal time for sensitivity induction during step I in the PY-breaking process agreed with the three-parameter Gompertz model. Step II (PY-break) did not agree with the thermal time concept. Q10 values for the rate of sensitivity induction and PY-break were between 2·0 and 3·5 and between 0·02 and 0·1, respectively. The force required to separate the water gap palisade layer from the sub-palisade layer was significantly reduced after sensitivity induction. Conclusions Step I and step II in PY-breaking of G. carolinianum are controlled by chemical and physical processes, respectively. This study indicates the feasibility of applying the developed thermal time model to predict or manipulate sensitivity induction in seeds with two-step PY-breaking processes. The model is the first and most detailed one yet developed for sensitivity induction in PY-break. PMID:23456728

Interpretation of the microwave effect on induction time during CaSO4 primary nucleation by a cluster coagulation model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Zhichao; Li, Liye; Han, Wenxiang; Li, Jiawei; Wang, Baodong; Xiao, Yongfeng

2017-10-01

The effects of microwave on the induction time of CaSO4 are studied experimentally and theoretically. In the experiments, calcium sulfate is precipitated by mixing aqueous CaCl2 solution and Na2SO4 solution. The induction time is measured by recording the change of turbidity in solution. Various energy inputs are used to investigate the effect of energy input on nucleation. The results show that the induction time decreases with increasing supersaturation and increasing energy input. Employing the classical nucleation theory, the interfacial tension is estimated. In addition, the microwave effects on nucleation order (n) and nucleation coefficient (kN) are also investigated, and the corresponding values of homogeneous nucleation are compared with the values of heterogeneous nucleation in the microwave field. A cluster coagulation model, which brings together the classic nucleation models and the theories describing the behavior of colloidal suspension, was applied to estimate the induction time under various energy inputs. It is found that when nucleation is prominently homogeneous, the microwave energy input does not change the number of monomers in dominating clusters. And when nucleation is prominently heterogeneous, although the dominating cluster size increases with supersaturation increasing, at the same supersaturation level, the dominating cluster size remains constant in the microwave field.

Versatile combustion-amalgamation technique for the photometric determination of mercury in fish and environmental samples

USGS Publications Warehouse

Willford, Wayne A.; Hesselberg, Robert J.; Bergman, Harold L.

1973-01-01

Total mercury in a variety of substances is determined rapidly and precisely by direct sample combustion, collection of released mercury by amalgamation, and photometric measurement of mercury volatilized from the heated amalgam. Up to 0.2 g fish tissue is heated in a stream of O2 (1.2 L/min) for 3.5 min in 1 tube of a 2-tube induction furnace. The released mercury vapor and combustion products are carried by the stream of O2 through a series of traps (6% NaOH scrubber, water condenser, and Mg(CIO4)2 drying tube) and the mercury is collected in a 10 mm diameter column of 24 gauge gold wire (8 g) cut into 3 mm lengths. The resulting amalgam is heated in the second tube of the induction furnace and the volatilized mercury is measured with a mercury vapor meter equipped with a recorder-integrator. Total analysis time is approximately 8 min/sample. The detection limit is less than 0.002 μg and the system is easily converted for use with other biological materials, water, and sediments.

Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometric method for the determination of dissolved trace elements in natural water

USGS Publications Warehouse

Garbarino, J.R.; Taylor, Howard E.

1996-01-01

An inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry method was developed for the determination of dissolved Al, As, B, Ba, Be, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Li, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sr, Tl, U, V, and Zn in natural waters. Detection limits are generally in the 50-100 picogram per milliliter (pg/mL) range, with the exception of As which is in the 1 microgram per liter (ug/L) range. Interferences associated with spectral overlap from concomitant isotopes or molecular ions and sample matrix composition have been identified. Procedures for interference correction and reduction related to isotope selection, instrumental operating conditions, and mathematical data processing techniques are described. Internal standards are used to minimize instrumental drift. The average analytical precision attainable for 5 times the detection limit is about 16 percent. The accuracy of the method was tested using a series of U.S. Geological Survey Standard Reference Water Standards (SWRS), National Research Council Canada Riverine Water Standard, and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Trace Elements in Water Standards. Average accuracies range from 90 to 110 percent of the published mean values.

Evaluation of the use of midazolam as a co-induction agent with ketamine for anaesthesia in sedated ponies undergoing field castration.

PubMed

Allison, A; Robinson, R; Jolliffe, C; Taylor, P M

2018-05-01

There are limited investigations comparing ketamine to a ketamine-midazolam co-induction. To compare quality and safety of general anaesthesia induced using ketamine alone with anaesthesia co-induced using ketamine and midazolam. Randomised, double blinded, placebo controlled trial. After i.v. detomidine (20 μg/kg) thirty-eight ponies undergoing field castration received either 0.06 mg/kg (0.6 mL/50 kg) midazolam (group M) or 0.6 mL/50 kg placebo (group P) with 2.2 mg/kg ketamine i.v. for anaesthetic induction. Quality of anaesthetic induction, endotracheal intubation, surgical relaxation and recovery were scored using combinations of simple descriptive and visual analogue scales. Time of sedation, induction, start of endotracheal intubation, first movement, sternal recumbency and standing were recorded, as were time, number and total quantity of additional i.v. detomidine and ketamine injections. Cardiorespiratory variables were assessed every 5 min. Adverse effects were documented. Data were tested for normality and analysed with a mixed model ANOVA, Fisher's exact test, unpaired Students' t test and Wilcoxon Rank-sum as appropriate; P<0.05 was considered significant. Group M had better scores for induction (P = 0.005), intubation (P<0.001) and surgical relaxation (P<0.001) and required fewer additional injections of detomidine and ketamine (P = 0.04). Time (minutes) from induction to first movement (P<0.001), sternal recumbency (P =< 0.001) and standing was longer (P = 0.05) in group M. Recoveries were uneventful with no difference in quality between groups (P = 0.78). Clinical study with noninvasive monitoring undertaken in field conditions. Ketamine-midazolam co-induction compared to ketamine alone improved quality of induction, ease of intubation and muscle relaxation without impacting recovery quality. © 2017 EVJ Ltd.

Nonylphenol-mediated CYP induction is PXR-dependent: The use of humanized mice and human hepatocytes suggests that hPXR is less sensitive than mouse PXR to nonylphenol treatment

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

Mota, Linda C.; Barfield, Christina; Hernandez, Juan P.

2011-05-01

Nonylphenol (NP), a by-product of alkylphenol ethoxylates, is a pervasive surfactant that activates the xenosensing nuclear receptor, the pregnane X-receptor (PXR) in transactivation assays in vitro. We are interested in determining if NP activates PXR in vivo, determining if hPXR and mPXR act similarly, and investigating the role of PXR in protecting individuals from NP. Wild-type (WT), PXR-null, and humanized PXR (hPXR) mice were treated with NP at 0, 50 or 75 mg/kg/day for one week, and cytochrome P450 (CYP) induction, liver histopathology, and serum NP concentrations were examined. WT mice treated with NP showed induction of Cyp2b, and male-specificmore » induction of Cyp2c and Cyp3a. CYPs were not induced in PXR-null mice, demonstrating that PXR is necessary for NP-mediated CYP induction. CAR-mediated CYP induction was not observed in the PXR-null mice despite previous data demonstrating that NP is also a CAR activator. hPXR mice only showed moderate Cyp induction, suggesting that hPXR is not as sensitive to NP as mPXR in vivo. NP-mediated Cyp3a induction from three human hepatocyte donors was not significant, confirming that hPXR is not very sensitive to NP-mediated CYP induction. Lastly, mice with PXR (mPXR and hPXR) showed lower NP serum concentrations than PXR-null mice treated with NP suggesting that PXR plays a role in decreasing liver toxicity by basally regulating phase I-III detoxification enzymes that promote the metabolism and elimination of NP. In summary, PXR is required for NP-mediated CYP-induction, mPXR mediates greater CYP induction than hPXR in vivo, and the presence of PXR, especially mPXR, is associated with altered histopathology and increased clearance of NP.« less

Nonylphenol-mediated CYP induction is PXR-dependent: The use of humanized mice and human hepatocytes suggests that hPXR is less sensitive than mouse PXR to nonylphenol treatment

PubMed Central

Mota, Linda C; Barfield, Christina; Hernandez, Juan P; Baldwin, William S.

2011-01-01

Nonylphenol (NP), a by-product of alkylphenol ethoxylates, is a pervasive surfactant that activates the xenosensing nuclear receptor, the pregnane X-receptor (PXR) in transactivation assays in vitro. We are interested in determining if NP activates PXR in vivo, determining if hPXR and mPXR act similarly, and investigating the role of PXR in protecting individuals from NP. Wild-type (WT), PXR-null, and humanized PXR (hPXR) mice were treated with NP at 0, 50 or 75 mg/kg/day for one week, and cytochrome P450 (CYP) induction, liver histopathology, and serum NP concentrations were examined. WT mice treated with NP showed induction of Cyp2b, and male-specific induction of Cyp2c and Cyp3a. CYPs were not induced in PXR-null mice, demonstrating that PXR is necessary for NP-mediated CYP induction. CAR-mediated CYP induction was not observed in the PXR-null mice despite previous data demonstrating NP is also a CAR activator. hPXR mice only showed moderate Cyp induction, suggesting that hPXR is not as sensitive to NP as mPXR in vivo. NP-mediated Cyp3a induction from three human hepatocyte donors was not significant, confirming that hPXR is not very sensitive to NP-mediated CYP induction. Lastly, mice with PXR (mPXR and hPXR) showed lower NP serum concentrations than PXR-null mice treated with NP suggesting that PXR plays a role in decreasing liver toxicity by basally regulating Phase I-III detoxification enzymes that promote the metabolism and elimination of NP. In summary, PXR is required for NP-mediated CYP-induction, and mPXR mediates greater CYP induction than hPXR in vivo, and the presence of PXR, especially mPXR, is associated with altered histopathology and increased clearance of NP. PMID:21376070

Methods of Analysis by the U.S. Geological Survey National Water Quality Laboratory - Determination of Elements in Whole-Water Digests Using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometry and Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry

USGS Publications Warehouse

Garbarino, John R.; Struzeski, Tedmund M.

1998-01-01

Inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) can be used to determine 26 elements in whole-water digests. Both methods have distinct advantages and disadvantages--ICP-OES is capable of analyzing samples with higher elemental concentrations without dilution, however, ICP-MS is more sensitive and capable of determining much lower elemental concentrations. Both techniques gave accurate results for spike recoveries, digested standard reference-water samples, and whole-water digests. Average spike recoveries in whole-water digests were 100 plus/minus 10 percent, although recoveries for digests with high dissolved-solid concentrations were lower for selected elements by ICP-MS. Results for standard reference-water samples were generally within 1 standard deviation of hte most probable values. Statistical analysis of the results from 43 whole-water digest indicated that there was no significant difference among ICP-OES, ICP-MS, and former official methods of analysis for 24 of the 26 elements evaluated.

Characterisation of zinc-binding domains of peroxisomal RING finger proteins using size exclusion chromatography/inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Koellensperger, Gunda; Daubert, Simon; Erdmann, Ralf; Hann, Stephan; Rottensteiner, Hanspeter

2007-11-01

We determined the zinc binding stoichiometry of peroxisomal RING finger proteins by measuring sulfur/metal ratios using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry coupled to size exclusion chromatography, a strategy that provides a fast and quantitative overview on the binding of metals in proteins. As a quality control, liquid chromatography-electrospray ionisation-time of flight-mass spectrometry was used to measure the molar masses of the intact proteins. The RING fingers of Pex2p, Pex10p, and Pex12p showed a stoichiometry of 2.0, 2.1, and 1.2 mol zinc/mol protein, respectively. Thus, Pex2p and Pex10p possess a typical RING domain with two coordinated zinc atoms, whereas that of Pex12p coordinates only a single zinc atom.

Sensory determinants of the autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR): understanding the triggers.

PubMed

Barratt, Emma L; Spence, Charles; Davis, Nick J

2017-01-01

The autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR) is an atypical sensory phenomenon involving electrostatic-like tingling sensations in response to certain sensory, primarily audio-visual, stimuli. The current study used an online questionnaire, completed by 130 people who self-reported experiencing ASMR. We aimed to extend preliminary investigations into the experience, and establish key multisensory factors contributing to the successful induction of ASMR through online media. Aspects such as timing and trigger load, atmosphere, and characteristics of ASMR content, ideal spatial distance from various types of stimuli, visual characteristics, context and use of ASMR triggers, and audio preferences are explored. Lower-pitched, complex sounds were found to be especially effective triggers, as were slow-paced, detail-focused videos. Conversely, background music inhibited the sensation for many respondents. These results will help in designing media for ASMR induction.

Sensory determinants of the autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR): understanding the triggers

PubMed Central

Barratt, Emma L.; Spence, Charles

2017-01-01

The autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR) is an atypical sensory phenomenon involving electrostatic-like tingling sensations in response to certain sensory, primarily audio-visual, stimuli. The current study used an online questionnaire, completed by 130 people who self-reported experiencing ASMR. We aimed to extend preliminary investigations into the experience, and establish key multisensory factors contributing to the successful induction of ASMR through online media. Aspects such as timing and trigger load, atmosphere, and characteristics of ASMR content, ideal spatial distance from various types of stimuli, visual characteristics, context and use of ASMR triggers, and audio preferences are explored. Lower-pitched, complex sounds were found to be especially effective triggers, as were slow-paced, detail-focused videos. Conversely, background music inhibited the sensation for many respondents. These results will help in designing media for ASMR induction. PMID:29018601

Efficient Grammar Induction Algorithm with Parse Forests from Real Corpora

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kurihara, Kenichi; Kameya, Yoshitaka; Sato, Taisuke

The task of inducing grammar structures has received a great deal of attention. The reasons why researchers have studied are different; to use grammar induction as the first stage in building large treebanks or to make up better language models. However, grammar induction has inherent computational complexity. To overcome it, some grammar induction algorithms add new production rules incrementally. They refine the grammar while keeping their computational complexity low. In this paper, we propose a new efficient grammar induction algorithm. Although our algorithm is similar to algorithms which learn a grammar incrementally, our algorithm uses the graphical EM algorithm instead of the Inside-Outside algorithm. We report results of learning experiments in terms of learning speeds. The results show that our algorithm learns a grammar in constant time regardless of the size of the grammar. Since our algorithm decreases syntactic ambiguities in each step, our algorithm reduces required time for learning. This constant-time learning considerably affects learning time for larger grammars. We also reports results of evaluation of criteria to choose nonterminals. Our algorithm refines a grammar based on a nonterminal in each step. Since there can be several criteria to decide which nonterminal is the best, we evaluate them by learning experiments.

Introducing AC inductive reactance with a power tool

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bryant, Wesley; Baker, Blane

2016-09-01

The concept of reactance in AC electrical circuits is often non-intuitive and difficult for students to grasp. In order to address this lack of conceptual understanding, classroom exercises compare the predicted resistance of a power tool, based on electrical specifications, to measured resistance. Once students discover that measured resistance is smaller than expected, they are asked to explain these observations using previously studied principles of magnetic induction. Exercises also introduce the notion of inductive reactance and impedance in AC circuits and, ultimately, determine self-inductance of the motor windings within the power tool.

SHORT VEGETATIVE PHASE Up-Regulates TEMPRANILLO2 Floral Repressor at Low Ambient Temperatures1[OPEN

PubMed Central

Marín-González, Esther; Matías-Hernández, Luis; Aguilar-Jaramillo, Andrea E.; Lee, Jeong Hwan; Ahn, Ji Hoon; Suárez-López, Paula; Pelaz, Soraya

2015-01-01

Plants integrate day length and ambient temperature to determine the optimal timing for developmental transitions. In Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), the floral integrator FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) and its closest homolog TWIN SISTER OF FT promote flowering in response to their activator CONSTANS under long-day inductive conditions. Low ambient temperature (16°C) delays flowering, even under inductive photoperiods, through repression of FT, revealing the importance of floral repressors acting at low temperatures. Previously, we have reported that the floral repressors TEMPRANILLO (TEM; TEM1 and TEM2) control flowering time through direct regulation of FT at 22°C. Here, we show that tem mutants are less sensitive than the wild type to changes in ambient growth temperature, indicating that TEM genes may play a role in floral repression at 16°C. Moreover, we have found that TEM2 directly represses the expression of FT and TWIN SISTER OF FT at 16°C. In addition, the floral repressor SHORT VEGETATIVE PHASE (SVP) directly regulates TEM2 but not TEM1 expression at 16°C. Flowering time analyses of svp tem mutants indicate that TEM may act in the same genetic pathway as SVP to repress flowering at 22°C but that SVP and TEM are partially independent at 16°C. Thus, TEM2 partially mediates the temperature-dependent function of SVP at low temperatures. Taken together, our results indicate that TEM genes are also able to repress flowering at low ambient temperatures under inductive long-day conditions. PMID:26243615

Long-term depression of inhibitory synaptic transmission induced by spike-timing dependent plasticity requires coactivation of endocannabinoid and muscarinic receptors.

PubMed

Ahumada, Juan; Fernández de Sevilla, David; Couve, Alejandro; Buño, Washington; Fuenzalida, Marco

2013-12-01

The precise timing of pre-postsynaptic activity is vital for the induction of long-term potentiation (LTP) or depression (LTD) at many central synapses. We show in synapses of rat CA1 pyramidal neurons in vitro that spike timing dependent plasticity (STDP) protocols that induce LTP at glutamatergic synapses can evoke LTD of inhibitory postsynaptic currents or STDP-iLTD. The STDP-iLTD requires a postsynaptic Ca(2+) increase, a release of endocannabinoids (eCBs), the activation of type-1 endocananabinoid receptors and presynaptic muscarinic receptors that mediate a decreased probability of GABA release. In contrast, the STDP-iLTD is independent of the activation of nicotinic receptors, GABAB Rs and G protein-coupled postsynaptic receptors at pyramidal neurons. We determine that the downregulation of presynaptic Cyclic adenosine monophosphate/protein Kinase A pathways is essential for the induction of STDP-iLTD. These results suggest a novel mechanism by which the activation of cholinergic neurons and retrograde signaling by eCBs can modulate the efficacy of GABAergic synaptic transmission in ways that may contribute to information processing and storage in the hippocampus. Copyright © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

One-dimensional time-dependent fluid model of a very high density low-pressure inductively coupled plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chaplin, Vernon H.; Bellan, Paul M.

2015-12-01

A time-dependent two-fluid model has been developed to understand axial variations in the plasma parameters in a very high density (peak ne≳ 5 ×1019 m-3 ) argon inductively coupled discharge in a long 1.1 cm radius tube. The model equations are written in 1D with radial losses to the tube walls accounted for by the inclusion of effective particle and energy sink terms. The ambipolar diffusion equation and electron energy equation are solved to find the electron density ne(z ,t ) and temperature Te(z ,t ) , and the populations of the neutral argon 4s metastable, 4s resonant, and 4p excited state manifolds are calculated to determine the stepwise ionization rate and calculate radiative energy losses. The model has been validated through comparisons with Langmuir probe ion saturation current measurements; close agreement between the simulated and measured axial plasma density profiles and the initial density rise rate at each location was obtained at pA r=30 -60 mTorr . We present detailed results from calculations at 60 mTorr, including the time-dependent electron temperature, excited state populations, and energy budget within and downstream of the radiofrequency antenna.

Optimal design and use of retry in fault tolerant real-time computer systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lee, Y. H.; Shin, K. G.

1983-01-01

A new method to determin an optimal retry policy and for use in retry of fault characterization is presented. An optimal retry policy for a given fault characteristic, which determines the maximum allowable retry durations to minimize the total task completion time was derived. The combined fault characterization and retry decision, in which the characteristics of fault are estimated simultaneously with the determination of the optimal retry policy were carried out. Two solution approaches were developed, one based on the point estimation and the other on the Bayes sequential decision. The maximum likelihood estimators are used for the first approach, and the backward induction for testing hypotheses in the second approach. Numerical examples in which all the durations associated with faults have monotone hazard functions, e.g., exponential, Weibull and gamma distributions are presented. These are standard distributions commonly used for modeling analysis and faults.

Determination of detonation parameters for liquid High Explosives

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mochalova, Valentina; Utkin, Alexander

2011-06-01

The experimental investigation of detonation parameters and reaction zone structure in liquid HE (bis-(2-fluoro-2,2-dinitroethyl)formal (FEFO), tetranitromethane (TNM), nitromethane (NM)) was conducted. Detonation front in TNM and NM was stable while the instability of detonation in FEFO was observed. Von Neumann spike was recorded for these HE and its parameters were determined. The different methods for C-J point determination were used for each HE. For FEFO reaction time τ was found from experiments with different charge diameters (τ is approximately equal to 300 ns); for TNM - at fixed diameter and different lengths of charges (τ ~ 200 ns); for NM - at fixed diameter and length of charges, but detonation initiation was carried out by different explosive charges (τ ~ 50 ns). It was found that in TNM the detonation velocity depends on charge diameter. Maximum value of reaction rate in investigated liquid HE was observed after shock jump and induction time was not recorded.

Reducing current reversal time in electric motor control

DOEpatents

Bredemann, Michael V

2014-11-04

The time required to reverse current flow in an electric motor is reduced by exploiting inductive current that persists in the motor when power is temporarily removed. Energy associated with this inductive current is used to initiate reverse current flow in the motor.

Usefulness of elastography in predicting the outcome of Foley catheter labour induction.

PubMed

Wozniak, Slawomir; Czuczwar, Piotr; Szkodziak, Piotr; Paszkowski, Tomasz

2015-06-01

Incorrect selection of women for labour induction may increase the risk of caesarean section and other postpartum and neonatal complications. It has been recently shown that elastography of the uterine cervix holds the potential to predict the outcome of pharmacological labour induction. There are no data on the usefulness of elastography in predicting the outcome of mechanical induction of labour. To assess the usefulness of elastographic cervical assessment in predicting the success of Foley catheter labour induction. This prospective observational study included 39 pregnant women at term with an unfavourable cervix (Bishop score ≤ 6) suitable for Foley catheter labour induction. Before labour induction the following data were recorded: Bishop score, cervical length (measured by ultrasound) and the stiffness of cervical internal os, canal and external os assessed by elastography (elastography index - EI). Statistical relationships between pre-interventional assessment of the cervix and outcome of Foley catheter labour induction (successful induction, time to delivery and route of delivery) were analysed. EI's of internal cervical os and cervical canal were significantly lower (softer) in women with successful labour induction and vaginal delivery, while EI's of the external cervical os, Bishop score and cervix length were not significantly different. Time to vaginal delivery was significantly correlated with the EI's of internal cervical os, cervical canal and Bishop score, but not with EI's of the external cervical os and cervix length. Elastography has the potential to predict the outcome of Foley catheter labour induction. © 2015 The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.

Differences in sensitivity of murine spermatogonia and somatic cells in vivo to sister-chromatid exchange induction by nitrosoureas.

PubMed

Morales-Ramírez, P; Cruz-Vallejo, V; Rodríguez-Reyes, R

2001-07-01

Previously published data indicate that spermatogonia (SPG) are less sensitive to a sister-chromatid exchange (SCE) induction for different mutagens. In an earlier study, we have observed that bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) substituted murine SPG are less sensitive to SCE induction by gamma ray in cells, than bone marrow (BM) and salivary gland (SG) cells in vivo. This was interpreted to mean that SPG are more efficient in DNA repair or are less prone to SCE induction. That the lower induction of SCE could be due to a reduced accessibility of mutagens to the SPG by virtue of a physiological barrier, was discarded by using gamma radiation. The aim of the present study was to establish whether or not there are differences in SCE induction by nitrosoureas among SPG, SG and BM cells with BrdU substituted or unsubstituted DNA. It was observed that SCE induction by methylnitrosourea (MNU) or by ethylnitrosourea (ENU) in SPG was, respectively, five and two times lower than in SG, and ten and three times lower than in BM. In SPG after BrdU incorporation, there was no increase in efficiency of SCE induction; in fact, there was even a slight decrease by exposure to MNU or ENU. BM and SG cells showed an increased efficiency in SCE induction after BrdU incorporation. This implies that SPG are also less sensitive to SCE induction by nitrosoureas, which cause a different kind of damage from previously assayed mutagens.

Influence ofArtemisia princeps var.orientalis components on callus induction and growth.

PubMed

Kil, B S; Yun, K W; Lee, S Y

1992-08-01

An in vitro study was performed to determine the potential application of tissue culture in determining allelopathic potentialof Artemisia princeps var.Orientalis (wormwood). Aqueous extracts and volatile substances ofA. princeps var.Orientalis were tested to determine their effects on callus induction and growth of several tested species. Extracts of 5%A. princeps var.Orientalis caused some reduction in concentration, induction, and growth of callus, although they looked normal, whereas the expiants of most receptor plants did not develop callus at higher concentration. Lettuce andEclipta prostrata were the most sensitive species, andA. princeps var.Orientalis was affected by its own extracts. The growth of calluses in MS 121 medium treated with essential oil ofA. princeps var.Orientalis was inhibited, and the degree of inhibition was proportional to the concentration of the essential oil.

Mood induction effects on motor sequence learning and stop signal reaction time.

PubMed

Greeley, Brian; Seidler, Rachael D

2017-01-01

The neurobiological theory of positive affect proposes that positive mood states may benefit cognitive performance due to an increase of dopamine throughout the brain. However, the results of many positive affect studies are inconsistent; this may be due to individual differences. The relationship between dopamine and performance is not linear, but instead follows an inverted "U" shape. Given this, we hypothesized that individuals with high working memory capacity, a proxy measure for dopaminergic transmission, would not benefit from positive mood induction and in fact performance in dopamine-mediated tasks would decline. In contrast, we predicted that individuals with low working memory capacities would receive the most benefit after positive mood induction. Here, we explored the effect of positive affect on two dopamine-mediated tasks, an explicit serial reaction time sequence learning task and the stop signal task, predicting that an individual's performance is modulated not only by working memory capacity, but also on the type of mood. Improvements in explicit sequence learning from pre- to post-positive mood induction were associated with working memory capacity; performance declined in individuals with higher working memory capacities following positive mood induction, but improved in individuals with lower working memory capacities. This was not the case for negative or neutral mood induction. Moreover, there was no relationship between the change in stop signal reaction time with any of the mood inductions and individual differences in working memory capacity. These results provide partial support for the neurobiological theory of positive affect and highlight the importance of taking into account individual differences in working memory when examining the effects of positive mood induction.

External field characterization using CHAMP satellite data for induction studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kunagu, Praveen; Chandrasekhar, E.

2013-06-01

Knowledge of external inducing source field morphology is essential for precise estimation of electromagnetic (EM) induction response. A better characterization of the external source field of magnetospheric origin can be achieved by decomposing it into outer and inner magnetospheric contributions, which are best represented in Geocentric Solar Magnetospheric (GSM) and Solar Magnetic (SM) reference frames, respectively. Thus we propose a spherical harmonic (SH) model to estimate the outer magnetospheric contribution, following the iterative reweighted least squares approach, using the vector magnetic data of the CHAMP satellite. The data covers almost a complete solar cycle from July 2001 to September 2010, spanning 54,474 orbits. The SH model, developed using orbit-averaged vector magnetic data, reveals the existence of a stable outer magnetospheric contribution of about 7.39 nT. This stable field was removed from the CHAMP data after transforming to SM frame. The residual field in the SM frame acts as a primary source for induction in the Earth. The analysis of this time-series using wavelet transformation showed a dominant 27-day periodicity of the geomagnetic field. Therefore, we calculated the inductive EM C-response function in a least squares sense considering the 27-day period variation as the inducing signal. From the estimated C-response, we have determined that the global depth to the perfect substitute conductor is about 1132 km and its conductivity is around 1.05 S/m.

Moderate Exercise Prevents Functional Remodeling of the Anterior Pituitary Gland in Diet-Induced Insulin Resistance in Rats: Role of Oxidative Stress and Autophagy.

PubMed

Mercau, María E; Repetto, Esteban M; Perez, Matías N; Martinez Calejman, Camila; Sanchez Puch, Silvia; Finkielstein, Carla V; Cymeryng, Cora B

2016-03-01

A sustained elevation of glucocorticoid production, associated with the establishment of insulin resistance (IR) could add to the deleterious effects of the IR state. The aim of this study is to analyze the consequences of long-term feeding with a sucrose-rich diet (SRD) on Pomc/ACTH production, define the underlying cellular processes, and determine the effects of moderate exercise (ME) on these parameters. Animals fed a standard chow with or without 30% sucrose in the drinking water were subjected to ME. Circulating hormone levels were determined, and pituitary tissues were processed and analyzed by immunobloting and quantitative real-time PCR. Parameters of oxidative stress (OxS), endoplasmic reticulum stress, and autophagy were also determined. Rats fed SRD developed a decrease in pituitary Pomc/ACTH expression levels, increased expression of antioxidant enzymes, and induction of endoplasmic reticulum stress and autophagy. ME prevented pituitary dysfunction as well as induction of antioxidant enzymes and autophagy. Reporter assays were performed in AtT-20 corticotroph cells incubated in the presence of palmitic acid. Pomc transcription was inhibited by palmitic acid-dependent induction of OxS and autophagy, as judged by the effect of activators and inhibitors of both processes. Long-term feeding with SRD triggers the generation of OxS and autophagy in the pituitary gland, which could lead to a decline in Pomc/ACTH/glucocorticoid production. These effects could be attributed to an increase in fatty acids availability to the pituitary gland. ME was able to prevent these alterations, suggesting additional beneficial effects of ME as a therapeutic strategy in the management of IR.

A dipole-assisted solid-phase extraction microchip combined with inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry for online determination of trace heavy metals in natural water.

PubMed

Shih, Tsung-Ting; Hsu, I-Hsiang; Chen, Shun-Niang; Chen, Ping-Hung; Deng, Ming-Jay; Chen, Yu; Lin, Yang-Wei; Sun, Yuh-Chang

2015-01-21

We employed a polymeric material, poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), for fabricating a microdevice and then implanted the chlorine (Cl)-containing solid-phase extraction (SPE) functionality into the PMMA chip to develop an innovative on-chip dipole-assisted SPE technique. Instead of the ion-ion interactions utilized in on-chip SPE techniques, the dipole-ion interactions between the highly electronegative C-Cl moieties in the channel interior and the positively charged metal ions were employed to facilitate the on-chip SPE procedures. Furthermore, to avoid labor-intensive manual manipulation, a programmable valve manifold was designed as an interface combining the dipole-assisted SPE microchip and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) to achieve the fully automated operation. Under the optimized operation conditions for the established system, the detection limits for each analyte ion were obtained based on three times the standard deviation of seven measurements of the blank eluent solution. The limits ranged from 3.48 to 20.68 ng L(-1), suggesting that this technique appears uniquely suited for determining the levels of heavy metal ions in natural water. Indeed, a series of validation procedures demonstrated that the developed method could be satisfactorily applied to the determination of trace heavy metals in natural water. Remarkably, the developed device was durable enough to be reused more than 160 times without any loss in its analytical performance. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study reporting on the combination of a dipole-assisted SPE microchip and elemental analysis instrument for the online determination of trace heavy metal ions.

Surface Fatigue Resistance with Induction Hardening

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Townsend, Dennis; Turza, Alan; Chapman, Mike

1996-01-01

Induction hardening has been used for some years to harden the surface and improve the strength and service life of gears and other components. Many applications that employ induction hardening require a relatively long time to finish the hardening process and controlling the hardness of the surface layer and its depth often was a problem. Other surface hardening methods, ie., carbonizing, take a very long time and tend to cause deformations of the toothing, whose elimination requires supplementary finishing work. In double-frequency induction hardening, one uses a low frequency for the preheating of the toothed wheel and a much higher frequency for the purpose of rapidly heating the surface by way of surface hardening.

Low-noise magnetometer based on inductance modulation in high-critical-temperature superconductor coil

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Enpuku, Keiji; Matsuo, Masaaki; Yoshida, Yujiro; Yamashita, Shigeya; Sasayama, Teruyoshi; Yoshida, Takashi

2018-06-01

We developed a magnetometer based on inductance modulation of a coil made from a high-critical-temperature superconducting material. The coil inductance was modulated over time via a modulation current applied to a magnetic wire that was inserted into the coil. The magnetic field was then converted into a signal voltage using this time-dependent inductance. The relationship between magnetometer performance and the modulation current conditions was studied. Under appropriate conditions, the magnetometer had responsivity of 885 V/T. The magnetic field noise was 1.3 pT/Hz1/2 in the white noise region and 5.6 pT/Hz1/2 at f = 1 Hz.

Improvement of Mechanical Properties of Spheroidized 1045 Steel by Induction Heat Treatment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Minwook; Shin, Jung-Ho; Choi, Young; Lee, Seok-Jae

2016-04-01

The effects of induction heat treatment on the formation of carbide particles and mechanical properties of spheroidized 1045 steel were investigated by means of microstructural analysis and tensile testing. The induction spheroidization accelerated the formation of spherical cementite particles and effectively softened the steel. The volume fraction of cementite was found to be a key factor that affected the mechanical properties of spheroidized steels. Further tests showed that sequential spheroidization by induction and furnace heat treatments enhanced elongation within a short spheroidization time, resulting in better mechanical properties. This was due to the higher volume fraction of spherical cementite particles that had less diffusion time for particle coarsening.

Genetic analysis of tissue interactions required for otic placode induction in the zebrafish.

PubMed

Mendonsa, E S; Riley, B B

1999-02-01

Development of the vertebrate inner ear begins during gastrulation with induction of the otic placode. Several embryonic tissues, including cephalic mesendoderm, notochord, and hindbrain, have been implicated as potential sources of otic-inducing signals. However, the relative contributions of these tissues have not been determined, nor have any genes affecting placode induction been identified. To address these issues, we analyzed otic placode induction in zebrafish mutants that are deficient in prospective otic-inducing tissues. Otic development was monitored by examining mutant embryos for morphological changes and, in some cases, by visualizing expression patterns of dlx-3 or pax-2.1 in preotic cells several hours before otic placode formation. In cyclops (cyc-) mutants, which develop with a partial deficiency of prechordal mesendoderm, otic induction is delayed by up to 1 h. In one-eyed pinhead (oep-) mutants, which are more completely deficient in prechordal mesendoderm, otic induction is delayed by 1.5 h, and morphology of the otic vesicles is abnormal. Expression of marker genes in other regions of the neural plate is normal, suggesting that ablation of prechordal mesendoderm selectively inhibits otic induction. In contrast, the timing and morphology of otic development is not affected by mutations in no tail (ntl) or floating head (flh), which prevent notochord differentiation. Similarly, a mutation in valentino (val), which blocks early differentiation of rhombomeres 5 and 6 in the hindbrain, does not delay otic induction, although subsequent patterning of the otic vesicle is impaired. To test whether inductive signals from one tissue can compensate for loss of another, we generated double or triple mutants with various combinations of the above mutations. In none of the multiple mutants do the flh or val mutations exacerbate delays in placode induction, although val does contribute additively to defects in subsequent patterning of the otic vesicle. In contrast, mutants homozygous for both oep and ntl, which interact synergistically to disrupt differentiation of cephalic and axial mesendoderm, show a delay in otic development of about 3 h. These data suggest that cephalic mesendoderm, including prechordal mesendoderm and anterior paraxial mesendoderm, provides the first otic-inducing signals during gastrulation, whereas chordamesoderm plays no discernible role in this process. Because val- mutants are deficient for only a portion of the hindbrain, we cannot rule out a role for that tissue in otic placode induction. However, if the hindbrain does provide otic-inducing signals, they apparently differ quantitatively or qualitatively from the signals required for vesicle patterning, as val disrupts only the latter. Copyright 1999 Academic Press.

Why Do Enolate Anions Favor O-Alkylation over C-Alkylation in the Gas Phase? The Roles of Resonance and Inductive Effects in the Gas-Phase SN2 Reaction between the Acetaldehyde Enolate Anion and Methyl Fluoride.

PubMed

Seitz, Christian G; Zhang, Huaiyu; Mo, Yirong; Karty, Joel M

2016-05-06

Contributions by resonance and inductive effects toward the net activation barrier were determined computationally for the gas-phase SN2 reaction between the acetaldehyde enolate anion and methyl fluoride, for both O-methylation and C-methylation, in order to understand why this reaction favors O-methylation. With the use of the vinylogue extrapolation methodology, resonance effects were determined to contribute toward increasing the size of the barrier by about 9.5 kcal/mol for O-methylation and by about 21.2 kcal/mol for C-methylation. Inductive effects were determined to contribute toward increasing the size of the barrier by about 1.7 kcal/mol for O-methylation and 4.2 kcal/mol for C-methylation. Employing our block-localized wave function methodology, we determined the contributions by resonance to be 12.8 kcal/mol for O-methylation and 22.3 kcal/mol for C-methylation. Thus, whereas inductive effects have significant contributions, resonance is the dominant factor that leads to O-methylation being favored. More specifically, resonance serves to increase the size the barrier for C-methylation significantly more than it does for O-methylation.

The quick and ultrasensitive determination of K in NaI using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

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

Arnquist, Isaac J.; Hoppe, Eric W.

A highly sensitive, novel and quick assay method utilizing inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry was developed for the determination of K in NaI powders and NaI(Tl) scintillator crystals for use in ultralow background applications. The determination of K (viz. 40K), as well as Th and U and their daughters, is important in ultralow background detector materials to ensure incorporation of materials of sufficiently high radiopurity. Through the use of improved instrumentation, cool plasma operating conditions, and meticulously clean sample preparations, detection limits of 11 fg natK∙g-1 (or 341 pBq 40K∙kg-1) was attained for K in pure water. Detection limits inmore » the sample matrix (i.e., NaI) were 0.529 ng natK∙g NaI-1 (or 16.4 Bq 40K∙kg NaI -1). A number of different precursor NaI powder samples and NaI(Tl) scintillator crystals were assayed for their K content. Determinations ranged from 0.757 – 31.4 ng natK∙g NaI-1. This method allows for the screening of materials to unprecedented levels in a fraction of the time compared to gamma counting techniques, providing a useful method for a more effective screening tool of K in ultralow background detector materials.« less

Portable real-time fluorescence cytometry of microscale cell culture analog devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Donghyun; Tatosian, Daniel A.; Shuler, Michael L.

2006-02-01

A portable fluorescence cytometric system that provides a modular platform for quantitative real-time image measurements has been used to explore the applicability to investigating cellular events on multiple time scales. For a short time scale, we investigated the real-time dynamics of uptake of daunorubicin, a chemotherapeutic agent, in cultured mouse L-cells in a micro cell culture analog compartment using the fluorescent cytometric system. The green fluorescent protein (GFP) expression to monitor induction of pre-specified genes, which occurs on a much longer time scale, has also been measured. Here GFP fluorescence from a doxycycline inducible promoter in a mouse L-cell line was determined. Additionally, a system based on inexpensive LEDs showed performance comparable to a broadband light source based system and reduced photobleaching compared to microscopic examination.

Creativity and Memory: Effects of an Episodic Specificity Induction on Divergent Thinking

PubMed Central

Madore, Kevin P.; Addis, Donna Rose; Schacter, Daniel L.

2015-01-01

After receiving an episodic specificity induction - brief training in recollecting details of a recent event - people produce more episodic details when imagining future events and solving means-end problems than after receiving a control induction not focused on episodic retrieval. Here we show for the first time that an episodic specificity induction also enhances divergent creative thinking. In Experiment 1, participants exhibited a selective boost on a divergent thinking task that involves generating unusual uses of common objects after a specificity induction compared with a control induction; by contrast, performance was similar on an object association task thought to involve little divergent thinking. In Experiment 2, we replicated the specificity induction effect on divergent thinking using a different control induction, and also found that participants performed similarly on a convergent thinking task following both inductions. These experiments provide novel evidence that episodic memory is involved in divergent creative thinking. PMID:26205963

A Facile Droplet-Chip-Time-Resolved Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry Online System for Determination of Zinc in Single Cell.

PubMed

Wang, Han; Chen, Beibei; He, Man; Hu, Bin

2017-05-02

Single cell analysis is a significant research field in recent years reflecting the heterogeneity of cells in a biological system. In this work, a facile droplet chip was fabricated and online combined with time-resolved inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS) via a microflow nebulizer for the determination of zinc in single HepG2 cells. On the focusing geometric designed PDMS microfluidic chip, the aqueous cell suspension was ejected and divided by hexanol to generate droplets. The droplets encapsulated single cells remain intact during the transportation into ICP for subsequent detection. Under the optimized conditions, the frequency of droplet generation is 3-6 × 10 6 min -1 , and the injected cell number is 2500 min -1 , which can ensure the single cell encapsulation. ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) were used for the quantification of zinc in single cells, and the accuracy was validated by conventional acid digestion-ICPMS method. The ZnO NPs incubated HepG2 cells were analyzed as model samples, and the results exhibit the heterogeneity of HepG2 cells in the uptake/adsorption of ZnO NPs. The developed online droplet-chip-ICPMS analysis system achieves stable single cell encapsulation and has high throughput for single cell analysis. It has the potential in monitoring the content as well as distribution of trace elements/NPs at the single cell level.

Crosstalk between Fas and JNK determines lymphocyte apoptosis after ionizing radiation.

PubMed

Praveen, Koganti; Saxena, Nandita

2013-06-01

Radiation simultaneously activate Fas and JNK pathway in lymphocytes but their precise interaction is not clearly understood. Activation of Fas pathway is required for radiation induced apoptosis, however induction of JNK pathway may or may not contribute in apoptosis. Here we report that Fas, Fas associated death domain and total JNK are activated in a dose- and time-dependent radiation exposure. A biphasic pattern of phospho-JNK was found at lower doses (1 and 2 Gy), however at higher doses of radiation phospho-JNK was continuously activated. Interestingly, Fas ligand expression remained biphasic at all the doses of radiation. Our results suggest that the Fas pathway is the major player in radiation-induced apoptosis, with JNK playing a contributory role. We also observed that Fas ligand expression by radiation is dependent on JNK activation. We also propose that radiation activates JNK pathway, but sustained activation is required for maximal induction of apoptosis at later times. Our findings define a mechanism for crosstalk between JNK and Fas pathway in radiation-induced apoptosis, which may lead to the development of new therapeutic strategies.

Joseph Henry’s role in the discovery of electromagnetic induction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smith, Glenn S.

2017-01-01

The discovery of electromagnetic induction in the early part of the 19th century is one of the greatest scientific achievements of all time, and it has had tremendous technological consequences. The credit for this discovery rightfully goes to the great English experimental physicist Michael Faraday. However, the American physicist Joseph Henry made some observations comparable to Faraday’s at nearly the same time, and for that reason, Faraday and Henry are often considered to be co-discoverers of some aspects of electromagnetic induction. We examine Henry’s early research on electromagnetism, starting from his efforts to improve the electromagnet, which led directly to his investigations of induction. We describe his earliest experiments on both mutual and self-induction, and pay particular attention to the relationship of Henry’s research to that of Faraday. The approach is one in which the experiments are described and then analysed using modern theory and terminology.

Engineering of a synthetic quadrastable gene network to approach Waddington landscape and cell fate determination.

PubMed

Wu, Fuqing; Su, Ri-Qi; Lai, Ying-Cheng; Wang, Xiao

2017-04-11

The process of cell fate determination has been depicted intuitively as cells travelling and resting on a rugged landscape, which has been probed by various theoretical studies. However, few studies have experimentally demonstrated how underlying gene regulatory networks shape the landscape and hence orchestrate cellular decision-making in the presence of both signal and noise. Here we tested different topologies and verified a synthetic gene circuit with mutual inhibition and auto-activations to be quadrastable, which enables direct study of quadruple cell fate determination on an engineered landscape. We show that cells indeed gravitate towards local minima and signal inductions dictate cell fates through modulating the shape of the multistable landscape. Experiments, guided by model predictions, reveal that sequential inductions generate distinct cell fates by changing landscape in sequence and hence navigating cells to different final states. This work provides a synthetic biology framework to approach cell fate determination and suggests a landscape-based explanation of fixed induction sequences for targeted differentiation.

A randomized trial of misoprostol versus extra-amniotic sodium chloride infusion with oxytocin for induction of labor.

PubMed

Buccellato, C A; Stika, C S; Frederiksen, M C

2000-05-01

Our purpose was to compare the efficacy and safety of misoprostol and extra-amniotic sodium chloride infusion with oxytocin for induction of labor. This randomized trial compared two methods of labor induction in women requiring cervical ripening. One hundred twenty-three women undergoing labor induction with a Bishop score < or =5 were randomly selected to receive either misoprostol, 50 microg intravaginally every 4 hours, or extra-amniotic sodium chloride infusion. The primary outcome variable was the time interval from induction to vaginal delivery. Sixty-one women received extra-amniotic sodium chloride infusion and 62 women received misoprostol. The mean time interval from the start of induction to vaginal delivery was 15.0 +/- 5.0 hours and 16.5 +/- 7.2 hours for the extra-amniotic infusion and misoprostol groups, respectively (P, not significant). The cesarean delivery rate was not significantly different between the 2 groups (32.8% for the extra-amniotic infusion group; 19.4% for the misoprostol group). Maternal and neonatal outcomes were similar between the 2 groups. Both methods of induction are equally efficacious and result in similar maternal and neonatal outcomes.

[Criteria for the determination of the distance of a gunshot from limited-range firearms based on the morphological characteristics of the wound and the results of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry].

PubMed

Svetlolobov, D Iu; Luzanova, I S; Demidov, I V; Zorin, Iu V; Sonis, M A; Likhachev, A S

2013-01-01

We have developed the criteria allowing to determine the distance of a gunshot from limited-range firearms (an IZh-79-9TGM pistol with the elastic bullet cartridges) based on the morphological characteristics of the wound and the results of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The method has been developed for the quantitative determination of barium, lead, and antimony in the targets depending on the gunshot distance.

A high-throughput solid-phase extraction microchip combined with inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry for rapid determination of trace heavy metals in natural water.

PubMed

Shih, Tsung-Ting; Hsieh, Cheng-Chuan; Luo, Yu-Ting; Su, Yi-An; Chen, Ping-Hung; Chuang, Yu-Chen; Sun, Yuh-Chang

2016-04-15

Herein, a hyphenated system combining a high-throughput solid-phase extraction (htSPE) microchip with inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) for rapid determination of trace heavy metals was developed. Rather than performing multiple analyses in parallel for the enhancement of analytical throughput, we improved the processing speed for individual samples by increasing the operation flow rate during SPE procedures. To this end, an innovative device combining a micromixer and a multi-channeled extraction unit was designed. Furthermore, a programmable valve manifold was used to interface the developed microchip and ICP-MS instrumentation in order to fully automate the system, leading to a dramatic reduction in operation time and human error. Under the optimized operation conditions for the established system, detection limits of 1.64-42.54 ng L(-1) for the analyte ions were achieved. Validation procedures demonstrated that the developed method could be satisfactorily applied to the determination of trace heavy metals in natural water. Each analysis could be readily accomplished within just 186 s using the established system. This represents, to the best of our knowledge, an unprecedented speed for the analysis of trace heavy metal ions. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A new HF-resistant tandem spray chamber for improved determination of trace elements and Pb isotopes using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krachler, Michael; Rausch, Nicole; Feuerbacher, Helmut; Klemens, Patrick

2005-07-01

The use of a new HF-resistant tandem spray chamber arrangement consisting of a cyclonic spray chamber and a Scott-type spray chamber made from PFA and PEEK provides a straightforward approach for improving the performance of inductively coupled-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The characteristics of the tandem spray chamber were critically evaluated against a PEEK cyclonic and a PFA Scott-type spray chamber, respectively. Sensitivity across the entire mass range was increased by about three times compared to the conventional setup utilizing only one spray chamber. Precision of the results, especially at low signal intensities, improved by 160% and 31% compared to the cyclonic and Scott-type spray chamber, respectively. Using the tandem spray chamber, the oxide formation rate was lowered by about 50%. Signals as low as 30 counts could be determined under routine measurement conditions with a RSD of 2.4% thus allowing to precisely quantify small concentration differences at the ng l - 1 concentration level. The excellent precision (0.02-0.07%) of 206Pb / 207Pb and 206Pb / 208Pb ratios determined in pore water samples was rather limited by the instrumental capabilities of the single collector ICP-MS instrument than by the performance of the tandem spray chamber.

Characterization of the photosynthetic induction response in a Populus species with stomata barely responding to light changes.

PubMed

Tang, Y; Liang, N

2000-08-01

The photosynthetic induction response is constrained by stomatal and biochemical limitations. However, leaves in some plants like Populus koreana x trichocarpa cv. Peace (a hybrid clone) may have little stomatal limitation because their stomata barely respond to changes in photon flux density (PFD). We examined the induction responses of leaves of well-watered and dehydrated P. koreana x trichocarpa plants grown in a high-light or a low-light regime. With an increase in PFD from 50 to 500 micromol m(-2) s(-1), steady-state stomatal conductance (g(s)) increased by only 0.25-8.2%, regardless of the initial g(s), but steady-state assimilation rate (A) increased by 550-1810%. Photosynthetic induction times required to reach 50% (IT50) and 90% (IT90) of A at high PFD were 60-90 s and 210-360 s, respectively. Examination of the dynamic relationships between A and g(s), and between A and intercellular CO2 concentration, indicated that the induction limitation was imposed completely by the biochemical components within 30-40 s after the PFD increase. Values of IT50 and IT90 were significantly higher in low-light leaves than in high-light leaves, whereas the induction state at 60 s and the induction efficiency at 60 and 120 s after the increase in PFD were lower in low-light leaves than in high-light leaves. Dehydration reduced leaf water potential (psi) significantly, resulting in a significantly decreased initial g(s). Leaf water potential had no significant effects on induction time in high-light leaves, but a low psi significantly reduced the induction time in low-light leaves. We conclude that the photosynthetic induction response was limited almost completely by biochemical components because the stomata barely responded to light changes. The biochemical limitation appeared to be higher in low-light leaves than in high-light leaves. Mild water stress may have reduced steady-state A and g(s), but it had little effect on the photosynthetic induction response in high-light leaves.

Effect of a Short-term Fast on Ketamine–Xylazine Anesthesia in Rats

PubMed Central

Struck, Maggie B; Andrutis, Karl A; Ramirez, Harvey E; Battles, August H

2011-01-01

Although ketamine–xylazine (KX) anesthesia is commonly used in rats, it is often reported to have an inconsistent anesthetic effect, with a prolonged induction time, an inadequate anesthetic plane, or a very short sleep time. Blood flow to the liver is known to shift after a meal in rats, perhaps explaining anesthetic variability among rats with variable prandial status. The current study tested the hypothesis that a short period of fasting (3 h) prior to induction with intraperitoneal KX anesthesia would provide a shorter time to recumbency, a longer total sleep time, and a more consistent loss of toe pinch response than would fed rats. Two groups of male Sprague–Dawley rats were used in blinded, crossover experiments. KX anesthesia was administered at 2 different doses (50 mg/kg–5 mg/kg and 70 mg/kg–7 mg/kg) after ad libitum feeding or a 3-h fast. There were no significant differences between groups in induction time, total sleep time, or loss of toe pinch response. We conclude that fasting rats for 3 h prior to KX intraperitoneal anesthesia does not affect induction time, total sleep time, loss of toe pinch response or reduce KX anesthetic variability in male Sprague–Dawley rats. PMID:21640029

Estimation of the nucleation kinetics for the anti-solvent crystallisation of paracetamol in methanol/water solutions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ó'Ciardhá, Clifford T.; Frawley, Patrick J.; Mitchell, Niall A.

2011-08-01

In this work the primary nucleation kinetics have been estimated for the anti-solvent crystallisation of paracetamol in methanol-water solutions from metastable zone widths (MSZW) and induction times at 25 °C. Laser back-scattering via a focused beam reflectance Measurement (FBRM ®) is utilised to detect the onset of nucleation. The theoretical approach of Kubota was employed to estimate the nucleation kinetics, which accounts for the sensitivity of the nucleation detection technique. This approach is expanded in this work to analyse the induction time for an anti-solvent crystallisation process. Solvent composition is known to have a significant impact on the measured induction times and MSZW. The induction time in this paper was measured from 40% to 70% mass water and the MSZW is measured from 40% to 60% mass water. The primary focus of the paper was to gauge the extent of how solvent composition affects nucleation kinetics so that this effect may be incorporated into a population balance model. Furthermore, the effects of solvent composition on the estimated nucleation rates are investigated. The primary nucleation rates were found to decrease with dynamic solvent composition, with the extent of their reduction linked to the gradient of the solubility curve. Finally, both MSZW and induction time methods have been found to produce similar estimates for the nucleation parameters.

Mycophenolate mofetil-related leukopenia in children and young adults following kidney transplantation: Influence of genes and drugs.

PubMed

Varnell, Charles D; Fukuda, Tsuyoshi; Kirby, Cassie L; Martin, Lisa J; Warshaw, Barry L; Patel, Hiren P; Chand, Deepa H; Barletta, Gina-Marie; Van Why, Scott K; VanDeVoorde, Rene G; Weaver, Donald J; Wilson, Amy; Verghese, Priya S; Vinks, Alexander A; Greenbaum, Larry A; Goebel, Jens; Hooper, David K

2017-11-01

MMF is commonly prescribed following kidney transplantation, yet its use is complicated by leukopenia. Understanding the genetics mediating this risk will help clinicians administer MMF safely. We evaluated 284 patients under 21 years of age for incidence and time course of MMF-related leukopenia and performed a candidate gene association study comparing the frequency of 26 SNPs between cases with MMF-related leukopenia and controls. We matched cases by induction, steroid duration, race, center, and age. We also evaluated the impact of induction and SNPs on time to leukopenia in all cases. Sixty-eight (24%) patients had MMF-related leukopenia, of which 59 consented for genotyping and 38 were matched with controls. Among matched pairs, no SNPs were associated with leukopenia. With non-depleting induction, UGT2B7-900A>G (rs7438135) was associated with increased risk of MMF-related leukopenia (P = .038). Time to leukopenia did not differ between patients by induction agent, but 2 SNPs (rs2228075, rs2278294) in IMPDH1 were associated with increased time to leukopenia. MMF-related leukopenia is common after transplantation. UGT2B7 may influence leukopenia risk especially in patients without lymphocyte-depleting induction. IMPDH1 may influence time course of leukopenia after transplant. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Methods of analysis by the U.S. Geological Survey National Water Quality Laboratory; use of a modified ultrasonic nebulizer for the analysis of low ionic-strength water by inductively coupled optical emission spectrometry

USGS Publications Warehouse

Harris, Carl M.; Litteral, Charles J.; Damrau, Donna L.

1997-01-01

The U.S. Geological Survey National Water Quality Laboratory has developed a method for the determination of dissolved calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, silica, and sodium using a modified ultrasonic nebulizer sample-introduction system to an inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometer. The nebulizer's spray chamber has been modified to avoid carryover and memory effects common in some conventional ultrasonic designs. The modified ultrasonic nebulizer is equipped with a high-speed rinse cycle to remove previously analyzed samples from the spray chamber without excessive flush times. This new rinse cycle decreases sample washout times by reducing carryover and memory effects from salt or analytes in previously analyzed samples by as much as 45 percent. Plasma instability has been reduced by repositioning the argon carrier gas inlet on the spray chamber and by directly pumping waste from the chamber, instead of from open drain traps, thereby maintaining constant pressure to the plasma. The ultrasonic nebulizer improves signal intensities, which are 8 to 16 times greater than for a conventional cross-flow pneumatic nebulizer, without being sensitive to clogging from salt buildup as in cross-flow nebulizers. Detection limits for the ultrasonic nebulizer are 4 to 18 times less than detection limits achievable using a cross-flow pneumatic nebulizer, with equivalent sample analysis time.

Control of power to an inductively heated part

DOEpatents

Adkins, Douglas R.; Frost, Charles A.; Kahle, Philip M.; Kelley, J. Bruce; Stanton, Suzanne L.

1997-01-01

A process for induction hardening a part to a desired depth with an AC signal applied to the part from a closely coupled induction coil includes measuring the voltage of the AC signal at the coil and the current passing through the coil; and controlling the depth of hardening of the part from the measured voltage and current. The control system determines parameters of the part that are functions of applied voltage and current to the induction coil, and uses a neural network to control the application of the AC signal based on the detected functions for each part.

Accuracy of iron loss estimation in induction motors by using different iron loss models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Štumberger, B.; Hamler, A.; Goričan, V.; Jesenik, M.; Trlep, M.

2004-05-01

The paper presents iron loss estimation in a three-phase induction motor by using different iron loss models for the posterior iron loss calculation. The iron losses were determined by using modeled properties of used electrical steel and calculated distribution of magnetic induction B(t) in all parts of the motor by using 2D finite element software for a complete cycle of field variation. The comparison between estimated and measured core losses for a 4kW induction motor at no-load in dependency on supply voltage is given.

Control of power to an inductively heated part

DOEpatents

Adkins, D.R.; Frost, C.A.; Kahle, P.M.; Kelley, J.B.; Stanton, S.L.

1997-05-20

A process for induction hardening a part to a desired depth with an AC signal applied to the part from a closely coupled induction coil includes measuring the voltage of the AC signal at the coil and the current passing through the coil; and controlling the depth of hardening of the part from the measured voltage and current. The control system determines parameters of the part that are functions of applied voltage and current to the induction coil, and uses a neural network to control the application of the AC signal based on the detected functions for each part. 6 figs.

Creativity and Memory: Effects of an Episodic-Specificity Induction on Divergent Thinking.

PubMed

Madore, Kevin P; Addis, Donna Rose; Schacter, Daniel L

2015-09-01

People produce more episodic details when imagining future events and solving means-end problems after receiving an episodic-specificity induction-brief training in recollecting details of a recent event-than after receiving a control induction not focused on episodic retrieval. Here we show for the first time that an episodic-specificity induction also enhances divergent creative thinking. In Experiment 1, participants exhibited a selective boost on a divergent-thinking task (generating unusual uses of common objects) after a specificity induction compared with a control induction; by contrast, performance following the two inductions was similar on an object association task thought to involve little divergent thinking. In Experiment 2, we replicated the specificity-induction effect on divergent thinking using a different control induction, and also found that participants performed similarly on a convergent-thinking task following the two inductions. These experiments provide novel evidence that episodic memory is involved in divergent creative thinking. © The Author(s) 2015.

Determination of platinum in waste platinum-loaded carbon catalyst samples using microwave-assisted sample digestion and ICP-OES

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Yinbiao; Wei, Xiaojuan

2017-04-01

A novel method for the determination of platinum in waste platinum-loaded carbon catalyst samples was established by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry after samples digested by microwave oven with aqua regia. Such experiment conditions were investigated as the influence of sample digestion methods, digestion time, digestion temperature and interfering ions on the determination. Under the optimized conditions, the linear range of calibration graph for Pt was 0 ˜ 200.00 mg L-1, and the recovery was 95.67% ˜ 104.29%. The relative standard deviation (RSDs) for Pt was 1.78 %. The proposed method was applied to determine the same samples with atomic absorption spectrometry with the results consistently, which is suitable for the determination of platinum in waste platinum-loaded carbon catalyst samples.

[Induction, regeneration, and biolistic sensitivity of different genotypes of common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)].

PubMed

Fadeev, V S; Shimshilashvili, Kh R; Gaponenko, A K

2008-09-01

The induction, regeneration, and biolistic sensitivities of different genotypes of common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) have been determined in order to develop an efficient system for transformation of Russian cultivars of spring wheat. Short-term (two days) cold treatment (4 degrees C) has been demonstrated to distinctly increase the frequency of morphogenetic callus induction. The optimal phytohormonal composition of the nutrient medium ensuring an in vitro regeneration rate of the common wheat cultivar Lada as high as 90% has been determined. The optimal temporal parameters of genetic transformation of wheat plants (10-14 days of culturing after initiation of a morphogenetic callus) have been determined for two transformation methods: biolistic without precipitated DNA and transformation with the plasmid psGFP-BAR. Analysis of the transient expression of the gfp gene has confirmed that 14 days of culturing is the optimal duration.

[Effects of atracurium pretreatment with magnesium on speed of onset, duration, and recovery of neuromuscular blockade].

PubMed

Wu, Hong-Liang; Ye, Tie-Hu; Sun, Li

2009-02-01

To determine the effects of atracurium pretreatment with magnesium on speed of onset, duration, and recovery of neuromuscular block. Thirty patients who were undergoing elective gynecologic laparoscopic examination and treatments under general anesthesia were randomized into magnesium group (n = 15) and control group (n = 15). Before induction of general anesthesia, patients in magnesium group intravenously received MgSO4 30 mg/kg in saline within 5 minutes, and patients in control group received the same volume of saline without MgSO4. In both groups, the train-of-four (TOF) responses to stimuli of the ulnar nerve were measured at intervals of 12 seconds. Anesthesia was induced with Fentanyl and Propofol through target controlled infusion (TCI), and tracheal intubation was performed with 0.5 mg/kg atracurium after stabilization of the electromyography recording. The onset time of muscle relaxation, clinical duration of action, recovery index, and recovery time were recorded. To determine serum magnesium and calcium levels, blood samples were collected before MgSO4/saline infusion and at the end of operation. Haemodynamic changes and other responses during induction were also recorded. The onset time from the end of injection to maximum neuromuscular blockade was significantly shorter in magnesium group than in control group (P < 0.01). Duration of relaxant action, recovery index, and recovery time in magnesium group were significantly prolonged than in control group (P < 0.01). Serum magnesium level significantly decreased after management (P < 0.01), and there was also a decrease trend in magnesium group. No change of serum calcium levels in both groups was observed. No adverse event was reported. Prior administration of magnesium sulphate can increase the onset speed of atracurium and prolong the duration of atracurium-induced neuromuscular blockade.

[Leading causes of death during the induction therapy in pediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia].

PubMed

Aguilar-Hernández, Máximo; Fernández-Castillo, Gabriela; Núñez-Villegas, Nora Nancy; Pérez-Casillas, Ruy Xavier; Núñez-Enríquez, Juan Carlos

2017-01-01

Leukemias are the leading cause of childhood cancer. In most developed countries 1-2% of patients die during remission induction; however, in developing countries, this figure is higher and the causes of death apparently vary among the populations studied. The aim was to determine the cause of death during remission induction in pediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in the hospital "Dr. Gaudencio González Garza" of Centro Médico Nacional La Raza from January 1, 2009, to December 31, 2014. A retrospective cohort study was carried out and a descriptive statistical analysis was performed. During the study period, a total of 463 patients with ALL were diagnosed, out of which 5.4% died (n = 25). Among the patients who died, 64% (n = 16) were female and 60% had high-risk clinical features at diagnosis. The main causes of death were septic shock and bleeding. Early mortality was five times higher than the one reported for developed countries, while the causes of death did not differ. Close monitoring is necessary to detect and promptly treat complications secondary to chemotherapy toxicity in Mexican pediatric patients with ALL.

NIMROD simulations and physics assessment of possible designs for a next generation Steady Inductive Helicity Injection HIT device

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Penna, James; Morgan, Kyle; Grubb, Isaac; Jarboe, Thomas

2017-10-01

The Helicity Injected Torus - Steady Inductive 3 (HIT-SI3) experiment forms and maintains spheromaks via Steady Inductive Helicity Injection (SIHI) using discrete injectors that inject magnetic helicity via a non-axisymmetric perturbation and drive toroidally symmetric current. Newer designs for larger SIHI-driven spheromaks incorporate a set of injectors connected to a single external manifold to allow more freedom for the toroidal structure of the applied perturbation. Simulations have been carried out using the NIMROD code to assess the effectiveness of various imposed mode structures and injector schema in driving current via Imposed Dynamo Current Drive (IDCD). The results are presented here for varying flux conserver shapes on a device approximately 1.5 times larger than the current HIT-SI3 experiment. The imposed mode structures and spectra of simulated spheromaks are analyzed in order to examine magnetic structure and stability and determine an optimal regime for IDCD sustainment in a large device. The development of scaling laws for manifold operation is also presented, and simulation results are analyzed and assessed as part of the development path for the large scale device.

Determination of halothane-induced sleeping time in the rat: effect of prior administration of centrally active drugs.

PubMed Central

Turnbull, M J; Watkins, J W

1976-01-01

A method is described for the determination of halothane-induced sleeping time in the rat. 2 The sleeping time exhibited a diurnal variation which was due, at least in part, to a change in the sensitivity of the central nervous system (CNS) to the anaesthetic. 3 Tolerance to halothane did not develop in rats repeatedly exposed to the anaesthetic over a period of over 48 hours. 4 Repeated sleeping time determinations have been used to follow changes in the sensitivity of the CNS to the anaesthetic occurring with time. 5 A tolerance to halothane was induced by pretreatment of rats with doses of amylobarbitone, pentobarbitone or meprobamate sufficient to keep animals anaesthetized for approximately 12 hours. This tolerance was followed by a period of halothane-hypersensitivity. 6 Halothane-tolerant animals awakened with higher brain halothane concentrations and were also tolerant to intracerebroventricularly administered pentobarbitone. 7 Halothane-hypertensive rats awakened with lower brain halothane concentrations and were also hypersensitivity to intracerebroventricularly administered pentobarbitone. 8 The possibility that the induction of cross-tolerance to halothane may be indicative of a drug's potential to produce dependence is discussed. PMID:987820

A rapid monitoring method for inorganic arsenic in rice flour using reversed phase-high performance liquid chromatography-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Narukawa, Tomohiro; Chiba, Koichi; Sinaviwat, Savarin; Feldmann, Jörg

2017-01-06

A new rapid monitoring method by means of high performance liquid chromatography-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HPLC-ICP-MS) following the heat-assisted extraction was developed for measurement of total inorganic arsenic species in rice flour. As(III) and As(V) eluted at the same retention time and completely separated from organoarsenic species by an isocratic elution program on a reversed phase column. Therefore, neither ambiguous oxidation of arsenite to arsenate nor the integration of two peaks were necessary to determine directly the target analyte inorganic arsenic. Rapid injection allowed measuring 3 replicates within 6min and this combined with a quantitative extraction of all arsenic species from rice flour by a 15min HNO 3 -H 2 O 2 extraction makes this the fastest laboratory based method for inorganic arsenic in rice flour. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Experimental study of the nonlinear diffusion of a magnetic field and skin explosion of cylindrical conductors

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

Chaikovsky, S. A.; Datsko, I. M.; Labetskaya, N. A.

The paper presents the results of an experimental study of the skin explosion of cylindrical conductors of diameter 1–3 mm (copper, aluminum, titanium, steel 3, and stainless steel) at a peak magnetic field of 200–600 T. The experiments were carried out on the MIG pulsed power generator at a current of up to 2.5 MA and a current rise time of 100 ns. The surface explosion of a conductor was identified by the appearance of a flash of extreme ultraviolet radiation. A minimum magnetic induction has been determined below which no plasma is generated at the conductor surface. For copper, aluminum, steel 3,more » titanium, and stainless steel, the minimum magnetic induction has been estimated to be (to within 10%) 375, 270, 280, 220, and 245 T, respectively.« less

Feasibility study of a swept frequency electromagnetic probe (SWEEP) using inductive coupling for the determination of subsurface conductivity of the earth and water prospecting in arid regions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Latorraca, G. A.; Bannister, L. H.

1974-01-01

Techniques developed for electromagnetic probing of the lunar interior, and techniques developed for the generation of high power audio frequencies were combined to make practical a magnetic inductive coupling system for the rapid measurement of ground conductivity profiles which are helpful when prospecting for the presence and quality of subsurface water. A system which involves the measurement of the direction, intensity, and time phase of the magnetic field observed near the surface of the earth at a distance from a horizontal coil energized so as to create a field that penetrates the earth was designed and studied to deduce the conductivity and stratification of the subsurface. Theoretical studies and a rudimentary experiment in an arid region showed that the approach is conceptually valid and that this geophysical prospecting technique can be developed for the economical exploration of subterranean water resources.

Processing of solid fossil-fuel deposits by electrical induction heating

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fisher, S. T.

1980-02-01

A study has been made to determine the feasibility of extracting the energy commodities electricity, gas, petroleum, chemical feedstocks, and coke from the solid fossil fuels coal, oil shale, oil sand, and heavy oil by the electrical induction heating of the deposits. Available electrical, physical, and chemical data indicate that this process may be technically and economically feasible. Some basic data are missing, and it has been necessary to indicate possible ranges of values for some parameters. The tentative conclusions drawn are the following. All four solid fossil fuels can be processed successfully underground. All five energy commodities can be produced economically in adequate quantities for a period of a century or more in North America, without recourse to any other major energy source. The development and construction time required is short enough to permit an uninterrupted supply of all energy commodities as present sources decline

Determination of trace elements in metals and alloys by atomic-absorption spectroscopy using an induction-heated graphite well furnace as atom source.

PubMed

Headridge, J B; Smith, D R

1972-07-01

An induction-heated graphite furnace, coupled to a Unicam SP 90 atomic-absorption spectrometer, is described for the direct determination of trace elements in metals and alloys. The furnace is capable of operation at temperatures up to 2400 degrees , and has been used to obtain calibration graphs for the determination of ppm quantities of bismuth in lead-base alloys, cast irons and stainless steels, and for the determination of cadmium at the ppm level in zinc-base alloys. Milligram samples of the alloys were atomized directly. Calibration graphs for the determination of the elements in solutions were obtained for comparison. The accuracy and precision of the determination are presented and discussed.

Stakeholder Informed Non-Traditional Student Induction: A Balanced Approach

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Soontiens, Werner; Kerr, Rosemary; Ang, Grace; Scully, Glennda

2016-01-01

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to consider the evolution of a tailored university induction program over time to establish the change in the nature and content of the program. Design/ Methodology/Approach: The induction program is pitched against the conceptual backdrop of academic norms and conventions, language, integration and the role…

Beginning Teacher Induction: What the Data Tell Us

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ingersoll, Richard M.

2012-01-01

Induction support programs for beginning teachers is an education reform whose time has come. The national data indicate that over the past couple of decades the number of beginning teachers has ballooned in the U.S. Simultaneously, there has been a large increase in the number of states, districts, and schools offering induction programs.…

The effect of farrowing induction on colostrum and piglet serum immunocrits is dependent on parity

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Farrowing induction is a common practice among swine producers to manage timing of farrowing and the labor associated with farrowing. In this experiment, the effect of induction of labor using cloprostenol on day 114 of gestation (n = 88) was compared to our standard farrowing protocol at USMARC (na...

Time course of the estradiol-dependent induction of oxytocin receptor binding in the ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus of the rat

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

Johnson, A.E.; Ball, G.F.; Coirini, H.

1989-09-01

Oxytocin (OT) transmission is involved in the steroid-dependent display of sexual receptivity in rats. One of the biochemical processes stimulated by the ovarian steroid 17 beta-estradiol (E2) that is relevant to reproduction is the induction of OT receptor binding in the ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus (VMN). The purpose of these experiments was to determine if E2-induced changes in OT receptor binding in the VMN occur within a time frame relevant to cyclic changes in ovarian steroid secretion. OT receptor binding was measured in the VMN of ovariectomized rats implanted for 0-96 h with E2-containing Silastic capsules. The rate of decay ofmore » OT receptor binding was measured in another group of animals 6-48 h after capsule removal. Receptors were labeled with the specific OT receptor antagonist ({sup 125}I)d(CH2)5(Tyr(Me)2,Thr4,Tyr-NH2(9))OVT, and binding was measured with quantitative autoradiographic methods. In addition, plasma E2 levels and uterine weights were assessed in animals from each treatment condition. Significant increases in E2-dependent OT receptor binding and uterine weight occurred within 24 h of steroid treatment. After E2 withdrawal, OT receptor binding and uterine weight decreased significantly within 24 h. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that steroid modulation of OT receptor binding is necessary for the induction of sexual receptivity.« less

Induction of Efflux-Mediated Macrolide Resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae ▿

PubMed Central

Chancey, Scott T.; Zhou, Xiaoliu; Zähner, Dorothea; Stephens, David S.

2011-01-01

The antimicrobial efflux system encoded by the operon mef(E)-mel on the mobile genetic element MEGA in Streptococcus pneumoniae and other Gram-positive bacteria is inducible by macrolide antibiotics and antimicrobial peptides. Induction may affect the clinical response to the use of macrolides. We developed mef(E) reporter constructs and a disk diffusion induction and resistance assay to determine the kinetics and basis of mef(E)-mel induction. Induction occurred rapidly, with a >15-fold increase in transcription within 1 h of exposure to subinhibitory concentrations of erythromycin. A spectrum of environmental conditions, including competence and nonmacrolide antibiotics with distinct cellular targets, did not induce mef(E). Using 16 different structurally defined macrolides, induction was correlated with the amino sugar attached to C-5 of the macrolide lactone ring, not with the size (e.g., 14-, 15- or 16-member) of the ring or with the presence of the neutral sugar cladinose at C-3. Macrolides with a monosaccharide attached to C-5, known to block exit of the nascent peptide from the ribosome after the incorporation of up to eight amino acids, induced mef(E) expression. Macrolides with a C-5 disaccharide, which extends the macrolide into the ribosomal exit tunnel, disrupting peptidyl transferase activity, did not induce it. The induction of mef(E) did not require macrolide efflux, but the affinity of macrolides for the ribosome determined the availability for efflux and pneumococcal susceptibility. The induction of mef(E)-mel expression by inducing macrolides appears to be based on specific interactions of the macrolide C-5 saccharide with the ribosome that alleviate transcriptional attenuation of mef(E)-mel. PMID:21537010

The value of adrenaline in the induction of supraventricular tachycardia in the electrophysiological laboratory.

PubMed

Cismaru, Gabriel; Rosu, Radu; Muresan, Lucian; Puiu, Mihai; Andronache, Marius; Hengan, Erika; Ispas, Daniel; Gusetu, Gabriel; Pop, Dana; Mircea, Petru Adrian; Zdrenghea, Dumitru

2014-11-01

The most commonly used drug for the facilitation of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) induction in the electrophysiological (EP) laboratory is isoprenaline. Despite isoprenaline's apparent indispensability, availability has been problematic in some European countries. Alternative sympatomimethic drugs such as adrenaline have therefore been tried. However, no studies have determined the sensitivity and specificity of adrenaline for the induction of SVT. The objective of this study was to determine the sensitivity and specificity of adrenaline for the induction of SVT. Between February 2010 and July 2013, 336 patients underwent an EP study for prior documented SVT. In 66 patients, adrenaline was infused because tachycardia was not induced under basal conditions. This group was compared with 30 control subjects with no history of SVT. Programmed atrial stimulation was carried out during baseline state and repeated after an infusion of adrenaline (dose ranging from 0.05 mcg/kgc to 0.3 mcg/kgc). The endpoint was the induction of SVT. Among 66 patients with a history of SVT but no induction under basal conditions, adrenaline facilitated induction in 54 patients (82%, P < 0.001). Among the 30 control subjects, SVT was not induced in any patient (0%) after infusion. Adrenaline was generally well tolerated, except for two patients (3.0%), where it had to be discontinued due to headache and high blood pressure or lumbar pain. Adrenaline infusion has a high sensitivity (82%) and specificity (100%) for the induction of SVT in patients with prior documented SVT. Therefore, it could serve as an acceptable alternative to isoprenaline, when the latter is not available. Published on behalf of the European Society of Cardiology. All rights reserved. © The Author 2014. For permissions please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

The Dimensionality of Reasoning: Inductive and Deductive Inference can be Explained by a Single Process.

PubMed

Hayes, Brett K; Stephens, Rachel G; Ngo, Jeremy; Dunn, John C

2018-02-01

Three-experiments examined the number of qualitatively different processing dimensions needed to account for inductive and deductive reasoning. In each study, participants were presented with arguments that varied in logical validity and consistency with background knowledge (believability), and evaluated them according to deductive criteria (whether the conclusion was necessarily true given the premises) or inductive criteria (whether the conclusion was plausible given the premises). We examined factors including working memory load (Experiments 1 and 2), individual working memory capacity (Experiments 1 and 2), and decision time (Experiment 3), which according to dual-processing theories, modulate the contribution of heuristic and analytic processes to reasoning. A number of empirical dissociations were found. Argument validity affected deduction more than induction. Argument believability affected induction more than deduction. Lower working memory capacity reduced sensitivity to argument validity and increased sensitivity to argument believability, especially under induction instructions. Reduced decision time led to decreased sensitivity to argument validity. State-trace analyses of each experiment, however, found that only a single underlying dimension was required to explain patterns of inductive and deductive judgments. These results show that the dissociations, which have traditionally been seen as supporting dual-processing models of reasoning, are consistent with a single-process model that assumes a common evidentiary scale for induction and deduction. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved).

Post-electroconvulsive therapy recovery and reorientation time with methohexital and ketamine: a randomized, longitudinal cross-over design trial

PubMed Central

Yen, Tony; Khafaja, Mohamad; Lam, Nicholas; Crumbacher, James; Schrader, Ronald; Rask, John; Billstrand, Mary; Rothfork, Jacob; Abbott, Christopher C.

2014-01-01

Objectives Methohexital, a barbiturate anesthetic commonly used for electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), possesses dose-dependent anticonvulsant properties, and its use can interfere with effective seizure therapy in patients with high seizure thresholds. Ketamine, a NMDA-antagonist with epileptogenic properties not broadly used for ECT inductions, is a commonly used induction agent for general anesthesia. Recent studies suggest that the use of ketamine is effective in allowing successful ECT treatment in patients with high seizure thresholds without an increase in side-effects. In this preliminary study, we directly compared the recovery and re-orientation times of subjects receiving ketamine and methohexital for ECTs. Methods Twenty patients were randomized in a cross-over design to receive methohexital and ketamine for ECT inductions in alternating fashion for six trials. Primary outcome measures were recovery time (voluntary movement, respiratory effort, blood pressure, consciousness, and O2 saturation) and re-orientation time. Secondary outcome measures were individual recovery variables, side-effect occurrence, and seizure duration. Results: Overall recovery time was not significantly different between the two treatment arms (F(1,17) = 0.72, P = 0.41). Re-orientation time was faster in the methohexital arm (F(1,17) = 9.23, P = 0.007). Conclusion Ketamine inductions resulted in higher number of side-effects, higher subject dropout rates, and a longer reorientation time with respect to methohexital inductions. No significant difference in post-anesthesia recovery time was found between the ketamine and methohexital arms. Intolerability to ketamine affected a significant proportion of subjects, and suggests that ketamine should remain as an alternative or adjunctive agent for patients with high seizure thresholds. PMID:24755722

Inductance optimization of miniature Broadband transformers with racetrack shaped ferrite cores for Ethernet applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bowen, David; Krafft, Charles; Mayergoyz, Isaak D.

2017-05-01

There is strong commercial interest in the ability to fabricate the windings of traditional miniature wire-wound inductive circuit components, such as Ethernet transformers, lithographically. For greater inductance devices, thick cores are required, making the process of embedding the ferrite material within circuit board one of few options for lithographic winding fabrication. In this paper, a non-traditional core shape, suitable for embedding in circuit board, is examined analytically and experimentally; the racetrack shape is two halves of a toroid connected by straight legs. With regard to the high inductance requirements for Ethernet applications (350μH), the racetrack transformer inductance is analytically optimized, determining the optimal physical dimensions. Two sizes of racetrack-core transformers were fabricated and measured. The measured inductance was in reasonable agreement with the analytical prediction, though large variations in material permeability are expected from the mechanical processing of the ferrite. Some of the experimental transformers were observed to satisfy the Ethernet inductance requirement.

Non-response to sad mood induction: implications for emotion research.

PubMed

Rottenberg, Jonathan; Kovacs, Maria; Yaroslavsky, Ilya

2018-05-01

Experimental induction of sad mood states is a mainstay of laboratory research on affect and cognition, mood regulation, and mood disorders. Typically, the success of such mood manipulations is reported as a statistically significant pre- to post-induction change in the self-rated intensity of the target affect. The present commentary was motivated by an unexpected finding in one of our studies concerning the response rate to a well-validated sad mood induction. Using the customary statistical approach, we found a significant mean increase in self-rated sadness intensity with a moderate effect size, verifying the "success" of the mood induction. However, that "success" masked that, between one-fifth and about one-third of our samples (adolescents who had histories of childhood-onset major depressive disorder and healthy controls) reported absolutely no sadness in response to the mood induction procedure. We consider implications of our experience for emotion research by (1) commenting upon the typically overlooked phenomenon of nonresponse, (2) suggesting changes in reporting practices regarding mood induction success, and (3) outlining future directions to help scientists determine why some subjects do not respond to experimental mood induction.

Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of propofol with or without 2% benzyl alcohol following a single induction dose administered intravenously in cats.

PubMed

Griffenhagen, Gregg M; Rezende, Marlis L; Gustafson, Daniel L; Hansen, Ryan J; Lunghofer, Paul J; Mama, Khursheed R

2015-09-01

To compare the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of propofol with or without 2% benzyl alcohol administered intravenously (IV) as a single induction dose in cats. Prospective experimental study. Six healthy adult cats, three female intact, three male castrated, weighing 4.8 ± 1.8 kg. Cats received 8 mg kg(-1) IV of propofol (P) or propofol with 2% benzyl alcohol (P28) using a randomized crossover design. Venous blood samples were collected at predetermined time points to 24 hours after drug administration to determine drug plasma concentrations. Physiologic and behavioral variables were also recorded. Propofol and benzyl alcohol concentrations were determined using high pressure liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. Pharmacokinetic parameters were described using a 2-compartment model. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters were analyzed using repeated measures anova (p < 0.05). Plasma concentrations of benzyl alcohol were below the lower limits of quantification (LLOQ) at all time points for two of the six cats (33%), and by 30 minutes for the remaining four cats. Propofol pharmacokinetics, with or without 2% benzyl alcohol, were characterized by rapid distribution, a long elimination phase, and a large volume of distribution. No differences were noted between treatments with the exception of clearance from the second compartment (CLD2), which was 23.6 and 38.8 mL kg(-1)  minute(-1) in the P and P28 treatments, respectively. Physiologic and behavioral variables were not different between treatments with the exception of heart rate at 4 hours post administration. The addition of 2% benzyl alcohol as a preservative minimally altered the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of propofol 1% emulsion when administered as a single IV bolus in this group of cats. These data support the cautious use of propofol with 2% benzyl alcohol for induction of anesthesia in healthy cats. © 2014 Association of Veterinary Anaesthetists and the American College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia.

Anesthetic and cardiorespiratory effects of a 1:1 mixture of propofol and thiopental sodium in dogs.

PubMed

Ko, J C; Golder, F J; Mandsager, R E; Heaton-Jones, T; Mattern, K L

1999-11-01

To compare anesthetic and cardiorespiratory effects of a 1:1 (vol:vol) mixture of propofol and thiopental sodium with either drug used alone in dogs. Randomized crossover study. 10 healthy Walker Hounds. Dogs received propofol (6 mg/kg [2.7 mg/lb] of body weight), thiopental (15 mg/kg [6.8 mg/lb]), or a mixture of propofol (6 mg/kg) and thiopental (15 mg/kg) at 1-week intervals. Drugs were slowly administered i.v. over 90 seconds or until dogs lost consciousness. Increments of 10% of the initial dose were administered until intubation was possible. Amount of drug required for intubation, quality of induction and recovery, times from induction to intubation and to walking with minimal ataxia, and duration of intubation and lateral recumbency were recorded. Heart and respiratory rates, mean, systolic, and diastolic blood pressure, hemoglobin saturation of oxygen (SpO2), and end-tidal CO2 concentration (ETCO2) were determined before and after intubation. Amounts of propofol and thiopental required to permit intubation were less, but not significantly so, when administered in combination than when administered alone. Duration of lateral recumbency and time from induction to walking were greater and recovery quality was worse in the thiopental group, compared with the other groups. Dogs in all groups remained normotensive. Respiratory rate, heart rate, ETCO2, and SpO2 did not differ among groups. A 1:1 mixture of propofol and thiopental induced anesthesia of similar quality to propofol or thiopental alone. Recovery quality and recovery times were similar to those of propofol and superior to those of thiopental.

Callus induction and flavonoid production on the immature seed of Stelechocarpus burahol

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Habibah, N. A.; Moeljopawiro, S.; Dewi, K.; Indrianto, A.

2018-03-01

Stelechocarpus burahol [(Bl.) Hook. f. & Th.] is one of the medicinal plants. In vitro callus induction studies on S. burahol were carried out to determine phytohormone requirement for optimum callus induction. Immature seed explants were cultured on MS medium by adding different kinds and different concentrations of plant growth regulators (picloram and 2,4-D) under light and dark conditions. The results showed that callus formation was initiated on the 18,50th to the 55th days. The best condition for optimum callus induction was found on MS medium, which was supplemented with 7.5 mg/L picloram and was maintained in the dark condition. The callus induction varied from 60% to 100%. The callus that produced the highest flavonoid was grown on the medium with the addition of 10 mg/L of 2,4-D. In conclusion, the results represented a suitable medium for S.burahol callus induction.

Effect of different methods of pulse width modulation on power losses in an induction motor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gulyaev, Alexander; Fokin, Dmitrii; Shuharev, Sergey; Ten, Evgenii

2017-10-01

We consider the calculation of modulation power losses in a system “induction motor-inverter” for various pulse width modulation (PWM) methods of the supply voltage. Presented values of modulation power losses are the result of modeling a system “DC link - two-level three-phase voltage inverter - induction motor - load”. In this study the power losses in a system “induction motor - inverter” are computed, as well as losses caused by higher harmonics of PWM supply voltage, followed by definition of active power consumed by the DC link for a specified value mechanical power on the induction motor shaft. Mechanical power was determined by the rotation speed and the torque on the motor shaft in various quasi-sinusoidal supply voltage PWM modes. These calculations reveal the best coefficient of performance (COP) in a system of a variable frequency drive (VFD) with independent voltage inverter controlled by induction motor PWM.

ING4 Loss in Prostate Cancer Progression

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-10-01

determine how loss of ING4 in patients relates to tumor progression. We found the following: 1) Notch3 is a target of Myc required for differentiation. 2...hour doxycycline-treated MKK6 cells. Figure 1: Notch3 induction requires Myc. A. MKK6 was induced in PrECs with a 4 hour doxycycline (Dox) pulse...Levels of MKK6, p38α, active p38α (p-p38α), Myc, Notch3 (full length (FL) or cleaved (TM), and GAPDH over time (hours (h)) measured by

Environmental estrogenic compounds and the induction of hepatic vitellogenin synthesis using cultured goldfish hepatocytes

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

Yao, Z.; Kraak, G.J. Van Der; Squires, E.J.

1995-12-31

A series of experiments were conducted to evaluate the estrogenic activity of some environmental contaminants including the {beta}-sitosterol, nonylphenol (major components of pulp mill effluent) and 3-trifluoromethyl-4-nitrophenol (TFM, a lampricide widely used in the Great Lakes), using the goldfish (Carassius auratus L.) as a model species. The in vivo exposure studies have demonstrated that all three compounds tested possess various degrees of estrogenic activity as measured by increased plasma vitellogenin (VTG) production in both the male and female fish. To understand how these compounds induce hepatic VTG synthesis and determine their potency of VTG induction, an in vitro hepatocyte culturemore » system of goldfish was established and the induction of VTG synthesis by these compounds in the cultured hepatocytes was studied. The concentration of VTG in the plasma and in the cell culture medium was determined with a enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Both in vivo and in vitro studies suggest that {beta}-sitosterol has the highest estrogenic activity of VTG induction.« less

Induction of adaptive response in human blood lymphocytes exposed to radiofrequency radiation.

PubMed

Sannino, Anna; Sarti, Maurizio; Reddy, Siddharth B; Prihoda, Thomas J; Vijayalaxmi; Scarfì, Maria Rosaria

2009-06-01

The incidence of micronuclei was evaluated to assess the induction of an adaptive response to non-ionizing radiofrequency (RF) radiation in peripheral blood lymphocytes collected from five different human volunteers. After stimulation with phytohemagglutinin for 24 h, the cells were exposed to an adaptive dose of 900 MHz RF radiation used for mobile communications (at a peak specific absorption rate of 10 W/kg) for 20 h and then challenged with a single genotoxic dose of mitomycin C (100 ng/ml) at 48 h. Lymphocytes were collected at 72 h to examine the frequency of micronuclei in cytokinesis-blocked binucleated cells. Cells collected from four donors exhibited the induction of adaptive response (i.e., responders). Lymphocytes that were pre-exposed to 900 MHz RF radiation had a significantly decreased incidence of micronuclei induced by the challenge dose of mitomycin C compared to those that were not pre-exposed to 900 MHz RF radiation. These preliminary results suggested that the adaptive response can be induced in cells exposed to non-ionizing radiation. A similar phenomenon has been reported in cells as well as in animals exposed to ionizing radiation in several earlier studies. However, induction of adaptive response was not observed in the remaining donor (i.e., non-responder). The incidence of micronuclei induced by the challenge dose of mitomycin C was not significantly different between the cells that were pre-exposed and unexposed to 900 MHz RF radiation. Thus the overall data indicated the existence of heterogeneity in the induction of an adaptive response between individuals exposed to RF radiation and showed that the less time-consuming micronucleus assay can be used to determine whether an individual is a responder or non-responder.

Environmental Control of Phosphoenolpyruvate Carboxylase Induction in Mature Mesembryanthemum crystallinum L. 1

PubMed Central

Piepenbrock, Mechtild; Schmitt, Jürgen M.

1991-01-01

Mesembryanthemum crystallinum L. plants shift the mode of carbon assimilation from C3 to Crassulacean acid metabolism when stressed by high salinity. A prerequisite for Crassulacean acid metabolism induction is the synthesis of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPCase). A moderate increase in the abundance of PEPCase transcripts and activity is observed in 7-week-old, well-watered plants. This increase in PEPCase coincides in time with a decrease in the growth rate of the shoots. The steady-state level of PEPCase activity is uniform along the leaves of well-watered plants, as can be shown by comparing leaves of different age from individual 7-week-old plants. In contrast, the rate of induction in response to salt stress varies with the age of plants and to a lesser extent with the age of the leaves. Two-week-old seedlings induce PEPCase slowly under a moderate salt stress regimen, whereas older plants induce faster. When individual leaves from a seven-week-old plant are compared with respect to induction velocity, no clear-cut correlation with leaf age is apparent. The highest induction rate is observed in leaves from node five that are about 2 weeks old at the beginning of the experiment. PEPCase transcripts are readily down-regulated to minute levels when detached leaves are hydrated. The levels reached after 8 hours of rehydration are very similar, regardless of whether the leaves were cut from young or old plants or whether the plants were previously salt-stressed or well-watered. It is concluded that environmental rather than developmental factors are predominant in determining abundance of PEPCase activity and transcripts in leaves of mature M. crystallinum plants. ImagesFigure 1Figure 3Figure 5 PMID:16668542

Histone posttranslational modifications and cell fate determination: lens induction requires the lysine acetyltransferases CBP and p300

PubMed Central

Wolf, Louise; Harrison, Wilbur; Huang, Jie; Xie, Qing; Xiao, Ningna; Sun, Jian; Kong, Lingkun; Lachke, Salil A.; Kuracha, Murali R.; Govindarajan, Venkatesh; Brindle, Paul K.; Ashery-Padan, Ruth; Beebe, David C.; Overbeek, Paul A.; Cvekl, Ales

2013-01-01

Lens induction is a classical embryologic model to study cell fate determination. It has been proposed earlier that specific changes in core histone modifications accompany the process of cell fate specification and determination. The lysine acetyltransferases CBP and p300 function as principal enzymes that modify core histones to facilitate specific gene expression. Herein, we performed conditional inactivation of both CBP and p300 in the ectodermal cells that give rise to the lens placode. Inactivation of both CBP and p300 resulted in the dramatic discontinuation of all aspects of lens specification and organogenesis, resulting in aphakia. The CBP/p300−/− ectodermal cells are viable and not prone to apoptosis. These cells showed reduced expression of Six3 and Sox2, while expression of Pax6 was not upregulated, indicating discontinuation of lens induction. Consequently, expression of αB- and αA-crystallins was not initiated. Mutant ectoderm exhibited markedly reduced levels of histone H3 K18 and K27 acetylation, subtly increased H3 K27me3 and unaltered overall levels of H3 K9ac and H3 K4me3. Our data demonstrate that CBP and p300 are required to establish lens cell-type identity during lens induction, and suggest that posttranslational histone modifications are integral to normal cell fate determination in the mammalian lens. PMID:24038357

Induction signals from Callisto's ionosphere and their implications on a possible subsurface ocean

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hartkorn, Oliver; Saur, Joachim

2017-11-01

We investigate whether induction within Callisto's electrically conductive ionosphere can explain observed magnetic fields which have previously been interpreted as evidence of induction in a saline, electrically conductive subsurface ocean. Callisto's ionosphere is subject to the flow of time-periodic magnetized plasma of Jupiter's magnetosphere, which induces electric fields and electric currents in Callisto's electrically conductive ionosphere. We develop a simple analytic model for a first quantitative understanding of the effects of induction in Callisto's ionosphere caused by the interaction with a time-variable magnetic field environment. With this model, we also investigate how the associated ionospheric currents close in the ambient magnetospheric plasma. Based on our model, we find that the anisotropic nature of Callisto's ionospheric conductivity generates an enhancement effect on ionospheric loop currents which are driven by the time-variable magnetic field. This effect is similar to the Cowling channel effect known from Earth's ionosphere. Subsequently, we numerically calculate the expected induced magnetic fields due to Jupiter's time-variable magnetic field in an anisotropic conductive ionosphere and compare our results with the Galileo C-3 and C-9 flybys. We find that induction within Callisto's ionosphere is responsible for a significant part of the observed magnetic fields. Ionospheric induction creates induced magnetic fields to some extent similar as expected from a subsurface water ocean. Depending on currently unknown properties such as Callisto's nightside ionosphere, the existence of layers of "dirty ice" and the details of the plasma interaction, a water ocean might be located much deeper than previously thought or might not exist at all.

Different Expression Patterns of Genes from the Exo-Xis Region of Bacteriophage λ and Shiga Toxin-Converting Bacteriophage Ф24B following Infection or Prophage Induction in Escherichia coli

PubMed Central

Bloch, Sylwia; Nejman-Faleńczyk, Bożena; Dydecka, Aleksandra; Łoś, Joanna M.; Felczykowska, Agnieszka; Węgrzyn, Alicja; Węgrzyn, Grzegorz

2014-01-01

Lambdoid bacteriophages serve as useful models in microbiological and molecular studies on basic biological process. Moreover, this family of viruses plays an important role in pathogenesis of enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) strains, as they are carriers of genes coding for Shiga toxins. Efficient expression of these genes requires lambdoid prophage induction and multiplication of the phage genome. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms regulating these processes appears essential for both basic knowledge and potential anti-EHEC applications. The exo-xis region, present in genomes of lambdoid bacteriophages, contains highly conserved genes of largely unknown functions. Recent report indicated that the Ea8.5 protein, encoded in this region, contains a newly discovered fused homeodomain/zinc-finger fold, suggesting its plausible regulatory role. Moreover, subsequent studies demonstrated that overexpression of the exo-xis region from a multicopy plasmid resulted in impaired lysogenization of E. coli and more effective induction of λ and Ф24B prophages. In this report, we demonstrate that after prophage induction, the increase in phage DNA content in the host cells is more efficient in E. coli bearing additional copies of the exo-xis region, while survival rate of such bacteria is lower, which corroborated previous observations. Importantly, by using quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR, we have determined patterns of expressions of particular genes from this region. Unexpectedly, in both phages λ and Ф24B, these patterns were significantly different not only between conditions of the host cells infection by bacteriophages and prophage induction, but also between induction of prophages with various agents (mitomycin C and hydrogen peroxide). This may shed a new light on our understanding of regulation of lambdoid phage development, depending on the mode of lytic cycle initiation. PMID:25310402

The Mechanism of Autoinduction of Methadone N-demethylation in Human Hepatocytes

PubMed Central

Campbell, Scott D.; Crafford, Amanda; Williamson, Brian L.; Kharasch, Evan D.

2013-01-01

Background There is considerable inter-and intraindividual variability in methadone metabolism and clearance. Methadone dosing is particularly challenging during initiation of therapy, due to time-dependent increases in hepatic clearance (autoinduction). Although methadone N-demethylation is catalyzed in vitro by cytochrome P4502B6 (CYP2B6) and CYP3A4, and clearance in vivo depends on CYP2B6, mechanism(s) of autoinduction are incompletely understood. In this investigation we determined mechanism(s) of methadone autoinduction using human hepatocytes. Methods Fresh human hepatocytes were exposed to 0.1-10 μM methadone for 72 hr. Cells were washed and methadone N-demethylation assessed. CYP2B6, CYP3A4, and CYP3A5 mRNA, protein expression (by gel-free high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry) and catalytic activity (bupropion hydroxylation and alfentanil dealkylation for CYP2B6 and CYP3A4/5, respectively) were measured. Mechanisms of CYP induction were characterized using pregnane X receptor and constitutive androstane receptor reporter gene assays. Results Methadone (10 μM) increased methadone N-demethylation 2-fold, CYP2B6 and CYP3A4 mRNA 3-fold, and protein expression 2-fold. CYP3A5 mRNA was unchanged. CYP2B6 and CYP3A4/5 activities increased 2-fold. Induction by methadone enantiomers (R- vs S-methadone) did not differ. Induction was relatively weak compared with maximum induction by phenobarbital and rifampin. Lower methadone concentrations had smaller effects. Methadone was an agonist for the pregnane X receptor but not the constitutive androstane receptor. Conclusions Methadone caused concentration-dependent autoinduction of methadone N-demethylation in human hepatocytes, related to induction of CYP2B6 and CYP3A4 mRNA expression, protein expression, and catalytic activity. Induction was related to pregnane X receptor but not constitutive androstane receptor activation. These in vitro findings provide mechanistic insights into clinical autoinduction of methadone metabolism and clearance. PMID:23733841

Metal Solidification Imaging Process by Magnetic Induction Tomography.

PubMed

Ma, Lu; Spagnul, Stefano; Soleimani, Manuchehr

2017-11-06

There are growing number of important applications that require a contactless method for monitoring an object surrounded inside a metallic enclosure. Imaging metal solidification is a great example for which there is no real time monitoring technique at present. This paper introduces a technique - magnetic induction tomography - for the real time in-situ imaging of the metal solidification process. Rigorous experimental verifications are presented. Firstly, a single inductive coil is placed on the top of a melting wood alloy to examine the changes of its inductance during solidification process. Secondly, an array of magnetic induction coils are designed to investigate the feasibility of a tomographic approach, i.e., when one coil is driven by an alternating current as a transmitter and a vector of phase changes are measured from the remaining of the coils as receivers. Phase changes are observed when the wood alloy state changes from liquid to solid. Thirdly, a series of static cold phantoms are created to represent various liquid/solid interfaces to verify the system performance. Finally, a powerful temporal reconstruction method is applied to realise real time in-situ visualisation of the solidification and the measurement of solidified shell thickness, a first report of its kind.

Effects of ketamine and lidocaine in combination on the sevoflurane minimum alveolar concentration in alpacas

PubMed Central

Queiroz-Williams, Patricia; Doherty, Thomas J.; da Cunha, Anderson F.; Leonardi, Claudia

2016-01-01

This study investigated the effects of ketamine and lidocaine in combination on the minimum alveolar concentration of sevoflurane (MACSEVO) in alpacas. Eight healthy, intact male, adult alpacas were studied on 2 separate occasions. Anesthesia was induced with SEVO, and baseline MAC (MACB) determination began 45 min after induction. After MACB determination, alpacas were randomly given either an intravenous (IV) loading dose (LD) and infusion of saline or a loading dose [ketamine = 0.5 mg/kg body weight (BW); lidocaine = 2 mg/kg BW] and an infusion of ketamine (25 μg/kg BW per minute) in combination with lidocaine (50 μg/kg BW per minute), and MACSEVO was re-determined (MACT). Quality of recovery, time-to-extubation, and time-to-standing, were also evaluated. Mean MACB was 1.88% ± 0.13% and 1.89% ± 0.14% for the saline and ketamine + lidocaine groups, respectively. Ketamine and lidocaine administration decreased (P < 0.05) MACB by 57% and mean MACT was 0.83% ± 0.10%. Saline administration did not change MACB. Time to determine MACB and MACT was not significantly different between the treatments. The quality of recovery, time-to-extubation, and time-to-standing, were not different between groups. The infusion of ketamine combined with lidocaine significantly decreased MACSEVO by 57% and did not adversely affect time-to-standing or quality of recovery. PMID:27127341

Effects of ketamine and lidocaine in combination on the sevoflurane minimum alveolar concentration in alpacas.

PubMed

Queiroz-Williams, Patricia; Doherty, Thomas J; da Cunha, Anderson F; Leonardi, Claudia

2016-04-01

This study investigated the effects of ketamine and lidocaine in combination on the minimum alveolar concentration of sevoflurane (MACSEVO) in alpacas. Eight healthy, intact male, adult alpacas were studied on 2 separate occasions. Anesthesia was induced with SEVO, and baseline MAC (MACB) determination began 45 min after induction. After MACB determination, alpacas were randomly given either an intravenous (IV) loading dose (LD) and infusion of saline or a loading dose [ketamine = 0.5 mg/kg body weight (BW); lidocaine = 2 mg/kg BW] and an infusion of ketamine (25 μg/kg BW per minute) in combination with lidocaine (50 μg/kg BW per minute), and MACSEVO was re-determined (MACT). Quality of recovery, time-to-extubation, and time-to-standing, were also evaluated. Mean MACB was 1.88% ± 0.13% and 1.89% ± 0.14% for the saline and ketamine + lidocaine groups, respectively. Ketamine and lidocaine administration decreased (P < 0.05) MACB by 57% and mean MACT was 0.83% ± 0.10%. Saline administration did not change MACB. Time to determine MACB and MACT was not significantly different between the treatments. The quality of recovery, time-to-extubation, and time-to-standing, were not different between groups. The infusion of ketamine combined with lidocaine significantly decreased MACSEVO by 57% and did not adversely affect time-to-standing or quality of recovery.

Enhanced Induction into a Science Top-up Degree--Easing Transition from Further Education Institutions

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Prankel, Susanne; Weaver, Lorraine

2012-01-01

Induction for students entering university at level six is often less in-depth than that for students experiencing higher education (HE) for the first time. A week-long "Enhanced Induction" was developed specifically tailored to the concerns of the staff and students involved in an Animal Science "Top-up" at the University of…

SYSTEM OPTIMIZATION FOR THE AUTOMATIC SIMULTANEOUS DETERMINATION OF ARSENIC, SELENIUM, AND ANTIMONY, USING HYDRIDE GENERATION INTRODUCTION TO AN INDUCTIVELY COUPLED PLASMA.

USGS Publications Warehouse

Pyen, Grace S.; Browner, Richard F.; Long, Stephen

1986-01-01

A fixed-size simplex has been used to determine the optimum conditions for the simultaneous determination of arsenic, selenium, and antimony by hydride generation and inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometry. The variables selected for the simplex were carrier gas flow rate, rf power, viewing height, and reagent conditions. The detection limit for selenium was comparable to the preoptimized case, but there were twofold and fourfold improvements in the detection limits for arsenic and antimony, respectively. Precision of the technique was assessed with the use of artificially prepared water samples.

Inductive Learning Approaches for Improving Pilot Awareness of Aircraft Faults

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Spikovska, Lilly; Iverson, David L.; Poll, Scott; Pryor, anna

2005-01-01

Neural network flight controllers are able to accommodate a variety of aircraft control surface faults without detectable degradation of aircraft handling qualities. Under some faults, however, the effective flight envelope is reduced; this can lead to unexpected behavior if a pilot performs an action that exceeds the remaining control authority of the damaged aircraft. The goal of our work is to increase the pilot s situational awareness by informing him of the type of damage and resulting reduction in flight envelope. Our methodology integrates two inductive learning systems with novel visualization techniques. One learning system, the Inductive Monitoring System (IMS), learns to detect when a simulation includes faulty controls, while two others, Inductive Classification System (INCLASS) and multiple binary decision tree system (utilizing C4.5), determine the type of fault. In off-line training using only non-failure data, IMS constructs a characterization of nominal flight control performance based on control signals issued by the neural net flight controller. This characterization can be used to determine the degree of control augmentation required in the pitch, roll, and yaw command channels to counteract control surface failures. This derived information is typically sufficient to distinguish between the various control surface failures and is used to train both INCLASS and C4.5. Using data from failed control surface flight simulations, INCLASS and C4.5 independently discover and amplify features in IMS results that can be used to differentiate each distinct control surface failure situation. In real-time flight simulations, distinguishing features learned during training are used to classify control surface failures. Knowledge about the type of failure can be used by an additional automated system to alter its approach for planning tactical and strategic maneuvers. The knowledge can also be used directly to increase the pilot s situational awareness and inform manual maneuver decisions. Our multi-modal display of this information provides speech output to issue control surface failure warnings to a lesser-used communication channel and provides graphical displays with pilot-selectable !eve!s of details to issues additional information about the failure. We also describe a potential presentation for flight envelope reduction that can be viewed separately or integrated with an existing attitude indicator instrument. Preliminary results suggest that the inductive approach is capable of detecting that a control surface has failed and determining the type of fault. Furthermore, preliminary evaluations suggest that the interface discloses a concise summary of this information to the pilot.

Method and apparatus for controlling current in inductive loads such as large diameter coils

DOEpatents

Riveros, Carlos A.

1981-01-01

A method and apparatus for controlling electric current in loads that are essentially inductive, such that sparking and "ringing" current problems are reduced or eliminated. The circuit apparatus employs a pair of solid state switches (each of which switch may be an array of connected or parallel solid state switching devices such as transistors) and means for controlling those switches such that a power supply supplying two d.c. voltages (e.g. positive 150 volts d.c. and negative 150 volts d.c.) at low resistance may be connected across an essentially inductive load (e.g. a 6 gauge wire loop one hundred meters in diameter) alternatively and such that the first solid state switch is turned off and the second is turned on such that both are not on at the same time but the first turned on and the other on in less time than the inductive time constant (L/R) so that the load is essentially always presented with a low resistance path across its input. In this manner a steady AC current may be delivered to the load at a frequency desired. Shut-off problems are avoided by gradually shortening the period of switching to less than the time constant so that the maximum energy contained in the inductive load is reduced to approximately zero and dissipated in the inherent resistance. The invention circuit may be employed by adjusting the timing of switching to deliver a desired waveform (such as sinusoidal) to the load.

Exploring inductive linearization for pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic systems of nonlinear ordinary differential equations.

PubMed

Hasegawa, Chihiro; Duffull, Stephen B

2018-02-01

Pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic systems are often expressed with nonlinear ordinary differential equations (ODEs). While there are numerous methods to solve such ODEs these methods generally rely on time-stepping solutions (e.g. Runge-Kutta) which need to be matched to the characteristics of the problem at hand. The primary aim of this study was to explore the performance of an inductive approximation which iteratively converts nonlinear ODEs to linear time-varying systems which can then be solved algebraically or numerically. The inductive approximation is applied to three examples, a simple nonlinear pharmacokinetic model with Michaelis-Menten elimination (E1), an integrated glucose-insulin model and an HIV viral load model with recursive feedback systems (E2 and E3, respectively). The secondary aim of this study was to explore the potential advantages of analytically solving linearized ODEs with two examples, again E3 with stiff differential equations and a turnover model of luteinizing hormone with a surge function (E4). The inductive linearization coupled with a matrix exponential solution provided accurate predictions for all examples with comparable solution time to the matched time-stepping solutions for nonlinear ODEs. The time-stepping solutions however did not perform well for E4, particularly when the surge was approximated by a square wave. In circumstances when either a linear ODE is particularly desirable or the uncertainty in matching the integrator to the ODE system is of potential risk, then the inductive approximation method coupled with an analytical integration method would be an appropriate alternative.

Induction process of trainees in pathology residency

PubMed Central

Siddiqui, Imran; Ali, Natasha

2016-01-01

This article describes the evolution of the induction process of pathology residency at The Aga Khan University hospital. The Department of Postgraduate Medical Education was established in 1985. The induction process is an exhaustive exercise that includes an admission test held simultaneously in Karachi, Hyderabad, Lahore, and Rawalpindi, followed by an interview of the shortlisted candidates. The pathology residency program was started 25 years ago and since then the induction process has undergone major changes with the course of time. PMID:27313487

Real-time curling probe monitoring of dielectric layer deposited on plasma chamber wall

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hotta, Masaya; Ogawa, Daisuke; Nakamura, Keiji; Sugai, Hideo

2018-04-01

A microwave resonator probe called a curling probe (CP) was applied to in situ monitoring of a dielectric layer deposited on a chamber wall during plasma processing. The resonance frequency of the CP was analytically found to shift in proportion to the dielectric layer thickness; the proportionality constant was determined from a comparison with the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulation result. Amorphous carbon layers deposited in acetylene inductively coupled plasma (ICP) discharge were monitored using the CP. The measured resonance frequency shift dictated the carbon layer thickness, which agreed with the results from the surface profiler and ellipsometry.

Predictions of ion energy distributions and radical fluxes in radio frequency biased inductively coupled plasma etching reactors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hoekstra, Robert J.; Kushner, Mark J.

1996-03-01

Inductively coupled plasma (ICP) reactors are being developed for low gas pressure (<10s mTorr) and high plasma density ([e]≳1011 cm-3) microelectronics fabrication. In these reactors, the plasma is generated by the inductively coupled electric field while an additional radio frequency (rf) bias is applied to the substrate. One of the goals of these systems is to independently control the magnitude of the ion flux by the inductively coupled power deposition, and the acceleration of ions into the substrate by the rf bias. In high plasma density reactors the width of the sheath above the wafer may be sufficiently thin that ions are able to traverse it in approximately 1 rf cycle, even at 13.56 MHz. As a consequence, the ion energy distribution (IED) may have a shape typically associated with lower frequency operation in conventional reactive ion etching tools. In this paper, we present results from a computer model for the IED incident on the wafer in ICP etching reactors. We find that in the parameter space of interest, the shape of the IED depends both on the amplitude of the rf bias and on the ICP power. The former quantity determines the average energy of the IED. The latter quantity controls the width of the sheath, the transit time of ions across the sheath and hence the width of the IED. In general, high ICP powers (thinner sheaths) produce wider IEDs.

[Cesarean after labor induction: Risk factors and prediction score].

PubMed

Branger, B; Dochez, V; Gervier, S; Winer, N

2018-05-01

The objective of the study is to determine the risk factors for caesarean section at the time of labor induction, to establish a prediction algorithm, to evaluate its relevance and to compare the results with observation. A retrospective study was carried out over a year at Nantes University Hospital with 941 cervical ripening and labor inductions (24.1%) terminated by 167 caesarean sections (17.8%). Within the cohort, a case-control study was conducted with 147 caesarean sections and 148 vaginal deliveries. A multivariate analysis was carried out with a logistic regression allowing the elaboration of an equation of prediction and an ROC curve and the confrontation between the prediction and the reality. In univariate analysis, six variables were significant: nulliparity, small size of the mother, history of scarried uterus, use of prostaglandins as a mode of induction, unfavorable Bishop score<6, variety of posterior release. In multivariate analysis, five variables were significant: nulliparity, maternal size, maternal BMI, scar uterus and Bishop score. The most predictive model corresponded to an area under the curve of 0.86 (0.82-0.90) with a correct prediction percentage ("well classified") of 67.6% for a caesarean section risk of 80%. The prediction criteria would make it possible to inform the woman and the couple about the potential risk of Caesarean section in urgency or to favor a planned Caesarean section or a low-lying attempt on more objective, repeatable and transposable arguments in a medical team. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Application of chlorine-36 technique in determining the age of modern groundwater in the Al-Zulfi province, Saudi Arabia.

PubMed

Challan, Mohsen B

2016-06-01

The present study aims to estimate the residence time of groundwater based on bomb-produced (36)Cl. (36)Cl/Cl ratios in the water samples are determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and liquid scintillation counting. (36)Cl/Cl ratios in the groundwater were estimated to be 1.0-2.0 × 10(-12). Estimates of residence time were obtained by comparing the measured bomb-derived (36)Cl concentrations in groundwater with the background reference. Dating based on a (36)Cl bomb pulse may be more reliable and sensitive for groundwater recharged before 1975, back as far as the mid-1950s. The above (36)Cl background concentration was deduced by determining the background-corrected Dye-3 ice core data from the frozen Arctic data, according to the estimated total (36)Cl resources. The residence time of 7.81 × 10(4) y is obtained from extrapolated groundwater flow velocity. (36)Cl concentration in groundwater does not reflect the input of bomb pulse (36)Cl, and it belongs to the era before 1950.

Applications of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry in materials science

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Becker, Johanna Sabine

2002-12-01

Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and laser ablation ICP-MS (LA-ICP-MS) have been applied as the most important inorganic mass spectrometric techniques having multielemental capability for the characterization of solid samples in materials science. ICP-MS is used for the sensitive determination of trace and ultratrace elements in digested solutions of solid samples or of process chemicals (ultrapure water, acids and organic solutions) for the semiconductor industry with detection limits down to sub-picogram per liter levels. Whereas ICP-MS on solid samples (e.g. high-purity ceramics) sometimes requires time-consuming sample preparation for its application in materials science, and the risk of contamination is a serious drawback, a fast, direct determination of trace elements in solid materials without any sample preparation by LA-ICP-MS is possible. The detection limits for the direct analysis of solid samples by LA-ICP-MS have been determined for many elements down to the nanogram per gram range. A deterioration of detection limits was observed for elements where interferences with polyatomic ions occur. The inherent interference problem can often be solved by applying a double-focusing sector field mass spectrometer at higher mass resolution or by collision-induced reactions of polyatomic ions with a collision gas using an ICP-MS fitted with collision cell. The main problem of LA-ICP-MS is quantification if no suitable standard reference materials with a similar matrix composition are available. The calibration problem in LA-ICP-MS can be solved using on-line solution-based calibration, and different procedures, such as external calibration and standard addition, have been discussed with respect to their application in materials science. The application of isotope dilution in solution-based calibration for trace metal determination in small amounts of noble metals has been developed as a new calibration strategy. This review discusses new analytical developments and possible applications of ICP-MS and LA-ICP-MS for the quantitative determination of trace elements and in surface analysis for materials science.

Effects of Vegetable Oil Type and Lipophilic Emulsifiers on the Induction Period of Fat Crystallization.

PubMed

Miyagawa, Yayoi; Ogawa, Takenobu; Nakagawa, Kyuya; Adachi, Shuji

2015-01-01

The induction period of crystallization, which is defined as the time required for oil to start to crystallize, is useful indicator of the freeze-thaw stability of food emulsions such as mayonnaise. We investigated the induction period of vegetable oils with low melting points, such as rapeseed and soybean oils, which are commonly employed for mayonnaise production. The induction period was measured by monitoring the temperature of a specimen during storage at low temperature. The induction period depended on the type of oil and lipophilic emulsifier, emulsifier concentration, and storage temperature. The effect of the oil type on the induction period depended on the composition of the oil. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analyses of the lipophilic emulsifiers suggested that the melting trend of the emulsifier is strongly related to the induction period.

Simultaneous determination of arsenic and mercury species in rice by ion-pairing reversed phase chromatography with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Fang, Yong; Pan, Yushi; Li, Peng; Xue, Mei; Pei, Fei; Yang, Wenjian; Ma, Ning; Hu, Qiuhui

2016-12-15

An analytical method using reversed phase chromatography-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry for arsenic and mercury speciation analysis was described. The effect of ion-pairing reagent on simultaneous separation of four arsenic (arsenite, arsenate, monomethlyarsonate and dimethylarsinate) and three mercury species (inorganic mercury (Hg(II)), methylmecury and ethylmercury) was investigated. Parameters including concentrations and pH of the mobile phase were optimized. The separation and re-equilibration time was attained within 20min. Meanwhile, a sequential extraction method for arsenic and mercury in rice was tested. Subsequently, 1% HNO3 microwave-assisted extraction was chosen. Calibration curves based on peak area measurements were linear with correlation coefficient greater than 0.9958 for each species in the range studied. The detection limits of the species were in the range of 0.84-2.41μg/L for arsenic and 0.01-0.04μg/L for mercury, respectively. The proposed method was then successfully applied for the simultaneous determination of arsenic and mercury species in rice flour standard material and two kinds of rice from local markets. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Rapid and sensitive determination of tellurium in soil and plant samples by sector-field inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Yang, Guosheng; Zheng, Jian; Tagami, Keiko; Uchida, Shigeo

2013-11-15

In this work, we report a rapid and highly sensitive analytical method for the determination of tellurium in soil and plant samples using sector field inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (SF-ICP-MS). Soil and plant samples were digested using Aqua regia. After appropriate dilution, Te in soil and plant samples was directly analyzed without any separation and preconcentration. This simple sample preparation approach avoided to a maximum extent any contamination and loss of Te prior to the analysis. The developed analytical method was validated by the analysis of soil/sediment and plant reference materials. Satisfactory detection limits of 0.17 ng g(-1) for soil and 0.02 ng g(-1) for plant samples were achieved, which meant that the developed method was applicable to studying the soil-to-plant transfer factor of Te. Our work represents for the first time that data on the soil-to-plant transfer factor of Te were obtained for Japanese samples which can be used for the estimation of internal radiation dose of radioactive tellurium due to the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Anxiety, not anger, induces inflammatory activity: An avoidance/approach model of immune system activation.

PubMed

Moons, Wesley G; Shields, Grant S

2015-08-01

Psychological stressors reliably trigger systemic inflammatory activity as indexed by levels of proinflammatory cytokines. This experiment demonstrates that one's specific emotional reaction to a stressor may be a significant determinant of whether an inflammatory reaction occurs in response to that stressor. Based on extant correlational evidence and theory, a causal approach was used to determine whether an avoidant emotion (anxiety) triggers more inflammatory activity than an approach emotion (anger). In an experimental design (N = 40), a 3-way Emotion Condition × Time × Analyte interaction revealed that a writing-based anxiety induction, but not a writing-based anger induction, increased mean levels of interferon-γ (IFN- γ) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β), but not interleukin-6 (IL-6) in oral mucous, F(2, 54) = 4.64, p = .01, ηp(²) = .15. Further, self-reported state anxiety predicted elevated levels of proinflammatory cytokines, all ΔR(²) >.06, ps <.04, but self-reported state anger did not. These results constitute the first evidence to our knowledge that specific negative emotions can differentially cause inflammatory activity and support a theoretical model explaining these effects based on the avoidance or approach motivations associated with emotions. (c) 2015 APA, all rights reserved).

An improved methodology of asymmetric flow field flow fractionation hyphenated with inductively coupled mass spectrometry for the determination of size distribution of gold nanoparticles in dietary supplements.

PubMed

Mudalige, Thilak K; Qu, Haiou; Linder, Sean W

2015-11-13

Engineered nanoparticles are available in large numbers of commercial products claiming various health benefits. Nanoparticle absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity in a biological system are dependent on particle size, thus the determination of size and size distribution is essential for full characterization. Number based average size and size distribution is a major parameter for full characterization of the nanoparticle. In the case of polydispersed samples, large numbers of particles are needed to obtain accurate size distribution data. Herein, we report a rapid methodology, demonstrating improved nanoparticle recovery and excellent size resolution, for the characterization of gold nanoparticles in dietary supplements using asymmetric flow field flow fractionation coupled with visible absorption spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. A linear relationship between gold nanoparticle size and retention times was observed, and used for characterization of unknown samples. The particle size results from unknown samples were compared to results from traditional size analysis by transmission electron microscopy, and found to have less than a 5% deviation in size for unknown product over the size range from 7 to 30 nm. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Study of the longitudinal space charge compensation and longitudinal instability of the ferrite inductive inserts in the Los Alamos Proton Storage Ring

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beltran, Chris

Future high intensity synchrotrons will have a large space charge effect. It has been demonstrated in the Proton Storage Ring (PSR) at the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) that ferrite inductive inserts can be used to compensate for the longitudinal space charge effect. However, simply installing ferrite inductors in the PSR led to longitudinal instabilities that were not tolerable. It was proposed that heating the ferrite would change the material properties in such a way as to reduce the instability. This proposal was tested in the PSR, and found to be true. This dissertation investigates and describes the complex permeability of the ferrite at room temperature and at an elevated temperature. The derived complex permeability is then used to obtain an impedance at the two temperatures. The impedance is used to determine the amount of space charge compensation supplied by the inductors and predict the growth time and frequency range of the longitudinal instability. The impedance is verified by comparing the experimental growth time and frequency range of the longitudinal instability to theoretical and computer simulated growth times and frequency ranges of the longitudinal instability. Lastly, an approach to mitigating the longitudinal instability that does not involve heating the ferrite is explored.

One-dimensional time-dependent fluid model of a very high density low-pressure inductively coupled plasma

DOE PAGES

Chaplin, Vernon H.; Bellan, Paul M.

2015-12-28

A time-dependent two-fluid model has been developed to understand axial variations in the plasma parameters in a very high density (peak n e~ > 5x10 19 m –3) argon inductively coupled discharge in a long 1.1 cm radius tube. The model equations are written in 1D, with radial losses to the tube walls accounted for by the inclusion of effective particle and energy sink terms. The ambipolar diffusion equation and electron energy equation are solved to find the electron density n e(z,t) and temperature T e(z,t), and the populations of the neutral argon 4s metastable, 4s resonant, and 4p excitedmore » state manifolds are calculated in order to determine the stepwise ionization rate and calculate radiative energy losses. The model has been validated through comparisons with Langmuir probe ion saturation current measurements; close agreement between the simulated and measured axial plasma density profiles and the initial density rise rate at each location was obtained at p Ar = 30-60 mTorr. Lastly, we present detailed results from calculations at 60 mTorr, including the time-dependent electron temperature, excited state populations, and energy budget within and downstream of the radiofrequency (RF) antenna.« less

New Method for Solving Inductive Electric Fields in the Ionosphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vanhamäki, H.

2005-12-01

We present a new method for calculating inductive electric fields in the ionosphere. It is well established that on large scales the ionospheric electric field is a potential field. This is understandable, since the temporal variations of large scale current systems are generally quite slow, in the timescales of several minutes, so inductive effects should be small. However, studies of Alfven wave reflection have indicated that in some situations inductive phenomena could well play a significant role in the reflection process, and thus modify the nature of ionosphere-magnetosphere coupling. The input to our calculation method are the time series of the potential part of the ionospheric electric field together with the Hall and Pedersen conductances. The output is the time series of the induced rotational part of the ionospheric electric field. The calculation method works in the time-domain and can be used with non-uniform, time-dependent conductances. In addition no particular symmetry requirements are imposed on the input potential electric field. The presented method makes use of special non-local vector basis functions called Cartesian Elementary Current Systems (CECS). This vector basis offers a convenient way of representing curl-free and divergence-free parts of 2-dimensional vector fields and makes it possible to solve the induction problem using simple linear algebra. The new calculation method is validated by comparing it with previously published results for Alfven wave reflection from uniformly conducting ionosphere.

The efficacy of clove oil as an anaesthetic and in euthanasia procedure for small-sized tropical fishes.

PubMed

Fernandes, I M; Bastos, Y F; Barreto, D S; Lourenço, L S; Penha, J M

2017-01-01

Clove oil is used as a fish anesthetic because it is a natural and inexpensive product with low toxicity risks. The goal of the present study was to determine the appropriate concentration of clove oil for small-sized tropical fish to be used in mark-recapture studies or when individuals are to be sacrificed. We applied three different clove oil concentrations (D1=0.05 mL, D2=0.10 mL and D3=0.20 mL per 500 mL of water) on three small-sized fish species. We found a negative relationship between induction time and treatment for two species (Hyphessobrycon sp.1 and Hemigrammus sp.), while concentration was unrelated to recovery time. Fish body length was positively related to induction time in the D2 treatment for Hemigrammus sp., and negatively for Hyphessobrycon sp.1 in the D1 treatment, but was unrelated to recovery time for three species and treatments. Mortality rates varied across treatments, but higher rates were observed with higher clove oil concentrations. We conclude that 0.05 mL of clove oil per 500 mL of water is the most efficient dose for studies where fish will be released back to their natural habitats, while 0.20 mL of clove oil is recommended for studies that require fish euthanization for further laboratory analyses.

Changes of neural markers expression during late neurogenic differentiation of human adipose-derived stem cells

PubMed Central

Razavi, Shahnaz; Khosravizadeh, Zahra; Bahramian, Hamid; Kazemi, Mohammad

2015-01-01

Background: Different studies have been done to obtain sufficient number of neural cells for treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, spinal cord, and traumatic brain injury because neural stem cells are limited in central nerves system. Recently, several studies have shown that adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) are the appropriate source of multipotent stem cells. Furthermore, these cells are found in large quantities. The aim of this study was an assessment of proliferation and potential of neurogenic differentiation of ADSCs with passing time. Materials and Methods: Neurosphere formation was used for neural induction in isolated human ADSCs (hADSCs). The rate of proliferation was determined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay and potential of neural differentiation of induced hADSCs was evaluated by immunocytochemical and real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis after 10 and 14 days post-induction. Results: The rate of proliferation of induced hADSCs increased after 14 days while the expression of nestin, glial fibrillary acidic protein, and microtubule-associated protein 2 was decreased with passing time during neurogenic differentiation. Conclusion: These findings showed that the proliferation of induced cells increased with passing time, but in early neurogenic differentiation of hADSCs, neural expression was higher than late of differentiation. Thus, using of induced cells in early differentiation may be suggested for in vivo application. PMID:26605238

In vitro mesenchymal trilineage differentiation and extracellular matrix production by adipose and bone marrow derived adult equine multipotent stromal cells on a collagen scaffold.

PubMed

Xie, Lin; Zhang, Nan; Marsano, Anna; Vunjak-Novakovic, Gordana; Zhang, Yanru; Lopez, Mandi J

2013-12-01

Directed differentiation of adult multipotent stromal cells (MSC) is critical for effective treatment strategies. This study was designed to evaluate the capability of equine MSC from bone marrow (BMSC) and adipose tissue (ASC) on a type I collagen (COLI) scaffold to undergo chondrogenic, osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation and form extracellular matrix (ECM) in vitro. Following determination of surface antigen expression, MSC were loaded into scaffolds in a perfusion bioreactor and loading efficiency was quantified. Cell-scaffold constructs were assessed after loading and 7, 14 and 21 days of culture in stromal or induction medium. Cell number was determined with DNA content, cell viability and spatial uniformity with confocal laser microscopy and cell phenotype and matrix production with light and scanning electron microscopy and mRNA levels. The MSC were positive for CD29 (>90 %), CD44 (>99 %), and CD105 (>60 %). Loading efficiencies were >70 %. The ASC and BMSC cell numbers on scaffolds were affected by culture in induction medium differently. Viable cells remained uniformly distributed in scaffolds for up to 21 days and could be directed to differentiate or to maintain an MSC phenotype. Micro- and ultrastructure showed lineage-specific cell and ECM changes. Lineage-specific mRNA levels differed between ASC and BMSC with induction and changed with time. Based on these results, equine ASC and BMSC differentiate into chondrogenic, osteogenic and adipogenic lineages and form ECM similarly on COLI scaffolds. The collected data supports the potential for equine MSC-COLI constructs to support diverse equine tissue formation for controlled biological studies.

Optimal inductive and cultural conditions of Polygonum multiflorum transgenic hairy roots mediated with Agrobacterium rhizogenes R1601 and an analysis of their anthraquinone constituents.

PubMed

Huang, Bing; Lin, Huanjie; Yan, Chuanyan; Qiu, Hongyan; Qiu, Lipeng; Yu, Rongmin

2014-01-01

Polygonum multiflorum is an important medicinal plant. Hairy roots systems obtained by transforming plant tissues with the natural genetic engineer Agrobacterium rhizogenes can produce valuable biological active substances, which have immense potential in the pharmaceutical industry. To optimize the inductive and cultural conditions of P. multiflorum hairy roots and to identify the major active secondary metabolites in hairy roots. P. multiflorum hairy root were mediated with A. rhizogenes R1601 to induce hairy roots. Four combinations, including Murashige-Skoog (MS), 1/2 MS, B5, and White, were investigated to optimize the culture medium. MS medium was selected for the growth measurement. The qualitative and quantitative determinations of free anthraquinone in hairy roots were compared with the calli and aseptic plantlets using high-performance liquid chromatography. The inductive rates of hairy roots by leaves were higher than for any other explants. The presence of agropine in the P. multiflorum hairy roots confirmed that they were indeed transgenic. MS medium was the most suitable of the four media for hairy root growth. Meanwhile, the growth kinetics and nutrient consumption results showed that the hairy roots displayed a sigmoidal growth curve and that their optimal inoculation time was 18-21 days. The determination of the anthraquinone constituents indicated that the rhein content of the hairy roots reached 2.495 μg g(-1) and was 2.55-fold higher than that of natural plants. Transgenic hairy roots of P. multiflorum could be one of the most potent materials for industrial-scale production of bioactive anthraquinone constituents.

Engineering of a synthetic quadrastable gene network to approach Waddington landscape and cell fate determination

PubMed Central

Wu, Fuqing; Su, Ri-Qi; Lai, Ying-Cheng; Wang, Xiao

2017-01-01

The process of cell fate determination has been depicted intuitively as cells travelling and resting on a rugged landscape, which has been probed by various theoretical studies. However, few studies have experimentally demonstrated how underlying gene regulatory networks shape the landscape and hence orchestrate cellular decision-making in the presence of both signal and noise. Here we tested different topologies and verified a synthetic gene circuit with mutual inhibition and auto-activations to be quadrastable, which enables direct study of quadruple cell fate determination on an engineered landscape. We show that cells indeed gravitate towards local minima and signal inductions dictate cell fates through modulating the shape of the multistable landscape. Experiments, guided by model predictions, reveal that sequential inductions generate distinct cell fates by changing landscape in sequence and hence navigating cells to different final states. This work provides a synthetic biology framework to approach cell fate determination and suggests a landscape-based explanation of fixed induction sequences for targeted differentiation. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.23702.001 PMID:28397688

Numerical and experimental study of curved and planar frequency selective surfaces with arbitrary illumination. M.S. Thesis - Maryland Univ., 1989

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Caroglanian, Armen

1991-01-01

A frequency selective surface (FSS) composed of apertures in a metallic sheet is known as the inductive FSS. The infinite inductive FSS theory is derived and the aperture fields are solved by a spectral domain formulation with method of moments solution. Both full domain and subsectional basis functions are studied. A locally planar technique (LPT) is used to determine the forward scattered field from a generally shaped inductive FSS with arbitrary illumination.

Determination of silver in irons and steels by atomic-absorption spectrometry with an induction furnace: Direct analysis of solid samples.

PubMed

Aziz-Alrahman, A M; Headridge, J B

1978-07-01

The silver contents of 17 irons and steels have been determined by dropping 0.5-20mg of millings or turnings of the metals into an induction furnace situated within an atomic-absorption spectrophotometer. The limit of detection was 0.005 mug/g and the relative standard deviations were 12% or better for silver contents of not less than 0.05 mug/g. Samples are added to the furnace at 4-5 min intervals.

A comprehensive approach for the determination of extractable and leachable metals in pharmaceutical products by inductively-coupled plasma.

PubMed

Zuccarello, Daniel J; Murphy, Michael P; Meyer, Richard F; Winslow, Paul A

2009-01-01

A comprehensive digestive approach for determining the extractable and leachable metals in pharmaceutical products by inductively-coupled plasma is investigated. This study examines several acid digestion strategies for packaging materials, containers, and formulated products for complete trace metals analysis. Packaging materials, a food product, and a simulated drug product are evaluated for leachable metals by stressing the materials under accelerated stability conditions. Trace metal profiles of 64 elements for these materials are reported.

The use of nutritional supplements to induce ketosis and reduce symptoms associated with keto-induction: a narrative review.

PubMed

Harvey, Cliff J D C; Schofield, Grant M; Williden, Micalla

2018-01-01

Adaptation to a ketogenic diet (keto-induction) can cause unpleasant symptoms, and this can reduce tolerability of the diet. Several methods have been suggested as useful for encouraging entry into nutritional ketosis (NK) and reducing symptoms of keto-induction. This paper reviews the scientific literature on the effects of these methods on time-to-NK and on symptoms during the keto-induction phase. PubMed, Science Direct, CINAHL, MEDLINE, Alt Health Watch, Food Science Source and EBSCO Psychology and Behavioural Sciences Collection electronic databases were searched online. Various purported ketogenic supplements were searched along with the terms "ketogenic diet", "ketogenic", "ketosis" and ketonaemia (/ ketonemia). Additionally, author names and reference lists were used for further search of the selected papers for related references. Evidence, from one mouse study, suggests that leucine doesn't significantly increase beta-hydroxybutyrate (BOHB) but the addition of leucine to a ketogenic diet in humans, while increasing the protein-to-fat ratio of the diet, doesn't reduce ketosis. Animal studies indicate that the short chain fatty acids acetic acid and butyric acid, increase ketone body concentrations. However, only one study has been performed in humans. This demonstrated that butyric acid is more ketogenic than either leucine or an 8-chain monoglyceride. Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) increase BOHB in a linear, dose-dependent manner, and promote both ketonaemia and ketogenesis. Exogenous ketones promote ketonaemia but may inhibit ketogenesis. There is a clear ketogenic effect of supplemental MCTs; however, it is unclear whether they independently improve time to NK and reduce symptoms of keto-induction. There is limited research on the potential for other supplements to improve time to NK and reduce symptoms of keto-induction. Few studies have specifically evaluated symptoms and adverse effects of a ketogenic diet during the induction phase. Those that have typically were not designed to evaluate these variables as primary outcomes, and thus, more research is required to elucidate the role that supplementation might play in encouraging ketogenesis, improve time to NK, and reduce symptoms associated with keto-induction.

The use of nutritional supplements to induce ketosis and reduce symptoms associated with keto-induction: a narrative review

PubMed Central

Schofield, Grant M.; Williden, Micalla

2018-01-01

Background Adaptation to a ketogenic diet (keto-induction) can cause unpleasant symptoms, and this can reduce tolerability of the diet. Several methods have been suggested as useful for encouraging entry into nutritional ketosis (NK) and reducing symptoms of keto-induction. This paper reviews the scientific literature on the effects of these methods on time-to-NK and on symptoms during the keto-induction phase. Methods PubMed, Science Direct, CINAHL, MEDLINE, Alt Health Watch, Food Science Source and EBSCO Psychology and Behavioural Sciences Collection electronic databases were searched online. Various purported ketogenic supplements were searched along with the terms “ketogenic diet”, “ketogenic”, “ketosis” and ketonaemia (/ ketonemia). Additionally, author names and reference lists were used for further search of the selected papers for related references. Results Evidence, from one mouse study, suggests that leucine doesn’t significantly increase beta-hydroxybutyrate (BOHB) but the addition of leucine to a ketogenic diet in humans, while increasing the protein-to-fat ratio of the diet, doesn’t reduce ketosis. Animal studies indicate that the short chain fatty acids acetic acid and butyric acid, increase ketone body concentrations. However, only one study has been performed in humans. This demonstrated that butyric acid is more ketogenic than either leucine or an 8-chain monoglyceride. Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) increase BOHB in a linear, dose-dependent manner, and promote both ketonaemia and ketogenesis. Exogenous ketones promote ketonaemia but may inhibit ketogenesis. Conclusions There is a clear ketogenic effect of supplemental MCTs; however, it is unclear whether they independently improve time to NK and reduce symptoms of keto-induction. There is limited research on the potential for other supplements to improve time to NK and reduce symptoms of keto-induction. Few studies have specifically evaluated symptoms and adverse effects of a ketogenic diet during the induction phase. Those that have typically were not designed to evaluate these variables as primary outcomes, and thus, more research is required to elucidate the role that supplementation might play in encouraging ketogenesis, improve time to NK, and reduce symptoms associated with keto-induction. PMID:29576959

Induction of sporulation and the influence of time, temperature, and inoculum size on growth in two species of aquatic fungi (Saprolegniales)

USGS Publications Warehouse

Bailey, T.A.; Bradford, K.; Bland, C.E.

1990-01-01

Because the infective stage of most mycoses of aquatic organisms is the zoospore, we attempted to establish optimum conditions under which zoospores could be produced for use in antifungal testing. Optimum sporulation time, incubation time, inoculum size, and growth temperature were determined for each oftwo saprolegniaceous fungi, Achlya flagellata Coker and Saprolegnia hypogyna (Pringsheim) de Bary. Both species produced the largest number of zoospores after 18 hours (51.7 spores/ml for A. jlagellata and 848.0 spores/ml for S. hypogyna), and yielded maximum growth after 48 hours at 22 'C. The recommended test inoculum size for S. hypogyna (5,600 spores/ml was nearly three times that for A. flagellata (2,000 spores/ml),

Causal Relations Drive Young Children's Induction, Naming, and Categorization

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Opfer, John E.; Bulloch, Megan J.

2007-01-01

A number of recent models and experiments have suggested that evidence of early category-based induction is an artifact of perceptual cues provided by experimenters. We tested these accounts against the prediction that different relations (causal versus non-causal) determine the types of perceptual similarity by which children generalize. Young…

Environmental Effects on Health with Special Emphasis on Neurotoxicology. Matrix No. 16.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Uphouse, Lynda L.

Environmental influences can significantly affect (both positively and negatively) the developing child. Three ways in which the environment affects the developing organism are induction, facilitation, and maintenance. In the case of induction the presence or absence of specific stimuli totally determines whether or not a particular developmental…

DETERMINATION OF BROMATE IN DRINKING WATERS BY ION CHROMATOGRAPHY WITH INDUCTIVELY COUPLED PLASMA MASS SPECTROMETRIC DETECTION

EPA Science Inventory

Bromate is a disinfection by-product in drinking water, formed during the ozonation of source water containing bromide. An inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer is combined with an ion chromatograph for the analysis of bromate in drinking waters. Three chromatographic colu...

ULTRASONIC NEBULIZATION AND ARSENIC VALENCE STATE CONSIDERATIONS PRIOR TO DETERMINATION VIA INDUCTIVELY COUPLED PLASMA MASS SPECTROMETRY

EPA Science Inventory

An ultrasonic nebulizer (USN) was utilized as a sample introduction device for an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer in an attempt to increase the sensitivity for As. The USN produced a valence state response difference for As. The As response was suppressed approximate...

Beam-return current systems in solar flares

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Spicer, D. S.; Sudan, R. N.

1984-01-01

It is demonstrated that the common assumption made in solar flare beam transport theory that the beam-accompanied return current is purely electrostatically driven is incorrect, and that the return current is both electrostatically and inductively driven, in accordance with Lenz's law, with the inductive effects dominating for times greater than a few plasma periods. In addition, it is shown that a beam can only exist in a solar plasma for a finite time which is much smaller than the inductive return current dissipation time. The importance of accounting for the role of the acceleration mechanism in forming the beam is discussed. In addition, the role of return current driven anomalous resistivity and its subsequent anomalous Joule heating during the flare process is elucidated.

Potential link between biotic defense activation and recalcitrance to induction of somatic embryogenesis in shoot primordia from adult trees of white spruce (Picea glauca)

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Among the many commercial opportunities afforded by somatic embryogenesis (SE), it is the ability to clonally propagate individual plants with rare or elite traits that has some of the most significant implications. This is particularly true for many long-lived species, such as conifers, but whose long generation times pose substantive challenges, including increased recalcitrance for SE as plants age. Identification of a clonal line of somatic embryo-derived trees whose shoot primordia have remained responsive to SE induction for over a decade, provided a unique opportunity to examine the molecular aspects underpinning SE within shoot tissues of adult white spruce trees. Results Microarray analysis was used to conduct transcriptome-wide expression profiling of shoot explants taken from this responsive genotype following one week of SE induction, which when compared with that of a nonresponsive genotype, led to the identification of four of the most differentially expressed genes within each genotype. Using absolute qPCR to expand the analysis to three weeks of induction revealed that differential expression of all eight candidate genes was maintained to the end of the induction treatment, albeit to differing degrees. Most striking was that both the magnitude and duration of candidate gene expression within the nonresponsive genotype was indicative of an intense physiological response. Examining their putative identities further revealed that all four encoded for proteins with similarity to angiosperm proteins known to play prominent roles in biotic defense, and that their high-level induction over an extended period is consistent with activation of a biotic defense response. In contrast, the more temperate response within the responsive genotype, including induction of a conifer-specific dehydrin, is more consistent with elicitation of an adaptive stress response. Conclusions While additional evidence is required to definitively establish an association between SE responsiveness and a specific physiological response, these results suggest that biotic defense activation may be antagonistic, likely related to the massive transcriptional and metabolic reprogramming that it elicits. A major issue for future work will be to determine how and if suppressing biotic defense activation could be used to promote a physiological state more conducive to SE induction. PMID:23937238

The effect of high temperature interruptions during inductive period on the extent of flowering and on metabolic responses in olives (Olea europaea L.)

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The effect of the duration of high temperature interruption and the timing of it’s occurrence during inductive period on the extent of inhibition of inflorescence production in ‘Arbequina’ olive trees was investigated. Trees kept under inductive conditions in different growth chambers were subjected...

Whole house particle removal and clean air delivery rates for in-duct and portable ventilation systems.

PubMed

Macintosh, David L; Myatt, Theodore A; Ludwig, Jerry F; Baker, Brian J; Suh, Helen H; Spengler, John D

2008-11-01

A novel method for determining whole house particle removal and clean air delivery rates attributable to central and portable ventilation/air cleaning systems is described. The method is used to characterize total and air-cleaner-specific particle removal rates during operation of four in-duct air cleaners and two portable air-cleaning devices in a fully instrumented test home. Operation of in-duct and portable air cleaners typically increased particle removal rates over the baseline rates determined in the absence of operating a central fan or an indoor air cleaner. Removal rates of 0.3- to 0.5-microm particles ranged from 1.5 hr(-1) during operation of an in-duct, 5-in. pleated media filter to 7.2 hr(-1) for an in-duct electrostatic air cleaner in comparison to a baseline rate of 0 hr(-1) when the air handler was operating without a filter. Removal rates for total particulate matter less than 2.5 microm in aerodynamic diameter (PM2.5) mass concentrations were 0.5 hr(-1) under baseline conditions, 0.5 hr(-1) during operation of three portable ionic air cleaners, 1 hr(-1) for an in-duct 1-in. media filter, 2.4 hr(-1) for a single high-efficiency particle arrestance (HEPA) portable air cleaner, 4.6 hr(-1) for an in-duct 5-in. media filter, 4.7 hr(-1) during operation of five portable HEPA filters, 6.1 hr(-1) for a conventional in-duct electronic air cleaner, and 7.5 hr(-1) for a high efficiency in-duct electrostatic air cleaner. Corresponding whole house clean air delivery rates for PM2.5 attributable to the air cleaner independent of losses within the central ventilation system ranged from 2 m3/min for the conventional media filter to 32 m3/min for the high efficiency in-duct electrostatic device. Except for the portable ionic air cleaner, the devices considered here increased particle removal indoors over baseline deposition rates.

Agricultural Geophysics

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The four geophysical methods predominantly used for agricultural purposes are resistivity, electromagnetic induction, ground penetrating radar (GPR), and time domain reflectometry (TDR). Resistivity and electromagnetic induction methods are typically employed to map lateral variations of apparent so...

Say it with flowers

PubMed Central

Falik, Omer; Hoffmann, Ishay; Novoplansky, Ariel

2014-01-01

The timing of reproduction is a critical determinant of fitness, especially in organisms inhabiting seasonal environments. Increasing evidence suggests that inter-plant communication plays important roles in plant functioning. Here, we tested the hypothesis that flowering coordination can involve communication between neighboring plants. We show that soil leachates from Brassica rapa plants growing under long-day conditions accelerated flowering and decreased allocation to vegetative organs in target plants growing under non-inductive short-day conditions. The results suggest that besides endogenous signaling and external abiotic cues, flowering timing may involve inter-plant communication, mediated by root exudates. The study of flowering communication is expected to illuminate neglected aspects of plant reproductive interactions and to provide novel opportunities for controlling the timing of plant reproduction in agricultural settings. PMID:24598343

First Measurements of Time-Dependent Nucleation as a Function of Composition in Na2O.2CaO.3SiO2 Glasses

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kelton, K. F.; Narayan, K. Lakshmi

1996-01-01

The first measurements in any system of the composition dependence of the time-dependent nucleation rate are presented Nucleation rates of the stoichiometric crystalline phase, Na2O.2CaO.3SiO2, from quenched glasses made with different SiO2 concentrations were determined as a function of temperature and glass composition. A strong compositional dependence of the nucleation rates and a weak dependence for the induction times are observed. Using measured values of the liquidus temperatures and growth velocities as a function of glass composition, these data are shown to be consistent with predictions from the classical theory of nucleation, assuming a composition-dependent interfacial energy.

Learning rules for spike timing-dependent plasticity depend on dendritic synapse location.

PubMed

Letzkus, Johannes J; Kampa, Björn M; Stuart, Greg J

2006-10-11

Previous studies focusing on the temporal rules governing changes in synaptic strength during spike timing-dependent synaptic plasticity (STDP) have paid little attention to the fact that synaptic inputs are distributed across complex dendritic trees. During STDP, propagation of action potentials (APs) back to the site of synaptic input is thought to trigger plasticity. However, in pyramidal neurons, backpropagation of single APs is decremental, whereas high-frequency bursts lead to generation of distal dendritic calcium spikes. This raises the question whether STDP learning rules depend on synapse location and firing mode. Here, we investigate this issue at synapses between layer 2/3 and layer 5 pyramidal neurons in somatosensory cortex. We find that low-frequency pairing of single APs at positive times leads to a distance-dependent shift to long-term depression (LTD) at distal inputs. At proximal sites, this LTD could be converted to long-term potentiation (LTP) by dendritic depolarizations suprathreshold for BAC-firing or by high-frequency AP bursts. During AP bursts, we observed a progressive, distance-dependent shift in the timing requirements for induction of LTP and LTD, such that distal synapses display novel timing rules: they potentiate when inputs are activated after burst onset (negative timing) but depress when activated before burst onset (positive timing). These findings could be explained by distance-dependent differences in the underlying dendritic voltage waveforms driving NMDA receptor activation during STDP induction. Our results suggest that synapse location within the dendritic tree is a crucial determinant of STDP, and that synapses undergo plasticity according to local rather than global learning rules.

Induction chemotherapy in metastatic neuroblastoma--does dose influence response? A critical review of published data standards, options and recommendations (SOR) project of the National Federation of French Cancer Centres (FNCLCC).

PubMed

Pinkerton, C R; Blanc Vincent, M P; Bergeron, C; Fervers, B; Philip, T

2000-09-01

The purpose of this study was to determine, from a review of published data, whether in stage 4 neuroblastoma in children over 1 year of age, the dose or scheduling of induction chemotherapy influenced the response rate in distant metastases. Publications relating to induction chemotherapy since the introduction of cisplatin/epipodophyllotoxin combinations were identified using Medline, Current Contents and personal reference lists. Thirteen publications were identified which described 17 regimens involving 948 children. The doses and the scheduling of the various regimens were compared with a standard regimen OPEC (vincristine, cisplatin, teniposide, cyclophosphamide). These were correlated with the reported response rates in the bone marrow. Due to a lack of standardisation in the nature of restaging investigations, timing of restaging and definitions of response it was difficult to compare all studies. The complete response rate at distant metastases ranged from less than 40% to over 90%. For individual drugs; the comparative doses given in each course ranged up to 4.2 g/m(2) for cyclophosphamide, 280 mg/m(2) for cisplatin, 600 mg/m(2) for etoposide and 4.5 mg/m(2) for vincristine. There was no evidence of any positive correlation between response rate in the marrow and either the dose of any individual drug or the schedule used. In contrast to a previous study which included a number of older studies where disease assessment was even more variable, this analysis has failed to show any justification for the routine use of very intensive induction regimens in this disease. Such an approach should only be taken in the context of randomised trials in which timing and methods of reassessment can be standardised. Until such studies demonstrate superiority either in terms of response rate or progression-free survival lower morbidity regimens should remain the standard therapy.

Time-dependent upregulation of electron transport with concomitant induction of regulated excitation dissipation in Haslea diatoms.

PubMed

Perkins, R; Williamson, C; Lavaud, J; Mouget, J-L; Campbell, D A

2018-04-16

Photoacclimation by strains of Haslea "blue" diatom species H. ostrearia and H. silbo sp. nov. ined. was investigated with rapid light curves and induction-recovery curves using fast repetition rate fluorescence. Cultures were grown to exponential phase under 50 µmol m -2  s -1 photosynthetic available radiation (PAR) and then exposed to non-sequential rapid light curves where, once electron transport rate (ETR) had reached saturation, light intensity was decreased and then further increased prior to returning to near growth light intensity. The non-sequential rapid light curve revealed that ETR was not proportional to the instantaneously applied light intensity, due to rapid photoacclimation. Changes in the effective absorption cross sections for open PSII reaction centres (σ PSII ') or reaction centre connectivity (ρ) did not account for the observed increases in ETR under extended high light. σ PSII ' in fact decreased as a function of a time-dependent induction of regulated excitation dissipation Y(NPQ), once cells were at or above a PAR coinciding with saturation of ETR. Instead, the observed increases in ETR under extended high light were explained by an increase in the rate of PSII reopening, i.e. Q A - oxidation. This acceleration of electron transport was strictly light dependent and relaxed within seconds after a return to low light or darkness. The time-dependent nature of ETR upregulation and regulated NPQ induction was verified using induction-recovery curves. Our findings show a time-dependent induction of excitation dissipation, in parallel with very rapid photoacclimation of electron transport, which combine to make ETR independent of short-term changes in PAR. This supports a selective advantage for these diatoms when exposed to fluctuating light in their environment.

KSC-2013-2071

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-04-20

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, Kennedy Space Center Director and Hall of Famer Robert Cabana speaks during the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame 2013 induction ceremony. Curt Brown, Eileen Collins and Bonnie Dunbar were inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame. This induction is the twelfth group of space shuttle astronauts named to the AHOF, and the first time two women are inducted at the same time. The year’s inductees were selected by a committee of current Hall of Fame astronauts, former NASA officials, historians and journalists. The selection process is administered by the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation. For more on the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame, go to http://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/astronaut-hall-of-fame.aspx For more on the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation, go to http://astronautscholarship.org/ Photo credit: NASA/ Kim Shiflett

A prospective randomized trial comparing Foley catheter, oxytocin, and combination Foley catheter-oxytocin for labour induction with unfavourable cervix.

PubMed

El Khouly, Nabih I

2017-04-01

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of transcervical Foley catheter with and without oxytocin versus oxytocin alone for labour induction with unfavourable cervix. This trial enrolled 108 women with singleton pregnancies presented for labour induction with unfavourable cervix. Patients were randomly assigned to receive Foley catheter alone (I), Foley catheter plus oxytocin (II) or oxytocin alone (III). Outcomes were analysed in terms of success of induction, induction delivery interval, route of delivery, dose and duration of oxytocin, and complications. Successful normal vaginal delivery was more common in group I (p = .02) compared to group III. Induction delivery time was statistically shorter in group II and group III (p < .001). Patients in group I required significantly less oxytocin dose and duration (p < .001). This led to our conclusion that induction of labour with Foley catheter without oxytocin increases success rate of normal vaginal delivery; however, it has a longer induction delivery interval with similar complications.

[Experimental analysis of some determinants of inductive reasoning].

PubMed

Ono, K

1989-02-01

Three experiments were conducted from a behavioral perspective to investigate the determinants of inductive reasoning and to compare some methodological differences. The dependent variable used in these experiments was the threshold of confident response (TCR), which was defined as "the minimal sample size required to establish generalization from instances." Experiment 1 examined the effects of population size on inductive reasoning, and the results from 35 college students showed that the TCR varied in proportion to the logarithm of population size. In Experiment 2, 30 subjects showed distinct sensitivity to both prior probability and base-rate. The results from 70 subjects who participated in Experiment 3 showed that the TCR was affected by its consequences (risk condition), and especially, that humans were sensitive to a loss situation. These results demonstrate the sensitivity of humans to statistical variables in inductive reasoning. Furthermore, methodological comparison indicated that the experimentally observed values of TCR were close to, but not as precise as the optimal values predicted by Bayes' model. On the other hand, the subjective TCR estimated by subjects was highly discrepant from the observed TCR. These findings suggest that various aspects of inductive reasoning can be fruitfully investigated not only from subjective estimations such as probability likelihood but also from an objective behavioral perspective.

Studies on Muon Induction Acceleration and an Objective Lens Design for Transmission Muon Microscope

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Artikova, Sayyora; Yoshida, Mitsuhiro; Naito, Fujio

Muon acceleration will be accomplished by a set of induction cells, where each increases the energy of the muon beam by an increment of up to 30 kV. The cells are arranged in a linear way resulting in total accelerating voltage of 300 kV. Acceleration time in the linac is about hundred nanoseconds. Induction field calculation is based on an electrostatic approximation. Beam dynamics in the induction accelerator is investigated and final beam focusing on specimen is realized by designing a pole piece lens.

Multipurpose Vacuum Induction Processing System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Govindaraju, M.; Kulkarni, Deepak; Balasubramanian, K.

2012-11-01

Multipurpose vacuum processing systems are cost effective; occupy less space, multiple functional under one roof and user friendly. A multipurpose vacuum induction system was designed, fabricated and installed in a record time of 6 months time at NFTDC Hyderabad. It was designed to function as a) vacuum induction melting/refining of oxygen free electronic copper/pure metals, b) vacuum induction melting furnace for ferrous materials c) vacuum induction melting for non ferrous materials d) large vacuum heat treatment chamber by resistance heating (by detachable coil and hot zone) e) bottom discharge vacuum induction melting system for non ferrous materials f) Induction heat treatment system and g) directional solidification /investment casting. It contains provision for future capacity addition. The attachments require to manufacture multiple shaped castings and continuous rod casting can be added whenever need arises. Present capacity is decided on the requirement for 10years of development path; presently it has 1.2 ton liquid copper handling capacity. It is equipped with provision for capacity addition up to 2 ton liquid copper handling capacity in future. Provision is made to carry out the capacity addition in easy steps quickly. For easy operational maintenance and troubleshooting, design was made in easily detachable sections. High vacuum system is also is detachable, independent and easily movable which is first of its kind in the country. Detailed design parameters, advantages and development history are presented in this paper.

NEUTRON DIFFRACTION INVESTIGATIONS OF FERROMAGNETIC PALLADIUM AND IRON GROUP ALLOYS

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

Cable, J.W.; Wollan, E.O.; Koehler, W.C.

1962-03-01

In order to account for the magnetic properties of alloys It becomes important to determine the individual magnetic moments of the constituent atoms. This determination can be accomplished by means of neutron diffraction and magnetic induction measurements. Such measurements are made on the ferromagnetic alloys Pd/sub 3/Fe, PdFe, Pd/sub 3/Co, PdCo, Ni/sub 3/Co, and NiCo. The average moment values are obtained from magnetic induction measurements while the differences in the atomic moments are determined from either the ferromagnetic diffuse scattering by the disordered alloys or the superlattice reflections by the ordered alloys. (auth)

Magneto-therapy of human joint cartilage.

PubMed

Wierzcholski, Krzysztof; Miszczak, Andrzej

2017-01-01

The topic of the present paper concerns the human joint cartilage therapy performed by the magnetic induction field. There is proved the thesis that the applied magnetic field for concrete cartilage illness should depend on the proper relative and concrete values of applied magnetic induction, intensity as well the time of treatment duration. Additionally, very important are frequencies and amplitudes of magnetic field as well as magnetic permeability of the synovial fluid. The research methods used in this paper include: magnetic induction field produced by a new Polish and German magneto electronic devices for the therapy of human joint cartilage diseases, stationary and movable magnetic applicators, magnetic bandage, ferrofluid injections, author's experience gained in Germany research institutes and practical results after measurements and information from patients. The results of this paper concern concrete parameters of time dependent electro-magnetic field administration during the joint cartilage therapy duration and additionally concern the corollaries which are implied from reading values gained on the magnetic induction devices. The main conclusions obtained in this paper are as follows: Time dependent magnetic induction field increases the dynamic viscosity of movable synovial fluid and decreases symptoms of cartilage illness for concrete intensity of magnetic field and concrete field line architecture. The ferrofluid therapy and phospholipids bilayer simultaneously with the administrated external electromagnetic field, increases the dynamic viscosity of movable synovial fluid.

Fast and accurate spectral estimation for online detection of partial broken bar in induction motors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Samanta, Anik Kumar; Naha, Arunava; Routray, Aurobinda; Deb, Alok Kanti

2018-01-01

In this paper, an online and real-time system is presented for detecting partial broken rotor bar (BRB) of inverter-fed squirrel cage induction motors under light load condition. This system with minor modifications can detect any fault that affects the stator current. A fast and accurate spectral estimator based on the theory of Rayleigh quotient is proposed for detecting the spectral signature of BRB. The proposed spectral estimator can precisely determine the relative amplitude of fault sidebands and has low complexity compared to available high-resolution subspace-based spectral estimators. Detection of low-amplitude fault components has been improved by removing the high-amplitude fundamental frequency using an extended-Kalman based signal conditioner. Slip is estimated from the stator current spectrum for accurate localization of the fault component. Complexity and cost of sensors are minimal as only a single-phase stator current is required. The hardware implementation has been carried out on an Intel i7 based embedded target ported through the Simulink Real-Time. Evaluation of threshold and detectability of faults with different conditions of load and fault severity are carried out with empirical cumulative distribution function.

Large Imaging X-ray MKID Arrays for Astrophysics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mazin, Benjamin

Microwave Kinetic Inductance Detectors, or MKIDs, are a relatively new type of superconducting detector with built-in frequency domain multiplexing. Like Transition Edge Sensors (TESs) microbolometers, MKIDs can count single X-ray photons over a wide energy range and determine their energy and arrival time. MKIDs allow very large pixel counts with a simple room temperature microwave readout. In this investigation we will develop a new type of detector based on a MKID called the Thermal Kinetic Inductance Detector, or TKID. A TKID changes the basic MKID architecture by placing the inductor of the MKID on a suspended SiN membrane. The capacitor will remain on the bulk Si to reduce noise. Much like a TES, the TKID will sense changes in temperature of the isolated SiN island caused by photon absorption. The advantages of a TKID include lack of positional/geometry dependence, a more tunable pulse decay time, a relaxation of the MKID resonator material requirements, and more. We have already fabricated a TKID with the best energy resolution seen to date in any KID. Here we propose to improve the energy resolution below 10 eV, develop mushroom absorbers compatible with our TKIDs, and integrate these detectors into small arrays.

Elevated CO2 differentially affects photosynthetic induction response in two Populus species with different stomatal behavior.

PubMed

Tomimatsu, Hajime; Tang, Yanhong

2012-08-01

To understand dynamic photosynthetic characteristics in response to fluctuating light under a high CO(2) environment, we examined photosynthetic induction in two poplar genotypes from two species, Populus koreana 9 trichocarpa cv. Peace and Populus euramericana cv. I-55, respectively. Stomata of cv. Peace barely respond to changes in photosynthetic photon flux density (PFD), whereas those of cv. I-55 show a normal response to variations in PFD at ambient CO(2). The plants were grown under three CO2 regimes (380, 700, and 1,020 μmol CO(2) mol(-1) in air) for approximately 2 months. CO2 gas exchange was measured in situ in the three CO2 regimes under a sudden PFD increase from 20 to 800 μmol m(-2) s(-1). In both genotypes, plants grown under higher CO(2) conditions had a higher photosynthetic induction state, shorter induction time, and reduced induction limitation to photosynthetic carbon gain. Plants of cv. I-55 showed a much larger increase in induction state and decrease in induction time under high CO(2) regimes than did plants of cv. Peace. These showed that, throughout the whole induction process, genotype cv. I-55 had a much smaller reduction of leaf carbon gain under the two high CO(2) regimes than under the ambient CO(2) regime, while the high CO(2) effect was smaller in genotype cv. Peace. The results suggest that a high CO(2) environment can reduce both biochemical and stomatal limitations of leaf carbon gain during the photosynthetic induction process, and that a rapid stomatal response can further enhance the high CO(2) effect.

Top-level dynamics and the regulated gene response of feed-forward loop transcriptional motifs.

PubMed

Mayo, Michael; Abdelzaher, Ahmed; Perkins, Edward J; Ghosh, Preetam

2014-09-01

Feed-forward loops are hierarchical three-node transcriptional subnetworks, wherein a top-level protein regulates the activity of a target gene via two paths: a direct-regulatory path, and an indirect route, whereby the top-level proteins act implicitly through an intermediate transcription factor. Using a transcriptional network of the model bacterium Escherichia coli, we confirmed that nearly all types of feed-forward loop were significantly overrepresented in the bacterial network. We then used mathematical modeling to study their dynamics by manipulating the rise times of the top-level protein concentration, termed the induction time, through alteration of the protein destruction rates. Rise times of the regulated proteins exhibited two qualitatively different regimes, depending on whether top-level inductions were "fast" or "slow." In the fast regime, rise times were nearly independent of rapid top-level inductions, indicative of biological robustness, and occurred when RNA production rate-limits the protein yield. Alternatively, the protein rise times were dependent upon slower top-level inductions, greater than approximately one bacterial cell cycle. An equation is given for this crossover, which depends upon three parameters of the direct-regulatory path: transcriptional cooperation at the DNA-binding site, a protein-DNA dissociation constant, and the relative magnitude of the top-level protien concentration.

Randomized Controlled Trial of Use of the Peanut Ball During Labor.

PubMed

Roth, Cheryl; Dent, Sarah A; Parfitt, Sheryl E; Hering, Sandra L; Bay, R Curtis

2016-01-01

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of peanut ball use on duration of first stage labor and pushing time in women who were scheduled for elective induction of labor at ≥39 weeks gestation and planning an epidural. In this randomized controlled trial, women having labor induction and planning a labor epidural were assigned (1:1) to one of two groups: one group used a peanut ball and one group did not. Outcome variables were time spent in first stage labor and time spent pushing. Factors included group assignment (peanut ball, no peanut ball), parity (primiparous, multiparous), and race. Age and maximum oxytocin dose served as covariates. Among women having elective induction with epidural analgesia, use of a peanut ball reduced first stage labor duration for primiparous patients significantly more than multiparous patients, p = 0.018. There was no significant difference in the reduction of length of first stage labor for multiparous women, p = 0.057 with use of the peanut ball. Peanut ball use did not alter length of pushing time for either group, p > 0.05. Use of peanut balls may reduce total labor time to a greater degree in primiparous patients than multiparous patients having elective induction at ≥39 weeks with epidural analgesia.

Efficacy of alfaxalone for intravascular anesthesia and euthanasia in blue crabs (Callinectes sapidus).

PubMed

Minter, Larry J; Harms, Craig A; Archibald, Kate E; Broadhurst, Heather; Bailey, Kate M; Christiansen, Emily F; Lewbart, Gregory A; Posner, Lysa P

2013-09-01

The objective of this study was to characterize the behavioral effects and changes in heart rate of four doses of alfaxalone delivered by intravascular injection to blue crabs (Callinectes sapidus). Thirty (male, n = 27; female, n = 3) blue crabs were randomly assigned to one of four treatment groups of alfaxalone: eight animals were assigned to each of the 5-, 10-, and 15-mg/kg treatment groups, and the remaining six animals were assigned to the 100-mg/kg group. Times for anesthetic induction and recovery periods were recorded. Righting reflex, defensive posturing, and heart rate were evaluated before, during, and after the anesthetic trial. Anesthesia was induced in all 14 animals consolidated into the high-dosage group (15 mg/kg [n = 8] and 100 mg/kg [n = 6]), which was significantly greater than 8 of 16 animals in the low-dosage group (5 mg/kg [n = 2] and 10 mg/kg [n = 6]). Median anesthesia induction time for all crabs was 0.4 min, with no significant difference in induction time between groups observed. Median recovery time was 9.4 min (n = 2), 6.1 min (n = 5), 11.3 min (n = 8), and 66.1 min (n = 5) for the 5-, 10-, 15-, and 100-mg/kg groups, respectively. Recovery times were significantly longer for crabs exposed to an induction dose of 100 mg/kg compared with the 10- and 15-mg/kg induction doses. A significant decrease in the median heart rate was observed between the baseline value and that observed at both induction and 5 min postinjection in the 100-mg/kg dose trial. Two mortalities were observed during the anesthesia trials (n = 1, 10 mg/kg; n = 1, 100 mg/kg), both associated with the autotomization of limbs. In summary, the intravascular administration of alfaxalone at 15 mg/kg provided rapid and reliable sedation, whereas alfaxalone administered at 100 mg/kg produced rapid and long lasting anesthesia.

Multiphysics analysis of liquid metal annular linear induction pumps: A project overview

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

Maidana, Carlos Omar; Nieminen, Juha E.

Liquid metal-cooled fission reactors are both moderated and cooled by a liquid metal solution. These reactors are typically very compact and they can be used in regular electric power production, for naval and space propulsion systems or in fission surface power systems for planetary exploration. The coupling between the electromagnetics and thermo-fluid mechanical phenomena observed in liquid metal thermo-magnetic systems for nuclear and space applications gives rise to complex engineering magnetohydrodynamics and numerical problems. It is known that electromagnetic pumps have a number of advantages over rotating mechanisms: absence of moving parts, low noise and vibration level, simplicity of flowmore » rate regulation, easy maintenance and so on. However, while developing annular linear induction pumps, we are faced with a significant problem of magnetohydrodynamic instability arising in the device. The complex flow behavior in this type of devices includes a time-varying Lorentz force and pressure pulsation due to the time-varying electromagnetic fields and the induced convective currents that originates from the liquid metal flow, leading to instability problems along the device geometry. The determinations of the geometry and electrical configuration of liquid metal thermo-magnetic devices give rise to a complex inverse magnetohydrodynamic field problem were techniques for global optimization should be used, magnetohydrodynamics instabilities understood –or quantified- and multiphysics models developed and analyzed. Lastly, we present a project overview as well as a few computational models developed to study liquid metal annular linear induction pumps using first principles and the a few results of our multi-physics analysis.« less

Multiphysics analysis of liquid metal annular linear induction pumps: A project overview

DOE PAGES

Maidana, Carlos Omar; Nieminen, Juha E.

2016-03-14

Liquid metal-cooled fission reactors are both moderated and cooled by a liquid metal solution. These reactors are typically very compact and they can be used in regular electric power production, for naval and space propulsion systems or in fission surface power systems for planetary exploration. The coupling between the electromagnetics and thermo-fluid mechanical phenomena observed in liquid metal thermo-magnetic systems for nuclear and space applications gives rise to complex engineering magnetohydrodynamics and numerical problems. It is known that electromagnetic pumps have a number of advantages over rotating mechanisms: absence of moving parts, low noise and vibration level, simplicity of flowmore » rate regulation, easy maintenance and so on. However, while developing annular linear induction pumps, we are faced with a significant problem of magnetohydrodynamic instability arising in the device. The complex flow behavior in this type of devices includes a time-varying Lorentz force and pressure pulsation due to the time-varying electromagnetic fields and the induced convective currents that originates from the liquid metal flow, leading to instability problems along the device geometry. The determinations of the geometry and electrical configuration of liquid metal thermo-magnetic devices give rise to a complex inverse magnetohydrodynamic field problem were techniques for global optimization should be used, magnetohydrodynamics instabilities understood –or quantified- and multiphysics models developed and analyzed. Lastly, we present a project overview as well as a few computational models developed to study liquid metal annular linear induction pumps using first principles and the a few results of our multi-physics analysis.« less

Ectopic Atoh1 expression drives Merkel cell production in embryonic, postnatal and adult mouse epidermis.

PubMed

Ostrowski, Stephen M; Wright, Margaret C; Bolock, Alexa M; Geng, Xuehui; Maricich, Stephen M

2015-07-15

Merkel cells are mechanosensitive skin cells whose production requires the basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor Atoh1. We induced ectopic Atoh1 expression in the skin of transgenic mice to determine whether Atoh1 was sufficient to create additional Merkel cells. In embryos, ectopic Atoh1 expression drove ectopic expression of the Merkel cell marker keratin 8 (K8) throughout the epidermis. Epidermal Atoh1 induction in adolescent mice similarly drove widespread K8 expression in glabrous skin of the paws, but in the whisker pads and body skin ectopic K8+ cells were confined to hair follicles and absent from interfollicular regions. Ectopic K8+ cells acquired several characteristics of mature Merkel cells in a time frame similar to that seen during postnatal development of normal Merkel cells. Although ectopic K8+ cell numbers decreased over time, small numbers of these cells remained in deep regions of body skin hair follicles at 3 months post-induction. In adult mice, greater numbers of ectopic K8+ cells were created by Atoh1 induction during anagen versus telogen and following disruption of Notch signaling by conditional deletion of Rbpj in the epidermis. Our data demonstrate that Atoh1 expression is sufficient to produce new Merkel cells in the epidermis, that epidermal cell competency to respond to Atoh1 varies by skin location, developmental age and hair cycle stage, and that the Notch pathway plays a key role in limiting epidermal cell competency to respond to Atoh1 expression. © 2015. Published by The Company of Biologists Ltd.

Age Differences in Selective Memory of Goal-Relevant Stimuli Under Threat.

PubMed

Durbin, Kelly A; Clewett, David; Huang, Ringo; Mather, Mara

2018-02-01

When faced with threat, people often selectively focus on and remember the most pertinent information while simultaneously ignoring any irrelevant information. Filtering distractors under arousal requires inhibitory mechanisms, which take time to recruit and often decline in older age. Despite the adaptive nature of this ability, relatively little research has examined how both threat and time spent preparing these inhibitory mechanisms affect selective memory for goal-relevant information across the life span. In this study, 32 younger and 31 older adults were asked to encode task-relevant scenes, while ignoring transparent task-irrelevant objects superimposed onto them. Threat levels were increased on some trials by threatening participants with monetary deductions if they later forgot scenes that followed threat cues. We also varied the time between threat induction and a to-be-encoded scene (i.e., 2 s, 4 s, 6 s) to determine whether both threat and timing effects on memory selectivity differ by age. We found that age differences in memory selectivity only emerged after participants spent a long time (i.e., 6 s) preparing for selective encoding. Critically, this time-dependent age difference occurred under threatening, but not neutral, conditions. Under threat, longer preparation time led to enhanced memory for task-relevant scenes and greater memory suppression of task-irrelevant objects in younger adults. In contrast, increased preparation time after threat induction had no effect on older adults' scene memory and actually worsened memory suppression of task-irrelevant objects. These findings suggest that increased time to prepare top-down encoding processes benefits younger, but not older, adults' selective memory for goal-relevant information under threat. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved).

Climate controls over ecosystem metabolism: insights from a fifteen-year inductive artificial neural network synthesis for a subalpine forest.

PubMed

Albert, Loren P; Keenan, Trevor F; Burns, Sean P; Huxman, Travis E; Monson, Russell K

2017-05-01

Eddy covariance (EC) datasets have provided insight into climate determinants of net ecosystem productivity (NEP) and evapotranspiration (ET) in natural ecosystems for decades, but most EC studies were published in serial fashion such that one study's result became the following study's hypothesis. This approach reflects the hypothetico-deductive process by focusing on previously derived hypotheses. A synthesis of this type of sequential inference reiterates subjective biases and may amplify past assumptions about the role, and relative importance, of controls over ecosystem metabolism. Long-term EC datasets facilitate an alternative approach to synthesis: the use of inductive data-based analyses to re-examine past deductive studies of the same ecosystem. Here we examined the seasonal climate determinants of NEP and ET by analyzing a 15-year EC time-series from a subalpine forest using an ensemble of Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) at the half-day (daytime/nighttime) time-step. We extracted relative rankings of climate drivers and driver-response relationships directly from the dataset with minimal a priori assumptions. The ANN analysis revealed temperature variables as primary climate drivers of NEP and daytime ET, when all seasons are considered, consistent with the assembly of past studies. New relations uncovered by the ANN approach include the role of soil moisture in driving daytime NEP during the snowmelt period, the nonlinear response of NEP to temperature across seasons, and the low relevance of summer rainfall for NEP or ET at the same daytime/nighttime time step. These new results offer a more complete perspective of climate-ecosystem interactions at this site than traditional deductive analyses alone.

Rhodium-complex-catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation: transformation of precatalysts into active species.

PubMed

Preetz, Angelika; Drexler, Hans-Joachim; Fischer, Christian; Dai, Zhenya; Börner, Armin; Baumann, Wolfgang; Spannenberg, Anke; Thede, Richard; Heller, Detlef

2008-01-01

The use of diolefin-containing rhodium precatalysts leads to induction periods in asymmetric hydrogenation of prochiral olefins. Consequently, the reaction rate increases in the beginning. The induction period is caused by the fact that some of the catalyst is blocked by the diolefin and thus not available for hydrogenation of the prochiral olefin. Therefore, the maximum reaction rate cannot be reached initially. Due to the relatively slow hydrogenation of cyclooctadiene (cod) the share of active catalysts increases at first, and this leads to typical induction periods. The aim of this work is to quantify the hydrogenation of the diolefins cyclooctadiene (cod) and norborna-2,5-diene (nbd) for cationic complexes of the type [Rh(ligand)(diolefin)]BF(4) for the ligands Binap (1,1'-binaphthalene-2,2'-diylbis(phenylphosphine)), Me-Duphos (1,2-bis(2,5-dimethylphospholano)benzene, and Catasium in the solvents methanol, THF, and propylene carbonate. Furthermore, an approach is presented to determine the desired rate constant and the resulting respective pre-hydrogenation time from stoichiometric hydrogenations of the diolefin complexes via UV/Vis spectroscopy. This method is especially useful for very slow diolefin hydrogenations (e.g., cod hydrogenation with the ligands Me-Duphos, Et-Duphos (1,2-bis(2,5-diethylphospholano)benzene), and dppe (1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane).

Influence of irradiation on the osteoinductive potential of demineralized bone matrix.

PubMed

Wientroub, S; Reddi, A H

1988-04-01

Samples of demineralized bone matrix (DBM) were exposed to graduated doses of radiation (1-15 Megarad) (Mrad) utilizing a linear accelerator and then implanted into the thoracic region of Long-Evans rats. Subcutaneous implantation of DBM into allogenic rats induces endochondral bone. In response to matrix implantation, a cascade of events ensues; mesenchymal cell proliferation on day 3 postimplantation, chondrogenesis on day 7, calcification of the cartilagenous matrix and chondrolysis on day 9, and osteogenesis on day 11 resulting in formation of an ossicle containing active hemopoietic tissue. Bone formation was assessed by measuring alkaline phosphatase activity, the rate of mineralization was determined by measuring 45Ca incorporation to bone mineral, and 40Ca content measured the extent of mineralization; acid phosphatase activity was used as a parameter for bone resorption. The dose of radiation (2.5 Mrad) currently used by bone banks for sterilization of bone tissue did not destroy the bone induction properties of DBM. Furthermore, radiation of 3-5 Mrad even enhanced bone induction, insofar as it produced more bone at the same interval of time than was obtained from unirradiated control samples. None of the radiation doses used in these experiments abolished bone induction, although the response induced by matrix irradiated with doses higher than 5 Mrad was delayed.

Offline detection of broken rotor bars in AC induction motors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Powers, Craig Stephen

ABSTRACT. OFFLINE DETECTION OF BROKEN ROTOR BARS IN AC INDUCTION MOTORS. The detection of the broken rotor bar defect in medium- and large-sized AC induction machines is currently one of the most difficult tasks for the motor condition and monitoring industry. If a broken rotor bar defect goes undetected, it can cause a catastrophic failure of an expensive machine. If a broken rotor bar defect is falsely determined, it wastes time and money to physically tear down and inspect the machine only to find an incorrect diagnosis. Previous work in 2009 at Baker/SKF-USA in collaboration with the Korea University has developed a prototype instrument that has been highly successful in correctly detecting the broken rotor bar defect in ACIMs where other methods have failed. Dr. Sang Bin and his students at the Korea University have been using this prototype instrument to help the industry save money in the successful detection of the BRB defect. A review of the current state of motor conditioning and monitoring technology for detecting the broken rotor bar defect in ACIMs shows improved detection of this fault is still relevant. An analysis of previous work in the creation of this prototype instrument leads into the refactoring of the software and hardware into something more deployable, cost effective and commercially viable.

The uptake of NO3-, NO2-, and NH4+ by intact wheat (Triticum aestivum) seedlings. I. Induction and kinetics of transport systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Goyal, S. S.; Huffaker, R. C.

1986-01-01

The inducibility and kinetics of the NO3-, NO2-, and NH4+ transporters in roots of wheat seedlings (Triticum aestivum cv Yercora Rojo) were characterized using precise methods approaching constant analysis of the substrate solutions. A microcomputer-controlled automated high performance liquid chromatography system was used to determine the depletion of each N species (initially at 1 millimolar) from complete nutrient solutions. Uptake rate analyses were performed using computerized curve-fitting techniques. More precise estimates were obtained for the time required for the extent of the induction of each transporter. Up to 10 and 6 hours, respectively, were required to achieve apparent full induction of the NO3- and NO2- transporters. Evidence for substrate inducibility of the NH4+ transporters requiring 5 hours is presented. The transport of NO3- was mediated by a dual system (or dual phasic), whereas only single systems were found for transport of NO2- and NH4+. The Km values for NO3-, NO2-, and NH4+ were, respectively, 0.027, 0.054, and 0.05 millimolar. The Km for mechanism II of NO3- transport could not be defined in this study as it exhibited only apparent first order kinetics up to 1 millimolar.

Induction-related cost of patients with acute myeloid leukaemia in France.

PubMed

Nerich, Virginie; Lioure, Bruno; Rave, Maryline; Recher, Christian; Pigneux, Arnaud; Witz, Brigitte; Escoffre-Barbe, Martine; Moles, Marie-Pierre; Jourdan, Eric; Cahn, Jean Yves; Woronoff-Lemsi, Marie-Christine

2011-04-01

The economic profile of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is badly known. The few studies published on this disease are now relatively old and include small numbers of patients. The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the induction-related cost of 500 patients included in the AML 2001 trial, and to determine the explanatory factors of cost. "Induction" patient's hospital stay from admission for "induction" to discharge after induction. The study was performed from the French Public Health insurance perspective, restrictive to hospital institution costs. The average management of a hospital stay for "induction" was evaluated according to the analytical accounting of Besançon University Teaching Hospital and the French public Diagnosis-Related Group database. Multiple linear regression was used to search for explanatory factors. Only direct medical costs were included: treatment and hospitalisation. Mean induction-related direct medical cost was estimated at €41,852 ± 6,037, with a mean length of hospital stay estimated at 36.2 ± 10.7 days. After adjustment for age, sex and performance status, only two explanatory factors were found: an additional induction course and salvage course increased induction-related cost by 38% (± 4) and 15% (± 1) respectively, in comparison to one induction. These explanatory factors were associated with a significant increase in the mean length of hospital stay: 45.8 ± 11.6 days for 2 inductions and 38.5 ± 15.5 if the patient had a salvage course, in comparison to 32.9 ± 7.7 for one induction (P < 10⁻⁴). This result is robust and was confirmed by sensitivity analysis. Consideration of economic constraints in health care is now a reality. Only the control of length of hospital stay may lead to a decrease in induction-related cost for patients with AML.

The clinical course of anesthetic induction in lung transplant recipients with pulmonary complications after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

PubMed

Mizota, Toshiyuki; Matsukawa, Shino; Fukagawa, Hiroshi; Daijo, Hiroki; Tanaka, Tomoharu; Chen, Fengshi; Date, Hiroshi; Fukuda, Kazuhiko

2015-08-01

We examined the clinical course of anesthetic induction in lung transplant recipients with pulmonary complications after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (post-HSCT), focusing on ventilatory management. We aimed to determine the incidence of oxygen desaturation during anesthetic induction and severe respiratory acidosis after anesthetic induction in post-HSCT lung transplant recipients, and to explore factors associated with their development. Nineteen consecutive patients who underwent lung transplantation post-HSCT at Kyoto University Hospital (Japan) were retrospectively studied. Data regarding patient characteristics, preoperative examination, and clinical course during anesthetic induction were analyzed. The incidence of oxygen desaturation (SpO2 < 90 %) during anesthetic induction and severe respiratory acidosis (pH < 7.2) after anesthetic induction were 21.1 and 26.3 %, respectively. Reduced dynamic compliance (Cdyn) during mechanical ventilation was significantly associated with oxygen desaturation during anesthetic induction (p = 0.01), as well as severe respiratory acidosis after anesthetic induction (p = 0.01). The preoperative partial pressure of carbon dioxide in arterial blood (PaCO2; r = -0.743, p = 0.002) and body mass index (BMI; r = 0.61, p = 0.021) significantly correlated with Cdyn, and multivariate analysis revealed that both PaCO2 and BMI were independently associated with Cdyn. Oxygen desaturation during anesthetic induction and severe respiratory acidosis after anesthetic induction frequently occur in post-HSCT lung transplant recipients. Low Cdyn may, at least partially, explain oxygen desaturation during anesthetic induction and severe respiratory acidosis after anesthetic induction. Moreover, preoperative hypercapnia and low BMI were predictive of low Cdyn.

Modelling Rate for Change of Speed in Calculus Proposal of Inductive Inquiry

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sokolowski, Andrzej

2014-01-01

Research has shown that students have difficulties with understanding the process of determining whether an object is speeding up or slowing down, especially when it is applied to the analysis of motion in the negative direction. As inductively organized learning through its scaffolding sequencing supports the process of knowledge acquisition…

Use of Task-Value Instructional Inductions for Facilitating Engagement and Conceptual Change

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Johnson, Marcus Lee; Sinatra, Gale M.

2013-01-01

This study explored the relationship between task values, engagement, and conceptual change. One hundred and sixty-six under graduate students were randomly assigned to one of three task value instructional inductions (utility, attainment, and control) to determine whether induced task values would result in different degrees of engagement and…

The Construction of Deductive Warrant Derived from Inductive Warrant in Preservice-Teacher Mathematical Argumentations

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tristanti, Lia Budi; Sutawidjaja, Akbar; As'ari, Abdur Rahman; Muskar, Makbul

2016-01-01

This study discusses the construction of deductive warrant derived from inductive warrant in mathematical argumentations expressed by pre-service teacher. In completing a mathematics task, a problem solver needs argumentation to determine, reveal, and support a reasonable solution. A mathematical argumentation can be analyzed by Toulmin scheme…

Extraction methods determine the antioxidant capacity and induction of quinone reductase by soy products in vitro

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Gastrointestinal mimic (GI) and organic solvent extracts of whole soybean powder (WSP), soy protein concentrate (SPC), and soy protein isolate (SPI) as well as soy isoflavone concentrate (SIC) were analyzed for total phenols; quinone reductase (QR) induction in hepa1c1c7 cells; antioxidant scavengi...

Developmental Changes in the Consideration of Sample Diversity in Inductive Reasoning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rhodes, Marjorie; Gelman, Susan A.; Brickman, Daniel

2008-01-01

Determining whether a sample provides a good basis for broader generalizations is a basic challenge of inductive reasoning. Adults apply a diversity-based strategy to this challenge, expecting diverse samples to be a better basis for generalization than homogeneous samples. For example, adults expect that a property shared by two diverse mammals…

Acoustic sensor for real-time control for the inductive heating process

DOEpatents

Kelley, John Bruce; Lu, Wei-Yang; Zutavern, Fred J.

2003-09-30

Disclosed is a system and method for providing closed-loop control of the heating of a workpiece by an induction heating machine, including generating an acoustic wave in the workpiece with a pulsed laser; optically measuring displacements of the surface of the workpiece in response to the acoustic wave; calculating a sub-surface material property by analyzing the measured surface displacements; creating an error signal by comparing an attribute of the calculated sub-surface material properties with a desired attribute; and reducing the error signal below an acceptable limit by adjusting, in real-time, as often as necessary, the operation of the inductive heating machine.

Phosphorylation of Tip60 by GSK-3 determines the induction of PUMA and apoptosis by p53

PubMed Central

Charvet, Céline; Wissler, Manuela; Brauns-Schubert, Prisca; Wang, Shang-Jui; Tang, Yi; Sigloch, Florian C.; Mellert, Hestia; Brandenburg, Martin; Lindner, Silke E.; Breit, Bernhard; Green, Douglas R.; McMahon, Steven B.; Borner, Christoph; Gu, Wei; Maurer, Ulrich

2011-01-01

Summary Activation of p53 by DNA damage results in either cell cycle arrest, allowing DNA repair and cell survival, or induction of apoptosis. As these opposite outcomes are both mediated by p53 stabilization, additional mechanisms to determine this decision must exist. Here we show that glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) is required for the p53-mediated induction of the pro-apoptotic BH3 only-protein PUMA, an essential mediator of p53-induced apoptosis. Inhibition of GSK-3 protected from cell death induced by DNA damage and promoted increased long-term cell survival. We demonstrate that GSK-3 phosphorylates serine 86 of the p53-acetyltransferase Tip60. A Tip60S86A mutant was less active to induce p53 K120 acetylation, Histone 4 acetylation and expression of PUMA. Our data suggest that GSK-3 mediated Tip60S86-phosphorylation provides a link between PI3K signaling and the choice for or against apoptosis induction by p53. PMID:21658600

SAR and thermal response effects of a two-arm Archimedean spiral coil in a magnetic induction sensor on a human head.

PubMed

Zhang, Ziyi; Liu, Peiguo; Zhou, Dongming; Zhang, Liang; Ding, Liang

2015-01-01

This study investigates the radiation safety of a newly designed magnetic induction sensor. This novel magnetic induction sensor uses a two-arm Archimedean spiral coil (TAASC) as the exciter. A human head model with a real anatomical structure was used to calculate the specific absorption rate (SAR) and temperature change. Computer Simulation Technology (CST) was used to determine the values of the peak 10-g SAR under different operating parameters (current, frequency, horizontal distance between the excitation coil and the receiver coil, vertical distance between the top of the head model and the XOY plane, position of excitation coil, and volume of hemorrhage). Then, the highest response for the SAR and temperature rise was determined. The results showed that this new magnetic induction sensor is safe in the initial state; for safety reasons, the TAASC current should not exceed 4 A. The scalp tissue absorbed most of the electromagnetic energy. The TAASC's SAR/thermal performance was close to that of the circular coil.

Investigation of crystallization kinetics of sodium bicarbonate in a continuous stirred tank crystallizer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Yi; Haut, Benoît; Halloin, Veronique; Delplancke-Ogletree, Marie-Paule

2005-08-01

In our previous work [J. Crystal Growth 263 (2004) 459], a supersaturation determination method using a high-precision densimeter was designed and developed for monitoring sodium bicarbonate supersaturation in the sodium carbonate-bicarbonate system, a two-component solution in equilibrium. In the present paper, we apply this method to the study of sodium bicarbonate continuous crystallization. It gives us access to the sodium bicarbonate supersaturation evolution. The sodium bicarbonate supersaturation evolution and their crystallization kinetics obtained in a continuous stirred tank crystallizer are investigated under different operational conditions, such as residence time, initial supersaturation and seeding. The induction time determined by density measurements is discussed. Mathematical modeling is used to interpret the supersaturation evolution. It is shown that measuring the density gives satisfying performances for studying the crystallization of a two-component solution in equilibrium, such as the sodium carbonate-bicarbonate system.

Clove oil as an anaesthetic for adult sockeye salmon: Field trials

USGS Publications Warehouse

Woody, C.A.; Nelson, Jack L.; Ramstad, K.

2002-01-01

Wild migrating sockeye salmon Oncorhynchus nerka exposed to 20, 50 and 80 mg 1-1 of clove oil could be handled within 3 min, recovered within 10 min, and survived 15 min exposure trials. Fish tested at 110 mg 1-1 did not recover from 15 min exposure trials. Response curves developed for induction and recovery time considered the following predictors: clove oil concentration, sex, fish length and depth. A significant positive dependence was observed between induction time and fish length for 20, 50 and 80 mg 1-1 test concentrations; no dependence was observed between induction time and length at 110 and 140 mg 1-1. Recovery time differed as a function of clove oil concentration, but not fish size. A concentration of 50 mg 1-1 is recommended for anaesthetizing sockeye salmon ranging in length from 400 to 550 mm at water temperatures averaging 9-10??C.

[Simultaneous Determination of Sn and S in Methyltin Mercaptide by Microwave-Assisted Acid Digestion and ICP-OES].

PubMed

Chen, Qian; Wu, Xi; Hou, Xian-deng; Xu, Kai-lai

2015-09-01

Methyltin mercaptide is widely used as one of the best heat stabilizer in the polyvinylchloride (PVC) thermal processing due to its excellent stability, good transparency, high compatibility and weather resistance. The content of sulfur and tin significantly affects its quality and performance, so it is of great significance to develop an analytical method for the simultaneous determination of sulfur and tin. Inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) has been a powerful analytical tool for a myriad of complex samples owing to its advantages of the low detection limits, rapid and precise determinations over wide dynamic ranges, freedom from chemical inter-element interferences, the high sample throughput and above all, simultaneous multi-elements analysis. Microwave technique as a well-developed method for sample preparation can dramatically reduce the digestion time and the loss of volatile elements compared with the traditional open digestion. Hereby, a microwave-assisted acid digestion (MW-AAD) procedure followed by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) analysis was developed for the simultaneous determination of Sn and S in methyltin mercaptide. This method has the advantages of simplicity, rapidness, good accuracy, green and less use of samples. Parameters affecting the MW-AAD such as the digestion solution and digestion time were optimized by using a chemical analyzed reference sample (DX-181) to attain tin and sulfur quantitative recoveries. HNO3-HCl-HClO4 (v/v/v=9:3:1) and 10 min were the optimum digestion solution and digestion time, respectively. Under optimum conditions, the standard addition method and the standard calibration curve method were both been used to detect Sn and S in DX-181. There was no significant difference between two methods and the relative deviations to the chemical analysis values were both less than 2%. Additionally, the accuracy of the MW-AAD method was examined by analyzing three methyltin mercaptide samples (DX-181, DX-990, DX-960). The results were satisfactory with the relative deviations (<3%) and the recoveries of standard addition (99%~102%).

The Timing of Acupuncture Stimulation Does Not Influence Anesthetic Requirement

PubMed Central

Chernyak, Grigory; Sengupta, Papiya; Lenhardt, Rainer; Liem, Edwin; Doufas, Anthony G.; Sessler, Daniel I.; Akça, Ozan

2005-01-01

Studies suggest that acupuncture is more effective when induced before induction of general anesthesia than afterwards. We tested the hypothesis that electro-acupuncture initiated 30 minutes before induction reduces anesthetic requirement more than acupuncture initiated after induction. Seven volunteers were each anesthetized with desflurane on 3 study days. Needles were inserted percutaneously at 4 acupuncture points thought to produce analgesia in the upper abdominal area and provide generalized sedative and analgesic effects: Zusanli (St36), Sanyinjiao (Sp6), Liangqiu (St34), and Hegu (LI4). Needles were stimulated at 2-Hz and 10-Hz, with frequencies alternating at two-second intervals. On Preinduction day, electro-acupuncture was started 30 minutes before induction of anesthesia and maintained throughout the study. On At-induction day, needles were positioned before induction of anesthesia, but electro-acupuncture stimulation was not initiated until after induction. On Control day, electrodes were positioned near the acupoints, but needles were not inserted. Noxious electrical stimulation was administered via 25-G needles on the upper abdomen (70 mA, 100 Hz, 10 seconds). Desflurane concentration was increased 0.5% when movement occurred and decreased 0.5% when it did not. These up-and-down sequences continued until volunteers crossed from movement to no-movement 4 times. The P50 of logistic regression identified desflurane requirement. Desflurane requirement was similar on the Control (5.2±0.6%, mean±SD), Preinduction (5.0±0.8%), and At-induction (4.7±0.3%, P=0.125) days. This type of acupuncture is thus unlikely to facilitate general anesthesia or decrease the need for anesthetic drugs. PMID:15673863

Electrophysiological determinant for induction of isthmus dependent counterclockwise and clockwise atrial flutter in humans.

PubMed

Lin, J L; Lai, L P; Lin, L J; Tseng, Y Z; Lien, W P; Huang, S K

1999-01-01

To investigate the electrophysiological determinant underlying the electrical induction of counterclockwise and clockwise isthmus dependent atrial flutter. The isthmus bordered by the inferior vena caval orifice-tricuspid annulus-coronary sinus ostium (IVCO-TA-CSO) has been assumed to be the site of both slow conduction and unidirectional block critical to the initiation of atrial flutter. Trans-isthmus and the global atrial conduction were studied in 25 patients with isthmus dependent atrial flutter (group A) and in 21 patients without atrial flutter (group B), by pacing at the coronary sinus ostium and the low lateral right atrium (LLRA) and mapping with a 20 pole Halo catheter in the right atrium. Mean (SD) fluoroscopic isthmus length between the coronary sinus ostium and LLRA sites was 28.1 (4.0) mm in group A and 28.0 (3.9) mm in group B (p = 0.95), but the trans-isthmus conduction velocity of both directions at various pacing cycle lengths was nearly halved in group A compared with group B (mean 0.39-0.46 m/s v 0.83-0.89 m/s, p < 0.0001). Pacing at coronary sinus ostium directly induced counterclockwise atrial flutter in 14 patients and pacing at LLRA induced clockwise atrial flutter in 11 patients, following abrupt unidirectional trans-isthmus block. Transient atrial tachyarrhythmias preceded the onset of atrial flutter in 10 counterclockwise and six clockwise cases of atrial flutter. None of the group B patients had inducible atrial flutter even in the presence of trans-isthmus block. The intra- and interatrial conduction times, as well as the conduction velocities at the right atrial free wall and the septum, were similar and largely within the normal range in both groups. Critical slowing of the trans-IVCO-TA-CSO isthmus conduction, but not the unidirectional block or the global atrial performance, is the electrophysiological determinant of the induction of counterclockwise and clockwise isthmus dependent atrial flutter in man.

Imposex induction is mediated through the Retinoid X Receptor signalling pathway in the neogastropod Nucella lapillus.

PubMed

Castro, L Filipe C; Lima, D; Machado, A; Melo, C; Hiromori, Y; Nishikawa, J; Nakanishi, T; Reis-Henriques, M A; Santos, M M

2007-11-15

The imposex phenomenon in female prosobranch gastropods provides one of the best documented examples of endocrine disruption in wildlife. While many field studies have demonstrated the negative impact of tributyltin (TBT) upon female gastropods, the mechanism(s) underlying imposex development has not yet been fully clarified. Over the years several hypotheses have been raised to determine the biochemical and molecular determinants of this process. Nevertheless, the interplay between the different suggested pathways (neuroendocrine, steroid and retinoid) is still unknown. Hence, through a combination of exposure experiments, we show that the 9-cis-retinoic acid (9cisRA), the proposed natural ligand of the retinoic X receptor (RXR), induces imposex in females of Nucella lapillus to the same degree as tributyltin, when administered at similar concentrations (1 microg/g body weight). Methoprene acid, a selective ligand for RXR, also induces imposex, albeit to a lower degree than that of the positive control. In contrast, testosterone significantly induced imposex, but had no effect on female penis induction, while the neuropeptide APGWamide had no effect on imposex development. These results clearly demonstrate that imposex induction in N. lapillus is mediated through the modulation of the RXR signalling pathways. In addition to the effects reported in female dogwhelks, both TBT and RA significantly increased male penis length, thus suggesting that TBT may also impact male secondary sex organs through the RXR signalling pathways. As a step for future studies, we have cloned the orthologue of N. lapillus RXR and provide experimental evidence that it binds 9cisRA. Finally, the basal expression level of RXR in several tissues of N. lapillus was determined through real-time PCR, thus showing that RXR is ubiquitously expressed in mollusc tissues, with the highest expression levels being recorded in female and male gonads. The mechanistic impacts of the overall findings to the imposex process are discussed.

Inductive System for Reliable Magnesium Level Detection in a Titanium Reduction Reactor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krauter, Nico; Eckert, Sven; Gundrum, Thomas; Stefani, Frank; Wondrak, Thomas; Frick, Peter; Khalilov, Ruslan; Teimurazov, Andrei

2018-05-01

The determination of the Magnesium level in a Titanium reduction retort by inductive methods is often hampered by the formation of Titanium sponge rings which disturb the propagation of electromagnetic signals between excitation and receiver coils. We present a new method for the reliable identification of the Magnesium level which explicitly takes into account the presence of sponge rings with unknown geometry and conductivity. The inverse problem is solved by a look-up-table method, based on the solution of the inductive forward problems for several tens of thousands parameter combinations.

Efficient Power Network Analysis with Modeling of Inductive Effects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zeng, Shan; Yu, Wenjian; Hong, Xianlong; Cheng, Chung-Kuan

In this paper, an efficient method is proposed to accurately analyze large-scale power/ground (P/G) networks, where inductive parasitics are modeled with the partial reluctance. The method is based on frequency-domain circuit analysis and the technique of vector fitting [14], and obtains the time-domain voltage response at given P/G nodes. The frequency-domain circuit equation including partial reluctances is derived, and then solved with the GMRES algorithm with rescaling, preconditioning and recycling techniques. With the merit of sparsified reluctance matrix and iterative solving techniques for the frequency-domain circuit equations, the proposed method is able to handle large-scale P/G networks with complete inductive modeling. Numerical results show that the proposed method is orders of magnitude faster than HSPICE, several times faster than INDUCTWISE [4], and capable of handling the inductive P/G structures with more than 100, 000 wire segments.

Determination of 241Am in sediments by isotope dilution high resolution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ID HR ICP-MS).

PubMed

Agarande, M; Benzoubir, S; Bouisset, P; Calmet, D

2001-08-01

Trace levels (pg kg(-1)) of 241Am in sediments were determined by isotope dilution high resolution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ID HR ICP-MS) using a microconcentric nebulizer. 241Am was isolated from major elements like Ca and Fe by different selective precipitations. In further steps. Am was first separated from other transuranic elements and purified by anion exchange and extraction chromatography prior to the mass spectrometric measurements. The ID HR ICP-MS results are compared with isotope dilution alpha spectrometry.

Incomplete Spontaneous Recovery from Airway Obstruction During Inhaled Anesthesia Induction: A Computational Simulation.

PubMed

Kuo, Alexander S; Vijjeswarapu, Mary A; Philip, James H

2016-03-01

Inhaled induction with spontaneous respiration is a technique used for difficult airways. One of the proposed advantages is if airway patency is lost, the anesthetic agent will spontaneously redistribute until anesthetic depth is reduced and airway patency can be recovered. There are little and conflicting clinical or experimental data regarding the kinetics of this anesthetic technique. We used computer simulation to investigate this situation. We used GasMan, a computer simulation of inhaled anesthetic kinetics. For each simulation, alveolar ventilation was initiated with a set anesthetic induction concentration. When the vessel-rich group level reached the simulation specified airway obstruction threshold, alveolar ventilation was set at 0 to simulate complete airway obstruction. The time until the vessel-rich group anesthetic level decreased below the airway obstruction threshold was designated time to spontaneous recovery. We varied the parameters for each simulation, exploring the use of sevoflurane and halothane, airway obstruction threshold from 0.5 to 2 minimum alveolar concentration (MAC), anesthetic induction concentration 2 to 4 MAC sevoflurane and 4 to 6 MAC halothane, cardiac output 2.5 to 10 L/min, functional residual capacity 1.5 to 3.5 L, and relative vessel-rich group perfusion 67% to 85%. In each simulation, there were 3 general phases: anesthetic wash-in, obstruction and overshoot, and then slow redistribution. During the first 2 phases, there was a large gradient between the alveolar and vessel-rich group. Alveolar do not reflect vessel-rich group anesthetic levels until the late third phase. Time to spontaneous recovery varied between 35 and 749 seconds for sevoflurane and 13 and 222 seconds for halothane depending on the simulation parameters. Halothane had a faster time to spontaneous recovery because of the lower alveolar gradient and less overshoot of the vessel-rich group, not faster redistribution. Higher airway obstruction thresholds, decreased anesthetic induction, and higher cardiac output reduced time to spontaneous recovery. To a lesser effect, decreased functional residual capacity and the decreased relative vessel-rich groups' perfusion also reduced the time to spontaneous recovery. Spontaneous recovery after complete airway obstruction during inhaled induction is plausible, but the recovery time is highly variable and depends on the clinical and physiologic situation. These results emphasize that induction is a non-steady-state situation, thus effect-site anesthetic levels should be modeled in future research, not alveolar concentration. Finally, this study provides an example of using computer simulation to explore situations that are difficult to investigate clinically.

Video luminescent barometry - The induction period

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Uibel, Rory H.; Khalil, Gamal; Gouterman, Martin; Gallery, Jean; Callis, James B.

1993-01-01

Video monitoring of oxygen quenching of the photoluminescence of platinum octaethylporphyrin (PtOEP) in silicone polymer resin may be used to measure pressure distribution over an airfoil. A continuous increase of the luminescence intensity of PtOEP on exposure to the exciting light is known as the induction effect. The effect of several factors on PtOEP photoluminescence and the induction effect was investigated. The experimental apparatus is described and results are presented. It was observed that the relative induction amplitude and induction time increase at higher oxygen pressure and with thicker films. These observations may be explained if the singlet oxygen produced by oxygen quenching is consumed by the polymer and is therefore unavailable for further quenching. Researchers using this method for measuring pressure distribution on airfoil surfaces should be aware of the induction effect and its implications.

Setters and samoyeds: the emergence of subordinate level categories as a basis for inductive inference in preschool-age children.

PubMed

Waxman, S R; Lynch, E B; Casey, K L; Baer, L

1997-11-01

Basic level categories are a rich source of inductive inference for children and adults. These 3 experiments examine how preschool-age children partition their inductively rich basic level categories to form subordinate level categories and whether these have inductive potential. Children were taught a novel property about an individual member of a familiar basic level category (e.g., a collie). Then, children's extensions of that property to other objects from the same subordinate (e.g., other collies), basic (e.g., other dogs), and superordinate (e.g., other animals) level categories were examined. The results suggest (a) that contrastive information promotes the emergence of subordinate categories as a basis of inductive inference and (b) that newly established subordinate categories can retain their inductive potential in subsequent reasoning over a week's time.

Comparative Study of Oral and Vaginal Misoprostol for Induction of Labour, Maternal and Foetal Outcome

PubMed Central

Komala, Kambhampati; Reddy, Meherlatha; Quadri, Iqbal Jehan; B., Suneetha; V., Ramya

2013-01-01

Background: Misoprostol is a new promising agent for cervical ripening and induction of labour .The ideal dose, route and frequency of administration of misoprostol are still under investigation. Although, vaginal application of misoprostol has been validated as a reasonable mean of induction, there is a patient resistance to digital examination and there is a risk of ascending infection. For this reason, oral administration of misoprostol for cervical ripening and labour induction has been tried. Aims and Objectives: To compare 50μg of oral misoprostol versus 25μg of intravaginal misoprostol for induction of labour at term and maternal, foetal outcomes. Methods: Two hundred women who were at term, with indication for induction of labour and Bishop scores of ≤5 were randomly assigned to receive misoprostol 50μg or 25μg intravaginal, every 4-6 hours, for a maximum of 5 doses. In either group, pregnant females with inadequate uterine contractions despite being given maximum 5 doses of misoprostol, were augmented using oxytocin. The primary outcome measure was time-interval from induction to vaginal delivery and vaginal delivery rate within 24 hours. Results: The median induction to vaginal delivery time in oral group (12.92h) and vaginal group (14.04 h) was not significant. Oral misoprostol resulted in more number of vaginal deliveries as compared to vaginal misoprostol (94% as compared to 86%), which was not significant. There was a significantly higher incidence of uterine tachysystole in the vaginal group, as compared to oral group. There were no significant differences between the groups with respect to oxytocin augmentation, caesarean section rate, analgesic requirement and neonatal outcome. Conclusion: Oral misoprostol is as efficacious as vaginal misoprostol because of shorter induction delivery interval, lower caesarean section rates, and lower incidence of failed induction rates. Lower incidence of foetal distress and easy intake are observed if the drug is administered orally. PMID:24551660

Kinetic studies of adsorption of Cu (II) from aqueous solution by coriander seeds (Coriandrum Sativum)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kadiri, L.; Lebkiri, A.; Rifi, E. H.; Ouass, A.; Essaadaoui, Y.; Lebkiri, I.; Hamad, H.

2018-05-01

The adsorption of copper ions Cu2+ by Coriandrum Sativum seeds (CSS) from aqueous solution was studied in order to highlight the importance of coriander seeds as a potential tool in the treatment of wastewaters containing heavy metals. The kinetic studies of adsorption of Cu (II) were discussed using the spectroscopic technique "Inducting Coupled Plasma" (ICP). The effects of initial copper ion concentration and contact time were determined. All results show that coriander seeds have, over their culinary and medicinal benefits, a significant adsorbent power of copper ions.

Incident angle dependence of proton response of CR-39 (TS-16) track detector

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Oda, K.; Csige, I.; Yamauchi, T.; Miyake, H.; Benton, E. V.

1993-01-01

The proton response of the TS-16 type of CR-39 plastic nuclear track detector has been studied with accelerated and fast neutron induced protons in vacuum and in air. The diameters of etched tracks were measured as a function of etching time and the etch rate ratio and the etch induction layer were determined from the growth curve of the diameter using a variable etch rate ratio model. In the case of the accelerated protons in vacuum an anomalous incident angle dependence of the response is observed.

Critical Success Factor for Implementing Vocational Blended Learning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dewi, K. C.; Ciptayani, P. I.; Surjono, H. D.; Priyanto

2018-01-01

Blended learning provides many benefits to the flexibility of time, place and situation constraints. The research’s objectives was describing the factors that determine the successful implementation of blended learning in vocational higher education. The research used a qualitative approach, data collected through observations and interviews by questionnare based on the CSFs indicators refers to TAM and Kliger. Data analysis was inductive method. The result provided an illustration that the success of vocational blended learning implementation was largely determined by the selection of instructional models that are inline with learning achievement target. The effectiveness of blended learning required the existence of policy support, readiness of IT infrastructure. Changing lecturer’s culture by utilizing ICT can also encourage the accelerated process of successful implementation. It can concluded that determinant factor of successful implementation of blended learning in vocational education is determined by teacher’s ability in mastering the pedagogical knowledge of designing instructional models.

[Spectroscopic methods applied to component determination and species identification for coffee].

PubMed

Chen, Hua-zhou; Xu, Li-li; Qin, Qiang

2014-06-01

Spectroscopic analysis was applied to the determination of the nutrient quality of ground, instant and chicory coffees. By using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-ES), nine mineral elements were determined in solid coffee samples. Caffeine was determined by ultraviolet (UV) spectrometry and organic matter was investigated by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Oxidation-reduction titration was utilized for measuring the oxalate. The differences between ground coffee and instant coffee was identified on the basis of the contents of caffeine, oxalate and mineral elements. Experimental evidence showed that, caffeine in instant coffee was 2-3 times higher than in ground coffee. Oxalate in instant coffee was significantly higher in ground coffee. Mineral elements of Mg, P and Zn in ground coffee is lower than in instant coffee, while Cu is several times higher. The mineral content in chicory coffee is overall lower than the instant coffee. In addition, we determined the content of Ti for different types of coffees, and simultaneously detected the elements of Cu, Ti and Zn in chicory coffee. As a fast detection technique, FTIR spectroscopy has the potential of detecting the differences between ground coffee and instant coffee, and is able to verify the presence of caffeine and oxalate.

Determination of major elements by wavelength-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry and trace elements by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry in igneous rocks from the same fused sample (110 mg)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Amosova, Alena A.; Panteeva, Svetlana V.; Chubarov, Victor M.; Finkelshtein, Alexandr L.

2016-08-01

The fusion technique is proposed for simultaneous determination of 35 elements from the same sample. Only 110 mg of rock sample was used to obtain fused glasses for quantitative determination of 10 major elements by wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence analysis, 16 rare earth elements and some other trace elements by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry analysis. Fusion was performed with 1.1 g of lithium metaborate and LiBr solution as the releasing agent in platinum crucible in electric furnace at 1100 °C. The certified reference materials of ultramafic, mafic, intermediate and felsic igneous rocks have been applied to obtain the calibration curves for rock-forming oxides (Na2O, MgO, Al2O3, SiO2, P2O5, K2O, CaO, TiO2, MnO, Fe2O3) and some trace elements (Ba, Sr, Zr) determination by X-ray fluorescence analysis. The repeatability does not exceed the allowable standard deviation for a wide range of concentrations. In the most cases the relative standard deviation was less than 5%. Obtained glasses were utilized for the further determination of rare earth (La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu) and some other (Ba, Sr, Zr, Rb, Cs, Y, Nb, Hf, Ta, Th and U) trace elements by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry analysis with the same certified reference materials employed. The results could mostly be accepted as satisfactory. The proposed procedure essentially reduces the expenses in comparison with separate sample preparation for inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and X-ray fluorescence analysis.

Induction of depressed mood: a test of opponent-process theory.

PubMed

Ranieri, D J; Zeiss, A M

1984-12-01

Solomon's (1980) opponent-process theory of acquired motivation has been used to explain many phenomena in which affective or hedonic contrasts appear to exist, but has not been applied to the induction of depressed mood. The purpose of this study, therefore, was to determine whether opponent-process theory can be applied to this area. Velten's (1968) mood-induction procedure was used and subjects were assigned either to a depression-induction condition or to one of two control groups. Self-report measures of depressed mood were taken before, during, and at several points after the mood induction. Results were not totally consistent with a rigorous set of criteria for supporting an opponent-process interpretation. This suggests that the opponent-process model may not be applicable to induced depressed mood. Possible weaknesses in the experimental design, along with implications for opponent-process theory, are discussed.

Effectiveness of internet-based affect induction procedures: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

PubMed

Ferrer, Rebecca A; Grenen, Emily G; Taber, Jennifer M

2015-12-01

Procedures used to induce affect in a laboratory are effective and well-validated. Given recent methodological and technological advances in Internet research, it is important to determine whether affect can be effectively induced using Internet methodology. We conducted a meta-analysis and systematic review of prior research that has used Internet-based affect induction procedures, and examined potential moderators of the effectiveness of affect induction procedures. Twenty-six studies were included in final analyses, with 89 independent effect sizes. Affect induction procedures effectively induced general positive affect, general negative affect, fear, disgust, anger, sadness, and guilt, but did not significantly induce happiness. Contamination of other nontarget affect did not appear to be a major concern. Video inductions resulted in greater effect sizes. Overall, results indicate that affect can be effectively induced in Internet studies, suggesting an important venue for the acceleration of affective science. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2015 APA, all rights reserved).

Reassimilation of Photorespiratory Ammonium in Lotus japonicus Plants Deficient in Plastidic Glutamine Synthetase

PubMed Central

Pérez-Delgado, Carmen M.; García-Calderón, Margarita; Márquez, Antonio J.; Betti, Marco

2015-01-01

It is well established that the plastidic isoform of glutamine synthetase (GS2) is the enzyme in charge of photorespiratory ammonium reassimilation in plants. The metabolic events associated to photorespiratory NH4 + accumulation were analyzed in a Lotus japonicus photorespiratory mutant lacking GS2. The mutant plants accumulated high levels of NH4 + when photorespiration was active, followed by a sudden drop in the levels of this compound. In this paper it was examined the possible existence of enzymatic pathways alternative to GS2 that could account for this decline in the photorespiratory ammonium. Induction of genes encoding for cytosolic glutamine synthetase (GS1), glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) and asparagine synthetase (ASN) was observed in the mutant in correspondence with the diminishment of NH4 +. Measurements of gene expression, polypeptide levels, enzyme activity and metabolite levels were carried out in leaf samples from WT and mutant plants after different periods of time under active photorespiratory conditions. In the case of asparagine synthetase it was not possible to determine enzyme activity and polypeptide content; however, an increased asparagine content in parallel with the induction of ASN gene expression was detected in the mutant plants. This increase in asparagine levels took place concomitantly with an increase in glutamine due to the induction of cytosolic GS1 in the mutant, thus revealing a major role of cytosolic GS1 in the reassimilation and detoxification of photorespiratory NH4 + when the plastidic GS2 isoform is lacking. Moreover, a diminishment in glutamate levels was observed, that may be explained by the induction of NAD(H)-dependent GDH activity. PMID:26091523

Determination of hexavalent chromium in traditional Chinese medicines by high-performance liquid chromatography with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Li, Peng; Li, Li-Min; Xia, Jing; Cao, Shuai; Hu, Xin; Lian, Hong-Zhen; Ji, Shen

2015-12-01

An analytical method that combined high-performance liquid chromatography with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry has been developed for the determination of hexavalent chromium in traditional Chinese medicines. Hexavalent chromium was extracted using the alkaline solution. The parameters such as the concentration of alkaline and the extraction temperature have been optimized to minimize the interconversion between trivalent chromium and hexavalent chromium. The extracted hexavalent chromium was separated on a weak anion exchange column in isocratic mode, followed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry determination. To obtain a better chromatographic resolution and sensitivity, 75 mM NH4 NO3 at pH 7 was selected as the mobile phase. The linearity of the proposed method was investigated in the range of 0.2-5.0 μg L(-1) (r(2) = 0.9999) for hexavalent chromium. The limits of detection and quantitation are 0.1 and 0.3 μg L(-1) , respectively. The developed method was successfully applied to the determination of hexavalent chromium in Chloriti lapis and Lumbricus with satisfactory recoveries of 95.8-112.8%. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Microstructural Evolution of NiCrBSi Coatings Fabricated by Stationary Local Induction Cladding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Xuliang; Qin, Xunpeng; Gao, Kai; Zhu, Zhenhua; Huang, Feng

2018-04-01

The development of induction cladding has been restricted by the complicated geometric characteristics of workpieces and the large heat-affected zone in the cladded workpieces. In this paper, three-dimensional continual local induction cladding (3D-CLIC) was proposed as a potential process to clad coating over a substrate with curved surface, and a stationary local induction cladding (SLIC) experiment was conducted as an exploratory study of 3D-CLIC. The microstructures and microhardness in the coatings were measured by SEM, EDS, XRD and microsclerometer, respectively. The results indicate that the coating is metallurgically bonded with the substrate without any defects. A compositional gradient exists in the diffusion transfer belt (DTB), and it decreases with the increase in induction heating time. The coating is mainly composed of (Fe, Ni), CrB, M7C3, Ni3B, Ni3Si and M23C6 (M = Cr, Ni, Fe). Among the carbides, M7C3 presents several morphologies and M23C6 is always attached to the DTB. A special phenomenon of texture was found in the SLIC coatings. The preferred orientation in (200) crystal plane or the restrained orientation in (111) (200) crystal plane becomes more obvious as the scanning speed increases. The maximum average microhardness is 721 HV when the coating is heated for 5 s. The wear loss of different samples increases with increasing induction heating time. The longer heating time would result in higher dilution in the SLIC coatings due to the complete mixing with the substrate, thus leading to the decrease in microhardness and wear loss.

Microstructural Evolution of NiCrBSi Coatings Fabricated by Stationary Local Induction Cladding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Xuliang; Qin, Xunpeng; Gao, Kai; Zhu, Zhenhua; Huang, Feng

2018-05-01

The development of induction cladding has been restricted by the complicated geometric characteristics of workpieces and the large heat-affected zone in the cladded workpieces. In this paper, three-dimensional continual local induction cladding (3D-CLIC) was proposed as a potential process to clad coating over a substrate with curved surface, and a stationary local induction cladding (SLIC) experiment was conducted as an exploratory study of 3D-CLIC. The microstructures and microhardness in the coatings were measured by SEM, EDS, XRD and microsclerometer, respectively. The results indicate that the coating is metallurgically bonded with the substrate without any defects. A compositional gradient exists in the diffusion transfer belt (DTB), and it decreases with the increase in induction heating time. The coating is mainly composed of (Fe, Ni), CrB, M7C3, Ni3B, Ni3Si and M23C6 (M = Cr, Ni, Fe). Among the carbides, M7C3 presents several morphologies and M23C6 is always attached to the DTB. A special phenomenon of texture was found in the SLIC coatings. The preferred orientation in (200) crystal plane or the restrained orientation in (111) (200) crystal plane becomes more obvious as the scanning speed increases. The maximum average microhardness is 721 HV when the coating is heated for 5 s. The wear loss of different samples increases with increasing induction heating time. The longer heating time would result in higher dilution in the SLIC coatings due to the complete mixing with the substrate, thus leading to the decrease in microhardness and wear loss.

Genome wide responses of murine lungs to dietary α-tocopherol

PubMed Central

Oommen, Saji; Vasu, Vihas T.; Leonard, Scott W.; Traber, Maret G.; Cross, Carroll E.; Gohil, Kishorchandra

2009-01-01

α-tocopherol (α-T) may affect biological processes by modulating mRNA concentrations. This study screened the responses of ~15,000 lung mRNAs to dietary α-T in mice. The lung was chosen as the target organ because it is subjected to cyclical variations in oxidant and inflammatory stressors and α-T has been implicated in their modulations. The analysis identified ~400 mRNAs sensitive to α-T status of lungs determined by dietary α-T. The female lung transcriptome appears to be more sensitive to the α-T status than that of the male lungs. Here, we focus on the induction of 13 cytoskeleton genes by dietary α-T because they were similarly induced in the male and the female lungs. Their inductions were confirmed by quantitative-real-time-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Immunohistochemical analyses of three of the encoded proteins suggest that they are expressed in lung vasculature and alveolar regions. The data suggest that the lung α-T status may modulate cytoarchitecture of lungs. PMID:17164183

Radiofrequency generation by coherently moving fluxons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dobrovolskiy, O. V.; Sachser, R.; Huth, M.; Shklovskij, V. A.; Vovk, R. V.; Bevz, V. M.; Tsindlekht, M. I.

2018-04-01

A lattice of Abrikosov vortices in type II superconductors is characterized by a periodic modulation of the magnetic induction perpendicular to the applied magnetic field. For a coherent vortex motion under the action of a transport current, the magnetic induction at a given point of the sample varies in time with a washboard frequency fWB = v/d, where v is the vortex velocity and d is the distance between the vortices in the direction of motion. Here, by using a spectrum analyzer connected to a 50 nm-wide Au nanowire meander near the surface of a superconducting Nb film, we detect an ac voltage induced by coherently moving fluxons. The voltage is peaked at the washboard frequency, fWB, and its subharmonics, fTOF = fWB/5, determined by the antenna width. By sweeping the dc current value, we reveal that fWB can be tuned from 100 MHz to 1.5 GHz, thereby demonstrating that patterned normal metal/superconductor nanostructures can be used as dc-tunable generators operating in the radiofrequency range.

Anti-inflammatory lipocortin 1 production by peripheral blood leucocytes in response to hydrocortisone.

PubMed

Goulding, N J; Godolphin, J L; Sharland, P R; Peers, S H; Sampson, M; Maddison, P J; Flower, R J

1990-06-16

The presence and amount of the anti-inflammatory protein lipocortin 1 was determined in plasma and peripheral blood leucocytes by a highly specific, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Within 120 min of a single intravenous dose of 100 mg hydrocortisone, the intracellular concentrations of lipocortin 1 in peripheral monocytes in 7 of 8 healthy men increased by a median of 225% (range 129-507%) compared with pretreatment levels, and mononuclear cell-surface lipocortin increased by a median of 224% (range 76-483%). Placebo injections had no effect. There was no increase at any time in free plasma or polymorph-associated lipocortin. In 3 of 4 subjects, induction of lipocortin was also observed when whole unseparated blood was incubated in vitro after steroid administration, but cells which had first been isolated and purified were refractory to such induction. Thus rapid changes in the concentration of an active anti-inflammatory protein can occur in man after normal therapeutic doses of hydrocortisone.

Genotoxic effects and induction of phytochelatins in the presence of cadmium in Vicia faba roots.

PubMed

Béraud, Eric; Cotelle, Sylvie; Leroy, Pierre; Férard, Jean-François

2007-10-04

This study investigates different effects in roots of Vicia faba (broad bean) after exposure to cadmium. Genotoxic effects were assessed by use of the well-known Vicia root tip micronucleus assay. Cytotoxic effects were evaluated by determining the mitotic index in root tip cells. Finally, molecular induction mechanisms were evaluated by measuring phytochelatins with HPLC. After hydroponical exposure of V. faba roots to a range of cadmium concentrations and during different exposure times, the results of this approach showed large variations, according to the endpoint measured: after 48 h of exposure, genotoxic effects were found between 7.5 x 10(-8) and 5 x 10(-7)M CdCl(2), and cytotoxic effects were observed between 2.5 x 10(-7) and 5 x 10(-7)M CdCl(2). Statistically significant phytochelatin (PC) concentrations were measured at >or=10(-6)M CdCl(2) for PC(2), and at >or=10(-5)M CdCl(2) for PC3 and PC4.

Cytochrome P450 induction properties of food and herbal-derived compounds using a novel multiplex RT-qPCR in vitro assay, a drug–food interaction prediction tool

PubMed Central

Koe, Xue Fen; Tengku Muhammad, Tengku Sifzizul; Chong, Alexander Shu-Chien; Wahab, Habibah Abdul; Tan, Mei Lan

2014-01-01

A multiplex RT-qPCR was developed to examine CYP1A2, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4 induction properties of compounds from food and herbal sources. The induction of drug metabolizing enzymes is an important pharmacokinetic interaction with unique features in comparison with inhibition of metabolizing enzymes. Cytochrome induction can lead to serious drug–drug or drug–food interactions, especially if the coadministered drug plasma level is critical as it can reduce therapeutic effects and cause complications. Using this optimized multiplex RT-qPCR, cytochrome induction properties of andrographolide, curcumin, lycopene, bergamottin, and resveratrol were determined. Andrographolide, curcumin, and lycopene produced no significant induction effects on CYP1A2, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4. However, bergamottin appeared to be a significant in vitro CYP1A2 inducer starting from 5 to 50 μmol/L with induction ranging from 60 to 100-fold changes. On the other hand, resveratrol is a weak in vitro CYP1A2 inducer. Examining the cytochrome induction properties of food and herbal compounds help complement CYP inhibition studies and provide labeling and safety caution for such products. PMID:25473508

Electrical Engineering and Nontechnical Design Variables of Multiple Inductive Loop Systems for Auditoriums

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Alterovitz, Gil

2004-01-01

This research analyzed both engineering and nontechnical issues involved in the use of Induction Loop Amplification (ILA) devices in auditoriums or large gathering places for hard-of-hearing individuals. A variety of parameters need to be taken into account to determine an optimal shape/configuration for the ILA device. In many cases, an optimal…

The Challenge of Induction! Introducing Engineering Students to Higher Education: A Task-Oriented Approach.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Edward, Norrie; Middleton, June

2002-01-01

First-year engineering students at Robert Gordon University (Scotland) were presented with a task-oriented induction program. Students were divided into groups and assigned a facilitator, later personal tutor, to whom they could refer. Student reaction to the experience was very favorable. Effect on progression rates is yet to be determined. (AEF)

Simultaneous determination of androgenic and estrogenic endpoints in the threespine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) using quantitative RT-PCR.

PubMed

Hogan, Natacha S; Wartman, Cheryl A; Finley, Megan A; van der Lee, Jennifer G; van den Heuvel, Michael R

2008-12-11

A method to evaluate the expression of three hormone responsive genes, vitellogenin (estrogens), spiggin (androgens), and an androgen receptor (ARbeta) using real-time PCR in threespine stickleback is presented. Primers were designed from previously characterised spiggin and ARbeta sequences, while a homology cloning strategy was used to isolate a partial gene sequence for stickleback vitellogenin (Vtg). Spiggin mRNA was significantly higher in kidneys of field-caught males compared to females by greater than five orders of magnitude while ARbeta levels were only 1.4-fold higher in males. Female fish had four order of magnitude higher liver Vtg expression than wild-captured males. To determine the sensitivity of these genes to induction by hormones, male and female sticklebacks were exposed to 1, 10 and 100 ng/L of methyltestosterone (MT) or estradiol (E2) in a flow-through exposure system for 7 days. Spiggin induction in females, and Vtg induction in males were both detectable at 10 ng/L of MT and E2, respectively. MT exposure did not induce ARbeta expression in the kidneys of female stickleback. In vitro gonadal steroid hormones production was measured in testes and ovaries of exposed stickleback to compare gene expression endpoints to an endpoint of hormonal reproductive alteration. Reduction in testosterone production in ovaries at all three MT exposure concentrations, and ovarian estradiol synthesis at the 100 ng/L exposure were the only effects observed in the in vitro steroidogenesis for either hormone exposure. Application of these methods to assess both androgenic, estrogenic, and anti-steroidogenic properties of environmental contaminants in a single fish species will be a valuable tool for identifying compounds causing reproductive dysfunction in fishes.

Vitelline envelope of Bufo arenarum: biochemical and biological characterization.

PubMed

Barisone, Gustavo A; Hedrick, Jerry L; Cabada, Marcelo O

2002-04-01

Vitelline envelopes (VEs) of Bufo arenarum were isolated in order to study their composition and their role in fertilization. VEs are composed of four glycoproteins, with molecular masses of 120, 75, 41, and 38 kDa. To characterize its biological properties, we quantitatively determined sperm-VE binding and the induction of the acrosome reaction. Heterologous binding of B. arenarum sperm to Xenopus laevis VE components was observed with about one-third the efficiency of homologous binding. Equivalent binding of X. laevis sperm to the B. arenarum VE was observed. When B. arenarum sperm were incubated with fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled VE, the labeled glycoproteins bound to the anterior end of the sperm head, showing a lateral distribution. Induction of the acrosome reaction was evaluated by incubating sperm in hypotonic saline media with VE glycoproteins. VEs induced the acrosome reaction in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. The acrosome reaction was maximal after 10 min. The half-maximal effect was obtained at a glycoprotein concentration of 1 microg/ml. Specificity was determined using fertilization envelope glycoproteins, which failed to induce the acrosome reaction. The B. arenarum VE is biochemically similar to other egg envelopes. It also seems that its biological properties are similar to other species in regard to sperm binding and induction of the acrosome reaction. However, as far as we are aware, this is the first observation of the VE inducing the sperm acrosome reaction in amphibians. The relatively small differences observed in heterologous sperm-VE binding in X. laevis and B. arenarum are inconsistent with the current paradigm that species specificity in fertilization is regulated at the sperm-VE binding step.

Expression patterns of flowering genes in leaves of 'Pineapple' sweet orange [Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck] and pummelo (Citrus grandis Osbeck).

PubMed

Pajon, Melanie; Febres, Vicente J; Moore, Gloria A

2017-08-30

In citrus the transition from juvenility to mature phase is marked by the capability of a tree to flower and fruit consistently. The long period of juvenility in citrus severely impedes the use of genetic based strategies to improve fruit quality, disease resistance, and responses to abiotic environmental factors. One of the genes whose expression signals flower development in many plant species is FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT). In this study, gene expression levels of flowering genes CiFT1, CiFT2 and CiFT3 were determined using reverse-transcription quantitative real-time PCR in citrus trees over a 1 year period in Florida. Distinct genotypes of citrus trees of different ages were used. In mature trees of pummelo (Citrus grandis Osbeck) and 'Pineapple' sweet orange (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck) the expression of all three CiFT genes was coordinated and significantly higher in April, after flowering was over, regardless of whether they were in the greenhouse or in the field. Interestingly, immature 'Pineapple' seedlings showed significantly high levels of CiFT3 expression in April and June, while CiFT1 and CiFT2 were highest in June, and hence their expression induction was not simultaneous as in mature plants. In mature citrus trees the induction of CiFTs expression in leaves occurs at the end of spring and after flowering has taken place suggesting it is not associated with dormancy interruption and further flower bud development but is probably involved with shoot apex differentiation and flower bud determination. CiFTs were also seasonally induced in immature seedlings, indicating that additional factors must be suppressing flowering induction and their expression has other functions.

Say it with flowers: flowering acceleration by root communication.

PubMed

Falik, Omer; Hoffmann, Ishay; Novoplansky, Ariel

2014-01-01

The timing of reproduction is a critical determinant of fitness, especially in organisms inhabiting seasonal environments. Increasing evidence suggests that inter-plant communication plays important roles in plant functioning. Here, we tested the hypothesis that flowering coordination can involve communication between neighboring plants. We show that soil leachates from Brassica rapa plants growing under long-day conditions accelerated flowering and decreased allocation to vegetative organs in target plants growing under non-inductive short-day conditions. The results suggest that besides endogenous signaling and external abiotic cues, flowering timing may involve inter-plant communication, mediated by root exudates. The study of flowering communication is expected to illuminate neglected aspects of plant reproductive interactions and to provide novel opportunities for controlling the timing of plant reproduction in agricultural settings.

Say it with flowers: Flowering acceleration by root communication.

PubMed

Falik, Omer; Hoffmann, Ishay; Novoplansky, Ariel

2014-01-01

The timing of reproduction is a critical determinant of fitness, especially in organisms inhabiting seasonal environments. Increasing evidence suggests that inter-plant communication plays important roles in plant functioning. Here, we tested the hypothesis that flowering coordination can involve communication between neighboring plants. We show that soil leachates from Brassica rapa plants growing under long-day conditions accelerated flowering and decreased allocation to vegetative organs in target plants growing under non-inductive short-day conditions. The results suggest that besides endogenous signaling and external abiotic cues, flowering timing may involve inter-plant communication, mediated by root exudates. The study of flowering communication is expected to illuminate neglected aspects of plant reproductive interactions and to provide novel opportunities for controlling the timing of plant reproduction in agricultural settings.

Investigation of the Impact of the Upstream Induction Zone on LIDAR Measurement Accuracy for Wind Turbine Control Applications using Large-Eddy Simulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Simley, Eric; Y Pao, Lucy; Gebraad, Pieter; Churchfield, Matthew

2014-06-01

Several sources of error exist in lidar measurements for feedforward control of wind turbines including the ability to detect only radial velocities, spatial averaging, and wind evolution. This paper investigates another potential source of error: the upstream induction zone. The induction zone can directly affect lidar measurements and presents an opportunity for further decorrelation between upstream wind and the wind that interacts with the rotor. The impact of the induction zone is investigated using the combined CFD and aeroelastic code SOWFA. Lidar measurements are simulated upstream of a 5 MW turbine rotor and the true wind disturbances are found using a wind speed estimator and turbine outputs. Lidar performance in the absence of an induction zone is determined by simulating lidar measurements and the turbine response using the aeroelastic code FAST with wind inputs taken far upstream of the original turbine location in the SOWFA wind field. Results indicate that while measurement quality strongly depends on the amount of wind evolution, the induction zone has little effect. However, the optimal lidar preview distance and circular scan radius change slightly due to the presence of the induction zone.

Rapid and precise determination of zero-field splittings by terahertz time-domain electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy.

PubMed

Lu, Jian; Ozel, I Ozge; Belvin, Carina A; Li, Xian; Skorupskii, Grigorii; Sun, Lei; Ofori-Okai, Benjamin K; Dincă, Mircea; Gedik, Nuh; Nelson, Keith A

2017-11-01

Zero-field splitting (ZFS) parameters are fundamentally tied to the geometries of metal ion complexes. Despite their critical importance for understanding the magnetism and spectroscopy of metal complexes, they are not routinely available through general laboratory-based techniques, and are often inferred from magnetism data. Here we demonstrate a simple tabletop experimental approach that enables direct and reliable determination of ZFS parameters in the terahertz (THz) regime. We report time-domain measurements of electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) signals associated with THz-frequency ZFSs in molecular complexes containing high-spin transition-metal ions. We measure the temporal profiles of the free-induction decays of spin resonances in the complexes at zero and nonzero external magnetic fields, and we derive the EPR spectra via numerical Fourier transformation of the time-domain signals. In most cases, absolute values of the ZFS parameters are extracted from the measured zero-field EPR frequencies, and the signs can be determined by zero-field measurements at two different temperatures. Field-dependent EPR measurements further allow refined determination of the ZFS parameters and access to the g -factor. The results show good agreement with those obtained by other methods. The simplicity of the method portends wide applicability in chemistry, biology and material science.

Comparison of the interfacial energy and pre-exponential factor calculated from the induction time and metastable zone width data based on classical nucleation theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shiau, Lie-Ding

2016-09-01

The pre-exponential factor and interfacial energy obtained from the metastable zone width (MSZW) data using the integral method proposed by Shiau and Lu [1] are compared in this study with those obtained from the induction time data using the conventional method (ti ∝J-1) for three crystallization systems, including potassium sulfate in water in a 200 mL vessel, borax decahydrate in water in a 100 mL vessel and butyl paraben in ethanol in a 5 mL tube. The results indicate that the pre-exponential factor and interfacial energy calculated from the induction time data based on classical nucleation theory are consistent with those calculated from the MSZW data using the same detection technique for the studied systems.

Real-Time System Verification by Kappa-Induction

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pike, Lee S.

2005-01-01

We report the first formal verification of a reintegration protocol for a safety-critical, fault-tolerant, real-time distributed embedded system. A reintegration protocol increases system survivability by allowing a node that has suffered a fault to regain state consistent with the operational nodes. The protocol is verified in the Symbolic Analysis Laboratory (SAL), where bounded model checking and decision procedures are used to verify infinite-state systems by k-induction. The protocol and its environment are modeled as synchronizing timeout automata. Because k-induction is exponential with respect to k, we optimize the formal model to reduce the size of k. Also, the reintegrator's event-triggered behavior is conservatively modeled as time-triggered behavior to further reduce the size of k and to make it invariant to the number of nodes modeled. A corollary is that a clique avoidance property is satisfied.

Transient nucleation induction time from the birth-death equations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shneidman, Vitaly A.; Weinberg, Michael C.

1992-01-01

For the set of finite-difference equations of Becker-Doering an exact formula for the induction time, which is expressed in terms of rapidly convergent sums, is presented. The form of the result is particularly amenable for analytical study, and the latter is carried out to obtain approximations of the exact expression in a rigorous manner and to assess its sensitivity to the choice of the nucleation model. The induction time is found to be governed by two main nucleation parameters, the normalized barrier height, and the number of molecules in the critical cluster. The ratio of these two parameters provides an assessment of the importance of discreteness effects. The exact expression is studied in both the continuous and the asymptotic limits. The accuracy of the Zeldovich equation, which is produced in the continuous limit, is discussed for several nucleation models.

The effect of breed, time spent with dam and late pregnancy induction of parturition on behavioural development in dairy calves.

PubMed

Lauber, M C; Hemsworth, P H; Barnett, J L

2009-11-01

Three experiments examined the impact of breed, time spent with dam (TWD), gender, and late pregnancy induction of parturition and caesarean on the behavioural and heart rate responses of dairy calves at 2 and 6 weeks of age to Open field, Novel object and Startle tests and a Learning task. In Experiment 1 with male Jersey, Friesian and Friesian x Angus calves, there were some significant breed effects on responses to the Open field and the Novel object tests; Jersey calves appeared more curious and less fearful than Friesian x Angus calves. In Experiment 2, in which male and female Friesian calves were removed from their dams either between 0 and 12h or 12 and 24h after birth, there were no significant effects of gender or TWD. In Experiment 3, which studied the effect of induction of parturition using a long-acting glucocorticoid combined with short-acting progesterone 10 days prior to due calving date, there were no significant effects of late pregnancy induction of parturition. Across all three experiments, age at testing was the main factor influencing the responses of the calves. However, a number of interactions suggest that gender, time spent with dam and late pregnancy induction of parturition modified some of the responses to the tests as the calves developed.

The contribution of inductive electric fields to particle energization in the inner magnetosphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ilie, R.; Toth, G.; Liemohn, M. W.; Chan, A. A.

2017-12-01

Assessing the relative contribution of potential versus inductive electric fields at the energization of the hot ion population in the inner magnetosphere is only possible by thorough examination of the time varying magnetic field and current systems using global modeling of the entire system. We present here a method to calculate the inductive and potential components of electric field in the entire magnetosphere region. This method is based on the Helmholtz vector decomposition of the motional electric field as calculated by the BATS-R-US model, and is subject to boundary conditions. This approach removes the need to trace independent field lines and lifts the assumption that the magnetic field lines can be treated as frozen in a stationary ionosphere. In order to quantify the relative contributions of potential and inductive electric fields at driving plasma sheet ions into the inner magnetosphere, we apply this method for the March 17th, 2013 geomagnetic storm. We present here the consequences of slow continuous changes in the geomagnetic field as well as the strong tail dipolarizations on the distortion of the near-Earth magnetic field and current systems. Our findings indicate that the inductive component of the electric field is comparable, and even higher at times than the potential component, suggesting that the electric field induced by the time varying magnetic field plays a crucial role in the overall particle energization in the inner magnetosphere.

Anesthesia with isoflurane and sevoflurane in the crested serpent eagle (Spilornis cheela hoya): minimum anesthetic concentration, physiological effects, hematocrit, plasma chemistry and behavioral effects.

PubMed

Chan, Fang-Tse; Chang, Geng-Ruei; Wang, Hsien-Chi; Hsu, Tien-Huan

2013-12-30

The initial goal of this study was to determine the minimum anesthetic concentration (MAC) for isoflurane (ISO) and sevoflurane (SEVO) for the crested serpent eagle. Next, we compared the anesthetic effects of each on the physiological effects, hematocrit, plasma chemistry values and behavior in spontaneously breathing captive adult crested serpent eagles. Sixteen eagles were randomly allocated to two groups for anesthesia with ISO (n=8) or SEVO (n=8). First, we measured the MAC values of ISO and SEVO, and four weeks later, we investigated the effect of each on the physiological effects, hematocrit (HCT) and plasma chemistry values. The MAC values of ISO and SEVO for crested serpent eagles were 1.46 ± 0.30 and 2.03 ± 0.32%, respectively. The results revealed no significant differences between the two anesthetics in induction time, while time of extubation to recovery was significantly shorter with SEVO. A time-related increase in end-tidal CO₂ and decreases in body temperature and respiratory rates were observed during anesthesia with each anesthetic. There were no significant differences between the effect of the two anesthetics on heart rate, hematocrit, plasma chemistry values or respiration, although each caused minor respiration depression. We concluded that SEVO is a more effective inhalant agent than ISO for use in eagles, showing the most rapidest induction and recovery from anesthesia.

Risk Assessment of residual monomer migrating from acrylic polymers and causing Allergic Contact Dermatitis during normal handling and use.

PubMed

Pemberton, Mark A; Lohmann, Barbara S

2014-08-01

Acrylic, Poly Methyl Methacrylate (PMMA) based polymers are found in many industrial, professional and consumer products and are of low toxicity, but do contain very low levels of residual monomers and process chemicals that can leach out during handling and use. Methyl Methacrylate, the principle monomer is of low toxicity, but is a recognized weak skin sensitizer. The risk of induction of contact allergy in consumers was determined using a method based upon the Exposure-based Quantitative Risk Assessment approach developed for fragrance ingredients. The No Expected Sensitization Induction Level (NESIL) was based on the threshold to induction of sensitization (EC3) in the Local Lymph Node Assay (LLNA) since no Human Repeat Insult Patch Test (HRIPT) data were available. Categorical estimation of Consumer Exposure Level was substituted with a worst case assumption based upon the quantitative determination of MMA monomer migration into simulants. Application of default and Chemical-Specific Adjustment Factors results in a Risk Characterization Ratio (RCR) of 10,000 and a high Margin of Safety for induction of Allergic Contact Dermatitis (ACD) in consumers handling polymers under conservative exposure conditions. Although there are no data available to derive a RCR for elicitation of ACD it is likely to be lower than that for induction. Crown Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Combined effects of starvation and butyrate on autophagy-dependent gingival epithelial cell death.

PubMed

Evans, M; Murofushi, T; Tsuda, H; Mikami, Y; Zhao, N; Ochiai, K; Kurita-Ochiai, T; Yamamoto, M; Otsuka, K; Suzuki, N

2017-06-01

Bacteria in the dental biofilm surrounding marginal gingival grooves cause periodontal diseases. Numerous bacteria within the biofilm consume nutrients from the gingival crevicular fluid. Furthermore, some gram-negative bacteria in mature dental biofilms produce butyrate. Thus, gingival epithelial cells in close proximity to mature dental biofilms are at risk of both starvation and exposure to butyrate. In the present study, we determined the combined effects of starvation and butyrate exposure on gingival epithelial cell death and the underlying mechanisms. The Ca9-22 cell line was used as an in vitro counterpart of gingival epithelial cells. Cell death was measured as the amount of total DNA in the dead cells using SYTOX Green dye, which penetrates through membranes of dead cells and emits fluorescence when it intercalates into double-stranded DNA. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activity, the amount of autophagy, and acetylation of histone H3 were determined using western blot. Gene expression levels of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3b (lc3b) were determined using quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Butyrate-induced cell death occurred in a dose-dependent manner whether cells were starved or fed. However, the induction of cell death was two to four times higher when cells were placed under starvation conditions compared to when they were fed. Moreover, both starvation and butyrate exposure induced AMPK activity and autophagy. While AMPK inactivation resulted in decreased autophagy and butyrate-induced cell death under conditions of starvation, AMPK activation resulted in butyrate-induced cell death when cells were fed. Combined with the results of our previous report, which demonstrated butyrate-induced autophagy-dependent cell death, the results of this study suggest that the combination of starvation and butyrate exposure activates AMPK inducing autophagy and subsequent cell death. Notably, this combination markedly induced LC3B production and the induction was attenuated by AMPK inhibition. LC3B knockdown, in turn, significantly decreased butyrate-induced cell death. Therefore, AMPK-dependent LC3B induction apparently plays an important role in butyrate-induced cell death. There was a lack of correspondence between the levels of AMPK activation and LC3B induction; this may reflect the histone deacetylase-inhibitory capacity of butyrate on histone proteins. Taken together, starvation and butyrate exposure promote autophagy via AMPK signaling, while the histone deacetylase-inhibitory effects of butyrate alter chromatin to transcriptionally active state, resulting in strong LC3B induction and subsequent cell death. These findings may help improve the understanding of the cellular processes underlying periodontal disease initiation. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

[Optimization of cultural condition of genetic engineering strain for antibiotic peptide adenoregulin and research on its fed-batch cultivation].

PubMed

Zhou, Yu-Xun; Cao, Wei; Wei, Dong-Zhi; Luo, Qing-Ping; Wang, Jin-Zhi

2005-07-01

33 amino acid antibiotic peptide adenoregulin (ADR), which were firstly isolated from the skin of South America arboreal frog Phyllomedusa bicolor, forms alpha-helix amphipathic structure in apolar medium and has a wide spectrum of antimicrobial activity and high potency of lytic ability. Adr gene was cloned in pET32a and transformed into Escherichia coli BL21(DE3) . The cultural and inductive conditions of E. coli BL21(DE3)/pET32a-adr have been optimized. The effect of three factors which were time point of induction, concentration of IPTG in the culture and time of induction on the expression level of Trx-ADR was investigated. The results indicated that the expression level was affected by the time point of induction most predominantly. 9 veriaties of media in which BL21 (DE3)/pET32a-adr was cultured and induced were tested to achieve high expression level of target protein. It was found that glucose in the medium played an important role in keeping stable and high expression level of Trx-ADR. The optimal inductive condition is as follows: the culture medium is 2 x YT + 0.5% glucose, the time point of induction is OD600 = 0.9, the final concentration of IPTG in the culture is 0.1 mmol/L and the induction time is 4 h. BL21 (DE3)/pET32a-adr was cultivated according to the strategy of constant pH at early stage and exponential feeding at later stage to obtain high cell density. During the entire fed-batch phase, by controlling the feeding of glucose, the specific growth rate of the culture was controlled at about 0.15 h(-1), the accumulation of acetic acid was controlled at low level (<2 g/L), but the plasmid stability could not be maintained well. At the end of the cultivation, 40% of the bacteria in the culture lost their plasmids. As a result, the expression level of the target protein declined dramatically, but 90% of Trx-ADR was in soluble form. The expressed fusion protein showed no antibacterial activity, while the native form of ADR lysed from Trx-ADR showed distinct antibacterial activity.

The influence of low-frequency magnetic field on plasma antioxidant capacity and heart rate.

PubMed

Ciejka, Elzbieta B; Goraca, Anna

2009-01-01

Low-frequency magnetic field is widely applied as magnetotherapy in physiotherapeutic treatment. Recognition of positive and negative effects of the magnetic field has been the subject of numerous studies. Experimental studies concern, among others, the effect of this field on the heart rate and plasma antioxidant capacity. The aim of the study was to check whether a time-variable magnetic field of constant frequency and induction affects the heart rate and plasma antioxidant capacity. The tests were performed on Spraque-Dawley rats exposed to the magnetic field of the following parameters: frequency - 40 Hz, induction - 7 mT, time of exposure - 30 and 60 minutes. The measurements of ECG and plasma antioxidant capacity expressed in the number of reduced iron ions were performed on experimental animals: before, after a single exposure and after 14 days of exposure. A significant decrease of the heart rate was observed after 14 days of exposure. A variable magnetic field of the parameters: frequency - 40 Hz, induction - 7 mT and exposure time of 14 days caused an increase of the organism antioxidant defence, whereas a variable magnetic field of the frequency of 40 Hz, induction - 7 mT and exposure time 60 minutes for 14 days caused a significant decrease of the organism antioxidant defence. The exposure time affects heart rate, plasma antioxidant capacity and the organism defense ability against free radicals.

Coordinate induction of both cytochrome P4503A and MDR1 by St John's wort in healthy subjects.

PubMed

Dresser, George K; Schwarz, Ute I; Wilkinson, Grant R; Kim, Richard B

2003-01-01

Many drugs are cosubstrates of cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A and MDR1; furthermore, their disposition is markedly affected by pretreatment with inducing agents, including St John's wort. Such drug interactions reflect induction of both proteins through a common mechanism involving the steroid X receptor/pregnane X receptor. However, the relative contributions of enhanced metabolism and efflux transport to the overall induction process are unknown. The effects of 12 days' pretreatment with St John's wort on the disposition of selected in vivo probe drugs were determined in 21 young healthy subjects. Midazolam after oral and intravenous administration was used to assess CYP3A activity in both the intestinal epithelium and the liver, whereas the disposition of fexofenadine after an oral dose was assumed to be a measure of MDR1 function, and the oral plasma concentration-time profile of cyclosporine (INN, ciclosporin) was considered to reflect both CYP3A and MDR1 activities. St John's wort markedly affected the plasma concentration-time profiles of all of the drugs, with associated increases in their clearance. With midazolam, the enhancement was considerably less after intravenous administration (approximately 1.5-fold) than after oral administration (approximately 2.7-fold), and estimated intestinal and hepatic extraction ratios were higher by approximately 1.2- to 1.4-fold. By contrast, the oral clearances of fexofenadine and cyclosporine were equally increased by approximately 1.6-fold and 1.9-fold, respectively; these changes were both statistically less than for midazolam's oral clearance and greater than its estimated intestinal extraction. Although the disposition of all 3 drugs was altered by St John's wort, the extent of induction measured by oral clearance was different with CYP3A activity (midazolam), apparently increasing more than MDR1 function (fexofenadine), whereas with cyclosporine the change in oral clearance appeared to be more closely associated with the increase in MDR1 rather than CYP3A, despite the fact that both proteins are importantly involved in its disposition. These discordances indicate that, although a common molecular mechanism may be involved, the quantitative aspects of induction are complex and depend on the particular drug and the relative contributions of CYP3A and MDR1 in its disposition.

Numerical calculation of primary slot leakage inductance of a Single-sided HTS linear induction motor used for linear metro

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Dong; Wen, Yinghong; Li, Weili; Fang, Jin; Cao, Junci; Zhang, Xiaochen; Lv, Gang

2017-03-01

In the paper, the numerical method calculating asymmetric primary slot leakage inductances of Single-sided High-Temperature Superconducting (HTS) Linear Induction Motor (HTS LIM) is presented. The mathematical and geometric models of three-dimensional nonlinear transient electromagnetic field are established and the boundary conditions are also given. The established model is solved by time-stepping Finite Element Method (FEM). Then, the three-phase asymmetric primary slot leakage inductances under different operation conditions are calculated by using the obtained electromagnetic field distribution. The influences of the special effects such as longitudinal end effects, transversal edge effects, etc. on the primary slot leakage inductance are investigated. The presented numerical method is validated by experiments carried out on a 3.5 kW prototype with copper wires which has the same structures with the HTS LIM.

Memory self-efficacy predicts responsiveness to inductive reasoning training in older adults.

PubMed

Payne, Brennan R; Jackson, Joshua J; Hill, Patrick L; Gao, Xuefei; Roberts, Brent W; Stine-Morrow, Elizabeth A L

2012-01-01

In the current study, we assessed the relationship between memory self-efficacy at pretest and responsiveness to inductive reasoning training in a sample of older adults. Participants completed a measure of self-efficacy assessing beliefs about memory capacity. Participants were then randomly assigned to a waitlist control group or an inductive reasoning training intervention. Latent change score models were used to examine the moderators of change in inductive reasoning. Inductive reasoning showed clear improvements in the training group compared with the control. Within the training group, initial memory capacity beliefs significantly predicted change in inductive reasoning such that those with higher levels of capacity beliefs showed greater responsiveness to the intervention. Further analyses revealed that self-efficacy had effects on how trainees allocated time to the training materials over the course of the intervention. Results indicate that self-referential beliefs about cognitive potential may be an important factor contributing to plasticity in adulthood.

Efficient interface for online coupling of capillary electrophoresis with inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry and its application in simultaneous speciation analysis of arsenic and selenium.

PubMed

Liu, Lihong; Yun, Zhaojun; He, Bin; Jiang, Guibin

2014-08-19

A simple and highly efficient online system coupling of capillary electrophoresis to inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (CE-ICP-MS) for simultaneous separation and determination of arsenic and selenium compounds was developed. CE was coupled to an ICP-MS system by a sprayer with a novel direct-injection high-efficiency nebulizer (DIHEN) chamber as the interface. By using this interface, six arsenic species, including arsenite (As(III), arsenate (As(V)), monomethylarsonic acid (MMA), dimethylarsinic acid (DMA), arsenobetaine (AsB), and arsenocholine (AsC) and five selenium species (such as sodium selenite (Se(IV)), sodium selenate (Se(VI)), selenocysteine (SeCys), selenomethionine (SeMet), and Se-methylselenocysteine (MeSeCys)) were baseline-separated and determined in a single run within 9 min under the optimized conditions. Minimum dead volume, low and steady sheath flow liquid, high nebulization efficiency, and high sample transport efficiency were obtained by using this interface. Detection limits were in the range of 0.11-0.37 μg L(-1) for the six arsenic compounds (determined as (75)As at m/z 75) and 1.33-2.31 μg L(-1) for the five selenium species (determined as (82)Se at m/z 82). Repeatability expressed as the relative standard deviations (RSD, n = 6) of both migration time and peak area were better than 2.68% for arsenic compounds and 3.28% for selenium compounds, respectively. The proposed method had been successfully applied for the determination of arsenic and selenium species in the certified reference materials DORM-3, water, urine, and fish samples.

Validation of an assay for quantification of alpha-amylase in saliva of sheep

PubMed Central

Fuentes-Rubio, Maria; Fuentes, Francisco; Otal, Julio; Quiles, Alberto; Hevia, María Luisa

2016-01-01

The objective of this study was to develop a time-resolved immunofluorometric assay (TR-IFMA) for quantification of salivary alpha-amylase in sheep. For that purpose, after the design of the assay, an analytical and a clinical validation were carried out. The analytical validation of the assay showed intra- and inter-assay coefficients of variation (CVs) of 6.1% and 10.57%, respectively and an analytical limit of detection of 0.09 ng/mL. The assay also demonstrated a high level of accuracy, as determined by linearity under dilution. For clinical validation, a model of acute stress testing was conducted to determine whether expected significant changes in alpha-amylase were picked up in the newly developed assay. In that model, 11 sheep were immobilized and confronted with a sheepdog to induce stress. Saliva samples were obtained before stress induction and 15, 30, and 60 min afterwards. Salivary cortisol was measured as a reference of stress level. The results of TR-IFMA showed a significant increase (P < 0.01) in the concentration of alpha-amylase in saliva after stress induction. The assay developed in this study could be used to measure salivary alpha-amylase in the saliva of sheep and this enzyme could be a possible noninvasive biomarker of stress in sheep. PMID:27408332

Sulfur-based absolute quantification of proteins using isotope dilution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Hyun-Seok; Heun Kim, Sook; Jeong, Ji-Seon; Lee, Yong-Moon; Yim, Yong-Hyeon

2015-10-01

An element-based reductive approach provides an effective means of realizing International System of Units (SI) traceability for high-purity biological standards. Here, we develop an absolute protein quantification method using double isotope dilution (ID) inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) combined with microwave-assisted acid digestion for the first time. We validated the method and applied it to certify the candidate protein certified reference material (CRM) of human growth hormone (hGH). The concentration of hGH was determined by analysing the total amount of sulfur in hGH. Next, the size-exclusion chromatography method was used with ICP-MS to characterize and quantify sulfur-containing impurities. By subtracting the contribution of sulfur-containing impurities from the total sulfur content in the hGH CRM, we obtained a SI-traceable certification value. The quantification result obtained with the present method based on sulfur analysis was in excellent agreement with the result determined via a well-established protein quantification method based on amino acid analysis using conventional acid hydrolysis combined with an ID liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The element-based protein quantification method developed here can be generally used for SI-traceable absolute quantification of proteins, especially pure-protein standards.

Induction of Syndecan-4 by Organic-Inorganic Hybrid Molecules with a 1,10-Phenanthroline Structure in Cultured Vascular Endothelial Cells.

PubMed

Hara, Takato; Kojima, Takayuki; Matsuzaki, Hiroka; Nakamura, Takehiro; Yoshida, Eiko; Fujiwara, Yasuyuki; Yamamoto, Chika; Saito, Shinichi; Kaji, Toshiyuki

2017-02-08

Organic-inorganic hybrid molecules constitute analytical tools used in biological systems. Vascular endothelial cells synthesize and secrete proteoglycans, which are macromolecules consisting of a core protein and glycosaminoglycan side chains. Although the expression of endothelial proteoglycans is regulated by several cytokines/growth factors, there may be alternative pathways for proteoglycan synthesis aside from downstream pathways activated by these cytokines/growth factors. Here, we investigated organic-inorganic hybrid molecules to determine a variant capable of analyzing the expression of syndecan-4, a transmembrane heparan-sulfate proteoglycan, and identified 1,10-phenanthroline ( o -Phen) with or without zinc (Zn-Phen) or rhodium (Rh-Phen). Bovine aortic endothelial cells in culture were treated with these compounds, and the expression of syndecan-4 mRNA and core proteins was determined by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis, respectively. Our findings indicated that o -Phen and Zn-Phen specifically and strongly induced syndecan-4 expression in cultured vascular endothelial cells through activation of the hypoxia-inducible factor-1α/β pathway via inhibition of prolyl hydroxylase-domain-containing protein 2. These results demonstrated an alternative pathway involved in mediating induction of endothelial syndecan-4 expression and revealed organic-inorganic hybrid molecules as effective tools for analyzing biological systems.

Optimization and determination of Cd (II) in different environmental water samples with dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction preconcentration combined with inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry.

PubMed

Salahinejad, Maryam; Aflaki, Fereydoon

2011-06-01

Dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction followed by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry has been investigated for determination of Cd(II) ions in water samples. Ammonium pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate was used as chelating agent. Several factors influencing the microextraction efficiency of Cd (II) ions such as extracting and dispersing solvent type and their volumes, pH, sample volume, and salting effect were optimized. The optimization was performed both via one variable at a time, and central composite design methods and the optimum conditions were selected. Both optimization methods showed nearly the same results: sample size 5 mL; dispersive solvent ethanol; dispersive solvent volume 2 mL; extracting solvent chloroform; extracting solvent volume 200 [Formula: see text]L; pH and salt amount do not affect significantly the microextraction efficiency. The limits of detection and quantification were 0.8 and 2.5 ng L( - 1), respectively. The relative standard deviation for five replicate measurements of 0.50 mg L( - 1) of Cd (II) was 4.4%. The recoveries for the spiked real samples from tap, mineral, river, dam, and sea waters samples ranged from 92.2% to 104.5%.

Validation of the determination of the B isotopic composition in Roman glasses with laser ablation multi-collector inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Devulder, Veerle; Gerdes, Axel; Vanhaecke, Frank; Degryse, Patrick

2015-03-01

The applicability of laser ablation multi-collector inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-MC-ICP-MS) for the determination of the B isotopic composition in Roman glasses was investigated. The δ11B values thus obtained provide information on the natron flux used during the glass-making process. The glass samples used for this purpose were previously characterized using pneumatic nebulization (PN) MC-ICP-MS. Unfortunately, this method is time-consuming and labor-intensive and consumes some 100 mg of sample, which is a rather high amount for ancient materials. Therefore, the use of the less invasive and faster LA-MC-ICP-MS approach was explored. In this work, the results for 29 Roman glasses and 4 home-made glasses obtained using both techniques were compared to assess the suitability of LA-MC-ICP-MS in this context. The results are in excellent agreement within experimental uncertainty. No difference in overall mass discrimination was observed between the Roman glasses, NIST SRM 610 reference glass and B6 obsidian. The expanded uncertainty of the LA-MC-ICP-MS approach was estimated to be < 2‰, which is similar to that obtained upon sample digestion and PN-MC-ICP-MS measurement.

Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry for trace multi-element determination in vegetable oils, margarine and butter after stabilization with propan-1-ol and water

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

de Souza, Roseli M.; Mathias, Bárbara M.; da Silveira, Carmem Lúcia P.; Aucélio, Ricardo Q.

2005-06-01

The quantitative evaluation of trace elements in foodstuffs is of considerable interest due to the potential toxicity of many elements, and because the presence of some metallic species might affect the overall quality (flavor and stability) of these products. In the present work, an inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometric method has been developed for the determination of six elements (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni and Mn) in olive oil, soy oil, margarine and butter. Organic samples (oils and fats) were stabilized using propan-1-ol and water, which enabled long-time sample dispersion in the solution. This simple sample preparation procedure, together with an efficient sample introduction strategy (using a Meinhard K3 nebulizer and a twister cyclonic spray chamber), facilitated the overall analytical procedure, allowing quantification using calibration curves prepared with inorganic standards. Internal standardization (Sc) was used for correction of matrix effects and signal fluctuations. Good sensitivities with limits of detection in the ng g -1 range were achieved for all six elements. These sensitivities were appropriate for the intended application. The method was tested through the analysis of laboratory-fortified samples with good recoveries (between 91.3% and 105.5%).

Anesthetic activity and bio-guided fractionation of the essential oil of Aloysia gratissima (Gillies & Hook.) Tronc. in silver catfish Rhamdia quelen.

PubMed

Benovit, Simone C; Silva, Lenise L; Salbego, Joseânia; Loro, Vania L; Mallmann, Carlos A; Baldisserotto, Bernardo; Flores, Erico M M; Heinzmann, Berta M

2015-09-01

This work aimed to determine the efficacy of the essential oil of A. gratissima as anesthetic for silver catfish, and to perform the bio-guided fractionation of essential oil aiming to isolate compounds responsible for the noted effects. Fish were submitted to anesthesia bath with essential oil, its fractions and isolated compounds to determine time of anesthetic induction and recovery. Eugenol (50 mg L(-1)) was used as positive control. Essential oil of A. gratissima was effective as an anesthetic at concentrations of 300 to 900 mg L(-1). Fish presented involuntary muscle contractions during induction and recovery. The bio-guided fractionation of essential oil furnished E-(-)-pinocamphone, (-)-caryophyllene oxide, (-)-guaiol and (+)-spathulenol. E-(-)-pinocamphone caused the same side effects observed for essential oil. (-)-Caryophyllene oxide, (-)-guaiol and (+)-spathulenol showed only sedative effects at proportional concentrations to those of the constituents in essential oil. (+)-Spathulenol (51.2 mg L(-1)) promoted deep anesthesia without side effects. A higher concentration of (+)-spathulenol, and lower or absent amounts ofE-(-)-pinocamphone could contribute to increase the activity and safety of the essential oil of A. gratissima. (+)-Spathulenol showed potent sedative and anesthetic activities in silver catfish, and could be considered as a viable compound for the development of a new anesthetic.

Comparison of Pathogenesis and Host Immune Responses to Candida glabrata and Candida albicans in Systemically Infected Immunocompetent Mice

PubMed Central

Brieland, Joan; Essig, David; Jackson, Craig; Frank, Doyle; Loebenberg, David; Menzel, Fred; Arnold, Brian; DiDomenico, Beth; Hare, Roberta

2001-01-01

Cytokine-mediated host defense against Candida glabrata infection was compared to that against C. albicans, using immunocompetent murine models of systemic candidiasis. The pathogenesis of infection was evaluated morphologically and by culture of target organs, while the kinetics of induction of cytokine mRNAs and corresponding proteins were determined in kidneys by real-time reverse transcription-PCR and cytokine-specific murine enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, respectively. Systemic infection with C. glabrata resulted in a chronic, nonfatal infection with recovery of organisms from kidneys, while intravenous inoculation with C. albicans resulted in rapid mortality with logarithmic growth of organisms in kidneys and recovery of C. albicans from the spleen, liver, and lungs. Survival of C. glabrata-infected mice was associated with rapid induction of mRNAs and corresponding immunoreactive proteins for the proinflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-12 (IL-12), and gamma interferon (IFN-γ) and the lack of induction of protein for the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. In contrast, mortality in C. albicans-infected mice was associated with induction of mRNA and corresponding protein for IL-10 but delayed (i.e., TNF-α) or absent (i.e., IL-12 and IFN-γ) induction of immunoreactive proinflammatory cytokines. Mice were subsequently treated with cytokine-specific neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) to TNF-α, IL-12, or IFN-γ, and the effect on growth of C. glabrata in kidneys was assessed. Neutralization of endogenous TNF-α resulted in a significant increase in C. glabrata organisms compared to similarly infected mice administered an isotype-matched control MAb, while neutralization of endogenous IL-12 or IFN-γ had no significant effect on C. glabrata replication. These results demonstrate that in response to intravenous inoculation of C. glabrata, immunocompetent mice develop chronic nonfatal renal infections which are associated with rapid induction of the proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-12, and IFN-γ. Furthermore, TNF-α plays a key role in host defense against systemic candidiasis caused by either C. glabrata or C. albicans, as the absence of endogenous TNF-α activity was associated with enhanced tissue burden in both infection models. PMID:11447185

Using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy on vacuum alloys-production process for elements concentration analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Tianzhuo; Fan, Zhongwei; Lian, Fuqiang; Liu, Yang; Lin, Weiran; Mo, Zeqiang; Nie, Shuzhen; Wang, Pu; Xiao, Hong; Li, Xin; Zhong, Qixiu; Zhang, Hongbo

2017-11-01

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) utilizing an echelle spectrograph-ICCD system is employed for on-line analysis of elements concentration in a vacuum induction melting workshop. Active temperature stabilization of echelle spectrometer is implemented specially for industrial environment applications. The measurement precision is further improved by monitoring laser parameters, such as pulse energy, spatial and temporal profiles, in real time, and post-selecting laser pulses with specific pulse energies. Experimental results show that major components of nickel-based alloys are stable, and can be well detected. By using internal standard method, calibration curves for chromium and aluminum are obtained for quantitative determination, with determination coefficient (relative standard deviation) to be 0.9559 (< 2.2%) and 0.9723 (< 2.8%), respectively.

Comparison on Promotion Effect of Various Types of Surfactants on HCFC-141b Hydrate Induction Time

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Juan; Sun, Zhigao; Liu, Chenggang; Zhu, Minggui

2018-03-01

Cold storage in air conditioning based on refrigerant hydrate is a new-type energy saving technology to reduce initial investment and running cost of air conditioning equipments and improve system stability. Refrigerant hydrate is generated under critical temperature and pressure condition, while surfactant is an effective medium to promote its phase equilibrium. In this paper, in order to research such promotion effect, different type of surfactants with unique mechanism, SDS, Tween80 and Span80, n-BA were selected to compare the respective impact on HCFC141b hydrate induction time based on temperature curve. Experimental results showed that no obvious change had been discovered when no surfactant was added into pure water system, which coincided with phase equilibrium diagram of HCFC141b. All the four kinds of surfactants had realized promotion effect to various degrees. For each hydration system, a large gap existed between the longest and the shortest induction time in 6 groups of parallel experiments, meaning relatively poor system stability. Under the combined effect of Tween80 (2wt%), Span80 (0.1wt%) and n-BA (0.1wt%), average and the shortest induction time was 20.9min and 17.5min respectively, corresponding to the best promotion effect.

Plasma lactate concentrations in free-ranging moose (Alces alces) immobilized with etorphine.

PubMed

Haga, Henning A; Wenger, Sandra; Hvarnes, Silje; Os, Oystein; Rolandsen, Christer M; Solberg, Erling J

2009-11-01

To investigate plasma lactate concentrations of etorphine-immobilized moose in relation to environmental, temporal and physiological parameters. Prospective clinical study. Fourteen female and five male moose (Alces alces), estimated age range 1-7 years. The moose were darted from a helicopter with 7.5 mg etorphine per animal using projectile syringes and a dart gun. Once immobilized, the moose were approached, a venous blood sample was obtained and vital signs including pulse oximetry were recorded. Diprenorphine was administered to reverse the effects of etorphine. Timing of events, ambient temperature and snow depth were recorded. Blood samples were cooled and centrifuged before plasma was harvested and frozen. The plasma was thawed later and lactate analysed. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and regression analysis. All animals recovered uneventfully and were alive 12 weeks after immobilization. Mean +/- SD plasma lactate was found to be 9.2 +/- 2.1 mmol L(-1). Plasma lactate concentrations were related positively to snow depth and negatively to time from induction of immobilization to blood sampling. The model that best described the variability in plasma lactate concentrations used induction time (time from firing the dart to the moose being immobilized). The second best model included induction time and snow depth. Plasma lactate concentrations in these etorphine-immobilized moose were in the range reported for other immobilized wild ruminants. Decreasing induction time, which may be related to a more profound etorphine effect, and increasing snow depth possibly may increase plasma lactate concentrations in etorphine-immobilized moose.

Monte Carlo simulation of induction time and metastable zone width; stochastic or deterministic?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kubota, Noriaki

2018-03-01

The induction time and metastable zone width (MSZW) measured for small samples (say 1 mL or less) both scatter widely. Thus, these two are observed as stochastic quantities. Whereas, for large samples (say 1000 mL or more), the induction time and MSZW are observed as deterministic quantities. The reason for such experimental differences is investigated with Monte Carlo simulation. In the simulation, the time (under isothermal condition) and supercooling (under polythermal condition) at which a first single crystal is detected are defined as the induction time t and the MSZW ΔT for small samples, respectively. The number of crystals just at the moment of t and ΔT is unity. A first crystal emerges at random due to the intrinsic nature of nucleation, accordingly t and ΔT become stochastic. For large samples, the time and supercooling at which the number density of crystals N/V reaches a detector sensitivity (N/V)det are defined as t and ΔT for isothermal and polythermal conditions, respectively. The points of t and ΔT are those of which a large number of crystals have accumulated. Consequently, t and ΔT become deterministic according to the law of large numbers. Whether t and ΔT may stochastic or deterministic in actual experiments should not be attributed to change in nucleation mechanisms in molecular level. It could be just a problem caused by differences in the experimental definition of t and ΔT.

Systematic approach to optimal design of induction heating installations for aluminum extrusion process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zimin, L. S.; Sorokin, A. G.; Egiazaryan, A. S.; Filimonova, O. V.

2018-03-01

An induction heating system has a number of inherent benefits compared to traditional heating systems due to a non-contact heating process. It is widely used in vehicle manufacture, cast-rolling, forging, preheating before rolling, heat treatment, galvanizing and so on. Compared to other heating technologies, induction heating has the advantages of high efficiency, fast heating rate and easy control. The paper presents a new systematic approach to the design and operation of induction heating installations (IHI) in aluminum alloys production. The heating temperature in industrial complexes “induction heating - deformation” is not fixed in advance, but is determined in accordance with the maximization or minimization of the total economic performance during the process of metal heating and deformation. It is indicated that the energy efficient technological complex “IHI – Metal Forming (MF)” can be designed only with regard to its power supply system (PSS). So the task of designing systems of induction heating is to provide, together with the power supply system and forming equipment, the minimum energy costs for the metal retreating.

[Risk factors of pregnancy termination at second and third trimester in women with scarred uterus and placenta previa].

PubMed

Tian, Ji-shun; Pan, Fei-xia; He, Sai-nan; Hu, Wen-sheng

2015-05-01

To investigate the risk factors of pregnancy termination at second and third trimester in women with scarred uterus and placenta previa. Clinical data of 24 pregnant women of second and third trimester with a scarred uterus and placenta previa,who requested termination in Women's Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine from July 2009 to June 2014, were retrospectively analyzed. The method of mifepristone combined with ethacridine lactate was adopted for all cases. Mifepristone combined with ethacridine lactate and uterine artery embolization were routinely given for patients with complete placenta previa. Cesarean section was performed for patients who failed to delivery or underwent massive vaginal bleeding before delivery. Age, gestational weeks, gravidity and parity, times of previous cesarean section, the interval from previous operation, the position and the type of placenta previa, placenta accretet, the indication and method of termination, postpartum hemorrhage, successful rate of labor induction, placental retention ratio and uterus rupture were documented. The successful rate of labor induction was 83.3%. The analysis showed that age, gestational weeks, gravidity and parity and times of previous cesarean section were not risk factors for failed labor induction, however the interval time from previous operation was related to induction failure (P<0.05). Patients with previous cesarean section ≥ 13 years were more likely to require cesarean section than those <13 years (P<0.05). The placenta adhered to the antetheca of the uterus or placenta accrete increased risk to have cesarean section. There were no significant differences in postpartum hemorrhage, the successful rate of labor induction, placental retention ratio and the rate of uterine rupture between patients with uterine artery embolization and those without. The labor induction would be feasible for women with a scarred uterus and placenta previa in second and third-trimester pregnancy. The previous operation ≥ 13 years, the antetheca placenta or placenta accrete might increase the incidence of labor induction, while the uterine artery embolization would rise the successful rate of labor induction.

Salivary flow induction by buccal permucosal pilocarpine in anesthetized beagle dogs.

PubMed

Weaver, M L; Tanzer, J M; Kramer, P A

1992-11-01

We tested whether permucosal delivery of pilocarpine nitrate could be used to elicit significant salivary secretion. Pilocarpine (pKa 6.6 at 37 degrees C) was applied as solutions (pHs 5.6, 6.6, 7.6; 15 mg/mL) to the buccal mucosa (2.8 cm2) of 6 anesthetized dogs. Saliva was collected continuously from cannulated submandibular and parotid ducts and blood sampled during and after drug administration. Plasma pilocarpine levels were determined by reversed-phase HPLC. Absorption rates were determined by use of data from separate zero-order intravenous infusions to the same dogs. Pilocarpine was buccally absorbed at a constant rate of 72.9 +/- 38.5 micrograms/kg/h following its application at pH 7.6. At this pH of the drug solution, the time to appearance of pilocarpine in blood plasma was 0.31 +/- 0.08 h, and the time to appearance of salivary flow was 0.86 +/- 0.32 h. A threshold dose of 32.9 +/- 7.5 micrograms/kg was required to induce secretion with the pH 7.6 drug, the steady-state submandibular flow rate was 0.14 +/- 0.11 mL/min/gland pair. Salivary flow induction was symmetrical and reached levels as high as 0.35 mL/min/submandibular gland pair without apparent tachyphylaxis. Results at pHs 5.6, 6.6, and 7.6 were consistent with the hypothesis that pilocarpine is primarily absorbed as un-ionized drug. The data indicate that transmucosal delivery of pilocarpine, avoiding "first pass" hepatic loss, may hold promise for the treatment of xerostomia.

Kinetics of Inclusion Body Formation and Its Correlation with the Characteristics of Protein Aggregates in Escherichia coli

PubMed Central

Upadhyay, Arun K.; Murmu, Aruna; Singh, Anupam; Panda, Amulya K.

2012-01-01

The objective of the research was to understand the structural determinants governing protein aggregation into inclusion bodies during expression of recombinant proteins in Escherichia coli. Recombinant human growth hormone (hGH) and asparaginase were expressed as inclusion bodies in E.coli and the kinetics of aggregate formation was analyzed in details. Asparaginase inclusion bodies were of smaller size (200 nm) and the size of the aggregates did not increase with induction time. In contrast, the seeding and growth behavior of hGH inclusion bodies were found to be sequential, kinetically stable and the aggregate size increased from 200 to 800 nm with induction time. Human growth hormone inclusion bodies showed higher resistance to denaturants and proteinase K degradation in comparison to those of asparaginase inclusion bodies. Asparaginase inclusion bodies were completely solubilized at 2–3 M urea concentration and could be refolded into active protein, whereas 7 M urea was required for complete solubilization of hGH inclusion bodies. Both hGH and asparaginase inclusion bodies showed binding with amyloid specific dyes. In spite of its low β-sheet content, binding with dyes was more prominent in case of hGH inclusion bodies than that of asparaginase. Arrangements of protein molecules present in the surface as well as in the core of inclusion bodies were similar. Hydrophobic interactions between partially folded amphiphillic and hydrophobic alpha-helices were found to be one of the main determinants of hGH inclusion body formation. Aggregation behavior of the protein molecules decides the nature and properties of inclusion bodies. PMID:22479486

Symptom Trajectories in Children Receiving Treatment for Leukemia: A Latent Class Growth Analysis With Multitrajectory Modeling.

PubMed

Hockenberry, Marilyn J; Hooke, Mary C; Rodgers, Cheryl; Taylor, Olga; Koerner, Kari M; Mitby, Pauline; Moore, Ida; Scheurer, Michael E; Pan, Wei

2017-07-01

Cancer treatment symptoms play a major role in determining the health of children with cancer. Symptom toxicity often results in complications, treatment delays, and therapy dose reductions that can compromise leukemia therapy and jeopardize chances for long-term survival. Critical to understanding symptom experiences during treatment is the need for exploration of "why" inter-individual symptom differences occur; this will determine who may be most susceptible to treatment toxicities. This study examined specific symptom trajectories during the first 18 months of childhood leukemia treatment. Symptom measures included fatigue, sleep disturbances, pain, nausea, and depression. Symptom trajectories of 236 children with leukemia three to 18 years old were explored prospectively over four periods: initiation of post-induction therapy, four and eight post-induction therapy, and the last time point was at the beginning of maintenance/continuation therapy. Latent class growth analysis was used to classify patients into distinctive groups with similar symptom trajectories based on patients' response patterns on the symptom measures over time. Three latent classes of symptom trajectories were identified and classified into mild, moderate, and severe symptom trajectories. The only demographic characteristic with a significant relationship to membership in the latent class symptom trajectories was race/ethnicity. All other demographic characteristics including leukemia risk levels showed no significant relationships. This study is unique in that groups of patients with similar symptoms were identified rather than groups of symptoms. Further research using latent class growth analysis is needed. Copyright © 2017 American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The scorpion venom peptide BmKn2 induces apoptosis in cancerous but not in normal human oral cells.

PubMed

Satitmanwiwat, Saranya; Changsangfa, Chinarat; Khanuengthong, Anuson; Promthep, Kornkanok; Roytrakul, Sittiruk; Arpornsuwan, Teerakul; Saikhun, Kulnasan; Sritanaudomchai, Hathaitip

2016-12-01

This study aimed to investigate the mechanism of the induction of apoptosis of human oral cancer cells by the scorpion venom peptide BmKn2. Human oral squamous carcinoma cells (HSC4), mouth epidermoid carcinoma cells (KB), human normal gingival cells (HGC) and dental pulp cells (DPC) were treated with BmKn-2 peptide for 24h. Cell viability was determined by the MTT assay. Apoptosis was assessed using phase contrast microscopy, by propidium iodide (PI) staining to assess nuclear morphology and by Annexin V staining. Apoptotic signaling pathways were investigated by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western blotting. BmKn-2 showed potent cytotoxic effects towards both HSC4 and KB cells with the associated induction of apoptosis. The cells showed distinct morphological changes, nuclear disintegration and an increase in the number of Annexin V-positive cells. Interestingly, at concentrations which kill cancerous cells, BmKn-2 did not affect cell viability or mediate the induction of apoptosis in normal HGC or DPC. Induction of apoptosis by BmKn-2 in HSC4 and KB cells was associated with the activation of tumor suppress p53. Pro-apoptotic BAX expression was increased, whereas antiapoptotic BCL-2 expression was decreased in BmKn-2 exposed HSC4 and KB cells. BmKn-2 treated-oral cancer cells showed distinct upregulation of initiator caspase-9, with no effect on caspase-8 expression. Increased expression levels of executor caspases-3 and -7 were also found in treated cells for both oral cancers. This study has suggested for the first time that BmKn-2 exerts selective cytotoxic effects on human oral cancer cells by inducting apoptosis via a p53-dependent intrinsic apoptotic pathway. BmKn-2 peptide originally derived from a natural source shows great promise as a candidate treatment for oral cancer, with minimal effects on healthy tissue. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Induction chemotherapy selects patients with locally advanced, unresectable pancreatic cancer for optimal benefit from consolidative chemoradiation therapy.

PubMed

Krishnan, Sunil; Rana, Vishal; Janjan, Nora A; Varadhachary, Gauri R; Abbruzzese, James L; Das, Prajnan; Delclos, Marc E; Gould, Morris S; Evans, Douglas B; Wolff, Robert A; Crane, Christopher H

2007-07-01

The current study was conducted to determine whether there were differences in outcome for patients with unresectable locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC) who received treatment with chemoradiation therapy (CR) versus induction chemotherapy followed by CR (CCR). Between December 1993 and July 2005, 323 consecutive patients with LAPC were treated at the authors' institution with radiotherapy and concurrent gemcitabine or fluoropyrimidine chemotherapy. Two hundred forty-seven patients received CR as initial treatment, and 76 patients received a median of 2.5 months of gemcitabine-based induction chemotherapy prior to CR. Most patients received a radiation dose of 30 grays in 10 fractions (85%) concurrently with infusional 5-fluorouracil (41%), gemcitabine (39%), or capecitabine (20%). The median follow-up was 5.5 months (range, 1-63 months). For all patients, the median overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were 9 months and 5 months, respectively, and the 2-year estimated OS and PFS rates were 9% and 5%, respectively. The median OS and PFS were 8.5 months and 4.2 months, respectively, in the CR group and 11.9 months and 6.4 months, respectively, in the CCR group (both P < .001). The median times to local and distant progression were 6.0 months and 5.6 months, respectively, in the CR group and 8.9 and 9.5 months, respectively, in the CCR group (P = .003 and P = .007, respectively). There was no significant difference in the patterns of failure with the use of induction chemotherapy. The results from this analysis indicated that, by excluding patients with rapid distant progression, induction chemotherapy may select patients with LAPC for optimal benefit from consolidative CR. The authors believe that this strategy of enriching the population of patients who receive a locoregional treatment modality merits prospective randomized evaluation. Copyright (c) 2007 American Cancer Society.

Defect of Adaptation to Hypoxia in Patients With COPD Due to Reduction of Histone Deacetylase 7

PubMed Central

To, Masako; Yamamura, Satoshi; Akashi, Kenichi; Charron, Catherine E.; Barnes, Peter J.

2012-01-01

Background: Hypoxia inducible factor (HIF)-1 plays an important role in cellular adaptation to hypoxia by activating oxygen-regulated genes such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and erythropoietin. Sputum VEGF levels are reported to be decreased in COPD, despite hypoxia. Here we show that patients with COPD fail to induce HIF-1α and VEGF under hypoxic condition because of a reduction in histone deacetylase (HDAC) 7. Methods: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were obtained from patients with moderate to severe COPD (n = 21), smokers without COPD (n = 12), and nonsmokers (n = 15). PBMCs were exposed to hypoxia (1% oxygen, 5% CO2, and 94% N2) for 24 h, and HIF-1α and HDAC7 protein expression in nuclear extracts were determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate poly acrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE)/Western blotting. Results: HIF-1α was significantly induced by hypoxia in each group when compared with the normoxic condition (12-fold induction in nonsmokers, 24-fold induction in smokers without COPD, fourfold induction in COPD), but induction of HIF-1α under hypoxia was significantly lower in patients with COPD than in nonsmokers and smokers without COPD (P < .05 and P < .01, respectively). VEGF messenger RNA detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was correlated with HIF-1α protein in nuclei (r = 0.79, P < .05), and HDAC7 protein expression was correlated with HIF-1α protein in nuclei (r = 0.46, P < .05). HDAC7 knockdown inhibited hypoxia-induced HIF-1α activity in U937 cells, and HIF-1α nuclear translocation and HIF-1α binding to the VEGF promoter in A549 cells. Conclusions: HDAC7 reduction in COPD causes a defect of HIF-1α induction response to hypoxia with impaired VEGF gene expression. This poor cellular adaptation might play a role in the pathogenesis of COPD. PMID:22172637

A Visual Analog Scale to assess anxiety in children during anesthesia induction (VAS-I): Results supporting its validity in a sample of day care surgery patients.

PubMed

Berghmans, Johan M; Poley, Marten J; van der Ende, Jan; Weber, Frank; Van de Velde, Marc; Adriaenssens, Peter; Himpe, Dirk; Verhulst, Frank C; Utens, Elisabeth

2017-09-01

The modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale is widely used to assess children's anxiety during induction of anesthesia, but requires training and its administration is time-consuming. A Visual Analog Scale, in contrast, requires no training, is easy-to-use and quickly completed. The aim of this study was to evaluate a Visual Analog Scale as a tool to assess anxiety during induction of anesthesia and to determine cut-offs to distinguish between anxious and nonanxious children. Four hundred and one children (1.5-16 years) scheduled for daytime surgery were included. Children's anxiety during induction was rated by parents and anesthesiologists on a Visual Analog Scale and by a trained observer on the modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale. Psychometric properties assessed were: (i) concurrent validity (correlations between parents' and anesthesiologists' Visual Analog Scale and modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale scores); (ii) construct validity (differences between subgroups according to the children's age and the parents' anxiety as assessed by the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory); (iii) cross-informant agreement using Bland-Altman analysis; (iv) cut-offs to distinguish between anxious and nonanxious children (reference: modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale ≥30). Correlations between parents' and anesthesiologists' Visual Analog Scale and modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale scores were strong (0.68 and 0.73, respectively). Visual Analog Scale scores were higher for children ≤5 years compared to children aged ≥6. Visual Analog Scale scores of children of high-anxious parents were higher than those of low-anxious parents. The mean difference between parents' and anesthesiologists' Visual Analog Scale scores was 3.6, with 95% limits of agreement (-56.1 to 63.3). To classify anxious children, cut-offs for parents (≥37 mm) and anesthesiologists (≥30 mm) were established. The present data provide preliminary data for the validity of a Visual Analog Scale to assess children's anxiety during induction. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

In vitro Induction and Generation of Tetraploid Plants of Sophora tonkinensis Gapnep

PubMed Central

Wei, Kun Hua; Xu, Jian Ping; Li, Lin Xuan; Cai, Jin Yuan; Miao, Jian Hua; Li, Min Hui

2018-01-01

Background: Sophora tonkinensis Gapnep. is an important medical plant in China. Early researches of S. tonkinensis were focused on rapid propagation and quality analysis of in vitro tissue culture plantlet, and still no research focuses on the plant breeding of and there were no excellent varieties for artificial cultivation of S. tonkinensis. Objective: To set up a method to generate and select the best varieties of S. tonkinensis by polyploid breeding after induction by colchicine treatment. Materials and Methods: The adventitious buds were submerged in different concentrations of aqueous colchicine solution for different lengths of time to induce polyploidy in the plants, and the induced buds were identified by root-tip chromosome determination and leaf characteristics comparison. The contents of matrine and oxymatrine of radix ex rhizoma in 13 selected tetraploid lines were collected after 90 days in vitro rooting culture and were evaluated to provide evidence of good qualities of tetraploid S. tonkinensis. Results: The results showed that the highest percentage of tetraploid induction was 23.33% and occurred in the 0.2% (w/v) colchicine treatment for 30 h. Fifty lines of tetraploid plants were obtained and 12 of the 13 selected tetraploid lines exhibited higher productivity of total contents of matrine and oxymatrine when compared to controls. Conclusion: The data demonstrate that polyploidy induction can be beneficial for improving the medicinal value of S. tonkinensis. SUMMARY Colchicine has a good in vitro induction effect on the tetraploid plants of Sophora tonkinensisThe leaf indices and stomatal apparatus of tetraploid plants were slightly larger than diploid plantsThe total content of matrine and oxymatrine of some tetraploid lines for 90-day-old in vitro rooting culture was higher than the diploid. Abbreviations used: MS medium: Murashige and Skoog medium; BAP: 6-benzylaminopurine; NAA: A-naphthaleneacetic acid; IAA: Indole-3-acetic acid; KT: Kinetin; IBA: Indole-3-butyric acid; ABT: Rooting power. PMID:29720823

Hepatitis virus infection affects DNA methylation in mice with humanized livers.

PubMed

Okamoto, Yasuyuki; Shinjo, Keiko; Shimizu, Yasuhiro; Sano, Tsuyoshi; Yamao, Kenji; Gao, Wentao; Fujii, Makiko; Osada, Hirotaka; Sekido, Yoshitaka; Murakami, Shuko; Tanaka, Yasuhito; Joh, Takashi; Sato, Shinya; Takahashi, Satoru; Wakita, Takaji; Zhu, Jingde; Issa, Jean-Pierre J; Kondo, Yutaka

2014-02-01

Cells of tumors associated with chronic inflammation frequently have altered patterns of DNA methylation, including hepatocellular carcinomas. Chronic hepatitis has also been associated with aberrant DNA methylation, but little is known about their relationship. Pyrosequencing was used to determine the methylation status of cultured Huh7.5.1 hepatoma cells after hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. We also studied mice with severe combined immunodeficiency carrying the urokinase-type plasminogen activator transgene controlled by an albumin promoter (urokinase-type plasminogen activator/severe combined immunodeficient mice), in which up to 85% of hepatocytes were replaced by human hepatocytes (chimeric mice). Mice were given intravenous injections of hepatitis B virus (HBV) or HCV, liver tissues were collected, and DNA methylation profiles were determined at different time points after infection. We also compared methylation patterns between paired samples of hepatocellular carcinomas and adjacent nontumor liver tissues from patients. No reproducible changes in DNA methylation were observed after infection of Huh7.5.1 cells with HCV. Livers from HBV- and HCV-infected mice had genome-wide, time-dependent changes in DNA methylation, compared with uninfected urokinase-type plasminogen activator/severe combined immunodeficient mice. There were changes in 160 ± 63 genes in HBV-infected and 237 ± 110 genes in HCV-infected mice. Methylation of 149 common genes increased in HBV- and HCV-infected mice; methylation of some of these genes also increased in hepatocellular carcinoma samples from patients compared with nontumor tissues. Expression of Ifng, which is expressed by natural killer cells, increased significantly in chimeric livers, in concordance with induction of DNA methylation, after infection with HBV or HCV. Induction of Ifng was reduced after administration of an inhibitor of natural killer cell function (anti-asialo GM1). In chimeric mice with humanized livers, infection with HBV and HCV appears to activate a natural kill cell-dependent innate immune response. This contributes to the induction and accumulation of aberrant DNA methylation in human hepatocytes. Copyright © 2014 AGA Institute. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A prospective pilot study of Dilapan-S compared with Propess for induction of labour at 41+ weeks in nulliparous pregnancy.

PubMed

Crosby, David A; O'Reilly, Claire; McHale, Helen; McAuliffe, Fionnuala M; Mahony, Rhona

2017-12-21

The incidence of labour induction has risen worldwide over the past decade, and this may contribute to the rising caesarean delivery rate. The mechanisms for induction of labour are generally divided into two categories: mechanical and pharmacological. The objective of this study was to determine if mechanical induction with Dilapan-S is an acceptable, safe method of induction of labour in post-dates uncomplicated nulliparous pregnancy. This was a single-centre prospective observational pilot study trial. Fifty-two low-risk nulliparous women with an unfavourable cervix, scheduled for induction of labour for post-dates ≥ 41 weeks gestation, were offered induction of labour with Dilapan-S or Propess from May 2016 until November 2016. The primary outcomes measured were compliance to study protocol and maternal (infection, hyperstimulation) and neonatal outcomes (Apgar score at birth). The secondary outcome measures included change in Bishop's score and caesarean delivery rate. Compliance to study protocol was 25/26 (96%); it was possible to insert Dilapan-S in all but one woman. There were no differences in maternal and neonatal primary outcomes between the groups. There were no cases in either arm of hyperstimulation with either induction method. No difference between the groups was noted in the caesarean delivery rate nor in the mean change in Bishop's score. Dilapan-S is an acceptable, safe form of induction of labour in post-dates uncomplicated nulliparous pregnancy. No cases of hyperstimulation were found, and therefore, Dilapan-S may be a suitable option for outpatient induction of labour in low-risk post-dates nulliparas.

Determination of Arsenic in Sinus Wash and Tap Water by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Donnell, Anna M.; Nahan, Keaton; Holloway, Dawone; Vonderheide, Anne P.

2016-01-01

Arsenic is a toxic element to which humans are primarily exposed through food and water; it occurs as a result of human activities and naturally from the earth's crust. An experiment was developed for a senior level analytical laboratory utilizing an Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS) for the analysis of arsenic in household…

Comparing Satisfaction, Retention, and Success of Principals Who Did and Did Not Participate in a Mentoring Program

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jackson, Anthony D.

2010-01-01

A descriptive quantitative study design was used to determine the impact of induction and mentoring on the success, satisfaction, and retention of new and novice school principals. Three research questions addressed the types of induction experiences new and novice principals reported, the types of support given to new and novice principals, and…

Induction and stability of oxidative stress adaptation in Listeria monocytogenes EGD (Bug600) and F1057 in sublethal concentrations of H2O2 and NaOH

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Food processing and food handling environments may contain residual levels of sanitizers or cleaners which may trigger oxidative stress adaptation in Listeria monocytogenes. The aim of this study was to determine the induction and stability of oxidative stress adaptation in L. monocytogenes EGD (Bug...

Method and Apparatus for Precisely Applying Large Planar Equi-Biaxial Strains to a Circular Membrane

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-04-01

potential future Army applications. Electronic properties, such as dielectric strength , capacitance, resistance, and inductance, vary significantly and... dielectric strength and resistance are primarily determined by inherent bulk material properties, including microstructure, while shifts in inductance...less and a nominal thickness up to ~1 mm. 15. SUBJECT TERMS large planar equi-biaxial strain, membrane, dielectric elastomers, electromechanical

[Mood induction procedures: a critical review].

PubMed

Gilet, A-L

2008-06-01

For a long period in the history of psychological research, emotion and cognition have been studied independently, as if one were irrelevant to the other. The renewed interest of researchers for the study of the relations between cognition and emotion has led to the development of a range of laboratory methods for inducing temporary mood states. This paper aims to review the main mood induction procedures allowing the induction of a negative mood as well as a positive mood, developed since the pioneer study of Schachter and Singer [Psychol Rev 69 (1962) 379-399] and to account for the usefulness and problems related to the use of such techniques. The first part of this paper deals with the detailed presentation of some of the most popular mood induction procedures according to their type: simple (use of only one mood induction technique) or combined (association of two or more techniques at once). The earliest of the modern techniques is the Velten Mood Induction Procedure [Behav Res Ther 6 (1968) 473-482], which involves reading aloud sixty self-referent statements progressing from relative neutral mood to negative mood or dysphoria. Some researchers have varied the procedure slightly by changing the number of the statements [Behav Res Ther 21 (1983) 233-239, Br J Clin Psychol 21 (1982) 111-117, J Pers Soc Psychol 35 (1977) 625-636]. Various other mood induction procedures have been developed including music induction [Cogn Emotion 11 (1997) 403-432, Br J Med Psychol 55 (1982) 127-138], film clip induction [J Pers Soc Psychol 20 (1971) 37-43, Cogn Emotion 7 (1993) 171-193, Rottenberg J, Ray RR, Gross JJ. Emotion elicitation using films. In: Coan JA, Allen JJB, editors. The handbook of emotion elicitation and assessment. New York: Oxford University Press, 2007], autobiographical recall [J Clin Psychol 36 (1980) 215-226, Jallais C. Effets des humeurs positives et négatives sur les structures de connaissances de type script. Thèse de doctorat non publiée. Université de Nantes, Nantes] or combined inductions [Gilet AL. Etude des effets des humeurs positives et négatives sur l'organisation des connaissances en mémoire sémantique. Thèse de doctorat non publiée, Université de Nantes, Nantes, J Ment Imagery 19 (1995) 133-150]. In music or film clip inductions, subjects are asked to listen or view some mood-suggestive pieces of material determined by the experimenter according to standardized music or film sets [J Ment Imagery 19 (1995) 133-150, Cogn Emotion 7 (1993) 171-193] and selected to elicit target moods. According to many authors, these two mood induction procedures seem to be among the most effective manners to induce moods [Br J Psychol 85 (1994) 55-78, Eur J Soc Psychol 26 (1996) 557-580] in an individual or in a group setting [Jallais C. Effets des humeurs positives et négatives sur les structures de connaissances de type script. Thèse de doctorat non publiée. Université de Nantes, Nantes]. As it is believed that multiple inductions contribute additively to a mood [Am Psychol 36 (1981) 129-148], researchers proposed to combine two or more techniques at the same time. Thus, the Velten Mood Induction Procedure has been successively associated with the hypnosis mood induction procedure [J Pers Soc Psychol 42 (1982) 927-934], the music mood induction procedure [Behav Res Ther 21 (1983) 233-239, J Exp Soc Psychol 26 (1990) 465-480] or the imagination mood induction procedure [Br J Clin Psychol 21 (1982) 111-117]. Successful combinations of inductions usually use a first induction that occupies foreground attention and a second one that contributes to congruent background atmosphere. One of the most successful combined mood induction procedures has been developed by Mayer, Allen and Beauregard [J Ment Imagery 19 (1995) 133-150]. This technique associates guided imagery with music and is supposed to increase effectiveness of the induction. In the second part of this paper the aim is to present the usefulness of mood induction procedures in the study of cognitive processes in depression [Clin Psychol Rev 25 (2005) 487-510], borderline personality disorder [J Behav Ther Exp Psychiatry 36 (2005) 226-239] or associated with brain imaging [Am J Psychiatry 161 (2004) 2245-2256]. Then the inherent problems to the use of experimental mood induction procedures are reconsidered. Doubts have effectively arisen about the effectiveness and validity of the mood induction procedures usually used in research. Some authors questioned whether a sufficient intensity of mood is produced or the possibility that the effects observed are due mainly to demand effects [Br J Psychol 85 (1994) 55-78, Clin Psychol Rev 10 (1990) 669-697, Eur J Soc Psychol 26 (1996) 557-580]. In fact, the various mood induction procedures are not equal with regard to the demand effects observed. The question of demand characteristics with respect to mood induction procedures is still under debate, even if demand effects are supposed to be most likely to occur with self-statement techniques (especially with the Velten mood induction procedure) or when subjects are explicitly instructed to try to enter a specific mood state [Eur J Soc Psychol 26 (1996) 557-580]. Another interrogation relates to the effectiveness of these various procedures of induction and the duration of induced moods. Generally, the various techniques used produce true changes of moods in the majority if not the whole of the subjects. However, certain procedures seem more effective in inducing a mood in particular [Br J Psychol 85 (1994) 55-78, Clin Psychol Rev 10 (1990) 669-697, Eur J Soc Psychol 26 (1996) 557-580]. As for the duration of induced moods this depends at the same time on the procedure used and the mood induced. Nevertheless, mood induction remains fundamental in the study of the effects of mood on the cognitive activities, insofar as it makes it possible to study the effects of negative as well as positive moods.

[Determination of five arsenic species in rice by liquid chromatography-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry].

PubMed

Gong, Jiadi; Cao, Xiaolin; Cao, Zhaoyun; Bian, Yingfang; Yu, Shasha; Chen, Mingxue

2014-07-01

A method was developed for the simultaneous determination of arsenic acid [As (V)], arsenious acid [As (III)], arsenobetaine (AsB), monomethylarsonic acid (MMA) and dimethylarsinic acid (DMA) in rice by liquid chromatography-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LC-ICP-MS). The extraction reagent was 0.3 mol/L nitric acid with heat-assistant condition for 1.5 h at 95 degrees C. Then, the five arsenic species were separated by an anion exchange column (Dionex IonPac AS19, 250 mm x 4 mm) and detected by ICP-MS. Four kinds of extracted solutions were compared through the extraction efficiency. The concentration of nitric acid, the temperature and the extraction time were optimized. The recoveries of the five arsenic species spiked in rice at two levels ranged from 89.6% to 99.5% with the relative standard deviations (RSDs, n = 5) of 0.6% - 3.6%. The measured values of the arsenic species in standard rice materials were consistent with their standard values. The linear ranges were 0.05 - 200 microg/L for AsB and DMA, 0.10-400 microg/L for As (III) and MMA, 0.15-600 microg/L for As (V). The limits of detection for the five arsenic species were 0.15-0.45 microg/kg. The results showed that the method is much more precise for the risk assessment of the rice. This method is simple, accurate and durable for the determination of arsenic species in rice.

Determination of Os by isotope dilution-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry with the combination of laser ablation to introduce chemically separated geological samples

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Yali; Ren, Minghao; Xia, Xiaoping; Li, Congying; Sun, Weidong

2015-11-01

A method was developed for the determination of trace Os in geological samples by laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) with the combination of chemical separation and preconcentration. Samples are digested using aqua regia in Carius tubes, and the Os analyte is converted into volatile OsO4, which is distilled and absorbed with HBr. The HBr solution is concentrated for further Os purification using the microdistillation technique. The purified Os is dissolved in 10 μl of 0.02% sucrose-0.005% H3PO4 solution and then evaporated on pieces of perfluoroalkoxy (PFA) film, resulting in the formation of a tiny object (< 3 × 104 μm2 superficial area). Using LA-ICP-MS measurements, the object can give Os signals at least 100 times higher than those provided by routine solution-ICP-MS while successfully avoiding the memory effect. The procedural blank and detection limit in the developed technique are 3.0 pg and 1.8 pg for Os, respectively when 1 g of samples is taken. Reference materials (RM) are analyzed, and their Os concentrations obtained by isotope dilution are comparable to reference or literature values. Based on the individual RM results, the precision is estimated within the range of 0.6 to 9.4% relative standard deviation (RSD), revealing that this method is applicable to the determination of trace Os in geological samples.

Evaluation of calcium alginate beads for Ce, La and Nd preconcentration from groundwater prior to ICP OES analysis.

PubMed

Arantes de Carvalho, Gabriel G; Kondaveeti, Stalin; Petri, Denise F S; Fioroto, Alexandre M; Albuquerque, Luiza G R; Oliveira, Pedro V

2016-12-01

Analytical methods for the determination of rare earth elements (REE) in natural waters by plasma spectrochemical techniques often require sample preparation procedures for analytes preconcentration as well as for removing matrix constituents, that may interfere on the analytical measurements. In the present work, calcium alginate (CA) beads were used for the first time aiming at Ce, La and Nd preconcentration from groundwater samples for further determination by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP OES). Test samples were analyzed in batch mode by transferring a 40mL test portion (pH=5±0.2) into a 50mL polyethylene flask containing 125mg CA beads. After 15min contact, the analytes were quantitatively extracted from the loaded CA beads with 2.0mL of 1.0molL -1 HCl solution for further determination by ICP OES, using Ce (II) 456.236, La (II) 379.478 and Nd (II) 430.358nm emission lines. The proposed approach is a reliable alternative for REE single-stage preconcentration from aqueous samples, as it provided accurate results based on the addition and recovery analysis of groundwater. The results obtained by the proposed method were also compared with those from reference method based on inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and no significant differences were observed after applying the Student's t-test at 95% confidence level. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Determination of calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium, phosphorus, sodium, and zinc in fortified food products by microwave digestion and inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry: single-laboratory validation and ring trial.

PubMed

Poitevin, Eric

2012-01-01

A single-laboratory validation (SLV) and a ring trial (RT) were undertaken to determine nine nutritional elements in food products by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry in order to modernize AOAC Official Method 984.27. The improvements involved extension of the scope to all food matrixes (including infant formula), optimized microwave digestion, selected analytical lines, internal standardization, and ion buffering. Simultaneous determination of nine elements (calcium, copper, iron, potassium, magnesium, manganese, sodium, phosphorus, and zinc) was made in food products. Sample digestion was performed through wet digestion of food samples by microwave technology with either closed- or open-vessel systems. Validation was performed to characterize the method for selectivity, sensitivity, linearity, accuracy, precision, recovery, ruggedness, and uncertainty. The robustness and efficiency of this method was proven through a successful RT using experienced independent food industry laboratories. Performance characteristics are reported for 13 certified and in-house reference materials, populating the AOAC triangle food sectors, which fulfilled AOAC criteria and recommendations for accuracy (trueness, recovery, and z-scores) and precision (repeatability and reproducibility RSD, and HorRat values) regarding SLVs and RTs. This multielemental method is cost-efficient, time-saving, accurate, and fit-for-purpose according to ISO 17025 Norm and AOAC acceptability criteria, and is proposed as an extended updated version of AOAC Official Method 984.27 for fortified food products, including infant formula.

Improvement of AOAC Official Method 984.27 for the determination of nine nutritional elements in food products by Inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy after microwave digestion: single-laboratory validation and ring trial.

PubMed

Poitevin, Eric; Nicolas, Marine; Graveleau, Laetitia; Richoz, Janique; Andrey, Daniel; Monard, Florence

2009-01-01

A single-laboratory validation (SLV) and a ring trial (RT) were undertaken to determine nine nutritional elements in food products by inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy in order to improve and update AOAC Official Method 984.27. The improvements involved optimized microwave digestion, selected analytical lines, internal standardization, and ion buffering. Simultaneous determination of nine elements (calcium, copper, iron, potassium, magnesium, manganese, sodium, phosphorus, and zinc) was made in food products. Sample digestion was performed through wet digestion of food samples by microwave technology with either closed or open vessel systems. Validation was performed to characterize the method for selectivity, sensitivity, linearity, accuracy, precision, recovery, ruggedness, and uncertainty. The robustness and efficiency of this method was proved through a successful internal RT using experienced food industry laboratories. Performance characteristics are reported for 13 certified and in-house reference materials, populating the AOAC triangle food sectors, which fulfilled AOAC criteria and recommendations for accuracy (trueness, recovery, and z-scores) and precision (repeatability and reproducibility RSD and HorRat values) regarding SLV and RT. This multielemental method is cost-efficient, time-saving, accurate, and fit-for-purpose according to ISO 17025 Norm and AOAC acceptability criteria, and is proposed as an improved version of AOAC Official Method 984.27 for fortified food products, including infant formula.

High-Resolution Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry for (234)U/(238)Pu Age Dating of Plutonium Materials and Comparison to Sector Field Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry.

PubMed

Krachler, Michael; Alvarez-Sarandes, Rafael; Rasmussen, Gert

2016-09-06

Employing a commercial high-resolution inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (HR-ICP-OES) instrument, an innovative analytical procedure for the accurate determination of the production age of various Pu materials (Pu powder, cardiac pacemaker battery, (242)Cm heat source, etc.) was developed and validated. This undertaking was based on the fact that the α decay of (238)Pu present in the investigated samples produced (234)U and both mother and daughter could be identified unequivocally using HR-ICP-OES. Benefiting from the high spectral resolution of the instrument (<5 pm) and the isotope shift of the emission lines of both nuclides, (234)U and (238)Pu were selectively and directly determined in the dissolved samples, i.e., without a chemical separation of the two analytes from each other. Exact emission wavelengths as well as emission spectra of (234)U centered around λ = 411.590 nm and λ = 424.408 nm are reported here for the first time. Emission spectra of the isotopic standard reference material IRMM-199, comprising about one-third each of (233)U, (235)U, and (238)U, confirmed the presence of (234)U in the investigated samples. For the assessment of the (234)U/(238)Pu amount ratio, the emission signals of (234)U and (238)Pu were quantified at λ = 424.408 nm and λ = 402.148 nm, respectively. The age of the investigated samples (range: 26.7-44.4 years) was subsequently calculated using the (234)U/(238)Pu chronometer. HR-ICP-OES results were crossed-validated through sector field inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (SF-ICPMS) analysis of the (234)U/(238)Pu amount ratio of all samples applying isotope dilution combined with chromatographic separation of U and Pu. Available information on the assumed ages of the analyzed samples was consistent with the ages obtained via the HR-ICP-OES approach. Being based on a different physical detection principle, HR-ICP-OES provides an alternative strategy to the well-established mass spectrometric approach and thus effectively adds to the quality assurance of (234)U/(238)Pu age dates.

Application of high performance liquid chromatography with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HPLC-ICP-MS) for determination of chromium compounds in the air at the workplace.

PubMed

Stanislawska, Magdalena; Janasik, Beata; Wasowicz, Wojciech

2013-12-15

The toxicity and bioavailability of chromium species are highly dependable on the form or species, therefore determination of total chromium is insufficient for a complete toxicological evaluation and risk assessment. An analytical method for determination of soluble and insoluble Cr (III) and Cr (VI) compounds in welding fume at workplace air has been developed. The total chromium (Cr) was determined by using quadruple inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) equipped with a dynamic reaction cell (DRC(®)). Soluble trivalent and hexavalent chromium compounds were determined by high performance liquid chromatography with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HPLC-ICP-MS). A high-speed, reversed-phase CR C8 column (PerkinElmer, Inc., Shelton, CT, USA) was used for the speciation of soluble Cr (III) and soluble Cr (VI). The separation was accomplished by interaction of the chromium species with the different components of the mobile phase. Cr (III) formed a complex with EDTA, i.e. retained on the column, while Cr (VI) existed in the solutions as dichromate. Alkaline extraction (2% KOH and 3% Na2CO3) and anion exchange column (PRP-X100, PEEK, Hamilton) were used for the separation of the total Cr (VI). The results of the determination of Cr (VI) were confirmed by the analysis of the certified reference material BCR CRM 545 (Cr (VI) in welding dust). The results obtained for the certified material (40.2±0.6 g kg(-1)) and the values recorded in the examined samples (40.7±0.6 g kg(-1)) were highly consistent. This analytical method was applied for the determination of chromium in the samples in the workplace air collected onto glass (Whatman, Ø 37 mm) and membrane filters (Sartorius, 0.8 μm, Ø 37 mm). High performance liquid chromatography with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry is a remarkably powerful and versatile technique for determination of chromium species in welding fume at workplace air. Crown Copyright © 2013 Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Improving women's knowledge of prostaglandin induction of labour through the use of information brochures: a quasi-experimental study.

PubMed

Cooper, Megan; Warland, Jane

2011-12-01

To gain a better understanding of women's baseline level of knowledge of induction of labour (IOL) and determine whether giving written information at the time IOL is decided, results in significant differences in knowledge and understanding of the process. Fifty pregnant women undergoing antenatal care at a small maternity hospital were recruited. A quasi experimental trial was conducted with non random selection of participants, 25 selected to act as the control group and 25 selected as the intervention group. The study was conducted to determine women's knowledge of IOL both before (non-intervention) and after (intervention) the introduction of a written information brochure. Statistically significant increases in knowledge were evident in the intervention group for knowledge about action (p=0.002) and timing of prostaglandins (p=0.03), the number of side effects known (p<0.0001) as well as time to birth (p=0.001) indicating an increased understanding of the process as a result of reading an information brochure. These results suggest that those in the non-intervention group lacked knowledge pertinent to IOL, even though they have consented to and actually arrived at the hospital prepared to undergo the IOL procedure. The most significant disparity noted between the intervention and non-intervention groups was women's knowledge of side effects of prostaglandin. Further to this, many women in the non-intervention group had unrealistic expectations of both the time for drug action and likely time from prostaglandin administration to birth. In contrast women in the intervention group knew about the common side effects of prostaglandin and possessed a more realistic understanding of the likely time to birth following this procedure. The results indicate that a specifically designed information brochure explaining the process of IOL in plain language has the effect of enhancing women's knowledge. This area of study warrants further investigation, especially research into the role of written information to improve women's understanding across other areas of maternity care education provision. Copyright © 2010 Australian College of Midwives. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

New method for solving inductive electric fields in the non-uniformly conducting ionosphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vanhamäki, H.; Amm, O.; Viljanen, A.

2006-10-01

We present a new calculation method for solving inductive electric fields in the ionosphere. The time series of the potential part of the ionospheric electric field, together with the Hall and Pedersen conductances serves as the input to this method. The output is the time series of the induced rotational part of the ionospheric electric field. The calculation method works in the time-domain and can be used with non-uniform, time-dependent conductances. In addition, no particular symmetry requirements are imposed on the input potential electric field. The presented method makes use of special non-local vector basis functions called the Cartesian Elementary Current Systems (CECS). This vector basis offers a convenient way of representing curl-free and divergence-free parts of 2-dimensional vector fields and makes it possible to solve the induction problem using simple linear algebra. The new calculation method is validated by comparing it with previously published results for Alfvén wave reflection from a uniformly conducting ionosphere.

Fixed-time induction of ovulation in camels superovulated by different eCG modalities during the transition period in Egypt : Superovulation in camels during the transition period.

PubMed

Khalifa, Marwa Ahmed; Rateb, Sherif Abdel-Razzak; El-Bahrawy, Khalid Ahmed

2016-04-01

The current investigation aimed to establish a fixed-time induction of ovulation/ insemination protocol in camels superovulated by different equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) regimens during the transition period in Egypt (mid-October to mid-November). Seventeen pluriparous camels, Camelus dromedarius, were used. All females retained controlled intra-vaginal drug releasers (CIDRs) for 13 consecutive days, and at CIDR withdrawal, the camels were randomly divided into three groups. The control group (n = 5) received 1 ml saline intra-muscularly (i.m.), whereas remaining camels were superovulated by 2500 IU eCG either in a single shot (SS, n = 6) or in serial decreasing doses over 3 days (DD, n = 6). Ovarian dynamics were monitored by transrectal ultrasonography at 2-day intervals, and ovulation was induced by 5000 IU hCG i.m. The changes in reproductive hormones throughout the period of the study were determined. The results showed that mean values of total no. of follicles and size of dominant follicles remained low (P < 0.05) in all groups until day of CIDR removal. Thereafter, total follicle no. increased (P < 0.05) in both superovulated groups compared to the control, where the dominant follicles attained the highest (P < 0.05) diameter 12 days after the eCG treatment. Double-ovulation rate was higher (P < 0.05) in SS (50%) and DD (66.6%) groups compared to that of control (0.0%). However, 33.3% of the SS group developed large anovulatory follicles (ø > 25 mm), which did not respond to induction to ovulation. These results elucidate that eCG administration in serial decreasing doses generates a reliable superovulatory response in camels, and ovulation can be blindly induced 12 days after the gonadotropin treatment. This fixed-time hormonal protocol represents a sufficient alternative to conventional day-to-day ultrasonography and would have profound implication for enhanced fertility in dromedary camels by facilitating infield application of embryo transfer technique.

JP-8 jet fuel exposure potentiates tumor development in two experimental model systems.

PubMed

Harris, D T; Sakiestewa, D; Titone, D; He, X; Hyde, J; Witten, M

2007-11-01

The US Air Force has implemented the widespread use of JP-8 jet fuel in its operations, although a thorough understanding of its potential effects upon exposed personnel is unclear. Previous work has reported that JP-8 exposure is immunosuppressive. Exposure of mice to JP-8 for 1 h/day resulted in immediate secretion of two immunosuppressive agents; namely, interleukin-10 (IL-10) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). Thus, it was of interest to determine if jet fuel exposure might promote tumor growth and metastasis. The syngeneic B16 tumor model was used for these studies. Animals were injected intravenously with tumor cells, and lung colonies were enumerated. Animals were also examined for metastatic spread of the tumor. Mice were either exposed to 1000 mg/m3 JP-8 (1 h/ day) for 7 days before tumor injection or were exposed to JP-8 at the time of tumor injection. All animals were killed 17 days after tumor injection. In the present study, JP8 exposure potentiated the growth and metastases of B16 tumors in an animal model. Exposure of mice to JP-8 for 1 h/day before tumor induction resulted in an approximately 8.7-fold increase in tumors, whereas those mice exposed to JP8 at the time of tumor induction had a 5.6-fold increase in tumor numbers. Thus, low concentration JP-8 jet fuel exposures have significant immune suppressive effects on the immune system that can result in increased tumor formation and metastases. We have now extended the observations to an experimental subcutaneous tumor model. JP8 exposure at the time of tumor induction in this model did not affect the growth of the tumor. However, JP8-exposed, tumor-bearing animals died at an accelerated rate as compared with air-exposed, tumor-bearing mice.

Rapid determination of 237Np in soil samples by multi-collector inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry and gamma spectrometry.

PubMed

Yi, Xiaowei; Shi, Yanmei; Xu, Jiang; He, Xiaobing; Zhang, Haitao; Lin, Jianfeng

A radiochemical procedure is developed for the determination of 237 Np in soil with multi-collector inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC-ICP-MS) and gamma-spectrometry. 239 Np (milked from 243 Am) was used as an isotopic tracer for chemical yield determination. The neptunium in the soil is separated by thenoyl-trifluoracetone extraction from 1 M HNO 3 solution after reducing Np to Np(IV) with ferrous sulfamate, and then purified with Dowex 1 × 2 anion exchange resin. 239 Np in the resulting solution is measured with gamma-spectrometry for chemical yield determination while the 237 Np is measured with MC-ICP-MS. Measurement results for soil samples are presented together with those for two reference samples. By comparing the determined value with the reference value of the 237 Np activity concentration, the feasibility of the procedure was validated.

Predictive model for risk of cesarean section in pregnant women after induction of labor.

PubMed

Hernández-Martínez, Antonio; Pascual-Pedreño, Ana I; Baño-Garnés, Ana B; Melero-Jiménez, María R; Tenías-Burillo, José M; Molina-Alarcón, Milagros

2016-03-01

To develop a predictive model for risk of cesarean section in pregnant women after induction of labor. A retrospective cohort study was conducted of 861 induced labors during 2009, 2010, and 2011 at Hospital "La Mancha-Centro" in Alcázar de San Juan, Spain. Multivariate analysis was used with binary logistic regression and areas under the ROC curves to determine predictive ability. Two predictive models were created: model A predicts the outcome at the time the woman is admitted to the hospital (before the decision to of the method of induction); and model B predicts the outcome at the time the woman is definitely admitted to the labor room. The predictive factors in the final model were: maternal height, body mass index, nulliparity, Bishop score, gestational age, macrosomia, gender of fetus, and the gynecologist's overall cesarean section rate. The predictive ability of model A was 0.77 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.73-0.80] and model B was 0.79 (95% CI 0.76-0.83). The predictive ability for pregnant women with previous cesarean section with model A was 0.79 (95% CI 0.64-0.94) and with model B was 0.80 (95% CI 0.64-0.96). For a probability of estimated cesarean section ≥80%, the models A and B presented a positive likelihood ratio (+LR) for cesarean section of 22 and 20, respectively. Also, for a likelihood of estimated cesarean section ≤10%, the models A and B presented a +LR for vaginal delivery of 13 and 6, respectively. These predictive models have a good discriminative ability, both overall and for all subgroups studied. This tool can be useful in clinical practice, especially for pregnant women with previous cesarean section and diabetes.

Metabolites of Hypoxic Cardiomyocytes Induce the Migration of Cardiac Fibroblasts.

PubMed

Shi, Huairui; Zhang, Xuehong; He, Zekun; Wu, Zhiyong; Rao, Liya; Li, Yushu

2017-01-01

The migration of cardiac fibroblasts to the infarct region plays a major role in the repair process after myocardial necrosis or damage. However, few studies investigated whether early hypoxia in cardiomyocytes induces the migration of cardiac fibroblasts. The purpose of this study was to assess the role of metabolites of early hypoxic cardiomyocytes in the induction of cardiac fibroblast migration. Neonatal rat heart tissue was digested with a mixture of trypsin and collagenase at an appropriate ratio. Cardiomyocytes and cardiac fibroblasts were cultured via differential adhesion. The cardiomyocyte cultures were subjected to hypoxia for 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 h. The supernatants of the cardiomyocyte cultures were collected to determine the differences in cardiac fibroblast migration induced by hypoxic cardiomyocyte metabolites at various time points using a Transwell apparatus. Meanwhile, ELISA was performed to measure TNF-α, IL-1β and TGF-β expression levels in the cardiomyocyte metabolites at various time points. The metabolites of hypoxic cardiomyocytes significantly induced the migration of cardiac fibroblasts. The induction of cardiac fibroblast migration was significantly enhanced by cardiomyocyte metabolites in comparison to the control after 2, 4, and 6 h of hypoxia, and the effect was most significant after 2 h. The expression levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and TGF-β were substantially increased in the metabolites of cardiomyocytes, and neutralization with anti-TNF-α and anti-IL-1β antibodies markedly reduced the induction of cardiac fibroblast migration by the metabolites of hypoxic cardiomyocytes. The metabolites of early hypoxic cardiomyocytes can induce the migration of cardiac fibroblasts, and TNF-α and IL-1β may act as the initial chemotactic inducers. © 2017 The Author(s) Published by S. Karger AG, Basel.

A field survey of metal binding to metallothionein and other cytosolic ligands in liver of eels using an on-line isotope dilution method in combination with size exclusion (SE) high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled to Inductively Coupled Plasma time-of-flight Mass Spectrometry (ICP-TOFMS).

PubMed

Van Campenhout, Karen; Goenaga Infante, Heidi; Goemans, Geert; Belpaire, Claude; Adams, Freddy; Blust, Ronny; Bervoets, Lieven

2008-05-15

The effect of metal exposure on the accumulation and cytosolic speciation of metals in livers of wild populations of European eel with special emphasis on metallothioneins (MT) was studied. Four sampling sites in Flanders showing different degrees of heavy metal contamination were selected for this purpose. An on-line isotope dilution method in combination with size exclusion (SE) high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled to Inductively Coupled Plasma time-of-flight Mass Spectrometry (ICP-TOFMS) was used to study the cytosolic speciation of the metals. The distribution of the metals Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn among cytosolic fractions displayed strong differences. The cytosolic concentration of Cd, Ni and Pb increased proportionally with the total liver levels. However, the cytosolic concentrations of Cu and Zn only increased above a certain liver tissue threshold level. Cd, Cu and Zn, but not Pb and Ni, were largely associated with the MT pool in correspondence with the environmental exposure and liver tissue concentrations. Most of the Pb and Ni and a considerable fraction of Cu and Zn, but not Cd, were associated to High Molecular Weight (HMW) fractions. The relative importance of the Cu and Zn in the HMW fraction decreased with increasing contamination levels while the MT pool became progressively more important. The close relationship between the cytosolic metal load and the total MT levels or the metals bound on the MT pool indicates that the metals, rather than other stress factors, are the major factor determining MT induction.

Induction and quantification of gammma-H2AX foci following cx- and gamma-irradiaton

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Leatherbarrow, E. L.; Cucinotta, F. A.; O'Neill, Peter

2004-01-01

Following DNA damage the histone H2AX becomes phosphorylated and can be visualised by immunofluorescence as an indicator of DSBs in individual cells. Using a wild type hamster cell line (V79-4) exposed to either a-particles or to Co-60 gamma-rays to induce DNA DSBs at different doses (20-200OmGy), the dose dependent induction of gamma-H2AX foci were scored both manually (by eye) and using image analysis. A linearly dependence on dose was found for both radiations. The number of DSBs determined by image analysis after a post-irradiation period of 30 minutes at 37 C, is 16.6 foci/cell/Gy for alpha-irradiation and 12.2 foci/cell/Gy for gamma-irradiation; the latter being 3-4 times the levels observed by eye and comparable to gamma-radiation-induced levels of prompt DSBs more recently reported using pulse field gel electrophoresis (approx. 16 DSBs/Gy). The average size of the gamma-H2AX foci induced by alpha-irradiation (0.30 square micrometers) is approximately 1.5 times larger than those induced by gamma-irradiation (0.19 square micrometers). The timescale of induction and removal of DSBs up to 24 hours post-irradiation, was investigated with gamma-H2AX foci levels found to remain significantly higher than controls for 4 or 6 hours in gamma-irradiated samples or alpha irradiated samples, respectively. These results demonstrate that not only gamma radiation but also alpha-radiation induce phosphorylation of the H2AX histone in response to DSBs even at low doses (20mGy for gamma-rays, 1 track/cell on average for alpha-particles) and the variation in size and dephosphorylation of the induced foci is dependent on radiation quality (LET).

Development of HSPA1A promoter-driven luciferase reporter gene assays in human cells for assessing the oxidative damage induced by silver nanoparticles.

PubMed

Xin, Lili; Wang, Jianshu; Zhang, Leshuai W; Che, Bizhong; Dong, Guangzhu; Fan, Guoqiang; Cheng, Kaiming

2016-08-01

The exponential increase in the total number of engineered nanoparticles in consumer products requires novel tools for rapid and cost-effective toxicology screening. In order to assess the oxidative damage induced by nanoparticles, toxicity test systems based on a human HSPA1A promoter-driven luciferase reporter in HepG2, LO2, A549, and HBE cells were established. After treated with heat shock and a group of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with different primary particle sizes, the cell viability, oxidative damage, and luciferase activity were determined. The time-dependent Ag(+) ions release from AgNPs in cell medium was also evaluated. Our results showed that heat shock produced a strong time-dependent induction of relative luciferase activity in the four luciferase reporter cells. Surprisingly, at 4h of recovery, the relative luciferase activity was >98× the control level in HepG2-luciferase cells. Exposure to different sizes of AgNPs resulted in activation of the HSPA1A promoter in a dose-dependent manner, even at low cytotoxic or non-cytotoxic doses. The smaller (5nm) AgNPs were more potent in luciferase induction than the larger (50 and 75nm) AgNPs. These results were generally in accordance with the oxidative damage indicated by malondialdehyde concentration, reactive oxygen species induction and glutathione depletion, and Ag(+) ions release in cell medium. Compared with the other three luciferase reporter cells, the luciferase signal in HepG2-luciferase cells is obviously more sensitive and stable. We conclude that the luciferase reporter cells, especially the HepG2-luciferase cells, could provide a valuable tool for rapid screening of the oxidative damage induced by AgNPs. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Detomidine and the combination of detomidine and MK-467, a peripheral alpha-2 adrenoceptor antagonist, as premedication in horses anaesthetized with isoflurane.

PubMed

Pakkanen, Soile Ae; Raekallio, Marja R; Mykkänen, Anna K; Salla, Kati M; de Vries, Annemarie; Vuorilehto, Lauri; Scheinin, Mika; Vainio, Outi M

2015-09-01

To investigate MK-467 as part of premedication in horses anaesthetized with isoflurane. Experimental, crossover study with a 14 day wash-out period. Seven healthy horses. The horses received either detomidine (20 μg kg(-1) IV) and butorphanol (20 μg kg(-1) IV) alone (DET) or with MK-467 (200 μg kg(-1) IV; DET + MK) as premedication. Anaesthesia was induced with ketamine (2.2 mg kg(-1) ) and midazolam (0.06 mg kg(-1) ) IV and maintained with isoflurane. Heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), end-tidal isoflurane concentration, end-tidal carbon dioxide tension, central venous pressure, fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2 ) and cardiac output were recorded. Blood samples were taken for blood gas analysis and to determine plasma drug concentrations. The cardiac index (CI), systemic vascular resistance (SVR), ratio of arterial oxygen tension to inspired oxygen (Pa O2 /FiO2 ) and tissue oxygen delivery (DO2 ) were calculated. Repeated measures anova was applied for HR, CI, MAP, SVR, lactate and blood gas variables. The Student's t-test was used for pairwise comparisons of drug concentrations, induction times and the amount of dobutamine administered. Significance was set at p < 0.05. The induction time was shorter, reduction in MAP was detected, more dobutamine was given and HR and CI were higher after DET+MK, while SVR was higher with DET. Arterial oxygen tension and Pa O2 /FiO2 (40 minutes after induction), DO2 and venous partial pressure of oxygen (40 and 60 minutes after induction) were higher with DET+MK. Plasma detomidine concentrations were reduced in the group receiving MK-467. After DET+MK, the area under the plasma concentration time curve of butorphanol was smaller. MK-467 enhances cardiac function and tissue oxygen delivery in horses sedated with detomidine before isoflurane anaesthesia. This finding could improve patient safety in the perioperative period. The dosage of MK-467 needs to be investigated to minimise the effect of MK-467 on MAP. © 2014 Association of Veterinary Anaesthetists and the American College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia.

Influence of coil current modulation on polycrystalline diamond film deposition by irradiation of Ar/CH4/H2 inductively coupled thermal plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Betsuin, Toshiki; Tanaka, Yasunori; Arai, T.; Uesugi, Y.; Ishijima, T.

2018-03-01

This paper describes the application of an Ar/CH4/H2 inductively coupled thermal plasma with and without coil current modulation to synthesise diamond films. Induction thermal plasma with coil current modulation is referred to as modulated induction thermal plasma (M-ITP), while that without modulation is referred to as non-modulated ITP (NM-ITP). First, spectroscopic observations of NM-ITP and M-ITP with different modulation waveforms were made to estimate the composition in flux from the thermal plasma by measuring the time evolution in the spectral intensity from the species. Secondly, we studied polycrystalline diamond film deposition tests on a Si substrate, and we studied monocrystalline diamond film growth tests using the irradiation of NM-ITP and M-ITP. From these tests, diamond nucleation effects by M-ITP were found. Finally, following the irradiation results, we attempted to use a time-series irradiation of M-ITP and NM-ITP for polycrystalline diamond film deposition on a Si substrate. The results indicated that numerous larger diamond particles were deposited with a high population density on the Si substrate by time-series irradiation.

Induction for Radiology Patients

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yıldırım, Pınar; Tolun, Mehmet R.

This paper represents the implementation of an inductive learning algorithm for patients of Radiology Department in Hacettepe University hospitals to discover the relationship between patient demographics information and time that patients spend during a specific radiology exam. ILA has been used for the implementation which generates rules and the results are evaluated by evaluation metrics. According to generated rules, some patients in different age groups or birthplaces may spend more time for the same radiology exam than the others.

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) evaluation with a novel magnetic induction sensor: a preliminary study using the Chinese head model.

PubMed

Zhang, Ziyi; Liu, Peiguo; Zhou, Dongming; Zhang, Liang; Lei, Hengdong

2014-01-01

Biomedical magnetic induction measurement is a promising method for the detection of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), especially in China. Aiming at overcoming the problem of low sensitivity, a magnetic induction sensor is chosen to replace the conventional sensors. It uses a two-arm Archimedean spiral coil as the exciter and a circular coil as the receiver. In order to carry out high-fidelity simulations, the Chinese head model with real anatomical structure is introduced into this novel sensor for the first time. Simulations have been carried out upon early stage ICH measurements. By calculating the state sensitivity and time sensitivity of the perturbation phase of two types of sensors using the electromagnetic software, we conclude that the primary signal received can be largely reduced using the novel sensor, which could effectively increase the time and state sensitivity simultaneously.

Dynamic Average-Value Modeling of Doubly-Fed Induction Generator Wind Energy Conversion Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shahab, Azin

In a Doubly-fed Induction Generator (DFIG) wind energy conversion system, the rotor of a wound rotor induction generator is connected to the grid via a partial scale ac/ac power electronic converter which controls the rotor frequency and speed. In this research, detailed models of the DFIG wind energy conversion system with Sinusoidal Pulse-Width Modulation (SPWM) scheme and Optimal Pulse-Width Modulation (OPWM) scheme for the power electronic converter are developed in detail in PSCAD/EMTDC. As the computer simulation using the detailed models tends to be computationally extensive, time consuming and even sometimes not practical in terms of speed, two modified approaches (switching-function modeling and average-value modeling) are proposed to reduce the simulation execution time. The results demonstrate that the two proposed approaches reduce the simulation execution time while the simulation results remain close to those obtained using the detailed model simulation.

An exposure-response analysis based on rifampin suggests CYP3A4 induction is driven by AUC: an in vitro investigation.

PubMed

Chang, Cheng; Yang, Xin; Fahmi, Odette A; Riccardi, Keith A; Di, Li; Obach, R Scott

2017-08-01

1. Induction is an important mechanism contributing to drug-drug interactions. It is most commonly evaluated in the human hepatocyte assay over 48-h or 72-h incubation period. However, whether the overall exposure (i.e. Area Under the Curve (AUC) or C ave ) or maximum exposure (i.e. C max ) of the inducer is responsible for the magnitude of subsequent induction has not been thoroughly investigated. Additionally, in vitro induction assays are typically treated as static systems, which could lead to inaccurate induction potency estimation. Hence, European Medicines Agency (EMA) guidance now specifies quantitation of drug levels in the incubation. 2. This work treated the typical in vitro evaluation of rifampin induction as an in vivo system by generating various target engagement profiles, measuring free rifampin concentration over 3 d of incubation and evaluating the impact of these factors on final induction response. 3. This rifampin-based analysis demonstrates that the induction process is driven by time-averaged target engagement (i.e. AUC-driven). Additionally, depletion of rifampin in the incubation medium over 3 d as well as non-specific/specific binding were observed. 4. These findings should help aid the discovery of clinical candidates with minimal induction liability and further expand our knowledge in the quantitative translatability of in vitro induction assays.

Importin-7 mediates memory consolidation through regulation of nuclear translocation of training-activated MAPK in Drosophila

PubMed Central

Li, Qian; Zhang, Xuchen; Liang, Xitong; Zhang, Fang; Wang, Lianzhang; Zhong, Yi

2016-01-01

Translocation of signaling molecules, MAPK in particular, from the cytosol to nucleus represents a universal key element in initiating the gene program that determines memory consolidation. Translocation mechanisms and their behavioral impact, however, remain to be determined. Here, we report that a highly conserved nuclear transporter, Drosophila importin-7 (DIM-7), regulates import of training-activated MAPK for consolidation of long-term memory (LTM). We show that silencing DIM-7 functions results in impaired LTM, whereas overexpression of DIM-7 enhances LTM. This DIM-7–dependent regulation of LTM is confined to a consolidation time window and in mushroom body neurons. Image data show that bidirectional alteration in DIM-7 expression results in proportional changes in the intensity of training-activated MAPK accumulated within the nuclei of mushroom body neurons during LTM consolidation. Such DIM-7–regulated nuclear accumulation of activated MAPK is observed only in the training specified for LTM induction and determines the amplitude, but not the time course, of memory consolidation. PMID:26929354

Predictive Power-balance Modeling of PEGASUS and NSTX-U Local Helicity Injection Discharges

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barr, J. L.; Bongard, M. W.; Burke, M. G.; Fonck, R. J.; Hinson, E. T.; Perry, J. M.; Redd, A. J.; Schlossberg, D. J.

2013-10-01

Local helicity injection (LHI) with outer poloidal-field (PF) induction for solenoid-free startup is being studied on PEGASUS, reaching Ip <= 0 . 175 MA with 6 kA of injected current. A lumped-parameter circuit model for predicting the performance of LHI initiated plasmas is under development. The model employs energy and helicity balance, and includes applied PF ramping and the inductive effects of shape evolution. Low- A formulations for both the plasma external inductance and a uniform equilibrium-field are used to estimate inductive voltages. PEGASUS LHI plasmas are created near the outboard injectors with aspect ratio (A) ~ 5-6.5 and grow inward to fill the confinement region at A <= 1 . 3 . Initial results match experimental Ip (t) trajectories within 15 kA with a prescribed geometry evolution. Helicity injection is the largest driving term in the initial phase, but in the later phase is reduced to 20-45% of the total drive as PF induction and decreasing plasma inductance become dominant. In contrast, attaining ~1 MA non-solenoidal startup via LHI on NSTX-U will require operation in the regime where helicity injection drive exceeds inductive and geometric changes at full size. A large-area multi-injector array will increase available helicity injection by 3-4 times and allow exploration of this helicity-dominated regime at Ip ~ 0 . 3 MA in PEGASUS. Comparison of model predictions with time-evolving magnetic equilibria is in progress for model validation. Work supported by US DOE Grant DE-FG02-96ER54375.

Ceramic susceptor for induction bonding of metals, ceramics, and plastics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fox, Robert L.; Buckley, John D.

1991-01-01

A thin (.005) flexible ceramic susceptor (carbon) was discovered. It was developed to join ceramics, plastics, metals, and combinations of these materials using a unique induction heating process. Bonding times for laboratory specimens comparing state of the art technology to induction bonding were cut by a factor of 10 to 100 times. This novel type of carbon susceptor allows for applying heat directly and only to the bondline without heating the entire structure, supports, and fixtures of a bonding assembly. The ceramic (carbon film) susceptor produces molten adhesive or matrix material at the bond interface. This molten material flows through the perforated susceptor producing a fusion between the two parts to be joined, which in many instances has proven to be stronger than the parent material. Bonding can be accomplished in 2 minutes on areas submitted to the inductive heating. Because a carbon susceptor is used in bonding carbon fiber reinforced plastics and ceramics, there is no radar signature or return making it an ideal process for joining advanced aerospace composite structures.

[Optimization of expression conditions and activity identification of hepatocyte-targeting peptide-human endostatin].

PubMed

Ma, Yan; Li, Wei; Li, Xiaobo; Bao, Dongmei; Lu, Jianpei

2016-12-25

To obtain sufficient purified and active fusion protein-hepatocyte-targeting peptide-human endostatin (HTP-rES), we studied the growth curve and the optimal induction timing of BL21/pET21b-HTP-rES. Different conditions of pH value, induction time, induction concentration and induction temperature were optimized by univariate analysis. After washing, refolding and purifying, the activity of fusion protein was identified by flow cytometry and 3-(4,5)-dimethylthiahiazo (-z-y1)-3,5-di-phenytetrazoliumromide (MTT). Results show that the logarithmic growth phase of BL21/pET21b-HTP-rES was from 1.5 h to 3.5 h, the optimum expression conditions were pH 8.0, 0.06 mmol/L IPTG, at 42 ℃ for 5 h. The purity of inclusion bodies was up to 60% after washing. The purity of target protein was more than 95% after refolding and purification. Our findings provide the foundation for further biological activity and drug development.

Coupling time constants of striated and copper-plated coated conductors and the potential of striation to reduce shielding-current-induced fields in pancake coils

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Amemiya, Naoyuki; Tominaga, Naoki; Toyomoto, Ryuki; Nishimoto, Takuma; Sogabe, Yusuke; Yamano, Satoshi; Sakamoto, Hisaki

2018-07-01

The shielding-current-induced field is a serious concern for the applications of coated conductors to magnets. The striation of the coated conductor is one of the countermeasures, but it is effective only after the decay of the coupling current, which is characterised with the coupling time constant. In a non-twisted striated coated conductor, the coupling time constant is determined primarily by its length and the transverse resistance between superconductor filaments, because the coupling current could flow along its entire length. We measured and numerically calculated the frequency dependences of magnetisation losses in striated and copper-plated coated conductors with various lengths and their stacks at 77 K and determined their coupling time constants. Stacked conductors simulate the turns of a conductor wound into a pancake coil. Coupling time constants are proportional to the square of the conductor length. Stacking striated coated conductors increases the coupling time constants because the coupling currents in stacked conductors are coupled to one another magnetically to increase the mutual inductances for the coupling current paths. We carried out the numerical electromagnetic field analysis of conductors wound into pancake coils and determined their coupling time constants. They can be explained by the length dependence and mutual coupling effect observed in stacked straight conductors. Even in pancake coils with practical numbers of turns, i.e. conductor lengths, the striation is effective to reduce the shielding-current-induced fields for some dc applications.

A comparison of lead-isotope measurements on exploration-type samples using inductively coupled plasma and thermal ionization mass spectrometry

USGS Publications Warehouse

Gulson, B.L.; Meier, A.L.; Church, S.E.; Mizon, K.J.

1989-01-01

Thermal ionization mass spectrometry (TI-MS) has long been the method of choice for Pb-isotope determinations. More recently, however, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) has been used to determine Pb-isotope ratios for mineral exploration. The ICP-MS technique, although not as precise as TI-MS, may promote a wider application of Ph-isotope ratio methods because it allows individual isotopes to be determined more rapidly, generally without need for chemical separation (e.g., Smith et al., 1984; Hinners et al., 1987). To demonstrate the utility of the ICP-MS method, we have conducted a series of Pb-isotope measurements on several suites of samples using both TI-MS and ICP-MS. ?? 1989.

Determination of rare earth elements in geological materials by inductively coupled argon plasma/atomic emission spectrometry

USGS Publications Warehouse

Crock, J.G.; Lichte, F.E.

1982-01-01

Inductively coupled argon plasma/optical emission spectrometery (ICAP/OES) is useful as a simultaneous, multielement analytical technique for the determination of trace elements in geological materials. A method for the determination of trace-level rare earth elements (REE) in geological materials using an ICAP 63-channel emission spectrometer is described. Separation and preconcentration of the REE and yttrium from a sample digest are achieved by a nitric acid gradient cation exchange and hydrochloric acid anion exchange. Precision of 1-4% relative standard deviation and comparable accuracy are demonstrated by the triplicate analysis of three splits of BCR-1 and BHVO-1. Analyses of other geological materials including coals, soils, and rocks show comparable precision and accuracy.

Method and system for determining induction motor speed

DOEpatents

Parlos, Alexander G.; Bharadwaj, Raj M.

2004-03-30

A non-linear, semi-parametric neural network-based adaptive filter is utilized to determine the dynamic speed of a rotating rotor within an induction motor, without the explicit use of a speed sensor, such as a tachometer, is disclosed. The neural network-based filter is developed using actual motor current measurements, voltage measurements, and nameplate information. The neural network-based adaptive filter is trained using an estimated speed calculator derived from the actual current and voltage measurements. The neural network-based adaptive filter uses voltage and current measurements to determine the instantaneous speed of a rotating rotor. The neural network-based adaptive filter also includes an on-line adaptation scheme that permits the filter to be readily adapted for new operating conditions during operations.

Electric Field Feature of Moving Magnetic Field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, You Jun

2001-05-01

A new fundamental relationship of electric field with magnetic field has been inferred from the fundamental experimental laws and theories of classical electromagnetics. It can be described as moving magnetic field has or gives electric feature. When a field with magnetic induction of B moves in the velocity of V, it will show electric field character, the electric field intensity E is E = B x V and the direction of E is in the direction of the vector B x V. It is improper to use the time-varying electromagnetics theories as the fundamental theory of the electromagnetics and group the electromagnetic field into static kind and time-varying kind for the static is relative to motional not only time-varying. The relationship of time variation of magnetic field induction or magnetic flux with electric field caused by magnetic field is fellowship not causality. Thus time-varying magnetic field can cause electric field is not a nature principle. Sometime the time variation of magnetic flux is equal to the negative electromotive force or the time variation of magnetic field induction is equal to the negative curl of electric field caused by magnetic field motion, but not always. And not all motion of magnetic field can cause time variation of magnetic field. Therefore Faraday-Lenz`s law can only be used as mathematics tool to calculate the quantity relation of the electricity with the magnetism in some case like the magnetic field moving in uniform medium. Faraday-Lenz`s law is unsuitable to be used in moving uniform magnetic field or there is magnetic shield. Key word: Motional magnetic field, Magnetic induction, Electric field intensity, Velocity, Faraday-Lenz’s law

Long-term survival of high-risk melanoma patients immunized with a Hyper-IL-6-modified allogeneic whole-cell vaccine after complete resection.

PubMed

Mackiewicz, Andrzej; Mackiewicz, Jacek; Wysocki, Piotr J; Wiznerowicz, Maciej; Kapcinska, Malgorzata; Laciak, Maria; Rose-John, Stefan; Izycki, Dariusz; Burzykowski, Tomasz; Karczewska-Dzionk, Aldona

2012-06-01

Two single arm, Phase II trials (3 and 5) were undertaken to determine the efficacy and toxicity of an adjuvant treatment using Hyper-IL-6 gene-modified whole-cell allogeneic melanoma vaccine in patients with stage IIIB-IV resected disease. Ninety-seven and 99 patients were enrolled into Trials 3 and 5, respectively. The primary endpoint was disease-free survival (DFS), and the secondary was overall survival (OS). Vaccine was administered eight times every 2 weeks (induction), every month (maintenance) until patient's death. At progression, maintenance was continued or induction was repeated followed by maintenance. Median follow-up was 10.5 and 6.2 years for Trials 3 and 5, respectively. No grade 3 or 4 toxicities were observed. An extension of DFS and OS was observed, when compared with historical non-treated controls. DFS probability at 5 years for Trials 3 and 5 was, respectively, 54.8% and 40.6% for stage IIIB, 25.0% and 24.0% for IIIC, and 8.5% and 17.7% for IV. OS probability at 5 years was, respectively, 66.7% and 56.3% for IIIB, 43.8% and 39.8% for IIIC, and 26.1% and 41.2% for IV. Continuous vaccination, regardless of the disease progression, re-induction, and immunization of patients until death resulted in patients a long-term survival.

Enhanced cellulase production by Trichoderma harzianum by cultivation on glycerol followed by induction on cellulosic substrates.

PubMed

Delabona, Priscila da Silva; Lima, Deise Juliana; Robl, Diogo; Rabelo, Sarita Cândida; Farinas, Cristiane Sanchez; Pradella, José Geraldo da Cruz

2016-05-01

The use of glycerol obtained as an intermediate of the biodiesel manufacturing process as carbon source for microbial growth is a potential alternative strategy for the production of enzymes and other high-value bioproducts. This work evaluates the production of cellulase enzymes using glycerol for high cell density growth of Trichoderma harzianum followed by induction with a cellulosic material. Firstly, the influence of the carbon source used in the pre-culture step was investigated in terms of total protein secretion and fungal morphology. Enzymatic productivity was then determined for cultivation strategies using different types and concentrations of carbon source, as well as different feeding procedures (batch and fed-batch). The best strategy for cellulase production was then further studied on a larger scale using a stirred tank bioreactor. The proposed strategy for cellulase production, using glycerol to achieve high cell density growth followed by induction with pretreated sugarcane bagasse, achieved enzymatic activities up to 2.27 ± 0.37 FPU/mL, 106.40 ± 8.87 IU/mL, and 9.04 ± 0.39 IU/mL of cellulase, xylanase, and β-glucosidase, respectively. These values were 2 times higher when compared to the control experiments using glucose instead of glycerol. This novel strategy proved to be a promising approach for improving cellulolytic enzymes production, and could potentially contribute to adding value to biomass within the biofuels sector.

Fast switching thyristor applied in nanosecond-pulse high-voltage generator with closed transformer core.

PubMed

Li, Lee; Bao, Chaobing; Feng, Xibo; Liu, Yunlong; Fochan, Lin

2013-02-01

For a compact and reliable nanosecond-pulse high-voltage generator (NPHVG), the specification parameter selection and potential usage of fast controllable state-solid switches have an important bearing on the optimal design. The NPHVG with closed transformer core and fast switching thyristor (FST) was studied in this paper. According to the analysis of T-type circuit, the expressions for the voltages and currents of the primary and secondary windings on the transformer core of NPHVG were deduced, and the theoretical maximum analysis was performed. For NPHVG, the rise-rate of turn-on current (di/dt) across a FST may exceed its transient rating. Both mean and maximum values of di/dt were determined by the leakage inductances of the transformer, and the difference is 1.57 times. The optimum winding ratio is helpful to getting higher voltage output with lower specification FST, especially when the primary and secondary capacitances have been established. The oscillation period analysis can be effectively used to estimate the equivalent leakage inductance. When the core saturation effect was considered, the maximum di/dt estimated from the oscillating period of the primary current is more accurate than one from the oscillating period of the secondary voltage. Although increasing the leakage inductance of NPHVG can decrease di/dt across FST, it may reduce the output peak voltage of the NPHVG.

Microwave assisted extraction of iodine and bromine from edible seaweed for inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry determination.

PubMed

Romarís-Hortas, Vanessa; Moreda-Piñeiro, Antonio; Bermejo-Barrera, Pilar

2009-08-15

The feasibility of microwave energy to assist the solubilisation of edible seaweed samples by tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH) has been investigated to extract iodine and bromine. Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) has been used as a multi-element detector. Variables affecting the microwave assisted extraction/solubilisation (temperature, TMAH volume, ramp time and hold time) were firstly screened by applying a fractional factorial design (2(5-1)+2), resolution V and 2 centre points. When extracting both halogens, results showed statistical significance (confidence interval of 95%) for TMAH volume and temperature, and also for the two order interaction between both variables. Therefore, these two variables were finally optimized by a 2(2)+star orthogonal central composite design with 5 centre points and 2 replicates, and optimum values of 200 degrees C and 10 mL for temperature and TMAH volume, respectively, were found. The extraction time (ramp and hold times) was found statistically non-significant, and values of 10 and 5 min were chosen for the ramp time and the hold time, respectively. This means a fast microwave heating cycle. Repeatability of the over-all procedure has been found to be 6% for both elements, while iodine and bromine concentrations of 24.6 and 19.9 ng g(-1), respectively, were established for the limit of detection. Accuracy of the method was assessed by analyzing the NIES-09 (Sargasso, Sargassum fulvellum) certified reference material (CRM) and the iodine and bromine concentrations found have been in good agreement with the indicative values for this CRM. Finally, the method was applied to several edible dried and canned seaweed samples.

Numerical natural rubber curing simulation, obtaining a controlled gradient of the state of cure in a thick-section part

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

El Labban, A.; Mousseau, P.; Bailleul, J. L.; Deterre, R.

2007-04-01

Although numerical simulation has proved to be a useful tool to predict the rubber vulcanization process, few applications in the process control have been reported. Because the end-use rubber properties depend on the state of cure distribution in the parts thickness, the prediction of the optimal distribution remains a challenge for the rubber industry. The analysis of the vulcanization process requires the determination of the thermal behavior of the material and the cure kinetics. A nonisothermal vulcanization model with nonisothermal induction time is used in this numerical study. Numerical results are obtained for natural rubber (NR) thick-section part curing. A controlled gradient of the state of cure in the part thickness is obtained by a curing process that consists not only in mold heating phase, but also a forced convection mold cooling phase in order to stop the vulcanization process and to control the vulcanization distribution. The mold design that allows this control is described. In the heating phase, the state of cure is mainly controlled by the chemical kinetics (the induction time), but in the cooling phase, it is the heat diffusion that controls the state of cure distribution. A comparison among different cooling conditions is shown and a good state of cure gradient control is obtained.

The Induction of Chaos in Electronic Circuits Final Report-October 1, 2001

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

R.M.Wheat, Jr.

2003-04-01

This project, now known by the name ''Chaos in Electronic Circuits,'' was originally tasked as a two-year project to examine various ''fault'' or ''non-normal'' operational states of common electronic circuits with some focus on determining the feasibility of exploiting these states. Efforts over the two-year duration of this project have been dominated by the study of the chaotic behavior of electronic circuits. These efforts have included setting up laboratory space and hardware for conducting laboratory tests and experiments, acquiring and developing computer simulation and analysis capabilities, conducting literature surveys, developing test circuitry and computer models to exercise and test ourmore » capabilities, and experimenting with and studying the use of RF injection as a means of inducing chaotic behavior in electronics. An extensive array of nonlinear time series analysis tools have been developed and integrated into a package named ''After Acquisition'' (AA), including capabilities such as Delayed Coordinate Embedding Mapping (DCEM), Time Resolved (3-D) Fourier Transform, and several other phase space re-creation methods. Many computer models have been developed for Spice and for the ATP (Alternative Transients Program), modeling the several working circuits that have been developed for use in the laboratory. And finally, methods of induction of chaos in electronic circuits have been explored.« less

The inhibition of tetrahydrofuran clathrate-hydrate formation with antifreeze protein

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zeng, H.; Wilson, L. D.; Walker, V. K.; Ripmeester, J. A.

2003-01-01

The effect of Type I fish antifreeze protein (AFP) from the winter flounder, Pleuronectes americanus (Walbaum), (WfAFP) on the formation of tetrahydrofuran (THF) clathrate hydrate was studied by observing changes in THF crystal morphology and determining the induction time for nucleation. AFP retarded THF clathrate-hydrate growth at the tested temperatures and modified the THF clathrate-hydrate crystal morphology from octahedral to plate-like. AFP appears to be even more effective than the kinetic inhibitor, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). Recombinant AFP from an insect, a spruce budworm, Choristoneura fumiferana (Clem.), moth, (Cf) was also tested for inhibition activity by observation of the THF-hydrate-crystal-growth habit. Like WfAFP, CfAFP appeared to show adsorption on multiple THF-hydrate-crystal faces. A protein with no antifreeze activity, cytochrome C, was used as a control and it neither changed the morphology of the THF clathrate-hydrate crystals, nor retarded the formation of the hydrate. Preliminary experiments on the inhibition activity of WfAFP on a natural gas hydrate assessed induction time and the amount of propane gas consumed. Similar to the observations for THF, the data indicated that WfAFP inhibited propane-hydrate growth. Taken together, these results support our hypothesis that AFPs can inhibit clathrate-hydrate growth and as well, offer promise for the understanding of the inhibition mechanism.

Interaction of exogenous refractory nanophases with antimony dissolved in liquid iron

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Burtsev, V. T.; Anuchkin, S. N.; Samokhin, A. V.

2017-07-01

The heterophase interaction of Al2O3 refractory nanoparticles with a surfactant impurity (antimony) in the Fe-Sb (0.095 wt %)-O (0.008 wt %) system is studied. It is shown that the introduction of 0.06-0.18 wt % Al2O3 nanoparticles (25-83 nm) into a melt during isothermal holding for up to 1200 s leads to a decrease in the antimony content: the maximum degree of antimony removal is 26 rel %. The sessile drop method is used to investigate the surface tension and the density of Fe, Fe-Sb, and Fe-Sb-Al2O3 melts. The polytherms of the surface tension of these melts have a linear character, the removal of antimony from the Fe-Sb-Al2O3 melts depends on the time of melting in a vacuum induction furnace, and the experimental results obtained reveal the kinetic laws of the structure formation in the surface layers of the melts. The determined melt densities demonstrate that the introduction of antimony into the Fe-O melt causes an increase in its compression by 47 rel %. The structure of the Fe-Sb-O melt after the introduction of Al2O3 nanoparticles depends on the time of melting in a vacuum induction furnace.

An induction furnace for the determination of cadmium in solutions and zinc-base metals by atomic-absorption spectroscopy.

PubMed

Headridge, J B; Smith, D R

1971-03-01

An induction furnace coupled to a Unicam SP90 atomic-absorption spectrophotometer is described for the determination of traces of volatile elements in solutions and volatile matrices. The apparatus has been used to obtain calibration graphs for 1-20 and 50-750 ng of cadmium in microl-volumes of solution, the 228.8 and 326.2 nm resonance lines respectively being used, and to determine cadmium in 5-mg samples of zinc-base metals within the concentration range 5-400 microg g by using the less sensitive 326-2-nm line. A furnace temperature of 1,350 degrees was used. Data on accuracy and precision are presented. The apparatus could readily be used to determine trace elements in volatile materials at concentrations of 10-1000 ng/g .

How similar are recognition memory and inductive reasoning?

PubMed

Hayes, Brett K; Heit, Evan

2013-07-01

Conventionally, memory and reasoning are seen as different types of cognitive activities driven by different processes. In two experiments, we challenged this view by examining the relationship between recognition memory and inductive reasoning involving multiple forms of similarity. A common study set (members of a conjunctive category) was followed by a test set containing old and new category members, as well as items that matched the study set on only one dimension. The study and test sets were presented under recognition or induction instructions. In Experiments 1 and 2, the inductive property being generalized was varied in order to direct attention to different dimensions of similarity. When there was no time pressure on decisions, patterns of positive responding were strongly affected by property type, indicating that different types of similarity were driving recognition and induction. By comparison, speeded judgments showed weaker property effects and could be explained by generalization based on overall similarity. An exemplar model, GEN-EX (GENeralization from EXamples), could account for both the induction and recognition data. These findings show that induction and recognition share core component processes, even when the tasks involve flexible forms of similarity.

A study of carburetor/induction system icing in general aviation accidents

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Obermayer, R. W.; Roe, W. T.

1975-01-01

An assessment of the frequency and severity of carburetor/induction icing in general-aviation accidents was performed. The available literature and accident data from the National Transportation Safety Board were collected. A computer analysis of the accident data was performed. Between 65 and 90 accidents each year involve carburetor/induction system icing as a probable cause/factor. Under conditions conducive to carburetor/induction icing, between 50 and 70 percent of engine malfunction/failure accidents (exclusive of those due to fuel exhaustion) are due to carburetor/induction system icing. Since the evidence of such icing may not remain long after an accident, it is probable that the frequency of occurrence of such accidents is underestimated; therefore, some extrapolation of the data was conducted. The problem of carburetor/induction system icing is particularly acute for pilots with less than 1000 hours of total flying time. The severity of such accidents is about the same as any accident resulting from a forced landing or precautionary landing. About 144 persons, on the average, are exposed to death and injury each year in accidents involving carburetor/induction icing as a probable cause/factor.

Students' inductive reasoning skills and the relevance of prior knowledge: an exploratory study with a computer-based training course on the topic of acne vulgaris.

PubMed

Horn-Ritzinger, Sabine; Bernhardt, Johannes; Horn, Michael; Smolle, Josef

2011-04-01

The importance of inductive instruction in medical education is increasingly growing. Little is known about the relevance of prior knowledge regarding students' inductive reasoning abilities. The purpose is to evaluate this inductive teaching method as a means of fostering higher levels of learning and to explore how individual differences in prior knowledge (high [HPK] vs. low [LPK]) contribute to students' inductive reasoning skills. Twenty-six LPK and 18 HPK students could train twice with an interactive computer-based training object to discover the underlying concept before doing the final comprehension check. Students had a median of 76.9% of correct answers in the first, 90.9% in the second training, and answered 92% of the final assessment questions correctly. More important, 86% of all students succeeded with inductive learning, among them 83% of the HPK students and 89% of the LPK students. Prior knowledge did not predict performance on overall comprehension. This inductive instructional strategy fostered students' deep approaches to learning in a time-effective way.

An investigation into reasoning biases, mood and cognitive state, and subclinical delusional ideation.

PubMed

Medlin, Haley; Warman, Debbie

2014-12-15

Following research on reasoning and the continuum of delusional ideation, the present study attempted to investigate the impact of different experimentally-induced states (stress, paranoia, and neutral) on the jumping-to-conclusions reasoning bias in individuals with varying levels of subclinical delusional ideation (SDI). Participants (N=117) completed a measure of subclinical delusional ideation (the Peters et al. Delusions Inventory or PDI; Peters et al., 1999); and were randomly assigned to receive one of two experimental inductions (stress or paranoia), or no experimental induction; their performance on two probabilistic reasoning tasks--one easy and one challenging--was assessed. Although no differences were found between individuals with high vs. low subclinical delusional ideation in the no induction condition or following the paranoia induction, in the stress-induction condition, individuals with high levels of subclinical delusional ideation were significantly less likely to jump to conclusions on the easy reasoning task. No significant effects emerged on the more challenging task. Assessment of post-test paranoid thinking indicated our paranoia induction did not have its intended effect. Importantly, because there was no pre-test of anxiety, paranoid thinking, or reasoning to determine if they shifted after the inductions, results need to be interpreted with caution. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Induction as Knowledge Integration

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, Benjamin D.; Rosenbloom, Paul S.

1996-01-01

Two key issues for induction algorithms are the accuracy of the learned hypothesis and the computational resources consumed in inducing that hypothesis. One of the most promising ways to improve performance along both dimensions is to make use of additional knowledge. Multi-strategy learning algorithms tackle this problem by employing several strategies for handling different kinds of knowledge in different ways. However, integrating knowledge into an induction algorithm can be difficult when the new knowledge differs significantly from the knowledge the algorithm already uses. In many cases the algorithm must be rewritten. This paper presents Knowledge Integration framework for Induction (KII), a KII, that provides a uniform mechanism for integrating knowledge into induction. In theory, arbitrary knowledge can be integrated with this mechanism, but in practice the knowledge representation language determines both the knowledge that can be integrated, and the costs of integration and induction. By instantiating KII with various set representations, algorithms can be generated at different trade-off points along these dimensions. One instantiation of KII, called RS-KII, is presented that can implement hybrid induction algorithms, depending on which knowledge it utilizes. RS-KII is demonstrated to implement AQ-11, as well as a hybrid algorithm that utilizes a domain theory and noisy examples. Other algorithms are also possible.

Predictive risk factors for failure to induction therapy of lupus nephritis in a cohort of Colombian patients.

PubMed

Pinto Peñaranda, Luis Fernando; Castro Mercado, Inis Lizeth; Duque Caballero, Vladimir; Márquez Hernández, Javier Darío; Velásquez Franco, Carlos Jaime

2014-01-01

To determine the predictors of failure to obtain remission after induction therapy for proliferative lupus nephritis in a group of northwestern Colombian patients. A retrospective study was conducted. We included patients with systemic lupus erythematosus according to the American College of Rheumatology criteria who had nephritis confirmed by renal biopsy. We followed 84 patients: 88.1% female, and 11.9% male. The mean age at diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus was 27.5±11.8 years (9-70). The average time between diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus and proliferative nephritis onset was 13.6 months (0-168). Histopathologic type: iv (78.57%), iii (15.47%), iii-iv/v (5.96%). Activity index: 6.7±4.6. Chronicity index: 2±2.7. 24-hour proteinuria (mg): 6,164 (130-18,100). Baseline creatinine: 1.14 mg/dL (0.43-7.4). Induction therapy: Steroids (100%), cyclophosphamide (76.2%) and mycophenolate mofetil (23.8%). At six months, 56% of individuals failed to achieve partial or complete remission. Predictors of failure to induction therapy were, in accordance with the bivariate analysis (OR; 95%CI): creatinine level more than 1.2mg/dL (10.8; 3.18-36.84; P<.005), nephrotic range proteinuria (11.9; 3.09-45.8; P<.001), and an activity index above 8 (5.04; 1.7-14.3; P<.001). In the multivariate analysis, only baseline creatinine higher than 1.2mg/dL (10.92; 2.65-45.02; P=.001), and nephrotic range proteinuria (9.81; 1.85-52.04; P=.007) were significant. A significant percentage of Colombian patients fail to achieve remission of proliferative lupus nephritis after six months of treatment. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier España, S.L. All rights reserved.

Sounding of Europa's interior using multi-frequency electromagnetic induction from a Europa orbiter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khurana, K. K.; Kivelson, M. G.; Russell, C. T.

2000-12-01

Magnetic field observations from Galileo have shown that Europa induces a strong response to the varying field of Jupiter's magnetosphere. These observations are consistent with a global conductor located close to the surface. Khurana et al. [1998] and Kivelson et al. [1999] have shown that a moon-wide ocean with a conductivity similar to the Earth's ocean and having a thickness of at least 6 km could produce the observed induction signature. Many other geological and geophysical observations are consistent with this interpretation (See Pappalardo et al. [1999] for further details.). The magnetic induction signature at a single frequency can also be explained with a model in which the conducting layer is thinner (thicker) but has higher (lower) conductivity. The initial work relied on the variations of the time varying field at the synodic rotation period of Jupiter (as seen in the rest frame of the moon) to infer the interior structure of Europa. We have extended the initial analysis by showing that the spectrum of the primary field contains several other important frequencies. We single out one frequency-corresponding to the orbital period of Europa-for further examination. We show that by modeling the induction response at this frequency in addition to the previously used synodic frequency for a range of ocean shell thicknesses and conductivities, the ocean conductivity and the thickness of the ocean at Europa can be determined uniquely. We discuss how the measurements from an orbiting spacecraft can be decomposed into the internal (which is the secondary field) and external (the primary imposed field) components not only for the steady field but also for the varying field.

Timing and Frequency of Sublethal Exposure Modifies the Induction and Retention of Increased Insecticide Tolerance in Wood Frogs (Lithobates sylvaticus).

PubMed

Jones, Devin K; Yates, Erika K; Mattes, Brian M; Hintz, William D; Schuler, Matthew S; Relyea, Rick A

2018-05-22

While the paradigm for increased tolerance to pesticides has been by selection on constitutive (naïve) traits, recent research has shown it can also occur through phenotypic plasticity. However, the time period in which induction can occur, the duration of induced tolerance, and the influence of multiple induction events remain unknown. We hypothesized that the induction of increased pesticide tolerance is limited to early sensitive periods, the magnitude of induced tolerance depends on the number of exposures, and the retention of induced tolerance depends on the time elapsed after an exposure and the number of exposures. To test these hypotheses, we exposed wood frog tadpoles to either a no-carbaryl control (water) or 0.5 mg/L carbaryl at four time periods, and later tested their tolerance to carbaryl using time-to-death assays. We discovered that tadpoles induced increased tolerance early and midway, but not late, in our experiment and their constitutive tolerance increased with age. We found no difference in the magnitude of induced tolerance following one or two exposures. Lastly, induced pesticide tolerance was reversed within 6 d, but was retained only when tadpoles experienced all four consecutive exposures. Phenotypic plasticity provides an immediate response for sensitive amphibian larvae to early pesticide exposures and reduces phenotypic mismatches in aquatic environments contaminated by agrochemicals. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Does acupuncture used in nulliparous women reduce time from prelabour rupture of membranes at term to active phase of labour? A randomised controlled trial.

PubMed

Selmer-Olsen, Tone; Lydersen, Stian; Mørkved, Siv

2007-01-01

To assess if acupuncture influences the onset of labour and the need for induction after prelabour rupture of membranes (PROM) in nulliparous women. Further, to investigate a possible effect of acupuncture on the woman's wellbeing. In a randomised controlled trial (RCT), 106 nulliparous women with PROM were allocated to an acupuncture group (AG) or a control group (CG). The outcome measures were time from PROM to onset of active phase of labour, and rate of inductions if labour was absent after 2 days. The women's self-reported wellbeing was registered on a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). There was no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups regarding time from PROM to active phase (median times in AG versus CG: 15 versus 20.5 h, p=0.34). Additionally, there was no difference between the 2 groups in the need for induction. We found no significant differences in self-reported wellbeing, but the women receiving acupuncture considered their treatment to be more positive than the controls (p=0.003). No adverse effects were reported. Acupuncture treatment used in nulliparas after PROM showed no significant effect in reducing time to active labour or in reducing rate of inductions. There was no change in wellbeing as a result of acupuncture, but it was considered positive to receive this kind of treatment while waiting for labour to begin.

SPECIATION OF SELENIUM AND ARSENIC COMPOUNDS BY CAPILLARY ELECTROPHORESIS WITH HYDRODYNAMICALLY MODIFIED ELECTROOSMOTIC FLOW AND ON-LINE REDUCTION OF SELENIUM(VI) TO SELENIUM(IV) WITH HYDRIDE GENERATION INDUCTIVELY COUPLED PLASMA MASS SPECTROMETRIC DETECTION

EPA Science Inventory

Capillary electrophoresis (CE) with hydride generation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry was used to determine four arsenicals and two selenium species. Selenate (SeVI) was reduced on-line to selenite (SeIV') by mixing the CE effluent with concentrated HCl. A microporo...

Manufacturing and Application of Metalized Ore-Coal Pellets in Synthetic Pig Iron Smelting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nokhrina, O. I.; Rozhikhina, I. D.; Khodosov, I. E.

2016-08-01

The article presents research data on manufacturing and application of metalized ore-coal pellets in synthetic pig iron smelting. A technology of pellets metallization by means of solid-phase reduction of iron from oxides using hematite-magnetite iron ore and low-caking coal as raw materials is described. Industrial testing of replacing 10, 15, and 20% of waste metal by the metalized ore-coal pellets in the coreless induction furnace IST-1 is described. Optimal temperature and time conditions of feeding the metalized pellets into the furnace in smelting pig iron of SCh-40-60 grade are determined.

Titrated propofol induction vs. continuous infusion in children undergoing magnetic resonance imaging.

PubMed

Cho, J E; Kim, W O; Chang, D J; Choi, E M; Oh, S Y; Kil, H K

2010-04-01

Propofol is the popular intravenous (i.v.) anaesthetic for paediatric sedation because of its rapid onset and recovery. We compared the efficacy and safety of a single dose and conventional infusion of propofol for sedation in children who underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This was a double-blind, randomized-controlled study. One hundred and sixty children were assigned to group I (single dose) or II (infusion). Sedation was induced with i.v. propofol 2 mg/kg, and supplemental doses of propofol 0.5 mg/kg were administered until adequate sedation was achieved. After the induction of sedation, we treated patients with a continuous infusion of normal saline at a rate of 0.3 ml/kg/h in group I and the same volume of propofol in group II. In case of inadequate sedation, additional propofol 0.5 mg/kg was administered and the infusion rate was increased by 0.05 ml/kg/h. Induction time, sedation time, recovery time, additional sedation and adverse events were recorded. Recovery time was significantly shorter in group I compared with group II [0 (0-3) vs. 1 (0-3), respectively, P<0.001]. Group I (single dose) had significantly more patients with recovery time 0 compared with group II (infusion) (65/80 vs. 36/80, respectively, P<0.001). Induction and sedation times were not significantly different between groups. There was no significant difference in the frequency of additional sedation and adverse events between groups. A single dose of propofol without a continuous infusion can provide appropriate sedation in children undergoing MRI for <30 min.

Gastrulation and pre-gastrulation morphogenesis, inductions, and gene expression: similarities and dissimilarities between urodelean and anuran embryos.

PubMed

Kaneda, Teruo; Motoki, Jun-ya Doi

2012-09-01

Studies of meso-endoderm and neural induction and subsequent body plan formation have been analyzed using mainly amphibians as the experimental model. Xenopus is currently the predominant model, because it best enables molecular analysis of these induction processes. However, much of the embryological information on these inductions (e.g., those of the Spemann-Mangold organizer), and on the morphogenetic movements of inductively interacting tissues, derives from research on non-model amphibians, especially urodeles. Although the final body pattern is strongly conserved in vertebrates, and although many of the same developmental genes are expressed, it has become evident that there are individually diverse modes of morphogenesis and timing of developmental events. Whether or not this diversity represents essential differences in the early induction processes remains unclear. The aim of this review is to compare the gastrulation process, induction processes, and gene expressions between a urodele, mainly Cynops pyrrhogaster, and an anura, Xenopus laevis, thereby to clarify conserved and diversified aspects. Cynops gastrulation differs significantly from that of Xenopus in that specification of the regions of the Xenopus dorsal marginal zone (DMZ) are specified before the onset of gastrulation, as marked by blastopore formation, whereas the equivalent state of specification does not occur in Cynops until the middle of gastrulation. Detailed comparison of the germ layer structure and morphogenetic movements during the pre-gastrula and gastrula stages shows that the entire gastrulation process should be divided into two phases of notochord induction and neural induction. Cynops undergoes these processes sequentially after the onset of gastrulation, whereas Xenopus undergoes notochord induction during a series of pre-gastrulation movements, and its traditionally defined period of gastrulation only includes the neural induction phase. Comparing the structure, fate, function and state of commitment of each domain of the DMZ of Xenopus and Cynops has revealed that the true form of the Spemann-Mangold organizer is suprablastoporal gsc-expressing endoderm that has notochord-inducing activity. Gsc-expressing deep endoderm and/or superficial endoderm in Xenopus is involved in inducing notochord during pre-gastrulation morphogenesis, rather than both gsc- and bra-expressing tissues being induced at the same time. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

[Assessment of local and systemic inflammatory parameters of peripheral burn in an animal model].

PubMed

Torres, Wilmary; Mendoza, Liseth; Vicci, Hember; Eblen-Zajjur, Antonio; Navarro, María

2016-01-01

To evaluate the edema volume and leukocyte, platelet, and fibrinogen count of peripheral burn in an animal model. The back left leg of Rattus norvegicus (experimental group) was placed in water at 60 °C for 60 seconds or at room temperature (control group). An analysis was carried out before and after the induced burn (at 4, 8, 12, and 24 h). The edema volume was determined by an orthogonal photo, the leukocyte and platelet counts were determined using automated equipment, and the fibrinogen count was determined using the gravimetric method. The maximum value of the edema was recorded at 4 h and leukocytes at 24 h. The platelet count did not vary at different post-edema time intervals. The fibrinogen level increased at 4 h and 24 h. In this animal model we induced systemic inflammation characterized by leukocytosis and elevated fibrinogen levels, combined with edema located at the induction area.

Hydrogenation and interesterification effects on the oxidative stability and melting point of soybean oil.

PubMed

Daniels, Roger L; Kim, Hyun Jung; Min, David B

2006-08-09

Soybean oil with an iodine value of 136 was hydrogenated to have iodine values of 126 and 117. The soybean oils with iodine values of 136, 126, and 117 were randomly interesterified using sodium methoxide. The oxidative stabilities of the hydrogenated and/or interesterified soybean oils were evaluated by measuring the headspace oxygen content by gas chromatography, and the induction time was measured using Rancimat. The melting points of the oils were evaluated by differential scanning calorimetry. Duncan's multiple range test of the headspace oxygen and induction time showed that hydrogenation increased the headspace oxygen content and induction time at alpha = 0.05. Interesterification decreased the headspace oxygen and the induction time for the soybean oils with iodine values of 136, 126, and 117 at alpha = 0.05. Hydrogenation increased the melting points as the iodine value decreased from 136 and 126 to 117 at alpha = 0.05. The random interesterification increased the melting points of soybean oils with iodine values of 136, 126, and 117 at alpha = 0.05. The combined effects of hydrogenation and interesterification increased the oxidative stability of soybean oil at alpha = 0.05 and the melting point at alpha = 0.01. The optimum combination of hydrogenation and random interesterification can improve the oxidative stability and increase the melting point to expand the application of soybean oil in foods.

Memory Self-Efficacy Predicts Responsiveness to Inductive Reasoning Training in Older Adults

PubMed Central

Jackson, Joshua J.; Hill, Patrick L.; Gao, Xuefei; Roberts, Brent W.; Stine-Morrow, Elizabeth A. L.

2012-01-01

Objectives. In the current study, we assessed the relationship between memory self-efficacy at pretest and responsiveness to inductive reasoning training in a sample of older adults. Methods. Participants completed a measure of self-efficacy assessing beliefs about memory capacity. Participants were then randomly assigned to a waitlist control group or an inductive reasoning training intervention. Latent change score models were used to examine the moderators of change in inductive reasoning. Results. Inductive reasoning showed clear improvements in the training group compared with the control. Within the training group, initial memory capacity beliefs significantly predicted change in inductive reasoning such that those with higher levels of capacity beliefs showed greater responsiveness to the intervention. Further analyses revealed that self-efficacy had effects on how trainees allocated time to the training materials over the course of the intervention. Discussion. Results indicate that self-referential beliefs about cognitive potential may be an important factor contributing to plasticity in adulthood. PMID:21743037

Effect of peritoneal cavity lavage with 0.9% and 3.0% saline solution in the lung and spleen of gerbils with induced peritonitis.

PubMed

Nunes, Vinícius Rodrigues Taranto; Barbuto, Rafael Calvão; Vidigal, Paula Vieira Teixeira; Pena, Guilherme Nogueira; Rocha, Silvia Lunardi; de Siqueira, Lucas Tourinho; Caliari, Marcelo Vidigal; de Araujo, Ivana Duval

2014-04-01

Peritoneal cavity lavage is used widely in the treatment of peritonitis. Nonetheless, some studies question its rationale and prove it to be deleterious to the mesothelium. The present study aims to determine whether 0.9% and 3.0% saline lavage of the peritoneal cavity have an effect on the early systemic inflammatory response, namely, in the lung injury and splenic cellularity of gerbils with induced peritonitis. Thirty-four male gerbils were divided into four groups: Control (n=9), submitted to laparotomy at time zero, re-laparotomy after 2 h, and sacrificed after a total of 6 h from start; untreated (n=8), submitted to peritonitis induction through cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) at time zero, re-laparotomy intended for drying of abdominal cavity and resection of the ischemic cecum after 2 h, and sacrifice after a total of 6 h from start; saline (n=8), submitted to peritonitis induction through CLP at time zero, re-laparotomy intended for warm 0.9% saline lavage of the abdominal cavity and resection of the ischemic cecum after 2 h, and sacrificed after a total of 6 h from start; and hypertonic (n=9), submitted to peritonitis induction through CLP at time zero, re-laparotomy intended for warm hypertonic saline (3.0%) lavage of the abdominal cavity and resection of the ischemic cecum after 2 h, and sacrificed after a total of 6 h from start. After sacrifice, we collected the left lung and the spleen for morphometric analysis. In the both the saline and hypertonic groups, there was significant decrease in the mean nuclei count in the lungs, compared with the untreated group (p<0.01). There was no difference in terms of nuclei count in the spleen among groups (p>0.05). The present study demonstrated that the peritoneal lavage with large volumes of warm 0.9% and 3.0% saline has a beneficial effect on the early systemic inflammatory response in infected animals, modulating and reducing the lung injury but having no effect on splenic cell count.

A clinical trial of supervised exercise for adult inpatients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) undergoing induction chemotherapy☆

PubMed Central

Alibhai, Shabbir M.H.; O’Neill, Sara; Fisher-Schlombs, Karla; Breunis, Henriette; Brandwein, Joseph M.; Timilshina, Narhari; Tomlinson, George A.; Klepin, Heidi D.; Culos-Reed, S. Nicole

2013-01-01

Patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) receiving induction chemotherapy (IC) were enrolled in a supervised exercise intervention to determine safety, feasibility, and efficacy. Physical fitness measures, quality of life (QOL) and fatigue were assessed using standardized measures at baseline, post-induction, and post first consolidation. Retention was excellent, the intervention was safe, and efficacy estimates suggested benefits in physical fitness and QOL outcomes. Exercise is a safe, promising intervention for improving fitness and QOL in this patient population. These results provide a foundation for a randomized trial to better understand the impact of exercise during IC on clinically important outcomes. PMID:22726923

Time-Domain Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (TD-NMR) and Chemometrics for Determination of Fat Content in Commercial Products of Milk Powder.

PubMed

Nascimento, Paloma Andrade Martins; Barsanelli, Paulo Lopes; Rebellato, Ana Paula; Pallone, Juliana Azevedo Lima; Colnago, Luiz Alberto; Pereira, Fabíola Manhas Verbi

2017-03-01

This study shows the use of time-domain (TD)-NMR transverse relaxation (T2) data and chemometrics in the nondestructive determination of fat content for powdered food samples such as commercial dried milk products. Most proposed NMR spectroscopy methods for measuring fat content correlate free induction decay or echo intensities with the sample's mass. The need for the sample's mass limits the analytical frequency of NMR determination, because weighing the samples is an additional step in this procedure. Therefore, the method proposed here is based on a multivariate model of T2 decay, measured with Carr-Purcell-Meiboom-Gill pulse sequence and reference values of fat content. The TD-NMR spectroscopy method shows high correlation (r = 0.95) with the lipid content, determined by the standard extraction method of Bligh and Dyer. For comparison, fat content determination was also performed using a multivariate model with near-IR (NIR) spectroscopy, which is also a nondestructive method. The advantages of the proposed TD-NMR method are that it (1) minimizes toxic residue generation, (2) performs measurements with high analytical frequency (a few seconds per analysis), and (3) does not require sample preparation (such as pelleting, needed for NIR spectroscopy analyses) or weighing the samples.

Heat and cold acclimation in helium-cold hypothermia in the hamster.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Musacchia, X. J.

1972-01-01

A study was made of the effects of acclimation of hamsters to high (34-35 C) and low (4-5 C) temperatures for periods up to 6 weeks on the induction of hypothermia in hamsters. Hypothermia was achieved by exposing hamsters to a helox mixture of 80% helium and 20% oxygen at 0 C. Hypothermic induction was most rapid (2-3 hr) in heat-acclimated hamsters and slowest (6-12 hr) in cold-acclimated hamsters. The induction period was intermediate (5-8 hr) in room temperature nonacclimated animals (controls). Survival time in hypothermia was relatable to previous temperature acclimations. The hypothesis that thermogenesis in cold-acclimated hamsters would accentuate resistance to induction of hypothermia was substantiated.

Time-dependent pharmacokinetics of dexamethasone and its efficacy in human breast cancer xenograft mice: a semi-mechanism-based pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic model.

PubMed

Li, Jian; Chen, Rong; Yao, Qing-Yu; Liu, Sheng-Jun; Tian, Xiu-Yun; Hao, Chun-Yi; Lu, Wei; Zhou, Tian-Yan

2018-03-01

Dexamethasone (DEX) is the substrate of CYP3A. However, the activity of CYP3A could be induced by DEX when DEX was persistently administered, resulting in auto-induction and time-dependent pharmacokinetics (pharmacokinetics with time-dependent clearance) of DEX. In this study we investigated the pharmacokinetic profiles of DEX after single or multiple doses in human breast cancer xenograft nude mice and established a semi-mechanism-based pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) model for characterizing the time-dependent PK of DEX as well as its anti-cancer effect. The mice were orally given a single or multiple doses (8 mg/kg) of DEX, and the plasma concentrations of DEX were assessed using LC-MS/MS. Tumor volumes were recorded daily. Based on the experimental data, a two-compartment model with first order absorption and time-dependent clearance was established, and the time-dependence of clearance was modeled by a sigmoid E max equation. Moreover, a semi-mechanism-based PK/PD model was developed, in which the auto-induction effect of DEX on its metabolizing enzyme CYP3A was integrated and drug potency was described using an E max equation. The PK/PD model was further used to predict the drug efficacy when the auto-induction effect was or was not considered, which further revealed the necessity of adding the auto-induction effect into the final PK/PD model. This study established a semi-mechanism-based PK/PD model for characterizing the time-dependent pharmacokinetics of DEX and its anti-cancer effect in breast cancer xenograft mice. The model may serve as a reference for DEX dose adjustments or optimization in future preclinical or clinical studies.

Does ultrasonographic foetal head position prior to induction of labour predict the outcome of delivery?

PubMed

Verhoeven, Corine J M; Mulders, Leon G M; Oei, S Guid; Mol, Ben Willem J

2012-10-01

To examine the capacity of pre-induction sonographic assessment of occipital position of the foetal head to predict the outcome of delivery, and to assess whether sonographic foetal head position before induction of labour is related to foetal presentation at delivery. A prospective cohort study was conducted in the Máxima Medical Centre, The Netherlands. We included consecutive women in whom labour was induced. Immediately prior to induction a transabdominal ultrasound was performed to determine the position of the foetal occiput. The primary outcome was mode of delivery. We recorded maternal demographics, labour and delivery characteristics, maternal and neonatal outcomes. The association between position of the foetal head before induction of labour and the occurrence of caesarean section was addressed using univariable and logistic regression analysis. From the 50 of the 183 foetuses that started labour in occipitoposterior position, 11 persisted in occipitoposterior position until birth, whereas from the 120 foetuses that were in occipitoanterior position before induction, three children were born in an occipitoposterior position. Although we found a difference in caesarean section rate between OP position and OA position of the foetal head at sonography prior to induction, this was not statistically significant (14% versus 6.7%, OR 2.3, 95% CI 0.78-6.7). Our study demonstrates that OP position prior to labour induction does not affect mode of delivery. Sonographic assessment of the position of the foetal head prior to labour induction should not be introduced in clinical practice. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Self-Paced Physics, Segments 37-40.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

New York Inst. of Tech., Old Westbury.

Four study segments of the Self-Paced Physics Course materials are presented in this eighth problems and solutions book used as a part of course assignments. The content is related to magnetic induction, Faraday's law, induced currents, Lenz's law, induced electromotive forces, time-varying magnetic fields, self-inductance, inductors,…

Recommendations for Induction Training for Operators, Craftsmen and Ancillary Workers.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chemical and Allied Products Industry Training Board, Staines (England).

These recommendations by the Chemical and Allied Products Industry Training Board of Great Britain concerning employee induction or orientation cover such aspects as pay and pensions, working conditions, discipline, safety, medical services. Topics and time allocations are suggested for the initial interview, the first day, and subsequent…

Application of induction heating in food processing and cooking: A Review

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Induction heating is an electromagnetic heating technology that has several advantages such as high safety, scalability, and high energy efficiency. It has been applied for a long time in metal processing, medical applications, and cooking. However, the application of this technology in the food pro...

Demonstration of Lenz's Law with an Induction Motor

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kraftmakher, Yaakov

2005-01-01

The interaction of a conductor with a time-dependent magnetic field is an important topic of electromagnetic theory. A computerized classroom demonstration shows how the eddy currents induced in the rotor of an induction motor cause its rotation or braking. Both phenomena are directly related to Lenz's law.

Demonstration of LenzÂ's law with an induction motor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kraftmakher, Yaakov

2005-03-01

The interaction of a conductor with a time-dependent magnetic field is an important topic of electromagnetic theory. A computerized classroom demonstration shows how the eddy currents induced in the rotor of an induction motor cause its rotation or braking. Both phenomena are directly related to Lenz’s law.

The seats of reason? An imaging study of deductive and inductive reasoning.

PubMed

Goel, V; Gold, B; Kapur, S; Houle, S

1997-03-24

We carried out a neuroimaging study to test the neurophysiological predictions made by different cognitive models of reasoning. Ten normal volunteers performed deductive and inductive reasoning tasks while their regional cerebral blood flow pattern was recorded using [15O]H2O PET imaging. In the control condition subjects semantically comprehended sets of three sentences. In the deductive reasoning condition subjects determined whether the third sentence was entailed by the first two sentences. In the inductive reasoning condition subjects reported whether the third sentence was plausible given the first two sentences. The deduction condition resulted in activation of the left inferior frontal gyrus (Brodmann areas 45, 47). The induction condition resulted in activation of a large area comprised of the left medial frontal gyrus, the left cingulate gyrus, and the left superior frontal gyrus (Brodmann areas 8, 9, 24, 32). Induction was distinguished from deduction by the involvement of the medial aspect of the left superior frontal gyrus (Brodmann areas 8, 9). These results are consistent with cognitive models of reasoning that postulate different mechanisms for inductive and deductive reasoning and view deduction as a formal rule-based process.

Induction of the nuclear factor HIF-1{alpha} in acetaminophen toxicity: Evidence for oxidative stress

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

James, Laura P.; Donahower, Brian; Burke, Angela S.

2006-04-28

Hypoxia inducible factor (HIF) controls the transcription of genes involved in angiogenesis, erythropoiesis, glycolysis, and cell survival. HIF-1{alpha} levels are a critical determinant of HIF activity. The induction of HIF-1{alpha} was examined in the livers of mice treated with a toxic dose of APAP (300 mg/kg IP) and sacrificed at 1, 2, 4, 8, and 12 h. HIF-1{alpha} was induced at 1-12 h and induction occurred prior to the onset of toxicity. Pre-treatment of mice with N-acetylcysteine (1200 mg/kg IP) prevented toxicity and HIF-1{alpha} induction. In further studies, hepatocyte suspensions were incubated with APAP (1 mM) in the presence ofmore » an oxygen atmosphere. HIF-1{alpha} was induced at 1 h, prior to the onset of toxicity. Inclusion of cyclosporine A (10 {mu}M), an inhibitor of mitochondrial permeability transition, oxidative stress, and toxicity, prevented the induction of HIF-1{alpha}. Thus, HIF-1{alpha} is induced before APAP toxicity and can occur under non-hypoxic conditions. The data suggest a role for oxidative stress in the induction of HIF-1{alpha} in APAP toxicity.« less