High power LED standard light sources for photometric applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ivashin, Evgeniy; Ogarev, Sergey; Khlevnoy, Boris; Shirokov, Stanislav; Dobroserdov, Dmitry; Sapritsky, Victor

2018-02-01

High power LED light sources have been developed as possible new VNIIOFI standard sources for luminous intensity, luminous flux and colour measurements. Stability, repeatability and spatial uniformity of the sources were investigated and demonstrated high accuracy and homogeneity. The paper describes different tests on one of the manufactured sources. In the future, these LED light sources are planned to be used as standard luminous flux sources to transfer the units of luminous intensity and luminous flux from gonio-spectrometer to sphere-spectrometer.

Lunar Regolith Simulant Materials: Recommendations for Standardization, Production, and Usage

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sibille, L.; Carpenter, P.; Schlagheck, R.; French, R. A.

2006-01-01

Experience gained during the Apollo program demonstrated the need for extensive testing of surface systems in relevant environments, including regolith materials similar to those encountered on the lunar surface. As NASA embarks on a return to the Moon, it is clear that the current lunar sample inventory is not only insufficient to support lunar surface technology and system development, but its scientific value is too great to be consumed by destructive studies. Every effort must be made to utilize standard simulant materials, which will allow developers to reduce the cost, development, and operational risks to surface systems. The Lunar Regolith Simulant Materials Workshop held in Huntsville, AL, on January 24 26, 2005, identified the need for widely accepted standard reference lunar simulant materials to perform research and development of technologies required for lunar operations. The workshop also established a need for a common, traceable, and repeatable process regarding the standardization, characterization, and distribution of lunar simulants. This document presents recommendations for the standardization, production and usage of lunar regolith simulant materials.

Determination of repeatability of kinect sensor.

PubMed

Bonnechère, Bruno; Sholukha, Victor; Jansen, Bart; Omelina, Lubos; Rooze, Marcel; Van Sint Jan, Serge

2014-05-01

The Kinect™ (Microsoft™, Redmond, WA) sensor, originally developed for gaming purposes, may have interesting possibilities for other fields such as posture and motion assessment. The ability of the Kinect sensor to perform biomechanical measurements has previously been studied and shows promising results. However, interday repeatability of the device is still not known. This study assessed the intra- and interday repeatability of the Kinect sensor compared with a standard stereophotogrammetric device during posture assessment for measuring segment lengths. Forty subjects took part in the study. Five motionless captures were performed in one session to assess posture. Data were simultaneously recorded with both devices. Similar intraclass correlations coefficient (ICC) values were found for intraday (ICC=0.94 for the Kinect device and 0.98 for the stereophotogrammetric device) and interday (ICC=0.88 and 0.87, respectively) repeatability. Results of this study suggest that a cost-effective, easy-to-use, and portable single markerless camera offers the same repeatability during posture assessment as an expensive, time-consuming, and nontransportable marker-based device.

[Standards and guidelines of radiation protection and safety in dental X-ray examinations].

PubMed

Guo, X L; Li, G; Cheng, Y; Yu, Q; Wang, H; Zhang, Z Y

2017-12-09

With the rapid development of imaging technology, the application of dental imaging in diagnosis, treatment planning, intraoperative surgical navigation, monitoring of treatment or lesion development and assessment of treatment outcomes is playing an essential role in oral healthcare. The increased total number of dental X-ray examinations is accompanied by a relatively significant increase in collective dose to patients as well as to dental healthcare workers, which is harmful to human bodies to a certain degree. Some radiation protection standards and guidelines in dental radiology have been published in European countries, US, Canada and Australia, etc. Adherence to these standards and guidelines helps to achieve images with diagnostic quality and avoid unnecessary and repeated exposures. However, no radiation protection standard or guideline with regard to dental X-ray examinations has been put in force so far in mainland China. Therefore, a literature review on available radiation protection standards and guidelines was conducted to provide reference to the development of radiation protection standards or guidelines in mainland China.

Corsica: A Multi-Mission Absolute Calibration Site

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bonnefond, P.; Exertier, P.; Laurain, O.; Guinle, T.; Femenias, P.

2013-09-01

In collaboration with the CNES and NASA oceanographic projects (TOPEX/Poseidon and Jason), the OCA (Observatoire de la Côte d'Azur) developed a verification site in Corsica since 1996, operational since 1998. CALibration/VALidation embraces a wide variety of activities, ranging from the interpretation of information from internal-calibration modes of the sensors to validation of the fully corrected estimates of the reflector heights using in situ data. Now, Corsica is, like the Harvest platform (NASA side) [14], an operating calibration site able to support a continuous monitoring with a high level of accuracy: a 'point calibration' which yields instantaneous bias estimates with a 10-day repeatability of 30 mm (standard deviation) and mean errors of 4 mm (standard error). For a 35-day repeatability (ERS, Envisat), due to a smaller time series, the standard error is about the double ( 7 mm).In this paper, we will present updated results of the absolute Sea Surface Height (SSH) biases for TOPEX/Poseidon (T/P), Jason-1, Jason-2, ERS-2 and Envisat.

Molecular weight distribution of polysaccharides from edible seaweeds by high-performance size-exclusion chromatography (HPSEC).

PubMed

Gómez-Ordóñez, Eva; Jiménez-Escrig, Antonio; Rupérez, Pilar

2012-05-15

Biological properties of polysaccharides from seaweeds are related to their composition and structure. Many factors such as the kind of sugar, type of linkage or sulfate content of algal biopolymers exert an influence in the relationship between structure and function. Besides, the molecular weight (MW) also plays an important role. Thus, a simple, reliable and fast HPSEC method with refractive index detection was developed and optimized for the MW estimation of soluble algal polysaccharides. Chromatogram shape and repeatability of retention time was considerably improved when sodium nitrate was used instead of ultrapure water as mobile phase. Pullulan and dextran standards of different MW were used for method calibration and validation. Also, main polysaccharide standards from brown (alginate, fucoidan, laminaran) and red seaweeds (kappa- and iota-carrageenan) were used for quantification and method precision and accuracy. Relative standard deviation (RSD) of repeatability for retention time, peak areas and inter-day precision was below 0.7%, 2.5% and 2.6%, respectively, which indicated good repeatability and precision. Recoveries (96.3-109.8%) also showed its fairly good accuracy. Regarding linearity, main polysaccharide standards from brown or red seaweeds showed a highly satisfactory correlation coefficient (r>0.999). Moreover, a good sensitivity was shown, with corresponding limits of detection and quantitation in mg/mL of 0.05-0.21 and 0.16-0.31, respectively. The method was applied to the MW estimation of standard algal polysaccharides, as well as to the soluble polysaccharide fractions from the brown seaweed Saccharina latissima and the red Mastocarpus stellatus, respectively. Although distribution of molecular weight was broad, the good repeatability for retention time provided a good precision in MW estimation of polysaccharides. Water- and alkali-soluble fractions from S. latissima ranged from very high (>2400 kDa) to low MW compounds (<6 kDa); this high heterogeneity could be attributable to the complex polysaccharide composition of brown algae. Regarding M. stellatus, sulfated galactans followed a descending order of MW (>1400 kDa to <10 kDa), related to the different solubility of carrageenans in red seaweeds. In summary, the method developed allows for the molecular weight analysis of seaweed polysaccharides with very good precision, accuracy, linearity and sensitivity within a short time. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The Effect of Interactive Simulations on Exercise Adherence with Overweight and Obese Adults

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-10-01

beneficiaries will be randomized into 2 exercise groups, i.e., enhanced video game exercise bicycle group or standard exercise bicycle group. The...project team developed a prototype stationary exercise bicycle with video game play capabilities. A 6-month prospective repeated measures experimental

Preclinical Toxicological Evaluation of IDM01: The Botanical Composition of 4-Hydroxyisoleucine- and Trigonelline-based Standardized Fenugreek Seed Extract.

PubMed

Deshpande, Pallavi O; Mohan, Vishwaraman; Thakurdesai, Prasad Arvind

2017-01-01

To evaluate acute oral toxicity (AOT), subchronic (90-day repeated dose) toxicity, mutagenicity, and genotoxicity potential of IDM01, the botanical composition of 4-hydroxyisoleucine- and trigonelline-based standardized fenugreek ( Trigonella foenum-graecum L) seed extract in laboratory rats. The AOT and subchronic (90-day repeated dose) toxicity were evaluated using Sprague-Dawley rats as per the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) guidelines No. 423 and No. 408, respectively. During the subchronic study, the effects on body weight, food and water consumption, organ weights with hematology, clinical biochemistry, and histology were studied. The mutagenicity and genotoxicity of IDM01 were evaluated by reverse mutation assay (Ames test, OECD guideline No. 471) and chromosome aberration test (OECD guideline No. 473), respectively. The IDM01 did not show mortality or treatment-related adverse signs during acute (limit dose of 2000 mg/kg) and subchronic (90-day repeated dose of 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg with 28 days of recovery period) administration. The IDM01 showed oral median lethal dose (LD50) >2000 mg/kg during AOT study. The no-observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) of IDM01 was 500 mg/kg. IDM01 did not show mutagenicity up to a concentration of 5000 μg/plate during Ames test and did not induce structural chromosomal aberrations up to 50 mg/culture. IDM01 was found safe during preclinical acute and subchronic (90-day repeated dose) toxicity in rats without mutagenicity or genotoxicity. Acute oral toxicity, subchronic (90-day) oral toxicity, mutagenicity and genotoxicity of IDM01 (4-hydroxyisoleucine- and trigonelline-based standardized fenugreek seed extract) was evaluated.The median lethal dose, LD50, of IDM01 was more than 2000 mg/kg of body weight in rats.No observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) of IDM01 was 500 mg/kg of body weight in rats.IDM01 was found safe during acute and subchronic oral toxicity studies in rats without mutagenicity or genotoxicity potetial. Abbreviations Used: 2-AA: 2-aminoanthracene; 2-AF: 2-aminofluorene; 4 NQNO: 4-nitroquinolene-N-oxide; 4HI: 4-hydroxyisoleucine; ANOVA: Analysis of variance; AOT: Acute oral toxicity; DM: Diabetes mellitus; IDM01: The Botanical composition of 4-hydroxyisoleucine- and trigonelline-based standardized fenugreek seed extract; LD50: Median lethal dose; MMS: Methyl methanesulfonate; NAD: No abnormality detected; OECD: Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development; SD: Standard deviation; UV: Ultraviolet; VC: Vehicle control. 2-AA: 2-aminoanthracene; 2-AF: 2-aminofluorene; 4 NQNO: 4-nitroquinolene-N-oxide; 4HI: 4-hydroxyisoleucine; ANOVA: Analysis of variance; AOT: Acute oral toxicity; DM: Diabetes mellitus; IDM01: The Botanical composition of 4-hydroxyisoleucine- and trigonelline-based standardized fenugreek seed extract; LD50: Median lethal dose; MMS: Methyl methanesulfonate; NAD: No abnormality detected; OECD: Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development; SD: Standard deviation; UV: Ultraviolet; VC: Vehicle control.

Preclinical Toxicological Evaluation of IDM01: The Botanical Composition of 4-Hydroxyisoleucine- and Trigonelline-based Standardized Fenugreek Seed Extract

PubMed Central

Deshpande, Pallavi O.; Mohan, Vishwaraman; Thakurdesai, Prasad Arvind

2017-01-01

Objective: To evaluate acute oral toxicity (AOT), subchronic (90-day repeated dose) toxicity, mutagenicity, and genotoxicity potential of IDM01, the botanical composition of 4-hydroxyisoleucine- and trigonelline-based standardized fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L) seed extract in laboratory rats. Materials and Methods: The AOT and subchronic (90-day repeated dose) toxicity were evaluated using Sprague-Dawley rats as per the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) guidelines No. 423 and No. 408, respectively. During the subchronic study, the effects on body weight, food and water consumption, organ weights with hematology, clinical biochemistry, and histology were studied. The mutagenicity and genotoxicity of IDM01 were evaluated by reverse mutation assay (Ames test, OECD guideline No. 471) and chromosome aberration test (OECD guideline No. 473), respectively. Results: The IDM01 did not show mortality or treatment-related adverse signs during acute (limit dose of 2000 mg/kg) and subchronic (90-day repeated dose of 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg with 28 days of recovery period) administration. The IDM01 showed oral median lethal dose (LD50) >2000 mg/kg during AOT study. The no-observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) of IDM01 was 500 mg/kg. IDM01 did not show mutagenicity up to a concentration of 5000 μg/plate during Ames test and did not induce structural chromosomal aberrations up to 50 mg/culture. Conclusions: IDM01 was found safe during preclinical acute and subchronic (90-day repeated dose) toxicity in rats without mutagenicity or genotoxicity. SUMMARY Acute oral toxicity, subchronic (90-day) oral toxicity, mutagenicity and genotoxicity of IDM01 (4-hydroxyisoleucine- and trigonelline-based standardized fenugreek seed extract) was evaluated.The median lethal dose, LD50, of IDM01 was more than 2000 mg/kg of body weight in rats.No observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) of IDM01 was 500 mg/kg of body weight in rats.IDM01 was found safe during acute and subchronic oral toxicity studies in rats without mutagenicity or genotoxicity potetial. Abbreviations Used: 2-AA: 2-aminoanthracene; 2-AF: 2-aminofluorene; 4 NQNO: 4-nitroquinolene-N-oxide; 4HI: 4-hydroxyisoleucine; ANOVA: Analysis of variance; AOT: Acute oral toxicity; DM: Diabetes mellitus; IDM01: The Botanical composition of 4-hydroxyisoleucine- and trigonelline-based standardized fenugreek seed extract; LD50: Median lethal dose; MMS: Methyl methanesulfonate; NAD: No abnormality detected; OECD: Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development; SD: Standard deviation; UV: Ultraviolet; VC: Vehicle control. 2-AA: 2-aminoanthracene; 2-AF: 2-aminofluorene; 4 NQNO: 4-nitroquinolene-N-oxide; 4HI: 4-hydroxyisoleucine; ANOVA: Analysis of variance; AOT: Acute oral toxicity; DM: Diabetes mellitus; IDM01: The Botanical composition of 4-hydroxyisoleucine- and trigonelline-based standardized fenugreek seed extract; LD50: Median lethal dose; MMS: Methyl methanesulfonate; NAD: No abnormality detected; OECD: Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development; SD: Standard deviation; UV: Ultraviolet; VC: Vehicle control PMID:28539737

Evaluation of the repeatability and reproducibility of a suite of qPCR based microbial source tracking methods

EPA Science Inventory

Many PCR-based methods for microbial source tracking (MST) have been developed and validated within individual research laboratories. Inter-laboratory validation of these methods, however, has been minimal, and the effects of protocol standardization regimes have not been thor...

The Association of ADHD Symptoms and Reading Acquisition during Elementary School Years

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ehm, Jan-Henning; Kerner auch Koerner, Julia; Gawrilow, Caterina; Hasselhorn, Marcus; Schmiedek, Florian

2016-01-01

The present longitudinal study aimed to investigate the influence of ADHD symptoms on reading development in elementary schoolchildren. To this end, repeated assessments of ADHD symptoms (teacher ratings of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity) and reading achievement (standardized tests of decoding speed and text comprehension) were…

Design of a blood-freezing system for leukemia research

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Williams, T. E.; Cygnarowicz, T. A.

1978-01-01

Leukemia research involves the use of cryogenic freezing and storage equipment. In a program being carried out at the National Cancer Institute (NCI), bone marrow (white blood cells) was frozen using a standard cryogenic biological freezer. With this system, it is difficult to maintain the desired rate of freezing and repeatability from sample to sample. A freezing system was developed that satisfies the requirements for a repeatable, constant freezing rate. The system was delivered to NIC and is now operational. This report describes the design of the major subsystems, the analyses, the operating procedure, and final system test results.

Interlaboratory comparison for the determination of the soluble fraction of metals in welding fume samples.

PubMed

Berlinger, Balazs; Harper, Martin

2018-02-01

There is interest in the bioaccessible metal components of aerosols, but this has been minimally studied because standardized sampling and analytical methods have not yet been developed. An interlaboratory study (ILS) has been carried out to evaluate a method for determining the water-soluble component of realistic welding fume (WF) air samples. Replicate samples were generated in the laboratory and distributed to participating laboratories to be analyzed according to a standardized procedure. Within-laboratory precision of replicate sample analysis (repeatability) was very good. Reproducibility between laboratories was not as good, but within limits of acceptability for the analysis of typical aerosol samples. These results can be used to support the development of a standardized test method.

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

Faye, Sherry A.; Richards, Jason M.; Gallardo, Athena M.

Sequential extraction is a useful technique for assessing the potential to leach actinides from soils; however, current literature lacks uniformity in experimental details, making direct comparison of results impossible. This work continued development toward a standardized five-step sequential extraction protocol by analyzing extraction behaviors of 232Th, 238U, 239,240Pu and 241Am from lake and ocean sediment reference materials. Results produced a standardized procedure after creating more defined reaction conditions to improve method repeatability. A NaOH fusion procedure is recommended following sequential leaching for the complete dissolution of insoluble species.

A Step Towards Electric Propulsion Testing Standards: Pressure Measurements and Effective Pumping Speeds

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dankanich, John W.; Swiatek, Michael W.; Yim, John T.

2012-01-01

The electric propulsion community has been implored to establish and implement a set of universally applicable test standards during the research, development, and qualification of electric propulsion systems. Existing practices are fallible and result in testing variations which leads to suspicious results, large margins in application, or aversion to mission infusion. Performance measurements and life testing under appropriate conditions can be costly and lengthy. Measurement practices must be consistent, accurate, and repeatable. Additionally, the measurements must be universally transportable across facilities throughout the development, qualification, spacecraft integration and on-orbit performance. A preliminary step to progress towards universally applicable testing standards is outlined for facility pressure measurements and effective pumping speed calculations. The standard has been applied to multiple facilities at the NASA Glenn Research Center. Test results and analyses of universality of measurements are presented herein.

Repeatable source, site, and path effects on the standard deviation for empirical ground-motion prediction models

USGS Publications Warehouse

Lin, P.-S.; Chiou, B.; Abrahamson, N.; Walling, M.; Lee, C.-T.; Cheng, C.-T.

2011-01-01

In this study, we quantify the reduction in the standard deviation for empirical ground-motion prediction models by removing ergodic assumption.We partition the modeling error (residual) into five components, three of which represent the repeatable source-location-specific, site-specific, and path-specific deviations from the population mean. A variance estimation procedure of these error components is developed for use with a set of recordings from earthquakes not heavily clustered in space.With most source locations and propagation paths sampled only once, we opt to exploit the spatial correlation of residuals to estimate the variances associated with the path-specific and the source-location-specific deviations. The estimation procedure is applied to ground-motion amplitudes from 64 shallow earthquakes in Taiwan recorded at 285 sites with at least 10 recordings per site. The estimated variance components are used to quantify the reduction in aleatory variability that can be used in hazard analysis for a single site and for a single path. For peak ground acceleration and spectral accelerations at periods of 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 1.0, and 3.0 s, we find that the singlesite standard deviations are 9%-14% smaller than the total standard deviation, whereas the single-path standard deviations are 39%-47% smaller.

Development of a cell-based qualitative assay for detection of neutralizing anti-human interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (hIL-1Ra) antibodies in rats.

PubMed

Gao, Jin; Li, Jingjing; Yang, Minmin; Wu, Mingyuan; Tu, Ping; Yu, Yan; Han, Wei

2015-01-01

To determine the incidence of the positive neutralizing anti-human interleukin receptor antagonist (anti-IL-1Ra), a novel assay based on the proliferation of human melanoma A375.S2 cells was developed and validated. In the presence of a growth-limiting concentration of IL-1β, A375.S2 cells were able to regain proliferation following the addition of IL-1Ra in a concentration-dependent manner. This dose-response effect enabled the validation of a standard curve for calculation of the concentration of IL-1Ra or, inversely, the concentration of neutralizing anti-IL-1Ra antibodies in cell culture medium or sera. The assay used CCK-8 as an indicator of proliferation. The dose-response relationship between rhIL-1Ra (dose range of 5-75 ng/ml rhIL-1Ra) and A375.S2 cell proliferation was sigmoidal and fitted a four-parameter logistic model. The percent coefficients of variation (%CVs) of quality control samples were 12.5 and 11.9% for intra-assay repeatability and 14.5 and 19.5% for inter-assay repeatability, while the total accuracy was in the range of 97.2-103.6%. For the neutralization assay, the optimal sample dilution factor was found to be 40-fold and the reasonable standard for positive and negative decision was calculated to be 59.4% neutralization rate. The %CVs of quality control samples were 12.7 and 24.0% for intra-assay repeatability and 11.6 and 30.0% for inter-assay repeatability. Analysis using the assay showed that rats could produce neutralizing anti-IL-1Ra antibodies after repeated intramuscular injection with rhIL-1Ra, and this response was not significantly dependent on the dose injected.

Determination of sulfur in food by high resolution continuum source flame molecular absorption spectrometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zambrzycka, Elżbieta; Godlewska-Żyłkiewicz, Beata

2014-11-01

In the present work, a fast, simple and sensitive analytical method for determination of sulfur in food and beverages by high resolution continuum source flame molecular absorption spectrometry was developed. The determination was performed via molecular absorption of carbon monosulfide, CS. Different CS rotational lines (257.959 nm, 258.033 nm, 258.055 nm), number of pixels and types of standard solution of sulfur, namely: sulfuric acid, sodium sulfate, ammonium sulfate, sodium sulfite, sodium sulfide, DL-cysteine, and L-cystine, were studied in terms of sensitivity, repeatability of results as well as limit of detection and limit of quantification. The best results were obtained for measurements of absorption of the CS molecule at 258.055 nm at the wavelength range covering 3 pixels and DL-cysteine in 0.2 mol L- 1 HNO3 solution as a calibration standard. Under optimized conditions the limit of detection and the limit of quantification achieved for sulfur were 10.9 mg L- 1 and 36.4 mg L- 1, respectively. The repeatability of the results expressed as relative standard deviation was typically < 5%. The accuracy of the method was tested by analysis of digested biological certified reference materials (soya bean flour, corn flour and herbs) and recovery experiment for beverage samples with added known amount of sulfur standard. The recovery of analyte from such samples was in the range of 93-105% with the repeatability in the range of 4.1-5.0%. The developed method was applied for the determination of sulfur in milk (194 ± 10 mg kg- 1), egg white (2188 ± 29 mg kg- 1), mineral water (31.0 ± 0.9 mg L- 1), white wine (260 ± 4 mg L- 1) and red wine (82 ± 2 mg L- 1), as well as in sample rich in ions, such as bitter mineral water (6900 ± 100 mg L- 1).

A forensic perspective on the genetic identification of grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) varieties using STR markers.

PubMed

Santos, Sara; Oliveira, Manuela; Amorim, António; van Asch, Barbara

2014-11-01

The grapevine (Vitis vinifera subsp. vinifera) is one of the most important agricultural crops worldwide. A long interest in the historical origins of ancient and cultivated current grapevines, as well as the need to establish phylogenetic relationships and parentage, solve homonymies and synonymies, fingerprint cultivars and clones, and assess the authenticity of plants and wines has encouraged the development of genetic identification methods. STR analysis is currently the most commonly used method for these purposes. A large dataset of grapevines genotypes for many cultivars worldwide has been produced in the last decade using a common set of recommended dinucleotide nuclear STRs. This type of marker has been replaced by long core-repeat loci in standardized state-of-the-art human forensic genotyping. The first steps toward harmonized grapevine genotyping have already been taken to bring the genetic identification methods closer to human forensic STR standards by previous authors. In this context, we bring forward a set of basic suggestions that reinforce the need to (i) guarantee trueness-to-type of the sample; (ii) use the long core-repeat markers; (iii) verify the specificity and amplification consistency of PCR primers; (iv) sequence frequent alleles and use these standardized allele ladders; (v) consider mutation rates when evaluating results of STR-based parentage and pedigree analysis; (vi) genotype large and representative samples in order to obtain allele frequency databases; (vii) standardize genotype data by establishing allele nomenclature based on repeat number to facilitate information exchange and data compilation. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Deep landscape update of dispersed and tandem repeats in the genome model of the red jungle fowl, Gallus gallus, using a series of de novo investigating tools.

PubMed

Guizard, Sébastien; Piégu, Benoît; Arensburger, Peter; Guillou, Florian; Bigot, Yves

2016-08-19

The program RepeatMasker and the database Repbase-ISB are part of the most widely used strategy for annotating repeats in animal genomes. They have been used to show that avian genomes have a lower repeat content (8-12 %) than the sequenced genomes of many vertebrate species (30-55 %). However, the efficiency of such a library-based strategies is dependent on the quality and completeness of the sequences in the database that is used. An alternative to these library based methods are methods that identify repeats de novo. These alternative methods have existed for a least a decade and may be more powerful than the library based methods. We have used an annotation strategy involving several complementary de novo tools to determine the repeat content of the model genome galGal4 (1.04 Gbp), including identifying simple sequence repeats (SSRs), tandem repeats and transposable elements (TEs). We annotated over one Gbp. of the galGal4 genome and showed that it is composed of approximately 19 % SSRs and TEs repeats. Furthermore, we estimate that the actual genome of the red jungle fowl contains about 31-35 % repeats. We find that library-based methods tend to overestimate TE diversity. These results have a major impact on the current understanding of repeats distributions throughout chromosomes in the red jungle fowl. Our results are a proof of concept of the reliability of using de novo tools to annotate repeats in large animal genomes. They have also revealed issues that will need to be resolved in order to develop gold-standard methodologies for annotating repeats in eukaryote genomes.

[An optical-fiber-sensor-based spectrophotometer for soil non-metallic nutrient determination].

PubMed

He, Dong-xian; Hu, Juan-xiu; Lu, Shao-kun; He, Hou-yong

2012-01-01

In order to achieve rapid, convenient and efficient soil nutrient determination in soil testing and fertilizer recommendation, a portable optical-fiber-sensor-based spectrophotometer including immersed fiber sensor, flat field holographic concave grating, and diode array detector was developed for soil non-metallic nutrient determination. According to national standard of ultraviolet and visible spectrophotometer with JJG 178-2007, the wavelength accuracy and repeatability, baseline stability, transmittance accuracy and repeatability measured by the prototype instrument were satisfied with the national standard of III level; minimum spectral bandwidth, noise and excursion, and stray light were satisfied with the national standard of IV level. Significant linear relationships with slope of closing to 1 were found between the soil available nutrient contents including soil nitrate nitrogen, ammonia nitrogen, available phosphorus, available sulfur, available boron, and organic matter measured by the prototype instrument compared with that measured by two commercial single-beam-based and dual-beam-based spectrophotometers. No significant differences were revealed from the above comparison data. Therefore, the optical-fiber-sensor-based spectrophotometer can be used for rapid soil non-metallic nutrient determination with a high accuracy.

A BI-DIALECTAL TEST FOR DETERMINING LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

BARATZ, JOAN C.

THE PURPOSE OF THIS EXPERIMENT WAS TO COMPARE THE LANGUAGE BEHAVIOR OF STANDARD AND NONSTANDARD ENGLISH SPEAKERS WHEN ASKED TO REPEAT STANDARD AND NONSTANDARD SENTENCES. THE SUBJECTS (47 THIRD AND FIFTH GRADERS AT A NEGRO SCHOOL IN WASHINGTON, D.C., AND 30 OF THEIR WHITE COUNTERPARTS AT A SUBURBAN MARYLAND SCHOOL) WERE ASKED TO REPEAT 30 TAPED…

Comparing Measurement Error between Two Different Methods of Measurement of Various Magnitudes

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zavorsky, Gerald S.

2010-01-01

Measurement error is a common problem in several fields of research such as medicine, physiology, and exercise science. The standard deviation of repeated measurements on the same person is the measurement error. One way of presenting measurement error is called the repeatability, which is 2.77 multiplied by the within subject standard deviation.…

Role of memory errors in quantum repeaters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hartmann, L.; Kraus, B.; Briegel, H.-J.; Dür, W.

2007-03-01

We investigate the influence of memory errors in the quantum repeater scheme for long-range quantum communication. We show that the communication distance is limited in standard operation mode due to memory errors resulting from unavoidable waiting times for classical signals. We show how to overcome these limitations by (i) improving local memory and (ii) introducing two operational modes of the quantum repeater. In both operational modes, the repeater is run blindly, i.e., without waiting for classical signals to arrive. In the first scheme, entanglement purification protocols based on one-way classical communication are used allowing to communicate over arbitrary distances. However, the error thresholds for noise in local control operations are very stringent. The second scheme makes use of entanglement purification protocols with two-way classical communication and inherits the favorable error thresholds of the repeater run in standard mode. One can increase the possible communication distance by an order of magnitude with reasonable overhead in physical resources. We outline the architecture of a quantum repeater that can possibly ensure intercontinental quantum communication.

Developing Practical Knowledge of the Next Generation Science Standards in Elementary Science Teacher Education

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hanuscin, Deborah L.; Zangori, Laura

2016-12-01

Just as the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSSs) call for change in what students learn and how they are taught, teacher education programs must reconsider courses and curriculum in order to prepare teacher candidates to understand and implement new standards. In this study, we examine the development of prospective elementary teachers' practical knowledge of the NGSS in the context of a science methods course and innovative field experience. We present three themes related to how prospective teachers viewed and utilized the standards: (a) as a useful guide for planning and designing instruction, (b) as a benchmark for student and self-evaluation, and (c) as an achievable vision for teaching and learning. Our findings emphasize the importance of collaborative opportunities for repeated teaching of the same lessons, but question what is achievable in the context of a semester-long experience.

Guidelines on Good Clinical Laboratory Practice

PubMed Central

Ezzelle, J.; Rodriguez-Chavez, I. R.; Darden, J. M.; Stirewalt, M.; Kunwar, N.; Hitchcock, R.; Walter, T.; D’Souza, M. P.

2008-01-01

A set of Good Clinical Laboratory Practice (GCLP) standards that embraces both the research and clinical aspects of GLP were developed utilizing a variety of collected regulatory and guidance material. We describe eleven core elements that constitute the GCLP standards with the objective of filling a gap for laboratory guidance, based on IND sponsor requirements, for conducting laboratory testing using specimens from human clinical trials. These GCLP standards provide guidance on implementing GLP requirements that are critical for laboratory operations, such as performance of protocol-mandated safety assays, peripheral blood mononuclear cell processing and immunological or endpoint assays from biological interventions on IND-registered clinical trials. The expectation is that compliance with the GCLP standards, monitored annually by external audits, will allow research and development laboratories to maintain data integrity and to provide immunogenicity, safety, and product efficacy data that is repeatable, reliable, auditable and that can be easily reconstructed in a research setting. PMID:18037599

Development and validation of new spectrophotometric ratio H-point standard addition method and application to gastrointestinal acting drugs mixtures.

PubMed

Yehia, Ali M

2013-05-15

New, simple, specific, accurate and precise spectrophotometric technique utilizing ratio spectra is developed for simultaneous determination of two different binary mixtures. The developed ratio H-point standard addition method (RHPSAM) was managed successfully to resolve the spectral overlap in itopride hydrochloride (ITO) and pantoprazole sodium (PAN) binary mixture, as well as, mosapride citrate (MOS) and PAN binary mixture. The theoretical background and advantages of the newly proposed method are presented. The calibration curves are linear over the concentration range of 5-60 μg/mL, 5-40 μg/mL and 4-24 μg/mL for ITO, MOS and PAN, respectively. Specificity of the method was investigated and relative standard deviations were less than 1.5. The accuracy, precision and repeatability were also investigated for the proposed method according to ICH guidelines. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Development and validation of new spectrophotometric ratio H-point standard addition method and application to gastrointestinal acting drugs mixtures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yehia, Ali M.

2013-05-01

New, simple, specific, accurate and precise spectrophotometric technique utilizing ratio spectra is developed for simultaneous determination of two different binary mixtures. The developed ratio H-point standard addition method (RHPSAM) was managed successfully to resolve the spectral overlap in itopride hydrochloride (ITO) and pantoprazole sodium (PAN) binary mixture, as well as, mosapride citrate (MOS) and PAN binary mixture. The theoretical background and advantages of the newly proposed method are presented. The calibration curves are linear over the concentration range of 5-60 μg/mL, 5-40 μg/mL and 4-24 μg/mL for ITO, MOS and PAN, respectively. Specificity of the method was investigated and relative standard deviations were less than 1.5. The accuracy, precision and repeatability were also investigated for the proposed method according to ICH guidelines.

Development of a new test cell to measure cumulative permeation of water-insoluble pesticides with low vapor pressure through protective clothing and glove materials

PubMed Central

SHAW, Anugrah; COLEONE-CARVALHO, Ana Carla; HOLLINGSHURST, Julien; DRAPER, Michael; MACHADO NETO, Joaquim Gonçalves

2017-01-01

A collaborative approach, involving resources and expertise from several countries, was used to develop a test cell to measure cumulative permeation by a solid-state collection technique. The new technique was developed to measure the permeation of pesticide active ingredients and other chemicals with low vapor pressure that would otherwise be difficult to test via standard techniques. The development process is described and the results from the final chosen test method are reported. Inter-laboratory studies were conducted to further refine the new method and determine repeatability and reliability. The revised test method has been approved as a new ISO/EN standard to measure permeation of chemicals with low vapor pressure and/or solubility in water. PMID:29033403

Oscillometric blood pressure devices and simulators: measurements of repeatability and differences between models.

PubMed

Sims, A J; Reay, C A; Bousfield, D R; Menes, J A; Murray, A

2005-01-01

To measure the repeatability and pressure pulse envelope of simulators used for testing oscillometric non-invasive blood pressure (NIBP) devices; to study the effect of different envelopes on NIBP devices, and to measure the difference between NIBP devices due to different oscillometric algorithms. Three different models of NIBP simulator and 18 different patient monitors with NIBP function were studied. We developed a pressure measurement system (accuracy 0.048?mmHg) to measure the repeatability of simulators. The effect of changing the envelope was measured by using three simulators with one NIBP device. Differences between 18 NIBP devices were measured using one simulator at seven blood pressure settings. Simulators generate repeatable pressure pulse envelopes (< 0.2 mmHg) but the magnitude and shape depends on the model of simulator. Oscillometric NIBP devices are highly repeatable (< 2 mmHg) when presented with a repeatable pressure pulse envelope, but different devices employ different algorithms and give different results. For a simulated standard blood pressure setting of 120/80 mmHg, estimates of systolic pressure ranged from 112.6 to 126.6 mmHg (sd of 3.0 mmHg), and diastolic pressure ranged from 74.8 to 86.9 mmHg (sd of 3.5 mmHg). Simulators and NIBP devices are sufficiently repeatable for clinical use, but further systematic clinical studies are required to better characterize the pressure pulse envelope for different patient groups.

Cerebrovascular accident patients: an interdisciplinary/multidisciplinary audit.

PubMed

Penman, G M; Wojnar-Horton, S A; Bebee, R

1991-01-01

To develop appropriate standards to assess the intervention with cerebrovascular accident (CVA) patients by allied health professionals; to establish baseline data with which subsequent information collected could be compared. Retrospective criteria auditing of hospital files was undertaken to evaluate whether the allied health professionals were meeting the expected clinical standards for patients admitted with a diagnosis of CVA. Written documentation in hospital files did not meet expected standards in all criteria and varied between professions. The data obtained provided a baseline against which future results could be measured. It was expected that subsequent evaluations would provide improved results. All departments agreed that meeting clinical standards was important and it was agreed to repeat the audit in one year and to include some outcome standards using patients' perceptions of service provision.

Assessment of capillary suction time (CST) test methodologies.

PubMed

Sawalha, O; Scholz, M

2007-12-01

The capillary suction time (CST) test is a commonly used method to measure the filterability and the easiness of removing moisture from slurry and sludge in numerous environmental and industrial applications. This study assessed several novel alterations of both the test methodology and the current standard capillary suction time (CST) apparatus. Twelve different papers including the standard Whatman No. 17 chromatographic paper were tested. The tests were run using four different types of sludge including a synthetic sludge, which was specifically developed for benchmarking purposes. The standard apparatus was altered by the introduction of a novel rectangular funnel instead of a standard circular one. A stirrer was also introduced to solve the problem of test inconsistency (e.g. high CST variability) particularly for heavy types of sludge. Results showed that several alternative papers, which are cheaper than the standard paper, can be used to estimate CST values accurately, and that the test repeatability can be improved in many cases and for different types of sludge. The introduction of the rectangular funnel demonstrated an obvious enhancement of test repeatability. The use of a stirrer to avoid sedimentation of heavy sludge did not have statistically significant impact on the CST values or the corresponding data variability. The application of synthetic sludge can support the testing of experimental methodologies and should be used for subsequent benchmarking purposes.

Determining a one-tailed upper limit for future sample relative reproducibility standard deviations.

PubMed

McClure, Foster D; Lee, Jung K

2006-01-01

A formula was developed to determine a one-tailed 100p% upper limit for future sample percent relative reproducibility standard deviations (RSD(R),%= 100s(R)/y), where S(R) is the sample reproducibility standard deviation, which is the square root of a linear combination of the sample repeatability variance (s(r)2) plus the sample laboratory-to-laboratory variance (s(L)2), i.e., S(R) = s(L)2, and y is the sample mean. The future RSD(R),% is expected to arise from a population of potential RSD(R),% values whose true mean is zeta(R),% = 100sigmaR, where sigmaR and mu are the population reproducibility standard deviation and mean, respectively.

Development of a standard gas generating vial comprised of a silicon oil-polystyrene/divinylbenzene composite sorbent.

PubMed

Grandy, Jonathan J; Gómez-Ríos, German A; Pawliszyn, Janusz

2015-09-04

In this work, a highly reproducible standard gas generating vial is proposed. The vial is comprised of a silicon diffusion pump oil spiked with an appropriate calibration compound, such as modified McReynolds probes (benzene, 2-pentanone, pyridine, 1-nitropropane, 1-pentanol, and n-octane), and then mixed with polystyrene/divinylbenzene (PS/DVB) particles. The concentrations of these compounds in gaseous headspace were found to substantially decrease in comparison to previously developed hydrocarbon pump oil based vials; hence, the amount of standard loaded onto SPME fibers was at most, half that of the previous vial design. Depletion for all compounds after 208 successive extractions was shown to be less than 3.5%. Smaller quantities of standards being used resulted in a vial that depleted slower while remaining statistically repeatable over a wider number of runs. Indeed, it was found that depletion could be largely predicted by using a mass balance theoretical model. This behavior allowed a further increase in the number of loadings that could be performed repeatedly. At a 95% level of confidence, the ANOVA test demonstrated that the prepared vials were statistically identical, with no significant intra- or inter-batch differences. In addition, it was found that vials stored under different conditions (e.g. under light exposure, room temperature, and within a refrigerator) were stable over 10 weeks. Silicon based vials proved to be ideal for performing instrument quality control and loading of internal standards onto fibers, both of which are of great importance when performing on-site analysis using portable GC-MS instrumentation and high throughput determinations in laboratory. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Characterizing the Perfonnance of the Wheel Electrostatic Spectrometer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johansen, Michael R.; Mackey, P. J.; Holbert, E.; Clements, J. S.; Calle, C. I.

2013-01-01

A Wheel Electrostatic Spectrometer has been developed as a surveying tool to be incorporated into a planetary rover design. Electrostatic sensors with various protruding cover insulators are embedded into a prototype rover wheel. When these insulators come into contact with a surface, a charge develops on the cover insulator through tribocharging. A charge spectrum is created by analyzing the accumulated charge on each of the dissimilar cover insulators. We eventually intend to prove charge spectra can be used o determine differences in planetary regolith properties. We tested the effects of residual surface charge on the cover insulators and discovered a need to discharge the sensor cover insulators after each revolution. We proved the repeatability of the measurements for this sensor package and found that the sensor repeatability lies within one standard deviation of the noise in the signal.

Simultaneously estimating evolutionary history and repeated traits phylogenetic signal: applications to viral and host phenotypic evolution

PubMed Central

Vrancken, Bram; Lemey, Philippe; Rambaut, Andrew; Bedford, Trevor; Longdon, Ben; Günthard, Huldrych F.; Suchard, Marc A.

2014-01-01

Phylogenetic signal quantifies the degree to which resemblance in continuously-valued traits reflects phylogenetic relatedness. Measures of phylogenetic signal are widely used in ecological and evolutionary research, and are recently gaining traction in viral evolutionary studies. Standard estimators of phylogenetic signal frequently condition on data summary statistics of the repeated trait observations and fixed phylogenetics trees, resulting in information loss and potential bias. To incorporate the observation process and phylogenetic uncertainty in a model-based approach, we develop a novel Bayesian inference method to simultaneously estimate the evolutionary history and phylogenetic signal from molecular sequence data and repeated multivariate traits. Our approach builds upon a phylogenetic diffusion framework that model continuous trait evolution as a Brownian motion process and incorporates Pagel’s λ transformation parameter to estimate dependence among traits. We provide a computationally efficient inference implementation in the BEAST software package. We evaluate the synthetic performance of the Bayesian estimator of phylogenetic signal against standard estimators, and demonstrate the use of our coherent framework to address several virus-host evolutionary questions, including virulence heritability for HIV, antigenic evolution in influenza and HIV, and Drosophila sensitivity to sigma virus infection. Finally, we discuss model extensions that will make useful contributions to our flexible framework for simultaneously studying sequence and trait evolution. PMID:25780554

Development and intra-institutional and inter-institutional validation of a comprehensive new hepatobiliary software: Part 1--Liver and gallbladder function.

PubMed

Krishnamurthy, Gerbail T; Krishnamurthy, Shakuntala; Gambhir, Sanjiv Sam; Rodrigues, Cesar; Rosenberg, Jarrett; Schiepers, Christiaan; Buxton-Thomas, Muriel

2009-12-01

To develop a software tool for quantification of liver and gallbladder function, and to assess the repeatability and reproducibility of measurements made with it. The software tool developed with the JAVA programming language uses the JAVA2 Standard Edition framework. After manual selection of the regions of interest on a 99mTc hepatic iminodiacetic acid study, the program calculates differential hepatic bile flow, basal duodeno-gastric bile reflux (B-DGBR), hepatic extraction fraction (HEF) of both the lobes with deconvolutional analysis and excretion half-time with nonlinear least squares fit. Gallbladder ejection fraction, ejection period (EP), ejection rate (ER), and postcholecystokinin (CCK) DGBR are calculated after stimulation with CCK-8. To assess intra-observer repeatability and intra-observer reproducibility, measurements from 10 normal participants were analyzed twice by three nuclear medicine technologists at the primary center. To assess inter-site reproducibility, measurements from a superset of 24 normal participants were also assessed once by three observers at the primary center and single observer at three other sites. For the 24 control participants, mean+/-SD of hepatic bile flow into gallbladder was 63.87+/-28.7%, HEF of the right lobe 100+/-0%, left lobe 99.43+2.63%, excretion half-time of the right lobe 21.50+6.98 min, left lobe 28.3+/-11.3 min. Basal DGBR was 1.2+/-1.0%. Gallbladder ejection fraction was 80+/-11%, EP 15.0+/-3.0 min, ER 5.8+/-1.6%/min, and DGBR-CCK 1.3+/-2.3%. Left and right lobe HEF was virtually identical across readers. All measures showed high repeatability except for gallbladder bile flow, basal DGBR, and EP, which exhibited marginal repeatability. Ejection fraction exhibited high reproducibility. There was high concordance among the three primary center observers except for basal DGBR, EP, and ER. Concordance between the primary site and one of the other sites was high, one was fair, and one was poor. New United States Food and Drug Administration-approved personal computer-based Krishnamurthy Hepato-Biliary Software for quantification of the liver and gallbladder function shows promise for consistently repeatable and reproducible results both within and between institutions, and may help to promote universal standardization of data acquisition and analysis in nuclear hepatology.

7075-T6 and 2024-T351 Aluminum Alloy Fatigue Crack Growth Rate Data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Forth, Scott C.; Wright, Christopher W.; Johnston, William M., Jr.

2005-01-01

Experimental test procedures for the development of fatigue crack growth rate data has been standardized by the American Society for Testing and Materials. Over the past 30 years several gradual changes have been made to the standard without rigorous assessment of the affect these changes have on the precision or variability of the data generated. Therefore, the ASTM committee on fatigue crack growth has initiated an international round robin test program to assess the precision and variability of test results generated using the standard E647-00. Crack growth rate data presented in this report, in support of the ASTM roundrobin, shows excellent precision and repeatability.

Development and demonstration of manufacturing processes for fabricating graphite/Larc-160 polyimide structural elements, part 4, paragraph B

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1981-01-01

Progress in the development of processes for production of Celion/LARC-160 graphite-polyimide materials, quality control, and the fabrication of Space Shuttle composite structure components is reported. Liquid chromatographic analyses of three repeatibility batches were performed and are compared to previous Hexcel standard production and to variables study LARC-160 intermediate resins. Development of processes for chopped fiber molding are described and flexural strength, elastic modulus, and other physical and mechanical properties of the molding are presented.

Large pathogenic expansions in the SCA2 and SCA7 genes can be detected by fluorescent repeat-primed polymerase chain reaction assay.

PubMed

Cagnoli, Claudia; Stevanin, Giovanni; Michielotto, Chiara; Gerbino Promis, Giovanni; Brussino, Alessandro; Pappi, Patrizia; Durr, Alexandra; Dragone, Elisa; Viemont, Michelle; Gellera, Cinzia; Brice, Alexis; Migone, Nicola; Brusco, Alfredo

2006-02-01

Large expansions in the SCA2 and SCA7 genes (>100 CAG repeats) have been associated with juvenile and infantile forms of cerebellar ataxias that cannot be detected using standard polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Here, we describe a successful application of the fluorescent short tandem repeat-primed PCR method for accurate identification of these expanded repeats. The test is robust, reliable, and inexpensive and can be used to screen large series of patients, although it cannot give a precise evaluation of the size of the expansion. This test may be of practical value in prenatal diagnoses offered to affected or pre-symptomatic at-risk parents, in which a very large expansion inherited from one of the parents can be missed in the fetus by standard PCR.

Large Pathogenic Expansions in the SCA2 and SCA7 Genes Can Be Detected by Fluorescent Repeat-Primed Polymerase Chain Reaction Assay

PubMed Central

Cagnoli, Claudia; Stevanin, Giovanni; Michielotto, Chiara; Gerbino Promis, Giovanni; Brussino, Alessandro; Pappi, Patrizia; Durr, Alexandra; Dragone, Elisa; Viemont, Michelle; Gellera, Cinzia; Brice, Alexis; Migone, Nicola; Brusco, Alfredo

2006-01-01

Large expansions in the SCA2 and SCA7 genes (>100 CAG repeats) have been associated with juvenile and infantile forms of cerebellar ataxias that cannot be detected using standard polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Here, we describe a successful application of the fluorescent short tandem repeat-primed PCR method for accurate identification of these expanded repeats. The test is robust, reliable, and inexpensive and can be used to screen large series of patients, although it cannot give a precise evaluation of the size of the expansion. This test may be of practical value in prenatal diagnoses offered to affected or pre-symptomatic at-risk parents, in which a very large expansion inherited from one of the parents can be missed in the fetus by standard PCR. PMID:16436644

Visual assessment of the cervical vertebral maturation stages: A study of diagnostic accuracy and repeatability.

PubMed

Perinetti, Giuseppe; Caprioglio, Alberto; Contardo, Luca

2014-11-01

To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy and repeatability of the visual assessment of the cervical vertebral maturation (CVM) stages. Ten operators underwent training sessions in visual assessment of CVM staging. Subsequently, they were asked to stage 72 cases equally divided into the six stages. Such assessment was repeated twice in two sessions (T1 and T2) 4 weeks apart. A reference standard for each case was created according to a cephalometric analysis of both the concavities and shapes of the cervical vertebrae. The overall agreement with the reference standard was about 68% for both sessions and 76.9% for intrarater repeatability. The overall kappa coefficients with the reference standard were up to 0.86 for both sessions, and 0.88 for intrarater repeatability. Overall, disagreements one stage and twp stage apart were 23.5% (T1) and 5.1% (T2), respectively. Sensitivity ranged from 53.3% for CS5 (T1) to 99.9% for CS1 (T2), positive predictive values ranged from 52.4% for CS5 (T2) to 94.3% for CS6 (T1), and accuracy ranged from 83.6% for CS4 (T2) to 94.9% for CS1 (T1). Visual assessment of the CVM stages is accurate and repeatable to a satisfactory level. About one in three cases remain misclassified; disagreement is generally limited to one stage and is mostly seen in stages 4 and 5.

Best Management Practices (BMP) Monitoring Manual Field Guide: Implementation and Effectiveness for Protection of Water Resources

Treesearch

David Welsch; Roger Ryder; Tim Post

2006-01-01

The specific purpose of the BMP protocol is to create an economical, standardized, and repeatable BMP monitoring process that is completely automated, from data gathering through report generation, in order to provide measured data, ease of use, and compatibility with State BMP programs.The protocol was developed to meet the following needs:? Document the use and...

Challenges to developing countries after joining WTO: risk assessment of chemicals in food.

PubMed

Chen, Junshi

2004-05-20

FAO/WHO encourages member countries to develop national food control measures based on risk assessment in order to assure proper protection level to consumers and facilitate fair trade. This is particularly important for developing countries as WTO members because it is clearly stated in the Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS) Agreement that: (a) SPS measures should be based on risk assessment techniques developed by relevant international organizations; and (b) Codex standards which is based on risk assessment are regarded as the international norm in trade dispute settlement. When conducting risk assessment on food chemicals (including additives and contaminants) in developing countries, in most cases it is not necessary to conduct their own hazard characterization because the ADIs or PTWIs of food chemicals developed by international expert groups (e.g. JECFA) are universally applicable and also developing countries do not have the resources to repeat those expensive toxicological studies. On the other hand, it is necessary to conduct exposure assessment in developing countries because exposure to food chemicals varies from country to country. This is not only crucial in setting national standards, but also very important for developing countries to participate in the process of developing Codex standards. In addition to food standard development, risk assessment is also useful in setting up priorities in imported food inspection and evaluating the success of various food safety control measures.

5meCpG epigenetic marks neighboring a primate-conserved core promoter short tandem repeat indicate X-chromosome inactivation.

PubMed

Machado, Filipe Brum; Machado, Fabricio Brum; Faria, Milena Amendro; Lovatel, Viviane Lamim; Alves da Silva, Antonio Francisco; Radic, Claudia Pamela; De Brasi, Carlos Daniel; Rios, Álvaro Fabricio Lopes; de Sousa Lopes, Susana Marina Chuva; da Silveira, Leonardo Serafim; Ruiz-Miranda, Carlos Ramon; Ramos, Ester Silveira; Medina-Acosta, Enrique

2014-01-01

X-chromosome inactivation (XCI) is the epigenetic transcriptional silencing of an X-chromosome during the early stages of embryonic development in female eutherian mammals. XCI assures monoallelic expression in each cell and compensation for dosage-sensitive X-linked genes between females (XX) and males (XY). DNA methylation at the carbon-5 position of the cytosine pyrimidine ring in the context of a CpG dinucleotide sequence (5meCpG) in promoter regions is a key epigenetic marker for transcriptional gene silencing. Using computational analysis, we revealed an extragenic tandem GAAA repeat 230-bp from the landmark CpG island of the human X-linked retinitis pigmentosa 2 RP2 promoter whose 5meCpG status correlates with XCI. We used this RP2 onshore tandem GAAA repeat to develop an allele-specific 5meCpG-based PCR assay that is highly concordant with the human androgen receptor (AR) exonic tandem CAG repeat-based standard HUMARA assay in discriminating active (Xa) from inactive (Xi) X-chromosomes. The RP2 onshore tandem GAAA repeat contains neutral features that are lacking in the AR disease-linked tandem CAG repeat, is highly polymorphic (heterozygosity rates approximately 0.8) and shows minimal variation in the Xa/Xi ratio. The combined informativeness of RP2/AR is approximately 0.97, and this assay excels at determining the 5meCpG status of alleles at the Xp (RP2) and Xq (AR) chromosome arms in a single reaction. These findings are relevant and directly translatable to nonhuman primate models of XCI in which the AR CAG-repeat is monomorphic. We conducted the RP2 onshore tandem GAAA repeat assay in the naturally occurring chimeric New World monkey marmoset (Callitrichidae) and found it to be informative. The RP2 onshore tandem GAAA repeat will facilitate studies on the variable phenotypic expression of dominant and recessive X-linked diseases, epigenetic changes in twins, the physiology of aging hematopoiesis, the pathogenesis of age-related hematopoietic malignancies and the clonality of cancers in human and nonhuman primates.

5meCpG Epigenetic Marks Neighboring a Primate-Conserved Core Promoter Short Tandem Repeat Indicate X-Chromosome Inactivation

PubMed Central

Machado, Filipe Brum; Machado, Fabricio Brum; Faria, Milena Amendro; Lovatel, Viviane Lamim; Alves da Silva, Antonio Francisco; Radic, Claudia Pamela; De Brasi, Carlos Daniel; Rios, Álvaro Fabricio Lopes; de Sousa Lopes, Susana Marina Chuva; da Silveira, Leonardo Serafim; Ruiz-Miranda, Carlos Ramon; Ramos, Ester Silveira; Medina-Acosta, Enrique

2014-01-01

X-chromosome inactivation (XCI) is the epigenetic transcriptional silencing of an X-chromosome during the early stages of embryonic development in female eutherian mammals. XCI assures monoallelic expression in each cell and compensation for dosage-sensitive X-linked genes between females (XX) and males (XY). DNA methylation at the carbon-5 position of the cytosine pyrimidine ring in the context of a CpG dinucleotide sequence (5meCpG) in promoter regions is a key epigenetic marker for transcriptional gene silencing. Using computational analysis, we revealed an extragenic tandem GAAA repeat 230-bp from the landmark CpG island of the human X-linked retinitis pigmentosa 2 RP2 promoter whose 5meCpG status correlates with XCI. We used this RP2 onshore tandem GAAA repeat to develop an allele-specific 5meCpG-based PCR assay that is highly concordant with the human androgen receptor (AR) exonic tandem CAG repeat-based standard HUMARA assay in discriminating active (Xa) from inactive (Xi) X-chromosomes. The RP2 onshore tandem GAAA repeat contains neutral features that are lacking in the AR disease-linked tandem CAG repeat, is highly polymorphic (heterozygosity rates approximately 0.8) and shows minimal variation in the Xa/Xi ratio. The combined informativeness of RP2/AR is approximately 0.97, and this assay excels at determining the 5meCpG status of alleles at the Xp (RP2) and Xq (AR) chromosome arms in a single reaction. These findings are relevant and directly translatable to nonhuman primate models of XCI in which the AR CAG-repeat is monomorphic. We conducted the RP2 onshore tandem GAAA repeat assay in the naturally occurring chimeric New World monkey marmoset (Callitrichidae) and found it to be informative. The RP2 onshore tandem GAAA repeat will facilitate studies on the variable phenotypic expression of dominant and recessive X-linked diseases, epigenetic changes in twins, the physiology of aging hematopoiesis, the pathogenesis of age-related hematopoietic malignancies and the clonality of cancers in human and nonhuman primates. PMID:25078280

Standardization of quality control plans for highway bridges in Europe: COST Action TU 1406

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Casas, Joan R.; Matos, Jose Campos e.

2017-09-01

In Europe, as all over the world, the need to manage roadway bridges in an efficient way led to the development of different management systems. Hence, nowadays, many European countries have their own system. Although they present a similar architectural framework, several differences can be appointed. These differences constitute a divergent mechanism that may conduct to different decisions on maintenance actions. Within the roadway bridge management process, the identification of maintenance needs is more effective when developed in a uniform and repeatable manner. This process can be accomplished by the identification of performance indicators and definition of performance goals and key performance indicators (KPI), improving the planning of maintenance strategies. Therefore, a discussion at a European level, seeking to achieve a standardized approach in this subject, will bring significant benefits. Accordingly, a COST Action is under way in Europe with the aim of standardizing the establishment of quality control plans for roadway bridges.

Standard software for automated testing of infrared imagers, IRWindows, in practical applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Irwin, Alan; Nicklin, Robert L.

1998-08-01

In the past, ad-hoc and manual testing of infrared images hasn't been a deterrent to the characterization of these systems due to the low volume of production and high ratio of skilled personnel to the quantity of units under test. However, with higher volume production, increasing numbers of development labs in emerging markets, and the push towards less expensive, faster development cycles, there is a strong need for standardized testing that is quickly configurable by test engineers, which can be run by less experienced test technicians, and which produce repeatable, accurate results. The IRWindowsTM system addresses these needs using a standard computing platform and existing automated IR test equipment. This paper looks at the general capabilities of the IRWindowsTM system, and then examines the specific results from its application in the PalmIR and Automotive IR production environments.

Video camera system for locating bullet holes in targets at a ballistics tunnel

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Burner, A. W.; Rummler, D. R.; Goad, W. K.

1990-01-01

A system consisting of a single charge coupled device (CCD) video camera, computer controlled video digitizer, and software to automate the measurement was developed to measure the location of bullet holes in targets at the International Shooters Development Fund (ISDF)/NASA Ballistics Tunnel. The camera/digitizer system is a crucial component of a highly instrumented indoor 50 meter rifle range which is being constructed to support development of wind resistant, ultra match ammunition. The system was designed to take data rapidly (10 sec between shoots) and automatically with little operator intervention. The system description, measurement concept, and procedure are presented along with laboratory tests of repeatability and bias error. The long term (1 hour) repeatability of the system was found to be 4 microns (one standard deviation) at the target and the bias error was found to be less than 50 microns. An analysis of potential errors and a technique for calibration of the system are presented.

The development of repetitive motor behaviors in deer mice: Effects of environmental enrichment, repeated testing, and differential mediation by indirect basal ganglia pathway activation

PubMed Central

Bechard, Allison R.; Bliznyuk, Nikolay; Lewis, Mark H.

2017-01-01

Little is known about the mechanisms mediating the development of repetitive behaviors in human or animals. Deer mice reared with environmental enrichment (EE) exhibit fewer repetitive behaviors and greater indirect basal ganglia pathway activation as adults than those reared in standard cages. The developmental progression of these behavioral and neural circuitry changes has not been characterized. We assessed the development of repetitive behavior in deer mice using both a longitudinal and cohort design. Repeated testing negated the expected effect of EE, but cohort analyses showed that progression of repetitive behavior was arrested after one week of EE and differed significantly from controls after 3 weeks. Moreover, EE reductions in repetitive behavior were associated with increasing activation of indirect pathway nuclei in males across adolescence, but not females. These findings provide the first assessment of developmental trajectories within EE and support indirect pathway mediation of repetitive behavior in male deer mice. PMID:28181216

Valid internal standard technique for arson detection based on gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Salgueiro, Pedro A S; Borges, Carlos M F; Bettencourt da Silva, Ricardo J N

2012-09-28

The most popular procedures for the detection of residues of accelerants in fire debris are the ones published by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM E1412-07 and E1618-10). The most critical stages of these tests are the conservation of fire debris from the sampling to the laboratory, the extraction of residues of accelerants from the debris to the activated charcoal strips (ACS) and from those to the final solvent, as well as the analysis of sample extract by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and the interpretation of the instrumental signal. This work proposes a strategy for checking the quality of the sample conservation, the accelerant residues transference to final solvent and GC-MS analysis, using internal standard additions. It is used internal standards ranging from a highly volatile compound for checking debris conservation to low volatile compound for checking GC-MS repeatability. The developed quality control (QC) parameters are not affected by GC-MS sensitivity variation and, specifically, the GC-MS performance control is not affected by ACS adsorption saturation that may mask test performance deviations. The proposed QC procedure proved to be adequate to check GC-MS repeatability, ACS extraction and sample conservation since: (1) standard additions are affected by negligible uncertainty and (2) observed dispersion of QC parameters are fit for its intended use. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

ASTM Committee C28: International Standards for Properties and Performance of Advanced Ceramics, Three Decades of High-quality, Technically-rigorous Normalization

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jenkins, Michael G.; Salem, Jonathan A.

2016-01-01

Physical and mechanical properties and performance of advanced ceramics and glasses are difficult to measure correctly without the proper techniques. For over three decades, ASTM Committee C28 on Advanced Ceramics, has developed high quality, rigorous, full-consensus standards (e.g., test methods, practices, guides, terminology) to measure properties and performance of monolithic and composite ceramics that may be applied to glasses in some cases. These standards testing particulars for many mechanical, physical, thermal, properties and performance of these materials. As a result these standards provide accurate, reliable, repeatable and complete data. Within Committee C28 users, producers, researchers, designers, academicians, etc. have written, continually updated, and validated through round-robin test programs, nearly 50 standards since the Committees founding in 1986. This paper provides a retrospective review of the 30 years of ASTM Committee C28 including a graphical pictogram listing of C28 standards along with examples of the tangible benefits of advanced ceramics standards to demonstrate their practical applications.

Three-dimensional assessment of the asymptomatic and post-stroke shoulder: intra-rater test-retest reliability and within-subject repeatability of the palpation and digitization approach.

PubMed

Pain, Liza A M; Baker, Ross; Sohail, Qazi Zain; Richardson, Denyse; Zabjek, Karl; Mogk, Jeremy P M; Agur, Anne M R

2018-03-23

Altered three-dimensional (3D) joint kinematics can contribute to shoulder pathology, including post-stroke shoulder pain. Reliable assessment methods enable comparative studies between asymptomatic shoulders of healthy subjects and painful shoulders of post-stroke subjects, and could inform treatment planning for post-stroke shoulder pain. The study purpose was to establish intra-rater test-retest reliability and within-subject repeatability of a palpation/digitization protocol, which assesses 3D clavicular/scapular/humeral rotations, in asymptomatic and painful post-stroke shoulders. Repeated measurements of 3D clavicular/scapular/humeral joint/segment rotations were obtained using palpation/digitization in 32 asymptomatic and six painful post-stroke shoulders during four reaching postures (rest/flexion/abduction/external rotation). Intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs), standard error of the measurement and 95% confidence intervals were calculated. All ICC values indicated high to very high test-retest reliability (≥0.70), with lower reliability for scapular anterior/posterior tilt during external rotation in asymptomatic subjects, and scapular medial/lateral rotation, humeral horizontal abduction/adduction and axial rotation during abduction in post-stroke subjects. All standard error of measurement values demonstrated within-subject repeatability error ≤5° for all clavicular/scapular/humeral joint/segment rotations (asymptomatic ≤3.75°; post-stroke ≤5.0°), except for humeral axial rotation (asymptomatic ≤5°; post-stroke ≤15°). This noninvasive, clinically feasible palpation/digitization protocol was reliable and repeatable in asymptomatic shoulders, and in a smaller sample of painful post-stroke shoulders. Implications for Rehabilitation In the clinical setting, a reliable and repeatable noninvasive method for assessment of three-dimensional (3D) clavicular/scapular/humeral joint orientation and range of motion (ROM) is currently required. The established reliability and repeatability of this proposed palpation/digitization protocol will enable comparative 3D ROM studies between asymptomatic and post-stroke shoulders, which will further inform treatment planning. Intra-rater test-retest repeatability, which is measured by the standard error of the measure, indicates the range of error associated with a single test measure. Therefore, clinicians can use the standard error of the measure to determine the "true" differences between pre-treatment and post-treatment test scores.

The ToxBank Data Warehouse: Supporting the Replacement of In Vivo Repeated Dose Systemic Toxicity Testing.

PubMed

Kohonen, Pekka; Benfenati, Emilio; Bower, David; Ceder, Rebecca; Crump, Michael; Cross, Kevin; Grafström, Roland C; Healy, Lyn; Helma, Christoph; Jeliazkova, Nina; Jeliazkov, Vedrin; Maggioni, Silvia; Miller, Scott; Myatt, Glenn; Rautenberg, Michael; Stacey, Glyn; Willighagen, Egon; Wiseman, Jeff; Hardy, Barry

2013-01-01

The aim of the SEURAT-1 (Safety Evaluation Ultimately Replacing Animal Testing-1) research cluster, comprised of seven EU FP7 Health projects co-financed by Cosmetics Europe, is to generate a proof-of-concept to show how the latest technologies, systems toxicology and toxicogenomics can be combined to deliver a test replacement for repeated dose systemic toxicity testing on animals. The SEURAT-1 strategy is to adopt a mode-of-action framework to describe repeated dose toxicity, combining in vitro and in silico methods to derive predictions of in vivo toxicity responses. ToxBank is the cross-cluster infrastructure project whose activities include the development of a data warehouse to provide a web-accessible shared repository of research data and protocols, a physical compounds repository, reference or "gold compounds" for use across the cluster (available via wiki.toxbank.net), and a reference resource for biomaterials. Core technologies used in the data warehouse include the ISA-Tab universal data exchange format, REpresentational State Transfer (REST) web services, the W3C Resource Description Framework (RDF) and the OpenTox standards. We describe the design of the data warehouse based on cluster requirements, the implementation based on open standards, and finally the underlying concepts and initial results of a data analysis utilizing public data related to the gold compounds. Copyright © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Variability and repeatability analysis of plantar pressure during gait in older people.

PubMed

Franco, Pedro S; Silva, Caio Borella P da; Rocha, Emmanuel S da; Carpes, Felipe P

2015-01-01

Repeatability and variability of the plantar pressure during walking are important components in the clinical assessment of the elderly. However, there is a lack of information on the uniformity of plantar pressure patterns in the elderly. To analyze the repeatability and variability in plantar pressure considering mean, peak and asymmetries during aged gait. Plantar pressure was monitored in four different days for ten elderly subjects (5 female), with mean±standard-deviation age of 73±6 years, walking barefoot at preferred speed. Data were compared between steps for each day and between different days. Mean and peak plantar pressure values were similar between the different days of evaluation. Asymmetry indexes were similar between the different days evaluated. Plantar pressure presented a consistent pattern in the elderly. However, the asymmetry indexes observed suggest that the elderly are exposed to repetitive asymmetric loading during locomotion. Such result requires further investigation, especially concerning the role of these asymmetries for development of articular injuries. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.

An integrative strategy for quantitative analysis of the N-glycoproteome in complex biological samples.

PubMed

Wang, Ji; Zhou, Chuang; Zhang, Wei; Yao, Jun; Lu, Haojie; Dong, Qiongzhu; Zhou, Haijun; Qin, Lunxiu

2014-01-15

The complexity of protein glycosylation makes it difficult to characterize glycosylation patterns on a proteomic scale. In this study, we developed an integrated strategy for comparatively analyzing N-glycosylation/glycoproteins quantitatively from complex biological samples in a high-throughput manner. This strategy entailed separating and enriching glycopeptides/glycoproteins using lectin affinity chromatography, and then tandem labeling them with 18O/16O to generate a mass shift of 6 Da between the paired glycopeptides, and finally analyzing them with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and the automatic quantitative method we developed based on Mascot Distiller. The accuracy and repeatability of this strategy were first verified using standard glycoproteins; linearity was maintained within a range of 1:10-10:1. The peptide concentration ratios obtained by the self-build quantitative method were similar to both the manually calculated and theoretical values, with a standard deviation (SD) of 0.023-0.186 for glycopeptides. The feasibility of the strategy was further confirmed with serum from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients and healthy individuals; the expression of 44 glycopeptides and 30 glycoproteins were significantly different between HCC patient and control serum. This strategy is accurate, repeatable, and efficient, and may be a useful tool for identification of disease-related N-glycosylation/glycoprotein changes.

Investigation of the refractive index repeatability for tantalum pentoxide coatings, prepared by physical vapor film deposition techniques.

PubMed

Stenzel, O; Wilbrandt, S; Wolf, J; Schürmann, M; Kaiser, N; Ristau, D; Ehlers, H; Carstens, F; Schippel, S; Mechold, L; Rauhut, R; Kennedy, M; Bischoff, M; Nowitzki, T; Zöller, A; Hagedorn, H; Reus, H; Hegemann, T; Starke, K; Harhausen, J; Foest, R; Schumacher, J

2017-02-01

Random effects in the repeatability of refractive index and absorption edge position of tantalum pentoxide layers prepared by plasma-ion-assisted electron-beam evaporation, ion beam sputtering, and magnetron sputtering are investigated and quantified. Standard deviations in refractive index between 4*10^-4 and 4*10^-3 have been obtained. Here, lowest standard deviations in refractive index close to our detection threshold could be achieved by both ion beam sputtering and plasma-ion-assisted deposition. In relation to the corresponding mean values, the standard deviations in band-edge position and refractive index are of similar order.

EMQN/CMGS best practice guidelines for the molecular genetic testing of Huntington disease.

PubMed

Losekoot, Monique; van Belzen, Martine J; Seneca, Sara; Bauer, Peter; Stenhouse, Susan A R; Barton, David E

2013-05-01

Huntington disease (HD) is caused by the expansion of an unstable polymorphic trinucleotide (CAG)n repeat in exon 1 of the HTT gene, which translates into an extended polyglutamine tract in the protein. Laboratory diagnosis of HD involves estimation of the number of CAG repeats. Molecular genetic testing for HD is offered in a wide range of laboratories both within and outside the European community. In order to measure the quality and raise the standard of molecular genetic testing in these laboratories, the European Molecular Genetics Quality Network has organized a yearly external quality assessment (EQA) scheme for molecular genetic testing of HD for over 10 years. EQA compares a laboratory's output with a fixed standard both for genotyping and reporting of the results to the referring physicians. In general, the standard of genotyping is very high but the clarity of interpretation and reporting of the test result varies more widely. This emphasizes the need for best practice guidelines for this disorder. We have therefore developed these best practice guidelines for genetic testing for HD to assist in testing and reporting of results. The analytical methods and the potential pitfalls of molecular genetic testing are highlighted and the implications of the different test outcomes for the consultand and his or her family members are discussed.

Evaluation of a new tear osmometer for repeatability and accuracy, using 0.5-microL (500-Nanoliter) samples.

PubMed

Yildiz, Elvin H; Fan, Vincent C; Banday, Hina; Ramanathan, Lakshmi V; Bitra, Ratna K; Garry, Eileen; Asbell, Penny A

2009-07-01

To evaluate the repeatability and accuracy of a new tear osmometer that measures the osmolality of 0.5-microL (500-nanoliter) samples. Four standardized solutions were tested with 0.5-microL (500-nanoliter) samples for repeatability of measurements and comparability to standardized technique. Two known standard salt solutions (290 mOsm/kg H2O, 304 mOsm/kg H2O), a normal artificial tear matrix sample (306 mOsm/kg H2O), and an abnormal artificial tear matrix sample (336 mOsm/kg H2O) were repeatedly tested (n = 20 each) for osmolality with use of the Advanced Instruments Model 3100 Tear Osmometer (0.5-microL [500-nanoliter] sample size) and the FDA-approved Advanced Instruments Model 3D2 Clinical Osmometer (250-microL sample size). Four standard solutions were used, with osmolality values of 290, 304, 306, and 336 mOsm/kg H2O. The respective precision data, including the mean and standard deviation, were: 291.8 +/- 4.4, 305.6 +/- 2.4, 305.1 +/- 2.3, and 336.4 +/- 2.2 mOsm/kg H2O. The percent recoveries for the 290 mOsm/kg H2O standard solution, the 304 mOsm/kg H2O reference solution, the normal value-assigned 306 mOsm/kg H2O sample, and the abnormal value-assigned 336 mOsm/kg H2O sample were 100.3, 100.2, 99.8, and 100.3 mOsm/kg H2O, respectively. The repeatability data are in accordance with data obtained on clinical osmometers with use of larger sample sizes. All 4 samples tested on the tear osmometer have osmolality values that correlate well to the clinical instrument method. The tear osmometer is a suitable instrument for testing the osmolality of microliter-sized samples, such as tears, and therefore may be useful in diagnosing, monitoring, and classifying tear abnormalities such as the severity of dry eye disease.

Development and testing of an automated computer tablet-based method for self-testing of high and low contrast near visual acuity in ophthalmic patients.

PubMed

Aslam, Tariq M; Parry, Neil R A; Murray, Ian J; Salleh, Mahani; Col, Caterina Dal; Mirza, Naznin; Czanner, Gabriela; Tahir, Humza J

2016-05-01

Many eye diseases require on-going assessment for optimal management, creating an ever-increasing burden on patients and hospitals that could potentially be reduced through home vision monitoring. However, there is limited evidence for the utility of current applications and devices for this. To address this, we present a new automated, computer tablet-based method for self-testing near visual acuity (VA) for both high and low contrast targets. We report on its reliability and agreement with gold standard measures. The Mobile Assessment of Vision by intERactIve Computer (MAVERIC) system consists of a calibrated computer tablet housed in a bespoke viewing chamber. Purpose-built software automatically elicits touch-screen responses from subjects to measure their near VA for either low or high contrast acuity. Near high contrast acuity was measured using both the MAVERIC system and a near Landolt C chart in one eye for 81 patients and low contrast acuity using the MAVERIC system and a 25 % contrast near EDTRS chart in one eye of a separate 95 patients. The MAVERIC near acuity was also retested after 20 min to evaluate repeatability. Repeatability of both high and low contrast MAVERIC acuity measures, and their agreement with the chart tests, was assessed using the Bland-Altman comparison method. One hundred and seventy-three patients (96 %) completed the self- testing MAVERIC system without formal assistance. The resulting MAVERIC vision demonstrated good repeatability and good agreement with the gold-standard near chart measures. This study demonstrates the potential utility of the MAVERIC system for patients with ophthalmic disease to self-test their high and low contrast VA. The technique has a high degree of reliability and agreement with gold standard chart based measurements.

A re-evaluation of the taste and odour of methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) in drinking water.

PubMed

Suffet, I H

2007-01-01

Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) is a gasoline additive that has been found in groundwater when an underground gasoline storage tank leaks. Although dependent on the clean-up standards that are applied, clean-up costs have been estimated in the US alone to be in the billions of dollars. MTBE is considered primarily a taste and odour concern and not a toxicity issue at concentrations found in drinking water. Thus, the clean-up of MTBE problems is controlled by the MTBE odour threshold concentration (OTC). The level of clean-up and associated differential of millions of dollars is a matter of concern for water purveyors and well owners. A 1993 study of nine OTC studies showed the OTC of MTBE in water to be between 0.04 and 0.06 microg/L, a level over two orders of magnitude less than eight other studies. This 1993 study was repeated at the original laboratory in 2004 and is reported in this paper. The laboratory's quality control programme and ability to repeat one of the eight other studies indicated the laboratory was qualified to repeat its original OTC study. The flavour and odour detection threshold range in the 1993 study, however, could not be confirmed by trained assessors repeating the original study in 2004. The inconsistencies in the data and the high detection on water blanks indicate that the dilution series of the test solutions for the 1993 study were mainly at subthreshold levels. Therefore, the original study of 1993 is not a valid OTC study for MTBE and should not be used to develop drinking water and clean-up standards. The OTC of MTBE is over 15 microg/L for the eight valid studies.

Evaluation of pulse-oximetry oxygen saturation taken through skin protective covering

PubMed Central

James, Jyotsna; Tiwari, Lokesh; Upadhyay, Pramod; Sreenivas, Vishnubhatla; Bhambhani, Vikas; Puliyel, Jacob M

2006-01-01

Background The hard edges of adult finger clip probes of the pulse oximetry oxygen saturation (POOS) monitor can cause skin damage if used for prolonged periods in a neonate. Covering the skin under the probe with Micropore surgical tape or a gauze piece might prevent such injury. The study was done to see if the protective covering would affect the accuracy of the readings. Methods POOS was studied in 50 full-term neonates in the first week of life. After obtaining consent from their parents the neonates had POOS readings taken directly (standard technique) and through the protective covering. Bland-Altman plots were used to compare the new method with the standard technique. A test of repeatability for each method was also performed. Results The Bland-Altman plots suggest that there is no significant loss of accuracy when readings are taken through the protective covering. The mean difference was 0.06 (SD of 1.39) and 0.04 (SD 1.3) with Micropore and gauze respectively compared to the standard method. The mean difference was 0.22 (SD 0.23) on testing repeatability with the standard method. Conclusion Interposing Micropore or gauze does not significantly affect the accuracy of the POOS reading. The difference between the standard method and the new method was less than the difference seen on testing repeatability of the standard method. PMID:16677394

Evaluation of pulse-oximetry oxygen saturation taken through skin protective covering.

PubMed

James, Jyotsna; Tiwari, Lokesh; Upadhyay, Pramod; Sreenivas, Vishnubhatla; Bhambhani, Vikas; Puliyel, Jacob M

2006-05-06

The hard edges of adult finger clip probes of the pulse oximetry oxygen saturation (POOS) monitor can cause skin damage if used for prolonged periods in a neonate. Covering the skin under the probe with Micropore surgical tape or a gauze piece might prevent such injury. The study was done to see if the protective covering would affect the accuracy of the readings. POOS was studied in 50 full-term neonates in the first week of life. After obtaining consent from their parents the neonates had POOS readings taken directly (standard technique) and through the protective covering. Bland-Altman plots were used to compare the new method with the standard technique. A test of repeatability for each method was also performed. The Bland-Altman plots suggest that there is no significant loss of accuracy when readings are taken through the protective covering. The mean difference was 0.06 (SD of 1.39) and 0.04 (SD 1.3) with Micropore and gauze respectively compared to the standard method. The mean difference was 0.22 (SD 0.23) on testing repeatability with the standard method. Interposing Micropore or gauze does not significantly affect the accuracy of the POOS reading. The difference between the standard method and the new method was less than the difference seen on testing repeatability of the standard method.

[Determination of eight pesticide residues in tea by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and its uncertainty evaluation].

PubMed

Hu, Beizhen; Cai, Haijiang; Song, Weihua

2012-09-01

A method was developed for the determination of eight pesticide residues (fipronil, imidacloprid, acetamiprid, buprofezin, triadimefon, triadimenol, profenofos, pyridaben) in tea by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The sample was extracted by accelerated solvent extraction with acetone-dichloromethane (1:1, v/v) as solvent, and the extract was then cleaned-up with a Carb/NH2 solid phase extraction (SPE) column. The separation was performed on a Hypersil Gold C, column (150 mm x 2. 1 mm, 5 microm) and with the gradient elution of acetonitrile and 0. 1% formic acid. The eight pesticides were determined in the modes of electrospray ionization (ESI) and multiple reaction monitoring (MRM). The analytes were quantified by matrix-matched internal standard method for imidacloprid and acetamiprid, by matrix-matched external standard method for the other pesticides. The calibration curves showed good linearity in 1 - 100 microg/L for fipronil, and in 5 -200 microg/L for the other pesticides. The limits of quantification (LOQs, S/N> 10) were 2 p.g/kg for fipronil and 10 microg/kg for the other pesticides. The average recoveries ranged from 75. 5% to 115.0% with the relative standard deviations of 2.7% - 7.7% at the spiked levels of 2, 5, 50 microg/kg for fipronil and 10, 50, 100 microg/kg for the other pesticides. The uncertainty evaluation for the results was carried out according to JJF 1059-1999 "Evaluation and Expression of Uncertainty in Measurement". Items constituting measurement uncertainty involved standard solution, weighing of sample, sample pre-treatment, and the measurement repeatability of the equipment were evaluated. The results showed that the measurement uncertainty is mainly due to sample pre-treatment, standard curves and measurement repeatability of the equipment. The method developed is suitable for the conformation and quantification of the pesticides in tea.

Instrumentation, metrology, and standards: key elements for the future of nanomanufacturing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Postek, Michael T.; Lyons, Kevin

2007-09-01

Nanomanufacturing is the essential bridge between the discoveries of nanoscience and real world nanotech products and is the vehicle by which the Nation and the World will realize the promise of major technological innovation across a spectrum of products that will affect virtually every industrial sector. For nanotech products to achieve the broad impacts envisioned, they must be manufactured in market-appropriate quantities in a reliable, repeatable, economical and commercially viable manner. In addition, they must be manufactured so that environmental and human health concerns are met, worker safety issues are appropriately assessed and handled, and liability issues are addressed. Critical to this realization of robust nanomanufacturing is the development of the necessary instrumentation, metrology, and standards. Integration of the instruments, their interoperability, and appropriate information management are also critical elements that must be considered for viable nanomanufacturing. Advanced instrumentation, metrology and standards will allow the physical dimensions, properties, functionality, and purity of the materials, processes, tools, systems, products, and emissions that will constitute nanomanufacturing to be measured and characterized. This will in turn enable production to be scaleable, controllable, predictable, and repeatable to meet market needs. If a nano-product cannot be measured it cannot be manufactured; additionally if that product cannot be made safely it should not be manufactured. This presentation introduces the Instrumentation, Metrology, and Standards for Nanomanufacturing Conference at the 2007 SPIE Optics and Photonics. This conference will become the leading forum for the exchange of foundational information and discussion of instrumentation, metrology and standards which are key elements for the success of nanomanufacturing.

Systematic ultrasound-guided saturation and template biopsy of the prostate: indications and advantages of extended sampling.

PubMed

Isbarn, Hendrik; Briganti, Alberto; De Visschere, Pieter J L; Fütterer, Jurgen J; Ghadjar, Pirus; Giannarini, Gianluca; Ost, Piet; Ploussard, Guillaume; Sooriakumaran, Prasanna; Surcel, Christian I; van Oort, Inge M; Yossepowitch, Ofer; van den Bergh, Roderick C N

2015-04-01

Prostate biopsy (PB) is the gold standard for the diagnosis of prostate cancer (PCa). However, the optimal number of biopsy cores remains debatable. We sought to compare contemporary standard (10-12 cores) vs. saturation (=18 cores) schemes on initial as well as repeat PB. A non-systematic review of the literature was performed from 2000 through 2013. Studies of highest evidence (randomized controlled trials, prospective non-randomized studies, and retrospective reports of high quality) comparing standard vs saturation schemes on initial and repeat PB were evaluated. Outcome measures were overall PCa detection rate, detection rate of insignificant PCa, and procedure-associated morbidity. On initial PB, there is growing evidence that a saturation scheme is associated with a higher PCa detection rate compared to a standard one in men with lower PSA levels (<10 ng/ml), larger prostates (>40 cc), or lower PSA density values (<0.25 ng/ml/cc). However, these cut-offs are not uniform and differ among studies. Detection rates of insignificant PCa do not differ in a significant fashion between standard and saturation biopsies. On repeat PB, PCa detection rate is likewise higher with saturation protocols. Estimates of insignificant PCa vary widely due to differing definitions of insignificant disease. However, the rates of insignificant PCa appear to be comparable for the schemes in patients with only one prior negative biopsy, while saturation biopsy seems to detect more cases of insignificant PCa compared to standard biopsy in men with two or more prior negative biopsies. Very extensive sampling is associated with a high rate of acute urinary retention, whereas other severe adverse events, such as sepsis, appear not to occur more frequently with saturation schemes. Current evidence suggests that saturation schemes are associated with a higher PCa detection rate compared to standard ones on initial PB in men with lower PSA levels or larger prostates, and on repeat PB. Since most data are derived from retrospective studies, other endpoints such as detection rate of insignificant disease - especially on repeat PB - show broad variations throughout the literature and must, thus, be interpreted with caution. Future prospective controlled trials should be conducted to compare extended templates with newer techniques, such as image-guided sampling, in order to optimize PCa diagnostic strategy.

Repeat testing of low-level HIV-1 RNA: assay performance and implementation in clinical trials.

PubMed

White, Kirsten; Garner, Will; Wei, Lilian; Eron, Joseph J; Zhong, Lijie; Miller, Michael D; Martin, Hal; Plummer, Andrew; Tran-Muchowski, Cecilia; Lindstrom, Kim; Porter, James; Piontkowsky, David; Light, Angela; Reiske, Heinz; Quirk, Erin

2018-05-15

Assess the performance of HIV-1 RNA repeat testing of stored samples in cases of low-level viremia during clinical trials. Prospective and retrospective analysis of randomized clinical trial samples and reference standards. To evaluate assay variability of the Cobas AmpliPrep/Cobas TaqMan HIV-1 Test, v2.0, three separate sources of samples were utilized: the World Health Organization (WHO) HIV reference standard (assayed using 50 independent measurements at six viral loads <200 copies/ml), retrospective analysis of four to six aliquots of plasma samples from four clinical trial participants, and prospective repeat testing of 120 samples from participants in randomized trials with low-level viremia. The TaqMan assay on the WHO HIV-1 RNA standards at viral loads <200 copies/ml performed within the expected variability according to assay specifications. However, standards with low viral loads of 36 and 18 copies/ml reported values of ≥ 50 copies/ml in 66 and 18% of tests, respectively. In participants treated with antiretrovirals who had unexpected viremia of 50-200 copies/ml after achieving <50 copies/ml, retesting of multiple aliquots of stored plasma found <50 copies/ml in nearly all cases upon retesting (14/15; 93%). Repeat testing was prospectively implemented in four clinical trials for all samples with virologic rebound of 50-200 copies/ml (n = 120 samples from 92 participants) from which 42% (50/120) had a retest result of less than 50 copies/ml and 58% (70/120) retested ≥ 50 copies/ml. The TaqMan HIV-1 RNA assay shows variability around 50 copies/ml that affects clinical trial results and may impact clinical practice. In participants with a history of viral load suppression, unexpected low-level viremia may be because of assay variability rather than low drug adherence or true virologic failure. Retesting a stored aliquot of the same sample may differentiate between assay variability and virologic failure as the source of viremia. This retesting strategy could save time, money, and anxiety for patients and their providers, as well as decrease follow-up clinic visits without increasing the risk of virologic failure and resistance development.

Development of a standardized battery of performance tests for the assessment of noise stress effects

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Theologus, G. C.; Wheaton, G. R.; Mirabella, A.; Brahlek, R. E.

1973-01-01

A set of 36 relatively independent categories of human performance were identified. These categories encompass human performance in the cognitive, perceptual, and psychomotor areas, and include diagnostic measures and sensitive performance metrics. Then a prototype standardized test battery was constructed, and research was conducted to obtain information on the sensitivity of the tests to stress, the sensitivity of selected categories of performance degradation, the time course of stress effects on each of the selected tests, and the learning curves associated with each test. A research project utilizing a three factor partially repeated analysis of covariance design was conducted in which 60 male subjects were exposed to variations in noise level and quality during performance testing. Effects of randomly intermittent noise on performance of the reaction time tests were observed, but most of the other performance tests showed consistent stability. The results of 14 analyses of covariance of the data taken from the performance of the 60 subjects on the prototype standardized test battery provided information which will enable the final development and test of a standardized test battery and the associated development of differential sensitivity metrics and diagnostic classificatory system.

Slipped-strand mispairing at noncontiguous repeats in Poecilia reticulata: a model for minisatellite birth.

PubMed Central

Taylor, J S; Breden, F

2000-01-01

The standard slipped-strand mispairing (SSM) model for the formation of variable number tandem repeats (VNTRs) proposes that a few tandem repeats, produced by chance mutations, provide the "raw material" for VNTR expansion. However, this model is unlikely to explain the formation of VNTRs with long motifs (e.g., minisatellites), because the likelihood of a tandem repeat forming by chance decreases rapidly as the length of the repeat motif increases. Phylogenetic reconstruction of the birth of a mitochondrial (mt) DNA minisatellite in guppies suggests that VNTRs with long motifs can form as a consequence of SSM at noncontiguous repeats. VNTRs formed in this manner have motifs longer than the noncontiguous repeat originally formed by chance and are flanked by one unit of the original, noncontiguous repeat. SSM at noncontiguous repeats can therefore explain the birth of VNTRs with long motifs and the "imperfect" or "short direct" repeats frequently observed adjacent to both mtDNA and nuclear VNTRs. PMID:10880490

User-generated quality standards for youth mental health in primary care: a participatory research design using mixed methods

PubMed Central

Graham, Tanya; Rose, Diana; Murray, Joanna; Ashworth, Mark; Tylee, André

2014-01-01

Objectives To develop user-generated quality standards for young people with mental health problems in primary care using a participatory research model. Methods 50 young people aged 16–25 from community settings and primary care participated in focus groups and interviews about their views and experiences of seeking help for mental health problems in primary care, cofacilitated by young service users and repeated to ensure respondent validation. A second group of young people also aged 16–25 who had sought help for any mental health problem from primary care or secondary care within the last 5 years were trained as focus groups cofacilitators (n=12) developed the quality standards from the qualitative data and participated in four nominal groups (n=28). Results 46 quality standards were developed and ranked by young service users. Agreement was defined as 100% of scores within a two-point region. Group consensus existed for 16 quality standards representing the following aspects of primary care: better advertising and information (three); improved competence through mental health training and skill mix within the practice (two); alternatives to medication (three); improved referral protocol (three); and specific questions and reassurances (five). Alternatives to medication and specific questions and reassurances are aspects of quality which have not been previously reported. Conclusions We have demonstrated the feasibility of using participatory research methods in order to develop user-generated quality standards. The development of patient-generated quality standards may offer a more formal method of incorporating the views of service users into quality improvement initiatives. This method can be adapted for generating quality standards applicable to other patient groups. PMID:24920648

Proceedings of the Military Operational Medicine Research Program Return-to-Duty Research Working Group Meeting, 19-20 September 2012

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-05-01

Defense level. o The publicized issue of repeat concussions with NFL [National Football League] players has helped to identify TBI as its own field...Neuropsychological injuries include single or multiple concussive events along with other concomitant neurological effects associated with mental health...the development of RTD standards and assessment tools addressing the most common injuries across DoD: neurosensory injury (i.e., concussion

Portable spark-gap arc generator

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ignaczak, L. R.

1978-01-01

Self-contained spark generator that simulates electrical noise caused by discharge of static charge is useful tool when checking sensitive component and equipment. In test set-up, device introduces repeatable noise pulses as behavior of components is monitored. Generator uses only standard commercial parts and weighs only 4 pounds; portable dc power supply is used. Two configurations of generator have been developed: one is free-running arc source, and one delivers spark in response to triggering pulse.

Genomic Repeat Abundances Contain Phylogenetic Signal

PubMed Central

Dodsworth, Steven; Chase, Mark W.; Kelly, Laura J.; Leitch, Ilia J.; Macas, Jiří; Novák, Petr; Piednoël, Mathieu; Weiss-Schneeweiss, Hanna; Leitch, Andrew R.

2015-01-01

A large proportion of genomic information, particularly repetitive elements, is usually ignored when researchers are using next-generation sequencing. Here we demonstrate the usefulness of this repetitive fraction in phylogenetic analyses, utilizing comparative graph-based clustering of next-generation sequence reads, which results in abundance estimates of different classes of genomic repeats. Phylogenetic trees are then inferred based on the genome-wide abundance of different repeat types treated as continuously varying characters; such repeats are scattered across chromosomes and in angiosperms can constitute a majority of nuclear genomic DNA. In six diverse examples, five angiosperms and one insect, this method provides generally well-supported relationships at interspecific and intergeneric levels that agree with results from more standard phylogenetic analyses of commonly used markers. We propose that this methodology may prove especially useful in groups where there is little genetic differentiation in standard phylogenetic markers. At the same time as providing data for phylogenetic inference, this method additionally yields a wealth of data for comparative studies of genome evolution. PMID:25261464

Assisting couples to develop healthy relationships: effects of couples relationship education on cortisol.

PubMed

Ditzen, Beate; Hahlweg, Kurt; Fehm-Wolfsdorf, Gabriele; Baucom, Don

2011-06-01

Couple conflict in unhappy marriages is suggested to impair individual health via chronic psychophysiological stress reactions in couples' everyday lives. As a consequence, we hypothesized that standard couples relationship education (CRE) would decrease psychophysiological stress, namely salivary cortisol levels, during couple conflict in the laboratory as compared to a standard psychological stress paradigm. We considered cortisol to be of particular interest in this context, as it mediates endocrine and immune responses to stress, and thus might influence couples' health. Salivary cortisol was repeatedly investigated in 61 couples during (a) a standard psychological stress test with no relevance for the couples, and (b) a standard couple conflict discussion in the laboratory before and after CRE. In addition, increases in self-evaluated relationship quality were analyzed with regard to their influence on salivary cortisol. Data were analyzed using multilevel modeling. Cortisol responses to the couple-external psychological stress test were unaffected by CRE, but specifically cortisol responses during the couple conflict discussion were significantly reduced following CRE compared to pre-intervention levels. Moreover, cortisol decreases during conflict were partially mediated by increases in self-reported relationship quality following CRE. These data suggest that CRE might buffer the harmful effects of repeated conflict in close relationships. Rather than ameliorating overall stress resilience, CRE might thus specifically improve individual health through increased relationship quality and reduced HPA axis activity during couple conflict. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A 45-Second Self-Test for Cardiorespiratory Fitness: Heart Rate-Based Estimation in Healthy Individuals

PubMed Central

Bonato, Matteo; Papini, Gabriele; Bosio, Andrea; Mohammed, Rahil A.; Bonomi, Alberto G.; Moore, Jonathan P.; Merati, Giampiero; La Torre, Antonio; Kubis, Hans-Peter

2016-01-01

Cardio-respiratory fitness (CRF) is a widespread essential indicator in Sports Science as well as in Sports Medicine. This study aimed to develop and validate a prediction model for CRF based on a 45 second self-test, which can be conducted anywhere. Criterion validity, test re-test study was set up to accomplish our objectives. Data from 81 healthy volunteers (age: 29 ± 8 years, BMI: 24.0 ± 2.9), 18 of whom females, were used to validate this test against gold standard. Nineteen volunteers repeated this test twice in order to evaluate its repeatability. CRF estimation models were developed using heart rate (HR) features extracted from the resting, exercise, and the recovery phase. The most predictive HR feature was the intercept of the linear equation fitting the HR values during the recovery phase normalized for the height2 (r2 = 0.30). The Ruffier-Dickson Index (RDI), which was originally developed for this squat test, showed a negative significant correlation with CRF (r = -0.40), but explained only 15% of the variability in CRF. A multivariate model based on RDI and sex, age and height increased the explained variability up to 53% with a cross validation (CV) error of 0.532 L ∙ min-1 and substantial repeatability (ICC = 0.91). The best predictive multivariate model made use of the linear intercept of HR at the beginning of the recovery normalized for height2 and age2; this had an adjusted r2 = 0. 59, a CV error of 0.495 L·min-1 and substantial repeatability (ICC = 0.93). It also had a higher agreement in classifying CRF levels (κ = 0.42) than RDI-based model (κ = 0.29). In conclusion, this simple 45 s self-test can be used to estimate and classify CRF in healthy individuals with moderate accuracy and large repeatability when HR recovery features are included. PMID:27959935

A 45-Second Self-Test for Cardiorespiratory Fitness: Heart Rate-Based Estimation in Healthy Individuals.

PubMed

Sartor, Francesco; Bonato, Matteo; Papini, Gabriele; Bosio, Andrea; Mohammed, Rahil A; Bonomi, Alberto G; Moore, Jonathan P; Merati, Giampiero; La Torre, Antonio; Kubis, Hans-Peter

2016-01-01

Cardio-respiratory fitness (CRF) is a widespread essential indicator in Sports Science as well as in Sports Medicine. This study aimed to develop and validate a prediction model for CRF based on a 45 second self-test, which can be conducted anywhere. Criterion validity, test re-test study was set up to accomplish our objectives. Data from 81 healthy volunteers (age: 29 ± 8 years, BMI: 24.0 ± 2.9), 18 of whom females, were used to validate this test against gold standard. Nineteen volunteers repeated this test twice in order to evaluate its repeatability. CRF estimation models were developed using heart rate (HR) features extracted from the resting, exercise, and the recovery phase. The most predictive HR feature was the intercept of the linear equation fitting the HR values during the recovery phase normalized for the height2 (r2 = 0.30). The Ruffier-Dickson Index (RDI), which was originally developed for this squat test, showed a negative significant correlation with CRF (r = -0.40), but explained only 15% of the variability in CRF. A multivariate model based on RDI and sex, age and height increased the explained variability up to 53% with a cross validation (CV) error of 0.532 L ∙ min-1 and substantial repeatability (ICC = 0.91). The best predictive multivariate model made use of the linear intercept of HR at the beginning of the recovery normalized for height2 and age2; this had an adjusted r2 = 0. 59, a CV error of 0.495 L·min-1 and substantial repeatability (ICC = 0.93). It also had a higher agreement in classifying CRF levels (κ = 0.42) than RDI-based model (κ = 0.29). In conclusion, this simple 45 s self-test can be used to estimate and classify CRF in healthy individuals with moderate accuracy and large repeatability when HR recovery features are included.

Results of an interlaboratory method performance study for the size determination and quantification of silver nanoparticles in chicken meat by single-particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (sp-ICP-MS).

PubMed

Weigel, Stefan; Peters, Ruud; Loeschner, Katrin; Grombe, Ringo; Linsinger, Thomas P J

2017-08-01

Single-particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (sp-ICP-MS) promises fast and selective determination of nanoparticle size and number concentrations. While several studies on practical applications have been published, data on formal, especially interlaboratory validation of sp-ICP-MS, is sparse. An international interlaboratory study was organized to determine repeatability and reproducibility of the determination of the median particle size and particle number concentration of Ag nanoparticles (AgNPs) in chicken meat. Ten laboratories from the European Union, the USA, and Canada determined particle size and particle number concentration of two chicken meat homogenates spiked with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)-stabilized AgNPs. For the determination of the median particle diameter, repeatability standard deviations of 2 and 5% were determined, and reproducibility standard deviations were 15 and 25%, respectively. The equivalent median diameter itself was approximately 60% larger than the diameter of the particles in the spiking solution. Determination of the particle number concentration was significantly less precise, with repeatability standard deviations of 7 and 18% and reproducibility standard deviations of 70 and 90%.

Human minisatellite alleles detectable only after PCR amplification.

PubMed

Armour, J A; Crosier, M; Jeffreys, A J

1992-01-01

We present evidence that a proportion of alleles at two human minisatellite loci is undetected by standard Southern blot hybridization. In each case the missing allele(s) can be identified after PCR amplification and correspond to tandem arrays too short to detect by hybridization. At one locus, there is only one undetected allele (population frequency 0.3), which contains just three repeat units. At the second locus, there are at least five undetected alleles (total population frequency 0.9) containing 60-120 repeats; they are not detected because these tandem repeats give very poor signals when used as a probe in standard Southern blot hybridization, and also cross-hybridize with other sequences in the genome. Under these circumstances only signals from the longest tandemly repeated alleles are detectable above the nonspecific background. The structures of these loci have been compared in human and primate DNA, and at one locus the short human allele containing three repeat units is shown to be an intermediate state in the expansion of a monomeric precursor allele in primates to high copy number in the longer human arrays. We discuss the implications of such loci for studies of human populations, minisatellite isolation by cloning, and the evolution of highly variable tandem arrays.

Validity and repeatability of inertial measurement units for measuring gait parameters.

PubMed

Washabaugh, Edward P; Kalyanaraman, Tarun; Adamczyk, Peter G; Claflin, Edward S; Krishnan, Chandramouli

2017-06-01

Inertial measurement units (IMUs) are small wearable sensors that have tremendous potential to be applied to clinical gait analysis. They allow objective evaluation of gait and movement disorders outside the clinic and research laboratory, and permit evaluation on large numbers of steps. However, repeatability and validity data of these systems are sparse for gait metrics. The purpose of this study was to determine the validity and between-day repeatability of spatiotemporal metrics (gait speed, stance percent, swing percent, gait cycle time, stride length, cadence, and step duration) as measured with the APDM Opal IMUs and Mobility Lab system. We collected data on 39 healthy subjects. Subjects were tested over two days while walking on a standard treadmill, split-belt treadmill, or overground, with IMUs placed in two locations: both feet and both ankles. The spatiotemporal measurements taken with the IMU system were validated against data from an instrumented treadmill, or using standard clinical procedures. Repeatability and minimally detectable change (MDC) of the system was calculated between days. IMUs displayed high to moderate validity when measuring most of the gait metrics tested. Additionally, these measurements appear to be repeatable when used on the treadmill and overground. The foot configuration of the IMUs appeared to better measure gait parameters; however, both the foot and ankle configurations demonstrated good repeatability. In conclusion, the IMU system in this study appears to be both accurate and repeatable for measuring spatiotemporal gait parameters in healthy young adults. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

An analysis of on time evolution of landslide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsai, Chienwei; Lien, Huipang

2017-04-01

In recent years, the extreme hydrological phenomenon in Taiwan is obvious. Because the increase of heavy rainfall frequency has resulted in severe landslide disaster, the watershed management is very important and how to make the most effective governance within the limited funds is the key point. In recent years many scholars to develop empirical models said that virtually rainfall factors exist and as long as rainfall conditions are met the minimum requirements of the model, landslide will occur. However, rainfall is one of the elements to the landslide, but not the only one element. Rainfall, geology and earthquake all contributed to the landslide as well. Preliminary research found that many landslides occur at the same location constantly and after repeating landslide, the slope had the characteristic of landslide immunity over time, even if the rainfall exceeded the standard, the landslide could not be triggered in the near term. This study investigated the surface conditions of slope that occur repeated landslide. It is difficult to be the basis of subsequent anti-disaster if making rainfall is the only condition to contribute to the landslide. This study analyzes 50 landslides in 2004 2013. Repeated landslide is defined as existed landslide in satellite images of reference period which it's bare area is shrinking or disappearing gradually but the restoration occur landslide again in some period time. The statistical analysis of the study found that 96% of landslide has repeated landslide and on average repeated landslide occurs 3.4 years in 10 years by one year as the unit. The highest of repeated landslide happened in 2010. It would presume that Typhoon Morakot in 2010 brought torrential rain which suffered southern mountain areas severely so the areas occurred repeated landslide.

Characterizing the Performance of the Wheel Electrostatic Spectrometer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johansen, M. R.; Mackey, P. J.; Holbert, E.; Clements, J. S.; Calle, C. I.

2013-01-01

A Wheel Electrostatic Spectrometer has been developed as a surveying tool to be incorporated into a Martian rover design. Electrostatic sensors with various protruding cover insulators are embedded into a prototype rover wheel. When these insulators come into contact with a surface, a charge develops on the cover insulator through tribocharging. A charge spectrum is created by analyzing the accumulated charge on each of the dissimilar cover insulators. This charge spectrum can be used to determine differences in Martian regolith properties. In this study, we analyzed the repeatability of the measurements for this sensor package and found that the sensor repeatability lies within one standard deviation of the noise in the signal. In addition, we tested the need for neutralizing the surface charge on the cover insulators and discovered a need to discharge the sensor cover insulators after each revolution. Future work includes an electronics redesign to reduce noise and a Martian pressure static elimination tool that can be used to neutralize the charge on the sensor cover insulators after each wheel revolution.

HESS Opinions: Repeatable research: what hydrologistscan learn from the Duke cancer research scandal

USGS Publications Warehouse

Fienen, Michael; Bakker, Mark

2016-01-01

In the past decade, difficulties encountered in reproducing the results of a cancer study at Duke University resulted in a scandal and an investigation which concluded that tools used for data management, analysis, and modeling were inappropriate for the documentation of the study, let alone the reproduction of the results. New protocols were developed which require that data analysis and modeling be carried out with scripts that can be used to reproduce the results and are a record of all decisions and interpretations made during an analysis or a modeling effort. In the hydrological sciences, we face similar challenges and need to develop similar standards for transparency and repeatability of results. A promising route is to start making use of open-source languages (such as R and Python) to write scripts and to use collaborative coding environments (such as Git) to share our codes for inspection and use by the hydrological community. An important side-benefit to adopting such protocols is consistency and efficiency among collaborators.

Six-month Longitudinal Comparison of a Portable Tablet Perimeter With the Humphrey Field Analyzer.

PubMed

Prea, Selwyn Marc; Kong, Yu Xiang George; Mehta, Aditi; He, Mingguang; Crowston, Jonathan G; Gupta, Vinay; Martin, Keith R; Vingrys, Algis J

2018-06-01

To establish the medium-term repeatability of the iPad perimetry app Melbourne Rapid Fields (MRF) compared to Humphrey Field Analyzer (HFA) 24-2 SITA-standard and SITA-fast programs. Multicenter longitudinal observational clinical study. Sixty patients (stable glaucoma/ocular hypertension/glaucoma suspects) were recruited into a 6-month longitudinal clinical study with visits planned at baseline and at 2, 4, and 6 months. At each visit patients undertook visual field assessment using the MRF perimetry application and either HFA SITA-fast (n = 21) or SITA-standard (n = 39). The primary outcome measure was the association and repeatability of mean deviation (MD) for the MRF and HFA tests. Secondary measures were the point-wise threshold and repeatability for each test, as well as test time. MRF was similar to SITA-fast in speed and significantly faster than SITA-standard (MRF 4.6 ± 0.1 minutes vs SITA-fast 4.3 ± 0.2 minutes vs SITA-standard 6.2 ± 0.1 minutes, P < .001). Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) between MRF and SITA-fast for MD at the 4 visits ranged from 0.71 to 0.88. ICC values between MRF and SITA-standard for MD ranged from 0.81 to 0.90. Repeatability of MRF MD outcomes was excellent, with ICC for baseline and the 6-month visit being 0.98 (95% confidence interval: 0.96-0.99). In comparison, ICC at 6-month retest for SITA-fast was 0.95 and SITA-standard 0.93. Fewer points changed with the MRF, although for those that did, the MRF gave greater point-wise variability than did the SITA tests. MRF correlated strongly with HFA across 4 visits over a 6-month period, and has good test-retest reliability. MRF is suitable for monitoring visual fields in settings where conventional perimetry is not readily accessible. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

ASTM Committee C28: International Standards for Properties and Performance of Advanced Ceramics-Three Decades of High-Quality, Technically-Rigorous Normalization

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jenkins, Michael G.; Salem, Jonathan A.

2016-01-01

Physical and mechanical properties and performance of advanced ceramics and glasses are difficult to measure correctly without the proper techniques. For over three decades, ASTM Committee C28 on Advanced Ceramics, has developed high-quality, technically-rigorous, full-consensus standards (e.g., test methods, practices, guides, terminology) to measure properties and performance of monolithic and composite ceramics that may be applied to glasses in some cases. These standards contain testing particulars for many mechanical, physical, thermal, properties and performance of these materials. As a result these standards are used to generate accurate, reliable, repeatable and complete data. Within Committee C28, users, producers, researchers, designers, academicians, etc. have written, continually updated, and validated through round-robin test programs, 50 standards since the Committee's founding in 1986. This paper provides a detailed retrospective of the 30 years of ASTM Committee C28 including a graphical pictogram listing of C28 standards along with examples of the tangible benefits of standards for advanced ceramics to demonstrate their practical applications.

Standardization, evaluation and early-phase method validation of an analytical scheme for batch-consistency N-glycosylation analysis of recombinant produced glycoproteins.

PubMed

Zietze, Stefan; Müller, Rainer H; Brecht, René

2008-03-01

In order to set up a batch-to-batch-consistency analytical scheme for N-glycosylation analysis, several sample preparation steps including enzyme digestions and fluorophore labelling and two HPLC-methods were established. The whole method scheme was standardized, evaluated and validated according to the requirements on analytical testing in early clinical drug development by usage of a recombinant produced reference glycoprotein (RGP). The standardization of the methods was performed by clearly defined standard operation procedures. During evaluation of the methods, the major interest was in the loss determination of oligosaccharides within the analytical scheme. Validation of the methods was performed with respect to specificity, linearity, repeatability, LOD and LOQ. Due to the fact that reference N-glycan standards were not available, a statistical approach was chosen to derive accuracy from the linearity data. After finishing the validation procedure, defined limits for method variability could be calculated and differences observed in consistency analysis could be separated into significant and incidental ones.

Galileo battery testing and the impact of test automation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pertuch, W. T.; Dils, C. T.

1985-01-01

Test complexity, changes of test specifications, and the demand for tight control of tests led to the development of automated testing used for Galileo and other projects. The use of standardized interfacing, i.e., IEEE-488, with desktop computers and test instruments, resulted in greater reliability, repeatability, and accuracy of both control and data reporting. Increased flexibility of test programming has reduced costs by permitting a wide spectrum of test requirements at one station rather than many stations.

Impact of College-Administered Quality Practice Assessments: A Longitudinal Evaluation of Repeat Peer Assessments of Continuing Competence in Physiotherapists

PubMed Central

O'Donovan, Mary Jane; Campbell, Fiona

2015-01-01

ABSTRACT Purpose: The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario (CPO) developed its peer practice assessment (PA) process under statutory requirements for quality assurance. Each year, a small percentage of physiotherapists, most selected at random, undergo PA. To shed light on continuing competence, we report outcomes from physiotherapists who have had two PAs. Methods: Records were extracted for physiotherapists with two unrelated PAs. Demographic features, peer assessors' scores, and consequent outcome decisions were examined. Outcomes were examined cross-sectionally (vs. other PAs in the same time period) and longitudinally (within cohort). Results: Between 2004 and 2012, 117 Ontario physiotherapists underwent two unrelated PAs, typically 5–7 years apart. This cohort was representative of Ontario physiotherapists in terms of sex ratios, education, and years in practice. At the first PA (PA1), this cohort's outcomes were similar to those of other physiotherapists; at the second PA (PA2), they were better than others undergoing PA1 in the same period (p=0.02). The cohort's outcomes were better at PA2 than at PA1 (p<0.001). Conclusions: Physiotherapists are likely to meet professional standards in a repeat PA 5–7 years after an initial one. Additional research is required to identify risk factors for not meeting standards. The findings provide empirical evidence to guide ongoing development of the CPO's quality management program. PMID:25931670

An integrative strategy for quantitative analysis of the N-glycoproteome in complex biological samples

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background The complexity of protein glycosylation makes it difficult to characterize glycosylation patterns on a proteomic scale. In this study, we developed an integrated strategy for comparatively analyzing N-glycosylation/glycoproteins quantitatively from complex biological samples in a high-throughput manner. This strategy entailed separating and enriching glycopeptides/glycoproteins using lectin affinity chromatography, and then tandem labeling them with 18O/16O to generate a mass shift of 6 Da between the paired glycopeptides, and finally analyzing them with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and the automatic quantitative method we developed based on Mascot Distiller. Results The accuracy and repeatability of this strategy were first verified using standard glycoproteins; linearity was maintained within a range of 1:10–10:1. The peptide concentration ratios obtained by the self-build quantitative method were similar to both the manually calculated and theoretical values, with a standard deviation (SD) of 0.023–0.186 for glycopeptides. The feasibility of the strategy was further confirmed with serum from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients and healthy individuals; the expression of 44 glycopeptides and 30 glycoproteins were significantly different between HCC patient and control serum. Conclusions This strategy is accurate, repeatable, and efficient, and may be a useful tool for identification of disease-related N-glycosylation/glycoprotein changes. PMID:24428921

Young investigator challenge: Atypia of undetermined significance in thyroid FNA: Standardized terminology without standardized management--a closer look at repeat FNA and quality measures.

PubMed

Brandler, Tamar C; Aziz, Mohamed S; Coutsouvelis, Constantinos; Rosen, Lisa; Rafael, Oana C; Souza, Fabiola; Jelloul, Fatima-Zahra; Klein, Melissa A

2016-01-01

The Bethesda system (TBS) for the reporting of thyroid cytopathology established the category of atypia of undetermined significance (AUS) with a 7% target rate and a 5% to 15% implied malignancy risk. Recent literature has reported a broad range of AUS rates, subsequent malignancy rates, and discrepant results from repeat fine-needle aspiration (FNA) versus surgical follow-up. Therefore, this study examined AUS data from the Hofstra North Shore-LIJ School of Medicine to determine the best clinical follow-up. Thyroid aspirates interpreted as AUS in 2012-2014 at the Hofstra North Shore-LIJ School of Medicine were collected. Repeat FNA and surgical follow-up data were tabulated to establish AUS, secondary AUS (diagnosed upon repeat FNA follow-up of a primary FNA AUS diagnosis), atypia of undetermined significance/malignancy (AUS:M) ratios (according to the TBS categories), and malignancy rates for AUS. The AUS rate was 8.5% (976/11,481), and there was follow-up data for 545 cases. The AUS:M ratio was 2.0. Repeat FNA was performed for 281 cases; 57 proceeded to surgical intervention. Repeat FNA reclassified 71.17% of the cases. The malignancy rates for AUS cases proceeding directly to surgery and for those receiving a surgical intervention after a repeat AUS diagnosis were 33.33% and 43.75%, respectively. Repeat FNA resulted in definitive diagnostic reclassification for 67.61% of primary AUS cases and reduced the number of patients triaged to surgery, with 56.58% of the cases recategorized as benign. Cases undergoing surgery after repeat AUS had a higher malignancy rate than those going straight to surgery, and this emphasizes the value of repeat FNA in selecting surgical candidates. In addition, this study highlights the utility of AUS rate monitoring as a quality measure that has contributed to the ability of the Hofstra North Shore-LIJ School of Medicine to adhere closely to TBS recommendations. © 2016 American Cancer Society.

Raven-II: an open platform for surgical robotics research.

PubMed

Hannaford, Blake; Rosen, Jacob; Friedman, Diana W; King, Hawkeye; Roan, Phillip; Cheng, Lei; Glozman, Daniel; Ma, Ji; Kosari, Sina Nia; White, Lee

2013-04-01

The Raven-II is a platform for collaborative research on advances in surgical robotics. Seven universities have begun research using this platform. The Raven-II system has two 3-DOF spherical positioning mechanisms capable of attaching interchangeable four DOF instruments. The Raven-II software is based on open standards such as Linux and ROS to maximally facilitate software development. The mechanism is robust enough for repeated experiments and animal surgery experiments, but is not engineered to sufficient safety standards for human use. Mechanisms in place for interaction among the user community and dissemination of results include an electronic forum, an online software SVN repository, and meetings and workshops at major robotics conferences.

Testing the Predictive Capability of the High-Fidelity Generalized Method of Cells Using an Efficient Reformulation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Arnold, Steven M. (Technical Monitor); Bansal, Yogesh; Pindera, Marek-Jerzy

2004-01-01

The High-Fidelity Generalized Method of Cells is a new micromechanics model for unidirectionally reinforced periodic multiphase materials that was developed to overcome the original model's shortcomings. The high-fidelity version predicts the local stress and strain fields with dramatically greater accuracy relative to the original model through the use of a better displacement field representation. Herein, we test the high-fidelity model's predictive capability in estimating the elastic moduli of periodic composites characterized by repeating unit cells obtained by rotation of an infinite square fiber array through an angle about the fiber axis. Such repeating unit cells may contain a few or many fibers, depending on the rotation angle. In order to analyze such multi-inclusion repeating unit cells efficiently, the high-fidelity micromechanics model's framework is reformulated using the local/global stiffness matrix approach. The excellent agreement with the corresponding results obtained from the standard transformation equations confirms the new model's predictive capability for periodic composites characterized by multi-inclusion repeating unit cells lacking planes of material symmetry. Comparison of the effective moduli and local stress fields with the corresponding results obtained from the original Generalized Method of Cells dramatically highlights the original model's shortcomings for certain classes of unidirectional composites.

Individual (co)variation in standard metabolic rate, feeding rate, and exploratory behavior in wild-caught semiaquatic salamanders.

PubMed

Gifford, Matthew E; Clay, Timothy A; Careau, Vincent

2014-01-01

Repeatability is an important concept in evolutionary analyses because it provides information regarding the benefit of repeated measurements and, in most cases, a putative upper limit to heritability estimates. Repeatability (R) of different aspects of energy metabolism and behavior has been demonstrated in a variety of organisms over short and long time intervals. Recent research suggests that consistent individual differences in behavior and energy metabolism might covary. Here we present new data on the repeatability of body mass, standard metabolic rate (SMR), voluntary exploratory behavior, and feeding rate in a semiaquatic salamander and ask whether individual variation in behavioral traits is correlated with individual variation in metabolism on a whole-animal basis and after conditioning on body mass. All measured traits were repeatable, but the repeatability estimates ranged from very high for body mass (R = 0.98), to intermediate for SMR (R = 0.39) and food intake (R = 0.58), to low for exploratory behavior (R = 0.25). Moreover, repeatability estimates for all traits except body mass declined over time (i.e., from 3 to 9 wk), although this pattern could be a consequence of the relatively low sample size used in this study. Despite significant repeatability in all traits, we find little evidence that behaviors are correlated with SMR at the phenotypic and among-individual levels when conditioned on body mass. Specifically, the phenotypic correlations between SMR and exploratory behavior were negative in all trials but significantly so in one trial only. Salamanders in this study showed individual variation in how their exploratory behavior changed across trials (but not body mass, SMR, and feed intake), which might have contributed to observed changing correlations across trials.

Duct Leakage Repeatability Testing

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

Walker, Iain; Sherman, Max

2014-08-01

The purpose of this report is to evaluate the repeatability of the three most significant measurement techniques for duct leakage using data from the literature and recently obtained field data. We will also briefly discuss the first two factors. The main question to be answered by this study is to determine if differences in the repeatability of these tests methods is sufficient to indicate that any of these methods is so poor that it should be excluded from consideration as an allowed procedure in codes and standards. The three duct leak measurement methods assessed in this report are the twomore » duct pressurization methods that are commonly used by many practitioners and the DeltaQ technique. These are methods B, C and A, respectively of the ASTM E1554 standard. Although it would be useful to evaluate other duct leak test methods, this study focused on those test methods that are commonly used and are required in various test standards, such as BPI (2010), RESNET (2014), ASHRAE 62.2 (2013), California Title 24 (CEC 2012), DOE Weatherization and many other energy efficiency programs.« less

Odor measurements according to EN 13725: A statistical analysis of variance components

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Klarenbeek, Johannes V.; Ogink, Nico W. M.; van der Voet, Hilko

2014-04-01

In Europe, dynamic olfactometry, as described by the European standard EN 13725, has become the preferred method for evaluating odor emissions emanating from industrial and agricultural sources. Key elements of this standard are the quality criteria for trueness and precision (repeatability). Both are linked to standard values of n-butanol in nitrogen. It is assumed in this standard that whenever a laboratory complies with the overall sensory quality criteria for n-butanol, the quality level is transferable to other, environmental, odors. Although olfactometry is well established, little has been done to investigate inter laboratory variance (reproducibility). Therefore, the objective of this study was to estimate the reproducibility of odor laboratories complying with EN 13725 as well as to investigate the transferability of n-butanol quality criteria to other odorants. Based upon the statistical analysis of 412 odor measurements on 33 sources, distributed in 10 proficiency tests, it was established that laboratory, panel and panel session are components of variance that significantly differ between n-butanol and other odorants (α = 0.05). This finding does not support the transferability of the quality criteria, as determined on n-butanol, to other odorants and as such is a cause for reconsideration of the present single reference odorant as laid down in EN 13725. In case of non-butanol odorants, repeatability standard deviation (sr) and reproducibility standard deviation (sR) were calculated to be 0.108 and 0.282 respectively (log base-10). The latter implies that the difference between two consecutive single measurements, performed on the same testing material by two or more laboratories under reproducibility conditions, will not be larger than a factor 6.3 in 95% of cases. As far as n-butanol odorants are concerned, it was found that the present repeatability standard deviation (sr = 0.108) compares favorably to that of EN 13725 (sr = 0.172). It is therefore suggested that the repeatability limit (r), as laid down in EN 13725, can be reduced from r ≤ 0.477 to r ≤ 0.31.

Time to Guide: Evidence for Delayed Attentional Guidance in Contextual Cueing

PubMed Central

Kunar, Melina A.; Flusberg, Stephen J.; Wolfe, Jeremy M.

2008-01-01

Contextual cueing experiments show that, when displays are repeated, reaction times (RTs) to find a target decrease over time even when the observers are not aware of the repetition. Recent evidence suggests that this benefit in standard contextual cueing tasks is not likely to be due to an improvement in attentional guidance (Kunar, Flusberg, Horowitz & Wolfe, 2007). Nevertheless, we ask whether guidance can help participants find the target in a repeated display, if they are given sufficient time to encode the display. In Experiment 1 we increased the display complexity so that it took participants longer to find the target. Here we found a larger effect of guidance than in a condition with shorter RTs. Experiment 2 gave participants prior exposure to the display context. The data again showed that with more time participants could implement guidance to help find the target, provided that there was something in the search stimuli locations to guide attention to. The data suggest that although the benefit in a standard contextual cueing task is unlikely to be a result of guidance, guidance can play a role if it is given time to develop. PMID:18846248

Time to Guide: Evidence for Delayed Attentional Guidance in Contextual Cueing.

PubMed

Kunar, Melina A; Flusberg, Stephen J; Wolfe, Jeremy M

2008-01-01

Contextual cueing experiments show that, when displays are repeated, reaction times (RTs) to find a target decrease over time even when the observers are not aware of the repetition. Recent evidence suggests that this benefit in standard contextual cueing tasks is not likely to be due to an improvement in attentional guidance (Kunar, Flusberg, Horowitz & Wolfe, 2007). Nevertheless, we ask whether guidance can help participants find the target in a repeated display, if they are given sufficient time to encode the display. In Experiment 1 we increased the display complexity so that it took participants longer to find the target. Here we found a larger effect of guidance than in a condition with shorter RTs. Experiment 2 gave participants prior exposure to the display context. The data again showed that with more time participants could implement guidance to help find the target, provided that there was something in the search stimuli locations to guide attention to. The data suggest that although the benefit in a standard contextual cueing task is unlikely to be a result of guidance, guidance can play a role if it is given time to develop.

Future thinking instructions improve prospective memory performance in adolescents.

PubMed

Altgassen, Mareike; Kretschmer, Anett; Schnitzspahn, Katharina Marlene

2017-07-01

Studies on prospective memory (PM) development in adolescents point to age-related increases through to adulthood. The goal of the present study was to examine whether instructing adolescents to engage in an episodic prospection of themselves executing future actions (i.e., future thinking) when forming an intention would improve their PM performance and reduce age-related differences. Further, we set out to explore whether future thinking instructions result in stronger memory traces and/or stronger cue-context associations by evaluating retrospective memory for the PM cues after task completion and monitoring costs during PM task processing. Adolescents and young adults were allocated to either the future thinking, repeated-encoding or standard condition. As expected, adolescents had fewer correct PM responses than young adults. Across age groups, PM performance in the standard condition was lower than in the other encoding conditions. Importantly, the results indicate a significant interaction of age by encoding condition. While adolescents benefited most from future thinking instructions, young adults performed best in the repeated-encoding condition. The results also indicate that the beneficial effects of future thinking may result from deeper intention-encoding through the simulation of future task performance.

Plaque formation and removal assessed in vivo in a novel repeated measures imaging methodology.

PubMed

White, Donald J; Kozak, Kathy M; Baker, Rob; Saletta, Lisa

2006-01-01

A repeated measures digital imaging technique (Digital Plaque Image Analysis) was used to assess variations in plaque formation, including levels of plaque developed following evening and morning tooth brushing with a standard dentifrice, to establish a baseline for future assessments of antimicrobial formulations. Following a rigorous oral hygiene period, subjects were provided with a standard commercial (non-antibacterial) dentifrice and manual toothbrush and instructed to brush b.i.d., as normal. On six separate days over two weeks, subjects reported at three times for a daily plaque assessment: in the morning before oral hygiene, post-brushing, and in the afternoon post-brushing. Morning plaque levels covered approximately 10% of the measured dentition, and plaque was removed by 75% with morning tooth brushing. Plaque underwent rapid regrowth during the day, and averaged approximately 7% coverage by the afternoon. These results support the value of Digital Plaque Image Analysis in recording diurnal plaque variations and treatment effects, and suggest that assessment of oral hygiene efficacy (either mechanical or chemopreventive) accounts for diurnal variations in plaque formation. In addition, the results suggest that plaque regrowth and virulence activity overnight is a significant target for oral hygiene interventions.

Repeatability of in vitro measurements of the ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) by spectrophotometry with automatic sampling.

PubMed

Hoffmann, K; Kesners, P; Bader, A; Avermaete, A; Altmeyer, P; Gambichler, T

2001-11-01

Spectrophotometric assessment (in vitro) is the most established method for determining the ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) of textiles. Apart from stringent requirements for measurement precision, practical methods are required for the routine determination of the UPF. We report here spectrophotometric measurements of textiles using a newly developed autosampler. Measurement precision was evaluated under repeatable conditions. Fifteen different textiles were spectrophotometrically assessed for the determination of the UPF. Sample handling inside the spectrophotometer was performed with a computer-controlled sampling device, capable of loading and unloading a textile sample from a magazine as well as rotating the sample perpendicular to the spectrometer beam. In order to evaluate the repeatability of measurements, one sample of each textile was assessed eight times under the same conditions in the same laboratory. A mean percentage of the standard error of 1% [E(UPF)] was calculated for the UPF measurements. For UPFs >30, a significantly higher E(UPF) was found (r=0.78; P<0.001). E(UV) (3.9%) of ultraviolet A (UVA) transmission differed significantly from E(UV) (1.1 %) of ultraviolet B (UVB) transmission (P<0.05). Though a slight decrease of repeatability was observed for UVA transmission measurements and UPFs higher than 30, our data indicate a high measurement precision under repeatable conditions. In conclusion, spectrophotometric measurements of textiles with the aid of the autosampler presented have been shown to be highly practical, time saving and precise.

Evaluating the Performance of Repeated Measures Approaches in Replicating Experimental Benchmark Results

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McConeghy, Kevin; Wing, Coady; Wong, Vivian C.

2015-01-01

Randomized experiments have long been established as the gold standard for addressing causal questions. However, experiments are not always feasible or desired, so observational methods are also needed. When multiple observations on the same variable are available, a repeated measures design may be used to assess whether a treatment administered…

Development of a standard reference material containing 22 chlorinated hydrocarbon gases at 1 μmol/mol in nitrogen.

PubMed

Li, Ning; Du, Jian; Yang, Jing; Fan, Qiang; Tian, Wen

2017-11-01

A gas standard mixture containing 22 chlorinated hydrocarbons in high purity nitrogen was prepared using a two-step weighing method and a gasifying apparatus developed in-house. The concentration of each component was determined using a gas chromatograph with flame ionization detection (GC/FID). Linear regression analysis of every component was performed using the gas standard mixture with concentrations ranging from 1 to 10 μmol/mol, showing the complete gasification of volatile organic compound (VOCs) species in a selected cylinder. Repeatability was also examined to ensure the reliability of the preparation method. In addition, no significant difference was observed between domestic treated and imported treated cylinders, which were conducive to reduction of the cost of raw materials. Moreover, the results of stability testing at different pressures and long-term stability tests indicated that the gas standard at 1 μmol/mol level with relative expanded uncertainties of 5% was stable above 2 MPa for a minimum of 12 months. Finally, a quantity comparison was conducted between the gas standard and a commercial gas standard from Scott Specialty Gases (now Air Liquide America Specialty Gases). The excellent agreement of every species suggested the favorable accuracy of our gas standard. Therefore, this reference material can be applied to routine observation of VOCs and for other purposes.

Cardiopulmonary exercise testing early after stroke using feedback-controlled robotics-assisted treadmill exercise: test-retest reliability and repeatability.

PubMed

Stoller, Oliver; de Bruin, Eling D; Schindelholz, Matthias; Schuster-Amft, Corina; de Bie, Rob A; Hunt, Kenneth J

2014-10-11

Exercise capacity is seriously reduced after stroke. While cardiopulmonary assessment and intervention strategies have been validated for the mildly and moderately impaired populations post-stroke, there is a lack of effective concepts for stroke survivors suffering from severe motor limitations. This study investigated the test-retest reliability and repeatability of cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) using feedback-controlled robotics-assisted treadmill exercise (FC-RATE) in severely motor impaired individuals early after stroke. 20 subjects (age 44-84 years, <6 month post-stroke) with severe motor limitations (Functional Ambulatory Classification 0-2) were selected for consecutive constant load testing (CLT) and incremental exercise testing (IET) within a powered exoskeleton, synchronised with a treadmill and a body weight support system. A manual human-in-the-loop feedback system was used to guide individual work rate levels. Outcome variables focussed on standard cardiopulmonary performance parameters. Relative and absolute test-retest reliability were assessed by intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), standard error of the measurement (SEM), and minimal detectable change (MDC). Mean difference, limits of agreement, and coefficient of variation (CoV) were estimated to assess repeatability. Peak performance parameters during IET yielded good to excellent relative reliability: absolute peak oxygen uptake (ICC =0.82), relative peak oxygen uptake (ICC =0.72), peak work rate (ICC =0.91), peak heart rate (ICC =0.80), absolute gas exchange threshold (ICC =0.91), relative gas exchange threshold (ICC =0.88), oxygen cost of work (ICC =0.87), oxygen pulse at peak oxygen uptake (ICC =0.92), ventilation rate versus carbon dioxide output slope (ICC =0.78). For these variables, SEM was 4-13%, MDC 12-36%, and CoV 0.10-0.36. CLT revealed high mean differences and insufficient test-retest reliability for all variables studied. This study presents first evidence on reliability and repeatability for CPET in severely motor impaired individuals early after stroke using a feedback-controlled robotics-assisted treadmill. The results demonstrate good to excellent test-retest reliability and appropriate repeatability for the most important peak cardiopulmonary performance parameters. These findings have important implications for the design and implementation of cardiovascular exercise interventions in severely impaired populations. Future research needs to develop advanced control strategies to enable the true limit of functional exercise capacity to be reached and to further assess test-retest reliability and repeatability in larger samples.

Construction and validation of logMAR visual acuity charts in seven Indian languages.

PubMed

Negiloni, Kalpa; Mazumdar, Deepmala; Neog, Aditya; Das, Biman; Medhi, Jnanankar; Choudhury, Mitalee; George, Ronnie Jacob; Ramani, Krishna Kumar

2018-05-01

The evaluation of visual impairment requires the measurement of visual acuity with a validated and standard logMAR visual acuity chart. We aimed to construct and validate new logMAR visual acuity chart in Indian languages (Hindi, Bengali, Telugu, Urdu, Kannada, Malayalam, and Assamese). The commonly used font in each language was chosen as the reference and designed to fit the 5 × 5 grid (Adobe Photoshop). Ten letters (easiest to difficult) around median legibility score calculated for each language based on the results of legibility experiment and differing by 10% were selected. The chart was constructed based on the standard recommendations. The repeatability of charts was tested and also compared with a standard English Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) logMAR chart for validation. A total of 14 rows (1.0 to -0.3 logMAR) with five letters in each line were designed with the range of row legibility between 4.7 and 5.3 for all the language charts. Each chart showed good repeatability, and a maximum difference of four letters was noted. The median difference in visual acuity was 0.16 logMAR for Urdu and Assamese chart compared to ETDRS English chart. Hindi and Malayalam chart had a median difference of 0.12 logMAR. When compared to the English chart a median difference of 0.14 logMAR was noted in Telugu, Kannada, and Bengali chart. The newly developed Indian language visual acuity charts are designed based on the standard recommendations and will help to assess visual impairment in people of these languages across the country.

Preservice science teachers' experiences with repeated, guided inquiry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Slack, Amy B.

The purpose of this study was to examine preservice science teachers' experiences with repeated scientific inquiry (SI) activities. The National Science Education Standards (National Research Council, 1996) stress students should understand and possess the abilities to do SI. For students to meet these standards, science teachers must understand and be able to perform SI; however, previous research demonstrated that many teachers have naive understandings in this area. Teacher preparation programs provide an opportunity to facilitate the development of inquiry understandings and abilities. In this study, preservice science teachers had experiences with two inquiry activities that were repeated three times each. The research questions for this study were (a) How do preservice science teachers' describe their experiences with repeated, guided inquiry activities? (b) What are preservice science teachers' understandings and abilities of SI? This study was conducted at a large, urban university in the southeastern United States. The 5 participants had bachelor's degrees in science and were enrolled in a graduate science education methods course. The researcher was one of the course instructors but did not lead the activities. Case study methodology was used. Data was collected from a demographic survey, an open-ended questionnaire with follow-up interviews, the researcher's observations, participants' lab notes, personal interviews, and participants' journals. Data were coded and analyzed through chronological data matrices to identify patterns in participants' experiences. The five domains identified in this study were understandings of SI, abilities to conduct SI, personal feelings about the experience, science content knowledge, and classroom implications. Through analysis of themes identified within each domain, the four conclusions made about these preservice teachers' experiences with SI were that the experience increased their abilities to conduct inquiry, increased their understanding of how they might use SI in their classroom, increased their understanding of why variables are used in experiments, and did not increase their physics content knowledge. These conclusions suggest that preservice science teachers having repeated, guided experiences with inquiry increase their abilities to conduct SI and consider how inquiry could be used in their future science classrooms.

Development of a Standard for the Health Hazard Assessment of Mechanical Shock and Repeated Impact in Army Vehicles, Phase 3, Pilot Tests.

DTIC Science & Technology

1995-05-01

Hulshof , 1990; and Milby and Spear, 1974). Some studies focus on subjective symptoms of health problems, such as backache. Other studies 2 investigate...syndromes, rather than causing specific pathologies (Seidel and Heide, 1986; Dupuis and Zerlett, 1986; Hulshof and van Zanten, 1987). Although some...In: AGARD Conference Proceedings No.378 on Backache and Back Discomfort. Pozzuoli, Italy: NATO. 82 Boshuizen, H.C., Bongers, P.M. and Hulshof , C.T.J

Development of a Standard for the Health Hazard Assessment of Mechanical Shock and Repeated Impact in Army Vehicles, Phase 1.

DTIC Science & Technology

1995-05-01

authors have noted, there are few studies of this type ( Hulshof and van Zanten, 1987; Dupuis and Zerlett, 1986). Hulshof and van Zanten (1987) set up...health effects (Dupuis and Zerlett, 1986; Hulshof and van Zanten, 1987; Seidel and Heide, 1986), and that inference of causal relationships is valid. The...significantly higher in the exposed group (Boshuizen, Bongers, and Hulshof , 1990; Dupuis and Zerlett, 1987; Riihimaki et al. 1988; Rehm and Wieth, 1984; Burdorf

Anthropometric standards for Australian primary school children: Towards a system for monitoring and supporting children's development.

PubMed

Cochrane, Thomas; Davey, Rachel C; de Castella, F Robert

2017-03-01

To provide two foundation elements of a proposed new system to support children's physical and body status development throughout primary school: (a) age and gender appropriate achievement (anthropometric) standards and (b) a system of monitoring, feedback and support. Repeated cross-sectional sampling involving 91 schools across 5 Australian States and Territories between 2000 and 2011. Anthropometric data from 29,928 (14,643 girls, 15,285 boys) Australian children aged between 5 and 12.5 years were used to develop progression standards (norm centiles) covering the primary school years. Measures used were: height, weight, body mass index, per cent body fat, grip strength, standing long jump, cardiorespiratory fitness, sit-ups and sit-and-reach. These norms were then used to develop a Physical Activity and Lifestyle Management (PALM) system that could form the basis for progression, monitoring and reporting of anthropometric achievement standards for children. Tables and representative centile curves (3rd, 15th, 50th, 85th and 97th) for each gender and half-year age group were produced. An illustrative example of the PALM system in operation was also provided. Our research provides gender and half-year age specific anthropometric standards for Australian primary school children. Furthermore, we have developed a monitoring and progression system that could be embedded in school communities to help address the prevalence of underweight, overweight and obesity and decline in physical fitness standards. The proposed system is designed on behalf of children and families and would be administered through school settings. Change, where needed, would be delivered by the supporting school community. Copyright © 2016 Sports Medicine Australia. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Planning Sign Languages: Promoting Hearing Hegemony? Conceptualizing Sign Language Standardization

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Eichmann, Hanna

2009-01-01

In light of the absence of a codified standard variety in British Sign Language and German Sign Language ("Deutsche Gebardensprache") there have been repeated calls for the standardization of both languages primarily from outside the Deaf community. The paper is based on a recent grounded theory study which explored perspectives on sign…

Repeatability of Cryogenic Multilayer Insulation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnson, W. L.; Vanderlaan, M.; Wood, J. J.; Rhys, N. O.; Guo, W.; Van Sciver, S.; Chato, D. J.

2017-01-01

Due to the variety of requirements across aerospace platforms, and one off projects, the repeatability of cryogenic multilayer insulation has never been fully established. The objective of this test program is to provide a more basic understanding of the thermal performance repeatability of MLI systems that are applicable to large scale tanks. There are several different types of repeatability that can be accounted for: these include repeatability between multiple identical blankets, repeatability of installation of the same blanket, and repeatability of a test apparatus. The focus of the work in this report is on the first two types of repeatability. Statistically, repeatability can mean many different things. In simplest form, it refers to the range of performance that a population exhibits and the average of the population. However, as more and more identical components are made (i.e. the population of concern grows), the simple range morphs into a standard deviation from an average performance. Initial repeatability testing on MLI blankets has been completed at Florida State University. Repeatability of five GRC provided coupons with 25 layers was shown to be +/- 8.4 whereas repeatability of repeatedly installing a single coupon was shown to be +/- 8.0. A second group of 10 coupons have been fabricated by Yetispace and tested by Florida State University, through the first 4 tests, the repeatability has been shown to be +/- 16. Based on detailed statistical analysis, the data has been shown to be statistically significant.

Repeatability of Cryogenic Multilayer Insulation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnson, W. L.; Vanderlaan, M.; Wood, J. J.; Rhys, N. O.; Guo, W.; Van Sciver, S.; Chato, D. J.

2017-01-01

Due to the variety of requirements across aerospace platforms, and one off projects, the repeatability of cryogenic multilayer insulation has never been fully established. The objective of this test program is to provide a more basic understanding of the thermal performance repeatability of MLI systems that are applicable to large scale tanks. There are several different types of repeatability that can be accounted for: these include repeatability between multiple identical blankets, repeatability of installation of the same blanket, and repeatability of a test apparatus. The focus of the work in this report is on the first two types of repeatability. Statistically, repeatability can mean many different things. In simplest form, it refers to the range of performance that a population exhibits and the average of the population. However, as more and more identical components are made (i.e. the population of concern grows), the simple range morphs into a standard deviation from an average performance. Initial repeatability testing on MLI blankets has been completed at Florida State University. Repeatability of five GRC provided coupons with 25 layers was shown to be +/- 8.4% whereas repeatability of repeatedly installing a single coupon was shown to be +/- 8.0%. A second group of 10 coupons have been fabricated by Yetispace and tested by Florida State University, through the first 4 tests, the repeatability has been shown to be +/- 15-25%. Based on detailed statistical analysis, the data has been shown to be statistically significant.

Repeatability of Cryogenic Multilayer Insulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Johnson, W. L.; Vanderlaan, M.; Wood, J. J.; Rhys, N. O.; Guo, W.; Van Sciver, S.; Chato, D. J.

2017-12-01

Due to the variety of requirements across aerospace platforms, and one off projects, the repeatability of cryogenic multilayer insulation (MLI) has never been fully established. The objective of this test program is to provide a more basic understanding of the thermal performance repeatability of MLI systems that are applicable to large scale tanks. There are several different types of repeatability that can be accounted for: these include repeatability between identical blankets, repeatability of installation of the same blanket, and repeatability of a test apparatus. The focus of the work in this report is on the first two types of repeatability. Statistically, repeatability can mean many different things. In simplest form, it refers to the range of performance that a population exhibits and the average of the population. However, as more and more identical components are made (i.e. the population of concern grows), the simple range morphs into a standard deviation from an average performance. Initial repeatability testing on MLI blankets has been completed at Florida State University. Repeatability of five Glenn Research Center (GRC) provided coupons with 25 layers was shown to be +/- 8.4% whereas repeatability of repeatedly installing a single coupon was shown to be +/- 8.0%. A second group of 10 coupons has been fabricated by Yetispace and tested by Florida State University, the repeatability between coupons has been shown to be +/- 15-25%. Based on detailed statistical analysis, the data has been shown to be statistically significant.

Comparison of stethoscope bell and diaphragm, and of stethoscope tube length, for clinical blood pressure measurement.

PubMed

Liu, Chengyu; Griffiths, Clive; Murray, Alan; Zheng, Dingchang

2016-06-01

This study investigated the effect of stethoscope side and tube length on auscultatory blood pressure (BP) measurement. Thirty-two healthy participants were studied. For each participant, four measurements with different combinations of stethoscope characteristics (bell or diaphragm side, standard or short tube length) were each recorded at two repeat sessions, and eight Korotkoff sound recordings were played twice on separate days to one experienced listener to determine the systolic and diastolic BPs (SBP and DBP). Analysis of variance was carried out to study the measurement repeatability between the two repeat sessions and between the two BP determinations on separate days, as well as the effects of stethoscope side and tube length. There was no significant paired difference between the repeat sessions and between the repeat determinations for both SBP and DBP (all P-values>0.10, except the repeat session for SBP using short tube and diaphragm). The key result was that there was a small but significantly higher DBP on using the bell in comparison with the diaphragm (0.66 mmHg, P=0.007), and a significantly higher SBP on using the short tube in comparison with the standard length (0.77 mmHg, P=0.008). This study shows that stethoscope characteristics have only a small, although statistically significant, influence on clinical BP measurement. Although this helps understand the measurement technique and resolves questions in the published literature, the influence is not clinically significant.

Comparison of stethoscope bell and diaphragm, and of stethoscope tube length, for clinical blood pressure measurement

PubMed Central

Griffiths, Clive; Murray, Alan; Zheng, Dingchang

2016-01-01

Objective This study investigated the effect of stethoscope side and tube length on auscultatory blood pressure (BP) measurement. Methods Thirty-two healthy participants were studied. For each participant, four measurements with different combinations of stethoscope characteristics (bell or diaphragm side, standard or short tube length) were each recorded at two repeat sessions, and eight Korotkoff sound recordings were played twice on separate days to one experienced listener to determine the systolic and diastolic BPs (SBP and DBP). Analysis of variance was carried out to study the measurement repeatability between the two repeat sessions and between the two BP determinations on separate days, as well as the effects of stethoscope side and tube length. Results There was no significant paired difference between the repeat sessions and between the repeat determinations for both SBP and DBP (all P-values>0.10, except the repeat session for SBP using short tube and diaphragm). The key result was that there was a small but significantly higher DBP on using the bell in comparison with the diaphragm (0.66 mmHg, P=0.007), and a significantly higher SBP on using the short tube in comparison with the standard length (0.77 mmHg, P=0.008). Conclusion This study shows that stethoscope characteristics have only a small, although statistically significant, influence on clinical BP measurement. Although this helps understand the measurement technique and resolves questions in the published literature, the influence is not clinically significant. PMID:26741415

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

Bamberger, Judith A.; Piepel, Gregory F.; Enderlin, Carl W.

Understanding how uncertainty manifests itself in complex experiments is important for developing the testing protocol and interpreting the experimental results. This paper describes experimental and measurement uncertainties, and how they can depend on the order of performing experimental tests. Experiments with pulse-jet mixers in tanks at three scales were conducted to characterize the performance of transient-developing periodic flows in Newtonian slurries. Other test parameters included the simulant, solids concentration, and nozzle exit velocity. Critical suspension velocity and cloud height were the metrics used to characterize Newtonian slurry flow associated with mobilization and mixing. During testing, near-replicate and near-repeat tests weremore » conducted. The experimental results were used to quantify the combined experimental and measurement uncertainties using standard deviations and percent relative standard deviations (%RSD) The uncertainties in critical suspension velocity and cloud height tend to increase with the values of these responses. Hence, the %RSD values are the more appropriate summary measure of near-replicate testing and measurement uncertainty.« less

The repeatability of mean defect with size III and size V standard automated perimetry.

PubMed

Wall, Michael; Doyle, Carrie K; Zamba, K D; Artes, Paul; Johnson, Chris A

2013-02-15

The mean defect (MD) of the visual field is a global statistical index used to monitor overall visual field change over time. Our goal was to investigate the relationship of MD and its variability for two clinically used strategies (Swedish Interactive Threshold Algorithm [SITA] standard size III and full threshold size V) in glaucoma patients and controls. We tested one eye, at random, for 46 glaucoma patients and 28 ocularly healthy subjects with Humphrey program 24-2 SITA standard for size III and full threshold for size V each five times over a 5-week period. The standard deviation of MD was regressed against the MD for the five repeated tests, and quantile regression was used to show the relationship of variability and MD. A Wilcoxon test was used to compare the standard deviations of the two testing methods following quantile regression. Both types of regression analysis showed increasing variability with increasing visual field damage. Quantile regression showed modestly smaller MD confidence limits. There was a 15% decrease in SD with size V in glaucoma patients (P = 0.10) and a 12% decrease in ocularly healthy subjects (P = 0.08). The repeatability of size V MD appears to be slightly better than size III SITA testing. When using MD to determine visual field progression, a change of 1.5 to 4 decibels (dB) is needed to be outside the normal 95% confidence limits, depending on the size of the stimulus and the amount of visual field damage.

Stereological Analysis of Liver Biopsy Histology Sections as a Reference Standard for Validating Non-Invasive Liver Fat Fraction Measurements by MRI

PubMed Central

St. Pierre, Tim G.; House, Michael J.; Bangma, Sander J.; Pang, Wenjie; Bathgate, Andrew; Gan, Eng K.; Ayonrinde, Oyekoya T.; Bhathal, Prithi S.; Clouston, Andrew; Olynyk, John K.; Adams, Leon A.

2016-01-01

Background and Aims Validation of non-invasive methods of liver fat quantification requires a reference standard. However, using standard histopathology assessment of liver biopsies is problematical because of poor repeatability. We aimed to assess a stereological method of measuring volumetric liver fat fraction (VLFF) in liver biopsies and to use the method to validate a magnetic resonance imaging method for measurement of VLFF. Methods VLFFs were measured in 59 subjects (1) by three independent analysts using a stereological point counting technique combined with the Delesse principle on liver biopsy histological sections and (2) by three independent analysts using the HepaFat-Scan® technique on magnetic resonance images of the liver. Bland Altman statistics and intraclass correlation (IC) were used to assess the repeatability of each method and the bias between the methods of liver fat fraction measurement. Results Inter-analyst repeatability coefficients for the stereology and HepaFat-Scan® methods were 8.2 (95% CI 7.7–8.8)% and 2.4 (95% CI 2.2–2.5)% VLFF respectively. IC coefficients were 0.86 (95% CI 0.69–0.93) and 0.990 (95% CI 0.985–0.994) respectively. Small biases (≤3.4%) were observable between two pairs of analysts using stereology while no significant biases were observable between any of the three pairs of analysts using HepaFat-Scan®. A bias of 1.4±0.5% VLFF was observed between the HepaFat-Scan® method and the stereological method. Conclusions Repeatability of the stereological method is superior to the previously reported performance of assessment of hepatic steatosis by histopathologists and is a suitable reference standard for validating non-invasive methods of measurement of VLFF. PMID:27501242

Deterministic Generation of All-Photonic Quantum Repeaters from Solid-State Emitters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Buterakos, Donovan; Barnes, Edwin; Economou, Sophia E.

2017-10-01

Quantum repeaters are nodes in a quantum communication network that allow reliable transmission of entanglement over large distances. It was recently shown that highly entangled photons in so-called graph states can be used for all-photonic quantum repeaters, which require substantially fewer resources compared to atomic-memory-based repeaters. However, standard approaches to building multiphoton entangled states through pairwise probabilistic entanglement generation severely limit the size of the state that can be created. Here, we present a protocol for the deterministic generation of large photonic repeater states using quantum emitters such as semiconductor quantum dots and defect centers in solids. We show that arbitrarily large repeater states can be generated using only one emitter coupled to a single qubit, potentially reducing the necessary number of photon sources by many orders of magnitude. Our protocol includes a built-in redundancy, which makes it resilient to photon loss.

Population Fisher information matrix and optimal design of discrete data responses in population pharmacodynamic experiments.

PubMed

Ogungbenro, Kayode; Aarons, Leon

2011-08-01

In the recent years, interest in the application of experimental design theory to population pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) experiments has increased. The aim is to improve the efficiency and the precision with which parameters are estimated during data analysis and sometimes to increase the power and reduce the sample size required for hypothesis testing. The population Fisher information matrix (PFIM) has been described for uniresponse and multiresponse population PK experiments for design evaluation and optimisation. Despite these developments and availability of tools for optimal design of population PK and PD experiments much of the effort has been focused on repeated continuous variable measurements with less work being done on repeated discrete type measurements. Discrete data arise mainly in PDs e.g. ordinal, nominal, dichotomous or count measurements. This paper implements expressions for the PFIM for repeated ordinal, dichotomous and count measurements based on analysis by a mixed-effects modelling technique. Three simulation studies were used to investigate the performance of the expressions. Example 1 is based on repeated dichotomous measurements, Example 2 is based on repeated count measurements and Example 3 is based on repeated ordinal measurements. Data simulated in MATLAB were analysed using NONMEM (Laplace method) and the glmmML package in R (Laplace and adaptive Gauss-Hermite quadrature methods). The results obtained for Examples 1 and 2 showed good agreement between the relative standard errors obtained using the PFIM and simulations. The results obtained for Example 3 showed the importance of sampling at the most informative time points. Implementation of these expressions will provide the opportunity for efficient design of population PD experiments that involve discrete type data through design evaluation and optimisation.

Determination of opiates and cocaine in urine by high pH mobile phase reversed phase UPLC-MS/MS.

PubMed

Berg, Thomas; Lundanes, Elsa; Christophersen, Asbjørg S; Strand, Dag Helge

2009-02-01

A fast and selective ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method for the determination of opiates (morphine, codeine, 6-monoacetylmorphine (6-MAM), pholcodine, oxycodone, ethylmorphine), cocaine and benzoylecgonine in urine has been developed and validated. Sample preparation was performed by solid phase extraction (SPE) on a mixed mode cation exchange (MCX) cartridge. For optimized chromatographic performance with repeatable retention times, narrow and symmetrical peaks, and focusing of all analytes at the column inlet at gradient start, a basic mobile phase consisting of 5mM ammonium bicarbonate, pH 10.2, and methanol (MeOH) was chosen. Positive electrospray ionization (ESI(+)) MS/MS detection was performed with a minimum of two multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) transitions for each analyte. Deuterium labelled-internal standards were used for six of the analytes. Between-assay retention time repeatabilities (n=10 series, 225 injections in total) had relative standard deviation (RSD) values within 0.1-0.6%. Limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) values were in the range 0.003-0.05 microM (0.001-0.02 microg/mL) and 0.01-0.16 microM (0.003-0.06 microg/mL), respectively. The RSD values of the between-assay repeatabilities of concentrations were

Isotropic three-dimensional T2 mapping of knee cartilage: Development and validation.

PubMed

Colotti, Roberto; Omoumi, Patrick; Bonanno, Gabriele; Ledoux, Jean-Baptiste; van Heeswijk, Ruud B

2018-02-01

1) To implement a higher-resolution isotropic 3D T 2 mapping technique that uses sequential T 2 -prepared segmented gradient-recalled echo (Iso3DGRE) images for knee cartilage evaluation, and 2) to validate it both in vitro and in vivo in healthy volunteers and patients with knee osteoarthritis. The Iso3DGRE sequence with an isotropic 0.6 mm spatial resolution was developed on a clinical 3T MR scanner. Numerical simulations were performed to optimize the pulse sequence parameters. A phantom study was performed to validate the T 2 estimation accuracy. The repeatability of the sequence was assessed in healthy volunteers (n = 7). T 2 values were compared with those from a clinical standard 2D multislice multiecho (MSME) T 2 mapping sequence in knees of healthy volunteers (n = 13) and in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA, n = 5). The numerical simulations resulted in 100 excitations per segment and an optimal radiofrequency (RF) excitation angle of 15°. The phantom study demonstrated a good correlation of the technique with the reference standard (slope 0.9 ± 0.05, intercept 0.2 ± 1.7 msec, R 2 ≥ 0.99). Repeated measurements of cartilage T 2 values in healthy volunteers showed a coefficient of variation of 5.6%. Both Iso3DGRE and MSME techniques found significantly higher cartilage T 2 values (P < 0.03) in OA patients. Iso3DGRE precision was equal to that of the MSME T 2 mapping in healthy volunteers, and significantly higher in OA (P = 0.01). This study successfully demonstrated that high-resolution isotropic 3D T 2 mapping for knee cartilage characterization is feasible, accurate, repeatable, and precise. The technique allows for multiplanar reformatting and thus T 2 quantification in any plane of interest. 1 Technical Efficacy: Stage 2 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018;47:362-371. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.

Design and evaluation of FDDI fiber optics networkfor Ethernets, VAX's and Ingraph work stations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wernicki, M. Chris

1992-01-01

The purpose of this project is to design and evaluate the FDDI Fiber Optics Network for Ethernets, VAX's, and Ingraph work stations. From the KSC Headquarters communication requirement, it would be necessary to develop the FDDI network based on IEEE Standards outlined in the ANSI X3T9.5, Standard 802.3 and 802.5 topology - direct link via intermediate concentrator and bridge/router access. This analysis should examine the major factors that influence the operating conditions of the Headquarters Fiber plant. These factors would include, but are not limited to the interconnecting devices such as repeaters, bridges, routers and many other relevant or significant FDDI characteristics. This analysis is needed to gain a better understanding of overall FDDI performance.

Combining dictionary techniques with extensible markup language (XML)--requirements to a new approach towards flexible and standardized documentation.

PubMed Central

Altmann, U.; Tafazzoli, A. G.; Noelle, G.; Huybrechts, T.; Schweiger, R.; Wächter, W.; Dudeck, J. W.

1999-01-01

In oncology various international and national standards exist for the documentation of different aspects of a disease. Since elements of these standards are repeated in different contexts, a common data dictionary could support consistent representation in any context. For the construction of such a dictionary existing documents have to be worked up in a complex procedure, that considers aspects of hierarchical decomposition of documents and of domain control as well as aspects of user presentation and models of the underlying model of patient data. In contrast to other thesauri, text chunks like definitions or explanations are very important and have to be preserved, since oncologic documentation often means coding and classification on an aggregate level and the safe use of coding systems is an important precondition for comparability of data. This paper discusses the potentials of the use of XML in combination with a dictionary for the promotion and development of standard conformable applications for tumor documentation. PMID:10566311

The Next-Generation PCR-Based Quantification Method for Ambient Waters: Digital PCR.

PubMed

Cao, Yiping; Griffith, John F; Weisberg, Stephen B

2016-01-01

Real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) is increasingly being used for ambient water monitoring, but development of digital polymerase chain reaction (digital PCR) has the potential to further advance the use of molecular techniques in such applications. Digital PCR refines qPCR by partitioning the sample into thousands to millions of miniature reactions that are examined individually for binary endpoint results, with DNA density calculated from the fraction of positives using Poisson statistics. This direct quantification removes the need for standard curves, eliminating the labor and materials associated with creating and running standards with each batch, and removing biases associated with standard variability and mismatching amplification efficiency between standards and samples. Confining reactions and binary endpoint measurements to small partitions also leads to other performance advantages, including reduced susceptibility to inhibition, increased repeatability and reproducibility, and increased capacity to measure multiple targets in one analysis. As such, digital PCR is well suited for ambient water monitoring applications and is particularly advantageous as molecular methods move toward autonomous field application.

The First Molecular Identification of an Olive Collection Applying Standard Simple Sequence Repeats and Novel Expressed Sequence Tag Markers.

PubMed

Mousavi, Soraya; Mariotti, Roberto; Regni, Luca; Nasini, Luigi; Bufacchi, Marina; Pandolfi, Saverio; Baldoni, Luciana; Proietti, Primo

2017-01-01

Germplasm collections of tree crop species represent fundamental tools for conservation of diversity and key steps for its characterization and evaluation. For the olive tree, several collections were created all over the world, but only few of them have been fully characterized and molecularly identified. The olive collection of Perugia University (UNIPG), established in the years' 60, represents one of the first attempts to gather and safeguard olive diversity, keeping together cultivars from different countries. In the present study, a set of 370 olive trees previously uncharacterized was screened with 10 standard simple sequence repeats (SSRs) and nine new EST-SSR markers, to correctly and thoroughly identify all genotypes, verify their representativeness of the entire cultivated olive variation, and validate the effectiveness of new markers in comparison to standard genotyping tools. The SSR analysis revealed the presence of 59 genotypes, corresponding to 72 well known cultivars, 13 of them resulting exclusively present in this collection. The new EST-SSRs have shown values of diversity parameters quite similar to those of best standard SSRs. When compared to hundreds of Mediterranean cultivars, the UNIPG olive accessions were splitted into the three main populations (East, Center and West Mediterranean), confirming that the collection has a good representativeness of the entire olive variability. Furthermore, Bayesian analysis, performed on the 59 genotypes of the collection by the use of both sets of markers, have demonstrated their splitting into four clusters, with a well balanced membership obtained by EST respect to standard SSRs. The new OLEST ( Olea expressed sequence tags) SSR markers resulted as effective as the best standard markers. The information obtained from this study represents a high valuable tool for ex situ conservation and management of olive genetic resources, useful to build a common database from worldwide olive cultivar collections, also based on recently developed markers.

Standard payload computer for the international space station

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Knott, Karl; Taylor, Chris; Koenig, Horst; Schlosstein, Uwe

1999-01-01

This paper describes the development and application of a Standard PayLoad Computer (SPLC) which is being applied by the majority of ESA payloads accommodated on the International Space Station (ISS). The strategy of adopting of a standard computer leads to a radical rethink in the payload data handling procurement process. Traditionally, this has been based on a proprietary development with repeating costs for qualification, spares, expertise and maintenance for each new payload. Implementations have also tended to be unique with very little opportunity for reuse or utilisation of previous developments. While this may to some extent have been justified for short duration one-off missions, the availability of a standard, long term space infrastructure calls for a quite different approach. To support a large number of concurrent payloads, the ISS implementation relies heavily on standardisation, and this is particularly true in the area of payloads. Physical accommodation, data interfaces, protocols, component quality, operational requirements and maintenance including spares provisioning must all conform to a common set of standards. The data handling system and associated computer used by each payload must also comply with these common requirements, and thus it makes little sense to instigate multiple developments for the same task. The opportunity exists to provide a single computer suitable for all payloads, but with only a one-off development and qualification cost. If this is combined with the benefits of multiple procurement, centralised spares and maintenance, there is potential for great savings to be made by all those concerned in the payload development process. In response to the above drivers, the SPLC is based on the following concepts: • A one-off development and qualification process • A modular computer, configurable according to the payload developer's needs from a list of space-qualified items • An `open system' which may be added to by payload developers • Core software providing a suite of common communications services including a verified protocol implementation required to communicate with the ISS • A standardized ground support equipment and accompanying software development environment • The use of commercial hardware and software standards and products.

Standardized methods and quality control limits for agar and broth microdilution susceptibility testing of Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Mycoplasma hominis, and Ureaplasma urealyticum.

PubMed

Waites, Ken B; Duffy, Lynn B; Bébéar, Cécile M; Matlow, Anne; Talkington, Deborah F; Kenny, George E; Totten, Patricia A; Bade, Donald J; Zheng, Xiaotian; Davidson, Maureen K; Shortridge, Virginia D; Watts, Jeffrey L; Brown, Steven D

2012-11-01

An international multilaboratory collaborative study was conducted to develop standard media and consensus methods for the performance and quality control of antimicrobial susceptibility testing of Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Mycoplasma hominis, and Ureaplasma urealyticum using broth microdilution and agar dilution techniques. A reference strain from the American Type Culture Collection was designated for each species, which was to be used for quality control purposes. Repeat testing of replicate samples of each reference strain by participating laboratories utilizing both methods and different lots of media enabled a 3- to 4-dilution MIC range to be established for drugs in several different classes, including tetracyclines, macrolides, ketolides, lincosamides, and fluoroquinolones. This represents the first multilaboratory collaboration to standardize susceptibility testing methods and to designate quality control parameters to ensure accurate and reliable assay results for mycoplasmas and ureaplasmas that infect humans.

Planar solid-phase microextraction-ion mobility spectrometry: a diethoxydiphenylsilane-based coating for the detection of explosives and explosive taggants.

PubMed

Mattarozzi, M; Bianchi, F; Bisceglie, F; Careri, M; Mangia, A; Mori, G; Gregori, A

2011-03-01

A novel diethoxydiphenylsilane-based coating for planar solid-phase microextraction was developed using sol-gel technology and used for ion mobility spectrometric detection of the explosives 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene, 2,4-dinitrotoluene, and of the explosive taggant ethylene glycol dinitrate. The trap was characterized in terms of coating thickness, morphology, inter-batch repeatability, and extraction efficiency. An average thickness of 143 ± 13 μm with a uniform distribution of the coating was obtained. Good performances of the developed procedure in terms of both intra-batch and inter-batch repeatability with relative standard deviations <7% were obtained. Experimental design and desirability function were used to find the optimal conditions for simultaneous headspace extraction of the investigated compounds: the optimal values were found in correspondence of a time and a temperature of extraction of 45 min and 40 °C, respectively. Detection and quantitation limits in low nanogram levels were achieved proving the superior extraction capability of the developed coating, obtaining ion mobility spectrometric responses at least two times higher than those achieved using commercial teflon and paper traps.

Comparing Performance Standards on the Retention of Words Read Correctly per Minute

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kubina, Richard M., Jr.; Amato, Janelle; Schwilk, Christopher L.; Therrien, William J.

2008-01-01

To measure retention of oral reading fluency, three students attending a learning support classroom used a repeating reading strategy with two passages. Each student read one passage to a high performance standard and the other passage to a lower performance standard. Results show it took the students more practice to reach the higher performance…

On the Automatic Decellularisation of Porcine Aortae: A Repeatability Study Using a Non-Enzymatic Approach.

PubMed

O'Connor Mooney, Rory; Davis, Niall Francis; Hoey, David; Hogan, Lisa; McGloughlin, Timothy M; Walsh, Michael T

2016-01-01

To investigate the repeatability of automatic decellularisation of porcine aortae using a non-enzymatic approach, addressing current limitations associated with other automatic decellularisation processes. Individual porcine aortae (n = 3) were resected and every third segment (n = 4) was allocated to one of three different groups: a control or a manually or automatically decellularised group. Manual and automatic decellularisation was performed using Triton X-100 (2% v/v) and sodium deoxycholate. Protein preservation and the elimination of a galactosyl-α(1,3)galactose (GAL) epitope were measured using immunohistochemistry and protein binding assays. The presence of residual DNA was determined with gel electrophoresis and spectrophotometry. Scaffold integrity was characterised with scanning electron microscopy and uni-axial tensile testing. Manual and automatic results were compared to one another, to control groups and to current gold standards. The results were comparable to those of current gold standard decellularisation techniques. Successful repeatability was achieved, both manually and automatically, with little effect on mechanical characteristics. Complete acellularity was not confirmed in either decellularisation group. Protein preservation was consistent in both the manually and automatically decellularised groups and between each individual aorta. Elimination of GAL was not achieved. Repeatable automatic decellularisation of porcine aortae is feasible using a Triton X-100-sodium deoxycholate protocol. Protein preservation was satisfactory; however, gold standard thresholds for permissible residual DNA levels were not achieved. Future research will focus on addressing this issue by optimisation of the existing protocol for thick tissues. © 2016 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Development of NIST standard reference material 2373: Genomic DNA standards for HER2 measurements.

PubMed

He, Hua-Jun; Almeida, Jamie L; Lund, Steve P; Steffen, Carolyn R; Choquette, Steve; Cole, Kenneth D

2016-06-01

NIST standard reference material (SRM) 2373 was developed to improve the measurements of the HER2 gene amplification in DNA samples. SRM 2373 consists of genomic DNA extracted from five breast cancer cell lines with different amounts of amplification of the HER2 gene. The five components are derived from the human cell lines SK-BR-3, MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-361, MDA-MB-453, and BT-474. The certified values are the ratios of the HER2 gene copy numbers to the copy numbers of selected reference genes DCK, EIF5B, RPS27A, and PMM1. The ratios were measured using quantitative polymerase chain reaction and digital PCR, methods that gave similar ratios. The five components of SRM 2373 have certified HER2 amplification ratios that range from 1.3 to 17.7. The stability and homogeneity of the reference materials were shown by repeated measurements over a period of several years. SRM 2373 is a well characterized genomic DNA reference material that can be used to improve the confidence of the measurements of HER2 gene copy number.

Effect of standards on new equipment design by new international standards and industry restraints

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Endelman, Lincoln L.

1991-01-01

The use of international standards to further trade is one of the objectives of creating a standard. By having form fit and function compatible the free interchange of manufactured goods can be handled without hindrance. Unfortunately by setting up standards that are peculiar to a particular country or district it is possible to exclude competition from a group of manufacturers. A major effort is now underway to develop international laser standards. In the May I 990 issue of Laser Focus World Donald R. Johnson the director of industrial technology services for the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST formerly the National Bureau of Standards) is quoted as follows: " The common means of protectionism has been through certification for the market place. " The article goes on to say " Mr. Johnson expects this tradition to continue and that the new European Community (EC) will demand not just safety standards but performance standards as well. . . . the American laser industry must move very quickly on this issue or risk being left behind the European standards bandwagon. " The article continues laser companies must get involved in the actual standards negotiating process if they are to have a say in future policy. A single set of standards would reduce the need to repeatedly recalibrate products for different national markets. " As a member of ISO TC-72 SC9 I am

Development and Performance of a Filter Radiometer Monitor System for Integrating Sphere Sources

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ding, Leibo; Kowalewski, Matthew G.; Cooper, John W.; Smith, GIlbert R.; Barnes, Robert A.; Waluschka, Eugene; Butler, James J.

2011-01-01

The NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) Radiometric Calibration Laboratory (RCL) maintains several large integrating sphere sources covering the visible to the shortwave infrared wavelength range. Two critical, functional requirements of an integrating sphere source are short and long-term operational stability and repeatability. Monitoring the source is essential in determining the origin of systemic errors, thus increasing confidence in source performance and quantifying repeatability. If monitor data falls outside the established parameters, this could be an indication that the source requires maintenance or re-calibration against the National Institute of Science and Technology (NIST) irradiance standard. The GSFC RCL has developed a Filter Radiometer Monitoring System (FRMS) to continuously monitor the performance of its integrating sphere calibration sources in the 400 to 2400nm region. Sphere output change mechanisms include lamp aging, coating (e.g. BaSO4) deterioration, and ambient water vapor level. The Filter Radiometer Monitor System (FRMS) wavelength bands are selected to quantify changes caused by these mechanisms. The FRMS design and operation are presented, as well as data from monitoring four of the RCL s integrating sphere sources.

Simultaneous determination of six active components by a single standard to determine multicomponents combined with fingerprint analysis for the quality control of Rhizoma Chuanxiong.

PubMed

He, Yufei; Li, Qing; Bi, Kaishun

2015-04-01

To control the quality of Rhizoma Chuanxiong, a method based on high-performance liquid chromatography method coupled with diode array detection was developed for the quantitative analysis of six active ingredients using a single standard to determine multi-components and chemical fingerprint analysis for the first time. The separation was performed on an Agilent Zorbax SB-C18 column by gradient elution with methanol and aqueous phase (containing 0.5% glacial acetic acid) at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min. The UV wavelength was set at 274 nm. This assay was fully validated with respect to precision, repeatability, and accuracy. All calibration curves showed good linearity (R(2) > 0.9994) within test ranges. The limit of detection and limit of quantification were lower than 0.01 and 0.03 μg/mL, respectively. The relative standard deviation for repeatability and the intermediate precision of six analytes were less than 1.6 and 2.5%, respectively, the overall recovery was 96.1-103.1%. In addition, fingerprint chromatography using hierarchical clustering analysis and similarity analysis was performed to differentiate and classify the samples. The method described here could provide a more comprehensive and reasonable scientific assessment of the quality of Rhizoma Chuanxiong. Therefore, the strategy is feasible, credible, and is easily and effectively adapted for evaluating the quality control of Rhizoma Chuanxiong. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

A Challenge to Improve High-Temperature Platinum Resistance Thermometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tanaka, Y.; Widiatmo, J. V.; Harada, K.; Kobayashi, T.; Yamazawa, K.

2017-05-01

High-temperature standard platinum resistance thermometers (HTSPRTs) are used to interpolate the international temperature scale of 1990 (ITS-90), especially for temperatures between the aluminum and the silver points. For this, long-term stability of the HTSPRT is essential. CHINO R800-3L type SPRT, which has a nominal resistance at the triple point of water (TPW) around 0.25 Ω , is the one developed earlier for the interpolation of the ITS-90 at this temperature range. Further development to this previous model has been carried out for the purpose of improving the thermal stability. The improvement was focused on reducing the effect coming from the difference in thermal expansion between platinum wire and the quartz frame on which the platinum wire is installed. New HTSPRTs were made by CHINO Corporation. Some series of tests were carried out at CHINO and at NMIJ. Initial tests after the HTSPRT fabrication were done at CHINO, where thermal cycles between 500°C and 980°C were applied to the HTSPRTs to see change in the resistances at the TPW (R_{TPW}) and at the gallium point (R_{Ga}). Repeated resistance measurements at the silver point (R_{Ag}) were performed after completing the thermal cycling test. Before and after every measurement at silver point, R_{TPW} was measured, while before and after every two silver point realization R_{Ga} were measured. After completing this test, the HTSPRTs were transported to NMIJ, where the same repeated measurements at the silver point were done at NMIJ. These were then repeated at CHINO and at NMIJ upon repeated transportation among the institutes, to evaluate some effect due to transportation. This paper reports the details of the above-mentioned tests, the results and the analysis.

Rehearsal significantly improves immediate and delayed recall on the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test.

PubMed

Hessen, Erik

2011-10-01

A repeated observation during memory assessment with the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT) is that patients who spontaneously employ a memory rehearsal strategy by repeating the word list more than once achieve better scores than patients who only repeat the word list once. This observation led to concern about the ability of the standard test procedure of RAVLT and similar tests in eliciting the best possible recall scores. The purpose of the present study was to test the hypothesis that a rehearsal recall strategy of repeating the word list more than once would result in improved scores of recall on the RAVLT. We report on differences in outcome after standard administration and after experimental administration on Immediate and Delayed Recall measures from the RAVLT of 50 patients. The experimental administration resulted in significantly improved scores for all the variables employed. Additionally, it was found that patients who failed effort screening showed significantly poorer improvement on Delayed Recall compared with those who passed the effort screening. The general clear improvement both in raw scores and T-scores demonstrates that recall performance can be significantly influenced by the strategy of the patient or by small variations in instructions by the examiner.

Repeatability of testing a small broadband sensor in the Albuquerque Seismological Laboratory Underground Vault

USGS Publications Warehouse

Ringler, Adam; Holland, Austin; Wilson, David

2017-01-01

Variability in seismic instrumentation performance plays a fundamental role in our ability to carry out experiments in observational seismology. Many such experiments rely on the assumed performance of various seismic sensors as well as on methods to isolate the sensors from nonseismic noise sources. We look at the repeatability of estimating the self‐noise, midband sensitivity, and the relative orientation by comparing three collocated Nanometrics Trillium Compact sensors. To estimate the repeatability, we conduct a total of 15 trials in which one sensor is repeatedly reinstalled, alongside two undisturbed sensors. We find that we are able to estimate the midband sensitivity with an error of no greater than 0.04% with a 99th percentile confidence, assuming a standard normal distribution. We also find that we are able to estimate mean sensor self‐noise to within ±5.6  dB with a 99th percentile confidence in the 30–100‐s‐period band. Finally, we find our relative orientation errors have a mean difference in orientation of 0.0171° from the reference, but our trials have a standard deviation of 0.78°.

Validation and cross-cultural pilot testing of compliance with standard precautions scale: self-administered instrument for clinical nurses.

PubMed

Lam, Simon C

2014-05-01

To perform detailed psychometric testing of the compliance with standard precautions scale (CSPS) in measuring compliance with standard precautions of clinical nurses and to conduct cross-cultural pilot testing and assess the relevance of the CSPS on an international platform. A cross-sectional and correlational design with repeated measures. Nursing students from a local registered nurse training university, nurses from different hospitals in Hong Kong, and experts in an international conference. The psychometric properties of the CSPS were evaluated via internal consistency, 2-week and 3-month test-retest reliability, concurrent validation, and construct validation. The cross-cultural pilot testing and relevance check was examined by experts on infection control from various developed and developing regions. Among 453 participants, 193 were nursing students, 165 were enrolled nurses, and 95 were registered nurses. The results showed that the CSPS had satisfactory reliability (Cronbach α = 0.73; intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.79 for 2-week test-retest and 0.74 for 3-month test-retest) and validity (optimum correlation with criterion measure; r = 0.76, P < .001; satisfactory results on known-group method and hypothesis testing). A total of 19 experts from 16 countries assured that most of the CSPS findings were relevant and globally applicable. The CSPS demonstrated satisfactory results on the basis of the standard international criteria on psychometric testing, which ascertained the reliability and validity of this instrument in measuring the compliance of clinical nurses with standard precautions. The cross-cultural pilot testing further reinforced the instrument's relevance and applicability in most developed and developing regions.

Development and validation of an algorithm to complete colonoscopy using standard endoscopes in patients with prior incomplete colonoscopy

PubMed Central

Rogers, Melinda C.; Gawron, Andrew; Grande, David; Keswani, Rajesh N.

2017-01-01

Background and study aims  Incomplete colonoscopy may occur as a result of colon angulation (adhesions or diverticulosis), endoscope looping, or both. Specialty endoscopes/devices have been shown to successfully complete prior incomplete colonoscopies, but may not be widely available. Radiographic or other image-based evaluations have been shown to be effective but may miss small or flat lesions, and colonoscopy is often still indicated if a large lesion is identified. The purpose of this study was to develop and validate an algorithm to determine the optimum endoscope to ensure completion of the examination in patients with prior incomplete colonoscopy. Patients and methods  This was a prospective cohort study of 175 patients with prior incomplete colonoscopy who were referred to a single endoscopist at a single academic medical center over a 3-year period from 2012 through 2015. Colonoscopy outcomes from the initial 50 patients were used to develop an algorithm to determine the optimal standard endoscope and technique to achieve cecal intubation. The algorithm was validated on the subsequent 125 patients. Results  The overall repeat colonoscopy success rate using a standard endoscope was 94 %. The initial standard endoscope specified by the algorithm was used and completed the colonoscopy in 90 % of patients. Conclusions  This study identifies an effective strategy for completing colonoscopy in patients with prior incomplete examination, using widely available standard endoscopes and an algorithm based on patient characteristics and reasons for prior incomplete colonoscopy. PMID:28924595

Intrarater repeatability of shade selections with two shade guides.

PubMed

Hammad, Ihab A

2003-01-01

Color research has shown that shade guides do not always represent the color of natural teeth. Moreover, visual evaluation has been found to be unreliable and inconsistent. This investigation evaluated the effects of 2 shade guides on the intrarater repeatability (reliability) of prosthodontists and general practitioners with regard to shade selection. Ten prosthodontists and ten general practitioners (all men, 35-45 years old) with an average practice experience of 14 years participated in this study. Examiners were tested to eliminate color blindness. Each clinician used Vita Lumin Vacuum and Vitapan 3D-Master shade guides to determine the shades of the maxillary right canines of 20 patients following a standard protocol. The identification codes of the shade tabs were masked to prevent shade memory. All teeth were polished before each shade selection, and the selection process was standardized for controlled lighting and procedures. Shade selections were randomly repeated 1 month later by the same practitioners on the same group of patients in accordance with the same shade-selection protocol. Analysis of variance and t tests for individual comparisons among means were performed (P<.05). Significant interactions were found between the effects of shade guide system and specialty training on intrarater repeatability (P<.0001, analysis of variance). The intrarater repeatability of prosthodontists was significantly higher than that of general practitioners when the Vita Lumin Vacuum shade guide was used (P<.0001, t test). Use of the Vitapan 3D-Master shade guide significantly improved the intrarater repeatability of general practitioners compared with the Vita Lumin Vacuum shade guide (P<.0005). This improvement was not significant, however, among prosthodontists (P=.2861). Within the limitations of this study, the prosthodontists demonstrated superior intrarater repeatability in shade selection, especially when the Vita Lumin Vacuum shade guide was used. Use of the Vitapan 3D-Master shade guide notably improved intrarater repeatability among the general practitioners.

Repeatability of standard metabolic rate (SMR) in a small fish, the spined loach (Cobitis taenia).

PubMed

Maciak, Sebastian; Konarzewski, Marek

2010-10-01

Significant repeatability of a trait of interest is an essential assumption for undertaking studies of phenotypic variability. It is especially important in studies on highly variable traits, such as metabolic rates. Recent publications suggest that resting/basal metabolic rate of homeotherms is repeatable across wide range of species. In contrast, studies on the consistency of standard metabolic rate (SMR) in ectotherms, particularly fish, are scarce. Here we present a comprehensive analysis of several important technical aspects of body mass-corrected SMR measurements and its repeatability in a small (average weight approximately 3g) fish, the spined loach (Cobitis taenia). First we demonstrated that release of oxygen from the walls of metabolic chambers exposed to hypoxic conditions did not confound SMR measurements. Next, using principle of propagation of measurement uncertainties we demonstrated that in aquatic systems, measurement error is significantly higher in open than closed respirometry setups. The measurement error for SMR of a small fish determined in a closed aquatic system is comparable to that obtainable using top-notch open-flow systems used for air-breathing terrestrial animals. Using a closed respirometer we demonstrated that body mass-corrected SMR in spined loaches was repeatable under both normoxia and hypoxia over a 5-month period (Pearson correlation r=0.68 and r=0.73, respectively) as well as across both conditions (intraclass correlation coefficient tau=0.30). In these analyses we accounted for possible effect of oxygen consumption of the oxygen electrode on repeatability of SMR. Significant SMR consistency was accompanied by significant repeatability of body mass (intraclass correlation coefficient tau=0.86). To our knowledge, this is the first study showing long-term repeatability of body mass and SMR in a small fish, and is consistent with the existence of heritable variation of these two traits. 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

[Illness related costs for spouses of patients suffering from a mental illness: results of a study with repeated measurements].

PubMed

Wilms, H-Ulrich; Mory, Claudia; Angermeyer, Matthias C

2004-05-01

Aim of this study is the documentation of illness-associated costs for spouses, whose relative is suffering from a mental illness. Over a period of 12 month, 117 spouses of patients who are suffering from schizophrenia, depression or anxiety disorders repeatedly filled in a standardized questionnaire about illness related expenses and financial losses. 90 % of the spouses reported direct cash expenditures on behalf of the patients' illness. On average, these costs amounted to yearly expenditures of euro 1146 (range: euro 0 - 11 910). Costs did not differ significantly across types of illness and income was not found to be a significant covariate. Spouses reported substantial direct cash expenditures on behalf of the patients' illness. Since these expenditures varied to a large extent over the three points of measurement, repeated measurement designs seem to be a prerequisite for a reliable assessment of illness-associated costs. Since living together with a mentally ill partner is associated with an increased risk of developing a burden-related psychiatric illness for spouses themselves which may lead to double costs and double decreases in income, these aspects should be taken into consideration when planning changes in health policy.

The history and development of FETAX (ASTM standard guide, E-1439 on conducting the frog embryo teratogenesis Assay-Xenopus)

USGS Publications Warehouse

Dumont, J.N.; Bantle, J.A.; Linder, G.; ,

2003-01-01

The energy crisis of the 1970's and 1980's prompted the search for alternative sources of fuel. With development of alternate sources of energy, concerns for biological resources potentially adversely impacted by these alternative technologies also heightened. For example, few biological tests were available at the time to study toxic effects of effluents on surface waters likely to serve as receiving streams for energy-production facilities; hence, we began to use Xenopus laevis embryos as test organisms to examine potential toxic effects associated with these effluents upon entering aquatic systems. As studies focused on potential adverse effects on aquatic systems continued, a test procedure was developed that led to the initial standardization of FETAX. Other .than a limited number of aquatic toxicity tests that used fathead minnows and cold-water fishes such as rainbow trout, X. laevis represented the only other aquatic vertebrate test system readily available to evaluate complex effluents. With numerous laboratories collaborating, the test with X. laevis was refined, improved, and developed as ASTM E-1439, Standard Guide for the Conducting Frog Embryo Teratogenesis Assay-Xenopus (FETAX). Collabrative work in the 1990s yielded procedural enhancements, for example, development of standard test solutions and exposure methods to handle volatile organics and hydrophobic compounds. As part of the ASTM process, a collaborative interlaboratory study was performed to determine the repeatability and reliability of FETAX. Parallel to these efforts, methods were also developed to test sediments and soils, and in situ test methods were developed to address "lab-to-field extrapolation errors" that could influence the method's use in ecological risk assessments. Additionally, a metabolic activation system composed of rat liver microsomes was developed which made FETAX more relevant to mammalian studies.

Multielement trace determination in SiC powders: assessment of interlaboratory comparisons aimed at the validation and standardization of analytical procedures with direct solid sampling based on ETV ICP OES and DC arc OES.

PubMed

Matschat, Ralf; Hassler, Jürgen; Traub, Heike; Dette, Angelika

2005-12-01

The members of the committee NMP 264 "Chemical analysis of non-oxidic raw and basic materials" of the German Standards Institute (DIN) have organized two interlaboratory comparisons for multielement determination of trace elements in silicon carbide (SiC) powders via direct solid sampling methods. One of the interlaboratory comparisons was based on the application of inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry with electrothermal vaporization (ETV ICP OES), and the other on the application of optical emission spectrometry with direct current arc (DC arc OES). The interlaboratory comparisons were organized and performed in the framework of the development of two standards related to "the determination of mass fractions of metallic impurities in powders and grain sizes of ceramic raw and basic materials" by both methods. SiC powders were used as typical examples of this category of material. The aim of the interlaboratory comparisons was to determine the repeatability and reproducibility of both analytical methods to be standardized. This was an important contribution to the practical applicability of both draft standards. Eight laboratories participated in the interlaboratory comparison with ETV ICP OES and nine in the interlaboratory comparison with DC arc OES. Ten analytes were investigated by ETV ICP OES and eleven by DC arc OES. Six different SiC powders were used for the calibration. The mass fractions of their relevant trace elements were determined after wet chemical digestion. All participants followed the analytical requirements described in the draft standards. In the calculation process, three of the calibration materials were used successively as analytical samples. This was managed in the following manner: the material that had just been used as the analytical sample was excluded from the calibration, so the five other materials were used to establish the calibration plot. The results from the interlaboratory comparisons were summarized and used to determine the repeatability and the reproducibility (expressed as standard deviations) of both methods. The calculation was carried out according to the related standard. The results are specified and discussed in this paper, as are the optimized analytical conditions determined and used by the authors of this paper. For both methods, the repeatability relative standard deviations were <25%, usually ~10%, and the reproducibility relative standard deviations were <35%, usually ~15%. These results were regarded as satifactory for both methods intended for rapid analysis of materials for which decomposition is difficult and time-consuming. Also described are some results from an interlaboratory comparison used to certify one of the materials that had been previously used for validation in both interlaboratory comparisons. Thirty laboratories (from eight countries) participated in this interlaboratory comparison for certification. As examples, accepted results are shown from laboratories that used ETV ICP OES or DC arc OES and had performed calibrations by using solutions or oxides, respectively. The certified mass fractions of the certified reference materials were also compared with the mass fractions determined in the interlaboratory comparisons performed within the framework of method standardization. Good agreement was found for most of the analytes.

Maintaining confidentiality in prospective studies: anonymous repeated measurements via email (ARME) procedure.

PubMed

Carli, Vladimir; Hadlaczky, Gergö; Wasserman, Camilla; Stingelin-Giles, Nicola; Reiter-Theil, Stella; Wasserman, Danuta

2012-02-01

Respecting and protecting the confidentiality of data and the privacy of individuals regarding the information that they have given as participants in a research project is a cornerstone of complying with accepted research standards. However, in longitudinal studies, establishing and maintaining privacy is often challenging because of the necessity of repeated contact with participants. A novel internet-based solution is introduced here, which maintains privacy while at the same time ensures linkage of data to individual participants in a repeated measures design. With the use of the anonymous repeated measurements via email (ARME) procedure, two separate one-way communication systems are established through ad hoc email accounts and a secure study website. Strengths and limitations of the approach are discussed.

Development, validation, and application of a method for the GC-MS analysis of fipronil and three of its degradation products in samples of water, soil, and sediment.

PubMed

de Toffoli, Ana L; da Mata, Kamilla; Bisinoti, Márcia C; Moreira, Altair B

2015-01-01

A method for the identification and quantification of pesticide residues in water, soil, and sediment samples has been developed, validated, and applied for the analysis of real samples. The specificity was determined by the retention time and the confirmation and quantification of analyte ions. Linearity was demonstrated over the concentration range of 20 to 120 µg L(-1), and the correlation coefficients varied between 0.979 and 0.996, depending on the analytes. The recovery rates for all analytes in the studied matrix were between 86% and 112%. The intermediate precision and repeatability were determined at three concentration levels (40, 80, and 120 µg L(-1)), with the relative standard deviation for the intermediate precision between 1% and 5.3% and the repeatability varying between 2% and 13.4% for individual analytes. The limits of detection and quantification for fipronil, fipronil sulfide, fipronil-sulfone, and fipronil-desulfinyl were 6.2, 3.0, 6.6, and 4.0 ng L(-1) and 20.4, 9.0, 21.6, and 13.0 ng L(-1), respectively. The method developed was used in water, soil, and sediment samples containing 2.1 mg L(-1) and 1.2% and 5.3% of carbon, respectively. The recovery of pesticides in the environmental matrices varied from 88.26 to 109.63% for the lowest fortification level (40 and 100 µg kg(-1)), from 91.17 to 110.18% for the intermediate level (80 and 200 µg kg(-1)), and from 89.09 to 109.82% for the highest fortification level (120 and 300 µg kg(-1)). The relative standard deviation for the recovery of pesticides was under 15%.

Test-retest reliability of pulse amplitude tonometry measures of vascular endothelial function: implications for clinical trial design.

PubMed

McCrea, Cindy E; Skulas-Ray, Ann C; Chow, Mosuk; West, Sheila G

2012-02-01

Endothelial dysfunction is an important outcome for assessing vascular health in intervention studies. However, reliability of the standard non-invasive method (flow-mediated dilation) is a significant challenge for clinical applications and multicenter trials. We evaluated the repeatability of pulse amplitude tonometry (PAT) to measure change in pulse wave amplitude during reactive hyperemia (Itamar Medical Ltd, Caesarea, Israel). Twenty healthy adults completed two PAT tests (mean interval = 19.5 days) under standardized conditions. PAT-derived measures of endothelial function (reactive hyperemia index, RHI) and arterial stiffness (augmentation index, AI) showed strong repeatability (intra-class correlations = 0.74 and 0.83, respectively). To guide future research, we also analyzed sample size requirements for a range of effect sizes. A crossover design powered at 0.90 requires 28 participants to detect a 15% change in RHI. Our study is the first to show that PAT measurements are repeatable in adults over an interval greater than 1 week.

Test Report for NG Sensors GTX-1000

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

Manginell, Ronald P.

2014-12-01

This report describes initial testing of the NG Sensor GTX-1000 natural gas monitoring system. This testing showed that the retention time, peak area stability and heating value repeatability of the GTX-1000 were promising for natural gas measurements in the field or at the well head. The repeatability can be less than 0.25% for LHV and HHV for the Airgas standard tested in this report, which is very promising for a first generation prototype. Ultimately this system should be capable of 0.1% repeatability in heating value at significant size and power reductions compared with competing systems.

[Color stability of porcelain-fused-to-titanium restorations after repeated firings].

PubMed

Wu, Xiao-min; Zhou, Zheng

2004-08-01

To study the effect of repeated firings on color of porcelain-fused-to-titanium restorations. Twenty standard porcelain-fused-to-titanium specimens were made with Dentsply DETREY TiBond C3 and Dentaurum rematitan Til. Then they were fired 1, 2, 4, 7, and 10 times. Color measurement was done after each firing. Most of the color parameters had no significant difference after firing except for a* and Hab. All the color difference among groups were smaller than 1.0 (deltaE < 1.0). Repeated firings will not affect the color stability of porcelain-fused-to-titanium restorations.

Developing biochemical and molecular markers for cyanobacterial inoculants.

PubMed

Prasanna, R; Madhan, K; Singh, R N; Chauhan, A K; Nain, L

2010-09-01

Markers for evaluating the establishment of cyanobacteria based on their sensitivity or resistance to antibiotics, saccharide utilization patterns and PCR generated fingerprints were developed. Four selected strains (isolates from rhizosphere soils of diverse agro-ecosystems) have shown potential as diazotrophs and exhibited plant growth promoting abilities. Different responses were obtained on screening against 40 antibiotics, which aided in developing selectable antibiotic markers for each strain. Biochemical profiles generated using standardized chromogenic identification system (including saccharide utilization tests) revealed that 53 % of the saccharides tested were not utilized by any strain, while some strains exhibited unique ability for utilization of saccharides such as melibiose, cellobiose, maltose and glucosamine. PCR based amplification profiles developed using a number of primers based on repeat sequences revealed the utility of 3 primers in providing unique fingerprints for the strains.

Exposure standard for fog oil. Technical report, Dec 89-Nov 90

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

Palmer, W.G.

1990-11-15

Effects of mineral oils in animals and humans are evaluated and serve as the basis for the development of an exposure standard for fog oil. Considered are health hazards associated with fog oil purchased before and after the Military Specification was amended in April 1986 to exclude carcinogens. While repeated exposure to conventionally-refined mineral oils may cause pulmonary disease as well as severe dermatoses and cancer of the skin and scrotum, lipoid pneumonia is the major health hazard associated with highly refined mineral oils such as fog oils purchased after April 1986. While the course of lipoid pneumonia can bemore » asymptomatic in some individuals, in others its symptoms can range from occasional cough to severe, debilitating dyspnea and pulmonary illness, occasionally ending in death.« less

Anatomy of emotion: a 3D study of facial mimicry.

PubMed

Ferrario, V F; Sforza, C

2007-01-01

Alterations in facial motion severely impair the quality of life and social interaction of patients, and an objective grading of facial function is necessary. A method for the non-invasive detection of 3D facial movements was developed. Sequences of six standardized facial movements (maximum smile; free smile; surprise with closed mouth; surprise with open mouth; right side eye closure; left side eye closure) were recorded in 20 healthy young adults (10 men, 10 women) using an optoelectronic motion analyzer. For each subject, 21 cutaneous landmarks were identified by 2-mm reflective markers, and their 3D movements during each facial animation were computed. Three repetitions of each expression were recorded (within-session error), and four separate sessions were used (between-session error). To assess the within-session error, the technical error of the measurement (random error, TEM) was computed separately for each sex, movement and landmark. To assess the between-session repeatability, the standard deviation among the mean displacements of each landmark (four independent sessions) was computed for each movement. TEM for the single landmarks ranged between 0.3 and 9.42 mm (intrasession error). The sex- and movement-related differences were statistically significant (two-way analysis of variance, p=0.003 for sex comparison, p=0.009 for the six movements, p<0.001 for the sex x movement interaction). Among four different (independent) sessions, the left eye closure had the worst repeatability, the right eye closure had the best one; the differences among various movements were statistically significant (one-way analysis of variance, p=0.041). In conclusion, the current protocol demonstrated a sufficient repeatability for a future clinical application. Great care should be taken to assure a consistent marker positioning in all the subjects.

An approach for quantitative image quality analysis for CT

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rahimi, Amir; Cochran, Joe; Mooney, Doug; Regensburger, Joe

2016-03-01

An objective and standardized approach to assess image quality of Compute Tomography (CT) systems is required in a wide variety of imaging processes to identify CT systems appropriate for a given application. We present an overview of the framework we have developed to help standardize and to objectively assess CT image quality for different models of CT scanners used for security applications. Within this framework, we have developed methods to quantitatively measure metrics that should correlate with feature identification, detection accuracy and precision, and image registration capabilities of CT machines and to identify strengths and weaknesses in different CT imaging technologies in transportation security. To that end we have designed, developed and constructed phantoms that allow for systematic and repeatable measurements of roughly 88 image quality metrics, representing modulation transfer function, noise equivalent quanta, noise power spectra, slice sensitivity profiles, streak artifacts, CT number uniformity, CT number consistency, object length accuracy, CT number path length consistency, and object registration. Furthermore, we have developed a sophisticated MATLAB based image analysis tool kit to analyze CT generated images of phantoms and report these metrics in a format that is standardized across the considered models of CT scanners, allowing for comparative image quality analysis within a CT model or between different CT models. In addition, we have developed a modified sparse principal component analysis (SPCA) method to generate a modified set of PCA components as compared to the standard principal component analysis (PCA) with sparse loadings in conjunction with Hotelling T2 statistical analysis method to compare, qualify, and detect faults in the tested systems.

Method development for gypenosides fingerprint by high performance liquid chromatography with diode-array detection and the addition of internal standard.

PubMed

Liu, Fang; Ren, Dequan; Guo, De-an; Pan, Yifeng; Zhang, Huzhe; Hu, Ping

2008-03-01

In this paper, a new method for liquid chromatographic fingerprint of saponins in Gynostemma pentaphyllum (THUNB.) MAKINO was developed. The G. pentaphyllum powder was defatted by Soxhlet extraction with petroleum ether and then gypenosides were extracted from the residue with methanol by sonicating. Column chromatography with macro pore resin was then used to separate and enrich gypenosides. HPLC fingerprint analysis of gypenosides fraction was performed on a C18 column, with an isocratic elution of 34% acetonitrile for 60 min at 0.8 ml/min, sample injection volume was 20 microl and the wavelength was 203 nm. To cover the lack of standard compounds, the addition of an internal standard of ginsenoside Rb2 was employed in the gypenosides fingerprint profile. The relative retention time (RRT) and relative peak area (RPA) of the gypenosides peaks in the fingerprint were calculated by setting the ginsenoside Rb2 as the marker compound. The relative standard deviation (RSDs) of RRT of five common peaks vs. ginsenoside Rb2 in precision, repeatability and stability test were less than 1%, and the RSDs of RPA were less than 5%. The method validation data proved that the proposed method for the fingerprint with internal standard of G. pentaphyllum saponins is adequate, valid and applicable. Finally, three batches of crude drug samples collected from Shanxi province were tested by following the established method.

16 CFR 1209.8 - Procedure for calibration of radiation instrumentation.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... SAFETY ACT REGULATIONS INTERIM SAFETY STANDARD FOR CELLULOSE INSULATION The Standard § 1209.8 Procedure... radiation pyrometer. Repeat for each temperature. (b) Total heat flux meter. The total flux meter shall be... meter. This latter calibration shall make use of the radiant panel tester as the heat source...

16 CFR 1209.8 - Procedure for calibration of radiation instrumentation.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... SAFETY ACT REGULATIONS INTERIM SAFETY STANDARD FOR CELLULOSE INSULATION The Standard § 1209.8 Procedure... radiation pyrometer. Repeat for each temperature. (b) Total heat flux meter. The total flux meter shall be... meter. This latter calibration shall make use of the radiant panel tester as the heat source...

16 CFR 1209.8 - Procedure for calibration of radiation instrumentation.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... SAFETY ACT REGULATIONS INTERIM SAFETY STANDARD FOR CELLULOSE INSULATION The Standard § 1209.8 Procedure... radiation pyrometer. Repeat for each temperature. (b) Total heat flux meter. The total flux meter shall be... meter. This latter calibration shall make use of the radiant panel tester as the heat source...

16 CFR 1209.8 - Procedure for calibration of radiation instrumentation.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... SAFETY ACT REGULATIONS INTERIM SAFETY STANDARD FOR CELLULOSE INSULATION The Standard § 1209.8 Procedure... radiation pyrometer. Repeat for each temperature. (b) Total heat flux meter. The total flux meter shall be... meter. This latter calibration shall make use of the radiant panel tester as the heat source...

Thermal Infrared Spectrometer for Earth Science Remote Sensing Applications—Instrument Modifications and Measurement Procedures

PubMed Central

Hecker, Christoph; Hook, Simon; van der Meijde, Mark; Bakker, Wim; van der Werff, Harald; Wilbrink, Henk; van Ruitenbeek, Frank; de Smeth, Boudewijn; van der Meer, Freek

2011-01-01

In this article we describe a new instrumental setup at the University of Twente Faculty ITC with an optimized processing chain to measure absolute directional-hemispherical reflectance values of typical earth science samples in the 2.5 to 16 μm range. A Bruker Vertex 70 FTIR spectrometer was chosen as the base instrument. It was modified with an external integrating sphere with a 30 mm sampling port to allow measuring large, inhomogeneous samples and quantitatively compare the laboratory results to airborne and spaceborne remote sensing data. During the processing to directional-hemispherical reflectance values, a background radiation subtraction is performed, removing the effect of radiance not reflected from the sample itself on the detector. This provides more accurate reflectance values for low-reflecting samples. Repeat measurements taken over a 20 month period on a quartz sand standard show that the repeatability of the system is very high, with a standard deviation ranging between 0.001 and 0.006 reflectance units depending on wavelength. This high level of repeatability is achieved even after replacing optical components, re-aligning mirrors and placement of sample port reducers. Absolute reflectance values of measurements taken by the instrument here presented compare very favorably to measurements of other leading laboratories taken on identical sample standards. PMID:22346683

Thermal infrared spectrometer for Earth science remote sensing applications-instrument modifications and measurement procedures.

PubMed

Hecker, Christoph; Hook, Simon; van der Meijde, Mark; Bakker, Wim; van der Werff, Harald; Wilbrink, Henk; van Ruitenbeek, Frank; de Smeth, Boudewijn; van der Meer, Freek

2011-01-01

In this article we describe a new instrumental setup at the University of Twente Faculty ITC with an optimized processing chain to measure absolute directional-hemispherical reflectance values of typical earth science samples in the 2.5 to 16 μm range. A Bruker Vertex 70 FTIR spectrometer was chosen as the base instrument. It was modified with an external integrating sphere with a 30 mm sampling port to allow measuring large, inhomogeneous samples and quantitatively compare the laboratory results to airborne and spaceborne remote sensing data. During the processing to directional-hemispherical reflectance values, a background radiation subtraction is performed, removing the effect of radiance not reflected from the sample itself on the detector. This provides more accurate reflectance values for low-reflecting samples. Repeat measurements taken over a 20 month period on a quartz sand standard show that the repeatability of the system is very high, with a standard deviation ranging between 0.001 and 0.006 reflectance units depending on wavelength. This high level of repeatability is achieved even after replacing optical components, re-aligning mirrors and placement of sample port reducers. Absolute reflectance values of measurements taken by the instrument here presented compare very favorably to measurements of other leading laboratories taken on identical sample standards.

Evaluation of reliability and validity of three dental color-matching devices.

PubMed

Tsiliagkou, Aikaterini; Diamantopoulou, Sofia; Papazoglou, Efstratios; Kakaboura, Afrodite

2016-01-01

To assess the repeatability and accuracy of three dental color-matching devices under standardized and freehand measurement conditions. Two shade guides (Vita Classical A1-D4, Vita; and Vita Toothguide 3D-Master, Vita), and three color-matching devices (Easyshade, Vita; SpectroShade, MHT Optic Research; and ShadeVision, X-Rite) were used. Five shade tabs were selected from the Vita Classical A1-D4 (A2, A3.5, B1, C4, D3), and five from the Vita Toothguide 3D-Master (1M1, 2R1.5, 3M2, 4L2.5, 5M3) shade guides. Each shade tab was recorded 15 continuous, repeated times with each device under two different measurement conditions (standardized, and freehand). Both qualitative (color shade) and quantitative (L, a, and b) color characteristics were recorded. The color difference (ΔE) of each recorded value with the known values of the shade tab was calculated. The repeatability of each device was evaluated by the coefficient of variance. The accuracy of each device was determined by comparing the recorded values with the known values of the reference shade tab (one sample t test; α = 0.05). The agreement between the recorded shade and the reference shade tab was calculated. The influence of the parameters (devices and conditions) on the parameter ΔE was investigated (two-way ANOVA). Comparison of the devices was performed with Bonferroni pairwise post-hoc analysis. Under standardized conditions, repeatability of all three devices was very good, except for ShadeVision with Vita Classical A1-D4. Accuracy ranged from good to fair, depending on the device and the shade guide. Under freehand conditions, repeatability and accuracy for Easyshade and ShadeVision were negatively influenced, but not for SpectroShade, regardless of the shade guide. Based on the total of the color parameters assessed per device, SpectroShade was the most reliable of the three color-matching devices studied.

Development of the West Virginia University Small Microgravity Research Facility (WVU SMiRF)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Phillips, Kyle G.

West Virginia University (WVU) has created the Small Microgravity Research Facility (SMiRF) drop tower through a WVU Research Corporation Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (PSCoR) grant on its campus to increase direct access to inexpensive and repeatable reduced gravity research. In short, a drop tower is a tall structure from which experimental payloads are dropped, in a controlled environment, and experience reduced gravity or microgravity (i.e. "weightlessness") during free fall. Currently, there are several methods for conducting scientific research in microgravity including drop towers, parabolic flights, sounding rockets, suborbital flights, NanoSats, CubeSats, full-sized satellites, manned orbital flight, and the International Space Station (ISS). However, none of the aforementioned techniques is more inexpensive or has the capability of frequent experimentation repeatability as drop tower research. These advantages are conducive to a wide variety of experiments that can be inexpensively validated, and potentially accredited, through repeated, reliable research that permits frequent experiment modification and re-testing. Development of the WVU SMiRF, or any drop tower, must take a systems engineering approach that may include the detailed design of several main components, namely: the payload release system, the payload deceleration system, the payload lifting and transfer system, the drop tower structure, and the instrumentation and controls system, as well as a standardized drop tower payload frame for use by those researchers who cannot afford to spend money on a data acquisition system or frame. In addition to detailed technical development, a budgetary model by which development took place is also presented throughout, summarized, and detailed in an appendix. After design and construction of the WVU SMiRF was complete, initial calibration provided performance characteristics at various payload weights, and full-scale checkout via experimentation provided repeatability characteristics of the facility. Based on checkout instrumentation, Initial repeatability results indicated a drop time of 1.26 seconds at an average of 0.06g, with a standard deviation of 0.085g over the period of the drop, and a peak impact load of 28.72g, with a standard deviation of 10.73g, for a payload weight of 113.8 lbs. In order to thoroughly check out the facility, a full-scale, fully operational experiment was developed to create an experience that provides a comprehensive perspective of the end-user experience to the developer, so as to incorporate the details that may have been overlooked to the designer and/or developer, in this case, Kyle Phillips. The experiment that was chosen was to determine the effects of die swell, or extrudate swell, in reduced gravity. Die swell is a viscoelastic phenomenon that occurs when a dilatant, or shear-thickening substance is forced through a sufficient constriction, or "die," such that the substance expands, or "swells," downstream of the constriction, even while forming and maintaining a free jet at ambient sea level conditions. A wide range of dilatants exhibit die swell when subjected to the correct conditions, ranging from simple substances such as ketchup, oobleck, and shampoo to complex specially-formulated substances to be used for next generation body armor and high performance braking systems. To date, very few, if any, have researched the stabilizing effect that gravity may have on the phenomenon of die swell. By studying a fluid phenomenon in a reduced gravity environment, both the effect of gravity can be studied and the predominant forces acting on the fluid can be concluded. Furthermore, a hypothesis describing the behavior of a viscoelastic fluid particle employing the viscous Navier-Stokes Equations was derived to attempt to push the fluid mechanics community toward further integrating more fluid behavior into a unified mathematical model of fluid mechanics. While inconclusive in this experiment, several suggestions for future research were made in order to further the science behind die swell, and a comprehensive checkout of the facility and its operations were characterized. As a result of this checkout experience, several details were modified or added to the facility in order for the drop tower to be properly operated and provide the optimal user experience, such that open operation of the WVU SMiRF may begin in the Fall of 2014.

Factors associated with repeated refusal to participate in longitudinal population-based HIV surveillance in rural South Africa: an observational study, regression analyses

PubMed Central

Giordano, Katie; McGrath, Nuala; Snow, Rachel; Harlow, Siobán; Newell, Marie-Louise

2014-01-01

Background For many estimation purposes, individuals who repeatedly refuse to participate in longitudinal HIV surveillance pose a bigger threat to valid inferences than individuals who participate at least occasionally. We investigate the determinants of repeated refusal to consent to HIV testing in a population-based longitudinal surveillance in rural South Africa. Methods We used data from two years (2005 & 2006) of the annual HIV surveillance conducted by the Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, linking the HIV surveillance data to demographic and socioeconomic data. The outcome for the analysis was “repeated refusal”. Demographic variables included sex, age, highest educational attainment, and place of residence. We also included a measure of wealth and the variable “ever had sex”. To compare the association of each variable with the outcome, unadjusted odds ratios and standard errors were estimated. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate adjusted odds ratios and their standard errors. Data were analyzed using STATA 10.0. Results Of 15,557 eligible individuals, 46% refused to test for HIV in both rounds. Males were significantly more likely than females to repeatedly refuse testing. Holding all other variables constant, individuals in the middle age groups were more likely to repeatedly refuse testing compared with younger and older age groups. The odds of repeated refusal increased with increasing level of education and relative wealth. People living in urban areas were significantly more likely to repeatedly refuse an HIV test than people living in peri-urban or rural areas. Compared to those who had ever had sex, both males and females who had not yet had sex were significantly more likely to refuse to participate. Conclusions The likelihood of repeated refusal to test for HIV in this longitudinal surveillance increases with education, wealth, urbanization, and primary sexual abstinence. Since the factors determining repeated HIV testing refusal are likely associated with HIV status, it is critical that selection effects are controlled for in the analysis of HIV surveillance data. Interventions to increase consent to HIV testing should consider targeting the relatively well educated and wealthy, people in urban areas, and individuals who have not yet sexually debuted. PMID:25621095

Recommended Practice for Pressure Measurements and Calculation of Effective Pumping Speeds During Electric Propulsion Testing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dankanich, John W.; Walker, Mitchell; Swiatek, Michael W.; Yim, John T.

2013-01-01

The electric propulsion community has been implored to establish and implement a set of universally applicable test standards during the research, development, and qualification of electric propulsion systems. Variability between facility-to-facility and more importantly ground-to-flight performance can result in large margins in application or aversion to mission infusion. Performance measurements and life testing under appropriate conditions can be costly and lengthy. Measurement practices must be consistent, accurate, and repeatable. Additionally, the measurements must be universally transportable across facilities throughout the development, qualification, spacecraft integration, and on-orbit performance. A recommended practice for making pressure measurements, pressure diagnostics, and calculating effective pumping speeds with justification is presented.

Enhancing consumer liking of low salt tomato soup over repeated exposure by herb and spice seasonings.

PubMed

Ghawi, Sameer Khalil; Rowland, Ian; Methven, Lisa

2014-10-01

There is strong evidence for the link between high dietary sodium and increased risk of cardiovascular disease which drives the need to reduce salt content in foods. In this study, herb and spice blends were used to enhance consumer acceptability of a low salt tomato soup (0.26% w/w). Subjects (n = 148) scored their liking of tomato soup samples over 5 consecutive days. The first and last days were pre-and post-exposure visits where all participants rated three tomato soup samples; standard, low salt and low salt with added herbs and spices. The middle 3 days were the repeated exposure phase where participants were divided into three balanced groups; consuming the standard soup, the low salt soup, or the low salt soup with added herbs and spices. Reducing salt in the tomato soup led to a significant decline in consumer acceptability, and incorporating herbs and spices did not lead to an immediate enhancement in liking. However, inclusion of herbs and spices enhanced the perception of the salty taste of the low salt soup to the same level as the standard. Repeated exposure to the herbs and spice-modified soup led to a significant increase in the overall liking and liking of flavour, texture and aftertaste of the soup, whereas no changes in liking were observed for the standard and low salt tomato soups over repeated exposure. Moreover, a positive trend in increasing the post-exposure liking of the herbs and spices soup was observed. The findings suggest that the use of herbs and spices is a useful approach to reduce salt content in foods; however, herbs and spices should be chosen carefully to complement the food as large contrasts in flavour can polarise consumer liking. Copyright © 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

International Standards for Properties and Performance of Advanced Ceramics - 30 years of Excellence

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jenkins, Michael G.; Salem, Jonathan A.; Helfinstine, John; Quinn, George D.; Gonczy, Stephen T.

2016-01-01

Mechanical and physical properties/performance of brittle bodies (e.g., advanced ceramics and glasses) can be difficult to measure correctly unless the proper techniques are used. For three decades, ASTM Committee C28 on Advanced Ceramics, has developed numerous full-consensus standards (e.g., test methods, practices, guides, terminology) to measure various properties and performance of a monolithic and composite ceramics and coatings that, in some cases, may be applicable to glasses. These standards give the "what, how, how not, why, why not, etc." for many mechanical, physical, thermal, properties and performance of advanced ceramics. Use of these standards provides accurate, reliable, repeatable and complete data. Involvement in ASTM Committee C28 has included users, producers, researchers, designers, academicians, etc. who write, continually update, and validate through round robin test programmes, more than 45 standards in the 30 years since the Committee's inception in 1986. Included in this poster is a pictogram of the ASTM Committee C28 standards and how to obtain them either as i) individual copies with full details or ii) a complete collection in one volume. A listing of other ASTM committees of interest is included. In addition, some examples of the tangible benefits of standards for advanced ceramics are employed to demonstrate their practical application.

From policy to practice: strategies to meet physical activity standards in YMCA afterschool programs.

PubMed

Beets, Michael W; Weaver, Robert G; Moore, Justin B; Turner-McGrievy, Gabriel; Pate, Russell R; Webster, Collin; Beighle, Aaron

2014-03-01

In 2011, the U.S. Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) adopted activity standards recommending that afterschool programs (ASPs) ensure all children engage in a minimum of 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) daily during the ASP. ASPs decide how to accomplish this standard, for which few effective strategies exist. To evaluate strategies designed to help ASPs meet the MVPA standard. Single group intervention with pretest and three follow-up measures repeated-cross-sectional design with a subsample cohort. Four large-scale YMCA ASPs, serving approximately 500 children each day. Community-based participatory development of strategies focused on modification of program schedules, professional development training, and weekly checklists to evaluate activity opportunities. Accelerometry-derived MVPA classified as meet or fail-to-meet the 30 minutes' MVPA/day standard collected over a minimum of 4 nonconsecutive days at baseline (fall 2011) and three follow-up assessments (spring 2012, fall 2012, spring 2013). Random intercept logistic regression models evaluated the probability of meeting the standard for boys and girls, separately (analyzed summer 2013). A total of 895 children (aged 5-12 years, 48.4% girls) representing 3654 daily measures were collected across the four assessments. The percentage of girls and boys meeting the MVPA standard at baseline was 13.3% and 28.0%, respectively. By spring 2013, this increased to 29.3% and 49.6%. These changes represented an increase in the odds of meeting the 30 minutes' MVPA/day standard by 1.5 (95% CI=1.1, 2.0) and 2.4 (95% CI=1.2, 4.8) for girls and boys, respectively. The strategies developed herein represent an effective approach to enhancing current practice within YMCA ASPs to achieve existing MVPA standards. Additional work is necessary to evaluate the scalability of the strategies in a larger sample of ASPs. © 2014 American Journal of Preventive Medicine Published by American Journal of Preventive Medicine All rights reserved.

Genetic diversity of Trichomonas vaginalis reinfection in HIV-positive women

PubMed Central

Conrad, Melissa D; Kissinger, Patricia; Schmidt, Norine; Martin, David H; Carlton, Jane M

2013-01-01

Objectives Recently developed genotyping tools allow better understanding of Trichomonas vaginalis population genetics and epidemiology. These tools have yet to be applied to T vaginalis collected from HIV+ populations, where understanding the interaction between the pathogens is of great importance due to the correlation between T vaginalis infection and HIV transmission. The objectives of the study were twofold: first, to compare the genetic diversity and population structure of T vaginalis collected from HIV+ women with parasites from reference populations; second, to use the genetic markers to perform a case study demonstrating the usefulness of these techniques in investigating the mechanisms of repeat infections. Methods Repository T vaginalis samples from a previously described treatment trial were genotyped at 11 microsatellite loci. Estimates of genetic diversity and population structure were determined using standard techniques and compared with previously reported estimates of global populations. Genotyping data were used in conjunction with behavioural data to evaluate mechanisms of repeat infections. Results T vaginalis from HIV+ women maintain many of the population genetic characteristics of parasites from global reference populations. Although there is evidence of reduced diversity and bias towards type 1 parasites in the HIV+ population, the populations share a two-type population structure and parasite haplotypes. Genotyping/behavioural data suggest that 36% (12/33) of repeat infections in HIV+ women can be attributed to treatment failure. Conclusions T vaginalis infecting HIV+ women is not genetically distinct from T vaginalis infecting reference populations. Information from genotyping can be valuable for understanding mechanisms of repeat infections. PMID:23694936

Genetic diversity of Trichomonas vaginalis reinfection in HIV-positive women.

PubMed

Conrad, Melissa D; Kissinger, Patricia; Schmidt, Norine; Martin, David H; Carlton, Jane M

2013-09-01

Recently developed genotyping tools allow better understanding of Trichomonas vaginalis population genetics and epidemiology. These tools have yet to be applied to T vaginalis collected from HIV+ populations, where understanding the interaction between the pathogens is of great importance due to the correlation between T vaginalis infection and HIV transmission. The objectives of the study were twofold: first, to compare the genetic diversity and population structure of T vaginalis collected from HIV+ women with parasites from reference populations; second, to use the genetic markers to perform a case study demonstrating the usefulness of these techniques in investigating the mechanisms of repeat infections. Repository T vaginalis samples from a previously described treatment trial were genotyped at 11 microsatellite loci. Estimates of genetic diversity and population structure were determined using standard techniques and compared with previously reported estimates of global populations. Genotyping data were used in conjunction with behavioural data to evaluate mechanisms of repeat infections. T vaginalis from HIV+ women maintain many of the population genetic characteristics of parasites from global reference populations. Although there is evidence of reduced diversity and bias towards type 1 parasites in the HIV+ population, the populations share a two-type population structure and parasite haplotypes. Genotyping/behavioural data suggest that 36% (12/33) of repeat infections in HIV+ women can be attributed to treatment failure. T vaginalis infecting HIV+ women is not genetically distinct from T vaginalis infecting reference populations. Information from genotyping can be valuable for understanding mechanisms of repeat infections.

An Evaluation of Partial Digestion Protocols for the Extraction and Measurement of Trace Metals of Environmental Concern in Marine and Estuarine Sediments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Winters, S. J.; Krahforst, C.; Sherman, L.; Kehm, K.

2013-12-01

As part of a broad study of the fate and transport of trace metals in estuarine sediments (Krahforst et al., 2013), the efficacy of commonly-used partial digestion protocols, including ISO 11466 (treatment with aqua regia), EPA 3050B (nitric acid followed by H2O2) and a modified rock digestion method ('RD' method- H2O2 followed by nitric), were evaluated for two NIST SRM materials, marine sediment 2702 and estuarine sediment 1646a. Unlike so-called total sediment digestions, the methods studied in this work do not employ hydrofluoric acid and are thought to leave silicates substantially or wholly intact. These methods can in principle compliment studies based on total digestions by providing information about trace metals in phases that are potentially more labile in the marine environment. Samples were digested in ~150 mg aliquots. Application of ISO 11466 and EPA 3050B followed published protocols except that digestions were carried out in trace-metal clean 15 mL capped Teflon vessels in an Al block digester and, at the end of the procedure, the supernatant was decanted from undigested material following repeated centrifugation in 2% nitric acid. Digested solutions were analyzed for Al, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Ag, Cd, Sn and Pb content by ICPMS. All elements were analyzed in collision reaction cell mode to minimize isobaric interferences, except Cd and Ag, which were analyzed in standard mode. Instrument performance was monitored in-run by analyzing the SRM 1643e and several quality-check standards. Two repeated digestions of SRM 2702 and SRM 1646a using EPA 3050B produced identical yields, within the standard deviation of repeated analyses (0 - 5%), for all analyzed elements except Cu, which varied by 30% for SRM 2702. The same was true for ISO 11466, although the standard deviation of repeated analyses for this digestion series tended to be larger (< ~15%). The RD method, which consists of pre-treatment with H2O2 followed by repeated treatments with nitric acid, produced the highest average yields for all elements, ranging from 50% of the Al in SRM 2702 up to ~100% for Cd and Pb. The higher recoveries for the RD method may indicate that pre-treatment with H2O2 more effectively removes organics compared with the conventional methods. Yields for ISO 11466 digestions typically range from 5 - 15% higher than EPA 3050B for all studied elements. Comparisons between the two sediments demonstrated that the acid-extractable fraction differs for several elements. For example results from all three digestion methods confirm a ~40% difference in yield for Mn between SRM 2702 and SRM 1646a. Overall, the results indicate that yields for trace element analyses of marine and estuarine sediments resulting from partial digestion are sensitive to the digestion technique, and in particular the methods employed for removal of organic phases. This work was supported by NSF Grant EAR-0922733 and a Maryland Sea Grant Program Development Award.

Development and Psychometric Properties of the Standardized Assessment of Severity of Personality Disorder (SASPD).

PubMed

Olajide, Kike; Munjiza, Jasna; Moran, Paul; O'Connell, Lesley; Newton-Howes, Giles; Bassett, Paul; Akintomide, Gbolagade; Ng, Nicola; Tyrer, Peter; Mulder, Roger; Crawford, Mike J

2018-02-01

Personality disorder (PD) is increasingly categorized according to its severity, but there is no simple way to screen for severity according to ICD-11 criteria. We set out to develop the Standardized Assessment of Severity of Personality Disorder (SASPD). A total of 110 patients completed the SASPD together with a clinical assessment of the severity of personality disorder. We examined the predictive ability of the SASPD using the area under the ROC curve (AUC). Two to four weeks later, 43 patients repeated the SASPD to examine reliability. The SASPD had good predictive ability for determining mild (AUC = 0.86) and moderate (AUC = 0.84) PD at cut points of 8 and 10, respectively. Test-retest reliability of the SASPD was high (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.93, 95% CI [0.88, 0.96]). The SASPD thus provides a simple, brief, and reliable indicator of the presence of mild or moderate PD according to ICD-11 criteria.

Derivatization coupled to headspace programmed-temperature vaporizer gas chromatography with mass spectrometry for the determination of amino acids: Application to urine samples.

PubMed

González Paredes, Rosa María; García Pinto, Carmelo; Pérez Pavón, José Luis; Moreno Cordero, Bernardo

2016-09-01

A new method based on headspace programmed-temperature vaporizer gas chromatography with mass spectrometry has been developed and validated for the determination of amino acids (alanine, sarcosine, ethylglycine, valine, leucine, and proline) in human urine samples. Derivatization with ethyl chloroformate was employed successfully to determine the amino acids. The derivatization reaction conditions as well as the variables of the headspace sampling were optimized. The existence of a matrix effect was checked and the analytical characteristics of the method were determined. The limits of detection were 0.15-2.89 mg/L, and the limits of quantification were 0.46-8.67 mg/L. The instrumental repeatability was 1.6-11.5%. The quantification of the amino acids in six urine samples from healthy subjects was performed with the method developed with the one-point standard additions protocol, with norleucine as the internal standard. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

NIST Efforts to Quality-Assure Gunpowder Measurements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

MacCrehan, William A.; Reardon, Michelle R.

2000-01-01

In the past few years, the National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) has been promoting the idea of quantitatively determining the additives in smokeless gunpowder using micellar capillary electrophoresis as a means of investigating the criminal use of hand guns and pipe bombs. As a part of this effort, we have evaluated both supercritical fluid and ultrasonic solvent extractions for the quantitative recovery of nitroglycerin (NG), diphenylamine (DPA), N-nitrosodiphenylamine (NnDPA), and ethyl centralite (EC) from gunpowder. Recoveries were evaluated by repeat extraction and matrix spiking experiments. The final extraction protocol provides greater than 95 percent recoveries. To help other researches validate their own analytical method for additive determinations, NIST is exploring the development of a standard reference material, Additives in Smokeless Gunpowder. The evaluated method is being applied to two double-base (NG-containing) powders, one stabilized with diphenylamine and the other with ethyl centralite. As part of this reference material development effort, we are conducting an interlaboratory comparison exercise among the forensic and military gunpowder measurement community.

The Development of Web-based Graphical User Interface for Unified Modeling Data with Multi (Correlated) Responses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Made Tirta, I.; Anggraeni, Dian

2018-04-01

Statistical models have been developed rapidly into various directions to accommodate various types of data. Data collected from longitudinal, repeated measured, clustered data (either continuous, binary, count, or ordinal), are more likely to be correlated. Therefore statistical model for independent responses, such as Generalized Linear Model (GLM), Generalized Additive Model (GAM) are not appropriate. There are several models available to apply for correlated responses including GEEs (Generalized Estimating Equations), for marginal model and various mixed effect model such as GLMM (Generalized Linear Mixed Models) and HGLM (Hierarchical Generalized Linear Models) for subject spesific models. These models are available on free open source software R, but they can only be accessed through command line interface (using scrit). On the othe hand, most practical researchers very much rely on menu based or Graphical User Interface (GUI). We develop, using Shiny framework, standard pull down menu Web-GUI that unifies most models for correlated responses. The Web-GUI has accomodated almost all needed features. It enables users to do and compare various modeling for repeated measure data (GEE, GLMM, HGLM, GEE for nominal responses) much more easily trough online menus. This paper discusses the features of the Web-GUI and illustrates the use of them. In General we find that GEE, GLMM, HGLM gave very closed results.

Corporate compliance: framework and implementation.

PubMed

Fowler, N

1999-01-01

The federal government has created numerous programs to combat fraud and abuse. The government now encourages healthcare facilities to have a corporate compliance program (CCP), a plan that reduces the chances that the facility will violate laws or regulations. A CCP is an organization-wide program comprised of a code of conduct and written policies, internal monitoring and auditing standards, employee training, feedback mechanisms and other features, all designed to prevent and detect violations of governmental laws, regulations and policies. It is a system or method ensuring that employees understand and will comply with laws that apply to what they do every day. Seven factors, based on federal sentencing guidelines, provide the framework for developing a CCP. First, a facility must establish rules that are reasonably capable of reducing criminal conduct. Second, high-level personnel must oversee the compliance effort. Third, a facility must use due care in delegating authority in the compliance initiative. Fourth, standards must be communicated effectively to employees, and fifth, a facility must take reasonable steps to achieve compliance. Sixth, standards must be enforced consistently across the organization and last, standards must be modified or changed for reported concerns, to ensure they are not repeated. PROMINA Health System, Inc. in Atlanta, Ga., designed a program to meet federal guidelines. It started with a self-assessment to define its areas or risk. Next, it created the internal structure and assigned organizational responsibility for running the CCP. PROMINA then developed standards of business and professional conduct, established vehicles of communication and trained employees on the standards. Finally, it continues to develop evidence of the program's effectiveness by monitoring and documenting its compliance activities.

What Are the Costs of Trauma Center Readiness? Defining and Standardizing Readiness Costs for Trauma Centers Statewide.

PubMed

Ashley, Dennis W; Mullins, Robert F; Dente, Christopher J; Garlow, Laura; Medeiros, Regina S; Atkins, Elizabeth V; Solomon, Gina; Abston, Dena; Ferdinand, Colville H

2017-09-01

Trauma center readiness costs are incurred to maintain essential infrastructure and capacity to provide emergent services on a 24/7 basis. These costs are not captured by traditional hospital cost accounting, and no national consensus exists on appropriate definitions for each cost. Therefore, in 2010, stakeholders from all Level I and II trauma centers developed a survey tool standardizing and defining trauma center readiness costs. The survey tool underwent minor revisions to provide further clarity, and the survey was repeated in 2013. The purpose of this study was to provide a follow-up analysis of readiness costs for Georgia's Level I and Level II trauma centers. Using the American College of Surgeons Resources for Optimal Care of the Injured Patient guidelines, four readiness cost categories were identified: Administrative, Clinical Medical Staff, Operating Room, and Education/Outreach. Through conference calls, webinars and face-to-face meetings with financial officers, trauma medical directors, and program managers from all trauma centers, standardized definitions for reporting readiness costs within each category were developed. This resulted in a survey tool for centers to report their individual readiness costs for one year. The total readiness cost for all Level I trauma centers was $34,105,318 (avg $6,821,064) and all Level II trauma centers was $20,998,019 (avg $2,333,113). Methodology to standardize and define readiness costs for all trauma centers within the state was developed. Average costs for Level I and Level II trauma centers were identified. This model may be used to help other states define and standardize their trauma readiness costs.

StaRProtein, A Web Server for Prediction of the Stability of Repeat Proteins

PubMed Central

Xu, Yongtao; Zhou, Xu; Huang, Meilan

2015-01-01

Repeat proteins have become increasingly important due to their capability to bind to almost any proteins and the potential as alternative therapy to monoclonal antibodies. In the past decade repeat proteins have been designed to mediate specific protein-protein interactions. The tetratricopeptide and ankyrin repeat proteins are two classes of helical repeat proteins that form different binding pockets to accommodate various partners. It is important to understand the factors that define folding and stability of repeat proteins in order to prioritize the most stable designed repeat proteins to further explore their potential binding affinities. Here we developed distance-dependant statistical potentials using two classes of alpha-helical repeat proteins, tetratricopeptide and ankyrin repeat proteins respectively, and evaluated their efficiency in predicting the stability of repeat proteins. We demonstrated that the repeat-specific statistical potentials based on these two classes of repeat proteins showed paramount accuracy compared with non-specific statistical potentials in: 1) discriminate correct vs. incorrect models 2) rank the stability of designed repeat proteins. In particular, the statistical scores correlate closely with the equilibrium unfolding free energies of repeat proteins and therefore would serve as a novel tool in quickly prioritizing the designed repeat proteins with high stability. StaRProtein web server was developed for predicting the stability of repeat proteins. PMID:25807112

Insights from analysis for harmful and potentially harmful constituents (HPHCs) in tobacco products.

PubMed

Oldham, Michael J; DeSoi, Darren J; Rimmer, Lonnie T; Wagner, Karl A; Morton, Michael J

2014-10-01

A total of 20 commercial cigarette and 16 commercial smokeless tobacco products were assayed for 96 compounds listed as harmful and potentially harmful constituents (HPHCs) by the US Food and Drug Administration. For each product, a single lot was used for all testing. Both International Organization for Standardization and Health Canada smoking regimens were used for cigarette testing. For those HPHCs detected, measured levels were consistent with levels reported in the literature, however substantial assay variability (measured as average relative standard deviation) was found for most results. Using an abbreviated list of HPHCs, statistically significant differences for most of these HPHCs occurred when results were obtained 4-6months apart (i.e., temporal variability). The assay variability and temporal variability demonstrate the need for standardized analytical methods with defined repeatability and reproducibility for each HPHC using certified reference standards. Temporal variability also means that simple conventional comparisons, such as two-sample t-tests, are inappropriate for comparing products tested at different points in time from the same laboratory or from different laboratories. Until capable laboratories use standardized assays with established repeatability, reproducibility, and certified reference standards, the resulting HPHC data will be unreliable for product comparisons or other decision making in regulatory science. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Bootstrap Standard Error Estimates in Dynamic Factor Analysis

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zhang, Guangjian; Browne, Michael W.

2010-01-01

Dynamic factor analysis summarizes changes in scores on a battery of manifest variables over repeated measurements in terms of a time series in a substantially smaller number of latent factors. Algebraic formulae for standard errors of parameter estimates are more difficult to obtain than in the usual intersubject factor analysis because of the…

Absorptive Capacity in Rural Schools: Bending Not Breaking during Disruptive Innovation Implementation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zuckerman, Sarah J.; Wicox, Kristen Campbell; Schiller, Kathryn S.; Durand, Francesca T.

2018-01-01

Rural schools have repeatedly been subjected to standardizing state and federal education policies that seek to minimize variance in instructional systems and increase the number of college- and career-ready graduates. The Race to the Top policy agenda combined standards-based and accountability-based reforms to meet these objectives and once…

16 CFR § 1209.8 - Procedure for calibration of radiation instrumentation.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... PRODUCT SAFETY ACT REGULATIONS INTERIM SAFETY STANDARD FOR CELLULOSE INSULATION The Standard § 1209.8... radiation pyrometer. Repeat for each temperature. (b) Total heat flux meter. The total flux meter shall be... meter. This latter calibration shall make use of the radiant panel tester as the heat source...

34 CFR Appendix C to Part 300 - National Instructional Materials Accessibility Standard (NIMAS)

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

.... Using educationLevel obviates the need for a separate field for gradeRange since dc elements can repeat... 34 Education 2 2011-07-01 2010-07-01 true National Instructional Materials Accessibility Standard (NIMAS) C Appendix C to Part 300 Education Regulations of the Offices of the Department of Education...

SERT Transformation Study. Technical Report No. 70.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Day, Richard; And Others

This research report deals with the transformations of stimulus sentences that primary grade speakers of Hawaii Creole English (HCE) made when they were asked to repeat sentences said to them in Standard English. The test used was the Kamehameha Early Education Program (KEEP) Standard English Repetition Test (SERT) which was administered to the 21…

Separation of plant hormones from biofertilizer by capillary electrophoresis using a capillary coated dynamically with polycationic polymers.

PubMed

Jiang, Ting-Fu; Lv, Zhi-Hua; Wang, Yuan-Hong; Yue, Mei-E

2006-06-01

A new, simple and rapid capillary electrophoresis (CE) method, using hexadimethrine bromide (HDB) as electroosmotic flow (EOF) modifier, was developed for the identification and quantitative determination of four plant hormones, including gibberellin A3 (GA3), indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), alpha-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) and 4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid (4-CA). The optimum separation was achieved with 20 mM borate buffer at pH 10.00 containing 0.005% (w/v) of HDB. The applied voltage was -25 kV and the capillary temperature was kept constant at 25 degrees C. Salicylic acid was used as internal standard for quantification. The calibration dependencies exhibited good linearity within the ratios of the concentrations of standard samples and internal standard and the ratios of the peak areas of samples and internal standard. The correlation coefficients were from 0.9952 to 0.9997. The relative standard deviations of migration times and peak areas were < 1.93 and 6.84%, respectively. The effects of buffer pH, the concentration of HDB and the voltage on the resolution were studied systematically. By this method, the contents of plant hormone in biofertilizer were successfully determined within 7 min, with satisfactory repeatability and recovery.

Space Suit Joint Torque Measurement Method Validation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Valish, Dana; Eversley, Karina

2012-01-01

In 2009 and early 2010, a test method was developed and performed to quantify the torque required to manipulate joints in several existing operational and prototype space suits. This was done in an effort to develop joint torque requirements appropriate for a new Constellation Program space suit system. The same test method was levied on the Constellation space suit contractors to verify that their suit design met the requirements. However, because the original test was set up and conducted by a single test operator there was some question as to whether this method was repeatable enough to be considered a standard verification method for Constellation or other future development programs. In order to validate the method itself, a representative subset of the previous test was repeated, using the same information that would be available to space suit contractors, but set up and conducted by someone not familiar with the previous test. The resultant data was compared using graphical and statistical analysis; the results indicated a significant variance in values reported for a subset of the re-tested joints. Potential variables that could have affected the data were identified and a third round of testing was conducted in an attempt to eliminate and/or quantify the effects of these variables. The results of the third test effort will be used to determine whether or not the proposed joint torque methodology can be applied to future space suit development contracts.

Parameter regimes for a single sequential quantum repeater

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rozpędek, F.; Goodenough, K.; Ribeiro, J.; Kalb, N.; Caprara Vivoli, V.; Reiserer, A.; Hanson, R.; Wehner, S.; Elkouss, D.

2018-07-01

Quantum key distribution allows for the generation of a secret key between distant parties connected by a quantum channel such as optical fibre or free space. Unfortunately, the rate of generation of a secret key by direct transmission is fundamentally limited by the distance. This limit can be overcome by the implementation of so-called quantum repeaters. Here, we assess the performance of a specific but very natural setup called a single sequential repeater for quantum key distribution. We offer a fine-grained assessment of the repeater by introducing a series of benchmarks. The benchmarks, which should be surpassed to claim a working repeater, are based on finite-energy considerations, thermal noise and the losses in the setup. In order to boost the performance of the studied repeaters we introduce two methods. The first one corresponds to the concept of a cut-off, which reduces the effect of decoherence during the storage of a quantum state by introducing a maximum storage time. Secondly, we supplement the standard classical post-processing with an advantage distillation procedure. Using these methods, we find realistic parameters for which it is possible to achieve rates greater than each of the benchmarks, guiding the way towards implementing quantum repeaters.

The definition of pneumonia, the assessment of severity, and clinical standardization in the Pneumonia Etiology Research for Child Health study.

PubMed

Scott, J Anthony G; Wonodi, Chizoba; Moïsi, Jennifer C; Deloria-Knoll, Maria; DeLuca, Andrea N; Karron, Ruth A; Bhat, Niranjan; Murdoch, David R; Crawley, Jane; Levine, Orin S; O'Brien, Katherine L; Feikin, Daniel R

2012-04-01

To develop a case definition for the Pneumonia Etiology Research for Child Health (PERCH) project, we sought a widely acceptable classification that was linked to existing pneumonia research and focused on very severe cases. We began with the World Health Organization's classification of severe/very severe pneumonia and refined it through literature reviews and a 2-stage process of expert consultation. PERCH will study hospitalized children, aged 1-59 months, with pneumonia who present with cough or difficulty breathing and have either severe pneumonia (lower chest wall indrawing) or very severe pneumonia (central cyanosis, difficulty breastfeeding/drinking, vomiting everything, convulsions, lethargy, unconsciousness, or head nodding). It will exclude patients with recent hospitalization and children with wheeze whose indrawing resolves after bronchodilator therapy. The PERCH investigators agreed upon standard interpretations of the symptoms and signs. These will be maintained by a clinical standardization monitor who conducts repeated instruction at each site and by recurrent local training and testing.

The Definition of Pneumonia, the Assessment of Severity, and Clinical Standardization in the Pneumonia Etiology Research for Child Health Study

PubMed Central

Wonodi, Chizoba; Moïsi, Jennifer C.; Deloria-Knoll, Maria; DeLuca, Andrea N.; Karron, Ruth A.; Bhat, Niranjan; Murdoch, David R.; Crawley, Jane; Levine, Orin S.; O’Brien, Katherine L.; Feikin, Daniel R.

2012-01-01

To develop a case definition for the Pneumonia Etiology Research for Child Health (PERCH) project, we sought a widely acceptable classification that was linked to existing pneumonia research and focused on very severe cases. We began with the World Health Organization’s classification of severe/very severe pneumonia and refined it through literature reviews and a 2-stage process of expert consultation. PERCH will study hospitalized children, aged 1–59 months, with pneumonia who present with cough or difficulty breathing and have either severe pneumonia (lower chest wall indrawing) or very severe pneumonia (central cyanosis, difficulty breastfeeding/drinking, vomiting everything, convulsions, lethargy, unconsciousness, or head nodding). It will exclude patients with recent hospitalization and children with wheeze whose indrawing resolves after bronchodilator therapy. The PERCH investigators agreed upon standard interpretations of the symptoms and signs. These will be maintained by a clinical standardization monitor who conducts repeated instruction at each site and by recurrent local training and testing. PMID:22403224

Advancing nursing leadership: a model for program implementation and measurement.

PubMed

Omoike, Osei; Stratton, Karen M; Brooks, Beth A; Ohlson, Susan; Storfjell, Judy Lloyd

2011-01-01

Despite the abundant literature documenting the need for nurse management education and career development, only recently have professional standards been targeted for this group. Competency standards for nurse leaders repeatedly identify systems-level concepts including finance and budget, communication skills, strategic management, human resources management, change management, and computer technology skills. However, educational initiatives to meet these standards are still at the early stages and most nurse leaders continue to acquire knowledge and experience through "on-the-job" training. This article will illustrate the need for partnerships and collaboration between academia and hospitals to advance nursing leadership to the next century. In addition, a tool to measure the impact of a graduate certificate program in nursing administration on nurse leader competencies is presented. Overall, the certificate program has been successful in multiple ways; it has "graduated" almost 80 nurse leaders, improved participant competence in their role at the systems level, as well as providing an impetus for completion of a graduate degree post program.

Leaner and greener analysis of cannabinoids.

PubMed

Mudge, Elizabeth M; Murch, Susan J; Brown, Paula N

2017-05-01

There is an explosion in the number of labs analyzing cannabinoids in marijuana (Cannabis sativa L., Cannabaceae) but existing methods are inefficient, require expert analysts, and use large volumes of potentially environmentally damaging solvents. The objective of this work was to develop and validate an accurate method for analyzing cannabinoids in cannabis raw materials and finished products that is more efficient and uses fewer toxic solvents. An HPLC-DAD method was developed for eight cannabinoids in cannabis flowers and oils using a statistically guided optimization plan based on the principles of green chemistry. A single-laboratory validation determined the linearity, selectivity, accuracy, repeatability, intermediate precision, limit of detection, and limit of quantitation of the method. Amounts of individual cannabinoids above the limit of quantitation in the flowers ranged from 0.02 to 14.9% w/w, with repeatability ranging from 0.78 to 10.08% relative standard deviation. The intermediate precision determined using HorRat ratios ranged from 0.3 to 2.0. The LOQs for individual cannabinoids in flowers ranged from 0.02 to 0.17% w/w. This is a significant improvement over previous methods and is suitable for a wide range of applications including regulatory compliance, clinical studies, direct patient medical services, and commercial suppliers.

A standardized protocol for repeated social defeat stress in mice

PubMed Central

Golden, Sam A; Covington, Herbert E; Berton, Olivier; Russo, Scott J

2011-01-01

A major impediment to novel drug development has been the paucity of animal models that accurately reflect symptoms of affective disorders. In animal models, prolonged social stress has proven to be useful in understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying affective-like disorders. When considering experimental approaches for studying depression, social defeat stress, in particular, has been shown to have excellent etiological, predictive, discriminative and face validity. Described here is a protocol whereby C57BL/6J mice that are repeatedly subjected to bouts of social defeat by a larger and aggressive CD-1 mouse results in the development of a clear depressive-like syndrome, characterized by enduring deficits in social interactions. Specifically, the protocol consists of three important stages, beginning with the selection of aggressive CD-1 mice, followed by agonistic social confrontations between the CD-1 and C57BL/6J mice, and concluding with the confirmation of social avoidance in subordinate C57BL/6J mice. The automated detection of social avoidance allows a marked increase in throughput, reproducibility and quantitative analysis. This protocol is highly adaptable, but in its most common form it requires 3–4 weeks for completion. PMID:21799487

[Comparision of Different Methods of Area Measurement in Irregular Scar].

PubMed

Ran, D; Li, W J; Sun, Q G; Li, J Q; Xia, Q

2016-10-01

To determine a measurement standard of irregular scar area by comparing the advantages and disadvantages of different measurement methods in measuring same irregular scar area. Irregular scar area was scanned by digital scanning and measured by coordinate reading method, AutoCAD pixel method, Photoshop lasso pixel method, Photoshop magic bar filled pixel method and Foxit PDF reading software, and some aspects of these methods such as measurement time, repeatability, whether could be recorded and whether could be traced were compared and analyzed. There was no significant difference in the scar areas by the measurement methods above. However, there was statistical difference in the measurement time and repeatability by one or multi performers and only Foxit PDF reading software could be traced back. The methods above can be used for measuring scar area, but each one has its advantages and disadvantages. It is necessary to develop new measurement software for forensic identification. Copyright© by the Editorial Department of Journal of Forensic Medicine

Developmental Validation of Short Tandem Repeat Reagent Kit for Forensic DNA Profiling of Canine Biological Materials

PubMed Central

Dayton, Melody; Koskinen, Mikko T; Tom, Bradley K; Mattila, Anna-Maria; Johnston, Eric; Halverson, Joy; Fantin, Dennis; DeNise, Sue; Budowle, Bruce; Smith, David Glenn; Kanthaswamy, Sree

2009-01-01

Aim To develop a reagent kit that enables multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of 18 short tandem repeats (STR) and the canine sex-determining Zinc Finger marker. Methods Validation studies to determine the robustness and reliability in forensic DNA typing of this multiplex assay included sensitivity testing, reproducibility studies, intra- and inter-locus color balance studies, annealing temperature and cycle number studies, peak height ratio determination, characterization of artifacts such as stutter percentages and dye blobs, mixture analyses, species-specificity, case type samples analyses and population studies. Results The kit robustly amplified domesticated dog samples and consistently generated full 19-locus profiles from as little as 125 pg of dog DNA. In addition, wolf DNA samples could be analyzed with the kit. Conclusion The kit, which produces robust, reliable, and reproducible results, will be made available for the forensic research community after modifications based on this study’s evaluation to comply with the quality standards expected for forensic casework. PMID:19480022

A Vignette (User's Guide) for “An R Package for Statistical ...

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

StatCharrms is a graphical user front-end for ease of use in analyzing data generated from OCSPP 890.2200, Medaka Extended One Generation Reproduction Test (MEOGRT) and OCSPP 890.2300, Larval Amphibian Gonad Development Assay (LAGDA). The analyses StatCharrms is capable of performing are: Rao-Scott adjusted Cochran-Armitage test for trend By Slices (RSCABS), a Standard Cochran-Armitage test for trend By Slices (SCABS), mixed effects Cox proportional model, Jonckheere-Terpstra step down trend test, Dunn test, one way ANOVA, weighted ANOVA, mixed effects ANOVA, repeated measures ANOVA, and Dunnett test. This document provides a User’s Manual (termed a Vignette by the Comprehensive R Archive Network (CRAN)) for the previously created R-code tool called StatCharrms (Statistical analysis of Chemistry, Histopathology, and Reproduction endpoints using Repeated measures and Multi-generation Studies). The StatCharrms R-code has been publically available directly from EPA staff since the approval of OCSPP 890.2200 and 890.2300, and now is available publically available at the CRAN.

Comparing the field and laboratory emission cell (FLEC) with traditional emissions testing chambers

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

Roache, N.F.; Guo, Z.; Fortmann, R.

1996-12-31

A series of tests was designed to evaluate the performance of the field and laboratory emission cell (FLEC) as applied to the testing of emissions from two indoor coating materials, floor wax and latex paint. These tests included validation of the repeatability of the test method, evaluation of the effect of different air velocities on source emissions, and a comparison of FLEC versus small chamber characterization of emissions. The FLEC exhibited good repeatability in characterization of emissions when applied to both sources under identical conditions. Tests with different air velocities showed significant effects on the emissions from latex paint, yetmore » little effect on emissions from the floor wax. Comparisons of data from the FLEC and small chamber show good correlation for measurements involving floor wax, but less favorable results for emissions from latex paint. The procedures and findings are discussed; conclusions are limited and include emphasis on the need for additional study and development of a standard method.« less

Oral-diadochokinetic rates for Hebrew-speaking school-age children: real words vs. non-words repetition.

PubMed

Icht, Michal; Ben-David, Boaz M

2015-02-01

Oral-diadochokinesis (DDK) tasks are a common tool for evaluating speech disorders. Usually, these tasks involve repetitions of non-words. It has been suggested that repeating real words can be more suitable for preschool children. But, the impact of using real words with elementary school children has not been studied yet. This study evaluated oral-DDK rates for Hebrew-speaking elementary school children using non-words and real words. The participants were 60 children, 9-11 years old, with normal speech and language development, who were asked to repeat "pataka" (non-word) and "bodeket" (Hebrew real word). Data replicate the advantage generally found for real word repetition with preschoolers. Children produced real words faster than non-words for all age groups, and repetition rates were higher for the older children. The findings suggest that adding real words to the standard oral-DDK task with elementary school children may provide a more comprehensive picture of oro-motor function.

Early detection of glaucoma by means of a novel 3D computer‐automated visual field test

PubMed Central

Nazemi, Paul P; Fink, Wolfgang; Sadun, Alfredo A; Francis, Brian; Minckler, Donald

2007-01-01

Purpose A recently devised 3D computer‐automated threshold Amsler grid test was used to identify early and distinctive defects in people with suspected glaucoma. Further, the location, shape and depth of these field defects were characterised. Finally, the visual fields were compared with those obtained by standard automated perimetry. Patients and methods Glaucoma suspects were defined as those having elevated intraocular pressure (>21 mm Hg) or cup‐to‐disc ratio of >0.5. 33 patients and 66 eyes with risk factors for glaucoma were examined. 15 patients and 23 eyes with no risk factors were tested as controls. The recently developed 3D computer‐automated threshold Amsler grid test was used. The test exhibits a grid on a computer screen at a preselected greyscale and angular resolution, and allows patients to trace those areas on the grid that are missing in their visual field using a touch screen. The 5‐minute test required that the patients repeatedly outline scotomas on a touch screen with varied displays of contrast while maintaining their gaze on a central fixation marker. A 3D depiction of the visual field defects was then obtained that was further characterised by the location, shape and depth of the scotomas. The exam was repeated three times per eye. The results were compared to Humphrey visual field tests (ie, achromatic standard or SITA standard 30‐2 or 24‐2). Results In this pilot study 79% of the eyes tested in the glaucoma‐suspect group repeatedly demonstrated visual field loss with the 3D perimetry. The 3D depictions of visual field loss associated with these risk factors were all characteristic of or compatible with glaucoma. 71% of the eyes demonstrated arcuate defects or a nasal step. Constricted visual fields were shown in 29% of the eyes. No visual field changes were detected in the control group. Conclusions The 3D computer‐automated threshold Amsler grid test may demonstrate visual field abnormalities characteristic of glaucoma in glaucoma suspects with normal achromatic Humphrey visual field testing. This test may be used as a screening tool for the early detection of glaucoma. PMID:17504855

The neuromuscular fatigue induced by repeated scrums generates instability that can be limited by appropriate recovery.

PubMed

Morel, B; Hautier, C A

2017-02-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of the fatigue on the machine scrum pushing sagittal forces during repeated scrums and to determine the origin of the knee extensor fatigue. Twelve elite U23 rugby union front row players performed six 6-s scrums every 30 s against a dynamic scrum machine with passive or active recovery. The peak, average, and the standard deviation of the force were measured. A neuromuscular testing procedure of the knee extensors was carried out before and immediately after the repeated scrum protocol including maximal voluntary force, evoked force, and voluntary activation. The average and peak forces did not decrease after six scrums with passive recovery. The standard deviation of the force increased by 70.2 ± 42.7% (P < 0.001). Maximal voluntary/evoked force and voluntary activation decreased (respectively 25.1 ± 7.0%, 14.6 ± 5.5%, and 24 ± 9.9%; P < 0.001). The standard deviation of the force did not increase with active recovery and was associated with lower decrease of maximal voluntary/evoked force and voluntary activation (respectively 12.8 ± 7.9%, 4.9 ± 6.5%, and 7.6 ± 4.1%; all P < 0.01). As a conclusion repeated scrummaging induced an increased machine scrum pushing instability associated with central and peripheral fatigue of the knee extensors. Active recovery seems to limit all these manifestations of fatigue. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Estimating the reliability of repeatedly measured endpoints based on linear mixed-effects models. A tutorial.

PubMed

Van der Elst, Wim; Molenberghs, Geert; Hilgers, Ralf-Dieter; Verbeke, Geert; Heussen, Nicole

2016-11-01

There are various settings in which researchers are interested in the assessment of the correlation between repeated measurements that are taken within the same subject (i.e., reliability). For example, the same rating scale may be used to assess the symptom severity of the same patients by multiple physicians, or the same outcome may be measured repeatedly over time in the same patients. Reliability can be estimated in various ways, for example, using the classical Pearson correlation or the intra-class correlation in clustered data. However, contemporary data often have a complex structure that goes well beyond the restrictive assumptions that are needed with the more conventional methods to estimate reliability. In the current paper, we propose a general and flexible modeling approach that allows for the derivation of reliability estimates, standard errors, and confidence intervals - appropriately taking hierarchies and covariates in the data into account. Our methodology is developed for continuous outcomes together with covariates of an arbitrary type. The methodology is illustrated in a case study, and a Web Appendix is provided which details the computations using the R package CorrMixed and the SAS software. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Measurement of self-esteem in repeat assault victims.

PubMed Central

Conti, C. T.; Moncure, M.; Hines, J.; Clack, Z.; Smith, T.; Simpkins, C. O.

1998-01-01

Background characterization of assault-related injuries have demonstrated that lifestyle, substance abuse, education, employment, mental illness, and high-risk behavior contribute to low self-esteem in repeat assault victims. Recurrent-assault patients have never been studied with respect to self-esteem. This study evaluated self-esteem and assault-related injury in 28 consecutive male assault patients (11 first-assault and 17 recurrent-assault patients) and 19 controls with no previous assault history. Study participants were administered the Walmyr Assessment Scales Index of Self-Esteem (WASISE) as part of a three-item survey to determine the relationship between self-esteem and assault-related injury. No demographic differences were found between the groups. The mean (+/- standard error) WASISE score for recurrent-assault patients (34.9 +/- 3.4) was significantly higher than mean scores for no-assault and first-time assault-injured patients (14.7 +/- 1.4 and 15.0 +/- 2.3, respectively). The recurrent-assault patients had a lower mean education level than both no-assault and first-time assault-injured patients (2.1 +/- 0.26 and 1.9 +/- 0.57, respectively). Eighteen (2%) first-time assault-injured and 11 (7%) recurrent-assault patients were employed. These data suggest that self-esteem, education, and employment history need to be considered when evaluating and developing interventions for repeat-assault patients. PMID:9549981

Fully automated screening of veterinary drugs in milk by turbulent flow chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry

PubMed Central

Stolker, Alida A. M.; Peters, Ruud J. B.; Zuiderent, Richard; DiBussolo, Joseph M.

2010-01-01

There is an increasing interest in screening methods for quick and sensitive analysis of various classes of veterinary drugs with limited sample pre-treatment. Turbulent flow chromatography in combination with tandem mass spectrometry has been applied for the first time as an efficient screening method in routine analysis of milk samples. Eight veterinary drugs, belonging to seven different classes were selected for this study. After developing and optimising the method, parameters such as linearity, repeatability, matrix effects and carry-over were studied. The screening method was then tested in the routine analysis of 12 raw milk samples. Even without internal standards, the linearity of the method was found to be good in the concentration range of 50 to 500 µg/L. Regarding repeatability, RSDs below 12% were obtained for all analytes, with only a few exceptions. The limits of detection were between 0.1 and 5.2 µg/L, far below the maximum residue levels for milk set by the EU regulations. While matrix effects—ion suppression or enhancement—are obtained for all the analytes the method has proved to be useful for screening purposes because of its sensitivity, linearity and repeatability. Furthermore, when performing the routine analysis of the raw milk samples, no false positive or negative results were obtained. PMID:20379812

Repeat antenatal glucocorticoids for women at risk of preterm birth: a Cochrane Systematic Review.

PubMed

McKinlay, Christopher J D; Crowther, Caroline A; Middleton, Philippa; Harding, Jane E

2012-03-01

Administration of antenatal glucocorticoids to women at risk of preterm birth has major benefits for infants but the use of repeat dose(s) is controversial. We performed a systematic review of randomized trials, using standard Cochrane methodology, to assess the effectiveness and safety of 1 or more repeat doses given to women at risk of preterm birth 7 or more days after an initial course. Ten trials were included involving over 4730 women and 5700 infants. Treatment with repeat dose(s) compared with no repeat treatment reduced the risk of respiratory distress syndrome (risk ratio, 0.83; 95% confidence interval, 0.75-0.91) and serious neonatal morbidity (risk ratio, 0.84; 95% confidence interval, 0.75-0.94). At 2- to 3-year follow-up (4 trials, 4170 children), there was no evidence of either significant benefit or harm. Repeat doses of glucocorticoids should be considered in women at risk of preterm birth 7 or more days after an initial course, in view of the neonatal benefits. Copyright © 2012 Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Poor methodological detail precludes experimental repeatability and hampers synthesis in ecology.

PubMed

Haddaway, Neal R; Verhoeven, Jos T A

2015-10-01

Despite the scientific method's central tenets of reproducibility (the ability to obtain similar results when repeated) and repeatability (the ability to replicate an experiment based on methods described), published ecological research continues to fail to provide sufficient methodological detail to allow either repeatability of verification. Recent systematic reviews highlight the problem, with one example demonstrating that an average of 13% of studies per year (±8.0 [SD]) failed to report sample sizes. The problem affects the ability to verify the accuracy of any analysis, to repeat methods used, and to assimilate the study findings into powerful and useful meta-analyses. The problem is common in a variety of ecological topics examined to date, and despite previous calls for improved reporting and metadata archiving, which could indirectly alleviate the problem, there is no indication of an improvement in reporting standards over time. Here, we call on authors, editors, and peer reviewers to consider repeatability as a top priority when evaluating research manuscripts, bearing in mind that legacy and integration into the evidence base can drastically improve the impact of individual research reports.

Free-breathing quantification of hepatic fat in healthy children and children with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease using a multi-echo 3-D stack-of-radial MRI technique.

PubMed

Armstrong, Tess; Ly, Karrie V; Murthy, Smruthi; Ghahremani, Shahnaz; Kim, Grace Hyun J; Calkins, Kara L; Wu, Holden H

2018-05-04

In adults, noninvasive chemical shift encoded Cartesian magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and single-voxel magnetic resonance (MR) spectroscopy (SVS) accurately quantify hepatic steatosis but require breath-holding. In children, especially young and sick children, breath-holding is often limited or not feasible. Sedation can facilitate breath-holding but is highly undesirable. For these reasons, there is a need to develop free-breathing MRI technology that accurately quantifies steatosis in all children. This study aimed to compare non-sedated free-breathing multi-echo 3-D stack-of-radial (radial) MRI versus standard breath-holding MRI and SVS techniques in a group of children for fat quantification with respect to image quality, accuracy and repeatability. Healthy children (n=10, median age [±interquartile range]: 10.9 [±3.3] years) and overweight children with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) (n=9, median age: 15.2 [±3.2] years) were imaged at 3 Tesla using free-breathing radial MRI, breath-holding Cartesian MRI and breath-holding SVS. Acquisitions were performed twice to assess repeatability (within-subject mean difference, MD within ). Images and hepatic proton-density fat fraction (PDFF) maps were scored for image quality. Free-breathing and breath-holding PDFF were compared using linear regression (correlation coefficient, r and concordance correlation coefficient, ρ c ) and Bland-Altman analysis (mean difference). P<0.05 was considered significant. In patients with NAFLD, free-breathing radial MRI demonstrated significantly less motion artifacts compared to breath-holding Cartesian (P<0.05). Free-breathing radial PDFF demonstrated a linear relationship (P<0.001) versus breath-holding SVS PDFF and breath-holding Cartesian PDFF with r=0.996 and ρ c =0.994, and r=0.997 and ρ c =0.995, respectively. The mean difference in PDFF between free-breathing radial MRI, breath-holding Cartesian MRI and breath-holding SVS was <0.7%. Repeated free-breathing radial MRI had MD within =0.25% for PDFF. In this pediatric study, non-sedated free-breathing radial MRI provided accurate and repeatable hepatic PDFF measurements and improved image quality, compared to standard breath-holding MR techniques.

Congenital thiopurine methyltransferase deficiency and 6-mercaptopurine toxicity during treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.

PubMed Central

Lennard, L; Gibson, B E; Nicole, T; Lilleyman, J S

1993-01-01

Two children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) taking daily 6-mercaptopurine as part of a national UK therapeutic trial repeatedly developed profound myelosuppression on 25% of the standard protocol dose. Both were found to have undetectable intracellular activity of thiopurine methyltransferase (TPMT), an enzyme controlling one of the major alternative catabolic pathways of 6-mercaptopurine, and both produced higher concentrations of cytotoxic drug metabolites at 10-25% of the protocol dose than other patients taking 100%. It is supposed that these patients represent the 0.33% of the normal population constitutionally lacking TPMT. It is important to recognise such individuals both to avoid fatal bone marrow failure through inadvertent overdosage, and to be reassured that an adequate drug effect can be achieved at around 10% of the standard dose. PMID:8257179

Enhanced capture rate for haze defects in production wafer inspection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Auerbach, Ditza; Shulman, Adi; Rozentsvige, Moshe

2010-03-01

Photomask degradation via haze defect formation is an increasing troublesome yield problem in the semiconductor fab. Wafer inspection is often utilized to detect haze defects due to the fact that it can be a bi-product of process control wafer inspection; furthermore, the detection of the haze on the wafer is effectively enhanced due to the multitude of distinct fields being scanned. In this paper, we demonstrate a novel application for enhancing the wafer inspection tool's sensitivity to haze defects even further. In particular, we present results of bright field wafer inspection using the on several photo layers suffering from haze defects. One way in which the enhanced sensitivity can be achieved in inspection tools is by using a double scan of the wafer: one regular scan with the normal recipe and another high sensitivity scan from which only the repeater defects are extracted (the non-repeater defects consist largely of noise which is difficult to filter). Our solution essentially combines the double scan into a single high sensitivity scan whose processing is carried out along two parallel routes (see Fig. 1). Along one route, potential defects follow the standard recipe thresholds to produce a defect map at the nominal sensitivity. Along the alternate route, potential defects are used to extract only field repeater defects which are identified using an optimal repeater algorithm that eliminates "false repeaters". At the end of the scan, the two defect maps are merged into one with optical scan images available for all the merged defects. It is important to note, that there is no throughput hit; in addition, the repeater sensitivity is increased relative to a double scan, due to a novel runtime algorithm implementation whose memory requirements are minimized, thus enabling to search a much larger number of potential defects for repeaters. We evaluated the new application on photo wafers which consisted of both random and haze defects. The evaluation procedure involved scanning with three different recipe types: Standard Inspection: Nominal recipe with a low false alarm rate was used to scan the wafer and repeaters were extracted from the final defect map. Haze Monitoring Application: Recipe sensitivity was enhanced and run on a single field column from which on repeating defects were extracted. Enhanced Repeater Extractor: Defect processing included the two parallel routes: a nominal recipe for the random defects and the new high sensitive repeater extractor algorithm. The results showed that the new application (recipe #3) had the highest capture rate on haze defects and detected new repeater defects not found in the first two recipes. In addition, the recipe was much simpler to setup since repeaters are filtered separately from random defects. We expect that in the future, with the advent of mask-less lithography and EUV lithography, the monitoring of field and die repeating defects on the wafer will become a necessity for process control in the semiconductor fab.

Influences of low-frequency and other noises produced by wind turbines: An epidemiological literature review.

PubMed

Kubo, Tatsuhiko; Hasunuma, Hideki; Morimatsu, Yoshitaka; Fujino, Yoshihisa; Hara, Kunio; Ishitake, Tatsuya

2017-01-01

Objectives　Due to its' environment-friendly and clean energy characteristics, wind power has been increasingly used globally, particularly in advanced countries. However, concerns about health hazards, especially due to low-frequency and other noises generated from wind turbines, have been reported repeatedly. In order to manage adverse health effects appropriately, regulatory standards or guidelines that consider the health of residents need to be developed. To provide a scientific basis for the development of such regulatory standards and guidelines, this paper conducted a literature review to analyze epidemiological studies involving residents living in the vicinity of wind farms.Methods　Using the PubMED database, epidemiological papers that examined the health effects of noises produced by wind turbines were searched and collected. Additional papers were collected from the abstracts presented at relevant international academic conferences such as the Inter-Noise 2013 and Wind Turbine Noise 2015. An evidence table comprising the study design, subjects, exposure assessment, outcomes, confounders, and research results of each selected study was created.Results　A total of 11 papers were collected (2 of which were abstracts from the international academic conferences). These studies reported outcomes such as perception of noises, annoyance caused by the noises, and the association of the noises with stress and sleeplessness. Significant associations between the noises or annoyance produced by wind turbines and subjective adverse health effects were reported repeatedly. Two studies reported an odds ratio of 1.1 for an increase of 1 dB in the A-weighted sound pressure level as a factor representing the influence level. For other factors, it was not possible to compare the magnitude of the impact among the collected studies. Individual attitudes toward wind power and landscapes, economic benefits of wind farms, visibility of wind turbines, sensitivity to sounds, and concerns over health hazards were reported as confounders.Conclusion　Significant associations between the noises or annoyance produced by wind turbines and subjective adverse health effects were reported repeatedly. However, there was insufficient evidence to conclude whether the annoyance was caused by the psychological response to the construction of wind farms or by the actual exposure to noises generated by wind farms.

Development of a pediatric hospitalist curriculum to promote faculty development, teaching excellence, and evidence-based care.

PubMed

Bucklen, Kathryn A; Carlson, Doug W; Shah, Neha; Pruitt, Cassandra

2014-11-01

The Pediatric Hospital Medicine Core Competencies (PHMCC), published in 2010, serve as the foundation for development of pediatric hospital medicine curricula to standardize and improve inpatient pediatric training and practice. Here the authors describe development of a PHMCC-based curriculum for faculty development, improved teaching, and evidence-based care, and as the basis for scholarly projects. A 2-year repeating curriculum of 51 topics based on the PHMCC was designed, presented by hospitalists for division members at weekly division conferences, and recorded for asynchronous learning. Fourteen of those topics were created for online viewing only. Topic development included use of pertinent medical research, guidelines, and local experts. Presentations followed a standardized format and were reviewed by senior division members before delivery. Attendees evaluated all presentations. Twenty live topics were presented. All talks received ratings of 4.3 or higher (on a scale of 1 to 5) on evaluation by attendees, and 70% of presentations were reported as likely to change practice by 80% or more of attendees. Opportunities for increased mentorship were realized. The division was recognized for its work through an invitation to present topics 4 times annually at a community-wide continuing medical education program and regional pediatric meetings, and proposals have been submitted for national meetings. The PHMCC-based curriculum has led to increased opportunities for education, mentorship, and improvement in the quality of care by attendees. Other academic divisions may benefit from a curriculum to enhance professional development and standardize clinical care and teaching. Copyright © 2014 by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Development of a model for occipital fixation--validation of an analogue bone material.

PubMed

Mullett, H; O'Donnell, T; Felle, P; O'Rourke, K; FitzPatrick, D

2002-01-01

Several implant systems may be used to fuse the skull to the upper cervical spine (occipitocervical fusion). Current biomechanical evaluation is restricted by the limitations of human cadaveric specimens. This paper describes the design and validation of a synthetic testing model of the occipital bone. Data from thickness measurement and pull-out strength testing of a series of human cadaveric skulls was used in the design of a high-density rigid polyurethane foam model. The synthetic occipital model demonstrated repeatable and consistent morphological and biomechanical properties. The model provides a standardized environment for evaluation of occipital implants.

Standardized and Repeatable Technology Evaluation for Cybersecurity Acquisition

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-02-01

methodology for evaluating cybersecurity technologies. In this report, we introduce the Department of Defense (DoD)-centric and Independent Technology...Evaluation Capability (DITEC), an experimental decision support service within the U.S. DoD which aims to provide a standardized framework for...13 5.3.1 The Technology Matching Tool: A Recommender System for Security Non - Experts

A Progressive Case for Educational Standardization: How Not to Respond to the Spellings Report

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Graff, Gerald; Birkenstein, Cathy

2008-01-01

In responses from higher education to the 2006 report on Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings's Commission on the Future of Higher Education, "A Test of Leadership: Charting the Future of U.S. Higher Education," one particular argument is made repeatedly: that educational standardization of the sort implicitly called for in the…

Expanded complexity of unstable repeat diseases

PubMed Central

Polak, Urszula; McIvor, Elizabeth; Dent, Sharon Y.R.; Wells, Robert D.; Napierala, Marek

2015-01-01

Unstable Repeat Diseases (URDs) share a common mutational phenomenon of changes in the copy number of short, tandemly repeated DNA sequences. More than 20 human neurological diseases are caused by instability, predominantly expansion, of microsatellite sequences. Changes in the repeat size initiate a cascade of pathological processes, frequently characteristic of a unique disease or a small subgroup of the URDs. Understanding of both the mechanism of repeat instability and molecular consequences of the repeat expansions is critical to developing successful therapies for these diseases. Recent technological breakthroughs in whole genome, transcriptome and proteome analyses will almost certainly lead to new discoveries regarding the mechanisms of repeat instability, the pathogenesis of URDs, and will facilitate development of novel therapeutic approaches. The aim of this review is to give a general overview of unstable repeats diseases, highlight the complexities of these diseases, and feature the emerging discoveries in the field. PMID:23233240

A Toxicological Evaluation of a Standardized Hydrogenated Extract of Curcumin (CuroWhite™)

PubMed Central

Ravikumar, Alastimmanahalli Narasimhiah; Jacob, Joby

2018-01-01

A series of toxicological investigations were conducted in order to evaluate the genotoxic potential and repeated-dose oral toxicity of CuroWhite, a proprietary extract of curcumin that has been hydrogenated and standardized to not less than 25% hydrogenated curcuminoid content. All tests were conducted in general accordance with internationally accepted standards. The test item was not mutagenic in the bacterial reverse mutation test or in vitro mammalian chromosomal aberration test, and no in vivo genotoxic activity was observed in rat bone marrow in the micronucleus test. A 90-day repeated-dose study was conducted in male and female Sprague-Dawley rats. Two mortalities occurred in the main and satellite high-dose groups and were determined due to gavage error. No organ specific or other toxic effects of the test item were observed up to the maximum dose of 800 mg/kg bw/day, administered by gavage. NOAEL was, therefore, estimated as 800 mg/kg bw/day. PMID:29610573

A Toxicological Evaluation of a Standardized Hydrogenated Extract of Curcumin (CuroWhite™).

PubMed

Ravikumar, Alastimmanahalli Narasimhiah; Jacob, Joby; Gopi, Sreeraj; Jagannath, Tumkur Subbarao

2018-01-01

A series of toxicological investigations were conducted in order to evaluate the genotoxic potential and repeated-dose oral toxicity of CuroWhite, a proprietary extract of curcumin that has been hydrogenated and standardized to not less than 25% hydrogenated curcuminoid content. All tests were conducted in general accordance with internationally accepted standards. The test item was not mutagenic in the bacterial reverse mutation test or in vitro mammalian chromosomal aberration test, and no in vivo genotoxic activity was observed in rat bone marrow in the micronucleus test. A 90-day repeated-dose study was conducted in male and female Sprague-Dawley rats. Two mortalities occurred in the main and satellite high-dose groups and were determined due to gavage error. No organ specific or other toxic effects of the test item were observed up to the maximum dose of 800 mg/kg bw/day, administered by gavage. NOAEL was, therefore, estimated as 800 mg/kg bw/day.

The use of consumer depth cameras for 3D surface imaging of people with obesity: A feasibility study.

PubMed

Wheat, J S; Clarkson, S; Flint, S W; Simpson, C; Broom, D R

2018-05-21

Three dimensional (3D) surface imaging is a viable alternative to traditional body morphology measures, but the feasibility of using this technique with people with obesity has not been fully established. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the validity, repeatability and acceptability of a consumer depth camera 3D surface imaging system in imaging people with obesity. The concurrent validity of the depth camera based system was investigated by comparing measures of mid-trunk volume to a gold-standard. The repeatability and acceptability of the depth camera system was assessed in people with obesity at a clinic. There was evidence of a fixed systematic difference between the depth camera system and the gold standard but excellent correlation between volume estimates (r 2 =0.997), with little evidence of proportional bias. The depth camera system was highly repeatable - low typical error (0.192L), high intraclass correlation coefficient (>0.999) and low technical error of measurement (0.64%). Depth camera based 3D surface imaging was also acceptable to people with obesity. It is feasible (valid, repeatable and acceptable) to use a low cost, flexible 3D surface imaging system to monitor the body size and shape of people with obesity in a clinical setting. Copyright © 2018 Asia Oceania Association for the Study of Obesity. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Short communication: Repeatability of differential goat bulk milk culture and associations with somatic cell count, total bacterial count, and standard plate count.

PubMed

Koop, G; Dik, N; Nielen, M; Lipman, L J A

2010-06-01

The aims of this study were to assess how different bacterial groups in bulk milk are related to bulk milk somatic cell count (SCC), bulk milk total bacterial count (TBC), and bulk milk standard plate count (SPC) and to measure the repeatability of bulk milk culturing. On 53 Dutch dairy goat farms, 3 bulk milk samples were collected at intervals of 2 wk. The samples were cultured for SPC, coliform count, and staphylococcal count and for the presence of Staphylococcus aureus. Furthermore, SCC (Fossomatic 5000, Foss, Hillerød, Denmark) and TBC (BactoScan FC 150, Foss) were measured. Staphylococcal count was correlated to SCC (r=0.40), TBC (r=0.51), and SPC (r=0.53). Coliform count was correlated to TBC (r=0.33), but not to any of the other variables. Staphylococcus aureus did not correlate to SCC. The contribution of the staphylococcal count to the SPC was 31%, whereas the coliform count comprised only 1% of the SPC. The agreement of the repeated measurements was low. This study indicates that staphylococci in goat bulk milk are related to SCC and make a significant contribution to SPC. Because of the high variation in bacterial counts, repeated sampling is necessary to draw valid conclusions from bulk milk culturing. 2010 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Environmental enrichment reverses memory impairment induced by toluene in mice.

PubMed

Montes, Sergio; Solís-Guillén, Rocío Del Carmen; García-Jácome, David; Páez-Martínez, Nayeli

2017-05-01

Toluene is the main component of a variety of inhalants that are used for intoxication purposes. Alterations in memory have been reported in inhalant users; however, it is unclear whether these impairments could be reversed, and the mechanisms involved in the putative recovery. Therefore, the main purpose of this study was to model the deleterious effects of toluene on memory in mice and to evaluate the effect of environmental enrichment on that response. In the second part of the study, the concentrations of glutamate and GABA, following chronic toluene exposure and after environmental enrichment treatment, were evaluated. Adolescent mice were exposed to either a single or repeated schedule of toluene administration and their responses to object recognition were analyzed. An independent group of mice was repeatedly exposed to toluene and then housed either under environmental enrichment or standard conditions for four weeks. At the end of the housing period, the rodents' performance in object recognition test, as well as the concentrations of neurotransmitters, were analyzed. The results showed that toluene caused memory impairment in mice that received a single or repeated solvent exposure. Remarkably, environmental enrichment could reverse memory deficits induced by repeated administration of toluene. Cessation of toluene exposure in mice in standard housing did not produce that response. The glutamate and GABA tissue contents were not involved in the effects of toluene or environmental enrichment of memory. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Internal Quality Control Practices in Coagulation Laboratories: recommendations based on a patterns-of-practice survey.

PubMed

McFarlane, A; Aslan, B; Raby, A; Moffat, K A; Selby, R; Padmore, R

2015-12-01

Internal quality control (IQC) procedures are crucial for ensuring accurate patient test results. The IQMH Centre for Proficiency Testing conducted a web-based survey to gather information on the current IQC practices in coagulation testing. A questionnaire was distributed to 174 Ontario laboratories licensed to perform prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT). All laboratories reported using two levels of commercial QC (CQC); 12% incorporate pooled patient plasma into their IQC program; >68% run CQC at the beginning of each shift; 56% following maintenance, with reagent changes, during a shift, or with every repeat sample; 6% only run CQC at the beginning of the day and 25% when the instruments have been idle for a defined period of time. IQC run frequency was determined by manufacturer recommendations (71%) but also influenced by the stability of test (27%), clinical impact of an incorrect test result (25%), and sample's batch number (10%). IQC was monitored using preset limits based on standard deviation (66%), precision goals (46%), or allowable performance limits (36%). 95% use multirules. Failure actions include repeating the IQC (90%) and reporting patient results; if repeat passes, 42% perform repeat analysis of all patient samples from last acceptable IQC. Variability exists in coagulation IQC practices among Ontario clinical laboratories. The recommendations presented here would be useful in encouraging standardized IQC practices. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Regional placental blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) changes with gestational age in normally developing pregnancies using long duration R2* mapping in utero

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dighe, Manjiri; Kim, Yun Jung; Seshamani, Sharmishtaa; Blazejewska, Ania I.; Mckown, Susan; Caucutt, Jason; Gatenby, Christopher; Studholme, Colin

2016-03-01

The aim of this study was to examine the use of R2* mapping in maternal and fetal sub-regions of the placenta with the aim of providing a reference for blood oxygenation levels during normative development. There have been a number of MR relaxation studies of placental tissues in-utero, but none have reported R2* value changes with age, or examined differences in sub-regions of the placenta. Here specialized long-duration Multi-frame R2* imaging was used to create a stable estimate for R2* values in different placental regions in healthy pregnant volunteers not imaged for clinical reasons. 27 subjects were recruited and scanned up to 3 times during their pregnancy. A multi-slice dual echo EPI based BOLD acquisition was employed and repeated between 90 and 150 times over 3 to 5 minutes to provide a high accuracy estimate of the R2* signal level. Acquisitions were also repeated in 13 cases within a visit to evaluate reproducibility of the method in a given subject. Experimental results showed R2* measurements were highly repeatable within a visit with standard deviation of (0.76). Plots of all visits against gestational age indicated clear correlations showing decreases in R2* with age. This increase was consistent was also consistent over time in multiple visits of the same volunteer during their pregnancy. Maternal and fetal regional changes with gestational age followed the same trend with increase in R2* over the gestational age.

Hypothesis testing in functional linear regression models with Neyman's truncation and wavelet thresholding for longitudinal data.

PubMed

Yang, Xiaowei; Nie, Kun

2008-03-15

Longitudinal data sets in biomedical research often consist of large numbers of repeated measures. In many cases, the trajectories do not look globally linear or polynomial, making it difficult to summarize the data or test hypotheses using standard longitudinal data analysis based on various linear models. An alternative approach is to apply the approaches of functional data analysis, which directly target the continuous nonlinear curves underlying discretely sampled repeated measures. For the purposes of data exploration, many functional data analysis strategies have been developed based on various schemes of smoothing, but fewer options are available for making causal inferences regarding predictor-outcome relationships, a common task seen in hypothesis-driven medical studies. To compare groups of curves, two testing strategies with good power have been proposed for high-dimensional analysis of variance: the Fourier-based adaptive Neyman test and the wavelet-based thresholding test. Using a smoking cessation clinical trial data set, this paper demonstrates how to extend the strategies for hypothesis testing into the framework of functional linear regression models (FLRMs) with continuous functional responses and categorical or continuous scalar predictors. The analysis procedure consists of three steps: first, apply the Fourier or wavelet transform to the original repeated measures; then fit a multivariate linear model in the transformed domain; and finally, test the regression coefficients using either adaptive Neyman or thresholding statistics. Since a FLRM can be viewed as a natural extension of the traditional multiple linear regression model, the development of this model and computational tools should enhance the capacity of medical statistics for longitudinal data.

Bayesian data augmentation methods for the synthesis of qualitative and quantitative research findings

PubMed Central

Crandell, Jamie L.; Voils, Corrine I.; Chang, YunKyung; Sandelowski, Margarete

2010-01-01

The possible utility of Bayesian methods for the synthesis of qualitative and quantitative research has been repeatedly suggested but insufficiently investigated. In this project, we developed and used a Bayesian method for synthesis, with the goal of identifying factors that influence adherence to HIV medication regimens. We investigated the effect of 10 factors on adherence. Recognizing that not all factors were examined in all studies, we considered standard methods for dealing with missing data and chose a Bayesian data augmentation method. We were able to summarize, rank, and compare the effects of each of the 10 factors on medication adherence. This is a promising methodological development in the synthesis of qualitative and quantitative research. PMID:21572970

Dual-Phase Lock-In Amplifier Based on FPGA for Low-Frequencies Experiments

PubMed Central

Macias-Bobadilla, Gonzalo; Rodríguez-Reséndiz, Juvenal; Mota-Valtierra, Georgina; Soto-Zarazúa, Genaro; Méndez-Loyola, Maurino; Garduño-Aparicio, Mariano

2016-01-01

Photothermal techniques allow the detection of characteristics of material without invading it. Researchers have developed hardware for some specific Phase and Amplitude detection (Lock-In Function) applications, eliminating space and unnecessary electronic functions, among others. This work shows the development of a Digital Lock-In Amplifier based on a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) for low-frequency applications. This system allows selecting and generating the appropriated frequency depending on the kind of experiment or material studied. The results show good frequency stability in the order of 1.0 × 10−9 Hz, which is considered good linearity and repeatability response for the most common Laboratory Amplitude and Phase Shift detection devices, with a low error and standard deviation. PMID:26999138

Dual-Phase Lock-In Amplifier Based on FPGA for Low-Frequencies Experiments.

PubMed

Macias-Bobadilla, Gonzalo; Rodríguez-Reséndiz, Juvenal; Mota-Valtierra, Georgina; Soto-Zarazúa, Genaro; Méndez-Loyola, Maurino; Garduño-Aparicio, Mariano

2016-03-16

Photothermal techniques allow the detection of characteristics of material without invading it. Researchers have developed hardware for some specific Phase and Amplitude detection (Lock-In Function) applications, eliminating space and unnecessary electronic functions, among others. This work shows the development of a Digital Lock-In Amplifier based on a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) for low-frequency applications. This system allows selecting and generating the appropriated frequency depending on the kind of experiment or material studied. The results show good frequency stability in the order of 1.0 × 10(-9) Hz, which is considered good linearity and repeatability response for the most common Laboratory Amplitude and Phase Shift detection devices, with a low error and standard deviation.

High-power microwave LDMOS transistors for wireless data transmission technologies (Review)

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

Kuznetsov, E. V., E-mail: E.Kouzntsov@tcen.ru; Shemyakin, A. V.

The fields of the application, structure, fabrication, and packaging technology of high-power microwave LDMOS transistors and the main advantages of these devices were analyzed. Basic physical parameters and some technology factors were matched for optimum device operation. Solid-state microwave electronics has been actively developed for the last 10-15 years. Simultaneously with improvement of old devices, new devices and structures are actively being adopted and developed and new semiconductor materials are being commercialized. Microwave LDMOS technology is in demand in such fields as avionics, civil and military radars, repeaters, base stations of cellular communication systems, television and broadcasting transmitters, and transceiversmore » for high-speed wireless computer networks (promising Wi-Fi and Wi-Max standards).« less

Steps towards the international regulatory acceptance of non-animal methodology in safety assessment.

PubMed

Sewell, Fiona; Doe, John; Gellatly, Nichola; Ragan, Ian; Burden, Natalie

2017-10-01

The current animal-based paradigm for safety assessment must change. In September 2016, the UK National Centre for Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research (NC3Rs) brought together scientists from regulatory authorities, academia and industry to review progress in bringing new methodology into regulatory use, and to identify ways to expedite progress. Progress has been slow. Science is advancing to make this possible but changes are necessary. The new paradigm should allow new methodology to be adopted once it is developed rather than being based on a fixed set of studies. Regulatory authorities can help by developing Performance-Based Standards. The most pressing need is in repeat dose toxicology, although setting standards will be more complex than in areas such as sensitization. Performance standards should be aimed directly at human safety, not at reproducing the results of animal studies. Regulatory authorities can also aid progress towards the acceptance of non-animal based methodology by promoting "safe-haven" trials where traditional and new methodology data can be submitted in parallel to build up experience in the new methods. Industry can play its part in the acceptance of new methodology, by contributing to the setting of performance standards and by actively contributing to "safe-haven" trials. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Test–retest repeatability of human speech biomarkers from static and real-time dynamic magnetic resonance imaging

PubMed Central

Töger, Johannes; Sorensen, Tanner; Somandepalli, Krishna; Toutios, Asterios; Lingala, Sajan Goud; Narayanan, Shrikanth; Nayak, Krishna

2017-01-01

Static anatomical and real-time dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (RT-MRI) of the upper airway is a valuable method for studying speech production in research and clinical settings. The test–retest repeatability of quantitative imaging biomarkers is an important parameter, since it limits the effect sizes and intragroup differences that can be studied. Therefore, this study aims to present a framework for determining the test–retest repeatability of quantitative speech biomarkers from static MRI and RT-MRI, and apply the framework to healthy volunteers. Subjects (n = 8, 4 females, 4 males) are imaged in two scans on the same day, including static images and dynamic RT-MRI of speech tasks. The inter-study agreement is quantified using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and mean within-subject standard deviation (σe). Inter-study agreement is strong to very strong for static measures (ICC: min/median/max 0.71/0.89/0.98, σe: 0.90/2.20/6.72 mm), poor to strong for dynamic RT-MRI measures of articulator motion range (ICC: 0.26/0.75/0.90, σe: 1.6/2.5/3.6 mm), and poor to very strong for velocities (ICC: 0.21/0.56/0.93, σe: 2.2/4.4/16.7 cm/s). In conclusion, this study characterizes repeatability of static and dynamic MRI-derived speech biomarkers using state-of-the-art imaging. The introduced framework can be used to guide future development of speech biomarkers. Test–retest MRI data are provided free for research use. PMID:28599561

Does habituation really happen? Investigation of psycho-biological responses to body exposure in bulimia nervosa.

PubMed

Trentowska, Monika; Svaldi, Jennifer; Blechert, Jens; Tuschen-Caffier, Brunna

2017-03-01

Body exposure is a common and effective treatment for body image disturbance in bulimia nervosa (BN). However, little is known about treatment mechanisms. Based on models of emotional processing and neurovisceral integration, we expected to observe a) initial activation and b) habituation of cognitive-affective and autonomic responding within one and between two standardized body exposure sessions. A group of 13 women with BN and 13 healthy controls (HC) were repeatedly exposed to their bodies. Prior to and after treatment with three individualized mirror exposure sessions participants received a session of standardized exposure to videographic recordings of their body. Subjective ratings of body-related emotions and thoughts were assessed repeatedly throughout the standardized exposure sessions and autonomic responses were recorded continuously. Subjective and sympathetic responses were activated initially in both groups. Cognitive-affective responses habituated within the standardized sessions in both groups, whereas between the standardized sessions habituation was only found in women with BN. Increasing sympathetic responses were found within the sessions in both groups. The results support cognitive-affective habituation during body exposure in BN and to a lesser extent in HC. Autonomic responses however did not show a corresponding pattern and did not distinguish between groups. Implications for body exposure research and practice are discussed. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Implementing standardized, inter-unit communication in an international setting: handoff of patients from emergency medicine to internal medicine.

PubMed

Balhara, Kamna S; Peterson, Susan M; Elabd, Mohamed Moheb; Regan, Linda; Anton, Xavier; Al-Natour, Basil Ali; Hsieh, Yu-Hsiang; Scheulen, James; Stewart de Ramirez, Sarah A

2018-04-01

Standardized handoffs may reduce communication errors, but research on handoff in community and international settings is lacking. Our study at a community hospital in the United Arab Emirates characterizes existing handoff practices for admitted patients from emergency medicine (EM) to internal medicine (IM), develops a standardized handoff tool, and assesses its impact on communication and physician perceptions. EM physicians completed a survey regarding handoff practices and expectations. Trained observers utilized a checklist based on the Systems Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety model to observe 40 handoffs. EM and IM physicians collaboratively developed a written tool encouraging bedside handoff of admitted patients. After the intervention, surveys of EM physicians and 40 observations were subsequently repeated. 77.5% of initial observed handoffs occurred face-to-face, with 42.5% at bedside, and in four different languages. Most survey respondents considered face-to-face handoff ideal. Respondents noted 9-13 patients suffering harm due to handoff in the prior month. After handoff tool implementation, 97.5% of observed handoffs occurred face-to-face (versus 77.5%, p = 0.014), with 82.5% at bedside (versus 42.5%, p < 0.001), and all in English. Handoff was streamlined from 7 possible pathways to 3. Most post-intervention survey respondents reported improved workflow (77.8%) and safety (83.3%); none reported patient harm. Respondents and observers noted reduced inefficiency (p < 0.05). Our standardized tool increased face-to-face and bedside handoff, positively impacted workflow, and increased perceptions of safety by EM physicians in an international, non-academic setting. Our three-step approach can be applied towards developing standardized, context-specific inter-specialty handoff in a variety of settings.

Dosimetry audits and intercomparisons in radiotherapy: A Malaysian profile

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

M. Noor, Noramaliza; Nisbet, A.; Hussein, M.; Chu S, Sarene; Kadni, T.; Abdullah, N.; Bradley, D. A.

2017-11-01

Quality audits and intercomparisons are important in ensuring control of processes in any system of endeavour. Present interest is in control of dosimetry in teletherapy, there being a need to assess the extent to which there is consistent radiation dose delivery to the patient. In this study we review significant factors that impact upon radiotherapy dosimetry, focusing upon the example situation of radiotherapy delivery in Malaysia, examining existing literature in support of such efforts. A number of recommendations are made to provide for increased quality assurance and control. In addition to this study, the first level of intercomparison audit i.e. measuring beam output under reference conditions at eight selected Malaysian radiotherapy centres is checked; use being made of 9 μm core diameter Ge-doped silica fibres (Ge-9 μm). The results of Malaysian Secondary Standard Dosimetry Laboratory (SSDL) participation in the IAEA/WHO TLD postal dose audit services during the period between 2011 and 2015 will also been discussed. In conclusion, following review of the development of dosimetry audits and the conduct of one such exercise in Malaysia, it is apparent that regular periodic radiotherapy audits and intercomparison programmes should be strongly supported and implemented worldwide. The programmes to-date demonstrate these to be a good indicator of errors and of consistency between centres. A total of ei+ght beams have been checked in eight Malaysian radiotherapy centres. One out of the eight beams checked produced an unacceptable deviation; this was found to be due to unfamiliarity with the irradiation procedures. Prior to a repeat measurement, the mean ratio of measured to quoted dose was found to be 0.99 with standard deviation of 3%. Subsequent to the repeat measurement, the mean distribution was 1.00, and the standard deviation was 1.3%.

A new standardized treadmill walking test requiring low motor skills in children aged 4-10 years.

PubMed

Wäffler-Kammermann, Nathalie; Lacorcia, Ruth Stauffer; Wettstein, Markus; Radlinger, Lorenz; Frey, Urs

2008-02-01

Exercise intolerance may be reported by parents of young children with respiratory diseases. There is, however, a lack of standardized exercise protocols which allow verification of these reports especially in younger children. Consequently the aims of this pilot study were to develop a standardized treadmill walking test for children aged 4-10 years demanding low sensorimotor skills and achieving high physical exhaustion. In a prospective experimental cross sectional pilot study, 33 healthy Caucasian children were separated into three groups: G1 (4-6 years, n = 10), G2 (7-8 years, n = 12), and G3 (9-10 years, n = 11). Children performed the treadmill walking test with increasing exercise levels up to peak condition with maximal exhaustion. Gas exchange, heart rate, and lactate were measured during the test, spirometry before and after. Parameters were statistically calculated at all exercise levels as well as at 2 and 4 mmol/L lactate level for group differences (Kruskal-Wallis H-test, alpha = 0.05; post hoc: Mann-Whitney U-test with Bonferroni correction alpha = 0.05/n) and test-retest differences (Wilcoxon-rank-sum test) with SPSS. The treadmill walking test could be demonstrated to be feasible with a good repeatability within groups for most of the parameters. All children achieved a high exhaustion level. At peak level under exhaustion condition only the absolute VO2 and VCO2 differed significantly between age groups. In conclusion this newly designed treadmill walking test indicates a good feasibility, safety, and repeatability. It suggests the potential usefulness of exercise capacity monitoring for children aged from early 4 to 10 years. Various applications and test modifications will be investigated in further studies. Copyright 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Validity and reliability of smartphone magnetometer-based goniometer evaluation of shoulder abduction--A pilot study.

PubMed

Johnson, Linda B; Sumner, Sean; Duong, Tina; Yan, Posu; Bajcsy, Ruzena; Abresch, R Ted; de Bie, Evan; Han, Jay J

2015-12-01

Goniometers are commonly used by physical therapists to measure range-of-motion (ROM) in the musculoskeletal system. These measurements are used to assist in diagnosis and to help monitor treatment efficacy. With newly emerging technologies, smartphone-based applications are being explored for measuring joint angles and movement. This pilot study investigates the intra- and inter-rater reliability as well as concurrent validity of a newly-developed smartphone magnetometer-based goniometer (MG) application for measuring passive shoulder abduction in both sitting and supine positions, and compare against the traditional universal goniometer (UG). This is a comparative study with repeated measurement design. Three physical therapists utilized both the smartphone MG and a traditional UG to measure various angles of passive shoulder abduction in a healthy subject, whose shoulder was positioned in eight different positions with pre-determined degree of abduction while seated or supine. Each therapist was blinded to the measured angles. Concordance correlation coefficients (CCCs), Bland-Altman plotting methods, and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) were used for statistical analyses. Both traditional UG and smartphone MG were reliable in repeated measures of standardized joint angle positions (average CCC > 0.997) with similar variability in both measurement tools (standard deviation (SD) ± 4°). Agreement between the UG and MG measurements was greater than 0.99 in all positions. Our results show that the smartphone MG has equivalent reliability compared to the traditional UG when measuring passive shoulder abduction ROM. With concordant measures and comparable reliability to the UG, the newly developed MG application shows potential as a useful tool to assess joint angles. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Nanomedicine photoluminescence crystal-inspired brain sensing approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fang, Yan; Wang, Fangzhen; Wu, Rong

2018-02-01

Precision sensing needs to overcome a gap of a single atomic step height standard. In response to the cutting-edge challenge, a heterosingle molecular nanomedicine crystal was developed wherein a nanomedicine crystal height less than 1 nm was designed and selfassembled on a substrate of either a highly ordered and freshly separated graphite or a N-doped silicon with hydrogen bonding by a home-made hybrid system of interacting single bioelectron donor-acceptor and a single biophoton donor-acceptor according to orthogonal mathematical optimization scheme, and an atomic spatial resolution conducting atomic force microscopy (C-AFM) with MHz signal processing by a special transformation of an atomic force microscopy (AFM) and a scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) were employed, wherein a z axis direction UV-VIS laser interferometer and a feedback circuit were used to achieve the minimized uncertainty of a micro-regional structure height and its corresponding local differential conductance quantization (spin state) process was repeatedly measured with a highly time resolution, as well as a pulsed UV-VIS laser micro-photoluminescence (PL) spectrum with a single photon resolution was set up by traceable quantum sensing and metrology relied up a quantum electrical triangle principle. The coupling of a single bioelectron conducting, a single biophoton photoluminescence, a frequency domain temporal spin phase in nanomedicine crystal-inspired sensing methods and sensor technologies were revealed by a combination of C-AFM and PL measurement data-based mathematic analyses1-3, as depicted in Figure 1 and repeated in nanomedicine crystals with a single atomic height. It is concluded that height-current-phase uncertainty correlation pave a way to develop a brain imaging and a single atomic height standard, quantum sensing, national security, worldwide impact1-3 technology and beyond.

Automated quality checks on repeat prescribing.

PubMed Central

Rogers, Jeremy E; Wroe, Christopher J; Roberts, Angus; Swallow, Angela; Stables, David; Cantrill, Judith A; Rector, Alan L

2003-01-01

BACKGROUND: Good clinical practice in primary care includes periodic review of repeat prescriptions. Markers of prescriptions that may need review have been described, but manually checking all repeat prescriptions against the markers would be impractical. AIM: To investigate the feasibility of computerising the application of repeat prescribing quality checks to electronic patient records in United Kingdom (UK) primary care. DESIGN OF STUDY: Software performance test against benchmark manual analysis of cross-sectional convenience sample of prescribing documentation. SETTING: Three general practices in Greater Manchester, in the north west of England, during a 4-month period in 2001. METHOD: A machine-readable drug information resource, based on the British National Formulary (BNF) as the 'gold standard' for valid drug indications, was installed in three practices. Software raised alerts for each repeat prescribed item where the electronic patient record contained no valid indication for the medication. Alerts raised by the software in two practices were analysed manually. Clinical reaction to the software was assessed by semi-structured interviews in three practices. RESULTS: There was no valid indication in the electronic medical records for 14.8% of repeat prescribed items. Sixty-two per cent of all alerts generated were incorrect. Forty-three per cent of all incorrect alerts were as a result of errors in the drug information resource, 44% to locally idiosyncratic clinical coding, 8% to the use of the BNF without adaptation as a gold standard, and 5% to the inability of the system to infer diagnoses that, although unrecorded, would be 'obvious' to a clinical reading the record. The interviewed clinicians supported the goals of the software. CONCLUSION: Using electronic records for secondary decision support purposes will benefit from (and may require) both more consistent electronic clinical data collection across multiple sites, and reconciling clinicians' willingness to infer unstated but 'obvious' diagnoses with the machine's inability to do the same. PMID:14702902

A Simple Method Based on the Application of a CCD Camera as a Sensor to Detect Low Concentrations of Barium Sulfate in Suspension

PubMed Central

de Sena, Rodrigo Caciano; Soares, Matheus; Pereira, Maria Luiza Oliveira; da Silva, Rogério Cruz Domingues; do Rosário, Francisca Ferreira; da Silva, Joao Francisco Cajaiba

2011-01-01

The development of a simple, rapid and low cost method based on video image analysis and aimed at the detection of low concentrations of precipitated barium sulfate is described. The proposed system is basically composed of a webcam with a CCD sensor and a conventional dichroic lamp. For this purpose, software for processing and analyzing the digital images based on the RGB (Red, Green and Blue) color system was developed. The proposed method had shown very good repeatability and linearity and also presented higher sensitivity than the standard turbidimetric method. The developed method is presented as a simple alternative for future applications in the study of precipitations of inorganic salts and also for detecting the crystallization of organic compounds. PMID:22346607

Curriculum enrichment with self-testing activities in development of fundamental movement skills of first-grade children in Greece.

PubMed

Karabourniotis, Dimitrios; Evaggelinou, Christina; Tzetzis, George; Kourtessis, Thomas

2002-06-01

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of self-testing activities on the development of fundamental movement skills in first-grade children in Greece. Two groups of children were tested. The Control group (n = 23 children) received the regular 12-wk. physical education school program and the Experimental group (n = 22 children) received a 12-wk. skill-oriented program with an increasing allotment of self-testing activities. The Test of Gross Motor Development was used to assess fundamental movement skills, while the content areas of physical education courses were estimated with an assessment protocol, based on the interval recording system called the Academic Learning Time-Physical Education. A 2 x 2 repeated measures analysis of variance with group as the between factor and testing time (pretest vs posttest) as the repeated-measures factor was performed to assess differences between the two groups. A significant interaction of group with testing time was found for the Test of Gross Motor Development total score, with the Experimental group scoring higher then the Control group. A significant main effect was also found for test but not for group. This study provides evidence supporting the notion that a balanced allotment of the self-testing and game activities beyond the usual curriculum increases the fundamental motor-skill development of children. Also, it stresses the necessity for content and performance standards for the fundamental motor skills in educational programs. Finally, it seems that the Test of Gross Motor Development is a useful tool for the assessment of children's fundamental movement skills.

Universal test fixture for monolithic mm-wave integrated circuits calibrated with an augmented TRD algorithm

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Romanofsky, Robert R.; Shalkhauser, Kurt A.

1989-01-01

The design and evaluation of a novel fixturing technique for characterizing millimeter wave solid state devices is presented. The technique utilizes a cosine-tapered ridge guide fixture and a one-tier de-embedding procedure to produce accurate and repeatable device level data. Advanced features of this technique include nondestructive testing, full waveguide bandwidth operation, universality of application, and rapid, yet repeatable, chip-level characterization. In addition, only one set of calibration standards is required regardless of the device geometry.

Evidence-Based Indicators of Neuropsychological Change in the Individual Patient: Relevant Concepts and Methods

PubMed Central

Duff, Kevin

2012-01-01

Repeated assessments are a relatively common occurrence in clinical neuropsychology. The current paper will review some of the relevant concepts (e.g., reliability, practice effects, alternate forms) and methods (e.g., reliable change index, standardized based regression) that are used in repeated neuropsychological evaluations. The focus will be on the understanding and application of these concepts and methods in the evaluation of the individual patient through examples. Finally, some future directions for assessing change will be described. PMID:22382384

Procedures for estimating confidence intervals for selected method performance parameters.

PubMed

McClure, F D; Lee, J K

2001-01-01

Procedures for estimating confidence intervals (CIs) for the repeatability variance (sigmar2), reproducibility variance (sigmaR2 = sigmaL2 + sigmar2), laboratory component (sigmaL2), and their corresponding standard deviations sigmar, sigmaR, and sigmaL, respectively, are presented. In addition, CIs for the ratio of the repeatability component to the reproducibility variance (sigmar2/sigmaR2) and the ratio of the laboratory component to the reproducibility variance (sigmaL2/sigmaR2) are also presented.

Human genomic DNA quantitation system, H-Quant: development and validation for use in forensic casework.

PubMed

Shewale, Jaiprakash G; Schneida, Elaine; Wilson, Jonathan; Walker, Jerilyn A; Batzer, Mark A; Sinha, Sudhir K

2007-03-01

The human DNA quantification (H-Quant) system, developed for use in human identification, enables quantitation of human genomic DNA in biological samples. The assay is based on real-time amplification of AluYb8 insertions in hominoid primates. The relatively high copy number of subfamily-specific Alu repeats in the human genome enables quantification of very small amounts of human DNA. The oligonucleotide primers present in H-Quant are specific for human DNA and closely related great apes. During the real-time PCR, the SYBR Green I dye binds to the DNA that is synthesized by the human-specific AluYb8 oligonucleotide primers. The fluorescence of the bound SYBR Green I dye is measured at the end of each PCR cycle. The cycle at which the fluorescence crosses the chosen threshold correlates to the quantity of amplifiable DNA in that sample. The minimal sensitivity of the H-Quant system is 7.6 pg/microL of human DNA. The amplicon generated in the H-Quant assay is 216 bp, which is within the same range of the common amplifiable short tandem repeat (STR) amplicons. This size amplicon enables quantitation of amplifiable DNA as opposed to a quantitation of degraded or nonamplifiable DNA of smaller sizes. Development and validation studies were performed on the 7500 real-time PCR system following the Quality Assurance Standards for Forensic DNA Testing Laboratories.

A critique of a UK standardized test of finger rewarming after cold provocation in the diagnosis and staging of hand-arm vibration syndrome.

PubMed

Mason, H J; Poole, K; Saxton, J

2003-08-01

Accurate diagnosis and staging of hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) is important in health surveillance of vibration-exposed workers and the substantial number of related medico-legal cases. The measurement of the rewarming rate of fingers after cold provocation to the hands (CPT) has been suggested as a useful test in diagnosing HAVS. To investigate the diagnostic value of a standardized version of the CPT test using a 15 degrees C cold challenge for 5 min applied in the recent compensation assessment of UK miners. Analysis of a subset of UK miners assessed at our unit, together with data from a small repeatability study of the standardized CPT in normal subjects. Rewarming time in the CPT was significantly lower in those subjects classified as vascular Stockholm stage 0 compared with Stockholm stages 1-3 combined, but did not discriminate between the stages of abnormality. Using the suggested cut-off in the CPT test, the sensitivity and specificity were calculated as 43 and 78%, respectively. Receiver operator characteristic analysis suggested that the rewarming time of highest accuracy gave a sensitivity of 66% and specificity of 59%. In 10 miners who reported unilateral hand blanching, there was no significant difference in CPT measurements between blanching and non-blanching hands. Repeat CPT measurements in normal subjects suggested mean differences of 52 and 107 s for each hand, and the Bland-Altman coefficient of repeatability was approximately 600 s for all fingers. Single application of this standardized CPT test may have limited value in diagnosing the vascular component of HAVS in an individual.

Effect of mechanical behaviour of the brachial artery on blood pressure measurement during both cuff inflation and cuff deflation.

PubMed

Zheng, Dingchang; Pan, Fan; Murray, Alan

2013-10-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of different mechanical behaviour of the brachial artery on blood pressure (BP) measurements during cuff inflation and deflation. BP measurements were taken from each of 40 participants, with three repeat sessions under three randomized cuff deflation/inflation conditions. Cuff pressure was linearly deflated and inflated at a standard rate of 2-3 mmHg/s and also linearly inflated at a fast rate of 5-6 mmHg/s. Manual auscultatory systolic and diastolic BPs, and pulse pressure (SBP, DBP, PP) were measured. Automated BPs were determined from digitally recorded cuff pressures by fitting a polynomial model to the oscillometric pulse amplitudes. The BPs from cuff deflation and inflation were then compared. Repeatable measurements between sessions and between the sequential order of inflation/deflation conditions (all P > 0.1) indicated stability of arterial mechanical behaviour with repeat measurements. Comparing BPs obtained by standard inflation with those from standard deflation, manual SBP was 2.6 mmHg lower (P < 0.01), manual DBP was 1.5 mmHg higher (P < 0.01), manual PP was 4.2 mmHg lower (P < 0.001), automated DBP was 6.7 mmHg higher (P < 0.001) and automatic PP was 7.5 mmHg lower (P < 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference for any automated BPs between fast and standard cuff inflation. The statistically significant BP differences between inflation and deflation suggest different arterial mechanical behaviour between arterial opening and closing during BP measurement. We have shown that the mechanical behaviour of the brachial artery during BP measurement differs between cuff deflation and cuff inflation.

SLOWLY REPEATED EVOKED PAIN (SREP) AS A MARKER OF CENTRAL SENSITIZATION IN FIBROMYALGIA: DIAGNOSTIC ACCURACY AND RELIABILITY IN COMPARISON WITH TEMPORAL SUMMATION OF PAIN.

PubMed

de la Coba, Pablo; Bruehl, Stephen; Gálvez-Sánchez, Carmen María; Reyes Del Paso, Gustavo A

2018-05-01

This study examined the diagnostic accuracy and test-retest reliability of a novel dynamic evoked pain protocol (slowly repeated evoked pain; SREP) compared to temporal summation of pain (TSP), a standard index of central sensitization. Thirty-five fibromyalgia (FM) and 30 rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients completed, in pseudorandomized order, a standard mechanical TSP protocol (10 stimuli of 1s duration at the thenar eminence using a 300g monofilament with 1s interstimulus interval) and the SREP protocol (9 suprathreshold pressure stimuli of 5s duration applied to the fingernail with a 30s interstimulus interval). In order to evaluate reliability for both protocols, they were repeated in a second session 4-7 days later. Evidence for significant pain sensitization over trials (increasing pain intensity ratings) was observed for SREP in FM (p<.001) but not in RA (p=.35), whereas significant sensitization was observed in both diagnostic groups for the TSP protocol (p's<.008). Compared to TSP, SREP demonstrated higher overall diagnostic accuracy (87.7% vs. 64.6%), greater sensitivity (0.89 vs. 0.57), and greater specificity (0.87 vs. 0.73) in discriminating between FM and RA patients. Test-retest reliability of SREP sensitization was good in FM (ICCs: 0.80), and moderate in RA (ICC: 0.68). SREP seems to be a dynamic evoked pain index tapping into pain sensitization that allows for greater diagnostic accuracy in identifying FM patients compared to a standard TSP protocol. Further research is needed to study mechanisms underlying SREP and the potential utility of adding SREP to standard pain evaluation protocols.

Suitability of open-field autorefractors as pupillometers and instrument design effects.

PubMed

Otero, Carles; Aldaba, Mikel; Ferrer, Oriol; Gascón, Andrea; Ondategui-Parra, Juan C; Pujol, Jaume

2017-01-01

To determine the agreement and repeatability of the pupil measurement obtained with VIP-200 (Neuroptics), PowerRef II (Plusoptix), WAM-5500 (Grand Seiko) and study the effects of instrument design on pupillometry. Forty patients were measured twice in low, mid and high mesopic. Repeatability was analyzed with the within-subject standard deviation (Sw) and paired t -tests. Agreement was studied with Bland-Altman plots and repeated measures ANOVA. Instrument design analysis consisted on measuring pupil size with PowerRef II simulating monocular and binocular conditions as well as with proximity cues and without proximity cues. The mean difference (±standard deviation) between test-retest for low, mid and high mesopic conditions were, respectively: -0.09 (±0.16), -0.05 (±0.18) and -0.08 (±0.23) mm for Neuroptics, -0.05 (±0.17), -0.12 (±0.23) and -0.17 (±0.34) mm for WAM-5500, -0.04 (±0.27), -0.13 (±0.37) and -0.11 (±0.28) mm for PowerRef II. Regarding agreement with Neuroptics, the mean difference for low, mid and high mesopic conditions were, respectively: -0.48 (±0.35), -0.83 (±0.52) and -0.38 (±0.56) mm for WAM-5500, -0.28 (±0.56), -0.70 (±0.55) and -0.61 (±0.54) mm for PowerRef II. The mean difference of binocular minus monocular pupil measurements was: -0.83 (±0.87) mm; and with proximity cues minus without proximity cues was: -0.30 (±0.77) mm. All the instruments show similar repeat-ability. In all illumination conditions, agreement of Neuroptics with WAM-5500 and PowerRef II is not good enough, which can be partially induced due to their open field design.

Development, optimization and validation of a rapid colorimetric microplate bioassay for neomycin sulfate in pharmaceutical drug products.

PubMed

Francisco, Fabiane Lacerda; Saviano, Alessandro Morais; Pinto, Terezinha de Jesus Andreoli; Lourenço, Felipe Rebello

2014-08-01

Microbiological assays have been used to evaluate antimicrobial activity since the discovery of the first antibiotics. Despite their limitations, microbiological assays are widely employed to determine antibiotic potency of pharmaceutical dosage forms, since they provide a measure of biological activity. The aim of this work is to develop, optimize and validate a rapid colorimetric microplate bioassay for the potency of neomycin in pharmaceutical drug products. Factorial and response surface methodologies were used in the development and optimization of the choice of microorganism, culture medium composition, amount of inoculum, triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) concentration and neomycin concentration. The optimized bioassay method was validated by the assessment of linearity (range 3.0 to 5.0μg/mL, r=0.998 and 0.994 for standard and sample curves, respectively), precision (relative standard deviation (RSD) of 2.8% and 4.0 for repeatability and intermediate precision, respectively), accuracy (mean recovery=100.2%) and robustness. Statistical analysis showed equivalency between agar diffusion microbiological assay and rapid colorimetric microplate bioassay. In addition, microplate bioassay had advantages concerning the sensitivity of response, time of incubation, and amount of culture medium and solutions required. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

TOLNet Data Format for Lidar Ozone Profile & Surface Observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, G.; Aknan, A. A.; Newchurch, M.; Leblanc, T.

2015-12-01

The Tropospheric Ozone Lidar Network (TOLNet) is an interagency initiative started by NASA, NOAA, and EPA in 2011. TOLNet currently has six Lidars and one ozonesonde station. TOLNet provides high-resolution spatio-temporal measurements of tropospheric (surface to tropopause) ozone and aerosol vertical profiles to address fundamental air-quality science questions. The TOLNet data format was developed by TOLNet members as a community standard for reporting ozone profile observations. The development of this new format was primarily based on the existing NDAAC (Network for the Detection of Atmospheric Composition Change) format and ICARTT (International Consortium for Atmospheric Research on Transport and Transformation) format. The main goal is to present the Lidar observations in self-describing and easy-to-use data files. The TOLNet format is an ASCII format containing a general file header, individual profile headers, and the profile data. The last two components repeat for all profiles recorded in the file. The TOLNet format is both human and machine readable as it adopts standard metadata entries and fixed variable names. In addition, software has been developed to check for format compliance. To be presented is a detailed description of the TOLNet format protocol and scanning software.

Developing English Learners' Reading Confidence with Whole-Class Repeated Reading

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Monobe, Gumiko; Bintz, William P.; McTeer, Janis S.

2017-01-01

This Teaching Tip describes how one second-grade teacher used whole-class repeated reading (WCRR) to promote social interaction and develop reading confidence with English learners (ELs). The authors share a brief review of professional literature on the challenges of ELs and the benefits of repeated reading and WCRR. The authors also provide…

Cerebral Small Vessel Disease Burden Is Associated with Motor Performance of Lower and Upper Extremities in Community-Dwelling Populations

PubMed Central

Su, Ning; Zhai, Fei-Fei; Zhou, Li-Xin; Ni, Jun; Yao, Ming; Li, Ming-Li; Jin, Zheng-Yu; Gong, Gao-Lang; Zhang, Shu-Yang; Cui, Li-Ying; Tian, Feng; Zhu, Yi-Cheng

2017-01-01

Objective: To investigate the correlation between cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) burden and motor performance of lower and upper extremities in community-dwelling populations. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional analysis on 770 participants enrolled in the Shunyi study, which is a population-based cohort study. CSVD burden, including white matter hyperintensities (WMH), lacunes, cerebral microbleeds (CMBs), perivascular spaces (PVS), and brain atrophy were measured using 3T magnetic resonance imaging. All participants underwent quantitative motor assessment of lower and upper extremities, which included 3-m walking speed, 5-repeat chair-stand time, 10-repeat pronation–supination time, and 10-repeat finger-tapping time. Data on demographic characteristics, vascular risk factors, and cognitive functions were collected. General linear model analysis was performed to identify potential correlations between motor performance measures and imaging markers of CSVD after controlling for confounding factors. Results: For motor performance of the lower extremities, WMH was negatively associated with gait speed (standardized β = -0.092, p = 0.022) and positively associated with chair-stand time (standardized β = 0.153, p < 0.0001, surviving FDR correction). For motor performance of the upper extremities, pronation–supination time was positively associated with WMH (standardized β = 0.155, p < 0.0001, surviving FDR correction) and negatively with brain parenchymal fraction (BPF; standardized β = -0.125, p = 0.011, surviving FDR correction). Only BPF was found to be negatively associated with finger-tapping time (standardized β = -0.123, p = 0.012). However, lacunes, CMBs, or PVS were not found to be associated with motor performance of lower or upper extremities in multivariable analysis. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that cerebral microstructural changes related to CSVD may affect motor performance of both lower and upper extremities. WMH and brain atrophy are most strongly associated with motor function deterioration in community-dwelling populations. PMID:29021757

Effects of repetitive or intensified instructions in telephone assisted, bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation: an investigator-blinded, 4-armed, randomized, factorial simulation trial.

PubMed

van Tulder, R; Roth, D; Krammel, M; Laggner, R; Heidinger, B; Kienbacher, C; Novosad, H; Chwojka, C; Havel, C; Sterz, F; Schreiber, W; Herkner, H

2014-01-01

Compression depth is frequently suboptimal in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). We investigated effects of intensified wording and/or repetitive target depth instructions on compression depth in telephone-assisted, protocol driven, bystander CPR on a simulation manikin. Thirty-two volunteers performed 10 min of compression only-CPR in a prospective, investigator-blinded, 4-armed, factorial setting. Participants were randomized either to standard wording ("push down firmly 5 cm"), intensified wording ("it is very important to push down 5 cm every time") or standard or intensified wording repeated every 20s. Three dispatchers were randomized to give these instructions. Primary outcome was relative compression depth (absolute compression depth minus leaning depth). Secondary outcomes were absolute distance, hands-off times as well as BORG-scale and nine-hole peg test (NHPT), pulse rate and blood pressure to reflect physical exertion. We applied a random effects linear regression model. Relative compression depth was 35 ± 10 mm (standard) versus 31 ± 11 mm (intensified wording) versus 25 ± 8 mm (repeated standard) and 31 ± 14 mm (repeated intensified wording). Adjusted for design, body mass index and female sex, intensified wording and repetition led to decreased compression depth of 13 (95%CI -25 to -1) mm (p=0.04) and 9 (95%CI -21 to 3) mm (p=0.13), respectively. Secondary outcomes regarding intensified wording showed significant differences for absolute distance (43 ± 2 versus 20 (95%CI 3-37) mm; p=0.01) and hands-off times (60 ± 40 versus 157 (95%CI 63-251) s; p=0.04). In protocol driven, telephone-assisted, bystander CPR, intensified wording and/or repetitive target depth instruction will not improve compression depth compared to the standard instruction. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Cerebral Small Vessel Disease Burden Is Associated with Motor Performance of Lower and Upper Extremities in Community-Dwelling Populations.

PubMed

Su, Ning; Zhai, Fei-Fei; Zhou, Li-Xin; Ni, Jun; Yao, Ming; Li, Ming-Li; Jin, Zheng-Yu; Gong, Gao-Lang; Zhang, Shu-Yang; Cui, Li-Ying; Tian, Feng; Zhu, Yi-Cheng

2017-01-01

Objective: To investigate the correlation between cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) burden and motor performance of lower and upper extremities in community-dwelling populations. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional analysis on 770 participants enrolled in the Shunyi study, which is a population-based cohort study. CSVD burden, including white matter hyperintensities (WMH), lacunes, cerebral microbleeds (CMBs), perivascular spaces (PVS), and brain atrophy were measured using 3T magnetic resonance imaging. All participants underwent quantitative motor assessment of lower and upper extremities, which included 3-m walking speed, 5-repeat chair-stand time, 10-repeat pronation-supination time, and 10-repeat finger-tapping time. Data on demographic characteristics, vascular risk factors, and cognitive functions were collected. General linear model analysis was performed to identify potential correlations between motor performance measures and imaging markers of CSVD after controlling for confounding factors. Results: For motor performance of the lower extremities, WMH was negatively associated with gait speed (standardized β = -0.092, p = 0.022) and positively associated with chair-stand time (standardized β = 0.153, p < 0.0001, surviving FDR correction). For motor performance of the upper extremities, pronation-supination time was positively associated with WMH (standardized β = 0.155, p < 0.0001, surviving FDR correction) and negatively with brain parenchymal fraction (BPF; standardized β = -0.125, p = 0.011, surviving FDR correction). Only BPF was found to be negatively associated with finger-tapping time (standardized β = -0.123, p = 0.012). However, lacunes, CMBs, or PVS were not found to be associated with motor performance of lower or upper extremities in multivariable analysis. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that cerebral microstructural changes related to CSVD may affect motor performance of both lower and upper extremities. WMH and brain atrophy are most strongly associated with motor function deterioration in community-dwelling populations.

A New Test Unit for Disintegration End-Point Determination of Orodispersible Films.

PubMed

Low, Ariana; Kok, Si Ling; Khong, Yuet Mei; Chan, Sui Yung; Gokhale, Rajeev

2015-11-01

No standard time or pharmacopoeia disintegration test method for orodispersible films (ODFs) exists. The USP disintegration test for tablets and capsules poses significant challenges for end-point determination when used for ODFs. We tested a newly developed disintegration test unit (DTU) against the USP disintegration test. The DTU is an accessory to the USP disintegration apparatus. It holds the ODF in a horizontal position, allowing top-view of the ODF during testing. A Gauge R&R study was conducted to assign relative contributions of the total variability from the operator, sample or the experimental set-up. Precision was compared using commercial ODF products in different media. Agreement between the two measurement methods was analysed. The DTU showed improved repeatability and reproducibility compared to the USP disintegration system with tighter standard deviations regardless of operator or medium. There is good agreement between the two methods, with the USP disintegration test giving generally longer disintegration times possibly due to difficulty in end-point determination. The DTU provided clear end-point determination and is suitable for quality control of ODFs during product developmental stage or manufacturing. This may facilitate the development of a standardized methodology for disintegration time determination of ODFs. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association.

Decal Process Document and Catalog

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1999-01-01

The Decal Process Document and Catalog, JSC 27260 is the standard flight decal catalog, complete with illustrations and part numbers. As hardware developers identify labels that have common applicability across end items, these labels can be evaluated for "standard decal classification" and entered into the decal catalog for general use. The hardware developer must have a label design that meets current, applicable labeling requirements, and submit to the Decal Design and Production Facility (DDPF) as a standard label candidate. Upon approval, the label will be added to the decal catalog. The Decal Process Document and Catalog provides a selection of decals from which the NASA and NASA contractor customers can easily order. The decals shown in the catalog have been previously produced and have released engineering/fabrication drawings on file in the (DDPF). A released drawing is required before a decal can be produced or placed into the catalog. Some decals included in the catalog have a common applicability and are used in various NASA vehicles/habitats. It is the intent of the DDPF to maintain this catalog as a "living document" to which decals/placards can be added as they are repeatedly used. The advantage of identifYing flight decals in this catalog is that a released drawing is already in place, and the products will be flight certified.

Disinfectant wipes are appropriate to control microbial bioburden from surfaces: use of a new ASTM standard test protocol to demonstrate efficacy.

PubMed

Sattar, S A; Bradley, C; Kibbee, R; Wesgate, R; Wilkinson, M A C; Sharpe, T; Maillard, J-Y

2015-12-01

The use of disinfectant pre-soaked wipes (DPW) to decontaminate high-touch environmental surfaces (HTES) by wiping is becoming increasingly widespread in the healthcare environment. However, DPW are rarely tested using conditions simulating their field use, and the label claims of environmental surface disinfectants seldom include wiping action. To evaluate the new E2967-15 standard test specific to wipes, particularly their ability to decontaminate surfaces and to transfer acquired contamination to clean surfaces. ASTM Standard E2967-15 was used by three independent laboratories to test the efficacy of five types of commercially available wipe products. All data generated were pulled together, and reproducibility and repeatability of the standard were measured. All the commercial DPW tested achieved a >4log10 (>99.99%) reduction in colony-forming units (CFU) of Staphylococcus aureus and Acinetobacter baumanii with 10s of wiping, but only one DPW containing 0.5% accelerated H2O2 prevented the transfer of bacteria to another surface. This newly introduced standard method represents a significant advance in assessing DPW for microbial decontamination of HTES, and should greatly assist research and development, and in making more relevant and reliable claims on marketed DPW. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Standardization of skin cleansing in vivo: part I. Development of an Automated Cleansing Device (ACiD).

PubMed

Sonsmann, F K; Strunk, M; Gediga, K; John, C; Schliemann, S; Seyfarth, F; Elsner, P; Diepgen, T L; Kutz, G; John, S M

2014-05-01

To date, there are no legally binding requirements concerning product testing in cosmetics. This leads to various manufacturer-specific test methods and absent transparent information on skin cleansing products. A standardized in vivo test procedure for assessment of cleansing efficacy and corresponding barrier impairment by the cleaning process is needed, especially in the occupational context where repeated hand washing procedures may be performed at short intervals. For the standardization of the cleansing procedure, an Automated Cleansing Device (ACiD) was designed and evaluated. Different smooth washing surfaces of the equipment for ACiD (incl. goat hair, felt, felt covered with nitrile caps) were evaluated regarding their skin compatibility. ACiD allows an automated, fully standardized skin washing procedure. Felt covered with nitrile as washing surface of the rotating washing units leads to a homogenous cleansing result and does not cause detectable skin irritation, neither clinically nor as assessed by skin bioengineering methods (transepidermal water loss, chromametry). Automated Cleansing Device may be useful for standardized evaluation of the cleansing effectiveness and parallel assessment of the corresponding irritancy potential of industrial skin cleansers. This will allow objectifying efficacy and safety of industrial skin cleansers, thus enabling market transparency and facilitating rational choice of products. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Development of SYBR Green I Based Real-Time RT-PCR Assay for Specific Detection of Watermelon silver mottle Virus.

PubMed

Rao, Xueqin; Sun, Jie

2015-09-01

Watermelon silver mottle virus (WSMoV), which belongs to the genus Tospovirus , causes significant loss in Cucurbitaceae plants. Development of a highly sensitive and reliable detection method for WSMoV. Recombinant plasmids for targeting the sequence of nucleocapsid protein gene of WSMoV were constructed. SYBR Green I real-time PCR was established and evaluated with standard recombinant plasmids and 27 watermelon samples showing WSMoV infection symptoms. The recombinant plasmid was used as template for SYBR Green I real-time PCR to generate standard and melting curves. Melting curve analysis indicated no primer-dimers and non-specific products in the assay. No cross-reaction was observed with Capsicum chlorosis virus (genus Tospovirus ) and Cucumber mosaic virus (genus Cucumovirus). Repeatability tests indicated that inter-assay variability of the Ct values was 1.6%. A highly sensitive, reliable and rapid detection method of SYBR Green I real-time PCR for timely detection of WSMoV plants and vector thrips was established, which will facilitate disease forecast and control.

A parallel row-based algorithm with error control for standard-cell replacement on a hypercube multiprocessor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sargent, Jeff Scott

1988-01-01

A new row-based parallel algorithm for standard-cell placement targeted for execution on a hypercube multiprocessor is presented. Key features of this implementation include a dynamic simulated-annealing schedule, row-partitioning of the VLSI chip image, and two novel new approaches to controlling error in parallel cell-placement algorithms; Heuristic Cell-Coloring and Adaptive (Parallel Move) Sequence Control. Heuristic Cell-Coloring identifies sets of noninteracting cells that can be moved repeatedly, and in parallel, with no buildup of error in the placement cost. Adaptive Sequence Control allows multiple parallel cell moves to take place between global cell-position updates. This feedback mechanism is based on an error bound derived analytically from the traditional annealing move-acceptance profile. Placement results are presented for real industry circuits and the performance is summarized of an implementation on the Intel iPSC/2 Hypercube. The runtime of this algorithm is 5 to 16 times faster than a previous program developed for the Hypercube, while producing equivalent quality placement. An integrated place and route program for the Intel iPSC/2 Hypercube is currently being developed.

Neurobehavioral testing in subarachnoid hemorrhage: A review of methods and current findings in rodents.

PubMed

Turan, Nefize; Miller, Brandon A; Heider, Robert A; Nadeem, Maheen; Sayeed, Iqbal; Stein, Donald G; Pradilla, Gustavo

2017-11-01

The most important aspect of a preclinical study seeking to develop a novel therapy for neurological diseases is whether the therapy produces any clinically relevant functional recovery. For this purpose, neurobehavioral tests are commonly used to evaluate the neuroprotective efficacy of treatments in a wide array of cerebrovascular diseases and neurotrauma. Their use, however, has been limited in experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage studies. After several randomized, double-blinded, controlled clinical trials repeatedly failed to produce a benefit in functional outcome despite some improvement in angiographic vasospasm, more rigorous methods of neurobehavioral testing became critical to provide a more comprehensive evaluation of the functional efficacy of proposed treatments. While several subarachnoid hemorrhage studies have incorporated an array of neurobehavioral assays, a standardized methodology has not been agreed upon. Here, we review neurobehavioral tests for rodents and their potential application to subarachnoid hemorrhage studies. Developing a standardized neurobehavioral testing regimen in rodent studies of subarachnoid hemorrhage would allow for better comparison of results between laboratories and a better prediction of what interventions would produce functional benefits in humans.

Repeated Reading. What Works Clearinghouse Intervention Report

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

What Works Clearinghouse, 2014

2014-01-01

"Repeated reading" is an academic practice that aims to increase oral reading fluency. "Repeated reading" can be used with students who have developed initial word reading skills but demonstrate inadequate reading fluency for their grade level. During "repeated reading," a student sits in a quiet location with a…

Social stories: mechanisms of effectiveness in increasing game play skills in children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder using a pretest posttest repeated measures randomized control group design.

PubMed

Quirmbach, Linda M; Lincoln, Alan J; Feinberg-Gizzo, Monica J; Ingersoll, Brooke R; Andrews, Siri M

2009-02-01

An increasing body of literature has indicated that social stories are an effective way to teach individuals diagnosed with autism appropriate social behavior. This study compared two formats of a social story targeting the improvement of social skills during game play using a pretest posttest repeated measures randomized control group design. A total of 45 children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) ages 7-14 were randomly assigned to standard, directive, or control story conditions. Results demonstrated that the standard and directive story formats were equally as effective in eliciting, generalizing and maintaining the targeted social skills in participants who had prior game play experience and Verbal Comprehension Index (VCI) scores from the WISC-IV intelligence test in the borderline range or above.

[The Quality Analysis of National Supervising Sampling for Rubella Virus IgM Diagnostic Kits in 2014].

PubMed

Yu, Tina; Qu, Shoufang; Zhang, Xiaoyan; Sun, Nan; Gao, Shangxian; Li, Haining; Huang, Jie

2015-07-01

To evaluate the quality status of rubella virus IgM diagnostic kits by national supervising sampling. Using legal inspection combining with exploratory study, the positive and negative coincidence rate, detection limit and repeatability of kits were verified. The results showed that 15 of 16 batches of kits were qualified using legal inspection, and the passing rate was 93.8%. The unqualified item was negative coincidence rate. In exploratory study, only 11 batches (68.8%) complied with industry standard. The unqualified items were negative coincidence rate, detection limit and repeatability. At present, rubella virus IgM diagnostic Kits have some quality problems in the market. It is recommended that we adopt industry standard and national reference panel in the registration inspection for the future, which will prompt enterprises to improve quality.

The application of robotics to microlaryngeal laser surgery.

PubMed

Buckmire, Robert A; Wong, Yu-Tung; Deal, Allison M

2015-06-01

To evaluate the performance of human subjects, using a prototype robotic micromanipulator controller in a simulated, microlaryngeal operative setting. Observational cross-sectional study. Twenty-two human subjects with varying degrees of laser experience performed CO2 laser surgical tasks within a simulated microlaryngeal operative setting using an industry standard manual micromanipulator (MMM) and a prototype robotic micromanipulator controller (RMC). Accuracy, repeatability, and ablation consistency measures were obtained for each human subject across both conditions and for the preprogrammed RMC device. Using the standard MMM, surgeons with >10 previous laser cases performed superior to subjects with fewer cases on measures of error percentage and cumulative error (P = .045 and .03, respectively). No significant differences in performance were observed between subjects using the RMC device. In the programmed (P/A) mode, the RMC performed equivalently or superiorly to experienced human subjects on accuracy and repeatability measures, and nearly an order of magnitude better on measures of ablation consistency. The programmed RMC performed significantly better for repetition error when compared to human subjects with <100 previous laser cases (P = .04). Experienced laser surgeons perform better than novice surgeons on tasks of accuracy and repeatability using the MMM device but roughly equivalently using the novel RMC. Operated in the P/A mode, the RMC performs equivalently or superior to experienced laser surgeons using the industry standard MMM for all measured parameters, and delivers an ablation consistency nearly an order of magnitude better than human laser operators. NA. © 2014 The American Laryngological, Rhinological and Otological Society, Inc.

Psychophysiological correlates of relaxation induced by standard autogenic training.

PubMed

Mishima, N; Kubota, S; Nagata, S

1999-01-01

The present study aimed to determine the psychophysiological changes induced in subjects by standard autogenic training (AT). Physiological measurements were taken under strict experimental conditions. Thirty-one healthy students were divided randomly into two groups: the AT group and the control group. In the first session, the physiological variables were measured for all students before and after all were asked to relax in their own way. The AT group were then taught AT for 3 months, after which time the measurements were repeated. In the second session, the AT group practised the standard AT exercise, while the control group repeated their own form of simple relaxation. Electrocardiogram, plethysmogram (PTG) and blood pressure (BP) were measured while the students carried out a breathing rate of 15 cycles/min. The R-R intervals and BP were analysed by an autoregressive model for spectral analysis, and the data were compared by repeated-measures ANOVA. The AT group had a significant increase in the mean R-R interval and a significant decrease in the baseline deflection of the PTG in the second session. There were no significant changes in sympathetic activity except for the change in the PTG, although low frequency amplitude of systolic BP decreased slightly. AT was found to induce significant changes that were independent of respiration in healthy students, although paced breathing might have operated as a mental stress. The increase in mean R-R interval and the decrease in baseline deflection of the PTG were the most robust correlates of AT.

Comparison of three methods to assess individual skeletal maturity.

PubMed

Pasciuti, Enzo; Franchi, Lorenzo; Baccetti, Tiziano; Milani, Silvano; Farronato, Giampietro

2013-09-01

The knowledge of facial growth and development is fundamental to determine the optimal timing for different treatment procedures in the growing patient. To analyze the reproducibility of three methods in assessing individual skeletal maturity, and to evaluate any degree of concordance among them. In all, 100 growing subjects were enrolled to test three methods: the hand-wrist, cervical vertebral maturation (CVM), and medial phalanges of the third finger method (MP3). Four operators determined the skeletal maturity of the subjects to evaluate the reproducibility of each method. After 30 days the operators repeated the analysis to assess the repeatability of each method. Finally, one operator examined all subjects' radiographs to detect any concordance among the three methods. The weighted kappa values for inter-operator variability were 0.94, 0.91, and 0.90, for the WRI, CVM, and MP3 methods, respectively. The weighted kappa values for intra-operator variability were 0.92, 0.91, and 0.92, for the WRI, CVM, and MP3 methods, respectively. The three methods revealed a high degree of repeatability and reproducibility. Complete agreement among the three methods was observed in 70% of the analyzed samples. The CVM method has the advantage of not necessitating an additional radiograph. The MP3 method is a simple and practical alternative as it requires only a standard dental x-ray device.

Standards fabrication to providing metrological traceability in micromass and nanoforce measurements results

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vargas Pereira, Thaiane; Beatrici, Anderson

2018-03-01

Some of the more sensitive weighing equipment available nowadays has its repeatability close to tenth of microgram. OIML characterize mass standards bigger them 1 mg, so in this range doesn’t exist direct traceability to the kg prototype. The ASTM has a characterization of mass standard 50, 100, 200 e 500 micrograms. This work have a purpose of providing traceability to mass measurement in microgram scale (nanonewton scale in force) with the confection and calibration of a standard weights collection. At this time were studied two materials, Tungsten and MetGlass2705M (MetGlass), and produced 12 mass standards.

The two errors of using the within-subject standard deviation (WSD) as the standard error of a reliable change index.

PubMed

Maassen, Gerard H

2010-08-01

In this Journal, Lewis and colleagues introduced a new Reliable Change Index (RCI(WSD)), which incorporated the within-subject standard deviation (WSD) of a repeated measurement design as the standard error. In this note, two opposite errors in using WSD this way are demonstrated. First, being the standard error of measurement of only a single assessment makes WSD too small when practice effects are absent. Then, too many individuals will be designated reliably changed. Second, WSD can grow unlimitedly to the extent that differential practice effects occur. This can even make RCI(WSD) unable to detect any reliable change.

Photometric Repeatability of Scanned Imagery: UVIS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shanahan, Clare E.; McCullough, Peter; Baggett, Sylvia

2017-08-01

We provide the preliminary results of a study on the photometric repeatability of spatial scans of bright, isolated white dwarf stars with the UVIS channel of the Wide Field Camera 3 (WFC3) on the Hubble Space Telescope (HST). We analyze straight-line scans from the first pair of identical orbits of HST program 14878 to assess if sub 0.1% repeatability can be attained with WFC3/UVIS. This study is motivated by the desire to achieve better signal-to-noise in the UVIS contamination and stability monitor, in which observations of standard stars in staring mode have been taken from the installation of WFC3 in 2009 to the present to assess temporal photometric stability. Higher signal to noise in this program would greatly benefit the sensitivity to detect contamination, and to better characterize the observed small throughput drifts over time. We find excellent repeatability between identical visits of program 14878, with sub 0.1% repeatability achieved in most filters. These! results support the initiative to transition the staring mode UVIS contamination and photometric stability monitor from staring mode images to spatial scans.

Repeatability Assessment by ISO 11843-7 in Quantitative HPLC for Herbal Medicines.

PubMed

Chen, Liangmian; Kotani, Akira; Hakamata, Hideki; Tsutsumi, Risa; Hayashi, Yuzuru; Wang, Zhimin; Kusu, Fumiyo

2015-01-01

We have proposed an assessment methods to estimate the measurement relative standard deviation (RSD) of chromatographic peaks in quantitative HPLC for herbal medicines by the methodology of ISO 11843 Part 7 (ISO 11843-7:2012), which provides detection limits stochastically. In quantitative HPLC with UV detection (HPLC-UV) of Scutellaria Radix for the determination of baicalin, the measurement RSD of baicalin by ISO 11843-7:2012 stochastically was within a 95% confidence interval of the statistically obtained RSD by repetitive measurements (n = 6). Thus, our findings show that it is applicable for estimating of the repeatability of HPLC-UV for determining baicalin without repeated measurements. In addition, the allowable limit of the "System repeatability" in "Liquid Chromatography" regulated in a pharmacopoeia can be obtained by the present assessment method. Moreover, the present assessment method was also successfully applied to estimate the measurement RSDs of quantitative three-channel liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection (LC-3ECD) of Chrysanthemi Flos for determining caffeoylquinic acids and flavonoids. By the present repeatability assessment method, reliable measurement RSD was obtained stochastically, and the experimental time was remarkably reduced.

Rapid construction of insulated genetic circuits via synthetic sequence-guided isothermal assembly

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

Torella, JP; Boehm, CR; Lienert, F

2013-12-28

In vitro recombination methods have enabled one-step construction of large DNA sequences from multiple parts. Although synthetic biological circuits can in principle be assembled in the same fashion, they typically contain repeated sequence elements such as standard promoters and terminators that interfere with homologous recombination. Here we use a computational approach to design synthetic, biologically inactive unique nucleotide sequences (UNSes) that facilitate accurate ordered assembly. Importantly, our designed UNSes make it possible to assemble parts with repeated terminator and insulator sequences, and thereby create insulated functional genetic circuits in bacteria and mammalian cells. Using UNS-guided assembly to construct repeating promoter-gene-terminatormore » parts, we systematically varied gene expression to optimize production of a deoxychromoviridans biosynthetic pathway in Escherichia coli. We then used this system to construct complex eukaryotic AND-logic gates for genomic integration into embryonic stem cells. Construction was performed by using a standardized series of UNS-bearing BioBrick-compatible vectors, which enable modular assembly and facilitate reuse of individual parts. UNS-guided isothermal assembly is broadly applicable to the construction and optimization of genetic circuits and particularly those requiring tight insulation, such as complex biosynthetic pathways, sensors, counters and logic gates.« less

Proline-containing dipeptide GVS-111 retains nootropic activity after oral administration.

PubMed

Ostrovskaya, R U; Mirsoev, T K; Romanova, G A; Gudasheva, T A; Kravchenko, E V; Trofimov, C C; Voronina, T A; Seredenin, S B

2001-10-01

Experiments on rats trained passive avoidance task showed that N-phenyl-acetyl-L-prolyl-glycyl ethyl ester, peptide analog of piracetam (GVS-111, Noopept) after oral administration retained antiamnesic activity previously observed after its parenteral administration. Effective doses were 0.5-10 mg/kg. Experiments on a specially-developed model of active avoidance (massive one-session learning schedule) showed that GVS-111 stimulated one-session learning after single administration, while after repeated administration it increased the number of successful learners among those animals who failed after initial training. In this respect, GVS-111 principally differs from its main metabolite cycloprolylglycine and standard nootropic piracetam.

Scanners for analytic print measurement: the devil in the details

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zeise, Eric K.; Williams, Don; Burns, Peter D.; Kress, William C.

2007-01-01

Inexpensive and easy-to-use linear and area-array scanners have frequently substituted as colorimeters and densitometers for low-frequency (i.e., large area) hard copy image measurement. Increasingly, scanners are also being used for high spatial frequency, image microstructure measurements, which were previously reserved for high performance microdensitometers. In this paper we address characteristics of flatbed reflection scanners in the evaluation of print uniformity, geometric distortion, geometric repeatability and the influence of scanner MTF and noise on analytic measurements. Suggestions are made for the specification and evaluation of scanners to be used in print image quality standards that are being developed.

Analysis and comparison of magnetic sheet insulation tests

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marion-Péra, M. C.; Kedous-Lebouc, A.; Cornut, B.; Brissonneau, P.

1994-05-01

Magnetic circuits of electrical machines are divided into coated sheets in order to limit eddy currents. The surface insulation resistance of magnetic sheets is difficult to evaluate because it depends on parameters like pressure and covers a wide range of values. Two methods of measuring insulation resistance are analyzed: the standardized 'Franklin device' and a tester developed by British Steel Electrical. Their main drawback is poor local repeatability. The Franklin method allows better quality control of industrial process because it measures only one insulating layer at a time. It also gives more accurate images of the distribution of possible defects. Nevertheless, both methods lead to similar classifications of insulation efficiency.

Verifying Data Integrity of Electronically Scanned Pressure Systems at the NASA Glenn Research Center

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Panek, Joseph W.

2001-01-01

The proper operation of the Electronically Scanned Pressure (ESP) System critical to accomplish the following goals: acquisition of highly accurate pressure data for the development of aerospace and commercial aviation systems and continuous confirmation of data quality to avoid costly, unplanned, repeat wind tunnel or turbine testing. Standard automated setup and checkout routines are necessary to accomplish these goals. Data verification and integrity checks occur at three distinct stages, pretest pressure tubing and system checkouts, daily system validation and in-test confirmation of critical system parameters. This paper will give an overview of the existing hardware, software and methods used to validate data integrity.

[Multifactorial method for assessing the physical work capacity of mice].

PubMed

Dubovik, B V; Bogomazov, S D

1987-01-01

Based on the swimming test according to Kiplinger, in experiments on (CBA X C57BL)F1 mice there were elaborated criteria for animal performance evaluation in the process of repeated swimming of a standard distance thus measuring power, volume of work and rate of the fatigue development in relative units. From the study of effects of sydnocarb, bemethyl and phenazepam on various parameters of physical performance of mice a conclusion was made that the proposed method provides a more informative evaluation of the pharmacological effect on physical performance of animals as compared to the methods based on the record of time of performing the load.

Persian adaptation of a questionnaire of environmental risk factors in multiple sclerosis (EnvIMS-Q).

PubMed

Sahraian, Mohammad Ali; Naghshineh, Hoda; Shati, Mohsen; Jahromi, Soodeh Razeghi; Rezaei, Niloofar

2016-11-01

It seems that gene-environment interaction play most important role in Multiple Sclerosis development. Increasing the incidence and prevalence of MS during the recent decades in the low prevalence area such as Iran is explained better by environment factors. Environmental Risk Factors in Multiple Sclerosis (the 'EnvIMS-Q') is a 6-page self-administered questionnaire for case control studies. the objectives of study are validation and adaptation of the EnvIMS-Q' then development of a Persian version for case control studies in Persian population. This questionnaire translated literally and in culturally relevant form, then content validation process was done by three groups' experts. According to giving rating to each item, each section and the whole instrument, we calculated their content validation indexes and also added some new questions and a new section to EnvIMS-Q. Finally, we analyzed repeatability of the answers within a 4 weeks interval. Relevancy and clarity indexes of all items were more than 80%. Scale relevancy index equaled 99% and scale clarity index equaled 97%. Repeatability of most items was acceptable. the use of standardized validated questionnaires will assist the researchers to perform local studies on the role of environmental factors on the basis of reliable data. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

EUV mask pilot line at Intel Corporation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stivers, Alan R.; Yan, Pei-Yang; Zhang, Guojing; Liang, Ted; Shu, Emily Y.; Tejnil, Edita; Lieberman, Barry; Nagpal, Rajesh; Hsia, Kangmin; Penn, Michael; Lo, Fu-Chang

2004-12-01

The introduction of extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography into high volume manufacturing requires the development of a new mask technology. In support of this, Intel Corporation has established a pilot line devoted to encountering and eliminating barriers to manufacturability of EUV masks. It concentrates on EUV-specific process modules and makes use of the captive standard photomask fabrication capability of Intel Corporation. The goal of the pilot line is to accelerate EUV mask development to intersect the 32nm technology node. This requires EUV mask technology to be comparable to standard photomask technology by the beginning of the silicon wafer process development phase for that technology node. The pilot line embodies Intel's strategy to lead EUV mask development in the areas of the mask patterning process, mask fabrication tools, the starting material (blanks) and the understanding of process interdependencies. The patterning process includes all steps from blank defect inspection through final pattern inspection and repair. We have specified and ordered the EUV-specific tools and most will be installed in 2004. We have worked with International Sematech and others to provide for the next generation of EUV-specific mask tools. Our process of record is run repeatedly to ensure its robustness. This primes the supply chain and collects information needed for blank improvement.

Modified method of recording and reproducing natural head position with a multicamera system and a laser level.

PubMed

Liu, Xiao-jing; Li, Qian-qian; Pang, Yuan-jie; Tian, Kai-yue; Xie, Zheng; Li, Zi-li

2015-06-01

As computer-assisted surgical design becomes increasingly popular in maxillofacial surgery, recording patients' natural head position (NHP) and reproducing it in the virtual environment are vital for preoperative design and postoperative evaluation. Our objective was to test the repeatability and accuracy of recording NHP using a multicamera system and a laser level. A laser level was used to project a horizontal reference line on a physical model, and a 3-dimensional image was obtained using a multicamera system. In surgical simulation software, the recorded NHP was reproduced in the virtual head position by registering the coordinate axes with the horizontal reference on both the frontal and lateral views. The repeatability and accuracy of the method were assessed using a gyroscopic procedure as the gold standard. The interclass correlation coefficients for pitch and roll were 0.982 (0.966, 0.991) and 0.995 (0.992, 0.998), respectively, indicating a high degree of repeatability. Regarding accuracy, the lack of agreement in orientation between the new method and the gold standard was within the ranges for pitch (-0.69°, 1.71°) and for roll (-0.92°, 1.20°); these have no clinical significance. This method of recording and reproducing NHP with a multicamera system and a laser level is repeatable, accurate, and clinically feasible. Copyright © 2015 American Association of Orthodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The CAG repeat polymorphism in the Androgen receptor gene modifies the risk for hypospadias in Caucasians

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background Hypospadias is a birth defect of the urethra in males, and a milder form of 46,XY disorder of sexual development (DSD). The disease is characterized by a ventrally placed urinary opening due to a premature fetal arrest of the urethra development. Moreover, the Androgen receptor (AR) gene has an essential role in the hormone-dependent stage of sexual development. In addition, longer AR polyglutamine repeat lengths encoded by CAG repeats are associated with lower transcriptional activity in vitro. In the present study, we aimed at investigating the role of the CAG repeat length in the AR gene in hypospadias cases as compared to the controls. Our study included 211 hypospadias and 208 controls of Caucasian origin. Methods We amplified the CAG repeat region with PCR, and calculated the difference in the mean CAG repeat length between the hypospadias and control group using the T-test for independent groups. Results We detected a significant increase of the CAG repeat length in the hypospadias cases when compared to the controls (contrast estimate: 2.29, 95% Confidence Interval (1.73-2.84); p-value: 0.001). In addition, the odds ratios between the hypospadias and controls revealed that the hypospadias cases are two to 3 times as likely to have longer CAG repeats than a shorter length for each repeat length investigated. Conclusions We have investigated the largest number of hypospadias cases with regards to the CAG repeat length, and we provide evidence that a higher number of the CAG repeat sequence in the AR gene have a clear effect on the risk of hypospadias in Caucasians. PMID:23167717

Designing occupancy studies: general advice and allocating survey effort

USGS Publications Warehouse

MacKenzie, D.I.; Royle, J. Andrew

2005-01-01

1. The fraction of sampling units in a landscape where a target species is present (occupancy) is an extensively used concept in ecology. Yet in many applications the species will not always be detected in a sampling unit even when present, resulting in biased estimates of occupancy. Given that sampling units are surveyed repeatedly within a relatively short timeframe, a number of similar methods have now been developed to provide unbiased occupancy estimates. However, practical guidance on the efficient design of occupancy studies has been lacking. 2. In this paper we comment on a number of general issues related to designing occupancy studies, including the need for clear objectives that are explicitly linked to science or management, selection of sampling units, timing of repeat surveys and allocation of survey effort. Advice on the number of repeat surveys per sampling unit is considered in terms of the variance of the occupancy estimator, for three possible study designs. 3. We recommend that sampling units should be surveyed a minimum of three times when detection probability is high (> 0.5 survey-1), unless a removal design is used. 4. We found that an optimal removal design will generally be the most efficient, but we suggest it may be less robust to assumption violations than a standard design. 5. Our results suggest that for a rare species it is more efficient to survey more sampling units less intensively, while for a common species fewer sampling units should be surveyed more intensively. 6. Synthesis and applications. Reliable inferences can only result from quality data. To make the best use of logistical resources, study objectives must be clearly defined; sampling units must be selected, and repeated surveys timed appropriately; and a sufficient number of repeated surveys must be conducted. Failure to do so may compromise the integrity of the study. The guidance given here on study design issues is particularly applicable to studies of species occurrence and distribution, habitat selection and modelling, metapopulation studies and monitoring programmes.

Oxygen-weighted Hyperpolarized 3He MR Imaging: A Short-term Reproducibility Study in Human Subjects

PubMed Central

Ishii, Masaru; Hamedani, Hooman; Clapp, Justin T.; Kadlecek, Stephen J.; Xin, Yi; Gefter, Warren B.; Rossman, Milton D.

2015-01-01

Purpose To determine whether hyperpolarized helium 3 magnetic resonance (MR) imaging to measure alveolar partial pressure of oxygen (Pao2) shows sufficient test-retest repeatability and between-cohort differences to be used as a reliable technique for detection of alterations in gas exchange in asymptomatic smokers. Materials and Methods The protocol was approved by the local institutional review board and was HIPAA compliant. Informed consent was obtained from all subjects. Two sets of MR images were obtained 10 minutes apart in 25 subjects: 10 nonsmokers (five men, five women; mean ± standard deviation age, 50 years ± 6) and 15 smokers (seven women, eight men; mean age, 50 years ± 8). A mixed-effects model was developed to identify the regional repeatability of Pao2 measurements as an intraclass correlation coefficient. Ten smokers were matched with the 10 nonsmokers on the basis of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Three separate models were generated: one for nonsmokers, one for the SNR-matched smokers, and one for the five remaining smokers, who were imaged with a significantly higher SNR. Results Short-term back-to-back regional reproducibility was assessed by using intraclass correlation coefficients, which were 0.67 and 0.65 for SNR case-matched nonsmokers and smokers, respectively. Repeatability was a strong function of SNR; a 50% increase in SNR in the remaining smokers improved the intraclass correlation coefficient to 0.82. Although repeatability was not significantly different between the SNR-matched cohorts (P = .44), the smoker group showed higher spatial and temporal variability in Pao2. Conclusion The short-term test-retest repeatability of hyperpolarized gas MR imaging of regional Pao2 was good. Asymptomatic smokers exhibited greater spatial and temporal variability in Pao2 than did the nonsmokers, which suggests that this parameter allows detection of small functional alterations associated with smoking. © RSNA, 2015 Online supplemental material is available for this article. PMID:26110668

Repeated sequence sets in mitochondrial DNA molecules of root knot nematodes (Meloidogyne): nucleotide sequences, genome location and potential for host-race identification.

PubMed Central

Okimoto, R; Chamberlin, H M; Macfarlane, J L; Wolstenholme, D R

1991-01-01

Within a 7 kb segment of the mtDNA molecule of the root knot nematode, Meloidogyne javanica, that lacks standard mitochondrial genes, are three sets of strictly tandemly arranged, direct repeat sequences: approximately 36 copies of a 102 ntp sequence that contains a TaqI site; 11 copies of a 63 ntp sequence, and 5 copies of an 8 ntp sequence. The 7 kb repeat-containing segment is bounded by putative tRNAasp and tRNAf-met genes and the arrangement of sequences within this segment is: the tRNAasp gene; a unique 1,528 ntp segment that contains two highly stable hairpin-forming sequences; the 102 ntp repeat set; the 8 ntp repeat set; a unique 1,068 ntp segment; the 63 ntp repeat set; and the tRNAf-met gene. The nucleotide sequences of the 102 ntp copies and the 63 ntp copies have been conserved among the species examined. Data from Southern hybridization experiments indicate that 102 ntp and 63 ntp repeats occur in the mtDNAs of three, two and two races of M.incognita, M.hapla and M.arenaria, respectively. Nucleotide sequences of the M.incognita Race-3 102 ntp repeat were found to be either identical or highly similar to those of the M.javanica 102 ntp repeat. Differences in migration distance and number of 102 ntp repeat-containing bands seen in Southern hybridization autoradiographs of restriction-digested mtDNAs of M.javanica and the different host races of M.incognita, M.hapla and M.arenaria are sufficient to distinguish the different host races of each species. Images PMID:2027769

Requirements for construction of nuclear system components at elevated temperatures (supplement to ASME Code Cases 1592, 1593, 1594, 1595, and 1596)

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

Not Available

This standard provides rules for the construction of Class 1 nuclear components, parts, and appurtenances for use at elevated temperatures. This standard is a complete set of requirements only when used in conjunction with Section III of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (ASME Code) and addenda, ASME Code Cases 1592, 1593, 1594, 1595, and 1596, and RDT E 15-2NB. Unmodified paragraphs of the referenced Code Cases are not repeated in this standard but are a part of the requirements of this standard.

Effect of Tribulus terrestris on Haloperidol-induced Catalepsy in Mice.

PubMed

Nishchal, B S; Rai, S; Prabhu, M N; Ullal, Sheetal D; Rajeswari, S; Gopalakrishna, H N

2014-01-01

Haloperidol, an antipsychotic drug, leads to the development of a behavioural state called catalepsy, in which the animal is not able to correct an externally imposed posture. In the present study we have attempted to evaluate the anticataleptic effect of Tribulus terrestris on haloperidol-induced catalepsy in albino mice. Mice were allocated to four groups, each group containing six animals. Both, the test drug, Tribulus terrestris and the standard drug trihexyphenidyl were uniformly suspended in 1% gum acacia solution. Catalepsy was induced in mice with haloperidol (1.0 mg/kg, intraperitoneally). The first group received the vehicle (10 ml/kg, orally), the second group received trihexyphenidyl (10 mg/kg, orally) and the remaining two groups received Tribulus terrestris (100, 200 mg/kg, orally). The animals were assessed after single and repeated dose administration for ten days, 30 min prior to haloperidol, using standard bar test. The result of the present study demonstrates Tribulus terrestris has a protective effect against haloperidol-induced catalepsy, which is comparable to the standard drug used for the same purpose. Our study indicates Tribulus terrestris can be used to prevent haloperidol-induced extrapyramidal side effects.

Precise determination of N-acetylcysteine in pharmaceuticals by microchip electrophoresis.

PubMed

Rudašová, Marína; Masár, Marián

2016-01-01

A novel microchip electrophoresis method for the rapid and high-precision determination of N-acetylcysteine, a pharmaceutically active ingredient, in mucolytics has been developed. Isotachophoresis separations were carried out at pH 6.0 on a microchip with conductivity detection. The methods of external calibration and internal standard were used to evaluate the results. The internal standard method effectively eliminated variations in various working parameters, mainly run-to-run fluctuations of an injected volume. The repeatability and accuracy of N-acetylcysteine determination in all mucolytic preparations tested (Solmucol 90 and 200, and ACC Long 600) were more than satisfactory with the relative standard deviation and relative error values <0.7 and <1.9%, respectively. A recovery range of 99-101% of N-acetylcysteine in the analyzed pharmaceuticals predetermines the proposed method for accurate analysis as well. This work, in general, indicates analytical possibilities of microchip isotachophoresis for the quantitative analysis of simplified samples such as pharmaceuticals that contain the analyte(s) at relatively high concentrations. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Development of Pineapple Microsatellite Markers and Germplasm Genetic Diversity Analysis

PubMed Central

Tong, Helin; Chen, You; Wang, Jingyi; Chen, Yeyuan; Sun, Guangming; He, Junhu; Wu, Yaoting

2013-01-01

Two methods were used to develop pineapple microsatellite markers. Genomic library-based SSR development: using selectively amplified microsatellite assay, 86 sequences were generated from pineapple genomic library. 91 (96.8%) of the 94 Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) loci were dinucleotide repeats (39 AC/GT repeats and 52 GA/TC repeats, accounting for 42.9% and 57.1%, resp.), and the other three were mononucleotide repeats. Thirty-six pairs of SSR primers were designed; 24 of them generated clear bands of expected sizes, and 13 of them showed polymorphism. EST-based SSR development: 5659 pineapple EST sequences obtained from NCBI were analyzed; among 1397 nonredundant EST sequences, 843 were found containing 1110 SSR loci (217 of them contained more than one SSR locus). Frequency of SSRs in pineapple EST sequences is 1SSR/3.73 kb, and 44 types were found. Mononucleotide, dinucleotide, and trinucleotide repeats dominate, accounting for 95.6% in total. AG/CT and AGC/GCT were the dominant type of dinucleotide and trinucleotide repeats, accounting for 83.5% and 24.1%, respectively. Thirty pairs of primers were designed for each of randomly selected 30 sequences; 26 of them generated clear and reproducible bands, and 22 of them showed polymorphism. Eighteen pairs of primers obtained by the one or the other of the two methods above that showed polymorphism were selected to carry out germplasm genetic diversity analysis for 48 breeds of pineapple; similarity coefficients of these breeds were between 0.59 and 1.00, and they can be divided into four groups accordingly. Amplification products of five SSR markers were extracted and sequenced, corresponding repeat loci were found and locus mutations are mainly in copy number of repeats and base mutations in the flanking region. PMID:24024187

Joint modelling of repeated measurement and time-to-event data: an introductory tutorial.

PubMed

Asar, Özgür; Ritchie, James; Kalra, Philip A; Diggle, Peter J

2015-02-01

The term 'joint modelling' is used in the statistical literature to refer to methods for simultaneously analysing longitudinal measurement outcomes, also called repeated measurement data, and time-to-event outcomes, also called survival data. A typical example from nephrology is a study in which the data from each participant consist of repeated estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) measurements and time to initiation of renal replacement therapy (RRT). Joint models typically combine linear mixed effects models for repeated measurements and Cox models for censored survival outcomes. Our aim in this paper is to present an introductory tutorial on joint modelling methods, with a case study in nephrology. We describe the development of the joint modelling framework and compare the results with those obtained by the more widely used approaches of conducting separate analyses of the repeated measurements and survival times based on a linear mixed effects model and a Cox model, respectively. Our case study concerns a data set from the Chronic Renal Insufficiency Standards Implementation Study (CRISIS). We also provide details of our open-source software implementation to allow others to replicate and/or modify our analysis. The results for the conventional linear mixed effects model and the longitudinal component of the joint models were found to be similar. However, there were considerable differences between the results for the Cox model with time-varying covariate and the time-to-event component of the joint model. For example, the relationship between kidney function as measured by eGFR and the hazard for initiation of RRT was significantly underestimated by the Cox model that treats eGFR as a time-varying covariate, because the Cox model does not take measurement error in eGFR into account. Joint models should be preferred for simultaneous analyses of repeated measurement and survival data, especially when the former is measured with error and the association between the underlying error-free measurement process and the hazard for survival is of scientific interest. © The Author 2015; all rights reserved. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the International Epidemiological Association.

Metrologies for quantitative nanomechanical testing and quality control in semiconductor manufacturing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pratt, Jon R.; Kramar, John A.; Newell, David B.; Smith, Douglas T.

2005-05-01

If nanomechanical testing is to evolve into a tool for process and quality control in semiconductor fabrication, great advances in throughput, repeatability, and accuracy of the associated instruments and measurements will be required. A recent grant awarded by the NIST Advanced Technology Program seeks to address the throughput issue by developing a high-speed AFM-based platform for quantitative nanomechanical measurements. The following paper speaks to the issue of quantitative accuracy by presenting an overview of various standards and techniques under development at NIST and other national metrology institutes (NMIs) that can provide a metrological basis for nanomechanical testing. The infrastructure we describe places firm emphasis on traceability to the International System of Units, paving the way for truly quantitative, rather than qualitative, physical property testing.

Calibration of X-Ray diffractometer by the experimental comparison method

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

Dudka, A. P., E-mail: dudka@ns.crys.ras.ru

2015-07-15

A software for calibrating an X-ray diffractometer with area detector has been developed. It is proposed to search for detector and goniometer calibration models whose parameters are reproduced in a series of measurements on a reference crystal. Reference (standard) crystals are prepared during the investigation; they should provide the agreement of structural models in repeated analyses. The technique developed has been used to calibrate Xcalibur Sapphire and Eos, Gemini Ruby (Agilent) and Apex x8 and Apex Duo (Bruker) diffractometers. The main conclusions are as follows: the calibration maps are stable for several years and can be used to improve structuralmore » results, verified CCD detectors exhibit significant inhomogeneity of the efficiency (response) function, and a Bruker goniometer introduces smaller distortions than an Agilent goniometer.« less

Evaluation of the Repeatability and Accuracy of the Wideband Real-Ear-to-Coupler Difference.

PubMed

Vaisberg, Jonathan M; Folkeard, Paula; Pumford, John; Narten, Philipp; Scollie, Susan

2018-06-01

The real-ear-to-coupler difference (RECD) is an ANSI standardized method for estimating ear canal sound pressure level (SPL) thresholds and assisting in the prediction of real-ear aided responses. It measures the difference in dB between the SPL produced in the ear canal and the SPL produced in an HA-1 2-cc coupler by the same sound source. Recent evidence demonstrates that extended high-frequency bandwidth, beyond the hearing aid bandwidth typically measured, is capable of providing additional clinical benefit. The industry has, in turn, moved toward developing hearing aids and verification equipment capable of producing and measuring extended high-frequency audible output. As a result, a revised RECD procedure conducted using a smaller, 0.4-cc coupler, known as the wideband-RECD (wRECD), has been introduced to facilitate extended high-frequency coupler-based measurements up to 12.5 kHz. This study aimed to (1) compare test-retest repeatability between the RECD and wRECD and (2) measure absolute agreement between the RECD and wRECD when both are referenced to a common coupler. RECDs and wRECDs were measured bilaterally in adult ears by calculating the dB difference in SPL between the ear canal and coupler responses. Real-ear probe microphone measures were completed twice per ear per participant for both foam-tip and customized earmold couplings using the Audioscan Verifit 1 and Verifit 2 fitting systems, followed by measurements in the respective couplers. Twenty-one adults (mean age = 67 yr, range = 19-78) with typical aural anatomy (as determined by measures of impedance and otoscopy) participated in this study, leading to a sample size of 42 ears. Repeatability within RECD and wRECD was assessed for each coupling configuration using a repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) with test-retest and frequency as within-participants factors. Repeatability between the RECD and wRECD was assessed within each configuration using a repeated-measures ANOVA with test-retest, frequency, and coupler type as within-participants factors. Agreement between the RECD and wRECD was assessed for each coupling configuration using a repeated-measures ANOVA with RECD value, coupler type, and frequency as within-participants factors. Post hoc comparisons with Bonferroni corrections were used when appropriate to locate the frequencies at which differences occurred. A 3-dB criterion was defined to locate differences of clinical significance. Average absolute test-retest differences were within ±3 dB within each coupler and coupling configuration, and between the RECD and wRECD. The RECD and wRECD were in absolute agreement following HA-1-referenced transforms, with most frequencies agreeing within ±1 dB, except at 0.2 kHz for the earmold, and 0.2-0.25 kHz for the foam tip, where the average RECD exceeded the average wRECD by slightly >3 dB. Test-retest repeatability of the RECD (up to 8 kHz) and wRECD (up to 12.5 kHz) is acceptable and similar to previously reported data. The RECD and wRECD are referenced to different couplers, but can be rendered comparable with a simple transform, producing values that are in accordance with the ANSI S3.46-2013 standard. American Academy of Audiology.

Determination of biogenic amines in chocolate by ion chromatographic separation and pulsed integrated amperometric detection with implemented wave-form at Au disposable electrode.

PubMed

Pastore, Paolo; Favaro, Gabriella; Badocco, Denis; Tapparo, Andrea; Cavalli, Silvano; Saccani, Giovanna

2005-12-09

A rapid and selective cation exchange chromatographic method coupled to integrated pulsed amperometric detection (PAD) has been developed to quantify biogenic amines in chocolate. The method is based on gradient elution of aqueous methanesulfonic acid with post column addition of strong base to obtain suitable conditions for amperometric detection. A potential waveform able to keep long time performance of the Au disposable electrode was set up. Total analysis time is less than 20min. Concentration levels of dopamine, serotonin, tyramine, histamine and 2-phenylethylamine were measured, after extraction with perchloric acid from 2g samples previously defatted twice with petroleum ether. The method was used to determine the analytes in chocolate real matrices and their quantification was made with standard addition method. Only dopamine, histamine and serotonin were found in the analysed real samples. Repeatabilities of their signals, computed on their amounts in the real samples, were 5% for all of them. Repeatabilities of tyramine and phenethylamine were relative to standard additions to real samples (close to 1mg/l in the extract) and were 7 and 3%, respectively. Detection limits were computed with the 3s of the baseline noise combined with the calibration plot regression parameters. They were satisfactorily low for all amines: 3mg/kg for dopamine, 2mg/kg for tyramine, 1mg/kg for histamine, 2mg/kg for serotonin, 3mg/kg for 2-phenylethylamine.

Timed instrumental activities of daily living in multiple sclerosis: The test of everyday cognitive ability (TECA).

PubMed

Charvet, Leigh E; Shaw, Michael T; Sherman, Kathleen; Haas, Shannon; Krupp, Lauren B

2018-05-03

Cognitive impairment is a common symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS) that can lead to declines in daily functioning. Timed instrumental activities of daily living (TIADLs) have been useful to bridge between cognitive testing and real-world functioning in disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. However, these have not been standardized for general use, and the tasks that are typically employed have not been sensitive to the detection of milder forms of cognitive deficits. We developed a test of ten TIADLs tasks to measure a broader range of functioning, entitled the "Test of Everyday Cognitive Ability" or TECA, and tested its utility in a diverse sample of participants with MS. TECA performance was characterized in n = 177 participants with MS and compared to healthy controls (n = 49). A subset from each group received repeated administration. In addition, all participants completed a standard battery of neuropsychological measures. TECA performances were significantly different between MS and control participants. Further, MS participants with cognitive impairment performed significantly slower relative to those MS participants without impairment. The TECA is a TIADLs assessment appropriate for use in those with MS as it includes a broad range of task difficulties, requires minimum motor involvement, and is sensitive to MS-related cognitive impairment. The TECA is a brief and repeatable test of TIADLs and its ease of administration makes it suitable for both clinical practice and research settings. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Challenging the in-vivo assessment of biomechanical properties of the uterine cervix: A critical analysis of ultrasound based quasi-static procedures.

PubMed

Maurer, M M; Badir, S; Pensalfini, M; Bajka, M; Abitabile, P; Zimmermann, R; Mazza, E

2015-06-25

Measuring the stiffness of the uterine cervix might be useful in the prediction of preterm delivery, a still unsolved health issue of global dimensions. Recently, a number of clinical studies have addressed this topic, proposing quantitative methods for the assessment of the mechanical properties of the cervix. Quasi-static elastography, maximum compressibility using ultrasound and aspiration tests have been applied for this purpose. The results obtained with the different methods seem to provide contradictory information about the physiologic development of cervical stiffness during pregnancy. Simulations and experiments were performed in order to rationalize the findings obtained with ultrasound based, quasi-static procedures. The experimental and computational results clearly illustrate that standardization of quasi-static elastography leads to repeatable strain values, but for different loading forces. Since force cannot be controlled, this current approach does not allow the distinction between a globally soft and stiff cervix. It is further shown that introducing a reference elastomer into the elastography measurement might overcome the problem of force standardization, but a careful mechanical analysis is required to obtain reliable stiffness values for cervical tissue. In contrast, the maximum compressibility procedure leads to a repeatable, semi-quantitative assessment of cervical consistency, due to the nonlinear nature of the mechanical behavior of cervical tissue. The evolution of cervical stiffness in pregnancy obtained with this procedure is in line with data from aspiration tests. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

What can be Learned from Silage Breeding Programs?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lorenz, Aaron J.; Coors, James G.

Improving the quality of cellulosic ethanol feedstocks through breeding and genetic manipulation could significantly impact the economics of this industry. Attaining this will require comprehensive and rapid characterization of large numbers of samples. There are many similarities between improving corn silage quality for dairy production and improving feedstock quality for cellulosic ethanol. It was our objective to provide insight into what is needed for genetic improvement of cellulosic feedstocks by reviewing the development and operation of a corn silage breeding program. We discuss the evolving definition of silage quality and relate what we have learned about silage quality to what is needed for measuring and improving feedstock quality. In addition, repeatability estimates of corn stover traits are reported for a set of hybrids. Repeatability of theoretical ethanol potential measured by near-infrared spectroscopy is high, suggesting that this trait may be easily improved through breeding. Just as cell wall digestibility has been factored into the latest measurements of silage quality, conversion efficiency should be standardized and included in indices of feedstock quality to maximize overall, economical energy availability.

CBrowse: a SAM/BAM-based contig browser for transcriptome assembly visualization and analysis.

PubMed

Li, Pei; Ji, Guoli; Dong, Min; Schmidt, Emily; Lenox, Douglas; Chen, Liangliang; Liu, Qi; Liu, Lin; Zhang, Jie; Liang, Chun

2012-09-15

To address the impending need for exploring rapidly increased transcriptomics data generated for non-model organisms, we developed CBrowse, an AJAX-based web browser for visualizing and analyzing transcriptome assemblies and contigs. Designed in a standard three-tier architecture with a data pre-processing pipeline, CBrowse is essentially a Rich Internet Application that offers many seamlessly integrated web interfaces and allows users to navigate, sort, filter, search and visualize data smoothly. The pre-processing pipeline takes the contig sequence file in FASTA format and its relevant SAM/BAM file as the input; detects putative polymorphisms, simple sequence repeats and sequencing errors in contigs and generates image, JSON and database-compatible CSV text files that are directly utilized by different web interfaces. CBowse is a generic visualization and analysis tool that facilitates close examination of assembly quality, genetic polymorphisms, sequence repeats and/or sequencing errors in transcriptome sequencing projects. CBrowse is distributed under the GNU General Public License, available at http://bioinfolab.muohio.edu/CBrowse/ liangc@muohio.edu or liangc.mu@gmail.com; glji@xmu.edu.cn Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.

Binocular Goggle Augmented Imaging and Navigation System provides real-time fluorescence image guidance for tumor resection and sentinel lymph node mapping

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

B. Mondal, Suman; Gao, Shengkui; Zhu, Nan; Sudlow, Gail P.; Liang, Kexian; Som, Avik; Akers, Walter J.; Fields, Ryan C.; Margenthaler, Julie; Liang, Rongguang; Gruev, Viktor; Achilefu, Samuel

2015-07-01

The inability to identify microscopic tumors and assess surgical margins in real-time during oncologic surgery leads to incomplete tumor removal, increases the chances of tumor recurrence, and necessitates costly repeat surgery. To overcome these challenges, we have developed a wearable goggle augmented imaging and navigation system (GAINS) that can provide accurate intraoperative visualization of tumors and sentinel lymph nodes in real-time without disrupting normal surgical workflow. GAINS projects both near-infrared fluorescence from tumors and the natural color images of tissue onto a head-mounted display without latency. Aided by tumor-targeted contrast agents, the system detected tumors in subcutaneous and metastatic mouse models with high accuracy (sensitivity = 100%, specificity = 98% ± 5% standard deviation). Human pilot studies in breast cancer and melanoma patients using a near-infrared dye show that the GAINS detected sentinel lymph nodes with 100% sensitivity. Clinical use of the GAINS to guide tumor resection and sentinel lymph node mapping promises to improve surgical outcomes, reduce rates of repeat surgery, and improve the accuracy of cancer staging.

Short tandem repeat DNA typing provides an international reference standard for authentication of human cell lines.

PubMed

Dirks, Wilhelm Gerhard; Faehnrich, Silke; Estella, Isabelle Annick Janine; Drexler, Hans Guenter

2005-01-01

Cell lines have wide applications as model systems in the medical and pharmaceutical industry. Much drug and chemical testing is now first carried out exhaustively on in vitro systems, reducing the need for complicated and invasive animal experiments. The basis for any research, development or production program involving cell lines is the choice of an authentic cell line. Microsatellites in the human genome that harbour short tandem repeat (STR) DNA markers allow individualisation of established cell lines at the DNA level. Fluorescence polymerase chain reaction amplification of eight highly polymorphic microsatellite STR loci plus gender determination was found to be the best tool to screen the uniqueness of DNA profiles in a fingerprint database. Our results demonstrate that cross-contamination and misidentification remain chronic problems in the use of human continuous cell lines. The combination of rapidly generated DNA types based on single-locus STR and their authentication or individualisation by screening the fingerprint database constitutes a highly reliable and robust method for the identification and verification of cell lines.

The development of the friction coefficient inspection equipment for skin using a load cell.

PubMed

Song, Han Wook; Park, Yon Kyu; Lee, Sung Jun; Woo, Sam Yong; Kim, Sun Hyung; Kim, Dal Rae

2008-01-01

The skin is an indispensible organ for human because it contributes to the metabolism using its own biochemical functions as well as it protects the human body from the exterior stimuli. Recently, the friction coefficient have been used as the decision index of the progress for the bacterial aliments in the field of the skin physiology and the importance of friction coefficient have been increased in the skin care market because of the needs of the well being times. In addition, the usage of friction coefficient is known to have the big discrimination ability in classification of human constitutions, which is utilized in the alternative medicine. In this study, we designed a system which used the multi axes load cell and hemi-circular probe and tried to measure the friction coefficient of hand skins repeatedly. Using this system, the relative repeatability error for the measurement of the friction coefficient was below 4 %. The coefficient is not concerned in curvatures of tips. Using this system, we will try to establish the standard for classification of constitutions.

Myotonin protein-kinase [AGC]n trinucleotide repeat in seven nonhuman primates

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

Novelli, G.; Sineo, L.; Pontieri, E.

Myotonic dystrophy (DM) is due to a genomic instability of a trinucleotide [AGC]n motif, located at the 3{prime} UTR region of a protein-kinase gene (myotonin protein kinase, MT-PK). The [AGC] repeat is meiotically and mitotically unstable, and it is directly related to the manifestations of the disorder. Although a gene dosage effect of the MT-PK has been demonstrated n DM muscle, the mechanism(s) by which the intragenic repeat expansion leads to disease is largely unknown. This non-standard mutational event could reflect an evolutionary mechanism widespread among animal genomes. We have isolated and sequenced the complete 3{prime}UTR region of the MT-PKmore » gene in seven primates (macaque, orangutan, gorilla, chimpanzee, gibbon, owl monkey, saimiri), and examined by comparative sequence nucleotide analysis the [AGC]n intragenic repeat and the surrounding nucleotides. The genomic organization, including the [AGC]n repeat structure, was conserved in all examined species, excluding the gibbon (Hylobates agilis), in which the [AGC]n upstream sequence (GGAA) is replaced by a GA dinucleotide. The number of [AGC]n in the examined species ranged between 7 (gorilla) and 13 repeats (owl monkeys), with a polymorphism informative content (PIC) similar to that observed in humans. These results indicate that the 3{prime}UTR [AGC] repeat within the MT-PK gene is evolutionarily conserved, supporting that this region has important regulatory functions.« less

Repeated vitrification/warming of human sperm gives better results than repeated slow programmable freezing

PubMed Central

Vutyavanich, Teraporn; Lattiwongsakorn, Worashorn; Piromlertamorn, Waraporn; Samchimchom, Sudarat

2012-01-01

In this study, we compared the effects of repeated freezing/thawing of human sperm by our in-house method of rapid freezing with slow programmable freezing. Sperm samples from 11 normozoospermic subjects were processed through density gradients and divided into three aliquots: non-frozen, rapid freezing and slow programmable freezing. Sperm in the rapid freezing group had better motility and viability than those in the slow freezing group (P<0.01) after the first, second and third cycles of freezing/thawing, but there was no difference in morphology. In the second experiment, rapid freezing was repeated three times in 20 subjects. The samples from each thawing cycle were evaluated for DNA fragmentation using the alkaline comet assay. DNA fragmentation began to increase considerably after the second cycle of freezing/thawing, but to a level that was not clinically important. In the third experiment, rapid freezing was done repeatedly in 10 subjects, until no motile sperm were observed after thawing. The median number of repeated freezing/thawing that yielded no motile sperm was seven (range: 5–8, mean: 6.8). In conclusion, we demonstrated that repeated freezing/thawing of processed semen using our rapid freezing method gave better results than standard slow programmable freezing. This method can help maximize the usage of precious cryopreserved sperm samples in assisted reproduction technology. PMID:23064685

Projection of controlled repeatable real-time moving targets to test and evaluate motion imagery quality

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Scopatz, Stephen D.; Mendez, Michael; Trent, Randall

2015-05-01

The projection of controlled moving targets is key to the quantitative testing of video capture and post processing for Motion Imagery. This presentation will discuss several implementations of target projectors with moving targets or apparent moving targets creating motion to be captured by the camera under test. The targets presented are broadband (UV-VIS-IR) and move in a predictable, repeatable and programmable way; several short videos will be included in the presentation. Among the technical approaches will be targets that move independently in the camera's field of view, as well targets that change size and shape. The development of a rotating IR and VIS 4 bar target projector with programmable rotational velocity and acceleration control for testing hyperspectral cameras is discussed. A related issue for motion imagery is evaluated by simulating a blinding flash which is an impulse of broadband photons in fewer than 2 milliseconds to assess the camera's reaction to a large, fast change in signal. A traditional approach of gimbal mounting the camera in combination with the moving target projector is discussed as an alternative to high priced flight simulators. Based on the use of the moving target projector several standard tests are proposed to provide a corresponding test to MTF (resolution), SNR and minimum detectable signal at velocity. Several unique metrics are suggested for Motion Imagery including Maximum Velocity Resolved (the measure of the greatest velocity that is accurately tracked by the camera system) and Missing Object Tolerance (measurement of tracking ability when target is obscured in the images). These metrics are applicable to UV-VIS-IR wavelengths and can be used to assist in camera and algorithm development as well as comparing various systems by presenting the exact scenes to the cameras in a repeatable way.

A novel tensile test method to assess texture and gaping in salmon fillets.

PubMed

Ashton, Thomas J; Michie, Ian; Johnston, Ian A

2010-05-01

A new tensile strength method was developed to quantify the force required to tear a standardized block of Atlantic salmon muscle with the aim of identifying those samples more prone to factory downgrading as a result of softness and fillet gaping. The new method effectively overcomes problems of sample attachment encountered with previous tensile strength tests. The repeatability and sensitivity and predictability of the new technique were evaluated against other common instrumental texture measurement methods. The relationship between sensory assessments of firmness and parameters from the instrumental texture methods was also determined. Data from the new method were shown to have the strongest correlations with gaping severity (r =-0.514, P < 0.001) and the highest level of repeatability of data when analyzing cold-smoked samples. The Warner Bratzler shear method gave the most repeatable data from fresh samples and had the highest correlations between fresh and smoked product from the same fish (r = 0.811, P < 0.001). A hierarchical cluster analysis placed the tensile test in the top cluster, alongside the Warner Bratzler method, demonstrating that it also yields adequate data with respect to these tests. None of the tested sensory analysis attributes showed significant relationships to mechanical tests except fillet firmness, with correlations (r) of 0.42 for cylinder probe maximum force (P = 0.005) and 0.31 for tensile work (P = 0.04). It was concluded that the tensile test method developed provides an important addition to the available tools for mechanical analysis of salmon quality, particularly with respect to the prediction of gaping during factory processing, which is a serious commercial problem. A novel, reliable method of measuring flesh tensile strength in salmon, provides data of relevance to gaping.

Multiple-locus variable-number tandem repeat analysis for strain discrimination of non-O157 Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli.

PubMed

Timmons, Chris; Trees, Eija; Ribot, Efrain M; Gerner-Smidt, Peter; LaFon, Patti; Im, Sung; Ma, Li Maria

2016-06-01

Non-O157 Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) are foodborne pathogens of growing concern worldwide that have been associated with several recent multistate and multinational outbreaks of foodborne illness. Rapid and sensitive molecular-based bacterial strain discrimination methods are critical for timely outbreak identification and contaminated food source traceback. One such method, multiple-locus variable-number tandem repeat analysis (MLVA), is being used with increasing frequency in foodborne illness outbreak investigations to augment the current gold standard bacterial subtyping technique, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). The objective of this study was to develop a MLVA assay for intra- and inter-serogroup discrimination of six major non-O157 STEC serogroups-O26, O111, O103, O121, O45, and O145-and perform a preliminary internal validation of the method on a limited number of clinical isolates. The resultant MLVA scheme consists of ten variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) loci amplified in three multiplex PCR reactions. Sixty-five unique MLVA types were obtained among 84 clinical non-O157 STEC strains comprised of geographically diverse sporadic and outbreak related isolates. Compared to PFGE, the developed MLVA scheme allowed similar discrimination among serogroups O26, O111, O103, and O121 but not among O145 and O45. To more fully compare the discriminatory power of this preliminary MLVA method to PFGE and to determine its epidemiological congruence, a thorough internal and external validation needs to be performed on a carefully selected large panel of strains, including multiple isolates from single outbreaks. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V.

The clinical significance of 10-m walk test standardizations in Parkinson's disease.

PubMed

Lindholm, Beata; Nilsson, Maria H; Hansson, Oskar; Hagell, Peter

2018-06-06

The 10-m walk test (10MWT) is a widely used measure of gait speed in Parkinson's disease (PD). However, it is unclear if different standardizations of its conduct impact test results. We examined the clinical significance of two aspects of the standardization of the 10MWT in mild PD: static vs. dynamic start, and a single vs. repeated trials. Implications for fall prediction were also explored. 151 people with PD (mean age and PD duration, 68 and 4 years, respectively) completed the 10MWT in comfortable gait speed with static and dynamic start (two trials each), and gait speed (m/s) was recorded. Participants then registered all prospective falls for 6 months. Absolute mean differences between outcomes from the various test conditions ranged between 0.016 and 0.040 m/s (effect sizes, 0.06-0.14) with high levels of agreement (intra-class correlation coefficients, 0.932-0.987) and small standard errors of measurement (0.032-0.076 m/s). Receiver operating characteristic curves showed similar discriminate abilities for prediction of future falls across conditions (areas under curves, 0.70-0.73). Cut-off points were estimated at 1.1-1.2 m/s. Different 10MWT standardizations yield very similar results, suggesting that there is no practical need for an acceleration distance or repeated trials when conducting this test in mild PD.

Recommendation of short tandem repeat profiling for authenticating human cell lines, stem cells, and tissues

PubMed Central

Barallon, Rita; Bauer, Steven R.; Butler, John; Capes-Davis, Amanda; Dirks, Wilhelm G.; Furtado, Manohar; Kline, Margaret C.; Kohara, Arihiro; Los, Georgyi V.; MacLeod, Roderick A. F.; Masters, John R. W.; Nardone, Mark; Nardone, Roland M.; Nims, Raymond W.; Price, Paul J.; Reid, Yvonne A.; Shewale, Jaiprakash; Sykes, Gregory; Steuer, Anton F.; Storts, Douglas R.; Thomson, Jim; Taraporewala, Zenobia; Alston-Roberts, Christine; Kerrigan, Liz

2010-01-01

Cell misidentification and cross-contamination have plagued biomedical research for as long as cells have been employed as research tools. Examples of misidentified cell lines continue to surface to this day. Efforts to eradicate the problem by raising awareness of the issue and by asking scientists voluntarily to take appropriate actions have not been successful. Unambiguous cell authentication is an essential step in the scientific process and should be an inherent consideration during peer review of papers submitted for publication or during review of grants submitted for funding. In order to facilitate proper identity testing, accurate, reliable, inexpensive, and standardized methods for authentication of cells and cell lines must be made available. To this end, an international team of scientists is, at this time, preparing a consensus standard on the authentication of human cells using short tandem repeat (STR) profiling. This standard, which will be submitted for review and approval as an American National Standard by the American National Standards Institute, will provide investigators guidance on the use of STR profiling for authenticating human cell lines. Such guidance will include methodological detail on the preparation of the DNA sample, the appropriate numbers and types of loci to be evaluated, and the interpretation and quality control of the results. Associated with the standard itself will be the establishment and maintenance of a public STR profile database under the auspices of the National Center for Biotechnology Information. The consensus standard is anticipated to be adopted by granting agencies and scientific journals as appropriate methodology for authenticating human cell lines, stem cells, and tissues. PMID:20614197

Recommendation of short tandem repeat profiling for authenticating human cell lines, stem cells, and tissues.

PubMed

Barallon, Rita; Bauer, Steven R; Butler, John; Capes-Davis, Amanda; Dirks, Wilhelm G; Elmore, Eugene; Furtado, Manohar; Kline, Margaret C; Kohara, Arihiro; Los, Georgyi V; MacLeod, Roderick A F; Masters, John R W; Nardone, Mark; Nardone, Roland M; Nims, Raymond W; Price, Paul J; Reid, Yvonne A; Shewale, Jaiprakash; Sykes, Gregory; Steuer, Anton F; Storts, Douglas R; Thomson, Jim; Taraporewala, Zenobia; Alston-Roberts, Christine; Kerrigan, Liz

2010-10-01

Cell misidentification and cross-contamination have plagued biomedical research for as long as cells have been employed as research tools. Examples of misidentified cell lines continue to surface to this day. Efforts to eradicate the problem by raising awareness of the issue and by asking scientists voluntarily to take appropriate actions have not been successful. Unambiguous cell authentication is an essential step in the scientific process and should be an inherent consideration during peer review of papers submitted for publication or during review of grants submitted for funding. In order to facilitate proper identity testing, accurate, reliable, inexpensive, and standardized methods for authentication of cells and cell lines must be made available. To this end, an international team of scientists is, at this time, preparing a consensus standard on the authentication of human cells using short tandem repeat (STR) profiling. This standard, which will be submitted for review and approval as an American National Standard by the American National Standards Institute, will provide investigators guidance on the use of STR profiling for authenticating human cell lines. Such guidance will include methodological detail on the preparation of the DNA sample, the appropriate numbers and types of loci to be evaluated, and the interpretation and quality control of the results. Associated with the standard itself will be the establishment and maintenance of a public STR profile database under the auspices of the National Center for Biotechnology Information. The consensus standard is anticipated to be adopted by granting agencies and scientific journals as appropriate methodology for authenticating human cell lines, stem cells, and tissues.

Effects of repeated snowboard exercise in virtual reality with time lags of visual scene behind body rotation on head stability and subjective slalom run performance in healthy young subjects.

PubMed

Wada, Yoshiro; Nishiike, Suetaka; Kitahara, Tadashi; Yamanaka, Toshiaki; Imai, Takao; Ito, Taeko; Sato, Go; Matsuda, Kazunori; Kitamura, Yoshiaki; Takeda, Noriaki

2016-11-01

After repeated snowboard exercises in the virtual reality (VR) world with increasing time lags in trials 3-8, it is suggested that the adaptation to repeated visual-vestibulosomatosensory conflict in the VR world improved dynamic posture control and motor performance in the real world without the development of motion sickness. The VR technology was used and the effects of repeated snowboard exercise examined in the VR world with time lags between visual scene and body rotation on the head stability and slalom run performance during exercise in healthy subjects. Forty-two healthy young subjects participated in the study. After trials 1 and 2 of snowboard exercise in the VR world without time lag, trials 3-8 were conducted with 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, and 0.6 s time lags of the visual scene that the computer creates behind board rotation, respectively. Finally, trial 9 was conducted without time lag. Head linear accelerations and subjective slalom run performance were evaluated. The standard deviations of head linear accelerations in inter-aural direction were significantly increased in trial 8, with a time lag of 0.6 s, but significantly decreased in trial 9 without a time lag, compared with those in trial 2 without a time lag. The subjective scores of slalom run performance were significantly decreased in trial 8, with a time lag of 0.6 s, but significantly increased in trial 9 without a time lag, compared with those in trial 2 without a time lag. Motion sickness was not induced in any subjects.

Repeated maternal intramuscular or intraamniotic erythromycin incompletely resolves intrauterine Ureaplasma parvum infection in a sheep model of pregnancy.

PubMed

Kemp, Matthew W; Miura, Yuichiro; Payne, Matthew S; Watts, Rory; Megharaj, Smruthi; Jobe, Alan H; Kallapur, Suhas G; Saito, Masatoshi; Spiller, O Brad; Keelan, Jeffrey A; Newnham, John P

2014-08-01

Ureaplasma spp are the most commonly isolated microorganisms in association with preterm birth. Maternal erythromycin administration is a standard treatment for preterm prelabor rupture of membranes. There is little evidence of its effectiveness in eradicating Ureaplasma spp from the intrauterine cavity and fetus. We used a sheep model of intrauterine Ureaplasma spp infection to investigate the efficacy of repeated maternal intramuscular and intraamniotic erythromycin treatment to eradicate such an infection. Thirty ewes with singleton pregnancies received an intraamniotic injection of 10(7) color change units of erythromycin-sensitive Ureaplasma parvum serovar 3 at 55 days' gestation. At 116 days' gestation, 28 ewes with viable fetuses were randomized to receive (1) intraamniotic and maternal intramuscular saline solution treatment (n = 8), (2) single intraamniotic and repeated maternal intramuscular erythromycin treatment (n = 10), or (3) single maternal intramuscular and repeated intraamniotic erythromycin treatment (n = 10). Fetuses were surgically delivered at 125 days' gestation. Treatment efficacy was assessed by culture, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and histopathologic evaluation. Animals treated with intraamniotic erythromycin had significantly less viable U parvum serovar 3 in the amniotic fluid at delivery. However, neither combination of maternal intramuscular and intraamniotic erythromycin treatment successfully cleared U parvum serovar 3 from the amniotic fluid or fetal tissues. Three de novo erythromycin-resistant U parvum isolates were identified in erythromycin-treated animals. Erythromycin treatment, given both to the ewe and into the amniotic cavity, fails to eradicate intrauterine and fetal U parvum serovar 3 infection and may lead to development of erythromycin resistant U parvum. Copyright © 2014 Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Reference values for respiratory rate in the first 3 years of life.

PubMed

Rusconi, F; Castagneto, M; Gagliardi, L; Leo, G; Pellegatta, A; Porta, N; Razon, S; Braga, M

1994-09-01

Raised respiratory rate is a useful sign to diagnose lower respiratory infections in childhood. However, the normal range for respiratory rate has not been defined in a proper, large sample. To assess the respiratory rate in a large number of infants and young children in order to construct percentile curves by age; to determine the repeatability to the assessment using a stethoscope and compare it with observation. Respiratory rate was recorded for 1 minute with a stethoscope in 618 infants and children, aged 15 days to 3 years old, without respiratory infections or any other severe disease when awake and calm and when asleep. In 50 subjects we compared respiratory rate taken 30 to 60 minutes apart to assess repeatability, and in 50 others we compared simultaneous counts obtained by stethoscope versus observation. Repeatability was good as the standard deviation of differences was 2.5 breaths/minute in awake and 1.7 breaths/minute in asleep children. Respiratory rate obtained with a stethoscope was systematically higher than that obtained by observation (mean difference 2.6 breaths/minute in awake and 1.8 breaths/minute in asleep children; P = .015 and P < .001, respectively). A decrease in respiratory rate with age was seen for both states, and it was faster in the first few months of life when also a greater dispersion of values was observed. A second degree polynomial curve accurately fitted the data. Reference percentile values were developed from these data. The repeatability of respiratory rate measured with a stethoscope was good. Percentile curves would be particularly helpful in the first months of life when the decline in respiratory rate is very rapid and prevents to use cut off values for defining "normality."

Certification of NIST standard reference material 2389a, amino acids in 0.1 mol/L HCl--quantification by ID LC-MS/MS.

PubMed

Lowenthal, Mark S; Yen, James; Bunk, David M; Phinney, Karen W

2010-05-01

An isotope-dilution liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (ID LC-MS/MS) measurement procedure was developed to accurately quantify amino acid concentrations in National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Standard Reference Material (SRM) 2389a-amino acids in 0.1 mol/L hydrochloric acid. Seventeen amino acids were quantified using selected reaction monitoring on a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer. LC-MS/MS results were compared to gravimetric measurements from the preparation of SRM 2389a-a reference material developed at NIST and intended for use in intra-laboratory calibrations and quality control. Quantitative mass spectrometry results and gravimetric values were statistically combined into NIST-certified mass fraction values with associated uncertainty estimates. Coefficients of variation (CV) for the repeatability of the LC-MS/MS measurements among amino acids ranged from 0.33% to 2.7% with an average CV of 1.2%. Average relative expanded uncertainty of the certified values including Types A and B uncertainties was 3.5%. Mean accuracy of the LC-MS/MS measurements with gravimetric preparation values agreed to within |1.1|% for all amino acids. NIST SRM 2389a will be available for characterization of routine methods for amino acid analysis and serves as a standard for higher-order measurement traceability. This is the first time an ID LC-MS/MS methodology has been applied for quantifying amino acids in a NIST SRM material.

Comparison of the compact dry TC method with the standard method ISO 21149:2006 for determining aerobic colony counts in cosmetic emulsion.

PubMed

De Vaugelade, S; Aime, M; Farcette, N; Maurel, E; Lacour, T; Thomas, C; Bouchonnet, S; Pirnay, S

2017-02-01

Compact Dry TC, a rapid method kit for determining aerobic colony counts, has been developed by Nissui Pharmaceutical Co. for food application. These plates are pre-sterilized and contain culture medium, a cold-soluble gelling agent and a colour redox indicator for rapid enumeration. In this study, the alternative method is compared with the standard method ISO 21149:2006 - Cosmetic - Microbiology - Enumeration and detection of aerobic mesophilic bacteria, for cosmetic emulsions application. An oil-in-water (o/w) cosmetic emulsion was contaminated with a pool of bacterial strains (Escherichia coli ATCC 8739, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 9027). One millilitre of samples was spread on agar as described in ISO 21149. The colonies were enumerated after 3 days of incubation. At the same time, 1.2 mL samples were spread on Compact Dry TC kits. The kit was incubated at 35°C ± 1°C for 48 h, and the colonies were enumerated. Accuracy determination was carried out using six replicates at four levels of concentrations (10, 50, 100 and 250 CFU mL -1 ). The repeatability study was carried out using 12 replicates at four levels of concentrations (10, 50, 100 and 250 CFU mL -1 ). Variations relative to the analyst and to the batch of emulsion have been investigated. The linear correlation coefficients of Compact Dry TC Kit enumeration with standard method ISO 21149:2006 was 0.9999. In comparison study, no apparent differences were noted between the Compact Dry TC kit and the reference method ISO 21149, for the detection level of aerobic microorganisms. Relative accuracy, repeatability and intermediate precision studies were acceptable. In the repeatability study, the Shapiro-Wilk test has confirmed the normally distribution of the twelve assays. No significant variations in Compact Dry TC count results were observed with different analysts and different batches of emulsion. The results showed that the two compared methods 'Compact Dry TC' vs. 'conventional pour plate' performed equally well. Demonstration was achieved that the Compact Dry TC method may constitute a useful alternative tool for rapid enumeration of aerobic mesophilic bacteria in cosmetic emulsions. © 2016 Society of Cosmetic Scientists and the Société Française de Cosmétologie.

Molecular architecture of classical cytological landmarks: Centromeres and telomeres

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

Meyne, J.

1994-11-01

Both the human telomere repeat and the pericentromeric repeat sequence (GGAAT)n were isolated based on evolutionary conservation. Their isolation was based on the premise that chromosomal features as structurally and functionally important as telomeres and centromeres should be highly conserved. Both sequences were isolated by high stringency screening of a human repetitive DNA library with rodent repetitive DNA. The pHuR library (plasmid Human Repeat) used for this project was enriched for repetitive DNA by using a modification of the standard DNA library preparation method. Usually DNA for a library is cut with restriction enzymes, packaged, infected, and the library ismore » screened. A problem with this approach is that many tandem repeats don`t have any (or many) common restriction sites. Therefore, many of the repeat sequences will not be represented in the library because they are not restricted to a viable length for the vector used. To prepare the pHuR library, human DNA was mechanically sheared to a small size. These relatively short DNA fragments were denatured and then renatured to C{sub o}t 50. Theoretically only repetitive DNA sequences should renature under C{sub o}t 50 conditions. The single-stranded regions were digested using S1 nuclease, leaving the double-stranded, renatured repeat sequences.« less

[Food hypersensitivity dermatitis in the dog: diagnostic possibilities].

PubMed

Wilhelm, S; Favrot, C

2005-04-01

Dogs with food hypersensitivity usually develop chronic pruritic dermatoses virtually indistinguishable from atopic dermatitis. These reactions are often called food allergy but the pathogenesis is poorly characterized. Several studies have addressed the incidence of canine adverse reactions to food but the outcomes were conflicting. The gold standard for the diagnosis of such a condition is the restricted dietary trial and the subsequent provocation challenge. Some attempts have been made to develop serological tests but none of these tests accurately predicted canine food sensitivity. The aim of the present study was to determine the incidence of food hypersensitivity dermatitis and to evaluate a newly developed serological test for the diagnosis of food allergy in dogs. Only 9% of 55 dogs with dermatological signs compatible with food hypersensitivity or atopic dermatitis have been diagnosed as food hypersensitive dogs. The repeatability of the serological test has shown to be insufficient.

Extravehicular activities limitations study. Volume 2: Establishment of physiological and performance criteria for EVA gloves

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ohara, John M.; Briganti, Michael; Cleland, John; Winfield, Dan

1988-01-01

One of the major probelms faced in Extravehicular Activity (EVA) glove development has been the absence of concise and reliable methods to measure the effects of EVA gloves on human hand capabilities. This report describes the development of a standardized set of tests designed to assess EVA-gloved hand capabilities in six measurement domains: Range of Motion, Strength, Tactile Perception, Dexterity, Fatigue, and Comfort. Based on an assessment of general human hand functioning and EVA task requirements several tests within each measurement domain were developed to provide a comprehensive evaluation. All tests were designed to be conducted in a glove box with the bare hand as a baseline and the EVA glove at operating pressure. A test program was conducted to evaluate the tests using a representative EVA glove. Eleven test subjects participated in a repeated-measures design. The report presents the results of the tests in each capability domain.

Development of structured ICD-10 and its application to computer-assisted ICD coding.

PubMed

Imai, Takeshi; Kajino, Masayuki; Sato, Megumi; Ohe, Kazuhiko

2010-01-01

This paper presents: (1) a framework of formal representation of ICD10, which functions as a bridge between ontological information and natural language expressions; and (2) a methodology to use formally described ICD10 for computer-assisted ICD coding. First, we analyzed and structurized the meanings of categories in 15 chapters of ICD10. Then we expanded the structured ICD10 (S-ICD10) by adding subordinate concepts and labels derived from Japanese Standard Disease Names. The information model to describe formal representation was refined repeatedly. The resultant model includes 74 types of semantic links. We also developed an ICD coding module based on S-ICD10 and a 'Coding Principle,' which achieved high accuracy (>70%) for four chapters. These results not only demonstrate the basic feasibility of our coding framework but might also inform the development of the information model for formal description framework in the ICD11 revision.

Refractory rheumatoid vasculitis

PubMed Central

Kumar, Ashok; Goel, Anshul; Lapsiwala, Mehul; Singhal, Suman

2016-01-01

Systemic rheumatoid vasculitis (SRV) can develop in rheumatoid arthritis of long duration and high disease activity. It most commonly manifests as cutaneous vasculitis and mononeuritis multiplex. This can involve any organ of the body and carries very high mortality. We report a case of a young male who had rheumatoid arthritis for the past 15 years and became refractory to standard drugs and anti-TNF agents. He subsequently developed SRV, which started as mononeuritis multiplex. Disease progressed to result in gangrene of hands and feet despite receiving intravenous cyclophosphamide. Intravenous immunoglobulin and rituximab also could not provide any response. Prolonged ICU stay resulted in critical care neuromyopathy. Central nervous system vasculitis developed even after repeated infusions of intravenous immunoglobulins and at last he died of complications. In this case report, we have presented rare and chronic protracted presentation of rheumatoid vasculitis involving skin, nerves, brain and testis, which was refractory to the recommended therapies. PMID:28031844

Cow-specific diet digestibility predictions based on near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy scans of faecal samples.

PubMed

Mehtiö, T; Rinne, M; Nyholm, L; Mäntysaari, P; Sairanen, A; Mäntysaari, E A; Pitkänen, T; Lidauer, M H

2016-04-01

This study was designed to obtain information on prediction of diet digestibility from near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) scans of faecal spot samples from dairy cows at different stages of lactation and to develop a faecal sampling protocol. NIRS was used to predict diet organic matter digestibility (OMD) and indigestible neutral detergent fibre content (iNDF) from faecal samples, and dry matter digestibility (DMD) using iNDF in feed and faecal samples as an internal marker. Acid-insoluble ash (AIA) as an internal digestibility marker was used as a reference method to evaluate the reliability of NIRS predictions. Feed and composite faecal samples were collected from 44 cows at approximately 50, 150 and 250 days in milk (DIM). The estimated standard deviation for cow-specific organic matter digestibility analysed by AIA was 12.3 g/kg, which is small considering that the average was 724 g/kg. The phenotypic correlation between direct faecal OMD prediction by NIRS and OMD by AIA over the lactation was 0.51. The low repeatability and small variability estimates for direct OMD predictions by NIRS were not accurate enough to quantify small differences in OMD between cows. In contrast to OMD, the repeatability estimates for DMD by iNDF and especially for direct faecal iNDF predictions were 0.32 and 0.46, respectively, indicating that developing of NIRS predictions for cow-specific digestibility is possible. A data subset of 20 cows with daily individual faecal samples was used to develop an on-farm sampling protocol. Based on the assessment of correlations between individual sample combinations and composite samples as well as repeatability estimates for individual sample combinations, we found that collecting up to three individual samples yields a representative composite sample. Collection of samples from all the cows of a herd every third month might be a good choice, because it would yield a better accuracy. © 2015 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.

DISINFECTION OF NEW WATER MAINS

EPA Science Inventory

The 'AWWA Standard for Disinfecting Water Mains' (AWWA C601-68) has fallen into disuse by a number of water utilities because of repeated bacteriological failures following initial disinfection with the recommended high-dose chlorination. Other methods of disinfection, including ...

Measurements of propeller noise in a light turboprop airplane

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wilby, J. F.; Wilby, E. G.

1987-01-01

In-flight acoustic measurements have been made on the exterior and interior of a twin-engined turboprop airplane under controlled conditions to study data repeatability. It is found that the variability of the harmonic sound pressure levels in the cabin is greater than that for the exterior sound pressure levels, typical values for the standard deviation being +2.0 dB and -4.2 dB for the interior, versus +1.4 dB and -2.3 dB for the exterior. When insertion losses are determined for acoustic treatments in the cabin, the standard deviations of the data are typically + or - 6.5 dB. It is concluded that additional factors, such as accurate and repeatable selection of relative phase between propellers, controlled cabin-air-temperatures, installation of baseline acoustic absorption, and measurement of aircraft attitude, should be considered in order to reduce uncertainty in the measured data.

Repeated forced-swimming test in intact female rats: behaviour, oestrous cycle and enriched environment.

PubMed

Domingues, Karolina; Spezia, Inaê; Theindl, Lais C; Suman, Patrick R; Lima, Fernanda B; Lino de Oliveira, Cilene

2018-03-27

Psychopharmacology used animal models to study the effects of drugs on brain and behaviour. The repeated forced-swimming test (rFST), which is used to assess the gradual effects of antidepressants on rat behaviour, was standardized only in males. Because of the known sex differences in rats, experimental conditions standardized for males may not apply to female rats. Therefore, the present work aimed to standardize experimental and housing conditions for the rFST in female rats. Young or adult Wistar female rats were housed in standard or enriched environments for different experimental periods. As assessed in tested and nontested females, all rats had reached sexual maturity by the time behavioural testing occurred. The rFST consisted of a 15-min session of forced swimming (pretest), followed by 5-min sessions at 1 (test), 7 (retest 1) and 14 days (retest 2) later. The oestrous cycle was registered immediately before every behavioural session. All sessions were videotaped for further analysis. The immobility time of female rats remained similar over the different sessions of rFST independent of the age, the phase of the oestrous cycle or the housing conditions. These data indicate that rFST in female Wistar rats may be reproducible in different experimental conditions.

Development of analog watch with minute repeater

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Okigami, Tomio; Aoyama, Shigeru; Osa, Takashi; Igarashi, Kiyotaka; Ikegami, Tomomi

A complementary metal oxide semiconductor with large scale integration was developed for an electronic minute repeater. It is equipped with the synthetic struck sound circuit to generate natural struck sound necessary for the minute repeater. This circuit consists of an envelope curve drawing circuit, frequency mixer, polyphonic mixer, and booster circuit made by using analog circuit technology. This large scale integration is a single chip microcomputer with motor drivers and input ports in addition to the synthetic struck sound circuit, and it is possible to make an electronic system of minute repeater at a very low cost in comparison with the conventional type.

Ensuring the reliability of stable isotope ratio data--beyond the principle of identical treatment.

PubMed

Carter, J F; Fry, B

2013-03-01

The need for inter-laboratory comparability is crucial to facilitate the globalisation of scientific networks and the development of international databases to support scientific and criminal investigations. This article considers what lessons can be learned from a series of inter-laboratory comparison exercises organised by the Forensic Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (FIRMS) network in terms of reference materials (RMs), the management of data quality, and technical limitations. The results showed that within-laboratory precision (repeatability) was generally good but between-laboratory accuracy (reproducibility) called for improvements. This review considers how stable isotope laboratories can establish a system of quality control (QC) and quality assurance (QA), emphasising issues of repeatability and reproducibility. For results to be comparable between laboratories, measurements must be traceable to the international δ-scales and, because isotope ratio measurements are reported relative to standards, a key aspect is the correct selection, calibration, and use of international and in-house RMs. The authors identify four principles which promote good laboratory practice. The principle of identical treatment by which samples and RMs are processed in an identical manner and which incorporates three further principles; the principle of identical correction (by which necessary corrections are identified and evenly applied), the principle of identical scaling (by which data are shifted and stretched to the international δ-scales), and the principle of error detection by which QC and QA results are monitored and acted upon. To achieve both good repeatability and good reproducibility it is essential to obtain RMs with internationally agreed δ-values. These RMs will act as the basis for QC and can be used to calibrate further in-house QC RMs tailored to the activities of specific laboratories. In-house QA standards must also be developed to ensure that QC-based calibrations and corrections lead to accurate results for samples. The δ-values assigned to RMs must be recorded and reported with all data. Reference materials must be used to determine what corrections are necessary for measured data. Each analytical sequence of samples must include both QC and QA materials which are subject to identical treatment during measurement and data processing. Results for these materials must be plotted, monitored, and acted upon. Periodically international RMs should be analysed as an in-house proficiency test to demonstrate results are accurate.

Intercomparison of Laboratory Radiance Calibration Standards

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pavri, Betina; Chrien, Tom; Green, Robert; Williams, Orlesa

2000-01-01

Several standards for radiometric calibration were measured repeatedly with a spectroradiometer in order to understand how they compared in accuracy and stability. The tested radiance standards included a NIST 1000 W bulb and halon panel, two calibrated and stabilized integrating spheres, and a cavity blackbody. Results indicate good agreement between the blackbody and 1000 W bulb/spectralon panel, If these two radiance sources are assumed correct, then the integrating spheres did not conform. to their manufacturer-reported radiances in several regions of the spectrum. More detailed measurements am underway to investigate the discrepancy.

Isoflurane anesthesia has long-term consequences on motor and behavioral development in infant rhesus macaques

PubMed Central

Coleman, Kristine; Robertson, Nicola D.; Dissen, Gregory A.; Neuringer, Martha D.; Martin, L. Drew; Cuzon Carlson, Verginia C.; Kroenke, Christopher; Fair, Damien; Brambrink, Ansgar

2016-01-01

Background Experimental evidence correlates anesthetic exposure during early development with neuronal and glial injury and death as well as behavioral and cognitive impairments in young animals. Several, although not all, retrospective human studies of neurocognitive and behavioral disorders following childhood exposure to anesthesia suggest a similar association. Few studies have specifically investigated the effects of infant anesthesia exposure on subsequent neurobehavioral development. Using a highly translational nonhuman primate model, we investigated the potential dose-dependent effects of anesthesia across the first year of development. Methods We examined effects of single or multiple early postnatal isoflurane exposures on subsequent behavioral development in 24 socially reared rhesus macaques. Infants were exposed to 5-h of isoflurane anesthesia either once, three times, or not at all (control). We assessed reflex development and anxiety using standardized tests. At approximately one year, infants (n=23) were weaned and housed indoors with 5-6 other subjects. We recorded their response to this move and re-assessed anxiety. Results Compared to controls, animals exposed to repeated isoflurane (ISO-3) presented with motor reflex deficits at 1 month (median, range: ISO-3= 2 [1–5] versus control= 5 [3–7], p<0.005) and responded to their new social environment with increased anxiety (median, range: ISO-3=0.4 bouts/minute [0.2–0.6]; control= 0.25 [0.1–0.3], p,0.05) and affiliative/appeasement behavior (median, range: ISO-3=0.1 bouts/min [0–0.2]; control= 0 [0–0.1], p<0.01) at 12 months. There were no statistically significant behavioral alterations after single isoflurane exposure. Conclusions Neonatal exposure to isoflurane, particularly when repeated, has long-term behavioral consequences affecting both motor and socio-emotional aspects of behavior. PMID:27749311

Facilitating the Development and Evaluation of a Citizen Science Web Site: A Case Study of Repeat Photography and Climate Change in Southwest Alaska's National Parks

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mullen, Karina C.; Newman, Gregory; Thompson, Jessica L.

2013-01-01

Interviews with national park visitors across the country revealed that climate change education through place-based, hands-on learning using repeat photographs and technology is appealing to park visitors. This manuscript provides a summary of the development of a repeat photography citizen science Web site for national parks in Southwest Alaska.…

Reperfusion response changes induced by repeated, sustained contractions in normal human masseter muscle.

PubMed

Aizawa, Shigeru; Tsukiyama, Yoshihiro; Koyano, Kiyoshi; Clark, Glenn T

2002-07-01

The purpose was to evaluate the intramuscular reperfusion response characteristics associated with repeated isometric contractions in normal human masseter. Intramuscular blood volume was quantified with a near-infrared spectroscopic device that measured the total haemoglobin (Hb) concentration in the muscle. Electromyographic (EMG) activity from the masseter and total bite forces were also recorded. Sixteen healthy volunteers, eight females and eight males, without masticatory muscle pain participated. They were asked first to clench their teeth for as long as possible at 50% of their maximum voluntary contraction (MVC). This was followed by a 60s rest and then immediately by a standard clenching task (50% MVC for 30s) and a 60s recovery period, immediately after which they were asked to repeat exactly the same procedure, with a final 5 min recovery period after the second 30s contraction. Bite force, EMG and Hb concentration were measured continuously and the duration of the two endurance tasks and the amplitudes of all recorded signals were compared (first trial versus second trial). Specifically, the difference between the lowest Hb (trough) seen during the standardised 30s contractions and the highest (peak) seen just after them was assessed. The trough-to-peak difference in Hb concentration of the second standard contraction task was significantly smaller than that of the first standard task (P<0.05, paired t-test). These data show that with sustained effort the post-contraction vasodilatory reperfusion responses of the human masseter are diminished, suggesting a progressive desensitisation of the vasodilatory system.

Influence of the freezing method on the changes that occur in grape samples after frozen storage.

PubMed

Santesteban, Luis G; Miranda, Carlos; Royo, José B

2013-09-01

Sample freezing is frequently used in oenological laboratories as a compromise solution to increase the number of samples that can be analysed, despite the fact that some grape characteristics are known to change after frozen storage. However, freezing is usually performed using standard freezers, which provide a slow freezing. The aim of this work was to evaluate whether blast freezing would decrease the impact of standard freezing on grape composition. Grape quality parameters were assessed in fresh and in frozen stored samples that had been frozen using three different procedures: standard freezing and blast freezing using either a blast freezer or an ultra-freezer. The implications of frozen storage in grape samples reported in earlier research were observed for the three freezing methods evaluated. Although blast freezing improved repeatability for the most problematic parameters (tartaric acidity, TarA; total phenolics, TP), the improvement was not important from a practical point of view. However, TarA and TP were relatively repeatable among the three freezing procedures, which suggests that freezing had an effect on these parameters independently of the method used . According to our results, the salification potential of the must is probably implied in the changes observed for TarA, whereas for TP the precipitation of protoanthocyanins after association with cell wall material is hypothesized to cause the lack of repeatability between fresh and frozen grapes. Blast freezing would not imply a great improvement if implemented in oenological laboratories, at least for the parameters included in this study. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry.

Tuboimpedance: A New Test of Eustachian Tube Function.

PubMed

Smith, Matthew E; Zou, Charlie C; Blythe, Andrew J C; Tysome, James R

2017-04-01

Objective Eustachian tube (ET) dysfunction is most frequently caused by a failure of the ET to adequately open; however, there is currently no reliable method of assessing this. Tubomanometry has recently shown good interindividual repeatability as a measure of ET function by measuring middle ear pressure after the application of regulated nasopharyngeal pressures during swallowing. We present the first reports of a novel test: middle ear impedance measurements during standard nasopharyngeal pressure application (tuboimpedance). We assess repeatability in healthy ears and any advantages over tubomanometry. Study Design Exploratory cohort diagnosis study. Setting Tertiary referral center. Subjects Twenty screened, healthy ears (10 volunteers). Methods Tubomanometry and tuboimpedance tests were performed while individuals swallowed with applied nasopharyngeal pressures of 20, 30, 40, and 50 mbar. Eustachian tube opening detection rate and test repeatability (measured by intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC]) for immediate and delayed repeats at each pressure were compared. Results ET opening was detected more frequently using tuboimpedance, with a 100% detection rate using a nasopharyngeal pressure of 30 mbar or more, compared to 88% to 96% with tubomanometry. Detection of ET opening at 20 mbar was possible with tuboimpedance. Repeatability of both tests was mostly strong (ICC >0.7) for both immediate and delayed repeats. Repeatability for the tubomanometry R value was only fair to moderate. Conclusion Tuboimpedance may provide a repeatable measure of ET opening that is easier to perform due to lower nasopharyngeal pressures required and fewer issues with poor ear-probe sealing. Further assessment in patients with different forms of ET dysfunction is required.

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

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

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

Repeatability of the Oxford Foot Model in children with foot deformity.

PubMed

McCahill, Jennifer; Stebbins, Julie; Koning, Bart; Harlaar, Jaap; Theologis, Tim

2018-03-01

The Oxford Foot Model (OFM) is a multi-segment, kinematic model developed to assess foot motion. It has previously been assessed for repeatability in healthy populations. To determine the OFM's reliability for detecting foot deformity, it is important to know repeatability in pathological conditions. The aim of the study was to assess the repeatability of the OFM in children with foot deformity. Intra-tester repeatability was assessed for 45 children (15 typically developing, 15 hemiplegic, 15 clubfoot). Inter-tester repeatability was assessed in the clubfoot population. The mean absolute differences between testers (clubfoot) and sessions (clubfoot and hemiplegic) were calculated for each of 15 clinically relevant, kinematic variables and compared to typically developing children. Children with clubfoot showed a mean difference between visits of 2.9° and a mean difference between raters of 3.6° Mean absolute differences were within one degree for the intra and inter-rater reliability in 12/15 variables. Hindfoot rotation, forefoot/tibia abduction and forefoot supination were the most variable between testers. Overall the clubfoot data were less variable than the typically developing population. Children with hemiplegia demonstrated slightly higher differences between sessions (mean 4.1°), with the most reliable data in the sagittal plane, and largest differences in the transverse plane. The OFM was designed to measure different types of foot deformity. The results of this study show that it provides repeatable results in children with foot deformity. To be distinguished from measurement artifact, changes in foot kinematics as a result of intervention or natural progression over time must be greater than the repeatability reported here. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Micro-mass standards to calibrate the sensitivity of mass comparators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Madec, Tanguy; Mann, Gaëlle; Meury, Paul-André; Rabault, Thierry

2007-10-01

In mass metrology, the standards currently used are calibrated by a chain of comparisons, performed using mass comparators, that extends ultimately from the international prototype (which is the definition of the unit of mass) to the standards in routine use. The differences measured in the course of these comparisons become smaller and smaller as the standards approach the definitions of their units, precisely because of how accurately they have been adjusted. One source of uncertainty in the determination of the difference of mass between the mass compared and the reference mass is the sensitivity error of the comparator used. Unfortunately, in the market there are no mass standards small enough (of the order of a few hundreds of micrograms) for a valid evaluation of this source of uncertainty. The users of these comparators therefore have no choice but to rely on the characteristics claimed by the makers of the comparators, or else to determine this sensitivity error at higher values (at least 1 mg) and interpolate from this result to smaller differences of mass. For this reason, the LNE decided to produce and calibrate micro-mass standards having nominal values between 100 µg and 900 µg. These standards were developed, then tested in multiple comparisons on an A5 type automatic comparator. They have since been qualified and calibrated in a weighing design, repeatedly and over an extended period of time, to establish their stability with respect to oxidation and the harmlessness of the handling and storage procedure associated with their use. Finally, the micro-standards so qualified were used to characterize the sensitivity errors of two of the LNE's mass comparators, including the one used to tie France's Platinum reference standard (Pt 35) to stainless steel and superalloy standards.

Investigation of vinegar production using a novel shaken repeated batch culture system.

PubMed

Schlepütz, Tino; Büchs, Jochen

2013-01-01

Nowadays, bioprocesses are developed or optimized on small scale. Also, vinegar industry is motivated to reinvestigate the established repeated batch fermentation process. As yet, there is no small-scale culture system for optimizing fermentation conditions for repeated batch bioprocesses. Thus, the aim of this study is to propose a new shaken culture system for parallel repeated batch vinegar fermentation. A new operation mode - the flushing repeated batch - was developed. Parallel repeated batch vinegar production could be established in shaken overflow vessels in a completely automated operation with only one pump per vessel. This flushing repeated batch was first theoretically investigated and then empirically tested. The ethanol concentration was online monitored during repeated batch fermentation by semiconductor gas sensors. It was shown that the switch from one ethanol substrate quality to different ethanol substrate qualities resulted in prolonged lag phases and durations of the first batches. In the subsequent batches the length of the fermentations decreased considerably. This decrease in the respective lag phases indicates an adaptation of the acetic acid bacteria mixed culture to the specific ethanol substrate quality. Consequently, flushing repeated batch fermentations on small scale are valuable for screening fermentation conditions and, thereby, improving industrial-scale bioprocesses such as vinegar production in terms of process robustness, stability, and productivity. Copyright © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers.

Repeatability of circadian behavioural variation revealed in free-ranging marine fish.

PubMed

Alós, Josep; Martorell-Barceló, Martina; Campos-Candela, Andrea

2017-02-01

Repeatable between-individual differences in the behavioural manifestation of underlying circadian rhythms determine chronotypes in humans and terrestrial animals. Here, we have repeatedly measured three circadian behaviours, awakening time, rest onset and rest duration, in the free-ranging pearly razorfish, Xyrithchys novacula , facilitated by acoustic tracking technology and hidden Markov models. In addition, daily travelled distance, a standard measure of daily activity as fish personality trait, was repeatedly assessed using a State-Space Model. We have decomposed the variance of these four behavioural traits using linear mixed models and estimated repeatability scores ( R ) while controlling for environmental co-variates: year of experimentation, spatial location of the activity, fish size and gender and their interactions. Between- and within-individual variance decomposition revealed significant R s in all traits suggesting high predictability of individual circadian behavioural variation and the existence of chronotypes. The decomposition of the correlations among chronotypes and the personality trait studied here into between- and within-individual correlations did not reveal any significant correlation at between-individual level. We therefore propose circadian behavioural variation as an independent axis of the fish personality, and the study of chronotypes and their consequences as a novel dimension in understanding within-species fish behavioural diversity.

TU-G-204-05: The Effects of CT Acquisition and Reconstruction Conditions On Computed Texture Feature Values of Lung Lesions

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

Lo, P; Young, S; Kim, G

2015-06-15

Purpose: Texture features have been investigated as a biomarker of response and malignancy. Because these features reflect local differences in density, they may be influenced by acquisition and reconstruction parameters. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of radiation dose level and reconstruction method on features derived from lung lesions. Methods: With IRB approval, 33 lung tumor cases were identified from clinically indicated thoracic CT scans in which the raw projection (sinogram) data were available. Based on a previously-published technique, noise was added to the raw data to simulate reduced-dose versions of each case at 25%, 10%more » and 3% of the original dose. Original and simulated reduced dose projection data were reconstructed with conventional and two iterative-reconstruction settings, yielding 12 combinations of dose/recon conditions. One lesion from each case was contoured. At the reference condition (full dose, conventional recon), 17 lesions were randomly selected for repeat contouring (repeatability). For each lesion at each dose/recon condition, 151 texture measures were calculated. A paired differences approach was employed to compare feature variation from repeat contours at the reference condition to the variation observed in other dose/recon conditions (reproducibility). The ratio of standard deviation of the reproducibility to repeatability was used as the variation measure for each feature. Results: The mean variation (standard deviation) across dose levels and kernel was significantly different with a ratio of 2.24 (±5.85) across texture features (p=0.01). The mean variation (standard deviation) across dose levels with conventional recon was also significantly different with 2.30 (7.11) (p=0.025). The mean variation across reconstruction settings of original dose has a trend in showing difference with 1.35 (2.60) among all features (p=0.09). Conclusion: Texture features varied considerably with variations in dose and reconstruction condition. Care should be taken to standardize these conditions when using texture as a quantitative feature. This effort supported in part by a grant from the National Cancer Institute’s Quantitative Imaging Network (QIN): U01 CA181156; The UCLA Department of Radiology has a Master Research Agreement with Siemens Healthcare; Dr. McNitt-Gray has previously received research support from Siemens Healthcare.« less

Evaluation of a device for standardized measurements of reading performance in a prepresbyopic population.

PubMed

Arad, Tschingis; Baumeister, Martin; Bühren, Jens; Kohnen, Thomas

2017-04-20

Automated measurements of reading performance are required for clinical trials involving presbyopia-correcting surgery options. Repeatability of a testing device for reading (Salzburg Reading Desk) was evaluated in a prepresbyopic population. Subjective reading performance of 50 subjects divided into 2 age groups (23-30 years and 38-49 years) with distance-corrected eyes was investigated with different log-scaled reading charts. At study entry, refractive parameters were measured and distance visual acuity assessed. Two standardized binocular measurements were performed for each subject (32.24 ± 9.87 days apart [mean ± SD]). The repeatability of the tests was estimated using correlation coefficients, Wilcoxon signed-rank test, and Bland-Altman method. The test parameters at both maximum reading rate (MRR) measurements demonstrate a strong relationship of age group 2 subjects (correlation coefficient [r] = 0.74 p = 10-4) and of younger subjects (age group 1: r = 0.69, p = 10-4). Prepresbyopic subjects of age group 2 showed moderate results for near reading distance (r = 0.67, p = 10-4); by contrast, younger subjects had poorer results (r = 0.55, p = 10-3). The Wilcoxon signed-rank test revealed agreement between measurements and Bland-Altman plots showed a wide data spread for MRR and near reading distance in both groups. The device measures repeatedly selected reading performance parameters of near real world conditions, such as MRR, in prepresbyopic populations if several factors are taken into account. The option to choose preferred distance leads to more variance in measuring repeated reading performance. German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS) registration reference number: DRKS00000784.

Field evaluation of two commonly used slipmeters.

PubMed

Chang, Wen-Ruey; Cotnam, John P; Matz, Simon

2003-01-01

A variety of slipmeters have been used to assess the slipperiness of floor surfaces. International standards for the operation of slipmeters describe the protocol for a single measurement. These standards usually do not cover some of the critical elements in safety assessment such as methods for the selection of measurement locations and the necessary number of repeated measurements at each location. Furthermore, most of the slipmeters were evaluated in laboratory settings with new floor surfaces and artificial contaminants. Two commonly used slipmeters, the Brungraber Mark II and the English XL, were evaluated at actual worksites in this experiment. Four floor tiles in each of four different work areas in the kitchens of 18 fast food restaurants were selected for repeated measurements with these two slipmeters. The results indicated that sanding of footwear materials has a significant effect on the outcomes of friction measurements, and the tile-to-tile variations in friction in the same areas of restaurants were also mostly statistically significant. Significant local variation in friction among tiles in the same area could potentially increase the chances of slip and fall incidents. Both slipmeters used in this experiment could potentially have problems in the areas with grease, such as grill and fryer areas, since the build-up of grease during repeated strikes could alter the outcome of friction measured.

Analysis of pelvic rotation on the standard hip ventrodorsal extended radiographic view.

PubMed

Martins, João; Colaço, Bruno J; Ferreira, António J; Ginja, Mário M

2016-01-01

To study the symmetry of the iliac horizontal diameter (IHD) maximum obturator foramen width (OFW), ischiatic femoral overlap (IFO), pelvic horizontal radius (PHR), femoral head diameter (FHD), and obturator foramen area (OFA) parameters in the normal hip extended radiographic view and to evaluate the correlation of pelvic rotation with the magnitude of asymmetry of these parameters. Nine canine cadavers from adult, large and giant breeds were radiographed in standard hip extended views and with 2°, 4° and 6° degrees of rotation. The variables IHD, OFW, IFO, PHR, FHD, and OFA were analysed in radiographs. The IHD measurements exhibited repeatability, bilateral symmetry and 95% of confidence interval of asymmetry in different pelvic rotations without superposition (p <0.05); OFW and IFO exhibited repeatability, bilateral symmetry and a small superposition in 95% of confidence interval of asymmetry according different pelvic rotations; PHR, FHD and OFA exhibited repeatability, bilateral symmetry and unacceptable superposition in 95% of confidence interval of asymmetry depending on pelvic rotation. The IHD is the recommended variable and OFW is an acceptable variable in order to evaluate slight pelvic rotation. The data may be used in qualitative analyses of hip extended radiographic views. In the future, complementary studies should be performed to evaluate the impact of degree of pelvic rotation on the hip dysplasia score.

Email consultations in general practice.

PubMed

Neville, Ron G; Marsden, Wendy; McCowan, Colin; Pagliari, Claudia; Mullen, Helen; Fannin, Allison

2004-01-01

Email is an established method of communication in business, leisure and education but not yet health care. To evaluate an email service enabling communication between patients and their general practice regarding repeat prescriptions, appointment booking and clinical enquiries. Qualitative analysis of interactions and an electronic user survey. An urban practice in Dundee, Scotland. 150 patients aged 24 to 85. We set up a practice facility to allow our patients to use email to book appointments, order repeat prescriptions and consult their general practitioner (GP). Patient satisfaction with the service was very high. Patients specifically commended the practice for setting up a facility to allow communication outside standard working hours and for the ease of ordering repeat prescriptions. Patients were pleased to have a means of seeking their doctor's comment or opinion without bothering him or her by making and attending a formal face-to-face consultation. Email dialogue was polite, factual, but less formal than standard letters. Staff did not experience any perceptible rise in workload. Use of an email consultation facility worked well within an urban practice, was deemed helpful by patients, and resulted in no apparent increase in GP workload. Our results suggest that there may be an unmet need amongst patients for clinical email services, and that such services may have positive outcomes for patients and practices.

Validation of Fourier analysis of videokeratographic data.

PubMed

Sideroudi, Haris; Labiris, Georgios; Ditzel, Fienke; Tsaragli, Efi; Georgatzoglou, Kimonas; Siganos, Haralampos; Kozobolis, Vassilios

2017-06-15

The aim was to assess the repeatability of Fourier transfom analysis of videokeratographic data using Pentacam in normal (CG), keratoconic (KC) and post-CXL (CXL) corneas. This was a prospective, clinic-based, observational study. One randomly selected eye from all study participants was included in the analysis: 62 normal eyes (CG group), 33 keratoconus eyes (KC group), while 34 eyes, which had already received CXL treatment, formed the CXL group. Fourier analysis of keratometric data were obtained using Pentacam, by two different operators within each of two sessions. Precision, repeatability and Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC), were calculated for evaluating intrassesion and intersession repeatability for the following parameters: Spherical Component (SphRmin, SphEcc), Maximum Decentration (Max Dec), Regular Astigmatism, and Irregularitiy (Irr). Bland-Altman analysis was used for assessing interobserver repeatability. All parameters were presented to be repeatable, reliable and reproductible in all groups. Best intrasession and intersession repeatability and reliability were detected for parameters SphRmin, SphEcc and Max Dec parameters for both operators using ICC (intrasession: ICC > 98%, intersession: ICC > 94.7%) and within subject standard deviation. Best precision and lowest range of agreement was found for the SphRmin parameter (CG: 0.05, KC: 0.16, and CXL: 0.2) in all groups, while the lowest repeatability, reliability and reproducibility was detected for the Irr parameter. The Pentacam system provides accurate measurements of Fourier tranform keratometric data. A single Pentacam scan will be sufficient for most clinical applications.

USGS Imagery Applications During Disaster Response After Recent Earthquakes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hudnut, K. W.; Brooks, B. A.; Glennie, C. L.; Finnegan, D. C.

2015-12-01

It is not only important to rapidly characterize surface fault rupture and related ground deformation after an earthquake, but also to repeatedly make observations following an event to forecast fault afterslip. These data may also be used by other agencies to monitor progress on damage repairs and restoration efforts by emergency responders and the public. Related requirements include repeatedly obtaining reference or baseline imagery before a major disaster occurs, as well as maintaining careful geodetic control on all imagery in a time series so that absolute georeferencing may be applied to the image stack through time. In addition, repeated post-event imagery acquisition is required, generally at a higher repetition rate soon after the event, then scaled back to less frequent acquisitions with time, to capture phenomena (such as fault afterslip) that are known to have rates that decrease rapidly with time. For example, lidar observations acquired before and after the South Napa earthquake of 2014, used in our extensive post-processing work that was funded primarily by FEMA, aided in the accurate forecasting of fault afterslip. Lidar was used to independently validate and verify the official USGS afterslip forecast. In order to keep pace with rapidly evolving technology, a development pipeline must be established and maintained to continually test and incorporate new sensors, while adapting these new components to the existing platform and linking them to the existing base software system, and then sequentially testing the system as it evolves. Improvements in system performance by incremental upgrades of system components and software are essential. Improving calibration parameters and thereby progressively eliminating artifacts requires ongoing testing, research and development. To improve the system, we have formed an interdisciplinary team with common interests and diverse sources of support. We share expertise and leverage funding while effectively and rapidly improving our system, which includes the sensor package and software for all steps in acquiring, processing and differencing repeat-pass lidar and electro-optical imagery, and the GRiD metadata and point cloud database standard, already used during disaster response surge events by other agencies (e.g., during Hurricane Sandy in 2012).

[Treatment of the infected wound with exposed silver-ring vascular graft and delayed Thiersch method of skin transplant covering ].

PubMed

Nenezić, Dragoslav; Pandaitan, Simon; Ilijevski, Nenad; Matić, Predrag; Gajin, Predag; Radak, Dorde

2005-01-01

Although the incidence of prosthetic infection is low (1%-6%), the consequences (limb loss or death) are dramatic for a patient, with high mortality rate (25%-75%) and limb loss in 40%-75% of cases. In case of Szilagyi's grade III infection, standard procedure consists of the excision of prosthesis and wound debridement. Alternative method is medical treatment. This is a case report of a patient with prosthetic infection of Silver-ring graft, used for femoropopliteal reconstruction, in whom an extreme skin necrosis developed in early postoperative period. This complication was successfully treated medically. After repeated debridement and wound-packing, the wound was covered using Thiersch skin graft.

Single-shot imaging of trapped Fermi gas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gajda, Mariusz; Mostowski, Jan; Sowiński, Tomasz; Załuska-Kotur, Magdalena

2016-07-01

Recently developed techniques allow for simultaneous measurements of the positions of all ultra-cold atoms in a trap with high resolution. Each such single-shot experiment detects one element of the quantum ensemble formed by the cloud of atoms. Repeated single-shot measurements can be used to determine all correlations between particle positions as opposed to standard measurements that determine particle density or two-particle correlations only. In this paper we discuss the possible outcomes of such single-shot measurements in the case of cloud of ultra-cold noninteracting Fermi atoms. We show that the Pauli exclusion principle alone leads to correlations between particle positions that originate from unexpected spatial structures formed by the atoms.

The association of ADHD symptoms and reading acquisition during elementary school years.

PubMed

Ehm, Jan-Henning; Kerner Auch Koerner, Julia; Gawrilow, Caterina; Hasselhorn, Marcus; Schmiedek, Florian

2016-09-01

The present longitudinal study aimed to investigate the influence of ADHD symptoms on reading development in elementary schoolchildren. To this end, repeated assessments of ADHD symptoms (teacher ratings of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity) and reading achievement (standardized tests of decoding speed and text comprehension) were examined in a sample comprising 2,014 elementary schoolchildren at the end of Grades 1, 2, 3, respectively, and in the middle of Grade 4. Latent change score models revealed that the level of ADHD symptoms was associated with lower levels and less growth in decoding speed and text comprehension. Furthermore, individual differences in changes in ADHD symptoms and reading performance were negatively associated. Together, these results indicate commonalities in the development of ADHD symptomatology and reading achievement throughout elementary school. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved).

A new software for prediction of femoral neck fractures.

PubMed

Testi, Debora; Cappello, Angelo; Sgallari, Fiorella; Rumpf, Martin; Viceconti, Marco

2004-08-01

Femoral neck fractures are an important clinical, social and economic problem. Even if many different attempts have been carried out to improve the accuracy predicting the fracture risk, it was demonstrated in retrospective studies that the standard clinical protocol achieves an accuracy of about 65%. A new procedure was developed including for the prediction not only bone mineral density but also geometric and femoral strength information and achieving an accuracy of about 80% in a previous retrospective study. Aim of the present work was to re-engineer research-based procedures and develop a real-time software for the prediction of the risk for femoral fracture. The result was efficient, repeatable and easy to use software for the evaluation of the femoral neck fracture risk to be inserted in the daily clinical practice providing a useful tool for the improvement of fracture prediction.

Modified Linnik microscopic interferometry for quantitative depth evaluation of diffraction-limited microgroove

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ye, Shiwei; Takahashi, Satoru; Michihata, Masaki; Takamasu, Kiyoshi

2018-05-01

The quality control of microgrooves is extremely crucial to ensure the performance and stability of microstructures and improve their fabrication efficiency. This paper introduces a novel optical inspection method and a modified Linnik microscopic interferometer measurement system to detect the depth of microgrooves with a width less than the diffraction limit. Using this optical method, the depth of diffraction-limited microgrooves can be related to the near-field optical phase difference, which cannot be practically observed but can be computed from practical far-field observations. Thus, a modified Linnik microscopic interferometer system based on three identical objective lenses and an optical path reversibility principle were developed. In addition, experiments for standard grating microgrooves on the silicon surface were carried out to demonstrate the feasibility and repeatability of the proposed method and developed measurement system.

Pharmaceutics, Drug Delivery and Pharmaceutical Technology: A New Test Unit for Disintegration End-Point Determination of Orodispersible Films.

PubMed

Low, Ariana; Kok, Si Ling; Khong, Yuetmei; Chan, Sui Yung; Gokhale, Rajeev

2015-11-01

No standard time or pharmacopoeia disintegration test method for orodispersible films (ODFs) exists. The USP disintegration test for tablets and capsules poses significant challenges for end-point determination when used for ODFs. We tested a newly developed disintegration test unit (DTU) against the USP disintegration test. The DTU is an accessory to the USP disintegration apparatus. It holds the ODF in a horizontal position, allowing top-view of the ODF during testing. A Gauge R&R study was conducted to assign relative contributions of the total variability from the operator, sample or the experimental set-up. Precision was compared using commercial ODF products in different media. Agreement between the two measurement methods was analysed. The DTU showed improved repeatability and reproducibility compared to the USP disintegration system with tighter standard deviations regardless of operator or medium. There is good agreement between the two methods, with the USP disintegration test giving generally longer disintegration times possibly due to difficulty in end-point determination. The DTU provided clear end-point determination and is suitable for quality control of ODFs during product developmental stage or manufacturing. This may facilitate the development of a standardized methodology for disintegration time determination of ODFs. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association J Pharm Sci 104:3893-3903, 2015. Copyright © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association.

Soiling of building envelope surfaces and its effect on solar reflectance – Part III: Interlaboratory study of an accelerated aging method for roofing materials

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

Sleiman, Mohamad; Chen, Sharon; Gilbert, Haley E.

A laboratory method to simulate natural exposure of roofing materials has been reported in a companion article. Here in the current article, we describe the results of an international, nine-participant interlaboratory study (ILS) conducted in accordance with ASTM Standard E691-09 to establish the precision and reproducibility of this protocol. The accelerated soiling and weathering method was applied four times by each laboratory to replicate coupons of 12 products representing a wide variety of roofing categories (single-ply membrane, factory-applied coating (on metal), bare metal, field-applied coating, asphalt shingle, modified-bitumen cap sheet, clay tile, and concrete tile). Participants reported initial and laboratory-agedmore » values of solar reflectance and thermal emittance. Measured solar reflectances were consistent within and across eight of the nine participating laboratories. Measured thermal emittances reported by six participants exhibited comparable consistency. For solar reflectance, the accelerated aging method is both repeatable and reproducible within an acceptable range of standard deviations: the repeatability standard deviation sr ranged from 0.008 to 0.015 (relative standard deviation of 1.2–2.1%) and the reproducibility standard deviation sR ranged from 0.022 to 0.036 (relative standard deviation of 3.2–5.8%). The ILS confirmed that the accelerated aging method can be reproduced by multiple independent laboratories with acceptable precision. In conclusion, this study supports the adoption of the accelerated aging practice to speed the evaluation and performance rating of new cool roofing materials.« less

Effectiveness of adaptive pretend play on affective expression and imagination of children with cerebral palsy.

PubMed

Hsieh, Hsieh-Chun

2012-01-01

Children with cerebral palsy (CP) have difficulty participating in role-pretending activities. The concept of adaptive play makes play accessible by modifying play materials for different needs or treatment goals for children with CP. This study examines the affective expressions and imagination in children with CP as a function of ordinary versus adaptive pretend play. The Affect in Play Scale-Brief Rating measured the affective expression and imagination for 29 children with CP and 29 typically developing children (mean age=7.34 years). Two groups of children were observed while playing with a standard set of ordinary toys for ten times and with a standard procedure of adaptive pretend play for ten times. The results show significantly different affective expressions and imagination between the two groups. Typically developing children displayed much more affective expression and imagination. However, a more positive influence of affective expression and imagination occurred in children with CP than in typically developing children. In repeated measures analysis, the frequency of positive affective expression and imagination of children with CP was higher when pretending with adaptive toys. Adaptive pretend play can promote more role-pretending behaviors and a sense of environmental control during the manipulating process for children with CP. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Approaches and considerations for the assessment of immunotoxicity for environmental chemicals: a workshop summary.

PubMed

Boverhof, Darrell R; Ladics, Greg; Luebke, Bob; Botham, Jane; Corsini, Emanuela; Evans, Ellen; Germolec, Dori; Holsapple, Michael; Loveless, Scott E; Lu, Haitian; van der Laan, Jan Willem; White, Kimber L; Yang, Yung

2014-02-01

As experience is gained with toxicology testing and as new assays and technologies are developed, it is critical for stakeholders to discuss opportunities to advance our overall testing strategies. To facilitate these discussions, a workshop on practices for assessing immunotoxicity for environmental chemicals was held with the goal of sharing perspectives on immunotoxicity testing strategies and experiences, developmental immunotoxicity (DIT), and integrated and alternative approaches to immunotoxicity testing. Experiences across the chemical and pharmaceutical industries suggested that standard toxicity studies, combined with triggered-based testing approaches, represent an effective and efficient approach to evaluate immunotoxic potential. Additionally, discussions on study design, critical windows, and new guideline approaches and experiences identified important factors to consider before initiating DIT evaluations including assay choice and timing and the impact of existing adult data. Participants agreed that integrating endpoints into standard repeat-dose studies should be considered for fulfilling any immunotoxicity testing requirements, while also maximizing information and reducing animal use. Participants also acknowledged that in vitro evaluation of immunosuppression is complex and may require the use of multiple assays that are still being developed. These workshop discussions should contribute to developing an effective but more resource and animal efficient approach for evaluating chemical immunotoxicity. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

[Nursing knowledge: the evolution of scientific philosophies and paradigm trends].

PubMed

Hung, Hsuan-Man; Wang, Hui-Ling; Chang, Yun-Hsuan; Chen, Chung-Hey

2010-02-01

Different aspects of philosophy are derived from different paradigms that contain various main points, some of which are repeated or overlap. Belief and practice are two components of a paradigm that provide perspective and framework and lead to nursing research. Changes in healthcare have popularized empirical and evidence-based research in the field of nursing research. However, the evidence-base study approach has given rise to a certain level of debate. Until now, no standard paradigm has been established for the nursing field, as different professionals use different paradigms in their studies. Such provides certain limitations as well as advantages. The quantitative aspects of a nursing paradigm were developed by Peplau and Henderson (1950) and Orem (1980). Such remained the standard until 1990, when Guba and Parse proposed qualitative viewpoints in contextual features. Therefore, the nursing paradigm has made great contributions to the development of knowledge in nursing care, although debate continues due to incomplete knowledge attributable to the presentation of knowledge and insight within individually developed paradigms. It is better to apply multiple paradigms to different research questions. It is suggested that better communication amongst experts regarding their individual points of view would help nursing members to integrate findings within the global pool of knowledge and allow replication over multiple studies.

Evolutionary dynamics of the immunodominant repeats of the Plasmodium vivax malaria-vaccine candidate circumsporozoite protein (CSP)

PubMed Central

Patil, Aarti; Orjuela-Sánchez, Pamela; da Silva-Nunes, Mônica; Ferreira, Marcelo U.

2010-01-01

The circumsporozoite protein (CSP) of Plasmodium vivax, a major target for malaria vaccine development, has immunodominant B-cell epitopes mapped to central nonapeptide repeat arrays. To determine whether rearrangements of repeat motifs during mitotic DNA replication of parasites create significant CSP diversity under conditions of low effective meiotic recombination rates, we examined csp alleles from sympatric P. vivax isolates systematically sampled from an area of low malaria endemicity in Brazil over a period of 14 months. Nine unique csp types, comprising six different nonapeptide repeats, were observed in 45 isolates analyzed. Identical or nearly identical repeats predominated in most arrays, consistent with their recent expansion. We found strong linkage disequilibrium at sites across the chromosome 8 segment flanking the csp locus, consistent with rare meiotic recombination in this region. We conclude that CSP repeat diversity may not be severely constrained by rare meiotic recombination in areas of low malaria endemicity. New repeat variants may be readily created by nonhomologous recombination even when meiotic recombination is rare, with potential implications for CSP-based vaccine development. PMID:20097310

Results of the 1983 NASA/JPL balloon flight solar cell calibration program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Downing, R. G.; Weiss, R. S.

1984-01-01

The 1983 solar cell calibration balloon flight was successfully completed and met all objectives of the program. Thirty-four modules were carried to an altitude of 36.0 kilometers. The calibrated cells can now be used as reference standards in simulator testing of cells and arrays. Cell calibration data are tabulated as well as the repeatability of standard solar cell BFS-17A (35 flights over a 21-year period).

Image quality characteristics of a novel colour scanning digital ophthalmoscope (SDO) compared with fundus photography.

PubMed

Strauss, Rupert W; Krieglstein, Tina R; Priglinger, Siegfried G; Reis, Werner; Ulbig, Michael W; Kampik, Anselm; Neubauer, Aljoscha S

2007-11-01

To establish a set of quality parameters for grading image quality and apply those to evaluate the fundus image quality obtained by a new scanning digital ophthalmoscope (SDO) compared with standard slide photography. On visual analogue scales a total of eight image characteristics were defined: overall quality, contrast, colour brilliance, focus (sharpness), resolution and details, noise, artefacts and validity of clinical assessment. Grading was repeated after 4 months to assess repeatability. Fundus images of 23 patients imaged digitally by SDO and by Zeiss 450FF fundus camera using Kodak film were graded side-by-side by three graders. Lens opacity was quantified with the Interzeag Lens Opacity Meter 701. For all of the eight scales of image quality, good repeatability within the graders (mean Kendall's W 0.69) was obtained after 4 months. Inter-grader agreement ranged between 0.31 and 0.66. Despite the SDO's limited nominal image resolution of 720 x 576 pixels, the Zeiss FF 450 camera performed better in only two of the subscales - noise (p = 0.001) and artefacts (p = 0.01). Lens opacities significantly influenced only the two subscales 'resolution' and 'details', which deteriorated with increasing media opacities for both imaging systems. Distinct scales to grade image characteristics of different origin were developed and validated. Overall SDO digital imaging was found to provide fundus pictures of a similarly high level of quality as expert photography on slides.

A Kinematic Calibration Process for Flight Robotic Arms

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Collins, Curtis L.; Robinson, Matthew L.

2013-01-01

The Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) robotic arm is ten times more massive than any Mars robotic arm before it, yet with similar accuracy and repeatability positioning requirements. In order to assess and validate these requirements, a higher-fidelity model and calibration processes were needed. Kinematic calibration of robotic arms is a common and necessary process to ensure good positioning performance. Most methodologies assume a rigid arm, high-accuracy data collection, and some kind of optimization of kinematic parameters. A new detailed kinematic and deflection model of the MSL robotic arm was formulated in the design phase and used to update the initial positioning and orientation accuracy and repeatability requirements. This model included a higher-fidelity link stiffness matrix representation, as well as a link level thermal expansion model. In addition, it included an actuator backlash model. Analytical results highlighted the sensitivity of the arm accuracy to its joint initialization methodology. Because of this, a new technique for initializing the arm joint encoders through hardstop calibration was developed. This involved selecting arm configurations to use in Earth-based hardstop calibration that had corresponding configurations on Mars with the same joint torque to ensure repeatability in the different gravity environment. The process used to collect calibration data for the arm included the use of multiple weight stand-in turrets with enough metrology targets to reconstruct the full six-degree-of-freedom location of the rover and tool frames. The follow-on data processing of the metrology data utilized a standard differential formulation and linear parameter optimization technique.

Improving Collaboration by Standardization Efforts in Systems Biology

PubMed Central

Dräger, Andreas; Palsson, Bernhard Ø.

2014-01-01

Collaborative genome-scale reconstruction endeavors of metabolic networks would not be possible without a common, standardized formal representation of these systems. The ability to precisely define biological building blocks together with their dynamic behavior has even been considered a prerequisite for upcoming synthetic biology approaches. Driven by the requirements of such ambitious research goals, standardization itself has become an active field of research on nearly all levels of granularity in biology. In addition to the originally envisaged exchange of computational models and tool interoperability, new standards have been suggested for an unambiguous graphical display of biological phenomena, to annotate, archive, as well as to rank models, and to describe execution and the outcomes of simulation experiments. The spectrum now even covers the interaction of entire neurons in the brain, three-dimensional motions, and the description of pharmacometric studies. Thereby, the mathematical description of systems and approaches for their (repeated) simulation are clearly separated from each other and also from their graphical representation. Minimum information definitions constitute guidelines and common operation protocols in order to ensure reproducibility of findings and a unified knowledge representation. Central database infrastructures have been established that provide the scientific community with persistent links from model annotations to online resources. A rich variety of open-source software tools thrives for all data formats, often supporting a multitude of programing languages. Regular meetings and workshops of developers and users lead to continuous improvement and ongoing development of these standardization efforts. This article gives a brief overview about the current state of the growing number of operation protocols, mark-up languages, graphical descriptions, and fundamental software support with relevance to systems biology. PMID:25538939

The European Glaucoma Society Glaucocard project: improved digital documentation of medical data for glaucoma patients based on standardized structured international datasets.

PubMed

Schargus, Marc; Grehn, Franz; Glaucocard Workgroup

2008-12-01

To evaluate existing international IT-based ophthalmological medical data projects, and to define a glaucoma data set based on existing international standards of medical and ophthalmological documentation. To develop the technical environment for easy data mining and data exchange in different countries in Europe. Existing clinical and IT-based projects for documentation of medical data in general medicine and ophthalmology were analyzed to create new data sets for medical documentation in glaucoma patients. Different types of data transfer methods were evaluated to find the best method of data exchange between ophthalmologists in different European countries. Data sets from existing IT projects showed a wide variability in specifications, use of codes, terms and graphical data (perimetry, optic nerve analysis etc.) in glaucoma patients. New standardized digital datasets for glaucoma patients were defined, based on existing standards, which can be used by general ophthalmologists for follow-up examinations and for glaucoma specialists to perform teleconsultation, also across country borders. Datasets are available in different languages. Different types of data exchange methods using secure medical data transfer by internet, USB stick and smartcard were tested for different countries with regard to legal acceptance, practicability and technical realization (e.g. compatibility with EMR systems). By creating new standardized glaucoma specific cross-national datasets, it is now possible to develop an electronic glaucoma patient record system for data storage and transfer based on internet, smartcard or USB stick. The digital data can be used for referrals and for teleconsultation of glaucoma specialists in order to optimize glaucoma treatment. This should lead to an increase of quality in glaucoma care, and prevent expenses in health care costs by unnecessary repeated examinations.

Validation of refraction and anterior segment parameters by a new multi-diagnostic platform (VX120).

PubMed

Gordon-Shaag, Ariela; Piñero, David P; Kahloun, Cyril; Markov, David; Parnes, Tzadok; Gantz, Liat; Shneor, Einat

2018-03-08

The VX120 (Visionix Luneau, France) is a novel multi-diagnostic platform that combines Hartmann-Shack based autorefraction, Placido-disk based corneal-topography and anterior segment measurements made with a stationary-Scheimpflug camera. We investigate the agreement between different parameters measured by the VX120 with accepted or gold-standard techniques to test if they are interchangeable, as well as to evaluate the repeatability and reproducibility. The right-eyes of healthy subjects were included in the study. Autorefraction of the VX120 was compared to subjective refraction. Agreement of anterior segment parameters was compared to the Sirius (CSO, Italy) including autokeratometry, central corneal thickness (CCT), iridiocorneal angle (IA). Inter and intra-test repeatability of the above parameters was assessed. Results were analyzed using Bland and Altman analyses. A total of 164 eyes were evaluated. The mean difference between VX120 autorefraction and subjective refraction for sphere, spherical equivalent (SE), and cylinder was 0.01±0.43D, 0.14±0.47D, and -0.26±0.30D, respectively and high correlation was found to all parameter (r>0.75) except for J 45 (r=0.61). The mean difference between VX120 and the Sirius system for CCT, IA, and keratometry (k1 and k2) was -3.51±8.64μm, 7.6±4.2°, 0.003±0.06mm and 0.004±0.04mm, respectively and high correlation was found to all parameter (r>0.97) except for IA (r=0.67). Intrasession repeatability of VX120 refraction, CCT, IA and keratometry yielded low within-subject standard deviations. Inter-session repeatability showed no statistically significant difference for most of the parameters measured. The VX120 provides consistent refraction and most anterior segment measurements in normal healthy eyes, with high levels of intra and inter-session repeatability. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U.

Evidence of Circadian Rhythm, Oxygen Regulation Capacity, Metabolic Repeatability and Positive Correlations between Forced and Spontaneous Maximal Metabolic Rates in Lake Sturgeon Acipenser fulvescens

PubMed Central

Svendsen, Jon C.; Genz, Janet; Anderson, W. Gary; Stol, Jennifer A.; Watkinson, Douglas A.; Enders, Eva C.

2014-01-01

Animal metabolic rate is variable and may be affected by endogenous and exogenous factors, but such relationships remain poorly understood in many primitive fishes, including members of the family Acipenseridae (sturgeons). Using juvenile lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens), the objective of this study was to test four hypotheses: 1) A. fulvescens exhibits a circadian rhythm influencing metabolic rate and behaviour; 2) A. fulvescens has the capacity to regulate metabolic rate when exposed to environmental hypoxia; 3) measurements of forced maximum metabolic rate (MMRF) are repeatable in individual fish; and 4) MMRF correlates positively with spontaneous maximum metabolic rate (MMRS). Metabolic rates were measured using intermittent flow respirometry, and a standard chase protocol was employed to elicit MMRF. Trials lasting 24 h were used to measure standard metabolic rate (SMR) and MMRS. Repeatability and correlations between MMRF and MMRS were analyzed using residual body mass corrected values. Results revealed that A. fulvescens exhibit a circadian rhythm in metabolic rate, with metabolism peaking at dawn. SMR was unaffected by hypoxia (30% air saturation (O2sat)), demonstrating oxygen regulation. In contrast, MMRF was affected by hypoxia and decreased across the range from 100% O2sat to 70% O2sat. MMRF was repeatable in individual fish, and MMRF correlated positively with MMRS, but the relationships between MMRF and MMRS were only revealed in fish exposed to hypoxia or 24 h constant light (i.e. environmental stressor). Our study provides evidence that the physiology of A. fulvescens is influenced by a circadian rhythm and suggests that A. fulvescens is an oxygen regulator, like most teleost fish. Finally, metabolic repeatability and positive correlations between MMRF and MMRS support the conjecture that MMRF represents a measure of organism performance that could be a target of natural selection. PMID:24718688

Optimisation of a sample preparation procedure for the screening of fungal infection and assessment of deoxynivalenol content in maize using mid-infrared attenuated total reflection spectroscopy.

PubMed

Kos, Gregor; Lohninger, Hans; Mizaikoff, Boris; Krska, Rudolf

2007-07-01

A sample preparation procedure for the determination of deoxynivalenol (DON) using attenuated total reflection mid-infrared spectroscopy is presented. Repeatable spectra were obtained from samples featuring a narrow particle size distribution. Samples were ground with a centrifugal mill and analysed with an analytical sieve shaker. Particle sizes of <100, 100-250, 250-500, 500-710 and 710-1000 microm were obtained. Repeatability, classification and quantification abilities for DON were compared with non-sieved samples. The 100-250 microm fraction showed the best repeatability. The relative standard deviation of spectral measurements improved from 20 to 4.4% and 100% of sieved samples were correctly classified compared with 79% of non-sieved samples. The DON level in analysed fractions was a good estimate of overall toxin content.

The repeatability of three diagnostic methods (visual using ICDAS II, laser fluorescence, and radiographic) for early caries detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sukmasari, S.; Lestari, W.; Ko, B. B.; Noh, Z.; Asmail, N.; Yaacob, N.

2017-08-01

Newly introduced ICDAS II as a visual method, laser fluorescence as another technique that have ability to quantify early mineral loss of tooth structure and intra oral radiograph, are methods can be used in the clinic. To provide standardization for comprehensive caries management at an early stage, all methods supposed to be tested between users. The objective of this research is to evaluate the repeatability of each system. It is a comparative cross sectional study using 100 extracted permanent teeth without obvious cavitation (premolar & molar) that were collected and stored in thymol solution. The teeth were embedded on the wax block and labeled with numbers. All 5 surfaces were examined by 5 examiners using visual (ICDAS II), laser fluorescence (LF) and radiographic examination. The data were then analyzed to measure intra and inter examiner repeatability using Cronbach’s alpha and inter-item correlation matrix. Intra-examiner repeatability for all examiners was >0.7. Chronbach’s a value for inter-examiner repeatability for ICDAS II was >0.8 on 3 surfaces except on buccal and lingual. LF exhibit repeatability of >0.8 on all surfaces. Radiograph shows a low value of inter examiner repeatability (<0.7). Lecturer examiners showed the highest agreement followed by undergraduate students for inter-item correlation while the 2nd and 3rd reading of LF displays the best agreement. ICDAS II score favors more non-invasive treatment compared to LF. ICDAS II showed good repeatability except on buccal and lingual surfaces. In line with some of the previous study, ICDAS II is applicable for caries detection in daily clinical basis. Laser fluorescence exhibits the highest repeatability while the radiograph showed weak inter-examiner repeatability. Treatment decisions of ICDAS II propose more preventive treatment for early caries lesions compared to laser fluorescence.

Repeat cesarean delivery: what indications are recorded in the medical chart?

PubMed

Lydon-Rochelle, Mona T; Gardella, Carolyn; Cárdenas, Vicky; Easterling, Thomas R

2006-03-01

National surveillance estimates reported a troubling 63 percent decline in the rate of vaginal birth after cesarean delivery (VBAC) from 1996 (28.3%) to 2003 (10.6%), with subsequent rising rates of repeat cesarean delivery. The study objective was to examine patterns of documented indications for repeat cesarean delivery in women with and without labor. We conducted a population-based validation study of 19 nonfederal short-stay hospitals in Washington state. Of the 4,541 women who had live births in 2000, 11 percent (n = 493) had repeat cesarean without labor and 3 percent (n = 138) had repeat cesarean with labor. Incidence of medical conditions and pregnancy complications, patterns of documented indications for repeat cesarean delivery, and perioperative complications in relation to repeat cesarean delivery with and without labor were calculated. Of the 493 women who underwent a repeat cesarean delivery without labor, "elective"(36%) and "maternal request"(18%) were the most common indications. Indications for maternal medical conditions (3.0%) were uncommon. Among the 138 women with repeat cesarean delivery with labor, 60.1 percent had failure to progress, 24.6 percent a non-reassuring fetal heart rate, 8.0 percent cephalopelvic disproportion, and 7.2 percent maternal request during labor. Fetal indications were less common (5.8%). Breech, failed vacuum, abruptio placentae, maternal complications, and failed forceps were all indicated less than 5.0 percent. Women's perioperative complications did not vary significantly between women without and with labor. Regardless of a woman's labor status, nearly 10 percent of women with repeat cesarean delivery had no documented indication as to why a cesarean delivery was performed. "Elective" and "maternal request" were common indications among women undergoing repeat cesarean delivery without labor, and nearly 10 percent of women had undocumented indications for repeat cesarean delivery in their medical record. Improvements in standardization of indication nomenclature and documentation of indication are especially important for understanding falling VBAC rates. Future research should examine how clinicians and women anticipate, discuss, and make decisions about childbirth after a previous cesarean delivery within the context of actual antepartum care.

Reliability and criterion-related validity of a new repeated agility test

PubMed Central

Makni, E; Jemni, M; Elloumi, M; Chamari, K; Nabli, MA; Padulo, J; Moalla, W

2016-01-01

The study aimed to assess the reliability and the criterion-related validity of a new repeated sprint T-test (RSTT) that includes intense multidirectional intermittent efforts. The RSTT consisted of 7 maximal repeated executions of the agility T-test with 25 s of passive recovery rest in between. Forty-five team sports players performed two RSTTs separated by 3 days to assess the reliability of best time (BT) and total time (TT) of the RSTT. The intra-class correlation coefficient analysis revealed a high relative reliability between test and retest for BT and TT (>0.90). The standard error of measurement (<0.50) showed that the RSTT has a good absolute reliability. The minimal detectable change values for BT and TT related to the RSTT were 0.09 s and 0.58 s, respectively. To check the criterion-related validity of the RSTT, players performed a repeated linear sprint (RLS) and a repeated sprint with changes of direction (RSCD). Significant correlations between the BT and TT of the RLS, RSCD and RSTT were observed (p<0.001). The RSTT is, therefore, a reliable and valid measure of the intermittent repeated sprint agility performance. As this ability is required in all team sports, it is suggested that team sports coaches, fitness coaches and sports scientists consider this test in their training follow-up. PMID:27274109

A study on setting of the fatigue limit of temporary dental implants.

PubMed

Kim, M H; Cho, E J; Lee, J W; Kim, E K; Yoo, S H; Park, C W

2017-07-01

A temporary dental implant is a medical device which is temporarily used to support a prosthesis such as an artificial tooth used for restoring patient's masticatory function during implant treatment. It is implanted in the oral cavity to substitute for the role of tooth. Due to the aging and westernization of current Korean society, the number of tooth extraction and implantation procedures is increasing, leading to an increase in the use and development of temporary dental implants. Because an implant performs a masticatory function in place of a tooth, a dynamic load is repeatedly put on the implant. Thus, the fatigue of implants is reported to be the most common causes of the fracture thereof. According to the investigation and analysis of the current domestic and international standards, the standard for fatigue of implant fixtures is not separately specified. Although a test method for measuring the fatigue is suggested in an ISO standard, it is a standard for permanent dental implants. Most of the test standards for Korean manufacturers and importers apply 250 N or more based on the guidance for the safety and performance evaluation of dental implants. Therefore, this study is intended to figure out the fatigue standard which can be applied to temporary dental implants when measuring the fatigue according to the test method suggested in the permanent dental implant standard. The results determined that suitable fatigue standards of temporary dental implants should be provided by each manufacturer rather than applying 250 N. This study will be useful for the establishment of the fatigue standards and fatigue test methods of the manufacturers and importers of temporary dental implants.

Development and Interlaboratory Study of a Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometric Methodfor the Determination of Multiple Mycotoxins inCereals Using Stable Isotope Dilution.

PubMed

Ye, Jin; Wu, Yu; Guo, Qilei; Lu, Meiling; Wang, Songshan; Xin, Yuanyuan; Xie, Gang; Zhang, Yan; Mariappan, Meena; Wang, Songxue

2018-05-01

An efficient, rapid, accurate, and cost-effective method based on stable isotope dilution and LC tandem MS was developed for the determination of multimycotoxins in cereals. The samples were extracted using acetonitrile-water-acetic acid (70 + 29 + 1, v/v/v), followed by dilution and centrifugation without any further cleanup. The mycotoxins were separated on a C18 column. Interference due to matrix effects was efficiently compensated for with [13C]-labeled stable isotope internal standards. The method demonstrated excellent linear relations, with regression coefficients above 0.999. Spiked recoveries at three different concentrations ranged from 80.9 to 115.9%, and RSDs were below 14% for all mycotoxins. The trueness of the method was also verified by participating in two proficiency tests, and satisfactory z-scores (|z| < 1.1) were obtained. In addition, an international interlaboratory study was organized to evaluate the methods. Eight laboratories characterized recovery, repeatability, and reproducibility studies in wheat, maize, and barley. The interlaboratory results were analyzed according to ISO 5725-2. Cochran and Grubbs tests were used to remove outliers. The mean recoveries of all 16 mycotoxins ranged from 87 to 111%. Repeatability, reproducibility, and Horwitz ratio values were 3.5-16.2, 5.4-33.6, and 0.16-1.65%, respectively. The results demonstrate that the method is reliable to determine multimycotoxins in cereals.

Development, preliminary usability and accuracy testing of the EBMT 'eGVHD App' to support GvHD assessment according to NIH criteria-a proof of concept.

PubMed

Schoemans, H; Goris, K; Durm, R V; Vanhoof, J; Wolff, D; Greinix, H; Pavletic, S; Lee, S J; Maertens, J; Geest, S D; Dobbels, F; Duarte, R F

2016-08-01

The EBMT Complications and Quality of Life Working Party has developed a computer-based algorithm, the 'eGVHD App', using a user-centered design process. Accuracy was tested using a quasi-experimental crossover design with four expert-reviewed case vignettes in a convenience sample of 28 clinical professionals. Perceived usefulness was evaluated by the technology acceptance model (TAM) and User satisfaction by the Post-Study System Usability Questionnaire (PSSUQ). User experience was positive, with a median of 6 TAM points (interquartile range: 1) and beneficial median total, and subscale PSSUQ scores. The initial standard practice assessment of the vignettes yielded 65% correct results for diagnosis and 45% for scoring. The 'eGVHD App' significantly increased diagnostic and scoring accuracy to 93% (+28%) and 88% (+43%), respectively (both P<0.05). The same trend was observed in the repeated analysis of case 2: accuracy improved by using the App (+31% for diagnosis and +39% for scoring), whereas performance tended to decrease once the App was taken away. The 'eGVHD App' could dramatically improve the quality of care and research as it increased the performance of the whole user group by about 30% at the first assessment and showed a trend for improvement of individual performance on repeated case evaluation.

Recommendations for safety planning, data collection, evaluation and reporting during drug, biologic and vaccine development: a report of the safety planning, evaluation, and reporting team.

PubMed

Crowe, Brenda J; Xia, H Amy; Berlin, Jesse A; Watson, Douglas J; Shi, Hongliang; Lin, Stephen L; Kuebler, Juergen; Schriver, Robert C; Santanello, Nancy C; Rochester, George; Porter, Jane B; Oster, Manfred; Mehrotra, Devan V; Li, Zhengqing; King, Eileen C; Harpur, Ernest S; Hall, David B

2009-10-01

The Safety Planning, Evaluation and Reporting Team (SPERT) was formed in 2006 by the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America. SPERT's goal was to propose a pharmaceutical industry standard for safety planning, data collection, evaluation, and reporting, beginning with planning first-in-human studies and continuing through the planning of the post-product-approval period. SPERT's recommendations are based on our review of relevant literature and on consensus reached in our discussions. An important recommendation is that sponsors create a Program Safety Analysis Plan early in development. We also give recommendations for the planning of repeated, cumulative meta-analyses of the safety data obtained from the studies conducted within the development program. These include clear definitions of adverse events of special interest and standardization of many aspects of data collection and study design. We describe a 3-tier system for signal detection and analysis of adverse events and highlight proposals for reducing "false positive" safety findings. We recommend that sponsors review the aggregated safety data on a regular and ongoing basis throughout the development program, rather than waiting until the time of submission. We recognize that there may be other valid approaches. The proactive approach we advocate has the potential to benefit patients and health care providers by providing more comprehensive safety information at the time of new product marketing and beyond.

Effecting attitudinal change towards rational drug use.

PubMed

Singh, T; Natu, M V

1995-01-01

Attitudes of 40 interns towards rational drug use (RDU) were assessed, using a standardized Likert type scale. The assessment was repeated after 4 months to evaluate the effect of usual working conditions of the hospital. After this period, the attitudes had slided towards negative side (p < 0.01). At this point, an intervention in the form of a workshop was provided for half the group while other half served as control. A repeat assessment after another period of 4 months revealed that the attitudes of test group returned towards positive side (p < 0.01) while control group maintained its negative attitudes.

Characterizing the Performance of the Wheel Electrostatic Spectrometer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johansen, Michael R.; Mackey, P. J.; Holbert, E.; Calle, C. I.; Clements, J. S.

2013-01-01

Insulators need to be discharged after each wheel revolution. Sensor responses repeatable within one standard deviation in the noise of the signal. Insulators may not need to be cleaned after each revolution. Parent Technology- Mars Environmental Compatibility Assessment/Electrometer Electrostatic sensors with dissimilar cover insulators Protruding insulators tribocharge against regolith simulant Developed for use on the scoop for the 2001 Mars Odyssey lander Wheel Electrostatic Spectrometer Embedded electrostatic sensors in prototype Martian rover wheel If successful, this technology will enable constant electrostatic testing on Mars Air ionizing fan used to neutralize the surface charge on cover insulators . WES rolled on JSClA lunar simulant Control experiment -Static elimination not conducted between trials -Capacitor discharged after each experiment Charge neutralization experiment -Static elimination conducted between trials -Capacitor discharged after each experiment. Air ionizing fan used on insulators after each wheel revolution Capacitor discharged after each trial Care was taken to roll WES with same speed/pressure Error bars represent one standard deviation in the noise of e ach sensor

Enantiomeric determination of DOPA in dietary supplements containing Mucuna pruriens by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Hasegawa, Takashi; Takahashi, Kazunaga; Fukiwake, Tomohide; Saijo, Masaaki; Motoki, Yuji

2013-01-01

We developed a simple and rapid liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) method for the enantiomeric determination of DOPA in dietary supplements containing Mucuna pruriens. L- and D-DOPA were ultrasonically extracted with 1% formic acid aqueous solution. The isolated extracts were analyzed by LC/MS using a Crownpak CR (-) column at 30℃. The mass spectrometer was operated in the positive mode of electrospray ionization, and the mobile phase was aqueous formic acid (pH 2.0). L-DOPA-ring-d3 was used as an internal standard. The method was validated for a dietary supplement spiked with L- and D-DOPA at 50 and 500 μg/g, respectively, and the recoveries of the DOPA enantiomers were between 97.5% and 101.3%. Relative standard deviation values of repeatability and intermediate precision were less than 7%. The method was applied to 14 dietary supplements. L-DOPA was detected in these supplements in the range of 0.88-12.8 mg/unit. D-DOPA was not detected.

A modified method for COD determination of solid waste, using a commercial COD kit and an adapted disposable weighing support.

PubMed

André, L; Pauss, A; Ribeiro, T

2017-03-01

The chemical oxygen demand (COD) is an essential parameter in waste management, particularly when monitoring wet anaerobic digestion processes. An adapted method to determine COD was developed for solid waste (total solids >15%). This method used commercial COD tubes and did not require sample dilution. A homemade plastic weighing support was used to transfer the solid sample into COD tubes. Potassium hydrogen phthalate and glucose used as standards showed an excellent repeatability. A small underestimation of the theoretical COD value (standard values around 5% lower than theoretical values) was also observed, mainly due to the intrinsic COD of the weighing support and to measurement uncertainties. The adapted COD method was tested using various solid wastes in the range of 1-8 mg COD , determining the COD of dried and ground cellulose, cattle manure, straw and a mixed-substrate sample. This new adapted method could be used to monitor and design dry anaerobic digestion processes.

Determination of uranium in tap water by ICP-MS.

PubMed

El Himri, M; Pastor, A; de la Guardia, M

2000-05-01

A fast and accurate procedure has been developed for the determination of uranium at microg L(-1) level in tap and mineral water. The method is based on the direct introduction of samples, without any chemical pre-treatment, into an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS). Uranium was determined at the mass number 238 using Rh as internal standard. The method provides a limit of detection of 2 ng L(-1) and a good repeatability with relative standard deviation values (RSD) about 3% for five independent analyses of samples containing 73 microg L(-1) of uranium. Recovery percentage values found for the determination of uranium in spiked natural samples varied between 91% and 106%. Results obtained are comparable with those found by radiochemical methods for natural samples and of the same order for the certified content of a reference material, thus indicating the accuracy of the ICP-MS procedure without the need of using isotope dilution. A series of mineral and tap waters from different parts of Spain and Morocco were analysed.

Promoting reintegration of National Guard veterans and their partners using a self-directed program of integrative therapies: a pilot study.

PubMed

Collinge, William; Kahn, Janet; Soltysik, Robert

2012-12-01

This article reports pilot data from phase I of a project to develop and evaluate a self-directed program of integrative therapies for National Guard personnel and significant relationship partners to support reintegration and resilience after return from Iraq or Afghanistan. Data are reported on 43 dyads. Intervention was an integrated multimedia package of guided meditative, contemplative, and relaxation exercises (CD) and instruction in simple massage techniques (DVD) to promote stress reduction and interpersonal connectedness. A repeated measures design with standardized instruments was used to establish stability of baseline levels of relevant mental health domains (day 1, day 30), followed by the intervention and assessments 4 and 8 weeks later. Significant improvements in standardized measures for post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and self-compassion were seen in both veterans and partners; and in stress for partners. Weekly online reporting tracked utilization of guided exercises and massage. Veterans reported significant reductions in ratings of physical pain, physical tension, irritability, anxiety/worry, and depression after massage, and longitudinal analysis suggested declining baseline levels of tension and irritability. Qualitative data from focus groups and implications for continued development and a phase II trial are discussed.

Androgen receptor CAG repeat polymorphisms in canine prostate cancer.

PubMed

Lai, C-L; L'Eplattenier, H; van den Ham, R; Verseijden, F; Jagtenberg, A; Mol, J A; Teske, E

2008-01-01

Relatively shorter lengths of the polymorphic polyglutamine repeat-1 of the androgen receptor (AR) have been associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer (PC) in humans. In the dog, there are 2 polymorphic CAG repeat (CAGr) regions. To investigate the relationship of CAGr length of the canine AR-gene and the development of PC. Thirty-two dogs with PC and 172 control dogs were used. DNA was extracted from blood. Both CAG repeats were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and PCR products were sequenced. In dogs with PC, CAG-1 repeat length was shorter (P = .001) by an increased proportion of 10 repeats (P = .011) and no 12 repeats (P = .0017) than in the control dogs. No significant changes were found in CAG-3 length distribution. CAG-1 and CAG-3 polymorphisms proved not to be in linkage disequilibrium. Breed difference in allelic distribution was found in the control group. Of the prostate-disease sensitive breeds, a high percentage (64.5%) of the shortest haplotype 10/11 was found in the Doberman, whereas Beagles and German Pointers had higher haplotype 12/11 (47.1 and 50%). Bernese Mountain dogs and Bouvier dogs both shared a high percentage of 11 CAG-1 repeats and 13 CAG-3 repeats. Differences in (combined) allelic distributions among breeds were not significant. In this preliminary study, short CAG-1 repeats in the AR-gene were associated with an increased risk of developing canine PC. Although breed-specific differences in allelic distribution of CAG-1 and CAG-3 repeats were found, these could not be related to PC risk.

Method for determination of levoglucosan in snow and ice at trace concentration levels using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry.

PubMed

You, Chao; Song, Lili; Xu, Baiqing; Gao, Shaopeng

2016-02-01

A method is developed for determination of levoglucosan at trace concentration levels in complex matrices of snow and ice samples. This method uses an injection mixture comprising acetonitrile and melt sample at a ratio of 50/50 (v/v). Samples are analyzed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography system combined with triple tandem quadrupole mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). Levoglucosan is analyzed on BEH Amide column (2.1 mm × 100 mm, 1.7 um), and a Z-spray electrospray ionization source is used for levoglucosan ionization. The polyether sulfone filter is selected for filtrating insoluble particles due to less impact on levoglucosan. The matrix effect is evaluated by using a standard addition method. During the method validation, limit of detection (LOD), linearity, recovery, repeatability and reproducibility were evaluated using standard addition method. The LOD of this method is 0.11 ng mL(-1). Recoveries vary from 91.2% at 0.82 ng mL(-1) to 99.3% at 4.14 ng mL(-1). Repeatability ranges from 17.9% at a concentration of 0.82 ng mL(-1) to 2.8% at 4.14 ng mL(-1). Reproducibility ranges from 15.1% at a concentration of 0.82 ng mL(-1) to 1.9% at 4.14 ng mL(-1). This method can be implemented using less than 0.50 mL sample volume in low and middle latitude regions like the Tibetan Plateau. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

[Error prevention through management of complications in urology: standard operating procedures from commercial aviation as a model].

PubMed

Kranz, J; Sommer, K-J; Steffens, J

2014-05-01

Patient safety and risk/complication management rank among the current megatrends in modern medicine, which has undoubtedly become more complex. In time-critical, error-prone and difficult situations, which often occur repeatedly in everyday clinical practice, guidelines are inappropriate for acting rapidly and intelligently. With the establishment and consistent use of standard operating procedures like in commercial aviation, a possible strategic approach is available. These medical aids to decision-making - quick reference cards - are short, optimized instructions that enable a standardized procedure in case of medical claims.

Bath additives for the treatment of childhood eczema (BATHE): protocol for multicentre parallel group randomised trial.

PubMed

Santer, Miriam; Rumsby, Kate; Ridd, Matthew J; Francis, Nick A; Stuart, Beth; Chorozoglou, Maria; Wood, Wendy; Roberts, Amanda; Thomas, Kim S; Williams, Hywel C; Little, Paul

2015-11-01

Bath emollients are widely prescribed for childhood eczema, yet evidence of their benefits over direct application of emollients is lacking. Objectives To determine the clinical and cost-effectiveness of adding bath emollient to the standard management of eczema in children Pragmatic open 2-armed parallel group randomised controlled trial. General practitioner (GP) practices in England and Wales. Children aged over 12 months and less than 12 years with eczema, excluding inactive or very mild eczema (5 or less on Nottingham Eczema Severity Scale). Children will be randomised to either bath emollients plus standard eczema care or standard eczema care only. Primary outcome is long-term eczema severity, measured by the Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure (POEM) repeated weekly for 16 weeks. Secondary outcomes include: number of eczema exacerbations resulting in healthcare consultations over 1 year; eczema severity over 1 year; disease-specific and generic quality of life; medication use and healthcare resource use; cost-effectiveness. Aiming to detect a mean difference between groups of 2.0 (SD 7.0) in weekly POEM scores over 16 weeks (significance 0.05, power 0.9), allowing for 20% loss to follow-up, gives a total sample size of 423 children. We will use repeated measures analysis of covariance, or a mixed model, to analyse weekly POEM scores. We will control for possible confounders, including baseline eczema severity and child's age. Cost-effectiveness analysis will be carried out from a National Health Service (NHS) perspective. This protocol was approved by Newcastle and North Tyneside 1 NRES committee 14/NE/0098. Follow-up will be completed in 2017. Findings will be disseminated to participants and carers, the public, dermatology and primary care journals, guideline developers and decision-makers. ISRCTN84102309. 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/

Bath additives for the treatment of childhood eczema (BATHE): protocol for multicentre parallel group randomised trial

PubMed Central

Santer, Miriam; Rumsby, Kate; Ridd, Matthew J; Francis, Nick A; Stuart, Beth; Chorozoglou, Maria; Wood, Wendy; Roberts, Amanda; Thomas, Kim S; Williams, Hywel C; Little, Paul

2015-01-01

Introduction Bath emollients are widely prescribed for childhood eczema, yet evidence of their benefits over direct application of emollients is lacking. Objectives To determine the clinical and cost-effectiveness of adding bath emollient to the standard management of eczema in children Methods and analysis Design: Pragmatic open 2-armed parallel group randomised controlled trial. Setting: General practitioner (GP) practices in England and Wales. Participants: Children aged over 12 months and less than 12 years with eczema, excluding inactive or very mild eczema (5 or less on Nottingham Eczema Severity Scale). Interventions: Children will be randomised to either bath emollients plus standard eczema care or standard eczema care only. Outcome measures: Primary outcome is long-term eczema severity, measured by the Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure (POEM) repeated weekly for 16 weeks. Secondary outcomes include: number of eczema exacerbations resulting in healthcare consultations over 1 year; eczema severity over 1 year; disease-specific and generic quality of life; medication use and healthcare resource use; cost-effectiveness. Aiming to detect a mean difference between groups of 2.0 (SD 7.0) in weekly POEM scores over 16 weeks (significance 0.05, power 0.9), allowing for 20% loss to follow-up, gives a total sample size of 423 children. We will use repeated measures analysis of covariance, or a mixed model, to analyse weekly POEM scores. We will control for possible confounders, including baseline eczema severity and child's age. Cost-effectiveness analysis will be carried out from a National Health Service (NHS) perspective. Ethics and dissemination This protocol was approved by Newcastle and North Tyneside 1 NRES committee 14/NE/0098. Follow-up will be completed in 2017. Findings will be disseminated to participants and carers, the public, dermatology and primary care journals, guideline developers and decision-makers. Trial registration number ISRCTN84102309. PMID:26525422

DETERMINATION OF AZOXYSTROBIN AND DIFENOCONAZOLE IN PESTICIDE PRODUCTS.

PubMed

Lazić, S; Šunjka, D

2015-01-01

In this study a high performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC-DAD) procedure has been developed for the simultaneous determination of azoxystrobin and difenoconazole in suspension concentrate pesticide formulations, with the aim of the product quality control. Azoxystrobin, strobilurin fungicide and difenoconazole (cis,trans-3-chloro-4-[4-methyl-2-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-ylmethyl)-1,3-dioxolan-2-yl]phenyl 4-chlorophenyl ether), triazole fungicide, are used for the protection of plants from wide spectrum of fungal diseases. For the analysis LC system an Agilent Technologies 1100 Series was used. Good separation was achieved on a Zorbax SB-C18 column (5 μm, 250 mm x 3 mm internal diameter) using a mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile/ultrapure water (90:10, v/v), at a flow rate of 0.9 ml/minute and UV detection at 218 nm. Column temperature was 25 degrees C, injected volume was 1 μl. Retention times for azoxystrobin and difenoconazole were 2.504 min and 1.963 min, respectively. This method is validated according to the requirements for new methods, which include linearity, precision, accuracy and selectivity. The method demonstrates good linearity with r2 > 0.997. The repeatability of the method, expressed as relative standard deviation (RSD, %), was found to be 1.9% for azoxystrobin and 0.5% for difenoconazole. The precision of the method was also considered to be acceptable as the experimental repeatability relative standard deviation (RSD) was lower than the RSD calculated using the Horwitz equation of 1.7% and 1.4% for azoxystrobin and difenoconazole, respectively. The accuracy of the proposed method was determined from recovery experiments through standard addition procedure. The average recoveries of the three fortification levels were 101.9% for azoxystrobin and 103.2% for difenoconazole with RSDs of 1.1% and 1.2%. The method described in this paper is simple, precise, accurate and selective and represents a new and reliable way of simultaneous determination of azoxystrobin and difenoconazole in formulated products.

Imaging tristimulus colorimeter for the evaluation of color in printed textiles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hunt, Martin A.; Goddard, James S., Jr.; Hylton, Kathy W.; Karnowski, Thomas P.; Richards, Roger K.; Simpson, Marc L.; Tobin, Kenneth W., Jr.; Treece, Dale A.

1999-03-01

The high-speed production of textiles with complicated printed patterns presents a difficult problem for a colorimetric measurement system. Accurate assessment of product quality requires a repeatable measurement using a standard color space, such as CIELAB, and the use of a perceptually based color difference formula, e.g. (Delta) ECMC color difference formula. Image based color sensors used for on-line measurement are not colorimetric by nature and require a non-linear transformation of the component colors based on the spectral properties of the incident illumination, imaging sensor, and the actual textile color. This research and development effort describes a benchtop, proof-of-principle system that implements a projection onto convex sets (POCS) algorithm for mapping component color measurements to standard tristimulus values and incorporates structural and color based segmentation for improved precision and accuracy. The POCS algorithm consists of determining the closed convex sets that describe the constraints on the reconstruction of the true tristimulus values based on the measured imperfect values. We show that using a simulated D65 standard illuminant, commercial filters and a CCD camera, accurate (under perceptibility limits) per-region based (Delta) ECMC values can be measured on real textile samples.

Effect of Tribulus terrestris on Haloperidol-induced Catalepsy in Mice

PubMed Central

Nishchal, B. S.; Rai, S.; Prabhu, M. N.; Ullal, Sheetal D.; Rajeswari, S.; Gopalakrishna, H. N.

2014-01-01

Haloperidol, an antipsychotic drug, leads to the development of a behavioural state called catalepsy, in which the animal is not able to correct an externally imposed posture. In the present study we have attempted to evaluate the anticataleptic effect of Tribulus terrestris on haloperidol-induced catalepsy in albino mice. Mice were allocated to four groups, each group containing six animals. Both, the test drug, Tribulus terrestris and the standard drug trihexyphenidyl were uniformly suspended in 1% gum acacia solution. Catalepsy was induced in mice with haloperidol (1.0 mg/kg, intraperitoneally). The first group received the vehicle (10 ml/kg, orally), the second group received trihexyphenidyl (10 mg/kg, orally) and the remaining two groups received Tribulus terrestris (100, 200 mg/kg, orally). The animals were assessed after single and repeated dose administration for ten days, 30 min prior to haloperidol, using standard bar test. The result of the present study demonstrates Tribulus terrestris has a protective effect against haloperidol-induced catalepsy, which is comparable to the standard drug used for the same purpose. Our study indicates Tribulus terrestris can be used to prevent haloperidol-induced extrapyramidal side effects. PMID:25593394

7 CFR 201.45 - Obtaining the working sample.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (Standards, Inspections, Marketing Practices), DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (CONTINUED) FEDERAL SEED ACT FEDERAL SEED ACT... available, the sample shall be thoroughly mixed and placed in a pile and the pile shall be repeatedly...

7 CFR 201.45 - Obtaining the working sample.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (Standards, Inspections, Marketing Practices), DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (CONTINUED) FEDERAL SEED ACT FEDERAL SEED ACT... available, the sample shall be thoroughly mixed and placed in a pile and the pile shall be repeatedly...

Time Scales in the JPL and CfA Ephemerides

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Standish, E. M.

1998-01-01

Over the past decades, the IAU has repeatedly attempted to correct its definition of the basic fundamental argument used in the emphemerides. Finally, they have defined a time system which is physically possible, according to the accepted standard theory of gravitation.

Quantifying Abdominal Adipose Tissue and Thigh Muscle Volume and Hepatic Proton Density Fat Fraction: Repeatability and Accuracy of an MR Imaging-based, Semiautomated Analysis Method.

PubMed

Middleton, Michael S; Haufe, William; Hooker, Jonathan; Borga, Magnus; Dahlqvist Leinhard, Olof; Romu, Thobias; Tunón, Patrik; Hamilton, Gavin; Wolfson, Tanya; Gamst, Anthony; Loomba, Rohit; Sirlin, Claude B

2017-05-01

Purpose To determine the repeatability and accuracy of a commercially available magnetic resonance (MR) imaging-based, semiautomated method to quantify abdominal adipose tissue and thigh muscle volume and hepatic proton density fat fraction (PDFF). Materials and Methods This prospective study was institutional review board- approved and HIPAA compliant. All subjects provided written informed consent. Inclusion criteria were age of 18 years or older and willingness to participate. The exclusion criterion was contraindication to MR imaging. Three-dimensional T1-weighted dual-echo body-coil images were acquired three times. Source images were reconstructed to generate water and calibrated fat images. Abdominal adipose tissue and thigh muscle were segmented, and their volumes were estimated by using a semiautomated method and, as a reference standard, a manual method. Hepatic PDFF was estimated by using a confounder-corrected chemical shift-encoded MR imaging method with hybrid complex-magnitude reconstruction and, as a reference standard, MR spectroscopy. Tissue volume and hepatic PDFF intra- and interexamination repeatability were assessed by using intraclass correlation and coefficient of variation analysis. Tissue volume and hepatic PDFF accuracy were assessed by means of linear regression with the respective reference standards. Results Adipose and thigh muscle tissue volumes of 20 subjects (18 women; age range, 25-76 years; body mass index range, 19.3-43.9 kg/m 2 ) were estimated by using the semiautomated method. Intra- and interexamination intraclass correlation coefficients were 0.996-0.998 and coefficients of variation were 1.5%-3.6%. For hepatic MR imaging PDFF, intra- and interexamination intraclass correlation coefficients were greater than or equal to 0.994 and coefficients of variation were less than or equal to 7.3%. In the regression analyses of manual versus semiautomated volume and spectroscopy versus MR imaging, PDFF slopes and intercepts were close to the identity line, and correlations of determination at multivariate analysis (R 2 ) ranged from 0.744 to 0.994. Conclusion This MR imaging-based, semiautomated method provides high repeatability and accuracy for estimating abdominal adipose tissue and thigh muscle volumes and hepatic PDFF. © RSNA, 2017.

Improved high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method for qualitative and quantitative analysis of allantoin in Zea mays.

PubMed

Haghi, Ghasem; Arshi, Rohollah; Safaei, Alireza

2008-02-27

A high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of allantoin in silk and seed of Zea mays has been developed. Allantoin separation in crude extract was achieved using a C 18 column and phosphate buffer solution (pH 3.0) as a mobile phase at ambient temperature at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min and detected at 210 nm. The results showed that the amount of allantoin in samples was between 14 and 271 mg/100 g of dry plant material. A comprehensive validation of the method including sensitivity, linearity, repeatability, and recovery was conducted. The calibration curve was linear over the range of 0.2-200 microg/mL with a correlation coefficient of r2>0.999. Limit of detection (LOD, S/N=3) and limit of quantification (LOQ) values of the allantoin were 0.05 and 0.2 microg/mL (1.0 and 4.0 ng) respectively. The relative standard deviation (RSD) value of the repeatability was reported within 1.2%. The average recovery of allantoin added to samples was 100.6% with RSD of 1.5%.

Molecular Strain Typing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis: a Review of Frequently Used Methods

PubMed Central

2016-01-01

Tuberculosis, caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, remains one of the most serious global health problems. Molecular typing of M. tuberculosis has been used for various epidemiologic purposes as well as for clinical management. Currently, many techniques are available to type M. tuberculosis. Choosing the most appropriate technique in accordance with the existing laboratory conditions and the specific features of the geographic region is important. Insertion sequence IS6110-based restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis is considered the gold standard for the molecular epidemiologic investigations of tuberculosis. However, other polymerase chain reaction-based methods such as spacer oligonucleotide typing (spoligotyping), which detects 43 spacer sequence-interspersing direct repeats (DRs) in the genomic DR region; mycobacterial interspersed repetitive units–variable number tandem repeats, (MIRU-VNTR), which determines the number and size of tandem repetitive DNA sequences; repetitive-sequence-based PCR (rep-PCR), which provides high-throughput genotypic fingerprinting of multiple Mycobacterium species; and the recently developed genome-based whole genome sequencing methods demonstrate similar discriminatory power and greater convenience. This review focuses on techniques frequently used for the molecular typing of M. tuberculosis and discusses their general aspects and applications. PMID:27709842

Statistical characteristics of transient enclosure voltage in ultra-high-voltage gas-insulated switchgear

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cai, Yuanji; Guan, Yonggang; Liu, Weidong

2017-06-01

Transient enclosure voltage (TEV), which is a phenomenon induced by the inner dielectric breakdown of SF6 during disconnector operations in a gas-insulated switchgear (GIS), may cause issues relating to shock hazard and electromagnetic interference to secondary equipment. This is a critical factor regarding the electromagnetic compatibility of ultra-high-voltage (UHV) substations. In this paper, the statistical characteristics of TEV at UHV level are collected from field experiments, and are analyzed and compared to those from a repeated strike process. The TEV waveforms during disconnector operations are recorded by a self-developed measurement system first. Then, statistical characteristics, such as the pulse number, duration of pulses, frequency components, magnitude and single pulse duration, are extracted. The transmission line theory is introduced to analyze the TEV and is validated by the experimental results. Finally, the relationship between the TEV and the repeated strike process is analyzed. This proves that the pulse voltage of the TEV is proportional to the corresponding breakdown voltage. The results contribute to the definition of the standard testing waveform of the TEV, and can aid the protection of electronic devices in substations by minimizing the threat of this phenomenon.

Verification of intensity modulated profiles using a pixel segmented liquid-filled linear array.

PubMed

Pardo, J; Roselló, J V; Sánchez-Doblado, F; Gómez, F

2006-06-07

A liquid isooctane (C8H18) filled ionization chamber linear array developed for radiotherapy quality assurance, consisting of 128 pixels (each of them with a 1.7 mm pitch), has been used to acquire profiles of several intensity modulated fields. The results were compared with film measurements using the gamma test. The comparisons show a very good matching, even in high gradient dose regions. The volume-averaging effect of the pixels is negligible and the spatial resolution is enough to verify these regions. However, some mismatches between the detectors have been found in regions where low-energy scattered photons significantly contribute to the total dose. These differences are not very important (in fact, the measurements of both detectors are in agreement using the gamma test with tolerances of 3% and 3 mm in most of those regions), and may be associated with the film energy dependence. In addition, the linear array repeatability (0.27% one standard deviation) is much better than the film one ( approximately 3%). The good repeatability, small pixel size and high spatial resolution make the detector ideal for the real time profile verification of high gradient beam profiles like those present in intensity modulated radiation therapy and radiosurgery.

Binocular Goggle Augmented Imaging and Navigation System provides real-time fluorescence image guidance for tumor resection and sentinel lymph node mapping

PubMed Central

B. Mondal, Suman; Gao, Shengkui; Zhu, Nan; Sudlow, Gail P.; Liang, Kexian; Som, Avik; Akers, Walter J.; Fields, Ryan C.; Margenthaler, Julie; Liang, Rongguang; Gruev, Viktor; Achilefu, Samuel

2015-01-01

The inability to identify microscopic tumors and assess surgical margins in real-time during oncologic surgery leads to incomplete tumor removal, increases the chances of tumor recurrence, and necessitates costly repeat surgery. To overcome these challenges, we have developed a wearable goggle augmented imaging and navigation system (GAINS) that can provide accurate intraoperative visualization of tumors and sentinel lymph nodes in real-time without disrupting normal surgical workflow. GAINS projects both near-infrared fluorescence from tumors and the natural color images of tissue onto a head-mounted display without latency. Aided by tumor-targeted contrast agents, the system detected tumors in subcutaneous and metastatic mouse models with high accuracy (sensitivity = 100%, specificity = 98% ± 5% standard deviation). Human pilot studies in breast cancer and melanoma patients using a near-infrared dye show that the GAINS detected sentinel lymph nodes with 100% sensitivity. Clinical use of the GAINS to guide tumor resection and sentinel lymph node mapping promises to improve surgical outcomes, reduce rates of repeat surgery, and improve the accuracy of cancer staging. PMID:26179014

State of the art and perspectives in the treatment of glioblastoma.

PubMed

Grimm, Sean A; Chamberlain, Marc C

2012-09-01

Glioblastoma is the most common malignant primary brain tumor. Cures are rare and median survival varies from several to 22 months. Standard treatment for good performance patients consists of maximal safe surgical resection followed by radiotherapy with concurrent temozolomide (TMZ) chemotherapy and six cycles of postradiotherapy TMZ. At recurrence, treatment options include repeat surgery (with or without Gliadel wafer placement), reirradiation or systemic therapy. Most patients with good performance status are treated with cytotoxic chemotherapy or targeted biologic therapy following or in lieu of repeat surgery. Cytotoxic chemotherapy options include nitrosoureas, rechallenge with TMZ, platins, phophoramides and topoisomerase inhibitors, although efficacy is limited. Despite the intense effort of developing biologic agents that target angiogenesis and growth and proliferative pathways, bevacizumab is the only agent that has shown efficacy in clinical trials. It was awarded accelerated approval in the USA after demonstrating an impressive radiographic response in two open-label, prospective Phase II studies. Two randomized, Phase III trials of upfront bevacizumab have completed and may demonstrate survival benefit; however, results are pending at this time. Given the limited treatment options at tumor recurrence, consideration for enrollment on a clinical trial is encouraged.

Molecular Strain Typing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis: a Review of Frequently Used Methods.

PubMed

Ei, Phyu Win; Aung, Wah Wah; Lee, Jong Seok; Choi, Go Eun; Chang, Chulhun L

2016-11-01

Tuberculosis, caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, remains one of the most serious global health problems. Molecular typing of M. tuberculosis has been used for various epidemiologic purposes as well as for clinical management. Currently, many techniques are available to type M. tuberculosis. Choosing the most appropriate technique in accordance with the existing laboratory conditions and the specific features of the geographic region is important. Insertion sequence IS6110-based restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis is considered the gold standard for the molecular epidemiologic investigations of tuberculosis. However, other polymerase chain reaction-based methods such as spacer oligonucleotide typing (spoligotyping), which detects 43 spacer sequence-interspersing direct repeats (DRs) in the genomic DR region; mycobacterial interspersed repetitive units-variable number tandem repeats, (MIRU-VNTR), which determines the number and size of tandem repetitive DNA sequences; repetitive-sequence-based PCR (rep-PCR), which provides high-throughput genotypic fingerprinting of multiple Mycobacterium species; and the recently developed genome-based whole genome sequencing methods demonstrate similar discriminatory power and greater convenience. This review focuses on techniques frequently used for the molecular typing of M. tuberculosis and discusses their general aspects and applications.

Therapeutic options for carotid in-stent restenosis: review of the literature.

PubMed

van Haaften, Anne C; Bots, Michiel L; Moll, Frans L; de Borst, Gert J

2010-10-01

To critically evaluate published evidence on therapeutic options for in-stent restenosis (ISR) after carotid artery stent (CAS) placement, a systematic analysis of studies reporting interventions for ISR after CAS placement was conducted. In total 20 studies were found, describing 100 interventions after carotid ISR in 96 patients. The interventions most performed were repeat percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA; n = 54), repeat CAS placement (n = 31), and carotid endarterectomy with stent removal (n = 9). No periprocedural complications were identified in any of the studies evaluated. Recurrent restenosis after intervention for ISR occurred in 12 of 84 cases (14%). All 12 patients received tertiary treatment. Two patients developed a third recurrence and eventually disabling stroke, one of whom died. In the other 10 interventions, no further follow-up was described. In conclusion, several treatment strategies for ISR after CAS placement have been reported, with acceptable short-term results. The quality of the currently available data is still limited by the variability of results and study designs. Therefore, no recommendation can be made for any specific therapy. This argues for better study design and more consistency of reporting standards. Copyright © 2010 SIR. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Nutrition Composition and Single, 14-Day and 13-Week Repeated Oral Dose Toxicity Studies of the Leaves and Stems of Rubus coreanus Miquel.

PubMed

Om, Ae-Son; Song, Yu-Na; Noh, GeonMin; Kim, HaengRan; Choe, JeongSook

2016-01-08

The leaves and stems of the plant Rubus coreanus Miquel (RCMLS) are rich in vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals which have antioxidant, anti-hemolytic, anti-inflammatory, anti-fatigue and anti-cancer effects. However, RCMLS is not included in the Korean Food Standards Codex due to the lack of safety assurance concerning RCMLS. We evaluated single and repeated oral dose toxicity of RCMLS in Sprague-Dawley rats. RCMLS did not induce any significant toxicological changes in both male and female rats at a single doses of 2500 mg/kg/day. Repeated oral dose toxicity studies showed no adverse effects in clinical signs, body weight, food consumption, ophthalmic examination, urinalysis, hematology, serum biochemistry, necropsy findings, organ weight, and histopathology at doses of 625, 1250, and 2500 mg/kg/day. The LD50 and LOAEL of RCMLS might be over 2500 mg/kg body weight/day and no target organs were identified. Therefore, this study revealed that single and repeated oral doses of RCMLS are safe.

Influence of blood donation on levels of water-soluble vitamins.

PubMed

Kalus, U; Pruss, A; Wodarra, J; Kiesewetter, H; Salama, A; Radtke, H

2008-12-01

Iron depletion is a well-known side effect of blood donation. Research evidence also suggests an increasing prevalence of vitamin deficiency in apparently healthy subjects, but there is little information regarding the relationship between blood donation and vitamin status. A total of 217 volunteers (80 first-time and 137 repeat blood donors) were consecutively enrolled in the study. All subjects completed self-administered medical history and food intake forms, which included questions regarding alcohol consumption and smoking as well as on vitamin supplement, iron and contraceptive use (females). Vitamin B6, folic acid, vitamin B12 and biotin levels were measured using standard techniques. The mean vitamin levels of first-time and repeat blood donors did not significantly differ. Vitamin deficiencies occurred in both first-time and repeat blood donors but not on vitamin supplements. Vitamin status was affected by alcohol, nicotine and contraceptives. Blood donation does not decrease the level of water-soluble vitamins. Vitamin deficiencies occur in apparently healthy first-time as well as in repeat blood donors and can be prevented by vitamin supplementation.

Fragile X-Associated Tremor/Ataxia Syndrome (FXTAS)

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hagerman, Paul J.; Hagerman, Randi J.

2004-01-01

Carriers of fragile X mental retardation 1 ("FMR1") premutation alleles (55 to 200 CGG repeats) are generally spared the more serious neurodevelopmental problems associated with the full-mutation carriers (greater than 200 repeats) of fragile X syndrome. However, some adult male premutation carriers (55-200 repeats) develop a neurological syndrome…

Single Common Powertrain Lubricant Development

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-01-01

2 2.2 ENGINE DURABILITY TESTING...Page Figure 1 – General Engine Products 6.5L(T) Test Cell Installation ............................................... 9 Figure 2 ... 2 Run 3 Repeatability Run - 1 Repeatability Run - 2 Repeatability Run - 3 3-Run Average Engine Oil Consumption [lb/hr] 0.061 0.082 0.086 0.076

The proliferation marker pKi-67 becomes masked to MIB-1 staining after expression of its tandem repeats.

PubMed

Schmidt, Mirko H H; Broll, Rainer; Bruch, Hans-Peter; Duchrow, Michael

2002-11-01

The Ki-67 antigen, pKi-67, is one of the most commonly used markers of proliferating cells. The protein can only be detected in dividing cells (G(1)-, S-, G(2)-, and M-phase) but not in quiescent cells (G(0)). The standard antibody to detect pKi-67 is MIB-1, which detects the so-called 'Ki-67 motif' FKELF in 9 of the protein's 16 tandem repeats. To investigate the function of these repeats we expressed three of them in an inducible gene expression system in HeLa cells. Surprisingly, addition of a nuclear localization sequence led to a complete absence of signal in the nuclei of MIB-1-stained cells. At the same time antibodies directed against different epitopes of pKi-67 did not fail to detect the protein. We conclude that the overexpression of the 'Ki-67 motif', which is present in the repeats, can lead to inability of MIB-1 to detect its antigen as demonstrated in adenocarcinoma tissue samples. Thereafter, in order to prevent the underestimation of Ki-67 proliferation indices in MIB-1-labeled preparations, additional antibodies (for example, MIB-21) should be used. Additionally, we could show in a mammalian two-hybrid assay that recombinant pKi-67 repeats are capable of self-associating with endogenous pKi-67. Speculating that the tandem repeats are intimately involved in its protein-protein interactions, this offers new insights in how access to these repeats is regulated by pKi-67 itself.

Acute effects of repeated bouts of aerobic exercise on arterial stiffness after glucose ingestion.

PubMed

Kobayashi, Ryota; Hashimoto, Yuto; Hatakeyama, Hiroyuki; Okamoto, Takanobu

2018-03-22

The aim of this study was to investigate the acute repeated bouts of aerobic exercise decrease leg arterial stiffness. However, the influence of repeated bouts of aerobic exercise on arterial stiffness after glucose ingestion is unknown. The present study investigates the acute effects of repeated bouts of aerobic exercise on arterial stiffness after the 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Ten healthy young men (age, 23.2 ± 0.9 years) performed repeated bouts of aerobic exercise trial (RE, 65% peak oxygen uptake; two 15 min bouts of cycling performed 20 min apart) and control trial (CON, seated and resting in a quiet room) at 80 min before the 75-g OGTT on separate days in a randomized, controlled crossover fashion. Carotid-femoral (aortic) and femoral-ankle (leg) pulse wave velocity, carotid augmentation index, brachial and ankle blood pressure, heart rate and blood glucose and insulin levels were measured before (baseline) and 30, 60 and 120 min after the 75-g OGTT. Leg pulse wave velocity, ankle systolic blood pressure and blood glucose levels increased from baseline after the 75-g OGTT in the CON trial, but not in the RE trial. The present findings indicate that acute repeated bouts of aerobic exercise before glucose ingestion suppress increases in leg arterial stiffness following glucose ingestion. RE trial repeated bouts of aerobic exercise trial; CON trial control trial; BG blood glucose; VO 2peak peak oxygen uptake; PWV Pulse wave velocity; AIx carotid augmentation index; BP blood pressure; HR heart rate; CVs coefficients of variation; RPE Ratings of perceived exertion; SE standard error.

Effects of blur and repeated testing on sensitivity estimates with frequency doubling perimetry.

PubMed

Artes, Paul H; Nicolela, Marcelo T; McCormick, Terry A; LeBlanc, Raymond P; Chauhan, Balwantray C

2003-02-01

To investigate the effect of blur and repeated testing on sensitivity with frequency doubling technology (FDT) perimetry. One eye of 12 patients with glaucoma (mean deviation [MD] mean, -2.5 dB, range +0.5 to -4.3 dB) and 11 normal control subjects underwent six consecutive tests with the FDT N30 threshold program in each of two sessions. In session 1, blur was induced by trial lenses (-6.00, -3.00, 0.00, +3.00, and +6.00 D, in random order). In session 2, only the effects of repeated testing were evaluated. The MD and pattern standard deviation (PSD) indices were evaluated as functions of blur and of test order. By correcting the data of session 1 for the reduction of sensitivity with repeated testing (session 2), the effect of blur on FDT sensitivities was established, and its clinical consequences evaluated on total- and pattern-deviation probability maps. FDT sensitivities decreased with blur (by <0.5 dB/D) and with repeated testing (by approximately 2 dB between the first and sixth tests). Blur and repeated testing independently led to larger numbers of locations with significant total and pattern deviation. Sensitivity reductions were similar in normal control subjects and patients with glaucoma, at central and peripheral test locations and at locations with high and low sensitivities. However, patients with glaucoma showed larger deterioration in the total-deviation-probability maps. To optimize the performance of the device, refractive errors should be corrected and immediate retesting avoided. Further research is needed to establish the cause of sensitivity loss with repeated FDT testing.

Development of an electrothermal vaporization ICP-MS method and assessment of its applicability to studies of the homogeneity of reference materials.

PubMed

Friese, K C; Grobecker, K H; Wätjen, U

2001-07-01

A method has been developed for measurement of the homogeneity of analyte distribution in powdered materials by use of electrothermal vaporization with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometric (ETV-ICP-MS) detection. The method enabled the simultaneous determination of As, Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, and Zn in milligram amounts of samples of biological origin. The optimized conditions comprised a high plasma power of 1,500 W, reduced aerosol transport flow, and heating ramps below 300 degrees C s(-1). A temperature ramp to 550 degrees C ensured effective pyrolysis of approximately 70% of the organic compounds without losses of analyte. An additional hold stage at 700 degrees C led to separation of most of the analyte signals from the evaporation of carbonaceous matrix compounds. The effect of time resolution of signal acquisition on the precision of the ETV measurements was investigated. An increase in the number of masses monitored up to 20 is possible with not more than 1% additional relative standard deviation of results caused by limited temporal resolution of the transient signals. Recording of signals from the nebulization of aqueous standards in each sample run enabled correction for drift of the sensitivity of the ETV-ICP-MS instrument. The applicability of the developed method to homogeneity studies was assessed by use of four certified reference materials. According to the best repeatability observed in these sample runs, the maximum contribution of the method to the standard deviation is approximately 5% to 6% for all the elements investigated.

Reproducibility and repeatability of semi-quantitative 18F-fluorodihydrotestosterone (FDHT) uptake metrics in castration-resistant prostate cancer metastases: a prospective multi-center study.

PubMed

Vargas, Hebert Alberto; Kramer, Gem M; Scott, Andrew M; Weickhardt, Andrew; Meier, Andreas A; Parada, Nicole; Beattie, Bradley J; Humm, John L; Staton, Kevin D; Zanzonico, Pat B; Lyashchenko, Serge K; Lewis, Jason S; Yaqub, Maqsood; Sosa, Ramon E; van den Eertwegh, Alfons J; Davis, Ian D; Ackermann, Uwe; Pathmaraj, Kunthi; Schuit, Robert C; Windhorst, Albert D; Chua, Sue; Weber, Wolfgang A; Larson, Steven M; Scher, Howard I; Lammertsma, Adriaan A; Hoekstra, Otto; Morris, Michael J

2018-04-06

18 F-fluorodihydrotestosterone ( 18 F-FDHT) is a radiolabeled analogue of the androgen receptor's primary ligand that is currently being credentialed as a biomarker for prognosis, response, and pharmacodynamic effects of new therapeutics. As part of the biomarker qualification process, we prospectively assessed its reproducibility and repeatability in men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Methods: We conducted a prospective multi-institutional study of mCRPC patients undergoing two (test/re-test) 18 F-FDHT PET/CT scans on two consecutive days. Two independent readers evaluated all examinations and recorded standardized uptake values (SUVs), androgen receptor-positive tumor volumes (ARTV), and total lesion uptake (TLU) for the most avid lesion detected in each of 32 pre-defined anatomical regions. The relative absolute difference and reproducibility coefficient (RC) of each metric were calculated between the test and re-test scans. Linear regression analyses, intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC), and Bland-Altman plots were used to evaluate repeatability of 18 F-FDHT metrics. The coefficient of variation (COV) and ICC were used to assess inter-observer reproducibility. Results: Twenty-seven patients with 140 18 F-FDHT-avid regions were included. The best repeatability among 18 F-FDHT uptake metrics was found for SUV metrics (SUV max , SUVmean, and SUVpeak), with no significant differences in repeatability found among them. Correlations between the test and re-test scans were strong for all SUV metrics (R2 ≥ 0.92; ICC ≥ 0.97). The RCs of the SUV metrics ranged from 21.3% for SUVpeak to 24.6% for SUV max The test and re-test ARTV and TLU, respectively, were highly correlated (R2 and ICC ≥ 0.97), although variability was significantly higher than that for SUV (RCs > 46.4%). The PSA levels, Gleason score, weight, and age did not affect repeatability, nor did total injected activity, uptake measurement time, or differences in uptake time between the two scans. Including the single most avid lesion per patient, the five most avid lesions per patient, only lesions ≥ 4.2 mL, only lesions with an SUV ≥ 4 g/mL, or normalizing of SUV to area under the parent plasma activity concentration-time curve did not significantly affect repeatability. All metrics showed high inter-observer reproducibility (ICC > 0.98; COV < 0.2-10.8%). Conclusion: 18 F-FDHT is a highly reproducible means of imaging mCRPC. Amongst 18 F-FDHT uptake metrics, SUV had the highest repeatability among the measures assessed. These performance characteristics lend themselves to further biomarker development and clinical qualification of the tracer. Copyright © 2018 by the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Inc.

Image analysis of oronasal fistulas in cleft palate patients acquired with an intraoral camera.

PubMed

Murphy, Tania C; Willmot, Derrick R

2005-01-01

The aim of this study was to examine the clinical technique of using an intraoral camera to monitor the size of residual oronasal fistulas in cleft lip-cleft palate patients, to assess its repeatability on study casts and patients, and to compare its use with other methods. Seventeen plaster study casts of cleft palate patients with oronasal fistulas obtained from a 5-year series of 160 patients were used. For the clinical study, 13 patients presenting in a clinic prospectively over a 1-year period were imaged twice by the camera. The area of each fistula on each study cast was measured in the laboratory first using a previously described graph paper and caliper technique and second with the intraoral camera. Images were imported into a computer and subjected to image enhancement and area measurement. The camera was calibrated by imaging a standard periodontal probe within the fistula area. The measurements were repeated using a double-blind technique on randomly renumbered casts to assess the repeatability of measurement of the methods. The clinical images were randomly and blindly numbered and subjected to image enhancement and processing in the same way as for the study casts. Area measurements were computed. Statistical analysis of repeatability of measurement using a paired sample t test showed no significant difference between measurements, indicating a lack of systematic error. An intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.97 for the graph paper and 0.84 for the camera method showed acceptable random error between the repeated records for each of the two methods. The graph paper method remained slightly more repeatable. The mean fistula area of the study casts between each method was not statistically different when compared with a paired samples t test (p = 0.08). The methods were compared using the limits of agreement technique, which showed clinically acceptable repeatability. The clinical study of repeated measures showed no systematic differences when subjected to a t test (p = 0.109) and little random error with an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.98. The fistula size seen in the clinical study ranged from 18.54 to 271.55 mm. Direct measurements subsequently taken on 13 patients in the clinic without study models showed a wide variation in the size of residual fistulas presenting in a multidisciplinary clinic. It was concluded that an intraoral camera method could be used in place of the previous graph paper method and could be developed for clinical and scientific purposes. This technique may offer advantages over the graph paper method, as it facilitates easy visualization of oronasal fistulas and objective fistulas size determination and permits easy storage of data in clinical records.

Repeatability of FDG PET/CT metrics assessed in free breathing and deep inspiration breath hold in lung cancer patients.

PubMed

Nygård, Lotte; Aznar, Marianne C; Fischer, Barbara M; Persson, Gitte F; Christensen, Charlotte B; Andersen, Flemming L; Josipovic, Mirjana; Langer, Seppo W; Kjær, Andreas; Vogelius, Ivan R; Bentzen, Søren M

2018-01-01

We measured the repeatability of FDG PET/CT uptake metrics when acquiring scans in free breathing (FB) conditions compared with deep inspiration breath hold (DIBH) for locally advanced lung cancer. Twenty patients were enrolled in this prospective study. Two FDG PET/CT scans per patient were conducted few days apart and in two breathing conditions (FB and DIBH). This resulted in four scans per patient. Up to four FDG PET avid lesions per patient were contoured. The following FDG metrics were measured in all lesions and in all four scans: Standardized uptake value (SUV) peak , SUV max , SUV mean , metabolic tumor volume (MTV) and total lesion glycolysis (TLG), based on an isocontur of 50% of SUV max . FDG PET avid volumes were delineated by a nuclear medicine physician. The gross tumor volumes (GTV) were contoured on the corresponding CT scans. Nineteen patients were available for analysis. Test-retest standard deviations of FDG uptake metrics in FB and DIBH were: SUV peak FB/DIBH: 16.2%/16.5%; SUV max : 18.2%/22.1%; SUV mean : 18.3%/22.1%; TLG: 32.4%/40.5%. DIBH compared to FB resulted in higher values with mean differences in SUV max of 12.6%, SUV peak 4.4% and SUV mean 11.9%. MTV, TLG and GTV were all significantly smaller on day 1 in DIBH compared to FB. However, the differences between metrics under FB and DIBH were in all cases smaller than 1 SD of the day to day repeatability. FDG acquisition in DIBH does not have a clinically relevant impact on the uptake metrics and does not improve the test-retest repeatability of FDG uptake metrics in lung cancer patients.

Preoperative implant selection for unilateral breast reconstruction using 3D imaging with the Microsoft Kinect sensor.

PubMed

Pöhlmann, Stefanie T L; Harkness, Elaine; Taylor, Christopher J; Gandhi, Ashu; Astley, Susan M

2017-08-01

This study aimed to investigate whether breast volume measured preoperatively using a Kinect 3D sensor could be used to determine the most appropriate implant size for reconstruction. Ten patients underwent 3D imaging before and after unilateral implant-based reconstruction. Imaging used seven configurations, varying patient pose and Kinect location, which were compared regarding suitability for volume measurement. Four methods of defining the breast boundary for automated volume calculation were compared, and repeatability assessed over five repetitions. The most repeatable breast boundary annotation used an ellipse to track the inframammary fold and a plane describing the chest wall (coefficient of repeatability: 70 ml). The most reproducible imaging position comparing pre- and postoperative volume measurement of the healthy breast was achieved for the sitting patient with elevated arms and Kinect centrally positioned (coefficient of repeatability: 141 ml). Optimal implant volume was calculated by correcting used implant volume by the observed postoperative asymmetry. It was possible to predict implant size using a linear model derived from preoperative volume measurement of the healthy breast (coefficient of determination R 2  = 0.78, standard error of prediction 120 ml). Mastectomy specimen weight and experienced surgeons' choice showed similar predictive ability (both: R 2  = 0.74, standard error: 141/142 ml). A leave one-out validation showed that in 61% of cases, 3D imaging could predict implant volume to within 10%; however for 17% of cases it was >30%. This technology has the potential to facilitate reconstruction surgery planning and implant procurement to maximise symmetry after unilateral reconstruction. Copyright © 2017 British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Overcoming the rate-distance limit of quantum key distribution without quantum repeaters.

PubMed

Lucamarini, M; Yuan, Z L; Dynes, J F; Shields, A J

2018-05-01

Quantum key distribution (QKD) 1,2 allows two distant parties to share encryption keys with security based on physical laws. Experimentally, QKD has been implemented via optical means, achieving key rates of 1.26 megabits per second over 50 kilometres of standard optical fibre 3 and of 1.16 bits per hour over 404 kilometres of ultralow-loss fibre in a measurement-device-independent configuration 4 . Increasing the bit rate and range of QKD is a formidable, but important, challenge. A related target, which is currently considered to be unfeasible without quantum repeaters 5-7 , is overcoming the fundamental rate-distance limit of QKD 8 . This limit defines the maximum possible secret key rate that two parties can distil at a given distance using QKD and is quantified by the secret-key capacity of the quantum channel 9 that connects the parties. Here we introduce an alternative scheme for QKD whereby pairs of phase-randomized optical fields are first generated at two distant locations and then combined at a central measuring station. Fields imparted with the same random phase are 'twins' and can be used to distil a quantum key. The key rate of this twin-field QKD exhibits the same dependence on distance as does a quantum repeater, scaling with the square-root of the channel transmittance, irrespective of who (malicious or otherwise) is in control of the measuring station. However, unlike schemes that involve quantum repeaters, ours is feasible with current technology and presents manageable levels of noise even on 550 kilometres of standard optical fibre. This scheme is a promising step towards overcoming the rate-distance limit of QKD and greatly extending the range of secure quantum communications.

MLVA for Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica Serovar Dublin: Development of a Method Suitable for Inter-Laboratory Surveillance and Application in the Context of a Raw Milk Cheese Outbreak in France in 2012

PubMed Central

Vignaud, Marie-Léone; Cherchame, Emeline; Marault, Muriel; Chaing, Emilie; Le Hello, Simon; Michel, Valerie; Jourdan-Da Silva, Nathalie; Lailler, Renaud; Brisabois, Anne; Cadel-Six, Sabrina

2017-01-01

Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica serovar Dublin (S. Dublin) figures among the most frequently isolated Salmonella strains in humans in France. This serovar may affect production and animal health mainly in cattle herds with corresponding high economic losses. Given that the current gold standard method, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), provides insufficient discrimination for epidemiological investigations, we propose a standard operating procedure in this study for multiple-locus variable number tandem repeat analysis (MLVA) of S. Dublin, suitable for inter-laboratory surveillance. An in silico analysis on the genome of S. Dublin strains CT_02021853 was performed to identify appropriate microsatellite regions. Of 21 VNTR loci screened, six were selected and 401 epidemiologically unrelated and related strains, isolated from humans, food and animals were analyzed to assess performance criteria such as typeability, discriminatory power and epidemiological concordance. The MLVA scheme developed was applied to an outbreak involving Saint-Nectaire cheese for which investigations were conducted in France in 2012, making it possible to discriminate between epidemiologically related strains and sporadic case strains, while PFGE assigned only a single profile. The six loci selected were sequenced on a large set of strains to determine the sequence of the repeated units and flanking regions, and their stability was evaluated in vivo through the analysis of the strains investigated from humans, food and the farm environment during the outbreak. The six VNTR selected were found to be stable and the discriminatory power of the MLVA method developed was calculated to be 0.954 compared with that for PFGE, which was only 0.625. Twenty-four reference strains were selected from the 401 examined strains in order to represent most of the allele diversity observed for each locus. This reference set can be used to harmonize MLVA results and allow data exchange between laboratories. This original MLVA protocol could be used easily and routinely for monitoring of serovar Dublin isolates and for conducting outbreak investigations. PMID:28289408

Clinical features and genetic diagnosis of hereditary spinocerebellar ataxia 3.

PubMed

Wang, Yaoguang; Yang, Xiaokai; Ma, Weide; Li, Jinxin; Zhang, Qingyuan; Xia, Shuqi; Wang, Hai; Zhang, Chenghui; Xu, Xiaomin; Zheng, Jiayong

2016-10-01

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3) is a rare inherited autosomal dominant progressive neurological disorder, which results from a CAG‑repeat expansion in the gene encoding the deubiquitinating enzyme, ataxin‑3. At present, no effective treatment is available for this fatal disorder; however, certain studies have suggested that reducing the levels of mutant ataxin‑3 protein may reverse or halt the progression of disease in patients with SCA3. In the present study, clinical examinations were performed on a patient with SCA3 who exhibited disease features including coughing, expectoration and was bedridden with mobility limitation. CAG repetitions at SCA‑associated genes were detected in the patient's family by performing standard polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and triple‑repeat primed PCR. The numbers of CAG‑repeats within the two alleles of the gene of interest in the patient were 15 and 78. Notably, the patient's brother, who harbored 76 CAG‑repeats in one allele of the gene of interest, did not exhibit severe disease symptoms. These results suggest that the number of CAG‑repeats is a critical for determination of SCA3 disease severity and time of onset. In addition, the defined phenotypic characteristics of the patient in the present study provide useful insight for more accurate clinical diagnosis and genotyping of future patients.

Error-compensation model for simultaneous measurement of five degrees of freedom motion errors of a rotary axis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bao, Chuanchen; Li, Jiakun; Feng, Qibo; Zhang, Bin

2018-07-01

This paper introduces an error-compensation model for our measurement method to measure five motion errors of a rotary axis based on fibre laser collimation. The error-compensation model is established in a matrix form using the homogeneous coordinate transformation theory. The influences of the installation errors, error crosstalk, and manufacturing errors are analysed. The model is verified by both ZEMAX simulation and measurement experiments. The repeatability values of the radial and axial motion errors are significantly suppressed by more than 50% after compensation. The repeatability experiments of five degrees of freedom motion errors and the comparison experiments of two degrees of freedom motion errors of an indexing table were performed by our measuring device and a standard instrument. The results show that the repeatability values of the angular positioning error ε z and tilt motion error around the Y axis ε y are 1.2″ and 4.4″, and the comparison deviations of the two motion errors are 4.0″ and 4.4″, respectively. The repeatability values of the radial and axial motion errors, δ y and δ z , are 1.3 and 0.6 µm, respectively. The repeatability value of the tilt motion error around the X axis ε x is 3.8″.

Quantitative analysis of TALE-DNA interactions suggests polarity effects.

PubMed

Meckler, Joshua F; Bhakta, Mital S; Kim, Moon-Soo; Ovadia, Robert; Habrian, Chris H; Zykovich, Artem; Yu, Abigail; Lockwood, Sarah H; Morbitzer, Robert; Elsäesser, Janett; Lahaye, Thomas; Segal, David J; Baldwin, Enoch P

2013-04-01

Transcription activator-like effectors (TALEs) have revolutionized the field of genome engineering. We present here a systematic assessment of TALE DNA recognition, using quantitative electrophoretic mobility shift assays and reporter gene activation assays. Within TALE proteins, tandem 34-amino acid repeats recognize one base pair each and direct sequence-specific DNA binding through repeat variable di-residues (RVDs). We found that RVD choice can affect affinity by four orders of magnitude, with the relative RVD contribution in the order NG > HD ≈ NN > NI > NK. The NN repeat preferred the base G over A, whereas the NK repeat bound G with 10(3)-fold lower affinity. We compared AvrBs3, a naturally occurring TALE that recognizes its target using some atypical RVD-base combinations, with a designed TALE that precisely matches 'standard' RVDs with the target bases. This comparison revealed unexpected differences in sensitivity to substitutions of the invariant 5'-T. Another surprising observation was that base mismatches at the 5' end of the target site had more disruptive effects on affinity than those at the 3' end, particularly in designed TALEs. These results provide evidence that TALE-DNA recognition exhibits a hitherto un-described polarity effect, in which the N-terminal repeats contribute more to affinity than C-terminal ones.

40 CFR 1065.12 - Approval of alternate procedures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... engine meets all applicable emission standards according to specified procedures. (iii) Use statistical.... (e) We may give you specific directions regarding methods for statistical analysis, or we may approve... statistical tests. Perform the tests as follows: (1) Repeat measurements for all applicable duty cycles at...

29 CFR 1910.95 - Occupational noise exposure.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH STANDARDS Occupational Health and Environmental Control § 1910.95 Occupational... engineering controls shall be utilized. If such controls fail to reduce sound levels within the levels of...) Monitoring shall be repeated whenever a change in production, process, equipment or controls increases noise...

29 CFR 1910.95 - Occupational noise exposure.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH STANDARDS Occupational Health and Environmental Control § 1910.95 Occupational... engineering controls shall be utilized. If such controls fail to reduce sound levels within the levels of...) Monitoring shall be repeated whenever a change in production, process, equipment or controls increases noise...

29 CFR 1910.95 - Occupational noise exposure.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH STANDARDS Occupational Health and Environmental Control § 1910.95 Occupational... engineering controls shall be utilized. If such controls fail to reduce sound levels within the levels of...) Monitoring shall be repeated whenever a change in production, process, equipment or controls increases noise...

Exposure Standard for Fog Oil

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-11-15

painting thrice weekly for 15 weeks with a non-carcinogenic batch of Jute oil induced benign papillomas, keratoacanthoinas and fibrosarcomas . Agarw;l et...granulomas and pneumonias, following 91a13o5repeated nasal administration of food or medicinal grade mineral oils. *, ,3 3 Scattered case reports

14 CFR 23.571 - Metallic pressurized cabin structures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... AIRCRAFT AIRWORTHINESS STANDARDS: NORMAL, UTILITY, ACROBATIC, AND COMMUTER CATEGORY AIRPLANES Structure... the following: (a) A fatigue strength investigation in which the structure is shown by tests, or by analysis supported by test evidence, to be able to withstand the repeated loads of variable magnitude...

Evaluation of a standard test method for total hemispherical emittance of surfaces from 293K to 1673K

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Compton, E. C.

1986-01-01

Emittance tests were made on samples of Rene' 41, Haynes 188, and Inconel 625 superalloy metals in an evaluation of a standard test method for determining total hemispherical emittances of surfaces from 293 K to 1673 K. The intent of this evaluation was to address any problems encountered, check repeatability of measured emittances, and gain experience in use of the test procedure. Five test specimens were fabricated to prescribe test dimensions and surfaces cleaned of oil and residue. Three of these specimens were without oxidized surfaces and two with oxidized surfaces. The oxidized specimens were Rene' 41 and Haynes 188. The tests were conducted in a vacuum where the samples were resistance-heated to various temperature levels ranging from 503 K to 1293 K. The calculated results for emittance, in the worst case, were repeatable to a maximum spread to + or - 4% from the mean of five sets of plotted data for each specimen.

The Timeseries Toolbox - A Web Application to Enable Accessible, Reproducible Time Series Analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Veatch, W.; Friedman, D.; Baker, B.; Mueller, C.

2017-12-01

The vast majority of data analyzed by climate researchers are repeated observations of physical process or time series data. This data lends itself of a common set of statistical techniques and models designed to determine trends and variability (e.g., seasonality) of these repeated observations. Often, these same techniques and models can be applied to a wide variety of different time series data. The Timeseries Toolbox is a web application designed to standardize and streamline these common approaches to time series analysis and modeling with particular attention to hydrologic time series used in climate preparedness and resilience planning and design by the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers. The application performs much of the pre-processing of time series data necessary for more complex techniques (e.g. interpolation, aggregation). With this tool, users can upload any dataset that conforms to a standard template and immediately begin applying these techniques to analyze their time series data.

[Standard sample preparation method for quick determination of trace elements in plastic].

PubMed

Yao, Wen-Qing; Zong, Rui-Long; Zhu, Yong-Fa

2011-08-01

Reference sample was prepared by masterbatch method, containing heavy metals with known concentration of electronic information products (plastic), the repeatability and precision were determined, and reference sample preparation procedures were established. X-Ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF) analysis method was used to determine the repeatability and uncertainty in the analysis of the sample of heavy metals and bromine element. The working curve and the metrical methods for the reference sample were carried out. The results showed that the use of the method in the 200-2000 mg x kg(-1) concentration range for Hg, Pb, Cr and Br elements, and in the 20-200 mg x kg(-1) range for Cd elements, exhibited a very good linear relationship, and the repeatability of analysis methods for six times is good. In testing the circuit board ICB288G and ICB288 from the Mitsubishi Heavy Industry Company, results agreed with the recommended values.

Abortion trends from 1996 to 2011 in Estonia: special emphasis on repeat abortion

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background The study aimed to describe the overall and age-specific trends of induced abortions from 1996 to 2011 with an emphasis on socio-demographic characteristics and contraceptive use of women having had repeat abortions in Estonia. Methods Data were retrieved from the Estonian Medical Birth and Abortion Registry and Statistics Estonia. Total induced abortion numbers, rates, ratios and age-specific rates are presented for 1996–2011. The percentage change in the number of repeat abortions within selected socio-demographic subgroups, contraception use and distribution of induced abortions among Estonians and non-Estonians for the first, second, third, fourth and subsequent abortions were calculated for the periods 1996–2003 and 2004–2011. Results Observed trends over the 16-year study period indicated a considerable decline in induced abortions with a reduction in abortion rate of 57.1%, which was mainly attributed to younger cohorts. The percentage of women undergoing repeat abortions fell steadily from 63.8% during 1996–2003 to 58.0% during 2004–2011. The percentage of women undergoing repeat abortions significantly decreased over the 16 years within all selected socio-demographic subgroups except among women with low educational attainment and students. Within each time period, a greater percentage of non-Estonians than Estonians underwent repeat abortions and obtained third and subsequent abortions. Most women did not use any contraceptive method prior to their first or subsequent abortion. Conclusion A high percentage of women obtaining repeat abortions reflects a high historical abortion rate. If current trends continue, a rapid decline in repeat abortions may be predicted. To decrease the burden of sexual ill health, routine contraceptive counselling, as standard care in the abortion process, should be seriously addressed with an emphasis on those groups - non-Estonians, women with lower educational attainment, students and women with children - vulnerable with respect to repeat abortion. PMID:25005363

Reproducibility of functional volume and activity concentration in 18F-FDG PET/CT of liver metastases in colorectal cancer.

PubMed

Heijmen, Linda; de Geus-Oei, Lioe-Fee; de Wilt, Johannes H W; Visvikis, Dimitris; Hatt, Mathieu; Visser, Eric P; Bussink, Johan; Punt, Cornelis J A; Oyen, Wim J G; van Laarhoven, Hanneke W M

2012-12-01

Several studies showed potential for monitoring response to systemic therapy in metastatic colorectal cancer patients with (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET). Before (18)F-FDG PET can be implemented for response evaluation the repeatability should be known. This study was performed to assess the magnitude of the changes in standardized uptake value (SUV), volume and total lesion glycolysis (TLG) in colorectal liver metastases and validate the biological basis of (18)F-FDG PET in colorectal liver metastases. Twenty patients scheduled for liver metastasectomy underwent two (18)F-FDG PET scans within 1 week. Bland-Altman analysis was performed to assess repeatability of SUV(max), SUV(mean), volume and TLG. Tumours were delineated using an adaptive threshold method (PET(SBR)) and a semiautomatic fuzzy locally adaptive Bayesian (FLAB) delineation method. Coefficient of repeatability of SUV(max) and SUV(mean) were ∼39 and ∼31 %, respectively, independent of the delineation method used and image reconstruction parameters. However, repeatability was worse in recently treated patients. The FLAB delineation method improved the repeatability of the volume and TLG measurements compared to PET(SBR), from coefficients of repeatability of over 85 % to 45 % and 57 % for volume and TLG, respectively. Glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) expression correlated to the SUV(mean). Vascularity (CD34 expression) and tumour hypoxia (carbonic anhydrase IX expression) did not correlate with (18)F-FDG PET parameters. In conclusion, repeatability of SUV(mean) and SUV(max) was mainly affected by preceding systemic therapy. The repeatability of tumour volume and TLG could be improved using more advanced and robust delineation approaches such as FLAB, which is recommended when (18)F-FDG PET is utilized for volume or TLG measurements. Improvement of repeatability of PET measurements, for instance by dynamic PET scanning protocols, is probably necessary to effectively use PET for early response monitoring.

Repeatability of normal multifocal VEP: implications for detecting progression.

PubMed

Fortune, Brad; Demirel, Shaban; Zhang, Xian; Hood, Donald C; Johnson, Chris A

2006-04-01

To assess the repeatability of the multifocal visual evoked potential (mfVEP) and to compare it with the repeatability of standard automated perimetry (SAP) in the same group of 50 normal controls retested after 1 year. Our second aim was to assess the repeatability of false alarm rates determined previously for the mfVEP using various cluster criteria. Fifty individuals with normal vision participated in this study (33 females and 17 males). The age range was 26.7 to 77.9 years and the group average age (+/- SD) was 51.4 (+/- 12.1) years. Pattern-reversal mfVEPs were obtained using a dartboard stimulus pattern in VERIS and two 8-minute runs per eye were averaged. The average number of days between the first and second mfVEP tests was 378 (+/- 58). SAP visual fields were obtained within 17.4 (+/- 20.3) days of the mfVEP using the SITA-standard threshold algorithm. Repeatability of mfVEPs and SAP total deviation values were evaluated by calculating point-wise limits of agreement (LOA). Specificity (1-false alarm rate) was evaluated for a range of cluster criteria, whereby the number and probability level of the points defining a cluster were varied. Point-wise LOA for the mfVEP signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) ranged from 2.0 to 4.3 dB, with an average of 2.9 dB across all 60 locations. For SAP, LOA ranged from 2.4 to 8.9 dB, with an average of 4.0 dB (excluding the points immediately above and below the blind spot). Clusters of abnormal points were not likely to repeat on either mfVEP or SAP. When an mfVEP abnormality was defined as the repeat presence (confirmation) of a 3-point (P < 0.05) cluster anywhere within a single hemifield, only 1 (of 200) monocular hemifield was deemed abnormal. Although the LOA of the mfVEP were similar throughout the field, the limited dynamic range of SNR at superior field locations will limit the ability to follow progression in "depth" at those locations. Repeatability of the mfVEP was slightly better than SAP visual fields in this group of controls with a 1-year retest interval. This suggests that progression in early stages should be more easily detectable by mfVEP. However, in certain field locations (eg, superior periphery), the relatively more narrow dynamic range of the SNR of the mfVEP may limit detection of progression to just 1 event. Confirmation of a 3-point cluster abnormality is highly suggestive of a true defect on the mfVEP.

Simultaneous determination of nine saponins from Panax notoginseng using HPLC and pressurized liquid extraction.

PubMed

Wan, J B; Lai, C M; Li, S P; Lee, M Y; Kong, L Y; Wang, Y T

2006-04-11

A HPLC and pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) method was developed for simultaneous determination of nine saponins, including notoginsenoside R1, ginsenoside Rg1, Re, Rf, Rb1, Rc, Rb2, Rb3 and Rd in Panax notoginseng. The analysis was performed on C18 column with water-acetonitrile gradient elution and the investigated saponins were authenticated by comparing retention time and mass spectra with their reference compounds. Several methods including PLE, ultrasonication, soxhlet extraction and immersion were used for sample preparation and their extraction efficiency was compared. The results showed that PLE has the highest extraction efficiency and repeatability, which would be valuable on standardization of sample preparation for quality control of Chinese medicines. The developed HPLC and PLE is an effective approach for simultaneously quantitative determination of sapoinins in P. notoginseng, which could be used for quality control of P. notoginseng and its preparations.

Software Verification of Orion Cockpit Displays

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Biswas, M. A. Rafe; Garcia, Samuel; Prado, Matthew; Hossain, Sadad; Souris, Matthew; Morin, Lee

2017-01-01

NASA's latest spacecraft Orion is in the development process of taking humans deeper into space. Orion is equipped with three main displays to monitor and control the spacecraft. To ensure the software behind the glass displays operates without faults, rigorous testing is needed. To conduct such testing, the Rapid Prototyping Lab at NASA's Johnson Space Center along with the University of Texas at Tyler employed a software verification tool, EggPlant Functional by TestPlant. It is an image based test automation tool that allows users to create scripts to verify the functionality within a program. A set of edge key framework and Common EggPlant Functions were developed to enable creation of scripts in an efficient fashion. This framework standardized the way to code and to simulate user inputs in the verification process. Moreover, the Common EggPlant Functions can be used repeatedly in verification of different displays.

Evaluating betterment projects.

PubMed

Fleming, Christopher M; Manning, Matthew; Smith, Christine

2016-04-01

In the past decade Australia has experienced a series of large-scale, severe natural disasters including catastrophic bushfires, widespread and repeated flooding, and intense storms and cyclones. There appears to be a prima facie case for rebuilding damaged infrastructure to a more disaster resilient (that is, to 'betterment') standard. The purpose of this paper is to develop and illustrate a consistent and readily applied method for advancing proposals for the betterment of essential public assets, which can be used by governments at all levels to determine the net benefits of such proposals. Case study results demonstrate that betterment investments have the potential to deliver a positive economic return across a range of asset types and regions. Results, however, are highly sensitive to underlying assumptions; in particular the probability of the natural disaster affecting the infrastructure in the absence of betterment. © 2016 The Author(s). Disasters © Overseas Development Institute, 2016.

Development, validation, and uncertainty measurement of multi-residue analysis of organochlorine and organophosphorus pesticides using pressurized liquid extraction and dispersive-SPE techniques.

PubMed

Sanyal, Doyeli; Rani, Anita; Alam, Samsul; Gujral, Seema; Gupta, Ruchi

2011-11-01

Simple and efficient multi-residue analytical methods were developed and validated for the determination of 13 organochlorine and 17 organophosphorous pesticides from soil, spinach and eggplant. Techniques namely accelerated solvent extraction and dispersive SPE were used for sample preparations. The recovery studies were carried out by spiking the samples at three concentration levels (1 limit of quantification (LOQ), 5 LOQ, and 10 LOQ). The methods were subjected to a thorough validation procedure. The mean recovery for soil, spinach and eggplant were in the range of 70-120% with median CV (%) below 10%. The total uncertainty was evaluated taking four main independent sources viz., weighing, purity of the standard, GC calibration curve and repeatability under consideration. The expanded uncertainty was well below 10% for most of the pesticides and the rest fell in the range of 10-20%.

Determination of anionic surface active agents using silica coated magnetite nanoparticles modified with cationic surfactant aggregates.

PubMed

Pena-Pereira, Francisco; Duarte, Regina M B O; Trindade, Tito; Duarte, Armando C

2013-07-19

The development of a novel methodology for extraction and preconcentration of the most commonly used anionic surface active agents (SAAs), linear alkylbenzene sulfonates (LAS), is presented herein. The present method, based on the use of silica-magnetite nanoparticles modified with cationic surfactant aggregates, was developed for determination of C10-C13 LAS homologues. The proposed methodology allowed quantitative recoveries of C10-C13 LAS homologues by using a reduced amount of magnetic nanoparticles. Limits of detection were in the range 0.8-1.9μgL(-1) for C10-C13 LAS homologues, while the repeatability, expressed as relative standard deviation (RSD), ranged from 2.0 to 3.9% (N=6). Finally, the proposed method was successfully applied to the analysis of a variety of natural water samples. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Standardizing the classification of abortion incidents: the Procedural Abortion Incident Reporting and Surveillance (PAIRS) Framework.

PubMed

Taylor, Diana; Upadhyay, Ushma D; Fjerstad, Mary; Battistelli, Molly F; Weitz, Tracy A; Paul, Maureen E

2017-07-01

To develop and validate standardized criteria for assessing abortion-related incidents (adverse events, morbidities, near misses) for first-trimester aspiration abortion procedures and to demonstrate the utility of a standardized framework [the Procedural Abortion Incident Reporting & Surveillance (PAIRS) Framework] for estimating serious abortion-related adverse events. As part of a California-based study of early aspiration abortion provision conducted between 2007 and 2013, we developed and validated a standardized framework for defining and monitoring first-trimester (≤14weeks) aspiration abortion morbidity and adverse events using multiple methods: a literature review, framework criteria testing with empirical data, repeated expert reviews and data-based revisions to the framework. The final framework distinguishes incidents resulting from procedural abortion care (adverse events) from morbidity related to pregnancy, the abortion process and other nonabortion related conditions. It further classifies incidents by diagnosis (confirmatory data, etiology, risk factors), management (treatment type and location), timing (immediate or delayed), seriousness (minor or major) and outcome. Empirical validation of the framework using data from 19,673 women receiving aspiration abortions revealed almost an equal proportion of total adverse events (n=205, 1.04%) and total abortion- or pregnancy-related morbidity (n=194, 0.99%). The majority of adverse events were due to retained products of conception (0.37%), failed attempted abortion (0.15%) and postabortion infection (0.17%). Serious or major adverse events were rare (n=11, 0.06%). Distinguishing morbidity diagnoses from adverse events using a standardized, empirically tested framework confirms the very low frequency of serious adverse events related to clinic-based abortion care. The PAIRS Framework provides a useful set of tools to systematically classify and monitor abortion-related incidents for first-trimester aspiration abortion procedures. Standardization will assist healthcare providers, researchers and policymakers to anticipate morbidity and prevent abortion adverse events, improve care metrics and enhance abortion quality. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Distribution and Characteristics of Repeating Earthquakes in Northern California

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Waldhauser, F.; Schaff, D. P.; Zechar, J. D.; Shaw, B. E.

2012-12-01

Repeating earthquakes are playing an increasingly important role in the study of fault processes and behavior, and have the potential to improve hazard assessment, earthquake forecast, and seismic monitoring capabilities. These events rupture the same fault patch repeatedly, generating virtually identical seismograms. In California, repeating earthquakes have been found predominately along the creeping section of the central San Andreas Fault, where they are believed to represent failing asperities on an otherwise creeping fault. Here, we use the northern California double-difference catalog of 450,000 precisely located events (1984-2009) and associated database of 2 billion waveform cross-correlation measurements to systematically search for repeating earthquakes across various tectonic regions. An initial search for pairs of earthquakes with high-correlation coefficients and similar magnitudes resulted in 4,610 clusters including a total of over 26,000 earthquakes. A subsequent double-difference re-analysis of these clusters resulted in 1,879 sequences (8,640 events) where a common rupture area can be resolved to the precision of a few tens of meters or less. These repeating earthquake sequences (RES) include between 3 and 24 events with magnitudes up to ML=4. We compute precise relative magnitudes between events in each sequence from differential amplitude measurements. Differences between these and standard coda-duration magnitudes have a standard deviation of 0.09. The RES occur throughout northern California, but RES with 10 or more events (6%) only occur along the central San Andreas and Calaveras faults. We are establishing baseline characteristics for each sequence, such as recurrence intervals and their coefficient of variation (CV), in order to compare them across tectonic regions. CVs for these clusters range from 0.002 to 2.6, indicating a range of behavior between periodic occurrence (CV~0), random occurrence, and temporal clustering. 10% of the RES show burst-like behavior with mean recurrence times smaller than one month. 5% of the RES have mean recurrence times greater than one year and include more than 10 earthquakes. Earthquakes in the 50 most periodic sequences (CV<0.2) do not appear to be predictable by either time- or slip-predictable models, consistent with previous findings. We demonstrate that changes in recurrence intervals of repeating earthquakes can be routinely monitored. This is especially important for sequences with CV~0, as they may indicate changes in the loading rate. We also present results from retrospective forecast experiments based on near-real time hazard functions.

Algorithm to find distant repeats in a single protein sequence

PubMed Central

Banerjee, Nirjhar; Sarani, Rangarajan; Ranjani, Chellamuthu Vasuki; Sowmiya, Govindaraj; Michael, Daliah; Balakrishnan, Narayanasamy; Sekar, Kanagaraj

2008-01-01

Distant repeats in protein sequence play an important role in various aspects of protein analysis. A keen analysis of the distant repeats would enable to establish a firm relation of the repeats with respect to their function and three-dimensional structure during the evolutionary process. Further, it enlightens the diversity of duplication during the evolution. To this end, an algorithm has been developed to find all distant repeats in a protein sequence. The scores from Point Accepted Mutation (PAM) matrix has been deployed for the identification of amino acid substitutions while detecting the distant repeats. Due to the biological importance of distant repeats, the proposed algorithm will be of importance to structural biologists, molecular biologists, biochemists and researchers involved in phylogenetic and evolutionary studies. PMID:19052663

Experimental Investigation of Textile Composite Materials Using Moire Interferometry

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ifju, Peter G.

1995-01-01

The viability as an efficient aircraft material of advanced textile composites is currently being addressed in the NASA Advanced Composites Technology (ACT) Program. One of the expected milestones of the program is to develop standard test methods for these complex material systems. Current test methods for laminated composites may not be optimum for textile composites, since the architecture of the textile induces nonuniform deformation characteristics on the scale of the smallest repeating unit of the architecture. The smallest repeating unit, also called the unit cell, is often larger than the strain gages used for testing of tape composites. As a result, extending laminated composite test practices to textiles can often lead to pronounced scatter in material property measurements. It has been speculated that the fiber architectures produce significant surface strain nonuniformities, however, the magnitudes were not well understood. Moire interferometry, characterized by full-field information, high displacement sensitivity, and high spatial resolution, is well suited to document the surface strain on textile composites. Studies at the NASA Langley Research Center on a variety of textile architectures including 2-D braids and 3-D weaves, has evidenced the merits of using moire interferometry to guide in test method development for textile composites. Moire was used to support tensile testing by validating instrumentation practices and documenting damage mechanisms. It was used to validate shear test methods by mapping the full-field deformation of shear specimens. Moire was used to validate open hole tension experiments to determine the strain concentration and compare then to numeric predictions. It was used for through-the-thickness tensile strength test method development, to verify capabilities for testing of both 2-D and 3-D material systems. For all of these examples, moire interferometry provided vision so that test methods could be developed with less speculation and more documentation.

Development of representative magnetic resonance imaging-based atlases of the canine brain and evaluation of three methods for atlas-based segmentation.

PubMed

Milne, Marjorie E; Steward, Christopher; Firestone, Simon M; Long, Sam N; O'Brien, Terrence J; Moffat, Bradford A

2016-04-01

To develop representative MRI atlases of the canine brain and to evaluate 3 methods of atlas-based segmentation (ABS). 62 dogs without clinical signs of epilepsy and without MRI evidence of structural brain disease. The MRI scans from 44 dogs were used to develop 4 templates on the basis of brain shape (brachycephalic, mesaticephalic, dolichocephalic, and combined mesaticephalic and dolichocephalic). Atlas labels were generated by segmenting the brain, ventricular system, hippocampal formation, and caudate nuclei. The MRI scans from the remaining 18 dogs were used to evaluate 3 methods of ABS (manual brain extraction and application of a brain shape-specific template [A], automatic brain extraction and application of a brain shape-specific template [B], and manual brain extraction and application of a combined template [C]). The performance of each ABS method was compared by calculation of the Dice and Jaccard coefficients, with manual segmentation used as the gold standard. Method A had the highest mean Jaccard coefficient and was the most accurate ABS method assessed. Measures of overlap for ABS methods that used manual brain extraction (A and C) ranged from 0.75 to 0.95 and compared favorably with repeated measures of overlap for manual extraction, which ranged from 0.88 to 0.97. Atlas-based segmentation was an accurate and repeatable method for segmentation of canine brain structures. It could be performed more rapidly than manual segmentation, which should allow the application of computer-assisted volumetry to large data sets and clinical cases and facilitate neuroimaging research and disease diagnosis.

Writing next-generation display photomasks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sandstrom, Tor; Wahlsten, Mikael; Park, Youngjin

2016-10-01

Recent years have seen a fast technical development within the display area. Displays get ever higher pixel density and the pixels get smaller. Current displays have over 800 PPI and market forces will eventually drive for densities of 2000 PPI or higher. The transistor backplanes also get more complex. OLED displays require 4-7 transistors per pixel instead of the typical 1-2 transistors used for LCDs, and they are significantly more sensitive to errors. New large-area maskwriters have been developed for masks used in high volume production of screens for state-of-theart smartphones. Redesigned laser optics with higher NA and lower aberrations improve resolution and CD uniformity and reduce mura effects. The number of beams has been increased to maintain the throughput despite the higher writing resolution. OLED displays are highly sensitive to placement errors and registration in the writers has been improved. To verify the registration of produced masks a separate metrology system has been developed. The metrology system is self-calibrated to high accuracy. The calibration is repeatable across machines and sites using Z-correction. The repeatability of the coordinate system makes it possible to standardize the coordinate system across an entire supply chain or indeed across the entire industry. In-house metrology is a commercial necessity for high-end mask shop, but also the users of the masks, the panel makers, would benefit from having in-house metrology. It would act as the reference for their mask suppliers, give better predictive and post mortem diagnostic power for the panel process, and the metrology could be used to characterize and improve the entire production loop from data to panel.

Characterization of (CA)n microsatellite repeats from large-insert clones.

PubMed

Litt, M; Browne, D

2001-05-01

The most laborious part of developing (CA)n microsatellite repeats as genetic markers is constructing DNA clones to permit determination of sequences flanking the microsatellites. When cosmids or large-insert phage clones are used as primary sources of (CA)n repeat markers, they have traditionally been subcloned into plasmid vectors such as pUC18 or M13 mp 18/19 cloning vectors to obtain fragments of suitable size for DNA sequencing. This unit presents an alternative approach whereby a set of degenerate sequencing primers that anneal directly to (CA)n microsatellites can be used to determine sequences that are inaccessible with vector-derived primers. Because the primers anneal to the repeat and not to the vector, they can be used with subclones containing inserts of several kilobases and should, in theory, always give sequence in the regions directly flanking the repeat. Degeneracy at the 3 end of each of these primers prevents elongation of primers that have annealed out-of-register. The most laborious part of developing (CA)n microsatellite repeats as genetic markers is constructing DNA clones to permit.

Design Science Research toward Designing/Prototyping a Repeatable Model for Testing Location Management (LM) Algorithms for Wireless Networking

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Peacock, Christopher

2012-01-01

The purpose of this research effort was to develop a model that provides repeatable Location Management (LM) testing using a network simulation tool, QualNet version 5.1 (2011). The model will provide current and future protocol developers a framework to simulate stable protocol environments for development. This study used the Design Science…

Repeatability of Ophtha Top topography and comparison with IOL-Master and LenstarLS900 in cataract patients

PubMed Central

Yu, Sha-Sha; Song, Hui; Tang, Xin

2017-01-01

AIM To determine the repeatability of Ophtha Top topography and assess the consistency with intraocular lens (IOL)-Master and LenstarLS900 (Lenstar) in measuring corneal parameters among cataract patients. METHODS Totally 125 eyes were enrolled. Corneas were successively measured with Ophtha Top, IOL-Master and Lenstar at least three times. The flattest meridian power (Kf), the steepest meridian power (Ks), mean power (Km), J0 and J45 were recorded. Intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs), the coefficient of variance (COV), within subject standard deviation (Sw), and test-retest repeatability (2.77Sw) were adopted to determine the repeatability. The 95% limit of agreement (95%LOA) and Bland-Altman plots were used to assess comparability. RESULTS Repeatability of Ophtha Top topography for measuring corneal parameters showed the ICCs were all above 0.93, 2.77Sw was lower than 0.31, and the COV of the Kf and Ks was lower than 0.25. The keratometric readings with Ophtha Top topography were flatter than with the IOL-Master and Lenstar devices, while the Pearson correlation coefficients were over 0.97. The J0 and J45 with Ophtha Top topography were smaller compared with Lenstar and IOL-Master, while was comparable between Lenstar and IOL-Master. CONCLUSION Ophtha Top topography shows excellent repeatability for measuring corneal parameters. However, differences between the Ophtha TOP topography and Lenstar, IOL-Master both in cornea curvature and the astigmatism should be noted clinically. PMID:29181314

Repeatability of Ophtha Top topography and comparison with IOL-Master and LenstarLS900 in cataract patients.

PubMed

Yu, Sha-Sha; Song, Hui; Tang, Xin

2017-01-01

To determine the repeatability of Ophtha Top topography and assess the consistency with intraocular lens (IOL)-Master and LenstarLS900 (Lenstar) in measuring corneal parameters among cataract patients. Totally 125 eyes were enrolled. Corneas were successively measured with Ophtha Top, IOL-Master and Lenstar at least three times. The flattest meridian power (Kf), the steepest meridian power (Ks), mean power (Km), J0 and J45 were recorded. Intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs), the coefficient of variance (COV), within subject standard deviation (Sw), and test-retest repeatability (2.77Sw) were adopted to determine the repeatability. The 95% limit of agreement (95%LOA) and Bland-Altman plots were used to assess comparability. Repeatability of Ophtha Top topography for measuring corneal parameters showed the ICCs were all above 0.93, 2.77Sw was lower than 0.31, and the COV of the Kf and Ks was lower than 0.25. The keratometric readings with Ophtha Top topography were flatter than with the IOL-Master and Lenstar devices, while the Pearson correlation coefficients were over 0.97. The J0 and J45 with Ophtha Top topography were smaller compared with Lenstar and IOL-Master, while was comparable between Lenstar and IOL-Master. Ophtha Top topography shows excellent repeatability for measuring corneal parameters. However, differences between the Ophtha TOP topography and Lenstar, IOL-Master both in cornea curvature and the astigmatism should be noted clinically.

Intra-rater repeatability of gait parameters in healthy adults during self-paced treadmill-based virtual reality walking.

PubMed

Al-Amri, Mohammad; Al Balushi, Hilal; Mashabi, Abdulrhman

2017-12-01

Self-paced treadmill walking is becoming increasingly popular for the gait assessment and re-education, in both research and clinical settings. Its day-to-day repeatability is yet to be established. This study scrutinised the test-retest repeatability of key gait parameters, obtained from the Gait Real-time Analysis Interactive Lab (GRAIL) system. Twenty-three male able-bodied adults (age: 34.56 ± 5.12 years) completed two separate gait assessments on the GRAIL system, separated by 5 ± 3 days. Key gait kinematic, kinetic, and spatial-temporal parameters were analysed. The Intraclass-Correlation Coefficients (ICC), Standard Error Measurement (SEM), Minimum Detectable Change (MDC), and the 95% limits of agreements were calculated to evaluate the repeatability of these gait parameters. Day-to-day agreements were excellent (ICCs > 0.87) for spatial-temporal parameters with low MDC and SEM values, <0.153 and <0.055, respectively. The repeatability was higher for joint kinetic than kinematic parameters, as reflected in small values of SEM (<0.13 Nm/kg and <3.4°) and MDC (<0.335 Nm/kg and <9.44°). The obtained values of all parameters fell within the 95% limits of agreement. Our findings demonstrate the repeatability of the GRAIL system available in our laboratory. The SEM and MDC values can be used to assist researchers and clinicians to distinguish 'real' changes in gait performance over time.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder with bipolar diathesis following isotretinoin therapy remitting upon treatment with olanzapine and fluvoxamine

PubMed Central

Fornaro, Michele

2010-01-01

Isotretinoin, a drug used for moderate to severe acne, has been repeatedly associated with various psychiatric complications, although a definitive causal relationship has not been established to date. This case report describes a 25-year-old male who developed obsessive-compulsive disorder at the age of 23 years following isotretinoin treatment for acne (10–20 mg/day) since the age of 16 years. Although standard treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder caused mood swings, the combination of fluvoxamine 300 mg/day and olanzapine 15 mg/day significantly improves the clinical picture. Although rare, severe adulthood psychiatric complications may occur following isotretinoin treatment, requiring management which is individually tailored to the patient. PMID:21127690

Development of hydronephrosis secondary to poorly managed neurogenic bowel requiring surgical disimpaction in a patient with spinal cord injury: A case report

PubMed Central

Downs, Jairon; Wolfe, Tracy; Walker, Heather

2014-01-01

Context Case of an adult patient with paraplegia managing neurogenic bladder with intermittent catheterization who was not performing a standard bowel program for management of neurogenic bowel. Findings Patient presented with increasing spasticity, fecal incontinence, and abdominal pain and ultimately was hospitalized for management. Imaging revealed massive fecal impaction, resulting in ureteral obstruction and hydronephrosis. Despite repeated aggressive bowel regimens, serial abdominal X-rays showed continued large stool burden. Ultimately surgical intervention was required to evacuate the colon and subsequently the hydronephrosis resolved. Conclusion/Clinical relevance This case illustrates the importance of proper management of neurogenic bowel, as significant medical complications, such as hydronephrosis can occur with poorly managed neurogenic bowel. PMID:24617444

A new acoustic method to determine the setting time of calcium sulfate bone cement mixed with antibiotics.

PubMed

Cooper, J J; Brayford, M J; Laycock, P A

2014-08-01

A new method is described which can be used to determine the setting times of small amounts of high value bone cements. The test was developed to measure how the setting times of a commercially available synthetic calcium sulfate cement (Stimulan, Biocomposites, UK) in two forms (standard and Rapid Cure) varies with the addition of clinically relevant antibiotics. The importance of being able to accurately quantify these setting times is discussed. The results demonstrate that this new method, which is shown to correlate to the Vicat needle, gives reliable and repeatable data with additional benefits expressed in the article. The majority of antibiotics mixed were found to retard the setting reaction of the calcium sulfate cement.

[Anti-VEGF therapy resistance in neovascular age-related macular degeneration].

PubMed

Budzinskaya, M V; Plyukhova, A A; Sorokin, P A

With account to the increase in the elderly population in most of the developed countries, the WHO defines age-related macular degeneration (AMD) as one of the main causes of blindness in the world. A large percentage of disability is accounted for by exudative, or neovascular, form of AMD. Today, a total of 5 anti-VEGF drugs exist that are recommended for treatment of exudative AMD: pegaptanib, ranibizumab, bevacizumab, aflibercept, and conbercept. Despite significant progress in the treatment of neovascular AMD yielded by the introduction into clinical practice of anti-VEGF drugs, some patients report a lack (down to complete lack) of response with standard treatment patterns and even a decrease in treatment efficacy after repeated intravitreal injections.

Development of a Genomic DNA Reference Material Panel for Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1 (DM1) Genetic Testing

PubMed Central

Kalman, Lisa; Tarleton, Jack; Hitch, Monica; Hegde, Madhuri; Hjelm, Nick; Berry-Kravis, Elizabeth; Zhou, Lili; Hilbert, James E.; Luebbe, Elizabeth A.; Moxley, Richard T.; Toji, Lorraine

2014-01-01

Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is caused by expansion of a CTG triplet repeat in the 3′ untranslated region of the DMPK gene that encodes a serine-threonine kinase. Patients with larger repeats tend to have a more severe phenotype. Clinical laboratories require reference and quality control materials for DM1 diagnostic and carrier genetic testing. Well-characterized reference materials are not available. To address this need, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-based Genetic Testing Reference Material Coordination Program, in collaboration with members of the genetic testing community, the National Registry of Myotonic Dystrophy and Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy Patients and Family Members, and the Coriell Cell Repositories, has established and characterized cell lines from patients with DM1 to create a reference material panel. The CTG repeats in genomic DNA samples from 10 DM1 cell lines were characterized in three clinical genetic testing laboratories using PCR and Southern blot analysis. DMPK alleles in the samples cover four of five DM1 clinical categories: normal (5 to 34 repeats), mild (50 to 100 repeats), classical (101 to 1000 repeats), and congenital (>1000 repeats). We did not identify or establish Coriell cell lines in the premutation range (35 to 49 repeats). These samples are publicly available for quality control, proficiency testing, test development, and research and should help improve the accuracy of DM1 testing. PMID:23680132

New NIST Photomask Linewidth Standard

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Potzick, James E.; Pedulla, J. Marc; Stocker, Michael T.

2002-12-01

NIST is preparing to issue the next generation in its line of binary photomask linewidth standards. Called SRM 2059, it was developed for calibrating microscopes used to measure linewidths on photomasks, and consists of antireflecting chrome line and space patterns on a 6 inch quartz substrate ( 6 × 6 × 0.25 inches, or 15.2 × 15.2 × 0.635 cm). Certified line- and space-widths range from nominal 0.250 μm to 32 μm, and pitches from 0.5 μm to 250 μm, and are traceable to the definition of the meter. NIST's reference value, the definition of the meter, is well defined and unconditionally stable. Any replacement or duplicate NIST linewidth standard will be traceable to this same reference, and thus traceable to any other NIST length standard. Such measurement traceability can be achieved only by evaluating the measurement uncertainty (not just the repeatability) of each length comparison in the metrology chain between the definition of the meter and the NIST linewidth standard. This process results in a confidence interval about the calibration result that has a 95% probability of containing the true value. While the meter (and the μm) are well-defined, the geometrical width of a chrome line with nonrectangular cross section is not, and so the "true value" linewidth must be carefully defined to best meet users' needs. The paper and presentation will describe how these mask features are measured at NIST and how their measurement traceability is accomplished.

A human factors evaluation of Extravehicular Activity gloves

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

O'Hara, John M.; Briganti, Michael; Cleland, John; Winfield, Dan

1989-01-01

One of the major problems faced in Extravehicular Activity (EVA) glove development has been the absence of concise and reliable methods to measure the effects of EVA gloves on human-hand capabilities. NASA has sponsored a program to develop a standardized set of tests designed to assess EVA-gloved hand capabilities in six performance domains: Range of Motion, Strength, Tactile Perception, Dexterity, Fatigue, and Comfort. Based upon an assessment of general human-hand functioning and EVA task requirements, several tests within each performance domain were developed to provide a comprehensive evaluation. All tests were designed to be conducted in a glove box with the bare hand, an EVA glove without pressure, an EVA glove at operation pressure. Thus, the differential effect on performance of the glove with and without pressure was tested. Bare hand performance was used to 'calibrate' the effects. Ten subjects participated in the test setup as a repeated-measures experimental design. The paper will report the results of the test program.

Evaluation of work stress, turnover intention, work experience, and satisfaction with preceptors of new graduate nurses using a 10-minute preceptor model.

PubMed

Hu, Yi-Chun; Chen, Su-Ru; Chen, I-Hui; Shen, Hsi-Che; Lin, Yen-Kuang; Chang, Wen-Yin

2015-06-01

Preparing new graduate nurses (NGNs) to achieve standards of nursing competence is challenging; therefore, this study developed and evaluated the effects of a 10-minute preceptor (10MP) model for assisting NGNs in their professional development and increasing their retention in hospitals. A repeated-measures design study, with an intervention and a two-group comparison, was conducted. A total of 107 NGNs participated in the study. At day 7, work stress and work experience were moderately high for the NGNs in both the 10MP and traditional preceptor model (TPM) groups. The preceptorship program showed significant differences between groups (p = 0.001) regarding work stress at months 2 and 3 and work experience at months 1, 2, and 3. The 10MP group reported lower turnover intention and higher satisfaction with the preceptors than the TPM group. The 10MP model is effective at improving training outcomes and facilitating the professional development of NGNs. Copyright 2015, SLACK Incorporated.

Optimized method for the quantification of pyruvic acid in onions by microplate reader and confirmation by high resolution mass spectra.

PubMed

Metrani, Rita; Jayaprakasha, G K; Patil, Bhimanagouda S

2018-03-01

The present study describes the rapid microplate method to determine pyruvic acid content in different varieties of onions. Onion juice was treated with 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine to obtain hydrazone, which was further treated with potassium hydroxide to get stable colored complex. The stability of potassium complex was enhanced up to two hours and the structures of hydrazones were confirmed by LC-MS for the first time. The developed method was optimized by testing different bases, acids with varying concentrations of dinitrophenyl hydrazine to get stable color and results were comparable to developed method. Repeatability and precision showed <9% relative standard deviation. Moreover, sweet onion juice was stored for four weeks at different temperatures for the stability; the pyruvate remained stable at all temperatures except at 25°C. Thus, the developed method has good potential to determine of pungency in large number of onions in a short time using minimal amount of reagents. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Gravity and crustal movements: The canadian experience

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tanner, J. G.; Lambert, A.

1987-07-01

Repeated high precision gravity measurement have already played an important role in the detection of crustal deformation in Canada and elsewhere, but even more useful results can be expected through more widespread use of gravity in combination with other techniques. The crucial element in the process is the development of a good physical model on which the experiment can be based. Otherwise, considerable time and effort can be spent on determining the most appropriate field strategy. New technical developments on the horizon appear to offer enhanced opportunities for gravity studies of crustal processes. The coming availability of the Global Positioning System and transportable absolute gravimeters will open up the possibility of regional studies (i.e., areas of the order of 100 km or perhaps greater) of crustal movements at reasonable cost. Within Africa the development of an African Gravity Standardization Net will be a major first step in any program to provide a better understanding of the neo-tectonic framework of this vast continent.

Integrating clinical pharmacists into the primary health care team: a framework for rational and cost-effective prescribing.

PubMed

Hamley, J H; MacGregor, S H; Dunbar, J A; Cromarty, J A

1997-02-01

A recent Audit Commission report into general practice prescribing identifies areas where general practitioner and pharmacist collaboration could be beneficial. Two such areas are formulary development and repeat prescribing review. Increased generic prescribing is encouraged in the report and in central priorities for Scottish Health Boards. This study was designed to develop and assess the effects on prescribing, of a practice formulary and a procedure for change to generic name prescribing. A practice formulary, standards for generic name prescribing and an approach to prescribing review were agreed, developed and implemented. Formulary compliance and the extent of prescribing generically and of changes to generic prescriptions were assessed by prospective prescription monitoring. Consultations resulting in a prescription reduced from 69% to 59% and 80% of acute prescribing events were met from 144 formulary medicines. Rapid change to generic name prescriptions was achieved without patient complaints and the overall generic prescribing level increased from 57% to 68%. Eighty percent of all new prescriptions were generic.

Stuttering

MedlinePlus

Stuttering may start with repeating consonants (k, g, t). If stuttering becomes worse, words and phrases are repeated. Later, vocal spasms develop. There is a forced, almost explosive sound to speech. The ...

spa typing for epidemiological surveillance of Staphylococcus aureus.

PubMed

Hallin, Marie; Friedrich, Alexander W; Struelens, Marc J

2009-01-01

The spa typing method is based on sequencing of the polymorphic X region of the protein A gene (spa), present in all strains of Staphylococcus aureus. The X region is constituted of a variable number of 24-bp repeats flanked by well-conserved regions. This single-locus sequence-based typing method combines a number of technical advantages, such as rapidity, reproducibility, and portability. Moreover, due to its repeat structure, the spa locus simultaneously indexes micro- and macrovariations, enabling the use of spa typing in both local and global epidemiological studies. These studies are facilitated by the establishment of standardized spa type nomenclature and Internet shared databases.

Effect of oral bacterial lysates on serum immunoglobulins.

PubMed

Palma-Carlos, A G; Palma-Carlos, M L

1989-11-01

The level of serum immunoglobulins IgG, IgA, IgM and IgE has been studied before and after oral immunotherapy with a bacterial lysate in 88 patients with bronchial asthma, repeated respiratory infection and 12 cases of IgA deficiency. A significant increase in IgA has been observed in 9 patients presenting initially a decreased IgA serum level. In 3 patients without response to the standard treatment an increase in IgA was achieved increasing the dosage of oral bacterial lysate. Oral bacterial lysates could be an useful immunomodulating agent in repeated respiratory infections associated or not with IgA deficiency.

[Correction of immune and mediator characteristics by low-frequency magnetotherapy in children who frequently fall ill].

PubMed

Useĭnova, N N

2010-01-01

The objective of this work was to compare characteristics of clinical condition and immune status of children with repeated respiratory diseases of different clinical and nosological forms after standard treatment and magnetotherapy. It was shown that magnetotherapy produces well-apparent immunocorrective effects in children with the affected upper and lower respiratory tracts including patients with bronchial obstruction syndrome. Positive changes of both cellular and humoral immunity characteristics were documented coupled to the improvement of serum cortisol levels. Results of the study give reason to recommend inclusion of magneotherapy in the combined treatment of children with repeated respiratory diseases.

Repeated Exposure to Conditioned Fear Stress Increases Anxiety and Delays Sleep Recovery Following Exposure to an Acute Traumatic Stressor

PubMed Central

Greenwood, Benjamin N.; Thompson, Robert S.; Opp, Mark R.; Fleshner, Monika

2014-01-01

Repeated stressor exposure can sensitize physiological responses to novel stressors and facilitate the development of stress-related psychiatric disorders including anxiety. Disruptions in diurnal rhythms of sleep–wake behavior accompany stress-related psychiatric disorders and could contribute to their development. Complex stressors that include fear-eliciting stimuli can be a component of repeated stress experienced by human beings, but whether exposure to repeated fear can prime the development of anxiety and sleep disturbances is unknown. In the current study, adult male F344 rats were exposed to either control conditions or repeated contextual fear conditioning for 22 days followed by exposure to no, mild (10), or severe (100) acute uncontrollable tail shock stress. Exposure to acute stress produced anxiety-like behavior as measured by a reduction in juvenile social exploration and exaggerated shock-elicited freezing in a novel context. Prior exposure to repeated fear enhanced anxiety-like behavior as measured by shock-elicited freezing, but did not alter social exploratory behavior. The potentiation of anxiety produced by prior repeated fear was temporary; exaggerated fear was present 1 day but not 4 days following acute stress. Interestingly, exposure to acute stress reduced rapid eye movement (REM) and non-REM (NREM) sleep during the hours immediately following acute stress. This initial reduction in sleep was followed by robust REM rebound and diurnal rhythm flattening of sleep/wake behavior. Prior repeated fear extended the acute stress-induced REM and NREM sleep loss, impaired REM rebound, and prolonged the flattening of the diurnal rhythm of NREM sleep following acute stressor exposure. These data suggest that impaired recovery of sleep/wake behavior following acute stress could contribute to the mechanisms by which a history of prior repeated stress increases vulnerability to subsequent novel stressors and stress-related disorders. PMID:25368585

40 CFR 60.2725 - May I conduct a repeat performance test to establish new operating limits?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) AIR PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) STANDARDS OF PERFORMANCE FOR NEW STATIONARY SOURCES Emissions Guidelines and Compliance Times for Commercial and Industrial Solid Waste Incineration Units Model... during any performance test used to demonstrate compliance. Model Rule—Monitoring ...

40 CFR 60.2725 - May I conduct a repeat performance test to establish new operating limits?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) AIR PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) STANDARDS OF PERFORMANCE FOR NEW STATIONARY SOURCES Emissions Guidelines and Compliance Times for Commercial and Industrial Solid Waste Incineration Units Model... during any performance test used to demonstrate compliance. Model Rule—Monitoring ...

14 CFR 23.571 - Metallic pressurized cabin structures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... AIRCRAFT AIRWORTHINESS STANDARDS: NORMAL, UTILITY, ACROBATIC, AND COMMUTER CATEGORY AIRPLANES Structure... structure is shown by tests, or by analysis supported by test evidence, to be able to withstand the repeated... is shown by analysis, tests, or both that catastrophic failure of the structure is not probable after...

14 CFR 23.571 - Metallic pressurized cabin structures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... AIRCRAFT AIRWORTHINESS STANDARDS: NORMAL, UTILITY, ACROBATIC, AND COMMUTER CATEGORY AIRPLANES Structure... structure is shown by tests, or by analysis supported by test evidence, to be able to withstand the repeated... is shown by analysis, tests, or both that catastrophic failure of the structure is not probable after...

14 CFR 23.571 - Metallic pressurized cabin structures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... AIRCRAFT AIRWORTHINESS STANDARDS: NORMAL, UTILITY, ACROBATIC, AND COMMUTER CATEGORY AIRPLANES Structure... structure is shown by tests, or by analysis supported by test evidence, to be able to withstand the repeated... is shown by analysis, tests, or both that catastrophic failure of the structure is not probable after...

14 CFR 23.571 - Metallic pressurized cabin structures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... AIRCRAFT AIRWORTHINESS STANDARDS: NORMAL, UTILITY, ACROBATIC, AND COMMUTER CATEGORY AIRPLANES Structure... structure is shown by tests, or by analysis supported by test evidence, to be able to withstand the repeated... is shown by analysis, tests, or both that catastrophic failure of the structure is not probable after...

Continuous internal channels formed in aluminum fusion welds

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gault, J.; Sabo, W.

1967-01-01

Process produces continuous internal channel systems on a repeatable basis in 2014-T6 aluminum. Standard machining forms the initial channel, which is filled with tungsten carbide powder. TIG machine fusion welding completes formation of the channel. Chem-mill techniques enlarge it to the desired size.

SU-F-19A-02: Comparison of Absorbed Dose to Water Standards for HDR Ir-192 Brachytherapy Between the LCR, Brazil and NRC, Canada

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

Salata, C; David, M; Almeida, C de

2014-06-15

Purpose: To compare absorbed dose to water standards for HDR brachytherapy dosimetry developed by the Radiological Science Laboratory of Rio de Janeiro State University (LCR) and the National Research Council, Canada (NRC). Methods: The two institutions have separately developed absorbed dose standards based on the Fricke dosimetry system. There are important differences between the two standards, including: preparation and read-out of the Fricke solution, irradiation geometry of the Fricke holder in relation to the Ir-192 source, and determination of the G-value to be used at Ir-192 energies. All measurements for both standards were made directly at the NRC laboratory (i.e.,more » no transfer instrument was used) using a single Ir-192 source (microSelectron v2). In addition, the NRC group has established a self-consistent method to determine the G-value for Ir-192, based on an interpolation between G-values obtained at Co-60 and 250kVp X-rays, and this measurement was repeated using the LCR Fricke solution to investigate possible systematic uncertainties. Results: G-values for Co-60 and 250 kVp x-rays, obtained using the LCR Fricke system, agreed with the NRC values within 0.5 % and 1 % respectively, indicating that the general assumption of universal G-values is appropriate in this case. The standard uncertainty in the determination of G for Ir-192 is estimated to be 0.6 %. For the comparison of absorbed dose measurements at the reference point for Ir-192 (1 cm depth in water, perpendicular to the seed long-axis), the ratio Dw(NRC)/Dw(LCR) was found to be 1.011 with a combined standard uncertainty of 1.7 %, k=1. Conclusion: The agreement in the absorbed dose to water values for the LCR and NRC systems is very encouraging. Combined with the lower uncertainty in this approach compared to the present air-kerma approach, these results reaffirm the use of Fricke solution as a potential primary standard for HDR Ir-192 brachytherapy.« less

Diversity analysis in Cannabis sativa based on large-scale development of expressed sequence tag-derived simple sequence repeat markers.

PubMed

Gao, Chunsheng; Xin, Pengfei; Cheng, Chaohua; Tang, Qing; Chen, Ping; Wang, Changbiao; Zang, Gonggu; Zhao, Lining

2014-01-01

Cannabis sativa L. is an important economic plant for the production of food, fiber, oils, and intoxicants. However, lack of sufficient simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers has limited the development of cannabis genetic research. Here, large-scale development of expressed sequence tag simple sequence repeat (EST-SSR) markers was performed to obtain more informative genetic markers, and to assess genetic diversity in cannabis (Cannabis sativa L.). Based on the cannabis transcriptome, 4,577 SSRs were identified from 3,624 ESTs. From there, a total of 3,442 complementary primer pairs were designed as SSR markers. Among these markers, trinucleotide repeat motifs (50.99%) were the most abundant, followed by hexanucleotide (25.13%), dinucleotide (16.34%), tetranucloetide (3.8%), and pentanucleotide (3.74%) repeat motifs, respectively. The AAG/CTT trinucleotide repeat (17.96%) was the most abundant motif detected in the SSRs. One hundred and seventeen EST-SSR markers were randomly selected to evaluate primer quality in 24 cannabis varieties. Among these 117 markers, 108 (92.31%) were successfully amplified and 87 (74.36%) were polymorphic. Forty-five polymorphic primer pairs were selected to evaluate genetic diversity and relatedness among the 115 cannabis genotypes. The results showed that 115 varieties could be divided into 4 groups primarily based on geography: Northern China, Europe, Central China, and Southern China. Moreover, the coefficient of similarity when comparing cannabis from Northern China with the European group cannabis was higher than that when comparing with cannabis from the other two groups, owing to a similar climate. This study outlines the first large-scale development of SSR markers for cannabis. These data may serve as a foundation for the development of genetic linkage, quantitative trait loci mapping, and marker-assisted breeding of cannabis.

Diversity Analysis in Cannabis sativa Based on Large-Scale Development of Expressed Sequence Tag-Derived Simple Sequence Repeat Markers

PubMed Central

Cheng, Chaohua; Tang, Qing; Chen, Ping; Wang, Changbiao; Zang, Gonggu; Zhao, Lining

2014-01-01

Cannabis sativa L. is an important economic plant for the production of food, fiber, oils, and intoxicants. However, lack of sufficient simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers has limited the development of cannabis genetic research. Here, large-scale development of expressed sequence tag simple sequence repeat (EST-SSR) markers was performed to obtain more informative genetic markers, and to assess genetic diversity in cannabis (Cannabis sativa L.). Based on the cannabis transcriptome, 4,577 SSRs were identified from 3,624 ESTs. From there, a total of 3,442 complementary primer pairs were designed as SSR markers. Among these markers, trinucleotide repeat motifs (50.99%) were the most abundant, followed by hexanucleotide (25.13%), dinucleotide (16.34%), tetranucloetide (3.8%), and pentanucleotide (3.74%) repeat motifs, respectively. The AAG/CTT trinucleotide repeat (17.96%) was the most abundant motif detected in the SSRs. One hundred and seventeen EST-SSR markers were randomly selected to evaluate primer quality in 24 cannabis varieties. Among these 117 markers, 108 (92.31%) were successfully amplified and 87 (74.36%) were polymorphic. Forty-five polymorphic primer pairs were selected to evaluate genetic diversity and relatedness among the 115 cannabis genotypes. The results showed that 115 varieties could be divided into 4 groups primarily based on geography: Northern China, Europe, Central China, and Southern China. Moreover, the coefficient of similarity when comparing cannabis from Northern China with the European group cannabis was higher than that when comparing with cannabis from the other two groups, owing to a similar climate. This study outlines the first large-scale development of SSR markers for cannabis. These data may serve as a foundation for the development of genetic linkage, quantitative trait loci mapping, and marker-assisted breeding of cannabis. PMID:25329551

Understanding the recognition mechanisms of Zα domain of human editing enzyme ADAR1 (hZα(ADAR1)) and various Z-DNAs from molecular dynamics simulation.

PubMed

Wang, Qianqian; Li, Lanlan; Wang, Xiaoting; Liu, Huanxiang; Yao, Xiaojun

2014-11-01

The Z-DNA-binding domain of human double-stranded RNA adenosine deaminase I (hZαADAR1) can specifically recognize the left-handed Z-DNA which preferentially occurs at alternating purine-pyrimidine repeats, especially the CG-repeats. The interactions of hZαADAR1 and Z-DNAs in different sequence contexts can affect many important biological functions including gene regulation and chromatin remodeling. Therefore it is of great necessity to fully understand their recognition mechanisms. However, most existing studies are aimed at the standard CG-repeat Z-DNA rather than the non-CG-repeats, and whether the molecular basis of hZαADAR1 binding to various Z-DNAs are identical or not is still unclear on the atomic level. Here, based on the recently determined crystal structures of three representative non-CG-repeat Z-DNAs (d(CACGTG)2, d(CGTACG)2 and d(CGGCCG)2) in complex with hZαADAR1, 40 ns molecular dynamics simulation together with binding free energy calculation were performed for each system. For comparison, the standard CG-repeat Z-DNA (d(CGCGCG)2) complexed with hZαADAR1 was also simulated. The consistent results demonstrate that nonpolar interaction is the driving force during the protein-DNA binding process, and that polar interaction mainly from helix α3 also provides important contributions. Five common hot-spot residues were identified, namely Lys169, Lys170, Asn173, Arg174 and Tyr177. Hydrogen bond analysis coupled with surface charge distribution further reveal the interfacial information between hZαADAR1 and Z-DNA in detail. All of the analysis illustrate that four complexes share the common key features and the similar binding modes irrespective of Z-DNA sequences, suggesting that Z-DNA recognition by hZαADAR1 is conformation-specific rather than sequence-specific. Additionally, by analyzing the conformational changes of hZαADAR1, we found that the binding of Z-DNA could effectively stabilize hZαADAR1 protein. Our study can provide some valuable information for better understanding the binding mechanism between hZαADAR1 or even other Z-DNA-binding protein and Z-DNA.

Standards--the common element in providing the safety, quality and performance of the medical practice.

PubMed

Greabu, Maria

2009-01-01

Knowing and applying standards is an opportunity of the years 2007-2008 in any kind of field where a successful activity is intended and this assures a certain way towards competence and quality. The most recent German studies highlighted, to the surprise of the specialists, that standardization holds the second place, after the material means, in the row of the elements considered to be decisive for the success of a business. The existence of standards and the concern for their implementation in the activity provides a high technical and quality level of the products/services offered to the clients and the increase in the level of competence of the personnel, who will be able to cope with all the challenges. This need comes from the process of Romania's accession to the European Union. There are a lot of reasons why standards represent a fundamental part of our daily life. Practically, we are surrounded by standards. Everything is "working" well and it is efficient if the standards used as a base for manufacturing "things" have been correctly developed and applied. Standards open communication channels and commercial channels, promote the understanding of technical products, the compatibility of products and services, facilitate mass production and, most importantly, they are the necessary base for the achievement of the objectives in the fields of health and safety and a better quality of life. The transition towards the global market needs an instrument for the removal of the barriers to the application of the latest discoveries in the field of medical instruments, materials and manual labor. Each medical device, equipment and material used in the Dental and General Medicine is standardized, in fact that leads to their better knowing and provides controllable treatment for manual labor with predictable and repeatable results. This presentation intends to make a survey of some general aspects on standardization as well as a review of the standards in the medical area.

Development of infant mismatch responses to auditory pattern changes between 2 and 4 months old.

PubMed

He, Chao; Hotson, Lisa; Trainor, Laurel J

2009-02-01

In order to process speech and music, the auditory cortex must learn to process patterns of sounds. Our previous studies showed that with a stream consisting of a repeating (standard) sound, younger infants show an increase in the amplitude of a positive slow wave in response to occasional changes (deviants) in pitch or duration, whereas older infants show a faster negative response that resembles mismatch negativity (MMN) in adults (Trainor et al., 2001, 2003; He et al., 2007). MMN reflects an automatic change-detection process that does not require attention, conscious awareness or behavioural response for its elicitation (Picton et al., 2000; Näätänen et al., 2007). It is an important tool for understanding auditory perception because MMN reflects a change-detection mechanism, and not simply that repetition of a stimulus results in a refractory state of sensory neural circuits while occasional changes to a new sound activate new non-refractory neural circuits (Näätänen et al., 2005). For example, MMN is elicited by a change in the pattern of a repeating note sequence, even when no new notes are introduced that could activate new sensory circuits (Alain et al., 1994, 1999;Schröger et al., 1996). In the present study, we show that in response to a change in the pattern of two repeating tones, MMN in 4-month-olds remains robust whereas the 2-month-old response does not. This indicates that the MMN response to a change in pattern at 4 months reflects the activation of a change-detection mechanism similarly as in adults.

Scoring Tools for the Analysis of Infant Respiratory Inductive Plethysmography Signals.

PubMed

Robles-Rubio, Carlos Alejandro; Bertolizio, Gianluca; Brown, Karen A; Kearney, Robert E

2015-01-01

Infants recovering from anesthesia are at risk of life threatening Postoperative Apnea (POA). POA events are rare, and so the study of POA requires the analysis of long cardiorespiratory records. Manual scoring is the preferred method of analysis for these data, but it is limited by low intra- and inter-scorer repeatability. Furthermore, recommended scoring rules do not provide a comprehensive description of the respiratory patterns. This work describes a set of manual scoring tools that address these limitations. These tools include: (i) a set of definitions and scoring rules for 6 mutually exclusive, unique patterns that fully characterize infant respiratory inductive plethysmography (RIP) signals; (ii) RIPScore, a graphical, manual scoring software to apply these rules to infant data; (iii) a library of data segments representing each of the 6 patterns; (iv) a fully automated, interactive formal training protocol to standardize the analysis and establish intra- and inter-scorer repeatability; and (v) a quality control method to monitor scorer ongoing performance over time. To evaluate these tools, three scorers from varied backgrounds were recruited and trained to reach a performance level similar to that of an expert. These scorers used RIPScore to analyze data from infants at risk of POA in two separate, independent instances. Scorers performed with high accuracy and consistency, analyzed data efficiently, had very good intra- and inter-scorer repeatability, and exhibited only minor confusion between patterns. These results indicate that our tools represent an excellent method for the analysis of respiratory patterns in long data records. Although the tools were developed for the study of POA, their use extends to any study of respiratory patterns using RIP (e.g., sleep apnea, extubation readiness). Moreover, by establishing and monitoring scorer repeatability, our tools enable the analysis of large data sets by multiple scorers, which is essential for longitudinal and multicenter studies.

Measurement properties of continuous text reading performance tests.

PubMed

Brussee, Tamara; van Nispen, Ruth M A; van Rens, Ger H M B

2014-11-01

Measurement properties of tests to assess reading acuity or reading performance have not been extensively evaluated. This study aims to provide an overview of the literature on available continuous text reading tests and their measurement properties. A literature search was performed in PubMed, Embase and PsycInfo. Subsequently, information on design and content of reading tests, study design and measurement properties were extracted using consensus-based standards for selection of health measurement instruments. Quality of studies, reading tests and measurement properties were systematically assessed using pre-specified criteria. From 2334 identified articles, 20 relevant articles were found on measurement properties of three reading tests in various languages: IReST, MNread Reading Test and Radner Reading Charts. All three reading tests scored high on content validity. Reproducibility studies (repeated measurements between different testing sessions) of the IReST and MNread of commercially available reading tests in different languages were missing. The IReST scored best on inter-language comparison, the MNread scored well in repeatability studies (repeated measurements under the same conditions) and the Radner showed good reproducibility in studies. Although in daily practice there are other continuous text reading tests available meeting the criteria of this review, measurement properties were described in scientific studies for only three of them. Of the few available studies, the quality and content of study design and methodology used varied. For testing existing reading tests and the development of new ones, for example in other languages, we make several recommendations, including careful description of patient characteristics, use of objective and subjective lighting levels, good control of working distance, documentation of the number of raters and their training, careful documentation of scoring rules and the use of Bland-Altman analyses or similar for reproducibility and repeatability studies. © 2014 The Authors Ophthalmic & Physiological Optics © 2014 The College of Optometrists.

Evolution of Protein Domain Repeats in Metazoa

PubMed Central

Schüler, Andreas; Bornberg-Bauer, Erich

2016-01-01

Repeats are ubiquitous elements of proteins and they play important roles for cellular function and during evolution. Repeats are, however, also notoriously difficult to capture computationally and large scale studies so far had difficulties in linking genetic causes, structural properties and evolutionary trajectories of protein repeats. Here we apply recently developed methods for repeat detection and analysis to a large dataset comprising over hundred metazoan genomes. We find that repeats in larger protein families experience generally very few insertions or deletions (indels) of repeat units but there is also a significant fraction of noteworthy volatile outliers with very high indel rates. Analysis of structural data indicates that repeats with an open structure and independently folding units are more volatile and more likely to be intrinsically disordered. Such disordered repeats are also significantly enriched in sites with a high functional potential such as linear motifs. Furthermore, the most volatile repeats have a high sequence similarity between their units. Since many volatile repeats also show signs of recombination, we conclude they are often shaped by concerted evolution. Intriguingly, many of these conserved yet volatile repeats are involved in host-pathogen interactions where they might foster fast but subtle adaptation in biological arms races. Key Words: protein evolution, domain rearrangements, protein repeats, concerted evolution. PMID:27671125

Effect of glenoid implant design on glenohumeral stability: an experimental study.

PubMed

Sins, Lauranne; Tétreault, Patrice; Petit, Yvan; Nuño, Natalia; Billuart, Fabien; Hagemeister, Nicola

2012-10-01

Though several glenoid implants were developed over the past years, a high rate of glenoid loosening remains. This complication is linked to the glenohumeral stability, defined as humeral head translation. In an intact shoulder, this concept is ensured by all active and passive elements, particularly the labrum. Two features of a glenoid implant can be adjusted to improve the stability, or, in other words, to decrease the translations: the first is the mismatch, defined as the difference of curvature between the prosthetic head and glenoid; the second is the shape of the glenoid component. Therefore, the objective of this study was to compare the performance of 2 glenoid components (Ceraver, Roissy, France): (1) a standard design and (2) a design named "labrum design" with a superior part simulating the anatomic labrum. An experimental device was developed to evaluate forces and kinematics. The device simulated active, dynamic and continuous abduction of an entire arm. It reproduced the Scapulo-Humeral Rhythm. The labrum design was installed first. To evaluate the effect of mismatch on the glenohumeral stability, 3 humeral heads were tested, corresponding to the ones recommended by the company. The experiment was repeated for the standard design. The results obtained show a general decrease of the prosthetic head translation with the labrum design compared to the standard design. No noticeable effect of mismatch was found. A proof of concept of the interest of the artificial labrum was provided since it improved the glenohumeral stability. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Determination of diethanolamine or N-methyldiethanolamine in high ammonium concentration matrices by capillary electrophoresis with indirect UV detection: application to the analysis of refinery process waters.

PubMed

Bord, N; Crétier, G; Rocca, J-L; Bailly, C; Souchez, J-P

2004-09-01

Alkanolamines such as diethanolamine (DEA) and N-methyldiethanolamine (MDEA) are used in desulfurization processes in crude oil refineries. These compounds may be found in process waters following an accidental contamination. The analysis of alkanolamines in refinery process waters is very difficult due to the high ammonium concentration of the samples. This paper describes a method for the determination of DEA in high ammonium concentration refinery process waters by using capillary electrophoresis (CE) with indirect UV detection. The same method can be used for the determination of MDEA. Best results were achieved with a background electrolyte (BGE) comprising 10 mM histidine adjusted to pH 5.0 with acetic acid. The development of this electrolyte and the analytical performances are discussed. The quantification was performed by using internal standardization, by which triethanolamine (TEA) was used as internal standard. A matrix effect due to the high ammonium content has been highlighted and standard addition was therefore used. The developed method was characterized in terms of repeatability of migration times and corrected peak areas, linearity, and accuracy. Limits of detection (LODs) and quantification (LOQs) obtained were 0.2 and 0.7 ppm, respectively. The CE method was applied to the determination of DEA or MDEA in refinery process waters spiked with known amounts of analytes and it gave excellent results, since uncertainties obtained were 8 and 5%, respectively.

Standards for Cell Line Authentication and Beyond

PubMed Central

Cole, Kenneth D.; Plant, Anne L.

2016-01-01

Different genomic technologies have been applied to cell line authentication, but only one method (short tandem repeat [STR] profiling) has been the subject of a comprehensive and definitive standard (ASN-0002). Here we discuss the power of this document and why standards such as this are so critical for establishing the consensus technical criteria and practices that can enable progress in the fields of research that use cell lines. We also examine other methods that could be used for authentication and discuss how a combination of methods could be used in a holistic fashion to assess various critical aspects of the quality of cell lines. PMID:27300367

Size reduction techniques for vital compliant VHDL simulation models

DOEpatents

Rich, Marvin J.; Misra, Ashutosh

2006-08-01

A method and system select delay values from a VHDL standard delay file that correspond to an instance of a logic gate in a logic model. Then the system collects all the delay values of the selected instance and builds super generics for the rise-time and the fall-time of the selected instance. Then, the system repeats this process for every delay value in the standard delay file (310) that correspond to every instance of every logic gate in the logic model. The system then outputs a reduced size standard delay file (314) containing the super generics for every instance of every logic gate in the logic model.

Evaluation and Field Assessment of Bifacial Photovoltaic Module Power Rating Methodologies

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

Deline, Chris; MacAlpine, Sara; Marion, Bill

2016-11-21

1-sun power ratings for bifacial modules are currently undefined. This is partly because there is no standard definition of rear irradiance given 1000 Wm-2 on the front. Using field measurements and simulations, we evaluate multiple deployment scenarios for bifacial modules and provide details on the amount of irradiance that could be expected. A simplified case that represents a single module deployed under conditions consistent with existing 1-sun irradiance standards leads to a bifacial reference condition of 1000 Wm-2 Gfront and 130-140 Wm-2 Grear. For fielded systems of bifacial modules, Grear magnitude and spatial uniformity will be affected by self-shade frommore » adjacent modules, varied ground cover, and ground-clearance height. A standard measurement procedure for bifacial modules is also currently undefined. A proposed international standard is under development, which provides the motivation for this work. Here, we compare outdoor field measurements of bifacial modules with irradiance on both sides with proposed indoor test methods where irradiance is only applied to one side at a time. The indoor method has multiple advantages, including controlled and repeatable irradiance and thermal environment, along with allowing the use of conventional single-sided flash test equipment. The comparison results are promising, showing that the indoor and outdoor methods agree within 1%-2% for multiple rear-irradiance conditions and bifacial module types.« less

Evaluation and Field Assessment of Bifacial Photovoltaic Module Power Rating Methodologies: Preprint

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

Deline, Chris; MacAlpine, Sara; Marion, Bill

2016-06-16

1-sun power ratings for bifacial modules are currently undefined. This is partly because there is no standard definition of rear irradiance given 1000 Wm-2 on the front. Using field measurements and simulations, we evaluate multiple deployment scenarios for bifacial modules and provide details on the amount of irradiance that could be expected. A simplified case that represents a single module deployed under conditions consistent with existing 1-sun irradiance standards leads to a bifacial reference condition of 1000 Wm-2 Gfront and 130-140 Wm-2 Grear. For fielded systems of bifacial modules, Grear magnitude and spatial uniformity will be affected by self-shade frommore » adjacent modules, varied ground cover, and ground-clearance height. A standard measurement procedure for bifacial modules is also currently undefined. A proposed international standard is under development, which provides the motivation for this work. Here, we compare outdoor field measurements of bifacial modules with irradiance on both sides with proposed indoor test methods where irradiance is only applied to one side at a time. The indoor method has multiple advantages, including controlled and repeatable irradiance and thermal environment, along with allowing the use of conventional single-sided flash test equipment. The comparison results are promising, showing that the indoor and outdoor methods agree within 1%-2% for multiple rear-irradiance conditions and bifacial module types.« less

Practical no-gold-standard evaluation framework for quantitative imaging methods: application to lesion segmentation in positron emission tomography

PubMed Central

Jha, Abhinav K.; Mena, Esther; Caffo, Brian; Ashrafinia, Saeed; Rahmim, Arman; Frey, Eric; Subramaniam, Rathan M.

2017-01-01

Abstract. Recently, a class of no-gold-standard (NGS) techniques have been proposed to evaluate quantitative imaging methods using patient data. These techniques provide figures of merit (FoMs) quantifying the precision of the estimated quantitative value without requiring repeated measurements and without requiring a gold standard. However, applying these techniques to patient data presents several practical difficulties including assessing the underlying assumptions, accounting for patient-sampling-related uncertainty, and assessing the reliability of the estimated FoMs. To address these issues, we propose statistical tests that provide confidence in the underlying assumptions and in the reliability of the estimated FoMs. Furthermore, the NGS technique is integrated within a bootstrap-based methodology to account for patient-sampling-related uncertainty. The developed NGS framework was applied to evaluate four methods for segmenting lesions from F-Fluoro-2-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography images of patients with head-and-neck cancer on the task of precisely measuring the metabolic tumor volume. The NGS technique consistently predicted the same segmentation method as the most precise method. The proposed framework provided confidence in these results, even when gold-standard data were not available. The bootstrap-based methodology indicated improved performance of the NGS technique with larger numbers of patient studies, as was expected, and yielded consistent results as long as data from more than 80 lesions were available for the analysis. PMID:28331883

Minerals and Trace Elements in Milk, Milk Products, Infant Formula, and Adult/Pediatric Nutritional Formula, ICP-MS Method: Collaborative Study, AOAC Final Action 2015.06, ISO/DIS 21424, IDF 243.

PubMed

Pacquette, Lawrence H; Thompson, Joseph J; Malaviole, I; Zywicki, R; Woltjes, F; Ding, Y; Mittal, A; Ikeuchi, Y; Sadipiralla, B; Kimura, S; Veltman, H; Miura, A

2018-03-01

AOAC Final Action Official MethodSM 2015.06 "Minerals and Trace Elements in Milk, Milk Products, Infant Formula and Adult/Pediatric Nutritional Formula, ICP-MS Method" was collaboratively studied. Note that "milk, milk products" has now been added to the title of the Final Action method because whole milk and several dairy ingredients were successfully incorporated into the collaborative study for the purpose of developing an International Organization for Standardization/International Dairy Federation standard (ISO/DIS 21424; in progress). The method determines sodium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, iron, manganese, zinc, copper, chromium, molybdenum, and selenium by inductively coupled plasma (ICP)-MS after microwave digestion. Ten laboratories participated in the study, and data from five different model ICP-MS units were represented. Thirteen products, five placebo products, and six dairy samples were tested as blind duplicates in this study, along with a standard reference material, for a total 50 samples. The overall repeatability and reproducibility for all samples met Standard Method Performance Requirements put forth by the AOAC Stakeholder Panel on Infant Formula and Adult Nutritionals, with a few exceptions. Comparisons are made to ICP-atomic emission data from a collaborative study of AOAC Official Method 2011.14 carried out concurrently on these same samples.

Simple test of intestinal calcium absorption measured by stable strontium.

PubMed Central

Milsom, S; Ibbertson, K; Hannan, S; Shaw, D; Pybus, J

1987-01-01

A clinical test of intestinal calcium absorption has been developed using non-radioactive stable strontium as a calcium tracer. In nine elderly subjects there was a close correlation between the fractional absorption of strontium and radioactive calcium (45Ca) during a five hour period after the simultaneous oral administration of the two tracers. Comparable precision was achieved with each tracer in six subjects in whom the test was repeated after two weeks. The effect of food on strontium absorption was examined in a further 33 normal subjects (age 21-60 years), and the administration of the strontium with a standard breakfast was shown to reduce the variance at individual time points. A simplified test in which serum strontium concentration was measured four hours after the oral dose given with a standard breakfast was adopted as the routine procedure. The normal range (mean (2 SD], established over 97 tests in 53 patients, was 7.0-18.0% of the dose in the extracellular fluid. A further 30 patients with possible disorders of calcium absorption (10 with primary hyperparathyroidism and 20 with coeliac disease) were studied by this standard test. In both groups of patients the mean four hour strontium values were significantly different from normal. This standard strontium absorption test allows assessment of calcium absorption with sufficient sensitivity and precision to have a wide application in clinical practice. PMID:3115389

NIST Stars: Absolute Spectrophotometric Calibration of Vega and Sirius

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deustua, Susana; Woodward, John T.; Rice, Joseph P.; Brown, Steven W.; Maxwell, Stephen E.; Alberding, Brian G.; Lykke, Keith R.

2018-01-01

Absolute flux calibration of standard stars, traceable to SI (International System of Units) standards, is essential for 21st century astrophysics. Dark energy investigations that rely on observations of Type Ia supernovae and precise photometric redshifts of weakly lensed galaxies require a minimum accuracy of 0.5 % in the absolute color calibration. Studies that aim to address fundamental stellar astrophysics also benefit. In the era of large telescopes and all sky surveys well-calibrated standard stars that do not saturate and that are available over the whole sky are needed. Significant effort has been expended to obtain absolute measurements of the fundamental standards Vega and Sirius (and other stars) in the visible and near infrared, achieving total uncertainties between1% and 3%, depending on wavelength, that do not meet the needed accuracy. The NIST Stars program aims to determine the top-of-the-atmosphere absolute spectral irradiance of bright stars to an uncertainty less than 1% from a ground-based observatory. NIST Stars has developed a novel, fully SI-traceable laboratory calibration strategy that will enable achieving the desired accuracy. This strategy has two key components. The first is the SI-traceable calibration of the entire instrument system, and the second is the repeated spectroscopic measurement of the target star throughout the night. We will describe our experimental strategy, present preliminary results for Vega and Sirius and an end-to-end uncertainty budget

Tau Fibril Formation in Cultured Cells Compatible with a Mouse Model of Tauopathy.

PubMed

Matsumoto, Gen; Matsumoto, Kazuki; Kimura, Taeko; Suhara, Tetsuya; Higuchi, Makoto; Sahara, Naruhiko; Mori, Nozomu

2018-05-17

Neurofibrillary tangles composed of hyperphosphorylated tau protein are primarily neuropathological features of a number of neurodegenerative diseases collectively termed tauopathy. To understand the mechanisms underlying the cause of tauopathy, precise cellular and animal models are required. Recent data suggest that the transient introduction of exogenous tau can accelerate the development of tauopathy in the brains of non-transgenic and transgenic mice expressing wild-type human tau. However, the transmission mechanism leading to tauopathy is not fully understood. In this study, we developed cultured-cell models of tauopathy representing a human tauopathy. Neuro2a (N2a) cells containing propagative tau filaments were generated by introducing purified tau fibrils. These cell lines expressed full-length (2N4R) human tau and the green fluorescent protein (GFP)-fused repeat domain of tau with P301L mutation. Immunocytochemistry and super-resolution microscopic imaging revealed that tau inclusions exhibited filamentous morphology and were composed of both full-length and repeat domain fragment tau. Live-cell imaging analysis revealed that filamentous tau inclusions are transmitted to daughter cells, resulting in yeast-prion-like propagation. By a standard method of tau preparation, both full-length tau and repeat domain fragments were recovered in sarkosyl insoluble fraction. Hyperphosphorylation of full-length tau was confirmed by the immunoreactivity of phospho-Tau antibodies and mobility shifts by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). These properties were similar to the biochemical features of P301L mutated human tau in a mouse model of tauopathy. In addition, filamentous tau aggregates in cells barely co-localized with ubiquitins, suggesting that most tau aggregates were excluded from protein degradation systems, and thus propagated to daughter cells. The present cellular model of tauopathy will provide an advantage for dissecting the mechanisms of tau aggregation and degradation and be a powerful tool for drug screening to prevent tauopathy.

Development of an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay Using a Recombinant LigA Fragment Comprising Repeat Domains 4 to 7.5 as an Antigen for Diagnosis of Equine Leptospirosis

PubMed Central

Yan, Weiwei; Saleem, Muhammad Hassan; McDonough, Patrick; McDonough, Sean P.; Divers, Thomas J.

2013-01-01

Leptospira immunoglobulin (Ig)-like (Lig) proteins are a novel family of surface-associated proteins in which the N-terminal 630 amino acids are conserved. In this study, we truncated the LigA conserved region into 7 fragments comprising the 1st to 3rd (LigACon1-3), 4th to 7.5th (LigACon4-7.5), 4th (LigACon4), 4.5th to 5.5th (LigACon4.5–5.5), 5.5th to 6.5th (LigACon5.5–6.5), 4th to 5th (LigACon4-5), and 6th to 7.5th (LigACon6-7.5) repeat domains. All 7 recombinant Lig proteins were screened using a slot-shaped dot blot assay for the diagnosis of equine leptospirosis. Our results showed that LigACon4-7.5 is the best candidate diagnostic antigen in a slot-shaped dot blot assay. LigACon4-7.5 was further evaluated as an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) antigen for the detection of Leptospira antibodies in equine sera. This assay was evaluated with equine sera (n = 60) that were microscopic agglutination test (MAT) negative and sera (n = 220) that were MAT positive to the 5 serovars that most commonly cause equine leptospirosis. The indirect ELISA results showed that at a single serum dilution of 1:250, the sensitivity and specificity of ELISA were 80.0% and 87.2%, respectively, compared to those of MAT. In conclusion, an indirect ELISA was developed utilizing a recombinant LigA fragment comprising the 4th to 7.5th repeat domain (LigACon4-7.5) as a diagnostic antigen for equine leptospirosis. This ELISA was found to be sensitive and specific, and it yielded results that concurred with those of the standard MAT. PMID:23720368

Radiation hardness of Efratom M-100 rubidium frequency standard

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

English, T. C.; Vorwerk, H.; Rudie, N. J.

1983-01-01

The effects of nuclear radiation on rubidium gas cell frequency standards and components are presented, including the results of recent tests where a continuously operating rubidium frequency standard (Effratom, Model M-100) was subjected to simultaneous neutron/gamma radiation. At the highest neutron fluence 7.5 10 to the 12th power n/sq cm and total dose 11 krad(Si) tested, the unit operated satisfactorily; the total frequency change over the 2 1/2 hour test period due to all causes, including repeated retraction from and insertion into the reactor, was less than 1 x 10 to the -10th power. The effects of combined neutron/gamma radiation on rubidium frequency standard physics package components were also studied, and the results are presented.

The multiple roles of epidermal growth factor repeat O-glycans in animal development

PubMed Central

Haltom, Amanda R; Jafar-Nejad, Hamed

2015-01-01

The epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like repeat is a common, evolutionarily conserved motif found in secreted proteins and the extracellular domain of transmembrane proteins. EGF repeats harbor six cysteine residues which form three disulfide bonds and help generate the three-dimensional structure of the EGF repeat. A subset of EGF repeats harbor consensus sequences for the addition of one or more specific O-glycans, which are initiated by O-glucose, O-fucose or O-N-acetylglucosamine. These glycans are relatively rare compared to mucin-type O-glycans. However, genetic experiments in model organisms and cell-based assays indicate that at least some of the glycosyltransferases involved in the addition of O-glycans to EGF repeats play important roles in animal development. These studies, combined with state-of-the-art biochemical and structural biology experiments have started to provide an in-depth picture of how these glycans regulate the function of the proteins to which they are linked. In this review, we will discuss the biological roles assigned to EGF repeat O-glycans and the corresponding glycosyltransferases. Since Notch receptors are the best studied proteins with biologically-relevant O-glycans on EGF repeats, a significant part of this review is devoted to the role of these glycans in the regulation of the Notch signaling pathway. We also discuss recently identified proteins other than Notch which depend on EGF repeat glycans to function properly. Several glycosyltransferases involved in the addition or elongation of O-glycans on EGF repeats are mutated in human diseases. Therefore, mechanistic understanding of the functional roles of these carbohydrate modifications is of interest from both basic science and translational perspectives. PMID:26175457

Species Identification of Fox-, Mink-, Dog-, and Rabbit-Derived Ingredients by Multiplex PCR and Real-Time PCR Assay.

PubMed

Wu, Qingqing; Xiang, Shengnan; Wang, Wenjun; Zhao, Jinyan; Xia, Jinhua; Zhen, Yueran; Liu, Bang

2018-05-01

Various detection methods have been developed to date for identification of animal species. New techniques based on PCR approach have raised the hope of developing better identification methods, which can overcome the limitations of the existing methods. PCR-based methods used the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) as well as nuclear DNA sequences. In this study, by targeting nuclear DNA, multiplex PCR and real-time PCR methods were developed to assist with qualitative and quantitative analysis. The multiplex PCR was found to simultaneously and effectively distinguish four species (fox, dog, mink, and rabbit) ingredients by the different sizes of electrophoretic bands: 480, 317, 220, and 209 bp. Real-time fluorescent PCR's amplification profiles and standard curves showed good quantitative measurement responses and linearity, as indicated by good repeatability and coefficient of determination R 2  > 0.99. The quantitative results of quaternary DNA mixtures including mink, fox, dog, and rabbit DNA are in line with our expectations: R.D. (relative deviation) varied between 1.98 and 12.23% and R.S.D. (relative standard deviation) varied between 3.06 and 11.51%, both of which are well within the acceptance criterion of ≤ 25%. Combining the two methods is suitable for the rapid identification and accurate quantification of fox-, dog-, mink-, and rabbit-derived ingredients in the animal products.