Cellular interaction of a layer-by-layer based drug delivery system depending on material properties and cell types.

PubMed

Brueckner, Mandy; Jankuhn, Steffen; Jülke, Eva-Maria; Reibetanz, Uta

2018-01-01

Drug delivery systems (DDS) and their interaction with cells are a controversial topic in the development of therapeutic concepts and approaches. On one hand, DDS are very useful for protected and targeted transport of defined dosages of active agents. On the other hand, their physicochemical properties such as material, size, shape, charge, or stiffness have a huge impact on cellular uptake and intracellular processing. Additionally, even identical DDS can undergo a completely diverse interaction with different cell types. However, quite often in in vitro DDS/cell interaction experiments, those aspects are not considered and DDS and cells are randomly chosen. Hence, our investigations provide an insight into layer-by-layer designed microcarriers with modifications of only some of the most important parameters (surface charge, stiffness, and applied microcarrier/cell ratio) and their influence on cellular uptake and viability. We also considered the interaction of these differently equipped DDS with several cell types and investigated professional phagocytes (neutrophil granulocytes; macrophages) as well as non-professional phagocytes (epithelial cells) under comparable conditions. We found that even small modifications such as layer-by-layer (LbL)-microcarriers with positive or negative surface charge, or LbL-microcarriers with solid core or as hollow capsules but equipped with the same surface properties, show significant differences in interaction and viability, and several cell types react very differently to the offered DDS. As a consequence, the properties of the DDS have to be carefully chosen with respect to the addressed cell type with the aim to efficiently transport a desired agent.

Towards soft robotic devices for site-specific drug delivery.

PubMed

Alici, Gursel

2015-01-01

Considerable research efforts have recently been dedicated to the establishment of various drug delivery systems (DDS) that are mechanical/physical, chemical and biological/molecular DDS. In this paper, we report on the recent advances in site-specific drug delivery (site-specific, controlled, targeted or smart drug delivery are terms used interchangeably in the literature, to mean to transport a drug or a therapeutic agent to a desired location within the body and release it as desired with negligibly small toxicity and side effect compared to classical drug administration means such as peroral, parenteral, transmucosal, topical and inhalation) based on mechanical/physical systems consisting of implantable and robotic drug delivery systems. While we specifically focus on the robotic or autonomous DDS, which can be reprogrammable and provide multiple doses of a drug at a required time and rate, we briefly cover the implanted DDS, which are well-developed relative to the robotic DDS, to highlight the design and performance requirements, and investigate issues associated with the robotic DDS. Critical research issues associated with both DDSs are presented to describe the research challenges ahead of us in order to establish soft robotic devices for clinical and biomedical applications.

Distributed Data Service for Data Management in Internet of Things Middleware

PubMed Central

Cruz Huacarpuma, Ruben; de Sousa Junior, Rafael Timoteo; de Holanda, Maristela Terto; de Oliveira Albuquerque, Robson; García Villalba, Luis Javier; Kim, Tai-Hoon

2017-01-01

The development of the Internet of Things (IoT) is closely related to a considerable increase in the number and variety of devices connected to the Internet. Sensors have become a regular component of our environment, as well as smart phones and other devices that continuously collect data about our lives even without our intervention. With such connected devices, a broad range of applications has been developed and deployed, including those dealing with massive volumes of data. In this paper, we introduce a Distributed Data Service (DDS) to collect and process data for IoT environments. One central goal of this DDS is to enable multiple and distinct IoT middleware systems to share common data services from a loosely-coupled provider. In this context, we propose a new specification of functionalities for a DDS and the conception of the corresponding techniques for collecting, filtering and storing data conveniently and efficiently in this environment. Another contribution is a data aggregation component that is proposed to support efficient real-time data querying. To validate its data collecting and querying functionalities and performance, the proposed DDS is evaluated in two case studies regarding a simulated smart home system, the first case devoted to evaluating data collection and aggregation when the DDS is interacting with the UIoT middleware, and the second aimed at comparing the DDS data collection with this same functionality implemented within the Kaa middleware. PMID:28448469

Analysis of a bubble deformation process in a microcapsule by shock waves for developing DDS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tamagawa, Masaaki; Morimoto, Kenshi

2012-09-01

This paper describes development of DDS (drug delivery systems) microcapsule using underwater shock waves, especially (1) making polymer microcapsules including a bubble and analysis of a bubble deformation process in a polymer capsule by pressure wave, (2) making liposome microcapsules with different elastic membrane and disintegration tests by ultrasonic waves.

Ultrasonic mixing of epoxy curing agents

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hodges, W. T.; St.clair, T. L.

1983-01-01

A new technique for mixing solid curing agents into liquid epoxy resins using ultrasonic energy was developed. This procedure allows standard curing agents such as 4,4 prime-diaminodiphenyl sulfone (4,4 prime-DDS) and its 3,3 prime-isomer, (3,3 prime-DDS) to be mixed without prior melting of the curing agent. It also allows curing agents such as 4,4 prime-diaminodiphenyl sulfone (4,4 prime-DDS) and its 3,3 prime-isomer, (3,3 prime-DDS) to be mixed without prior melting of the curing agent. It also allows curing agents with very high melt temperatures such as 4,4 prime-diaminobenzophenone (4,4 prime-DABP) (242 C) to be mixed without premature curing. Four aromatic diamines were ultrasonically blended into MY-720 epoxy resin. These were 4,4 prime-DDS; 3,3 prime-DDA; 4,4 prime-DABP and 3,3 prime-DABP. Unfilled moldings were cast and cured for each system and their physical and mechanical properties compared.

DDS, 4,4′-diaminodiphenylsulfone, extends organismic lifespan

PubMed Central

Keam, Bhumsuk; Choi, Jung Min; Cho, Yunje; Hyun, Soonsil; Park, Sang Chul; Lee, Junho

2010-01-01

DDS, 4,4′-diaminodiphenylsulfone, is the most common drug prescribed to treat Hansen disease patients. In addition to its antibacterial activity, DDS has been reported to be involved in other cellular processes that occur in eukaryotic cells. Because DDS treatment significantly enhances the antioxidant activity in humans, we examined its effect on lifespan extension. Here we show that DDS extends organismic lifespan using Caenorhabditis elegans as a model system. DDS treatment caused a delay in aging and decreased the levels of a mitochondrial complex. The oxygen consumption rate was also significantly lowered. Consistent with these data, paraquat treatment evoked less reactive oxygen species in DDS-treated worms, and these worms were less sensitive to paraquat. Interestingly enough, all of the molecular events caused by DDS treatment were consistently reproduced in mice treated with DDS for 3 mo and in the C2C12 muscle cell line. Structural prediction identified pyruvate kinase (PK) as a protein target of DDS. Indeed, DDS bound and inhibited PK in vitro and inhibited it in vivo, and a PK mutation conferred extended lifespan of C. elegans. Supplement of pyruvate to the media protected C2C12 cells from apoptosis caused by paraquat. Our findings establish the significance of DDS in lowering reactive oxygen species generation and extending the lifespan, which renders the rationale to examining the possible effect of DDS on human lifespan extension. PMID:20974969

Segmental Neogenesis of the Dog Esophagus Utilizing a Biodegradable Polymer Framework

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-12-20

Dental (If applicable) US Army Medical Research & Development Research I SGRD-UDR-B Command (HQDA-IS) 6c. ADDRESS (City, State, and ZIP Code) 7b. ADDRESS...Marvin F. Grower, D.D.S., Ph.D. Emery A. Russell, Jr., D.D.S., M.S. Duane E. Cutright, D.D.S., M.S., Ph.D. U. S. Army Institute of Dental Research...the polymer solutions with a #152 dental atomizer (DeVilbiss Corp.) using 20-30 psi of nitrogen as a prdpellant at a distance of 10-18 inches from a

Data distribution satellite

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Price, Kent M.; Jorasch, Ronald E.; Wiskerchen, Michael J.

1991-01-01

A description is given of a data distribution satellite (DDS) system. The DDS would operate in conjunction with the tracking and data relay satellite system to give ground-based users real time, two-way access to instruments in space and space-gathered data. The scope of work includes the following: (1) user requirements are derived; (2) communication scenarios are synthesized; (3) system design constraints and projected technology availability are identified; (4) DDS communications payload configuration is derived, and the satellite is designed; (5) requirements for earth terminals and network control are given; (6) system costs are estimated, both life cycle costs and user fees; and (7) technology developments are recommended, and a technology development plan is given. The most important results obtained are as follows: (1) a satellite designed for launch in 2007 is feasible and has 10 Gb/s capacity, 5.5 kW power, and 2000 kg mass; (2) DDS features include on-board baseband switching, use of Ku- and Ka-bands, multiple optical intersatellite links; and (3) system user costs are competitive with projected terrestrial communication costs.

Cellular interaction of a layer-by-layer based drug delivery system depending on material properties and cell types

PubMed Central

Brueckner, Mandy; Jankuhn, Steffen; Jülke, Eva-Maria; Reibetanz, Uta

2018-01-01

Background Drug delivery systems (DDS) and their interaction with cells are a controversial topic in the development of therapeutic concepts and approaches. On one hand, DDS are very useful for protected and targeted transport of defined dosages of active agents. On the other hand, their physicochemical properties such as material, size, shape, charge, or stiffness have a huge impact on cellular uptake and intracellular processing. Additionally, even identical DDS can undergo a completely diverse interaction with different cell types. However, quite often in in vitro DDS/cell interaction experiments, those aspects are not considered and DDS and cells are randomly chosen. Methods and results Hence, our investigations provide an insight into layer-by-layer designed microcarriers with modifications of only some of the most important parameters (surface charge, stiffness, and applied microcarrier/cell ratio) and their influence on cellular uptake and viability. We also considered the interaction of these differently equipped DDS with several cell types and investigated professional phagocytes (neutrophil granulocytes; macrophages) as well as non-professional phagocytes (epithelial cells) under comparable conditions. We found that even small modifications such as layer-by-layer (LbL)-microcarriers with positive or negative surface charge, or LbL-microcarriers with solid core or as hollow capsules but equipped with the same surface properties, show significant differences in interaction and viability, and several cell types react very differently to the offered DDS. Conclusion As a consequence, the properties of the DDS have to be carefully chosen with respect to the addressed cell type with the aim to efficiently transport a desired agent. PMID:29670351

Breath Alcohol Concentrations of Designated Drivers

PubMed Central

Barry, Adam E.; Chaney, Beth H.; Stellefson, Michael L.

2013-01-01

Objective: This study established breath alcohol concentrations (BrACs) and alcohol-related behaviors of designated drivers (DDs) to determine (a) whether DDs are abstaining from drinking, (b) whether alcohol-related behaviors of non-DDs and DDs were different, and (c) whether the alcohol consumption of DDs resulted in BrAC levels that affected driving performance or caused psychomotor impairment. Method: We conducted six anonymous field studies during a 3-month period in a southeastern college community restaurant and bar district. Intercept interviews were conducted with 1,071 bar patrons. Alcohol-related behaviors, BrAC, and whether one was serving as a DD were measured. The sample was primarily White (72.7%), male (62.4%) college students (64.7%). Descriptive statistics and an independent sample t test compared the BrACs of DDs versus non-DDs. A one-way analysis of variance examined the differences in the alcohol-related behaviors (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test–consumption [AUDIT-C] score) across DDs abstaining from drinking (BrAC = .00 g/210 L), drinking DDs (BrACs ≥ .02 and < .05 g/210 L), and impaired DDs (BrACs ≥ .05 g/210 L). A logistic regression assessed the impact of alcohol-related behaviors (AUDIT-C) on whether one was serving as a DD. Results: Of the 165 DDs, approximately 40% did not abstain from drinking. Approximately 17% of DDs had BrACs between .02 g/210 L and .049 g/210 L, whereas 18% recorded BrACs at .05 g/210 L or greater. The mean AUDIT-C score for impaired DDs significantly differed from both abstaining DDs and drinking DDs. Participants with greater AUDIT-C scores were more likely to serve as a DD and have a BrAC that significantly inhibited driving ability and psychomotor function. Conclusions: These findings identify the need for consensus across researcher, layperson, and communication campaigns that a DD must be someone who has abstained from drinking entirely. PMID:23739013

Syllabi. DODDS Social Studies Programs: Kindergarten through Grade Twelve.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dependents Schools (DOD), Washington, DC.

An overview of the kindergarten through grade 12 social studies programs of the Department of Defense Dependents Schools (DoDDS) is presented. Following an introduction, a list of acknowledgments lists the educators who assisted in the development of the DoDDS social studies guides and syllabi. A brief description of the social studies curriculum…

Development of display design and command usage guidelines for Spacelab experiment computer applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dodson, D. W.; Shields, N. L., Jr.

1979-01-01

Individual Spacelab experiments are responsible for developing their CRT display formats and interactive command scenarios for payload crew monitoring and control of experiment operations via the Spacelab Data Display System (DDS). In order to enhance crew training and flight operations, it was important to establish some standardization of the crew/experiment interface among different experiments by providing standard methods and techniques for data presentation and experiment commanding via the DDS. In order to establish optimum usage guidelines for the Spacelab DDS, the capabilities and limitations of the hardware and Experiment Computer Operating System design had to be considered. Since the operating system software and hardware design had already been established, the Display and Command Usage Guidelines were constrained to the capabilities of the existing system design. Empirical evaluations were conducted on a DDS simulator to determine optimum operator/system interface utilization of the system capabilities. Display parameters such as information location, display density, data organization, status presentation and dynamic update effects were evaluated in terms of response times and error rates.

Texting while driving: the development and validation of the distracted driving survey and risk score among young adults.

PubMed

Bergmark, Regan W; Gliklich, Emily; Guo, Rong; Gliklich, Richard E

Texting while driving and other cell-phone reading and writing activities are high-risk activities associated with motor vehicle collisions and mortality. This paper describes the development and preliminary evaluation of the Distracted Driving Survey (DDS) and score. Survey questions were developed by a research team using semi-structured interviews, pilot-tested, and evaluated in young drivers for validity and reliability. Questions focused on texting while driving and use of email, social media, and maps on cellular phones with specific questions about the driving speeds at which these activities are performed. In 228 drivers 18-24 years old, the DDS showed excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.93) and correlations with reported 12-month crash rates. The score is reported on a 0-44 scale with 44 being highest risk behaviors. For every 1 unit increase of the DDS score, the odds of reporting a car crash increases 7 %. The survey can be completed in two minutes, or less than five minutes if demographic and background information is included. Text messaging was common; 59.2 and 71.5 % of respondents said they wrote and read text messages, respectively, while driving in the last 30 days. The DDS is an 11-item scale that measures cell phone-related distracted driving risk and includes reading/viewing and writing subscores. The scale demonstrated strong validity and reliability in drivers age 24 and younger. The DDS may be useful for measuring rates of cell-phone related distracted driving and for evaluating public health interventions focused on reducing such behaviors.

Texting while driving: the development and validation of the distracted driving survey and risk score among young adults.

PubMed

Bergmark, Regan W; Gliklich, Emily; Guo, Rong; Gliklich, Richard E

2016-12-01

Texting while driving and other cell-phone reading and writing activities are high-risk activities associated with motor vehicle collisions and mortality. This paper describes the development and preliminary evaluation of the Distracted Driving Survey (DDS) and score. Survey questions were developed by a research team using semi-structured interviews, pilot-tested, and evaluated in young drivers for validity and reliability. Questions focused on texting while driving and use of email, social media, and maps on cellular phones with specific questions about the driving speeds at which these activities are performed. In 228 drivers 18-24 years old, the DDS showed excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.93) and correlations with reported 12-month crash rates. The score is reported on a 0-44 scale with 44 being highest risk behaviors. For every 1 unit increase of the DDS score, the odds of reporting a car crash increases 7 %. The survey can be completed in two minutes, or less than five minutes if demographic and background information is included. Text messaging was common; 59.2 and 71.5 % of respondents said they wrote and read text messages, respectively, while driving in the last 30 days. The DDS is an 11-item scale that measures cell phone-related distracted driving risk and includes reading/viewing and writing subscores. The scale demonstrated strong validity and reliability in drivers age 24 and younger. The DDS may be useful for measuring rates of cell-phone related distracted driving and for evaluating public health interventions focused on reducing such behaviors.

'Who's a good boy?!' Dogs prefer naturalistic dog-directed speech.

PubMed

Benjamin, Alex; Slocombe, Katie

2018-05-01

Infant-directed speech (IDS) is a special speech register thought to aid language acquisition and improve affiliation in human infants. Although IDS shares some of its properties with dog-directed speech (DDS), it is unclear whether the production of DDS is functional, or simply an overgeneralisation of IDS within Western cultures. One recent study found that, while puppies attended more to a script read with DDS compared with adult-directed speech (ADS), adult dogs displayed no preference. In contrast, using naturalistic speech and a more ecologically valid set-up, we found that adult dogs attended to and showed more affiliative behaviour towards a speaker of DDS than of ADS. To explore whether this preference for DDS was modulated by the dog-specific words typically used in DDS, the acoustic features (prosody) of DDS or a combination of the two, we conducted a second experiment. Here the stimuli from experiment 1 were produced with reversed prosody, meaning the prosody and content of ADS and DDS were mismatched. The results revealed no significant effect of speech type, or content, suggesting that it is maybe the combination of the acoustic properties and the dog-related content of DDS that modulates the preference shown for naturalistic DDS. Overall, the results of this study suggest that naturalistic DDS, comprising of both dog-directed prosody and dog-relevant content words, improves dogs' attention and may strengthen the affiliative bond between humans and their pets.

Artistic profession: a potential risk factor for dopamine dysregulation syndrome in Parkinson's disease?

PubMed

Schwingenschuh, Petra; Katschnig, Petra; Saurugg, Ronald; Ott, Erwin; Bhatia, Kailash P

2010-03-15

A small proportion of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) develop a dopamine dysregulation syndrome (DDS). Management of such patients can be difficult; hence, early identification and careful monitoring of at-risk individuals are important. Based on four illustrative cases, we wish to draw attention to the risk of developing DDS in PD patients engaged in a creative and artistic profession, who compulsively abuse dopaminergic drugs to maintain or enhance their artistic creativity. Balancing the drug requirement for treating motor symptoms on one hand and improving creativity on the other hand has to be carefully evaluated and early neuropsychiatric intervention may be necessary. Apart from the known risk factors-young age at PD onset, male gender, heavy alcohol consumption, illegal drug use, and history of affective disorder-engagement in a creative or artistic profession may be an additional risk factor for developing DDS.

Maternal stress, well-being, and impaired sleep in mothers of children with developmental disabilities: a literature review.

PubMed

Lee, Jiwon

2013-11-01

Having children with developmental disabilities (DDs) requires a high level of caregiving responsibilities, and existing studies support that mothers of children with DDs experience high levels of maternal stress as well as poor sleep and well-being. Given the fact that the number of children with DDs has increased, an up-to-date literature review is necessary to identify factors associated with maternal stress, sleep, and well-being. In addition, understanding these factors and their relationships may provide better strategies in designing effective interventions that can reduce the burden in mothers of children with DDs. This review summarized 28 scientific research papers that examined maternal stress, sleep, and well-being in mothers of children with DDs in past 12 years. The study findings indicate that mothers of children with DDs experience higher levels of stress than mothers of typically developing children, and it remains high over time. In addition, these mothers often encounter depressive symptoms as well as poor sleep quality. The study results also reveal that there is a bidirectional relationship between maternal stress and depressive symptoms as well as between poor sleep quality and depressive symptoms. For example, higher stress mothers experienced more depressive symptoms. Mothers of children with DDs with poor sleep quality are significantly associated with more depressive symptoms. Child behavior problems were significantly associated with both maternal stress and depressive symptoms, but cautious interpretation is warranted due to the shared variance between child behavior problems, maternal stress, and depressive symptoms. Methodological guidelines for future research involve the use of reliable and valid instruments for the measurement of child behavior problems, maternal stress, and sleep. Recommendations for future research are included. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Coupling HYDRUS-1D Code with PA-DDS Algorithms for Inverse Calibration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Xiang; Asadzadeh, Masoud; Holländer, Hartmut

2017-04-01

Numerical modelling requires calibration to predict future stages. A standard method for calibration is inverse calibration where generally multi-objective optimization algorithms are used to find a solution, e.g. to find an optimal solution of the van Genuchten Mualem (VGM) parameters to predict water fluxes in the vadose zone. We coupled HYDRUS-1D with PA-DDS to add a new, robust function for inverse calibration to the model. The PA-DDS method is a recently developed multi-objective optimization algorithm, which combines Dynamically Dimensioned Search (DDS) and Pareto Archived Evolution Strategy (PAES). The results were compared to a standard method (Marquardt-Levenberg method) implemented in HYDRUS-1D. Calibration performance is evaluated using observed and simulated soil moisture at two soil layers in the Southern Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada in the terms of the root mean squared error (RMSE) and the Nash-Sutcliffe Efficiency (NSE). Results showed low RMSE values of 0.014 and 0.017 and strong NSE values of 0.961 and 0.939. Compared to the results by the Marquardt-Levenberg method, we received better calibration results for deeper located soil sensors. However, VGM parameters were similar comparing with previous studies. Both methods are equally computational efficient. We claim that a direct implementation of PA-DDS into HYDRUS-1D should reduce the computation effort further. This, the PA-DDS method is efficient for calibrating recharge for complex vadose zone modelling with multiple soil layer and can be a potential tool for calibration of heat and solute transport. Future work should focus on the effectiveness of PA-DDS for calibrating more complex versions of the model with complex vadose zone settings, with more soil layers, and against measured heat and solute transport. Keywords: Recharge, Calibration, HYDRUS-1D, Multi-objective Optimization

Diet diversity and nutritional status among adults in southwest China.

PubMed

Zhang, Qiang; Chen, Xinguang; Liu, Zhitao; Varma, Deepthi S; Wan, Rong; Zhao, Shiwen

2017-01-01

With rapid urbanization in the past decades, diet diversity continues to increase in China. The present cross-sectional study aims to explore the association between dietary diversity and nutritional status among adults in southwest China. This study used data from 2011-2012 National Nutritional Survey in Yunnan Province, southwest China (N = 1105).Data of three consecutive 24-hour dietary recalls were used to calculate dietary diversity scores (DDS) and nutrient adequacy ratio (NAR). Body mass index and waist circumference were used to determine nutritional status. Surveylogistic procedure of SAS 9.2 software was used to examine the association between DDS and obesity by estimating odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). The mean DDS was 5.2 (SD 1.1) out of nine points. Being female, younger age, belonging to Han ethnicity, having higher educational level and household income were positively associated with DDS (all P<0.05). As DDS increased, consumption also increased in most food groups except grains and vegetables. People with medium and high DDS (DDS = 5 and DDS ≥6, respectively) ingested more energy than the recommended quantity(NAR = 1.1 and 1.2, respectively). However, the intakes of Calcium and Vitamin A were seriously inadequate even for people with high DDS (NAR≤0.5). With potential confounders adjusted, people with medium and high DDS were at higher risk of general and central obesity than people with DDS ≤4 (OR = 1.4-1.9, P<0.01). Our data indicated that high DDS was associated with excessive energy intake and obesity among adults in southwest China. Although dietary diversity is widely recommended, public health messages should give less emphasis on dietary diversity.

A study on a dental device for the prevention of mucosal dose enhancement caused by backscatter radiation from dental alloy during external beam radiotherapy.

PubMed

Katsura, Kouji; Utsunomiya, Satoru; Abe, Eisuke; Sakai, Hironori; Kushima, Naotaka; Tanabe, Satoshi; Yamada, Takumi; Hayakawa, Takahide; Yamanoi, Yoshihiko; Kimura, Syuhei; Wada, Shinichi; Aoyama, Hidefumi; Hayashi, Takafumi

2016-11-01

The changes in dose distribution caused by backscatter radiation from a common commercial dental alloy (Au-Ag-Pd dental alloy; DA) were investigated to identify the optimal material and thicknesses of a dental device (DD) for effective prevention of mucositis. To this end, 1 cm 3 of DA was irradiated with a 6-MV X-ray beam (100 MU) in a field size of 10 × 10 cm 2 using a Novalis TX linear accelerator. Ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer, polyolefin elastomer, and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) were selected as DD materials. The depth dose along the central axis was determined with respect to the presence/absence of DA and DDs at thicknesses of 1-10 mm using a parallel-plate ionization chamber. The dose in the absence of DDs showed the lowest value at a distance of 5 mm from the DA surface and gradually increased with distance between the measurement point and the DA surface for distances of ≥5 mm. Except for PET, no significant difference between the DA dose curves for the presence and absence of DDs was observed. In the dose curve, PET showed a slightly higher dose for DA with DD than for DA without DD for thicknesses of ≥4 mm. The findings herein suggest that the optimal DD material for preventing local dose enhancement of the mucosa caused by DA backscatter radiation should have a relatively low atomic number and physical density and that optimal DD thickness should be chosen considering backscatter radiation and percentage depth dose. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The Japan Radiation Research Society and Japanese Society for Radiation Oncology.

[Strategy and collaboration between medicinal chemists and pharmaceutical scientists for drug delivery systems].

PubMed

Mano, Takashi

2013-01-01

In order to successfully apply drug delivery systems (DDS) to new chemical entities (NCEs), collaboration between medicinal chemists and formulation scientists is critical for efficient drug discovery. Formulation scientists have to use 'language' that medicinal chemists understand to help promote mutual understanding, and medicinal chemists and formulation scientists have to set up strategies to use suitable DDS technologies at the discovery phase of the programmes to ensure successful transfer into the development phase. In this review, strategies of solubilisation formulation for oral delivery, inhalation delivery, nasal delivery and bioconjugation are all discussed. For example, for oral drug delivery, multiple initiatives can be proposed to improve the process to select an optimal delivery option for an NCE. From a technical perspective, formulation scientists have to explain the scope and limitations of formulations as some DDS technologies might be applicable only to limited chemical spaces. Other limitations could be the administered dose and, cost, time and resources for formulation development and manufacturing. Since DDS selection is best placed as part of lead-optimisation, formulation scientists need to be involved in discovery projects at lead selection and optimisation stages. The key to success in their collaboration is to facilitate communication between these two areas of expertise at both a strategic and scientific level. Also, it would be beneficial for medicinal chemists and formulation scientists to set common goals to improve the process of collaboration and build long term partnerships to improve DDS.

Evaluating online diagnostic decision support tools for the clinical setting.

PubMed

Pryor, Marie; White, David; Potter, Bronwyn; Traill, Roger

2012-01-01

Clinical decision support tools available at the point of care are an effective adjunct to support clinicians to make clinical decisions and improve patient outcomes. We developed a methodology and applied it to evaluate commercially available online clinical diagnostic decision support (DDS) tools for use at the point of care. We identified 11 commercially available DDS tools and assessed these against an evaluation instrument that included 6 categories; general information, content, quality control, search, clinical results and other features. We developed diagnostically challenging clinical case scenarios based on real patient experience that were commonly missed by junior medical staff. The evaluation was divided into 2 phases; an initial evaluation of all identified and accessible DDS tools conducted by the Clinical Information Access Portal (CIAP) team and a second phase that further assessed the top 3 tools identified in the initial evaluation phase. An evaluation panel consisting of senior and junior medical clinicians from NSW Health conducted the second phase. Of the eleven tools that were assessed against the evaluation instrument only 4 tools completely met the DDS definition that was adopted for this evaluation and were able to produce a differential diagnosis. From the initial phase of the evaluation 4 DDS tools scored 70% or more (maximum score 96%) for the content category, 8 tools scored 65% or more (maximum 100%) for the quality control category, 5 tools scored 65% or more (maximum 94%) for the search category, and 4 tools score 70% or more (maximum 81%) for the clinical results category. The second phase of the evaluation was focused on assessing diagnostic accuracy for the top 3 tools identified in the initial phase. Best Practice ranked highest overall against the 6 clinical case scenarios used. Overall the differentiating factor between the top 3 DDS tools was determined by diagnostic accuracy ranking, ease of use and the confidence and credibility of the clinical information. The evaluation methodology used here to assess the quality and comprehensiveness of clinical DDS tools was effective in identifying the most appropriate tool for the clinical setting. The use of clinical case scenarios is fundamental in determining the diagnostic accuracy and usability of the tools.

Supramolecular Organization of Nonstoichiometric Drug Hydrates: Dapsone

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Braun, Doris E.; Griesser, Ulrich J.

2018-02-01

The observed moisture- and temperature dependent transformations of the dapsone (4,4'-diaminodiphenyl sulfone, DDS) 0.33-hydrate were correlated to its structure and the number and strength of the water-DDS intermolecular interactions. A combination of characterization techniques was used, including thermal analysis (hot-stage microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis), gravimetric moisture sorption/desorption studies and variable humidity powder X-ray diffraction, along with computational modeling (crystal structure prediction and pair-wise intermolecular energy calculations). Depending on the relative humidity the hydrate contains between 0 and 0.33 molecules of water per molecule DDS. The crystal structure is retained upon dehydration indicating that DDS hydrate shows a non-stoichiometric (de)hydration behavior. Unexpectedly, the water molecules are not located in structural channels but at isolated-sites of the host framework, which is counterintuitively for a hydrate with non-stoichiometric behavior. The water-DDS interactions were estimated to be weaker than water-host interactions that are commonly observed in stoichiometric hydrates and the lattice energies of the isomorphic dehydration product (hydrate structure without water molecules) and a stable anhydrate at room temperature (form III) differ only by approximately 1 kJ mol–1. The computational generation of hypothetical monohydrates confirms that the hydrate with the unusual DDS:water ratio of 3:1 is more stable than a feasible monohydrate structure. Overall, this study addresses the critical class of non-stoichiometric hydrates, highlighting that only a multidisciplinary investigation can unravel hydrate formation at a molecular level, knowledge which is a requirement in modern drug development.

Supramolecular Organization of Nonstoichiometric Drug Hydrates: Dapsone.

PubMed

Braun, Doris E; Griesser, Ulrich J

2018-01-01

The observed moisture- and temperature dependent transformations of the dapsone (4,4'-diaminodiphenyl sulfone, DDS) 0. 33-hydrate were correlated to its structure and the number and strength of the water-DDS intermolecular interactions. A combination of characterization techniques was used, including thermal analysis (hot-stage microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis), gravimetric moisture sorption/desorption studies and variable humidity powder X-ray diffraction, along with computational modeling (crystal structure prediction and pair-wise intermolecular energy calculations). Depending on the relative humidity the hydrate contains between 0 and 0.33 molecules of water per molecule DDS. The crystal structure is retained upon dehydration indicating that DDS hydrate shows a non-stoichiometric (de)hydration behavior. Unexpectedly, the water molecules are not located in structural channels but at isolated-sites of the host framework, which is counterintuitively for a hydrate with non-stoichiometric behavior. The water-DDS interactions were estimated to be weaker than water-host interactions that are commonly observed in stoichiometric hydrates and the lattice energies of the isomorphic dehydration product (hydrate structure without water molecules) and (form III ) differ only by ~1 kJ mol -1 . The computational generation of hypothetical monohydrates confirms that the hydrate with the unusual DDS:water ratio of 3:1 is more stable than a feasible monohydrate structure. Overall, this study highlights that a deeper understanding of the formation of hydrates with non-stoichiometric behavior requires a multidisciplinary approach including suitable experimental and computational methods providing a firm basis for the development and manufacturing of high quality drug products.

Why Kites Fly. Teacher Background for DSO for DoDDS Japan Day with Kites.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schlenker, Richard M.

This paper discusses the physical principles behind the flying ability of both kites and airplanes. This background material was developed for a program in which a Japanese kite maker conducts kite making and flying classes in the Japan School District Elementary Schools of the Department of Defense Dependents Schools (DoDDS), Pacific Region. The…

Vertical Root Fracture Detection Using Limited-FOV Cone-Beam Computed Tomography

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-06-01

A thesis submitted to the Faculty of the Endodontics Graduate Program Naval Postgraduate Dental School Uniformed Services...Dental Program Navy Medicine Professional Development Center Terry D. Webb, DDS, MS CAPT, DC, USN Chairman, Endodontics Dept. Glen M. Imamura, S...Computed Tomography Geoffrey McMurray, DDS, MS ABSTRACT Introduction: Vertical root fractures (VRF) often occur in endodontically treated teeth

Agile high resolution arbitrary waveform generator with jitterless frequency stepping

DOEpatents

Reilly, Peter T. A.; Koizumi, Hideya

2010-05-11

Jitterless transition of the programmable clock waveform is generated employing a set of two coupled direct digital synthesis (DDS) circuits. The first phase accumulator in the first DDS circuit runs at least one cycle of a common reference clock for the DDS circuits ahead of the second phase accumulator in the second DDS circuit. As a phase transition through the beginning of a phase cycle is detected from the first phase accumulator, a first phase offset word and a second phase offset word for the first and second phase accumulators are calculated and loaded into the first and second DDS circuits. The programmable clock waveform is employed as a clock input for the RAM address controller. A well defined jitterless transition in frequency of the arbitrary waveform is provided which coincides with the beginning of the phase cycle of the DDS output signal from the second DDS circuit.

Protective effect of 4,4'-diaminodiphenylsulfone against paraquat-induced mouse lung injury

PubMed Central

Cho, Sung Chun; Rhim, Ji Heon; Choi, Hae Ri; Son, Young Hoon; Lee, Seok Jin; Song, Kye-Yong

2011-01-01

Although 4,4'-diaminodiphenylsulfone (DDS, dapsone) has been used to treat several dermatologic conditions, including Hansen disease, for the past several decades, its mode of action has remained a topic of debate. We recently reported that DDS treatment significantly extends the lifespan of the nematode C. elegans by decreasing the generation of reactive oxygen species. Additionally, in in vitro experiments using non-phagocytic human fibroblasts, we found that DDS effectively counteracted the toxicity of paraquat (PQ). In the present study, we extended our work to test the protective effect of DDS against PQ in vivo using a mouse lung injury model. Oral administration of DDS to mice significantly attenuated the lung tissue damage caused by subsequent administration of PQ. Moreover, DDS reduced the local expression of mRNA transcripts encoding inflammation-related molecules, including endothelin-1 (ET-1), macrophage inflammatory protein-1α (MIP-1α), and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β). In addition, DDS decreased the PQ-induced expression of NADPH oxidase mRNA and activation of protein kinase Cµ (PKCµ). DDS treatment also decreased the PQ-induced generation of superoxide anions in mouse lung fibroblasts. Taken together, these data suggest the novel efficacy of DDS as an effective protective agent against oxidative stress-induced tissue damages. PMID:21765237

The interactive association of dietary diversity scores and breast-feeding status with weight and length in Filipino infants aged 6-24 months.

PubMed

Wright, Melecia J; Bentley, Margaret E; Mendez, Michelle A; Adair, Linda S

2015-07-01

To assess how breast-feeding and dietary diversity relate to infant length-for-age Z-score (LAZ) and weight-for-age Z-score (WAZ). Breast-feeding, dietary and anthropometric data from the Cebu Longitudinal Health and Nutrition Survey were analysed using sex-stratified fixed-effects longitudinal regression models. A dietary diversity score (DDS) based on seven food groups was classified as low (<4) or high (≥ 4). The complementary feeding patterns were: (i) non-breast-fed with low DDS (referent); (ii) breast-fed with low DDS; (iii) non-breast-fed with high DDS; and (iv) breast-fed with high DDS (optimal). Interactions between age, energy intake and complementary feeding patterns were included. Philippines. Infants (n 2822) measured bimonthly from 6 to 24 months. Breast-feeding (regardless of DDS) was significantly associated with higher LAZ (until 24 months) and WAZ (until 20 months). For example, at 6 months, breast-fed boys with low DDS were 0.246 (95% CI 0.191, 0.302) sd longer and 0.523 (95% CI 0.451, 0.594) sd heavier than the referent group. There was no significant difference in size between breast-fed infants with high v. low DDS. Similarly, high DDS conferred no advantage in LAZ or WAZ among non-breast-fed infants. There were modest correlations between the 7-point DDS and nutrient intakes but these correlations were substantially attenuated after energy adjustment. We elucidated several interactions between sex, age, energy intake and complementary feeding patterns. These results demonstrate the importance of prolonged breast-feeding up to 24 months. The DDS provided qualitative information on infant diets but did not confer a significant advantage in LAZ or WAZ.

Bioactive Molecule-loaded Drug Delivery Systems to Optimize Bone Tissue Repair.

PubMed

Oshiro, Joao Augusto; Sato, Mariana Rillo; Scardueli, Cassio Rocha; Lopes de Oliveira, Guilherme Jose Pimentel; Abucafy, Marina Paiva; Chorilli, Marlus

2017-01-01

Bioactive molecules such as peptides and proteins can optimize the repair of bone tissue; however, the results are often unpredictable when administered alone, owing to their short biological half-life and instability. Thus, the development of bioactive molecule-loaded drug delivery systems (DDS) to repair bone tissue has been the subject of intense research. DDS can optimize the repair of bone tissue owing to their physicochemical properties, which improve cellular interactions and enable the incorporation and prolonged release of bioactive molecules. These characteristics are fundamental to favor bone tissue homeostasis, since the biological activity of these factors depends on how accessible they are to the cell. Considering the importance of these DDS, this review aims to present relevant information on DDS when loaded with osteogenic growth peptide and bone morphogenetic protein. These are bioactive molecules that are capable of modulating the differentiation and proliferation of mesenchymal cells in bone tissue cells. Moreover, we will present different approaches using these peptide and protein-loaded DDS, such as synthetic membranes and scaffolds for bone regeneration, synthetic grafts, bone cements, liposomes, and micelles, which aim at improving the therapeutic effectiveness, and we will compare their advantages with commercial systems. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.org.

Recent development of poly(ethylene glycol)-cholesterol conjugates as drug delivery systems.

PubMed

He, Zhi-Yao; Chu, Bing-Yang; Wei, Xia-Wei; Li, Jiao; Edwards, Carl K; Song, Xiang-Rong; He, Gu; Xie, Yong-Mei; Wei, Yu-Quan; Qian, Zhi-Yong

2014-07-20

Poly(ethylene glycol)-cholesterol (PEG-Chol) conjugates are composed of "hydrophilically-flexible" PEG and "hydrophobically-rigid" Chol molecules. PEG-Chol conjugates are capable of forming micelles through molecular self-assembly and they are also used extensively for the PEGylation of drug delivery systems (DDS). The PEGylated DDS have been shown to display optimized physical stability properties in vitro and longer half-lives in vivo when compared with non-PEGylated DDS. Cell uptake studies have indicated that PEG-Chol conjugates are internalized via clathrin-independent pathways into endosomes and Golgi apparatus. Acid-labile PEG-Chol conjugates are also able to promote the content release of PEGylated DDS when triggered by dePEGylation at acidic conditions. More importantly, biodegradable PEG-Chol molecules have been shown to decrease the "accelerated blood clearance" phenomenon of PEG-DSPE. Ligands, peptides or antibodies which have been modified with PEG-Chols are oftentimes used to formulate active targeting DDS, which have been shown in many systems recently to enhance the efficacy and lower the adverse effects of drugs. Production of PEG-Chol is simple and efficient, and production costs are relatively low. In conclusion, PEG-Chol conjugates appear to be very promising multifunctional biomaterials for many uses in the biomedical sciences and pharmaceutical industries. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Nanocarriers Made from Non-Ionic Surfactants or Natural Polymers for Pulmonary Drug Delivery.

PubMed

Carter, K C; Puig-Sellart, M

2016-01-01

Treatment by the pulmonary route can be used for drugs that act locally in the lungs (e.g. lung cancer) or non-invasive administration of drugs that act systemically (e.g. diabetes). The potential of using drug delivery systems (DDS) formed from non-ionic surfactants or natural products for pulmonary drug delivery are reviewed. The effectiveness of each DDS depends on it ability to not only entrap the relevant drug and alter its bio distribution, but also its ability to withstand the physical stresses during nebulization and for the nebuliser to produce aerosol particles with the size for deposition in the appropriate part of the lungs. Different methods must be used to prepare nanoparticles (NP) using non-ionic surfactants, or biocompatible polymers from natural proteins or sugars, and the aqueous solubility of the drug also influences the manufacture method. NP produced using non-ionic surfactants, proteins such as collagen, albumin or gluten, and polysaccharides such as chitosan, hyaluronate, cellulose, carrageenans, alginate or starch has successfully delivered different types of drugs given by the pulmonary route. Drug entrapment efficiency depends on the DDS constituents and the manufacture method used. Large scale manufacture of DDS from natural products is technically challenging but changing from batch manufacture to continuous manufacturing processes has addressed some of these issues, and inclusion of a spray drying step has been beneficial in some cases. DDS for lung delivery can be produced using natural products but identifying a cost effective manufacture method may be challenging and the impact of using different type of nebulisers on the physiochemical characteristics of the aerosolised formulation should be an essential part of formulation development. This would ensure that some of the development work e.g. stability studies do not have to be repeated as they will identify if a carrier to protect the DDS from the physical trauma caused by nebulisation.

Association of a Dietary Score with Incident Type 2 Diabetes: The Dietary-Based Diabetes-Risk Score (DDS)

PubMed Central

Dominguez, Ligia J.; Bes-Rastrollo, Maira; Basterra-Gortari, Francisco Javier; Gea, Alfredo; Barbagallo, Mario; Martínez-González, Miguel A.

2015-01-01

Background Strong evidence supports that dietary modifications may decrease incident type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Numerous diabetes risk models/scores have been developed, but most do not rely specifically on dietary variables or do not fully capture the overall dietary pattern. We prospectively assessed the association of a dietary-based diabetes-risk score (DDS), which integrates optimal food patterns, with the risk of developing T2DM in the SUN (“Seguimiento Universidad de Navarra”) longitudinal study. Methods We assessed 17,292 participants initially free of diabetes, followed-up for a mean of 9.2 years. A validated 136-item FFQ was administered at baseline. Taking into account previous literature, the DDS positively weighted vegetables, fruit, whole cereals, nuts, coffee, low-fat dairy, fiber, PUFA, and alcohol in moderate amounts; while it negatively weighted red meat, processed meats and sugar-sweetened beverages. Energy-adjusted quintiles of each item (with exception of moderate alcohol consumption that received either 0 or 5 points) were used to build the DDS (maximum: 60 points). Incident T2DM was confirmed through additional detailed questionnaires and review of medical records of participants. We used Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for socio-demographic and anthropometric parameters, health-related habits, and clinical variables to estimate hazard ratios (HR) of T2DM. Results We observed 143 T2DM confirmed cases during follow-up. Better baseline conformity with the DDS was associated with lower incidence of T2DM (multivariable-adjusted HR for intermediate (25–39 points) vs. low (11–24) category 0.43 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.21, 0.89]; and for high (40–60) vs. low category 0.32 [95% CI: 0.14, 0.69]; p for linear trend: 0.019). Conclusions The DDS, a simple score exclusively based on dietary components, showed a strong inverse association with incident T2DM. This score may be applicable in clinical practice to improve dietary habits of subjects at high risk of T2DM and also as an educational tool for laypeople to help them in self-assessing their future risk for developing diabetes. PMID:26544985

TOPICS IN THEORY OF GENERALIZED PARTON DISTRIBUTIONS

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

Radyushkin, Anatoly V.

Several topics in the theory of generalized parton distributions (GPDs) are reviewed. First, we give a brief overview of the basics of the theory of generalized parton distributions and their relationship with simpler phenomenological functions, viz. form factors, parton densities and distribution amplitudes. Then, we discuss recent developments in building models for GPDs that are based on the formalism of double distributions (DDs). A special attention is given to a careful analysis of the singularity structure of DDs. The DD formalism is applied to construction of a model GPDs with a singular Regge behavior. Within the developed DD-based approach, wemore » discuss the structure of GPD sum rules. It is shown that separation of DDs into the so-called ``plus'' part and the $D$-term part may be treated as a renormalization procedure for the GPD sum rules. This approach is compared with an alternative prescription based on analytic regularization.« less

Supramolecular Organization of Nonstoichiometric Drug Hydrates: Dapsone

PubMed Central

Braun, Doris E.; Griesser, Ulrich J.

2018-01-01

The observed moisture- and temperature dependent transformations of the dapsone (4,4′-diaminodiphenyl sulfone, DDS) 0. 33-hydrate were correlated to its structure and the number and strength of the water-DDS intermolecular interactions. A combination of characterization techniques was used, including thermal analysis (hot-stage microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis), gravimetric moisture sorption/desorption studies and variable humidity powder X-ray diffraction, along with computational modeling (crystal structure prediction and pair-wise intermolecular energy calculations). Depending on the relative humidity the hydrate contains between 0 and 0.33 molecules of water per molecule DDS. The crystal structure is retained upon dehydration indicating that DDS hydrate shows a non-stoichiometric (de)hydration behavior. Unexpectedly, the water molecules are not located in structural channels but at isolated-sites of the host framework, which is counterintuitively for a hydrate with non-stoichiometric behavior. The water-DDS interactions were estimated to be weaker than water-host interactions that are commonly observed in stoichiometric hydrates and the lattice energies of the isomorphic dehydration product (hydrate structure without water molecules) and (form III) differ only by ~1 kJ mol−1. The computational generation of hypothetical monohydrates confirms that the hydrate with the unusual DDS:water ratio of 3:1 is more stable than a feasible monohydrate structure. Overall, this study highlights that a deeper understanding of the formation of hydrates with non-stoichiometric behavior requires a multidisciplinary approach including suitable experimental and computational methods providing a firm basis for the development and manufacturing of high quality drug products. PMID:29520359

NCA North Central Association and the Federal Government: The DoDDS Department of Defense Dependents Schools/NCA Partnership.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Buntain, Wendell L.; And Others

1994-01-01

Discusses the cooperative relationship between Department of Defense Dependents Schools (DoDDS) and the North Central Association, highlighting its evolution from the need to substantiate DoDDS student gains and ensure access to higher education. Suggests that the partnership enhances the ability of the DoDDS to provide quality education to…

[Analysis and Control of in Vivo Kinetics of Exosomes for the Development of Exosome-based DDS].

PubMed

Takahashi, Yuki; Nishikawa, Makiya; Takakura, Yoshinobu

2016-01-01

  Exosomes are secretory membrane vesicles containing lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. They act as intercellular transporters by delivering their components to exosome recipient cells. Based on their endogenous delivery system properties, exosomes are expected to become drug delivery systems (DDS) for various molecules such as nucleic acid-based drugs. Important factors such as drug loading to exosomes, production, and pharmacokinetics of exosomes need to be considered for the development of exosome-based DDS. Of these, the pharmacokinetics of exosomes have rarely been studied, probably because of the lack of quantitative evaluation methods of in vivo exosomal pharmacokinetics. We selected lactadherin as an exosome tropic protein and developed it as a fusion protein with Gaussia luciferase to label exosomes for in vivo imaging. In addition, a fusion protein of lactadherin and streptavidin was developed, and the tissue distribution of exosomes was quantitatively evaluated by radiolabeling the exosomes using (125)I-labeled biotin. Using labeled exosomes, we found that intravenously injected exosomes were rapidly cleared from the systemic circulation by macrophages. In addition, the exosomes were mainly distributed to the liver, lung, and spleen. We also examined the effect of exosome isolation methods on their physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties. We found that exosomes collected by the ultracentrifugation-based density-gradient method were more dispersed than exosomes collected by other methods, including the ultracentrifugation-based pelleting method. The gradient method is more time-consuming than others; therefore the development of a more efficient method for exosome isolation will advance the development of exosome-based DDS.

The interactive association of dietary diversity scores and breast-feeding status with weight and length in Filipino infants aged 6–24 months

PubMed Central

Wright, Melecia J; Bentley, Margaret E; Mendez, Michelle A; Adair, Linda S

2016-01-01

Objective To assess how breast-feeding and dietary diversity relate to infant length-for-age Z-score (LAZ) and weight-for-age Z-score (WAZ). Design Breast-feeding, dietary and anthropometric data from the Cebu Longitudinal Health and Nutrition Survey were analysed using sex-stratified fixed-effects longitudinal regression models. A dietary diversity score (DDS) based on seven food groups was classified as low (<4) or high (≥4). The complementary feeding patterns were: (i) non-breast-fed with low DDS (referent); (ii) breast-fed with low DDS; (iii) non-breast-fed with high DDS; and (iv) breast-fed with high DDS (optimal). Interactions between age, energy intake and complementary feeding patterns were included. Setting Philippines. Subjects Infants (n 2822) measured bimonthly from 6 to 24 months. Results Breast-feeding (regardless of DDS) was significantly associated with higher LAZ (until 24 months) and WAZ (until 20 months). For example, at 6 months, breast-fed boys with low DDS were 0·246 (95 % CI 0·191, 0·302) SD longer and 0·523 (95 % CI 0·451, 0·594) SD heavier than the referent group. There was no significant difference in size between breast-fed infants with high v. low DDS. Similarly, high DDS conferred no advantage in LAZ or WAZ among non-breast- fed infants. There were modest correlations between the 7-point DDS and nutrient intakes but these correlations were substantially attenuated after energy adjustment. We elucidated several interactions between sex, age, energy intake and complementary feeding patterns. Conclusions These results demonstrate the importance of prolonged breast-feeding up to 24 months. The DDS provided qualitative information on infant diets but did not confer a significant advantage in LAZ or WAZ. PMID:25728248

In Vivo Efficacy of an Injectable Microsphere-Hydrogel Ocular Drug Delivery System.

PubMed

Osswald, Christian R; Guthrie, Micah J; Avila, Abigail; Valio, Joseph A; Mieler, William F; Kang-Mieler, Jennifer J

2017-09-01

Demonstrate in vivo that controlled and extended release of a low dose of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) from a microsphere-hydrogel drug delivery system (DDS) has a therapeutic effect in a laser-induced rat model of choroidal neovascularization (CNV). Anti-VEGF (ranibizumab or aflibercept) was loaded into poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) microspheres that were then suspended within an injectable poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-based thermo-responsive hydrogel DDS.The DDS was shown previously to release bioactive anti-VEGF for ~200 days. CNV was induced using an Ar-green laser. The four experimental groups were as follows: (i) non-treated, (ii) drug-free DDS, (iii) anti-VEGF-loaded DDS, and (iv) bolus injection of anti-VEGF. CNV lesion areas were measured based on fluorescein angiograms and quantified using a multi-Otsu thresholding technique. Intraocular pressure (IOP) and dark-adapted electroretinogram (ERG) were also obtained pre- and post-treatment (1, 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks). The anti-VEGF-loaded DDS group had significantly smaller (60%) CNV lesion areas than non-treated animals throughout the study. A small transient increase in IOP was seen immediately after injection; however, all IOP measurements at all time points were within the normal range. There were no significant changes in ERG maximal response compared to pre-treatment measurements for the drug-loaded DDS, which suggests no adverse effects on retinal cellular function. The current study demonstrates that the DDS can effectively decrease laser-induced CNV lesions in a murine model. Controlled and extended release from our DDS achieved greater treatment efficacy using an order of magnitude less drug than what is required with bolus administration. This suggests that our DDS may provide a significant advantage in the treatment of posterior segment eye diseases.

Immunoconjugates and long circulating systems: Origins, current state of the art and future directions☆

PubMed Central

Koshkaryev, Alexander; Sawant, Rupa; Deshpande, Madhura; Torchilin, Vladimir

2012-01-01

Significant progress has been made recently in the area of immunoconjugated drugs and drug delivery systems (DDS). The immuno-modification of either the drug or DDS has proven to be a very promising approach that has significantly improved the targeted accumulation in pathological sites while decreasing its undesirable side effects in healthy tissues. The arrangement for both prolonged life in the circulation and specific target recognition represents another potent strategy in the development of immuno-targeted systems. The longevity of immuno-targeted DDS such as immunoliposomes and immunomicelles improves their targetability even in the presence of the additional passive accumulation in areas with a compromised vasculature. The added use of the immuno-targeted systems takes advantage of the specific microenvironment of pathological sites including lowered pH, increased temperature, and variation in the enzymatic activity. “Smart” stimulus-responsive systems combine different valuable functionalities including PEG-protection, targeting antibody, cell-penetration, and stimulus-sensitive functions. In this review we examined the evolution, current status and future directions in the area of therapeutical immunoconjugates and long-circulating immuno-targeted DDS. PMID:22964425

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

Bruening, W.; Nakagama, H.: Bardessy, N.

Wilms` tumor (WT), an embryonal malignancy of the kidney, occurs most frequently in children under the age of 5 years, affecting {approximately}1 in 10,000 individuals. The WT1 tumor suppressor gene, residing at 11p13, is structurally altered in {approximately}10-15% of WT cases. Individuals with germline mutations within the WT1 gene suffer from predisposition to WT and developmental defects of the urogenital system. Patients with heterozygous deletions of the WT1 gene, or mutations predicted to cause inactivation of one WT1 allele, suffer relatively mild genital system defects (notably hypospadias and cryptorchidism in males) and a predisposition to WT. These results suggest thatmore » developing genital system development is sensitive to the absolute concentrations of the WT1 gene products. Patients with missense mutations within the WT1 gene, however, can suffer from a much more severe disorder known as Denys-Drash syndrome (DDS). This syndrome is characterized by intersex disorders, renal nephropathy, and a predisposition to WTs. The increased severity of the developmental defects associated with DDS, compared to those individuals with mild genital system anomalies and WTs, suggests that mutations defined in patients with DDS behave in a dominant-negative fashion. We have identified a novel WT1 mutation in a patient with DDS. This mutation, predicted to produce a truncated WT1 polypeptide encompassing exons 1, 2, and 3, defines a domain capable of behaving as an antimorph. We have also demonstrated that WT1 can self-associate in vivo using yeast two-hybrid systems. Deletion analysis have mapped the interacting domains to the amino terminus of the WT1 polypeptide, within exons 1 and 2. These results provide a molecular mechanism to explain how WT1 mutations can function in a dominant-negative fashion to eliminate wild-type WT1 activity, leading to DDS.« less

Flow injection chemiluminescence sensor using core-shell molecularly imprinted polymers as recognition element for determination of dapsone.

PubMed

Lu, Fuguang; Yang, Jinlong; Sun, Min; Fan, Lulu; Qiu, Huamin; Li, Xiangjun; Luo, Chuannan

2012-07-01

This paper reports the preparation of dapsone (DDS) imprinted polymer layer-coated silica submicron particles (SiO(2)) combined with chemiluminescence (CL) toward analysis of tracing DDS in practical samples. To induce the selective occurrence of surface polymerization, the amino groups were first grafted at the surface of SiO(2) by the (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES). The molecularly imprinted polymers (MIP) were coated at the surface of modified SiO(2) by the graft copolymerization. After the removal of templates, recognition sites of DDS were exposed in the polymer layers. The DDS-imprinted products were characterized by FT-IR, SEM, TEM, dynamic adsorption, and static adsorption tests. The proximity between the thickness of MIP layer and the spatial size of DDS indicated that the imprinted sites almost situated at the surface of MIP, leading to rapid adsorption saturation within 90 min. The apparent maximum binding amount of MIP toward DDS was evaluated as 14.98 mg·g(-1), which was much higher than that of non-molecularly imprinted polymers. The CL sensor provided a wide linear range for DDS within 1.0 × 10(-6) to 1.0 × 10(-4) mol·L(-1) with a detection limit of 5.27 × 10(-7) mol·L(-1) and the relative standard deviation of 1.8 % (n = 11) by determinations of 5.0 × 10(-6) mol·L(-1) DDS. This method was applied to determine DDS in urine samples and satisfactory results were obtained.

Dapsone protects brain microvascular integrity from high-fat diet induced LDL oxidation.

PubMed

Zhan, Rui; Zhao, Mingming; Zhou, Ting; Chen, Yue; Yu, Weiwei; Zhao, Lei; Zhang, Tao; Wang, Hecheng; Yang, Huan; Jin, Yinglan; He, Qihua; Yang, Xiaoda; Guo, Xiangyang; Willard, Belinda; Pan, Bing; Huang, Yining; Chen, Yingyu; Chui, Dehua; Zheng, Lemin

2018-06-07

Atherosclerosis was considered to induce many vascular-related complications, such as acute myocardial infarction and stroke. Abnormal lipid metabolism and its peroxidation inducing blood-brain barrier (BBB) leakage were associated with the pre-clinical stage of stroke. Dapsone (DDS), an anti-inflammation and anti-oxidation drug, has been found to have protective effects on vascular. However, whether DDS has a protective role on brain microvessels during lipid oxidation had yet to be elucidated. We investigated brain microvascular integrity in a high-fat diet (HFD) mouse model. We designed this study to explore whether DDS had protective effects on brain microvessels under lipid oxidation and tried to explain the underlying mechanism. In our live optical study, we found that DDS significantly attenuated brain microvascular leakage through reducing serum oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) in HFD mice (p < 0.001), and DDS significantly inhibited LDL oxidation in vitro (p < 0.001). Our study showed that DDS protected tight junction proteins: ZO-1 (p < 0.001), occludin (p < 0.01), claudin-5 (p < 0.05) of microvascular endothelial cells in vivo and in vitro. DDS reversed LAMP1 aggregation in cytoplasm, and decreased the destruction of tight junction protein: ZO-1 in vitro. We first revealed that DDS had a protective role on cerebral microvessels through preventing tight junction ZO-1 from abnormal degradation by autophagy and reducing lysosome accumulation. Our findings suggested the significance of DDS in protecting brain microvessels under lipid metabolic disorders, which revealed a novel potential therapeutic strategy in brain microvascular-related diseases.

Acquisition plan for Digital Document Storage (DDS) prototype system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1990-01-01

NASA Headquarters maintains a continuing interest in and commitment to exploring the use of new technology to support productivity improvements in meeting service requirements tasked to the NASA Scientific and Technical Information (STI) Facility, and to support cost effective approaches to the development and delivery of enhanced levels of service provided by the STI Facility. The DDS project has been pursued with this interest and commitment in mind. It is believed that DDS will provide improved archival blowback quality and service for ad hoc requests for paper copies of documents archived and serviced centrally at the STI Facility. It will also develop an operating capability to scan, digitize, store, and reproduce paper copies of 5000 NASA technical reports archived annually at the STI Facility and serviced to the user community. Additionally, it will provide NASA Headquarters and field installations with on-demand, remote, electronic retrieval of digitized, bilevel, bit mapped report images along with branched, nonsequential retrieval of report subparts.

Evaluation de l'intergiciel de communication DDS pour son utilisation dans le domaine avionique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Levesque-Landry, Kevin

Les aeronefs modernes doivent combler de plus en plus de fonctionnalites afin de satisfaire les besoins de la clientele. De ce fait, les besoins en communications des systemes avioniques sont grandissants. De plus, la portabilite et la reutilisabilite des applications sont des defis d'actualite dans le domaine avionique. De ce fait, ce projet de recherche vise a faire une evaluation de la technologie d'intergiciel de service de distribution de donnees (DDS) pour son utilisation dans le domaine avionique. Cette technologie permettrait de reduire la complexite des communications et faciliter la portabilite et reutilisabilite des applications grâce a son interface standardisee. Dans ce projet de recherche, la norme DDS est tout d'abord etudiee pour cibler les fonctionnalites qui sont utiles au domaine avionique. Les differentes polices de qualite de services sont ainsi etudiees et denotent la flexibilite de la technologie DDS. Un intergiciel DDS est egalement evalue dans un environnement de laboratoire afin de mesurer l'impact de l'utilisation de cette technologie sur les performances de latence ainsi que sur l'utilisation de la bande passante. Les resultats montrent une faible augmentation de la latence moyenne lorsque l'intergiciel DDS est utilise. L'intergiciel DDS est egalement utilise dans une etude de cas avec un AFCS (automatic flight control system) afin de quantifier les effets de son utilisation sur une application avionique. Les resultats montrent que l'utilisation de l'intergiciel DDS n'empeche pas l'AFCS d'atteindre la stabilite, mais qu'elle ralentit l'atteinte de cette derniere. Finalement, une etude de cas est effectuee afin de valider que la technologie DDS peut etre utilisee pour construire des systemes redondants. Les resultats montrent que l'intergiciel DDS permet de faire de la redondance de reserve sans avoir un impact visible sur les performances du systeme redondant.

Association between Maternal and Child Dietary Diversity: An Analysis of the Ghana Demographic and Health Survey.

PubMed

Amugsi, Dickson Abanimi; Mittelmark, Maurice B; Oduro, Abraham

2015-01-01

This study examined the association between maternal and child dietary diversity in a population-based national sample in Ghana. The data for this analysis are from the 2008 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey. We used data obtained from 1187 dyads comprised of mothers' ages 15-49 and their youngest child (ages 6-36 months). Maternal and child dietary diversity scores (DDS) were created based on the mother's recall of her own and her child's consumption of 15 food groups, during the 24 hours prior to the in-home survey. The same food groups were used to compose both maternal and child DDS. Linear regression was used to assess the relationship between the predicted outcome--child DDS--and maternal DDS, taking into account child age and sex, maternal factors (age, education, occupation, literacy, empowerment, number of antenatal visits as an indicator of health care use), household Wealth Index, and urban/rural place of residence. There was a statistically significant positive association between child and maternal DDS, after adjusting for all other variables. A difference of one food group in mother's consumption was associated with a difference of 0.72 food groups in the child's food consumption (95% CI: 0.63, 0.82). Also, statistically significant positive associations were observed such that higher child DDS was associated with older child age, and with greater women's empowerment. The results show a significant positive association between child and maternal DD, after accounting for the influence of child, maternal and household level factors. Since the likely path of influence is that maternal DDS impacts child DDS, public health efforts to improve child health may be strengthened by promoting maternal DDS due to its potential for a widened effect on the entire family.

Continuing increases in autism reported to California's developmental services system: mercury in retrograde.

PubMed

Schechter, Robert; Grether, Judith K

2008-01-01

Previous analyses of autism client data reported to the California Department of Developmental Services (DDS) have been interpreted as supporting the hypothesis that autism is caused by exposure to the preservative thimerosal, which contains ethylmercury. The exclusion of thimerosal from childhood vaccines in the United States was accelerated from 1999 to 2001. The Immunization Safety Review Committee of the Institute of Medicine has recommended surveillance of trends in autism as exposure to thimerosal during early childhood has decreased. To determine whether trends in DDS autism client data support the hypothesis that thimerosal exposure is a primary cause of autism. Study of time trends in the prevalence by age and birth cohort of children with autism who were active status clients of the DDS from January 1, 1995, through March 31, 2007. Prevalence of autism among children with active status in the DDS. The estimated prevalence of autism for children at each year of age from 3 to 12 years increased throughout the study period. The estimated prevalence of DDS clients aged 3 to 5 years with autism increased for each quarter from January 1995 through March 2007. Since 2004, the absolute increase and the rate of increase in DDS clients aged 3 to 5 years with autism were higher than those in DDS clients of the same ages with any eligible condition including autism. The DDS data do not show any recent decrease in autism in California despite the exclusion of more than trace levels of thimerosal from nearly all childhood vaccines. The DDS data do not support the hypothesis that exposure to thimerosal during childhood is a primary cause of autism.

Boundary modifications in the treatment of people with dissociative disorders: a pilot study.

PubMed

Sachs, Adah

2013-01-01

This article examines the prevalence and types of modifications to professional boundaries that occur in the treatment of people with dissociative disorders (DDs) and considers some of the implications of the findings. The study is based on the replies of 163 professionals to a 20-question survey. The survey compared the boundaries that each practitioner kept with patients/clients (P/Cs) who suffered DDs to their boundary practice with all of their other P/Cs (non-DDs). Boundaries were deemed modified when professionals treated their DDs P/Cs differently than their other P/Cs. Professionals' general boundaries were not examined. The results showed a marked tendency for the modification of professional boundaries when treating people with DDs. These results appeared to be independent of country or profession but were more pronounced among the more experienced professionals. Areas of greatest modifications were identified. The prevalence of these modifications points to their potential importance in understanding some features of DDs.

76 FR 69748 - National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering; Notice of Closed Meeting

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-11-09

... Grossman, DDS, Scientific Review Officer, National Institute of Biomedical Imagin and Bioengineering... Bethesda Metro Station, Bethesda, MD 20814. Contact Person: Ruth Grossman, DDS, Scientific Review Officer...Continental Chicago, 505 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL. Contact Person: Ruth Grossman, DDS, Scientific...

The use of U.S. Geological Survey CD-ROM-based petroleum assessments in undergraduate geology laboratories

USGS Publications Warehouse

Eves, R.L.; Davis, L.E.; Dyman, T.S.; Takahashi, K.I.

2002-01-01

Domestic oil production is declining and United States reliance on imported oil is increasing. America will be faced with difficult decisions that address the strategic, economic, and political consequences of its energy resources shortage. The geologically literate under-graduate student needs to be aware of current and future United States energy issues. The U.S. Geological Survey periodically provides energy assessment data via digitally-formatted CD-ROM publications. These publications are free to the public, and are well suited for use in undergraduate geology curricula. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) 1995 National Assessment of United States Oil and Gas Resources (Digital Data Series or DDS-30) (Gautier and others, 1996) is an excellent resource for introducing students to the strategies of hydrocarbon exploration and for developing skills in problem-solving and evaluating real data. This paper introduces the reader to DDS-30, summarizes the essential terminology and methodology of hydrocarbon assessment, and offers examples of exercises or questions that might be used in the introductory classroom. The USGS contact point for obtaining DDS-30 and other digital assessment volumes is also provided. Completing the sample exercises in this report requires a copy of DDS-30.

An operations manual for the digital data system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jones, Michael G.

1988-01-01

The Digital Data System (DDS) was designed to incorporate the analog-to-digital conversion process into the initial data acquisition stage and to store the data in a digital format. This conversion is done as part of the acquisition process. Consequently, the data are ready to be analyzed as soon as the test is completed. This capability permits the researcher to alter test parameters during the course of the experiment based on the information acquired in a prior portion of the test. The DDS is currently able to simultaneously acquire up to 10 channels of data. The purpose of this document is fourfold: (1) to describe the capabilities of the hardware in sufficient detail to allow the reader to determine whether the DDS is the optimum system for a particular experiment; (2) to present some of the more significant software developed to provide analyses within a short time of the completion of data acquisition; (3) to provide the reader with sample runs of major software routines to demonstrate their convenience and simple usage; and (4) a portion of the document is used to describe software which uses an FFT-box to provide a means of comparison against which the DDS can be checked.

National Program for Inspection of Non-Federal Dams. Prym Manufacturing Co. Dam (CT 00169), Thames River Basin, Killingly, Connecticut. Phase I Inspection Report.

DTIC Science & Technology

1979-06-01

Service (DDS), which offers speeds of 19.2K bps and 56K bps. Instead of modems , DDS service requires a Channel Service Unit (CSU), to terminate each...Bell 103 modem that automatically calls for help if the DDS link goes down. DDS users can also use their own schemes to protect their transmissions...Switched 56 service provides 700 numbers for 56K transmission in some 60 odd cities, including areas such as Orlando, San Diego, and the Washington

Psychogenic and neural visual-cue response in PD dopamine dysregulation syndrome.

PubMed

Loane, Clare; Wu, Kit; O'Sullivan, Sean S; Lawrence, Andrew D; Woodhead, Zoe; Lees, Andrew J; Piccini, Paola; Politis, Marios

2015-11-01

Dopamine dysregulation syndrome (DDS) in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients refers to the compulsive use of dopaminergic replacement therapy and has serious psycho-social consequences. Mechanisms underlying DDS are not clear although has been linked to dysfunctional brain reward networks. With fMRI, we investigate behavioral and neural response to drug-cues in six PD DDS patients and 12 PD control patients in both the ON and OFF medication state. Behavioral measures of liking, wanting and subjectively 'feeling ON medication' were also collected. Behaviorally, PD DDS patients feel less ON and want their drugs more at baseline compared to PD controls. Following drug-cue exposure, PD DDS patients feel significantly more ON medication, which correlates with significant increases in reward related regions. The results demonstrate that exposure to drug-cues increases the subjective feeling of being 'ON' medication which corresponds to dysfunctional activation in reward related regions in PD DDS patients. These findings should be extended in future studies. Visual stimuli being sufficient to elicit behavioral response through neuroadaptations could have direct implications to the management of addictive behavior. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

New structure of diamine curing agent for epoxy resins with self-restoration ability: Synthesis and spectroscopy characterization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Raimondo, Marialuigia; Guadagno, Liberata; Naddeo, Carlo; Longo, Pasquale; Mariconda, Annaluisa; Agovino, Anna

2017-02-01

The development of smart materials in aeronautical structures consisting of compounds based on epoxy resins having self-repair capability has been hampered by some criticalities. One of the main critical points is related to the impossibility to use primary amines (e.g.: 4,4‧-diaminodiphenyl sulfone, DDS) as hardeners, because they can poison the catalyst responsible for the healing mechanisms. In this paper, the synthesis, characterization and some tests of applicability of a new hardener, the tetramethylated diaminodiphenyl sulfone (tm-DDS), are shown. The tm-DDS is able to rapidly react with epoxy resin, giving a composite material having some characteristics significantly better than composites hardened with different tertiary amines. The new hardener is able to increase the glass transition temperature (Tg) of about 90 °C with respect to the more common hardener, ancamine K54, already used in self-healing epoxy formulations.

1995 National Assessment of United States Oil and Gas Resources: Results, Methodology, and Supporting Data

USGS Publications Warehouse

Gautier, Donald L.; Dolton, Gordon L.; Takahashi, Kenneth I.; Varnes, Katharine L.

1996-01-01

This revised CD-ROM summarizes the results, released in 1995, of the 3-year study of the oil and gas resources of the onshore and state waters of the United States. Minor errors in the original DDS-30 (listed in DDS-35 and DDS-36) are corrected in this revised version and in the data files now released in DDS-35 and DDS-36. Estimates are made of technically recoverable oil, including measured (proved) reserves, future additions to reserves in existing fields, and undiscovered resources. Estimates are also made of the technically recoverable conventional resources of natural gas in measured reserves, in anticipated growth of reserves in existing fields, and in undiscovered resources. Additionally, an assessment is made of recoverable resources in continuous-type (largely unconventional) accumulations in sandstones, shales, chalks, and coal beds.

Association between Maternal and Child Dietary Diversity: An Analysis of the Ghana Demographic and Health Survey

PubMed Central

Amugsi, Dickson Abanimi

2015-01-01

Objective (s) This study examined the association between maternal and child dietary diversity in a population-based national sample in Ghana. Methods The data for this analysis are from the 2008 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey. We used data obtained from 1187 dyads comprised of mothers’ ages 15–49 and their youngest child (ages 6–36 months). Maternal and child dietary diversity scores (DDS) were created based on the mother’s recall of her own and her child’s consumption of 15 food groups, during the 24 hours prior to the in-home survey. The same food groups were used to compose both maternal and child DDS. Linear regression was used to assess the relationship between the predicted outcome – child DDS -- and maternal DDS, taking into account child age and sex, maternal factors (age, education, occupation, literacy, empowerment, number of antenatal visits as an indicator of health care use), household Wealth Index, and urban/rural place of residence. Results There was a statistically significant positive association between child and maternal DDS, after adjusting for all other variables. A difference of one food group in mother’s consumption was associated with a difference of 0.72 food groups in the child’s food consumption (95% CI: 0.63, 0.82). Also, statistically significant positive associations were observed such that higher child DDS was associated with older child age, and with greater women’s empowerment. Conclusions The results show a significant positive association between child and maternal DD, after accounting for the influence of child, maternal and household level factors. Since the likely path of influence is that maternal DDS impacts child DDS, public health efforts to improve child health may be strengthened by promoting maternal DDS due to its potential for a widened effect on the entire family. PMID:26305458

A numerical study on dust devils with implications to global dust budget estimates

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The estimates of the contribution of dust devils (DDs) to the global dust budget have large uncertainties because the dust emission mechanisms in DDs are not yet well understood. In this study, a large-eddy simulation model coupled with a dust scheme is used to investigate DD dust entrainment. DDs a...

Prevalence and Impact of Unhealthy Weight in a National Sample of US Adolescents with Autism and Other Learning and Behavioral Disabilities

PubMed Central

Phillips, Keydra L.; Visser, Susanna; Boulet, Sheree; Sharma, Andrea J.; Kogan, Michael D.; Boyle, Coleen A.; Yeargin-Allsopp, Marshalyn

2015-01-01

We estimated the prevalence of obesity, overweight, and underweight among US adolescents with and without autism and other learning and behavioral developmental disabilities (DDs) and assessed the health consequences of obesity among adolescents with DDs. From the 2008 to 2010 National Health Interview Survey, we selected 9,619 adolescents ages 12–17 years. Parent respondents reported weight, height, presence of DDs and health conditions. We calculated body mass index (BMI) and defined obesity, overweight, and underweight as ≥95th, ≥85th to <95th, and <5th percentiles, respectively, using established criteria. We created mutually-exclusive DD subgroups using the following order of precedence: autism; intellectual disability; attention-deficit-hyper-activity-disorder; learning disorder/other developmental delay. We compared BMI outcomes among adolescents in each DD group versus adolescents without DDs using multivariable logistic regression. Socio-demographic factors and birthweight were included as confounders. Estimates were weighted to reflect the US population. Both obesity and underweight prevalences were higher among adolescents with than without DDs [adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) 1.5 (1.25–1.75) and 1.5 (1.01–2.20), respectively]. Obesity was elevated among adolescents with all DD types, and was highest among the autism subgroup [aPR 2.1 (1.44–3.16)]. Adolescents with either a DD or obesity had higher prevalences of common respiratory, gastrointestinal, dermatological and neurological conditions/symptoms than nonobese adolescents without DDs. Adolescents with both DDs and obesity had the highest estimates for most conditions. Obesity is high among adolescents with autism and other DDs and poses added chronic health risks. Obesity prevention and management approaches for this vulnerable population subgroup need further consideration. PMID:24553796

Influence of photo-generated carriers on current spreading in double diode structures for electroluminescent cooling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Radevici, Ivan; Tiira, Jonna; Sadi, Toufik; Oksanen, Jani

2018-05-01

Current crowding close to electrical contacts is a common challenge in all optoelectronic devices containing thin current spreading layers (CSLs). We analyze the effects of current spreading on the operation of the so-called double diode structure (DDS), consisting of a light emitting diode (LED) and a photodiode (PD) fabricated within the same epitaxial growth process, and providing an attractive platform for studying electroluminescent (EL) cooling under high bias conditions. We show that current spreading in the common n-type layer between the LED and the PD can be dramatically improved by the strong optical coupling between the diodes, as the coupling enables a photo-generated current through the PD. This reduces the current in the DDS CSL and enables the study of EL cooling using structures that are not limited by the conventional light extraction challenges encountered in normal LEDs. The current spreading in the structures is studied using optical imaging techniques, electrical measurements, simulations, as well as simple equivalent circuit models developed for this purpose. The improved current spreading leads further to a mutual dependence with the coupling efficiency, which is expected to facilitate the process of optimizing the DDS. We also report a new improved value of 63% for the DDS coupling quantum efficiency.

Microfluidics for Cancer Nanomedicine: From Fabrication to Evaluation.

PubMed

Zhang, Hao; Zhu, Yifeng; Shen, Youqing

2018-05-27

Self-assembled drug delivery systems (sDDSs), made from nanocarriers and drugs, are one of the major types of nanomedicines, many of which are in clinical use, under preclinical investigation, or in clinical trials. One of the hurdles of this type of nanomedicine in real applications is the inherent complexity of their fabrication processes, which generally lack precise control over the sDDS structures and the batch-to-batch reproducibility. Furthermore, the classic 2D in vitro cell model, monolayer cell culture, has been used to evaluate sDDSs. However, 2D cell culture cannot adequately replicate in vivo tissue-level structures and their highly complex dynamic 3D environments, nor can it simulate their functions. Thus, evaluations using 2D cell culture often cannot correctly correlate with sDDS behaviors and effects in humans. Microfluidic technology offers novel solutions to overcome these problems and facilitates studying the structure-performance relationships for sDDS developments. In this Review, recent advances in microfluidics for 1) fabrication of sDDSs with well-defined physicochemical properties, such as size, shape, rigidity, and drug-loading efficiency, and 2) fabrication of 3D-cell cultures as "tissue/organ-on-a-chip" platforms for evaluations of sDDS biological performance are in focus. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Report on Legislative and Funding Recommendations, DoDDS Comprehensive Study [of Dependents Schools].

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bartell, Ted; LeBlanc, Linda

The final volume of a comprehensive study of the Department of Defense Dependents Schools (DoDDS), this report consists of a brief background description of the DoDDS system, followed by 10 legislative and funding recommendations based on the findings of the study: (1) increase funding in fiscal year 1984 and beyond to accommodate anticipated…

Research-oriented image registry for multimodal image integration.

PubMed

Tanaka, M; Sadato, N; Ishimori, Y; Yonekura, Y; Yamashita, Y; Komuro, H; Hayahsi, N; Ishii, Y

1998-01-01

To provide multimodal biomedical images automatically, we constructed the research-oriented image registry, Data Delivery System (DDS). DDS was constructed on the campus local area network. Machines which generate images (imagers: DSA, ultrasound, PET, MRI, SPECT and CT) were connected to the campus LAN. Once a patient is registered, all his images are automatically picked up by DDS as they are generated, transferred through the gateway server to the intermediate server, and copied into the directory of the user who registered the patient. DDS informs the user through e-mail that new data have been generated and transferred. Data format is automatically converted into one which is chosen by the user. Data inactive for a certain period in the intermediate server are automatically achieved into the final and permanent data server based on compact disk. As a soft link is automatically generated through this step, a user has access to all (old or new) image data of the patient of his interest. As DDS runs with minimal maintenance, cost and time for data transfer are significantly saved. By making the complex process of data transfer and conversion invisible, DDS has made it easy for naive-to-computer researchers to concentrate on their biomedical interest.

[Nanoscale drug carriers for traditional Chinese medicine research and development].

PubMed

Yi, Cheng-xue; Yu, Jiang-nan; Xu, Xi-ming

2008-08-01

Nanocarriers generally made of natural or artificial polymers ranging in size from about 10-1 000 nm, possess versatile properties suitable for drug delivery, including good biocompatibility and biodegradability, potential capability of targeted delivery and controlled release of incorporated drugs, and have been extensively used in the development of new drug delivery systems (DDS). These types of nano-DDS have considerable potential to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), and recently have attracted increasing efforts on the TCM research and development. In this review, the recently published literature worldwide is covered to describe the latest advances in the applications as TCM delivery carriers, and to highlight the characteristics and preparation methods of some selected examples of promising nanocarriers such as nanoparticles, lipid nanoparticles, nanoemulsions, nanomicelles and nanoliposomes.

Food variety and dietary diversity scores to understand the food-intake pattern among selected Malaysian households.

PubMed

Zainal Badari, Shamsul A; Arcot, Jayashree; Haron, Sharifah A; Paim, Laily; Sulaiman, Norhasmah; Masud, Jariah

2012-01-01

Food variety scores (FVS) and dietary diversity scores (DDS) were estimated based on foods consumed weekly by 285 Malaysian households using a food frequency questionnaire. The scoring system of FVS and DDS was based on a scale of 0-7 and 0-6 respectively. The mean household FVS and DDS was 164.1 ± 93 and 6 ± 0.4. The age of respondents (husbands or wives; p < .01), sex (p < .05), and household food expenditure (p < .01) had a significant influence on both FVS and DDS. The food-intake pattern of Malaysian households showed that their typical diets had high protein and energy-based foods.

RAPID and DDS

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Utz, Hans Heinrich

2011-01-01

This talk gives an overview of the the Robot Applications Programmers Interface Delegate (RAPID) as well as the distributed systems middleware Data Distribution Service (DDS). DDS is an open software standard, RAPID is cleared for open-source release under NOSA. RAPID specifies data-structures and semantics for high-level telemetry published by NASA robotic software. These data-structures are supported by multiple robotic platforms at Johnson Space Center (JSC), Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and Ames Research Center (ARC), providing high-level interoperability between those platforms. DDS is used as the middleware for data transfer. The feature set of the middleware heavily influences the design decision made in the RAPID specification. So it is appropriate to discuss both in this introductory talk.

Sensitivity-Based Guided Model Calibration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Semnani, M.; Asadzadeh, M.

2017-12-01

A common practice in automatic calibration of hydrologic models is applying the sensitivity analysis prior to the global optimization to reduce the number of decision variables (DVs) by identifying the most sensitive ones. This two-stage process aims to improve the optimization efficiency. However, Parameter sensitivity information can be used to enhance the ability of the optimization algorithms to find good quality solutions in a fewer number of solution evaluations. This improvement can be achieved by increasing the focus of optimization on sampling from the most sensitive parameters in each iteration. In this study, the selection process of the dynamically dimensioned search (DDS) optimization algorithm is enhanced by utilizing a sensitivity analysis method to put more emphasis on the most sensitive decision variables for perturbation. The performance of DDS with the sensitivity information is compared to the original version of DDS for different mathematical test functions and a model calibration case study. Overall, the results show that DDS with sensitivity information finds nearly the same solutions as original DDS, however, in a significantly fewer number of solution evaluations.

Recent Advances in Stimuli-Responsive Release Function Drug Delivery Systems for Tumor Treatment.

PubMed

Ding, Chendi; Tong, Ling; Feng, Jing; Fu, Jiajun

2016-12-20

Benefiting from the development of nanotechnology, drug delivery systems (DDSs) with stimuli-responsive controlled release function show great potential in clinical anti-tumor applications. By using a DDS, the harsh side effects of traditional anti-cancer drug treatments and damage to normal tissues and organs can be avoided to the greatest extent. An ideal DDS must firstly meet bio-safety standards and secondarily the efficiency-related demands of a large drug payload and controlled release function. This review highlights recent research progress on DDSs with stimuli-responsive characteristics. The first section briefly reviews the nanoscale scaffolds of DDSs, including mesoporous nanoparticles, polymers, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), quantum dots (QDs) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The second section presents the main types of stimuli-responsive mechanisms and classifies these into two categories: intrinsic (pH, redox state, biomolecules) and extrinsic (temperature, light irradiation, magnetic field and ultrasound) ones. Clinical applications of DDS, future challenges and perspectives are also mentioned.

BIOCOMPATIBLE TARGETING HYDROGELS FOR BREAST CANCER TREATMENT.

PubMed

Cassano, R; Mellace, S; Pellegrino, M; Ricchio, E; Mauro, L; Andò, S; Picci, N; Trombino, S

2016-01-01

Hydrogels have received growing attention as materials for drug delivery systems (DDS) because of their biodegradable and biocompatible properties. DDS were developed to optimize the therapeutic properties of drug products and to render them more safe, effective, and reliable. In the past, drugs were frequently administered orally, as liquids or in powder forms. To avoid problems incurred through the utilization of the oral route of administration, new dosage forms, DDS, containing the drugs were introduced. They can deliver drugs directly to the intended site of action and can also improve treatment efficacy, while minimizing unwanted side effects elsewhere in the body, which often limit the long-term use of many drugs, and provide better efficacy of treatment. Biocompatible hydrogels are an example of such systems available for therapeutic use. In this review, results from recent publications concerning these systems are discussed. Hydrogels show superior effectiveness over conventional methods of treatment providing controlled release of active substances. They are of interest in medical applications such as breast cancer treatment.

DDS-Suite - A Dynamic Data Acquisition, Processing, and Analysis System for Wind Tunnel Testing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Burnside, Jathan J.

2012-01-01

Wind Tunnels have optimized their steady-state data systems for acquisition and analysis and even implemented large dynamic-data acquisition systems, however development of near real-time processing and analysis tools for dynamic-data have lagged. DDS-Suite is a set of tools used to acquire, process, and analyze large amounts of dynamic data. Each phase of the testing process: acquisition, processing, and analysis are handled by separate components so that bottlenecks in one phase of the process do not affect the other, leading to a robust system. DDS-Suite is capable of acquiring 672 channels of dynamic data at rate of 275 MB / s. More than 300 channels of the system use 24-bit analog-to-digital cards and are capable of producing data with less than 0.01 of phase difference at 1 kHz. System architecture, design philosophy, and examples of use during NASA Constellation and Fundamental Aerodynamic tests are discussed.

Controllable Synthesis of a Smart Multifunctional Nanoscale Metal-Organic Framework for Magnetic Resonance/Optical Imaging and Targeted Drug Delivery.

PubMed

Gao, Xuechuan; Zhai, Manjue; Guan, Weihua; Liu, Jingjuan; Liu, Zhiliang; Damirin, Alatangaole

2017-02-01

As a result of their extraordinarily large surfaces and well-defined pores, the design of a multifunctional metal-organic framework (MOF) is crucial for drug delivery but has rarely been reported. In this paper, a novel drug delivery system (DDS) based on nanoscale MOF was developed for use in cancer diagnosis and therapy. This MOF-based tumor targeting DDS was fabricated by a simple postsynthetic surface modification process. First, magnetic mesoporous nanomaterial Fe-MIL-53-NH 2 was used for encapsulating the drug and served as a magnetic resonance contrast agent. Moreover, the Fe-MIL-53-NH 2 nanomaterial exhibited a high loading capacity for the model anticancer drug 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). Subsequently, the fluorescence imaging agent 5-carboxyfluorescein (5-FAM) and the targeting reagent folic acid (FA) were conjugated to the 5-FU-loaded Fe-MIL-53-NH 2 , resulting in the advanced DDS Fe-MIL-53-NH 2 -FA-5-FAM/5-FU. Owing to the multifunctional surface modification, the obtained DDS Fe-MIL-53-NH 2 -FA-5-FAM/5-FU shows good biocompatibility, tumor enhanced cellular uptake, strong cancer cell growth inhibitory effect, excellent fluorescence imaging, and outstanding magnetic resonance imaging capability. Taken together, this study integrates diagnostic and treatment aspects into a single platform by a simple and efficient strategy, aiming for facilitating new possibilities for MOF use for multifunctional drug delivery.

Dietary diversity scores: an indicator of micronutrient inadequacy instead of obesity for Chinese children.

PubMed

Zhao, Wenzhi; Yu, Kai; Tan, Shengjie; Zheng, Yingdong; Zhao, Ai; Wang, Peiyu; Zhang, Yumei

2017-05-12

Micronutrient malnutrition affects the well-being of both adults and children. Dietary diversity score (DDS) is a useful evaluation index with a relatively well-developed guideline by FAO. It's meaningful to assess and predict inadequate micronutrient intakes using DDS in Chinese children, after ruling out the risk of obesity coming with more dietary diversity. Data for evaluation were extracted from the Nutrition Study of Preschool Children and School Children, which is a cross-sectional study covering 8 cities of China, including 1694 children in kindergartens and primary schools. This study applied DDS to Chinese children to test the validity for micronutrient inadequacy, and then explored the relationship between dietary diversity and obesity. It reveals that dietary diversity varied with age and place of residence; the older ones and the ones living in rural areas tend to have poorer dietary diversity. Another discovery is that DDS is positively correlated with indicators of micronutrient adequacy, with a score of 6-8 indicating the lowest risk of micronutrient inadequacy in different groups of children. In our study population, dietary diversity is not related with obesity. Dietary diversity score is a valid indicator to evaluate micronutrient inadequacy in Chinese children, though there is still room for improvement of the method. Besides, the relationship between increase of dietary diversity and risk of obesity should be treated circumspectly.

Inspired by nonenveloped viruses escaping from endo-lysosomes: a pH-sensitive polyurethane micelle for effective intracellular trafficking

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, Nijia; Zhou, Lijuan; Li, Jiehua; Pan, Zhicheng; He, Xueling; Tan, Hong; Wan, Xinyuan; Li, Jianshu; Ran, Rong; Fu, Qiang

2016-03-01

A multifunctional drug delivery system (DDS) for cancer therapy still faces great challenges due to multiple physiological barriers encountered in vivo. To increase the efficacy of current cancer treatment a new anticancer DDS mimicking the response of nonenveloped viruses, triggered by acidic pH to escape endo-lysosomes, is developed. Such a smart DDS is self-assembled from biodegradable pH-sensitive polyurethane containing hydrazone bonds in the backbone, named pHPM. The pHPM exhibits excellent micellization characteristics and high loading capacity for hydrophobic chemotherapeutic drugs. The responses of the pHPM in acidic media, undergoing charge conversion and hydrophobic core exposure, resulting from the detachment of the hydrophilic polyethylene glycol (PEG) shell, are similar to the behavior of a nonenveloped virus when trapped in acidic endo-lysosomes. Moreover, the degradation mechanism was verified by gel permeation chromatography (GPC). The endo-lysosomal membrane rupture induced by these transformed micelles is clearly observed by transmission electron microscopy. Consequently, excellent antitumor activity is confirmed both in vitro and in vivo. The results verify that the pHPM could be a promising new drug delivery tool for the treatment of cancer and other diseases.A multifunctional drug delivery system (DDS) for cancer therapy still faces great challenges due to multiple physiological barriers encountered in vivo. To increase the efficacy of current cancer treatment a new anticancer DDS mimicking the response of nonenveloped viruses, triggered by acidic pH to escape endo-lysosomes, is developed. Such a smart DDS is self-assembled from biodegradable pH-sensitive polyurethane containing hydrazone bonds in the backbone, named pHPM. The pHPM exhibits excellent micellization characteristics and high loading capacity for hydrophobic chemotherapeutic drugs. The responses of the pHPM in acidic media, undergoing charge conversion and hydrophobic core exposure, resulting from the detachment of the hydrophilic polyethylene glycol (PEG) shell, are similar to the behavior of a nonenveloped virus when trapped in acidic endo-lysosomes. Moreover, the degradation mechanism was verified by gel permeation chromatography (GPC). The endo-lysosomal membrane rupture induced by these transformed micelles is clearly observed by transmission electron microscopy. Consequently, excellent antitumor activity is confirmed both in vitro and in vivo. The results verify that the pHPM could be a promising new drug delivery tool for the treatment of cancer and other diseases. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c6nr00859c

Seasonality affects dietary diversity of school-age children in northern Ghana.

PubMed

Abizari, Abdul-Razak; Azupogo, Fusta; Nagasu, Miwako; Creemers, Noortje; Brouwer, Inge D

2017-01-01

Dietary diversity score (DDS) is relatively easy to measure and is shown to be a very useful indicator of the probability of adequate micronutrient intake. Dietary diversity, however, is usually assessed during a single period and little is known about the effect of seasonality on it. This study investigates whether dietary diversity is influenced by seasonality. Two cross-sectional surveys were conducted in two different seasons-dry season (October 2010) and rainy season (May 2011) among the same school-age children (SAC) in two rural schools in northern Ghana. The study population consisted of 228 school-age children. A qualitative 24-hour dietary recall was conducted in both seasons. Based on 13 food groups, a score of 1 was given if a child consumed a food item belonging to a particular food group, else 0. Individual scores were aggregated into DDS for each child. Differences in mean DDS between seasons were compared using linear mixed model analysis. The dietary pattern of the SAC was commonly plant foods with poor consumption of animal source foods. The mean DDS was significantly higher (P < 0.001) in the rainy season (6.95 ± 0.55) compared to the dry season (6.44 ± 0.55) after adjusting for potential confounders such as age, sex, occupation (household head and mother) and education of household head. The difference in mean DDS between dry and rainy seasons was mainly due to the difference in the consumption of Vitamin A-rich fruits and vegetables between the seasons. While vitamin A-rich fruits (64.0% vs. 0.9%; P < 0.0001) and vitamin A rich dark green leafy vegetables (52.6% vs. 23.3%, P < .0001) were consumed more during the rainy season than the dry season, more children consumed vitamin A-rich deep yellow, orange and red vegetables during the dry season than during the rainy season (73.7% vs. 36.4%, P <0.001). Seasonality has an effect on DDS and may affect the quality of dietary intake of SAC; in such a context, it would be useful to measure DDS in different seasons. Since DDS is a proxy indicator of micronutrient intake, the difference in DDS may reflect in seasonal differences in dietary adequacy and further studies are needed to establish this.

Impulsive and compulsive behaviors in Parkinson Study Group (PSG) centers performing deep brain stimulation surgery.

PubMed

Hack, Nawaz; Akbar, Umer; Thompson-Avila, Amanda; Fayad, Sarah M; Hastings, Erin M; Moro, Elena; Nestor, Kelsey; Ward, Herbert; York, Michele; Okun, Michael S

2014-01-01

Impulse control disorders (ICDs), dopamine dysregulation syndrome (DDS), and dopamine agonist withdrawal syndrome (DAWS) have been reported commonly in Parkinson's disease (PD) populations. The treatment approaches may be widely variable and there is not much information on these syndromes in the setting of deep brain stimulation (DBS). To evaluate (1) ICDs, DAWS and DDS pre- and post DBS in PD and (2) to investigate pre-DBS treatment strategies regarding these behaviors among Parkinson Study Group (PSG) centers. Forty-eight PSG centers were surveyed on ICDs, DAWS and DDS, as well as on potential relationships to DBS and treatment approaches. Sixty-seven percent of PSG centers reported that they served a population of over 500 PD patients per year, and 94% of centers performed DBS surgery. Most centers (92%) reported screening for ICDs, DAWS and DDS. Of the centers screening for these symptoms, 13% reported always employing a formal battery of pre-operative tests, 46% of sites inconsistently used a formal battery, while 23% of sites reported never using a formal battery to screen for these symptoms. The estimated numbers of centers observing ICDs, DAWS and DDS pre-operatively in individuals with PD were 71%, 69%, and 69%, respectively. PSG DBS centers observing at least one case of a new de novo occurrence of an ICD, DAWS or DDS after DBS surgery were 67%, 65% and 65%, respectively. The results suggest that addiction-like syndromes and withdrawal syndromes are prevalent in expert PSG centers performing DBS. Most centers reported screening for these issues without the use of a formal battery, and there were a large number of centers reporting ICDs, DAWS and DDS post-DBS. A single treatment strategy did not emerge.

Data distribution satellite

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stevens, Grady H.

1992-01-01

The Data Distribution Satellite (DDS), operating in conjunction with the planned space network, the National Research and Education Network and its commercial derivatives, would play a key role in networking the emerging supercomputing facilities, national archives, academic, industrial, and government institutions. Centrally located over the United States in geostationary orbit, DDS would carry sophisticated on-board switching and make use of advanced antennas to provide an array of special services. Institutions needing continuous high data rate service would be networked together by use of a microwave switching matrix and electronically steered hopping beams. Simultaneously, DDS would use other beams and on board processing to interconnect other institutions with lesser, low rate, intermittent needs. Dedicated links to White Sands and other facilities would enable direct access to space payloads and sensor data. Intersatellite links to a second generation ATDRS, called Advanced Space Data Acquisition and Communications System (ASDACS), would eliminate one satellite hop and enhance controllability of experimental payloads by reducing path delay. Similarly, direct access would be available to the supercomputing facilities and national data archives. Economies with DDS would be derived from its ability to switch high rate facilities amongst users needed. At the same time, having a CONUS view, DDS would interconnect with any institution regardless of how remote. Whether one needed high rate service or low rate service would be immaterial. With the capability to assign resources on demand, DDS will need only carry a portion of the resources needed if dedicated facilities were used. Efficiently switching resources to users as needed, DDS would become a very feasible spacecraft, even though it would tie together the space network, the terrestrial network, remote sites, 1000's of small users, and those few who need very large data links intermittently.

Sustained Subconjunctival Delivery of Infliximab Protects the Cornea and Retina Following Alkali Burn to the Eye.

PubMed

Zhou, Chengxin; Robert, Marie-Claude; Kapoulea, Vassiliki; Lei, Fengyang; Stagner, Anna M; Jakobiec, Frederick A; Dohlman, Claes H; Paschalis, Eleftherios I

2017-01-01

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α is upregulated in eyes following corneal alkali injury and contributes to corneal and also retinal damage. Prompt TNF-α inhibition by systemic infliximab ameliorates retinal damage and improves corneal wound healing. However, systemic administration of TNF-α inhibitors carries risk of significant complications, whereas topical eye-drop delivery is hindered by poor ocular bioavailability and the need for patient adherence. This study investigates the efficacy of subconjunctival delivery of TNF-α antibodies using a polymer-based drug delivery system (DDS). The drug delivery system was prepared using porous polydimethylsiloxane/polyvinyl alcohol composite fabrication and loaded with 85 μg of infliximab. Six Dutch-belted pigmented rabbits received ocular alkali burn with NaOH. Immediately after the burn, subconjunctival implantation of anti-TNF-α DDS was performed in three rabbits while another three received sham DDS (without antibody). Rabbits were followed with photography for 3 months. After 3 months, the device was found to be well tolerated by the host and the eyes exhibited less corneal damage as compared to eyes implanted with a sham DDS without drug. The low dose treatment suppressed CD45 and TNF-α expression in the burned cornea and inhibited retinal ganglion cell apoptosis and optic nerve degeneration, as compared to the sham DDS treated eyes. Immunolocalization revealed drug penetration in the conjunctiva, cornea, iris, and choroid, with residual infliximab in the DDS 3 months after implantation. This reduced-risk biologic DDS improves corneal wound healing and provides retinal neuroprotection, and may be applicable not only to alkali burns but also to other inflammatory surgical procedures such as penetrating keratoplasty and keratoprosthesis implantation.

Texting while driving: A study of 1211 U.S. adults with the Distracted Driving Survey.

PubMed

Gliklich, Emily; Guo, Rong; Bergmark, Regan W

2016-12-01

Texting and other cell-phone related distracted driving is estimated to account for thousands of motor vehicle collisions each year but studies examining the specific cell phone reading and writing activities of drivers are limited. The objective of this study was to describe the frequency of cell-phone related distracted driving behaviors. A national, representative, anonymous panel of 1211 United States drivers was recruited in 2015 to complete the Distracted Driving Survey (DDS), an 11-item validated questionnaire examining cell phone reading and writing activities and at what speeds they occur. Higher DDS scores reflect more distraction. DDS scores were analyzed by demographic data and self-reported crash rate. Nearly 60% of respondents reported a cell phone reading or writing activity within the prior 30 days, with reading texts (48%), writing texts (33%) and viewing maps (43%) most frequently reported. Only 4.9% of respondents had enrolled in a program aimed at reducing cell phone related distracted driving. DDS scores were significantly correlated to crash rate (p < 0.0001), with every one point increase associated with an additional 7% risk of a crash (p < 0.0001). DDS scores were inversely correlated to age (p < 0.0001). The DDS demonstrated high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.94). High rates of cell phone-related distraction are reported here in a national sample. Distraction is associated with crash rates and occurs across all age groups, but is highest in younger drivers. The DDS can be used to evaluate the impact of public health programs aimed at reducing cell-phone related distracted driving.

Polymeric micelles from poly(ethylene glycol)–poly(amino acid) block copolymer for drug and gene delivery

PubMed Central

Osada, Kensuke; Christie, R. James; Kataoka, Kazunori

2009-01-01

Dramatic advances in biological research have revealed the mechanisms underlying many diseases at the molecular level. However, conventional techniques may be inadequate for direct application of this new knowledge to medical treatments. Nanobiotechnology, which integrates biology with the rapidly growing field of nanotechnology, has great potential to overcome many technical problems and lead to the development of effective therapies. The use of nanobiotechnology in drug delivery systems (DDS) is attractive for advanced treatment of conditions such as cancer and genetic diseases. In this review paper for a special issue on biomaterial research in Japan, we discuss the development of DDS based on polymeric micelles mainly in our group for anti-cancer drug and gene delivery, and also address our challenges associated with developing polymeric micelles as super-functionalized nanodevices with intelligent performance. PMID:19364722

Marginal Integrity of Glass Ionomer and All Ceramic Restorations

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-06-01

submitted to the Faculty of the Comprehensive Dentistry Graduate Program Naval Postgraduate Dental School Uniformed Services University of the...Department ~~’JJ\\fvAJ\\,nM~ . ctfulinaro, Joseph, D.D.S, M.S. CAPT, DC, USN Program Director, Comprehensive Dentistry Depa11ment S:tX~ Kooistra...Scott, D.D.S CAPT, DC, USN Operati~~:ellti !~~ Departm:L-- Huber, ayson, D.D.S., M.S. LCDR, DC, USN Comprehensive Dentistry Department Arena, arc

Evaluation of Debridement Techniques for Endodontic Instruments

DTIC Science & Technology

1976-08-20

were used to instrument canals on extracted teeth. The instrumentation was per- formed first in wet canals irrigated with 2.5% sodium hypochlorite ...Cstf3 everse OFd neeO a 1 d IIeif by locLETEa WE~~ CLJANIATO OF TH)S PAITIE OFh~ Iat NOVnteSred) EVALUATION OF DEBRIDEMENT TECHNIQUES FOR ENDODONTIC ...INSTRUMENTS *RONALD 0. SEGALL, DMD **CARLOS E. del RIO, DDS ***JOHN M. BRADY, DDS, MSPH ****WILLIAM A. AYER, DDS, PhD :f*MAJ, DC Endodontic Resident, US

Histologic Evaluation of a Polylactic Acid Confluent Sheet in the Treatment of Osseous Defects,

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-01-01

Cobb, DDS, PhD * John C. Reed, DDS + Caesar E. Solano, DMD + W. Robert Hiatt, DDS + • Departments of Periodontics and Oral Biology, University of...may be employed as a matrix for osseous grafting, for the occlusion of large bony defects, for soft tissue contour defects, and also as a bone plating...trabecular bone. Further, the periosteum regenerated as a confluent layer of fibrous connective tissue covering the superior aspect of the implant material

77 FR 74675 - National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering; Notice of Closed Meetings

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-12-17

... Person: Ruth Grossman, DDS, Scientific Review Officer, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and... Person: Ruth Grossman, DDS, Scientific Review Officer, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and...

78 FR 3903 - National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering; Notice of Closed Meetings

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-01-17

... Hilton Hotel Tarrytown, 455 South Broadway, Tarrytown, NY 10591. Contact Person: Ruth Grossman, DDS.... Contact Person: Ruth Grossman, DDS, Scientific Review Officer, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging...

Brain aging and Parkinson's disease: New therapeutic approaches using drug delivery systems.

PubMed

Rodríguez-Nogales, C; Garbayo, E; Carmona-Abellán, M M; Luquin, M R; Blanco-Prieto, M J

2016-02-01

The etiology and pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD) is unknown, aging being the strongest risk factor for brain degeneration. Understanding PD pathogenesis and how aging increases the risk of disease would aid the development of therapies able to slow or prevent the progression of this neurodegenerative disorder. In this review we provide an overview of the most promising therapeutic targets and strategies to delay the loss of dopaminergic neurons observed both in PD and aging. Among them, handling alpha-synuclein toxicity, enhancing proteasome and lysosome clearance, ameliorating mitochondrial disruptions and modifying the glial environment are so far the most promising candidates. These new and conventional drugs may present problems related to their labile nature and to the difficulties in reaching the brain. Thus, we highlight the latest types of drug delivery system (DDS)-based strategies for PD treatment, including DDS for local and systemic drug delivery. Finally, the ongoing challenges for the discovery of new targets and the opportunities for DDS-based therapies to improve and efficacious PD therapy will be discussed. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Current Multistage Drug Delivery Systems Based on the Tumor Microenvironment

PubMed Central

Chen, Binlong; Dai, Wenbing; He, Bing; Zhang, Hua; Wang, Xueqing; Wang, Yiguang; Zhang, Qiang

2017-01-01

The development of traditional tumor-targeted drug delivery systems based on EPR effect and receptor-mediated endocytosis is very challenging probably because of the biological complexity of tumors as well as the limitations in the design of the functional nano-sized delivery systems. Recently, multistage drug delivery systems (Ms-DDS) triggered by various specific tumor microenvironment stimuli have emerged for tumor therapy and imaging. In response to the differences in the physiological blood circulation, tumor microenvironment, and intracellular environment, Ms-DDS can change their physicochemical properties (such as size, hydrophobicity, or zeta potential) to achieve deeper tumor penetration, enhanced cellular uptake, timely drug release, as well as effective endosomal escape. Based on these mechanisms, Ms-DDS could deliver maximum quantity of drugs to the therapeutic targets including tumor tissues, cells, and subcellular organelles and eventually exhibit the highest therapeutic efficacy. In this review, we expatiate on various responsive modes triggered by the tumor microenvironment stimuli, introduce recent advances in multistage nanoparticle systems, especially the multi-stimuli responsive delivery systems, and discuss their functions, effects, and prospects. PMID:28255348

Imide modified epoxy matrix resins

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Scola, D. A.; Pater, R. H.

1981-01-01

High char yield epoxy using novel bisimide amines (BIA's) as curing agents with a state of the art epoxy resin was developed. Stoichiometric quantities of the epoxy resin and the BIA's were studied to determine the cure cycle required for preparation of resin specimens. The bisimide cured epoxies were designated IME's (imide modified epoxy). The physical, thermal and mechanical properties of these novel resins were determined. The levels of moisture absorption exhibited by the bisimide amine cured expoxies (IME's) were considerably lower than the state of the art epoxies. The strain-to-failure of the control resin system was improved 25% by replacement of DDS with 6F-DDS. Each BIA containing resin exhibited twice the char yield of the control resin MY 720/DDS. Graphite fiber reinforced control (C) and IME resins were fabricated and characterized. Two of the composite systems showed superior properties compared to the other Celion 6000/IME composite systems and state of the art graphite epoxy systems. The two systems exhibited excellent wet shear and flexural strengths and moduli at 300 and 350 F.

Current Multistage Drug Delivery Systems Based on the Tumor Microenvironment.

PubMed

Chen, Binlong; Dai, Wenbing; He, Bing; Zhang, Hua; Wang, Xueqing; Wang, Yiguang; Zhang, Qiang

2017-01-01

The development of traditional tumor-targeted drug delivery systems based on EPR effect and receptor-mediated endocytosis is very challenging probably because of the biological complexity of tumors as well as the limitations in the design of the functional nano-sized delivery systems. Recently, multistage drug delivery systems (Ms-DDS) triggered by various specific tumor microenvironment stimuli have emerged for tumor therapy and imaging. In response to the differences in the physiological blood circulation, tumor microenvironment, and intracellular environment, Ms-DDS can change their physicochemical properties (such as size, hydrophobicity, or zeta potential) to achieve deeper tumor penetration, enhanced cellular uptake, timely drug release, as well as effective endosomal escape. Based on these mechanisms, Ms-DDS could deliver maximum quantity of drugs to the therapeutic targets including tumor tissues, cells, and subcellular organelles and eventually exhibit the highest therapeutic efficacy. In this review, we expatiate on various responsive modes triggered by the tumor microenvironment stimuli, introduce recent advances in multistage nanoparticle systems, especially the multi-stimuli responsive delivery systems, and discuss their functions, effects, and prospects.

Dopaminergic Dysregulation, Artistic Expressiveness, and Parkinson's Disease

PubMed Central

López-Pousa, S.; Lombardía-Fernández, C.; Olmo, J. Garre; Monserrat-Vila, S.; Vilalta-Franch, J.; Calvó-Perxas, L.

2012-01-01

Background The most frequent behavioral manifestations in Parkinson's disease (PD) are attributed to the dopaminergic dysregulation syndrome (DDS), which is considered to be secondary to the iatrogenic effects of the drugs that replace dopamine. Over the past few years some cases of patients improving their creative abilities after starting treatment with dopaminergic pharmaceuticals have been reported. These effects have not been clearly associated to DDS, but a relationship has been pointed out. Methods Case study of a patient with PD. The evolution of her paintings along medication changes and disease advance has been analyzed. Results The patient showed a compulsive increase of pictorial production after the diagnosis of PD was made. She made her best paintings when treated with cabergolide, and while painting, she reported a feeling of well-being, with loss of awareness of the disease and reduction of physical limitations. Conclusions Dopaminergic antagonists (DA) trigger a dopaminergic dysfunction that alters artistic creativity in patients having a predisposition for it. The development of these skills might be due to the dopaminergic overstimulation due to the therapy with DA, which causes a neurophysiological alteration that globally determines DDS. PMID:23185168

Lock-in thermography approach for imaging the efficiency of light emitters and optical coolers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Radevici, Ivan; Tiira, Jonna; Oksanen, Jani

2017-02-01

Developing optical cooling technologies requires access to reliable efficiency measurement techniques and ability to detect spatial variations in the efficiency and light emission of the devices. We investigate the possibility to combine the calorimetric efficiency measurement principles with lock-in thermography (LIT) and conventional luminescence microscopy to enable spatially resolved measurement of the efficiency, current spreading and local device heating of double diode structures (DDS) serving as test vessels for developing thermophotonic cooling devices. Our approach enables spatially resolved characterization and localization of the losses of the double diode structures as well as other light emitting semiconductor devices. In particular, the approach may allow directly observing effects like current crowding and surface recombination on the light emission and heating of the DDS devices.

Clinical and sociodemographic variables associated with diabetes-related distress in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

PubMed

Zanchetta, Flávia Cristina; Trevisan, Danilo Donizetti; Apolinario, Priscila Peruzzo; Silva, Juliana Bastoni da; Lima, Maria Helena de Melo

2016-01-01

To evaluate the relation between diabetes-related distress and the clinical and sociodemographic characteristics of type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. A cross-sectional study based on a secondary analysis of data collected at a specialized care outpatient center in Brazil. Participants completed a questionnaire on sociodemographic and clinical characteristics and the Brazilian version of the Diabetes Distress Scale (B-DDS). About 31% of the 130 eligible patients reported diabetes distress, and the mean B-DDS score was 2.6. Multiple regression analysis showed the B-DDS score was positively correlated with marital status (p=0.0230), use of diet and physical activities for diabetes management (p=0.0180), and use of insulin therapy (p=0.0030). The "emotional burden", "regimen-related distress", and "interpersonal distress" domains from B-DDS were associated with the use of insulin therapy (p=0.0010), marital status (p=0.0110), and the presence of three or more comorbidities (p=0.0175). These findings suggest the clinical and sociodemographic variables are relatively weak predictors of diabetes-related distress. The highest scores in the B-DDS were observed in the emotional burden domain, indicating the presence of diabetes distress among the participants of the study. Avaliar a relação entre o estresse relacionado ao diabetes e as características clínicas e sociodemográficas de pacientes com diabetes mellitus do tipo 2. Estudo transversal com base na análise secundária de dados coletados em um ambulatório de atendimento terciário no Brasil. Os participantes preencheram um questionário sobre as características sociodemográficas e clínicas, e a versão brasileira da Diabetes Distress Scale (B-DDS). Aproximadamente 31% dos 130 pacientes elegíveis relataram estresse relacionado ao diabetes, e a média do escore da B-DDS foi de 2,6. O modelo de regressão múltipla mostrou que a pontuação B-DDS foi positivamente correlacionada com o estado civil (p=0,0230), realização de dieta e atividades físicas (p=0,0180), e uso de insulina (p=0,0030). Os domínios da B-DDS "carga emocional", "estresse relacionado ao regime terapêutico" e "estresse nas relações interpessoais" foram associados a uso de insulina (p=0,0010), estado civil (p=0,0110) e presença de três ou mais comorbidades (p=0,0175). Estes resultados sugerem que as variáveis clínicas e sociodemográficas são preditores relativamente fracos para o estresse relacionado ao diabetes. No domínio "carga emocional", foi observada a maior pontuação da B-DDS, indicando a presença do estresse relacionado ao diabetes entre os pacientes deste estudo.

A DDS-Based Energy Management Framework for Small Microgrid Operation and Control

DOE PAGES

Youssef, Tarek A.; El Hariri, Mohamad; Elsayed, Ahmed T.; ...

2017-09-26

The smart grid is seen as a power system with realtime communication and control capabilities between the consumer and the utility. This modern platform facilitates the optimization in energy usage based on several factors including environmental, price preferences, and system technical issues. In this paper a real-time energy management system (EMS) for microgrids or nanogrids was developed. The developed system involves an online optimization scheme to adapt its parameters based on previous, current, and forecasted future system states. The communication requirements for all EMS modules were analyzed and are all integrated over a data distribution service (DDS) Ethernet network withmore » appropriate quality of service (QoS) profiles. In conclusion, the developed EMS was emulated with actual residential energy consumption and irradiance data from Miami, Florida and proved its effectiveness in reducing consumers’ bills and achieving flat peak load profiles.« less

Dietary diversity as a proxy measure of blood antioxidant status in women.

PubMed

Narmaki, Elham; Siassi, Fereydoun; Fariba Koohdani; Qorbani, Mostafa; Shiraseb, Farideh; Ataie-Jafari, Asal; Sotoudeh, Gity

2015-05-01

Dietary diversity is recognized as a key indicator of dietary quality. However, its association with blood antioxidant levels has not been investigated. The aim of this study was to assess the association of the dietary diversity score (DDS) with blood antioxidant status in women who attend the sports clubs of a municipality in western Tehran, Iran. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 397 randomly selected women from the sport clubs of a Tehran municipality. Sociodemographic data were recorded and the women's weight and height were measured. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated by dividing the weight (kg) by height squared (m(2)). A 24-h recall questionnaire was used to estimate food intake. Biochemical indices, including serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and erythrocyte activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), were measured in 90 women selected randomly from all participants. DDS was computed according to the guidelines of the Food and Agriculture Organization. The mean of SOD, TAC and GPx were compared across DDS quartiles after adjustment for age, education level, physical activity, energy intake, and BMI using analysis of covariance test. The mean of TAC, SOD, and GPx was linearly increased with increasing the quartile of DDS, after adjustment for age, education level, physical activity, energy intake, and BMI (Ptrend < 0.001). Significant differences were observed for intake of different food groups, except cereals and white roots, between the DDS quartiles. DDS is associated with blood antioxidant markers. Increasing the dietary diversity might be associated with a reduction in oxidative stress. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Adoption of dental innovations

PubMed Central

Ramoni, Rachel B.; Etolue, Jini; Tokede, Oluwabunmi; McClellan, Lyle; Simmons, Kristen; Yansane, Alfa; White, Joel M.; Walji, Muhammad F.; Kalenderian, Elsbeth

2017-01-01

Background Standardized dental diagnostic terminologies (SDDxTs) were introduced decades ago. Their use has been on the rise, accompanying the adoption of electronic health records (EHRs). One of the most broadly used terminologies is the Dental Diagnostic System (DDS). Our aim was to assess the adoption of SDDxTs by US dental schools by using the Rogers diffusion of innovations framework, focusing on the DDS. Methods The authors electronically surveyed clinic deans in all US dental schools (n = 61) to determine use of an EHR and SDDxT, perceived barriers to adoption of an SDDxT, and the effect of implementing an SDDxT on clinical productivity. Results The response rate was 57%. Of the 35 responses, 91% reported using an EHR to document patient care, with 84% using axiUm, and 69% reported using an SDDxT to document patient diagnoses; 41% used the DDS. Fifty-four percent of those who did not use an SDDxT had considered adopting the DDS, but 39% had not, citing barriers such as complexity and compatibility. Conclusions Adoption of an SDDxT, particularly the DDS, is on the rise. Nevertheless, a large number of institutions are in the Rogers late majority and laggards categories with respect to adoption. Several factors may discourage adoption, including the inability to try out the terminology on a small scale, poor usability within the EHR, the fact that it would be a cultural shift in practice, and a perception of unclear benefits. However, the consolidation of the DDS and American Dental Association terminology efforts stands to encourage adoption. PMID:28364948

Chitosan nanoparticles for the linear release of model cationic Peptide.

PubMed

Piras, Anna Maria; Sandreschi, Stefania; Maisetta, Giuseppantonio; Esin, Semih; Batoni, Giovanna; Chiellini, Federica

2015-07-01

The present study is focused on the development of a model drug delivery system (DDS) based on Chitosan (CS) nanoparticles using Renin substrate I (RSI) as model agent. RSI shares the main chemical-physical features of several biologically active antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). AMPs have a great therapeutic potential that is hampered by their lability in the biological fluids and as such they are perfect candidates for DDS. The development studies of quality DDS loaded with AMPs would require highly sensitive and specific quantification assays. The use of RSI allowed for the fine-tuning and optimization of the formulation parameters to promote the hydrophobic interactions between CS and the cationic peptide, favour the loading of the active ingredient and enhance the release properties of the carrier. RSI was encapsulated in chitosan NPs by mean of ionic gelation and a chromogenic enzymatic essay was carried out for the release kinetics evaluation. The developed formulations displayed almost 100% of encapsulation efficacy, low burst percentages, and a linear release of the model peptide. A release model was created showing a direct dependence on both the amount of RSI and NPs radius. Although CS has always been formulated with negatively charged active agents (e.g. oligonucleotides or anionic proteins), the use of ionotropic gelation in presence of a small cationic active agent promoted the formation of "core-shell" NPs. The described model, with tuneable linear release rates, appears eligible for further exploitation such as the loading of therapeutically active AMPs.

Denys-Drash syndrome associated WT1 glutamine 369 mutants have altered sequence-preferences and altered responses to epigenetic modifications

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

Hashimoto, Hideharu; Zhang, Xing; Zheng, Yu

Mutations in human zinc-finger transcription factor WT1 result in abnormal development of the kidneys and genitalia and an array of pediatric problems including nephropathy, blastoma, gonadal dysgenesis and genital discordance. Several overlapping phenotypes are associated with WT1 mutations, including Wilms tumors, Denys-Drash syndrome (DDS), Frasier syndrome (FS) and WAGR syndrome (Wilms tumor, aniridia, genitourinary malformations, and mental retardation). These conditions vary in severity from individual to individual; they can be fatal in early childhood, or relatively benign into adulthood. DDS mutations cluster predominantly in zinc fingers (ZF) 2 and 3 at the C-terminus of WT1, which together with ZF4 determinemore » the sequence-specificity of DNA binding. We examined three DDS associated mutations in ZF2 of human WT1 where the normal glutamine at position 369 is replaced by arginine (Q369R), lysine (Q369K) or histidine (Q369H). These mutations alter the sequence-specificity of ZF2, we find, changing its affinity for certain bases and certain epigenetic forms of cytosine. X-ray crystallography of the DNA binding domains of normal WT1, Q369R and Q369H in complex with preferred sequences revealed the molecular interactions responsible for these affinity changes. DDS is inherited in an autosomal dominant fashion, implying a gain of function by mutant WT1 proteins. This gain, we speculate, might derive from the ability of the mutant proteins to sequester WT1 into unproductive oligomers, or to erroneously bind to variant target sequences.« less

Prospective Associations of Low Positive Emotionality with First Onsets of Depressive and Anxiety Disorders: Results from a 10-Wave Latent Trait-State Modeling Study

PubMed Central

Kendall, Ashley D.; Zinbarg, Richard E.; Mineka, Susan; Bobova, Lyuba; Prenoveau, Jason M.; Revelle, William; Craske, Michelle G.

2015-01-01

Unipolar depressive disorders (DDs) and anxiety disorders (ADs) co-occur at high rates and can be difficult to distinguish from one another. Cross-sectional evidence has demonstrated that whereas all these disorders are characterized by high negative emotion, low positive emotion shows specificity in its associations with DDs, social anxiety disorder (SAD), and possibly generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). However, it remains unknown whether low positive emotionality, a personality trait characterized by the tendency to experience low positive emotion over time, prospectively marks risk for the initial development of these disorders. We aimed to help address this gap. Each year for up to 10 waves, participants (n = 627, mean age = 17 years at baseline) completed self-report measures of mood and personality, and a structured clinical interview. A latent trait-state decomposition technique was used to model positive emotionality and related personality traits over the first three years of the study. Survival analyses were used to test the prospective associations of low positive emotionality with first onsets of disorders over the subsequent six-year follow-up among participants with no relevant disorder history. The results showed that low positive emotionality was a risk marker for DDs, SAD, and GAD, although evidence for its specificity to these disorders versus the remaining ADs was inconclusive. Additional analyses revealed that the risk effects were largely accounted for by the overlap of low positive emotionality with neuroticism. The implications for understanding the role of positive emotionality in DDs and ADs are discussed. PMID:26372005

Synthesis of highly efficient flame retardant polypropylene nanocomposites with surfactant intercalated layered double hydroxides.

PubMed

Qiu, Lei; Gao, Yanshan; Zhang, Cheng; Yan, Qinghua; O'Hare, Dermot; Wang, Qiang

2018-02-27

The thermal and flame retardant performances of polypropylene (PP) nanocomposites with sodium dodecyl sulfate (DDS) and stearic acid intercalated layered double hydroxides (DDS-LDHs and stearic-LDHs) were investigated in this study. The DDS- and stearic-LDHs were treated using the aqueous miscible organic solvent treatment (AMOST) method to give highly dispersed platelets in PP composites. The incorporation of AMO-DDS- and stearic-LDHs improved the thermal stability and flame retardancy of the PP matrix significantly. The T 0.5 (temperature at 50% weight loss) of PP/AMO-stearic-LDH (20 wt%) nanocomposites dramatically increased by 80 °C compared to that of neat PP. The flame retardant performance was dependent on both surfactants and the loading of LDHs. The AMO-stearic-LDHs showed better flame retardant properties than the AMO-DDS-LDHs, especially when the LDH loading was higher than ca. 7 wt%. In addition, stearic-LDHs with different solvothermal times including 5, 10, 24 and 72 h were studied. It was found that the nanocomposites with LDHs solvothermally treated for 10 h showed the best thermal stability. The PP/stearic-LDH (24 h) nanocomposites with 20 wt% LDH loading possessed a better flame retardant performance, with PHRR reduction reaching 70%.

Enantioselective pharmacokinetics of sibutramine in rat.

PubMed

Noh, Keumhan; Bae, Kyoungjin; Min, Bokyoung; Kim, Eunyoung; Kwon, Kwang-il; Jeong, Taecheon; Kang, Wonku

2010-02-01

Racemic sibutramine is widely used to treat obesity owing to its inhibition of serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake in synapses. Although the enantioselective effects of sibutramine and its two active desmethyl-metabolites, monodesmethylsibutramine (MDS) and didesmethylsibutramine (DDS), on anorexia and energy expenditure have been elucidated, the enantioselective pharmacokinetics of sibutramine are still unclear. Therefore, we aimed to characterize the enantioselective pharmacokinetics of sibutramine and its metabolites in plasma and urine following an intravenous and a single oral administration of sibutramine in rats. The absolute bioavailability of sibutramine was only about 7%. The pharmacologically less effective S-isomer of DDS was predominant in the plasma: the C ( max ) and the AUC ( inf ) were 28 and 30 times higher than those of the R-isomer, respectively (p<0.001). In the urine, the concentrations of the R-isomers of hydroxylated DDS and hydroxylated and carbamoylglucuronized MDS and DDS appeared to be 11.3-, 5.1-, and 5.3-times the concentrations of the respective S-isomers. Thus, regardless of increased potency than the S-enantiomers, the R-enantiomers of the sibutramine metabolites MDS and DDS were present at lower concentrations, owing to their rapid biotransformation to hydroxylated and/or carbamoylglucuronized forms and their faster excretion in the urine. The present study is the first to elucidate the enantioselective pharmacokinetics of sibutramine in rats.

Increased Intracranial Pressure during Hemodialysis in a Patient with Anoxic Brain Injury.

PubMed

Lund, Anton; Damholt, Mette B; Strange, Ditte G; Kelsen, Jesper; Møller-Sørensen, Hasse; Møller, Kirsten

2017-01-01

Dialysis disequilibrium syndrome (DDS) is a serious neurological complication of hemodialysis, and patients with acute brain injury are at increased risk. We report a case of DDS leading to intracranial hypertension in a patient with anoxic brain injury and discuss the subsequent dialysis strategy. A 13-year-old girl was admitted after prolonged resuscitation from cardiac arrest. Computed tomography (CT) revealed an inferior vena cava aneurysm and multiple pulmonary emboli as the likely cause. An intracranial pressure (ICP) monitor was inserted, and, on day 3, continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) was initiated due to acute kidney injury, during which the patient developed severe intracranial hypertension. CT of the brain showed diffuse cerebral edema. CRRT was discontinued, sedation was increased, and hypertonic saline was administered, upon which ICP normalized. Due to persistent hyperkalemia and overhydration, ultrafiltration and intermittent hemodialysis were performed separately on day 4 with a small dialyzer, low blood and dialysate flow, and high dialysate sodium content. During subsequent treatments, isolated ultrafiltration was well tolerated, whereas hemodialysis was associated with increased ICP necessitating frequent pauses or early cessation of dialysis. In patients at risk of DDS, hemodialysis should be performed with utmost care and continuous monitoring of ICP should be considered.

Protein-protein interactions between SWCNT/chitosan/EGF and EGF receptor: a model of drug delivery system.

PubMed

Rungnim, Chompoonut; Rungrotmongkol, Thanyada; Kungwan, Nawee; Hannongbua, Supot

2016-09-01

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) was used as the targeting ligand to enhance the specificity of a cancer drug delivery system (DDS) via its specific interaction with the EGF receptor (EGFR) that is overexpressed on the surface of some cancer cells. To investigate the intermolecular interaction and binding affinity between the EGF-conjugated DDS and the EGFR, 50 ns molecular dynamics simulations were performed on the complex of tethered EGFR and EGF linked to single-wall carbon nanotube (SWCNT) through a biopolymer chitosan wrapping the tube outer surface (EGFR·EGF-CS-SWCNT-Drug complex), and compared to the EGFR·EGF complex and free EGFR. The binding pattern of the EGF-CS-SWCNT-Drug complex to the EGFR was broadly comparable to that for EGF, but the binding affinity of the EGF-CS-SWCNT-Drug complex was predicted to be somewhat better than that for EGF alone. Additionally, the chitosan chain could prevent undesired interactions of SWCNT at the binding pocket region. Therefore, EGF connected to SWCNT via a chitosan linker is a seemingly good formulation for developing a smart DDS served as part of an alternative cancer therapy.

Seven Novel Probe Systems for Real-Time PCR Provide Absolute Single-Base Discrimination, Higher Signaling, and Generic Components

PubMed Central

Murray, James L.; Hu, Peixu; Shafer, David A.

2015-01-01

We have developed novel probe systems for real-time PCR that provide higher specificity, greater sensitivity, and lower cost relative to dual-labeled probes. The seven DNA Detection Switch (DDS)-probe systems reported here employ two interacting polynucleotide components: a fluorescently labeled probe and a quencher antiprobe. High-fidelity detection is achieved with three DDS designs: two internal probes (internal DDS and Flip probes) and a primer probe (ZIPR probe), wherein each probe is combined with a carefully engineered, slightly mismatched, error-checking antiprobe. The antiprobe blocks off-target detection over a wide range of temperatures and facilitates multiplexing. Other designs (Universal probe, Half-Universal probe, and MacMan probe) use generic components that enable low-cost detection. Finally, single-molecule G-Force probes employ guanine-mediated fluorescent quenching by forming a hairpin between adjacent C-rich and G-rich sequences. Examples provided show how these probe technologies discriminate drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis mutants, Escherichia coli O157:H7, oncogenic EGFR deletion mutations, hepatitis B virus, influenza A/B strains, and single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the human VKORC1 gene. PMID:25307756

SU-E-T-573: Normal Tissue Dose Effect of Prescription Isodose Level Selection in Lung Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy

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

Zhang, Q; Lei, Y; Zheng, D

Purpose: To evaluate dose fall-off in normal tissue for lung stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) cases planned with different prescription isodose levels (IDLs), by calculating the dose dropping speed (DDS) in normal tissue on plans computed with both Pencil Beam (PB) and Monte-Carlo (MC) algorithms. Methods: The DDS was calculated on 32 plans for 8 lung SBRT patients. For each patient, 4 dynamic conformal arc plans were individually optimized for prescription isodose levels (IDL) ranging from 60% to 90% of the maximum dose with 10% increments to conformally cover the PTV. Eighty non-overlapping rind structures each of 1mm thickness weremore » created layer by layer from each PTV surface. The average dose in each rind was calculated and fitted with a double exponential function (DEF) of the distance from the PTV surface, which models the steep- and moderate-slope portions of the average dose curve in normal tissue. The parameter characterizing the steep portion of the average dose curve in the DEF quantifies the DDS in the immediate normal tissue receiving high dose. Provided that the prescription dose covers the whole PTV, a greater DDS indicates better normal tissue sparing. The DDS were compared among plans with different prescription IDLs, for plans computed with both PB and MC algorithms. Results: For all patients, the DDS was found to be the lowest for 90% prescription IDL and reached a highest plateau region for 60% or 70% prescription. The trend was the same for both PB and MC plans. Conclusion: Among the range of prescription IDLs accepted by lung SBRT RTOG protocols, prescriptions to 60% and 70% IDLs were found to provide best normal tissue sparing.« less

Flexible Stoichiometry and Asymmetry of the PIDDosome Core Complex by Heteronuclear NMR Spectroscopy and Mass Spectrometry

PubMed Central

Nematollahi, Lily A.; Garza-Garcia, Acely; Bechara, Chérine; Esposito, Diego; Morgner, Nina; Robinson, Carol V.; Driscoll, Paul C.

2015-01-01

Homotypic death domain (DD)–DD interactions are important in the assembly of oligomeric signaling complexes such as the PIDDosome that acts as a platform for activation of caspase-2-dependent apoptotic signaling. The structure of the PIDDosome core complex exhibits an asymmetric three-layered arrangement containing five PIDD-DDs in one layer, five RAIDD-DDs in a second layer and an additional two RAIDD-DDs. We addressed complex formation between PIDD-DD and RAIDD-DD in solution using heteronuclear nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, nanoflow electrospray ionization mass spectrometry and size-exclusion chromatography with multi-angle light scattering. The DDs assemble into complexes displaying molecular masses in the range 130–158 kDa and RAIDD-DD:PIDD-DD stoichiometries of 5:5, 6:5 and 7:5. These data suggest that the crystal structure is representative of only the heaviest species in solution and that two RAIDD-DDs are loosely attached to the 5:5 core. Two-dimensional 1H,15N-NMR experiments exhibited signal loss upon complexation consistent with the formation of high-molecular-weight species. 13C-Methyl-transverse relaxation optimized spectroscopy measurements of the PIDDosome core exhibit signs of differential line broadening, cross-peak splitting and chemical shift heterogeneity that reflect the presence of non-equivalent sites at interfaces within an asymmetric complex. Experiments using a mutant RAIDD-DD that forms a monodisperse 5:5 complex with PIDD-DD show that the spectroscopic signature derives from the quasi- but non-exact equivalent environments of each DD. Since this characteristic was previously demonstrated for the complex between the DDs of CD95 and FADD, the NMR data for this system are consistent with the formation of a structure homologous to the PIDDosome core. PMID:25528640

Determining the scale of designer drugs (DD) abuse and risk to public health in Poland through an epidemiological study in adolescents.

PubMed

Biliński, Przemysław; Kapka-Skrzypczak, Lucyna; Jabłoński, Piotr

2012-01-01

Since 2008, it has been recognised by most health authorities worldwide that the abuse of newly-emerging psychoactive drugs, ('designer drugs'/'legal highs'; DD), in youth is a rapidly increasing problem, especially in the EU, threatening to offset gains made in tackling established and illegal drugs which they are intended to mimic; DD diversity is continually increasing to circumvent laws. The aim of the study was to determine the scale of DD abuse/availability amongst Polish youth. The surveyed test population was randomly selected from a representative group of adolescents attending high schools, secondary schools and universities throughout Poland. Questionnaires were completed by 14,511 subjects (10,083 school pupils and 4,428 students). Few persons from each group admitted using DDs; 453 school pupils (4.49%) vs. 81 students (1.83%). More males (4.74%) took DDs than females (2.77%). The tendency to take DDs in the company of friends was high in both DD-taking groups (>80%). DDs were consumed mostly in open spaces (34.15%), discos/pubs (21.13%) and boarding school/friend's house (20.57). Most frequently, DDs came from shops (57.68%), friends (31.46%) or dealers (10.11%). Ensuing symptoms included; happy/euphoric mood (58.80%), talkativeness (42.51%) and hallucinations (22.85%). Over 74% of DD-takers in both groups experienced adverse reactions, and those requiring help sought it from: friends/colleagues (6.74%), doctors (5.06%), and hospitals (4.87%), but most rarely from parents/guardians (2.62%). Urgent action is being taken, especially in youth education, to prevent DDs becoming the serious menace seen with conventional drugs.

Dietary diversity score is associated with cardiovascular risk factors and serum adiponectin concentrations in patients with metabolic syndrome.

PubMed

Farhangi, Mahdieh Abbasalizad; Jahangiry, Leila

2018-04-17

Metabolic syndrome is associated with cardio-metabolic risk factors and lipid abnormalities. Previous studies evaluated the dietary habits and nutrient intakes among patients with metabolic syndrome; however the association between metabolic risk factors and adiponectin with dietary diversity score (DDS) in patients with metabolic syndrome has not been evaluated yet. Therefore the aim of the current study was to evaluate these relationships among patients with metabolic syndrome. One hundred sixty patients with metabolic syndrome were recruited in the study. The anthropometric parameters including weight, height, waist circumference and hip circumference were measured. Serum adiponectin concentration was measured by enzyme- linked immunosorbent assay method (ELISA). Lipid profile and fasting serum glucose concentrations (FSG) were also measured with enzymatic colorimetric methods. Blood pressure was also measured and DDS was calculated using the data obtained from food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Subjects in lower DDS categorizes had significantly lower energy and fiber intake; whereas mean protein intake of subjects in the highest quartile was significantly higher than second quartile. Higher prevalence of obesity was also observed in the top quartiles (P < 0.001). Subjects in the lower quartiles had higher serum triglyceride concentrations and systolic blood pressure (SBP) values and lower serum adiponectin concentrations compared with subjects in higher DDS categorizes (P < 0.05). The prevalence of metabolic syndrome components among patients in lower DDS quartiles was significantly higher (P < 0.05). Our study found a lower serum triglyceride and SBP and higher serum adiponectin concentrations in top quartiles of DDS. The findings clarify the possible preventive role of higher dietary diversity score against metabolic syndrome. However, for further confirming the findings, more studies are warranted.

Limited Efficiency of Drug Delivery to Specific Intracellular Organelles Using Subcellularly "Targeted" Drug Delivery Systems.

PubMed

Maity, Amit Ranjan; Stepensky, David

2016-01-04

Many drugs have been designed to act on intracellular targets and to affect intracellular processes inside target cells. For the desired effects to be exerted, these drugs should permeate target cells and reach specific intracellular organelles. This subcellular drug targeting approach has been proposed for enhancement of accumulation of these drugs in target organelles and improved efficiency. This approach is based on drug encapsulation in drug delivery systems (DDSs) and/or their decoration with specific targeting moieties that are intended to enhance the drug/DDS accumulation in the intracellular organelle of interest. During recent years, there has been a constant increase in interest in DDSs targeted to specific intracellular organelles, and many different approaches have been proposed for attaining efficient drug delivery to specific organelles of interest. However, it appears that in many studies insufficient efforts have been devoted to quantitative analysis of the major formulation parameters of the DDSs disposition (efficiency of DDS endocytosis and endosomal escape, intracellular trafficking, and efficiency of DDS delivery to the target organelle) and of the resulting pharmacological effects. Thus, in many cases, claims regarding efficient delivery of drug/DDS to a specific organelle and efficient subcellular targeting appear to be exaggerated. On the basis of the available experimental data, it appears that drugs/DDS decoration with specific targeting residues can affect their intracellular fate and result in preferential drug accumulation within an organelle of interest. However, it is not clear whether these approaches will be efficient in in vivo settings and be translated into preclinical and clinical applications. Studies that quantitatively assess the mechanisms, barriers, and efficiencies of subcellular drug delivery and of the associated toxic effects are required to determine the therapeutic potential of subcellular DDS targeting.

Publications - DDS 11 | Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys

Science.gov Websites

Publications Geologic Materials Center General Information Inventory Monthly Report Hours and Location Policy DGGS DDS 11 Publication Details Title: Geologic Materials Center Inventory Authors: DGGS Staff ): Alaska Statewide Bibliographic Reference DGGS Staff, 2016, Geologic Materials Center Inventory: Alaska

Publications - DDS 5 | Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys

Science.gov Websites

Geologic Data Index (AGDI) Volcanology Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) Mineral Resources Alaska's Mineral MAPTEACH Tsunami Inundation Mapping Energy Resources Gas Hydrates STATEMAP Program information Geologic Facebook DGGS News Natural Resources Geological & Geophysical Surveys Publications DDS 5 main content

Data dependent systems approach to modal analysis Part 1: Theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pandit, S. M.; Mehta, N. P.

1988-05-01

The concept of Data Dependent Systems (DDS) and its applicability in the context of modal vibration analysis is presented. The ability of the DDS difference equation models to provide a complete representation of a linear dynamic system from its sampled response data forms the basis of the approach. The models are decomposed into deterministic and stochastic components so that system characteristics are isolated from noise effects. The modelling strategy is outlined, and the method of analysis associated with modal parameter identification is described in detail. Advantages and special features of the DDS methodology are discussed. Since the correlated noise is appropriately and automatically modelled by the DDS, the modal parameters are shown to be estimated very accurately and hence no preprocessing of the data is needed. Complex mode shapes and non-classical damping are as easily analyzed as the classical normal mode analysis. These features are illustrated by using simulated data in this Part I and real data on a disc-brake rotor in Part II.

Internet of Things: a possible change in the distributed modeling and simulation architecture paradigm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Riecken, Mark; Lessmann, Kurt; Schillero, David

2016-05-01

The Data Distribution Service (DDS) was started by the Object Management Group (OMG) in 2004. Currently, DDS is one of the contenders to support the Internet of Things (IoT) and the Industrial IOT (IIoT). DDS has also been used as a distributed simulation architecture. Given the anticipated proliferation of IoT and II devices, along with the explosive growth of sensor technology, can we expect this to have an impact on the broader community of distributed simulation? If it does, what is the impact and which distributed simulation domains will be most affected? DDS shares many of the same goals and characteristics of distributed simulation such as the need to support scale and an emphasis on Quality of Service (QoS) that can be tailored to meet the end user's needs. In addition, DDS has some built-in features such as security that are not present in traditional distributed simulation protocols. If the IoT and II realize their potential application, we predict a large base of technology to be built around this distributed data paradigm, much of which could be directly beneficial to the distributed M&S community. In this paper we compare some of the perceived gaps and shortfalls of current distributed M&S technology to the emerging capabilities of DDS built around the IoT. Although some trial work has been conducted in this area, we propose a more focused examination of the potential of these new technologies and their applicability to current and future problems in distributed M&S. The Internet of Things (IoT) and its data communications mechanisms such as the Data Distribution System (DDS) share properties in common with distributed modeling and simulation (M&S) and its protocols such as the High Level Architecture (HLA) and the Test and Training Enabling Architecture (TENA). This paper proposes a framework based on the sensor use case for how the two communities of practice (CoP) can benefit from one another and achieve greater capability in practical distributed computing.

Is dietary diversity a proxy measurement of nutrient adequacy in Iranian elderly women?

PubMed

Tavakoli, Sogand; Dorosty-Motlagh, Ahmad Reza; Hoshiar-Rad, Anahita; Eshraghian, Mohamad Reza; Sotoudeh, Gity; Azadbakht, Leila; Karimi, Mehrdad; Jalali-Farahani, Sara

2016-10-01

To investigate whether consumption of more diverse diets would increase the probability of nutrients adequacy among elderly women in Tehran, Iran. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 292 women aged ≥60 years who were randomly selected from 10 public health centers among 31 centers in south area of Tehran. Because of some limitations we randomly chose these 10 centers. The sample sizes provided 80% statistical power to meet the aim of study for test the relationship between Nutrient Adequacy Ratio (NAR), Mean Adequacy Ratio (MAR) as a dependent variable and total Dietary Diversity Score (DDS) as an independent variable. Dietary intakes were assessed by two 24-h recall questionnaires. The mean probability of adequacy across 12 nutrients and energy were calculated using the Dietary Reference Index (DRI). Dietary diversity Score was defined according to diet quality index revised (Haines et al. method). To investigate the relationship between MAR and DDS some demographic and socioeconomic variables were examined. Mean ± SD of total dietary diversity was 4.22 ± 1.28 (range 1.07-6.93). The Fruit and vegetable groups had the highest (1.27 ± 0.65, range 0-2.0) and the lowest (0.56 ± 0.36, range 0-1.71) diversity score, respectively. We observed that total DDS has significant positive correlation with MAR (r = 0.65, P < 0.001). Total DDS was significantly associated with NAR of all 12 studied nutrients (P < 0.01); probability adequacy of vitamin B2 revealed the strongest (r = 0.63, P < 0.01) and vitamin B12 revealed the weakest (r = 0.28, P < 0.01) relationship with total DDS. When maximizing sensitivity and specificity, the best cut-off point for achieving MAR≥1 was 4.5 for DDS. The results of our study showed that DDS is an appropriate indicator of the probability of nutrient adequacy in Tehranian elderly women. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

77 FR 72387 - Jeffery J. Becker, D.D.S., and Jeffery J. Becker, D.D.S., Affordable Care Decision and Order

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-12-05

....' '' Order Regarding Respondent's Multiple Motions For Appropriate Relief (ALJ Ex. 25), at 10 (quoting Forest... silent on the requirements of a registrant under 21 CFR 1307.21.'' Gov. Resp. to Respondent's Motion to...

Sustained delivery of bioactive neurotrophin-3 to the injured spinal cord.

PubMed

Elliott Donaghue, Irja; Tator, Charles H; Shoichet, Molly S

2015-01-01

Spinal cord injury is a debilitating condition that currently lacks effective clinical treatment. Neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) has been demonstrated in experimental animal models to induce axonal regeneration and functional improvements, yet its local delivery remains challenging. For ultimate clinical translation, a drug delivery system is required for localized, sustained, and minimally invasive release. Here, an injectable composite drug delivery system (DDS) composed of biodegradable polymeric nanoparticles dispersed in a hyaluronan/methyl cellulose hydrogel was injected into the intrathecal space to achieve acute local delivery to the spinal cord after a thoracic clip compression injury. NT-3 was encapsulated in the DDS and released in vitro for up to 50 d. With a single injection of the DDS into the intrathecal space of the injured spinal cord, NT-3 diffused ventrally through the cord and was detectable in the spinal cord for at least 28 d therein. Delivery of NT-3 resulted in significant axon growth with no effect on the astroglial response to injury in comparison with vehicle and injury controls. NT-3 treatment promoted functional improvements at 21 d according to the Basso Beattie Bresnahan locomotor scale in comparison with the DDS alone. The sustained delivery of bioactive NT-3 to the injured spinal cord achieved in this study demonstrates the promise of this DDS for central nervous system repair.

Psychometric Properties of the Persian Version of Death Depression Scale-Revised in Iranian Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction.

PubMed

Sharif Nia, Hamid; Pahlevan Sharif, Saeed; Lehto, Rebecca H; Allen, Kelly A; Goudarzian, Amir Hossein; Yaghoobzadeh, Ameneh; Soleimani, Mohammad Ali

2017-07-01

Objective: Limited research has examined the psychometric properties of death depression scales in Persian populations with cardiac disease despite the need for valid assessment tools for evaluating depressive symptoms in patients with life-limiting chronic conditions. The present study aimed at evaluating the reliability and validity of the Persian Version of Death Depression Scale - Revised (DDS-R) in Iranian patients who had recent acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Method: This psychometric study was conducted with a convenience sample of 407 patients with AMI diagnosis who completed the Persian version of the DDS-R. The face, content, and construct validity of the scale were ascertained. Internal consistency, test-retest, and construct reliability (CR) were used to assess reliability of the Persian Version of DDS-R. Results: Based on maximum likelihood exploratory factor analysis and consideration of conceptual meaning, a 4-factor solution was identified, explaining 75.89% of the total variance. Goodness-of-fit indices (GFI), Comparative Fit Index (CFI), Normed Fit Index (NFI), Incremental Fit Index (IFI), and Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA) in the final DDS-R structure demonstrated the adequacy of the 4-domain structure. The internal consistency, construct reliability, and Intra-class Correlation Coefficients (ICC) were greater than .70. Conclusion: The DDS-R was found to be a valid and reliable assessment tool for evaluating death depression symptoms in Iranian patients with AMI.

Drug delivery system innovation and Health Technology Assessment: Upgrading from Clinical to Technological Assessment.

PubMed

Panzitta, Michele; Bruno, Giorgio; Giovagnoli, Stefano; Mendicino, Francesca R; Ricci, Maurizio

2015-11-30

Health Technology Assessment (HTA) is a multidisciplinary health political instrument that evaluates the consequences, mainly clinical and economical, of a health care technology; the HTA aim is to produce and spread information on scientific and technological innovation for health political decision making process. Drug delivery systems (DDS), such as nanocarriers, are technologically complex but they have pivotal relevance in therapeutic innovation. The HTA process, as commonly applied to conventional drug evaluation, should upgrade to a full pharmaceutical assessment, considering the DDS complexity. This is useful to study more in depth the clinical outcome and to broaden its critical assessment toward pharmaceutical issues affecting the patient and not measured by the current clinical evidence approach. We draw out the expertise necessary to perform the pharmaceutical assessment and we propose a format to evaluate the DDS technological topics such as formulation and mechanism of action, physicochemical characteristics, manufacturing process. We integrated the above-mentioned three points in the Evidence Based Medicine approach, which is data source for any HTA process. In this regard, the introduction of a Pharmaceutics Expert figure in the HTA could be fundamental to grant a more detailed evaluation of medicine product characteristics and performances and to help optimizing DDS features to overcome R&D drawbacks. Some aspects of product development, such as manufacturing processes, should be part of the HTA as innovative manufacturing processes allow new products to reach more effectively patient bedside. HTA so upgraded may encourage resource allocating payers to invest in innovative technologies and providers to focus on innovative material properties and manufacturing processes, thus contributing to bring more medicines in therapy in a sustainable manner. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Encapsulated oligodendrocyte precursor cell fate is dependent on PDGF-AA release kinetics in a 3D microparticle-hydrogel drug delivery system.

PubMed

Pinezich, Meghan R; Russell, Lauren N; Murphy, Nicholas P; Lampe, Kyle J

2018-04-16

Biomaterial drug delivery systems (DDS) can be used to regulate growth factor release and combat the limited intrinsic regeneration capabilities of central nervous system (CNS) tissue following injury and disease. Of particular interest are systems that aid in oligodendrocyte regeneration, as oligodendrocytes generate myelin which surrounds neuronal axons and helps transmit signals throughout the CNS. Oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) are found in small numbers in the adult CNS, but are unable to effectively differentiate following CNS injury. Delivery of signaling molecules can initiate a favorable OPC response, such as proliferation or differentiation. Here, we investigate the delivery of one such molecule, platelet derived growth factor-AA (PDGF-AA), from poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid microparticles to OPCs in a 3D polyethylene glycol-based hydrogel. The goal of this DDS was to better understand the relationship between PDGF-AA release kinetics and OPC fate. The system approximates native brain tissue stiffness, while incorporating PDGF-AA under seven different delivery scenarios. Within this DDS, supply of PDGF-AA followed by PDGF-AA withdrawal caused OPCs to upregulate gene expression of myelin basic protein (MBP) by factors of 1.6-9.2, whereas continuous supply of PDGF-AA caused OPCs to remain proliferative. At the protein expression level, we observed an upregulation in O1, a marker for mature oligodendrocytes. Together, these results show that burst release followed by withdrawal of PDGF-AA from a hydrogel DDS stimulates survival, proliferation, and differentiation of OPCs in vitro. Our results could inform the development of improved neural regeneration strategies that incorporate delivery of PDGF-AA to the injured CNS. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Publications - DDS 7 | Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys

Science.gov Websites

Portal Climate and Cryosphere Hazards Coastal Hazards Program Guide to Geologic Hazards in Alaska DGGS DDS 7 Publication Details Title: Alaska Coastal Profile Tool (ACPT) Authors: DGGS Staff ): Alaska Statewide Bibliographic Reference DGGS Staff, 2014, Alaska Coastal Profile Tool (ACPT): Alaska

Publications - DDS 8 | Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys

Science.gov Websites

DGGS DDS 8 Publication Details Title: Alaska Volcano Observatory geochemical database Authors: Cameron ., Snedigar, S.F., and Nye, C.J., 2014, Alaska Volcano Observatory geochemical database: Alaska Division of ://doi.org/10.14509/29120 Publication Products Interactive Interactive Database Alaska Volcano Observatory

Publications - DDS 6 | Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys

Science.gov Websites

Publications Geologic Materials Center General Information Inventory Monthly Report Hours and Location Policy DGGS DDS 6 Publication Details Title: Historically active volcanoes of Alaska Authors: Cameron, C.E , C.E., and Schaefer, J.R., 2016, Historically active volcanoes of Alaska: Alaska Division of Geological

DDS: The Dental Diagnostic Simulation System.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tira, Daniel E.

The Dental Diagnostic Simulation (DDS) System provides an alternative to simulation systems which represent diagnostic case studies of relatively limited scope. It may be used to generate simulated case studies in all of the dental specialty areas with case materials progressing through the gamut of the diagnostic process. The generation of a…

World petroleum assessment 2000; compiled PowerPoint slides

USGS Publications Warehouse

Ahlbrandt, Thomas S.

2001-01-01

The slides in this compilation have been produced for a number of presentations on the World Petroleum Assessment 20000. Many of the figures are taken directly form the publication "U.S. Geological Survey World Petroleum Assessment 2000" - Description and Results: USGS Digital Data Series DDS-60, 2000. Some of the slides are modifications of figures from DDS-60, some are new descriptive slides, and a few are new slides. Several of the slides appear to be duplicates, but in fact are slight modifications for format or content from the same image. Forty-one people participated in this effort as part of the World Energy Assessment Team. The full list of contributors is given ion DDS-60. 

Development of high precision digital driver of acoustic-optical frequency shifter for ROG

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Rong; Kong, Mei; Xu, Yameng

2016-10-01

We develop a high precision digital driver of the acoustic-optical frequency shifter (AOFS) based on the parallel direct digital synthesizer (DDS) technology. We use an atomic clock as the phase-locked loop (PLL) reference clock, and the PLL is realized by a dual digital phase-locked loop. A DDS sampling clock up to 320 MHz with a frequency stability as low as 10-12 Hz is obtained. By constructing the RF signal measurement system, it is measured that the frequency output range of the AOFS-driver is 52-58 MHz, the center frequency of the band-pass filter is 55 MHz, the ripple in the band is less than 1 dB@3MHz, the single channel output power is up to 0.3 W, the frequency stability is 1 ppb (1 hour duration), and the frequency-shift precision is 0.1 Hz. The obtained frequency stability has two orders of improvement compared to that of the analog AOFS-drivers. For the designed binary frequency shift keying (2-FSK) and binary phase shift keying (2-PSK) modulation system, the demodulating frequency of the input TTL synchronous level signal is up to 10 kHz. The designed digital-bus coding/decoding system is compatible with many conventional digital bus protocols. It can interface with the ROG signal detecting software through the integrated drive electronics (IDE) and exchange data with the two DDS frequency-shift channels through the signal detecting software.

Developing Listening and Speaking Skills. Learning Package No. 46.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hyslop, Nancy, Comp.; Smith, Carl, Ed.

Originally developed as part of a project for the Department of Defense Schools (DoDDS) system, this learning package on developing listening and speaking skills is designed for teachers who wish to upgrade or expand their teaching skills on their own. The package includes an overview of the project; a comprehensive search of the ERIC database; a…

Developing Thinking Skills through Literature. Learning Package No. 19.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Collins, Norma; Smith, Carl, Comp.

Originally developed for the Department of Defense Schools (DoDDS) system, this learning package on developing thinking skills through literature is designed for teachers who wish to upgrade or expand their teaching skills on their own. The package includes a comprehensive search of the ERIC database; a lecture giving an overview on the topic; the…

Developing Oral Language. Learning Package No. 1.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hong, Zhang; Smith, Carl, Comp.

Originally developed for the Department of Defense Schools (DoDDS) system, this learning package on developing oral language is designed for teachers who wish to upgrade or expand their teaching skills on their own. The package includes a comprehensive search of the ERIC database; a lecture giving an overview on the topic; the full text of several…

78 FR 62662 - Ronald F. Lambert, D.D.S.; Decision and Order

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-10-22

... Lambert, D.D.S. (hereinafter, Respondent), of Longmont, Colorado. The Show Cause Order proposed the denial... out a prima facie case for denial of Respondent's application. However, the Government concedes that... ``ha[d] been actively involved in the Peer Assistance Service Program, 12 step work, the ARC relapse...

Pollux: Enhancing the Quality of Service of the Global Information Grid (GIG)

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-06-01

and throughput of standard-based and/or COTS-based QoS-enabled pub/sub technologies, including DDS, JMS, Web Services, and CORBA. 2. The DDS QoS...of ser- vice pICKER (QUICKER) model-driven engineering ( MDE ) toolchain shown in Figure 8. QUICKER extends the Platform-Independent Component Modeling

Attentional Functions in Children and Adolescents with ADHD, Depressive Disorders, and the Comorbid Condition

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gunther, Thomas; Konrad, Kerstin; De Brito, Stephane A.; Herpertz-Dahlmann, Beate; Vloet, Timo D.

2011-01-01

Background: Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and depressive disorders (DDs) often co-occur in children and adolescents, but evidence on the respective influence of these disorders on attention parameters is inconsistent. This study examines the influence of DDs on ADHD in a model-oriented approach that includes selectivity and…

Fluorescence Characterization of Cure and Water-Uptake in Polymers and Composites

DTIC Science & Technology

1994-06-01

the different wavelength DDS) in the stoichiometric mixture of DDS and EDDA calibration in both instruments as well as to some (ethylene dioxyl...diethyl amine) were obtained before temperature dependence of the excitation maxima. and after 1 h cure at 120°C. EDDA is an aliphatic However, the overall

Stability of Dynamical Systems with Discontinuous Motions:

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Michel, Anthony N.; Hou, Ling

In this paper we present a stability theory for discontinuous dynamical systems (DDS): continuous-time systems whose motions are not necessarily continuous with respect to time. We show that this theory is not only applicable in the analysis of DDS, but also in the analysis of continuous dynamical systems (continuous-time systems whose motions are continuous with respect to time), discrete-time dynamical systems (systems whose motions are defined at discrete points in time) and hybrid dynamical systems (HDS) (systems whose descriptions involve simultaneously continuous-time and discrete-time). We show that the stability results for DDS are in general less conservative than the corresponding well-known classical Lyapunov results for continuous dynamical systems and discrete-time dynamical systems. Although the DDS stability results are applicable to general dynamical systems defined on metric spaces (divorced from any kind of description by differential equations, or any other kinds of equations), we confine ourselves to finite-dimensional dynamical systems defined by ordinary differential equations and difference equations, to make this paper as widely accessible as possible. We present only sample results, namely, results for uniform asymptotic stability in the large.

[Analytic study of juices obtained by pressure, by cold extraction and warm extraction (the DDS system) of marc from apples of the Golden Delicious variety].

PubMed

Tanner, H

1978-01-01

The cold water extraction of apple press residues to increase the juice yield has found much interest in recent years. Such a process has been developed by a Swiss company, but the food legislation does not permit it yet. Juice yield is increased up to 91 p. 100 (w.). Therefore we investigated the chemical and sensorical properties of pressed juice, cold water extract of press residues and warm water extract (System DDS) of identical raw material. The water extract differs from the pressed juice mainly by an increased amount of non-sugar extract and changes of the pigment and polyphenole content. The cold water extract had more and the better aroma than the warm extract.

Higher dietary diversity is related to better visual and auditory sustained attention.

PubMed

Shiraseb, Farideh; Siassi, Fereydoun; Qorbani, Mostafa; Sotoudeh, Gity; Rostami, Reza; Narmaki, Elham; Yavari, Parvaneh; Aghasi, Mohadeseh; Shaibu, Osman Mohammed

2016-04-01

Attention is a complex cognitive function that is necessary for learning, for following social norms of behaviour and for effective performance of responsibilities and duties. It is especially important in sensitive occupations requiring sustained attention. Improvement of dietary diversity (DD) is recognised as an important factor in health promotion, but its association with sustained attention is unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the association between auditory and visual sustained attention and DD. A cross-sectional study was carried out on 400 women aged 20-50 years who attended sports clubs at Tehran Municipality. Sustained attention was evaluated on the basis of the Integrated Visual and Auditory Continuous Performance Test using Integrated Visual and Auditory software. A single 24-h dietary recall questionnaire was used for DD assessment. Dietary diversity scores (DDS) were determined using the FAO guidelines. The mean visual and auditory sustained attention scores were 40·2 (sd 35·2) and 42·5 (sd 38), respectively. The mean DDS was 4·7 (sd 1·5). After adjusting for age, education years, physical activity, energy intake and BMI, mean visual and auditory sustained attention showed a significant increase as the quartiles of DDS increased (P=0·001). In addition, the mean subscales of attention, including auditory consistency and vigilance, visual persistence, visual and auditory focus, speed, comprehension and full attention, increased significantly with increasing DDS (P<0·05). In conclusion, higher DDS is associated with better visual and auditory sustained attention.

A theoretical study on reaction mechanisms and kinetics of thiophene hydrodesulfurization over MoS 2 catalysts

DOE PAGES

Jin, Qiu; Chen, Biaohua; Ren, Zhibo; ...

2018-02-10

In the present study, thiophene hydrodesulphurization (HDS) over the Mo-edge, the S-edge, and the Mo-S connection edge of MoS 2 catalyst with 50% sulfur coverage was studied using first-principles based microkinetic modeling. Two parallel HDS routes, i.e., direct desulfurization (DDS) and hydrogenation (HYD) were taken into account. It has been found that the major reaction route of thiophene HDS on the Mo- and the Mo-S edges is temperature dependent. In the low temperature range of 500–600 K, the HYD route is dominant, leading to the C 4H 8 formation. As the temperature increases, the DDS route becomes competitive with themore » HYD route. At the temperature above 650 K, the DDS route will be the dominant HDS reaction route on the Mo- and the Mo-S edges. The DDS route leading to the formation of C 4H 6 is the major thiophene HDS reaction route on the S-edge in the entire temperature range of 500–750 K. The microkinetic modeling results show the overall HDS activity on the S-edge is lower than it on the Mo- and the Mo-S edges. The Mo-S edge also provides a preferential reaction pathway, which facilitates 2-hydrothiophene migration from the Mo-edge to the S-edge, followed by remaining elementary steps with lower activation barriers in the DDS route.« less

A theoretical study on reaction mechanisms and kinetics of thiophene hydrodesulfurization over MoS 2 catalysts

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

Jin, Qiu; Chen, Biaohua; Ren, Zhibo

In the present study, thiophene hydrodesulphurization (HDS) over the Mo-edge, the S-edge, and the Mo-S connection edge of MoS 2 catalyst with 50% sulfur coverage was studied using first-principles based microkinetic modeling. Two parallel HDS routes, i.e., direct desulfurization (DDS) and hydrogenation (HYD) were taken into account. It has been found that the major reaction route of thiophene HDS on the Mo- and the Mo-S edges is temperature dependent. In the low temperature range of 500–600 K, the HYD route is dominant, leading to the C 4H 8 formation. As the temperature increases, the DDS route becomes competitive with themore » HYD route. At the temperature above 650 K, the DDS route will be the dominant HDS reaction route on the Mo- and the Mo-S edges. The DDS route leading to the formation of C 4H 6 is the major thiophene HDS reaction route on the S-edge in the entire temperature range of 500–750 K. The microkinetic modeling results show the overall HDS activity on the S-edge is lower than it on the Mo- and the Mo-S edges. The Mo-S edge also provides a preferential reaction pathway, which facilitates 2-hydrothiophene migration from the Mo-edge to the S-edge, followed by remaining elementary steps with lower activation barriers in the DDS route.« less

Household food diversity and nutritional status among adults in Brazil.

PubMed

Bezerra, Ilana N; Sichieri, Rosely

2011-03-27

The aims of this study were to evaluate whether a diversity of healthy foods in a household would decrease the availability of unhealthy foods and to evaluate the association between a healthy dietary diversity score (DDS) and nutritional status among adults. Data from the 2002-2003 Brazilian Household Budget Survey were used. This nationwide survey used a two-stage sampling technique: households were selected after selection of primary sample units (PSUs). Analyses were based on 3,393 PSUs, evaluating 659,816 records of food items purchased by 35,237 households. The DDS was based on the healthy food groups according to Brazilian food guidelines. Per capita acquisition of sugar, sweets, sugar-sweetened beverages and crackers, cookies and cakes (unhealthy food groups) in PSUs was also calculated. Individual weight and height were measured at household. Multivariate linear regression models estimated the association of underweight and overweight and obesity (excess weight) with the PSUs' DDS. Greater acquisition of unhealthy food groups was associated with higher DDS. A high PSU's DDS was negatively associated with underweight (β = -0.38; p-value = 0.04) and positively associated with excess weight (β = 0.98; p-value = 0.05) after adjustment for availability of unhealthy food groups and socioeconomic variables. Our data indicate that there was no replacement of unhealthy food groups by healthy food groups, therefore a healthy diet message for obesity prevention should be combined with a message focused on eating less.

Increased Intracranial Pressure during Hemodialysis in a Patient with Anoxic Brain Injury

PubMed Central

Damholt, Mette B.; Strange, Ditte G.; Kelsen, Jesper; Møller-Sørensen, Hasse; Møller, Kirsten

2017-01-01

Dialysis disequilibrium syndrome (DDS) is a serious neurological complication of hemodialysis, and patients with acute brain injury are at increased risk. We report a case of DDS leading to intracranial hypertension in a patient with anoxic brain injury and discuss the subsequent dialysis strategy. A 13-year-old girl was admitted after prolonged resuscitation from cardiac arrest. Computed tomography (CT) revealed an inferior vena cava aneurysm and multiple pulmonary emboli as the likely cause. An intracranial pressure (ICP) monitor was inserted, and, on day 3, continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) was initiated due to acute kidney injury, during which the patient developed severe intracranial hypertension. CT of the brain showed diffuse cerebral edema. CRRT was discontinued, sedation was increased, and hypertonic saline was administered, upon which ICP normalized. Due to persistent hyperkalemia and overhydration, ultrafiltration and intermittent hemodialysis were performed separately on day 4 with a small dialyzer, low blood and dialysate flow, and high dialysate sodium content. During subsequent treatments, isolated ultrafiltration was well tolerated, whereas hemodialysis was associated with increased ICP necessitating frequent pauses or early cessation of dialysis. In patients at risk of DDS, hemodialysis should be performed with utmost care and continuous monitoring of ICP should be considered. PMID:28409034

From carbon nanotubes and silicate layers to graphene platelets for polymer nanocomposites.

PubMed

Zaman, Izzuddin; Kuan, Hsu-Chiang; Dai, Jingfei; Kawashima, Nobuyuki; Michelmore, Andrew; Sovi, Alex; Dong, Songyi; Luong, Lee; Ma, Jun

2012-08-07

In spite of extensive studies conducted on carbon nanotubes and silicate layers for their polymer-based nanocomposites, the rise of graphene now provides a more promising candidate due to its exceptionally high mechanical performance and electrical and thermal conductivities. The present study developed a facile approach to fabricate epoxy-graphene nanocomposites by thermally expanding a commercial product followed by ultrasonication and solution-compounding with epoxy, and investigated their morphologies, mechanical properties, electrical conductivity and thermal mechanical behaviour. Graphene platelets (GnPs) of 3.57 ± 0.50 nm in thickness were created after the expanded product was dispersed in tetrahydrofuran using 60 min ultrasonication. Since epoxy resins cured by various hardeners are widely used in industries, we chose two common hardeners: polyoxypropylene (J230) and 4,4'-diaminodiphenylsulfone (DDS). DDS-cured nanocomposites showed a better dispersion and exfoliation of GnPs, a higher improvement (573%) in fracture energy release rate and a lower percolation threshold (0.612 vol%) for electrical conductivity, because DDS contains benzene groups which create π-π interactions with GnPs promoting a higher degree of dispersion and exfoliation of GnPs during curing. This research pointed out a potential trend where GnPs would replace carbon nanotubes and silicate layers for many applications of polymer nanocomposites.

Differential associations between sensory response patterns and language, social, and communication measures in children with autism or other developmental disabilities.

PubMed

Watson, Linda R; Patten, Elena; Baranek, Grace T; Poe, Michele; Boyd, Brian A; Freuler, Ashley; Lorenzi, Jill

2011-12-01

To examine patterns of sensory responsiveness (i.e., hyperresponsiveness, hyporesponsiveness, and sensory seeking) as factors that may account for variability in social-communicative symptoms of autism and variability in language, social, and communication skill development in children with autism or other developmental disabilities (DDs). Children with autistic disorder (AD; n = 72, mean age = 52.3 months) and other DDs (n = 44, mean age = 48.1 months) participated in a protocol measuring sensory response patterns; social-communicative symptoms of autism; and language, social, and communication skills. Hyporesponsiveness was positively associated with social-communicative symptom severity, with no significant group difference in the association. Hyperresponsiveness was not significantly associated with social-communicative symptom severity. A group difference emerged for sensory seeking and social-communicative symptom severity, with a positive association for the AD group only. For the 2 groups of children combined, hyporesponsiveness was negatively associated with language skills and social adaptive skills. Sensory seeking also was negatively associated with language skills. These associations did not differ between the 2 groups. Aberrant sensory processing may play an important role in the pathogenesis of autism and other DDs as well as in the rate of acquisition of language, social, and communication skills.

Dietary diversity and nutritional adequacy among married Filipino immigrant women: The Filipino Women's Diet and Health Study (FiLWHEL).

PubMed

Abris, Grace P; Kim, Na-Hui; Provido, Sherlyn Mae P; Hong, Sangmo; Yu, Sung Hoon; Lee, Chang Beom; Lee, Jung Eun

2018-03-15

Migration has an influence on health behavior and food intake. Dietary variety is a key component to high-quality diets because a single food item does not contain a variety of nutrients and may not reflect nutritional adequacy. We aimed to compare the dietary diversity scores (DDS), food variety scores (FVS), and nutrient adequacy levels of married Filipino immigrant women in Korea to those of Korean women. We matched the data of 474 participants aged 20-57 years from the Filipino Women's Diet and Health Study (FiLWHEL) by age category with those of married Korean women randomly selected from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). Dietary information in FiLWHEL and KNHANES were assessed through the 24-hour recall method. We calculated the DDS by summing the number of eleven food groups consumed (DDS 10 g if they consumed at least 10 g/day; DDS all if they consumed any amount) and the FVS by counting the number of food items consumed. For nutrient adequacy, we calculated the probability of adequacy (PA) and intake below the estimated average requirement (EAR). Filipino women had a lower DDS and FVS in comparison to Korean women. The means (±SDs) of DDS 10 g, DDS all, and FVS for Filipino women versus Korean women were 6.0 (±1.6) versus 6.8 (±1.5) (p < 0.001), 6.7 (±1.7) versus 7.9 (±1.4) (p < 0.001) and 9.2 (±3.3) versus 14.7 (±4.9) (p < 0.001), respectively. When we compared each food group, the intakes of fish, other seafood, legumes/seeds/nuts, eggs, vegetables, and fruits were lower for Filipino women than for Korean women. The mean probability of adequacy (MPA) of nutrient intake of the nine selected nutrients was lower for Filipino women in comparison to Korean women. The mean (±SD) was 0.55 (±0.28) versus 0.66 (±0.26), respectively. Our findings showed that married Filipino immigrant women in Korea had lower dietary variety scores in comparison to Korean women. This was reflected in their nutritional adequacy. Nutrition education focusing on the promotion of eating a variety of foods may be needed for Filipino immigrant women in Korea.

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

Shaughnessy, D A; Moody, K J; Grant, P M

Collection of solid debris from the National Ignition Facility (NIF) is being developed both as a diagnostic tool and as a means for measuring nuclear reaction cross sections relevant to the Stockpile Stewardship Program and nuclear astrophysics. The concept is straightforward; following a NIF shot, the debris that is produced as a result of the capsule and hohlraum explosion would be collected and subsequently extracted from the chamber. The number of nuclear activations that occurred in the capsule would then be measured through a combination of radiation detection and radiochemical processing followed by mass spectrometry. Development of the catcher ismore » challenging due to the complex environment of the NIF target chamber. The collector surface is first exposed to a large photon flux, followed by the debris wind that is produced. The material used in the catcher must be mechanically strong in order to withstand the large amount of energy it is exposed to, as well as be chemically compatible with the form and composition of the debris. In addition, the location of the catcher is equally important. If it is positioned too close to the center of the target chamber, it will be significantly ablated, which could interfere with the ability of the debris to reach the surface and stick. If it is too far away, the fraction of the debris cloud collected will be too small to result in a statistically significant measurement. Material, geometric configuration, and location must all be tested in order to design the optimal debris collection system for NIF. One of the first ideas regarding solid debris collection at NIF was to use the disposable debris shields (DDS), which are fielded over the final optics assemblies (FOA) 7 m away from the center of the target chamber. The DDS are meant to be replaced after a certain number of shots, and if the shields could be subsequently analyzed after removal, it would serve as a mechanism for fielding a relatively large collection area through the use of a part meant to be replaced regularly. The solid angle covered by one of the shields is roughly 10{sup -4} of 4{pi}. If several shields were analyzed at once, it would increase the solid angle of the collection area accordingly. The glass shields consist of ammonia hardened silica with a sol gel coating and kapton tape around the edge. The square sheets are 14-inch on each side. The original shields were 1 mm thick, but it was determined that a thicker shield (3.3 mm) was more effective in preventing debris from reaching the FOA. The Solid Radchem group received two sets of DDS as part of our evaluation of the potential use of the DDS as solid debris collectors. The first set consisted of two 3.3 mm shields, one each from the top and bottom of the chamber (the '3mm set'). The second set consisted of four 1mm shields, one from the top of the chamber and the other three from the bottom (the 'IFSA set'). For each set, the shields were cut into smaller subsamples, which were then imaged using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) followed by chemical leaching and mass spectrometry. The purpose was to evaluate both the quantity and identity of the debris that was present on the DDS surfaces, and to determine if any of the capsule debris was reaching the chamber walls. In addition, potential enhancement due to gravity in the chamber was evaluated by directly comparing shields fielded in the top and bottom of the chamber. Based on the results, the use of the DDS as debris collectors would be evaluated. The results from both sets were presented to the DDS Working Group. The slides are attached to this document. The 3mm set results are presented first, followed by the results from the IFSA set. In both cases it was determined that a small fraction of the overall debris field was collected on the DDS. This means that the debris that is formed during a NIF shot is condensing out of the plasma and depositing on surfaces closer to the target chamber center, or else it is simply falling to the bottom of the chamber. In either case, it was determined that using the DDS, or fielding a debris collector at the chamber wall, was not feasible for solid debris collection at NIF due to the small amount of debris that had been collected. In addition, since the glass shields suffered quite a bit of damage from particles impacting the surface, glass was ruled out as a collection medium.« less

Factors Associated with the Empowerment of Japanese Families Raising a Child with Developmental Disorders

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wakimizu, Rie; Fujioka, Hiroshi; Yoneyama, Akira; Iejima, Atsushi; Miyamoto, Shinya

2011-01-01

We identified factors associated with the empowerment of Japanese families using the Family Empowerment Scale (FES) to contribute to the improvement of empowerment in Japanese families raising a child with developmental disorders (DDs). The study was conducted in 350 caregivers who raised children aged 4-18 years with DDs in urban and suburban…

Smart Drug Delivery System-Inspired Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay Based on Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer and Allochroic Effect Induced Dual-Modal Colorimetric and Fluorescent Detection.

PubMed

Miao, Luyang; Zhu, Chengzhou; Jiao, Lei; Li, He; Du, Dan; Lin, Yuehe; Wei, Qin

2018-02-06

Numerous analytical techniques have been undertaken for the detection of protein biomarkers because of their extensive and significant applications in clinical diagnosis, whereas there are few strategies to develop dual-readout immunosensors to achieve more accurate results. To the best of our knowledge, inspired by smart drug delivery system (DDS), a novel pH-responsive modified enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was innovatively developed for the first time, realizing dual-modal colorimetric and fluorescent detection of cardiac troponin I (cTnI). Curcumin (CUR) was elaborately selected as a reporter molecule, which played the same role of drugs in DDS based on the following considerations: (1) CUR can be used as a kind of pH indicator by the inherited allochroic effect induced by basic pH value; (2) the fluorescence of CUR can be quenched by certain nanocarriers as the acceptor because of the occurrence of fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), while recovered by the stimuli of basic pH value, which can produce "signal-on" fluorescence detection. Three-dimensional MoS 2 nanoflowers (3D-MoS 2 NFs) were employed in immobilizing CUR to constitute a nanoprobe for the determination of cTnI by virtue of good biocompatibility, high absorption capacity, and fluorescence quench efficiency toward CUR. The proposed DDS-inspired ELISA offered dual-modal colorimetric and fluorescent detection of cTnI, thereby meeting the reliable and precise analysis requirements. We believe that the developed dual-readout ELISA will create a new avenue and bring innovative inspirations for biological detections.

Developing a Decision-Making Plan for the Reading Teacher. Learning Package No. 25.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Smith, Carl, Comp.

Originally developed for the Department of Defense Schools (DoDDS) system, this learning package on developing a decision-making plan for the reading teacher is designed for teachers who wish to upgrade or expand their teaching skills on their own. The package includes a comprehensive search of the ERIC database; a lecture giving an overview on…

Association Between Women's Empowerment and Maternal and Child Nutrition in Kalalé District of Northern Benin.

PubMed

Alaofè, Halimatou; Zhu, Min; Burney, Jennifer; Naylor, Rosamond; Douglas, Taren

2017-09-01

Evidence on effectiveness of women's empowerment (WE) to reduce undernutrition is limited in sub-Sahara Africa, and few studies incorporate multidimensional measures of WE. To examine whether a WE status, in sum and across leadership, decision-making, mobility, economic security, male involvement in housework, and nonfamily group domains, is associated with women and their children nutritional status in Kalalé district of northern Benin. Data were obtained from the 2014 Solar Market Garden baseline study: 767 paired reproductive-age women aged 15 to 49 years and children 6 to 59 months old. Exploratory principal component (cross-validate with confirmatory) factor analysis was first conducted to identify the structure of empowerment. Then, using a new survey-based index, regression analysis was conducted to examine associations between WE measures and maternal dietary diversity score (DDS) and body mass index (BMI), as well as their child's DDS, height-for-age z score (HAZ), weight-for-height z score (WHZ), and weight-for-age z score (WAZ). Positive associations were observed between women's composite empowerment, leadership, maternal DDS and BMI, and female child's DDS. However, opposite signs were found between economic security and child's DDS. Mobility was positively associated with female children's WHZ and male children's HAZ and WAZ, while decision-making was correlated with male child's WHZ and female children's WAZ. Women's empowerment can be associated with undernutrition. Efforts to improve nutrition may benefit from empowerment initiatives that promote women's self-confidence and decision-making in Benin. However, additional qualitative and longitudinal research may enhance understanding of WE in the present area.

Report of the Comprehensive Study of the Department of Defense Dependents Schools.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bartell, Ted; And Others

As part of the 1978 amendments to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, a comprehensive study of the Department of Defense Dependents Schools (DoDDS) was mandated by the 96th Congress. The objectives were to determine the educational quality of DoDDS, the relation of student progress to expectations, the availability of resources and…

Health-related quality of life in fathers of children with or without developmental disability: the mediating effect of parental stress.

PubMed

Huang, Yu-Ping; Chang, Ming-yuh; Chi, Yu-Lin; Lai, Fei-Chen

2014-02-01

The aims of this study were to compare parental stress and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) between Taiwanese fathers of children with and without developmental disabilities (DDs) and to examine the mediating effect of parental stress on the association between having a child with DD and paternal HRQOL within Chinese culture. This cross-sectional, prospective, unmatched case-control study included 206 fathers of children with DDs and 207 fathers of healthy children. HRQOL was assessed by the SF-36 short-form questionnaire, and parental stress was assessed by the Chinese version Parental Stress Scale. Fathers of children with DDs experienced poorer mental and physical HRQOL and higher parental stress than fathers of healthy children. Parental stress acted as a complete mediator for paternal physical HRQOL, while parental stress had a partial mediating effect on the relationship between having a child with DD and paternal mental HRQOL. Having a child with DD also directly affected paternal mental HRQOL. Fathers of children with DDs should be monitored for parental stress and HRQOL, and interventions should be provided to empower them with the knowledge and skills to reduce their stress and to enhance their HRQOL.

Mathematical modeling analysis of intratumoral disposition of anticancer agents and drug delivery systems.

PubMed

Popilski, Hen; Stepensky, David

2015-05-01

Solid tumors are characterized by complex morphology. Numerous factors relating to the composition of the cells and tumor stroma, vascularization and drainage of fluids affect the local microenvironment within a specific location inside the tumor. As a result, the intratumoral drug/drug delivery system (DDS) disposition following systemic or local administration is non-homogeneous and its complexity reflects the differences in the local microenvironment. Mathematical models can be used to analyze the intratumoral drug/DDS disposition and pharmacological effects and to assist in choice of optimal anticancer treatment strategies. The mathematical models that have been applied by different research groups to describe the intratumoral disposition of anticancer drugs/DDSs are summarized in this article. The properties of these models and of their suitability for prediction of the drug/DDS intratumoral disposition and pharmacological effects are reviewed. Currently available mathematical models appear to neglect some of the major factors that govern the drug/DDS intratumoral disposition, and apparently possess limited prediction capabilities. More sophisticated and detailed mathematical models and their extensive validation are needed for reliable prediction of different treatment scenarios and for optimization of drug treatment in the individual cancer patients.

Note: Directly measuring the direct digital synthesizer frequency chirp-rate for an atom interferometer

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

Tao, Juan-Juan; Zhou, Min-Kang, E-mail: zkhu@hust.edu.cn, E-mail: zmk@hust.edu.cn; Zhang, Qiao-Zhen

2015-09-15

During gravity measurements with Raman type atom interferometry, the frequency of the laser used to drive Raman transition is scanned by chirping the frequency of a direct digital synthesizer (DDS), and the local gravity is determined by precisely measuring the chip rate α of DDS. We present an effective method that can directly evaluate the frequency chirp rate stability of our DDS. By mixing a pair of synchronous linear sweeping signals, the chirp rate fluctuation is precisely measured with a frequency counter. The measurement result shows that the relative α instability can reach 5.7 × 10{sup −11} in 1 s,more » which is neglectable in a 10{sup −9} g level atom interferometry gravimeter.« less

The Research Progress of Targeted Drug Delivery Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhan, Jiayin; Ting, Xizi Liang; Zhu, Junjie

2017-06-01

Targeted drug delivery system (DDS) means to selectively transport drugs to targeted tissues, organs, and cells through a variety of drugs carrier. It is usually designed to improve the pharmacological and therapeutic properties of conventional drugs and to overcome problems such as limited solubility, drug aggregation, poor bio distribution and lack of selectivity, controlling drug release carrier and to reduce normal tissue damage. With the characteristics of nontoxic and biodegradable, it can increase the retention of drug in lesion site and the permeability, improve the concentration of the drug in lesion site. at present, there are some kinds of DDS using at test phase, such as slow controlled release drug delivery system, targeted drug delivery systems, transdermal drug delivery system, adhesion dosing system and so on. This paper makes a review for DDS.

Multi-objective vs. single-objective calibration of a hydrologic model using single- and multi-objective screening

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mai, Juliane; Cuntz, Matthias; Shafii, Mahyar; Zink, Matthias; Schäfer, David; Thober, Stephan; Samaniego, Luis; Tolson, Bryan

2016-04-01

Hydrologic models are traditionally calibrated against observed streamflow. Recent studies have shown however, that only a few global model parameters are constrained using this kind of integral signal. They can be identified using prior screening techniques. Since different objectives might constrain different parameters, it is advisable to use multiple information to calibrate those models. One common approach is to combine these multiple objectives (MO) into one single objective (SO) function and allow the use of a SO optimization algorithm. Another strategy is to consider the different objectives separately and apply a MO Pareto optimization algorithm. In this study, two major research questions will be addressed: 1) How do multi-objective calibrations compare with corresponding single-objective calibrations? 2) How much do calibration results deteriorate when the number of calibrated parameters is reduced by a prior screening technique? The hydrologic model employed in this study is a distributed hydrologic model (mHM) with 52 model parameters, i.e. transfer coefficients. The model uses grid cells as a primary hydrologic unit, and accounts for processes like snow accumulation and melting, soil moisture dynamics, infiltration, surface runoff, evapotranspiration, subsurface storage and discharge generation. The model is applied in three distinct catchments over Europe. The SO calibrations are performed using the Dynamically Dimensioned Search (DDS) algorithm with a fixed budget while the MO calibrations are achieved using the Pareto Dynamically Dimensioned Search (PA-DDS) algorithm allowing for the same budget. The two objectives used here are the Nash Sutcliffe Efficiency (NSE) of the simulated streamflow and the NSE of the logarithmic transformation. It is shown that the SO DDS results are located close to the edges of the Pareto fronts of the PA-DDS. The MO calibrations are hence preferable due to their supply of multiple equivalent solutions from which the user can choose at the end due to the specific needs. The sequential single-objective parameter screening was employed prior to the calibrations reducing the number of parameters by at least 50% in the different catchments and for the different single objectives. The single-objective calibrations led to a faster convergence of the objectives and are hence beneficial when using a DDS on single-objectives. The above mentioned parameter screening technique is generalized for multi-objectives and applied before calibration using the PA-DDS algorithm. Two different alternatives of this MO-screening are tested. The comparison of the calibration results using all parameters and using only screened parameters shows for both alternatives that the PA-DDS algorithm does not profit in terms of trade-off size and function evaluations required to achieve converged pareto fronts. This is because the PA-DDS algorithm automatically reduces search space with progress of the calibration run. This automatic reduction should be different for other search algorithms. It is therefore hypothesized that prior screening can but must not be beneficial for parameter estimation dependent on the chosen optimization algorithm.

Addressing the human resource for health crisis in Tanzania: the lost in transition syndrome.

PubMed

Sirili, Nathanael; Kiwara, Angwara; Nyongole, Obadia; Frumence, Gasto; Semakafu, Avemaria; Hurtig, Anna-Karin

2014-04-01

Tanzania is experiencing a serious Human Resource for Health (HRH) crisis. Shortages are 87.5% and 67% in private and public hospitals, respectively. Mal-distribution and brain drain compound the shortage. The objective of this study was to improve knowledge on the HRH status in Tanzania by analyzing what happens to the number of medical doctors (MD) and doctor of dental surgery (DDS) degree graduates during the transition period from graduation, internship to appointment. We analyzed secondary data to get the number of MDs and DDS; who graduated from 2001 to 2010, the number registered for internship from 2005 to 2010 and the number allowed for recruitment by government permits from 2006 to 2010. Self administered questionnaires were provided to 91 MDs and DDS who were pursuing postgraduate studies at Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences during this study who went through the graduation-internship-appointment (GIA) period to get the insight of the challenges surrounding the MDs and DDS during the GIA period. From 2001 to 2010 a total of 2,248 medical doctors and 198 dental surgeons graduated from five local training institutions and abroad. From 2005 to 2010 a total of 1691 (97.13%) and 186 (126.53%) of all graduates in MD and DDS, respectively, registered for internship. The 2007/2008 recruitment permit allowed only 37.7% (80/218) and 25.0% (7/27) of the MDs and DDS graduated in 2006, respectively. The 2009/20 10 recruitment permit allowed 265 MDs (85.48%) out of 310 graduates of 2008. In 2010/2011 permission for MDs was 57.58% (190/ 330) of graduates of 2009 and in 2011/2012 permission for MDs was for 61.03% ((249/408) graduates of 2010. From this analysis the recruitment permits in 2007/2008, 2009/2010, 2010/2011 1nd 2011/2012 could not offer permission for employment of 482 (38.10%) of all MDs graduated in the subsequent years. Major challenges associated with the GIA period included place of accommodation, allowance (for internship) or salary delay (for first appointment), difficulty working environment, limited carrier opportunities and concern for job security. The failure to enforce mandatory registration for internship and failure to absorb all produced MDs and DDS results to loss of a substantial number of these graduates during the graduation-internship-appointment period. To solve this problem, it is recommended to establish better human resource for health management system.

Validating Early Post–Transplant Outcomes Reported for Recipients of Deceased Donor Kidney Transplants

PubMed Central

Potluri, Vishnu S.; Hall, Isaac E.; Ficek, Joseph; Doshi, Mona D.; Butrymowicz, Isabel; Weng, Francis L.; Schröppel, Bernd; Thiessen-Philbrook, Heather; Reese, Peter P.

2016-01-01

Background and objectives Data reported to the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) are used in kidney transplant research, policy development, and assessment of center quality, but the accuracy of early post–transplant outcome measures is unknown. Design, setting, participants, & measurements The Deceased Donor Study (DDS) is a prospective cohort study at five transplant centers. Research coordinators manually abstracted data from electronic records for 557 adults who underwent deceased donor kidney transplantation between April of 2010 and November of 2013. We compared the post-transplant outcomes of delayed graft function (DGF; defined as dialysis in the first post–transplant week), acute rejection, and post–transplant serum creatinine reported to the OPTN with data collected for the DDS. Results Median kidney donor risk index was 1.22 (interquartile range [IQR], 0.97–1.53). Median recipient age was 55 (IQR, 46–63) years old, 63% were men, and 47% were black; 93% had received dialysis before transplant. Using DDS data as the gold standard, we found that pretransplant dialysis was not reported to the OPTN in only 11 (2%) instances. DGF in OPTN data had a sensitivity of 89% (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 84% to 93%) and specificity of 98% (95% CI, 96% to 99%). Surprisingly, the OPTN data accurately identified acute allograft rejection in only 20 of 47 instances (n=488; sensitivity of 43%; 95% CI, 17% to 73%). Across participating centers, sensitivity of acute rejection varied widely from 23% to 100%, whereas specificity was uniformly high (92%–100%). Six-month serum creatinine values in DDS and OPTN data had high concordance (n=490; Lin concordance correlation =0.90; 95% CI, 0.88 to 0.92). Conclusions OPTN outcomes for recipients of deceased donor kidney transplants have high validity for DGF and 6-month allograft function but lack sensitivity in detecting rejection. Future studies using OPTN data may consider focusing on allograft function at 6 months as a useful outcome. PMID:26668026

32 CFR Appendix C to Part 57 - Procedures for the Provision of Related Services by the Military Medical Departments to DoDDS...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 32 National Defense 1 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Procedures for the Provision of Related Services by the Military Medical Departments to DoDDS Students on IEPs C Appendix C to Part 57 National Defense Department of Defense OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE PERSONNEL, MILITARY AND CIVILIAN...

32 CFR Appendix C to Part 57 - Procedures for the Provision of Related Services by the Military Medical Departments to DoDDS...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 32 National Defense 1 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Procedures for the Provision of Related Services by the Military Medical Departments to DoDDS Students on IEPs C Appendix C to Part 57 National Defense Department of Defense OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE PERSONNEL, MILITARY AND CIVILIAN...

32 CFR Appendix C to Part 57 - Procedures for the Provision of Related Services by the Military Medical Departments to DoDDS...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 32 National Defense 1 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Procedures for the Provision of Related Services by the Military Medical Departments to DoDDS Students on IEPs C Appendix C to Part 57 National Defense Department of Defense OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE PERSONNEL, MILITARY AND CIVILIAN...

32 CFR Appendix C to Part 57 - Procedures for the Provision of Related Services by the Military Medical Departments to DoDDS...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 32 National Defense 1 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Procedures for the Provision of Related Services by the Military Medical Departments to DoDDS Students on IEPs C Appendix C to Part 57 National Defense Department of Defense OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE PERSONNEL, MILITARY AND CIVILIAN...

32 CFR Appendix C to Part 57 - Procedures for the Provision of Related Services by the Military Medical Departments to DoDDS...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 32 National Defense 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Procedures for the Provision of Related Services by the Military Medical Departments to DoDDS Students on IEPs C Appendix C to Part 57 National Defense Department of Defense OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE PERSONNEL, MILITARY AND CIVILIAN...

Transitioning the Tactical Marine Corps to IPv6

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-09-01

SUT System Under Test SYSCOM Systems Command (synonymous with MCSC) TCP Transmission Control Protocol TDS Tactical Data Systems TDN...capability to provide services to the Marine Corps Tactical Data Systems ( TDS ) and other DDS-M systems. The 2 DDS-M can function as the file server...Intelligence ( ATI ) program provides comprehensive application protocols and attacks, as well as feature updates and responsive service and support with

Final Environmental Assessment for the Joint Integrated Fires Exercise at Avon Park Air Force Range, Florida

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-04-01

Tactical Operations Center TRI-DDS................ Toxic Release Inventory Data Delivery System US...Emissions from ordnance are tracked by the Toxic Release Inventory Data Delivery System (TRI-DDS) (URS 2001). Emission releases by ordnance at...listed threatened plant (pigeonwing) and one federally listed endangered plant (hairy jointweed or wireweed ) are known to occur on APAFR. Surveys have

Use of statistically and dynamically downscaled atmospheric model output for hydrologic simulations in three mountainous basins in the western United States

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hay, L.E.; Clark, M.P.

2003-01-01

This paper examines the hydrologic model performance in three snowmelt-dominated basins in the western United States to dynamically- and statistically downscaled output from the National Centers for Environmental Prediction/National Center for Atmospheric Research Reanalysis (NCEP). Runoff produced using a distributed hydrologic model is compared using daily precipitation and maximum and minimum temperature timeseries derived from the following sources: (1) NCEP output (horizontal grid spacing of approximately 210 km); (2) dynamically downscaled (DDS) NCEP output using a Regional Climate Model (RegCM2, horizontal grid spacing of approximately 52 km); (3) statistically downscaled (SDS) NCEP output; (4) spatially averaged measured data used to calibrate the hydrologic model (Best-Sta) and (5) spatially averaged measured data derived from stations located within the area of the RegCM2 model output used for each basin, but excluding Best-Sta set (All-Sta). In all three basins the SDS-based simulations of daily runoff were as good as runoff produced using the Best-Sta timeseries. The NCEP, DDS, and All-Sta timeseries were able to capture the gross aspects of the seasonal cycles of precipitation and temperature. However, in all three basins, the NCEP-, DDS-, and All-Sta-based simulations of runoff showed little skill on a daily basis. When the precipitation and temperature biases were corrected in the NCEP, DDS, and All-Sta timeseries, the accuracy of the daily runoff simulations improved dramatically, but, with the exception of the bias-corrected All-Sta data set, these simulations were never as accurate as the SDS-based simulations. This need for a bias correction may be somewhat troubling, but in the case of the large station-timeseries (All-Sta), the bias correction did indeed 'correct' for the change in scale. It is unknown if bias corrections to model output will be valid in a future climate. Future work is warranted to identify the causes for (and removal of) systematic biases in DDS simulations, and improve DDS simulations of daily variability in local climate. Until then, SDS based simulations of runoff appear to be the safer downscaling choice.

Ingestion of polonium ((210)Po) via dietary sources in high background radiation areas of south India.

PubMed

Arunachalam, Kantha Deivi; Baskaran, Kamesh Viswanathan; Rao, D D; Sathyapriya, R; Annamalai, Sathesh Kumar; Kuruva, Jaya Krishna; Hari, Shanmugamsundaram

2014-10-01

To study the distribution of Polonium ((210)Po) activity in dietary sources in the high background radiation zone of Puttetti in southern Tamil Nadu. (210)Po was analyzed in the food materials consumed by the male and female individual representatives living in the high background areas by 24-h Duplicate Diet Study (DDS) and Market Basket Study (MBS). The MBS was performed by collecting the food samples such as, cereals, fruits, leafy vegetables, roots and tubers, other vegetables, fish, meat and milk grown in the high background radiation zone of southern Tamil Nadu as a part of baseline study in this region. The DDS was done by collecting the food materials consumed including the beverages in 24 h from different age groups of male and female individuals living in the village of Puttetti. The intake and ingestion dose of the radionuclide (210)Po was estimated. The average concentration of (210)Po in DDS (n = 33) was found to be 74 mBq.kg(- 1) of fresh weight. The MBS was collected based on food consumption representing more than 85-95% of annual supply, and were divided into eight food groups. The average concentration of (210)Po in the eight food groups namely leafy vegetables was 2176 mBq.kg(- 1) (n = 3), vegetables 55 mBq.kg(- 1) (n = 10), roots and tubers 251 mBq.kg(- 1) (n = 4), fruits 65 mBq.kg(- 1) (n = 5), fish 345 mBq.kg(- 1) (n = 2), meat food 117 mBq.kg(- 1) (n = 3), milk 20 mBq.kg(- 1) (n = 1) and cereal 290 (n = 1) mBq.kg(- 1) of fresh weight, respectively. The annual intake and ingestion dose due to (210)Po was estimated by DDS and MBS in adults, adolescents and children. The overall results showed that the MBS was moderately higher than the DDS in all age groups. Moreover, a DDS approach may even be more realistic, as cooked foodstuffs are used for dietary exposure assessment. The study confirms that the current levels of (210)Po do not pose a significant radiological risk to the local inhabitants.

Association between maternal social capital and infant complementary feeding practices in rural Ethiopia.

PubMed

Kang, Yunhee; Kim, Jane; Seo, Eunkyo

2018-01-01

Few studies have explored the potential of social capital in improving child nutritional status; however, most components of pathways between social capital and nutritional status have remained unexplained. Complementary feeding practice is a strong mediator of child nutritional status. This study examined the association between complementary feeding practice and maternal social capital in rural Ethiopia, using cross-sectional data of infant aged 6-12 months and their mother pairs (n = 870). The Short Social Capital Assessment Tool was used to assess maternal structural (i.e., community group membership, having emotional/economic support from individuals, and citizenship activities) and cognitive social capital (i.e., trust, social harmony, and sense of belonging) in the past 12 months. Infant's dietary diversity score (DDS, range: 0-7), minimum dietary diversity (MDD), and minimum meal frequency (MMF) were assessed using a 24-hr dietary recall. Multivariable ordinal/binary logistic regression analyses were conducted. Having support from two or more individuals was associated with higher DDS (OR = 1.84) and meeting a minimum level of dietary diversity (MDD: OR = 5.20) but not with MMF, compared to those having no support. Having two or more group memberships was associated with higher DDS (OR = 2.2) but not with MDD or MMF, compared to those without group membership. Citizenship activities showed mixed associations with MMF and no association with DDS or MDD. Cognitive social capital showed no association with DDS or MDD and lower odds of meeting MMF (OR = 0.56). These mixed results call for further studies to examine other potential pathways (e.g., hygiene and caring behaviours) in which social capital could improve child nutritional status. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

The relationship between agricultural biodiversity, dietary diversity, household food security, and stunting of children in rural Kenya.

PubMed

M'Kaibi, Florence K; Steyn, Nelia P; Ochola, Sophie A; Du Plessis, Lissane

2017-03-01

The study was to determine the role of Dietary diversity (DD), household food security (HFS), and agricultural biodiversity (AB) on stunted growth in children. Two cross-sectional studies were undertaken 6 months apart. Interviews were done with mothers/caregivers and anthropometric measurements of children 24-59 months old. HFS was assessed by household food insecurity access scale (HFIAS). A repeated 24-h recall was used to calculate a dietary diversity score (DDS). Agricultural biodiversity (AB) was calculated by counting the number of edible plants and animals. The study was undertaken in resource-poor households in two rural areas in Kenya. Mothers/Care givers and household with children of 24-59 months of age were the main subjects. The prevalence of underweight [WAZ <-2SD] ranged between 16.7% and 21.6% and stunting [HAZ <-2SD] from 26.3% to 34.7%. Mean DDS ranged from 2.9 to 3.7 and HFIAS ranged from 9.3 to 16.2. AB was between 6.6 and 7.2 items. Households with and without children with stunted growth were significantly different in DDS ( P  = 0.047) after the rainy season and HFIAS ( P  = 0.009) in the dry season, but not with AB score ( P  = 0.486). The mean AB for households with children with stunted growth were lower at 6.8, compared to 7.0 for those with normal growth, however, the difference was insignificant. Data indicate that households with children with stunted growth and those without are significantly different in DDS and HFIAS but not with AB. This suggests some potential in using DDS and HFIAS as proxy measures for stunting.

Mental illness and violent behavior: the role of dissociation.

PubMed

Webermann, Aliya R; Brand, Bethany L

2017-01-01

The role of mental illness in violent crime is elusive, and there are harmful stereotypes that mentally ill people are frequently violent criminals. Studies find greater psychopathology among violent offenders, especially convicted homicide offenders, and higher rates of violence perpetration and victimization among those with mental illness. Emotion dysregulation may be one way in which mental illness contributes to violent and/or criminal behavior. Although there are many stereotyped portrayals of individuals with dissociative disorders (DDs) being violent, the link between DDs and crime is rarely researched. We reviewed the extant literature on DDs and violence and found it is limited to case study reviews. The present study addresses this gap through assessing 6-month criminal justice involvement among 173 individuals with DDs currently in treatment. We investigated whether their criminal behavior is predicted by patient self-reported dissociative, posttraumatic stress disorder and emotion dysregulation symptoms, as well as clinician-reprted depressive disorders and substance use disorder. Past 6 month criminal justice involvement was notably low: 13% of the patients reported general police contact and 5% reported involvement in a court case, although either of these could have involved the DD individual as a witness, victim or criminal. Only 3.6% were recent criminal witnesses, 3% reported having been charged with an offense, 1.8% were fined, and 0.6% were incarcerated in the past 6 months. No convictions or probations in the prior 6 months were reported. None of the symptoms reliably predicted recent criminal behavior. In a representative sample of individuals with DDs, recent criminal justice involvement was low, and symptomatology did not predict criminality. We discuss the implications of these findings and future directions for research.

Axisymmetric oscillation modes of a double droplet system

DOE PAGES

Ramalingam, Santhosh K.; Basaran, Osman A.

2010-11-15

A double droplet system (DDS) consists of a sessile and a pendant drop that are coupled through a liquid filled cylindrical hole in a plate of thickness d. For a small hole radius R, equilibrium shapes of both drops are sections of spheres. While DDSs have a number of applications in microfluidics, a DDS oscillating about its equilibrium state can be used as a fast focusing liquid lens. Here, a DDS consisting of an isothermal, incompressible Newtonian fluid of constant density p and constant viscosity u that is surrounded by a gas is excited by oscillating in time (a) themore » pressure in the gas surrounding either drop (pressure excitation), (b) the plate perpendicular to its plane (axial excitation), and (c) the hole radius (radial excitation). In contrast to previous works that assumed transient drop shapes are spherical, they are determined here by simulation and used to identify the natural modes of axisymmetric oscillations from resonances observed during frequency sweeps with DDSs for which the combined volume V of the two drops is less than (4/3)πR 3. Pressure and axial excitations are found to have identical responses but axial and radial excitations are shown to excite different modes. These modes are compared to those exhibited by single pendant (sessile) drop systems. Specifically, while a single pendant (sessile) drop has one additional oscillation mode compared to a free drop, a DDS is found to exhibit roughly twice as many oscillation modes as a pendant (sessile) drop. The effects of dimensionless volume V/R 3, dimensionless plate thickness d/R, and Ohnesorge number Oh =μ/√ρRσ , where σ is the surface tension of the DDS-gas interface, on the resonance frequencies are also investigated.« less

How Parents Cope with Raising Children with Developmental Disorders: A Phenomenological Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McLurkin, Carol

2012-01-01

A qualitative narrative transcendental-phenomenological study was conducted to explore the lived experiences and coping strategies of parents in California raising children with development disorders (DDs). Twenty parents of children with Prader-Willi syndrome, attention deficit hyperactive disorder, or autism spectrum disorder were interviewed to…

First Aid for Media-Aides.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cramer, Mary McCart

This document was developed as part of a Research and Innovation Project by a Department of Defense Dependents School (DoDDS) Media Task Group in West Germany. Designed to provide a ready reference for noncertified personnel working in small school media centers, the monthly calendars (August through June) are intended to encourage an active…

Minding the Gap: Department of Defense Dependents Schools (DoDDS).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Manatt, Richard P.; Manatt, Jackie

1996-01-01

A 1995 study investigated the effects of downsized U.S. military forces on Department of Defense Dependents' schools; implementation of a Community Strategic Plan; personnel changes; controversial staff development initiatives; and the achievement gap between racial, ethnic, and gender groups. Findings and implications from visits to five schools…

MDS MIC Catalog Inputs

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnson-Throop, Kathy A.; Vowell, C. W.; Smith, Byron; Darcy, Jeannette

2006-01-01

This viewgraph presentation reviews the inputs to the MDS Medical Information Communique (MIC) catalog. The purpose of the group is to provide input for updating the MDS MIC Catalog and to request that MMOP assign Action Item to other working groups and FSs to support the MITWG Process for developing MIC-DDs.

Intimate Partner Violence Among Patients With Dissociative Disorders.

PubMed

Webermann, Aliya R; Brand, Bethany L; Kumar, Shaina A

2017-12-01

Childhood trauma is common among survivors and perpetrators of intimate partner violence (IPV). Although symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and dissociative disorders (DDs) are predictors of IPV victimization and perpetration, few studies explore IPV among those with DDs. The present study examined IPV and symptoms as predictors among participants in the Treatment of Patients With Dissociative Disorders (TOP DD) Network study, an educational intervention for individuals with DDs and their clinicians. Both clinicians and patients reported on patients' history of physical, emotional, and sexual IPV as both victims and perpetrators. Patients self-reported dissociative, posttraumatic (PTSD), and emotion dysregulation symptoms, as well as IPV-specific dissociative symptoms. According to patients and clinicians, patients were frequently victims of IPV, most commonly emotional IPV. Dissociative symptoms predicted IPV exposure, whereas dissociative and emotion dysregulation symptoms predicted IPV-specific dissociative symptoms.

Data Distribution System (DDS) and Solar Dynamic Observatory Ground Station (SDOGS) Integration Manager

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pham, Kim; Bialas, Thomas

2012-01-01

The DDS SDOGS Integration Manager (DSIM) provides translation between native control and status formats for systems within DDS and SDOGS, and the ASIST (Advanced Spacecraft Integration and System Test) control environment in the SDO MOC (Solar Dynamics Observatory Mission Operations Center). This system was created in response for a need to centralize remote monitor and control of SDO Ground Station equipments using ASIST control environment in SDO MOC, and to have configurable table definition for equipment. It provides translation of status and monitoring information from the native systems into ASIST-readable format to display on pages in the MOC. The manager is lightweight, user friendly, and efficient. It allows data trending, correlation, and storing. It allows using ASIST as common interface for remote monitor and control of heterogeneous equipments. It also provides failover capability to back up machines.

[Targeted drug delivery system: potential application to resveratrol].

PubMed

Farghali, Hassan; Kameníková, Ludmila

2017-01-01

Drug delivery system (DDS) is intended to increasing effectiveness of drugs through targeted distribution and to reducing of unwanted effects. In this mini-review, the basic principles of nanotechnology that were developed for DDS were reported including sections on the present research in key areas that are important for future investigations. Attention is paid on resveratrol as a model phytochemical with interesting pharmacologic profile which was demonstrated in great numbers of studies and for its wide use as supplemental therapy. Due to complicated pharmacokinetic profile of resveratrol that is characterized by very low bioavailability in spite of high oral absorption, the effects of resveratrol is being studied in new nanotechnology preparations of pharmaceutical formulation. Herein we report on results of present in vitro and in vivo investigations with resveratrol in new types of drug formulations using different nanoparticles as liposomes, solid lipid particles, cyclodextrins and micelles.Key words: targeted drug delivery nanotechnology resveratrol.

Prevention of Infections Associated With Combat-Related Eye, Maxillofacial, and Neck Injuries

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-08-01

REVIEW ARTICLE Prevention of Infections Associated With Combat-Related Eye, Maxillofacial, and Neck Injuries Kyle Petersen, DO, FACP, FIDSA...Marcus H Colyer, MD, David K. Hayes, MD, FACS, Robert G. Hale, DDS, R. B1yan Bell, DDS, MD, FACS, and the Prevention of Combat-Related Infections ...article reviews recent data from military and civilian studies to support evidence-based recommendations for the prevention of infections associated

Bioactivation, protein haptenation, and toxicity of sulfamethoxazole and dapsone in normal human dermal fibroblasts

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

Bhaiya, Payal; Roychowdhury, Sanjoy; Vyas, Piyush M.

2006-09-01

Cutaneous drug reactions (CDRs) associated with sulfonamides are believed to be mediated through the formation of reactive metabolites that result in cellular toxicity and protein haptenation. We evaluated the bioactivation and toxicity of sulfamethoxazole (SMX) and dapsone (DDS) in normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDF). Incubation of cells with DDS or its metabolite (D-NOH) resulted in protein haptenation readily detected by confocal microscopy and ELISA. While the metabolite of SMX (S-NOH) haptenated intracellular proteins, adducts were not evident in incubations with SMX. Cells expressed abundant N-acetyltransferase-1 (NAT1) mRNA and activity, but little NAT2 mRNA or activity. Neither NAT1 nor NAT2 proteinmore » was detected. Incubation of NHDF with S-NOH or D-NOH increased reactive oxygen species formation and reduced glutathione content. NHDF were less susceptible to the cytotoxic effect of S-NOH and D-NOH than are keratinocytes. Our studies provide the novel observation that NHDF are able to acetylate both arylamine compounds and bioactivate the sulfone DDS, giving rise to haptenated proteins. The reactive metabolites of SMX and DDS also provoke oxidative stress in these cells in a time- and concentration-dependent fashion. Further work is needed to determine the role of the observed toxicity in mediating CDRs observed with these agents.« less

Tabular data, text, and graphical images in support of the 1995 National assessment of United States oil and gas resources

USGS Publications Warehouse

Charpentier, Ronald R.; Klett, T.R.; Obuch, R.C.; Brewton, J.D.

1996-01-01

This CD-ROM contains files in support of the 1995 USGS National assessment of United States oil and gas resources (DDS-30), which was published separately and summarizes the results of a 3-year study of the oil and gas resources of the onshore and state waters of the United States. The study describes about 560 oil and gas plays in the United States; confirmed and hypothetical, conventional and unconventional. A parallel study of the Federal offshore is being conducted by the U.S. Minerals Management Service. This CD-ROM contains files in multiple formats, so that almost any computer user can import them into word processors and spreadsheets. The tabular data include some tables not released in DDS-30. No proprietary data are released on this CD-ROM, but some tables of summary statistics from the proprietary files are provided. The complete text of DDS-30 is also available, as well as many figures. Also included are some of the programs used in the assessment, in source code and with supporting documentation. A companion CD-ROM (DDS-35) includes the map data and the same text data, but none of the tabular data or assessment programs.

K*-charmonium dissociation cross sections and charmonium dissociation rates in hadronic matter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Feng-Rong; Ji, Shi-Tao; Xu, Xiao-Ming

2016-08-01

K*-charmonium dissociation reactions in hadronic matter are studied in the Born approximation, in the quark-interchange mechanism, and with a temperature-dependent quark potential. We obtain the temperature dependence of the unpolarized cross sections for the reactions K^* J/ψ to bar DD_s^ + ,bar D^* D_s^ + ,bar DD_s^{* + } , and bar D^* D_s^{* + } ; K^* χ _c to bar DD_s^ + ,bar D^* D_s^ + ,bar DD_s^{* + } , and bar D^* D_s^{* + } . We use the cross sections for charmonium dissociation in collisions with pions, ρ mesons, kaons, vector kaons, and η mesons to calculate the dissociation rates of charmonium with five types of mesons. Because of the temperature dependence of the meson masses, dissociation cross sections, and meson distribution functions, the charmonium dissociation rates generally increase with increasing temperature and decrease with increasing charmonium momentum from 2.2 GeV/c. We find that the first derivative of the dissociation rate with respect to the charmonium momentum is zero when the charmonium is at rest. While the η + ψ' and the η + χ c dissociation reactions can be neglected, the J/ ψ, ψ', and χ c dissociations are caused by collisions with pions, ρ mesons, kaons, vector kaons, and η mesons.

Towards elimination of lymphatic filariasis: social mobilization issues and challenges in mass drug administration with anti-filarial drugs in Tamil Nadu, South India.

PubMed

Nandha, B; Krishnamoorthy, K; Jambulingam, P

2013-08-01

India is a signatory to World Health Assembly resolution for elimination of lymphatic filariasis (LF) and National Health Policy has set the goal of LF elimination by 2015. Annual mass drug administration (MDA) is ongoing in endemic districts since 1996-97. Compliance rate is a crucial factor in achieving elimination and was assessed in three districts of Tamil Nadu for 10th and 11th treatment rounds (TRs). An in-depth study assessed the impact of social mobilization by drug distributors (DDs) in two areas from each of the three districts. Overall coverage and compliance for assessed TRs were 76.3 and 67.7% which is below the optimum level to achieve LF elimination. Modifiable determinants continue to be the reason for non-consumption even in the 11th TR and 20.8% were systematic non-compliers. In 76.4% of the cases, DDs failed to adhere to three mandatory visits as per the guidelines. Number of visits by DDs in relation to low and high MDA coverage areas showed a significant relationship (P ≤ 0.000). MDA is limited to drug distribution alone and efforts by DDs in preparing the community were inadequate. Probable means to meet the challenges in preparation of the community is discussed.

Differential effects of speech situations on mothers' and fathers' infant-directed and dog-directed speech: An acoustic analysis.

PubMed

Gergely, Anna; Faragó, Tamás; Galambos, Ágoston; Topál, József

2017-10-23

There is growing evidence that dog-directed and infant-directed speech have similar acoustic characteristics, like high overall pitch, wide pitch range, and attention-getting devices. However, it is still unclear whether dog- and infant-directed speech have gender or context-dependent acoustic features. In the present study, we collected comparable infant-, dog-, and adult directed speech samples (IDS, DDS, and ADS) in four different speech situations (Storytelling, Task solving, Teaching, and Fixed sentences situations); we obtained the samples from parents whose infants were younger than 30 months of age and also had pet dog at home. We found that ADS was different from IDS and DDS, independently of the speakers' gender and the given situation. Higher overall pitch in DDS than in IDS during free situations was also found. Our results show that both parents hyperarticulate their vowels when talking to children but not when addressing dogs: this result is consistent with the goal of hyperspeech in language tutoring. Mothers, however, exaggerate their vowels for their infants under 18 months more than fathers do. Our findings suggest that IDS and DDS have context-dependent features and support the notion that people adapt their prosodic features to the acoustic preferences and emotional needs of their audience.

Predictors of Poor School Readiness in Children Without Developmental Delay at Age 2

PubMed Central

Dudovitz, Rebecca N.; Coker, Tumaini R.; Barnert, Elizabeth S.; Biely, Christopher; Li, Ning; Szilagyi, Peter G.; Larson, Kandyce; Halfon, Neal; Zimmerman, Frederick J.; Chung, Paul J.

2016-01-01

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Current recommendations emphasize developmental screening and surveillance to identify developmental delays (DDs) for referral to early intervention (EI) services. Many young children without DDs, however, are at high risk for poor developmental and behavioral outcomes by school entry but are ineligible for EI. We developed models for 2-year-olds without DD that predict, at kindergarten entry, poor academic performance and high problem behaviors. METHODS: Data from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Birth Cohort (ECLS-B), were used for this study. The analytic sample excluded children likely eligible for EI because of DDs or very low birth weight. Dependent variables included low academic scores and high problem behaviors at the kindergarten wave. Regression models were developed by using candidate predictors feasibly obtainable during typical 2-year well-child visits. Models were cross-validated internally on randomly selected subsamples. RESULTS: Approximately 24% of all 2-year-old children were ineligible for EI at 2 years of age but still had poor academic or behavioral outcomes at school entry. Prediction models each contain 9 variables, almost entirely parental, social, or economic. Four variables were associated with both academic and behavioral risk: parental education below bachelor’s degree, little/no shared reading at home, food insecurity, and fair/poor parental health. Areas under the receiver-operating characteristic curve were 0.76 for academic risk and 0.71 for behavioral risk. Adding the mental scale score from the Bayley Short Form–Research Edition did not improve areas under the receiver-operating characteristic curve for either model. CONCLUSIONS: Among children ineligible for EI services, a small set of clinically available variables at age 2 years predicted academic and behavioral outcomes at school entry. PMID:27432845

Drug development in Parkinson's disease: from emerging molecules to innovative drug delivery systems.

PubMed

Garbayo, E; Ansorena, E; Blanco-Prieto, M J

2013-11-01

Current treatments for Parkinson's disease (PD) are aimed at addressing motor symptoms but there is no therapy focused on modifying the course of the disease. Successful treatment strategies have been so far limited and brain drug delivery remains a major challenge that restricts its treatment. This review provides an overview of the most promising emerging agents in the field of PD drug discovery, discussing improvements that have been made in brain drug delivery for PD. It will be shown that new approaches able to extend the length of the treatment, to release the drug in a continuous manner or to cross the blood-brain barrier and target a specific region are still needed. Overall, the results reviewed here show that there is an urgent need to develop both symptomatic and disease-modifying treatments, giving priority to neuroprotective treatments. Promising perspectives are being provided in this field by rasagiline and by neurotrophic factors like glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor. The identification of disease-relevant genes has also encouraged the search for disease-modifying therapies that function by identifying molecularly targeted drugs. The advent of new molecular and cellular targets like α-synuclein, leucine-rich repeat serine/threonine protein kinase 2 or parkin, among others, will require innovative delivery therapies. In this regard, drug delivery systems (DDS) have shown great potential for improving the efficacy of conventional and new PD therapy and reducing its side effects. The new DDS discussed here, which include microparticles, nanoparticles and hydrogels among others, will probably open up possibilities that extend beyond symptomatic relief. However, further work needs to be done before DDS become a therapeutic option for PD patients. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Student Drug Use, Attitudes, and Beliefs in the Department of Defense Dependent Schools Class of 1982. Monitoring the Future. Occasional Paper Series, Paper 15.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Johnston, Lloyd D.; And Others

This paper compared findings from a drug use and related attitudes survey with those from the Monitoring the Future study. The comparison group consisted of high school seniors who attended the Department of Defense Dependents Schools (DoDDS) in 1982. The current prevalence of drug use among high school seniors in DoDDS and comparisons of drug use…

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Biomaterial Removal from Dental Implant Drills

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-06-13

effectiveness o f biomateria l removal from dental implant dri l Is Is appropriately acknowledged and beyond brief excerpts. is with the perm issio n...certifies that the use of any copyrighted material in the thesis manuscript entitled: Evaluating the effectiveness of biomaterial removal from dental ...effectiveness of biomaterial removal from dental implant drills STEPHANIE M. PRICE, DDS B.M.E. University of Delaware, Newark, DE 1995 D.D.S. University

Applying Various Comprehension Strategies. Learning Package No. 8.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Simic, Marge; Smith, Carl, Comp.

Originally developed for the Department of Defense Schools (DoDDS) system, this learning package on applying various comprehension strategies is designed for teachers who wish to upgrade or expand their teaching skills on their own. The package includes a comprehensive search of the ERIC database; a lecture giving an overview on the topic; the…

Cultural Literacy. Learning Package No. 44.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hong, Zhang, Comp.; Smith, Carl, Ed.

Originally developed as part of a project for the Department of Defense Schools (DoDDS) system, this learning package on cultural literacy is designed for teachers who wish to upgrade or expand their teaching skills on their own. The package includes an overview of the project; a comprehensive search of the ERIC database; a lecture giving an…

Journal Writing. Learning Package No. 34.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Simic, Marge, Comp.; Smith, Carl, Ed.

Originally developed as part of a project for the Department of Defense Schools (DoDDS) system, this learning package on journal writing is designed for teachers who wish to upgrade or expand their teaching skills on their own. The package includes an overview of the project; a comprehensive search of the ERIC database; a lecture giving an…

Relationship between the non-motor items of the MDS-UPDRS and Quality of Life in patients with Parkinson's disease.

PubMed

Skorvanek, Matej; Rosenberger, Jaroslav; Minar, Michal; Grofik, Milan; Han, Vladimir; Groothoff, Johan W; Valkovic, Peter; Gdovinova, Zuzana; van Dijk, Jitse P

2015-01-01

The Movement Disorder Society-Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS) is a newly developed comprehensive tool to assess Parkinson's disease (PD), which covers a wider range of non-motor PD manifestations than the original UPDRS scale. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between the MDS-UPDRS and Quality of Life (QoL) and to analyze the relationship between individual MDS-UPDRS non-motor items and QoL. A total of 291 PD patients were examined in a multicenter Slovak study. Patients were assessed by the MDS-UPDRS, HY scale and PDQ39. Data were analyzed using the multiple regression analyses. The mean participant age was 68.0 ± 9.0 years, 53.5% were men, mean disease duration was 8.3 ± 5.3 years and mean HY was 2.7 ± 1.0. In a multiple regression analysis model the PDQ39 summary index was related to MDS-UPDRS parts II, I and IV respectively, but not to part III. Individual MDS-UPDRS non-motor items related to the PDQ39 summary index in the summary group and in the non-fluctuating patients subgroup were pain, fatigue and features of dopamine dysregulation syndrome (DDS). In the fluctuating PD patient subgroup, PDQ39 was related to pain and Depressed mood items. Other MDS-UPDRS non-motor items e.g. Anxious mood, Apathy, Cognitive impairment, Hallucinations and psychosis, Sleep problems, Daytime sleepiness and Urinary problems were related to some PDQ39 domains. The overall burden of NMS in PD is more important in terms of QoL than motor symptoms. Individual MDS-UPDRS non-motor items related to worse QoL are especially pain and other sensations, fatigue and features of DDS. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

OPTIMIZATION OF EXPERIMENTAL DESIGNS BY INCORPORATING NIF FACILITY IMPACTS

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

Eder, D C; Whitman, P K; Koniges, A E

2005-08-31

For experimental campaigns on the National Ignition Facility (NIF) to be successful, they must obtain useful data without causing unacceptable impact on the facility. Of particular concern is excessive damage to optics and diagnostic components. There are 192 fused silica main debris shields (MDS) exposed to the potentially hostile target chamber environment on each shot. Damage in these optics results either from the interaction of laser light with contamination and pre-existing imperfections on the optic surface or from the impact of shrapnel fragments. Mitigation of this second damage source is possible by identifying shrapnel sources and shielding optics from them.more » It was recently demonstrated that the addition of 1.1-mm thick borosilicate disposable debris shields (DDS) block the majority of debris and shrapnel fragments from reaching the relatively expensive MDS's. However, DDS's cannot stop large, faster moving fragments. We have experimentally demonstrated one shrapnel mitigation technique showing that it is possible to direct fast moving fragments by changing the source orientation, in this case a Ta pinhole array. Another mitigation method is to change the source material to one that produces smaller fragments. Simulations and validating experiments are necessary to determine which fragments can penetrate or break 1-3 mm thick DDS's. Three-dimensional modeling of complex target-diagnostic configurations is necessary to predict the size, velocity, and spatial distribution of shrapnel fragments. The tools we are developing will be used to set the allowed level of debris and shrapnel generation for all NIF experimental campaigns.« less

Scanning Electron Microscopic Evaluation of Root Canal Irrigation with Saline, Sodium Hypochlorite, and Citric Acid,

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-12-01

with six different irrigation regimens. Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) was significantly more effective than citric acid in "* removing superficial...EVALUATION OF ROOT CANAL IRRIGATION WITH SALINE, SODIUM HYPOCHLORITE , AND CITRIC ACID 4 *J. Craig Baumgartner, D.D.S., M.S. • **Carolyn M. Brown, D.D.S., M.S...preparation with six different irrigation regimens. Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) was significantly more effective than citric acid in removing superficial

Using School-Level Student Achievement to Engage in Formative Evaluation: Comparative School-Level Rates of Oral Reading Fluency Growth Conditioned by Initial Skill for Second Grade Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cummings, Kelli D.; Stoolmiller, Michael L.; Baker, Scott K.; Fien, Hank; Kame'enui, Edward J.

2015-01-01

We present a method for data-based decision making at the school level using student achievement data. We demonstrate the potential of a national assessment database [i.e., the University of Oregon DIBELS Data System (DDS)] to provide comparative levels of school-level data on average student achievement gains. Through the DDS as a data source,…

Molecular insight into the enhancement of benzene-carbon nanotube interactions by surface modification for drug delivery systems (DDS)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Jianghao; Liu, Xiaoshan; Zhu, Zhu; Wang, Ning; Sun, Wenjing; Chen, Congmei; He, Zhiwei

2017-09-01

Anthracyclines are effective anticancer drugs but have drawbacks including systemic toxicity and drug resistance. Delivering them directly to the tumor may improve therapeutic efficacy and reduce adverse effects. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) can act as excellent drug delivery systems (DDS), but pristine CNTs have inert surfaces, which contributes poor drug loading capacity and limits dispersion. In this study, we designed a series of functionalized CNTs (f-CNTs) with anchored hydrophilic groups (OH, COOH, and NH2) by substitutional doping of the CNT lattice (DNT) using N or B atoms or the combination of both. The aromatic compound benzene (Ben) was selected as a model for anthracycline drugs. The effect of CNT curvature, chemical groups (CGs), and doping on the Ben-CNTs interactions was studied using quantum chemistry calculations. Our results show that π-π interactions between Ben and CNTs are influenced by CNT curvature. When the CNTs were functionalized only with CGs and not doped, the system was unstable, resulting in weak Ben-CNT interactions. However, anchoring CGs on DNTs greatly enhanced the Ben-CNT interactions. CNTs with good affinity for drug molecules, improved solubility, and lower tendency to aggregate have potential as DDS for enhancing the efficacy of medicines. We believe that these studies have general applicability and anticipate that our findings will motivate additional theoretical and experimental studies on the biology and chemistry of CNTs as DDS.

Does Use of an Electronic Health Record with Dental Diagnostic System Terminology Promote Dental Students’ Critical Thinking?

PubMed Central

Reed, Susan G.; Adibi, Shawn S.; Coover, Mullen; Gellin, Robert G.; Wahlquist, Amy E.; AbdulRahiman, Anitha; Hamil, Lindsey H.; Walji, Muhammad F.; O’Neill, Paula; Kalenderian, Elsbeth

2015-01-01

The Consortium for Oral Health Research and Informatics (COHRI) is leading the way in use of the Dental Diagnostic System (DDS) terminology in the axiUm electronic health record (EHR). This collaborative pilot study had two aims: 1) to investigate whether use of the DDS terms positively impacted predoctoral dental students’ critical thinking skills measured by the Health Sciences Reasoning Test (HSRT), and 2) to refine study protocols. The study design was a natural experiment with cross-sectional data collection using the HSRT for 15 classes (2013–17) of students at three dental schools. Characteristics of students who had been exposed to the DDS terms were compared with students who had not, and the differences were tested by t-tests or chi-square tests. Generalized linear models were used to evaluate the relationship between exposure and outcome on the overall critical thinking score. The results showed that exposure was significantly related to overall score (p=0.01), with not-exposed students having lower mean overall scores. This study thus demonstrated a positive impact of using the DDS terminology in an EHR on the critical thinking skills of predoctoral dental students in three COHRI schools as measured by their overall score on the HSRT. These preliminary findings support future research to further evaluate a proposed model of critical thinking in clinical dentistry. PMID:26034034

Does use of an electronic health record with dental diagnostic system terminology promote dental students' critical thinking?

PubMed

Reed, Susan G; Adibi, Shawn S; Coover, Mullen; Gellin, Robert G; Wahlquist, Amy E; AbdulRahiman, Anitha; Hamil, Lindsey H; Walji, Muhammad F; O'Neill, Paula; Kalenderian, Elsbeth

2015-06-01

The Consortium for Oral Health Research and Informatics (COHRI) is leading the way in use of the Dental Diagnostic System (DDS) terminology in the axiUm electronic health record (EHR). This collaborative pilot study had two aims: 1) to investigate whether use of the DDS terms positively impacted predoctoral dental students' critical thinking skills measured by the Health Sciences Reasoning Test (HSRT), and 2) to refine study protocols. The study design was a natural experiment with cross-sectional data collection using the HSRT for 15 classes (2013-17) of students at three dental schools. Characteristics of students who had been exposed to the DDS terms were compared with students who had not, and the differences were tested by t-tests or chi-square tests. Generalized linear models were used to evaluate the relationship between exposure and outcome on the overall critical thinking score. The results showed that exposure was significantly related to overall score (p=0.01), with not-exposed students having lower mean overall scores. This study thus demonstrated a positive impact of using the DDS terminology in an EHR on the critical thinking skills of predoctoral dental students in three COHRI schools as measured by their overall score on the HSRT. These preliminary findings support future research to further evaluate a proposed model of critical thinking in clinical dentistry.

Probing the surface profile and friction behavior of heterogeneous polymers: a molecular dynamics study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dai, L.; Sorkin, V.; Zhang, Y. W.

2017-04-01

We perform molecular dynamics simulations to investigate molecular structure alternation and friction behavior of heterogeneous polymer (perfluoropolyether) surfaces using a nanoscale probing tip (tetrahedral amorphous carbon). It is found that depending on the magnitude of the applied normal force, three regimes exist: the shallow depth-sensing (SDS), deep depth-sensing (DDS), and transitional depth-sensing (TDS) regimes; TDS is between SDS and DDS. In SDS, the tip is floating on the polymer surface and there is insignificant permanent alternation in the polymer structure due to largely recoverable atomic deformations, and the surface roughness profile can be accurately measured. In DDS, the tip is plowing through the polymer surface and there is significant permanent alternation in the molecular structure. In this regime, the lateral friction force rises sharply and fluctuates violently when overcoming surface pile-ups. In SDS, the friction can be described by a modified Amonton’s law including the adhesion effect; meanwhile, in DDS, the adhesion effect is negligible but the friction coefficient is significantly higher. The underlying reason for the difference in these regimes rests upon different contributions by the repulsion and attraction forces between the tip and polymer surfaces to the friction force. Our findings here reveal important insights into lateral depth-sensing on heterogeneous polymer surfaces and may help improve the precision of depth-sensing devices.

Development and application of a real-time testbed for multiagent system interoperability: A case study on hierarchical microgrid control

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

Cintuglu, Mehmet Hazar; Youssef, Tarek; Mohammed, Osama A.

This article presents the development and application of a real-time testbed for multiagent system interoperability. As utility independent private microgrids are installed constantly, standardized interoperability frameworks are required to define behavioral models of the individual agents for expandability and plug-and-play operation. In this paper, we propose a comprehensive hybrid agent framework combining the foundation for intelligent physical agents (FIPA), IEC 61850, and data distribution service (DDS) standards. The IEC 61850 logical node concept is extended using FIPA based agent communication language (ACL) with application specific attributes and deliberative behavior modeling capability. The DDS middleware is adopted to enable a real-timemore » publisher-subscriber interoperability mechanism between platforms. The proposed multi-agent framework was validated in a laboratory based testbed involving developed intelligent electronic device (IED) prototypes and actual microgrid setups. Experimental results were demonstrated for both decentralized and distributed control approaches. Secondary and tertiary control levels of a microgrid were demonstrated for decentralized hierarchical control case study. A consensus-based economic dispatch case study was demonstrated as a distributed control example. Finally, it was shown that the developed agent platform is industrially applicable for actual smart grid field deployment.« less

Development and application of a real-time testbed for multiagent system interoperability: A case study on hierarchical microgrid control

DOE PAGES

Cintuglu, Mehmet Hazar; Youssef, Tarek; Mohammed, Osama A.

2016-08-10

This article presents the development and application of a real-time testbed for multiagent system interoperability. As utility independent private microgrids are installed constantly, standardized interoperability frameworks are required to define behavioral models of the individual agents for expandability and plug-and-play operation. In this paper, we propose a comprehensive hybrid agent framework combining the foundation for intelligent physical agents (FIPA), IEC 61850, and data distribution service (DDS) standards. The IEC 61850 logical node concept is extended using FIPA based agent communication language (ACL) with application specific attributes and deliberative behavior modeling capability. The DDS middleware is adopted to enable a real-timemore » publisher-subscriber interoperability mechanism between platforms. The proposed multi-agent framework was validated in a laboratory based testbed involving developed intelligent electronic device (IED) prototypes and actual microgrid setups. Experimental results were demonstrated for both decentralized and distributed control approaches. Secondary and tertiary control levels of a microgrid were demonstrated for decentralized hierarchical control case study. A consensus-based economic dispatch case study was demonstrated as a distributed control example. Finally, it was shown that the developed agent platform is industrially applicable for actual smart grid field deployment.« less

[Study on the preparation and properties of novel silica microporous antireflective coating by sol-gel process].

PubMed

Shang, Meng-Ying; Cao, Lin-Hong; Liu, Miao; Luo, Xuan; Ren, Hong-Bo; Ye, Xin; Tang, Yong-Jian; Jiang, Xiao-Dong

2013-04-01

Silica sol was prepared by acid catalyzed sol-gel process using tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) as precursor and dimethyldietoxysilane (DDS) as pore-forming agent. A novel kind of monolayer microporous silica anti-reflective (AR) coating was obtained on K9 glass substrate by dip-coating technique and then heat treated at 500 degrees C. The effects of different DDS/TEOS molar ratios on refractive index, transmittance and hardness were investigated. A positive correlation was found between the transmittance and the DDS/TEOS molar ratio due to the increasing porosity. The maximum transmittance can reach 99.7% with the molar ratio of DDS/TEOS rising to 1 : 1. Meanwhile, the refractive index was found quite close to the ideal value 1.22. Nevertheless, higher molar ratio will lead to a bad film-forming property. On the other hand, the hardness of the coatings decreased with the DDS increasing but still remained more than 2 h when the transmittance reached highest. Besides, these coatings exhibit a well abrasion-resistance and excellent adhesivity. The maximum transmittance was only dropped by 0.071% and 0.112% after abrasion for 500 and 1 000 times respectively. Accelerated corrosion tests indicated that the transmittance of traditional coatings rapidly fell down to the substrate level (-92%) after immersion for 5 min, while the transmittance of our novel coating almost linearly decreased and was kept 93.2% after 56 min. In other words, the environment-resistance of our novel silica AR coating is ten times higher than that of traditional ones. The promotions of the coating performances benefit from its micropore structure (-0. 4 nm) with which water molecule can be effectively prevented. With its high transmittance, good mechanical properties and high environment-resistance, this kind of novel coating has a potential application in the field of solar glass modification to improve its anti-reflective properties.

Patient-Reported Wearing Experience From Hydrogel Daily Disposable Wearers Older Than 40 Years From the TEMPO Registry.

PubMed

Hickson-Curran, Sheila B; Chalmers, Robin L; Keay, Lisa; Gleason, William

2017-09-01

To describe the patient-reported wearing experience over time among wearers of hydrogel daily disposable (HydDD) contact lenses (CLs) in the TruEye and Moist Performance Overview (TEMPO) Registry (NCT01467557). Registered wearers older than 40 years who were recently fit with 1-DAY ACUVUE MOIST HydDDs completed self-administered questionnaires four times during a year-long Registry. Overall opinion of CLs, replacement schedules, Contact Lens Dry Eye Questionnaire (CLDEQ-8), and compliance were queried. Data were analyzed with analysis of variance and signed rank tests. A total of 86 subjects (24% men, age 50.2±7.1 years) completed the Registry. Approximately 76% were new to daily disposable lenses, and 8% were neophytes. Overall opinion of CLs improved significantly after refitting with HydDDs (baseline 57% excellent/very good vs. 69%-79% at follow-ups, P<0.05 all vs. baseline). Changing to HydDDs maintained average and comfortable wear time (P>0.05), and it did significantly improve CLDEQ-8 scores at all follow-ups (baseline, 11.2±7.3 vs. 2 weeks, 7.8±5.8, P<0.0001; 4 months, 8.6±6.5, P=0.0006; 12 months, 9.3±6.5, P=0.01). Self-assessment of compliance was excellent/very good for 80% at baseline, and improved to 92% to 98% at follow-ups (P<0.0001). More than 90% never slept in their HydDDs, although compliance to daily replacement diminished from 2-week to 4-month surveys (93% vs. 84%, P=0.007). After refitting with HydDDs, older wearers reported significantly higher overall opinions of their lenses, better CLDEQ-8 symptom scores, and most were compliant with proper daily disposable lens use. Diminishing daily replacement rates from 2 weeks to 4 months indicate a need to reinforce that recommendation. Wearers of HydDD CLs older than 40 years experienced many benefits from refitting with these daily disposable lenses.

Grouping Students and Pacing Instruction. Learning Package No. 15.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nelson, Carol; Smith, Carl, Comp.

Originally developed for the Department of Defense Schools (DoDDS) system, this learning package on grouping students and pacing instruction is designed for teachers who wish to upgrade or expand their teaching skills on their own. The package includes a comprehensive search of the ERIC database; a lecture giving an overview on the topic; the full…

Language Diversity and Reading Instruction. Learning Package No. 21.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nelson, Carol; Smith, Carl, Comp.

Originally developed for the Department of Defense Schools (DoDDS) system, this learning package on language diversity and reading instruction is designed for teachers who wish to upgrade or expand their teaching skills on their own. The package includes a comprehensive search of the ERIC database; a lecture giving an overview on the topic; the…

Observation and Feedback. Learning Package No. 12.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Aiex, Nola Kortner; Smith, Carl, Comp.

Originally developed for the Department of Defense Schools (DoDDS) system, this learning package on observation and feedback is designed for teachers who wish to upgrade or expand their teaching skills on their own. The package includes a comprehensive search of the ERIC database; a lecture giving an overview on the topic; the full text of several…

Extending the Basal. Learning Package No. 13.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Collins, Norma; Smith, Carl, Comp.

Originally developed for the Department of Defense Schools (DoDDS) system, this learning package on extending the basal is designed for teachers who wish to upgrade or expand their teaching skills on their own. The package includes a comprehensive search of the ERIC database; a lecture giving an overview on the topic; the full text of several…

Using Skills and Strategies for Effective Learning. Learning Package No. 9.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hong, Zhang; Smith, Carl, Comp.

Originally developed for the Department of Defense Schools (DoDDS) system, this learning package on using skills and strategies for effective learning is designed for teachers who wish to upgrade or expand their teaching skills on their own. The package includes a comprehensive search of the ERIC database; a lecture giving an overview on the…

Writing Strategies for Gifted Children. Learning Package No. 45.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hyslop, Nancy; Smith, Carl, Comp.

Originally developed as part of a project for the Department of Defense Schools (DoDDS) system, this learning package on writing strategies for gifted children is designed for teachers who wish to upgrade or expand their teaching skills on their own. The package includes an overview of the project; a comprehensive search of the ERIC database; a…

Trends and Issues in Reading Education. Learning Package No. 11.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Smith, Carl, Comp.

Originally developed for the Department of Defense Schools (DoDDS) system, this learning package on trends and issues in reading education is designed for teachers who wish to upgrade or expand their teaching skills on their own. The package includes a comprehensive search of the ERIC database; a lecture giving an overview on the topic; the full…

The Changing Perspective in Reading Assessment. Learning Package No. 14.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Simic, Marge; Smith, Carl, Comp.

Originally developed for the Department of Defense Schools (DoDDS) system, this learning package on changing perspective in reading assessment is designed for teachers who wish to upgrade or expand their teaching skills on their own. The package includes a comprehensive search of the ERIC database; a lecture giving an overview on the topic; the…

Making Writing Public. Learning Package No. 35.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Simic, Marge, Comp.; Smith, Carl, Ed.

Originally developed as part of a project for the Department of Defense Schools (DoDDS) system, this learning package on making writing public is designed for teachers who wish to upgrade or expand their teaching skills on their own. The package includes an overview of the project; a comprehensive search of the ERIC database; a lecture giving an…

Promoting Language Growth across the Curriculum. Learning Package No. 18.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Collins, Norma; Smith, Carl, Comp.

Originally developed for the Department of Defense Schools (DoDDS) system, this learning package on language across the curriculum is designed for teachers who wish to upgrade or expand their teaching skills on their own. The package includes a comprehensive search of the ERIC database; a lecture giving an overview on the topic; the full text of…

Reading Programs for Gifted Readers. Learning Package No. 28.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Collins, Norma, Comp.; Smith, Carl, Ed.

Originally developed as part of a project for the Department of Defense Schools (DoDDS) system, this learning package on reading programs for gifted readers is designed for teachers who wish to upgrade or expand their teaching skills on their own. The package includes an overview of the project; a comprehensive search of the ERIC database; a…

Reader Response Theory and Related Instructional Strategies. Learning Package No. 24.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Collins, Norma; Smith, Carl, Comp.

Originally developed for the Department of Defense Schools (DoDDS) system, this learning package on reader response theory and related instructional strategies is designed for teachers who wish to upgrade or expand their teaching skills on their own. The package includes a comprehensive search of the ERIC database; a lecture giving an overview on…

Children and the Library. Learning Package No. 41.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Simic, Marge, Comp.; Smith, Carl, Ed.

Originally developed as part of a project for the Department of Defense Schools (DoDDS) system, this learning package on children and the library is designed for teachers who wish to upgrade or expand their teaching skills on their own. The package includes an overview of the project; a comprehensive search of the ERIC database; a lecture giving…

Integrating the Language Arts. Learning Package No. 48.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chao, Han-Hua, Comp.; Smith, Carl, Ed.

Originally developed as part of a project for the Department of Defense Schools (DoDDS) system, this learning package on integrating the language arts is designed for teachers who wish to upgrade or expand their teaching skills on their own. The package includes an overview of the project; a comprehensive search of the ERIC database; a lecture…

Spelling and the Writing Process. Learning Package No. 36.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Simic, Marge, Comp.; Smith, Carl, Ed.

Originally developed as part of a project for the Department of Defense Schools (DoDDS) system, this learning package on spelling and the writing process is designed for teachers who wish to upgrade or expand their teaching skills on their own. The package includes an overview of the project; a comprehensive search of the ERIC database; a lecture…

Strategic Thinking through Writing. Learning Package No. 37.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hong, Zhang, Comp.; Smith, Carl, Ed.

Originally developed as part of a project for the Department of Defense Schools (DoDDS) system, this learning package on strategic thinking through writing is designed for teachers who wish to upgrade or expand their teaching skills on their own. The package includes an overview of the project; a comprehensive search of the ERIC database; a…

Using Folk Literature. Learning Package No. 3.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Smith, Carl, Comp.

Originally developed for the Department of Defense Schools (DoDDS) system, this learning package on using folk literature is designed for teachers who wish to upgrade or expand their teaching skills on their own. The package includes a comprehensive search of the ERIC database; a lecture giving an overview on the topic; the full text of several…

Appreciation of Literature. Learning Package No. 49.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kelly, Dawn, Comp.; Smith, Carl, Ed.

Originally developed as part of a project for the Department of Defense Schools (DoDDS) system, this learning package on appreciating literature is designed for teachers who wish to upgrade or expand their teaching skills on their own. The package includes an overview of the project; a comprehensive search of the ERIC database; a lecture giving an…

Writing Apprehension and the Writing Process. Learning Package No. 32.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Collins, Norma, Comp.; Smith, Carl, Ed.

Originally developed as part of a project for the Department of Defense Schools (DoDDS) system, this learning package on writing apprehension and the writing process is designed for teachers who wish to upgrade or expand their teaching skills on their own. The package includes an overview of the project; a comprehensive search of the ERIC…

Involving Parents in the Reading Process. Learning Package No. 7.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Simic, Marge; Smith, Carl, Comp.

Originally developed for the Department of Defense Schools (DoDDS) system, this learning package on involving parents in the reading process is designed for teachers who wish to upgrade or expand their teaching skills on their own. The package includes a comprehensive search of the ERIC database; a lecture giving an overview on the topic; the full…

Collaborative and Cooperative Learning Techniques. Learning Package No. 6.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Compton, Joe; Smith, Carl, Comp.

Originally developed for the Department of Defense Schools (DoDDS) system, this learning package on collaborative and cooperative learning techniques is designed for teachers who wish to upgrade or expand their teaching skills on their own. The package includes a comprehensive search of the ERIC database; a lecture giving an overview on the topic;…

Motivating Low Performing Students. Learning Package No. 22.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Collins, Norma; Smith, Carl, Comp.

Originally developed for the Department of Defense Schools (DoDDS) system, this learning package on motivating low performing students is designed for teachers who wish to upgrade or expand their teaching skills on their own. The package includes a comprehensive search of the ERIC database; a lecture giving an overview on the topic; the full text…

Reading in the Content Areas. Learning Package No. 4.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Collins, Norma; Smith, Carl, Comp.

Originally developed for the Department of Defense Schools (DoDDS) system, this learning package on reading in the content areas is designed for teachers who wish to upgrade or expand their teaching skills on their own. The package includes a comprehensive search of the ERIC database; a lecture giving an overview on the topic; the full text of…

Television Viewing and Reading. Learning Package No. 23.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Compton, Joe; Smith, Carl, Comp.

Originally developed for the Department of Defense Schools (DoDDS) system, this learning package on television viewing and reading is designed for teachers who wish to upgrade or expand their teaching skills on their own. The package includes a comprehensive search of the ERIC database; a lecture giving an overview on the topic; the full text of…

Assessing Performance through Informal Techniques. Learning Package No. 10.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nelson, Carol; Smith, Carl, Comp.

Originally developed for the Department of Defense Schools (DoDDS) system, this learning package on assessing performance through informal techniques is designed for teachers who wish to upgrade or expand their teaching skills on their own. The package includes a comprehensive search of the ERIC database; a lecture giving an overview on the topic;…

Writing across the Curriculum. Learning Package No. 50.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kelly, Dawn, Comp.; Smith, Carl, Ed.

Originally developed as part of a project for the Department of Defense Schools (DoDDS) system, this learning package on writing across the curriculum is designed for teachers who wish to upgrade or expand their teaching skills on their own. The package includes an overview of the project; a comprehensive search of the ERIC database; a lecture…

Ways To Evaluate Writing. Learning Package No. 47.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hyslop, Nancy, Comp.; Smith, Carl, Ed.

Originally developed as part of a project for the Department of Defense Schools (DoDDS) system, this learning package on ways to evaluate writing is designed for teachers who wish to upgrade or expand their teaching skills on their own. The package includes an overview of the project; a comprehensive search of the ERIC database; a lecture giving…

Computers and Writing. Learning Package No. 33.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Simic, Marge, Comp.; Smith, Carl, Ed.

Originally developed as part of a project for the Department of Defense Schools (DoDDS) system, this learning package on computers and writing is designed for teachers who wish to upgrade or expand their teaching skills on their own. The package includes an overview of the project; a comprehensive search of the ERIC database; a lecture giving an…

The Relationship between Reading and Writing. Learning Package No. 40.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Collins, Norma, Comp.; Smith, Carl, Ed.

Originally developed as part of a project for the Department of Defense Schools (DoDDS) system, this learning package on the relationship between reading and writing is designed for teachers who wish to upgrade or expand their teaching skills on their own. The package includes an overview of the project; a comprehensive search of the ERIC…

Expanding Thematic Units beyond the Textbook. Learning Package No. 2.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chao, Han-Hua; Smith, Carl, Comp.

Originally developed for the Department of Defense Schools (DoDDS) system, this learning package on expanding thematic units beyond the textbook is designed for teachers who wish to upgrade or expand their teaching skills on their own. The package includes a comprehensive search of the ERIC database; a lecture giving an overview on the topic; the…

Writing as Exploration. Learning Package No. 31.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Collins, Norma, Comp.; Smith, Carl, Ed.

Originally developed as part of a project for the Department of Defense Schools (DoDDS) system, this learning package on expressive writing is designed for teachers who wish to upgrade or expand their teaching skills on their own. The package includes an overview of the project; a comprehensive search of the ERIC database; a lecture giving an…

Modulation of Beta-Catenin Activity with PKD1 in Prostate Cancer

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-04-01

nanoparticles . 8th International Nanomedicine and drug delivery systems -Omaha NanoDDS10, Oct 3-5, Omaha, NE 8. Yallapu MM, Othman SF., Curtis ET...Nanomedicine and drug delivery systems -Omaha NanoDDS10, Oct 3-5, Hilton Omaha, Omaha, NE 9. Chauhan SC., Ebeling MC., Maher DM., Koch MRD., Friez MH. 4...increasing PKD1 activity in the cell by use of a drug called Bryostatin1, which has already been used in clinical trials in various types of cancers . During

A Tutorial on Interfacing the Object Management Group (OMG) Data Distribution Service (DDS) with LabView

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, Kevin

2011-01-01

This tutorial will explain the concepts and steps for interfacing a National Instruments LabView virtual instrument (VI) running on a Windows platform with another computer via the Object Management Group (OMG) Data Distribution Service (DDS) as implemented by the Twin Oaks Computing CoreDX. This paper is for educational purposes only and therefore, the referenced source code will be simplistic and void of all error checking. Implementation will be accomplished using the C programming language.

Techniques for Microwave Near-Field Quantum Control of Trapped Ions

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-01-31

counts. Each DDS (Analog Devices AD9858) can generate signals at frequencies to 400 MHz with a frequency resolution of 0.233 Hz and phase resolution...fast, two- channel DAC is used to generate arbitrary waveforms with a 50-MHz update rate, a voltage range from −10 V to 10 V, and a resolution of 0.305...mV. This DAC is programed via USB and triggered by the data acquisition FPGA . We use three DDS modules as sources for three frequency octupling

Psychological Distress and Drawing Tests among Women with Breast Cancer.

PubMed

Kim, Jiyeon; Youn, Soyoung; Choi, Byeongil; Jung, Kyung Hae; Ahn, Seung Do; Hwang, Sook Yeon; Chung, Seockhoon; Lee, Jaedam

2018-04-23

The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of the Diagnostic Drawing Series (DDS) as a screening tool for the breast cancer patients with psychological distress. All of 64 patients with breast cancer participated in this study. Patients' depressive and anxiety symptoms were assessed using Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) when the DDS was applied to the partipicants. Depressed patients used more enclosure in the Feeling drawings ( P = 0.002) and tilt in Free drawings ( P = 0.048). Patients with anxiety drew a picture over 67% of the paper ( P = 0.015) in Tree drawing and more medium pressure ( P = 0.049) in Feeling drawings. Thirty four subjects (77.3%) of unstable emotion group used over 67% of the space ( P = 0.002). More Landscapes were observed in the Feeling drawings of unstable patients ( P = 0.042). These results suggested that DDS could be used as a supplemental screening tool for psychological distress in breast cancer patients.

Predicting academic performance and clinical competency for international dental students: seeking the most efficient and effective measures.

PubMed

Stacey, D Graham; Whittaker, John M

2005-02-01

Measures used in the selection of international dental students to a U.S. D.D.S. program were examined to identify the grouping that most effectively and efficiently predicted academic performance and clinical competency. Archival records from the International Dental Program (IDP) at Loma Linda University provided data on 171 students who had trained in countries outside the United States. The students sought admission to the D.D.S. degree program, successful completion of which qualified them to sit for U.S. licensure. As with most dental schools, competition is high for admission to the D.D.S. program. The study's goal was to identify what measures contributed to a fair and accurate selection process for dental school applicants from other nations. Multiple regression analyses identified National Board Part II and dexterity measures as significant predictors of academic performance and clinical competency. National Board Part I, TOEFL, and faculty interviews added no significant additional help in predicting eventual academic performance and clinical competency.

Digital map data, text, and graphical images in support of the 1995 National assessment of United States oil and gas resources

USGS Publications Warehouse

Beeman, William R.; Obuch, Raymond C.; Brewton, James D.

1996-01-01

This CD-ROM contains files in support of the 1995 USGS National assessment of United States oil and gas resources (DDS-30), which was published separately and summarizes the results of a 3-year study of the oil and gas resources of the onshore and state waters of the United States. The study describes about 560 oil and gas plays in the United States--confirmed and hypothetical, conventional and unconventional. A parallel study of the Federal offshore is being conducted by the U.S. Minerals Management Service. This CD-ROM contains files in multiple formats, so that almost any computer user can import them into word processors and mapping software packages. No proprietary data are released on this CD-ROM. The complete text of DDS-30 is also available, as well as many figures. A companion CD-ROM (DDS-36) includes the tabular data, the programs, and the same text data, but none of the map data.

Psychological Distress and Drawing Tests among Women with Breast Cancer

PubMed Central

2018-01-01

Background The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of the Diagnostic Drawing Series (DDS) as a screening tool for the breast cancer patients with psychological distress. Methods All of 64 patients with breast cancer participated in this study. Patients' depressive and anxiety symptoms were assessed using Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) when the DDS was applied to the partipicants. Results Depressed patients used more enclosure in the Feeling drawings (P = 0.002) and tilt in Free drawings (P = 0.048). Patients with anxiety drew a picture over 67% of the paper (P = 0.015) in Tree drawing and more medium pressure (P = 0.049) in Feeling drawings. Thirty four subjects (77.3%) of unstable emotion group used over 67% of the space (P = 0.002). More Landscapes were observed in the Feeling drawings of unstable patients (P = 0.042). Conclusion These results suggested that DDS could be used as a supplemental screening tool for psychological distress in breast cancer patients. PMID:29686600

Rational service planning in pediatric primary care: continuity and change in psychopathology among children enrolled in pediatric practices.

PubMed

Lavigne, J V; Gibbons, R D; Arend, R; Rosenbaum, D; Binns, H J; Christoffel, K K

1999-10-01

To examine the stability of the occurrence of psychiatric disorders in a nonpsychiatric sample of young children. There were 510 children ages 2-5 years enrolled through pediatric practices, with 391 children participating in the second wave, and 344 in the third wave of data collection 42-48 months later. The assessment battery administered at each wave yielded best-estimate consensus DSM-III-R diagnoses and dimensional assessments of psychopathology. The prevalence of disruptive disorders (DDs) decreased, while emotional disorders (EDs), other disorders, and comorbid DD increased. The DDs were associated with lower family cohesion, more maternal negative affect, stressful life events, and male gender. Comorbid DDs were associated with increasing age and family cohesion. Older children, lower family cohesion, and maternal negative affect were associated with EDs. Time trends for the dimensional assessment of psychopathology was similar to DSM-III-R disorders, but correlates differed. We discuss implications for service planning in pediatric primary care.

Development of a macrophage-targeting and phagocytosis-inducing bio-nanocapsule-based nanocarrier for drug delivery.

PubMed

Li, Hao; Tatematsu, Kenji; Somiya, Masaharu; Iijima, Masumi; Kuroda, Shun'ichi

2018-06-01

Macrophage hyperfunction or dysfunction is tightly associated with various diseases, such as osteoporosis, inflammatory disorder, and cancers. However, nearly all conventional drug delivery system (DDS) nanocarriers utilize endocytosis for entering target cells; thus, the development of macrophage-targeting and phagocytosis-inducing DDS nanocarriers for treating these diseases is required. In this study, we developed a hepatitis B virus (HBV) envelope L particle (i.e., bio-nanocapsule (BNC)) outwardly displaying a tandem form of protein G-derived IgG Fc-binding domain and protein L-derived IgG Fab-binding domain (GL-BNC). When conjugated with the macrophage-targeting ligand, mouse IgG2a (mIgG2a), the GL-BNC itself, and the liposome-fused GL-BNC (i.e., GL-virosome) spontaneously initiated aggregation by bridging between the Fc-binding domain and Fab-binding domain with mIgG2a. The aggregates were efficiently taken up by macrophages, whereas this was inhibited by latrunculin B, a phagocytosis-specific inhibitor. The mIgG2a-GL-virosome containing doxorubicin exhibited higher cytotoxicity toward macrophages than conventional liposomes and other BNC-based virosomes. Thus, GL-BNCs and GL-virosomes may constitute promising macrophage-targeting and phagocytosis-inducing DDS nanocarriers. We have developed a novel macrophage-targeting and phagocytosis-inducing bio-nanocapsule (BNC)-based nanocarrier named GL-BNC, which comprises a hepatitis B virus envelope L particle outwardly displaying protein G-derived IgG Fc- and protein L-derived IgG Fab-binding domains in tandem. The GL-BNC alone or liposome-fused form (GL-virosomes) could spontaneously aggregate when conjugated with macrophage-targeting IgGs, inducing phagocytosis by the interaction between IgG Fc of aggregates and FcγR on phagocytes. Thereby these aggregates were efficiently taken up by macrophages. GL-virosomes containing doxorubicin exhibited higher cytotoxicity towards macrophages than ZZ-virosomes and liposomes. Our results suggested that GL-BNCs and GL-virosomes would serve as promising drug delivery system nanocarriers for targeting delivery to macrophages. Copyright © 2018 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Dietary diversity no longer offsets the mortality risk of hyperhomocysteinaemia in older adults with diabetes: a prospective cohort study.

PubMed

Wahlqvist, Mark L; Xiu, Lili; Lee, Meei-Shyuan; Chen, Rosalind Chia-Yu; Chen, Kuan-Ju; Li, Duo

2016-01-01

The increased mortality risk of hyperhomocysteinaemia in diabetes may be mitigated by dietary quality. The Nutrition and Health Survey in Taiwan of 1999-2000 for elders formed this prospective cohort. Baseline health status, diet and anthropometry were documented and plasma homocysteine and biomarkers for B vitamins measured. Participants without diabetes (n=985) were referent for those who had diabetes or developed diabetes until 2006 (n=427). The effect of homocysteine on mortality risk during 1999-2008 was evaluated. Men, smokers and those with poorer physical function had higher homocysteine, but less so with diabetes. Diabetes incidence was unrelated to homocysteine. In hyperhomocysteinaemia (>=15 vs <15 μmol/L), those with diabetes had an adjusted hazard ratio (HR) (95% CI) for mortality of 1.71 (1.18-2.46); p for interaction between homocysteine and diabetes was 0.005. Without diabetes, but with hyperhomocysteinaemia and a low dietary diversity score (DDS <=4 of 6), where the joint mortality hazard for the greater DDS, (>4) and lower homocysteine (<15) was referent, the HR was 1.80 (1.27-2.54) with significant interaction (p=0.008); by contrast, there was no joint effect with diabetes. The contribution of DDS to mortality mitigation in hyperhomocysteinaemia could not be explained by B group vitamins, even though plasma folate was low in hyperhomocysteinaemic participants. With hyperhomocysteinaemia, heart failure was a major cause of death. In non-diabetic hyperhomocysteinaemia, a more diverse diet increases survival prospects independent of B group vitamins, but not in hyperhomocysteinaemic diabetes where the cardiomyopathy may be less responsive.

Diet-Related Risk Factors for Leprosy: A Case-Control Study

PubMed Central

Wagenaar, Inge; van Muiden, Lisanne; Alam, Khorshed; Bowers, Robert; Hossain, Md. Anwar; Kispotta, Kolpona; Richardus, Jan Hendrik

2015-01-01

Background Food shortage was associated with leprosy in two recent studies investigating the relation between socioeconomic factors and leprosy. Inadequate intake of nutrients due to food shortage may affect the immune system and influence the progression of infection to clinical leprosy. We aimed to identify possible differences in dietary intake between recently diagnosed leprosy patients and control subjects. Methods In a leprosy endemic area of Bangladesh, newly diagnosed leprosy patients and control subjects were interviewed about their socioeconomic situation, health and diet. Dietary intakes were recorded with a 24-hour recall, from which a Dietary Diversity Score (DDS) was calculated. Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated and Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) was filled out for every participant. Using logistic regression, a univariate, block wise multivariate, and an integrated analysis were carried out. Results 52 leprosy cases and 100 control subjects were included. Food shortage was more common, dietary diversity was lower and household food insecurity was higher in the patient group. Patients consumed significantly less items from the DDS food groups ‘Meat and fish’ and ‘Other fruits and vegetables.’ Lower food expenditure per capita, lower BMI, lower DDS and absence of household food stocks are the main factors associated with an increased risk of having leprosy. Conclusion Low income families have only little money to spend on food and consequently have a low intake of highly nutritious non-rice foods such as meat, fish, milk, eggs, fruits and vegetables. Development of clinical leprosy could be explained by deficiencies of the nutrients that these foods normally provide. PMID:25965879

Traditional preference of Wild Edible Fruits (WEFs) for digestive disorders (DDs) among the indigenous communities of Swat Valley-Pakistan.

PubMed

Khan, Muhammad Pukhtoon Zada; Ahmad, Mushtaq

2015-11-04

Digestive disorders (DDs) causes indisposition and lead to death, especially in the underdeveloped world where hygienic conditions are scarce. A major proportion of the human populace depends on the use of traditional knowledge about the consumption of medicinal plants for many diseases, including DDs. The contemporary study summarizes the indigenous uses of Wild Edible Fruits (WEFs) of Swat Valley used for DDs and to evaluate the bio-efficacy of these pharmacologically essential fruit species from the available literature. An ethnomedicinal study was conducted in Swat valley, Northern Pakistan. Data was collected through field assessment as well as from traditional healers and local people by means of personal interviews and semi-structured questionnaires, giving value to both rural and urban communities. The ethnomedicinal knowledge was quantitatively analysed using various indices like Familiarity Index (FI), Consensus index (CI), Informant consensus factor (ICF) and the present data was compared with previous studies in the neighbouring areas using Jaccard similarity coefficient (JI). The present study recorded use reports on 53 WEFs of ethnomedicinal prominence in the treatment of DDs, belonging to 23 families. The recurrent growth forms were trees (51%) shrubs (38%) and herbs (11%). High consumption of fruits (50%), leaves (27%) and flowers (12%) was recorded. The traditional preparations were mostly in the form of unprocessed dried/fresh, powder, Juice and decoction and were usually taken orally. Almost 20-30% of the plants occurred in synanthropic vegetation while more than 75% were found in natural woodland and grassland vegetation. Family Berberidaceae dominated with highest FIV (41) followed by Punicaceae (38), Oxalidaceae (36) and Moraceae (35). ICF values for carminative (0.6) showed high consensus factor followed by anthelmintic, gastroenteritis and intestinal disorders (0.5). FI value is high for Berberis lycium (0.5), Morus alba (0.5), Morus nigra (0.5) followed by Olea ferruginea (0.45). B. lycium had the high consensus index, whereas, a study conducted on Lesser Himalayas Pakistan showed high value of Jaccard similarity coefficient. WEFs are predominantly used in the treatment of various diseases in the valley and traditional knowledge about the use of these species against DDs is still prevailing. Multiple uses of these WEFs suggest further investigation into its phytochemical, toxicological and pharmaceutical potential. This study will serve as a baseline data for future pharmacological studies. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Classroom Drama as an Instructional Tool. Learning Package No. 42.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Simic, Marge, Comp.; Smith, Carl, Ed.

Originally developed as part of a project for the Department of Defense Schools (DoDDS) system, this learning package on classroom drama as an instructional tool is designed for teachers who wish to upgrade or expand their teaching skills on their own. The package includes an overview of the project; a comprehensive search of the ERIC database; a…

Guiding At-Risk Students in the Language Arts Classroom. Learning Package No. 16.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Simic, Marge; Smith, Carl, Comp.

Originally developed for the Department of Defense Schools (DoDDS) system, this learning package on guiding at-risk students in the language arts classroom is designed for teachers who wish to upgrade or expand their teaching skills on their own. The package includes a comprehensive search of the ERIC database; a lecture giving an overview on the…

Peer Response in Learning to Write. Learning Package No. 38.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chao, Han-Hua, Comp.

Originally developed as part of a project for the Department of Defense Schools (DoDDS) system, this learning package on peer response in learning to write is designed for teachers who wish to upgrade or expand their teaching skills on their own. The package includes an overview of the project; a comprehensive search of the ERIC database; a…

Organizing the Classroom for an Expansive Reading Curriculum. Learning Package No. 29.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chao, Han-Hua, Comp.

Originally developed as part of a project for the Department of Defense Schools (DoDDS) system, this learning package on classroom organization for an expansive reading curriculum is designed for teachers who wish to upgrade or expand their teaching skills on their own. The package includes an overview of the project; a comprehensive search of the…

Vocabulary Expansion Improves Reading and Learning. Learning Package No. 30.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Simic, Marge, Comp.; Smith, Carl, Ed.

Originally developed as part of a project for the Department of Defense Schools (DoDDS) system, this learning package on the role of vocabulary in reading and learning is designed for teachers who wish to upgrade or expand their teaching skills on their own. The package includes an overview of the project; a comprehensive search of the ERIC…

Evaluating the Progress of the School Reading Program. Learning Package No. 17.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nelson, Carol; Smith, Carl, Comp.

Originally developed for the Department of Defense Schools (DoDDS) system, this learning package on evaluating the progress of the school reading program is designed for teachers who wish to upgrade or expand their teaching skills on their own. The package includes a comprehensive search of the ERIC database; a lecture giving an overview on the…

What Works? Summary of Research about Teaching Reading. Learning Package No. 26.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Smith, Carl, Comp.

Originally developed as part of a project for the Department of Defense Schools (DoDDS) system, this learning package on reasearch about teaching and learning reading is designed for teachers who wish to upgrade or expand their teaching skills on their own. The package includes an overview of the project; a comprehensive search of the ERIC…

Language Learning and the Young Child. Learning Package No. 43.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Simic, Marge, Comp.; Smith, Carl, Ed.

Originally developed as part of a project for the Department of Defense Schools (DoDDS) system, this learning package on language learning and the young child is designed for teachers who wish to upgrade or expand their teaching skills on their own. The package includes an overview of the project; a comprehensive search of the ERIC database; a…

The Computer as an Aid to Reading Instruction. Learning Package No. 27.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Simic, Marge, Comp.; Smith, Carl, Ed.

Originally developed for the Department of Defense Schools (DoDDS) system, this learning package on computer use in reading is designed for teachers who wish to upgrade or expand their teaching skills on their own. The package includes an overview of the project; a comprehensive search of the ERIC database; a lecture giving an overview on the…

Role of Metacognition in Reading To Learn. Learning Package No. 20.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Collins, Norma; Smith, Carl, Comp.

Originally developed for the Department of Defense Schools (DoDDS) system, this learning package on the role of metacognition in reading to learn is designed for teachers who wish to upgrade or expand their teaching skills on their own. The package includes a comprehensive search of the ERIC database; a lecture giving an overview on the topic; the…

Writing as a Response to Reading. Learning Package No. 5.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nelson, Carol; Smith, Carl, Comp.

Originally developed for the Department of Defense Schools (DoDDS) system, this learning package on writing as a response to reading is designed for teachers who wish to upgrade or expand their teaching skills on their own. The package includes a comprehensive search of the ERIC database; a lecture giving an overview on the topic; the full text of…

Development of an injectable PHBV microparticles-GG hydrogel hybrid system for regenerative medicine.

PubMed

Pacheco, Daniela P; Amaral, Maria H; Reis, Rui L; Marques, Alexandra P; Correlo, Vítor M

2015-01-15

Uncontrollable displacements that greatly affect the concentration of active agents at the target tissues are among a major limitation of the use of microparticulate drug delivery systems (DDS). Under this context a biphasic injectable DDS combining poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) microparticles (MPs) and a gellan gum (GG) injectable hydrogel is herein proposed for the localized delivery and long-term retention of MPs carrying hydrophilic and hydrophobic model active agents. A double emulsion-solvent evaporation method was adopted to develop the PHBV MPs, carrying bovine serum albumin (BSA) or dexamethasone (Dex) as hydrophilic and hydrophobic active agents' models, respectively. Moreover, this method was modified, together with the properties of the hydrogel to tailor the delivery profile of the active agents. Variations of the composition of the organic phase during the process allowed tuning surface topography, particle size distribution and core porosity of the PHBV MPs and, thus, the in vitro release profile of Dex but not of BSA. Besides, after embedding hydrogels of higher GG concentration led to a slower and more sustained release of both active agents, independently of the processing conditions of the microparticulate system. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Matrix Metalloproteinase Responsive Delivery of Myostatin Inhibitors.

PubMed

Braun, Alexandra C; Gutmann, Marcus; Ebert, Regina; Jakob, Franz; Gieseler, Henning; Lühmann, Tessa; Meinel, Lorenz

2017-01-01

The inhibition of myostatin - a member of the transforming growth factor (TGF-β) family - drives regeneration of functional skeletal muscle tissue. We developed a bioresponsive drug delivery system (DDS) linking release of a myostatin inhibitor (MI) to inflammatory flares of myositis to provide self-regulated MI concentration gradients within tissues of need. A protease cleavable linker (PCL) - responding to MMP upregulation - is attached to the MI and site-specifically immobilized on microparticle surfaces. The PCL disintegrated in a matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 1, 8, and particularly MMP-9 concentration dependent manner, with MMP-9 being an effective surrogate biomarker correlating with the activity of myositis. The bioactivity of particle-surface bound as well as released MI was confirmed by luciferase suppression in stably transfected HEK293 cells responding to myostatin induced SMAD phosphorylation. We developed a MMP-responsive DDS for MI delivery responding to inflammatory flare of a diseased muscle matching the kinetics of MMP-9 upregulation, with MMP-9 kinetics matching (patho-) physiological myostatin levels. ᅟ: Graphical Abstract Schematic illustration of the matrix metalloproteinase responsive delivery system responding to inflammatory flares of muscle disease. The protease cleavable linker readily disintegrates upon entry into the diseased tissue, therby releasing the mystatin inhibitor.

Hyaluronan and calcium carbonate hybrid nanoparticles for colorectal cancer chemotherapy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bai, Jinghui; Xu, Jian; Zhao, Jian; Zhang, Rui

2017-09-01

A hybrid drug delivery system (DDS) composed of hyaluronan and calcium carbonate (CC) was developed. By taking advantage of the tumor-targeting ability of hyaluronan and the drug-loading property of CC, the well-formed hyaluronan-CC nanoparticles were able to serve as a DDS targeting colorectal cancer with a decent drug loading content, which is beneficial in the chemotherapy of colorectal cancer. In this study, hyaluronan-CC nanoparticles smaller than 100 nm were successfully developed to load the wide-range anti-cancer drug adriamycin (Adr) to construct hyaluronan-CC/Adr nanoparticles. On the other hand, we also found that hyaluronan-CC/Adr nanoparticles can possibly increase the uptake ratio of Adr into HT29 colorectal cancer cells when compared with hyaluronan-free nanoparticles (CC/Adr) via the CD44 receptor-mediated endocytosis via competitive uptake and in vivo imaging assays. Note that both in vitro (CCK-8 assay on HT29 cells) and in vivo (anti-cancer assay on HT-29 tumor-bearing nude mice model) experiments revealed that hyaluronan-CC/Adr nanoparticles exhibited stronger anti-cancer activity than free Adr or CC/Adr nanoparticles with minimized toxic side effects and preferable cancer-suppression potential.

Full-scale system impact analysis: Digital document storage project

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1989-01-01

The Digital Document Storage Full Scale System can provide cost effective electronic document storage, retrieval, hard copy reproduction, and remote access for users of NASA Technical Reports. The desired functionality of the DDS system is highly dependent on the assumed requirements for remote access used in this Impact Analysis. It is highly recommended that NASA proceed with a phased, communications requirement analysis to ensure that adequate communications service can be supplied at a reasonable cost in order to validate recent working assumptions upon which the success of the DDS Full Scale System is dependent.

Programmable pulse generator based on programmable logic and direct digital synthesis.

PubMed

Suchenek, M; Starecki, T

2012-12-01

The paper presents a new approach of pulse generation which results in both wide range tunability and high accuracy of the output pulses. The concept is based on the use of programmable logic and direct digital synthesis. The programmable logic works as a set of programmable counters, while direct digital synthesis (DDS) as the clock source. Use of DDS as the clock source results in stability of the output pulses comparable to the stability of crystal oscillators and quasi-continuous tuning of the output frequency.

Maternal Dietary Diversity Decreases with Household Food Insecurity in Rural Bangladesh: A Longitudinal Analysis.

PubMed

Na, Muzi; Mehra, Sucheta; Christian, Parul; Ali, Hasmot; Shaikh, Saijuddin; Shamim, Abu Ahmed; Labrique, Alain B; Klemm, Rolf Dw; Wu, Lee Sf; West, Keith P

2016-10-01

Household food insecurity (HFI) can lead to a poor diet and malnutrition. Yet, little is known about the extent to which maternal diet covaries with food insecurity during pregnancy and lactation. Longitudinal associations between HFI and maternal dietary diversity from early pregnancy to 3 mo postpartum were examined in rural Bangladesh. We repeatedly assessed dietary intake by using a 7-d food-frequency questionnaire in the first and third trimesters of pregnancy and at 3 mo postpartum among 14,600 women enrolled into an antenatal micronutrient supplementation trial. Maternal dietary diversity score (DDS) was constructed as the sum of 10 food groups reportedly consumed at each assessment. Households were classified at 6 mo postpartum as being food secure or having mild, moderate, or severe HFI on the basis of a 9-item standard scale. Generalized estimating equations were used to estimate the longitudinal relation between HFI status and DDS and the likelihood of individual food-group consumption, adjusting for confounders at the maternal and household levels. The DDS decreased with progressively worse HFI, an association best explained by a derived household wealth index. Compared with women from food-secure households, women of mild, moderate, and severe HFI were less likely, in a dose-response fashion, to have consumed dairy products [adjusted ORs (95% CIs): 0.73 (0.69, 0.78), 0.62 (0.58, 0.66), and 0.52 (0.48, 0.55), respectively], eggs [0.81 (0.76, 0.85), 0.73 (0.68, 0.77), and 0.61 (0.57, 0.65)], meat [0.83 (0.79, 0.88), 0.73 (0.69, 0.78), and 0.60 (0.56, 0.64)], fish [0.87 (0.80, 0.94), 0.76 (0.70, 0.83), and 0.59 (0.54, 0.65)], legumes and nuts [0.88 (0.83, 0.93), 0.81 (0.76, 0.87), and 0.79 (0.74, 0.85)], and yellow and orange fruit and vegetables [0.85 (0.80, 0.91), 0.78 (0.73, 0.84), and 0.72 (0.67, 0.78)]. Neither intakes of dark-green leafy vegetables nor of vegetable oil were associated with HFI status. Antenatal and postnatal maternal dietary diversity, especially intakes of animal-source foods, fruit, and vegetables, declined with worsening food insecurity in rural Bangladesh. © 2016 American Society for Nutrition.

Drug delivery strategies and systems for HIV/AIDS pre-exposure prophylaxis and treatment.

PubMed

Nelson, Antoinette G; Zhang, Xiaoping; Ganapathi, Usha; Szekely, Zoltan; Flexner, Charles W; Owen, Andrew; Sinko, Patrick J

2015-12-10

The year 2016 will mark an important milestone - the 35th anniversary of the first reported cases of HIV/AIDS. Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) including Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) drug regimens is widely considered to be one of the greatest achievements in therapeutic drug research having transformed HIV infection into a chronically managed disease. Unfortunately, the lack of widespread preventive measures and the inability to eradicate HIV from infected cells highlight the significant challenges remaining today. Moving forward there are at least three high priority goals for anti-HIV drug delivery (DD) research: (1) to prevent new HIV infections from occurring, (2) to facilitate a functional cure, i.e., when HIV is present but the body controls it without drugs and (3) to eradicate established infection. Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) represents a significant step forward in preventing the establishment of chronic HIV infection. However, the ultimate success of PrEP will depend on achieving sustained antiretroviral (ARV) tissue concentrations and will require strict patient adherence to the regimen. While first generation long acting/extended release (LA/ER) DD Systems (DDS) currently in development show considerable promise, significant DD treatment and prevention challenges persist. First, there is a critical need to improve cell specificity through targeting in order to selectively achieve efficacious drug concentrations in HIV reservoir sites to control/eradicate HIV as well as mitigate systemic side effects. In addition, approaches for reducing cellular efflux and metabolism of ARV drugs to prolong effective concentrations in target cells need to be developed. Finally, given the current understanding of HIV pathogenesis, next generation anti-HIV DDS need to address selective DD to the gut mucosa and lymph nodes. The current review focuses on the DDS technologies, critical challenges, opportunities, strategies, and approaches by which novel delivery systems will help iterate towards prevention, functional cure and eventually the eradication of HIV infection. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Dietary diversity is associated with nutritional status of Orang Asli children in Krau Wildlife Reserve, Pahang.

PubMed

Ey Chua, E Y; Zalilah, M S; Ys Chin, Y S; Norhasmah, S

2012-04-01

It is known that dietary diversity improves diet quality and nutritional status of young children. This study aimed to determine the relationship between dietary diversity and nutritional status of Orang Asli children in Krau Wildlife Reserve. A total of 216 children from three Orang Asli sub-tribes (Jah Hut, Temuan and Che Wong) aged 1 to 6 years from 162 households in 16 villages participated in this cross-sectional study. Children and mothers were measured for body weight and height. Mothers were interviewed for household socio-demographic information and diet diversity of children in the last 7 days. Diet diversity score (DDS) was calculated based on 15 food groups. There was a high prevalence of underweight (50.9%) and stunting (61.6%) in Orang Asli children. For mothers, 11.1%, 27.8% and 7.4% were underweight, overweight and obese, respectively. Mean DDS of children was 6.38 [95% CI-6.10, 6.65] of the possible 15. Higher DDS of children was significantly related to older age (p < 0.05), the non Jahut sub-tribe (p < 0.01) and longer maternal years of schooling (p < 0.05). DDS was also positively related to weight-for-age z-scores (p < 0.001) and height-for-age z-scores (p < 0.05). Undernutrition remains a major nutrition problem among Orang Asli children living within the forest reserve. Efforts to promote dietary diversity should emphasise traditional and nutritious foods that could improve health and nutritional status of the Orang Asli children.

Diabetes-related distress and its associated factors among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in China.

PubMed

Zhou, Huanhuan; Zhu, Junya; Liu, Lin; Li, Fan; Fish, Anne F; Chen, Tao; Lou, Qingqing

2017-06-01

Diabetes-related distress is one of the psychological disorders affecting patients with diabetes, yet there are few studies about diabetes-related distress in Chinese patients. To assess the level of psychological distress and examine its associated factors, we conducted a cross-sectional analysis of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus from a Chinese tertiary hospital. The Diabetes Distress Scale (DDS) and the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES) were administered. There were 210 (57.85%) patients with little or no diabetes-related distress, 84 (23.14%) with moderate diabetes-related distress and 69 (19.01%) with high diabetes-related distress. Stepwise multiple linear regression showed that sleep time was significantly related to the DDS total score and the subscale scores of emotional burden (EB) (β=-0.190, -0.379), respectively. GSES was associated with the DDS total score (β=-0.128) and the EB score (β=-0.153). Oral medication plus insulin was significantly related to regimen-related distress (RD) (β=0.137), physician-related distress (PD) (β=0.152) and interpersonal distress (ID) (β=0.103). Physical activity (β=-0.185) and making meal plan with health care professionals(HCP) (β=-0.169) were associated with RD. The prevalence of diabetes-related distress among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus was high in China. DDS and EB were associated with poorer sleep time and lower self-efficacy. Interventions to improve sleep are needed. Qualitative and longitudinal studies are required to understand why type 2 diabetic patients are not getting enough sleep. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Dissociation, shame, complex PTSD, child maltreatment and intimate relationship self-concept in dissociative disorder, chronic PTSD and mixed psychiatric groups.

PubMed

Dorahy, Martin J; Middleton, Warwick; Seager, Lenaire; McGurrin, Patrick; Williams, Mary; Chambers, Ron

2015-02-01

Whilst a growing body of research has examined dissociation and other psychiatric symptoms in severe dissociative disorders (DDs), there has been no systematic examination of shame and sense of self in relationships in DDs. Chronic child abuse often associated with severe DDs, like dissociative identity disorder, is likely to heighten shame and relationship concerns. This study investigated complex posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), borderline and Schneiderian symptoms, dissociation, shame, child abuse, and various markers of self in relationships (e.g., relationship esteem, relationship depression, fear of relationships). Participants were assessed via clinical interview with psychometrically sound questionnaires. They fell into three diagnostic groups, dissociative disorder (n=39; primarily dissociative identity disorder), chronic PTSD (Chr-PTSD; n=13) or mixed psychiatric presentations (MP; n=21; primarily mood and anxiety disorders). All participants had a history of child abuse and/or neglect, and the groups did not differ on age and gender. The DD group was higher on nearly all measured variables than the MP group, and had more severe dissociative, borderline and Schneiderian symptoms than the Chr-PTSD sample. Shame and complex PTSD symptoms fell marginally short of predicting reductions in relationship esteem, pathological dissociative symptoms predicted increased relationship depression, and complex PTSD symptoms predicted fear of relationships. The representativeness of the samples was unknown. Severe psychiatric symptoms differentiate DDs from chronic PTSD, while dissociation and shame have a meaningful impact on specific markers of relationship functioning in psychiatric patients with a history of child abuse and neglect. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Docetaxel-loaded single-wall carbon nanohorns using anti-VEGF antibody as a targeting agent: characterization, in vitro and in vivo antitumor activity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Qian; Li, Nannan; Shu, Chang; Li, Ruixin; Ma, Xiaona; Li, Xuequan; Wang, Ran; Zhong, Wenying

2015-05-01

A novel antitumor drug delivery system, docetaxel (DTX)-loaded oxidized single-wall carbon nanohorns (oxSWNHs) with anti-VEGF monoclonal antibody (mAb) as a target agent was constructed. DTX was absorbed onto the oxSWNHs via the physical adsorption or π-π interaction. DSPE-PEG-COOH was non-covalently wrapped to the hydrophobic surface of oxSWNHs to improve its water solubility and biocompatibility. The mAb was bonded to the PEG through amide bond. The DTX@oxSWNHs-PEG-mAb (DDS) exhibited suitable particle size (191.2 ± 2.1 nm), good particle size distribution (PDI: 0.196), and negative zeta potential (-24.3 ± 0.85 mV). These features enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect and reduced the drug molecule uptake by the reticuloendothelial system. The in vitro drug release followed non-Fickian diffusion ( n = 0.6857, R = 0.9924) with the cumulative release of DTX 59 ± 1.35 % at 72 h. Compared with free DTX, the DDS enhanced the cytotoxicity in MCF-7 cell lines in vitro efficiently (IC50: 2.96 ± 0.6 μg/ml), and provided higher antitumor efficacy (TGI: 69.88 %) in vivo. The histological analysis indicated that the DDS had no significant side effect. Therefore, the new DDS is promising to attain higher pharmaceutical efficacy and lower side effects than free DTX for cancer therapy. The research demonstrated that DTX@oxSWNHs-PEG-mAb might have promising biomedical applications for future cancer therapy.

CrossTalk: The Journal of Defense Software Engineering. Volume 21, Number 3

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-03-01

describes essentials for requirements development and management. In addi- tion to providing training, eLearning and consulting services, she speaks at and...information, support sense- making, enable collaborative decision making, and effect changes in the physical environment. For example, the Global ...across layers, which enables effective use of resources and helps enforce security and confiden- tiality policies. Global Data Space DDS provides a

The Role of Grammar and the Teaching of Writing. Learning Package No. 39.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Collins, Norma, Comp.; Smith, Carl, Ed.

Originally developed as part of a project for the Department of Defense Schools (DoDDS) system, this learning package on the role of grammar and the teaching of writing is designed for teachers who wish to upgrade or expand their teaching skills on their own. The package includes an overview of the project; a comprehensive search of the ERIC…

HIMAC RF system with a digital synthesizer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kanazawa, M.; Sato, K.; Itano, A.; Sudou, M.; Noda, K.; Takada, E.; Kumada, M.; Yamazaki, C.; Yamagishi, T.; Morii, Y.; Toyoda, E.; Tsuzuki, N.; Yagi, T.

2000-04-01

An RF acceleration system, in which digital control with a direct digital synthesizer (DDS) is applied, has been developed for the Heavy Ion Medical Accelerator in Chiba (HIMAC) synchrotron. This digital system allows us to obtain stable operation of the acceleration system over a wide frequency range from 1.04 to 7.9 MHz. In this paper the designed digital RF control system and its performance are described.

Nano delivers big: designing molecular missiles for cancer therapeutics.

PubMed

Patel, Sachin; Bhirde, Ashwin A; Rusling, James F; Chen, Xiaoyuan; Gutkind, J Silvio; Patel, Vyomesh

2011-01-01

Current first-line treatments for most cancers feature a short-list of highly potent and often target-blind interventions, including chemotherapy, radiation, and surgical excision. These treatments wreak considerable havoc upon non-cancerous tissue and organs, resulting in deleterious and sometimes fatal side effects for the patient. In response, this past decade has witnessed the robust emergence of nanoparticles and, more relevantly, nanoparticle drug delivery systems (DDS), widely touted as the panacea of cancer therapeutics. While not a cure, nanoparticle DDS can successfully negotiate the clinical payoff between drug dosage and side effects by encompassing target-specific drug delivery strategies. The expanding library of nanoparticles includes lipoproteins, liposomes, dendrimers, polymers, metal and metal oxide nano-spheres and -rods, and carbon nanotubes, so do the modes of delivery. Importantly, however, the pharmaco-dynamics and -kinetics of these nano-complexes remain an urgent issue and a serious bottleneck in the transition from bench to bedside. This review addresses the rise of nanoparticle DDS platforms for cancer and explores concepts of gene/drug delivery and cytotoxicity in pre-clinical and clinical contexts.

Assessment of complex dissociative disorder patients and simulated dissociation in forensic contexts.

PubMed

Brand, Bethany L; Webermann, Aliya R; Frankel, A Steven

Few assessors receive training in assessing dissociation and complex dissociative disorders (DDs). Potential differential diagnoses include anxiety, mood, psychotic, substance use, and personality disorders, as well as exaggeration and malingering. Individuals with DDs typically elevate on many clinical and validity scales on psychological tests, yet research indicates that they can be distinguished from DD simulators. Becoming informed about the testing profiles of DD individuals and DD simulators can improve the accuracy of differential diagnoses in forensic settings. In this paper, we first review the testing profiles of individuals with complex DDs and contrast them with DD simulators on assessment measures used in forensic contexts, including the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2), Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI), and the Structured Inventory of Reported Symptoms (SIRS), as well as dissociation-specific measures such as the Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES) and Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Dissociative Disorders (SCID-D-R). We then provide recommendations for assessing complex trauma and dissociation through the aforementioned assessments. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

PrismTech Data Distribution Service Java API Evaluation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Riggs, Cortney

2008-01-01

My internship duties with Launch Control Systems required me to start performance testing of an Object Management Group's (OMG) Data Distribution Service (DDS) specification implementation by PrismTech Limited through the Java programming language application programming interface (API). DDS is a networking middleware for Real-Time Data Distribution. The performance testing involves latency, redundant publishers, extended duration, redundant failover, and read performance. Time constraints allowed only for a data throughput test. I have designed the testing applications to perform all performance tests when time is allowed. Performance evaluation data such as megabits per second and central processing unit (CPU) time consumption were not easily attainable through the Java programming language; they required new methods and classes created in the test applications. Evaluation of this product showed the rate that data can be sent across the network. Performance rates are better on Linux platforms than AIX and Sun platforms. Compared to previous C++ programming language API, the performance evaluation also shows the language differences for the implementation. The Java API of the DDS has a lower throughput performance than the C++ API.

Nutritional status and complementary feeding among HIV-exposed infants: a prospective cohort study.

PubMed

Kamenju, Pili; Liu, Enju; Hertzmark, Ellen; Spiegelman, Donna; Kisenge, Rodrick; Kupka, Roland; Aboud, Said; Manji, Karim P; Duggan, Christopher; Fawzi, Wafaie W

2017-07-01

Complementary feeding is crucial for improving child survival and promoting growth and development, particularly among HIV-exposed children who have higher risk of morbidity and mortality than their un-exposed peers. This prospective study employed an infant and child feeding index (ICFI) to measure complementary feeding and determine its association with nutritional status among 2092 HIV-exposed infants followed from 6 to 24 months of age in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The ICFI measured both quality and quantity of complementary feeding, including current breastfeeding status, food consistency, dietary diversity scores (DDS), food group frequency score, and meal frequency. The ICFI score ranged from 0 to 9; the median score was 6 (Inter-Quartile Range, IQR= 4-7). After adjusting for potential confounders, high ICFI scores were associated with reduced risk of stunting (high vs. low tertile hazard ratio, HR: 0.72; 95% confidence interval, CI: 0.57, 0.91; P< 0.01) and underweight (high vs. low tertile HR: 0.79; 95% CI: 0.61, 1.02; P= 0.07). Low DDS were associated with higher risk of stunting (low vs. high tertile HR: 1.59; 95% CI: 1.23, 2.07; P< 0.01) and underweight (low vs. high tertile HR: 1.48; 95% CI: 1.12, 1.96; P= 0.01). In this setting, high DDS and ICFI scores were protective of stunting and underweight. We recommend for nutrition programs in low-income countries to emphasize educating HIV-exposed children's caregivers on the importance of dietary diversity and optimal complementary feeding to improve nutritional status in this important subpopulation. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

a 530-590 GHZ Schottky Heterodyne Receiver for High-Resolution Molecular Spectroscopy with Lille's Fast-Scan Fully Solid-State DDS Spectrometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pienkina, A.; Margulès, L.; Motiyenko, R. A.; Wiedner, Martina C.; Maestrini, Alain; Defrance, Fabien

2017-06-01

Laboratory spectroscopy, especially at THz and mm-wave ranges require the advances in instrumentation techniques to provide high resolution of the recorded spectra with precise frequency measurement that facilitates the mathematical treatment. We report the first implementation of a Schottky heterodyne receiver, operating at room temperature and covering the range between 530 and 590 GHz, for molecular laboratory spectroscopy. A 530-590 GHz non-cryogenic Schottky solid-state receiver was designed at LERMA, Observatoire de Paris and fabricated in partnership with LPN- CNRS (Laboratoire de Photonique et de Nanostructures), and was initially developed for ESA Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (JUICE), intended to observe Jupiter and its icy moon atmospheres. It is based on a sub-harmonic Schottky diode mixer, designed and fabricated at LERMA-LPN, pumped by a Local Oscillator (LO), consisting of a frequency Amplifier/Multiplier chains (AMCs) from RPG (Radiometer Physics GmBh). The performance of the receiver was demonstrated by absorption spectroscopy of CH_3CH_2CN with Lille's fast-scan DDS spectrometer. A series of test measurements showed the receiver's good sensitivity, stability and frequency accuracy comparable to those of 4K QMC bolometers, thus making room-temperature Schottky receiver a competitive alternative to 4K QMC bolometers to laboratory spectroscopy applications. We will present the first results with such a combination of a compact room temperature Schottky heterodyne receiver and a fast-scan DDS spectrometer. J. Treuttel, L. Gatilova, A. Maestrini et al., 2016, IEEE Trans. Terahertz Science and Tech., 6, 148-155. This work was funded by the French ANR under the Contract No. ANR-13-BS05-0008-02 IMOLABS.

Integrated Distributed Directory Service for KSC

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ghansah, Isaac

1997-01-01

This paper describes an integrated distributed directory services (DDS) architecture as a fundamental component of KSC distributed computing systems. Specifically, an architecture for an integrated directory service based on DNS and X.500/LDAP has been suggested. The architecture supports using DNS in its traditional role as a name service and X.500 for other services. Specific designs were made in the integration of X.500 DDS for Public Key Certificates, Kerberos Security Services, Network-wide Login, Electronic Mail, WWW URLS, Servers, and other diverse network objects. Issues involved in incorporating the emerging Microsoft Active Directory Service MADS in KSC's X.500 were discussed.

Green chemistry approach for the synthesis and stabilization of biocompatible gold nanoparticles and their potential applications in cancer therapy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mukherjee, Sudip; Sushma, V.; Patra, Sujata; Barui, Ayan Kumar; Pal Bhadra, Manika; Sreedhar, Bojja; Ranjan Patra, Chitta

2012-11-01

The biological approach to synthesis of AuNPs is eco-friendly and an ideal method to develop environmentally sustainable nanoparticles alternative to existing methods. We have developed a simple, fast, clean, efficient, low-cost and eco-friendly single-step green chemistry approach for the synthesis of biocompatible gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) from chloroauric acid (HAuCl4) using a water extract of Eclipta Alba leaves at room temperature. The AuNPs using Eclipta extract have been formed in very short time, even in less than 10 min. The as-synthesized AuNPs were thoroughly characterized by several physico-chemical techniques. The in vitro stability of as-synthesized AuNPs was studied in different buffer solutions. A plausible mechanism for the synthesis of AuNPs by Eclipta extract has been discussed. The biocompatibility of AuNPs was observed by in vitro cell culture assays. Finally, we have designed and developed a AuNPs-based drug delivery system (DDS) (Au-DOX) containing doxorubicin (DOX), a FDA approved anticancer drug. Administration of this DDS to breast cancer cells (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231) shows significant inhibition of breast cancer cell proliferation compared to pristine doxorubicin. Therefore we strongly believe that the use of Eclipta Alba offers large-scale production of biocompatible AuNPs that can be used as a delivery vehicle for the treatment of cancer diseases.

Comparison of Curved Root Canals Prepared with Various Chelating Agents

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-06-01

J Endod 2000;26:210-6. 19. Rajasingham R, Ng Y.-L, Knowles JC, Gulabivala K. The effect of sodium hypochlorite and ethylenediaminetetraacetic...A thesis submitted to the Faculty of the Endodontics Graduate Program Naval Postgraduate Dental School Uniformed Services...Professional Development Center ~ Terry D. Webb, DDS, MS CAPT, DC, USN Chairman, Endodontics Dept. Glen M. Imamura, s: MS CAPT, DC, USN Ch"JiiL=h n

Clinical Oxidative Stress during Leprosy Multidrug Therapy: Impact of Dapsone Oxidation

PubMed Central

Schalcher, Taysa Ribeiro; Borges, Rosivaldo S.; Coleman, Michael D.; Batista Júnior, João; Salgado, Claudio G.; Vieira, Jose Luiz F.; Romão, Pedro R. T.; Oliveira, Fabio R.; Monteiro, Marta Chagas

2014-01-01

This study aims to assess the oxidative stress in leprosy patients under multidrug therapy (MDT; dapsone, clofazimine and rifampicin), evaluating the nitric oxide (NO) concentration, catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, glutathione (GSH) levels, total antioxidant capacity, lipid peroxidation, and methemoglobin formation. For this, we analyzed 23 leprosy patients and 20 healthy individuals from the Amazon region, Brazil, aged between 20 and 45 years. Blood sampling enabled the evaluation of leprosy patients prior to starting multidrug therapy (called MDT 0) and until the third month of multidrug therapy (MDT 3). With regard to dapsone (DDS) plasma levels, we showed that there was no statistical difference in drug plasma levels between multibacillary (0.518±0.029 µg/mL) and paucibacillary (0.662±0.123 µg/mL) patients. The methemoglobin levels and numbers of Heinz bodies were significantly enhanced after the third MDT-supervised dose, but this treatment did not significantly change the lipid peroxidation and NO levels in these leprosy patients. In addition, CAT activity was significantly reduced in MDT-treated leprosy patients, while GSH content was increased in these patients. However, SOD and Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity levels were similar in patients with and without treatment. These data suggest that MDT can reduce the activity of some antioxidant enzyme and influence ROS accumulation, which may induce hematological changes, such as methemoglobinemia in patients with leprosy. We also explored some redox mechanisms associated with DDS and its main oxidative metabolite DDS-NHOH and we explored the possible binding of DDS to the active site of CYP2C19 with the aid of molecular modeling software. PMID:24465659

Designer Drug (DD) abuse in Poland; a review of the psychoactive and toxic properties of substances found from seizures of illegal drug products and the legal consequences thereof. Part 1--cannabinoids and cathinones.

PubMed

Biliński, Przemysław; Hołownia, Piotr; Kapka-Skrzypczak, Lucyna; Wojtyła, Andrzej

2012-01-01

Faced with the rapidly growing increase of designer drug abuse, particularly amongst the younger generation, various legislative strategies are currently employed world-wide for tackling this problem - however with mixed results. The key issue is that the producers of DDs are able to either exploit existing legal substances intended for other uses, but which have been found to possess psychoactive properties, or to synthesise new psychoactive substances by introducing chemical modifications, often very minor ones, thereby avoiding the prohibited use of chemicals included on any banned lists. Some countries opt to ban new drugs as and when shown or considered to be harmful, while others introduce sweeping bans based on chemical structure. Nevertheless, an ever increasing diversity of new DDs are constantly appearing on domestic and Internet markets. Poland, together with the UK and Eire, has placed temporary bans on all DDs whenever they have been identified, thus enabling sufficient time for assessing their potential hazards to health. Part of this 'holding' strategy entails a thorough review of the scientific literature, including expert opinion when direct evidence is lacking, as well as information received from EU support organisations Europol and the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA). This paper, in two parts, therefore aims to provide an up-to-date summary review of available scientific evidence on the harm caused by the six main chemical groupings of DDs found in drug seizures of illegal products recently made in Poland. The first part is devoted to Cannabinoids and Cathinones derivatives. Ensuing legislation can therefore be rapidly formulated to make the bans permanent as appropriate.

ACS from development to operations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Caproni, Alessandro; Colomer, Pau; Jeram, Bogdan; Sommer, Heiko; Chiozzi, Gianluca; Mañas, Miguel M.

2016-08-01

The ALMA Common Software (ACS), provides the infrastructure of the distributed software system of ALMA and other projects. ACS, built on top of CORBA and Data Distribution Service (DDS) middleware, is based on a Component- Container paradigm and hides the complexity of the middleware allowing the developer to focus on domain specific issues. The transition of the ALMA observatory from construction to operations brings with it that ACS effort focuses primarily on scalability, stability and robustness rather than on new features. The transition came together with a shorter release cycle and a more extensive testing. For scalability, the most problematic area has been the CORBA notification service, used to implement the publisher subscriber pattern because of the asynchronous nature of the paradigm: a lot of effort has been spent to improve its stability and recovery from run time errors. The original bulk data mechanism, implemented using the CORBA Audio/Video Streaming Service, showed its limitations and has been replaced with a more performant and scalable DDS implementation. Operational needs showed soon the difference between releases cycles for Online software (i.e. used during observations) and Offline software, which requires much more frequent releases. This paper attempts to describe the impact the transition from construction to operations had on ACS, the solution adopted so far and a look into future evolution.

Analysis of the Issues and Needs of Parents of Children With Developmental Disabilities in Japan Using Focus Group Interviews.

PubMed

Wakimizu, Rie; Fujioka, Hiroshi

2016-03-01

The number of Japanese children with developmental disabilities (DDs) has seen a steady increase in recent years. The parents and families of children with DD experience distress both at the time of DD diagnosis and afterward. This study aimed to elucidate the issues and needs of the parents of children with DD to facilitate the development of effective support strategies necessary to help the family handle the special needs of their child with DD. Japanese-speaking parents with children who were aged 3-14 years and currently being treated in a hospital for DDs were invited to participate in one of three focus groups. A trained moderator led each 90-minute audio-recorded group using a semistructured interview guide. All transcripts were coded using thematic content analysis. Six categories of parents' significant issues were identified, with three of the categories classified as critical needs. The issues and needs identified in this study are useful for developing an effective family support program and a related performance framework. Key concerns include providing relevant information support, providing counseling and consultation support for parents and siblings, and providing resources to children with DD that are necessary to help them deal effectively with their disabilities.

RAPID: Collaborative Commanding and Monitoring of Lunar Assets

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Torres, Recaredo J.; Mittman, David S.; Powell, Mark W.; Norris, Jeffrey S.; Joswig, Joseph C.; Crockett, Thomas M.; Abramyan, Lucy; Shams, Khawaja S.; Wallick, Michael; Allan, Mark;

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes for drug delivery: Efficiency related to length and incubation time.

PubMed

Sciortino, Niccolò; Fedeli, Stefano; Paoli, Paolo; Brandi, Alberto; Chiarugi, Paola; Severi, Mirko; Cicchi, Stefano

2017-04-15

Batches of oxidized multiwalled carbon nanotubes differing in length were adopted to prepare two drug delivery systems (DDS) loaded with doxorubicin. The different internalization of the two batches, verified by atomic emission spectroscopy onto cell lysates, was also confirmed by the different toxicity of the same DDS loaded with doxorubicin. In vitro experiments evidenced, after 48h of incubation, the superior efficacy of the shortest nanotubes. However, upon prolonging the incubation time up to 72h the difference in efficiency was minimized due to the spontaneous release of doxorubicin by the non-internalized long nanotubes. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A novel delivery vector for targeted delivery of the antiangiogenic drug paclitaxel to angiogenic blood vessels: TLTYTWS-conjugated PEG-PLA nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tan, Fei; Mo, Xiao-hui; Zhao, Jian; Liang, Hui; Chen, Zhong-jian; Wang, Xiu-li

2017-02-01

Antiangiogenesis has been widely accepted as an attractive strategy to combat tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis. An actively targeting nanoparticle-based drug delivery system (nano-DDS) would provide an alternative method to achieve antiangiogenic antitumor therapy. In the present study, our group fabricated novel nano-DDS, TLTYTWS (TS) peptide-modified poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(lactic acid) (PEG-PLA) nanoparticles (TS-NPs) encapsulating a drug with antiangiogenic potential, paclitaxel (Ptx) (TS-Ptx-NPs). The nanoparticles were uniformly spherical and had a unimodal particle size distribution and slightly negative zeta potential. TS-NPs accumulated significantly in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) via energy-dependent and caveolae- and lipid raft-mediated endocytosis and improved the antiproliferative, antimigratory, and antitube-forming abilities of paclitaxel in vitro. Following intravenous administration, TS-Ptx-NPs presented favorable pharmacokinetic profiles. Melanoma distribution assays confirmed that TS-NPs achieved higher accumulation and penetration at melanoma sites. These results collectively indicated that TLTYTWS-decorated nanoparticles can be considered to be a promising nano-DDS for chemotherapies targeting tumor angiogenesis and have great potential to improve the efficacy of antiangiogenic therapy in melanoma tumor-bearing nude mice.

Highly transparent, stable, and superhydrophobic coatings based on gradient structure design and fast regeneration from physical damage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Zao; Liu, Xiaojiang; Wang, Yan; Li, Jun; Guan, Zisheng

2015-12-01

Optical transparency, mechanical flexibility, and fast regeneration are important factors to expand the application of superhydrophobic surfaces. Herein, we fabricated highly transparent, stable, and superhydrophobic coatings through a novel gradient structure design by versatile dip-coating of silica colloid particles (SCPs) and diethoxydimethysiliane cross-linked silica nanoparticles (DDS-SNPs) on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film and glass, followed by the modification of octadecyltrichlorosiliane (OTCS). When the DDS concentration reached 5 wt%, the modified SCPs/DDS-SNPs coating exhibited a water contact angle (WCA) of 153° and a sliding angle (SA) <5°. Besides, the average transmittance of this superhydrophobic coating on PET film and glass was increased by 2.7% and 1% in the visible wavelength, respectively. This superhydrophobic coating also showed good robustness and stability against water dropping impact, ultrasonic damage, and acid solution. Moreover, the superhydrophobic PET film after physical damage can quickly regain the superhydrophobicity by one-step spray regenerative solution of dodecyltrichlorosilane (DTCS) modified silica nanoparticles at room temperature. The demonstrated method for the preparation and regeneration of superhydrophobic coating is available for different substrates and large-scale production at room temperature.

Household food insecurity and diet diversity after the major 2010 landslide disaster in Eastern Uganda: a cross-sectional survey.

PubMed

Rukundo, Peter M; Andreassen, Bård A; Kikafunda, Joyce; Rukooko, Byaruhanga; Oshaug, Arne; Iversen, Per Ole

2016-02-28

In 2010, a landslide in Bududa, Eastern Uganda, killed about 350 people and nearly 1000 affected households were resettled in Kiryandongo, Western Uganda. A cross-sectional survey assessed household food insecurity and diet diversity among 1078 affected and controls. In Bududa, the affected had a lower adjusted mean score of food insecurity than controls - 9·2 (se 0·4) v. 12·3 (se 0·4) (P<0·01)--but higher diet diversity score (DDS) - 7·1 (se 0·1) v. 5·9 (se 0·1) (P<0·01). On controlling for disaster and covariates, recipients of relief food had higher food insecurity - 12·0 (se 0·6) v. 10·4 (se 0·3) (P=0·02)--whereas farmers had higher DDS - 6·6 (se 0·2) v. 5·6 (se 0·3) (P<0·01). Household size increased the likelihood of food insecurity (OR 1·15; 95% CI 1·00, 1·32; P<0·05) but reduced DDS (OR 0·93; 95% CI 0·87, <1·00; P=0·04). Low DDS was more likely in disaster affected (OR 4·22; 95% CI 2·65, 6·72; P<0·01) and farmers (OR 2·52; 95% CI 1·37, 4·64; P<0·01). In Kiryandongo, affected households had higher food insecurity - 12·3 (se 0·8) v. 2·6 (se 0·8) (P<0·01)--but lower DDS - 5·8 (se 0·3) v. 7·0 (se 0·3) (P=0·02). The latter reduced with increased age (OR 0·99; 95% CI 0·97, 1·00; P<0·05), lowest education (OR 0·54; 95% CI 0·31, 0·93; P=0·03), farmers (OR 0·59; 95 % CI 0·35, 0·98; P=0·04) and asset ownership (OR 0·56; 95% CI 0·39, 0·81; P<0·01). Addressing social protection could mitigate food insecurity.

Data Base Directions: Information Resource Management - Strategies and Tools. Proceedings of the Workshop of the National Bureau of Standards and the Association for Computing Machinery (Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, October 20-22, 1980).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Goldfine, Alan H., Ed.

This workshop investigated how managers can evaluate, select, and effectively use information resource management (IRM) tools, especially data dictionary systems (DDS). An executive summary, which provides a definition of IRM as developed by workshop participants, precedes the keynote address, "Data: The Raw Material of a Paper Factory,"…

Development of a Nanotechnology Platform for Prostate Cancer Gene Therapy

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-07-01

advan- tages of using recombinant techniques to synthesize fusion biopolymers allowing the production of biomacromolecules in a cost-effective manner...from both legs using a 3mm lancet (GoldenRod). Approximately 200ul of blood was collected in heparinized micro -Hematocrit tubes (Kontes). Blood from...NanoDDS, now entering its eighth year, began in 2003 as a US -Japan mini-symposium organized by Dr. A. Kabanov and Dr. K. Kataoka. According to Dr

[Development of a Novel Liposomal DDS by Manipulating Pharmacokinetics and Intracellular Trafficking for Drug Therapy and Nucleic Acid Medicine].

PubMed

Hatakeyama, Hiroto

2018-01-01

　Nucleic acid therapy is expected to be a next generation medicine. We recently developed a multifunctional envelope-type nano device (MEND) for use as a novel delivery system. The modification of polyethylene glycol (PEG), i.e., PEGylation, is useful for achieving the delivery of MENDs to tumors via an enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect. However, PEGylation strongly inhibits the cellular uptake and endosomal escape of MEND, which results in significant loss of action, and therefore lost effectiveness, of the cargo therapeutic. For successful nucleic acid delivery in cancer treatment, the crucial problem associated with the use of PEG, known as the "PEG dilemma", must be solved. In this review, we describe the development and application of MEND in overcoming the PEG dilemma based on manipulating both the pharmacokinetics and intracellular trafficking of cellular uptake and endosomal release using a cleavable PEG lipid, a pH-sensitive fusogenic peptide, and a pH-sensitive cationic lipid. We also developed dual-ligand liposomes with a controlled diameter of around 300 nm, then modified these with a specific ligand and a cell penetrating peptide designed to target the neovasculature of tumors. Dual-ligand liposomes could induce an anti-tumor effect in drug resistant tumors by delivering drugs to tumor blood vessels, rather than to the cancer cells themselves. Here, we review our recent efforts to develop a novel liposomal drug delivery system (DDS) by manipulating pharmacokinetics and intracellular trafficking for drug therapy and nucleic acid medicine.

On the quantization of the massless Bateman system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takahashi, K.

2018-03-01

The so-called Bateman system for the damped harmonic oscillator is reduced to a genuine dual dissipation system (DDS) by setting the mass to zero. We explore herein the condition under which the canonical quantization of the DDS is consistently performed. The roles of the observable and auxiliary coordinates are discriminated. The results show that the complete and orthogonal Fock space of states can be constructed on the stable vacuum if an anti-Hermite representation of the canonical Hamiltonian is adopted. The amplitude of the one-particle wavefunction is consistent with the classical solution. The fields can be quantized as bosonic or fermionic. For bosonic systems, the quantum fluctuation of the field is directly associated with the dissipation rate.

Effects of high energy radiation on the mechanical properties of epoxy/graphite fiber reinforced composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fornes, R. E.; Gilbert, R. D.; Memory, J. D.

1987-01-01

Publications and theses generated on composite research are listed. Surface energy changes of an epoxy based on tetraglycidyl diaminodiphenyl methane (TGDDM)/diaminodiphenyl sulfone (DDS), T-300 graphite fiber and T-300/5208 (graphite fiber/epoxy) composites were investigated after irradiation with 0.5 MeV electrons. Electron spin resonance (ESR) investigations of line shapes and the radical decay behavior were made of an epoxy based on tetraglycidyl diaminodiphenyl methane (TGDDM)/diaminodiphenyl sulfone (DDS), T-300 graphite fiber, and T-300/5208 (graphite fiber/epoxy) composites after irradiation with Co(60) gamma-radiation or 0.5 MeV electrons. The results of the experiments are discussed.

Physical aging in graphite/epoxy composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kong, E. S. W.

1983-01-01

Sub-Tg annealing has been found to affect the properties of graphite/epoxy composites. The network epoxy studied was based on the chemistry of tetraglycidyl 4,4'-diamino-diphenyl methane (TGDDM) crosslinked by 4,4'-diamino-diphenyl sulfone (DDS). Differential scanning calorimetry, thermal mechanical analysis, and solid-state cross-polarized magic-angle-spinning nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy have been utilized in order to characterize this process of recovery towards thermodynamic equilibrium. The volume and enthalpy recovery as well as the 'thermoreversibility' aspects of the physical aging are discussed. This nonequilibrium and time-dependent behavior of network epoxies are considered in view of the increasingly wide applications of TGDDM-DDS epoxies as matrix materials of structural composites in the aerospace industry.

Curing of epoxy resins with 1-/di(2-chloroethoxyphosphinyl)methyl/-2,4- and -2,6-diaminobenzene

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mikroyannidis, J. A.; Kourtides, D. A.

1984-01-01

Fire resistant compositions were prepared using 1-di(2-chloroethoxy-phosphinyl)methyl-2,4- and -2,6-diaminobenzene (DCEPD) as a curing agent for typical epoxy resins such as EPON 828 (Shell), XD 7342 (Dow), and My 720 (Ciba Geigy). In addition, compositions of these three epoxy resins with common curing agents such as m-phenylenediamine (MPD) or 4,4'-diaminodiphenylsulphone (DDS) were studied to compare their reactions with those of DCEPD. The reactivity of the three curing agents toward the epoxy resins, measured by differential calorimetry (DSC), was of the order MPD DCEPD DDS. The relatively lower reactivity of DCEPD toward epoxy resins was attributed to electronic effects.

Curing of epoxy resins with 1-DI(2-chloroethoxyphosphinyl) methyl-2,4 and -2,6-diaminobenzene

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mikroyannidis, J. A.; Kourtides, D. A.

1983-01-01

Fire resistant compositions were prepared using 1-di(2-chloroethoxy-phosphinyl)methyl-2,4- and -2,6-diaminobenzene (DCEPD) as a curing agent for typical epoxy resins such as EPON 828 (Shell), XD 7342 (Dow), and My 720 (Ciba Geigy). In addition, compositions of these three epoxy resins with common curing agents such as m-phenylenediamine (MPD) or 4,4'-diaminodiphenylsulphone (DDS) were studied to compare their reactions with those of DCEPD. The reactivity of the three curing agents toward the epoxy resins, measured by differential calorimetry (DSC), was of the order MPD DCEPD DDS. The relatively lower reactivity of DCEPD toward epoxy resins was attributed to electronic effects.

Evaluation of Currently Used Dental Management Indicators and Development of New Management and Performance Indicators.

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-07-01

for selected procedures g. Pericdontal Procedures Per Dentist Formula: Number of Perio Procedures Comr’.neted* Nunber of Dentists Assigned *See appendi...02336 - Resin, Complex A-2 Selected Endodontic Procedures for Endo teeth per assigned DDS ratio: 03311 - Anterior, 1 Canal Filled 03312 - Anterior, 2 or...04271 - Free Soft Tissue Graft 04272 - Vestibulo.-lasty 04340 - Perio Scale and Root Planning *Some or these procedures are not end-item entities as are

Real-time Data Display System of the Korean Neonatal Network

PubMed Central

Lee, Byong Sop; Moon, Wi Hwan

2015-01-01

Real-time data reporting in clinical research networks can provide network members through interim analyses of the registered data, which can facilitate further studies and quality improvement activities. The aim of this report was to describe the building process of the data display system (DDS) of the Korean Neonatal Network (KNN) and its basic structure. After member verification at the KNN member's site, users can choose a variable of interest that is listed in the in-hospital data statistics (for 90 variables) or in the follow-up data statistics (for 54 variables). The statistical results of the outcome variables are displayed on the HyperText Markup Language 5-based chart graphs and tables. Participating hospitals can compare their performance to those of KNN as a whole and identify the trends over time. Ranking of each participating hospital is also displayed in terms of key outcome variables such as mortality and major neonatal morbidities with the names of other centers blinded. The most powerful function of the DDS is the ability to perform 'conditional filtering' which allows users to exclusively review the records of interest. Further collaboration is needed to upgrade the DDS to a more sophisticated analytical system and to provide a more user-friendly interface. PMID:26566352

Targeted killing of cancer cells in vivo and in vitro with IGF-IR antibody-directed carbon nanohorns based drug delivery.

PubMed

Li, Nannan; Zhao, Qian; Shu, Chang; Ma, Xiaona; Li, Ruixin; Shen, Hongjun; Zhong, Wenying

2015-01-30

Oxidized single-wall carbon nanohorns (oxSWNHs) have shown great potential in drug delivery. The purpose of this study was to design an effective targeted drug delivery system (DDS) based on oxSWNHs, which could carry high dose of drug to tumor sites and improve the therapeutic efficacy with less adverse effects. OxSWNHs incorporated the anticancer drug vincristine (VCR) via physical adsorption, then wrapped DSPE-PEG-IGF-IR monoclonal antibody (mAb) through an amide liker to obtain the drug delivery system, VCR@oxSWNHs-PEG-mAb. The in vitro release behavior study indicated that the DDS had good sustained release and the cumulative release of VCR was 80% at 144h. Compared with free VCR, the tumor targeting drug delivery efficiently enhanced the cytotoxicity in cultured MCF-7 cells in vitro, and afforded higher antitumor efficacy without obvious toxic effects to normal organs in tumor mice in vivo. In addition, the targeted DDS could reduce the toxicity of VCR to the living mice. This study demonstrated that VCR@oxSWNHs-PEG-mAb might be promising for high treatment efficacy with minimal side effects in future cancer therapy. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Biomedical Imaging in Implantable Drug Delivery Systems

PubMed Central

Zhou, Haoyan; Hernandez, Christopher; Goss, Monika; Gawlik, Anna; Exner, Agata A.

2015-01-01

Implantable drug delivery systems (DDS) provide a platform for sustained release of therapeutic agents over a period of weeks to months and sometimes years. Such strategies are typically used clinically to increase patient compliance by replacing frequent administration of drugs such as contraceptives and hormones to maintain plasma concentration within the therapeutic window. Implantable or injectable systems have also been investigated as a means of local drug administration which favors high drug concentration at a site of interest, such as a tumor, while reducing systemic drug exposure to minimize unwanted side effects. Significant advances in the field of local DDS have led to increasingly sophisticated technology with new challenges including quantification of local and systemic pharmacokinetics and implant-body interactions. Because many of these sought-after parameters are highly dependent on the tissue properties at the implantation site, and rarely represented adequately with in vitro models, new nondestructive techniques that can be used to study implants in situ are highly desirable. Versatile imaging tools can meet this need and provide quantitative data on morphological and functional aspects of implantable systems. The focus of this review article is an overview of current biomedical imaging techniques, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound imaging, optical imaging, X-ray and computed tomography (CT), and their application in evaluation of implantable DDS. PMID:25418857

Thermal Stimuli-Triggered Drug Release from a Biocompatible Porous Metal-Organic Framework.

PubMed

Jiang, Ke; Zhang, Ling; Hu, Quan; Zhang, Qi; Lin, Wenxin; Cui, Yuanjing; Yang, Yu; Qian, Guodong

2017-07-26

Drug delivery carriers with a high drug loading capacity and biocompatibility, especially for controlled drug release, are urgently needed due to the side effects and frequently dose in the traditional therapeutic method. In our work, a Zr-based metal-organic framework named ZJU-801, which is isoreticular with NU-801, has been designed and further demonstrated as an excellent drug delivery system (DDS) with a high drug loading of 41.7 %. Such a high drug loading capacity may be ascribed to the appropriate match of the size and the large pore volume of this kind of Zr MOF material. Compared with DS@NU-801, this DDS has successfully achieved on-command heating-activated drug release, which was probably attributed to the bulkier ligand, the better stability, and the intense π-π interaction between ZJU-801 and diclofenac sodium (DS) demonstrated comprehensively by SEM, powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), FTIR and 13 C solid-state NMR spectroscopy as well as computer simulations. It is worth noting that premature drug release was avoided effectively without any complicated post-modifications. The low cytotoxicity and good biocompatibility of our DDS were certificated by the in vitro favorable results from an MTT assay, a WST-1 assay, and confocal microscopy imaging. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Unique and Overlapping Symptoms in Schizophrenia Spectrum and Dissociative Disorders in Relation to Models of Psychopathology: A Systematic Review

PubMed Central

Renard, Selwyn B.; Huntjens, Rafaele J. C.; Lysaker, Paul H.; Moskowitz, Andrew; Aleman, André; Pijnenborg, Gerdina H. M.

2017-01-01

Schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSDs) and dissociative disorders (DDs) are described in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM-5) and tenth edition of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-10) as 2 categorically distinct diagnostic categories. However, several studies indicate high levels of co-occurrence between these diagnostic groups, which might be explained by overlapping symptoms. The aim of this systematic review is to provide a comprehensive overview of the research concerning overlap and differences in symptoms between schizophrenia spectrum and DDs. For this purpose the PubMed, PsycINFO, and Web of Science databases were searched for relevant literature. The literature contained a large body of evidence showing the presence of symptoms of dissociation in SSDs. Although there are quantitative differences between diagnoses, overlapping symptoms are not limited to certain domains of dissociation, nor to nonpathological forms of dissociation. In addition, dissociation seems to be related to a history of trauma in SSDs, as is also seen in DDs. There is also evidence showing that positive and negative symptoms typically associated with schizophrenia may be present in DD. Implications of these results are discussed with regard to different models of psychopathology and clinical practice. PMID:27209638

Revisiting the concept of severe mental illness: severity indicators and healthcare spending in psychotic, depressive and dissociative disorders.

PubMed

Gonzalez Vazquez, Ana Isabel; Seijo Ameneiros, Natalia; Díaz Del Valle, Juan Carlos; Lopez Fernandez, Ester; Santed Germán, Miguel Angel

2017-08-10

The concept of severe mental illness (SMI) has been related to bipolar or psychotic diagnosis, or to some cases of depressive disorders. Other mental health problems such as personality disorders or posttraumatic dissociative conditions, which can sometimes lead to relevant functional impairments, remain separate from the SMI construct. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical severity as well as healthcare spending on dissociative disorders (DDs). This diagnostic group was compared with two other groups usually considered as causing severe impairment and high healthcare spending: bipolar and psychotic disorders, and unipolar depression. From a random sample of 200 psychiatric outpatients, 108 with unipolar depression (N = 45), psychotic/bipolar (N = 31) or DDs (N = 32) were selected for this study. The three groups were compared by the severity of their disorder and healthcare indicators. Of the three groups, those with a DD were more prone to and showed higher indices of suicide, self-injury, emergency consultations, as well as psychotropic drug use. This group ranked just below psychotic/bipolar patients in the amount of psychiatric hospitalisations. Despite a certain intra-professional stigma regarding DDs, these data supported the severity of these posttraumatic conditions, and their inclusion in the construct of SMI.

[Multilateral Strategies Utilizing Exosomes for Cancer Therapy].

PubMed

Nishida-Aoki, Nao; Ochiya, Takahiro

2017-05-01

Exosomes are nano-sized extracellular vesicles which transfer their components such as RNA, DNA, and proteins from one cell to another cell. The components are released to the cytoplasm of the recipient cells, having an effect on the cells. Cancerderived exosomes promote cancer progression, invasion, gain of drug resistance, and metastasis. Recently, according to their characteristics, it is expected to apply exosomes to cancer therapies, such as utilizing exosomes as drug delivery systems(DDS) for anticancer drugs and as cancer vaccines to enhance immunity to cancer cells. More, as the cancer-derived exosomes have cancer-promoting effects on multiple stages, inhibiting the function of the cancer-derived exosomes would be helpful to cancer therapies by suppressing cancer progression. DDS and cancer vaccines utilizing exosomes are now undergoing clinical studies, although DDS is suffering from loading efficiency. Treatments by inhibiting the functions of cancer-derived exosomes have still only few reports at experimental levels. Recently, we showed in a mouse model that disruption of cancer-derived exosomes by antibodies could suppress lung metastasis of the human breast cancer cells. Exosomes will provide us the multiple strategies to fight with cancer, which can be applied to cancers from many organs. It is important to confirm safety and overcome technical problems to bring exosomes in practical use.

Composition driven monolayer to bilayer transformation in a surfactant intercalated Mg-Al layered double hydroxide.

PubMed

Naik, Vikrant V; Chalasani, Rajesh; Vasudevan, S

2011-03-15

The structure and organization of dodecyl sulfate (DDS) surfactant chains intercalated in an Mg-Al layered double hydroxide (LDH), Mg(1-x)Alx(OH)2, with differing Al/Mg ratios has been investigated. The Mg-Al LDHs can be prepared over a range of compositions with x varying from 0.167 to 0.37 and therefore provides a simple system to study how the organization of the alkyl chains of the intercalated DDS anions change with packing density; the Al/Mg ratio or x providing a convenient handle to do so. Powder X-ray diffraction measurements showed that at high packing densities (x ≥ 0.3) the alkyl chains of the intercalated dodecyl sulfate ions are anchored on opposing LDH sheets and arranged as bilayers with an interlayer spacing of ∼27 Å. At lower packing densities (x < 0.2) the surfactant chains form a monolayer with the alkyl chains oriented flat in the galleries with an interlayer spacing of ∼8 Å. For the in between compositions, 0.2 ≤ x < 0.3, the material is biphasic. MD simulations were performed to understand how the anchoring density of the intercalated surfactant chains in the Mg-Al LDH-DDS affects the organization of the chains and the interlayer spacing. The simulations are able to reproduce the composition driven monolayer to bilayer transformation in the arrangement of the intercalated surfactant chains and in addition provide insights into the factors that decide the arrangement of the surfactant chains in the two situations. In the bilayer arrangement, it is the dispersive van der Waals interactions between chains in opposing layers of the anchored bilayer that is responsible for the cohesive energy of the solid whereas at lower packing densities, where a monolayer arrangement is favored, Coulomb interactions between the positively charged Mg-Al LDH sheets and the negatively charged headgroup of the DDS anion dominate.

A Novel Multifunctional C-23 Oxidase, CYP714E19, is Involved in Asiaticoside Biosynthesis.

PubMed

Kim, Ok Tae; Um, Yurry; Jin, Mei Lan; Kim, Jang Uk; Hegebarth, Daniela; Busta, Lucas; Racovita, Radu C; Jetter, Reinhard

2018-06-01

Centella asiatica is widely used as a medicinal plant due to accumulation of the ursane-type triterpene saponins asiaticoside and madecassoside. The molecular structure of both compounds suggests that they are biosynthesized from α-amyrin via three hydroxylations, and the respective Cyt P450-dependent monooxygenases (P450 enzymes) oxidizing the C-28 and C-2α positions have been reported. However, a third enzyme hydroxylating C-23 remained elusive. We previously identified 40,064 unique sequences in the transcriptome of C. asiatica elicited by methyl jasmonate, and among them we have now found 149 unigenes encoding putative P450 enzymes. In this set, 23 full-length cDNAs were recognized, 13 of which belonged to P450 subfamilies previously implicated in secondary metabolism. Four of these genes were highly expressed in response to jasmonate treatment, especially in leaves, in accordance with the accumulation patterns of asiaticoside. The functions of these candidate genes were tested using heterologous expression in yeast cells. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis revealed that yeast expressing only the oxidosqualene synthase CaDDS produced the asiaticoside precursor α-amyrin (along with its isomer β-amyrin), while yeast co-expressing CaDDS and CYP716A83 also contained ursolic acid along with oleanolic acid. This P450 enzyme thus acts as a multifunctional triterpenoid C-28 oxidase converting amyrins into corresponding triterpenoid acids. Finally, yeast strains co-expressing CaDDS, CYP716A83 and CYP714E19 produced hederagenin and 23-hydroxyursolic acid, showing that CYP714E19 is a multifunctional triterpenoid oxidase catalyzing the C-23 hydroxylation of oleanolic acid and ursolic acid. Overall, our results demonstrate that CaDDS, CYP716A83 and CYP714E19 are C. asiatica enzymes catalyzing consecutive steps in asiaticoside biosynthesis.

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Characteristics and Outcomes in Adult Patients With Down Syndrome.

PubMed

Duffy, Vicky; Gomez, Daniel; Rycus, Peter; Rivera, Brian; Santoro, Stephanie L; Backes, Carl H; Cua, Clifford L

2018-05-17

Patients with Down syndrome (DS) may have multiple medical issues that place them at risk for requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in pediatric patients with Down syndrome has been described, but minimal data exist for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation use in adults with Down syndrome. The goal of this study was to describe the clinical characteristics and to determine if there were differences between adult extracorporeal membrane oxygenation patients with Down syndrome that were alive (aDS) versus those that died (dDS) prior to hospital discharge. Patients with Down syndrome that were 18 years and older registered in the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization registry from 1983 to 2016 were analyzed. Demographics and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation characteristics were recorded. A total of 21 adults with Down syndrome were identified. Incidence of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in adults with Down syndrome was 0.88 per 1000 extracorporeal membrane oxygenation procedures. Hospital mortality was 57.1% (12/21). There were no significant differences between aDS versus dDS for age (24.9 ± 4.8 vs. 28.1 ± 10.2 years), weight (90.7 ± 13.0 vs. 79.1 ± 27.0 kg), gender (4 males vs. 8 males), initial pH (7.18 ± 0.19 vs. 7.27 ± 0.16), or initial pO2 (51.7 ± 13.9 vs. 45.4 ± 19.9), respectively. There were no significant differences between aDS versus dDS in duration of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation run (239 ± 159 h vs. 455 ± 570 h, respectively), ventilator or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation mode, and nitric oxide use. aDS had fewer incidences of mechanical and neurologic complications (41.7% vs. 0.0%, P < 0.05) versus dDS. There were no other significant differences in complication rates between the two groups. Use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in the adult population with Down syndrome is significantly less compared to the pediatric population with Down syndrome. Baseline characteristics are not predictive of overall survival. There were minimal differences noted between aDS versus dDS during their extracorporeal membrane oxygenation course. Mortality rates are similar to non-Down syndrome patients placed on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation may be a reasonable option for adult patients with Down syndrome requiring intensive care. © 2018 International Center for Artificial Organs and Transplantation and Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Drugged Driving in Wisconsin: Oral Fluid Versus Blood.

PubMed

Edwards, Lorrine D; Smith, Katherine L; Savage, Theodore

2017-07-01

A pilot project was conducted in Dane County, Wisconsin, to evaluate the frequency of individuals driving under the influence of drugs (DUID). Evidentiary blood specimens, collected from subjects arrested for Operating While Intoxicated (OWI), were compared to oral fluid (OF) results obtained with the Alere DDS2®, a handheld screening device. The project objectives were to evaluate (i) the Alere DDS2® for use by police officers in the field, (ii) the frequency of individuals DUID and drugs combined with alcohol among OWI cases, (iii) the differences between detecting drugs in OF and in blood, and (iv) the effect of the laboratory drug testing cancellation policy (LCP) when the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) exceeds 0.100 g/100 mL. Following the arrest and collection of blood, subjects were asked to voluntarily participate in the project and provide an OF specimen. The OF was presumptively screened with the Alere DDS2® for six drug categories including (ng/mL) amphetamine (50), benzodiazepines (temazepam, 20), cocaine (benzoylecgonine, 30), methamphetamine (50), opioids (morphine, 40) and THC (delta-9-THC, 25). Results obtained with the OF screening instrument were not confirmed. A total of 104 subjects (22 female, 82 male), ages 18-72, were included in the project. Blood specimens were tested by gas chromatography-headspace (GCHS-FID) for volatiles, enzyme immunoassay (Siemens Viva-E Drug Testing System), and an alkaline basic drug screen with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GCMS) analysis. To compensate for differences between the EIA and the Alere DDS2® drug categories, results from the enzyme immunoassay and the alkaline basic drug screen were combined for purposes of comparing OF to blood. Seventy-six of 104 (73%) subjects arrested for OWI were driving under the influence of alcohol; 71 of the 76 had a BAC exceeding 0.10 g/100 mL. Subjects with a BAC exceeding the LCP, screened positive for drugs in both OF (n = 29) and blood (n = 28). Overall, one or more positive drug screening result was observed in 57 (55%) and 50 (48%) subjects for OF and blood specimens, respectively. THC was the most frequently detected drug category in both OF (n = 46) and whole blood (n = 44). Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) evaluations were performed on 18 subjects. In general, the Alere DDS2® results were consistent with the combined screening results observed in evidentiary blood specimens. This project was limited in scope as a second OF specimen was not collected for confirmation of drugs, however it did demonstrate that nearly 40% of the subjects with concentrations of alcohol exceeding 0.10 g/100 mL, screened positive for one or more drug categories in both OF and blood. The Alere DDS2® portable OF screening instrument may be useful in assisting law enforcement with identifying individuals driving under the influence of drugs and establishing probable cause at roadside for making DUID arrests. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Towards an Open, Distributed Software Architecture for UxS Operations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cross, Charles D.; Motter, Mark A.; Neilan, James H.; Qualls, Garry D.; Rothhaar, Paul M.; Tran, Loc; Trujillo, Anna C.; Allen, B. Danette

2015-01-01

To address the growing need to evaluate, test, and certify an ever expanding ecosystem of UxS platforms in preparation of cultural integration, NASA Langley Research Center's Autonomy Incubator (AI) has taken on the challenge of developing a software framework in which UxS platforms developed by third parties can be integrated into a single system which provides evaluation and testing, mission planning and operation, and out-of-the-box autonomy and data fusion capabilities. This software framework, named AEON (Autonomous Entity Operations Network), has two main goals. The first goal is the development of a cross-platform, extensible, onboard software system that provides autonomy at the mission execution and course-planning level, a highly configurable data fusion framework sensitive to the platform's available sensor hardware, and plug-and-play compatibility with a wide array of computer systems, sensors, software, and controls hardware. The second goal is the development of a ground control system that acts as a test-bed for integration of the proposed heterogeneous fleet, and allows for complex mission planning, tracking, and debugging capabilities. The ground control system should also be highly extensible and allow plug-and-play interoperability with third party software systems. In order to achieve these goals, this paper proposes an open, distributed software architecture which utilizes at its core the Data Distribution Service (DDS) standards, established by the Object Management Group (OMG), for inter-process communication and data flow. The design decisions proposed herein leverage the advantages of existing robotics software architectures and the DDS standards to develop software that is scalable, high-performance, fault tolerant, modular, and readily interoperable with external platforms and software.

Community water fluoridation reduced dental caries in Australian adults born before its widespread implementation at least as much as after its widespread adoption.

PubMed

Tavares, Vinicius N; Kumar, Jayanth V

2013-09-01

Effects of fluoridated drinking water on dental caries in Australian adults. Slade GD, Sanders AE, Do L, Roberts-Thomson K, Spencer AJ. J Dent Res 2013;92:376. Vinicius N. Tavares, DDS, MPH, Jayanth V. Kumar, DDS, MPH PURPOSE/QUESTION: This study investigated the long term caries-prevention benefits of community water fluoridation for individuals born before its widespread implementation Government: National Health and Medical Research Council grants Industry: Colgate-Palmolive, New York, USA provided gifts for study participants Other: Australian Dental Association and state and territory health departments and dental services Retrospective cohort study Level 2 STRENGTH OF RECOMMENDATION GRADE: Not applicable. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Solution structure of the isolated Pelle death domain.

PubMed

Moncrieffe, Martin C; Stott, Katherine M; Gay, Nicholas J

2005-07-18

The interaction between the death domains (DDs) of Tube and the protein kinase Pelle is an important component of the Toll pathway. Published crystallographic data suggests that the Pelle-Tube DD interface is plastic and implies that in addition to the two predominant Pelle-Tube interfaces, a third interaction is possible. We present the NMR solution structure of the isolated death domain of Pelle and a study of the interaction between the DDs of Pelle and Tube. Our data suggests the solution structure of the isolated Pelle DD is similar to that of Pelle DD in complex with Tube. Additionally, they suggest that the plasticity observed in the crystal structure may not be relevant in the functioning death domain complex.

Xylitol lozenges were not effective in overall dental caries prevention in adults.

PubMed

Fontana, Margherita; Gonzalez-Cabezas, Carlos

2013-09-01

Results from the xylitol for adult caries trial (X-ACT). Bader JD, Vollmer WM, Shugars DA, Gilbert GH, Amaechi BT, Brown JP, Laws RL, Kunkhouser KA, Makhija SK, Ritter AV, Leo MC. JADA 2013; 144(1): 21-30. Margherita Fontana, DDS, PhD, Carlos Gonzalez-Cabezas, DDS, MSD, PhD PURPOSE/QUESTION: Among an adult population at risk of dental caries, does the use of five 1 g xylitol lozenges per day over 33 months reduce the experience of cavitated caries lesions? Government: National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research Multicenter, double blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial Level 1: Good quality, patient-oriented evidence B: Limited quality patient-oriented evidence. Published by Mosby, Inc.

First observation of the decay Bs0-->Ds-Ds+ and measurement of its branching ratio.

PubMed

Aaltonen, T; Adelman, J; Akimoto, T; Albrow, M G; Alvarez González, B; Amerio, S; Amidei, D; Anastassov, A; Annovi, A; Antos, J; Aoki, M; Apollinari, G; Apresyan, A; Arisawa, T; Artikov, A; Ashmanskas, W; Attal, A; Aurisano, A; Azfar, F; Azzi-Bacchetta, P; Azzurri, P; Bacchetta, N; Badgett, W; Barbaro-Galtieri, A; Barnes, V E; Barnett, B A; Baroiant, S; Bartsch, V; Bauer, G; Beauchemin, P-H; Bedeschi, F; Bednar, P; Behari, S; Bellettini, G; Bellinger, J; Belloni, A; Benjamin, D; Beretvas, A; Beringer, J; Berry, T; Bhatti, A; Binkley, M; Bisello, D; Bizjak, I; Blair, R E; Blocker, C; Blumenfeld, B; Bocci, A; Bodek, A; Boisvert, V; Bolla, G; Bolshov, A; Bortoletto, D; Boudreau, J; Boveia, A; Brau, B; Bridgeman, A; Brigliadori, L; Bromberg, C; Brubaker, E; Budagov, J; Budd, H S; Budd, S; Burkett, K; Busetto, G; Bussey, P; Buzatu, A; Byrum, K L; Cabrera, S; Campanelli, M; Campbell, M; Canelli, F; Canepa, A; Carlsmith, D; Carosi, R; Carrillo, S; Carron, S; Casal, B; Casarsa, M; Castro, A; Catastini, P; Cauz, D; Cavalli-Sforza, M; Cerri, A; Cerrito, L; Chang, S H; Chen, Y C; Chertok, M; Chiarelli, G; Chlachidze, G; Chlebana, F; Cho, K; Chokheli, D; Chou, J P; Choudalakis, G; Chuang, S H; Chung, K; Chung, W H; Chung, Y S; Ciobanu, C I; Ciocci, M A; Clark, A; Clark, D; Compostella, G; Convery, M E; Conway, J; Cooper, B; Copic, K; Cordelli, M; Cortiana, G; Crescioli, F; Cuenca Almenar, C; Cuevas, J; Culbertson, R; Cully, J C; Dagenhart, D; Datta, M; Davies, T; de Barbaro, P; De Cecco, S; Deisher, A; De Lentdecker, G; De Lorenzo, G; Dell'Orso, M; Demortier, L; Deng, J; Deninno, M; De Pedis, D; Derwent, P F; Di Giovanni, G P; Dionisi, C; Di Ruzza, B; Dittmann, J R; D'Onofrio, M; Donati, S; Dong, P; Donini, J; Dorigo, T; Dube, S; Efron, J; Erbacher, R; Errede, D; Errede, S; Eusebi, R; Fang, H C; Farrington, S; Fedorko, W T; Feild, R G; Feindt, M; Fernandez, J P; Ferrazza, C; Field, R; Flanagan, G; Forrest, R; Forrester, S; Franklin, M; Freeman, J C; Furic, I; Gallinaro, M; Galyardt, J; Garberson, F; Garcia, J E; Garfinkel, A F; Gerberich, H; Gerdes, D; Giagu, S; Giakoumopolou, V; Giannetti, P; Gibson, K; Gimmell, J L; Ginsburg, C M; Giokaris, N; Giordani, M; Giromini, P; Giunta, M; Glagolev, V; Glenzinski, D; Gold, M; Goldschmidt, N; Golossanov, A; Gomez, G; Gomez-Ceballos, G; Goncharov, M; González, O; Gorelov, I; Goshaw, A T; Goulianos, K; Gresele, A; Grinstein, S; Grosso-Pilcher, C; Grundler, U; Guimaraes da Costa, J; Gunay-Unalan, Z; Haber, C; Hahn, K; Hahn, S R; Halkiadakis, E; Hamilton, A; Han, B-Y; Han, J Y; Handler, R; Happacher, F; Hara, K; Hare, D; Hare, M; Harper, S; Harr, R F; Harris, R M; Hartz, M; Hatakeyama, K; Hauser, J; Hays, C; Heck, M; Heijboer, A; Heinemann, B; Heinrich, J; Henderson, C; Herndon, M; Heuser, J; Hewamanage, S; Hidas, D; Hill, C S; Hirschbuehl, D; Hocker, A; Hou, S; Houlden, M; Hsu, S-C; Huffman, B T; Hughes, R E; Husemann, U; Huston, J; Incandela, J; Introzzi, G; Iori, M; Ivanov, A; Iyutin, B; James, E; Jayatilaka, B; Jeans, D; Jeon, E J; Jindariani, S; Johnson, W; Jones, M; Joo, K K; Jun, S Y; Jung, J E; Junk, T R; Kamon, T; Kar, D; Karchin, P E; Kato, Y; Kephart, R; Kerzel, U; Khotilovich, V; Kilminster, B; Kim, D H; Kim, H S; Kim, J E; Kim, M J; Kim, S B; Kim, S H; Kim, Y K; Kimura, N; Kirsch, L; Klimenko, S; Klute, M; Knuteson, B; Ko, B R; Koay, S A; Kondo, K; Kong, D J; Konigsberg, J; Korytov, A; Kotwal, A V; Kraus, J; Kreps, M; Kroll, J; Krumnack, N; Kruse, M; Krutelyov, V; Kubo, T; Kuhlmann, S E; Kuhr, T; Kulkarni, N P; Kusakabe, Y; Kwang, S; Laasanen, A T; Lai, S; Lami, S; Lammel, S; Lancaster, M; Lander, R L; Lannon, K; Lath, A; Latino, G; Lazzizzera, I; Lecompte, T; Lee, J; Lee, J; Lee, Y J; Lee, S W; Lefèvre, R; Leonardo, N; Leone, S; Levy, S; Lewis, J D; Lin, C; Lin, C S; Linacre, J; Lindgren, M; Lipeles, E; Lister, A; Litvintsev, D O; Liu, T; Lockyer, N S; Loginov, A; Loreti, M; Lovas, L; Lu, R-S; Lucchesi, D; Lueck, J; Luci, C; Lujan, P; Lukens, P; Lungu, G; Lyons, L; Lys, J; Lysak, R; Lytken, E; Mack, P; Macqueen, D; Madrak, R; Maeshima, K; Makhoul, K; Maki, T; Maksimovic, P; Malde, S; Malik, S; Manca, G; Manousakis, A; Margaroli, F; Marino, C; Marino, C P; Martin, A; Martin, M; Martin, V; Martínez, M; Martínez-Ballarín, R; Maruyama, T; Mastrandrea, P; Masubuchi, T; Mattson, M E; Mazzanti, P; McFarland, K S; McIntyre, P; McNulty, R; Mehta, A; Mehtala, P; Menzemer, S; Menzione, A; Merkel, P; Mesropian, C; Messina, A; Miao, T; Miladinovic, N; Miles, J; Miller, R; Mills, C; Milnik, M; Mitra, A; Mitselmakher, G; Miyake, H; Moed, S; Moggi, N; Moon, C S; Moore, R; Morello, M; Movilla Fernandez, P; Mülmenstädt, J; Mukherjee, A; Muller, Th; Mumford, R; Murat, P; Mussini, M; Nachtman, J; Nagai, Y; Nagano, A; Naganoma, J; Nakamura, K; Nakano, I; Napier, A; Necula, V; Neu, C; Neubauer, M S; Nielsen, J; Nodulman, L; Norman, M; Norniella, O; Nurse, E; Oh, S H; Oh, Y D; Oksuzian, I; Okusawa, T; Oldeman, R; Orava, R; Osterberg, K; Pagan Griso, S; Pagliarone, C; Palencia, E; Papadimitriou, V; Papaikonomou, A; Paramonov, A A; Parks, B; Pashapour, S; Patrick, J; Pauletta, G; Paulini, M; Paus, C; Pellett, D E; Penzo, A; Phillips, T J; Piacentino, G; Piedra, J; Pinera, L; Pitts, K; Plager, C; Pondrom, L; Portell, X; Poukhov, O; Pounder, N; Prakoshyn, F; Pronko, A; Proudfoot, J; Ptohos, F; Punzi, G; Pursley, J; Rademacker, J; Rahaman, A; Ramakrishnan, V; Ranjan, N; Redondo, I; Reisert, B; Rekovic, V; Renton, P; Rescigno, M; Richter, S; Rimondi, F; Ristori, L; Robson, A; Rodrigo, T; Rogers, E; Rolli, S; Roser, R; Rossi, M; Rossin, R; Roy, P; Ruiz, A; Russ, J; Rusu, V; Saarikko, H; Safonov, A; Sakumoto, W K; Salamanna, G; Saltó, O; Santi, L; Sarkar, S; Sartori, L; Sato, K; Savoy-Navarro, A; Scheidle, T; Schlabach, P; Schmidt, E E; Schmidt, M A; Schmidt, M P; Schmitt, M; Schwarz, T; Scodellaro, L; Scott, A L; Scribano, A; Scuri, F; Sedov, A; Seidel, S; Seiya, Y; Semenov, A; Sexton-Kennedy, L; Sfyria, A; Shalhout, S Z; Shapiro, M D; Shears, T; Shepard, P F; Sherman, D; Shimojima, M; Shochet, M; Shon, Y; Shreyber, I; Sidoti, A; Sinervo, P; Sisakyan, A; Slaughter, A J; Slaunwhite, J; Sliwa, K; Smith, J R; Snider, F D; Snihur, R; Soderberg, M; Soha, A; Somalwar, S; Sorin, V; Spalding, J; Spinella, F; Spreitzer, T; Squillacioti, P; Stanitzki, M; St Denis, R; Stelzer, B; Stelzer-Chilton, O; Stentz, D; Strologas, J; Stuart, D; Suh, J S; Sukhanov, A; Sun, H; Suslov, I; Suzuki, T; Taffard, A; Takashima, R; Takeuchi, Y; Tanaka, R; Tecchio, M; Teng, P K; Terashi, K; Thom, J; Thompson, A S; Thompson, G A; Thomson, E; Tipton, P; Tiwari, V; Tkaczyk, S; Toback, D; Tokar, S; Tollefson, K; Tomura, T; Tonelli, D; Torre, S; Torretta, D; Tourneur, S; Trischuk, W; Tu, Y; Turini, N; Ukegawa, F; Uozumi, S; Vallecorsa, S; van Remortel, N; Varganov, A; Vataga, E; Vázquez, F; Velev, G; Vellidis, C; Veszpremi, V; Vidal, M; Vidal, R; Vila, I; Vilar, R; Vine, T; Vogel, M; Volobouev, I; Volpi, G; Würthwein, F; Wagner, P; Wagner, R G; Wagner, R L; Wagner-Kuhr, J; Wagner, W; Wakisaka, T; Wallny, R; Wang, S M; Warburton, A; Waters, D; Weinberger, M; Wester, W C; Whitehouse, B; Whiteson, D; Wicklund, A B; Wicklund, E; Williams, G; Williams, H H; Wilson, P; Winer, B L; Wittich, P; Wolbers, S; Wolfe, C; Wright, T; Wu, X; Wynne, S M; Yagil, A; Yamamoto, K; Yamaoka, J; Yamashita, T; Yang, C; Yang, U K; Yang, Y C; Yao, W M; Yeh, G P; Yoh, J; Yorita, K; Yoshida, T; Yu, G B; Yu, I; Yu, S S; Yun, J C; Zanello, L; Zanetti, A; Zaw, I; Zhang, X; Zheng, Y; Zucchelli, S

2008-01-18

We report the observation of the exclusive decay Bs0-->Ds-Ds+ at the 7.5 standard deviation level using 355 pb(-1) of data collected by the CDF II detector in pp collisions at sqrt[s]=1.96 TeV at the Fermilab Tevatron. We measure the relative branching ratio B(Bs0-->Ds-Ds+)/B(B0-->D-Ds+)=1.44(-0.44)(+0.48). Using the world average value for B(B0-->D-Ds+), we find B(Bs0-->Ds-Ds+)=(9.4(-4.2)(+4.4))x10(-3). This provides a lower bound DeltaGammasCP/Gammas>or=2B(Bs0-->Ds-Ds+)>1.2x10(-2) at 95% C.L.

Recollections of a Dental Researcher. Fifty Years at the U.S. National Bureau of Standards: Interviews with George C. Paffenbarger, DDS,

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-10-01

expansion of dental investment ...... ..................... 29 9. Luis Echeverria, President of Mexico , presenting the International Miller Award to Dr... Mexico City, Oct. 22, 1972, while Dr. Harold Hillenbrand, President of the FDI, looks on. . .. 42 10. Rear Admiral George C. Paffenbarger, Washington...1925, when I developed severe pulmonary hemorrhages. The local physician’s diagnosis was "galloping consumption." So I had to stay in bed for a few

Topological phase transition of Dirac superconductors in the presence of pseudo-scalar pairings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Salehi, Morteza; Jafari, S. A.

2018-06-01

Motivated by recent developments in the field of topological superconductors, we show that there is a topological phase transition (TPT) for three dimensional Dirac superconductors (3DDS) in the presence of pseudo-scalar superconducting order parameter which leads to the appearance of a two dimensional Majorana sea (2DMS) on its surface. The perfect Andreev-Klein transmission, resonant peak with robust character in the differential conductance and 4π periodic Josephson current are experimental signatures of 2DMS.

Oral Health

MedlinePlus

... gov/widgets/fahc.html" width="243" height="179" title="Find a Health Center Widget" ... Atkinson, D.D.S., Chief, Center for Clinical Research, Division of Extramural Research, National Institute of Dental ...

creation of unificed geoinformation system for monitoring social and economic developments of departamento quindio (colombia) on the basis of the isolated data sources

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Buravlev, V.; Sereshnikov, S. V.; Mayorov, A. A.; Vila, J. J.

At each level of the state and municipal management the information resources which provide the support of acceptance of administrative decisions, usually are performed as a number of polytypic, untied among themselves electronic data sources, such as databases, geoinformation projects, electronic archives of documents, etc. These sources are located in the various organizations, they function in various programs, and are actualized according to various rules. Creation on the basis of such isolated sources of the uniform information systems which provide an opportunity to look through and analyze any information stored in these sources in real time mode, will help to promote an increase in a degree of adequacy of accepted administrative decisions. The Distributed Data Service technology - TrisoftDDS, developed by company Trisoft, Ltd, provides the construction of horizontal territorially distributed heterogeneous information systems (TeRGIS). Technology TrisoftDDS allows the quickly creation and support, easy modification of systems, the data sources for which are already existing information complexes, without any working capacity infringements of the last ones, and provides the remote regulated multi-user access to the different types of data sources by the Internet/Intranet. Relational databases, GIS projects, files of various types (documents MS Office, images, html documents, etc.) can be used as data sources in TeRGIS. TeRGIS is created as Internet/Intranet application representing three-level client-server system. Access to the information in existing data sources is carried out by means of the distributed DDS data service, the nucleus of which is the distributed data service server - the DSServer, settling down on an intermediate level. TrisoftDDS Technology includes the following components: Client DSBrowser (Data Service Browser) - the client application connected through the Internet/intranet to the DSServer and provides both - a choice and viewing of documents. Tables of databases, inquiries to databases, inquiries to geoinformation projects, files of various types (documents MS Office, images, html files, etc.) can act as documents. For work with complex data sources the DSBrowser gives an opportunity to create inquiries, to execute data view and filter. Server of the distributed data service - DSServer (Data Service Server) - the web-application that provides the access to the data sources and performance of the client's inquiries on granting of chosen documents. Tool means - Toolkit DDS: the Manager of catalogue - the DCMan (Data Catalog Manager) - - the client-server application intended for the organization and administration of the data catalogue. Documentator - the DSDoc (Data Source Documentor) - the client-server application intended for documenting the procedure of formation of the required document from the data source. The documentation, created by the DBDoc, represents the metadata tables, which are included in the data catalogue with the help of the catalogue manager - the DSCMan. The functioning logic of territorially distributed heterogeneous information system, based on DDS technology, is following: Client application - DSBrowser addresses to the DSServer on specified Internet address. In reply to the reference the DSServer sends the client the catalogue of the system's information resources. The catalogue represents the xml-document which is processed by the client's browser and is deduced as tree - structure in a special window. The user of the application looks through the list and chooses necessary documents, the DSBrowser sends corresponding inquiry to the DSServer. The DSServer, in its turn, addresses to the metadata tables, which describe the document, chosen by user, and broadcasts inquiry to the corresponding data source and after this returns to the client application the result of the inquiry. The catalogue of the data services contains the full Internet address of the document. This allows to create catalogues of the distributed information resources, separate parts of which (documents) can be located on different servers in various places of Internet. Catalogues, thus, can separately settle down at anyone Internet provider, which supports the necessary software. Lists of documents in the catalogue gather in the thematic blocks, allowing to organize user-friendly navigation down the information sources of the system. The TrisoftDDS technology perspectives, first of all, consist of the organization and the functionality of the distributed data service which process inquiries about granting of documents. The distributed data service allows to hide the complex and, in most cases, not necessary features of structure of complex data sources and ways of connection to them from the external user. Instead of this, user receives pseudonyms of connections and file directories, the real parameters of which are stored in the register of the web-server, which hosts the DSServer. Such scheme gives also wide opportunities of the data protection and differentiations of access rights to the information. The technology of creation of horizontal territory distributed geoinformation systems with the purpose of the territorial social and economic development level classification of Quindio Departamento (Columbia) is also given in this work. This technology includes the creation of thematic maps on the base of ESRI software products - Arcview and Erdas. It also shows and offer some ways of regional social and economic development conditions analysis for comparison of optimality of the decision. This technology includes the following parameters: dynamics of demographic processes; education; health and a feed; infrastructure; political and social stability; culture, social and family values; condition of an environment; political and civil institutes; profitableness of the population; unemployment, use of a labour; poverty and not equality. The methodology allows to include other parameters with the help of an expert estimations method and optimization theories and there is also a module for the forecast check by field checks on district.

A psychoacoustic method for studying the necessary and sufficient perceptual cues of American English fricative consonants in noise.

PubMed

Li, Feipeng; Trevino, Andrea; Menon, Anjali; Allen, Jont B

2012-10-01

In a previous study on plosives, the 3-Dimensional Deep Search (3DDS) method for the exploration of the necessary and sufficient cues for speech perception was introduced (Li et al., (2010). J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 127(4), 2599-2610). Here, this method is used to isolate the spectral cue regions for perception of the American English fricatives /∫, 3, s, z, f, v, θ, δ in time, frequency, and intensity. The fricatives are analyzed in the context of consonant-vowel utterances, using the vowel /α/. The necessary cues were found to be contained in the frication noise for /∫, 3, s, z, f, v/. 3DDS analysis isolated the cue regions of /s, z/ between 3.6 and 8 [kHz] and /∫, 3/ between 1.4 and 4.2 [kHz]. Some utterances were found to contain acoustic components that were unnecessary for correct perception, but caused listeners to hear non-target consonants when the primary cue region was removed; such acoustic components are labeled "conflicting cue regions." The amplitude modulation of the high-frequency frication region by the fundamental F0 was found to be a sufficient cue for voicing. Overall, the 3DDS method allows one to analyze the effects of natural speech components without initial assumptions about where perceptual cues lie in time-frequency space or which elements of production they correspond to.

Spline-based high-accuracy piecewise-polynomial phase-to-sinusoid amplitude converters.

PubMed

Petrinović, Davor; Brezović, Marko

2011-04-01

We propose a method for direct digital frequency synthesis (DDS) using a cubic spline piecewise-polynomial model for a phase-to-sinusoid amplitude converter (PSAC). This method offers maximum smoothness of the output signal. Closed-form expressions for the cubic polynomial coefficients are derived in the spectral domain and the performance analysis of the model is given in the time and frequency domains. We derive the closed-form performance bounds of such DDS using conventional metrics: rms and maximum absolute errors (MAE) and maximum spurious free dynamic range (SFDR) measured in the discrete time domain. The main advantages of the proposed PSAC are its simplicity, analytical tractability, and inherent numerical stability for high table resolutions. Detailed guidelines for a fixed-point implementation are given, based on the algebraic analysis of all quantization effects. The results are verified on 81 PSAC configurations with the output resolutions from 5 to 41 bits by using a bit-exact simulation. The VHDL implementation of a high-accuracy DDS based on the proposed PSAC with 28-bit input phase word and 32-bit output value achieves SFDR of its digital output signal between 180 and 207 dB, with a signal-to-noise ratio of 192 dB. Its implementation requires only one 18 kB block RAM and three 18-bit embedded multipliers in a typical field-programmable gate array (FPGA) device. © 2011 IEEE

Gender difference of metabolic syndrome and its association with dietary diversity at different ages.

PubMed

Tian, Xu; Xu, Xiaohui; Zhang, Kai; Wang, Hui

2017-09-26

Previous research indicated that dietary diversity had favorable association with metabolic syndrome (MetS), and it has not been investigated in China. Adults (aged 18+) with complete dietary and biochemical data were collected from 2009 China Health and Nutrition Survey ( n =4308). Dietary diversity was measured by modified Dietary Diversity Score (DDS). MetS was defined by the harmonized criteria. The association between DDS and MetS was investigated by multivariable adjusted logistic regression. An inverse-U shape relationship between MetS risk and age was detected for both genders, and female were more vulnerable than male at old times. More diversified diet decreased the risk of MetS for young female (≥18 & ≤45), similar trends were detected in serum TGs, abdominal adiposity, blood pressure, and fasting blood glucose (all P <0.05). However, this association reversed for old female (>60) and male adults (>45&≤60). Greater DDS was associated with higher serum TGs, and lower HDL-C level for male adults, higher blood pressure for old men, but lower blood pressure and fasting blood glucose in young men (all P <0.05). Male adults and old female had the highest risk of getting MetS. More diversified diet decreased MetS risk for young female, but increased the risk for male adults and old female.

Characterization of particulate drug delivery systems for oral delivery of Peptide and protein drugs.

PubMed

Christophersen, Philip Carsten; Fano, Mathias; Saaby, Lasse; Yang, Mingshi; Nielsen, Hanne Mørck; Mu, Huiling

2015-01-01

Oral drug delivery is a preferred route because of good patient compliance. However, most peptide/ protein drugs are delivered via parenteral routes because of the absorption barriers in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract such as enzymatic degradation by proteases and low permeability acrossthe biological membranes. To overcome these barriers, different formulation strategies for oral delivery of biomacromolecules have been proposed, including lipid based formulations and polymer-based particulate drug delivery systems (DDS). The aim of this review is to summarize the existing knowledge about oral delivery of peptide/protein drugs and to provide an overview of formulationand characterization strategies. For a better understanding of the challenges in oral delivery of peptide/protein drugs, the composition of GI fluids and the digestion processes of different kinds of excipients in the GI tract are summarized. Additionally, the paper provides an overview of recent studies on characterization of solid drug carriers for peptide/protein drugs, drug distribution in particles, drug release and stability in simulated GI fluids, as well as the absorption of peptide/protein drugs in cell-based models. The use of biorelevant media when applicable can increase the knowledge about the quality of DDS for oral protein delivery. Hopefully, the knowledge provided in this review will aid the establishment of improved biorelevant models capable of forecasting the performance of particulate DDS for oral peptide/protein delivery.

Bruxism

MedlinePlus

... discipline. There is no recognized TMJ specialty in dentistry. For a massage-based approach, look for a ... Updated by: Michael Kapner, DDS, general and aesthetic dentistry, Norwalk Medical Center, Norwalk, CT. Review provided by ...

Effect of Levodopa on Reward and Impulsivity in a Rat Model of Parkinson’s Disease

PubMed Central

Carvalho, Miguel M.; Campos, Filipa L.; Marques, Mariana; Soares-Cunha, Carina; Kokras, Nikolaos; Dalla, Christina; Leite-Almeida, Hugo; Sousa, Nuno; Salgado, António J.

2017-01-01

The use of dopamine replacement therapies (DRT) in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease (PD) can lead to the development of dopamine dysregulation syndrome (DDS) and impulse control disorders (ICD), behavioral disturbances characterized by compulsive DRT self-medication and development of impulsive behaviors. However, the mechanisms behind these disturbances are poorly understood. In animal models of PD, the assessment of the rewarding properties of levodopa (LD), one of the most common drugs used in PD, has produced conflicting results, and its ability to promote increased impulsivity is still understudied. Moreover, it is unclear whether acute and chronic LD therapy differently affects reward and impulsivity. In this study we aimed at assessing, in an animal model of PD with bilateral mesostriatal and mesocorticolimbic degeneration, the behavioral effects of LD therapy regarding reward and impulsivity. Animals with either sham or 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-induced bilateral lesions in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) and ventral tegmental area (VTA) were exposed to acute and chronic LD treatment. We used the conditioned place preference (CPP) paradigm to evaluate the rewarding effects of LD, whereas impulsive behavior was measured with the variable delay-to-signal (VDS) task. Correlation analyses between behavioral measurements of reward or impulsivity and lesion extent in SNc/VTA were performed to pinpoint possible anatomical links of LD-induced behavioral changes. We show that LD, particularly when administered chronically, caused the development of impulsive-like behaviors in 6-OHDA-lesioned animals in the VDS. However, neither acute or chronic LD administration had rewarding effects in 6-OHDA-lesioned animals in the CPP. Our results show that in a bilateral rat model of PD, LD leads to the development of impulsive behaviors, strengthening the association between DRT and DDS/ICD in PD. PMID:28848409

Plasmon resonant liposomes for controlled drug delivery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Knights-Mitchell, Shellie S.; Romanowski, Marek

2015-03-01

Nanotechnology use in drug delivery promotes a reduction in systemic toxicity, improved pharmacokinetics, and better drug bioavailability. Liposomes continue to be extensively researched as drug delivery systems (DDS) with formulations such as Doxil® and Ambisome® approved by FDA and successfully marketed in the United States. However, the limited ability to precisely control release of active ingredients from these vesicles continues to challenge the broad implementation of this technology. Moreover, the full potential of the carrier to sequester drugs until it can reach its intended target has yet to be realized. Here, we describe a liposomal DDS that releases therapeutic doses of an anticancer drug in response to external stimulus. Earlier, we introduced degradable plasmon resonant liposomes. These constructs, obtained by reducing gold on the liposome surface, facilitate spatial and temporal release of drugs upon laser light illumination that ultimately induces an increase in temperature. In this work, plasmon resonant liposomes have been developed to stably encapsulate and retain doxorubicin at physiological conditions represented by isotonic saline at 37o C and pH 7.4. Subsequently, they are stimulated to release contents either by a 5o C increase in temperature or by laser illumination (760 nm and 88 mW/cm2 power density). Successful development of degradable plasmon resonant liposomes responsive to near-infrared light or moderate hyperthermia can provide a new delivery method for multiple lipophilic and hydrophilic drugs with pharmacokinetic profiles that limit clinical utility.

Software Defined Radio (SDR) and Direct Digital Synthesizer (DDS) for NMR/MRI instruments at low-field.

PubMed

Asfour, Aktham; Raoof, Kosai; Yonnet, Jean-Paul

2013-11-27

A proof-of-concept of the use of a fully digital radiofrequency (RF) electronics for the design of dedicated Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) systems at low-field (0.1 T) is presented. This digital electronics is based on the use of three key elements: a Direct Digital Synthesizer (DDS) for pulse generation, a Software Defined Radio (SDR) for a digital receiving of NMR signals and a Digital Signal Processor (DSP) for system control and for the generation of the gradient signals (pulse programmer). The SDR includes a direct analog-to-digital conversion and a Digital Down Conversion (digital quadrature demodulation, decimation filtering, processing gain…). The various aspects of the concept and of the realization are addressed with some details. These include both hardware design and software considerations. One of the underlying ideas is to enable such NMR systems to "enjoy" from existing advanced technology that have been realized in other research areas, especially in telecommunication domain. Another goal is to make these systems easy to build and replicate so as to help research groups in realizing dedicated NMR desktops for a large palette of new applications. We also would like to give readers an idea of the current trends in this field. The performances of the developed electronics are discussed throughout the paper. First FID (Free Induction Decay) signals are also presented. Some development perspectives of our work in the area of low-field NMR/MRI will be finally addressed.

Manipulation of Microbubble Clusters Using Focused Ultrasound

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Matsuzaki, Hironobu; Osaki, Taichi; Kawaguchi, Kei; Unga, Johan; Ichiyanagi, Mitsuhisa; Azuma, Takashi; Suzuki, Ryo; Maruyama, Kazuo; Takagi, Shu

2017-11-01

In recent years, microbubbles (MBs) are expected to be utilized for the ultrasound drug delivery system (DDS). For the MB-DDS, it is important to establish a method of controlling bubbles and bubble clusters using ultrasound field. The objective of this study is to clarify behaviors of bubble clusters with various physical conditions. MBs in the ultrasound field are subjected to the primary Bjerknes force. The force traps MBs at the focal region of the focused ultrasound field. The trapped MBs form a bubble cluster at the region. A bubble cluster continues growing with absorbing surrounding bubbles until it reaches a maximum size beyond which it disappears from the focal region. In the present study, two kinds of MBs are used for the experiment. One is Sonazoid with average diameter of 2.6 um and resonant frequency of 5 MHz. The other is developed by Teikyo Univ., with average diameter of 1.5 um and presumed resonant frequency of 4 MHz. The bubble cluster's behaviors are analyzed using the high-speed camera. Sonazoid clusters have larger critical size than the other in every frequency, and its cluster size is inversely proportional to the ultrasound frequency, while Teikyo-bubble clusters have different tendency. These results are discussed in the presentation.

Synchronous radio-frequency FM signal generator using direct digital synthesizers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arablu, Masoud; Kafashi, Sajad; Smith, Stuart T.

2018-04-01

A novel Radio-Frequency Frequency-Modulated (RF-FM) signal generation method is introduced and a prototype circuit developed to evaluate its functionality and performance. The RF-FM signal generator uses a modulated, voltage-controlled time delay to correspondingly modulate the phase of a 10 MHz sinusoidal reference signal. This modulated reference signal is, in turn, used to clock a Direct Digital Synthesizer (DDS) circuit resulting in an FM signal at its output. The modulating signal that is input to the voltage-controlled time delay circuit is generated by another DDS that is synchronously clocked by the same 10 MHz sine wave signal before modulation. As a consequence, all of the digital components are timed from a single sine wave oscillator that forms the basis of all timing. The resultant output signal comprises a center, or carrier, frequency plus a series of phase-synchronized sidebands having exact integer harmonic frequency separation. In this study, carrier frequencies ranging from 10 MHz to 70 MHz are generated with modulation frequencies ranging from 10 kHz to 300 kHz. The captured spectra show that the FM signal characteristics, amplitude and phase, of the sidebands and the modulation depth are consistent with the Jacobi-Anger expansion for modulated harmonic signals.

Denture problems

MedlinePlus

... based tablets affects biofilm mass and composition. J Dentistry . 2013:41(12):1281-1289. PMID: 23948391 www. ... Updated by: Michael Kapner, DDS, general and aesthetic dentistry, Norwalk Medical Center, Norwalk, CT. Review provided by ...

Genetics and You

MedlinePlus

... genetic condition, invasive prenatal testing may be a consideration. The most common tests of this type are ... in genetics, although some geneticists may have a dental degree (DDS or DMD) or a doctoral degree ...

Dental care - adult

MedlinePlus

... Nesbit SP, eds. Diagnosis and Treatment Planning in Dentistry. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2017:chap 4. ... Updated by: Michael Kapner, DDS, general and aesthetic dentistry, Norwalk Medical Center, Norwalk, CT. Review provided by ...

Natal teeth

MedlinePlus

... process. In: Dean JA, ed. McDonald and Avery's Dentistry for the Child and Adolescent . 10th ed. St. ... Updated by: Michael Kapner, DDS, general and aesthetic dentistry, Norwalk Medical Center, Norwalk, CT. Review provided by ...

The effects of the DDS-1 strain of lactobacillus on symptomatic relief for lactose intolerance - a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover clinical trial.

PubMed

Pakdaman, Michael N; Udani, Jay K; Molina, Jhanna Pamela; Shahani, Michael

2016-05-20

Lactose intolerance is a form of lactose maldigestion where individuals experience symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal cramping, flatulence, vomiting and bowel sounds following lactose consumption. Lactobacillus acidophilus is a species of bacteria known for its sugar fermenting properties. Preclinical studies have found that Lactobacillus acidophilus supplementation may assist in breaking down lactose; however, no human clinical trials exist evaluating its efficacy in alleviating symptoms related to lactose intolerance. The aim of this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study was to evaluate the effect of a proprietary strain of Lactobacillus acidophilus on relieving discomfort related to lactose intolerance. The study enrolled healthy volunteers between 18 and 75 years of age who complained of lactose intolerance. Screening visits included a lactose challenge visit to confirm eligibility based on a score of 10 or higher on subjective assessment of the following symptoms after lactose challenge: diarrhea, abdominal cramping, vomiting, audible bowel sounds, flatulence, and overall symptoms. Qualified subjects participated in a 2-arm crossover design, with each arm consisting of 4 weeks of intervention of either active or placebo product, with a 2-week washout period during crossover. The study product consisted of the DDS-1 strain of Lactobacillus acidophilus (Nebraska Cultures, Walnut Creek, California). The placebo was formulated from maltodextrin. Study participants were instructed to take the product once daily for 4 weeks. Data collected included subjective symptom scores related to lactose intolerance. Longitudinal comparison between the DDS-1 group and placebo group demonstrated statistically significant reductions in abdominal symptom scores during the 6-h Lactose Challenge at week 4 for diarrhea (p = 0.033), abdominal cramping (p = 0.012), vomiting (p = 0.0002), and overall symptom score (p = 0.037). No adverse events were reported. The present study has found that this unique DDS-1 strain of Lactobacillus acidophilus, manufactured by Nebraska Cultures, is safe to consume and improves abdominal symptom scores compared to placebo with respect to diarrhea, cramping, and vomiting during an acute lactose challenge.

As You Get Older

MedlinePlus

... to the Second Edition: Kathleen Kapp-Simon, PhD, Psychology David J. Reisberg, DDS, Prosthodontics James Sidman, MD, ... Speech ...........................................................................................................................8 Your Ears, Nose and Throat .......................................................................................10 Social Relationships ..........................................................................................................11 Looking Toward the Future ........................................................................................13 Stories ...

Dental x-rays

MedlinePlus

... techniques. In: Dean JA, ed. McDonald and Avery's Dentistry for the Child and Adolescent . 10th ed. St. ... Updated by: Michael Kapner, DDS, general and aesthetic dentistry, Norwalk Medical Center, Norwalk, CT. Review provided by ...

A Preliminary Study of the Osteogenic Potential of a Biodegradable Alloplastic-Osteoinductive Alloimplant

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-06-01

laterally and a 15 mm diameter craniotomy was created using a trephine in a slow-speed dental handpiece (Fig. 2a, 2b). Copious irrigation with normal...D.D.S., M.S. D and P Jeffrey 0. Hollinger D.D.S., P..D. *U.S. Army Institute of Dental Re .earch Walter Reed Army Medical Center .5 Washington D.C...KodaR Ultraspeed Dental X-ray film and radiographed at 90 KvP, 10 Ma, 0.4 seconds using a long-cone technique. Each radiograph was developed in an

Added Sugar, Macro- and Micronutrient Intakes and Anthropometry of Children in a Developing World Context

PubMed Central

Maunder, Eleni M. W.; Nel, Johanna H.; Steyn, Nelia P.; Kruger, H. Salome; Labadarios, Demetre

2015-01-01

Objective The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between added sugar and dietary diversity, micronutrient intakes and anthropometric status in a nationally representative study of children, 1–8.9 years of age in South Africa. Methods Secondary analysis of a national survey of children (weighted n = 2,200; non weighted n = 2818) was undertaken. Validated 24-hour recalls of children were collected from mothers/caregivers and stratified into quartiles of percentage energy from added sugar (% EAS). A dietary diversity score (DDS) using 9 food groups, a food variety score (FVS) of individual food items, and a mean adequacy ratio (MAR) based on 11 micronutrients were calculated. The prevalence of stunting and overweight/obesity was also determined. Results Added sugar intake varied from 7.5–10.3% of energy intake for rural and urban areas, respectively. Mean added sugar intake ranged from 1.0% of energy intake in Quartile 1 (1–3 years) (Q1) to 19.3% in Q4 (4–8 years). Main sources of added sugar were white sugar (60.1%), cool drinks (squash type) (10.4%) and carbonated cool drinks (6.0%). Added sugar intake, correlated positively with most micronutrient intakes, DDS, FVS, and MAR. Significant negative partial correlations, adjusted for energy intake, were found between added sugar intake and intakes of protein, fibre, thiamin, pantothenic acid, biotin, vitamin E, calcium (1–3 years), phosphorus, iron (4–8 years), magnesium and zinc. The prevalence of overweight/obesity was higher in children aged 4–8 years in Q4 of %EAS than in other quartiles [mean (95%CI) % prevalence overweight 23.0 (16.2–29.8)% in Q4 compared to 13.0 (8.7–17.3)% in Q1, p = 0.0063]. Conclusion Although DDS, FVS, MAR and micronutrient intakes were positively correlated with added sugar intakes, overall negative associations between micronutrients and added sugar intakes, adjusted for dietary energy, indicate micronutrient dilution. Overweight/obesity was increased with higher added sugar intakes in the 4–8 year old children. PMID:26560481

78 FR 37557 - National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering; Notice of Closed Meetings

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-06-21

... (Virtual Meeting). Contact Person: Ruth Grossman, DDS, Scientific Review Officer, National Institute of... Plaza, Suite 920, 6707 Democracy Boulevard, Bethesda, MD 20892 (Virtual Meeting). Contact Person: Ruth...

Publications - DDS 10 | Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys

Science.gov Websites

Portal Climate and Cryosphere Hazards Coastal Hazards Program Guide to Geologic Hazards in Alaska Products Interactive Interactive Map Alaska Tsunami Inundation Maps Keywords Coastal and River; Geologic

Preparation of a mesoporous silica-based nano-vehicle for dual DOX/CPT pH-triggered delivery.

PubMed

Llinàs, Maria C; Martínez-Edo, Gabriel; Cascante, Anna; Porcar, Irene; Borrós, Salvador; Sánchez-García, David

2018-11-01

A dual doxorubicin/camptothecin (DOX/CPT) pH-triggered drug delivery mesoporous silica nanoparticle (MSN)-based nano-vehicle has been prepared. In this drug-delivery system (DDS), CPT is loaded inside the pores of the MSNs, while DOX is covalently attached to the surface of an aldehyde-functionalized MSN through a dihydrazide-polyethylene glycol chain. Thus, DOX and the linker act as pH-sensitive gatekeeper. The system is versatile and easy to assemble, not requiring the chemical modification of the drugs. While at physiological conditions the release of the drugs is negligible, at acidic pH a burst release of DOX and a gradual release of CPT take place. In vitro cytotoxicity tests have demonstrated that this DDS can deliver efficiently DOX and CPT for combination therapy.

To work or not to work: motivation (not low IQ) determines symptom validity test findings.

PubMed

Chafetz, Michael D; Prentkowski, Erica; Rao, Aparna

2011-06-01

Social Security Disability Determinations Service (DDS) claimants are seeking compensation for an inability to work (Chafetz, 2010). These usually low-functioning claimants fail Symptom Validity Tests (SVTs) at high rates (Chafetz, 2008), typically over 40%. In contrast, claimants for the Rehabilitation Service in Louisiana (LRS) are seeking to work. Individuals referred by the Department of Child and Family Services (DCFS) are seeking reunification with their children. All three groups consisted of equivalently low-IQ claimants when considering only those who passed SVTs. Only the DDS group failed SVTs at high rates, whereas LRS claimants failed at minimal rates and DCFS claimants did not fail. Thus, intrinsic motivation explains effort in this particular study of low-functioning claimants: those seeking to work or to look good to reunify with their children pass SVTs at high rates.

Watermarking textures in video games

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Huajian; Berchtold, Waldemar; Schäfer, Marcel; Lieb, Patrick; Steinebach, Martin

2014-02-01

Digital watermarking is a promising solution to video game piracy. In this paper, based on the analysis of special challenges and requirements in terms of watermarking textures in video games, a novel watermarking scheme for DDS textures in video games is proposed. To meet the performance requirements in video game applications, the proposed algorithm embeds the watermark message directly in the compressed stream in DDS files and can be straightforwardly applied in watermark container technique for real-time embedding. Furthermore, the embedding approach achieves high watermark payload to handle collusion secure fingerprinting codes with extreme length. Hence, the scheme is resistant to collusion attacks, which is indispensable in video game applications. The proposed scheme is evaluated in aspects of transparency, robustness, security and performance. Especially, in addition to classical objective evaluation, the visual quality and playing experience of watermarked games is assessed subjectively in game playing.

Dissociative disorders in DSM-5.

PubMed

Spiegel, David; Loewenstein, Richard J; Lewis-Fernández, Roberto; Sar, Vedat; Simeon, Daphne; Vermetten, Eric; Cardeña, Etzel; Brown, Richard J; Dell, Paul F

2011-12-21

We present recommendations for revision of the diagnostic criteria for the Dissociative Disorders (DDs) for DSM-5. The periodic revision of the DSM provides an opportunity to revisit the assumptions underlying specific diagnoses and the empirical support, or lack of it, for the defining diagnostic criteria. This paper reviews clinical, phenomenological, epidemiological, cultural, and neurobiological data related to the DDs in order to generate an up-to-date, evidence-based set of DD diagnoses and diagnostic criteria for DSM-5. First, we review the definitions of dissociation and the differences between the definitions of dissociation and conceptualization of DDs in the DSM-IV-TR and the ICD-10, respectively. Also, we review more general conceptual issues in defining dissociation and dissociative disorders. Based on this review, we propose a revised definition of dissociation for DSM-5 and discuss the implications of this definition for understanding dissociative symptoms and disorders. We make the following recommendations for DSM-5: 1. Depersonalization Disorder (DPD) should include derealization symptoms as well. 2. Dissociative Fugue should become a subtype of Dissociative Amnesia (DA). 3. The diagnostic criteria for DID should be changed to emphasize the disruptive nature of the dissociation and amnesia for everyday as well as traumatic events. The experience of possession should be included in the definition of identity disruption. 4. Dissociative Trance Disorder should be included in the Unspecified Dissociative Disorder (UDD) category. There is a growing body of evidence linking the dissociative disorders to a trauma history, and to specific neural mechanisms. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Dissociative disorders in DSM-5.

PubMed

Spiegel, David; Loewenstein, Richard J; Lewis-Fernández, Roberto; Sar, Vedat; Simeon, Daphne; Vermetten, Eric; Cardeña, Etzel; Dell, Paul F

2011-09-01

We present recommendations for revision of the diagnostic criteria for the Dissociative Disorders (DDs) for DSM-5. The periodic revision of the DSM provides an opportunity to revisit the assumptions underlying specific diagnoses and the empirical support, or lack of it, for the defining diagnostic criteria. This paper reviews clinical, phenomenological, epidemiological, cultural, and neurobiological data related to the DDs in order to generate an up-to-date, evidence-based set of DD diagnoses and diagnostic criteria for DSM-5. First, we review the definitions of dissociation and the differences between the definitions of dissociation and conceptualization of DDs in the DSM-IV-TR and the ICD-10, respectively. Also, we review more general conceptual issues in defining dissociation and dissociative disorders. Based on this review, we propose a revised definition of dissociation for DSM-5 and discuss the implications of this definition for understanding dissociative symptoms and disorders. We make the following recommendations for DSM-5: 1. Depersonalization Disorder (DPD) should derealization symptoms as well. 2. Dissociative Fugue should become a subtype of Dissociative Amnesia (DA). 3. The diagnostic criteria for DID should be changed to emphasize the disruptive nature of the dissociation and amnesia for everyday as well as traumatic events. The experience of possession should be included in the definition of identity disruption. 4. Should Dissociative Trance Disorder should be included in the Unspecified Dissociative Disorder (UDD) category. There is a growing body of evidence linking the dissociative disorders to a trauma history, and to specific neural mechanisms. © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Unique and Overlapping Symptoms in Schizophrenia Spectrum and Dissociative Disorders in Relation to Models of Psychopathology: A Systematic Review.

PubMed

Renard, Selwyn B; Huntjens, Rafaele J C; Lysaker, Paul H; Moskowitz, Andrew; Aleman, André; Pijnenborg, Gerdina H M

2017-01-01

Schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSDs) and dissociative disorders (DDs) are described in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM-5) and tenth edition of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-10) as 2 categorically distinct diagnostic categories. However, several studies indicate high levels of co-occurrence between these diagnostic groups, which might be explained by overlapping symptoms. The aim of this systematic review is to provide a comprehensive overview of the research concerning overlap and differences in symptoms between schizophrenia spectrum and DDs. For this purpose the PubMed, PsycINFO, and Web of Science databases were searched for relevant literature. The literature contained a large body of evidence showing the presence of symptoms of dissociation in SSDs. Although there are quantitative differences between diagnoses, overlapping symptoms are not limited to certain domains of dissociation, nor to nonpathological forms of dissociation. In addition, dissociation seems to be related to a history of trauma in SSDs, as is also seen in DDs. There is also evidence showing that positive and negative symptoms typically associated with schizophrenia may be present in DD. Implications of these results are discussed with regard to different models of psychopathology and clinical practice. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Maryland Psychiatric Research Center. All rights reserved. For permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Forces involved in bacterial adhesion to hydrophilic and hydrophobic surfaces.

PubMed

Boks, Niels P; Norde, Willem; van der Mei, Henny C; Busscher, Henk J

2008-10-01

Using a parallel-plate flow chamber, the hydrodynamic shear forces to prevent bacterial adhesion (F(prev)) and to detach adhering bacteria (F(det)) were evaluated for hydrophilic glass, hydrophobic, dimethyldichlorosilane (DDS)-coated glass and six different bacterial strains, in order to test the following three hypotheses. 1. A strong hydrodynamic shear force to prevent adhesion relates to a strong hydrodynamic shear force to detach an adhering organism. 2. A weak hydrodynamic shear force to detach adhering bacteria implies that more bacteria will be stimulated to detach by passing an air-liquid interface (an air bubble) through the flow chamber. 3. DLVO (Derjaguin, Landau, Verwey, Overbeek) interactions determine the characteristic hydrodynamic shear forces to prevent adhesion and to detach adhering micro-organisms as well as the detachment induced by a passing air-liquid interface. F(prev) varied from 0.03 to 0.70 pN, while F(det) varied from 0.31 to over 19.64 pN, suggesting that after initial contact, strengthening of the bond occurs. Generally, it was more difficult to detach bacteria from DDS-coated glass than from hydrophilic glass, which was confirmed by air bubble detachment studies. Calculated attractive forces based on the DLVO theory (F(DLVO)) towards the secondary interaction minimum were higher on glass than on DDS-coated glass. In general, all three hypotheses had to be rejected, showing that it is important to distinguish between forces acting parallel (hydrodynamic shear) and perpendicular (DLVO, air-liquid interface passages) to the substratum surface.

Does a Smaller Waist Mean Smelly Breath?

MedlinePlus

... information you need from the Academy of General Dentistry Friday, June 29, 2018 About | Contact InfoBites Quick ... the gums and tongue," says Academy of General Dentistry spokesperson Bruce DeGinder, DDS, MAGD. " High-protein foods ...

Publications - DDS 4 | Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys

Science.gov Websites

Datasets of Alaska: Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys Digital Data Series 4, http ; Alaska Statewide Maps; Alaska, State of; Digital Elevation Model; Digital Surface Model (DSM); Geologic

Fluorinated ionic liquids for protein drug delivery systems: Investigating their impact on the structure and function of lysozyme.

PubMed

Alves, Márcia; Vieira, Nicole S M; Rebelo, Luís Paulo N; Araújo, João M M; Pereiro, Ana B; Archer, Margarida

2017-06-30

Since the approval of recombinant human insulin by FDA in 1982, more than 200 proteins are currently available for pharmaceutical use to treat a wide range of diseases. However, innovation is still required to develop effective approaches for drug delivery. Our aim is to investigate the potential use of fluorinated ionic liquids (FILs) as drug delivery systems (DDS) for therapeutic proteins. Some initial parameters need to be assessed before further studies can proceed. This work evaluates the impact of FILs on the stability, function, structure and aggregation state of lysozyme. Different techniques were used for this purpose, which included differential scanning fluorimetry (DSF), spectrophotometric assays, circular dichroism (CD), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM/TEM). Ionic liquids composed of cholinium-, imidazolium- or pyridinium- derivatives were combined with different anions and analysed at different concentrations in aqueous solutions (below and above the critical aggregation concentration, CAC). The results herein presented show that the addition of ionic liquids had no significant effect on the stability and hydrolytic activity of lysozyme. Moreover, a distinct behaviour was observed in DLS experiments for non-surfactant and surfactant ionic liquids, with the latter encapsulating the protein at concentrations above the CAC. These results encourage us to further study ionic liquids as promising tools for DDS of protein drugs. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

An In Situ Gelling Drug Delivery System for Improved Recovery after Spinal Cord Injury.

PubMed

Liu, Dongfei; Jiang, Tao; Cai, Weihua; Chen, Jian; Zhang, Hongbo; Hietala, Sami; Santos, Hélder A; Yin, Guoyong; Fan, Jin

2016-06-01

Therapeutic strategies for the spinal cord injury (SCI) are limited by the current available drug delivery techniques. Here, an in situ gelling drug delivery system (DDS), composed of a Poloxamer-407, a 188 mixture-based thermoresponsive hydrogel matrix and, an incorporated therapeutic compound (monosialoganglioside, GM1), is developed for SCI therapy. A low-thoracic hemisection in rats is used as SCI model to evaluate therapeutic efficiency. The GM1-incorporating Poloxamer-407 and 188 polymer solution is converted to a hydrogel (GM1-hydrogel) upon instillation to the injured spinal cord, due to the increased temperature. At body temperature, the thermoresponsive hydrogel prolongs the release of GM1 for about 1 month, due to the superposition of dissolution and swelling (anomalous transport) of the hydrogel matrix. The sustained release of the GM1-hydrogel enables the prolonged residence time of GM1 at the injured spinal cord, decreases the frequency of administration and, consequently, may improve patient compliance. After SCI, the administration of GM1-hydrogel to the lesion site inhibits the apoptotic cell death and glial scar formation, enhances the neuron regeneration, provides neuroprotection to the injured spinal cord, and improves the locomotor recovery. Overall, this study opens future perspectives for the treatment of SCI with a prolonged drug release DDS. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

LSST communications middleware implementation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mills, Dave; Schumacher, German; Lotz, Paul

2016-07-01

The LSST communications middleware is based on a set of software abstractions; which provide standard interfaces for common communications services. The observatory requires communication between diverse subsystems, implemented by different contractors, and comprehensive archiving of subsystem status data. The Service Abstraction Layer (SAL) is implemented using open source packages that implement open standards of DDS (Data Distribution Service1) for data communication, and SQL (Standard Query Language) for database access. For every subsystem, abstractions for each of the Telemetry datastreams, along with Command/Response and Events, have been agreed with the appropriate component vendor (such as Dome, TMA, Hexapod), and captured in ICD's (Interface Control Documents).The OpenSplice (Prismtech) Community Edition of DDS provides an LGPL licensed distribution which may be freely redistributed. The availability of the full source code provides assurances that the project will be able to maintain it over the full 10 year survey, independent of the fortunes of the original providers.

The effect of interlayer anion on the reactivity of Mg-Al layered double hydroxides: improving and extending the customization capacity of anionic clays.

PubMed

Rojas, Ricardo; Bruna, Felipe; de Pauli, Carlos P; Ulibarri, M Ángeles; Giacomelli, Carla E

2011-07-01

Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) reactivity and interfacial behavior are closely interconnected and control particle properties relevant to the wide range of these solids' applications. Despite their importance, their relationship has been hardly described. In this work, chloride and dodecylsulfate (DDS(-)) intercalated LDHs are studied combining experimental data (electrophoretic mobility and contact angle measurements, hydroxyl and organic compounds uptake) and a simple mathematical model that includes anion-binding and acid-base reactions. This approach evidences the anion effect on LDHs interfacial behavior, reflected in the opposite particle charge and the different surface hydrophobic/hydrophilic character. LDHs reactivity are also determined by the interlayer composition, as demonstrated by the cation uptake capability of the DDS(-) intercalated sample. Consequently, the interlayer anion modifies the LDHs interfacial properties and reactivity, which in turn extends the customization capacity of these solids. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Who's distressed? A comparison of diabetes-related distress by type of diabetes and medication.

PubMed

Wardian, Jana L; Tate, Joshua; Folaron, Irene; Graybill, Sky; True, Mark; Sauerwein, Tom

2018-03-07

We hypothesized that diabetes-related distress would vary by type of diabetes and medication regimen [Type 1 diabetes (T1DM), Type 2 diabetes with insulin use (T2DM-i), Type 2 diabetes without insulin use (T2DM)]. Thus, the aim of this study was to identify groups with elevated diabetes-related distress. We administered the 17-item Diabetes-related Distress Scale (DDS-17) to 585 patients. We collected demographics, medications, and lab results from patient records. Patients were categorized by type of diabetes and medication: T1DM (n = 149); T2DM-i (n = 333); and T2DM (n = 103). ANOVA revealed significant differences in sample characteristics. ANCOVA were conducted on all four DDS-17 domains [Emotional Burden (EB); Physician-related Distress (PD); Regimen-related Distress (RD); and Interpersonal Distress (ID)]; covariates included in the models were sex, age, duration of diabetes, BMI, and HbA1c. EB was significantly lower in T1DM than T2DM-i, p < 0.05. In addition, RD was significantly lower in T1DM than either T2DM-i, p < 0.05 and T2DM, p < 0.05. EB and RD are higher for those with type 2 diabetes. Thus, interventions to reduce EB and RD need to be considered for patients with type 2 diabetes. DDS-17 is useful in identifying diabetes-related distress in patients with diabetes. Efforts need to be made to reduce EB and RD. Published by Elsevier B.V.

The impact of lungs from diabetic donors on lung transplant recipients†.

PubMed

Ambur, Vishnu; Taghavi, Sharven; Jayarajan, Senthil; Kadakia, Sagar; Zhao, Huaqing; Gomez-Abraham, Jesus; Toyoda, Yoshiya

2017-02-01

We attempted to determine if transplants of lungs from diabetic donors (DDs) is associated with increased mortality of recipients in the modern era of the lung allocation score (LAS). The United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) database was queried for all adult lung transplant recipients from 2006 to 2014. Patients receiving a lung from a DD were compared to those receiving a transplant from a non-DD. Multivariate Cox regression analysis using variables associated with mortality was used to examine survival. A total of 13 159 adult lung transplants were performed between January 2006 and June 2014: 4278 (32.5%) were single-lung transplants (SLT) and 8881 (67.5%) were double-lung transplants (DLT). The log-rank test demonstrated a lower median survival in the DD group (5.6 vs 5.0 years, P = 0.003). We performed additional analysis by dividing this initial cohort into two cohorts by transplant type. On multivariate analysis, receiving an SLT from a DD was associated with increased mortality (HR 1.28, 95% CI 1.07–1.54, P = 0.011). Interestingly, multivariate analysis demonstrated no difference in mortality rates for patients receiving a DLT from a DD (HR 1.12, 95% CI 0.97–1.30, P = 0.14). DLT with DDs can be performed safely without increased mortality, but SLT using DDs results in worse survival and post-transplant outcomes. Preference should be given to DLT when using lungs from donors with diabetes. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of Psychometric Properties of the Second Version of the Taqwa (Piety) Questionnaire in Bahasa Melayu.

PubMed

Seghatoleslam, Tahereh; Habil, Hussain; Hatim, Ahmad; Ardakani, Abolfazl; Ishak, Khafidz; Rashid, Rusdi

2017-02-10

The aim of the study is to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Bahasa Melayu version of the Taqwa (piety) questionnaire, used for the measurement of behaviour of Drug Dependency Syndrome (DDS), in Malay patients. A sample of 98 males with a psychiatric diagnosis (DSM-IV-R) as the DDS was randomly selected from Kajang Khafidz Polyclinic Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. After receiving their agreement to attend the study, they completed the Taqwa (piety) questionnaire. The reliability was assessed by determining the Cronbach's [Formula: see text] to measure the consistency of related questions for all four dimensions (subscales), including individual, social, cognitional, and emotional Taqwa behaviour. In the next step to evaluate the composite reliability, convergent, and discrimination validity, a measurement model was determined via Conformity Factor Analysis (CFA) based on Partial List Square method (Smart- PLS Ver: 2M3). The reliability of four dimensions of the questionnaire was acceptable ([Formula: see text] correlated to each other. However, according to the CFA method, the items with low loading factor (<0.5) were excluded from each dimension. Item 24 and 35 that were related to individual Taqwa, and item 35 that belonged to emotional Taqwa were excluded from the analysis. The composite reliability and convergent, and discrimination validity were satisfied in all conformity factor loading that exceeded 0/05. The psychometric properties of the Taqwa questionnaire are acceptable, and the scale is a good instrument for assessing the Islamic attitude, beliefs, and behaviour of the Bahasa Melayu DDS patients.

Developing a United States Marine Corps Organizational and Intermediate Level Maintenance Performance Cost Model

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-12-01

analysts. Material readiness is an issue that affects the entire Marine Corps, so the Marine Corps transitioned from a reactive to a proactive life cycle...model. Table 11 also includes ̂ (rho- hat), which takes into account the serial correlation of the residual at time t and time t-1. 57 Parameter ...TRL Mounted AS-4429D AS-4429D A0153 9 -- Radio Set, AN/MRC-142C A0170 19 -- AN/TSQ 226 (V)3 Trojan Spirit AN/TSQ 226 A0172 7 HZ DDS-R/M PWR Module (PM

Using hydrogen isotopes to assign origins of bats in the eastern United States

Treesearch

Eric R. Britzke; Susan C. Loeb; Keith A. Hobson; Christopher S. Romanek; Maarten J. Vonhof

2009-01-01

Stable hydrogen isotopes (dDs) in metabolically inert tissues such as feathers and hair provide a set of endogenous markers that may be useful for establishing migratory connectivity in animals. We tested the assumption...

Publications - DDS 1 | Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys

Science.gov Websites

Surveys Digital Data Series 1, http://doi.org/10.14509/agdi. http://doi.org/10.14509/24504 Publication Products Interactive Interactive Map Alaska Geologic Data Index (AGDI) Digital Geospatial Data Digital

Development of novel drug delivery systems using phage display technology for clinical application of protein drugs.

PubMed

Nagano, Kazuya; Tsutsumi, Yasuo

2016-01-01

Attempts are being made to develop therapeutic proteins for cancer, hepatitis, and autoimmune conditions, but their clinical applications are limited, except in the cases of drugs based on erythropoietin, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, interferon-alpha, and antibodies, owing to problems with fundamental technologies for protein drug discovery. It is difficult to identify proteins useful as therapeutic seeds or targets. Another problem in using bioactive proteins is pleiotropic actions through receptors, making it hard to elicit desired effects without side effects. Additionally, bioactive proteins have poor therapeutic effects owing to degradation by proteases and rapid excretion from the circulatory system. Therefore, it is essential to establish a series of novel drug delivery systems (DDS) to overcome these problems. Here, we review original technologies in DDS. First, we introduce antibody proteomics technology for effective selection of proteins useful as therapeutic seeds or targets and identification of various kinds of proteins, such as cancer-specific proteins, cancer metastasis-related proteins, and a cisplatin resistance-related protein. Especially Ephrin receptor A10 is expressed in breast tumor tissues but not in normal tissues and is a promising drug target potentially useful for breast cancer treatment. Moreover, we have developed a system for rapidly creating functional mutant proteins to optimize the seeds for therapeutic applications and used this system to generate various kinds of functional cytokine muteins. Among them, R1antTNF is a TNFR1-selective antagonistic mutant of TNF and is the first mutein converted from agonist to antagonist. We also review a novel polymer-conjugation system to improve the in vivo stability of bioactive proteins. Site-specific PEGylated R1antTNF is uniform at the molecular level, and its bioactivity is similar to that of unmodified R1antTNF. In the future, we hope that many innovative protein drugs will be developed by combining these technologies.

32 CFR 242.9 - Academic, intellectual, and personal requirements for admission to advanced standing.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... schools will be eligible for transfer. (c) Individuals who have received the D.D.S., D.M.D., Ph.D., D.O.... Advanced standing applicants are required to have taken the Medical College Admission Test. ...

32 CFR 242.9 - Academic, intellectual, and personal requirements for admission to advanced standing.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... schools will be eligible for transfer. (c) Individuals who have received the D.D.S., D.M.D., Ph.D., D.O.... Advanced standing applicants are required to have taken the Medical College Admission Test. ...

32 CFR 242.9 - Academic, intellectual, and personal requirements for admission to advanced standing.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... schools will be eligible for transfer. (c) Individuals who have received the D.D.S., D.M.D., Ph.D., D.O.... Advanced standing applicants are required to have taken the Medical College Admission Test. ...

32 CFR 242.9 - Academic, intellectual, and personal requirements for admission to advanced standing.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... schools will be eligible for transfer. (c) Individuals who have received the D.D.S., D.M.D., Ph.D., D.O.... Advanced standing applicants are required to have taken the Medical College Admission Test. ...

77 FR 3233 - Proposed Collection; Comment Request

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-01-23

... DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Office of the Secretary [Docket ID: DOD-2012-OS-0002] Proposed Collection... Defense (Personnel and Readiness), Department of Defense Education Activity (Human Resources Regional..., and OMB Control Number: Department of Defense Dependents Schools (DoDDS) Employment Opportunities for...

Publications - DDS 9 | Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys

Science.gov Websites

Surveys Digital Data Series 9, http://doi.org/10.14509/shoreline. http://doi.org/10.14509/29504 positions in the Alaska shoreline change tool, 11 p. Digital Geospatial Data Digital Geospatial Data Emmonak

Publications - DDS 12 | Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys

Science.gov Websites

; Geophysical Surveys Digital Data Series 12, 1 DVD. http://doi.org/10.14509/29555 Publication Products Disc DVD catalog (34.0 M) Digital Geospatial Data Digital Geospatial Data Black Mtn., Liscum, Goodpaster, Salch R

220GHz wideband 3D imaging radar for concealed object detection technology development and phenomenology studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Robertson, Duncan A.; Macfarlane, David G.; Bryllert, Tomas

2016-05-01

We present a 220 GHz 3D imaging `Pathfinder' radar developed within the EU FP7 project CONSORTIS (Concealed Object Stand-Off Real-Time Imaging for Security) which has been built to address two objectives: (i) to de-risk the radar hardware development and (ii) to enable the collection of phenomenology data with ~1 cm3 volumetric resolution. The radar combines a DDS-based chirp generator and self-mixing multiplier technology to achieve a 30 GHz bandwidth chirp with such high linearity that the raw point response is close to ideal and only requires minor nonlinearity compensation. The single transceiver is focused with a 30 cm lens mounted on a gimbal to acquire 3D volumetric images of static test targets and materials.

pH- and ion-sensitive polymers for drug delivery

PubMed Central

Yoshida, Takayuki; Lai, Tsz Chung; Kwon, Glen S; Sako, Kazuhiro

2013-01-01

Introduction Drug delivery systems (DDSs) are important for effective, safe, and convenient administration of drugs. pH- and ion-responsive polymers have been widely employed in DDS for site-specific drug release due to their abilities to exploit specific pH- or ion-gradients in the human body. Areas covered Having pH-sensitivity, cationic polymers can mask the taste of drugs and release drugs in the stomach by responding to gastric low pH. Anionic polymers responsive to intestinal high pH are used for preventing gastric degradation of drug, colon drug delivery and achieving high bioavailability of weak basic drugs. Tumor-targeted DDSs have been developed based on polymers with imidazole groups or poly(β-amino ester) responsive to tumoral low pH. Polymers with pH-sensitive chemical linkages, such as hydrazone, acetal, ortho ester and vinyl ester, pH-sensitive cell-penetrating peptides and cationic polymers undergoing pH-dependent protonation have been studied to utilize the pH gradient along the endocytic pathway for intracellular drug delivery. As ion-sensitive polymers, ion-exchange resins are frequently used for taste-masking, counterion-responsive drug release and sustained drug release. Polymers responding to ions in the saliva and gastrointestinal fluids are also used for controlled drug release in oral drug formulations. Expert opinion Stimuli-responsive DDSs are important for achieving site-specific and controlled drug release; however, intraindividual, interindividual and intercellular variations of pH should be considered when designing DDSs or drug products. Combination of polymers and other components, and deeper understanding of human physiology are important for development of pH- and ion-sensitive polymeric DDS products for patients. PMID:23930949

On-Farm Crop Species Richness Is Associated with Household Diet Diversity and Quality in Subsistence- and Market-Oriented Farming Households in Malawi.

PubMed

Jones, Andrew D

2017-01-01

On-farm crop species richness (CSR) may be important for maintaining the diversity and quality of diets of smallholder farming households. The objectives of this study were to 1) determine the association of CSR with the diversity and quality of household diets in Malawi and 2) assess hypothesized mechanisms for this association via both subsistence- and market-oriented pathways. Longitudinal data were assessed from nationally representative household surveys in Malawi between 2010 and 2013 (n = 3000 households). A household diet diversity score (DDS) and daily intake per adult equivalent of energy, protein, iron, vitamin A, and zinc were calculated from 7-d household consumption data. CSR was calculated from plot-level data on all crops cultivated during the 2009-2010 and 2012-2013 agricultural seasons in Malawi. Adjusted generalized estimating equations were used to assess the longitudinal relation of CSR with household diet quality and diversity. CSR was positively associated with DDS (β: 0.08; 95% CI: 0.06, 0.12; P < 0.001), as well as daily intake per adult equivalent of energy (kilocalories) (β: 41.6; 95% CI: 20.9, 62.2; P < 0.001), protein (grams) (β: 1.78; 95% CI: 0.80, 2.75; P < 0.001), iron (milligrams) (β: 0.30; 95% CI: 0.16, 0.44; P < 0.001), vitamin A (micrograms of retinol activity equivalent) (β: 25.8; 95% CI: 12.7, 38.9; P < 0.001), and zinc (milligrams) (β: 0.26; 95% CI: 0.13, 0.38; P < 0.001). Neither proportion of harvest sold nor distance to nearest population center modified the relation between CSR and household diet diversity or quality (P ≥ 0.05). Households with greater CSR were more commercially oriented (least-squares mean proportion of harvest sold ± SE, highest tertile of CSR: 17.1 ± 0.52; lowest tertile of CSR: 8.92 ± 1.09) (P < 0.05). Promoting on-farm CSR may be a beneficial strategy for simultaneously supporting enhanced diet quality and diversity while also creating opportunities for smallholder farmers to engage with markets in subsistence agricultural contexts. © 2017 American Society for Nutrition.

The Impact of a Mobile Diabetes Health Intervention on Diabetes Distress and Depression Among Adults: Secondary Analysis of a Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial

PubMed Central

Swasey, Krystal K; Crabbe, J Christopher F; Shardell, Michelle D; Terrin, Michael L; Barr, Erik A; Gruber-Baldini, Ann L

2017-01-01

Background Diabetes is a complex, demanding disease that requires the constant attention of patients. The burden of self-management, including different medication regimens, routine self-care activities, and provider visits, has an impact on patients’ emotional well-being. Diabetes distress and depression are two important components of emotional well-being that may negatively affect diabetes outcomes. Objective The aim was to determine the impact of the 1-year Mobile Diabetes Intervention Study cluster randomized clinical trial on emotional well-being measured by diabetes distress and depression among adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Methods A total of 163 adults with not-well-managed T2D were enrolled from community primary care practices. Primary care practices were cluster randomized into either a usual care control group or intervention group. Intervention participants were given a mobile phone with coaching software including a Web portal to communicate with providers. A priori established secondary outcomes included distress measured by the Diabetes Distress Scale (DDS), with subscales measuring emotional burden, interpersonal distress, physician-related distress, and regimen-related distress, as well as depression measured by the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Linear mixed models were used to calculate the effect of the intervention on diabetes distress levels over time, both overall and separately by sex, and to determine if the intervention affected distress or depression. The impact of total DDS on changes in HbA1c was also studied. Results There were no significant treatment group effects for DDS total (baseline: P=.07; differences over time: P=.38) or for depression (P=.06 over time). Significant declines in total DDS were observed over the 12-month intervention period (P=.01). Regimen-related distress significantly decreased for all study participants (P<.001), but no significant change over time was observed for emotional burden (P=.83), interpersonal distress (P=.64), or physician-related distress (P=.73). Women in both the usual care and intervention groups were more likely to have higher overall DDS, emotional burden, physician-related distress, and regimen-related distress, but not interpersonal distress. Women also reported higher baseline depression compared to men (P=.006). Overall, depression decreased over the treatment period (P=.007), but remained unaffected by group assignment (P=.06) or by sex (P=.97). Diabetes distress had no effect on the change in HbA1c (P=.91) over the treatment period. Conclusions Although we found no definitive overall or sex-specific effect of the intervention on diabetes distress or depression, this study makes an important contribution to the understanding of mobile health interventions and the impact on emotional health. Our study verified previous work that although diabetes distress and depression are highly correlated, these measures are not evaluating the same construct. Design of future mobile technology provides an opportunity to personalize, contextualize, and intervene in the emotional well-being of persons with diabetes. Trial Registration Clinicaltrials.gov NCT01107015; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01107015 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6vVgRCLAF) PMID:29217502

Improved Health-Related Quality of Life in a Phase 3 Islet Transplantation Trial in Type 1 Diabetes Complicated by Severe Hypoglycemia.

PubMed

Foster, Eric D; Bridges, Nancy D; Feurer, Irene D; Eggerman, Thomas L; Hunsicker, Lawrence G; Alejandro, Rodolfo

2018-05-01

Attaining glycemic targets without severe hypoglycemic events (SHEs) is a challenging treatment goal for patients with type 1 diabetes complicated by impaired awareness of hypoglycemia (IAH). The CIT Consortium Protocol 07 (CIT-07) trial showed islet transplantation to be an effective treatment for subjects with IAH and intractable SHEs. We evaluated health-related quality of life (HRQOL), functional health status, and health utility before and after pancreatic islet transplantation in CIT-07 trial participants. Four surveys, the Diabetes Distress Scale (DDS), the Hypoglycemic Fear Survey (HFS), the Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36), and the EuroQoL 5 Dimensions (EQ-5D), were administered repeatedly before and after islet transplantation. Summary statistics and longitudinal modeling were used to describe changes in survey scores from baseline and to characterize change in relation to a minimally important difference (MID) threshold of half an SD. Improvements in condition-specific HRQOL met the MID threshold. Reductions from baseline in the DDS total score and its four DDS subscales (all P ≤ 0.0013) and in the HFS total score and its two subscales (all P < 0.0001) were observed across all time points. Improvements were observed after both 1 and 2 years for the EQ-5D visual analog scale (both P < 0.0001). In CIT-07, 87.5% of the subjects achieved the primary end point of freedom from SHE along with glycemic control (HbA 1c <7% [<53 mmol/mol]) at 1 year post-initial islet transplantation. The same subjects reported consistent, statistically significant, and clinically meaningful improvements in condition-specific HRQOL as well as self-assessments of overall health. © 2018 by the American Diabetes Association.

Dietary diversity and adiposity in Chinese men and women: an analysis of four waves of cross-sectional survey data.

PubMed

Tian, X; Wu, M; Zang, J; Zhu, Y; Wang, H

2017-04-01

Increasing dietary diversity is concurrent with an increasing prevalence of adiposity in China, but the association between these variables remains ambiguous. This study reveals an association between dietary diversity and body mass (underweight, overweight and obesity) in Chinese adults. Data from 17 825 participants (age, 18-65 years) were pooled from four survey waves (2004, 2006, 2009 and 2011) of the Chinese Health and Nutrition Survey. Anthropometric data and dietary intake information obtained through a 24-h dietary recall for 3 consecutive days were collected. Information on covariates, namely those regarding the socioeconomic status and lifestyle of each participant, were collected. The dietary diversity score (DDS) and entropy were used to represent dietary diversity. The association between dietary diversity and adiposity was analyzed by using multivariable-adjusted multinomial logistic regression. A positive association between dietary diversity and overweight was detected only in men (DDS: OR=1.09 (1.03-1.17); entropy: OR=1.60 (1.24-2.07)). The results were confirmed by analyzing the interaction between sex and diversity (DDS: OR=1.27 (1.17-1.37); entropy: OR=2.89 (2.11-3.89)). In contrast, no significant association was detected between dietary diversity and underweight/obesity (all P>0.05). Dietary consumption was compared between sexes to explain the different effects of dietary diversity on body mass in men and women. The results indicated that men typically had a higher consumption of meat (P<0.01). Higher dietary diversity is positively associated with overweight in men. Additional preventive strategies that promote a healthy diet should focus on men.

School feeding program has resulted in improved dietary diversity, nutritional status and class attendance of school children.

PubMed

Zenebe, Mastewal; Gebremedhin, Samson; Henry, Carol J; Regassa, Nigatu

2018-01-23

School Feeding Program (SFP) is a targeted safety net program designed to provide educational and health benefits to vulnerable children. However, limited evidence exists regarding the effect of the intervention on the nutritional status and school attendance of children. The study is aimed at examining the effects of SFP on dietary diversity, nutritional status and class attendance of school children in Boricha district, Southern Ethiopia. The study was conducted based on a representative data collected from 290 students drawn from the district. A school-based comparative cross-sectional study was conducted on school children aged 10-14 years. Data were collected using structured pretested questionnaire. The effects of SFP on dietary diversity score (DDS), class attendance rate, body-mass-index for age (BAZ) and height-for-age (HAZ) Z-scores were assessed using multivariable linear regression model. The finding showed significantly higher mean (±SD) of DDS in SFP beneficiaries (5.8 ± 1.1) than the non-beneficiaries (3.5 ± 0.7) (P < 0.001). BAZ and HAZ of the beneficiaries were also higher than their counterparts, which were (0.07 ± 0.93), (- 0.50 ± 0.86) and (- 1.45 ± 1.38), (- 2.17 ± 1.15) respectively (P < 0.001). The mean (±SD) days of absence from school for non-beneficiaries (2.6 ± 1.6) was significantly higher than that of the beneficiaries (1.3 ± 1.7) (P < 0.05). Given the positive effects of the program in improving the DDS, nutritional status, and class attendance of school children, we strongly recommend scaling up the program to other food insecure areas.

In vitro evaluation of the cytotoxicity and cellular uptake of CMCht/PAMAM dendrimer nanoparticles by glioblastoma cell models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pojo, M.; Cerqueira, S. R.; Mota, T.; Xavier-Magalhães, A.; Ribeiro-Samy, S.; Mano, J. F.; Oliveira, J. M.; Reis, R. L.; Sousa, N.; Costa, B. M.; Salgado, A. J.

2013-05-01

Glioblastoma (GBM) is simultaneously the most common and most malignant subtype tumor of the central nervous system. These are particularly dramatic diseases ranking first among all human tumor types for tumor-related average years of life lost and for which curative therapies are not available. Recently, the use of nanoparticles as drug delivery systems (DDS) for tumor treatment has gained particular interest. In an attempt to evaluate the potential of carboxymethylchitosan/poly(amidoamine) (CMCht/PAMAM) dendrimer nanoparticles as a DDS, we aimed to evaluate its cytotoxicity and internalization efficiency in GBM cell models. CMCht/PAMAM-mediated cytotoxicity was evaluated in a GBM cell line (U87MG) and in human immortalized astrocytes (hTERT/E6/E7) by MTS and double-stranded DNA quantification. CMCht/PAMAM internalization was assessed by double fluorescence staining. Both cells lines present similar internalization kinetics when exposed to a high dose (400 μg/mL) of these nanoparticles. However, the internalization rate was higher in tumor GBM cells as compared to immortalized astrocytes when cells were exposed to lower doses (200 μg/mL) of CMCht/PAMAM for short periods (<24 h). After 48 h of exposure, both cell lines present 100 % of internalization efficiency for the tested concentrations. Importantly, short-term exposures (1, 6, 12, 24, and 48 h) did not show cytotoxicity, and long-term exposures (7 days) to CMCht/PAMAM induced only low levels of cytotoxicity in both cell lines ( 20 % of decrease in metabolic activity). The high efficiency and rate of internalization of CMCht/PAMAM we show here suggest that these nanoparticles may be an attractive DDS for brain tumor treatment in the future.

76 FR 66986 - Shawn M. Gallegos, D.D.S., Decision and Order

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-10-28

... introduced documentary evidence. Respondent elected not to testify. After the hearing, both parties filed... credible. Her testimony was internally consistent, corroborated by documentary evidence of record and the... responsibilities such as ``management, payroll * * * accounts receivable and accounts payable, as well as...

Experimental investigation of flow characteristics around four square-cylinder arrays at subcritical Reynolds numbers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Mingyue; Xiao, Longfei; Yang, Lijun

2015-09-01

The Deep Draft Semi-Submersible (DDS) concepts are known for their favourable vertical motion performance. However, the DDS may experience critical Vortex-Induced Motion (VIM) stemming from the fluctuating forces on the columns. In order to investigate the current-induced excitation forces of VIM, an experimental study of flow characteristics around four square-section cylinders in a square configuration is presented. A number of column spacing ratios and array attack angles were considered to investigate the parametric influences. The results comprise flow patterns, drag and lift forces, as well as Strouhal numbers. It is shown that both the drag and lift forces acting on the cylinders are slightly different between the various L/D values, and the fluctuating forces peak at L/D = 4.14. The lift force of downstream cylinders reaches its maximum at around α = 15°. Furthermore, the flow around circular-section-cylinder arrays is also discussed in comparison with that of square cylinders.

Designer Drug (DD) abuse in Poland; a review of the psychoactive and toxic properties of substances found from seizures of illegal drug products and the legal consequences thereof. Part II--piperazines/piperidines, phenylethylamines, tryptamines and miscellaneous 'others'.

PubMed

Biliński, Przemysław; Hołownia, Piotr; Kapka-Skrzypczak, Lucyna; Wojtyła, Andrzej

2012-01-01

As the second and concluding part, this paper continues the summary review of the scientific evidence obtained from the literature and focuses on the remaining 4/6 groupings of DDs identified in illegal products found in the huge drug seizures made recently in Poland. They consist of piperazines/piperidines, phenylethylamines, tryptamines, (briefly mentioned), and a miscellaneous 'others' category; cannabinoids and cathinones derivatives having being reviewed in the first part. Also included in the introduction and discussion sections, in both reviews, are some legal aspects variously interwoven with the science. It is thus intended that these two articles may help suitable legislation to be rapidly devised to make the prohibition of DDs permanent whenever deemed necessary, as well as providing an up-to-date reference source for those engaged in the DD issue; whether scientists or regulatory bodies.

Preparation of pH-sensitive anionic liposomes designed for drug delivery system (DDS) application.

PubMed

Aoki, Asami; Akaboshi, Hikaru; Ogura, Taku; Aikawa, Tatsuo; Kondo, Takeshi; Tobori, Norio; Yuasa, Makoto

2015-01-01

We prepared pH-sensitive anionic liposomes composed solely of anionic bilayer membrane components that were designed to promote efficient release of entrapped agents in response to acidic pH. The pH-sensitive anionic liposomes showed high dispersion stability at neutral pH, but the fluidity of the bilayer membrane was enhanced in an acidic environment. These liposomes were rather simple and were composed of dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC), an anionic bilayer membrane component, and polyoxyethylene sorbitan monostearate (Tween 80). In particular, the present pH-sensitive anionic liposomes showed higher temporal stability than those of conventional DMPC/DPPC liposomes. We found that pHsensitive properties strongly depended on the molecular structure, pKa value, and amount of an incorporated anionic bilayer membrane component, such as sodium oleate (SO), dimyristoylphosphatidylserine (DMPS), or sodium β-sitosterol sulfate (SS). These results provide an opportunity to manipulate liposomal stability in a pH-dependent manner, which could lead to the formulation of a high performance drug delivery system (DDS).

Poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid drug delivery systems through transdermal pathway: an overview.

PubMed

Naves, Lucas; Dhand, Chetna; Almeida, Luis; Rajamani, Lakshminarayanan; Ramakrishna, Seeram; Soares, Graça

2017-05-01

In past few decades, scientists have made tremendous advancement in the field of drug delivery systems (DDS), through transdermal pathway, as the skin represents a ready and large surface area for delivering drugs. Efforts are in progress to design efficient transdermal DDS that support sustained drug release at the targeted area for longer duration in the recommended therapeutic window without producing side-effects. Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) is one of the most promising Food and Drug Administration approved synthetic polymers in designing versatile drug delivery carriers for different drug administration routes, including transdermal drug delivery. The present review provides a brief introduction over the transdermal drug delivery and PLGA as a material in context to its role in designing drug delivery vehicles. Attempts are made to compile literatures over PLGA-based drug delivery vehicles, including microneedles, nanoparticles, and nanofibers and their role in transdermal drug delivery of different therapeutic agents. Different nanostructure evaluation techniques with their working principles are briefly explained.

Controlled release of sphingosine-1-phosphate agonist with gelatin hydrogels for macrophage recruitment.

PubMed

Murakami, Masahiro; Saito, Takashi; Tabata, Yasuhiko

2014-11-01

The objective of this study is to design a drug delivery system (DDS) for the in vivo promotion of macrophage recruitment. As the drug, a water-insoluble agonist of sphingosine-1-phosphate type 1 receptor (SEW2871) was selected. SEW2871 (SEW) was water-solubilized by micelle formation with gelatin grafted by L-lactic acid oligomer. SEW micelles were mixed with gelatin, followed by dehydrothermal crosslinking of gelatin to obtain gelatin hydrogels incorporating SEW micelles. SEW was released from the hydrogels incorporating SEW micelles in vitro and in vivo. The water-solubilized SEW showed in vitro macrophage migration activity. When implanted into the back subcutis or the skin wound defect of mice, the hydrogel incorporating SEW micelles promoted macrophage migration toward the tissue around the implanted site to a significantly great extent compared with SEW-free hydrogel and that mixed with SEW micelles. The hydrogel is a promising DDS to enhance macrophage recruitment in vivo. Copyright © 2014 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Treatment of psychopathology in people with intellectual and other disabilities.

PubMed

Sturmey, Peter

2012-10-01

To review the psychosocial, pharmacological, and other treatments of psychopathology in people with intellectual disabilities (IDs), autism, and other developmental disabilities (DDs). Systematic reviews and meta-analyses of psychosocial, pharmacological, and other treatments for people with DDs are reviewed. There is strong evidence for applied behaviour analysis (ABA) and other behavioural treatments of some forms of psychopathology. There is little good evidence to support the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioural therapy, cognitive therapy, sensory interventions, and other forms of psychosocial interventions. Recently, more randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of psychopharmacology have been published, especially with people with autism spectrum disorders. Most RCTs were for externalizing behaviour problems, rather than for psychopathology. These RCTs offer only preliminary support for the effectiveness of pharmacotherapy. No evidence was found for the effectiveness of other biological treatments. Current research supports the use of ABA and other behavioural interventions for some forms of psychopathology. Evidence for the effectiveness of other interventions is limited or absent.

Discrete dynamical system modelling for gene regulatory networks of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural tolerance for ethanologenic yeast.

PubMed

Song, M; Ouyang, Z; Liu, Z L

2009-05-01

Composed of linear difference equations, a discrete dynamical system (DDS) model was designed to reconstruct transcriptional regulations in gene regulatory networks (GRNs) for ethanologenic yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae in response to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), a bioethanol conversion inhibitor. The modelling aims at identification of a system of linear difference equations to represent temporal interactions among significantly expressed genes. Power stability is imposed on a system model under the normal condition in the absence of the inhibitor. Non-uniform sampling, typical in a time-course experimental design, is addressed by a log-time domain interpolation. A statistically significant DDS model of the yeast GRN derived from time-course gene expression measurements by exposure to HMF, revealed several verified transcriptional regulation events. These events implicate Yap1 and Pdr3, transcription factors consistently known for their regulatory roles by other studies or postulated by independent sequence motif analysis, suggesting their involvement in yeast tolerance and detoxification of the inhibitor.

77 FR 76491 - Findings of Research Misconduct

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-12-28

... DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Office of the Secretary Findings of Research Misconduct... Research Integrity (ORI) has taken final action in the following case: Martin Biosse-Duplan, D.D.S., Ph.D... Research Fellow, Department of Oral Medicine, Infection, and Immunity, HSDM, engaged in research misconduct...

Cyclic Fatigue Resistance of 3 Proprietary Rotary File Brands and their Analogous EdgeEndo Counterparts.

DTIC Science & Technology

2018-04-26

Postgraduate Dental School and Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences Postgraduate Dental College Lt Col Jarom J. Ray, DDS, Endodontics...Residency Program Director, Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center and Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences Postgraduate Dental College

77 FR 37684 - National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering; Notice of Closed Meeting

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2012-06-22

... Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering; Notice of Closed Meeting Pursuant to section 10(d) of the Federal... clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy. Name of Committee: National Institute of Biomedical... Grossman, DDS, Scientific Review Officer, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering...

78 FR 35041 - National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering; Notice of Closed Meeting

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-06-11

... Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering; Notice of Closed Meeting Pursuant to section 10(d) of the Federal... clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy. Name of Committee: National Institute of Biomedical...: Ruth Grossman, DDS, Scientific Review Officer, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and...

Publications - MP 150 | Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys

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Skip to content State of Alaska myAlaska My Government Resident Business in Alaska Visiting Alaska larger work. Please see DDS 3 for more information. Digital Geospatial Data Digital Geospatial Data Business in Alaska Visiting Alaska State Employees

PCDD/F, PBDD/F, and PBDE emissions from open burning of a residential waste dump

EPA Science Inventory

This work reports on the first known field study determining emission factors for polychlorinated and polybrominated dibenzodioxinsldibenzofurans (P[C/B]DDs/Fs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) from open burning of domestic waste. Two burning waste dump sites in Mexico ...

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

Youssef, Tarek A.; El Hariri, Mohamad; Elsayed, Ahmed T.

The smart grid is seen as a power system with realtime communication and control capabilities between the consumer and the utility. This modern platform facilitates the optimization in energy usage based on several factors including environmental, price preferences, and system technical issues. In this paper a real-time energy management system (EMS) for microgrids or nanogrids was developed. The developed system involves an online optimization scheme to adapt its parameters based on previous, current, and forecasted future system states. The communication requirements for all EMS modules were analyzed and are all integrated over a data distribution service (DDS) Ethernet network withmore » appropriate quality of service (QoS) profiles. In conclusion, the developed EMS was emulated with actual residential energy consumption and irradiance data from Miami, Florida and proved its effectiveness in reducing consumers’ bills and achieving flat peak load profiles.« less

Evaluation of a Perforated Drug Delivery System in Mice for Prolonged and Constant Release of a Hydrophilic Drug

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-02-17

A drug delivery system (DDS) consisting of a perforated microtube ( polyimide , inside diameter= 1.8 mm, tube length= 20 mm, hole size= 0.15 mm) was... biocompatible and capable of long-term constant release of hydrophilic drugs such as sodium fluorescein.

Creating an Environment for Diversity in Dental Schools: One School's Approach.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Formicola, Allan J.; Klyvert, Marlene; McIntosh, James; Thompson, Albert; Davis, Martin; Cangialosi, Thomas

2003-01-01

Describes how the Columbia University School of Dental and Oral Surgery strives to admit more underrepresented minority students. Discusses its D.D.S. minority admissions program, postdoctoral minority admissions program, Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP) for middle and high school students, and "zero" tuition dental assisting…

76 FR 53690 - National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering; Notice of Closed Meeting

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-08-29

... Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering; Notice of Closed Meeting Pursuant to section 10(d) of the Federal... Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering Special Emphasis Panel, NIBIB 2012 R25 Team Based Education. Date... Person: Ruth Grossman, DDS, Scientific Review Officer, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and...

78 FR 67375 - National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering; Notice of Closed Meeting

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-11-12

... Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering; Notice of Closed Meeting Pursuant to section 10(d) of the Federal... clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy. Name of Committee: National Institute of Biomedical... Meeting). Contact Person: Ruth Grossman, DDS, Scientific Review Officer, National Institute of Biomedical...

78 FR 67373 - National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering; Notice of Closed Meeting

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-11-12

... Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering; Notice of Closed Meeting Pursuant to section 10(d) of the Federal... clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy. Name of Committee: National Institute of Biomedical... Meeting). Contact Person: Ruth Grossman, DDS, Scientific Review Officer, National Institute of Biomedical...

Paintbrush of Discovery: Using Java Applets to Enhance Mathematics Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Eason, Ray; Heath, Garrett

2004-01-01

This article addresses the enhancement of the learning environment by using Java applets in the mathematics classroom. Currently, the first year mathematics program at the United States Military Academy involves one semester of modeling with discrete dynamical systems (DDS). Several faculty members from the Academy have integrated Java applets…

Media Center: Operations Handbook.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dependents Schools (DOD), Washington, DC.

This guide to basic technical procedures recommended in the operation of within-school media centers is intended for all Department of Defense Dependent Schools (DoDDS) media specialists, clerks, aides, and technicians. The first four sections refer to the general media program functions identified in the related manual, "A is for Apple:…

Evaluation of dynamically dimensioned search algorithm for optimizing SWAT by altering sampling distributions and searching range

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The primary advantage of Dynamically Dimensioned Search algorithm (DDS) is that it outperforms many other optimization techniques in both convergence speed and the ability in searching for parameter sets that satisfy statistical guidelines while requiring only one algorithm parameter (perturbation f...

78 FR 62683 - Mark G. Medinnus, D.D.S.; Decision and Order

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-10-22

... called four witnesses to testify and introduced documentary evidence. [Transcript (``Tr.'') Volume I-II]. The Respondent called two witnesses to testify, including himself, and introduced documentary evidence... five years. [Resp. Exh. A86]. In addition, on June 23, 2004, the Office of Personnel Management (``OPM...

Publications - DGGS Digital Data Series Series | Alaska Division of

Science.gov Websites

Sections Geologic Communications Alaska Geologic Data Index (AGDI) Volcanology Alaska Volcano Observatory and Location Policy and Facilities Staff Seismic and Well Data Data Reports Contact Us Frequently Publications DGGS Series DDS main content DGGS Digital Data Series Publications These icons indicate the

Thermo/pH dual-stimuli-responsive drug delivery for chemo-/photothermal therapy monitored by cell imaging.

PubMed

Shu, Yang; Song, Rusheng; Zheng, Anqi; Huang, Jingli; Chen, Mingli; Wang, Jianhua

2018-05-01

A thermo/pH dual-stimuli-responsive drug delivery system (DDS) based on polymer coated mesoporous silica nanostructures (MSNs) is developed for facilitating chemotherapy and photothermal therapy. Thermo/pH-responsive polymer, poly((N-isopropylacrylamide, NIPAM)-co-methacrylic acid, MA), is grafted onto MSNs by in situ polymerization, followed by loading a chemotherapeutic drug (doxorubicin hydrochloride, DOX) and a near-infrared-absorbing phototherapeutic agent (indocyanine green, ICG) to construct the intelligent drug delivery system, shortly as DOX-ICG-MSN@p(NIPAM-co-MA). At NIR irradiation, the photothermal conversion capability of ICG raises the temperature of the DDS and opens the gatekeeper by shrinkage of the copolymer p(NIPAM-co-MA), which triggers controlled release of DOX at an elevated temperature. On the other hand, drug release is also realized at pH 5.3, a characteristic pH value in cancer cell microenvironment, at which it not only causes the shrinkage of the pH-sensitive polymeric moiety of methacrylic acid in MSN@p(NIPAM-co-MA) but also deteriorates electrostatic interaction of DOX molecules in the mesoporous channel by protonation of silanols. In addition, ICG further ensures photothermal therapy (PTT) and photodynamic therapy (PDT). The cytotoxicity assay of HeLa cells shows obvious synergistic effect by demonstrating that the combined use of DOX and ICG is more effective in killing HeLa cells than free DOX and ICG. The endocytosis of the drug is monitored by cell imaging. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Drug depot-anchoring hydrogel: A self-assembling scaffold for localized drug release and enhanced stem cell differentiation.

PubMed

Li, Ruixiang; Pang, Zhiqing; He, Huining; Lee, Seungjin; Qin, Jing; Wu, Jian; Pang, Liang; Wang, Jianxin; Yang, Victor C

2017-09-10

Localized and long-term delivery of growth factors has been a long-standing challenge for stem cell-based tissue engineering. In the current study, a polymeric drug depot-anchoring hydrogel scaffold was developed for the sustained release of macromolecules to enhance the differentiation of stem cells. Self-assembling peptide (RADA16)-modified drug depots (RDDs) were prepared and anchored to a RADA16 hydrogel. The anchoring effect of RADA16 modification on the RDDs was tested both in vitro and in vivo. It was shown that the in vitro leakage of RDDs from the RADA16 hydrogel was significantly less than that of the unmodified drug depots (DDs). In addition, the in vivo retention of injected hydrogel-incorporated RDDs was significantly longer than that of hydrogel-incorporated unmodified DDs. A model drug, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), was encapsulated in RDDs (V-RDDs) as drug depot that was then anchored to the hydrogel. The release of VEGF could be sustained for 4weeks. Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) were cultured on the V-RDDs-anchoring scaffold and enhanced cell proliferation and differentiation were observed, compared with a VEGF-loaded scaffold. Furthermore, this scaffold laden with EPCs promoted neovascularization in an animal model of hind limb ischemia. These results demonstrate that self-assembling hydrogel-anchored drug-loaded RDDs are promising for localized and sustained drug release, and can effectively enhance the proliferation and differentiation of resident stem cells, thus lead to successful tissue regeneration. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Introducing high performance distributed logging service for ACS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Avarias, Jorge A.; López, Joao S.; Maureira, Cristián; Sommer, Heiko; Chiozzi, Gianluca

2010-07-01

The ALMA Common Software (ACS) is a software framework that provides the infrastructure for the Atacama Large Millimeter Array and other projects. ACS, based on CORBA, offers basic services and common design patterns for distributed software. Every properly built system needs to be able to log status and error information. Logging in a single computer scenario can be as easy as using fprintf statements. However, in a distributed system, it must provide a way to centralize all logging data in a single place without overloading the network nor complicating the applications. ACS provides a complete logging service infrastructure in which every log has an associated priority and timestamp, allowing filtering at different levels of the system (application, service and clients). Currently the ACS logging service uses an implementation of the CORBA Telecom Log Service in a customized way, using only a minimal subset of the features provided by the standard. The most relevant feature used by ACS is the ability to treat the logs as event data that gets distributed over the network in a publisher-subscriber paradigm. For this purpose the CORBA Notification Service, which is resource intensive, is used. On the other hand, the Data Distribution Service (DDS) provides an alternative standard for publisher-subscriber communication for real-time systems, offering better performance and featuring decentralized message processing. The current document describes how the new high performance logging service of ACS has been modeled and developed using DDS, replacing the Telecom Log Service. Benefits and drawbacks are analyzed. A benchmark is presented comparing the differences between the implementations.

Novel epigenetic target therapy for prostate cancer: a preclinical study.

PubMed

Naldi, Ilaria; Taranta, Monia; Gherardini, Lisa; Pelosi, Gualtiero; Viglione, Federica; Grimaldi, Settimio; Pani, Luca; Cinti, Caterina

2014-01-01

Epigenetic events are critical contributors to the pathogenesis of cancer, and targeting epigenetic mechanisms represents a novel strategy in anticancer therapy. Classic demethylating agents, such as 5-Aza-2'-deoxycytidine (Decitabine), hold the potential for reprograming somatic cancer cells demonstrating high therapeutic efficacy in haematological malignancies. On the other hand, epigenetic treatment of solid tumours often gives rise to undesired cytotoxic side effects. Appropriate delivery systems able to enrich Decitabine at the site of action and improve its bioavailability would reduce the incidence of toxicity on healthy tissues. In this work we provide preclinical evidences of a safe, versatile and efficient targeted epigenetic therapy to treat hormone sensitive (LNCap) and hormone refractory (DU145) prostate cancers. A novel Decitabine formulation, based on the use of engineered erythrocyte (Erythro-Magneto-Hemagglutinin Virosomes, EMHVs) drug delivery system (DDS) carrying this drug, has been refined. Inside the EMHVs, the drug was shielded from the environment and phosphorylated in its active form. The novel magnetic EMHV DDS, endowed with fusogenic protein, improved the stability of the carried drug and exhibited a high efficiency in confining its delivery at the site of action in vivo by applying an external static magnetic field. Here we show that Decitabine loaded into EMHVs induces a significant tumour mass reduction in prostate cancer xenograft models at a concentration, which is seven hundred times lower than the therapeutic dose, suggesting an improved pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics of drug. These results are relevant for and discussed in light of developing personalised autologous therapies and innovative clinical approach for the treatment of solid tumours.

Time Analysis of Building Dynamic Response Under Seismic Action. Part 1: Theoretical Propositions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ufimtcev, E. M.

2017-11-01

The first part of the article presents the main provisions of the analytical approach - the time analysis method (TAM) developed for the calculation of the elastic dynamic response of rod structures as discrete dissipative systems (DDS) and based on the investigation of the characteristic matrix quadratic equation. The assumptions adopted in the construction of the mathematical model of structural oscillations as well as the features of seismic forces’ calculating and recording based on the data of earthquake accelerograms are given. A system to resolve equations is given to determine the nodal (kinematic and force) response parameters as well as the stress-strain state (SSS) parameters of the system’s rods.

Department of Defense Education Activity. An Overview.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

US Department of Defense, 2004

2004-01-01

DoDEA operates 223 public schools in 16 districts located in seven states, Puerto Rico, Guam, and 13 foreign countries to serve the children of military service members and Department of Defense civilian employees. Approximately 104,935 students are enrolled in DoDEA schools, with approximately 73,200 students in the DoDDS system, and…

Social Studies Curriculum Guide: Grade 5.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dependents Schools (DOD), Washington, DC.

An outline of the knowledge and skills to be taught at grade five in order to meet the Department of Defense Dependents Schools (DoDDS) social studies objectives is provided. Material is divided into four parts. Following an introduction, a one page description overviews the curriculum topic for grade five, American geography and government, and…

Social Studies Curriculum Guide: Grade 8.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dependents Schools (DOD), Washington, DC.

An outline of the knowledge and skills to be taught at grade eight in order to meet the Department of Defense Dependents Schools (DoDDS) social studies objectives is provided. Material is divided into three parts. Following an introduction, a one page description overviews the curriculum topic for grade eight, United States history, and specifies…

Social Studies Curriculum Guide: Grade 6.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dependents Schools (DOD), Washington, DC.

An outline of the knowledge and skills to be taught at grade six in order to meet the Department of Defense Dependents Schools (DoDDS) social studies objectives is provided. Material is divided into four parts. Following an introduction, a one page description overviews the curriculum topic for grade six, world cultures and geography, and…

Social Studies Curriculum Guide: World History.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dependents Schools (DOD), Washington, DC.

An outline of the knowledge and skills to be taught in high school world history courses in order to meet the Department of Defense Dependents Schools (DoDDS) social studies objectives is provided. Material is divided into three parts. Following an introduction, a one page description overviews the curriculum topic for high school world history,…

Basic Skills Assessment Program. Technical Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Los Angeles County Superintendent of Schools, CA.

This is the second technical report on the Basic Skills Assessment Program for the Department of Defense Dependents Schools (DoDDS). The report includes a summary of 1979-80 testing activities organized into five chapters. The first chapter provides an overview of report contents and a brief history of the testing program. The second chapter…

Defense.gov Special Report: Combined Federal Campaign

Science.gov Websites

250 words) and high resolution pictures (minimum 1MB) of your agencies campaign by emailing Ms Department of Defense Dependent Schools (DoDDS) High School Public Service Announcement (PSA) Contest . Contest judges recognized five high schools. View all winning PSAs below: 1st Place, Kadena High School

A Study of Alcohol Use by Designated Drivers among College Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dermody, Sarah S.; Cheong, JeeWon; Walther, Christine A.

2012-01-01

Objective: College students tend to drink while serving as a designated driver (DD). The predictors of alcohol use by DDs among college students were examined. Participants: Participants were 119 undergraduate students in introductory psychology courses who had experience with DD use. Methods: Survey data were analyzed to examine the predictors of…

Decentralized Decisionmaking for Schools: New Promise for an Old Idea?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hansen, Janet S.; Roza, Marguerite

2005-01-01

Interest in decentralized decisionmaking for schools (DDS) is on the rise. With state and federal accountability systems placing pressure on school-level leaders to improve student performance, increasing attention is being paid to the question of how to help principals do their job more effectively. "Business as usual" in American…

75 FR 54211 - Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Request and Comment Request

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-09-03

... the modified benefit formula is applicable and when to apply it to a person's benefit. SSA sends Form... State Disability Determination Services (DDS), SSA uses Form SSA-3826-F4 to make accurate determinations in disability claims cases. SSA collects the information to determine the claimant's physical and...

Family Decision Making: Benefits to Persons with Developmental Disabilities and Their Family Members

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Neely-Barnes, Susan; Graff, J. Carolyn; Marcenko, Maureen; Weber, Lisa

2008-01-01

Family involvement in planning and choosing services has become a key intervention concept in developmental disability services. This study (N = 547) modeled patterns of family decision making and assessed benefits to persons with developmental disabilities (DDs) and their family members. A latent profile analysis identified 4 classes that were…

A General Factor of Death Distress in Seven Clinical and Non-Clinical Groups

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Abdel-Khalek, Ahmed M.

2004-01-01

The Arabic Scale of Death anxiety (ASDA), the Death Depression Scale (DDS), and the Death Obsession Scale (DOS) were administered, individually, to 7 groups (n = 765) of Egyptian normal participants (non-clinical), anxiety disorder patients, patients suffering from schizophrenia (males and females), and addicts (males only). They were generally…

MicROS-drt: supporting real-time and scalable data distribution in distributed robotic systems.

PubMed

Ding, Bo; Wang, Huaimin; Fan, Zedong; Zhang, Pengfei; Liu, Hui

A primary requirement in distributed robotic software systems is the dissemination of data to all interested collaborative entities in a timely and scalable manner. However, providing such a service in a highly dynamic and resource-limited robotic environment is a challenging task, and existing robot software infrastructure has limitations in this aspect. This paper presents a novel robot software infrastructure, micROS-drt, which supports real-time and scalable data distribution. The solution is based on a loosely coupled data publish-subscribe model with the ability to support various time-related constraints. And to realize this model, a mature data distribution standard, the data distribution service for real-time systems (DDS), is adopted as the foundation of the transport layer of this software infrastructure. By elaborately adapting and encapsulating the capability of the underlying DDS middleware, micROS-drt can meet the requirement of real-time and scalable data distribution in distributed robotic systems. Evaluation results in terms of scalability, latency jitter and transport priority as well as the experiment on real robots validate the effectiveness of this work.

Structural basis of death domain signaling in the p75 neurotrophin receptor

PubMed Central

Lin, Zhi; Tann, Jason Y; Goh, Eddy TH; Kelly, Claire; Lim, Kim Buay; Gao, Jian Fang; Ibanez, Carlos F

2015-01-01

Death domains (DDs) mediate assembly of oligomeric complexes for activation of downstream signaling pathways through incompletely understood mechanisms. Here we report structures of complexes formed by the DD of p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) with RhoGDI, for activation of the RhoA pathway, with caspase recruitment domain (CARD) of RIP2 kinase, for activation of the NF-kB pathway, and with itself, revealing how DD dimerization controls access of intracellular effectors to the receptor. RIP2 CARD and RhoGDI bind to p75NTR DD at partially overlapping epitopes with over 100-fold difference in affinity, revealing the mechanism by which RIP2 recruitment displaces RhoGDI upon ligand binding. The p75NTR DD forms non-covalent, low-affinity symmetric dimers in solution. The dimer interface overlaps with RIP2 CARD but not RhoGDI binding sites, supporting a model of receptor activation triggered by separation of DDs. These structures reveal how competitive protein-protein interactions orchestrate the hierarchical activation of downstream pathways in non-catalytic receptors. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.11692.001 PMID:26646181

Defective Number Sense or Impaired Access? Differential Impairments in Different Subgroups of Children With Mathematics Difficulties.

PubMed

Wong, Terry T-Y; Ho, Connie S-H; Tang, Joey

2017-01-01

Developmental dyscalculia (DD) is a specific learning disability in mathematics that affects around 6% of the population. Currently, the core deficit of DD remains unknown. While the number sense deficit hypothesis suggests that the core deficit of DD lies in the inability to represent nonsymbolic numerosity, the access deficit hypothesis suggests that the origin of this disability lies in the inability to associate numbers with the underlying magnitude representation. The present study compared the performance of DDs with their low-achieving (LA) and normally achieving peers in nonsymbolic numerosity processing and number-magnitude mapping over 1 year (from kindergarten to 1st grade). The results demonstrated differential impairments in different subgroups of children with mathematics difficulties. While DDs showed deficits in both nonsymbolic numerosity processing and number-magnitude mapping, LAs showed deficit only in the number-magnitude mapping. Furthermore, the deficit in number-magnitude mapping among the DD group was partially explained by their number sense deficit. The number sense deficit hypothesis is supported. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed. © Hammill Institute on Disabilities 2015.

[Synergistic effect of cell kinetics-directed chemo-endocrine therapy on experimental mammary tumors].

PubMed

Ueki, H

1987-11-01

We tried to demonstrate that the cell kinetics-directed chemoendocrine therapy is more effective on hormone dependent breast cancer than empirical combination of the endocrine therapy and chemotherapy. Cell kinetics of each tumor was measured by flow cytometric analysis. Estrogen dependent human breast cancer cell line MCF-7 was used in vitro. In vivo, androgen dependent SC-115 carcinoma was transplanted to DDS mice. In vitro, tamoxifen was administered as the endocrine therapy. In vivo, we carried out testectomy on DDS mice. Effect of the endocrine therapy on the cell kinetics of the tumor was thought to be G1-S depression. High density 5FU was administered as the chemotherapeutic agents, whose content was 1 microgram/ml in vitro and 40 mg/kg in vivo. 5FU brought temporary decrease of cells in S phase. Only anteceding 5FU administration had synergistic effect in combination of 5FU and the endocrine therapy. 5FU was convinced to act more effectively on cells in S phase, so it was shown that cell kinetics-directed schedule was superior to the empirical treatment schedule in chemoendocrine therapy.

Thermoanalytical Investigation of Some Sulfone-Containing Drugs

PubMed Central

Salama, Nahla N.; El Ries, Mohammed A.; Toubar, Safaa; Abd El Hamid, Maha; Walash, Mohammed I.

2012-01-01

The thermal behavior of some sulfone-containing drugs, namely, dapsone (DDS), dimethylsulfone (MSM), and topiramate (TOP) in drug substances, and products were investigated using different thermal techniques. These include thermogravimetry (TGA), derivative thermogravimetry (DTG), differential thermal analysis (DTA), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The thermogravimetric data allowed the determination of the kinetic parameters: activation energy (E a), frequency factor (A), and reaction order (n). The thermal degradation of dapsone and topiramate was followed a first-order kinetic behavior. The calculated data evidenced a zero-order kinetic for dimethylsulfone. The relative thermal stabilities of the studied drugs have been evaluated and follow the order DDS > TOP > MSM. The purity was determined using DSC for the studied compounds, in drug substances and products. The results were in agreement with the recommended pharmacopoeia and manufacturer methods. DSC curves obtained from the tablets suggest compatibility between the drugs, excipients and/or coformulated drugs. The fragmentation pathway of dapsone with mass spectrometry was taken as example, to correlate the thermal decomposition with the resulted MS-EI. The decomposition modes were investigated, and the possible fragmentation pathways were suggested by mass spectrometry. PMID:22792516

Thermoanalytical investigation of some sulfone-containing drugs.

PubMed

Salama, Nahla N; El Ries, Mohammed A; Toubar, Safaa; Abd El Hamid, Maha; Walash, Mohammed I

2012-01-01

The thermal behavior of some sulfone-containing drugs, namely, dapsone (DDS), dimethylsulfone (MSM), and topiramate (TOP) in drug substances, and products were investigated using different thermal techniques. These include thermogravimetry (TGA), derivative thermogravimetry (DTG), differential thermal analysis (DTA), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The thermogravimetric data allowed the determination of the kinetic parameters: activation energy (E(a)), frequency factor (A), and reaction order (n). The thermal degradation of dapsone and topiramate was followed a first-order kinetic behavior. The calculated data evidenced a zero-order kinetic for dimethylsulfone. The relative thermal stabilities of the studied drugs have been evaluated and follow the order DDS > TOP > MSM. The purity was determined using DSC for the studied compounds, in drug substances and products. The results were in agreement with the recommended pharmacopoeia and manufacturer methods. DSC curves obtained from the tablets suggest compatibility between the drugs, excipients and/or coformulated drugs. The fragmentation pathway of dapsone with mass spectrometry was taken as example, to correlate the thermal decomposition with the resulted MS-EI. The decomposition modes were investigated, and the possible fragmentation pathways were suggested by mass spectrometry.

Drug Delivery Innovations for Enhancing the Anticancer Potential of Vitamin E Isoforms and Their Derivatives

PubMed Central

Neophytou, Christiana M.; Constantinou, Andreas I.

2015-01-01

Vitamin E isoforms have been extensively studied for their anticancer properties. Novel drug delivery systems (DDS) that include liposomes, nanoparticles, and micelles are actively being developed to improve Vitamin E delivery. Furthermore, several drug delivery systems that incorporate Vitamin E isoforms have been synthesized in order to increase the bioavailability of chemotherapeutic agents or to provide a synergistic effect. D-alpha-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol succinate (Vitamin E TPGS or TPGS) is a synthetic derivative of natural alpha-tocopherol which is gaining increasing interest in the development of drug delivery systems and has also shown promising anticancer effect as a single agent. This review provides a summary of the properties and anticancer effects of the most potent Vitamin E isoforms and an overview of the various formulations developed to improve their efficacy, with an emphasis on the use of TPGS in drug delivery approaches. PMID:26137487

Stratigraphic cross section of measured sections and drill holes of the Neslan Formation and adjacent formations, Book Cliffs Area, Colorado and Utah

USGS Publications Warehouse

Kirshbaum, Mark A.; Spear, Brianne D.

2012-01-01

This study updates a stratigraphic cross section published as plate 2 in Kirschbaum and Hettinger (2004) Digital Data Series 69-G (http://pubs.usgs.gov/dds/dds-069/dds-069-g/). The datum is a marine/tidal ravinement surface within the Cozzette Sandstone Member of the Iles Formation and the Thompson Canyon Sandstone and Sulphur Canyon Sandstone Beds of the Neslen Formation. One of the cores shown was included on the original cross section, and new core descriptions have been added to the upper part of the cored interval. A new core description (S178) is included in this report. Cores are stored in the U.S. Geological Survey Core Research Facility at the Denver Federal Center, Colorado. The following information has also been added to help define the stratigraphic framework: 1) At least five claystones interpreted as altered volcanic ashes have been identified and may give future workers a correlation tool within the largely continental section. 2) Thickness and general geometry of the Sego Sandstone, Buck Tongue of the Mancos Shale, and Castlegate Sandstone have been added to provide additional stratigraphic context. 3) The geometry in the Sego Sandstone, Buck Tongue of the Mancos Shale, and Castlegate Sandstone has been added to provide additional stratigraphic context. 4) Ammonite collections are from Gill and Hail. The zone of Didymoceras nebrascense projected into the East Salt Wash area is based on correlation of the flooding surface at the base of the Cozzette Member to this point as shown in Kirschbaum and Hettinger. 5) A leaf locality of the Denver Museum of Nature and Science is shown in its approximate stratigraphic position near Thompson Canyon. 6) A dinosaur locality of the Natural History Museum of Utah is shown in the Horse Canyon area measured section at the stratigraphic position where it was extracted.

Health and nutrition knowledge, attitudes and practices of pregnant women attending and not-attending ANC clinics in Western Kenya: a cross-sectional analysis.

PubMed

Perumal, Nandita; Cole, Donald C; Ouédraogo, Hermann Z; Sindi, Kirimi; Loechl, Cornelia; Low, Jan; Levin, Carol; Kiria, Christine; Kurji, Jaameeta; Oyunga, Mary

2013-07-11

Antenatal care (ANC) is a key strategy to decreasing maternal mortality in low-resource settings. ANC clinics provide resources to improve nutrition and health knowledge and promote preventive health practices. We sought to compare the knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) among women seeking and not-seeking ANC in rural Kenya. Data from a community-based cross-sectional survey conducted in Western Province, Kenya were used. Nutrition knowledge (NKS), health knowledge (HKS), attitude score (AS), and dietary diversity score (DDS) were constructed indices. χ2 test and Student's t-test were used to compare proportions and means, respectively, to assess the difference in KAP among pregnant women attending and not-attending ANC clinics. Multiple regression analyses were used to assess the impact of the number of ANC visits (none, <4, ≥4) on knowledge and practice scores, adjusting for maternal socio-demographic confounders, such as age, gestational age, education level and household wealth index. Among the 979 pregnant women in the survey, 59% had attended ANC clinics while 39% had not. The mean (±SD) NKS was 4.6 (1.9) out of 11, HKS was 6.2 (1.7) out of 12, DDS was 4.9 (1.4) out of 12, and AS was 7.4 (2.2) out of 10. Nutrition knowledge, attitudes, and DDS were not significantly different between ANC clinic attending and non-attending women. Among women who attended ANC clinics, 82.6% received malaria and/or antihelmintic treatment, compared to 29.6% of ANC clinic non-attendees. Higher number of ANC clinic visits and higher maternal education level were significantly positively associated with maternal health knowledge. Substantial opportunities exist for antenatal KAP improvement among women in Western Kenya, some of which could occur with greater ANC attendance. Further research is needed to understand multi-level factors that may affect maternal knowledge and practices.

Anti-tumor effects of flavonoids from the ethnic medicine Docynia delavayi (Franch.) Schneid. and its possible mechanism.

PubMed

Deng, Xukun; Zhao, Xiangpei; Lan, Zhou; Jiang, Jie; Yin, Wu; Chen, Lvyi

2014-07-01

This study investigated the active components and the anti-tumor efficacy and mechanisms of the flavonoids from Docynia delavayi (Franch.) Schneid. (DDS). MTT assay was used to examine the growth inhibitory effects of the four flavonoids, including chrysin, quercetin, naringenin, and avicularin that were isolated from the rhizome of DDS, on human hematomas cell (HepG2), esophageal carcinoma cell (EC109), human cervical adenocarcinoma cell (Hela), human colon adenocarcinoma cell (SW480), and African green monkey kidney cell (Vero cells). The anti-tumor mechanism of chrysin on HepG2 was further investigated by the methods of fluorescence staining, flow cytometry, and immunoblotting. The results showed that the inhibitory activity of chrysin was much stronger than the other three flavonoids on HepG2, EC109, Hela, and SW480 cells for 48 h treatment in vitro. Moreover, no inhibiting effect of chrysin on the proliferation of normal cells (Vero cells) was observed. Further study revealed that chrysin caused HepG2 cell shrinkage, membrane blebbing, and apoptotic body formation, all of which were typical characteristics of apoptosis programmed cell death. Flow cytometric analysis demonstrated that chrysin increased the sub G0/G1 population, which indicated the increased cell apoptosis, thus preventing cells from entering the S phase as the population in G2/M or S phase declined; whereas in G0/G1 phase, it increased. In addition, immunoblot results showed that chrysin significantly increased the expression levels of caspase-3 and Bax proteins, and it decreased the expression level of B-cell lymphoma/leukemia-2 (Bcl-2) protein. These findings indicate that chrysin is the major flavonoid present in DDS, and it induces HepG2 cell death via apoptosis, probably through the participation of caspase-3, Bax, and Bcl-2 proteins.

The effectiveness of an emotion-focused educational programme in reducing diabetes distress in adults with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (VEMOFIT): a cluster randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Chew, B H; Vos, R C; Stellato, R K; Ismail, M; Rutten, G E H M

2018-06-01

To evaluate the effectiveness of a brief, value-based emotion-focused educational programme (VEMOFIT) in Malay adults with Type 2 diabetes mellitus compared with a programme of active listening to participants' emotional experiences, social support and their opinion on the health clinic diabetes care services (attention control). Malay adults with severe diabetes distress [Diabetes Distress Scale (DDS-17) mean score ≥ 3] were included. VEMOFIT consisted of four biweekly group sessions, a booster session after 3 months and a follow-up 6 months post intervention. The attention control programme consisted of three sessions over the same period. Outcomes included diabetes distress, depressive symptoms, self-efficacy and disease control. Required total sample size was 165. Participants (n = 124) were randomized to either VEMOFIT (n = 53) or the attention control programme (n = 71). Participants had a mean (sd) age of 55.7 (9.7) years, median diabetes duration of 7.0 (8.0) years and mean HbA 1c level of 82 mmol/mol (9.7%). The mean DDS-17 level decreased significantly in both the VEMOFIT and the attention control programmes (3.4 to 2.9 vs. 3.1 to 2.7, respectively). The adjusted between-group DDS-17 difference was not significant [-0.01, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.38, 0.35]. The proportion of individuals with severe diabetes distress decreased in both groups, from 89% to 47% vs. 69% to 39% (odds ratio 0.88; 95% CI 0.26, 2.90). Other outcomes did not differ between groups. Both interventions decreased diabetes distress significantly. The theory-based VEMOFIT programme was not superior to the attention control programme. The latter approach is a simpler way to decrease severe diabetes distress (Trial registration: NCT02730078; NMRR-15-1144-24803). © 2018 Diabetes UK.

Low Dietary Diversity and Intake of Animal Source Foods among School Aged Children in Libo Kemkem and Fogera Districts, Ethiopia

PubMed Central

Herrador, Zaida; Perez-Formigo, Jesus; Sordo, Luis; Gadisa, Endalamaw; Moreno, Javier; Benito, Agustin; Aseffa, Abraham; Custodio, Estefania

2015-01-01

Background A low dietary diversity score (DDS) and low consumption of food from animal sources (ASF) are among the factors related to malnutrition in school-aged children living in Libo Kemkem and Fogera (Ethiopia). Objectives This study aimed to identify associated determinants for low dietary diversity and lack of consumption of ASF. Methods In 2009, a cross-sectional survey was carried out in May, at the end of the lean season. Socio-demographic characteristics and diet habits were collected from 886 school-aged children. Additionally, 516 children from rural sites were followed up in the post-harvest season, in December of the same year. Bivariate and multivariable statistical methods were employed to assess low DDS and ASF intake and their association with different factors. Results Up to 80% and 60% of school-aged children living in rural and urban sites, respectively, ate ≤ 3 food groups the day before the survey. The percentage of children consuming ASF was significantly higher in urban settings (64% vs 18%). In the rural areas, if the head of the household was male (OR: 1.91; 95%CI: 1.00-3.65) and older than 40 years (OR: 1.56; 95%CI: 1.02-2.38) the child had a lower DDS in the lean season, while differences by socioeconomic indexes were observed in the post-harvest season. Males took more ASF than females in rural settings (OR: 1.73; 95%CI: 1.14-2.62) and differences by socioeconomic indexes were observed in both settings in the lean season, though not in post-harvest survey. Conclusions The findings of this study revealed that the diet among school-aged children in Libo Kemkem and Fogera districts lacked diversity, and that the intake of foods from animal sources was low, especially among rural girls. To effectively tackle malnutrition, dietary diversification strategies oriented to the local needs are recommended. PMID:26203904

In vitro-in vivo study on the effects of plant compounds on rumen fermentation, microbial abundances and methane emissions in goats.

PubMed

Martínez-Fernández, G; Abecia, L; Martín-García, A I; Ramos-Morales, E; Hervás, G; Molina-Alcaide, E; Yáñez-Ruiz, D R

2013-12-01

Two in vitro and one in vivo experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of a selection of plant compounds on rumen fermentation, microbial concentration and methane emissions in goats. Treatments were: control (no additive), carvacrol (CAR), cinnamaldehyde (CIN), eugenol (EUG), propyl propane thiosulfinate (PTS), propyl propane thiosulfonate (PTSO), diallyl disulfide (DDS), a mixture (40 : 60) of PTS and PTSO (PTS+PTSO), and bromochloromethane (BCM) as positive control with proven antimethanogenic effectiveness. Four doses (40, 80, 160 and 320 µl/l) of the different compounds were incubated in vitro for 24 h in diluted rumen fluid from goats using two diets differing in starch and protein source within the concentrate (Experiment 1).The total gas production was linearly decreased (P<0.012) by all compounds, with the exception of EUG and PTS+PTSO (P≥ 0.366). Total volatile fatty-acid (VFA) concentration decreased (P≤ 0.018) only with PTS, PTSO and CAR, whereas the acetate:propionate ratio decreased (P≤ 0.002) with PTS, PTSO and BCM, and a tendency (P=0.064) was observed for DDS. On the basis of results from Experiment 1, two doses of PTS, CAR, CIN, BCM (160 and 320 µl/l), PTSO (40 and 160 µl/l) and DDS (80 and 320 µl/l) were further tested in vitro for 72 h (Experiment 2). The gas production kinetics were affected (P≤ 0.045) by all compounds, and digested NDF (DNDF) after 72 h of incubation was only linearly decreased (P≤ 0.004) by CAR and PTS. The addition of all compounds linearly decreased (P≤ 0.009) methane production, although the greatest reductions were observed for PTS (up to 96%), DDS (62%) and BCM (95%). No diet-dose interaction was observed. To further test the results obtained in vitro, two groups of 16 adult non-pregnant goats were used to study in vivo the effect of adding PTS (50, 100 and 200 mg/l rumen content per day) and BCM (50, 100 and 160 mg/l rumen content per day) during the 9 days on methane emissions (Experiment 3). The addition of PTS and BCM resulted in linear reductions (33% and 64%, respectively, P≤ 0.002) of methane production per unit of dry matter intake, which were lower than the maximum inhibition observed in vitro (87% and 96%, respectively). We conclude that applying the same doses in vivo as in vitro resulted in a proportional lower extent of methane decrease, and that PTS at 200 mg/l rumen content per day has the potential to reduce methane emissions in goats. Whether the reduction in methane emission observed in vivo persists over longer periods of treatments and improves feed conversion efficiency requires further research.

Ligand-conjugated mesoporous silica nanorattles based on enzyme targeted prodrug delivery system for effective lung cancer therapy

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

Sundarraj, Shenbagamoorthy, E-mail: sundarrajbu09@gmail.com; Thangam, Ramar; Department of Virology, King Institute of Preventive Medicine and Research, Guindy, Chennai 600 032, TN

2014-03-15

Epidermal growth factor receptor antibody (EGFRAb) conjugated silica nanorattles (SNs) were synthesized and used to develop receptor mediated endocytosis for targeted drug delivery strategies for cancer therapy. The present study determined that the rate of internalization of silica nanorattles was found to be high in lung cancer cells when compared with the normal lung cells. EGFRAb can specifically bind to EGFR, a receptor that is highly expressed in lung cancer cells, but is expressed at low levels in other normal cells. Furthermore, in vitro studies clearly substantiated that the cPLA{sub 2}α activity, arachidonic acid release and cell proliferation were considerablymore » reduced by pyrrolidine-2 loaded EGFRAb-SN in H460 cells. The cytotoxicity, cell cycle arrest and apoptosis were significantly induced by the treatment of pyrrolidine-2 loaded EGFRAb-SN when compared with free pyrrolidine-2 and pyrrolidine-2 loaded SNs in human non-small cell lung cancer cells. An in vivo toxicity assessment showed that silica nanorattles and EGFRAb-SN-pyrrolidine-2 exhibited low systemic toxicity in healthy Balb/c mice. The EGFRAb-SN-pyrrolidine-2 showed a much better antitumor activity (38%) with enhanced tumor inhibition rate than the pyrrolidine-2 on the non-small cell lung carcinoma subcutaneous model. Thus, the present findings validated the low toxicity and high therapeutic potentials of EGFRAb-SN-pyrrolidine-2, which may provide a convincing evidence of the silica nanorattles as new potential carriers for targeted drug delivery systems. - Highlights: • EGFRAb-SN developed for receptor-mediated Drug delivery system (DDS). • EGFRAb-SN-pyrrolidine-2 targeted DDS for cPLA2α inhibition in NSLC. • Study indicates EGFRAb-SN-pyrrolidine-2 as an efficient in target dug delivery carrier. • Study explains entire efficiency of EGFRAb-SN-pyrrolidine-2 in vitro and in vivo models.« less

Smoking status is inversely associated with overall diet quality: Findings from the ORISCAV-LUX study.

PubMed

Alkerwi, Ala'a; Baydarlioglu, Burcu; Sauvageot, Nicolas; Stranges, Saverio; Lemmens, Paul; Shivappa, Nitin; Hébert, James R

2017-10-01

Relationships between food consumption/nutrient intake and tobacco smoking have been described in the literature. However, little is known about the association between smoking and overall diet quality. This study examined the associations between eight diet quality indices, namely, the Diet Quality Index-International (DQI-I), Recommendation Compliance Index (RCI), Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension (DASH) score, Energy Density Score (EDS), Dietary Diversity Score (DDS), Recommended Food Score (RFS), non-Recommended Food Score (non-RFS), and Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII), and smoking status with a focus on smoking intensity. Analyses were based on a sample of 1352 participants in the Observation of Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Luxembourg (ORISCAV-LUX) survey, a nationwide population-based cross-sectional study of adults aged 18-69 years. Nutritional data from food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) were used to compute selected diet quality indices. Participants were classified as never smoker, former smoker (≥12 months cessation period), occasional or light smokers (≤1 cig/d), moderate smokers (≤20 cig/d) and heavy smokers (>20 cig/d). Descriptive and linear regression analyses were performed, after adjustment for several potential covariates. Compared to the other groups, heavy smokers had significantly higher prevalence of dyslipidemia (83%), obesity (34%), and elevated glycemic biomarkers. About 50% of former smokers had hypertension. Diet quality of heavy smokers was significantly poorer than those who never smoked independent of several socioeconomic, lifestyle, and biologic confounding factors (all p < 0.001). Heavy smokers were less compliant with national or international dietary recommendations, expressed by RCI, DQI-I, and RFS. In addition, they consumed a more pro-inflammatory diet, as expressed by higher DII scores (P < 0.001) and self-reported less dietary diversity in their food choices, as expressed by DDS. This study provides new evidence concerning an inverse relationship between the intensity of tobacco consumption and overall diet quality. The implication is that efforts aimed at tobacco control should target heavy smokers and intervention on smoking cessation should take into account diet quality of smokers and their nutritional habits, to increase effectiveness and relevance of public health messages. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd and European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism. All rights reserved.

Social Studies Curriculum Guide: United States History.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dependents Schools (DOD), Washington, DC.

An outline of the knowledge and skills to be taught in a high school U.S. history course in order to meet the Department of Defense Dependents Schools (DoDDS) social studies objectives is provided. Material is divided into three parts. Following an introduction, a one page description overviews the curriculum topic for high school U.S. history,…

Family Well-Being in a Participant-directed Autism Waiver Program: The Role of Relational Coordination

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Warfield, M. E.; Chiri, G.; Leutz, W. N.; Timberlake, M.

2014-01-01

Background: Massachusetts is one of a very limited number of states exclusively employing participant-direction to deliver autism waiver services to children. A crucial element of this waiver program is the work conducted by the state's Department of Developmental Services (DDS) staff and state-approved providers with waiver families to facilitate…

On the Improvement of the "Copyright Law" of Korea for Library Services for Persons with Disabilities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Yoon, Hee-Yoon; Kim, Sin-Young

2013-01-01

One of the most important issues for world libraries at the present time is to extend copyright limitations and exceptions for reproduction, for library preservation and distribution services including lending and ILL/DDS, the printout and transmission of Internet information resources, copying of library materials which are rarely available…

Black Graduate Education at Historically Black Colleges and Universities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Palmer, Robert T., Ed.; Hilton, Adriel A., Ed.; Fountaine, Tiffany Patrice, Ed.

2012-01-01

This book provides context about the experiences of Black graduate and professional students attending HBCUs. Indeed, such research is important, particularly since HBCUs play a significant role in the number of Blacks who receive doctorates and professional degrees (i.e. M.D., D.D.S., J.D. etc.), especially in science and engineering. In fact,…

Open Management Group Data-Distribution Service (OMG-DDS) as a Data Transport for Vehicular Integration for C4ISR/EW Interoperability Services

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-08-01

15 August 2012 2 UNCLASSIFIED VICTORY Overview • The VICTORY technical approach – Incorporate open-standards – Shared services (VICTORY services...availability) 15 August 2012 3 UNCLASSIFIED VICTORY Shared Services • VICTORY core services (Position, Orientation, Direction- of-Travel, and Time) • Service

Curriculum-Based Vocational Assessment Handbook: A Guide to the Implementation of Curriculum-Based Vocational Assessment Activities. Revised.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stodden, Robert A.; Ianacone, Robert N.

This handbook is for persons, especially teachers, who collect, evaluate, and apply vocational assessment information for handicapped students in the Department of Defense Dependents Schools (DoDDS). The approach used is a developmental curriculum-based assessment process which responds to the career/vocational programming sequence through the…

Publications - DDS 3 | Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys

Science.gov Websites

Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys Digital Data Series 3, http://doi.org/10.14509/qff. http Combellick, R.A., 2012, Quaternary faults and folds in Alaska: A digital database, 31 p., 1 sheet, 1 map of Alaska (Plafker and others, 1994), 1 p. Digital Geospatial Data Digital Geospatial Data QFF

Development of latanoprost-loaded biodegradable nanosheet as a new drug delivery system for glaucoma.

PubMed

Kashiwagi, Kenji; Ito, Keisuke; Haniuda, Hiroki; Ohtsubo, Shinya; Takeoka, Shinji

2013-08-19

We investigated the IOP reduction and safety of latanoprost-loaded biodegradable nanosheet (LBNS) as a new antiglaucoma drug delivery system (DDS). We fabricated a 40 nm thick multilayered biodegradable nanosheet that is composed of chitosan and sodium alginate by means of the layer-by-layer method. Latanoprost isopropyl ester was loaded on the nanosheet to prepare 25, 2.5, and 0.25 μg/cm(2) LBNSs. A nanosheet without latanoprost isopropyl ester (NS) and 0.005% latanoprost ophthalmic solution were prepared as controls. LBNSs or NS was applied to rat cornea, and IOP was monitored for 9 days. Local adverse effects and eye scratching movement also were investigated. The amount of latanoprost acid in aqueous humor and was measured in rabbits. The 0.25 μg/cm(2) LBNS and 0.005% latanoprost ophthalmic solution showed significant IOP reduction only for 1 day after application, whereas the IOP reduction rates of 2.5 μg/cm(2) LBNS at 1, 2, 4, 7, and 9 days after application were -27.0% ± 14.8%, -22.0% ± 16.7%, -25.8% ± 18.0%, -22.7% ± 20.9%, and -6.6% ± 17.0%, respectively. The 25 μg/cm(2) LBNS reduced IOP in a similar manner. The 25 μg/cm(2) LBNS induced transient hyperemia, whereas the 0.25 and 2.5 μg/cm(2) LBNSs did not exert any local adverse effects. The eye scratching movement test showed that application of 25 μg/cm(2) LBNS did not cause any irritation of the eye. Latanoprost acid was detected in aqueous humor up to 6 days after application of 2.5 μg/cm(2) LBNS. LBNS may be used as a novel antiglaucoma DDS.

Recent Trends in Nanotechnology-Based Drugs and Formulations for Targeted Therapeutic Delivery.

PubMed

Iqbal, Hafiz M N; Rodriguez, Angel M V; Khandia, Rekha; Munjal, Ashok; Dhama, Kuldeep

2017-01-01

In the recent past, a wider spectrum of nanotechnologybased drugs or drug-loaded devices and systems has been engineered and investigated with high interests. The key objective is to help for an enhanced/better quality of patient life in a secure way by avoiding/limiting drug abuse, or severe adverse effects of some in practice traditional therapies. Various methodological approaches including in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo techniques have been exploited, so far. Among them, nanoparticles-based therapeutic agents are of supreme interests for an enhanced and efficient delivery in the current biomedical sector of the modern world. The development of new types of novel, effective and highly reliable therapeutic drug delivery system (DDS) for multipurpose applications is essential and a core demand to tackle many human health related diseases. In this context, nanotechnology-based several advanced DDS have been engineered with novel characteristics for biomedical, pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical applications that include but not limited to the enhanced/improved bioactivity, bioavailability, drug efficacy, targeted delivery, and therapeutically safer with an extra advantage of overcoming demerits of traditional drug formulations/designs. This review work is focused on recent trends/advances in nanotechnology-based drugs and formulations designed for targeted therapeutic delivery. Moreover, information is also reviewed and given from recent patents and summarized or illustrated diagrammatically to depict a better understanding. Recent patents covering various nanotechnology-based approaches for several applications have also been reviewed. The drug-loaded nanoparticles are among versatile candidates with multifunctional characteristics for potential applications in biomedical, and tissue engineering sector. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.org.

Murine Denys-Drash syndrome: evidence of podocyte de-differentiation and systemic mediation of glomerulosclerosis.

PubMed

Patek, Charles E; Fleming, Stewart; Miles, Colin G; Bellamy, Christopher O; Ladomery, Michael; Spraggon, Lee; Mullins, John; Hastie, Nicholas D; Hooper, Martin L

2003-09-15

Denys-Drash syndrome (DDS) is caused by dominant mutations of the Wilms' tumour suppressor gene, WT1, and characterized by a nephropathy involving diffuse mesangial sclerosis, male pseudohermaphroditism and/or Wilms' tumourigenesis. Previously, we reported that heterozygosity for the Wt1tmT396 mutation induces DDS in heterozygous and chimeric (Wt1tmT396/+<-->+/+) mice. In the present study, the fate of Wt1 mutant cells in chimeric kidneys was assessed by in situ marker analysis, and immunocytochemistry was used to re-examine the claim that glomerulosclerosis (GS) is caused by loss of WT1 and persistent Pax-2 expression by podocytes. Wt1 mutant cells colonized glomeruli efficiently, including podocytes, but some sclerotic glomeruli contained no detectable Wt1 mutant cells. The development of GS was preceded by widespread loss of ZO-1 signal in podocytes (even in kidneys where <5% of glomeruli contained Wt1 mutant podocytes), increased intra-renal renin expression, and de novo podocyte TGF-beta1 expression, but not podocyte Pax-2 expression or loss of WT1, synaptopodin, alpha-actinin-4 or nephrin expression. However, podocytes in partially sclerotic glomeruli that still expressed WT1 at high levels showed reduced vimentin expression, cell cycle re-entry, and re-expressed desmin, cytokeratin and Pax-2. The results suggest that: (i) GS is not due to loss of WT1 expression by podocytes; (ii) podocyte Pax-2 expression reflects re-expression rather than persistent expression, and is the consequence of GS; (iii) GS is mediated systemically and the mechanism involves activation of the renin-angiotensin system; and (iv) podocytes undergo typical maturational changes but subsequently de-differentiate and revert to an immature phenotype during disease progression.

Addressing subjective decision-making inherent in GLUE-based multi-criteria rainfall-runoff model calibration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shafii, Mahyar; Tolson, Bryan; Shawn Matott, L.

2015-04-01

GLUE is one of the most commonly used informal methodologies for uncertainty estimation in hydrological modelling. Despite the ease-of-use of GLUE, it involves a number of subjective decisions such as the strategy for identifying the behavioural solutions. This study evaluates the impact of behavioural solution identification strategies in GLUE on the quality of model output uncertainty. Moreover, two new strategies are developed to objectively identify behavioural solutions. The first strategy considers Pareto-based ranking of parameter sets, while the second one is based on ranking the parameter sets based on an aggregated criterion. The proposed strategies, as well as the traditional strategies in the literature, are evaluated with respect to reliability (coverage of observations by the envelope of model outcomes) and sharpness (width of the envelope of model outcomes) in different numerical experiments. These experiments include multi-criteria calibration and uncertainty estimation of three rainfall-runoff models with different number of parameters. To demonstrate the importance of behavioural solution identification strategy more appropriately, GLUE is also compared with two other informal multi-criteria calibration and uncertainty estimation methods (Pareto optimization and DDS-AU). The results show that the model output uncertainty varies with the behavioural solution identification strategy, and furthermore, a robust GLUE implementation would require considering multiple behavioural solution identification strategies and choosing the one that generates the desired balance between sharpness and reliability. The proposed objective strategies prove to be the best options in most of the case studies investigated in this research. Implementing such an approach for a high-dimensional calibration problem enables GLUE to generate robust results in comparison with Pareto optimization and DDS-AU.

Insertion Testing of Polyethylene Glycol Microneedle Array into Cultured Human Skin with Biaxial Tension

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takano, Naoki; Tachikawa, Hiroto; Miyano, Takaya; Nishiyabu, Kazuaki

Aiming at the practical use of polyethylene glycol (PEG) microneedles for transdermal drug delivery system (DDS), a testing apparatus for their insertion into cultured human skin has been developed. To simulate the variety of conditions of human skin, biaxial tension can be applied to the cultured human skin. An adopted testing scheme to apply and control the biaxial tension is similar to the deep-draw forming technique. An attention was also paid to the short-time setup of small, thin and wet cultured skin. One dimensional array with four needles was inserted and influence of tension was discussed. It was found that tension, deflection of skin during insertion and original curvature of skin are the important parameters for microneedles array design.

Pulse oximetry: a potential aid in endodontic diagnosis?

PubMed

Caplan, Dan

2010-06-01

Pulse oximetry: review of a potential aid in endodontic diagnosis. Jafarzadeh H, Rosenberg PA. J Endod 2009;35(3):329-33. Dan Caplan, DDS, PhD. This article provided a description of pulse oximetry, its use in patient care settings, and its potential for use in endodontic diagnosis. Information not available. Comprehensive literature review. Level 3: Other evidence. Not applicable.

Air Abrasive Disinfection of Implant Surfaces in a Simulated Model of Peri-Implantitis

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-06-01

A thesis submitted to the Faculty of the Periodontics Graduate Program Naval Postgraduate Dental School Uniformed Services University of the...Department, 2016 Thesis directed by: Glen M. Imamura, DDS, MS Chairman, Dental Research Department Naval Postgraduate Dental School...Introduction: Dental implant technology has evolved into a predictable treatment option for the restoration of edentulous sites. However, peri

IMMR Phase 1 Prototyping Plan Inputs

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vowell, C. W.; Johnson-Throop, Kathy; Smith, Bryon; Darcy, Jeannette

2006-01-01

This viewgraph presentation reviews the phase I plan of the prototype of the IMMR by the Multilateral Medical Operations Panel (MMOP) Medical Informatics & Technology (MIT) Working Group. It reviews the Purpose of IMMR Prototype Phase 1 (IPP1); the IPP1 Plan Overview, the IMMR Prototype Phase 1 Plan for PDDs and MIC and MIC-DDs, Plan for MICs, a nd the IPP1 objectives

Helical assembly in the MyD88-IRAK4-IRAK2 complex in TLR/IL-1R signalling

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

Lin, Su-Chang; Lo, Yu-Chih; Wu, Hao

2010-08-23

MyD88, IRAK4 and IRAK2 are critical signalling mediators of the TLR/IL1-R superfamily. Here we report the crystal structure of the MyD88-IRAK4-IRAK2 death domain (DD) complex, which surprisingly reveals a left-handed helical oligomer that consists of 6 MyD88, 4 IRAK4 and 4 IRAK2 DDs. Assembly of this helical signalling tower is hierarchical, in which MyD88 recruits IRAK4 and the MyD88-IRAK4 complex recruits the IRAK4 substrates IRAK2 or the related IRAK1. Formation of these Myddosome complexes brings the kinase domains of IRAKs into proximity for phosphorylation and activation. Composite binding sites are required for recruitment of the individual DDs in the complex,more » which are confirmed by mutagenesis and previously identified signalling mutations. Specificities in Myddosome formation are dictated by both molecular complementarity and correspondence of surface electrostatics. The MyD88-IRAK4-IRAK2 complex provides a template for Toll signalling in Drosophila and an elegant mechanism for versatile assembly and regulation of DD complexes in signal transduction.« less

Evaluation of arteriovenous fistulas and pseudoaneurysms in renal allografts following percutaneous needle biopsy. Color-coded Doppler sonography versus duplex Doppler sonography.

PubMed

Hübsch, P J; Mostbeck, G; Barton, P P; Gritzmann, N; Fruehwald, F X; Schurawitzki, H; Kovarik, J

1990-02-01

One hundred one patients with renal allografts were studied by two independent observers using duplex Doppler sonography (DDS) and color-coded Doppler sonography (CCDS). In all patients, single or multiple percutaneous needle biopsies of the transplant had been performed 1 to 30 days before. In 6 patients CCDS following the biopsy demonstrated an area of combined red and blue color-coded blood flow within the renal parenchyma (n = 5) or within the sinus (n = 1); the Doppler waveform was abnormal in these areas with signals above and below the zero line indicating turbulent blood flow. Consecutive intraarterial digital subtraction angiography (DSA) revealed the presence of an arteriovenous fistula (n = 4) or of a pseudoaneurysm (n = 2). In one patient, gross hematuria with obstruction of the bladder occurred as a complication of a pseudoaneurysm within the renal sinus; the bleeding could not be stopped by embolization of the lesion and the kidney had to be removed. DDS demonstrated the lesion in only one of the six patients. Thus, CCDS is the method of choice for noninvasive detection of vascular lesions due to percutaneous biopsy.

The association between dietary glycemic index, glycemic load and diet quality indices in Iranian adults: results from Isfahan Healthy Heart Program.

PubMed

Azadbakht, Leila; Mohammadifard, Noushin; Akhavanzanjani, Mohsen; Taheri, Marzieh; Golshahi, Jafar; Haghighatdoost, Fahimeh

2016-01-01

To assess the association between dietary glycemic index (GI), glycemic load (GL) and dietary quality indices in Iranian adults. This cross section was conducted among 1571 Iranian adults aged  ≥19 years. GI, GL and diet quality indices were estimated by 24-h recall and DDS was calculated using a validated 48-item food frequency questionnaire. Participants who were in the top tertile of GI had lower healthy eating index (HEI) (57.2 ± 7.8 versus 55.6 ± 8.7; p < 0.001), dietary diversity score (DDS) (3.6 ± 0.9 versus 3.3 ± 1.1; p < 0.001) and nutrient adequacy ratios (NARs) for Zn, Ca, vitamin C and B2. Individuals in the lowest tertile of GL had lower HEI, MAR and NARs for Zn, vitamin B2, B3, B6, B12, vitamin D. Both GI and GL were positively related to dietary diversity score (DED) (p < 0.001). The inverse associations for GI and GL with diet quality indices may suggest the relevance of carbohydrate source in determining the diet quality indices.

Fabrication and study of double sintered TiNi-based porous alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sergey, Anikeev; Valentina, Hodorenko; Timofey, Chekalkin; Victor, Gunther; Ji-hoon, Kang; Ji-soon, Kim

2017-05-01

Double-sintered porous TiNi-based alloys were fabricated and their structural characteristics and physico-mechanical properties were investigated. A fabrication technology of powder mixtures is elaborated in this article. Sintering conditions were chosen experimentally to ensure good structure and properties. The porous alloys were synthesized by solid-state double diffusion sintering (DDS) of Ti-Ni powder and prepare to obtain dense, crack-free, and homogeneous samples. The Ti-Ni compound sintered at various temperatures was investigated by scanning electron microscopy. Phase composition of the sintered alloys was determined by x-ray diffraction. Analysis of the data confirmed the morphology and structural parameters. Mechanical and physical properties of the sintered alloys were evaluated. DDS at 1250 °C was found to be optimal to produce porous samples with a porosity of 56% and mean pore size of 90 μm. Pore size distribution was unimodal within the narrow range of values. The alloys present enhanced strength and ductility, owing to both the homogeneity of the macrostructure and relative elasticity of the bulk, which is hardened by the Ni-rich precipitates. These results suggest the possibility to manufacture porous TiNi-based alloys for application as a new class of dental implants.

The second 'D.D.S.' degree: a formula for practice success.

PubMed

Paquette, Jacinthe M; Sheets, Cherilyn G

2004-09-01

Planning for success is critical in clinical dentistry and in the management of a dental practice. Dentists need to apply basic business principles to planning their dental careers as they develop a vision, deliver quality products and services, and surpass patients,' staff members' and their own expectations. By applying general business management principles, dental practices can develop a logical, systematic approach to the management of a professional services business. For many dental professionals, these concepts were not learned in an undergraduate dental educational program and need to be mastered after professional school. Ideally, each dentist will establish a philosophical course that provides direction to the practice of dentistry. For a private dental practitioner, part of his or her goal is to create a tangible, transferable asset and a solid business plan that can benefit the practitioner in the present, as well as in the future practice transition.

Caring for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities: virtual patient instruction improves students' knowledge and comfort level.

PubMed

Sanders, Carla L; Kleinert, Harold L; Free, Teresa; Slusher, Ida; Clevenger, Kim; Johnson, Stephanie; Boyd, Sara E

2007-12-01

Nurses play a vital role in providing health care to children with developmental disability (DD) throughout the United States. Unfortunately, most nurses continue to report that they receive little or no clinical education in the area of DDs. In response to this need, a core development team consisting of nurse practitioners and nursing faculty from three universities, one physician assistant faculty, parents of children with DD, and educational specialists developed two multimedia (virtual patient) pediatric instructional modules in CD-ROM format--one involving a child with Down syndrome, and the other involving an infant born at 26 weeks' gestation. Participants were required to make clinical decisions throughout the cases. The modules on CD were piloted with nursing students from three universities. Results of the effectiveness study demonstrated significant gains in knowledge and comfort level regarding the care of children with DD.

Development of online NIR urine analyzing system based on AOTF

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wan, Feng; Sun, Zhendong; Li, Xiaoxia

2006-09-01

In this paper, some key techniques on development of on-line MR urine analyzing system based on AOTF (Acousto - Optics Tunable Filter) are introduced. Problems about designing the optical system including collimation of incident light and working distance (the shortest distance for separating incident light and diffracted light) are analyzed and researched. DDS (Direct Digital Synthesizer) controlled by microprocessor is used to realize the wavelength scan. The experiment results show that this MR urine analyzing system based on. AOTF has 10000 - 4000cm -1 wavelength range and O.3ms wavelength transfer rate. Compare with the conventional Fourier Transform NIP. spectrophotometer for analyzing multi-components in urine, this system features low cost, small volume and on-line measurement function. Unscrambler software (multivariate statistical software by CAMO Inc. Norway) is selected as the software for processing the data. This system can realize on line quantitative analysis of protein, urea and creatinine in urine.

Role of c-Src Activation on Prostate Cancer Lymph Node Metastases

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-10-01

dentistry Yonsei University College of Dentistry , Seoul, Korea D.D.S. 1995-1999 Dentistry Korea University Graduate School, Seoul, Korea M.S. 1999-2001...School of Dentistry , Ann Arbor, MI Postdoctoral training 2008- Present Cancer Biology A. Positions and Honors. Positions and Employment...Michigan School of Dentistry , Ann Arbor, MI Other Experience and Professional Memberships 2007- Associate Member, American Association for

76 FR 23606 - Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; National Institutes of Health Loan Repayment Programs

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-04-27

... National Institutes of Health (NIH) has submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) a request to... financial assistance, in the form of educational loan repayment, to M.D., PhD, Pharm.D., D.D.S., D.M.D..., directly to financial institutions. The information proposed for collection will be used by the Division of...

A Naval Postgraduate Dental School Analysis of Initial Endodontic Treatment

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-06-01

1 A NAVAL POSTGRADUATE DENTAL SCHOOL ANALYSIS OF INITIAL ENDODONTIC TREATMENT by Rodney V. Scott LCDR, DC, USN...A thesis submitted to the Faculty of the Endodontics Graduate Program Naval Postgraduate Dental School Uniformed Services...Clinical Research   A  Naval  Postgraduate   Dental  School  Analysis   of  Initial  Endodontic  Treatment   Rodney V. Scott, DDS

A Clinical Evaluation of Cone Beam Computed Tomography

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-06-01

the extent of dental caries . The radiographic image is essential to successfully diagnose pathosis of odontogenic and non-odontogenic origin. The...A CLINICAL EVALUATION OF CONE BEAM COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY by Thomas Patrick Cairnll, D.D.S. Commander, Dental Corps United States Navy A thesis...submitted to the Faculty of the Endodontics Graduate Program Naval Postgraduate Dental School Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in

A Naval Postgraduate Dental School Analysis Of Initial Endodontic Treatment

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-06-30

A NAVAL POSTGRADUATE DENTAL SCHOOL ANALYSIS OF INITIAL ENDODONTIC TREATMENT by Alexander Kareem Desta, D.D.S. Lieutenant Commander, Dental Corps...United States Navy A thesis submitted to the Faculty of the Endodontic Graduate Program Naval Postgraduate Dental School Uniformed Services...Postgraduate Dental School Unifo1med Services University of the Health Sciences Bethesda, Maryland CERTIFICATE OF APPROVAL MASTER’S THESIS This is

Data Mining the Corporate Dental System of USA DENTAC Fort Bragg

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-06-10

Data Mining the Corporate Dental System of USA DENTAC Fort Bragg FREDWIN HOLOMON, D.D.S. B.S. University of...AEGD Program Director ABSTRACT Statement of the problem: Dental wellness has not reached optimum levels at Fort Bragg after implementation of...the Go First Class Program. Purpose: To examine the Go First Class Program’s influence upon dental wellness and readiness. Materials and Methods

A Retrospective Analysis of Pre-surgical Incisor Decompensation Attained in an Orthognathic Surgery Population

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-07-01

owner. ~ GARY S. MAYNE, Maj, USAF, DC Tri-Service Orthodontic Residency Program Air Force Post Graduate Dental School Uniformed Services University...APPROVED: __________________________________________ Drew W. Fallis, D.D.S., M.S., Dean, Air Force Post-Graduate Dental School iii...Air Force Postgraduate Dental School, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas, USA). Inclusion criteria for the study were 1

Concurrent Medical Conditions and Health Care Use and Needs among Children with Learning and Behavioral Developmental Disabilities, National Health Interview Survey, 2006-2010

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schieve, Laura A.; Gonzalez, Vanessa; Boulet, Sheree L.; Visser, Susanna N.; Rice, Catherine E.; Braun, Kim Van Naarden; Boyle, Coleen A.

2012-01-01

Studies document various associated health risks for children with developmental disabilities (DDs). Further study is needed by disability type. Using the 2006-2010 National Health Interview Surveys, we assessed the prevalence of numerous medical conditions (e.g. asthma, frequent diarrhea/colitis, seizures), health care use measures (e.g. seeing a…

Mission Planning and Decision Support for Underwater Glider Networks: A Sampling on-Demand Approach

PubMed Central

Ferri, Gabriele; Cococcioni, Marco; Alvarez, Alberto

2015-01-01

This paper describes an optimal sampling approach to support glider fleet operators and marine scientists during the complex task of planning the missions of fleets of underwater gliders. Optimal sampling, which has gained considerable attention in the last decade, consists in planning the paths of gliders to minimize a specific criterion pertinent to the phenomenon under investigation. Different criteria (e.g., A, G, or E optimality), used in geosciences to obtain an optimum design, lead to different sampling strategies. In particular, the A criterion produces paths for the gliders that minimize the overall level of uncertainty over the area of interest. However, there are commonly operative situations in which the marine scientists may prefer not to minimize the overall uncertainty of a certain area, but instead they may be interested in achieving an acceptable uncertainty sufficient for the scientific or operational needs of the mission. We propose and discuss here an approach named sampling on-demand that explicitly addresses this need. In our approach the user provides an objective map, setting both the amount and the geographic distribution of the uncertainty to be achieved after assimilating the information gathered by the fleet. A novel optimality criterion, called Aη, is proposed and the resulting minimization problem is solved by using a Simulated Annealing based optimizer that takes into account the constraints imposed by the glider navigation features, the desired geometry of the paths and the problems of reachability caused by ocean currents. This planning strategy has been implemented in a Matlab toolbox called SoDDS (Sampling on-Demand and Decision Support). The tool is able to automatically download the ocean fields data from MyOcean repository and also provides graphical user interfaces to ease the input process of mission parameters and targets. The results obtained by running SoDDS on three different scenarios are provided and show that SoDDS, which is currently used at NATO STO Centre for Maritime Research and Experimentation (CMRE), can represent a step forward towards a systematic mission planning of glider fleets, dramatically reducing the efforts of glider operators. PMID:26712763

Mission Planning and Decision Support for Underwater Glider Networks: A Sampling on-Demand Approach.

PubMed

Ferri, Gabriele; Cococcioni, Marco; Alvarez, Alberto

2015-12-26

This paper describes an optimal sampling approach to support glider fleet operators and marine scientists during the complex task of planning the missions of fleets of underwater gliders. Optimal sampling, which has gained considerable attention in the last decade, consists in planning the paths of gliders to minimize a specific criterion pertinent to the phenomenon under investigation. Different criteria (e.g., A, G, or E optimality), used in geosciences to obtain an optimum design, lead to different sampling strategies. In particular, the A criterion produces paths for the gliders that minimize the overall level of uncertainty over the area of interest. However, there are commonly operative situations in which the marine scientists may prefer not to minimize the overall uncertainty of a certain area, but instead they may be interested in achieving an acceptable uncertainty sufficient for the scientific or operational needs of the mission. We propose and discuss here an approach named sampling on-demand that explicitly addresses this need. In our approach the user provides an objective map, setting both the amount and the geographic distribution of the uncertainty to be achieved after assimilating the information gathered by the fleet. A novel optimality criterion, called A η , is proposed and the resulting minimization problem is solved by using a Simulated Annealing based optimizer that takes into account the constraints imposed by the glider navigation features, the desired geometry of the paths and the problems of reachability caused by ocean currents. This planning strategy has been implemented in a Matlab toolbox called SoDDS (Sampling on-Demand and Decision Support). The tool is able to automatically download the ocean fields data from MyOcean repository and also provides graphical user interfaces to ease the input process of mission parameters and targets. The results obtained by running SoDDS on three different scenarios are provided and show that SoDDS, which is currently used at NATO STO Centre for Maritime Research and Experimentation (CMRE), can represent a step forward towards a systematic mission planning of glider fleets, dramatically reducing the efforts of glider operators.

Leading Efforts to Increase Organ Donation Through Professionalization of Organ Procurement Organizations and Establishment of Organ and Tissue Donor Registries.

PubMed

Vertanous, T; Czer, L S C; de Robertis, M; Kiankhooy, A; Kobashigawa, J; Esmailian, F; Trento, A

2016-01-01

The influence of new donor registrations through the California Organ and Tissue Donor Registry on the local OneLegacy Organ Procurement Organization (OPO) was examined during a 6-year period. Publicly available data from Donate Life America for California were examined for the 6 calendar years of 2009-2014. Performance data from OneLegacy for the same 6 years for organ donors and number of transplants were also examined. The donor designation rate (DDR) was defined as the rate at which new individuals joined the state donor registry as a percentage of all driver licenses and ID cards issued within a calendar year. The total donor designation (TDD) was defined as the sum of the new and existing people who were registered organ donors. Donor designation share (DDS) was the total number of designated donors as a percentage of all residents of the state who were ≥18 years old. The business practices and educational efforts of the OneLegacy OPO were examined as well. In California, from 2009 through 2014, the DDR was 25.5%-28%. When added to the existing donor registrations, the TDD and DDS increased each year from 2009 through 2014. With the current level of growth, it is projected that California will be able to reach a DDS of 50% by 2017. For the OneLegacy OPO, designated donors from the California Organ and Tissue Donor Registry made up 15% of the total donations in 2009, and 39% of the total donations in 2014, increasing by ∼5% each year since 2009. By increasing professionalization and transparency, and widening its educational and training efforts, OneLegacy was able to take advantage of an increasing percentage of donors who were designated donors and to increase the overall number of donors and organs transplanted, becoming one of the largest OPOs in the nation. This can be a model for OPOs in other donor service areas, and it may set the stage for the United States to serve as an example to the global community in the practice of organ donation. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A Retrospective Analysis of Initial Posterior Root Canal Therapy on United States Air Force Personnel

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-06-01

and John Yaccino, DDS Abstract Introduction: The Air Force Dental Service (AFDS) has established evidence-based treatment standards for endodontics...and cuspal coverage restorations (4-6). With this research, the Air Force Dental Service (AFDS) established evidence-based treatment standards for...endodontics to ensure Airmen receive high-quality, safe dental care (7). These standards are taught at the two Air Force (AF) Postgraduate Endodontic

A Clinical Evaluation Of Cone Beam Computed Tomography

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-06-01

A CLINICAL EVALUATION OF CONE BEAM COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY by Bryan James Behm, D.D.S. Lieutenant, Dental Corps United States Navy A thesis...submitted to the Faculty of the Endodontic Graduate Program Naval Postgraduate Dental School Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in...partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Oral Biology June 2016 Naval Postgraduate Dental School Unif01med

Electric Power Load Analysis (EPLA) for Surface Ships

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-09-17

112 - Shipping: Emergency Lighting And Power Systems (Copies of this document are available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government...number of (dry bulb ) temperature/relative humidity ambient conditions and an associated percentage of time the ship is spent operating in the particular...propulsion cannot be otherwise restored in less than 2 minutes. c. Machinery space class W and circle W ventilation. d. Emergency lighting . DDS 310-1

Characterization of Midface Fractures Incurred in Recent Wars

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-11-01

reconstruction . Key Words: Maxillofacial, facial fractures, early rigid fixation, blast injury (J Craniofac Surg 2012;23: 1587 1591) The percentage of...evaluated by a facial trauma expert that some of these findings are made. Conversely, it is not uncommon to find fractures that are incorrectly...þ Robert G. Hale, DDS,þ and Rodney K. Chan, MDþ Background: Facial injuries sustained by US military personnel during the wars in Iraq and

Navy Irregular Warfare and Counterterrorism Operations: Background and Issues for Congress

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-03-21

appropriation account. Regarding this funding request, DOD states that The Underwater Systems line item procures dry and wet combat submersibles...modifications, and field changes to the Dry Deck Shelter (DDS), and various systems and components for Special Operations Forces (SOF) Combat Diving...environments. The Dry Combat Submersibles (DCS) will provide the capability to insert and extract SOF and/or payloads into denied areas from strategic

Depth of Cure of New Flowable Composite Resins

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-03-30

Flowable composites were introduced to the dental community in the late 1990’s (Ikeda, 2009; Bayne, 1998). The advantage of flowable composite-based...Depth of Cure of New Flowable Composite Resins A THESIS Presented to the Faculty of The Air Force Postgraduate Dental School...SCIENCE In Oral Biology By Inaam A. Pedalino, BS, DDS Dunn Dental Clinic Lackland AFB, TX 30 March 2012 Depth of Cure of New

The Total Army

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-01-01

basis for countries to cooperate on a range of issues from space exploration to addressing global climate change. Ironically, the success of this...countries to solve a current issue such as current “Friends of Yemen” and “Friends of Darfur”. While these groups are looser than a coalition, many of the...additional burden. Requirements Directed by the Department of Defense The Department of Defense uses DoD Directives (DoDDs) to issue institutional

tLyP-1-conjugated mesoporous silica nanoparticles for tumor targeting and penetrating hydrophobic drug delivery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Baiyao; Ju, Yang; Song, Guanbin; Cui, Yanbin

2013-12-01

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) are among the most appealing candidates for targeted drug delivery, a process for which it is essential that nanoparticles be internalized into targeted cells with high speed and efficiency. Therefore, it is necessary to conjugate a targeting ligand to the surface of a nanocarrier in order to trigger rapid receptor-mediated endocytosis and effective cellular uptake, which occurs following recognition and selective binding to a target cell's membrane receptor. Here, a tumor targeting and penetrating drug delivery system (DDS) based on MSNs ( 100 nm in size) is described. The MSNs were functionalized by engrafting with the tumor-homing and penetrating peptide tLyP-1. The fabricated MSN-tLyP-1 loaded with camptothecin (CPT) showed a robust targeting and penetrating efficiency to HeLa cells and MCF-7 cells and induced the death of these cells. Moreover, the adverse side effect of CPT on human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) was minimized, because the nanoparticles were selectively targeted to the tumor cells, and little hydrophobic CPT was released into the culture medium or blood. The results indicate that the MSN-tLyP-1 DDS has great potential for the delivery of hydrophobic anticancer drugs to target tumors.

The in vitro antibiotic release from anti-washout apatite cement using chitosan.

PubMed

Takechi, Masaaki; Miyamoto, Youji; Momota, Yukihiro; Yuasa, Tetsuya; Tatehara, Seikou; Nagayama, Masaru; Ishikawa, Kunio; Suzuki, Kazuomi

2002-10-01

The in vitro antibiotic release from anti-washout apatite cement using chitosan (aw-AC(chi)) was investigated in a preliminary evaluation. Flomoxef sodium was employed as the antibiotic and was incorporated into the powder phase aw-AC(chi) at up to 10%. The setting times were measured for aw-AC(chi) containing various amounts of flomoxef sodium. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis was also conducted for the identification of products. To evaluate the drug release profile, set aw-AC was immersed in saline and the released flomoxef sodium was determined at regular intervals. The setting time was prolonged slightly with the addition of flomoxef sodium. The difference at 10% flomoxef sodium (0% vs. 10%) was not significant (p>0.05), and can be negligible in clinic. The XRD analysis revealed that formation of hydroxyapatite (HAP) from aw-AC(chi) was reduced, even after 24 h, when the aw-AC(chi) contained flomoxef sodium at 8% or more. The flomoxef sodium release from aw-AC(chi) showed the typical profile observed in skeleton type drug delivery system (DDS). Changing the concentration of chitosan can control the rate of drug release from aw-AC. Therefore, we conclude that aw-AC(chi) is a good candidate for potential use as a DDS carrier that may be useful in surgical operations.

Understanding Drug Release Data through Thermodynamic Analysis.

PubMed

Freire, Marjorie Caroline Liberato Cavalcanti; Alexandrino, Francisco; Marcelino, Henrique Rodrigues; Picciani, Paulo Henrique de Souza; Silva, Kattya Gyselle de Holanda E; Genre, Julieta; Oliveira, Anselmo Gomes de; Egito, Eryvaldo Sócrates Tabosa do

2017-06-13

Understanding the factors that can modify the drug release profile of a drug from a Drug-Delivery-System (DDS) is a mandatory step to determine the effectiveness of new therapies. The aim of this study was to assess the Amphotericin-B (AmB) kinetic release profiles from polymeric systems with different compositions and geometries and to correlate these profiles with the thermodynamic parameters through mathematical modeling. Film casting and electrospinning techniques were used to compare behavior of films and fibers, respectively. Release profiles from the DDSs were performed, and the mathematical modeling of the data was carried out. Activation energy, enthalpy, entropy and Gibbs free energy of the drug release process were determined. AmB release profiles showed that the relationship to overcome the enthalpic barrier was PVA-fiber > PVA-film > PLA-fiber > PLA-film. Drug release kinetics from the fibers and the films were better fitted on the Peppas-Sahlin and Higuchi models, respectively. The thermodynamic parameters corroborate these findings, revealing that the AmB release from the evaluated systems was an endothermic and non-spontaneous process. Thermodynamic parameters can be used to explain the drug kinetic release profiles. Such an approach is of utmost importance for DDS containing insoluble compounds, such as AmB, which is associated with an erratic bioavailability.

Understanding Drug Release Data through Thermodynamic Analysis

PubMed Central

Freire, Marjorie Caroline Liberato Cavalcanti; Alexandrino, Francisco; Marcelino, Henrique Rodrigues; Picciani, Paulo Henrique de Souza; Silva, Kattya Gyselle de Holanda e; Genre, Julieta; de Oliveira, Anselmo Gomes; do Egito, Eryvaldo Sócrates Tabosa

2017-01-01

Understanding the factors that can modify the drug release profile of a drug from a Drug-Delivery-System (DDS) is a mandatory step to determine the effectiveness of new therapies. The aim of this study was to assess the Amphotericin-B (AmB) kinetic release profiles from polymeric systems with different compositions and geometries and to correlate these profiles with the thermodynamic parameters through mathematical modeling. Film casting and electrospinning techniques were used to compare behavior of films and fibers, respectively. Release profiles from the DDSs were performed, and the mathematical modeling of the data was carried out. Activation energy, enthalpy, entropy and Gibbs free energy of the drug release process were determined. AmB release profiles showed that the relationship to overcome the enthalpic barrier was PVA-fiber > PVA-film > PLA-fiber > PLA-film. Drug release kinetics from the fibers and the films were better fitted on the Peppas–Sahlin and Higuchi models, respectively. The thermodynamic parameters corroborate these findings, revealing that the AmB release from the evaluated systems was an endothermic and non-spontaneous process. Thermodynamic parameters can be used to explain the drug kinetic release profiles. Such an approach is of utmost importance for DDS containing insoluble compounds, such as AmB, which is associated with an erratic bioavailability. PMID:28773009

Using a geographic information system and hillslope runoff modeling to support decision-making for managed aquifer recharge using distributed stormwater collection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Teo, E. K.; Beganskas, S.; Young, K. S.; Weir, W. B.; Harmon, R. E.; Lozano, S.; Fisher, A. T.

2017-12-01

Many aquifer systems in central coastal California face a triple threat of excess demand, changing land use, and a shifting climate. These last two factors can contribute to reductions in groundwater recharge. Managed aquifer recharge using distributed stormwater collection (DSC-MAR) is an adaptation technique for collecting excess stormwater runoff from hillslopes for infiltration into underlying aquifers, before that water reaches a "blue line" stream. We are developing a decision support system (DSS) that combines surface and subsurface hydrogeological data with high-resolution predictions of hillslope runoff, with specific application to Santa Cruz and northern Monterey Counties. Other studies presented at AGU will focus on the northern and southern parts of our study region (San Lorenzo River Basin, Lower Pajaro River Basin). This presentation focuses on mid-Santa Cruz County, including the Soquel-Aptos Groundwater Basin. The DSS uses a geographic information system to compile and merge data from numerous local, state, and federal sources to identify locations on the landscape where DSC-MAR may be most suitable. This requires classification of disparate data types so that they can be combined. Stormwater runoff for individual river basins in the study region was simulated using historical streamflow data for calibration and validation. Both analyses were completed with relatively fine resolution, from 10 m2 pixels for elevation to 0.1-1.0 km hydrologic response units for properties such as soil and vegetation properties. Future climate is uncertain, so we used historical data to create a catalog of dry, normal, and wet hydrologic conditions, then created synthetic future climate scenarios for simulation. The DDS shows that there are numerous regions in mid-Santa Cruz County where there is a confluence of MAR suitability and the generation of stormwater runoff that could supply recharge projects (with a nominal target of 100 ac-ft/yr of infiltration), even under dry climate scenarios, and allows us to assess the potential benefits to be derived from a implementation of DSC-MAR projects in strategic locations. The tools and methods developed with this DDS should be broadly applicable to other basins.

CCSDS Spacecraft Monitor and Control Mission Operations Interoperability Prototype

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lucord, Steve; Martinez, Lindolfo

2009-01-01

We are entering a new era in space exploration. Reduced operating budgets require innovative solutions to leverage existing systems to implement the capabilities of future missions. Custom solutions to fulfill mission objectives are no longer viable. Can NASA adopt international standards to reduce costs and increase interoperability with other space agencies? Can legacy systems be leveraged in a service oriented architecture (SOA) to further reduce operations costs? The Operations Technology Facility (OTF) at the Johnson Space Center (JSC) is collaborating with Deutsches Zentrum fur Luft- und Raumfahrt (DLR) to answer these very questions. The Mission Operations and Information Management Services Area (MOIMS) Spacecraft Monitor and Control (SM&C) Working Group within the Consultative Committee for Space Data Systems (CCSDS) is developing the Mission Operations standards to address this problem space. The set of proposed standards presents a service oriented architecture to increase the level of interoperability among space agencies. The OTF and DLR are developing independent implementations of the standards as part of an interoperability prototype. This prototype will address three key components: validation of the SM&C Mission Operations protocol, exploration of the Object Management Group (OMG) Data Distribution Service (DDS), and the incorporation of legacy systems in a SOA. The OTF will implement the service providers described in the SM&C Mission Operation standards to create a portal for interaction with a spacecraft simulator. DLR will implement the service consumers to perform the monitor and control of the spacecraft. The specifications insulate the applications from the underlying transport layer. We will gain experience with a DDS transport layer as we delegate responsibility to the middleware and explore transport bridges to connect disparate middleware products. A SOA facilitates the reuse of software components. The prototype will leverage the capabilities of existing legacy systems. Various custom applications and middleware solutions will be combined into one system providing the illusion of a set of homogenous services. This paper will document our journey as we implement the interoperability prototype. The team consists of software engineers with experience on the current command, telemetry and messaging systems that support the International Space Station (ISS) and Space Shuttle programs. Emphasis will be on the objectives, results and potential cost saving benefits.

Recent advances in intra-articular drug delivery systems for osteoarthritis therapy.

PubMed

Maudens, Pierre; Jordan, Olivier; Allémann, Eric

2018-05-21

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common degenerative disease of the joint. Despite many reports and numerous clinical trials, OA is not entirely understood, and there is no effective treatment available for this disease. To satisfy this unmet medical need, drug delivery systems (DDSs) containing disease-modifying OA drugs (DMOADs) for intra-articular (IA) administration are required to improve the health of OA patients. DDSs should provide controlled and/or sustained drug release, enabling long-term treatment with a reduced number of injections. This paper reviews the role and interaction among different tissues involved in OA and summarizes recent clinical trials and research on DDSs, focusing on small-molecule delivery. To achieve an ideal treatment, various key criteria have been identified to design and develop an IA DDS matching the clinical needs. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Crystallization Methods for Preparation of Nanocrystals for Drug Delivery System.

PubMed

Gao, Yuan; Wang, Jingkang; Wang, Yongli; Yin, Qiuxiang; Glennon, Brian; Zhong, Jian; Ouyang, Jinbo; Huang, Xin; Hao, Hongxun

2015-01-01

Low water solubility of drug products causes delivery problems such as low bioavailability. The reduced particle size and increased surface area of nanocrystals lead to the increasing of the dissolution rate. The formulation of drug nanocrystals is a robust approach and has been widely applied to drug delivery system (DDS) due to the significant development of nanoscience and nanotechnology. It can be used to improve drug efficacy, provide targeted delivery and minimize side-effects. Crystallization is the main and efficient unit operation to produce nanocrystals. Both traditional crystallization methods such as reactive crystallization, anti-solvent crystallization and new crystallization methods such as supercritical fluid crystallization, high-gravity controlled precipitation can be used to produce nanocrystals. The current mini-review outlines the main crystallization methods addressed in literature. The advantages and disadvantages of each method were summarized and compared.

Geoffrey Layton Slack OBE (Mil), CBE, TD, BDS DDS, FDSRCS, FDS Glas, FFDRCSI, Dip Bact (1912-1991).

PubMed

Gelbier, Stanley

2014-02-01

It is with some pride that the author worked in Geoffrey Slack's department from 1963 to 1967 and even retained a working relationship with him after that time. Slack was Professor of Dental Surgery (1959-1976) and later Professor of Community Dental Health (1976-1977) at The London Hospital Medical College, within the University of London. The change in titles came about as a result of recognition of his contribution to developments in public health and community dental care and services, for many of which he was directly responsible. He was Dental Dean from 1965 until 1969. Upon retirement in 1977 he became Emeritus Professor. In addition, he was Dean of the Faculty of Dental Surgery at the Royal College of Surgeons of England from 1974 to 1977.

Prevalence and Functioning of Children with Cerebral Palsy in Four Areas of the United States in 2006: A Report from the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kirby, Russell S.; Wingate, Martha S.; Van Naarden Braun, Kim; Doernberg, Nancy S.; Arneson, Carrie L.; Benedict, Ruth E.; Mulvihill, Beverly; Durkin, Maureen S.; Fitzgerald, Robert T.; Maenner, Matthew J.; Patz, Jean A.; Yeargin-Allsopp, Marshalyn

2011-01-01

Aim: To estimate the prevalence of cerebral palsy (CP) and the frequency of co-occurring developmental disabilities (DDs), gross motor function (GMF), and walking ability using the largest surveillance DD database in the US. Methods: We conducted population-based surveillance of 8-year-old children in 2006 (N = 142,338), in areas of Alabama,…

Career Education. Industrial Arts Objectives, Grades 6-12. DS Manual 2890.1 [and] Approved List of Essential Textbooks/Instructional Materials for Industrial Arts, Grades 6-12. DS Manual 2890.2; Revised.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dependents Schools (DOD), Washington, DC.

Designed to assist the instructor in presenting curriculum content based upon industry and technology, this manual presents a program description and the instructional objectives for the industrial arts program in the Department of Defense Dependents Schools (DoDDS). Six sections are included in the manual: Industrial Arts Program Objectives,…

Testing of DentStat (trademark) and Competing Dental Materials

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-06-13

NAVAL MEDICAL RESEARCH UNIT SAN ANTONIO TESTING OF DENTST AT™ AND COMPETING DENTAL MATERIALS Y OON HWANG PHD, JONATHAN STAHL DDS PHD, WAYNE M. D...LtCOL Wen Lien of the US Air Force Dental Evaluation and Consultation Service for assistance with the strength testing. 1 Reviewed and Approved by...direct dental repair materials. They are made of calcium or strontium aluminofluoro-silicate glass powder (base) combined with a water-soluble polymer

Comparing Health Status, Health Trajectories and Use of Health and Social Services between Children with and without Developmental Disabilities: A Population-Based Longitudinal Study in Manitoba

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shooshtari, Shahin; Brownell, Marni; Mills, Rosemary S. L.; Dik, Natalia; Yu, Dickie C. T.; Chateau, Dan; Burchill, Charles A.; Wetzel, Monika

2017-01-01

Background: Little information exists on health of children with developmental disabilities (DDs) in the Canadian province of Manitoba. Method: The present authors linked 12 years of administrative data and compared health status, changes in health and access to health and social services between children with (n = 1877) and without (n = 5661) DDs…

Morphology and properties of amine terminated poly(arylene ether ketone) and poly(arylene ether sulfone) modified epoxy resin systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cecere, J. A.; Mcgrath, J. E.; Hedrick, J. L.

1986-01-01

Epoxy resin networks cured with DDS were modified by incorporating tough ductile thermoplastics such as the amine terminated polyether sulfones and amine terminated polyether ketones. Both linear copolymers were able to significantly improve the fracture toughness values at the 15 and 30 weight percent concentrations examined. These improvements in fracture toughness were achieved without any significant change in the flexural modulus.

The Effect of Surface Treatment on the Knoop Hardness of DICOR

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-01-01

during an AFIT- sponsored program in Dental Materials. 17. COSATI CODES 18. SUBJECT TERMS (Continue on reverse if necessary and Identify by block number...state of DICOR and harder than human enamel. Shaded DICOR had a surface hardness comparable to dental porcelain. The internal glass-ceramic material...THE EFFECT OF SURFACE TREATMENT ON THE KNOOP HARDNESS OF DICOR W.Patrick Naylor, DDS, MPH, MS* Lieutenant Colonel, US Air Force Dental Corps Brooks

Did American social and economic events from 1865 to 1898 influence D.D. Palmer the chiropractor and entrepreneur?

PubMed

Batinić, Josip; Skowron, Mirek; Hammerich, Karin

2013-09-01

This paper explores how the social landscape of the latter half of the nineteenth century influenced D. D. Palmer and the many occupations he pursued. It focuses on the geographical area where D. D. lived from 1865 to 1898. This paper will show how the American social and economic events of the time provided favourable circumstances for D.D.'s entrepreneurial successes.