Stabilized three-stage oxidation of DME/air mixture in a micro flow reactor with a controlled temperature profile

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

Oshibe, Hiroshi; Nakamura, Hisashi; Tezuka, Takuya

Ignition and combustion characteristics of a stoichiometric dimethyl ether (DME)/air mixture in a micro flow reactor with a controlled temperature profile which was smoothly ramped from room temperature to ignition temperature were investigated. Special attention was paid to the multi-stage oxidation in low temperature condition. Normal stable flames in a mixture flow in the high velocity region, and non-stationary pulsating flames and/or repetitive extinction and ignition (FREI) in the medium velocity region were experimentally confirmed as expected from our previous study on a methane/air mixture. In addition, stable double weak flames were observed in the low velocity region for themore » present DME/air mixture case. It is the first observation of stable double flames by the present methodology. Gas sampling was conducted to obtain major species distributions in the flow reactor. The results indicated that existence of low-temperature oxidation was conjectured by the production of CH{sub 2}O occured in the upstream side of the experimental first luminous flame, while no chemiluminescence from it was seen. One-dimensional computation with detailed chemistry and transport was conducted. At low mixture velocities, three-stage oxidation was confirmed from profiles of the heat release rate and major chemical species, which was broadly in agreement with the experimental results. Since the present micro flow reactor with a controlled temperature profile successfully presented the multi-stage oxidations as spatially separated flames, it is shown that this flow reactor can be utilized as a methodology to separate sets of reactions, even for other practical fuels, at different temperature. (author)« less

Epigenetic role for the conserved Fe-S cluster biogenesis protein AtDRE2 in Arabidopsis thaliana.

PubMed

Buzas, Diana Mihaela; Nakamura, Miyuki; Kinoshita, Tetsu

2014-09-16

On fertilization in Arabidopsis thaliana, one maternal gamete, the central cell, forms a placenta-like tissue, the endosperm. The DNA glycosylase DEMETER (DME) excises 5-methylcytosine via the base excision repair pathway in the central cell before fertilization, creating patterns of asymmetric DNA methylation and maternal gene expression across DNA replications in the endosperm lineage (EDL). Active DNA demethylation in the central cell is essential for transcriptional activity in the EDL of a set of genes, including FLOWERING WAGENINGEN (FWA). A DME-binding motif for iron-sulfur (Fe-S) cluster cofactors is indispensable for its catalytic activity. We used an FWA-GFP reporter to find mutants defective in maternal activation of FWA-GFP in the EDL, and isolated an allele of the yeast Dre2/human antiapoptotic factor CIAPIN1 homolog, encoding an enzyme previously implicated in the cytosolic Fe-S biogenesis pathway (CIA), which we named atdre2-2. We found that AtDRE2 acts in the central cell to regulate genes maternally activated in the EDL by DME. Furthermore, the FWA-GFP expression defect in atdre2-2 was partially suppressed genetically by a mutation in the maintenance DNA methyltransferase MET1; the DNA methylation levels at four DME targets increased in atdre2-2 seeds relative to WT. Although atdre2-2 shares zygotic seed defects with CIA mutants, it also uniquely manifests dme phenotypic hallmarks. These results demonstrate a previously unidentified epigenetic function of AtDRE2 that may be separate from the CIA pathway.

Surface-Mediated Solvent Decomposition in Li–Air Batteries: Impact of Peroxide and Superoxide Surface Terminations

DOE PAGES

Kumar, Nitin; Radin, Maxwell D.; Wood, Brandon C.; ...

2015-04-13

A viable Li/O 2 battery will require the development of stable electrolytes that do not continuously decompose during cell operation. In some recent experiments it is suggested that reactions occurring at the interface between the liquid electrolyte and the solid lithium peroxide (Li 2O 2) discharge phase are a major contributor to these instabilities. To clarify the mechanisms associated with these reactions, a variety of atomistic simulation techniques, classical Monte Carlo, van der Waals-augmented density functional theory, ab initio molecular dynamics, and various solvation models, are used to study the initial decomposition of the common electrolyte solvent, dimethoxyethane (DME), onmore » surfaces of Li 2O 2. Comparisons are made between the two predominant Li 2O 2 surface charge states by calculating decomposition pathways on peroxide-terminated (O 2 2–) and superoxide-terminated (O 2 1–) facets. For both terminations, DME decomposition proceeds exothermically via a two-step process comprised of hydrogen abstraction (H-abstraction) followed by nucleophilic attack. In the first step, abstracted H dissociates a surface O 2 dimer, and combines with a dissociated oxygen to form a hydroxide ion (OH –). In the remaining surface oxygen then attacks the DME, resulting in a DME fragment that is strongly bound to the Li 2O 2 surface. DME decomposition is predicted to be more exothermic on the peroxide facet; nevertheless, the rate of DME decomposition is faster on the superoxide termination. The impact of solvation (explicit vs implicit) and an applied electric field on the reaction energetics are investigated. Finally, our calculations suggest that surface-mediated electrolyte decomposition should out-pace liquid-phase processes such as solvent auto-oxidation by dissolved O 2.« less

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

Kanzler, Charlotte R.; Lian, Peng; Trainer, Emma Leverich

Alkylated mercury species (monomethylmercury, MeHg, and dimethylmercury, DMeHg) exhibit significant bioaccumulation, and pose significant risks to ecosystems and human health. Although decades of research have been devoted to understanding MeHg formation and degradation, little is known about the DMeHg formation in aquatic systems. Here, we combine complementary experimental and computational approaches to examine MeHg speciation and DMeHg formation in sulfidic aqueous solutions, with an emphasis on the formation and decomposition of the binuclear bis(methylmercuric(II)) sulfide complex (CH3Hg)2S. Experimental data indicate that the reaction 2CH3Hg+ + HS- = (CH3Hg)2S has a log K = 26.0. Thus, the binuclear (CH3Hg)2S complex ismore » likely to be the dominant MeHg species under high MeHg concentrations typically used in experimental investigations of MeHg degradation by sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB). Our finding of a significant abiotic removal mechanism for MeHg in sulfidic solutions through the formation of relatively insoluble (CH3Hg)2S suggests careful reexamination of reported “oxidative demethylation” of MeHg by SRB and perhaps other obligate anaerobes. We provide evidence for slow decomposition of (CH3Hg)2S to DMeHg and HgS, with a first-order rate constant k = 1.5 0.4 x 10-6 h-1. Quantum chemical calculations suggest that the reaction proceeds by a novel mechanism involving rearrangement of the (CH3Hg)2S complex facilitated by strong Hg-Hg interactions that activate a methyl group for intramolecular transfer. Predictions of DMeHg formation rates under a variety of field and laboratory conditions indicate that this pathway for DMeHg formation will be significant in laboratory experiments utilizing high MeHg concentrations, favoring (CH3Hg)2S formation. In natural systems with relatively high MeHg/[H2S]T ratios (the oxic/anoxic interface, for example), DMeHg production may be observed, and warrants further investigation.Experimental and computational evidence show that dimethylmercury is produced from decomposition of bis(methylmercury(ii)) sulfide.« less

Ultrasound assisted co-precipitation of nanostructured CuO-ZnO-Al2O3 over HZSM-5: effect of precursor and irradiation power on nanocatalyst properties and catalytic performance for direct syngas to DME.

PubMed

Allahyari, Somaiyeh; Haghighi, Mohammad; Ebadi, Amanollah; Hosseinzadeh, Shahin

2014-03-01

Nanostructured CuO-ZnO-Al2O3/HZSM-5 was synthesized from nitrate and acetate precursors using ultrasound assisted co-precipitation method under different irradiation powers. The CuO-ZnO-Al2O3/HZSM-5 nanocatalysts were characterized using XRD, FESEM, BET, FTIR and EDX Dot-mapping analyses. The results indicated precursor type and irradiation power have significant influences on phase structure, morphology, surface area and functional groups. It was observed that the acetate formulated CuO-ZnO-Al2O3/HZSM-5 nanocatalyst have smaller CuO crystals with better dispersion and stronger interaction between components in comparison to nitrate based nanocatalysts. Ultrasound assisted co-precipitation synthesis method resulted in nanocatalyst with more uniform morphology compared to conventional method and increasing irradiation power yields smaller particles with better dispersion and higher surface area. Additionally the crystallinity of CuO is lower at high irradiation powers leading to stronger interaction between metal oxides. The nanocatalysts performance were tested at 200-300 °C, 10-40 bar and space velocity of 18,000-36,000 cm(3)/g h with the inlet gas composition of H2/CO = 2/1 in a stainless steel autoclave reactor. The acetate based nanocatalysts irradiated with higher levels of power exhibited better reactivity in terms of CO conversion and DME yield. While there is an optimal temperature for CO conversion and DME yield in direct synthesis of DME, CO conversion and DME yield both increase with the pressure increase. Furthermore ultrasound assisted co-precipitation method yields more stable CuO-ZnO-Al2O3/HZSM-5 nanocatalyst while conventional precipitated nanocatalyst lost their activity ca. 18% and 58% in terms of CO conversion and DME yield respectively in 24 h time on stream test.

A Pathogenetic Classification of Diabetic Macular Edema.

PubMed

Parodi Battaglia, Maurizio; Iacono, Pierluigi; Cascavilla, Marialucia; Zucchiatti, Ilaria; Bandello, Francesco

2018-04-11

The aim of this study was to define a new pathogenetic classification of diabetic macular edema (DME) and to present the results of its application in common clinical practice. One hundred and seventy-seven consecutive patients with center-involving DME, central retinal thickness (CRT) ≥250 µm, were prospectively enrolled. A complete ophthalmological examination included best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) assessment, fundus photography, and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT). The DME classification was broken down into 4 categories, combining the presence of retinal thickening with the presence/absence of visible vascular dilations and OCT-detectable macular traction. The OCT parameters included were as follows: CRT, subretinal fluid, intraretinal cysts, and hyper- reflective foci (HF). Four subtypes of DME were identified: vasogenic (131 eyes, DME with vascular dilation), nonvasogenic (46 eyes, DME without vascular dilation), tractional (11 eyes), and mixed DME (13 eyes). Vasogenic DME was the pattern mainly represented in each subclass of CRT (< 300, 300-400, and > 400 µm), with tractional DME observed especially with CRT > 400 µm. Internal and external cysts and a greater presence of hard exudates were predominantly found in vasogenic DME, whereas HF was equally distributed in the 4 DME subgroups. The study offers a new pathogenetic classification able to detect significant differences among DME subtypes. A tailored therapeutic approach could take into consideration specific changes associated with the different DME subtypes. © 2018 S. Karger AG, Basel.

FACT complex is required for DNA demethylation at heterochromatin during reproduction in Arabidopsis.

PubMed

Frost, Jennifer M; Kim, M Yvonne; Park, Guen Tae; Hsieh, Ping-Hung; Nakamura, Miyuki; Lin, Samuel J H; Yoo, Hyunjin; Choi, Jaemyung; Ikeda, Yoko; Kinoshita, Tetsu; Choi, Yeonhee; Zilberman, Daniel; Fischer, Robert L

2018-05-15

The DEMETER (DME) DNA glycosylase catalyzes genome-wide DNA demethylation and is required for endosperm genomic imprinting and embryo viability. Targets of DME-mediated DNA demethylation reside in small, euchromatic, AT-rich transposons and at the boundaries of large transposons, but how DME interacts with these diverse chromatin states is unknown. The STRUCTURE SPECIFIC RECOGNITION PROTEIN 1 (SSRP1) subunit of the chromatin remodeler FACT (facilitates chromatin transactions), was previously shown to be involved in the DME-dependent regulation of genomic imprinting in Arabidopsis endosperm. Therefore, to investigate the interaction between DME and chromatin, we focused on the activity of the two FACT subunits, SSRP1 and SUPPRESSOR of TY16 (SPT16), during reproduction in Arabidopsis We found that FACT colocalizes with nuclear DME in vivo, and that DME has two classes of target sites, the first being euchromatic and accessible to DME, but the second, representing over half of DME targets, requiring the action of FACT for DME-mediated DNA demethylation genome-wide. Our results show that the FACT-dependent DME targets are GC-rich heterochromatin domains with high nucleosome occupancy enriched with H3K9me2 and H3K27me1. Further, we demonstrate that heterochromatin-associated linker histone H1 specifically mediates the requirement for FACT at a subset of DME-target loci. Overall, our results demonstrate that FACT is required for DME targeting by facilitating its access to heterochromatin. Copyright © 2018 the Author(s). Published by PNAS.

Comparison of Prevalence of Diabetic Macular Edema Based on Monocular Fundus Photography vs Optical Coherence Tomography.

PubMed

Wang, Yu T; Tadarati, Mongkol; Wolfson, Yulia; Bressler, Susan B; Bressler, Neil M

2016-02-01

Diagnosing diabetic macular edema (DME) from monocular fundus photography vs optical coherence tomography (OCT) central subfield thickness (CST) can yield different prevalence rates for DME. Epidemiologic studies and telemedicine screening typically use monocular fundus photography, while treatment of DME uses OCT CST. To compare DME prevalence from monocular fundus photography and OCT. Retrospective cross-sectional study of DME grading based on monocular fundus photographs and OCT images obtained from patients with diabetic retinopathy at a single visit between July 1, 2011, and June 30, 2014, at a university-based practice and analyzed between July 30, 2014, and May 29, 2015. Presence of DME, including clinically significant macular edema (CSME), on monocular fundus photographs used definitions from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) and the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Presence of DME on OCT used Diabetic Retinopathy Clinical Research Network eligibility criteria thresholds of CST for trials evaluating anti-vascular endothelial growth factor treatments. Prevalence of DME based on monocular fundus photographs or OCT. A total of 246 eyes of 158 participants (mean [SD] age, 65.0 [11.9] years; 48.7% women; 60.8% white) were included. Among the 246 eyes, the prevalences of DME (61.4%) and CSME (48.5%) based on MESA definitions for monocular fundus photographs were greater than the DME prevalence based on OCT (21.1%) by 40.2% (95% CI, 32.8%-47.7%; P < .001) and 27.2% (95% CI, 19.2%-35.3%; P < .001), respectively. Using NHANES definitions, DME and CSME prevalences from monocular fundus photographs (28.5% and 21.0%, respectively) approximated the DME prevalence from OCT (21.1%). However, among eyes without DME on OCT, 58.2% (95% CI, 51.0%-65.3%) and 18.0% (95% CI, 12.9%-24.2%) were diagnosed as having DME on monocular fundus photographs using MESA and NHANES definitions, respectively, including 47.0% (95% CI, 39.7%-54.5%) and 10.3% (95% CI, 6.3%-15.7%), respectively, with CSME. Among eyes with DME on OCT, 26.9% (95% CI, 15.6%-41.0%) and 32.7% (95% CI, 20.3%-47.1%) were not diagnosed as having either DME or CSME on monocular fundus photographs using MESA and NHANES definitions, respectively. These data suggest that many eyes diagnosed as having DME or CSME on monocular fundus photographs have no DME based on OCT CST, while many eyes diagnosed as not having DME or CSME on monocular fundus photographs have DME on OCT. While limited to 1 clinical practice, caution is suggested when extrapolating prevalence of eyes that may benefit from anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy based on epidemiologic surveys using photographs to diagnose DME.

Regulation of the Cobalt/Nickel Efflux Operon dmeRF in Agrobacterium tumefaciens and a Link between the Iron-Sensing Regulator RirA and Cobalt/Nickel Resistance

PubMed Central

Dokpikul, Thanittra; Chaoprasid, Paweena; Saninjuk, Kritsakorn; Sirirakphaisarn, Sirin; Johnrod, Jaruwan; Nookabkaew, Sumontha; Mongkolsuk, Skorn

2016-01-01

ABSTRACT The Agrobacterium tumefaciens C58 genome harbors an operon containing the dmeR (Atu0890) and dmeF (Atu0891) genes, which encode a transcriptional regulatory protein belonging to the RcnR/CsoR family and a metal efflux protein belonging to the cation diffusion facilitator (CDF) family, respectively. The dmeRF operon is specifically induced by cobalt and nickel, with cobalt being the more potent inducer. Promoter-lacZ transcriptional fusion, an electrophoretic mobility shift assay, and DNase I footprinting assays revealed that DmeR represses dmeRF transcription through direct binding to the promoter region upstream of dmeR. A strain lacking dmeF showed increased accumulation of intracellular cobalt and nickel and exhibited hypersensitivity to these metals; however, this strain displayed full virulence, comparable to that of the wild-type strain, when infecting a Nicotiana benthamiana plant model under the tested conditions. Cobalt, but not nickel, increased the expression of many iron-responsive genes and reduced the induction of the SoxR-regulated gene sodBII. Furthermore, control of iron homeostasis via RirA is important for the ability of A. tumefaciens to cope with cobalt and nickel toxicity. IMPORTANCE The molecular mechanism of the regulation of dmeRF transcription by DmeR was demonstrated. This work provides evidence of a direct interaction of apo-DmeR with the corresponding DNA operator site in vitro. The recognition site for apo-DmeR consists of 10-bp AT-rich inverted repeats separated by six C bases (5′-ATATAGTATACCCCCCTATAGTATAT-3′). Cobalt and nickel cause DmeR to dissociate from the dmeRF promoter, which leads to expression of the metal efflux gene dmeF. This work also revealed a connection between iron homeostasis and cobalt/nickel resistance in A. tumefaciens. PMID:27235438

Functional and Expression Analysis of the Metal-Inducible dmeRF System from Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. viciae

PubMed Central

Rubio-Sanz, L.; Prieto, R. I.; Imperial, J.; Brito, B.

2013-01-01

A gene encoding a homolog to the cation diffusion facilitator protein DmeF from Cupriavidus metallidurans has been identified in the genome of Rhizobium leguminosarum UPM791. The R. leguminosarum dmeF gene is located downstream of an open reading frame (designated dmeR) encoding a protein homologous to the nickel- and cobalt-responsive transcriptional regulator RcnR from Escherichia coli. Analysis of gene expression showed that the R. leguminosarum dmeRF genes are organized as a transcriptional unit whose expression is strongly induced by nickel and cobalt ions, likely by alleviating the repressor activity of DmeR on dmeRF transcription. An R. leguminosarum dmeRF mutant strain displayed increased sensitivity to Co(II) and Ni(II), whereas no alterations of its resistance to Cd(II), Cu(II), or Zn(II) were observed. A decrease of symbiotic performance was observed when pea plants inoculated with an R. leguminosarum dmeRF deletion mutant strain were grown in the presence of high concentrations of nickel and cobalt. The same mutant induced significantly lower activity levels of NiFe hydrogenase in microaerobic cultures. These results indicate that the R. leguminosarum DmeRF system is a metal-responsive efflux mechanism acting as a key element for metal homeostasis in R. leguminosarum under free-living and symbiotic conditions. The presence of similar dmeRF gene clusters in other Rhizobiaceae suggests that the dmeRF system is a conserved mechanism for metal tolerance in legume endosymbiotic bacteria. PMID:23934501

Comorbidity and health care visit burden in working-age commercially insured patients with diabetic macular edema.

PubMed

Kiss, Szilárd; Chandwani, Hitesh S; Cole, Ashley L; Patel, Vaishali D; Lunacsek, Orsolya E; Dugel, Pravin U

2016-01-01

To examine the comorbidity profile and update estimates of health care resource utilization for commercially insured, working-age adults with diabetic macular edema (DME) relative to a matched comparison group of diabetic adults without DME. Additional comparisons were made in the subgroup of pseudophakic patients. A retrospective matched-cohort study of commercially insured diabetic adults aged 18-63 years was conducted using medical and outpatient pharmacy claims (July 1, 2008-June 30, 2013). Outcomes included diabetes-related and ocular comorbidities and health care resource utilization (any health care visit days, outpatient visit days, inpatient visit days, emergency room visits, eye care-related visit days, unique medications) in the 12-month post-index period. All diabetes-related and ocular comorbidities were significantly more prevalent in DME cases versus non-DME controls ( P <0.05). A significantly greater proportion of DME cases utilized eye care-related visits compared with non-DME controls ( P <0.001). DME cases had almost twice the mean number of total health care visit days compared to non-DME controls (28.6 vs 16.9 days, P <0.001), with a minority of visit days being eye care-related (mean 5.1 vs 1.5 days, P <0.001). Similar trends were observed in pseudophakic cohorts. This working-age DME population experienced a mean of 29 health care visit days per year. Eye care-related visit days were a minority of the overall visit burden (mean 5 days) emphasizing the trade-offs DME patients face between managing DME and their overall diabetic disease. Insights into the complex comorbidity profile and health care needs of diabetic patients with DME will better inform treatment decisions and help optimize disease management.

Thrust Evaluation of an Arcjet Thruster Using Dimethyl Ether as a Propellant

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kakami, Akira; Beppu, Shinji; Maiguma, Muneyuki; Tachibana, Takeshi

This paper describes the performance of an arcjet thruster using dimethyl ether (DME) as a propellant. DME, an ether compound, has adequate characteristics for space propulsion systems; DME is storable in a liquid state without a high pressure or cryogenic device and requires no sophisticated temperature management. DME is gasified and liquefied simply by adjusting temperature, whereas hydrazine, a conventional propellant, requires an iridium-based particulate catalyst for its gasification. In this study, thrust of the designed kW-class DME arcjet thruster is measured with a torsional thrust stand. Thrust measurements show that thrust is increased with propellant mass flow rate, and that thrust using DME propellant is higher than when using nitrogen. The prototype DME arcjet thruster yields a specific impulse of 330 s, a thruster efficiency of 0.14, and a thrust of 0.19 N at 60-mg/s DME mass flow rate at 25-A discharge current. The corresponding discharge power and specific power are 2.3 kW and 39 MJ/kg.

Multinuclear NMR Study of the Solid Electrolyte Interface Formed in Lithium Metal Batteries

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

Wan, Chuan; Xu, Suochang; Hu, Mary Y.

The composition of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layers associated with a high performance Cu|Li cell using lithium bis(fluorosulfonyi)imide (LiFSI) in 1,2-dimethoxyethane (DME) as electrolyte is determined by a multinuclear (6Li, 19F, 13C and 1H) solid-state MAS NMR study at high magnetic field (850 MHz). This cell can be cycled at high rates (4 mA•cm-2) for more than 1000 cycles with no increase in the cell impedance at high Columbic efficiency (average of 98.4%) in a highly concentrated LiFSI-DME electrolyte (4 M). LiFSI, LiF, Li2O2 (and/or CH3OLi), LiOH, Li2S and Li2O are observed in the SEI and validated by comparingmore » with the spectra acquired on standard compounds and literature reports. To gain further insight into the role of the solute and its concentration dependence on the formation of SEIs while keeping the solvent of DME unchanged, the SEIs from different concentrations of LiFSI-DME and lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI)-DME electrolyte are also investigated. It is found that LiF, a lithiated compound with superior mechanical strength and good Li+ ionic conductivity, is observed in the concentrated 4.0 M LiFSI-DME and the 3.0 M LiTFSI-DME systems but not in the diluted 1.0 M LiFSI-DME system. Li2O exists in both low and high concentration of LiFSI-DME while no Li2O is observed in the LiTFSI system. Furthermore, the dead metallic Li is reduced in the 4 M LiFSI-DME system compared with that in the 1 M LiFSI-DME system. Quantitative 6Li MAS results indicate that the SEI associated with the 4 M LiFSI-DEME is denser or thicker than that of the 1 M LiFSI-DME and the 3 M LiTFSI-DME systems. These findings are likely the reasons for explaining the high electrochemical performance associated with the high concentration LiFSI-DME system.« less

14 CFR 171.321 - DME and marker beacon performance requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 14 Aeronautics and Space 3 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false DME and marker beacon performance... (MLS) § 171.321 DME and marker beacon performance requirements. (a) The DME equipment must meet the..._regulations/ibr_locations.html. (b) MLS marker beacon equipment must meet the performance requirements...

SFOL Pulse: A High Accuracy DME Pulse for Alternative Aircraft Position and Navigation.

PubMed

Kim, Euiho; Seo, Jiwon

2017-09-22

In the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) performance based navigation strategy announced in 2016, the FAA stated that it would retain and expand the Distance Measuring Equipment (DME) infrastructure to ensure resilient aircraft navigation capability during the event of a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) outage. However, the main drawback of the DME as a GNSS back up system is that it requires a significant expansion of the current DME ground infrastructure due to its poor distance measuring accuracy over 100 m. The paper introduces a method to improve DME distance measuring accuracy by using a new DME pulse shape. The proposed pulse shape was developed by using Genetic Algorithms and is less susceptible to multipath effects so that the ranging error reduces by 36.0-77.3% when compared to the Gaussian and Smoothed Concave Polygon DME pulses, depending on noise environment.

SFOL Pulse: A High Accuracy DME Pulse for Alternative Aircraft Position and Navigation

PubMed Central

Kim, Euiho

2017-01-01

In the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) performance based navigation strategy announced in 2016, the FAA stated that it would retain and expand the Distance Measuring Equipment (DME) infrastructure to ensure resilient aircraft navigation capability during the event of a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) outage. However, the main drawback of the DME as a GNSS back up system is that it requires a significant expansion of the current DME ground infrastructure due to its poor distance measuring accuracy over 100 m. The paper introduces a method to improve DME distance measuring accuracy by using a new DME pulse shape. The proposed pulse shape was developed by using Genetic Algorithms and is less susceptible to multipath effects so that the ranging error reduces by 36.0–77.3% when compared to the Gaussian and Smoothed Concave Polygon DME pulses, depending on noise environment. PMID:28937615

Impact of estimated glomerular filtration rate on diabetic macular edema.

PubMed

Temkar, Shreyas; Karuppaiah, Nishanthini; Takkar, Brijesh; Bhowmik, Dipankar; Tripathi, Manjari; Ramakrishnan, Sivasubramanian; Sharma, Yog Raj; Vohra, Rajpal; Chawla, Rohan; Venkatesh, Pradeep

2018-06-01

Diabetic macular edema (DME) is a major cause of visual impairment in patients with diabetes and is influenced by various systemic factors. This study evaluates the effect of renal status on DME using estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) as a study marker. This was a prospective observational cross-sectional study. One hundred and ninety-five patients of diabetic retinopathy (DR) were included. Group 1 had patients of DR without DME (n = 100), and group 2 had patients of DR with DME (n = 95). All patients were evaluated for DR/DME-related risk factors. eGFR was calculated in all patients. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SDOCT) was done to identify the various patterns and severity of DME. Group 2 patients had significantly higher comorbidities than those in group 1 (p < 0.001). Hba1c, total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL/HDL ratio, systolic and diastolic blood pressures were significantly higher in group II (p < 0.001 in each). There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of blood urea, serum creatinine or eGFR. eGFR did not show a significant association with a specific SDOCT pattern or severity of DME. Comorbidities are more common and more severe in patients with DME. However, eGFR as a marker was not useful in predicting either the severity or pattern of DME. eGFR, in its present form, may not be useful in the evaluation and management of patients with DME.

The prevalence and systemic risk factors of diabetic macular edema: a cross-sectional study from Turkey.

PubMed

Acan, Durgul; Calan, Mehmet; Er, Duygu; Arkan, Tugba; Kocak, Nilufer; Bayraktar, Firat; Kaynak, Suleyman

2018-04-12

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of diabetic macular edema (DME) utilizing optical coherence tomography (OCT), and to clarify the effects of the systemic findings and risk factors on the development of DME. This cross-sectional study was conducted in the departments of ophthalmology and endocrinology at the Dokuz Eylul University School of Medicine in Izmir, Turkey. The demographics, type and duration of diabetes mellitus, treatment modality, smoking and alcohol consumption habits, as well as the systemic blood pressure, renal functional tests, hemoglobulin A1c level, serum lipid profile, and 24-h urine albumin level were noted and statistically analyzed. The relationships between the systemic findings and DME were studied. Four-hundred and thirteen eyes of 413 diabetic patients who were examined between January 2011 and July 2012 were enrolled in this study. The prevalence of DME was 15.3% among the patients. The males exhibited DME significantly more frequently than the females (p = 0.031), and the duration of diabetes was significantly longer in those patients with DME (p < 0.001). Those patients without DME frequently used antihyperlipidemic drugs and had a higher level of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (p = 0.040 and p = 0.046, respectively). The patient's alcohol consumption, nephropathy, neuropathy, previous cataract surgery, severity of diabetic retinopathy, and insulin usage were statistically significant factors with regard to the DME prevalence. This study demonstrated the prevalence of DME in Turkey by utilizing OCT. The development of DME can be avoided or limited and the response to treatment may be improved by the regulation of the DME risk factors.

Dimethyl ether production from methanol and/or syngas

DOEpatents

Dagle, Robert A; Wang, Yong; Baker, Eddie G; Hu, Jianli

2015-02-17

Disclosed are methods for producing dimethyl ether (DME) from methanol and for producing DME directly from syngas, such as syngas from biomass. Also disclosed are apparatus for DME production. The disclosed processes generally function at higher temperatures with lower contact times and at lower pressures than conventional processes so as to produce higher DME yields than do conventional processes. Certain embodiments of the processes are carried out in reactors providing greater surface to volume ratios than the presently used DME reactors. Certain embodiments of the processes are carried out in systems comprising multiple microchannel reactors.

Performance Characteristics of a DME Propellant Arcjet Thruster

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kakami, Akira; Beeppu, Shinji; Maiguma, Muneyuki; Tachibana, Takeshi

This paper describes the influence of cathode configuration on performance of an arcjet thruster using dimethyl ether (DME) propellant. DME, an ether compound, has suitable characteristics for a space propulsion system; DME is storable in a liquid state without being kept under a high pressure, and requires no sophisticated temperature management such as a cryogenic device. DME can be gasified and liquefied simply by adjusting temperature whereas hydrazine, a conventional propellant, requires an iridium-based particulate catalyst for its gasification. In this study, thrust of a 1-kW class DME arcjet thruster is measured at a discharge current of 13 A, DME mass flow rates ranging 15 to 60 mg/s under three cathode configurations: flat-tip rods of 2 and 4 mm in diam. and 4-mm-diam. rod having a cavity of 2 mm in diameter. Thrust measurements show that thrust is increased with propellant mass flow rate. Among the tested cathodes, the flat-tip rod of 4 mm in diam. with 55 mg/s DME flow rate yielded the highest performance: specific impulse of 330 s, thrust of 0.18 N, discharge power of 1400 W and specific power of 25 MJ/kg.

An Investigation of Flow in Nozzle Hole of Dimethyl Ether

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kato, M.; Yokota, T.; Weber, J.; Gill, D.

2015-12-01

For over twenty years, DME has shown itself to be a most promising fuel for diesel combustion. DME is produced by simple synthesis of such common sources as coal, natural gas, biomass, and waste feedstock. DME is a flammable, thermally-stable liquid similar to liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and can be handled like LPG. However, the physical properties of DME such as its low viscosity, lubricity and bulk modulus have negative effects for the fuel injection system, which have both limited the achievable injection pressures to about 500 bar and DME's introduction into the market. To overcome some of these effects, a common rail fuel injection system was adapted to operate with DME and produce injection pressures of up to 1000 bar. To understand the effect of the high injection pressure, tests were carried out using 2D optically accessed nozzles. This allowed the impact of the high vapour pressure of DME on the onset of cavitation in the nozzle hole to be assessed and improve the flow characteristics.

Association Between Diabetic Macular Edema and Cardiovascular Events in Type 2 Diabetes Patients: A Multicenter Observational Study.

PubMed

Leveziel, Nicolas; Ragot, Stéphanie; Gand, Elise; Lichtwitz, Olivier; Halimi, Jean Michel; Gozlan, Julien; Gourdy, Pierre; Robert, Marie-Françoise; Dardari, Dured; Boissonnot, Michèle; Roussel, Ronan; Piguel, Xavier; Dupuy, Olivier; Torremocha, Florence; Saulnier, Pierre-Jean; Maréchaud, Richard; Hadjadj, Samy

2015-08-01

Diabetic macular edema (DME) is the main cause of visual loss associated with diabetes but any association between DME and cardiovascular events is unclear.This study aims to describe the possible association between DME and cardiovascular events in a multicenter cross-sectional study of patients with type 2 diabetes.Two thousand eight hundred seven patients with type 2 diabetes were recruited from diabetes and nephrology clinical institutional centers participating in the DIAB 2 NEPHROGENE study focusing on diabetic complications. DME (presence/absence) and diabetic retinopathy (DR) classification were based on ophthalmological report and/or on 30° color retinal photographs. DR was defined as absent, nonproliferative (background, moderate, or severe) or proliferative. Cardiovascular events were stroke, myocardial infarction, and lower limb amputation.Details regarding associations between DME and cardiovascular events were evaluated.The study included 2807 patients with type 2 diabetes, of whom 355 (12.6%) had DME. DME was significantly and independently associated with patient age, known duration of diabetes, HbA1c, systolic blood pressure, and DR stage. Only the prior history of lower limb amputation was strongly associated with DME in univariate and multivariate analyses, whereas no association was found with regard to myocardial infarction or stroke. Moreover, both major (n = 32) and minor lower limb (n = 96) amputations were similarly associated with DME, with respective odds ratio of 3.7 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.77-7.74; P = 0.0012) and of 4.29 (95% CI, 2.79-6.61; P < 0.001).DME is strongly and independently associated with lower limb amputation in type 2 diabetic patients.

Association Between Diabetic Macular Edema and Cardiovascular Events in Type 2 Diabetes Patients

PubMed Central

Leveziel, Nicolas; Ragot, Stéphanie; Gand, Elise; Lichtwitz, Olivier; Halimi, Jean Michel; Gozlan, Julien; Gourdy, Pierre; Robert, Marie-Françoise; Dardari, Dured; Boissonnot, Michèle; Roussel, Ronan; Piguel, Xavier; Dupuy, Olivier; Torremocha, Florence; Saulnier, Pierre-Jean; Maréchaud, Richard; Hadjadj, Samy

2015-01-01

Abstract Diabetic macular edema (DME) is the main cause of visual loss associated with diabetes but any association between DME and cardiovascular events is unclear. This study aims to describe the possible association between DME and cardiovascular events in a multicenter cross-sectional study of patients with type 2 diabetes. Two thousand eight hundred seven patients with type 2 diabetes were recruited from diabetes and nephrology clinical institutional centers participating in the DIAB 2 NEPHROGENE study focusing on diabetic complications. DME (presence/absence) and diabetic retinopathy (DR) classification were based on ophthalmological report and/or on 30° color retinal photographs. DR was defined as absent, nonproliferative (background, moderate, or severe) or proliferative. Cardiovascular events were stroke, myocardial infarction, and lower limb amputation. Details regarding associations between DME and cardiovascular events were evaluated. The study included 2807 patients with type 2 diabetes, of whom 355 (12.6%) had DME. DME was significantly and independently associated with patient age, known duration of diabetes, HbA1c, systolic blood pressure, and DR stage. Only the prior history of lower limb amputation was strongly associated with DME in univariate and multivariate analyses, whereas no association was found with regard to myocardial infarction or stroke. Moreover, both major (n = 32) and minor lower limb (n = 96) amputations were similarly associated with DME, with respective odds ratio of 3.7 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.77–7.74; P = 0.0012) and of 4.29 (95% CI, 2.79–6.61; P < 0.001). DME is strongly and independently associated with lower limb amputation in type 2 diabetic patients. PMID:26287408

Control of DEMETER DNA demethylase gene transcription in male and female gamete companion cells in Arabidopsis thaliana.

PubMed

Park, Jin-Sup; Frost, Jennifer M; Park, Kyunghyuk; Ohr, Hyonhwa; Park, Guen Tae; Kim, Seohyun; Eom, Hyunjoo; Lee, Ilha; Brooks, Janie S; Fischer, Robert L; Choi, Yeonhee

2017-02-21

The DEMETER (DME) DNA glycosylase initiates active DNA demethylation via the base-excision repair pathway and is vital for reproduction in Arabidopsis thaliana DME-mediated DNA demethylation is preferentially targeted to small, AT-rich, and nucleosome-depleted euchromatic transposable elements, influencing expression of adjacent genes and leading to imprinting in the endosperm. In the female gametophyte, DME expression and subsequent genome-wide DNA demethylation are confined to the companion cell of the egg, the central cell. Here, we show that, in the male gametophyte, DME expression is limited to the companion cell of sperm, the vegetative cell, and to a narrow window of time: immediately after separation of the companion cell lineage from the germline. We define transcriptional regulatory elements of DME using reporter genes, showing that a small region, which surprisingly lies within the DME gene, controls its expression in male and female companion cells. DME expression from this minimal promoter is sufficient to rescue seed abortion and the aberrant DNA methylome associated with the null dme-2 mutation. Within this minimal promoter, we found short, conserved enhancer sequences necessary for the transcriptional activities of DME and combined predicted binding motifs with published transcription factor binding coordinates to produce a list of candidate upstream pathway members in the genetic circuitry controlling DNA demethylation in gamete companion cells. These data show how DNA demethylation is regulated to facilitate endosperm gene imprinting and potential transgenerational epigenetic regulation, without subjecting the germline to potentially deleterious transposable element demethylation.

Fourier Transform Microwave Spectrum of CO{_2} -(CH{_3}){_2} S

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kawashima, Yoshiyuki; Moritani, Takayuki; Hirota, Eizi

2012-06-01

In spite of the fact that the oxygen and sulfur atoms belong to the same group in the periodic table, oxygen-containing molecules and their corresponding sulfur analogues often exhibit characteristic differences in their chemical and physical properties. We have been interested in these differences and have investigated, in a systematic way using Fourier transform microwave (FTMW) spectroscopy combined with ab initio molecular orbital calculations, complexes consisting of dimethyl ether (DME)/dimethyl sulfide (DMS) and ethylene oxide (EO)/ ethylene sulfide (ES), each being attached to either one of rare gas atoms (Rg), CO, N{_2}, or CO{_2}. Among others the CO{_2}-DMS complex should be mentioned, which, in sharp contrast with its counterpart: CO{_2}-DME behaves anomalously, presumably because of low-frequency internal motions, and we have decided to explore it in detail by a FTMW spectrometer. We have generated the CO{_2}-DMS complex by supersonic expansion of a CO{_2} and DMS mixture diluted with Ar, and have scanned the frequency region from 5 to 24 GHz to record the rotational spectra of the complex. We have found it difficult to fit the observed transition frequencies to the ordinary rotational Hamiltonian, but have succeeded to assign 75 transitions by sum rules among the observed transition frequencies. We are suspecting the anomalous behavior of the complex to be caused by a low-frequency torsion of the moieties. In the case of the CO{_2}-DME, the internal rotations of the two methyl groups of the DME were shown to be locked to the CO{_2} by hydrogen bonding, whereas, for the CO{_2}-DMS, we have observed internal-rotation splittings of the two methyl groups of the DMS, indicating the structure of the CO{_2}-DMS complex being considerably different from that of the CO{_2}-DME. We will report the structure at the potential minima and the internal motion of the CO{_2}-DMS, in comparison with the results predicted by quantum chemical calculations. Y. Kawashima, A. Sato, Y. Orita, and E. Hirota J. Phys. Chem. A 116, 1224 2012. J. J. Newby, R. A. Peebles, and S. A. Peebles J. Phys. Chem. A 108, 11234 2004.

Spontaneous resolution of macular edema after panretinal photocoagulation in florid proliferative diabetic retinopathy.

PubMed

Gaucher, David; Fortunato, Pina; LeCleire-Collet, Amélie; Bourcier, Tristan; Speeg-Schatz, Claude; Tadayoni, Ramin; Massin, Pascale

2009-10-01

To report the evolution of diabetic macular edema (DME) after extensive panretinal photocoagulation in patients with Type 1 diabetes exhibiting florid proliferative diabetic retinopathy (FPDR). This retrospective observational case series comprised 17 eyes of 10 consecutive patients (8 women and 2 men). All patients exhibited FPDR combined with severe DME, and all underwent panretinal photocoagulation. The evolution of visual acuity and progression of FPDR were evaluated. The evolution of DME during follow-up was assessed by fluorescein angiography and repeated optical coherence tomography examinations. At baseline, all eyes had diffuse DME. Mean logMAR visual acuity was 0.402 +/- 0.46. Mean central macular thickness was 468.23 +/- 113.63 microm. After panretinal photocoagulation, DME regressed spontaneously in all eyes after a mean follow-up of 7.1 +/- 2.68 months. Mean central macular thickness decreased to 268.12 +/-54.67 microm (t-test, P < 0.0001). Mean visual acuity improved significantly to 0.184 +/- 0.12 (t-test, P = 0.048). Diabetic macular edema only recurred in two eyes. In DME combined with FPDR, extensive panretinal photocoagulation and glycemic control seem effective in reducing DME and improving vision. In FPDR, DME may be caused by excessive production of vascular endothelial growth factor by the unperfused retina.

Your Medicare Coverage: Durable Medical Equipment (DME) Coverage

MedlinePlus

... test, item, or service covered? Go Durable medical equipment (DME) coverage How often is it covered? Medicare ... B (Medical Insurance) covers medically necessary durable medical equipment (DME) that your doctor prescribes for use in ...

Different stabilities of liposomes containing saturated and unsaturated lipids toward the addition of cyclodextrins.

PubMed

Ikeda, Atsushi; Funada, Rikushi; Sugikawa, Kouta

2016-06-14

Liposomes composed of unsaturated lipids were more stable than those containing saturated lipids toward DMe-β-CDx, DMe-α-CDx and DMe-β-CDx. The Hill coefficient values (n) indicated that the saturated lipid·DMe-CDx complexes had stoichiometric ratios in the range of 1 : 3-1 : 4, while the unsaturated lipid·DMe-CDx complexes had ratios in the range of 1 : 1.5-1 : 3. That is, a cis alkene group in the unsaturated lipids prevented complexation with a second DMe-CDx in the direction toward each acyl chain. Furthermore, the liposomes composed of the unsaturated lipids were much slower to form precipitates upon the addition of α-CDx than those of the saturated lipids. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first example showing that CDxs interact with unsaturated lipids.

Persistent Macular Thickening After Ranibizumab Treatment for Diabetic Macular Edema With Vision Impairment

PubMed Central

Bressler, Susan B.; Ayala, Allison R.; Bressler, Neil M.; Melia, Michele; Qin, Haijing; Ferris, Frederick L.; Flaxel, Christina J.; Friedman, Scott M.; Glassman, Adam R.; Jampol, Lee M.; Rauser, Michael E.

2016-01-01

IMPORTANCE The prevalence of persistent diabetic macular edema (DME) after months of anti–vascular endothelial growth factor therapy and its effect on visual acuity are unknown. OBJECTIVE To assess subsequent outcomes of eyes with DME persisting for 24 weeks after initiating treatment with 0.5 mg of ranibizumab. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS We performed post hoc, exploratory analyses of a randomized clinical trial from March 20, 2007, through January 29, 2014, from 117 of 296 eyes (39.5%) randomly assigned to receive ranibizumab with persistent DME (central subfield thickness ≥250 μm on time domain optical coherence tomography) through the 24-week visit. INTERVENTIONS Four monthly intravitreous injections of ranibizumab and then as needed per protocol. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Cumulative 3-year probabilities of chronic persistent DME (failure to achieve a central subfield thickness <250 μm and at least a 10% reduction from the 24-week visit on at least 2 consecutive study visits) determined by life-table analyses, and at least 10 letter (≥2 line) gain or loss of visual acuity among those eyes. RESULTS The probability of chronic persistent DME among eyes with persistent DME at the 24-week visit decreased from 100% at the 32-week visit to 81.1% (99% CI, 69.6%-88.6%), 55.8% (99% CI, 42.9%-66.9%), and 40.1% (99% CI, 27.4%-52.4%) at the 1-, 2-, and 3-year visits, respectively. At 3 years, visual acuity improved in eyes with and without chronic persistent DME through the follow-up period, respectively, by a mean of 7 letters and 13 letters from baseline. Among 40 eyes with chronic persistent edema through 3 years, 17 (42.5%) (99% CI, 23.1%-63.7%) gained 10 letters or more from baseline, whereas 5 (12.5%) (99% CI, 2.8%-31.5%) lost 10 letters or more from baseline. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE These data suggest less than half of eyes treated for DME with intravitreous ranibizumab have persistent central-involved DME through 24 weeks after initiating treatment. Among the 40% that then have chronic persistent central-involved DME through 3 years, longer-term visual acuity outcomes appear to be slightly worse than in the 60% in which DME does not persist. Nevertheless, when following the treatment protocol used in this trial among eyes with vision impairment from DME, long-term improvement in visual acuity from baseline is typical and substantial (≥2-line) loss of visual acuity is likely uncommon through 3 years, even when central-involved DME chronically persists. PMID:26746868

Control of DEMETER DNA demethylase gene transcription in male and female gamete companion cells in Arabidopsis thaliana

PubMed Central

Park, Jin-Sup; Frost, Jennifer M.; Park, Kyunghyuk; Ohr, Hyonhwa; Park, Guen Tae; Kim, Seohyun; Eom, Hyunjoo; Lee, Ilha; Brooks, Janie S.; Fischer, Robert L.; Choi, Yeonhee

2017-01-01

The DEMETER (DME) DNA glycosylase initiates active DNA demethylation via the base-excision repair pathway and is vital for reproduction in Arabidopsis thaliana. DME-mediated DNA demethylation is preferentially targeted to small, AT-rich, and nucleosome-depleted euchromatic transposable elements, influencing expression of adjacent genes and leading to imprinting in the endosperm. In the female gametophyte, DME expression and subsequent genome-wide DNA demethylation are confined to the companion cell of the egg, the central cell. Here, we show that, in the male gametophyte, DME expression is limited to the companion cell of sperm, the vegetative cell, and to a narrow window of time: immediately after separation of the companion cell lineage from the germline. We define transcriptional regulatory elements of DME using reporter genes, showing that a small region, which surprisingly lies within the DME gene, controls its expression in male and female companion cells. DME expression from this minimal promoter is sufficient to rescue seed abortion and the aberrant DNA methylome associated with the null dme-2 mutation. Within this minimal promoter, we found short, conserved enhancer sequences necessary for the transcriptional activities of DME and combined predicted binding motifs with published transcription factor binding coordinates to produce a list of candidate upstream pathway members in the genetic circuitry controlling DNA demethylation in gamete companion cells. These data show how DNA demethylation is regulated to facilitate endosperm gene imprinting and potential transgenerational epigenetic regulation, without subjecting the germline to potentially deleterious transposable element demethylation. PMID:28130550

Functional Dependence between Septal Protein SepJ from Anabaena sp. Strain PCC 7120 and an Amino Acid ABC-Type Uptake Transporter.

PubMed

Escudero, Leticia; Mariscal, Vicente; Flores, Enrique

2015-08-01

In the diazotrophic filaments of heterocyst-forming cyanobacteria, two different cell types, the CO2-fixing vegetative cells and the N2-fixing heterocysts, exchange nutrients, including some amino acids. In the model organism Anabaena sp. strain PCC 7120, the SepJ protein, composed of periplasmic and integral membrane (permease) sections, is located at the intercellular septa joining adjacent cells in the filament. The unicellular cyanobacterium Synechococcus elongatus strain PCC 7942 bears a gene, Synpcc7942_1024 (here designated dmeA), encoding a permease homologous to the SepJ permease domain. Synechococcus strains lacking dmeA or lacking dmeA and expressing Anabaena sepJ were constructed. The Synechococcus dmeA mutant showed a significant 22 to 32% decrease in the uptake of aspartate, glutamate, and glutamine, a phenotype that could be partially complemented by Anabaena sepJ. Synechococcus mutants of an ATP-binding-cassette (ABC)-type transporter for polar amino acids showed >98% decreased uptake of glutamate irrespective of the presence of dmeA or Anabaena sepJ in the same strain. Thus, Synechococcus DmeA or Anabaena SepJ is needed to observe full (or close to full) activity of the ABC transporter. An Anabaena sepJ deletion mutant was significantly impaired in glutamate and aspartate uptake, which also in this cyanobacterium requires the activity of an ABC-type transporter for polar amino acids. SepJ appears therefore to generally stimulate the activity of cyanobacterial ABC-type transporters for polar amino acids. Conversely, an Anabaena mutant of three ABC-type transporters for amino acids was impaired in the intercellular transfer of 5-carboxyfluorescein, a SepJ-related property. Our results unravel possible functional interactions in transport elements important for diazotrophic growth. Membrane transporters are essential for many aspects of cellular life, from uptake and export of substances in unicellular organisms to intercellular molecular exchange in multicellular organisms. Heterocyst-forming cyanobacteria such as Anabaena represent a unique case of multicellularity, in which two cell types exchange nutrients and regulators. The SepJ protein located at the intercellular septa in the filaments of Anabaena contains a permease domain of the drug/metabolite transporter (DMT) superfamily that somehow contributes to intercellular molecular transfer. In this work, we have found that SepJ stimulates the activity of a polar amino acid uptake transporter of the ATP-binding-cassette (ABC) superfamily, which could itself affect an intercellular transfer activity related to SepJ, thus unraveling possible functional interactions between these different transporters. Copyright © 2015, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

In-Situ Immobilization of Ni Complex on Amine-Grafted SiO₂ for Ethylene Polymerization.

PubMed

Lee, Sang Yun; Ko, Young Soo

2018-02-01

The results on the In-Situ synthesis of Ni complex on amine-grafted SiO2 and its ethylene polymerization were explained. SiO2/2NS/(DME)NiBr2 and SiO2/3NS/(DME)NiBr2(Ni(II) bromide ethylene glycol dimethyl ether) catalysts were active for ethylene polymerization. The highest activity was shown at the polymerization temperature of 25 °C, and SiO2/2NS/(DME)NiBr2 exhibited higher activity than SiO2/3NS/(DME)NiBr2. The PDI values of SiO2/2NS/(DME)NiBr2 were in the range of 8~18. The aminosilane compounds and Ni were evenly grafted and distributed in the silica. It was proposed that DME ligand was mostly removed during the supporting process, and only NiBr2 was complexed with the amine group of 2NS based on the results of FT-IR and ethylene polymerization.

Sociomateriality: a theoretical framework for studying distributed medical education.

PubMed

MacLeod, Anna; Kits, Olga; Whelan, Emma; Fournier, Cathy; Wilson, Keith; Power, Gregory; Mann, Karen; Tummons, Jonathan; Brown, Peggy Alexiadis

2015-11-01

Distributed medical education (DME) is a type of distance learning in which students participate in medical education from diverse geographic locations using Web conferencing, videoconferencing, e-learning, and similar tools. DME is becoming increasingly widespread in North America and around the world.Although relatively new to medical education, distance learning has a long history in the broader field of education and a related body of literature that speaks to the importance of engaging in rigorous and theoretically informed studies of distance learning. The existing DME literature is helpful, but it has been largely descriptive and lacks a critical "lens"-that is, a theoretical perspective from which to rigorously conceptualize and interrogate DME's social (relationships, people) and material (technologies, tools) aspects.The authors describe DME and theories about distance learning and show that such theories focus on social, pedagogical, and cognitive considerations without adequately taking into account material factors. They address this gap by proposing sociomateriality as a theoretical framework allowing researchers and educators to study DME and (1) understand and consider previously obscured actors, infrastructure, and other factors that, on the surface, seem unrelated and even unimportant; (2) see clearly how the social and material components of learning are intertwined in fluid, messy, and often uncertain ways; and (3) perhaps think differently, even in ways that disrupt traditional approaches, as they explore DME. The authors conclude that DME brings with it substantial investments of social and material resources, and therefore needs careful study, using approaches that embrace its complexity.

Natural abundance 17O, 6Li NMR and molecular modeling studies of the solvation structures of lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide/1,2-dimethoxyethane liquid electrolytes

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

Wan, Chuan; Hu, Mary Y.; Borodin, Oleg

2016-03-01

Natural abundance 17O and 6Li NMR experiments, quantum chemistry and molecular dynamics studies were employed to investigate the solvation structures of Li+ at various concentrations of LiFSI in DME electrolytes in an effort to solve this puzzle. It was found that the chemical shifts of both 17O and 6Li changed with the concentration of LiFSI, indicating the changes of solvation structures with concentration. For the quantum chemistry calculations, the coordinated cluster LiFSI(DME)2 forms at first, and its relative ratio increases with increasing LiFSI concentration to 1 M. Then the solvation structure LiFSI(DME) become the dominant component. As a result, themore » coordination of forming contact ion pairs between Li+ and FSI- ion increases, but the association between Li+ and DME molecule decreases. Furthermore, at LiFSI concentration of 4 M the solvation structures associated with Li+(FSI-)2(DME), Li+2(FSI-)(DME)4 and (LiFSI)2(DME)3 become the dominant components. For the molecular dynamics simulation, with increasing concentration, the association between DME and Li+ decreases, and the coordinated number of FSI- increases, which is in perfect accord with the DFT results. These results provide more insight on the fundamental mechanism on the very high CE of Li deposition in these electrolytes, especially at high current density conditions.« less

Recent clinically relevant highlights from the Diabetic Retinopathy Clinical Research Network.

PubMed

Krick, Tracy W; Bressler, Neil M

2018-05-01

To present some recent clinically relevant results from Diabetic Retinopathy Clinical Research (DRCR) Network trials that may guide management of diabetic macular edema (DME) or proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). Among eyes with DME and visual acuity 20/50 or worse, aflibercept, on average, had greater improvement in visual acuity over 2 years compared with bevacizumab or ranibizumab. Aflibercept is associated with higher rates of improvements in diabetic retinopathy severity among eyes with PDR and vision-impairing DME at baseline compared with bevacizumab or ranibizumab. Among eyes with persistent central-involved DME after at least six antivascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) injections, no difference in mean visual acuity improvement was observed between eyes that received continued ranibizumab and sham injections versus ranibizumab and intravitreous sustained dexamethasone drug-delivery system, especially for phakic eyes. For eyes with PDR, ranibizumab was associated with lower rates of developing PDR-worsening events compared with panretinal photocoagulation, especially among eyes that did not receive ranibizumab for central-involved DME at baseline. Ranibizumab is cost-effective for PDR for eyes with, not without, vision-impairing central-involved DME, highlighting challenges when safety and efficacy results are at odds with cost-effectiveness results. Aflibercept for DME, in certain circumstances, is more likely to have superior visual acuity and anatomical outcomes compared with bevacizumab or ranibizumab. No vision benefits are apparent, especially for phakic eyes, by adding intravitreous corticosteroids for persistent DME following anti-VEGF injections.

Heteroaryl ethers by oxidative palladium catalysis of pyridotriazol-1-yloxy pyrimidines with arylboronic acids.

PubMed

Bardhan, Sujata; Wacharasindhu, Sumrit; Wan, Zhao-Kui; Mansour, Tarek S

2009-06-18

The oxidative palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling of pyrimidines containing pyridotriazol-1-yloxy (OPt) as either a urea or an amide functional group with arylboronic acids in the presence of Cs(2)CO(3) in DME containing 0.6-1.0% H(2)O is described for the preparation of heteroaryl ethers. The bromo substitution in the case of 3-(5-bromo-pyrimidin-2-yloxy)-3H-[1,2,3]triazolo[4,5-b]pyridine 1 could serve as a handle for further elaborations such as Suzuki coupling for attaching varied aryl groups.

Multifractal geometry in analysis and processing of digital retinal photographs for early diagnosis of human diabetic macular edema.

PubMed

Tălu, Stefan

2013-07-01

The purpose of this paper is to determine a quantitative assessment of the human retinal vascular network architecture for patients with diabetic macular edema (DME). Multifractal geometry and lacunarity parameters are used in this study. A set of 10 segmented and skeletonized human retinal images, corresponding to both normal (five images) and DME states of the retina (five images), from the DRIVE database was analyzed using the Image J software. Statistical analyses were performed using Microsoft Office Excel 2003 and GraphPad InStat software. The human retinal vascular network architecture has a multifractal geometry. The average of generalized dimensions (Dq) for q = 0, 1, 2 of the normal images (segmented versions), is similar to the DME cases (segmented versions). The average of generalized dimensions (Dq) for q = 0, 1 of the normal images (skeletonized versions), is slightly greater than the DME cases (skeletonized versions). However, the average of D2 for the normal images (skeletonized versions) is similar to the DME images. The average of lacunarity parameter, Λ, for the normal images (segmented and skeletonized versions) is slightly lower than the corresponding values for DME images (segmented and skeletonized versions). The multifractal and lacunarity analysis provides a non-invasive predictive complementary tool for an early diagnosis of patients with DME.

The Inverse Relationship between Digital Media Exposure and Childhood Flourishing.

PubMed

Ruest, Stephanie; Gjelsvik, Annie; Rubinstein, Max; Amanullah, Siraj

2018-06-01

To describe the relationship between digital media exposure (DME) and parental perception of childhood flourishing, or overall positive well-being. It is hypothesized that there is an inverse association between parent-reported measures of childhood flourishing and increasing daily DME. Parental responses for children ages 6-17 years (N = 64 464) from the 2011-2012 National Survey of Children's Health were analyzed. Average weekday DME that was not school work related was categorized in 2-hour intervals: 0 to <2, 2 to < 4, 4 to < 6, and ≥6 hours. Bivariate analyses and logistic regression models were used to examine the relationship between DME and parent-reported frequency of 5 childhood flourishing markers: completing homework, caring about academics, finishing tasks, staying calm when challenged, and showing interest in learning. Only 31% reported <2 hours of weekday DME. For the remaining children, daily DME was 2 to <4 hours (36%), 4 to <6 hours (17%), or ≥6 hours (17%). In a model adjusted for age, sex, race, poverty level, primary language spoken at home, and highest maternal education level, there was a dose-dependent decrease in the odds of demonstrating all 5 markers of flourishing as weekday DME increased (test for trend for each outcome P < .001). In stratified analyses, this relationship held true regardless of the child's age group, sex, or poverty level. This study provides evidence that, among school-aged children, increasing weekday DME has an inverse dose-dependent relationship with multiple childhood flourishing markers. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Peripheral blood metabolic and inflammatory factors as biomarkers to ocular findings in diabetic macular edema.

PubMed

Figueras-Roca, Marc; Molins, Blanca; Sala-Puigdollers, Anna; Matas, Jessica; Vinagre, Irene; Ríos, José; Adán, Alfredo

2017-01-01

To study the association between peripheral blood metabolic and inflammatory factors and presence of diabetic macular edema (DME) and its related anatomic features in type 2 diabetic mellitus (T2DM) patients. Observational cross-sectional study on a proof of concept basis. Seventy-six T2DM included patients were divided based on the presence (n = 58) or absence of DME (n = 18) according to optical coherence tomography (OCT). Ultra-widefield fluorescein angiography (UWFA) was performed in DME patients. Fasting peripheral blood sample testing included glycemia, glycated hemoglobin, creatinin and lipid levels among others. Serum levels of a broad panel of cytokines and inflammatory mediators were also analysed. OCT findings included central subfoveal thickness, diffuse retinal thickness (DRT), cystoid macular edema (CME), serous retinal detachment and epirretinal membrane. UWFA items included pattern of DME, presence of peripheral retinal ischemia and enlarged foveal avascular zone (FAZ). Metabolic and inflammatory factors did not statistically differ between groups. However, several inflammatory mediators did associate to certain ocular items of DME cases: IL-6 was significantly higher in patients with DRT (p = 0.044), IL-10 was decreased in patients with CME (p = 0.012), and higher IL-8 (p = 0.031) and VEGF levels (p = 0.031) were observed in patients with enlarged FAZ. Inflammatory and metabolic peripheral blood factors in T2DM may not be differentially associated to DME when compared to non-DME cases. However, some OCT and UWFA features of DME such as DRT, CME and enlarged FAZ may be associated to certain systemic inflammatory mediators.

Comparison of the two techniques for measurement of the density of Demodex folliculorum: standardized skin surface biopsy and direct microscopic examination.

PubMed

Aşkin, U; Seçkin, D

2010-05-01

In daily dermatological practice, many dermatologists do not include demodicosis in their differential diagnoses, or the diagnosis of demodicosis is frequently masked by other skin diseases such as papulopustular or erythematotelangiectatic rosacea, seborrhoeic dermatitis, perioral dermatitis and contact dermatitis. There are two methods for measurement of the density of Demodex folliculorum (Dd): standardized skin surface biopsy (SSSB) and direct microscopic examination of fresh secretions from sebaceous glands (DME). No study has been reported in the literature comparing the diagnostic value of these two techniques. To compare the value of the two techniques, SSSB and DME, for the measurement of Dd in patients with suspected demodicosis. Mite density was investigated using SSSB and DME in 37 patients with facial skin lesions suggesting demodicosis. Two samples, one for SSSB and one for DME, were obtained from a cheek lesion of each patient. Twenty-three (62%) patients were diagnosed with demodicosis according to their clinical manifestations combined with a high Dd (Dd > 5 mites cm(-2)) with SSSB and/or DME. In all the patients, the mean Dd measured with SSSB was higher than that with DME (22.9 +/- 5.9 and 2.2 +/- 0.8, respectively; P = 0.001). Also, among the 23 patients with demodicosis, the mean Dd measured using SSSB was higher than the mean Dd with DME (36.5 +/- 8.3 and 3.4 +/- 1.2, respectively; P = 0.0001). We recommend the use of SSSB for the measurement of Dd as more patients with demodicosis can be diagnosed with this method compared with the DME method.

Management of diabetic macular edema in Japan: a review and expert opinion.

PubMed

Terasaki, Hiroko; Ogura, Yuichiro; Kitano, Shigehiko; Sakamoto, Taiji; Murata, Toshinori; Hirakata, Akito; Ishibashi, Tatsuro

2018-01-01

Diabetic retinopathy is a frequent cause of visual impairment in working-age adults (≥ 30 years) and in Japan is most commonly observed in those aged 50-69 years. Diabetic macular edema (DME) is one of the main causes of vision disturbance in diabetic retinopathy, which is a clinically significant microvascular complication of diabetes. Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy is becoming the mainstay of treatment for DME. However, to achieve sustained long-term improvement in visual acuity, conventional laser photocoagulation, vitrectomy and steroid therapy are also expected to play a role in the treatment of DME. This review summarizes the epidemiology and pathology of diabetic retinopathy and DME, evaluates the findings regarding the diagnosis and treatment of DME, and underscores the importance of systemic management of the disease in the context of the current health care situation in Japan. Finally, the unmet needs of patients with DME and prospects for research are discussed. The weight of evidence suggests that it is important to establish a multipronged treatment strategy centered on anti-VEGF therapy.

Simple, Scalable, Script-based, Science Processor for Measurements - Data Mining Edition (S4PM-DME)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pham, L. B.; Eng, E. K.; Lynnes, C. S.; Berrick, S. W.; Vollmer, B. E.

2005-12-01

The S4PM-DME is the Goddard Earth Sciences Distributed Active Archive Center's (GES DAAC) web-based data mining environment. The S4PM-DME replaces the Near-line Archive Data Mining (NADM) system with a better web environment and a richer set of production rules. S4PM-DME enables registered users to submit and execute custom data mining algorithms. The S4PM-DME system uses the GES DAAC developed Simple Scalable Script-based Science Processor for Measurements (S4PM) to automate tasks and perform the actual data processing. A web interface allows the user to access the S4PM-DME system. The user first develops personalized data mining algorithm on his/her home platform and then uploads them to the S4PM-DME system. Algorithms in C and FORTRAN languages are currently supported. The user developed algorithm is automatically audited for any potential security problems before it is installed within the S4PM-DME system and made available to the user. Once the algorithm has been installed the user can promote the algorithm to the "operational" environment. From here the user can search and order the data available in the GES DAAC archive for his/her science algorithm. The user can also set up a processing subscription. The subscription will automatically process new data as it becomes available in the GES DAAC archive. The generated mined data products are then made available for FTP pickup. The benefits of using S4PM-DME are 1) to decrease the downloading time it typically takes a user to transfer the GES DAAC data to his/her system thus off-load the heavy network traffic, 2) to free-up the load on their system, and last 3) to utilize the rich and abundance ocean, atmosphere data from the MODIS and AIRS instruments available from the GES DAAC.

United States comparative costs and absenteeism of diabetic ophthalmic conditions.

PubMed

Brook, Richard A; Kleinman, Nathan L; Patel, Sunil; Smeeding, Jim E; Beren, Ian A; Turpcu, Adam

2015-06-01

This retrospective cohort study examined the impact of diabetic macular edema (DME), diabetic retinopathy (DR), or diabetes on annual health benefit costs and absenteeism in US employees. Claims data from 2001 to 2012 was extracted from the Human Capital Management Services Group Research Reference Database on annual direct/indirect health benefit costs and absences for employees aged ≥ 18 years. Employees with DME, DR, or diabetes were identified by International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes. Employees were divided into two groups, drivers or nondrivers, and examined in separate analyses. For drivers and nondrivers, the DME, DR, and diabetes cohorts were compared with their respective control groups (without diabetes). Two-part regression models controlled for demographics and job-related characteristics. A total of 39,702 driver and 426,549 nondriver employees were identified as having ≥ 1 year's continuous health plan enrollment. Direct medical costs for drivers with DME, DR, or diabetes were $6470, $8021, and $5102, respectively (>2.8 times higher and statistically significant compared with driver controls). Nondrivers with DME and DR incurred significantly higher sick leave and short-term disability costs compared with the nondrivers with diabetes and nondriver controls. In drivers with DME, the majority of days of absence were for short- and long-term disability (12.41 and 11.43 days, respectively). In drivers with DR, the majority of days of absence were for short-term disability (10.70 days). In nondrivers with DME and nondrivers with DR, the majority of days of absence were for sick leave (5.74 and 4.93 days, respectively) and short-term disability (5.08 and 4.93 days, respectively). DME and DR are associated with substantial direct medical cost and absenteeism in this real-world sample of medically insured employees. This research highlights the negative impact of DME and DR on annual costs and absenteeism and may assist employers in assessing the impact of these conditions on employees.

Diabetic Macular Edema: What is Focal and What is Diffuse?

PubMed Central

Browning, David J.; Altaweel, Michael M.; Bressler, Neil M.; Bressler, Susan B.; Scott, Ingrid U.

2009-01-01

Purpose To review the available information on classification of diabetic macular edema (DME) as focal or diffuse. Design Interpretive essay. Methods Literature review and interpretation. Results The terms focal and diffuse diabetic macular edema are frequently used without clear definitions. Published definitions often use different examination modalities and are often inconsistent. Evaluating published information on prevalence of focal and diffuse DME, response of focal and diffuse DME to treatments, and importance of focal and diffuse DME in assessing prognosis is hindered because the terms are inconsistently employed. A newer vocabulary may be more constructive, one that describes discrete components of the concepts such as extent and location of macular thickening, involvement of the center of the macula, quantity and pattern of lipid exudates, source of fluorescein leakage, and regional variation in macular thickening, and that distinguishes these terms from the use of the term focal when describing one type of photocoagulation technique. Developing methods for assessing component variables that can be used in clinical practice and establishing reproducibility of the methods will be important tasks. Conclusion Little evidence exists that characteristics of DME described by the terms focal and diffuse help to explain variation in visual acuity or response to treatment. It is unresolved whether a concept of focal and diffuse DME will prove clinically useful despite frequent usage of the terms when describing management of DME. Further studies to address the issues are needed. PMID:18774122

Peripheral blood metabolic and inflammatory factors as biomarkers to ocular findings in diabetic macular edema

PubMed Central

Sala-Puigdollers, Anna; Matas, Jessica; Vinagre, Irene; Ríos, José; Adán, Alfredo

2017-01-01

Aims To study the association between peripheral blood metabolic and inflammatory factors and presence of diabetic macular edema (DME) and its related anatomic features in type 2 diabetic mellitus (T2DM) patients. Material and methods Observational cross-sectional study on a proof of concept basis. Seventy-six T2DM included patients were divided based on the presence (n = 58) or absence of DME (n = 18) according to optical coherence tomography (OCT). Ultra-widefield fluorescein angiography (UWFA) was performed in DME patients. Fasting peripheral blood sample testing included glycemia, glycated hemoglobin, creatinin and lipid levels among others. Serum levels of a broad panel of cytokines and inflammatory mediators were also analysed. OCT findings included central subfoveal thickness, diffuse retinal thickness (DRT), cystoid macular edema (CME), serous retinal detachment and epirretinal membrane. UWFA items included pattern of DME, presence of peripheral retinal ischemia and enlarged foveal avascular zone (FAZ). Results Metabolic and inflammatory factors did not statistically differ between groups. However, several inflammatory mediators did associate to certain ocular items of DME cases: IL-6 was significantly higher in patients with DRT (p = 0.044), IL-10 was decreased in patients with CME (p = 0.012), and higher IL-8 (p = 0.031) and VEGF levels (p = 0.031) were observed in patients with enlarged FAZ. Conclusion Inflammatory and metabolic peripheral blood factors in T2DM may not be differentially associated to DME when compared to non-DME cases. However, some OCT and UWFA features of DME such as DRT, CME and enlarged FAZ may be associated to certain systemic inflammatory mediators. PMID:28328965

Direct synthesis of ethanol from dimethyl ether and syngas over combined H-Mordenite and Cu/ZnO catalysts.

PubMed

Li, Xingang; San, Xiaoguang; Zhang, Yi; Ichii, Takashi; Meng, Ming; Tan, Yisheng; Tsubaki, Noritatsu

2010-10-25

Ethanol was directly synthesized from dimethyl ether (DME) and syngas with the combined H-Mordenite and Cu/ZnO catalysts that were separately loaded in a dual-catalyst bed reactor. Methyl acetate (MA) was formed by DME carbonylation over the H-Mordenite catalyst. Thereafter, ethanol and methanol were produced by MA hydrogenation over the Cu/ZnO catalyst. With the reactant gas containing 1.0% DME, the optimized temperature for the reaction was at 493 K to reach 100% conversion. In the products, the yield of methanol and ethanol could reach 46.3% and 42.2%, respectively, with a small amount of MA, ethyl acetate, and CO(2). This process is environmentally friendly as the main byproduct methanol can be recycled to DME by a dehydration reaction. In contrast, for the physically mixed catalysts, the low conversion of DME and high selectivity of methanol were observed.

Updates in the management of diabetic macular edema.

PubMed

Mathew, Christopher; Yunirakasiwi, Anastasia; Sanjay, Srinivasan

2015-01-01

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease which has multiple effects on different end-organs, including the retina. In this paper, we discuss updates on diabetic macular edema (DME) and the management options. The underlying pathology of DME is the leakage of exudates from retinal microaneurysms, which trigger subsequent inflammatory reactions. Both clinical and imaging techniques are useful in diagnosing, classifying, and gauging the severity of DME. We performed a comprehensive literature search using the keywords "diabetes," "macula edema," "epidemiology," "pathogenesis," "optical coherence tomography," "intravitreal injections," "systemic treatment," "hypertension," "hyperlipidemia," "anemia," and "renal disease" and collated a total of 47 relevant articles published in English language. The main modalities of treatment currently in use comprise laser photocoagulation, intravitreal pharmacological and selected systemic pharmacological options. In addition, we mention some novel therapies that show promise in treating DME. We also review systemic factors associated with exacerbation or improvement in DME.

Occupational Exposure to Diesel Motor Exhaust and Lung Cancer: A Dose-Response Relationship Hidden by Asbestos Exposure Adjustment? The ICARE Study

PubMed Central

Matrat, Mireille; Guida, Florence; Cénée, Sylvie; Févotte, Joelle; Carton, Matthieu; Cyr, Diane; Menvielle, Gwenn; Paget-Bailly, Sophie; Radoï, Loredana; Schmaus, Annie; Bara, Simona; Velten, Michel; Luce, Danièle; Stücker, Isabelle; The Icare Study Group

2015-01-01

Background. In a French large population-based case-control study we investigated the dose-response relationship between lung cancer and occupational exposure to diesel motor exhaust (DME), taking into account asbestos exposure. Methods. Exposure to DME was assessed by questionnaire. Asbestos was taken into account through a global indicator of exposure to occupational carcinogens or by a specific JEM. Results. We found a crude dose response relationship with most of the indicators of DME exposure, including with the cumulative exposure index. All results were affected by adjustment for asbestos exposure. The dose response relationships between DME and lung cancer were observed among subjects never exposed to asbestos. Conclusions. Exposure to DME and to asbestos is frequently found among the same subjects, which may explain why dose-response relationships in previous studies that adjusted for asbestos exposure were inconsistent. PMID:26425123

Consider the DME alternative for diesel engines

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

Fleisch, T.H.; Meurer, P.C.

1996-07-01

Engine tests demonstrate that dimethyl ether (DME, CH{sub 3}OCH{sub 3}) can provide an alternative approach toward efficient, ultra-clean and quiet compression ignition (CI) engines. From a combustion point of view, DME is an attractive alternative fuel for CI engines, primarily for commercial applications in urban areas, where ultra-low emissions will be required in the future. DME can resolve the classical diesel emission problem of smoke emissions, which are completely eliminated. With a properly developed DME injection and combustion system, NO{sub x} emissions can be reduced to 40% of Euro II or U.S. 1998 limits, and can meet the future ULEVmore » standards of California. Simultaneously, the combustion noise is reduced by as much as 15 dB(A) below diesel levels. In addition, the classical diesel advantages such as high thermal efficiency, compression ignition, engine robustness, etc., are retained.« less

The Invisible Work of Distributed Medical Education: Exploring the Contributions of Audiovisual Professionals, Administrative Professionals and Faculty Teachers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

MacLeod, Anna; Kits, Olga; Mann, Karen; Tummons, Jonathan; Wilson, Keith W.

2017-01-01

Distributed medical education (DME) is becoming increasingly prevalent. Much of the published literature on DME has focused on the experiences of learners in distributed programs; however, our empirical work leads us to believe that DME changes the context significantly, not only for learners, but also for other important members of the…

Improved navigation by combining VOR/DME information with air or inertial data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bobick, J. C.; Bryson, A. E., Jr.

1972-01-01

The improvement was determined in navigational accuracy obtainable by combining VOR/DME information (from one or two stations) with air data (airspeed and heading) or with data from an inertial navigation system (INS) by means of a maximum-likelihood filter. It was found that the addition of air data to the information from one VOR/DME station reduces the RMS position error by a factor of about 2, whereas the addition of inertial data from a low-quality INS reduces the RMS position error by a factor of about 3. The use of information from two VOR/DME stations with air or inertial data yields large factors of improvement in RMS position accuracy over the use of a single VOR/DME station, roughly 15 to 20 for the air-data case and 25 to 35 for the inertial-data case. As far as position accuracy is concerned, at most one VOR station need be used. When continuously updating an INS with VOR/DME information, the use of a high-quality INS (0.01 deg/hr gyro drift) instead of a low-quality INS (1.0 deg/hr gyro drift) does not substantially improve position accuracy.

A pilot pharmacokinetic study of miroestrol and deoxymiroestrol on rabbit sera using polyclonal antibody-based icELISA analysis.

PubMed

Kitisripanya, Tharita; Udomsin, Orapin; Komaikul, Jukrapun; Inyai, Chadathorn; Limsuwanchote, Supattra; Yusakul, Gorawit; Putalun, Waraporn

2018-02-01

Miroestrol (ME) and deoxymiroestrol (DME) are the most potent phytoestrogens and bioactive markers in Pueraria candollei var. mirifica tuberous roots. To understand their pharmacokinetic profiles, a pharmacokinetic study of ME and DME, at 0.43 and 0.21 mg per kg body weight, respectively, in three rabbits was performed after orally administering a single dose of P. candollei var. mirifica enriched fraction extract. Two established polyclonal antibody-based indirect competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were validated to determine ME and DME in rabbit sera. In rabbits, the area under the 0- to 48-hr concentration-time curve of ME and DME were 854.92 and 1,692.84 ng·h/ml, respectively. The maximum concentration of ME was measured 1 hr after administration as 69.62 ± 8.28 ng/ml, and the maximum concentration of DME was measured at 3 hr as 81.8 ± 5.43 ng/ml. These results provide an initial approach for designing and studying the relationship between the ME and DME levels and their therapeutic effects based on their pharmacokinetic profiles. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

14 CFR 91.161 - Special awareness training required for pilots flying under visual flight rules within a 60...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... pilots flying under visual flight rules within a 60-nautical mile radius of the Washington, DC VOR/DME... flight rules within a 60-nautical mile radius of the Washington, DC VOR/DME. (a) Operations within a 60-nautical mile radius of the Washington, DC VOR/DME under visual flight rules (VFR). Except as provided...

14 CFR 91.161 - Special awareness training required for pilots flying under visual flight rules within a 60...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... pilots flying under visual flight rules within a 60-nautical mile radius of the Washington, DC VOR/DME... flight rules within a 60-nautical mile radius of the Washington, DC VOR/DME. (a) Operations within a 60-nautical mile radius of the Washington, DC VOR/DME under visual flight rules (VFR). Except as provided...

14 CFR 91.161 - Special awareness training required for pilots flying under visual flight rules within a 60...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... pilots flying under visual flight rules within a 60-nautical mile radius of the Washington, DC VOR/DME... flight rules within a 60-nautical mile radius of the Washington, DC VOR/DME. (a) Operations within a 60-nautical mile radius of the Washington, DC VOR/DME under visual flight rules (VFR). Except as provided...

14 CFR 91.161 - Special awareness training required for pilots flying under visual flight rules within a 60...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... pilots flying under visual flight rules within a 60-nautical mile radius of the Washington, DC VOR/DME... flight rules within a 60-nautical mile radius of the Washington, DC VOR/DME. (a) Operations within a 60-nautical mile radius of the Washington, DC VOR/DME under visual flight rules (VFR). Except as provided...

Updates in the Management of Diabetic Macular Edema

PubMed Central

Mathew, Christopher; Yunirakasiwi, Anastasia; Sanjay, Srinivasan

2015-01-01

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease which has multiple effects on different end-organs, including the retina. In this paper, we discuss updates on diabetic macular edema (DME) and the management options. The underlying pathology of DME is the leakage of exudates from retinal microaneurysms, which trigger subsequent inflammatory reactions. Both clinical and imaging techniques are useful in diagnosing, classifying, and gauging the severity of DME. We performed a comprehensive literature search using the keywords “diabetes,” “macula edema,” “epidemiology,” “pathogenesis,” “optical coherence tomography,” “intravitreal injections,” “systemic treatment,” “hypertension,” “hyperlipidemia,” “anemia,” and “renal disease” and collated a total of 47 relevant articles published in English language. The main modalities of treatment currently in use comprise laser photocoagulation, intravitreal pharmacological and selected systemic pharmacological options. In addition, we mention some novel therapies that show promise in treating DME. We also review systemic factors associated with exacerbation or improvement in DME. PMID:25984537

Asymmetric distribution of Echinoid defines the epidermal leading edge during Drosophila dorsal closure

PubMed Central

Laplante, Caroline

2011-01-01

During Drosophila melanogaster dorsal closure, lateral sheets of embryonic epidermis assemble an actomyosin cable at their leading edge and migrate dorsally over the amnioserosa, converging at the dorsal midline. We show that disappearance of the homophilic cell adhesion molecule Echinoid (Ed) from the amnioserosa just before dorsal closure eliminates homophilic interactions with the adjacent dorsal-most epidermal (DME) cells, which comprise the leading edge. The resulting planar polarized distribution of Ed in the DME cells is essential for the localized accumulation of actin regulators and for actomyosin cable formation at the leading edge and for the polarized localization of the scaffolding protein Bazooka/PAR-3. DME cells with uniform Ed fail to assemble a cable and protrude dorsally, suggesting that the cable restricts dorsal migration. The planar polarized distribution of Ed in the DME cells thus provides a spatial cue that polarizes the DME cell actin cytoskeleton, defining the epidermal leading edge and establishing its contractile properties. PMID:21263031

A metallic interconnect for a solid oxide fuel cell stack

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

England, Diane Mildred

A solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) electrochemically converts the chemical energy of reaction into electrical energy. The commercial success of planar, SOFC stack technology has a number of challenges, one of which is the interconnect that electrically and physically connects the cathode of one cell to the anode of an adjacent cell in the SOFC stack and in addition, separates the anodic and cathodic gases. An SOFC stack operating at intermediate temperatures, between 600°C and 800°C, can utilize a metallic alloy as an interconnect material. Since the interconnect of an SOFC stack must operate in both air and fuel environments, the oxidation kinetics, adherence and electronic resistance of the oxide scales formed on commercial alloys were investigated in air and wet hydrogen under thermal cycling conditions to 800°C. The alloy, Haynes 230, exhibited the slowest oxidation kinetics and the lowest area-specific resistance as a function of oxidation time of all the alloys in air at 800°C. However, the area-specific resistance of the oxide scale formed on Haynes 230 in wet hydrogen was unacceptably high after only 500 hours of oxidation, which was attributed to the high resistivity of Cr2O3 in a reducing atmosphere. A study of the electrical conductivity of the minor phase manganese chromite, MnXCr3-XO4, in the oxide scale of Haynes 230, revealed that a composition closer to Mn2CrO4 had significantly higher electrical conductivity than that closer to MnCr 2O4. Haynes 230 was coated with Mn to form a phase closer to the Mn2CrO4 composition for application on the fuel side of the interconnect. U.S. Patent No. 6,054,231 is pending. Although coating a metallic alloy is inexpensive, the stringent economic requirements of SOFC stack technology required an alloy without coating for production applications. As no commercially available alloy, among the 41 alloys investigated, performed to the specifications required, a new alloy was created and designated DME-A2. The oxide scale formed on DME-A2 at 800°C exhibited extremely high electrical conductivity with respect to the commercially available alloys studied. This new alloy shows great promise for use as an interconnect material for a planar SOFC stack operating at intermediate temperatures.

Formation of complex organic molecules in cold objects: the role of gas-phase reactions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Balucani, Nadia; Ceccarelli, Cecilia; Taquet, Vianney

2015-04-01

While astrochemical models are successful in reproducing many of the observed interstellar species, they have been struggling to explain the observed abundances of complex organic molecules. Current models tend to privilege grain surface over gas-phase chemistry in their formation. One key assumption of those models is that radicals trapped in the grain mantles gain mobility and react on lukewarm ( ≳ 30 K) dust grains. Thus, the recent detections of methyl formate (MF) and dimethyl ether (DME) in cold objects represent a challenge and may clarify the respective role of grain-surface and gas-phase chemistry. We propose here a new model to form DME and MF with gas-phase reactions in cold environments, where DME is the precursor of MF via an efficient reaction overlooked by previous models. Furthermore, methoxy, a precursor of DME, is also synthesized in the gas phase from methanol, which is desorbed by a non-thermal process from the ices. Our new model reproduces fairly well the observations towards L1544. It also explains, in a natural way, the observed correlation between DME and MF. We conclude that gas-phase reactions are major actors in the formation of MF, DME and methoxy in cold gas. This challenges the exclusive role of grain-surface chemistry and favours a combined grain-gas chemistry.

Organizing graduate medical education programs into communities of practice.

PubMed

Bing-You, Robert G; Varaklis, Kalli

2016-01-01

Background A new organizational model of educational administrative support was instituted in the Department of Medical Education (DME) to better meet increasing national accreditation demands. Residency and fellowship programs were organized into four 'Communities of Practice' (CoOPs) based on discipline similarity, number of learners, and geographic location. Program coordinator reporting lines were shifted from individual departments to a centralized reporting structure within the DME. The goal of this project was to assess the impact on those most affected by the change. Methods This was a mixed methods study that utilized structured interviews and the Organizational Culture Assessment Instrument (OCAI). Eleven members of the newly formed CoOPs participated in the study. Results Three major themes emerged after review and coding of the interview transcripts: improved group identity, improved availability of resources, and increased opportunity for professional growth. OCAI results indicated that respondents are committed to the DME and perceived the culture to be empowering. The 'preferred culture' was very similar to the culture at the time of the study, with some indication that DME employees are ready for more creativity and innovation in the future. Conclusion Reorganization within the DME of residency programs into CoOPs was overwhelmingly perceived as a positive change. Improved resources and accountability may position our DME to better handle the increasing complexity of graduate medical education.

Organizing graduate medical education programs into communities of practice.

PubMed

Bing-You, Robert G; Varaklis, Kalli

2016-01-01

A new organizational model of educational administrative support was instituted in the Department of Medical Education (DME) to better meet increasing national accreditation demands. Residency and fellowship programs were organized into four 'Communities of Practice' (CoOPs) based on discipline similarity, number of learners, and geographic location. Program coordinator reporting lines were shifted from individual departments to a centralized reporting structure within the DME. The goal of this project was to assess the impact on those most affected by the change. This was a mixed methods study that utilized structured interviews and the Organizational Culture Assessment Instrument (OCAI). Eleven members of the newly formed CoOPs participated in the study. Three major themes emerged after review and coding of the interview transcripts: improved group identity, improved availability of resources, and increased opportunity for professional growth. OCAI results indicated that respondents are committed to the DME and perceived the culture to be empowering. The 'preferred culture' was very similar to the culture at the time of the study, with some indication that DME employees are ready for more creativity and innovation in the future. Reorganization within the DME of residency programs into CoOPs was overwhelmingly perceived as a positive change. Improved resources and accountability may position our DME to better handle the increasing complexity of graduate medical education.

Subthreshold micropulse laser reduces anti-VEGF injection burden in patients with diabetic macular edema.

PubMed

Moisseiev, Elad; Abbassi, Sam; Thinda, Sumeer; Yoon, Joseph; Yiu, Glenn; Morse, Lawrence S

2018-01-01

To evaluate the efficacy of micropulse laser in the early treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME) and its associated burden of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) injections. This retrospective comparative study compared a group of 19 eyes with DME treated with micropulse laser to a matched control group of 19 eyes with DME treated with ranibizumab injections without micropulse laser. Recorded parameters included previous medical and ocular history, previous and subsequent ranibizumab injections administered for DME, visual acuity (VA), central macular thickness throughout the follow-up period, and the occurrence of any complications. The improvement in VA was comparable in both groups, at 12 months and at the final follow-up. Patients treated with micropulse laser required significantly fewer ranibizumab injections than their controls, both at 12 months (1.7 ± 2.3 vs 5.6 ± 2.1) and by the end of the follow-up (2.6 ± 3.3 vs 9.3 ± 5.1) (p<0.001 for both). No complications related to the micropulse laser were encountered. Micropulse laser is a safe and effective treatment for DME, which may achieve comparable improvement in VA along with a significant reduction in the burden of anti-VEGF injections. We suggest a treatment approach for its inclusion in the early stages of DME.

Dimethylethanolamine does not prevent liver failure in phosphatidylethanolamine N-methyltransferase-deficient mice fed a choline-deficient diet.

PubMed

Waite, Kristin A; Vance, Dennis E

2004-03-22

Mice that lack phosphatidylethanolamine-N-methyltransferase (PEMT) and are fed a choline-deficient (CD) diet suffer severe liver damage and do not survive. Since phosphatidyldimethylethanolamine (PDME) has physical properties similar to those of phosphatidylcholine (PC), we hypothesized that dimethylethanolamine (DME) would be converted into PDME that might substitute for PC, and therefore abrogate the liver damage in the Pemt -/- mice fed a CD diet. We fed Pemt -/- mice either a CD diet, a CD diet supplemented with choline, or a CD diet supplemented with DME (CD + DME). Pemt -/- mice fed the CD diet developed severe liver failure by 4 days while CD + DME-fed mice developed severe liver failure by 5 days. The hepatic PC level in choline-supplemented (CS) mice was 67 +/- 4 nmol/mg protein, whereas the PC content was reduced in CD- and CD + DME-fed mice (49 +/- 3 and 30 +/- 3 nmol/mg protein, respectively). Upon supplementation of the CD diet with DME the amount of hepatic PDME was 81 +/- 9 nmol/mg protein so that the hepatic content of PC + PDME combined was 111 nmol/mg protein. Moreover, plasma apolipoprotein B100 and Al levels were markedly lower in mice fed the CD + DME diet compared to mice fed the CS diet, as was the plasma content of PC. Thus, despite replacement of the deficit in hepatic PC with PDME in Pemt -/- mice fed a CD diet, normal liver function was not restored. We conclude that although PC and PDME exhibit similar physical properties, the three methyl groups of choline are required for hepatic function in mice.

Probing electronic wave functions of sodium-doped clusters: Dyson orbitals, anisotropy parameters, and ionization cross-sections

DOE PAGES

Gunina, Anastasia O.; Krylov, Anna I.

2016-11-14

We apply high-level ab initio methods to describe the electronic structure of small clusters of ammonia and dimethylether (DME) doped with sodium, which provide a model for solvated electrons. We investigate the effect of the solvent and cluster size on the electronic states. We consider both energies and properties, with a focus on the shape of the electronic wave function and the related experimental observables such as photoelectron angular distributions. The central quantity in modeling photoionization experiments is the Dyson orbital, which describes the difference between the initial N-electron and final (N-1)-electron states of a system. Dyson orbitals enter themore » expression of the photoelectron matrix element, which determines total and partial photoionization cross-sections. We compute Dyson orbitals for the Na(NH3)n and Na(DME)m clusters using correlated wave functions (obtained with equation-of-motion coupled-cluster model for electron attachment with single and double substitutions) and compare them with more approximate Hartree-Fock and Kohn-Sham orbitals. As a result, we also analyze the effect of correlation and basis sets on the shapes of Dyson orbitals and the experimental observables.« less

A Request for the Conference and Symposia Grant from COMP Division of American Chemical Society

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-03-02

John Kattirtzi, Joost VandeVondele, Jun Cheng. 4:45 pm 130 Oxidation stability and decomposition reactions of battery electrolytes and additives in bulk...CA Abstracts2View™: http://abstracts.acs.org/chem/248nm/program/divisionindex.php?act=pre... 3 of 5 8/26/2014 8:19 PM 11:10 am 420 DME decomposition ...Nature of electro-osmosis in hydrated polymer electrolyte membranes Yoong-Kee Choe 5:25 pm Concluding Remarks COMP Emilio Esposito, Scott Wildman

Visual Impairment and Blindness Avoided with Ranibizumab in Hispanic and Non-Hispanic Whites with Diabetic Macular Edema in the United States.

PubMed

Varma, Rohit; Bressler, Neil M; Doan, Quan V; Danese, Mark; Dolan, Chantal M; Lee, Abraham; Turpcu, Adam

2015-05-01

To estimate visual impairment (VI) and blindness avoided with intravitreal ranibizumab 0.3 mg treatment for central-involved diabetic macular edema (DME) among Hispanic and non-Hispanic white individuals in the United States. Population-based model simulating visual acuity (VA) outcomes over 2 years after diagnosis and treatment of DME. Visual acuity changes with and without ranibizumab were based on data from the RISE, RIDE, and DRCR Network trials. For the better-seeing eye, VA outcomes included VI, defined as worse than 20/40 in the better-seeing eye, and blindness, defined as VA of 20/200 or worse in the better-seeing eye. Incidence of 1 or both eyes with central-involved DME in 2010 were estimated based on the 2010 United States population, prevalence of diabetes mellitus, and 1-year central-involved DME incidence rate. Sixty-one percent of incident individuals had bilateral DME and 39% had unilateral DME, but DME could develop in the fellow eye. Cases of VI and blindness avoided with ranibizumab treatment. Among approximately 102 million Hispanic and non-Hispanic white individuals in the United States 45 years of age and older in 2010, an estimated 37 274 had central-involved DME and VI eligible for ranibizumab treatment. Compared with no ranibizumab treatment, the model predicted that ranibizumab 0.3 mg every 4 weeks would reduce the number of individuals with VI from 11 438 (95% simulation interval [SI], 7249-16 077) to 6304 (95% SI, 3921-8981), a 45% (95% SI, 36%-53%) reduction at 2 years. Ranibizumab would reduce the number of incident eyes with VA worse than 20/40 from 16 910 (95% SI, 10 729-23 577) to 9361 (95% SI, 5839-13 245), a 45% (95% SI, 38%-51%) reduction. Ranibizumab was estimated to reduce the number of individuals with legal blindness by 75% (95% SI, 58%-88%) and the number of incident eyes with VA of 20/200 or worse by 76% (95% SI, 63%-87%). This model suggests that ranibizumab 0.3 mg every 4 weeks substantially reduces prevalence of VI and legal blindness 2 years after initiating treatment among Hispanic and non-Hispanic white individuals in the United States with central-involved DME that has caused vision loss. Copyright © 2015 American Academy of Ophthalmology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The Rotational Spectrum of Singly and Doubly 13C-SUBSTITUTED Dimethylether

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Koerber, Monika; Endres, Christian P.; Lewen, Frank; Giesen, Thomas F.; Schlemmer, Stephan; Pohl, Roland; Klein, Axel

2010-06-01

Dimethylether (DME) is a nearly prolate asymmetric top with two internal rotors (methyl groups) which undergo periodic large amplitude motions and show a complicated torsional splitting of each rotational energy level. Due to its complex spectrum and its high abundance in hot cores such as Orion KL or Sagittarius B2 at temperatures exceeding 100 K, DME is very prominent in astronomical line surveys and contributes to spectral line confusion of such sources. The interpretation of astronomical observations therefore depends on the knowledge of accurate rest frequencies and reliable intensities. Precise predictions for the ground state of DME's main isotopologue are now available up to 2.1 THz In contrast, very little is known about 13C-substituted DME. Only a few data are available on singly 13C-substituted DME, 12CH_3O13CH_3. However, no data are available on doubly 13C-substituted DME, (13CH_3)_2O, yet. While in (13CH_3)_2O the two internal rotating methyl groups are equivalent and the splitting of rotational energy levels into four substates is comparable to the main isotopologue, singly 13C-substituted DME has two non-equivalent internal rotors resulting in torsional splitting of rotational energy levels into five substates. The purpose of our new laboratory measurements is to extend the knowledge on the astrophysically relevant species 12CH_3O13CH_3. To analyze the complicated spectrum resulting from a 13C-enriched sample of DME, containing all different 13C-substituted species as well as the main isotopologue, also precise data on doubly 13C-substituted DME are inevitable. We performed measurements in the frequency region 35-120 GHz using an all solid state spectrometer. Rotational as well as torsional parameters have been obtained for (13CH_3)_2O as well as 12CH_3O13CH_3 by fitting the assigned transitions to an effective rotational Hamiltonian introduced by Peter Groner. C. Comito et al., Astrophys. J. Suppl. Ser. 156, 127-167 (2005) C. P. Endres et al., Astronomy & Astrophysics 504, 635-640 (2009) Y. Niide and M. Hayashi, J. Mol. Spectrosc. 220, 65-79 (2003) P. Groner, J. Chem. Phys. 107, 4483-4498 (1997).

Machine learning techniques for diabetic macular edema (DME) classification on SD-OCT images.

PubMed

Alsaih, Khaled; Lemaitre, Guillaume; Rastgoo, Mojdeh; Massich, Joan; Sidibé, Désiré; Meriaudeau, Fabrice

2017-06-07

Spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) (SD-OCT) is most widely imaging equipment used in ophthalmology to detect diabetic macular edema (DME). Indeed, it offers an accurate visualization of the morphology of the retina as well as the retina layers. The dataset used in this study has been acquired by the Singapore Eye Research Institute (SERI), using CIRRUS TM (Carl Zeiss Meditec, Inc., Dublin, CA, USA) SD-OCT device. The dataset consists of 32 OCT volumes (16 DME and 16 normal cases). Each volume contains 128 B-scans with resolution of 1024 px × 512 px, resulting in more than 3800 images being processed. All SD-OCT volumes are read and assessed by trained graders and identified as normal or DME cases based on evaluation of retinal thickening, hard exudates, intraretinal cystoid space formation, and subretinal fluid. Within the DME sub-set, a large number of lesions has been selected to create a rather complete and diverse DME dataset. This paper presents an automatic classification framework for SD-OCT volumes in order to identify DME versus normal volumes. In this regard, a generic pipeline including pre-processing, feature detection, feature representation, and classification was investigated. More precisely, extraction of histogram of oriented gradients and local binary pattern (LBP) features within a multiresolution approach is used as well as principal component analysis (PCA) and bag of words (BoW) representations. Besides comparing individual and combined features, different representation approaches and different classifiers are evaluated. The best results are obtained for LBP[Formula: see text] vectors while represented and classified using PCA and a linear-support vector machine (SVM), leading to a sensitivity(SE) and specificity (SP) of 87.5 and 87.5%, respectively.

Oral Minocycline for the Treatment of Diabetic Macular Edema (DME): Results of a Phase I/II Clinical Study

PubMed Central

Cukras, Catherine A.; Petrou, Philip; Chew, Emily Y.; Meyerle, Catherine B.; Wong, Wai T.

2012-01-01

Purpose. Inflammation contributes significantly to the pathogenesis of diabetic macular edema (DME). In particular, retinal microglia demonstrate increased activation and aggregation in areas of DME. Study authors investigated the safety and potential efficacy of oral minocycline, a drug capable of inhibiting microglial activation, in the treatment of DME. Methods. A single-center, prospective, open-label phase I/II clinical trial enrolled five participants with fovea-involving DME who received oral minocycline 100 mg twice daily for 6 months. Main outcome measurements included best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central retinal subfield thickness (CST), and central macular volume using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and late leakage on fluorescein angiography (FA). Results. Findings indicated that the study drug was well tolerated and not associated with significant safety issues. In study eyes, mean BCVA improved continuously from baseline at 1, 2, 4, and 6 months by +1.0, +4.0, +4.0, and +5.8 letters, respectively, while mean retinal thickness (CST) on OCT decreased by −2.9%, −5.7%, −13.9, and −8.1% for the same time points. At month 6, mean area of late leakage on FA decreased by −34.4% in study eyes. Mean changes in contralateral fellow eyes also demonstrated similar trends. Improvements in outcome measures were not correlated with concurrent changes in systemic factors. Conclusions. In this pilot proof-of-concept study of DME, minocycline as primary treatment was associated with improved visual function, central macular edema, and vascular leakage, comparing favorably with historical controls from previous studies. Microglial inhibition with oral minocycline may be a promising therapeutic strategy targeting the inflammatory etiology of DME. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01120899.) PMID:22589436

Oral minocycline for the treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME): results of a phase I/II clinical study.

PubMed

Cukras, Catherine A; Petrou, Philip; Chew, Emily Y; Meyerle, Catherine B; Wong, Wai T

2012-06-22

Inflammation contributes significantly to the pathogenesis of diabetic macular edema (DME). In particular, retinal microglia demonstrate increased activation and aggregation in areas of DME. Study authors investigated the safety and potential efficacy of oral minocycline, a drug capable of inhibiting microglial activation, in the treatment of DME. A single-center, prospective, open-label phase I/II clinical trial enrolled five participants with fovea-involving DME who received oral minocycline 100 mg twice daily for 6 months. Main outcome measurements included best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central retinal subfield thickness (CST), and central macular volume using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and late leakage on fluorescein angiography (FA). Findings indicated that the study drug was well tolerated and not associated with significant safety issues. In study eyes, mean BCVA improved continuously from baseline at 1, 2, 4, and 6 months by +1.0, +4.0, +4.0, and +5.8 letters, respectively, while mean retinal thickness (CST) on OCT decreased by -2.9%, -5.7%, -13.9, and -8.1% for the same time points. At month 6, mean area of late leakage on FA decreased by -34.4% in study eyes. Mean changes in contralateral fellow eyes also demonstrated similar trends. Improvements in outcome measures were not correlated with concurrent changes in systemic factors. In this pilot proof-of-concept study of DME, minocycline as primary treatment was associated with improved visual function, central macular edema, and vascular leakage, comparing favorably with historical controls from previous studies. Microglial inhibition with oral minocycline may be a promising therapeutic strategy targeting the inflammatory etiology of DME. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01120899.).

Distribution of Nonperfusion Area on Ultra-widefield Fluorescein Angiography in Eyes With Diabetic Macular Edema: DAVE Study.

PubMed

Fan, Wenying; Wang, Kang; Ghasemi Falavarjani, Khalil; Sagong, Min; Uji, Akihito; Ip, Michael; Wykoff, Charles C; Brown, David M; van Hemert, Jano; Sadda, SriniVas R

2017-08-01

To explore the distribution of nonperfusion area (NPA) in eyes with diabetic macular edema (DME) and its relationship with the severity of DME. Prospective, observational case series. Forty eyes of 29 patients with treatment-naïve DME who participated in the DAVE study (NCT01552408) were included. Ultra-widefield fluorescein angiography images were sent to the Doheny Image Reading Center, where they were montaged and corrected using stereographic projection to adjust for peripheral distortion. Two experienced, independent/masked certified graders manually segmented the NPA and the total visible retinal area (TRA), and computed the NPA and TRA in square millimeters (mm 2 ). The ischemic index (ISI) was calculated. The distributions of NPA and ISI within different retinal zones were correlated with the severity of DME. In 40 eyes with treatment-naïve DME (mean age, 55.8 years) visual acuity (VA) (mean 59.6 EDTRS letters) was correlated with central macular thickness (CMT) (mean 536.9 μm, R = -0.418, P = .008) and macular volume (MV) (mean 11.9 mm 3 , R = -0.449, P = .004). The NPA and ISI among the different retinal zones were significantly different (NPA: P < .001; ISI: P = .005). The NPA and ISI in the midperiphery were negatively associated with CMT (NPA: P = .04; ISI: P = .02). However, the global NPA and ISI for the entire retina were not associated with CMT or MV (P > .05). In eyes with DME, the ISI increases with increasing distance from the fovea. The severity of DME does not appear to correlate with global NPA and ISI. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Worldwide Report, Telecommunications Policy, Research and Development, No. 258

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-01-28

3379, December 1979. [20] F. Vatalaro: Caratteristiche di un filtro digitale dpplicato al sistema DME di precisione per MLS, F.U.B., Relazione 43...Spring 1980. [8] F. Chiarini, M. Gori: Possibilitä di miglioramento della precisione di un DME in banda L öfferta da u’n sistema di antenne a...Vecchio, G. Pedrini, F. Vatalaro: Rapporto sul programma per la determinazione delta forma d’onda impulsiva ottima per un sistema DME di precisione in

Automatic Diabetic Macular Edema Detection in Fundus Images Using Publicly Available Datasets

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

Giancardo, Luca; Meriaudeau, Fabrice; Karnowski, Thomas Paul

2011-01-01

Diabetic macular edema (DME) is a common vision threatening complication of diabetic retinopathy. In a large scale screening environment DME can be assessed by detecting exudates (a type of bright lesions) in fundus images. In this work, we introduce a new methodology for diagnosis of DME using a novel set of features based on colour, wavelet decomposition and automatic lesion segmentation. These features are employed to train a classifier able to automatically diagnose DME. We present a new publicly available dataset with ground-truth data containing 169 patients from various ethnic groups and levels of DME. This and other two publiclymore » available datasets are employed to evaluate our algorithm. We are able to achieve diagnosis performance comparable to retina experts on the MESSIDOR (an independently labelled dataset with 1200 images) with cross-dataset testing. Our algorithm is robust to segmentation uncertainties, does not need ground truth at lesion level, and is very fast, generating a diagnosis on an average of 4.4 seconds per image on an 2.6 GHz platform with an unoptimised Matlab implementation.« less

Catalyst activity maintenance study for the liquid phase dimethyl ether process

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

Peng, X.D.; Toseland, B.A.; Underwood, R.P.

1995-12-31

The co-production of dimethyl ether (DME) and methanol from syngas is a process of considerable commercial attractiveness. DME coproduction can double the productivity of a LPMEOH process when using coal-derived syngas. This in itself may offer chemical producers and power companies increased flexibility and more profitable operation. DME is also known as a clean burning liquid fuel; Amoco and Haldor-Topsoe have recently announced the use of DME as an alternative diesel fuel. Moreover, DME can be an interesting intermediate in the production of chemicals such as olefins and vinyl acetate. The current APCl liquid phase dimethyl ether (LPDME) process utilizesmore » a physical mixture of a commercial methanol synthesis catalyst and a dehydration catalyst (e.g., {gamma}-alumina). While this arrangement provides a synergy that results in much higher syngas conversion per pass compared to the methanol-only process, the stability of the catalyst system suffers. The present project is aimed at reducing catalyst deactivation both by understanding the cause(s) of catalyst deactivation and by developing modified catalyst systems. This paper describes the current understanding of the deactivation mechanism.« less

Considerations for management of patients with diabetic macular edema: Optimizing treatment outcomes and minimizing safety concerns through interdisciplinary collaboration.

PubMed

Strain, W David; Cos, Xavier; Prünte, Christian

2017-04-01

Diabetes is a growing worldwide epidemic and a leading cause of blindness in working-age people around the world. Diabetic retinopathy (DR) and diabetic macular edema (DME) are common causes of visual impairment in people with diabetes and often indicate the presence of diabetes-associated preclinical micro- and macrovascular complications. As such, patients with DR and DME often display complex, highly comorbid profiles. Several treatments are currently available for the treatment of DME, including anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents, which are administered via intravitreal injection. While the safety profiles of approved ocular anti-VEGF therapies have been reassuring, the high-risk nature of the DME patient population means that treatment must be carefully considered and a holistic approach to disease management should be taken. This requires multidisciplinary, collaborative care involving all relevant specialties to ensure that patients not only receive prompt treatment for DME but also appropriate consideration is taken of any systemic comorbidities to evaluate and minimize potentially serious safety issues. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Three-dimensional automated choroidal volume assessment on standard spectral-domain optical coherence tomography and correlation with the level of diabetic macular edema.

PubMed

Gerendas, Bianca S; Waldstein, Sebastian M; Simader, Christian; Deak, Gabor; Hajnajeeb, Bilal; Zhang, Li; Bogunovic, Hrvoje; Abramoff, Michael D; Kundi, Michael; Sonka, Milan; Schmidt-Erfurth, Ursula

2014-11-01

To measure choroidal thickness on spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD OCT) images using automated algorithms and to correlate choroidal pathology with retinal changes attributable to diabetic macular edema (DME). Post hoc analysis of multicenter clinical trial baseline data. SD OCT raster scans/fluorescein angiograms were obtained from 284 treatment-naïve eyes of 142 patients with clinically significant DME and from 20 controls. Three-dimensional (3D) SD OCT images were evaluated by a certified independent reading center analyzing retinal changes associated with diabetic retinopathy. Choroidal thicknesses were analyzed using a fully automated algorithm. Angiograms were assessed manually. Multiple endpoint correction according to Bonferroni-Holm was applied. Main outcome measures were average retinal/choroidal thickness on fovea-centered or peak of edema (thickest point of edema)-centered Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study grid, maximum area of leakage, and the correlation between retinal and choroidal thicknesses. Total choroidal thickness is significantly reduced in DME (175 ± 23 μm; P = .0016) and nonedematous fellow eyes (177 ± 20 μm; P = .009) of patients compared with healthy control eyes (190 ± 23 μm). Retinal/choroidal thickness values showed no significant correlation (1-mm: P = .27, r(2) = 0.01; 3-mm: P = .96, r(2) < 0.0001; 6-mm: P = .42, r(2) = 0.006). No significant difference was found in the 1- or 3-mm circle of a retinal peak of edema-centered grid. All other measurements of choroidal/retinal thickness (DME vs healthy, DME vs peak of edema-centered, DME vs fellow, healthy vs fellow, peak of edema-centered vs healthy, peak of edema-centered vs fellow eyes) were compared but no statistically significant correlation was found. By tendency a thinner choroid correlates with larger retinal leakage areas. Automated algorithms can be used to reliably assess choroidal thickness in eyes with DME. Choroidal thickness was generally reduced in patients with diabetes if DME is present in 1 eye; however, no correlation was found between choroidal/retinal pathologies, suggesting different pathogenetic pathways. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of Microwave Landing System (MLS) effect on the delivery performance of a fixed-path metering and spacing system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Credeur, L.; Davis, C. M.; Capron, W. R.

1981-01-01

Metering and spacing (M & S) system's algorithms described assume an aircraft two dimensional are navigation capability. The three navigation systems compared were: very high frequency omnidirectional range/distance measuring equipment (VOR/DME) and ILS, VOR/DME and + or - 40 MLS, and VOR/DME and + or - 60 MLS. Other factors studied were M & S tentative schedule point location, route geometry effects, and approach gate location effects. Summarized results are: the MLS offers some improvement over VOR/DME and ILS if all approach routes contain computer assisted turns; pilot reaction to moving the gate closer to the runway threshold may adversely affect M & S performance; and coupling en route metering to terminal scheduling transfers most of the terminal holding to more full efficient, higher altitude en route delay.

Diabetic Macular Edema: Options for Adjunct Therapy.

PubMed

Calvo, Pilar; Abadia, Beatriz; Ferreras, Antonio; Ruiz-Moreno, Oscar; Verdes, Guayente; Pablo, Luis E

2015-09-01

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic disease that affects 387 million people worldwide. Diabetic retinopathy (DR), a common complication of DM, is the main cause of blindness in the active population. Diabetic macular edema (DME) may occur at any stage of DR, and is characterized by vascular hyperpermeability accompanied by hard exudates within the macula. Medical and surgical therapies have dramatically reduced the progression of DR, and timely intervention can reduce the risk of severe vision loss by more than 90 %. In 2012, intravitreal ranibizumab became the first antivascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agent approved for DME and, since then, many reports of the use of ranibizumab for DME have been promising. Randomized, prospective, multicenter clinical trials-most notably, RESOLVE, READ-2, RISE/RIDE, RESTORE, DRCR.net protocol I, and RETAIN-reported improvements in best-corrected visual acuity and decreased central retinal thickness as measured with optical coherence tomography in patients with DME. Similar treatment benefits have also been noted in clinical trials evaluating intravitreal aflibercept and bevacizumab (DAVINCI, VISTA/VIVID, and BOLT) and more recently DRCR.net protocol T. Intravitreal steroids (dexamethasone intravitreal implant and fluocinolone acetonide), particularly in refractory cases, also play a significant role in the management of DME (MEAD/CHAMPLAIN and FAMOUS/FAME studies). In summary, over the last 5 years, blocking VEGF and inflammation has been shown to improve visual outcomes in patients with macular edema due to DM, revolutionizing the treatment of center-involved DME and establishing a new standard of care.

A Review of Ranibizumab for the Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy.

PubMed

Stewart, Michael W

2017-06-01

Laser photocoagulation has been the standard treatment for diabetic macular edema (DME) and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) for several decades. The discovery of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and the subsequent determination of its critical role in the development DME and PDR has led to the development of VEGF inhibitory drugs. Ranibizumab was the first anti-VEGF drug approved for the treatment of both DME and diabetic retinopathy in eyes with DME. Medline searches with the keywords "ranibizumab," "diabetic macular edema," and "proliferative diabetic retinopathy" were performed to identify pertinent pre-clinical studies and clinical trials. Top-line data, with emphasis on pivotal trials, was identified and incorporated into this manuscript. Findings from small uncontrolled trials were generally not used unless they filled important gaps in our understanding of anti-VEGF therapy. Ranibizumab is a recombinant humanized antibody fragment that binds all isoforms of VEGF-A with high affinity. Three parallel lines of clinical research have produced level I evidence supporting the superiority of ranibizumab over laser photocoagulation for the treatment of DME. Regular injections also lead to improvement in diabetic retinopathy severity scores in a large minority of eyes. Ranibizumab is effective for PDR and produces less visual field loss than laser photocoagulation. It has an excellent safety profile, with low incidence of ocular and systemic adverse events. Ranibizumab has become a frequently used first-line therapy for the treatment of DME. Emerging data suggest that it may become an important treatment for DR and PDR.

Basis and Design of a Randomized Clinical Trial to Evaluate the Effect of Levosulpiride on Retinal Alterations in Patients With Diabetic Retinopathy and Diabetic Macular Edema.

PubMed

Robles-Osorio, Ma Ludivina; García-Franco, Renata; Núñez-Amaro, Carlos D; Mira-Lorenzo, Ximena; Ramírez-Neria, Paulina; Hernández, Wendy; López-Star, Ellery; Bertsch, Thomas; Martínez de la Escalera, Gonzalo; Triebel, Jakob; Clapp, Carmen

2018-01-01

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) and diabetic macular edema (DME) are potentially blinding, microvascular retinal diseases in people with diabetes mellitus. Preclinical studies support a protective role of the hormone prolactin (PRL) due to its ocular incorporation and conversion to vasoinhibins, a family of PRL fragments that inhibit ischemia-induced retinal angiogenesis and diabetes-derived retinal vasopermeability. Here, we describe the protocol of an ongoing clinical trial investigating a new therapy for DR and DME based on elevating the circulating levels of PRL with the prokinetic, dopamine D2 receptor blocker, levosulpiride. It is a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial enrolling male and female patients with type 2 diabetes having DME, non-proliferative DR (NPDR), proliferative DR (PDR) requiring vitrectomy, and DME plus standard intravitreal therapy with the antiangiogenic agent, ranibizumab. Patients are randomized to receive placebo (lactose pill, orally TID) or levosulpiride (75 mg/day orally TID) for 8 weeks (DME and NPDR), 1 week (the period before vitrectomy in PDR), or 12 weeks (DME plus ranibizumab). In all cases the study medication is taken on top of standard therapy for diabetes, blood pressure control, or other medical conditions. Primary endpoints in groups 1 and 2 (DME: placebo and levosulpiride), groups 3 and 4 (NPDR: placebo and levosulpiride), and groups 7 and 8 (DME plus ranibizumab: placebo and levosulpiride) are changes from baseline in visual acuity, retinal thickness assessed by optical coherence tomography, and retinal microvascular abnormalities evaluated by fundus biomicroscopy and fluorescein angiography. Changes in serum PRL levels and of PRL and vasoinhibins levels in the vitreous between groups 5 and 6 (PDR undergoing vitrectomy: placebo and levosulpiride) serve as proof of principle that PRL enters the eye to counteract disease progression. Secondary endpoints are changes during the follow-up of health and metabolic parameters (blood pressure, glycated hemoglobin, and serum levels of glucose and creatinine). A total of 120 patients are being recruited. This trial will provide important knowledge on the potential benefits and safety of elevating circulating and intraocular PRL levels with levosulpiride in patients with DR and DME. Ethics approval has been obtained from the Ethics Committees of the National University of Mexico (UNAM) and the Instituto Mexicano de Oftalmología, I.A.P. Dissemination will include submission to peer-reviewed scientific journals and presentation at congresses. Registered at www.ClinicalTrials.gov, ID: NCT03161652 on May 18, 2017.

Genome-wide association studies for diabetic macular edema and proliferative diabetic retinopathy.

PubMed

Graham, Patricia S; Kaidonis, Georgia; Abhary, Sotoodeh; Gillies, Mark C; Daniell, Mark; Essex, Rohan W; Chang, John H; Lake, Stewart R; Pal, Bishwanath; Jenkins, Alicia J; Hewitt, Alex W; Lamoureux, Ecosse L; Hykin, Philip G; Petrovsky, Nikolai; Brown, Matthew A; Craig, Jamie E; Burdon, Kathryn P

2018-05-08

Diabetic macular edema (DME) and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) are sight-threatening complications of diabetes mellitus and leading causes of adult-onset blindness worldwide. Genetic risk factors for diabetic retinopathy (DR) have been described previously, but have been difficult to replicate between studies, which have often used composite phenotypes and been conducted in different populations. This study aims to identify genetic risk factors for DME and PDR as separate complications in Australians of European descent with type 2 diabetes. Caucasian Australians with type 2 diabetes were evaluated in a genome-wide association study (GWAS) to compare 270 DME cases and 176 PDR cases with 435 non-retinopathy controls. All participants were genotyped by SNP array and after data cleaning, cases were compared to controls using logistic regression adjusting for relevant covariates. The top ranked SNP for DME was rs1990145 (p = 4.10 × 10 - 6 , OR = 2.02 95%CI [1.50, 2.72]) on chromosome 2. The top-ranked SNP for PDR was rs918519 (p = 3.87 × 10 - 6 , OR = 0.35 95%CI [0.22, 0.54]) on chromosome 5. A trend towards association was also detected at two SNPs reported in the only other reported GWAS of DR in Caucasians; rs12267418 near MALRD1 (p = 0.008) in the DME cohort and rs16999051 in the diabetes gene PCSK2 (p = 0.007) in the PDR cohort. This study has identified loci of interest for DME and PDR, two common ocular complications of diabetes. These findings require replication in other Caucasian cohorts with type 2 diabetes and larger cohorts will be required to identify genetic loci with statistical confidence. There is considerable overlap in the patient cohorts with each retinopathy subtype, complicating the search for genes that contribute to PDR and DME biology.

The Diabetes Management Education Program in South Texas: An Economic and Clinical Impact Analysis.

PubMed

Kash, Bita A; Lin, Szu-Hsuan; Baek, Juha; Ohsfeldt, Robert L

2017-01-01

Diabetes is a major chronic disease that can lead to serious health problems and high healthcare costs without appropriate disease management and treatment. In the United States, the number of people diagnosed with diabetes and the cost for diabetes treatment has dramatically increased over time. To improve patients' self-management skills and clinical outcomes, diabetes management education (DME) programs have been developed and operated in various regions. This community case study explores and calculates the economic and clinical impacts of expanding a model DME program into 26 counties located in South Texas. The study sample includes 355 patients with type 2 diabetes and a follow-up hemoglobin A1c level measurement among 1,275 individuals who participated in the DME program between September 2012 and August 2013. We used the Gilmer's cost differentials model and the United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study (UKPDS) Risk Engine methodology to predict 3-year healthcare cost savings and 10-year clinical benefits of implementing a DME program in the selected 26 Texas counties. Changes in estimated 3-year cost and the estimated treatment effect were based on baseline hemoglobin A1c level. An average 3-year reduction in medical treatment costs per program participant was $2,033 (in 2016 dollars). The total healthcare cost savings for the 26 targeted counties increases as the program participation rate increases. The total projected cost saving ranges from $12 million with 5% participation rate to $185 million with 75% participation rate. A 10-year outlook on additional clinical benefits associated with the implementation and expansion of the DME program at 60% participation is estimated to result in approximately 4,838 avoided coronary heart disease cases and another 392 cases of avoided strokes. The implementation of this model DME program in the selected 26 counties would contribute to substantial healthcare cost savings and clinical benefits. Organizations that provide DME services may benefit from reduction in medical treatment costs and improvement in clinical outcomes for populations with diabetes.

76 FR 53477 - Medicare Program; Meeting of the Medicare Evidence Development and Coverage Advisory Committee...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-08-26

... macular edema (DME). This meeting is open to the public in accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee... regarding antivascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME...

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

Ruther, Rose E.; Sun, Che -Nan; Holliday, Adam

A simple electrolyte consisting of NaPF 6 salt in 1,2-dimethoxyethane (DME) can extend the voltage window of electric double-layer capacitors (EDLCs) to >3.5 V. DME does not passivate carbon electrodes at very negative potentials (near Na/Na +), extending the practical voltage window by about 1.0 V compared to standard, non-aqueous electrolytes based on acetonitrile. The voltage window is demonstrated in two- and three-electrode cells using a combination of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), charge-discharge cycling, and measurements of leakage current. DME-based electrolytes cannot match the high conductivity of acetonitrile solutions, but they can satisfy applications that demand high energy density atmore » moderate power. The conductivity of NaPF 6 in DME is comparable to commercial lithium-ion battery electrolytes and superior to most ionic liquids. Lastly, factors that limit the voltage window and EDLC energy density are discussed, and strategies to further boost energy density are proposed.« less

76 FR 44011 - Medicare Program; Meeting of the Medicare Evidence Development and Coverage Advisory Committee...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-07-22

...-VEGF) treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME). This meeting is open to the public in accordance with... macular edema (DME). Background information about this topic, including panel materials, is available at...

An AP Endonuclease Functions in Active DNA Demethylation and Gene Imprinting in Arabidopsis

PubMed Central

Li, Yan; Córdoba-Cañero, Dolores; Qian, Weiqiang; Zhu, Xiaohong; Tang, Kai; Zhang, Huiming; Ariza, Rafael R.; Roldán-Arjona, Teresa; Zhu, Jian-Kang

2015-01-01

Active DNA demethylation in plants occurs through base excision repair, beginning with removal of methylated cytosine by the ROS1/DME subfamily of 5-methylcytosine DNA glycosylases. Active DNA demethylation in animals requires the DNA glycosylase TDG or MBD4, which functions after oxidation or deamination of 5-methylcytosine, respectively. However, little is known about the steps following DNA glycosylase action in the active DNA demethylation pathways in plants and animals. We show here that the Arabidopsis APE1L protein has apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease activities and functions downstream of ROS1 and DME. APE1L and ROS1 interact in vitro and co-localize in vivo. Whole genome bisulfite sequencing of ape1l mutant plants revealed widespread alterations in DNA methylation. We show that the ape1l/zdp double mutant displays embryonic lethality. Notably, the ape1l+/−zdp−/− mutant shows a maternal-effect lethality phenotype. APE1L and the DNA phosphatase ZDP are required for FWA and MEA gene imprinting in the endosperm and are important for seed development. Thus, APE1L is a new component of the active DNA demethylation pathway and, together with ZDP, regulates gene imprinting in Arabidopsis. PMID:25569774

[Fluocinolone acetonide (ILUVIEN®) micro-implant for chronic diabetic macular edema].

PubMed

Soubrane, G; Behar-Cohen, F

2015-02-01

Diabetic macular edema (DME) is a frequent complication of diabetic retinopathy and may cause severe visual loss. In this article, we examine the pathophysiology of DME and review various treatment options, such as laser photocoagulation, anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor antibodies, and steroids including ILUVIEN(®), which is a new sustained-release, non biodegradable, injectable, intravitreal micro-implant containing fluocinolone acetonide. The results of the FAME (Fluocinolone Acetonide in Diabetic Macular Edema) studies, conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ILUVIEN(®) in DME, are discussed. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Diabetic Macular Edema: From Old Concepts to New Therapeutic Avenues

PubMed Central

Mansour, Ahmad M; Pulido, Jose S; Arevalo, J Fernando

2015-01-01

Diabetic macular edema (DME) is a significant cause of blindness in the working population and is currently challenging to treat. Current interventions include focal laser or intravitreal injections. This article outlines a new treatment protocol based on the theory that peripheral ischemia is the precursor to angiogenesis, which will ultimately gather its momentum at the fovea. Extreme peripheral light laser panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) back to the equator reduces excessive production of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the eye. This decreases VEGF-induced DME and provides long-term protection against the development of neovascularization. Initial exacerbation of DME often accompanies PRP. Therefore, injections of anti-VEGF agents (with or without dexamethasone implants) initially can forestall worsening of DME and prevent loss of vision. However, on the other hand, applying peripheral PRP and intraocular injections can induce posterior vitreous detachment (PVD). This could help release vitreomacular adhesions (VMA) and vitreomacular traction (VMT), thereby decreasing DME severity and improving the response to intravitreal injections. In the current approach, peripheral retinal photocoagulation should stop the drive for VEGF release; moreover, laser ablation should produce secondary, accidental, and beneficial PVD. This approach precludes focal laser therapy and paves the path for prolonged intervals between anti-VEGF therapy. PMID:27800500

Fully automated macular pathology detection in retina optical coherence tomography images using sparse coding and dictionary learning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Yankui; Li, Shan; Sun, Zhongyang

2017-01-01

We propose a framework for automated detection of dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic macular edema (DME) from retina optical coherence tomography (OCT) images, based on sparse coding and dictionary learning. The study aims to improve the classification performance of state-of-the-art methods. First, our method presents a general approach to automatically align and crop retina regions; then it obtains global representations of images by using sparse coding and a spatial pyramid; finally, a multiclass linear support vector machine classifier is employed for classification. We apply two datasets for validating our algorithm: Duke spectral domain OCT (SD-OCT) dataset, consisting of volumetric scans acquired from 45 subjects-15 normal subjects, 15 AMD patients, and 15 DME patients; and clinical SD-OCT dataset, consisting of 678 OCT retina scans acquired from clinics in Beijing-168, 297, and 213 OCT images for AMD, DME, and normal retinas, respectively. For the former dataset, our classifier correctly identifies 100%, 100%, and 93.33% of the volumes with DME, AMD, and normal subjects, respectively, and thus performs much better than the conventional method; for the latter dataset, our classifier leads to a correct classification rate of 99.67%, 99.67%, and 100.00% for DME, AMD, and normal images, respectively.

Cationic Thiolated Poly(aspartamide) Polymer as a Potential Excipient for Artificial Tear Formulations.

PubMed

Budai-Szűcs, Mária; Horvát, Gabriella; Szilágyi, Barnabás Áron; Gyarmati, Benjámin; Szilágyi, András; Berkó, Szilvia; Szabó-Révész, Piroska; Sandri, Giuseppina; Bonferoni, Maria Cristina; Caramella, Carla; Soós, Judit; Facskó, Andrea; Csányi, Erzsébet

2016-01-01

Dry eye disease is a relatively common ocular problem, which causes eye discomfort and visual disorders leading to a decrease in the quality of life. The aim of this study was to find a possible excipient for eye drop formulations, which is able to stabilize the tear film. A cationic thiolated polyaspartamide polymer, poly[(N-mercaptoethylaspartamide)-co-(N-(N',N'-dimethylaminoethyl)aspartamide)] (ThioPASP-DME), was used as a potential vehicle. Besides satisfying the basic requirements, the chemical structure of ThioPASP-DME is similar to those of ocular mucins as it is a protein-like polymer bearing a considerable number of thiol groups. The solution of the polymer is therefore able to mimic the physiological properties of the mucins and it can interact with the mucus layer via disulphide bond formation. The resultant mucoadhesion provides a prolonged residence time and ensures protective effect for the corneal/conjunctival epithelium. ThioPASP-DME also has an antioxidant effect due to the presence of the thiol groups. The applicability of ThioPASP-DME as a potential excipient in eye drops was determined by means of ocular compatibility tests and through examinations of the interactions with the mucosal surface. The results indicate that ThioPASP-DME can serve as a potential eye drop excipient for the therapy of dry eye disease.

Translating Benzodiazepine Utilization Data into Meaningful Population Exposure: Integration of Two Metrics for Improved Reporting.

PubMed

Brandt, Jaden; Alkabanni, Wajd; Alessi-Severini, Silvia; Leong, Christine

2018-04-04

Drug utilization research on benzodiazepines remains important for measuring trends in consumption within and across borders over time for the sake of monitoring prescribing patterns and identifying potential population safety concerns. The defined daily dose (DDD) system by the World Health Organization (WHO) remains the internationally accepted standard for measuring drug consumption; however, beyond consumption, DDD-based results are difficult to interpret when individual agents are compared with one another or are pooled into a total class-based estimate. The diazepam milligram equivalent (DME) system provides approximate conversions between benzodiazepines and Z-drugs (i.e. zopiclone, zolpidem, zaleplon) based on their pharmacologic potency. Despite this, conversion of total dispensed benzodiazepine quantities into DME values retains diazepam milligrams as the total unit of measurement, which is also impractical for population-level interpretation. In this paper, we propose the use of an integrated DME-DDD metric to obviate the limitations encountered when the component metrics are used in isolation. Through a case example, we demonstrate significant change in results between the DDD and DME-DDD method. Unlike the DDD method, the integrated DME-DDD metric offers estimation of population pharmacologic exposure, and enables superior interpretation of drug utilization results, especially for drug class summary reporting.

Enhanced Cycling Stability of Rechargeable Li-O2 Batteries Using High Concentration Electrolytes

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

Liu, Bin; Xu, Wu; Yan, Pengfei

2016-01-26

The electrolyte stability against reactive reduced-oxygen species is crucial for the development of rechargeable Li-O2 batteries. In this work, we systematically investigated the effect of lithium salt concentration in 1,2-dimethoxyethane (DME)-based electrolytes on the cycling stability of Li-O2 batteries. Cells with high concentration electrolyte illustrate largely enhanced cycling stability under both the full discharge/charge (2.0-4.5 V vs. Li/Li+) and the capacity limited (at 1,000 mAh g-1) conditions. These cells also exhibit much less reaction-residual on the charged air electrode surface, and much less corrosion to the Li metal anode. The density functional theory calculations are conducted on the molecular orbitalmore » energies of the electrolyte components and the Gibbs activation barriers for superoxide radical anion to attack DME solvent and Li+-(DME)n solvates. In a highly concentrated electrolyte, all DME molecules have been coordinated with salt and the C-H bond scission of a DME molecule becomes more difficult. Therefore, the decomposition of highly concentrated electrolyte in a Li-O2 battery can be mitigated and both air-cathodes and Li-metal anodes exhibits much better reversibility. As a results, the cyclability of Li-O2 can be largely improved.« less

Fully automated macular pathology detection in retina optical coherence tomography images using sparse coding and dictionary learning.

PubMed

Sun, Yankui; Li, Shan; Sun, Zhongyang

2017-01-01

We propose a framework for automated detection of dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic macular edema (DME) from retina optical coherence tomography (OCT) images, based on sparse coding and dictionary learning. The study aims to improve the classification performance of state-of-the-art methods. First, our method presents a general approach to automatically align and crop retina regions; then it obtains global representations of images by using sparse coding and a spatial pyramid; finally, a multiclass linear support vector machine classifier is employed for classification. We apply two datasets for validating our algorithm: Duke spectral domain OCT (SD-OCT) dataset, consisting of volumetric scans acquired from 45 subjects—15 normal subjects, 15 AMD patients, and 15 DME patients; and clinical SD-OCT dataset, consisting of 678 OCT retina scans acquired from clinics in Beijing—168, 297, and 213 OCT images for AMD, DME, and normal retinas, respectively. For the former dataset, our classifier correctly identifies 100%, 100%, and 93.33% of the volumes with DME, AMD, and normal subjects, respectively, and thus performs much better than the conventional method; for the latter dataset, our classifier leads to a correct classification rate of 99.67%, 99.67%, and 100.00% for DME, AMD, and normal images, respectively.

En Face Doppler Optical Coherence Tomography Measurement of Total Retinal Blood Flow in Diabetic Retinopathy and Diabetic Macular Edema

PubMed Central

Lee, ByungKun; Novais, Eduardo A.; Waheed, Nadia K.; Adhi, Mehreen; de Carlo, Talisa E.; Cole, Emily D.; Moult, Eric M.; Choi, WooJhon; Lane, Mark; Baumal, Caroline R.; Duker, Jay S.; Fujimoto, James G.

2018-01-01

IMPORTANCE Alterations in ocular blood flow play an important role in the pathogenesis and progression of diabetic retinopathy (DR). However, the measurement of retinal blood flow in clinical studies has been challenging. En face Doppler optical coherence tomography (OCT) provides an effective method for measuring total retinal blood flow (TRBF) in the clinic. OBJECTIVE To investigate TRBF in eyes with DR of varying severity, with or without diabetic macular edema (DME), using en face Doppler OCT. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This was a cross-sectional study conducted from May 23, 2014, to January 11, 2016, which analyzed 41 eyes with DR from 31 diabetic patients, 20 eyes without DR from 11 diabetic patients, and 16 eyes from 12 healthy age-matched controls, all at the New England Eye Center in Boston, Massachusetts. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Participants were imaged with a high-speed, swept-source OCT prototype at 1050-nm wavelength using repeated en face Doppler OCT raster scans, comprising 600 × 80 axial scans and covering a 1.5 × 2-mm2 area centered at the optic disc. The TRBF was automatically calculated using custom Matlab software. RESULTS This study included 41 eyes with DR from 31 diabetic patients (mean [SD] age, 62.8 [13.4] years; 12 were female patients), 20 eyes without DR from 11 diabetic patients (mean [SD] age, 58.8 [10.1] years; 5 were female patients), and 16 eyes from 12 healthy age-matched controls (mean [SD] age, 57.9 [8.1] years; 8 were female participants). The mean (SD) TRBF was 28.0 (8.5) μL/min in the eyes with DME, 48.8 (13.4) μL/min in the eyes with DR but without DME, 40.1 (7.7) μL/min in the diabetic eyes without retinopathy, and 44.4 (8.3) μL/min in age-matched healthy eyes. A difference in TRBF between the eyes with DME that were treated and the eyes with DME that were not treated was not identified. The TRBF was consistently low in the eyes with DME regardless of DR severity. The eyes with moderate nonproliferative DR but without DME exhibited a wide range of TRBF from 31.1 to 75.0 μL/min, with the distribution being highly skewed. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE High-speed en face Doppler OCT can measure TRBF in healthy and diabetic eyes. Diabetic eyes with DME exhibited lower TRBF than healthy eyes (P ≤ .001). Further longitudinal studies of TRBF in eyes with DR would be helpful to determine whether reduced TRBF is a risk factor for DME. PMID:28196198

77 FR 14269 - IFR Altitudes; Miscellaneous Amendments

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-03-09

... LIBEL, CO FIX BROCC, CO FIX 16000 BROCC, CO FIX ECHOA, CO FIX 13200 ECHOA, CO FIX *HAYDEN, CO VOR/DME..... E BND 13200 W BND 11500 *11500--MCA HAYDEN, CO VOR/ DME, E BND Sec. 95.6169 VOR Federal Airway V169...

48 CFR 1034.001 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... controlled. (3) (ANSI #3) Provide for the integration of the company's planning, scheduling, budgeting, work... program organizations. Development, Modernization, Enhancement (DME) is the portion of an IT investment... Major IT investments with DME activities, which meet the contract threshold for fully applying FAR 34.2...

48 CFR 1034.001 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... controlled. (3) (ANSI #3) Provide for the integration of the company's planning, scheduling, budgeting, work... program organizations. Development, Modernization, Enhancement (DME) is the portion of an IT investment... Major IT investments with DME activities, which meet the contract threshold for fully applying FAR 34.2...

48 CFR 1034.001 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... controlled. (3) (ANSI #3) Provide for the integration of the company's planning, scheduling, budgeting, work... program organizations. Development, Modernization, Enhancement (DME) is the portion of an IT investment... Major IT investments with DME activities, which meet the contract threshold for fully applying FAR 34.2...

48 CFR 1034.001 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... controlled. (3) (ANSI #3) Provide for the integration of the company's planning, scheduling, budgeting, work... program organizations. Development, Modernization, Enhancement (DME) is the portion of an IT investment... Major IT investments with DME activities, which meet the contract threshold for fully applying FAR 34.2...

Subthreshold Diode Micropulse Laser Photocoagulation (SDM) as Invisible Retinal Phototherapy for Diabetic Macular Edema: A Review

PubMed Central

Luttrull, Jeffrey K; Dorin, Giorgio

2012-01-01

Purpose: To present the state-of-the-art of subthreshold diode laser micropulse photocoagulation (SDM) as invisible retinal phototherapy for diabetic macular edema (DME). Method: To review the role and evolution of retinal laser treatment for DME. Results: Thermal laser retinal photocoagulation has been the cornerstone of treatment for diabetic macular edema for over four decades. Throughout, laser induced retinal damage produced by conventional photocoagulation has been universally accepted as necessary to produce a therapeutic benefit, despite the inherent risks, adverse effects and limitations of thermally destructive treatment. Recently, SDM, performed as invisible retinal phototherapy for DME, has been found to be effective in the absence of any retinal damage or adverse effect, fundamentally altering our understanding of laser treatment for retinal disease. Summary: The discovery of clinically effective and harmless SDM treatment for DME offers exciting new information that will improve our understanding of laser treatment for retinal disease, expand treatment indications, and improve patient outcomes. PMID:22587512

Stable electrolyte for high voltage electrochemical double-layer capacitors

DOE PAGES

Ruther, Rose E.; Sun, Che -Nan; Holliday, Adam; ...

2016-12-28

A simple electrolyte consisting of NaPF 6 salt in 1,2-dimethoxyethane (DME) can extend the voltage window of electric double-layer capacitors (EDLCs) to >3.5 V. DME does not passivate carbon electrodes at very negative potentials (near Na/Na +), extending the practical voltage window by about 1.0 V compared to standard, non-aqueous electrolytes based on acetonitrile. The voltage window is demonstrated in two- and three-electrode cells using a combination of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), charge-discharge cycling, and measurements of leakage current. DME-based electrolytes cannot match the high conductivity of acetonitrile solutions, but they can satisfy applications that demand high energy density atmore » moderate power. The conductivity of NaPF 6 in DME is comparable to commercial lithium-ion battery electrolytes and superior to most ionic liquids. Lastly, factors that limit the voltage window and EDLC energy density are discussed, and strategies to further boost energy density are proposed.« less

Multivariable model predictive control design of reactive distillation column for Dimethyl Ether production

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wahid, A.; Putra, I. G. E. P.

2018-03-01

Dimethyl ether (DME) as an alternative clean energy has attracted a growing attention in the recent years. DME production via reactive distillation has potential for capital cost and energy requirement savings. However, combination of reaction and distillation on a single column makes reactive distillation process a very complex multivariable system with high non-linearity of process and strong interaction between process variables. This study investigates a multivariable model predictive control (MPC) based on two-point temperature control strategy for the DME reactive distillation column to maintain the purities of both product streams. The process model is estimated by a first order plus dead time model. The DME and water purity is maintained by controlling a stage temperature in rectifying and stripping section, respectively. The result shows that the model predictive controller performed faster responses compared to conventional PI controller that are showed by the smaller ISE values. In addition, the MPC controller is able to handle the loop interactions well.

Subthreshold diode micropulse laser photocoagulation (SDM) as invisible retinal phototherapy for diabetic macular edema: a review.

PubMed

Luttrull, Jeffrey K; Dorin, Giorgio

2012-07-01

To present the state-of-the-art of subthreshold diode laser micropulse photocoagulation (SDM) as invisible retinal phototherapy for diabetic macular edema (DME). To review the role and evolution of retinal laser treatment for DME. Thermal laser retinal photocoagulation has been the cornerstone of treatment for diabetic macular edema for over four decades. Throughout, laser induced retinal damage produced by conventional photocoagulation has been universally accepted as necessary to produce a therapeutic benefit, despite the inherent risks, adverse effects and limitations of thermally destructive treatment. Recently, SDM, performed as invisible retinal phototherapy for DME, has been found to be effective in the absence of any retinal damage or adverse effect, fundamentally altering our understanding of laser treatment for retinal disease. The discovery of clinically effective and harmless SDM treatment for DME offers exciting new information that will improve our understanding of laser treatment for retinal disease, expand treatment indications, and improve patient outcomes.

Subthreshold diode laser micropulse photocoagulation for the treatment of diabetic macular edema.

PubMed

Sivaprasad, Sobha; Dorin, Giorgio

2012-03-01

Diabetic macular edema (DME) is a sight-threatening complication of diabetic retinopathy, the leading cause of visual loss in the working-age population in the industrialized and emerging world. The standard of care for DME is focal/grid laser photocoagulation, which is proven effective in reducing the risk of vision loss, but inherently destructive and associated with tissue damage and collateral effects. Subthreshold diode laser micropulse photocoagulation is a nondestructive tissue-sparing laser procedure, which, in randomized controlled trials for the treatment of DME, has been found equally effective as conventional photocoagulation. Functional and anatomical outcomes from four independent randomized controlled trials provide level one evidence that vision stabilization/improvement and edema resolution/reduction can be elicited with less or no retinal damage, and with fewer or no complications. This review describes the principles of subthreshold diode laser micropulse photocoagulation, its treatment modalities and clinical outcomes in the context of standard laser treatments and of emerging nonlaser therapies for DME.

Sec61α is required for dorsal closure during Drosophila embryogenesis through its regulation of Dpp signaling

PubMed Central

Wang, Xiaochen; Ward, Robert E.

2010-01-01

During dorsal closure in Drosophila, signaling events in the dorsalmost row of epidermal cells (DME cells) direct the migration of lateral epidermal sheets towards the dorsal midline where they fuse to enclose the embryo. A Jun amino-terminal kinase (JNK) cascade in the DME cells induces the expression of Decapentaplegic (Dpp). Dpp signaling then regulates the cytoskeleton in the DME cells and amnioserosa to affect the cell shape changes necessary to complete dorsal closure. We identified a mutation in Sec61α that specifically perturbs dorsal closure. Sec61α encodes the main subunit of the translocon complex for co-translational import of proteins into the ER. JNK signaling is normal in Sec61α mutant embryos, but Dpp signaling is attenuated and the DME cells fail to maintain an actinomyosin cable as epithelial migration fails. Consistent with this model, dorsal closure is rescued in Sec61α mutant embryos by an activated form of the Dpp receptor Thick veins. PMID:20112345

14 CFR 171.157 - Performance requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 14 Aeronautics and Space 3 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Performance requirements. 171.157 Section... Performance requirements. (a) The DME must meet the performance requirements set forth in the “International... functional and performance characteristics of the DME transponder must be conducted in accordance with the...

14 CFR 171.157 - Performance requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... 14 Aeronautics and Space 3 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Performance requirements. 171.157 Section... Performance requirements. (a) The DME must meet the performance requirements set forth in the “International... functional and performance characteristics of the DME transponder must be conducted in accordance with the...

14 CFR 171.157 - Performance requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... 14 Aeronautics and Space 3 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Performance requirements. 171.157 Section... Performance requirements. (a) The DME must meet the performance requirements set forth in the “International... functional and performance characteristics of the DME transponder must be conducted in accordance with the...

14 CFR 171.157 - Performance requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 14 Aeronautics and Space 3 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Performance requirements. 171.157 Section... Performance requirements. (a) The DME must meet the performance requirements set forth in the “International... functional and performance characteristics of the DME transponder must be conducted in accordance with the...

14 CFR 171.157 - Performance requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... 14 Aeronautics and Space 3 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Performance requirements. 171.157 Section... Performance requirements. (a) The DME must meet the performance requirements set forth in the “International... functional and performance characteristics of the DME transponder must be conducted in accordance with the...

The Rise of Voltammetry: From Polarography to the Scanning Electrochemical Microscope

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bard, Allen J.

2007-01-01

The drooping mercury electrode (DME) was previously used to carry out electrochemical experiments but invention of polarography technique changed this. Voltammetry with DME was given the term polarography and are used in measurement of current as a function of potential at small electrodes.

Cationic Thiolated Poly(aspartamide) Polymer as a Potential Excipient for Artificial Tear Formulations

PubMed Central

Budai-Szűcs, Mária; Horvát, Gabriella; Szilágyi, Barnabás Áron; Gyarmati, Benjámin; Szilágyi, András; Berkó, Szilvia; Szabó-Révész, Piroska; Sandri, Giuseppina; Bonferoni, Maria Cristina; Caramella, Carla; Soós, Judit; Facskó, Andrea; Csányi, Erzsébet

2016-01-01

Dry eye disease is a relatively common ocular problem, which causes eye discomfort and visual disorders leading to a decrease in the quality of life. The aim of this study was to find a possible excipient for eye drop formulations, which is able to stabilize the tear film. A cationic thiolated polyaspartamide polymer, poly[(N-mercaptoethylaspartamide)-co-(N-(N′,N′-dimethylaminoethyl)aspartamide)] (ThioPASP-DME), was used as a potential vehicle. Besides satisfying the basic requirements, the chemical structure of ThioPASP-DME is similar to those of ocular mucins as it is a protein-like polymer bearing a considerable number of thiol groups. The solution of the polymer is therefore able to mimic the physiological properties of the mucins and it can interact with the mucus layer via disulphide bond formation. The resultant mucoadhesion provides a prolonged residence time and ensures protective effect for the corneal/conjunctival epithelium. ThioPASP-DME also has an antioxidant effect due to the presence of the thiol groups. The applicability of ThioPASP-DME as a potential excipient in eye drops was determined by means of ocular compatibility tests and through examinations of the interactions with the mucosal surface. The results indicate that ThioPASP-DME can serve as a potential eye drop excipient for the therapy of dry eye disease. PMID:27313866

Exudate-based diabetic macular edema detection in fundus images using publicly available datasets

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

Giancardo, Luca; Meriaudeau, Fabrice; Karnowski, Thomas Paul

2011-01-01

Diabetic macular edema (DME) is a common vision threatening complication of diabetic retinopathy. In a large scale screening environment DME can be assessed by detecting exudates (a type of bright lesions) in fundus images. In this work, we introduce a new methodology for diagnosis of DME using a novel set of features based on colour, wavelet decomposition and automatic lesion segmentation. These features are employed to train a classifier able to automatically diagnose DME through the presence of exudation. We present a new publicly available dataset with ground-truth data containing 169 patients from various ethnic groups and levels of DME.more » This and other two publicly available datasets are employed to evaluate our algorithm. We are able to achieve diagnosis performance comparable to retina experts on the MESSIDOR (an independently labelled dataset with 1200 images) with cross-dataset testing (e.g., the classifier was trained on an independent dataset and tested on MESSIDOR). Our algorithm obtained an AUC between 0.88 and 0.94 depending on the dataset/features used. Additionally, it does not need ground truth at lesion level to reject false positives and is computationally efficient, as it generates a diagnosis on an average of 4.4 s (9.3 s, considering the optic nerve localization) per image on an 2.6 GHz platform with an unoptimized Matlab implementation.« less

77 FR 3091 - IFR Altitudes; Miscellaneous Amendments

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-01-23

... in Part Grand Junction, CO VOR/DME....... *Paces, CO FIX 11500 *13000--MRA *Paces, CO FIX Slolm, CO FIX.. 13000 *13000--MRA MTA V134 NE TO V220 NW 12900 Slolm, CO FIX *Gleno, CO FIX 14000 *16000--MRA *Gleno, CO FIX Red Table, CO VOR/DME... 14000 [[Page 3094

77 FR 9876 - Proposed Modification of VOR Federal Airways V-10, V-12, and V-508 in the Vicinity of Olathe, KS

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-02-21

... (OJC) VOR/DME navigation aid located on the Johnson County Executive Airport, Olathe, KS, due to poor performance of the navigation aid. The OJC VOR/DME performs poorly due to suburban encroachment into the...

77 FR 67712 - Self-Regulatory Organizations; NYSE Arca, Inc.; Notice of Filing of Proposed Rule Change To List...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-11-13

...''), Tokyo Commodity Exchange (``TOCOM''), Dubai Mercantile Exchange (``DME''), and Bursa Malaysia (``Malaysia'') \\9\\ (collectively, ``Futures Contracts'') and (b) if applicable, other Asian commodities... Europe, LME, TOCOM, DME, and Malaysia are each referred to herein as a ``Futures Exchange.'' \\10...

Heterogeneous structure and solvation dynamics of DME/water binary mixtures: A combined spectroscopic and simulation investigation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Das Mahanta, Debasish; Rana, Debkumar; Patra, Animesh; Mukherjee, Biswaroop; Mitra, Rajib Kumar

2018-05-01

Water is often found in (micro)-heterogeneous environments and therefore it is necessary to understand their H-bonded network structure in such altered environments. We explore the structure and dynamics of water in its binary mixture with relatively less polar small biocompatible amphiphilic molecule 1,2-Dimethoxyethane (DME) by a combined spectroscopic and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation study. Picosecond (ps) resolved fluorescence spectroscopy using coumarin 500 as the fluorophore establishes a non-monotonic behaviour of the mixture. Simulation studies also explore the various possible H-bond formations between water and DME. The relative abundance of such different water species manifests the heterogeneity in the mixture.

Important characteristics of a director of medical education.

PubMed

Powell, V D; George, R J

1993-11-01

In osteopathic graduate medical education programs, the Director of Medical Education (DME) plays the key leadership role. This article outlines critical characteristics and skills that the DME should possess to successfully perform in this role. Central to this success is a passionate commitment to osteopathic medical education and a commitment to justice and fairness.

Assessment of Novel Routes of Biomethane Utilization in a Life Cycle Perspective

PubMed Central

Moghaddam, Elham Ahmadi; Ahlgren, Serina; Nordberg, Åke

2016-01-01

Biomethane, as a replacement for natural gas, reduces the use of fossil-based sources and supports the intended change from fossil to bio-based industry. The study assessed different biomethane utilization routes for production of methanol, dimethyl ether (DME), and ammonia, as fuel or platform chemicals and combined heat and power (CHP). Energy efficiency and environmental impacts of the different pathways was studied in a life cycle perspective covering the technical system from biomass production to the end product. Among the routes studied, CHP had the highest energy balance and least environmental impact. DME and methanol performed competently in energy balance and environmental impacts in comparison with the ammonia route. DME had the highest total energy output, as fuel, heat, and steam, among the different routes studied. Substituting the bio-based routes for fossil-based alternatives would give a considerable reduction in environmental impacts such as global warming potential and acidification potential for all routes studied, especially CHP, DME, and methanol. Eutrophication potential was mainly a result of biomass and biomethane production, with marginal differences between the different routes. PMID:28066762

Extraction of Fucoxanthin from Raw Macroalgae excluding Drying and Cell Wall Disruption by Liquefied Dimethyl Ether

PubMed Central

Kanda, Hideki; Kamo, Yuichi; Machmudah, Siti; Wahyudiono; Goto, Motonobu

2014-01-01

Macroalgae are one of potential sources for carotenoids, such as fucoxanthin, which are consumed by humans and animals. This carotenoid has been applied in both the pharmaceutical and food industries. In this study, extraction of fucoxanthin from wet brown seaweed Undaria pinnatifida (water content was 93.2%) was carried out with a simple method using liquefied dimethyl ether (DME) as an extractant in semi-continuous flow-type system. The extraction temperature and absolute pressure were 25 °C and 0.59 MPa, respectively. The liquefied DME was passed through the extractor that filled by U. pinnatifida at different time intervals. The time of experiment was only 43 min. The amount of fucoxanthin could approach to 390 μg/g dry of wet U. pinnatifida when the amount of DME used was 286 g. Compared with ethanol Soxhlet and supercritical CO2 extraction, which includes drying and cell disruption, the result was quite high. Thus, DME extraction process appears to be a good method for fucoxanthin recovery from U. pinnatifida with improved yields. PMID:24796299

Study of emissions for a compression ignition engine fueled with a mix of DME and diesel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jurchiş, Bogdan; Nicolae, Burnete; Călin, Iclodean; Nicolae Vlad, Burnete

2017-10-01

Currently, there is a growing demand for diesel engines, primarily due to the relatively low fuel consumption compared to spark-ignition engines. However, these engines have a great disadvantage in terms of pollution because they produce solid particles that ultimately form particulate matter (PM), which has harmful effects on human health and also on the environment. The toxic emissions from the diesel engine exhaust, like particulate matter (PM) and NOx, generated by the combustion of fossil fuels, lead to the necessity to develop green fuels which on one hand should be obtained from regenerative resources and on the other hand less polluting. In this paper, the authors focused on the amount of emissions produced by a diesel engine when running with a fuel mixture consisting of diesel and DME. Dimethyl ether (DME) is developed mainly by converting natural gas or biomass to synthesis gas (syngas). It is an extremely attractive resource for the future used in the transport industry, given that it can be obtained at low costs from renewable resources. Using DME mixed with diesel for the combustion process, besides the fact that it produces less smoke, the emission levels of particulate matter is reduced compared to diesel and in some situations, NOx emissions may decrease. DME has a high enough cetane number to perform well as a compression-ignition fuel but due to the poor lubrication and viscosity, it is difficult to be used as the main fuel for combustion

Recovery from Diabetic Macular Edema in a Diabetic Patient After Minimal Dose of a Sodium Glucose Co-Transporter 2 Inhibitor.

PubMed

Yoshizumi, Hideyuki; Ejima, Tetsushi; Nagao, Tetsuhiko; Wakisaka, Masanori

2018-04-19

BACKGROUND Diabetic macular edema (DME) causes serious visual impairments in diabetic patients. The standard treatments of DME are intra-vitreous injections of corticosteroids or anti-vascular endothelial growth factor antibodies and pan-photocoagulation. These treatments are unsatisfactory in their effects and impose considerable physical and economic burdens on the patients. CASE REPORT A 63-year-old woman was diagnosed as type 2 diabetes with retinopathy 7 years ago. Before the initiation of an SGLT2 inhibitor, the dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor, sitagliptin (50 mg daily), and metformin (250 mg dai- ly) were used for her glycemic control. The level of her hemoglobin A1c had been controlled around 7%. She began to feel decreased visual acuity and blurred vision of her left eye 8 months before the visit to our clin- ic. She was diagnosed as DME, which turned out to be corticosteroid-resistant. Her visual acuity further de- creased to 20/50. Metformin was changed to ipraglifl (25mg/day). Her left visual acuity started to improve after 4 weeks of treatment with ipragliflozin and improved to 20/22 after 24 weeks. The macular edema did not change until 12 weeks of the treatment, however, it decreased prominently after 16 weeks. CONCLUSIONS In our patient with steroid-resistant DME, her visual symptoms and macular edema recovered after the initiation of an SGLT2 inhibitor. SGLT2 inhibitors might be a potential candidate for the DME treatment.

Life of superoxide in aprotic Li-O₂ battery electrolytes: simulated solvent and counter-ion effects.

PubMed

Scheers, J; Lidberg, D; Sodeyama, K; Futera, Z; Tateyama, Y

2016-04-21

Li-air batteries ideally make use of oxygen from the atmosphere and metallic lithium to reversibly drive the reaction 2Li + O2↔ Li2O2. Conceptually, energy throughput is high and material use is efficient, but practically many material challenges still remain. It is of particular interest to control the electrolyte environment of superoxide (O2*(-)) to promote or hinder specific reaction mechanisms. By combining density functional theory based molecular dynamics (DFT-MD) and DFT simulations we probe the bond length and the electronic properties of O2*(-) in three aprotic solvents - in the presence of Li(+) or the much larger cation alternative tetrabutylammonium (TBA(+)). Contact ion pairs, LiO2*, are favoured over solvent-separated ion pairs in all solvents, but particularly in low permittivity dimethoxyethane (DME), which makes O2*(-) more prone to further reduction. The Li(+)-O2*(-) interactions are dampened in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), in relation to those in DME and propylene carbonate (PC), which is reflected by smaller changes in the electronic properties of O2*(-) in DMSO. The additive TBA(+) offers an alternative, more weakly interacting partner to O2*(-), which makes it easier to remove the unpaired electron and oxidation more feasible. In DMSO, TBA(+) has close to no effect on O2*(-), which behaves as if no cation is present. This is contrasted by a much stronger influence of TBA(+) on O2*(-) in DME - comparable to that of Li(+) in DMSO. An important future goal is to compare and rank the effects of different additives beyond TBA(+). Here, the results of DFT calculations for small-sized cluster models are in qualitative agreement with those of the DFT-MD simulations, which suggests the cluster approach to be a cost-effective alternative to the DFT-MD simulations for a more extensive comparison of additive effects in future studies.

Structure and Reactivity of Alkyl Ethers Adsorbed on CeO2(111) Model Catalysts

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

F Calaza; T Chen; D Mullins

2011-12-31

The effect of surface hydroxyls on the adsorption of ether on ceria was explored. Adsorption of dimethyl ether (DME) and diethyl ether (DEE) on oxidized and reduced CeO{sub 2}(111) films was studied and compared with Ru(0001) using RAIRS and sXPS within a UHV environment. On Ru(0001) the ethers adsorb weakly with the molecular plane close to parallel to the surface plane. On the ceria films, the adsorption of the ethers was stronger than on the metal surface, presumably due to stronger interaction of the ether oxygen lone pair electrons with a cerium cation. This interaction causes the ethers to tiltmore » away from the surface plane compared to the Ru(0001) surface. No pronounced differences were found between oxidized (CeO{sub 2}) and reduced (CeOx) films. The adsorption of the ethers was found to be perturbed by the presence of OH groups on hydroxylated CeOx. In the case of DEE, the geometry of adsorption resembles that found on Ru, and in the case of dimethyl ether DME is in between that one found on clean CeOx and the metal surface. Decomposition of the DEE was observed on the OH/CeOx surface following high DEE exposure at 300 K and higher temperatures. Ethoxides and acetates were identified as adsorbed species on the surface by means of RAIRS and ethoxides and formates by s-XPS. No decomposition of dimethyl ether was observed on the OH/CeOx at these higher temperatures, implying that the dissociation of the C-O bond from ethers requires the presence of {beta}-hydrogen.« less

Structure and Reactivity of Alkyl Ethers Adsorbed on CeO(2)(111) Model Catalysts

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

Calaza, Florencia C; Chen, Tsung-Liang; Mullins, David R

2011-01-01

The effect of surface hydroxyls on the adsorption of ether on ceria was explored. Adsorption of dimethyl ether (DME) and diethyl ether (DEE) on oxidized and reduced CeO{sub 2}(111) films was studied and compared with Ru(0001) using RAIRS and sXPS within a UHV environment. On Ru(0001) the ethers adsorb weakly with the molecular plane close to parallel to the surface plane. On the ceria films, the adsorption of the ethers was stronger than on the metal surface, presumably due to stronger interaction of the ether oxygen lone pair electrons with a cerium cation. This interaction causes the ethers to tiltmore » away from the surface plane compared to the Ru(0001) surface. No pronounced differences were found between oxidized (CeO{sub 2}) and reduced (CeOx) films. The adsorption of the ethers was found to be perturbed by the presence of OH groups on hydroxylated CeOx. In the case of DEE, the geometry of adsorption resembles that found on Ru, and in the case of dimethyl ether DME is in between that one found on clean CeOx and the metal surface. Decomposition of the DEE was observed on the OH/CeOx surface following high DEE exposure at 300 K and higher temperatures. Ethoxides and acetates were identified as adsorbed species on the surface by means of RAIRS and ethoxides and formates by s-XPS. No decomposition of dimethyl ether was observed on the OH/CeOx at these higher temperatures, implying that the dissociation of the C-O bond from ethers requires the presence of {beta}-hydrogen.« less

On the Structure Sensitivity of Dimethyl Ether Electro-oxidation on Eight FCC Metals: A First-Principles Study

DOE PAGES

Herron, Jeffrey A.; Ferrin, Peter; Mavrikakis, Manos

2015-09-24

The electro-oxidation of dimethyl ether (DME) was investigated using periodic, self-consistent density functional theory (DFT) calculations on the (111) and (100) facets of eight fcc metals: Au, Ag, Cu, Pt, Pd, Ni, Ir, and Rh. The goal of this study is to understand the experimentally observed structure sensitivity of this reaction on Pt, and to predict trends in structure sensitivity of this reaction across the other seven metals studied. The main conclusion is that the enhanced activity of Pt(100) originates from more facile C–O bond breaking and removal of surface poisoning species, including CO and CH. When comparing C–O bondmore » breaking energetics, we do not find a universal trend where these elementary steps are always more exergonic on the (100) facet. However, we find that, at a given potential, DME can be dehydrogenated (prior to breaking the C–O bond) to a greater extent on the (100) facet. Additionally, we find that the reaction energy for C–O bond breaking in CHxOCHy-type species becomes increasingly exergonic as the species becomes increasingly dehydrogenated. Together, the more facile dehydrogenation on the (100) facets provides more favorable routes to C–O bond activation. Though we calculate a lower onset potential on Au(100), Ag(100), Cu(100), Pt(100), and Pd(100) than their respective (111) facets, the calculated onset potential for Ni(100), Ir(100), and Rh(100) are actually higher than for their respective (111) facets. Lastly, by constructing theoretical volcano plots, we conclude that Au(100), Ag(100), Cu(100), Pt(100), and Pd(100) should be more active than their respective (111) facets, while Ni(100), Rh(100), and Ir(100) will show the opposite trend.« less

Elucidating electrolyte decomposition under electron-rich environments at the lithium-metal anode

DOE PAGES

Camacho-Forero, Luis E.; Balbuena, Perla B.

2017-11-07

The lithium metal anode is one of the key components of the lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries, which are considered one of the most promising candidates for the next generation of battery systems. However, one of the main challenges that have prevented Li-metal anodes from becoming feasible to be used in commercial batteries is the continuous decomposition of the electrolyte due to its high reactivity, which leads to the formation of solid–electrolyte interphase (SEI) layers. The properties of the SEI can dramatically affect the performance of the batteries. Thus, a rigorous understanding of the electrolyte decomposition is crucial to elucidate improvements inmore » performance of the Li–S technology. Here, in this work, using density functional theory (DFT) and ab initio molecular dynamics simulations (AIMD), we investigate the effect of electron-rich environments on the decomposition mechanism of electrolyte species in pure 1,2-dimethoxyethane (DME) solvent and 1 M lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI) and lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (LiFSI) salt solutions. It is found that systems with pure DME require an average environment of at least ~0.9 |e| per molecule for a DME to decompose into CH 3O - and C 2H 4 2-via a 4-electron transfer. In the case of mixtures, the salts are very prone to react with any excess of electrons. In addition, DME dehydrogenation due to reactions with fragments coming from the salt decompositions was detected. Formation of oligomer anionic species from DME and salt fragments were also identified from the AIMD simulations. Finally, the thermodynamics and kinetics of the most relevant electrolyte decomposition reactions were characterized. DME decomposition reactions predicted from the AIMD simulations were found to be thermodynamically favorable under exposure to Li atoms and/or by reactions with salt fragments. Lastly, in most cases, these reactions were shown to have low to moderate activation barriers.« less

Elucidating electrolyte decomposition under electron-rich environments at the lithium-metal anode

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

Camacho-Forero, Luis E.; Balbuena, Perla B.

The lithium metal anode is one of the key components of the lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries, which are considered one of the most promising candidates for the next generation of battery systems. However, one of the main challenges that have prevented Li-metal anodes from becoming feasible to be used in commercial batteries is the continuous decomposition of the electrolyte due to its high reactivity, which leads to the formation of solid–electrolyte interphase (SEI) layers. The properties of the SEI can dramatically affect the performance of the batteries. Thus, a rigorous understanding of the electrolyte decomposition is crucial to elucidate improvements inmore » performance of the Li–S technology. Here, in this work, using density functional theory (DFT) and ab initio molecular dynamics simulations (AIMD), we investigate the effect of electron-rich environments on the decomposition mechanism of electrolyte species in pure 1,2-dimethoxyethane (DME) solvent and 1 M lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI) and lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (LiFSI) salt solutions. It is found that systems with pure DME require an average environment of at least ~0.9 |e| per molecule for a DME to decompose into CH 3O - and C 2H 4 2-via a 4-electron transfer. In the case of mixtures, the salts are very prone to react with any excess of electrons. In addition, DME dehydrogenation due to reactions with fragments coming from the salt decompositions was detected. Formation of oligomer anionic species from DME and salt fragments were also identified from the AIMD simulations. Finally, the thermodynamics and kinetics of the most relevant electrolyte decomposition reactions were characterized. DME decomposition reactions predicted from the AIMD simulations were found to be thermodynamically favorable under exposure to Li atoms and/or by reactions with salt fragments. Lastly, in most cases, these reactions were shown to have low to moderate activation barriers.« less

Elucidating electrolyte decomposition under electron-rich environments at the lithium-metal anode.

PubMed

Camacho-Forero, Luis E; Balbuena, Perla B

2017-11-22

The lithium metal anode is one of the key components of the lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries, which are considered one of the most promising candidates for the next generation of battery systems. However, one of the main challenges that have prevented Li-metal anodes from becoming feasible to be used in commercial batteries is the continuous decomposition of the electrolyte due to its high reactivity, which leads to the formation of solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) layers. The properties of the SEI can dramatically affect the performance of the batteries. Thus, a rigorous understanding of the electrolyte decomposition is crucial to elucidate improvements in performance of the Li-S technology. In this work, using density functional theory (DFT) and ab initio molecular dynamics simulations (AIMD), we investigate the effect of electron-rich environments on the decomposition mechanism of electrolyte species in pure 1,2-dimethoxyethane (DME) solvent and 1 M lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI) and lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (LiFSI) salt solutions. It is found that systems with pure DME require an average environment of at least ∼0.9 |e| per molecule for a DME to decompose into CH 3 O - and C 2 H 4 2- via a 4-electron transfer. In the case of mixtures, the salts are very prone to react with any excess of electrons. In addition, DME dehydrogenation due to reactions with fragments coming from the salt decompositions was detected. Formation of oligomer anionic species from DME and salt fragments were also identified from the AIMD simulations. Finally, the thermodynamics and kinetics of the most relevant electrolyte decomposition reactions were characterized. DME decomposition reactions predicted from the AIMD simulations were found to be thermodynamically favorable under exposure to Li atoms and/or by reactions with salt fragments. In most cases, these reactions were shown to have low to moderate activation barriers.

Long-term effectiveness of ranibizumab for age-related macular degeneration and diabetic macular edema

PubMed Central

Fong, Angie HC; Lai, Timothy YY

2013-01-01

Neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic macular edema (DME) are major causes of visual impairment in the elderly population worldwide. With the aging population, the prevalence of neovascular AMD and DME has increased substantially over the recent years. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has been implicated as playing an important role in the pathogenesis of both neovascular AMD and DME. Since its introduction in 2006, ranibizumab, a recombinant, humanized, monoclonal antibody fragment against all isoforms of VEGF-A, has revolutionized the treatment of neovascular AMD and DME. The efficacy and safety of ranibizumab in neovascular AMD has been demonstrated in the ANCHOR and MARINA trials. Further studies including the PIER, PrONTO, and SUSTAIN trials have also evaluated the optimal dosing regimen of ranibizumab in neovascular AMD. The CATT and IVAN trials compared the safety and efficacy of ranibizumab with off-label use of bevacizumab. Studies such as SUSTAIN and HORIZON have shown that ranibizumab has a good safety profile and is well tolerated for over 4 years with very few serious ocular and systemic adverse events. For DME, Phase II RESOLVE study and Phase III RISE and RIDE studies have demonstrated superiority of ranibizumab treatment in improving vision over placebo controls. Phase II READ and Phase III RESOLVE and REVEAL studies have shown that ranibizumab is more effective both as monotherapy and in combination with laser compared with laser monotherapy. The 3-year results from the DRCRnet protocol I study found that ranibizumab with deferred laser resulted in better long-term visual outcome compared with ranibizumab with prompt laser. This review summarizes various important clinical trials on the long-term efficacy and safety of ranibizumab in the treatment of neovascular AMD and DME. The pharmacological properties of ranibizumab, its cost effectiveness, and impact on quality of life will also be discussed. PMID:23766636

Association of Diabetic Macular Edema and Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy With Cardiovascular Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

PubMed

Xie, Jing; Ikram, M Kamran; Cotch, Mary Frances; Klein, Barbara; Varma, Rohit; Shaw, Jonathan E; Klein, Ronald; Mitchell, Paul; Lamoureux, Ecosse L; Wong, Tien Yin

2017-06-01

Previous studies on the relationship between diabetic retinopathy (DR) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) focused on the early stages of DR. Understanding whether patients with type 2 diabetes and severe stages of DR (diabetic macular edema [DME] and proliferative diabetic retinopathy [PDR]) have a higher risk of CVD will allow physicians to more effectively counsel patients. To examine the association of severe stages of DR (DME and PDR) with incident CVD in patients with type 2 diabetes. English-language publications were reviewed for articles evaluating the relationship of DR and CVD in MEDLINE, EMBASE, Current Contents, and the Cochrane Library from inception (January 1, 1950) to December 31, 2014, using the search terms diabetic retinopathy OR macular edema AND stroke OR cerebrovascular disease OR coronary artery disease OR heart failure OR myocardial infarction OR angina pectoris OR acute coronary syndrome OR coronary artery disease OR cardiomyopathy. Among 656 studies screened for eligibility, 7604 individuals were included from 8 prospective population-based studies with data on photographic-based DR grading, follow-up visits, and well-defined incident CVD end point. Two independent reviewers conducted a systematic search of the 4 databases, and a single pooled database was developed. Incidence rate ratios (IRRs) were estimated for patients with DME, PDR, and vision-threatening DR, compared with persons without these conditions, by using individual participant data followed by a standard inverse-variance meta-analysis (2-step analysis). The review and analyses were performed from January 1, 2009, to January 1, 2017. Incident CVD, including coronary heart disease, stroke, or death from cardiovascular causes. Among 7604 patients with type 2 diabetes, the prevalence of DME was 4.6% and PDR, 7.4%. After a mean follow-up of 5.9 years (range, 3.2-10.1 years), 1203 incident CVD events, including 916 coronary heart disease cases, were reported. Persons with DME or PDR were more likely to have incident CVD (IRR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.16-1.67) and fatal CVD (IRR, 2.33; 95% CI, 1.49-3.67) compared with those without DME or PDR. Patients with type 2 diabetes and DME or PDR have an increased risk of incident CVD, which suggests that these persons should be followed up more closely to prevent CVD.

77 FR 65256 - IFR Altitudes; Miscellaneous Amendments

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-10-26

... FEDERAL AIRWAY V263 Is Amended To Read in Part HUGO, CO VOR/DME *LIMEX, CO FIX **10000 *10000--MRA **8500--MOCA **9000--GNSS MEA *LIMEX, CO FIX AKRON, CO VOR/DME....... **8500 *10000--MRA **7200--MOCA Sec. 95... V611 Is Amended To Read in Part JEFEL, CO FIX *LIMEX, CO FIX 85 00 [[Page 65260

14 CFR 91.711 - Special rules for foreign civil aircraft.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... crewmember of that aircraft is able to conduct two-way radio communications in the English language and is on... is able to conduct two-way radiotelephone communications in the English language and that crewmember... approved DME or a suitable RNAV system. When the DME or RNAV system required by this paragraph fails at and...

42 CFR 409.50 - Coinsurance for durable medical equipment (DME) furnished as a home health service.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 42 Public Health 2 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Coinsurance for durable medical equipment (DME) furnished as a home health service. 409.50 Section 409.50 Public Health CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES MEDICARE PROGRAM HOSPITAL INSURANCE BENEFITS Home Health...

78 FR 22190 - Modification of Area Navigation (RNAV) Route T-266; AK

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-04-15

...; AK AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. SUMMARY: This action... modifying RNAV route T-266 in Alaska. T-266 is currently defined by the Coghland Island, AK, NDB, the Fredericks Point, AK, NDB and the Annette Island, AK, VOR/DME. The Annette Island VOR/DME remains as one end...

New V and V Tools for Diagnostic Modeling Environment (DME)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pecheur, Charles; Nelson, Stacy; Merriam, Marshall (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

The purpose of this report is to provide correctness and reliability criteria for verification and validation (V&V) of Second Generation Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) Diagnostic Modeling Environment, describe current NASA Ames Research Center tools for V&V of Model Based Reasoning systems, and discuss the applicability of Advanced V&V to DME. This report is divided into the following three sections: (1) correctness and reliability criteria; (2) tools for V&V of Model Based Reasoning; and (3) advanced V&V applicable to DME. The Executive Summary includes an overview of the main points from each section. Supporting details, diagrams, figures, and other information are included in subsequent sections. A glossary, acronym list, appendices, and references are included at the end of this report.

Solid-Liquid Lithium Electrolyte Nanocomposites Derived from Porous Molecular Cages.

PubMed

Petronico, Aaron; Moneypenny, Timothy P; Nicolau, Bruno G; Moore, Jeffrey S; Nuzzo, Ralph G; Gewirth, Andrew A

2018-06-20

We demonstrate that solid-liquid nanocomposites derived from porous organic cages are effective lithium ion electrolytes at room temperature. A solid-liquid electrolyte nanocomposite (SLEN) fabricated from a LiTFSI/DME electrolyte system and a porous organic cage exhibits ionic conductivity on the order of 1 × 10 -3 S cm -1 . With an experimentally measured activation barrier of 0.16 eV, this composite is characterized as a superionic conductor. Furthermore, the SLEN displays excellent oxidative stability up to 4.7 V vs Li/Li + . This simple three-component system enables the rational design of electrolytes from tunable discrete molecular architectures.

Adapting the forms of yesterday to the functions of today and the needs of tomorrow: a genealogical case study of clinical teaching units in Canada.

PubMed

Schrewe, Brett; Pratt, Daniel D; McKellin, William H

2016-05-01

Emergent discourses of social responsibility and accountability have in part fuelled the expansion of distributed medical education (DME). In addition to its potential for redressing physician maldistribution, DME has conferred multiple unexpected educational benefits. In several countries, its recent rise has occurred around the boundaries of traditional medical education practices. Canada has been no exception, with DME proliferating against a backdrop of its longstanding central node, the clinical teaching unit (CTU). The CTU first appeared just over 50 years ago with its position in Canadian health care largely taken-for-granted. Given the increasing prominence of DME, however, it is timely to reconsider what the place of tertiary centre-based practices such as the CTU might be in shifting medical education systems. From a genealogical perspective, it becomes clear that the CTU did not just "happen". Rather, its creation was made possible by multiple interrelated cultural, social, and political changes in Canadian society that, while subtle, are powerfully influential. Making them visible offers a better opportunity to harmonize the benefits of longstanding entities such as the CTU with novel practices such as DME. In so doing, the medical education field may sidestep the pitfalls of investing significant resources that may only produce superficial changes while unwittingly obstructing deeper transformations and improvements. Although this work is refracted through a Canadian prism, reconceptualizing the overall design of medical education systems to take advantage of both tradition and innovation is a persistent challenge across the international spectrum, resistant to tests of time and constraints of context.

Microscopically based energy density functionals for nuclei using the density matrix expansion: Implementation and pre-optimization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stoitsov, M.; Kortelainen, M.; Bogner, S. K.; Duguet, T.; Furnstahl, R. J.; Gebremariam, B.; Schunck, N.

2010-11-01

In a recent series of articles, Gebremariam, Bogner, and Duguet derived a microscopically based nuclear energy density functional by applying the density matrix expansion (DME) to the Hartree-Fock energy obtained from chiral effective field theory two- and three-nucleon interactions. Owing to the structure of the chiral interactions, each coupling in the DME functional is given as the sum of a coupling constant arising from zero-range contact interactions and a coupling function of the density arising from the finite-range pion exchanges. Because the contact contributions have essentially the same structure as those entering empirical Skyrme functionals, a microscopically guided Skyrme phenomenology has been suggested in which the contact terms in the DME functional are released for optimization to finite-density observables to capture short-range correlation energy contributions from beyond Hartree-Fock. The present article is the first attempt to assess the ability of the newly suggested DME functional, which has a much richer set of density dependencies than traditional Skyrme functionals, to generate sensible and stable results for nuclear applications. The results of the first proof-of-principle calculations are given, and numerous practical issues related to the implementation of the new functional in existing Skyrme codes are discussed. Using a restricted singular value decomposition optimization procedure, it is found that the new DME functional gives numerically stable results and exhibits a small but systematic reduction of our test χ2 function compared to standard Skyrme functionals, thus justifying its suitability for future global optimizations and large-scale calculations.

Legal and Regulatory Challenges Currently Facing Diabetes Treatment Providers and Related Durable Medical Equipment Suppliers

PubMed Central

Liles, Robert

2013-01-01

It has been estimated that 24 million Americans have diabetes, many of whom are Medicare beneficiaries. These individuals carefully monitor their blood glucose levels primarily through the use of in-home blood glucose testing kits. Although the test is relatively simple, the cumulative expense of providing glucose test strips and lancets to patients is ever increasing, both to the Medicare program and to uninsured individuals who must pay out-of-pocket for these testing supplies. This article discusses the diabetes durable medical equipment (DME) coverage under Part B Medicare, the establishment and role of DME Medicare administrative contractors, and national and local coverage requirements for diabetes DME suppliers. This article also discusses the federal government’s ongoing concerns regarding the improper billing of diabetes testing supplies. To protect the Medicare Trust Fund, the federal government has contracted with multiple private entities to conduct reviews and audits of questionable Medicare claims. These private sector contractors have conducted unannounced site visits of DME supplier offices, interviewed patients and their families, placed suppliers on prepayment review, and conducted extensive postpayment audits of prior paid Medicare claims. In more egregious administrative cases, Medicare contractors have recommended that problematic providers and/or DME suppliers have their Medicare numbers suspended or, in some instances, revoked. More serious infractions can lead to civil or criminal liability. In the final part of this article, we will examine the future of enforcement efforts by law enforcement and Medicare contractors and the importance of understanding and complying with federal laws when ordering and supplying diabetes testing strips and lancets. PMID:23566989

76 FR 13438 - AccessTel, Inc., American Asset Management Corp., DME Interactive Holdings, Inc., DocuPort, Inc...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-03-11

... SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [File No. 500-1] AccessTel, Inc., American Asset Management Corp., DME Interactive Holdings, Inc., DocuPort, Inc., and iCarbon Corp., Order of Suspension of Trading March 8, 2011. It appears to the Securities and Exchange Commission that there is a lack of current and accurate information concerning the...

76 FR 28171 - Standard Instrument Approach Procedures, and Takeoff Minimums and Obstacle Departure Procedures...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-05-16

...-Clyde Ice Field, Takeoff Minimum and Obstacle DP, Amdt 1 Gladewater, TX, Gladewater Muni, Takeoff... Field, VOR/DME RWY 12, Amdt 4 Devil's Lake, ND, Devil's Lake Rgnl, ILS OR LOC/DME RWY 31, Amdt 2 Devil's Lake, ND, Devil's Lake Rgnl, RNAV (GPS) RWY 3, Amdt 1 Ely, NV, Ely Airport-Yelland Field, Takeoff...

Adapting the Forms of Yesterday to the Functions of Today and the Needs of Tomorrow: A Genealogical Case Study of Clinical Teaching Units in Canada

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schrewe, Brett; Pratt, Daniel D.; McKellin, William H.

2016-01-01

Emergent discourses of social responsibility and accountability have in part fuelled the expansion of distributed medical education (DME). In addition to its potential for redressing physician maldistribution, DME has conferred multiple unexpected educational benefits. In several countries, its recent rise has occurred around the boundaries of…

77 FR 24369 - Standard Instrument Approach Procedures, and Takeoff Minimums and Obstacle Departure Procedures...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-04-24

..., VOR-A, Amdt 7 Washington, DC, Ronald Reagan Washington National, COPTER ILS OR LOC/DME RWY 1, Amdt 1 Washington, DC, Ronald Reagan Washington National, ILS OR LOC/DME RWY 1, ILS RWY 1 (SA CAT I), ILS RWY 1 (CAT II), Amdt 41 Washington, DC, Ronald Reagan Washington National, RNAV (RNP) RWY 1, Amdt 1 Washington...

14 CFR 91.161 - Special awareness training required for pilots flying under visual flight rules within a 60...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... pilots flying under visual flight rules within a 60-nautical mile radius of the Washington, DC VOR/DME... Rules Visual Flight Rules § 91.161 Special awareness training required for pilots flying under visual...-nautical mile radius of the Washington, DC VOR/DME under visual flight rules (VFR). Except as provided...

Dimethyl ether (DME) as an alternative fuel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Semelsberger, Troy A.; Borup, Rodney L.; Greene, Howard L.

With ever growing concerns on environmental pollution, energy security, and future oil supplies, the global community is seeking non-petroleum based alternative fuels, along with more advanced energy technologies (e.g., fuel cells) to increase the efficiency of energy use. The most promising alternative fuel will be the fuel that has the greatest impact on society. The major impact areas include well-to-wheel greenhouse gas emissions, non-petroleum feed stocks, well-to-wheel efficiencies, fuel versatility, infrastructure, availability, economics, and safety. Compared to some of the other leading alternative fuel candidates (i.e., methane, methanol, ethanol, and Fischer-Tropsch fuels), dimethyl ether appears to have the largest potential impact on society, and should be considered as the fuel of choice for eliminating the dependency on petroleum. DME can be used as a clean high-efficiency compression ignition fuel with reduced NO x, SO x, and particulate matter, it can be efficiently reformed to hydrogen at low temperatures, and does not have large issues with toxicity, production, infrastructure, and transportation as do various other fuels. The literature relevant to DME use is reviewed and summarized to demonstrate the viability of DME as an alternative fuel.

Interdigitation Zone Band Restoration After Treatment of Diabetic Macular Edema.

PubMed

Serizawa, Satoshi; Ohkoshi, Kishiko; Minowa, Yuko; Soejima, Kumiko

2016-09-01

To investigate whether the integrity of the interdigitation zone band, the ellipsoid zone band, and the external limiting membrane are reliable markers of treatment outcome in diabetic macular edema (DME). In this retrospective study, we examined 41 treatment-naïve eyes (38 patients) with DME that were treated with laser therapy, pharmacotherapy, and/or vitrectomy. Best-corrected visual acuity and the integrity of the interdigitation zone band, the ellipsoid zone band, and the external limiting membrane were assessed before treatment and at 3, 6, and 12 months after DME treatment. One year after treatment, the external limiting membrane, ellipsoid zone band, and interdigitation zone band were completely visible in 30 (73.2%), 24 (58.5%), and 2 (4.9%) eyes, respectively. Interdigitation zone band status improved significantly (P = 0.005) 1 year after treatment. The interdigitation zone did not improve in the absence of the ellipsoid zone band. Likewise, ellipsoid zone status did not improve in the absence of the external limiting membrane at any time after treatment. The results of this study show that restoration of the interdigitation zone band constitutes a very sensitive marker of DME treatment outcome when the ellipsoid zone band is visible before treatment.

Intravitreal Bevacizumab (Avastin) for Diabetic Retinopathy: The 2010 GLADAOF Lecture

PubMed Central

Arevalo, J. Fernando; Sanchez, Juan G.; Lasave, Andres F.; Wu, Lihteh; Maia, Mauricio; Bonafonte, Sergio; Brito, Miguel; Alezzandrini, Arturo A.; Restrepo, Natalia; Berrocal, Maria H.; Saravia, Mario; Farah, Michel Eid; Fromow-Guerra, Jans; Morales-Canton, Virgilio

2011-01-01

This paper demonstrates multiple benefits of intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) on diabetic retinopathy (DR) including diabetic macular edema (DME) and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) at 24 months of followup. This is a retrospective multicenter interventional comparative case series of intravitreal injections of 1.25 or 2.5 mg of bevacizumab for DME, PDR without tractional retinal detachment (TRD), and patients who experienced the development or progression of TRD after an intravitreal injection of 1.25 or 2.5 mg of bevacizumab before vitrectomy for the management of PDR. The results indicate that IVB injections may have a beneficial effect on macular thickness and visual acuity (VA) in diffuse DME. Therefore, in the future this new therapy could complement focal/grid laser photocoagulation in DME. In PDR, this new option could be an adjuvant agent to panretina photocoagulation so that more selective therapy may be applied. Finally, TRD in PDR may occur or progress after IVB used as an adjuvant to vitrectomy. Surgery should be performed 4 days after IVB. Most patients had poorly controlled diabetes mellitus associated with elevated HbA1c, insulin administration, PDR refractory to panretinal photocoagulation, and longer time between IVB and vitrectomy. PMID:21584260

The use of gaseous fuels mixtures for SI engines propulsion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Flekiewicz, M.; Kubica, G.

2016-09-01

Paper presents results of SI engine tests, carried on for different gaseous fuels. Carried out analysis made it possible to define correlation between fuel composition and engine operating parameters. Tests covered various gaseous mixtures: of methane and hydrogen and LPG with DME featuring different shares. The first group, considered as low carbon content fuels can be characterized by low CO2 emissions. Flammability of hydrogen added in those mixtures realizes the function of combustion process activator. That is why hydrogen addition improves the energy conversion by about 3%. The second group of fuels is constituted by LPG and DME mixtures. DME mixes perfectly with LPG, and differently than in case of other hydrocarbon fuels consists also of oxygen makes the stoichiometric mixture less oxygen demanding. In case of this fuel an improvement in engine volumetric and overall engine efficiency has been noticed, when compared to LPG. For the 11% DME share in the mixture an improvement of 2% in the efficiency has been noticed. During the tests standard CNG/LPG feeding systems have been used, what underlines utility value of the research. The stand tests results have been followed by combustion process simulation including exhaust forming and charge exchange.

Development of a VOR/DME model for an advanced concepts simulator

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Steinmetz, G. G.; Bowles, R. L.

1984-01-01

The report presents a definition of a VOR/DME, airborne and ground systems simulation model. This description was drafted in response to a need in the creation of an advanced concepts simulation in which flight station design for the 1980 era can be postulated and examined. The simulation model described herein provides a reasonable representation of VOR/DME station in the continental United States including area coverage by type and noise errors. The detail in which the model has been cast provides the interested researcher with a moderate fidelity level simulator tool for conducting research and evaluation of navigator algorithms. Assumptions made within the development are listed and place certain responsibilities (data bases, communication with other simulation modules, uniform round earth, etc.) upon the researcher.

Variable optical attenuator and dynamic mode group equalizer for few mode fibers.

PubMed

Blau, Miri; Weiss, Israel; Gerufi, Jonathan; Sinefeld, David; Bin-Nun, Moran; Lingle, Robert; Grüner-Nielsen, Lars; Marom, Dan M

2014-12-15

Variable optical attenuation (VOA) for three-mode fiber is experimentally presented, utilizing an amplitude spatial light modulator (SLM), achieving up to -28dB uniform attenuation for all modes. Using the ability to spatially vary the attenuation distribution with the SLM, we also achieve up to 10dB differential attenuation between the fiber's two supported mode group (LP₀₁ and LP₁₁). The spatially selective attenuation serves as the basis of a dynamic mode-group equalizer (DME), potentially gain-balancing mode dependent optical amplification. We extend the experimental three mode DME functionality with a performance analysis of a fiber supporting 6 spatial modes in four mode groups. The spatial modes' distribution and overlap limit the available dynamic range and performance of the DME in the higher mode count case.

Multifocal electroretinography changes at the 1-year follow-up in a cohort of diabetic macular edema patients treated with ranibizumab.

PubMed

Baget-Bernaldiz, Marc; Romero-Aroca, Pedro; Bautista-Perez, Angel; Mercado, Joaquin

2017-10-01

To determine the changes in the multifocal electroretinogram (mfERG) at 1 year in a clinical series of diabetic macular edema (DME) patients treated with ranibizumab (RNBZ) using a pro re nata protocol. We analyzed a clinical series of 35 eyes of 35 patients with DME at baseline and after treating them with RNBZ over 1 year, in order to determine the change in the macular function, which was assessed by means of the response density and the implicit time of the first-order kernel (FOK) P1 wave of the mfERG at the foveola (R1), fovea (R2) and parafovea (R3). These electrophysiological parameters were studied taking into account different independent variables, such as DME type, degree of diabetic retinopathy (DR), level of preservation of both the ellipsoid zone (IS/OS) and the external limiting membrane (ELM) and changes in central retinal thickness (CRT) and total macular volume (TMV). We also studied the relationship between the response density and the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA). Eyes with cystic and spongiform DME showed better response density with respect to the serous type (p < 0.001) at baseline. Similarly, eyes with high IS/OS and ELM preservation rates showed higher initial response density compared to the others (p < 0.001). Eyes with moderate DR had better response density compared to those with severe and proliferative DR (p = 0.001). At the beginning of the study, those eyes with proliferative and severe DR showed longer implicit times with respect to those with moderate DR (p = 0.04). The response density significantly increased in eyes that anatomically restored the IS/OS and the ELM after being treated with RNBZ (both p < 0.001). Similarly, eyes with spongiform DME further improved the response density with respect to those with cystic and serous DME (p < 0.001). On the contrary, eyes with hard exudates showed less improvement in their response density at the end of the study (p < 0.001). We observed a significant relationship between BCVA and the response density achieved at the end of the study (p = 0.012). Eyes with severe and proliferative DR significantly shortened implicit time compared to those with moderate DR (p = 0.04). The multifocal electroretinogram allowed us to differentiate groups of eyes with DME according to their electrophysiological profile, both initially and after being treated with RNBZ. Ranibizumab increased the response density in all DME types included in the study, with a maximum response in those eyes with spongiform type. Once treated with RNBZ, the macular electrophysiological activity improved in eyes that had a well-preserved ellipsoid zone and ELM. The presence of hard exudates was a limitation to the response density achieved at the foveola.

Partial oxidation power plant with reheating and method thereof

DOEpatents

Newby, Richard A.; Yang, Wen-Ching; Bannister, Ronald L.

1999-01-01

A system and method for generating power having an air compression/partial oxidation system, a turbine, and a primary combustion system. The air compression/partial oxidation system receives a first air stream and a fuel stream and produces a first partially oxidized fuel stream and a first compressed air stream therefrom. The turbine expands the first partially oxidized fuel stream while being cooled by the first compressed air stream to produce a heated air stream. The heated air stream is injected into the expanding first partially oxidized fuel stream, thereby reheating it in the turbine. A second partially oxidized fuel stream is emitted from the turbine. The primary combustion system receives said second partially oxidized fuel stream and a second air stream, combusts said second partially oxidized fuel stream, and produces rotating shaft power and an emission stream therefrom.

SU-G-BRC-15: The Potential Clinical Significance of Dose Mapping Error for Intra- Fraction Dose Mapping for Lung Cancer Patients

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

Sayah, N; Weiss, E; Watkins, W

Purpose: To evaluate the dose-mapping error (DME) inherent to conventional dose-mapping algorithms as a function of dose-matrix resolution. Methods: As DME has been reported to be greatest where dose-gradients overlap tissue-density gradients, non-clinical 66 Gy IMRT plans were generated for 11 lung patients with the target edge defined as the maximum 3D density gradient on the 0% (end of inhale) breathing phase. Post-optimization, Beams were copied to 9 breathing phases. Monte Carlo dose computed (with 2*2*2 mm{sup 3} resolution) on all 10 breathing phases was deformably mapped to phase 0% using the Monte Carlo energy-transfer method with congruent mass-mapping (EMCM);more » an externally implemented tri-linear interpolation method with voxel sub-division; Pinnacle’s internal (tri-linear) method; and a post-processing energy-mass voxel-warping method (dTransform). All methods used the same base displacement-vector-field (or it’s pseudo-inverse as appropriate) for the dose mapping. Mapping was also performed at 4*4*4 mm{sup 3} by merging adjacent dose voxels. Results: Using EMCM as the reference standard, no clinically significant (>1 Gy) DMEs were found for the mean lung dose (MLD), lung V20Gy, or esophagus dose-volume indices, although MLD and V20Gy were statistically different (2*2*2 mm{sup 3}). Pinnacle-to-EMCM target D98% DMEs of 4.4 and 1.2 Gy were observed ( 2*2*2 mm{sup 3}). However dTransform, which like EMCM conserves integral dose, had DME >1 Gy for one case. The root mean square RMS of the DME for the tri-linear-to- EMCM methods was lower for the smaller voxel volume for the tumor 4D-D98%, lung V20Gy, and cord D1%. Conclusion: When tissue gradients overlap with dose gradients, organs-at-risk DME was statistically significant but not clinically significant. Target-D98%-DME was deemed clinically significant for 2/11 patients (2*2*2 mm{sup 3}). Since tri-linear RMS-DME between EMCM and tri-linear was reduced at 2*2*2 mm{sup 3}, use of this resolution is recommended for dose mapping. Interpolative dose methods are sufficiently accurate for the majority of cases. J.V. Siebers receives funding support from Varian Medical Systems.« less

Methyl Salicylate: A Reactive Chemical Warfare Agent Surrogate to Detect Reaction with Hypochlorite (POSTPRINT)

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-05-01

DMeS11,12 (tR = 14.83 min). The 3,5- DMeS crystallized spontaneously11 as colorless needles, melting point 143 146 C; 1HNMRdata: δ 7.785, 1Hd, J = 2.6 Hz, H...dichloro-phenol. Figure 2 shows two possible mecha- nisms, both promoted by the phenolic oxygen center— tautomerization to a β- keto acid and β

A simplified noninvasive method to measure airway blood flow in humans.

PubMed

Wanner, Adam; Mendes, Eliana S; Atkins, Neal D

2006-05-01

Our laboratory has previously developed and validated a noninvasive soluble gas uptake method to measure airway blood flow (Qaw) in humans (Onorato DJ, Demirozu MC, Breitenbücher A, Atkins ND, Chediak AD, and Wanner A. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 149: 1132-1137, 1994; Scuri M, McCaskill V, Chediak AD, Abraham WM, and Wanner A. J Appl Physiol 79: 1386-1390, 1995). The method has the disadvantage of requiring eight breath-hold maneuvers for a single Qaw measurement, a complicated data analysis, and the inhalation of a potentially explosive gas mixture containing dimethylether (DME) and O2. Because of these shortcomings, the method thus far has not been used in other laboratories. We now simplified the method by having the subjects inhale 500 ml of a 10% DME-90% N2 gas mixture to fill the anatomical dead space, followed by a 5- or 15-s breath hold, and measuring the instantaneous DME and N2 concentrations and volume at the airway opening during the subsequent exhalation. From the difference in DME concentration in phase 1 of the expired N2 wash-in curve multiplied by the phase 1 dead space volume and divided by the mean DME concentration and the solubility coefficient for DME in tissue, Qaw can be calculated by using Fick's equation. We compared the new method to the validated old method in 10 healthy subjects and found mean +/- SE Qaw values of 34.6 +/- 2.3 and 34.6 +/- 2.8 microl.min(-1).ml(-1), respectively (r = 0.93; upper and lower 95% confidence limit +2.48 and -2.47). Using the new method, the mean coefficient of variation for two consecutive measurements was 4.4% (range 0-10.4%); inhalation of 1.2 mg albuterol caused a 53 +/- 14% increase in Qaw (P = 0.02) and inhalation of 2.4 mg methoxamine caused a 32 +/- 7% decrease in Qaw (P = 0.07). We conclude that the new method provides reliable values of and detects the expected changes in Qaw with vasoactive drugs. The simplicity and improved safety of the method should improve its acceptability for the noninvasive assessment of Qaw in clinical research.

Nonmydriatic ultrawide field retinal imaging compared with dilated standard 7-field 35-mm photography and retinal specialist examination for evaluation of diabetic retinopathy.

PubMed

Silva, Paolo S; Cavallerano, Jerry D; Sun, Jennifer K; Noble, Jason; Aiello, Lloyd M; Aiello, Lloyd Paul

2012-09-01

To compare nonmydriatic stereoscopic Optomap ultrawide field images with dilated stereoscopic Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study 7-standard field 35-mm color 30-degree fundus photographs (ETDRS photography) and clinical examination for determining diabetic retinopathy (DR) and diabetic macular edema (DME) severity. Single-site, prospective, comparative, instrument validation study. One hundred three diabetic patients (206 eyes) representing the full spectrum of DR severity underwent nonmydriatic ultrawide field 100-degree and 200-degree imaging, dilated ETDRS photography, and dilated fundus examination by a retina specialist. Two independent readers graded images to determine DR and DME severity. A third masked retina specialist adjudicated discrepancies. Based on ETDRS photography (n = 200), the results were as follows: no DR (n = 25 eyes [12.5%]), mild nonproliferative DR (NPDR; 47 [23.5%]), moderate NPDR (61 [30.5%]), severe NPDR (11 [5.5%]), very severe NPDR (3 [1.5%]), and proliferative DR (52 [2.5%]). One (0.5%) eye was ungradable and 6 eyes did not complete ETDRS photography. No DME was found in 114 eyes (57.0%), DME was found in 28 eyes (14.0%), and clinically significant DME was found in 47 eyes (23.5%), and 11 (5.5%) eyes were ungradable. Exact DR severity agreement between ultrawide field 100-degree imaging and ETDRS photography occurred in 84%, with agreement within 1 level in 91% (K(W) = 0.85; K = 0.79). Nonmydriatic ultrawide field images exactly matched clinical examination results for DR in 70% and were within 1 level in 93% (K(W) = 0.71; K = 0.61). Nonmydriatic ultrawide field imaging acquisition time was less than half that of dilated ETDRS photography (P < .0001). Nonmydriatic ultrawide field images compare favorably with dilated ETDRS photography and dilated fundus examination in determining DR and DME severity; however, they are acquired more rapidly. If confirmed in broader diabetic populations, nonmydriatic ultrawide field imaging may prove to be beneficial in DR evaluation in research and clinical settings. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Individuals' Perspectives on Coping with Vision Loss from Diabetic Retinopathy.

PubMed

Sturrock, Bonnie A; Rees, Gwyneth; Lamoureux, Ecosse L; Wong, Tien Y; Holloway, Edith; Fenwick, Eva K

2018-04-01

People with vision loss from diabetic retinopathy (DR) and diabetic macular edema (DME) use problem-focused and emotion-regulation strategies that may influence their short- and longer-term adaptation and psychological outcomes. Our findings can assist the development of models of adjustment to DR/DME-related vision loss and treatments focused on adaptation. To qualitatively determine the coping strategies used by participants with vision loss resulting from DR/DME. Fifty-seven participants with DR/DME engaged in one of eight focus groups or one of 18 semistructured interviews. Participants were mostly older than 55 years (mean, 58.7 years) and male (68%) and had type 2 diabetes (74%; median duration, 17 years). Almost 50% had proliferative DR, 95% had undergone laser treatment, and 42% had DME; 68%, 14% and 14% had none, mild (<0.3 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution ≤ 0.48), and moderate-severe vision impairment (>0.48 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution) in the better eye. Focus groups/interviews were transcribed verbatim and iteratively analyzed using the constant comparative method. Qualitative software NVivo 2008 was used to sort/store the data. Our top-down and bottom-up approach to conceptualize the data was informed by the Transactional Model of Stress and Coping. Coping efforts were mostly problem focused (64%) with seven subthemes: problem solving, passive coping, changing activities to suit a new ability level, active coping, rehearsing alternative outcomes, maintaining independence, and information seeking. Emotion-regulation strategies were distraction, acceptance, alternative adaptive thinking, avoidance, expressing emotions, denial, and changing emotions. Meaning-based coping strategies included mindfulness and engaging in meaningful activities. Themes relating to adaptation and moderators to coping (e.g., dispositional optimism) are outlined. Participants described a variety of ways to cope. Some strategies are likely to improve functioning and decrease distress, whereas others are expected to reduce immediate distress while perpetuating this in the longer term. Our findings may assist researchers to develop models of adjustment to DR/DME-related vision loss and psychosocial/educational interventions focused on adaptation.

Prevalence of diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema in a primary care-based teleophthalmology program for American Indians and Alaskan Natives.

PubMed

Bursell, Sven-Erik; Fonda, Stephanie J; Lewis, Drew G; Horton, Mark B

2018-01-01

Diabetes and its complications are more common in American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN) than other US racial/ethnic populations. Prior reports of diabetic retinopathy (DR) prevalence in AI/AN are dated, and research on diabetic macular edema (DME) is limited. This study characterizes the recent prevalence of DR and DME in AI/AN using primary care-based teleophthalmology surveillance. This is a multi-site, clinic-based, cross-sectional study of DR and DME. The sample is composed of AI /AN patients with diabetes (n = 53,998), served by the nationally distributed Indian Health Service-Joslin Vision Network Teleophthalmology Program (IHS-JVN) in primary care clinics of US Indian Health Service (IHS), Tribal, and Urban Indian health care facilities (I/T/U) from 1 November 2011 to 31 October 2016. Patients were recruited opportunistically for a retinal examination using the IHS-JVN during their regular diabetes care. The IHS-JVN used clinically validated, non-mydriatic, retinal imaging and retinopathy assessment protocols to identify the severity levels of non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR), proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR), DME, and sight threatening retinopathy (STR; a composite measure). Key social-demographic (age, gender, IHS area), diabetes-related health (diabetes therapy, duration of diabetes, A1c), and imaging technology variables were examined. The analysis calculated frequencies and percentages of severity levels of disease. Prevalence of any NPDR, PDR, DME, and STR among AI/AN patients undergoing DR teleophthalmology surveillance by IHS-JVN was 17.7%, 2.3%, 2.3%, and 4.2%, respectively. Prevalence was lowest in Alaska and highest among patients with A1c >/ = 8%, duration of diabetes > 10 years, or using insulin. Prevalence of DR in this cohort was approximately half that in previous reports for AI/AN, and prevalence of DME was less than that reported in non-AI/AN populations. A similar reduction in diabetes related end-stage renal disease in the same population and time period has been reported by other researchers. Since these two diabetic complications share a common microvasculopathic mechanism, this coincident change in prevalence may also share a common basis, possibly related to improved diabetes management.

Partial oxidation power plant with reheating and method thereof

DOEpatents

Newby, R.A.; Yang, W.C.; Bannister, R.L.

1999-08-10

A system and method are disclosed for generating power having an air compression/partial oxidation system, a turbine, and a primary combustion system. The air compression/partial oxidation system receives a first air stream and a fuel stream and produces a first partially oxidized fuel stream and a first compressed air stream therefrom. The turbine expands the first partially oxidized fuel stream while being cooled by the first compressed air stream to produce a heated air stream. The heated air stream is injected into the expanding first partially oxidized fuel stream, thereby reheating it in the turbine. A second partially oxidized fuel stream is emitted from the turbine. The primary combustion system receives said second partially oxidized fuel stream and a second air stream, combusts said second partially oxidized fuel stream, and produces rotating shaft power and an emission stream therefrom. 2 figs.

Conversion of Dimethyl Ether to Branched Hydrocarbons Over Cu/BEA: the Roles of Lewis Acidic and Metallic Sites in H2 Incorporation

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

Hensley, Jesse E.; Schaidle, Joshua A.; Ruddy, Daniel A.

2017-04-26

Conversion of biomass to fuels remains as one of the most promising approach to support our energy needs. It has been previously shown that the gasification of non-edible cellulosic biomass can be used to derive fuels like methanol and dimethyl ether (DME). However, the use of methanol and DME is limited due to the fact that they have low energy densities, poor lubricity and lower viscosity when compared to long-chain hydrocarbons. Increasing the blending percentage can also lead to undesired amounts of oxygenated molecules in the transportation fuel infrastructure, which restrict their applicability as jet or diesel fuels. Consequently, themore » petroleum-derived hydrocarbons remain as the main constituent of the middle-distillate based fuels. One way to increase the share of biofuels in middle-distillates is to use methanol/DME as building blocks for producing renewable, energy-dense hydrocarbons. One way to achieve this is by catalytically converting the DME and methanol to light olefins, followed by oligomerization to higher molecular weight premium alkanes, which can directly be used as kerosene/diesel fuels. Here, we report the catalytic dimerization of biomass-derived deoxygenated olefins into transportation fuel-range hydrocarbons under liquid-phase stirred-batch conditions. Specifically, the effect of operating conditions, such as reaction temperature, solvent-type, reaction duration and olefin-structure, on the conversion, selectivity and kinetics of dimerization of triptene (2,3,3-trimethyl-1-butene) were investigated. Triptene, as previously reported, is one of the major products of DME-homologation reaction over a BEA zeolite4. We show that triptene can be converted to high quality middle-distillates using a commercially available ion-exchange acid resin, Amberlyst-35 (dry) by the process of catalytic dimerization.« less

Evaluation of mercury biogeochemical cycling at the sediment-water interface in anthropogenically modified lagoon environments.

PubMed

Petranich, Elisa; Covelli, Stefano; Acquavita, Alessandro; Faganeli, Jadran; Horvat, Milena; Contin, Marco

2018-06-01

The Marano and Grado Lagoon is well known for being contaminated by mercury (Hg) from the Idrija mine (Slovenia) and the decommissioned chlor-alkali plant of Torviscosa (Italy). Experimental activities were conducted in a local fish farm to understand Hg cycling at the sediment-water interface. Both diffusive and benthic fluxes were estimated in terms of chemical and physical features. Mercury concentration in sediments (up to 6.81μg/g) showed a slight variability with depth, whereas the highest methylmercury (MeHg) values (up to 10ng/g) were detected in the first centimetres. MeHg seems to be produced and stored in the 2-3cm below the sediment-water interface, where sulphate reducing bacteria activity occurs and hypoxic-anoxic conditions become persistent for days. DMeHg in porewaters varied seasonally (from 0.1 and 17% of dissolved Hg (DHg)) with the highest concentrations in summer. DHg diffusive effluxes higher (up to 444ng/m 2 /day) than those reported in the open lagoon (~95ng/m 2 /day), whereas DMeHg showed influxes in the fish farm (up to -156ng/m 2 /day). The diurnal DHg and DMeHg benthic fluxes were found to be higher than the highest summer values previously reported for the natural lagoon environment. Bottom sediments, especially in anoxic conditions, seem to be a significant source of MeHg in the water column where it eventually accumulates. However, net fluxes considering the daily trend of DHg and DMeHg, indicated possible DMeHg degradation processes. Enhancing water dynamics in the fish farm could mitigate environmental conditions suitable for Hg methylation. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Relationship Between Visual Acuity and Retinal Thickness During Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Therapy for Retinal Diseases.

PubMed

Ou, William C; Brown, David M; Payne, John F; Wykoff, Charles C

2017-08-01

To investigate the relationship between best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central retinal thickness (CRT) in eyes receiving ranibizumab for 3 common retinal diseases. Retrospective analysis of clinical trial data. Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study BCVA and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography-measured CRT of 387 eyes of 345 patients enrolled in 6 prospective clinical trials for management of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic macular edema (DME), and retinal vein occlusion (RVO) were evaluated by Pearson correlation and linear regression. At baseline, there was a small correlation between BCVA and CRT in pooled AMD trial data (r = -0.24). A medium correlation was identified in pooled DME trial data (r = -0.42). No correlation was found in pooled RVO trial data. At month 12, no correlation was found between changes from baseline in BCVA and CRT in pooled AMD trial data. Medium correlations were identified in both pooled DME (r = -0.45) and pooled RVO (r = -0.35) trial data at month 12. Changes in BCVA and CRT associated with edema recurrence upon transition from monthly to pro re nata (PRN) dosing were correlated in AMD (r = -0.27) and RVO (r = -0.72) trials, but not in DME trial data. DME demonstrated a convincing relationship between BCVA and CRT. Correlations appear to be more complex in AMD and RVO. At the inflection point between monthly and PRN dosing, when recurrence of edema is anticipated in many patients, CRT appears strongly correlated with loss of BCVA in RVO. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Comparison of fecal culture and Danish Mix-ELISA for determination of Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica prevalence in growing swine.

PubMed

Funk, J A; Harris, I T; Davies, P R

2005-04-25

In the USA, control of food-borne salmonellosis associated with meat consumption has been predominantly focused at slaughter and processing. It is expected that standards at slaughter and processing will become more stringent, creating pressure to reduce prevalence of Salmonella-positive food animals through on-farm interventions. The aim of this study was to compare traditional fecal culture and the Danish Mix-ELISA (DME) for determination of Salmonella prevalence pre-harvest in swine. In Trial 1, five cohorts of individually identified pigs were longitudinally sampled during the growing period to compare the kinetics of prevalence as estimated by fecal culture and the DME. In Trial 2, the correlation between fecal prevalence and seroprevalence was estimated pre-marketing in 49 groups of pigs. In Trial 1, fecal prevalence and seroprevalence showed similar kinetics, with a tendency of a higher OD% cut-off to more closely approximate fecal prevalence. In Trial 2, correlations between fecal culture and the DME were 0.40, 0.36, 0.43, and 0.43 (p<0.001) for OD% cut-offs > or =10, 20, 30, and 40, respectively. Based on these results, a higher OD% cut-off would be recommended if more approximate estimation of fecal prevalence is desired and longitudinal sampling would be suggested for evaluating the impact of on-farm interventions for Salmonella reduction whether utilizing fecal culture or the DME. Further evaluation of the impact of Salmonella serovar present on farms on seroprevalence and the relationship of on-farm seroprevalence with food safety risk are needed prior to utilizing the DME for pre-harvest Salmonella diagnostics in the US swine herd.

Lung cancer risk in male workers occupationally exposed to diesel motor emissions in Germany.

PubMed

Brüske-Hohlfeld, I; Möhner, M; Ahrens, W; Pohlabeln, H; Heinrich, J; Kreuzer, M; Jöckel, K H; Wichmann, H E

1999-10-01

Although in several epidemiological studies exposure to diesel motor emissions (DME) shows an elevated lung cancer risk, it is still controversial whether DME is a human carcinogen. In a pooled analysis of two case-control studies on lung cancer in Germany a total of 3498 male cases with histologically or cytologically ascertained lung cancer and 3541 male population controls were included. Information about lifelong occupational and smoking history was obtained by questionnaire. Drivers of lorries, buses, taxies, diesel locomotives and forklift trucks, bulldozers, graders, excavators, and tractors, were considered as exposed to DME and their cumulative exposure was estimated. All odds ratios were adjusted for smoking and asbestos exposure. The evaluation of lung cancer risk for all jobs with DME-exposure combined showed an odds ratio of OR=1.43 (95%-CI: 1.23-1.67). Most pronounced was the increase in lung cancer risk in heavy equipment operators (OR=2. 31 95%-CI: 1.44-3.70). The risk of tractor drivers increased with length of employment and reached statistical significance for exposures longer than 30 years (OR=6.81, 95%-CI: 1.17-39.51). The group of professional drivers (e.g., trucks, buses, and taxies), showed an increased risk only in West Germany (OR=1.44, 95%-CI: 1. 18-1.76), but not in East Germany (OR=0.83, 95%-CI: 0.60-1.14). DME-exposure in other traffic related jobs (e.g., diesel engine locomotive drivers, switchmen, forklift operators) was associated with an odds ratio of OR=1.53 (95%-CI: 1.04-2.24). The study provides further evidence that occupational exposure to diesel motor emissions is associated with an increased lung cancer risk. Copyright 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Effects of intravitreal injection of ranibizumab on choroidal structure and blood flow in eyes with diabetic macular edema.

PubMed

Okamoto, Masahiro; Yamashita, Mariko; Ogata, Nahoko

2018-05-01

To determine the effects of an intravitreal injection of ranibizumab (IVR) on the choroidal structure and blood flow in eyes with diabetic macular edema (DME). Twenty-eight consecutive patients with DME who received an IVR and 20 non-diabetic, age-matched controls were followed for 1 month. The eyes with DME were divided into those with prior panretinal photocoagulation (PRP, n = 16) and those without prior PRP (no-PRP, n = 12). The enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography (EDI-OCT) scans and Niblack's image binarization were performed to determine the choroidal structure. The choroidal blood flow was determined by laser speckle flowgraphy. The subfoveal choroidal thickness at the baseline was significantly thicker in the no-PRP group than in the PRP-treated group. After IVR, the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central retinal thickness in eyes with DME were significantly improved compared to the baseline values. There were significant differences in the choroidal thickness, total choroidal area, and choroidal vascularity index between the groups after IVR. Choroidal vascular index and choroidal blood flow were significantly reduced only in the no-PRP group and not in the PRP-treated group. In addition, the correlation between the central retinal thickness and the choroidal blood flow was significant in the no-PRP group (r = 0.47, P < 0.05). A single IVR will reduce the central retinal thickness and improve the BCVA in eyes with DME in both the no-PRP and PRP-treated group. IVR affected the choroidal vasculature and blood flow significantly, and a significant correlation was found between the central retinal thickness and the choroidal blood flow in eyes without PRP.

Incidence and Progression of Diabetic Retinopathy in Urban India: Sankara Nethralaya-Diabetic Retinopathy Epidemiology and Molecular Genetics Study (SN-DREAMS II), Report 1.

PubMed

Raman, Rajiv; Ganesan, Suganeswari; Pal, Swakshyar Saumya; Gella, Laxmi; Kulothungan, Vaitheeswaran; Sharma, Tarun

2017-10-01

To evaluate the 4-year incidence and progression of and risk factors for diabetic retinopathy (DR) in an Indian population. From a cross-sectional study of 1425 subjects with diabetes, 911 (63.9%) returned for 4-year follow-up. After excluding 21 with ungradable retinal images, data from 890 subjects were analyzed. Participants underwent examinations based on a standard protocol, which included grading of retinal photographs. The incidences of DR, diabetic macular edema (DME), and sight-threatening diabetic retinopathy (STDR) were 9.2%, 2.6%, and 5.0%, respectively. In subjects with DR at baseline, the incidence of DME and STDR had increased (11.5% and 22.7%, respectively). 1-step and 2-step progressions of DR were seen in 30.2% and 12.6% of participants, respectively, and 1-step and 2-step regressions were seen in 12.0% and 1.8%, respectively. Incident DR, DME, and STDR were associated with higher systolic blood pressure (odds ratio, OR, 1.21, 2.11 and 1.72, respectively, for every 10 mmHg increase). Incident DR and DME were associated with increasing duration of diabetes (OR 2.29 and 4.77, respectively, for every 10-year increase) and presence of anemia (OR 1.96 and 10.14, respectively). Incident DR was also associated with higher hemoglobin A1c (OR 1.16 for every 1% increase). Variables associated with 1-step progression were every 10 mg/dL increase in serum total cholesterol (OR 15.65) as a risk factor, and 10 mg/dL increase in serum triglyceride (OR 0.52) as a protective factor. The incidences of STDR and DME were higher in people with pre-existing DR than in those without DR at baseline.

78 FR 48995 - Medicare Program; Revisions to Payment Policies Under the Physician Fee Schedule, DME Face-to...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-08-12

...This document corrects technical errors that appeared in the final rule with comment period published in the Federal Register on November 16, 2012, entitled ``Medicare Program; Revisions to Payment Policies Under the Physician Fee Schedule, DME Face-to-Face Encounters, Elimination of the Requirement for Termination of Non-Random Prepayment Complex Medical Review and Other Revisions to Part B for CY 2013.''

Analysis of the Database of Theses and Dissertations from DME/UFSCAR about Astronomy Education

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rodrigues Ferreira, Orlando; Voelzke, Marcos Rincon

2013-11-01

The paper presents a brief analysis of the "Database of Theses and Dissertations about Astronomy Education" from the Department of Teaching Methodology (DME) of the Federal University of São Carlos(UFSCar). This kind of study made it possible to develop new analysis and statistical data, as well as to conduct a rating of Brazilian institutions that produce academic work in the area.

77 FR 33087 - Standard Instrument Approach Procedures, and Takeoff Minimums and Obstacle Departure Procedures...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-06-05

... Connersville, IN, Mettel Field, RNAV (GPS) RWY 36, Amdt 2 Hazard, KY, Wendell H Ford, LOC/DME RWY 14, Orig-A Hazard, KY, Wendell H Ford, RNAV (GPS) RWY 14, Amdt 1A Hazard, KY, Wendell H Ford, RNAV (GPS) RWY 32, Orig-A Hazard, KY, Wendell H Ford, VOR/DME RWY 14, Amdt 1B Lake Charles, LA, Lake Charles Rgnl, ILS OR...

Classification of SD-OCT volumes for DME detection: an anomaly detection approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sankar, S.; Sidibé, D.; Cheung, Y.; Wong, T. Y.; Lamoureux, E.; Milea, D.; Meriaudeau, F.

2016-03-01

Diabetic Macular Edema (DME) is the leading cause of blindness amongst diabetic patients worldwide. It is characterized by accumulation of water molecules in the macula leading to swelling. Early detection of the disease helps prevent further loss of vision. Naturally, automated detection of DME from Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) volumes plays a key role. To this end, a pipeline for detecting DME diseases in OCT volumes is proposed in this paper. The method is based on anomaly detection using Gaussian Mixture Model (GMM). It starts with pre-processing the B-scans by resizing, flattening, filtering and extracting features from them. Both intensity and Local Binary Pattern (LBP) features are considered. The dimensionality of the extracted features is reduced using PCA. As the last stage, a GMM is fitted with features from normal volumes. During testing, features extracted from the test volume are evaluated with the fitted model for anomaly and classification is made based on the number of B-scans detected as outliers. The proposed method is tested on two OCT datasets achieving a sensitivity and a specificity of 80% and 93% on the first dataset, and 100% and 80% on the second one. Moreover, experiments show that the proposed method achieves better classification performances than other recently published works.

New Therapeutic Approaches in Diabetic Retinopathy

PubMed Central

Vaziri, Kamyar; Schwartz, Stephen G.; Relhan, Nidhi; Kishor, Krishna S.; Flynn Jr, Harry W.

2015-01-01

Diabetic retinopathy is a common microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus. It affects a substantial proportion of US adults over age 40. The condition is a leading cause of visual loss. Much attention has been given to expanding the role of current treatments along with investigating various novel therapies and drug delivery methods. In the treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME), intravitreal pharmacotherapies, especially anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agents, have gained popularity. Currently, anti-VEGF agents are often used as first-line agents in center-involved DME, with recent data suggesting that among these agents, aflibercept leads to better visual outcomes in patients with worse baseline visual acuities. While photocoagulation remains the standard treatment for proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR), recent FDA approvals of ranibizumab and aflibercept in the management of diabetic retinopathy associated with DME may suggest a potential for pharmacologic treatments of PDR as well. Novel therapies, including small interfering RNAs, chemokines, kallikrein-kinin inhibitors, and various anti-angiogenic agents, are currently being evaluated for the management of diabetic retinopathy and DME. In addition to these strategies, novel drug delivery methods such as sustained-release implants and refillable reservoir implants are either under active evaluation or have recently gained FDA approval. This review provides an update on the novel developments in the treatment of diabetic retinopathy. PMID:26676668

A computational study on the role of chiral N-oxides in enantioselective Pauson-Khand reactions.

PubMed

Fjermestad, Torstein; Pericàs, Miquel A; Maseras, Feliu

2011-08-29

Density functional calculations were carried out to ascertain the origin of enantioselectivity in the brucine N-oxide (BNO)-assisted enantioselective Pauson-Khand reaction (PKR) of norbornene with 2-methyl-3-butyn-2-ol. The computed ee value in acetone is 68 % (R), which compares well to the previously reported experimental value of 58 % (R). In DME the computed ee value of 76 % (R) is in excellent agreement with the experimentally determined value of 78 % (R). The mechanism of enantioselectivity consists of several steps. First, the dicobalt complex is activated by BNO with chirality transfer from enantiopure BNO to the dicobalt complex. Second, competition occurs between a racemization process and complexation with the olefin reagent, which leads to the products. The lower ee value in acetone is due to the lower energy barrier of the racemization process. Calculations show that replacement of BNO by a hypothetical more enantioselective chiral N-oxide will hardly increase the ee value beyond 90 %. Copyright © 2011 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

75 FR 63710 - Standard Instrument Approach Procedures, and Takeoff Minimums and Obstacle Departure Procedures...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-10-18

...: * * * Effective Upon Publication AIRAC date State City Airport FDC No. FDC date Subject 18-Nov-10 CQ SAIPAN ISLAND...... FRANCISCO C. ADA/ 0/1358 9/29/10 ILS OR LOC/DME RWY 7, AMDT 5B. SAIPAN INTL. 18-Nov-10 CQ SAIPAN ISLAND...... FRANCISCO C. ADA/ 0/1359 9/29/10 NDB/DME RWY 25, AMDT 2A SAIPAN INTL. 18-Nov-10 CQ SAIPAN ISLAND...

Metamorphopsia Score and Central Visual Field Outcomes in Diabetic Cystoid Macular Edema

PubMed Central

Brzozowska, Agnieszka; Maciejewski, Ryszard

2018-01-01

Aim To detect abnormality of the visual function in naïve patients with cystoid diabetic macular edema (DME) using M-charts, Amsler test, and white on white (W/W) and blue on yellow (B/Y) perimetry. Methods There were 64 eyes included in the study: 30 eyes with DME, 22 eyes with diabetes without DME, and 12 eyes of normal subjects. Conventional W/W perimetry and B/Y perimetry were performed within the central 10° of the visual field. To assess metamorphopsia, Amsler test and M-charts were used. Results The rate of detection of metamorphopsia was 37% with Amsler test examination and 50% with M-charts. Specificity of both tests was 100%. We found a significant difference between vertical scores of M-charts in all groups, but not in horizontal scores (p < 0.0001). Mean defect (MD) was 8.9 dB and 3.6 dB and loss variance (LV) 4.8 dB and 3.3 dB (p < 0.0001). Conclusions M-chart is more sensitive than Amsler test method for detection of metamorphopsia. The MD and LV are higher in b/y in comparison to W/W perimetry. B/Y perimetry and M-charts are more sensitive than conventional methods for detecting the visual function loss in cystoid DME. PMID:29744359

Arsenic-Rich Polyarsenides Stabilized by Cp*Fe Fragments.

PubMed

Schmidt, Monika; Konieczny, David; Peresypkina, Eugenia V; Virovets, Alexander V; Balázs, Gabor; Bodensteiner, Michael; Riedlberger, Felix; Krauss, Hannes; Scheer, Manfred

2017-06-12

The redox chemistry of [Cp*Fe(η 5 -As 5 )] (1, Cp*=η 5 -C 5 Me 5 ) has been investigated by cyclic voltammetry, revealing a redox behavior similar to that of its lighter congener [Cp*Fe(η 5 -P 5 )]. However, the subsequent chemical reduction of 1 by KH led to the formation of a mixture of novel As n scaffolds with n up to 18 that are stabilized only by [Cp*Fe] fragments. These include the arsenic-poor triple-decker complex [K(dme) 2 ][{Cp*Fe(μ,η 2:2 -As 2 )} 2 ] (2) and the arsenic-rich complexes [K(dme) 3 ] 2 [(Cp*Fe) 2 (μ,η 4:4 -As 10 )] (3), [K(dme) 2 ] 2 [(Cp*Fe) 2 (μ,η 2:2:2:2 -As 14 )] (4), and [K(dme) 3 ] 2 [(Cp*Fe) 4 (μ 4 ,η 4:3:3:2:2:1:1 -As 18 )] (5). Compound 4 and the polyarsenide complex 5 are the largest anionic As n ligand complexes reported thus far. Complexes 2-5 were characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, 1 H NMR spectroscopy, EPR spectroscopy (2), and mass spectrometry. Furthermore, DFT calculations showed that the intermediate [Cp*Fe(η 5 -As 5 )] - , which is presumably formed first, undergoes fast dimerization to the dianion [(Cp*Fe) 2 (μ,η 4:4 -As 10 )] 2- . © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Selective P4 Activation by a Highly Reduced Cobaltate: Synthesis of Dicobalt Tetraphosphido Complexes.

PubMed

Pelties, Stefan; Maier, Thomas; Herrmann, Dirk; de Bruin, Bas; Rebreyend, Christophe; Gärtner, Stefanie; Shenderovich, Ilya G; Wolf, Robert

2017-05-02

Although the chemistry of transition metal polyphosphide anions has attracted significant attention, there are few reports of studies in which such species have been synthesized directly from white phosphorus. [K(OEt 2 ) 2 {Co(BIAN)(cod)}] (1, BIAN=1,2-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenylimino)acenaphthene, cod=1,5-cyclooctadiene), which is readily prepared by ligand exchange from [K(thf) x {Co(cod) 2 }], reacts with P 4 to afford [{K(thf)} 2 {(BIAN)Co} 2 (μ-η 4 :η 4 -P 4 )] (2 a) in 61 % yield (isolated product). [{K(OEt 2 )} 2 {(BIAN)Co} 2 (μ-η 4 :η 4 -P 4 )] (2 b) and [K([18]crown-6)(MeCN)] 2 [{(BIAN)Co} 2 (μ-η 4 :η 4 -P 4 )] (2 c) were obtained by recrystallizing 2 a from diethyl ether and acetonitrile (and using [18]crown-6 in case of 2 c). Oxidation of 2 a with [Cp 2 Fe]BAr F 4 (one equivalent) and subsequent recrystallization of the product from different solvents gave [K(OEt 2 ){(BIAN)Co} 2 (μ-η 4 :η 4 -P 4 )] (3 a) and [K(dme) 4 ][{(BIAN)Co} 2 (μ-η 4 :η 4 -P 4 )] (3 b; dme=1,2-dimethoxyethane). Neutral [{(BIAN)Co} 2 (μ-η 4 :η 4 -P 4 )] (4) was obtained in moderate yield by oxidizing 2 a with two equivalents of [Cp 2 Fe]BAr F 4 . The new complexes were characterized by NMR, EPR (in the case of 3 a), and UV/Vis spectroscopy, and elemental analysis. The molecular structures revealed by X-ray crystallography display planar cyclic or open-chain P 4 4- units sandwiched between {(BIAN)Co} fragments. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Impact of injection therapy on retinal patients with diabetic macular edema or retinal vein occlusion.

PubMed

Sivaprasad, Sobha; Oyetunde, Sesan

2016-01-01

An important factor in the choice of therapy is the impact it has on the patient's quality of life. This survey aimed to understand treatment burden, treatment-related anxiety and worry, and practical issues such as appointment attendance and work absence in patients receiving injection therapy for diabetic macular edema (DME) or retinal vein occlusion (RVO). A European sample of 131 retinal patients completed a detailed questionnaire to elucidate the impact of injection therapy on individuals with DME or RVO. RVO and DME greatly impact a patient's quality of life. An intensive injection regimen and the requirements for multiple hospital visits place a large practical burden on the patient. Each intravitreal injection appointment (including travel time) was reported to take an average of 4.5 hours, with a total appointment burden over 6 months of 13.5 hours and 20 hours for RVO and DME patients, respectively. This creates a significant burden on patient time and may make appointment attendance difficult. Indeed, 53% of working patients needed to take at least 1 day off work per appointment and 71% of patients required a carer's assistance at the time of the injection appointment, ~6.3 hours per injection. In addition to practical issues, three-quarters of patients reported experiencing anxiety about their most recent injection treatment, with 54% of patients reporting that they were anxious for at least 2 days prior to the injection. Patients' most desired improvement to their treatment regimen was to have fewer injections and to require fewer appointments, to achieve the same visual results. Patients' quality of life is clearly very affected by having to manage an intensive intravitreal injection regimen, with a considerable treatment burden having a large negative effect. Reducing the appointment burden to achieve the same visual outcomes and the provision of additional support for patients to attend appointments would greatly benefit those receiving intravitreal injection therapies for DME and RVO.

Guidelines for the Management of Diabetic Macular Edema by the European Society of Retina Specialists (EURETINA).

PubMed

Schmidt-Erfurth, Ursula; Garcia-Arumi, Jose; Bandello, Francesco; Berg, Karina; Chakravarthy, Usha; Gerendas, Bianca S; Jonas, Jost; Larsen, Michael; Tadayoni, Ramin; Loewenstein, Anat

2017-01-01

Diabetic retinal disease is envisioned to become the plague of the coming decades with a steep increase of worldwide diabetes incidence followed by a substantial rise in retinal disease. Improvements in diagnostic and therapeutic care have to cope with this dilemma in a clinically and socioeconomically efficient manner. Laser treatment has found a less destructive competitor in pharmacological treatments. As a consequence of recent rigorous clinical trials, laser photocoagulation is no longer recommended for the treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME), and anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy has emerged as first-line therapy. Steroids have maintained a role in the management of chronically persistent DME. The paradigm shifts in therapy are accompanied by a substantial break-through in diagnostics. The following guidance for the management of DME has been composed from the best updated knowledge of leading experts in Europe and represents another volume in the series of EURETINA recommendations for the management of retinal disease. © 2017 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Comparison of microscopic and immunoassay examination in the diagnosis of intestinal protozoa of humans in Mansoura, Egypt.

PubMed

Elswaifi, Shaadi F; Palmieri, James R; El-Tantawy, Nora; El-Hussiny, Mona; Besheer, Tarek; Abohashem, Ekbal

2016-09-01

Protozoal diseases are prevalent globally and especially in developing countries that have relatively lower socioeconomic populations such as Egypt. Direct microscopic examination (DME) is used for the detection and identification of protozoa but lacks sufficient reliability, and thus may be detrimental in obtaining accurate diagnostic or epidemiological data. In this study, we determine the prevalence of infections by Giardia intestinalis, Cryptosporidium sp., and Entamoeba histolytica in humans in Egypt. Furthermore, we determine the reliability of DME in determining infections caused by these protozoa and compare the results to enzyme linked Immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Our results indicate that the prevalence of giardiasis, cryptosporidiosis, and entamoebiasis is 38, 22, and 16 %, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of DME for detection of G. intestinalis is 45 and 99 %, for Cryptosporidium 66 and 99 %, and for Entamoeba 45 and 100 %, respectively. Our findings demonstrate that ELISA is more reliable for diagnostic and epidemiologic study purposes.

Reactivity of uranium(iii) with H2E (E = S, Se, Te): synthesis of a series of mononuclear and dinuclear uranium(iv) hydrochalcogenido complexes.

PubMed

Franke, Sebastian M; Rosenzweig, Michael W; Heinemann, Frank W; Meyer, Karsten

2015-01-01

We report the syntheses, electronic properties, and molecular structures of a series of mono- and dinuclear uranium(iv) hydrochalcogenido complexes supported by the sterically demanding but very flexible, single N-anchored tris(aryloxide) ligand ( Ad ArO) 3 N) 3- . The mononuclear complexes [(( Ad ArO) 3 N)U(DME)(EH)] (E = S, Se, Te) can be obtained from the reaction of the uranium(iii) starting material [(( Ad ArO) 3 N)U III (DME)] in DME via reduction of H 2 E and the elimination of 0.5 equivalents of H 2 . The dinuclear complexes [{(( Ad ArO) 3 N)U} 2 (μ-EH) 2 ] can be obtained by dissolving their mononuclear counterparts in non-coordinating solvents such as benzene. In order to facilitate the work with the highly toxic gases, we created concentrated THF solutions that can be handled using simple glovebox techniques and can be stored at -35 °C for several weeks.

Emission reduction potential of using gas-to-liquid and dimethyl ether fuels on a turbocharged diesel engine.

PubMed

Xinling, Li; Zhen, Huang

2009-03-15

A study of engine performance characteristics and both of regulated (CO, HC, NO(x), and smoke) and unregulated (ultrafine particle number, mass concentrations and size distribution) emissions for a turbocharged diesel engine fueled with conventional diesel, gas-to-liquid (GTL) and dimethyl ether (DME) fuels respectively at different engine loads and speeds have been carried out. The results indicated that fuel components significantly affected the engine performance and regulated/unregulated emissions. GTL exhibited almost the same power and torque output as diesel, while improved fuel economy. GTL significantly reduced regulated emissions with average reductions of 21.2% in CO, 15.7% in HC, 15.6% in NO(x) and 22.1% in smoke in comparison to diesel, as well as average reductions in unregulated emissions of total ultrafine particle number (N(tot)) and mass (M(tot)) emissions by 85.3% and 43.9%. DME can significantly increase torque and power, compared with the original diesel engine, as well as significantly reduced regulated emissions of 40.1% in HC, 48.2% in NO(x) and smoke free throughout all the engine conditions. However, N(tot) for DME is close to that for diesel. The reason is that the accumulation mode particle number emissions for DME are very low due to the characteristics of oxygen content and no C-C bond, which promotes the processes of nucleation and condensation of the semi-volatile compounds in the exhaust gas, as a result, a lot of nucleation mode particles produce.

An exudate detection method for diagnosis risk of diabetic macular edema in retinal images using feature-based and supervised classification.

PubMed

Marin, D; Gegundez-Arias, M E; Ponte, B; Alvarez, F; Garrido, J; Ortega, C; Vasallo, M J; Bravo, J M

2018-01-10

The present paper aims at presenting the methodology and first results of a detection system of risk of diabetic macular edema (DME) in fundus images. The system is based on the detection of retinal exudates (Ex), whose presence in the image is clinically used for an early diagnosis of the disease. To do so, the system applies digital image processing algorithms to the retinal image in order to obtain a set of candidate regions to be Ex, which are validated by means of feature extraction and supervised classification techniques. The diagnoses provided by the system on 1058 retinographies of 529 diabetic patients at risk of having DME show that the system can operate at a level of sensitivity comparable to that of ophthalmological specialists: it achieved 0.9000 sensitivity per patient against 0.7733, 0.9133 and 0.9000 of several specialists, where the false negatives were mild clinical cases of the disease. In addition, the level of specificity reached by the system was 0.6939, high enough to screen about 70% of the patients with no evidence of DME. These values show that the system fulfils the requirements for its possible integration into a complete diabetic retinopathy pre-screening tool for the automated management of patients within a screening programme. Graphical Abstract Diagnosis system of risk of diabetic macular edema (DME) based on exudate (Ex) detection in fundus images.

Surgical Versus Medical Treatment for Diabetic Macular Edema: A Review.

PubMed

Crim, Nicolás; Velez-Montoya, Raúl; Morales-Canton, Virgilio

2017-01-01

We aimed to compare the results of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling, an alternative therapeutic strategy, with those of medical treatment for chronic macular edema. We conducted a review of the literature on the microscopic, anatomical, and functional reasons for performing PPV with ILM peeling in patients with diabetic macular edema (DME). We searched the PubMed database for articles published between 2000 and 2017. We used the medical subject heading "vitrectomy diabetic macular edema" and the keywords "diabetic macular edema", "internal limiting membrane peeling", "pars plana vitrectomy", "diabetic retinopathy", and "optical coherence tomography". Analysis of the literature revealed that cytokines, vascular endothelial growth factor, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) play a unique role in DME. The vitreous cavity serves as a physiological reservoir for all inflammatory molecules. AGE receptors are localized at the footplates of Müller cells and the external limiting membrane (ELM). The footplates of Müller cells are in contact with the ILM, which suggests that they might be responsible for the structural damage (i.e., thickening) observed in the ILM of patients with DME. Therefore, PPV could allow a reduction of cytokines and pro-inflammatory molecules from the vitreous cavity. ILM peeling could eliminate not only the physical traction of a thickened structure, but also the natural reservoir of AGEs, ROS, and inflammatory molecules. PPV with ILM peeling is a surgical option that should be considered when treating patients with chronic DME.

Efficacy of Intravitreal Anti-vascular Endothelial Growth Factor or Steroid Injection in Diabetic Macular Edema According to Fluid Turbidity in Optical Coherence Tomography

PubMed Central

Lee, Kyungmin; Chung, Heeyoung; Park, Youngsuk

2014-01-01

Purpose To determine if short term effects of intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor or steroid injection are correlated with fluid turbidity, as detected by spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) in diabetic macular edema (DME) patients. Methods A total of 583 medical records were reviewed and 104 cases were enrolled. Sixty eyes received a single intravitreal bevacizumab injection (IVB) on the first attack of DME and 44 eyes received triamcinolone acetonide treatment (IVTA). Intraretinal fluid turbidity in DME patients was estimated with initialintravitreal SD-OCT and analyzed with color histograms from a Photoshop program. Central macular thickness and visual acuity using a logarithm from the minimum angle of resolution chart, were assessed at the initial period and 2 months after injections. Results Visual acuity and central macular thickness improved after injections in both groups. In the IVB group, visual acuity and central macular thickness changed less as the intraretinal fluid became more turbid. In the IVTA group, visual acuity underwent less change while central macular thickness had a greater reduction (r = -0.675, p = 0.001) as the intraretinal fluid was more turbid. Conclusions IVB and IVTA injections were effective in reducing central macular thickness and improving visual acuity in DME patients. Further, fluid turbidity, which was detected by SD-OCT may be one of the indexes that highlight the influence of the steroid-dependent pathogenetic mechanism. PMID:25120338

Efficacy of intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor or steroid injection in diabetic macular edema according to fluid turbidity in optical coherence tomography.

PubMed

Lee, Kyungmin; Chung, Heeyoung; Park, Youngsuk; Sohn, Joonhong

2014-08-01

To determine if short term effects of intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor or steroid injection are correlated with fluid turbidity, as detected by spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) in diabetic macular edema (DME) patients. A total of 583 medical records were reviewed and 104 cases were enrolled. Sixty eyes received a single intravitreal bevacizumab injection (IVB) on the first attack of DME and 44 eyes received triamcinolone acetonide treatment (IVTA). Intraretinal fluid turbidity in DME patients was estimated with initial intravitreal SD-OCT and analyzed with color histograms from a Photoshop program. Central macular thickness and visual acuity using a logarithm from the minimum angle of resolution chart, were assessed at the initial period and 2 months after injections. Visual acuity and central macular thickness improved after injections in both groups. In the IVB group, visual acuity and central macular thickness changed less as the intraretinal fluid became more turbid. In the IVTA group, visual acuity underwent less change while central macular thickness had a greater reduction (r = -0.675, p = 0.001) as the intraretinal fluid was more turbid. IVB and IVTA injections were effective in reducing central macular thickness and improving visual acuity in DME patients. Further, fluid turbidity, which was detected by SD-OCT may be one of the indexes that highlight the influence of the steroid-dependent pathogenetic mechanism.

Alkyl complexes of strontium and barium: synthesis and structural characterization of [(Me3Si)2(MeOMe2Si)C]2Sr(THF) and [(Me3Si)2(MeOMe2Si)C]2Ba(MeOCH2CH2OMe).

PubMed

Izod, Keith; Liddle, Stephen T; Clegg, William

2003-06-25

Metathesis between either SrI2 or BaI2 and 2 equiv of {(Me3Si)2(MeOMe2Si)C}K in THF yields the novel heavier alkali metal dialkyls {(Me3Si)2(MeOMe2Si)C}2M(L) [M(L) = Sr(THF) (2), Ba(DME) (3) (DME = 1,2-dimethoxyethane)] after recrystallization.

AEMS implementation cost study for Boeing 727

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Allison, R. L.

1977-01-01

Costs for airline operational implementation of a NASA-developed approach energy management system (AEMS) concept, as applied to the 727 airplane, were determined. Estimated costs are provided for airplane retrofit and for installation of the required DME ground stations. Operational costs and fuel cost savings are presented in a cost-of-ownership study. The potential return on the equipment investment is evaluated using a net present value method. Scheduled 727 traffic and existing VASI, ILS, and collocated DME ground station facilities are summarized for domestic airports used by 727 operators.

A single-nucleotide polymorphism in the MicroRNA-146a gene is associated with diabetic nephropathy and sight-threatening diabetic retinopathy in Caucasian patients.

PubMed

Kaidonis, Georgia; Gillies, Mark C; Abhary, Sotoodeh; Liu, Ebony; Essex, Rohan W; Chang, John H; Pal, Bishwanath; Sivaprasad, Sobha; Pefkianaki, Maria; Daniell, Mark; Lake, Stewart; Petrovsky, Nikolai; Hewitt, Alex W; Jenkins, Alicia; Lamoureux, Ecosse L; Gleadle, Jonathan M; Craig, Jamie E; Burdon, Kathryn P

2016-08-01

This study aimed to investigate whether the single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs2910164 residing within microRNA-146a (miR-146a) is associated with diabetic microvascular complications diabetic nephropathy (DN), proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) or diabetic macular oedema (DME) in either Caucasian patients with type 1 (T1DM) or type 2 (T2DM) diabetes mellitus. Caucasian patients with T1DM (n = 733) or T2DM (n = 2215) were recruited from ophthalmology, renal and endocrine clinics in Australia and the UK. Patients with T2DM were required to have diabetes mellitus (DM) for at least 5 years and be on treatment with oral hypoglycaemic drugs or insulin. In total, 890 participants had DN (168 with T1DM and 722 with T2DM), 731 had PDR (251 with T1DM and 480 with T2DM) and 1026 had DME (170 with T1DM and 856 with T2DM). Participants were genotyped for SNP rs2910164 in miR-146a. Analyses investigating association were adjusted for relevant clinical covariates including age, sex, DM duration, HbA1c and hypertension. A significant association was found between the C allele of rs2910164 and DN in the T1DM group (OR 1.93; CI 1.23-3.03; P = 0.004), but no association found in the T2DM group (OR 1.05; CI 0.83-1.32; P = 0.691). In the subset of T2DM patients, the C allele was specifically associated with DME (OR 1.25; CI 1.03-1.53; P = 0.025). No association with DME was found in the T1DM group (OR 0.87; CI 0.54-1.42); P = 0.583), or with PDR for either type of DM. Rs2910164 is significantly associated with microvascular complications DN in patients with T1DM and DME in patients with T2DM.

Data mining of enzymes using specific peptides

PubMed Central

2009-01-01

Background Predicting the function of a protein from its sequence is a long-standing challenge of bioinformatic research, typically addressed using either sequence-similarity or sequence-motifs. We employ the novel motif method that consists of Specific Peptides (SPs) that are unique to specific branches of the Enzyme Commission (EC) functional classification. We devise the Data Mining of Enzymes (DME) methodology that allows for searching SPs on arbitrary proteins, determining from its sequence whether a protein is an enzyme and what the enzyme's EC classification is. Results We extract novel SP sets from Swiss-Prot enzyme data. Using a training set of July 2006, and test sets of July 2008, we find that the predictive power of SPs, both for true-positives (enzymes) and true-negatives (non-enzymes), depends on the coverage length of all SP matches (the number of amino-acids matched on the protein sequence). DME is quite different from BLAST. Comparing the two on an enzyme test set of July 2008, we find that DME has lower recall. On the other hand, DME can provide predictions for proteins regarded by BLAST as having low homologies with known enzymes, thus supplying complementary information. We test our method on a set of proteins belonging to 10 bacteria, dated July 2008, establishing the usefulness of the coverage-length cutoff to determine true-negatives. Moreover, sifting through our predictions we find that some of them have been substantiated by Swiss-Prot annotations by July 2009. Finally we extract, for production purposes, a novel SP set trained on all Swiss-Prot enzymes as of July 2009. This new set increases considerably the recall of DME. The new SP set is being applied to three metagenomes: Sargasso Sea with over 1,000,000 proteins, producing predictions of over 220,000 enzymes, and two human gut metagenomes. The outcome of these analyses can be characterized by the enzymatic profile of the metagenomes, describing the relative numbers of enzymes observed for different EC categories. Conclusions Employing SPs for predicting enzymatic activity of proteins works well once one utilizes coverage-length criteria. In our analysis, L ≥ 7 has led to highly accurate results. PMID:20034383

Medicare Financing of Graduate Medical Education

PubMed Central

Rich, Eugene C; Liebow, Mark; Srinivasan, Malathi; Parish, David; Wolliscroft, James O; Fein, Oliver; Blaser, Robert

2002-01-01

The past decade has seen ongoing debate regarding federal support of graduate medical education, with numerous proposals for reform. Several critical problems with the current mechanism are evident on reviewing graduate medical education (GME) funding issues from the perspectives of key stakeholders. These problems include the following: substantial interinstitutional and interspecialty variations in per-resident payment amounts; teaching costs that have not been recalibrated since 1983; no consistent control by physician educators over direct medical education (DME) funds; and institutional DME payments unrelated to actual expenditures for resident education or to program outcomes. None of the current GME reform proposals adequately address all of these issues. Accordingly, we recommend several fundamental changes in Medicare GME support. We propose a re-analysis of the true direct costs of resident training (with appropriate adjustment for local market factors) to rectify the myriad problems with per-resident payments. We propose that Medicare DME funds go to the physician organization providing resident instruction, keeping DME payments separate from the operating revenues of teaching hospitals. To ensure financial accountability, we propose that institutions must maintain budgets and report expenditures for each GME program. To establish educational accountability, Residency Review Committees should establish objective, annually measurable standards for GME program performance; programs that consistently fail to meet these minimum standards should lose discretion over GME funds. These reforms will solve several long-standing, vexing problems in Medicare GME funding, but will also uncover the extent of undersupport of GME by most other health care payers. Ultimately, successful reform of GME financing will require “all-payer” support. PMID:11972725

Quantitative evaluation of hard exudates in diabetic macular edema after short-term intravitreal triamcinolone, dexamethasone implant or bevacizumab injections.

PubMed

Shin, Yong Un; Hong, Eun Hee; Lim, Han Woong; Kang, Min Ho; Seong, Mincheol; Cho, Heeyoon

2017-10-03

To quantitatively compare short-term hard exudates (HEs) alteration in patients with diabetic macular edema (DME) after intravitreal triamcinolone, dexamethasone implant or bevacizumab injections. This retrospective study enrolled DME eyes with HEs that underwent a single-dose intravitreal injection of triamcinolone (25 eyes), dexamethasone implant (20 eyes), or three monthly injections of bevacizumab (25 eyes) and completed at least three months of follow-up. All patients were examined before and after 1, 2 and 3 months of injections. Using color fundus photographs, the amount of HEs was quantified by two masked graders. The difference in HEs area between baseline and each follow-up visit was compared among the three groups. After three months, HEs area was reduced to 52.9 ± 4.21% (P < 0.001) in the triamcinolone group, 63.6 ± 6.08% (P = 0.002) in the dexamethasone implant group, and 85.2 ± 5.07% (P = 0.198) in the bevacizumab group. A significant reduction in HEs appeared at one month in the triamcinolone group (53.5 ± 4.91%, P < 0.001) and at two months in the dexamethasone implant group (70.1 ± 5.21%, P = 0.039). Our study suggests intravitreal steroids (triamcinolone, dexamethasone implants) significantly reduce HEs in DME patients on short-term follow-up, whereas intravitreal bevacizumab does not. Therefore, intravitreal steroids may be useful in DME with HEs in the fovea.

Surgical Versus Medical Treatment for Diabetic Macular Edema: A Review

PubMed Central

CRIM, Nicolás; VELEZ-MONTOYA, Raúl; MORALES-CANTON, Virgilio

2017-01-01

We aimed to compare the results of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling, an alternative therapeutic strategy, with those of medical treatment for chronic macular edema. We conducted a review of the literature on the microscopic, anatomical, and functional reasons for performing PPV with ILM peeling in patients with diabetic macular edema (DME). We searched the PubMed database for articles published between 2000 and 2017. We used the medical subject heading “vitrectomy diabetic macular edema” and the keywords “diabetic macular edema”, “internal limiting membrane peeling”, “pars plana vitrectomy”, “diabetic retinopathy”, and “optical coherence tomography”. Analysis of the literature revealed that cytokines, vascular endothelial growth factor, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) play a unique role in DME. The vitreous cavity serves as a physiological reservoir for all inflammatory molecules. AGE receptors are localized at the footplates of Müller cells and the external limiting membrane (ELM). The footplates of Müller cells are in contact with the ILM, which suggests that they might be responsible for the structural damage (i.e., thickening) observed in the ILM of patients with DME. Therefore, PPV could allow a reduction of cytokines and pro-inflammatory molecules from the vitreous cavity. ILM peeling could eliminate not only the physical traction of a thickened structure, but also the natural reservoir of AGEs, ROS, and inflammatory molecules. PPV with ILM peeling is a surgical option that should be considered when treating patients with chronic DME. PMID:29560368

Operator procedure verification with a rapidly reconfigurable simulator

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Iwasaki, Yumi; Engelmore, Robert; Fehr, Gary; Fikes, Richard

1994-01-01

Generating and testing procedures for controlling spacecraft subsystems composed of electro-mechanical and computationally realized elements has become a very difficult task. Before a spacecraft can be flown, mission controllers must envision a great variety of situations the flight crew may encounter during a mission and carefully construct procedures for operating the spacecraft in each possible situation. If, despite extensive pre-compilation of control procedures, an unforeseen situation arises during a mission, the mission controller must generate a new procedure for the flight crew in a limited amount of time. In such situations, the mission controller cannot systematically consider and test alternative procedures against models of the system being controlled, because the available simulator is too large and complex to reconfigure, run, and analyze quickly. A rapidly reconfigurable simulation environment that can execute a control procedure and show its effects on system behavior would greatly facilitate generation and testing of control procedures both before and during a mission. The How Things Work project at Stanford University has developed a system called DME (Device Modeling Environment) for modeling and simulating the behavior of electromechanical devices. DME was designed to facilitate model formulation and behavior simulation of device behavior including both continuous and discrete phenomena. We are currently extending DME for use in testing operator procedures, and we have built a knowledge base for modeling the Reaction Control System (RCS) of the space shuttle as a testbed. We believe that DME can facilitate design of operator procedures by providing mission controllers with a simulation environment that meets all these requirements.

Early Retinal and Choroidal Coat Thickness Changes After Intravitreal Dexamethasone Implant Injection for Diabetic Macular Edema.

PubMed

Horozoğlu, Fatih; Sever, Özkan

2018-06-05

Intravitreal steroid injection is one of the treatment choices in diabetic macular edema (DME). Dexamethasone (Dx) implant is the most novel form of intravitreal steroid therapy. Macular thickness improvement is well known effect of Dx implant however; subfoveal choroidal coat thickness (SFCT) changes need to be investigated. To evaluate the early central macular thickness (CMT) and SFCT alterations after single dose dexamethasone implant injection in DME. Retrospective cross-sectional study. We identified 29 patients with DME (29 eyes) who underwent optical coherence tomography (OCT) and fundus fluoroscein angiography (FFA). All patients received a single dose intravitreal Dx implant and were followed for CMT and SFCT alterations for the post-injection first hour, first day, first week, first month and third month. The preoperative mean CMT and SFCT measurements were 592.3±122.3 (412-879) μm and 264.8±53.7 (165-397) μm, respectively. CMT measurements significantly decreased from the first hour (p<0.050) and kept decreasing till 3 month (p<0.001); while SFCT decrement was just significant at the first day (p<0.05). When we compared the decrease in SFCT and CMT, 1 hour was similar, however not significant, 1.5% SFCT and 5% CMT decrease was, respectively (p>0.050). CMT decrease rate was significantly higher than SFCT at 1 day, 1 week, 1 month and 3 month (p<0.001). Intravitreal Dx implant has got a meaningful effect on CMT in patients with DME while SFCT decreases significantly at first hour and first day.

Cobalt and Vanadium Trimetaphosphate Polyanions: Synthesis, Characterization, and Electrochemical Evaluation for Non-aqueous Redox-Flow Battery Applications.

PubMed

Stauber, Julia M; Zhang, Shiyu; Gvozdik, Nataliya; Jiang, Yanfeng; Avena, Laura; Stevenson, Keith J; Cummins, Christopher C

2018-01-17

An electrochemical cell consisting of cobalt ([Co II/III (P 3 O 9 ) 2 ] 4-/3- ) and vanadium ([V III/II (P 3 O 9 ) 2 ] 3-/4- ) bistrimetaphosphate complexes as catholyte and anolyte species, respectively, was constructed with a cell voltage of 2.4 V and Coulombic efficiencies >90% for up to 100 total cycles. The [Co(P 3 O 9 ) 2 ] 4- (1) and [V(P 3 O 9 ) 2 ] 3- (2) complexes have favorable properties for flow-battery applications, including reversible redox chemistry, high stability toward electrochemical cycling, and high solubility in MeCN (1.09 ± 0.02 M, [PPN] 4 [1]·2MeCN; 0.77 ± 0.06 M, [PPN] 3 [2]·DME). The [PPN] 4 [1]·2MeCN and [PPN] 3 [2]·DME salts were isolated as crystalline solids in 82 and 68% yields, respectively, and characterized by 31 P NMR, UV/vis, ESI-MS(-), and IR spectroscopy. The [PPN] 4 [1]·2MeCN salt was also structurally characterized, crystallizing in the monoclinic P2 1 /c space group. Treatment of 1 with [(p-BrC 6 H 4 ) 3 N] + allowed for isolation of the one-electron-oxidized spin-crossover (SCO) complex, [Co(P 3 O 9 ) 2 ] 3- (3), which is the active catholyte species generated during cell charging. The success of the 1-2 cell provides a promising entry point to a potential future class of transition-metal metaphosphate-based all-inorganic non-aqueous redox-flow battery electrolytes.

Study on systems based on coal and natural gas for producing dimethyl ether

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

Zhou, L.; Hu, S.Y.; Chen, D.J.

2009-04-15

China is a coal-dependent country and will remain so for a long time. Dimethyl ether (DME), a potential substitute for liquid fuel, is a kind of clean diesel motor fuel. The production of DME from coal is meaningful and is studied in this article. Considering the C/H ratios of coal and natural gas (NG), the cofeed (coal and NG) system (CFS), which does not contain the water gas shift process, is studied. It can reduce CO{sub 2} emission and increase the conversion rate of carbon, producing more DME. The CFS is simulated and compared with the coal-based and NG-based systemsmore » with different recycling ratios. The part of the exhaust gas that is not recycled is burned, producing electricity. On the basis of the simulation results, the thermal efficiency, economic index, and CO{sub 2} emission ratio are calculated separately. The CFS with a 100% recycling ratio has the best comprehensive evaluation index, while the energy, economy, and environment were considered at the same time.« less

Antiproliferative activity of novel imidazopyridine derivatives on castration-resistant human prostate cancer cells.

PubMed

Muniyan, Sakthivel; Chou, Yu-Wei; Ingersoll, Matthew A; Devine, Alexus; Morris, Marisha; Odero-Marah, Valerie A; Khan, Shafiq A; Chaney, William G; Bu, Xiu R; Lin, Ming-Fong

2014-10-10

Metastatic prostate cancer (mPCa) relapses after a short period of androgen deprivation therapy and becomes the castration-resistant prostate cancer (CR PCa); to which the treatment is limited. Hence, it is imperative to identify novel therapeutic agents towards this patient population. In the present study, antiproliferative activities of novel imidazopyridines were compared. Among three derivatives, PHE, AMD and AMN, examined, AMD showed the highest inhibitory activity on LNCaP C-81 cell proliferation, following dose- and time-dependent manner. Additionally, AMD exhibited significant antiproliferative effect against a panel of PCa cells, but not normal prostate epithelial cells. Further, when compared to AMD, its derivative DME showed higher inhibitory activities on PCa cell proliferation, clonogenic potential and in vitro tumorigenicity. The inhibitory activity was apparently in part due to the induction of apoptosis. Mechanistic studies indicate that AMD and DME treatments inhibited both AR and PI3K/Akt signaling. The results suggest that better understanding of inhibitory mechanisms of AMD and DME could help design novel therapeutic agents for improving the treatment of CR PCa. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Antiproliferative activity of novel imidazopyridine derivatives on castration-resistant human prostate cancer cells

PubMed Central

Muniyan, Sakthivel; Chou, Yu-Wei; Ingersoll, Matthew A.; Devine, Alexus; Morris, Marisha; Odero-Marah, Valerie A.; Khan, Shafiq A.; Chaney, William G.; Bu, Xiu R.; Lin, Ming-Fong

2014-01-01

Metastatic prostate cancer (mPCa) relapses after a short period of androgen deprivation therapy and becomes the castration-resistant prostate cancer (CR PCa); to which the treatment is limited. Hence, it is imperative to identify novel therapeutic agents towards this patient population. In the present study, antiproliferative activities of novel imidazopyridines were compared. Among three derivatives, PHE, AMD and AMN, examined, AMD showed the highest inhibitory activity on LNCaP C-81 cell proliferation, following dose- and time-dependent manner. Additionally, AMD exhibited significant antiproliferative effect against a panel of PCa cells, but not normal prostate epithelial cells. Further, when compared to AMD, its derivative DME showed higher inhibitory activities on PCa cell proliferation, clonogenic potential and in vitro tumorigenicity. The inhibitory activity was apparently in part due to the induction of apoptosis. Mechanistic studies indicate that AMD and DME treatments inhibited both AR and PI3K/Akt signaling. The results suggest that better understanding of inhibitory mechanisms of AMD and DME could help design novel therapeutic agents for improving the treatment of CR PCa. PMID:25050738

Multimodal Imaging in Diabetic Macular Edema.

PubMed

Acón, Dhariana; Wu, Lihteh

2018-01-01

Throughout ophthalmic history it has been shown that progress has gone hand in hand with technological breakthroughs. In the past, fluorescein angiography and fundus photographs were the most commonly used imaging modalities in the management of diabetic macular edema (DME). Today, despite the moderate correlation between macular thickness and functional outcomes, spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) has become the DME workhorse in clinical practice. Several SD-OCT biomarkers have been looked at including presence of epiretinal membrane, vitreomacular adhesion, disorganization of the inner retinal layers, central macular thickness, integrity of the ellipsoid layer, and subretinal fluid, among others. Emerging imaging modalities include fundus autofluorescence, macular pigment optical density, fluorescence lifetime imaging ophthalmoscopy, OCT angiography, and adaptive optics. Technological advances in imaging of the posterior segment of the eye have enabled ophthalmologists to develop hypotheses about pathological mechanisms of disease, monitor disease progression, and assess response to treatment. Spectral domain OCT is the most commonly performed imaging modality in the management of DME. However, reliable biomarkers have yet to be identified. Machine learning may provide treatment algorithms based on multimodal imaging. Copyright 2018 Asia-Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology.

Evidence-based review of diabetic macular edema management: Consensus statement on Indian treatment guidelines

PubMed Central

Das, Taraprasad; Aurora, Ajay; Chhablani, Jay; Giridhar, Anantharaman; Kumar, Atul; Raman, Rajiv; Nagpal, Manish; Narayanan, Raja; Natarajan, Sundaram; Ramasamay, Kim; Tyagi, Mudit; Verma, Lalit

2016-01-01

The purpose of the study was to review the current evidence and design a diabetic macular edema (DME) management guideline specific for India. The published DME guidelines from different organizations and publications were weighed against the practice trends in India. This included the recently approved drugs. DME management consisted of control of diabetes and other associated systemic conditions, such as hypertension and hyperlipidemia, and specific therapy to reduce macular edema. Quantification of macular edema is precisely made with the optical coherence tomography and treatment options include retinal laser, intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF), and implantable dexamethasone. Specific use of these modalities depends on the presenting vision and extent of macular involvement. Invariable eyes with center-involving macular edema benefit from intravitreal anti-VEGF or dexamethasone implant therapy, and eyes with macular edema not involving the macula center benefit from retinal laser. The results are illustrated with adequate case studies and frequently asked questions. This guideline prepared on the current published evidence is meant as a guideline for the treating physicians. PMID:26953019

Inhomogeneity induced and appropriately parameterized semilocal exchange and correlation energy functionals in two-dimensions.

PubMed

Patra, Abhilash; Jana, Subrata; Samal, Prasanjit

2018-04-07

The construction of meta generalized gradient approximations based on the density matrix expansion (DME) is considered as one of the most accurate techniques to design semilocal exchange energy functionals in two-dimensional density functional formalism. The exchange holes modeled using DME possess unique features that make it a superior entity. Parameterized semilocal exchange energy functionals based on the DME are proposed. The use of different forms of the momentum and flexible parameters is to subsume the non-uniform effects of the density in the newly constructed semilocal functionals. In addition to the exchange functionals, a suitable correlation functional is also constructed by working upon the local correlation functional developed for 2D homogeneous electron gas. The non-local effects are induced into the correlation functional by a parametric form of one of the newly constructed exchange energy functionals. The proposed functionals are applied to the parabolic quantum dots with a varying number of confined electrons and the confinement strength. The results obtained with the aforementioned functionals are quite satisfactory, which indicates why these are suitable for two-dimensional quantum systems.

Inhomogeneity induced and appropriately parameterized semilocal exchange and correlation energy functionals in two-dimensions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Patra, Abhilash; Jana, Subrata; Samal, Prasanjit

2018-04-01

The construction of meta generalized gradient approximations based on the density matrix expansion (DME) is considered as one of the most accurate techniques to design semilocal exchange energy functionals in two-dimensional density functional formalism. The exchange holes modeled using DME possess unique features that make it a superior entity. Parameterized semilocal exchange energy functionals based on the DME are proposed. The use of different forms of the momentum and flexible parameters is to subsume the non-uniform effects of the density in the newly constructed semilocal functionals. In addition to the exchange functionals, a suitable correlation functional is also constructed by working upon the local correlation functional developed for 2D homogeneous electron gas. The non-local effects are induced into the correlation functional by a parametric form of one of the newly constructed exchange energy functionals. The proposed functionals are applied to the parabolic quantum dots with a varying number of confined electrons and the confinement strength. The results obtained with the aforementioned functionals are quite satisfactory, which indicates why these are suitable for two-dimensional quantum systems.

Diabetic Macular Edema.

PubMed

Gundogan, Fatih C; Yolcu, Umit; Akay, Fahrettin; Ilhan, Abdullah; Ozge, Gokhan; Uzun, Salih

2016-01-01

Diabetic macular edema (DME), one the most prevalent causes of visual loss in industrialized countries, may be diagnosed at any stage of diabetic retinopathy. The diagnosis, treatment, and follow up of DME have become straightforward with recent developments in fundus imaging, such as optical coherence tomography. Laser photocoagulation, intravitreal injections, and pars plana vitrectomy surgery are the current treatment modalities; however, the positive effects of currently available intravitreally injected agents are temporary. At this point, further treatment choices are needed for a permanent effect. The articles published between 1985-2015 years on major databases were searched and most appropriate 40 papers were used to write this review article.

Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Comparative Effectiveness Trial for Diabetic Macular Edema: Additional Efficacy Post Hoc Analyses of a Randomized Clinical Trial.

PubMed

Jampol, Lee M; Glassman, Adam R; Bressler, Neil M; Wells, John A; Ayala, Allison R

2016-12-01

Post hoc analyses from the Diabetic Retinopathy Clinical Research Network randomized clinical trial comparing aflibercept, bevacizumab, and ranibizumab for diabetic macular edema (DME) might influence interpretation of study results. To provide additional outcomes comparing 3 anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents for DME. Post hoc analyses performed from May 3, 2016, to June 21, 2016, of a randomized clinical trial performed from August 22, 2012, to September 23, 2015, of 660 participants comparing 3 anti-VEGF treatments in eyes with center-involved DME causing vision impairment. Randomization to intravitreous aflibercept (2.0 mg), bevacizumab (1.25 mg), or ranibizumab (0.3 mg) administered up to monthly based on a structured retreatment regimen. Focal/grid laser treatment was added after 6 months for the treatment of persistent DME. Change in visual acuity (VA) area under the curve and change in central subfield thickness (CST) within subgroups based on whether an eye received laser treatment for DME during the study. Post hoc analyses were performed for 660 participants (mean [SD] age, 61 [10] years; 47% female, 65% white, 16% black or African American, 16% Hispanic, and 3% other). For eyes with an initial VA of 20/50 or worse, VA improvement was greater with aflibercept than the other agents at 1 year but superior only to bevacizumab at 2 years. Mean (SD) letter change in VA over 2 years (area under curve) was greater with aflibercept (+17.1 [9.7]) than with bevacizumab (+12.1 [9.4]; 95% CI, +1.6 to +7.3; P < .001) or ranibizumab (+13.6 [8.5]; 95% CI, +0.7 to +6.0; P = .009). When VA was 20/50 or worse at baseline, bevacizumab reduced CST less than the other agents at 1 year, but at 2 years the differences had diminished. In subgroups stratified by baseline VA, anti-VEGF agent, and whether focal/grid laser treatment was performed for DME, the only participants to have a substantial reduction in mean CST between 1 and 2 years were those with a baseline VA of 20/50 or worse receiving bevacizumab and laser treatment (mean [SD], -55 [108] µm; 95% CI, -82 to -28 µm; P < .001). Although post hoc analyses should be viewed with caution given the potential for bias, in eyes with a VA of 20/50 or worse, aflibercept has the greatest improvement in VA over 2 years. Focal/grid laser treatment, ceiling and floor effects, or both may account for mean thickness reductions noted only in bevacizumab-treated eyes between 1 and 2 years. clinicaltrials.gov Identifier NCT01627249.

Evaluating operating conditions for outcompeting nitrite oxidizers and maintaining partial nitrification in biofilm systems using biofilm modeling and Monte Carlo filtering.

PubMed

Brockmann, D; Morgenroth, E

2010-03-01

In practice, partial nitrification to nitrite in biofilms has been achieved with a range of different operating conditions, but mechanisms resulting in reliable partial nitrification in biofilms are not well understood. In this study, mathematical biofilm modeling combined with Monte Carlo filtering was used to evaluate operating conditions that (1) lead to outcompetition of nitrite oxidizers from the biofilm, and (2) allow to maintain partial nitrification during long-term operation. Competition for oxygen was found to be the main mechanism for displacing nitrite oxidizers from the biofilm, and preventing re-growth of nitrite oxidizers in the long-term. To maintain partial nitrification in the model, a larger oxygen affinity (i.e., smaller half saturation constant) for ammonium oxidizers compared to nitrite oxidizers was required, while the difference in maximum growth rate was not important for competition under steady state conditions. Thus, mechanisms for washout of nitrite oxidizing bacteria from biofilms are different from suspended cultures where the difference in maximum growth rate is a key mechanism. Inhibition of nitrite oxidizers by free ammonia was not required to outcompete nitrite oxidizers from the biofilm, and to maintain partial nitrification to nitrite. But inhibition by free ammonia resulted in faster washout of nitrite oxidizers. Copyright 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Method for improving catalyst function in auto-thermal and partial oxidation reformer-based processors

DOEpatents

Ahmed, Shabbir; Papadias, Dionissios D.; Lee, Sheldon H.D.; Ahluwalia, Rajesh K.

2014-08-26

The invention provides a method for reforming fuel, the method comprising contacting the fuel to an oxidation catalyst so as to partially oxidize the fuel and generate heat; warming incoming fuel with the heat while simultaneously warming a reforming catalyst with the heat; and reacting the partially oxidized fuel with steam using the reforming catalyst.

Cone Photoreceptor Irregularity on Adaptive Optics Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscopy Correlates With Severity of Diabetic Retinopathy and Macular Edema

PubMed Central

Lammer, Jan; Prager, Sonja G.; Cheney, Michael C.; Ahmed, Amel; Radwan, Salma H.; Burns, Stephen A.; Silva, Paolo S.; Sun, Jennifer K.

2016-01-01

Purpose To determine whether cone density, spacing, or regularity in eyes with and without diabetes (DM) as assessed by high-resolution adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (AOSLO) correlates with presence of diabetes, diabetic retinopathy (DR) severity, or presence of diabetic macular edema (DME). Methods Participants with type 1 or 2 DM and healthy controls underwent AOSLO imaging of four macular regions. Cone assessment was performed by independent graders for cone density, packing factor (PF), nearest neighbor distance (NND), and Voronoi tile area (VTA). Regularity indices (mean/SD) of NND (RI-NND) and VTA (RI-VTA) were calculated. Results Fifty-three eyes (53 subjects) were assessed. Mean ± SD age was 44 ± 12 years; 81% had DM (duration: 22 ± 13 years; glycated hemoglobin [HbA1c]: 8.0 ± 1.7%; DM type 1: 72%). No significant relationship was found between DM, HbA1c, or DR severity and cone density or spacing parameters. However, decreased regularity of cone arrangement in the macular quadrants was correlated with presence of DM (RI-NND: P = 0.04; RI-VTA: P = 0.04), increasing DR severity (RI-NND: P = 0.04), and presence of DME (RI-VTA: P = 0.04). Eyes with DME were associated with decreased density (P = 0.04), PF (P = 0.03), and RI-VTA (0.04). Conclusions Although absolute cone density and spacing don't appear to change substantially in DM, decreased regularity of the cone arrangement is consistently associated with the presence of DM, increasing DR severity, and DME. Future AOSLO evaluation of cone regularity is warranted to determine whether these changes are correlated with, or predict, anatomic or functional deficits in patients with DM. PMID:27926754

Fully Automatic Segmentation of Fluorescein Leakage in Subjects With Diabetic Macular Edema

PubMed Central

Rabbani, Hossein; Allingham, Michael J.; Mettu, Priyatham S.; Cousins, Scott W.; Farsiu, Sina

2015-01-01

Purpose. To create and validate software to automatically segment leakage area in real-world clinical fluorescein angiography (FA) images of subjects with diabetic macular edema (DME). Methods. Fluorescein angiography images obtained from 24 eyes of 24 subjects with DME were retrospectively analyzed. Both video and still-frame images were obtained using a Heidelberg Spectralis 6-mode HRA/OCT unit. We aligned early and late FA frames in the video by a two-step nonrigid registration method. To remove background artifacts, we subtracted early and late FA frames. Finally, after postprocessing steps, including detection and inpainting of the vessels, a robust active contour method was utilized to obtain leakage area in a 1500-μm-radius circular region centered at the fovea. Images were captured at different fields of view (FOVs) and were often contaminated with outliers, as is the case in real-world clinical imaging. Our algorithm was applied to these images with no manual input. Separately, all images were manually segmented by two retina specialists. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of manual interobserver, manual intraobserver, and automatic methods were calculated. Results. The mean accuracy was 0.86 ± 0.08 for automatic versus manual, 0.83 ± 0.16 for manual interobserver, and 0.90 ± 0.08 for manual intraobserver segmentation methods. Conclusions. Our fully automated algorithm can reproducibly and accurately quantify the area of leakage of clinical-grade FA video and is congruent with expert manual segmentation. The performance was reliable for different DME subtypes. This approach has the potential to reduce time and labor costs and may yield objective and reproducible quantitative measurements of DME imaging biomarkers. PMID:25634978

Fully automatic segmentation of fluorescein leakage in subjects with diabetic macular edema.

PubMed

Rabbani, Hossein; Allingham, Michael J; Mettu, Priyatham S; Cousins, Scott W; Farsiu, Sina

2015-01-29

To create and validate software to automatically segment leakage area in real-world clinical fluorescein angiography (FA) images of subjects with diabetic macular edema (DME). Fluorescein angiography images obtained from 24 eyes of 24 subjects with DME were retrospectively analyzed. Both video and still-frame images were obtained using a Heidelberg Spectralis 6-mode HRA/OCT unit. We aligned early and late FA frames in the video by a two-step nonrigid registration method. To remove background artifacts, we subtracted early and late FA frames. Finally, after postprocessing steps, including detection and inpainting of the vessels, a robust active contour method was utilized to obtain leakage area in a 1500-μm-radius circular region centered at the fovea. Images were captured at different fields of view (FOVs) and were often contaminated with outliers, as is the case in real-world clinical imaging. Our algorithm was applied to these images with no manual input. Separately, all images were manually segmented by two retina specialists. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of manual interobserver, manual intraobserver, and automatic methods were calculated. The mean accuracy was 0.86 ± 0.08 for automatic versus manual, 0.83 ± 0.16 for manual interobserver, and 0.90 ± 0.08 for manual intraobserver segmentation methods. Our fully automated algorithm can reproducibly and accurately quantify the area of leakage of clinical-grade FA video and is congruent with expert manual segmentation. The performance was reliable for different DME subtypes. This approach has the potential to reduce time and labor costs and may yield objective and reproducible quantitative measurements of DME imaging biomarkers. Copyright 2015 The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, Inc.

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

Tan, Eric C. D.; Talmadge, Michael; Dutta, Abhijit

This report was developed as part of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Bioenergy Technologies Office’s (BETO’s) efforts to enable the development of technologies for the production of infrastructure-compatible, cost-competitive liquid hydrocarbon fuels from lignocellulosic biomass feedstocks. The research funded by BETO is designed to advance the state of technology of biomass feedstock supply and logistics, conversion, and overall system sustainability. It is expected that these research improvements will be made within the 2022 timeframe. As part of their involvement in this research and development effort, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory investigate the economics ofmore » conversion pathways through the development of conceptual biorefinery process models and techno-economic analysis models. This report describes in detail one potential conversion process for the production of high-octane gasoline blendstock via indirect liquefaction of biomass. The processing steps of this pathway include the conversion of biomass to synthesis gas or syngas via indirect gasification, gas cleanup, catalytic conversion of syngas to methanol intermediate, methanol dehydration to dimethyl ether (DME), and catalytic conversion of DME to high-octane, gasoline-range hydrocarbon blendstock product. The conversion process configuration leverages technologies previously advanced by research funded by BETO and demonstrated in 2012 with the production of mixed alcohols from biomass. Biomass-derived syngas cleanup via reforming of tars and other hydrocarbons is one of the key technology advancements realized as part of this prior research and 2012 demonstrations. The process described in this report evaluates a new technology area for the downstream utilization of clean biomass-derived syngas for the production of high-octane hydrocarbon products through methanol and DME intermediates. In this process, methanol undergoes dehydration to DME, which is subsequently converted via homologation reactions to high-octane, gasoline-range hydrocarbon products.« less

Investigation of Ion-Solvent Interactions in Nonaqueous Electrolytes Using in Situ Liquid SIMS.

PubMed

Zhang, Yanyan; Su, Mao; Yu, Xiaofei; Zhou, Yufan; Wang, Jungang; Cao, Ruiguo; Xu, Wu; Wang, Chongmin; Baer, Donald R; Borodin, Oleg; Xu, Kang; Wang, Yanting; Wang, Xue-Lin; Xu, Zhijie; Wang, Fuyi; Zhu, Zihua

2018-03-06

Ion-solvent interactions in nonaqueous electrolytes are of fundamental interest and practical importance, yet debates regarding ion preferential solvation and coordination numbers persist. In this work, in situ liquid SIMS was used to examine ion-solvent interactions in three representative electrolytes, i.e., lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF 6 ) at 1.0 M in ethylene carbonate (EC)-dimethyl carbonate (DMC) and lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (LiFSI) at both low (1.0 M) and high (4.0 M) concentrations in 1,2-dimethoxyethane (DME). In the positive ion mode, solid molecular evidence strongly supports the preferential solvation of Li + by EC. Besides, from the negative spectra, we also found that PF 6 - forms association with EC, which has been neglected by previous studies due to the relatively weak interaction. In both LiFSI in DME electrolytes, however, no evidence shows that FSI - is associated with DME. Furthermore, strong salt ion cluster signals were observed in the 1.0 M LiPF 6 in EC-DMC electrolyte, suggesting that a significant amount of Li + ions stay in the vicinity of anions. In sharp comparison, weak ion cluster signals were detected in dilute LiFSI in DME electrolyte, suggesting most ions are well separated, in agreement with our molecular dynamics simulation results. These findings indicate that with virtues of little bias on detecting positive and negative ions and the capability of directly analyzing concentrated electrolytes, in situ liquid SIMS is a powerful tool that can provide key evidence for improved understanding on the ion-solvent interactions in nonaqueous electrolytes. Therefore, we anticipate wide applications of in situ liquid SIMS on investigations of various ion-solvent interactions in the near future.

Communications between intraretinal and subretinal space on optical coherence tomography of neurosensory retinal detachment in diabetic macular edema

PubMed Central

Gupta, Aditi; Raman, Rajiv; Mohana, KP; Kulothungan, Vaitheeswaran; Sharma, Tarun

2013-01-01

Background: The pathogenesis of development and progression of neurosensory retinal detachment (NSD) in diabetic macular edema (DME) is not yet fully understood. The purpose of this study is to describe the spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) morphological characteristics of NSD associated with DME in the form of outer retinal communications and to assess the correlation between the size of communications and various factors. Materials and Methods: This was an observational retrospective nonconsecutive case series in a tertiary care eye institute. We imaged NSD and outer retinal communications in 17 eyes of 16 patients having NSD associated with DME using SD-OCT. We measured manually the size of the outer openings of these communications and studied its correlation with various factors. Statistical analysis (correlation test) was performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software (version 14.0). The main outcome measures were correlation of the size of communications with dimensions of NSD, presence of subretinal hyper-reflective dots, and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA). Results: The communications were seen as focal defects of the outer layers of elevated retina. With increasing size of communication, there was increase in height of NSD (r = 0.701, P = 0.002), horizontal diameter of NSD (r = 0.695, P = 0.002), and the number of hyper-reflective dots in the subretinal space (r = 0.729, P = 0.002). The minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) BCVA increased with the increasing size of communications (r = 0.827, P < 0.0001). Conclusions: Outer retinal communications between intra and subretinal space were noted in eyes having NSD associated with DME. The size of communications correlated positively with the size of NSD and subretinal detachment space hyper-reflective dots, and inversely with BCVA. PMID:24379554

Communications between intraretinal and subretinal space on optical coherence tomography of neurosensory retinal detachment in diabetic macular edema.

PubMed

Gupta, Aditi; Raman, Rajiv; Mohana, Kp; Kulothungan, Vaitheeswaran; Sharma, Tarun

2013-09-01

The pathogenesis of development and progression of neurosensory retinal detachment (NSD) in diabetic macular edema (DME) is not yet fully understood. The purpose of this study is to describe the spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) morphological characteristics of NSD associated with DME in the form of outer retinal communications and to assess the correlation between the size of communications and various factors. This was an observational retrospective nonconsecutive case series in a tertiary care eye institute. We imaged NSD and outer retinal communications in 17 eyes of 16 patients having NSD associated with DME using SD-OCT. We measured manually the size of the outer openings of these communications and studied its correlation with various factors. Statistical analysis (correlation test) was performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software (version 14.0). The main outcome measures were correlation of the size of communications with dimensions of NSD, presence of subretinal hyper-reflective dots, and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA). The communications were seen as focal defects of the outer layers of elevated retina. With increasing size of communication, there was increase in height of NSD (r = 0.701, P = 0.002), horizontal diameter of NSD (r = 0.695, P = 0.002), and the number of hyper-reflective dots in the subretinal space (r = 0.729, P = 0.002). The minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) BCVA increased with the increasing size of communications (r = 0.827, P < 0.0001). Outer retinal communications between intra and subretinal space were noted in eyes having NSD associated with DME. The size of communications correlated positively with the size of NSD and subretinal detachment space hyper-reflective dots, and inversely with BCVA.

Investigation of Ion-Solvent Interactions in Nonaqueous Electrolytes Using in Situ Liquid SIMS

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

Zhang, Yanyan; Su, Mao; Yu, Xiaofei

2018-02-06

Ion-solvent interactions in non-aqueous electrolytes are of fundamental interest and practical importance, yet debates regarding ion preferential solvation and coordination numbers persist. In this work, in situ liquid SIMS was used to examine ion-solvent interactions in three representative electrolytes, i.e., lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF6) at 1.0 M in ethylene carbonate (EC)-dimethyl carbonate (DMC), and lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (LiFSI) at both low (1.0 M) and high (4.0 M) concentrations in 1,2-dimethoxyethane (DME). In the positive ion mode, solid molecular evidence strongly supports the preferential solvation of Li+ by EC. Besides, from the negative spectra, we also found that PF6- forms association with EC,more » which has been neglected by previous studies due to the relatively weak interaction. While in both LiFSI in DME electrolytes, no evidence shows that FSI- is associated with DME. Furthermore, strong salt ion cluster signals were observed in the 1.0 M LiPF6 in EC-DMC electrolyte, suggesting that a significant amount of Li+ ions stay in vicinity of anions. In sharp comparison, weak ion cluster signals were detected in dilute LiFSI in DME electrolyte, suggesting most ions are well separated, in agreement with our molecular dynamics (MD) simulation results. These findings indicate that with virtues of little bias on detecting positive and negative ions and the capability of directly analyzing concentrated electrolytes, in situ liquid SIMS is a powerful tool that can provide key evidence for improved understanding on the ion-solvent interactions in non-aqueous electrolytes. Therefore, we anticipate wide applications of in situ liquid SIMS on investigations of various ion-solvent interactions in the near future.« less

Characterization of ischemic index using ultra-widefield fluorescein angiography in patients with focal and diffuse recalcitrant diabetic macular edema.

PubMed

Patel, Ravi D; Messner, Leonard V; Teitelbaum, Bruce; Michel, Kimberly A; Hariprasad, Seenu M

2013-06-01

To explore the association of angiographic nonperfusion in focal and diffuse recalcitrant diabetic macular edema (DME) in diabetic retinopathy (DR). A retrospective, observational case series of patients with the diagnosis of recalcitrant DME for at least 2 years placed into 1 of 4 cohorts based on the degree of DR. A total of 148 eyes of 76 patients met the inclusion criteria at 1 academic institution. Ultra-widefield fluorescein angiography (FA) images and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD OCT) images were obtained on all patients. Ultra-widefield FA images were graded for quantity of nonperfusion, which was used to calculate ischemic index. Main outcome measures were mean ischemic index, mean change in central macular thickness (CMT), and mean number of macular photocoagulation treatments over the 2-year study period. The mean ischemic index was 47% (SD 25%; range 0%-99%). The mean ischemic index of eyes within Cohorts 1, 2, 3, and 4 was 0%, 34% (range 16%-51%), 53% (range 32%-89%), and 65% (range 47%-99%), respectively. The mean percentage decrease in CMT in Cohorts 1, 2, 3, and 4 were 25.2%, 19.1%, 11.6%, and 7.2%, respectively. The mean number of macular photocoagulation treatments in Cohorts 1, 2, 3, and 4 was 2.3, 4.8, 5.3, and 5.7, respectively. Eyes with larger areas of retinal nonperfusion and greater severity of DR were found to have the most recalcitrant DME, as evidenced by a greater number of macular photocoagulation treatments and less reduction in SD OCT CMT compared with eyes without retinal nonperfusion. Areas of untreated retinal nonperfusion may generate biochemical mediators that promote ischemia and recalcitrant DME. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Three-Dimensional Enhanced Imaging of Vitreoretinal Interface in Diabetic Retinopathy Using Swept-Source Optical Coherence Tomography.

PubMed

Adhi, Mehreen; Badaro, Emmerson; Liu, Jonathan J; Kraus, Martin F; Baumal, Caroline R; Witkin, Andre J; Hornegger, Joachim; Fujimoto, James G; Duker, Jay S; Waheed, Nadia K

2016-02-01

To analyze the vitreoretinal interface in diabetic eyes using 3-dimensional wide-field volumes acquired using high-speed, long-wavelength swept-source optical coherence tomography (SSOCT). Prospective cross-sectional study. Fifty-six diabetic patients (88 eyes) and 11 healthy nondiabetic controls (22 eyes) were recruited. Up to 8 SSOCT volumes were acquired for each eye. A registration algorithm removed motion artifacts and merged multiple SSOCT volumes to improve signal. Vitreous visualization was enhanced using vitreous windowing method. Of 88 diabetic eyes, 20 eyes had no retinopathy, 21 eyes had nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) without macular edema, 20 eyes had proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) without macular edema, and 27 eyes had diabetic macular edema (DME) with either NPDR or PDR. Thick posterior hyaloid relative to healthy nondiabetic controls was observed in 0 of 20 (0%) diabetic eyes without retinopathy, 4 of 21 (19%) eyes with NPDR, 11 of 20 (55%) eyes with PDR, and 11 of 27 (41%) eyes with DME (P = .0001). Vitreoschisis was observed in 6 of 22 (27%) healthy nondiabetic eyes, 9 of 20 (45%) diabetic eyes without retinopathy, 10 of 21 (48%) eyes with NPDR, 13 of 20 (65%) eyes with PDR, and 17 of 27 (63%) eyes with DME (P = .007). While no healthy nondiabetic controls and diabetic eyes without retinopathy had adhesions/pegs between detached posterior hyaloid and retina, 1 of 21 (4%), 11 of 20 (55%), and 11 of 27 (41%) eyes with NPDR, PDR, and DME, respectively, demonstrated this feature (P = .0001). SSOCT with motion-correction and vitreous windowing provides wide-field 3-dimensional information of vitreoretinal interface in diabetic eyes. This may be useful in assessing progression of retinopathy, planning diabetic vitreous surgery, and predicting treatment outcomes. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity of Fucus spiralis macroalgae and influence of the extracts storage temperature-A short report.

PubMed

Paiva, Lisete; Lima, Elisabete; Neto, Ana Isabel; Baptista, José

2016-11-30

Recently, increasing attention has been paid to the marine algae as a natural source of novel angiotensin-I converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, such as the phlorotannins that are the predominant polyphenols in brown algae. This study reports, for the first time, the ACE inhibition of methanol extract/fractions from Azorean brown algae Fucus spiralis (Fs) determined by HPLC-UV method, their total phenolic content (TPC) quantified as phloroglucinol equivalents (PE) and the effect of the Fs dry powder methanol extracts (Fs-DME) storage temperature on ACE inhibition. The results indicate that the ACE inhibition of Fs-DME decreased by 28.8% and 78.2% when stored during 15days at -80°C and -13°C, respectively, as compared with the activity of Fs-DME at a refrigerated temperature of 6°C and assayed immediately after extraction that showed a value of 80.1±2.1%. This Fs-DME sample was fractionated by ultrafiltration membranes into three molecular weight ranges (<1kDa, 1-3kDa and >3kDa), presenting the fraction>3kDa remarkably high ACE inhibition (88.8±2.4%), TPC value (156.6±1.4mg PE/g of dry weight fraction) and yield. Furthermore, chromatographic and spectrophotometric analyses corroborate that phenolic compounds were present in Fs methanol extract/fractions, and also revealed that phloroglucinol occurs in Fs. The results seem to suggest that Azorean Fs can be a source of powerful ACE-inhibitory phlorotannins with potential impact on public health, particularly on hypertensive patients. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Surgical resident education: what is the department's price for commitment?

PubMed

Meara, Michael P; Schlitzkus, Lisa L; Witherington, Mitzi; Haisch, Carl; Rotondo, Michael F; Schenarts, Paul J

2010-01-01

The current recession has impacted all aspects of our economy. Some residency programs have experienced faculty salary cuts, furlough days, and cessation of funding for travel to academic meetings. This milieu forced many residency programs to reevaluate their commitment to resident education, particularly for those expenses not provided for by Direct Medical Education (DME) and Indirect Medical Education (IME) funds. The purpose of this study was to determine what price a Department of Surgery pays to fulfill its commitment to resident education. A financial analysis of 1 academic year was performed for all expenses not covered by DME or IME funds and is paid for by the faculty practice plan. These expenses were categorized and further analyzed to determine the funds required for resident-related scholarly activity. A university-based general surgery residency program. Twenty-eight surgical residents and a program coordinator. The departmental faculty provided $153,141 during 1 academic year to support the educational mission of the residency. This amount is in addition to the $1.6 million in faculty time, $850,000 provided by the federal government in terms of DME funds, and $14 million of IME funds, which are distributed on an institutional basis. Resident presentations at scientific meetings accounted for $49,672, and program coordinator costs of $44,190 accounted for nearly two-thirds of this funding. The departmental faculty committed $6400 per categorical resident. In addition to DME and IME funds, a department of surgery must commit significant additional monies to meet the educational goals of surgical residency. Copyright © 2010 Association of Program Directors in Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Assessment of early attrition using an ordinary flatbed scanner.

PubMed

Van't Spijker, Arie; Kreulen, Cees M; Bronkhorst, Ewald M; Creugers, Nico H J

2012-07-01

The aim of this study was to assess a two-dimensional method to monitor occlusal tooth wear quantitatively using a commercially available ordinary flatbed scanner. A flatbed scanner, measuring software and gypsum casts were used. In Part I, two observers (A and B) independently traced scans of marked wear facets of ten sets of casts in two sessions (test and retest). In Part II, three other sets of casts were duplicated and two observers (C and D) marked wear facets and traced the scanned images independently. Intra- and inter-observer agreement was determined comparing measured values (mm(2)) in paired T-tests. Duplicate measurement errors (DME) were calculated. In Part I the test and retest values (10 casts, 218 teeth) of observer A and B did not differ significantly (A: p = 0.289; B: p = 0.666); correlation coefficients were 0.998 (A) and 0.999 (B). "Tracing wear facets" showed a DME of 0.30 mm(2) for observer A and 0.15 mm(2) for observer B. In Part II, assessment of 70 teeth resulted in correlation coefficients of 0.994 for observer C and 0.997 for observer D; no differences between test and retest values were found for C (p = 0.061), although D differed significantly (p = 0.000). The DME for "marking and tracing wear facets" was 0.39 mm(2) (C) and 0.27 mm(2) (D). DME for inter-observer agreement were 0.45 mm(2) (test) and 0.42 mm(2) (re-test). We conclude that marking and tracing of occlusal wear facets to assess occlusal tooth wear quantitatively can be done accurately and reproducibly. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Investigation of Ion–Solvent Interactions in Nonaqueous Electrolytes Using in Situ Liquid SIMS

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

Zhang, Yanyan; Su, Mao; Yu, Xiaofei

Ion-solvent interactions in non-aqueous electrolytes are of fundamental interest and practical importance, yet debates regarding ion preferential solvation and coordination numbers persist. In this work, in situ liquid SIMS was used to examine ion-solvent interactions in three representative electrolytes, i.e., lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF6) at 1.0 M in ethylene carbonate (EC)-dimethyl carbonate (DMC), and lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (LiFSI) at both low (1.0 M) and high (4.0 M) concentrations in 1,2-dimethoxyethane (DME). In the positive ion mode, solid molecular evidence strongly supports the preferential solvation of Li+ by EC. Besides, from the negative spectra, we also found that PF6- forms association with EC,more » which has been neglected by previous studies due to the relatively weak interaction. While in both LiFSI in DME electrolytes, no evidence shows that FSI- is associated with DME. Furthermore, strong salt ion cluster signals were observed in the 1.0 M LiPF6 in EC-DMC electrolyte, suggesting that a significant amount of Li+ ions stay in vicinity of anions. In sharp comparison, weak ion cluster signals were detected in dilute LiFSI in DME electrolyte, suggesting most ions are well separated, in agreement with our molecular dynamics (MD) simulation results. These findings indicate that with virtues of little bias on detecting positive and negative ions and the capability of directly analyzing concentrated electrolytes, in situ liquid SIMS is a powerful tool that can provide key evidence for improved understanding on the ion-solvent interactions in non-aqueous electrolytes. Therefore, we anticipate wide applications of in situ liquid SIMS on investigations of various ion-solvent interactions in the near future.« less

Cone Photoreceptor Irregularity on Adaptive Optics Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscopy Correlates With Severity of Diabetic Retinopathy and Macular Edema.

PubMed

Lammer, Jan; Prager, Sonja G; Cheney, Michael C; Ahmed, Amel; Radwan, Salma H; Burns, Stephen A; Silva, Paolo S; Sun, Jennifer K

2016-12-01

To determine whether cone density, spacing, or regularity in eyes with and without diabetes (DM) as assessed by high-resolution adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (AOSLO) correlates with presence of diabetes, diabetic retinopathy (DR) severity, or presence of diabetic macular edema (DME). Participants with type 1 or 2 DM and healthy controls underwent AOSLO imaging of four macular regions. Cone assessment was performed by independent graders for cone density, packing factor (PF), nearest neighbor distance (NND), and Voronoi tile area (VTA). Regularity indices (mean/SD) of NND (RI-NND) and VTA (RI-VTA) were calculated. Fifty-three eyes (53 subjects) were assessed. Mean ± SD age was 44 ± 12 years; 81% had DM (duration: 22 ± 13 years; glycated hemoglobin [HbA1c]: 8.0 ± 1.7%; DM type 1: 72%). No significant relationship was found between DM, HbA1c, or DR severity and cone density or spacing parameters. However, decreased regularity of cone arrangement in the macular quadrants was correlated with presence of DM (RI-NND: P = 0.04; RI-VTA: P = 0.04), increasing DR severity (RI-NND: P = 0.04), and presence of DME (RI-VTA: P = 0.04). Eyes with DME were associated with decreased density (P = 0.04), PF (P = 0.03), and RI-VTA (0.04). Although absolute cone density and spacing don't appear to change substantially in DM, decreased regularity of the cone arrangement is consistently associated with the presence of DM, increasing DR severity, and DME. Future AOSLO evaluation of cone regularity is warranted to determine whether these changes are correlated with, or predict, anatomic or functional deficits in patients with DM.

Diabetic Macular Edema

PubMed Central

Gundogan, Fatih C.; Yolcu, Umit; Akay, Fahrettin; Ilhan, Abdullah; Ozge, Gokhan; Uzun, Salih

2016-01-01

Diabetic macular edema (DME), one the most prevalent causes of visual loss in industrialized countries, may be diagnosed at any stage of diabetic retinopathy. The diagnosis, treatment, and follow up of DME have become straightforward with recent developments in fundus imaging, such as optical coherence tomography. Laser photocoagulation, intravitreal injections, and pars plana vitrectomy surgery are the current treatment modalities; however, the positive effects of currently available intravitreally injected agents are temporary. At this point, further treatment choices are needed for a permanent effect. Sources of data selection: The articles published between 1985-2015 years on major databases were searched and most appropriate 40 papers were used to write this review article. PMID:27182271

Laminar Flame Velocity and Temperature Exponent of Diluted DME-Air Mixture

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Naseer Mohammed, Abdul; Anwar, Muzammil; Juhany, Khalid A.; Mohammad, Akram

2017-03-01

In this paper, the laminar flame velocity and temperature exponent diluted dimethyl ether (DME) air mixtures are reported. Laminar premixed mixture of DME-air with volumetric dilutions of carbon dioxides (CO2) and nitrogen (N2) are considered. Experiments were conducted using a preheated mesoscale high aspect-ratio diverging channel with inlet dimensions of 25 mm × 2 mm. In this method, flame velocities are extracted from planar flames that were stabilized near adiabatic conditions inside the channel. The flame velocities are then plotted against the ratio of mixture temperature and the initial reference temperature. A non-linear power law regression is observed suitable. This regression analysis gives the laminar flame velocity at the initial reference temperature and temperature exponent. Decrease in the laminar flame velocity and increase in temperature exponent is observed for CO2 and N2 diluted mixtures. The addition of CO2 has profound influence when compared to N2 addition on both flame velocity and temperature exponent. Numerical prediction of the similar mixture using a detailed reaction mechanism is obtained. The computational mechanism predicts higher magnitudes for laminar flame velocity and smaller magnitudes of temperature exponent compared to experimental data.

Cold Aero Performance of a Two-Dimensional Mixer Ejector Nozzle

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Balan, C.

2005-01-01

Since 1986, NASA and the U.S. aerospace industry have been assessing the economic viability and environmental acceptability of a second-generation supersonic civil transport, or High Speed Civil Transport (HSCT). Environmental acceptability in terms of airport community noise and economic viability are critical elements in this endeavor. Development of a propulsion system that satisfies strict airport noise regulations (FAR36 Stage III levels), at acceptable performance and weight, is critical to the success of any HSCT program. Two-dimensional mixer-ejector (2DME) exhaust systems are one approach in achieving this goal. In support of HSCT development, GEAE (GE Aircraft Engines), under contract to the NASA Glenn Research Center, conducted this test program at the NASA Langley 16 ft transonic wind tunnel to evaluate the cold aerodynamic performance aspects of the 2DME exhaust system concept. The effects of SAR (SAR, suppressor area ratio, = mixed-flow area/primary nozzle throat area), MAR (MAR = overall exhaust system exit/mixing-plane area), flap length, CER (suppressor chute expansion ratio), chute alignment, and free stream Mach number were investigated on a 1/11th cold aerodynamic scale model of a 2DME exhaust system.

Experimental determination of the navigation error of the 4-D navigation, guidance, and control systems on the NASA B-737 airplane

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Knox, C. E.

1978-01-01

Navigation error data from these flights are presented in a format utilizing three independent axes - horizontal, vertical, and time. The navigation position estimate error term and the autopilot flight technical error term are combined to form the total navigation error in each axis. This method of error presentation allows comparisons to be made between other 2-, 3-, or 4-D navigation systems and allows experimental or theoretical determination of the navigation error terms. Position estimate error data are presented with the navigation system position estimate based on dual DME radio updates that are smoothed with inertial velocities, dual DME radio updates that are smoothed with true airspeed and magnetic heading, and inertial velocity updates only. The normal mode of navigation with dual DME updates that are smoothed with inertial velocities resulted in a mean error of 390 m with a standard deviation of 150 m in the horizontal axis; a mean error of 1.5 m low with a standard deviation of less than 11 m in the vertical axis; and a mean error as low as 252 m with a standard deviation of 123 m in the time axis.

Survey of the BY Draconis syndrome among dMe stars. [BVr photometry search for slow quasisinusoidal light variations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bopp, B. W.; Espenak, F.

1977-01-01

Results are reported for a BVr photometric survey of 22 dK, dKe, dM, and dMe stars conducted to search for slow quasi-sinusoidal fluctuations in V (the BY Draconis syndrome). The (B-V) and (V-r) color indices are determined in an attempt to detect wavelength-dependent color changes produced by starspots and to infer starspot temperatures. It is found that nine of the stars exhibit variations in V of the order of 0.05 to 0.10 magnitude on a time scale of days or weeks, that at least three more display changes in mean light level over a period of years, that the stars generally tend to become redder at minimum light, and that some of the stars show no detectable color changes over their photometric cycle. The color data are taken to suggest a probable temperature difference of about 200 to 500 K between the stellar photospheres and starspots if the V variations are attributed to dark spots. It is concluded that the BY Draconis syndrome is clearly a very common occurrence among dMe stars.

Effects of sulfate-reducing bacteria on methylmercury at the sediment-water interface.

PubMed

Zeng, Lingxia; Luo, Guangjun; He, Tianrong; Guo, Yanna; Qian, Xiaoli

2016-08-01

Sediment cores (containing sediment and overlying water) from Baihua Reservoir (SW China) were cultured under different redox conditions with different microbial activities, to understand the effects of sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) on mercury (Hg) methylation at sediment-water interfaces. Concentrations of dissolved methyl mercury (DMeHg) in the overlying water of the control cores with bioactivity maintained (BAC) and cores with only sulfate-reducing bacteria inhibited (SRBI) and bacteria fully inhibited (BACI) were measured at the anaerobic stage followed by the aerobic stage. For the BAC and SRBI cores, DMeHg concentrations in waters were much higher at the anaerobic stage than those at the aerobic stage, and they were negatively correlated to the dissolved oxygen concentrations (r=-0.5311 and r=-0.4977 for BAC and SRBI, respectively). The water DMeHg concentrations of the SRBI cores were 50% lower than those of the BAC cores, indicating that the SRB is of great importance in Hg methylation in sediment-water systems, but there should be other microbes such as iron-reducing bacteria and those containing specific gene cluster (hgcAB), besides SRB, causing Hg methylation in the sediment-water system. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Impact of intravitreal pharmacotherapies including antivascular endothelial growth factor and corticosteroid agents on diabetic retinopathy.

PubMed

Wykoff, Charles C

2017-05-01

Diabetic retinopathy is common and increasing in prevalence. Pharmacologic management of diabetic macular edema (DME) has improved tremendously over the last decade with the use of two families of intravitreally administered medications: antivascular endothelial growth factor-specific agents and corticosteroids. Clinical evaluation of these pharmaceuticals has demonstrated that they can have a substantial impact on diabetic retinopathy severity levels and the underlying retinal vasculature itself. Phase 3 trials employing ranibizumab, aflibercept, and fluocinolone acetonide enrolling eyes with center-involving DME causing visual acuity loss have demonstrated impressive alteration of the natural history of progressive diabetic retinopathy worsening over time through blunted progression to proliferative diabetic retinopathy, improving diabetic retinopathy severity levels, and slowing progressive retinal nonperfusion, the underlying disease process central to diabetic retinopathy itself. Accumulating data indicate that the threshold to initiate ocular-specific pharmacologic treatment for diabetic retinopathy, previously predominately limited to eyes with visual loss because of center-involved DME or proliferative diabetic retinopathy, is being lowered to earlier stages of diabetic retinopathy. Ongoing clinical trials and secondary analyses continue to further explore the impact and durability of vascular endothelial growth factor blockade and corticosteroids on modification of diabetic retinopathy and the underlying retinal vasculature itself.

Highly Active Electrolytes for Rechargeable Mg Batteries Based on [Mg2(μ-Cl)2]2+ Cation Complex in Dimethoxyethane

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

Cheng, Yingwen; Stolley, Ryan M.; Han, Kee Sung

2015-01-01

Highly active electrolytes based on a novel [Mg2(μ-Cl)2]2+ cation complex for reversible Mg deposition were developed and analyzed in this work. These electrolytes were formulated in dimethoxyethane through dehalodimerization of non-nucleophilic MgCl2 by reacting with either Mg salts (such as Mg(TFSI)2, TFSI= bis(trifluoromethane)sulfonylimide) or Lewis acid salts (such as AlEtCl2 or AlCl3). The cation complex was identified for the first time as [Mg2(μ-Cl)2(DME)4]2+ (DME=dimethoxyethane) and its molecular structure was characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy and NMR. The electrolyte synthesis process was studied and rational approaches for formulating highly active electrolytes were proposed. Through control of the anions,more » electrolytes with efficiency close to 100%, wide electrochemical window (up to 3.5V) and high ionic conductivity (> 6 mS/cm) were obtained. The electrolyte synthesis and understandings developed in this work could bring significant opportunities for rational formulation of electrolytes with the general formula [Mg2(μ-Cl)2(DME)4][anion]x for practical Mg batteries.« less

A timeline for predicting durable medical equipment needs and interventions for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients.

PubMed

Bromberg, Mark B; Brownell, Alexander A; Forshew, Dallas A; Swenson, Michael

2010-01-01

ALS is progressive with increasing patient needs for durable medical equipment (DME) and interventions (gastric feeding tube - PEG, and non-invasive ventilation - NIV). We performed a chart review of deceased patients to determine the time-course of needs and their estimated costs. A timeline of needs was based on when clinic personnel felt an item was necessary. The point in time when an item or intervention was needed was expressed as a percentage of a patient's total disease duration. A wide range of DME and interventions was needed irrespective of site of ALS symptom onset (bulbar, upper, lower extremity), beginning at 10% of disease duration of lower extremity onset and increasing thereafter for all sites. The cumulative probability of costs of items and interventions began at 25%-50% of disease duration and increased to between $18,000 and $32,000 (USD), highest for lower extremity onset due to the cost of wheelchairs. We conclude that a high percentage of ALS patients will need a full spectrum of major DME items and interventions during the second half of disease duration. This results in a linear rise in costs over the second half of the disease duration.

TRICARE program; clarification of benefit coverage of durable equipment and ordering or prescribing durable equipment; clarification of benefit coverage of assistive technology devises under the Extended Care Health Option Program. Final rule.

PubMed

2014-12-31

This final rule modifies the TRICARE regulation to add a definition of assistive technology (AT) devices for purposes of benefit coverage under the TRICARE Extended Care Health Option (ECHO) Program and to amend the definitions of durable equipment (DE) and durable medical equipment (DME) to better conform the language in the regulation to the statute. The final rule amends the language that specifically limits ordering or prescribing of DME to only a physician under the Basic Program, as this amendment will allow certain other TRICARE authorized individual professional providers, acting within the scope of their licensure, to order or prescribe DME. This final rule also incorporates a policy clarification relating to luxury, deluxe, or immaterial features of equipment or devices. That is, TRICARE cannot reimburse for the luxury, deluxe, or immaterial features of equipment or devices, but can reimburse for the base or basic equipment or device that meet the beneficiary's needs. Beneficiaries may choose to pay the provider for the luxury, deluxe, or immaterial features if they desire their equipment or device to have these "extra features."

Antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of Dendrobium moniliforme extracts and the detection of related compounds by GC-MS.

PubMed

Paudel, Mukti Ram; Chand, Mukesh Babu; Pant, Basant; Pant, Bijaya

2018-04-23

The medicinal orchid Dendrobium moniliforme contains water-soluble polysaccharides, phenanthrenes, bibenzyl derivatives, and polyphenol compounds. This study explored the antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of D. moniliforme extracts and detected their bioactive compounds. Plant material was collected from the Daman of Makawanpur district in central Nepal. Plant extracts were prepared from stems using hexane, chloroform, acetone, ethanol and methanol. The total polyphenol content (TPC) in each extract was determined using Folin-Ciocalteu's reagent and the total flavonoid content (TFC) in each extract was determined using the aluminium chloride method. The in vitro antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of each extract were determined using DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assays respectively. Gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis was used to detect bioactive compounds. TPC content was highest (116.65 μg GAE/mg of extract) in D. moniliforme chloroform extract (DMC) and TFC content was highest (116.67 μg QE/mg of extract) in D. moniliforme acetone extract (DMA). D. moniliforme hexane extract (DMH) extract showed the highest percentage of DPPH radical scavenging activity (94.48%), followed closely by D. moniliforme ethanol extract (DME) (94.45%), DMA (93.71%) and DMC (94.35%) at 800 μg/ml concentration. The antioxidant capacities of DMC, DMA, DMH and DME, which were measured in IC 50 values, were much lower 42.39 μg/ml, 49.56 μg/ml, 52.68 μg/ml, and 58.77 μg/ml respectively than the IC 50 of D. moniliforme methanol extract (DMM) (223.15 μg/ml). DMM at the concentration of 800 μg/ml most inhibited the growth of HeLa cells (78.68%) and DME at the same concentration most inhibited the growth of U251 cells (51.95%). The cytotoxic capacity (IC 50 ) of DMM against HeLa cells was 155.80 μg/ml of extract and that of DME against the U251 cells was 772.50 μg/ml of extract. A number of bioactive compounds were detected in both DME and DMM. The fact that plant extract of D. moniliforme has a number of bioactive compounds which showed antioxidant and cytotoxic activities suggests the potential pharmacological importance of this plant.

A Crossover Design for Comparative Efficacy: A 36-Week Randomized Trial of Bevacizumab and Ranibizumab for Diabetic Macular Edema.

PubMed

Wiley, Henry E; Thompson, Darby J S; Bailey, Clare; Chew, Emily Y; Cukras, Catherine A; Jaffe, Glenn J; Lee, Richard W J; Loken, Erin K; Meyerle, Catherine B; Wong, Wai; Ferris, Frederick L

2016-04-01

To investigate the comparative efficacy of bevacizumab (Avastin) and ranibizumab (Lucentis; both Genentech, Inc, South San Francisco, CA) for diabetic macular edema (DME) using a crossover study design. Randomized, double-masked, 36-week, 3-period crossover clinical trial. Fifty-six subjects with DME involving the center of the macula in one or both eyes. Monthly intravitreous injections of bevacizumab (1.25 mg) or ranibizumab (0.3 mg). Comparison of mean changes in visual acuity and central retinal thickness, tested using a linear mixed-effects model. Based on the linear mixed-effects model, the 3-month estimated mean improvement in visual acuity was 5.3 letters for bevacizumab and 6.6 letters for ranibizumab (difference, 1.3 letters; P = 0.039). Estimated change in optical coherence tomography (OCT) central subfield mean thickness (CSMT) was -89 μm for bevacizumab and -137 μm for ranibizumab (difference, 48 μm; P < 0.001). Incorporating cumulative treatment benefit, the model yielded a predicted 36-week (9-month) average improvement in visual acuity of 7.1 letters (95% confidence interval [CI], 5.0-9.2) for bevacizumab and 8.4 letters (95% CI, 6.3-10.5) for ranibizumab, and a change in OCT CSMT of -128 μm (95% CI, -155 to -100) for bevacizumab and -176 μm (95% CI, -202 to -149) for ranibizumab. There was no significant treatment-by-period interaction (i.e., treatment difference was constant in all 3 periods), nor was there a significant differential carryover effect from one period to the next. This trial demonstrated a statistically significant but small relative clinical benefit of ranibizumab compared with bevacizumab for treatment of DME, using a markedly reduced sample size relative to a full comparative efficacy study. The effects on visual acuity and central retinal thickness for the 2 drugs are consistent with those reported at 1 year for the concurrent parallel-group trial by the Diabetic Retinopathy Clinical Research Network testing bevacizumab, ranibizumab, and aflibercept for DME. The 3-period crossover design allowed for meaningful and efficient comparison, suggesting that this approach may be useful for future comparative efficacy studies of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor drugs for DME. Published by Elsevier Inc.

An enhanced in vivo stable isotope labeling by amino acids in cell culture (SILAC) model for quantification of drug metabolism enzymes.

PubMed

MacLeod, A Kenneth; Fallon, Padraic G; Sharp, Sheila; Henderson, Colin J; Wolf, C Roland; Huang, Jeffrey T-J

2015-03-01

Many of the enzymes involved in xenobiotic metabolism are maintained at a low basal level and are only synthesized in response to activation of upstream sensor/effector proteins. This induction can have implications in a variety of contexts, particularly during the study of the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and drug-drug interaction profile of a candidate therapeutic compound. Previously, we combined in vivo SILAC material with a targeted high resolution single ion monitoring (tHR/SIM) LC-MS/MS approach for quantification of 197 peptide pairs, representing 51 drug metabolism enzymes (DME), in mouse liver. However, as important enzymes (for example, cytochromes P450 (Cyp) of the 1a and 2b subfamilies) are maintained at low or undetectable levels in the liver of unstimulated metabolically labeled mice, quantification of these proteins was unreliable. In the present study, we induced DME expression in labeled mice through synchronous ligand-mediated activation of multiple upstream nuclear receptors, thereby enhancing signals for proteins including Cyps 1a, 2a, 2b, 2c, and 3a. With this enhancement, 115 unique, lysine-containing, Cyp-derived peptides were detected in the liver of a single animal, as opposed to 56 in a pooled sample from three uninduced animals. A total of 386 peptide pairs were quantified by tHR/SIM, representing 68 Phase I, 30 Phase II, and eight control proteins. This method was employed to quantify changes in DME expression in the hepatic cytochrome P450 reductase null (HRN) mouse. We observed compensatory induction of several enzymes, including Cyps 2b10, 2c29, 2c37, 2c54, 2c55, 2e1, 3a11, and 3a13, carboxylesterase (Ces) 2a, and glutathione S-transferases (Gst) m2 and m3, along with down-regulation of hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (Hsd) 11b1 and 17b6. Using DME-enhanced in vivo SILAC material with tHR/SIM, therefore, permits the robust analysis of multiple DME of importance to xenobiotic metabolism, with improved utility for the study of drug pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and of chemically treated and genetically modified mouse models. © 2015 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

Rationale for the Diabetic Retinopathy Clinical Research Network Treatment Protocol for Center-involved Diabetic Macular Edema

PubMed Central

Aiello, Lloyd Paul; Beck, Roy W; Bressler, Neil M.; Browning, David J.; Chalam, KV; Davis, Matthew; Ferris, Frederick L; Glassman, Adam; Maturi, Raj; Stockdale, Cynthia R.; Topping, Trexler

2011-01-01

Objective Describe the underlying principles used to develop a web-based algorithm that incorporated intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) treatment for diabetic macular edema (DME) in a Diabetic Retinopathy Clinical Research Network (DRCR.net) randomized clinical trial. Design Discussion of treatment protocol for DME. Participants Subjects with vision loss from DME involving the center of the macula. Methods The DRCR.net created an algorithm incorporating anti-VEGF injections in a comparative effectiveness randomized clinical trial evaluating intravitreal ranibizumab with prompt or deferred (≥24 weeks) focal/grid laser in eyes with vision loss from center-involved DME. Results confirmed that intravitreal ranibizumab with prompt or deferred laser provides superior visual acuity outcomes, compared with prompt laser alone through at least 2 years. Duplication of this algorithm may not be practical for clinical practice. In order to share their opinion on how ophthalmologists might emulate the study protocol, participating DRCR.net investigators developed guidelines based on the algorithm's underlying rationale. Main Outcome Measures Clinical guidelines based on a DRCR.net protocol. Results The treatment protocol required real time feedback from a web-based data entry system for intravitreal injections, focal/grid laser, and follow-up intervals. Guidance from this system indicated whether treatment was required or given at investigator discretion and when follow-up should be scheduled. Clinical treatment guidelines, based on the underlying clinical rationale of the DRCR.net protocol, include repeating treatment monthly as long as there is improvement in edema compared with the previous month, or until the retina is no longer thickened. If thickening recurs or worsens after discontinuing treatment, treatment is resumed. Conclusions Duplication of the approach used in the DRCR.net randomized clinical trial to treat DME involving the center of the macula with intravitreal ranibizumab may not be practical in clinical practice, but likely can be emulated based on an understanding of the underlying rationale for the study protocol. Inherent differences between a web-based treatment algorithm and a clinical approach may lead to differences in outcomes that are impossible to predict. The closer the clinical approach is to the algorithm used in the study, the more likely the outcomes will be similar to those published. PMID:22136692

High Throughput Sequencing Identifies MicroRNAs Mediating α-Synuclein Toxicity by Targeting Neuroactive-Ligand Receptor Interaction Pathway in Early Stage of Drosophila Parkinson's Disease Model

PubMed Central

Kong, Yan; Liang, Xijun; Liu, Lin; Zhang, Dongdong; Wan, Chao; Gan, Zhenji; Yuan, Liudi

2015-01-01

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a prevalent neurodegenerative disorder with pathological features including death of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra and intraneuronal accumulations of Lewy bodies. As the main component of Lewy bodies, α-synuclein is implicated in PD pathogenesis by aggregation into insoluble filaments. However, the detailed mechanisms underlying α-synuclein induced neurotoxicity in PD are still elusive. MicroRNAs are ~20nt small RNA molecules that fine-tune gene expression at posttranscriptional level. A plethora of miRNAs have been found to be dysregulated in the brain and blood cells of PD patients. Nevertheless, the detailed mechanisms and their in vivo functions in PD still need further investigation. By using Drosophila PD model expressing α-synuclein A30P, we examined brain miRNA expression with high-throughput small RNA sequencing technology. We found that five miRNAs (dme-miR-133-3p, dme-miR-137-3p, dme-miR-13b-3p, dme-miR-932-5p, dme-miR-1008-5p) were upregulated in PD flies. Among them, miR-13b, miR-133, miR-137 are brain enriched and highly conserved from Drosophila to humans. KEGG pathway analysis using DIANA miR-Path demonstrated that neuroactive-ligand receptor interaction pathway was most likely affected by these miRNAs. Interestingly, miR-137 was predicted to regulate most of the identified targets in this pathway, including dopamine receptor (DopR, D2R), γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor (GABA-B-R1, GABA-B-R3) and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor (Nmdar2). The validation experiments showed that the expression of miR-137 and its targets was negatively correlated in PD flies. Further experiments using luciferase reporter assay confirmed that miR-137 could act on specific sites in 3’ UTR region of D2R, Nmdar2 and GABA-B-R3, which downregulated significantly in PD flies. Collectively, our findings indicate that α-synuclein could induce the dysregulation of miRNAs, which target neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction pathway in vivo. We believe it will help us further understand the contribution of miRNAs to α-synuclein neurotoxicity and provide new insights into the pathogenesis driving PD. PMID:26361355

High Throughput Sequencing Identifies MicroRNAs Mediating α-Synuclein Toxicity by Targeting Neuroactive-Ligand Receptor Interaction Pathway in Early Stage of Drosophila Parkinson's Disease Model.

PubMed

Kong, Yan; Liang, Xijun; Liu, Lin; Zhang, Dongdong; Wan, Chao; Gan, Zhenji; Yuan, Liudi

2015-01-01

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a prevalent neurodegenerative disorder with pathological features including death of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra and intraneuronal accumulations of Lewy bodies. As the main component of Lewy bodies, α-synuclein is implicated in PD pathogenesis by aggregation into insoluble filaments. However, the detailed mechanisms underlying α-synuclein induced neurotoxicity in PD are still elusive. MicroRNAs are ~20nt small RNA molecules that fine-tune gene expression at posttranscriptional level. A plethora of miRNAs have been found to be dysregulated in the brain and blood cells of PD patients. Nevertheless, the detailed mechanisms and their in vivo functions in PD still need further investigation. By using Drosophila PD model expressing α-synuclein A30P, we examined brain miRNA expression with high-throughput small RNA sequencing technology. We found that five miRNAs (dme-miR-133-3p, dme-miR-137-3p, dme-miR-13b-3p, dme-miR-932-5p, dme-miR-1008-5p) were upregulated in PD flies. Among them, miR-13b, miR-133, miR-137 are brain enriched and highly conserved from Drosophila to humans. KEGG pathway analysis using DIANA miR-Path demonstrated that neuroactive-ligand receptor interaction pathway was most likely affected by these miRNAs. Interestingly, miR-137 was predicted to regulate most of the identified targets in this pathway, including dopamine receptor (DopR, D2R), γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor (GABA-B-R1, GABA-B-R3) and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor (Nmdar2). The validation experiments showed that the expression of miR-137 and its targets was negatively correlated in PD flies. Further experiments using luciferase reporter assay confirmed that miR-137 could act on specific sites in 3' UTR region of D2R, Nmdar2 and GABA-B-R3, which downregulated significantly in PD flies. Collectively, our findings indicate that α-synuclein could induce the dysregulation of miRNAs, which target neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction pathway in vivo. We believe it will help us further understand the contribution of miRNAs to α-synuclein neurotoxicity and provide new insights into the pathogenesis driving PD.

Rationale for the diabetic retinopathy clinical research network treatment protocol for center-involved diabetic macular edema.

PubMed

Aiello, Lloyd Paul; Beck, Roy W; Bressler, Neil M; Browning, David J; Chalam, K V; Davis, Matthew; Ferris, Frederick L; Glassman, Adam R; Maturi, Raj K; Stockdale, Cynthia R; Topping, Trexler M

2011-12-01

To describe the underlying principles used to develop a web-based algorithm that incorporated intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) treatment for diabetic macular edema (DME) in a Diabetic Retinopathy Clinical Research Network (DRCR.net) randomized clinical trial. Discussion of treatment protocol for DME. Subjects with vision loss resulting from DME involving the center of the macula. The DRCR.net created an algorithm incorporating anti-VEGF injections in a comparative effectiveness randomized clinical trial evaluating intravitreal ranibizumab with prompt or deferred (≥24 weeks) focal/grid laser treatment in eyes with vision loss resulting from center-involved DME. Results confirmed that intravitreal ranibizumab with prompt or deferred laser provides superior visual acuity outcomes compared with prompt laser alone through at least 2 years. Duplication of this algorithm may not be practical for clinical practice. To share their opinion on how ophthalmologists might emulate the study protocol, participating DRCR.net investigators developed guidelines based on the algorithm's underlying rationale. Clinical guidelines based on a DRCR.net protocol. The treatment protocol required real-time feedback from a web-based data entry system for intravitreal injections, focal/grid laser treatment, and follow-up intervals. Guidance from this system indicated whether treatment was required or given at investigator discretion and when follow-up should be scheduled. Clinical treatment guidelines, based on the underlying clinical rationale of the DRCR.net protocol, include repeating treatment monthly as long as there is improvement in edema compared with the previous month or until the retina is no longer thickened. If thickening recurs or worsens after discontinuing treatment, treatment is resumed. Duplication of the approach used in the DRCR.net randomized clinical trial to treat DME involving the center of the macula with intravitreal ranibizumab may not be practical in clinical practice, but likely can be emulated based on an understanding of the underlying rationale for the study protocol. Inherent differences between a web-based treatment algorithm and a clinical approach may lead to differences in outcomes that are impossible to predict. The closer the clinical approach is to the algorithm used in the study, the more likely the outcomes will be similar to those published. Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found after the references. Copyright © 2011 American Academy of Ophthalmology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Commercial-scale demonstration of the Liquid Phase Methanol (LPMEOH{sup trademark}) process. Third quarterly report, 1996

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

NONE

The Liquid Phase Methanol (LPMEOH)(TM) demonstration project at King sport, Tennessee, is a $213.7 million cooperative agreement between the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and Air Products Liquid Phase Conversion Company, L. P. (the Partnership). A demonstration unit producing 80,000 gallons per day (260 TPD) of methanol is being designed and constructed at a site located at the Eastman Chemical Company (Eastman) complex in Kingsport. The Partnership will own and operate the facility for the four year demonstration period. This project is sponsored under the DOE`s Clean Coal Technology Program, and its primary objective is to `demonstrate the production ofmore » methanol using the LPMEOH(TM) Process in conjunction with an integrated coal gasification facility.` The project will also demonstrate the suitability of the methanol produced for use as a chemical feedstock or as a low-sulfur dioxide, low-nitrogen oxides alternative fuel in stationary and transportation applications. The project may also demonstrate the production of dimethyl ether (DME) as a mixed coproduct with methanol, if laboratory- and pilot-scale research and market verification studies show promising results. If implemented, the DME would be produced during the last six months of the four year demonstration period. The LPMEOH(TM) process is the product of a cooperative development effort by Air Products and the DOE in a program that started in 1981. It was successfully piloted at a 10-TPD rate in the DOE-owned experimental unit at Air Products` LaPorte, Texas, site. This demonstration project is the culmination of that extensive cooperative development effort.« less

Autothermal and partial oxidation reformer-based fuel processor, method for improving catalyst function in autothermal and partial oxidation reformer-based processors

DOEpatents

Ahmed, Shabbir; Papadias, Dionissios D.; Lee, Sheldon H. D.; Ahluwalia, Rajesh K.

2013-01-08

The invention provides a fuel processor comprising a linear flow structure having an upstream portion and a downstream portion; a first catalyst supported at the upstream portion; and a second catalyst supported at the downstream portion, wherein the first catalyst is in fluid communication with the second catalyst. Also provided is a method for reforming fuel, the method comprising contacting the fuel to an oxidation catalyst so as to partially oxidize the fuel and generate heat; warming incoming fuel with the heat while simultaneously warming a reforming catalyst with the heat; and reacting the partially oxidized fuel with steam using the reforming catalyst.

Oxidation Behavior of Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sullivan, Roy M.

2008-01-01

OXIMAP is a numerical (FEA-based) solution tool capable of calculating the carbon fiber and fiber coating oxidation patterns within any arbitrarily shaped carbon silicon carbide composite structure as a function of time, temperature, and the environmental oxygen partial pressure. The mathematical formulation is derived from the mechanics of the flow of ideal gases through a chemically reacting, porous solid. The result of the formulation is a set of two coupled, non-linear differential equations written in terms of the oxidant and oxide partial pressures. The differential equations are solved simultaneously to obtain the partial vapor pressures of the oxidant and oxides as a function of the spatial location and time. The local rate of carbon oxidation is determined at each time step using the map of the local oxidant partial vapor pressure along with the Arrhenius rate equation. The non-linear differential equations are cast into matrix equations by applying the Bubnov-Galerkin weighted residual finite element method, allowing for the solution of the differential equations numerically.

Mechanistic differences between methanol and dimethyl ether carbonylation in side pockets and large channels of mordenite.

PubMed

Boronat, Mercedes; Martínez, Cristina; Corma, Avelino

2011-02-21

The activity and selectivity towards carbonylation presented by Brønsted acid sites located inside the 8MR pockets or in the main 12MR channels of mordenite is studied by means of quantum-chemical calculations, and the mechanistic differences between methanol and DME carbonylation are investigated. The selectivity towards carbonylation is higher inside the 8MR pockets, where the competitive formation of DME and hydrocarbons that finally leads to catalyst deactivation is sterically impeded. Moreover, inclusion of dispersion interactions in the calculations leads to agreement between the calculated activation barriers for the rate determining step and the experimentally observed higher reactivity of methoxy groups located inside the 8MR channels.

An investigation into the effects of different existing states of aluminum isopropoxide on copper-based catalysts for direct synthesis of dimethyl ether from syngas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Kai; Wang, Peng; Bian, Zhongkai; Huang, Wei

2018-01-01

Aluminum isopropoxide (AIP) is a vital raw material to produce high surface area alumina catalyst, which is used for catalytic applications, such as hydrocracking, Fischer-Tropsch and STD (syngas to dimethyl ether) reactions. However, the different existing states have an effect on hydrolysis and condensation in the process of precursor preparation. The Cu/Zn/Al slurry catalysts were prepared by aluminum isopropoxide, which were liquid state, crystalline state and solid state, utilizing a complete liquid phase preparation technology. In the dimethyl ether (DME) synthesis reaction, the aluminum resource of crystalline state was prepared for slurry catalyst, which presented high CO conversion and DME selectivity of 54.32% and 69.74%, respectively. Characterization results indicated that different forms of AIP have the variant coordination numbers of Al-O and polymerization degrees, and the catalyst prepared by crystalline state consists amount of tetra-coordinated Al and few hexa-coordinated Al, which can exert different hydrolysis and condensation process compared with other aluminum sources, and finally it contributes to the strong interaction between active site copper species and Zn/Al species, confirming more Cu+ is responsible for the synthesis of DME in the slurry reactor.

Retinal Imaging Techniques for Diabetic Retinopathy Screening

PubMed Central

Goh, James Kang Hao; Cheung, Carol Y.; Sim, Shaun Sebastian; Tan, Pok Chien; Tan, Gavin Siew Wei; Wong, Tien Yin

2016-01-01

Due to the increasing prevalence of diabetes mellitus, demand for diabetic retinopathy (DR) screening platforms is steeply increasing. Early detection and treatment of DR are key public health interventions that can greatly reduce the likelihood of vision loss. Current DR screening programs typically employ retinal fundus photography, which relies on skilled readers for manual DR assessment. However, this is labor-intensive and suffers from inconsistency across sites. Hence, there has been a recent proliferation of automated retinal image analysis software that may potentially alleviate this burden cost-effectively. Furthermore, current screening programs based on 2-dimensional fundus photography do not effectively screen for diabetic macular edema (DME). Optical coherence tomography is becoming increasingly recognized as the reference standard for DME assessment and can potentially provide a cost-effective solution for improving DME detection in large-scale DR screening programs. Current screening techniques are also unable to image the peripheral retina and require pharmacological pupil dilation; ultra-widefield imaging and confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy, which address these drawbacks, possess great potential. In this review, we summarize the current DR screening methods using various retinal imaging techniques, and also outline future possibilities. Advances in retinal imaging techniques can potentially transform the management of patients with diabetes, providing savings in health care costs and resources. PMID:26830491

Retinal Imaging Techniques for Diabetic Retinopathy Screening.

PubMed

Goh, James Kang Hao; Cheung, Carol Y; Sim, Shaun Sebastian; Tan, Pok Chien; Tan, Gavin Siew Wei; Wong, Tien Yin

2016-02-01

Due to the increasing prevalence of diabetes mellitus, demand for diabetic retinopathy (DR) screening platforms is steeply increasing. Early detection and treatment of DR are key public health interventions that can greatly reduce the likelihood of vision loss. Current DR screening programs typically employ retinal fundus photography, which relies on skilled readers for manual DR assessment. However, this is labor-intensive and suffers from inconsistency across sites. Hence, there has been a recent proliferation of automated retinal image analysis software that may potentially alleviate this burden cost-effectively. Furthermore, current screening programs based on 2-dimensional fundus photography do not effectively screen for diabetic macular edema (DME). Optical coherence tomography is becoming increasingly recognized as the reference standard for DME assessment and can potentially provide a cost-effective solution for improving DME detection in large-scale DR screening programs. Current screening techniques are also unable to image the peripheral retina and require pharmacological pupil dilation; ultra-widefield imaging and confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy, which address these drawbacks, possess great potential. In this review, we summarize the current DR screening methods using various retinal imaging techniques, and also outline future possibilities. Advances in retinal imaging techniques can potentially transform the management of patients with diabetes, providing savings in health care costs and resources. © 2016 Diabetes Technology Society.

A Pulsed Plasma Thruster Using Dimethyl Ether as Propellant

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Masui, Souichi; Okada, Terumasa; Kitatomi, Makoto; Kakami, Akira; Tachibana, Takeshi

The pulsed plasma thruster (PPT), has attracted attention again as a micro-thruster because of its compactness, light weight, and comparatively low power consumption. On the other hand, the propellant utilization efficiency of a conventinal Teflon PPT is relatively low among electric propulsion devices because a propellant that originates from late-time ablation produces negligible thrust. The liquid propellant PPT (LP-PPT), in which water or ethanol is fed with an injector, was proposed to overcome these difficulties. Thrust measurements show that a LP-PPT provides higher specific impulses than a conventional PPT. However, water requires temperature management for propellant storage due to its relatively high freezing point. Moreover, even if ethanol, which has a sufficiently low freezing point, is used as propellant, a pressurant is necessary, as well as water, because the vapor pressures are insufficient for self-pressurization. In this study, we propose to use dimethyl ether (DME) as the propellant. DME, which has a freezing point of 131 K at 1 atm and a vapor pressure of 6 atm at 298 K, can be stored in tanks as a liquid, and requires no feeding pressurant. We designed a DME pulsed plasma thruster to evaluate performance. Thrust measurement yielded a specific impulse of 430 s for a coaxial type at a capacitor-stored energy of 13 J.

Comparison of Oxygen Gauche Effects in Poly(Oxyethylene) and Poly(ethylene terephtylene) Based on Quantum Chemistry Calculations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jaffe, Richard; Han, Jie; Yoon, Do; Langhoff, Stephen R. (Technical Monitor)

1997-01-01

The so-called oxygen gauche effect in poly(oxyethylene) (POE) and its model molecules such as 1,2-dimethoxyethane (DME) and diglyme (CH3OC2H4OC2H4OCH3) is manifested in the preference for gauche C-C bond conformations over trans. This has also been observed for poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET). Our previous quantum chemistry calculations demonstrated that the large C-C gauche population in DME is due, in part, to a low-lying tg +/- g+ conformer that exhibits a substantial 1,5 CH ... O attraction. New calculations will be described that demonstrate the accuracy of the original quantum chemistry calculations. In addition, an extension of this work to model molecules for PET will be presented. It is seen that the C-C gauche preference is much stronger in 1,2 diacetoxyethane than in DME. In addition, there exist low-lying tg +/- g+/- and g+/-g+/-g+/- conformers that exhibit 1,5 CH ... O attractions involving the carbonyl oxygens. It is expected that the -O-C-C-O- torsional properties will be quite different in these two polymers. The quantum chemistry results are used to parameterize rotational isomeric states models (RIS) and force fields for molecular dynamics simulations of these polymers.

Hydrazino-methoxy-1,3,5-triazine Derivatives' Excellent Corrosion Organic Inhibitors of Steel in Acidic Chloride Solution.

PubMed

El-Faham, Ayman; Osman, Sameh M; Al-Lohedan, Hamad A; El-Mahdy, Gamal A

2016-06-01

The corrosion inhibition performance of 2-hydrazino-4,6-dimethoxy-1,3,5-tirazine (DMeHT), 2,4-dihydrazino-6-methoxy-1,3,5-triaizine (DHMeT), and 2,4,6-tridydrazino-1,3,5-triaizne (TH₃) on steel corrosion in acidic media was examined using electrochemical techniques. The results showed 2,4-Ddihydrazino-6-methoxy-1,3,5-triaizine (DHMeT) gave the best corrosion protection performance among the other hydrazino derivatives even at a low concentration of 25 ppm (95%). The number of hydrazino groups play an important role in the corrosion inhibition, where the two hydrazine groups increased the electrostatic interactions between the protonated tested compounds, the negatively charged steel surface resulted from the adsorption of the chloride anions, and the presence of the methoxy group made the compound more reliable for formation of film protection on the surface of steel through the lone pair of oxygen atoms. Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) measurements suggested that the corrosion process of steel in presence of the hydrazino-s-triazine derivatives (TH₃, DMeHT and DHMeT) were being controlled by the charge transfer reaction. Polarization curves indicated that the examined TH₃, DMeHT and DHMeT behaved as mixed type inhibitors.

Time-resolved Spectroscopy of RS CVn Binaries and dMe Flare Stars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brown, Alexander

One of the most striking feature of the first two years of EUVE spectroscopy is the frequent occurrence of largescale coronal variability, in the form of stellar flares and slower changes in activity level due to rotational modulation and evolution of active regions. We propose EUVE observations of a set of RS CVn and dMe star binaries, most with short (< 2 days) periods, to investigate the coronal conditions and physical processes associated with this variability. EUVE flare outbursts have mostly been long duration events lasting many satellite orbits and been readily studied using time-resolved spectroscopy. Our targets are the dMe binaries YY Gem, CC Eri and Gliese 2123, and the RS CVn systems EI Eri, AR Psc, and TY Pyx. YY Gem and TY Pyx are eclipsing systems and Deep Survey photometry will be used to investigate the size of the coronal emitting regions. Situated 73 arcmin from YY Gem is Castor (Alpha Gem) another X-ray source that can be observed (and spatially resolved) simultaneously. We shall use the DS lightcurve to guide our time resolved spectral analysis. Changes in the coronal emission measure as a function of temperature and possibly changes in coronal density will be used to constrain magnetic loop models.

Correlation between retinal sensitivity and cystoid space characteristics in diabetic macular edema.

PubMed

Velaga, Swetha B; Nittala, Muneeswar G; Parinitha, B; Sadda, S R; Chhablani, Jay Kumar

2016-06-01

To evaluate the correlation between retinal sensitivity and cystoid space characteristics in eyes with diabetic macular edema (DME). Prospective cross-sectional study of 22 subjects with DME (32 treatment-naïve eyes). All study subjects underwent complete ophthalmic examination, including slit-lamp biomicroscopy and dilated fundus examination. All subjects underwent spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and microperimetry (MP). Intraretinal cystoid space (ICS) volume was generated after manual delineation of cystoid space boundaries using the three-dimensional-OCT software. Various SD-OCT parameters, including retinal thickness, retinal volume, cystoid space volume, cystoid space intensity, and outer retinal structure integrity, were correlated with MP parameters and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA). Subject's mean age was 57 ± 9 years. The mean logarithm of minimum angle of resolution BCVA was 0.4 ± 0.2. The intraclass correlation coefficient for inter- and intra-grader assessment of cystoid space volume by manual delineation was 0.99 and 0.99, respectively. Mean total ICS volume was 0.4 ± 0.4 mm 3 and for the foveal center, subfield was 0.1 ± 0.1 mm 3 . Mean retinal sensitivity was 12.89 ± 10 dB; however, foveal retinal sensitivity was 12.3 ± 11.1 dB. We found no significant correlation between BCVA and total cystoid space volume (r = 0.33, P = 0.06). Correlation between total retinal sensitivity and total ICS was negative and nonsignificant (r = -0.17, P = 0.36). Correlation between foveal retinal sensitivity and foveal cystoid space intensity was moderate and marginally significant (r = -0.43, P = 0.05). Total cystoid space volume was not significantly correlated with BCVA or total retinal sensitivity in subjects with DME. Foveal cystoid space optical intensity was negatively correlated with foveal retinal sensitivity. These findings suggest further investigation of cystoid space characteristics in the setting of DME may be of value.

Long-term effect of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injections on intraocular pressure

PubMed Central

Nariani, Ashiyana; Williams, Blake; Hariprasad, Seenu M

2016-01-01

Objective: There is a substantial debate in the ophthalmology community about whether anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) injections result in a long-term increase in intraocular pressure (IOP). Design: We performed a retrospective study to investigate how the number and timing of intravitreal injections in patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic macular edema (DME) affect IOP over time. Methods: We collected long-term IOP data on patients receiving anti-VEGF injections at our institution. Patients over the age of 40 years who received injections for AMD (n = 76) or DME (n = 55) were included. Patients were grouped according to indication as well as number of injections received (1–3, 4–6, 7–9, or 10+ injections). IOP measurements were then placed into time points (0–6, 6–12, 12–18, 18–24, or 24+ months) and compared to the preinjection average IOP. Results: For patients with DME, average preinjection IOP was 15.7 mmHg. At 24+ months after injection, the average IOP was 15.2 (P = 0.68) for patients receiving 1–3 injections, 16.8 (P = 0.23) for 4–6 injections, and 14.4 (P = 0.66) for 7–9 injections. For patients with AMD, average initial IOP was 15.6 mmHg. At 24+ months after injection, the average IOP was 12.6 (P = 0.97) for 1–3 injections, 14.9 (P = 0.96) for 4–6 injections, 14.8 (P = 0.84) for 7–9 injections, and 15.7 (P = 0.56) for 10+ injections. Conclusions: There was no increase in IOP over time for AMD or DME patients, regardless of how many injections they received. For patients receiving unilateral injections, there was no increase in IOP in the injected eye when compared to the noninjected eye. PMID:27853011

Comparison of Film and Digital Fundus Photographs in Eyes of Individuals with Diabetes Mellitus

PubMed Central

Gangaputra, Sapna; Glassman, Adam R.; Aiello, Lloyd Paul; Bressler, Neil; Bressler, Susan B.; Danis, Ronald P.; Davis, Matthew D.

2011-01-01

Purpose. To compare grading of diabetic retinopathy (DR) and diabetic macular edema (DME) from stereoscopic film versus stereoscopic digital photographs obtained from a subset of Diabetic Retinopathy Clinical Research Network (DRCR.net) participants. Methods. In this photographic media comparison study, digital and film images were obtained at a single study visit from some of the subjects enrolled in active DRCR.net clinical study protocols. Digital camera systems and digital and film photographers were certified to obtain images according to standard procedures. Images were graded for DR severity and DME in a masked fashion by Fundus Photograph Reading Center (Madison, WI) graders. Agreement between gradings was assessed by calculating the percentage of agreement and κ statistics. Results. Images obtained with both film and digital media were submitted for 155 eyes of 96 study participants. On a nine-step Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy study DR severity scale, grading agreed exactly in 74%, and was within one step of agreement in 93%, with a weighted κ statistic of 0.82 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.71–0.92). On a nine-step DME severity scale and three-step clinically significant macular edema (CSME) scale, grading agreed exactly in 39% and 88%, respectively, and within one step in 70% and 92% (weighted κ statistic, 0.44 [95% Cl, 0.34–0.54] and 0.72 [95% Cl, 0.55–0.90], respectively). Conclusions. Among clinical sites participating in the DRCR.net, agreement between film and digital images was substantial to almost perfect for DR severity level and moderate to substantial for DME and CSME severity levels, respectively. Replacement of film fundus images with digital images for DR severity level should not adversely affect clinical trial quality. (ClinicalTrials.gov numbers, NCT00367133, NCT00369486, NCT00444600, NCT00445003, NCT00709319.) PMID:21571677

Identification of Diabetic Retinopathy and Ungradable Image Rate with Ultrawide Field Imaging in a National Teleophthalmology Program.

PubMed

Silva, Paolo S; Horton, Mark B; Clary, Dawn; Lewis, Drew G; Sun, Jennifer K; Cavallerano, Jerry D; Aiello, Lloyd Paul

2016-06-01

To compare diabetic retinopathy (DR) identification and ungradable image rates between nonmydriatic ultrawide field (UWF) imaging and nonmydriatic multifield fundus photography (NMFP) in a large multistate population-based DR teleophthalmology program. Multiple-site, nonrandomized, consecutive, cross-sectional, retrospective, uncontrolled imaging device evaluation. Thirty-five thousand fifty-two eyes (17 526 patients) imaged using NMFP and 16 218 eyes (8109 patients) imaged using UWF imaging. All patients undergoing Joslin Vision Network (JVN) imaging with either NMFP or UWF imaging from May 1, 2014, through August 30, 2015, within the Indian Health Service-JVN program, which serves American Indian and Alaska Native communities at 97 sites across 25 states, were evaluated. All retinal images were graded using a standardized validated protocol in a centralized reading center. Ungradable rate for DR and diabetic macular edema (DME). The ungradable rate per patient for DR and DME was significantly lower with UWF imaging compared with NMFP (DR, 2.8% vs. 26.9% [P < 0.0001]; DME, 3.8% vs. 26.2% [P < 0.0001]). Identification of eyes with either DR or referable DR (moderate nonproliferative DR or DME or worse) was increased using UWF imaging from 11.7% to 24.2% (P < 0.0001) and from 6.2% to 13.6% (P < 0.0001), respectively. In eyes with DR imaged with UWF imaging (n = 3926 eyes of 2402 patients), the presence of predominantly peripheral lesions suggested a more severe level of DR in 7.2% of eyes (9.6% of patients). In a large, widely distributed DR ocular telehealth program, as compared with NMFP, nonmydriatic UWF imaging reduced the number of ungradable eyes by 81%, increased the identification of DR nearly 2-fold, and identified peripheral lesions suggesting more severe DR in almost 10% of patients, thus demonstrating significant benefits of this imaging method for large DR teleophthalmology programs. Copyright © 2016 American Academy of Ophthalmology. All rights reserved.

Impact of baseline Diabetic Retinopathy Severity Scale scores on visual outcomes in the VIVID-DME and VISTA-DME studies.

PubMed

Staurenghi, Giovanni; Feltgen, Nicolas; Arnold, Jennifer J; Katz, Todd A; Metzig, Carola; Lu, Chengxing; Holz, Frank G

2017-10-19

To evaluate intravitreal aflibercept versus laser in subgroups of patients with baseline Diabetic Retinopathy Severity Scale (DRSS) scores ≤43, 47, and ≥53 in VIVID-DME and VISTA-DME. Patients with diabetic macular oedema were randomised to receive intravitreal aflibercept 2 mg every 4 weeks (2q4), intravitreal aflibercept 2 mg every 8 weeks after five initial monthly doses (2q8), or macular laser photocoagulation at baseline with sham injections at every visit. These post hoc analyses evaluate outcomes based on baseline DRSS scores in patients in the integrated dataset. The 2q4 and 2q8 treatment groups were also pooled. 748 patients had a baseline DRSS score based on fundus photographs (≤43, n=301; 47, n=153; ≥53, n=294). At week 100, the least squares mean difference between treatment groups (effect of intravitreal aflibercept above that of laser, adjusting for baseline best-corrected visual acuity) was 8.9 (95% CI 5.99 to 11.81), 9.7 (95% CI 5.54 to 13.91), and 11.0 (95% CI 7.96 to 14.1) letters in those with baseline DRSS scores ≤43, 47, and ≥53, respectively. The proportions of patients with ≥2 step DRSS score improvement were greater in the intravitreal aflibercept group versus laser, respectively, for those with baseline DRSS scores of ≤43 (13% vs 5.9%), 47 (25.8% vs 4.5%), and ≥53 (64.5% vs 28.4%). Regardless of baseline DRSS score, functional outcomes were superior in intravitreal aflibercept-treated patients, demonstrating consistent treatment benefit across various baseline levels of retinopathy. NCT01331681 and NCT01363440, Post-results. © Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2017. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.

Impact of insulin treatment in diabetic macular edema therapy in type 2 diabetes.

PubMed

Matsuda, Simone; Tam, Tiffany; Singh, Rishi P; Kaiser, Peter K; Petkovsek, Daniel; Zanella, Maria Teresa; Ehlers, Justis P

2015-02-01

To evaluate the impact of insulin therapy on the outcomes of diabetic macular edema (DME) treatment with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitors in people with type 2 diabetes. A retrospective consecutive case series of 95 patients with type 2 diabetes and DME who were treated with anti-VEGF therapy. We examined 2 cohorts: patients taking only oral antidiabetic agents and patients on insulin therapy. The main outcome measures were change in visual acuity and change in central subfield macular thickness measured by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. The additional variables analyzed included glycated hemoglobin (A1C), creatinine, blood pressure and body mass index and their correlations with clinical findings. Both groups had a statistically significant improvement in visual acuity (oral antidiabetic agents group: 20/61 to 20/49, p=0.003; insulin therapy group: 20/76 to 20/56, p=0.005). There was no difference between groups at initial or 12-month examination (p=0.239 and p=0.489, respectively). From an anatomic standpoint, central subfield macular thickness also improved significantly in both groups: from 454.7 μm to 354.9 μm (p<0.001) in the oral antidiabetic agents group and from 471.5 μm to 368.4 μm (p<0.001) in the insulin therapy group. Again, there was no significant difference between groups at initial or 12-month follow-up examinations (p=0.586 and p=0.591, respectively). Mean A1C levels remained relatively stable during the follow up in both groups. Anti-VEGF therapy is a useful treatment for DME. This study suggests that chronic insulin therapy, compared with oral antidiabetic agents, does not modify the anatomic or functional effectiveness of DME treatment. Copyright © 2015 Canadian Diabetes Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Zirconia-molybdenum disilicide composites

DOEpatents

Petrovic, John J.; Honnell, Richard E.

1991-01-01

Compositions of matter comprised of molybdenum disilicide and zirconium oxide in one of three forms: pure, partially stabilized, or fully stabilized and methods of making the compositions. The stabilized zirconia is crystallographically stabilized by mixing it with yttrium oxide, calcium oxide, cerium oxide, or magnesium oxide and it may be partially stabilized or fully stabilized depending on the amount of stabilizing agent in the mixture.

Methanol partial oxidation reformer

DOEpatents

Ahmed, Shabbir; Kumar, Romesh; Krumpelt, Michael

1999-01-01

A partial oxidation reformer comprising a longitudinally extending chamber having a methanol, water and an air inlet and an outlet. An igniter mechanism is near the inlets for igniting a mixture of methanol and air, while a partial oxidation catalyst in the chamber is spaced from the inlets and converts methanol and oxygen to carbon dioxide and hydrogen. Controlling the oxygen to methanol mole ratio provides continuous slightly exothermic partial oxidation reactions of methanol and air producing hydrogen gas. The liquid is preferably injected in droplets having diameters less than 100 micrometers. The reformer is useful in a propulsion system for a vehicle which supplies a hydrogen-containing gas to the negative electrode of a fuel cell.

Methanol partial oxidation reformer

DOEpatents

Ahmed, S.; Kumar, R.; Krumpelt, M.

1999-08-17

A partial oxidation reformer is described comprising a longitudinally extending chamber having a methanol, water and an air inlet and an outlet. An igniter mechanism is near the inlets for igniting a mixture of methanol and air, while a partial oxidation catalyst in the chamber is spaced from the inlets and converts methanol and oxygen to carbon dioxide and hydrogen. Controlling the oxygen to methanol mole ratio provides continuous slightly exothermic partial oxidation reactions of methanol and air producing hydrogen gas. The liquid is preferably injected in droplets having diameters less than 100 micrometers. The reformer is useful in a propulsion system for a vehicle which supplies a hydrogen-containing gas to the negative electrode of a fuel cell. 7 figs.

Methanol partial oxidation reformer

DOEpatents

Ahmed, S.; Kumar, R.; Krumpelt, M.

1999-08-24

A partial oxidation reformer is described comprising a longitudinally extending chamber having a methanol, water and an air inlet and an outlet. An igniter mechanism is near the inlets for igniting a mixture of methanol and air, while a partial oxidation catalyst in the chamber is spaced from the inlets and converts methanol and oxygen to carbon dioxide and hydrogen. Controlling the oxygen to methanol mole ratio provides continuous slightly exothermic partial oxidation reactions of methanol and air producing hydrogen gas. The liquid is preferably injected in droplets having diameters less than 100 micrometers. The reformer is useful in a propulsion system for a vehicle which supplies a hydrogen-containing gas to the negative electrode of a fuel cell. 7 figs.

Methanol partial oxidation reformer

DOEpatents

Ahmed, Shabbir; Kumar, Romesh; Krumpelt, Michael

2001-01-01

A partial oxidation reformer comprising a longitudinally extending chamber having a methanol, water and an air inlet and an outlet. An igniter mechanism is near the inlets for igniting a mixture of methanol and air, while a partial oxidation catalyst in the chamber is spaced from the inlets and converts methanol and oxygen to carbon dioxide and hydrogen. Controlling the oxygen to methanol mole ratio provides continuous slightly exothermic partial oxidation reactions of methanol and air producing hydrogen gas. The liquid is preferably injected in droplets having diameters less than 100 micrometers. The reformer is useful in a propulsion system for a vehicle which supplies a hydrogen-containing gas to the negative electrode of a fuel cell.

Quinone-formaldehyde polymer as an active material in Li-ion batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pirnat, Klemen; Mali, Gregor; Gaberscek, Miran; Dominko, Robert

2016-05-01

A benzoquinone polymer is synthesized by the polymerisation of hydrobenzoquinone and formaldehyde, followed by oxidation process using a hydrogen peroxide to convert hydroquinone to quinone. As prepared materials are characterized with FTIR, 1H-13C CPMAS NMR, pyrolysis coupled with gas chromatography (GC) and mass spectrometer (MS), TGA-MS analysis, EDX, elemental analysis, XRD, SEM and TEM microscopies and BET nitrogen adsorption. The benzoquinone polymer shows an excellent electrochemical performance when used as a positive electrode material in Li-ion secondary batteries. Using an electrolyte consisting 1 M bis(trifluoromethane)-sulfonimide lithium salt dissolved in 1,3-dioxolane and dimethoxyethane in a vol. ratio 1:1 (1 M LiTFSI/DOL + DME = 1:1) a stable capacity close to 150 mAh/g can be obtained. Compared to other electroactive materials based on benzoquinones it has a supreme capacity stability and is prepared by a simple synthesis using easily accessible starting materials. Further improvements in the capacity value (up to the theoretical value of 406 mAh/g) can be foreseen by achieving a higher degree of oxidation and by modification of polymerization process to enhance the electronic and ionic conductivity.

Fully automated detection of diabetic macular edema and dry age-related macular degeneration from optical coherence tomography images

PubMed Central

Srinivasan, Pratul P.; Kim, Leo A.; Mettu, Priyatham S.; Cousins, Scott W.; Comer, Grant M.; Izatt, Joseph A.; Farsiu, Sina

2014-01-01

We present a novel fully automated algorithm for the detection of retinal diseases via optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging. Our algorithm utilizes multiscale histograms of oriented gradient descriptors as feature vectors of a support vector machine based classifier. The spectral domain OCT data sets used for cross-validation consisted of volumetric scans acquired from 45 subjects: 15 normal subjects, 15 patients with dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and 15 patients with diabetic macular edema (DME). Our classifier correctly identified 100% of cases with AMD, 100% cases with DME, and 86.67% cases of normal subjects. This algorithm is a potentially impactful tool for the remote diagnosis of ophthalmic diseases. PMID:25360373

Effects of digital altimetry on pilot workload

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Harris, R. L., Sr.; Glover, B. J.

1985-01-01

A series of VOR-DME instrument landing approaches was flown in the DC-9 full-workload simulator to compare pilot performance, scan behavior, and workload when using a computer-drum-pointer altimeter (CDPA) and a digital altimeter (DA). Six pilots executed two sets of instrument landing approaches, with a CDPA on one set and a DA on the other set. Pilot scanning parameters, flight performance, and subjective opinion data were evaluated. It is found that the processes of gathering information from the CDPA and the DA are different. The DA requires a higher mental workload than the CDPA for a VOR-DME type landing approach. Mental processing of altitude information after transitioning back to the attitude indicator is more evident with the DA than with the CDPA.

Machine learning based detection of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic macular edema (DME) from optical coherence tomography (OCT) images

PubMed Central

Wang, Yu; Zhang, Yaonan; Yao, Zhaomin; Zhao, Ruixue; Zhou, Fengfeng

2016-01-01

Non-lethal macular diseases greatly impact patients’ life quality, and will cause vision loss at the late stages. Visual inspection of the optical coherence tomography (OCT) images by the experienced clinicians is the main diagnosis technique. We proposed a computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) model to discriminate age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic macular edema (DME) and healthy macula. The linear configuration pattern (LCP) based features of the OCT images were screened by the Correlation-based Feature Subset (CFS) selection algorithm. And the best model based on the sequential minimal optimization (SMO) algorithm achieved 99.3% in the overall accuracy for the three classes of samples. PMID:28018716

Oxidation of C/SiC Composites at Reduced Oxygen Partial Pressures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Opila, E. J.; Serra, J. L.

2007-01-01

T-300 carbon fibers and T-300 carbon fiber reinforced silicon carbide composites (C/SiC) were oxidized in flowing reduced oxygen partial pressure environments at a total pressure of one atmosphere (0.5 atm O2, 0.05 atm O2 and 0.005 atm O2, balance argon). Experiments were conducted at four temperatures (816deg, 1149deg, 1343deg, and 1538 C). The oxidation kinetics were monitored using thermogravimetric analysis. T-300 fibers were oxidized to completion for times between 0.6 and 90 h. Results indicated that fiber oxidation kinetics were gas phase diffusion controlled. Oxidation rates had an oxygen partial pressure dependence with a power law exponent close to one. In addition, oxidation rates were only weakly dependent on temperature. The C/SiC coupon oxidation kinetics showed some variability, attributed to differences in the number and width of cracks in the SiC seal coat. In general, weight losses were observed indicating oxidation of the carbon fibers dominated the oxidation behavior. Low temperatures and high oxygen pressures resulted in the most rapid consumption of the carbon fibers. At higher temperatures, the lower oxidation rates were primarily attributed to crack closure due to SiC thermal expansion, rather than oxidation of SiC since these reduced rates were observed even at the lowest oxygen partial pressures where SiC oxidation is minimal.

Oxygen partial pressure sensor

DOEpatents

Dees, D.W.

1994-09-06

A method for detecting oxygen partial pressure and an oxygen partial pressure sensor are provided. The method for measuring oxygen partial pressure includes contacting oxygen to a solid oxide electrolyte and measuring the subsequent change in electrical conductivity of the solid oxide electrolyte. A solid oxide electrolyte is utilized that contacts both a porous electrode and a nonporous electrode. The electrical conductivity of the solid oxide electrolyte is affected when oxygen from an exhaust stream permeates through the porous electrode to establish an equilibrium of oxygen anions in the electrolyte, thereby displacing electrons throughout the electrolyte to form an electron gradient. By adapting the two electrodes to sense a voltage potential between them, the change in electrolyte conductivity due to oxygen presence can be measured. 1 fig.

Oxygen partial pressure sensor

DOEpatents

Dees, Dennis W.

1994-01-01

A method for detecting oxygen partial pressure and an oxygen partial pressure sensor are provided. The method for measuring oxygen partial pressure includes contacting oxygen to a solid oxide electrolyte and measuring the subsequent change in electrical conductivity of the solid oxide electrolyte. A solid oxide electrolyte is utilized that contacts both a porous electrode and a nonporous electrode. The electrical conductivity of the solid oxide electrolyte is affected when oxygen from an exhaust stream permeates through the porous electrode to establish an equilibrium of oxygen anions in the electrolyte, thereby displacing electrons throughout the electrolyte to form an electron gradient. By adapting the two electrodes to sense a voltage potential between them, the change in electrolyte conductivity due to oxygen presence can be measured.

The Inhibition of Hepatic and Renal Glucuronidation of p-Nitrophenol and 4-Methylumbelliferone by Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch Lignin and Its Main Oxidation Compounds

PubMed Central

Salleh, Norliyana Mohamad; Ismail, Sabariah; Ibrahim, Mohamad Nasir Mohamad

2017-01-01

Background: In order to develop oil palm empty fruit bunch (EFB) lignin as a nutraceutical and health supplement, the investigation of its potential in interacting with other drugs via inhibition of drug-metabolizing enzymes (DMEs) would ensure product safety. Objective: The study was aimed to investigate the in vitro effect of oil palm EFB lignin and its main oxidation compounds on phase II DME UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs) in rat liver and kidney microsomes. Materials and Methods: The p-nitrophenol (p-NP) and 4-methylumbelliferone (4-MU) were employed as probe substrates in glucuronidation assays. The effect of soda oil palm EFB lignin on Vmax, Km, CLint, Ki, and mode of inhibition of 4-MU glucuronidation in RLM was also determined. Results: The inhibitory potency of oil palm EFB lignin for both p-NP and 4-MU glucuronidation in rat liver microsome (RLM) and rat kidneys microsomes (RKM) was found to be in the rank order of soda > kraft > organosolv. However, the inhibitory potency of its main oxidation compounds were in the rank order of vanillin > syringaldehyde > p-hydroxybenzaldehyde. Soda oil palm EFB lignin exhibited mixed-type inhibition against 4-MU glucuronidation in RLM, showing the change in apparent Vmax and with only a minor effect on Km compared with control. Conclusions: The findings showed that effect of oil palm EFB lignin on both p-NP and 4-MU glucuronidation in RLM and RKM was enhanced by the presence of vanillin as well as flavonoids. Kinetic study showed that soda oil palm EFB lignin exhibited strong inhibition on UGT activity in RLM with mixed-type inhibition mode. SUMMARY The inhibitory potential of oil palm EFB lignin extracts for p-NP and 4-MU glucuronidation in RLM and RKM can be listed in the following rank order: soda > kraft > organosolvThe inhibitory potential of oil palm EFB lignin main oxidation compounds for p-NP and 4-MU glucuronidation in RLM and RKM can be listed in the following rank order: vanillin > syringaldehyde > p-hydroxybenzaldehydeResults suggested that the effect of oil palm EFB lignin on p-NP and 4-MU glucuronidation activity in both RLM and RKM was enhanced by the presence of vanillin as well as total flavonoid contentResults also suggested that oil palm EFB lignin may inhibit glucuronidation of substrate by UGT enzymes, especially UGT1A6, particularly in rat liver Abbreviations used: p-NP: p-Nitrophenol, 4-MU: 4-Methylumbelliferone, EFB: Empty fruit bunch, DME: Drug-metabolizing enzymes, UGT: UDPglucuronosyltransferase, Vmax: Maximal reaction velocity, Km: Michaelis-Menten constant, CLint: Intrinsic clearance, Ki: Dissociation constant of an inhibitor enzyme complex, 4-MUG: 4-Methylumbelliferone glucuronide, DMSO: Dimethyl sulfoxide, IC50: Half maximal inhibitory concentration, p-NPG: p-Nitrophenol glucuronide, RKM: Rat kidneys microsomes, RLM: Rat liver microsome, UDPGA: UDPglucuronic acid, TCA: trichloroacetic acid, MPA: mycophenolic acid PMID:28479734

The Inhibition of Hepatic and Renal Glucuronidation of p-Nitrophenol and 4-Methylumbelliferone by Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch Lignin and Its Main Oxidation Compounds.

PubMed

Salleh, Norliyana Mohamad; Ismail, Sabariah; Ibrahim, Mohamad Nasir Mohamad

2017-01-01

In order to develop oil palm empty fruit bunch (EFB) lignin as a nutraceutical and health supplement, the investigation of its potential in interacting with other drugs via inhibition of drug-metabolizing enzymes (DMEs) would ensure product safety. The study was aimed to investigate the in vitro effect of oil palm EFB lignin and its main oxidation compounds on phase II DME UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs) in rat liver and kidney microsomes. The p -nitrophenol ( p -NP) and 4-methylumbelliferone (4-MU) were employed as probe substrates in glucuronidation assays. The effect of soda oil palm EFB lignin on V max , K m , CL int , K i , and mode of inhibition of 4-MU glucuronidation in RLM was also determined. The inhibitory potency of oil palm EFB lignin for both p -NP and 4-MU glucuronidation in rat liver microsome (RLM) and rat kidneys microsomes (RKM) was found to be in the rank order of soda > kraft > organosolv. However, the inhibitory potency of its main oxidation compounds were in the rank order of vanillin > syringaldehyde > p -hydroxybenzaldehyde. Soda oil palm EFB lignin exhibited mixed-type inhibition against 4-MU glucuronidation in RLM, showing the change in apparent V max and with only a minor effect on K m compared with control. The findings showed that effect of oil palm EFB lignin on both p -NP and 4-MU glucuronidation in RLM and RKM was enhanced by the presence of vanillin as well as flavonoids. Kinetic study showed that soda oil palm EFB lignin exhibited strong inhibition on UGT activity in RLM with mixed-type inhibition mode. The inhibitory potential of oil palm EFB lignin extracts for p -NP and 4-MU glucuronidation in RLM and RKM can be listed in the following rank order: soda > kraft > organosolvThe inhibitory potential of oil palm EFB lignin main oxidation compounds for p -NP and 4-MU glucuronidation in RLM and RKM can be listed in the following rank order: vanillin > syringaldehyde > p-hydroxybenzaldehydeResults suggested that the effect of oil palm EFB lignin on p -NP and 4-MU glucuronidation activity in both RLM and RKM was enhanced by the presence of vanillin as well as total flavonoid contentResults also suggested that oil palm EFB lignin may inhibit glucuronidation of substrate by UGT enzymes, especially UGT1A6, particularly in rat liver Abbreviations used: p -NP: p -Nitrophenol, 4-MU: 4-Methylumbelliferone, EFB: Empty fruit bunch, DME: Drug-metabolizing enzymes, UGT: UDPglucuronosyltransferase, V max : Maximal reaction velocity, K m : Michaelis-Menten constant, CLint: Intrinsic clearance, K i : Dissociation constant of an inhibitor enzyme complex, 4-MUG: 4-Methylumbelliferone glucuronide, DMSO: Dimethyl sulfoxide, IC50: Half maximal inhibitory concentration, p -NPG: p -Nitrophenol glucuronide, RKM: Rat kidneys microsomes, RLM: Rat liver microsome, UDPGA: UDPglucuronic acid, TCA: trichloroacetic acid, MPA: mycophenolic acid.

Comparison of partial and full nitrification processes applied for treating high-strength nitrogen wastewaters: microbial ecology through nitrous oxide production.

PubMed

Ahn, Joon Ho; Kwan, Tiffany; Chandran, Kartik

2011-04-01

The goal of this study was to compare the microbial ecology, gene expression, biokinetics, and N2O emissions from a lab-scale bioreactor operated sequentially in full-nitrification and partial-nitrification modes. Based on sequencing of 16S rRNA and ammonia monooxygenase subunit A (amoA) genes, ammonia oxidizing bacteria (AOB) populations during full- and partial-nitrification modes were distinct from one another. The concentrations of AOB (XAOB) and their respiration rates during full- and partial-nitrification modes were statistically similar, whereas the concentrations of nitrite oxidizing bacteria (XNOB) and their respiration rates declined significantly after the switch from full- to partial-nitrification. The transition from full-nitrification to partial nitrification resulted in a protracted transient spike of nitrous oxide (N2O) and nitric oxide (NO) emissions, which later stabilized. The trends in N2O and NO emissions correlated well with trends in the expression of nirK and norB genes that code for the production of these gases in AOB. Both the transient and stabilized N2O and NO emissions during partial nitrification were statistically higher than those during steady-state full-nitrification. Based on these results, partial nitrification strategies for biological nitrogen removal, although attractive for their reduced operating costs and energy demand, may need to be optimized against the higher carbon foot-print attributed to their N2O emissions.

Conversion of (η(5)-C2B9H10R)TaX3 (X = Me, NMe2) to (η(6)-C2B9H10R)TaX' (X' = NMe2, azaallyl) in the absence of a reducing agent: synthesis and structure of tantallacarboranes incorporating an arachno-η(6)-C2B9(4-) ligand.

PubMed

Xiang, Li; Xie, Zuowei

2014-08-04

Heating a benzene solution of [η(5)-(Me2NCH2CH2)C2B9H10] Ta(NMe2)3 (1) in the presence of pyridine gave an unprecedented complex [η(1):η(6)-(Me2NCH2CH2)C2B9H10]Ta (NMe2)(NC5H5) (2). On the other hand, reaction of (η(5)-C2B9H11)TaMe3 with adamantly isonitrile (AdNC) in dimethoxyethane (DME) at room temperature afforded another unexpected complex (η(6)-C2B9H11)Ta[η(3)-C,C,N-CH2C(CH3)NAd](DME) (4). These results show that pyridine and DME are essential for the formation of 2 and 4, respectively. It is suggested that the nido-η(5)-C2B9H10R(2−) ligand in tantallacarboranes takes up two electrons released by reductive elimination to form an arachno-η(6)-C2B9H10R(4−) fragment via the cage C–C bond cleavage.

The Diabetic Retinopathy Barometer Study: Global perspectives on access to and experiences of diabetic retinopathy screening and treatment.

PubMed

Cavan, D; Makaroff, L; da Rocha Fernandes, J; Sylvanowicz, M; Ackland, P; Conlon, J; Chaney, D; Malhi, A; Barratt, J

2017-07-01

To assess the level of awareness, prevention and treatment of Diabetic Eye Disease (DED) comprising Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) and Diabetic Macula Edema (DME) retinopathy among adults with diabetes and health professionals. The Diabetic Retinopathy Barometer Study consisted of a qualitative study, which consisted of semi-structured interviews, and a quantitative study using online surveys for adults with diabetes and for health professionals. A total of 4340 adults with diabetes and 2329 health professionals participated in the surveys. Diabetic eye disease (DED) without macular edema (DME) was reported by 19.5% of adults with diabetes and a further 7.6% reported that they had DME. Although 94% of adults with diabetes saw a health care professional for their diabetes, only 79% had ever had an eye examination for DED, and 23% had not had an eye examination in the last year. Moreover, 65% of the ophthalmologists surveyed reported that most patients presented when visual problems had already occurred. Overall, 62% of people with DED had received treatment. Of these, 74% had laser therapy, 29% surgery and 24% anti-VEGF therapy. Strategic investment is required to enhance patient education and professional training on the importance of regular eye examinations; and in providing accessible DR screening programmes and proactive treatments. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

An Agar-Based Method for Plating Marine Protozoan Parasites of the Genus Perkinsus.

PubMed

Cold, Emma R; Freyria, Nastasia J; Martínez Martínez, Joaquín; Fernández Robledo, José A

2016-01-01

The genus Perkinsus includes protozoan parasites of mollusks responsible for losses in the aquaculture industry and hampering the recovery of natural shellfish beds worldwide, and they are a key taxon for understanding intracellular parasitism adaptations. The ability to propagate the parasite in liquid media, in the absence of the host, has been crucial for improving understanding of its biology; however, alternative techniques to grow the parasite are needed to explore other basic aspects of the Perkinsus spp. biology. We optimized a DME: Ham's F12-5% FBS- containing solid agar medium for plating Perkinsus marinus. This solid medium supported trophozoite propagation both by binary fission and schizogony. Colonies were visible to the naked eye 17 days after plating. We tested the suitability of this method for several applications, including the following: 1) Subcloning P. marinus isolates: single discrete P. marinus colonies were obtained from DME: Ham's F12-5% FBS- 0.75% agar plates, which could be further propagated in liquid medium; 2) Subcloning engineered Perkinsus mediterraneus MOE[MOE]: GFP by streaking cultures on plates; 3) Chemical susceptibility: Infusing the DME: Ham's F12-5% FBS- 0.75% agar plates with triclosan resulted in inhibition of the parasite propagation in a dose-dependent manner. Altogether, our plating method has the potential for becoming a key tool for investigating diverse aspects of Perkinsus spp. biology, developing new molecular tools, and for biotechnological applications.

Comparison of Standardized Clinical Classification with Fundus Photograph Grading for the assessment of Diabetic Retinopathy and Diabetic Macular Edema Severity

PubMed Central

Gangaputra, Sapna; Lovato, James F.; Hubbard, Larry; Davis, Matthew D; Esser, Barbara A; Ambrosius, Walter T.; Chew, Emily Y.; Greven, Craig; Perdue, Letitia H; Wong, Wai T.; Condren, Audree; Wilkinson, Charles P.; Agrón, Elvira; Adler, Sharon; Danis, Ronald P

2013-01-01

Purpose To compare evaluation by clinical examination with image grading at a reading center (RC) for the classification of diabetic retinopathy (DR) and diabetic macular edema (DME). Methods ACCORD and FIND had similar methods of clinical and fundus photograph evaluation. For analysis purposes the photographic grading scales were condensed to correspond to the clinical scales and agreement between clinicians and reading center classification were compared. Results 6902 eyes of ACCORD participants and 3638 eyes of FIND participants were analyzed for agreement (percent, kappa) on DR on a 5 level scale. Exact agreement between clinicians and RC on DR severity category was 69% in ACCORD and 74% in FIND (Kappa 0.42 and 0.65). Sensitivity of the clinical grading to identify presence of mild nonproliferative retinopathy or worse was 0.53 in ACCORD and 0.84 in FIND. Specificities were 0.97 and 0.96, respectively. DME agreement in 6649 eyes of ACCORD participants and 3366 eyes of FIND participants was similar in both studies (Kappa 0.35 and 0.41). Sensitivities of the clinical grading to identify DME were 0.44 and 0.53 and specificities were 0.99 and 0.94, respectively. Conclusion Our results support the use of clinical information for defining broad severity categories, but not for documenting small to moderate changes in DR over time. PMID:23615341

Oxidation of C/SiC Composites at Reduced Oxygen Partial Pressures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Opila, Elizabeth J.; Serra, Jessica

2009-01-01

Carbon-fiber reinforced SiC (C/SiC) composites are proposed for leading edge applications of hypersonic vehicles due to the superior strength of carbon fibers at high temperatures (greater than 1500 C). However, the vulnerability of the carbon fibers in C/SiC to oxidation over a wide range of temperatures remains a problem. Previous oxidation studies of C/SiC have mainly been conducted in air or oxygen, so that the oxidation behavior of C/SiC at reduced oxygen partial pressures of the hypersonic flight regime are less well understood. In this study, both carbon fibers and C/SiC composites were oxidized over a wide range of temperatures and oxygen partial pressures to facilitate the understanding and modeling of C/SiC oxidation kinetics for hypersonic flight conditions.

78 FR 72155 - Medicare Program; End-Stage Renal Disease Prospective Payment System, Quality Incentive Program...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-12-02

...This rule updates and makes revisions to the End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) prospective payment system (PPS) for calendar year (CY) 2014. This rule also sets forth requirements for the ESRD quality incentive program (QIP), including for payment year (PY) 2016 and beyond. In addition, this rule clarifies the grandfathering provision related to the 3-year minimum lifetime requirement (MLR) for Durable Medical Equipment (DME), and provides clarification of the definition of routinely purchased DME. This rule also implements budget-neutral fee schedules for splints and casts, and intraocular lenses (IOLs) inserted in a physician's office. Finally, this rule makes a few technical amendments and corrections to existing regulations related to payment for durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies (DMEPOS) items and services.

Solvation of the fluorine containing anions and their lithium salts in propylene carbonate and dimethoxyethane.

PubMed

Chaban, Vitaly

2015-07-01

Electrolyte solutions based on the propylene carbonate (PC)-dimethoxyethane (DME) mixtures are of significant importance and urgency due to emergence of lithium-ion batteries. Solvation and coordination of the lithium cation in these systems have been recently attended in detail. However, analogous information concerning anions (tetrafluoroborate, hexafluorophosphate) is still missed. This work reports PM7-MD simulations (electronic-structure level of description) to include finite-temperature effects on the anion solvation regularities in the PC-DME mixture. The reported result evidences that the anions appear weakly solvated. This observation is linked to the absence of suitable coordination sites in the solvent molecules. In the concentrated electrolyte solutions, both BF4(-) and PF6(-) prefer to exist as neutral ion pairs (LiBF4, LiPF6).

In vivo Elimination of Parental Clones in General and Site-directed Mutagenesis

PubMed Central

Holland, Erika G.; Acca, Felicity E.; Belanger, Kristina M.; Bylo, Mary E.; Kay, Brian K.; Weiner, Michael P.; Kiss, Margaret M.

2015-01-01

The Eco29k I restriction endonuclease is a Sac II isoschizomer that recognizes the sequence 5’-CCGCGG-3’ and is encoded, along with the Eco29k I methylase, in the Escherichia coli strain 29k. We have expressed the Eco29k I restriction-methylation system (RM2) in E. coli strain TG1 to produce the strain AXE688. We have developed a directed molecular evolution (DME) mutagenesis method that uses Eco29k I to restrict incoming parental DNA in transformed cells. Using our DME method, we have demonstrated that our AXE688 strain results in mutated directed molecular evolution libraries with diversity greater than 107 from a single transformation and with greater than 90% recombinant clones. PMID:25523926

In vivo elimination of parental clones in general and site-directed mutagenesis.

PubMed

Holland, Erika G; Acca, Felicity E; Belanger, Kristina M; Bylo, Mary E; Kay, Brian K; Weiner, Michael P; Kiss, Margaret M

2015-02-01

The Eco29k I restriction endonuclease is a Sac II isoschizomer that recognizes the sequence 5'-CCGCGG-3' and is encoded, along with the Eco29k I methylase, in the Escherichia coli strain 29k. We have expressed the Eco29k I restriction-methylation system (RM2) in E. coli strain TG1 to produce the strain AXE688. We have developed a directed molecular evolution (DME) mutagenesis method that uses Eco29k I to restrict incoming parental DNA in transformed cells. Using our DME method, we have demonstrated that our AXE688 strain results in mutated directed molecular evolution libraries with diversity greater than 10(7) from a single transformation and with greater than 90% recombinant clones. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Experimental and numerical studies of burning velocities and kinetic modeling for practical and surrogate fuels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Zhenwei

To help understand the fuel oxidation process in practical combustion environments, laminar flame speeds and high temperature chemical kinetic models were studied for several practical fuels and "surrogate" fuels, such as propane, dimethyl ether (DME), and primary reference fuel (PRF) mixtures, gasoline and n-decane. The PIV system developed for the present work is described. The general principles for PIV measurements are outlined and the specific considerations are also reported. Laminar flame speeds were determined for propane/air over a range of equivalence ratios at initial temperature of 298 K, 500 K and 650 K and atmospheric pressure. Several data sets for propane/air laminar flame speeds with N 2 dilution are also reported. These results are compared to the literature data collected at the same conditions. The propane flame speed is also numerically calculated with a detailed kinetic model and multi component diffusion, including Soret effects. This thesis also presents experimentally determined laminar flame speeds for primary reference fuel (PRF) mixtures of n-heptane/iso-octane and real gasoline fuel at different initial temperature and at atmospheric pressure. Nitrogen dilution effects on the laminar flame speed are also studied for selected equivalence ratios at the same conditions. A minimization of detailed kinetic model for PRF mixtures on laminar flame speed conditions was performed and the measured flame speeds were compared with numerical predictions using this model. The measured laminar flame speeds of n-decane/air mixtures at 500 K and at atmospheric pressure with and without dilution were determined. The measured flame speeds are significantly different that those predicted using existing published kinetic models, including a model validated previously against high temperature data from flow reactor, jet-stirred reactor, shock tube ignition delay, and burner stabilized flame experiments. A significant update of this model is described which continues to predict the earlier validation experiments as well as the newly acquired laminar flame speed data and other recently published shock tube ignition delay measurements. A high temperature decomposition and oxidation model based on a hierarchical nature of reacting systems to reflect the new development in the small molecule and radical kinetics and thermochemistry and to evaluate recent measurements of DME laminar flame speeds is developed. The, thermal decomposition of DME was studied theoretically by using the RRKM/master equation approach and the high temperature model was then compared with the literature experimental data. The new model predicts well high temperature flow reactor data, high temperature shock tube ignition delays, and the species profiles from the burner-stabilized flames. Predictions of laminar flame speed and jet-stirred reactor data also reasonably agree with the available experimental data. The remaining uncertainties that need to be addressed for further model improvement will also be discussed. This thesis also presents a novel temperature-dependent feature sensitivity analysis methodology for combustion modeling. The obtained information is demonstrated to be of critical relevance in optimizing complex reaction schemes against multiple experimental targets. Applications of the presented approach are not limited to sensitivities with respect to reaction rate coefficients; the method can also be used to investigate any temperature-dependent property of interest (such as binary diffusion coefficients). This application is also demonstrated in this thesis.

Magnesium Recycling of Partially Oxidized, Mixed Magnesium-Aluminum Scrap through Combined Refining and Solid Oxide Membrane Electrolysis Processes

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

Xiaofei Guan; Peter A. Zink; Uday B. Pal

2012-01-01

Pure magnesium (Mg) is recycled from 19g of partially oxidized 50.5wt.% Mg-Aluminum (Al) alloy. During the refining process, potentiodynamic scans (PDS) were performed to determine the electrorefining potential for magnesium. The PDS show that the electrorefining potential increases over time as the magnesium content inside the Mg-Al scrap decreases. Up to 100% percent of magnesium is refined from the Mg-Al scrap by a novel refining process of dissolving magnesium and its oxide into a flux followed by vapor phase removal of dissolved magnesium and subsequently condensing the magnesium vapor. The solid oxide membrane (SOM) electrolysis process is employed in themore » refining system to enable additional recycling of magnesium from magnesium oxide (MgO) in the partially oxidized Mg-Al scrap. The combination of the refining and SOM processes yields 7.4g of pure magnesium.« less

Comparison of Aflibercept, Bevacizumab, and Ranibizumab for Treatment of Diabetic Macular Edema: Extrapolation of Data to Clinical Practice.

PubMed

Heier, Jeffrey S; Bressler, Neil M; Avery, Robert L; Bakri, Sophie J; Boyer, David S; Brown, David M; Dugel, Pravin U; Freund, K Bailey; Glassman, Adam R; Kim, Judy E; Martin, Daniel F; Pollack, John S; Regillo, Carl D; Rosenfeld, Philip J; Schachat, Andrew P; Wells, John A

2016-01-01

The Diabetic Retinopathy Clinical Research Network (DRCR Network), sponsored by the National Eye Institute, reported the results of a comparative effectiveness randomized clinical trial (RCT) evaluating the 3 anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agents aflibercept (2.0 mg), bevacizumab (1.25 mg), and ranibizumab (0.3 mg) for treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME) involving the center of the retina and associated with visual acuity loss. The many important findings of the RCT prompted the American Society of Retina Specialists to convene a group of experts to provide their perspective regarding clinically relevant findings of the study. To describe specific outcomes of the RCT judged worthy of highlighting, to discuss how these and other clinically relevant results should be considered by specialists treating DME, and to identify unanswered questions that merit consideration before treatment. The DRCR Network-authored publication on primary outcomes of the comparative effectiveness RCT at 89 sites in the United States. The study period of the RCT was August 22, 2012, to August 28, 2013. On average, all 3 anti-VEGF agents led to improved visual acuity in eyes with DME involving the center of the retina and with visual acuity impairment, including mean (SD) improvements by +13.3 (11.1) letters with aflibercept vs +9.7 (10.1) letters with bevacizumab (P < .001) and +11.2 (9.4) letters with ranibizumab (P = .03). Worse visual acuity when initiating therapy was associated with greater visual acuity benefit of aflibercept (+18.9 [11.5]) over bevacizumab (+11.8 [12.0]) or ranibizumab (14.2 [10.6]) 1 year later (P < .001 for interaction with visual acuity as a continuous variable, and P = .002 for interaction with visual acuity as a categorical variable). It is unknown whether different visual acuity outcomes associated with the use of the 3 anti-VEGF agents would be noted with other treatment regimens or with adequately repackaged bevacizumab, as well as in patients with criteria that excluded them from the RCT, such as persistent DME despite recent anti-VEGF treatment. On average, all 3 anti-VEGF agents led to improved visual acuity in eyes with DME involving the center of the retina and visual acuity impairment. Worse visual acuity when initiating therapy was associated with greater visual acuity benefit of aflibercept over bevacizumab or ranibizumab 1 year later. Care needs to be taken when attempting to extrapolate outcomes of this RCT to differing treatment regimens. With access to adequately repackaged bevacizumab, many specialists might initiate therapy with bevacizumab when visual acuity is good (ie, 20/32 to 20/40 as measured in the DRCR Network), recognizing that the cost-effectiveness of bevacizumab outweighs that of aflibercept or ranibizumab.

Early in vivo changes in calcium ions, oxidative stress markers, and ion channel immunoreactivity following partial injury to the optic nerve.

PubMed

Wells, Jonathan; Kilburn, Matthew R; Shaw, Jeremy A; Bartlett, Carole A; Harvey, Alan R; Dunlop, Sarah A; Fitzgerald, Melinda

2012-03-01

CNS injury is often localized but can be followed by more widespread secondary degenerative events that usually result in greater functional loss. Using a partial transection model in rat optic nerve (ON). we recently demonstrated in vivo increases in the oxidative stress-associated enzyme MnSOD 5 min after injury. However, mechanisms by which early oxidative stress spreads remain unclear. In the present study, we assessed ion distributions, additional oxidative stress indicators, and ion channel immunoreactivity in ON in the first 24 hr after partial transection. Using nanoscale secondary ion mass spectroscopy (NanoSIMS), we demonstrate changes in the distribution pattern of Ca ions following partial ON transection. Regions of elevated Ca ions in normal ON in vivo rapidly decrease following partial ON transection, but there is an increasingly punctate distribution at 5 min and 24 hr after injury. We also show rapid decreases in catalase activity and later increases in immunoreactivity of the advanced glycation end product carboxymethyl lysine in astrocytes. Increased oxidative stress in astrocytes is accompanied by significantly increased immunoreactivity of the AMPA receptor subunit GluR1 and aquaporin 4 (AQP4). Taken together, the results indicate that Ca ion changes and oxidative stress are early events following partial ON injury that are associated with changes in GluR1 AMPA receptor subunits and altered ionic balance resulting from increased AQP4. Copyright © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

A Model for the Oxidation of Carbon Silicon Carbide Composite Structures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sullivan, Roy M.

2004-01-01

A mathematical theory and an accompanying numerical scheme have been developed for predicting the oxidation behavior of carbon silicon carbide (C/SiC) composite structures. The theory is derived from the mechanics of the flow of ideal gases through a porous solid. The result of the theoretical formulation is a set of two coupled nonlinear differential equations written in terms of the oxidant and oxide partial pressures. The differential equations are solved simultaneously to obtain the partial vapor pressures of the oxidant and oxides as a function of the spatial location and time. The local rate of carbon oxidation is determined using the map of the local oxidant partial vapor pressure along with the Arrhenius rate equation. The nonlinear differential equations are cast into matrix equations by applying the Bubnov-Galerkin weighted residual method, allowing for the solution of the differential equations numerically. The numerical method is demonstrated by utilizing the method to model the carbon oxidation and weight loss behavior of C/SiC specimens during thermogravimetric experiments. The numerical method is used to study the physics of carbon oxidation in carbon silicon carbide composites.

Short communication: Feed utilization and its associations with fertility and productive life in 11 commercial Pennsylvania tie-stall herds.

PubMed

Vallimont, J E; Dechow, C D; Daubert, J M; Dekleva, M W; Blum, J W; Liu, W; Varga, G A; Heinrichs, A J; Baumrucker, C R

2013-02-01

The objectives of this study were to quantify the relationships of various definitions of feed utilization with both fertility and productive life. Intake and body measurement data were collected monthly on 970 cows in 11 tie-stall herds for 6 consecutive months. Measures of feed utilization for this study were dry matter intake (DMI), dry matter intake efficiency (DME, defined as 305-d fat-corrected milk/305-d DMI), DME with intake adjusted for maintenance requirements (DMEM), crude protein efficiency (defined as 305-d protein yield/305-d crude protein intake), and 2 definitions of residual feed intake (RFI). The first, RFI(reg), was calculated by regressing daily DMI on daily milk, fat, and protein yields, body weight (BW), daily body condition score (BCS) gain or loss, the interaction between BW and BCS gain or loss, and days in milk. The second, RFI(NRC), was estimated by subtracting 305-d DMI predicted according to their fat-corrected milk and BW from actual 305-d DMI. Data were analyzed with 8-trait animal models and included one measure of feed utilization and milk, fat, and protein yields, BW, BCS, days open (DO), and productive life (PL). The genetic correlation between DME and DO was 0.53 (± 0.19) and that between DME and PL was 0.66 (± 0.10). These results show that cows who had higher feed efficiency had greater DO (undesirable) and greater PL (desirable). Results were similar for the genetic correlation between DO and crude protein efficiency (0.42). Productive life had genetic correlations of -0.22 with BW and -0.48 with BCS, suggesting that larger, fatter cows in this study had shorter PL. Correlations between estimated breeding values for feed utilization and official sire genetic evaluations for fertility were in agreement with the results from the multiple-trait models. Selection programs intended to enhance feed efficiency should factor relationships with functional traits to avoid unfavorable effects on cow fertility. Copyright © 2013 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Assessment of the inhibitory effects of pyrethroids against human carboxylesterases

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

Lei, Wei

Pyrethroids are broad-spectrum insecticides that widely used in many countries, while humans may be exposed to these toxins by drinking or eating pesticide-contaminated foods. This study aimed to investigate the inhibitory effects of six commonly used pyrethroids against two major human carboxylesterases (CES) including CES1 and CES2. Three optical probe substrates for CES1 (DME, BMBT and DMCB) and a fluorescent probe substrate for CES2 (DDAB) were used to characterize the inhibitory effects of these pyrethroids. The results demonstrated that most of the tested pyrethroids showed moderate to weak inhibitory effects against both CES1 and CES2, but deltamethrin displayed strong inhibitionmore » towards CES1. The IC{sub 50} values of deltamethrin against CES1-mediated BMBT, DME, and DMCB hydrolysis were determined as 1.58 μM, 2.39 μM, and 3.3 μM, respectively. Moreover, deltamethrin was cell membrane permeable and capable of inhibition endogenous CES1 in living cells. Further investigation revealed that deltamethrin inhibited CES1-mediated BMBT hydrolysis via competitive manner but noncompetitively inhibited DME or DMCB hydrolysis. The inhibition behaviors of deltamethrin against CES1 were also studied by molecular docking simulation. The results demonstrated that CES1 had at least two different ligand-binding sites, one was the DME site and another was the BMBT site which was identical to the binding site of deltamethrin. In summary, deltamethrin was a strong reversible inhibitor against CES1 and it could tightly bind on CES1 at the same ligand-binding site as BMBT. These findings are helpful for the deep understanding of the interactions between xenobiotics and CES1. - Highlights: • The inhibitory effects of six commonly used pyrethroids on human carboxylesterases were investigated. • Deltamethrin displayed strong inhibitory effects against human carboxylesterase 1 (CES1). • Deltamethrin was cell membrane permeable and could inhibit intracellular CES1 in living cells. • Both experimental and docking studies demonstrated that CES1 had at least two different ligand-binding sites.« less

Optical Coherence Tomography Measurements and Analysis Methods in Optical Coherence Tomography Studies of Diabetic Macular Edema

PubMed Central

Browning, David J.; Glassman, Adam R.; Aiello, Lloyd P.; Bressler, Neil M.; Bressler, Susan; Danis, Ronald P.; Davis, Matthew D.; Ferris, Frederick L.; Huang, Suber S.; Kaiser, Peter K.; Kollman, Craig; Sadda, Srinavas; Scott, Ingrid U.; Qin, Haijing

2009-01-01

Objective To evaluate optical coherence tomography (OCT) measurements and methods of analysis of OCT data in studies of diabetic macular edema (DME). Design Associations of pairs of OCT variables and results of three analysis methods using data from two studies of DME. Participants Two hundred sixty-three subjects from a study of modified Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Study (mETDRS) versus modified macular grid (MMG) photocoagulation for DME and 96 subjects from a study of diurnal variation of DME. Methods Correlations were calculated for pairs of OCT variables at baseline and for changes in the variables over time. Distribution of OCT measurement changes, predictive factors for OCT measurement changes, and treatment group outcomes were compared when three measures of change in macular thickness were analyzed: absolute change in retinal thickness, relative change in retinal thickness, and relative change in retinal thickening. Main Outcome Measures Concordance of results using different OCT variables and analysis methods. Results Center point thickness correlated highly with central subfield mean thickness (CSMT) at baseline (0.98–0.99). The distributions of changes in CSMT were approximately normally distributed for absolute change in retinal thickness and relative change in retinal thickness, but not for relative change in retinal thickening. The macular thinning in the mETDRS group was significantly greater than in the MMG group when absolute change in retinal thickness was used, but not when relative change in thickness and relative change in thickening were used. Relative change in macular thickening provides unstable data in eyes with mild degrees of baseline thickening, unlike the situation with absolute or relative change in retinal thickness. Conclusions Central subfield mean thickness is the preferred OCT measurement for the central macula because of its higher reproducibility and correlation with other measurements of the central macula. Total macular volume may be preferred when the central macula is less important. Absolute change in retinal thickness is the preferred analysis method in studies involving eyes with mild macular thickening. Relative change in thickening may be preferable when retinal thickening is more severe. PMID:18675696

Intravitreal aflibercept for diabetic macular edema.

PubMed

Korobelnik, Jean-François; Do, Diana V; Schmidt-Erfurth, Ursula; Boyer, David S; Holz, Frank G; Heier, Jeffrey S; Midena, Edoardo; Kaiser, Peter K; Terasaki, Hiroko; Marcus, Dennis M; Nguyen, Quan D; Jaffe, Glenn J; Slakter, Jason S; Simader, Christian; Soo, Yuhwen; Schmelter, Thomas; Yancopoulos, George D; Stahl, Neil; Vitti, Robert; Berliner, Alyson J; Zeitz, Oliver; Metzig, Carola; Brown, David M

2014-11-01

A head-to-head comparison was performed between vascular endothelial growth factor blockade and laser for treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME). Two similarly designed, double-masked, randomized, phase 3 trials, VISTA(DME) and VIVID(DME). We included 872 patients (eyes) with type 1 or 2 diabetes mellitus who presented with DME with central involvement. Eyes received either intravitreal aflibercept injection (IAI) 2 mg every 4 weeks (2q4), IAI 2 mg every 8 weeks after 5 initial monthly doses (2q8), or macular laser photocoagulation. The primary efficacy endpoint was the change from baseline in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) letters at week 52. Secondary efficacy endpoints at week 52 included the proportion of eyes that gained ≥ 15 letters from baseline and the mean change from baseline in central retinal thickness as determined by optical coherence tomography. Mean BCVA gains from baseline to week 52 in the IAI 2q4 and 2q8 groups versus the laser group were 12.5 and 10.7 versus 0.2 letters (P < 0.0001) in VISTA, and 10.5 and 10.7 versus 1.2 letters (P < 0.0001) in VIVID. The corresponding proportions of eyes gaining ≥ 15 letters were 41.6% and 31.1% versus 7.8% (P < 0.0001) in VISTA, and 32.4% and 33.3% versus 9.1% (P < 0.0001) in VIVID. Similarly, mean reductions in central retinal thickness were 185.9 and 183.1 versus 73.3 μm (P < 0.0001) in VISTA, and 195.0 and 192.4 versus 66.2 μm (P < 0.0001) in VIVID. Overall incidences of ocular and nonocular adverse events and serious adverse events, including the Anti-Platelet Trialists' Collaboration-defined arterial thromboembolic events and vascular deaths, were similar across treatment groups. At week 52, IAI demonstrated significant superiority in functional and anatomic endpoints over laser, with similar efficacy in the 2q4 and 2q8 groups despite the extended dosing interval in the 2q8 group. In general, IAI was well-tolerated. Copyright © 2014 American Academy of Ophthalmology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Vitrectomy outcomes in eyes with diabetic macular edema and vitreomacular traction.

PubMed

Haller, Julia A; Qin, Haijing; Apte, Rajendra S; Beck, Roy R; Bressler, Neil M; Browning, David J; Danis, Ronald P; Glassman, Adam R; Googe, Joseph M; Kollman, Craig; Lauer, Andreas K; Peters, Mark A; Stockman, Margaret E

2010-06-01

To evaluate vitrectomy for diabetic macular edema (DME) in eyes with at least moderate vision loss and vitreomacular traction. Prospective cohort study. The primary cohort included 87 eyes with DME and vitreomacular traction based on investigator's evaluation, visual acuity 20/63-20/400, optical coherence tomography (OCT) central subfield >300 microns and no concomitant cataract extraction at the time of vitrectomy. Surgery was performed according to the investigator's usual routine. Follow-up visits were performed after 3 months, 6 months (primary end point), and 1 year. Visual acuity, OCT retinal thickening, and operative complications. At baseline, median visual acuity in the 87 eyes was 20/100 and median OCT thickness was 491 microns. During vitrectomy, additional procedures included epiretinal membrane peeling in 61%, internal limiting membrane peeling in 54%, panretinal photocoagulation in 40%, and injection of corticosteroids at the close of the procedure in 64%. At 6 months, median OCT central subfield thickness decreased by 160 microns, with 43% having central subfield thickness <250 microns and 68% having at least a 50% reduction in thickening. Visual acuity improved by > or =10 letters in 38% (95% confidence interval, 28%-49%) and deteriorated by > or =10 letters in 22% (95% confidence interval, 13%-31%). Postoperative complications through 6 months included vitreous hemorrhage (5 eyes), elevated intraocular pressure requiring treatment (7 eyes), retinal detachment (3 eyes), and endophthalmitis (1 eye). Few changes in results were noted between 6 months and 1 year. After vitrectomy performed for DME and vitreomacular traction, retinal thickening was reduced in most eyes. Between 28% and 49% of eyes with characteristics similar to those included in this study are likely to have improvement of visual acuity, whereas between 13% and 31% are likely to have worsening. The operative complication rate is low and similar to what has been reported for this procedure. These data provide estimates of surgical outcomes and serve as a reference for future studies that might consider vitrectomy for DME in eyes with at least moderate vision loss and vitreomacular traction. Copyright 2010 American Academy of Ophthalmology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Quantitative assessment of macular contraction and vitreoretinal interface alterations in diabetic macular edema treated with intravitreal anti-VEGF injections.

PubMed

Cetin, Ebru Nevin; Demirtaş, Önder; Özbakış, Nihal Cesur; Pekel, Gökhan

2018-06-20

Macular contraction after anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) injections for diabetic macular edema (DME) was evaluated by documenting the displacement of macular capillary vessels and epiretinal membrane (ERM) formation. A total of 130 eyes were included in this retrospective study. The study group consisted of 63 eyes which had intravitreal anti-VEGF injections for DME, and the control group included 67 eyes without central DME. The study and the control groups were well balanced in terms of diabetes duration and HbA1c. The distances between the bifurcation of the macular capillary retinal vessels were measured, and ERM status was evaluated based on spectral-OCT findings on the initial and final visit. In the study group, the mean number of injections was 4.7 ± 2.6 (3-14). The mean follow-up time was 16.7 ± 7.8 months in the study group whereas it was 20.7 ± 10.9 months in the control group (p = 0.132). The change in distance measurements between the reference points on macular capillary vessels was significant in all lines except line c (p < 0.05 for lines a, b, d, e, and f) in the study group whereas it was significant in only line e in the control group (p = 0.007, paired samples test). However, when the change in macular thickness was accounted as a confounding factor, the change in distances between the references points from the initial visit to the final visit lost its significance (repeated measures ANCOVA, p > 0.05). During follow-up, the number of cases with ERM changed from 10 to 12 in the study group whereas it remained three in the control group. There was a displacement of macular capillary vessels which was associated with the change in macular thickness in eyes having anti-VEGF injections for DME. The number of ERM cases did not change significantly during the follow-up.

Zinc(II) complexes with heterocyclic ether, acid and amide. Crystal structure, spectral, thermal and antibacterial activity studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jabłońska-Wawrzycka, Agnieszka; Rogala, Patrycja; Czerwonka, Grzegorz; Hodorowicz, Maciej; Stadnicka, Katarzyna

2016-02-01

The reaction of zinc salts with heterocyclic ether (1-ethoxymethyl-2-methylimidazole (1-ExMe-2-MeIm)), acid (pyridine-2,3-dicarboxylic acid (2,3-pydcH2)) and amide (3,5-dimethylpyrazole-1-carboxamide (3,5-DMePzCONH2)) yielded three new zinc complexes formulated as [Zn(1-ExMe-2-MeIm)2Cl2] 1, fac-[Zn(H2O)6][Zn(2,3-pydcH)3]22 and [Zn(3,5-DMePz)2(NCO)2] 3. Complexes of 1 and 3 are four-coordinated with a tetrahedron as coordination polyhedron. However, compound 2 forms an octahedral cation-anion complex. The complex 3 was prepared by eliminating of the carboxamide group from the ligand and then the 3,5-dimethylpyrazole (3,5-DMePz) and isocyanates formed were employed as new ligands. The IR and X-ray studies have confirmed a bidentate fashion of coordination of the 2,3-pydcH and monodentate fashion of coordination of the 1-ExMe-2-MeIm and 3,5-DMePz to the Zn(II) ions. The crystal packing of Zn(II) complexes are stabilized by intermolecular classical hydrogen bonds of O-H⋯O and N-H⋯O types. The most interesting feature of the supramolecular architecture of complexes is the existence of C-H⋯O, C-H⋯Cl and C-H⋯π interactions and π⋯π stacking, which also contributes to structural stabilisation. The correlation between crystal structure and thermal stability of zinc complexes is observed. In all compounds the fragments of ligands donor-atom containing go in the last steps. Additionally, antimicrobial activities of compounds were carried out against certain Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and counts of CFU (colony forming units) were also determined. The achieved results confirmed a significant antibacterial activity of some tested zinc complexes. On the basis of the Δ log CFU values the antibacterial activity of zinc complexes follows the order: 3 > 2 > 1. Influence a number of N-donor atoms in zinc environment on antibacterial activity is also observed.

Optical coherence tomography measurements and analysis methods in optical coherence tomography studies of diabetic macular edema.

PubMed

Browning, David J; Glassman, Adam R; Aiello, Lloyd P; Bressler, Neil M; Bressler, Susan B; Danis, Ronald P; Davis, Matthew D; Ferris, Frederick L; Huang, Suber S; Kaiser, Peter K; Kollman, Craig; Sadda, Srinavas; Scott, Ingrid U; Qin, Haijing

2008-08-01

To evaluate optical coherence tomography (OCT) measurements and methods of analysis of OCT data in studies of diabetic macular edema (DME). Associations of pairs of OCT variables and results of 3 analysis methods using data from 2 studies of DME. Two hundred sixty-three subjects from a study of modified Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Study (mETDRS) versus modified macular grid (MMG) photocoagulation for DME and 96 subjects from a study of diurnal variation of DME. Correlations were calculated for pairs of OCT variables at baseline and for changes in the variables over time. Distribution of OCT measurement changes, predictive factors for OCT measurement changes, and treatment group outcomes were compared when 3 measures of change in macular thickness were analyzed: absolute change in retinal thickness, relative change in retinal thickness, and relative change in retinal thickening. Concordance of results using different OCT variables and analysis methods. Center point thickness correlated highly with central subfield mean thickness (CSMT) at baseline (0.98-0.99). The distributions of changes in CSMT were approximately normally distributed for absolute change in retinal thickness and relative change in retinal thickness, but not for relative change in retinal thickening. Macular thinning in the mETDRS group was significantly greater than in the MMG group when absolute change in retinal thickness was used, but not when relative change in thickness and relative change in thickening were used. Relative change in macular thickening provides unstable data in eyes with mild degrees of baseline thickening, unlike the situation with absolute or relative change in retinal thickness. Central subfield mean thickness is the preferred OCT measurement for the central macula because of its higher reproducibility and correlation with other measurements of the central macula. Total macular volume may be preferred when the central macula is less important. Absolute change in retinal thickness is the preferred analysis method in studies involving eyes with mild macular thickening. Relative change in thickening may be preferable when retinal thickening is more severe.

Hydrogen generator, via catalytic partial oxidation of methane for fuel cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Recupero, Vincenzo; Pino, Lidia; Di Leonardo, Raffaele; Lagana', Massimo; Maggio, Gaetano

It is well known that the most acknowledged process for generation of hydrogen for fuel cells is based upon the steam reforming of methane or natural gas. A valid alternative could be a process based on partial oxidation of methane, since the process is mildly exothermic and therefore not energy intensive. Consequently, great interest is expected from conversion of methane into syngas, if an autothermal, low energy intensive, compact and reliable process could be developed. This paper covers the activities, performed by the CNR Institute of Transformation and Storage of Energy (CNR-TAE), on theoretical and experimental studies for a compact hydrogen generator, via catalytic selective partial oxidation of methane, integrated with second generation fuel cells (EC-JOU2 contract). In particular, the project focuses the attention on methane partial oxidation via heterogeneous selective catalysts, in order to: demonstrate the basic catalytic selective partial oxidation of methane (CSPOM) technology in a subscale prototype, equivalent to a nominal output of 5 kWe; develop the CSPOM technology for its application in electric energy production by means of fuel cells; assess, by a balance of plant analysis, and a techno-economic evaluation, the potential benefits of the CSPOM for different categories of fuel cells.

Probing the antagonistic effect of toluene as a component in surrogate fuel models at low temperatures and high pressures. A case study of toluene/dimethyl ether mixtures

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

Zhang, Yingjia; Somers, Kieran P.; Mehl, Marco

There is a dearth of experimental data which examine the fundamental low-temperature ignition (T < 900 K) behavior of toluene resulting in a lack of data for the construction, validation, and interpretation of chemical kinetic models for commercial fuels. In order to gain a better understanding of its combustion chemistry, dimethyl ether (DME) has been used as a radical initiator to induce ignition in this highly knock resistant aromatic, and its influence on the combustion of toluene ignition was studied in both shock tube and rapid compression machines as a function of temperature (624–1459 K), pressure (20–40 atm), equivalence ratiomore » (0.5–2.0), and blending ratio (100% toluene, 76% toluene (76T/24D), 58% toluene (58T/42D), 26% toluene (26T/74D) and 100% DME). We use several literature chemical kinetic models to interpret our experimental results. For mixtures containing high concentrations of toluene at low-temperatures none of these are capable of reproducing experiment. This then implies an incomplete understanding of the low-temperature oxidation pathways which control its ignition in our experimental reactors, and by extension, in spark- (SI) and compression-ignition (CI) engines, and an updated detailed chemical kinetic model is presented for engineering applications. Model analyses indicate that although the initial fate of the fuel is dominated by single-step H-atom abstraction reactions from both the benzylic and phenylic sites, the subsequent fate of the allylic and vinylic radicals formed is much more complex. Further experimental and theoretical endeavors are required to gain a holistic qualitative and quantitative chemical kinetics based understanding of the combustion of pure toluene, toluene blends, and commercial fuels containing other aromatic components, at temperatures of relevance to SI and CI engines.« less

Probing the antagonistic effect of toluene as a component in surrogate fuel models at low temperatures and high pressures. A case study of toluene/dimethyl ether mixtures

DOE PAGES

Zhang, Yingjia; Somers, Kieran P.; Mehl, Marco; ...

2016-07-12

There is a dearth of experimental data which examine the fundamental low-temperature ignition (T < 900 K) behavior of toluene resulting in a lack of data for the construction, validation, and interpretation of chemical kinetic models for commercial fuels. In order to gain a better understanding of its combustion chemistry, dimethyl ether (DME) has been used as a radical initiator to induce ignition in this highly knock resistant aromatic, and its influence on the combustion of toluene ignition was studied in both shock tube and rapid compression machines as a function of temperature (624–1459 K), pressure (20–40 atm), equivalence ratiomore » (0.5–2.0), and blending ratio (100% toluene, 76% toluene (76T/24D), 58% toluene (58T/42D), 26% toluene (26T/74D) and 100% DME). We use several literature chemical kinetic models to interpret our experimental results. For mixtures containing high concentrations of toluene at low-temperatures none of these are capable of reproducing experiment. This then implies an incomplete understanding of the low-temperature oxidation pathways which control its ignition in our experimental reactors, and by extension, in spark- (SI) and compression-ignition (CI) engines, and an updated detailed chemical kinetic model is presented for engineering applications. Model analyses indicate that although the initial fate of the fuel is dominated by single-step H-atom abstraction reactions from both the benzylic and phenylic sites, the subsequent fate of the allylic and vinylic radicals formed is much more complex. Further experimental and theoretical endeavors are required to gain a holistic qualitative and quantitative chemical kinetics based understanding of the combustion of pure toluene, toluene blends, and commercial fuels containing other aromatic components, at temperatures of relevance to SI and CI engines.« less

47 CFR 87.171 - Class of station symbols.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

...—VHF omni-range RLS—Surveillance radar RLT—Radionavigation land test RLW—Microwave landing system RNV—Radio Navigation Land/DME RPC—Ramp Control TJ—Aircraft earth station in the Aeronautical Mobile...

47 CFR 87.171 - Class of station symbols.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

...—VHF omni-range RLS—Surveillance radar RLT—Radionavigation land test RLW—Microwave landing system RNV—Radio Navigation Land/DME RPC—Ramp Control TJ—Aircraft earth station in the Aeronautical Mobile...

47 CFR 87.171 - Class of station symbols.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

...—VHF omni-range RLS—Surveillance radar RLT—Radionavigation land test RLW—Microwave landing system RNV—Radio Navigation Land/DME RPC—Ramp Control TJ—Aircraft earth station in the Aeronautical Mobile...

Position Measurement Standard Evaluation

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1975-02-01

The objectives of the Position Measurement Standard Program were to collect navigation data from three DME receivers and a low-frequency GLOBAL Navigation system, and evaluate their relative performance against a reference radar. Flight test data dur...

77 FR 36548 - Dermatologic and Ophthalmic Drugs Advisory Committee; Notice of Meeting

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-06-19

... edema (DME). Ranibizumab injection is currently approved for the treatment of neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and macular edema following retinal vein occlusion (RVO). During the...

Challenges in the Greener Production of Formates/Formic Acid, Methanol, and DME by Heterogeneously Catalyzed CO2 Hydrogenation Processes

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

The recent advances in the development of heterogeneous catalysts and processes for the direct hydrogenation of CO2 to formate/formic acid, methanol, and dimethyl ether are thoroughly reviewed, with special emphasis on thermodynamics and catalyst design considerations. After introducing the main motivation for the development of such processes, we first summarize the most important aspects of CO2 capture and green routes to produce H2. Once the scene in terms of feedstocks is introduced, we carefully summarize the state of the art in the development of heterogeneous catalysts for these important hydrogenation reactions. Finally, in an attempt to give an order of magnitude regarding CO2 valorization, we critically assess economical aspects of the production of methanol and DME and outline future research and development directions. PMID:28656757

Medicare program; end-stage renal disease prospective payment system, quality incentive program, and durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies.

PubMed

2013-12-02

This rule updates and makes revisions to the End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) prospective payment system (PPS) for calendar year (CY) 2014. This rule also sets forth requirements for the ESRD quality incentive program (QIP), including for payment year (PY) 2016 and beyond. In addition, this rule clarifies the grandfathering provision related to the 3-year minimum lifetime requirement (MLR) for Durable Medical Equipment (DME), and provides clarification of the definition of routinely purchased DME. This rule also implements budget-neutral fee schedules for splints and casts, and intraocular lenses (IOLs) inserted in a physician's office. Finally, this rule makes a few technical amendments and corrections to existing regulations related to payment for durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies (DMEPOS) items and services.

New Catalyst Reduces Wasted Carbon in Biofuel Process, Lowers Cost

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

Researchers at NREL recently developed a catalyst formulation that incorporates more hydrogen into the DME-to-high-octane gasoline process, resulting in a higher yield to gasoline-range products. Further, the researchers developed a secondary process that efficiently couples a portion of the gasoline-range product to yield jet/diesel fuels. The modified catalyst doubles the conversion rate of DME, which can be produced from biomass, to the high-octane gasoline product and significantly decreases the formation of wasted byproducts. For the distillate-range product, 80% of the mixture is in line with ASTM standards for use as a jet fuel blendstock. The increased productivity of high-octane gasolinemore » and the development of a value-added distillate blendstock process further improve the economic viability toward commercially implementing this renewable fuels process.« less

Motion detection and compensation in infrared retinal image sequences.

PubMed

Scharcanski, J; Schardosim, L R; Santos, D; Stuchi, A

2013-01-01

Infrared image data captured by non-mydriatic digital retinography systems often are used in the diagnosis and treatment of the diabetic macular edema (DME). Infrared illumination is less aggressive to the patient retina, and retinal studies can be carried out without pupil dilation. However, sequences of infrared eye fundus images of static scenes, tend to present pixel intensity fluctuations in time, and noisy and background illumination changes pose a challenge to most motion detection methods proposed in the literature. In this paper, we present a retinal motion detection method that is adaptive to background noise and illumination changes. Our experimental results indicate that this method is suitable for detecting retinal motion in infrared image sequences, and compensate the detected motion, which is relevant in retinal laser treatment systems for DME. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

2,5-Dimethoxy-1,4-Benzoquinone (DMBQ) as Organic Cathode for Rechargeable Magnesium-Ion Batteries

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

Pan, Baofei; Zhou, Dehua; Huang, Jinhua

2016-01-01

2,5-Dimethoxy-1,4-benzoquinone (DMBQ) was reinvestigated as a cathode material with magnesium electrolytes that are capable of plating/stripping magnesium for rechargeable magnesium-ion batteries. Two electrolytes, the magnesium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide mixed with MgCl2 in dimethoxyethane (Mg(TFSI)(2)-2MgCl(2) in DME) electrolyte, and the Mg(TFSI)(2) in diglyme were selected. The Mg(TFSI)(2)-2MgCl(2) in DME enabled Mg-DMBQ batteries with a discharge potentials above 2.0 V vs Mg/Mg2+, which is superior to the previous reported potential in Mg-DMBQ batteries with conventional magnesium salt-based electrolytes (1.1 V, vs Mg/Mg2+), and also excels the well-known Chevrel phase Mo6S8 in magnesium-ion batteries (1.2 V, vs Mg/Mg2+).

78 FR 40835 - Medicare Program; End-Stage Renal Disease Prospective Payment System, Quality Incentive Program...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-07-08

...This rule proposes to update and make revisions to the End- Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) prospective payment system (PPS) for calendar year (CY) 2014. This rule also proposes to set forth requirements for the ESRD quality incentive program (QIP), including for payment year (PY) 2016 and beyond. In addition, this rule proposes to clarify the grandfathering provision related to the 3-year minimum lifetime requirement (MLR) for Durable Medical Equipment (DME). In addition, it provides clarification of the definition of routinely purchased DME. This rule also proposes the implementation of budget- neutral fee schedules for splints and casts, and intraocular lenses (IOLs) inserted in a physician's office. Finally, this rule would make a few technical amendments and corrections to existing regulations related to payment for DMEPOS items and services.

Simulation of an automatically-controlled STOL aircraft in a microwave landing system multipath environment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Toda, M.; Brown, S. C.; Burrous, C. N.

1976-01-01

The simulated response is described of a STOL aircraft to Microwave Landing System (MLS) multipath errors during final approach and touchdown. The MLS azimuth, elevation, and DME multipath errors were computed for a relatively severe multipath environment at Crissy Field California, utilizing an MLS multipath simulation at MIT Lincoln Laboratory. A NASA/Ames six-degree-of-freedom simulation of an automatically-controlled deHavilland C-8A STOL aircraft was used to determine the response to these errors. The results show that the aircraft response to all of the Crissy Field MLS multipath errors was small. The small MLS azimuth and elevation multipath errors did not result in any discernible aircraft motion, and the aircraft response to the relatively large (200-ft (61-m) peak) DME multipath was noticeable but small.

Cost-effectiveness of treatment of diabetic macular edema.

PubMed

Pershing, Suzann; Enns, Eva A; Matesic, Brian; Owens, Douglas K; Goldhaber-Fiebert, Jeremy D

2014-01-07

Macular edema is the most common cause of vision loss among patients with diabetes. To determine the cost-effectiveness of different treatments of diabetic macular edema (DME). Markov model. Published literature and expert opinion. Patients with clinically significant DME. Lifetime. Societal. Laser treatment, intraocular injections of triamcinolone or a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitor, or a combination of both. Discounted costs, gains in quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs). All treatments except laser monotherapy substantially reduced costs, and all treatments except triamcinolone monotherapy increased QALYs. Laser treatment plus a VEGF inhibitor achieved the greatest benefit, gaining 0.56 QALYs at a cost of $6975 for an ICER of $12 410 per QALY compared with laser treatment plus triamcinolone. Monotherapy with a VEGF inhibitor achieved similar outcomes to combination therapy with laser treatment plus a VEGF inhibitor. Laser monotherapy and triamcinolone monotherapy were less effective and more costly than combination therapy. VEGF inhibitor monotherapy was sometimes preferred over laser treatment plus a VEGF inhibitor, depending on the reduction in quality of life with loss of visual acuity. When the VEGF inhibitor bevacizumab was as effective as ranibizumab, it was preferable because of its lower cost. Long-term outcome data for treated and untreated diseases are limited. The most effective treatment of DME is VEGF inhibitor injections with or without laser treatment. This therapy compares favorably with cost-effective interventions for other conditions. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.

Effect of oral mineral and energy supplementation on blood mineral concentrations, energetic and inflammatory profile, and milk yield in dairy cows affected with dystocia.

PubMed

Benzaquen, M; Galvão, K N; Coleman, A E; Santos, J E P; Goff, J P; Risco, C A

2015-05-01

The objectives of this study were to determine the effect of mineral/energy supplementation of dairy cows with dystocia on blood mineral concentrations, energetic and inflammatory profiles, and milk yield. Multiparous Holstein cows with dystocia were randomly assigned into two groups, (1) treated with a mineral/energy supplement (DME, n= 18) and (2) not treated (DNT, n= 22). A group of cows with normal parturition were randomly selected and were left untreated (NNT, n= 25). Cows in DME received an oral drench of 110 g of calcium and 400 g of propionate as calcium propionate plus 110 g potassium chloride and 150 g of magnesium sulfate administered within 6 h of calving and again 3 days post-partum. Compared to cows with a normal parturition, dystocic cows had decreased plasma calcium concentrations, increased plasma haptoglobin, decreased milk yield at 1 day post-partum, and tended to have increased rectal temperatures from 1 to 12 days post-partum. Compared with cows in DNT, those in DME had decreased plasma calcium concentrations and increased plasma magnesium concentrations 2 and 3 days post-partum, and a tendency for an increase in rectal temperature from 1 to 12 days post-partum. Dystocia is detrimental to calcium homeostasis post-partum, but mineral/energy supplementation as undertaken in this study is not recommended for use in cows with dystocia. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Ranibizumab for the Treatment of Diabetic Macular Oedema in the Real-World Clinical Setting in Portugal: A Multicentre Study.

PubMed

Farinha, Cláudia; Martins, Amélia; Neves, Arminda; Soares, Raquel; Ruão, Miguel; Ornelas, Mário; Neves, Pedro; Gomes Rodrigues, Filipa; Coelho, Constança; Silva, Rufino

2018-06-08

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the 2-year outcome of ranibizumab for diabetic macular oedema (DME) in the real-life clinical practice of five ophthalmology departments of the National Health Service (NHS) in Portugal. This is a retrospective multicentre study. The clinical records on consecutive patients with DME from clinical practice treated with 0.5 mg intravitreal ranibizumab and followed up for 24 months were reviewed. Efficacy outcomes comprised the change in best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central macular thickness (CMT) evaluated by SD-OCT. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to explore predictors of BCVA. A total of 122 eyes of 93 patients were included. The median BCVA change by 24 months was +5.0 letters (IQR 12.0) (p < 0.001) and the CMT change was -89.0 µm (IQR 165.0) (p < 0.001). By 24 months, 21.4% of the eyes had gained ≥15 letters and 8.6% had lost ≥15 letters. The median number of injections given during follow-up was 5.0 (IQR 4.0). A greater baseline CMT and a more disrupted status of the external limiting membrane were predictive of worse BCVA at 24 months (p ≤ 0.015). DME treatment with ranibizumab in the Portuguese NHS is associated with anatomic and functional improvement by 2 years; however, our results are below those reported in major clinical trials, and undertreatment is probably the cause. © 2018 S. Karger AG, Basel.

An Agar-Based Method for Plating Marine Protozoan Parasites of the Genus Perkinsus

PubMed Central

Cold, Emma R.; Freyria, Nastasia J.; Martínez Martínez, Joaquín; Fernández Robledo, José A.

2016-01-01

The genus Perkinsus includes protozoan parasites of mollusks responsible for losses in the aquaculture industry and hampering the recovery of natural shellfish beds worldwide, and they are a key taxon for understanding intracellular parasitism adaptations. The ability to propagate the parasite in liquid media, in the absence of the host, has been crucial for improving understanding of its biology; however, alternative techniques to grow the parasite are needed to explore other basic aspects of the Perkinsus spp. biology. We optimized a DME: Ham’s F12–5% FBS- containing solid agar medium for plating Perkinsus marinus. This solid medium supported trophozoite propagation both by binary fission and schizogony. Colonies were visible to the naked eye 17 days after plating. We tested the suitability of this method for several applications, including the following: 1) Subcloning P. marinus isolates: single discrete P. marinus colonies were obtained from DME: Ham’s F12–5% FBS– 0.75% agar plates, which could be further propagated in liquid medium; 2) Subcloning engineered Perkinsus mediterraneus MOE[MOE]: GFP by streaking cultures on plates; 3) Chemical susceptibility: Infusing the DME: Ham’s F12–5% FBS– 0.75% agar plates with triclosan resulted in inhibition of the parasite propagation in a dose-dependent manner. Altogether, our plating method has the potential for becoming a key tool for investigating diverse aspects of Perkinsus spp. biology, developing new molecular tools, and for biotechnological applications. PMID:27149378

Identification of factors to increase efficacy of telemedicine screening for diabetic retinopathy in endocrinology practices using the Intelligent Retinal Imaging System (IRIS) platform.

PubMed

Naik, Sapna; Wykoff, Charles C; Ou, William C; Stevenson, Jonathan; Gupta, Sunil; Shah, Ankoor R

2018-06-01

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) and diabetic macular edema (DME) can be evaluated using telemedicine systems, such as the Intelligent Retinal Imaging Systems (IRIS), in patients with Diabetes Mellitus (DM). In an endocrinology-based population utilizing IRIS we determine prevalence rates of DR and DME, and identify associated epidemiologic correlations. This is a multicenter, retrospective chart review using screening data from IRIS. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data on epidemiologic variables (by county) namely, prevalence of DM, incidence of DM, obesity, and time of physical inactivity, were compared against prevalence rates of DR found at screening. A total of 10,223 eyes of 5,242 patients with DM were imaged. DR and DME were noted in 1781 (33.98%) and 226 imaging studies (4.31%) respectively. The coefficient of determination was greatest for incidence of DM (R 2  = 0.92), followed by DM prevalence (R 2  = 0.79), obesity, (R 2  = 0.67), and physical inactivity (R 2  = 0.34). The presence of DR during screening varied significantly by county (p < 0.001). Screening in counties with a higher incidence of DM led to a higher prevalence of identified DR at time of screening. The current work suggests that telemedicine screening in areas known to have a higher incidence of DM may be worthwhile. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Large-eddy simulation, atmospheric measurement and inverse modeling of greenhouse gas emissions at local spatial scales

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nottrott, Anders Andelman

Multiferroic materials and devices have attracted intensified interests due to the demonstrated strong magnetoelectric coupling in new multiferroic materials, artificial multiferroic heterostructures and devices with unique functionalities and superior performance characteristics. This offers great opportunities for achieving compact, fast, energy-efficient and voltage tunable spintronic devices. In traditional magnetic materials based magnetic random access memories (MRAM) devices, the binary information is stored as magnetization. The high coercivity of the ferromagnetic media requires large magnetic fields for switching the magnetic states thus consuming large amount of energy. In modern MRAM information writing process, spin-torque technique is utilized for minimizing the large energy for generating magnetic field by passing through a spin-polarized current directly to the magnets. However, both methods still need large current/current density to toggle the magnetic bits which consume large amount of energy. With the presence of multiferroic or magnetoelectric materials, spin is controlled by electric field which opens new opportunities for power-efficient voltage control of magnetization in spintronic devices leading to magnetoelectric random access memories (MERAM) with ultra-low energy consumption. However, state of the art multiferroic materials still have difficulty of realizing nonvolatile 180° magnetization reversal, which is desired in realizing MERAM. In a strain-mediated multiferroic system, the typical modification of the magnetism of ferromagnetic phase as a function of bipolar electric field shows a "butterfly" like behavior. This is due to the linear piezoelectricity of ferroelectric phase which has a "butterfly" like piezostrain as a function of electric field curve resulting from ferroelectric domain wall switching. In this case, the magnetization state is volatile because of the vanishing of the piezostrain at zero electric field. However, the non-volatile switching of magnetization would be more promising for information storage or MERAM devices with lower energy consumption and the magnetic state can be further controlled by voltage impulse. In this work, we first study the equivalent of direct and converse magnetoelectric effects. The resonant direct and converse magnetoelectric (ME) effects have been investigated experimentally and theoretically in FeGa/PZT/FeGa sandwich laminate composites. The frequency responses of direct and converse magnetoelectric effects were measured under the same electric and magnetic bias conditions. The resonant direct ME effect (DME) occurs at an antiresonance frequency, while resonant converse ME effect (CME) occurs at a resonance frequency. The antiresonance and resonance frequencies have close but different values under identical bias conditions. The magnitudes of resonant effective ME coefficients for direct and converse ME effects are also not equal. Based on different sets of constitutive equations of the materials for DME and CME, a new model was developed to describe the frequency response of DME and CME in laminate composite, which was in good agreement with the experimental results. Inequivalence of resonant ME effects is ascribed to the different mechanical and electrical boundary conditions for DME and CME. On the other hand, similar bias E and H field dependence was observed for both DME and CME resonance frequencies and resonant coefficients, indicating consistency between DME and CME effects. In the study of the frequency response of DME and CME, the linear piezoelectric effect is used. However, this linear piezoelectric effect in converse magnetoelectric coupling would lead to "butter-fly" like magnetization vs. electric field curve which leads to a "volatile" behavior in magnetic memory system. In the presented study, a unique ferroelastic switching pathway in ferroelectric substrates is utilized to produce two distinct, reversible and stable lattice strain states which leads to the establish of two stable magnetization states of the ferromagnetic thin film. In this process, instead of complete 180° ferromagnetic domain switching, 71°/109° ferroelastic domain wall switching is involved, where the electric polarization is switching between in-plane and out-of-plane direction. A voltage impulse induced reversible bistable magnetization switching in FeGaB/lead zirconate titanate (PZT) multiferroic heterostructures at room temperature is first demonstrated. Two reversible and stable voltage-impulse induced mechanical strain states were obtained in the PZT by applying an electric field impulse with its amplitude smaller than the electric coercive field, which led to reversible voltage impulse induced bistable magnetization switching. Direct and converse magnetoelectric effects are carefully quantified.

THE EFFECT OF SULFUR ON METHANE PARTIAL OXIDATION AND REFORMING PROCESSES FOR LEAN NOX TRAP CATALYSIS

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

Parks, II, James E; Ponnusamy, Senthil

2006-01-01

Lean NOx trap catalysis has demonstrated the ability to reduce NOx emissions from lean natural gas reciprocating engines by >90%. The technology operates in a cyclic fashion where NOx is trapped on the catalyst during lean operation and released and reduced to N2 under rich exhaust conditions; the rich cleansing operation of the cycle is referred to as "regeneration" since the catalyst is reactivated for more NOx trapping after NOx purge. Creating the rich exhaust conditions for regeneration can be accomplished by catalytic partial oxidation of methane in the exhaust system. Furthermore, catalytic reforming of partial oxidation exhaust can enablemore » increased quantities of H2 which is an excellent reductant for lean NOx trap regeneration. It is critical to maintain clean and efficient partial oxidation and reforming processes to keep the lean NOx trap functioning properly and to reduce extra fuel consumption from the regeneration process. Although most exhaust constituents do not impede partial oxidation and reforming, some exhaust constituents may negatively affect the catalysts and result in loss of catalytic efficiency. Of particular concern are common catalyst poisons sulfur, zinc, and phosphorous. These poisons form in the exhaust through combustion of fuel and oil, and although they are present at low concentrations, they can accumulate to significant levels over the life of an engine system. In the work presented here, the effects of sulfur on the partial oxidation and reforming catalytic processes were studied to determine any durability limitations on the production of reductants for lean NOx trap catalyst regeneration.« less

Magnesium Recycling of Partially Oxidized, Mixed Magnesium-Aluminum Scrap Through Combined Refining and Solid Oxide Membrane (SOM) Electrolysis Processes

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

Guan, Xiaofei; Zink, Peter; Pal, Uday

2012-03-11

Pure magnesium (Mg) is recycled from 19g of partially oxidized 50.5wt.%Mg-Aluminum (Al) alloy. During the refining process, potentiodynamic scans (PDS) were performed to determine the electrorefining potential for magnesium. The PDS show that the electrorefining potential increases over time as the Mg content inside the Mg-Al scrap decreases. Up to 100% percent of magnesium is refined from the Mg-Al scrap by a novel refining process of dissolving magnesium and its oxide into a flux followed by vapor phase removal of dissolved magnesium and subsequently condensing the magnesium vapors in a separate condenser. The solid oxide membrane (SOM) electrolysis process ismore » employed in the refining system to enable additional recycling of magnesium from magnesium oxide (MgO) in the partially oxidized Mg-Al scrap. The combination of the refining and SOM processes yields 7.4g of pure magnesium; could not collect and weigh all of the magnesium recovered.« less

Effect of temperature modulations on TEMPO-mediated regioselective oxidation of unprotected carbohydrates and nucleosides.

PubMed

Yadav, Mahipal; Liotta, Charles L; Krishnamurthy, Ramanarayanan

2018-02-02

Regioselective oxidation of unprotected and partially protected oligosaccharides is a much sought-after goal. Herein, we report a notable improvement in the efficiency of TEMPO-catalyzed oxidation by modulating the temperature of the reaction. Mono-, di-, and tri-saccharides are oxidized regioselectively in yields of 75 to 92%. The present method is simple to implement and is also applicable for selective oxidations of other mono- and poly-hydroxy compounds including unprotected and partially protected nucleosides. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Enabling electrolyte compositions for columnar silicon anodes in high energy secondary batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Piwko, Markus; Thieme, Sören; Weller, Christine; Althues, Holger; Kaskel, Stefan

2017-09-01

Columnar silicon structures are proven as high performance anodes for high energy batteries paired with low (sulfur) or high (nickel-cobalt-aluminum oxide, NCA) voltage cathodes. The introduction of a fluorinated ether/sulfolane solvent mixture drastically improves the capacity retention for both battery types due to an improved solid electrolyte interface (SEI) on the surface of the silicon electrode which reduces irreversible reactions normally causing lithium loss and rapid capacity fading. For the lithium silicide/sulfur battery cycling stability is significantly improved as compared to a frequently used reference electrolyte (DME/DOL) reaching a constant coulombic efficiency (CE) as high as 98%. For the silicon/NCA battery with higher voltage, the addition of only small amounts of fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC) to the novel electrolyte leads to a stable capacity over at least 50 cycles and a CE as high as 99.9%. A high volumetric energy density close to 1000 Wh l-1 was achieved with the new electrolyte taking all inactive components of the stack into account for the estimation.

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

Medyantseva, E.P.; Budnikov, G.K.; Balakaeva, T.A.

The interest in the analytical chemistry of ruthenium and its compounds has recently been increasing. Ruthenium compounds can be used an antitumor agents and in the treatment of tuberculosis and fungal infections. It has been suggested that there is a specific relationship between the reduction potentials of the compounds and their biological activity. Of greatest interest among the biologically active compounds are the compounds with nitrogen-containing heterocycles. In order to obtain information on the degree of oxidation of the central atom in the complexes and to select the optimum conditions for the determination of the mono- and bi-nuclear complexes ofmore » ruthenium compounds with biologically active ligands such as imidazole (Im), histidine (His), benzimidazole (BIm) and its methyl derivative [1,2(CH{sub 3}){sub 2} - BIm], benzohyroxamic acid (Bha), and 1-phenyl-2-methylamino-1-propanol or ephedrine (Eph) in the present work, the authors studied their electrochemical behavior at dropping mercury (dme) and a platinum electrodes. 6 refs., 1 fig., 2 tabs.« less

Emission characteristics of a premix combustor fueled with a simulated partial-oxidation product gas

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Clayton, R. M.

1979-01-01

A two-stage gas turbine combustor concept employing a very fuel-rich partial oxidation stage is being explored for broadening the combustion margin between ultralow emissions and the lean stability limit. Combustion and emission results are presented for a series of experiments where a simulated partial oxidation product gas was used in a premix combustor operated with inlet air state conditions typical of cruise power for high-performance aviation engines (12 atm and 850 F). Ultralow NOx, CO, and HC emissions and an extended lean burning limit were achieved simultaneously.

Cost-effectiveness of Aflibercept, Bevacizumab, and Ranibizumab for Diabetic Macular Edema Treatment: Analysis From the Diabetic Retinopathy Clinical Research Network Comparative Effectiveness Trial.

PubMed

Ross, Eric L; Hutton, David W; Stein, Joshua D; Bressler, Neil M; Jampol, Lee M; Glassman, Adam R

2016-08-01

Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) medicines have revolutionized diabetic macular edema (DME) treatment. A recent randomized clinical trial comparing anti-VEGF agents for patients with decreased vision from DME found that at 1 year aflibercept (2.0 mg) achieved better visual outcomes than repackaged (compounded) bevacizumab (1.25 mg) or ranibizumab (0.3 mg); the worse the starting vision, the greater the treatment benefit with aflibercept. However, aflibercept and ranibizumab, respectively, are approximately 31 and 20 times more expensive than bevacizumab. To examine the incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) of aflibercept, bevacizumab, and ranibizumab for the treatment of DME. Post hoc analysis of efficacy, safety, and resource utilization data at 1-year follow-up from the Diabetic Retinopathy Clinical Research Network Comparative Effectiveness Trial. Patients were enrolled from August 22, 2012, through August 28, 2013, and analysis was performed from August 21, 2014, through November 7, 2015. The ICERs for all trial participants and subgroups with baseline vision of approximate Snellen equivalent 20/32 to 20/40 (better vision) and baseline vision of approximate Snellen equivalent 20/50 or worse (worse vision). One-year trial data were used to calculate cost-effectiveness for 1 year for the 3 anti-VEGF agents; mathematical modeling was then used to project 10-year cost-effectiveness results. The study included 624 participants (mean [SD] age, 60.6 [10.5] years; 45.7% female; 65.5% white), 209 in the aflibercept group, 207 in the bevacizumab group, and 208 in the ranibizumab group. For all participants, during 1 year, the ICERs of aflibercept and ranibizumab compared with bevacizumab were $1 110 000 per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) and $1 730 000 per QALY, respectively. During 10 years, they were $349 000 per QALY and $603 000 per QALY, respectively. Compared with ranibizumab, aflibercept's ICER was $648 000 per QALY at 1 year and $203 000 per QALY at 10 years. For the subgroup with worse baseline vision, the 10-year ICERs of aflibercept and ranibizumab compared with bevacizumab were $287 000 per QALY and $817 000 per QALY, respectively. In eyes with decreased vision from DME, treatment costs of aflibercept and ranibizumab would need to decrease by 69% and 80%, respectively, to reach a cost-effectiveness threshold of $100 000 per QALY compared with bevacizumab during a 10-year horizon; for the subgroup with worse baseline vision, the costs would need to decrease by 62% and 84%, respectively. Aflibercept (2.0 mg) and ranibizumab (0.3 mg) are not cost-effective relative to bevacizumab for treatment of DME unless their prices decrease substantially. These results highlight the challenges that physicians, patients, and policymakers face when safety and efficacy results are at odds with cost-effectiveness results.

Reforming of fuel inside fuel cell generator

DOEpatents

Grimble, Ralph E.

1988-01-01

Disclosed is an improved method of reforming a gaseous reformable fuel within a solid oxide fuel cell generator, wherein the solid oxide fuel cell generator has a plurality of individual fuel cells in a refractory container, the fuel cells generating a partially spent fuel stream and a partially spent oxidant stream. The partially spent fuel stream is divided into two streams, spent fuel stream I and spent fuel stream II. Spent fuel stream I is burned with the partially spent oxidant stream inside the refractory container to produce an exhaust stream. The exhaust stream is divided into two streams, exhaust stream I and exhaust stream II, and exhaust stream I is vented. Exhaust stream II is mixed with spent fuel stream II to form a recycle stream. The recycle stream is mixed with the gaseous reformable fuel within the refractory container to form a fuel stream which is supplied to the fuel cells. Also disclosed is an improved apparatus which permits the reforming of a reformable gaseous fuel within such a solid oxide fuel cell generator. The apparatus comprises a mixing chamber within the refractory container, means for diverting a portion of the partially spent fuel stream to the mixing chamber, means for diverting a portion of exhaust gas to the mixing chamber where it is mixed with the portion of the partially spent fuel stream to form a recycle stream, means for injecting the reformable gaseous fuel into the recycle stream, and means for circulating the recycle stream back to the fuel cells.

Reforming of fuel inside fuel cell generator

DOEpatents

Grimble, R.E.

1988-03-08

Disclosed is an improved method of reforming a gaseous reformable fuel within a solid oxide fuel cell generator, wherein the solid oxide fuel cell generator has a plurality of individual fuel cells in a refractory container, the fuel cells generating a partially spent fuel stream and a partially spent oxidant stream. The partially spent fuel stream is divided into two streams, spent fuel stream 1 and spent fuel stream 2. Spent fuel stream 1 is burned with the partially spent oxidant stream inside the refractory container to produce an exhaust stream. The exhaust stream is divided into two streams, exhaust stream 1 and exhaust stream 2, and exhaust stream 1 is vented. Exhaust stream 2 is mixed with spent fuel stream 2 to form a recycle stream. The recycle stream is mixed with the gaseous reformable fuel within the refractory container to form a fuel stream which is supplied to the fuel cells. Also disclosed is an improved apparatus which permits the reforming of a reformable gaseous fuel within such a solid oxide fuel cell generator. The apparatus comprises a mixing chamber within the refractory container, means for diverting a portion of the partially spent fuel stream to the mixing chamber, means for diverting a portion of exhaust gas to the mixing chamber where it is mixed with the portion of the partially spent fuel stream to form a recycle stream, means for injecting the reformable gaseous fuel into the recycle stream, and means for circulating the recycle stream back to the fuel cells. 1 fig.

77 FR 68065 - Amendment of Class D and Class E Airspace; Lewiston, ID

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-11-15

... Measuring Equipment (VOR/ DME), and the Lewiston-Nez Perce Instrument Landing System (ILS) Localizer... feet or more above the surface of the earth. * * * * * ANM ID E5 Lewiston, ID [Modified] Lewiston-Nez...

75 FR 67210 - IFR Altitudes; Miscellaneous Amendments

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-11-02

......... 10000 Sec. 95.6345 VOR Federal Airway V345 is Amended To Read in Part HAYWARD, WI VOR/DME..... *GRASS, WI FIX **10000 *6000--MRA *10000--MCA GRASS, WI FIX, SW BND. **3000--MOCA **4000--GNSS MEA HAYWARD...

Novel pharmacotherapies in diabetic retinopathy: Current status and what's in the horizon?

PubMed Central

Das, Arup; McGuire, Paul G; Monickaraj, Finny

2016-01-01

The blood–retinal barrier (BRB) alteration is the hallmark feature of diabetic retinopathy. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a potent vasopermeability factor that has been implicated in the pathogenesis of BRB alteration. Inflammation also plays a crucial role in this process with involvement of several chemokines and cytokines. Multiple anti-VEGF drugs are widely used as in the treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME) as well as proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Several clinical trials have proved the beneficial effects of these drugs in improvement of vision and prevention of vision loss. However, the response to anti-VEGF drugs in DME is not complete in a significant number of patients. The effect seems transient in this latter group, and many patients do not show complete resolution of fluid. Potential novel therapies targeting molecules beyond VEGF are being developed and examined in clinical trials. PMID:26953018

DNS of a turbulent lifted DME jet flame

DOE PAGES

Minamoto, Yuki; Chen, Jacqueline H.

2016-05-07

A three-dimensional direct numerical simulation (DNS) of a turbulent lifted dimethyl ether (DME) slot jet flame was performed at elevated pressure to study interactions between chemical reactions with low-temperature heat release (LTHR), negative temperature coefficient (NTC) reactions and shear generated turbulence in a jet in a heated coflow. By conditioning on mixture fraction, local reaction zones and local heat release rate, the turbulent flame is revealed to exhibit a “pentabrachial” structure that was observed for a laminar DME lifted flame [Krisman et al., (2015)]. The propagation characteristics of the stabilization and triple points are also investigated. Potential stabilization points, spatialmore » locations characterized by preferred temperature and mixture fraction conditions, exhibit autoignition characteristics with large reaction rate and negligible molecular diffusion. The actual stabilization point which coincides with the most upstream samples from the pool of potential stabilization points fovr each spanwise location shows passive flame structure with large diffusion. The propagation speed along the stoichiometric surface near the triple point is compared with the asymptotic value obtained from theory [Ruetsch et al., (1995)]. At stoichiometric conditions, the asymptotic and averaged DNS values of flame displacement speed deviate by a factor of 1.7. However, accounting for the effect of low-temperature species on the local flame speed increase, these two values become comparable. In conclusion, this suggests that the two-stage ignition influences the triple point propagation speed through enhancement of the laminar flame speed in a configuration where abundant low-temperature products from the first stage, low-temperature ignition are transported to the lifted flame by the high-velocity jet.« less

Direct and indirect costs among employees with diabetic retinopathy in the United States.

PubMed

Lee, Lauren J; Yu, Andrew P; Cahill, Kevin E; Oglesby, Alan K; Tang, Jackson; Qiu, Ying; Birnbaum, Howard G

2008-05-01

To examine, from the employer perspective, the direct (healthcare) and indirect (workloss) costs of employees with diabetic retinopathy (DR) compared to control non-DR employees with diabetes, and within DR subgroups. Compared annual costs using claims data from 17 large companies (1999-2004). 'DR employees' (n = 2098) had >or= 1 DR (International Classification of Disease, 9th Revision [ICD-9]) diagnosis; DR subgroups included employees with diabetic macular edema (DME), proliferative DR (PDR), and employees receiving photocoagulation or vitrectomy procedures. Descriptive and multivariate tests were performed. DR employee annual direct costs were $18,218 (indirect = $3548) compared to $11,898 (indirect = $2374) for controls (Delta = $2032 (adjusted); p < 0.0001). Costs differences were larger across DR employee subgroups: DME/non-DME ($28,606/$16,363); PDR/non-PDR ($30,135/$13,445; p < 0.0001); DR with/without photocoagulation ($34,539/$16,041; p < 0.0001); and DR with/without vitrectomy ($63,933/$17,239; p < 0.0001). This study examined the incremental costs of treating DR employees, which may be higher than the incremental costs of DR itself. Some measures of diabetes severity (e.g., duration of diabetes) were not available in the claims data, and were therefore not included in the multivariate models. The cost of photocoagulation and vitrectomy procedures pertain to individuals who underwent these procedures, and not the cost of the procedures themselves. DR employees had significantly higher costs than controls, and larger differences existed within DR subgroups. Indirect costs accounted for about 20% of total cost.

Dioxo-Fluoroalkoxide Tungsten(VI) Complexes for Growth of WOx Thin Films by Aerosol-Assisted Chemical Vapor Deposition.

PubMed

Bonsu, Richard O; Kim, Hankook; O'Donohue, Christopher; Korotkov, Roman Y; Abboud, Khalil A; Anderson, Timothy J; McElwee-White, Lisa

2015-08-03

The soluble bis(fluoroalkoxide) dioxo tungsten(VI) complexes WO2(OR)2(DME) [1, R = C(CF3)2CH3; 2, R = C(CF3)3] have been synthesized by alkoxide-chloride metathesis and evaluated as precursors for aerosol-assisted chemical vapor deposition (AACVD) of WOx. The (1)H NMR and (19)F NMR spectra of 1 and 2 are consistent with an equilibrium between the dimethoxyethane (DME) complexes 1 and 2 and the solvato complexes WO2(OR)2(CD3CN)2 [1b, R = C(CF3)2CH3; 2b, R = C(CF3)3] in acetonitrile-d3 solution. Studies of the fragmentation of 1 and 2 by mass spectrometry and thermolysis resulted in observation of DME and the corresponding alcohols, with hexafluoroisobutylene also generated from 1. DFT calculations on possible decomposition mechanisms for 1 located pathways for hydrogen abstraction by a terminal oxo to form hexafluoroisobutylene, followed by dimerization of the resulting terminal hydroxide complex and dissociation of the alcohol. AACVD using 1 occurred between 100 and 550 °C and produced both substoichiometric amorphous WOx and a polycrystalline W18O49 monoclinic phase, which exhibits 1-D preferred growth in the [010] direction. The work function (4.9-5.6 eV), mean optical transmittance (39.1-91.1%), conductivity (0.4-2.3 S/cm), and surface roughness (3.4-7.9 nm) of the WOx films are suitable for charge injection layers in organic electronics.

Anti-VEGF aptamer (pegaptanib) therapy for ocular vascular diseases.

PubMed

Ng, Eugene W M; Adamis, Anthony P

2006-10-01

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a central regulator of both physiological and pathological angiogenesis. Pegaptanib, a 28-nucleotide RNA aptamer specific for the VEGF(165) isoform, binds to it in the extracellular space, leaving other isoforms unaffected, and inhibits such key VEGF actions as promotion of endothelial cell proliferation and survival, and vascular permeability. Pegaptanib already has been examined as a treatment for two diseases associated with ocular neovascularization, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic macular edema (DME). Preclinical studies have shown that VEGF(165) alone mediates pathological ocular neovascularization and that its inactivation by pegaptanib inhibits the choroidal neovascularization observed in patients with neovascular AMD. In contrast, physiological vascularization, which is supported by the VEGF(121) isoform, is unaffected by this inactivation of VEGF(165). In addition, animal model studies have shown that intravitreous injection of pegaptanib can inhibit the breakdown of the blood-retinal barrier characteristic of diabetes and even can reverse this damage to some degree. These preclinical findings formed the basis for randomized controlled trials examining the efficacy of pegaptanib as a therapy for AMD and DME. The VEGF Inhibition Study in Ocular Neovascularization (VISION) trial comprising two replicate, pivotal phase 3 studies, demonstrated that intravitreous injection of pegaptanib resulted in significant clinical benefit, compared with sham injection, for all prespecified clinical end points, irrespective of patient demographics or angiographic subtype, and led to pegaptanib's approval as a treatment for AMD. A phase 2 trial has provided support for the efficacy of intravitreous pegaptanib in the treatment of DME.

Chemical recycling of carbon dioxide to methanol and dimethyl ether: from greenhouse gas to renewable, environmentally carbon neutral fuels and synthetic hydrocarbons.

PubMed

Olah, George A; Goeppert, Alain; Prakash, G K Surya

2009-01-16

Nature's photosynthesis uses the sun's energy with chlorophyll in plants as a catalyst to recycle carbon dioxide and water into new plant life. Only given sufficient geological time can new fossil fuels be formed naturally. In contrast, chemical recycling of carbon dioxide from natural and industrial sources as well as varied human activities or even from the air itself to methanol or dimethyl ether (DME) and their varied products can be achieved via its capture and subsequent reductive hydrogenative conversion. The present Perspective reviews this new approach and our research in the field over the last 15 years. Carbon recycling represents a significant aspect of our proposed Methanol Economy. Any available energy source (alternative energies such as solar, wind, geothermal, and atomic energy) can be used for the production of needed hydrogen and chemical conversion of CO(2). Improved new methods for the efficient reductive conversion of CO(2) to methanol and/or DME that we have developed include bireforming with methane and ways of catalytic or electrochemical conversions. Liquid methanol is preferable to highly volatile and potentially explosive hydrogen for energy storage and transportation. Together with the derived DME, they are excellent transportation fuels for internal combustion engines (ICE) and fuel cells as well as convenient starting materials for synthetic hydrocarbons and their varied products. Carbon dioxide thus can be chemically transformed from a detrimental greenhouse gas causing global warming into a valuable, renewable and inexhaustible carbon source of the future allowing environmentally neutral use of carbon fuels and derived hydrocarbon products.

mobilityRERC state of the science: How science influences public policy in seating and mobility.

PubMed

Hostak, Rita S; Edwards, Doran; Sprigle, Stephen

2013-11-01

In the United States (US), wheeled mobility and seating equipment is classified as Durable Medical Equipment (DME). DME includes a wide array of devices including canes, walkers, home oxygen equipment, hospital beds, and wheelchairs. Seating and mobility devices reflect a wide range of DME, from relatively simple standard manual wheelchairs and cushions to highly complex manual and power wheelchairs and custom seating systems. This wide range of complexity results in a wide range of policies that govern the provision of seating and mobility equipment. This article results from a presentation during the Wheeled Mobility Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center's (RERC's) State of the Science Conference in 2012. The presentation was designed to proffer key concepts related to coverage policies and policy decision-making. Topics covered include an introduction to key policy issues impacting seating and mobility equipment, a description of the barriers that prevent or hinder research being used to inform coverage policy decisions, discussion of the challenges surrounding evidence-based policy decisions regarding seating and mobility, and suggestions of strategies for including policy makers and other stakeholders in setting research priorities and in reporting research findings. In the United States, wheeled mobility and seating equipment are classified as Durable Medical Equipments which are governed by a wide range of policies. Researchers should be encouraged to supplement research articles with articles that explicitly address clinical and policy implications of the work. Policy-makers should be encouraged to engage researchers to insure the breadth of knowledge and evidence is represented and understood.

Association between characteristics of foveal cystoid spaces and short-term responsiveness to ranibizumab for diabetic macular edema.

PubMed

Murakami, Tomoaki; Suzuma, Kiyoshi; Uji, Akihito; Yoshitake, Shin; Dodo, Yoko; Fujimoto, Masahiro; Yoshitake, Tatsuya; Miwa, Yuko; Yoshimura, Nagahisa

2018-05-01

To investigate the association between the characteristics of foveal cystoid spaces and short-term responsiveness to ranibizumab treatment for diabetic macular edema (DME) at 3 months from the initial injection. We retrospectively reviewed 66 eyes of 61 patients with center-involved DME who received three consecutive ranibizumab injections and following as-needed administrations. We evaluated the relationship between visual improvement at 3 months and the preoperative optical coherence tomography (OCT) parameters including hyperreflective foci, heterogeneous OCT reflectivity, mean levels of OCT reflectivity and height of foveal cystoid spaces. Twenty-three eyes without preoperative hyperreflective foci in the foveal cystoid spaces had significantly greater improvement in the logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution visual acuity (logMAR VA) at 3 months than 43 eyes with foci (P = 0.006). That was similar to the greater reduction in CSF thickness in eyes without lesions after treatment at the same time point (P < 0.001). VA improvement at 3 months was not associated with the height (R = 0.215, P = 0.083) or the reflectivity levels (R = -0.079, P = 0.538) of foveal cystoid spaces. There were no differences in VA changes between eyes with and without heterogeneous reflectivity in foveal cystoid spaces (P = 0.297). Multivariate analyses showed that logMAR VA and the absence of hyperreflective foci in foveal cystoid spaces were associated with VA improvement at 3 months. Hyperreflective foci in foveal cystoid spaces at baseline predict poorer short-term responsiveness to ranibizumab injections for DME.

Effect of oxygen partial pressure on oxidation of Mo-metal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sharma, Rabindar Kumar; Kumar, Prabhat; Singh, Megha; Gopal, Pawar; Reddy, G. B.

2018-05-01

This report explains the effect of oxygen partial pressure (PO2 ) on oxidation of Mo-metal in oxygen plasma. XRD results indulge that oxide layers formed on Mo-surfaces at different oxygen partial pressures have two different oxide phases (i.e. orthorhombic MoO3 and monoclinic Mo8O23). Intense XRD peaks at high pressure (i.e. 2.0×10-1 Torr) points out the formation of thick oxide layer on Mo-surface due to presence of large oxygen species in chamber and less oxide volatilization. Whereas, at low PO2 (6.5×10-2 and 7.5×10-2 Torr.) the reduced peak strength is owing to high oxide volatilization rate. SEM micrographs and thickness measurements also support XRD results and confirm that the optimum -2value of PO2 to deposited thicker and uniform oxide film on glass substrate is 7.5×10-2 Torr through plasma assistedoxidation process. Further to study the compositional properties, EDX of the sample M2 (the best sample) is carried out, which confirms that the stoichiometric ratio is less than 3 (i.e. 2.88). Less stoichiometric ratio again confirms the presence of sub oxides in oxide layers on Mo metal as evidenced by XRD results. All the observed results are well in consonance with each other.

Stable, Ultra-Low Residence Time Partial Oxidation

DOEpatents

Schmidt, Lanny D.; Hickman, Daniel A.

1997-07-15

A process for the catalytic partial oxidation of methane in gas phase at very short residence time (800,000 to 12,000,000 hr.sup.-1) by contacting a gas stream containing methane and oxygen with a metal supported catalyst, such as platinum deposited on a ceramic monolith.

78 FR 68699 - IFR Altitudes; Miscellaneous Amendments

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-11-15

... MAROC, IL FIX *3000 *2400--MOCA MAROC, IL FIX PONTIAC, IL VOR/DME..... 2500 Sec. 95.6066 VOR Federal... NASHVILLE, TN VORTAC *LENON, TN FIX **3000 *6500--MRA **2400--MOCA *LENON, TN FIX HARME, TN FIX **3000 [[Page 68701

A Randomized Trial Comparing Intravitreal Triamcinolone Acetonide and Focal/Grid Photocoagulation for Diabetic Macular Edema

PubMed Central

2009-01-01

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of 1 mg and 4 mg doses of preservative-free intravitreal triamcinolone in comparison with focal/grid photocoagulation for the treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME). Design Multi-center randomized clinical trial Participants 840 study eyes of 693 subjects with DME involving the fovea and visual acuity 20/40 to 20/320 Methods Eyes were randomized to focal/grid photocoagulation (N=330), 1 mg intravitreal triamcinolone (N=256), or 4 mg intravitreal triamcinolone (N=254). Retreatment was given for persistent or new edema at 4-month intervals. The primary outcome was at 2 years. Main Outcome Measures Visual acuity measured with the Electronic Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (E-ETDRS) method (primary), optical coherence tomography (OCT)-measured retinal thickness (secondary), and safety. Results At 4 months, mean visual acuity was better in the 4 mg triamcinolone group than in either the laser group (P<0.001) or the 1 mg triamcinolone group (P=0.001). By 1 year, there were no significant differences among groups in mean visual acuity. At the 16-month visit and extending through the primary outcome visit at 2 years, mean visual acuity was better in the laser group than in the other two groups (at 2 years, P=0.02 comparing the laser and 1 mg groups, P=0.002 comparing the laser and 4 mg groups, and P=0.49 comparing the 1mg and 4 mg groups). Treatment group differences in the visual acuity outcome could not be attributed solely to cataract formation. OCT results generally paralleled the visual acuity results. Intraocular pressure was increased from baseline by ≥10 mm Hg at any visit in 4%, 16%, and 33% of eyes in the three treatment groups, respectively, and cataract surgery was performed in 13%, 23%, and 51% of eyes in the three treatment groups, respectively. Conclusions Over a 2-year period, focal/grid photocoagulation is more effective and has fewer side effects than 1 mg or 4 mg doses of preservative-free intravitreal triamcinolone for most patients with DME who have characteristics similar to the cohort in this clinical trial. The results of this study also support that focal/grid photocoagulation currently should be the benchmark against which other treatments are compared in clinical trials of DME. PMID:18662829

Randomized Trial Evaluating Ranibizumab Plus Prompt or Deferred Laser or Triamcinolone Plus Prompt Laser for Diabetic Macular Edema

PubMed Central

Elman, Michael J.; Aiello, Lloyd Paul; Beck, Roy W.; Bressler, Neil M.; Bressler, Susan B.; Edwards, Allison R.; Ferris, Frederick L.; Friedman, Scott M.; Glassman, Adam R.; Miller, Kellee M.; Scott, Ingrid U.; Stockdale, Cynthia R.; Sun, Jennifer K.

2010-01-01

Objective Evaluate intravitreal 0.5 mg ranibizumab or 4 mg triamcinolone combined with focal/grid laser compared with focal/grid laser alone for treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME). Design Multicenter, randomized clinical trial. Participants A total of 854 study eyes of 691 participants with visual acuity (approximate Snellen equivalent) of 20/32 to 20/320 and DME involving the fovea. Methods Eyes were randomized to sham injection + prompt laser (n=293), 0.5 mg ranibizumab + prompt laser (n=187), 0.5 mg ranibizumab + deferred (≥24 weeks) laser (n=188), or 4 mg triamcinolone + prompt laser (n=186). Retreatment followed an algorithm facilitated by a web-based, real-time data-entry system. Main Outcome Measures Best-corrected visual acuity and safety at 1 year. Results The 1-year mean change (±standard deviation) in the visual acuity letter score from baseline was significantly greater in the ranibizumab + prompt laser group (+9±11, P<0.001) and ranibizumab + deferred laser group (+9±12, P<0.001) but not in the triamcinolone + prompt laser group (+4±13, P=0.31) compared with the sham + prompt laser group (+3±13). Reduction in mean central subfield thickness in the triamcinolone + prompt laser group was similar to both ranibizumab groups and greater than in the sham + prompt laser group. In the subset of pseudophakic eyes at baseline (n=273), visual acuity improvement in the triamcinolone + prompt laser group appeared comparable to that in the ranibizumab groups. No systemic events attributable to study treatment were apparent. Three eyes (0.8%) had injection-related endophthalmitis in the ranibizumab groups, whereas elevated intraocular pressure and cataract surgery were more frequent in the triamcinolone + prompt laser group. Two-year visual acuity outcomes were similar to 1-year outcomes. Conclusions Intravitreal ranibizumab with prompt or deferred laser is more effective through at least 1 year compared with prompt laser alone for the treatment of DME involving the central macula. Ranibizumab as applied in this study, although uncommonly associated with endophthalmitis, should be considered for patients with DME and characteristics similar to those in this clinical trial. In pseudophakic eyes, intravitreal triamcinolone + prompt laser seems more effective than laser alone but frequently increases the risk of intraocular pressure elevation. PMID:20427088

Diabetic Macular Edema at the time of Cataract Surgery trial: a prospective, randomized clinical trial of intravitreous bevacizumab versus triamcinolone in patients with diabetic macular oedema at the time of cataract surgery - preliminary 6 month results.

PubMed

Lim, Lyndell L; Morrison, Julie L; Constantinou, Marios; Rogers, Sophie; Sandhu, Sukhpal S; Wickremasinghe, Sanjeewa S; Kawasaki, Ryo; Al-Qureshi, Salmaan

2016-05-01

To compare visual and anatomical outcomes between intravitreous bevacizumab (BVB, Avastin) and triamcinolone (TA, Triesence) when administered at the time of cataract surgery in patients with diabetic macular oedema (DME). Prospective, single-masked, randomized clinical trial at The Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne. Patients with clinically significant cataract and either centre-involving DME or DME treated within the previous 24 months. Participants were randomized 1:1 to receive intravitreous BVB 1.25 mg or TA 4 mg during cataract surgery, and at subsequent review if required over 6 months. Change in central macular thickness (CMT) and best corrected visual acuity at 6 months. Forty-one patients (mean age 66.4 years, 73.2% male) were recruited. Visual acuity and CMT were similar between groups at baseline (P > 0.2).After six months, both groups gained vision (mean +21.4 letters in TA group P < 0.0001, +12.5 letters in BVB, P = 0.002), with no significant difference between groups (P = 0.085). In addition, 60.9% of eyes receiving TA achieved a VA of ≥6/12 compared to 73.3% in the BVB group (P = 0.501). However, only TA was associated with a sustained reduction in CMT (-43.8-µm reduction TA vs. +37.3-µm increase BVB, P = 0.006 over 6 months). Following surgery, additional injections were required in 70.6% of participants in the BVB group, compared to 16.7% in the TA group (P < 0.0001). Three patients in the TA group experienced a rise of IOP over 21 mmHg (12.5%) during the 6-month follow-up; BVB had no cases (P = 0.130). There were no cases of endophthalmitis in either group. When administered at the time of cataract surgery in patients with DME, at 6 months both TA and BVB improve visual acuity; however, only TA results in a sustained reduction in CMT. Further follow-up will determine whether this translates into better long-term visual outcomes in the TA group. © 2016 Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists.

Randomized trial evaluating ranibizumab plus prompt or deferred laser or triamcinolone plus prompt laser for diabetic macular edema.

PubMed

Elman, Michael J; Aiello, Lloyd Paul; Beck, Roy W; Bressler, Neil M; Bressler, Susan B; Edwards, Allison R; Ferris, Frederick L; Friedman, Scott M; Glassman, Adam R; Miller, Kellee M; Scott, Ingrid U; Stockdale, Cynthia R; Sun, Jennifer K

2010-06-01

Evaluate intravitreal 0.5 mg ranibizumab or 4 mg triamcinolone combined with focal/grid laser compared with focal/grid laser alone for treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME). Multicenter, randomized clinical trial. A total of 854 study eyes of 691 participants with visual acuity (approximate Snellen equivalent) of 20/32 to 20/320 and DME involving the fovea. Eyes were randomized to sham injection + prompt laser (n=293), 0.5 mg ranibizumab + prompt laser (n=187), 0.5 mg ranibizumab + deferred (> or =24 weeks) laser (n=188), or 4 mg triamcinolone + prompt laser (n=186). Retreatment followed an algorithm facilitated by a web-based, real-time data-entry system. Best-corrected visual acuity and safety at 1 year. The 1-year mean change (+/-standard deviation) in the visual acuity letter score from baseline was significantly greater in the ranibizumab + prompt laser group (+9+/-11, P<0.001) and ranibizumab + deferred laser group (+9+/-12, P<0.001) but not in the triamcinolone + prompt laser group (+4+/-13, P=0.31) compared with the sham + prompt laser group (+3+/-13). Reduction in mean central subfield thickness in the triamcinolone + prompt laser group was similar to both ranibizumab groups and greater than in the sham + prompt laser group. In the subset of pseudophakic eyes at baseline (n=273), visual acuity improvement in the triamcinolone + prompt laser group appeared comparable to that in the ranibizumab groups. No systemic events attributable to study treatment were apparent. Three eyes (0.8%) had injection-related endophthalmitis in the ranibizumab groups, whereas elevated intraocular pressure and cataract surgery were more frequent in the triamcinolone + prompt laser group. Two-year visual acuity outcomes were similar to 1-year outcomes. Intravitreal ranibizumab with prompt or deferred laser is more effective through at least 1 year compared with prompt laser alone for the treatment of DME involving the central macula. Ranibizumab as applied in this study, although uncommonly associated with endophthalmitis, should be considered for patients with DME and characteristics similar to those in this clinical trial. In pseudophakic eyes, intravitreal triamcinolone + prompt laser seems more effective than laser alone but frequently increases the risk of intraocular pressure elevation. Copyright 2010 American Academy of Ophthalmology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A randomized trial comparing intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide and focal/grid photocoagulation for diabetic macular edema.

PubMed

2008-09-01

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of 1-mg and 4-mg doses of preservative-free intravitreal triamcinolone in comparison with focal/grid photocoagulation for the treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME). Multicenter, randomized clinical trial. Eight hundred forty study eyes of 693 subjects with DME involving the fovea and with visual acuity of 20/40 to 20/320. Eyes were randomized to focal/grid photocoagulation (n = 330), 1 mg intravitreal triamcinolone (n = 256), or 4 mg intravitreal triamcinolone (n = 254). Retreatment was given for persistent or new edema at 4-month intervals. The primary outcome was evaluated at 2 years. Visual acuity measured with the electronic Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study method (primary), optical coherence tomography-measured retinal thickness (secondary), and safety. At 4 months, mean visual acuity was better in the 4-mg triamcinolone group than in either the laser group (P<0.001) or the 1-mg triamcinolone group (P = 0.001). By 1 year, there were no significant differences among groups in mean visual acuity. At the 16-month visit and extending through the primary outcome visit at 2 years, mean visual acuity was better in the laser group than in the other 2 groups (at 2 years, P = 0.02 comparing the laser and 1-mg groups, P = 0.002 comparing the laser and 4-mg groups, and P = 0.49 comparing the 1-mg and 4-mg groups). Treatment group differences in the visual acuity outcome could not be attributed solely to cataract formation. Optical coherence tomography results generally paralleled the visual acuity results. Intraocular pressure increased from baseline by 10 mmHg or more at any visit in 4%, 16%, and 33% of eyes in the 3 treatment groups, respectively, and cataract surgery was performed in 13%, 23%, and 51% of eyes in the 3 treatment groups, respectively. Over a 2-year period, focal/grid photocoagulation is more effective and has fewer side effects than 1-mg or 4-mg doses of preservative-free intravitreal triamcinolone for most patients with DME who have characteristics similar to the cohort in this clinical trial. The results of this study also support that focal/grid photocoagulation currently should be the benchmark against which other treatments are compared in clinical trials of DME.

Partial oxidation of alkanes by dioxiranes formed in situ at low temperature.

PubMed

Yacob, Sara; Caulfield, Michael J; Barckholtz, Timothy A

2018-01-13

Partial oxidation catalysts capable of efficiently operating at low temperatures may limit the over-oxidation of alkane substrates and thereby improve selectivity. This work focuses on examining alkane oxidation using completely metal-free organocatalysts, dioxiranes. The dioxiranes employed here are synthesized by oxidation of a ketone using a terminal oxidant, such as hydrogen peroxide. Our work generates the dioxirane in situ , so that the process can be catalytic with respect to the ketone. To date, we have demonstrated selective partial oxidation of adamantane using ketone catalysts resulting in yields upwards of 60% towards 1-adamantanol with greater than 99% selectivity. Furthermore, we have demonstrated that changing the electrophilic character of the ketone R groups to contain more electron-donating ligands facilitates the dioxirane ring formation and improves overall oxidation yields. Isotopic labelling studies using H 2 18 O 2 show the preferential incorporation of an 18 O label into the parent ketone, providing evidence for a dioxirane intermediate formed in situ The isotopic labelling studies, along with solvent effect studies, suggest the formation of peracetic acid as a reactive intermediate.This article is part of a discussion meeting issue 'Providing sustainable catalytic solutions for a rapidly changing world'. © 2017 The Author(s).

Combined fuel and air staged power generation system

DOEpatents

Rabovitser, Iosif K; Pratapas, John M; Boulanov, Dmitri

2014-05-27

A method and apparatus for generation of electric power employing fuel and air staging in which a first stage gas turbine and a second stage partial oxidation gas turbine power operated in parallel. A first portion of fuel and oxidant are provided to the first stage gas turbine which generates a first portion of electric power and a hot oxidant. A second portion of fuel and oxidant are provided to the second stage partial oxidation gas turbine which generates a second portion of electric power and a hot syngas. The hot oxidant and the hot syngas are provided to a bottoming cycle employing a fuel-fired boiler by which a third portion of electric power is generated.

Proceedings of the International Pyrotechnics Seminar (6th) Held at Estes Park, Colorado, 17-21 July 1978

DTIC Science & Technology

1978-06-01

in metal form, and not as an oxide , as with conventional HC compositions. "That verified the fact that the aluminum did not take part in the chemical...the melting of the protective oxide layer on the aluminum particle with an attendant increase in surface reaction rate leading to ignition. Oxide ...detonation 5 aluminum BrF5 partial detonation 6 propylene oxide ClF3 partial detonation 621 041 IR! Each teat used about 5 kg of fuel, about 400 g

Ferromagnetic phase in partially oxidized FeMn films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Svalov, A. V.; Savin, P. A.; Lepalovskij, V. N.; Vas'kovskiy, V. O.; Larrañaga, A.; Kurlyandskaya, G. V.

2018-04-01

The structure, magnetic and magnetoresistive properties of ferromagnetic phase in partially oxidized FeMn films was studied. The oxidation was performed by annealing of the samples under atmospheric pressure in a gas mixture (nitrogen with 0.5% oxygen) at the temperature of 300 °C. The resulting ferromagnetic phase was isotropic in the film plane. The value of the anisotropic magnetoresistance was similar to the value of the anisotropic magnetoresistance usually observed in films of pure iron. The oxidation of antiferromagnetic FeMn films resulted in the appearance of an exchange bias.

SYNTHESIZING ALCOHOLS AND KETONES BY PHOTOINDUCED CATALYTIC PARTIAL-OXIDATION OF HYDROCARBONS IN TI02 FILM REACTORS PREPARED BY THREE DIFFERENT METHODS

EPA Science Inventory

The partial oxidation of cyclohexane to cyclohexanol and cyclohexanone on UV irradiated titanium dioxide films in the presence of molecular oxygen at ambient temperatures and pressures was studied. Three different coating methodologies (dip coating using titanium isopropoxide an...

Method of fabricating a monolithic solid oxide fuel cell

DOEpatents

Minh, N.Q.; Horne, C.R.

1994-03-01

In a two-step densifying process of making a monolithic solid oxide fuel cell, a limited number of anode-electrolyte-cathode cells separated by an interconnect layer are formed and partially densified. Subsequently, the partially densified cells are stacked and further densified to form a monolithic array. 10 figures.

Method of fabricating a monolithic solid oxide fuel cell

DOEpatents

Minh, Nguyen Q.; Horne, Craig R.

1994-01-01

In a two-step densifying process of making a monolithic solid oxide fuel cell, a limited number of anode-electrolyte-cathode cells separated by an interconnect layer are formed and partially densified. Subsequently, the partially densified cells are stacked and further densified to form a monolithic array.

48 CFR 1034.201 - Policy.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... CONTRACTING MAJOR SYSTEM ACQUISITION Earned Value Management System 1034.201 Policy. (a) (1) An Earned Value Management System (EVMS) is required for major acquisitions for development/modernization/enhancement (DME..., Earned Value Management System; and, as appropriate, 1052.234-4, Earned Value Management System Alternate...

48 CFR 1034.201 - Policy.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... CONTRACTING MAJOR SYSTEM ACQUISITION Earned Value Management System 1034.201 Policy. (a) (1) An Earned Value Management System (EVMS) is required for major acquisitions for development/modernization/enhancement (DME..., Earned Value Management System; and, as appropriate, 1052.234-4, Earned Value Management System Alternate...

48 CFR 1034.201 - Policy.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... CONTRACTING MAJOR SYSTEM ACQUISITION Earned Value Management System 1034.201 Policy. (a) (1) An Earned Value Management System (EVMS) is required for major acquisitions for development/modernization/enhancement (DME..., Earned Value Management System; and, as appropriate, 1052.234-4, Earned Value Management System Alternate...

76 FR 25232 - Standard Instrument Approach Procedures, and Takeoff Minimums and Obstacle Departure Procedures...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-05-04

... Patterson, LA, Harry P Williams Memorial, NDB RWY 6, Amdt 11 Slidell, LA, Slidell, Takeoff Minimums and... Harrisonville, MO, Lawrence Smith Memorial, VOR/DME RWY 35, Orig-A, CANCELLED Lincoln Park, NJ, Lincoln Park...

Nanocrystalline films for gas-reactive applications

DOEpatents

Eastman, Jeffrey A.; Thompson, Loren J.

2004-02-17

A gas sensor for detection of oxidizing and reducing gases, including O.sub.2, CO.sub.2, CO, and H.sub.2, monitors the partial pressure of a gas to be detected by measuring the temperature rise of an oxide-thin-film-coated metallic line in response to an applied electrical current. For a fixed input power, the temperature rise of the metallic line is inversely proportional to the thermal conductivity of the oxide coating. The oxide coating contains multi-valent cation species that change their valence, and hence the oxygen stoichiometry of the coating, in response to changes in the partial pressure of the detected gas. Since the thermal conductivity of the coating is dependent on its oxygen stoichiometry, the temperature rise of the metallic line depends on the partial pressure of the detected gas. Nanocrystalline (<100 nm grain size) oxide coatings yield faster sensor response times than conventional larger-grained coatings due to faster oxygen diffusion along grain boundaries rather than through grain interiors.

Method and apparatus for converting hydrocarbon fuel into hydrogen gas and carbon dioxide

DOEpatents

Clawson, Lawrence G.; Mitchell, William L.; Bentley, Jeffrey M.; Thijssen, Johannes H.J.

2000-01-01

An apparatus and a method are disclosed for converting hydrocarbon fuel or an alcohol into hydrogen gas and carbon dioxide. The apparatus includes a first vessel having a partial oxidation reaction zone and a separate steam reforming reaction zone that is distinct from the partial oxidation reaction zone. The first vessel has a first vessel inlet at the partial oxidation reaction zone and a first vessel outlet at the steam reforming zone. The reformer also includes a helical tube extending about the first vessel. The helical tube has a first end connected to an oxygen-containing source and a second end connected to the first vessel at the partial oxidation reaction zone. Oxygen gas from an oxygen-containing source can be directed through the helical tube to the first vessel. A second vessel having a second vessel inlet and second vessel outlet is annularly disposed about the first vessel. The helical tube is disposed between the first vessel and the second vessel and gases from the first vessel can be directed through second vessel.

Method for generating hydrogen for fuel cells

DOEpatents

Ahmed, Shabbir; Lee, Sheldon H. D.; Carter, John David; Krumpelt, Michael

2004-03-30

A method of producing a H.sub.2 rich gas stream includes supplying an O.sub.2 rich gas, steam, and fuel to an inner reforming zone of a fuel processor that includes a partial oxidation catalyst and a steam reforming catalyst or a combined partial oxidation and stream reforming catalyst. The method also includes contacting the O.sub.2 rich gas, steam, and fuel with the partial oxidation catalyst and the steam reforming catalyst or the combined partial oxidation and stream reforming catalyst in the inner reforming zone to generate a hot reformate stream. The method still further includes cooling the hot reformate stream in a cooling zone to produce a cooled reformate stream. Additionally, the method includes removing sulfur-containing compounds from the cooled reformate stream by contacting the cooled reformate stream with a sulfur removal agent. The method still further includes contacting the cooled reformate stream with a catalyst that converts water and carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide and H.sub.2 in a water-gas-shift zone to produce a final reformate stream in the fuel processor.

Fuel processor and method for generating hydrogen for fuel cells

DOEpatents

Ahmed, Shabbir [Naperville, IL; Lee, Sheldon H. D. [Willowbrook, IL; Carter, John David [Bolingbrook, IL; Krumpelt, Michael [Naperville, IL; Myers, Deborah J [Lisle, IL

2009-07-21

A method of producing a H.sub.2 rich gas stream includes supplying an O.sub.2 rich gas, steam, and fuel to an inner reforming zone of a fuel processor that includes a partial oxidation catalyst and a steam reforming catalyst or a combined partial oxidation and stream reforming catalyst. The method also includes contacting the O.sub.2 rich gas, steam, and fuel with the partial oxidation catalyst and the steam reforming catalyst or the combined partial oxidation and stream reforming catalyst in the inner reforming zone to generate a hot reformate stream. The method still further includes cooling the hot reformate stream in a cooling zone to produce a cooled reformate stream. Additionally, the method includes removing sulfur-containing compounds from the cooled reformate stream by contacting the cooled reformate stream with a sulfur removal agent. The method still further includes contacting the cooled reformate stream with a catalyst that converts water and carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide and H.sub.2 in a water-gas-shift zone to produce a final reformate stream in the fuel processor.

Alcohol-free alkoxide process for containing nuclear waste

DOEpatents

Pope, James M.; Lahoda, Edward J.

1984-01-01

Disclosed is a method of containing nuclear waste. A composition is first prepared of about 25 to about 80%, calculated as SiO.sub.2, of a partially hydrolyzed silicon compound, up to about 30%, calculated as metal oxide, of a partially hydrolyzed aluminum or calcium compound, about 5 to about 20%, calculated as metal oxide, of a partially hydrolyzed boron or calcium compound, about 3 to about 25%, calculated as metal oxide, of a partially hydrolyzed sodium, potassium or lithium compound, an alcohol in a weight ratio to hydrolyzed alkoxide of about 1.5 to about 3% and sufficient water to remove at least 99% of the alcohol as an azeotrope. The azeotrope is boiled off and up to about 40%, based on solids in the product, of the nuclear waste, is mixed into the composition. The mixture is evaporated to about 25 to about 45% solids and is melted and cooled.

Thin film oxygen partial pressure sensor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wortman, J. J.; Harrison, J. W.; Honbarrier, H. L.; Yen, J.

1972-01-01

The development is described of a laboratory model oxygen partial pressure sensor using a sputtered zinc oxide thin film. The film is operated at about 400 C through the use of a miniature silicon bar. Because of the unique resistance versus temperature relation of the silicon bar, control of the operational temperature is achieved by controlling the resistance. A circuit for accomplishing this is described. The response of sputtered zinc oxide films of various thicknesses to oxygen, nitrogen, argon, carbon dioxide, and water vapor caused a change in the film resistance. Over a large range, film conductance varied approximately as the square root of the oxygen partial pressure. The presence of water vapor in the gas stream caused a shift in the film conductance at a given oxygen partial pressure. A theoretical model is presented to explain the characteristic features of the zinc oxide response to oxygen.

76 FR 11978 - Proposed Amendment of Federal Airways; Alaska

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-03-04

... Federal airways in Alaska. Due to construction of wind turbines on Fire Island, AK, the Anchorage VOR is... NDB/DME (Lat. 56[deg]57'15'' N., long. 158[deg]38'51'' W.) BATTY Fix (Lat. 59[deg]03'57'' N., long...

75 FR 72942 - Standard Instrument Approach Procedures, and Takeoff Minimums and Obstacle Departure Procedures...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-11-29

..., Takeoff Minimums and Obstacle DP, Amdt 3 Harvard, NE, Harvard State, RNAV (GPS) RWY 35, Orig Harvard, NE, Harvard State, Takeoff Minimums and Obstacle DP, Orig Harvard, NE, Harvard State, VOR/DME RNAV OR GPS RWY...

A Comparison of Photocatalytic Oxidation Reactor Performance for Spacecraft Cabin Trace Contaminant Control Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Perry, Jay L.; Frederick, Kenneth R.; Scott, Joseph P.; Reinermann, Dana N.

2011-01-01

Photocatalytic oxidation (PCO) is a maturing process technology that shows potential for spacecraft life support system application. Incorporating PCO into a spacecraft cabin atmosphere revitalization system requires an understanding of basic performance, particularly with regard to partial oxidation product production. Four PCO reactor design concepts have been evaluated for their effectiveness for mineralizing key trace volatile organic com-pounds (VOC) typically observed in crewed spacecraft cabin atmospheres. Mineralization efficiency and selectivity for partial oxidation products are compared for the reactor design concepts. The role of PCO in a spacecraft s life support system architecture is discussed.

Thermodynamic Investigation of the Interaction between Polymer and Gases

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mahmood, Syed Hassan

This thesis investigates the interaction between blowing agents and polymer matrix. Existing theoretical model was further developed to accommodate the polymer and blowing agent under study. The obtained results are not only useful for the optimization of the plastic foam fabrication process but also provides a different approach to usage of blowing agents. A magnetic suspension balance and an in-house visualizing dilatometer were used to obtain the sorption of blowing agents in polymer melts under elevated temperature and pressure. The proposed theoretical approach based on the thermodynamic model of SS-EOS is applied to understand the interaction of blowing agents with the polymer melt and one another (in the case of blend blowing agent). An in-depth study of the interaction of a blend of CO2 and DME with PS was conducted. Experimental volume swelling of the blend/PS mixture was measured and compared to the theoretical volume swelling obtained via ternary based SS-EOS, insuring the models validity. The effect of plasticization due to dissolution of DME on the solubility of CO2 in PS was then investigated by utilizing the aforementioned model. It was noted that the dissolution of DME increased the concentration of CO2 in PS and lowering the saturation pressure needed to dissolved a certain amount of CO2 in PS melt. The phenomenon of retrograde vitrification in PMMA induced due dissolution of CO2 was investigated in light of the thermodynamic properties resulting from the interaction of polymer and blowing agent. Solubility and volume swelling were measured in the pressure and temperature ranges promoting vitrification phenomenon, with relation being established between the thermodynamic properties and the vitrification process. Foaming of PMMA was conducted at various temperature values to investigate the application of this phenomenon.

Platform-Independent Cirrus and Spectralis Thickness Measurements in Eyes with Diabetic Macular Edema Using Fully Automated Software

PubMed Central

Willoughby, Alex S.; Chiu, Stephanie J.; Silverman, Rachel K.; Farsiu, Sina; Bailey, Clare; Wiley, Henry E.; Ferris, Frederick L.; Jaffe, Glenn J.

2017-01-01

Purpose We determine whether the automated segmentation software, Duke Optical Coherence Tomography Retinal Analysis Program (DOCTRAP), can measure, in a platform-independent manner, retinal thickness on Cirrus and Spectralis spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) images in eyes with diabetic macular edema (DME) under treatment in a clinical trial. Methods Automatic segmentation software was used to segment the internal limiting membrane (ILM), inner retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), and Bruch's membrane (BM) in SD-OCT images acquired by Cirrus and Spectralis commercial systems, from the same eye, on the same day during a clinical interventional DME trial. Mean retinal thickness differences were compared across commercial and DOCTRAP platforms using intraclass correlation (ICC) and Bland-Altman plots. Results The mean 1 mm central subfield thickness difference (standard error [SE]) comparing segmentation of Spectralis images with DOCTRAP versus HEYEX was 0.7 (0.3) μm (0.2 pixels). The corresponding values comparing segmentation of Cirrus images with DOCTRAP versus Cirrus software was 2.2 (0.7) μm. The mean 1 mm central subfield thickness difference (SE) comparing segmentation of Cirrus and Spectralis scan pairs with DOCTRAP using BM as the outer retinal boundary was −2.3 (0.9) μm compared to 2.8 (0.9) μm with inner RPE as the outer boundary. Conclusions DOCTRAP segmentation of Cirrus and Spectralis images produces validated thickness measurements that are very similar to each other, and very similar to the values generated by the corresponding commercial software in eyes with treated DME. Translational Relevance This software enables automatic total retinal thickness measurements across two OCT platforms, a process that is impractical to perform manually. PMID:28180033

Comparison of low-light nonmydriatic digital imaging with 35-mm ETDRS seven-standard field stereo color fundus photographs and clinical examination.

PubMed

Silva, Paolo S; Walia, Saloni; Cavallerano, Jerry D; Sun, Jennifer K; Dunn, Cheri; Bursell, Sven-Erik; Aiello, Lloyd M; Aiello, Lloyd Paul

2012-09-01

To compare agreement between diagnosis of clinical level of diabetic retinopathy (DR) and diabetic macular edema (DME) derived from nonmydriatic fundus images using a digital camera back optimized for low-flash image capture (MegaVision) compared with standard seven-field Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) photographs and dilated clinical examination. Subject comfort and image acquisition time were also evaluated. In total, 126 eyes from 67 subjects with diabetes underwent Joslin Vision Network nonmydriatic retinal imaging. ETDRS photographs were obtained after pupillary dilation, and fundus examination was performed by a retina specialist. There was near-perfect agreement between MegaVision and ETDRS photographs (κ=0.81, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.73-0.89) for clinical DR severity levels. Substantial agreement was observed with clinical examination (κ=0.71, 95% CI 0.62-0.80). For DME severity level there was near-perfect agreement with ETDRS photographs (κ=0.92, 95% CI 0.87-0.98) and moderate agreement with clinical examination (κ=0.58, 95% CI 0.46-0.71). The wider MegaVision 45° field led to identification of nonproliferative changes in areas not imaged by the 30° field of ETDRS photos. Field area unique to ETDRS photographs identified proliferative changes not visualized with MegaVision. Mean MegaVision acquisition time was 9:52 min. After imaging, 60% of subjects preferred the MegaVision lower flash settings. When evaluated using a rigorous protocol, images captured using a low-light digital camera compared favorably with ETDRS photography and clinical examination for grading level of DR and DME. Furthermore, these data suggest the importance of more extensive peripheral images and suggest that utilization of wide-field retinal imaging may further improve accuracy of DR assessment.

Subconjunctival sirolimus in the treatment of diabetic macular edema.

PubMed

Krishnadev, Nupura; Forooghian, Farzin; Cukras, Catherine; Wong, Wai; Saligan, Leorey; Chew, Emily Y; Nussenblatt, Robert; Ferris, Frederick; Meyerle, Catherine

2011-11-01

Diabetic macular edema (DME) is a leading cause of blindness in the developed world. Sirolimus has been shown to inhibit the production, signaling, and activity of many growth factors relevant to the development of diabetic retinopathy. This phase I/II study assesses the safety of multiple subconjunctival sirolimus injections for the treatment of DME, with some limited efficacy data. In this phase I/II prospective, open-label pilot study, five adult participants with diabetic macular edema involving the center of the fovea and best-corrected ETDRS visual acuity score of ≤74 letters (20/32 or worse) received 20 μl (440 μg) of subconjunctival sirolimus at baseline, month 2 and every 2 months thereafter, unless there was resolution of either retinal thickening on OCT or leakage on fluorescein angiography. Main outcome measures included best-corrected visual acuity and central retinal thickness on OCT at 6 months and 1 year, as well as safety outcomes. Repeated subconjunctival sirolimus injections were well-tolerated, with no significant drug-related adverse events. There was no consistent treatment effect related to sirolimus; one participant experienced a 2-line improvement in visual acuity and 2 log unit decrease in retinal thickness at 6 months and 1 year, two remained essentially stable, one had stable visual acuity but improvement of central retinal thickness of 1 and 3 log units at 6 months and 1 year respectively, and one had a 2-line worsening of visual acuity and a 1 log unit increase in retinal thickness at 6 months and 1 year. Results in the fellow eyes with diabetic macular edema, not treated with sirolimus, were similar. Subconjunctival sirolimus appears safe to use in patients with DME. Assessment of possible treatment benefit will require a randomized trial.

Subconjunctival sirolimus in the treatment of diabetic macular edema

PubMed Central

Krishnadev, Nupura; Forooghian, Farzin; Cukras, Catherine; Wong, Wai; Saligan, Leorey; Chew, Emily Y.; Nussenblatt, Robert; Ferris, Frederick

2011-01-01

Background Diabetic macular edema (DME) is a leading cause of blindness in the developed world. Sirolimus has been shown to inhibit the production, signaling, and activity of many growth factors relevant to the development of diabetic retinopathy. This phase I/II study assesses the safety of multiple subconjunctival sirolimus injections for the treatment of DME, with some limited efficacy data. Methods In this phase I/II prospective, open-label pilot study, five adult participants with diabetic macular edema involving the center of the fovea and best-corrected ETDRS visual acuity score of ≤74 letters (20/32 or worse) received 20 μl (440 μg) of subconjunctival sirolimus at baseline, month 2 and every 2 months thereafter, unless there was resolution of either retinal thickening on OCT or leakage on fluorescein angiography. Main outcome measures included best-corrected visual acuity and central retinal thickness on OCT at 6 months and 1 year, as well as safety outcomes. Results Repeated subconjunctival sirolimus injections were well-tolerated, with no significant drug-related adverse events. There was no consistent treatment effect related to sirolimus; one participant experienced a 2-line improvement in visual acuity and 2 log unit decrease in retinal thickness at 6 months and 1 year, two remained essentially stable, one had stable visual acuity but improvement of central retinal thickness of 1 and 3 log units at 6 months and 1 year respectively, and one had a 2-line worsening of visual acuity and a 1 log unit increase in retinal thickness at 6 months and 1 year. Results in the fellow eyes with diabetic macular edema, not treated with sirolimus, were similar. Conclusions Subconjunctival sirolimus appears safe to use in patients with DME. Assessment of possible treatment benefit will require a randomized trial. PMID:21567211

Vision Outcomes Following Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Treatment of Diabetic Macular Edema in Clinical Practice.

PubMed

Holekamp, Nancy M; Campbell, Joanna; Almony, Arghavan; Ingraham, Herbert; Marks, Steven; Chandwani, Hitesh; Cole, Ashley L; Kiss, Szilárd

2018-04-20

To determine monitoring and treatment patterns, and vision outcomes in real-world patients initiating anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy for diabetic macular edema (DME). Retrospective interventional cohort study. SETTING: Electronic medical record analysis of Geisinger Health System data. 110 patients (121 study eyes) initiating intravitreal ranibizumab or bevacizumab for DME during January 2007‒May 2012, with baseline corrected visual acuity of 20/40‒20/320, and ≥1 ophthalmologist visits during follow-up. Intravitreal injections per study eye during the first 12 months; corrected visual acuity, change in corrected visual acuity from baseline, proportions of eyes with ≥10 or ≥15 approxEarly Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study letter gain/loss at 12 months; number of ophthalmologist visits. Over 12 months, mean number of ophthalmologist visits was 9.2; mean number of intravitreal injections was 3.1 (range, 1-12), with most eyes (68.6%) receiving ≤3 injections. At 12 months, mean corrected visual acuity change was +4.7 letters (mean 56.9 letters at baseline); proportions of eyes gaining ≥10 or ≥15 letters were 31.4% and 24.0%, respectively; proportions of eyes losing ≥10 or ≥15 letters were 10.8% and 8.3%, respectively. Eyes receiving adjunctive laser during the first 6 months (n = 33) showed similar change in corrected visual acuity to non-laser-treated eyes (n = 88) (+3.1 vs +5.3 letters at 12 months). DME patients receiving anti-VEGF therapy in clinical practice undergo less frequent monitoring and intravitreal injections, and achieve inferior vision outcomes to patients in landmark clinical trials. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Fully Automatic Software for Retinal Thickness in Eyes With Diabetic Macular Edema From Images Acquired by Cirrus and Spectralis Systems

PubMed Central

Lee, Joo Yong; Chiu, Stephanie J.; Srinivasan, Pratul P.; Izatt, Joseph A.; Toth, Cynthia A.; Farsiu, Sina; Jaffe, Glenn J.

2013-01-01

Purpose. To determine whether a novel automatic segmentation program, the Duke Optical Coherence Tomography Retinal Analysis Program (DOCTRAP), can be applied to spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) images obtained from different commercially available SD-OCT in eyes with diabetic macular edema (DME). Methods. A novel segmentation framework was used to segment the retina, inner retinal pigment epithelium, and Bruch's membrane on images from eyes with DME acquired by one of two SD-OCT systems, Spectralis or Cirrus high definition (HD)-OCT. Thickness data obtained by the DOCTRAP software were compared with those produced by Spectralis and Cirrus. Measurement agreement and its dependence were assessed using intraclass correlation (ICC). Results. A total of 40 SD-OCT scans from 20 subjects for each machine were included in the analysis. Spectralis: the mean thickness in the 1-mm central area determined by DOCTRAP and Spectralis was 463.8 ± 107.5 μm and 467.0 ± 108.1 μm, respectively (ICC, 0.999). There was also a high level agreement in surrounding areas (out to 3 mm). Cirrus: the mean thickness in the 1-mm central area was 440.8 ± 183.4 μm and 442.7 ± 182.4 μm by DOCTRAP and Cirrus, respectively (ICC, 0.999). The thickness agreement in surrounding areas (out to 3 mm) was more variable due to Cirrus segmentation errors in one subject (ICC, 0.734–0.999). After manual correction of the errors, there was a high level of thickness agreement in surrounding areas (ICC, 0.997–1.000). Conclusions. The DOCTRAP may be useful to compare retinal thicknesses in eyes with DME across OCT platforms. PMID:24084089

Implications of Dynamic Loading and Changing Climate on Mercury Bioaccumulation in a Planktivorous Fish (Orthodon microlepidotus)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carroll, R. W. H.; Flickinger, A.; Warwick, J. J.; Schumer, R.

2015-12-01

A bioenergetic and mercury (Hg) mass balance (BioHg) model is developed for the Sacramento blackfish (Orthodon microlepidotus), a filter feeding cyprinid found in northern California and Nevada. Attention focuses on the Lahontan Reservoir in northern Nevada, which receives a strong temporally varying load of dissolved methylmercury (DMeHg) from the Carson River. Hg loads are the result of contaminated bank erosion during high flows and diffusion from bottom sediments during low flows. Coupling of dynamic reservoir loading with periods of maximum plankton growth and maximum fish consumption rates are required to explain the largest body burdens observed in the planktivore. In contrast, the large body burdens cannot be achieved using average water column concentrations. The United States Bureau of Reclamation has produced future streamflow estimates for 2000-2099 using 112 CMIP3 climate projections and the Variable Infiltration Capacity (VIC) model. These are used to drive a fully dynamic Hg transport model to assess changes in contaminant loading to the reservoir and implications on planktivorous bioaccumulation. Model results suggest the future loads of DMeHg entering the Lahontan Reservoir will decrease most significantly in the spring and summer due to channel width increases and depth decreases in the Carson River which reduce bank erosion over the century. The modeled concentrations of DMeHg in the reservoir are expected to increase during the summer due to a decrease in reservoir volume affecting the concentrations more than the decrease in loads, and the model results show that bioaccumulation levels may increase in the upstream sections of the reservoir while maintaining contamination levels above the federal action limit for human consumption in the lower reservoir.

Bevacizumab and Panretinal photocoagulation protect against ocular hypertension after posterior subtenon injection of triamcinolone acetonide for diabetic macular edema.

PubMed

Hsieh, Yi-Ting; Yang, Chung-May; Chang, Shu-Hui

2017-08-01

To analyze the prognostic factors for ocular hypertension after posterior subtenon injection of triamcinolone acetonide (PSTA) for the treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME). Patients who received PSTA for DME from January 2006 to December 2011 were enrolled retrospectively and were followed until December 2012 in one hospital. Modified Cox regression models were used to analyze the factors associated with ocular hypertension, which was defined as an intraocular pressure>21 mmHg after PSTA. A total of 180 PSTA injections were given to 114 eyes from 73 adults with DME. During a mean follow-up of 50.4 weeks after each injection, ocular hypertension occurred in 20.6% of injections (28.1% of eyes). Treatment-naïve patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) had a higher risk of ocular hypertension after PSTA than those with nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) [hazard ratio (HR)=3.255, p=0.030]. Intravitreal injection of bevacizumab (IVB) before PSTA had a significant effect in lowering the risk of ocular hypertension after PSTA in patients with PDR who had received panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) (HR=0.107, p=0.035). Both prompt PRP and IVB following PSTA had a protective effect against ocular hypertension in treatment-naïve patients with PDR (HR=0.086, p=0.0002 and HR=0.155, p=0.049, respectively). Treatment-naïve patients with PDR had a higher risk of ocular hypertension after PSTA than those with NPDR. Bevacizumab and prompt PRP both had a protective effect against ocular hypertension after PSTA in patients with PDR. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Real-World Cost Savings Demonstrated by Switching Patients with Refractory Diabetic Macular Edema to Intravitreal Fluocinolone Acetonide (Iluvien): A Retrospective Cost Analysis Study.

PubMed

Ch'ng, Soon W; Brent, Alexander J; Empeslidis, Theodoros; Konidaris, Vasileios; Banerjee, Somnath

2018-06-01

It is hypothesized that using fluocinolone acetonide (FAc) implants such as Iluvien for the treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME) may reduce the total number of intravitreal injections and clinic visits, resulting in an overall treatment cost reduction. The primary aim of this study is to identify the real-world cost savings achievable in a tertiary National Health Service (NHS) hospital. A retrospective cost analysis study was conducted. The inclusion criteria were patients with refractory DME who were switched to Iluvien. The average yearly costs were calculated both before and after the switch to Iluvien. All costs including medicines, investigations, clinics, and management of raised intraocular pressure (IOP) were calculated. The cost differences over the 3 years' worth of Iluvien treatment were calculated and analyzed. To ensure non-inferiority of this treatment intervention, the best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central retinal thickness (CRT) were also analyzed. Statistical analysis was conducted with a Student t test where appropriate and statistical significance is identified where p < 0.05. Fourteen eyes of 13 patients met the inclusion criteria. Switching patients to Iluvien achieved on average a saving of £2606.17 per patient (p = 0.33) over the 3 years. However, seven cases (50%) had a rise in IOP after Iluvien that warranted medical treatment and two cases (14.3%) required glaucoma surgery. Incorporating the costs of glaucoma management reduced the overall savings over 3 years to £1064.66 per patient. The BCVA and CRT analysis showed a non-inferiority relationship between Iluvien and any previous treatment. The use of Iluvien in refractory DME patients represents a cost- and time-saving procedure, while showing non-inferiority in terms of efficacy.

Fuel cell system for transportation applications

DOEpatents

Kumar, Romesh; Ahmed, Shabbir; Krumpelt, Michael; Myles, Kevin M.

1993-01-01

A propulsion system for a vehicle having pairs of front and rear wheels and a fuel tank. An electrically driven motor having an output shaft operatively connected to at least one of said pair of wheels is connected to a fuel cell having a positive electrode and a negative electrode separated by an electrolyte for producing dc power to operate the motor. A partial oxidation reformer is connected both to the fuel tank and to the fuel cell receives hydrogen-containing fuel from the fuel tank and water and air and for partially oxidizing and reforming the fuel with water and air in the presence of an oxidizing catalyst and a reforming catalyst to produce a hydrogen-containing gas. The hydrogen-containing gas is sent from the partial oxidation reformer to the fuel cell negative electrode while air is transported to the fuel cell positive electrode to produce dc power for operating the electric motor.

Fuel cell system for transportation applications

DOEpatents

Kumar, R.; Ahmed, S.; Krumpelt, M.; Myles, K.M.

1993-09-28

A propulsion system is described for a vehicle having pairs of front and rear wheels and a fuel tank. An electrically driven motor having an output shaft operatively connected to at least one of said pair of wheels is connected to a fuel cell having a positive electrode and a negative electrode separated by an electrolyte for producing dc power to operate the motor. A partial oxidation reformer is connected both to the fuel tank and to the fuel cell and receives hydrogen-containing fuel from the fuel tank and uses water and air for partially oxidizing and reforming the fuel in the presence of an oxidizing catalyst and a reforming catalyst to produce a hydrogen-containing gas. The hydrogen-containing gas is sent from the partial oxidation reformer to the fuel cell negative electrode while air is transported to the fuel cell positive electrode to produce dc power for operating the electric motor. 3 figures.

A Model for the Oxidation of C/SiC Composite Structures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sullivan, Roy M.

2003-01-01

A mathematical theory and an accompanying numerical scheme have been developed for predicting the oxidation behavior of C/SiC composite structures. The theory is derived from the mechanics of the flow of ideal gases through a porous solid. Within the mathematical formulation, two diffusion mechanisms are possible: (1) the relative diffusion of one species with respect to the mixture, which is concentration gradient driven and (2) the diffusion associated with the average velocity of the gas mixture, which is total gas pressure gradient driven. The result of the theoretical formulation is a set of two coupled nonlinear differential equations written in terms of the oxidant and oxide partial pressures. The differential equations must be solved simultaneously to obtain the partial vapor pressures of the oxidant and oxides as a function of space and time. The local rate of carbon oxidation is determined as a function of space and time using the map of the local oxidant partial vapor pressure along with the Arrhenius rate equation. The nonlinear differential equations are cast into matrix equations by applying the Bubnov-Galerkin weighted residual method, allowing for the solution of the differential equations numerically. The end result is a numerical scheme capable of determining the variation of the local carbon oxidation rates as a function of space and time for any arbitrary C/SiC composite structures.

Partial oxidation catalyst

DOEpatents

Krumpelt, Michael; Ahmed, Shabbir; Kumar, Romesh; Doshi, Rajiv

2000-01-01

A two-part catalyst comprising a dehydrogenation portion and an oxide-ion conducting portion. The dehydrogenation portion is a group VIII metal and the oxide-ion conducting portion is selected from a ceramic oxide crystallizing in the fluorite or perovskite structure. There is also disclosed a method of forming a hydrogen rich gas from a source of hydrocarbon fuel in which the hydrocarbon fuel contacts a two-part catalyst comprising a dehydrogenation portion and an oxide-ion conducting portion at a temperature not less than about 400.degree. C. for a time sufficient to generate the hydrogen rich gas while maintaining CO content less than about 5 volume percent. There is also disclosed a method of forming partially oxidized hydrocarbons from ethanes in which ethane gas contacts a two-part catalyst comprising a dehydrogenation portion and an oxide-ion conducting portion for a time and at a temperature sufficient to form an oxide.

77 FR 64444 - VOR Federal Airway V-595; Oregon

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-10-22

... Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). SUMMARY: This action... this action to redescribe the route due to the scheduled decommissioning of the Portland, OR, VOR/DME... suggestions presented are particularly helpful in developing reasoned regulatory decisions on the proposal...

42 CFR 414.408 - Payment rules.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... initially furnished and enteral nutrition equipment are calculated based on the bids submitted and accepted... wheelchairs. (2) Payment for used purchased durable medical equipment and enteral nutrition equipment is made...) Enteral nutrition supplies. (4) OTS orthotics. (h) Rented equipment—(1) Capped rental DME. Subject to the...

42 CFR 414.408 - Payment rules.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... initially furnished and enteral nutrition equipment are calculated based on the bids submitted and accepted... wheelchairs. (2) Payment for used purchased durable medical equipment and enteral nutrition equipment is made...) Enteral nutrition supplies. (4) OTS orthotics. (h) Rented equipment—(1) Capped rental DME. Subject to the...

42 CFR 414.408 - Payment rules.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... initially furnished and enteral nutrition equipment are calculated based on the bids submitted and accepted... wheelchairs. (2) Payment for used purchased durable medical equipment and enteral nutrition equipment is made...) Enteral nutrition supplies. (4) OTS orthotics. (h) Rented equipment—(1) Capped rental DME. Subject to the...

42 CFR 414.408 - Payment rules.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... initially furnished and enteral nutrition equipment are calculated based on the bids submitted and accepted... wheelchairs. (2) Payment for used purchased durable medical equipment and enteral nutrition equipment is made...) Enteral nutrition supplies. (4) OTS orthotics. (h) Rented equipment—(1) Capped rental DME. Subject to the...

48 CFR 1034.201 - Policy.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... CONTRACTING MAJOR SYSTEM ACQUISITION Earned Value Management System 1034.201 Policy. (a) (1) An Earned Value Management System (EVMS) is required for major acquisitions for development/modernization/enhancement (DME... certified; and (4) Whether a Full Integrated Baseline Review (IBR) will be completed within 90 days when the...

An anomaly detection approach for the identification of DME patients using spectral domain optical coherence tomography images.

PubMed

Sidibé, Désiré; Sankar, Shrinivasan; Lemaître, Guillaume; Rastgoo, Mojdeh; Massich, Joan; Cheung, Carol Y; Tan, Gavin S W; Milea, Dan; Lamoureux, Ecosse; Wong, Tien Y; Mériaudeau, Fabrice

2017-02-01

This paper proposes a method for automatic classification of spectral domain OCT data for the identification of patients with retinal diseases such as Diabetic Macular Edema (DME). We address this issue as an anomaly detection problem and propose a method that not only allows the classification of the OCT volume, but also allows the identification of the individual diseased B-scans inside the volume. Our approach is based on modeling the appearance of normal OCT images with a Gaussian Mixture Model (GMM) and detecting abnormal OCT images as outliers. The classification of an OCT volume is based on the number of detected outliers. Experimental results with two different datasets show that the proposed method achieves a sensitivity and a specificity of 80% and 93% on the first dataset, and 100% and 80% on the second one. Moreover, the experiments show that the proposed method achieves better classification performance than other recently published works. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Characterisation of two-stage ignition in diesel engine-relevant thermochemical conditions using direct numerical simulation

DOE PAGES

Krisman, Alex; Hawkes, Evatt R.; Talei, Mohsen; ...

2016-08-30

With the goal of providing a more detailed fundamental understanding of ignition processes in diesel engines, this study reports analysis of a direct numerical simulation (DNS) database. In the DNS, a pseudo turbulent mixing layer of dimethyl ether (DME) at 400 K and air at 900 K is simulated at a pressure of 40 atmospheres. At these conditions, DME exhibits a two-stage ignition and resides within the negative temperature coefficient (NTC) regime of ignition delay times, similar to diesel fuel. The analysis reveals a complex ignition process with several novel features. Autoignition occurs as a distributed, two-stage event. The high-temperaturemore » stage of ignition establishes edge flames that have a hybrid premixed/autoignition flame structure similar to that previously observed for lifted laminar flames at similar thermochemical conditions. In conclusion, a combustion mode analysis based on key radical species illustrates the multi-stage and multi-mode nature of the ignition process and highlights the substantial modelling challenge presented by diesel combustion.« less

Conceptual Design of Low-Temperature Hydrogen Production and High-Efficiency Nuclear Reactor Technology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fukushima, Kimichika; Ogawa, Takashi

Hydrogen, a potential alternative energy source, is produced commercially by methane (or LPG) steam reforming, a process that requires high temperatures, which are produced by burning fossil fuels. However, as this process generates large amounts of CO2, replacement of the combustion heat source with a nuclear heat source for 773-1173K processes has been proposed in order to eliminate these CO2 emissions. In this paper, a novel method of nuclear hydrogen production by reforming dimethyl ether (DME) with steam at about 573K is proposed. From a thermodynamic equilibrium analysis of DME steam reforming, the authors identified conditions that provide high hydrogen production fraction at low pressure and temperatures of about 523-573K. By setting this low-temperature hydrogen production process upstream from a turbine and nuclear reactor at about 573K, the total energy utilization efficiency according to equilibrium mass and heat balance analysis is about 50%, and it is 75%for a fast breeder reactor (FBR), where turbine is upstream of the reformer.

Outer atmospheres of cool stars. XII - A survey of IUE ultraviolet emission line spectra of cool dwarf stars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Linsky, J. L.; Bornmann, P. L.; Carpenter, K. G.; Hege, E. K.; Wing, R. F.; Giampapa, M. S.; Worden, S. P.

1982-01-01

Quantitative information is obtained on the chromospheres and transition regions of M dwarf stars, in order to determine how the outer atmospheres of dMe stars differ from dM stars and how they compare with the outer atmospheres of quiet and active G and K type dwarfs. IUE spectra of six dMe and four dM stars, together with ground-based photometry and spectroscopy of the Balmer and Ca II H and K lines, show no evidence of flares. It is concluded, regarding the quiescent behavior of these stars, that emission-line spectra resemble that of the sun and contain emission lines formed in regions with 4000-20,000 K temperatures that are presumably analogous to the solar chromosphere, as well as regions with temperatures of 20,000-200,000 K that are presumably analogous to the solar transition region. Emission-line surface fluxes are proportional to the emission measure over the range of temperatures at which the lines are formed.

Thin film devices used as oxygen partial pressure sensors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Canady, K. S.; Wortman, J. J.

1970-01-01

Electrical conductivity of zinc oxide films to be used in an oxygen partial pressure sensor is measured as a function of temperature, oxygen partial pressure, and other atmospheric constituents. Time response following partial pressure changes is studied as a function of temperature and environmental changes.

Nitrous oxide emissions from one-step partial nitritation/anammox processes.

PubMed

Yang, Jingjing; Trela, Jozef; Plaza, Elzbieta

2016-12-01

Measurements of nitrous oxide were made at pilot- and full-scale plants to evaluate greenhouse gas emissions from one-step partial nitritation/anammox processes applied in moving bed biofilm reactors treating reject water. It was found that 0.51-1.29% and 0.35-1.33% of the total nitrogen loads in the pilot- and full-scale reactor, respectively, were emitted as nitrous oxide. Between 80 and 90% of nitrous oxide emissions were in gaseous form and the rest amount was found in the reactor effluent; over 90% of nitrous oxide emissions occurred in the aerated period and less than 8% in the non-aerated period in the full-scale study. Nitrous oxide productions/consumptions were closely related to aeration and the nitrogen loads applied in the system.

Two stage catalytic combustor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Alvin, Mary Anne (Inventor); Bachovchin, Dennis (Inventor); Smeltzer, Eugene E. (Inventor); Lippert, Thomas E. (Inventor); Bruck, Gerald J. (Inventor)

2010-01-01

A catalytic combustor (14) includes a first catalytic stage (30), a second catalytic stage (40), and an oxidation completion stage (49). The first catalytic stage receives an oxidizer (e.g., 20) and a fuel (26) and discharges a partially oxidized fuel/oxidizer mixture (36). The second catalytic stage receives the partially oxidized fuel/oxidizer mixture and further oxidizes the mixture. The second catalytic stage may include a passageway (47) for conducting a bypass portion (46) of the mixture past a catalyst (e.g., 41) disposed therein. The second catalytic stage may have an outlet temperature elevated sufficiently to complete oxidation of the mixture without using a separate ignition source. The oxidation completion stage is disposed downstream of the second catalytic stage and may recombine the bypass portion with a catalyst exposed portion (48) of the mixture and complete oxidation of the mixture. The second catalytic stage may also include a reticulated foam support (50), a honeycomb support, a tube support or a plate support.

Dielectric Properties of Poly(ethylene oxide) from Molecular Dynamics Simulations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, Grant D.

1994-01-01

The order, conformations and dynamics of poly(oxyethylene) (POE) melts have been investigated through molecular dynamics simulations. The potential energy functions were determined from detailed ab initio electronic structure calculations of the conformational energies of the model molecules 1,2-dimethoxyethane (DME) and diethylether. The x-ray structure factor for POE from simulation will be compared to experiment. In terms of conformation, simulations reveal that chains are extended in the melt relative to isolated chains due to the presence of strong intermolecular O...H interactions, which occur at the expense of intramolecular O...H interactions. Conformational dynamics about the C-C bond were found to be significantly faster than in polymethylene, while conformational dynamics about the C-O bond even faster than the C-C dynamics. The faster local dynamics in POE relative to polymethylene is consistent with C-13 NMR spin-lattice relaxation experiments. Conformational transitions showed significant second-neighbor correlation, as was found for polymethylene. This correlation of transitions with C-C neighbors was found to be reduced relative to C-O neighbors. Dielectric relaxation from simulation will also be compared with experiment.

Analysis of effect of flameholder characteristics on lean, premixed, partially vaporized fuel-air mixtures quality and nitrogen oxides emissions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cooper, L. P.

1981-01-01

An analysis was conducted of the effect of flameholding devices on the precombustion fuel-air characteristics and on oxides of nitrogen (NOx) emissions for combustion of premixed partially vaporized mixtures. The analysis includes the interrelationships of flameholder droplet collection efficiency, reatomization efficiency and blockage, and the initial droplet size distribution and accounts for the contribution of droplet combustion in partially vaporized mixtures to NOx emissions. Application of the analytical procedures is illustrated and parametric predictions of NOx emissions are presented.

Enhanced Electro-Kinetics of C-C Bond-Splitting during Ethanol Oxidation Reaction using Pt/Rh/Sn Catalyst with a Partially Oxidized Pt and Rh Core and a SnO2 Shell

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

Yang, G.; Su, D.; Frenkel, A. I.

Direct ethanol fuel cell (DEFC) is a promising technology for generating electricity via the electro-oxidation of liquid ethanol. Its implementation requires the development of anode catalysts capable of producing CO 2 and yielding 12-electron transfer through breaking C-C bond of ethanol. Here we presented comprehensive studies of electro-kinetics of the CO 2 generation on Pt/Rh/Sn ternary catalysts. Our studies showed that, for the first time, the tri–phase PtRhOx- SnO 2 catalysts with a partially oxidized Pt and Rh core and a SnO 2 shell, validated by X-ray absorption analyses and scanning transmission electron microscope-electron energy loss spectroscopy line scan, coincidedmore » with a 2.5-fold increase in the CO 2 generation rate towards ethanol oxidation reaction, compared with the bi-phase PtRh-SnO 2 catalysts with a metallic PtRh alloy core and commercial Pt. These studies provided insight on the design of a new genre of electro-catalysts with a partially oxidized noble metal.« less

Oxidation of SiC Fiber-Reinforced SiC Matrix Composites with a BN Interphase

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Opila, Elizabeth; Boyd, Meredith K.

2010-01-01

SiC-fiber reinforced SiC matrix composites with a BN interphase were oxidized in reduced oxygen partial pressures of oxygen to simulate the environment for hypersonic vehicle leading edge applications. The constituent fibers as well as composite coupons were oxidized in oxygen partial pressures ranging from 1000 ppm O2 to 5% O2 balance argon. Exposure temperatures ranged from 816 C to 1353 C (1500 F to 2450 F). The oxidation kinetics of the coated fibers were monitored by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). An initial rapid transient weight gain was observed followed by parabolic kinetics. Possible mechanisms for the transient oxidation are discussed. One edge of the composite coupon seal coat was ground off to simulate damage to the composite which allowed oxygen ingress to the interior of the composite. Oxidation kinetics of the coupons were characterized by scanning electron microscopy since the weight changes were minimal. It was found that sealing of the coupon edge by silica formation occurred. Differences in the amount and morphology of the sealing silica as a function of time, temperature and oxygen partial pressure are discussed. Implications for use of these materials for hypersonic vehicle leading edge materials are summarized.

Enhanced Electro-Kinetics of C-C Bond-Splitting during Ethanol Oxidation Reaction using Pt/Rh/Sn Catalyst with a Partially Oxidized Pt and Rh Core and a SnO2 Shell

DOE PAGES

Yang, G.; Su, D.; Frenkel, A. I.; ...

2016-09-04

Direct ethanol fuel cell (DEFC) is a promising technology for generating electricity via the electro-oxidation of liquid ethanol. Its implementation requires the development of anode catalysts capable of producing CO 2 and yielding 12-electron transfer through breaking C-C bond of ethanol. Here we presented comprehensive studies of electro-kinetics of the CO 2 generation on Pt/Rh/Sn ternary catalysts. Our studies showed that, for the first time, the tri–phase PtRhOx- SnO 2 catalysts with a partially oxidized Pt and Rh core and a SnO 2 shell, validated by X-ray absorption analyses and scanning transmission electron microscope-electron energy loss spectroscopy line scan, coincidedmore » with a 2.5-fold increase in the CO 2 generation rate towards ethanol oxidation reaction, compared with the bi-phase PtRh-SnO 2 catalysts with a metallic PtRh alloy core and commercial Pt. These studies provided insight on the design of a new genre of electro-catalysts with a partially oxidized noble metal.« less

14 CFR 183.25 - Technical personnel examiners.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... § 183.25 Technical personnel examiners. (a) A designated mechanic examiner (DME) (airframe and power plant) may— (1) Accept applications for, and conduct, mechanic, oral and practical tests necessary for issuing mechanic certificates under part 65 of this chapter; and (2) In the discretion of the appropriate...

14 CFR 183.25 - Technical personnel examiners.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... § 183.25 Technical personnel examiners. (a) A designated mechanic examiner (DME) (airframe and power plant) may— (1) Accept applications for, and conduct, mechanic, oral and practical tests necessary for issuing mechanic certificates under part 65 of this chapter; and (2) In the discretion of the appropriate...

14 CFR 183.25 - Technical personnel examiners.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... § 183.25 Technical personnel examiners. (a) A designated mechanic examiner (DME) (airframe and power plant) may— (1) Accept applications for, and conduct, mechanic, oral and practical tests necessary for issuing mechanic certificates under part 65 of this chapter; and (2) In the discretion of the appropriate...

14 CFR 183.25 - Technical personnel examiners.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... § 183.25 Technical personnel examiners. (a) A designated mechanic examiner (DME) (airframe and power plant) may— (1) Accept applications for, and conduct, mechanic, oral and practical tests necessary for issuing mechanic certificates under part 65 of this chapter; and (2) In the discretion of the appropriate...

14 CFR 183.25 - Technical personnel examiners.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... § 183.25 Technical personnel examiners. (a) A designated mechanic examiner (DME) (airframe and power plant) may— (1) Accept applications for, and conduct, mechanic, oral and practical tests necessary for issuing mechanic certificates under part 65 of this chapter; and (2) In the discretion of the appropriate...

14 CFR 171.163 - Reports.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... 14 Aeronautics and Space 3 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Reports. 171.163 Section 171.163... FACILITIES NON-FEDERAL NAVIGATION FACILITIES Distance Measuring Equipment (DME) § 171.163 Reports. The owner of each facility to which this subpart applies shall make the following reports on forms furnished by...

14 CFR 171.163 - Reports.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 14 Aeronautics and Space 3 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Reports. 171.163 Section 171.163... FACILITIES NON-FEDERAL NAVIGATION FACILITIES Distance Measuring Equipment (DME) § 171.163 Reports. The owner of each facility to which this subpart applies shall make the following reports on forms furnished by...

14 CFR 171.163 - Reports.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 14 Aeronautics and Space 3 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Reports. 171.163 Section 171.163... FACILITIES NON-FEDERAL NAVIGATION FACILITIES Distance Measuring Equipment (DME) § 171.163 Reports. The owner of each facility to which this subpart applies shall make the following reports on forms furnished by...

Transformations of C2-C4 alcohols on the surface of a copper catalyst

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Magaeva, A. A.; Lyamina, G. V.; Sudakova, N. N.; Shilyaeva, L. P.; Vodyankina, O. V.

2007-10-01

The interaction of monoatomic alcohols C2-C4 with the surface of a copper catalyst preliminarily oxidized under various conditions was studied by the temperature-programmed reaction method to determine the detailed mechanism of partial oxidation. The conditions of oxygen preadsorption on the surface of copper for the preparation of the desired products were determined. The selective formation of carbonyl compounds was shown to occur at the boundary between reduced and oxidized copper surface regions. The role played by Cu2O was the deep oxidation of alcohols to CO2. Alcohols with branched hydrocarbon structures experienced parallel partial oxidation and dehydrogenation, which was related to the high stability of intermediate keto-type compounds.

Electrochemical components employing polysiloxane-derived binders

DOEpatents

Delnick, Frank M.

2013-06-11

A processed polysiloxane resin binder for use in electrochemical components and the method for fabricating components with the binder. The binder comprises processed polysiloxane resin that is partially oxidized and retains some of its methyl groups following partial oxidation. The binder is suitable for use in electrodes of various types, separators in electrochemical devices, primary lithium batteries, electrolytic capacitors, electrochemical capacitors, fuel cells and sensors.

Catalytic performance of V2O5-MoO3/γ-Al2O3 catalysts for partial oxidation of n-hexane1

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mahmoudian, R.; Khodadadi, Z.; Mahdavi, Vahid; Salehi, Mohammed

2016-01-01

In the current study, a series of V2O5-MoO3 catalyst supported on γ-Al2O3 with various V2O5 and MoO3 loadings was prepared by wet impregnation technique. The characterization of prepared catalysts includes BET surface area, powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), and oxygen chemisorptions. The partial oxidation of n-hexane by air over V2O5-MoO3/γ-Al2O3 catalysts was carried out under flow condition in a fixed bed glass reactor. The effect of V2O5 loading, temperature, MoO3 loading, and n-hexane LHSV on the n-hexane conversion and the product selectivity were investigated. The partial oxygenated products of n-hexane oxidation were ethanol, acetic anhydride, acetic acid, and acetaldehyde. The 10% V2O5-1%MoO3/γ-Al2O3 was found in most active and selective catalyst during partial oxidation of n-hexane. The results indicated that by increasing the temperature, the n-hexane conversion increases as well, although the selectivity of the products passes through a maximum by increasing the temperature.

Early diagenetic partial oxidation of organic matter and sulfides in the Middle Pennsylvanian (Desmoinesian) Excello Shale Member of the Fort Scott Limestone and equivalents, northern Midcontinent region, USA

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hatch, J.R.; Leventhal, M.S.

1997-01-01

A process of early diagenetic partial oxidation of organic matter and sulfides has altered the chemical composition of the Middle Pennsylvanian Excello Shale Member of the Fort Scott Limestone and equivalents in the northern Midcontinent region. This process was identified by comparison of organic carbon contents, Rock-Eval hydrogen indices, organic carbon ??13C and element compositions of core and surface mine samples of the Excello Shale Member with analyses of three other underlying and overlying organic-matter-rich marine shales (offshore shale lithofacies) from southern Iowa, northern Missouri, eastern Kansas and northeastern Oklahoma. The end product of the partial oxidation process is shale with relatively low contents of hydrogen-poor, C13-enriched organic matter, lower contents of sulfur and sulfide-forming elements, and relatively unchanged contents of phosphorus and many trace elements (e.g. Cr, Ni, and V). However, because of lower organic carbon contents, element/organic carbon ratios are greatly increased. The partial oxidation process apparently took place during subaerial exposure of the overlying marine carbonate member (Blackjack Creek Member of the Fort Scott Limestone) following a marine regression when meteoric waters percolated down to the level of the Excello muds allowing oxidation of organic matter and sulfides. This hypothesis is supported by earlier workers, who have identified meteoric carbonate cements within, and soil horizons at the top of the Blackjack Creek Member. The period of oxidation is constrained in that organic matter and sulfides in the Little Osage Shale Member of the Fort Scott Limestone and equivalents (immediately overlying the Blackjack Creek Member) appear unaltered. Similar alteration of other shales in the Middle and Upper Pennsylvanian sections may be local to regional in extent and would depend on the extent and duration of the marine regression and be influenced by local variations in permeability and topography. The partial oxidation process has likely led to a redistribution of sulfur and sulfide-forming elements into other organic-rich lithologies in the section. The altered/oxidized shales are nongenerative with respect to hydrocarbon generation.

Partially Premixed Flame (PPF) Research for Fire Safety

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Puri, Ishwar K.; Aggarwal, Suresh K.; Lock, Andrew J.; Hegde, Uday

2004-01-01

Incipient fires typically occur after the partial premixing of fuel and oxidizer. The mixing of product species into the fuel/oxidizer mixture influences flame stabilization and fire spread. Therefore, it is important to characterize the impact of different levels of fuel/oxidizer/product mixing on flame stabilization, liftoff and extinguishment under different gravity conditions. With regard to fire protection, the agent concentration required to achieve flame suppression is an important consideration. The initial stage of an unwanted fire in a microgravity environment will depend on the level of partial premixing and the local conditions such as air currents generated by the fire itself and any forced ventilation (that influence agent and product mixing into the fire). The motivation of our investigation is to characterize these impacts in a systematic and fundamental manner.

Sunlight Controls Water Column Processing of Carbon in Arctic Freshwaters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cory, R. M.; Ward, C. P.; Crump, B. C.; Kling, G. W.

2014-12-01

Carbon (C) in thawing permafrost soils may have global impacts on climate change, yet controls on its processing and fate are poorly understood. The dominant fate of dissolved organic C (DOC) released from soils to inland waters is either complete oxidation to CO2 or partial oxidation and river export to oceans. Both processes are most often attributed to bacterial respiration, but we recently showed that photochemical oxidation exceeds rates of respiration and accounts for 70-95% of total DOC processed in the water column of arctic lakes and rivers. While the overall dominance of photochemical processing in streams and lakes remained, the fate of DOC varied consistently by water type. In small streams DOC was mainly mineralized by sunlight to CO2, while in lakes the main fate of DOC was partial photo-oxidation. Large rivers were intermediate between these end members, and photo-mineralization to CO2 was about equal to or less than partial photo-oxidation. We suggest this pattern is a result of light-exposure history, where DOC leached from soils into headwater streams has little prior light exposure and is labile to complete photo-oxidation, but as light exposure increases moving downstream and into lakes with longer residence times the DOC photo-lability declines. Thus as easily photo-mineralized moieties are removed, DOC fate shifts toward partial photo-oxidation and downstream export in rivers and lakes. At the basin scale, photochemical processing of DOC is about one third of the total CO2 released from surface waters, and is thus an important, newly measured component of the Arctic C budget. We also suggest that these photochemical transformations of DOC will occur in any shallow surface water, and could be important for better understanding inland water carbon cycling.

75 FR 9095 - Standard Instrument Approach Procedures, and Takeoff Minimums and Obstacle Departure Procedures...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-03-01

... Hayden, CO, Yampa Valley, ILS OR LOC/DME Y RWY 10, Amdt 3 Hayden, CO, Yampa Valley, RNAV (GPS) RWY 28, Amdt 1 Hayden, CO, Yampa Valley, RNAV (GPS) Y RWY 10, Amdt 2 Hayden, CO, Yampa Valley, RNAV (RNP) Z RWY...

78 FR 77791 - Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern Railroad Corporation-Abandonment Exemption-in Scott County, Iowa

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-12-24

... DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Surface Transportation Board [Docket No. AB 337 (Sub-No. 7X)] Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern Railroad Corporation--Abandonment Exemption--in Scott County, Iowa Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern Railroad Corporation d/b/a Canadian Pacific (DM&E) has filed a verified notice of exemption under...

42 CFR 410.152 - Amounts of payment.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... section.) (b) Basic rules for payment. Except as specified in paragraphs (c) through (h) of this section.... (c) Amount of payment: Home health services other than durable medical equipment (DME). For home... approved in accordance with part 494 of this chapter. (2) Exception. If a home dialysis patient elects to...

76 FR 6050 - Standard Instrument Approach Procedures, and Takeoff Minimums and Obstacle Departure Procedures...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-02-03

... Medford Rogue Valley Intl- 1/0369 1/5/11 ILS OR LOC/DME RWY 14, Amdt 2 Medford. 10-Mar-11 NM Roswell Roswell Intl Air 1/0543 1/7/11 Takeoff Minimums and Obstacle DP, Orig Center. 10-Mar-11 TX El Paso Horizon...

Alternative Fuels Data Center: Dimethyl Ether

Science.gov Websites

Hydrocarbon Biofuels Dimethyl Ether Dimethyl ether (DME) is a synthetically produced alternative to diesel for use in specially designed compression ignition diesel engines. Under normal atmospheric conditions ether has several fuel properties that make it attractive for use in diesel engines. It has a very high

75 FR 6790 - Nebraska Northwestern Railroad, Inc.-Acquisition and Operation Exemption-Dakota, Minnesota...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-02-10

... DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Surface Transportation Board [STB Finance Docket No. 35346] Nebraska... involve any agreement between it and DM&E that would limit NNW's future ability to interchange traffic... becomes effective). An original and 10 copies of all pleadings, referring to STB Finance Docket No. 35346...

77 FR 44721 - Medicare Program; Revisions to Payment Policies Under the Physician Fee Schedule, DME Face to...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-07-30

... Classification of Diseases IMRT Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy IOM Internet-only Manual IPCI Indirect... RIA Regulatory impact analysis RVU Relative value unit SBRT Stereotactic body radiation therapy SGR... adjust the payment rates for two common radiation oncology treatment delivery methods, intensity...

77 FR 68891 - Medicare Program; Revisions to Payment Policies Under the Physician Fee Schedule, DME Face-to...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-11-16

... Area ICD International Classification of Diseases IMRT Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy IOM... Stereotactic body radiation therapy SGR Sustainable growth rate TC Technical component TIN Tax identification... Clinical Lab Fee Schedule, which is unaffected by the misvalued code initiative. Radiation therapy centers...

Cockpit voice recognition program at Princeton University

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Huang, C. Y.

1983-01-01

Voice recognition technology (VRT) is applied to aeronautics, particularly on the pilot workload alleviation. The VRT does not have to prove its maturity any longer. The feasibility of voice tuning of radio and DME are demonstrated since there are immediate advantages to the pilot and can be completed in a reasonable time.

78 FR 65555 - Establishment of Class E Airspace; Salmon, ID

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-11-01

...-0531; Airspace Docket No. 13-ANM-20] Establishment of Class E Airspace; Salmon, ID AGENCY: Federal... at the Salmon VHF Omni-Directional Radio Range/Distance Measuring Equipment (VOR/DME) navigation aid, Salmon, ID, to facilitate vectoring of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) aircraft under control of Salt Lake...

78 FR 45478 - Proposed Establishment of Class E Airspace; Salmon, ID

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-07-29

...-0531; Airspace Docket No. 13-ANM-20] Proposed Establishment of Class E Airspace; Salmon, ID AGENCY... action proposes to establish Class E airspace at the Salmon VHF Omni-Directional Radio Range/Distance Measuring Equipment (VOR/DME) navigation aid, Salmon, ID, to facilitate vectoring of Instrument Flight Rules...

47 CFR 87.171 - Class of station symbols.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... systems AXO—Aeronautical operational fixed DGP—Differential GPS DLT—Aircraft data link land test FA...—Radionavigation land test RLW—Microwave landing system RNV—Radio Navigation Land/DME RPC—Ramp Control TJ—Aircraft earth station in the Aeronautical Mobile-Satellite Service UAT—Universal Access Transceiver [53 FR 28940...

Uranium and minor-element partitioning in Fe-Ti oxides and zircon from partially melted granodiorite, Crater Lake, Oregon

USGS Publications Warehouse

Tourrette, T.Z.L.; Burnett, D.S.; Bacon, C.R.

1991-01-01

Crystal-liquid partitioning in Fe-Ti oxides and zircon was studied in partially melted granodiorite blocks ejected during the climactic eruption of Mt. Mazama (Crater Lake), Oregon. The blocks, which contain up to 33% rhyolite glass (75 wt% SiO2), are interpreted to be portions of the magma chamber walls that were torn off during eruption. The glass is clear and well homogenized for all measured elements except Zr. Results for Fe-Ti oxides give DUoxide/liq ??? 0.1. Partitioning of Mg, Mn, Al, Si, V, and Cr in Fe-Ti oxides indicates that grains surrounded by glass are moderately well equilibrated with the melt for many of the minor elements, while those that are inclusions in relict plagioclase are not. Uranium and ytterbium inhomogeneities in zircons indicate that the zircons have only partially equilibrated with the melt and that uranium appears to have been diffusing out of the zircons faster than the zircons were dissolving. Minimum U, Y, and P concentrations in zircons give maximum DUzrc/liq = 13,DYzrc/liq = 23, and DPzrc/liq = 1, but these are considerably lower than reported by other workers for U and Y. Based on our measurements and given their low abundances in most rocks, Fe-Ti oxides probably do not play a major role in U-Th fractionation during partial melting. The partial melts were undersaturated with zircon and apatite, but both phases are present in our samples. This demonstrates an actual case of non-equilibrium source retention of accessory phases, which in general could be an important trace-element fractionation mechanism. Our results do not support the hypothesis that liquid structure is the dominant factor controlling trace-element partitioning in high-silica rhyolites. Rough calculations based on Zr gradients in the glass indicate that the samples could have been partially molten for 800 to 8000 years. ?? 1991.

A Theoretical Study of Methanol Oxidation on RuO 2(110): Bridging the Pressure Gap

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

Latimer, Allegra A.; Abild-Pedersen, Frank; Norskov, Jens K.

Partial oxidation catalysis is often fraught with selectivity problems, largely because there is a tendency of oxidation products to be more reactive than the starting material. One industrial process that has successfully overcome this problem is partial oxidation of methanol to formaldehyde. This process has become a global success, with an annual production of 30 million tons. Although ruthenium catalysts have not shown activity as high as the current molybdena or silver-based industrial standards, the study of ruthenium systems has the potential to elucidate which catalyst properties facilitate the desired partial oxidation reaction as opposed to deep combustion due tomore » a pressure-dependent selectivity “switch” that has been observed in ruthenium-based catalysts. In this work, we find that we are able to successfully rationalize this “pressure gap” using near-ab initio steady-state microkinetic modeling on RuO 2(110). We obtain molecular desorption prefactors from experiment and determine all other energetics using density functional theory. We show that, under ambient pressure conditions, formaldehyde production is favored on RuO 2(110), whereas under ultrahigh vacuum pressure conditions, full combustion to CO 2 takes place. We glean from our model several insights regarding how coverage effects, oxygen activity, and rate-determining steps influence selectivity and activity. As a result, we believe the understanding gained in this work might advise and inspire the greater partial oxidation community and be applied to other catalytic processes which have not yet found industrial success.« less

A Theoretical Study of Methanol Oxidation on RuO 2(110): Bridging the Pressure Gap

DOE PAGES

Latimer, Allegra A.; Abild-Pedersen, Frank; Norskov, Jens K.

2017-05-26

Partial oxidation catalysis is often fraught with selectivity problems, largely because there is a tendency of oxidation products to be more reactive than the starting material. One industrial process that has successfully overcome this problem is partial oxidation of methanol to formaldehyde. This process has become a global success, with an annual production of 30 million tons. Although ruthenium catalysts have not shown activity as high as the current molybdena or silver-based industrial standards, the study of ruthenium systems has the potential to elucidate which catalyst properties facilitate the desired partial oxidation reaction as opposed to deep combustion due tomore » a pressure-dependent selectivity “switch” that has been observed in ruthenium-based catalysts. In this work, we find that we are able to successfully rationalize this “pressure gap” using near-ab initio steady-state microkinetic modeling on RuO 2(110). We obtain molecular desorption prefactors from experiment and determine all other energetics using density functional theory. We show that, under ambient pressure conditions, formaldehyde production is favored on RuO 2(110), whereas under ultrahigh vacuum pressure conditions, full combustion to CO 2 takes place. We glean from our model several insights regarding how coverage effects, oxygen activity, and rate-determining steps influence selectivity and activity. As a result, we believe the understanding gained in this work might advise and inspire the greater partial oxidation community and be applied to other catalytic processes which have not yet found industrial success.« less

Catalytic oxidation of light alkanes in presence of a base

DOEpatents

Bhinde, Manoj V.; Bierl, Thomas W.

1998-01-01

The presence of a base in the reaction mixture in a metal-ligand catalyzed partial oxidation of alkanes results in sustained catalyst activity, and in greater percent conversion as compared with oxidation in the absence of base, while maintaining satisfactory selectivity for the desired oxidation, for example the oxidation of isobutane to isobutanol.

Sulfur control in ion-conducting membrane systems

DOEpatents

Stein, VanEric Edward; Richards, Robin Edward; Brengel, David Douglas; Carolan, Michael Francis

2003-08-05

A method for controlling the sulfur dioxide partial pressure in a pressurized, heated, oxygen-containing gas mixture which is contacted with an ion-conducting metallic oxide membrane which permeates oxygen ions. The sulfur dioxide partial pressure in the oxygen-depleted non-permeate gas from the membrane module is maintained below a critical sulfur dioxide partial pressure, p.sub.SO2 *, to protect the membrane material from reacting with sulfur dioxide and reducing the oxygen flux of the membrane. Each ion-conducting metallic oxide material has a characteristic critical sulfur dioxide partial pressure which is useful in determining the required level of sulfur removal from the feed gas and/or from the fuel gas used in a direct-fired feed gas heater.

Fast start-up reactor for partial oxidation of methane with electrically-heated metallic monolith catalyst

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jung, Heon; Yoon, Wang Lai; Lee, Hotae; Park, Jong Soo; Shin, Jang Sik; La, Howon; Lee, Jong Dae

A palladium-washcoated metallic monolith catalyst is applied to the partial oxidation of methane to syngas. This catalyst is highly active at a gas hourly space velocity (GHSV) of 100,000 h -1. The compact partial oxidation (POX) reactor equipped with both 96 cc of the metallic monolith catalyst and an electrically-heated catalyst (EHC) has a start-up time of less than 1.5 min and a syngas generation capacity of 9.5 Nm 3 h -1. The POX reaction is sustained without the need for an external heater. With the stand-alone POX reactor, the methane conversion can be increased either by preheating the reactant mixture heat-exchanged with the product gas, or by supplying a larger amount of oxygen than is necessary for the reaction stoichiometry.

Selective Oxidation and Reactive Wetting during Galvanizing of a CMnAl TRIP-Assisted Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bellhouse, E. M.; McDermid, J. R.

2011-09-01

A transformation induced plasticity (TRIP)-assisted steel with 0.2 pct C, 1.5 pct Mn, and 1.5 pct Al was successfully galvanized using a thermal cycle previously shown to produce an excellent combination of strength and ductility. The steel surface chemistry and oxide morphology were determined as a function of process atmosphere oxygen partial pressure. For the 220 K (-53 °C) dew point (dp) + 20 pct H2 atmosphere, the oxide morphology was a mixture of films and nodules. For the 243 K (-30 °C) dp + 5 pct H2 atmosphere, nodules of MnO were found primarily at grain boundaries. For the 278 K (+5 °C) dp + 5 pct H2 atmosphere, nodules of metallic Fe were found on the surface as a result of alloy element internal oxidation. The steel surface chemistry and oxide morphology were then related to the reactive wetting behavior during continuous hot dip galvanizing. Good wetting was obtained using the two lower oxygen partial pressure process atmospheres [220 K dp and 243 K dp (-53 °C dp and -30 °C dp)]. An increase in the number of bare spots was observed when using the higher oxygen partial pressure process atmosphere (+5 °C dp) due to the increased thickness of localized oxide films.

Complete and Partial Photo-oxidation of Dissolved Organic Matter Draining Permafrost Soils.

PubMed

Ward, Collin P; Cory, Rose M

2016-04-05

Photochemical degradation of dissolved organic matter (DOM) to carbon dioxide (CO2) and partially oxidized compounds is an important component of the carbon cycle in the Arctic. Thawing permafrost soils will change the chemical composition of DOM exported to arctic surface waters, but the molecular controls on DOM photodegradation remain poorly understood, making it difficult to predict how inputs of thawing permafrost DOM may alter its photodegradation. To address this knowledge gap, we quantified the susceptibility of DOM draining the shallow organic mat and the deeper permafrost layer of arctic soils to complete and partial photo-oxidation and investigated changes in the chemical composition of each DOM source following sunlight exposure. Permafrost and organic mat DOM had similar lability to photomineralization despite substantial differences in initial chemical composition. Concurrent losses of carboxyl moieties and shifts in chemical composition during photodegradation indicated that photodecarboxylation could account for 40-90% of DOM photomineralized to CO2. Permafrost DOM had a higher susceptibility to partial photo-oxidation compared to organic mat DOM, potentially due to a lower abundance of phenolic moieties with antioxidant properties. These results suggest that photodegradation will likely continue to be an important control on DOM fate in arctic freshwaters as the climate warms and permafrost soils thaw.

Effects of inoculum type and bulk dissolved oxygen concentration on achieving partial nitrification by entrapped-cell-based reactors.

PubMed

Rongsayamanont, Chaiwat; Limpiyakorn, Tawan; Khan, Eakalak

2014-07-01

An entrapment of nitrifiers into gel matrix is employed as a tool to fulfill partial nitrification under non-limiting dissolved oxygen (DO) concentrations in bulk solutions. This study aims to clarify which of these two attributes, inoculum type and DO concentration in bulk solutions, is the decisive factor for partial nitrification in an entrapped-cell based system. Four polyvinyl alcohol entrapped inocula were prepared to have different proportions of nitrite-oxidizing bacteria (NOB) and nitrite-oxidizing activity. At a DO concentration of 3 mg l(-1), the number of active NOB cells in an inoculum was the decisive factor for partial nitrification enhancement. However, when the DO concentration was reduced to 2 mg l(-1), all entrapped cell inocula showed similar degrees of partial nitrification. The results suggested that with the lower bulk DO concentration, the preparation of entrapped cell inocula is not useful as the DO level becomes the decisive factor for achieving partial nitrification. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effect of PEEP and inhaled nitric oxide on pulmonary gas exchange during gaseous and partial liquid ventilation with small volumes of perfluorocarbon.

PubMed

Max, M; Kuhlen, R; Falter, F; Reyle-Hahn, M; Dembinski, R; Rossaint, R

2000-04-01

Partial liquid ventilation, positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) and inhaled nitric oxide (NO) can improve ventilation/perfusion mismatch in acute lung injury (ALI). The aim of the present study was to compare gas exchange and hemodynamics in experimental ALI during gaseous and partial liquid ventilation at two different levels of PEEP, with and without the inhalation of nitric oxide. Seven pigs (24+/-2 kg BW) were surfactant-depleted by repeated lung lavage with saline. Gas exchange and hemodynamic parameters were assessed in all animals during gaseous and subsequent partial liquid ventilation at two levels of PEEP (5 and 15 cmH2O) and intermittent inhalation of 10 ppm NO. Arterial oxygenation increased significantly with a simultaneous decrease in cardiac output when PEEP 15 cmH2O was applied during gaseous and partial liquid ventilation. All other hemodynamic parameters revealed no relevant changes. Inhalation of NO and instillation of perfluorocarbon had no additive effects on pulmonary gas exchange when compared to PEEP 15 cmH2O alone. In experimental lung injury, improvements in gas exchange are most distinct during mechanical ventilation with PEEP 15 cmH2O without significantly impairing hemodynamics. Partial liquid ventilation and inhaled NO did not cause an additive increase of PaO2.

Catalytic oxidation of light alkanes in presence of a base

DOEpatents

Bhinde, M.V.; Bierl, T.W.

1998-03-03

The presence of a base in the reaction mixture in a metal-ligand catalyzed partial oxidation of alkanes results in sustained catalyst activity, and in greater percent conversion as compared with oxidation in the absence of base, while maintaining satisfactory selectivity for the desired oxidation, for example the oxidation of isobutane to isobutanol. 1 fig.

42 CFR 413.13 - Amount of payment if customary charges for services furnished are less than reasonable costs.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

....330 et seq. (d) Exclusions from reasonable cost. For purposes of comparison with customary charges... education costs. (e) Reductions in customary charges. Customary charges are reduced in proportion to the... services, with the exception of DME, are considered together. (iii) Graduate medical education. When making...

42 CFR 413.13 - Amount of payment if customary charges for services furnished are less than reasonable costs.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

....330 et seq. (d) Exclusions from reasonable cost. For purposes of comparison with customary charges... education costs. (e) Reductions in customary charges. Customary charges are reduced in proportion to the... services, with the exception of DME, are considered together. (iii) Graduate medical education. When making...

42 CFR 413.13 - Amount of payment if customary charges for services furnished are less than reasonable costs.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

....330 et seq. (d) Exclusions from reasonable cost. For purposes of comparison with customary charges... education costs. (e) Reductions in customary charges. Customary charges are reduced in proportion to the... services, with the exception of DME, are considered together. (iii) Graduate medical education. When making...

42 CFR 413.13 - Amount of payment if customary charges for services furnished are less than reasonable costs.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

...) Exclusions from reasonable cost. For purposes of comparison with customary charges under this section... section for making nominal charge determinations in special situations, graduate medical education costs... exception of DME, are considered together. (iii) Graduate medical education. When making the nominal charge...

14 CFR 93.350 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... AND GENERAL OPERATING RULES SPECIAL AIR TRAFFIC RULES New York Class B Airspace Hudson River and East... Exclusion, as defined in paragraph (d) of this section, from one end to the other. (c) New York Class B... the LGA VOR/DME 6-mile arc to the north tip of Roosevelt Island. (d) New York Class B airspace Hudson...

78 FR 18268 - Proposed Establishment of Class E Airspace; Blue Mesa, CO

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-03-26

...-0193; Airspace Docket No. 13-ANM-9] Proposed Establishment of Class E Airspace; Blue Mesa, CO AGENCY... action proposes to establish Class E airspace at the Blue Mesa VHF Omni-Directional Radio Range/Distance Measuring Equipment (VOR/DME), Blue Mesa, CO to facilitate vectoring of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR...

75 FR 2105 - Publication of OIG Updated Special Fraud Alert on Telemarketing by Durable Medical Equipment...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-01-14

... Inspector General Publication of OIG Updated Special Fraud Alert on Telemarketing by Durable Medical... Register notice sets forth the recently issued OIG Updated Special Fraud Alert addressing telemarketing by durable medical equipment (DME) suppliers. For the most part, OIG Special Fraud Alerts address national...

75 FR 35627 - Standard Instrument Approach Procedures, and Takeoff Minimums and Obstacle Departure Procedures...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-06-23

... Diego Montgomery Field.... 0/4634 6/9/10 TAKEOFF MINIMUMS AND OBSTACLE DP, AMDT 3. 29-Jul-10 CQ Saipan Francisco C. Ada/ 0/9757 3/16/10 ILS OR LOC/DME RWY 7, AMDT 5A. Saipan Intl. [FR Doc. 2010-14980 Filed 6-22...

78 FR 40271 - Medicare and Medicaid Programs; Home Health Prospective Payment System Rate Update for CY 2014...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-07-03

... care hospital length of stay. ADL Activities of daily living. AHRQ Agency for Healthcare Research and.... DHHS Department of Health and Human Services. DM Diabetes mellitus. DME Durable medical equipment. DRA... payment [Adjustment]. POC Plan of care. PRRB Provider Reimbursement Review Board. PT Physical therapy. QAP...

14 CFR 93.350 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... direct to the southwestern tip of Governors Island, thence north along a line direct to the southwest tip of Manhattan Island, thence north along the west bank of the East River to the LGA VOR/DME 6-mile arc, thence counterclockwise along the 6-mile arc to the east bank of the East River, thence south along the...

77 FR 71493 - Amendment of VOR Federal Airway V-8 in the Vicinity of Rifle, CO

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-12-03

... contained in the FAA's aeronautical database, matches the depiction on the associated charts, and to ensure... airway information contained in the FAA's aeronautical database or the charted depiction of the airway.../ DME was inadvertently deleted from the airway description. The FAA aeronautical database retained the...

Properties of the Flight Model Gas Electron Multiplier for the GEMS Mission

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Takeuchi, Yoko; Kitaguchi, Takao; Hayato, Asami; Tamagawa, Toru; Iwakiri, Wataru; Asami, Fumi; Yoshikawa, Akifumi; Kaneko, Kenta; Enoto, Teruaki; Black, Kevin;

Direct magnitude estimates of speech intelligibility in dysarthria: effects of a chosen standard.

PubMed

Weismer, Gary; Laures, Jacqueline S

2002-06-01

Direct magnitude estimation (DME) has been used frequently as a perceptual scaling technique in studies of the speech intelligibility of persons with speech disorders. The technique is typically used with a standard, or reference stimulus, chosen as a good exemplar of "midrange" intelligibility. In several published studies, the standard has been chosen subjectively, usually on the basis of the expertise of the investigators. The current experiment demonstrates that a fixed set of sentence-level utterances, obtained from 4 individuals with dysarthria (2 with Parkinson disease, 2 with traumatic brain injury) as well as 3 neurologically normal speakers, is scaled differently depending on the identity of the standard. Four different standards were used in the main experiment, three of which were judged qualitatively in two independent evaluations to be good exemplars of midrange intelligibility. Acoustic analyses did not reveal obvious differences between these four standards but suggested that the standard with the worst-scaled intelligibility had much poorer voice source characteristics compared to the other three standards. Results are discussed in terms of possible standardization of midrange intelligibility exemplars for DME experiments.

Ethanol and other oxygenateds from low grade carbonaceous resources

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

Joo, O.S.; Jung, K.D.; Han, S.H.

1995-12-31

Anhydrous ethanol and other oxygenates of C2 up can be produced quite competitively from low grade carbonaceous resources in high yield via gasification, methanol synthesis, carbonylation of methanol an hydrogenation consecutively. Gas phase carbonylation of methanol to form methyl acetate is the key step for the whole process. Methyl acetate can be produced very selectively in one step gas phase reaction on a fixed bed column reactor with GHSV over 5,000. The consecutive hydrogenation of methyl or ethyl acetate produce anhydrous ethanol in high purity. It is also attempted to co-produce methanol and DME in IGCC, in which low grademore » carbonaceous resources are used as energy sources, and the surplus power and pre-power gas can be stored in liquid form of methanol and DME during base load time. Further integration of C2 up oxygenate production with IGCC can improve its economics. The attempt of above extensive technology integration can generate significant industrial profitability as well as reduce the environmental complication related with massive energy consumption.« less

Jet Noise Modeling for Supersonic Business Jet Application

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stone, James R.; Krejsa, Eugene A.; Clark, Bruce J.

2004-01-01

This document describes the development of an improved predictive model for coannular jet noise, including noise suppression modifications applicable to small supersonic-cruise aircraft such as the Supersonic Business Jet (SBJ), for NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC). For such aircraft a wide range of propulsion and integration options are under consideration. Thus there is a need for very versatile design tools, including a noise prediction model. The approach used is similar to that used with great success by the Modern Technologies Corporation (MTC) in developing a noise prediction model for two-dimensional mixer ejector (2DME) nozzles under the High Speed Research Program and in developing a more recent model for coannular nozzles over a wide range of conditions. If highly suppressed configurations are ultimately required, the 2DME model is expected to provide reasonable prediction for these smaller scales, although this has not been demonstrated. It is considered likely that more modest suppression approaches, such as dual stream nozzles featuring chevron or chute suppressors, perhaps in conjunction with inverted velocity profiles (IVP), will be sufficient for the SBJ.

Bismuth Oxide Nanoparticles Partially Substituted with EuIII, MnIV, and SiIV: Structural, Spectroscopic, and Optical Findings.

PubMed

Ortiz-Quiñonez, José-Luis; Zumeta-Dubé, Inti; Díaz, David; Nava-Etzana, Noel; Cruz-Zaragoza, Epifanio; Santiago-Jacinto, Patricia

2017-03-20

Interest in nanostructured partially substituted bismuth oxides has been increasing over the last years. Research on new synthesis methods, properties, and possible uses for these oxides is needed. The objective of this paper is to synthesize β-Bi 2 O 3 , β-Bi 2 O 3 :Eu 3+ , β-Bi 2 O 3 :Mn 4+ , Bi 12 Bi 0.8 O 19.2 , Bi 12 Bi 0.8 O 19.2 /Li + , Bi 12 MnO 20 , and Bi 12 SiO 20 nanoparticles and to investigate their structural, spectroscopic, and optical changes. Some of the causes that generated their properties are also discussed. These materials are important because the doping or partial substitution of bismuth oxide with these cations (Eu 3+ , Mn 4+ , and Si 4+ ) modifies some properties such as optical absorption, reactivity toward CO 2 , among others. X-ray diffraction (in powders), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), resonance Raman scattering, diffuse reflectance, and solid-state magic-angle-spinning 29 Si NMR were used for the characterization of the synthesized materials. We found that partial substitution of yellow Bi 12 Bi 0.8 O 19.2 with Mn 4+ and Si 4+ changed the color to green and whitish, respectively. New bands in the Raman scattering and FTIR spectra of these oxides are deeply discussed. Raman scattering spectroscopy was a valuable and reliable technique to detect the Eu 3+ and Mn 4+ cations as dopants in the bismuth oxides. The 29 Si chemical shift (δ) in Bi 12 SiO 20 was -78.16 ppm, whereas in SiO 2 , it was around -110 ppm. This considerable shift in Bi 12 SiO 20 occurred because of an increased shielding of the Si nucleus in the Si(O) 4 tetrahedron. This shielding was provided by the low-electronegativity and highly polarizable Bi cations. The isovalent doping of β-Bi 2 O 3 nanoparticles with Eu 3+ enhanced their thermal stability over 400 °C. Variation in the optical absorption and reactivity toward the acidic CO 2 molecule of the partially substituted bismuth oxides was explained on the basis of the optical basicity and ionic-covalent parameter concepts. Some possible uses for the synthesized oxides are suggested.

Autothermal hydrogen storage and delivery systems

DOEpatents

Pez, Guido Peter [Allentown, PA; Cooper, Alan Charles [Macungie, PA; Scott, Aaron Raymond [Allentown, PA

2011-08-23

Processes are provided for the storage and release of hydrogen by means of dehydrogenation of hydrogen carrier compositions where at least part of the heat of dehydrogenation is provided by a hydrogen-reversible selective oxidation of the carrier. Autothermal generation of hydrogen is achieved wherein sufficient heat is provided to sustain the at least partial endothermic dehydrogenation of the carrier at reaction temperature. The at least partially dehydrogenated and at least partially selectively oxidized liquid carrier is regenerated in a catalytic hydrogenation process where apart from an incidental employment of process heat, gaseous hydrogen is the primary source of reversibly contained hydrogen and the necessary reaction energy.

Hydrogen rich gas generator

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Houseman, J. (Inventor)

1976-01-01

A process and apparatus is described for producing a hydrogen rich gas by introducing a liquid hydrocarbon fuel in the form of a spray into a partial oxidation region and mixing with a mixture of steam and air that is preheated by indirect heat exchange with the formed hydrogen rich gas, igniting the hydrocarbon fuel spray mixed with the preheated mixture of steam and air within the partial oxidation region to form a hydrogen rich gas.

Methanol partial oxidation on Ag(111) from first principles

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

Aljama, Hassan; Yoo, Jong Suk; Nørskov, Jens K.

In this work, we examine the thermochemistry and kinetics of the partial oxidation of methanol to formaldehyde on silver surfaces. Periodic density functional theory calculations employing the BEEF-vdW functional are used to identify the most stable phases of the silver surface under relevant reaction conditions and the reaction energetics are obtained on these surfaces. The calculated binding energies and transition state energies are used as input in a mean-field microkinetic model providing the reaction kinetics on silver surfaces under different reaction conditions. Our results show that, under conditions pertaining to methanol partial oxidation, oxygen is present at low concentrations andmore » it plays a critical role in the catalytic reaction. Surface oxygen promotes the reaction by activating the OH bond in methanol, thus forming a methoxy intermediate, which can react further to form formaldehyde. Finally, the dissociation of molecular oxygen is identified as the most critical step.« less

Methanol partial oxidation on Ag(111) from first principles

DOE PAGES

Aljama, Hassan; Yoo, Jong Suk; Nørskov, Jens K.; ...

2016-10-26

In this work, we examine the thermochemistry and kinetics of the partial oxidation of methanol to formaldehyde on silver surfaces. Periodic density functional theory calculations employing the BEEF-vdW functional are used to identify the most stable phases of the silver surface under relevant reaction conditions and the reaction energetics are obtained on these surfaces. The calculated binding energies and transition state energies are used as input in a mean-field microkinetic model providing the reaction kinetics on silver surfaces under different reaction conditions. Our results show that, under conditions pertaining to methanol partial oxidation, oxygen is present at low concentrations andmore » it plays a critical role in the catalytic reaction. Surface oxygen promotes the reaction by activating the OH bond in methanol, thus forming a methoxy intermediate, which can react further to form formaldehyde. Finally, the dissociation of molecular oxygen is identified as the most critical step.« less

Magnetic properties of partially oxidized Fe films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Garcia, Miguel Angel; Lopez-Dominguez, Victor; Hernando, Antonio

Hybrid magnetic nanostructures exhibit appealing properties due to interface and proximity effects. A simple and interesting system of hybrid magnetic nanomaterials are partially oxidized ferromagnetic films. We have fabricated Fe films by thermal evaporation and performed a partial oxidation to magnetite (Fe3O4) by annealing in air at different times and temperatures. The magnetic properties of the films evolve from those of pure metallic iron to pure magnetite, showing intermediate states where the proximity effects control the magnetic behavior. At some stages, the magnetization curves obtained by SQUID and MOKE magnetometry exhibit important differences due to the dissimilar contribution of both phases to the magneto-optical response of the system This work has been supported by the Ministerio Español de Economia y Competitividad (MINECO) MAT2013-48009-C4-1. V.L.D and M.A.G. acknowledges financial support from BBVA foundation.

The change of steel surface chemistry regarding oxygen partial pressure and dew point

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Norden, Martin; Blumenau, Marc; Wuttke, Thiemo; Peters, Klaus-Josef

2013-04-01

By investigating the surface state of a Ti-IF, TiNb-IF and a MnCr-DP after several series of intercritical annealing, the impact of the annealing gas composition on the selective oxidation process is discussed. On behalf of the presented results, it can be concluded that not the general oxygen partial pressure in the annealing furnace, which is a result of the equilibrium reaction of water and hydrogen, is the main driving force for the selective oxidation process. It is shown that the amounts of adsorbed gases at the strip surface and the effective oxygen partial pressure resulting from the adsorbed gases, which is mainly dependent on the water content of the annealing furnace, is driving the selective oxidation processes occurring during intercritical annealing. Thus it is concluded, that for industrial applications the dew point must be the key parameter value for process control.

Bactericidal activity of partially oxidized nanodiamonds.

PubMed

Wehling, Julia; Dringen, Ralf; Zare, Richard N; Maas, Michael; Rezwan, Kurosch

2014-06-24

Nanodiamonds are a class of carbon-based nanoparticles that are rapidly gaining attention, particularly for biomedical applications, i.e., as drug carriers, for bioimaging, or as implant coatings. Nanodiamonds have generally been considered biocompatible with a broad variety of eukaryotic cells. We show that, depending on their surface composition, nanodiamonds kill Gram-positive and -negative bacteria rapidly and efficiently. We investigated six different types of nanodiamonds exhibiting diverse oxygen-containing surface groups that were created using standard pretreatment methods for forming nanodiamond dispersions. Our experiments suggest that the antibacterial activity of nanodiamond is linked to the presence of partially oxidized and negatively charged surfaces, specifically those containing acid anhydride groups. Furthermore, proteins were found to control the bactericidal properties of nanodiamonds by covering these surface groups, which explains the previously reported biocompatibility of nanodiamonds. Our findings describe the discovery of an exciting property of partially oxidized nanodiamonds as a potent antibacterial agent.

Algorithm for the Measure of Vitreous Hyper-Reflective Foci (VHRF) in Optical Coherence Tomography: VHRF Correlates with Diabetic Retinopathy Disease Progression

PubMed Central

Korot, Edward; Comer, Grant; Steffens, Timothy; Antonetti, David A.

2015-01-01

Importance Developing a non-invasive measure of diabetic retinopathy disease progression may provide clinicians information for patient specific intervention. Objective To develop an algorithm to measure vitreous hyper-reflective foci (VHRF) from standard 3-dimensional OCT images in an unbiased manner. This algorithm was applied to OCT scans from controls, patients with diabetes, and with diabetic macular edema to determine whether VHRF score is associated with macular edema and may serve as a non-invasive measure of inflammation. Design, Setting and Participants We retrospectively analyzed the OCT scans from 97 patients that were seen at the University of Michigan. Patients with diabetes without signs of retinopathy and patients with DME were compared to controls. Main Outcomes and Measures An algorithm was developed in order to enhance the vitreous imaging from OCT to allow automated quantification of VHRF and calculation of a VHRF score. This score was compared between controls and patients with diabetic retinopathy. Results VHRF scores were increased in patients with DME by 2.95 fold, (mean (SD): 5.60 (8.65)) compared to control patients (mean (SD): 1.90 (3.42)) 95% CI [0.75, 7.45] (p=0.012) and by 6.83 fold compared to patients with diabetes without retinopathy (mean (SD): 0.82 (1.26)) 95% CI [1.46, 8.82], (p=0.005). Conclusions and Relevance VHRF scores may be obtained from OCT images that include the vitreous and may provide a rapid and non-invasive clinical correlate for ocular inflammation. Limitations include study size, specifically regarding comorbidities affecting VHRF score. Higher VHRF scores in patients with DME as compared to controls and diabetic patients without retinopathy warrant further population based and longitudinal studies to help determine the value of VHRF score in selecting therapeutic intervention. PMID:26502148

Anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic activities of Bursera copallifera

PubMed Central

Columba-Palomares, M. F. María C.; Villareal, Dra. María L.; Acevedo Quiroz, M. C. Macdiel E.; Marquina Bahena, M. C. Silvia; Álvarez Berber, Dra. Laura P.; Rodríguez-López, Dra. Verónica

2015-01-01

Background: The plant species Bursera copallifera (DC) bullock is used in traditional medicine to treat inflammation. The leaves of this plant can be prepared as an infusion to treat migraines, bronchitis, and dental pain Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic activities of organic extracts from the stems, stem bark, and leaves of B. copallifera, which was selected based on the knowledge of its traditional use. Materials and Methods: We evaluated the ability of extracts to inhibit mouse ear inflammation in response to topical application of 12-O tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate. The extracts with anti-inflammatory activity were evaluated for their inhibition of pro-inflammatory enzymes. In addition, the in vitro cytotoxic activities of the organic extracts were evaluated using the sulforhodamine B assay. Results: The hydroalcoholic extract of the stems (HAS) exhibited an anti-inflammatory activity of 54.3% (0.5 mg/ear), whereas the anti-inflammatory activity of the dichloromethane-methanol extract from the leaves (DMeL) was 55.4% at a dose of 0.1 mg/ear. Methanol extract from the leaves (MeL) showed the highest anti-inflammatory activity (IC50 = 4.4 μg/mL), hydroalcoholic extract of leaves, and DMeL also reduce the enzyme activity, (IC50 = 6.5 μg/mL, IC50 = 5.7 μg/mL), respectively, from stems HAS exhibit activity at the evaluated concentrations (IC50 =6.4 μg/mL). The hydroalcoholic extract of the stems exhibited the highest cytotoxic activity against a breast adenocarcinoma cell line (MCF7, IC50 = 0.90 μg/mL), whereas DMeL exhibited an IC50 value of 19.9 μg/mL. Conclusion: In conclusion, extracts from leaves and stems inhibited cyclooxygenase-1, which is the target enzyme for nonsteroidal anti inflammatory drugs, and some of these extracts demonstrated substantial antiproliferative effects against the MCF7 cell line. These results validate the traditional use of B. copallifera. PMID:26664022

Anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic activities of Bursera copallifera.

PubMed

Columba-Palomares, M F María C; Villareal, Dra María L; Acevedo Quiroz, M C Macdiel E; Marquina Bahena, M C Silvia; Álvarez Berber, Dra Laura P; Rodríguez-López, Dra Verónica

2015-10-01

The plant species Bursera copallifera (DC) bullock is used in traditional medicine to treat inflammation. The leaves of this plant can be prepared as an infusion to treat migraines, bronchitis, and dental pain. The purpose of this study was to determine the anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic activities of organic extracts from the stems, stem bark, and leaves of B. copallifera, which was selected based on the knowledge of its traditional use. We evaluated the ability of extracts to inhibit mouse ear inflammation in response to topical application of 12-O tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate. The extracts with anti-inflammatory activity were evaluated for their inhibition of pro-inflammatory enzymes. In addition, the in vitro cytotoxic activities of the organic extracts were evaluated using the sulforhodamine B assay. The hydroalcoholic extract of the stems (HAS) exhibited an anti-inflammatory activity of 54.3% (0.5 mg/ear), whereas the anti-inflammatory activity of the dichloromethane-methanol extract from the leaves (DMeL) was 55.4% at a dose of 0.1 mg/ear. Methanol extract from the leaves (MeL) showed the highest anti-inflammatory activity (IC50 = 4.4 μg/mL), hydroalcoholic extract of leaves, and DMeL also reduce the enzyme activity, (IC50 = 6.5 μg/mL, IC50 = 5.7 μg/mL), respectively, from stems HAS exhibit activity at the evaluated concentrations (IC50 =6.4 μg/mL). The hydroalcoholic extract of the stems exhibited the highest cytotoxic activity against a breast adenocarcinoma cell line (MCF7, IC50 = 0.90 μg/mL), whereas DMeL exhibited an IC50 value of 19.9 μg/mL. In conclusion, extracts from leaves and stems inhibited cyclooxygenase-1, which is the target enzyme for nonsteroidal anti inflammatory drugs, and some of these extracts demonstrated substantial antiproliferative effects against the MCF7 cell line. These results validate the traditional use of B. copallifera.

[Early efficacy of dexamethasone implant (OZURDEX®) in diabetic macular edema: Real life study].

PubMed

Sarda, V; Fajnkuchen, F; Nghiem-Buffet, S; Grenet, T; Chaine, G; Giocanti-Auregan, A

2017-05-01

To assess early efficacy of dexamethasone intravitreal implant 0.7mg (OZURDEX ® ) at the time of peak efficacy (2 months after injection) in patients with decreased visual acuity secondary to diabetic macular edema (DME). Retrospective monocentric study. Inclusion criteria were best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA)≤70 letters (20/40) due to DME and central retinal thickness (CRT)≥300 microns (Cirrus 2, Carl Zeiss Meditec, Inc, Dublin). Enrolled patients could be treatment naive or not (after failure of laser photocoagulation and/or anti-VEGF therapy). Follow-up was at least 6 months. Our primary endpoint was BCVA gain at M2 after injection. Secondary endpoints were best-corrected visual acuity at 2 and 4 months, central retinal thickness at 2 and 4 months, mean interval between 2 injections, and adverse events. Nineteen eyes of 19 patients were included in this study. The mean age was 67.45 years, sex ratio was 2.17 men/women, and the patients were all type 2 diabetics. Three of 19 patients were treatment naive for anti-VEGF intravitreal injection, and 52.3% were pseudophakic (10/19 patients). The mean gain of BCVA at M2 was +7.7 letters. The mean BCVA was 51.1 ETDRS letters at baseline and 58.8 at M2. Mean CRT was 568.9μm at baseline and 291.2μm at M2. Treatment with dexamethasone implant was mainly a second-line treatment after failure of other treatments (macular laser photocoagulation and/or intravitreal injection of anti-VEGF). Three patients were naive of anti-VEGF treatment. Intraocular pressure≥25mmHg was found in 2 patients, and controlled medically. No glaucoma surgery was performed. The dexamethasone implant (OZURDEX ® ) allows an anatomical and functional improvement in patients suffering from vision loss due to DME. In this series, the implant was well tolerated. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Intravitreal bevacizumab and dexamethasone implant for treatment of chronic diabetic macular edema.

PubMed

Güler, Emre; Totan, Yüksel; Betül Güragaç, Fatma

2017-06-01

To evaluate anatomical and functional outcomes of intraviteal bevacizumab (IVB) in patients with chronic diabetic macular edema (DME), and the effectivity and safety of dexamethasone implant in those unresponsive to regular IVB treatment. Thirty-five eyes of 35 patients (16 male and 19 female) with chronic DME (central foveal thickness (CFT)  > 275 μm, duration  > 6 months) received three injections of 2.5 mg IVB with six-week intervals. At 18 weeks, dexamethasone implant was applied to patients unresponsive to IVB. Main outcomes were the change in best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), CFT and ocular and systemic adverse effects for both drugs. The patients responsive to IVB were followed up for 36 weeks and those patients receiving dexamethasone implant were followed up for 24 weeks postoperatively. At 18 weeks, the mean BCVA (0.68 ± 0.40 logMAR, p = 0.45) and CFT (453 ± 169 μm, p = 0.58) did not show any significant change compared to baseline (0.74 ± 0.42 logMAR and 521 ± 151 μm, respectively). In 20 patients (%57.1) responsive to IVB, the CFT was significantly improved from 12 to 36 weeks with the mean value of 295 ± 42 μ (p = 0.01). However, no significant difference was observed for BCVA during this period (p = 0.17). Dexamethasone was implanted in 15 eyes (42.8%) unresponsive to IVB at 18 weeks. Statistically significant improvements were observed in BCVA (at postoperative 4 and 12 weeks) and CFT (at postoperative 4, 12 and 24 weeks). In addition, both parameters significantly worsened at 24 weeks compared to 12 weeks (p < 0.001 and p = 0.01, respectively). Patients with chronic DME should be followed in accordance with a fixed treatment protocol combining anti-VEGF and steroid treatments.

Changes in vision related quality of life in patients with diabetic macular edema: ranibizumab or laser treatment?

PubMed

Turkoglu, Elif Betul; Celık, Erkan; Aksoy, Nilgun; Bursalı, Ozlem; Ucak, Turgay; Alagoz, Gursoy

2015-01-01

To compare the changes in vision related quality of life (VR-QoL) in patients with diabetic macular edema (DME) undergoing intravitreal ranibizumab (IVR) injection or focal/grid laser. In this prospective study, 70 patients with clinically significant macular edema (CSME) were randomized to undergo IVR injection (n=35) and focal/grid laser (n=35). If necessary, the laser or ranibizumab injections were repeated. Distance and near visual acuities, central retinal thickness (CRT) and The 25-item Visual Function Questionnaire (VFQ-25) were used to measure the effectiveness of treatments and VR-QoL before and after 6 months following IVR or laser treatment. The demographic and clinical findings before the treatments were similar in both main groups. The improvements in distance and near visual acuities were higher in IVR group than the laser group (p<0.01). The reduction in CRT in IVR group was higher than that in laser treatment group (p<0.01). In both groups, the VFQ-25 composite score tended to improve from baseline to 6 months. And at 6th month, the changes in composite score were significantly higher in IVR group than in laser group (p<0.05). The improvements in overall composite scores were 6.3 points for the IVR group compared with 3.0 points in the laser group. Patients treated with IVR and laser had large improvements in composite scores, general vision, near and distance visual acuities in VFQ-25 at 6 months, in comparison with baseline scores, and also mental health subscale in IVR group. Our study revealed that IVR improved not only visual acuity or CRT, but also vision related quality of life more than laser treatment in DME. And these patient-reported outcomes may play an important role in the treatment choice in DME for clinicians. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Shall we stay, or shall we switch? Continued anti-VEGF therapy versus early switch to dexamethasone implant in refractory diabetic macular edema.

PubMed

Busch, Catharina; Zur, Dinah; Fraser-Bell, Samantha; Laíns, Inês; Santos, Ana Rita; Lupidi, Marco; Cagini, Carlo; Gabrielle, Pierre-Henry; Couturier, Aude; Mané-Tauty, Valérie; Giancipoli, Ermete; Ricci, Giuseppe D'Amico; Cebeci, Zafer; Rodríguez-Valdés, Patricio J; Chaikitmongkol, Voraporn; Amphornphruet, Atchara; Hindi, Isaac; Agrawal, Kushal; Chhablani, Jay; Loewenstein, Anat; Iglicki, Matias; Rehak, Matus

2018-05-05

To compare functional and anatomical outcomes of continued anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy versus dexamethasone (DEX) implant in eyes with refractory diabetic macular edema (DME) after three initial anti-VEGF injections in a real-world setting. To be included in this retrospective multicenter, case-control study, eyes were required: (1) to present with early refractory DME, as defined by visual acuity (VA) gain ≤ 5 letters or reduction in central subfield thickness (CST) ≤ 20%, after a loading phase of anti-VEGF therapy (three monthly injections) and (2) to treat further with (a) anti-VEGF therapy or (b) DEX implant. Main outcome measures were change in visual acuity (VA) and central subfield thickness (CST) at 12 months. Due to imbalanced baseline characteristics, a matched anti-VEGF group was formed by only keeping eyes with similar baseline characteristics as those in the DEX group. A total of 110 eyes from 105 patients were included (anti-VEGF group: 72 eyes, DEX group: 38 eyes). Mean change in VA at 12 months was - 0.4 ± 10.8 letters (anti-VEGF group), and + 6.1 ± 10.6 letters (DEX group) (P = 0.004). Over the same period, mean change in CST was + 18.3 ± 145.9 µm (anti-VEGF group) and - 92.8 ± 173.6 µm (DEX group) (P < 0.001). Eyes in the DEX group were more likely to gain ≥ 10 letters (OR 3.71, 95% CI 1.19-11.61, P = 0.024) at month 12. In a real-world setting, eyes with DME considered refractory to anti-VEGF therapy after three monthly injections which were switched to DEX implant and had better visual and anatomical outcomes at 12 months than those that continued treatment with anti-VEGF therapy.

Field-scale effective matrix diffusion coefficient for fractured rock: results from literature survey.

PubMed

Zhou, Quanlin; Liu, Hui-Hai; Molz, Fred J; Zhang, Yingqi; Bodvarsson, Gudmundur S

2007-08-15

Matrix diffusion is an important mechanism for solute transport in fractured rock. We recently conducted a literature survey on the effective matrix diffusion coefficient, D(m)(e), a key parameter for describing matrix diffusion processes at the field scale. Forty field tracer tests at 15 fractured geologic sites were surveyed and selected for the study, based on data availability and quality. Field-scale D(m)(e) values were calculated, either directly using data reported in the literature, or by reanalyzing the corresponding field tracer tests. The reanalysis was conducted for the selected tracer tests using analytic or semi-analytic solutions for tracer transport in linear, radial, or interwell flow fields. Surveyed data show that the scale factor of the effective matrix diffusion coefficient (defined as the ratio of D(m)(e) to the lab-scale matrix diffusion coefficient, D(m), of the same tracer) is generally larger than one, indicating that the effective matrix diffusion coefficient in the field is comparatively larger than the matrix diffusion coefficient at the rock-core scale. This larger value can be attributed to the many mass-transfer processes at different scales in naturally heterogeneous, fractured rock systems. Furthermore, we observed a moderate, on average trend toward systematic increase in the scale factor with observation scale. This trend suggests that the effective matrix diffusion coefficient is likely to be statistically scale-dependent. The scale-factor value ranges from 0.5 to 884 for observation scales from 5 to 2000 m. At a given scale, the scale factor varies by two orders of magnitude, reflecting the influence of differing degrees of fractured rock heterogeneity at different geologic sites. In addition, the surveyed data indicate that field-scale longitudinal dispersivity generally increases with observation scale, which is consistent with previous studies. The scale-dependent field-scale matrix diffusion coefficient (and dispersivity) may have significant implications for assessing long-term, large-scale radionuclide and contaminant transport events in fractured rock, both for nuclear waste disposal and contaminant remediation.

An ab initio/Rice-Ramsperger-Kassel-Marcus study of the hydrogen-abstraction reactions of methyl ethers, H(3)COCH(3-x)(CH(3))(x), x = 0-2, by OH; mechanism and kinetics.

PubMed

Zhou, Chong-Wen; Simmie, John M; Curran, Henry J

2010-07-14

A theoretical study of the mechanism and kinetics of the H-abstraction reaction from dimethyl (DME), ethylmethyl (EME) and iso-propylmethyl (IPME) ethers by the OH radical has been carried out using the high-level methods CCSD(T)/CBS, G3 and G3MP2BH&H. The computationally less-expensive methods of G3 and G3MP2BH&H yield results for DME within 0.2-0.6 and 0.7-0.9 kcal mol(-1), respectively, of the coupled cluster, CCSD(T), values extrapolated to the basis set limit. So the G3 and G3MP2BH&H methods can be confidently used for the reactions of the higher ethers. A distinction is made between the two different kinds of H-atoms, classified as in/out-of the symmetry plane, and it is found that abstraction from the out-of-plane H-atoms proceeds through a stepwise mechanism involving the formation of a reactant complex in the entrance channel and product complex in the exit channel. The in-plane H-atom abstractions take place through a more direct mechanism and are less competitive. Rate constants of the three reactions have been calculated in the temperature range of 500-3000 K using the Variflex code, based on the weak collision, master equation/microcanonical variational RRKM theory including tunneling corrections. The computed total rate constants (cm(3) mol(-1) s(-1)) have been fitted as follows: k(DME) = 2.74 xT(3.94) exp (1534.2/T), k(EME) = 20.93 xT(3.61) exp (2060.1/T) and k(IPME) = 0.55 xT(3.93) exp (2826.1/T). Expressions of the group rate constants for the three different carbon sites are also provided.

Navigated macular laser decreases retreatment rate for diabetic macular edema: a comparison with conventional macular laser.

PubMed

Neubauer, Aljoscha S; Langer, Julian; Liegl, Raffael; Haritoglou, Christos; Wolf, Armin; Kozak, Igor; Seidensticker, Florian; Ulbig, Michael; Freeman, William R; Kampik, Anselm; Kernt, Marcus

2013-01-01

The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare clinical outcomes and retreatment rates using navigated macular laser versus conventional laser for the treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME). In this prospective, interventional pilot study, 46 eyes from 46 consecutive patients with DME were allocated to receive macular laser photocoagulation using navigated laser. Best corrected visual acuity and retreatment rate were evaluated for up to 12 months after treatment. The control group was drawn based on chart review of 119 patients treated by conventional laser at the same institutions during the same time period. Propensity score matching was performed with Stata, based on the nearest-neighbor method. Propensity score matching for age, gender, baseline visual acuity, and number of laser spots yielded 28 matched patients for the control group. Visual acuity after navigated macular laser improved from a mean 0.48 ± 0.37 logMAR by a mean +2.9 letters after 3 months, while the control group showed a mean -4.0 letters (P = 0.03). After 6 months, navigated laser maintained a mean visual gain of +3.3 letters, and the conventional laser group showed a slower mean increase to +1.9 letters versus baseline. Using Kaplan-Meier analysis, the laser retreatment rate showed separation of the survival curves after 2 months, with fewer retreatments in the navigated group than in the conventional laser group during the first 8 months (18% versus 31%, respectively, P = 0.02). The short-term results of this pilot study suggest that navigated macular photocoagulation is an effective technique and could be considered as a valid alternative to conventional slit-lamp laser for DME when focal laser photocoagulation is indicated. The observed lower retreatment rates with navigated retinal laser therapy in the first 8 months suggest a more durable treatment effect.

Silymarin prevents diabetes-induced hyperpermeability in human retinal endothelial cells.

PubMed

García-Ramírez, Marta; Turch, Mireia; Simó-Servat, Olga; Hernández, Cristina; Simó, Rafael

2018-04-01

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays an essential role in development of diabetic macular edema (DME). While there is evidence suggesting that silymarin, a flavonoid extracted from Silybum marianum, could be useful for prevention and treatment of diabetic nephropathy, no studies have been conducted in diabetic retinopathy (DR). The aim of this study was to assess the effect of silymarin on disruption of inner blood retinal barrier (BRB), the primary cause of DME. Human retinal endothelial cells (HRECs) were cultured under standard (5.5mM D-glucose) and diabetogenic conditions (25mM D-glucose and 25mM D-glucose + recombinant vascular endothelial growth factor [rVEGF, 25mg/mL]). To assess cell viability, three concentrations of silymarin were tested (2, 4 and 10μg/mL). The effect of silymarin on HREC disruption was determined using a dextran (70kD) permeability asssay. No differences were found in the viability of HRECs treated with 2 or 4μg/mL of silymarin as compared to untreated cells, but viability significantly decreased after using 10μg/mL. The concentration of 4 μg/mL was therefore selected. Silymarin (4μg/mL) caused a significant decrease in VEGF-induced permeability in both media with 5.5nM (422±58 vs. 600±72 ng/mL/cm2; p<0.03) and 25nM of D-glucose (354 ± 28 vs. 567 ± 102 ng/mL/cm2; p<0.04). Our results show that silymarin is effective for preventing hyperpermeability induced by diabetic conditions in HRECs. Further studies are needed to assess whether silymarin could be useful to treat DME. Copyright © 2018 SEEN y SED. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

A meta-analysis of the effect of a dexamethasone intravitreal implant versus intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor treatment for diabetic macular edema.

PubMed

He, Ye; Ren, Xin-Jun; Hu, Bo-Jie; Lam, Wai-Ching; Li, Xiao-Rong

2018-05-21

This meta-analysis evaluated the effectiveness and safety of dexamethasone (DEX) implant and intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) treatment for diabetic macular edema (DME). The PubMed, Embase, clinicaltrials.gov website and Cochrane Library databases were comprehensively searched for studies comparing DEX implant with anti-VEGF in patients with DME. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central subfield thickness (CST) and adverse events were extracted from the final eligible studies. Review Manager (RevMan) 5.3 for Mac was used to analyze the data and GRADE profiler were used to access the quality of outcomes. Based on four randomized clinical trials assessing a total of 521 eyes, the DEX implant can achieve visual acuity improvement for DME at rates similar to those achieved via anti-VEGF treatment (mean difference [MD] = - 0.43, P = 0.35), with superior anatomic outcomes at 6 months (MD = - 86.71 μm, P = 0.02), while requiring fewer injections, in comparison to anti-VEGF treatment. Although the mean reduction in CST did not showed significant difference at 12 months (MD = - 33.77 μm, P = 0.21), the significant in BCVA from baseline to 12 months supported the anti-VEGF treatment (MD = - 3.26, P < 0.00001). No statistically significant differences in terms of the serious adverse events. However, use of the DEX implant has higher risk of intraocular pressure elevation and cataract than anti-VEGF treatment. Compared with anti-VEGF, DEX implant improved anatomical outcomes significantly. However, this did not translate to improved visual acuity, which may be due to the progression of cataract. Therefore, the DEX implant may be recommended as a first chioce for select cases, such as for pseudophakic eyes, anti-VEGF-resistant eyes, or patients reluctant to receive intravitreal injections frequently.

Glutamate Decarboxylase 1 Overexpression as a Poor Prognostic Factor in Patients with Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma.

PubMed

Lee, Yi-Ying; Chao, Tung-Bo; Sheu, Ming-Jen; Tian, Yu-Feng; Chen, Tzu-Ju; Lee, Sung-Wei; He, Hong-Lin; Chang, I-Wei; Hsing, Chung-Hsi; Lin, Ching-Yih; Li, Chien-Feng

2016-01-01

Background : Glutamate decarboxylase 1 (GAD1) which serves as a rate-limiting enzyme involving in the production of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), exists in the GABAergic neurons in the central nervous system (CNS). Little is known about the relevance of GAD1 to nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Through data mining on a data set derived from a published transcriptome database, this study first identified GAD1 as a differentially upregulated gene in NPC. We aimed to evaluate GAD1 expression and its prognostic effect on patients with early and locoregionally advanced NPC. Methods : We evaluated GAD1 immunohistochemistry and performed an H-score analysis on biopsy specimens from 124 patients with nonmetastasized NPC receiving treatment. GAD1 overexpression was defined as an H score higher than the median value. The findings of such an analysis are correlated with clinicopathological behaviors and survival rates, namely disease-specific survival (DSS), distant-metastasis-free survival (DMeFS), and local recurrence-free survival (LRFS) rates. Results : GAD1 overexpression was significantly associated with an increase in the primary tumor status ( p < 0.001) and American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stages III-IV ( p = 0.002) and was a univariate predictor of adverse outcomes of DSS ( p = 0.002), DMeFS ( p < 0.0001), and LRFS ( p = 0.001). In the multivariate comparison, in addition to advanced AJCC stages III-IV, GAD1 overexpression remained an independent prognosticator of short DSS ( p = 0.004, hazard ratio = 2.234), DMeFS ( p < 0.001, hazard ratio = 4.218), and LRFS ( p = 0.013, hazard ratio = 2.441) rates. Conclusions : Our data reveal that GAD1 overexpression was correlated with advanced disease status and may thus be a critical prognostic indicator of poor outcomes in NPC and a potential therapeutic target to facilitate the development of effective treatment modalities.

The chemical energy unit partial oxidation reactor operation simulation modeling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mrakin, A. N.; Selivanov, A. A.; Batrakov, P. A.; Sotnikov, D. G.

2018-01-01

The chemical energy unit scheme for synthesis gas, electric and heat energy production which is possible to be used both for the chemical industry on-site facilities and under field conditions is represented in the paper. The partial oxidation reactor gasification process mathematical model is described and reaction products composition and temperature determining algorithm flow diagram is shown. The developed software product verification showed good convergence of the experimental values and calculations according to the other programmes: the temperature determining relative discrepancy amounted from 4 to 5 %, while the absolute composition discrepancy ranged from 1 to 3%. The synthesis gas composition was found out practically not to depend on the supplied into the partial oxidation reactor (POR) water vapour enthalpy and compressor air pressure increase ratio. Moreover, air consumption coefficient α increase from 0.7 to 0.9 was found out to decrease synthesis gas target components (carbon and hydrogen oxides) specific yield by nearly 2 times and synthesis gas target components required ratio was revealed to be seen in the water vapour specific consumption area (from 5 to 6 kg/kg of fuel).

Intravitreal Aflibercept Injection in Eyes With Substantial Vision Loss After Laser Photocoagulation for Diabetic Macular Edema: Subanalysis of the VISTA and VIVID Randomized Clinical Trials.

PubMed

Wykoff, Charles C; Marcus, Dennis M; Midena, Edoardo; Korobelnik, Jean-François; Saroj, Namrata; Gibson, Andrea; Vitti, Robert; Berliner, Alyson J; Williams Liu, Zinaria; Zeitz, Oliver; Metzig, Carola; Schmelter, Thomas; Heier, Jeffrey S

2016-12-22

Information on the effect of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy in eyes with diabetic macular edema (DME) with vision loss after macular laser photocoagulation is clinically valuable. To evaluate visual and anatomic outcomes in a subgroup of macular laser photocoagulation treatment control (hereafter laser control) eyes with substantial vision loss receiving treatment with intravitreal aflibercept injection. This investigation was a post hoc analysis of a subgroup of laser control eyes in 2 phase 3 trials-VISTA (Study of Intravitreal Aflibercept Injection in Patients With Diabetic Macular Edema) and VIVID (Intravitreal Aflibercept Injection in Vision Impairment Due to DME)-in a multicenter setting. One hundred nine laser control eyes with center-involving DME were included. Treatment with intravitreal aflibercept injection (2 mg) every 8 weeks after 5 monthly doses with sham injections on nontreatment visits starting at week 24 was initiated on meeting prespecified criteria of at least a 10-letter visual acuity loss at 2 consecutive visits or at least a 15-letter visual acuity loss from the best previous measurement at 1 visit and vision not better than at baseline. Visual and anatomic outcomes in a subgroup of laser control eyes receiving treatment with intravitreal aflibercept injection. Through week 100, a total of 63 of 154 eyes (40.9%) in VISTA and 46 of 133 eyes (34.6%) in VIVID initially randomized to laser control received treatment with intravitreal aflibercept injection. The median time from week 24 to the first intravitreal aflibercept injection treatment was 34.0 (VISTA) and 83.5 (VIVID) days. In this subgroup, the mean (SD) visual gain from baseline to week 100 was 2.2 (12.5) (VISTA) and 3.8 (10.1) (VIVID) letters. At the time of intravitreal aflibercept injection initiation, these eyes had a mean (SD) loss of 11.0 (10.1) (VISTA) and 10.0 (6.5) (VIVID) letters from baseline, and they subsequently gained a mean (SD) of 17.4 (9.7) (VISTA) and 13.6 (8.6) (VIVID) letters from the initiation of treatment with intravitreal aflibercept injection through week 100. There was a minimal mean change in central subfield thickness from baseline in these eyes at the time of intravitreal aflibercept injection initiation (an increase of 3.9 μm in VISTA and a decrease of 3.0 μm in VIVID), after which further mean (SD) reductions of 285.6 (202.6) μm (VISTA) and 313.4 (181.9) μm (VIVID) occurred through week 100. Intravitreal aflibercept injection improves visual and anatomic outcomes in eyes experiencing substantial vision loss after macular laser photocoagulation treatment for DME. clinicaltrials.gov Identifiers: NCT01363440 and NCT01331681.

Oxide nucleation on thin films of copper during in situ oxidation in an electron microscope

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Heinemann, K.; Rao, D. B.; Douglass, D. L.

1975-01-01

Single-crystal copper thin films were oxidized at an isothermal temperature of 425 C and at an oxygen partial pressure of 0.005 torr. Specimens were prepared by epitaxial vapor deposition onto polished faces of rocksalt and were mounted in a hot stage inside the ultrahigh-vacuum chamber of a high-resolution electron microscope. An induction period of roughly 30 min was established which was independent of the film thickness but depended strongly on the oxygen partial pressure and to exposure to oxygen prior to oxidation. Neither stacking faults nor dislocations were found to be associated with the Cu2O nucleation sites. The experimental data, including results from oxygen dissolution experiments and from repetitive oxidation-reduction-oxidation sequences, fit well into the framework of an oxidation process involving the formation of a surface charge layer, oxygen saturation of the metal with formation of a supersaturated zone near the surface, and nucleation followed by surface diffusion of oxygen and bulk diffusion of copper for lateral and vertical oxide growth, respectively.

[Amnesic effect of nitrous oxide in gradual general anesthesia].

PubMed

Mouquet, W; Milhaud, A; Berlemont, D; Bachelet, Y

1989-05-01

The amnesic effect of nitrous oxide was studied in 50 women undergoing induced abortions under general anesthesia at a hospital in France. The request for general anesthesia was made by the practitioner, by psychologists working with the women, or by the women themselves. Patient ages ranged from 13-39 years and averaged 24. All patients were given 1 mg of dextromoramide. During the procedure a mixture of 50% nitrous oxide and 50% oxygen was delivered. The patient was asked to count to 200 and remember a list of 5 words, and questions were posed. The nitrous oxide was terminated at completion of the aspiration. Awakening occurred in under 5 minutes with nitrous oxide and oxygen and at around 10 minutes when halothane was added. 30 minutes after awakening the patient was questioned about the surgery and the preoperative talk and questions. None of the patients recalled insertion of the speculum. In 46 of the 50 cases a total or partial amnesia occurred. Among 20 patients given the nitrous oxide-oxygen mixture only, 15 experienced total, 4 partial, and 1 no amnesia. Among the 30 patients given the same gas mixture and halothane, 25 experienced total, 2 partial, and 3 no amnesia. Nitrous oxide has no effect on longterm memory and probably inhibits the 1st phase of memorization. There are several components of its mode of action: classic analgesia, a potentializing effect with morphinomimetics and other general anesthesias, and an amnesia of painful and disagreeable interventions.

Structural and electrical properties of sputter deposited ZnO thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Muhammed Shameem P., V.; Mekala, Laxman; Kumar, M. Senthil

2018-05-01

The growth of zinc oxide thin films having different oxygen content was achieved at ambient temperature by reactive dc magnetron sputtering technique and their structural and electrical properties are studied. The structural studies show that the films are polycrystalline with a preferential orientation of the grains along the c-axis [002], which increases with increase in oxygen partial pressure. The grain size and the surface roughness of the zinc oxide films are found to decrease with increasing oxygen partial pressure. It is observed that the resistivity of the zinc oxide films can be tuned from semiconducting to insulating regime by varying the oxygen content.

Effects of dissolved oxygen and pH on nitrous oxide production rates in autotrophic partial nitrification granules.

PubMed

Rathnayake, Rathnayake M L D; Oshiki, Mamoru; Ishii, Satoshi; Segawa, Takahiro; Satoh, Hisashi; Okabe, Satoshi

2015-12-01

The effects of dissolved oxygen (DO) and pH on nitrous oxide (N2O) production rates and pathways in autotrophic partial nitrification (PN) granules were investigated at the granular level. N2O was primarily produced by betaproteobacterial ammonia-oxidizing bacteria, mainly Nitrosomonas europaea, in the oxic surface layer (<200μm) of the autotrophic PN granules. N2O production increased with increasing bulk DO concentration owing to activation of the ammonia (i.e., hydroxylamine) oxidation in this layer. The highest N2O emissions were observed at pH 7.5, although the ammonia oxidation rate was unchanged between pH 6.5 and 8.5. Overall, the results of this study suggest that in situ analyses of PN granules are essential to gaining insight into N2O emission mechanisms in a granule. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Water Vapor Effects on Silica-Forming Ceramics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Opila, E. J.; Greenbauer-Seng, L. (Technical Monitor)

2000-01-01

Silica-forming ceramics such as SiC and Si3N4 are proposed for applications in combustion environments. These environments contain water vapor as a product of combustion. Oxidation of silica-formers is more rapid in water vapor than in oxygen. Parabolic oxidation rates increase with the water vapor partial pressure with a power law exponent value close to one. Molecular water vapor is therefore the mobile species in silica. Rapid oxidation rates and large amounts of gases generated during the oxidation reaction in high water vapor pressures may result in bubble formation in the silica and nonprotective scale formation. It is also shown that silica reacts with water vapor to form Si(OH)4(g). Silica volatility has been modeled using a laminar flow boundary layer controlled reaction equation. Silica volatility depends on the partial pressure of water vapor, the total pressure, and the gas velocity. Simultaneous oxidation and volatilization reactions have been modeled with paralinear kinetics.

Spin State Control of the Perovskite Rh/Co Oxides

PubMed Central

Terasaki, Ichiro; Shibasaki, Soichiro; Yoshida, Shin; Kobayashi, Wataru

2010-01-01

We show why and how the spin state of transition-metal ions affects the thermoelectric properties of transition-metal oxides by investigating two perovskite-related oxides. In the A-site ordered cobalt oxide Sr3YCo4O10.5, partial substitution of Ca for Sr acts as chemical pressure, which compresses the unit cell volume to drive the spin state crossover, and concomitantly changes the magnetization and thermopower. In the perovskite rhodium oxide LaRhO3, partial substitution of Sr for La acts as hole-doping, and the resistivity and thermopower decrease systematically with the Sr concentration. The thermopower remains large values at high temperatures (>150 μV/K at 800 K), which makes a remarkable contrast to La1−xSrxCoO3. We associate this with the stability of the low spin state of the Rh3+ ions.

Instruments for Characterizing Carbon and Sulfur-Resistant Core-Shell Redox Catalysts for Combined Hydrocarbon Reforming and Water-Splitting

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-11-22

SECURITY CLASSIFICATION OF: This project aims to investigate a novel core-shell redox catalyst for combined methane partial oxidation and water...Properly designed redox catalyst are shown to be highly effective for syngas production (from methane ) and water-splitting. The resulting syngas has a...27709-2211 redox catalyst, methane partial oxidation, water-splitting REPORT DOCUMENTATION PAGE 11. SPONSOR/MONITOR’S REPORT NUMBER(S) 10. SPONSOR

77 FR 9841 - Modification of Area Navigation Route T-288; WY

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-02-21

...-1193; Airspace Docket No. 11-ANM-14] Modification of Area Navigation Route T-288; WY AGENCY: Federal...) route T-288 by extending the route westward from the Rapid City, SD, VORTAC to the Gillette, WY, VOR/DME... published in the Federal Register a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to modify RNAV route T-288 by...

77 FR 27357 - IFR Altitudes; Miscellaneous Amendments

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-05-10

... Hygen, CO FIX *Allan, CO FIX **13500 *16000--MRA *15400--MCA ALLAN, CO FIX, NW BND **12900--MOCA *CHART... *Allan, CO FIX Laramie, WY VOR/DME..... 16000 *16000--MRA Sec. 95.6106 VOR Federal Airway V106 Is Amended... in Part Olympia, WA VORTAC *Carro, WA FIX **4000 *4000--MRA **2000--MOCA *CARRO, WA FIX Diggn, WA FIX...

76 FR 59890 - IFR Altitudes; Miscellaneous Amendments

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-09-28

... in Part *AWSON, GA FIX NELLO, GA FIX **7000 *5000--MRA **5500--MOCA Sec. 95.6006 VOR Federal Airway..., IN FIX *3500 *2400--MOCA BRYTO, IN FIX *PIONS, OH FIX **4000 *4000--MRA **2500--MOCA *PIONS, OH FIX WATERVILLE, OH VOR/DME.. **3300 *4000--MRA **2300--MOCA Sec. 95.6016 VOR Federal Airway V16 Is Amended to...

76 FR 72094 - IFR Altitudes; Miscellaneous Amendments

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-11-22

....6017 VOR Federal Airway V17 is Amended to Read in Part Fator, TX FIX *Nelee, TX FIX **4000 *5500-MRA... Read in Part Sandhills, NC VORTAC *RAEFO, NC FIX **6000 *6000-MRA **2000-MOCA **3000-GNSS MEA *Raefo, NC FIX Fayetteville, NC VOR/DME **2800 *6000-MRA **1900-MOCA &95.6104 VOR Federal Airway V104 Is...