Morphological and molecular characteristics of Malayfilaria sofiani Uni, Mat Udin & Takaoka n. g., n. sp. (Nematoda: Filarioidea) from the common treeshrew Tupaia glis Diard & Duvaucel (Mammalia: Scandentia) in Peninsular Malaysia.

PubMed

Uni, Shigehiko; Mat Udin, Ahmad Syihan; Agatsuma, Takeshi; Saijuntha, Weerachai; Junker, Kerstin; Ramli, Rosli; Omar, Hasmahzaiti; Lim, Yvonne Ai-Lian; Sivanandam, Sinnadurai; Lefoulon, Emilie; Martin, Coralie; Belabut, Daicus Martin; Kasim, Saharul; Abdullah Halim, Muhammad Rasul; Zainuri, Nur Afiqah; Bhassu, Subha; Fukuda, Masako; Matsubayashi, Makoto; Harada, Masashi; Low, Van Lun; Chen, Chee Dhang; Suganuma, Narifumi; Hashim, Rosli; Takaoka, Hiroyuki; Azirun, Mohd Sofian

2017-04-20

The filarial nematodes Wuchereria bancrofti (Cobbold, 1877), Brugia malayi (Brug, 1927) and B. timori Partono, Purnomo, Dennis, Atmosoedjono, Oemijati & Cross, 1977 cause lymphatic diseases in humans in the tropics, while B. pahangi (Buckley & Edeson, 1956) infects carnivores and causes zoonotic diseases in humans in Malaysia. Wuchereria bancrofti, W. kalimantani Palmieri, Pulnomo, Dennis & Marwoto, 1980 and six out of ten Brugia spp. have been described from Australia, Southeast Asia, Sri Lanka and India. However, the origin and evolution of the species in the Wuchereria-Brugia clade remain unclear. While investigating the diversity of filarial parasites in Malaysia, we discovered an undescribed species in the common treeshrew Tupaia glis Diard & Duvaucel (Mammalia: Scandentia). We examined 81 common treeshrews from 14 areas in nine states and the Federal Territory of Peninsular Malaysia for filarial parasites. Once any filariae that were found had been isolated, we examined their morphological characteristics and determined the partial sequences of their mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) and 12S rRNA genes. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products of the internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) region were then cloned into the pGEM-T vector, and the recombinant plasmids were used as templates for sequencing. Malayfilaria sofiani Uni, Mat Udin & Takaoka, n. g., n. sp. is described based on the morphological characteristics of adults and microfilariae found in common treeshrews from Jeram Pasu, Kelantan, Malaysia. The Kimura 2-parameter distance between the cox1 gene sequences of the new species and W. bancrofti was 11.8%. Based on the three gene sequences, the new species forms a monophyletic clade with W. bancrofti and Brugia spp. The adult parasites were found in tissues surrounding the lymph nodes of the neck of common treeshrews. The newly described species appears most closely related to Wuchereria spp. and Brugia spp., but differs from these in

JPRS Report, Science & Technology, Japan, 27th Aircraft Symposium, Part 3

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-02-14

Kaoru Wakairo, et al.] Aircraft-Mounted Optical Data Bus (3): Bus Control Software, Performance Evaluation Test [Mitsumi Mayanägi, Minoru...Article by Hiroyasu Kawahara, Kaoru Wakairo, and Akira Watanabe, National Aerospace Laboratory; Tomoyuli Udagawa, Kengo Takeda, and Noboru Shobayashi...89 pp 518-521 [Article by Tadao Uchida, Mitsumi Mayanagi, Minoru Takizawa, Toshiharu Inagaki, Koki Hozumi, and Kazutoshi Ishikawa , National

Influence of electrical coupling on early afterdepolarizations in ventricular myocytes.

PubMed

Saiz, J; Ferrero, J M; Monserrat, M; Ferrero, J M; Thakor, N V

1999-02-01

Computer modeling is used to study the effect of electrical coupling between a myocardial zone where early afterdepolarizations (EAD's) can develop and the normal neighboring tissue. The effects of such coupling on EAD development and on the likelihood of EAD propagation as an ectopic beat are studied. The influence on EAD formation is investigated by approximating two partially coupled myocardial zones modeled as two active elements coupled by a junctional resistance R. For R values lower than 800 omega cm2, the action potentials are transmitted to the coupled element, and for R values higher than 850 omega cm2 they are blocked. In both ranges of R, when the electrical coupling increases, the EAD's appear at more negative takeoff potentials with higher amplitudes and upstrokes. The EAD's are not elicited if the electrical coupling is too high. In a separate model of two one-dimensional cardiac fiber segments partially coupled by a resistance R, critical R values exist, between 42 and 54 omega cm2, that facilitate EAD propagation. These results demonstrate that in myocardial zones favorable to the formation of EAD, the electrical coupling dramatically affects initiation of EAD and its spread to the neighboring tissue.

Attitudes of Veterinary Teaching Staff and Exposure of Veterinary Students to Early-Age Desexing, with Review of Current Early-Age Desexing Literature

PubMed Central

Jupe, Alannah; Rand, Jacquie; Morton, John; Fleming, Sophie

2017-01-01

Simple Summary A substantial proportion of cats and a smaller proportion of dogs entering animal shelters are juveniles. Cats are prolific breeders and can be pregnant by 4 months of age, although the traditional desexing age in veterinary practice is 6 months for dogs and cats. Understanding what veterinary students across Australia and New Zealand are being taught in regards to early age desexing (EAD) is necessary to determine the reasons why EAD is not utilized in client-owned cats and dogs more frequently. There are no current studies documenting the exposure of new veterinary graduates to EAD, nor the opinions to EAD of the academics teaching these students. Of staff teaching veterinary students in Australia and New Zealand in 2015, a majority (64%) did not advocate EAD in their teaching of students. Only three out of eight universities provided a majority of students with exposure to EAD procedures before graduation, and only two of these allowed most students to perform EAD. Abstract Approximately 50% of cats admitted to Australian shelters are kittens, and 26% of dogs are puppies, and, particularly for cats, euthanasia rates are often high. Cats can be pregnant by 4 months of age, yet the traditional desexing age is 5–6 months, and studies in Australasia and Nth America reveal that only a minority of veterinarians routinely perform early age desexing (EAD) of cats or dogs, suggesting they are not graduating with these skills. This study aimed to describe the attitudes of veterinary teaching staff in Australian and New Zealand universities towards EAD, and to determine if these changed from 2008 to 2015. It also aimed to identify students’ practical exposure to EAD. Most (64%) of the 25 participants in 2015 did not advocate EAD in their teaching and, in their personal opinion, only 32% advocated it for cats. Concerns related to EAD cited by staff included anesthetic risk, orthopedic problems, hypoglycemia, and, in female dogs, urinary incontinence

Early Allograft Dysfunction After Liver Transplantation Is Associated With Short- and Long-Term Kidney Function Impairment.

PubMed

Wadei, H M; Lee, D D; Croome, K P; Mai, M L; Golan, E; Brotman, R; Keaveny, A P; Taner, C B

2016-03-01

Early allograft dysfunction (EAD) after liver transplantation (LT) is related to ischemia-reperfusion injury and may lead to a systemic inflammatory response and extrahepatic organ dysfunction. We evaluated the effect of EAD on new-onset acute kidney injury (AKI) requiring renal replacement therapy within the first month and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) within the first year post-LT in 1325 primary LT recipients. EAD developed in 358 (27%) of recipients. Seventy-one (5.6%) recipients developed AKI and 38 (2.9%) developed ESRD. Compared with those without EAD, recipients with EAD had a higher risk of AKI and ESRD (4% vs. 9% and 2% vs. 6%, respectively, p < 0.001 for both). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed an independent relationship between EAD and AKI as well as ESRD (odds ratio 3.5, 95% confidence interval 1.9-6.4, and odds ratio 3.1, 95% confidence interval 11.9-91.2, respectively). Patients who experienced both EAD and AKI had inferior 1-, 3-, 5-, and 10-year patient and graft survival compared with those with either EAD or AKI alone, while those who had neither AKI nor EAD had the best outcomes (p < 0.001). Post-LT EAD is a risk factor for both AKI and ESRD and should be considered a target for future intervention to reduce post-LT short- and long-term renal dysfunction. © Copyright 2015 The American Society of Transplantation and the American Society of Transplant Surgeons.

Female-biased attraction of Oriental fruit fly, bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel), to a blend of host fruit volatiles from Terminalia catappa L.

PubMed

Siderhurst, Matthew S; Jang, Eric B

2006-11-01

Coupled gas chromatography-electroantennogram detection (GC-EAD) analysis of volatiles from tropical almond fruit, Terminalia catappa L., revealed 22 compounds that were detected by antennae of oriental fruit fly females, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel). Both solid-phase microextraction (SPME) and Porapak Q were used for sampling odors in fruit headspace, with SPME collections producing larger EAD responses from a greater number of compounds. Geranyl acetate and methyl eugenol elicited the largest EAD responses. A synthetic blend containing SPME collected, EAD stimulatory compounds showed female-biased attraction in laboratory wind tunnel bioassays, but heavily male-biased trap captures in a larger olfactometer arena. A nine-component subset of compounds eliciting relatively small EAD responses (EAD minor) and consisting of equal parts ethanol, ethyl acetate, ethyl hexanoate, hexyl acetate, linalyl acetate, ethyl nonanate, nonyl acetate, ethyl cinnamate, and (E)-beta-farnesene, attracted mainly females. This EAD minor blend was as attractive to females and much less attractive to males when compared to torula yeast in field cage experiments using glass McPhail traps. Similar results were obtained with outdoor rotating olfactometer tests in which the EAD minor blend was almost completely inactive for males.

JPRS Report, Science & Technology, Japan, 89 Sairas Symposium

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-08-21

Electric) B2-5 Region Segmentation Process for Visual Data Mikio Fukase, Tsugito Maruyama, Takashi Uchiyama (Fujitsu Labs.) Osamu Okamoto, Isao Yamaguchi (N...Shigeoki Hirai, Tomomasa Sato (ETL) Tadao Hiruma (Meiji Univ.) B2-12 A Teleoperating Assembly System Hajime Morikawa, Nobuaki Takanashi, Norio Tagawa...Processing for Space Robot Teleoperation 230 Eiichi Ogawa, Shigeki Kuzuoka (Mitsubrshi Electric) B32-5 Region Segmentation Process for Visual Data 234 Mikio

An overview of mineral dust modeling over East Asia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Siyu; Huang, Jianping; Qian, Yun; Zhao, Chun; Kang, Litai; Yang, Ben; Wang, Yong; Liu, Yuzhi; Yuan, Tiangang; Wang, Tianhe; Ma, Xiaojun; Zhang, Guolong

2017-08-01

East Asian dust (EAD) exerts considerable impacts on the energy balance and climate/climate change of the earth system through its influence on solar and terrestrial radiation, cloud properties, and precipitation efficiency. Providing an accurate description of the life cycle and climate effects of EAD is therefore critical to better understanding of climate change and socioeconomic development in East Asia and even worldwide. Dust modeling has undergone substantial development since the late 1990s, associated with improved understanding of the role of EAD in the earth system. Here, we review the achievements and progress made in recent decades in terms of dust modeling research, including dust emissions, long-range transport, radiative forcing (RF), and climate effects of dust particles over East Asia. Numerous efforts in dust/EAD modeling have been directed towards furnishing more sophisticated physical and chemical processes into the models on higher spatial resolutions. Meanwhile, more systematic observations and more advanced retrieval methods for instruments that address EAD related science issues have made it possible to evaluate model results and quantify the role of EAD in the earth system, and to further reduce the uncertainties in EAD simulations. Though much progress has been made, large discrepancies and knowledge gaps still exist among EAD simulations. The deficiencies and limitations that pertain to the performance of the EAD simulations referred to in the present study are also discussed.

Attitudes of Veterinary Teaching Staff and Exposure of Veterinary Students to Early-Age Desexing, with Review of Current Early-Age Desexing Literature.

PubMed

Jupe, Alannah; Rand, Jacquie; Morton, John; Fleming, Sophie

2017-12-25

Approximately 50% of cats admitted to Australian shelters are kittens, and 26% of dogs are puppies, and, particularly for cats, euthanasia rates are often high. Cats can be pregnant by 4 months of age, yet the traditional desexing age is 5-6 months, and studies in Australasia and Nth America reveal that only a minority of veterinarians routinely perform early age desexing (EAD) of cats or dogs, suggesting they are not graduating with these skills. This study aimed to describe the attitudes of veterinary teaching staff in Australian and New Zealand universities towards EAD, and to determine if these changed from 2008 to 2015. It also aimed to identify students' practical exposure to EAD. Most (64%) of the 25 participants in 2015 did not advocate EAD in their teaching and, in their personal opinion, only 32% advocated it for cats. Concerns related to EAD cited by staff included anesthetic risk, orthopedic problems, hypoglycemia, and, in female dogs, urinary incontinence. Those who advocated EAD cited benefits of population control, ease of surgery and behavioral benefits. Only three of the eight universities provided a majority of students with an opportunity to gain exposure to EAD procedures before graduation, and in two of these, most students had an opportunity to perform EAD. In conclusion, most veterinary students in Australia and New Zealand are not graduating with the knowledge or skills to perform EAD, and have little opportunity while at university to gain practical exposure. Welfare agencies could partner with universities to enable students to experience EAD.

Early allograft dysfunction in liver transplantation with donation after cardiac death donors results in inferior survival.

PubMed

Lee, David D; Singh, Amandeep; Burns, Justin M; Perry, Dana K; Nguyen, Justin H; Taner, C Burcin

2014-12-01

Donation after cardiac death (DCD) liver allografts have been associated with increased morbidity from primary nonfunction, biliary complications, early allograft failure, cost, and mortality. Early allograft dysfunction (EAD) after liver transplantation has been found to be associated with inferior patient and graft survival. In a cohort of 205 consecutive liver-only transplant patients with allografts from DCD donors at a single center, the incidence of EAD was found to be 39.5%. The patient survival rates for those with no EAD and those with EAD at 1, 3, and 5 years were 97% and 89%, 79% and 79%, and 61% and 54%, respectively (P = 0.009). Allograft survival rates for recipients with no EAD and those with EAD at 1, 3, and 5 years were 90% and 75%, 72% and 64%, and 53% and 43%, respectively (P = 0.003). A multivariate analysis demonstrated a significant association between the development of EAD and the cold ischemia time [odds ratio (OR) = 1.26, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.01-1.56, P = 0.037] and hepatocellular cancer as a secondary diagnosis in recipients (OR = 2.26, 95% CI = 1.11-4.58, P = 0.025). There was no correlation between EAD and the development of ischemic cholangiopathy. In conclusion, EAD results in inferior patient and graft survival in recipients of DCD liver allografts. Understanding the events that cause EAD and developing preventive or early therapeutic approaches should be the focus of future investigations. © 2014 American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases.

Comparison of clinical characteristics between familial and non-familial early onset Alzheimer's disease.

PubMed

Joshi, Aditi; Ringman, John M; Lee, Albert S; Juarez, Kevin O; Mendez, Mario F

2012-10-01

Although familial Alzheimer's disease (FAD) is an early onset AD (EAD), most patients with EAD do not have a familial disorder. Recent guidelines recommend testing for genes causing FAD only in those EAD patients with two first-degree relatives. However, some patients with FAD may lack a known family history or other indications for suspecting FAD but might nonetheless be carriers of FAD mutations. The study was aimed to identify clinical features that distinguish FAD from non-familial EAD (NF-EAD). A retrospective review of a university-based cohort of 32 FAD patients with PSEN1-related AD and 81 with NF-EAD was conducted. The PSEN1 patients, compared to the NF-EAD patients, had an earlier age of disease onset (41.8 ± 5.2 vs. 55.9 ± 4.8 years) and, at initial assessment, a longer disease duration (5.1 ± 3.4 vs. 3.3 ± 2.6 years) and lower MMSE scores (10.74 ± 8.0 vs. 20.95 ± 5.8). Patients with NF-EAD were more likely to present with non-memory deficits, particularly visuospatial symptoms, than were FAD patients. When age, disease duration, and MMSE scores were controlled in a logistical regression model, FAD patients were more likely to have significant headaches, myoclonus, gait abnormality, and pseudobulbar affect than those with NF-EAD. In addition to a much younger age of onset, FAD patients with PSEN1 mutations differed from those with NF-EAD by a history of headaches and pseudobulbar affect, as well as myoclonus and gait abnormality on examination. These may represent differences in pathophysiology between FAD and NF-EAD and in some contexts such findings should lead to genetic counseling and appropriate recommendations for genetic testing for FAD.

Comparison of clinical characteristics between familial and non-familial early onset Alzheimer’s disease

PubMed Central

Ringman, John M.; Lee, Albert S.; Juarez, Kevin O.; Mendez, Mario F.

2012-01-01

Although familial Alzheimer’s disease (FAD) is an early onset AD (EAD), most patients with EAD do not have a familial disorder. Recent guidelines recommend testing for genes causing FAD only in those EAD patients with two first-degree relatives. However, some patients with FAD may lack a known family history or other indications for suspecting FAD but might nonetheless be carriers of FAD mutations. The study was aimed to identify clinical features that distinguish FAD from non-familial EAD (NF-EAD). A retrospective review of a university-based cohort of 32 FAD patients with PSEN1-related AD and 81 with NF-EAD was conducted. The PSEN1 patients, compared to the NF-EAD patients, had an earlier age of disease onset (41.8 ± 5.2 vs. 55.9 ± 4.8 years) and, at initial assessment, a longer disease duration (5.1 ± 3.4 vs. 3.3 ± 2.6 years) and lower MMSE scores (10.74 ± 8.0 vs. 20.95 ± 5.8). Patients with NF-EAD were more likely to present with non-memory deficits, particularly visuospatial symptoms, than were FAD patients. When age, disease duration, and MMSE scores were controlled in a logistical regression model, FAD patients were more likely to have significant headaches, myoclonus, gait abnormality, and pseudobulbar affect than those with NF-EAD. In addition to a much younger age of onset, FAD patients with PSEN1 mutations differed from those with NF-EAD by a history of headaches and pseudobulbar affect, as well as myoclonus and gait abnormality on examination. These may represent differences in pathophysiology between FAD and NF-EAD and in some contexts such findings should lead to genetic counseling and appropriate recommendations for genetic testing for FAD. PMID:22460587

Period doubling cascades of limit cycles in cardiac action potential models as precursors to chaotic early Afterdepolarizations.

PubMed

Kügler, Philipp; Bulelzai, M A K; Erhardt, André H

2017-04-04

Early afterdepolarizations (EADs) are pathological voltage oscillations during the repolarization phase of cardiac action potentials (APs). EADs are caused by drugs, oxidative stress or ion channel disease, and they are considered as potential precursors to cardiac arrhythmias in recent attempts to redefine the cardiac drug safety paradigm. The irregular behaviour of EADs observed in experiments has been previously attributed to chaotic EAD dynamics under periodic pacing, made possible by a homoclinic bifurcation in the fast subsystem of the deterministic AP system of differential equations. In this article we demonstrate that a homoclinic bifurcation in the fast subsystem of the action potential model is neither a necessary nor a sufficient condition for the genesis of chaotic EADs. We rather argue that a cascade of period doubling (PD) bifurcations of limit cycles in the full AP system paves the way to chaotic EAD dynamics across a variety of models including a) periodically paced and spontaneously active cardiomyocytes, b) periodically paced and non-active cardiomyocytes as well as c) unpaced and spontaneously active cardiomyocytes. Furthermore, our bifurcation analysis reveals that chaotic EAD dynamics may coexist in a stable manner with fully regular AP dynamics, where only the initial conditions decide which type of dynamics is displayed. EADs are a potential source of cardiac arrhythmias and hence are of relevance both from the viewpoint of drug cardiotoxicity testing and the treatment of cardiomyopathies. The model-independent association of chaotic EADs with period doubling cascades of limit cycles introduced in this article opens novel opportunities to study chaotic EADs by means of bifurcation control theory and inverse bifurcation analysis. Furthermore, our results may shed new light on the synchronization and propagation of chaotic EADs in homogeneous and heterogeneous multicellular and cardiac tissue preparations.

Ajuga decumbens stimulates mesenchymal stem cell differentiation and regenerates cartilage in a rabbit osteoarthritis model

PubMed Central

Sawada, Yoko; Sugimoto, Atsushi; Osaki, Tomohiro; Okamoto, Yoshiharu

2018-01-01

In a previous study by our group, Ajuga decumbens extract (ADE) was demonstrated to decrease the number of osteoclasts in subchondral bone and to have a synergistic effect with glucosamine in improving cartilaginous injuries in a rabbit model of osteoarthritis. In the present study, a concentrate of the useful fraction of ADE, termed extra ADE (EADE), which includes higher concentrations of the active component 20-hydroxyecdysone, was evaluated for its efficacy to accelerate the healing of experimental cartilage injury. Cartilage injuries were surgically induced in rabbits by creating three holes; one in the articular cartilage of the medial trochlea and two in the trochlear sulcus of the distal femur. The rabbits were divided into the following four groups (n=3 in each): Control, ADE (0.5 g/kg), low dosage EADE (0.05 g/kg; low EADE) and high dosage EADE (0.5 g/kg; high EADE). ADE and EADE were dissolved in tap water and each dosage was orally administered every day for 3 weeks. At the end of the experimental period, histological analysis indicated that the cartilage matrix was regenerated in the low and high EADE groups. On counting of cells in the histological specimens, it was determined that the mean number of osteoclasts per 100 osteoblasts in subchondral bone was lower in the high EADE group compared with the control group. Furthermore, the results indicated that treatment with EADE (1–100 µg/ml) stimulated chondrogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells and induced proteoglycan production to a greater extent than the control in vitro. EADE treatment (10 and 100 µg/ml) was also observed to significantly attenuate interleukin-1β-induced prostaglandin E2 production in chondrocytes (P<0.05). In summary, the results of the present study suggest that EADE may have greater curative effects on bone injury compared with the currently used therapeutic ADE. PMID:29725360

Quantum-Chemical Study of the Adsorption of DMMP and Sarin on gamma-Al2O3

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-02-01

In this and in the following section, ∆Eads is not corrected for zero-point vibrational energy ( ZPE ); however, a counterpoise correction for basis set...Ångstroms and the bond angle is in degrees. Values in parentheses are BSSE-corrected (∆Eads C ) results. ∆Eads has not been corrected for ZPE . b 6-31G...sets. The ∆ Eads C values are given in parentheses. No ZPE corrections have been applied. e The basis sets used were 6-311G(df) for Sarin and for the Al

Biosecurity and the management of emergency animal disease among commercial beef producers in New South Wales and Queensland (Australia).

PubMed

Hernández-Jover, M; Higgins, V; Bryant, M; Rast, L; McShane, C

2016-11-01

Australia places great importance on the prevention and management of emergency animal diseases (EAD), with strict quarantine measures offshore and at the border. Livestock producers are crucial for disease control onshore; however, limited information is available on commercial livestock producers' practices in relation to the management of disease risks. The aims of this paper are to investigate how commercial beef producers in Australia's Northern and Southern beef zones manage EADs and to identify drivers for effective biosecurity and EAD prevention. This paper forms part of a broader mixed methods research project involving an analysis of literature and current policies, qualitative semi-structured interviews with government and industry stakeholders and a cross-sectional study among beef producers. The cross-sectional study used a postal survey (n=182) and face-to-face interviews (n=34) to gather data on beef producers' knowledge and practices on biosecurity and EADs and their communication networks. Findings indicate that producers are uncertain about the roles and responsibilities of stakeholders involved in biosecurity and EAD management. This uncertainty may create confusion about EAD management and impact upon producers' willingness to report animal disease, with over 20% reporting the last veterinary contact more than five years ago and an additional 8.5% who had never contacted a veterinarian. Producers had a generally high awareness of the key sources of animal disease risk and they prioritise herd health planning as part of their everyday practices. Over 40% of producers had limited knowledge of the meaning of EAD; and EAD and biosecurity planning was given a low priority, primarily due to the perceived limited likelihood of an EAD event in Australia and the belief that EAD prevention is primarily the role of government. Only a moderate implementation of biosecurity practices, such as isolating incoming animals, having a single property entry point

Paradoxical Effects of Sodium-Calcium Exchanger Inhibition on Torsade de Pointes and Early Afterdepolarization in a Heart Failure Rabbit Model.

PubMed

Chang, Po-Cheng; Lu, Yu-Ying; Lee, Hui-Ling; Lin, Shien-Fong; Chu, Yen; Wen, Ming-Shien; Chou, Chung-Chuan

2018-05-03

Calcium homeostasis plays an important role in development of early afterdepolarizations (EADs) and torsade de pointes (TdP). The role of sodium-calcium exchanger (NCX) inhibition in genesis secondary Ca rise and EADs-TdP is still debated. Dual voltage and intracellular Ca optical mapping were conducted in 6 control and 9 failing rabbit hearts. After baseline electrophysiological and optical mapping studies, E4031 was given to simulate long QT syndrome. ORM-10103 was then administrated to examine the electrophysiological effects on EAD-TdP development. E4031 enhanced secondary Ca rise, EADs development and TdP inducibility in both control and failing hearts. The results showed that ORM-10103 reduced premature ventricular beats (PVBs) but was unable to suppress the inducibility of TdP or EADs. The electrophysiological effects of ORM-10103 included prolongation of action potential duration (APD) and increased APD heterogeneity in failing hearts. ORM10103 had a neutral effect on the amplitude of secondary Cai rise in control and HF groups. In this model, most EADs generated from the long-short APD junction area. In conclusion, highly selective NCX inhibition with ORM-10103 reduced PVB burden but was unable to suppress secondary Ca rise, EADs development nor inducibility of TdP. The possible electrophysiological mechanisms include APD prolongation and increased APD heterogeneity.

Donor information based prediction of early allograft dysfunction and outcome in liver transplantation.

PubMed

Hoyer, Dieter P; Paul, Andreas; Gallinat, Anja; Molmenti, Ernesto P; Reinhardt, Renate; Minor, Thomas; Saner, Fuat H; Canbay, Ali; Treckmann, Jürgen W; Sotiropoulos, Georgios C; Mathé, Zoltan

2015-01-01

Poor initial graft function was recently newly defined as early allograft dysfunction (EAD) [Olthoff KM, Kulik L, Samstein B, et al. Validation of a current definition of early allograft dysfunction in liver transplant recipients and analysis of risk factors. Liver Transpl 2010; 16: 943]. Aim of this analysis was to evaluate predictive donor information for development of EAD. Six hundred and seventy-eight consecutive adult patients (mean age 51.6 years; 60.3% men) who received a primary liver transplantation (LT) (09/2003-12/2011) were included. Standard donor data were correlated with EAD and outcome by univariable/multivariable logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards to identify prognostic donor factors after adjustment for recipient confounders. Estimates of relevant factors were utilized for construction of a new continuous risk index to develop EAD. 38.7% patients developed EAD. 30-day survival of grafts with and without EAD was 59.8% and 89.7% (P < 0.0001). 30-day survival of patients with and without EAD was 68.5% and 93.1% (P < 0.0001) respectively. Donor body mass index (P = 0.0112), gGT (P = 0.0471), macrosteatosis (P = 0.0006) and cold ischaemia time (CIT) (P = 0.0031) were predictors of EAD. Internal cross validation showed a high predictive value (c-index = 0.622). Early allograft dysfunction correlates with early results of LT and can be predicted by donor data only. The newly introduced risk index potentially optimizes individual decisions to accept/decline high risk organs. Outcome of these organs might be improved by shortening CIT. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Propulsion Systems

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-03-31

Manual 91 - 710 Vol. 2 ( AFSPCMAN 91 - 710 V2). 8. Astrium EADS. 2010. cs.astrium.eads.net. April. 9. Astrium EADS. 2010. : http...of the High Energy Density Matter (HEDM) Conference. Albuquerque, NM, February 24-27, (Phillips Lab PL-CP- 91 -3003, p. 3 ). 104. Sullivan, D. J...Chapter 3 . DATES COVERED (From - To) 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER Chapter 18 - Propulsion Systems 5b. GRANT NUMBER 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT

Psychometric characteristics of the Eating and Appraisal Due to Emotions and Stress Questionnaire and obesity in Mexican university students.

PubMed

Lazarevich, Irina; Irigoyen-Camacho, María Esther; Velazquez-Alva, María del Consuelo; Salinas-Ávila, Jaqueline

2015-06-01

Emotional eating has been defined as eating in a response to negative emotions and it is associated with weight gain. The English version of Eating Appraisal Due to Emotions and Stress Questionnaire (EADES) was developed to assess how individuals use food in order to cope with stress and emotions. To analyze psychometric characteristics of Spanish version of EADES and to identify whether the constructs of EADES were associated with obesity in university students. The EADES (Spanish version) was administered to 232 Mexican university students from 18 to 29 years old. Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated. A test-retest evaluation was conducted with 75 participants. Cronbach's alpha of EADES was 0.92; the interclass correlation coefficient was 0.88. Regarding BMI and EADES results, the subscale Emotion and Stress Related Eating was significantly associated with obesity (p = 0.026). Through factor analysis of the instrument, three factors were extracted and items that showed factor loading < 0.40 were eliminated. 40 items remained in the questionnaire. With regard to obesity and the 40-items version of the instrument, a statistically significance association was found for the total score (OR = 0.973, p = 0.020) and for the factor Self-confidence related to Emotional Eating component (OR = 0.940, p = 0.026). A good internal consistency and temporal stability of the Spanish version of the instrument were found; the 40-item EADES version was positively associated with obesity. This instrument could be useful in assessing emotional eating. Copyright AULA MEDICA EDICIONES 2014. Published by AULA MEDICA. All rights reserved.

An automated approach to detecting signals in electroantennogram data

USGS Publications Warehouse

Slone, D.H.; Sullivan, B.T.

2007-01-01

Coupled gas chromatography/electroantennographic detection (GC-EAD) is a widely used method for identifying insect olfactory stimulants present in mixtures of volatiles, and it can greatly accelerate the identification of insect semiochemicals. In GC-EAD, voltage changes across an insect's antenna are measured while the antenna is exposed to compounds eluting from a gas chromatograph. The antenna thus serves as a selective GC detector whose output can be compared to that of a "general" GC detector, commonly a flame ionization detector. Appropriate interpretation of GC-EAD results requires that olfaction-related voltage changes in the antenna be distinguishable from background noise that arises inevitably from antennal preparations and the GC-EAD-associated hardware. In this paper, we describe and compare mathematical algorithms for discriminating olfaction-generated signals in an EAD trace from background noise. The algorithms amplify signals by recognizing their characteristic shape and wavelength while suppressing unstructured noise. We have found these algorithms to be both powerful and highly discriminatory even when applied to noisy traces where the signals would be difficult to discriminate by eye. This new methodology removes operator bias as a factor in signal identification, can improve realized sensitivity of the EAD system, and reduces the number of runs required to confirm the identity of an olfactory stimulant. ?? 2007 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.

Carvedilol analogue inhibits triggered activities evoked by both early and delayed afterdepolarizations.

PubMed

Maruyama, Mitsunori; Xiao, Jianmin; Zhou, Qiang; Vembaiyan, Kannan; Chua, Su-Kiat; Rubart-von der Lohe, Michael; Lin, Shien-Fong; Back, Thomas G; Chen, S R Wayne; Chen, Peng-Sheng

2013-01-01

Carvedilol and its analogues suppress delayed afterdepolarizations (DADs) and catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardias by direct action on the cardiac ryanodine receptor type 2 (RyR2). To test a hypothesis that carvedilol analogue may also prevent triggered activities (TAs) through the suppression of early afterdepolarizations (EADs). Intracellular Ca(2+) and membrane voltage were simultaneously recorded by using optical mapping technique in Langendorff-perfused mouse and rabbit hearts to study the effect of carvedilol analogue VK-II-36, which does not have significant beta-blocking effects. Spontaneous intracellular Ca(2+) elevations (SCaEs) during diastole were induced by rapid ventricular pacing and isoproterenol infusion in intact rabbit ventricles. Systolic and diastolic SCaEs were simultaneously noted in Langendorff-perfused RyR2 R4496(+/-) mouse hearts after creating atrioventricular block. VK-II-36 effectively suppressed SCaEs and eliminated TAs observed in both mouse and rabbit ventricles. We tested the effect of VK-II-36 on EADs by using a rabbit model of acquired long QT syndrome, in which phase 2 and phase 3 EADs were observed in association with systolic SCaEs. VK-II-36 abolished the systolic SCaEs and phase 2 EADs, and greatly decreased the dispersion of repolarization and the amplitude of phase 3 EADs. VK-II-36 completely prevented EAD-mediated TAs in all ventricles studied. A carvedilol analogue, VK-II-36, inhibits ventricular tachyarrhythmias in intact mouse and rabbit ventricles by the suppression of SCaEs, independent of beta-blocking activity. The RyR2 may be a potential target for treating focal ventricular arrhythmias triggered by either EADs or DADs. Copyright © 2013 Heart Rhythm Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A Study of Early Afterdepolarizations in a Model for Human Ventricular Tissue

PubMed Central

Vandersickel, Nele; Kazbanov, Ivan V.; Nuitermans, Anita; Weise, Louis D.; Pandit, Rahul; Panfilov, Alexander V.

2014-01-01

Sudden cardiac death is often caused by cardiac arrhythmias. Recently, special attention has been given to a certain arrhythmogenic condition, the long-QT syndrome, which occurs as a result of genetic mutations or drug toxicity. The underlying mechanisms of arrhythmias, caused by the long-QT syndrome, are not fully understood. However, arrhythmias are often connected to special excitations of cardiac cells, called early afterdepolarizations (EADs), which are depolarizations during the repolarizing phase of the action potential. So far, EADs have been studied mainly in isolated cardiac cells. However, the question on how EADs at the single-cell level can result in fibrillation at the tissue level, especially in human cell models, has not been widely studied yet. In this paper, we study wave patterns that result from single-cell EAD dynamics in a mathematical model for human ventricular cardiac tissue. We induce EADs by modeling experimental conditions which have been shown to evoke EADs at a single-cell level: by an increase of L-type Ca currents and a decrease of the delayed rectifier potassium currents. We show that, at the tissue level and depending on these parameters, three types of abnormal wave patterns emerge. We classify them into two types of spiral fibrillation and one type of oscillatory dynamics. Moreover, we find that the emergent wave patterns can be driven by calcium or sodium currents and we find phase waves in the oscillatory excitation regime. From our simulations we predict that arrhythmias caused by EADs can occur during normal wave propagation and do not require tissue heterogeneities. Experimental verification of our results is possible for experiments at the cell-culture level, where EADs can be induced by an increase of the L-type calcium conductance and by the application of I blockers, and the properties of the emergent patterns can be studied by optical mapping of the voltage and calcium. PMID:24427289

Electroantennographic and behavioral responses of the sphinx moth Manduca sexta to host plant headspace volatiles.

PubMed

Fraser, Ann M; Mechaber, Wendy L; Hildebrand, John G

2003-08-01

Coupled gas chromatography with electroantennographic detection (GC-EAD) using antennae of adult female Manduca sexta was employed to screen for olfactory stimulants present in headspace collections from four species of larval host plants belonging to two families: Solanaceae--Lycopersicon esculentum (tomato), Capiscum annuum (bell pepper), and Datura wrightii; and Martyniaceae--Pronboscideaparviflora. Headspace volatiles were collected from undamaged foliage of potted, living plants. GC-EAD revealed 23 EAD-active compounds, of which 15 were identified by GC-mass spectrometry. Identified compounds included aliphatic, aromatic, and terpenoid compounds bearing a range of functional groups. Nine EAD-active compounds were common to all four host plant species: (Z)-3-hexenyl acetate, nonanal, decanal, phenylacetaldehyde, methyl salicylate, benzyl alcohol, geranyl acetone, (E)-nerolidol, and one unidentified compound. Behavioral responses of female moths to an eight-component synthetic blend of selected tomato headspace volatiles were tested in a laboratory wind tunnel. Females were attracted to the blend. A comparison of responses from antennae of males and females to bell pepper headspace volatiles revealed that males responded to the same suite of volatiles as females, except for (Z)-3-hexenyl benzoate. EAD responses of males also were lower for (Z)-and (E)-nerolidol and one unidentified compound. Electroantennogram EAG dose-response curves for the 15 identified EAD-active volatiles were recorded. At the higher test doses (10-100 microg), female antennae yielded larger EAG responses to terpenoids and to aliphatic and aromatic esters. Male antennae did respond to the higher doses of (Z)-3-hexenyl benzoate, indicating that they can detect this compound. On the basis of ubiquity of the EAD-active volatiles identified to date in host plant headspace collections, we suggest that M. sexta uses a suite of volatiles to locate and identify appropriate host plants.

A Novel Method for In Situ Electromechanical Characterization of Nanoscale Specimens

PubMed Central

Reid, Russell C.; Piqué, Alberto; Kang, Wonmo

2017-01-01

Electrically assisted deformation (EAD) is increasingly being used to improve the formability of metals during processes such as sheet metal rolling and forging. Adoption of this technique is proceeding despite disagreement concerning the underlying mechanism responsible for EAD. The experimental procedure described herein enables a more explicit study compared to previous EAD research by removing thermal effects, which are responsible for disagreement in interpreting previous EAD results. Furthermore, as the procedure described here enables EAD observation in situ and in real time in a transmission electron microscope (TEM), it is superior to existing post-mortem methods that observe EAD effects post-test. Test samples consist of a single crystal copper (SCC) foil having a free-standing tensile test section of nanoscale thickness, fabricated using a combination of laser and ion beam milling. The SCC is mounted to an etched silicon base that provides mechanical support and electrical isolation while serving as a heat sink. Using this geometry, even at high current density (~3,500 A/mm2), the test section experiences a negligible temperature increase (<0.02 °C), thus eliminating Joule heating effects. Monitoring material deformation and identifying the corresponding changes to microstructures, e.g. dislocations, are accomplished by acquiring and analyzing a series of TEM images. Our sample preparation and in situ experiment procedures are robust and versatile as they can be readily utilized to test materials with different microstructures, e.g., single and polycrystalline copper. PMID:28605394

Theoretical Study on Nano-Catalyst Burn Rate

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-11-26

the adsorbed system EAP +surface and the adsorption state, with a positive value of Eads being thermodynamically favorable: Eads = (Esurface + EAP ... EAP +surface, (1) The interaction between the TiO2 surfaces and the AP molecules has been analyzed by

Response of the small hive beetle (Aethina tumida) to a blend of chemicals identified from honeybee (Apis mellifera) volatiles

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Coupled gas chromatographic-electroantennographic detection (GC-EAD) analyses of Super Q collected worker honey bee volatiles revealed several components that elicited antennal responses by the small hive beetle Aethina tumida. However, GC-MS analysis showed that eight of these EAD-active components...

Development of a host-based semiochemical lure for trapping emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis (Coleoptera: Buprestidae)

Treesearch

Damon J. Crook; Ashot Khrimian; Joseph A. Francese; Ivich Fraser; Therese M. Poland; Alan J. Sawyer; Victor C. Mastro

2008-01-01

Bark volatiles from green ash Fraxinus pennsylvanica were tested for electrophysiological activity by Agrilus planipennis using gas chromatographic-electroantennographic detection (GC-EAD) and for behavioral activity using baited purple traps in Michigan. GC-EAD analysis of the headspace volatiles of bark tissue samples from 0...

29 CFR 4041.45 - Distress termination notice.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

..., Single-Employer Plan Termination, with Schedule EA-D, Distress Termination Enrolled Actuary Certification... guaranteed benefits. Unless the enrolled actuary certifies, in the Schedule EA-D filed in accordance with... benefits or benefit liabilities. If the enrolled actuary certifies that the plan is sufficient either for...

29 CFR 4041.45 - Distress termination notice.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

..., Single-Employer Plan Termination, with Schedule EA-D, Distress Termination Enrolled Actuary Certification... guaranteed benefits. Unless the enrolled actuary certifies, in the Schedule EA-D filed in accordance with... benefits or benefit liabilities. If the enrolled actuary certifies that the plan is sufficient either for...

29 CFR 4041.45 - Distress termination notice.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

..., Single-Employer Plan Termination, with Schedule EA-D, Distress Termination Enrolled Actuary Certification... guaranteed benefits. Unless the enrolled actuary certifies, in the Schedule EA-D filed in accordance with... benefits or benefit liabilities. If the enrolled actuary certifies that the plan is sufficient either for...

29 CFR 4041.45 - Distress termination notice.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

..., Single-Employer Plan Termination, with Schedule EA-D, Distress Termination Enrolled Actuary Certification... guaranteed benefits. Unless the enrolled actuary certifies, in the Schedule EA-D filed in accordance with... benefits or benefit liabilities. If the enrolled actuary certifies that the plan is sufficient either for...

29 CFR 4041.45 - Distress termination notice.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

..., Single-Employer Plan Termination, with Schedule EA-D, Distress Termination Enrolled Actuary Certification... guaranteed benefits. Unless the enrolled actuary certifies, in the Schedule EA-D filed in accordance with... benefits or benefit liabilities. If the enrolled actuary certifies that the plan is sufficient either for...

Mutations of amino acids in the DNA-recognition domain of Epstein-Barr virus ZEBRA protein alter its sub-nuclear localization and affect formation of replication compartments

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

Park, Richard; Heston, Lee; Shedd, Duane

ZEBRA, a transcription factor and DNA replication protein encoded by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) BZLF1 gene, plays indispensable roles in the EBV lytic cycle. We recently described the phenotypes of 46 single amino acid substitutions introduced into the DNA-recognition region of ZEBRA [Heston, L., El-Guindy, A., Countryman, J., Dela Cruz, C., Delecluse, H.J., and Miller, G. 2006]. The 27 DNA-binding-proficient mutants exhibited distinct defects in their ability to activate expression of the kinetic classes of viral genes. Four phenotypic variants could be discerned: wild-type, defective at activating Rta, defective at activating early genes, and defective at activating late genes. Heremore » we analyze the distribution of ZEBRA within the nucleus and the localization of EA-D (the viral DNA polymerase processivity factor), an indicator of the development of replication compartments, in representatives of each phenotypic group. Plasmids encoding wild-type (WT) and mutant ZEBRA were transfected into 293 cells containing EBV-bacmids. WT ZEBRA protein was diffusely and smoothly distributed throughout the nucleus, sparing nucleoli, and partially recruited to globular replication compartments. EA-D induced by WT ZEBRA was present diffusely in some cells and concentrated in globular replication compartments in other cells. The distribution of ZEBRA and EA-D proteins was identical to WT following transfection of K188R, a mutant with a conservative change. The distribution of S186A mutant ZEBRA protein, defective for activation of Rta and EA-D, was identical to WT, except that the mutant ZEBRA was never found in globular compartments. Co-expression of Rta with S186A mutant rescued diffuse EA-D but not globular replication compartments. The most striking observation was that several mutant ZEBRA proteins defective in activating EA-D (R179A, K181A and A185V) and defective in activating lytic viral DNA replication and late genes (Y180E and K188A) were localized to numerous

Effects of temperature and heat waves on emergency department visits and emergency ambulance dispatches in Pudong New Area, China: a time series analysis.

PubMed

Sun, Xiaoming; Sun, Qiao; Yang, Minjuan; Zhou, Xianfeng; Li, Xiaopan; Yu, Aiqing; Geng, Fuhai; Guo, Yuming

2014-10-02

In July 2013, an extended heat episode with extreme high temperature covered Pudong New Area, the largest district in Shanghai. The current study estimates the impacts of temperature and heat waves on emergency department visits (EDV) and emergency ambulance dispatches (EAD) using time-series approaches in Pudong, from 2011 to 2013. An over-dispersed Poisson generalized additive model was used to examine the association between temperature and EDV and EAD. Heat wave effects with different heat wave definitions considering both the intensity and durations were also estimated. Immediate effects of temperature on EDV and EAD were detected, after controlling for trends of time and day of week. The exposure-response relationships showed J-shaped curves with higher threshold temperature of EDV than that of EAD visually. When estimating risk changes on heat days compared with non-heat days using different percentiles of daily mean temperature in definition, EAD showed significant increases while non-significant or even negative associations were found for EDV. Heat wave with intensity above the 90th percentile had 2.62% (95% CI: 1.78%, 3.46%) and 0.95% (95% CI: 0.22%, 1.69%) increases in EDV for a duration of at least 2 days and 3 days respectively. The relative increase of EAD were 4.85% (95% CI: 1.42%, 8.39%) and 3.94% (95% CI: 0.88%, 7.10%). Varied effects of temperature and heat waves on emergency department visits and emergency ambulance dispatches were investigated. This wider view of the health effect of temperature indicated that interventions for both public health education and health services management should be considered in the study region.

Distinguishing neurocognitive deficits in adult patients with NP-C from early onset Alzheimer's dementia.

PubMed

Johnen, Andreas; Pawlowski, Matthias; Duning, Thomas

2018-06-05

Niemann-Pick disease type C (NP-C) is a rare, progressive neurodegenerative disease caused by mutations in the NPC1 or the NPC2 gene. Neurocognitive deficits are common in NP-C, particularly in patients with the adolescent/adult-onset form. As a disease-specific therapy is available, it is important to distinguish clinically between the cognitive profiles in NP-C and primary dementia (e.g., early Alzheimer's disease; eAD). In a prospective observational study, we directly compared the neurocognitive profiles of patients with confirmed NP-C (n = 7) and eAD (n = 15). All patients underwent neurocognitive assessment using dementia screening tests (mini-mental status examination [MMSE] and frontal assessment battery [FAB]) and an extensive battery of tests assessing verbal memory, visuoconstructive abilities, visual memory, executive functions and verbal fluency. Overall cognitive impairment (MMSE) was significantly greater in eAD vs. NP-C (p = 0.010). The frequency of patients classified as cognitively 'impaired' was also significantly greater in eAD vs. NP-C (p = 0.025). Patients with NP-C showed relatively preserved verbal memory, but frequent impairment in visual memory, visuoconstruction, executive functions and in particular, verbal fluency. In the eAD group, a wider profile of more frequent and more severe neurocognitive deficits was seen, primarily featuring severe verbal and visual memory deficits along with major executive impairment. Delayed verbal memory recall was a particularly strong distinguishing factor between the two groups. A combination of detailed yet easy-to-apply neurocognitive tests assessing verbal memory, executive functions and verbal fluency may help distinguish NP-C cases from those with primary dementia due to eAD.

Europe’s New Defense Ambitions: Implications for NATO, the US, and Russia

DTIC Science & Technology

2000-04-01

of Moscow’s current constructive attitude is equally unlikely, because its economic and trade ties with the EU region are too valuable for Russia to...19. The Spanish Construcciones Aeronáuticas S. A. (CASA) aerospace group joined the EADS in December 1999. EADS now controls 80 per cent of the

Description of male, pupa and larva of Simulium (Asiosimulium) wanchaii (Diptera: Simuliidae) from Thailand, with keys to identify four species of the subgenus Asiosimulium.

PubMed

Srisuka, W; Takaoka, H; Saeung, A

2015-09-01

The male, pupa and mature larva of Simulium (Asiosimulium) wanchaii Takaoka & Choochote, one of the four species of the small Oriental black fly subgenus Asiosimulium, are described for the first time based on samples collected from Thailand. The male S. (A.) wanchaii is characterized based on the enlarged hind basitarsus and the ventral plate which is much wider than long. The pupa and larva are characterized by the gill with 19 filaments and the deep postgenal cleft, respectively. Keys are provided to identify all the four species of the subgenus Asiosimulium for females, males, pupae and mature larvae.

The Semantic Mapping of Archival Metadata to the CIDOC CRM Ontology

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bountouri, Lina; Gergatsoulis, Manolis

2011-01-01

In this article we analyze the main semantics of archival description, expressed through Encoded Archival Description (EAD). Our main target is to map the semantics of EAD to the CIDOC Conceptual Reference Model (CIDOC CRM) ontology as part of a wider integration architecture of cultural heritage metadata. Through this analysis, it is concluded…

An automated approach to detecting signals in electroantennogram data

Treesearch

D.H. Slone; B.T. Sullivan

2007-01-01

Coupled gas chromatography/electroantennographic detection (GC-EAD) is a widely used method for identifying insect olfactory stimulants present in mixtures of volatiles, and it can greatly accelerate the identification of insect semiochemicals. In GC-EAD, voltage changes across an insect's antenna are measured while the antenna is exposed to compounds eluting fi-...

Use of FDSS/μCell imaging platform for preclinical cardiac electrophysiology safety screening of compounds in human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes.

PubMed

Zeng, Haoyu; Roman, Maria I; Lis, Edward; Lagrutta, Armando; Sannajust, Frederick

2016-01-01

FDSS/μCell is a high-speed acquisition imaging platform (Hamamatsu Ltd., Hamamatsu, Japan) that allows for simultaneous high-throughput reading under controlled conditions. We evaluated the Ca(2+) transients or optical membrane potential changes of human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) (iCells) in the presence or absence of 44 pharmacological agents known to interfere with cardiac ion channels (e.g., hERG, IKs, NaV1.5, CaV1.2). We tested two Ca(2+)-sensitive fluorescence dyes (Codex ACTOne® and EarlyTox®) and a membrane potential dye (FLIPR® membrane potential dye). We were able to quantify and report drug-induced early-after depolarizations (EAD)-like waveforms, cardiomyocyte ectopic beats and changes in beating rate from a subgroup of pharmacological agents acting acutely (within a 1-hour period). Cardiovascular drugs, such as dofetilide and d,l-sotalol, exhibited EAD-like signals at 3nM and 10μM, respectively. CNS drugs, such as haloperidol and sertindole, exhibited EAD-like signals and ectopic beats at 30nM and 1μM, respectively. Other drugs, such as astemizole, solifenacin, and moxifloxacin, exhibited similar arrhythmias at 30nM, 3μM and 300μM, respectively. Our data suggest that the membrane potential and intracellular Ca(2+) signal are tightly coupled, supporting the idea that the EAD-like signals reported are the accurate representation of an EAD signal of the cardiac action potential. Finally, the EAD-like Ca(2+) signal was well correlated to clinically-relevant concentrations where Torsade de Pointes (TdPs) arrhythmias were noted in healthy volunteers treated orally with some of the compounds we tested, as reported in PharmaPendium®. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The combination of indocyanine green clearance test and model for end-stage liver disease score predicts early graft outcome after liver transplantation.

PubMed

Yunhua, Tang; Weiqiang, Ju; Maogen, Chen; Sai, Yang; Zhiheng, Zhang; Dongping, Wang; Zhiyong, Guo; Xiaoshun, He

2018-06-01

Early allograft dysfunction (EAD) and early postoperative complications are two important clinical endpoints when evaluating clinical outcomes of liver transplantation (LT). We developed and validated two ICGR15-MELD models in 87 liver transplant recipients for predicting EAD and early postoperative complications after LT by incorporating the quantitative liver function tests (ICGR15) into the MELD score. Eighty seven consecutive patients who underwent LT were collected and divided into a training cohort (n = 61) and an internal validation cohort (n = 26). For predicting EAD after LT, the area under curve (AUC) for ICGR15-MELD score was 0.876, with a sensitivity of 92.0% and a specificity of 75.0%, which is better than MELD score or ICGR15 alone. The recipients with a ICGR15-MELD score ≥0.243 have a higher incidence of EAD than those with a ICGR15-MELD score <0.243 (P <0.001). For predicting early postoperative complications, the AUC of ICGR15-MELD score was 0.832, with a sensitivity of 90.9% and a specificity of 71.0%. Those recipients with an ICGR15-MELD score ≥0.098 have a higher incidence of early postoperative complications than those with an ICGR15-MELD score <0.098 (P < 0.001). Finally, application of the two ICGR15-MELD models in the validation cohort still gave good accuracy (AUC, 0.835 and 0.826, respectively) in predicting EAD and early postoperative complications after LT. The combination of quantitative liver function tests (ICGR15) and the preoperative MELD score is a reliable and effective predictor of EAD and early postoperative complications after LT, which is better than MELD score or ICGR15 alone.

A score model for the continuous grading of early allograft dysfunction severity.

PubMed

Pareja, Eugenia; Cortes, Miriam; Hervás, David; Mir, José; Valdivieso, Andrés; Castell, José V; Lahoz, Agustín

2015-01-01

Early allograft dysfunction (EAD) dramatically influences graft and patient outcomes. A lack of consensus on an EAD definition hinders comparisons of liver transplant outcomes and management of recipients among and within centers. We sought to develop a model for the quantitative assessment of early allograft function [Model for Early Allograft Function Scoring (MEAF)] after transplantation. A retrospective study including 1026 consecutive liver transplants was performed for MEAF score development. Multivariate data analysis was used to select a small number of postoperative variables that adequately describe EAD. Then, the distribution of these variables was mathematically modeled to assign a score for each actual variable value. A model, based on easily obtainable clinical parameters (ie, alanine aminotransferase, international normalized ratio, and bilirubin) and scoring liver function from 0 to 10, was built. The MEAF score showed a significant association with patient and graft survival at 3-, 6- and 12-month follow-ups. Hepatic steatosis and age for donors; cold/warm ischemia times and postreperfusion syndrome for surgery; and intensive care unit and hospital stays, Model for End-Stage Liver Disease and Child-Pugh scores, body mass index, and fresh frozen plasma transfusions for recipients were factors associated significantly with EAD. The model was satisfactorily validated by its application to an independent set of 200 patients who underwent liver transplantation at a different center. In conclusion, a model for the quantitative assessment of EAD severity has been developed and validated for the first time. The MEAF provides a more accurate graft function assessment than current categorical classifications and may help clinicians to make early enough decisions on retransplantation benefits. Furthermore, the MEAF score is a predictor of recipient and graft survival. The standardization of the criteria used to define EAD may allow reliable comparisons of

Online Finding Aids with BASYS-Fox in the Bundesarchiv, Germany

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sander, Oliver

2005-01-01

This article discusses the process for the production of online finding aids with BASYS-Fox system and it describes the scope of application of EAD in the Bundesarchiv. In 2000, the project "Presentation of Online Finding Aids with the EAD system" was started at Bundesarchiv. The project was promoted by the German Science Foundation…

On Elementary Affective Decisions: To Like Or Not to Like, That Is the Question

PubMed Central

Jacobs, Arthur; Hofmann, Markus J.; Kinder, Annette

2016-01-01

Perhaps the most ubiquitous and basic affective decision of daily life is deciding whether we like or dislike something/somebody, or, in terms of psychological emotion theories, whether the object/subject has positive or negative valence. Indeed, people constantly make such liking decisions within a glimpse and, importantly, often without expecting any obvious benefit or knowing the exact reasons for their judgment. In this paper, we review research on such elementary affective decisions (EADs) that entail no direct overt reward with a special focus on Neurocognitive Poetics and discuss methods and models for investigating the neuronal and cognitive-affective bases of EADs to verbal materials with differing degrees of complexity. In line with evolutionary and appraisal theories of (aesthetic) emotions and data from recent neurocognitive studies, the results of a decision tree modeling approach simulating EADs to single words suggest that a main driving force behind EADs is the extent to which such high-dimensional stimuli are associated with the “basic” emotions joy/happiness and disgust. PMID:27933013

Evaluation of Anthelmintic Resistance and Exhaust Air Dust PCR as a Diagnostic Tool in Mice Enzootically Infected with Aspiculuris tetraptera

PubMed Central

Kapoor, Pratibha; Hayes, Yumiko O; Jarrell, Leslie T; Bellinger, Dwight A; Thomas, Rhiannon D; Lawson, Gregory W; Arkema, Jaclyn D; Fletcher, Craig A; Nielsen, Judith N

2017-01-01

The entry of infectious agents in rodent colonies occurs despite robust sentinel monitoring programs, strict quarantine measures, and stringent biosecurity practices. In light of several outbreaks with Aspiculuris tetraptera in our facilities, we investigated the presence of anthelmintic resistance and the use of exhaust air dust (EAD) PCR for early detection of A. tetraptera infection. To determine anthelmintic resistance, C57BL/6, DBA/2, and NCr nude mice were experimentally inoculated with embryonated A. tetraptera ova harvested from enzootically infected mice, followed by treatment with 150 ppm fenbendazole in feed, 150 ppm fenbendazole plus 5 ppm piperazine in feed, or 2.1 mg/mL piperazine in water for 4 or 8 wk. Regardless of the mouse strain or treatment, no A. tetraptera were recovered at necropsy, indicating the lack of resistance in the worms to anthelmintic treatment. In addition, 10 of 12 DBA/2 positive-control mice cleared the A. tetraptera infection without treatment. To evaluate the feasibility of EAD PCR for A. tetraptera, 69 cages of breeder mice enzootically infected with A. tetraptera were housed on a Tecniplast IVC rack as a field study. On day 0, 56% to 58% of the cages on this rack tested positive for A. tetraptera by PCR and fecal centrifugation flotation (FCF). PCR from EAD swabs became positive for A. tetraptera DNA within 1 wk of placing the above cages on the rack. When these mice were treated with 150 ppm fenbendazole in feed, EAD PCR reverted to pinworm-negative after 1 mo of treatment and remained negative for an additional 8 wk. The ability of EAD PCR to detect few A. tetraptera positive mice was investigated by housing only 6 infected mice on another IVC rack as a field study. The EAD PCR from this rack was positive for A. tetraptera DNA within 1 wk of placing the positive mice on it. These findings demonstrate that fenbendazole is still an effective anthelmintic and that EAD PCR is a rapid, noninvasive assay that may be a useful

Impairment in proverb interpretation as an executive function deficit in patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment and early Alzheimer's disease.

PubMed

Leyhe, Thomas; Saur, Ralf; Eschweiler, Gerhard W; Milian, Monika

2011-01-01

Proverb interpretation is assumed to reflect executive functions. We hypothesized that proverb interpretation is impaired in patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) diagnosed as single-domain impairment by common neuropsychological testing. We compared performance in a proverb interpretation test in single-domain aMCI patients and patients with early Alzheimer's disease (EAD). The groups with aMCI and EAD performed significantly worse than healthy controls. Both patient groups gave concrete answers with a similar frequency. However, patients with EAD tended to give senseless answers more frequently. Our data suggest that in patients diagnosed as single-domain aMCI, deterioration of executive functions is detectable with subtle and appropriate neuropsychological testing. Implementation of these procedures may improve the early prediction of AD.

Application of electro acoustics for dewatering pharmaceutical sludge

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

Golla, P.S.; Johnson, H.W.

1992-02-01

Application of electro acoustic principles for dewatering has been developed by Battelle Institute. The Department of Energy, Battelle Institute, and Ashbrook-Simon-Hartley, have jointly developed an Electro Acoustic Dewatering press (EAD press). The EAD press applies a combination of mechanical pressure, electrical current and ultrasonics. This press is utilized after conventional dewatering devices and can remove up to 50% water from filtered sludge cake at a fraction of the cost incurred in existing thermal drying devices. The dominant mechanism of sludge dewatering by EAD press is electro-osmosis due to the application of a direct current field. Electro-osmosis is caused by anmore » electrical double layer of oppositely charged ions formed at the solid liquid interface, which is characterized by zeta potential. The ultrasonic fields help electro-osmosis by consolidation of the filter cake and by release of inaccessible liquid. The EAD press has been tested successfully on a variety of materials including apple pomace, corn gluten, sewage sludge, and coal fines. A three week long full scale trial was conducted successfully at a pharmaceutical industry to determine the application of this technology for dewatering waste activated sludge.« less

Environmental implications of anaerobic digestion for manure management in dairy farms in Mexico: a life cycle perspective.

PubMed

Rivas-García, Pasiano; Botello-Álvarez, José E; Abel Seabra, Joaquim E; da Silva Walter, Arnaldo C; Estrada-Baltazar, Alejandro

2015-01-01

The environmental profile of milk production in Mexico was analysed for three manure management scenarios: fertilization (F), anaerobic digestion (AD) and enhanced anaerobic digestion (EAD). The study used the life cycle assessment (LCA) technique, considering a 'cradle-to-gate' approach. The assessment model was constructed using SimaPro LCA software, and the life cycle impact assessment was performed according to the ReCiPe method. Dairy farms with AD and EAD scenarios were found to exhibit, respectively, 12% and 27% less greenhouse gas emissions, 58% and 31% less terrestrial acidification, and 3% and 18% less freshwater eutrophication than the F scenario. A different trend was observed in the damage to resource availability indicator, as the F scenario presented 6% and 22% less damage than the EAD and AD scenarios, respectively. The magnitude of environmental damage from milk production in the three dairy manure management scenarios, using a general single score indicator, was 0.118, 0.107 and 0.081 Pt/L of milk for the F, AD and EAD scenarios, respectively. These results indicate that manure management systems with anaerobic digestion can improve the environmental profile of each litre of milk produced.

So little source, so much sink: requirements for afterdepolarizations to propagate in tissue.

PubMed

Xie, Yuanfang; Sato, Daisuke; Garfinkel, Alan; Qu, Zhilin; Weiss, James N

2010-09-08

How early (EADs) and delayed afterdepolarizations (DADs) overcome electrotonic source-sink mismatches in tissue to trigger premature ventricular complexes remains incompletely understood. To study this question, we used a rabbit ventricular action potential model to simulate tissues in which a central area of contiguous myocytes susceptible to EADs or DADs was surrounded by unsusceptible tissue. In 1D tissue with normal longitudinal conduction velocity (0.55 m/s), the numbers of contiguous susceptible myocytes required for an EAD and a barely suprathreshold DAD to trigger a propagating action potential were 70 and 80, respectively. In 2D tissue, these numbers increased to 6940 and 7854, and in 3D tissue to 696,910 and 817,280. These numbers were significantly decreased by reduced gap junction conductance, simulated fibrosis, reduced repolarization reserve and heart failure electrical remodeling. In conclusion, the source-sink mismatch in well-coupled cardiac tissue powerfully protects the heart from arrhythmias due to sporadic afterdepolarizations. Structural and electrophysiological remodeling decrease these numbers significantly but still require synchronization mechanisms for EADs and DADs to overcome the robust protective effects of source-sink mismatch. Copyright 2010 Biophysical Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

DFT study on the adsorption behavior and electronic response of AlN nanotube and nanocage toward toxic halothane gas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mohammadi, R.; Hosseinian, A.; Khosroshahi, E. Saedi; Edjlali, L.; Vessally, E.

2018-04-01

We have investigated the adsorption of a halothane molecule on the AlN nanotube, and nanocage using density functional theory calculations. We predicted that the halothane molecule tends to be physically adsorbed on the surface of AlN nanotube with adsorption energy (Ead) of -4.2 kcal/mol. The electronic properties of AlN nanotube are not affected by the halothane, and it is not a sensor. But the AlN nanocage is more reactive than the AlN nanotube because of its higher curvature. The halothane tends to be adsorbed on a hexagonal ring, an Alsbnd N bond, and a tetragonal ring of the AlN nanocage. The adsorption ability order is as follows: tetragonal ring (Ead = -14.7 kcal/mol) > Alsbnd N bond (Ead = -12.3 kcal/mol) > hexagonal ring (Ead = -10.1 kcal/mol). When a halothane molecule is adsorbed on the AlN nanocage, its electrical conductivity is increased, demonstrating that it can yield an electronic signal at the presence of this molecule, and can be employed in chemical sensors. The AlN nanocage benefits from a short recovery time of about 58 ms at room temperature.

Effect of myocyte-fibroblast coupling on the onset of pathological dynamics in a model of ventricular tissue

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sridhar, S.; Vandersickel, Nele; Panfilov, Alexander V.

2017-01-01

Managing lethal cardiac arrhythmias is one of the biggest challenges in modern cardiology, and hence it is very important to understand the factors underlying such arrhythmias. While early afterdepolarizations (EAD) of cardiac cells is known to be one such arrhythmogenic factor, the mechanisms underlying the emergence of tissue level arrhythmias from cellular level EADs is not fully understood. Another known arrhythmogenic condition is fibrosis of cardiac tissue that occurs both due to aging and in many types of heart diseases. In this paper we describe the results of a systematic in-silico study, using the TNNP model of human cardiac cells and MacCannell model for (myo)fibroblasts, on the possible effects of diffuse fibrosis on arrhythmias occurring via EADs. We find that depending on the resting potential of fibroblasts (VFR), M-F coupling can either increase or decrease the region of parameters showing EADs. Fibrosis increases the probability of occurrence of arrhythmias after a single focal stimulation and this effect increases with the strength of the M-F coupling. While in our simulations, arrhythmias occur due to fibrosis induced ectopic activity, we do not observe any specific fibrotic pattern that promotes the occurrence of these ectopic sources.

Exhaust Air Dust Monitoring is Superior to Soiled Bedding Sentinels for the Detection of Pasteurella pneumotropica in Individually Ventilated Cage Systems.

PubMed

Miller, Manuel; Ritter, Brbel; Zorn, Julia; Brielmeier, Markus

2016-11-01

Reliable detection of unwanted organisms is essential for meaningful health monitoring in experimental animal facilities. Currently, most rodents are housed in IVC systems, which prevent the aerogenic transmission of pathogens between cages. Typically soiled-bedding sentinels (SBS) exposed to soiled bedding collected from a population of animals within an IVC rack are tested as representatives, but infectious agents often go undetected due to inefficient transmission. Pasteurellaceae are among the most prevalent bacterial pathogens isolated from experimental mice, and the failure of SBS to detect these bacteria is well established. In this study, we investigated whether analysis of exhaust air dust (EAD) samples by using a sensitive and specific real-time PCR assay is superior to conventional SBS monitoring for the detection of Pasteurella pneumotropica (Pp) infections. In a rack with a known prevalence of Pp-positive mice, weekly EAD sampling was compared with the classic SBS method over 3 mo. In 6 rounds of testing, with a prevalence of 5 infected mice in each of 7 cages in a rack of 63 cages, EAD PCR detected Pp at every weekly time point; SBS failed to detect Pp in all cases. The minimal prevalence of Pp-infected mice required to obtain a reliable positive result by EAD PCR testing was determined to be 1 in 63 cages. Reliable detection of Pp was achieved after only 1 wk of exposure. Analysis of EAD samples by real-time PCR assay provides a sensitive, simple, and reliable approach for Pp identification in laboratory mice.

Exhaust Air Dust Monitoring is Superior to Soiled Bedding Sentinels for the Detection of Pasteurella pneumotropica in Individually Ventilated Cage Systems

PubMed Central

Miller, Manuel; Ritter, Bärbel; Zorn, Julia; Brielmeier, Markus

2016-01-01

Reliable detection of unwanted organisms is essential for meaningful health monitoring in experimental animal facilities. Currently, most rodents are housed in IVC systems, which prevent the aerogenic transmission of pathogens between cages. Typically soiled-bedding sentinels (SBS) exposed to soiled bedding collected from a population of animals within an IVC rack are tested as representatives, but infectious agents often go undetected due to inefficient transmission. Pasteurellaceae are among the most prevalent bacterial pathogens isolated from experimental mice, and the failure of SBS to detect these bacteria is well established. In this study, we investigated whether analysis of exhaust air dust (EAD) samples by using a sensitive and specific real-time PCR assay is superior to conventional SBS monitoring for the detection of Pasteurella pneumotropica (Pp) infections. In a rack with a known prevalence of Pp-positive mice, weekly EAD sampling was compared with the classic SBS method over 3 mo. In 6 rounds of testing, with a prevalence of 5 infected mice in each of 7 cages in a rack of 63 cages, EAD PCR detected Pp at every weekly time point; SBS failed to detect Pp in all cases. The minimal prevalence of Pp-infected mice required to obtain a reliable positive result by EAD PCR testing was determined to be 1 in 63 cages. Reliable detection of Pp was achieved after only 1 wk of exposure. Analysis of EAD samples by real-time PCR assay provides a sensitive, simple, and reliable approach for Pp identification in laboratory mice. PMID:27931316

Cingulum correlates of cognitive functions in patients with mild cognitive impairment and early Alzheimer's disease: a diffusion spectrum imaging study.

PubMed

Lin, Yi-Cheng; Shih, Yao-Chia; Tseng, Wen-Yih I; Chu, Yu-Hsiu; Wu, Meng-Tien; Chen, Ta-Fu; Tang, Pei-Fang; Chiu, Ming-Jang

2014-05-01

Diffusion spectrum imaging (DSI) of MRI can detect neural fiber tract changes. We investigated integrity of cingulum bundle (CB) in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and early Alzheimer's disease (EAD) using DSI tractography and explored its relationship with cognitive functions. We recruited 8 patients with MCI, 9 with EAD and 15 healthy controls (HC). All subjects received a battery of neuropsychological tests to access their executive, memory and language functions. We used a 3.0-tesla MRI scanner to obtain T1- and T2-weighted images for anatomy and used a pulsed gradient twice-refocused spin-echo diffusion echo-planar imaging sequence to acquire DSI. Patients with EAD performed significantly poorer than the HC on most tests in executive and memory functions. Significantly smaller general fractional anisotropy (GFA) values were found in the posterior and inferior segments of left CB and of the anterior segment of right CB of the EAD compared with those of the HC. Spearman's correlation on the patient groups showed that GFA values of the posterior segment of the left CB were significantly negatively associated with the time used to complete Color Trails Test Part II and positively correlated with performance of the logical memory and visual reproduction. GFA values of inferior segment of bilateral CB were positively associated with the performance of visual recognition. DSI tractography demonstrates significant preferential degeneration of the CB on the left side in patients with EAD. The location-specific degeneration is associated with corresponding declines in both executive and memory functions.

Performance of the engineering analysis and data system 2 common file system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Debrunner, Linda S.

1993-01-01

The Engineering Analysis and Data System (EADS) was used from April 1986 to July 1993 to support large scale scientific and engineering computation (e.g. computational fluid dynamics) at Marshall Space Flight Center. The need for an updated system resulted in a RFP in June 1991, after which a contract was awarded to Cray Grumman. EADS II was installed in February 1993, and by July 1993 most users were migrated. EADS II is a network of heterogeneous computer systems supporting scientific and engineering applications. The Common File System (CFS) is a key component of this system. The CFS provides a seamless, integrated environment to the users of EADS II including both disk and tape storage. UniTree software is used to implement this hierarchical storage management system. The performance of the CFS suffered during the early months of the production system. Several of the performance problems were traced to software bugs which have been corrected. Other problems were associated with hardware. However, the use of NFS in UniTree UCFM software limits the performance of the system. The performance issues related to the CFS have led to a need to develop a greater understanding of the CFS organization. This paper will first describe the EADS II with emphasis on the CFS. Then, a discussion of mass storage systems will be presented, and methods of measuring the performance of the Common File System will be outlined. Finally, areas for further study will be identified and conclusions will be drawn.

Impairment in Proverb Interpretation as an Executive Function Deficit in Patients with Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment and Early Alzheimer's Disease

PubMed Central

Leyhe, Thomas; Saur, Ralf; Eschweiler, Gerhard W.; Milian, Monika

2011-01-01

Background/Aims Proverb interpretation is assumed to reflect executive functions. We hypothesized that proverb interpretation is impaired in patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) diagnosed as single-domain impairment by common neuropsychological testing. Methods We compared performance in a proverb interpretation test in single-domain aMCI patients and patients with early Alzheimer's disease (EAD). Results The groups with aMCI and EAD performed significantly worse than healthy controls. Both patient groups gave concrete answers with a similar frequency. However, patients with EAD tended to give senseless answers more frequently. Conclusions Our data suggest that in patients diagnosed as single-domain aMCI, deterioration of executive functions is detectable with subtle and appropriate neuropsychological testing. Implementation of these procedures may improve the early prediction of AD. PMID:22163233

Quarrelsome Committees in U.S. Defense Acquisition: The KC-X Case

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-04-30

close to its original specifications in the RfP published on February 24, 2010. NG-EADS supporters were decidedly negative. Sen. Sessions ( R -AL...party. Thus, for example, the Boeing congressional delegation included Rep. Todd Tiahrt ( R -KS), along with the largely Democratic Washington State...delegation. The congressional EADS supporters included Sen. Jeff Sessions ( R -AL). And political figures stepped up to claim a major role in changing

Metabolomics discloses donor liver biomarkers associated with early allograft dysfunction.

PubMed

Cortes, Miriam; Pareja, Eugenia; García-Cañaveras, Juan C; Donato, M Teresa; Montero, Sandra; Mir, Jose; Castell, José V; Lahoz, Agustín

2014-09-01

Early allograft dysfunction (EAD) dramatically influences graft and patient outcome after orthotopic liver transplantation and its incidence is strongly determined by donor liver quality. Nevertheless, objective biomarkers, which can assess graft quality and anticipate organ function, are still lacking. This study aims to investigate whether there is a preoperative donor liver metabolomic biosignature associated with EAD. A comprehensive metabolomic profiling of 124 donor liver biopsies collected before transplantation was performed by mass spectrometry coupled to liquid chromatography. Donor liver grafts were classified into two groups: showing EAD and immediate graft function (IGF). Multivariate data analysis was used to search for the relationship between the metabolomic profiles present in donor livers before transplantation and their function in recipients. A set of liver graft dysfunction-associated biomarkers was identified. Key changes include significantly increased levels of bile acids, lysophospholipids, phospholipids, sphingomyelins and histidine metabolism products, all suggestive of disrupted lipid homeostasis and altered histidine pathway. Based on these biomarkers, a predictive EAD model was built and further evaluated by assessing 24 independent donor livers, yielding 91% sensitivity and 82% specificity. The model was also successfully challenged by evaluating donor livers showing primary non-function (n=4). A metabolomic biosignature that accurately differentiates donor livers, which later showed EAD or IGF, has been deciphered. The remarkable metabolomic differences between donor livers before transplant can relate to their different quality. The proposed metabolomic approach may become a clinical tool for donor liver quality assessment and for anticipating graft function before transplant. Copyright © 2014 European Association for the Study of the Liver. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

[Subjective cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease: a two year follow up of 51 subjects during two years].

PubMed

Sambuchi, Nathalie; Muraccioli, Isabelle; Alescio-Lautier, Béatrice; Paban, Véronique; Sambuc, Roland; Jouve, Élisabeth; Geda, Yonas Endale; Petersen, Ronald Karl; Michel, Bernard François

2015-12-01

Subjective cognitive impairment (SCI) is defined by a state of subjective complaint, without objective cognitive deterioration. Amnestic mild cognitive impairment (A-MCI), which characterizes a syndrome between normal cognitive aging and early Alzheimer's disease (E-AD), is preceded by A-MCI from many years. SCI expresses a metacognitive impairment. A cohort of 51 subjects [7 normal controls (NC), 28 SCI, 12 A-MCI and 5 E-AD] was followed up during 24 months, with a neuropsychological evaluation each 6 months during 1 year (V1, V2, V3), then 1 year later (V4). Among the 28 SCI, 6 converted to A-MCI at V4 (21.42%), 1 to A-MCI-A at V3, then to E-AD at V4. These results suggest a continuum from SCI to A-MCI, and E-AD. Progressive SCI differed from non-progressive SCI on verbal episodic memory and executive functions tests at the initial examination. MRI showed anterior cingular atrophy in all SCI patients but hippocampal atrophy was only observed in 20 patients. Our results suggest that metacognition impairment is the expression of a dysfunction in the anterior pre-frontal cortex, in correlation with a syndrome of hyper-attention.

Extraglottic airway devices: technology update.

PubMed

Sharma, Bimla; Sahai, Chand; Sood, Jayashree

2017-01-01

Extraglottic airway devices (EADs) have revolutionized the field of airway management. The invention of the laryngeal mask airway was a game changer, and since then, there have been several innovations to improve the EADs in design, functionality, safety and construction material. These have ranged from changes in the shape of the mask, number of cuffs and material used, like rubber, polyvinylchloride and latex. Phthalates, which were added to the construction material in order to increase device flexibility, were later omitted when this chemical was found to have serious adverse reproductive outcomes. The various designs brought out by numerous companies manufacturing EADs resulted in the addition of several devices to the airway market. These airway devices were put to use, many of them with inadequate or no evidence base regarding their efficacy and safety. To reduce the possibility of compromising the safety of the patient, the Difficult Airway Society (DAS) formed the Airway Device Evaluation Project Team (ADEPT) to strengthen the evidence base for airway equipment and vet the new extraglottic devices. A preuse careful analysis of the design and structure may help in better understanding of the functionality of a particular device. In the meantime, the search for the ideal EAD continues.

Quantitative computed tomography and aerosol morphometry in COPD and alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency.

PubMed

Shaker, S B; Maltbaek, N; Brand, P; Haeussermann, S; Dirksen, A

2005-01-01

Relative area of emphysema below -910 Hounsfield units (RA-910) and 15th percentile density (PD15) are quantitative computed tomography (CT) parameters used in the diagnosis of emphysema. New concepts for noninvasive diagnosis of emphysema are aerosol-derived airway morphometry, which measures effective airspace dimensions (EAD) and aerosol bolus dispersion (ABD). Quantitative CT, ABD and EAD were compared in 20 smokers with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and 22 patients with alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency (AAD) with a similar degree of airway obstruction and reduced diffusion capacity. In both groups, there was a significant correlation between RA-910 and PD15 and pulmonary function tests (PFTs). A significant correlation was also found between EAD, RA-910 and PD15 in the study population as a whole. Upon separation into two groups, the significance disappeared for the smokers with COPD and strengthened for those with AAD, where EAD correlated significantly with RA-910 and PD15. ABD was similar in the two groups and did not correlate with PFT and quantitative CT in either group. In conclusion, based on quantitative computed tomography and aerosol-derived airway morphometry, emphysema was significantly more severe in patients with alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency compared with patients with usual emphysema, despite similar measures of pulmonary function tests.

EADS Roadmap for Launch Vehicles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eymar, Patrick; Grimard, Max

2002-01-01

still think about the future, especially at industry level in order to make the most judicious choices in technologies, vehicle types as well as human resources and facilities specialization (especially after recent merger moves). and production as prime contractor, industrial architect or stage provider have taken benefit of this expertise and especially of all the studies ran under national funding and own financing on reusable vehicles and ground/flight demonstrators have analyzed several scenarios. VEHICLES/ASTRIUM SI strategy w.r.t. launch vehicles for the two next decades. Among the main inputs taken into account of course visions of the market evolutions have been considered, but also enlargement of international cooperations and governments requests and supports (e.g. with the influence of large international ventures). 1 patrick.eymar@lanceurs.aeromatra.com 2

Implications of an Economic Recession on European Defense

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-03-10

in the best interest of the U.S. Europe is on the verge of no longer being a credible military partner of the U.S. A new construct that equitably... construction of warships symbolize protectionism at its best. States and defense firms are forced to manage competition on the global market in order...visible firms are EADS and MBDA. EADS was created through the merger of France‟s Aerospatiale Matra, Spain‟s Construcciones Aeronauticas, and Germany

Equivalent air depth: fact or fiction.

PubMed

Berghage, T E; McCraken, T M

1979-12-01

In mixed-gas diving theory, the equivalent air depth (EAD) concept suggests that oxygen does not contribute to the total tissue gas tension and can therefore be disregarded in calculations of the decompression process. The validity of this assumption has been experimentally tested by exposing 365 rats to various partial pressures of oxygen for various lengths of time. If the EAD assumption is correct, under a constant exposure pressure each incremental change in the oxygen partial pressure would produce a corresponding incremental change in pressure reduction tolerance. Results of this study suggest that the EAD concept does not adequately describe the decompression advantages obtained from breathing elevated oxygen partial pressures. The authors suggest that the effects of breathing oxygen vary in a nonlinear fashion across the range from anoxia to oxygen toxicity, and that a simple inert gas replacement concept is no longer tenable.

Transient Outward K+ Current (Ito) Underlies the Right Ventricular Initiation of Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia in a Transgenic Rabbit Model of Long-QT Syndrome Type 1.

PubMed

Choi, Bum-Rak; Li, Weiyan; Terentyev, Dmitry; Kabakov, Anatoli Y; Zhong, Mingwang; Rees, Colin M; Terentyeva, Radmila; Kim, Tae Yun; Qu, Zhilin; Peng, Xuwen; Karma, Alain; Koren, Gideon

2018-06-01

Sudden death in long-QT syndrome type 1 (LQT1), an inherited disease caused by loss-of-function mutations in KCNQ1, is triggered by early afterdepolarizations (EADs) that initiate polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (pVT). We investigated ionic mechanisms that underlie pVT in LQT1 using a transgenic rabbit model of LQT1. Optical mapping, cellular patch clamping, and computer modeling were used to elucidate the mechanisms of EADs in transgenic LQT1 rabbits. The results showed that shorter action potential duration in the right ventricle (RV) was associated with focal activity during pVT initiation. RV cardiomyocytes demonstrated higher incidence of EADs under 50 nmol/L isoproterenol. Voltage-clamp studies revealed that the transient outward potassium current (I to ) magnitude was 28% greater in RV associated with KChiP2 but with no differences in terms of calcium-cycling kinetics and other sarcolemmal currents. Perfusing with the I to blocker 4-aminopyridine changed the initial focal sites of pVT from the RV to the left ventricle, corroborating the role of I to in pVT initiation. Computer modeling showed that EADs occur preferentially in the RV because of the larger conductance of the slow-inactivating component of I to , which repolarizes the membrane potential sufficiently rapidly to allow reactivation of I Ca,L before I Kr has had sufficient time to activate. I to heterogeneity creates both triggers and an arrhythmogenic substrate in LQT1. In the absence of I Ks , I to interactions with I Ca,L and I Kr promote EADs in the RV while prolonging action potential duration in the left ventricle. This heterogeneity of action potential enhances dispersion of refractoriness and facilitates conduction blocks that initiate pVTs. © 2018 American Heart Association, Inc.

Identification and field evaluation of fermentation volatiles from wine and vinegar that mediate attraction of spotted wing Drosophila, Drosophila suzukii.

PubMed

Cha, Dong H; Adams, Todd; Rogg, Helmuth; Landolt, Peter J

2012-11-01

Previous studies suggest that olfactory cues from damaged and fermented fruits play important roles in resource recognition of polyphagous spotted wing Drosophila flies (SWD), Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) (Diptera: Drosophilidae). They are attracted to fermented sweet materials, such as decomposing fruits but also wines and vinegars, and to ubiquitous fermentation volatiles, such as acetic acid and ethanol. Gas chromatography coupled with electroantennographic detection (GC-EAD), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), two-choice laboratory bioassays, and field trapping experiments were used to identify volatile compounds from wine and vinegar that are involved in SWD attraction. In addition to acetic acid and ethanol, consistent EAD responses were obtained for 13 volatile wine compounds and seven volatile vinegar compounds, with all of the vinegar EAD-active compounds also present in wine. In a field trapping experiment, the 9-component vinegar blend and 15-component wine blend were similarly attractive when compared to an acetic acid plus ethanol mixture, but were not as attractive as the wine plus vinegar mixture. In two-choice laboratory bioassays, 7 EAD-active compounds (ethyl acetate, ethyl butyrate, ethyl lactate, 1-hexanol, isoamyl acetate, 2-methylbutyl acetate, and ethyl sorbate), when added singly to the mixture at the same concentrations tested in the field, decreased the attraction of SWD to the mixture of acetic acid and ethanol. The blends composed of the remaining EAD-active chemicals, an 8-component wine blend [acetic acid + ethanol + acetoin + grape butyrate + methionol + isoamyl lactate + 2-phenylethanol + diethyl succinate] and a 5-component vinegar blend [acetic acid + ethanol + acetoin + grape butyrate + 2-phenylethanol] were more attractive than the acetic acid plus ethanol mixture, and as attractive as the wine plus vinegar mixture in both laboratory assays and the field trapping experiment. These results indicate that these

A model of cardiac ryanodine receptor gating predicts experimental Ca2+-dynamics and Ca2+-triggered arrhythmia in the long QT syndrome

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wilson, Dan; Ermentrout, Bard; Němec, Jan; Salama, Guy

2017-09-01

Abnormal Ca2+ handling is well-established as the trigger of cardiac arrhythmia in catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia and digoxin toxicity, but its role remains controversial in Torsade de Pointes (TdP), the arrhythmia associated with the long QT syndrome (LQTS). Recent experimental results show that early afterdepolarizations (EADs) that initiate TdP are caused by spontaneous (non-voltage-triggered) Ca2+ release from Ca2+-overloaded sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) rather than the activation of the L-type Ca2+-channel window current. In bradycardia and long QT type 2 (LQT2), a second, non-voltage triggered cytosolic Ca2+ elevation increases gradually in amplitude, occurs before overt voltage instability, and then precedes the rise of EADs. Here, we used a modified Shannon-Puglisi-Bers model of rabbit ventricular myocytes to reproduce experimental Ca2+ dynamics in bradycardia and LQT2. Abnormal systolic Ca2+-oscillations and EADs caused by SR Ca2+-release are reproduced in a modified 0-dimensional model, where 3 gates in series control the ryanodine receptor (RyR2) conductance. Two gates control RyR2 activation and inactivation and sense cytosolic Ca2+ while a third gate senses luminal junctional SR Ca2+. The model predicts EADs in bradycardia and low extracellular [K+] and cessation of SR Ca2+-release terminate salvos of EADs. Ca2+-waves, systolic cell-synchronous Ca2+-release, and multifocal diastolic Ca2+ release seen in subcellular Ca2+-mapping experiments are observed in the 2-dimensional version of the model. These results support the role of SR Ca2+-overload, abnormal SR Ca2+-release, and the subsequent activation of the electrogenic Na+/Ca2+-exchanger as the mechanism of TdP. The model offers new insights into the genesis of cardiac arrhythmia and new therapeutic strategies.

Temperature and strain characterization of long period gratings in air guiding fiber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Iadicicco, Agostino; Cutolo, Antonello; Cusano, Andrea; Campopiano, Stefania

2013-05-01

This paper reports on the fabrication of Long Period Gratings (LPGs) in hollow-core air-silica photonic bandgap fibers by using pressure assisted Electrode Arc Discharge (EAD) technique. In particular, the fabrication procedure relies on the combined use of EAD step, to locally heat the HC fiber, and of a static pressure (slightly higher than the external one) inside the fiber holes, to modify the holes. This procedure permits to preserve the holey structure of the host fiber avoiding any hole collapsing and it enables a local effective refractive index change due to the size and shape modifications of core and cladding holes. Periodically repeated EAD treatments permit the fabrication of LPGs based devices in hollow core optical fibers enabling new functionalities hitherto not possible. Here, the experimental fabrication of LPG prototypes with different periods and lengths are discussed. And, the HC-LPGs sensitivity to environmental parameters such as strain and temperature are investigated.

French Interim MALE UAV Program

DTIC Science & Technology

2003-09-02

MINISTÈRE DE LA DÉFENSE June, 13th 2002 Lcl Monsterleet FAF Staff J. Caron EADS S&DE-ISR FRENCH INTERIM MALE UAV PROGRAM 4 INDUSTRIAL STATUS Report...2003 2. REPORT TYPE N/A 3. DATES COVERED - 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE French Interim Male UAV Program 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER 5b. GRANT NUMBER 5c...PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 6. AUTHOR(S) 5d. PROJECT NUMBER 5e. TASK NUMBER 5f. WORK UNIT NUMBER 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) EADS

Acute effect of ambient air pollution on heart failure in Guangzhou, China.

PubMed

Yang, Changyuan; Chen, Ailan; Chen, Renjie; Qi, Yongqing; Ye, Jianjun; Li, Shuangming; Li, Wanglin; Liang, Zijing; Liang, Qing; Guo, Duanqiang; Kan, Haidong; Chen, Xinyu

2014-12-15

Heart failure (HF) is a global public health problem of increasing importance. The association between acute exposure to air pollution and HF has been well established in developed countries, but little evidence was available in developing countries where air pollution levels were much higher. We conducted a time-series study to investigate the short-term association between air pollution and overall emergency ambulance dispatches (EAD) due to HF in Guangzhou, China. Daily data of EAD due to HF from 1 January 2008 to 31 December 2012 were obtained from Guangzhou Emergency Center. We applied the over-dispersed Poisson generalized addictive model to analyze the associations after controlling for the seasonality, day of the week and weather conditions. We identified a total of 3375 EAD for HF. A 10-μg/m(3) increase in the present-day concentrations of particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of less than 10 μm, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide corresponded to increases of 3.54% [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.35%, 5.74%], 5.29% (95% CI: 2.28%, 8.30%) and 4.34% (95% CI: 1.71%, 6.97%) in daily EAD for HF, respectively. The effects of air pollution on acute HF were restricted on the concurrent day and in the cool seasons. Our results provided the first population-based evidence in Mainland China that outdoor air pollution could trigger the exacerbation of HF. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

The GNC Measurement System for the Automated Transfer Vehicle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roux, Y.; da Cunha, P.

The Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) is a European Space Agency (ESA) funded spacecraft developed by EADS Space Transportation as prime contractor for the space segment together with major European industrial partners, in the frame of the International Space Station (ISS). Its mission objective is threefold : to supply the station with fret and propellant, to reboost ISS to a higher orbit and to dispose of waste from the station. The ATV first flight, called Jules Verne and planned on 2005, will be the first European Vehicle to perform an orbital rendezvous. The GNC Measurement System (GMS) is the ATV on board function in charge of the measurement data collection and preconditioning for the navigation, guidance and control (GNC) algorithms. The GMS is made up of hardware which are the navigation sensors (with a certain level of hardware redundancy for each of them), and of an on-board software that manages, monitors and performs consistency checks to detect and isolate potential sensor failures. The GMS relies on six kinds of navigation sensors, used during various phases of the mission : the gyrometers assembly (GYRA), the accelerometers assembly (ACCA), the star trackers (STR), the GPS receivers, the telegoniometers (TGM) and the videometers (VDM), the last two being used for the final rendezvous phase. The GMS function is developed by EADS Space Transportation together with other industrial partners: EADS Astrium, EADS Sodern, Laben and Dasa Jena Optronik.

A Macro Analysis of DoD Logistics Systems. Volume 2. Structure and Analysis of the Air Force Logistics System

DTIC Science & Technology

1977-09-01

performance measures discussed earlier is the "Engine Actuarial Data Summary" (EADS) (AFLC Form 992), compiled from D024F actuarial data. EADS is...3.2,452.3 PlyLWn M"Is, 404.670 432.603 408,553. 413.940 PMiSMA-00023 AF asm -haiw pua-flywa hma tread =100% PTtU94411 "Weul ’A101) 16,839.6 1.6,308.0...Engine Actuarial Data Summary. ENORS - 2ngine Not Operationally Ready, Supply. EOQ Items - Economic Order Quantity Items; i.e., expense-type items, not

Detecting navigational deficits in cognitive aging and Alzheimer disease using virtual reality

PubMed Central

Cushman, Laura A.; Stein, Karen; Duffy, Charles J.

2008-01-01

Background: Older adults get lost, in many cases because of recognized or incipient Alzheimer disease (AD). In either case, getting lost can be a threat to individual and public safety, as well as to personal autonomy and quality of life. Here we compare our previously described real-world navigation test with a virtual reality (VR) version simulating the same navigational environment. Methods: Quantifying real-world navigational performance is difficult and time-consuming. VR testing is a promising alternative, but it has not been compared with closely corresponding real-world testing in aging and AD. We have studied navigation using both real-world and virtual environments in the same subjects: young normal controls (YNCs, n = 35), older normal controls (ONCs, n = 26), patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI, n = 12), and patients with early AD (EAD, n = 14). Results: We found close correlations between real-world and virtual navigational deficits that increased across groups from YNC to ONC, to MCI, and to EAD. Analyses of subtest performance showed similar profiles of impairment in real-world and virtual testing in all four subject groups. The ONC, MCI, and EAD subjects all showed greatest difficulty in self-orientation and scene localization tests. MCI and EAD patients also showed impaired verbal recall about both test environments. Conclusions: Virtual environment testing provides a valid assessment of navigational skills. Aging and Alzheimer disease (AD) share the same patterns of difficulty in associating visual scenes and locations, which is complicated in AD by the accompanying loss of verbally mediated navigational capacities. We conclude that virtual navigation testing reveals deficits in aging and AD that are associated with potentially grave risks to our patients and the community. GLOSSARY AD = Alzheimer disease; EAD = early Alzheimer disease; MCI = mild cognitive impairment; MMSE = Mini-Mental State Examination; ONC = older normal control; std

The role of electric field in enhancing separation of gas molecules (H2S, CO2, H2O) on VIB modified g-C3N4 (0 0 1)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Fang; Li, Penghui; Wei, Shiqian; Guo, Jiaxing; Dan, Meng; Zhou, Ying

2018-07-01

In this study, the first-principles calculations were performed to investigate the adsorption behaviors of gas molecules H2S, CO2 and H2O on Cr, Mo and W modified g-C3N4 (0 0 1) surface. The results show that H2S, CO2 and H2O are physically adsorbed on the pristine g-C3N4, while the adsorption becomes chemisorbed due to the introduction of transition metals which significantly improve the interfacial electron transfer and narrow the band gap of g-C3N4 (0 0 1). Furthermore, it is found that the adsorption behaviors can be greatly influenced by the applied electric field. The adsorption energy is generally arranged in the order of Eads(H2S) > Eads(H2O) > Eads(CO2), and W/g-C3N4 (0 0 1) exhibits the best separation capability. The study could provide a versatile approach to selectively capture and separate the mixed gases in the catalytic reactions by controlling the applied intensity of electric field.

Anti-Collision Function Design and Performances of the CNES Formation Flying Experiment on the PRISMA Mission

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cayeux, P.; Raballand, F.; Borde, J.; Berges, J.-C.; Meyssignac, B.

2007-01-01

Within the framework of a partnership agreement, EADS ASTRIUM has worked since June 2006 for the CNES formation flying experiment on the PRISMA mission. EADS ASTRIUM is responsible for the anti-collision function. This responsibility covers the design and the development of the function as a Matlab/Simulink library, as well as its functional validation and performance assessment. PRISMA is a technology in-orbit testbed mission from the Swedish National Space Board, mainly devoted to formation flying demonstration. PRISMA is made of two micro-satellites that will be launched in 2009 on a quasi-circular SSO at about 700 km of altitude. The CNES FFIORD experiment embedded on PRISMA aims at flight validating an FFRF sensor designed for formation control, and assessing its performances, in preparation to future formation flying missions such as Simbol X; FFIORD aims as well at validating various typical autonomous rendezvous and formation guidance and control algorithms. This paper presents the principles of the collision avoidance function developed by EADS ASTRIUM for FFIORD; three kinds of maneuvers were implemented and are presented in this paper with their performances.

A Missing PD-L1/PD-1 Coinhibition Regulates Diabetes Induction by Preproinsulin-Specific CD8 T-Cells in an Epitope-Specific Manner

PubMed Central

Schuster, Cornelia; Brosi, Helen; Stifter, Katja; Boehm, Bernhard O.; Schirmbeck, Reinhold

2013-01-01

Coinhibitory PD-1/PD-L1 (B7-H1) interactions provide critical signals for the regulation of autoreactive T-cell responses. We established mouse models, expressing the costimulator molecule B7.1 (CD80) on pancreatic beta cells (RIP-B7.1 tg mice) or are deficient in coinhibitory PD-L1 or PD-1 molecules (PD-L1−/− and PD-1−/− mice), to study induction of preproinsulin (ppins)-specific CD8 T-cell responses and experimental autoimmune diabetes (EAD) by DNA-based immunization. RIP-B7.1 tg mice allowed us to identify two CD8 T-cell specificities: pCI/ppins DNA exclusively induced Kb/A12–21-specific CD8 T-cells and EAD, whereas pCI/ppinsΔA12–21 DNA (encoding ppins without the COOH-terminal A12–21 epitope) elicited Kb/B22–29-specific CD8 T-cells and EAD. Specific expression/processing of mutant ppinsΔA12–21 (but not ppins) in non-beta cells, targeted by intramuscular DNA-injection, thus facilitated induction of Kb/B22–29-specific CD8 T-cells. The A12–21 epitope binds Kb molecules with a very low avidity as compared with B22–29. Interestingly, immunization of coinhibition-deficient PD-L1−/− or PD-1−/− mice with pCI/ppins induced Kb/A12–21-monospecific CD8 T-cells and EAD but injections with pCI/ppinsΔA12–21 did neither recruit Kb/B22–29-specific CD8 T-cells into the pancreatic target tissue nor induce EAD. PpinsΔA12–21/(Kb/B22–29)-mediated EAD was efficiently restored in RIP-B7.1+/PD-L1−/− mice, differing from PD-L1−/− mice only in the tg B7.1 expression in beta cells. Alternatively, an ongoing beta cell destruction and tissue inflammation, initiated by ppins/(Kb/A12–21)-specific CD8 T-cells in pCI/ppins+pCI/ppinsΔA12–21 co-immunized PD-L1−/− mice, facilitated the expansion of ppinsΔA12–21/(Kb/B22–29)-specific CD8 T-cells. CD8 T-cells specific for the high-affinity Kb/B22–29- (but not the low-affinity Kb/A12–21)-epitope thus require stimulatory ´help from beta cells or inflamed islets to expand in PD-L1

Assessment of COTS IR image simulation tools for ATR development

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seidel, Heiko; Stahl, Christoph; Bjerkeli, Frode; Skaaren-Fystro, Paal

2005-05-01

Following the tendency of increased use of imaging sensors in military aircraft, future fighter pilots will need onboard artificial intelligence e.g. ATR for aiding them in image interpretation and target designation. The European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (EADS) in Germany has developed an advanced method for automatic target recognition (ATR) which is based on adaptive neural networks. This ATR method can assist the crew of military aircraft like the Eurofighter in sensor image monitoring and thereby reduce the workload in the cockpit and increase the mission efficiency. The EADS ATR approach can be adapted for imagery of visual, infrared and SAR sensors because of the training-based classifiers of the ATR method. For the optimal adaptation of these classifiers they have to be trained with appropriate and sufficient image data. The training images must show the target objects from different aspect angles, ranges, environmental conditions, etc. Incomplete training sets lead to a degradation of classifier performance. Additionally, ground truth information i.e. scenario conditions like class type and position of targets is necessary for the optimal adaptation of the ATR method. In Summer 2003, EADS started a cooperation with Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (KDA) from Norway. The EADS/KDA approach is to provide additional image data sets for training-based ATR through IR image simulation. The joint study aims to investigate the benefits of enhancing incomplete training sets for classifier adaptation by simulated synthetic imagery. EADS/KDA identified the requirements of a commercial-off-the-shelf IR simulation tool capable of delivering appropriate synthetic imagery for ATR development. A market study of available IR simulation tools and suppliers was performed. After that the most promising tool was benchmarked according to several criteria e.g. thermal emission model, sensor model, targets model, non-radiometric image features etc., resulting in a

Early afterdepolarizations promote transmural reentry in ischemic human ventricles with reduced repolarization reserve

PubMed Central

Dutta, Sara; Mincholé, Ana; Zacur, Ernesto; Quinn, T. Alexander; Taggart, Peter; Rodriguez, Blanca

2016-01-01

Aims Acute ischemia is a major cause of sudden arrhythmic death, further promoted by potassium current blockers. Macro-reentry around the ischemic region and early afterdepolarizations (EADs) caused by electrotonic current have been suggested as potential mechanisms in animal and isolated cell studies. However, ventricular and human-specific arrhythmia mechanisms and their modulation by repolarization reserve remain unclear. The goal of this paper is to unravel multiscale mechanisms underlying the modulation of arrhythmic risk by potassium current (IKr) block in human ventricles with acute regional ischemia. Methods and results A human ventricular biophysically-detailed model, with acute regional ischemia is constructed by integrating experimental knowledge on the electrophysiological ionic alterations caused by coronary occlusion. Arrhythmic risk is evaluated by determining the vulnerable window (VW) for reentry following ectopy at the ischemic border zone. Macro-reentry around the ischemic region is the main reentrant mechanism in the ischemic human ventricle with increased repolarization reserve due to the ATP-sensitive potassium current (IK(ATP)) activation. Prolongation of refractoriness by 4% caused by 30% IKr reduction counteracts the establishment of macro-reentry and reduces the VW for reentry (by 23.5%). However, a further decrease in repolarization reserve (50% IKr reduction) is less anti-arrhythmic despite further prolongation of refractoriness. This is due to the establishment of transmural reentry enabled by electrotonically-triggered EADs in the ischemic border zone. EADs are produced by L-type calcium current (ICaL) reactivation due to prolonged low amplitude electrotonic current injected during the repolarization phase. Conclusions Electrotonically-triggered EADs are identified as a potential mechanism facilitating intramural reentry in a regionally-ischemic human ventricles model with reduced repolarization reserve. PMID:26850675

Detecting navigational deficits in cognitive aging and Alzheimer disease using virtual reality.

PubMed

Cushman, Laura A; Stein, Karen; Duffy, Charles J

2008-09-16

Older adults get lost, in many cases because of recognized or incipient Alzheimer disease (AD). In either case, getting lost can be a threat to individual and public safety, as well as to personal autonomy and quality of life. Here we compare our previously described real-world navigation test with a virtual reality (VR) version simulating the same navigational environment. Quantifying real-world navigational performance is difficult and time-consuming. VR testing is a promising alternative, but it has not been compared with closely corresponding real-world testing in aging and AD. We have studied navigation using both real-world and virtual environments in the same subjects: young normal controls (YNCs, n = 35), older normal controls (ONCs, n = 26), patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI, n = 12), and patients with early AD (EAD, n = 14). We found close correlations between real-world and virtual navigational deficits that increased across groups from YNC to ONC, to MCI, and to EAD. Analyses of subtest performance showed similar profiles of impairment in real-world and virtual testing in all four subject groups. The ONC, MCI, and EAD subjects all showed greatest difficulty in self-orientation and scene localization tests. MCI and EAD patients also showed impaired verbal recall about both test environments. Virtual environment testing provides a valid assessment of navigational skills. Aging and Alzheimer disease (AD) share the same patterns of difficulty in associating visual scenes and locations, which is complicated in AD by the accompanying loss of verbally mediated navigational capacities. We conclude that virtual navigation testing reveals deficits in aging and AD that are associated with potentially grave risks to our patients and the community.

Sensing characteristics of long period gratings in hollow core fiber fabricated via electrode arc discharge

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Iadicicco, Agostino; Cutolo, A.; Campopiano, Stefania

2014-05-01

This paper reports on the fabrication of Long Period Gratings (LPGs) in hollow-core air-silica photonic bandgap fibers (HC-PCFs) by using pressure assisted Electrode Arc Discharge (EAD) technique. In particular, the fabrication procedure relies on the combined use of EAD step, to locally heat the HC fiber, and of a static pressure (slightly higher than the external one) inside the fiber holes, to modify the holes. Here, the experimental fabrication of LPG prototypes with different periods and lengths are discussed. And, the sensitivity of LPGs in HC-PCF to environmental parameters such as strain, temperature and static pressure are presented and discussed.

Correction to: Association of adiposity with hemoglobin levels in patients with chronic kidney disease not on dialysis.

PubMed

Honda, Hirokazu; Ono, Kota; Akizawa, Tadao; Nitta, Kosaku; Hishida, Akira

2018-02-06

The article Association of adiposity with hemoglobin levels in patients with chronic kidney disease not on dialysis, written by Hirokazu Honda, Kota Ono, Tadao Akizawa, Kosaku Nitta and Akira Hishida, was originally published electronically on the publisher's internet portal (currently springerlink) on November 4, 2017 without open access. With the author(s)' decision to opt for Open Choice, the copyright of the article changed on February 6, 2018 to © The Author(s) [2017] and the article is forthwith distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License ( http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ ), which permits use, duplication, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license and indicate if changes were made. The original article was corrected.

Mouth development.

PubMed

Chen, Justin; Jacox, Laura A; Saldanha, Francesca; Sive, Hazel

2017-09-01

A mouth is present in all animals, and comprises an opening from the outside into the oral cavity and the beginnings of the digestive tract to allow eating. This review focuses on the earliest steps in mouth formation. In the first half, we conclude that the mouth arose once during evolution. In all animals, the mouth forms from ectoderm and endoderm. A direct association of oral ectoderm and digestive endoderm is present even in triploblastic animals, and in chordates, this region is known as the extreme anterior domain (EAD). Further support for a single origin of the mouth is a conserved set of genes that form a 'mouth gene program' including foxA and otx2. In the second half of this review, we discuss steps involved in vertebrate mouth formation, using the frog Xenopus as a model. The vertebrate mouth derives from oral ectoderm from the anterior neural ridge, pharyngeal endoderm and cranial neural crest (NC). Vertebrates form a mouth by breaking through the body covering in a precise sequence including specification of EAD ectoderm and endoderm as well as NC, formation of a 'pre-mouth array,' basement membrane dissolution, stomodeum formation, and buccopharyngeal membrane perforation. In Xenopus, the EAD is also a craniofacial organizer that guides NC, while reciprocally, the NC signals to the EAD to elicit its morphogenesis into a pre-mouth array. Human mouth anomalies are prevalent and are affected by genetic and environmental factors, with understanding guided in part by use of animal models. WIREs Dev Biol 2017, 6:e275. doi: 10.1002/wdev.275 For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website. © 2017 The Authors. WIREs Developmental Biology published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Behavioral and Antennal Responses of Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae) to Volatiles From Fruit Extracts.

PubMed

Abraham, John; Zhang, Aijun; Angeli, Sergio; Abubeker, Sitra; Michel, Caryn; Feng, Yan; Rodriguez-Saona, Cesar

2015-04-01

Native to Southeast Asia, the spotted wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii Matsumura (Diptera: Drosophilidae), has become a serious pest of soft-skinned fruit crops since its introduction into North America and Europe in 2008. Current monitoring strategies use baits based on fermentation products; however, to date, no fruit-based volatile blends attractive to this fly have been identified. This is particularly important because females are able to cut into the epicarp of ripening fruit for oviposition. Thus, we conducted studies to: 1) investigate the behavioral responses of adult D. suzukii to volatiles from blueberry, cherry, raspberry, and strawberry fruit extracts; 2) identify the antennally active compounds from the most attractive among the tested extracts (raspberry) using gas chromatography (GC)-mass spectrometry and coupled gas chromatography -electroantennographic detection (GC-EAD); and 3) test a synthetic blend containing the EAD-active compounds identified from raspberry extract on adult attraction. In olfactometer studies, both female and male D. suzukii were attracted to all four fruit extracts. The attractiveness of the fruit extracts ranks as: raspberry ≥ strawberry > blueberry ≥ cherry. GC analyses showed that the fruit extracts emit distinct volatile compounds. In GC-EAD experiments, 11 raspberry extract volatiles consistently elicited antennal responses in D. suzukii. In choice test bioassays, a synthetic EAD-active blend attracted more D. suzukii than a blank control, but was not as attractive as the raspberry extract. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a behaviorally and antennally active blend of host fruit volatiles attractive to D. suzukii, offering promising opportunities for the development of improved monitoring and behaviourally based management tools. © The Authors 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Entomological Society of America. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Multiculturalism Is D(r)ead in Europe

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bajrektarevic, Anis

2014-01-01

There is a claim currently circulating the European Union (EU), both cynical and misleading: "multiculturalism is dead in Europe". No wonder, as the conglomerate of nation-states/EU has silently handed over one of its most important debates--that of European identity--to the left and right wing parties, recently followed by several…

75 FR 65383 - Notice Pursuant to the National Cooperative Research and Production Act of 1993-Telemanagement Forum

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-10-22

..., CA; Compunet Services, Inc., Stockbridge, GA; Cordys, Putten, THE NETHERLANDS; Cosmo Bulgaria Mobile... Inc. to Cloud.com , Cupertino, CA; Globul to Cosmo Bulgaria Mobile EAD(GloBul), Sofia, BULGARIA; CTBC...

A conceptual physics class where students found meaning in calculations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hull, Michael M.; Elby, Andrew

2013-01-01

Prior to taking a translated version of the Maryland Open Source Tutorials (OSTs) as a stand-alone course, most students at Tokyo Gakugei University in Japan had experienced physics as memorizing laws and equations to use as computational tools. We might expect this reformed physics class, which emphasizes common sense and conceptual reasoning and rarely invokes equations, to produce students who see a disconnect between equation use and intuitive/conceptual reasoning. Many students at Gakugei, however, somehow learned to integrate mathematics into their "constructivist" epistemologies of physics, even though OSTs do not emphasize this integration. Tadao, for example, came to see that although a common-sense solution to a problem is preferable for explaining to someone who doesn't know physics, solving the problem with a quantitative calculation (that connects to physical meaning) can bring clarity and concreteness to communication between experts. How this integration occurred remains an open question for future research.

Sex pheromone of orange wheat blossom midge, Sitodiplosis mosellana

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gries, Regine; Gries, G.; Khaskin, Grigori; King, Skip; Olfert, Owen; Kaminski, Lori-Ann; Lamb, Robert; Bennett, Robb

Pheromone extract of the female orange wheat blossom midge, Sitodiplosis mosellana (Géhin) (SM) (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), was analyzed by coupled gas chromatographic-electroantennographic detection (GC-EAD) and GC-mass spectrometry (MS), employing fused silica columns coated with DB-5, DB-210, DB-23 or SP-1000. These analyses revealed a single, EAD-active candidate pheromone which was identified as 2,7-nonanediyl dibutyrate. In experiments in wheat fields in Saskatchewan, traps baited with (2S,7S)-2,7-nonanediyl dibutyrate attracted significant numbers of male SM. The presence of other stereoisomers did not adversely affect trap captures. Facile synthesis of stereoisomeric 2,7-nonanediyl dibutyrate will facilitate the development of pheromone-based monitoring or even control of SM populations.

Electroacoustic dewatering of food and other suspensions

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

Kim, B.C.; Zelinski, M.S.; Criner, C.L.

1989-05-31

The food processing industry is a large user of energy for evaporative drying due to limited effectiveness of conventional mechanical dewatering machines. Battelle's Electroacoustic Dewatering (EAD) process improves the performance of mechanical dewatering machines by superimposing electric and ultrasonic fields. A two phase development program to demonstrate the benefits of EAD was carried out in cooperation with the food processing industry, the National Food Processors Association (NFPA) and two equipment vendors. In Phase I, laboratory scale studies were carried out on a variety of food suspensions. The process was scaled up to small commercial scale in Phase II. The technicalmore » feasibility of EAD for a variety of food materials, without adversely affecting the food properties, was successfully demonstrated during this phase, which is the subject of this report. Two Process Research Units (PRUs) were designed and built through joint efforts between Battelle and two equipment vendors. A 0.5-meter wide belt press was tested on apple mash, corn fiber, and corn gluten at sites provided by two food processors. A high speed citrus juice finisher (a hybrid form of screw press and centrifuge) was tested on orange pulp. These tests were carried out jointly by Battelle, equipment vendors, NFPA, and food processors. The apple and citrus juice products were analyzed by food processors and NFPA. 26 figs., 30 tabs.« less

Theoretical study on the adsorption and relative stability of conformers of L-ascorbic acid on γ - alumina (100) surface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mozaffari Majd, M.; Dabbagh, H. A.; Farrokhpour, H.; Najafi Chermahini, A.

2017-11-01

The adsorption energies (Eads) and relative stabilities of selected conformers of the most stable tautomer of L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C) on the dehydroxylated γ-alumina (100) surface were calculated in both gas phase and solvent (water) using the density functional theory (DFT) method. The selected conformers were related to the different rotational angles of OH groups of L-ascorbic acid. The conformational analysis of bare tautomer in both gas and water showed that the conformer No.20 (conf. 20) and 13 (conf. 13) with the dihedral angles of H15sbnd O10sbnd C11sbnd C9 (-73°) and H20sbnd O19sbnd C9sbnd C11 (-135°) were the most stable and unstable conformers, respectively. The performed calculations in the presence of surface showed that the interaction of the conformers with the surface changes their relative stabilities and structures in both gas phase and water. The Ead of each conformer was calculated and it was determined that conf. 8 and conf. 16 have the highest value of Ead in the gas phase (-62.56 kcal/mol) and water (-54.44 kcal/mol), respectively. The optimized structure of each conformer on the surface and the number of hydrogen bonds between it and surface along with their bond lengths were determined.

Daily ambient temperature and renal colic incidence in Guangzhou, China: a time-series analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Changyuan; Chen, Xinyu; Chen, Renjie; Cai, Jing; Meng, Xia; Wan, Yue; Kan, Haidong

2016-08-01

Few previous studies have examined the association between temperature and renal colic in developing regions, especially in China, the largest developing country in the world. We collected daily emergency ambulance dispatches (EADs) for renal colic from Guangzhou Emergency Center from 1 January 2008 to 31 December 2012. We used a distributed-lag nonlinear model in addition to the over-dispersed generalized additive model to investigate the association between daily ambient temperature and renal colic incidence after controlling for seasonality, humidity, public holidays, and day of the week. We identified 3158 EADs for renal colic during the study period. This exposure-response curve was almost flat when the temperature was low and moderate and elevated when the temperature increased over 21 °C. For heat-related effects, the significant risk occurred on the concurrent day and diminished until lag day 7. The cumulative relative risk of hot temperatures (90th percentile) and extremely hot temperatures (99th percentile) over lag days 0-7 was 1.92 (95 % confidence interval, 1.21, 3.05) and 2.45 (95 % confidence interval, 1.50, 3.99) compared with the reference temperature of 21 °C. This time-series analysis in Guangzhou, China, suggested a nonlinear and lagged association between high outdoor temperatures and daily EADs for renal colic. Our findings might have important public health significance to prevent renal colic.

Cuticular hydrocarbons as sex pheromone of the bee Colletes cunicularius and the key to its mimicry by the sexually deceptive orchid, Ophrys exaltata.

PubMed

Mant, Jim; Brändli, Christoph; Vereecken, Nicolas J; Schulz, Claudia M; Francke, Wittko; Schiestl, Florian P

2005-08-01

Male Colletes cunicularius bees pollinate the orchid, Ophrys exaltata, after being sexually deceived by the orchid's odor-mimicry of the female bee's sex pheromone. We detected biologically active volatiles of C. cunicularius by using gas chromatographic-electroantennographic detection (GC-EAD) with simultaneous flame ionization detection. After identification of the target compounds by coupled gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS), we performed behavioral tests using synthetic blends of the active components. We detected 22 EAD active compounds in cuticular extracts of C. cunicularius females. Blends of straight chain, odd-numbered alkanes and (Z)-7-alkenes with 21-29 carbon atoms constituted the major biologically active compounds. Alkenes were the key compounds releasing mating behavior, especially those with (Z)-7 unsaturation. Comparison of patterns of bee volatiles with those of O. exaltata subsp. archipelagi revealed that all EAD-active compounds were also found in extracts of orchid labella. Previous studies of the mating behavior in C. cunicularius showed linalool to be an important attractant for patrolling males. We confirmed this with synthetic linalool but found that it rarely elicited copulatory behavior, in accordance with previous studies. A blend of active cuticular compounds with linalool elicited both attraction and copulation behavior in patrolling males. Thus, linalool appears to function as a long-range attractant, whereas cuticular hydrocarbons are necessary for inducing short-range mating behavior.

Evaluation of the acute electrophysiologic effects of intravenous dronedarone, an amiodarone-like agent, with special emphasis on ventricular repolarization and acquired torsade de pointes arrhythmias.

PubMed

Verduyn, S C; Vos, M A; Leunissen, H D; van Opstal, J M; Wellens, H J

1999-02-01

In the anesthetized dog with complete chronic AV block (CAVB), we evaluated and compared the acute electrophysiologic effects of dronedarone i.v. (Dron, 2 times 2.5 mg/kg/10 min) and amiodarone i.v. (Amio, 2 times 5 mg/kg/10 min). This canine model with a high sensitivity for acquired torsade de pointes (TdP) provides an ideal substrate to evaluate ventricular repolarization abnormalities. Six ECG leads and two endocardial monophasic action potential (MAP) recordings in the left and right ventricle (LV and RV) were simultaneously recorded to measure QT time, action-potential duration (APD), interventricular dispersion (deltaAPD = LV(APD) - RV(APD)), early afterdepolarizations (EADs), ectopic beats (EBs), and TdP. Measurements were made at the spontaneous idioventricular rhythm (IVR) and 1,000-ms steady-state pacing. To investigate its short-term, antiarrhythmic properties, Dron was given after almokalant (0.12 mg/kg)-induced TdP. Furthermore, in another set of experiments, oral Dron (20 mg/kg, b.i.d) was given for 3 weeks to conscious CAVB dogs. Dron, i.v., shortened ventricular repolarization (QT, 435 +/- 60 to 360 +/- 55; LV(APD) 395 +/- 75 to 335 +/- 60 ms; p < 0.05), whereas IVR and ventricular effective refractory period (VERP, 225 +/- 30 to 230 +/- 30 ms) remained similar. Therefore the VERP/QT ratio increased (0.55 +/- 0.04 to 0.61 +/- 0.03; p < 0.05). Similar results were obtained with Amio, i.v.. Almokalant-induced TdP was characterized by an increased repolarization duration, deltaAPD, and EADs. Dron, i.v., suppressed the EADs, EBs, and TdP by a reduction and homogenization of repolarization (LV(APD), 505 +/- 110 to 455 +/- 80 ms, and deltaAPD, 110 +/- 55 to 65 +/- 40 ms). Long-term oral Dron increased the PP interval, CL-IVR, and QT(c) time. In contrast to oral treatment, Dron i.v. shortens ventricular repolarization parameters, resulting in suppression of EAD-dependent acquired TdP. The increased VERP/QT ratio after Dron i.v. may indicate an important

Analysis of plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance genes in clinical isolates of the tribe Proteeae from Argentina: First report of qnrD in the Americas.

PubMed

Albornoz, Ezequiel; Lucero, Celeste; Romero, Genara; Rapoport, Melina; Guerriero, Leonor; Andres, Patricia; Galas, Marcelo; Corso, Alejandra; Petroni, Alejandro

2014-12-01

To analyse the occurrence and prevalence of plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) genes in the tribe Proteeae, 81 isolates (65 Proteus spp., 12 Morganella morganii and 4 Providencia stuartii) consecutively collected in 66 hospitals belonging to the WHONET-Argentina Resistance Surveillance Network were studied. Of the 81 isolates, 50 (62%) were susceptible to quinolones [43/65 (66%) Proteus spp. and 7/12 (58%) M. morganii). The remaining 31 isolates (22 Proteus spp., 5 M. morganii and all P. stuartii) showed high-level resistance to nalidixic acid (NAL) and decreased susceptibility or resistance to ciprofloxacin. All NAL-resistant isolates harboured mutations associated with quinolone resistance (MAQRs) in both gyrA (S83I/R) and parC (S80I/R), and some also had MAQRs in gyrB (S464Y/F). The unique PMQR gene detected was qnrD, which was found in 2/81 isolates (Proteus mirabilis Q1084 and Proteus vulgaris Q5169), giving a prevalence of 2.5% in Proteeae. These two isolates were from different geographical regions and both harboured MAQRs in gyrA and parC. The qnrD genes were located on the related plasmids pEAD1-1 (2683bp) and pEAD1-2 (2669bp). Plasmid pEAD1-1 was 100% identical to pCGH15 and differed in only three nucleotides from pDIJ09-518a, which were previously found in clinical isolates of P. mirabilis (China) and Providencia rettgeri (France), respectively, whilst pEAD1-2 was not previously described. The extended-spectrum β-lactamase CTX-M-2 was found in 27% (22/81) of the isolates and was significantly associated with quinolone resistance but not with qnrD (only P. mirabilis Q1084 expressed CTX-M-2). This is the first report of qnrD in the Americas. Copyright © 2014 International Society for Chemotherapy of Infection and Cancer. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

75 FR 81424 - Airworthiness Directives; Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky) Model S76A, B, and C Helicopters

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-12-28

.... The EAD requires inspecting the LITEF Attitude Heading and Reference System (AHRS) unit of the...: Model S-76A, B, and C helicopters, with LITEF LCR-100, Attitude Heading and Reference System (AHRS) Unit...

A New Species of Simulium (Gomphostilbia) (Diptera: Simuliidae) From Kalimantan, Indonesia, With Keys to Identify 19 Bornean Species of the Subgenus Gomphostilbia.

PubMed

Takaoka, Hiroyuki; Sofian-Azirun, Mohd; Ya'cob, Zubaidah; Chen, Chee Dhang; Low, Van Lun; Harmonis

2016-07-01

A new simuliid species, Simulium kalimantanense sp. nov., is described on the basis of females, males, pupae, and mature larvae from East Kalimantan, Indonesia, and is assigned to the Simulium banauense species-group of Simulium (Gomphostilbia). This new species has close similarities to S alienigenum Takaoka from the Philippines, in many characters including the adult antennal color pattern and pupal gill with four long filaments arranged in two pairs each bearing a long stalk, but is distinguished from the latter in the female by the longer sensory vesicle and in the pupa by the gill with an elongate common basal stalk. Simulium kalimantanense sp. nov. is the first member of the S. banauense group in Borneo, and marks the most southerly distribution of the group. Keys to identify 19 Bornean species of the subgenus Gomphostilbia are provided. © The Authors 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Entomological Society of America. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Methyl 2-(methylthio)benzoate: A sex attractant for the June beetles, Phyllophaga tristis and P. apicata

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Male antennae of Phyllophaga tristis (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Melolonthinae) were tested using a coupled gas chromatograph-electroantennogram detector (GC-EAD) system for electrophysiological responses to five sex pheromones identified from other Phyllophaga species including L-valine ...

In situ electron microscopy studies of electromechanical behavior in metals at the nanoscale using a novel microdevice-based system

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

Kang, Wonmo, E-mail: wonmo.kang.ctr.ks@nrl.navy.mil; Beniam, Iyoel; Qidwai, Siddiq M.

Electrically assisted deformation (EAD) is an emerging technique to enhance formability of metals by applying an electric current through them. Despite its increasing importance in manufacturing applications, there is still an unresolved debate on the nature of the fundamental deformation mechanisms underlying EAD, mainly between electroplasticity (non-thermal effects) and resistive heating (thermal effects). This status is due to two critical challenges: (1) a lack of experimental techniques to directly observe fundamental mechanisms of material deformation during EAD, and (2) intrinsic coupling between electric current and Joule heating giving rise to unwanted thermally activated mechanisms. To overcome these challenges, we havemore » developed a microdevice-based electromechanical testing system (MEMTS) to characterize nanoscale metal specimens in transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Our studies reveal that MEMTS eliminates the effect of Joule heating on material deformation, a critical advantage over macroscopic experiments, owing to its unique scale. For example, a negligible change in temperature (<0.02 °C) is predicted at ∼3500 A/mm{sup 2}. Utilizing the attractive features of MEMTS, we have directly investigated potential electron-dislocation interactions in single crystal copper (SCC) specimens that are simultaneously subjected to uniaxial loading and electric current density up to 5000 A/mm{sup 2}. Our in situ TEM studies indicate that for SCC, electroplasticity does not play a key role as no differences in dislocation activities, such as depinning and movement, are observed.« less

Triggered Firing and Atrial Fibrillation in Transgenic Mice With Selective Atrial Fibrosis Induced by Overexpression of TGF-β1

PubMed Central

Choi, Eue-Keun; Chang, Po-Cheng; Lee, Young-Soo; Lin, Shien-Fong; Zhu, Wuqiang; Maruyama, Mitsunori; Fishbein, Michael C.; Chen, Zhenhui; der Lohe, Michael Rubart-von; Field, Loren J.; Chen, Peng-Sheng

2013-01-01

Background Calcium transient triggered firing (CTTF) is induced by large intracellular calcium (Cai) transient and short action potential duration (APD). We hypothesized that CTTF underlies the mechanisms of early afterdepolarization (EAD) and spontaneous recurrent atrial fibrillation (AF) in transgenic (Tx) mice with overexpression of transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1). Methods and Results MHC-TGFcys33ser Tx mice develop atrial fibrosis because of elevated levels of TGF-β1. We studied membrane potential and Cai transients of isolated superfused atria from Tx and wild-type (Wt) littermates. Short APD and persistently elevated Cai transients promoted spontaneous repetitive EADs, triggered activity and spontaneous AF after cessation of burst pacing in Tx but not Wt atria (39% vs. 0%, P=0.008). We were able to map optically 4 episodes of spontaneous AF re-initiation. All first and second beats of spontaneous AF originated from the right atrium (4/4, 100%), which is more severely fibrotic than the left atrium. Ryanodine and thapsigargin inhibited spontaneous re-initiation of AF in all 7 Tx atria tested. Western blotting showed no significant changes of calsequestrin or sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase 2a. Conclusions Spontaneous AF may occur in the Tx atrium because of CTTF, characterized by APD shortening, prolonged Cai transient, EAD and triggered activity. Inhibition of Ca2+ release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum suppressed spontaneous AF. Our results indicate that CTTF is an important arrhythmogenic mechanism in TGF-β1 Tx atria. PMID:22447020

Adsorption energies and prefactor determination for CH3OH adsorption on graphite.

PubMed

Doronin, M; Bertin, M; Michaut, X; Philippe, L; Fillion, J-H

2015-08-28

In this paper, we have studied adsorption and thermal desorption of methanol CH3OH on graphite surface, with the specific aim to derive from experimental data quantitative parameters that govern the desorption, namely, adsorption energy Eads and prefactor ν of the Polanyi-Wigner law. In low coverage regime, these two values are interconnected and usually the experiments can be reproduced with any couple (Eads, ν), which makes intercomparison between studies difficult since the results depend on the extraction method. Here, we use a method for determining independently the average adsorption energy and a prefactor value that works over a large range of incident methanol coverage, from a limited set of desorption curves performed at different heating rates. In the low coverage regime the procedure is based on a first order kinetic law, and considers an adsorption energy distribution which is not expected to vary with the applied heating rate. In the case of CH3OH multilayers, Eads is determined as 430 meV with a prefactor of 5 × 10(14) s(-1). For CH3OH submonolayers on graphite, adsorption energy of 470 ± 30 meV and a prefactor of (8 ± 3) × 10(16) s(-1) have been found. These last values, which do not change between 0.09 ML and 1 ML initial coverage, suggest that the methanol molecules form island-like structure on the graphite even at low coverage.

Design and development of the 2m resolution camera for ROCSAT-2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Uguen, Gilbert; Luquet, Philippe; Chassat, François

2017-11-01

EADS-Astrium has recently completed the development of a 2m-resolution camera, so-called RSI (Remote Sensing Instrument), for the small-satellite ROCSAT-2, which is the second component of the long-term space program of the Republic of China. The National Space Program Office of Taïwan selected EADS-Astrium as the Prime Contractor for the development of the spacecraft, including the bus and the main instrument RSI. The main challenges for the RSI development were: - to introduce innovative technologies in order to meet the high performance requirements while achieving the design simplicity necessary for the mission (low mass, low power) - to have a development approach and verification compatible with the very tight development schedule This paper describes the instrument design together with the development and verification logic that were implemented to successfully meet these objectives.

Descriptive Metadata: Emerging Standards.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ahronheim, Judith R.

1998-01-01

Discusses metadata, digital resources, cross-disciplinary activity, and standards. Highlights include Standard Generalized Markup Language (SGML); Extensible Markup Language (XML); Dublin Core; Resource Description Framework (RDF); Text Encoding Initiative (TEI); Encoded Archival Description (EAD); art and cultural-heritage metadata initiatives;…

Epidemiology of multiple sclerosis in US veterans: VII. Risk factors for MS.

PubMed

Kurtzke, J F; Page, W F

1997-01-01

In previous papers of this series, we explored the epidemiology of MS, examining the effects of race, sex, geography, latitude and climate, migration, age at onset, population ancestry, and individual ethnicity on the risk of MS, using an unusually large cohort of MS cases and pre-illness matched controls comprising US veterans of World War II (WWII) and the Korean Conflict (KC). In this paper, we examine primarily the effect of other factors on the risk of MS in this cohort and their relation to those previously studied. We found here that latitude tier of residence at entry into active duty (EAD), years of education, and socioeconomic class (coded from occupation) were similarly associated with MS risk among white men, black men, and white women. Higher levels of each factor showed increased MS risk. Multivariate analyses indicated that for white male WWII subjects an urban address, 9 or more years of education, uncorrected visual acuity less than 20/20 at EAD, a more northern latitude, and a higher proportion of the subject's EAD state population reporting Swedish ancestry each significantly increased the risk of MS. White male KC subjects showed roughly the same patterns, except that uncorrected visual acuity less than 20/20 was associated with lower MS risk (ancestry/ethnicity was not studied). For black male WWII and KC subjects combined, a similar analysis (omitting ancestry/ethnicity) showed that only latitude at EAD and 9 or more years of education were independently associated with a significantly higher MS risk, and for WWII plus KC white women (also without ancestry/ethnicity), only latitude was a significant risk factor in these multivariate analyses. The smaller number of subjects, especially in these last two groups, limited the power to detect statistically significant risks in these last analyses. Similarities to white men of WWII in univariate analyses for all other groups suggest that findings for the former would otherwise apply to the latter

Coexistence of Bilirubin ≥10 mg/dL and Prothrombin Time-International Normalized Ratio ≥1.6 on Day 7: A Strong Predictor of Early Graft Loss After Living Donor Liver Transplantation.

PubMed

Okamura, Yusuke; Yagi, Shintaro; Sato, Toshiya; Hata, Koichiro; Ogawa, Eri; Yoshizawa, Atsushi; Kamo, Naoko; Yamashiki, Noriyo; Okajima, Hideaki; Kaido, Toshimi; Uemoto, Shinji

2018-03-01

Early allograft dysfunction (EAD) defined by serum total bilirubin (TB) of 10 mg/dL or greater or prothrombin time-international normalized ratio (PT-INR) of 1.6 or greater on postoperative day 7 (POD 7) or aminotransferase greater than 2000 IU/L within the first week, is associated with early graft loss after deceased-donor liver transplantation. We aimed to determine the prognostic impact of the EAD definition in living-donor liver transplantation (LDLT). We analyzed the validity of the EAD definition and its impact on early graft survival in 260 adult recipients who underwent primary LDLT. Eighty-four (32.3%) patients met the EAD criteria; 59 (22.7%) and 46 (17.7%) patients had TB of 10 mg/dL or greater and PT-INR of 1.6 or greater on POD 7, respectively, and 22 (8.5%) patients satisfied both criteria. Graft survival differed significantly when stratified according to TB of 10 mg/dL or greater and PT-INR of 1.6 or greater (P < 0.0001). PT-INR of 1.6 or greater resulted in higher graft mortality (risk ratio [RR], 3.87; P < 0.0001 at 90 days; RR, 2.97; P < 0.0001 at 180 days), as did TB of 10 mg/dL or greater (RR, 1.89; P = 0.027 at 90 days; RR, 1.91; P = 0.006 at 180 days). Coexistence of TB of 10 mg/dL or greater and PT-INR of 1.6 or greater was strongly associated with early graft loss (59.1%, RR, 6.97 at 90 days; 68.2%; RR, 5.75 at 180 days). In Cox regression analysis, PT-INR of 1.6 or greater and TB of 10 mg/dL or greater on POD 7 were significant risk factors for early graft loss (hazard ratio, 4.10; 95% confidence interval, 2.35-7.18; P < 0.0001, and hazard ratio, 2.43; 95% confidence interval, 1.39-4.24; P = 0.0018, respectively). TB of 10 mg/dL or greater and/or PT-INR of 1.6 or greater on POD 7 predicted early graft loss after LDLT, and their coexistence worsened patient outcomes.

Sensitive skin is highly frequent in extrinsic atopic dermatitis and correlates with disease severity markers but not necessarily with skin barrier impairment.

PubMed

Yatagai, Tsuyoshi; Shimauchi, Takatoshi; Yamaguchi, Hayato; Sakabe, Jun-Ichi; Aoshima, Masahiro; Ikeya, Shigeki; Tatsuno, Kazuki; Fujiyama, Toshiharu; Ito, Taisuke; Ojima, Toshiyuki; Tokura, Yoshiki

2018-01-01

Sensitive skin is a condition of cutaneous hypersensitivity to environmental factors. Lactic acid stinging test (LAST) is commonly used to assess sensitive skin and composed of four distinct sensations (pain, burning sensation, itch, and crawly feeling). A link between sensitive skin and barrier dysfunction has been proposed in atopic dermatitis (AD) patients. However, clinical and laboratory factors that are associated with sensitive skin remain unelucidated. To investigate relationship between sensitive skin and AD-associated markers. Forty-two Japanese AD patients and 10 healthy subjects (HS) were enrolled. AD patients were divided into extrinsic (EAD; high IgE levels) and intrinsic (IAD; normal IgE levels) types. We conducted 1% LAST by assessing the four distinct sensations and calculated the frequencies of sensitive skin in EAD, IAD, and HS. We also performed clinical AD-related tests, including transepidermal water loss (TEWL), visual analogue scale (VAS) of pruritus, and quality of life, and measured laboratory markers, including blood levels of IgE, CCL17/TARC, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and eosinophil counts, and concentration levels of serum Th1/Th2 cytokines. Filaggrin (FLG) mutations were examined in 21 patients. These values were subjected to correlation analyses with each of the four sensation elements. According to the standard criteria for LAST positivity, the frequencies of LAST-positive subjects were 54.8% and 10.0% in AD and HS, respectively (P=0.014). EAD patients showed a significantly (P=0.026) higher frequency of positive LAST (65.6%) than did IAD patients (20.0%). Among the four LAST sensation elements, the crawly feeling and pain scores positively correlated with VAS of pruritus, total serum IgE, mite-specific IgE, CCL17/TARC, and/or LDH. There was no association of the LAST scores with serum Th1/Th2 cytokine levels. Notably, neither TEWL nor FLG mutations correlated with LAST positivity or any sensation scores. The frequency of sensitive

78 FR 1866 - Extension and Redesignation of South Sudan for Temporary Protected Status

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-01-09

... DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services [CIS No. 2527-12; DHS... Protected Status AGENCY: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Department of Homeland Security. ACTION... of their Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services...

Identification of host fruit volatiles from snowberry (Symphoricarpos albus), attractive to Rhagoletis zephyria flies from Western United States

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Gas chromatography coupled with electroantennogram detection (GC-EAD) was used to identify volatiles from the fruit of Snowberry, Symphoricarpos albus laevigatus, as key attractants for Rhagoletis zephyria flies reared from snowberry fruit. A nine-component blend containing 3-methylbutan-1-ol (3%), ...

75 FR 67383 - Extension of the Designation of Somalia for Temporary Protected Status

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-11-02

... DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services [CIS No. 2497-99; DHS... Status AGENCY: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Department of Homeland Security (DHS). ACTION... extension of their employment authorization documents (EADs) with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services...

76 FR 21225 - Documents Acceptable for Employment Eligibility Verification

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-04-15

... identity and employment authorization documents (EADs) and receipts that employees may present to employers... \\1\\ (hereinafter collectively referred to as ``employer(s)'') are required to verify the identity and... as acceptable for establishing identity and employment authorization. The employer must examine the...

Aerospace Materials and Process Technology Reinvestment Workshop Held in Dayton, Ohio on 18-19 May 1993.

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-05-19

The Laboratories Theory, Modeling and Simulation , • ATP Characterization J Education and Human Resources • MTC Facilities -- NBSR and CNRF MISSION...34 Automiated System for Composite Analysis (ASCA).Y -Basis for usefri(eadly numerical methods to describe composite laminates and predict ?heir response

I-95/I-395 HOV restriction study : volume 1 : summary report

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1999-02-01

The I-95/I-395 High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) facility is a reversible two-lane freeway, about 27 miles long, between the southern terminus at Dumfries near Route 234 and the northern terminus between Route 27 and Eads Street in Arlington. Beyond this ...

ADVANCED REMOTE SENSING MONITORING OF MINE WASTE

EPA Science Inventory

The OEI-EAD and NERL-ESD have been cooperating on development of monitoring technologies and research to better use remote sensor-derived information and to ultimately disseminate that information to users. This work has focused on NASA'S airborne advanced remote sensor systems ...

Discovery and Biochemical Characterization of PlyP56, PlyN74, and PlyTB40—Bacillus Specific Endolysins

PubMed Central

Etobayeva, Irina; Linden, Sara B.; Alem, Farhang; Rizkalla, Lucas; Temple, Louise; Hakami, Ramin M.

2018-01-01

Three Bacillus bacteriophage-derived endolysins, designated PlyP56, PlyN74, and PlyTB40, were identified, cloned, purified, and characterized for their antimicrobial properties. Sequence alignment reveals these endolysins have an N-terminal enzymatically active domain (EAD) linked to a C-terminal cell wall binding domain (CBD). PlyP56 has a Peptidase_M15_4/VanY superfamily EAD with a conserved metal binding motif and displays biological dependence on divalent ions for activity. In contrast, PlyN74 and PlyTB40 have T7 lysozyme-type Amidase_2 and carboxypeptidase T-type Amidase_3 EADs, respectively, which are members of the MurNAc-LAA superfamily, but are not homologs and thus do not have a shared protein fold. All three endolysins contain similar SH3-family CBDs. Although minor host range differences were noted, all three endolysins show relatively broad antimicrobial activity against members of the Bacillus cereus sensu lato group with the highest lytic activity against B. cereus ATCC 4342. Characterization studies determined the optimal lytic activity for these enzymes was at physiological pH (pH 7.0–8.0), over a broad temperature range (4–55 °C), and at low concentrations of NaCl (<50 mM). Direct comparison of lytic activity shows the PlyP56 enzyme to be twice as effective at lysing the cell wall peptidoglycan as PlyN74 or PlyTB40, suggesting PlyP56 is a good candidate for further antimicrobial development as well as bioengineering studies. PMID:29883383

Pediatric Donor to Adult Recipients in Donation After Cardiac Death Liver Transplantation: A Single-Center Experience.

PubMed

Lan, C; Song, J L; Yan, L N; Yang, J Y; Wen, T F; Li, B; Xu, M Q

The impact of using liver allografts from donors who are younger than 14 years at the time of donation after cardiac death (DCD) liver transplantation in terms of early allograft dysfunction (EAD) and graft survival is undefined. To determine if adults undergoing DCD liver transplantation who receive a graft from a donor age younger than or equal to 13 years have similar outcomes to recipients of organs from older than 18-year-old donors. Records from adult patients undergoing DCD liver transplantation between March 2012 and December 2015 who received whole grafts from donors after cardiac death were reviewed. Patients with donors younger than or equal to 13 years (group 1) and older than 18 years (group 2) were compared for EAD rates, hepatic artery thrombosis (HAT), and graft survival. Records of 60 DCD liver transplantation patients were analyzed. The 90-day and 1-year graft survival rate of both groups was 90% versus 96% (P = .427) and 80% versus 84% (P = .668), respectively. The EAD rates of groups 1 and 2 were 30% versus 34% (P = .806). The incidence of HAT was 20% in group 1 compared with 12% in group 2 (P = .610). Also, 0.7% < graft to recipient weight ratio (GRWR) <0.8% was also usable for pediatric donor to adult recipients. Whole liver grafts from donors younger than or equal to 13 years can potentially be used in selected size-matched (GRWR >0.7%) DCD adult recipients. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Transient hyperglycemia during liver transplantation does not affect the early graft function.

PubMed

Blasi, Annabel; Beltran, Joan; Martin, Nuria; Martinez-Pallí, Graciela; Lozano, Juan J; Balust, Jaume; Torrents, Abigail; Taura, Pilar

2015-01-01

Background and rationale for the study. Hyperglycemia after graft reperfusion is a consistent finding in liver transplantation (LT) that remains poorly studied. We aim to describe its appearance in LT recipients of different types of grafts and its relation to the graft function. 436 LT recipients of donors after brain death (DBD), donors after cardiac death (DCD), and familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy (FAP) donors were reviewed. Serum glucose was measured at baseline, during the anhepatic phase, after graft reperfusion, and at the end of surgery. Early graft dysfunction (EAD) was assessed by Olthoff criteria. Caspase-3, IFN-γ, IL1β, and IL6 gene expression were measured in liver biopsy. The highest increase in glucose levels after reperfusion was observed in FAP LT recipients and the lowest in DCD LT recipients. Glucose level during the anhepatic phase was the only modifiable predictive variable of hyperglycemia after reperfusion. No relation was found between hyperglycemia after reperfusion and EAD. However, recipients with the highest glucose levels after reperfusion tended to achieve the best glucose control at the end of surgery and those who were unable to control the glucose value after reperfusion showed EAD more frequently. The highest levels of caspase-3 were found in recipients with the lowest glucose values after reperfusion. In conclusion, glucose levels increased after graft reperfusion to a different extent according to the donor type. Contrary to general belief, transient hyperglycemia after reperfusion does not appear to impact negatively on the liver graft function and could even be suggested as a marker of graft quality.

[Posterior decompression of the craniovertebral junction in syringomyelia combined with Chiari-1 malformation in children].

PubMed

Sanakoeva, A V; Korshunov, A E; Kadyrov, Sh U; Khukhlaeva, E A; Kushel', Yu V

to develop the algorithm for defining the amount of posterior decompression of the craniovertebral junction in children with syringomyelia combined with Chiari-1 malformation. Sixty eight children with syringomyelia and Chiari-1 malformation, under age of 18 years, underwent posterior decompression of the craniovertebral junction (PDCVJ) in the period from January 2001 to June 2016. Seven (10%) patients underwent extradural decompression (EDD), 16 (24%) patients underwent extra-arachnoid duraplasty (EAD), 25 (37%) patients underwent intra-arachnoid dissection (IAD) and duraplasty, and 20 (29%) patients underwent PDCVJ and placement of a fourth ventricle-subarachnoid shunt. Clinical improvement occurred in 85% of patients, and stabilization was observed in 11% of patients. Syringomyelia regressed in 78% of cases. There were no complications associated with EDD; however, re-operation was required in 3 (43%) cases. In the case of EAD, treatment results were satisfactory in 11 (79%) patients; re-operation was required in 2 (12.5%) cases; there were no complications in the early postoperative period. The highest complication rate of 6 (30%) cases was associated with shunt placement and duraplasty. However, long-term results in this group of patients were satisfactory in 16 (94%) cases, and MRI-based positive changes were observed in 100% of cases. According to our analysis, EAD is the method of choice for PDCVJ in children with syringomyelia and Chiari-1 malformation without myelopathy symptoms. In the presence of myelopathy symptoms, intra-arachnoid dissection (with or without shunting) is an acceptable alternative. To our opinion, the use of EDD in syringomyelia is unadvisable.

Liver Transplantation and Donor Body Mass Index >30: Use or Refuse?

PubMed

Andert, Anne; Becker, Niklas; Ulmer, Florian; Schöning, Wenzel; Hein, Marc; Rimek, Alexandra; Neumann, Ulf; Schmeding, Maximilian

2016-03-31

Organ shortage is a major problem in liver transplantation. The use of extended criteria donors has become the most important strategy for increasing the donor pool. However, the role of donor body mass index has not yet been thoroughly investigated. The aim of our study was to compare outcomes after liver transplantation in patients who received a liver from a donor with a BMI <30, 30-39, and ≥40, with special regard to the incidence of early allograft dysfunction (EAD) and primary non-function (PNF). One hundred and sixty-three patients who underwent liver transplantation at the University Hospital Aachen between June 2010 and January 2014 were included in this analysis. The outcome of liver transplantation was evaluated by the 30-day and 1-year patient and graft survival rates and the incidences of post-reperfusion syndrome (PRS), EAD, and PNF. The BMI 30-39 group had a higher incidence of EAD than the BMI <30 and BMI ≥40 groups. We observed 5 cases of PNF in the BMI <30 group. The incidence of acute renal failure was significantly higher in the BMI 30-39 and BMI ≥40 groups than in the BMI <30 group. Patient and graft survival did not differ significantly among the 3 groups. Based on the findings of this study, grafts from obese donors with a BMI >30 can be safely transplanted. Therefore, the donor pool can be enlarged to include such obese donors without a negative impact on the long-term patient outcome after liver transplantation.

Extra-articular deformities in arthritic knees-a grueling challenge for arthroplasty surgeons: An evidence-based update

PubMed Central

Khanna, Vishesh; Sambandam, Senthil N.; Ashraf, Munis; Mounasamy, Varatharaj

2018-01-01

Critical to the success of a total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is the anatomical alignment. This may appear as a challenge in an extra-articular deformity (EAD) that may be inherent in certain people or result from fracture malunion, congenital disorders, nutritional, metabolic and infective causes. This appraisal aimed at providing the reader with an up-todate overview of the research carried out on, and existent evidence of EAD correction while planning a TKA. We reviewed the current English literature on TKA in extra-articular knee deformities. Among the published data, a common initial approach of mandatory clinical and radiological assessment emerges as an obligatory step while handling cases with EAD. While several methods of managing the deformity and arthritis have been described, a broad division into intra-articular and extra-articular means can be deciphered. The relatively old-school, yet reliable thought process of extra-articular correction allows an all-inclusive restoration of alignment with the inherent complications related to the necessary osteotomy. A cohort of younger and more venturesome surgeons seem inclined towards performing navigated, intra-articular correction for mild to moderate and sometimes, severe deformities. The crux of the matter lies is obtaining a well-balanced knee without violating the all-important cruciates. Restoring the patient’s ambulatory status seems sooner with the intra-articular methods which are also more precise in determining the axes and while removing minimum bone. Greatest satisfaction is accomplished in those with less grotesque, rotationallyaligned knees while meticulously balancing soft-tissues and encouraging earlier weightbearing. PMID:29564077

Host Plant Species Differentiation in a Polyphagous Moth: Olfaction is Enough.

PubMed

Conchou, Lucie; Anderson, Peter; Birgersson, Göran

2017-08-01

Polyphagous herbivorous insects need to discriminate suitable from unsuitable host plants in complex plant communities. While studies on the olfactory system of monophagous herbivores have revealed close adaptations to their host plant's characteristic volatiles, such adaptive fine-tuning is not possible when a large diversity of plants is suitable. Instead, the available literature on polyphagous herbivore preferences suggests a higher level of plasticity, and a bias towards previously experienced plant species. It is therefore necessary to take into account the diversity of plant odors that polyphagous herbivores encounter in the wild in order to unravel the olfactory basis of their host plant choice behaviour. In this study we show that a polyphagous moth, Spodoptera littoralis, has the sensory ability to distinguish five host plant species using olfaction alone, this being a prerequisite to the ability to make a choice. We have used gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and gas chromatography electroantennographic detection (GC-EAD) in order to describe host plant odor profiles as perceived by S. littoralis. We find that each plant emits specific combinations and proportions of GC-EAD active volatiles, leading to statistically distinct profiles. In addition, at least four of these plants show GC-EAD active compound proportions that are conserved across individual plants, a characteristic that enables insects to act upon previous olfactory experiences during host plant choice. By identifying the volatiles involved in olfactory differentiation of alternative host plants by Spodoptera littoralis, we set the groundwork for deeper investigations of how olfactory perceptions translate into behaviour in polyphagous herbivores.

New Patterns of Collaboration and Rivalry in the US and European Defense and Aerospace Industries

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-08-19

of DaimlerChrysler Aerospace (DASA) of Germany, Aerospatiale Matra of France, and Construcciones Aeronauticas S.A. (CASA) of Spain. Its statutory...of the Cobham company of the UK) at its Bridgeport, West Virginia, plant. EADS also anticipates constructing a facility near the Sargent-Fletcher

77 FR 37790 - Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH Helicopters

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-06-25

... Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH Helicopters AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA... Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH (ECD) Model EC135 helicopters. The existing EAD, which was previously sent to all... new airworthiness directive (AD): 2012-11-02 Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH: Amendment 39-17065; Docket...

The NATO STO Task Group AVT-201 on Extended Assessment of Stability and Control Prediction Methods for NATO Air Vehicles

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-06-20

concentrated on SACCON. The planform and section profiles were defined in cooperation between DLR and EADS -MAS during the early stages of AVT-161. DLR...however most predictions were made as first-order temporal predictions. Given the highly unsteady flow fields observed by the experiments, unsteady

Beta Testing of Persistent Passive Acoustic Monitors

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-10-01

three platforms provide the capability to work over a wide range of spatial and temporal scales. Hardware and software integration of the DMONs in...closely with Richard M. Ead (Sensors and Sonar Systems Department, Naval Undersea Warfare Center, NUWC Code 1535), Ted Ioannides (PS 4013) and Dave

Male scent-marking pheromone of Bombus ardens ardens (Hymenoptera; Apidae) attracts both conspecific queens and males

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kubo, Ryohei; Harano, Ken-ichi; Ono, Masato

2017-10-01

To explore the role of the volatiles emitted from male labial gland (LG) of the bumblebee Bombus ardens ardens, we investigated the responses of virgin queens and males to volatiles using a gas chromatography-electroantennographic detector (GC-EAD) system and Y-tube olfactometer. GC-EAD analysis revealed that citronellol, the main compound detected in the male LG, caused clear electrophysiological responses in the antennae of B. a. ardens virgin queens and males although two minor compounds elicited antennal responses when applied in a high concentration. Behavioral tests using a Y-tube olfactometer showed that queens and males were significantly attracted to both LG extracts and citronellol more than to the solvent alone. This is the first study to demonstrate that citronellol as a major compound of male scent-marking pheromone in B. a. ardens functions as a sex attractant for queens. The results also suggest that this compound has another function as a trail marker used by males.

NAOMI instrument: a product line of compact and versatile cameras designed for high resolution missions in Earth observation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luquet, Ph.; Chikouche, A.; Benbouzid, A. B.; Arnoux, J. J.; Chinal, E.; Massol, C.; Rouchit, P.; De Zotti, S.

2017-11-01

EADS Astrium is currently developing a new product line of compact and versatile instruments for high resolution missions in Earth Observation. First version has been developed in the frame of the ALSAT-2 contract awarded by the Algerian Space Agency (ASAL) to EADS Astrium. The Silicon Carbide Korsch-type telescope coupled with a multilines detector array offers a 2.5 m GSD in PAN band at Nadir @ 680 km altitude (10 m GSD in the four multispectral bands) with a 17.5 km swath width. This compact camera - 340 (W) x 460 (L) x 510 (H) mm3, 13 kg - is embarked on a Myriade-type small platform. The electronics unit accommodates video, housekeeping, and thermal control functions and also a 64 Gbit mass memory. Two satellites are developed; the first one is planned to be launched on mid 2009. Several other versions of the instrument have already been defined with enhanced resolution or/and larger field of view.

A systems approach to the policy-level risk assessment of exotic animal diseases: network model and application to classical swine fever.

PubMed

Delgado, João; Pollard, Simon; Snary, Emma; Black, Edgar; Prpich, George; Longhurst, Phil

2013-08-01

Exotic animal diseases (EADs) are characterized by their capacity to spread global distances, causing impacts on animal health and welfare with significant economic consequences. We offer a critique of current import risk analysis approaches employed in the EAD field, focusing on their capacity to assess complex systems at a policy level. To address the shortcomings identified, we propose a novel method providing a systematic analysis of the likelihood of a disease incursion, developed by reference to the multibarrier system employed for the United Kingdom. We apply the network model to a policy-level risk assessment of classical swine fever (CSF), a notifiable animal disease caused by the CSF virus. In doing so, we document and discuss a sequence of analyses that describe system vulnerabilities and reveal the critical control points (CCPs) for intervention, reducing the likelihood of U.K. pig herds being exposed to the CSF virus. © 2012 Society for Risk Analysis.

Engineer Analysis of the Light Infantry Division (ELID). Volume 1

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-12-01

m 5. Forward logistics protection a. FARP b. Brigade petroleum, oil , and lubricant (POL) berms P P *Positlon may not be dug in if...battalion in order to complete all of the squad and equipment corabat- essencial requirements. With Che adrittion of the EAD force, there is a large

Making Technology Work for Scholarship: Investing in the Data.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hockey, Susan

This paper examines issues related to how providers and consumers can make the best use of electronic information, focusing on the humanities. Topics include: new technology or old; electronic text and data formats; Standard Generalized Markup Language (SGML); text encoding initiative; encoded archival description (EAD); other applications of…

Application of conductive polymer analysis for wood and woody plant identifications

Treesearch

A. Dan Wilson; D.G. Lester; Charisse S. Oberle

2005-01-01

An electronic aroma detection (EAD) technology known as conductive polymer analysis (CPA) was evaluated as a means of identifying and discriminating woody samples of angiosperms and gymnosperms using an analytical instrument (electronic nose) that characterizes the aroma profiles of volatiles released from excised wood into sampled headspace. The instrument measures...

Synthetic studies toward 7-epi-sesquithujene, bicyclic sesquiterpene antennally active to emerald ash borer

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Emerald ash borer, Agrilus planipennis, is an invasive beetle that has been causing extensive mortality of ash trees since arriving in North America in 2002. 7-epi-Sesquithujene (1) is produced by stressed ash and elicits a strong EAD response on the emerald ash borer antennae. In the course of ma...

Implementation of a Compiler for the Functional Programming Language PHI.

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-06-01

Chapter Three. 8 his acceptance speech for the 1977 ACM Turing Award, Backus criticized traditional programming languages and programming styles. He went... Knn "mfrn ~ i ptr ->type =type; :.f (f~ead :=NULL) { -st alreaay ex-s~ tracer f head; wnile (tracer->iink - NU:LL) rdent of >-sl tracer = : racer- Iik

International Metadata Initiatives: Lessons in Bibliographic Control.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Caplan, Priscilla

This paper looks at a subset of metadata schemes, including the Text Encoding Initiative (TEI) header, the Encoded Archival Description (EAD), the Dublin Core Metadata Element Set (DCMES), and the Visual Resources Association (VRA) Core Categories for visual resources. It examines why they developed as they did, major point of difference from…

76 FR 53324 - Airworthiness Directives; Agusta S.p.A. Model A109A, A109A II, A109C, and A109K2 Helicopters

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-08-26

... Airworthiness Directives; Agusta S.p.A. Model A109A, A109A II, A109C, and A109K2 Helicopters AGENCY: Federal... helicopters. That EAD currently requires inspecting the main rotor scissor fitting assembly to determine if... helicopter. DATES: Effective September 12, 2011. The incorporation by reference of certain publications...

Working Together More than Alone: Students' Evolving Perceptions of Self and Community within a Four-Year Educational Administration Doctoral Cohort

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ford, Lance; Vaughn, Courtney

2011-01-01

School administrators rarely have the opportunity to confer and share their challenges with colleagues. To address this problem in 2005 the Educational Administration Department (EAD) at Central University (a Midwestern PhD granting institution located in a thriving city of about 100,00 people) created a virtual/local doctoral cohort for 14 school…

Proceedings of the Conference of the International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education (30th, Prague, Czech Republic, July 16-21, 2006). Volume 3

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Novotna, Jarmila, Ed.; Moraova, Hana, Ed.; Kratka, Magdalena, Ed.; Stehlikova, Nad'a, Ed.

2006-01-01

This document contains the third volume of the proceedings of the 30th Conference of the International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education. Conference presentations are centered around the theme "Mathematics at the Centre." This volume features 60 research reports by presenters with last names beginning between Ead and Kou:…

Unmanned Surface and Underwater Vehicles

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-07-03

applications of such platforms that already exist or are discussed in literature. TNO report I TNO-DV 2006 A455 117/120 9 References [ 11 ... 11 1.1 R eading instructions... 11 2 Research on the context of different types of UVs ............................................. 13 2.1 D efi nition of U V s

The Planck Telescope reflectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stute, Thomas

2004-09-01

The mechanical division of EADS-Astrium GmbH, Friedrichshafen is currently engaged with the development, manufacturing and testing of the advanced dimensionally stable composite reflectors for the ESA satellite borne telescope Planck. The objective of the ESA mission Planck is to analyse the first light that filled the universe, the cosmic microwave background radiation. Under contract of the Danish Space Research Institute and ESA EADS-Astrium GmbH is developing the all CFRP primary and secondary reflectors for the 1.5-metre telescope which is the main instrument of the Planck satellite. The operational frequency ranges from to 25 GHz to 1000 GHz. The demanding high contour accuracy and surface roughness requirements are met. The design provides the extreme dimensional stability required by the cryogenic operational environment at around 40 K. The elliptical off-axis reflectors display a classical lightweight sandwich design with CFRP core and facesheets. Isostatic mounts provide the interfaces to the telescope structure. Protected VDA provides the reflecting surface. The manufacturing is performed at the Friedrichshafen premises of EADS-Space Transportation GmbH, the former Dornier composite workshops. Advanced manufacturing technologies like true angle lay-up by CNC fibre placement and filament winding are utilized. The protected coating is applied at the CAHA facilities at the Calar Alto Observatory, Spain. The exhaustive environmental testing is performed at the facilities of IABG, Munich (mechanical testing) and for the cryo-optical tests at CSL Liege. The project is in advanced state with both Qualification Models being under environmental testing. The flight models will be delivered in 2004. The paper gives an overview over the requirements and the main structural features how these requirements are met. Special production aspects and available test results are reported.

Availability of human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes in assessment of drug potential for QT prolongation

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

Nozaki, Yumiko, E-mail: yumiko-nozaki@ds-pharma.co.jp; Honda, Yayoi, E-mail: yayoi-honda@ds-pharma.co.jp; Tsujimoto, Shinji, E-mail: shinji-tsujimoto@ds-pharma.co.jp

2014-07-01

Field potential duration (FPD) in human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPS-CMs), which can express QT interval in an electrocardiogram, is reported to be a useful tool to predict K{sup +} channel and Ca{sup 2+} channel blocker effects on QT interval. However, there is no report showing that this technique can be used to predict multichannel blocker potential for QT prolongation. The aim of this study is to show that FPD from MEA (Multielectrode array) of hiPS-CMs can detect QT prolongation induced by multichannel blockers. hiPS-CMs were seeded onto MEA and FPD was measured for 2 min every 10 min formore » 30 min after drug exposure for the vehicle and each drug concentration. I{sub Kr} and I{sub Ks} blockers concentration-dependently prolonged corrected FPD (FPDc), whereas Ca{sup 2+} channel blockers concentration-dependently shortened FPDc. Also, the multichannel blockers Amiodarone, Paroxetine, Terfenadine and Citalopram prolonged FPDc in a concentration dependent manner. Finally, the I{sub Kr} blockers, Terfenadine and Citalopram, which are reported to cause Torsade de Pointes (TdP) in clinical practice, produced early afterdepolarization (EAD). hiPS-CMs using MEA system and FPDc can predict the effects of drug candidates on QT interval. This study also shows that this assay can help detect EAD for drugs with TdP potential. - Highlights: • We focused on hiPS-CMs to replace in vitro assays in preclinical screening studies. • hiPS-CMs FPD is useful as an indicator to predict drug potential for QT prolongation. • MEA assay can help detect EAD for drugs with TdP potentials. • MEA assay in hiPS-CMs is useful for accurately predicting drug TdP risk in humans.« less

Distraction, Compression, Extension, and Reduction Combined With Joint Remodeling and Extra-articular Distraction: Description of 2 New Modifications for Its Application in Basilar Invagination and Atlantoaxial Dislocation: Prospective Study in 79 Cases.

PubMed

Chandra, P Sarat; Prabhu, Manik; Goyal, Nishant; Garg, Ajay; Chauhan, Avnish; Sharma, Bhawani Shankar

2015-07-01

Recent strategies for treatment of basilar invagination (BI) and atlantoaxial dislocation (AAD) are based on simultaneous posterior reduction and fixation. To describe new modifications of the procedure distraction, compression, extension, and reduction (DCER), ie, joint remodeling (JRM) and extra-articular distraction (EAD) in patients with "vertical" joints, and to quantify the improvement in joint indices, ie, sagittal inclination (SI), craniocervical tilt (CCT), and coronal inclination. Prospective study (May 2010 to September 2014). Joint indices measured included (normal values): SI (87.15 ± 5.65°), CCT (60.2 ± 9.2°), and coronal inclination (110.3 ± 4.23°). Surgical procedures included DCER alone (performed in SI <100°, group I) or JRM with DCER (in SI: 100-160°, group II), or EAD with DCER in severe BI with almost vertical joints (SI >160°, group III). Seventy-nine patients were selected (mean, 22.5 years of age). All conventional indices improved significantly (P < .001). CCT improved in all groups (P < .01); group I (n = 32): 54 ± 8.7° (preoperative 80.71 ± 12.72°); group II (n = 40): 58 ± 7.0° (preoperative 86.5 ± 14°); group III (n = 7): 62 ± 10.0° (preoperative 104 ± 11.2°). SI improved in both group I and II, P < .01 (cannot be measured in group III). At long-term follow-up (n = 64, 29 ± 8 months, range 12-39 months), the Nurick grade improved to 1.5 ± 0.52 (preoperative: 3.4 ± 0.65; P < .001). DCER seems to be an effective technique in reducing both BI and AAD. JRM and EAD with DCER are useful in moderate to severe BI and AAD (with SI >100°). Joint indices provide useful information for surgical strategy and planning.

Astrium Technological Roadmaps for the Next Generation of Launchers Challenges

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Larnac, Guy

2014-06-01

Main requirement on Ariane 6 are robustness, overall ownership cost and environmental impacts. To be able to meet these requirements it's mandatory to modify our usual way of working and to think the development and qualification of technologies differently. Airbus Defence and Space in the domain of materials, technologies and structures proposes a vision which address these points declined at different level:- Selection of key metallic and composite technologies to reduce drastically the cost of manufacturing,- Implementation of robust and economical way of assembly, promoting adhesive bonding and innovative technologies- Introducing virtual testing approach coupled with advanced methods and process simulation- Introduction of in-line monitoring to reduce cost of control- Implementation of the design for environment methodology with life cycle analysis to support the choice of technologies and materials- Development of EADS common materials to get benefice of aeronautic supply chain and communalitiesTo be efficient it seems evident and mandatory to develop all these approaches in an integrated and coordinated way. Advanced technologies and methodologies are supported by a strong network of collaboration enabling the integration of upstream ideas and concepts. This network is not only focused on low TRL level. Within EADS divisions intensive collaboration is deployed in order to get synergies. On the other side it's also mandatory for reliability and obsolescence issues to take care and master the supply chain.Additive layer manufacturing and thermoplastic based composite are directly concerned by this problematic. We present how, in the domain of materials and structures, aeronautic materials are considered first and how the mechanism of common qualification shared within EADS is now developed.This vision is being implemented within Airbus Defence and Space, described and reported through roadmaps. These roadmaps are the core of Airbus defence and Space strategies

Effects of interleukin-8 on estradiol and progesterone production by bovine granulosa cells from large follicles and progesterone production by luteinizing granulosa cells in culture.

PubMed

Shimizu, Takashi; Kaji, Ayami; Murayama, Chiaki; Magata, Fumie; Shirasuna, Koumei; Wakamiya, Kaori; Okuda, Kiyoshi; Miyamoto, Akio

2012-01-01

Interleukin 8 (IL-8) is a chemoattractant involved in the recruitment and activation of neutrophils and is associated with the ovulate process. We examined the possible role of IL-8 in steroid production by bovine granulosa cells before and after ovulation. The concentration of IL-8 in the follicular fluid of estrogen-active dominant (EAD) and pre-ovulatory follicles (POF) was higher than that of small follicles (SF). CXCR1 mRNA expression was higher in the granulosa cells of EAD and POF than that of SF. In contrast, CXCR2 mRNA expression was lower in granulosa cells of EAD and POF than in SF. IL-8 inhibited estradiol (E2) production in follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)-treated granulosa cells at 48 h of culture. IL-8 also suppressed CYP19A1 mRNA expression in FSH-treated granulosa cells. IL-8 stimulated progesterone (P4) production in luteinizing hormone (LH)-treated granulosa cells at 48 h of culture. Although IL-8 did not alter the expression of genes associated with P4 production, it induced StAR protein expression in LH-treated granulosa cells. The expression of CXCR1 mRNA in corpus luteum (CL) did not change during the luteal phase. In contrast, the expression of CXCR2 mRNA in middle CL was significantly higher than in early and regression CL during the luteal phase. In luteinizing granulosa cells, an in vitro model of granulosa cell luteinization, CXCR2 mRNA expression was downregulated, whereas CXCR1 mRNA expression was unchanged. IL-8 also stimulated P4 production in luteinizing granulosa cells. These data provide evidence that IL-8 functions not only as a chemokine, but also act as a regulator of steroid synthesis in granulosa cells to promote luteinization after ovulation. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Nature of adsorption on TiC(111) investigated with density-functional calculations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ruberto, Carlo; Lundqvist, Bengt I.

2007-06-01

Extensive density-functional calculations are performed for chemisorption of atoms in the three first periods (H, B, C, N, O, F, Al, Si, P, S, and Cl) on the polar TiC(111) surface. Calculations are also performed for O on TiC(001), for full O(1×1) monolayer on TiC(111), as well as for bulk TiC and for the clean TiC(111) and (001) surfaces. Detailed results concerning atomic structures, energetics, and electronic structures are presented. For the bulk and the clean surfaces, previous results are confirmed. In addition, detailed results are given on the presence of C-C bonds in the bulk and at the surface, as well as on the presence of a Ti-based surface resonance (TiSR) at the Fermi level and of C-based surface resonances (CSR’s) in the lower part of the surface upper valence band. For the adsorption, adsorption energies Eads and relaxed geometries are presented, showing great variations characterized by pyramid-shaped Eads trends within each period. An extraordinarily strong chemisorption is found for the O atom, 8.8eV /adatom. On the basis of the calculated electronic structures, a concerted-coupling model for the chemisorption is proposed, in which two different types of adatom-substrate interactions work together to provide the obtained strong chemisorption: (i) adatom-TiSR and (ii) adatom-CSR’s. This model is used to successfully describe the essential features of the calculated Eads trends. The fundamental nature of this model, based on the Newns-Anderson model, should make it apt for general application to transition-metal carbides and nitrides and for predictive purposes in technological applications, such as cutting-tool multilayer coatings and MAX phases.

Low proarrhythmic potential of citalopram and escitalopram in contrast to haloperidol in an experimental whole-heart model.

PubMed

Frommeyer, Gerrit; Brücher, Benedict; von der Ahe, Henning; Kaese, Sven; Dechering, Dirk G; Kochhäuser, Simon; Bogossian, Harilaos; Milberg, Peter; Eckardt, Lars

2016-10-05

In several case reports proarrhythmic effects of citalopram and escitalopram have been reported. Systematic analyses on prorarrhythmic effects of these drugs are not yet available. The aim of the present study was to investigate if application of citalopram, escitalopram or haloperidol provokes polymorphic ventricular tachycardia in a sensitive model of proarrhythmia. In isolated rabbit hearts monophasic action potentials and ECG showed a significant QT-prolongation after application of citalopram (2µM: +47ms, 4µM: +56ms, P<0.05) accompanied by an increase of action potential duration (APD) but not dispersion of repolarization. Reduced potassium concentration in bradycardic AV-blocked hearts provoked early afterdepolarizations (EAD) in 2 of 12 hearts but no polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (pVT). Application of escitalopram also increased QT-interval (2µM: +3ms, 4µM: +30ms, P<0.05) and APD without effects on dispersion. 3 of 10 hearts showed EAD and pVT in 2 of 10 hearts (32 episodes). The results were compared to 12 rabbits treated with haloperidol which led to an increase in QT-interval (1µM:+62ms; 2µM:+96ms; P<0.01), APD and dispersion (1µM:+15ms, 2µM:+40ms; P<0.01) and induced EAD in all 12 and pVT in 10 of 12 hearts (152 episodes). Citalopram and escitalopram demonstrated a rather safe electrophysiologic profile despite significant QT prolongation. In contrast, haloperidol led to significant increase of dispersion of repolarization while this parameter remained stable under the influence of citalopram or escitalopram. These results imply that application of citalopram or escitalopram is not as proarrhythmic as some case reports might suggest while haloperidol is torsadogenic. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Map Metadata: Essential Elements for Search and Storage

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Beamer, Ashley

2009-01-01

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to develop an understanding of the issues surrounding the cataloguing of maps in archives and libraries. An investigation into appropriate metadata formats, such as MARC21, EAD and Dublin Core with RDF, shows how particular map data can be stored. Mathematical map elements, specifically co-ordinates, are…

Funding Education: Developing a Method of Allocation for Improvement

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

BenDavid-Hadar, Iris

2018-01-01

Purpose: Resource allocation is a key policy instrument that affects the educational achievement distribution (EAD). The literature on methods of allocation is focused mainly on equity issues. The purpose of this paper is to develop a composite funding formula, which adds to the equity-based element (i.e. a needs-based element compensating for…

Digital Competence Model of Distance Learning Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

da Silva, Ketia Kellen A.; Behar, Patricia A.

2017-01-01

This article presents the development of a digital competency model of Distance Learning (DL) students in Brazil called CompDigAl_EAD. The following topics were addressed in this study: Educational Competences, Digital Competences, and Distance Learning students. The model was developed between 2015 and 2016 and is being validated in 2017. It was…

Southern pine beetle, Dendroctonus frontalis, antennal and behavioral responses to nonhost leaf and bark volatiles

Treesearch

William Shepherd; Brian Sullivan

2013-01-01

A growing body of evidence suggests that bark beetles detect and avoid release points of volatile compounds associated with nonhost species, and thus such nonhost volatiles may have potential utility in the management of bark beetles. We used a coupled gas chromatograph-electroantennographic detector (GC-EAD) to assay the olfactory sensitivity of the southern pine...

Identification of mosquito repellent odours from Ocimum forskolei.

PubMed

Dekker, Teun; Ignell, Rickard; Ghebru, Maedot; Glinwood, Robert; Hopkins, Richard

2011-09-22

Native mosquito repellent plants have a good potential for integrated mosquito control in local settings. Ocimum forskolei, Lamiaceae, is used in Eritrea as a spatial mosquito repellent inside houses, either through crushing fresh plants or burning dry plants. We verified whether active repellent compounds could be identified using gas-chromatography coupled electroantennogram recordings (GC-EAD) with headspace extracts of crushed plants. EAD active compounds included (R)-(-)-linalool, (S)-(+)-1-octen-3-ol, trans-caryophyllene, naphthalene, methyl salicylate, (R)-(-)-α-copaene, methyl cinnamate and (E)-ocimene. Of these compounds (R)-(-)-linalool, methyl cinnamate and methyl salicylate reduced landing of female Aedes aegypti on human skin-odor baited tubes. The latter two are novel mosquito repellent compounds. The identification of mosquito repellent compounds contributes to deciphering the mechanisms underlying repulsion, supporting the rational design of novel repellents. The three mosquito repellent compounds identified in this study are structurally dissimilar, which may indicate involvement of different sensory neurons in repulsion. Repulsion may well be enhanced through combining different repellent plants (or their synthetic mimics), and can be a locally sustainable part in mosquito control efforts.

The 3.5-m all-SiC telescope for SPICA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Toulemont, Yves; Breysse, Jacques; Pierot, Dominique; Sein, Emmanuel; Nakagawa, Takao; Kaneda, Hidehiro; Onaka, Takashi; Hirabayashi, Masayuki; Narasaki, Katsuhiro; Sakuta, Hironobu; Miura, Shinji

2004-10-01

Placed on the L2 Lagrangian point, the Space Infrared Telescope for Cosmology and Astrophysics (SPICA) will operate in the 5 to 200 μm wavelength range, at 4.5K. The large aperture telescope (3.5m diameter in a single piece) requires a strong manufacturing mastering, associated with high technical performances. The background acquired by EADS-Astrium (France) on the 3.5m Silicone Carbide Herschel Telescope is a key for the success of the SPICA development. EADS-Astrium has been awarded by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and Sumitomo Heavy Industries to assess the feasibility of the 3.5m all SiC telescope through a design phase contract. The Telescope driving requirements are the large diameter of 3.5m especially critical for the manufacturing aspects, and the Wave Front Error which has to be kept below 350nm rms over a large temperature range from ambient to the operational temperature of 4.5K which requires a strong mastering of the distortions.

Department of the Army Justification of Estimates for Fiscal Year 1983 Submitted to Congress February 1982. Part 5 (Other), Part 6 (National Guard Equipment) and Part 7 (PEMA).

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-02-01

JUST1ICTIOI OFI ZB URSM The major cat"ories of vhI"es Included im the request ms Tactical Veicles - $1039.7 miim for dolly so, trailers. smitrala e ead trucks...will provide a hybrid analog and Oigital capability to support the transition to the future systems. The program provides for automated operation

Effects of early afterdepolarizations on excitation patterns in an accurate model of the human ventricles

PubMed Central

Seemann, Gunnar; Panfilov, Alexander V.; Vandersickel, Nele

2017-01-01

Early Afterdepolarizations, EADs, are defined as the reversal of the action potential before completion of the repolarization phase, which can result in ectopic beats. However, the series of mechanisms of EADs leading to these ectopic beats and related cardiac arrhythmias are not well understood. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the influence of this single cell behavior on the whole heart level. For this study we used a modified version of the Ten Tusscher-Panfilov model of human ventricular cells (TP06) which we implemented in a 3D ventricle model including realistic fiber orientations. To increase the likelihood of EAD formation at the single cell level, we reduced the repolarization reserve (RR) by reducing the rapid delayed rectifier Potassium current and raising the L-type Calcium current. Varying these parameters defined a 2D parametric space where different excitation patterns could be classified. Depending on the initial conditions, by either exciting the ventricles with a spiral formation or burst pacing protocol, we found multiple different spatio-temporal excitation patterns. The spiral formation protocol resulted in the categorization of a stable spiral (S), a meandering spiral (MS), a spiral break-up regime (SB), spiral fibrillation type B (B), spiral fibrillation type A (A) and an oscillatory excitation type (O). The last three patterns are a 3D generalization of previously found patterns in 2D. First, the spiral fibrillation type B showed waves determined by a chaotic bi-excitable regime, i.e. mediated by both Sodium and Calcium waves at the same time and in same tissue settings. In the parameter region governed by the B pattern, single cells were able to repolarize completely and different (spiral) waves chaotically burst into each other without finishing a 360 degree rotation. Second, spiral fibrillation type A patterns consisted of multiple small rotating spirals. Single cells failed to repolarize to the resting membrane potential hence

Identification of mosquito repellent odours from Ocimum forskolei

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background Native mosquito repellent plants have a good potential for integrated mosquito control in local settings. Ocimum forskolei, Lamiaceae, is used in Eritrea as a spatial mosquito repellent inside houses, either through crushing fresh plants or burning dry plants. We verified whether active repellent compounds could be identified using gas-chromatography coupled electroantennogram recordings (GC-EAD) with headspace extracts of crushed plants. Results EAD active compounds included (R)-(-)-linalool, (S)-(+)-1-octen-3-ol, trans-caryophyllene, naphthalene, methyl salicylate, (R)-(-)-α-copaene, methyl cinnamate and (E)-ocimene. Of these compounds (R)-(-)-linalool, methyl cinnamate and methyl salicylate reduced landing of female Aedes aegypti on human skin-odor baited tubes. The latter two are novel mosquito repellent compounds. Conclusions The identification of mosquito repellent compounds contributes to deciphering the mechanisms underlying repulsion, supporting the rational design of novel repellents. The three mosquito repellent compounds identified in this study are structurally dissimilar, which may indicate involvement of different sensory neurons in repulsion. Repulsion may well be enhanced through combining different repellent plants (or their synthetic mimics), and can be a locally sustainable part in mosquito control efforts. PMID:21936953

Structure, dynamics and movement patterns of the Australian pig industry.

PubMed

East, I J; Davis, J; Sergeant, E S G; Garner, M G

2014-03-01

To assess management practices and movement patterns that could influence the establishment and spread of exotic animal diseases (EAD) in pigs in Australia. A literature review of published information and a telephone survey of 370 pig producers owning >10 pigs who were registered with the PigPass national vendor declaration scheme. The movement and marketing patterns of Australian pig producers interviewed were divided into two groups based predominantly on the size of the herd. Major pig producers maintain closed herds, use artificial insemination and market direct to abattoirs. Smaller producers continue to purchase from saleyards and market to other farms, abattoirs and through saleyards in an apparently opportunistic fashion. The role of saleyards in the Australian pig industry continues to decline, with 92% of all pigs marketed directly from farm to abattoir. This survey described movement patterns that will assist in modelling the potential spread of EAD in the Australian pig industry. Continued movement towards vertical integration and closed herds in the Australian pig industry effectively divides the industry into a number of compartments that mitigate against the widespread dissemination of disease to farms adopting these practices. © 2014 Australian Veterinary Association.

Phase-Shifted Eccentric Core Fiber Bragg Grating Fabricated by Electric Arc Discharge for Directional Bending Measurement.

PubMed

Ouyang, Yang; Liu, Jianxia; Xu, Xiaofeng; Zhao, Yujia; Zhou, Ai

2018-04-11

A phase-shifted eccentric core fiber Bragg grating (PS-ECFBG) fabricated by electric arc discharge (EAD) is presented and demonstrated. It is composed of a fraction of eccentric core fiber fusion spliced in between two pieces of commercial single mode fibers, where a PS-FBG was written. The EAD in this work could flexibly change the amount of phase-shift by changing the discharge number or discharge duration. Because of the offset location of the eccentric core and the ultra-narrow resonant peak of the PS-ECFBG, it has a higher accuracy for measuring the directional bend. The elongation and compression of the eccentric core keep the magnitude of phase shift still unchanged during the bending process. The bending sensitivities of the PS-ECFBG at two opposite most sensitive directions are 57.4 pm/m -1 and -51.5 pm/m -1 , respectively. Besides, the PS-ECFBG has the potential to be a tunable narrow bandpass filter, which has a wider bi-directional adjustable range because of the bending responses. The strain and temperature sensitivities of the PS-ECFBG are experimentally measured as well, which are 0.70 pm/με and 8.85 pm/°C, respectively.

Space Shuttle Main Engine structural analysis and data reduction/evaluation. Volume 3A: High pressure oxidizer turbo-pump preburner pump housing stress analysis report

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shannon, Robert V., Jr.

1989-01-01

The model generation and structural analysis performed for the High Pressure Oxidizer Turbopump (HPOTP) preburner pump volute housing located on the main pump end of the HPOTP in the space shuttle main engine are summarized. An ANSYS finite element model of the volute housing was built and executed. A static structural analysis was performed on the Engineering Analysis and Data System (EADS) Cray-XMP supercomputer

NATO Standardization and Licensing Policy - Exploratory Phase. Volume 2. Main Report

DTIC Science & Technology

1976-11-30

issued under this section, every person who engages in the business of manufacturing, exporting, or importing arms, ammunition, or implements of... Wiliiam C. Pettijohn, Consultant Arthur Tyler Port, Consultant George M. Sr.ead, Jr. and Hoagland, MacLachlan & Co., Inc., Subcontractor 8...support in obtaining interviews with busy officials. The views and judgments expressed in this report are those of the authors and do not

Growth and Metabolism of Three Introduced Summersed Plant Species in Relation to the Influences of Temperature and Light.

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-10-01

Hydrilla Photosynthesis TRAcr (camae, ai toevm it o neeemvo ead entit by block rnn&er) Under controlled experimental conditions, the influences of...five levels ranging between 161 and 32"C. Growth considerations included morphology, bio- mass, and nutrition. Photosynthesis , respiration, and CO𔃻...and promoted a com- pression of the growth cycle. The relationship between photosynthesis and respiration (P:R) was appreciably reduced by senescence

The Transatlantic Defense Industrial Base: Restructuring Scenarios and Their Implications

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-04-01

construction of a transatlantic defense sector are tangible, but significant obstacles may accelerate the formation of a bipolar industrial base. While market...electronics powerhouse. Four months later, this combined entity merged with Dasa to form European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (EADS). Construcciones ...producers, and aircraft engine makers, there is little left to consolidate within Europe. Directions des Constructions Navales (DCN), the French shipmaker

Defense Science Board 2005 Summer Study on Transformation: A Progress Assessment. Volume 2. Supporting Reports

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-04-01

Banking Mr. Robert Luby, IBM Dr. Robert Lucky, Telcordia Technologies Mr. William Lynn, Raytheon Mr. Dave Oliver, EADS North America GOVERNMENT...MAY 2005 Central Command (CENTCOM) COL Peter Zielinski CENTCOM Office of Force Transformation (OFT) Review of COCOM Experimentation COL Richard...for Defense Analyses Mr. Patrick McCarthy, U.S. Joint Forces Command Mr. Stephen Moore, U.S. Joint Forces Command MAY 10, 2005 COL Peter Zielinski

Property Investigation of Laser Cladded, Laser Melted and Electron Beam Melted Ti-Al6-V4

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-05-01

UNCLASSIFIED/UNLIMITED UNCLASSIFIED/UNLIMITED Figure 3: Examples of electron beam melted net shape parts; powder bed [3]. 1.4 Laser Cladding ...description, www.arcam.com. [4] K.-H. Hermann, S. Orban, S. Nowotny, Laser Cladding of Titanium Alloy Ti6242 to Restore Damaged Blades, Proceedings...Property Investigation of Laser Cladded , Laser Melted and Electron Beam Melted Ti-Al6-V4 Johannes Vlcek EADS Deutschland GmbH Corporate Research

Heaviest Satcom: Inmarsat's Business Propelled to New Heights by Extra Aerojet Solid Motors on Atlas V

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Covault, Craig

2005-01-01

The first EADS/Astrium Inmarsat 4, the largest commercial communications satellite ever launched, has completed four maneuvers to reach geosynchronous orbit where it has deployed its 30 X 40-ft. elliptical reflector and solar arrays spanning 148 ft. The 13,183-1b. spacecraft was launched Mar. 11 from Cape Canavera1 on the most powerful version to date of the Lockheed Martin International Launch Services (ILS) Atlas V.

Lipidomics comparing DCD and DBD liver allografts uncovers lysophospholipids elevated in recipients undergoing early allograft dysfunction.

PubMed

Xu, Jin; Casas-Ferreira, Ana M; Ma, Yun; Sen, Arundhuti; Kim, Min; Proitsi, Petroula; Shkodra, Maltina; Tena, Maria; Srinivasan, Parthi; Heaton, Nigel; Jassem, Wayel; Legido-Quigley, Cristina

2015-12-04

Finding specific biomarkers of liver damage in clinical evaluations could increase the pool of available organs for transplantation. Lipids are key regulators in cell necrosis and hence this study hypothesised that lipid levels could be altered in organs suffering severe ischemia. Matched pre- and post-transplant biopsies from donation after circulatory death (DCD, n = 36, mean warm ischemia time = 2 min) and donation after brain death (DBD, n = 76, warm ischemia time = none) were collected. Lipidomic discovery and multivariate analysis (MVA) were applied. Afterwards, univariate analysis and clinical associations were conducted for selected lipids differentiating between these two groups. MVA grouped DCD vs. DBD (p = 6.20 × 10(-12)) and 12 phospholipids were selected for intact lipid measurements. Two lysophosphatidylcholines, LysoPC (16:0) and LysoPC (18:0), showed higher levels in DCD at pre-transplantation (q < 0.01). Lysophosphatidylcholines were associated with aspartate aminotransferase (AST) 14-day post-transplantation (q < 0.05) and were more abundant in recipients undergoing early allograft dysfunction (EAD) (p < 0.05). A receiver-operating characteristics (ROC) curve combining both lipid levels predicted EAD with 82% accuracy. These findings suggest that LysoPC (16:0) and LysoPC (18:0) might have a role in signalling liver tissue damage due to warm ischemia before transplantation.

Bulk-surface relationship of an electronic structure for high-throughput screening of metal oxide catalysts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kweun, Joshua Minwoo; Li, Chenzhe; Zheng, Yongping; Cho, Maenghyo; Kim, Yoon Young; Cho, Kyeongjae

2016-05-01

Designing metal-oxides consisting of earth-abundant elements has been a crucial issue to replace precious metal catalysts. To achieve efficient screening of metal-oxide catalysts via bulk descriptors rather than surface descriptors, we investigated the relationship between the electronic structure of bulk and that of the surface for lanthanum-based perovskite oxides, LaMO3 (M = Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu). Through density functional theory calculations, we examined the d-band occupancy of the bulk and surface transition-metal atoms (nBulk and nSurf) and the adsorption energy of an oxygen atom (Eads) on (001), (110), and (111) surfaces. For the (001) surface, we observed strong correlation between the nBulk and nSurf with an R-squared value over 94%, and the result was interpreted in terms of ligand field splitting and antibonding/bonding level splitting. Moreover, the Eads on the surfaces was highly correlated with the nBulk with an R-squared value of more than 94%, and different surface relaxations could be explained by the bulk electronic structure (e.g., LaMnO3 vs. LaTiO3). These results suggest that a bulk-derived descriptor such as nBulk can be used to screen metal-oxide catalysts.

Fibre optics in the SMOS mission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kudielka, K.; Benito-Hernández, F. J.; Rits, W.; Martin-Neira, M.

2017-11-01

Launched on November 2nd, 2009, SMOS (Soil Moisture, Ocean Salinity) is the second Earth Explorer Opportunity mission developed as part of ESA's Living Planet Programme. It demonstrates a completely new type of instrument - a large, deployable synthetic-aperture microwave radiometer [1]. RUAG Space, Switzerland, as a subcontractor of EADS Astrium, Spain, has provided the instrument's fibreoptic harness, which interconnects the central data processor with all 69 microwave receivers, as well as 12 auxiliary units on board. For reasons explained in Section 3, SMOS is the first European mission extensively using both fibre-optic clock distribution and data transmission in space. In Section 2, we present an overview of the scientific goals of SMOS, and describe the payload's basic function. There from we derive the rationale and the design of the fibre-optic harness (Section 3). In Section 4 all development, manufacturing, and test activities are summarised, which culminated in the successful delivery of all flight units to EADS Astrium by October 2006. We present the major test results obtained with the flight harness (Section 5), and conclude with a short summary of the higher-level activities, which lead to successful launch and commissioning of the SMOS satellite (Section 6).

Person-Based Versus Generalized Impulsivity Disinhibition in Frontotemporal Dementia and Alzheimer Disease.

PubMed

Paholpak, Pongsatorn; Carr, Andrew R; Barsuglia, Joseph P; Barrows, Robin J; Jimenez, Elvira; Lee, Grace J; Mendez, Mario F

2016-09-19

While much disinhibition in dementia results from generalized impulsivity, in behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) disinhibition may also result from impaired social cognition. To deconstruct disinhibition and its neural correlates in bvFTD vs. early-onset Alzheimer's disease (eAD). Caregivers of 16 bvFTD and 21 matched-eAD patients completed the Frontal Systems Behavior Scale disinhibition items. The disinhibition items were further categorized into (1) "person-based" subscale which predominantly associated with violating social propriety and personal boundary and (2) "generalized-impulsivity" subscale which included nonspecific impulsive acts. Subscale scores were correlated with grey matter volumes from tensor-based morphometry on magnetic resonance images. In comparison to the eAD patients, the bvFTD patients developed greater person-based disinhibition (P < 0.001) but comparable generalized impulsivity. Severity of person-based disinhibition significantly correlated with the left anterior superior temporal sulcus (STS), and generalized-impulsivity correlated with the right orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) and the left anterior temporal lobe (aTL). Person-based disinhibition was predominant in bvFTD and correlated with the left STS. In both dementia, violations of social propriety and personal boundaries involved fronto-parieto-temporal network of Theory of Mind, whereas nonspecific disinhibition involved the OFC and aTL. © The Author(s) 2016.

Productive infection of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in EBV-genome-positive epithelial cell lines (GT38 and GT39) derived from gastric tissues.

PubMed

Takasaka, N; Tajima, M; Okinaga, K; Satoh, Y; Hoshikawa, Y; Katsumoto, T; Kurata, T; Sairenji, T

1998-08-01

We characterized the expression of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) on two epithelial cell lines, GT38 and GT39, derived from human gastric tissues. The EBV nuclear antigen (EBNA) was detected in all cells of both cell lines. The EBV immediate-early BZLF 1 protein (ZEBRA), the early antigen diffuse component (EA-D), and one of the EBV envelope proteins (gp350/220) were expressed spontaneously in small proportions in the cells. EBNA 1, EBNA2, latent membrane protein 1, ZEBRA, and EA-D molecules were then observed by Western blotting in the cells. The lytic cycle was enhanced with treatment with 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) or n-butyrate. The virus particles were observed in the TPA treated GT38 cells by electron microscopy. Infectious EBV was detected with the transformation of cord blood lymphocytes and also with the induction of early antigen to Raji cells by the supernatants of both cells lines. A major single and minor multiple fused terminal fragments and a ladder of smaller fragments of the EBV genome were detected with a Xhol probe in both cell lines. These epithelial cells lines and viruses will be useful in studying their association with EBV in gastric epithelial cells.

Fabrication of arc-induced long-period gratings in different silica fibers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ranjan, Rajeev; Esposito, Flavio; Campopiano, Stefania; Iadicicco, Agostino

2017-05-01

In this work, we report on recent results about the fabrication of Long Period Gratings (LPGs) in different single mode optical fibers, by means of Electric Arc Discharge (EAD) technique. In particular, the results are related to three optical fibers with different doping elements, i.e.: standard telecommunication Ge-doped SMF28, highly photosensitive B/Gecodoped PS1250/1500, and P-doped P-SM-5 fibers. EAD leads to a point-by-point LPG inscription, due to localized tapering of the transversal size of the core and cladding regions along the fiber, and to changes of the silica refractive index due to the stress relaxation induced by local hot spots. Here, we take into consideration both standard and unconventional silica fibers and the aim of the work is to identify an appropriate "recipe" for each fiber, for manufacturing LPGs with strong and narrow attenuation bands (depth higher than 25 dB) and trivial power losses (<0.5 dB). Indeed, a proper combination of arc power and duration, as well as fiber tension, allows for the appropriate core and cladding modulation and thus for the desired LPGs spectral features. The sensitivity characteristics towards surrounding refractive index (SRI) and temperature changes of these LPGs are also investigated, highlighting the effects of different kind of doping.

Text-to-phonemic transcription and parsing into mono-syllables of English text

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jusgir Mullick, Yugal; Agrawal, S. S.; Tayal, Smita; Goswami, Manisha

2004-05-01

The present paper describes a program that converts the English text (entered through the normal computer keyboard) into its phonemic representation and then parses it into mono-syllables. For every letter a set of context based rules is defined in lexical order. A default rule is also defined separately for each letter. Beginning from the first letter of the word the rules are checked and the most appropriate rule is applied on the letter to find its actual orthographic representation. If no matching rule is found, then the default rule is applied. Current rule sets the next position to be analyzed. Proceeding in the same manner orthographic representation for each word can be found. For example, ``reading'' is represented as ``rEdiNX'' by applying the following rules: r-->r move 1 position ahead ead-->Ed move 3 position ahead i-->i move 1 position ahead ng-->NX move 2 position ahead, i.e., end of word. The phonemic representations obtained from the above procedure are parsed to get mono-syllabic representation for various combinations such as CVC, CVCC, CV, CVCVC, etc. For example, the above phonemic representation will be parsed as rEdiNX---> /rE/ /diNX/. This study is a part of developing TTS for Indian English.

Contributions to the Data on Theoretical Metallurgy. 3. The Free Energies of Vaporization and Vapor Pressures of Inorganic Substances

DTIC Science & Technology

1935-01-01

109ead-------------59 Vapor-pressure table ----------- 110 Lithium -------------------- 63 Bibliography ----------------- 115 Acceson orj NYTIS CRAMI ti...852-926*) have measured the vapor pressure of lithium in the liquid state, and Ruff and Jobannsen (32~4) have stated that the boili point is above...the results of th~e three investigations on ii u{id lithium do not agree, some arbitrar choice must be made. V this case, the data of Hartmann and

An Interactive Activation Model of the Effect of Context in Perception. Part I.

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-05-15

interested in word perception (Adams, 1979; Estes, 1975; LaBerge & Samuels, 1974; Johnston & McClelland, in press; McClelland, 1976). Our model differs from... LaBerge , D., & Samuels, S. Toward a theory of automatic information process- ing in -eading. Cognitive Psychology, 1974, 6, 293-323. Levin, J. A...Frederick Hayes-Roth I DR. ALBERT STEVENS Stanford University The lad Corporation BOLT BRINEX 4 NEWMAN, INC. Stanford, CA 94305 1700 Main Street 50

Peacetime Military Engagement: A Framework for Policy Criteria

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-08-01

policy of Military Cooperation Program to use some enggin n ha ce ogeraions b i military resources on the domestic front to ead suld focusimiltaeresous...authority deals with the need for greater handle the industrial base problems that arise flexibility in the effective use of the increasing when defense...Current efforts in the that U.S. industrial mobilization for major, DoD are largely being directed at removing that sustained warfare is unlikely. A

Why did Poland Choose the F-16

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-06-01

study then outlines the financial construct of the three bids, to include economic issues and pressures from the U.S., French, and Swedish governments...multipliers) 1 EADS Construcciones Aeronáuticas (Spain) Delivery of C295M transport aircraft for Polish Air Force 28 Aug 2001 $212.04M 2 GEIE Eurptorp...cooperation in, among others, ship construction , and steel industry, as well as assistance in road management and maintenance.”79 The Swedish (Saab

Less is More: Pooling and Sharing of European Military Capabilities in the Past and Present

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-06-01

defense of allied countries are interests, among others, that should be protected.” Jacques Chirac, speech at Landivisiau-l’Ile Longue/ Brest , 19...in the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) is a comfortable situation that allows Paris to rely on the Franco-German leadership...management jobs from Germany to France. He publicly demanded that „In all current reorganization of EADS, we should stick to the original idea: a fair

Particulate air pollution induces arrhythmia via oxidative stress and calcium calmodulin kinase II activation

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

Kim, Jin-Bae; Kim, Changsoo; Choi, Eunmi

2012-02-15

Ambient particulate matter (PM) can increase the incidence of arrhythmia. However, the arrhythmogenic mechanism of PM is poorly understood. This study investigated the arrhythmogenic mechanism of PM. In Sprague–Dawley rats, QT interval was increased from 115.0 ± 14.0 to 142.1 ± 18.4 ms (p = 0.02) after endotracheal exposure of DEP (200 μg/ml for 30 min, n = 5). Ventricular premature contractions were more frequently observed after DEP exposure (100%) than baseline (20%, p = 0.04). These effects were prevented by pretreatment of N-acetylcysteine (NAC, 5 mmol/L, n = 3). In 12 Langendorff-perfused rat hearts, DEP infusion of 12.5 μg/mlmore » for 20 min prolonged action potential duration (APD) at only left ventricular base increasing apicobasal repolarization gradients. Spontaneous early afterdepolarization (EAD) and ventricular tachycardia (VT) were observed in 8 (67%) and 6 (50%) hearts, respectively, versus no spontaneous triggered activity or VT in any hearts before DEP infusion. DEP-induced APD prolongation, EAD and VT were successfully prevented with NAC (5 mmol/L, n = 5), nifedipine (10 μmol/L, n = 5), and active Ca{sup 2+}/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) blockade, KN 93 (1 μmol/L, n = 5), but not by thapsigargin (200 nmol/L) plus ryanodine (10 μmol/L, n = 5) and inactive CaMKII blockade, KN 92 (1 μmol/L, n = 5). In neonatal rat cardiomyocytes, DEP provoked ROS generation in dose dependant manner. DEP (12.5 μg/ml) induced apoptosis, and this effect was prevented by NAC and KN 93. Thus, this study shows that in vivo and vitro exposure of PM induced APD prolongation, EAD and ventricular arrhythmia. These effects might be caused by oxidative stress and CaMKII activation. -- Highlights: ► The ambient PM consistently prolonged repolarization. ► The ambient PM induced triggered activity and ventricular arrhythmia. ► These effects were prevented by antioxidants, I{sub CaL} blockade and CaMKII blockade. ► The ambient PM can induce

Serologic response to Epstein-Barr virus antigens in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: a controlled study.

PubMed

Esen, Bahar Artım; Yılmaz, Gülden; Uzun, Sami; Ozdamar, Melda; Aksözek, Alper; Kamalı, Sevil; Türkoğlu, Salih; Gül, Ahmet; Ocal, Lale; Aral, Orhan; Inanç, Murat

2012-01-01

Previous studies showed a link between systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection. We sought to determine the features of serologic response to EBV in SLE patients and whether this response differs from those of systemic sclerosis (SSc) and primary antiphospholipid syndrome (PAPS) patients as well as healthy individuals. Sera from 198 consecutive SLE patients have been tested to detect IgG antibodies to EA/D, EBNA-1, VCA P18 and for comparison, cytomegalovirus (CMV) using commercially available ELISA kits (Trinity Biotech, USA). Forty-six SSc patients and 38 PAPS patients were enrolled as diseased control groups and sixty-five individuals as healthy controls. Significantly more SLE (54%, P = 0.001, OR 5.77, 95% CI 2.8-11.6), SSc (41.3%, P = 0.005, OR 3.4, 95% CI 1.4-8.2) and PAPS sera (36.8%, P = 0.023, OR 2.86, 95% CI 1.14-7.22) reacted against EA/D than healthy controls (16.9%). The mean age of anti-EA/D-positive SLE patients was significantly higher, and their disease duration was longer compared to anti-EA/D-negative SLE patients (41 ± 14 vs. 33.8 ± 10.8 years, P < 0.001 and 100 ± 73 vs. 71 ± 62 months, P = 0.003). In SLE patients, EA/D reactivity was associated with Raynaud's phenomenon and the presence of any anti-ENA antibodies. Although it did not reach a statistical significance, anti-EBNA-1 reactivity was slightly lower in patients with SLE. The frequency of anti-CMV Ig G positivity was found significantly higher in SLE patients (100%) when compared to patients with SSc (95.7%), PAPS (94.7%) and healthy controls (95.4%) (P = 0.035, P = 0.025 and P = 0.015 respectively). Our results support the proposed link between EBV and SLE. The finding that SSc and PAPS patients also have increased frequency of anti-EA/D response has revealed that this immune interaction may not be unique to patients with SLE, and there may be a common mechanism involving EBV in these autoimmune diseases.

Optimization of the propulsion for multistage solid rocket motor launchers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Calabro, M.; Dufour, A.; Macaire, A.

2002-02-01

Some tools focused on a rapid multidisciplinary optimization capability for multistage launch vehicle design were developed at EADS-LV. These tools may be broken down into two categories, those related to propulsion design optimization and a computer code devoted to trajectories and under constraints optimization. Both are linked in order to obtain optimal vehicle design after an iterative process. After a description of the two categories tools, an example of application is given on a small space launcher.

Novel Developments in Organonitrogen Fluorine Chemistry from Carbon- Nitrogen

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-11-21

alkan- imines (R.FC-NBr, P.R CF3. C2 F5, n-C3F7, CF2CI. CCI3). Photolyuis of the perfluorinated N-bromo compounds af- fords the novel perfluoroazines...physical properties. Alternative and improved I syntheses of three compounds are also reported. The perfluorinated N-haloimines, CF 2-NX (X = F, Cl...ihenakaif e anibokn i ls eatv ncephl ndncepii sbTitutionths reactions ead toetdsrutrso a variety of novelrgni compounds . Ofseilitrsoaftedaiiie

Design, Development and Validation of the Eurostar 3000 Large Propellant Tank

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Autric, J.-M.; Catherall, D.; Figues, C.; Brockhoff, T.; Lafranconi, R.

2004-10-01

EADS Astrium has undertaken the design and development of an enlarged propellant tank for its high modular Eurostar 3000 telecom satellites platform. The design and development activities included fracture, stress and functional analysis, the manufacturing of development models for the propellant management device, the qualification of new manufacturing processes and the optimization of the design with respect to the main requirements. The successful design and development-testing phase has allowed starting the manufacturing of the qualification model.

The Coast Artillery Journal. Volume 91, Number 4, July-August 1948

DTIC Science & Technology

1948-08-01

The development of completely automatic control systems was suspended in 1945 because of the critical manpower shortage and scarcity of materials...the three years I spent o\\’erseas. During the fall of 1942, a few weeks before the im’asion of Africa, the armv assembled in Fort 1\\1eade about sixty...from June 1945 to April 1947. University af Washington: James E. l\\laran of Centralia, \\,vashington. Cadet Moran is majoring in History . During the war

An Expansion of Glider Observation STrategies to Systematically Transmit and Analyze Preferred Waypoints of Underwater Gliders

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-01-01

exercis ead over time i e rendezvous C function. nformation ne that set of po antify the relat are combined to as a morpho runs independ rs. EMPath a...Glider pilots do not use the temporal waypoint estimate from GOST in their control of the glider; waypoints are simply treated as a sequence of points...glider pilots’ interpretation of points as only sequential instead of temporal will eliminate this as a hindrance to the system’s use. Further

Re-entry Flight Experiments Lessons Learned - The Atmospheric Reentry Demonstrator ARD

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-06-01

civilian cooperative program was managed by Aerospatiale – Lanceurs Stratégiques et Spatiaux (now EADS – SPACE Transportation) as prime contractor. The...of an Al-alloy structure protected on the cone by Norcoat 62250 FI cork tiles and on the heat-shield by Aleastrasil silica-phenolic tiles (Figure 3... structure of the flight data points are meaningful even if the absolute Kp level is doubtful. Figure 19 shows CFD comparisons at Mach 10. The real gas

"Different Strokes for Different Folks": Presenting EAD in Three UK Online Catalogues

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hill, Amanda; Stockting, Bill; Higgins, Sarah

2005-01-01

This article discusses three different online services providing federated access to finding aids relating to archives found in a number of repositories: the Archives Hub, Access to Archives (A2A) and Navigational Aids for the History of Science, Technology and the Environment (NAHSTE). While the scale of the services is very different, a…

Two compounds in bed bug feces are sufficient to elicit off-host aggregation by bed bugs, Cimex lectularius.

PubMed

Olson, Joelle F; Vers, Leonard M Ver; Moon, Roger D; Kells, Stephen A

2017-01-01

After feeding, bed bugs aggregate in cracks and crevices near a host. Aggregation and arrestment are mediated by tactile and chemical stimuli associated with the bugs' feces and exuviae. Volatiles derived from fecally stained filter papers were analyzed by solid-phase microextraction (SPME) and evaluated using a multichoice behavioral assay to determine their impact on bed bug aggregation. In addition, crude fecal extracts were collected in methanol, analyzed by gas chromatography coupled with electroantennogram detection (GC-EAD) and mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and evaluated in open-air multichoice behavioral assays. The SPME method was used to detect (E)-2-hexenal and (E)-2-octenal in heated bed bug feces. The presence of these two volatile components did not affect aggregation. Analysis of the crude fecal extracts revealed several semi-volatile nitrogenous compounds, a carboxylic acid and a sulfur-based compound. Adult antennae responded to compounds eluted from three regions of the crude extract using GC-EAD. A combination of two compounds, dimethyl trisulfide and methyldiethanolamine, resulted in aggregation responses equivalent to the original crude extract. Bed bug aggregation is mediated by semi-volatile compounds derived from fecal extracts, and two compounds are sufficient to elicit aggregation. The two compounds identified here could be used to enhance the effectiveness of insecticidal applications or improve monitoring techniques. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

Sequential detection of different antigens induced by Epstein-Barr virus and herpes simplex virus in the same Western blot by using dual antibody probes.

PubMed

Lin, J C; Pagano, J S

1986-08-01

A dual antibody probing technique that permitted a color-coded identification of polypeptides representing different classes of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) antigens as well as differentiation of the polypeptides induced by different herpesviruses in the same Western blot was developed. When the nitrocellulose sheet was probed first with monoclonal antibody against EBV early antigen diffuse component (EA-D) and then stained with 4-chloro-1-naphthol, four polypeptides specific for EA-D were identified by purple bands. Subsequently, the same nitrocellulose sheet was reprobed with human serum containing antibodies against EBV early antigen, viral capsid antigen, and nuclear antigen and stained with 3,3'-diaminobenzidine. Several brown bands corresponding to early, viral capsid, and nuclear antigen polypeptides were detected. The dual antibody probing technique was used in an analysis to differentiate polypeptides resulting from either EBV or herpes simplex virus infection, either in cells infected by individual virus or in a cell line dually infected by both viruses. On the basis of different colored bands in different lanes of the same gel, 20 polypeptides with molecular weights ranging from 31,000 to 165,000 were identified as herpes simplex virus-specific proteins. These results suggested that the dual antibody probing technique may be applicable in clinical diagnosis for detecting antigens and antibodies derived from different pathogens.

Comprehensive characterisation of atmospheric aerosols in Budapest, Hungary: physicochemical properties of inorganic species

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Salma, Imre; Maenhaut, Willy; Zemplén-Papp, Éva; Záray, Gyula

As part of an air pollution project in Budapest, aerosol samples were collected by stacked filter units and cascade impactors at an urban background site, two downtown sites, and within a road tunnel in field campaigns conducted in 1996, 1998 and 1999. Some criteria pollutants were also measured at one of the downtown sites. The aerosol samples were analysed by one or more of the following methods: instrumental neutron activation analysis, particle-induced X-ray emission analysis, a light reflection technique, gravimetry, thermal profiling carbon analysis and capillary electrophoresis. The quantities measured or derived include atmospheric concentrations of elements (from Na to U), of particulate matter, of black and elemental carbon, and total carbonaceous fraction, of some ionic species (e.g., nitrate and sulphate) in the fine ( <2 μm equivalent aerodynamic diameter, EAD) or in both coarse (10- 2 μm EAD) and fine size fractions, atmospheric concentrations of NO, NO 2, SO 2, CO and total suspended particulate matter, and meteorological parameters. The analytical results were used for characterisation of the concentration levels, elemental composition, time trends, enrichment of and relationships among the aerosol species in coarse and fine size fractions, for studying their fine-to-coarse concentration ratios, spatial and temporal variability, for determining detailed elemental mass size distributions, and for examining the extent of chemical mass closure.

Distinct gene-specific mechanisms of arrhythmia revealed by cardiac gene transfer of two long QT disease genes, HERG and KCNE1.

PubMed

Hoppe, U C; Marbán, E; Johns, D C

2001-04-24

The long QT syndrome (LQTS) is a heritable disorder that predisposes to sudden cardiac death. LQTS is caused by mutations in ion channel genes including HERG and KCNE1, but the precise mechanisms remain unclear. To clarify this situation we injected adenoviral vectors expressing wild-type or LQT mutants of HERG and KCNE1 into guinea pig myocardium. End points at 48-72 h included electrophysiology in isolated myocytes and electrocardiography in vivo. HERG increased the rapid component, I(Kr), of the delayed rectifier current, thereby accelerating repolarization, increasing refractoriness, and diminishing beat-to-beat action potential variability. Conversely, HERG-G628S suppressed I(Kr) without significantly delaying repolarization. Nevertheless, HERG-G628S abbreviated refractoriness and increased beat-to-beat variability, leading to early afterdepolarizations (EADs). KCNE1 increased the slow component of the delayed rectifier, I(Ks), without clear phenotypic sequelae. In contrast, KCNE1-D76N suppressed I(Ks) and markedly slowed repolarization, leading to frequent EADs and electrocardiographic QT prolongation. Thus, the two genes predispose to sudden death by distinct mechanisms: the KCNE1 mutant flagrantly undermines cardiac repolarization, and HERG-G628S subtly facilitates the genesis and propagation of premature beats. Our ability to produce electrocardiographic long QT in vivo with a clinical KCNE1 mutation demonstrates the utility of somatic gene transfer in creating genotype-specific disease models.

An investigation of care-based vs. rule-based morality in frontotemporal dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and healthy controls.

PubMed

Carr, Andrew R; Paholpak, Pongsatorn; Daianu, Madelaine; Fong, Sylvia S; Mather, Michelle; Jimenez, Elvira E; Thompson, Paul; Mendez, Mario F

2015-11-01

Behavioral changes in dementia, especially behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD), may result in alterations in moral reasoning. Investigators have not clarified whether these alterations reflect differential impairment of care-based vs. rule-based moral behavior. This study investigated 18 bvFTD patients, 22 early onset Alzheimer's disease (eAD) patients, and 20 healthy age-matched controls on care-based and rule-based items from the Moral Behavioral Inventory and the Social Norms Questionnaire, neuropsychological measures, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) regions of interest. There were significant group differences with the bvFTD patients rating care-based morality transgressions less severely than the eAD group and rule-based moral behavioral transgressions more severely than controls. Across groups, higher care-based morality ratings correlated with phonemic fluency on neuropsychological tests, whereas higher rule-based morality ratings correlated with increased difficulty set-shifting and learning new rules to tasks. On neuroimaging, severe care-based reasoning correlated with cortical volume in right anterior temporal lobe, and rule-based reasoning correlated with decreased cortical volume in the right orbitofrontal cortex. Together, these findings suggest that frontotemporal disease decreases care-based morality and facilitates rule-based morality possibly from disturbed contextual abstraction and set-shifting. Future research can examine whether frontal lobe disorders and bvFTD result in a shift from empathic morality to the strong adherence to conventional rules. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

An Investigation of Care-Based vs. Rule-Based Morality in Frontotemporal Dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease, and Healthy Controls

PubMed Central

Carr, Andrew R.; Paholpak, Pongsatorn; Daianu, Madelaine; Fong, Sylvia S.; Mather, Michelle; Jimenez, Elvira E.; Thompson, Paul; Mendez, Mario F.

2015-01-01

Behavioral changes in dementia, especially behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD), may result in alterations in moral reasoning. Investigators have not clarified whether these alterations reflect differential impairment of care-based vs. rule-based moral behavior. This study investigated 18 bvFTD patients, 22 early onset Alzheimer’s disease (eAD) patients, and 20 healthy age-matched controls on care-based and rule-based items from the Moral Behavioral Inventory and the Social Norms Questionnaire, neuropsychological measures, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) regions of interest. There were significant group differences with the bvFTD patients rating care-based morality transgressions less severely than the eAD group and rule-based moral behavioral transgressions more severely than controls. Across groups, higher care-based morality ratings correlated with phonemic fluency on neuropsychological tests, whereas higher rule-based morality ratings correlated with increased difficulty set-shifting and learning new rules to tasks. On neuroimaging, severe care-based reasoning correlated with cortical volume in right anterior temporal lobe, and rule-based reasoning correlated with decreased cortical volume in the right orbitofrontal cortex. Together, these findings suggest that frontotemporal disease decreases care-based morality and facilitates rule-based morality possibly from disturbed contextual abstraction and set-shifting. Future research can examine whether frontal lobe disorders and bvFTD result in a shift from empathic morality to the strong adherence to conventional rules. PMID:26432341

Recent developments of advanced structures for space optics at Astrium, Germany

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stute, Thomas; Wulz, Georg; Scheulen, Dietmar

2003-12-01

The mechanical division of EADS Astrium GmbH, Friedrichshafen Germany, the former Dornier Satellitensystem GmbH is currently engaged with the development, manufacturing and testing of three different advanced dimensionally stable composite and ceramic material structures for satellite borne optics: -CFRP Camera Structure -Planck Telescope Reflectors -NIRSpec Optical Bench Breadboard for James Web Space Telescope The paper gives an overview over the requirements and the main structural features how these requirements are met. Special production aspects and available test results are reported.

Temporal Evolution of the LIBS Spectrum of Aluminum Metal in Different Bath Gases

DTIC Science & Technology

2004-12-01

emission from . A lens was pl e ter (Catalina Scientific Corp., Tucson, AZ) fitted with a gated mera echnology Com., Model D 8-03) was used to m...Single Pulse Laser Ablati 1999 Amoruso, S. Modeling of UV-Pulsed Laser Ablation of Silicon. Appl. Phys. A 1999, 69 323. 17. Saramdaev, E. V...TR CODE ST D 20640-5035 R BLDG 600 MD 20640-5035 FARE CTR R GUIRGUIS EAD MD 20640-5035 E WARFARE CTR LOGY DEPT J HARPER 640

Delay-Doppler Radar Imaging

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-11-30

fwkhmn- 2 I rman = fwjhmr/confac sign-sq = sigmar * sigmar t- 0* t d ;1’r 0 1PI (t ype .eq. 0) THEN wjr i t e t tou t,2 0 r-ead (ttin, 10) twod im le::ttou...confac ":" = S gma.e*si gmae * c = s.._--i.mab*s i gmab _=.::os. .eq. 1) THEN Z, = .sigmab/ sigmar )/(2*pix) 1 C.8*xi2 END I F ,9 0 i = , mgdmt DO ??5 J

Antecedents and Consequences of Choice.

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-04-01

ADAO97 738 VIRGINIA POLYTECHNIC INST AND STATE UNIV BLACKSBURG F/A 5/10I -A077 ANTECEDENTS AND CONSEQUENCES OF CHOICE.(U) A PR 81 L C PERIMUTER...1. REOR W ..... T ATO PAGE EAD iNSTRUCTiONS 4. TITL. , O PC OF REPORT A PERIOD COVERED( Antecedents and Consequences of Choic Final rN t 7. NTR,_C...sense of control has motivational consequences which may enhance performance on a variety of tasks .lost researchers in this field recognize that the

BKCASE(TM) Body of Knowledge and Curriculum to Advance Systems Engineering

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-04-28

Lawson, Lawson Konsult AB, Sweden Johann Amsenga, Eclipse RDC, South Africa Alex Lee , Defence Science and Technology Agency, Singapore Erik Aslaksen...Engineering Division, US Tim Ferris, University of South Australia and INCOSE, Australia Jean-Claude Roussel, EADS, France Kevin Forsberg, Center for...Systems Management and INCOSE, US Sven-Olaf Schulze, Berner & Mattner Systemtechnik GmbH, Germany Richard Freeman, Air Force Center for Systems

Navy Quality of Life and Reenlistment.

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-11-01

Problema with Unique Solution,- 20 pp., Jun 1976, 234-253) AD AOSS 536 AD AO SYSpp 223 pp 213 Mengel . Marc. *StOdetlc Mechanics of Moleoloion thloule... Mengel . Marc. ’Fluctuations In Systeme with Multiple Steady lesecttons.’ 21 pp.. Jan 1978. AD AD%6 227 Stetes. Application to Landmaster Equations,’ 12 pp...Qirrot Mengel , bee ead QuenAw*, Gould D.. ’Ilop aleam of a 0Ias~ Facing oer movet and Busanss Learsa presented by Slverlsto Normal Oe as Offet CIrcle

Toward a Theory of Military Involvement in National Development in Underdeveloped Countries

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-06-01

shall assist in the collection of feces for use as fertilizers and garbage. (6). Units are required to raise livestock. 17). Units shall assist...disciplined army like the PLA which gives unquestioned obedience to: the political leadership can easily perform lowly manual tasks like collecting feces ...5,979.7 cayazs 70 avail, data 5.979.7 21ce 179C2n8 c~.vas %.o avail. eetc 17 9~. Live.;t ock 8,777 kheadS 2,472 heads 119349 , Chicken 100,940 I eads No

Surfacing Rescue Container Concept Design for Trident Submarines

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-05-08

crew of their decompression obligation and will give undersea medical officers (UMO) on land the information they need to treat the crew upon arrival...ard . B ead boa ) Ba wit to ntly ora sa en s o is d OX ld er s h ule los is e v of t . L ec pu tin tte hin ad a te fety den f s to ma t...Technical Information Service, 1970. [34] SURVIVEX 2003, Exercise Tests Disabled Submarine Survival. Horn, Wayne G. 1, s.l. : Undersea Warfare

Draft Environmental Statement/Environmental Impact Report. North Bay Aqueduct (Phase II Facilities) Solano County, California.

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-06-01

be Blow-off pipes in urban areas will be required to "clear" Cache Slough for the fenced to screen them from children , intake would be approximately...tip of Grand numbers of school-aged children . Island southeast of the intake locations. This disposal site, which would probably be best reached by...ind shel I h eads to Porno , Cent ral Wiat un , Wappo :in(I ’e()Ll! litrn Ma idu groups (Davis, 1974 :34-35). of the most distinctive asp~ect.,- of

Olfactory response of Anastrepha striata (Diptera: Tephritidae) to guava and sweet orange volatiles.

PubMed

Diaz-Santiz, Edvin; Rojas, Julio C; Cruz-López, Leopoldo; Hernández, Emilio; Malo, Edi A

2016-10-01

The behavioral responses of virgin and mated female Anastrepha striata Schiner (Diptera: Tephritidae) to guava (Psidium guajava L.) or sweet orange (Citrus sinensis L.) were evaluated separately using multilure traps in two-choice tests in field cages. The results showed that flies were more attracted to guava and sweet orange volatiles than to control (unbaited trap). The physiological state (virgin or mated) of females did not affect their attraction to the fruit volatiles. Combined analysis of gas chromatography coupled with electroantennography (GC-EAD) of volatile extracts of both fruits showed that 1 and 6 compounds from orange and guava, respectively elicited repeatable antennal responses from mated females. The EAD active compounds in guava volatile extracts were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) as ethyl butyrate, (Z)-3-hexenol, hexanol, ethyl hexanoate, hexyl acetate, and ethyl octanoate. Linalool was identified as the only antennal active compound in sweet orange extracts. In field cage tests, there were no significant differences between the number of mated flies captured by the traps baited with guava extracts and the number caught by traps baited with the 6-component blend that was formulated according to the relative proportions in the guava extracts. Similar results occurred when synthetic linalool was evaluated against orange extracts. From a practical point of view, the compounds identified in this study could be used for monitoring A. striata populations. © 2015 Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences.

Focal plane AIT sequence: evolution from HRG-Spot 5 to Pleiades HR

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Le Goff, Roland; Pranyies, Pascal; Toubhans, Isabelle

2017-11-01

Optical and geometrical image qualities of Focal Planes, for "push-broom" high resolution remote sensing satellites, require the implementation of specific means and methods for the AIT sequence. Indeed the geometric performances of the focal plane mainly axial focusing and transverse registration, are duly obtained on the basis of adjustment, setting and measurement of optical and CCD components with an accuracy of a few microns. Since the end of the 1970s, EADS-SODERN has developed a series of detection units for earth observation instruments like SPOT and Helios. And EADS-SODERN is now responsible for the development of the Pleiades High Resolution Focal Plane assembly. This paper presents the AIT sequences. We introduce all the efforts, innovative solutions and improvements made on the assembly facilities to match the technical evolutions and breakthrough of the Pleiades HR FP concept in comparison with the previous High Resolution Geometric SPOT 5 Focal Plane. The main evolution drivers are the implementation of strip filters and the realization of 400 mm continuous retinas. For Pleiades HR AIT sequence, three specific integration and measuring benches, corresponding with the different assembly stages, are used: a 3-D non-contact measurement machine for the assembly of detection module, a 3-D measurement machine for mirror integration on the main Focal Plane SiC structure, and a 3-D geometric coordinates control bench to focus detection module lines and to ensure they are well registered together.

Conductive indium-tin oxidenanowire and nanotube arrays made by electrochemically assisted deposition in template membranes: switching between wire and tube growth modes by surface chemical modification of the template

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kovtyukhova, Nina I.; Mallouk, Thomas E.

2011-04-01

Tin-doped indium hydroxide (InSnOH) nanowires (NWs) and nanotubes (NTs) were grown from acidic aqueous solutions of inorganic precursors in a simple one-step electrochemically assisted deposition (EAD) process inside Au-plugged anodic aluminium oxide and polycarbonatemembranes. When the membranes were used without any pre-treatment, InSnOH crystals nucleated on the both the Au-cathode and pore wall surfaces. By adjusting the surface chemistry of Au or the pore walls, it was possible to switch between NW and NT growth modes. InSnOH was converted into indiumtin oxide (ITO) by annealing the InSnOH-filled membranes at 300 °C. The resulting wires and tubes were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray and electron diffraction, Auger electron spectroscopy and electrical conductivity measurements. InSnOH and ITO NWs and NTs consisted of ~25-50 nm in size crystalline grains with the cubic crystal structures of In(OH)3 and In2O3, respectively, and showed essentially the same morphological features as planar ITO films made by the same method. Separate tin oxide/hydroxide phases were not observed by any of the characterization methods. After heating in air at 600 °C, the ITO NWs had resistivity on the order of 10°Ω cm. EAD is an inexpensive and scalable solution-based technique, and allows one to grow dense arrays of vertically aligned, crystalline and conductive ITO NWs and NTs.

Interrelationships Between Aerosol Characteristics and Light Scattering During Late-winter in a Eastern Mediterranean Arid Environment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ichoku, C.; Andreae, M. O.; Meixner, F. X.; Schebeske, G.; Formenti, P.; Maenhaut, W.; Cafmeyer, J.; Ptasinski, J.; Karnieli, A.; Orlovsky, L.

1999-01-01

An intensive field campaign involving measurement of various aerosol physical, chemical, and radiative properties was conducted at Sde Boker in the Negev Desert of Israel, from 18 February to 15 March 1997. Nephelometer measurements gave average background scattering coefficient values of about 25 M/m at 550 nm wavelength, but strong dust events caused the value of this parameter to rise up to about 800 M/m Backscattering fractions did not depend on aerosol loading, and generally fell in the range of 0.1 to 0.25, comparable to values reported for marine and Arctic environments. Chemical analysis of the aerosol revealed that, in the coarse size range (2 - 10 micrometer equivalent aerodynamic diameter (EAD)), calcium (Ca) was by far the most abundant element followed by silicon (Si), both of which are indicators for mineral dust. In the fine size fraction (< 2 micrometers EAD), sulfur (S) generally was the dominant element, except during high dust episodes when Ca and Si were again the most abundant. Furthermore, fine black carbon (BC) correlates with S, suggesting that they may have originated from the same sources or source regions. An indication of the short-term effect of aerosol loading on radiative forcing was provided by measurements of global and diffuse solar radiation, which showed that during high turbidity periods (strong dust events) almost all of the solar radiation reaching the area is scattered or absorbed.

Interrelationships between aerosol characteristics and light scattering during late winter in an Eastern Mediterranean arid environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ichoku, Charles; Andreae, Meinrat O.; Andreae, Tracey W.; Meixner, Franz X.; Schebeske, Guenther; Formenti, Paola; Maenhaut, Willy; Cafmeyer, Jan; Ptasinski, Jacek; Karnieli, Arnon; Orlovsky, Leah

1999-10-01

An intensive field campaign involving measurement of various aerosol physical, chemical, and radiative properties was conducted at Sde Boker (also written as Sede Boqer) in the Negev Desert of Israel, from 18 February to 15 March 1997. Nephelometer measurements gave average background scattering coefficient values of about 25 Mm-1 at 550 nm wavelength, but strong dust events caused the value of this parameter to rise up to about 800 Mm-1. Backscattering fractions did not depend on aerosol loading and generally fell in the range of 0.1 to 0.25, comparable to values reported for marine and Arctic environments. Chemical analysis of the aerosol revealed that in the coarse size range (2-10 μm equivalent aerodynamic diameter (EAD)), calcium (Ca) was by far the most abundant element followed by silicon (Si), both of which are indicators for mineral dust. In the fine size fraction (<2 μm EAD), sulfur (S) generally was the dominant element, except during high dust episodes when Ca and Si were again the most abundant. Furthermore, fine black carbon (BC) correlates with S, suggesting that they may have originated from the same sources or source regions. An indication of the short-term effect of aerosol loading on radiative forcing was provided by measurements of global and diffuse solar radiation, which showed that during high-turbidity periods (strong dust events), almost all of the solar radiation reaching the area is scattered or absorbed.

Reusable Boosters in a European-Russian Perspective

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deneu, François; Ramiandrasoa, Fabienne

2002-01-01

In 2001, EADS and Khrunichev SRPSC have initiated and carried out a working group devoted to the analysis of potential common studies and developments in the field of space activities. This working group came up with several propositions of interest, among which, the use of reusable boosters issued from Khrunichev previous design appeared to be promising when applied to heavy type launchers. Although the results required to be confirmed by detailed studies prior to final conclusions, preliminary studies have shown the interest of Ariane 5 configurations using such reusable booster in view of reducing the specific and launch cost as well as potentially increasing the performance. In November 2001, EADS and KHRUNICHEV SRPSC have started a study on an Ariane 5 plus reusable boosters configuration. This study aims at obtaining a better understanding of the advantages and drawbacks attached to such a use. Technical feasibility is more in depth analysed, with all recurring and not recurring aspects (including launch infrastructure modifications). Programmatic aspects are also addressed in order to better assess potential economic advantages and unavoidable drawbacks. Beyond that the identification of what could be, for western Europe and Russian players, an efficient and pay- off industrial organisation, is also a study theme of importance. This papers intends to present the main results achieved within this study and the propositions for the future which are likely to provide western Europe and Russia with stronger positions in the competitive field of launch business.

Theory of Mind and social reserve: Alternative hypothesis of progressive Theory of Mind decay during different stages of Alzheimer's disease.

PubMed

Fliss, Rafika; Le Gall, Didier; Etcharry-Bouyx, Frédérique; Chauviré, Valérie; Desgranges, Béatrice; Allain, Philippe

2016-01-01

Although Theory of Mind (ToM) is thought to be impaired in Alzheimer's disease (AD), it remains unclear whether this impairment is linked to the level of task complexity, the heterogeneity of the studied patients, or the implication of executive dysfunctions. To elucidate this point, 42 AD patients, divided into two subgroups [moderate AD (mAD) patients (n = 19) and early AD (eAD) patients (n = 23)], and 23 matched healthy older subjects (HO) were enrolled. All participants were given (1) a false-belief task (cognitive ToM), (2) a revised version of the "Reading the Mind in the Eyes" test (affective ToM), and (3) a composite task designed to assess ToM abilities with minimal cognitive demands. Participants were also given executive tasks assessing inhibition, shifting, and updating processes. We observed a significant impairment of cognitive and composite ToM abilities in eAD patients compared with mAD patients. There was no impairment of affective ToM. Stepwise regression revealed that measures of global efficiency and executive functions (EFs) were the best predictors of progressive decay of ToM scores. These results indicate that cognitive aspects of ToM are more sensitive to AD progression than affective tasks. They also show that ToM abilities are more affected by dementia severity than by task complexity. One explanation of our results is the presence of compensatory mechanisms (social reserve) in AD.

78 FR 68688 - Airworthiness Directives; EADS CASA (Type Certificate Previously Held by Construcciones...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-11-15

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Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-02-07

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2013-12-09

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Helium High Pressure Tanks at EADS Space Transportation New Technology with Thermoplastic Liner

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-07-13

l’art actuel pour l’application d’un liner thermoplastique sur le réservoir hélium 300 litres pour le lanceur ARIANE 5, réservoir actuellement réalisé à...L à liner thermoplastique ont complètement démontré le respect aux exigences majeures demandées pour le lanceur A5. Ces travaux finalisent la phase

75 FR 68185 - Airworthiness Directives; EADS CASA (Type Certificate Previously Held by Construcciones...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-11-05

... CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety... DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA-2010...: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Final rule. SUMMARY: We...

76 FR 65995 - Airworthiness Directives; EADS CASA (Type Certificate Previously Held by Construcciones...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-10-25

... invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed... Customer Services (ICS), Technical Services, Avenida de Arag[oacute]n 404, 28022 Madrid, Spain; telephone... not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small...

78 FR 49235 - Airworthiness Directives; EADS CASA (Type Certificate Previously Held by Construcciones...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-08-13

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77 FR 64053 - Airworthiness Directives; EADS CASA (Type Certificate Previously Held by Construcciones...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-10-18

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75 FR 37339 - Airworthiness Directives; EADS CASA (Type Certificate Previously Held by Construcciones...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-06-29

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Ongoing Capabilities and Developments of Re-Entry Plasma Ground Tests at EADS-ASTRIUM

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jullien, Pierre

2008-01-01

During re-entry, spacecrafts are subjected to extreme thermal loads. On mars, they may go through dust storms. These external heat loads are leading the design of re-entry vehicles or are affecting it for spacecraft facing solid propellant jet stream. Sizing the Thermal Protection System require a good knowledge of such solicitations and means to model and reproduce them on earth. Through its work on European projects, ASTRIUM has developed the full range of competences to deal with such issues. For instance, we have designed and tested the heat-shield of the Huygens probe which landed on Titan. In particular, our plasma generators aim to reproduce a wide variety of re-entry conditions. Heat loads are generated by the huge speed of the probes. Such conditions cannot be fully reproduced. Ground tests focus on reproducing local aerothermal loads by using slower but hotter flows. Our inductive plasma torch enables to test little samples at low TRL. Amongst the arc-jets, one was design to test architecture design of ISS crew return system and others fit more severe re-entry such as sample returns or Venus re-entry. The last developments aimed in testing samples in seeded flows. First step was to design and test the seeding device. Special diagnostics characterizing the resulting flow enabled us to fit it to the requirements.

Low Cost Expendable TWT Amplifier for ECM.

DTIC Science & Technology

1976-08-01

Figure Tit le Page 4 1 43 Proposed Low Cost TWT 90 44 “T” Shaped Tapered Helix 91 45 Coupled Helix Input 92 46 SImulated Helix by L—C Circuit 94 47...asylTuietric mode even if the helices are syninetrical in phase and amplitude at the input. In a broadband TWT , this l eads to power holes in the f...The 1-Shaped helix was fi rst descri bed by L. Winslow , as an alternative to notching support rods in high power TWT ’ s to Increase interactive

Surfacing Rescue Container Concept Design for Trident Submarines

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-06-01

crew of their decompression obligation and will give undersea medical officers (UMO) on land the information they need to treat the crew upon arrival...ard . B ead boa ) Ba wit to ntly ora sa en s o is d OX ld er s h ule los is e v of t . L ec pu tin tte hin ad a te fety den f s to ma t...Information Service, 1970. [34] SURVIVEX 2003, Exercise Tests Disabled Submarine Survival. Horn, Wayne G. 1, s.l. : Undersea Warfare, 2003, Vol. 6, pp

BKCASE (trademark): Body of Knowledge and Curriculum to Advance Systems Engineering

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-10-01

Association Francaise d‘lingeniere Systeme, France Tim  Ferris University of South Australia, Australia Kevin Forsberg Center for Systems Management US 7... Lee Defence Science and Technology Agency,  Singapore Ray Madachy Naval Postgraduate School, US James Martin Aerospace Corporation US    ,  Greg...Pyster Stevens Institute of Technology, US Garry Roedler Lockheed Martin, US Jean‐Claude Roussel EADS, France 9/2010 Sven‐Olaf Schulze Berner & Mattner

Anti-Epstein-Barr virus antibodies in Beijing during 2013-2017: What we have found in the different patients.

PubMed

Cui, Jingtao; Yan, Wenjuan; Xu, Shaoxia; Wang, Qiaofeng; Zhang, Weihong; Liu, Wenjing; Ni, Anping

2018-01-01

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is associated with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) which is prevalent in South China, and its association with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or other autoimmune diseases has not been studied in the mainland of China. The EBV serological tests have been performed on patients with various diseases or manifestations for years at our institution and their values need to be evaluated. For routine medical purposes, anti-EB viral capsid antigen (VCA) IgG, IgA and IgM antibodies, anti-EBV diffuse early antigen (EA-D) IgA antibodies, and anti-EBV nuclear antigen-1(EBNA-1) IgG antibodies were tested with commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in patients visiting Peking Union Medical College Hospital between 2013 and 2017. The test results were analyzed in this retrospective study. There were a total of 11122 serum samples available to be tested in the study. As indicators of past EBV infection, the prevalence of VCA-IgG/EBNA1-IgG were 66.6%/58.5%, 84.3%/78.8%, 92.9%/87.0% and 98.5%/95.4% in patients aged under 5 years, 6-10 years, 11-20 years and 21-30 years old, respectively, and these values maintained at this highest rate as age increased further. The prevalence of VCA-IgM, as a parameter of acute EBV infection, was 14.6%, 10.2%, 10.4%, 6.3% and 3.1% in patients aged under 5 years, 6-10 years,11-20 years, 21-30 years, 31-40 years old, respectively, and decreased to 2%~3% in older patients. Patients with elevated serum liver enzymes were more likely to have a higher prevalence of EA/D IgA antibody (P < 0.01) and young patients (≤30 years) with lymphadenopathy were more likely to have higher prevalence of VCA-IgM antibody (P < 0.01). The prevalence of VCA-IgA and EAD-IgA were 87.0% and 59.2% in NPC patients, respectively, and both were significantly higher (P < 0.001) than that in non-NPC patients. The prevalence of VCA-IgA was 45.4% and 25.6% in SLE patients and patients with other autoimmune diseases, respectively, which were

Acquired Smell? Mature Females of the Common Green Bottle Fly Shift Semiochemical Preferences from Feces Feeding Sites to Carrion Oviposition Sites.

PubMed

Brodie, Bekka S; Babcock, Tamara; Gries, Regine; Benn, Arlan; Gries, Gerhard

2016-01-01

We investigated foraging decisions by adult females of the common green bottle fly, Lucilia sericata, in accordance with their physiological state. When we gave female flies a choice between visually occluded, fresh canine feces (feeding site) and a CO2-euthanized rat (carrion oviposition site), 3-d-old "protein-starved" females responded equally well to feces and carrion, whereas protein-fed gravid females with mature oocytes responded only to carrion, indicating resource preferences based on a fly's physiological state. Dimethyl trisulfide (DMTS) is known to attract gravid L. sericata females to carrion. Therefore, we analyzed headspace from canine feces by gas chromatographic-electroantennographic detection (GC-EAD) and GC/mass spectrometry. In bioassays, of the 17 fecal odorants that elicited GC-EAD responses from fly antennae, a blend of indole and one or more of the alcohols phenol, m-/p-cresol and 1-octen-3-ol proved as attractive to flies as canine feces. Unlike young females, gravid females need to locate carrion for oviposition and distinguish between fresh and aging carrion, the latter possibly detrimental to offspring. Gravid female L. sericata accomplish this task, in part, by responding to trace amounts of DMTS emanating from fresh carrion and by discriminating against carrion as soon it begins to produce appreciable amounts of indole, which is also the second-most abundant semiochemical in fresh canine feces, and apparently serves as an indicator of food rather than oviposition resources. Our results emphasize the importance of studying foraging choices by flies in accordance with their physiological stage.

Revisiting the NIH Taskforce on the Research needs of Eosinophil-Associated Diseases (RE-TREAD).

PubMed

Khoury, Paneez; Akuthota, Praveen; Ackerman, Steven J; Arron, Joseph R; Bochner, Bruce S; Collins, Margaret H; Kahn, Jean-Emmanuel; Fulkerson, Patricia C; Gleich, Gerald J; Gopal-Srivastava, Rashmi; Jacobsen, Elizabeth A; Leiferman, Kristen M; Francesca, Levi-Schaffer; Mathur, Sameer K; Minnicozzi, Michael; Prussin, Calman; Rothenberg, Marc E; Roufosse, Florence; Sable, Kathleen; Simon, Dagmar; Simon, Hans-Uwe; Spencer, Lisa A; Steinfeld, Jonathan; Wardlaw, Andrew J; Wechsler, Michael E; Weller, Peter F; Klion, Amy D

2018-04-19

Eosinophil-associated diseases (EADs) are rare, heterogeneous disorders characterized by the presence of eosinophils in tissues and/or peripheral blood resulting in immunopathology. The heterogeneity of tissue involvement, lack of sufficient animal models, technical challenges in working with eosinophils, and lack of standardized histopathologic approaches have hampered progress in basic research. Additionally, clinical trials and drug development for rare EADs are limited by the lack of primary and surrogate endpoints, biomarkers, and validated patient-reported outcomes. Researchers with expertise in eosinophil biology and eosinophil-related diseases reviewed the state of current eosinophil research, resources, progress, and unmet needs in the field since the 2012 meeting of the NIH Taskforce on the Research of Eosinophil-Associated Diseases (TREAD). RE-TREAD focused on gaps in basic science, translational, and clinical research on eosinophils and eosinophil-related pathogenesis. Improved recapitulation of human eosinophil biology and pathogenesis in murine models was felt to be of importance. Characterization of eosinophil phenotypes, the role of eosinophil subsets in tissues, identification of biomarkers of eosinophil activation and tissue load, and a better understanding of the role of eosinophils in human disease were prioritized. Finally, an unmet need for tools for use in clinical trials was emphasized. Histopathologic scoring, patient- and clinician-reported outcomes, and appropriate coding were deemed of paramount importance for research collaborations, drug development, and approval by regulatory agencies. Further exploration of the eosinophil genome, epigenome, and proteome was also encouraged. Although progress has been made since 2012, unmet needs in eosinophil research remain a priority. ©2018 Society for Leukocyte Biology.

The human Nav1.5 F1486 deletion associated with long QT syndrome leads to impaired sodium channel inactivation and reduced lidocaine sensitivity

PubMed Central

Song, Weihua; Xiao, Yucheng; Chen, Hanying; Ashpole, Nicole M; Piekarz, Andrew D; Ma, Peilin; Hudmon, Andy; Cummins, Theodore R; Shou, Weinian

2012-01-01

The deletion of phenylalanine 1486 (F1486del) in the human cardiac voltage-gated sodium channel (hNav1.5) is associated with fatal long QT (LQT) syndrome. In this study we determined how F1486del impairs the functional properties of hNav1.5 and alters action potential firing in heterologous expression systems (human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells) and their native cardiomyocyte background. Cells expressing hNav1.5-F1486del exhibited a loss-of-function alteration, reflected by an 80% reduction of peak current density, and several gain-of-function alterations, including reduced channel inactivation, enlarged window current, substantial augmentation of persistent late sodium current and an increase in ramp current. We also observed substantial action potential duration (APD) prolongation and prominent early afterdepolarizations (EADs) in neonatal cardiomyocytes expressing the F1486del channels, as well as in computer simulations of myocyte activity. In addition, lidocaine sensitivity was dramatically reduced, which probably contributed to the poor therapeutic outcome observed in the patient carrying the hNav1.5-F1486del mutation. Therefore, despite the significant reduction in peak current density, the F1486del mutation also leads to substantial gain-of-function alterations that are sufficient to cause APD prolongation and EADs, the predominant characteristic of LQTs. These data demonstrate that hNav1.5 mutations can have complex functional consequences and highlight the importance of identifying the specific molecular defect when evaluating potential treatments for individuals with prolonged QT intervals. PMID:22826127

Long-Term Preservation and Advanced Access Services to Archived Data: The Approach of a System Integrator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Petitjean, Gilles; de Hauteclocque, Bertrand

2004-06-01

EADS Defence and Security Systems (EADS DS SA) have developed an expertise as integrator of archive management systems for both their commercial and defence customers (ESA, CNES, EC, EUMETSAT, French MOD, US DOD, etc.), especially in Earth Observation and in Meteorology fields.The concern of valuable data owners is both their long-term preservation but also the integration of the archive in their information system with in particular an efficient access to archived data for their user community. The system integrator answers to this requirement by a methodology combining understanding of user needs, exhaustive knowledge of the existing solutions both for hardware and software elements and development and integration ability. The system integrator completes the facility development by support activities.The long-term preservation of archived data obviously involves a pertinent selection of storage media and archive library. This selection relies on storage technology survey but the selection criteria depend on the analysis of the user needs. The system integrator will recommend the best compromise for implementing an archive management facility, thanks to its knowledge and its independence of storage market and through the analysis of the user requirements. He will provide a solution, which is able to evolve to take advantage of the storage technology progress.But preserving the data for long-term is not only a question of storage technology. Some functions are required to secure the archive management system against contingency situation: multiple data set copies using operational procedures, active quality control of the archived data, migration policy optimising the cost of ownership.

Ultra-High-Modulus Graphite-Epoxy Conical Shell Development. Supplement

DTIC Science & Technology

1979-04-01

934 (0/±45/90)8 t = o.040 T - 300/934 MS124815 CRES HELICOIL O. 190-32 TiffiEAD, 3 DIA · NOM. LG. Install per MS33537 Oirnensions are inches...1613 psi avg 325F critu 1384 psi avg 3 -29 0.5 i ’ I 2.0 DIA • .. - -..-.! 0.75 DIA . + LOAD t LOAD THREAD Dimensions are inches. STEEL...THiCK T-300/934 (Ol!. 45/90Jsc T-300/934 [ 0/:!::. 45/90]5 t := 0.040 MS124815 CRES HEUCOIL I I I I ’ ’ I I ~ ;, 0 . 190-32 WREAD, 3 DIA

Why and how Mastering an Incremental and Iterative Software Development Process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dubuc, François; Guichoux, Bernard; Cormery, Patrick; Mescam, Jean Christophe

2004-06-01

One of the key issues regularly mentioned in the current software crisis of the space domain is related to the software development process that must be performed while the system definition is not yet frozen. This is especially true for complex systems like launchers or space vehicles.Several more or less mature solutions are under study by EADS SPACE Transportation and are going to be presented in this paper. The basic principle is to develop the software through an iterative and incremental process instead of the classical waterfall approach, with the following advantages:- It permits systematic management and incorporation of requirements changes over the development cycle with a minimal cost. As far as possible the most dimensioning requirements are analyzed and developed in priority for validating very early the architecture concept without the details.- A software prototype is very quickly available. It improves the communication between system and software teams, as it enables to check very early and efficiently the common understanding of the system requirements.- It allows the software team to complete a whole development cycle very early, and thus to become quickly familiar with the software development environment (methodology, technology, tools...). This is particularly important when the team is new, or when the environment has changed since the previous development. Anyhow, it improves a lot the learning curve of the software team.These advantages seem very attractive, but mastering efficiently an iterative development process is not so easy and induces a lot of difficulties such as:- How to freeze one configuration of the system definition as a development baseline, while most of thesystem requirements are completely and naturally unstable?- How to distinguish stable/unstable and dimensioning/standard requirements?- How to plan the development of each increment?- How to link classical waterfall development milestones with an iterative approach: when

PAX4 preserves endoplasmic reticulum integrity preventing beta cell degeneration in a mouse model of type 1 diabetes mellitus.

PubMed

Mellado-Gil, José Manuel; Jiménez-Moreno, Carmen María; Martin-Montalvo, Alejandro; Alvarez-Mercado, Ana Isabel; Fuente-Martin, Esther; Cobo-Vuilleumier, Nadia; Lorenzo, Petra Isabel; Bru-Tari, Eva; Herrera-Gómez, Irene de Gracia; López-Noriega, Livia; Pérez-Florido, Javier; Santoyo-López, Javier; Spyrantis, Andreas; Meda, Paolo; Boehm, Bernhard O; Quesada, Ivan; Gauthier, Benoit R

2016-04-01

A strategy to enhance pancreatic islet functional beta cell mass (BCM) while restraining inflammation, through the manipulation of molecular and cellular targets, would provide a means to counteract the deteriorating glycaemic control associated with diabetes mellitus. The aims of the current study were to investigate the therapeutic potential of such a target, the islet-enriched and diabetes-linked transcription factor paired box 4 (PAX4), to restrain experimental autoimmune diabetes (EAD) in the RIP-B7.1 mouse model background and to characterise putative cellular mechanisms associated with preserved BCM. Two groups of RIP-B7.1 mice were genetically engineered to: (1) conditionally express either PAX4 (BPTL) or its diabetes-linked mutant variant R129W (mutBPTL) using doxycycline (DOX); and (2) constitutively express luciferase in beta cells through the use of RIP. Mice were treated or not with DOX, and EAD was induced by immunisation with a murine preproinsulin II cDNA expression plasmid. The development of hyperglycaemia was monitored for up to 4 weeks following immunisation and alterations in the BCM were assessed weekly by non-invasive in vivo bioluminescence intensity (BLI). In parallel, BCM, islet cell proliferation and apoptosis were evaluated by immunocytochemistry. Alterations in PAX4- and PAX4R129W-mediated islet gene expression were investigated by microarray profiling. PAX4 preservation of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) homeostasis was assessed using thapsigargin, electron microscopy and intracellular calcium measurements. PAX4 overexpression blunted EAD, whereas the diabetes-linked mutant variant PAX4R129W did not convey protection. PAX4-expressing islets exhibited reduced insulitis and decreased beta cell apoptosis, correlating with diminished DNA damage and increased islet cell proliferation. Microarray profiling revealed that PAX4 but not PAX4R129W targeted expression of genes implicated in cell cycle and ER homeostasis. Consistent with the latter

Carbon monoxide effects on human ventricle action potential assessed by mathematical simulations

PubMed Central

Trenor, Beatriz; Cardona, Karen; Saiz, Javier; Rajamani, Sridharan; Belardinelli, Luiz; Giles, Wayne R.

2013-01-01

Carbon monoxide (CO) that is produced in a number of different mammalian tissues is now known to have significant effects on the cardiovascular system. These include: (i) vasodilation, (ii) changes in heart rate and strength of contractions, and (iii) modulation of autonomic nervous system input to both the primary pacemaker and the working myocardium. Excessive CO in the environment is toxic and can initiate or mediate life threatening cardiac rhythm disturbances. Recent reports link these ventricular arrhythmias to an increase in the slowly inactivating, or “late” component of the Na+ current in the mammalian heart. The main goal of this paper is to explore the basis of this pro-arrhythmic capability of CO by incorporating changes in CO-induced ion channel activity with intracellular signaling pathways in the mammalian heart. To do this, a quite well-documented mathematical model of the action potential and intracellular calcium transient in the human ventricular myocyte has been employed. In silico iterations based on this model provide a useful first step in illustrating the cellular electrophysiological consequences of CO that have been reported from mammalian heart experiments. Specifically, when the Grandi et al. model of the human ventricular action potential is utilized, and after the Na+ and Ca2+ currents in a single myocyte are modified based on the experimental literature, early after-depolarization (EAD) rhythm disturbances appear, and important elements of the underlying causes of these EADs are revealed/illustrated. Our modified mathematical model of the human ventricular action potential also provides a convenient digital platform for designing future experimental work and relating these changes in cellular cardiac electrophysiology to emerging clinical and epidemiological data on CO toxicity. PMID:24146650

Electrostatic interaction between an enzyme and electrodes in the electric double layer examined in a view of direct electron transfer-type bioelectrocatalysis.

PubMed

Sugimoto, Yu; Kitazumi, Yuki; Tsujimura, Seiya; Shirai, Osamu; Yamamoto, Masahiro; Kano, Kenji

2015-01-15

Effects of the electrode poential on the activity of an adsorbed enzyme has been examined by using copper efflux oxidase (CueO) as a model enzyme and by monitoring direct electron transfer (DET)-type bioelectrocatalysis of oxygen reduction. CueO adsorbed on bare Au electrodes at around the point of zero charge (E(pzc)) shows the highest DET activity, and the activity decreases as the adsorption potential (E(ad); at which the enzyme adsorbs) is far from E(pzc). We propose a model to explain the phenomena in which the electrostatic interaction between the enzyme and electrodes in the electric double layer affects the orientation and the stability of the adsorbed enzyme. The self-assembled monolayer of butanethiol on Au electrodes decreases the electric field in the outside of the inner Helmholtz plane and drastically diminishes the E(ad) dependence of the DET activity of CueO. When CueO is adsorbed on bare Au electrodes under open circuit potential and then is held at hold potentials (E(ho)) more positive than E(pzc), the DET activity of the CueO rapidly decreases with the hold time. The strong electric field with positive surface charge density on the metallic electrode (σ(M)) leads to fatal denaturation of the adsorbed CueO. Such denaturation effect is not so serious at E(ho)

Ultra Low-Cost Radar

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Davies, P.; da Silva Curiel, A.; Eves, S.; Sweeting, M.; Thompson, A.; Hall, D.

From early 2003, Surrey Satellite Technology Limited (SSTL), together with its partners from Algeria, Nigeria and Turkey, has operated the Disaster Monitoring Constellation (DMC). During this period we have demonstrated the utility of a low-cost satellite system that uses optical sensors and is capable of providing daily imaging globally. For example, DMC data has been used operationally in the relief work in Darfur and following the Asian Tsunami. In addition to the use of the DMC to support disasters, the DMC has also been extensively used by the consortium members in support of national imaging needs and some residual system capacity has been provided to commercial customers. In the same timeframe, EADS Astrium Ltd has developed the technologies needed to implement the low-cost radar satellites of the MicroSAR range of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellites. EADS Astrium Ltd and SSTL are now looking to combine their expertises in low cost space technology and extend the capability of the DMC constellation by including a complementary small satellite radar sensor. The product of this activity is a satellite design that strikes an appropriate balance between revisit frequency and resolution. Hence, by comparison with other small satellite SAR concepts, the satellite described in this paper will provide broader area coverage at spatial resolutions in the region of 10 - 15m. Most significantly, perhaps, as a result of the specific cost targets imposed at the beginning of the design process, the satellite can provide this level of performance at a lower cost than other comparable space-based radar systems and significantly lower than larger, more performant, space-based radar systems.

Ambient particulate matter air pollution associated with acute respiratory distress syndrome in Guangzhou, China.

PubMed

Lin, Hualiang; Tao, Jun; Kan, Haidong; Qian, Zhengmin; Chen, Ailan; Du, Yaodong; Liu, Tao; Zhang, Yonghui; Qi, Yongqing; Ye, Jianjun; Li, Shuangming; Li, Wanglin; Xiao, Jianpeng; Zeng, Weilin; Li, Xing; Stamatakis, Katherine A; Chen, Xinyu; Ma, Wenjun

2018-04-30

Limited evidence exists concerning the impact of particulate pollution on acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). We examined the effects of particulate pollution on emergency ambulance dispatches (EAD) for ARDS in Guangzhou, China. Daily air pollution concentrations for PM 10 , PM 2.5 , and PM 1 , as well as PM 2.5 chemical compositions, were available from a central air monitoring station. The association between incident ARDS and air pollution on the concurrent and previous 5 days was estimated by an over-dispersed Poisson generalized additive model controlling for meteorological factors, temporal trends, public holidays and day of the week. We identified a total of 17,002 EADs for ARDS during the study period. There were significant associations between concentrations of PM 10 , PM 2.5 , PM 1, and ARDS; corresponding excess risk (ER) for an interquartile range IQR increase in 1-day lagged concentration was 5.45% [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.70%, 9.33%] for PM 10 (45.4 μg/m 3 ), 4.71% (95% CI: 1.09%, 8.46%) for PM 2.5 (31.5 μg/m 3 ), and 4.45% (95% CI: 0.81%, 8.23%) for PM 1 (28.8 μg/m 3 ), respectively. For PM 2.5 chemical compositions, we found that OC, EC, sulfate and ammonium were significantly associated with ARDS. The observed effects remained even after adjusting for potentially confounding factors. This study suggests that PM 10 , PM 2.5, and PM 1 , as well as chemical constituents from combustion and secondary aerosols might be important triggers of ARDS in Guangzhou.

The changes of potassium currents in rabbit ventricle with healed myocardial infarction.

PubMed

Liu, Nian; Niu, Huiyan; Li, Yang; Zhang, Cuntai; Zhou, Qiang; Ruan, Yanfei; Pu, Jun; Lu, Zaiying

2004-01-01

To elucidate the mechanism of arrhythmia in healed myocardial infarction (HMI), the changes of action potential duration (APD), transient outward potassium current (Ito), delayed rectifier potassium current (IK) and inward rectifier potassium current (IK1) of left ventricular myocytes in non-infarcted zone of HMI were investigated. Rabbits were randomly assigned into two groups: HMI group, in which animals were subjected to thoracotomy and ligation of the circumflex coronary and sham-operated group, in which rabbits underwent thoracotomy but no conorary ligation. 3 months after the operation, the whole myocyte patch clamp technique was used to record APD, Ito, IK, and IK1 of ventricular myocytes in non-infarcted zone. Our results showed that the membrane capacitance was larger in HMI group than in sham-operated group. Action potential duration was significantly lengthened in HMI group and early afterdepolarization (EAD) appeared in HMI group. The densities of Ito, I(K, tail), and IK1 were reduced significantly in HMI group, from 6.72 +/- 0.42 pA/pF, 1.54 +/- 0.13 pA/pF and 25.6 +/- 2.6 pA/pF in sham-operated group to 4.03 +/- 0.33 pA/pF, 1.14 +/- 0.11 pA/pF and 17.6 +/- 2.3 pA/pF, respectively. It is concluded that the reduced densities of Ito, I(K, tail) and IK1 in ventricular myocytes of non-infarcted zone in HMI were responsible for the prolongation of APD and the presentation of EAD which played important roles in the development of malignant arrhythmia in HMI.

Further Studies of Thunderstorm Conditions Affecting Flight Operations: Turbulence

DTIC Science & Technology

1949-03-01

3^——- flft).^--.’""-. *I-ÄB&H*- i:S*£9: II HiEAD-Q^ AfFf ERS J" , AI;R WEA| HER: SEsmoM •HEADQUARTERS;— AIR T/SATHER SERVICE ’ Andrews...Sams gsagagj IlliilJss akSfepftirg -r-jf*’^«sSPa^=^?L^? «-^^as^«^äs*^^i^s8ä«^ fc -i^^-rr*^i^s^^^^g^^S^^S^^Sa?^^^^^g^^^^^^^a -33- . f 2£SggÖ...measured at various duriag Ohio operations, 194 ?’. " Draft Yalue JISE^S- Flight Altitude (thousands of fest) 5 48« J£BS) I gJ " 1 U I 29-JJ

Candidate Insect Repellent AI3-35713-aGa N-Pentylvaleramide

DTIC Science & Technology

1976-10-19

0 Io -44 0 0 ON . w *0. 4) L0 0 ~ -- 0t, M- N 41 M , y ) *4Ur 0 f E0 4) MN 4) O.* r U 4J404 Ul~ r, eo 0 r. a.O~U f- n AN 1. ) 41$44 r. 4 0 -. ) MJ N ...TOPICAL HAZARD EVALUATION . , OF CANDIDATE INSECT REPELLENT AI3-35713-aGa N -PENTYLVALERAMIDE STUDY NO. 51-0802-77 AUGUST 1975 - AUGUST 1976 Approved...CLASSIFICATION DO’ THIS PAGE (Wlhet Der. Znftro* REPORT DOCUMENTATION PAGE EA~D N RM 1. REPORT NUMBER 2. GOVT ACCESSION No. 3. RECIPIENT’S CATALOG NUMBER 51

From to EAd>: Nicknames, Play and Identity on Internet Relay Chat.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bechar-Israeli, Haya

1995-01-01

Examines nicknames of Internet Relay Chat (IRC) users, whose identities are condensed into a single line which states their nicknames, the electronic address, and a slogan or the users' real names. Demonstrates that although people play games with their nicknames, the nicknames they choose are an inherent part of their Net identity and their…

Environmental Affective Dispositions Scale (EADS): The Study of Validity and Reliability and Adaptation to Turkish

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fettahlioglu, Pinar; Timur, Serkan; Timur, Betül

2016-01-01

The aim of this study is to conduct a research under circumstances of Turkey about the validity and reliability of the Affective Tendencies towards Environmental Scale prepared by Yavetz, Goldman and Pe'er (2009). The translation of this scale to Turkish was done by the researchers and language specialists. And then, the scale was evaluated by the…

Subcellular distribution and life cycle of Epstein-Barr virus in keratinocytes of oral hairy leukoplakia.

PubMed Central

Rabanus, J. P.; Greenspan, D.; Petersen, V.; Leser, U.; Wolf, H.; Greenspan, J. S.

1991-01-01

The authors investigated the life cycle of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in keratinocytes of oral hairy leukoplakia by combining immunohistochemistry. DNA in situ hybridization, and lectin histochemistry with electron microscopy. Diffuse-staining components of the EBV early antigen complex (EA-D), EBV 150-kd capsid antigen (VCA), EBV membrane antigen (gp350/220), and double-stranded DNA were labeled with monoclonal antibodies. An EBV-DNA probe was used to locate EBV DNA. Wheat-germ agglutinin (WGA) was employed to distinguish Golgi-associated compartments. The authors found EBV proteins and EBV DNA only in keratinocytes with apparent viral assembly. In situ hybridization showed EBV DNA in free corelike material and in electron-dense cores of mature nucleocapsids. Monoclonal antibodies to nonspecific double-stranded DNA attached to the same structures and to marginated chromatin. Components of EA-D were dispersed throughout the nuclei but accumulated near condensed chromatin and in 'punched-out' regions of the chromatin. Epstein-Barr virus 150-kd capsid antigen was found only in the nuclei, where it appeared preferentially on mature nucleocapsids. As yet unexplained arrays of intranuclear particles that remained unlabeled with all EBV-specific probes reacted intensely with an antiserum against common papillomavirus antigen. Gp350/220 was detectable in various cellular membrane compartments and was highly concentrated on EBV envelopes in peripheral Golgi-associated secretory vesicles. It was less abundant on the extracellular EBV, indicating that viral membrane antigen partly dissociates from the mature virus. Combined lectin-binding histochemistry and electron microscopy demonstrated for the first time that EBV is processed in the Golgi apparatus, which eventually releases the virus by fusion with the plasma membrane. These results provide insight into the biologic events that occur during complete EBV replication in vivo. Images Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4

Epstein-Barr virus viral load and serology in childhood non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and chronic inflammatory conditions in Uganda: implications for disease risk and characteristics.

PubMed

Orem, Jackson; Sandin, Sven; Mbidde, Edward; Mangen, Fred Wabwire; Middeldorp, Jaap; Weiderpass, Elisabete

2014-10-01

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) has been linked to malignancies and chronic inflammatory conditions. In this study, EBV detection was compared in children with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and children with chronic inflammatory conditions, using samples and data from a case-control study carried out at the Mulago National Referral Hospital between 2004 and 2008. EBV viral load was measured in saliva, whole blood and white blood cells by real-time PCR. Serological values for IgG-VCA, EBNA1, and EAd-IgG were compared in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and chronic inflammatory conditions; and in Burkitt's lymphoma and other subtypes of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Odds ratios (ORs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Of the 127 children included (87 males and 40 females; median age 7 years, range 2-17), 96 had non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (46 Burkitt's lymphoma and 50 other non-Hodgkin's lymphoma), 31 had chronic inflammatory conditions, and only 10% were HIV-positive. The most common clinical presentations for all disease categories considered were fever, night sweats, and weight loss. EBV viral load in whole blood was elevated in Burkitt's lymphoma compared to other non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (OR 6.67, 95% CI 1.32, 33.69; P-value = 0.04), but EBV viral loads in saliva and white blood cells were not different in any of the disease categories considered. A significant difference in EAd-IgG was observed when non-Hodgkin's lymphoma was compared with chronic inflammatory conditions (OR 0.19, 95% CI 0.07, 0.51; P-value = 0.001). When compared to chronic inflammatory conditions, EBV viral load was elevated in Burkitt's lymphoma, and EA IgG was higher in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. This study supports an association between virological and serological markers of EBV and childhood non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, irrespective of subtype, in Uganda. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Controlling equine influenza: policy networks and decision-making during the 2007 Australian equine influenza outbreak.

PubMed

Schemann, K; Gillespie, J A; Toribio, J-A L M L; Ward, M P; Dhand, N K

2014-10-01

Rapid, evidence-based decision-making is critical during a disease outbreak response; however, compliance by stakeholders is necessary to ensure that such decisions are effective - especially if the response depends on voluntary action. This mixed method study evaluated technical policy decision-making processes during the 2007 outbreak of equine influenza in Australia by identifying and analysing the stakeholder network involved and the factors driving policy decision-making. The study started with a review of the outbreak literature and published policy documents. This identified six policy issues regarding policy modifications or differing interpretations by different state agencies. Data on factors influencing the decision-making process for these six issues and on stakeholder interaction were collected using a pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with 24 individuals representing 12 industry and government organizations. Quantitative data were analysed using social network analysis. Qualitative data were coded and patterns matched to test a pre-determined general theory using a method called theory-oriented process-tracing. Results revealed that technical policy decisions were framed by social, political, financial, strategic and operational considerations. Industry stakeholders had influence through formal pre-existing channels, yet specific gaps in stakeholder interaction were overcome by reactive alliances formed during the outbreak response but outside the established system. Overall, the crisis management system and response were seen as positive, and 75-100% of individuals interviewed were supportive of, had interest in and considered the outcome as good for the majority of policy decisions, yet only 46-75% of those interviewed considered that they had influence on these decisions. Training to increase awareness and knowledge of emergency animal diseases (EADs) and response systems will improve stakeholder

Multiparametric Detection of Antibodies against Different EBV Antigens to Predict Risk for Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma in a High-Risk Population of China.

PubMed

Chen, Hao; Chen, Shulin; Lu, Jie; Wang, Xueping; Li, Jianpei; Li, Linfang; Fu, Jihuan; Scheper, Thomas; Meyer, Wolfgang; Peng, Yu-Hui; Liu, Wanli

2017-09-01

In this study, we aimed to use the combined detection of multiple antibodies against Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) antigens to develop a model for screening and diagnosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Samples of 300 nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients and 494 controls, including 294 healthy subjects (HC), 99 non-nasopharyngeal carcinoma cancer patients (NNPC), and 101 patients with benign nasopharyngeal lesions (BNL), were incubated with the EUROLINE Anti-EBV Profile 2, and band intensities were used to establish a risk prediction model. The nasopharyngeal carcinoma risk probability analysis based on the panel of VCAgp125 IgA, EBNA-1 IgA, EA-D IgA, EBNA-1 IgG, EAD IgG, and VCAp19 IgG displayed the best performance. When using 26.1% as the cutoff point in ROC analysis, the AUC value and sensitivity/specificity were 0.951 and 90.7%/86.2%, respectively, in nasopharyngeal carcinoma and all controls. In nasopharyngeal carcinoma and controls without the non-nasopharyngeal carcinoma and BNL groups, the AUC value and sensitivity/specificity were 0.957 and 90.7%/88.1%, respectively. The diagnostic specificity and sensitivity of the EUROLINE Anti-EBV Profile 2 assay for both nasopharyngeal carcinoma and early-stage nasopharyngeal carcinoma were higher than that of mono-antibody detection by immune-enzymatic assay and real-time PCR (EBV DNA). In the VCA-IgA-negative group, 82.6% of nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients showed high probability for nasopharyngeal carcinoma, and the negative predictive value was 97.1%. In the VCA-IgA-positive group, 73.3% of healthy subjects showed low probability. The positive predictive value reached 98.2% in this group. The nasopharyngeal carcinoma risk probability value determined by the EUROLINE Anti-EBV Profile 2 might be a suitable tool for nasopharyngeal carcinoma screening. Cancer Prev Res; 10(9); 542-50. ©2017 AACR . ©2017 American Association for Cancer Research.

A density functional theory computational study of adsorption of Di-Meta-Cyano Azobenzene molecules on Si (111) surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Motevalli, Benyamin; Taherifar, Neda; Wu, Bisheng; Tang, Wenxin; Liu, Jefferson Zhe

2017-11-01

The adsorption of di-meta-cyano azobenzene (DMC) cis and trans isomers on non-passivated and passivated Si (111) (7 × 7) surfaces is studied using density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Our results reveal that on the non-passivated surface the 12 Si adatoms are accessible to form chemical bonds with DMC molecules. Interestingly, the trans isomer forms two chemical bonds near the corner hole atom in Si (111) (7 × 7) surface, which is not observed in the widely studied metallic surfaces. The DMC isomers show significant structural distortion in the chemisorption case. The strong chemical bonds (and high bonding energy) could be detrimental to conformation switching between these two isomers under external stimuli. The physisorption case is also examined. Monte Carlo (MC) simulations with empirical force fields were employed to search about 106 different adsorption positions and DMC molecule orientations to identify the stable adsorption sites (up to six). The DFT-PBE and DFT-D2 calculations were then carried out to obtain the relaxed atomistic structures and accurate adsorption energy. We find that it is imperative to take van der Waals (vdW) interaction into account in DFT calculations. Our results show that the adsorption sites generally are encompassed by either the Si adatoms or the passivated H atoms, which could enhance the long-range dispersion interaction between DMC molecules and Si surfaces. The molecular structures of both isomers remain unchanged compared with gas phase. The obtained adsorption energy results ΔEads are moderate (0.2-0.8 eV). At some adsorption sites on the passivated surface, both isomers have similar moderate ΔEads (0.4-0.6 eV), implying promises of molecular switching that should be examined in experiments.

Adsorption of arginine, glycine and aspartic acid on Mg and Mg-based alloy surfaces: A first-principles study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fang, Zhe; Wang, Jianfeng; Yang, Xiaofan; Sun, Qiang; Jia, Yu; Liu, Hairong; Xi, Tingfei; Guan, Shaokang

2017-07-01

Studying the adsorption behaviors of biomolecules on the surface of Mg and Mg-based alloy has a fundamental and important role for related applications in biotechnology. In the present work, we systematically investigate and compare the adsorption properties of three typical amino acids, i.e., Arg (arginine), Gly (glycine) and Asp (aspartic acid), which form RGD tripeptide, on the Mg (0 0 0 1) surface with various doping (Zn, Y, and Nd), and aim to realize proper binding between biomolecules and Mg and Mg-based biomedical materials. Our results show that flat adsorption configurations of the functional groups binding to the surfaces are favored in energy for all the three selected amino acids. In specific, for the amino acids adsorped on clean Mg (0 0 0 1) surface, the adsorption energy (Eads) of Arg is found to be -1.67 eV for the most stable configuration, with amino and guanidyl groups binding with the surface. However, Gly (Asp) is found to binding with the surface through amino and carboxyl groups, with a -1.16 eV (-1.15 eV) binding energy. On the 2% Zn doped Mg (0 0 0 1) alloy surface (Mg-Zn (2%)), the Eads are significantly increased to be -1.91 eV, -1.32 eV and -1.35 eV for Arg, Gly and Asp, respectively. While the Mg-Y (1%) and Mg-Nd (1%) slightly weaken the adsorption of three amino acids. Moreover, we have performed detail discussions of the binding properties between amino acids and surfaces by projected density of states (PDOS) combined with charge transfer analyses. Our studies provide a comprehensive understanding on the interactions between amino acids and Mg and Mg-based alloy surfaces, with respect to facilitate the applications of Mg and Mg-based biomedical alloys in biosensing, drug delivery, biomolecule coating and other fields in biotechnology.

Emission of Volatile Compounds from Apple Plants Infested with Pandemis heparana Larvae, Antennal Response of Conspecific Adults, and Preliminary Field Trial.

PubMed

Giacomuzzi, Valentino; Cappellin, Luca; Khomenko, Iuliia; Biasioli, Franco; Schütz, Stefan; Tasin, Marco; Knight, Alan L; Angeli, Sergio

2016-12-01

This study investigated the volatile emission from apple (Malus x domestica Borkh., cv. Golden Delicious) foliage that was either intact, mechanically-damaged, or exposed to larval feeding by Pandemis heparana (Denis and Schiffermüller) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae). Volatiles were collected by closed-loop-stripping-analysis and characterized by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry in three time periods: after 1 h and again 24 and 48 h later. Volatiles for all treatments also were monitored continuously over a 72-h period by the use of proton transfer reaction - time of flight-mass spectrometry (PTR-ToF-MS). In addition, the volatile samples were analyzed by gas chromatography-electroantennographic detection (GC-EAD) using male and female antennae of P. heparana. Twelve compounds were detected from intact foliage compared with 23 from mechanically-damaged, and 30 from P. heparana-infested foliage. Interestingly, six compounds were released only by P. heparana-infested foliage. The emission dynamics of many compounds measured by PTR-ToF-MS showed striking differences according to the timing of herbivory and the circadian cycle. For example, the emission of green leaf volatiles began shortly after the start of herbivory, and increased over time independently from the light-dark cycle. Conversely, the emission of terpenes and aromatic compounds showed a several-hour delay in response to herbivory, and followed a diurnal rhythm. Methanol was the only identified volatile showing a nocturnal rhythm. Consistent GC-EAD responses were found for sixteen compounds, including five aromatic ones. A field trial in Sweden demonstrated that benzyl alcohol, 2-phenylethanol, phenylacetonitrile, and indole lures placed in traps were not attractive to Pandemis spp. adults, but 2-phenylethanol and phenylacetonitrile when used in combination with acetic acid were attractive to both sexes.

A comprehensive theoretical investigation about the bio-functionalization capability of single walled CNT, BNNT and SiCNT using DNA/RNA nucleobases

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alinezhad, Heshmatollah; Ganji, Masoud Darvish; Soleymani, Elham; Tajbakhsh, Mahmood

2017-11-01

By means of Density Functional Theory (DFT) based calculations, we have elucidated the interactions between five nucleobases and three nanotubes, namely: CNT, BNNT and SiCNT. The energetics and equilibrium geometries have been calculated within the framework of revPBE method in combination with third version of Grimme's atom pair-wise dispersion corrections with Becke-Johnson damping (D3BJ). The obtained results in terms of adsorption energy values and geometrical parameters suggest that the overall interactions are divided into two parts: non-covalently and covalently bonded systems as the nucleobases are physisorbed onto the surface of CNT and BNNT (Eads ranges from -0.57 to -0.76 eV and -0.54 to -0.78 eV for CNT and BNNT complexes, respectively) while the type of interactions between nucleobase molecules and SiCNT has been found to be of covalent type with the Eads ranging from -0.61 to -1.8 eV. Moreover, the empirical dispersion corrections have been found to play crucial roles in obtaining reliable geometries and adsorption energy values for the non-covalently bonded systems. The role of solvation on the overall interactions has also been explored using the COSMO model within a media with dielectric constant of 78.39 which resembles the water environment and the results revealed that the interaction strength showed a decreasing trend with increasing the polarity of the system. Considering the adsorption energy differences between each nucleobase and the nanotubes, the SiCNT showed promising performance in differentiating between the nucleobase molecules and exhibited the highest affinity to be biofunctionalized in comparison to other nanotubes. The findings of the present work would be very useful for understanding the underlying phenomena behind the interface interactions and would aid future experimental investigations in the fields of biotechnology and materials science.

Installation Restoration Program. Phase 1. Records Search, Hazardous Materials Disposal Sites, Eglin AFB, Florida

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-10-01

Okaloosa Co. 3-12 Crestview South Quadrangle, Florida-Okaloosa Co. -13 Mossy ead Quadrangle, Florida-Walton Co 3-14 E-1 EGUN AFB 4,h aa V, WRAMATIO...I) Um AYPM hIN1DS SP * So". AM T 0 Tou A is a O I. h E-2 ES ENGINEERING -SCIENCE V%777-7NN7 .7-7 EGUN AFB 0.4 .m ... (1) WMg LAN DOSAMU *Y* CO u...r Oumm *p S(S Ann~ Il~~O 0*aAMa 2-3 ES ENGINEER ING - SCIENCE EGUN AFB %Tt MAR ESTHER * : . . - . - ~ - ~ r W R G H T L A N D F I L L 3 SITE 0296

JWST Full-Scale Model on Display in Germany

NASA Image and Video Library

2010-03-10

JWST Full-Scale Model on Display. A full-scale model of the James Webb Space Telescope was built by the prime contractor, Northrop Grumman, to provide a better understanding of the size, scale and complexity of this satellite. The model is constructed mainly of aluminum and steel, weighs 12,000 lb., and is approximately 80 feet long, 40 feet wide and 40 feet tall. The model requires 2 trucks to ship it and assembly takes a crew of 12 approximately four days. This model has travelled to a few sites since 2005. The photographs below were taken at some of its destinations. The model is pictured here in Munich, Germany Credit: EADS Astrium

JWST Full-Scale Model on Display in Germany

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-12-08

JWST Full-Scale Model on Display. A full-scale model of the James Webb Space Telescope was built by the prime contractor, Northrop Grumman, to provide a better understanding of the size, scale and complexity of this satellite. The model is constructed mainly of aluminum and steel, weighs 12,000 lb., and is approximately 80 feet long, 40 feet wide and 40 feet tall. The model requires 2 trucks to ship it and assembly takes a crew of 12 approximately four days. This model has travelled to a few sites since 2005. The photographs below were taken at some of its destinations. The model is pictured here in Munich, Germany Credit: EADS Astrium

Libraries: A Vision for the 90’s and Beyond. Proceedings of the Military Librarians Workshop (34th Annual), October 9-12, 1990

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-01-08

10Ito 9 O.rQ t~~l.Itid the timew fW r~IwF’lnut~ ൓= 101144 "’stfl da fta ~W Reifvged wA~t4.nn- j this data h.eadŘd ad npJet-,,q and .ne,..n 114 I O=IIr.O...baughman, Dr. lDrivid it. Ibeudeir, Ihatherine l3lauer, James HI. 13yrn, Lois J . Carey and Mary B. Leveriing; ~nigahc of Library Customers 1990-2000, by Dr...Philip Ad.D 8011n-dtir; Libra ries in the Nineties and beyond, by Dr. TIhomas J . cialvin; I.-eadk’rshim Ill thom 90’s, by B~rooke E~. Sheldon

Fast steering mirror for laser communication

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Langenbach, Harald; Schmid, Manfred

2005-07-01

Future multimedia satellites require communication at large bandwidth which can be achieved by means of optical communication links. TESAT Spacecom is currently developing a Laser Communication Terminal (LCT) for such applications under DLR contract. EADS Astrium is developing and building the mechanisms for Pointing, Acquisition and Tracking (PAT) of the laser beam between two Laser Communication Terminals. Based on this development work the development of mechanism H/W to be flown on TerraSar X is currently under way. After a short description of the general arrangement of the Mechanisms inside the LCT, the paper describes the design of the fast steering mirrors (FSM) reflecting the critical requirements and the solutions how to achieve them.

Re-analysis of the association of temperature or sunshine with hyperthymic temperament using lithium levels of drinking water.

PubMed

Matsuzaki, Hideki; Terao, Takeshi; Inoue, Takeshi; Takaesu, Yoshikazu; Ishii, Nobuyoshi; Kohno, Kentaro; Takeshima, Minoru; Baba, Hajime; Honma, Hiroshi

2017-12-01

The Japanese archipelago stretches over 4000km from north to south and has four large islands: Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu. Previously, using the Temperament Evaluation of Memphis, Pisa, Paris and San Diego-auto questionnaire version (TEMPS-A), we compared the hyperthymic scores of residents in Sapporo, Obihiro, Takaoka, Koshigaya, and Oita cities (which are located at latitudes of 43°N, 42°N, 36°N, 36°N and 33°N with various combinations of ambient temperament and sunshine in Japan, respectively). We found that latitude predicted significant variance in hyperthymic temperament, and that ambient temperature, but not sunshine, significantly affected hyperthymic temperament scores. However, the analysis failed to consider the effects of naturally occurring low-dose lithium on temperament. In addition to the TEMPS-A data previously collected, we measured lithium levels of the five cities. The effect of temperature, sunshine, and lithium levels on hyperthymic temperament was analyzed for the five cities. A stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed that lithium levels as well as latitude, but not temperature or sunshine, predicted significant variance in hyperthymic temperament scores. Hyperthymic temperament scores were significantly and positively associated with lithium levels whereas they were significantly and negatively associated with latitude. The light, temperature, lithium exposure that residents actually received was not measured. The number of regions studied was limited. The findings might not be generalized to residents across Japan or other countries. The present findings suggest that lithium in drinking water may positively maintain hyperthymic temperament, and that latitude may negatively maintain it. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Mitochondrial DNA Markers Reveal High Genetic Diversity but Low Genetic Differentiation in the Black Fly Simulium tani Takaoka & Davies along an Elevational Gradient in Malaysia

PubMed Central

Low, Van Lun; Adler, Peter H.; Takaoka, Hiroyuki; Ya’cob, Zubaidah; Lim, Phaik Eem; Tan, Tiong Kai; Lim, Yvonne A. L.; Chen, Chee Dhang; Norma-Rashid, Yusoff; Sofian-Azirun, Mohd

2014-01-01

The population genetic structure of Simulium tani was inferred from mitochondria-encoded sequences of cytochrome c oxidase subunits I (COI) and II (COII) along an elevational gradient in Cameron Highlands, Malaysia. A statistical parsimony network of 71 individuals revealed 71 haplotypes in the COI gene and 43 haplotypes in the COII gene; the concatenated sequences of the COI and COII genes revealed 71 haplotypes. High levels of genetic diversity but low levels of genetic differentiation were observed among populations of S. tani at five elevations. The degree of genetic diversity, however, was not in accordance with an altitudinal gradient, and a Mantel test indicated that elevation did not have a limiting effect on gene flow. No ancestral haplotype of S. tani was found among the populations. Pupae with unique structural characters at the highest elevation showed a tendency to form their own haplotype cluster, as revealed by the COII gene. Tajima’s D, Fu’s Fs, and mismatch distribution tests revealed population expansion of S. tani in Cameron Highlands. A strong correlation was found between nucleotide diversity and the levels of dissolved oxygen in the streams where S. tani was collected. PMID:24941043

Mitochondrial DNA markers reveal high genetic diversity but low genetic differentiation in the black fly Simulium tani Takaoka & Davies along an elevational gradient in Malaysia.

PubMed

Low, Van Lun; Adler, Peter H; Takaoka, Hiroyuki; Ya'cob, Zubaidah; Lim, Phaik Eem; Tan, Tiong Kai; Lim, Yvonne A L; Chen, Chee Dhang; Norma-Rashid, Yusoff; Sofian-Azirun, Mohd

2014-01-01

The population genetic structure of Simulium tani was inferred from mitochondria-encoded sequences of cytochrome c oxidase subunits I (COI) and II (COII) along an elevational gradient in Cameron Highlands, Malaysia. A statistical parsimony network of 71 individuals revealed 71 haplotypes in the COI gene and 43 haplotypes in the COII gene; the concatenated sequences of the COI and COII genes revealed 71 haplotypes. High levels of genetic diversity but low levels of genetic differentiation were observed among populations of S. tani at five elevations. The degree of genetic diversity, however, was not in accordance with an altitudinal gradient, and a Mantel test indicated that elevation did not have a limiting effect on gene flow. No ancestral haplotype of S. tani was found among the populations. Pupae with unique structural characters at the highest elevation showed a tendency to form their own haplotype cluster, as revealed by the COII gene. Tajima's D, Fu's Fs, and mismatch distribution tests revealed population expansion of S. tani in Cameron Highlands. A strong correlation was found between nucleotide diversity and the levels of dissolved oxygen in the streams where S. tani was collected.

Real Option Cost Vulnerability Analysis of Electrical Infrastructure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prime, Thomas; Knight, Phil

2015-04-01

Critical infrastructure such as electricity substations are vulnerable to various geo-hazards that arise from climate change. These geo-hazards range from increased vegetation growth to increased temperatures and flood inundation. Of all the identified geo-hazards, coastal flooding has the greatest impact, but to date has had a low probability of occurring. However, in the face of climate change, coastal flooding is likely to occur more often due to extreme water levels being experienced more frequently due to sea-level rise (SLR). Knowing what impact coastal flooding will have now and in the future on critical infrastructure such as electrical substations is important for long-term management. Using a flood inundation model, present day and future flood events have been simulated, from 1 in 1 year events up to 1 in 10,000 year events. The modelling makes an integrated assessment of impact by using sea-level and surge to simulate a storm tide. The geographical area the model covers is part of the Northwest UK coastline with a range of urban and rural areas. The ensemble of flood maps generated allows the identification of critical infrastructure exposed to coastal flooding. Vulnerability has be assessed using an Estimated Annual Damage (EAD) value. Sampling SLR annual probability distributions produces a projected "pathway" for SLR up to 2100. EAD is then calculated using a relationship derived from the flood model. Repeating the sampling process allows a distribution of EAD up to 2100 to be produced. These values are discounted to present day values using an appropriate discount rate. If the cost of building and maintain defences is also removed from this a Net Present Value (NPV) of building the defences can be calculated. This distribution of NPV can be used as part of a cost modelling process involving Real Options, A real option is the right but not obligation to undertake investment decisions. In terms of investment in critical infrastructure resilience this

Ranolazine improves abnormal repolarization and contraction in left ventricular myocytes of dogs with heart failure by inhibiting late sodium current

PubMed Central

Undrovinas, Albertas I.; Belardinelli, Luiz; Undrovinas, Nidas A.; Sabbah, Hani N.

2005-01-01

Background Ventricular repolarization and contractile function are frequently abnormal in ventricular myocytes from human failing hearts as well as canine hearts with experimentally induced heart failure (HF). These abnormalities have been attributed to dysfunction involving various steps of the excitation-contraction coupling process, leading to impaired intracellular sodium and calcium homeostasis. We previously reported that the slow inactivating component of the Na+ current (late INa) is augmented in myocytes from failing hearts, and this appears to play a significant role in abnormal ventricular myocytes repolarization and function. We tested the effect of ranolazine, a novel drug being developed to treat angina, on 1) action potential duration (APD), 2) peak transient and late INa (INaT and INaL respectively), 3) early afterdepolarizations (EADs), and 4) twitch contraction (TC) including aftercontractions and contracture. Methods: Myocytes were isolated from the left ventricle of normal dogs and of dogs with chronic HF caused by multiple sequential intracoronary microembolizations. INaT and INaL were recorded using conventional whole-cell patch-clamp techniques. APs were recorded using the β-escin perforated patch-clamp configuration at frequencies of 0.25 and 0.5 Hz. TCs were recorded using an edge movement detector at stimulation frequencies ranging from 0.5 to 2.0 Hz. Results Ranolazine significantly (p < 0.05) and reversibly shortened the APD of myocytes stimulated at either 0.5 or 0.25 Hz in a concentration-dependent manner. At a stimulation frequency of 0.5 Hz, 5, 10 and 20 μM ranolazine shortened the APD90 (APD measured at 90% repolarization) from 516 ± 51 to 304 ± 22, 212 ± 34 and 160 ± 11 ms, respectively, and markedly decreased beat-to-beat variability of APD90, EADs and dispersion of APDs. Ranolazine preferentially blocked INaL relative to INaT in a state-dependent manner; with a ~ 38-fold greater potency against INaL to produce tonic block

Evaluate, Analyze, Describe (EAD): Confronting Underlying Issues of Racism and Other Prejudices for Effective Intercultural Communication

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Velasco, Daniel

2015-01-01

Racism and other prejudices have hindered efforts to diversify and further many fields, including education, psychology, politics, law, and healthcare (Race for Opportunity, 2010). Although there are many ways to combat these prejudices, intercultural communication continues to be a vital component in assisting individuals and groups with valuing…

EAD in the Department of Special Collections and Western Manuscripts at the Bodleian Library, United Kingdom

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Webb, Mike

2005-01-01

The strategy for conversion to electronic cataloguing of western manuscripts in the Bodleian Library has been to a large extent determined by circumstances--the size and variety of the manuscript collections, the existence of detailed published catalogues for the earlier collections, the availability of funds for specific purposes, and, above all,…

Female sex pheromone secreted by Carmenta mimosa (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae), a biological control agent for an invasive weed in Vietnam.

PubMed

Vang, Le Van; Khanh, Chau Nguyen Quoc; Shibasaki, Hiroshi; Ando, Tetsu

2012-01-01

Larvae of the clearwing moth, Carmenta mimosa (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae), bore into the trunk of Mimosa pigra L., which is one of the most invasive weeds in Vietnam. GC-EAD and GC-MS analyses of a pheromone gland extract revealed that the female moths produced (3Z,13Z)-3,13-octadecadienyl acetate. A lure baited with the synthetic acetate alone successfully attracted C. mimosa males in a field test. While the addition of a small amount of the corresponding alcohol did not strongly diminish the number of captured males, a trace of the aldehyde derivative or the (3E,13Z)-isomer markedly inhibited the attractiveness of the acetate. The diurnal males were mainly attracted from 6:00 am to 12:00 am.

Evolution of the Power Processing Units Architecture for Electric Propulsion at CRISA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Palencia, J.; de la Cruz, F.; Wallace, N.

2008-09-01

Since 2002, the team formed by EADS Astrium CRISA, Astrium GmbH Friedrichshafen, and QinetiQ has participated in several flight programs where the Electric Propulsion based on Kaufman type Ion Thrusters is the baseline conceptOn 2002, CRISA won the contract for the development of the Ion Propulsion Control Unit (IPCU) for GOCE. This unit together with the T5 thruster by QinetiQ provides near perfect atmospheric drag compensation offering thrust levels in the range of 1 to 20mN.By the end of 2003, CRISA started the adaptation of the IPCU concept to the QinetiQ T6 Ion Thruster for the Alphabus program.This paper shows how the Power Processing Unit design evolved in time including the current developments.

Energy aware swarm optimization with intercluster search for wireless sensor network.

PubMed

Thilagavathi, Shanmugasundaram; Geetha, Bhavani Gnanasambandan

2015-01-01

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) are emerging as a low cost popular solution for many real-world challenges. The low cost ensures deployment of large sensor arrays to perform military and civilian tasks. Generally, WSNs are power constrained due to their unique deployment method which makes replacement of battery source difficult. Challenges in WSN include a well-organized communication platform for the network with negligible power utilization. In this work, an improved binary particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm with modified connected dominating set (CDS) based on residual energy is proposed for discovery of optimal number of clusters and cluster head (CH). Simulations show that the proposed BPSO-T and BPSO-EADS perform better than LEACH- and PSO-based system in terms of energy savings and QOS.

Recollections of My Young Days

PubMed Central

MITSUOKA, Tomotari

2013-01-01

I was bashful by nature. In elementary school, I was enthusiastic about painting pictures, posters, and calligraphy, and making butterfly specimens and models. When I entered the middle school of Seikei Gakuen, I was fortunate to have good teachers and friends. Prof. Kusatao Nakamura taught us the “Preciousness of the pureness of heart”, which is the principle of my life. After World War II, school classes reopened. I was deeply moved by the lecture of botany by Prof. Fumio Maekawa, and had a notion that I should like to make research my lifework. I went to high school and had the worries of my life. During that time, it was the book Gakusei ni atau by Prof. Eijirou Kawai, and a speech by Prof. Tadao Yanaihara, that sustained my heart. In 1953, I entered the postgraduate course of the University of Tokyo, and received the guidance of Prof. Yuichi Ochi. This matter was decisive for my life. First of all, I developed a new medium, BL agar, for culturing intestinal bacteria, and then I discovered that Bifidus bacteria was one of the predominant organisms in human adults. This discovery became the basis of my research until today. For two years from 1964, I studied abroad in Germany and made good friends, to whom I owe an inestimable debt of gratitude. After returning to Japan, I discovered a number of rules governing the intestinal ecosystem. Thus, a new interdisciplinary field, intestinal bacteriology, was established. Subsequently, I discovered the health effects of fermented milks and oligosaccharides and proposed “biogenics”. I firmly believe that the fruit of creation is granted as a result of endeavoring with a pure heart. PMID:24936370

Reduction of CO2 and orbital debris: can CO2 emission trading principles be applied to debris reduction?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Orlando, Giovanni; Kinnersley, Mark; Starke, Juergen; Hugel, Sebastian; Hartner, Gloria; Singh, Sanjay; Loubiere, Vincent; Staebler, Dominik-Markus; O'Brien-Organ, Christopher; Schwindt, Stefan; Serreau, Francois; Sharma, Mohit

potential customers as satellite operators, agencies or international organisations Giovanni.Orlando@astrium.eads.net Tel.: +49-421-539-4032 juergen.starke@astrium.eads.net Tel.: +49-421-539-4573

Food addiction, orthorexia, and food-related stress among dietetics students.

PubMed

Grammatikopoulou, Maria G; Gkiouras, Konstantinos; Markaki, Anastasia; Theodoridis, Xenophon; Tsakiri, Vasiliki; Mavridis, Pantelis; Dardavessis, Theodore; Chourdakis, Michael

2018-05-19

Health sciences, and in particular Nutrition and Dietetics students, have been shown to exhibit an increased prevalence of disordered eating. The aim of the present cross-sectional study was to evaluate other specified feeding and eating disorders (OSFEDs), including stress-related eating, food addiction, and orthorexia, in relation to the dietary intake, among nutrition/dietetics students. A total of 176 undergraduate students from a Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, in Greece, participated in the study. Dietary intake was recorded, and the prevalence of Eating and Appraisal Due to Emotion and Stress (EADES), food addiction (with the modified Yale Food Addition scale mYFAS), and orthorexia were assessed. Chi-square and t tests were performed between sexes, orthorexic and non-orthorexic students, as well as between food-addicted and non-addicted participants. Multiple linear regression analysis assessed relationships between energy intake, BMI or waist circumference, and the food-related psychometric scales. Among participating students, 4.5% had food addiction and 68.2% demonstrated orthorexia. No differences were observed between men and women, concerning the prevalence of food addiction and orthorexia, the sum of mYFAS symptoms, or individual EADES factors. Orthorexic students exhibited increased BMI, reduced energy, and saturated fat intake. In addition, orthorexic men consumed more vegetables. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that orthorexic behavior was associated with increased BMI, waist circumference and energy intake. Lower BMI was associated with increasing ability to cope with emotion-and-stress-related eating and increasing appraisal of ability and resources to cope with emotions and stress. Emotion-and-stress-related eating was negatively associated with BMI. Appraisal of ability and resources to cope with emotions and stress was associated with the energy intake. Finally, age was positively correlated with the appraisal of outside

Actuation stability test of the LISA pathfinder inertial sensor front-end electronics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mance, Davor; Gan, Li; Weber, Bill; Weber, Franz; Zweifel, Peter

In order to limit the residual stray forces on the inertial sensor test mass in LISA pathfinder, √ it is required that the fluctuation of the test mass actuation voltage is within 2ppm/ Hz. The actuation voltage stability test on the flight hardware of the inertial sensor front-end electronics (IS FEE) is presented in this paper. This test is completed during the inertial sensor integration at EADS Astrium Friedrichshafen, Germany. The standard measurement method using voltmeter is not sufficient for verification, since the instrument low frequency √ fluctuation is higher than the 2ppm/ Hz requirement. In this test, by using the differential measurement method and the lock-in amplifier, the actuation stability performance is verified and the quality of the IS FEE hardware is confirmed by the test results.

Deployment of the MARSIS Radar Antennas On-Board Mars Express

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Denis, Michel; Moorhouse, A.; Smith, A.; McKay, Mike; Fischer, J.; Jayaraman, P.; Mounzer, Z.; Schmidt, R.; Reddy, J.; Ecale, E.;

Test Analysis Tools to Ensure Higher Quality of On-Board Real Time Software for Space Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boudillet, O.; Mescam, J.-C.; Dalemagne, D.

2008-08-01

EADS Astrium Space Transportation, in its Les Mureaux premises, is responsible for the French M51 nuclear deterrent missile onboard SW. There was also developed over 1 million of line of code, mostly in ADA, for the Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) onboard SW and the flight control SW of the ARIANE5 launcher which has put it into orbit. As part of the ATV SW, ASTRIUM ST has developed the first Category A SW ever qualified for a European space application. To ensure that all these embedded SW have been developed with the highest quality and reliability level, specific development tools have been designed to cover the steps of source code verification, automated validation test or complete target instruction coverage verification. Three of such dedicated tools are presented here.

Sex-pairing pheromone in the Asian termite pest species Odontotermes formosanus.

PubMed

Wen, Ping; Ji, Bao-Zhong; Liu, Shu-Wen; Liu, Cong; Sillam-Dussès, David

2012-05-01

The sex-pairing pheromone of the black winged subterranean termite, Odontotermes formosanus (Shiraki) (Isoptera, Termitidae), was investigated using headspace-SPME, GC-MS, GC-EAD, and attraction bioassays. Females secrete the pheromone from their sternal gland to attract males. The sex-pairing pheromone is composed of (Z,Z)-dodeca-3,6-dien-1-ol and (Z)-dodec-3-en-1-ol, estimated at 9 to 16.64 ng and 0.2 to 0.54 ng, respectively. Both short- and long-distance sex attraction bioassays were employed to show that these compounds act in synergy at long distance, but only (Z,Z)-dodeca-3,6-dien-1-ol is active at short distance. The pheromone may be useful in efforts to control this pest, which is considered one of the most harmful termite species in Southeast Asia.

ESA'S Biomass Mission System And Payload Overview

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arcioni, M.; Bensi, P.; Fois, F.; Gabriele, A.; Heliere, F.; Lin, C. C.; Massotti, L.; Scipal, K.

2013-12-01

Earth Explorers are the backbone of the science and research element of ESA's Living Planet Programme, providing an important contribution to the understanding of the Earth system. Following the User Consultation Meeting held in Graz, Austria on 5-6 March 2013, the Earth Science Advisory Committee (ESAC) has recommended implementing Biomass as the 7th Earth Explorer Mission within the frame of the ESA Earth Observation Envelope Programme. This paper will give an overview of the satellite system and its payload. The system technical description presented here is based on the results of the work performed during parallel Phase A system studies by two industrial consortia led by EADS Astrium Ltd. and Thales Alenia Space Italy. Two implementation concepts (respectively A and B) are described and provide viable options capable of meeting the mission requirements.

Minimal adverse effects profile following implantation of periauricular percutaneous electrical nerve field stimulators: a retrospective cohort study

PubMed Central

Roberts, Arthur; Sithole, Alec; Sedghi, Marcos; Walker, Charles A; Quinn, Theresa M

2016-01-01

The periauricular percutaneous implantation of the Neuro-Stim System™ family of devices EAD, MFS, and BRIDGE is a procedure involving the use of a non-opiate, neuromodulation analgesic for relieving acute and chronic pain. It has been approved as a minimal-risk procedure by multiple governmental and institutional facilities. This retrospective report of findings will help quantify the incidence of clinically observed bleeding, localized dermatitis, and infections at the implantation sites of the electrode/needle arrays, dermatitis at the site of the generator, and patient syncope. A total of 1,207 devices, each producing up to 16 percutaneous punctures, for a total of 19,312 punctures were monitored for adverse effects, based on retrospective chart audits conducted at six clinical facilities over a 1-year period. PMID:27843360

Atmospheric numerical modeling resource enhancement and model convective parameterization/scale interaction studies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cushman, Paula P.

1993-01-01

Research will be undertaken in this contract in the area of Modeling Resource and Facilities Enhancement to include computer, technical and educational support to NASA investigators to facilitate model implementation, execution and analysis of output; to provide facilities linking USRA and the NASA/EADS Computer System as well as resident work stations in ESAD; and to provide a centralized location for documentation, archival and dissemination of modeling information pertaining to NASA's program. Additional research will be undertaken in the area of Numerical Model Scale Interaction/Convective Parameterization Studies to include implementation of the comparison of cloud and rain systems and convective-scale processes between the model simulations and what was observed; and to incorporate the findings of these and related research findings in at least two refereed journal articles.

Influence of vacancy defect on surface feature and adsorption of Cs on GaN(0001) surface.

PubMed

Ji, Yanjun; Du, Yujie; Wang, Meishan

2014-01-01

The effects of Ga and N vacancy defect on the change in surface feature, work function, and characteristic of Cs adsorption on a (2 × 2) GaN(0001) surface have been investigated using density functional theory with a plane-wave ultrasoft pseudopotential method based on first-principles calculations. The covalent bonds gain strength for Ga vacancy defect, whereas they grow weak for N vacancy defect. The lower work function is achieved for Ga and N vacancy defect surfaces than intact surface. The most stable position of Cs adatom on Ga vacancy defect surface is at T1 site, whereas it is at B(Ga) site on N vacancy defect surface. The E(ads) of Cs on GaN(0001) vacancy defect surface increases compared with that of intact surface; this illustrates that the adsorption of Cs on intact surface is more stable.

Calculation of flow about posts and powerhead model

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1988-01-01

A large number of computational fluid mechanics (CFD) problems were investigated. The primary studies include: the analysis of the turnaround duct/hot gas manifold/transfer tubes (fuel side) of the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME); the analysis of the LOX-T manifold (oxidizer side) of the SSME; the analysis of hydrogen accumulation in the Vandeburg flame trench; and modification of the Intel/VT241 systems to accommodate the EADS and PLOT 3D. Some of the analyses were exploratory in nature, using the CONTINUSYS code to provide preliminary information to enhance understanding of the problem, while in other the primary thrust was to acquire design information. In all cases the ability to predict information rapidly in these very complex analyses is seen to be an important demonstration of the power and utility of this mature predictive capability.

Preferred modes in jets: comparison between different measures of the receptivity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Garnaud, Xavier; Lesshafft, Lutz; Schmid, Peter J.; Huerre, Patrick

2012-11-01

The response of jets to frequency forcing is usually measured experimentally in terms of the maximum amplitude of velocity fluctuations reached along the axis (Crow & Champagne (1971)). In the present work, the preferred mode of isothermal jets is discussed in terms of the linear flow response to time-harmonic forcing (Trefethen et al. (1993)). The optimal frequency response is computed for different choices of the objective functional: the usual energy (L2) norm and the maximum amplitude over the entire domain (L∞ norm). The relevance and limitations of the different objective functionals are critically analyzed. Although the dominant flow structures are robustly identified in all cases, the measure of the flow response in terms of the maximum amplitude does not suffer from the continually slow axial growth of low frequency perturbations. The financial support of the EADS Foundation is gratefully acknowledged.

Mission Analysis for the Don Quijote Phase-A Study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cano, Juan L.; Sanchez, Mariano; Cornara, Stefania; Carnelli, Ian

2007-01-01

The Don Quijote Phase-A study is a definition study funded by ESA and devoted to the analysis of the possibilities to deflect a Near Earth Object (NEO) in the range of 300-800 m diameter. DEIMOS Space S.L. and EADS Astrium have teamed up within this study to form one of the three consortia that have analyzed these aspects for ESA. Target asteroids for the mission are 1989 ML, 2002 AT4 and Apophis. This paper presents the mission analysis activities within the consortium providing: low-thrust interplanetary rendezvous Orbiter trajectories to the target asteroids, ballistic interplanetary trajectories for the Impactor, Orbiter arrival description at the asteroids, Orbiter stable orbits characterization at the asteroid, deflection determination by means of a Radio Science Experiment (RSE) as well as the mission timelines and overall mission scenarios.

A new method to calculate the beat-to-beat instability of QT duration in drug-induced long QT in anesthetized dogs.

PubMed

van der Linde, H; Van de Water, A; Loots, W; Van Deuren, B; Lu, H R; Van Ammel, K; Peeters, M; Gallacher, D J

2005-01-01

Instability of QT duration is a marker to predict Torsade de Pointes (TdP) associated with both congenital and drug-induced long QT syndrome. We describe a new method for the quantification of instability of repolarization. Female, adult beagle dogs anesthetized with a potent morphinomimetic were treated with either solvent (n=7) or dofetilide (n=7). Poincaré plots with QT(n) versus QT(n+1) were constructed to visualize the beat-to-beat variation in QT intervals from the lead II ECG. Short-term instability (STI), long-term instability (LTI) and total instability (TI) were quantified by calculating the distances of 30 consecutive data-points from the x and y-coordinate to the "centre of gravity" of the data cluster. Dofetilide at 0.0025 to 0.04 mg/kg i.v. (plasma concentrations of 4+/-0.6 to 41+/-2.7 ng/ml), dose-dependently prolonged QT and QTcV (at 0.04 mg/kg i.v.: QT: 280+/-ms versus 236+/-5 ms with solvent; p<0.05 and QTcV: 290+/-9 ms versus 252+/-4 ms with solvent; p<0.05). Concomitantly, the compound induced an increase in the instability parameters in a similar dose-dependent manner (at 0.04 mg/kg i.v.: TI: 6.8+/-0.9 ms versus 1.7+/-0.3 ms; p<0.05, LTI: 3.6+/-0.5 ms versus 1.0+/-0.2 ms; p<0.05 and STI: 4.2+/-0.6 ms versus 1.0+/-0.2 ms; p<0.05). The increases induced by dofetilide were associated with a high incidence of early afterdepolarizations (EADs) in the endocardial monophasic action potential (in 6 out of the 7 compound-treated animals versus 0 out of the 7 solvent animals; p<0.05). Quantification of beat-to-beat QT instability by our method clearly detects changes in short-term, long-term and total instability induced by dofetilide, already at pre-arrhythmic doses. Dofetilide administration to anesthetized dogs prolongs ventricular repolarization, concomitantly increases beat-to-beat QT instability and induces early after depolarizations (EADs). As such, the use of these parameters in this in vivo model shows clear potential for risk identification

Gating of the late Na+ channel in normal and failing human myocardium.

PubMed

Undrovinas, Albertas I; Maltsev, Victor A; Kyle, John W; Silverman, Norman; Sabbah, Hani N

2002-11-01

We previously reported an ultraslow inactivating late Na+ current (INaL) in left ventricular cardiomyocytes (VC) isolated from normal (NVC) and failing (FVC) human hearts. This current could play a role in heart failure-induced repolarization abnormalities. To identify properties of NaCh contributing to INaL, we examined early and late openings in cell-attached patches of HEK293 cells expressing human cardiac NaCh alpha-subunit (alpha-HEK) and in VC of one normal and three failing human hearts. Two types of the late NaCh openings underlay INaL in all three preparations: scattered late (SLO) and bursts (BO). Amplitude analysis revealed that slope conductance for both SLO and BO was the same compared to the main level of early openings (EO) in both VC (21 vs 22.7pS, NVC; 22.7 vs 22.6pS, FVC) and alpha-HEK (23.2 vs 23pS), respectively. Analysis of SLO latencies revealed voltage-independent ultraslow inactivation in all preparations with tendency to be slower in FVC compared to NCV. EO and SLO render one open voltage-independent state (tau approximately 0.4ms) for NVC and FVC. One open (voltage-dependent) and two closed states (one voltage-dependent and another voltage-independent) were found in BO of both specimens. Burst duration tend to be longer in FVC ( approximately 50ms) than in NVC ( approximately 30ms). In FVC we found both modes SLO and BO at membrane potential of -10mV that is attribute for take-off voltages (from -18 to -2mV) for early afterdepolarizations (EAD's) in FVC. In conclusions, we found a novel gating mode SLO that manifest slow (hundreds of ms), voltage-independent inactivation in both NVC and FVC. We were unable to reliably demonstrate any differences in the properties of the late NaCh in failing vs a normal human heart. Accordingly, the late current appears to be generated by a single population of channels in normal and failing human ventricular myocardium. Both SLO and BO could be implicated in EADs in HF.

Strategic Floodplain Reconnection Along the Lower Tisza and Lower Illinois Rivers: Identifying Opportunities, Tradeoffs, and Limitations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guida, R.; Remo, J. W.; Secchi, S.; Swanson, T.; Kiss, T.

2015-12-01

During the late 19th and into the 20th Centuries, the Tisza and Illinois Rivers were highly altered through the construction of levees and dams to reclaim their floodplain-wetland systems for agriculture and to facilitate navigation. In recent decades, flood levels have continued to rise due to aggradation on the confined floodplains reducing flood-conveyance capacity. As a result, "Room for the River" proposals have gained more prominence. Our overarching hypothesis is that strategically reconnecting these rivers to their floodplains will reduce flood levels and increase ecological habitat while limiting socioeconomic impacts. In this study, we assessed several reconnection scenarios, including levee setbacks and removals, for the Lower Tisza River (LTR; Hungary) and the Lower Illinois River (LIR; Illinois, USA). To model water-surface elevations (WSELs) for the 5- through 500-year flood events, we employed HEC-RAS (1D) and SOBEK (1D/2D) hydraulic models. To determine socioeconomic tradeoffs using these modeled WSELs, we developed a corresponding suite of expected annual damages (EADs) using FEMA's Hazus-MH flood-loss modeling software for buildings and integrated geospatial and soil productivity indices to estimate agricultural losses. To assess ecosystem benefits of reconnection along the LTR, we used historic wetland extent as a proxy for increasing needed floodplain habitats. For the LIR, we performed habitat screening using Land Capability Potential Index and other assessment tools to estimate potential ecosystem benefits. Results indicate that levee removal and/or setbacks may reduce flood heights up to 1.6 m along the LTR and over 1.0 m along the LIR. While urban areas have the highest EADs, several lower-production agricultural areas show potential for reducing flood heights while minimizing damages. Strategic-floodplain reconnection benefits along the LTR and LIR include over half of historically-significant wetlands being reconnected and the creation of

Comparative NMR studies of diffusional water permeability of red blood cells from different species: XVI Dingo (Canis familiaris dingo) and dog (Canis familiaris).

PubMed

Benga, Gheorghe; Chapman, Bogdan E; Matei, Horea; Cox, Guy C; Romeo, Tony; Mironescu, Eugen; Kuchel, Philip W

2010-03-08

As part of a programme of comparative measurements of Pd (diffusional water permeability) the RBCs (red blood cells) from dingo (Canis familiaris dingo) and greyhound dog (Canis familiaris) were studied. The morphologies of the dingo and greyhound RBCs [examined by light and SEM (scanning electron microscopy)] were found to be very similar, with regard to aspect ratio and size; the mean diameters were estimated to be the same (approximately 7.2 microm) for both dingo and greyhound RBCs. The water diffusional permeability was monitored by using an Mn2+-doping 1H NMR technique at 400 MHz. The Pd (cm/s) values of dingo and greyhound RBCs were similar: 6.5 x 10(-3) at 25 degrees C, 7.5 x 10(-3) at 30 degrees C, 10 x 10(-3) at 37 degrees C and 11.5 x 10(-3) at 42 degrees C. The inhibitory effect of a mercury-containing SH (sulfhydryl)-modifying reagent PCMBS (p-chloromercuribenzene sulfonate) was investigated. The maximal inhibition of dingo and greyhound RBCs was reached in 15-30 min at 37 degrees C with 2 mmol/l PCMBS. The values of maximal inhibition were in the range 72-74% when measured at 25 degrees C and 30 degrees C, and approximately 66% at 37 degrees C. The lowest value of Pd (corresponding to the basal permeability to water) was approximately 2-3 x 10(-3) cm/s in the temperature range 25-37 degrees C. The Ea,d (activation energy of water diffusion) was 25 kJ/mol for dingo RBC and 23 kJ/mol for greyhound RBCs. After incubation with PCMBS, the values of Ea,d increased, reaching 46-48 kJ/mol in the condition of maximal inhibition of water exchange. The electrophoretograms of membrane polypeptides of the dingo and greyhound RBCs were compared and seen to be very similar. We postulate that the RBC parameters reported in the present study are characteristic of all canine species and, in particular in the two cases presented here, these parameters have not been changed by the peculiar Australian habitat over the millennia (as in the case of the dingo) or over

Sex pheromone chemistry and field trapping studies of the elm spanworm Ennomos subsignaria (Hübner) (Lepidoptera:Geometridae)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ryall, Krista; Silk, Peter J.; Wu, Junping; Mayo, Peter; Lemay, Matthew A.; Magee, David

2010-08-01

The elm spanworm, Ennomos subsignaria (Hübner), occurs throughout Canada and the eastern United States and can be a destructive forest pest on a wide range of deciduous trees. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and coupled gas chromatographic-electroantennographic detection (GC/EAD) analysis of pheromone gland extracts, in combination with chemical synthesis and field trapping studies have identified (2 S, 3 R)-2-(( Z)-oct-2'-enyl)-3-nonyl oxirane (hereafter Z6-9 S, 10 R-epoxy-19:H) as the female-produced sex pheromone. Significantly more male moths were captured between 1-100 μg loadings of this compound on red rubber septa in sticky traps compared to blank (unbaited) traps; catches then declined at higher dosages (500-1000 μg). The other isomeric enantiomer, (2 R, 3 S)-2-[( Z)-oct-2'-enyl]-3-nonyl oxirane ( Z6-9 R, 10 S-epoxy-19:H), at a 10-μg dosage did not elicit trap capture. The likely precursor to the active epoxide, ( Z, Z)-6, 9-nonadecadiene (( Z, Z)-6, 9-19:H), identified in virgin female sex pheromone glands, did not elicit trap capture either, and inhibited trap capture when combined with the active epoxide. Racemic 2-((Z)-oct-2'-enyl)-3-nonyl oxirane showed no significant difference in trap capture compared with Z6-9 S, 10 R-epoxy-19:H, indicating that the opposite enantiomer was not antagonistic. The addition of the EAD-active diene epoxide enantiomers (2 S, 3 R)-2-[( Z, Z)-octa-2', 5'-dienyl]-3-nonyl oxirane or (2 R, 3 S)-2-[( Z, Z)-octa-2', 5'-dienyl]-3-nonyl oxirane in admixture with Z6-9 S, 10 R-epoxy-19:H (at 10% of the latter) did not enhance or decrease trap capture compared to Z6-9 S, 10 R-epoxy-19:H oxirane alone, so they are not likely pheromone components. This pheromone, impregnated in rubber septa at less than 100-μg dosage, can now be used as a trap bait to develop detection and monitoring strategies for this insect.

Evaluation of Optogenetic Electrophysiology Tools in Human Stem Cell-Derived Cardiomyocytes.

PubMed

Björk, Susann; Ojala, Elina A; Nordström, Tommy; Ahola, Antti; Liljeström, Mikko; Hyttinen, Jari; Kankuri, Esko; Mervaala, Eero

2017-01-01

Current cardiac drug safety assessments focus on hERG channel block and QT prolongation for evaluating arrhythmic risks, whereas the optogenetic approach focuses on the action potential (AP) waveform generated by a monolayer of human cardiomyocytes beating synchronously, thus assessing the contribution of several ion channels on the overall drug effect. This novel tool provides arrhythmogenic sensitizing by light-induced pacing in combination with non-invasive, all-optical measurements of cardiomyocyte APs and will improve assessment of drug-induced electrophysiological aberrancies. With the help of patch clamp electrophysiology measurements, we aimed to investigate whether the optogenetic modifications alter human cardiomyocytes' electrophysiology and how well the optogenetic analyses perform against this gold standard. Patch clamp electrophysiology measurements of non-transduced stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes compared to cells expressing the commercially available optogenetic constructs Optopatch and CaViar revealed no significant changes in action potential duration (APD) parameters. Thus, inserting the optogenetic constructs into cardiomyocytes does not significantly affect the cardiomyocyte's electrophysiological properties. When comparing the two methods against each other (patch clamp vs. optogenetic imaging) we found no significant differences in APD parameters for the Optopatch transduced cells, whereas the CaViar transduced cells exhibited modest increases in APD-values measured with optogenetic imaging. Thus, to broaden the screen, we combined optogenetic measurements of membrane potential and calcium transients with contractile motion measured by video motion tracking. Furthermore, to assess how optogenetic measurements can predict changes in membrane potential, or early afterdepolarizations (EADs), cells were exposed to cumulating doses of E-4031, a hERG potassium channel blocker, and drug effects were measured at both spontaneous and paced beating

Evaluation of Optogenetic Electrophysiology Tools in Human Stem Cell-Derived Cardiomyocytes

PubMed Central

Björk, Susann; Ojala, Elina A.; Nordström, Tommy; Ahola, Antti; Liljeström, Mikko; Hyttinen, Jari; Kankuri, Esko; Mervaala, Eero

2017-01-01

Current cardiac drug safety assessments focus on hERG channel block and QT prolongation for evaluating arrhythmic risks, whereas the optogenetic approach focuses on the action potential (AP) waveform generated by a monolayer of human cardiomyocytes beating synchronously, thus assessing the contribution of several ion channels on the overall drug effect. This novel tool provides arrhythmogenic sensitizing by light-induced pacing in combination with non-invasive, all-optical measurements of cardiomyocyte APs and will improve assessment of drug-induced electrophysiological aberrancies. With the help of patch clamp electrophysiology measurements, we aimed to investigate whether the optogenetic modifications alter human cardiomyocytes' electrophysiology and how well the optogenetic analyses perform against this gold standard. Patch clamp electrophysiology measurements of non-transduced stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes compared to cells expressing the commercially available optogenetic constructs Optopatch and CaViar revealed no significant changes in action potential duration (APD) parameters. Thus, inserting the optogenetic constructs into cardiomyocytes does not significantly affect the cardiomyocyte's electrophysiological properties. When comparing the two methods against each other (patch clamp vs. optogenetic imaging) we found no significant differences in APD parameters for the Optopatch transduced cells, whereas the CaViar transduced cells exhibited modest increases in APD-values measured with optogenetic imaging. Thus, to broaden the screen, we combined optogenetic measurements of membrane potential and calcium transients with contractile motion measured by video motion tracking. Furthermore, to assess how optogenetic measurements can predict changes in membrane potential, or early afterdepolarizations (EADs), cells were exposed to cumulating doses of E-4031, a hERG potassium channel blocker, and drug effects were measured at both spontaneous and paced beating

Comparative NMR studies of diffusional water permeability of red blood cells from different species: XV. Agile wallaby (Macropus agilis), red-necked wallaby (Macropus rufogriseus) and Goodfellow's tree kangaroo (Dendrolagus goodfellowi).

PubMed

Benga, Gheorghe; Chapman, Bogdan E; Kuchel, Philip W

2009-09-01

The water diffusional permeability (P(d)) of red blood cells (RBC) from agile wallaby (Macropus agilis), red-necked wallaby (Macropus rufogriseus) and Goodfellow's tree kangaroo (Dendrolagus goodfellowi) was monitored using an Mn(2+)-doping (1)H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technique at 400 MHz. The P(d) (cm s(-1)) values of agile wallaby RBCs were 7.5 x 10(-3) at 25 degrees C, 9 x 10(-3) at 30 degrees C, 11 x 10(-3) at 37 degrees C, and 13 x 10(-3) at 42 degrees C. The inhibitory effect of a mercury-containing sulfhydryl (SH)-modifying reagent p-chloromercuribenzoate (PCMB) on agile wallaby RBCs was investigated. The maximal inhibition was reached in 90 min at 37 degrees C with 2 mmol L(-1) PCMB. The value of maximal inhibition was approximately 63% when measured at 25 degrees C, approximately 52% at 37 degrees C and approximately 45% at 42 degrees C. The lowest value of P(d) (corresponding to the basal permeability to water) was approximately 3 x 10(-3) cm s(-1) at 25 degrees C. For the RBCs from red-necked wallaby (M. rufogriseus) the values of P(d) (cm s(-1)) were 7 x 10(-3) at 25 degrees C, 8 x 10(-3) at 30 degrees C, 10 x 10(-3) at 37 degrees C, and 12 x 10(-3) at 42 degrees C. Higher values of P(d) (cm s(-1)) were found for the RBCs from Goodfellow's tree kangaroo (D. goodfellowi): 8.5 x 10(-3) at 25 degrees C, 10 x 10(-3) at 30 degrees C, 13 x 10(-3) at 37 degrees C, and 15 x 10(-3) at 42 degrees C. The mean values of the activation energy of water diffusion (E(a,d)) were approximately 25 kJ mol(-1) for RBCs from the agile wallaby and tree kangaroo, respectively, and approximately 23 kJ mol(-1) for RBCs from red-necked wallaby. The values of E(a,d) increased after exposure of agile wallaby RBCs to PCMB, reaching a value of approximately 43-46 kJ mol(-1) when the maximal inhibition of P(d) was achieved.

Ion Implantation of Wide Bandgap Semiconductors.

DTIC Science & Technology

1978-05-01

VIflbJ DAI’C lEAD INSTRUCTIONS ~~~~~~~~~~~ 1 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~ “I ~~~~~~ BEFORE CONPLETING PORN I. mEPO~~T NUMUIR 3. GOVT...bs?,e, f ~nte,ed ,n l3b.~ k .~‘O . , V diII.,ent 1,...,. H.po,t~ IS. SUP PLEMENTARY NOTES t~ . KEY WORDS (ConIInu. on c.,.,.. old . II ni.r ~~,to...From two semi — In st i l at log subst ‘~~t t (‘S i mp l a n t e d wit ft S x 10 16 cm 2 1 01) keV S and ann ea led :it 8()0°( I or 30 m i i i 1

System concepts and enabling technologies for an ESA low-cost mission to Jupiter / Europa

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Renard, P.; Koeck, C.; Kemble, Steve; Atzei, Alessandro; Falkner, Peter

2004-11-01

The European Space Agency is currently studying the Jovian Minisat Explorer (JME), as part of its Technology Reference Studies (TRS), used for its development plan of technologies enabling future scientific missions. The JME focuses on the exploration of the Jovian system and particularly of Europa. The Jupiter Minisat Orbiter (JMO) study concerns the first mission phase of JME that counts up to three missions using pairs of minisats. The scientific objectives are the investigation of Europa's global topography, the composition of its (sub)surface and the demonstration of existence of a subsurface ocean below its icy crust. The present paper describes the candidate JMO system concept, based on a Europa Orbiter (JEO) supported by a communications relay satellite (JRS), and its associated technology development plan. It summarizes an analysis performed in 2004 jointly by ESA and the EADS-Astrium Company in the frame of an industrial technical assistance to ESA.

High Chemical Activity of a Perovskite Surface: Reaction of CO with Sr3Ru2O7

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stöger, Bernhard; Hieckel, Marcel; Mittendorfer, Florian; Wang, Zhiming; Fobes, David; Peng, Jin; Mao, Zhiqiang; Schmid, Michael; Redinger, Josef; Diebold, Ulrike

2014-09-01

Adsorption of CO at the Sr3Ru2O7(001) surface was studied with low-temperature scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and density functional theory. In situ cleaved single crystals terminate in an almost perfect SrO surface. At 78 K, CO first populates impurities and then adsorbs above the apical surface O with a binding energy Eads=-0.7 eV. Above 100 K, this physisorbed CO replaces the surface O, forming a bent CO2 with the C end bound to the Ru underneath. The resulting metal carboxylate (Ru-COO) can be desorbed by STM manipulation. A low activation (0.2 eV) and high binding (-2.2 eV) energy confirm a strong reaction between CO and regular surface sites of Sr3Ru2O7; likely, this reaction causes the "UHV aging effect" reported for this and other perovskite oxides.

The Lhc Cryomagnet Supports in Glass-Fiber Reinforced Epoxy: a Large Scale Industrial Production with High Reproducibility in Performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Poncet, A.; Struik, M.; Trigo, J.; Parma, V.

2008-03-01

The about 1700 LHC main ring super-conducting magnets are supported within their cryostats on 4700 low heat in leak column-type supports. The supports were designed to ensure a precise and stable positioning of the heavy dipole and quadrupole magnets while keeping thermal conduction heat loads within budget. A trade-off between mechanical and thermal properties, as well as cost considerations, led to the choice of glass fibre reinforced epoxy (GFRE). Resin Transfer Moulding (RTM), featuring a high level of automation and control, was the manufacturing process retained to ensure the reproducibility of the performance of the supports throughout the large production. The Spanish aerospace company EADS-CASA Espacio developed the specific RTM process, and produced the total quantity of supports between 2001 and 2004. This paper describes the development and the production of the supports, and presents the production experience and the achieved performance.

Evaluation and qualification of commercial opto-electronic components for the MOHA subsystem in ESA's SMOS mission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gutierrez, Francisco; Cordero, Enrique; Sánchez, Carolina; Barbero, Juan; Mosberger, Martin; Boehle, Peter; Tornell, Manuel; Lundmark, Karin

2017-11-01

A dedicated evaluation and qualification campaign has been performed on several optical COTS components in order to use them on ESA's SMOS mission. The evaluation phase consisted of a set of critical tests and analyses and led to the selection of the flight lot component. After selection of the components, one lot of each component has been qualified for the SMOS mission. The overall approach is presented together with a summary of all activities performed. The whole task has been handled in a joint effort between ESA, EADS CASA Espacio (prime contractor), Contraves Space AG (MOHA subsystem), TECNOLOGICA SA (component qualification experts) and the respective manufacturers, each party providing their specific know-how. Test results are presented and the issues discovered and lessons learned are addressed. Special emphasis is given to particular tests for which dedicated setups had to be designed due to the unavailability of standard equipment.

Market Dominance, Efficiency, Innovation, and Globalization: A Case Study of the Tanker Competition Between Boeing and Northrop Grumman/EADS

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-04-23

corporate practices in the post- Enron world, to more up-to- date and open government procurement practices. These trends have resulted in the coalescence of...significant risks to the global community • Shift toward more transparent processes both in corporate practices in the post- Enron world and in government ...is losing its traditional edge; and (d) the desire to have an open and fair government procurement process in which all parties are able to

Arc-Induced Long Period Gratings from Standard to Polarization-Maintaining and Photonic Crystal Fibers

PubMed Central

Campopiano, Stefania; Iadicicco, Agostino

2018-01-01

In this work, we report about our recent results concerning the fabrication of Long Period Grating (LPG) sensors in several optical fibers, through the Electric Arc Discharge (EAD) technique. In particular, the following silica fibers with both different dopants and geometrical structures are considered: standard Ge-doped, photosensitive B/Ge codoped, P-doped, pure-silica core with F-doped cladding, Panda type Polarization-maintaining, and Hollow core Photonic crystal fiber. An adaptive platform was developed and the appropriate “recipe” was identified for each fiber, in terms of both arc discharge parameters and setup arrangement, for manufacturing LPGs with strong and narrow attenuation bands, low insertion losses, and short length. As the fabricated devices have appealing features from the application point of view, the sensitivity characteristics towards changes in different external perturbations (i.e., surrounding refractive index, temperature, and strain) are investigated and compared, highlighting the effects of different fiber composition and structure. PMID:29558407

KSC-2011-6950

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-09-13

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA and Alliant Techsystems (ATK) managers announce an agreement that could accelerate the availability of U.S. commercial crew transportation capabilities in the Press Site auditorium at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. From left are Candrea Thomas, NASA Public Affairs; Ed Mango, Commercial Crew Program manager, NASA; Kent Rominger, vice president, Strategy and Business Development, ATK Aerospace; and John Schumacher, vice president, Space Programs, EADS North America. The unfunded Space Act Agreement (SAA) through NASA's Commercial Crew Program will allow the agency and ATK to review and discuss Liberty system requirements, safety and certification plans, computational models of rocket stage performance, and avionics architecture designs. The agreement outlines key milestones including an Initial System Design review, during which ATK will present to NASA officials the Liberty systems level requirements, preliminary design, and certification process development. For more information about NASA's Commercial Crew Program, visit http://www.nasa.gov/exploration/commercial. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

KSC-2011-6951

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-09-13

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA and Alliant Techsystems (ATK) managers discuss an agreement that could accelerate the availability of U.S. commercial crew transportation capabilities with media representatives in the Press Site auditorium at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. From left are Ed Mango, Commercial Crew Program manager, NASA; Kent Rominger, vice president, Strategy and Business Development, ATK Aerospace; and John Schumacher, vice president, Space Programs, EADS North America. The unfunded Space Act Agreement (SAA) through NASA's Commercial Crew Program will allow the agency and ATK to review and discuss Liberty system requirements, safety and certification plans, computational models of rocket stage performance, and avionics architecture designs. The agreement outlines key milestones including an Initial System Design review, during which ATK will present to NASA officials the Liberty systems level requirements, preliminary design, and certification process development. For more information about NASA's Commercial Crew Program, visit http://www.nasa.gov/exploration/commercial. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

Relation of perfectionism with athletes' burnout: further examination.

PubMed

Chen, Lung Hung; Kee, Ying Hwa; Chen, Mei-Yen; Tsai, Ying-Mei

2008-06-01

The purpose was to examine the different aspects of perfectionism and athletes' burnout. College athletes (N = 320) with mean age of 19.7 yr. (SD = 1.4) completed the Chinese version of the Multiple Perfectionism Scale for Sport and the Eades' Athlete Burnout Inventory. Results indicated that perfectionism could be separated into adaptive and maladaptive perfectionism. Adaptive perfectionism was linked to reduced athletes' burnout while maladaptive perfectionism was associated with athletes' burnout. In addition, significant interaction was found between adaptive perfec tionism and maladaptive perfectionism on athletes' burnout. Results suggest that high maladaptive perfectionism and low adaptive perfectionism corresponds to higher scores on athletes' burnout. Perfectionism should not be treated as an all-or-nothing disposition. The extent of athlete burnout can vary with the interaction effects of the two types of perfectionism. In terms of practical implications in intervention work, coaches and sport psychologists should try to reduce athletes' maladaptive perfectionism and increase adaptive perfectionism.

A 3D Model for Eddy Current Inspection in Aeronautics: Application to Riveted Structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Paillard, S.; Pichenot, G.; Lambert, M.; Voillaume, H.; Dominguez, N.

2007-03-01

Eddy current technique is currently an operational tool used for fastener inspection which is an important issue for the maintenance of aircraft structures. The industry calls for faster, more sensitive and reliable NDT techniques for the detection and characterization of potential flaws nearby rivet. In order to reduce the development time and to optimize the design and the performances assessment of an inspection procedure, the CEA and EADS have started a collaborative work aiming at extending the modeling features of the CIVA non destructive simulation plat-form in order to handle the configuration of a layered planar structure with a rivet and an embedded flaw nearby. Therefore, an approach based on the Volume Integral Method using the Green dyadic formalism which greatly increases computation efficiency has been developed. The first step, modeling the rivet without flaw as a hole in a multi-stratified structure, has been reached and validated in several configurations with experimental data.

PHARAO space atomic clock: new developments on the laser source

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saccoccio, Muriel; Loesel, Jacques; Coatantiec, Claude; Simon, Eric; Laurent, Philippe; Lemonde, Pierre; Maksimovic, I.; Abgrall, M.

2017-11-01

The PHARAO project purpose is to open the way for a new atomic clock generation in space, where laser cooling techniques and microgravity allow high frequency stability and accuracy. The French space agency, CNES is funding and managing the clock construction. The French SYRTE and LKB laboratories are scientific and technical advisers for the clock requirements and the follow-up of subsystem development in industrial companies. EADS SODERN is developing two main subsystems of the PHARAO clock: the Laser Source and the Cesium Tube where atoms are cooled, launched, selected and detected by laser beams. The Laser Source includes an optical bench and electronic devices to generate the laser beams required. This paper describes PHARAO and the role laser beams play in its principle of operation. Then we present the Laser Source design, the technologies involved, and the status of development. Lastly, we focus of a key equipment to reach the performances expected, which is the Extended Cavity Laser Diode.

A Signal to Noise Paradox in Climate Predictions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eade, R.; Scaife, A. A.; Smith, D.; Dunstone, N. J.; MacLachlan, C.; Hermanson, L.; Ruth, C.

2017-12-01

Recent advances in climate modelling have resulted in the achievement of skilful long-range prediction, particular that associated with the winter circulation over the north Atlantic (e.g. Scaife et al 2014, Stockdale et al 2015, Dunstone et al 2016) including impacts over Europe and North America, and further afield. However, while highly significant and potentially useful skill exists, the signal-to-noise ratio of the ensemble mean to total variability in these ensemble predictions is anomalously small (Scaife et al 2014) and the correlation between the ensemble mean and historical observations exceeds the proportion of predictable variance in the ensemble (Eade et al 2014). This means the real world is more predictable than our climate models. Here we discuss a series of hypothesis tests that have been carried out to assess issues with model mechanisms compared to the observed world, and present the latest findings in our attempt to determine the cause of the anomalously weak predicted signals in our seasonal-to-decadal hindcasts.

Identification of odors from overripe mango that attract vinegar flies, Drosophila melanogaster.

PubMed

Zhu, Junwei; Park, Kye-Chung; Baker, Thomas C

2003-04-01

Bioassays with a variety of overripe fruits, including mango, plum, pear, and grape, and their extracts showed that odors from overripe mango were most attractive to adult vinegar flies, Drosophila melanogaster. Combined gas chromatography-electroantennographic detection (GC-EAD) analyses of solid-phase microextraction (SPME) and Tenax extracts of overripe mango odors showed that several volatile compounds, including ethanol, acetic acid, amyl acetate, 2-phenylethanol, and phenylethyl acetate elicited significant EAG responses from antennae of female flies. Most of the volatile compounds in the extracts were identified by mass spectral and retention index comparisons with synthetic standards. In cage bioassays, lures with a blend of ethanol, acetic acid, and 2-phenylethanol in a ratio of 1:22:5 attracted six times more flies than any single EAG-active compound. This blend also attracted four times more flies than traps baited with overripe mango or unripe mango. However, in field trials, the blend was not as attractive as suggested by the laboratory bioassay.

ALADIN: the first european lidar in space

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morançais, Didier; Fabre, Frédéric; Schillinger, Marc; Barthès, Jean-Claude; Endemann, Martin; Culoma, Alain; Durand, Yannig

2017-11-01

The Atmospheric LAser Doppler INstrument (ALADIN) is the payload of the ESA's ADMAEOLUS mission, which aims at measuring wind profiles as required by the climatology and meteorology users. ALADIN belongs to a new class of Earth Observation payloads and will be the first European Lidar in space. The instrument comprises a diode-pumped high energy Nd:YAG laser and a direct detection receiver operating on aerosol and molecular backscatter signals in parallel. In addition to the Proto- Flight Model (PFM)., two instrument models are developed: a Pre-development Model (PDM) and an Opto-Structure-Thermal Model (OSTM). The flight instrument design and the industrial team has been finalised and the major equipment are now under development. This paper describes the instrument design and performance as well as the development and verification approach. The main results obtained during the PDM programme are also reported. The ALADIN instrument is developed under prime contractorship from EADS Astrium SAS with a consortium of thirty European companies.

Invited article: advanced drag-free concepts for future space-based interferometers: acceleration noise performance.

PubMed

Gerardi, D; Allen, G; Conklin, J W; Sun, K-X; DeBra, D; Buchman, S; Gath, P; Fichter, W; Byer, R L; Johann, U

2014-01-01

Future drag-free missions for space-based experiments in gravitational physics require a Gravitational Reference Sensor with extremely demanding sensing and disturbance reduction requirements. A configuration with two cubical sensors is the current baseline for the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) and has reached a high level of maturity. Nevertheless, several promising concepts have been proposed with potential applications beyond LISA and are currently investigated at HEPL, Stanford, and EADS Astrium, Germany. The general motivation is to exploit the possibility of achieving improved disturbance reduction, and ultimately understand how low acceleration noise can be pushed with a realistic design for future mission. In this paper, we discuss disturbance reduction requirements for LISA and beyond, describe four different payload concepts, compare expected strain sensitivities in the "low-frequency" region of the frequency spectrum, dominated by acceleration noise, and ultimately discuss advantages and disadvantages of each of those concepts in achieving disturbance reduction for space-based detectors beyond LISA.

Stability analysis using SDSA tool

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goetzendorf-Grabowski, Tomasz; Mieszalski, Dawid; Marcinkiewicz, Ewa

2011-11-01

The SDSA (Simulation and Dynamic Stability Analysis) application is presented as a tool for analysing the dynamic characteristics of the aircraft just in the conceptual design stage. SDSA is part of the CEASIOM (Computerized Environment for Aircraft Synthesis and Integrated Optimization Methods) software environment which was developed within the SimSAC (Simulating Aircraft Stability And Control Characteristics for Use in Conceptual Design) project, funded by the European Commission 6th Framework Program. SDSA can also be used as stand alone software, and integrated with other design and optimisation systems using software wrappers. This paper focuses on the main functionalities of SDSA and presents both computational and free flight experimental results to compare and validate the presented software. Two aircraft are considered, the EADS Ranger 2000 and the Warsaw University designed PW-6 glider. For the two cases considered here the SDSA software is shown to be an excellent tool for predicting dynamic characteristics of an aircraft.

Hydra multiple head star sensor and its in-flight self-calibration of optical heads alignment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Majewski, L.; Blarre, L.; Perrimon, N.; Kocher, Y.; Martinez, P. E.; Dussy, S.

2017-11-01

HYDRA is EADS SODERN new product line of APS-based autonomous star trackers. The baseline is a multiple head sensor made of three separated optical heads and one electronic unit. Actually the concept which was chosen offers more than three single-head star trackers working independently. Since HYDRA merges all fields of view the result is a more accurate, more robust and completely autonomous multiple-head sensor, releasing the AOCS from the need to manage the outputs of independent single-head star trackers. Specific to the multiple head architecture and the underlying data fusion, is the calibration of the relative alignments between the sensor optical heads. The performance of the sensor is related to its estimation of such alignments. HYDRA design is first reminded in this paper along with simplification it can bring at system level (AOCS). Then self-calibration of optical heads alignment is highlighted through descriptions and simulation results, thus demonstrating the performances of a key part of HYDRA multiple-head concept.

Evidence for tunneling in base-catalyzed isomerization of glyceraldehyde to dihydroxyacetone by hydride shift under formose conditions.

PubMed

Cheng, Liang; Doubleday, Charles; Breslow, Ronald

2015-04-07

Hydrogen atom transfer reactions between the aldose and ketose are key mechanistic features in formose chemistry by which formaldehyde is converted to higher sugars under credible prebiotic conditions. For one of these transformations, we have investigated whether hydrogen tunneling makes a significant contribution to the mechanism by examining the deuterium kinetic isotope effect associated with the hydrogen transfer during the isomerization of glyceraldehyde to the corresponding dihydroxyacetone. To do this, we developed a quantitative HPLC assay that allowed us to measure the apparent large intrinsic kinetic isotope effect. From the Arrhenius plot of the kinetic isotope effect, the ratio of the preexponential factors AH/AD was 0.28 and the difference in activation energies Ea(D) - Ea(H) was 9.1 kJ·mol(-1). All these results imply a significant quantum-mechanical tunneling component in the isomerization mechanism. This is supported by multidimensional tunneling calculations using POLYRATE with small curvature tunneling.

Contribution to study of interfaces instabilities in plane, cylindrical and spherical geometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Toque, Nathalie

1996-12-01

This thesis proposes several experiments of hydrodynamical instabilities which are studied, numerically and theoretically. The experiments are in plane and cylindrical geometry. Their X-ray radiographies show the evolution of an interface between two solid media crossed by a detonation wave. These materials are initially solid. They become liquide under shock wave or stay between two phases, solid and liquid. The numerical study aims at simulating with the codes EAD and Ouranos, the interfaces instabilities which appear in the experiments. The experimental radiographies and the numerical pictures are in quite good agreement. The theoretical study suggests to modelise a spatio-temporal part of the experiments to obtain the quantitative development of perturbations at the interfaces and in the flows. The models are linear and in plane, cylindrical and spherical geometry. They preceed the inoming study of transition between linear and non linear development of instabilities in multifluids flows crossed by shock waves.

Determination of Sudan I in drinks containing Sunset yellow by adsorptive stripping voltammetry.

PubMed

Gómez, Marisol; Arancibia, Verónica; Aliaga, Margarita; Núñez, Claudia; Rojas-Romo, Carlos

2016-12-01

An efficient, fast and sensitive method for the determination of Sudan I (SI) in drinks containing Sunset yellow (Sy) is developed and validated using an adsorptive stripping voltammetric procedure. Sy is currently added to a large number of foods; however during their synthesis SI may be produced. The determination is based on adsorption of Sy and SI onto HMDE and later reduction of the azo group at -0.71 and -0.82V, respectively. Using the best set of the experimental conditions (pH 12.3; Eads: -0.40V) for the determination of SI in Sy, a linear response for SI in the concentration range 0.5-27.2μgL(-1) was found, with a detection limit of 1.5μgL(-1) in a tads of only 30s. The method was applied to the determination of SI in commercial drinks with satisfactory results. The presence of SI was confirmed by mass spectrometry. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Giving Structure to Legacy Finding Aids before Conversion to EAD: The Case of the Archives Departementales des Pyrenees-Atlantiques, France

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Goulet, Anne; Maftei, Nicolas

2005-01-01

At the Archives Departementales des Pyrenees-Atlantiques, the encoding of more than forty legacy finding aids written between 1863 and 2000 is part of a program of digitization of the collections. Because of the size of the project, an external consultant, ArchProteus, has been brought in and specific management procedures have been put in place…

Hot Water Propulsion for Horizontal Rocket Assisted Take-Off Systems for Future Reusable Launch Vehicles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pilz, N.; Adirim, H.; Lo, R.; Schildknecht, A.

2004-10-01

Among other concepts, reusable space transportation systems that comprise winged reusable launch vehicles (RLV) with horizontal take-off and horizontal landing (HTHL) are under worldwide investigation, e.g. the respective concepts within ESA's FESTIP-Study (Future European Space Transportation Integration Program) or the HOPPER concept by EADS-ST. The payload of these RLVs could be significantly increased by means of a ground-based take-off assistance system that would accelerate the vehicle along a horizontal track until it reaches the desired speed to ignite its onboard engines for leaving the ground and launching into orbit. This paper illustrates the advantages of horizontal take-off for winged RLVs and provides an overview of launch-assist options for HTHL RLVs. It presents hot water propulsion for ground-based take-off assistance systems for future RLVs as an attractive choice besides magnetic levitation and acceleration (maglev) technology. Finally, preliminary design concepts are presented for a rocket assisted take-off system (RATOS) with hot water propulsion followed by an analysis of its improvement potential.

SPIRALE: early warning optical space demonstrator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Galindo, D.; Carucci, A.

2004-11-01

Thanks to its global coverage, its peacetime capabilities and its availability, ballistic missiles Early Warning (EW) space systems are identified as a key node of a global missile defence system. Since the Gulf war in 1991, several feasibility studies of such an Early Warning system have been conducted in France. The main conclusions are first that the most appropriate concept is to use infra-red (IR) sensors on geo- stationary orbit satellites and second that the required satellite performances are achievable and accessible to European industries, even if technological developments are necessary. Besides that, it was recommended to prepare the development of the EW operational system, by demonstrating its achievable performances on the basis of collected background images and available target IR signatures. This is the objective of the "EW optical space demonstrator", also named SPIRALE (this a French acronym which stands for "Preparatory IR Program for EW"). A contract has been awarded early 2004, by DGA/SPOTI (French Armament Procurement Agency), to EADS Astrium France, with a significant participation of Alcatel Space, to perform this demonstration.

Bifurcation theory and cardiac arrhythmias

PubMed Central

Karagueuzian, Hrayr S; Stepanyan, Hayk; Mandel, William J

2013-01-01

In this paper we review two types of dynamic behaviors defined by the bifurcation theory that are found to be particularly useful in describing two forms of cardiac electrical instabilities that are of considerable importance in cardiac arrhythmogenesis. The first is action potential duration (APD) alternans with an underlying dynamics consistent with the period doubling bifurcation theory. This form of electrical instability could lead to spatially discordant APD alternans leading to wavebreak and reentrant form of tachyarrhythmias. Factors that modulate the APD alternans are discussed. The second form of bifurcation of importance to cardiac arrhythmogenesis is the Hopf-homoclinic bifurcation that adequately describes the dynamics of the onset of early afterdepolarization (EAD)-mediated triggered activity (Hopf) that may cause ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation (VT/VF respectively). The self-termination of the triggered activity is compatible with the homoclinic bifurcation. Ionic and intracellular calcium dynamics underlying these dynamics are discussed using available experimental and simulation data. The dynamic analysis provides novel insights into the mechanisms of VT/VF, a major cause of sudden cardiac death in the US. PMID:23459417

Adsorption of rare gases on the C20 nanocage: a theoretical investigation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rahimi, Rezvan; Kamalinahad, Saeedeh; Solimannejad, Mohammad

2018-03-01

The adsorption of rare gases (Rg) on the external surface of pristine and Sc-doped C20 (ScC19) nanocage is investigated using density functional theory (DFT). Also, time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) and natural bond orbital (NBO) calculations are performed at the CAM-B3LYP/6-31G (d) level. The NBO analyses indicate that the adsorption of Rg molecules with studied nanocage significantly alters its electronic nature. Theoretical results have shown that Rg is weakly adsorbed on the pristine C20, so this nanocage cannot be a proper sensor for detecting and sensing rare gases. In order to improve properties of the nanocage as a promising sensor, Sc-doping process was investigated. The more negative adsorption energies (Eads) of Rg/ScC19 means that adsorption of Rg on the surface of ScC19 is energetically more favored than C20 and other nano-structures as reported in previous studies. It is expected that significant changes in the electronic properties caused by Rg may be used for designing new sensors for detection of rare gases.

A 1.3 giga pixels focal plane for GAIA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Laborie, Anouk; Pouny, Pierre; Vetel, Cyril; Collados, Emmanuel; Rougier, Gilles; Davancens, Robert; Zayer, Igor; Perryman, Michael; Pace, Oscar

2004-06-01

The astrometric mission GAIA is a cornerstone mission of the European Space Agency, due for launch in the 2010 time frame. Requiring extremely demanding performance GAIA calls for the development of an unprecedented large focal plane featuring innovative technologies. For securing the very challenging GAIA development, a significant number of technology activities have been initiated by ESA through a competitive selection process. In this context, an industrial consortium led by EADS-Astrium (France) with e2v technologies (UK) as major subcontractor was selected for the GAIA CCD and Focal Plane Technology Demonstrators programme, which is by far the most significant and the most critical GAIA pre-development for all aspects: science performance, development schedule and cost. This programme has started since August 2002 and will end early 2005 prior to commencement of the GAIA Phase B. While the GAIA payload will host three instruments and related focal planes, the major mission objectives are assigned to the Astrometric (ASTRO) Focal Plane, which is the subject of this presentation.

High energy, single frequency, tunable laser source operating in burst mode for space based lidar applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cosentino, Alberto; Mondello, Alessia; Sapia, Adalberto; D'Ottavi, Alessandro; Brotini, Mauro; Nava, Enzo; Stucchi, Emanuele; Trespidi, Franco; Mariottini, Cristina; Wazen, Paul; Falletto, Nicolas; Fruit, Michel

2017-11-01

This paper describes the laser transmitter assembly used in the ALADIN instrument currently in C/D development phase for the ESA ADM-AEOLUS mission (EADS Astrium as prime contractor for the satellite and the instrument). The Laser Transmitter Assembly (TXA), based on a diode pumped tripled Nd:YAG laser, is used to generate tunable laser pulses of 150 mJ at a nominal wavelength of 355 nm. This laser is operated in burst mode, with a pulse repetition cycle of 100 Hz. The TXA is composed of the following units: a diodepumped CW Nd:YAG Laser named Reference Laser Head (RLH), used to inject a diode-pumped, Q-switched, amplified and frequency tripled Nd:YAG Laser working in the third harmonic referred as Power Laser Head (PLH) and a Transmitter Laser Electronics (TLE) containing all the control and power electronics needed for PLH and RLH operation. The TXA is made by an European consortium under the leadership of Galileo Avionica (It), and including CESI (It), Quantel (Fr), TESAT (Ge) and Thales (Fr).

Development of an ultrasensitive interferometry system as a key to precision metrology applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gohlke, Martin; Schuldt, Thilo; Weise, Dennis; Johann, Ulrich; Peters, Achim; Braxmaier, Claus

2009-06-01

We present a symmetric heterodyne interferometer as a prototype of a highly sensitive translation and tilt measurement system. This compact optical metrology system was developed over the past several years by EADS Astrium (Friedrichshafen) in cooperation with the Humboldt-University (Berlin) and the university of applied science Konstanz (HTWG-Konstanz). The noise performance was tested at frequencies between 10-4 and 3 Hz, the noise levels are below 1 nm/Hz 1/2 for translation and below 1 μrad/Hz1/2, for tilt measurements. For frequencies higher than 10 mHz noise levels below 5pm/Hz1/2 and 4 nrad/Hz1/2 respectively, were demonstrated. Based on this highly sensitive metrology system we also developed a dilatometer for the characterization of the CTE (coefficient of thermal expansion) of various materials, i.e. CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced plastic) or Zerodur. The currently achieved sensitivity of these measurements is better than 10-7 K-1. Future planned applications of the interferometer include ultra-high-precision surface profiling and characterization of actuator noise in low-noise opto-mechanics setups. We will give an overview of the current experimental setup and the latest measurement results.

DEAD ZONE IN THE POLAR-CAP ACCELERATOR OF PULSARS

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

Chen, Alexander Y.; Beloborodov, Andrei M.

We study plasma flows above pulsar polar caps using time-dependent simulations of plasma particles in the self-consistent electric field. The flow behavior is controlled by the dimensionless parameter {alpha} = j/c{rho}{sub GJ}, where j is the electric current density and {rho}{sub GJ} is the Goldreich-Julian charge density. The region of the polar cap where 0 < {alpha} < 1 is a {sup d}ead zone{sup -}in this zone, particle acceleration is inefficient and pair creation is not expected even for young, rapidly rotating pulsars. Pulsars with polar caps near the rotation axis are predicted to have a hollow-cone structure of radiomore » emission, as the dead zone occupies the central part of the polar cap. Our results apply to charge-separated flows of electrons (j < 0) or ions (j > 0). In the latter case, we consider the possibility of a mixed flow consisting of different ion species, and observe the development of two-stream instability. The dead zone at the polar cap is essential for the development of an outer gap near the null surface {rho}{sub GJ} = 0.« less

Inhibition of Epstein-Barr virus reactivation by the flavonoid apigenin.

PubMed

Wu, Chung-Chun; Fang, Chih-Yeu; Cheng, Yu-Jhen; Hsu, Hui-Yu; Chou, Sheng-Ping; Huang, Sheng-Yen; Tsai, Ching-Hwa; Chen, Jen-Yang

2017-01-05

Lytic reactivation of EBV has been reported to play an important role in human diseases, including NPC carcinogenesis. Inhibition of EBV reactivation is considered to be of great benefit in the treatment of virus-associated diseases. For this purpose, we screened for inhibitory compounds and found that apigenin, a flavonoid, seemed to have the ability to inhibit EBV reactivation. We performed western blotting, immunofluorescence and luciferase analyses to determine whether apigenin has anti-EBV activity. Apigenin inhibited expression of the EBV lytic proteins, Zta, Rta, EAD and DNase in epithelial and B cells. It also reduced the number of EBV-reactivating cells detectable by immunofluorescence analysis. In addition, apigenin has been found to reduce dramatically the production of EBV virions. Luciferase reporter analysis was performed to determine the mechanism by which apigenin inhibits EBV reactivation: apigenin suppressed the activity of the immediate-early (IE) gene Zta and Rta promoters, suggesting it can block initiation of the EBV lytic cycle. Taken together, apigenin inhibits EBV reactivation by suppressing the promoter activities of two viral IE genes, suggesting apigenin is a potential dietary compound for prevention of EBV reactivation.

Comparison of Experimental Data and Computations Fluid Dynamics Analysis for a Three Dimensional Linear Plug Nozzle

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ruf, J. H.; Hagemann, G.; Immich, H.

2003-01-01

A three dimensional linear plug nozzle of area ratio 12.79 was designed by EADS Space Transportation (former Astrium Space Infrastructure). The nozzle was tested within the German National Technology Program 'LION' in a cold air wind tunnel by TU Dresden. The experimental hardware and test conditions are described. Experimental data was obtained for the nozzle without plug side wall fences at a nozzle pressure ratio of 116 and then with plug side wall fences at NPR 110. Schlieren images were recorded and axial profiles of plug wall static pressures were measured at several spanwise locations and on the plug base. Detailed CFD analysis was performed for these nozzle configurations at NPR 116 by NASA MSFC. The CFD exhibits good agreement with the experimental data. A detailed comparison of the CFD results and the experimental plug wall pressure data are given. Comparisons are made for both the without and with plug side wall fence configurations. Numerical results for density gradient are compared to experimental Schlieren images. Experimental nozzle thrust efficiencies are calculated based on the CFD results. The CFD results are used to illustrate the plug nozzle fluid dynamics. The effect of the plug side wall is emphasized.

Floral volatiles in a sapromyiophilous plant and their importance in attracting house fly pollinators.

PubMed

Zito, Pietro; Dötterl, Stefan; Sajeva, Maurizio

2015-04-01

Floral scent in sapromyiophilous plants often consists of complex blends with not only fetid (e.g., sulfides) but also sweet (e.g., terpenoids) volatile organic compounds, and a recent study suggests that both groups of compounds are involved in pollinator attraction. However, little is known about the number and identity of compounds involved in pollinator attraction in these deceptive plants that mimic breeding sites of fly pollinators. In the present paper, we studied flower volatiles of sapromyiophilous Periploca laevigata and their capability to elicit biological responses in one of the pollinator species, Musca domestica. Floral volatiles were collected by dynamic headspace and analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS), and electrophysiological (GC/EAD) and behavioral assays (two choice olfactometer) were conducted. In the floral scent of P. laevigata, we detected 44 compounds, of which indole, β-caryophyllene, and germacrene D, as well as dimethyl trisulfide, which was present in trace amounts, were electrophysiologically active in the antennae of M. domestica. However, when we evaluated in behavioral experiments the attractiveness of the electrophysiologically active compounds (complete mixture against partial mixtures or against single compounds), we found that indole was the only attractive compound for the flies.

Antennal responses of an oligolectic bee and its cleptoparasite to plant volatiles.

PubMed

Dötterl, Stefan

2008-05-01

Cleptoparasitic or cuckoo bees lay their eggs in nests of other bees, and the parasitic larvae feed the food that had been provided for the host larvae. Nothing is known about the specific signals used by the cuckoo bees for host nest finding, but previous studies have shown that olfactory cues originating from the host bee alone, or the host bee and the larval provision are essential. Here, I compared by using gas chromatography coupled to electroantennographic detection (GC-EAD) the antennal responses of the oligolectic oil-bee Macropis fulvipes and their cleptoparasite, Epeoloides coecutiens, to dynamic headspace scent samples of Lysimachia punctata, a pollen and oil host of Macropis. Both bee species respond to some scent compounds emitted by L. punctata, and two compounds, which were also found in scent samples collected from a Macropis nest entrance, elicited clear signals in the antennae of both species. These compounds may not only play a role for host plant detection by Macropis, but also for host nest detection by Epeoloides. I hypothesise that oligolectic bees and their cleptoparasites use the same compounds for host plant and host nest detection, respectively.

Valorisation of Sugarcane Bagasse Ash in the Manufacture of Lime-Stabilized Blocks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

James, Jijo; Pandian, Pitchai Kasinatha

2016-06-01

The study investigated the potential of lime in the manufacture of stabilized soil blocks and the valorisation of a solid waste, Bagasse Ash (BA), in its manufacture. A locally available soil was collected from a field and characterized in the soil laboratory as a clay of intermediate plasticity. This soil was stabilized using lime, the quantity of which was determined from the Eades and Grim pH test. The soil was stabilized using this lime content, amended with various BA contents during mixing, and moulded into blocks of 19 cm x 9 cm x 9 cm. The blocks were then moist cured for a period of 28 days, following which they were subjected to compressive strength, water absorption and efflorescence tests. The results of the tests revealed that the addition of BA resulted in enhanced compressive strength of the blocks, increased the water absorption marginally, and resulted in no efflorescence in any of the combinations, although the limited combinations in the study could not produce enough strength to meet the specifications of the Bureau of Indian Standards. The study revealed that BA can be effectively valorised in the manufacture of stabilized soil blocks.

Adsorption mechanism of SF6 decomposed species on pyridine-like PtN3 embedded CNT: A DFT study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cui, Hao; Zhang, Xiaoxing; Chen, Dachang; Tang, Ju

2018-07-01

Metal-Nx embedded CNT have aroused considerable attention in the field of gas interaction due to their strong catalytic behavior, which provides prospective scopes for gas adsorption and sensing. Detecting SF6 decomposed species in certain devices is essential to guarantee their safe operation. In this work, we performed DFT method and simulated the adsorption of three SF6 decomposed gases (SO2, SOF2 and SO2F2) onto the PtN3 embedded CNT surface, in order to shed light on its adsorption ability and sensing mechanism. Results suggest that the CNT embedded with PtN3 center has strong interaction with these gas molecules, leading to high hybridization between Pt dopant and active atoms inner gas molecules. These interactions are assumed to be chemisorption due to the remarkable Ead and QT, thus resulting in dramatic deformations in electronic structure of PtN3-CNT near the Fermi level. Furthermore, the electronic redistribution cause the conductivity increase of proposed material in three systems, based on frontier molecular orbital theory. Our calculations attempt to suggest novel sensing material that are potentially employed in detection of SF6 decomposed components.

Towards a robust methodology to assess coastal impacts and adaptation policies for Europe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vousdoukas, Michalis; Voukouvalas, Evangelos; Mentaschi, Lorenzo; Feyen, Luc

2016-04-01

The present contribution aims to present preliminary results from efforts towards (i) the development of the integrated risk assessment tool LISCoAsT for Europe (Large scale Integrated Sea-level and Coastal Assessment Tool); (ii) the assessment of coastal risk along the European coastline in view of climate change; and (iii) the development and application of a robust methodology to evaluate adaptation options for the European coastline under climate change scenarios. The overall approach builds on the disaster risk methodology proposed by the IPCC SREX (2012) report, defining risk as the combination of hazard, exposure and vulnerability. Substantial effort has been put in all the individual components of the risk assessment chain, including: (1) the development of dynamic scenarios of catastrophic coastal hazards (e.g., storm surges, sea-level rise) in view of climate change; (2) quantification, mapping and forecasting exposure and vulnerability in coastal areas; (3) carrying out a bottom-up, highly disaggregated assessment of climate impacts on coastal areas in Europe in view of global warming; (4) estimating the costs and assessing the effectiveness of different adaptation options. Projections indicate that, by the end of this century, sea levels in Europe will rise on average between 45 and 70 cm; while projections of coastal hazard showed that for some European regions, the increased storminess can be an additional significant driver of further risk. Projections of increasing extreme storm surge levels (SSL) were even more pronounced under the business-as-usual RCP8.5 concentration pathway, in particular along the Northern Europe coastline. The above are also reflected in the coastal impact projections, which show a significant increase in the expected annual damage (EAD) from coastal flooding. The present EAD for Europe of 800 million €/year is projected to increase up to 2.4 and 3.2 billion €/year by 2040 under RCP 4.5 and 8.5, respectively, and to 11

Nitroxyl Radical plus Hydroxylamine Pseudo Self-Exchange Reactions: Tunneling in Hydrogen Atom Transfer

PubMed Central

Wu, Adam; Mader, Elizabeth A.; Datta, Ayan; Hrovat, David A.; Borden, Weston Thatcher; Mayer, James M.

2009-01-01

Bimolecular rate constants have been measured for reactions that involve hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) from hydroxylamines to nitroxyl radicals, using the stable radicals TEMPO• (2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl radical), 4-oxo-TEMPO• (2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-oxo-piperidine-1-oxyl radical), di-tert-butylnitroxyl (tBu2NO•), and the hydroxylamines TEMPO-H, 4-oxo-TEMPO-H, 4-MeO-TEMPO-H (2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-N-hydroxy-4-methoxy-piperidine), and tBu2NOH. The reactions have been monitored by UV-vis stopped-flow methods, using the different optical spectra of nitroxyl radicals. The HAT reactions all have |ΔGo| ≤ 1.4 kcal mol−1 and therefore are close to self-exchange reactions. The reaction of 4-oxo-TEMPO• + TEMPO-H → 4-oxo-TEMPO-H + TEMPO• occurs with k2H,MeCN = 10 ± 1 M−1 s−1 in MeCN at 298 K (K2H,MeCN = 4.5 ± 1.8). Surprisingly, the rate constant for the analogous deuterium atom transfer reaction is much slower: k2D,MeCN = 0.44 ± 0.05 M−1 s−1 with k2H,MeCN/k2D,MeCN = 23 ± 3 at 298 K. The same large kinetic isotope effect (KIE) is found in CH2Cl2, 23 ± 4, suggesting that the large KIE is not caused by solvent dynamics or hydrogen bonding to solvent. The related reaction of 4-oxo-TEMPO• with 4-MeO-TEMPO-H(D) also has a large KIE, k3H/k3D = 21 ± 3 in MeCN. For these three reactions, the EaD – EaH values, between 0.3 ± 0.6 and 1.3 ± 0.6 kcal mol−1, and the log(AH/AD) values, between 0.5 ± 0.7 and 1.1 ± 0.6, indicate that hydrogen tunneling plays an important role. The related reaction of tBu2NO• + TEMPO-H(D) in MeCN has a large KIE, 16 ± 3 in MeCN, and very unusual isotopic activation parameters, EaD – EaH = −2.6 ± 0.4 and log(AH/AD) = 3.1 ± 0.6. Computational studies, using POLYRATE, also indicate substantial tunneling in the (CH3)2NO• + (CH3)2NOH model reaction for the experimental self-exchange processes. Additional calculations on TEMPO(•/H), tBu2NO(•/H), and Ph2NO(•/H) self-exchange reactions reveal why the

Integrated Nuclear and Conventional Theater Warfare Simulation (INWARS) Documentation. Part IV. User’s Manual Component. Volume III. EAD C2I Inputs.

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-02-08

hours 0 Input Format: Integer b. Creatina Rescource Allocation Blocks The creation of a specific resource allocation block as a directive component is...is directed. 0 Range: N/A . Input Format: INT/NUC/CHM b. Creatina Employment Packages An employment package block has the structure portrayed in Figure

The Relationship between Home Environment and Children's Dietary Behaviors, Lifestyle Factors, and Health: Super Food Education School Project by the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology.

PubMed

Nakahori, Nobue; Sekine, Michikazu; Yamada, Masaaki; Tatsuse, Takashi

2016-01-01

Objectives The numbers of nuclear families and working women have been increasing. Such changes in the home environment may affect children's dietary behaviors, lifestyle factors, and health. This study aims to clarify the associations between the home environment and children's dietary behaviors, lifestyle factors, and health.Methods In July 2014, we questioned the students and parents of five elementary schools that joined the Super Food Education School Project in Takaoka City, Toyama Prefecture. Of 2057 subjects, 1936 (94.1%) answered and 1719 of these subjects were analyzed. In this study, the phrase "home environment" describes such terms as "mother's employment status", "family structure", "subjective economic state", "communication between parents and children", "having breakfast or supper with family", "household chores by children", "parents' awareness of food education", "regard for balanced nutrition", and "teaching table manners". We performed logistic-regression analyses using children's dietary behaviors, lifestyle factors, and health as dependent variables; the items relating to home environment were independent variables.Results Children with parents who are employed, those who do not have breakfast or supper with family, those who do not help with household chores, and those with parents who are less conscious of food education were more likely to eat fewer vegetables, to have likes and dislikes of foods, to skip breakfast, and to have snacks. Children who have little communication with their parents, who do not help with household chores, and those with parents who are less conscious of food education were less likely to exercise, sleep well, spend less time with television, and spend less time on playing videogames. Children with less affluence, those who have little communication with their parents, those who do not help with household chores, and those with parents who are less conscious of food education were less likely to have high

Risk management and lessons learned solutions for satellite product assurance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Larrère, Jean-Luc

2004-08-01

The historic trend of the space industry towards lower cost programmes and more generally a better economic efficiency raises a difficult question to the quality assurance community: how to achieve the same—or better—mission success rate while drastically reducing the cost of programmes, hence the cost and level of quality assurance activities. EADS Astrium Earth Observation and Science (France) Business Unit have experimented Risk Management and Lessons Learned on their satellite programmes to achieve this goal. Risk analysis and management are deployed from the programme proposal phase through the development and operations phases. Results of the analysis and the corresponding risk mitigation actions are used to tailor the product assurance programme and activities. Lessons learned have been deployed as a systematic process to collect positive and negative experience from past and on-going programmes and feed them into new programmes. Monitoring and justification of their implementation in programmes is done under supervision from the BU quality assurance function. Control of the system is ensured by the company internal review system. Deployment of these methods has shown that the quality assurance function becomes more integrated in the programme team and development process and that its tasks gain focus and efficiency while minimising the risks associated with new space programmes.

A high sensitivity heterodyne interferometer as a possible optical readout for the LISA gravitational reference sensor and its application to technology verification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gohlke, Martin; Schuldt, Thilo; Weise, Dennis; Cordero, Jorge; Peters, Achim; Johann, Ulrich; Braxmaier, Claus

2017-11-01

The gravitational wave detector LISA utilizes as current baseline a high sensitivity Optical Readout (ORO) for measuring the relative position and tilt of a free flying proof mass with respect to the satellite housing. The required sensitivities in the frequency band from 30 μHz to 1Hz are ˜ pm/ √ Hz for the translation√ and nrad/√ Hz for the tilt measurement. EADS Astrium, in collaboration with the Humboldt University Berlin and the University of Applied Sciences Konstanz, has realized a prototype ORO over the past years. The interferometer is based on a highly symmetric design where both, measurement and reference beam have a similar optical pathlength, and the same frequency and polarization. The technique of differential wavefront sensing (DWS) for tilt measurement is implemented. With our setup noise levels below 5pm/ √Hz for translation and below 10nrad/ √Hz for tilt measurements - both for frequencies above 10mHz - were demonstrated. We give an overview over the experimental setup, its current performance and the planned improvements. We also discuss the application to first verification of critical LISA aspects. As example we present measurements of the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of various carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) including a "near-zero-CTE" tube.

TerraSAR-X interferometry reveals small-scale deformation associated with the summit eruption of Kīlauea Volcano, Hawai`i

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Richter, Nicole; Poland, Michael P.; Lundgren, Paul R.

2013-04-01

On 19 March 2008, a small explosive eruption at the summit of Kīlauea Volcano, Hawai`i, heralded the formation of a new vent along the east wall of Halema`uma`u Crater. In the ensuing years, the vent widened due to collapses of the unstable rim and conduit wall; some collapses impacted an actively circulating lava pond and resulted in small explosive events. We used synthetic aperture radar data collected by the TerraSAR-X satellite, a joint venture between the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and EADS Astrium, to identify and analyze small-scale surface deformation around the new vent during 2008-2012. Lidar data were used to construct a digital elevation model to correct for topographic phase, allowing us to generate differential interferograms with a spatial resolution of about 3 m in Kīlauea's summit area. These interferograms reveal subsidence within about 100 m of the rim of the vent. Small baseline subset time series analysis suggests that the subsidence rate is not constant and, over time, may provide an indication of vent stability and potential for rim and wall collapse—information with obvious hazard implications. The deformation is not currently detectable by other space- or ground-based techniques.

Optical system for the Protein Crystallisation Diagnostics Facility (PCDF) on board the ISS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Joannes, Luc; Dupont, Olivier; Dewandel, Jean-Luc; Ligot, Renaud; Algrain, Hervé

2004-06-01

The Protein Crystallisation Diagnostic Facility (PCDF) is a multi-user facility to study the protein crystallisation under the conditions of micro-gravity onboard the International Space Station (ISS) Columbus facility. Large size protein crystals will growth under reduced gravity in thermally controlled reactors. A combination of diagnostic tools like video system, microscope, interferometer, and light scattering device shall help to understand the growth phenomena. Common methods of protein crystallisation shall be performed in PCDF: Dialysis where the protein solution and the salt solution are separated by a semi-permeable membrane. Extended Length Dialysis Batch where the saturation to get crystals is achieved by changing the concentration of the protein in the sample liquid. The overall ESA project is leaded by EADS Space Transportation, Friedrichshafen, Germany. Lambda-X is responsible for the Optical System (OS), with Verhaert Design and Development as sub-contractor for the mechanical design. The OS includes different compact parts: Original illumination systems based on LEDs of difference colours; Quantitative Mach-Zehnder interferometers to measure the concentration distribution around crystals; Imaging assemblies to visualize the protein volume with different field of views. The paper concentrates on the description of each part, and in particular on the imaging assembly which allow switching from one field of view to another by passive elements only.

TerraSAR-X interferometry reveals small-scale deformation associated with the summit eruption of Kilauea Volcano, Hawai‘i

USGS Publications Warehouse

Richter, Nichole; Poland, Michael P.; Lundgren, Paul R.

2013-01-01

On 19 March 2008, a small explosive eruption at the summit of Kīlauea Volcano, Hawai‘i, heralded the formation of a new vent along the east wall of Halema‘uma‘u Crater. In the ensuing years, the vent widened due to collapses of the unstable rim and conduit wall; some collapses impacted an actively circulating lava pond and resulted in small explosive events. We used synthetic aperture radar data collected by the TerraSAR-X satellite, a joint venture between the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and EADS Astrium, to identify and analyze small-scale surface deformation around the new vent during 2008-2012. Lidar data were used to construct a digital elevation model to correct for topographic phase, allowing us to generate differential interferograms with a spatial resolution of about 3 m in Kīlauea's summit area. These interferograms reveal subsidence within about 100 m of the rim of the vent. Small baseline subset time series analysis suggests that the subsidence rate is not constant and, over time, may provide an indication of vent stability and potential for rim and wall collapse -- information with obvious hazard implications. The deformation is not currently detectable by other space- or ground-based techniques.

A major host plant volatile, 1-octen-3-ol, contributes to mating in the legume pod borer, Maruca vitrata (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bendera, M.; Ekesi, S.; Ndung'u, M.; Srinivasan, R.; Torto, B.

2015-10-01

Previous studies on the legume pod borer, Maruca vitrata Fabricius (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), a serious pest of cowpea, Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. (Fabales: Fabaceae), in sub-Saharan Africa have focused on sex pheromones, but the role of the host plant on sexual behavior has not been explored. We investigated this interaction in the laboratory using behavioral assays and chemical analyses. We found that the presence of cowpea seedlings and a dichloromethane extract of the leaf increased coupling in the legume pod borer by 33 and 61 %, respectively, compared to the control, suggesting the involvement of both contact and olfactory cues. We used coupled gas chromatography-electroantennographic detection (GC/EAD) and GC-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) to identify compounds from the cowpea leaf extract, detected by M. vitrata antenna. We found that the antennae of the insect consistently detected four components, with 1-octen-3-ol identified as a common and dominant component in both the volatiles released by the intact cowpea plant and leaf extract. We therefore investigated its role in the coupling of M. vitrata. In dose-response assays, 1-octen-3-ol increased coupling in M. vitrata with increasing dose of the compound compared to the control. Our results suggest that the cowpea volatile 1-octen-3-ol contributes to M. vitrata sexual behavior.

Comparative NMR studies of diffusional water permeability of red blood cells from different species: XVIII platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) and saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus).

PubMed

Benga, Gheorghe; Chapman, Bogdan E; Cox, Guy C; Kuchel, Philip W

2010-07-01

As part of a programme of comparative measurements of Pd (diffusional water permeability) the RBCs (red blood cells) from an aquatic monotreme, platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus), and an aquatic reptile, saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) were studied. The mean diameter of platypus RBCs was estimated by light microscopy and found to be approximately 6.3 microm. Pd was measured by using an Mn2+-doping 1H NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) technique. The Pd (cm/s) values were relatively low: approximately 2.1 x 10(-3) at 25 degrees C, 2.5 x 10(-3) at 30 degrees C, 3.4 x 10(-3) at 37 degrees C and 4.5 at 42 degrees C for the platypus RBCs and approximately 2.8 x 10(-3) at 25 degrees C, 3.2 x 10(-3) at 30 degrees C, 4.5 x 10(-3) at 37 degrees C and 5.7 x 10(-3) at 42 degrees C for the crocodile RBCs. In parallel with the low water permeability, the Ea,d (activation energy of water diffusion) was relatively high, approximately 35 kJ/mol. These results suggest that "conventional" WCPs (water channel proteins), or AQPs (aquaporins), are probably absent from the plasma membranes of RBCs from both the platypus and the saltwater crocodile.

High-integrity databases for helicopter operations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pschierer, Christian; Schiefele, Jens; Lüthy, Juerg

2009-05-01

Helicopter Emergency Medical Service missions (HEMS) impose a high workload on pilots due to short preparation time, operations in low level flight, and landings in unknown areas. The research project PILAS, a cooperation between Eurocopter, Diehl Avionics, DLR, EADS, Euro Telematik, ESG, Jeppesen, the Universities of Darmstadt and Munich, and funded by the German government, approached this problem by researching a pilot assistance system which supports the pilots during all phases of flight. The databases required for the specified helicopter missions include different types of topological and cultural data for graphical display on the SVS system, AMDB data for operations at airports and helipads, and navigation data for IFR segments. The most critical databases for the PILAS system however are highly accurate terrain and obstacle data. While RTCA DO-276 specifies high accuracies and integrities only for the areas around airports, HEMS helicopters typically operate outside of these controlled areas and thus require highly reliable terrain and obstacle data for their designated response areas. This data has been generated by a LIDAR scan of the specified test region. Obstacles have been extracted into a vector format. This paper includes a short overview of the complete PILAS system and then focus on the generation of the required high quality databases.

Chemical ecology of obligate pollination mutualisms: testing the 'private channel' hypothesis in the Breynia-Epicephala association.

PubMed

Svensson, Glenn P; Okamoto, Tomoko; Kawakita, Atsushi; Goto, Ryutaro; Kato, Makoto

2010-06-01

*Obligate mutualisms involving actively pollinating seed predators are among the most remarkable insect-plant relationships known, yet almost nothing is known about the chemistry of pollinator attraction in these systems. The extreme species specificity observed in these mutualisms may be maintained by specific chemical compounds through 'private channels'. Here, we tested this hypothesis using the monoecious Breynia vitis-idaea and its host-specific Epicephala pollinator as a model. *Headspace samples were collected from both male and female flowers of the host. Gas chromatography with electroantennographic detection (GC-EAD), coupled gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and olfactometer bioassays were used to identify the floral compounds acting as the pollinator attractant. *Male and female flowers of B. vitis-idaea produced similar sets of general floral compounds, but in different ratios, and male flowers emitted significantly more scent than female flowers. A mixture of 2-phenylethyl alcohol and 2-phenylacetonitrile, the two most abundant compounds in male flowers, was as attractive to female moths as the male flower sample, although the individual compounds were slightly less attractive when tested separately. *Data on the floral scent signals mediating obligate mutualisms involving active pollination are still very limited. We show that system-specific chemistry is not necessary for efficient host location by exclusive pollinators in these tightly coevolved mutualisms.

An olfactory shift is associated with male perfume differentiation and species divergence in orchid bees.

PubMed

Eltz, Thomas; Zimmermann, Yvonne; Pfeiffer, Carolin; Pech, Jorge Ramirez; Twele, Robert; Francke, Wittko; Quezada-Euan, J Javier G; Lunau, Klaus

2008-12-09

Saltational changes may underlie the diversification of pheromone communication systems in insects, which are normally under stabilizing selection favoring high specificity in signals and signal perception. In orchid bees (Euglossini), the production of male signals depends on the sense of smell: males collect complex blends of volatiles (perfumes) from their environment, which are later emitted as pheromone analogs at mating sites. We analyzed the behavioral and antennal response to perfume components in two male morphotypes of Euglossa cf. viridissima from Mexico, which differ in the number of mandibular teeth. Tridentate males collected 2-hydroxy-6-nona-1,3-dienyl-benzaldehyde (HNDB) as the dominant component of their perfume. In bidentate males, blends were broadly similar but lacked HNDB. Population genetic analysis revealed that tri- and bidentate males belong to two reproductively isolated lineages. Electroantennogram tests (EAG and GC-EAD) showed substantially lower antennal responses to HNDB in bidentate versus tridentate males, revealing for the first time a mechanism by which closely related species acquire different chemical compounds from their habitat. The component-specific differences in perfume perception and collection in males of two sibling species are in agreement with a saltational, olfaction-driven mode of signal perfume evolution. However, the response of females to the diverged signals remains unknown.

CSF/serum albumin ratio in dementias: a cross-sectional study on 1861 patients.

PubMed

Skillbäck, Tobias; Delsing, Louise; Synnergren, Jane; Mattsson, Niklas; Janelidze, Shorena; Nägga, Katarina; Kilander, Lena; Hicks, Ryan; Wimo, Anders; Winblad, Bengt; Hansson, Oskar; Blennow, Kaj; Eriksdotter, Maria; Zetterberg, Henrik

2017-11-01

A connection between dementias and blood-brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction has been suggested, but previous studies have yielded conflicting results. We examined cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)/serum albumin ratio in a large cohort of patients diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease (AD, early onset [EAD, n = 130], late onset AD [LAD, n = 666]), vascular dementia (VaD, n = 255), mixed AD and VaD (MIX, n = 362), Lewy body dementia (DLB, n = 50), frontotemporal dementia (FTD, n = 56), Parkinson's disease dementia (PDD, n = 23), other dementias (other, n = 48), and dementia not otherwise specified (NOS, n = 271). We compared CSF/serum albumin ratio to 2 healthy control groups (n = 292, n = 20), between dementia diagnoses, and tested biomarker associations. Patients in DLB, LAD, VaD, MIX, other, and NOS groups had higher CSF/serum albumin ratio than controls. CSF/serum albumin ratio correlated with CSF neurofilament light in LAD, MIX, VaD, and other groups but not with AD biomarkers. Our data show that BBB leakage is common in dementias. The lack of association between CSF/serum albumin ratio and AD biomarkers suggests that BBB dysfunction is not inherent to AD but might represent concomitant cerebrovascular pathology. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Space Shuttle Main Engine structural analysis and data reduction/evaluation. Volume 2: High pressure oxidizer turbo-pump turbine end bearing analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sisk, Gregory A.

1989-01-01

The high-pressure oxidizer turbopump (HPOTP) consists of two centrifugal pumps, on a common shaft, that are directly driven by a hot-gas turbine. Pump shaft axial thrust is balanced in that the double-entry main inducer/impeller is inherently balanced and the thrusts of the preburner pump and turbine are nearly equal but opposite. Residual shaft thrust is controlled by a self-compensating, non-rubbing, balance piston. Shaft hang-up must be avoided if the balance piston is to perform properly. One potential cause of shaft hang-up is contact between the Phase 2 bearing support and axial spring cartridge of the HPOTP main pump housing. The status of the bearing support/axial spring cartridge interface is investigated under current loading conditions. An ANSYS version 4.3, three-dimensional, finite element model was generated on Lockheed's VAX 11/785 computer. A nonlinear thermal analysis was then executed on the Marshall Space Flight Center Engineering Analysis Data System (EADS). These thermal results were then applied along with the interference fit and bolt preloads to the model as load conditions for a static analysis to determine the gap status of the bearing support/axial spring cartridge interface. For possible further analysis of the local regions of HPOTP main pump housing assembly, detailed ANSYS submodels were generated using I-DEAS Geomod and Supertab (Appendix A).

Anatomy of a hash-based long read sequence mapping algorithm for next generation DNA sequencing.

PubMed

Misra, Sanchit; Agrawal, Ankit; Liao, Wei-keng; Choudhary, Alok

2011-01-15

Recently, a number of programs have been proposed for mapping short reads to a reference genome. Many of them are heavily optimized for short-read mapping and hence are very efficient for shorter queries, but that makes them inefficient or not applicable for reads longer than 200 bp. However, many sequencers are already generating longer reads and more are expected to follow. For long read sequence mapping, there are limited options; BLAT, SSAHA2, FANGS and BWA-SW are among the popular ones. However, resequencing and personalized medicine need much faster software to map these long sequencing reads to a reference genome to identify SNPs or rare transcripts. We present AGILE (AliGnIng Long rEads), a hash table based high-throughput sequence mapping algorithm for longer 454 reads that uses diagonal multiple seed-match criteria, customized q-gram filtering and a dynamic incremental search approach among other heuristics to optimize every step of the mapping process. In our experiments, we observe that AGILE is more accurate than BLAT, and comparable to BWA-SW and SSAHA2. For practical error rates (< 5%) and read lengths (200-1000 bp), AGILE is significantly faster than BLAT, SSAHA2 and BWA-SW. Even for the other cases, AGILE is comparable to BWA-SW and several times faster than BLAT and SSAHA2. http://www.ece.northwestern.edu/~smi539/agile.html.

Dust fluxes linked to intensification of Prevailing Westerlies and Trade Winds stimulated Ethmodiscus rex giant diatom blooms in the southern Mariana Trench, western tropical Pacific at onset of the Last Glacial Maximum

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, D.; Luo, M.; Algeo, T. J.; Chen, L.

2017-12-01

The strontium (Sr) and neodymium (Nd) isotope compositions and clay-mineral assemblages of the detrital fraction of sediments in the southern Mariana Trench together with major- and trace-elements concentrations of bulk sediments have been determined to trace the sediment provenance and investigate the relationship between Asian dust input and blooms of the giant diatom Ethmodiscus rex. Enrichment of barium (Ba) in relative to upper continental crust (UCC) and low average Rb/K ratios in all study cores point to both hydrothermal and volcaniclastic inputs to the sediments. Both the Sr-Nd isotope compositions and the clay-mineral assemblages of the detrital fraction reflect a two-component mixing system consisting of Mariana arc volcaniclastics and eolian Asian dust. A decrease in smectite content and an increase in illite content just before formation of laminated diatom mats (LDMs) suggest a change in the source of the eolian dust from eastern Asian deserts (EADs) to central Asian deserts (CADs) at the onset of the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). This observation suggests a causal linkage between atmospheric circulation patterns, the sources of eolian Asian dust, and marine productivity in the western Pacific region. We postulate that the shift to CAD-sourced dust may have played a greater role in promoting biological productivity in the oligotrophic western Pacific Ocean during the LGM than previously realized.

A review of the flea genus Phalacropsylla Rothschild, 1915 (Siphonaptera, Ctenophthalmidae, Neopsyllinae, Phalacropsyllini) with new host and distributional records

PubMed Central

Acosta, Roxana; Hastriter, Michael W.

2017-01-01

Abstract A redescription of the genus Phalacropsylla Rothschild is provided. Six species are recognized: Phalacropsylla allos Wagner, P. hamata Tipton and Mendez, P. morlani Eads and Campos, P. nivalis Barrera and Traub, P. oregonensis Lewis and Maser, and P. paradisea Rothschild. Phalacropsylla hamata is designated herein as a junior synonym of P. paradisea. The distribution of P. paradisea is more extensive than previously thought, extending from Arizona through southern Colorado, into New Mexico, Texas, and northern Mexico (State of Nuevo León). It is the least host-specific of all species of Phalacropsylla, occurring on 13 different host species including cricetid, heteromyid, murid, and sciurid rodents and several carnivores, although it most commonly occurs on Neotoma albigula Hartley. The range of P. oregonensis is expanded from eastern Oregon to southeastern Idaho. Numerous records are documented for the most common and ubiquitous species, P. allos, which is found in British Columbia, central to northern California, Idaho, Montana, Colorado, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming, Arizona, and New Mexico. Neotoma cinerea Ord is the principal host of P. allos. Phalacropsylla allos is a winter flea west of the Rocky Mountains, but it has been reported in warmer months of the year on the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains in Larimer County, Colorado. A distribution map and key are provided for all species in the genus Phalacropsylla. PMID:28769677

Structure-Function Based Molecular Relationships in Ewing's Sarcoma

PubMed Central

2015-01-01

Ewing's Sarcoma Oncogene (ews) on chromosome 22q12 is encoding a ubiquitously expressed RNA-binding protein (EWS) with unknown function that is target of tumor-specific chromosomal translocations in Ewing's sarcoma family of tumors. A model of transcription complex was proposed in which the heterodimer Rpb4/7 binds to EAD, connecting it to Core RNA Pol II. The DNA-binding domain, provided by EFP, is bound to the promoter. Rpb4/7 binds RNA, stabilizing the transcription complex. The complex Rpb4/7 can stabilize the preinitiation complexes by converting the conformation of RNA Pol II. EWS may change its conformation, so that NTD becomes accessible. Two different mechanisms of interaction between EWS and RNA Pol II are proposed: (I) an intermolecular EWS-EWS interaction between two molecules, pushing conformation from “closed” to “open” state, or (II) an intramolecular interaction inside the molecule of EWS, pushing conformation of the molecule from “closed” to “open” state. The modified forms of EWS may interact with Pol II subunits hsRpb5 and hsRpb7. The EWS and EFPs binding partners are described schematically in a model, an attempt to link the transcription with the splicing. The proposed model helps to understand the functional molecular interactions in cancer, to find new partners and ways to treat cancer. PMID:25688366

Spanish Earth Observation Satellite System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Borges, A.; Cerezo, F.; Fernandez, M.; Lomba, J.; Lopez, M.; Moreno, J.; Neira, A.; Quintana, C.; Torres, J.; Trigo, R.; Urena, J.; Vega, E.; Vez, E.

2010-12-01

The Spanish Ministry of Industry, Tourism and Trade (MITyC) and the Ministry of Defense (MoD) signed an agreement in 2007 for the development of a "Spanish Earth Observation Satellite System" based, in first instance, on two satellites: a high resolution optical satellite, called SEOSAT/Ingenio, and a radar satellite based on SAR technology, called SEOSAR/Paz. SEOSAT/Ingenio is managed by MITyC through the Centre for the Development of Industrial Technology (CDTI), with technical and contractual support from the European Space Agency (ESA). HISDESA T together with the Spanish Instituto Nacional de Técnica Aeroespacial (INTA, National Institute for Aerospace Technology) will be responsible for the in-orbit operation and the commercial operation of both satellites, and for the technical management of SEOSAR/Paz on behalf of the MoD. In both cases EADS CASA Espacio (ECE) is the prime contractor leading the industrial consortia. The ground segment development will be assigned to a Spanish consortium. This system is the most important contribution of Spain to the European Programme Global Monitoring for Environment and Security, GMES. This paper presents the Spanish Earth Observation Satellite System focusing on SEOSA T/Ingenio Programme and with special emphasis in the potential contribution to the ESA Third Party Missions Programme and to the Global Monitoring for Environment and Security initiative (GMES) Data Access.

The adsorption of Run (n = 1-4) on γ-Al2O3 Surface: A DFT study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Zhe; Guo, Yafei; Chen, Yu; Shen, Rong

2018-05-01

The density functional theory (DFT) was adopted to study the adsorption and growth of Run (n = 1-4) clusters on γ-Al2O3 surface, which is of great significances for the design of many important catalysts, especially for carbon dioxide methanation. It is found that both the Rusbnd Ru bond length and adsorption energy Eads of Ru clusters with the surface increase with the Run clusters increasing. The growth ability of the supported Run cluster is weaker than the gas phase Run clusters through comparing their respective growth process, which ascribes to the stabilization of γ-Al2O3 support. An interesting discovery is that the basin structure was supposed to be the most favorable adsorption geometry for Run clusters. Additionally, the distances between Ru atoms in the adsorbed clusters are longer than that in their isolated counterparts. Bader charge analysis was conducted for the most stable configurations of Run (n = 1-4) clusters on γ-Al2O3 surface as well. And the results suggest that Run (n = 1-4) clusters serve as the electron donators. The result of projected density of states (PDOS) shows that strong adsorption of Ru atom on the γ-Al2O3 surface correlates with strong interaction between d orbital of Ru atom and p orbital of Al or O atom of the Al2O3 support.

Identification of host fruit volatiles from flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) attractive to dogwood-origin Rhagoletis pomonella flies.

PubMed

Nojima, Satoshi; Linn, Charles; Roelofs, Wendell

2003-10-01

Solid-phase microextraction and gas chromatography coupled with electroantennographic detection were used to identify volatiles from fruit of flowering dogwood, Cornus florida, as key attractants for Rhagoletis pomonella flies originating from dogwood fruit. A six-component blend containing ethyl acetate (54.9%), 3-methylbutan-1-ol (27.5%), isoamyl acetate (0.9%), dimethyl trisulfide (1.9%), 1-octen-3-ol (9.1%), and beta-caryophyllene (5.8%) was identified from flowering dogwood fruit that gave consistent EAD activity. In a flight tunnel assay there was no significant difference in the response of individual dogwood flies exhibiting upwind anemotactic flight to volatile extracts from dogwood fruit and the six-component synthetic mixture. Dogwood flies also displayed significantly greater levels of upwind flight to sources with the dogwood volatile blend than with previously identified volatile blends from domestic apple or hawthorn fruit. Selected subtraction assays showed that the three-component mixture of 3-methylbutan-1-ol, 1-octen-3-ol, and beta-caryophyllene elicited levels of upwind flight to the source equivalent to the six-component mixture. Our study adds to previous ones showing that populations of Rhagoletis pomonella flies infesting apple, hawthorn, and flowering dogwood fruit are attracted to unique mixtures of fruit volatiles, supporting the hypothesis that host fruit odors could be key traits in sympatric host shifts and establishing host fidelity within members of the Rhagoletis pomonella species complex.

PRE_X Programme: Aerothermodynamic Objectives and Aeroshape Definition for in Flight Experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lambert, O.; Tribot, J.-P.; Saint-Cloud, F.

2002-01-01

As the expendable launch vehicles (ELV) are limited in their trend to lower costs, the reusability (Reusable Launch Vehicle, RLV) could be the way to make drastic step. By the year 2001, CNES proposed through the ANGEL phase 1 programme to preprare the required technical maturity before that RLV's become alternatives to ELV's. In such way, system ,propulsion, ground based demonstrations, aero-thermo-dynamics as well as in flight experimentation are planned. This paper is focused on the aero-thermo-dynamics (ATD) and in flight demonstration activities with emphasis on the better understanding of ATD problems emerging from past programmes among them shock wave transitionnal boundary layer interaction on surface control, boundary layer transition, local aerothermodynamic effects, gas- surface interaction, catalycity, base flow prediction,...In order to minimize as small as possible the management risk a first generation of vehicle dubbed Pre_X is designed to validate technological choices and to have as soon as possible re-entry data to calibrate the various tools involved in the future RLV definition. In addition, the main requirement for PRE_X aeroshape definition and the two different design approaches considered by Dassault Aviation and EADS-LV are discussed. Then, the more promising concept for the PRE_X application is presented. Finally, the current status of the ATD activities is given as well as the perspectives.

Simultaneous Determination of Benzene and Toluene in Pesticide Emulsifiable Concentrate by Headspace GC-MS

PubMed Central

Jiang, Hua; Yang, Jing; Fan, Li; Li, Fengmin; Huang, Qiliang

2013-01-01

The toxic inert ingredients in pesticide formulations are strictly regulated in many countries. In this paper, a simple and efficient headspace-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HSGC-MS) method using fluorobenzene as an internal standard (IS) for rapid simultaneous determination of benzene and toluene in pesticide emulsifiable concentrate (EC) was established. The headspace and GC-MS conditions were investigated and developed. A nonpolar fused silica Rtx-5 capillary column (30 m × 0.20 mm i.d. and 0.25 μm film thickness) with temperature programming was used. Under optimized headspace conditions, equilibration temperature of 120°C, equilibration time of 5 min, and sample size of 50 μL, the regression of the peak area ratios of benzene and toluene to IS on the concentrations of analytes fitted a linear relationship well at the concentration levels ranging from 3.2 g/L to 16.0 g/L. Standard additions of benzene and toluene to blank different matrix solutions 1ead to recoveries of 100.1%–109.5% with a relative standard deviation (RSD) of 0.3%–8.1%. The method presented here stands out as simple and easily applicable, which provides a way for the determination of toxic volatile adjuvant in liquid pesticide formulations. PMID:23607048

Adsorption of ion pairs onto graphene flakes and impacts of counterions during the adsorption processes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Chang; Yun, Jiena; Wang, Qian; Yang, Gang

2018-03-01

Although cations and anions are two integral constituents for all electrolytes, adsorption of ion pairs onto carbonaceous materials gains obviously less attention than adsorption of only cations or anions. Here DFT calculations are employed finding that four adsorption configurations emerge for KI onto graphene flakes (GF) instead of three for the other ion pairs. Reservation of ionic bonds is critical to their stabilities, and the bilateral configurations, where GFs couple with both cations and anions, are disfavored due to rupture of ionic bonds. Relative stabilities of two vertical configurations can be regulated and even reversed through edge-functionalization. Surprisingly, the horizontal adsorption configurations, which are global energy minima as long as present, are non-existent for a majority of ion pairs, and their existence or not is determined by the adsorption differences between halide ions and alkali ions (△Ead). Counterions effects for both cations and anions increase with the atomic electronegativities and cations correspond to stronger counterion effects; e.g., Li+ added on the other side of GFs promotes the adsorption of F- more pronouncedly than edge-functionalization. Mechanisms of electron transfers are also discussed, and three alteration patterns by counterions are observed for each type of adsorption configurations. Furthermore, addition of counterions causes band gaps to vary within a wider range that may be useful to design electronic devices.

Flatness metrology based on small-angle deflectometric procedures with electronic tiltmeters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ehret, G.; Laubach, S.; Schulz, M.

2017-06-01

The measurement of optical flats, e. g. synchrotron or XFEL mirrors, with single nanometer topography uncertainty is still challenging. At PTB, we apply for this task small-angle deflectometry in which the angle between the direction of the beam sent to the surface and the beam detected is small. Conventional deflectometric systems measure the surface angle with autocollimators whose light beam also represents the straightness reference. An advanced flatness metrology system was recently implemented at PTB that separates the straightness reference task from the angle detection task. We call it `Exact Autocollimation Deflectometric Scanning' because the specimen is slightly tilted in such a way that at every scanning position the specimen is `exactly' perpendicular to the reference light beam directed by a pentaprism to the surface under test. The tilt angle of the surface is then measured with an additional autocollimator. The advantage of the EADS method is that the two tasks (straightness reference and measurement of surface slope) are separated and each of these can be optimized independently. The idea presented in this paper is to replace this additional autocollimator by one or more electro-mechanical tiltmeters, which are typically faster and have a higher resolution than highly accurate commercially available autocollimators. We investigate the point stability and the linearity of a highly accurate electronic tiltmeter. The pros and cons of using tiltmeters in flatness metrology are discussed.

Pollinator specificity, floral odour chemistry and the phylogeny of Australian sexually deceptive Chiloglottis orchids: implications for pollinator-driven speciation.

PubMed

Peakall, Rod; Ebert, Daniel; Poldy, Jacqueline; Barrow, Russell A; Francke, Wittko; Bower, Colin C; Schiestl, Florian P

2010-10-01

• Sexually deceptive orchids are predicted to represent a special case of plant speciation where strong reproductive isolation may be achieved by differences in floral scent. • In this study of Australian sexually deceptive Chiloglottis orchids, we performed choice experiments to test for wasp pollinator specificity in the field; identified the compounds involved in pollinator attraction by gas chromatography with electroantennographic detection (GC-EAD), gas chromatography with mass selective detection (GC-MS), chemical synthesis and behavioural bioassays; and mapped our chemical findings on to a phylogeny of the orchids. • Field experiments confirmed pollination is a highly specific interaction, but also revealed a pool of nonpollinating 'minor responder' wasps. Six novel compounds, all 2,5-dialkylcyclohexan-1,3-diones, called 'chiloglottones', were discovered to be involved in pollinator attraction. Bioassays confirmed that pollinator specificity has a strong chemical basis, with specificity among sympatric orchids maintained by either different single compounds or a variation in a blend of two compounds. The phylogenetic overlay confirmed that speciation is always associated with pollinator switching and usually underpinned by chemical change. • If the chemical differences that control reproductive isolation in Chiloglottis have a strong genetic basis, and given the confirmed pool of potential pollinators, we conclude that pollinator-driven speciation appears highly plausible in this system. © The Authors (2010). Journal compilation © New Phytologist Trust (2010).

Adsorptive Stripping Voltammetric Determination of Amaranth and Tartrazine in Drinks and Gelatins Using a Screen-Printed Carbon Electrode

PubMed Central

Perdomo, Yeny; Arancibia, Verónica; Nagles, Edgar

2017-01-01

A fast, sensitive, and selective method for the simultaneous determination of one pair of synthetic colorants commonly found mixed in food products, Amaranth (AM) and Tartrazine (TZ), based on their adsorption and oxidation on a screen-printed electrode (SPE) is presented. The variation of peak current with pH, supporting electrolyte, adsorption time, and adsorption potential were optimized using square wave adsorptive voltammetry. The optimal conditions were found to be: pH 3.2 (PBS), Eads 0.00 V, and tads 30 s. Under these conditions, the AM and TZ signals were observed at 0.56 and 0.74 V, respectively. A linear response were found over the 0.15 to 1.20 µmol L−1 and 0.15 to 0.80 µmol L−1 concentrations, with detection limits (3σ/slope) of 26 and 70 nmol L−1 for AM and TZ, respectively. Reproducibility for 17.7 µmol L–1 AM and TZ solutions were 2.5 and 3.0% (n = 7), respectively, using three different electrodes. The method was validated by determining AM and TZ in spiked tap water and unflavored gelatin spiked with AM and TZ. Because a beverage containing both AM and TZ was not found, the method was applied to the determination of AM in a kola soft drink and TZ in an orange jelly and a soft drink powder. PMID:29156561

A review of the flea genus Phalacropsylla Rothschild, 1915 (Siphonaptera, Ctenophthalmidae, Neopsyllinae, Phalacropsyllini) with new host and distributional records.

PubMed

Acosta, Roxana; Hastriter, Michael W

2017-01-01

A redescription of the genus Phalacropsylla Rothschild is provided. Six species are recognized: Phalacropsylla allos Wagner, P. hamata Tipton and Mendez, P. morlani Eads and Campos, P. nivalis Barrera and Traub, P. oregonensis Lewis and Maser, and P. paradisea Rothschild. Phalacropsylla hamata is designated herein as a junior synonym of P. paradisea . The distribution of P. paradisea is more extensive than previously thought, extending from Arizona through southern Colorado, into New Mexico, Texas, and northern Mexico (State of Nuevo León). It is the least host-specific of all species of Phalacropsylla , occurring on 13 different host species including cricetid, heteromyid, murid, and sciurid rodents and several carnivores, although it most commonly occurs on Neotoma albigula Hartley. The range of P. oregonensis is expanded from eastern Oregon to southeastern Idaho. Numerous records are documented for the most common and ubiquitous species, P. allos , which is found in British Columbia, central to northern California, Idaho, Montana, Colorado, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming, Arizona, and New Mexico. Neotoma cinerea Ord is the principal host of P. allos . Phalacropsylla allos is a winter flea west of the Rocky Mountains, but it has been reported in warmer months of the year on the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains in Larimer County, Colorado. A distribution map and key are provided for all species in the genus Phalacropsylla .

Mobile shearography in applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kalms, Michael

2007-09-01

Modern optical methods such as digital shearography have attracted interest not only for laboratory investigations but also for applications on the factory floor because they can be sensitive, accurate, non-tactile and non-destructive. Optical inspection and measurement systems are more and more used in the entire manufacturing process. Shearography as a coherent optical method has been widely accepted as a useful NDT tool. It is a robust interferometric method to determine locations with maximum stress on various material structures. However, limitations of this technique can be found in the bulky equipment components, the interpretation of the complex shearographic result images and a barely solvable challenge at the work with difficult surfaces like dark absorbing or bright reflecting materials. We report a mobile shearography system that was especially designed for investigations at aircraft constructions. The great advantage of this system is the adjusted balance of all single elements to a complete measurement procedure integrated in a handy body. Only with the arrangement of all involved parameters like loading, laser source, sensor unit and software, it is feasible to get optimal measurement results. This paper describes a complete mobile shearographic procedure including loading and image processing facilities for structural testing and flaw recognition on aircrafts. The mobile system was successfully tested, e.g. with the up-to-date EADS multi-role combat aircraft Eurofighter.

Factors relating to the feeling of school avoidance among elementary school children: Results from the MEXT (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Education) Super Shokuiku School Project.

PubMed

Akimoto, Masahiro; Sekine, Michikazu; Yamada, Masaaki; Tatsuse, Takashi

2017-01-01

Purpose　This study aims to evaluate whether lifestyle factors including media use and social and family environments are associated with elementary school children's feeling of school avoidance.Methods　Total study population for this study was 2,057 children in 5 elementary schools in Takaoka city, Toyama prefecture, which participated in the MEXT Super Shokuiku School Project. A questionnaire survey was conducted in July 2014 and 1,936 students responded (Response rate: 94.1%). Of those who responded, data from 1,698 respondents were relevant for this study. The questionnaire included questions on lifestyle factors (e.g., eating habits, media use, exercise habits, and sleep), health status, and the social and family environments. Children responded to questions on lifestyle factors, health status, and feeling of school avoidance with their parents. Parents were asked to only respond to the questions on social and family environments. Logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate whether the feeling of avoiding school, as the dependent variable, is associated with the independent variables such as social and family environment factors and lifestyle factors. The odds ratios (OR) and their 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were calculated.Results　The percentage of children who had the feeling of avoiding school was 32.2% in the study sample. In comparison with the 6 th graders, the 1 st , 3 rd , 4 th , and 5 th graders were more likely to have this feeling. Relevant adjusted ORs [95%CI] for Grades 1-5 were found to be 1.48 [1.02-2.13], 1.63 [1.10-2.42], 1.60 [1.08-2.39], and 1.56 [1.03-2.35], respectively. Other factors positively correlated with this feeling were skipping breakfast (OR 1.76, 95%CI [1.12-2.75]), daily snacking (OR 1.64, 95%CI [1.21-2.22]), watching TV for 3 hours or longer (OR 1.55, 95%CI [1.05-2.28]), video gaming for 0.5-2 hours (OR 1.37, 95%CI [1.08-1.74]), feeling sleepy (OR 1.51, 95%CI [1.14-1.99]), not feeling well upon waking up

Using a Software Package to Publish EAD Encoded Finding Aids: A Practical Approach and Gradual Implementation at the Archives Departementales de la Cote-d'Or, France

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Devarrewaere, Anthony; Roelly, Aude

2005-01-01

The Archives Departementales de la Cote-d'Or chose as a priority for its automation plan the acquisition of a search engine, to publish online archival descriptions and the library catalogue. The Archives deliberately opted for a practical approach, using for the encoding of the finding aids an automatic data export from an archival management…

FOREWORD Foreword

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Appourchaux, Thierry

2011-01-01

Volume 271 (2011) of the Journal of Physics: Conference Series provides a record of the invited and contributed talks, and of the posters presented at the GONG2010-SoHO24 conference entitled 'A new era of seismology of the Sun and solar-like stars'. The conference was held from 27 June 2010 to 2 July 2010 in Aix-en-Provence, France. More than 120 scientists from all over the world attended the conference. I would like to express my gratitude for the the financial support from the following organisations: Université Paris-Sud; the Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales (CNES); the Programme National des Relations Soleil-Terre (PNST) and the Programme National de Physique Stellaire (PNPS) (both programmes under the umbrella of the Institut National des Sciences de l'Univers, INSU); INSU of the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS); the SoHO project of the European Space Agency (ESA), and the Science Programme of ESA; the Global Oscillations Network Group (GONG); and finally the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (EADS). The Scientific Organizing Committee comprised Thierry Appourchaux (chairman, Institut d'Astrophysique Spatiale, Orsay, France), Frank Hill (co-chairman, GONG / National Solar Observatory, Tucson, Arizona, United States), Annie Baglin (Observatoire de Paris-Meudon, France), William Chaplin (University of Birmingham, United Kingdom), Jørgen Christensen-Dalsgaard (Aarhus Universitet, Denmark), Thierry Corbard (Observatoire de la Côte d'Azur, Nice, France), Bernhard Fleck (European Space Agency), Laurent Gizon (Max-Planck-Institut für Sonnensystemforschung, Lindau, Germany), Travis Metcalfe (National Center for Atmospheric Research, Boulder, Colorado, United States), Michael Thompson (Sheffied University, United Kingdom; High Altitude Observatory, Boulder, Colorado, United States) and Jesper Schou (Stanford University, California, United States). The Editorial Committee of these proceedings was composed of Thierry Appourchaux

Epstein-Barr Virus-Specific Humoral Immune Responses in Health and Disease.

PubMed

Middeldorp, Jaap M

2015-01-01

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is widely distributed in the world and associated with a still increasing number of acute, chronic, malignant and autoimmune disease syndromes. Humoral immune responses to EBV have been studied for diagnostic, pathogenic and protective (vaccine) purposes. These studies use a range of methodologies, from cell-based immunofluorescence testing to antibody-diversity analysis using immunoblot and epitope analysis using recombinant or synthetic peptide-scanning. First, the individual EBV antigen complexes (VCA , MA, EA(D), EA(R) and EBNA) are defined at cellular and molecular levels, providing a historic overview. The characteristic antibody responses to these complexes in health and disease are described, and differences are highlighted by clinical examples. Options for EBV vaccination are briefly addressed. For a selected number of immunodominant proteins, in particular EBNA1, the interaction with human antibodies is further detailed at the epitope level, revealing interesting insights for structure, function and immunological aspects, not considered previously. Humoral immune responses against EBV-encoded tumour antigens LMP1, LMP2 and BARF1 are addressed, which provide novel options for targeted immunotherapy. Finally, some considerations on EBV-linked autoimmune diseases are given, and mechanisms of antigen mimicry are briefly discussed. Further analysis of humoral immune responses against EBV in health and disease in carefully selected patient cohorts will open new options for understanding pathogenesis of individual EBV-linked diseases and developing targeted diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.

Substitution of the Lys Linker with the β-Ala Linker Dramatically Decreased the Renal Uptake of 99mTc-Labeled Arg-X-Asp-Conjugated and X-Ala-Asp-Conjugated α-Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone Peptides

PubMed Central

2015-01-01

The purpose of this study was to examine whether the substitution of the Lys linker with the β-Ala could reduce the renal uptake of 99mTc-labeled Arg-X-Asp-conjugated and X-Ala-Asp-conjugated α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH) peptides. RSD-β-Ala-(Arg11)CCMSH (1) {c[Arg-Ser-Asp-dTyr-Asp]-β-Ala-Cys-Cys-Glu-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Cys-Arg-Pro-Val-NH2}, RTD-β-Ala-(Arg11)CCMSH (2), RVD-β-Ala-(Arg11)CCMSH (3), RAD-β-Ala-(Arg11)CCMSH (4), NAD-β-Ala-(Arg11)CCMSH (5), and EAD-β-Ala-(Arg11)CCMSH (6) peptides were synthesized and evaluated for their melanocortin 1 (MC1) receptor binding affinities in B16/F1 melanoma cells. The biodistribution of their 99mTc-conjugates were determined in B16/F1 melanoma-bearing C57 mice. The substitution of the Lys linker with β-Ala linker dramatically reduced the renal uptake of all six 99mTc-peptides. 99mTc-4 exhibited the highest melanoma uptake (15.66 ± 6.19% ID/g) and the lowest kidney uptake (20.18 ± 3.86% ID/g) among these 99mTc-peptides at 2 h postinjection. The B16/F1 melanoma lesions could be clearly visualized by single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)/CT using 99mTc-4 as an imaging probe. PMID:25290883

Substitution of the Lys linker with the β-Ala linker dramatically decreased the renal uptake of 99mTc-labeled Arg-X-Asp-conjugated and X-Ala-Asp-conjugated α-melanocyte stimulating hormone peptides.

PubMed

Flook, Adam M; Yang, Jianquan; Miao, Yubin

2014-11-13

The purpose of this study was to examine whether the substitution of the Lys linker with the β-Ala could reduce the renal uptake of (99m)Tc-labeled Arg-X-Asp-conjugated and X-Ala-Asp-conjugated α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH) peptides. RSD-β-Ala-(Arg(11))CCMSH (1) {c[Arg-Ser-Asp-dTyr-Asp]-β-Ala-Cys-Cys-Glu-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Cys-Arg-Pro-Val-NH2}, RTD-β-Ala-(Arg(11))CCMSH (2), RVD-β-Ala-(Arg(11))CCMSH (3), RAD-β-Ala-(Arg(11))CCMSH (4), NAD-β-Ala-(Arg(11))CCMSH (5), and EAD-β-Ala-(Arg(11))CCMSH (6) peptides were synthesized and evaluated for their melanocortin 1 (MC1) receptor binding affinities in B16/F1 melanoma cells. The biodistribution of their (99m)Tc-conjugates were determined in B16/F1 melanoma-bearing C57 mice. The substitution of the Lys linker with β-Ala linker dramatically reduced the renal uptake of all six (99m)Tc-peptides. (99m)Tc-4 exhibited the highest melanoma uptake (15.66 ± 6.19% ID/g) and the lowest kidney uptake (20.18 ± 3.86% ID/g) among these (99m)Tc-peptides at 2 h postinjection. The B16/F1 melanoma lesions could be clearly visualized by single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)/CT using (99m)Tc-4 as an imaging probe.

Receptivity of the Boundary Layer to Vibrations of the Wing Surface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bernots, Tomass; Ruban, Anatoly; Pryce, David; Laminar Flow Control UK Group Team

2014-11-01

In this work we study generation of Tollmien-Schlichting (T-S) waves in the boundary layer due to elastic vibrations of the wing surface. The flow is investigated based on the asymptotic analysis of the Navier-Stokes equations at large values of the Reynolds number. It is assumed that in the spectrum of the wing vibrations there is a harmonic which comes in resonance with the T-S wave on the lower branch of the stability curve. It was found that the vibrations of the wing surface produce pressure perturbations in the flow outside the boundary layer which can be calculated with the help of the piston theory. As the pressure perturbations penetrate into the boundary layer, a Stokes layer forms on the wing surface which appears to be influenced significantly by the compressibility of the flow, and is incapable of producing the T-S waves. The situation changes when the Stokes layer encounters an roughness; near which the flow is described using the triple-deck theory. The solution of the triple-deck problem can be found in an analytic form. Our main concern is with the flow behaviour downstream of the roughness and, in particular, with the amplitude of the generated Tollmien-Schlichting waves. This research was performed in the Laminar Flow Control Centre (LFC-UK) at Imperial College London. The centre is supported by EPSRC, Airbus UK and EADS Innovation Works.

Selective adsorption of Pt ions from chloride solutions obtained by leaching chlorinated spent automotive catalysts on ion exchange resin Diaion WA21J.

PubMed

Shen, Shaobo; Guishen, Liang; Pan, Tonglin; He, JunZhang; Guo, Zhanchen

2011-12-15

Thermodynamic and kinetics studies for adsorption of Pt ions complexes from the chloride solutions obtained by leaching chlorinated spent automotive catalysts on anionic exchange resin Diaion WA21J were carried out. It was found that only Si, Pt, Rh and Pd from the solution were selectively adsorbed on the resin Diaion WA21J more strongly. The adsorption equilibrium time for Pt ions was about 20 h. The isothermal adsorption of Pt ions was found to fit Langmuir, Freundlich and DKR models. The maximum monolayer adsorption capacities Q(max) and X(m) of Pt ions on the resin based on Langmuir and DKR model were 4.85, 5.36 and 5.69 mg/g as well as 5.01, 5.63 and 5.98 mg/g for temperatures 18°C, 28°C and 40°C, respectively. The apparent adsorption energy E(ad) based on DKR model were -11.79, -11.04 and -11.04 kJ/mol for the temperatures 18°C, 28°C and 40°C, respectively. Ion exchange was the mechanism involved in the adsorption process. The adsorption of Pt ions on the resin underwent pseudo-first-order kinetic process, and the apparent adsorption activation energy E(a,1) was 12.6 kJ/mol. The intraparticle diffusion of Pt ions was a main rate-controlling step in most of time of adsorption process. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Spatial and temporal patterns of floral scent emission in Dianthus inoxianus and electroantennographic responses of its hawkmoth pollinator.

PubMed

Balao, Francisco; Herrera, Javier; Talavera, Salvador; Dötterl, Stefan

2011-05-01

Scent emission is important in nocturnal pollination systems, and plant species pollinated by nocturnal insects often present characteristic odor compositions and temporal patterns of emission. We investigated the temporal (day/night; flower lifetime) and spatial (different flower parts, nectar) pattern of flower scent emission in nocturnally pollinated Dianthusinoxianus, and determined which compounds elicit physiological responses on the antennae of the sphingid pollinator Hyles livornica. The scent of D.inoxianus comprises 68 volatile compounds, but is dominated by aliphatic 2-ketones and sesquiterpenoids, which altogether make up 82% of collected volatiles. Several major and minor compounds elicit electrophysiological responses in the antennae of H. livornica. Total odor emission does not vary along day and night hours, and neither does along the life of the flower. However, the proportion of compounds eliciting physiological responses varies between day and night. All flower parts as well as nectar release volatiles. The scent of isolated flower parts is dominated by fatty acid derivatives, whereas nectar is dominated by benzenoids. Dissection (= damage) of flowers induced a ca. 20-fold increase in the rate of emission of EAD-active volatiles, especially aliphatic 2-ketones. We suggest that aliphatic 2-ketones might contribute to pollinator attraction in D. inoxianus, even though they have been attributed an insect repellent function in other plant species. We also hypothesize that the benzenoids in nectar may act as an honest signal ('nectar guide') for pollinators. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Identification and field evaluation of pear fruit volatiles attractive to the oriental fruit moth, Cydia molesta.

PubMed

Lu, Peng-Fei; Huang, Ling-Qiao; Wang, Chen-Zhu

2012-08-01

Plant volatiles play a key role in host plant location of phytophagous insects. Cydia molesta is an important pest of pear fruit late in the growing season. We identified and quantified volatiles from immature and mature fruits of six pear varieties by using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Attractiveness of synthetic blends to adults based on gas chromatography-electroantennogram detection (GC-EAD) activity was investigated in both field and laboratory. Consistent electroantennographic activity was obtained for 12 compounds from headspace collections of the mature fruits of the six pear varieties. Qualitative and quantitative differences were found among six odor profiles. Among the six mixtures, the mixture of 1-hexanol, nonanal, ethyl butanoate, butyl acetate, ethyl hexanoate, hexyl acetate, hexyl butanoate, and farnesene (different isomers) with a 1:1:100:70:7:5:1:4 ratio from the variety Jimi and the mixture of nonanal, ethyl butanoate, 3-methylbutyl acetate, ethyl hexanoate, hexyl acetate, and farnesene with a 1:100:1:32:1:2 ratio from the variety Huangjin were highly attractive to both sexes in the field. However, male captures were much higher than those of females. Further wind tunnel tests proved that both sexes exhibited upwind flight to the lures, but only males landed on the source. Our finding indicates that mixtures mimicking Jimi and Huangjin volatiles attract both females and males of C. molesta, and these host volatiles may be involved in mate finding behavior.

High energy, single frequency, tunable laser source operating in burst mode for space based lidar applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cosentino, Alberto; Mondello, Alessia; Sapia, Adalberto; D'Ottavi, Alessandro; Brotini, Mauro; Gironi, Gianna; Suetta, Enrico

2017-11-01

This paper describes energetic, spatial, temporal and spectral characterization measurements of the Engineering Qualification Model (EQM) of the Laser Transmitter Assembly (TXA) used in the ALADIN instrument currently under development for the ESA ADM-AEOLUS mission (EADS Astrium as prime contractor for the satellite and the instrument). The EQM is equivalent to the Flight Model, with the exception of some engineering grade components. The Laser Transmitter Assembly, based on a diode pumped tripled Nd:YAG laser, is used to generate laser pulses at a nominal wavelength of 355 nm. This laser is operated in burst mode, with a pulse repetition cycle of 100 Hz during bursts. It is capable to operate in Single Longitudinal Mode and to be tuned over 25 GHz range. An internal "network" of sensors has been implemented inside the laser architecture to allow "in flight" monitoring of transmitter. Energy in excess of 100 mJ, with a spatial beam quality factor (M2) lower than 3, a spectral linewidth less than 50 MHz with a frequency stability better than 4 MHz on short term period have been measured on the EQM. Most of the obtained results are well within the expected values and match the Instrument requirements. They constitute an important achievement, showing the absence of major critical areas in terms of performance and the capability to obtain them in a rugged and compact structure suitable for space applications. The EQM will be submitted in the near future to an Environmental test campaign.

Relationship among obesity, depression, and emotional eating in young adults.

PubMed

Lazarevich, Irina; Irigoyen Camacho, María Esther; Velázquez-Alva, María Del Consuelo; Zepeda Zepeda, Marco

2016-12-01

Depressive symptoms are often associated with obesity, and emotional eating may play a considerable role in weight gain. This study aimed to examine the association among depression symptoms, emotional eating, and body mass index (BMI) in Mexican college students; and to assess emotional eating as mediator between depressive symptoms and BMI. A total of 1453 students at a public university in Mexico City completed the scale Self-Efficacy in Emotion- and Stress- Related Eating of the Eating and Appraisal Due to Emotions and Stress Questionnaire (EADES) to assess emotional eating, and the scale created by the Center for Epidemiologic Studies (CES-D) to identify depressive symptoms. Weight and height were measured to calculate BMI. Structural equation models (SEM) were used to assess emotional eating as mediator between depressive symptoms and BMI by sex. Depressive symptoms were associated with emotional eating in both men (Beta = -0.33, p < 0.001) and women (Beta = -0.46, p < 0.001). Emotional eating, in turn, was associated with BMI in men (Beta = -0.08, p < 0.001) as well as in women (Beta = -0.09, p < 0.001). Emotional eating was a mediator between depression and BMI, adjusted for age in both sexes. This finding suggests that emotion management should be taken into consideration in obesity prevention and treatment strategies applied to young adults. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Synthetic C-start maneuver in fish-like swimming

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zenit, R.; Godoy-Diana, R.

2013-11-01

We investigate the mechanics of the unsteady fish-like swimming maneuver using a simplified experimental model in a water tank. A flexible foil (which emulates the fish body) is impulsively actuated by rotating a cylindrical rod that holds the foil. This rod constitutes the head of the swimmer and is mounted through the shaft of the driving motor on an rail with an air bearing. The foil is initially positioned at a start angle and then rapidly rotated to a final angle, which coincides with the free-moving direction of the rail. As the foil rotates, it pushes the surrounding fluid, it deforms and stores elastic energy which drive the recovery of the straight body shape after the motor actuation has stopped; during the rotation, a trust force is induced which accelerates the array. We measure the resulting escape velocity and acceleration as a function of the beam stiffness, size, initial angle, etc. Some measurements of the velocity field during the escape were obtained using a PIV technique. The measurements agree well with a simple mechanical model that quantifies the impulse of the maneuver. The objective of this work is to understand the fundamental mechanisms of thrust generation in unsteady fast-start swimming. We acknowledge support of EADS Foundation through the project ``Fluids and elasticity in biomimetic propulsion'' and of the Chaire Total for RZ as a visiting professor at ESPCI ParisTech.

Wavefront sensor for the GAIA Mission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vosteen, Amir; Draaisma, Folkert; van Werkhoven, Willem; van Riel, Luud; Mol, Margreet; Gielesen, Wim

2017-11-01

TNO has developed, built and tested the Wave Front Sensor (WFS) for ESA's Gaia mission. The WFS will help Gaia create an extraordinarily precise three-dimensional map of more than one billion stars in our Galaxy. Part of ESA's Cosmic Vision programme, Gaia's build is led by EADS Astrium and is scheduled for launch in 2012. The Wave Front Sensor will be used to monitor the wave front errors of the two main telescopes mounted on the GAIA satellite. These mirrors include a 5-degree of freedom (DOF) mechanism that can be used to minimize the wave front errors during operation. The GAIA-WFS will operate over a broad wavelength (450 to 900 nm) and under cryogenic conditions (130 to 200 K operation temperature). The WFS uses an all reflective, a-thermal design and is of the type of Shack-Hartmann. The boundary condition for the design is that the focal plane of the WFS is the same plane as the focal plane of the GAIA telescopes. The spot pattern generated after a micro lens array ( MLA) by a star is compared to the pattern of one of the three calibration sources that is included in the WFS, allowing in flight calibration. We show the robust and lightweight opto mechanical design that is optimised for launch and cryogenic operation. Details are given on its alignment and commissioning. The WFS is able to measure relative wave front distortions in the order of lambda/1000, and can determine the optimum position of the focal plane with an accuracy of 50 μm

Novel approaches to helicopter obstacle warning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seidel, Christian; Samuelis, Christian; Wegner, Matthias; Münsterer, Thomas; Rumpf, Thomas; Schwartz, Ingo

2006-05-01

EADS Germany is the world market leader in commercial Helicopter Laser Radar (HELLAS) Obstacle Warning Systems. The HELLAS-Warning System has been introduced into the market in 2000, is in service at German Border Control (Bundespolizei) and Royal Thai Airforce and is successfully evaluated by the Foreign Comparative Test Program (FCT) of the USSOCOM. Currently the successor system HELLAS-Awareness is in development. It will have extended sensor performance, enhanced realtime data processing capabilities and advanced HMI features. We will give an outline of the new sensor unit concerning detection technology and helicopter integration aspects. The system provides a widespread field of view with additional dynamic line of sight steering and a large detection range in combination with a high frame rate of 3Hz. The workflow of the data processing will be presented with focus on novel filter techniques and obstacle classification methods. As commonly known the former are indispensable due to unavoidable statistical measuring errors and solarisation. The amount of information in the filtered raw data is further reduced by ground segmentation. The remaining raised objects are extracted and classified in several stages into different obstacle classes. We will show the prioritization function which orders the obstacles concerning to their threat potential to the helicopter taking into account the actual flight dynamics. The priority of an object determines the display and provision of warnings to the pilot. Possible HMI representation includes video or FLIR overlay on multifunction displays, audio warnings and visualization of information on helmet mounted displays and digital maps. Different concepts will be presented.

Laser radar system for obstacle avoidance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bers, Karlheinz; Schulz, Karl R.; Armbruster, Walter

2005-09-01

The threat of hostile surveillance and weapon systems require military aircraft to fly under extreme conditions such as low altitude, high speed, poor visibility and incomplete terrain information. The probability of collision with natural and man-made obstacles during such contour missions is high if detection capability is restricted to conventional vision aids. Forward-looking scanning laser radars which are build by the EADS company and presently being flight tested and evaluated at German proving grounds, provide a possible solution, having a large field of view, high angular and range resolution, a high pulse repetition rate, and sufficient pulse energy to register returns from objects at distances of military relevance with a high hit-and-detect probability. The development of advanced 3d-scene analysis algorithms had increased the recognition probability and reduced the false alarm rate by using more readily recognizable objects such as terrain, poles, pylons, trees, etc. to generate a parametric description of the terrain surface as well as the class, position, orientation, size and shape of all objects in the scene. The sensor system and the implemented algorithms can be used for other applications such as terrain following, autonomous obstacle avoidance, and automatic target recognition. This paper describes different 3D-imaging ladar sensors with unique system architecture but different components matched for different military application. Emphasis is laid on an obstacle warning system with a high probability of detection of thin wires, the real time processing of the measured range image data, obstacle classification und visualization.

Description of the F-16XL Geometry and Computational Grids Used in CAWAPI

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Boelens, O. J.; Badcock, K. J.; Gortz, S.; Morton, S.; Fritz, W.; Karman, S. L., Jr.; Michal, T.; Lamar, J. E.

2009-01-01

The objective of the Cranked-Arrow Wing Aerodynamics Project International (CAWAPI) was to allow a comprehensive validation of Computational Fluid Dynamics methods against the CAWAP flight database. A major part of this work involved the generation of high-quality computational grids. Prior to the grid generation an IGES file containing the air-tight geometry of the F-16XL aircraft was generated by a cooperation of the CAWAPI partners. Based on this geometry description both structured and unstructured grids have been generated. The baseline structured (multi-block) grid (and a family of derived grids) has been generated by the National Aerospace Laboratory NLR. Although the algorithms used by NLR had become available just before CAWAPI and thus only a limited experience with their application to such a complex configuration had been gained, a grid of good quality was generated well within four weeks. This time compared favourably with that required to produce the unstructured grids in CAWAPI. The baseline all-tetrahedral and hybrid unstructured grids has been generated at NASA Langley Research Center and the USAFA, respectively. To provide more geometrical resolution, trimmed unstructured grids have been generated at EADS-MAS, the UTSimCenter, Boeing Phantom Works and KTH/FOI. All grids generated within the framework of CAWAPI will be discussed in the article. Both results obtained on the structured grids and the unstructured grids showed a significant improvement in agreement with flight test data in comparison with those obtained on the structured multi-block grid used during CAWAP.

Performance characterization of the EarthCARE BBR Detectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Proulx, C.; Allard, M.; Pope, T.; Tremblay, B.; Williamson, F.; Julien, C.; Larouche, C.; Delderfield, J.; Parker, D.

2017-11-01

The Broadband Radiometer (BBR) is an instrument being developed for the ESA EarthCARE satellite. The BBR instrument objective is to provide measurements of the reflected short-wave (0.25-4.0 μm) and emitted long-wave (4.0-50 μm) top of the atmosphere (TOA) radiance over three along-track views (forward, nadir and backward). The instrument has three fixed telescopes, one for each view, each containing a broadband detector. The BBR instrument is led by SEA in the UK with RAL responsible for the BBR optics unit (OU) while EADS Astrium is the EarthCARE prime contractor. A detailed description of the instrument is provided in [1]. The BBR detectors consist in three dedicated assemblies under the responsibility of INO. The detectors development started in 2008 and led to the design and implementation of a new gold black deposition facility at INO [2], in parallel with the preliminary and detailed design phases of the detector assemblies. As of today, two breadboard models and one engineering model have been delivered to RAL. In the BBR OU each detector mechanically interfaces with the telescope and electrically with the front-end electronics (FEE). The detectors' development is now at the Critical Design Review (CDR) level. This paper first provides a description of the detector design along with its principles of operation. It further presents and discusses measurement and analysis results for the performance characterization of the engineering model in the context of the applicable requirements. Detector-level qualification planning is finally discussed.

Anxiety, stress and depression in family caregivers of the mentally ill.

PubMed

Cabral, Lídia; Duarte, João; Ferreira, Manuela; dos Santos, Carlos

2014-11-01

The current policy guidelines on mental health aim to keep the mentally ill within the community, with the development of social support, including families, hence the emergence of the role of the family caregiver. To identify socio-demographic variables influencing anxiety, depression and stress for the informal caregivers of the mentally ill; to determine the influence of family background variables on caregiver anxiety, depression and stress; to analyse the relationship between social support and caregiver overload with caregiver anxiety, depression and stress. Cross-sectional, descriptive and correlational study with 104 caregivers, mostly female (62.5%), aged between 22 and 77 years with a mean age of 52.03 years. The following were used as instruments: the Family Apgar Scale; the Satisfaction with Social Support Scale (ESSS); the Caregiver Overload Scale (ESC); the Anxiety, Depression and Stress Scales (EADS-21). We found that females have higher rates (P<.05) of anxiety, depression and stress; participants with less education have more anxiety than those with higher and secondary education (P=.001); caregivers living in rural areas have higher levels of depression (P=.044) and stress (P=.041); those who perceive belonging to families with marked dysfunctions have higher levels of depression (P=.0.001) and stress (P=.000); the higher the overload, the higher the levels of anxiety (P=.002), depression and stress (P=.000). I tis necessary to develop strategies for local and community intervention to promote mental health and prevent mental illness. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Scaling to Nanotechnology Limits with the PIMS Computer Architecture and a new Scaling Rule

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

Debenedictis, Erik P.

2015-02-01

We describe a new approach to computing that moves towards the limits of nanotechnology using a newly formulated sc aling rule. This is in contrast to the current computer industry scali ng away from von Neumann's original computer at the rate of Moore's Law. We extend Moore's Law to 3D, which l eads generally to architectures that integrate logic and memory. To keep pow er dissipation cons tant through a 2D surface of the 3D structure requires using adiabatic principles. We call our newly proposed architecture Processor In Memory and Storage (PIMS). We propose a new computational model that integratesmore » processing and memory into "tiles" that comprise logic, memory/storage, and communications functions. Since the programming model will be relatively stable as a system scales, programs repr esented by tiles could be executed in a PIMS system built with today's technology or could become the "schematic diagram" for implementation in an ultimate 3D nanotechnology of the future. We build a systems software approach that offers advantages over and above the technological and arch itectural advantages. Firs t, the algorithms may be more efficient in the conventional sens e of having fewer steps. Second, the algorithms may run with higher power efficiency per operation by being a better match for the adiabatic scaling ru le. The performance analysis based on demonstrated ideas in physical science suggests 80,000 x improvement in cost per operation for the (arguably) gene ral purpose function of emulating neurons in Deep Learning.« less

Antioxidant activity of omega-3 derivatives and their delivery via nanocages and nanocones: DFT and experimental in vivo investigation.

PubMed

Najafi, Houshang; Changizi-Ashtiyani, Saeed; Najafi, Meysam

2017-10-28

The antioxidant properties of omega-3 were investigated via experimental in vivo and theoretical methods. For experimental evaluation, oxidative stress was induced by 30 min bilateral renal ischemia and 24 h of reperfusion in male Sprague Dawley rats. The oxidative stress was evaluated through measuring malondialdehyde (MDA) and ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP) levels in renal tissue. In theoretical methods, the reaction enthalpies of antioxidant mechanisms of omega-3 were calculated and the effects of NHMe, OMe, OH, Cl, and Me substituents on its antioxidant activity were investigated. Moreover, the omega-3 delivery potential by carbon and boron nitride nanocages and naocones were evaluated. The experimental results showed that omega-3 administration decreases MDA and increases FRAP levels after their changes by ischemia/reperfusion. Theoretical results indicated that NHMe and OMe substituents can significantly improve the antioxidant activity of omega-3. Also, boron nitride nanocone (BNNC) has higher |∆E ad | values, so it has higher potential for omega-3 delivery. Taken together, the new findings presented here indicate that omega-3 has anti-oxidative properties and NHMe and OMe substituents can improve its antioxidant activity. Moreover, adsorption of omega-3 on the surface of the studied nanostructures was exothermic, and BNNC with higher |∆Ead| values has higher potential for omega-3 delivery. Graphical abstract The interaction and adsorption of BNNC with omega-3 is exothermic and experimentally possible from the energetic viewpoint, so the BNNC with higher |∆E ad | and |∆G ad | values has higher potential for omega-3 delivery.

Pro-arrhythmic effects of low plasma [K+] in human ventricle: An illustrated review.

PubMed

Trenor, Beatriz; Cardona, Karen; Romero, Lucia; Gomez, Juan F; Saiz, Javier; Rajamani, Sridharan; Belardinelli, Luiz; Giles, Wayne

2018-05-01

Potassium levels in the plasma, [K + ] o , are regulated precisely under physiological conditions. However, increases (from approx. 4.5 to 8.0mM) can occur as a consequence of, e.g., endurance exercise, ischemic insult or kidney failure. This hyperkalemic modulation of ventricular electrophysiology has been studied extensively. Hypokalemia is also common. It can occur in response to diuretic therapy, following renal dialysis, or during recovery from endurance exercise. In the human ventricle, clinical hypokalemia (e.g., [K + ] o levels of approx. 3.0mM) can cause marked changes in both the resting potential and the action potential waveform, and these may promote arrhythmias. Here, we provide essential background information concerning the main K + -sensitive ion channel mechanisms that act in concert to produce prominent short-term ventricular electrophysiological changes, and illustrate these by implementing recent mathematical models of the human ventricular action potential. Even small changes (~1mM) in [K + ] o result in significant alterations in two different K + currents, I K1 and HERG. These changes can markedly alter in resting membrane potential and/or action potential waveform in human ventricle. Specifically, a reduction in net outward transmembrane K + currents (repolarization reserve) and an increased substrate input resistance contribute to electrophysiological instability during the plateau of the action potential and may promote pro-arrhythmic early after-depolarizations (EADs). Translational settings where these insights apply include: optimal diuretic therapy, and the interpretation of data from Phase II and III trials for anti-arrhythmic drug candidates. Crown Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Sex-pairing pheromone of Ancistrotermes dimorphus (Isoptera: Macrotermitinae).

PubMed

Wen, Ping; Mo, Jianchu; Lu, Chunwen; Tan, Ken; Šobotník, Jan; Sillam-Dussès, David

2015-12-01

Ancistrotermes dimorphus is a common Macrotermitinae representative, facultative inquiline by its life-style, occurring in South-East China. Sex pheromone is used for couple formation and maintenance, and it is produced by and released from the female sternal gland and is highly attractive to males. Based on our combined behavioral, chemical and electrophysiological analyses, we identified (3Z,6Z)-dodeca-3,6-dien-1-ol as the female sex pheromone of A. dimorphus as it evoked the tandem behavior at short distance, and the active quantities ranged from 0.01ng to 10ng. Interestingly, GC-MS analyses of SPME extracts showed another compound specific to the female sternal gland, (3Z)-dodec-3-en-1-ol, which showed a clear GC-EAD response. However, this compound has no behavioral function in natural concentrations (0.1ng), while higher amounts (1ng) inhibit the attraction achieved by (3Z,6Z)-dodeca-3,6-dien-1-ol. The function of (3Z)-dodec-3-en-1-ol is not fully understood, but might be linked to recognition from sympatric species using the same major compound, enhancing the long-distance attraction, or informing about presence of other colonies using the compound as a trail-following pheromone. The sternal gland secretion of Ancistrotermes females contains additional candidate compounds, namely (3E,6Z)-dodeca-3,6-dien-1-ol and (6Z)-dodec-6-en-1-ol, which are not perceived by males' antennae in biologically relevant amounts. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Optical aperture synthesis: limitations and interest for the earth observation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brouard, Laurent; Safa, Frederic; Crombez, Vincent; Laubier, David

2017-11-01

For very large telescope diameters, typically above 4 meters, monolithic telescopes can hardly be envisaged for space applications. Optical aperture synthesis can be envisaged in the future for improving the image resolution from high altitude orbits by co-phasing several individual telescopes of smaller size and reconstituting an aperture of large surface. The telescopes can be deployed on a single spacecraft or distributed on several spacecrafts in free flying formation. Several future projects are based on optical aperture synthesis for science or earth observation. This paper specifically discusses the limitations and interest of aperture synthesis technique for Earth observation from high altitude orbits, in particular geostationary orbit. Classical Fizeau and Michelson configurations are recalled, and system design aspects are investigated: synthesis of the Modulation Transfer Function (MTF), integration time and imaging procedure are first discussed then co-phasing strategies and instrument metrology are developed. The discussion is supported by specific designs made at EADS Astrium. As example, a telescope design is presented with a surface of only 6.6 m2 for the primary mirror for an external diameter of 10.6 m allowing a theoretical resolution of 1.2 m from geostationary orbit with a surface lower than 10% of the overall surface. The impact is that the integration time is increasing leading to stringent satellite attitude requirements. Image simulation results are presented. The practical implementation of the concept is evaluated in terms of system impacts in particular spacecraft attitude control, spacecraft operations and imaging capability limitations.

Cardiotoxicity screening with simultaneous optogenetic pacing, voltage imaging and calcium imaging.

PubMed

Dempsey, Graham T; Chaudhary, Khuram W; Atwater, Nicholas; Nguyen, Cuong; Brown, Barry S; McNeish, John D; Cohen, Adam E; Kralj, Joel M

2016-01-01

The Comprehensive in vitro Proarrhythmia Assay (CiPA) initiative seeks an in vitro test to accurately predict clinical Torsades de Pointes (TdP). We developed a cardiotoxicity assay incorporating simultaneous measurement of the action potential (AP) waveform and Ca(2+) transient (CT) in human iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes (CMs). Concurrent optogenetic pacing provided a well-controlled electrophysiological background. We used the Optopatch platform for all-optical electrophysiology (Hochbaum et al., 2014). In a monolayer culture, a subset of cells expressed a genetically encoded, calcium and voltage reporter, CaViar (Hou, Kralj, Douglass, Engert, & Cohen, 2014), while others expressed a channelrhodopsin variant, CheRiff. Optical pacing of CheRiff-expressing cells synchronized the syncytium. We screened 12 compounds (11 acute, 1 chronic) to identify electrophysiological (AP rise time, AP50, AP90, beat rate) and CT effects in spontaneously beating and paced cultures (1Hz, 2Hz). CaViar reported spontaneous and paced APs and CTs with high signal-to-noise ratio and low phototoxicity. Quinidine, flecainide, E-4031, digoxin and cisapride prolonged APs, while verapamil and nifedipine shortened APs. Early after depolarizations (EADs) were elicited by quinidine, flecainide and cisapride. All but four compounds (amiodarone, chromanol, nifedipine, verapamil) prolonged AP rise time. Nifedipine and verapamil decreased CT amplitude, while digoxin increased CT amplitude. Pentamidine prolonged APs after chronic exposure. The Optopatch platform provides a robust assay to measure APs and CTs in hiPSC-CMs. This addresses the CiPA mandate and will facilitate comparisons of cell-based assays to human clinical data. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Instrumental analysis of terminal-conjugated dienes for reexamination of the sex pheromone secreted by a nettle moth, Parasa lepida lepida.

PubMed

Islam, M D Azharul; Yamakawa, Rei; Do, Nguyen Duc; Numakura, Naoko; Suzuki, Toshiro; Ando, Tetsu

2009-05-01

Conjugated dienyl compounds make one of the main groups of lepidopteran sex pheromones, and GC has been frequently used to determine the configurations of the double bonds. However, the separation of two geometric isomers of a terminal-conjugated diene, such as 7,9-decadien-1-ol secreted by a nettle moth Parasa lepida lepida (Limacodidae), is assumed to be difficult. In order to clarify the chromatographic separation of the terminal dienes, 7,9-decadienyl and 9,11-dodecadienyl compounds (alcohols, acetates, and aldehydes) were analyzed by GC and HPLC. On a capillary GC column, the (E)-isomers flowed out slightly faster than the corresponding (Z)-isomers, but their peaks almost overlapped. On the other hand, HPLC equipped with an ODS column completely separated the two geometric isomers examined and the (Z)-isomers eluted from the column faster than the (E)-isomers without dependence on a functional group. In addition to undergoing direct HPLC analysis without derivatization, the dienyl alcohols were converted into 3,5-dinitrobenzoates and analyzed by LC-ESI-MS operated under the same reversed-phase condition. The two separated geometric isomers were sensitively monitored by negative ions at m/z 211, M, M+1, M+17, and M+31, which were characteristically derived from the benzoates. Based on these results, a pheromone extract of P. l. lepida was examined, and it was confirmed that the female moths exclusively produced the (Z)-isomer of the 7,9-diene. Furthermore, a GC-EAD analysis and a field evaluation with both geometrical isomers indicated that the mating communication of P. l. lepida is predominantly mediated with the (Z)-isomer.

Repairable-conditionally repairable damage model based on dual Poisson processes.

PubMed

Lind, B K; Persson, L M; Edgren, M R; Hedlöf, I; Brahme, A

2003-09-01

The advent of intensity-modulated radiation therapy makes it increasingly important to model the response accurately when large volumes of normal tissues are irradiated by controlled graded dose distributions aimed at maximizing tumor cure and minimizing normal tissue toxicity. The cell survival model proposed here is very useful and flexible for accurate description of the response of healthy tissues as well as tumors in classical and truly radiobiologically optimized radiation therapy. The repairable-conditionally repairable (RCR) model distinguishes between two different types of damage, namely the potentially repairable, which may also be lethal, i.e. if unrepaired or misrepaired, and the conditionally repairable, which may be repaired or may lead to apoptosis if it has not been repaired correctly. When potentially repairable damage is being repaired, for example by nonhomologous end joining, conditionally repairable damage may require in addition a high-fidelity correction by homologous repair. The induction of both types of damage is assumed to be described by Poisson statistics. The resultant cell survival expression has the unique ability to fit most experimental data well at low doses (the initial hypersensitive range), intermediate doses (on the shoulder of the survival curve), and high doses (on the quasi-exponential region of the survival curve). The complete Poisson expression can be approximated well by a simple bi-exponential cell survival expression, S(D) = e(-aD) + bDe(-cD), where the first term describes the survival of undamaged cells and the last term represents survival after complete repair of sublethal damage. The bi-exponential expression makes it easy to derive D(0), D(q), n and alpha, beta values to facilitate comparison with classical cell survival models.

ALSAT-2A power subsystem behavior during launch, early operation, and in-orbit test

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Larbi, N.; Attaba, M.; Beaufume, E.

2012-09-01

In 2006, Algerian Space Agency (ASAL) decided to design and built two optical Earth observation satellites. The first one, ALSAT-2A, was integrated and tested as a training and cooperation program with EADS Astrium. The second satellite ALSAT-2B will be integrated by ASAL engineers in the Satellite Development Center (CDS) at Oran in Algeria. On 12th July 2010, Algeria has launched ALSAT-2A onboard an Indian rocket PSLV-C15 from the Sriharikota launch base, Chennaï. ALSAT-2A is the first Earth observation satellite of the AstroSat-100 family; the design is based on the Myriade platform and comprising the first flight model of the New Astrosat Observation Modular Instrument (NAOMI). This Instrument offers a 2.5m ground resolution for the PAN channel and a 10m ground resolution for four multi-spectral channels which provides high imaging quality. The operations are performed from ALSAT-2 ground segment located in Ouargla (Algeria) and after the test phase ALSAT-2A provides successful images. ALSAT-2A electrical power subsystem (EPS) is composed of a Solar Array Generator (SAG ), a Li-ion battery dedicated to power storage and energy source during eclipse or high consumption phases and a Power Conditioning and Distribution Unit (PCDU). This paper focuses primarily on ALSAT-2A electrical power subsystem behavior during Launch and Early OPeration (LEOP) as well as In Orbit Test (IOT). The telemetry data related to the SAG voltage, current and temperature will be analyzed in addition to battery temperature, voltage, charge and discharge current. These parameters will be studied in function of satellite power consumption.

MicroRNA-146b-5p Identified in Porcine Liver Donation Model is Associated with Early Allograft Dysfunction in Human Liver Transplantation

PubMed Central

Li, Cheukfai; Zhao, Qiang; Zhang, Wei; Chen, Maogen; Ju, Weiqiang; Wu, Linwei; Han, Ming; Ma, Yi; Zhu, Xiaofeng; Wang, Dongping; Guo, Zhiyong; He, Xiaoshun

2017-01-01

Background Poor transplant outcome was observed in donation after brain death followed by circulatory death (DBCD), since the donor organs suffered both cytokine storm of brain death and warm ischemia injury. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as promising disease biomarkers, so we sought to establish a miRNA signature of porcine DBCD and verify the findings in human liver transplantation. Material/Methods MiRNA expression was determined with miRNA sequencing in 3 types of the porcine model of organ donation, including donation after brain death (DBD) group, donation after circulatory death (DCD) group, and DBCD group. Bioinformatics analysis was performed to reveal the potential regulatory behavior of target miRNA. Human liver graft biopsy samples after reperfusion detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization were used to verify the expression of target miRNA. Results We compared miRNA expression profiles of the 3 donation types. The porcine liver graft miR-146b was significantly increased and selected in the DBCD group versus in the DBD and DCD groups. The donor liver expression of human miR-146b-5p, which is homologous to porcine miR-146b, was further examined in 42 cases of human liver transplantations. High expression of miR-146b-5p successfully predicted the post-transplant early allograft dysfunction (EAD) with the area under the ROC curve (AUC) 0.759 (P=0.004). Conclusions Our results revealed the miRNA signature of DBCD liver grafts for the first time. The miR-146b-5p may have important clinical implications for monitoring liver graft function and predicating transplant outcomes. PMID:29227984

Extended-criteria donors in liver transplantation Part II: reviewing the impact of extended-criteria donors on the complications and outcomes of liver transplantation.

PubMed

Nemes, Balázs; Gámán, György; Polak, Wojciech G; Gelley, Fanni; Hara, Takanobu; Ono, Shinichiro; Baimakhanov, Zhassulan; Piros, Laszlo; Eguchi, Susumu

2016-07-01

Extended-criteria donors (ECDs) have an impact on early allograft dysfunction (EAD), biliary complications, relapse of hepatitis C virus (HCV), and survivals. Early allograft dysfunction was frequently seen in grafts with moderate and severe steatosis. Donors after cardiac death (DCD) have been associated with higher rates of graft failure and biliary complications compared to donors after brain death. Extended warm ischemia, reperfusion injury and endothelial activation trigger a cascade, leading to microvascular thrombosis, resulting in biliary necrosis, cholangitis, and graft failure. The risk of HCV recurrence increased by donor age, and associated with using moderately and severely steatotic grafts. With the administration of protease inhibitors sustained virological response was achieved in majority of the patients. Donor risk index and EC donor scores (DS) are reported to be useful, to assess the outcome. The 1-year survival rates were 87% and 40% respectively, for donors with a DS of 0 and 3. Graft survival was excellent up to a DS of 2, however a DS >2 should be avoided in higher-risk recipients. The 1, 3 and 5-year survival of DCD recipients was comparable to optimal donors. However ECDs had minor survival means of 85%, 78.6%, and 72.3%. The graft survival of split liver transplantation (SLT) was comparable to that of whole liver orthotopic liver transplantation. SLT was not regarded as an ECD factor in the MELD era any more. Full-right-full-left split liver transplantation has a significant advantage to extend the high quality donor pool. Hypothermic oxygenated machine perfusion can be applied clinically in DCD liver grafts. Feasibility and safety were confirmed. Reperfusion injury was also rare in machine perfused DCD livers.

Effects of changes along the risk chain on flood risk

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Duha Metin, Ayse; Apel, Heiko; Viet Dung, Nguyen; Guse, Björn; Kreibich, Heidi; Schröter, Kai; Vorogushyn, Sergiy; Merz, Bruno

2017-04-01

Interactions of hydrological and socio-economic factors shape flood disaster risk. For this reason, assessment of flood risk ideally takes into account the whole flood risk chain from atmospheric processes, through the catchment and river system processes to the damage mechanisms in the affected areas. Since very different processes at various scales are interacting along the flood risk, the impact of the single components is rather unclear. However for flood risk management, it is required to know the controlling factor of flood damages. The present study, using the flood-prone Mulde catchment in Germany, discusses the sensitivity of flood risk to disturbances along the risk chain: How do disturbances propagate through the risk chain? How do different disturbances combine or conflict and affect flood risk? In this sensitivity analysis, the five components of the flood risk change are included. These are climate, catchment, river system, exposure and vulnerability. A model framework representing the complete risk chain is combined with observational data to understand how the sensitivities evolve along the risk chain by considering three plausible change scenarios for each of five components. The flood risk is calculated by using the Regional Flood Model (RFM) which is based on a continuous simulation approach, including rainfall-runoff, 1D river network, 2D hinterland inundation and damage estimation models. The sensitivity analysis covers more than 240 scenarios with different combinations of the five components. It is investigated how changes in different components affect risk indicators, such as the risk curve and expected annual damage (EAD). In conclusion, it seems that changes in exposure and vulnerability seem to outweigh changes in hazard.

Volatile emissions from Aesculus hippocastanum induced by mining of larval stages of Cameraria ohridella influence oviposition by conspecific females.

PubMed

Johne, A Bettina; Weissbecker, Bernhard; Schütz, Stefan

2006-10-01

Larval stages of the horse chestnut leafminer Cameraria ohridella can completely destroy the surface of horse chestnut leaves, Aesculus hippocastanum. This study investigated the effect of the degree of leaf browning caused by the insect's larvae on olfactory detection, aggregation, and oviposition of C. ohridella adults. The influence of A. hippocastanum flower scent on oviposition of the first generation was also evaluated. Utilizing gas chromatography coupled with parallel detection by mass spectrometry and electroantennography (GC-MS/EAD), more than 30 compounds eliciting responses from antennae of C. ohridella were detected. Oviposition and mining by C. ohridella caused significant changes in the profile of leaf volatiles of A. hippocastanum. After oviposition and subsequent mining by early larval stages (L1-L3), substances such as benzaldehyde, 1,8-cineole, benzyl alcohol, 2-phenylethanol, methyl salicylate, (E)-beta-caryophyllene, and (E,E)-alpha-farnesene were emitted in addition to the compounds emitted by uninfested leaves. Insects were able to detect these compounds. The emitted amount of these substances increased with progressive larval development. During late larval stages (L4, L5) and severe loss of green leaf area, (E,E)-2,4-hexadienal, (E/Z)-linalool oxide (furanoid), nonanal, and decanal were also released by leaves. These alterations of the profile of volatiles caused modifications in aggregation of C. ohridella on leaves. In choice tests, leaves in early infestation stages showed no significant effect on aggregation, whereas insects avoided leaves in late infestation stages. Further choice tests with leaves treated with single compounds led to the identification of substances mediating an increase or decrease in oviposition.

Helicopter collision avoidance and brown-out recovery with HELLAS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seidel, Christian; Schwartz, Ingo; Kielhorn, Peter

2008-10-01

EADS Germany is the world market leader in commercial and military Helicopter Laser Radar (HELLAS) Obstacle Warning Systems. The HELLAS-Warning System has been introduced into the market in 2000, is in service at German Federal Police and Royal Thai Air Force. HELLAS was also successfully evaluated by the Foreign Comparative Test Program (FCT) of the U.S. Army and other governmental agencies. Currently the successor system for military applications, HELLAS-Awareness, is in qualification phase. It will have extended sensor performance, enhanced real-time data processing capabilities and advanced human machine interface (HMI) features. Flight tests on NH90 helicopter have been successfully performed. Helicopter series integration is scheduled to begin from 2009. We will give an outline of the new sensor unit concerning detection technology and helicopter integration aspects. The system provides a widespread field of view with additional dynamic line of sight steering and a large detection range in combination with a high frame rate. We will show the HMI representations. This HELLAS system is the basis for a 3 dimensional see-and-remember-system for brown-out recovery. When landing in sandy or dusty areas the downwash of the helicopter rotor causes clouds of visually-restrictive material that can completely obstruct the pilot's outside reference, resulting in a complete loss of situational awareness and spatial orientation of the pilot which can end up in total loss of aircraft control and dangerous accidents. The brown-out recovery system presented here creates an augmented enhanced synthetic vision of the landing area with the surrounding which is based on HELLAS range image data as well as altimeter and inertial reference information.

Evidence for a volatile pheromone in Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) that increases attraction to a host foliar volatile.

PubMed

Silk, Peter J; Ryall, Krista; Mayo, Peter; Lemay, Matthew A; Grant, Gary; Crook, Damon; Cossé, Allard; Fraser, Ivich; Sweeney, Jon D; Lyons, D Barry; Pitt, Doug; Scarr, Taylor; Magee, David

2011-08-01

Analysis by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) of volatiles from virgin female emerald ash borer, Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire confirmed the emission of (3Z)-lactone [(3Z)-dodecen-12-olide] but not its geometric isomer, (3E)-lactone [(3E)-dodecen-12-olide]. Gas chromatographic/electroantennographic (GC/EAD) analysis of synthetic (3Z)-lactone, which contained 10% (3E)-lactone, showed a strong response of male and female antennae to both isomers. EAG analysis with 0.01- to 100-μg dosages showed a positive dose response, with females giving significantly higher responses than males. In field experiments with sticky purple prism traps, neither lactone isomer affected catches when combined with ash foliar or cortical volatiles (green leaf volatiles or Phoebe oil, respectively). However, on green prism traps, the (3Z)-lactone significantly increased capture of male A. planipennis when traps were deployed in the canopy. Captures of males on traps with both (3E)-lactone and (3Z)-hexenol or with (3Z)-lactone and (3Z)-hexenol were increased by 45-100%, respectively, compared with traps baited with just (3Z)-hexenol. In olfactometer bioassays, males were significantly attracted to (3E)-lactone, but not the (3Z)-lactone or a 60:40 (3E):(3Z) blend. The combination of either (3E)- or (3Z)-lactone with Phoebe oil was not significantly attractive to males. Males were highly attracted to (3Z)-hexenol and the (3Z)-lactone + (3Z)-hexenol combination, providing support for the field trapping results. These data are the first to demonstrate increased attraction with a combination of a pheromone and a green leaf volatile in a Buprestid species.

ROBIN: a platform for evaluating automatic target recognition algorithms: II. Protocols used for evaluating algorithms and results obtained on the SAGEM DS database

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Duclos, D.; Lonnoy, J.; Guillerm, Q.; Jurie, F.; Herbin, S.; D'Angelo, E.

2008-04-01

Over the five past years, the computer vision community has explored many different avenues of research for Automatic Target Recognition. Noticeable advances have been made and we are now in the situation where large-scale evaluations of ATR technologies have to be carried out, to determine what the limitations of the recently proposed methods are and to determine the best directions for future works. ROBIN, which is a project funded by the French Ministry of Defence and by the French Ministry of Research, has the ambition of being a new reference for benchmarking ATR algorithms in operational contexts. This project, headed by major companies and research centers involved in Computer Vision R&D in the field of Defense (Bertin Technologies, CNES, ECA, DGA, EADS, INRIA, ONERA, MBDA, SAGEM, THALES) recently released a large dataset of several thousands of hand-annotated infrared and RGB images of different targets in different situations. Setting up an evaluation campaign requires us to define, accurately and carefully, sets of data (both for training ATR algorithms and for their evaluation), tasks to be evaluated, and finally protocols and metrics for the evaluation. ROBIN offers interesting contributions to each one of these three points. This paper first describes, justifies and defines the set of functions used in the ROBIN competitions and relevant for evaluating ATR algorithms (Detection, Localization, Recognition and Identification). It also defines the metrics and the protocol used for evaluating these functions. In the second part of the paper, the results obtained by several state-of-the-art algorithms on the SAGEM DS database (a subpart of ROBIN) are presented and discussed

The BepiColombo Spacecraft: The Mercury Transfer Module Structure Qualification Test Campaign Description

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Martin Zurdo, M. J.

2012-07-01

The BepiColombo is a space mission to Mercury (ESA in cooperation with Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency). The spacecraft consist of three different structures: two orbiters responsible for the scientific mission (MPO and MMO) and one service module, Mercury Transfer Module (MTM), which provides propulsion and services during the journey to Mercury. Taking into account only the MTM structure, the companies involved are ASTRIUM GERMANY acting as the prime contractor and ASTRIUM UK acting as the co- prime contractor company. EADS CASA Espacio (ECE) in Spain is the company responsible for the final design, manufacturing and qualification of the MTM structure. The test campaign specimen is the MTM core structure, which corresponds to the central cone with the structure floors, shear panels and tank support structure. This test campaign qualifies the primary load path and its primary interfaces; the rest of the MTM structure is qualified by system level vibration test. In order to qualify the MTM structure, three different kinds of qualification tests have been performed: stiffness test, global strength test and local tests in different specific areas. The most relevant test during the campaign is the global strength test case, in which several external loads are introduced (different interfaces) simulating the load introduction for a selected critical flight case. There are two important items in the qualification test campaign: 1. The instrumentation of the structure, with two main functions: to control the specimen under test loads, and to demonstrate the qualification of the structure. 2. The set-up structure, designed by ECE to allow the correct load introduction on each testing case during the whole test campaign. This paper describes the MTM structure test campaign from the definition of the loads applied in each test to the qualification of the complete structure.

Identification of host fruit volatiles from domestic apple (Malus domestica), native black hawthorn (Crataegus douglasii) and introduced ornamental hawthorn (C. monogyna) attractive to Rhagoletis pomonella flies from the western United States.

PubMed

Cha, Dong H; Yee, Wee L; Goughnour, Robert B; Sim, Sheina B; Powell, Thomas H Q; Feder, Jeffrey L; Linn, Charles E

2012-03-01

The apple maggot fly, Rhagoletis pomonella, infests apple (Malus domestica) and hawthorn species (most notably the downy hawthorn, Crataegus mollis) in the eastern USA. Evidence suggests that the fly was introduced into the western USA sometime in the last 60 years. In addition to apple, R. pomonella also infests two species of hawthorns in the western USA as major hosts: the native black hawthorn (C. douglasii) and the introduced ornamental English hawthorn, C. monogyna. Apple and downy hawthorn-origin flies in the eastern USA use volatile blends emitted from the surface of their respective ripening fruit to find and discriminate among host trees. To test whether the same is true for western flies, we used coupled gas chromatography and electroantennographic detection (GC-EAD) and developed a 7-component apple fruit blend for western apple-origin flies, an 8-component black hawthorn fruit blend for flies infesting C. douglasii, and a 9-component ornamental hawthorn blend for flies from C. monogyna. Crataegus douglasii and C. monogyna-origin flies showed similar levels of upwind directed flight to their respective natal synthetic fruit blends in flight tunnel assays compared to whole fruit adsorbent extracts, indicating that the blends contain all the behaviorally relevant fruit volatiles to induce maximal response levels. The black and ornamental hawthorn blends shared four compounds in common including 3-methylbutan-1-ol, which appears to be a key volatile for R. pomonella populations in the eastern, southern, and western USA that show a preference for fruit from different Crataegus species. However, the blends also differed from one another and from domesticated apple in several respects that make it possible that western R. pomonella flies behaviorally discriminate among fruit volatiles and form ecologically differentiated host races, as is the case for eastern apple and hawthorn flies.

Development of new resist materials for 193-nm dry and immersion lithography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sasaki, Takashi; Shirota, Naoko; Takebe, Yoko; Yokokoji, Osamu

2006-03-01

We earlier developed new monocyclic fluoropolymers (FUGU) for F II resist materials. But, it is necessary for FUGU to improve of their characteristics, especially the dry-etching resistance, in order to apply for ArF lithography at fine design rules. We have tried to combine FUGUs with Adamntyl methacrylates based conventional ArF resist polymer. In this paper, we have investigated the role of cyclic fluorinated unit, FUGU, in 193 nm resist polymers by analyzing the dissolution behavior. We found that FGEAM showed high sensitivity and good dissolution contrast, compared with acrylate based conventional samples at low PEB temperature (100 °C). And this difference of sensitivity was clearly found when weak acidity PAGs were used. From the dissolution behaviors of FGEAM, FUGU unit can work to improve the resist sensitivity in acrylate based ArF resist polymers. And we also found that FGEAM showed long acid diffusion length on PEB process, compared with Conventional samples. These result show that FUGU unit has a unique characteristics of the sensitivity with 193nm exposure and the acid diffusion behavior. We also investigated a new series of fluorinated copolymers for 193-nm lithography, combination of FUGU monomer and acrylate units which are used in conventional ArF resist. Six ter-polymers of FUGU, combination of FUGU monomers and EAdMA, GBLMA and HAdMA were prepared. We found that FUGU ter-polymers had a good dry etching resistance keeping high transparency at 193nm. And FUGU ter-polymers showed high sensitivity toward 193nm exposure. FUGU ter-polymers also had a high hydrophobic properties compared conventional type ArF resist polymers. So we also expect FUGU ter-polymers to be useful for ArF dry and immersion lithography.

Prevalence and molecular profiling of Epstein Barr virus (EBV) among healthy blood donors from different nationalities in Qatar.

PubMed

Smatti, Maria K; Yassine, Hadi M; AbuOdeh, Raed; AlMarawani, Asmaa; Taleb, Sara A; Althani, Asmaa A; Nasrallah, Gheyath K

2017-01-01

The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is the causative agent of infectious mononucleosis. EBV is highly prevalent lymphotropic herpesvirus and has been linked to several malignancies. Transmission is generally by oral secretions, but can be through blood transfusions and organ transplantations. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence, viremia rates, and circulating genotypes of EBV in healthy blood donors in Qatar. Blood samples from 673 blood donors of different nationalities residing in Qatar (mainly Qatar, Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Pakistan, and India) were collected and tested for anti-EBV capsid (VCA; IgG & IgM), nuclear (EBNA; IgG), and early (EA-D; IgG) antigens. Avidity testing was determined when active infection was suspected. DNA was extracted from the buffy coat and subjected to EBV-DNA quantification using qRT-PCR. Genotyping was performed using nested-PCR targeting EBV-EBNA2 gene, and phylogeny by sequence analysis of the LMP-1 gene. 97.9% (673/659) of the samples were seropositive as indicated by the presence VCA-IgG, while 52.6% (354/673) had detectible EBV-DNA. EBV seroprevalence and viremia rates increased significantly with age. Genotyping of 51 randomly selected samples showed predominance of Genotype 1 (72.5%, 37/51) as compared to genotype 2 (3.5%), and mixed infections were detected in 4% of the samples. Sub-genotyping for these samples revealed that the Mediterranean strain was predominant (65.3%), followed by B95.8 prototype and North Carolina strains (12.2% each), and China1 strain (6%). As a first study to evaluate EBV infection in highly diverse population in Qatar, where expatriates represent more than 85% of the population, our results indicated high seroprevalence and viremia rate of EBV in different nationalities, with genotype 1 and Mediterranean strain being predominant. Clinical significance of these finding have not been investigated and shall be evaluated in future studies.

Weapon system simulation in flight (WaSiF)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bartoldus, Klaus H.

2005-05-01

The research and technology demonstration program was co-funded by the Ministries of Defence of five European countries under the framework of the "EUropean Cooperation for the Long term in Defence" (EUCLID) MoU to include Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, Portugal and Turkey with considerable financial contribution from the industrial entities. EADS Military Aircraft Munich has led a team of seven industries and research centers, including Aermacchi of Italy, DutchSpace and NLR of The Netherlands, OGMA and INETI of Portugal and Marmara Research Center of Turkey. The purpose of the project was the design, realization and demonstration of an embedded real time simulation system allowing the combat training of operational aircrew in a virtual air defence scenario and threat environment against computer generated forces in the air and on the ground while flying on a real aircraft. The simulated scenario is focused on air-to-air beyond visual range engagements of fighter aircraft. WaSiF represents one of the first demonstrations of an advanced embedded real time training system onboard a fighter/training aircraft. The system is integrated onboard the MB339CX aircraft. The overall flight test activity covered a wide variety of test conditions for a total of 21 test flights; the operational airborne time of the WaSiF amounted to nearly 18 hours. The demonstration and evaluation were quite positive; the five-nation aircrew was very fond of their first encounter with the virtual world in the military flight training. A common view and approach towards Network Centric Warfare is but emerging. WaSiF in a future networked configuration holds lots of promise to serve the needs of Integrated Air Defence: Common training in a virtual environment.

L-3 Com AVISYS civil aviation self-protection system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carey, Jim

2006-05-01

In early 2004, L-3 Com AVISYS Corporation (hereinafter referred to as L-3 AVISYS or AVISYS) completed a contract for the integration and deployment of an advanced Infrared Countermeasures self-protection suite for a Head of State Airbus A340 aircraft. This initial L-3 AVISYS IRCM Suite was named WIPPS (Widebody Integrated Platform Protection System). The A340 WIPPS installation provisions were FAA certified with the initial deployment of the modified aircraft. WIPPS is unique in that it utilizes a dual integrated missile warning subsystem to produce a robust, multi-spectral, ultra-low false alarm rate threat warning capability. WIPPS utilizes the Thales MWS-20 Pulsed Doppler Radar Active MWS and the EADS AN/AAR-60 Ultraviolet Passive MWS. These MWS subsystems are integrated through an L-3 AVISYS Electronic Warfare Control Set (EWCS). The EWCS also integrates the WIPPS MWS threat warning information with the A340 flight computer data to optimize ALE-47 Countermeasure Dispensing System IR decoy dispensing commands, program selection and timing. WIPPS utilizes standard and advanced IR Decoys produced by ARMTEC Defense and Alloy Surfaces. WIPPS demonstrated that when IR decoy dispensing is controlled by threat range and time-to-go information provided by an Active MWS, unsurpassed self protection levels are achievable. Recognizing the need for high volume civil aviation protection, L-3 AVISYS configured a variant of WIPPS optimized for commercial airline reliability requirements, safety requirements, supportability and most importantly, affordability. L-3 AVISYS refers to this IRCM suite as CAPS (Commercial Airliner Protection System). CAPS has been configured for applications to all civil aircraft ranging from the small Regional Jets to the largest Wide-bodies. This presentation and paper will provide an overview of the initial WIPPS IRCM Suite and the important factors that were considered in defining the CAPS configuration.

Experimental Modal Analysis and Dynaic Strain Fiber Bragg Gratings for Structural Health Monitoring of Composite Aerospace Structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Panopoulou, A.; Fransen, S.; Gomez Molinero, V.; Kostopoulos, V.

2012-07-01

The objective of this work is to develop a new structural health monitoring system for composite aerospace structures based on dynamic response strain measurements and experimental modal analysis techniques. Fibre Bragg Grating (FBG) optical sensors were used for monitoring the dynamic response of the composite structure. The structural dynamic behaviour has been numerically simulated and experimentally verified by means of vibration testing. The hypothesis of all vibration tests was that actual damage in composites reduces their stiffness and produces the same result as mass increase produces. Thus, damage was simulated by slightly varying locally the mass of the structure at different zones. Experimental modal analysis based on the strain responses was conducted and the extracted strain mode shapes were the input for the damage detection expert system. A feed-forward back propagation neural network was the core of the damage detection system. The features-input to the neural network consisted of the strain mode shapes, extracted from the experimental modal analysis. Dedicated training and validation activities were carried out based on the experimental results. The system showed high reliability, confirmed by the ability of the neural network to recognize the size and the position of damage on the structure. The experiments were performed on a real structure i.e. a lightweight antenna sub- reflector, manufactured and tested at EADS CASA ESPACIO. An integrated FBG sensor network, based on the advantage of multiplexing, was mounted on the structure with optimum topology. Numerical simulation of both structures was used as a support tool at all the steps of the work. Potential applications for the proposed system are during ground qualification extensive tests of space structures and during the mission as modal analysis tool on board, being able via the FBG responses to identify a potential failure.

Drug Screening Using a Library of Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Cardiomyocytes Reveals Disease Specific Patterns of Cardiotoxicity

PubMed Central

Liang, Ping; Lan, Feng; Lee, Andrew S.; Gong, Tingyu; Sanchez-Freire, Veronica; Wang, Yongming; Diecke, Sebastian; Sallam, Karim; Knowles, Joshua W.; Wang, Paul J.; Nguyen, Patricia K.; Bers, Donald M.; Robbins, Robert C.; Wu, Joseph C.

2013-01-01

Background Cardiotoxicity is a leading cause for drug attrition during pharmaceutical development and has resulted in numerous preventable patient deaths. Incidents of adverse cardiac drug reactions are more common in patients with pre-existing heart disease than the general population. Here we generated a library of human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) from patients with various hereditary cardiac disorders to model differences in cardiac drug toxicity susceptibility for patients of different genetic backgrounds. Methods and Results Action potential duration (APD) and drug-induced arrhythmia were measured at the single cell level in hiPSC-CMs derived from healthy subjects and patients with hereditary long QT syndrome (LQT), familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), and familial dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Disease phenotypes were verified in LQT, HCM, and DCM iPSC-CMs by immunostaining and single cell patch clamp. Human embryonic stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hESC-CMs) and the human ether-a-go-go-related gene (hERG) expressing human embryonic kidney (HEK293) cells were used as controls. Single cell PCR confirmed expression of all cardiac ion channels in patient-specific hiPSC-CMs as well as hESC-CMs, but not in HEK293 cells. Disease-specific hiPSC-CMs demonstrated increased susceptibility to known cardiotoxic drugs as measured by APD and quantification of drug-induced arrhythmias such as early after depolarizations (EADs) and delayed after depolarizations (DADs). Conclusions We have recapitulated drug-induced cardiotoxicity profiles for healthy subjects, LQT, HCM, and DCM patients at the single cell level for the first time. Our data indicate that healthy and diseased individuals exhibit different susceptibilities to cardiotoxic drugs and that use of disease-specific hiPSC-CMs may predict adverse drug responses more accurately than standard hERG test or healthy control hiPSC-CM/hESC-CM screening assays. PMID:23519760

Monitoring the endogenous steroid profile disruption in urine and blood upon nandrolone administration: An efficient and innovative strategy to screen for nandrolone abuse in entire male horses.

PubMed

Kaabia, Z; Dervilly-Pinel, G; Popot, M A; Bailly-Chouriberry, L; Plou, P; Bonnaire, Y; Le Bizec, B

2014-04-01

Nandrolone (17β-hydroxy-4-estren-3-one) is amongst the most misused endogenous steroid hormones in entire male horses. The detection of such a substance is challenging with regard to its endogenous presence. The current international threshold level for nandrolone misuse is based on the urinary concentration ratio of 5α-estrane-3β,17α-diol (EAD) to 5(10)-estrene-3β,17α-diol (EED). This ratio, however, can be influenced by a number of factors due to existing intra- and inter-variability standing, respectively, for the variation occurring in endogenous steroids concentration levels in a single subject and the variation in those same concentration levels observed between different subjects. Targeting an efficient detection of nandrolone misuse in entire male horses, an analytical strategy was set up in order to profile a group of endogenous steroids in nandrolone-treated and non-treated equines. Experiment plasma and urine samples were steadily collected over more than three months from a stallion administered with nandrolone laurate (1 mg/kg). Control plasma and urine samples were collected monthly from seven non-treated stallions over a one-year period. A large panel of steroids of interest (n = 23) were extracted from equine urine and plasma samples using a C18 cartridge. Following a methanolysis step, liquid-liquid and solid-phase extractions purifications were performed before derivatization and analysis on gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) for quantification. Statistical processing of the collected data permitted to establish statistical models capable of discriminating control samples from those collected during the three months following administration. Furthermore, these statistical models succeeded in predicting the compliance status of additional samples collected from racing horses. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

UAVSAR and TerraSAR-X Based InSAR Detection of Localized Subsidence in the New Orleans Area

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blom, R. G.; An, K.; Jones, C. E.; Latini, D.

2014-12-01

Vulnerability of the US Gulf coast to inundation has received increased attention since hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Compounding effects of sea level rise, wetland loss, and regional and local subsidence makes flood protection a difficult challenge, and particularly for the New Orleans area. Key to flood protection is precise knowledge of elevations and elevation changes. Analysis of historical and continuing geodetic measurements show surprising complexity, including locations subsiding more rapidly than considered during planning of hurricane protection and coastal restoration projects. Combining traditional, precise geodetic data with interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) observations can provide geographically dense constraints on surface deformation. The Gulf Coast environment is challenging for InSAR techniques, especially with systems not designed for interferometry. We use two InSAR capable systems, the L- band (24 cm wavelength) airborne JPL/NASA UAVSAR, and the DLR/EADS Astrium spaceborne TerraSAR X-band (3 cm wavelength), and compare results. First, we are applying pair-wise InSAR to the longer wavelength UAVSAR data to detect localized elevation changes potentially impacting flood protection infrastructure from 2009 - 2014. We focus on areas on and near flood protection infrastructure to identify changes indicative of subsidence, structural deformation, and/or seepage. The Spaceborne TerraSAR X-band SAR system has relatively frequent observations, and dense persistent scatterers in urban areas, enabling measurement of very small displacements. We compare L-band UAVSAR results with permanent scatterer (PS-InSAR) and Short Baseline Subsets (SBAS) interferometric analyses of a stack composed by 28 TerraSAR X-band images acquired over the same period. Thus we can evaluate results from the different radar frequencies and analyses techniques. Preliminary results indicate subsidence features potentially of a variety of causes, including ground water

In vivo intratumoral Epstein-Barr virus replication is associated with XBP1 activation and early-onset post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders with prognostic implications.

PubMed

Gonzalez-Farre, Blanca; Rovira, Jordina; Martinez, Daniel; Valera, Alexandra; Garcia-Herrera, Adriana; Marcos, Maria Angeles; Sole, Carla; Roue, Gael; Colomer, Dolors; Gonzalvo, Elena; Ribera-Cortada, Imma; Araya, Monica; Lloreta, Josep; Colomo, Luis; Campo, Elias; Lopez-Guillermo, Armando; Martinez, Antonio

2014-12-01

Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders are life-threatening complications following hematopoietic or solid organ transplantation. They represent a spectrum of mostly EBV-driven lymphoplasmacytic proliferations. While the oncogenic effect of EBV is related to latent infection, lytic infection also has a role in lymphomagenesis. In vitro, EBV replication is linked to plasma cell differentiation and XBP1 activation, although this phenomenon has never been addressed in vivo. We analyzed for the first time latent and lytic intratumoral EBV infection in a series of 35 adult patients with a diagnosis of post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (26M/9F, median age 54 years). A complete EBV study was performed including the analysis of the latent EBER, latent membrane protein-11, and EBV nuclear antigens as well as the immediate-early BZLF1/ZEBRA and early BMRF1/EADE31 lytic genes. XBP1 activation was assessed by nuclear protein expression. EBV infection was observed in 28 (80%) cases being latency II and III the most frequently observed 22 (79%). Intratumoral EBV replication was detected in 17 (60%) cases. Among these, XBP1 activation was observed in 11/12 evaluable cases associated with strong cytoplasmic immunoglobulin expression consistent with plasma cell differentiation. Intriguingly, the combination of latency III infection and EBV replication identified a high-risk subgroup of patients with significantly shorter survival (overall survival at 1 year 18% vs 48%) and early-onset (median of 7 vs 26 months) post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder. Moreover, these patients appear to be more heavily immunosuppressed, so they exhibit lower rates of rejection and graft vs host disease but higher rates of cytomegalovirus reactivation. In conclusion, EBV replication is associated with plasma cell differentiation and XBP1 activation with prognostic implications. Both latency III and lytic EBV infection are related to aggressive and early-onset post

Human stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes detect drug-mediated changes in action potentials and ion currents.

PubMed

Gibson, John K; Yue, Yimei; Bronson, Jared; Palmer, Cassie; Numann, Randy

2014-01-01

It has been proposed that proarrhythmia assessment for safety pharmacology testing includes the use of human pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CM) to detect drug-induced changes in cardiac electrophysiology. This study measured the actions of diverse agents on action potentials (AP) and ion currents recorded from hiPSC-CM. During AP experiments, the hiPSC-CM were paced at 1Hz during a baseline period, and when increasing concentrations of test compound were administered at 4-minute intervals. AP parameters, including duration (APD60 and APD90), resting membrane potential, rate of rise, and amplitude, were measured throughout the entire experiment. Voltage clamp experiments with E-4031 and nifedipine were similarly conducted. E-4031 produced a dose-dependent prolongation of cardiac action potential and blocked the hERG/IKr current with an IC50 of 17nM. At 3nM, dofetilide significantly increased APD90. Astemizole significantly increased APD60 and APD90 at 30nM. Terfenadine significantly increased APD90 at concentrations greater than 10nM. Fexofenadine, a metabolite of terfenadine, did not produce any electrophysiologic changes in cardiac action potentials. Flecainide produced a dose-dependent prolongation of the cardiac action potential at 1 and 3μM. Acute exposure to nifedipine significantly decreased APD60 and APD90 and produced a dose-dependent block of calcium current with an IC50 of 0.039μM. Verapamil first shortened APD60 and APD90 in a dose-dependent manner, until a compensating increase in APD90, presumably via hERG blockade, was observed at 1 and 3μM. Following a chronic exposure (20-24h) to clinically relevant levels of pentamidine, a significant increase in action potential duration was accompanied by early afterdepolarizations (EADs). These experiments show the ability of AP measured from hiPSC-CM to record the interactions of various ion channels via AP recording and avoid the limitations of using several single ion channel assays in

Adsorption of Pd(II) complexes from chloride solutions obtained by leaching chlorinated spent automotive catalysts on ion exchange resin Diaion WA21J.

PubMed

Shen, Shaobo; Pan, Tonglin; Liu, Xinqiang; Yuan, Lei; Zhang, Yongjian; Wang, Jinchao; Guo, Zhanchen

2010-05-01

It was found that Rh, Pd and Pt contained in the spent ceramic automotive catalysts could be effectively extracted by dry chlorination with chlorine. In order to concentrate Pd(II) contained in the chloride solution obtained from the dry chlorination process, thermodynamic and kinetics studies for adsorption of Pd(II) complexes from the chloride solutions on anionic exchange resin Diaion WA21J were carried out. It was found that Pd, Pt, Rh, Al, Fe, Si, Zn and Pb from the chloride solution could be adsorbed on the resin. The isothermal adsorption of Pd(II) was found to fit Freundlich, Langmuir and Dubinin-Kaganer-Radushkevich models under the adsorption conditions. The adsorption of Pd(II) on the resin was favorable according to the values of 1/n and R(L) from Freundlich and Langmuir adsorption isotherms, respectively. The maximum monolayer adsorption capacities Q(max) based on Langmuir adsorption isotherms were 5.70, 4.84 and 4.05 mg/g and the corresponding value X(m) based on Dubinin-Kaganer-Radushkevich were 5.55, 4.69 and 4.01 mg/g at temperatures 18 degrees C, 28 degrees C and 40 degrees C, respectively. The apparent adsorption energies (E(ad)) based on Dubinin-Kaganer-Radushkevich isotherm were -15.43, -16.22 and -23.57 kJ/mol for the temperatures 18 degrees C, 28 degrees C and 40 degrees C, respectively. Chemical adsorption was a main mechanism involved in the adsorption process. Pd(II) adsorption on the resin could be accelerated by increasing the adsorption temperature. The adsorption of Pd(II) from the chloride solution on the resin underwent pseudo-first order kinetic process and the apparent adsorption activation energy E(a) was 15.0 kJ/mol. The intra-particle diffusion was a main rate controlling step in the Pd(II) adsorption process under the adsorption conditions. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

PREFACE: Second International Workshop & Summer School on Plasma Physics 2006

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Benova, Evgeniya; Atanassov, Vladimir

2007-04-01

The Second International Workshop & Summer School on Plasma Physics (IWSSPP'06) organized by St. Kliment Ohridsky University of Sofia, The Union of the Physicists in Bulgaria, the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences and the Bulgarian Nuclear Society, was held in Kiten, Bulgaria, on the Black Sea Coast, from 3-9 July 2006. As with the first of these scientific meetings (IWSSPP'05 Journal of Physics: Conference Series 44 (2006)), its aim was to stimulate the creation and support of a new generation of young scientists for further development of plasma physics fundamentals and applications, as well as to ensure an interdisciplinary exchange of views and initiate possible collaborations by bringing together scientists from various branches of plasma physics. This volume of Journal of Physics: Conference Series includes 33 papers (invited lectures, contributed talks and posters) devoted to various branches of plasma physics, among them fusion plasma research, dc and microwave discharge modelling, transport phenomena in gas discharge plasmas, plasma diagnostics, cross sections and rate constants of elementary processes, material processing, plasma-chemistry and technology. Some of these papers were presented by internationally known and recognized specialists in their fields; others are MSc or PhD students' first steps in science. In both cases, we believe they will raise readers' interest. We would like to thank the members of both the International Advisory Committee and the Local Organizing Committee, the participants who sent their manuscripts and passed through the (sometimes heavy and troublesome) refereeing and editing procedure and our referees for their patience and considerable effort to improve the manuscripts. We greatly appreciate the financial support from the sponsors: the Department for Language Teaching and International Students at the University of Sofia and Natsionalna Elektricheska Kompania EAD. We would like to express our gratitude to the invited

Prevalence and molecular profiling of Epstein Barr virus (EBV) among healthy blood donors from different nationalities in Qatar

PubMed Central

Smatti, Maria K.; Yassine, Hadi M.; AbuOdeh, Raed; AlMarawani, Asmaa; Taleb, Sara A.; Althani, Asmaa A.

2017-01-01

Background The Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) is the causative agent of infectious mononucleosis. EBV is highly prevalent lymphotropic herpesvirus and has been linked to several malignancies. Transmission is generally by oral secretions, but can be through blood transfusions and organ transplantations. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence, viremia rates, and circulating genotypes of EBV in healthy blood donors in Qatar. Methods Blood samples from 673 blood donors of different nationalities residing in Qatar (mainly Qatar, Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Pakistan, and India) were collected and tested for anti-EBV capsid (VCA; IgG & IgM), nuclear (EBNA; IgG), and early (EA-D; IgG) antigens. Avidity testing was determined when active infection was suspected. DNA was extracted from the buffy coat and subjected to EBV-DNA quantification using qRT-PCR. Genotyping was performed using nested-PCR targeting EBV-EBNA2 gene, and phylogeny by sequence analysis of the LMP-1 gene. Results 97.9% (673/659) of the samples were seropositive as indicated by the presence VCA-IgG, while 52.6% (354/673) had detectible EBV-DNA. EBV seroprevalence and viremia rates increased significantly with age. Genotyping of 51 randomly selected samples showed predominance of Genotype 1 (72.5%, 37/51) as compared to genotype 2 (3.5%), and mixed infections were detected in 4% of the samples. Sub-genotyping for these samples revealed that the Mediterranean strain was predominant (65.3%), followed by B95.8 prototype and North Carolina strains (12.2% each), and China1 strain (6%). Conclusion As a first study to evaluate EBV infection in highly diverse population in Qatar, where expatriates represent more than 85% of the population, our results indicated high seroprevalence and viremia rate of EBV in different nationalities, with genotype 1 and Mediterranean strain being predominant. Clinical significance of these finding have not been investigated and shall be evaluated in future studies. PMID:29228016

Virologic outcomes of HAART with concurrent use of cytochrome P450 enzyme-inducing antiepileptics: a retrospective case control study

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background To evaluate the efficacy of highly-active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in individuals taking cytochrome P450 enzyme-inducing antiepileptics (EI-EADs), we evaluated the virologic response to HAART with or without concurrent antiepileptic use. Methods Participants in the US Military HIV Natural History Study were included if taking HAART for ≥6 months with concurrent use of EI-AEDs phenytoin, carbamazepine, or phenobarbital for ≥28 days. Virologic outcomes were compared to HAART-treated participants taking AEDs that are not CYP450 enzyme-inducing (NEI-AED group) as well as to a matched group of individuals not taking AEDs (non-AED group). For participants with multiple HAART regimens with AED overlap, the first 3 overlaps were studied. Results EI-AED participants (n = 19) had greater virologic failure (62.5%) compared to NEI-AED participants (n = 85; 26.7%) for the first HAART/AED overlap period (OR 4.58 [1.47-14.25]; P = 0.009). Analysis of multiple overlap periods yielded consistent results (OR 4.29 [1.51-12.21]; P = 0.006). Virologic failure was also greater in the EI-AED versus NEI-AED group with multiple HAART/AED overlaps when adjusted for both year of and viral load at HAART initiation (OR 4.19 [1.54-11.44]; P = 0.005). Compared to the non-AED group (n = 190), EI-AED participants had greater virologic failure (62.5% vs. 42.5%; P = 0.134), however this result was only significant when adjusted for viral load at HAART initiation (OR 4.30 [1.02-18.07]; P = 0.046). Conclusions Consistent with data from pharmacokinetic studies demonstrating that EI-AED use may result in subtherapeutic levels of HAART, EI-AED use is associated with greater risk of virologic failure compared to NEI-AEDs when co-administered with HAART. Concurrent use of EI-AEDs and HAART should be avoided when possible. PMID:21575228

Surface Deformation by Thermo-capillary Convection -Sounding Rocket COMPERE Experiment SOURCE

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fuhrmann, Eckart; Dreyer, Michael E.

The sounding rocket COMPERE experiment SOURCE was successfully flown on MASER 11, launched in Kiruna (ESRANGE), May 15th, 2008. SOURCE has been intended to partly ful-fill the scientific objectives of the European Space Agency (ESA) Microgravity Applications Program (MAP) project AO-2004-111 (Convective boiling and condensation). Three parties of principle investigators have been involved to design the experiment set-up: ZARM for thermo-capillary flows, IMFT (Toulouse, France) for boiling studies, EADS Astrium (Bremen, Ger-many) for depressurization. The scientific aims are to study the effect of wall heat flux on the contact line of the free liquid surface and to obtain a correlation for a convective heat transfer coefficient. The experiment has been conducted along a predefined time line. A preheating sequence at ground was the first operation to achieve a well defined temperature evolution within the test cell and its environment inside the rocket. Nearly one minute after launch, the pressurized test cell was filled with the test liquid HFE-7000 until a certain fill level was reached. Then the free surface could be observed for 120 s without distortion. Afterwards, the first depressurization was started to induce subcooled boiling, the second one to start saturated boiling. The data from the flight consists of video images and temperature measurements in the liquid, the solid, and the gaseous phase. Data analysis provides the surface shape versus time and the corresponding apparent contact angle. Computational analysis provides information for the determination of the heat transfer coefficient in a compensated gravity environment where a flow is caused by the temperature difference between the hot wall and the cold liquid. Correlations for the effective contact angle and the heat transfer coefficient shall be delivered as a function of the relevant dimensionsless parameters. The data will be used for benchmarking of commercial CFD codes and the tank design

Computational modeling for cardiac safety pharmacology analysis: Contribution of fibroblasts.

PubMed

Gao, Xin; Engel, Tyler; Carlson, Brian E; Wakatsuki, Tetsuro

2017-09-01

Drug-induced proarrhythmic potential is an important regulatory criterion in safety pharmacology. The application of in silico approaches to predict proarrhythmic potential of new compounds is under consideration as part of future guidelines. Current approaches simulate the electrophysiology of a single human adult ventricular cardiomyocyte. However, drug-induced proarrhythmic potential can be different when cardiomyocytes are surrounded by non-muscle cells. Incorporating fibroblasts in models of myocardium is important particularly for predicting a drugs cardiac liability in the aging population - a growing population who take more medications and exhibit increased cardiac fibrosis. In this study, we used computational models to investigate the effects of fibroblast coupling on the electrophysiology and response to drugs of cardiomyocytes. A computational model of cardiomyocyte electrophysiology and ion handling (O'Hara, Virag, Varro, & Rudy, 2011) is coupled to a passive model of fibroblast electrophysiology to test the effects of three compounds that block cardiomyocyte ion channels. Results are compared to model results without fibroblast coupling to see how fibroblasts affect cardiomyocyte action potential duration at 90% repolarization (APD 90 ) and propensity for early after depolarization (EAD). Simulation results show changes in cardiomyocyte APD 90 with increasing concentration of three drugs that affect cardiac function (dofetilide, vardenafil and nebivolol) when no fibroblasts are coupled to the cardiomyocyte. Coupling fibroblasts to cardiomyocytes markedly shortens APD 90 . Moreover, increasing the number of fibroblasts can augment the shortening effect. Coupling cardiomyocytes and fibroblasts are predicted to decrease proarrhythmic susceptibility under dofetilide, vardenafil and nebivolol block. However, this result is sensitive to parameters which define the electrophysiological function of the fibroblast. Fibroblast membrane capacitance and

Navigation integrity monitoring and obstacle detection for enhanced-vision systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Korn, Bernd; Doehler, Hans-Ullrich; Hecker, Peter

2001-08-01

Typically, Enhanced Vision (EV) systems consist of two main parts, sensor vision and synthetic vision. Synthetic vision usually generates a virtual out-the-window view using databases and accurate navigation data, e. g. provided by differential GPS (DGPS). The reliability of the synthetic vision highly depends on both, the accuracy of the used database and the integrity of the navigation data. But especially in GPS based systems, the integrity of the navigation can't be guaranteed. Furthermore, only objects that are stored in the database can be displayed to the pilot. Consequently, unexpected obstacles are invisible and this might cause severe problems. Therefore, additional information has to be extracted from sensor data to overcome these problems. In particular, the sensor data analysis has to identify obstacles and has to monitor the integrity of databases and navigation. Furthermore, if a lack of integrity arises, navigation data, e.g. the relative position of runway and aircraft, has to be extracted directly from the sensor data. The main contribution of this paper is about the realization of these three sensor data analysis tasks within our EV system, which uses the HiVision 35 GHz MMW radar of EADS, Ulm as the primary EV sensor. For the integrity monitoring, objects extracted from radar images are registered with both database objects and objects (e. g. other aircrafts) transmitted via data link. This results in a classification into known and unknown radar image objects and consequently, in a validation of the integrity of database and navigation. Furthermore, special runway structures are searched for in the radar image where they should appear. The outcome of this runway check contributes to the integrity analysis, too. Concurrent to this investigation a radar image based navigation is performed without using neither precision navigation nor detailed database information to determine the aircraft's position relative to the runway. The performance of our

Identification of fruit volatiles from green hawthorn (Crataegus viridis) and blueberry hawthorn (Crataegus brachyacantha) host plants attractive to different phenotypes of Rhagoletis pomonella flies in the southern United States.

PubMed

Cha, Dong H; Powell, Thomas H Q; Feder, Jeffrey L; Linn, Charles E

2011-09-01

The apple maggot fly, Rhagoletis pomonella, infests several hawthorn species in the southern USA. In a companion paper, we showed that R. pomonella flies infesting two different mayhaw species (Crataegus opaca and C. aestivalis) can discriminate between volatile blends developed for each host fruit, and that these blends are different from previously constructed blends for northern fly populations that infest domestic apple (Malus domestica), downy hawthorn (Crataegus mollis), and flowering dogwood (Cornus florida). Here, we show by using coupled gas chromatography and electroantennographic detection (GC-EAD), gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and flight tunnel bioassays, that two additional southern hawthorn fly populations infesting C. viridis (green hawthorn) and C. brachyacantha (blueberry hawthorn) also can discriminate between volatile blends for each host fruit type. A 9-component blend was developed for C. viridis (3-methylbutan-1-ol [5%], butyl butanoate [19.5%], propyl hexanoate [1.5%], butyl hexanoate [24%], hexyl butanoate [24%], pentyl hexanoate [2.5%], 1-octen-3-ol [0.5%], pentyl butanoate [2.5%], and (3E)-4,8-dimethyl-1,3,7-nonatriene (DMNT) [20.5%]) and an 8-component blend for C. brachyacantha (3-methylbutan-1-ol [0.6%], butyl acetate [50%], pentyl acetate [3.5%], butyl butanoate [9%], butyl hexanoate [16.8%], hexyl butanoate [16.8%], 1-octen-3-ol [0.3%], and pentyl butanoate [3%]). Crataegus viridis and C. brachyacantha-origin flies showed significantly higher levels of upwind oriented flight to their natal blend in flight tunnel assays compared to the alternate, non-natal blend and previously developed northern host plant blends. The presence of DMNT in C. viridis and butyl acetate in C. brachyacantha appeared to be largely responsible for driving the differential response. This sharp behavioral distinction underscores the diversity of odor response phenotypes in the southern USA, points to possible host race formation in these

ROBIN: a platform for evaluating automatic target recognition algorithms: I. Overview of the project and presentation of the SAGEM DS competition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Duclos, D.; Lonnoy, J.; Guillerm, Q.; Jurie, F.; Herbin, S.; D'Angelo, E.

2008-04-01

The last five years have seen a renewal of Automatic Target Recognition applications, mainly because of the latest advances in machine learning techniques. In this context, large collections of image datasets are essential for training algorithms as well as for their evaluation. Indeed, the recent proliferation of recognition algorithms, generally applied to slightly different problems, make their comparisons through clean evaluation campaigns necessary. The ROBIN project tries to fulfil these two needs by putting unclassified datasets, ground truths, competitions and metrics for the evaluation of ATR algorithms at the disposition of the scientific community. The scope of this project includes single and multi-class generic target detection and generic target recognition, in military and security contexts. From our knowledge, it is the first time that a database of this importance (several hundred thousands of visible and infrared hand annotated images) has been publicly released. Funded by the French Ministry of Defence (DGA) and by the French Ministry of Research, ROBIN is one of the ten Techno-vision projects. Techno-vision is a large and ambitious government initiative for building evaluation means for computer vision technologies, for various application contexts. ROBIN's consortium includes major companies and research centres involved in Computer Vision R&D in the field of defence: Bertin Technologies, CNES, ECA, DGA, EADS, INRIA, ONERA, MBDA, SAGEM, THALES. This paper, which first gives an overview of the whole project, is focused on one of ROBIN's key competitions, the SAGEM Defence Security database. This dataset contains more than eight hundred ground and aerial infrared images of six different vehicles in cluttered scenes including distracters. Two different sets of data are available for each target. The first set includes different views of each vehicle at close range in a "simple" background, and can be used to train algorithms. The second set

Dispersion and Input Control Capability in European Large Size Reverberant Acoustic Chambers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yarza, A.; Lopez, J.; Ozores, E.

2012-07-01

The acoustic test in reverberant chamber is one of the load cases to be proved during the environmental test campaign that demonstrates the capability of a space- unit to survive the launch phase. The crucial requirement for the large size structures is often the survival of the acoustic vibration test, and can be defined as the design driver load case in many circumstances. In addition, the commercial market demands lighter structures as an objective to reduce costs. For an efficient optimisation of the product it is very important to have powerful structural analysis tools in order to obtain knowledge of the structural needs and to refine existing methods for the prediction of structural loads experienced during acoustic testing. In the same line, as part of the contributors involved in the test it is important to acquire knowledge of the characteristics of the reverberant chamber itself and the behaviour of the fluid. With this purpose, EADS CASA Espacio (ECE) has used the measured data of the parameters of the fluid extracted from test of the deployable reflectors validated in the past five years, with the final objective to improve and optimise the capability to face up the acoustic test. In this paper experimental data extracted from acoustic tests performed to space-units are presented. Information related to two European large size acoustic chambers are used. The pressure field inside the acoustic chamber has been post-processed with the objective to study the behaviour of the fluid during the test. The diffuseness of the pressure field and the control capability of the acoustic profile are parameters to be considered as contributors for the design of the structures. The homogeneity of the microphones’ measurements is taken into account to describe the dispersion of the pressure inside the reverberant chamber along the frequency domain. Upon of that, the capability of the facilities to control the input profile is analysed from a statistical point of view

Unified Desktop for Monitoring & Control Applications - The Open Navigator Framework Applied for Control Centre and EGSE Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brauer, U.

2007-08-01

The Open Navigator Framework (ONF) was developed to provide a unified and scalable platform for user interface integration. The main objective for the framework was to raise usability of monitoring and control consoles and to provide a reuse of software components in different application areas. ONF is currently applied for the Columbus onboard crew interface, the commanding application for the Columbus Control Centre, the Columbus user facilities specialized user interfaces, the Mission Execution Crew Assistant (MECA) study and EADS Astrium internal R&D projects. ONF provides a well documented and proven middleware for GUI components (Java plugin interface, simplified concept similar to Eclipse). The overall application configuration is performed within a graphical user interface for layout and component selection. The end-user does not have to work in the underlying XML configuration files. ONF was optimized to provide harmonized user interfaces for monitoring and command consoles. It provides many convenience functions designed together with flight controllers and onboard crew: user defined workspaces, incl. support for multi screens efficient communication mechanism between the components integrated web browsing and documentation search &viewing consistent and integrated menus and shortcuts common logging and application configuration (properties) supervision interface for remote plugin GUI access (web based) A large number of operationally proven ONF components have been developed: Command Stack & History: Release of commands and follow up the command acknowledges System Message Panel: Browse, filter and search system messages/events Unified Synoptic System: Generic synoptic display system Situational Awareness : Show overall subsystem status based on monitoring of key parameters System Model Browser: Browse mission database defintions (measurements, commands, events) Flight Procedure Executor: Execute checklist and logical flow interactive procedures Web

Assessment of the effectiveness of participatory developed adaptation strategies for HCMC

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lasage, R.; Veldkamp, T. I. E.; de Moel, H.; Van, T. C.; Phi, H. L.; Vellinga, P.; Aerts, J. C. J. H.

2014-01-01

Coastal cities are vulnerable to flooding, and flood risk to coastal cities will increase due to sea-level rise. Moreover, especially Asian cities are subject to considerable population growth and associated urban developments, increasing this risk even more. Empirical data on vulnerability and the cost and benefits of flood risk reducing measures are therefore paramount for sustainable development of these cities. This paper presents an approach to explore the impacts of sea level rise and socio-economic developments on flood risk for the flood prone District 4 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and to develop and evaluate the effects of different adaptation strategies (new levees, dry- and wet flood proofing of buildings). A flood damage model was developed to simulate current and future flood risk using the results from a household survey to establish stage-damage curves for residential buildings. the model has been used to assess the effects of several participatory developed adaptation strategies to reduce flood risk, expressed in Expected Annual Damage (EAD). Adaptation strategies were evaluated assuming combinations of both sea level scenarios and land use scenarios. Together with information on costs of these strategies, we calculated the benefit-cost ratio and net present value for the adaptation strategies until 2100, taking into account depreciation rates of 2.5% and 5%. The results of this modeling study indicate that the current flood risk in District 4 is 0.31 million USD yr-1, increasing up to 0.78 million USD yr-1 in 2100. The net present value and benefit-cost ratios using a discount rate of 5% range from USD -107 to -1.5 million, and from 0.086 to 0.796 for the different strategies. Using a discount rate of 2.5% leads to an increase in both net present value and benefit cost ratio. The adaptation strategies wet proofing and dry proofing generate the best results using these economic indicators. The information on different strategies will be used by

Douglas flight deck design philosophy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Oldale, Paul

1990-01-01

The systems experience gained from 17 years of DC-10 operation was used during the design of the MD-11 to automate system operation and reduce crew workload. All functions, from preflight to shutdown at the termination of flight, require little input from the crew. The MD-11 aircraft systems are monitored for proper operation by the Aircraft Systems Controllers (ASC). In most cases, system reconfiguration as a result of a malfunction is automated. Manual input is required for irreversible actions such as engine shutdown, fuel dump, fire agent discharge, or Integrated Drive Generator (IDG) disconnect. During normal operations, when the cockpit is configured for flight, all annunciators on the overhead panel will be extinguished. This Dark Cockpit immediately confirms to the crew that the panels are correctly configured and that no abnormalities are present. Primary systems annunciations are shown in text on the Alert Area of the Engine and Alert Display (EAD). This eliminates the need to scan the overhead. The MD-11 aircraft systems can be manually controlled from the overhead area of the cockpit. The center portion of the overhead panel is composed of the primary aircraft systems panels, which include FUEL, AIR, Electrical (ELEC) and Hydraulic (HYD) systems, which are easily accessible from both flight crew positions. Each Aircraft Systems Controller (ASC) has two automatic channels and a manual mode. All rectangular lights are annunciators. All square lights are combined switches and annunciators called switch/lights. Red switch/lights on the overhead (Level 3 alerts) are for conditions requiring immediate crew action. Amber (Level 2 or Level 1 alerts) indicates a fault or switch out of position requiring awareness or crew interaction. Overhead switches used in normal operating conditions will illuminate blue when in use (Level 0 alerts) such as WING ANTI-ICE - ON. An overhead switch/light with BLACK LETTERING on an amber or red background indicates a system

Identification of the sex pheromone of the tree infesting Cossid Moth Coryphodema tristis (Lepidoptera: Cossidae).

PubMed

Bouwer, Marc Clement; Slippers, Bernard; Degefu, Dawit; Wingfield, Michael John; Lawson, Simon; Rohwer, Egmont Richard

2015-01-01

The cossid moth (Coryphodema tristis) has a broad range of native tree hosts in South Africa. The moth recently moved into non-native Eucalyptus plantations in South Africa, on which it now causes significant damage. Here we investigate the chemicals involved in pheromone communication between the sexes of this moth in order to better understand its ecology, and with a view to potentially develop management tools for it. In particular, we characterize female gland extracts and headspace samples through coupled gas chromatography electro-antennographic detection (GC-EAD) and two dimensional gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GCxGC-MS). Tentative identities of the potential pheromone compounds were confirmed by comparing both retention time and mass spectra with authentic standards. Two electrophysiologically active pheromone compounds, tetradecyl acetate (14:OAc) and Z9-tetradecenyl acetate (Z9-14:OAc) were identified from pheromone gland extracts, and an additional compound (Z9-14:OH) from headspace samples. We further determined dose response curves for the identified compounds and six other structurally similar compounds that are common to the order Cossidae. Male antennae showed superior sensitivity toward Z9-14:OAc, Z7-tetradecenyl acetate (Z7-14:OAc), E9-tetradecenyl acetate (E9-14:OAc), Z9-tetradecenol (Z9-14:OH) and Z9-tetradecenal (Z9-14:Ald) when compared to female antennae. While we could show electrophysiological responses to single pheromone compounds, behavioral attraction of males was dependent on the synergistic effect of at least two of these compounds. Signal specificity is shown to be gained through pheromone blends. A field trial showed that a significant number of males were caught only in traps baited with a combination of Z9-14:OAc (circa 95% of the ratio) and Z9-14:OH. Addition of 14:OAc to this mixture also improved the number of males caught, although not significantly. This study represents a major step towards developing a useful

RASOR flood modelling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beckers, Joost; Buckman, Lora; Bachmann, Daniel; Visser, Martijn; Tollenaar, Daniel; Vatvani, Deepak; Kramer, Nienke; Goorden, Neeltje

2015-04-01

Decision making in disaster management requires fast access to reliable and relevant information. We believe that online information and services will become increasingly important in disaster management. Within the EU FP7 project RASOR (Rapid Risk Assessment and Spatialisation of Risk) an online platform is being developed for rapid multi-hazard risk analyses to support disaster management anywhere in the world. The platform will provide access to a plethora of GIS data that are relevant to risk assessment. It will also enable the user to run numerical flood models to simulate historical and newly defined flooding scenarios. The results of these models are maps of flood extent, flood depths and flow velocities. The RASOR platform will enable to overlay historical event flood maps with observations and Earth Observation (EO) imagery to fill in gaps and assess the accuracy of the flood models. New flooding scenarios can be defined by the user and simulated to investigate the potential impact of future floods. A series of flood models have been developed within RASOR for selected case study areas around the globe that are subject to very different flood hazards: • The city of Bandung in Indonesia, which is prone to fluvial flooding induced by heavy rainfall. The flood hazard is exacerbated by land subsidence. • The port of Cilacap on the south coast of Java, subject to tsunami hazard from submarine earthquakes in the Sunda trench. • The area south of city of Rotterdam in the Netherlands, prone to coastal and/or riverine flooding. • The island of Santorini in Greece, which is subject to tsunamis induced by landslides. Flood models have been developed for each of these case studies using mostly EO data, augmented by local data where necessary. Particular use was made of the new TanDEM-X (TerraSAR-X add-on for Digital Elevation Measurement) product from the German Aerospace centre (DLR) and EADS Astrium. The presentation will describe the flood models and the

The effect of altered gravity on immune cells (Ground studies: TRIPLE LUX-A BIOLAB experiment)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Horn, Astrid; Huber, Kathrin; Kuebler, Ulrich; Briganti, Luca; Baerwalde, Sven; Zander, Vanja; Ullrich, Oliver; Hemmersbach, Ruth

EADS Astrium. The core of the TRIPLELUX experiment hardware onboard the International Space Station consists of two specifically developed Biolab Advanced Experiment Containers (AECs) that, exploiting Biolab automatic features such as the robotic arm Handling Mechanism, allow for fully-automated life support of sample cells as well as investigations of their behaviour in microgravity through the measurement of luminescence.

Heat Transfer by Thermo-capillary Convection -Sounding Rocket COMPERE Experiment SOURCE

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dreyer, Michael; Fuhrmann, Eckart

The sounding rocket COMPERE experiment SOURCE was successfully flown on MASER 11, launched in Kiruna (ESRANGE), May 15th, 2008. SOURCE has been intended to partly ful-fill the scientific objectives of the European Space Agency (ESA) Microgravity Applications Program (MAP) project AO-2004-111 (Convective boiling and condensation). Three parties of principle investigators have been involved to design the experiment set-up: ZARM for thermo-capillary flows, IMFT (Toulouse, France) for boiling studies, EADS Astrium (Bremen, Ger-many) for depressurization. The topic of this paper is to study the effect of wall heat flux on the contact line of the free liquid surface and to obtain a correlation for a convective heat trans-fer coefficient. The experiment has been conducted along a predefined time line. A preheating sequence at ground was the first operation to achieve a well defined temperature evolution within the test cell and its environment inside the rocket. Nearly one minute after launch, the pressurized test cell was filled with the test liquid HFE-7000 until a certain fill level was reached. Then the free surface could be observed for 120 s without distortion. Afterwards, the first depressurization was started to induce subcooled boiling, the second one to start saturated boiling. The data from the flight consists of video images and temperature measurements in the liquid, the solid, and the gaseous phase. Data analysis provides the surface shape versus time and the corresponding apparent contact angle. Computational analysis provides information for the determination of the heat transfer coefficient in a compensated gravity environment where a flow is caused by the temperature difference between the hot wall and the cold liquid. The paper will deliver correlations for the effective contact angle and the heat transfer coefficient as a function of the relevant dimensionsless parameters as well as physical explanations for the observed behavior. The data will be used

Assessment of the effectiveness of flood adaptation strategies for HCMC

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lasage, R.; Veldkamp, T. I. E.; de Moel, H.; Van, T. C.; Phi, H. L.; Vellinga, P.; Aerts, J. C. J. H.

2014-06-01

Coastal cities are vulnerable to flooding, and flood risk to coastal cities will increase due to sea-level rise. Moreover, Asian cities in particular are subject to considerable population growth and associated urban developments, increasing this risk even more. Empirical data on vulnerability and the cost and benefits of flood risk reduction measures are therefore paramount for sustainable development of these cities. This paper presents an approach to explore the impacts of sea-level rise and socio-economic developments on flood risk for the flood-prone District 4 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and to develop and evaluate the effects of different adaptation strategies (new levees, dry- and wet proofing of buildings and elevating roads and buildings). A flood damage model was developed to simulate current and future flood risk using the results from a household survey to establish stage-damage curves for residential buildings. The model has been used to assess the effects of several participatory developed adaptation strategies to reduce flood risk, expressed in expected annual damage (EAD). Adaptation strategies were evaluated assuming combinations of both sea-level scenarios and land-use scenarios. Together with information on costs of these strategies, we calculated the benefit-cost ratio and net present value for the adaptation strategies until 2100, taking into account depreciation rates of 2.5% and 5%. The results of this modelling study indicate that the current flood risk in District 4 is USD 0.31 million per year, increasing up to USD 0.78 million per year in 2100. The net present value and benefit-cost ratios using a discount rate of 5 % range from USD -107 to -1.5 million, and from 0.086 to 0.796 for the different strategies. Using a discount rate of 2.5% leads to an increase in both net present value and benefit-cost ratio. The adaptation strategies wet-proofing and dry-proofing generate the best results using these economic indicators. The information

ESPACE - a geodetic Master's program for the education of Satellite Application Engineers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hedman, K.; Kirschner, S.; Seitz, F.

2012-04-01

In the last decades there has been a rapid development of new geodetic and other Earth observation satellites. Applications of these satellites such as car navigation systems, weather predictions, and, digital maps (such as Google Earth or Google Maps) play a more and more important role in our daily life. For geosciences, satellite applications such as remote sensing and precise positioning/navigation have turned out to be extremely useful and are meanwhile indispensable. Today, researchers within geodesy, climatology, oceanography, meteorology as well as within Earth system science are all dependent on up-to-date satellite data. Design, development and handling of these missions require experts with knowledge not only in space engineering, but also in the specific applications. That gives rise to a new kind of engineers - satellite application engineers. The study program for these engineers combines parts of different classical disciplines such as geodesy, aerospace engineering or electronic engineering. The satellite application engineering program Earth Oriented Space Science and Technology (ESPACE) was founded in 2005 at the Technische Universität München, mainly from institutions involved in geodesy and aerospace engineering. It is an international, interdisciplinary Master's program, and is open to students with a BSc in both Science (e.g. Geodesy, Mathematics, Informatics, Geophysics) and Engineering (e.g. Aerospace, Electronical and Mechanical Engineering). The program is completely conducted in English. ESPACE benefits from and utilizes its location in Munich with its unique concentration of expertise related to space science and technology. Teaching staff from 3 universities (Technische Universität München, Ludwig-Maximilian University, University of the Federal Armed Forces), research institutions (such as the German Aerospace Center, DLR and the German Geodetic Research Institute, DGFI) and space industry (such as EADS or Kayser-Threde) are

Identification of the Sex Pheromone of the Tree Infesting Cossid Moth Coryphodema tristis (Lepidoptera: Cossidae)

PubMed Central

Bouwer, Marc Clement; Slippers, Bernard; Degefu, Dawit; Wingfield, Michael John; Lawson, Simon; Rohwer, Egmont Richard

2015-01-01

The cossid moth (Coryphodema tristis) has a broad range of native tree hosts in South Africa. The moth recently moved into non-native Eucalyptus plantations in South Africa, on which it now causes significant damage. Here we investigate the chemicals involved in pheromone communication between the sexes of this moth in order to better understand its ecology, and with a view to potentially develop management tools for it. In particular, we characterize female gland extracts and headspace samples through coupled gas chromatography electro-antennographic detection (GC-EAD) and two dimensional gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GCxGC-MS). Tentative identities of the potential pheromone compounds were confirmed by comparing both retention time and mass spectra with authentic standards. Two electrophysiologically active pheromone compounds, tetradecyl acetate (14:OAc) and Z9-tetradecenyl acetate (Z9-14:OAc) were identified from pheromone gland extracts, and an additional compound (Z9-14:OH) from headspace samples. We further determined dose response curves for the identified compounds and six other structurally similar compounds that are common to the order Cossidae. Male antennae showed superior sensitivity toward Z9-14:OAc, Z7-tetradecenyl acetate (Z7-14:OAc), E9-tetradecenyl acetate (E9-14:OAc), Z9-tetradecenol (Z9-14:OH) and Z9-tetradecenal (Z9-14:Ald) when compared to female antennae. While we could show electrophysiological responses to single pheromone compounds, behavioral attraction of males was dependent on the synergistic effect of at least two of these compounds. Signal specificity is shown to be gained through pheromone blends. A field trial showed that a significant number of males were caught only in traps baited with a combination of Z9-14:OAc (circa 95% of the ratio) and Z9-14:OH. Addition of 14:OAc to this mixture also improved the number of males caught, although not significantly. This study represents a major step towards developing a useful

Comprehensive Characterization Of Ultrafine Particulate Emission From 2007 Diesel Engines: PM Size Distribution, Loading And Indidividual Particle Size And Composition.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zelenyuk, A.; Cuadra-Rodriguez, L. A.; Imre, D.; Shimpi, S.; Warey, A.

2006-12-01

The strong absorption of solar radiation by black carbon (BC) impacts the atmospheric radiative balance in a complex and significant manner. One of the most important sources of BC is vehicular emissions, of which diesel represents a significant fraction. To address this issue the EPA has issues new stringent regulations that will be in effect in 2007, limiting the amount of particulate mass that can be emitted by diesel engines. The new engines are equipped with aftertreatments that reduce PM emissions to the point, where filter measurements are subject to significant artifacts and characterization by other techniques presents new challenges. We will present the results of the multidisciplinary study conducted at the Cummins Technical Center in which a suite of instruments was deployed to yield comprehensive, temporally resolved information on the diesel exhaust particle loadings and properties in real-time: Particle size distributions were measured by Engine Exhaust Particle Sizer (EEPS) and Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer (SMPS). Total particle diameter concentration was obtained using Electrical Aerosol Detector (EAD). Laser Induced Incandescence and photoacoustic techniques were used to monitor the PM soot content. Single Particle Laser Ablation Time-of- flight Mass Spectrometer (SPLAT) provided the aerodynamic diameter and chemical composition of individual diesel exhaust particles. Measurements were conducted on a number of heavy duty diesel engines operated under variety of operating conditions, including FTP transient cycles, ramped-modal cycles and steady states runs. We have also characterized PM emissions during diesel particulate filter regeneration cycles. We will present a comparison of PM characteristics observed during identical cycles, but with and without the use of aftertreatment. A total of approximately 100,000 individual particles were sized and their composition characterized by SPLAT. The aerodynamic size distributions of the characterized

Identification of host fruit volatiles from three mayhaw species (Crataegus series Aestivales) attractive to mayhaw-origin Rhagoletis pomonella flies in the southern United States.

PubMed

Cha, Dong H; Powell, Thomas H Q; Feder, Jeffrey L; Linn, Charles E

2011-09-01

The apple maggot fly, Rhagoletis pomonella, infests several hawthorn species in the southern USA. Here, we tested the hypothesis that these populations could serve as reservoirs for fruit odor discrimination behaviors facilitating sympatric host race formation and speciation, specifically the recent shift from downy hawthorn (Crataegus mollis) to domestic apple (Malus domestica) in the northern USA. Coupled gas chromatography and electroantennographic detection (GC-EAD), gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and flight tunnel bioassays were used to identify the behaviorally active natal fruit volatile blends for three of the five major southern hawthorns: C. opaca (western mayhaw), C. aestivalis (eastern mayhaw), and C. rufula (a possible hybrid between C. opaca and C. aestivalis). A 6-component blend was developed for C. opaca (3-methylbutan-1-ol [44%], pentyl acetate [6%], butyl butanoate [6%], propyl hexanoate [6%], butyl hexanoate [26%], and hexyl butanoate [12%]); an 8-component blend for C. aestivalis (3-methylbutan-1-ol [2%], butyl acetate [47%], pentyl acetate [2%], butyl butanoate [12%], propyl hexanoate [1%], butyl hexanoate [25%], hexyl butanoate [9%], and pentyl hexanoate [2%]); and a 9-component blend for C. rufula (3-methylbutan-1-ol [1%], butyl acetate [57%], 3-methylbutyl acetate [3%], butyl butanoate [5%], propyl hexanoate [1%], hexyl propionate [1%], butyl hexanoate [23%], hexyl butanoate [6%], and pentyl hexanoate [3%]). Crataegus aestivalis and C. opaca-origin flies showed significantly higher levels of upwind directed flight to their natal blend in flight tunnel assays compared to the non-natal blend and previously developed apple, northern downy hawthorn, and flowering dogwood blends. Eastern and western mayhaw flies also were tested to the C. rufula blend, with eastern flies displaying higher levels of upwind flight compared with the western flies, likely due to the presence of butyl acetate in the C. aestivalis and C. rufula

ISS COLUMBUS laboratory experiment `GeoFlow I and II' -fluid physics research in microgravity environment to study convection phenomena inside deep Earth and mantle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Futterer, Birgit; Egbers, Christoph; Chossat, Pascal; Hollerbach, Rainer; Breuer, Doris; Feudel, Fred; Mutabazi, Innocent; Tuckerman, Laurette

Overall driving mechanism of flow in inner Earth is convection in its gravitational buoyancy field. A lot of effort has been involved in theoretical prediction and numerical simulation of both the geodynamo, which is maintained by convection, and mantle convection, which is the main cause for plate tectonics. Especially resolution of convective patterns and heat transfer mechanisms has been in focus to reach the real, highly turbulent conditions inside Earth. To study specific phenomena experimentally different approaches has been observed, against the background of magneto-hydrodynamic but also on the pure hydrodynamic physics of fluids. With the experiment `GeoFlow' (Geophysical Flow Simulation) instability and transition of convection in spherical shells under the influence of central-symmetry buoyancy force field are traced for a wide range of rotation regimes within the limits between non-rotating and rapid rotating spheres. The special set-up of high voltage potential between inner and outer sphere and use of a dielectric fluid as working fluid induce an electro-hydrodynamic force, which is comparable to gravitational buoyancy force inside Earth. To reduce overall gravity in a laboratory this technique requires microgravity conditions. The `GeoFlow I' experiment was accomplished on International Space Station's module COLUM-BUS inside Fluid Science Laboratory FSL und supported by EADS Astrium, Friedrichshafen, User Support und Operations Centre E-USOC in Madrid, Microgravity Advanced Research and Support Centre MARS in Naples, as well as COLUMBUS Control Center COL-CC Munich. Running from August 2008 until January 2009 it delivered 100.000 images from FSL's optical diagnostics module; here more precisely the Wollaston shearing interferometry was used. Here we present the experimental alignment with numerical prediction for the non-rotating and rapid rotation case. The non-rotating case is characterized by a co-existence of several stationary supercritical

MSRR Rack Materials Science Research Rack

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Reagan, Shawn

2017-01-01

The Materials Science Research Rack (MSRR) is a research facility developed under a cooperative research agreement between NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA) for materials science investigations on the International Space Station (ISS). The MSRR is managed at the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) in Huntsville, AL. The MSRR facility subsystems were manufactured by Teledyne Brown Engineering (TBE) and integrated with the ESA/EADS-Astrium developed Materials Science Laboratory (MSL) at the MSFC Space Station Integration and Test Facility (SSITF) as part of the Systems Development Operations Support (SDOS) contract. MSRR was launched on STS-128 in August 2009, and is currently installed in the U. S. Destiny Laboratory Module on the ISS. Materials science is an integral part of developing new, safer, stronger, more durable materials for use throughout everyday life. The goal of studying materials processing in space is to develop a better understanding of the chemical and physical mechanisms involved, and how they differ in the microgravity environment of space. To that end, the MSRR accommodates advanced investigations in the microgravity environment of the ISS for basic materials science research in areas such as solidification of metals and alloys. MSRR allows for the study of a variety of materials including metals, ceramics, semiconductor crystals, and glasses. Materials science research benefits from the microgravity environment of space, where the researcher can better isolate chemical and thermal properties of materials from the effects of gravity. With this knowledge, reliable predictions can be made about the conditions required on Earth to achieve improved materials. MSRR is a highly automated facility with a modular design capable of supporting multiple types of investigations. Currently the NASA-provided Rack Support Subsystem provides services (power, thermal control, vacuum access, and command and data handling) to the ESA developed Materials

First Measurements of the Rover Environmental Monitoring Station (REMS) on the Mars Science Laboratory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Martín-Torres, F. J.; Zorzano-Mier, M.; Gomez-Elvira, J.

2012-12-01

ón de Ardoz, Madrid, Spain ) I. McEwan, M. Richardson Ashima Research, Inc., Pasadena, CA, USA L. Castañer, M. Domínguez, V. Jiménez, L. Kowalski, J. Ricart Universidad Politécnica de Cataluña, Barcelona, Spain M.A. de Pablo, M. Ramos Universidad de Alcalá de Henares, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain M. de la Torre Juárez Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, CA, USA J. Moreno, A. Peña, J. Serrano, F. Torrero, T. Velasco EADS-CRISA, Madrid, Spain N.O. Renno Michigan University, Ann Arbor, MI, USA M. Genzer, A.-M. Harri, H. Kahanpää, J. Polkko FMI, Finland R. Haberle NASA Ames Research Center, CA, USA R. Urquí INSA, Madrid, Spain

25th Space Simulation Conference. Environmental Testing: The Earth-Space Connection

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Packard, Edward

2008-01-01

to Acquire, Process, Trend Data and Produce Radiometric System Assessment Reports; Exhaustive Thresholds and Resistance Checkpoints; Reconfigurable HIL Testing of Earth Satellites; FPGA Control System for the Automated Test of MicroShutters; Ongoing Capabilities and Developments of Re-Entry Plasma Ground Tests at EADS-ASTRIUM; Operationally Responsive Space Standard Bus Battery Thermal Balance Testing and Heat Dissipation Analysis; Galileo - The Serial-Production AIT Challenge; The Space Systems Environmental Test Facility Database (SSETFD), Website Development Status; Simulated Reentry Heating by Torching; Micro-Vibration Measurements on Thermally Loaded Multi-Layer Insulation Samples in Vacuum; High Temperature Life Testing of 80Ni-20Cr Wire in a Simulated Mars Atmosphere for the Sample Analysis at Mars (SAM) Instrument Suit Gas Processing System (GPS) Carbon Dioxide Scrubber; The Planning and Implementation of Test Facility Improvements; and Development of a Silicon Carbide Molecular Beam Nozzle for Simulation Planetary Flybys and Low-Earth Orbit.

PREFACE: Tenth International Conference on Topics in Astroparticle and Underground Physics (TAUP2007)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Inoue, Kunio; Suzuki, Atsuto; Mitsui, Tadao

2008-07-01

Otsuka, and Ms Yuri Endo, our workshop secretaries, for their continuous and excellent work in the organization of the conference, and to Ms Chiyo Itoh, and Ms Machiko Mizutani, for their invaluable assistance during the conference. We also gratefully thank the technical staff: Tomoaki Takayama, Hiromitsu Hanada, Takashi Nakajima, for their invaluable help. As announced at the end of the conference, TAUP 2009 will be held in Gran Sasso, Italy, hosted by the Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare (INFN) with the chair of Professor Eugenio Coccia. Kunio Inoue, Atsuto Suzuki and Tadao Mitsui COMMITTEES TAUP Steering Committee F T Avignone U South Carolina B C Barish CALTECH E Bellotti U Milano/INFN J Bernabéu U Valencia A Bottino (chair) U Torino/INFN V de Alfaro U Torino/INFN T Kajita ICRR U Tokyo C W Kim Johns Hopkins Univ /KIAS E Lorenz U München V Matveev INR Moskow J Morales U Zaragoza D Sinclair U Carleton M Spiro IN2P3 TAUP 2007 International Advisory Committee J J Aubert CNRS Marseille M Baldo-Ceolin U Padova/INFN V Berezinsky INFN-LNGS/INR L Bergström U Stockholm R Bernabei U Roma Tor Vergata/INFN A Bettini U Padova/INFN S Bilenky JINR Dubna D O Caldwell U C Santa Barbara E Coccia INFN-LNGS/U Roma Tor Vergata J Cronin U Chicago A Dar Technion Haifa G Domogatsky INR Moscow H Ejiri U Osaka J Ellis CERN E Fernández IFAE Barcelona E Fiorini U Milano/INFN G Fogli U Bari/INFN T Gaisser U Delaware G Gelmini UCLA G Gerbier CEA Saclay F Halzen U Wisconsin W Haxton U Washington T Kirsten MPI Heidelberg L Maiani U Roma/INFN A McDonald Queen's U K Nakamura KEK E Peterson U Minneapolis R Petronzio INFN/U Roma Tor Vergata G Raffelt MPI München R Rebolo IAC Tenerife L Resvanis U Athens P Salati U Savoie/LAPTH Annecy A Smirnov ICTP Trieste N Spooner U Sheffield S Ting MIT/CERN Y Totsuka U Tokyo M S Turner FNAL/U Chicago J W F Valle IFIC Valencia D Vignaud APC Paris F von Feilitzsch T U München G Zatsepin INR Moscow TAUP 2007 Organizing Committee A Bottino U Torino/INFN D

The Antarctic permafrost as a testbed for REMS (Rover Environmental Monitoring Station-Mars Science Laboratory)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Esteban, B.; Ramos, M.; Sebastián, E.; Armiens, C.; Gómez-Elvira, J.; Cabos, W.; de Pablo, M. A.

2009-04-01

The present climatic characteristics of Mars favor the presence of extense permafrost areas in this lonely planet. Therefore environmental parameters that are included in Martian Rover missions are also used for monitoring thermal soil surface evolution in order to study the permafrost active layer thickness and the energy balance in the soil-atmosphere boundary limit layer. The REMS (Rover Environmental Monitoring Station) is an environmental station designed by the Centro de Astrobiología (CAB- Spain) with the collaboration of national and international partners (CRISA/EADS, UPC and FMI), which is part of the payload of the MSL (Mars Science Laboratory) NASA mission to Mars (http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/msl/overview/). This mission is expected to be launched in the final months of 2009, and mainly consists of a Rover, with a complete set of scientific instruments; the Rover will carry the biggest, most advanced suite of instruments for scientific studies ever sent to the Martian surface. Five sensors compose the REMS instrument: ground (GT-REMS) and air temperatures, wind speed and direction, pressure, humidity and ultraviolet radiation (UV-REMS). A simplified setup of the REMS was deployed on Antarctica in the surroundings of the Spanish Antarctic Stations on Livingston and Deception Islands (Maritime Antarctica), where the permafrost distribution is well-known. The aim of the experiment was to check REMS's sensors response against hard environmental conditions and calibrates their measures with standard Antarctic devices. The experimental apparatuses included some standard meteorological and thermopiles sensors corresponding to the REMS. All the sensors are mounted in a 1.8 m mast and include a Pt100 air temperature sensor with shield solar protection on the mast top, a Kipp and Zonnen CNR1 net radiometer for measuring infrared (5-50 μm) and short wave solar (305-2800 nm) radiation at 1.5 m high, GT-REMS sensor and its amplification box at 0.7 m high and finally

The Advanced Re-Entry Vehicle (ARV) A Development Step From ATV Toward Manned Transportation Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bottacini, Massimiliano; Berthe, Philippe; Vo, Xavier; Pietsch, Klaus

2011-05-01

The Advanced Re-entry Vehicle (ARV) programme has been undertaken by Europe with the objective to contribute to the preparation of a future European crew transportation system, while providing a valuable logistic support to the ISS through an operational cargo return system. This development would allow: - the early acquisition of critical technologies; - the design, development and testing of elements suitable for the follow up human rated transportation system. These vehicles should also serve future LEO infrastructures and exploration missions. With the aim to satisfy the above objectives a team composed by major European industries and led by EADS Astrium Space Transportation is currently conducting the phase A of the programme under contract with the European Space Agency (ESA). Two vehicle versions are being investigated: a Cargo version, transporting cargo only to/from the ISS, and a Crew version, which will allow the transfer of both crew and cargo to/from the ISS. The ARV Cargo version, in its present configuration, is composed of three modules. The Versatile Service Module (VSM) provides to the system the propulsion/GNC for orbital manoeuvres and attitude control and the orbital power generation. Its propulsion system and GNC shall be robust enough to allow its use for different launch stacks and different LEO missions in the future. The Un-pressurised Cargo Module (UCM) provides the accommodation for about 3000 kg of unpressurised cargo and is to be sufficiently flexible to ensure the transportation of: - orbital infrastructure components (ORU’s); - scientific / technological experiments; - propellant for re-fuelling, re-boost (and de-orbiting) of the ISS. The Re-entry Module (RM) provides a pressurized volume to accommodate active/passive cargo (2000 kg upload/1500 kg download). It is conceived as an expendable conical capsule with spherical heat-shield, interfacing with the new docking standard of the ISS, i.e. it carries the IBDM docking system, on

The Advanced Re-Entry Vehicle (ARV) a Development Step from ATV Toward Manned Transportation Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bottacini, M.; Berthe, P.; Vo, X.; Pietsch, K.

2011-08-01

The Advanced Re-entry Vehicle (ARV) programme has been undertaken by Europe with the objective to contribute to the preparation of a future European crew transportation system, while providing a valuable logistic support to the ISS through an operational cargo return system. This development would allow: - the early acquisition of critical technologies; - the design, development and testing of elements suitable for the follow up human rated transportation system. These vehicles should also serve future LEO infrastructures and exploration missions. With the aim to satisfy the above objectives a team composed by major European industries and led by EADS Astrium Space Transportation is currently conducting the phase A of the programme under contract with the European Space Agency (ESA). Two vehicle versions are being investigated: a Cargo version, transporting cargo only to/from the ISS, and a Crew version, which will allow the transfer of both crew and cargo to/from the ISS. The ARV Cargo version, in its present configuration, is composed of three modules. The Versatile Service Module (VSM) provides to the system the propulsion/GNC for orbital manoeuvres and attitude control and the orbital power generation. Its propulsion system and GNC shall be robust enough to allow its use for different launch stacks and different LEO missions in the future. The Un-pressurised Cargo Module (UCM) provides the accommodation for about 3000 kg of un-pressurised cargo and is to be sufficiently flexible to ensure the transportation of: - orbital infrastructure components (ORU's); - scientific / technological experiments; - propellant for re-fuelling, re-boost (and deorbiting) of the ISS. The Re-entry Module (RM) provides a pressurized volume to accommodate active/passive cargo (2000 kg upload/1500 kg download). It is conceived as an expendable conical capsule with spherical heat- hield, interfacing with the new docking standard of the ISS, i.e. it carries the IBDM docking system, on a

ROGER a potential orbital space debris removal system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Starke, Juergen; Bischof, Bernd; Foth, W.-O.; -J., J.; Günther

target and stabilization and transportation features for the combined configuration. The capture system is a deployable and closable net. The net is ejected from the mother spacecraft at a safe distance to prevent any collision with the target. After transport to the disposal orbit the net will be cut and the spacecraft will return to the operational orbit of the next target. An initial down-scaled demonstration is planned for the net capture system on a parabolic flight in autumn 2010. Further representative demonstrations including, for example, one in LEO are under discussion. The capture system can be used operationally also in other orbits e.g. LEO, but the propellant requirements for transport of the target into a direct controlled re-entry orbit and the subsequent return of the mother spacecraft to a new target orbit will be very high. This could impact the multi mission capability of the system. The potential applications are under discussion with different customers including satellite operators, insurance companies and international organisations. juergen.starke@astrium.eads.net Tel.: +49-421-539-4573

EDITORIAL: Proceedings of the 8th International LISA Symposium, Stanford University, California, USA, 28 June-2 July 2010 Proceedings of the 8th International LISA Symposium, Stanford University, California, USA, 28 June-2 July 2010

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Buchman, Sasha; Sun, Ke-Xun

2011-05-01

(CQG) and Journal of Physics: Conference Series (JPCS). The plenary lectures are published in CQG, while most parallel talks and posters are being published in JPCS. At the recommendation of the science organization committee (SOC) other selected work from the conference will also appear in CQG. All papers in CQG have been screened through the journal's regular peer review process. We gratefully acknowledge the support of the CQG and JPCS Publishers and staff for the publication of the proceedings. The symposium and proceedings are generously sponsored by L'Agenzia Spaziale Italiana, the California Institute of Technology, EADS Astrium Germany, the KACST Foundation Saudi Arabia, the LIGO collaboration, the Max-Planck Institute in Potsdam, Germany, NASA, and the National Science Foundation. Stanford University made very significant contributions through the Dean of Research Office, the Department of Applied Physics, the Department of Physics, the Hansen Experimental Physics Laboratory (HEPL), and the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory. We thank the Stanford local organization committee (LOC), administration and professional staff, KACST engineers, and graduate students for their support of the symposium operations. LISA is one of the most tantalizing yet challenging scientific space missions ever. The 8th International LISA Symposium and publication of the proceedings contribute to its progress. Sasha Buchman and Ke-Xun Sun Stanford University Guest Editors

PREFACE: International Symposium on Physical Sciences in Space

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meyer, Andreas; Egry, Ivan

2011-12-01

Scientific Program Committee. It is our pleasure to thank the members of this committee for their excellent support in setting up a high-quality, well-balanced program. We also thank our sponsors, the German Aerospace Center and the European Space Agency, the Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Technologie (German Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology), the ZARM Center of Applied Space Technology and Microgravity as well as our industrial sponsors EADS-Astrium and Kayser-Threde, for their generous contributions. Our special thanks go to the authors and reviewers of the papers in these proceedings. Together we were able to realize up-to-date, peer reviewed conference proceedings, containing new and original data. Thanks to their efforts and that of the IOP Publishing staff, we succeeded in publishing the proceedings within six months of the conference. We are confident that this collection of papers will provide a useful reference for all workers in the field. Andreas Meyer and Ivan Egry Chairmen ISPS-4 Institute of Materials Physics in Space German Aerospace Center, Cologne Conference photograph Opening ceremony Professor Dr Andreas Meyer, Chairman ISPS 4, Professor Dr Johann-Dietrich Wörner, CEO DLR, and Dr Martin Zell, Head of ESA ISS Utilisation (left to right), at the opening ceremony of ISPS-4.

Space-borne polarimetric SAR sensors or the golden age of radar polarimetry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pottier, E.

2010-06-01

SAR Polarimetry represents an active area of research in Active Earth Remote Sensing. This interest is clearly supported by the fact that nowadays there exists, or there will exist in a very next future, a non negligible quantity of launched Polarimetric SAR Spaceborne sensors. The ENVISAT satellite, developed by ESA, was launched on March 2002, and was the first Spaceborne sensor offering an innovative dualpolarization Advanced Synthetic Aperture Radar (ASAR) system operating at C-band. The second Polarimetric Spaceborne sensor is ALOS, a Japanese Earth-Observation satellite, developed by JAXA and was launched in January 2006. This mission includes an active L-band polarimetric radar sensor (PALSAR) whose highresolution data may be used for environmental and hazard monitoring. The third Polarimetric Spaceborne sensor is TerraSAR-X, a new German radar satellite, developed by DLR, EADS-Astrium and Infoterra GmbH, was launched on June 2007. This sensor carries a dual-polarimetric and high frequency X-Band SAR sensor that can be operated in different modes and offers features that were not available from space before. At least, the Polarimetric Spaceborne sensor, developed by CSA and MDA, and named RADARSAT-2 was launched in December 2007 The Radarsat program was born out the need for effective monitoring of Canada’s icy waters, and some Radarsat-2 capabilities that benefit sea- and river ice applications are the multi-polarization options that will improve ice-edge detection, ice-type discrimination and structure information. The many advances in these different Polarimetric Spaceborne platforms were developed to respond to specific needs for radar data in environmental monitoring applications around the world, like : sea- and river-ice monitoring, marine surveillance, disaster management, oil spill detection, snow monitoring, hydrology, mapping, geology, agriculture, soil characterisation, forestry applications (biomass, allometry, height…), urban mapping etc�

Farewell to the Earth and the Moon -ESA's Mars Express successfully tests its instruments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

2003-07-01

components. As expected, OMEGA made a direct and unambiguous detection of major and minor constituents of the Earth’s atmosphere, such as molecular oxygen, water and carbon dioxide, ozone and methane, among other molecules. "The sensitivity demonstrated by OMEGA on these Earth spectra should reveal really minute amounts of water in both Martian surface materials and atmosphere," says the Principal Investigator of OMEGA, Jean Pierre Bibring , from the Institut d'Astrophysique Spatiale, Orsay, France. The experts will carry on testing Mars Express’s instruments up till the arrival to the Red Planet, next December. The scientists agree on the fact that these instruments will enormously increase our understanding of the morphology and topography of the Martian surface, of the geological structures and processes - active now and in the past, and eventually of Mars’s geological evolution. With such tools, Mars Express is also able to address the important “water” question, namely how much water there is today and how much there was in the past. Ultimately, this will also tell us whether Mars had environmental conditions that could favour the evolution of life. Note to editors The Mars Express High Resolution Stereo Camera (HRSC) was developed by the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) and built by EADS-Astrium GmbH in Friedrichshafen, Germany. The Mars Express OMEGA spectrometer was developed and built by the Institut d'Astrophysique Spatiale, Orsay, France, in cooperation with LESIA at Meudon/Paris Observatory, France, IFSI in Frascati, Italy, and IKI in Moscow, Russia.

Planck satellite to be presented to media

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

2007-01-01

Planck will make the most accurate maps yet of the microwave background radiation that fills space. It will be sensitive to temperature variations of a few millionths of a degree and will map the full sky in nine wavelengths. The immediate outcome of the Big Bang and the initial conditions for the evolution in the universe’s structure are the primary target of this important mission. From the results, a great deal more will be learnt not only about the nature and amount of dark matter, the ‘missing mass’ of the universe, but also about the nature of dark energy and the expansion of the universe itself. To address such challenging objectives, Planck will need to operate at very low, stable temperatures. Once in space, its detectors will have to be cooled to temperature levels close to absolute zero (-273.15ºC), ranging from -253ºC to only a few tenths of a degree above absolute zero. The Planck spacecraft thus has to be a marvel of cryotechnology. After integration, Planck will start a series of tests that will continue into early-2008. It will be launched by end-July 2008 in a dual-launch configuration with Herschel, ESA’s mission to study the formation of galaxies, stars and planetary systems in the infrared. Interested media are invited to fill in the reply form below. Note to editors The Planck spacecraft was built by AAS Cannes, the prime contractor, leading a consortium of industrial partners with the AAS industry branch in Turin, Italy, responsible for the satellite’s service module. ESA and the Danish National Space Centre (Copenhagen, Denmark) are responsible for the hardware provision of Planck’s telescope mirrors, manufactured by EADS Astrium (Friedrichshafen, Germany). AAS Cannes is also responsible for the payload module, the platform that hosts the telescope and the two onboard instruments, HFI and LFI. The instruments themselves are being supplied by a consortium of scientists and institutes led by the Institut d'Astrophysique Spatiale

PREFACE: Preface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Audoin, Bertrand; Dehoux, Thomas; Guillet, Yannick

2011-02-01

and the gala dinner took place in a wine chateau in the medieval village. We hope this experience will remain in the attendees' memories as a pleasant and convivial time. We would like to express our thanks to the members of the organizing committee, the scientific committee, and all our generous sponsors, either institutions or companies, for their help in making this event possible. We would also like to thank the scientists involved for their confidence in our organization, and for their contributions. As unanimously decided by the attendees, the next symposium will be held in Japan, most likely in 2012. The papers published in this volume of the Journal of Physics: Conference Series provide a collection of state-of-the-art and recent advances in research and applications of laser ultrasonics as presented at this second Symposium. Bertrand Audoin - Conference ChairThomas Dehoux - Conference proceedings co-editorYannick Guillet - Conference proceedings co-editor Conference photograph Scientific committee Bertrand AudoinUniversité Bordeaux 1, France Alain BlouinNRC, Canada Christ GlorieuxKatholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium Vitalyi GusevUniversité du Maine, France Peter HessUniversity of Heidelberg, Germany Alexander A KarabutovMoscow State University, Russia Sridhar KrishnaswamyNorthwestern University, USA Humphrey MarisBrown University, USA Jean-Pierre MonchalinNRC, Canada Todd MurrayBoston University, USA Makoto OchiaiToshiba Corp, Japan Menglu QianTongji University, China Daniel RoyerEcole Supérieure de Physique et de Chimie, France Hervé TrétoutDassault Aviation, France Hubert VoillaumeEADS, France Oliver B WrightHokkaido University, Japan Shu-yi ZhangNanjing University, China Organizing committee Bertrand AudoinChair Sandrine GuitLocal administrator Christophe Aristégui Thomas Dehoux Evelyne Dewayse Yannick Guillet Armelle Guilloux

Feedback on flood risk management

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moreau, K.; Roumagnac, A.

2009-09-01

space technology, communication, meteorology, hydraulics and hydrology, Predict-services brings help to local communities in their mission of protection and information to the citizens, for flood problems and helps companies to limit and delete operating losses facing floods. The initiative, developped by BRL, EADS Astrium, in association with Meteo France, has been employed and is functioning on cities of south of France, notably on Montpellier, and also on the scale of catchment area( BRL is a regional development company, a public private partnership controlled by the local gouvernments of the Languedoc-Roussillon Region). The initiative has to be coordinated with state services to secure continuity and coherence of information. This initiative is developped in dialogue with State services as Météo France, the Ministry for the interior, the Ministry for ecology and the durable development, the Regional Direction of the Environment (DIREN), the Central service of Hydrometeorology and Support to the Forecast of the Floods ( SCHAPI) and service of forecast of rising (SPC). It has been successfully functioning for 5 years with 300 southern cities from South West to South East of France and notably Montpellier and Sommières, famous for it’s flood problems on the Vidourle river where no human loss was to regret and where the economic impacts were minimized. Actually developed in cities of South of France, this initiative is to be developed nationaly and very soon internationally. Thanks to the efficiency of it’s method, this initiative is also developed in partnership with insurance company involved in prevention actions. The presentation will expose the feedback of this initiative and lessons learned.

Le Laboratoire de Mécanique Appliquée Raymond Chaléat a 40 ans !

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Comité D'Organisation Du Colloque Ime 2002, Le

2002-12-01

, Peugeot SA, Renault, SNECMA, EADS, ...Il a su s'ouvrir aux collaborations internationales tout d'abord avec la Tchécoslovaquie, le Brésil, la Pologne, maintenant la Chine, la Russie, Corée du Sud, la Hongrie, la Roumanie ...Tout ce travail n'aurait pas pu se faire sans des ingénieurs, techniciens et des services techniques et administratifs épaulant efficacement les chercheurs CNRS et les enseignants-chercheurs.Globalement, si les aspects appliqués en mécanique sont un point fort du laboratoire, ce qui justifie son nom, son activité de recherche est restée plus généralement orientée vers les interactions entre expériences et modélisation en mécanique du solide.À l'occasion de ses 40 ans Le LMARC a souhaité organiser une conférence sur ce thème regroupant des chercheurs, collègues et amis pour faire le point sur ce sujet. Grâce à 6 conférences plénières et de 52 conférences en deux sessions, des sujets traitant du comportement des matériaux, de leur mise en forme, de la dynamique des structures, de la biomécanique et de la robotique ont pu être abordés. Ce livre regroupe l'ensemble des papiers présentés lors de cette conférence.

Ariane 5 and Ariane 5 Evolution GN&C Overview

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pignié, G.

The objective of the paper is to give an overview of the Guidance Navigation and Control (GN&C) principles used for the Ariane 5 Launchers Family, developed for the European Space Agency. The development of the GN&C system, for the Ariane 5 Launcher, within EADS Launch Vehicle Company (formerly "Aérospatiale Space and Strategic Systems Division", and "Aérospatiale - Matra lanceurs"), and under supervision of CNES (French National Space Agency, acting as the prime contractor for Ariane Family) took a wide benefit from the existing, and flight validated methods used for the Ariane 4 Launcher, but a significant amount of new features were added, concerning the control loop, the guidance loop - where a fully adaptive guidance algorithm for exo- atmospheric flight was chosen - and the Failure Detection, Isolation, and Recovery (FIR) management for the sensors. In the paper, we shall describe first the Ariane 5 original version GN&C (for the so-called Ariane 5 Generic launcher), but the improvements designed for the upgraded Ariane 5 Evolution, with a cryogenic third stage, will be also addressed. The first part shall be dedicated to a review of the main constraints and requirements on the GN&C system. In the second part of the paper we shall present the main features of the architecture of the GN&C system, starting from the navigation and control sensors, through the on board computer and software, and going finally to the stages Thrust Vectoring Control (TVC) subsystems, used to control the launcher during the propelled phase, as well as to the attitude control subsystem (ACS), used to control the post boost manoeuvres, and payload injection and jettisoning conditions . The main principles of the subsystems and equipment's redundancy will be also briefly addressed. In the third part, an overall description of the different algorithms, implemented for Navigation, Guidance, Control, and sensors Failure Detection, Isolation, and Recovery (FIR), for atmospheric flight

Feedback on flood risk management

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moreau, K.; Roumagnac, A.

2009-09-01

are responsible of the transmission of meteorological alert and of rescue actions. In the crossing of the géo-information stemming from the space technology, communication, meteorology, hydraulics and hydrology, Predict-services brings help to local communities in their mission of protection and information to the citizens, for flood problems and helps companies to limit and delete operating losses facing floods. The initiative, developped by BRL, EADS Astrium, in association with Meteo France, has been employed and is functioning on cities of south of France, notably on Montpellier, and also on the scale of catchment area ( BRL is a regional development company, a public private partnership controlled by the local gouvernments of the Languedoc-Roussillon Region). The initiative has to be coordinated with state services to secure continuity and coherence of information. This initiative is developped in dialogue with State services as Météo France, the Ministry for the interior, the Ministry for ecology and the durable development, the Regional Direction of the Environment (DIREN), the Central service of Hydrometeorology and Support to the Forecast of the Floods ( SCHAPI) and service of forecast of rising (SPC). It has been successfully functioning for 5 years with 300 southern cities from South West to South East of France and notably Montpellier and Sommières, famous for it's flood problems on the Vidourle river where no human loss was to regret and where the economic impacts were minimized. Actually developed in cities of South of France, this initiative is to be developed nationaly and very soon internationally. Thanks to the efficiency of it's method, this initiative is also developed in partnership with insurance company involved in prevention actions. After more than 100 events observed and analysed in South of France, the experience gained, allowed PREDICT Services to better anticipate phenomena and also to better manage them. The presentation will expose

Sentinel-1 Mission Overview and Implementation Status

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Davidson, M.; Attema, E.; Snoeij, P.; Levrini, G.

2009-04-01

Sentinel-1 is an imaging radar mission at C-band consisting of a constellation of two satellites aimed at providing continuity of all-weather day-and-night supply of imagery for user services. Special emphasis is placed on services identified in ESA's GMES service elements program and on projects funded by the European Union Framework Programmes. Three priorities (fast-track services) for the mission have been identified by user consultation working groups of the European Union: Marine Core Services, Land Monitoring and Emergency Services. These cover applications such as: - Monitoring sea ice zones and the arctic environment - Surveillance of marine environment - Monitoring land surface motion risks - Mapping of land surfaces: forest, water and soil, agriculture - Mapping in support of humanitarian aid in crisis situations. The Sentinel 1 space segment will be designed and built by an industrial consortium with Thales Alenia Space Italia as prime contractor and EADS Astrium GmbH as C-SAR instrument responsible. Data products from current and previous ESA missions including ERS-1, ERS-2 and Envisat missions form the basis for many of the pilot GMES services. Consequently Sentinel-1 data maintain data quality levels of the Agency‘s previous SAR missions in terms of spatial resolution, sensitivity, accuracy, polarization and wavelength. Nonetheless, the Sentinel-1 synthetic aperture radar (SAR) constellation represents a completely new approach to SAR mission design by ESA in direct response to the operational needs for SAR data expressed under the EU-ESA Global Monitoring for Environment and Security (GMES) programme. The Sentinel-1 constellation is expected to provide near daily coverage over Europe and Canada, global coverage all independent of weather with delivery of radar data within 1 hour of acquisition - all vast improvements with respect to the existing SAR systems. The continuity of C-band SAR data combined with the greatly improved data provision is

Analysis of the Thermo-Elastic Response of Space Reflectors to Simulated Space Environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Allegri, G.; Ivagnes, M. M.; Marchetti, M.; Poscente, F.

2002-01-01

.02 "Development of High Performance Large Single Shaped Reflectors" Paul Archer, C. Abegg, T. Le Goff, EADS/LV, Les Mureaux, France.

History of NAMES Conferences

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Filippov, Lev

2013-03-01

Franco-Russian NAMES Seminars are held for the purpose of reviewing and discussing actual developments in the field of materials science by researchers from Russia and from the Lorraine Region of France. In more precise terms, as set down by the organizers of the seminar (the Moscow Institute of Steel and Alloys and the Institut National Polytechnique de Lorraine), the mission of the seminars is as follows: the development of scientific and academic contacts, giving a new impulse to joint fundamental research and technology transfer the development and consolidation of scientific, technical and business collaboration between the regions of Russia and Lorraine through direct contact between the universities, institutes and companies involved The first Seminar took place on 27-29 October 2004, at the Institut National Polytechnique de Lorraine (on the premises of the Ecole Européenne d'Ingénieurs en Génie des Matériaux, Nancy, France). The number, variety and quality of the oral presentations given and posters exhibited at the first Seminar were of high international standard. 30 oral presentations were given and 72 posters were presented by 19 participants from five universities and three institutes of the Russian Academy of Sciences participants from 11 laboratories of three universities from the Lorraine region three industrial companies, including the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company—EADS, and ANVAR (Agence Nationale de Valorisation de la Recherche) From 2005 onwards, it was decided to organize the Seminar every other year. The second Seminar convened on the occasion of the 75th Anniversary of the Moscow Institute of Steel and Alloys on 10-12 November 2005 in Moscow, Russia. The seminar demonstrated the efficiency of the scientific partnership founded between the research groups of Russia and France during the first Seminar. High productivity of the Franco-Russian scientific cooperation on the basis of the Research-Educational Franco

Europe Scores New Planetary Success: Venus Express Enters Orbit around the Hothouse Planet

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

2006-04-01

neighbours with the launch of the BepiColombo mission to Mercury in 2013. “With the arrival of Venus Express, ESA is the only space agency to have science operations under way around four planets: Venus, the Moon, Mars and Saturn” underlines Professor David Southwood, the Director of ESA’s science programmes. “We are really proud to deliver such a capability to the international science community.” “To better understand our own planet, we need to explore other worlds in particular those with an atmosphere,” said Jean-Jacques Dordain, ESA Director General. “We’ve been on Titan and we already are around Mars. By observing Venus and its complex atmospheric system, we will be able to better understand the mechanisms that steers the evolution of a large planetary atmosphere and the change of climates. In the end, it will help us to get better models of what is actually going on in our own atmosphere, for the benefit of all Earth citizens.” State-of-the-art science package Venus Express was developed for ESA by a European industrial team led by EADS Astrium incorporating 25 main contractors from 14 European countries. Its design is derived from that of its highly successful predecessor, Mars Express, and its payload accommodates seven instruments including upgraded versions of three instruments developed for Mars Express and two for Rosetta. The PFS spectrometer will determine the temperature and composition profile of the atmosphere at very high resolution. It will also monitor the surface temperature and search for hot spots from possible volcanic activity. The UV/infrared SpicaV/SOIR spectrometer and the VeRa radioscience experiment will probe the atmosphere by observing the occultation of distant starts or the fading of radio signals on the planetary limb. SpicaV/SOIR will be particularly looking for traces of water molecules, molecular oxygen and sulphur compounds, which are suspected to exist in the atmosphere of Venus. The Virtis spectrometer will map

Physiochemical and Thermodynamic Characterization of Highly Active Mutated Aspergillus niger β-glucosidase for Lignocellulose Hydrolysis.

PubMed

Javed, Muhammad Rizwan; Rashid, Muhammad Hamid; Riaz, Muhammad; Nadeem, Habibullah; Qasim, Muhammad; Ashiq, Nourin

2018-01-01

various enzyme assays. The genomic DNA from both fungal strains was also extracted by SDS-method and full length β- glucosidase genes (bgl) were amplified through PCR. The PCR products were cloned in TA cloning vector followed by the sequencing of potentially full length clones using the commercial services of Macrogen, Korea. The in silico analyses of the sequences thus obtained were also performed using various online tools such as blastn, blastp, GeneWise, SignalP, Inter- ProScan. The extracellular β-glucosidases (BGL) from both fungal sources were purified to homogeneity level by ammonium sulfate precipitation and FPLC system. The BGLs from both strains were dimeric in nature, with subunit and native molecular masses of 130 kDa and 252 kDa, respectively. The comparative analysis of nucleotides of bgl genes revealed 8 point mutations. Significant improvement was observed in the kinetic properties of the mutant BGL relative to the wild type enzyme. Arrhenius plot for energy of activation (Ea) showed a biphasic trend and ES-complex formation required Ea of 50 and 42 kJ mol-1 by BGL from parent and mutant, respectively. The pKa1 and pKa2 of the active site residues were 3.4 & 5.5 and 3.2 & 5.6, respectively. The heat of ionization for the acidic limb (ΔHI-AL) and the basic limb (ΔHI-BL) of BGL from both strains were equal to 56 & 41 and 71 & 45 kJ mol-1, respectively. Kinetic constants of cellobiose hydrolysis for BGL from both strains were determined as follows: kcat = 2,589 and 4,135 s-1, Km = 0.24 and 0.26 mM cellobiose, kcat/Km = 10,872 and 15,712 s-1 mM-1 cellobiose, respectively. Thermodynamic parameters for cellobiose hydrolysis also suggested that mutant BGL is more efficient compared to the parent enzyme. Comparative analysis of Ea(d), ΔH* and ΔG* for irreversible thermostability indicated that the thermostabilization of mutant enzyme was due to higher functional energy (free energy), which enabled the enzyme to resist against unfolding of its transition

Rosetta begins its 10-year journey to the origins of the Solar System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

2004-03-01

a year, at least until December 2015, and will have a ringside seat to monitor the « awakening » of the comet’s activity as it comes closer to the Sun and reached its perihelion, in October 2015. Probing the comet The Rosetta probe was built for ESA by an industrial team of over 50 European companies led by EADS Astrium. It is a 3 tonne spacecraft with solar arrays spanning an impressive 32 metres. This is the first probe designed to travel beyond the orbit of Mars to rely on solar cells for its power supply. In addition to the Philae lander, Rosetta incorporates a 165 kg science payload consisting of 11 instruments developed in partnership by ESA member countries and by the the United States. Four of these instruments are dedicated to observation of the nucleus: the ALICE ultraviolet spectrometer, the OSIRIS high-resolution camera, the VIRTIS imaging spectrometer and the MIRO microwave radiometer/spectrometer. Three more instruments will study the composition of the nucleus and its emanations; the COSIMA and ROSINA spectrometers and the MIDAS microscope. The GIADA collector will analyse dusts in the vicinity of the nucleus while the RPC group of sensors will characterise the internal structure of the comet’s coma and its interaction with the solar wind. The last two instruments, CONSERT and RSI, will use radio waves, one to probe the internal structure of the nucleus and the other to determine the distribution of masses inside the nucleus and the structure of the coma. The Philae lander, developed under the leadership of Germany’s DLR aerospace research agency, carries 9 instruments provided by ESA member countries in partnership with the United States, Hungary and Russia. Among these, the ÇIVA/ROLIS set of cameras will provide panoramic and stereoscopic high-resolution views. The APXS, COSAC and Ptolemy instruments will analyse soil compounds. The SESAME seismometer will probe the surface to a depth of 2 m, while its characteristics will be studied by the

Venus Express en route to probe the planet's hidden mysteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

2005-11-01

Venus Express will eventually manoeuvre itself into orbit around Venus in order to perform a detailed study of the structure, chemistry and dynamics of the planet's atmosphere, which is characterised by extremely high temperatures, very high atmospheric pressure, a huge greenhouse effect and as-yet inexplicable "super-rotation" which means that it speeds around the planet in just four days. The European spacecraft will also be the first orbiter to probe the planet's surface while exploiting the "visibility windows" recently discovered in the infrared waveband. The 1240 kg mass spacecraft was developed for ESA by a European industrial team led by EADS Astrium with 25 main contractors spread across 14 countries. It lifted off onboard a Soyuz-Fregat rocket, the launch service being provided by Starsem. The lift-off from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakstan this morning took place at 09:33 hours local time (04:33 Central European Time). Initial Fregat upper-stage ignition took place 9 minutes into the flight, manoeuvring the spacecraft into a low-earth parking orbit. A second firing, 1 hour 22 minutes later, boosted the spacecraft to pursue its interplanetary trajectory. Contact with Venus Express was established by ESA's European Space Operations Centre (ESOC) at Darmstadt, Germany approximately two hours after lift-off. The spacecraft has correctly oriented itself in relation to the sun and has deployed its solar arrays. All onboard systems are operating perfectly and the orbiter is communicating with the Earth via its low-gain antenna. In three days' time, it will establish communications using its high-gain antenna. Full speed ahead for Venus Venus Express is currently distancing itself from the Earth full speed, heading on its five-month 350 million kilometre journey inside our solar system. After check-outs to ensure that its onboard equipment and instrument payload are in proper working order, the spacecraft will be mothballed, with contact with the Earth being

Venus Express set for launch to the cryptic planet

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

2005-10-01

intimately coupled with the planet’s surface, that studying it will help provide clues about the features, status and evolution of the entire planet. Note to editors Venus Express is an almost identical twin spacecraft to Mars Express, but adapted to operate in the hot and harsh environment around Venus. It was built by EADS Astrium, Toulouse (France), leading a group of industrial partners throughout Europe. Completing the spacecraft took less than four years from concept to launch, making it the fastest-built ESA scientific satellite ever. Besides the spacecraft manufacturing and testing, industry will still be involved during the mission on a collaboration and consultancy basis for the ESA Venus Express Project team, led by the Project Manager, and for the Venus Express ground control team, led by the Spacecraft Operations Manager. On 4 July 2006, when the nominal science phase begins, the Venus Express Project Manager will hand over responsibility for the mission to an ESA Venus Express Mission Manager, leading the Venus Express Science Operations Centre (VSOC) in ESA’s European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC) in the Netherlands. The VSOC performs the routine planning for scientific observations, in co-ordination with the Project Scientist and the instrument Principal Investigators. ESA’s investment in Venus Express amounts to about 220 million Euros, covering development of the spacecraft, launch and operations. This figure also includes 15 million Euros for instrument development, including support to several research institutes (Principal Investigators) for building the instruments. Venus Express is one of a family of missions in which costs are shared, the others being Rosetta and Mars Express.